November 2015 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

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History no longer underground

Award-winning research Paulette Lutz, president of the Howard County Historical Society, and Eshmont were among those who recently received awards from Preservation Howard County, which protects and preserves local historic sites. The women were cited for their research and documentation of Howard County’s role in, and sites contributing to, the Underground Railroad network.

Through their work, the National Parks Service included four Ellicott City sites in its Network to Freedom Program. They include the courthouse on Main Street, the

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PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MYER

By Robert Friedman The slaves were hiding in the so-called “Indian cave” in a rocky embankment across from what is now Harriet Tubman Lane, near the Middle Patuxent River in Columbia. When the pursuing posse saw an intact spider web at the mouth of what is more like a deep crevice, they continued to look elsewhere for the runaways.

The spider spinning its web over the mouth of the space after the slaves had crawled inside could only be explained as an “act of God.” The posse left, and the slaves took off soon after in their escape to freedom up north via the Underground Railroad.

That is one of the word-of-mouth stories passed down over the years and shared with researchers who are trying to trace how slaves escaped from bondage in Howard County. They are looking for the trails the escapees took, the homes and churches and public places they were sheltered in, and the people who helped them along the way.

Right now, the spider web story is considered a local legend. But the cave could get future official recognition from the National Parks Service as a site in the Underground Railroad network if proper documentation is found — such as the names of the escaped slaves who had used the cave, perhaps located through diaries, letters or other records.

“I heard a house nearby was owned at the time by a Quaker family,” said researcher Cathy Eshmont. “There could be some truth to the story, because the Quakers were anti-slavery and often hid runaway slaves in their homes and on their property.”

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ARTS & STYLE Cathy Eshmont (left) and Paulette Lutz were recently honored by Preservation Howard County for their research into Howard County’s role in the Underground Railroad network that helped slaves escape to freedom. They are shown outside the old Ellicott City courthouse, built in 1840, where legal challenges to slavery were heard.

building that housed the original courthouse on Court Avenue, the Emory Street Jail, and the Howard County Historical Society’s library and archives. There are now official plaques at all the sites.

Eshmont and Lutz also found Howard County Historic Society records, as well as books and other documents, recounting legal challenges to slavery that played out in the courthouses, as well as attempts by slaveholders to regain escaped slaves.

One of those was the case “The State vs.

Negro Bill,” an 1840s proceeding filed by a local slave master against not only the escapee but also the people who helped him on his way to freedom.

Another example of their findings was the story of William Chapin, a white aboli-

tionist from New York. Chapin ran a “railroad” escape route via horse and carriage.

Records discovered by Eshmont and Lutz show that Chapin was arrested for his activities in Montgomery County and sent to the Ellicott City jail. He was fined $20,000 — a huge sum at the time.

Toby’s Ragtime fills the stage with stories; plus, what’s up with Dan Rather nowadays? page 27

TECHNOLOGY k How to avoid “tech neck” k Online shopping warnings

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FITNESS & HEALTH k Do your genes make you fat? k Flu vaccine options

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How involved was Tubman?

Eshmont, 60, and Lutz, 67, are working on other stories and sites that could meet the National Parks Service’s regulations to be cited as part of the Underground Railroad network. One of these stories, handed down from family-to-family in Howard County, involves Harriet Tubman, the See UNDERGROUND RR, page 26

THE SENIOR CONNECTION 15 k Newsletter for Howard County seniors LAW & MONEY k Free stuff for Fido

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Blowing our horn Each year, we enter a selection of our The declared goal of the Mature Media writers’ original stories in the journalism Awards is “to recognize the nation’s ‘best competitions of the National and brightest’ materials and Mature Media Awards and the programs produced every North American Mature Pubyear for older adults.” The lishers Association (NAMPA). prestigious competition atWe do this for two reasons: tracts entries from national One, as a way to be sure we organizations like AARP, the are keeping up the quality of Arthritis Foundation and the our writing compared with Mayo Clinic. other publications throughWe are especially pleased out the country. Two, bethat this year, eight of our 11 cause we’re pretty confident entries were recognized with about reason one (that is, we FROM THE these national awards. believe our writers are among PUBLISHER Our September 2014 issue the best anywhere), and want By Stuart P. Rosenthal won a Silver Award in the to give them the opportunity local/state newspaper cateto earn kudos they will treasgory. Writer Robert Friedure from well-respected, objective judges. man won a Bronze Award for his April I’m happy and proud to report that 2014 cover story about Howard County inevery one of our regular writers and free- ventor Bob Fischell, which appeared in all lancers came away with one or more hon- three of our regional editions. ors in these competitions.

Six additional cover stories from our

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Baltimore, Howard County and Greater Washington, DC editions won Merit Awards. In addition to Friedman’s December 2014 cover story “Being gay and gray in Howard,” writers responsible for these winning stories include Carol Sorgen, our Baltimore contributing editor, managing editor Barbara Ruben, editorial assistant Rebekah Sewell, and theater reviewer Michael Toscano.

NAMPA is an association of publishers producing newspapers and magazines specifically for the mature market. It focuses on sharing best practices for publication enhancement, exchange of ideas, maintenance and improvement of standards, and the improvement of business conditions within the publishing industry.

NAMPA’s annual journalism competition attracts hundreds of submissions every year and is judged by internationally respected faculty at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. This year, we received 17 NAMPA awards.

Both the Greater Washington and Greater Baltimore Beacons won second place “General Excellence” awards in their circulation categories, as well as “Best of Show” awards for the most total awards in their categories.

Friedman won a second place award for his January 2015 cover story about Howard County’s Food on the 15th pro-

gram, “Program takes a bite out of hunger.” Sorgen won two first-place feature writing awards and a second place profile writing award for three of her Baltimore cover stories.

Stories that first appeared in our Greater Washington edition won NAMPA awards in the Feature Writing, Senior Issues, Profile, Travel, Reviews and Topical Issue categories. Writers of these stories include Ruben, Sewell, Toscano, travel writers Victor Block and Glenda Booth, columnist Bob Levey, and yours truly.

Many of these stories appeared in our Howard County edition as well.

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.

The Howard County

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of Howard County, Md. and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md., Greater Washington DC, and Greater Palm Springs, Calif.

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Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

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

BEACON BITS

Oct. 28

A DAY IN D.C.

A bus trip sponsored by Parks & Recreation will drop you off and pick you up again at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. You choose your own itinerary for the rest of the day. The bus leaves on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. for a fee of $49. For more information or to register, call (410) 313-7279 or email viruss@howardcountymd.gov.

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben

Nov. 5

A day in the country with lunch at Antrim 1844 is the destination for the Parks & Recreation-sponsored bus tour on Thursday, Nov. 5. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. and will return at 5 p.m. Fee is $99. For more information or to register, email viruss@howardcountymd.gov or call (410) 313-7279.

• Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................ Steve Levin, Jill Joseph • Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details.

Please mail or email all submissions. © Copyright 2015 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

ENJOY BARN QUILTS, LUNCH

Oct. 30+

COUNTY ARTISTS SHOW

The Howard County Arts Council will open two shows on Friday, Oct. 30 in its galleries at the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. Gallery One will feature 51 works by 46 county artists. Gallery Two will present “Inspired by Nature,” a threeperson show featuring painter Douglas Maulden, quilter Elaine Katz, and wood sculptor George Wedberg. A public reception for both exhibits will be held on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. For more info, visit www.hocoarts.org or call (410) 313-2787.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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Technology &

Innovations ‘Tech neck’ a hazard of the electronic age When Mom nagged you to “sit up straight,” she likely had no idea how important that advice would become, thanks to our reliance on smartphones and tablets.

One study suggests that the average person spends two to four hours every day on electronic devices. That’s thousands of hours every year spent in a position that puts several extra pounds of stress on the neck.

Heavy users of handheld technology aren’t the only ones at risk. Other activities, from reading to driving, can strain your neck, as well.

Bill Boissonnault, associate professor at the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health, and Lori

Thein Brody, physical therapist with UW Sports Medicine and Spine Center, share the following tips to give your neck a break.

Supporting your head The human head weighs an average of 12 pounds, and your body is designed to hold it up all the time. It’s actually the inclination, or angle, of your neck that worries many physicians. Brody said the problem — and the solution — lies in simple physics.

The more you tilt your head down, the farther you’re separating the axis of rotation (in this case, the neck) from the mass of the limb (the head). This creates more

work for the back of your neck as it tries to hold your head up.

Boissonnault uses the analogy of a bowling ball to break down the science. If you grab a 12-pound ball in one palm, and bend your elbow so the ball is close to your torso, it’s easy enough to hold for some time. But as soon as you start to straighten that elbow, and your hand moves farther away from your body, the ball feels heavier.

Only in recent years have people begun using smartphones and tablets for several hours a day. And because the effects of maintaining the same posture for long periods of time can take years to manifest, researchers aren’t yet sure how this will af-

fect users long-term. Even so, Boissonnault has serious concerns.

As seen in other instances of poor posture, muscles can fatigue and cause soreness and pain. If the muscles tire too much, he said, they may stop supporting the neck’s ligaments and joints altogether and put more weight on discs and joints, which in turn could increase the risk of arthritis.

Brody wonders whether younger generations who start using electronics at ever earlier ages will essentially train their neck muscles to become stronger. “Will humans evolve to have stronger neck muscles in response to this kind of load?” she asks.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Beware: Not all online shopping is alike

By Andrea N. Browne I’m an avid online shopper, but last year I had an online shopping first: I made several purchases through third-party sellers on Amazon.com and Etsy.com. [Thirdparty sellers are usually small businesses or individuals operating their own miniwebsites within a larger online operation.]

You can tell whether an item is being offered by a third-party seller on Amazon by checking the “sold by” and “fulfilled by” fields on a product page. Products that aren’t fulfilled by Amazon typically only list the “sold by” information on the product page.

In contrast to Amazon, all items on Etsy are sold by third parties. The entire site is like a mall for independent sellers of handmade products and art.

My experiences with both sites were rather frustrating. Looking back, I partly blame myself. My issues ultimately were resolved, and I received full refunds. But had I done my homework first, I probably could have avoided the problems altogether.

Here are five things you should keep in mind before buying from a third-party seller on Amazon or Etsy: 1. Past customers can be your best

guide.

Do some research on a third-party seller before you commit to a purchase. Start by checking the seller’s customer ratings and reviews via their store page.

“Read through the kinds of experiences other people have had interacting with these stores, because the reality is you’ll have to deal with them directly, not with Amazon or Etsy [if your transaction goes awry],” said Seth Barnes, head of marketing for Savings.com, a coupons and deals website.

When using Amazon, for example, customers should look for sellers with detailed

product information on their listing pages, as well as clear information on shipping options and costs so there aren’t any surprises, said Erik Farleigh, a spokesman for Amazon.

2. There’s no such thing as a standard shipping policy.

One of the biggest issues I had was dealing with a seller who had listed on its storefront page that its items shipped from New York, when in fact they shipped from China.

Needless to say, my order took much longer to arrive than expected. Instead of four to

Tech neck

books or newspapers, driving, or even cooking — repeated over months and years — you could put yourself at risk. “(Maintaining) any single posture for prolonged periods of time, (or repeating) a certain activity over and over, can get peo-

ple into trouble,” Boissonnault said. He also urges extra awareness of “tech neck” for anyone with a previous neck injury, or whose work requires them to sit at a desk for long periods of time, with the head in a forward position.

Tips to straighten up

From page 3 So, you say, you’re not addicted to electronics? If you don’t pay attention and straighten up once in a while when reading

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To avoid straining your neck: 1. Bring your device (or reading material) higher and closer to your face, allowing your head and neck to stay erect.

2. Try using a hands-free bookstand, music stand or pillow. The key is to bring whatever you’re looking at closer to your face, and up to eye-level.

3. Prop a hand under your chin so your neck muscles are not supporting the weight of your head all alone.

4. Move around. Try these stretches and postures to get unstuck: • Gently roll your head to its normal position, roll your shoulders and squeeze your shoulder blades together and down.

• Keep an eye on your hips, too. Boissonnault said posture problems often start with the hips and lower back, so it’s important to stay balanced (keeping your hips in a vertical line with the rest of your body), and not slump into the low back.

• Tight pectoral muscles can pull your torso into a rounded posture. Try stretching your front with this exercise: Face a corner with your elbows extended, grab the corner and lean in, leading with your chin.

WhatDoctorsKnow is a magazine devoted to up-to-the minute information on health issues from physicians, major hospitals and clinics, universities and health care agencies across the U.S. Online at www.whatdoctorsknow.com. © 2015 Whatdoctorsknow.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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APP HELPS LOCATE LOST PETS

The county’s “Tell HoCo” mobile app and website module has added a new function — to report missing pets — to its other non-emergency reporting functions for downed tree limbs, street light outages and similar issues. The messages are directed to the appropriate county office 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The “Tell HoCo” app can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store or from Google play. The Web version is located at www.howardcountymd.gov/tellhoco.htm.

cally different in person than it did online.

This can be especially common with artwork, as colors don’t always appear true on your computer screen.

This process can be time-consuming, especially if you’re dealing with an international seller. As I mentioned, one of the sellers I bought from was overseas. It took hours to get responses to my inquiries, largely due to the time difference. I’d send a message in the morning and get a reply back at midnight.

Be sure to document correspondence with a third-party seller just in case you have to escalate the situation to customer service at Amazon or Etsy.

All contents © 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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seven days, it took two weeks.

To help avoid this type of inconvenience, contact the seller directly before you buy. Ask upfront where its products ship from. On Etsy, you can narrow down your store options to sellers who are located near you by using the Etsy Local function. This is helpful if you’re in a time crunch and need to boost the odds of a product arriving by a certain date.

3. Amazon Prime membership doesn’t guarantee free shipping.

Free two-day shipping on purchases is one of the biggest draws of a $99-a-year Amazon Prime membership. However, what some members may not realize is that only items sold by Amazon (as well as many items fulfilled by Amazon) qualify

recourse for unwanted items.

That’s not always the case when you buy an item online through a third-party seller. On both Amazon and Etsy, thirdparty sellers set their own return, refund and exchange policies. It’s important to read a seller’s return policy in its entirety before making a purchase.

5. You’ll need to try to settle disputes yourself.

Because neither Amazon nor Etsy has direct access to order information for transactions sold and fulfilled by thirdparty sellers, they encourage customers to work through any issues directly with the seller before they’ll step in.

A dispute could be something like requesting a refund from a seller with a noreturns policy for an item that looks drasti-

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for that option. Look for the Prime logo. If it’s not there, the product is not covered for free shipping.

Products sold and fulfilled by third parties do not qualify for Prime shipping and should display this note: “Not eligible for Amazon Prime.”

In addition, according to Amazon policy, comingling purchases isn’t a loophole. If you place an order that contains some items that are eligible for free Prime shipping and some that aren’t, you’ll be charged shipping fees for the ineligible items.

4. Returns are at a seller’s discretion.

When dealing with major retailers, there’s comfort in knowing that if you don’t like a purchase, you can always exchange it or get a refund. Sure, some return policies are more generous than others, but these retailers offer some form of

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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

Health Fitness &

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FLU VACCINE OPTIONS There are new needle-free versions and high-dose flu shots for seniors MEDICARE UPDATE There are lots of changes in drug and Medigap plans for next year SECOND TIME AROUND One in five cancer patients will also get another kind of cancer GRAND ADVICE Qs and As on when to weigh in or keep quiet on grandkid issues

Genetic predisposition to obesity found

By Marilynn Marchione Scientists have finally figured out how the key gene tied to obesity makes people fat — a major discovery that could open the door to an entirely new approach to the problem, beyond diet and exercise. The research was led by scientists at MIT and Harvard University and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The work solves a big mystery: Since 2007, researchers have known that a gene called FTO was related to obesity, but they didn’t know how, and could not tie it to appetite or other known factors.

Now experiments reveal that a faulty version of the gene causes energy from food to be stored as fat rather than burned.

Genetic tinkering in mice and on human cells in the lab suggests this can be reversed, giving hope that a drug or other treatment might be developed to do the same in people.

The gene glitch doesn’t explain all obesity. It was found in 44 percent of Europeans but only 5 percent of blacks, so other genes clearly are at work, and food and exercise still matter.

Obesity affects more than 500 million people worldwide and contributes to a host of diseases. In the U.S., about one-third of adults are obese and another one-third are more modestly overweight.

Having the glitch doesn’t destine you to become obese, but may predispose you to

it. People with two faulty copies of the gene (one from mom and one from dad) weighed an average of 7 pounds more than those without them. But some were obviously a lot heavier than that, and even 7 pounds can be the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy weight, said Manolis Kellis, a professor at MIT.

Two types of body fat The FTO gene turns out to influence obesity indirectly, functioning as a master switch that affects two other genes that control thermogenesis, or burning off energy.

It’s long been known that brown or beige fatty tissue — the so-called “good fat” — burns calories, while the more common

white fat stores them. The body constantly makes fat cells, and the two genes determine whether they become brown or white ones.

In one experiment described in the medical journal, researchers blocked the faulty gene’s effect in mice and found they became 50 percent leaner than other mice despite eating a high-fat diet, and burned more energy even when asleep.

In other tests on human cells, blocking the gene’s effect increased energy burning in fat cells. Editing out the problem gene in human cells in the lab also restored normal metabolic function.

Researchers don’t know the impact of See OBESITY, page 9

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Lots of options for flu vaccines this year

By Lauran Neergaard Give flu vaccine another chance: This year’s version got a recipe change that should make it more effective after last winter’s misery from a nasty surprise strain of virus.

“It doesn’t matter which flu vaccine you get. Just get one,’’ Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said before rolling up his own sleeve for a regular shot last month.

Typically, flu vaccine is 50 to 60 percent effective. Flu-related hospitalizations of seniors last year were the highest recorded in the decade that CDC has counted.

The H3N2 flu subtype is always harsh, especially for older adults. And last year’s

vaccine was only 13 percent effective against the mutated version that caused most of last year’s illnesses, he said.

Fortunately, “so far the strains in this year’s vaccine seem likely to match,’’ Frieden said, stressing that CDC is closely monitoring genetic fluctuations to see if that changes.

The vaccine protects against three or four different strains, depending on the brand, said Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University, who noted that even if one strain mutates, vaccination remains “the best defense against flu.’’

Who should be vaccinated Everybody starting at 6 months of age, the CDC says.

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Flu is especially dangerous for people over age 65, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or heart disease. But healthy young people can get seriously ill, too, as well as spread the disease.

CDC said at least 145 children died of flu last year. That was above the yearly average of 100, a number Frieden called an underestimate. Only about half of children who die from flu have underlying health problems, noted Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson of Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Only about half of Americans get an annual flu immunization. CDC says, on average, flu kills about 24,000 people a year in the U.S. New CDC data shows vaccination rates last year were highest for children ages 6 months to 23 months — at 75 percent, the only age group to meet public health goals. Children ages 2 to 4 weren’t far behind, at 68 percent, and 62 percent of 5- to 12-year-olds were vaccinated.

About two-thirds of seniors were vaccinated. But only about a third of adults ages 18 to 49 were, making them the least protected group.

About half of pregnant women get immunized — important not only for mom’s health, but because the vaccine also protects her baby during its first six months of life, Swanson noted.

When to get vaccinated About 40 million of this year’s doses already have been shipped to doctors, drugstores and other locations, and vaccinations are under way. It takes about two weeks for protection to kick in, and while flu typically peaks between December and February, there’s no way to predict when outbreaks will begin.

Most are covered by private and government health insurance, often without a copay. For those paying out of pocket, prices can range between $32 and $40.

Which kind to choose One option this year is a needle-free device called a jet injector that forces the vaccine into a stream of fluid that penetrates the skin. It is recommended for adults 18 to 64. The CDC said it can result in some of the same soreness as a traditional shot.

The nasal spray is the most widely known alternative to the traditional shot, and can be used by healthy people ages 2 to 49.

Other choices are targeted to different age groups and health conditions, and include the “intradermal’’ or skin-deep shots that use tiny needles; a version for people allergic to the chicken eggs used in brewing most flu vaccine; and a high-dose version for people 65 and older, whose immune systems typically don’t respond as robustly to flu vaccine as younger people’s.

The vaccine is changed yearly to keep up as influenza viruses mutate, and production takes months. It protects against two Type A strains — H3N2 and the H1N1 subtype, such as the swine flu so common a few years ago — plus either one or two milder Type B strains, depending on the brand.

CDC is working with manufacturers to cut vaccine production time, giving more time to spot it if a mutation is forming, Frieden said.

The bigger goal is to create a “universal vaccine’’ that could work on many flu strains. In August, researchers reported a small step toward that goal by targeting vaccines to a slightly different spot on the flu virus. But Frieden cautions that more broadly effective flu vaccines are “a few years away at best.’’

— AP

H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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 | Fitness & Health

9

Changes in Medicare drug, health plans

By Bill Salganik If you’re not paying attention, your Medicare prescription premium could increase by more than $50 a month in 2016.

Each year, insurance companies can — and do — change their premiums, copays, deductibles and lists of covered drugs.

It’s always a good idea to re-shop for your Medicare prescription drug and/or health plans (such as HMOs) during open enrollment, which lasts from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes you make will take effect on Jan. 1.

If your Medicare prescription plan is changing, you need to take action to make sure your coverage works for you next year — perhaps even to be sure you’ll have coverage at all.

One prescription plan, for example, Transamerica Rx Classic, is raising its

monthly premium from $29.40 to $83.50.

Among health plans, Aetna is dropping both of its current HMOs and adding a new HMO plan. And there are new health plans from two familiar names, University of Maryland Health and Johns Hopkins.

Here’s a look at some of the major changes, and their implications for members and prospective members.

Health plan changes New to the market: Howard County has no Medicare PPOs this year, but next year Johns Hopkins will be offering two such plans. (Like HMOs, PPOs have a network of participating doctors and hospitals, but unlike HMOs, they offer some out-of-network coverage.)

For HMOs, University of Maryland Health is also entering the Medicare

Obesity

versity in New York.

From page 7

Could lead to new drugs

having just one faulty copy of the gene, but think it has less of an effect than having two copies.

Several companies are trying to develop treatments to stimulate brown fat, and the new research suggests a novel approach.

“It’s a potential target” for drug development, said Dr. Sam Klein, an obesity researcher at Washington University in St. Louis. He called the work “an amazing study” and “a scientific tour de force.”

Some earlier research suggests the FTO gene may also influence other aspects of obesity, such as behavior and appetite.

“It’s possible there are several mechanisms being affected,” and that fat-burning is not the whole story,” said Dr. Rudolph Leibel, an obesity expert at Columbia Uni-

The discovery challenges the notion that “when people get obese it was basically their own choice because they choose to eat too much or not exercise,” said study leader Melina Claussnitzer, a genetics specialist at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

“For the first time, genetics has revealed a mechanism in obesity that was not really suspected before” and gives a third explanation or factor that’s involved.

Independent experts praised the discovery. “It’s a big deal,” said Dr. Clifford Rosen, a scientist at Maine Medical Center Research Institute and an associate editor at the medical journal.

“A lot of people think the obesity epidemic is all about eating too much,” but

health plan market with one plan, and two other current sponsors (Aetna and CignaHealth Spring) are adding plans. Kaiser Permanente is also adding a new Cost Plan to its range of plans.

Leaving the market: Aetna’s current HMOs will end Dec. 31. If you are enrolled in either of these Aetna HMOs and do nothing, in January you will have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and no prescription drug coverage.

During open enrollment, Aetna members can pick a different health plan or pick a Medigap plan without having to answer health questions. If you go with the Medigap plan, you will also need to select a Medicare drug plan.

You will also get the opportunity to select new plans at the beginning of 2016

our fat cells play a role in how food gets used, he said. With this discovery, “you now have a pathway for drugs that can make those fat cells work differently.”

Several obesity drugs are already on the market, but they are generally used for short-term weight loss, and are aimed at the brain and appetite; they don’t directly target metabolism.

Researchers can’t guess how long it

(January and February), but coverage will not be retroactive back to Jan. 1.

Drug plan changes New to the market: There’s one new drug plan, Magellan Rx Medicare Basic.

Leaving the market: Four drug plans are leaving the market — Aetna Medicare Rx Premier, Cigna-HealthSpring Rx Secure-Max, Transamerica Rx Choice and SmartD Rx Saver.

If you are currently a member of one of these plans, and you do nothing, you will automatically be switched into another plan Jan. 1. Your new plan may have a very different cost and benefit structure, and may not cover your medications. If you’re in one of the four discontinued See MEDICARE CHANGES, page 11

might take before a drug based on the new findings becomes available. But it’s unlikely it would be a magic pill that would enable people to eat anything they want without packing on the pounds.

And targeting this fat pathway could affect other things, so a treatment would need rigorous testing to prove safe and effective.

— AP

10

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

New cancers form in 1 of 5 cancer patients

By Marilynn Marchione Second cancers are on the rise. Nearly 20 percent of new cases in the U.S. now involve someone who has had the disease before.

When doctors talk about second cancers, they mean a different tissue type or a different site — not a recurrence or spread of the original tumor.

Judith Bernstein of suburban Philadelphia is an extreme example. She has had eight types of cancer over the last two decades, all treated successfully.

“There was a while when I was getting one cancer diagnosis after another,” including breast, lung, esophageal, and the latest — a rare tumor of her eyelids, she said. “At one point, I thought I had cancer in my little finger.”

About 19 percent of cancers in the United States now are second-or-more cases, a recent study found. In the 1970s, it was only 9 percent. Over that period, the number of first cancers rose 70 percent while the num-

ber of second cancers rose 300 percent.

Strange as it may sound, this is partly a success story: More people are surviving cancer and living long enough to get it again, because the risk of cancer rises with age.

Why multiple cancers occur Second cancers also can arise from the same gene mutations or risk factors, such as smoking, that spurred the first one.

And some of the very treatments that help people survive their first cancer, such as radiation, can raise the risk of a new cancer forming later in life, although treatments have greatly improved in recent years to minimize this problem.

Psychologically, a second cancer often is more traumatizing than the first. “I think it’s a lot tougher” for most people, said Julia Rowland, director of the federal Office of Cancer Survivorship.

“The first time you’re diagnosed, it’s fear of the unknown. When you have your next diag-

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nosis, it’s fear of the known,” and having to face treatment all over again, Rowland said.

Robert Ulrich, 58, a contractor and building inspector in Wasilla, Alaska, said that when doctors told him in 2013 he had advanced colon cancer, two decades after he had overcome Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it was like “they put a time stamp on your existence ... it makes your head spin.”

He is making end-of-life plans, while fighting the disease with aggressive chemotherapy.

“My outlook on it is, I got 30 years out of the first go-round, which gave me an opportunity to raise my family and enjoy my bride. So whatever time I get forward here I consider free time,” he said.

Imagine what it has been like for Bernstein, 72, the Philadelphia-area woman who has had skin, lymphoma, breast, two types of lung, esophageal, thyroid and now the eyelid cancer, a form of lymphoma.

She went to a psychiatrist after one diagnosis, and “spent four days very upset” after the latest one.

But she said that exercising has helped her feel well through treatments, and that having endured many tragedies among her friends and family has given her resilience.

“She is so upbeat,” said Barbara Rogers, a nurse practitioner at Fox Chase Cancer

Center who has treated Bernstein for more than a decade. For most patients, “it is harder the second time around, or third.”

Fewer treatment options Medically, second cancers pose special challenges. Treatment choices may be more limited. For example, radiation usually isn’t given to the same area of the body more than once. Some drugs also have lifetime dose limits to avoid nerve or heart damage.

“The body has a memory for the radiation or chemotherapy” and can’t endure too much of the same type, said Dr. Alan Venook, a colon and liver cancer expert at the University of California, San Francisco, who treats Ulrich, the Alaska man.

A second cancer means doctors need to assess genetic risk to the patient and possibly the family, Venook said.

“We’ve failed if a woman who had a BRCA1 mutation and had breast cancer develops colon cancer,” he said.

The gene mutation means she should be monitored and screened often enough for other cancers to have any precancerous colon growths removed, he said.

See CANCER, page 11

BEACON BITS

Nov. 4+

CPR COURSE

The American Heart Association will present its adult, child and infant CPR course from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. Skills learned include clearing an airway obstruction, performing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Fee is $55. The course will be repeated on Monday, Nov. 16 at the same time and location. For more information and advance registration, visit www.hcgh.org or call (410) 740-7601.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Medicare changes From page 9 plans, it’s very important that you review your options to see what plan will work for you in 2016.

Added deductibles: Two plans that don’t have deductibles in 2015 are adding them for next year: Cigna-HealthSpring Secure Extra ($250) and Symphonix Primesaver Rx ($200).

Express Scripts Medicare-Choice is raising its deductible from $50 to $360.

That’s the new maximum deductible for 2016, and about a dozen plans are moving up from the current maximum of $320.

Cancer From page 10

How to cope Experts have this advice for cancer survivors: • Have a formal survivorship plan — a blueprint for the future that includes a detailed summary of the treatment you received and what kind of monitoring is needed.

“Anyone who’s had a first cancer needs to understand what kinds of symptoms they need to be alert to and what kind of medical follow-up” they need, said Elizabeth Ward, an American Cancer Society researcher who authored a recent report on second cancers.

• Don’t neglect screenings for other forms of cancer besides the one you were

One plan, First Health Value Plus, is fully eliminating its deductible for next year.

Higher premiums: While seven plans will have lower premiums next year, 16 have boosted their premiums. For nine of those plans, the increase is more than $10.

In addition to Transamerica Classic ($54.10 increase), others with $10-plus hikes are Cigna-HealthSpring Secure Extra, Express Scripts Medicare-Choice, Humana Enhanced, United American Enhanced, United American Select, United American Essential, AARP MedicareRx Preferred and WellCare Extra.

Keep in mind that the monthly premium is only part of your total costs, and that you treated for. Make sure to get any recommended tests, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and HPV or Pap tests.

• If you get a second cancer, “take a deep breath,” Rowland said. Treatments improve every day; there are more resources, including social media, for support, and doctors are more used to treating cancer more than once.

“No one’s giving up on you,” she said.

To learn more about research on second cancers, see: • http://tinyurl.com/opoq6ss • http://tinyurl.com/nkwglrm • http://tinyurl.com/obvyeuf Advice for survivors can be found at: • www.journeyforward.org • www.asco.org/practice-research/cancer-survivorship — AP

need to also consider the deductible and copayments.

Extra Help changes: For those getting federal Extra Help with prescription costs, Extra Help will no longer cover the full premium for Transamerica RxClassic (you will be responsible for $50 each month), but will newly cover the full premium for WellCare Classic.

Sanctioned plans: All United American plans (Essential, Select and Enhanced) are on Medicare sanctions. This means that current members can stay in the plans, but no new members can enroll.

Medicare’s online Plan Finder tool will not show United American’s information. Cur-

11

rent members can call United American to get information for 2016.

Name changes: Symphonix Rite Aid Premium is now Symphonix PrimeSaver Rx. Symphonix RiteAid Value Rx is now Symphonix Value Rx. The Howard County State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you review your options at no charge, with one-on-one appointments, including on several evenings and Saturdays during open enrollment. Call (410) 313-7392 for information.

Bill Salganik is a counselor with the Howard County State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

BEACON BITS

Nov. 3

PODIATRIST SCREENING Podiatrist Andrew Liss will be available to examine an area of

concern on your feet on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For more information, visit www.hcgh.org or call (410) 740-7601.

Nov. 19

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT Information and other resources to help someone quite smoking will be available in the Howard County General Hospital lobby on

Thursday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Part of the Great American Smokeout observance, the program is walk-in, pre-registration is not required. For more information, call (410) 740-7890. The hospital is located at 5755 Cedar Ln., Columbia.

12

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Teens and retirees have a lot in common Our teen columnist, Alexis Bentz, writes proach retirement. For both seniors and about a topic that can generate discussion teens, the future may seem scary or unsure. with young people in your famTeens are concerned about ily or circle of friends. their entire future, while senFor many years, my grandiors may wonder how their mother was an award-winning lives will change when no elementary school teacher who longer working full-time, plus was beloved by her students. how long a future they may When she decided to stop have after retirement, and if teaching, she often tells people, they will have enough finanshe learned that being a retiree cial and health resources to is “like being an adolescent support their choices. without the angst.”

Of course, there are differI recently asked her what GENERATIONS ences as well between the she meant by that, and she ex- TOGETHER teenage and retirement years.

By Alexis Bentz plained that, when she reOlder adults have already extired, she felt like she did perienced the feelings, emowhen she was a teenager but without the tions and experiences that teenagers are same stress. So, in this column I’d like to going through, and they have learned that compare retirement and the teen years. they will survive and often thrive. Because of Among the similar feelings shared by this, they are not as anxious as teens. retirees and adolescents are confusion, exSeniors have also already met such recitement, and questions about the future. sponsibilities as working, raising a family, etc.

For teens, a list of common questions Because of their lifetime experiences, seniors may include: also realize that there are many opportunities • What will I want to do when I grow up? to explore their interests and use their skills • What will college/work be like? and strengths in a variety of fields.

• What if I make the wrong decision?

Whether you have retired or are still • Is it okay to be nervous, excited and hard at work, an easy and beneficial thing scared all at once? that you can do to connect with a younger Older adults may be asking themselves friend is to simply sit down and talk with many of the same questions as they ap- them about what is in store.

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Since you have already experienced many life stage changes and the emotional ups and downs they create, you can offer advice, thoughts and guidance, and offer answers to questions about the future that your younger buddy might have.

You can also tell stories about your life, the choices you made, and how they turned out. I love listening to stories my grandparents tell me about their lives, and I have really benefitted from their advice.

For example, whenever I attempt something new and feel nervous about it, my grandfather, who is a very wise man, always says, “What do you have to lose?”

He said that to me when I wanted to get my book, Think Smart! Ideas for Problem-

Solving By a Kid Like You, published when I was 10 years old, and when I wrote a letter to the editor of the Beacon asking if I could write this monthly column. I listened to him and was able to make both things happen.

You might find it interesting to hear about the anxieties of today’s teens, and discuss how your experiences compare.

Who knows? You might get some good advice from us, too!

I think both older and younger generations can use a little encouragement as they try to navigate what’s coming next.

Let’s learn from each other as we look toward the future.

Alexis Bentz is an 8th grader at Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville, Md.

Fears about bubbly or caffeinated drinks

By Dr. Howard LeWine Q: Do all carbonated beverages rob the bones of calcium? How about club soda or sparkling mineral water?

A: Warnings about the harmful effects of carbonated beverages on bone emerge from time to time. The theory is that the phosphoric acid (phosphate) used to enhance flavor in some carbonated beverages can interfere with calcium absorption and result in the loss of calcium from bone.

Fortunately, there’s no good evidence that a high phosphate intake affects bone metabolism or bone density. Teenage girls who drink a lot of carbonated beverages are more likely to have lower-thanexpected bone density. But that’s most often because of insufficient intake of healthier beverages that provide calcium and vitamin D. The picture is less clear in adults. Researchers at Tufts University examined data from 2,500 women and men (ages 49 to 69). They assessed dietary intake, and measured bone mineral density (BMD). Non-cola carbonated drinks were not associated with low BMD. Cola and other caffeinated beverages

are still suspects. In the Tuft’s study, cola intake was associated with lower BMD at the hip in the women, but not in the men.

The more cola a woman drank, the lower her BMD. Women who drank more cola didn’t drink less milk, but they did have a lower intake of calcium.

We have less direct information regarding carbonated water. The results of one small study comparing bone metabolism in women who drank noncarbonated vs. carbonated mineral water showed no difference between the two groups.

It seems likely that you can enjoy carbonated water without worry. But don’t overdo the caffeinated beverages, whether carbonated or not.

Make sure you get enough calcium (1,000 to 1,300 milligrams per day) and vitamin D (600 to 1,000 IU per day) from other sources to compensate.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. © 2015 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

13

When grandpa should weigh in, keep quiet Dear Solutions: be interested in what their father was like as I think I’m being a really good a little boy, so you could tell them some stograndpa, and then I get hit ries also. with complaints.

You don’t have to be their Both my son and daughjudge, you don’t have to be their ter-in-law work long hours. critic, and the only teaching you They don’t have a lot of time have to do is to teach them how to spend with their children, to spell Grandpa: L-O-V-E! so I try to fill in and help the Dear Solutions: kids keep up with their I don’t know whether my schoolwork. problem is with my daughOnce a week, I have them ter-in-law or with my grandover for a “Hamburger Fest,” son. He’s 4 years old and SOLUTIONS and I check up on the schoolmy daughter-in-law has him

By Helen Oxenberg, work. Now my daughter-inenrolled in every activity MSW, ACSW law tells me they don’t like to possible. come because I “grill” them.

He has dancing class Shouldn’t they — including my daugh- dates, tutoring dates, swimming dates, ter-in-law — appreciate what I’m doing? play dates, etc. Now he’s refusing to go — The Grandpa to the swimming class, but my daughterDear Grandpa: in-law insists he should go, and when he Grill the hamburgers, not the children! gets there, he won’t go in the water.

Sure, it’s great that you’re willing to spend She thinks if he doesn’t go, he’ll never time with them, but not if they feel that get over his fear. I think she should leave they’re “doing time” when they’re with you. him alone.

Since their parents are such high achiev— Just call me Grandpa ers, it’s likely that your grandkids are con- Dear Grandpa: stantly in an atmosphere of achieve, achieve, It just goes to show — you can lead a achieve. What they need from you is uncon- child to water, but you can’t make him ditional love and appreciation of them as indi- swim! I think your grandson is overviduals, no matter how they do in school. whelmed and may be too young for this inWhen they’re with you, listen to them. tensive dating game. He could probably Encourage them to talk about their friends benefit from a “do-nothing date.” and their activities: What do they like, Children’s imagination and creativity have what do they hate, what are they scared of? a chance to develop when they have some Provide a place for them to talk about time to just invent their own play activity, themselves, and also tell them you want to with no adult telling them how. I would adknow about young people today. So let vise your daughter-in-law to back off for a them tell you their jokes, play their music, while. He can get in the swim later, when play their games, etc. They would probably he’s ready.

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

Dear Solutions: I’m a 70-something widower. When my wife was alive, we both wanted to go on an “around the world” cruise, but we kept putting it off. Now I would like to go, but until last week I had no one to go with.

At a senior group meeting, I met a woman who said she would like to go as well and had no one to go with. I’m thinking we could go together and take separate rooms.

I like this woman, but I feel guilty going when my wife never had the chance. Also, someone said, “Wouldn’t you feel guilty spending your children’s money?”

The thought of going is very exciting, but then I get pulled back by all these other feelings. What do you think?

— Harry Dear Harry: You have a golden opportunity for a giltedged trip depending on how you spell it.

Gilt? Guilt?

Let’s try being rational: 1. It’s sad that your wife didn’t have the opportunity to go. However, since you both postponed the trip, the first thing you have to do — unless you murdered her — is to give up responsibility for her missed trip.

You can feel bad and cry over it, but when you finish, ask yourself, “If I don’t go now, will that give her back the lost opportunity?”

2. If you like the woman who wants to go with you, think of her as a friend or companion, not a date. Whether you take separate rooms or not is entirely up to the two of you, and nobody else’s business.

3. Leaving money to one’s grown children is a gift, not a given. You are entitled to fulfill your dreams and, hopefully, your children will be happy for you. So go, Harry! If not now, when? © Helen Oxenberg, 2015. Questions may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email the author at helox72@comcast.net.

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Health Studies Page

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study compares two surgeries for women

By Carol Sorgen The Weinberg Center for Women’s Health and Medicine at Mercy Medical Center is participating in a nationwide study to compare the treatment success rates and safety of two surgical treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in

which one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, bowel) herniate or bulge into or out of the vagina.

Symptoms include the feeling of a lump bulging into or outside the vagina, heavy feeling in vagina and/or lower back, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, urinary or fecal incontinence, and discomfort

during sexual intercourse.

The study, sponsored by American Medical Systems, is being conducted at Mercy

by Dr. R. Mark Ellerkmann, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is also director of the Center for Urogynecology at Mercy Medical Center.

lowed for 36 months to assess their health and quality of life.

Those who participate will receive standard medical care and a $50 stipend at a pre-surgery visit and at each post-surgery visit (at two, six, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months), for answering questionnaires on their quality of life.

Two FDA-approved options

Participating in the study

The two surgical treatment options being studied are Native Tissue Repair and the Elevate Prolapse Repair System.

Those who participate in the study will determine with their doctor which surgical treatment option is right for them.

The Elevate Prolapse Repair System is an FDA-cleared medical device that has been used since 2009 as a treatment to repair pelvic organ prolapse in women.

Native Tissue Repair uses the woman’s own tissues to reconstruct the anatomy to its normal position. While both of these methods are approved for treatment of prolapse, the FDA is requesting studies to compare these two treatment options.

After their surgery, patients will be fol-

Participants must be at least 18 years old and have pelvic organ prolapse that the patients can feel or see.

Patients cannot take part in the study if they have had cancer involving pelvic organs, have an active or chronic urinary tract infection, have a systemic connective tissue disease, such as lupus, or have a neurologic or medical condition affecting bladder function.

Mor e infor mation is available at www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Search for the Embrace Study-NCT02121977.

For more information on the study, contact Kristin Purdum at the Weinberg Center for Women’s Health and Medicine, (443) 275-5050 or kpurdum@mdmercy.com.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 13

LEARN ABOUT EYES AND LAB TESTS Dr. Larry Romaine continues his Medically Curious series on

Friday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. He will talk about “Senior Eyes and Lab Tests.” The program will take place at the Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Route 97

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

November Meeting Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Location: Linden Hall 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Topic: Veterans Benefits Speaker: Julian Wright, Veterans Service Representative, Department of Veterans Affairs

Cooksville. For more information, call (410) 313-5440.

Nov. 8

SISTER CITY GHANA FEST To celebrate the city’s expanding relationship with its sister city of Tema, Ghana, the city of Columbia will hold a festival of music,

drumming and dancing on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The festivities will take place at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Ln., in the Wilde Lake Village Center. African dress is welcome, and authentic Ghanaian handicrafts will be raffled off with proceeds going to support student and adult exchanges with Tema.

For more information, visit www.columbiaasociation.org.

Go to www.cogsmd.org for more information or learn more by calling (410) 997-0610.

Seeking Men and Women

Thank you to our 2015 Executive Members

The University of Maryland & Veterans Affairs of Baltimore are conducting a research study to better understand balance & prevent falls as we age.

PLATINUM MeMBeRS Howard County General Hospital – A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine The Beacon Newspapers GoLD MeMBeRS Being There Senior Care, LLC • Howard County Office on Aging SILVeR MeMBeRS Brooke Grove Retirement Village • Deborah L. Herman, CPA Ellicott City Healthcare Center • Home Call of Maryland • Oasis Senior Advisors The Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Select Realtors

BRoNze MeMBeRS Brighton Gardens of Columbia • Earl Wilkinson, M.D. (ENT) • Gentiva Health Services Homewatch Caregivers • Integrace Copper Ridge • Lighthouse Senior Living at Ellicott City Paladin Advisor Group • Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc.

PATRoN MeMBeRS Alzheimer’s Association – Greater MD Chapter • Freedom Mobility • Genesis SelectCare Home Instead Senior Care • Home With You Senior Care, LLC Ivy Manor Normandy, Inc. • Let’s Move, LLC • Luba Services, Inc. • Neighbor Ride, Inc. New Life Assisted Living • Right At Home In-Home Care & Assistance • Visiting Angels

With your participation you will receive: • Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time

For Information, please call the Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Phone Line

410-605-7179 Mention code: LIFT *You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine for approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours of time per visit

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

The

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Senior

15

NEWS and EVENTS from the Howard County Office on Aging

Connection

Department of Citizen Services

A Message from

Starr P. Sowers Administrator, Office on Aging Each November, National Family Caregivers Month focuses much needed attention on the challenges millions of family caregivers face every day. Caregiving can be stressful and demanding; knowing where to find available services and resources can help caregivers provide the best care possible for a loved one. In Howard County, the Office on Aging’s Family Caregiver Support Program offers guidance and assistance through referrals, educational opportunities, and individual caregiver support.

All caregivers are encouraged to attend our 4th annual caregivers’ conference, “The Caregiver Journey: Strategies, Support, Success” on Saturday, November 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. This year’s conference will include a variety of educational sessions and stress-reducing activities, plus the opportunity for you to meet and talk with others facing many of the same challenges. See the article in this issue for more information, or call 410-313-5980 (voice/relay) to register.

Don’t forget that our annual Thanksgiving Celebration will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville. Enjoy a festive meal plus music by the Retro Rockets and Love Story Duo. Tickets ($13) are on sale now at all Howard County 50+ Centers. I hope you will join us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

By the way, did you pick up a copy of the 2016 Howard County Resource Guide at the 50+EXPO? The Resource Gu Guide includes local, state an and national resource in information, as well as lis listings for programs, bu businesses, and nonprofit o organizations serving o older adults, caregivers aand their families in H Howard County. Copies aare available at your llocal 50+ center or library branch; call Maryland Access Point at 410-313-5980 to have one mailed to you.

Volume 5, No. 11 • November 2015

Creating An Age-Friendly Community Report Recently Released Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman has announced new initiatives to support the future growth of Howard County’s older adult population, including the release of “Creating An Age-Friendly Community,” a 20-year plan to accommodate the projected 183 percent increase in the number of adults age 65 or older living in the County by 2040.

The report is the culmination of a year-long effort that engaged more than 1,600 community members from the public, private and non-profit sectors, as well as the faith community. It identifies programs, facilities and services that will be needed for the county’s older adult population over the next two decades.

“We have to be ready and plan for the future,” said Kittleman, who made the announcement during ceremonies to unveil the new Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center and the newly renovated Ellicott City 50+ Center. The County Executive plans to convene an Age-Friendly Leadership Council, staffed by the Department of Citizen Services and the Office on Aging, to oversee the implementation of the plan’s recommendations.

“I also am directing the Department of Citizen Services, Office on Aging and the Commission on Aging to engage people across the county in discussions about the report – specifically how they can be part of creating an age-friendly community,” Kittleman said. Speakers will be available to address community groups, large and small, about the report’s recommendations and the role they can play in supporting residents of all ages.

“The Office on Aging is committed to meeting the needs of older adults of Howard County, both now and in the future,” said Starr Sowers, administrator of the Howard County Office on Aging, “We look forward to working with our public and private partners, as well as interested residents, to make the vision described in this report a reality.” To review the “Creating an Age-Friendly Community” report, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agingmasterplan.

Kittleman has also announced plans to expand the county’s “Loan Closet,” a collaborative effort of the Office on Aging, Rotary Club of Columbia, and Way Station, which currently loans durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and shower benches to 800 individuals each year. By expanding the capacity and operating hours of the program in this fiscal year, the Loan Closet will be able to serve up to 2,500 residents and can accept donations of larger items, such as scooters and stair glides. Visit www.loancloset.org for more information.

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The Senior Connection

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

The Caregiving Journey 2015 Conference: Strategies • Support • Success

Helping to Care for the Caregiver

M

ary, a 58 year-old Howard County resident, is married, works 20 hours per week, has a 27 year-old daughter at home with physical and behavioral health disabilities and cares for her 86 year-old mother who has Alzheimer’s and also lives with her. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the contributions of those who, like Mary, are unpaid family caregivers.

Did you know that nearly 44 million adults in the US provide personal assistance for family members with disabilities or other care needs? That’s more than one out of every six adults. More than 34 million care for frail elders and nearly 4 million help children with disabilities. (AARP Policy Institute and National Alliance for Caregiving 2015 Report “Caregiving in the U.S.,” June 2015).

REGISTER NOW! Howard County 4th Annual Caregiver Conference

Saturday, November 14, 2015 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM North Laurel Community Center 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723 $10/person • Partial Scholarships May Be Available Continental Breakfast and Lunch Provided

FREE On-Site Respite Provided Register in one of three convenient ways:

Here are some other highlights of the report’s findings about caregivers: • 82% care for one person who either lives with the caregiver or lives within 20 minutes of them.

• 60% of caregivers are female. The “typical” caregiver is a 49-year-old female caring for a 69-year-old female relative, most likely her mother.

• 34% of caregivers have a full-time job; 25% work part-time.

• Caregivers have been caring for 4 years on average, spending 24.4 hours per week helping with activities like bathing, dressing, housework, and managing finances.

• 32% provide at least 21 hours of care a week, on average providing 62.2 hours of care weekly.

• 38% of caregivers report high emotional stress from the demands of caregiving.

There are approximately 550,000 caregivers in Maryland; in 2013, it was estimated that nearly 1 in 5 Howard County residents provided at least part-time care for a relative or non-relative (National Family Alliance). The Howard County Office on Aging receives calls every day from caregivers seeking assistance. Many of these caregivers receive support from the federally funded Caregiver Support Program which offers information and referral services, support groups, small grant funding and education.

The Caregiver Support Program will hold its fourth annual conference, “The Caregiving Journey: Strategies, Support, and Success” on Saturday, November 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. The day is planned to provide education, nourishment and relaxation time for caregivers to recharge. Knowing that caregivers range in experience from the “newbie” to the advanced, education sessions will include a broad range of topics, from “Caregiving Basics” and “Legal 101” to “Palliative Care” and “Coping with Grief and Loss.”

The $10 conference fee includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is required. FREE, ONSITE RESPITE CARE IS AVAILABLE. Register by phone at 410-313-5980 (voice/relay) or online at www.howardcountyaging.org/caregiver.

To request accommodations to attend the conference, or to learn more about the Caregiver Support Program, call Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-313-5980 or email map@howardcountymd.gov.

• ONLINE AT https://apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/Activity_Search/49989

• At your local HOWARD COUNTY 50+ CENTER • Contact MARYLAND ACCESS POINT 410-313-5980 (VOICE/RELAY) or map@howardcountymd.gov

Registration deadline for conference and respite is Friday, November 6 If you need accommodations to attend this event, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-313-5980 or map@howardcountymd.gov

The Senior Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Department of Citizen Services and the Office on Aging.

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

To join our subscriber list, email seniorconnection@howardcountymd.gov Howard County Office on Aging, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountyaging.org Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCitizen

Kim Higdon Henry, Senior Connection Editor kahenry@howardcountymd.gov Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Howard County Office on Aging or by the publisher.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

The Senior Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

17

The Howard County Office on Aging invites you to

THANKSGIVING

Giving Thanks

THE

LUNCHEON & DANCE

Caregiver Support Group

Performances by the Retro Rockets and Love Story Duo!

THIRD MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Find support. Share the caregiver experience.

Ten Oaks Ballroom 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville 21029 DOORS OPEN 10:30 A.M.

LUNCH 12:00 NOON

Tickets on Sale at all Howard County 50+ Centers $13/person PLEASE BRING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS FOR THE HOWARD COUNTY FOOD BANK FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

410-313-5440 (VOICE/RELAY) If you need need accommodations to attend, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-313-5980 (voice/relay) or map@howardcountymd.gov.

This facilitated group is FREE and focuses on 4 key caregiver concerns:

!!"#$%&%$'!()*+,#%)*! !!0+%3$'!4)25+#63/7!

!!-.+&+/$'!0,11+#2 !!8)3*,#)!93.)

Oct. 19 • Nov. 16 • Dec. 21 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

East Columbia 50+ Center 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045 TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

Karen Hull

PHONE EMAIL

410-313-7466 (VOICE/RELAY) khull@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountyaging.org

MEDICARE Open Enrollment Events

PROJECT

October 15 through December 7, 2015

By Appointment Only. Call 410-313-7392.

Bain 50+ Center Saturday, November 7 • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 12 • 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

East Columbia 50+ Center Monday, November 30 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Elkridge 50+ Center Tuesday, November 17 • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Ellicott City 50+ Center

2015

Holiday

HOWARD COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING is collecting donated items for low-income seniors who reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in the community.

The WISH LIST includes items for both adult men and women, such as blankets/throws, stamps/stationery, puzzle books, scarves, pajamas, toiletries, etc. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Friday, November 6 • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, November 20 • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Drop off your donations by December 4 at any Howard County 50+ Center or the

Glenwood 50+ Center

6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21046

Tuesday, November 10 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

North Laurel 50+ Center Tuesday, November 10 • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 24 • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. Contact us for help.

410-313-7392 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountyaging.org/SHIP

Howard County Office on Aging FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Nicole Baptiste-Patterson 410-313-6423 (VOICE/RELAY) or via email to npatterson@howardcountymd.gov If you need this information in an alternate format, contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-5980 or map@howardcountymd.gov

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The Senior Connection

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

November 2015 Calendar of Events Don’t miss the exciting programs and services at one of the dynamic Howard County Office on Aging 50+ Centers near you!

Bain 50+ Center Friday, Nov. 6 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — CHARM CITY CELEBRATION Bykota on Stage presents a tribute to Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay, with music about Baltimore. Luncheon to follow; sign-up in the lunch room by Oct. 30. Info: 410-313-7213.

Monday, Nov. 9 • 10 a.m. to noon — SHINGLES PRESENTATION Thursday, Nov. 12 • 10 a.m. to noon — VACCINATION CLINIC You must attend the shingles presentation to attend the clinic. FREE. Refreshments and door prizes will be available. Register: 410-313-7213.

Thursday, Nov. 19 • 12:30 p.m. — THANKSGIVING CONCERT & DESSERT All are invited for an afternoon of “Giving Thanks” with our gospel choir. Join us for music, singing and dessert. FREE. Register by Nov. 12: 410-313-7213.

East Columbia 50+ Center Tuesday, Nov. 3 • 1 p.m. — WEIGHT GETTING YOU DOWN? Join us, as we brainstorm challenges, share successes, and try new approaches. Free; no refreshments served! Info: 410-313-7680.

Wednesday, Nov. 4 • 11 a.m. — PARTY PLANNING 101 Let’s start with Phyllo! Learn how to make amazing hors d’oeuvres that are sure to impress. $3 material fee. Register: 410-313-7680.

Tuesday, Nov. 17 • 7 p.m. — CLIMATE CHANGE PANEL DISCUSSION Join the League of Women Voters for an informative discussion about climate change. Free. Register: 410-313-7680.

Elkridge 50+ Center Wednesday, Nov. 5 • 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — LIVING HEALTHY WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE This workshop will help those diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure learn how to better manage their conditions. $5. Register: 410-313-4930.

Thursday, Nov. 12 • 10:30 a.m. to noon — AROMATHERAPY AND EMOTIONS Join Andrienne Hausman to discover the uses and benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils, and how they can help with emotions. FREE. Register: 410-313-4930.

Monday, Nov. 16 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — ENERGY CONSERVATION/HOW TO READ BGE BILLS Learn ways to save money, and how to read the line items on your BGE bill. Free information packets and giveaways! Register: 410-313-4930.

Ellicott City 50+ Center Tuesday, Nov. 10 • 9 a.m. to noon — FREE HEARING SCREENINGS Dr. Mary Carson, clinical audiologist, Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions, will perform free hearing screenings. Call for appointments: 410-313-1400.

Tuesday, Nov. 17 • 12:30 p.m. — ANYTHING GOES, THE MUSIC OF COLE PORTER This Lyric Opera House program will highlight the music and lyrics of Cole Porter, one of America’s best loved composers. FREE; register at 410-313-1400.

Thursday, Nov. 19 • 12:30 p.m. — OWL OUTREACH WITH “RANGER” THE OWL, LIVE! Learn about the unique features and adaptations of owls, their habitats, and hunting techniques from the Howard County Conservancy. Bring your grandchildren to connect with nature! FREE. Register: 410-313-1400.

Glenwood 50+ Center Friday, Oct. 30 • 12:00 noon — FISH FRYGHT Wear your best costume and enjoy fried fish and chicken at this eerie event. Cost: lunch donation. Pre-register: 410-313-5440.

Wednesday, Nov. 4 • 1:30 p.m. — FUSED GLASS ORNAMENTS Learn how to make fused glass ornaments for the holidays. $35.

Register: 410-313-5440.

Friday, Nov. 13 • 11:30 a.m. — VETERANS DAY SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON Enjoy a homemade meal while we honor those who served. $6; FREE FOR VETERANS (share your stories, memorabilia, and photographs).

Register: 410-313-5440.

North Laurel 50+ Center Wednesday, Nov. 4 • 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. — MEMORY SCREENINGS WITH DR. JEN Dr. Jennifer Schwartz-Mitchell, Humanim Cognitive Assessment & Solutions Center, will offer memory function screenings. FREE. Appointments, call: 410-313-0380. Walk-ins welcome; wait times vary.

Friday, Nov. 13 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — AIR WARFARE DURING WORLD WAR II Ellis Woodward recounts stories and adventures of his father’s career as a B-17 pilot during World War II from the memoir “Flying School: Combat Hell.” FREE. Register: 410-313-0380.

Tuesday, Nov. 24 • 10:30 a.m. to noon — TRAVEL TALK: THE NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE Explore the wild and untamed Norwegian scenery and learn how to plan your next adventure with travel enthusiast, Rick. FREE. Register: 410-313-0380.

FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS at our 50+ Centers this month, visit: www.howardcountyaging.org/50pluscenters To request accommodations to participate, call Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-313-5980 (voice/relay) one week in advance.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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 &

19

CLAIMING WHAT’S YOURS Don’t pay to find out if you have unclaimed tax refunds, savings bonds and other money. Instead, use free databases to track them down

MERCK’S MERITS Shares of Merck & Co. offer both dividends and the potential for growth. The company continues to develop new drugs, including those for cancer

Contrarian advice on emerging markets

By Bernard Condon and Matthew Craft If you think investors in U.S. stocks have had it rough, consider the hapless folks who followed Wall Street’s advice to buy emerging-market stocks.

The MSCI Emerging Markets index has lost 25 percent over the past year, while the most widely held U.S. fund, the Vanguard Total Stock Market index, is down less than 1 percent.

After the financial crisis, plowing money into emerging markets seemed like a sure bet. China was gobbling up raw materials from Brazil, Indonesia and Russia, and their stock markets were soaring. Wall Street cranked up its marketing machine, creating 246 funds to ride the boom.

“Whatever is hot, Wall Street will race out with new products to catch the investor’s eye,” said Larry Swedroe, head of research at Buckingham Asset Management. The blitz worked. In the five years through 2013, investors poured $104 billion into emerging-market stock funds.

The amount of money in these funds more than quadrupled.

Now, in classic fashion, investors are reversing course: They’ve yanked $40 billion from emerging-market stocks this year, a record pace of withdrawals, as a slowdown in China has hammered companies that supply raw materials.

But the selling has also created real value, some savvy investors say. It costs half as much to buy a dollar of earnings from emerging-market companies now as

it does to buy a dollar of earnings from U.S. companies.

The zigzagging fortunes of emerging markets reveal the pitfalls of chasing the hot new thing, and how the best time to buy may be precisely when everyone else is selling.

Emerging market funds Betting on emerging markets has never been for the faint of heart. Values soar as money floods in from investors hoping to profit from rapid economic growth. Along comes a crisis, currencies collapse and inflation spikes. Values plummet and money rushes out.

Why they’re falling now: Fear that Chinese demand for Brazilian steel, Indonesian coal, Chilean copper and other goods could slow further. Sliding currencies in these countries squeeze companies trying to pay back loans taken out in dollars.

Memories of the 1997 Asian financial crisis aren’t helping. Back then, investors fled Thailand, Indonesia and other Asian tigers, and the fallout threatened to spark a global recession.

Why investors may be wrong: Companies in developing countries have taken out more loans in their own currencies, so they’re better prepared when their currencies fall against the dollar. Manufacturers in South Korea and Taiwan import a lot of raw materials, so they benefit from falling commodity prices. And many big Indian companies rely on local customers, provid-

ing banking services and consumer goods to the country’s swelling middle class.

The value case: It will cost you $13.23 to buy a dollar of their average annual earnings over the past decade, less than the $14 it cost during the panic selling of the 2008 financial crisis, according to Chris Brightman, chief investment officer at Research Affiliates. Before that crisis, investors paid $35 for a dollar of earnings, nearly triple the price now.

The problem is, prices could get cheaper still. Brightman warns that investors tend to overshoot during busts, just as they do during booms, because they think “what is happening currently will go on forever.”

Commodity funds The drops are stunning. Oil falling by more than half in the past year, iron ore plunging by a third, coal and copper off by more than a quarter. Even prices for wheat and corn — people can’t stop eating, can they? — have fallen by more than half in two years.

Pimco’s largest raw materials fund, the Commodity Real Return Strategy fund, has lost a third of its value over the past year. That’s after a rocky ten years, during which the fund rocketed as high as 30 percent and plunged as much as 60 percent.

Why they’re falling now: Too many See EMERGING MARKETS, page 20

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Merck: a great dividend stock for retirees

By Daren Fonda Dividends are the lifeblood of Big Pharma stocks. The payouts ensure a steady income stream even when a company’s shares stagnate.

But a healthy dividend isn’t the only reason to consider the shares of Merck & Co. (symbol MRK). Not only does the drug maker’s stock deliver a 3.3 percent yield, it also has potential for gains.

With more than $39 billion in annual sales, Merck makes money from more than 50 prescription medicines. Top sellers include Januvia, a blockbuster diabetes drug, as well as drugs to treat cancer, high cholesterol and other ailments. Vaccines and animal health products round out Merck’s lineup.

Sales have dipped from a peak of $48 billion in 2011, partly because Merck sold its

consumer-products business in 2014. Analysts expect profits per share to inch up by just 3.5 percent over the next 12 months (compared with earnings in the 12-month period that ended June 30). The stock has lagged far behind such rivals as Pfizer (PFE) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), trailing each by more than 20 percentage points over the past year.

But Merck could be on the cusp of breaking out of its rut. The Kenilworth, N.J., company recently spent $8.4 billion to acquire Cubist Pharmaceuticals, a leading maker of antibiotics, including drugs to treat “superbugs” that can cause pandemics.

Merck said Cubist will add more than $1 billion to revenue in 2015 and bolster earnings per share in 2016. But more compelling from a profit perspective is Merck’s

Emerging markets

drillers and miners are starting to go out of business as prices fall below their cost of production. That should ultimately squeeze supply, and lead to prices stabilizing.

The value case: The commodity glut is hardly a secret, so prices may already reflect it. Market strategists at Northern Trust wrote in a recent report that prices are looking more compelling, and recommended that investors consider the FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources fund, which contains

From page 19 companies pulled too much out of the ground before the financial crisis. China’s massive stimulus program fueled even more drilling and digging. With the big investments already made, companies figure they might as well keep pumping oil and extracting ore. Investors speculate that supply may overwhelm demand for a long time yet.

Why investors may be wrong: Small

pipeline of new products, including several with potential for more than $1 billion in annual sales.

Merck’s next blockbusters?

Leading the way is Merck’s cancer drug Keytruda, part of a new class of “immunooncology” medicines that harness the body’s defenses to shrink tumors. Already approved to treat melanoma, a form of skin cancer, Keytruda has shown effectiveness in treating some types of advanced lung cancer — a potentially much larger market.

The Food and Drug Administration is slated to rule on Merck’s application for Keytruda to treat non-small-cell lung cancer in early October. Assuming Merck gets the green light and receives FDA approvals for other uses — two big ifs — 120 commodity producers.

They like the fund’s exposure to food giants such as Bunge and Archers Daniels Midland. It’s not for the timid, though. The fund is in the middle of a three-year losing streak, capped by a 19 percent drop in the last three months.

In fact, these investments may need five to 10 years before they become truly attractive, said Rudolph-Riad Younes, a portfolio manager at R Squared Capital Management. Buying now is “a loser’s game.”

Emerging-market bonds

THANK YOU FOR HELPING BRING REAL POSSIBILITIES TO MARYLAND. Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

Congratulations to our AARP Maryland 2015 Andrus Award Winner: Mary Bochanis, Bethesda As well as our 2015 Volunteer & Community Partner Award winners: Advocacy Social Media Outreach Chapter Leader AARP Driver Safety AARP Experience Corps AARP Tax Aide Community Partner

Delphine Ally, Gaithersburg John Henkel, Baltimore Rose Hobson, District Heights Wanda McDougal, Reisterstown Ernie Sims, District Heights

Enticed by higher interest rates than in the U.S., investors plowed into emergingmarket bond funds in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis. Warnings that the U.S. government would struggle to pay its rising debts added to their appeal.

Governments in Brazil, Turkey and other developing countries had scaled back their borrowing, and with their economies expanding rapidly, it seemed they would have no trouble making their payments. In the four years after 2008, the amount of money these bond funds had at their disposal tripled to $77 billion.

Why they’re falling now: Brazil and Russia have fallen into deep recessions, and emerging-market currencies have

Keytruda sales could reach $9 billion by 2023, estimates Bank of Montreal Capital Markets analyst Alex Arfaei.

Other potential hits include a new drug for hepatitis C; a weekly diabetes drug (potentially expanding Merck’s share of the diabetes-treatment market); and an anesthesia drug that has already been approved in Australia, Europe and Japan, and is under review by the FDA. All told, Merck is “on the verge of five to six years of strong growth,” said Arfaei, who recently upgraded the stock from a rating of “neutral” to “outperform” and raised his 12-month price target to $70 per share — more than 40 percent above Merck’s closing price on Oct. 13 of $49.47.

See MERCK, page 21

plunged around the world. The sorry history of emerging markets suggests a wave of corporate defaults, a jump in inflation, and rising political instability as anger spreads on the streets. After the Asian financial crisis, student protests in Indonesia, one of the hardest hit countries, helped depose the country’s ruler after three decades in power.

Why investors may be wrong: These countries are better prepared for financial shocks. They have lower debt burdens than many developed countries, and built up foreign reserves to defend their currencies. “You would have seen social instability and bank runs” in previous years, said Samy Muaddi, a portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price. “But that’s not happening today. I take it as a positive sign.”

The value case: Just 2.3 percent of emerging-market companies that rating agencies consider the riskiest missed a payment so far this year. That’s just a hair above the 2.2 percent default rate for similar U.S. companies. That default rate could jump, of course, but investors get paid more to take that risk. According to Barclays Capital, emerging-market bonds yield 5.7 percent, a full percentage point higher than a year ago.

— AP

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21

Lucky dogs get free grooming, treats, more

By Robert Long The cost of caring for Fido is so doggone expensive these days: The ASPCA says the minimum annual budget to care for a small dog is $1,314. Bigger dogs cost more, and unexpected veterinary care — plus boarding and dog-walking fees if you’re away from home for long stretches of time — can hike those costs considerably.

So dog owners should take advantage of every freebie they can. We’ve rounded up eight free goods and services for your dog — no purchase necessary. My beagle Bailey and I have taken advantage of nearly every one of these freebies. Take a look.

Public pools and happy hours This once-a-year freebie comes up at the end of summer, so keep it in mind for next year. Public swimming pools across the country generally close to humans around Labor Day weekend. But many municipalities, before cleaning and shutting down their outdoor pools for the season, allow dogs in to splash and practice their doggie paddling on one special day.

In many big cities, Rover and his canine pals can enjoy free treats and water — as their humans consume discounted food and drinks — during happy hour at a vari-

Merck From page 20 Merck still faces tough competition.

Keytruda and other drugs vie for sales against rivals, and pressure from insurance companies could force Merck to lower prices, reducing profitability.

Moreover, although future products look exciting, some may never reach the market.

And there’s always the chance that doctors will favor treatments made by other companies.

Frank, Frank

ety of popular establishments. Some restaurants even have entire menus for dogs or give away branded water bowls.

Free health resources, grooming You can better understand Sparky’s routine health care needs, and learn how to spot symptoms of distress, at no cost via trusted pet-care Web sites.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends WebMd’s Pet Health Community, which includes an A to Z directory of conditions and symptoms afflicting dogs, plus discussion boards where licensed vets respond to users’ queries. Also bookmark the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center for proactive and reactive guidance on toxins Sparky might ingest.

But in an emergency, don’t waste time trying to diagnose Sparky’s ills yourself, even with the help of online guides. “You know your pet better than anyone,” said the AVMA’s Michael San Filippo. “When you notice signs of illness or that something’s not right — a change in behavior, appetite or appearance, for example — contact your veterinarian.”

Just as beauty schools for humans offer discounted haircuts and other services for customers willing to take a risk with stuYet investors aren’t paying a steep price for Merck’s future profit potential. The shares trade at 14 times estimated earnings of $3.60 per share over the next 12 months. That’s roughly in line with the price-earnings ratios of Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).

Investors may be underestimating the value of Merck’s pipeline of new products, said Morningstar analyst Damien Connover. Even if the stock doesn’t bounce over the near term, investors can collect that healthy dividend yield as they wait for

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Imagine that you’re away from home when an electrical fire breaks out. A sticker on your front door or window can tell firefighters that pets are awaiting rescue in-

side. Get a window decal from the ASPCA, in their free Pet Safety Pack.

At Petco’s Unleashed stores, take advantage of a free, 30-minute training seminar for adopted dogs and their owners. Learn basic commands, such as “sit” and “down,” as well as how to provide positive reinforcement to correct behaviors common in rescued dogs.

For dogs of all kinds, the stores offer other free seminars that focus on specific training topics — such as interacting with kids or excessive barking. Be ready for an upsell for one of Unleashed’s six-week training classes to build on the basic lessons of your free session.

Novice, well-intentioned dog owners determined to pick up Spot’s every poop might be tempted to plunk down $5 to $10 a month for a package of cute poop bags from, say, Target or Petco. Snap out of it — you’re paying $100 a year for plastic.

Trust me, you can find enough poop bags for free in your life — perhaps delivered to your doorstep once daily with the morning newspaper, or handed to you every time you bring home take-out.

All contents © 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

all those drugs to reach pharmacy shelves.

All contents copyright 2015 The Kiplinger

Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

dent practitioners, veterinary schools may offer free basic grooming services for your dog — tooth brushing, hair brushing, nail clipping. Donations are generally encouraged. Contact your local shelter, or look up local veterinary schools to ask about upcoming grooming events.

Free hotel stays When you drive away on your next road trip, don’t stick Snoopy in an unfamiliar kennel — at a cost of $50 per night or more. Instead, scout out dog-friendly hotels along your route, and bring your best friend along for the ride.

But note: There’s a difference between “dogs allowed” and “dogs stay free.” Some hotels will tack on a fee of $25 to $50 per night, plus perhaps a cleaning fee of as much as $100 at the end of your stay. Others, such as Red Roof Inns and the Kimpton hotels, do not add a fee. (Some Kimpton locations even employ four-legged “directors of pet relations” to greet your dog.)

Stickers, training, etc.

22

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Don’t pay to recover unclaimed property You may be contacted by a company in- refunds, payroll checks, trust distributions, forming you that you have unclaimed travelers’ checks, uncashed money orders, property held by state authorilife-insurance proceeds, annuties. The company may tell ities, security deposits, certifiyou the property is available to cates of deposit or safe deposit you for a fee, such as 10 perproceeds. cent or more of the value.

Free online databases But there is no reason to State laws require that, pay a fee to any entity without under specific circumstances, searching on your own first, financial institutions and other which you can do easily and at organizations turn over unno cost. claimed assets to the state. For According to the National THE SAVINGS example, if you have a savings Association of Unclaimed PropGAME account that has become dorerty Administration (NAUPA),

By Elliot Raphaelson mant (as defined by state law), assets worth more than $35 billion are held by various states and can be the financial institution must turn the asset over to the state after a public notice is issued. claimed by rightful owners.

Every state maintains a free access database These assets are typically derived from sources such as savings and checking ac- that identifies the owner of the asset. If you go counts, common stocks, uncashed dividends, to the NAUPA website (www.unclaimed.org),

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you can access the database. Another free website is missingmoney.com which contains information for multiple states.

I recommend that you use different spellings of your and your relatives’ names, in case of record-keeping errors.

You will have to provide proof that the assets belong to you, but the process is not complex. There is no statute of limitations for claiming assets held by a state.

If you have been the beneficiary of an estate, access the database of the state of the decedent and enter the name of the individual who bequeathed you assets. The executor of the state may not have been aware of all the assets of the decedent, and some assets may have been turned over to the state.

For example, a relative of mine died, and members of my family, including me, were beneficiaries. Probate was filed, but it turned out that my relative owned a certificate of deposit without naming a beneficiary. The executor was not aware of that asset, and accordingly did not distribute the proceeds of that CD to the beneficiaries named in the will.

Subsequently, the asset was turned over to the state of Florida. A few years after the estate was settled, I accessed Florida’s database, entered the name of my relative, and determined that there was property turned over to Florida (the value of the CDs).

My relatives and I turned over the required information to the state — namely, a copy of the will — plus the names and addresses of all the beneficiaries, with signatures. Within 30 days we received the proceeds, which exceeded $3,000.

Find lost savings bonds If you believe that you may have lost track of savings bonds you own, visit the Department of Treasury website TreasuryDirect.gov and use the feature “Treasury Hunt.” It will inform you whether you are the owner of a savings bond that has stopped earning interest but has not been cashed.

The site provides information regarding Series E and Series EE bonds issued in 1974 or later. You only have to enter your Social Security number. If you aren’t sure who the registered owner of the bonds is, enter the Social Security numbers of all members of your family.

There is no advantage in holding onto savings bonds that are no longer earning interest. If you had bonds that were lost or stolen, you can submit Form PDF 1048, available from the TreasuryDirect website.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2015 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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

23

Leisure &

Many wineries in Loudoun County, Va., offer tastings and tours. See story on page 23.

Branson, Mo. — family fun on grand scale

Entertainment mecca The Mathis show is one of around 130 (!) every day in the summer; 30 in the winter. Busloads of tourists flood this southern Missouri town in the Ozark Mountains to soak up entertainment in 50 theaters and fill 57,000 seats. Many fans hold season tickets and forge first-name-basis friend-

ships with the nearly 1,000 performers.

Home of movie heartthrob Brad Pitt, Branson is a proving ground for many performance artists — country, pop, swing, rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and classical music; Broadway-style productions; comedy acts; acrobatics and magic shows.

“There’s a lot of talent here,” one local offered. “More talent than Nashville.”

Mike Patrick, a native, is in his 25th year as the master of ceremonies at the Grand Jubilee, a country music venue. “I grew up here,” he told me. “This is all I ever wanted to do.” His approach to MCing is to make friends and win them over.

“It’s a party after that,” he said.

The town, population 10,600, prides itself on wholesome, family fun. There’s a show for every taste (except there’re no Vegas-style strip shows), and in many restaurants, no alcohol is served.

Eight million visitors fill up 40,000 hotel rooms in the area each year. And they aren’t in Branson just for the shows — there are museums, a theme park and other attractions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANSON CVB

By Glenda C. Booth A gaggle of excited women filled the auditorium’s front row, thrusting gift bags, bouquets and wrapped gifts into the outstretched arms of the tall, slender performer, a haul so bountiful that it spilled over onto the grand piano.

The applause subsided and then came the encore — “It’s Not for Me to Say” — and the audience of 2,500 fell silent. It was the gentle, romantic, mellifluous Johnny Mathis at age 79, still thrilling his fans, many of whom were reliving their teens.

His honeyed, tenor voice sounds as it did in the 1950s and ‘60s. He’s “aged well,” several people commented. He enchanted a full house for two hours with oldies like “The Twelfth of Never” and “No Love (but Your Love),” seamlessly moving from one favorite to another. Mathis crooned; fans swooned.

Welcome to Branson, Missouri, Entertainment Capital of the Midwest.

After his 2014 show, Mathis devotees lined up to buy tickets for his Nov. 13 and 14, 2015, show. “I don’t think about retiring. I think about how I can keep singing for the rest of my life,” he says on his website, www.johnnymathis.com.

Music and entertainment fans flock to Branson, Mo., where more than 100 live music venues vie for attention. This tribute group is performing at Silver Dollar City, a theme park with interpreters who illustrate life in the 1880s — plus musical groups and roller coasters.

How it all started The entertainment bug bit here when a 505-foot-deep limestone cave was discovered when a bear and a brave fell into a sinkhole, according to a legend of the Osage Nation of Native Americans. When a torrent of bats zoomed out, it was named Devil’s Den. Later, mining hopefuls thought the cave had marble, so they called it Marble Cave, a moniker that evolved into Marvel Cave.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANSON CVB

The twin-paddle Showboat Branson Belle is the size of two football fields and offers lunch and dinner cruises on Tablerock Lake with plenty of entertainment.

In the 1950s, cave owners staged entertainment for tourists who lined up to enter.

From that hole in the ground, Branson grew to become entertainment central of the Midwest. It named itself the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

There are shows on land and water. The twin-paddle wheel, football-field-sized Showboat Branson Belle chugs along at a top speed of 12 miles per hour, scene of a threepart show on Tablerock Lake. First out is Christopher James, who started doing comic acts at age 3 with his grandfather.

“Taking selfies is the most activity many of you get,” he quips.

Topping shows (literally) is Janice Martin, presumably the world’s only aerialistviolinist, who trained at the Julliard School and served in the U.S. Army.

Fit, sinewy and agile in her shiny bright leotard, Martin opens by twisting down a knotted drapery from a half moon suspended over a grand piano and then struts around the stage playing her violin, spellbinding guests who are filling up on generous helpings of mashed potatoes, steak and baked chicken.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater’s Legends in Concert is a true nostalgia tour, home to performance or tribute artists (don’t call them impersonators) who resemble the stars they portray. In 2014, a tall, mel-

low “Nat King Cole” wowed fans with “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa.” This winter you can hear tributes to Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Kenny Chesney and The Blues Brothers.

The evening’s climax is…drum roll…The King. From a high stool, “Elvis” opens with favorites like “Suspicious Minds” and “Love Me Tender,” and fawning fans do indeed.

Then he contorts and gyrates around the stage, arms whirling, knees jiggling, invoking all the titillating Elvis moves to “Jailhouse Rock” and “All Shook Up.” After the show, Elvis invites lines of fans for pictures with sexy come-ons like, “Come here, baby.”

The theater restaurant’s “greatest hits” are the fried pickles, Wango Tango nachos, and a five-inch-high Heathbar pie.

Beyond the shows The Titanic Museum looms up out of an asphalt parking lot, a diminished but convincing replica of the fabled, “indestructible” ship that was the world’s largest manmade object in 1912.

It houses a replica of the grand staircase, first-, third-class and steerage cabins, and memorabilia of passengers collected from survivors and families, including the actual life jacket of Madeleine Talmadge See BRANSON, page 24

24

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Branson From page 23 Astor, wife of John Jacob Astor.

Visitors also can experience what life was like on board. You can hear a soundtrack of the ship hitting the iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean on a moonless night, and relive the last minutes standing out on the sloping deck. You can sit in a replica lifeboat and, by poking your finger in icy water the temperature of that night’s sea, learn why most who did not make it aboard one did not survive for long.

Massive amusement park For a different sort of replica, there’s Silver Dollar City. Its promoters insist that it’s a theme park, not an amusement park. Two million visitors a year experience the “1880s village,” with blacksmithing, glass-blowing,

and an actual homestead cabin where interpreters cook on a 1880s Majestic woodburning stove. Six episodes of the “Beverly Hillbillies” were filmed in the park.

Adventurous visitors can try the Outlaw Run roller coaster — the “world’s most daring wood coaster” and a Guinness world record holder because of its steep drop.

Cars go into a barrel roll like a corkscrew.

Eating is an adventure at Silver Dollar City as well — hand-patted burgers, kettle corn, red velvet funnel cakes, and succotash. The park claims it is the largest buyer of okra after the Pentagon, as it’s the central ingredient of its succotash, based on an employee’s recipe.

They make and sell 90,000 pounds of candy and 9,000 gallons of ice cream a year.

Another claim to fame: the park won a prize at the International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions for its frosted

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nuts and pretzel dog — a foot-long, homemade pretzel wrapped around a hotdog.

The cave that started it all, today in the heart of Silver Dollar City, is a refreshing respite from the entertainment and eating frenzy. Amateur spelunkers navigate 700 steps and several ramps taking them half a mile down and up (except for a short train at the end when ascending). There is no elevator.

Equivalent to a 50-story building, “You could hide the Statue of Liberty in here,” said the guide in the 204-foot tall Cathedral Room.

The cave has a steady temperature of around 60 degrees; warmer at deeper depths.

Silver Dollar City is closed in January and February, reopens for weekends in March, and opens every day starting April 1.

Things to buy Into shopping? The must-see place is Dick’s 5&10 Cent Store, an old-fashioned five-and-dime at 103 W. Main St. Crowds squeeze through shelves packed with more than 50,000 items, including quilt kits, harmonicas, Cavalry battle flags, camouflage beer cozies, Duck Dynasty bobble heads, and Marilyn Monroe eyeglass cases. The same family has run Dick’s for 53 years.

While downtown, stop by the Branson Centennial Museum at 101 Veterans Blvd., and pick up a brochure for a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown. Or take the free trolley.

Branson Landing on the waterfront of-

fers more upscale shopping.

As for other diversions, there’s golf, the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Branson Scenic Railway rides, a tiger sanctuary, lake kayaking, wineries, the world’s largest toy museum and more.

Holiday happenings November is Branson’s second busiest month (after July). The town will honor veterans Nov. 5 to 11 with a wreath laying, remembrance service, banquets and shows. The largest Veterans Day Parade in the U.S. will start at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, recognizing Armistice Day, the end of World War I. Christmas arrives on Nov. 1 with holiday shows. The Adoration Parade has been held at dusk on the first Sunday in Dec. since 1949. A giant nativity scene lights up Mount Branson’s peak. On Nov. 14, a celebrity will lead another parade.

From Nov. 7 to Dec. 30, Silver Dollar City, explodes with five million lights, 1,000 decorated trees, and the twice-daily Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade of musical floats and 33 costumed characters.

The park’s centerpiece is the five-story Christmas tree with lights synchronized to music. Theaters stage A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol twice daily. Craftspeople hand-make holiday items.

See BRANSON, page 25

H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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

25

Who knew wine country was so close by?

By Stacy A. Anderson Virginia is home to more than 250 wineries — from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. Two dozen of them are in Loudoun County, in the state’s Middleburg area, so close to Washington that it calls itself “D.C.’s Wine Country.” Middleburg is about 70 miles from Columbia — perfect for a day trip or even a long weekend for metro area residents.

October is Virginia Wine Month, with special events late in the month to take in autumn foliage and milder weather.

Tastings and tours Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg is named after the town of Cana of Galilee, where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast.

The winery offers the best bang for your dollar with eight tastings for $10, plus a souvenir glass. Here you could have a traditional cabernet or merlot, but why not try their uniquely crisp and tart Blueberry Apple wine or Rhapsody in Red, a semi-sweet pinot noir?

The winery — perched on a hill that overlooks the Bull Run Mountains — hosts live bands every Saturday and Sunday.

Greenhill Winery and Vineyards dubs itself the boutique destination winery.

There’s a historic stone house and outdoor seating on the 128-acre property, great for

Branson From page 24

If you go Start at www.ExploreBranson.com for basics on show dates, tickets, deals and lodging. Don’t forget to order a vacation guide.

Branson is served by the nearby Bran-

picnics (and dog-friendly, to boot).

A sampling of seven wines in the tasting room costs $14. “Grapes to Glass,” a twohour, private tour through the vineyard and barrel room with a wine tasting, is $35 per person.

Sales and marketing director Rebekah Pizana said first lady Michelle Obama has visited the winery and is a fan of Greenhill’s 2013 and 2014 off-dry (mildly sweet) seyval blanc. (The first lady’s office declined to comment.)

Where to stay Luxury accommodations in the region include the Salamander Resort and Spa, which opened in 2013. It was founded by entrepreneur Sheila C. Johnson, cofounder of Black Entertainment Television.

Facilities include a cooking demonstration studio, wine bar, billiards room and a full-service equestrian center with a riding arena. Bring your own horse or ride one of Salamander’s horses. You don’t need to be staying at the resort to book a trail ride.

Salamander’s spa includes a salon, fitness center, steam room, heated stone lounge chairs, and courtyard with a pool and private cabanas. Rooms at the resort start at $425 during the peak months of April, May, June, September and October.

Watch for specials, like a $149-a-night deal during Super Bowl festivities.

son Airport, and by the Branson-Springfield Airport in Springfield, 50 miles north.

Round-trip flights from BWI start at $409 on American Airlines.

In November and December, temperatures are in the 40s and 50s.

In January and February, about 12 theaters and all the museums are open.

For a more quaint stay, try the Red Fox Inn and Tavern. The inn — which opened in 1728 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — has 15 guest rooms plus the Middleburg House, a two-bedroom home. The inn is within walking distance of many Middleburg businesses and shops on the main drag along Washington Street.

The Martha Washington, an averagesize room with a king bed and shower only, could run about $245 during peak season. Its Tavern offers more than 40 local wines and dishes, including peanut soup, fried chicken and crab cakes.

Deltone L. Moore was inspired to open his Popcorn Monkey shop by memories of eating popcorn while watching baseball games as a kid in the 1970s. The store has more than 20 varieties of the snack, including caramel corn, green apple, banana, lemon, strawberry, blue cheese, Buffalo wing, dill and Old Bay. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday.

For a little history and culture, visit the National Sporting Library and Museum.

The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculpture, works on paper, and objects highlighting horsemanship and racing, shooting, fox-hunting, polo, coaching, fishing and wildlife.

Current exhibits include photos by Colin Barker in “Part of the Pack: The Hunt at Pet-

worth,” and paintings of horses in “Beverley Sanford McConnell: Portraits in Poetry.”

The Middleburg Film Festival, from Oct. 22 to 25, will feature movie screenings plus question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers and actors. The festival’s film slate typically ranges from Oscar nominees to indies, foreign films and documentaries.

For more information Tourism: Loudoun County, http:// www.visitloudoun.org/. Virginia wine country: http://www.virginiawine.org.

Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg: 38600 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg, (703) 348-2458, www.canavineyards.com.

Greenhill Winery and Vineyards: 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg, (540) 687-6968, http://greenhillvineyards.com.

National Sporting Library and Museum: 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg, (540) 687-6542, http://nationalsporting.org.

Popcorn Monkey: 2 1/2 E. Federal St., Middleburg, (540) 687-6539, www.popcornmonkeyllc.com.

The Middleburg Film Festival: Oct. 22-25, https://middleburgfilm.org.

Salamander Resort & Spa: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, (844) 303-2723, www.salamanderresort.com.

— AP

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Underground RR From page 1 Maryland-born escaped slave who went on to become one of the great early liberators and an advocate for women’s suffrage.

After escaping in 1849 from the Eastern Shore, where she was born into slavery, Tubman made several trips from Philadelphia back to Maryland to rescue her family. She eventually guided dozens of other slaves to freedom.

Despite the paucity of written records, Lutz and Eshmont are continuing efforts to corroborate the stories passed down

from local families that Tubman led groups of slaves from Howard County plantations to freedom in Canada and other northern locations. Specifically, they are trying to confirm whether Tubman, while leading a group of slaves to freedom, spent a night sleeping in the cemetery of the Locust United Methodist Church in Columbia.

Lutz noted that finding documents about this and other Underground Railroad activities is difficult. It is not surprising that few or no records exist, since the activities were illegal at the time, and the people involved did not want incriminating

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

evidence to remain.

Eshmont added that there was a strong possibility that the county played a bigger role in the Underground Railroad than is currently documented.

For example, local historians believe the community of Simpsonville was an important stopover point in the county’s Underground Railroad connections.

“Simpsonville was a logical community for runaway slaves, because the slaveholder Nicholas Worthington freed his 17 slaves and gave them each land in the community,” according to the HoCo Connect blog site. The community was called Freetown because of Worthington’s act in 1845.

The late Wylene Burch, who was the founding director of the Howard County Center for African American Culture, had noted that research showed the Underground Railroad thrived in the county because it was in “the tight place” as slaves came up through Maryland via different waterways, such as the Middle Patuxent and Patapsco rivers, to go north.

Eshmont urges county residents who may have letters, family diaries or photos giving evidence of slaves moving to freedom through the county to contact her and Lutz through the Howard County Historical Society.

Slaves played important role According to the 1860 Census, more than one out of five Howard County residents was a slave, while another 10 percent were free blacks — double the pro-

portion of the rest of the state.

The county’s slaves were originally brought to Maryland to work in the tobacco fields. After the discovery of iron ore in Howard County, slaves were brought to the ironworks quarry off Route 32.

When asked what role slaves played in developing Howard County, Burch had said: “They built it. All of these buildings built in the 1700s…with all that heavy cement? Those [slaves] really struggled and worked and developed the area. There are so many great buildings in Howard County, old mansions…slaves did that.”

It was this realization — “that a lot of our early economy was built on the backs of slaves” — that led Eshmont, a retired Department of Defense employee, to be interested in the area’s black history. “I think we owe those folks a lot,” she said.

Eshmont, who is white, said she also found that her ancestors, some of the earliest settlers in Maryland, came to this country as indentured servants — a form of bondage for poor whites in Europe.

After signing contracts binding them to a master for several years, they were given free passage to America, where they worked and lived under harsh conditions.

Lutz, who has lived in Howard County for 57 years, said “there is so much rich history in the county that I was naturally drawn to it. I want to contribute to documenting that history even further, to expand the history of African-Americans, and include the history of the Hispanic American and Asian communities here as well.”

Preservation award winners Other Preservationist of the Year awards went to Elizabeth Bobo, Barbara Kellner and Dr. Dale Schumacher.

Bobo received the Sen. James Clark Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. A member of the Maryland House of Delegates and a former Howard County executive, she was cited for her work as an early preservationist for the county.

Her projects included the preservation of the Waverly Mansion, the Ellicott City Colored School, and the Ellicott City Firehouse, as well as the restoration in Ellicott City of the BB&O railroad station and the stabilization of the Patapsco Female Institute. She also was cited for helping as a delegate to preserve the original

South Entrance Bridge to downtown Columbia.

Kellner, director of the Columbia Archives, was recognized as a contributing preservationist of Jim Rouse’s vision for Columbia and the community’s history through multimedia presentations, history walks, bike rides and tours. She also was cited for contributing to the restoration of the Woodlawn Slave Quarters.

Schumacher was awarded for the preservation and stewardship of his home, Rockburn, during a land development threat, and for his work as a founding member and land contributor to the Rockburn Land Trust, one of Maryland’s oldest land trusts.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 20

LINE DANCE BENEFIT PERFORMANCE See a free performance of Jessie’s Soul Line Dance at the Bain

Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, on Friday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to children assisted by the Howard County Domestic Violence Center. For more information, email jsldancer@gmail.com.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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

Style

27

Arts &

Former anchorman Dan Rather has new endeavors — and is being portrayed by Robert Redford in a movie now onscreen. See story on page 28.

Ragtime brings early 20th century to life toned-down 2009 revival that went from the Kennedy Center to the Great White Way received more kudos.

Meanwhile, in 2003, Toby Orenstein directed a version of the musical at her dinner theater that earned 12 Helen Hayes nominations and won three of the coveted awards.

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL

By Robert Friedman Remember the bad ol’ days, 100 years or so ago, when multi-millionaires ruled the economic and political roosts, when immigrants were barely tolerated, and when blacks tried to show that their lives and their dignity mattered?

Well, those times — not really gone by, are they? — are being played out with vigor, verve and considerable talent in the historical musical Ragtime, now playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia.

Based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow, adapted for the stage by Terrence McNally, the production has much of the drama, if not the full scope, of the author’s great original work, plus pulsating songs, many of which are syncopated ragtime melodies.

The songs are performed by a cast of very professional singers (even though before the curtain went up and during intermission they serve the dinner theater audience coffee and drinks).

The multi-award-winning play was first staged on Broadway in 1998. It lasted two years before it had to close because of the huge cost of the lavish production. A

Stories of the American dream She’s done it again, along with co-director Lawrence Munsey, in a wonderful production with her biggest cast ever, effectively using her intimate theatre-in-theround to evoke ships meeting at sea, immigrants rushing on shore beneath the Statue of Liberty, union workers clashing with strike-breaking armed guards, an automobile assembly line, the boardwalk at Atlantic City, a Harlem street, and assorted other settings.

Like the 1975 novel, the play is set in turn-of-the-century New York and weaves together three stories: one of an uppermiddle-class family living outside the city in New Rochelle; another of a newly arrived Jewish immigrant and his little daughter, and the life and eventual hard

Kevin McAllister plays Coalhouse Walker Jr., and Ada Satterfield plays his wife, Sarah, in the musical Ragtime, which tells the powerful stories of three different families in early 20th century New York. The musical, which features a large and outstanding cast, will be on stage at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through Nov. 15.

times of a young Harlem musician.

The protagonists all chase the elusive American dream, circa 1902-1914. The play accents the wealth and poverty, the freedom and prejudice, and the hope and despair of those years.

Cameos of such turn-of-the-century celebs as escape artist Harry Houdini, black educator Booker T. Washington, auto manufacturer Henry Ford, political activist-agitaSee RAGTIME, page 29

2015-2016 Chamber Music Series Saturdays at 8:00 PM Smith Theatre !Columbia

Hermitage Piano Trio November 21, 2015 Pre-Concert reception at 6:30 pm includes a vodka and zakuski (Russian appetizer) tasting!

All Russian concert with works by Shostakovich, Arensky, and Rachmaninoff.

Brentano Quartet January 9, 2016 “Passionate, uninhibited and spellbinding” London Independent The ensemble featured on the film soundtrack for “A Late Quartet” will perform works by Haydn, Shostakovich, and Dvořák.

www.candlelightconcerts.org

410-997-2324

28

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Rather would rather reinvent than retire meant the newsmagazine was out of place.

Entertainment interviews Rather now hosts “The Big Interview,” a format that places the hard-bitten former White House correspondent with personalities like Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Don Rickles, Dolly Parton, Aaron Sorkin, Josh Groban and Weird Al Yankovic for hour-long programs.

“We discontinued ‘Dan Rather Reports’ because ‘The Big Interview’ was working so well,” Cuban said. “Dan is the best in the business, and the quality of interviews he is doing is incredible. I wanted more of them.”

Watching the courtly Rather interviewing Jack White in Nashville, Tenn., was a culture shock. White is a quirky singer-songwriter and founder of Third Man Records.

Rather dressed down — suit jacket and open-necked shirt — while the natty White was in a suit and tie. One can imagine the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” booming from Rather’s office as he prepped for the piece. He described White as “one of the great guitar heroes of our time.”

Rather kept his questions simple and broad to make the interview appealing to those only generally acquainted with White’s work. The musician, who clearly respected Rather and his background, responded with interesting stories.

If Rather considers the interviews as being beneath his former heights, he doesn’t show it.

“This is very meaningful work in that it keeps us in business while we look around for other things to do,” he said. “We also continue looking to find a home to do the kind of work that is deepest within me and deepest within the people here — and that is first-class, quality journalism and deepdigging investigative reporting.”

LIVE Theatre Has Never Been More Exciting!

Now - November 15 A stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician are united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future.

“ ...a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the brain” “ Beautifully, beautifully executed.” “ It's all so damned spectacular.”

Photography by Jeri Tidwell

Jill Kyle-Keith - DC Theatre Scene

Based on availability. Due to the nature of theatre bookings, all shows, dates and times are subject to change.

TOBY’S DINNER THEATRE OF COLUMBIA 5900 Symphony Woods Road • CALL 410-730-8311

D in

ner & Sho w

TobysDinnerTheatre.com RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!

A difficult split from CBS

AP PHOTO/ARTHUR MOLA

By David Bauder At age 83, Dan Rather is starting over.

The veteran broadcaster has quietly shut down the “Dan Rather Reports” television newsmagazine he’d been making since leaving CBS News a decade ago. But he’s opened an independent production company with seed money from AXS-TV founder Mark Cuban in exchange for a series of interviews with entertainers. And his “News & Guts” firm is working on a scripted fiction series.

Rather has also signed on for reporting and analysis at the website Mashable, where his story urging people not to get too wound up about the early stages of the 2016 presidential campaign appeared recently.

Retirement? Not an option.

“I love to work,” Rather said. “I have my flaws, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve always loved covering news, and I have a passion for covering news. I couldn’t see myself not doing it as long as I have my health.”

“I’d much rather wear out than rust out,” he added.

Rather moves more slowly and speaks more softly than during his days as chief CBS News anchor. A piece of paper with two of Cuban’s email addresses sits prominently on his desk. Cuban, an Internet entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has been Rather’s patron in his post-CBS years.

Although widely unseen, Rather’s newsmagazine took on tough topics like underage prostitution, flaws in electronic voting, floating garbage dumps at sea, and temporary housing that made many hurricane victims sick. AXS-TV, formerly HDNet, is available in fewer than half of the nation’s TV homes.

The show’s audience, while far more than when Rather started, is a fraction of CBS’ “60 Minutes,” where Rather once figured to spend his last working years. The switch to the music-focused AXS-TV

Rather’s exit from CBS was memorably ugly, stemming from his participation in a discredited 2004 story about President George W. Bush’s military service.

He stood by the story and sued his former employer for breach of contract, a case thrown out by New York courts after many bitter words exchanged and much money spent. With CBS’ corporate ownership intact, Rather doesn’t expect the relationship to be repaired.

“I would hope so, but I have to emphasize there is no empirical evidence anywhere that I can Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist and find that it’s likely to happen,” he news anchor Dan Rather, 83, now hosts the said. “I don’t think about it much celebrity interview show “The Big Interview.” He anymore. It was a long time ago.” also reports for the website Mashable and is working on a scripted TV series. Robert Redford plays But it’s back on his mind this him in the movie Truth, being released this month, fall, with the release of the feature which is about the controversy that cost Rather his film Truth, in which Robert Red- chief anchor job at CBS 10 years ago. ford plays Rather. Truth is based on the 2005 memoir of “60 Minutes” produc- certainly made my mistakes, and I have er Mary Mapes, addressing the network’s the scars to show for it.”

Truth has one notable inaccuracy, he report on President George W. Bush’s Air National Guard service during the Vietnam said: “My wife keeps telling me: ‘Robert War. It is a bid for the vindication of Mapes Redford is too good-looking to play you,’” said Rather. and Rather.

So how much does this controversy drive Appearing on stage after the film’s premiere at the Toronto film festival in Sep- a man who covered the Kennedy assassinatember, Rather received a standing ova- tion, Watergate, the disputed 2000 election, tion. He told the festival that watching the and the 9/11 attacks to continue to prove film was “an eerie experience, and I con- himself to CBS News? Only a psychiatrist fess that I still haven’t quite gotten my would truly know. head completely around it.”

When an audience member asked if he What’s next Rather said it’s too early to reveal specific would have done anything differently, Rather responded that journalism is “on its very best days, kind of a crude art…I’ve See RATHER, page 29

Ragtime From page 27 tor Emma Goldman, and pop star-glamour girl Evelyn Nesbit take to the stage, and play sometimes significant parts in the lives of the main characters in the play.

Rousing, inspiring music While the songs of Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) may not have reached any pop music charts of the day, they are by turns rousing (the amazing “Ragtime” opening number), moving (“Your Daddy’s Son,” “Wheels of a Dream”), inspiring (“Justice”) and heartbreaking (“Till we Reach That Day”).

The play concentrates most significantly

Rather From page 28 series that News & Guts is working on, for fear some ideas might be stolen. He has 12 people on his production team, down from 22 at its peak. He concedes that finding buyers for his type of reporting is a challenge.

“I’m finding it tough to convince anybody who is at the lever of the delivery systems of my belief that the market for this kind of news exists,” he said. “Time and again, the subject is changed, eyes glaze over and, either spoken or unspoken, the feeling is, ‘Dan, you can’t live in the past.’”

Rather’s experience is appreciated at

on the story of the ragtime musician, Coalhouse Walker, Jr., whose life is upended when he seeks justice for an insult to his dignity and the destruction of his property (a model-T Ford). Kevin McAllister, who plays a principled, outspoken, hopeful, then revolutionary Coalhouse, has a great voice to go along with his impressive bearing.

Other standouts in the cast (which is top-notch overall) are Elizabeth Rayca, as the sensitive and sensible mother of the New Rochelle family; Ada Satterfield (a beautiful voice!), as Sarah, Coalhouse’s love and the mother of their child, and Josh Simon, whose Tateh (Father in Yiddish) is filled with an immigrant’s faith in a successful life in the there and then. McAllister and Satterfield deliver an emotionalMashable, however, where executive editor and chief content officer Jim Roberts said he hoped some of Rather’s old-school approach rubs off on his young staff.

Roberts said he is intrigued by how Rather relates to the personalities of a new digital world, and hopes Rather is a good match for Mashable’s growing video unit.

“He really does want to be part of the conversation,” Roberts said. “Other people in his generation would have slowed down long ago or, more to the point, wouldn’t want to be part of the conversation. It’s chaotic, it’s crazy. He really wants to be part of it. He really wants to be in the thick of it.”

— AP

29

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

ly stirring duet in “Wheels of a Dream.”

Also giving commanding performances are Coby Kay Callahan, as the fiery anarchist-labor organizer Emma Goldman, and David Bosley-Reynolds, who plays the Father of the upper-class family, who doesn’t understand why he can’t understand the changes going on around him.

The costumes by co-director Munsey are wonderfully of their time. Ilona Kessell, who won a Helen Hayes award for her choreography of Toby’s 2003 Ragtime production, is back in charge of the wellpaced choreography, although the show is more all-singing than all-dancing.

And special kudos to music director Ross Scott Rawlings, whose six-piece orchestra, hidden away in a room above the

stage, sometimes seemed double the size, as it expertly set the pace and accompanied the singers and dancers.

OK, let’s not go completely overboard.

Parts of the Second Act seem less gripping than the First Act of the three-hour show.

Still, Ragtime is just about all any playgoer could want from a dinner theater production of a lavish musical designed for Broadway.

The show will go on through Nov. 15.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia.

Ticket prices range from $55 to $60, including an all-you-can-eat brunch or dinner buffet. For times, reservations and further information, call (410) 730-8311 or see www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

FROM PAGE 30

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

F I L L

A N O A

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L E A G U E C I T Y

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H A R N D C S A U N N Y A E S A O T R E N A O M

E R A T O D E F P H A S E

R I C H N

B A K E O F O F T T E O N U E F L A N

T B A T R R U R M U I R N E P S U T L I S L E T

O L E A R Y S C O W

N O R M A

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I K O N

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U T A H

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Crossword Puzzle

PUZZLE PAGE

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Four ‘5 Films 1

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2. Small buffalo 3. Doofus 1. Confronts 4. GPA enhancer 6. Partner of Peaches 5. Affirm under oath 10. Answering machine prompt 6. Like a diamond 14. New Thanksgiving guest, perhaps 7. Muse of poetry 15. Opera highlight 8. ___ Famous (potential rap name for 16. Modern-day diary the 37th pres.)

17. “He’s got a screw ___” 9. “Take it easy, man” 18. Prepare the table for 8-ball 10. Ski lift 19. Ethereal 11. Midwestern firestarter 20. 1955 film ... [on the American Film 12. 14th tropical storm, in some years Institute’s list of] ... Top Passions 13. Luxor location 23. Space station’s hourly flight path 21. Inst. in the Research Triangle 24. ___ about (circa) 22. Inst. in the brass section 25. Piper follower 26. Beefcake ingredient 26. Roman god of the sun 27. “___, not again” 29. Air marshal org.

31. Zeus’ typical response, when displeased 28. The NFL’s Jacksonville or Charlotte 30. A new Disney princess (from Frozen) 33. 1965 film ... Top Musicals 32. Archeologist’s attraction 39. Unattractive beginning 34. Benchmarks (abbr.)

40. Less than gross 35. “A book containing a selection of 41. Gross words of a language”, for Dictionary 42. 1975 film ... Top Thrills (abbrev.)

47. Letters in the United States Book 36. von Bismarck Exchange’s web address 48. Count of singers needed for a 15 Across 37. Company sued by Nikon in 1992 for trademark violations 49. Consonants on a weather vane 38. Twelve Deadly ___ (Cyndi Lauper’s 50. Attended a dinner theater hits) 52. “Pronto!”

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Visitor from hell 55. Good times 44.

“Don’t evade the question!”

57. 1985 film ... Top Sci-Fi 45. ___ is enough (phonetically) 63. Leprechaun’s land 46.

Turn heads 64. Like some TV housewives 50. Joins the conspiracy 65. Soda size 51. Deck with 78 cards 66. Bag with a strap 53. Mr. T, and pals 67. Fed. agency since 1958 54. Full, new, or crescent 68. The kids are using it, these days 56. Long-legged bird 69. Eye sore 58. Stylish boot height 70. Foreshadowing, in a horror flick 59. Distinctive flair 71. Cultural values 60. Home of the 2002 Winter Olympics Down 61. “The biggest little city in the world” 1. Repurpose a quarry 62. Units of work

Across

Scrabble answers on p. 29.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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For Sale 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.

Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653.

Health MOBILE EYE EXAMS – Comprehensive and/or low vision eye exams provided to Baltimore seniors with limited mobility. Visit www.HomeEyeOD.com or call 443-802-9920 for more information.

Home/Handyman Services THE HOLIDAYS ARE QUICKLY APPROACHING. Let our company help you spruce up the house and get rid of some unwanted items. Clean out houses, garages, basements, attics, sheds, yards and more. Insured. Holiday special – $25 off. Serving your community since 1985. Senior and Military discounts. Call Steve at 410-868-0984.

HAULING & JUNK – LOW UPFRONT PRICING. Free Estimates, Senior Discounts.

365 days. Licensed and Insured demolition. Estate & Eviction Services, Recycling, Organizing.

ATTIC SWEEPERS HAULING, 443-838-2353.

SANFORD & SON HAULING & RECYCLING. Trash + Junk removal, house & estate cleanouts, garage + basement cleanouts. Demolition – Shed, deck fence + pool removal. Licensed + insured. Free estimates over the phone. Call 7 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm. 410-746-5090.

BALTIMORE’S BEST JUNK REMOVAL – Clean Outs: Whole House, Emergency, Attics/Basements.

Furniture and Junk Removal, Yard Waste Removal, General Hauling, Construction Debris Removal. Free estimates. 10% Senior Discount. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Call Jesse, 443-379-HAUL (4285).

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Call 410-6=

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

COSTUME JEWELRY, BROKEN WRIST WATCHES, Pocket watches (any condition), Glassware, Dolls, Coins, Quilts, Sewing baskets and boxes, Music boxes, Tools, Old toys, Postcards, Trains, Guns, Pocket knives, Swords, Linen, Fishing equipment, Tackle boxes, Fountain pens, Christmas decorations, Christmas garden items, Crocks and Jugs, Lamps and Lanterns, Pottery, Military items, Police and Fire badges, Sports memorabilia, Beer signs and related items, Advertising signs, Paintings, and contents of attics, basements and garages.

Cash. Professional, no-pressure individual with over 30 years of experience. Lloyd D. Baker. Office: 717-969-8114, 410-409-4965.

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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.

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 www.bgf.org

Independent living assisted living rehabilitation long-term care memory support