October 2023 | Baltimore Beacon

More than 125,000 readers throughout Greater Baltimore

Elevating new writers over 50

By Laura Melamed

Did you know Baltimore is home to the only national literary journal and press dedicated to writers over 50?

Launched more than 30 years ago, the journal Passager was the brainchild of Baltimore writing instructor Kendra Kopelke. Then 28 years old, Kopelke was inspired to launch Passager while teaching older writers at the Waxter Center, a senior center in Baltimore City.

Their work impressed her, Kopelke said in a recent interview with the Beacon, because older writers “have a very different sense of time than someone in their 30s, and they have a very different sense of who they are.”

Spellbound by their stories, she wanted to share her students’ work with the public.

So Kopelke worked with a graduate student at the University of Baltimore, Sally Darnowsky, to establish a journal and bring their voices to light.

“It creates power, putting these voices together,” Kopelke said.

She and Darnowsky wanted to show that older people can still evolve. There is an idea in American culture, Kopelke said, that “when you’re 50, it’s too late to figure it out, and then when you’re 60, you can’t start anything new.”

Challenging that idea and giving people over 50 a venue, she said, “was what we really wanted to do.”

Creating a literary journal

The first issue of Passager was published in 1990. It was well designed and printed on quality vellum paper.

To save money, the journal was squareshaped, printed in black and white, and stapled. Former Maryland poet laureate

Kendra Kopelke and Mary Azrael, co-editors of Passager, have been publishing the literary journal for writers over 50 since 1990. They also launched a book publishing press, Passager Books, which has published authors as old as 101.

Lucille Clifton appeared on its cover. Inside was an interview with Clifton, a few of her poems, and poetry, fiction and works of memoir by local writers over 50.

To launch the first issue, Clifton gave a

free reading at the University of Baltimore Law Center. Two hundred people attended the reading and purchased enough copies

See PASSAGER, page 16

Men in kilts — plus castles, hiking, boating and more in Scotland page 13

FITNESS & HEALTH 3

k When can you stop screening?

k Affordable ways to eat healthy

LAW & MONEY 11

k Keep your credit score up

k Cryptocurrency scams ARTS

PHOTO BY LAURA MELAMED

In appreciation

The Beacon has been blessed with an amazing group of dedicated, talented employees throughout our 34 years in business. Typically, every fall I devote a column to thanking our staff and our freelance writers.

I will do so again later this year. But today, I want to write in appreciation of an employee who retired from the Beacon many years ago.

I am sorry to report the recent passing of our very first salesperson, Joanne Petras, of Arlington, Virginia, at the age of 96.

I thanked her for opening my eyes as a new publisher to a very important lesson. We needed to see our articles through the eyes of our readers, anticipate their questions, and provide answers.

I said I would try to find the information for her, but then I asked her to tell me more about herself.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

Way back in December 1989, in only the second month of the Beacon’s existence, we published an article titled “Uncle Sam taps retirees for census jobs.”

A few days after that issue came off the press, I received a phone call at the Beacon “office” (the second bedroom of our apartment at the time) from Ms. Petras.

She started by saying how much she liked our new paper, but then went on to ask how readers are supposed to apply for the jobs mentioned in the article given that no contact information was provided?

She had just retired from a 40+ year career at the Pentagon as an administrative assistant to high-ranking military staff. She was bored as a retiree and was looking for something to do to bring in spending money.

I noticed her friendly manner and how articulate she was, so I asked if she had ever considered becoming a sales rep for a newspaper? I had been looking to fill that position for weeks, without success. Perhaps the right person had now come along?

We agreed to meet, hit it off over coffee, and from that day on, she became the biggest booster the Beacon newspaper ever had — not only with potential advertisers, but with her friends, members of her church, and anyone and everyone she met.

Beacon The

IN FOCUS FOR PEOPLE OVER 50

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Baltimore area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Howard County, Md. and Greater Washington, D.C. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

0Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal

President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal

Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei

Managing Editor – Margaret Foster

Art Director – Kyle Gregory

Vice President of Operations – Roger King

Advertising Representatives –Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel

Marketing & Operations Manager – Ashley Griffin

Assistant Editor – Ana Preger Hart

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

Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the

preceding the month of publication. See page 19 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

© Copyright 2023 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

The Beacon seemed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread to Joanne, and that feeling apparently continued to her last days.

As you can see in our letters to the editor below, one of her last acts was to send a gift subscription to the Beacon to an acquaintance she had met at the Pentagon decades before and had not spoken with until he tracked her down out of the blue last year.

During Joanne’s 16 years selling ads for the Beacon (and not just as “a” salesperson, but as our top salesperson for most of those years), she was also what you might have called our “in-house senior.”

She was definitely in our reader demographic, while I was still in my 30s, and so she would advise us, lovingly, whenever we took a wrong step with an article or an event.

She was also our eyes and ears all over Northern Virginia, regularly recommending new places where we should distribute our free publication, and making it a personal challenge to keep stacks of Beacons looking neat and orderly wherever she might find them.

Speaking of which, she was a huge help as we developed our annual Expo events. She brought us many volunteers, and while they staffed the registration table, she went from booth to booth, making sure our exhibitors had everything they needed (and that they filled out the evaluation form before they left).

In short, the Beacon probably wouldn’t be here today — and my wife, Judy, our

president, agrees with me on this — had Joanne not helped us get a sound footing and strong advertiser base in those early years.

I would be remiss if I didn’t note a few more salient facts about Joanne. She loved to water ski every summer and did so until at least the age of 90. She loved to gamble and to see the shows in Atlantic City a few times a year, often driving her friends there and back.

In fact, she continued to keep her cars (yes, two of them) in good working order, driving them around the block every other day or so until shortly before she passed.

Joanne was a very private person. She never married. She had no close relatives. And she gave instructions upon her death that her body was to be donated to science and there was to be no memorial service.

I note that she didn’t say there was to be no appreciation in print, and I have taken that as her reluctant acquiescence that she might find herself written about on these pages.

Joanne, you were a very special person to me, to Judy, and to the whole Beacon operation. Even though you retired many years ago, we will miss you at our Expo this year, and I will miss our conversations and annual exchange of birthday cards.

Till we meet again…

Letters to the editor

Dear Editor:

I’m 96, the same age of my late acquaintance, Joanne Petras. I am in all likelihood one, if not the only one, who knew her back at the end of WWII. [Ed. Note: Ms. Petras was a long-time Beacon employee. See this month’s From the Publisher column above.]

I was one of several from my infantry company sent to Ft. Meade in October 1945. We were to take part in Army demobilization, instead of invading Japan — scheduled in a month. I thank God that never took place!

I met a young clerk-typist hired by the Army named Joanne. We would chat occasionally, but I was soon eligible for separation. So away I went, not to talk with

her for 77 years!

Last year, while writing my remembrances, her name came to mind. Through the internet, I contacted (after much deliberation) someone fitting her description. It was her!

Joanne was a private lady and very independent. We chatted on the phone frequently.

Her decline was evident over the last few weeks. I was given a subscription to the Beacon from her for my birthday, which I regard as a fond remembrance.

This has been a long narrative, but I wanted especially for you to hear it.

Jim Hand Rockville, MD

Health Fitness & Health Fitness &

FORGET ABOUT IT

How to know if it’s normal memory loss or time to see your doctor

SECOND OPINIONS

Medicare usually covers most of the cost of a second (or third) opinion

BALANCE STUDY

Fear of falling? UMD has a training course that may help regain balance

BEYOND YOGURT

What are probiotic foods and how many should we eat every day?

When is it safe to stop screening tests?

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.

Screening tests, such as Pap smears or blood pressure checks, could save your life. They can detect a disease you have no reason to suspect is there. Early detection may allow treatment while a health condition is curable and before irreversible complications arise.

Some screening tests help prevent the disease they are designed to detect. For example, colonoscopies and Pap smears (for cervical cancer) can identify precancerous abnormalities that can be addressed so they cannot continue to grow and become cancerous.

Missed screening tests contribute to thousands of avoidable deaths each year in the U.S.

Yet there’s a point of diminishing returns, as a new study on Pap smears illustrates. And many of us could benefit from a better understanding of the limits of screening, and how experts decide when people should stop routine screening tests.

Screenings have limits

Even the best screening test has limitations. It can miss the disease it’s intended to detect (false-negative results). Or it can return abnormal results when no disease is present (false-positive results).

Equally important, as people grow older, life expectancy declines and screening benefits tend to wane.

Many conditions detected by routine screenings, such as prostate cancer or cer-

Justice For Clergy Abuse Survivors

In April, Maryland passed a law giving survivors of child sexual abuse the right to file civil lawsuits against the organizations and institutions that helped perpetrators commit, or concealed, their abuse.

The law was passed after the Maryland Attorney General

t Be

Heard,

vical cancer, typically take a while to cause trouble. A person in their 80s is more likely to die from another cause before cervical cancer or prostate cancer would affect their health.

Additionally, certain diseases, such as cervical cancer, become less common with advancing age.

As a result, many screening tests are not recommended forever. At some point in your life, your doctor may tell you that you no longer need to repeat a screening test, even one you finally got used to having.

When screenings usually stop

Expert guidelines for many common screening tests include an “end age” when people can reasonably stop having the test.

issued a report concluding that the Catholic Church had assisted more than 160 priests and clergy commit and cover up decades of horrific abuse to hundreds of children.

Those victims can now seek financial damages without worrying about it being too late.

Be Believed and Get Justice

At D’Amore Personal Injury Law, we have assembled a team of experts to help survivors of clergy abuse pursue significant financial compensation.

Our number one priority is to ensure your safety, confidentiality and to keep you in control. You may even choose to remain anonymous in any action.

For example:

• Pap smear: age 65

• mammogram: age 75

• colonoscopy: age 75

• chest CT scan (recommended for people with a significant smoking history): age 80

There are exceptions, of course. For example, if a colonoscopy found abnormalities in an otherwise healthy 72-year-old, repeat testing after age 75 may be recommended.

Overscreening may be common

In 1996, new guidelines recommended that women who received Pap smears at

Ways to save money on healthier food

By Hiranmayi Srinivasan

Contrary to what you may have heard, eating healthy doesn’t have to be really expensive. A meta-analysis of 27 existing studies by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that the healthiest diets only cost $1.50 more per day, on average, than the least healthy ones. Here are ways you can cut costs and eat healthy on a budget.

1. Cook at home.

Instead of going out to buy pre-made

Screening tests

From page 3

appropriate intervals before age 65 could safely stop.

Yet many women continue to have this screening after turning 65, according to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine that looked at data from 15 to 16 million women per year between 1999 and 2019. Their average age was 76, most (82%) were white, and all were enrolled in Medicare.

The study found:

• In 1999, nearly three million women over age 65 (almost 19% of the study population) had Pap smears. By 2019, the number had fallen to 1.3 million (8.5%), a reduction of more than half.

healthy food from stores, get the ingredients and make them yourself. If cooking is not your thing, or you don’t have the time, a nutritious and cost-effective alternative is to make your own healthy food staples, like salad dressing or granola.

These can be costly when store-bought, and making them yourself with fresh ingredients is “an easy way not only to save money but also to eat healthier versions of your favorite convenience foods,” said Stephanie Harris-Uyidi, a Southern Cali-

• Among women older than age 80, about 3% had Pap smears.

Possibly, some women in this study had good reasons to continue having Pap smears. Perhaps they weren’t adequately screened when they were younger. Perhaps they had previous Pap smear abnormalities.

We don’t know, because this study didn’t collect that information. Still, it’s quite likely that many (or even most) of these Pap smears represent overscreening; that is, routine testing with little chance of benefit.

Why does overscreening matter? Overscreening may cause:

• Discomfort that may be tolerable when there’s an expectation of benefit, but less acceptable when the test is unnecessary

• Anxiety while awaiting the results of

fornia-based chef and host of the TV show “The Posh Pescatarian.”

2. Shop at your local farmers market.

Shopping for produce that is in season is a lot cheaper than buying produce that isn’t, and the best place to know what’s in season is at a farmers market.

Another tip? Make sure you use your produce fully and try not to waste anything. “One head of cabbage can serve up to 10 meals depending on how you use it,” said Heather Adams, a Seattle-based medi-

the test

• False-positive results that lead to additional testing and unnecessary treatment

• Complications of testing, such as infection or bleeding after a Pap smear, or perforation or bleeding after a colonoscopy. (Fortunately, complications are rare.)

• Unnecessary costs, including medical appointments and lab fees, time wasted, and taking health providers away from more valuable care.

The bottom line

Screening tests are typically performed for people without symptoms, signs or a high suspicion of disease. In many cases, they’re looking for a condition that is probably not there.

For most screening tests, we have

tation and wellness teacher and writer.

Any fruits and veggies that you haven’t used yet but are close to spoiling can be made into smoothies.

3. Buy food in bulk, and try to stick to store brands.

Buying your favorite healthy foods in bulk means fewer trips to the store and more money saved. Also, buying the generic or store-brand versions of healthy foods — like

See HEALTHIER FOOD, page 5

guidelines developed by experts and backed by data suggesting when to start — and when to stop — screening.

But guidelines are only general recommendations and individual preferences matter. If foregoing a screening test will cause you excessive anxiety, or if having a test will provide significant peace of mind, it may be reasonable to have a test even after the recommended end age.

Just be sure you understand the potential downsides, such as additional tests and complications.

So, never hesitate to ask your doctor when your next screening tests are due — but don’t forget to also ask if they are no longer worth having.

© 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

October 15 - December 7,

Is it normal memory loss or worrisome?

By Kari Mongeon Wahlen

Dear Mayo Clinic: My mom is in her 80s, and I’ve noticed that her memory seems to be slipping. Sometimes she forgets a person’s name or can’t recall what she did the day before.

Is it normal to have these types of lapses at her age, or should I be worried they are signs of something more serious?

A: It is understandable that you are concerned about changes in your mother’s memory. Memory lapses and modest decline in thinking skills are common as people age.

There’s a difference, however, between normal changes in memory and memory

Healthier food

From page 4

peanut butter, cereals, yogurt, granola — will be cheaper than name-brand versions.

4. Use grocery store coupons and cash-back apps.

Budgeting expert Andrea Woroch advises taking advantage of grocery store coupons, cash-back apps or credit cards that allow you to get cash back on your groceries.

5. Prep meals in advance.

Sometimes the last thing you want to do after a long day is cook. To avoid reaching for the takeout menu in these situations, set aside one day a week to meal-prep.

To keep it simple, Harris-Uyidi suggests having one source of protein in each meal, at least one vegetable, and a whole-grain or nutrient-rich starch.

6. Stock up on frozen produce.

Frozen produce costs about 30% less than fresh produce, Woroch said. Plus, frozen fruits and veggies will last a lot

loss associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

And some memory problems are the result of treatable conditions.

It may help to think of memory function as running on a continuum, with each person’s memory and cognitive functioning falling somewhere along it.

Some people have sharp memories and can recall even the smallest details, while others struggle to remember big events. Memory changes can be viewed as movement along this continuum.

What’s considered normal?

Minor changes in memory as a person

longer and are usually all chopped and ready to go, so you don’t have to spend time rinsing and cutting.

If you find that you don’t end up using a lot of the fresh produce you buy or it spoils quickly, frozen might be a good option for you.

7. Eat less meat and dairy. Explore plant-based or vegan options. “We noticed an immediate drop in our monthly grocery bill” after switching to a plant-based diet, said Rebecca Brooks, financial coach and owner of R&D Financial Coaching, LLC in Tennessee.

Brooks said it’s easy to see why — the average cost of a pound of tofu is half that of the same amount of beef or chicken.

Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at Health.com.

© 2023 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ages are considered normal. This includes misplacing reading glasses or occasionally having difficulty finding the right word.

These situations are common and within the range of normal memory changes. These types of lapses don’t interfere with daily life and are not considered signs of dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment is a larger change along the memory continuum. This occurs if a person is experiencing memory changes in addition to cognitive changes, such as thinking or reasoning skills.

Symptoms could include short-term memory problems, repeating conversations and questions, and increased reliance on lists. However, people with mild cogni-

tive impairment usually can manage their own finances, medications and household chores, and drive without concern.

For some people, mild cognitive impairment does not worsen. Their memory and function remain constant for the rest of their lives. For others, it is an early symptom of a neurodegenerative condition such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Could it be dementia?

You may be concerned that your mother is developing dementia. It’s important to know that dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a group of symptoms that

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From

page 5

affects memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life.

Unfortunately, dementia has a negative connotation. What it really means is that a person’s brain function is impaired enough that the person cannot live alone and requires help with some daily tasks.

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is one of the first and more recognizable signs of dementia. Other early signs can include:

• Asking the same questions repeatedly.

• Forgetting common words when speaking.

• Mixing words up, such as saying “bed” instead of “table.”

• Taking longer to complete familiar,

simple tasks, such as operating a microwave or washing machine.

• Being unable to perform complex tasks with many steps, such as following a recipe or playing a board game.

• Placing items in inappropriate places, such as putting a wallet in the refrigerator.

• Getting confused while walking or driving in a familiar area.

• Transposing numbers, such as when balancing a checkbook or dialing a telephone number.

• Limiting participation in conversations.

I recommend that you schedule an appointment for your mother with a memory care expert. Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions cannot be diagnosed by completing a one-time memory test.

Things you can do to help

Regardless of diagnosis, here are a few things that you can do to help your mother’s memory:

Encourage independence and purpose. Every person wants to feel purposeful, so help your mother remain active and perform daily activities for as long as possible.

You may need to modify some activities. For example, labeling cabinet doors or writing instructions for household appliances can provide a sense of independence.

Foster social interaction. Research has shown that regular social interaction slows cognitive decline. However, when people start to have memory problems, they often pull back socially to avoid embarrassment.

Schedule social time with a small, safe group who is familiar with your mother so she doesn’t need to worry or feel self-conscious about repeating stories or asking questions.

Talk about preferences. Some people want to know if they have already asked a question or be gently reminded. This could agitate others. Ask her which option is preferred and recognize that this could shift as conditions change.

Identify a way to confirm that she would like help. A simple nod or finger flick could signify that it is OK to lend support or assistance.

Create a predictable and soothing environment. Establishing and strengthening routine habits and minimizing mem-

ory-demanding tasks can make life easier for all.

Keep her keys, purse and regularly used items in the same place. Post a large calendar in a common area to track daily schedules and appointments. Remove excess clutter to create a restful environment.

Encourage exercise. Your mom may not be able to run a marathon anymore, but regular movement improves blood flow, moderates mood and improves sleep.

Gardening, walking and dancing are lowimpact, safe activities for many people.

Plan healthy meals. People with memory concerns may forget to eat, lose interest in preparing meals, or not eat a healthy combination of foods. Make every calorie beneficial by planning nutritionally dense meals that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, fish, healthier fats, and herbs or seeds.

It can be challenging to cope with cognitive and memory changes. Remember to surround yourself with a care team that includes neurology, neuropsychology and psychiatry, as well as other practitioners who can offer more advice.

— Kari Mongeon Wahlen, Neurology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email questions to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.

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Health Studies

Balance studies may help prevent falls

By Margaret Foster

Every year, more than one out of four people over age 65 has a fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And if you’ve fallen once, your risk of falling again doubles.

That’s why researchers at the Universi-

ty of Maryland are focused on studying balance under conditions that simulate a fall hazard. They’re recruiting older adults for two health studies now: one for people ages 60 to 88, and the other for people with Parkinson’s disease.

“Many people who are falling are

Are you concerned about developing Alzheimer’s disease?

Johns Hopkins is conducting a Phase II clinical trial to determine whether an investigational drug known as CORT108297 will improve memory in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in people without memory impairment but who are worried about developing Alzheimer’s disease.

includes:

falling because their attention is not focused on their environment,” said Dr. Kelly Westlake, principal investigator of both studies.

“We’ve heard so many times after someone has a fall that, ‘Oh, I wasn’t paying attention.’ With one in four older adults falling and potentially injuring themselves each year, we want to target what people are doing when they’re suddenly caught off guard by an unexpected balance challenge.”

Unique attention study

If you’ve had a fall or simply have a fear of falling, the PAT study is for you. The PAT study will look at the effects of attention — or lack thereof — on balance recovery.

Participants will visit the University of Maryland’s downtown Baltimore campus for a total of nine sessions. They’ll walk on a specialized treadmill with a handrail, wearing a safety harness.

The treadmill will challenge them with “unexpected slips and trips,” Westlake said.

“While they’re walking, we give them something to think about so they’re walking and thinking at the same time — which is meant to mimic everyday life, when we’re walking down the street and thinking about [something else],” Westlake explained.

Westlake’s team will test participants at the beginning and the end of a three-week training period.

This study is unique, Westlake says, because “unlike other studies focused on bal-

ance, we are having people multi-task…to figure out if they can quickly transition their thoughts to prevent a fall.”

Parkinson’s study

People with Parkinson’s disease have an increased risk of falling compared to the general population.

“Balance rehabilitation is challenging in this population,” Westlake said in an email, “in part because people with Parkinson’s learn differently than their age-matched counterparts.”

A second University of Maryland study is recruiting Parkinson’s patients over age 45 who can walk a city block without using a cane. Adults over 45 without Parkinson’s may also participate in the comparison group.

“We’re trying to investigate ways to better train balance recovery after suddenly being thrown off balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease,” Westlake said.

The study lasts only three sessions. Participants will walk on the same special treadmill that simulates slips and trips.

For both studies, people will be compensated for their time, and reimbursed for parking in a lot adjacent to the University of Maryland’s Allied Health Building, located at 100 Penn St., in downtown Baltimore.

For more information on the PAT study, call (410) 706-5919 or (410) 706-4546 or email nesreen.alissa@som.umaryland.edu.

For information on the Parkinson’s study, call (410) 706-5919 or (832) 4664391 or email ruakinlosotu@som.umaryland.edu.

Does Medicare cover second opinions?

Dear Savvy Senior,

The doctor I currently see thinks I need a knee replacement, but I would like to get some other treatment options before I proceed. Does Medicare cover second medical opinions?

Limping Larry

Dear Larry,

Getting a second medical opinion from another doctor is a smart idea that may offer you a fresh perspective and additional options for treating your knee so you can make a more informed decision. Or, if the second doctor agrees with your current one, it can give you some reassurance.

By Jim Miller

Most Medicare Advantage plans cover second opinions too, but you may need to follow certain steps to get it paid for.

For example, some plans will only help pay for a second opinion if you have a referral from your primary care doctor, and/or they may require that you can only use a doctor in their network. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to call to find out their rules.

Finding another doctor

Yes, Medicare does pay for second opinions if your current doctor has recommended surgery or some other major diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.

If you’re enrolled in original Medicare, 80% of the costs for second medical opinions are covered under Part B (you or your Medicare supplemental policy are responsible for the other 20%), and you don’t need an order or referral from your doctor to get one.

Medicare will even pay 80% for a third opinion, if the first two differ.

BEACON

BITS

To find another doctor for a second opinion, you can either ask your current doctor for a name or two, or ask another doctor you trust for a referral. Or you can find one on your own.

Whatever route you choose, it’s best to go with a doctor that’s affiliated with a different practice or hospital than your original doctor. Hospitals and practices can be set in their ways when it comes to treatments and are likely to offer similar advice.

If you choose to find one on your own, use Medicare’s Care Compare tool at Medicare.gov/care-compare. This will let you find doctors by name or medical specialty in your area that accept original Medicare.

You can also get this information by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Or, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, call or visit your plan’s website for a list of candidates.

After you’ve got a few doctors’ names, there are a number of free online resources to help you research them, such as HealthGrades.com and Vitals.com.

After you find another doctor, before you get a second opinion, you’ll need to have your current doctor’s office send your medical records ahead to the second doctor, or you may have to pick them up and deliver them yourself. That way, you won’t have to repeat the tests you already had.

But, if the second doctor wants you to have additional tests performed as a result of your visit, Medicare will help pay for these tests, too.

For more information, see the Medicare publication “Getting a Second Opinion Before Surgery” at Medicare.gov/publications; type in 02173 in the Keyword or Product number box.

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

Oct. 4+ Oct. 4

CROMWELL VALLEY PARK STROLL

Enjoy a relaxing nature walk with other retirees and a park naturalist — guaranteed to benefit both the mind and the body. This free event takes place on Wednesdays in October from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet at the Willow Grove Farm Parking Lot, 2175 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Parkville. Registration is required at (410) 887-2503. For more information, visit cromwellvalleypark.org.

ALL ABOUT HYPERTENSION (VIRTUAL)

Baltimore County’s OPAL Center presents a single-session program for people diagnosed with hypertension and their caretakers. Planned topics include medication management, reading food labels, reducing sodium intake, and hypertension complications. This class is free for Baltimore County residents 50 and older, and takes place on Zoom on Wed., Oct. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. To register, visit bit.ly/HypertensionClass. For more information, email theopalcenter@baltimorecountymd.g ov or call (410) 887-3654.

Questions re: probiotics, spinal stenosis

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: Is there a recommended daily intake of probiotics?

A: There are two ways to get more good bacteria into your gut: fermented foods and dietary supplements. Fermented foods are the most natural source.

Probiotic supplements, which are typically sold over the counter, are reserved to treat specific ailments as suggested by your doctor and are not recommended for everyday use. Plus, supplements do not have the same FDA oversight as medications do.

So, a big question remains: How many probiotic foods do you need? That’s not easy to answer.

There is no recommended daily intake for probiotics, so there is no way to know exactly which fermented foods or what quantity is best. Therefore, the general guideline is to just add fermented foods to your daily diet when possible.

Why fermented foods? Foods that are fermented go through a process of lactofermentation in which natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food, creating lactic acid.

This process creates an environment that preserves the food and promotes beneficial enzymes, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as various species of good bacteria.

The most common fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics, or have probiotics added to them, include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread and some cheeses.

Yogurt is considered the go-to player of probiotic foods because it has a flavor and texture that’s generally appealing to Western palates. Look for the words “live and active cultures” on the label.

Yogurt is easy to add to your diet. Besides having it for breakfast or a midday snack, you can substitute yogurt whenever you use mayonnaise in egg salad or potato salad, or in almost any baking recipe. Yogurt also can be the basis for sauces, salad dressings and marinades.

Q: I suspect my back and leg pain are related to spinal stenosis. What causes this and what treatments are available?

A: Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the central spinal canal — the channel inside the vertebrae that contains the spinal cord and nerve roots.

The narrowing may have been there since birth. However, much more often spinal stenosis develops gradually later in life secondary to arthritis, bulging or herniated discs, thickened ligaments or a combination of these.

A narrowed canal in the lumbar spine can cause leg pain, tingling or numbness, along with low back pain. Typically, the discomfort is worse when standing up straight or walking, with some relief by squatting or sitting.

Rarely, the cause is infection, a tumor or bleeding — and then the symptoms usually progress rapidly.

When suspected, spinal stenosis and its cause can be confirmed by MRI or CT scan.

Initial treatment options for the most common types of spinal stenosis include:

• Pain medicine, such as acetaminophen

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin

• Muscle relaxants, since muscle spasm may accompany nerve irritation

• Physical therapy for stretching, strengthening and postural training

If there is no improvement, your doctor may recommend corticosteroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe a short course of an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. Or, he or she may refer you for a limited number of corticosteroid injections, during which the medication is injected into the space just outside the spinal cord (the epidural space). The procedure’s overall success rate varies widely in the published literature.

Have confidence in every conversation.

Do you find it difficult to use a standard phone? Do people ask you to repeat yourself during telephone conversations? Do you miss important calls because you can’t hear the phone ring? The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program is here to help by giving Maryland residents the opportunity to apply for State-provided telecommunications equipment to independently make and receive calls. Once you qualify, a skilled evaluator meets with you to determine the best device to support your day-to-day communications. The MAT program has a variety of equipment solutions to support clearer communication, including:

• Amplified phones

• Tablets

• Ring signalers

• Phones with large and/or high contrast buttons

• Captioned Telephones

• And more

Some studies (and doctors) are more selective than others in choosing the best candidates for these injections. Also, the specific cause (such as arthritis, disk or ligament calcification) may play a role in the success rate.

Finally, improvement in symptoms may be more dramatic soon after the injection and wane with time.

As with any treatment, there are risks to consider when receiving corticosteroid injections for spinal stenosis. These include:

• Discomfort or numbness during the injection

• Infection

• Bleeding along the path of the needle

• Nerve damage

• Local bone loss (more likely with frequent injections)

Fortunately, serious complications are quite rare.

Surgery is usually the last resort, but it can ease or even eliminate symptoms by relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, see health.harvard.edu.

© 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

For more information: 800-552-7724 | 410-767-7253 (Voice/TTY) 410-801-9618 (Video Phone) | MDMAT.org

Move to a new home is a mixed blessing

By May Benatar

Last spring, my husband and I moved to an over-55 community about 30 minutes north of our former home. Our new apartment is in a high-rise, on one level, less than half the square footage of our house.

We left behind a spacious home with 16 stairs from entrance to bedrooms, so our knees are a lot happier here.

Our neighbors are very welcoming. There is a culture of warmth and acceptance of newbies like us. We love our place.

And yet, at first, I felt something was wrong. I was disoriented and grieving my beautiful home due south. Is this the right fit? Did we make the move too soon? Have we made a mistake?

The move made me recall the upheavals of my past. I have moved at least a dozen times in my 78 years, not counting the many times I moved during college. One thing I’ve learned: I hate moving! It really throws me off.

A psychologist I worked with told me during one move that what I was feeling was normal. On the Rorschach inkblot test, she said, there was one particular inkblot test that was diagnostic for schizophrenia. But non-schizophrenic people who were in the middle of a move typically read that card as if they were indeed psychotic.

In other words, people in the midst of a move are usually indistinguishable from seriously mentally ill persons.

Moving to a new stage in life

When I was younger, moving could be fun. At the end of college, which involved multiple moves, I was glad to be settled in Ann Arbor for graduate school and not have to move for two whole years.

Indeed, it was hard to get me to leave! A friend had to gently (or not so gently) suggest it was time for me to look for a job.

We were just months away from graduation, but I didn’t want to leave, to change, look for an apartment, find new friends, take on more responsibility, or enter fully into adulthood.

Moving, I’ve come to realize, often marks a change in status — a new developmental stage, sometimes a step up in status, but often a mixed blessing.

The next few moves in my life reflected new phases as a wife and mother.

I moved from a big city, where I had friends and support, to the suburbs, where I had no car or public transportation and a six-week-old baby.

That was a tough move. In fact, becoming a suburban parent was perhaps the most difficult move of my life. Again, it reflected a major developmental change to another level of adulthood.

Things did get easier, and when we moved our growing family to a larger home, we stayed there for 30 years. Suddenly we were middle aged or maybe a little beyond.

Settling in

Today, we are at our over-55 community, almost fully unpacked, meeting more neighbors, and exploring the neighborhood.

I know we made the right decision in moving here — and really, I have no complaints. We couldn’t have received a warmer welcome.

But I’m unsettled because, like the transitions of the past, I am aware of this new stage of life.

Moving here comes with the realization that we are now among the elderly. Walkers and canes and scooters are everywhere.

We can no longer deny that we have some disabilities and certainly are in the concluding stages of life. The clock is ticking more loudly, and time moving faster and faster.

After several months here, I am more

comfortable every day. I appreciate that, if I lose track of my phone, I don’t have to climb stairs to look for it. I can see the sun set over the trees from my balcony. Traffic is at a minimum, and my daily walk is easy, lovely, scenic.

My husband and I have joined some fun activities here. There is plenty to do: book groups, painting class, a collage class, yoga, movies, a gym, a couple of indoor

pools, a hot tub.

We are enjoying as much as we can. Who cares what the Rorschach test would show?

May Benatar is a psychotherapist in Silver Spring, Maryland. An occasional contributor to the Washington Post, she is author of the memoir Emma and Her Selves: A Memoir of Treatment and a Therapist’s Self-Discovery

Author and licensed psychotherapist May Benatar had conflicting emotions after a recent move to a Maryland retirement community. After an adjustment period, however, she and her husband are thriving in their new home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAY BENATAR

Preventing falls at home, room by room

By National Institute on Aging

Many falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Here are some changes you can make to your home, wherever you live, that will help prevent falls and better ensure your safety:

Floors, stairways and hallways

Ensure there are handrails on both sides of any stairs, and make sure they are secure. Hold the handrails when you go up or down stairs, even when you are carrying something. Don’t let anything you’re carrying block your view of the steps.

Ensure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Consider using motion-activated lights that plug into electrical outlets and automatically turn on when you walk by them to help illuminate

stairwells and pathways.

Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don’t leave books, papers, clothes or shoes on the floor or stairs.

Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor, so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips, which you can buy at any hardware store, on tile and wooden floors.

Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs.

Don’t walk on slippery, newly washed floors.

Bathrooms

Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.

Place nonskid mats, strips or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.

Remember to leave a light on in the bathroom at night or use a night light that turns on automatically in the dark.

Bedrooms

Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.

Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power goes out and you need to get up.

Place a landline or well-charged phone near your bed.

Kitchen

Keep frequently used pots, pans and kitchen utensils in a place where they are easy to reach.

Clean up spills immediately.

Prepare food while seated to prevent fatigue or loss of balance.

Outdoor spaces

If you have steps leading to your front door, make sure they are not broken or uneven.

Add non-slip material to outdoor stairways.

Keep the lawn, deck or porch areas clear of debris, such as fallen branches.

Consider installing a grab bar near the front door to provide balance while you are locking or unlocking the door.

Turn on your porch light at night and if you leave during the day but plan on returning home after dark.

In the winter, treat outdoor walkways with an ice melt product or sand to make them less slippery.

Other living areas

Keep electrical cords near walls and away from walking paths.

Arrange your furniture (especially low coffee tables) and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk.

Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you to get in and out of easily.

Keep items you use often at waist level or within easy reach.

Don’t stand on a chair or table to reach something that’s too high — use a “reach stick” instead or ask for help. Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores.

If you use a step stool, make sure it’s steady and has a handrail on top. Have someone stand next to you.

Don’t let your cat or dog trip you. Know where your pet is whenever you’re standing or walking.

Keep a list of emergency numbers in large print near each landline phone and save them under “favorites” on your mobile phone.

If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational therapist, physical therapist or nurse visit your home. These healthcare providers can assess your home’s safety and advise you about making changes to lower your risk of falls.

If you’re concerned about falling, set up systems to ensure you can get help if you fall. One option is installing an emergency response system. If you fall or need emergency help, you push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to alert 911. There is a fee for this service, and it’s usually not covered by insurance.

Another option is to carry a wellcharged cordless or mobile phone with you as you move throughout the house. Have close friends and family on speed dial.

Consider setting up a smart home device (a small speaker that listens and responds to commands when you call its name) that can quickly connect you to contacts or emergency response teams.

Some smartwatches can be set up to make emergency calls at the push of a button, and others can even detect sudden fall-like movements and automatically call for help. Ask family and friends for help setting up these tools.

Daily check-in services for solo agers

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any services that check in on older adults who live alone? I live about 200 miles from my 82-yearold mother and worry about her falling or getting ill and not being able to call for help.

—Worrywart Daughter

Dear Worrywart,

There are actually several different types of check-in services, along with some simple technology devices that can help keep your mom safe at home while providing you some peace of mind.

By Jim Miller

Here are some top options to look into:

Check-in app

If your mom uses a smartphone, a great solution to help ensure her safety is Snug (SnugSafe.com), a free app that would check in on her every day to confirm she’s OK. This app is used by thousands of older adults who live alone and want to make sure that if something happens to them, their loved ones will be notified quickly so they can receive help in minutes, rather than days.

Here’s how it works. After downloading the app, your mom will choose what time(s) throughout the day she’d like for

Snug to check in.

Snug will send a push notification at those times asking your mom to check in by tapping the big green check button on her smartphone screen. If she doesn’t check in within 10 minutes or respond after multiple pings, Snug will notify her emergency contacts and share her last known location so that she can receive fast help.

For extra peace of mind, your mom can purchase Snug’s premium plan ($10/month) where in addition to notifying her emergency contacts, Snug will request an in-person wellness check by a police officer who will visit her house to confirm she’s OK and provide assistance as needed. The app works with iPhone and Android smartphones.

Check-in calls

If your mom doesn’t use a smartphone, another option to help ensure her safety is a daily check-in call service program. These are telephone reassurance programs usually run by police or sheriff’s departments in hundreds of counties across the country and are usually provided free of charge.

Here’s how they work. A computer auto-

mated phone system would call your mom at a designated time each day to check in. If she answers, the system will assume everything is OK.

But if she didn’t pick up or if the call goes to voice mail after repeated tries, you (or whoever her designee is) would get a notification call. If you are not reachable, calls are then made to backup people who’ve also agreed to check on your mom if necessary.

The fallback is, if no one can be reached,

the police or other emergency services personnel will be dispatched to her home.

The state of Maryland offers a Senior Call Check program of this type, except its fallback is to non-emergency services. The program is free to any Maryland resident 65 and older. To register, dial 1-866-50CHECK or SeniorCallCheck.maryland.gov.

To find out if such a service is available in your mom’s community, call her local

FREE PIANO AND FLUTE CONCERT

Community Concerts at Second hosts Adam W. Sadberry on flute and Wynona Wang on piano for a program inspired by Sadberry’s late grandfather, journalist and Civil Rights Movement hero, L. Alex Wilson. The free concert takes place on Sun., Oct. 15 at 3:30 p.m. at 4200 Saint Paul St., Baltimore. Registration not required. For more information, visit cc2nd.org, email office@secondpresby.org or call (410) 467-4210.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Catholic Charities of Baltimore offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for seniors across the Baltimore area. Search all open positions on the volunteer portal by going to bit.ly/CatholicCharitiesVolunteer. For more information on volunteering for Catholic Charities of Maryland, visit cc-md.org/get-involved/volunteer.

Check-in services

From page B-3

police department’s non-emergency number. You should also check with the Area Agency on Aging in your mom’s area – call 1-800-677-1116 for contact information.

If, however, her community doesn’t have a call check-in program, there are businesses like CARE (Call-Reassurance.com) and IAmFine (Iamfine.com) that offer similar services for under $15 per month.

Other technologies

You may also want to invest in some simple technology aids to keep your mom safe. One of the most commonly used devices for this is a medical alert system that costs about $1 per day. These systems come with a wearable “help button” that

Preventing falls

From page B-2

Home improvement resources

Many state and local governments have education and/or home modification programs to help older people prevent falls. Check with your local health department, search the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov, or call 1-800-677-1116 to find

would allow her to call for help 24/7.

Another option that’s becoming increasingly popular is smart speakers, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. These devices work with third-party applications — AskMyBuddy.net and MySOSFamily.com

— that would let your mom call multiple emergency contacts with a simple verbal command.

And be sure to check out Amazon’s Alexa Together (Amazon.com/AlexaTogether), a new $20 monthly subscription service that helps families support and keep tabs on their older loved ones who live alone through an Alexa-enabled device.

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

your local Area Agency on Aging at usaging.org to see if there is a program near you.

For the Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services, call (410) 396-4932. For the Baltimore County Department of Aging, email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov or call (410) 887-2594. For the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, call (410) 222-4464.

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How to turn a home into an Airbnb rental

By Patricia Mertz Esswein

While staying at an Airbnb in the Hudson Valley a couple of years ago, Kathy Corby realized she would love to own a home there and share it as an Airbnb.

She soon bought an 1890s Cape Cod with four bedrooms and two bathrooms in Saugerties, N.Y. And in early 2021, she hosted her first Airbnb guests.

Today, the rental is not only paying its own way, from mortgage to utilities, but also generating income for the retired physician. Plus, it’s a regular getaway for her. “I have my cake and can eat it, too,” Corby said.

Renting out your house through Airbnb, the online home-sharing reservation service that connects hosts and guests, has many advantages.

But make no mistake: As a host, you are running a business with all the risks and rewards that go with it.

Understand the legalities

Before shopping for luxury bedding, make sure you can create a short-term rental legally. Many cities have introduced tougher restrictions for short-term rental properties to protect their community’s quality of life and housing market.

Once you accept Airbnb’s terms of serv-

ice and activate a listing, you agree to comply with its policies and follow your local laws and regulations.

Don’t overlook the covenants, conditions and restrictions of your homeowner’s association. If you violate those, the HOA could fine you or place a lien on your property, said Stephen Fishman, a lawyer and author for legal publisher Nolo Press.

Local governments typically require you to register your Airbnb, obtain a permit and a business license, pay fees ranging from $100 to several hundred dollars, and renew those annually. You may be required to pass an inspection and notify your neighbors of the rental.

Pricing it right

You can charge whatever nightly rate you want, but be realistic. Many guests choose Airbnb because it’s cheaper than a hotel.

Airbnb suggests starting with a lowerthan-average nightly rate until you glean a positive review or two.

Airbnb’s optional Smart Pricing Tool helps you match your price to demand, and you can set custom prices, such as a

See AIRBNB, page B-7

24 locations for older adults in Maryland

St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

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Caritas House Assisted Living

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A residential community of care with personalized assistance in daily activities for adults 62 and older.

St. Ann Adult Day Services

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Activities, socialization and medical supervision so older adults can continue to live at home.

Senior Communities

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Supportive, affordable apartment communities. Total of 24 locations in Maryland, home to more than 1,800 older adults.

Caring Home Service Program

The Caring Home Services (CHS) Program, available at nine of our communities, offers services to support safely aging in place. Services include daily meals served in a group setting, weekly housekeeping, laundry, and personal services, and service management provided by the on-site CHS Supervisor. See cc-md.org/senior-communities for list of 9 locations where CHS is available.

Senior living, services and supports for older Marylanders and their families. www.cc-md.org/seniors

What if you can’t afford long-term care?

By Kate Ashford

As many as 8 in 10 older Americans couldn’t afford more than four years in an assisted living facility or two years in a nursing home, according to a 2023 analysis by the National Council on Aging and the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston.

This is particularly difficult for people in the monetary middle, defined by Pew Research Center as “those with an annual household income of about $52,000 to $156,000 annually in 2020 dollars for a household of three.”

These people don’t have enough to pay for long-term care, but they have too many assets to qualify for government assistance. Medicare also doesn’t cover long-term care. What are the options for the 47 million households with older adults who will face this scenario?

Airbnb

From page B-6

lower rate during the week and a higher one on weekends or during special events.

Paying the tax man

In many cities, Airbnb will collect and remit some of the local occupancy taxes for you.

If you rent out part or all of your home

From reverse mortgages to hybrid insurance policies, here are some avenues available to people who can’t afford the care they need.

Consider a reverse mortgage

If you have significant equity in your home and you’re at least 62 years old, a reverse mortgage can provide a helpful stream of income.

A reverse mortgage is a loan or line of credit based on your home’s equity. You tap the equity now and pay the loan off when the home is sold. [Ed. Note: For more information, see “Reverse mortgage can be a financial tool,” in our April 2021 issue or on our website.]

“What most people do, especially in a situation like a long-term care issue — once they’re out of the house, you sell it and use the proceeds to pay it off,” said

for more than 14 days during the year, you must report your rental income and expenses on Schedule E of your 1040, with income taxes owed on any profit.

You can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance and other ownership costs for the portion of the property rented out.

Making sure you’re covered

Airbnb provides up to $1 million of host

Nicholas Bunio, a certified financial planner in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

A reverse mortgage has downsides — closing costs are expensive, similar to taking out a traditional mortgage, and you’ll leave less to heirs — but if you’re planning to receive home care or there’s a spouse still at home, it can be a solid option. (Once there’s no one living in the home for a year or more, the home must be sold to pay back the loan.)

Price out insurance

If you have no major health issues, get quotes for long-term care insurance. Although experts recommend purchasing by age 65, you may be insurable up to age 79.

Premiums can be pricey, but note that a semiprivate room in a nursing home in the Baltimore area costs more than $10,000

liability insurance to cover liability claims for injury to a guest or property damage to their belongings.

Its host damage protection policy ostensibly provides protection for every booking at no additional cost, of up to $3 million in property damage.

But don’t rely on those protections alone. Ask your home insurer about what property damage and liability coverage it offers for short-term rentals by paying

Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons

per month, according to the 2021 Cost of Care Survey by Genworth, an insurance company.

“In many cases, long-term care insurance is a lot less expensive than the actual cost of care,” said Michelle Gessner, a certified financial planner in Houston. “So, $1 of premium gives you multiple dollars of benefits, and that’s not the case with paying for it out of pocket.”

Another option may be a permanent life insurance policy with a long-term care rider, often called a hybrid policy. Arrangements vary, but typically you can use some or all of your death benefit to pay for long-term care during your lifetime, and anything you don’t use will be paid to your estate when you die.

“People complain that they’re expen-

See LONG-TERM CARE, page B-8

guests, which could be excluded as a business activity.

Your insurer may cover home-sharing up to certain limits as a standard endorsement or you may need to buy a supplement.

Patricia Mertz Esswein is a contributing writer at Kiplinger’s Retirement Report.

© The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TALK

Join the Historical Society of Baltimore County on Sun., Oct. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m., and learn the stories of the unsung heroes of the Underground Railroad during Jenny Masur’s talk “Maryland Freedom Seekers on the Underground Railroad,” part of the society’s Speaker Series. Admission is free for members; $5.99 for non-members. The event takes place at the Historic Almshouse, Galloway Room, 9811 Van Buren Ln., Cockeysville. Register at bit.ly/UndergroundRailroadTalk. For more information, call (410) 666-1878 or email info@hsobc.org.

VISIT OLDER NEIGHBORS (SMALL STIPEND)

Ongoing

Baltimore City’s Health Department seeks volunteers to regularly visit older homebound neighbors in their homes so they can remain in their community. This program provides a small hourly stipend (that won’t interfere with Social Security benefits) and a monthly bus pass. To apply for the Senior Companion Program, visit bit.ly/SCPinBaltimore. For more information, call (410) 396-2273.

Long-term care

From page B-7

sive,” Gessner said. “What I tell people is just get what you can afford. It’s not all or nothing.”

Ask about benevolent funds

Some nursing homes or assisted living communities offer benevolent care, meaning they’ll take someone in who doesn’t have enough money to pay full freight or who can’t pay full price for long.

When someone runs out of money, the benevolent fund covers the difference for as long as they need care. (They’ll typically collect most of the residents’ Social Security and pension payments that come in to help cover costs.)

“They can be a good alternative for people who think they won’t have enough financial assets,” said Diane Pearson, a certified financial planner in Wexford, Pennsylvania.

Benevolent care funds are often connected to faith-based communities. A search for faith-based facilities in your area might yield some options.

Ask about a life settlement

If you have a life insurance policy and you’re considering letting it lapse or taking the cash value from it, a life settlement may be the better option.

In a life settlement, a third party buys your insurance policy, and you typically receive between 5% and 25% of the value of the death benefit.

“There are investors out there who will basically make the premium payments on your behalf, but they keep the policy proceeds when you pass away,” said Christopher Lyman, a certified financial planner in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

You might make this choice in a financial crisis. “The only reason you would do that is kind of like a last option,” he said.

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BITS

KINDERGARTEN VOLUNTEERS

The Retired Seniors Volunteer Program of Baltimore County has partnered with Baltimore County Public Schools to help the county’s kindergarten students by assisting with story time, learning and skills development. Volunteers must be at least 55 years old and commit to at least six hours per week. Background screening and orientation are required. For more information, call (410) 887-3101 or email RSVP@baltimorecountymd.gov.

TTY: Dial 711

BEACON

Money Law &

There are good reasons to keep your credit score high during retirement. See below.

Don’t let credit scores retire when you do

By Liz Weston

Getting rid of debt before retirement is often a good idea. Getting rid of your credit scores? Not so much.

People who stop using credit also stop generating enough data to produce credit scores, the three-digit numbers used to gauge creditworthiness.

Not having scores can make it harder and more expensive to get loans. Even if you’re sure you’ll never borrow again, lacking credit scores also can make insurance, cellphone plans and security deposits more expensive.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be in debt to have good credit scores. You do have to use credit, however.

Millions are ‘credit retired’

Older people are more likely to have mortgages, car loans, credit card balances and other debt in retirement compared with a generation ago, according to Federal Reserve statistics.

Seventy percent of households headed by someone age 65 to 74 had debt in 2019, the latest year available from the Fed’s Survey of Consumer Finances. That compares with 51.4% in 1998. Among house-

holds headed by someone 75 and older, 51.4% had debt in 2019 compared with 24.6% in 1998.

But that still leaves a large population of older people who don’t have debt and may not be actively using credit. Leading credit scoring firm FICO has found 7.4 million people are “credit retired,” with good credit histories but no active accounts, said Ethan Dornhelm, FICO’s vice president for scores and predictive analytics.

Some were younger people who may have switched to a cash-only lifestyle, but most were older: The median age of the credit retired was 73, Dornhelm said.

And credit scores can get “retired” relatively quickly. The FICO scoring formula used in most lending decisions needs at least one account on someone’s credit report to have been updated in the previous six months, Dornhelm said.

Rival scoring company VantageScore looks back at least 24 months for updated accounts, said Jeff Richardson, senior vice president of marketing and communications at VantageScore Solutions.

Among the credit retired, the median length of time since an account was updat-

ed was over four years, Dornhelm said.

Retired credit can cost you

Having a paid-off mortgage and no other debt can be helpful when you’re retired on a fixed income. You won’t have to draw down your savings or use your limited income to make debt payments.

But maintaining good credit can be helpful if you need to borrow to pay an unexpected expense, finance a late-in-life move, or deal with a cash flow crunch, among other situations.

Life is unpredictable, and few can be

Peace of Mind is Priceless

Pre-planning a funeral is a great gift, to your family and to you: It relieves the pressure on them to imagine what you might have wanted while they deal with grief and loss.

Your funeral service will be exactly as you wish.

Your family can enjoy peace of mind knowing everything has been arranged. If you choose to pre-fund, the cost is fixed and protected from later price change or inflation. Call

Ask

Credit scores

From page 11

certain that they will never need credit again, said Bruce McClary, senior vice president of communications at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 21

“A good credit score can provide peace of mind, financial security and flexibility, even if you don’t predict the need for a new loan or credit card account during retirement,” McClary said.

Even if your borrowing days are truly behind you, nonexistent credit scores

LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE OPPORTUNITY

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre’s audio drama adaptation of “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” is a classic detective story voiced by local actors, with original musical composition and live sound effects. Join the live studio audience for the recording, running approximately 80 minutes with no intermission, on Sat., Oct. 21, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore. This event is free but requires registration, as space is limited. Reserve your spot at bit.ly/RueMorgueAtPratt. For more information, call (410) 396-5430.

could cost you in other ways:

— In most states, insurers use credit information to set premiums for auto and home insurance.

— Getting a cellphone plan can be tough with poor or nonexistent credit, and cellphone providers often reserve their best deals for people with good credit scores.

— Utility companies may demand larger security deposits for people without scores.

— Senior housing — including assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement (or life plan) communities and even some nursing homes — may require applicants to pass a credit check.

Simple solutions

Fortunately, you don’t have to go back into debt to maintain good credit scores. Using a credit card or two, and paying off the balances in full every month, should suffice.

Card issuers report payments to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian

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and TransUnion — each month, keeping your accounts updated so your reports can continue to generate credit scores.

Try not to charge too much on a card, however, even if you pay in full. Using too much of your available credit can hurt your scores. The fewer active accounts you have, the more damage you could do.

If you’ve already let your credit scores retire, it’s not too late to get them working for you again. Being added as an authorized user to someone else’s credit card can be enough to revive your scores.

Another option is a secured credit card, which requires a cash security deposit that’s usually equal to the credit limit you get.

Finally, some credit unions and online lenders offer credit-builder loans. These loans put the amount you borrow into a savings account that you can tap after you make all the monthly payments.

Good credit scores are worth the effort regardless of your age.

“If you continue to have credit activity and a good credit score, you’re in the driver’s seat,” Richardson said.

AP/NerdWallet

© 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 13

PROBATE BASICS CLASS (VIRTUAL)

Join this online class to learn about the basics of the probate process from a practicing lawyer. The class takes place on Fri., Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom and is free for Baltimore County residents 50 and older. To register, visit bit.ly/ProbateBasics. For more information, contact The OPAL Center at theopalcenter@baltimorecountymd.gov or (410) 887-3654.

Oct. 29

LOWER

YOUR TAXES (VIRTUAL CLASS)

Learn about tax diversification, a strategy that uses a variety of investment accounts to help you lower your taxes now and in retirement. This financial wellness class is free for Baltimore County residents 50 and older. It takes place on Zoom on Thur., Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to noon. To register, visit bit.ly/TaxDiversificationClass. For more information, contact theopalcenter@baltimorecountymd.g ov or call (410) 887-3654.

Oct. 1

PUMPKIN PAINTING AT MARSHY POINT

Get creative and decorate a small pumpkin for the fall season on Sun., Oct. 1, from 2 to 3 p.m., at Marshy Point Nature Center, 7130 Marshy Point Rd., Middle River. The cost per pumpkin is $2 for members; $5 for nonmembers. Supplies will be provided. Register between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling (410) 887-2817. For more information, visit marshypoint.org.

Travel Leisure &

Enjoying an ‘untour’ to historic Scotland

By Victor Block

In 1093, the monarch of Scotland directed a group of men to race up a steep hill. The winner would become his royal messenger. From that kingly contest evolved what today is known as the Highland Games.

During a recent visit to Scotland, my wife Fyllis and I watched in awe and admiration as burly men wearing colorful tartan kilts competed in throwing logs called cabers, tossing heavy metal balls attached to a wooden pole, and participating in other athletic events, some familiar and others unlike any I’ve seen before.

Marching bands playing bagpipes — yes, the men also wore kilts — thrilled the onlookers. Nearby stood stately castles, some of which were built well before Columbus set sail for the New World, and charming towns, each with its own unique stories to relate.

Our trip focused on the Highlands and Central Scotland, two regions that share many similarities.

Both are home to craggy mountains, rolling farmlands dotted with grazing sheep, the still waters of lochs (lakes), and castles that overlook deep valleys from their hillside perches. Both areas are also replete with fascinating history and provide an inviting list of things to see and do.

For example, Stirling Castle is located in a city of the same name that’s known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” There, actors in period attire bring the palace’s history to life as they describe its colorful past.

The Royal Palace looks much as it did when completed in the 16th century. Told to glance at the ceiling, I admired original wood-carved medallions that depict images of kings, queens and other notables.

Such reminders of history are everywhere. Doune Castle dates back to the 13th century. Its fortress-like façade appeared in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail and, more recently, in the “Outlander” TV series.

In few other places we’ve visited does the past coexist with the present so naturally and seamlessly.

Inverness and beyond

Exploring Scotland’s cities, towns and hamlets gave us a close-up view of the past.

Inverness sits astride the Ness River, whose source is the loch where the fabled monster supposedly resides. This is a welcoming, walkable town with many cozy restaurants and shops.

A personal favorite was the Victorian Market, which retains much of its original ornate splendor from 1891. Historic photo-

graphs line the walls, and independent purveyors — a butcher, fishmonger, watchmaker and some 30 others — continue to ply their wares.

Dunblane (population about 9,000) stands on the banks of the Allan Water (River Allan), which in the past powered factories and mills.

Exhibits at the compact but outstanding Dunblane Museum trace the area’s history. I found especially fascinating the collection of “beggars’ badges,” which in the 15th century identified indigent people who had permission to plead for money.

The pleasant Darn Walk trail alongside the river links Dunblane with the Bridge of Allan, a 19th-century spa town that traces its history back to a hillside fortress built during the Iron Age.

Edinburgh’s architecture

Contrasting with such small towns is Edinburgh (pronounced ED-in-borough), the magnificent capital city.

Its Old Town area earns its accolade as “the heart of Scotland’s capital.” Stretching a mile through the city center, its stunning architecture serves as backdrop to an active street life. Entertainers attract crowds of passers-by, and street performers add music to the setting.

Edinburgh Castle overlooks the Royal Mile, as it’s known, from a hilltop that has served as a defensive fortress since ancient Roman times.

At the opposite end of the road is the Palace of Holyrood, the official residence of the English monarch in Scotland. King Charles III spends one week there each summer. Unfortunately, that’s not when we were there, so we couldn’t drop by for tea.

Another favorite site for me was Real Mary King’s Close, a narrow underground thoroughfare that provides a realistic immersion in the past.

In the mid-17th century, Edinburgh was confined primarily within its security walls, and housing was built in small thoroughfares called closes, a Scottish word for alley.

Real Mary King’s Close is named for a merchant who lived there for a decade (1635-1645), along with about 600 other people. The tour delved into Mary’s life, those of people from all social classes, and horror tales about Edinburgh’s most deadly plague.

Driving through the countryside

Another very different destination that should be on a visitor’s wish list is the Trossachs, an area of heavily wooded hills,

Bagpipers perform at the Nairn Highland Games, about 30 minutes from Inverness, Scotland. At the annual games, spectators watch amateur athletes toss long poles called cabers, hurl shotputs and participate in tug-of-war competitions.

PHOTO © FRANCO RICCI | DREAMSTIME.COM

Stirling Castle, built in the 12th century, was the childhood home of royals such as Mary, Queen of Scots. Every year more than half a million tourists visit the famous castle, located an hour from Edinburgh. Scotland is home to more than 1,500 castles.

PHOTO © JEFFREY BANKE | DREAMSTIME.COM

For dramatic views and memorable hikes, visit Scotland’s rugged coast. See story below.

From

13

yawning valleys and rocky peaks. This landscape in many ways represents a microcosm of Highlands scenery.

While our visit consisted of a selfdriving tour and hike, other activities include animal and bird watching, fishing, and enjoying a boat ride on a loch.

History lovers may check out prehis-

BEACON BITS

Oct. 1

toric sites including rock markings, burnt mounds, and crannogs — artificial islands built in lakes and used as dwelling places.

If you go

We visited Scotland with Untours, whose “Live like the locals” motto describes its unique approach. Untours offers the advantages of independent travel along with planning and on-site support similar to a tour. Accommodations are never in hotels.

BMA EXHIBIT, FOOD AND MORE

Celebrate the opening of BMA’s latest exhibition, “Making Her Mark: A History of Women Artists in Europe, 1400-1800,” on Sun., Oct. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. View the exhibit and enjoy food tastings, art-making and gallery talks at this free event. Baltimore Museum of Art is located at 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore. Reservations not required. For more information, visit artbma.org or call (443) 573-1700.

We spent one week in a comfortable flat (apartment) in a building that had been a church dating to 1837, and another in a former wool mill overlooking the small river that had powered it. Prices for a twoweek stay of this type begin at $5,816 for two, depending on the choice of accommodations.

We received a wealth of helpful pre-trip information, use of a rental car, and a firstday briefing and mini-tour at each location from the on-site Untours representative, who was also available to provide help and information throughout our stay.

We could choose to cook our meals in the kitchen of our flat, which we enjoyed on occasion, or dine at nearby restaurants. In Inverness, at Jimmy Badgers (26 Church St.), we dined on mussels in garlic sauce served with crusty dipping bread ($11) and curried monkfish with two side dishes ($18).

Darts and a jukebox help make the Village Inn in Dunblane (5 Stirling Rd.) popular with residents. It offers both familiar fare like hamburgers ($13-$15 with sides) and local favorites, such as fish and chips ($16).

Anyone planning to visit Scotland should be aware that in a country about the size of South Carolina, the weather can, and often does, change quickly. Warm can turn to chilly, and sunny to rainy, without warning. One Scot with whom I spoke quipped, only half in jest, “It’s either raining here or about to rain.”

An even greater challenge awaits those who will be driving a car. You’ll rent a vehicle with the steering wheel on the right and must do your best to stay on the left side of roads.

For more information about Scotland, see visitscotland.com. To learn more about Untours, go to untours.com or call 1888-868-6871.

Classifieds cont. from p. 19.

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& Style

Shaking the rafters in Toby’s Sister Act

By Mark Dreisonstok

This fall, the beloved Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland, is presenting Sister Act . Featuring engaging characters and songs by the Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, the show will please most any theater-goer.

Based on a popular 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, the plot revolves around one Deloris Van Cartier, a rebellious singer living in the 1970s disco era.

Unfortunately, Deloris has witnessed her gangster boyfriend murder an informer. Terrified, she goes to the police, where she is greeted with great surprise by a former high school classmate, Eddie Souther, now a police detective.

Eddie takes her to a convent, where she must blend in as a nun until she can testify in court as a witness to the crime. That means she also needs to reform, or at least subdue, her “unholy habits” for a while.

There ensues comedy, chaos and a thoughtful contrast of vita activa and vita contemplativa world views.

Directed and choreographed by Mark Minnick, the show shines, especially in the caustic yet touching relationship that develops between world-wise Deloris and the cloistered Mother Superior.

Ashley Johnson-Moore is excellent as Deloris, performing the songs “Take Me to Heaven” and “Fabulous, Baby” with pitch-perfect verve. These songs show us Deloris’ self-centered and worldly side.

But she is quickly tasked with using her

musical talents to improve the convent’s terribly off-key choir. She soon has them singing powerful gospel harmonies, exemplified by the spectacular number “Raise Your Voice.”

The outstanding Lynn Sharp-Spears, as Mother Superior, expertly navigates between serving as a serious-minded defender of the cloistered convent (exemplified by her poignant song “Within These Walls”) and exasperated comic straight man (wowing the audience with the witty and delightful “I Haven’t Got a Prayer”).

Characters show growth

MaryKate Brouillet displays laudable acting talent as the diffident Sister Mary Robert, who as a postulant is still undecided about convent life. In her beautiful solo, “The Life I Never Led,” she begins to find her own voice, both figuratively and literally.

Another intriguing example of character growth is that of Eddie, the police officer — sometimes disparagingly called “Sweaty Eddie” — who learns to overcome his fearful nature and embrace bravery.

In his excellent performance as Eddie, talented singer-actor Rudy Foster explores these conflicting instincts in “I Could Be That Guy.” Foster uses body language in ways that are at times hopelessly uncool and at times very cool, physically demonstrating his inner conflict.

One person who lives without conflict is Monsignor O’Hara, played engagingly by Toby’s staple Robert Biedermann. The

Monsignor immediately accepts Deloris’ disco-influenced gospel singing, sometimes comically grooving along with it.

Those who like traditional-style Broadway songs of the past will enjoy “It’s Good to Be a Nun,” sung humorously and beautifully

earlier established fact that this group

by the group of sisters — suspending for a moment the

of nuns is musically challenged.

Passager’s four-person staff is dedicated to publishing work by writers over 50. Our cover story continues on p. 16.

Ashley Johnson-Moore plays Deloris, in disguise as Sister Mary Clarence, who teaches nuns to sing with fervor at the convent where she is hiding out. Here the cast performs “Sunday Morning Fever.” Sister Act runs at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through Nov. 5.

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Passager

From page 1

of Passager to pay the printer — retroactively.

“It’s that kind of generosity that really makes things possible,” Kopelke said of Clifton. “Such a great friend to the poetry community.”

Kopelke has kept Passager going with the help of people who are just as passionate about the project.

“Passager has a strong cast of characters, which keeps the show going,” Kopelke said of her staff of four.

One of those characters, Mary Azrael, 80, has been co-editor of Passager for 30 years.

The author of four books of poetry and an opera libretto, Azrael has led poetry workshops for people of all ages through Maryland’s Poets in the Schools and the Johns Hopkins Odyssey program.

Azrael and Kopelke worked together to establish another publishing arm, Passager Books, in 2005.

“It’s a very deep bond Mary and I have,” Kopelke said. “And also, a very deep commitment to Passager and what its mission is.”

No upper age limit

Passager writers, all age 50 or older, explore connections with nature and family from the vantage point of experience as well as topics like ageism and dementia through a creative lens.

Passager Books publishes anthologies, short fiction, poetry and memoirs by writers who have been published in the Passager journal.

“[Older writers] are continuously saying [to us], ‘I’m surprised by what I have to say now,’” Kopelke said. “One of our writers is 104,” she added.

Poet Sarah Yerkes, for instance, was surprised to discover a late life love of poetry. Yerkes was in her 90s when she had to give up her career as a sculptor because she could no longer weld heavy pieces of metal.

She attended a poetry workshop in a retirement community, which led to her first book of poems, published by Passager when she was 101.

“Now she has a new creative medium she discovered,” Azrael said.

Some Passager writers teach writing, and others take writing classes. Many have been working hard at home. All are dedicated to writing and write to heal, to connect with others, and to explore their feelings and process their experiences.

“We publish work by people who really consider themselves serious writers,” Azrael said. Writing is a major part of their identity.

Every Passager writer has “a real commitment to writing,” Kopelke added. “Craft is really important to us.”

Getting creative during Covid

Like everyone else, the literary press encountered upheaval when Covid hit.

Passager staff had just moved from the University of Baltimore to a cozy office in the library at the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.

After just several months there, everyone had to isolate and work from home. Creativity came in handy, helping the editors and writers navigate the twists and turns of turbulent times with new ideas and endeavors.

To keep in touch with readers, Passager started sending out a weekly email with a poem and commentary.

“It was interesting looking through old journals and finding something for the week,” Kopelke said. “I think it grounded me.”

Meanwhile, her husband — fellow writer and professor emeritus at University of Baltimore, Jonathan Shorr — began producing a Passager podcast every week. Called “Burning Bright,” the podcast featured Passager writers.

“I think he’s having some fun behind the microphone again,” Kopelke said in 2020. “And his voice is wonderful, as are his selections.”

In addition, Passager developed “Pandemic Diaries.” People all over the world sent in journal entries starting in March 2020 that were published on the Passager website until July 2022.

A new poetry prize

Also during the pandemic, Passager

began awarding the Henry Morgenthau III Poetry Prize for a first book of poems by a writer 70 and older.

The award was created by Morgenthau’s children to honor the award-winning public television writer and producer — one of the first American TV producers to bring a film crew into apartheid South Africa.

Morgenthau’s 1963 program “The Negro and the American Promise,” featured interviews with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin.

Morgenthau began writing poetry in his 90s while living at the Ingleside retirement community in Washington, D.C. and taking classes at a nearby writing center. He published his first book of poetry just before his 100th birthday. Morgenthau passed away in 2018.

The first recipient of the Henry Morgenthau III Poetry Prize was Dennis H. Lee, in September 2020, for his book Tidal Wave A U.S. Navy veteran and computer software engineer, Lee has been a poet for more than 25 years.

His Delaware Valley Poets reading series in Princeton, New Jersey, which he cofounded with his wife, Donna, ran for more than a quarter century. Lee’s poems have been published in many literary journals over the years.

Tidal Wave was “a serious achievement of growing up and growing older,” said

See PASSAGER, page 17

Passager

From page 16

David Keplinger, a published poet and teacher at American University, on the Passager website.

Public readings return

The second winner of the Morgenthau

Sister Act

From page 15

Capping off the wonderfully entertaining performances is the excellent live musical accompaniment from a small live orchestra conducted by Ross Scott Rawlings.

Comedic and uplifting themes

Slapstick is used in a cleverly choreographed chase scene through a maze in Toby’s theatre-in-the-round by bad-guy lover Curtis (Ryan Holmes) and his henchmen.

Curtis has a particularly witty song in “When I Find My Baby,” which Holmes sings with aplomb.

The show has many positive messages; in particular, the Mother Superior and Deloris, who initially seem to be opposites, ultimately find common ground.

Their similarity is subtly hinted at early on as Deloris teaches the nuns to remember, when they sing, that “You’re part of a group” — the same message Mother Su-

Prize was Mark Elber for his book Headstone, in 2022. Originally from New York, the rabbi and poet currently leads Temple Beth El in Fall River, Massachusetts.

The son of Holocaust survivors, Elber gave a live reading at the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Passager’s first in-person event since March 2020. The room

perior has been impressing upon both the nuns and also Deloris.

Finally, the message that God can save all is prevalent in Sister Act. Even the criminals are ultimately shown singing with the nuns — although each is restrained by a chain and (disco) ball.

Sister Act runs through November 5; occasional adult themes may be inappropriate for young children, and a few fog and strobe effects are used.

Toby’s is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. in Columbia. Advance reservations are required. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday nights, with matinees on Wednesday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (buffet brunch for matinees opens at 10:30 a.m.).

Tickets are $74-$79 for adults and $57-$60 for children 12 and under. All tickets include an all-you-can-eat buffet (brunch or dinner).

Those 65 and over may attend any Tuesday or Wednesday performance for $62.90. Tickets may be purchased from Ticketmaster or by phone from the box office at (410) 730-8311.

was packed, and an enthusiastic audience lined up after the reading to get Elber to sign copies of Headstone

This year’s winner of the Passager Poetry Contest was George Drew, who was born in Mississippi and lives in New York state.

Now 76, Drew has published multiple poetry collections and won several awards. The September issue of Passager features an interview with Drew.

Passager Books’ most recent release is Mothernest , a book of poetry by Sandy Longley, published in June 2023. Longley, a former English professor now in her 70s, received awards from the Robert Frost Foundation in 2020 and 2022.

Passager is taking even more risks these days. Its winter issue explored the theme of ancestral trauma. It contains writings from a generation of people who were raised not to tell their story.

“For some people, it was the first time they ever wrote it down,” Kopelke said. “It was a huge act of bravery.”

Kopelke’s advice for older writers?

“It’s never too late. We know your imagination is really on fire right now.”

To subscribe to Passager or learn more about its titles, visit Passagerbooks.com, email editors@passagerbooks.com or write to Passager, 7401 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21208. Passager is also on Facebook and Instagram.

BALTIMORE jewish

film institute film institute

Midday Movies: Food, Flicks, & Friends

Explore films of Jewish interest, enjoy a meal, and get to know fellow cinephiles with this new event series that includes enlightening discussions with filmmakers and scholars and casual conversation with other film enthusiasts. Kosher lunch provided.

Select Tuesdays

November - March

Scrabble answers on p. 17.

Crossword Puzzle

Find

Think Before You Answer By Stephen Sherr

Across

1. One before penta-

6. Control a soccer ball

10. Sports org. with over 1,000 member schools

14. Like books-on-tape

15. Prefix with sphere

16. God who likes to give out Valentine’s Day cards

17. Start from the basics

20. Actors Danson and Knight

21. “A real shot in the ___”

22. Investigator of RR crashes

23. POTUS during most of the 50s

24. Keep watch over

25. Tranquility, for one

26. Little bit of advice

29. Out-of-sequence transportation

33. Item for sale at www.kayakshops.com

34. First word of The Lord’s Prayer

35. Paintball injury

36. Big Mac component 39. “I am my ___ worst enemy” 40. Skedaddles

41. Ingredient in Banana Boat Soothing

After Sun Gel

42. Superbowl expected in 2027

43. Be economical with the truth 44. Temporary period of peace 50. Rightward extension of Brooklyn 51. Timothy Leary dropped it repeatedly in the

52. Vegan source for milk

53. Letter in many college honor societies 54. Authoritative in Latin (but a rodent in Spanish)

56. Initially, he was an Irish playwright

57. Mr. Roboto band

58. Unpleasant condition

62. Unit of lightbulb energy usage rate 63. ___ against time 64. Archer, before release 65. Gold and silver, but not bronze 66. Summers at the Seine 67. Military bigwigs

2. Word on California’s state seal

3. One who gives Marvin Gardens for two railroads

4. Uncooked foods

5. Word before “ears” and “thumbs”

6. Consequently

7. Make improvements

8. Comedian Poehler or Schumer

9. Trailblazer

10. One of the N’s in CNN

11. First half of a beauty product brand

12. Component of Yahoo! Inc. since 2021

13. “___ a silly question, ...”

18. Company that coined the term “aspirin” in 1899

19. It is 44th alphabetically, but 45th in order of statehood

24. The 2nd-most visited retail website in 2022

25. Give the cold shoulder to

27. Land inside one of the Great Lakes

28. Cockatiels and cocker spaniels

30. Clan emblem

31. Namely

32. Baby barn bird

36. It may be leisurely or brisk

37. “What a shame”

38. Put up with

39. School which doubled as Hogwarts in Harry Potter movies

40. “You cannot shake hands with a clenched ___” (Indira Gandhi)

42. Buick model, sold from 1959 to 2005

43. Lend-___ Act of 1941

45. Sandwiches with (at least) three ingredients

46. 17th-century namesake for a 20th-century tiger

47. Most favorable conditions

48. Chimes, climbs, and crimes

49. Juice and soda, at the bar

55. Diploma word

56. Basic gravitational acceleration

57. Combine the gin and the vermouth

58. Fingers needed for a peace sign

59. Unit of corn

60. Nibble on kibble

61. Smidgen

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