November 2015 | DC Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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VOL.27, NO.11

Take a tip from this entrepreneur

Filling a need As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and Inukai took the aphorism to heart.

NOVEMBER 2015

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY BARBARA RUBEN

By Barbara Ruben If you asked Connie Inukai three years ago where she saw herself in a few years, about the last place the University of Maryland technical writing instructor would have envisioned was on the cable shopping network QVC. But there she was on live TV at 7 a.m. one morning this August, demonstrating the new gadget she invented — the Tip ‘n Split, which calculates tips and evenly splits the check among diners at a restaurant. The small device also includes a magnifier and menu light to help patrons read small type at dim tables. She sold more than 800 of the devices in just five minutes. “I was so nervous. But at the same time, it was exciting to be on TV selling something I invented,” said Inukai, who is in her 60s and lives in N. Potomac, Md. Now she’s set her sights on “Shark Tank.” In April, she had one minute to pitch the Tip ‘n Split in a Washington audition. She made the first cut, and was invited to send a video to producers. Inukai is still waiting to hear if she will appear on the popular ABC network show, during which wealthy investors decide if they will give hundreds of thousands of dollars to contestants in exchange for a share in the profits from the products they are trying to get off the ground. A similar show on CNBC, “West Texas Investor’s Club,” recently contacted her about possibly appearing on it as well. Three months ago, Inukai retired after 30 years of teaching writing at the University of Maryland to pursue a new career as an entrepreneur. She had had enough of grading papers into the wee hours, and wanted more time to market the Tip ‘N Split, which she started developing two years ago. “Now I have freedom,” Inukai said. “That’s why I decided to retire, so I could see my grandkids on the West Coast and work on my invention. “I’m spending my retirement savings, but you know what, that’s what entrepreneurs do,” she said.

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

Beyond the beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island; plus, tips for vacationing (or living) in an RV, and some new options for solo travelers page 41

ARTS & STYLE Since retiring from teaching after 30 years at the University of Maryland, Connie Inukai — like a growing number of retirees — has devoted her time and savings to entrepreneurial endeavors. Inukai is shown with her Tip ‘n Split device, which she invented to help restaurant patrons figure out tips and split the bill. The product, which also includes a menu light and magnifier, was named “best new product” at last year’s INPEX inventors expo and has been featured on QVC.

“I go out to dinner, and sometimes the menu print is too small and everyone has to pass around reading glasses. When we want to read the bill, the restaurant is so dark, we have to walk over to where there’s a light. I said, ‘That’s ridiculous.’” While there are smartphone apps that can perform the same functions, Inukai said that older adults are less likely to want to constantly pull out their phones (or know how to use all the apps). Furthermore, the Tip ‘n Split weighs just 1.8 ounces, is a cinch to use, and runs no risk of getting viruses since it’s not online. So Inukai worked with her ex-husband, who is an engineer, to design the algorithms for the Tip ‘n Split. Then she arranged for its manufacture in China.

Inukai also says she’s filling a vacuum in the market for gifts for older adults. “Another reason I’m so passionate is because every place you go, you can find gifts for babies, for children, for millennials, young mothers. But how come nobody takes care of older people? I thought this would be a really nice thing” to give friends, she said. Then the hard part began: Getting the word out about the Tip ‘n Split and selling it. QVC discovered Inukai when it was scouting for new products at INPEX, an annual expo for inventors, where she won the gold award for best new product last year. Inukai also found a group called Shark Tank DC, which is not directly related to See ENTREPRENEUR page 50

New musical Cake-Off is baked from scratch(es); plus, National Symphony Orchestra offers beat-the-traffic matinees page 46

TECHNOLOGY 3 k Hi-tech options make driving safer k New phone plans can save money FITNESS & HEALTH 10 k Breakthrough diabetes drug k Obesity/Alzheimer’s link SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY 31 k Time to buy European stocks? k More affordable long-term care ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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Blowing our horn Each year, we enter a selection of our enhancement, exchange of ideas, maintewriters’ original stories in the national jour- nance and improvement of standards, and nalism competitions of the the improvement of business North American Mature Pubconditions within the publishlishers Association (NAMPA) ing industry. and the National Mature NAMPA’s annual journalMedia Awards. ism competition attracts hunWe do this for two reasons: dreds of submissions every One, as a way to be sure we year and is judged by internaare keeping up the quality of tionally respected faculty at the our writing compared with University of Missouri School other publications throughof Journalism. This year, we reout the country. ceived 17 NAMPA awards. Two, because we’re pretty FROM THE For the second year in a confident about reason one PUBLISHER row, both the Greater Wash(that is, we believe our writ- By Stuart P. Rosenthal ington and Greater Baltimore ers are among the best anyBeacons won “Best of Show” where), and want to give them the oppor- awards for the most total awards in their tunity to earn kudos they will treasure circulation categories. from well-respected, objective judges. Two of our Washington cover stories I’m happy and proud to report that were recognized. Our managing editor, every one of our regular writers and free- Barbara Ruben, won first place in the lancers came away with one or more hon- Profile category for her January cover, “An ors in these competitions this year. astronaut’s view of Earth,” and in the TopiNAMPA is an association of publishers cal Issue category for her June cover, producing newspapers and magazines “Elder abuse not often reported.” specifically for the mature market. It focusOur editorial assistant Rebekah Sewell es on sharing best practices for publication won second place for her April Style sec-

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tion profile, “Bethesda artisan crafts fine arts jewelry.” Our theatre reviewer, Michael Toscano, won first place for his regular reviews, and three of our freelancers shared both first and second place travel writing awards: Victor Block, Glenda Booth and Robert Friedman. In addition, personal essays by Bob Levey won first place in the Senior Issues category, while my “From the Publisher” columns were awarded second place. I’m quite happy to play second fiddle to the nationally recognized Bob Levey, who has been a beloved columnist of ours since he retired from the Washington Post after more than 30 years there. And our April Housing & Homecare Options magazine (an insert that now appears quarterly) was awarded first place for Special Section. In the same competition, our Baltimore contributing editor, Carol Sorgen, won awards for three of her cover stories for our Baltimore edition, and Robert Friedman won for one of his covers for our Howard County edition. Finally, both our Washington and Baltimore editions won second place “General Excellence” awards in their categories. The declared goal of the Mature Media Awards is “to recognize the nation’s ‘best and brightest’ materials and programs produced every year for older adults.” The prestigious competition attracts entries from national organizations like AARP, the

Arthritis Foundation and the Mayo Clinic. We are especially pleased that this year, eight of our 11 entries were recognized with Mature Media Awards. Our September and December 2014 issues won a rarely granted Silver Award. We also won a Bronze Award for Robert Friedman’s cover story about inventor Bob Fischell, which appeared in all three of our regional editions. And six additional cover stories from our Baltimore, Howard County and Greater Washington, DC editions won Merit Awards. Writers responsible for these winning stories include, again, Barbara Ruben, Rebekah Sewell, Michael Toscano, Robert Friedman and Carol Sorgen. Of course, whatever awards we do or do not win, what matters most to us is that you, our readers, find the news, practical information and entertainment you are looking for each month in the Beacon. Please let us know what you think — even (actually, especially) if you think we are missing the boat in any particular area. Also feel free to share ideas for future stories, and to recommend your fellow citizens for profiles. Your opinions and suggestions are always welcome, whether you contact us by mail, phone, fax, email or online. I look forward to hearing from you.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the October Beacon. It contained numerous articles of high interest and much needed information. We have read it three times and shall re-

tain it for future reference. Raymond and Janet Labarge Silver Spring, Md.

See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 53

BEACON BITS • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ......................Dan Kelly, Rena Pensky, M.K. Phillips

Nov. 12+

The Friends of the Beatley Central Library will hold their fall book sale from Thursday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 15. The members’ preview will take place on Thursday, from 4 to 8:30 p.m.; $15 memberships are available at the door. The sale is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The books cost $3 or less. There are hardbacks, paperbacks, kids’ books, and audio-visual items. There are discounted prices on Sunday, Nov. 15. The Charles E. Beatley Central Library is located at 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, Va. For more information, visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call (703) 746-1702.

• Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 55 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

FALL BOOK SALE

SYMPHONY CONCERT

Nov. 22

Catholic University of America’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music presents a symphony orchestra concert on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m., featuring the music of Aaron Copland (who received an honorary degree from the school in 1979). The program includes Appalachian Spring and Rodeo, in addition to other works by the American composer, and will take place at Church of the Little Flower, located at 5607 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, Md. For more information, visit http://music.cua.edu/performance-calendar.cfm.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon

Technology &

Innovations More cars come with safe-driving systems By Dee-Ann Durbin Fully self-driving cars are a few years into the future. But some of the technology that will make them possible is already here. Automakers are rapidly adding radarand camera-based systems that can keep a car in its lane, detect pedestrians, and brake automatically to avoid a collision. For now, they work with a driver behind the wheel, but eventually, versions of these systems will likely power self-driving cars. Semi-autonomous features used to be confined to luxury cars, but they’re quickly migrating to mainstream brands as technology gets cheaper. Toyota, for example, will offer automatic braking, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning for just a few hun-

dred dollars on all of its vehicles by 2017. Automakers are also being nudged to add these features by safety advocates like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which gives its top crashworthiness rankings to vehicles with crash prevention technology. Joseph Gerardi, a communications engineer from Centereach, New York, recently bought a 2015 Nissan Murano specifically for its semi-autonomous safety technology. As part of its $2,260 technology package, Nissan offers emergency braking and adaptive cruise control (see description on page 4). The package also has forward collision warning, which uses radar to monitor both the car ahead and the car in front of that one.

Gerardi’s wife, Michele, and 4-year-old daughter, Caroline, use the SUV to get around town, so he wanted the most technology he could get for under $40,000. “We just wanted to get the safest thing possible,” he said. He thinks more people would push for semi-autonomous technology if automakers promoted it, or if dealers had a better understanding of how it works. Gerardi had to call Nissan, for example, to get a complete explanation of the Murano’s emergency braking system.

Where to find information

hicle Safety program, suggests big gaps in the public’s knowledge about potentially life-saving features. Based on the responses, the university and the National Safety Council have developed a new Web site (http://mycardoeswhat.org) to teach drivers about new features — from tire-pressure monitoring systems to automatic emergency braking. The site is one of several places that car owners and shoppers can learn about safety technology. The federal government’s auto-safety website (www.safercar.gov) lists crash-test results and uses icons to highlight cars with recommended safety

A survey by the University of Iowa Public Policy Center’s Transportation and Ve-

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Hi-tech cars

Your Home. Your Life. Your Community.

From page 3 features, including lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) also explains key collision-avoidance features like automatic braking, and lists that cars have them. Not everyone likes the self-driving trend. “I really, really dislike automobiles that think they’re cleverer than me,” said Will Inglis, who lives outside London and writes about the defense industry. He thinks drivers will come to rely too much on semi-autonomous technology and driving skills will degrade. But people like Inglis may soon be in the minority. In a recent U.S. survey by the Boston Consulting Group, 55 percent of drivers said they would likely buy a partially autonomous car in the next five years.

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The array of semi-autonomous features now offered on cars can be bewildering. Adaptive cruise control: Regular cruise control, which has been around for decades, can keep the car at a set speed on the highway. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set speed as well as a set distance from the car in front of it, and it can slow down or speed up automatically. It started appearing on luxury brands like Mercedes and Lexus about a decade ago. Now, it’s available on less expensive models, like the Mazda3 small car and the Chrysler 200 sedan. Lane keeping: “Lane departure” warning systems beep or vibrate if the driver leaves a lane. Camera-based “lane-keeping” systems actually steer the car back into the lane automatically. They have their limits; they

might not work in snow or at other times when lane markings aren’t clearly visible. Lane keeping started appearing on the market in 2014. Among the vehicles that offer it are the Ford Fusion Titanium, as a $1,200 option, and the Jeep Renegade Limited, as a $995 option. Emergency braking: Some forward collision warning systems beep or flash lights to warn the driver if they detect an object. More advanced ones warn the driver and, if the driver doesn’t react, apply the brakes. The systems may either bring the car to a complete stop or slow it enough to mitigate damage. The technology, introduced in 2008, is recommended by the federal government. It’s already standard on the Volvo XC90 SUV, which can even brake automatically as the driver is turning into an intersection. Other vehicles that offer emergency braking are the Subaru Outback, as part of the $3,090 EyeSight package, and the Toyota Camry XLE, as part of a $2,570 technology and navigation package. Self-parking: Self-parking systems can find a spot and automatically park in a parallel or perpendicular spot. The systems, on the market since 2008, are now on many mainstream vehicles. It’s a $395 option on the Ford Focus Titanium. Highway autopilot: Single-lane highway autopilot is basically just a combination of adaptive cruise control and lanekeeping. It helps keep the car centered in its lane at highway speeds, allowing the driver to cruise with minimal effort. Mercedes, Infiniti and Audi are among those whose systems work in tandem on the highway. Others, including Tesla and Cadillac, are expected to offer advanced autopilot systems soon. — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 2

PAYPAL INFO SESSION Arlington County presents a free information session on PayPal,

an online service that securely links your bank accounts, debit cards and credit cards, on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Arlington Mill Senior Center. Director Jennifer Weber will explain how to send money to anyone online and how to maintain your security online. The center is located at 909 Dinwiddie St.,

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Arlington, Va. For more information, call (703) 228-7369.

Our goal is to get you back home. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our patients walk out the door. — Ann Matesi, executive director, Therapy

’’

For information call 301.770.8476 or visit www.smithlifecommunities.org

Nov. 18

E-BOOK SEMINAR Montgomery County Public Libraries presents an e-book seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marilyn J.

Praisner Library, located at 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, Md. Bring your electronic device, such as a Kindle, Nook or iPad. No registration is needed. For more information, call (240) 773-9460.

Nov. 14

COMPUTER TUTORING Fairfax County Public Library presents one-on-one computer tutoring with a volunteer on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at Woodrow

Wilson Library, located at 6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, Va. For more information, call (703) 820-8774.

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See useful links and resources at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com

❏ Arden Courts (See ad on page 17) ❏ Attick Towers (See ad on page 33) ❏ Brooke Grove (See ad on page 13) ❏ Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 49) ❏ Covenant Village (See ad on page 49) ❏ Emerson House (See ad on page 49) ❏ Homecrest House (See ad on page 32) ❏ Mrs. Philippines Home (See ad on page 49) ❏ Olney Assisted Living (See ad on page 24) ❏ Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 36) ❏ Park View Columbia (See ad on page 36) ❏ Park View Emerson (See ad on page 36) ❏ Park View Laurel (See ad on page 36) ❏ Pin Oak Village (See ad on page 15) ❏ Randolph Village (See ad on page 15) ❏ Riderwood (See ads on pages 23 & 52) ❏ Rollingcrest Commons (See ad on page 15) ❏ Solana (See ad on page 22) ❏ Springvale Terrace (See ad on page 38) ❏ The Village at Rockville (See ad on page 11)

F R E E

It can be aggravating when able-bodied people park in spaces marked for people with disabilities.

Communicating with loved ones via texting or email can be difficult when using a tiny smartphone keyboard. The Dragon Dictation app for iPhone allows users to speak into their phone or other mobile device to send electronic correspondence to friends and family. You can also update your social media page, and send reminders to yourself for later. The app is also available in other languages, including French, Hebrew, Spanish and more. Dragon Dictation, for iPhone, is free. Note: Android phones equipped with “OK Google” also offer speech-to-text options. Do you have a favorite website or app that has made your life easier, helped you learn something new or is just plain fun? Share it with the Beacon, and we may feature it in this column. Send a link or the name of the app, along with a short description, to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

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Settling an estate can feel like an impossible and exhausting task. Now, executors can use a streamlined online system to walk them through over 125 steps of settling an estate. Users can follow an interactive checklist to organize the process, complete worksheets to keep track of data, and ask for advice. They can also securely store information in the cloud. The service costs $15 per month, or $99 per year. www.Executor.org

The GPS Phone Tracker uses your iPhone to see where your friends and family are in your city, or across the globe, when they too register for the app. The app is especially helpful for finding loved ones if they get lost. It maps their movements for the prior 24 hours, and can locate anyone within an accuracy of 30 feet. You can attach photos to see on maps various users you have linked with. GPS Phone Tracker, for iPhone, is free.

District of Columbia

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Manage an estate online

Lost and found

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail it to the Beacon. Housing Communities

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Dig around on the Library of Congress website, and you will find an infinite number of fascinating things. Case in point: the photograph collection in the Farm Security Administration, Office of War Information. The 175,000 black and white photos you can view form an extensive pictorial record of American life between 1935 and 1944. They document the waning days of the Depression and the years leading up to World War II, including many photos of everyday life in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Far less extensive is the collection of rarer color photos from the period, but there are still 1,600 of them available. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/ fsa

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By Barbara Ruben and Rebekah Sewell

When you see a vehicle parked illegally in a handicap accessible space, launch the Parking Mobility app, take three photos and hit submit. The app will alert your city in less than two minutes, and the authorities will handle the matter. You can also share, find and suggest accessible parking locations anywhere in the world. Simply tap the map pin and you can quickly see that parking location’s details, including number of spots, rear or side accessibility, cost etc. Parking Mobility is available for iPhone and Android, free.

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Beacon Links & Apps

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

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Take a new look at your smartphone plan By Kaitlin Pitsker In recent years, wireless carriers have vied for smartphone market share by offering flexibility: no-contract, lower-price

service plans for customers willing to pay full price for a phone. Now, with nearly every cell phone user a smartphone user, providers are applying

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that model to all their plans, eliminating the hefty subsidies that longtime customers relied on to knock hundreds of dollars off the price of a phone. “The market was based on subsidies for such a long time that the U.S. consumer might think the price of the latest iPhone is $200,” said Brad Akyuz, a director at NPD Group, a market research company. You may no longer be tethered to a twoyear contract, but you’ll pay the retail price for your new smartphone — either up front or in monthly installments. T-Mobile led the charge in the spring of 2013, when it discontinued two-year contracts. The other three major U.S. carriers — AT&T, Sprint and Verizon — responded with similar, voluntary programs. But in August, Sprint announced that it was eliminating long-term contracts, and Verizon said it would eliminate long-term contracts for all new customers. AT&T recently stopped offering contracts for sales made at third-party stores.

How the new plans work Will the imminent death of the two-year contract and subsidies cost you more or save you money in the long run? That will largely depend on how often you upgrade your device and how much data you use (most no-contract plans include unlimited calling and texting). You’ll be able to upgrade immediately or end service with your current carrier by paying off the remaining balance on the phone. If you forgo another upgrade, you can continue using your current phone and start seeing the benefits of the lower cost of service. The savings should be about $15 to $25 a month, said Logan Abbott, president of

Wirefly.com, a Web site that compares phone plans. So if you continue using a paid-off phone for even one more year, you’ll save $180 to $300.

How much you’ll pay Let’s say you’re ready to upgrade to an iPhone 6. With both Sprint’s and Verizon’s new plans, you’ll pay $27 a month for two years for the 16-gigabyte model, which retails for $650. Sprint charges $20 a month for 1GB of data (and as much as $100 for 10GB), plus a $15 to $25 monthly fee per smartphone to access the service. Verizon’s data plans start at $30 a month for 1GB of data (and run as high as $80 for 12GB), plus a $20-per-month line access fee. That’s a price break compared with the older contract option: roughly $200 for the phone up front, plus $90 a month, including $50 for service (calls, texts and data) and typically a $25 or $40 access fee. Whether or not your contract has expired, talk to your mobile carrier about your options. For example, if you are an existing Verizon customer whose contract is up, you may either opt for a no-contract plan, or renew your two-year contract and upgrade your device with a subsidy. (If you switch to a no-contract plan before your contract is up, you’ll pay an extra $20 a month per line until the contract would have expired.) Bottom line: It’s a good time to re-shop your service, said Akyuz. “Some plans are really appealing,” he said. “And you gain the freedom to go with another carrier if you see a better deal in a year or so.” © 2015 the Kiplinger Washington Editors All contents copyright 2015, The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS He at hc ot eD r

. Dr nt Hu e ag rit He

FREE TECH TUTORIALS D.C. Public Library cardholders have free access to Lynda.com, a

website that provides thousands of video tutorials for computer programs. Users

13650 Heathcote Boulevard Gainesville, Virginia 20155

can learn how to create spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel, produce music, edit photos in Photoshop, and more. To access the login, visit http://bit.ly/1GMYdH7

703-468-1475 TributeAtHeritageVillage.com

Ongoing

and enter the library card number and PIN. For a tutorial on using the site, visit

Hello@TributeAtHeritageVillage.com

www.lynda.com/Business-tutorials/How-use-lyndacom/77683-2.html.

Contact MC311 for M Montgomery County Government Information and Services Call 311 to Get it Done! Tweet @311MC311 Visit MC311.com Call 240-777-0311

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

LOOK FOR OUR NEW WINTER/SPRING COURSE CATALOG IN THE DECEMBER BEACON

Asbury Methodist Village

JCA Bronfman Center

301-987-6291

240-395-0916

409 Russell Ave, Gaithersburg, MD

MOVING UP TO

WINDOWS® 10

Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 10 # 443 Tues Nov. 3 — Dec. 8 9:30am-11:30am

If you have upgraded to Windows 10, this course will show you what is familiar, how to take advantage of new features, and how Windows 10 can improve your computing experience.

ASSISTED PRACTICE

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. You must be registered for at least one class to participate. No Fee Wed Nov. 4 — Dec. 16 9:30am-1:30pm

12320 Parklawn Dr, Rockville, MD

COMPUTER BASICS WITH WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 8 # 396 Thurs Nov. 5 — Dec. 17 10:00am-12:00pm

This course is for students who want to refresh or expand their computer skills. It covers the start menu and taskbar, files and folders, the World Wide Web, and use of applications such as the word processor.

MICROSOFT WORD: PART 2, THE NEXT LEVEL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 8 # 399 Mon Nov. 9 — Nov. 16 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn advanced word-processing skills, such as illustrating documents with graphics, using templates, creating tables and advanced formatting.

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 403 Tues Dec. 8 1:00pm-3:00pm

Learn about a wide range of useful websites. Tired of waiting for a company’s help desk to answer? There’s a website that gets them to call you! Print web pages without all the ads, find a manual for that appliance that needs repair, get great recipes and nutritional information, FREE coupons, FREE books and more! IPHONE®,

PHOTOGRAPHY

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 406 Fri Nov. 13 10:00-12:00pm

Learn how to use your iPhone to take, edit and share great photos.

continued on next page

Technology & Innovations

Bronfman Center continued MEET THE TECHNOLOGY GURUS! BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS!

Fee: $30 per individual session Limit: 8 # 408 Date and time to be determined by Tech Guru

Have a 1:1 lesson with our Tech Gurus. Experts are available to help individuals with hardware or soft

ware issues. Topics: iPhone®/iPad®, backing up the cloud, laptop/desktop Issues, photos/videos, PowerPoint® and more. Your session will last 2 hours. After you register, you will be contacted to select a date and time for your session and to discuss the questions or issues you will be working on with one of our Tech Gurus.

 NEW  NEW  NEW 

TECH TUESDAY

PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS ON HOT TOPICS IN TECHNOLOGY USING THE INTERNET TO PLAN AND BOOK TRAVEL Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 25 # 411 Tues Nov. 3 10:00am-12:00pm

Get started on the road to being your own travel agent! In this class, you will learn about user-friendly tools to locate and book travel services such as airline and train tickets, hotel rooms, tours, tickets to attractions and more. INTRODUCTION TO THE CLOUD Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 25 # 412 Tues Nov. 17 1:30pm-3:30pm

There has been a lot of talk about “the cloud” recently. Learn what the cloud is and how to use it for storage, backup and sharing of files, pictures and music. ORGANIZING, ENHANCING AND SHARING YOUR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 25 # 413 Tues Dec. 8 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn about the tools available on your computer and the Internet that can be used to increase the enjoyment you obtain from digital pictures. Using free software tools available on the Web, the instructor will show you how to organize and manage and enhance photos, and how to share them by creating web albums, photo books and more.

DISCOUNT! STUDENTS RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT WHEN BILL IS PAID IN FULL 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS. If you have questions, call

240-395-0916 or email seniortech@accessjca.org

JCA SENIORTECH

Crystal City

1750 Crystal Dr Shops, Suite 1638B Crystal Square Arcade, Arlington, VA

703-941-1007

COMPUTER BASICS: INTRODUCTION TO THE PERSONAL COMPUTER USING WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Bring a flash drive to class Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 8 # 415 Tues Nov. 3 — Dec. 8 10:00am-12:00pm

This course is for persons seeking to refresh or expand computer skills. It covers the start menu and taskbar, files and folders, the World Wide Web, and use of applications such as the word processor.

INTERMEDIATE PC, WINDOWS® 7 AND WINDOWS®8.1

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 8 #417 Wed Nov. 4 — Dec.16 10:00am-12:00pm

This course continues the exploration of Microsoft Windows 7 begun in Computer Basics. It will also deal with how Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 work together. Learn to set up computer features (folders, shortcuts, etc.) responsive to personal needs and preferences.

TOURING THE INTERNET

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 8 # 418 Mon Nov. 2 — Dec. 7 1:00pm-3:00pm

Learn about important Internet tools and resources, including sending and receiving email with and without attachments, using address books, browsers, Internet and email security, search, shopping, travel, entertainment, and Web-based government resources.

GUIDE TO BUYING A PERSONAL COMPUTER (WORKSHOP) Fee: $20 # 419 Thurs

1 session Dec. 3

Limit: 8 1:00pm-3:00pm

Learn about important issues to consider and features to look for when purchasing your next personal computer.

TAMING WORD (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge and mouse skills Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 8 # 422 Tues Dec.15 – 22 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn how to make Microsoft Word your personal tool for word processing.

USING YOUR APPLE IPHONE® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 426 Mon Dec. 14 1:00pm-3:00pm

Learn how to use your iPhone to surf the Internet, take and share photos, play games, read books – and much more.

USING SKYPE® TO MAKE VIDEO OR AUDIO CALLS (WORKSHOP) Fee: $20 # 428 Thurs

1 session Dec. 3

Limit: 8 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn how to use the free Skype application to communicate with relatives and friends.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

VIEWING MOVIES ON YOUR PC (WORKSHOP) Prerequisite: Basic computer skills Fee: $20 1 session # 430 Thurs Nov. 19

Limit: 8 1:00pm-3:00pm

This is your chance to find out how to view movies in your home without contracting with cable companies – and pay little or nothing for viewing.

WINDOWS® 8.1 DEMONSTRATION

Prerequisite: None, but you may bring your own laptop with Windows 8.1 Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 432 Thurs Dec. 10 10:00am-12:00pm

This workshop will highlight the major new features of the Microsoft Windows 8.1 operating system, concentrating on its “Tile” mode of operation. Student computers at the training center have Windows 7, so bring your own Windows 8.1 laptop, or come and see Windows 8.1 demonstrated by the instructor.

GRAPHICS EXPLORERS

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Photoshop® Elements software Elements 10 or 11 software Fee: $35 ongoing sessions Limit: 8 # 434 Mon Nov. 2 – Dec. 21 10:00am-12:00pm

Graphics Explorers is a series of meetings with no fixed agenda or syllabus. There is no instructor. Students use Photoshop Elements 10 or 11 to enhance photographs, using several workbooks. Students provide their own copies of Photoshop Elements and workbooks.

ASSISTED PRACTICE No Fee

Limit: 8

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. You must be registered for at least one class to participate. When no classes are being offered, volunteers are available to help registered students practice what they learn in classes and workshops. Speak with your instructor for details.

Microsoft at Westfield Montgomery Mall

7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD

301-765-3080

All classes at Tysons Corner are taught on the Surface Tablet (Microsoft) or you may bring a laptop computer. No Apple® products.

WINDOWS® 10, AN INTRODUCTION Fee: $35 # 435 Thurs

2 session Limit: 6 Nov. 12 – Nov. 19 10:00am-12:00pm

Microsoft at Tysons Corner 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA

703-336-8480

All classes at Tysons Corner are taught on the Surface Tablet (Microsoft) or you may bring a laptop computer. No Apple® products.

continued next page

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Microsoft at Tysons continued

LINKEDIN®, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Solid computer skills and an active email account Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 438 Wed Nov. 18 10:00am-12:00pm Introduction to LinkedIn: what it’s for and how to develop a profile. You must have an email address.

For more information, call 240-395-0916.

COMPUTER TRAINING

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 440 Wed Dec. 9 10:00am-12:00pm

In this high-level introduction to Microsoft Office programs, you will learn about the commonalities among the programs, with a brief look at how to use each one. Knowledge of Windows required.

ATTENTION:

Instruction, course materials and all computer language settings are in English. Courses are taught with Windows computers.

DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

SeniorTech

BY MAIL:

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY Each JCA SeniorTech center follows the weather-related decisions of the public school system in its jurisdiction, except that if a school system is closed for even part of the day, the center will be closed the entire day. As soon as possible, your instructor will arrange to make up any classes cancelled due to inclement weather.

REFUND POLICY:

Students who wish to withdraw and receive a full refund must notify JCA at least 48 hours before the first class begins. A 50% refund is given after the first class.

Include your payment with form to JCA SeniorTech 12320 Parklawn Drive Rockville, MD 20852-1726

NOTE: ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE 7 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF CLASS. Name: ___________________________________________________________ Age: _____________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _______________ Phone#: __________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ I have taken a JCA SeniorTech class before: ____ Yes ____ No Student ID (Office use only)_______

I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR: Class #

Class Title

Location

Start Date

Start Time

Fee

10% DISCOUNT WHEN BILL IS PAID IN FULL 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS

TOTAL $ ________

PAYMENT METHOD:

❒ Master Card ❒ VISA ❒ American Express ❒ Check (Make Checks payable to JCA SeniorTech.) Name as it appears on card: ____________________________________________________

Card Number

__________ __________ __________ ___________

Exp. Date

______ /______

Sec. Code

WB11/15

The Microsoft operating systems vary by site and include Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Classes are designed to help older adults, 50+, refresh or advance their computer skills and learn to use social media. Courses are taught by volunteer instructors and coaches. Courses are almost always “hands on,” in which students practice skills and techniques on a computer during class.

BY PHONE: Call 240-395-0916 with your credit card information

WAYS TO REGISTER:

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 439 Wed Dec. 2 10:00am-12:00pm

OVERVIEW OF MICROSOFT OFFICE WORD, EXCEL®, POWERPOINT®

✃

SENIORTECH REGISTRATION FORM

INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS® 10

Overview of the latest Microsoft operating system. Knowledge of a previous version of Windows required.

Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

__________

OFFICE USE ONLY Course #____ Paid____ Registration #_____ Date_______

Course #____ Paid____ Registration #_____ Date_______

NOTICE: WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ITS RESOURCES, JCA SERVES PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. INDEED, WE TRY TO BE AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE IN ALL THAT WE DO. SOMETIMES, HOWEVER, JCA MAY DENY A PERSON OR GROUP THE OPTION TO ENROLL OR TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL OR PARTICULAR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DO SO, AT OUR SOLE DISCRETION, SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT OUR ACTION IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR PROGRAM OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON NOT PRECLUDED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

Each contribution or remittance of payment by check is considered authorization to convert that particular check into an electronic fund transfer. If your check is unable to be converted, it may be processed as a Check Replacement Document drawn against your account. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day you make your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. You have the right to opt out of Electronic Conversion. If you choose to exercise this right, write the words ‘Opt Out’ in the memo field of your check and JCA will process it as a draft against your account.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Health Fitness &

KICKING THE HABIT Lowering nicotine content may help smokers quit or at least smoke less HELP FOR CAREGIVERS Several websites help coordinate assistance from friends and family SNORE NO MORE Anti-snoring devices, as well as surgery, can help make nights quieter CANCER FIGHTERS What you need to know about antioxidants and phytochemicals

Type 2 diabetes pill significantly cuts risks By Linda A. Johnson The Type 2 diabetes pill Jardiance, launched last August, sharply reduces chances of dying in diabetic patients at high risk of heart complications, a study shows, making the medication the first shown to lengthen diabetics’ lives. The study found Jardiance reduced deaths from heart complications by 38 percent, deaths from any cause by 32 percent, and hospitalizations due to chronic heart failure by 35 percent. Heart complications prematurely kill many of the estimated 387 million diabetics worldwide, so doctors in recent years have moved from trying to reduce patients’ blood sugar to trying to prevent cardiovascular complications. The results were particularly striking because nearly four-fifths of the participants were already taking standard medicines to control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, plus taking either Jardiance or a dummy pill. Lilly and German partner Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. funded the study, which included 7,020 patients in 42 countries who were followed for about

three years, on average. In September, the drugmakers announced their study showed cardiovascular deaths were lower in participants taking Jardiance than those given a dummy pill, in addition to standard heart and diabetes drugs. Detailed results were released simultaneously at a European medical conference and in the New England Journal of Medicine. “Patients who took this drug had basically a 1-in-3 chance of avoiding death,” said Dr. Silvio Inzucchi, director of the Yale Diabetes Center and a professor at Yale School of Medicine. He was part of the committee overseeing the study.

Pricey, but cost-effective Given the savings from averting costly hospitalizations, Jardiance should appeal to insurers as well as doctors and patients, even with a wholesale price of $343 per month — among the most expensive for diabetes medicines. Heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular damage kill about half of Type 2 diabetes patients, as excess sugar in their blood steadily damages the heart and

blood vessels, along with other organs. For those at high risk of heart complications — people who’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, have blocked arteries or suffer chronic heart pain — diabetes and heart disease together on average shorten life expectancy by 12 years after age 60, according to a five-decade British study that included about 690,000 people. The Jardiance study, called EMPA-REG, found the drug reduced by 14 percent the combined number of nonfatal heart attacks, nonfatal strokes and deaths due to heart complications in study participants. Those outcomes are typically analyzed as a group in studies involving heart risks. “It’s a quite impressive study,” given the results and number of patients and countries included, said Dr. Yogish Kudva, a Mayo Clinic diabetes specialist not involved in the research. Kudva noted one riddle: While many deaths and hospitalizations were prevented, the number of nonfatal heart attacks and strokes didn’t decrease significantly. Inzucchi said researchers are still analyzing study data and may uncover an explanation, but additional research on Jar-

diance and similar drugs may be needed.

How the drugs work Drugs in the class, called SGLT2 inhibitors, help the kidneys excrete more sugar from the blood through urine. Others include Johnson & Johnson’s Invokana and AstraZeneca PLC’s Farxiga. Merck & Co. is testing another one. Jardiance brought its manufacturer Lilly just $30 million in sales from January through June; privately held Boehringer Ingelheim hasn’t disclosed its revenue. Sanford Bernstein analyst Dr. Tim Anderson wrote to investors that the study should help all the SGLT2 drugs slightly reduce sales of other classes of Type 2 diabetes drugs over time, though patients usually take multiple types at once. He tripled his forecast for 2020 sales of Jardiance to $2.7 billion. SGLT2 drugs shouldn’t be taken by patients with kidney damage. Side effects include dehydration, low blood sugar, urinary tract infections, a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis, bone fractures and, most commonly, yeast infections. — AP

Midlife obesity may mean earlier Alzheimer’s By Lauran Neergaard One more reason to watch the waistline: New research says people’s weight in middle age may influence not just whether they go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, but when. Obesity in midlife has long been suspected of increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health took a closer look and reported that being overweight or obese at age 50 may affect the age, years later, when Alzheimer’s strikes. Among those who eventually got sick, more midlife pounds meant an earlier onset of disease. It will take larger studies to prove if the flip side is true — that keeping trim during middle age might stall later-in-life Alzheimer’s. But it probably won’t hurt. “Maintaining a healthy BMI at midlife is likely to have long-lasting protective effects,” said Dr. Madhav Thambisetty of NIH’s National Institute on Aging, who led the study reported in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

About 5 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, a number expected to more than double by 2050, barring a medical breakthrough, as the population ages. Alzheimer’s starts quietly ravaging the brain more than a decade before symptoms appear. With a cure so far elusive, researchers are hunting ways to at least delay the disease, and lifestyle changes are among the possible options.

checked the records of nearly 1,400 participants who had undergone regular cognitive testing every year or two for about 14 years; 142 of them developed Alzheimer’s. The researchers checked how much those Alzheimer’s patients weighed when they were 50 and still cognitively healthy. They tracked BMI, or body mass index, a measure of the ratio of weight to height. Every step up on the BMI chart predicted that when Alzheimer’s eventually struck, it would be 6 1/2 months sooner. In other words, among this group of Alzheimer’s patients, someone who had been obese — a BMI of 30 — during middle age, on average had their dementia

“Every step up on the

BMI chart predicted that when Alzheimer’s eventually struck, it would be 6 ½ months sooner.”

More weight, earlier dementia To explore obesity’s effects, Thambisetty’s team turned to the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, one of the longestrunning projects to track what happens to healthy people as they get older. They

strike about a year earlier than someone whose midlife BMI was 28, in the overweight range, Thambisetty explained. The threshold for being overweight is a BMI of 25. The Alzheimer’s study didn’t track whether the patients’ BMI fluctuated before or after age 50. There’s no way to know if losing pounds after that age made a difference in dementia risk, although a healthy weight is recommended for many other reasons.

Brain changes also found Some of the Baltimore Longitudinal study participants underwent brain scans during life, and autopsies at death. Those tests found people with higher midlife BMIs also had more of the brain-clogging hallmarks of Alzheimer’s years later, even if they didn’t develop dementia. The study adds to previous research See OBESITY, page 11

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Supplement with Vitamin D, not calcium By Kristen Rapoza Like many women, you may have memorized the minimum daily calcium requirement — 1,000 milligrams a day for women ages 50 and younger and 1,200 mg. for women over 50 — and followed it faithfully in an effort to preserve your bones. You’ll probably be surprised to learn that many health authorities don’t agree with that recommendation. Dr. Walter Willett, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, thinks you’re likely to do just as well on half as much calcium. “Essentially, I think that adults do not need 1,200 mg. of calcium a day,” he said. “The World Health Organization’s recommendation of 500 mg. is probably about right. The United Kingdom sets the goal at 700 mg., which is fine, too. It allows for a little leeway.”

Why we need calcium

Obesity

the Alzheimer’s Association, who wasn’t involved in the work. Meanwhile, the Alzheimer’s group has long recommended a healthy weight: “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain,” Snyder noted. — AP

From page 10 linking midlife obesity to a risk of Alzheimer’s, but it’s the first to also find those brain changes, a clue important to examine further, said Heather Snyder of

Adequate calcium is necessary for good health, and not just because it’s a major component of our bones. It also plays a vital role in keeping our organs and skeletal muscles working properly. The body gets the calcium it needs for basic functions by releasing the calcium stored in our bones into the blood through bone remodeling — the process by which bone is constantly broken down and rebuilt. Because bone density drops when bone breakdown outpaces bone formation, scientists reasoned that maintaining an adequate level of calcium in the blood could keep the body from drawing it out of the bones. In the late 1970s, a couple of brief studies indicated that consuming 1,200 mg. of calcium a day could preserve a postmenopausal woman’s calcium balance.

Based on those studies, in 1997 an Institute of Medicine panel raised the recommendation for calcium intake from 800 mg. to 1,200 mg. a day for women over 50. That wasn’t a sound decision, Dr. Willett said: “The recommendation was based on calcium balance studies that lasted just a few weeks. In fact, calcium balance is determined over the course of years.” Moreover, there wasn’t any evidence that consuming that much calcium actually prevented fractures. Nonetheless, the recommendation has been carried forward since then.

trials involving thousands of postmenopausal women have sought to determine how calcium intake affects the risk of hip fractures. In each study, women were randomly assigned to one of two groups — one to receive supplements of calcium and vitamin D (to aid calcium absorption) and the other to get placebo pills. After several years, the researchers looked at the number of hip fractures in each group. Here’s what they found: Calcium and vitamin D supplements don’t prevent fractures. That finding came from two British studies reported in 2005.

Doesn’t help, could hurt In the past two decades, several clinical

See CALCIUM, page 12

“I want to get back to my job, my grandkids, my life.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

301-354-4600

After an illness, injury or surgery, you need someone by your side more than ever—a team of professional caregivers whose sole mission is to help you return to the life you love most. You tell us your rehabilitation goals and we’ll partner with you to create a holistic wellness plan that is tailored to you. Whether you want to get back to golf, gardening or the grandkids, we can help you do that confidently, efficiently and comfortably.

• Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy

9701 Veirs Drive | Rockville, MD 20850 | 301-354-4600 | www.mypotentialrehab.org The Village at Rockville is sponsored by National Lutheran Communities & Services, a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, serving people of all beliefs.

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Calcium From page 11 It was substantiated by a 2006 report from the Women’s Health Initiative, which showed that 18,000 postmenopausal women who took a supplement containing 1,000 mg. of calcium and 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D were no less likely to break their hips than an equal number who took a placebo pill, although the density of their hip bones increased slightly. Even that small change might have been due to the vitamin D rather than the calcium. High calcium intake — from either food or pills — doesn’t reduce hip fracture risk. This was the conclusion of a 2007 report by Swiss and American scientists who conducted an analysis of more than a dozen studies of calcium.

Furthermore, the studies revealed a couple of downsides to high levels of calcium supplementation (but not to calcium obtained through a regular diet): 1. An increased risk of kidney stones. In the Woman’s Health Initiative, women taking the calcium-vitamin D combination had a higher risk of developing kidney stones than those who got the placebo. Although high levels of dietary calcium are thought to offer some protection against kidney stones, high doses of calcium from supplements may promote stone formation by increasing the amount of calcium that is eliminated in the urine. 2. An increased risk of heart attack. In a randomized study of 1,471 postmenopausal women conducted in New Zealand, 21 of 732 women who took 1,000

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

mg. of calcium a day had heart attacks, compared with 10 of 736 who received a placebo. A 2010 analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials also linked calcium supplementation with an increased risk of heart attack. Some researchers have speculated that calcium supplements may contribute to heart disease by increasing blood levels of calcium, which can cause arteries to stiffen and blood pressure to rise.

Vitamin D harder to get Vitamin D is also essential for healthy bones. In fact, the daily vitamin D requirement was first introduced to help prevent rickets — a condition in which developing bones are soft and can become bowed — in children. Vitamin D is made in the skin through exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. However, the amount produced varies widely from person to person. People with darker skin produce less vitamin D than lighter-skinned people. And in all populations, the skin’s ability to convert sunlight to vitamin D declines with age. Plus, if you follow the advice to reduce your risk of skin cancer by keeping covered and wearing sunscreen, you’re also cutting your vitamin D production. Such variability has made it difficult for researchers to tell how much vitamin D people make in addition to the amount they consume in supplements.

Evidence from studies that have measured blood levels of vitamin D indicates that levels in the high-normal range are optimal for building bone. To reach those levels may require taking 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day. One thing the studies have taught us is that both calcium and vitamin D are essential to building bone. The question is how much of each. Dr. Willett recommends going lower on calcium and higher on vitamin D than the guidelines suggest — 500 to 700 mg. a day of calcium and 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D. At that rate, you can probably get all or most of your calcium from food, especially if you have a serving or two of dairy products daily. If you can’t tolerate dairy, you should still be able to get 300 mg. a day in your diet, and can take a low-dose calcium supplement to make up the rest. By keeping your supplement consumption to 500 mg. or less a day, you should avoid the possible risk of heart disease and kidney stones suggested by the studies. Although vitamin D is added to milk and some other foods, you’ll probably need a supplement to be sure you’re getting enough. A capsule containing 800 to 1,000 IU should do the trick. — Harvard Women’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

November 2015

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As an expert in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village Campus. Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org. Gentle yoga classes Mondays & Wednesdays, 3-3:45 p.m. Six-week session: $89 • Walk-ins: $8.50 per class Enjoy the health benefits of yoga in this class for beginners and those with stiffness or movement limitations. All poses may be done using a chair. Support for the caregiver seminar: Becoming an Alzheimer’s whisperer A Loving and Gentle Approach to Challenging Behaviors November 10, 2-3 p.m. Learn to calm the fears of the person caught up in the disease while entering their world and healing their broken spirit. Discover the link between brain damage and specific challenging behaviors—and interventions to manage them. FREE. Register by November 8.

Living Well Seminar: Medicare 2016 - what you need to know to get the best benefits November 4, 7-8:15 p.m. Get answers to questions such as “What do Medicare A and B cover?” and “What state and federal programs am I eligible for?” Seminar preceded by complimentary light supper at 6:30 p.m. FREE. Register by November 2. Alzheimer’s support group November 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this free group provides support, understanding and helpful information for caregivers and those touched by this disease. Confidentiality assured.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Health Shorts Low-nicotine cigarettes may help smokers quit A new study might help the push for regulations to limit nicotine in cigarettes. Smokers who switched to special low-nicotine ones wound up smoking less and were more likely to try to quit, researchers found. The study only lasted six weeks, and researchers call the evidence preliminary. But they say it’s the first large study to show that slashing nicotine, perhaps below an addiction threshold, is safe and leads to less smoking. The Food and Drug Administration was given the power in 2009 to mandate lower nicotine levels if it would help public health, but has not yet done so. “This, I think, provides support” for lowering nicotine, said one study leader, Dr. Neal Benowitz of the University of California, San Francisco. “What our study shows is that it’s feasible,” and that people won’t smoke more

regular cigarettes to compensate, he said. Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The FDA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse paid for the study. Two study leaders have advised companies that make smoking cessation aids, and two testified in tobacco lawsuits. Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease and cancer. Tar and other substances inhaled through smoking make cigarettes deadly, but the nicotine in tobacco is what makes them addictive. Some earlier work suggests they might not be if nicotine was limited to roughly 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco. Most cigarettes contain around 15.8 milligrams per gram of tobacco. There are no low-nicotine cigarettes on the market. The government made special ones with several lower nicotine levels to test. The low-nicotine users in the study were a little more likely to smoke some regular cigarettes in addition to the ones provided in the study, yet the overall number of cigarettes smoked and nicotine levels were lower in those groups. All low-nicotine cigarette users reported fewer symptoms of nicotine dependence See HEALTH SHORTS, page 15

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Nov. 10

DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS PANEL Arden Courts Memory Care Community presents “Navigating Your

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Health shorts From page 14 on various standardized tests. The study was not intended or designed to get smokers to quit. But twice as many in the low-nicotine group than those smoking standard-strength cigarettes — 35 percent versus 17 percent — said they had tried to quit in the month after the study ended. A longer study is under way to see whether a gradual or abrupt shift to lownicotine cigarettes is best.

Concerns about implanted heart valves Doctors have discovered a potential problem involving implanted heart valves that hundreds of thousands of people have

received: They don’t always open and close properly, possibly because a blood clot has formed that could raise the risk of stroke. Although the problem appears common, experts stressed that not enough is known about the situation to change practice now, and federal health officials say the valves still seem safe and well worth the risk. But it’s bound to be unsettling for people with bioprosthetic aortic valves — those made from cow, pig or human tissue. They have become more popular than mechanical ones made from synthetic materials because they don’t require lifelong use of blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Also, some tissue valves can be placed through tubes into blood vessels rather than through open-heart surgery, which has allowed far more people in recent years to have bad valves fixed. The safety concern emerged last year in a study testing a tube-placed valve. Scans on two patients, including one who had a

stroke, revealed that their valves were not working right. Dr. Raj Makkar, the doctor at CedarsSinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles who led the study, wanted to know how widespread this was. In a report published by the New England Journal of Medicine, he and others say the problem has now been found in 22 of 55 (40 percent of) patients in the study, and in 17 of 132 (13 percent of) patients in two registries tracking tissue valve recipients. The initial study was testing a valve from St. Jude Medical, but the problem has now been seen in other brands too,

BEACON BITS

Nov. 18

CARING FOR CAREGIVERS

Montgomery College’s Workforce Development & Continuing Education presents “Caring for the Caretakers,” a lecture series for caretakers of people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Participants will meet, learn and network with other caregivers in Theater 1 at Montgomery College, located at 7600 Takoma Ave., Takoma Park, Md. To reserve a seat, contact Debbie Juneja at (240) 567-5678.

Closer to Home -

and with valves implanted surgically, not just those placed through tubes. That suggests the issue could affect many people, although it’s unknown if the risk occurs soon after the implant or lasts longer. Makkar said patients who recently received a tissue valve can talk with their doctors and see if imaging is being offered to check for the problem — it is at his hospital. “These devices are life-saving,” Makkar said. “The worst thing that could happen is that people get the wrong idea” and are afraid to have a valve fixed. — AP

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Caregivers get by with help from friends By Meghan Streit When you’re caring for a sick spouse or parent, it can be difficult to find time to enjoy hobbies, exercise, or even schedule routine appointments such as dental checkups. As a result, caregivers sometimes suffer from depression, increased anxiety and deteriorating health. Diane Everett figured out a way to free up her time and reduce her stress. Her husband, Tom, was diagnosed in 2007 with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. A few years ago, Everett, 61, started using the website Lotsa Helping Hands (www.lotsahelpinghands.com) to streamline her communication with family and friends, and to tap into her social network for help. Caregivers use Lotsa Helping Hands to create personalized websites where they can post updates about a loved one’s medical condition, and request assistance with tasks such as driving to medical appointments or mowing the lawn. Friends must be specifically invited to access the website by the caregiver, to ensure users’ privacy. When Everett posts a request for help, all of the members of her Lotsa Helping Hands community receive an e-mail alert. “Sometimes I will say, ‘I need a couple of meals this week, and Tom doesn’t eat onions, and he’s having trouble chewing red meat,’” Everett said.

If Everett’s family and friends can help with a specific task, they simply click a link to sign up. That lets the other community members know the request is fulfilled. “Now, I don’t have to make a million phone calls or leave messages,” Everett said. “It’s the most amazing time saver.”

Make coordination easy Lotsa Helping Hands is one of several sites that help caregivers coordinate care. Brooks Kenny, the site’s executive vicepresident, said 76,000 “caring communities” of family and friends lend help to caregivers. One reason the site is catching on, Kenny said, is that it enables caregivers to turn vague offers of help into practical, tangible assistance. When a well-meaning friend offers to help, most caregivers are reluctant to follow up. But a caregiver who uses Lotsa Helping Hands can refer friends and relatives to her website. Kenny said the most common requests are for meal drop-off and transportation. Caregivers might ask for someone to walk the dog or shovel snow. Or the caregiver could ask for people to take turns visiting with the person who is ill so that the caregiver can attend her book club or hit the gym. “The caregivers we work with say, ‘I had no idea so many people cared,’ or ‘I had no idea it wouldn’t feel funny to have some-

one drop off a meal,’” Kenny said.

More sites that can help CareFlash (www.careflash.com) is similar to Lotsa Helping Hands. Founder Jay Drayer created the site in 2006 after his own caregiving experience. In addition to a calendar function where caregivers can ask for help, CareFlash includes a “social storytelling” module where family, friends and the ill person can upload photos and record audio stories. Drayer said that it can be comforting for the sick person to listen to the stories, and the family can keep the module when the person dies. It’s also a way to preserve family history. CaringBridge (www.caringbridge.org) is

another popular site for caregivers. It was launched in 1997 primarily as a tool for people to update friends and family about a loved one’s illness or recovery. In 2012, CaringBridge added SupportPlanner, where caregivers can request assistance with chores. Many caregivers use CaringBridge to post medical updates and read well wishes from friends and family members, said Sona Mehring, the website’s founder and chief executive officer. “It’s a great communication tool to let people know what’s going on. Friends can leave messages to show their support as well as sign up for tasks. Being able to connect is very therapeutic for caregivers.” © 2015, Kiplinger. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Snoring causes and solutions are many If your spouse or sleep partner often seems bleary-eyed and resentful in the morning, you may be one of the millions of adults who snore habitually — a condition that affects twice as many men as women. Snoring occurs when your upper airways narrow too much, causing turbulent airflow. This, in turn, makes the surrounding tissues vibrate, producing noise. “Snoring is a sign that there is a really narrowed space,” said Dr. Sanjay Patel, a sleep disorder specialist at Harvard-affili-

ated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “That happens either in your nasal passages or in the back of your throat.” Some men are snorers because they have excess throat and nasal tissue. Others have floppy tissue that’s more likely to vibrate. The tongue can also get in the way of smooth breathing. Once the source of the snoring is identified, you can take appropriate steps to dampen the nightly din. These include not drinking alcohol at night, changing sleep posi-

tion, avoiding snore-inducing medications, and addressing causes of nasal congestion.

How to alleviate snoring Here are some factors that contribute to snoring and what you can do to alleviate them. Alcohol. Alcohol, a muscle relaxant, can slacken the tissues of your throat while you sleep. “We see this all the time,” Patel said. “Spouses say the snoring is tolerable except for the nights when their partner has had a couple of beers.” Body weight. Extra fat tissue in the neck and throat can narrow the airways. Losing some weight could help to open the airways if the person is overweight or obese, although many people who are lean also snore. Medications. Medications that relax muscles can make snoring worse. For example, tranquilizers such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) can have this effect. In contrast, antihistamines may actually alleviate snoring by reducing nasal congestion. Nasal congestion. Mucus constricts the nasal airways. Before bed, rinse stuffy sinuses with saline. If you have allergies, reduce dust mites and pet dander in your bedroom, or use an allergy medication. If swollen nasal tissues are the problem, a humidifier or medication may reduce swelling. Sleep position. When you lie on your

back, slack tissues in the upper airways may droop and constrict breathing. Sleeping on your side may alleviate this. You can also try raising your torso with an extra pillow or by propping up the head of the bed a few inches. Smoking. Men who snore are often advised not to smoke, but the evidence this will help is weak. Needless to say, there are already plenty of other good reasons to quit smoking.

Anti-snoring products Many products claim to help with snoring, but few of them are backed by solid research. One potentially effective option is wearing an anti-snoring mouth appliance, which pulls the jaw (along with the tongue) slightly forward to open the upper airway. An appliance made by a dentist can cost around $1,000. Do-ityourself kits cost much less, but may not be as well tailored to your mouth. Nasal-dilating strips are inexpensive and harmless, and some small studies suggest they may help reduce snoring. You apply these adhesive strips across your nose at bedtime to help to open up the nasal passages. Breathe Right is one well-known brand, but there are many others available at relatively low cost. If you are unsure what to do about snorSee SNORING, page 20

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Snoring From page 18 ing, a physician can advise you and also make sure your snoring is not related to an underlying sleep disturbance, common in

men, called obstructive sleep apnea. “The louder the snoring, the more likely it is to be related to sleep apnea,” Patel said. “Not all men who snore have sleep apnea, but if their snoring is frequent, loud or bothersome, they should at least be evaluated.”

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Outpatient surgical options Try the more conservative steps described above before considering one of these outpatient surgical procedures to alleviate snoring: LAUP. In laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, the physician uses a carbon dioxide laser to shorten the uvula (the hanging dongle of soft tissue in the back of the throat), and also to make small cuts in the soft palate on either side of the uvula. As these nicks heal, the surrounding tissue stiffens. Palatal implants. Also known as the Pillar procedure, this treatment involves

implanting up to three matchstick-sized plastic stiffening rods into the soft palate. The rods help prevent collapse of the soft palate that can trigger snoring. Somnoplasty. Also known as radiofrequency tissue volume reduction, somnoplasty uses radio waves to heat and shrink soft tissue that vibrates during snoring. It takes a few minutes to perform and doesn’t cause bleeding, but it may have to be repeated to achieve results. — Harvard Men’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 8

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Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington presents a seminar on alcoholism, drug abuse, compulsive overeating, gambling and other addictions on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to recognize the signs and hear from a panel of experts. This event takes place at the Young Israel Shomrai Emunah synagogue social hall, located at 1132 Arcola Ave., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, visit www.bikurcholimgw.org.

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Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington presents a free seminar on cataracts on Thursday, Nov. 19 at Friendship Heights Village Center from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. with speaker Dr. Howard Weiss, of Washington Eye Physicians and Surgeons. Learn what you should know before getting surgery. The center is located at 4433 South Park Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. To register and reserve a light lunch, call (301) 656-2797.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Can exercise help those with brain injuries? By Barbara Ruben Whether a traumatic brain injury is the result of a car accident, fall or other mishap, the brain damage often causes problems with moving and balance, as well as thinking and emotions. Some patients also experience agitation, anxiety and depression. According to recent research, exercise may be able to alleviate some of these problems. A study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation earlier this year found that aerobic exercise helped improve cognitive function, although improvement wasn’t found in sleep quality or depression. A 2014 study in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation showed exercise improved cardio-respiratory fitness and diminished fatigue.

Volunteers sought Researchers at the National Institutes of Health are continuing to examine how ex-

ercise can best help people with traumatic brain injuries. A clinical trial now taking place at NIH’s Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md., is seeking people to participate in a six-month study of either low- or high-intensity exercise to see how it might help physical and psychological symptoms. Those in the study must have experienced a “non-penetrating” brain injury at least 12 months ago. They should be between 18 and 79 years old. Participants should be physically inactive, but must be able to stand and walk without help. Those who are unable to do any exercise cannot participate. They can be smokers, but must be able to refrain from smoking for four hours prior to exercising. Patients cannot take part if they have a history of heart or pulmonary disease, except for well-controlled asthma. They also cannot have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

Before starting the study, participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, and blood and urine tests. They may have a balance test. They will then be assigned to a high-intensity or a lower-intensity exercise program. All participants will exercise for 30 minutes three days a week on elliptical machines for a period of three months. They will then continue with the study without exercising for three months. Participants will also have three outpatient testing visits lasting approximately

eight hours. This visit will include blood tests; tests for memory, attention and thinking; and tests of walking and balance. They will also have an MRI, which takes images of their brain, both while breathing regular air and air containing more carbon dioxide. Compensation may be offered for time and travel. For more information about the study, or to volunteer, contact Sara Sadeghi at the NIH Clinical Center at (301) 451-7529 or sara.sadeghi@nih.gov.

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Greater Washington Area Age 55+ Free electronic hearing tests will be given during the month of November at select locations in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Tests have been arranged for anyone who suspects they are losing their hearing. Such persons generally say they can hear but cannot understand words. Testing with the latest computerized equipment will indicate if you can be helped. Everyone, especially adults over 55, should have an electronic hearing test at least once a year. If there is a hearing problem, hearing tests may reveal that newly developed methods of correction will help, even for those who have been told in the past that a hearing aid would not help them. If you suspect you have hearing loss, call for a free hearing test appointment. Our licensed specialists are trained in the latest auditory testing methods and will be the first ones to tell you if you don’t need a hearing aid. If you do have a hearing loss, we will explain your results and provide you with a list of options.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

New grandparents’ ecstasy (and agony) I haven’t yet had the pleasure. But I imagine that nothing is quite as great as becoming a grandparent for the first time.

Studying that small face to see if...hey, maybe...ya think?...he looks like you. Reliving what it was like to have a newborn.

AL ! I ECENT P S V E

Realizing that your DNA will live long son needed a few days with no one but them. Good for his psyche. Good for theirs. beyond you. So, real sorry, Grandma And watching your own and Grandpa. We’ll let you child become a parent. know when we want you. What’s not to like? Don’t call us, we’ll call you. Alas, here’s the answer to Grandma and Grandpa tried that question: What’s not to hard to roll with this punch. like is a young couple who They knew that they probably thinks they can reinvent the would enjoy many years with early days of parenthood, cuttheir grandson, so what’s a few ting first-time grandparents weeks? out of the process. It happened recently to dear They have since met their HOW I SEE IT grandson, and all rifts are in the friends of ours. They are still By Bob Levey process of being repaired. But reeling. Throughout the nine months of pregnan- the poisonous early decision of these parents cy, they had eagerly awaited the birth of their has caused major, unnecessary ripples. Grandma was on the phone to us right grandson. The about-to-be parents gave no sign that the about-to-be grandparents would after the Don’t Visit Edict came down. She was blaming her son’s wife — even blamnot be welcome right after the birth. But when Cute Little Guy appeared over ing her son for marrying her — which will the summer, the new parents said that cast a shadow over the entire family relaNew Daddy’s parents should not visit right tionship for as far as the eye can see. During those first few rubbed-raw days, I away, because they wanted to spend the first couple of weeks bonding with their must have told Grandma 20 times that there was nothing to be gained from feeling hurt. baby — exclusively. I could well understand why she felt that Having grandparents on hand to take pictures, run errands, and offer endless way. But she’s a big girl who has been dissmiles shouldn’t have been a problem. In appointed before. Couldn’t she just take a fact, it would have been an asset. deep breath, buy Junior a whole bunch of But no, these millennial parents knew See NEW GRANDPARENTS, page 23 better. They had read somewhere that their

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(571) 982-6318 Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care

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Stop in for a personalized visit today or call (301) 570-2611 for more information.

The Information Center is located on Russell Branch Pkwy., near the intersection of Ashburn Village Blvd. and Russell Branch Pkwy. Just look for our white and green Waltonwood Bus!

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

New grandparents From page 22 blue sleep suits and carry on? “Sure, I could,” she said. “But this is our first grandchild. It might have been different if it were our third. But seeing the child when he’s three weeks old is like getting a copy of the hot new best-selling book when it’s three weeks old. Not as satisfying.” The son is caught in the middle, of course. He has acknowledged that parents-only was his wife’s idea. But he wasn’t about to countermand her, even if Grandma and Grandpa were all set to perform diaper duty and all the other rituals that firsttime parents need time and help to master.

I’m very sympathetic to Grandma and Grandpa, of course. This is their flesh and blood. They wanted — and hoped for — a strong relationship with their grandson. It could have started developing at the same time as his relationship with his parents started developing. The one doesn’t operate at the expense of the other. I’m also alarmed at the tin ear that the new parents are displaying. Do they want to cause hard feelings unnecessarily? That’s exactly what they’ve done. However, Grandma and Grandpa are well-positioned for revenge. Let’s say new Mom and new Dad call up in a year or so, and say that they really-really-really want to take a weekend by themselves in Timbuktu. Wouldn’t Grandma

and Grandpa please watch their grandson while they frolic? Sports fans, this is why serial dentist’s appointments were invented. But there’s a better form of vengeance on the horizon. You’re reading it. I’ve urged Grandma and Grandpa to cut

out a copy of this column and share it with their grandson in about 15 years. Then, the three of them can laugh together — at the expense of their mutual antagonists. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 10

ABCs OF GLAUCOMA

The Aging Eye & Macular Degeneration Network and Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington present a seminar on glaucoma, featuring guest speaker Dr. Hari Mylvaganam, on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Space is limited. This event will take place at MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Eye Center, located in Suite 1A-19 at 110 Irving St., Washington, D.C. To register and reserve a light lunch, call the Eye Center at (202) 877-6159.

Nov. 14

LITTLE RIVER GLEN ANNIVERSARY

Little River Glen Senior Center in Fairfax, Va. is hosting a 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature music, activities, exhibits and more. The center is located at 4001 Barker Ct., Fairfax, Va. For more information, call (703) 503-8703.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

The role of antioxidants, phytochemicals Q: What’s the difference between an antioxidant and a phytochemical? A: Antioxidants are substances that prevent damage to cells from highly reactive, unstable molecules called “free radicals.” A balance between antioxidants and free radicals in our body is important for health. If not kept in check, free radicals lead to cell damage linked to a variety of chronic diseases. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. In laboratory studies, many phytochemicals act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and removing their power to create damage. However, lab test results don’t accurate-

ly depict effects in the body. In fact, many of the phytochemicals that show high antioxidant scores in lab tests can’t even be absorbed from the gut. On the other hand, healthful bacteria in the colon may break down many of them, forming other compounds that can be absorbed. Some phytochemical nutrients — including vitamins C and E and the mineral selenium — seem to block free radicals directly not only in the laboratory, but within the human body, too. Phytochemicals and the compounds that form from them seem to act in a variety of ways to protect health. Some can increase cancer cells’ tendency to self-destruct; others may stop carcinogens before they have a chance to begin the process of

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FALL E VE NTS AT O L N E Y A S S I S T E D L I V I N G

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Tuesday, November 10th (Second Tuesday of Each Month) 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Share stories, learn coping strategies and get the support you need, with facilitator Lisa R. Garcia, MSW, LCSW-C

FALL GALA - Celebrating our First Anniversary Thursday, November 12th 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres

ASK THE EXPERT: LUNCH AND LEARN DEMENTIA: How to make the best decisions when no choice seems right Tuesday, November 17th !"#$%&'%#()*+,*-(()*.*/&!$!)%'%#()*+,*0*+123*4565*

cancer development. They may also block more behavior change and weight loss, or the development of new blood vessels tu- whether the people more prepared to change behavior were the ones mors need. Some fight inflammore consistent in weighing mation. themselves. Many phytochemicals also But it does no good to weigh seem to support our body’s yourself more than once a day; ability to balance antioxidants all you see are shifts in water and free radicals. The human balance. For some, this behavantioxidant defense system inior can be a sign of developing cludes a complex network of an unhealthy obsession with enzymes and other compounds weight. working with one another and Many factors influence with antioxidant nutrients supNUTRITION whether weight checks help plied by food. you. Don’t use weight checks as The important take-home WISE By Karen Collins, fuel for self-criticism, but as message from today’s refeedback on the effects of research is that we need a wide MS, RD, CDM cent eating and activity choices. variety of plant foods in our In other words, it’s not just getting a diet to get the full spectrum of phytochemicals available to protect our health. Load- number that is helpful, but what you learn ing up on any one phytochemical or antiox- as you take a few minutes to think about why your weight did or did not change. idant just isn’t the same. Q: How often should I weigh myself? Then make plans accordingly for behavior A: How often is likely different for each choices you want to make over the next person, but overall research suggests that few days. Consider how weight checks have regular weighing can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. A recent analy- worked for you in the past, and perhaps ses of studies concluded that checking discuss frequency of weighing with your your weight somewhere between daily and healthcare provider or a registered dietiweekly helps prevent weight gain and sup- tian to decide what will work best for you at this particular time in your life. ports weight loss. The American Institute for Cancer ReRegular weighing can act both as a reminder to continue behavior changes you search offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800make, and as a way of catching and revers- 843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday ing small weight gains before they become through Friday. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and big ones. In one study of people trying to lose cancer. A registered dietitian will return weight, those who checked their weight your call, usually within three business days. Courtesy of the American Institute for daily lost more weight and changed more eating and exercise habits even compared to Cancer Research. Questions for this column may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., people who checked several times a week. However, in studies like this, it’s not clear NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot whether checking weight more often led to respond to questions personally.

Caring for your aging parent or loved one? It’s not all up to you. Call us.

With Dr. Steven Simmons, MD CALL (301) 570 - 0525 TO RSVP FOR ANY OR ALL OF OUR FALL EVENTS.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

One-pan Mediterranean chicken with kale Wondering what to make with fresh kale you just bought and chicken legs and thighs in the freezer? How about cooking these with canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, fresh garlic and Italian seasoning — probably staples in your cupboard — for a quick, delicious, one-skillet dinner! Kale, you may be surprised to learn, was the most widely eaten green vegetable in Europe until the Middle Ages. Then cabbage usurped it. In fact, kale was so commonly consumed in nineteenth century Scotland that the word kail was used as a term for “dinner.” Even now, when someone is too sick to eat, they are said to be “off one’s kail.” Today, this cruciferous vegetable is one of the most popular greens in the United States because it is packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients such as isothiocyanates and flavonoids that lower cancer risk. Kale is more than just healthy; it is also delicious with a slightly sweet-bitter flavor. Kale combined with tomatoes, garlic and Italian seasoning flavors otherwise plaintasting chicken with Mediterranean cuisine qualities — aromatic, rich and earthy. Chicken thighs and legs, though slightly higher in fat, have more flavor than breast meat; even more so when cooked with the bones. Being able to pop the whole skillet creation into the oven makes this dish convenient to cook and easy to serve. The tender chicken falls off the bones and melts in your mouth, as does the kale. Serve this recipe with warm, crusty wholegrain rolls or bread to soak up the deli-

cious vegetable sauce.

Skillet Chicken with Kale Serves 4 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil, divided 4 chicken legs (about 1 lb.), skinless 4 chicken thighs (about 1 lb.), skinless 4 cloves fresh garlic, chopped 1 package (16 oz.) pre-cut fresh kale, divided ½ tsp. salt, divided Freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning, plus ½ tsp. 1 can (14.5 oz.) no salt added fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained 1 ¾-2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown, 2 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add remaining oil and sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add half the kale and half the salt and sauté about 2 minutes until kale is wilted, stirring constantly. Add remaining kale and salt and cook about 2 minutes until kale is wilted, stirring constantly. Add a few grinds of fresh pepper and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Stir in tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil. Turn off heat. Arrange chicken over kale. Spoon broth over chicken. Season chicken with a few more grinds of pepper and remaining Italian seasoning. Cover and bake 55 minutes. (If not using ovenproof skillet, transfer kale mixture to casserole dish, top with chicken, add seasonings, cover and bake.) To serve, divide kale among four wide soup or pasta bowls and top with chicken.

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Just Press Play! If you can’t visit us in person, take a virtual tour! Explore FriendshipTerrace.org and discover all that our community has to offer, including testimonial videos from residents, interviews with our staff, and much more. When you’re ready to stop by, call us at 202-244-7400 (TRS 711) to schedule your in-person visit.

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1-800-643-3769 DC RELAY SERVICE • 1-800-643-3768 TTY 4201 Butterworth Place, NW, Washington, DC 20016

If you prefer less broth, save leftover broth for another soup or stew. Per serving: 345 calories, 16 g. total fat (3 g. saturated fat), 19 g. carbohydrate, 33

g. protein, 3.5 g. dietary fiber, 464 mg. sodium. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

People can change, or sometimes not Dear Solutions: trouble is, I have a very good memory. A woman who I knew many, many What do you think? years ago has just moved — Emma into my community. I was Dear Emma: never very friendly with her, Actually, Emma, a very but some of my friends at good memory is one that can that time played cards, and remember what to remember some played mahjong with and knows what to forget! her. Unfortunately, she was I understand your dilemma. found to be cheating in both However, has anyone asked games, and no one would you anything about this woman play with her anymore. since it was “many, many” years Now I understand that she ago? You don’t know what she is about to join an ongoing SOLUTIONS may have learned, or how she card game in our neighbor- By Helen Oxenberg, may have changed over the hood, and I’m in a quandary. MSW, ACSW years. I know it was many years The women in the game she ago, but do people ever really change, is about to enter are surely smart enough and should I warn the other card play- and mature enough to recognize any ers? wrongdoing and make their own decisions I don’t want to be mean to her or un- about how to react. fair to the other women, so I don’t know So, Emma, remember that you’re a comwhether to say anything or not. The passionate person — or you wouldn’t feel

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this as a dilemma — and remember to feel good about yourself. Dear Solutions: How do I tell the truth without hurting someone’s feelings, or alternatively, how do I lie without feeling guilty? Our friends have a very nice vacation house with plenty of room. They keep inviting us to come and spend some time there, but up until now my husband wouldn’t go, and I kept making excuses. My husband doesn’t really like her husband, and he hates to sleep in anyone else’s house, but she’s a very old and dear friend of mine. Now my husband says he’ll go to please me, but he won’t sleep there, and he doesn’t care if I blame it all on him. I don’t know what to say to them. — Gail Dear Gail: Since he’s willing to please you, do as he says — blame it all on him. Tell them he’s hung up about where he lies down. He feels uncomfortable in someone else’s house and needs privacy. Get a motel room in the area, and spend daytime with them and nighttime in the private room with that person you blamed it all on. You don’t have to mention that he doesn’t like her husband. It will probably show even if you don’t tell, so in the future you may not have to lie at all. On the other hand, you could go visit by

yourself while your husband stays in his own bed — happily, I would guess. Dear Solutions: I’m a strict vegetarian and a good cook. I’ve just been invited to a nice dinner party that I want to attend. The hostess is preparing a big feast. Since these people are not vegetarians, I know they’ll be serving meat and poultry, etc. I have a wonderful vegetarian dish I make, and I’m wondering if I can bring it to the dinner. If so, should I bring enough to let others taste it also? How should I handle this? — Jack Dear Jack: No. Don’t be a pusher, and don’t rain your vegetables on her parade. Call the hostess and explain your situation. Ask for her permission to bring one main dish for yourself. Be firm in insisting that she should not make anything special for you. If anyone at the table questions you, explain quietly that you’re a vegetarian and leave it at that. Don’t proselytize and don’t get into a discussion about vegetables vs. meat, etc. Just be a good egg — uh, I mean eggplant! © Helen Oxenberg, 2015. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Celebrating 40 Years

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 11

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

DEPUTY MAYOR’S MESSAGE By Brenda Donald Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Interim Director, D.C. Office on Aging November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA), we value and appreciate the effort and time that all caregivers put into taking care of their loved ones. Their sacrifice, support and love give seniors and persons living with disabilities the opportunity to age in their own communities. According to the Caregiving Action Network, 95 million people — 39 percent of the U.S. population — provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend. The Alzheimer’s Association states more than 15 million are caregivers for individuals who suffer with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We want to make sure you know about the many valuable services DCOA provides not only to seniors and persons 18 to 59 who are living with disabilities in the District of Columbia, but also to their caregivers. We know these services go a long way in helping residents remain in the community for as long as possible.

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative The D.C. Office on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative was launched in 2014 to expand supportive services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) and their caregivers, and individuals with ADRD living alone. DCOA offers the following programs:

Memory Care Page Check out DCOA’s Memory Care Page for up-to-date information on resources and programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. You will find the District’s first-ever Alzheimer’s State Plan, new pilot programs, and educational resources to assist you and your loved one experiencing dementia.

Saturday Respite DCOA’s Saturday Respite Program gives a four-hour break to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease-related disorders, and of people with dementia, which includes adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. Participants engage in interactive

and stimulating activities with other participants and program volunteers.

Citywide Money Management Program Iona Senior Services Citywide Money Management Program provides skill building and representative payee services to those living alone with ADRD. This program assists with maintaining participants’ placement in the community, reduces the need for nursing home placement, and minimizes the risk for financial exploitation.

Club Memory DCOA continues to expand Sibley Memorial Hospital’s “Club Memory” program across the city through DCOA’s six Senior Wellness Centers. Club Memory is a stigma-free social club for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s, Mild Cognitive Impairments, or other forms of dementia, and their spouses, partners and caregivers.

Behavioral Symptom Management Training Program DCOA hosts our Behavioral Symptom Management Training Program throughout the year for professional and family caregivers. This program promotes understanding of ADRD, how to navigate long-term care options, and managing behavioral issues. I also encourage each of you to inquire about other supportive services within our Senior Service Network. These include: Adult Day Health Centers, Flex Spending/Respite Relief Program, case management services, and linkage to several in-home support services. For more information about these and other programs, please contact the DCOA Information Referral and Assistance unit at (202) 724-5626 or visit our website at www.dcoa.dc.gov. Caregivers work tirelessly to provide care for their loved ones day in and day out. We want to make their job a little bit easier by ensuring that they are armed with the tools to provide care, and that they receive the necessary respite to keep themselves healthy, too. During National Family Caregivers Month, I encourage you to salute and thank the caregivers in your life. My hat goes off to each and every one of them!

November 2015

Jumpstart for Young Children Partners with DCOA Community Corps engages older adult volunteers in service to young children. Community Corps members are partnered with children at under-resourced preschools to deliver this innovative program. In spring of 2013, Jumpstart for Young Children D.C. launched the Community Corps program to expand its reach beyond its five university partners to support even more young children and partner with the D.C. Office on Aging. Leveraging the culture of commitment and service of older adults in our target communities allows Jumpstart to deliver significantly more service potential in Washington, DC. Over the course of the academic year, Community Corps members commit 200 hours of service to their community at Noyes and Langdon Elementary Schools.

Pictured, Corps Members are currently going through an extensive two weeks of pre-service training before entering classrooms to impact and inspire the lives of preschoolers the first week of November.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Qs and As About Medicare Open Enrollment What’s the Medicare open enrollment period? Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year — things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all

people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. How do people know if they need to change plans? People in a Medicare health or pre-

scription drug plan should always review the materials their plans send them, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If their plans are changing, they should make sure their plans will still meet their needs for the following

year. If they’re satisfied that their current plans will meet their needs for next year and it’s still being offered, they don’t need to do anything. Where can people find Medicare plan information or compare plans? 1-800-MEDICARE or Medicare.gov.

D.C. Office on Aging Services Lead Agencies

Adult day care services

Office on Aging Lead Agencies provide caregiver support, case management, respite care, and provide supplies for caregivers in the District. To find out more, contact the agency in your ward for details.

Adult day care programs provide specialized care for dependent individuals at risk of going into an institution. Services may include medical, social, therapeutic and recreational support in a supervised setting. Meals and transportation are provided. There is no fee for service. However, donations are encouraged.

Terrific Inc. 1222 T St. NW, D.C. 20009 Service Area: Ward 1 202-387-9000

IONA Senior Services 4125 Albemarle St. NW, D.C. 20016 Service Area: Wards 3, Foggy Bottom 202-966-1055 Terrific Inc. 1220 L St. NW, Ste 800, D.C. 20036 Service Area: Ward 2 202-595-1990 Terrific Inc. 418 Missouri Ave. NW, D.C. 20011 Service Area: Ward 4 202-882-1824 Seabury Ward 5 Aging Services 2900 Newton St. NE, D.C. 20018 Service Area: Ward 5 202-529-8701 Seabury Ward 6 Aging Services 901 A St. NE, D.C. 20002 Service Area: Ward 6 202-397-1725

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative 3917 Minnesota Ave. NE, D.C. 20019 Service Area: Ward 7 202-534-4880 Family Matters of Greater Washington 4301 9th St. SE, D.C. 20032 Service Area: Ward 8 202-562-6860

Center Care Day Treatment Program Washington Center for Aging Services 2601 18th St. NE, D.C. 20018 202-541-6150 / 202-541-6153

Downtown Cluster’s Day Care Center Asbury Methodist Church 926 11th St. NW, D.C. 20002 202-347-7527

Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Day Care Program 4817 Blagden Ave. NW, D.C. 20011 202-723-8537 Isabella Breckinridge Center 4125 Albemarle St. NW, D.C. 20016 202-895-0238

Healthcare/in-home support Healthcare and in-home support services are provided to help seniors in the community maintain their independence and avoid premature institutionalization. Call for further information. AL-CARE 1234 Massachusetts Ave. NW Suite C, D.C. 20005 202-638-2382 Fax: 202-638-3169 DC Caregivers’ Institute 1234 Massachusetts Ave. NW Suite C-1002, D.C. 20005 202-464-1513 Fax: 202-638-3169

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative Heavy Housecleaning 3917 Minnesota Ave. NE D.C. 20019 202-534-4880 Fax: 202-388-7691 George Washington University Health Insurance Counseling 650 20th St. NW D.C. 20052 202-994-6272 Home Care Partners 1234 Massachusetts Ave. NW Suite C-1002, D.C. 20005 202-638-2382

Interfaith Caregivers Program (S.O.M.E.) 1667 Good Hope Rd. SE D.C. 20020 202-797-8806 Ext. 1304 UDC - Institute of Gerontology Respite Aide Program 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW Building 32, Rm. 203, D.C. 20008 202-274-6623 Washington Center for Aging Services (Respite) 2601 18th St. NE, D.C. 20018 202-541-6200

Seabury Connector transportation services Seabury Connector takes Washington, DC residents age 60 and older where they need to go, such as: medical appointments, including dialysis and cancer treatment; social service agencies that can assist with gaining access to public benefits such as Social Security, housing assistance and the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and group shopping trips for 10 or more. Seabury Connector Transportation 2601 18th St. NE, D.C. 20018 Reservations: 202-727-7771

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Day Care Center The Legacy of Quality, Compassionate Care Continues, 40 Years and Still “Aging Strong” Many caregivers in the District who are working, raising families and providing care at home for older adults turn to Adult Day Care Programs for assistance. Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Day Care Center has been providing quality, life sustaining services to frail older adults in the District for 40 years.

Honoree Roberta Flack is pictured with Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Day Care Center Executive Director Thomye Cave at the 40th anniversary gala for the center.

The vision started with Elois H. Jones. As chair of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations, Jones brought to them the idea of starting a geriatric day care when news reports and articles about countless seniors abandoned and stripped of their identification on street corners and emergency rooms surfaced. Rev. Jack McClendon, then pastor of New York Presbyterian Church, was also very instrumental in the early days and during the development of the center. The first funds were received after a grant submission to the Office on Aging in 1975, the same year the agency was created as a stand-alone entity. “We thought maybe [seniors were being abandoned] because they couldn’t work and care for their loved ones, and thought that if there was appropriate healthcare available that it would be a help to them,” said Jones about the vision for the center. “It is going to be needed more and more in the future.” Downtown Cluster’s recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a benefit gala at the Washington Naval Catering and Confer-

ence Center. Hundreds gathered to attend the event, including participants and their family members, many dressed in their after-5 attire, sparkling and shinning in rhinestones and sequins and dressy suits and tuxedos. The event included a silent auction with vacation packages, tickets to sporting events, artwork and jewelry. Caregivers also spoke, providing words of thanks to the center for the care their loved ones received daily. Awards were also given to persons labeled as “Unsung Heroes” for their commitment and service to the center. A special honored guest at the event was the Grammy Award winning artist Roberta Flack, who spoke of her work in the community and with the arts during her acceptance. Aisha Karima, director of Community Affairs for NBC4 Washington and Mistress of Ceremonies for the event, was honored for her commitment to the Downtown Cluster’s and her efforts to get the message out about the center. Other Unsung Heroes included Ann Gilliard, Moretha Johnson, Alana Prince and Li Thompson. The Board of Directors also surprised Executive Director Thomye Cave with an Unsung Hero Award, flowers and a monetary gift for her leadership and sacrifice over the years. They also surprised her by having all four of her children and their spouses at the event, the furthest coming from Miami, Fla., to celebrate with their mother. Also during the gala, the future Elois H. Jones Therapeutic and Aging Services, Inc., named after the 90-year-old founder, was announced. “I am very honored that they even thought about it. I hope that it helps take the message out throughout the community that we are here and not going any place,” said Jones proudly. “If we had a building of our own, than we could expand our care. We have always shared a space.” The center has been looking to expand, but real estate in the area is very costly, and they have not seen anything that fits the program or is in their price range. The center currently shares space in Asbury United Methodist Church, located at 926 11th St. NW, where the pastor is Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills. Its former home since inception was Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church. Like her own mother, “a very hands-on

Caregiver Conversations Seabury Resources for Aging and Sunrise on Connecticut offer Caregiver Conversations each month at Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue (5111 Connecticut Ave. NW). This month’s conversation will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, and next month’s will be from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17. In 2016, the regular monthly conversations will move to the fourth Thursday of each month. These sessions are for anyone caring for a family member or friend with dementia. The conversations are participant driven, though there is a potential topic for each meeting. Please join us to share experiences and resources. Each conversation is led by one of Seabury’s geriatric care managers. For more information, call 202-364-0020.

parent,” Jones oversaw the development of the center and through its ups and downs worked closely with its progress, serving as Chairman of the Board for many years until she faced some health challenges. The Lexington, Miss., native’s parents moved to the District so that Jones could attend Howard University as a music major. “They had to be here so my mother could tell me when to come home,” said Unsung Hero Aisha Karimah (center) is presented Jones, explaining her mother’s with an award. Also pictured are (left to right) hands-on nature. Thomye Cave, executive director of Downtown The pianist, who could read Cluster’s Geriatric Day Care Center; James Nero, music but “couldn’t always feel treasurer of the Board of Directors; Elois H. Jones, it,” found love and got married, chairperson of the Fundraising Committee; and Lisa raising four daughters. She Hawkins, president of the Board of Directors. started her employment career with the Veterans Administration and am very proud and very happy that we worked for several agencies within the fed- have lasted so long when so many others eral government. She also worked for sev- have come and gone.” Jones is also very proud of the leadereral years for a community health foundation that received funding from Health, Ed- ship of the executive director, Thomye ucation and Welfare, now the federal gov- Cave. The center has art, occupational, ernment agency Health and Human Serv- physical and recreational therapies in the ices. For many years, Jones served on the regular programming for the participants, executive board of Sibley Hospital in addi- who are aged 61 to 100 years young. There tion to her duties as Chairman of the are also various support programs available for caregivers and family members, Board at Downtown Cluster’s. including youth ages 9 to 21 years of age. The center has been recognized three times by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of D.C.’s Best Small Charities (for 2004, 2010 and 2014). They have also been selected twice as Community Hero by WUSA News 9. “It has been a great place for people to come when they need help,” concluded Jones. She recently published a book of poetry, Second Choice, written by her friend Gaynelle Evanti Reed Lewis. She and her friend both enjoyed poetry and helped each other with the writing over the years. Each agreed that whoever died first would Elois H. Jones helped launch Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Day Care Center 40 publish the other’s work. In May, Jones was years ago and was honored at the cenable to come through with that promise, ter’s recent gala. and the book is now available on Amazon. For more information on programs fund“Being in existence since 1975, I think ed by the D.C. Office on Aging and provided God has to have something to do with it,” at Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Day Care said Jones when talking about the center. “I Center, call 202-347-7527.

Caregivers Respite Escort Service for Transportation (CREST) Caregivers Respite Escort Service for Transportation (CREST) provides free assistance to D.C. residents 60 years of age or older who need help preparing for, and traveling to and from, medical appointments. Space is limited and should be scheduled at least five to seven days in advance. Clients arrange for transportation, such as through Seabury Connector or MetroAccess, that allow aides to ride for free (if taking bus/cab, client must pay for the aide’s fare). Call 202-0638-2382 for more details.

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar November 3rd • 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. DCOA’s informational table of resources and services geared toward area seniors will be available in the cafeteria at the U.S. Post Office located at 9201 Edgewood Dr. in Capitol Heights, Md. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

3rd • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adas Senior Fellowship invites you to a Community Wellness & Informational Fair for resources and flu shots. This event will take place at 2850 Quebec St. NW. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

4th • 9 a.m. Seabury Ward 5 is having an Advisory Council Meeting at 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, call 202-529-8701

5th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd will give the State of the Ward 4 Senior Address at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, located at 501 Riggs Rd. NW. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

5th • 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. DCOA’s informational table of resources and services geared toward

area seniors will be available in Room 2800 at the Curseen-Morris Postal Facility, located at 900 Brentwood Rd. NE. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

5th to Dec. 17 • 4 to 6 p.m. Iona Senior Services invites you to “Take Charge of Your Aging 101” at 4124 Albemarle St. NW. In the six-week course, experts will explain meaningful choices in retirement, financial and estate planning, brain and memory fitness, emotional wellness, creative and long-term care housing options, and nutrition. The cost is $110, but scholarships may be available. For more information, contact Emily Lootens at elootens@iona.org or 202-895-9420.

12th • 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The D.C. Office of Disability Rights is hosting the 2015 Disability Awareness Exposition at Kennedy Recreation Center, located at 1401 7th St. NW. For more information, contact Kali Wasenko at Kali.Wasenko@dc.gov or 202-481-3880.

13th • 10 a.m. MedStar presents a colon and rectal seminar and screening at the Seabury Resources for Aging’s Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, located at 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, call 202-529-8701.

Mayor’s Annual Senior Holiday Celebration Thursday, December 10 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. D.C. Armory | 2001 E. Capitol St. SE

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Interim Director Brenda Donald Editor Darlene Nowlin Photographer Selma Dillard The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actu-

21st • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free legal workshop on life and death issues. Hear individuals from the DC Office on Aging, private attorneys, and a legal clinic from Catholic University Law School discuss estate planning, advanced medical directives, reverse mortgages, end-of-life planning, public benefits and more, at Nativity Catholic Church, 6001 13th St. NW.

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church is holding its 11th annual Community Fair & Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner. This event will take place at the Overlook, located at 602 N St. NW. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

14th • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gethsemane Baptist Church Women’s Ministry is hosting a Community Health, Wellness & Informational Fair at 5119 4th St. NW. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

17th • 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Save the Date!

Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher.

14th • 9:30 a.m. to noon

al or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

DCOA’s informational table of resources and services geared toward area seniors will be available in the conference room in Bethesda-Westlake Postal Facility, located at 10421 Motor City Dr., Bethesda, Md. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

23rd • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 2nd Annual Community Health, Wellness & Informational Fair will take place at the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, located at 1901 Evarts St. NE. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

25th • 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Safeway and other community partners will provide a free Thanksgiving meal for in-need families and residents, following a job fair and health screenings, at the metro-accessible Washington Convention Center, located at 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW. Free bus transportation will also be available. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

AFFORDING LONG-TERM CARE Save money by making tradeoffs, such as a lower inflation adjustment IN THE SHORT-TERM Short-term care insurance costs less, but you get what you pay for GOOD NEWS ON RMDs New annuity rules let you minimize required minimum distributions BETWEEN JOBS Teens and older adults share many of the same woes when looking for work

Volunteers looking forward to tax season By Rebekah Sewell Mark Willen has always submitted his own tax returns, and thought the task of filling out his Form 1040 each year was surprisingly enjoyable. “I found it so different from the work I did professionally,” he said. When Willen, 68, retired from a career as a journalist, reporter and editor, he looked around for a way to give back to the community and discovered the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program. AARP created the program in 1968 to assist low-income taxpayers and older adults with their tax returns. The program is run entirely by volunteers, the majority of whom are retirees. The service is free, and available not only throughout the Washington metropolitan area, but around the country. It includes thousands of volunteers nationally. In Montgomery County alone, where the program partners with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), there are more than 120 volunteers. Volunteers are required to undergo

training and pass a series of tests each year to certify them to help with filing federal and state tax returns. For first-time volunteers, the training is quite rigorous, consisting of a full week in early January. “It’s challenging,” admitted Willen. Returning volunteers take a much shorter refresher course, which includes an introduction to any policy changes.

Volunteers needed for 2016 The Tax Aide program operates in full force only during tax season, but the hours put in by volunteers can be significant. Volunteers are only required to commit four hours per week, but Willen and another volunteer, Don Christoferson, each typically dedicate over 20 hours a week. Willen spends most of his tax-season work helping two types of taxpayers: largely independent and retired seniors living at Leisure World, and lower-income workers residing in Wheaton, Md. Christoferson, 66, became interested in the work immediately following his retire-

ment in 2009 from a senior management executive position at the National Institutes of Health. After a 37-year career, he wanted to spend a lot of time volunteering. Christoferson also volunteers with the Washington Metropolitan Ear, reading publications aloud for those who are visually impaired. Though most of the Tax Aide staff are retirees, Christoferson explained that flextime workers might be able to manage working and volunteering at the same time. The program also has evening sessions and Saturday locations, which could accommodate volunteers with a work schedule. The “major roadblock” for a full-time worker would be the need “to take off the time necessary to do the training,” he said.

One-on-one meetings Tax counseling volunteers meet with their clients in private, one-on-one meetings at various locations. Sessions are scheduled in one-hour blocks, which provide opportunities for the clients to supply

Tax Aide counselors with the necessary information, and for the counselors to help prepare and submit the return. “Tax law is frankly quite complicated,” Christoferson, said. “Every person, every taxpayer has a little bit of a unique situation.” Clients are asked to bring last year’s tax returns, Social Security cards or other official documents, bank statements and photo identification to their first session. If applicable, they should also bring a W-2 from their employer, investment statements from their broker, evidence of educational expenses, and pertinent business documents if they own a business. If working, “a W-2 is absolutely required,” Christoferson said. “It holds a lot of data that we can’t complete the form without.” Montgomery County’s program is organized and coordinated by volunteer Lynn Kinch, who joined more than six years ago. After retiring, her training in IT helped Kinch learn the software program See TAX AIDES, page 32

Should investors flock to European stocks? By Stan Choe Europe has been a land of disappointment for years for investors. But now they can’t get enough of it. Investors are so hot for the continent that made “debt crisis” and “austerity” everyday terms that they’ve plowed more than $30 billion this year into mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that focus on European stocks — a relatively niche category that has $81 billion in total assets. The move is part of a broader migration into foreign stock funds and away from many U.S. stock funds, which have been some of the best performers since the financial crisis. Several motivations are behind the shift, including the desire to make portfolios less U.S.-reliant and more like the global stock market. The fits and starts for European stocks in recent years have also opened up another attraction, particularly when compared against a U.S. market that has gone nearly straight up for years until recently: Vive la valuation.

“I think it’s a fairly logical shift: People are seeing more value outside the U.S. than inside the U.S.,” said Rob Lovelace. He is a senior member of the management committee of Capital Group, whose American Funds family is home to some of the largest international stock funds. The flows into Europe have been erratic. When worries have flared about Europe’s debt troubles, Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine or how European exporters will cope with a weak global economy, dollars have headed out of the region. Those risks remain, as does the possibility that a weaker euro could dilute returns for U.S. investors. Here’s a look at what’s attracting investors to European stock funds, as well as things that need to be considered before joining the crowd.

Moving away from “home bias” Invest in what you know. It’s a phenomenon around the world, and people tend to invest heavily in stocks from their home country. That’s why foreign stocks make

up small portions of many U.S. investors’ portfolios, even though they make up close to half the global market. That’s changing. Investors pulled a net $7 billion from U.S. stock funds from the beginning of this year through August, according to Morningstar. They pumped nearly $210 billion into international stock funds over the same time.

Valuations are cheaper The surge for U.S. stocks since 2009 means they’re more expensive relative to how much profit they’re producing. The S&P 500 set a record high this summer, and trades at about 16 times its expected earnings per share. European stocks, meanwhile, have been on a bumpier ride. The MSCI Europe index is still about 30 percent below its peak from before the Great Recession, in dollar terms. The relatively listless performance means the MSCI Europe index has recently traded at 14 times its expected earnings. While that’s not screamingly cheap, it’s

less pricey than the United States.

Europe’s economy is improving After shrinking in 2012 and 2013, the euro area’s economy returned to growth last year. This year, growth is set to accelerate to 1.5 percent, and the International Monetary Fund expects it to improve again next year to 1.6 percent. That’s lower than the expected U.S. growth rate of 2.8 percent in 2016, but Europe’s economy is earlier in its recovery. The European Central Bank is still in stimulus mode, while the Federal Reserve has already halted its bond-buying program and is discussing when to raise interest rates.

Profits are playing catch-up Profitability for European companies is well behind U.S. companies. If they can close that gap, European stocks have room to rise, said Dan Ison, portfolio manager at the Columbia European Equity fund. See EUROPEAN STOCKS, page 33

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Tax aides From page 31

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used to submit tax returns. Kinch also makes sure that volunteers receive all the training and certification necessary to participate in the program and assist their clients.

Opportunities beyond filing taxes These days, Kinch pulls double duty as a counselor and coordinator of the program. Some of the volunteers she hires serve as schedulers, and are responsible for taking calls and scheduling appointments. There are also customer service-oriented volunteers, who greet clients upon their arrival at sites and “help organize their materials and fill out their intake forms, which tell us about their financial situation,” Kinch said. The volunteers “have a variety of experience,” she said. “You must be familiar with [Internet] browsers, have some experience with the Form 1040 for individual tax returns, and with using software, since we use a software package to file.” Regardless of their roles, the program’s volunteers often say they enjoy the work because of its emotional fulfillment. “We’ve done the first tax return after a spouse dies or after someone went into nursing home. [Our work is] people-oriented,” she said. Christoferson has also gotten choked up over his work, especially with a working couple who both took on additional fulland part-time jobs to put their daughter through school and to pay their mortgage. “They were an incredibly hardworking couple; I couldn’t help but admire their work ethic,” he said. “To realize that people

like them are the bedrock of the middle class for the U.S. is really quite amazing.” Their clients are certainly appreciative, and at times have gotten emotional themselves. “They’ve been so grateful they got the assistance that they teared up,” said Christoferson. And for Willen, the program has helped him keep some “social context” after retiring. “You’re not getting out and going to work every day, and that can be a little isolating,” he said. “I really enjoy getting out, talking to people, and helping with what seems to them these massive, complicated problems, and just showing them there are ways through it.” To learn more about the Tax Aide program, visit the website www.aarp.org/ money/taxes/aarp_taxaide. For information about how to volunteer in Montgomery County, visit www.montgomeryserves.org/tax-aide and click “volunteer information” or email montgomerycountytaxaide@gmail.com. Upcoming volunteer orientations are scheduled on Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, Md., and Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, Md. To schedule an appointment with a counselor in Montgomery County for the upcoming tax season, call (240) 777-2577. The program begins counseling appointments in February. For more information about the Northern Virginia Tax Aide program, contact Emerica Thomas at emethomas@gmail.com. Email Bill McElrath, vze4csbe@verizon.net, for information about the Tax Aide program in Washington, D.C.

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European stocks From page 31 Corporate profits usually set records during each economic cycle, and that’s been the case in the United States during this expansion. But European corporate profits are still below where they were before the 2008 financial crisis. Now that Europe’s economy is slowly improving, Ison expects earnings growth to accelerate. That has him looking for companies that do lots of business within Europe to benefit from the growth. His fund owns construction and media companies, for example. One of its biggest holdings is Ryanair, a discount airline that serves leisure travelers around Europe.

Currency and other risks One danger of dropping the “home bias” is that investors may introduce a new form of risk to their portfolios. When the euro or

Swiss franc fall in value, it can erode or even wipe out returns for investors counting their performance in dollars. The MSCI Europe index has returned 3 percent this year in local-currency terms, for example, but only 0.2 percent in dollars. Some funds “hedge” to blunt the effect. The WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity ETF and other hedged funds have become popular. But if the dollar ends up falling against the euro, unhedged funds will get a boost from the currency move while hedged funds won’t. Europe is also still working through its debt troubles, and each upcoming political election could fan further worries. Even bigger issues may be tensions with Russia and Europe’s economic ties with emerging markets. China’s economic growth is slowing sharply, which is striking fear into European exporters of luxury goods, cars and other products. — AP

BEACON BITS

Nov. 21

INVESTMENT CLUB MEETING The Washington Metro Investment Club is having an open house

meeting on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the McCourt Building, located at 1 County Complex Ct. in Woodbridge, Va., at 4 p.m. The group is comprised of a small group of novice investors that meets monthly to learn about current trends in investing. For more information, call Ken Wright at (703) 801-1465.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SURVEY NEEDS YOUR INPUT Montgomery County is asking residents age 55 and over for their

thoughts about the county as a place to live and retire. The anonymous survey takes 15 minutes. The results of the survey will be used to plan the upcoming County Executive’s Summit on Aging in Montgomery County, which will focus on ways to make Montgomery County a better community. To access the survey in English, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/agefriendlymc; for Spanish, visit https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/agefriendlymc-es.

Nov. 12

PAYING FOR HOME CARE Arlington County presents a free financial seminar on paying for home care services on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Walter

Reed Senior Center. Learn how to defray the costs of home care, caregivers and nurses from Maria Roberts, community liaison manager at BrightStar Care. For more information or to register, call (703) 228-0949.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Ways to afford long-term care coverage By Kimberly Lankford No matter how carefully you plan for retirement, if you don’t have long-term care insurance, a catastrophic illness could wipe out your savings. The average private room in a nursing home costs $250 per day — or $91,250 per year — according to Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care study. Costs are typically considerably higher in this metro area. The median cost of assisted living is now

$43,200 a year, and the cost of hiring a homecare worker is $20 per hour, or more than $41,000 per year for a 40-hour week. (The average length of care is about three years.) Medicare provides little coverage for long-term care, and Medicaid kicks in only after you’ve spent almost all of your money. In the past, you could buy long-term care insurance to cover most of the potential costs. But those fully-loaded policies have become incredibly expensive. Today,

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a healthy 55-year-old man would pay nearly $6,870 per year for a Genworth policy that pays $200 per day for five years and increases the benefits by 5 percent compounded each year. Single women now pay about 50 percent more than single men. And premiums can spike after you buy the insurance, as they already have for many people.

Save money with trade-offs Making a few tweaks to your coverage can save thousands of dollars in premiums and still protect a portion of your retirement savings. “I try to strike a balance,” said Sam McPherson, a certified financial planner in Brooklyn, N.Y. McPherson looks at the average cost of care in his clients’ area at www.genworth.com/costofcare, then gets price quotes for a policy that would cover a portion of the costs. “If the average daily cost of a home health aide is $113 in your area and the cost of a private room in a nursing home is $195 a day, think of [getting a policy] covering $150 per day,” he said. The same 55-year-old man would pay only $1,534 per year for a Genworth policy that covers $150 a day for three years with a 3 percent compound inflation adjustment. That less-expensive Genworth poli-

cy would provide up to $164,250 in coverage (in today’s dollars) when you multiply the daily benefit by the benefit period. But some trade-offs are a better deal than others. Changing the inflation adjustment delivers the biggest savings. You need to have some inflation protection, especially if you buy coverage in your fifties or sixties and may not need care for 20 years or more. Nursing home rates have increased by 4 percent annually over the past five years; assisted living and home care costs have risen 2 percent a year or less. But insurers have jacked up premiums for 5 percent inflation protection because their own investments are earning low interest rates. Our 55-year-old man would pay $2,666 more per year, or $4,200, if he chose the 5 percent inflation adjustment instead of 3 percent. “That cost differential is too drastic for most people,” said Brian Gordon, president of MAGA Ltd., a longterm care specialist in Riverwoods, Ill. Shortening the benefit period saves money, but probably wouldn’t provide enough coverage for a degenerative condition, such as Alzheimer’s. Couples can hedge their bets by buying a shared-benefit policy. Instead of, say, a See LONG-TERM CARE, page 36

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Why consider short-term care insurance? By Eleanor Laise When it comes to long-term care planning, some consumers are starting to think short term. People who can’t qualify for — or can’t afford — long-term care insurance are increasingly turning to short-term care policies, which offer benefits for up to one year. Short-term care policies have lower premiums and looser underwriting standards than long-term care policies, making them more accessible to people with health problems. But patients who end up needing extended care will find that these policies are sorely lacking. And short-term care policies may not cover all the levels of care that a long-term policy would cover. Some short-term policies only cover home care, while others will pay only for care in a facility. Short-term care policies, offered by carriers such as MedAmerica, Kemper and Equitable Life & Casualty, have been around for years, but are gaining renewed attention as long-term care insurance premiums have climbed sharply in recent years. And wealthier consumers who apply for long-term care coverage are often declined for age or health reasons. Short-term care insurance is “your plan B option,” said Jesse Slome, who runs trade groups for both long- and short-term care insurance. While long-term care insurance is your best bet if you can afford it and meet the health qualifications, Slome said, “some insurance is better than no insurance.”

Is it worth it?

Comparing policies

But some in the industry are more skeptical that short-term care policies offer real value to consumers. If you can afford to pay short-term care insurance premiums, you may well be able to afford care in the short term without bothering with insurance. A 64-year-old in Nebraska, for example, can get a policy that will pay a $120 daily benefit for 100 days for an annual premium of $312, according to a quote provided by Premier LTC Brokerage, in Norfolk, Neb. If he pays premiums for 20 years before making a claim, he has paid $6,240 for a maximum of $12,000 worth of benefits. Some short-term care policies offer even lower benefits of $50 per day — just a fraction of a facility’s cost. Older consumers should also remember that Medicare often foots some of the bill for short-term care, said James Glickman, president of Life Care Assurance, a Woodland Hills, Cal., long-term care reinsurer. If you need rehabilitation in a nursing home following a hospital stay of at least three days, Medicare may cover most of the costs for up to 100 days. Many people who want to purchase some form of coverage may find shortterm care is their only option. Those who are declined long-term care coverage as a result of conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, for example, may be eligible for short-term care insurance, said Barbara Stahlecker, national marketing director at Premier LTC Brokerage.

Although it’s difficult to make direct cost comparisons between short- and longterm care coverage, given their varying benefits, Slome offers an example of how much older couples might expect to pay for each type of policy. A 60-year-old couple can get a short-term care policy that provides $150 in daily benefits for up to 360 days, with a 30-day elimination period, for $1,235 annually, he said. (The elimination period is the number of days between the time you become eligible for benefits and when the insurer starts paying.) The couple would pay $2,170 a year for a long-term care policy that provides the same daily benefit for up to three years, with a 90-day elimination period.

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A benefit for single women: Unlike longterm care insurance, which often charges single women 20 to 40 percent more than single men, short-term care insurance offers unisex pricing. Short-term care policies also require you to jump fewer hurdles before collecting benefits. For example, long-term care policies generally won’t pay benefits unless your doctor certifies that for at least 90 days you’re going to need help with at least two “activities of daily living,” such as bathing and dressing. Short-term care policies typically don’t have the 90-day requirement. All contents © 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Long-term care From page 34 three-year benefit period each, they’d have a pool of six years to use between them. Adding this benefit costs an additional 15 to 22 percent. Extending the waiting period before benefits kick in can also lower the premi-

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

um, although you’ll have to pay the full cost of care before your insurance covers anything. Policies with a 90-day waiting period tend to offer a good balance. But look for a “calendar day” waiting period. That starts the clock ticking as soon as you qualify for care, either because you need help with two activities of daily living or have cognitive impairment. A “service

day” waiting period has the same benefit trigger but counts only the days you receive care (the average person receives home care 3.5 days per week, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI). Some insurers, such as Genworth, charge about 15 percent extra for a policy with no waiting period for home care.

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Annual premiums are lower when you’re younger, although you’ll pay them longer. “To me, the sweet spot for buying long-term care insurance is in your late fifties and early sixties,” said McPherson. But it becomes more difficult to qualify for coverage as you get older. In 2014, some 21 percent of people in their fifties who applied for coverage were denied; 27 percent of those in their sixties and 45 percent in their seventies were turned down, said the AALTCI. Most insurers now perform medical

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exams, which may include cognitive assessments for applicants who are older than 60, said John Ryan, a long-term care specialist with Ryan Insurance Strategy Consultants, in Greenwood Village, Colo. Some companies may charge more if you have a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s or heart issues, added Gordon. It helps to work with an agent who deals with several insurers and knows which ones have the best rates. Gordon often works with Mutual of Omaha, MassMutual, Genworth, John Hancock and Transamerica. Before applying, he asks the insurer if it will cover the person’s condition. You can find a long-term care specialist at www.aaltci.org. A few insurers, such as New York Life and Northwestern Mutual, sell only through their agents. Along with the coverage trade-offs, you’ll need a plan to tap your income and savings if you have to pay for some care out of pocket. Scott Sadar, a certified financial planner in Portland, Ore., said his clients identify which investments they plan to sell if they need money to pay for long-term care, and they often use products such as deferredincome annuities to provide additional income when they are likely to need care. [See “New annuity type can minimize your RMDs,” on page 37.] Another option is to add a chronic-care rider to a permanent life insurance policy, which boosts premiums by about 10 percent but lets you tap your death benefit early if you need long-term care.

Tax-smart ways to pay premiums Several tax breaks for long-term care premiums can help you stretch your dollars. If you have a “tax qualified” long-term care policy (most policies sold today are), you can withdraw money tax-free from a health savings account to pay premiums for yourself and your spouse. The amount is based on age. If you’re 40 or younger in 2015, you can each withdraw up to $380 tax-free for long-term care premiums; $710 if you’re 41 to 50; $1,430 if you’re 51 to 60; $3,800 if you’re 61 to 70; and $4,750 if you’re 71 or older. If you don’t use HSA money for longterm care premiums, you can count the same amounts outlined above toward the tax deduction for medical expenses. If you’re 65 or older, medical expenses are tax-deductible in 2015 after they exceed 7.5 percent of income (the threshold is 10 percent if you’re younger). You can also pay long-term care premiums with a tax-free transfer (called a 1035 exchange) from the cash value of a life insurance policy or annuity. All contents © 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

New annuity type can minimize your RMDs By Kimberly Lankford Most retirees have two big concerns: outliving their savings and paying taxes on their withdrawals. Now there’s a way to deal with both of those issues. A new type of annuity, called a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC, lets retirees lock in income in the future and avoid taking taxable required minimum distributions (RMDs) on as much as $125,000 of their retirement savings. QLACs provide a tax-advantaged twist on deferred-income annuities (also known as longevity insurance), which insurers have offered for several years. You usually invest in these annuities when you’re in your sixties in order to receive guaranteed lifetime income starting 10 or 20 years down the road. But until recently, you couldn’t delay that long if the money you invested came from an IRA or a 401(k), because such accounts require that you start taking withdrawals at age 70 1/2. “We saw a tremendous cluster of people taking the payouts at age 70,” said Ross Goldstein, managing director for New York Life, which has a popular deferred-income annuity. “They had no choice.”

New rules last year The Treasury Department changed the rules last year, permitting people to invest

25 percent of the balance of an IRA or 401(k) account (up to a total of $125,000) in a QLAC without having to take RMDs at 70 1/2. (You’ll owe taxes on payouts, except to the extent they reflect after-tax contributions.) Nearly a dozen options from insurers, including American General, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, Pacific Life and Principal, are now available. A deferred-income annuity is one way to ensure you’ll have extra money coming in later in life, when you may need it most, said Andrew Murdoch, president of Somerset Wealth Strategies, in Portland, Ore. “A lot of people are doing this as a way to minimize RMDs,” said Murdoch. “They have enough other assets saved, and they want to defer the taxes as long as they possibly can.” Being able to count on guaranteed income in your 80s helps you plan how long the rest of your savings needs to last. It can also help pay for potential long-term care costs and other expenses. If you’re interested in this type of annuity, you can roll money from your IRA into a QLAC. Or you may be able to invest in one through your 401(k) when you leave your job without rolling it over to an IRA, although few plans offer that option yet.

Choose the features When you pick a QLAC, the key decisions are when to begin payouts and whether to include a death benefit. The longer you wait, the more you’ll get. A 65-year-old man investing $125,000 in MetLife’s QLAC, for example, will get about $33,000 per year if payouts begin at age 80; he’ll receive more than $64,000 if he delays payouts to age 85. (Women, who tend to live longer, receive less). But if you die before the designated payout

age, you’ll get nothing. Adding a death benefit, however, reduces your annual payouts. If the 65-year-old man chooses a returnof-premium death benefit, his heirs will get back the $125,000, minus any money he already received. But his annual payouts would drop to about $26,000 starting at age 80 or about $46,000 starting at age 85. Some insurers also let you continue payouts for your spouse after you die. See ANNUITY, page 39

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Teens, seniors share employment woes By Alexis Bentz Have you ever applied for a job and wondered if you’ve been turned away because of your age? You might be surprised to realize this is something that seniors and teens alike can relate to. Some employers think that because job applicants are young or old they cannot complete tasks or do things correctly and efficiently. While the overall unemployment rate in the U.S. in September was 5.1 percent, it

was 16.3 percent for teens between 16 and 19. While those age 55 and older have an official unemployment rate of just 3.9 percent, the time they spend looking for work is often far longer than younger workers, and some just end up pulling out of the workforce.

Two sides of the coin Older adults face several particular challenges. Although many seniors, especially in the Washington area, are highly educat-

ed, they may find employers that tend to ers know what they are getting. hire seniors are only offering jobs that utiOlder workers also are mature, and typilize little of their abilities. cally are very hard workers, There is a lot of competition as they were raised learning for jobs, mostly from younger the importance of effort and applicants, many of whom will hard work. In some cases, work for lower salaries. older adults may also be better Employers may also worry at communicating face-to-face that older workers won’t have because they grew up without up-to-date technology skills, or computers and social media. that they may not be flexible or Kids looking for work face able to work long hours. Some challenges, too. Some ememployers might not appreciployers think teens are too GENERATIONS ate their years of experience. young and inexperienced and TOGETHER However, if you are a senior do not have the discipline to By Alexis Bentz looking for work, don’t dedo a job well. However, kids spair. There are many reasons can offer a fresh perspective why older adults are the right choice for and, because they have grown up surthe job. Most have lots of experience in various fields, and because of this, employSee EMPLOYMENT WOES, page 39

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NEW VETERANS CABLE SHOW

County Cable Montgomery and the Commission on Veteran’s Affairs have launched a new monthly show called “Homefront” that provides information on topics and services for veterans and their families living in Montgomery County. The show’s inaugural segment features County Executive Isiah Leggett, a Vietnam veteran, discussing the programs and services the county offers. The 15-minute program airs on Comcast/RCN channel 6 and Verizon channel 30 on Sundays at 6:30 and 10:45 p.m. and on Fridays at 10:30 p.m. The show is also available for viewing on the County Cable Montgomery website at http://montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm.

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Nov. 14

FALL FESTIVAL

The Village at Rockville is holding its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features grandma’s attic, a Christmas room, and the sale of jewelry, baked goods, stamps, books, gift shop, silent auction and much more. Lunch will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $10, or $5 for lighter fare. The Village is located at 9701 Viers Dr., Rockville, Md. All proceeds benefit the residents. For more information, call (301) 424-9560.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

From page 38 rounded by computers, iPhones and tablets, they should be able to handle any technology the business may have. Also, many kids have the same qualities as members of the older generation — they are conscientious, hard working, focused and motivated. In addition, teens can be trained to the liking of the employer. Some states even offer tax benefits for hiring younger workers.

Useful steps to take

Annuity From page 37 After you choose the features, compare payouts from several insurers, which can vary by more than 7 percent, said Jerry Golden, president of Golden Retirement Advisors, an annuity consultant. You can see prices and payouts with vari-

ous options for several QLACs at www.go2income.com/qlac. Or contact insurers that sell primarily through their own agents, such as MetLife, New York Life and Northwestern Mutual. All contents copyright 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Did you know?

You may qualify for assistance in paying your home phone bill. Discounts for basic telephone service are available to eligible District of Columbia low-income residents.

Verizon Washington, D.C. Lifeline Plans: Verizon Washington, D.C.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reduced rates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one-time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customers at no charge. Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added services are not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, customers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customers who are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of $1.00 per month. • Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federal and in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change and are current at the time of printing. Contact Washington, DC Lifeline Program at 1-800-253-0846 to apply To learn more about the Lifeline program, visit www.lifelinesupport.org.

Economy II is a Lifeline supported service. Lifeline is a government assistance program. Only eligible consumers may enroll. You may qualify for Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income (gross and from all sources) is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. Proof of participation in a government assistance program requires your current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state or federal program; a notice letter or other official document indicating your participation in such a program; and/or another program participation document (for example, benefit card). Proof of income requires your prior year’s state or federal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; a statement of Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement, pension, or Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation benefits; a federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; a divorce decree; a child support award; and/or another official document containing income information. At least three months of data is necessary when showing proof of income. In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service. You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Lifeline service from Verizon or another communications provider. Lifeline service is a non-transferable benefit. Lifeline customers may not subscribe to certain other services, including other local telephone service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program.

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MANAGING MONEY Fairfax County offers financial management information through

their free publication “Managing Someone Else’s Money,” published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The programs were customized for Virginia residents and feature information on how to spot scams and financial exploitation, what to do if your loved one is a victim, fiduciary duties with tips on Virginia laws and procedures, where to get help if needed and more. Order free copies or download the guides online at http://promotions.usa.gov/cfpbpubs.html.

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No matter our age, many of us are very valuable workers and could be a great choice for the job — even though many employers fail to realize this. But you have the power to change that. If you are looking for work, I suggest you find a teen in the same situation (perhaps through a local middle or high school), get together and make a list of reasons why

your age and personal qualities would benefit an employer. You can practice with each other how to display your positive qualities to an interviewer, and give advice on being a hard worker. You can do research together at the library or online about how to prepare a resume, find a job and network. Teens can share their technology and social media skills with older adults. In turn, seniors can talk with teens about workplace etiquette and tips they have learned from decades on the job. Furthermore, you can share the feelings and emotions each of you experience when you are denied a job or the ability to do something because of your age. You can talk about ways to handle your feelings when things like this happen. So you see, there are many ways the younger and older generations can relate to each other and help each other out. Alexis Bentz is an 8th grader at Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville, Md.

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BELTSVILLE (301) 572-550 11729 Beltsville Drive BETHESDA (301) 656-2522 6917 Arlington Road BETHESDA (301) 986-9144 7809 Wisconsin Avenue BOWIE (301) 262-8400 6920 Laurel-Bowie Road CLINTON (301) 868-4055 8859 Branch Avenue COLLEGE PARK (301) 277-6114 7300 Washington-Baltimore Boulevard DISTRICT HEIGHTS (301) 736-3994 5870 Silver Hill Road, Silver Hill Plaza GAITHERSBURG (301) 948-3250 546 North Frederick Avenue GAITHERSBURG (301) 948-6886 19100 Montgomery Village Avenue GREENBELT (301) 441-8811 7607 Greenbelt Road KENSINGTON (301) 962-8092 3715 University Boulevard West

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

LANGLEY PARK (301) 434-3121 7939 New Hampshire Avenue LAUREL (301) 776-5404 15100 Baltimore Avenue NORTH POTOMAC (301) 251-0024 9920 Key West Avenue OLNEY (301) 774-6155 3110 Olney Sandy Spring Road ROCKVILLE (301) 299-3717 7955 Tuckerman Lane SILVER SPRING (301) 598-6617 2271 Bel Pre Road SILVER SPRING (301) 588-6261 1290 East-West Highway SILVER SPRING (301) 942-2300 12359 Georgia Avenue WHEATON (301) 871-7511 13729 Connecticut Avenue

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

Leisure &

RVs offer a life on the open road free of worries about finding a hotel, but they can be hard to maneuver, and they aren’t inexpensive. See story on page 43.

Beyond beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island

Land of volcanoes The major attraction for many visitors is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the five volcanoes that built up the island over millions of years can be found. This is one of the few places in the world where

people may come face-to-face with an active volcano. Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times in the past 175 years, most recently in 1984. Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano. Lava flowing from Kilauea, which has been erupting since 1983, adds about 42 acres to Hawaii Island every year. Just last year, the lava flow invaded populated areas and prompted an evacuation by some residents. Those massive mountains have another claim to fame. They measure more than 30,000 feet from their base (located far beneath the sea) to their summits, making them taller than Mount Everest. Another volcano, Mauna Kea — the name is Hawaiian for “white mountain” — at times receives a mantle of snow during winter that is adequate for skiing and snowboarding. However, skiing there is not for the timid. There are no lifts, grooming or resort, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required to reach the 13,796-foot summit. Locals call the snow “pineapple powder.” A good way to experience the park is to drive along Crater Rim Drive, which leads to several major attractions. The Jaggar Museum provides a detailed introduction to volcanoes, and the overlook outside offers a breathtaking panoramic view. The Thurston Lava Tube was formed when an underground river of molten lava ran out of its channel, and the walls cooled

PHOTO BY BIG ISLAND VISITORS BUREAU

By Victor Block On beaches with white, black and even green sand, vacationers soak up the sun. Not far away, skiers speed down the snowcovered slopes of a dormant volcano. Other people check out a surreal moonscape of hardened pitch-black lava, then hike through a lush tropical rainforest. If this sounds like a continent-wide choice of activities, that’s because the island of Hawaii in some ways resembles a miniature continent. Since it shares its name with the state, it’s often referred to as the Big Island to avoid confusion, and with good reason. It’s almost twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined — about one-third as large as Maryland. Visitors find a miniature world that encompasses virtually every kind of landscape. Cactus-dotted desert lies near rain forests. Barren lava fields contrast with waterfalls plunging into verdant valleys. Depending upon which classification system is used, Hawaii Island possesses at least eight, and possibly more, of the earth’s 13 climate zones.

PHOTO BY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY/KIRK LEE AEDER

Two-thousand-foot high cliffs tower over the Waipio Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings, where numerous waterfalls flow into rivers.

Polynesians were the original settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. Extending along the lava flats of the Kona Coast, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park is home to a reconstructed Polynesian royal compound that once served as a sanctuary for people who had angered the gods.

and hardened. The aptly named Devastation Trail leads through an area that was buried beneath a thick blanket of cinders during an eruption of Kilauea in 1959. Along with volcanoes and the usual sunand-sand vacation activities, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the island of Hawaii. For fishermen, waters off its Kona Coast are famous as the best in the world for catching giant blue marlin. Much larger examples of sea life drop by during whale-watching season, from December through May. While humpbacks have top billing, it’s also possible to spot sperm and melon-headed whales. People who prefer to keep their feet on firm ground will find a wide choice of hiking opportunities. Volcanoes National Park alone offers 150 miles of trails.

Coffee and cowboys Some visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover that coffee and cowboys are among the island’s unexpected treasures. World-renowned, and costly, Kona coffee has been grown there since it was introduced by missionaries in 1828. Today, the beans are harvested at countless tiny farms crowded into a narrow strip of land along the Kona Coast.

The rich volcanic soil, cloud cover and elevation of upland slopes combine to provide an ideal environment. A number of the small farms offer tours and tastings. A farm setting of another kind more closely fits the Big Island nickname, and adds a bit of cowboy culture to the scene. This story began in 1788, when a visitor presented a gift of five cows to King Kamehameha 1, who had consolidated his rule over the eight Hawaiian islands into one kingdom. After the monarch set the animals free, they multiplied into thousands over the next two decades, wreaking havoc with farm crops and gardens. When a Massachusetts sailor named John Parker landed on the island, he got permission from the king to shoot the wild cattle. He began selling their meat and hides, became wealthy, and eventually established a ranch that carried his name. In the 1830s, Parker contracted with vaqueros, horse-mounted cattle herders from Mexico, to tend his large herd of livestock. The local island men they trained to ride and rope became instrumental in the growth of the Parker Ranch into one of the largest cattle spreads in the United States. See HAWAII, page 42

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Hawaii From page 41 Two historic homes on the sprawling property are open to the public, and the story of the ranch is told at the visitors center.

Hawaii’s Polynesian past For history buffs, the story of the island’s past is as intriguing as what greets visitors today. The earliest settlements were established by Polynesians who arrived after a long and treacherous ocean voyage in large double-hulled canoes. Estimated dates of their arrival span hundreds of years, from the fourth to eighth centuries. Clues to the lifestyle of the ancient Hawaiian civilization abound throughout the island. They include remnants of villages, temples (heiau), agricultural mounds

and other archeological remains. Some relics — such as royal fish ponds constructed to satisfy noble palates and lava rock carvings called petroglyphs — have been incorporated into the grounds of hotels. The chiseled images depict humans, birds and other recognizable forms, as well as undecipherable lines and dots. Their precise meanings are unknown, but scientists believe that they record births, deaths and other major events, and perhaps include astronomical symbols. One of the more intriguing sites is the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, a reconstructed royal compound. Known as the “City of Refuge,” it served as a sanctuary for people who angered the gods in some way. Transgressors who were able to reach this

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

sacred place were absolved by a priest and allowed to go free. The compound encompasses temples, sacred burial places, petroglyphs and other reminders of ancient times. Another chapter of island history comes alive in the Waipio Valley, a six-by-one-mile gash in the land rimmed by 2,000-foot high cliffs over which numerous waterfalls cascade. The meandering river they create gave the valley its name, which means “curved waters.” Also known as “Valley of the Kings,” it once was home to many rulers, and contains remains of important temples. Visitors may view the valley from a small overlook, or take a guided tour into it. When not taking the opportunity to look down into deep valleys or across wide panoramas, visitors also have the ability to look up at the stars as few people have seen them. Hawaii Island is home to one of the most renowned astronomical sites on Earth. Perched above the cloud cover on the Mauna Kea volcano, 13 powerful telescopes are trained on the sky. Because of the high elevation, clear air and minimal light pollution, at night the stars overhead resemble sparkling glitter. Guided tours to the observatory include transportation, warm parkas and dinner. An opportunity to peer at stars in a way that few people ever have isn’t the major reason why most people visit Hawaii Island. It’s but one in a long list of attractions that appeal to various interests well beyond the beaches, no matter what the color of the sand.

Where to stay and eat When deciding where to stay on Hawaii Island, the perplexing but pleasant challenge is choosing from an abundance of hotels. The Kohala Coast on the northwest corner is known as the “Gold Coast” because of the string of luxurious resorts set amidst the lava landscape. While many of these properties offer similar attractions, the Hilton Waikoloa Village and Beach Resort stands out for immersing its guests in varied touches of local lore. A stretch of the 175-mile King’s Trail — which linked ancient communities, temples and other historic sites — skirts the hotel grounds. A petroglyph trail winds through a field of early rock carvings. The intriguing mile-long Museum Walkway is lined by more than 1,800 pieces of art from areas whose cultures influenced

that of Hawaii. The resort offers classes in lei making, stone bowling and other traditional activities. Even the spa gets into the act with treatments that include cane sugar, coconut milk and other traditional local ingredients. Rates at the Hilton Waikoloa begin at $199 per night. For more information, call 1-800445-8667 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com. A very different setting awaits guests at the Volcano House, the only hotel located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Situated on the site where the first hotel, a small thatched structure, was built in 1846, today’s lodging is perched on the rim of the Kilauea caldera — a crater-like depression that was formed following a past volcanic eruption. The small hotel (33 recently refurbished rooms) is designed to take full advantage of its location, with oversize windows overlooking barren lava fields and numerous steam vents, which glow reddish-orange at night. Photographs that line lobby walls and a continuous video depict volcanic eruptions from the past, and daily guided walks provide close-up introductions to various volcano-related features. Rates to stay in this unique setting begin at $285. For more information, call 1-866536-7972 or see hawaiivolcanohouse.com. At meal time, a virtual cornucopia of locally grown, caught and raised ingredients awaits hungry diners. Fruits and vegetables grown in rich volcanic soil share menus with the freshest of fish and grassfed beef. The aptly named Rim Restaurant at the Volcano House serves ample portions of stir-fried veggies from a nearby farm ($19) and pineapple-wrapped fish ($26). Budgetstretching items available in the lounge include pork and pineapple pizza ($12) and grilled prawns ($13). The imaginatively named, multi-awardwinning Kamuela Provision Company offers gourmet fare along with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and spectacular sunsets. Among its surf-and-turf choices are sesame seared ahi tuna ($45) and beer and wine braised shortribs ($42). For more information about the Big Island, call 1-800-648-2441 or visit www.gohawaii.com/hawaii-island. The least-expensive flights to Honolulu in early December start at $631 on American Airlines and Alaskan Airlines, from Dulles and BWI airports.

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Dec. 16

DECK THE HALLS DAYTRIP The Laurel Senior Friendship Club presents a one-day bus trip to

the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, Pa., on Dec. 16 to see Deck the Halls. The cost is $105 per person (due at sign-up) and includes motorcoach transportation, a smorgasbord lunch, show, tax and gratuity. The bus departs at 8 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. from the Laurel Regional Hospital employee parking lot Learn more at aarp.org/md

Maryland

“To serve, not to be served.” – Ethel Percy Andrus, Founder of AARP

off Contee Rd. in Laurel, Md. This trip is open to those over 50 years of age; you do not need to be a member of the club. For more information or to register, call (301) 206-3380, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Tips for vacationing (or living) in an RV By David Muhlbaum Recreational vehicle sales sagged during the Great Recession, but lately they have ticked back up, thanks to gas prices that have stayed below $3 a gallon for over a year. If you’ve thought about investing a small fortune in one of these mobile motel rooms, perhaps because you’re contemplating a nomadic retirement, think about renting one first to try out the lifestyle for a week or two. A number of national chains rent RVs. A weeklong rental from Cruise America, for example, typically costs about $1,000, depending on where you rent and how far you drive. Other national chains include El Monte and Road Bear. Renting is also a good option if you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to see the scenery on your next vacation.

Coping behind the wheel First, the bad news. Let’s get the driving part out of the way because it’s pretty miserable. Most rental RVs are Class C motor homes: The cab and chassis of a full-size van are merged with a big box that houses enough beds to sleep up to seven, plus a kitchen, a toilet, a shower, a television and whatever other features the builder chooses to include. For my recent RV excursion, taking my family to visit friends in Rehoboth Beach, Del., I rented a Coachman Freelander 28DS from Ace RV in Herndon, Va. The Coachman is a Class C RV, and that means no matter how nicely appointed it is in back, the front is still just a regular work van. Pull away from a stop and the engine labors loudly, joined by a cacophony of creaks and rattles as the rest of the vehicle slowly realizes that it, too, has to come along. Turning? Better swing wide (and check those mirrors). Backing up? If you’re

lucky, you’ll have a rearview camera. Otherwise, send out spotters. Crosswinds? Two hands on the wheel at all times. Crosswinds on narrow, high bridges, such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which I had to cross to get to the beach? Now we’re really sweating. As a friend of mine puts it, driving an RV is “like suddenly becoming very, very fat.” No special driver’s license is typically required to rent an RV, but that belies the complexity of operating one. At the very least, pay close attention during the how-itworks tour of your vehicle, because that’s when you’ll realize that you’re not just checking into a cabin; you’re ripping that cabin from its sewer, water and electrical lines and taking it somewhere. (Cruise America offers an instructional video for renters; you can view it on YouTube.) If the goal of your trip is to scope out using an RV as part of your retirement plan, keep in mind that most Class C motor homes (average retail price, $89,000) don’t measure up in size and amenities to the bus-style, Class A RVs (averaging $180,000) that retirees favor. If you want a taste of that life, pay the extra for a Class A rental. El Monte and Road Bear offer these for about $2,000 to $3,000 a week, as do many independents.

Camping without the bugs The campground is where the magic of an RV’s little cubbies, folding beds, tables, pull-out stoves and retractable TVs comes to life. My Coachman came equipped with “slide-outs” — sections of the RV that move outward to give you more space when you’re parked. Pushing a button to make the entire kitchen move three feet is a stunt I got to pull over and over.

But what wowed the five kids in my party was the bed over the cab, which struck them as the world’s biggest top bunk. Three of them slept up there. You can look for one of the thousands of campgrounds around the country with “full hookups” (electricity, water and even cable TV). Or you can make your RV a truly independent home-on-wheels, at least for a while: The gasoline-powered generator will make electricity for the airconditioning, and propane will fuel the

cooktop, power the fridge, and heat the water for the shower. About those bathrooms: They’re tiny, and the water flow is modest. If you’re in a campground, you’ll probably opt to use its facilities, except for middle-of-the-night bathroom needs, when rolling out of bed to use the onboard toilet sure beats scampering to the comfort station. No bugs, no bears. See RV TRAVEL, page 45

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Solo travel is starting to get some respect For many years, true solo travel was the away four years ago. When I travel now, I Rodney Dangerfield of travel: It “got no re- want my own space, not a roommate — but spect” from the industry. without a huge “single suppleStandard cruise and tour ment.” I’m sure lots of you pricing was almost always feel the same way. “per person double occupanAirlines, railways and bus cy,” or PPDO. lines have always been pretty Solo travelers were generally good to solo travelers. They told to conform to the “Noah’s price most ordinary tickets on Ark” formula: If you don’t want an individual basis. to pay an outrageous single supEven so, however, you find a plement, pair up with someone. few nods to couples. Some EuAnd if you don’t have anybody ropean rail passes sell “saver” TRAVEL TIPS to share with you, we’ll find you versions at reduced per-person By Ed Perkins someone. prices to couples who travel toBut that’s changing, slowly: A current re- gether on all trips. And airlines often offer lease from Grand Circle Cruise Line an- “free companion” fare promotions, alnounces a substantial boost in the number of though the fine print may require you to single cabins the line will offer next year. The buy the first ticket at a higher price than the release notes the “increased interest in solo cheapest available ticket. traveling among older travelers,” adding that Some help for hotels 88 percent of its solo travelers are women. Solo hotel rates are a mixed bag. Rooms It’s about time. True solo travel — traveling by yourself — is a lot different from shar- in most modern hotels and motels are deing. Not every single wants to share accom- signed for double to quadruple occupancy, with one queen, one king, twins and often modations with anyone, friend or stranger. I, for one, was suddenly thrust into the double-queens. Rates are generally the solo travel scene when my wife passed same for single or double occupancy: in ef-

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fect, a 100 percent single supplement. But you find some exceptions: — Small and midsize hotels in Europe, which typically include breakfast, often offer single rates that are less than double rates, and many have dedicated single rooms. — B-and-Bs and other nontraditional accommodations often offer single accommodations and single pricing. I’ve found that the better hotel online booking systems, such as booking.com and Expedia, can consistently locate accommodations with single accommodations and single-priced doubles. But unless you’re prepared to pay the regular double price, you can pretty much forget the opaque booking agencies, such as Hotwire and Priceline, which default to double occupancy almost all the time. Also, flash sale OTAs and promotional coupon deals always price double occupancy and give you no single option. Many cruise ships actually have at least a few single-person cabins, and some of the newer ships, such as the Norwegian Epic, were designed with a substantial number of single-specific cabins. Most cruise lines put solo travelers in a conventional two-person cabin, and typically, these singles get slammed with the dreaded “single supplement” that can often double the price.

You occasionally see singles promotions with reduced single supplements, but finding good solo deals can be a challenge: When I last checked, I couldn’t find either a big cruise line website or online cruise agency that offered single rates through their search systems — not even on the Norwegian Epic. When I asked my colleague Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of Cruise Critic (www.cruisecritic.com), about the best way to find solo pricing, she told me that the only practical approach is to contact a travel agent personally — either by calling an online cruise specialist or visiting a local retail agency location. I’ve found, by the way, that AAA agencies often have good cruise deals. Cruise Critic also posts a guide to the “best” solo options at www.cruisecritic.com/v-6/articles.cfm?ID=419.

Solo tours Although most conventional tour packages are priced PPDO, agencies such as Singles Travel International (www.singlestravelintl.com) list a small number of solo-accommodations tours. But solo deals without a single supplement are hard to find: Even Club Med, the epitome of resorts for “swinging singles,” prices on a PPDO basis. Go figure. Send e-mail to eperkins@mind.net.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

RV Travel From page 43 That flexibility to camp pretty much wherever was a big part of a rental RVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appeal for Kristen Potter Farnham of Falmouth, Maine, who checked one out from Cruise America in Las Vegas to tour the Southwest with her husband and three kids. Normally a self-described â&#x20AC;&#x153;total typeA planner,â&#x20AC;? Farnham made a reservation for only one night of their tour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about finding a restaurant; you have the RV,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about finding a hotel; you have the RV.â&#x20AC;? The Farnhams also knew about the RV travelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lastditch option (though they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to use it): Most Walmarts let you park overnight in their lot.

Other considerations Although having a roof over your head,

no matter what, alleviates some stresses of traveling, the RV rental experience still poses demands. For example, there is air-conditioning and heat in back, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just a question of punching the thermostat up or down. You need to think about where the power is going to come from. Are you plugged into a campgroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s juice, or will you need to use the generator? What if the campground has quiet hours that restrict generator use? And youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to budget time to return the RV reasonably clean and with its holding tanks empty (which means finding a dump station), or face punitive fees. You can cover a lot of terrain in an RV, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too ambitious. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people spend too much time driving or setting up camp in a new place every night, instead of slowing down and enjoying their vacation,â&#x20AC;? said Phil Ingrassia, president of the National RV Dealers Association.

A week is usually long enough to get the hang of the vehicle, but short enough to preserve the harmony among your traveling companions in close quarters. Some rental companies, such as Cruise America and Road Bear, include insurance coverage as part of the price (with a damage deductible of $1,000 per incident). And some

offer temporary coverage for an extra fee. With other rental outfits, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need proof that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re covered by your own insurance. But unlike a typical car rental, an RV rental may not be covered by your auto policy. All contents copyright 2015, The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Ongoing

BUS TRANSPORTATION

JCA Bus Transportation is available for rides for older adults and their families to run errands, visit friends and attend community events. The Connect-A-Ride resource center provides a fleet of handicap-accessible buses for rides, certified information, and mobility specialists to help with schedules, benefits and eligibility requirements in Montgomery County, Md.; in Arlington and Fairfax Counties, Va.; and in the Virginia cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church. For more information or for transportation assistance, call (301) 738-3252 or (703) 323-6494.

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Ongoing

TAXI FOR SENIORS Arlington, Va. features a taxi service for residents over 55 called

Senior Center Adult Transportation. Riders take pre-arranged taxicabs to and from senior adult program locations for $2.50 each way. Registration and paperwork need to be completed before service is provided. For more information or to apply for membership, call (703) 892-8747.

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Style Arts &

Violinist James Ehnes will be featured in an 11:30 a.m. matinee concert by the National Symphony Orchestra. See story on facing page.

New musical is baked from scratch(es) original straight play as well as the book for this musical version (together with Julia Jordan) — calls the “Millsbury Cake Off.” That year was the first time males were allowed to compete, accompanied by the notso-coincidental boost in prize money to a million dollars. As Wilner envisions it, it’s being televised live on a TV food network. The cakes…er, stakes…are high. That’s the sortof-real part.

Meet the competitors Schlubby, struggling Paul (Todd Buonopane) bakes haphazardly with his admittedly odd 10-year-old son. He’s trying to prove he can be a winner, save his marriage to a woman who has “re-invented” herself and taken off with her trainer, and hold onto his boy. He’s a shambling mess, under-achieving and less-than-macho, but open-faced and friendly as he tries to hold onto his homey life with his son. His counterpart in the competition is Rita (Sherri L. Edelen), a woman with the precisely sharp mind of a scientist who submerged herself into mom-hood for five kids. She’s 52, and her hubby also split, leaving

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By Michael Toscano It is surprisingly challenging to write about the world-premiere of Cake-Off, the comedy chamber musical currently being served up at Signature Theatre, without resorting to terrible, half-baked puns. You see, it is a multi-layered exposition, alternately a sweet confection and a tart statement. Emotional conflict blends smoothly with nutty comedy and rises to a satisfying slice of life. Ummm. See what I mean? Cake-Off is a farce. It is also satire with real bite, based on something that sort-of actually happened (if only as a starting point). There are moments both wildly funny and deeply poignant. There is a score that, while unremarkable on its own, nicely helps move the story along, aids the energy flow, and provides a firm foundation for several bravura performances by the three primary cast members. And there’s even a gloriously cathartic food fight. The reality ingredient comes from the famous Pillsbury Bake-Offs, which started in 1949 as a contest for women only. Cake-Off takes us back to 1996 and the 50th anniversary of what Sheri Wilner — who wrote the

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Rita Gaw (played by Sherri L. Edelen) and Paul Hubbard (played by Todd Buonopane) are fierce competitors in a $1 million televised bake-off in the world premiere musical Cake-Off, on stage at Signature Theatre through Nov. 22. The musical is loosely based on the 50th anniversary Pillsbury Bake-Off of 1996.

her to eke out a living as a receptionist. It’s her third time at the “cake-off,” and the last time she’ll be allowed a bite at the apple (or, in this case, the Roasted Apple Cake she’s hoping will take her to the prize and a new life). She’s coolly analytical, a chemist at heart, able to balance the elemental compositions of her recipes and McGuyver her way out of a lack of proper ingredients to produce tasty treats. She’s also frustrated and bitter that social expectations — and her mother —

pushed her away from science and into a life where she now has to be satisfied with enjoying the success of her children. Rita and several other women we meet are angry that the prize money has risen so dramatically the year men are allowed into the contest, and that men seem to be getting preferential treatment. (Appropriately, the show is part of the D.C.-area Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Wilner and Jordan present a strong “voice” See CAKE-OFF, page 48

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

National Symphony offers earlier matinees By Barbara Ruben Matinees offer a lot of advantages: lower prices, less crowded seating, and no afterdark driving. Still, when the Kennedy Center scheduled afternoon matinees of the National Symphony Orchestra, concertgoers found themselves driving home from downtown Washington snarled in rush-hour traffic. To avoid the rush, last month the Kennedy Center rolled out a new series of four classical concerts that start at 11:30 a.m., detouring around both morning and evening rush hours. Audience members can come early and purchase breakfast in the KC Cafe starting at 10 a.m. The continental breakfast (served until 11:15 a.m.) features bagels with toppings, baked goods, fresh fruit and beverages.

Coffee concerts The next concert in what’s dubbed the Coffee Concerts will take place on Friday, Nov. 13. The same program will be repeated in the evenings on Nov. 12 and 14. Matinee concert prices range from $15 to $59. Evening prices range from $15 to $89. This month’s concert features guest conductor Gianandrea Noseda conducting

Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, and the NSO debut of violinist James Ehnes. The program also includes Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 and the first NSO performances of music by Italian composer Alfredo Casella (1883-1947). Ehnes has performed in more than 30 countries on five continents, appearing with the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, London’s Royal Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France, and the Danish National in the 2015-16 season. The Canadian musician also leads the winter and summer festivals of the Seattle Chamber Music Society, where he is the artistic director. Ehnes, 36, has made more than 40 CDs. At age 13, he made his major orchestral solo debut with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. A Toronto Star reviewer wrote that “James Ehnes has turned into gold every note touched by his violin bow.” Gianandrea Noseda was chosen the 2015 Conductor of the Year by Musical America, a website of news and networking for performing artists. He debuted with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in May and at the Salzburg Festival in August. Noseda is music director of Teatro

Regio Torino in his native Italy. Noseda is also principal guest conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and was at the helm of the BBC Philharmonic from 2002 to 2011. In 1997, he was appointed the first foreign principal guest conductor of the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia, a position he held for a decade.

More concerts in the spring The Coffee Concerts series returns on March 11, 2016 when NSO Music Director Christoph Eschenbach leads two Prokofiev symphonies, and Grammy-nominated pianist Jean Yves Thibaudet is soloist for Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The series comes to a close on April 1, when Danish violinist Nikolaj Znaider

plays Brahms’ Violin Concerto as part of his two-week NSO residency. Once famously called “against the violin,” Brahms’ work of broken chords, rapid scales and rhythmic variations is now a showcase for gorgeous melodies with a distinctive Hungarian flavor. Guest conductor Cristian Ma elaru will also conduct works by Fauré, Jalbert and Debussy. For more information on the Nov. 13 concert and to buy tickets, see www.kennedycenter.org/calendar/event/NQCSE#tickets. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster.com or the Kennedy Center box office at (202) 467-4600. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.

To subscribe, see page 53.

THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 7:30 P.M. “Simply gorgeous!” ~The Washington Post

Nov 28 & 29 at THEARC Theater Specially priced Ward 7 & 8 tickets Up to $15 off select tickets for residents of Ward 7 & 8, proof of residency required.

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“AN EVENING OF DANCES” FEATURING WORKS BY COPLAND, CORIGLIANO, MARQUEZ, STRAVINSKY AND SPARKE Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Road Bowie, Md. Concert is free, no tickets required.

Esmiana Jani, photo by Dean Alexander

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Cake-Off From page 46 that sees the challenges facing women as distinct, even as every action from, or for, one of the characters seems to produce a reaction involving someone else. But it’s not a zero-sum game; Wilner shows us everybody can gain in some way.) The two additional female characters are played with gusto by the vividly funny (and male) Jamie Smithson, doing triple duty as he also holds the show together as a smarmy TV host with father issues.

Dynamic directing This is one of those shows where you can see the hand of a strong director at work. In this case, it’s Signature’s own Joe Calarco. His imprint is strong enough that it should serve as a hardy template should this show

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

have an afterlife when this debut production is over. As it certainly deserves. As the competition begins, the contrast between Paul and Rita is in stark relief as she is seen peeling apples and extolling their natural wholesomeness in the early song, “Round One.” He is simultaneously tossing with careless abandon the Junior Mints into his batter for the Triple Layer, Triple Chocolate, Junior Mint Fudge Cake he invented with (and for) his son. The pacing is dynamic and natural, with dozens of little touches that seem inspired by the confluence of timing, dialogue, scenic design (from clever Jason Sherwood), and even the props at hand. Paul and Rita’s mini-kitchens face each other, like a partner’s desk, on a rotating stage that allows us full access to what both of them are doing. Their movements, sometimes in sync, sometimes in counter-

point, are choreographed as carefully as any dance number, and timed to the music as they rotate. While the three primary performers (we don’t meet Ian Berlin as Paul’s son until the end) each offer vibrant, multi-dimensional characterizations. While all go over the top, as well as under the skin, with their work, it is Sherri Edelen’s show. In the late song, “Piece of Cake,” she is both powerfully funny and inspiring. The plot has her preparing two cakes at the work stations simultaneously. She manages to continue belting out the high energy number while applying lipstick and racing around the ovens. Edelen’s movement becomes frantic at one point, as she tries to push the rotating stage with her foot to bring one of the ovens closer to her faster. I’m not even sure the quick motion could be seen by the entire au-

dience. It is one of those little bits that make the material so effective in its execution. “Piece of Cake” should drain any performer, but it’s followed by the anthem “You Can’t Have This (Round Three),” which Edelen shares with Buonopane. Both performers shake the rafters, and mess the place up with the aforementioned food fight. And Edelen has one final number to go, as the show-ending “Transform,” comes next. Here, Rita earnestly explores where her life is at the moment. Altogether, it’s a taxing trio of tunes, and Edelen is transcendent. The music, by the way, is from Adam Gwon, joined by Jordan for the lyrics. It is easy and straightforward, able to organically underscore the emotional complexity of a given moment in a ballad or rise to complement Edelen’s strong voice in the See CAKE-OFF, page 49

BEACON BITS

Nov.

Abstract painter Gladys C. Lipton will feature her work in an

Our Mission: To secure the well-being of Montgomery County Seniors through the shared strength of diverse organizations and individuals.

exhibit that will remain on display throughout November at Bethesda Library, located at 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, Md. The 91-year-old artist was featured

Professionals working with seniors are invited to our Monthly GROWS meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. usually at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md.

in the Beacon’s April cover story. The opening reception will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.gladys-clipton.org/art.

Help needy seniors stay warm this winter. To contribute scarves, gloves, blankets and hats, visit www.growsmc.org or call (301) 765-3325

Nov. 19

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Cake-off From page 48 more intense moments. Buonopane (whom you might recognize as a hapless “Cabletown-NBC” human resources executive on TV’s late “30 Rock”) also has his star turns. He shines in the emotionally electric “Less Like Me,” when the sensitivity he layers into his comic work allows him to make this moment very real and very affecting.

Playing three roles at once Smithson shows off impressive comedy chops and singing, as well. His TV host character, Jack DeVault, is pretty good. But he really shines as Lenora Nesbit, a faded Southern Belle who is facing her final defeat, and as Nancy DeMarco, a fabled contestant who won in 1962 with a space-age recipe involving Tang, the powdered “drink of astronauts.” All it takes is a pair of earrings and a pocketbook, and this man becomes a woman. His work as DeMarco, counseling Rita to be sweeter and more feminine if she wants to win, provides a pivotal moment and sharply emphasizes a major theme while also being quite amusing. Smithson is a real find.

And so is Cake-Off. A surprisingly sour and off-center review in a certain daily newspaper doesn’t seem to have kept audiences away, at least on the night this reviewer attended. And it certainly didn’t stop the audience from thoroughly enjoying all 97 minutes of this show. You will, too. This cake is baked. Cake-Off continues through Nov. 22 at Signature Theatre’s ARK Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va. Performance schedule: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Matinee: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. There are open captioned performances Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $40 to $101. “Rush tickets” are available for $30 at the box office beginning one hour prior to each show. If the show is sold out, the tickets will be sold for obstructed-view seats. Tickets may be purchased online at www.signature-theatre.org, by calling Ticketmaster at (703) 573-SEAT, or by visiting the box office during business hours, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from noon to 6 p.m. For general information, contact Signature at (703) 820-9771.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

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Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Entrepreneur From page 1 the TV show, but helped recruit the show to hold auditions in Washington. Each

FROM PAGE 52 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

month, the group’s members pitch their products in front of fellow members to help hone their skills and win a $50 prize. Inukai came in first in September. “Connie will do well because her prod-

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD P R O L E O N B R A T J U R A P T A M S L A T P A Y S B A F E R L I L I N L I K I E V E T N A S E E N

M E S S A G E M A R K

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

S H A R Q A R U E R D R U E T E I N R E E M D Y

C A S U A L S U I T

A L K E N E

T E S T Y

A L O E

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uct is filling a need, and she’s putting it out there in front of the people most likely to buy it,” said Yvonne Rivers, who created Shark Tank DC. She is also principal and founder of Phoebe Marketing Group in Washington, D.C., which offers classes to entrepreneurs. “Connie epitomizes what baby boomers can do after retiring from a career. She doesn’t just sit back and rest on her laurels. She’s moving onto something new and great,” Rivers said. “I’m a creative person,” Inukai said. “Now that my kids are grown, I have time to come up with all these ideas.”

Retiree entrepreneurs The ranks of older entrepreneurs like Inukai are growing quickly, said Lynne Strang, the author of Late-Blooming Entrepreneurs: Eight Principles for Starting a Business After Age 40. Strang lives in Northern Virginia and also writes a blog on the subject (https://latebloomingentrepreneurs.wordpress.com). “Executive positions are difficult to find these days. So when a layoff occurs, people may start a business because they need income and/or funds for retirement,” Strang said. She points to research from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation that found those age 55 to 64 have started new businesses at a higher rate than people in their 20s and 30s every year from 1996 to 2013, the last year data is available. Those in the 55-to-64 age group represented nearly onequarter of all new businesses started in 2013, rising from 14 percent in 1996. “Late-blooming entrepreneurs have a lot going for them,” Strang added. “A later start may increase the odds for entrepreneurial success because it allows time to develop certain characteristics and assets, including a bigger and better network.”

She added that older entrepreneurs are often in a better financial position than younger ones, since they may have more savings and be seen as less risky for bank loans. They may also be more resilient. “Older entrepreneurs have lived through peaks and valleys — an inevitable part of starting and operating a company,” Strang said. “For younger business owners who haven’t endured as many life events, lean times and dips in business may cause more angst. When you’ve weathered a lot of storms, you know the sun will emerge again eventually.” That’s certainly the way Inukai feels. So far she has funded the Tip ‘n Split completely on her own, using profits from her successful dabbling in the stock market. “Friends sometimes ask if I’m crazy; if I shouldn’t be spending the money on something else,” she said. “I have no investors. I wish I did, but no one believes in me like I believe in me. I believe I have good intuition.” Right now, Inukai is working on a new version of Tip ‘n Split that also calculates currency conversions. She has a few new ideas for projects percolating in her imagination as well. In addition, Inukai is looking forward to a month-long trip to California in January for the birth of her fourth grandchild — something she would have had to forego before retirement. She’s also enjoying the success she’s had so far, and sharing tips with other budding entrepreneurs. What’s the essence of her advice? “Believe in yourself and take risks, but risks you can handle. If you have something that you really feels solves a problem and you’re willing to take a risk, I say go for it.” To learn more about the Tip ‘n Split or to buy the device ($22.92, including shipping and handling), visit www.tipandsplit.com.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 29

TROUBADOUR CONCERT Focus Music presents Chuck Brodsky, a storyteller, songwriter,

troubadour and a modern-day bard, in concert on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Brodsky tell stories through his warm and quirky songs. Tikvat Israel Congregation is located at 2200 Baltimore Rd., Rockville, Md. Tickets cost $15 in advance; $18 at the door. For more information, visit www.focusmusic.org or call (301) 461-3600.

Nov. 15

JEWELRY WORKSHOP GALA Artisan Jewelry & Gifts presents “Intro to Wire-Wrapped Pendants,” a jewelry workshop on Sunday, Nov. 15. The shop is

located at 10417 Armory Ave. in Kensington, Md. For more information or to register, call (301) 933-2912.

Nov. 14+

BEADS & BAUBLES BAZAAR The Bead Society of Greater Washington is presenting its 62nd Bead Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and

Sunday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bohrer Park Activity Center in Gaithersburg, Md. Explore an eclectic collection of ancient, antique, ethnic, designer & contemporary beads, jewelry and related books. Tickets cost $5 ($4 with this notice). For more information, visit www.bsgw.org or call (202) 624-4500.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Five tips for starting your own business “Late-blooming” entrepreneur blogger Lynne Strang offers five tips to get your new business off the ground. Do what you love. If your research suggests that your favorite hobby or cause can be turned into a business, go for it. Just remember that passion, by itself, isn’t enough to succeed. You also need certain other characteristics, including the discipline to base key business decisions on facts, data, and on your customers’ buying preferences rather than your own. Talk to your significant other. Tension and resentment may arise when

your retirement-age spouse or partner is ready to slow down and relax — but you aren’t. A candid discussion upfront can help you understand each other and put you on the same page. The conversations shouldn’t stop once the business is up and running. Regular communication about both progress and setbacks can provide a way to ease stress and address concerns before they turn into untenable problems. Get to know yourself better. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis can be an effective tool.

To do it right, you’ll need input from others who know you well. In your eagerness to get going on your business, you may be tempted to forgo a self-assessment. Don’t. You can’t manage your strengths and weaknesses if you don’t know what they are. Write a business plan. A typical plan includes an executive summary, a market analysis, financial projections, and a marketing strategy, among other components. Some may question the need for a business plan, especially if you don’t intend to borrow capital from a bank. Keep in mind that the plan’s real value lies in the critical

thinking required to put it together — and the action steps taken to prevent problems before you encounter them. Reach out. Join networking groups to find mentors and the right consultants for your business. Contact organizations that offer workshops, counseling, business plan templates and other forms of help. Good choices include SCORE (where retired business executives mentor entrepreneurs free of charge; www.score.org; local office at (202) 272-0390), the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Kauffman Foundation, and AARP (see lifereimagined.aarp.org).

BEACON BITS

Dec. 7

FREE MUSIC & POETRY NIGHT The next Cafe Muse, a free music and poetry open mic, will take

place on Monday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Friendship Heights Village Center.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Fit To Be Tiled By Stephen Sherr 1

11089809

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22 27

23 30

36 41

46 49

Scrabble answers on p. 50.

51 55

Across

Down

1. Party, on Beverly Hills, 90210 5. Clothing item sold by both Under Armour and Victoria’s Secret 8. “Beat it!” 12. Western director Sergio 13. Commoner 14. Fit as a fiddle 15. Grilled sausages 16. Act like an eagle 17. Moderates a debate 18. Really old flooring tile 21. Greek god of the wild 22. Word in the chorus of Brown Eyed Girl 23. “If you don’t know where you are going, ___ road will get you there” (Lewis Carroll) 24. Flat hat 27. Back-half of 21 Across 30. As ___ (generally) 32. Up and coming tiles 35. Settles up the tab 36. List of Rx’s 37. Class of citizenship 40. Shipment of tiles from oversees 45. Untamed 46. Holding bitter feelings 47. First word in “the dictionary” 48. “___ Abner” 49. Pirate’s potion 51. Attended the luncheon 53. Like easy to install tile 60. Ukraine’s capital 61. Common name for Spanish boys and Chinese girls 62. Team event at the summer Olympics 63. European volcano 64. Enthusiastic 65. Try to be a thespian 66. Witnessed 67. Desire (for sushi, perhaps) 68. Decorates eggs

1. Nation with Pacific beaches 2. Muscle car’s greeting 3. Available right now 4. Repurposed bottle content 5. Alliance 6. Harvests 7. He received his name in Genesis 17 8. When on the Lakers, he weighed 325 lbs. 9. Item in a man’s wardrobe 10. Chemical in plastics 11. Irritable 12. Senate majority leader for most of the ‘50s 13. Michelin measure 19. Name-dropper 20. Hard to find 24. Qty. of vanilla 25. Penne ___ vodka 26. Chuck Berry’s first hit, in 1955 28. Pet food brand, originally named as an abbrev. of Allen Products 29. Task list items 31. National language of Pakistan 33. Russian ruler 34. Roughly 38. Cigarette residue 39. Her second novel Go Set a Watchman was published in 2015 41. Creator of Tom and Huckleberry 42. Hitter of Canadian doubles 43. Put 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag 44. Drawing on the 401(k) 45. Limited 48. Approves of, on Facebook 50. Purplish tile color 52. “The perfect is the ___ of the good” (Voltaire) 54. Tennis great Lendl 55. Lounged in bed 56. ‘n, &, or + 57. Soothing ingredient 58. Some say “mom” (briefly) 59. Triangle (on a jack-o’-lantern)

Answers on page 50.

Answer: The baggage handler found his job was -"GRIPPING" Jumbles: PANIC GROUP JIGGLE ENGULF

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Letters to editor From page 2 Dear Editor: Recently, I was writing an email on my PC when I noticed words on the right edge of the screen had ‘gone away.’ Testing myself to find the problem displayed in each eye independently told me quickly it was more than an eye issue. I called my ophthalmologist who said “get to an ER.” Within 15 minutes, I was being examined for a stroke at Holy Cross Hospital. Other than vision impairment, I had no physical, speaking, language or memory difficulties, and no pain. Within 1¾ hours of first noticing vision problems, I was being given tPA — a blood clot buster that has to be administered within hours of the onset of a stroke. An MRI showed significant damage to the left side rear brain area that controls vision. This was not a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), but a real stroke. I was moved to ICU and given blood thinners to avoid clots, which I continue to take at home. I was discharged three days later and would have even been allowed to walk out of the hospital (if my wife had allowed me to). While I still have some visual deficit, my vision improved while still at the hospital, I never lost consciousness, had pain or any other impairment. I am grateful that the stroke onset was while I was using a computer. Had I not been engaged in such an activity, I probably would not have noticed my right peripheral vision deficit, which was the only symptom I experienced from the stroke. I likely would have had a very different outcome if the blood clot continued to cause brain damage until I noticed a problem, which would have been too late for tPA to help. Your readers should know all the various symptoms for stroke and heart attack. Any asymmetry can indicate a stroke. Heart attacks can have different symptoms in men and women. Pain is not always there. Don’t be casual. Call 9-1-1 and get to an emergency room. They will not ding you for a false alarm. It may save your life or your being able to function.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Also important: Make sure those you live with and work with know how to detect and act in case you have a stroke or heart attack. I have been blessed with a “warning” and now go forward differently. Ron Sheinson Silver Spring, MD

BEACON BITS

Nov. 9+

DEMENTIA LECTURES

The Friends Club and Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church present “What If It’s Dementia? An Educational Series for Families” on Mondays in November from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, located at 6601 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, Md. The first seminar, “Caregiving Strategies: the Communication & the Dangers of Denial,” will take place on Nov. 9 with speaker Terry Ullman, LCSW, psychotherapist, and the second, “Help & Hope Through Community Resources: Support Groups, Social Clubs, In-Home/Facility Care,” will take place on Nov. 16 with speaker Mary Ann Buckley. For more information, call (301) 469-0070.

Nov. 11+

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Doctors Community Hospital presents a free stroke support group on Wednesdays, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9, both from 1 to 3 p.m. A stroke often causes physical and emotional challenges. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. The group meets in the first-floor conference room in the professional office building located at 8116 Good Luck Road, Lanham, Md. For more information, call 301-DCH-4YOU (301-324-4968).

WB 11/15

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 55. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Business and Employment Opportunities ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT supporting a busy consultant and new business start up. PT-Flexible hours. Required skills: Word, PP, Excel, and Internet savvy. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills to interact with clients and outside vendors. Hours are based on work flow. Approximately 10-15 hours per month. $15 per hour. 703-534-6064.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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

WE BUY JEWELRY, SILVER, GOLD, AND COSTUME. Coins, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate LEISURE WORLD® – $279,900. 3BR 2FB Cabot patio home, 1-car garage with extra storage space, Breakfast room addition, living room with fireplace, new carpet. Utilities included in condo fee. 1193 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $269,000. 2 BR 2FB “EE” model in Creekside. 1st floor unit with enclosed balcony, open kitchen, separate laundry room. 1433 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $135,000. 1BR 1FB “B” with garage in “Greens.” Totally renovated. Window in table space kitchen, separate dining room. 980 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $72,000. 1BR 1FB “Raleigh” coop with fresh paint and carpet, enclosed balcony, full size washer and dryer. 990 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $183,000. 2BR 2FB “G” with garage in “Fairways.” Updated kitchen, enclosed balcony. 1195 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – RENTAL $1500. 1BR 1FB “B” in “Greens.” Table space kitchen with window, lots of closets, 945 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $269,000. 2BR + DEN 2FB “K” with garage in “Greens. Table space kitchen with large pantry/storage, balcony open to living room and both bedrooms. 1480 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. 4-BEDROOM HOUSE TO SHARE with semiretired working professional. $595, utilities included. Also 1, 2, 4-bedroom available for rent. References required. 301-233-4722. EASTERN SHORE OF MD: Mobile homes for sale to owner-occupants in established park in Chestertown. Prices $3,600, $9,990, $14,990, $18,990. Monthly lot rent is $365. Also, 2 vacant lots available. Call Andy Andrews, 410-708-6932. FOR SALE – 1209 KIRKLYNN AVE., TAKOMA PARK, MD. Priced to sell. $375,000. As-is. For sale by owner. Well-maintained 4BR rambler, minutes from Purple line, featuring a complete 1BR apartment w/ private entrance. Must see to appreciate. Call Della Douglas, 301-3462263 to preview. 1-BEDROOM, 1-BATH in a cute townhome. $700 plus utilities. Montgomery Village, MD. Please call 240-888-6025. SENIOR, HAVE ONE (1) LARGE fully furnished room for rent in private home, $800 per month. Call 202-629-4096. LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 38. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors.

For Sale FORT LINCOLN CEMETERY. Holy Trinity Section. Last two side by side plots overlooking landscape with mature trees. Current value $8,918. Sale price $6,500. Email for photo. fluxusart@yahoo.com, 301-233-1601.

Health ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT YOGA? I offer one-on-one Yoga lessons for women of all ages and levels of mobility at my home studio in the Palisades ($40/hour). Esther Bieri, certified Yoga teacher (US Yoga Alliance) and psychotherapist (Swiss Federation of Psychologists), 202-468-3011, www.benjaminrosenbaum.com/yoga.

Home/Handyman Services BILL’S LIGHT HAULING. Garage, basement, attic cleanouts. Junk to the dump, yard debris, storm damage, etc. No job too small. Call Bill, 240-876-1206.

Miscellaneous THE GOLDEN NETWORK offers Jewish seniors and retirees a variety of engaging programs, including lectures, classes, one-on-one learning in person and by phone, concerts, singalongs and more! For more information and details about upcoming events, call 301-732-1773, email info@goldennetwork.org, or see goldennetwork.org. FUNERALS, WEDDINGS, BABY/HOUSE blessings, spiritual counseling, dreamwork. Fully ordained Interfaith Minister. Nursing background. Reasonable prices. MD/VA/DC Metro area. Rev.Rebecca.Hill@gmail.com. 240513-8450. Inquiries/questions welcomed. THE ULTIMATE STREAM HAS ARRIVED – If Cable costs you too much, if you cannot make it to the theatre, watch your favorite shows and movies and NFL and College football any time! Makes a great Christmas gift, too! Get this amazing box at www.TheVSBox.com.

Personals HUSBAND OF BRAIN-INJURED WOMAN seeks Long-Term Relation with Marriage in Mind. In my late 60s, DC area, active and fit, gentleman. Wife in accident 2 years ago with major brain injury, mental and physical abilities poor, no communication or companionship. Relation reduced to caregiver. No immediate divorce now, but want relation with good lady. Marriage likely. Race irrelevant. Please contact Paul at saver7777@aol.com.

Personal Services READY TO DE-CLUTTER? Sort, donate, discard. Reasonable rates. Call Jan, 301-933-7570. HAPPY GIRL DOG WALKING AND PET CARE. Quickpee, $10, 15 min. $15 for 30 mins. $25 for 1 hour. Offering pet sitting, light bathing, and cat visits. Happygirlpets@gmail.com. GET YOUR HOME IN ORDER! Welcome guests to your clutter-free place over the holidays and beyond. Value-priced. Call Rose today at 703-569-3001. HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE looking to clean your house. Good reference and experience. Please call Vio, 301-706-6317. AFFORDABLE, PERSONALIZED CONCIERGE Services for seniors, working parents, or anyone needing assistance during life transitions. Flexible non-clinical support, including de-cluttering, estate inventories, doctor appointments, errands, friendly visits, patient advocacy, and more. Tournesol Services, LLC can help! Contact Isabelle at tournesolservices@gmail.com, call 301-785-7181, or visit www.tournesolservices.com. “De-stress your life: Turn to Tournesol.” Mention “Sunflower” for free 4th hour after first 3 service hours you purchase. CHERYL’S ORGANIZING CONCEPTS LLC – Professional Organizing Services. Help with all aspects of home organizing. Experienced – References – Member NAPO. All work confidential. Licensed – Bonded. $25 discount on initial appointment. www.CherylsOrganizing.com. 301-916-9022. WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

OLD AND NEW, WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plate. Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY. CASH FOR RECORDS & CDs. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED. Free appraisals. All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301646-5403. Will make house calls. MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan, 202-841-3062. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838. STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-3622. Stampex1@gmail.com. FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious, capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree], knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate, I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-279-8834. Thank you. CASH FOR ESTATE BUYOUTS, estate cleanouts, jewelry to furniture, one item or whole state. Free Estimate, Will Travel. 301-520-0755. LADY WHO LOVES DISHES and figurines wants to buy yours. Especially Royal Copenhagen, Deco Noritake, Limoges, Herend and English bone china. Do you have a collection of cup and saucers, dog and cat figurines, Royal Doulton ladies or salt and pepper shakers? Also mid-century Scandinavian ceramics and glass, Asian items, silver, paintings and costume jewelry. Anything else old and interesting, please call me. 301-785-1129. COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783. VINYL RECORDS WANTED from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201. WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697. BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-464-0958.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 8

ROYAL HORSE SHOW

For the first time ever, the Gala of the Royal Horses, a world-renowned tour, is coming to the Washington, D.C. area at Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Md. on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. The royal horses of Europe are some of the most celebrated in history. Tickets start at $25. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-745-3000.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDED

Opera NOVA is accepting donations of musical instruments, including pianos, piccolos, flutes, guitars, mandolins and more. Banjos are especially needed for an upcoming performance. Donors receive appropriate tax acknowledgement. Donations help students enrich their lives with the joy of music. For more information or to donate, call (703) 536-7557 or email mcdm1@verizon.net.

Nov. 14

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD WALK

The Seneca Valley Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club presents a free Underground Railroad Trail walk on Saturday, Nov. 14. The 6km/10km-trails, located in northeastern Montgomery County, are through woods and fields, which demonstrate the typical terrain faced by escaped slaves making their way to freedom. The trail is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The start/finish point is at Woodlawn Manor/Underground Railroad Trail, located at 16501 Norwood Rd. in Sandy Spring, Md. The walk is free; Volksmarch credit is $3. The start time is between 9 a.m. and noon, and walkers must finish by 3 p.m. For more information, contact Tony Laing at (301) 980-8932 or laingat@gmail.com.

Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad. Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Hearing Services

JCA SeniorTech ...........................7-9

Advanced Hearing Health Care ....25 Auditory Services, Inc ..................20 Beltone Hearing Aid Centers ........21 Family Hearing Services...............18 Sound Hearing Centers .................23

Dental Services

Home Health Care

Diabetes Clinical Study ................21

Computer Classes

Friedman, Stephen, DDS ..............26 Oh, Judy DDS .................................5

Employment/ Volunteers

AARP Maryland ...........................42 Career Gateway.............................32

Events

GROWS ........................................48

Financial Services

Children’s National Hospital ........33 Jefferson Mortgage Group ............35 Mortgage Center of America......................................37 Retirement Life Funding...............39 Widow Care ..................................34

Funeral Services

Fram Monuments..........................33 Going Home Cremation................36

Government Services

DC Office on Aging.................27-30 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services .....................24 Montgomery County Information & Services/311.............................6

Best Senior Care ...........................14 Elder Caring..................................12 Hallmark Home Care ....................25 Holy Cross Home Care .................21 Options for Senior America ..........26 Virginian Home Health Services. .........................56

Housing

Arbor Terrace of Herndon.............45 Arden Courts.................................17 Ashby Ponds/Erickson............23, 52 Attick Towers................................33 Brooke Grove Retirement Village ........................................13 Chesterbrook Residences..............20 Churchill Senior Living ................49 Covenant Village...........................49 Culpepper Garden .........................39 Emerson House .............................49 Falcon’s Landing...........................19 Friendship Terrace ........................25 Greenspring/Erickson .............23, 52 Homecrest House..........................32 Olney Assisted Living...................24 Park View......................................36 Pin Oak Village .............................15 Potomac Place...............................51 Quantum Property Management...49

Randolph Village ..........................15 Riderwood/Erickson ...............23, 52 Rollingcrest Commons .................15 Solana of Olney, The.....................22 Springvale Terrace ........................38 Tribute at Heritage Village................6 Vinson Hall Retirement Community ................................17 Virginian, The ...............................56 Waltonwood ..................................22

Legal Services

Eleff Law ......................................33 Law Firm of Evan Farr .................35 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ........34 Legal Counsel for the Elderly.......18

Medical/Health

Cognitive Assessment ...................15 Horizon Vascular Specialists ........12 Medical Eye Center ......................26 Run With It Coach ........................22 Stem Cell Arts.................................3

Pharmacies

CVS/pharmacy..............................40 Rite Aid .........................................50

Real Estate Services

Long & Foster/Eric Stewart..........37 Long & Foster/Inderjeet Jumani ........................................32 Weichert/Douglas Brasse ..............14 Weichert/Sue Heyman ..................38

Restaurants

Original Pancake House................38 Wrap2Go.......................................42

Retail/Pawn/Auction

Five Colors Science & Tech..........11 Four Sales LTD .............................35 Jacuzzi Walk-In Tub .....................18 Perfect Sleep Chair .......................44 Quinn’s Auction Galleries.............43 Wow Computer .............................16

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Communicare Health ....................20 HealthSouth Rehab Hospital.........15 Hebrew Home Post-Acute Care......4 Manor Care Health Services .........23 Village at Rockville.......................11

Subscriptions

Beacon Subscription .....................53 Washington Jewish Week..............48

Theatre/ Entertainment

Toby’s Dinner Theatre ..................46 US Navy Band ..............................47 Washington Ballet.........................47

Tour & Travel

Eyre Travel....................................43 Tripper Bus ...................................43 US Navy Memorial.......................46 Vamoose........................................45

Utilities

Verizon DC Lifeline Program .......39

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