January 2017 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

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Taking the helm In charge of the department is Steven A. Bullock, who took over DCRS on Nov. 1.

He oversees 140 employees and an $18.8 million budget.

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PHOTO BY SCOTT KRAMER

By Robert Friedman Ms. D., a 77-year-old woman who lives alone in an old, one-story house in Columbia, was without heat as winter was approaching. She called her contracted home services company to repair her furnace.

The company refused, saying they discovered two dead cats in the crawl space beneath her home where the work had to be done. A company spokesman said they could not deal with the health and safety issues presented by removing the cats.

Ms. D. then contacted Howard County Animal Control, but an official at the county’s animal shelter said it does not handle the removal of dead animals.

Other efforts to contact wild animal removal organizations — Ms. D was living on a very tight budget — were fruitless, until the county’s Office on Aging and Independence (OOAI) went to work. A staff member found an animal removal pro, and he was paid from donated funds to remove cats so the home services workers could crawl in and fix the furnace.

The OOAI offers information, services and support for older adults, those with disabilities and their caregivers. It is one of seven offices that are part of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS).

Other entities of the department include the offices of Consumer Protection, Children and Families, Veterans and Military Families, Community Partnerships, Local Children’s Board and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Coordination.

The administrative staff of the department, including the staff of OOAI, are located in a county building on Gateway Drive in Columbia.

Division Manager Margaret Hoffman said the OOAI, with its staff of 95, is the department’s largest office. “We offer many different services, concerned with health and wellness and living well, programs about nutrition, consultations on exercise, caregiving, Medicare counseling, etc.”

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ARTS & STYLE Steven Bullock recently became director of the sprawling Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, which helps residents with a wide variety of needs, from aging services to veterans’ affairs. To Bullock’s left is Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman.

Bullock came to Howard County after 18 years in similar positions in Multnomah County, Ore. For the past 10 years or so, Bullock worked in the Oregon county’s Emergency Management Department, where, among other things, he developed emergency communication plans for the most vulnerable residents of the county, and for its growing population — mostly from India, Korea and Eastern Europe — whose first language is not English. He also worked to make life better for people with mental illnesses.

Bullock, 55, said he already is “incredibly impressed” by how Howard County’s residents reacted to the human and property damage caused by the recent Ellicott City floods.

“I already know how resourceful and

wonderful the people of Ellicott City are,” he said. “Imagine if we can tap into this resiliency and willingness to help others and provide training for other emergencies.”

Bullock acknowledged during a recent interview that not all Howard County residents are aware of the department he now heads, or of the work it does. “People often don’t know about us until they need us,” he said.

Such was the case with another older resident who needed assistance, which ultimately came from OOAI. Mr. J., a 67-yearold deaf man, was faced with a “house guest” who overstayed his invitation by some two years.

After being released from the hospital a couple of years ago, Mr. J. had offered free See BULLOCK, page 8

Photographers get creative with images in new exhibit; plus, Bette Midler reissues her star-making debut album page 34 TECHNOLOGY k Tech toys for kids and adults

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FITNESS & HEALTH k Anger and exercise don’t mix k Mammograms — yes or no?

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THE 50+ CONNECTION 16 k Newsletter from Howard County Office on Aging and Independence LAW & MONEY k 2017 Medicare costs k Save $ with price matching

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Listen up, Washington As a new administration prepares to take insurance, program.

After paying into Social Security all our power in Washington, I want to revisit a working lives, we might well topic that long-time readers think of those monthly retireknow I like to address every ment or disability checks as few years: Social Security. It’s benefits we have earned, peran evergreen topic for me, haps increased by interest since I can count on Congress over time. and the White House continuSocial Security could have ing to refuse taking any steps been set as such a program, to obviate the problems that with each worker’s payments are growing worse by the day. earmarked for later disburseAnd judging from the camment. paign rhetoric of both PresiBut for very practical readent-Elect Trump and Hillary FROM THE sons, that’s not how the system Clinton, the incoming White PUBLISHER works. Since benefits were House would not have been

By Stuart P. Rosenthal paid out in the early years of likely to take a different tack, the program to beneficiaries no matter who won the elecwho had paid hardly any payroll taxes prior tion.

Let me start by saying that I am a big fan to retiring, it was the taxes paid by those still of Social Security. I have no interest in working that paid for their benefits. “killing” it. Since it began in 1935, Social And that’s the way the system has conSecurity has been a tremendously valuable tinued to operate ever since. This works as program, greatly reducing poverty rates long as current workers are paying in sufamong retirees, those with disabilities, and ficient taxes to cover the benefits paid out their dependents. Today, more than 60 mil- to current retirees. But demographics are lion Americans (almost 1 in 5) receive ben- working against us.

In 1940, there were 159 workers paying efits from Social Security’s programs.

It’s a program that truly affects us all. taxes towards the cost of each beneficiary.

Every worker (and employer) in the Unit- In 1960, there were 4.9 workers for every ed States contributes to the program recipient. Today, there are about 2.8 workthrough payroll taxes. This well-known ers per recipient.

And by the time all the Baby Boomers fact leads most of us to think of Social Security as a kind of investment, or possibly have retired (and an estimated 91 million

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Americans will be collecting Social Security), there will be only about 1.9 workers per recipient.

That’s clearly going to present a problem.

Well, what about that Trust Fund we hear so much about whenever this topic comes up? Aren’t there trillions of dollars owed to Social Security that will cover any arrears?

Unfortunately, no. First of all, the Trust Fund isn’t what you and I mean by “trust fund.” The trust fund represents the total of excess payroll taxes collected over disbursements. At present, they amount to about $2.5 trillion.

But that excess money wasn’t put in a bank, or invested in stocks. It was borrowed by Congress and spent on the rest of the government’s bills (thus reducing the annual deficit in those years). In return, Social Security was given special interest-bearing Treasury Notes payable by the U.S. at a future date.

I’m not suggesting T-bills are insecure investments, and surely this money will indeed be made available to Social Security when needed. But those notes (and the hundreds of millions in interest they have earned over time) will be paid off with money acquired in the same way the government acquires all its money: through higher taxes or further borrowing from domestic and foreign sources.

In other words, each year the trust fund is tapped, the federal deficit (which I trust we will still be running) will be enlarged by that amount. Effectively, we have traded lower deficits in earlier years for higher deficits in future years.

Whatever you think of that as an “investment,” it’s clear that the trust funds won’t

make paying future Social Security beneficiaries any easier than it would have been without them.

And it doesn’t address our problem in years to come of needing to pay out billions more than we take in.

Did I say billions? Oh, silly me. I meant trillions. The projected shortfall, assuming no changes are made to the program between now and then, will reach $1 trillion in 2045 alone, and nearly $7 trillion in the year 2086.

Over the next 75 years (the period the Social Security Trustees are charged with securing the program’s liquidity), it’s estimated that the shortfall will total a staggering $134 trillion.

A problem indeed.

Now, is this a problem that is difficult to solve? No, not really. Economists and politicians have proposed a number of quite practical steps that could, individually or together, address the shortfall and turn the system back into a pay-as-you-go one without deficits.

Here are just a few: How about increasing the payroll tax rate, gradually, by a percent or two? What about raising the cap on salaries subject to Social Security withholding? That was an idea Hillary Clinton championed.

What about slowly raising the retirement age? Wait: aren’t we doing that now? Yes, but that will stop when the retirement age hits 67 (something that was decided back in 1983).

We could continue that gradual rise to reflect our rapidly expanding longevity and increasingly healthy lifestyles — something not anticipated to this degree back in 1983, but clearly evident now.

We could also impose a “means test” for See FROM THE PUBLISHER, page 33

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.

Dear Editor: As usual, and understandably, you take the middle soft ground on the recent election process (December’s From the Publisher column, “Being heard”). You have to, because you cannot reveal how you might honestly feel to a supposedly bipartisan readership.

I did not like you singling out one case where demonstrators beat a Trump supporter — one known incident and no facts to back it up.

That pales in comparison to Trump’s supporters in rallies over the summer where, at his encouragement, people were jostled, pushed out of rallies, spit on, told how crazy they were — not to mention how his racist, bigoted, lying, misogynistic comments, and his ill-mannered, crude way of speaking and behaving, have divided this country overtly. You did not mention any of that, but singled one incident to

preach to us like a father to his children; a typical conservative, authoritarian, patriarchal way of dealing with advice.

I am 78 years old and ashamed of our country’s electoral process. I am part of a few groups (young and old) who will react to any of Trump’s potentially poor and wrong decisions (via marching protests, emails, etc.), and if I get beat up by a Trump supporter, who will most likely be carrying a weapon, I’ll surely let you know so you can mention again about civility.

This country is divided in a serious way, and your soft comments won’t do any good to prevent violence.

But be a man and get out here and do something — not just write a nice little piece while sitting in a warm cozy office.

Whether you believe in Trump or not, get actively involved.

Al Muehlberger Baltimore

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

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Technology &

Innovations Gifts & cool tech toys for the kid in your life

By Bree Fowler er lines of code to guide an on-screen monOver the years, toys have gotten more ster. Another game teaches entrepreneurial high-tech to keep screen-obsessed chil- and math skills by letting kids run their own dren engaged. But there’s growing worry pizza shop. among parents and edThe base set ucators that toys are costs $30. You then moving too far in that buy add-ons, such direction. as coding for $50, Now, educational and the pizza busitoys that have a math ness for $40. It and science bent — works only with marketed under the iPads for now. umbrella of STEM — — Makey are trying to get back Makey. You conto the basics: less nect one end to a screen time, more computer’s USB hands-on activities. port and the other Here are some toys The Osmo pizza shop game teaches to any material that the basics of running a business. designed to keep kids conducts electricity, entertained without sacrificing on education: such as coins or even a banana. Kids can then turn bananas into keyboards, and penHands-on tech cil drawings into controls for video games.

Tablet screens and The basic set costs apps haven’t gone away, $25, though for $50, but they’re just not you get additional enough on their own. clips and connector With these toys, kids wires. can create and build — Meccano with their hands, not sets. This robotjust a tablet. building toy is for — Osmo. As kids the tween or young arrange magnetic teen who is handy blocks or puzzle pieces, with a wrench and their creations show up The Cozmo robot stacks blocks. has a lot of time. on the iPad thanks to a Even the trio of mirror attached to the tablet’s camera. By ar- smaller Micronoids sets ($40) require a deranging blocks, for instance, kids put togeth- cent amount of time and significant motor

skills. The larger models, such as the $140 Meccanoid 2.0, can take the better part of a day to construct. Once assembled, these robots can be programmed to dance, play games and interact with each other.

— Illumicraft. Don’t let the girly colors or rainbow stickers turn you off. The $20 kit combines science and crafting to introduce basic circuitry. Projects include lightup diaries, jewelry organizers, smartphone speakers and picture frames.

— Code This Drone. Software company Tynker and drone maker Parrot have joined forces to create this kit, which includes a drone and a one-year subscription to Tynker’s education service. The kit costs $100 to $150 depending on the drone

selected.

It teaches the basics of coding through games played with an app-controlled mini drone.

Coding for preschoolers?

— Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar. Kids as young as 3 can “write” code by snapping together a $50 toy caterpillar. Each section signifies a command, such as “go straight” or “play sounds.” Hit the execute button to send the toy crawling in the chosen order.

Older kids can program Code-a-Pillar to reach targets placed across a room, or send it through an obstacle course of their own See HIGH TECH TOYS, page 5

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I’M NOT A SENIOR. E I’M AN

and a virtual-reality headset you stick your phone into. It’s not the fanciest VR technology, but it’s a lot of fun for what you pay.

— AP

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sensors that make them interactive toys. When you pet the cat’s fur, it turns its head towards you. When you pet its back, it rolls over and purrs.

Talk to the pet dog, and it wags its tail.

When there is no external stimulation for awhile, the pets go to “sleep.”

But they will “awaken” when someone enters the room.

The toys are designed to be safe for all ages, and come with a care guide and batteries. Cats come in three colors, orange tabby, creamy white and silver, and retail for $99.99 The dog is $119.99.

Shipping is free. A 15% discount applies if you use the code BEACON15.

To order, visit www.JoyForAll.com or call 1-800-408-0052.

The Code-a-plilar introduces young children to computer coding.

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The 93-year-old Hasbro toy company — the makers of famous toys like Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe — is turning its creative designers to a new audience: older adults, particularly those with memory loss.

The company has developed a robotic cat and dog, known as Joy for All Companion Pets, specifically to bring a smile and comfort to older adults who miss the touch of a real pet.

The toys are finding particular success among residents of memory care communities and nursing facilities, for whom the pets bring back fond memories and good feelings.

The pets feature realistic fur and animal sounds, but it’s their sophisticated

— Air Hogs Connect: Mission Drone.

With this $150 system, kids use an app to fly an included drone over a sensor pad that, combined with a phone or tablet’s camera, places the drone into the game on the screen. As the physical drone moves, so does the one in the game.

Kids fly the drone through hoops and shoot down alien invaders. Play is limited by the drone’s estimated 10-minute flying time.

— VR Real Feel Virtual Reality Car Racing Gaming System. This $30 car racing game includes a wireless steering wheel

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Companion Pets: a toy for older adults

Additional realities

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— Cozmo. This $180, palm-sized robot is expressive, adorable and fun to play with. A team of animators designed more than 500 reactions for the robot to pick from when it sees someone it recognizes, wins or loses a game, or completes a task.

The result is a very cute and human-like buddy — think Pixar’s Wall-E. — CHiP. This $200 robot doggie cuddles, plays fetch and follows you around your house. When he’s close to running out of juice, he even heads over to his charging pad and parks himself. This little guy is very loud when he zips around the

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creation. While the kids aren’t learning a coding language, the toy does try to teach cause and effect, as well as problem solving.

— Coji. As its name implies, this $60 mini robot teaches pre-readers to code with emojis. It also reacts when you tilt or shake it, and you can control it with your phone or tablet.

— Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set. With this $60 toy, kids build a maze with plastic squares and dividers, then program their mouse to make its way through to the cheese at the end.

room, so apartment-dwellers with hardwood floors might want to invest in a rug.

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From page 3

Robots with personality

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High-tech toys

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Health Fitness &

GOODBYE TO DAIRY You can develop lactose intolerance at any age and for many reasons WHO NEEDS MAMMOGRAMS? A study questions the value of mammograms, but they help most in your 60s COLD-FIGHTING VITAMIN Consume more vitamin D to boost your immune system this winter ON THE JOB Answers to readers’ questions on starting a new job and finishing an old one

Exercise when angry ups heart attack risk

By Marilynn Marchione If you’re angry or upset, you might want to simmer down before heading out for an intense run or gym workout. A large, international study ties heavy exertion while stressed or mad to a tripled risk of having a heart attack within an hour.

Regular exercise is a healthy antidote to stress and can help prevent heart disease.

In fact, the biggest problem is that too many people get too little of it.

But the new research suggests there may be better or worse times to exercise, and that extremes can trigger harm.

“This study is further evidence of the connection between mind and body. When you’re angry, that’s not the time to go out and chop a stack of wood,” said Barry Jacobs, a psychologist at the Crozer-Keystone Health System in Philadelphia.

He had no role in the study, led by the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Results were published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

Earlier studies have looked at anger and exertion as heart attack triggers, but most were small or in one country, or included few women or minorities.

The new study involved 12,461 people suffering a first heart attack in 52 countries. Their average age was 58, and threefourths were men.

Biggest risk factors They answered a survey about whether they were angry or upset, or had heavy exertion, in the hour before their heart attack or during the same time period the previous day. That way researchers could compare risk at different times in the same people, and the effect of these potential heart attack triggers.

Being angry or upset doubled the risk of suffering heart attack symptoms within an hour. Heavy physical exertion did the same. Having both at the same time more than tripled the risk for a heart attack.

The risk was greatest between 6 p.m. and midnight, and was independent of

other factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or obesity.

Big caveats: Patients reported their own stress or anger, and people who just had a heart attack may be more prone to recall or think they suffered one of these triggers than they otherwise might have been.

Also, strenuous exertion is whatever the patient perceives it to be — for some people that could be climbing stairs, and for others, running a marathon.

The study also is observational, so it cannot prove cause and effect. But it’s likely to be the best kind of information available — it’s not possible to randomly assign people to be angry and exercise, then see how many have heart attacks.

“This is a large enough sample size that we can put stock in the findings,” Jacobs said.

“We all need to find ways of modifying our emotional reactions and to avoid extreme anger,” such as distracting ourselves, walking away from the stressful situation, trying to see it from a different perspective, talking it out, and getting support

from other people, he said.

Emotions affect the body The study’s findings also are biologically plausible. Emotional stress and exertion can raise blood pressure and heart rate, change the flow of blood in the vessels, and reduce the heart’s blood supply, said the study leader, Dr. Andrew Smyth of McMaster University. In an artery already clogged with plaque, a trigger could block blood flow and lead to a heart attack.

“From a practical perspective, there will be times when exposure to such extremes is unavoidable,” Smyth said.

“We continue to advise regular physical activity for all, including those who use exercise to relieve stress.” But people should not go beyond their usual routine at such times, he said.

The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, other governmental bodies from various countries that participated, and grants from several drug companies.

— AP

Probiotics may help prevent osteoporosis Probiotic supplements protected female mice from the loss of bone density that occurs after having their ovaries removed, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia State University have shown. The results were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

In mice, ovary removal induces the hormonal changes that occur with menopause in women. The findings suggest that probiotic bacteria may have potential as an inexpensive treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis.

What probiotics do The immune system is known to be involved in post-menopausal osteoporosis, but the mechanism was previously unclear.

Emory and Georgia State researchers found that in mice, the loss of estrogen increases gut permeability, which allows bacterial products to activate immune cells in the intestine. In turn, immune cells release signals that break down bone.

The researchers found that probiotics both tighten up the permeability of the gut and dampen inflammatory signals that drive the immune cells.

“Our findings highlight the role that intestinal microbes play in modulating gut permeability and inflammation in the context of sex steroid depletion,” said senior author Dr. Roberto Pacifici, professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. “We think there are direct impli-

BEACON BITS

Jan. 13

LEARN HANDS-ONLY CPR

An introduction to hands-only CPR will be offered on Friday, Jan. 13 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Ln., Savage. In partnership with the Howard County Department of Rescue Services, the free program will include instructions for using an Automated External Defibrillator. This is a non-certification class, but registration is required. To register, call (410) 313-0760 or email askhcls@hclibrary.org.

cations for the treatment of osteoporosis that should be tested clinically.”

Researchers led by Pacifici treated female mice twice a week with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a type of bacteria found in some yogurts, or with a commercially available mix of eight strains of bacteria known as VSL#3.

A month after ovary removal, mice that were not treated with probiotic bacteria had lost half of their bone density. But the bone density in probiotic-treated mice stayed the same, the researchers observed. And in mice that did not have their ovaries removed, probiotic treatment actually led to an increase in bone density.

Good vs. bad bacteria The type of bacteria was important.

Treating mice with a laboratory strain of E. coli bacteria lacking probiotic properties did not help, and a mutant LGG bacteria with a defect in sticking to intestinal cells provided a weakened protective effect.

The scientists also tested the role of gut bacteria in bone loss by studying mice that were raised under germ-free conditions. In

this situation, surgical ovary removal is not feasible, so the research team used the drug leuprolide, which reduces hormone production by the ovaries. Germ-free mice treated with leuprolide do not have a reduction in bone density.

“What this means is that the presence of some intestinal bacteria is required for sex steroid depletion-induced bone loss,” said co-author Rheinallt Jones, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics.

Jones said the team’s current investigations are focused on assessing the diversity of the gut microbiome following sex steroid depletion.

“One possibility is that sex steroid deficiency leads to decreased microbiota diversity that exacerbates bone loss, and that probiotics preserve greater diversity,” he said.

A Wellness Update 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.awellnessupdate.com. © 2016 www.awellnessupdate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Bullock

said when thanking the staff for their help.

From page 1

Poverty amidst wealth

room and board to the man in exchange for help as he rehabilitated. The man did help him out for a time, but then Mr. J. asked him to leave.

The “guest” refused to leave and became a squatter who, Mr. J. felt, started acting in a threatening manner toward him. An OOAI staffer was called in. Three weeks later, the squatter was removed from the home.

Mr. J. also had financial troubles. Those resulted in a lien on his home and his utilities being turned off. The OOAI helped him clear up the debts through the Vivian L. Reid Fund, which receives tax-deductible donations to help low-income older adults.

“I’m starting to get my life back,” Mr. J.

While Howard County is one of the wealthiest in the nation — its median household income in 2015 was $110,892, according to the Census Bureau — Bullock noted there are always pockets of poverty, homelessness and other problems the department is called upon to serve.

The Maryland Alliance for the Poor reported that some 15,000 of the county’s 300,000+ residents are living on income below the federal poverty level, which in 2014 was $11,670 for individuals; $23,850 for a family of four.

Bullock said he has developed two philosophical tenets for emergency planning and community preparedness: “For You, By You (FUBU), and Nothing About You Without You (NAYWU). I firmly be-

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lieve in bringing community members into the planning process as early and as often as possible,” he said.

Department’s wide scope Services offered by the department’s other entities include: Office of Consumer Protection: mediates disputes, takes enforcement action and or provides tips on how to avoid scams or make smart purchasing decisions. (See “County warns residents of utilities call scam” on page 27.)

Office of Children and Families: provides information and access to resources for families to ensure that all children in the county thrive.

Office of Local Children’s Board: provides funding, planning, program development and implementation, and technical assistance to programs and services working to improve outcomes for Howard County’s children. Among the board’s initiatives: after school programs, parent support services, juvenile justice programs, early intervention and prevention services, child abuse and neglect prevention, substance abuse prevention, and mental health services.

Of fice of Veterans and Militar y Families: provides guidance and information on issues affecting more than 20,000

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Jan. 9

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WEIGHTY CHALLENGES

Howard County General Hospital is sponsoring a free program featuring a certified nutritionist and a registered dietician discussing physiological and health challenges that affect weight on Monday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For more information, call (410) 740-7601.

410.542.5306

Ellicott City

Howard County veterans, military families, their dependents and survivors, and offers various programs, services and resources within the government, nonprofit and business communities. The office also helps identify scams specifically targeting military members, as well as assists disabled veterans or veteran caregivers, helps homeless veterans find housing, and assists in relocating military families with childcare options. For more information or for assistance, call (410) 313-6400 or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of ADA Coordination: serves as a gateway for information, assistance and referral for older adults, persons with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and health or business professionals. The office can be reached at (410) 313-1234 (voice/relay).

Office of Community Partnerships: administers human service grants to the county in the Community Service Partnership program, manages the Multi-Service Center in North Laurel, and provides staff for the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

In managing all of these varied programs, Bullock said, “My passion is to be able to help people change their lives for the better, to educate them to be resilient and able to take care of their families in good times and in bad.”

Ongoing

FREE MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Howard Community College offers a free mediation service that is confidential and voluntary at its campus, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. For more information, visit www.howardcc.edu/visitors/mcrc or call (443) 518-1888.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

9

Lactose intolerance can develop at any age Dear Mayo Clinic: What would cause someone to become lactose-intolerant later in life?

I’m in my 40s and have never had an issue with dair y, but, now, I can’t seem to have it without problems. Do I need to see a doctor to be tested for allergies, or should I just avoid dairy?

Answer: Lactose intolerance isn’t a true allergy, and it can develop at any age. In some people, lactose intolerance may be triggered by another medical condition, such as Crohn’s disease. In others, it develops without a specific underlying cause.

It would be a good idea to have your condition evaluated by your doctor to confirm that what you’re dealing with truly is lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance results from a problem with the carbohydrate lactose — a type of sugar found in dairy products. When you eat or drink dairy products, enzymes in your small intestine digest lactose, so the body can make energy. In people with lactose intolerance, a certain enzyme, called lactase, is missing from the body.

When those people eat dairy products, the body has no way to break down the lactose. This leads to fermentation of the sugar in the intestines, and triggers symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating and gas.

Why it develops Sometimes, lactose intolerance develops when the small intestine’s production of lactase decreases after an illness, injury or surgery involving the small intestine. This is called secondary lactose intolerance.

Among the diseases associated with this kind of lactose intolerance are celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth and Crohn’s disease.

Treatment of the underlying disorder may restore lactase levels and improve symptoms.

More common than secondary lactose intolerance is primary lactose intolerance.

People who develop primary lactose intolerance start life making normal levels of lactase — a necessity for infants, who get all their nutrition from milk.

As children replace milk with other foods, lactase production normally decreases. It stays high enough, though, to digest the amount of dairy in a typical adult diet.

In primary lactose intolerance, lactase production declines below normal at some point for reasons that are unclear. The low amount of lactase then makes milk products difficult to digest and leads to lactose intolerance symptoms.

Testing for intolerance Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance with a clinical test. One that’s often used is a lactose tolerance test.

It assesses your body’s reaction to a dose of lactose.

After you consume a drink containing lactose, a sample of your blood is taken to measure glucose levels. If your glucose level does not rise, it means your body isn’t properly digesting and absorbing the lactose.

Alternatively, another test called the hydrogen breath test may be used. This test also requires you to consume a drink that contains high levels of lactose. Your doctor next measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath.

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Normally, very little hydrogen is detectable. However, if your body doesn’t digest the lactose, the fermentation reaction in your colon releases hydrogen and other gases. Your intestines absorb those gases, and you exhale them. Larger-than-normal amounts of hydrogen measured during this test are a sign that your body isn’t fully digesting and absorbing lactose.

If you have lactose intolerance, there isn’t a way to cure it. The most effective way for people with lactose intolerance to get relief from symptoms is to lower the amount of dairy products they eat.

You may be able to use dairy products that have reduced levels of lactose or are lactose-free. Some people who have lactose intolerance benefit from taking lac-

tase enzyme supplements, as well.

If test results do not point to lactose intolerance, your doctor may recommend additional tests to check for another condition that could be causing your symptoms, such as a milk allergy, intestinal disorders or other problems within your digestive tract.

— Rohit Divekar, Ph.D., Allergic Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail questions to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. © 2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Protect the ones YOU love against >-&+3!&+!(/!$1+#$!&0*)122,&%*/-&*)+'&-!1-')12&$1).!-&4'$&7*)+!$:&+3'-!&"1$*).&4'$& -'(!')!& 7*+3& >2B3!*(!$E-& 1)%& '+3!$& 4'$(-& '4& %!(!)+*1& -3'#2%& 122& =!& ')& )'+*"!& +31+& -)'7:& !A+$!(!& +!(/!$1+#$!-& 1)%& !1$2,& %1$<)!--& /$!-!)+& -/!"*12 /$'=2!(-9 F')E+& =!& "1#.3+& *)& 1& -*+#1+*')& 73!$!& ,'#& $!12*B!& +31+& ,'#$& 2';!%& ')!& 31-& 71)%!$!%& '44& 1)%& ,'#& %')E+& 31;!& 1),& *%!1& 73!$!& +3!,& 1$!9& G2)!,& >--*-+!%& H*;*).&"1)&3!2/&<!!/&,'#$&2';!%&')!&-14!&1)%&/$';*%!&,'#&+3!&/!1"!8'48(*)%& ,'#&%!-!$;!9 !"#$!%&"'((#)*+,&%!-*.)!%&-/!"*0*"122,&+'&(!!+&+3!&-/!"*12&)!!%-&'4&'#$& &&&&&%!(!)+*1&$!-*%!)+53!&$!-*%!)"!&*-&!6#*//!%&7*+3&-+1+!8'48+3!81$+&-!"#$*+,&1)%&!(!$.!)",&-,-+!(-9 !"#$!:&-/1"*'#-&'#+%''$&"'#$+,1$%-&1)%&$!-*%!)+8-14!&21)%-"1/*).&122'7&$!-*%!)+-& &&&&&+'&(';!&4$!!2,&+3$'#.3'#+&+3!&/$'/!$+,&7*+3&712<*).&/1+3-:&.1$%!)-:&1)%& &&&&&"'(4'$+1=2!&-!1+*).&1$!1-9 >&%!-*.)&+31+&71-&$!0*)!%&+3$'#.3&?@&,!1$-&'4&'/!$1+*')12&!A/!$*!)"!&"1+!$*).&+'& &&&&&*)%*;*%#12-&144!"+!%&=,&(!('$,&2'--9 >"+*;*+*!-&-"3!%#2!%&+3$'#.3'#+&+3!&%1,&+31+&1$!&%!;!2'/!%&1""'$%*).&+'&,'#$& &&&&&2';!%&')!-&*)+!$!-+-&7*+3&1&-+$').&4'"#-&')&(1A*(*B*).&-!248!-+!!(&1)%&-!)-!& &&&&&'4&/#$/'-!9 >&+!1(&'4&-!)*'$&"1$!&/$'4!--*')12-&1)%&2*"!)-!%&)#$-!-&1$!&')-*+!&?C&3'#$-&/!$&%1,9 &&&&&D1"3&$!-*%!)+&$!"!*;!-&-/!"*12*B!%&"1$!&1)%&-#//'$+&4'$&+3!*$&*)%*;*%#12&)!!%-:& &&&&&*)"2#%*).&1--'"*1+!-&+$1*)!%&+'&1""'(('%1+!&71)%!$*).&

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

11

Questions to ask about painful, stiff joints

By Dr. Scott Burg Over the years, a lot of people have come to see me about an aching knee, back, shoulder or other joint.

The first thing I do with every patient is try to determine whether their arthritis is degenerative (less serious) or inflammatory (more serious). I start by asking three questions.

1. Does your pain get better or worse as the day goes on?

If your pain gets worse throughout the day, that suggests degenerative or mechanical (wear-and-tear) arthritis. If your pain gets better, that suggests an inflammatory arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and mechanical low back pain are degenerative forms of arthritis.

Inflammatory forms of arthritis include: • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the granddaddy of them all • Gout and other types caused by crystals forming in the joints • Psoriatic arthritis and similar types caused by spinal column inflammation 2. Do you ever get stiff, and if so, for how long?

I always ask about stiffness, especially in the morning. Ten, 15 or 20 minutes of morning stiffness don’t bother me so much because they likely are caused by degenerative arthritis. But if you tell me,

“Doc, it takes me 30 to 45 minutes to sort of get unglued,” that suggests an inflammatory arthritis.

Because we see stiffness in both types of arthritis, I may ask you about the “gelling” phenomenon. I’ll say, “If I give you a one-way, all-expenses-paid limo trip to Philadelphia for a Redskins game, how will you feel after your ride?”

If not moving much for a few hours would make you feel stiff for a few minutes, I’d think mechanical arthritis. But if it takes you half an hour to feel right again, I’d think inflammatory arthritis.

3. Are joints painful on one or both sides of your body?

If your arthritis is symmetrical — involving both shoulders, wrists or elbows, for example — I’d be more concerned about an inflammatory arthritis like RA. But if you tell me, “Everything is fine, doc, except for my right knee,” or “My left shoulder is killing me,” I’d be less concerned because they suggest degenerative arthritis.

However, arthritis can develop on a spectrum. Sometimes one knee is the problem and then, a few weeks later, both knees become problems.

I will also ask about your family history.

For certain people with arthritis, genetics can play a role. I’ll ask you about medica-

tions, too. Statins and other medications can cause aches and pains.

Exam, X-rays and lab tests A physical exam is critical. We can feel and see certain things that we can’t learn just by talking to you. For example, osteoarthritis may develop at the site of an old injury. Obesity may also cause joint degeneration.

Plain X-rays (not MRI scans) can be vital. They can tell us which joints are affected by either inflammatory or degenerative arthritis.

People are often surprised to learn that positive lab results don’t always mean you do have arthritis, and negative lab results don’t always mean you don’t have arthritis.

Take the ANA (antinuclear antibody) screening test for RA. If we did blood work on every man, woman and child at, say, a football game, nearly 5,000 of the 80,000 fans would have a positive ANA. But they’d be absolutely, completely normal.

That’s why, in rheumatology, we use lab tests to confirm — rather than make — a diagnosis.

Joint pain and stiffness, together with loss of range of motion, can mean early arthritis. If you’ve experienced sustained joint pain for two to four weeks, it’s a good idea to see your primary care physician.

Your doctor can decide if, and when, you need to see a rheumatologist like me. © 2016 www.awellnessupdate.COM. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

12

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Study questions value of mammograms

By Marilynn Marchione A new study questions the value of mammograms for breast cancer screening. It concludes that a woman is more likely to be diagnosed with a small tumor that is not destined to grow than she is to have a true problem spotted early.

The work could further shift the balance of whether screening’s harms outweigh its benefits. Screening is only worthwhile if it finds cancers that would kill, and if treating them early improves survival versus

treating when or if they ever cause symptoms. Treatment has improved so much over the years that detecting cancer early has become less important.

Mammograms do catch some deadly cancers and save lives. But they also find many early cancers that are not destined to grow or spread and become a health threat.

Unfortunately, there is no good way to tell which ones will, so many women get treatments they don’t really need. It’s a twin problem: overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Whether to have a mammogram “is a close call, a value judgment,” said study leader Dr. H. Gilbert Welch of Dartmouth Medical School. “This is a choice, and it’s really important that women understand both sides of the story — the benefits and harms.”

Welch has long argued that mammograms are overrated. The study parallels work he published from the same data sources four years ago.

This time, the authors include Dr. Barnett Kramer, a National Cancer Institute screening expert, although the conclusions are not an official position of the agency. The study was published by the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Researchers used decades of federal surveys on mammography and cancer registry statistics to track how many cancers were found when small — under 2 centimeters, or about three-fourths of an inch — versus large, when they are presumably more life-threatening.

They estimated death rates according to the size of tumors for two periods — 1975 through 1979, before mammograms were widely used, and a more recent period, 2000 through 2002.

In the earlier period, one-third of cancers found were small. In the later period, two-thirds were small. But the change was mostly because screening led to so many more cancers being detected overall, and the vast majority of them were small — 162 more cases per 100,000 women, versus only 30 more cases of large tumors.

Assuming that the true number of cases of cancer in the population was stable, this implies that 132 cases per 100,000 women were overdiagnosed.

“The magnitude of the imbalance indicates

that women were considerably more likely to have tumors that were overdiagnosed than to have earlier detection of a tumor that was destined to become large,” the authors write.

Next, they estimated how much of the drop in deaths since mammography started was due to early detection versus better ways to treat the disease. They concluded that at least two-thirds of the drop was due to better treatments — a trend other studies also have found.

Criticism from doctors Size matters, but it’s not the whole story, and isn’t a proven sign of how aggressive a tumor is biologically, said Dr. Kathryn Evers, director of mammography at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Tumors have to be found before they can be treated, and so far mammography is the best way to find ones that can’t be felt, she argued.

A statement from the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging says “smaller cancers result in better outcomes for women.”

The study’s assumption that there’s been no change in cancer incidence is not valid — cases have increased, said Dr. Robert Smith, the American Cancer Society’s screening chief. “When we find breast cancer early, women have a much, much better prognosis,” he said.

Most important in your 60s Women in their 60s get the most benefit from mammograms, major guidelines agree. A government task force recommends screening every other year starting at age 50, and that women in their 40s weigh the pros and cons.

See MAMMOGRAMS, page 15

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 — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

13

Vitamin D plays a big role in winter health I’m willing to bet you have been sick in the Two immune systems past and experienced a runny nose and conAllow me to brief you on what may very gestion, sneezing, fever/chills well be vitamin D’s most excitor body aches. All you can do is ing role yet. We all have both treat the symptoms and hope an adaptive and an innate imyour immune system fights for mune system. The branch of you. our immune system that ‘reFYI, taking antibiotics won’t members’ specific attackers — help. Your immune system so that it can mount a faster destrength (not the germ itself) fense next time an encounter directly influences how bad you is made — is called the “adapfeel and how long you suffer. tive” immune system.

Vitamin D levels are lower Vitamin D helps our adapDEAR during the winter months, so PHARMACIST tive immune system by boostit’s no coincidence that cold By Suzy Cohen ing our T cells — a type of and flu outbreaks happen white blood cell that patrols more frequently during the around our bodies like solwintertime. (Shockingly, even spending diers, ready to destroy any infected or canour summer days in a big city where tall cerous cells they come across. buildings block the sun’s rays can lead to Researchers in Denmark made a truly indeficiencies of the vitamin.) credible connection. For T cells to be able Vitamin D is a media darling. Time Mag- to activate themselves and mount an attack, azine even lists D among its Top Ten Med- vitamin D must be present. Without adeical Breakthroughs. quate vitamin D, our T cells are like sleepIn an American study of 198 healthy ing soldiers, virtually incapable of defendadults, researchers found that individuals ing us. with blood concentrations of 38 ng/ml or This research suggests that perhaps we more of vitamin D enjoyed a two-fold re- can retrain our immune system to prevent duction in the risk of catching cold, and it from being so reactive and hyper, transwere able to get back to work faster. I rec- lating to a lower risk for cold and flu, and ommend even higher levels — closer to 60 obviously fewer auto-immune assaults. ng/ml.

Adequate Vitamin D helps your immune

cells manufacture your own natural antibiotic-like substance called cathelicidin, which destroys all sorts of ‘bugs’ as they’re encountered. This activity supports your innate immune system.

By the way, your innate system is your first line of defense against pathogens of all sorts, so if you get sick a lot, this is the part of your immune system that you should focus on.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, weakness, bone or muscle pain, fractures, cracked teeth, arrhythmias, wintertime depression and autoimmune flare ups. Certain cancers are also associat-

ed with low D levels.

In my humble opinion, Vitamin D3 is an affordable way to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. It’s easy to test your blood levels, and the supplement is sold pretty much everywhere.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 13

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Howard County General Hospital is offering free blood pressure monitoring from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at the Howard County Library Elkridge Branch, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call the library at (410) 313-5077.

Jan. 12

PREDIABETES PROGRAM

A certified diabetes educator and registered dietician will offer information on making changes to prevent or delay getting diabetes in a program at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. There is a fee of $15 for the program. To register and for more information on other diabetes programs, visit hcgh.org/diabetes or call (443) 718-3007.

FINALLY – Straight Talk About Sciatica Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information.

To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because I’m going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts.

MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest.

FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a sciatica specialist immediately. Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.

MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.

FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder.

MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica.

FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica.

MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.”

FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica.

Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica.

Sciatica can affect anyone - including superfit celebrities like Tiger Woods, and Sylvester Stallone.

MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica.

FACT: Staying active can help to relieve sciatic pain and prevent the pain from getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.

MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery.

FACT: NO! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of sciatica and lower back pain. It’s a new procedure called Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care.

The excellent results from this treatment have been published in major medical journals.

Success rates are up to 90%.

MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”

FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specialize in sciatica, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms.

MYTH: Getting sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive.

FACT: Not true. Dr. Steve Silverston of World Class Chiropractic in Ellicott City, MD is currently offering an initial consultation and comprehensive examination for Just $43, this includes all tests and x-rays if necessary.

Dr. Steve Silverston – In Ellicott City, MD has helped over the past 24 years thousands of patients find relief from agonizing back pain and sciatica. He uses Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care.

This procedure does not require a hospital stay, drugs or anything invasive. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica.

According to Dr. Silverston, “We use a combination of gentle, non-invasive, proven techniques, for precisely diagnosing and correcting the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.”

Almost Immediate Relief from Pain!

Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report an almost immediate relief from their back pain.

Patient Brad H. from Eldersburg, MD wrote, “For several years I saw numerous

doctors including chiropractors in an attempt to resolve unrelenting low back pain and sciatica from a serious motor vehicle injury. Nobody could help me resolve it and my work and life were suffering. Dr. Silverston was able to quickly identify my problem and within one week of beginning care, for the first time in years, I’m virtually pain free!

Now, many years later, I am still better.”

Take the Next Step - END the Suffering... Initial Consultation and Comprehensive Examination for Just $43.

This includes all tests and x-rays if necessary.

The first step is a thorough sciatic examination with Dr. Silverston. Call 410-461-3435 to schedule your appointment.

Mention this article (CODE: 43TB0117) and Dr. Steve Silverston will happily reduce his usual consultation fee to just $43!

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Call them now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $43. The normal cost of such an exam is $345 so you will save $302!

Call them now on 410-461-3435 and cut out or tear off this valuable article and take it to your appointment. You’ll be on your way to safe, lasting relief!

You can even call on the weekend and leave a message on their answering machine to secure your spot and they promise to return all calls. During the week staff can be very busy helping patients so if they don’t pick up straight away, do leave a message.

Call 410-461-3435 NOW. If it’s the weekend or they’re away from the phone the staff at World Class Chiropractic promise they will get back to you. So call now on 410-461-3435 and quote this special discount code: 43TB0117.

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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 — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

15

Issues with new job, new lack of a job Dear Solutions: person, sit down quietly and tell yourself, I’m a young senior, and I recently “He’s not ______ (whoever you’re thinking went back to school to adof from your past). He’s not vance my degree. I’m in a criticizing me. He’s helping me training program, and I to learn so I can do well.” have a super visor at the Try this first. If it doesn’t job. help, seek some therapy to I’m having a terrible time help you. accepting any criticism he Dear Solutions: makes of my work. He My husband is retired, yet keeps telling me I’m going he’s not retired. He keeps to do well, and his suggesworking freelance now at tions are to help me grow things that he used to do. He SOLUTIONS in the job. But every time has this idea that he must

By Helen Oxenberg, he tells me I should have keep contributing or he’s not MSW, ACSW done something I didn’t do, worthwhile.

I burst into tears.

As a result, he has no time How can I stop this? for other things that should bring him — Student Again pleasure in retirement, like travelling Dear Student: and other activities.

You have to get to the mouth of this I can’t seem to convince him that he river of tears before it turns into an ocean.

That means, where is it coming from?

His criticism is pushing old buttons and old hurts in you. You’re seeing him as some other important person in your life — probably a parent who you couldn’t please.

First, recognize who that person was.

Then recognize that you can’t fix now whatever was wrong then. It’s over.

Before you go in for supervision with this

should do other things. How can I help him with this?

— Amy Dear Amy: First, stop “shoulding” on him. Then stop “shoulding” on yourself. If this is what he wants to do in his retirement, and if he is happy doing it, that’s fine.

It is not your job to convince him otherwise, unless this really interferes with what

both of you want to do. I suspect that it’s you who looked forward to his retirement so you could both travel, among other things.

In that case, say what you mean and suggest some compromise, such as: you’ll stop telling him what he “should” do full time, if he’ll start working part-time so you can do other things together. © Helen Oxenberg, 2016. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 10+

LEARN TECH FROM TEENS Students from the Columbia Association Youth and Teen Center

will be available to help you understand your iPads and other digital devices on Tuesday, Jan. 10 and Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. For more information, call Meridy McCague at (410) 313-7634.

Maintenance-Free Living At Its Finest.

Live Life. Lakeside.

Mammograms From page 12 The study only applies to screening mammograms, not diagnostic ones done when a problem is suspected, and only to women at average risk, not those with gene mutations that make them more susceptible to cancer.

Dr. Joann Elmore, of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, writes in a commentary in the journal that it’s time to pay more attention to the “collateral damage” of screening — overdiagnosis.

“The mantras, ‘All cancers are life-threatening’ and ‘When in doubt, cut it out,’ require revision,” she wrote.

— AP

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

ONLINE HELP FOR ALZHEIMER’S

Several websites specifically address the concerns of local Alzheimer’s patients and those who care for them, including www.alz.org/maryland and www.healthyhowardmd.org.

Jan. 5

LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR TRAVELLERS

Topics ranging from passport applications to learning a new language will be covered in a program from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Glenwood Library, 2350 State Rt. 97, Cooksville.

Registration is required. For more information, call (410) 313-5577.

BEAUTIFUL LAKEVIEW CONDOS AVAILABLE NOW. Gatherings at Quarry Place from the $270s 601 Quicksilver Court, Reisterstown, MD 21136 (intersection of Franklin Blvd. and Nicodemus Road)

55-and-better condominium homes overlooking a beautiful 30-acre quarry lake.

• Elevator-served, secured entrance buildings which provide extra security, peace-of-mind and low-maintenance living • Large, private one-car garages included with each condominium.

In addition, a limited number of storage spaces are available for purchase in each building.

• Resort-like community amenities including a clubhouse with fitness center and swimming pool, dog park, community garden, and more • Shopping, dining and modern conveniences planned minutes from your front door • One-mile walking path around the 30-acre quarry lake

Visit or contact us today: 410-630-1371

GET MORE IN A NEW HOME | BEAZER.COM * Pricing, features and availability subject to change without notice. See New Home Counselor for complete details. MHBR #93 ©2016 Beazer Homes. 7/16 133341

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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50+

THE

NEWS and EVENTS from the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

Connection

Department of Community Resources and Services

A Message from Office on Aging and Independence Administrator

Starr P. Sowers Happy New Year! As 2017 begins and winter weather approaches, there are a number of precautions and preventative measures that you can take to stay safe. Most involve common sense – take extra caution when walking outside in icy conditions, and try to avoid shoveling heavy snow; if possible, make arrangements in advance for someone to do it for you. Make sure that you have a working flashlight with extra batteries, a fully charged cell phone, and either a battery operated or crank radio, and assemble an emergency kit with enough non-perishable food and water for each person in your household for three days. Include a supply of all medications you take (take a photo of the labels of all your pill bottles with your cell phone so you have the information handy should you need it). For a list of other suggested items to add to your emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov/kit.

Taking the time to plan and prepare an emergency kit today increases the likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow. FEMA (www.fema.gov) has created a free guide, “Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans. Get Ready Now.” which outlines other commonsense measures older adults can take to prepare for emergencies before they happen. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your loved ones can be better prepared. Plus, you will start the New Year off with a little extra peace of mind.

Lastly, if you don’t yet have a copy of the new 2017 Howard County Resource Guide, be sure to stop by your local 50+ center or Howard County library branch to pick one up, or contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234, or email map@howardcountymd.gov to have one mailed to you. It’s also available online at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging.

Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

2017 Resource Guide The latest edition is now available at: • Office on Aging and Independence 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia 21046

• Howard County 50+ Centers • Howard County Libraries • By Mail – Contact MAP at 410-313-1234 To view the guide online, visit www.custommediaoptions.com/digital/hocoresourceguide2017

Volume 7, No. 1 • January 2017

Find a Fitness Program That Fits Your Needs

G

etting fit starts with finding a program that’s a good fit for you. There are many ways to be physically active — one type does not fit all! Finding the right “activity fit” will greatly increase your chances of successfully sticking with (and benefitting from) regular exercise or physical activity.

Making exercise and physical activity a regular part of your life can improve your health and help you maintain your independence as you age. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), even if you have a health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, it doesn’t mean you can’t be active. In fact, regular physical activity can improve your quality of life and may reduce your risk of developing other conditions. But, be sure to talk with your doctor about the type and amount of physical activity that is right for you.

It’s also important to ask yourself what you hope to gain or lose from increasing your physical activity level; is your goal to lose weight, improve strength, gain better balance, or reduce stress? For some older adults, just getting out of the house to enjoy the benefits of social interaction may be their primary goal. Others who are already physically active may want to switch it up and try something new.

Once you’ve set a goal, ask yourself what types of activities can help you achieve your objective: those focused on strength, balance, cardio, or flexibility. Think about the kinds of exercise you enjoyed in the past. Do you like to run or walk, cycle, dance or do yoga?

Does stretching and strength training appeal to you? Where do you feel most comfortable exercising: indoors or outdoors, in a class or at the gym, at your own pace or with a group? Once you have some answers, the Office on Aging and Independence (OOAI) can help you find a program that fits your needs.

Howard County 50+ Centers and the Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center offer a wide variety of group fitness classes that have been created to accommodate many types of exercise at differing levels of intensity. Classes are offered on various days of the week, with morning, afternoon and evening hours so you can more readily fit regular activity into your schedule. Plus, they are affordable, too.

The Go50+ program allows Howard County residents age 50 and older to use cardio and strength equipment at the 50+ Fitness Center, Roger Carter Recreation Center and the Gary Arthur and North Laurel Community centers at a low annual rate.

The most important goal is to find an activity that you will stick with to stay active. How you accomplish that is up to you. Your best fit is out there; OOAI can help you find it at any of our 50+ Centers.

Check out all the options the Office on Aging and Independence has to offer, and then choose what works for you. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters for more information.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

The 50+ Connection

Loan Closet Team Receives Public Service Award

Say you saw it in the Beacon

17

SAVE THE DATE!

Student Loan Forum and Resource Fair Join us for a panel presentation of local, state and federal experts who will answer questions about the student loan process, provide vital resource materials and offer one-on-one guidance.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 • 7:00 PM Howard Community College 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044

Congratulations to the Department of Community Resources and Services' Aging in Place Team, who received Howard County's 2016 Customer Service Team Award (Public) for their outstanding work coordinating the expansion of the Howard County Loan Closet and its relocation to Long Reach Village Center.

Pictured above with Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman at the Employee Awards ceremony October 28 are, from left, Carly Schilling, Mary Becker and Vanessa Hughes (not pictured, Chris Muller).

Additional information, registration and webinar options for this FREE event will be posted in December at www.howardcountymd.gov/studentloanforum A PARTNERSHIP PRESENTATION COURTESY OF

www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer If you need this information in an alternate format, or need accommodations to attend, call 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov by January 4.

Howard County’s 2017

Stronger. Better.

Healthier. YOU! Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center 9411 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042 410-313-0727 • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

Children on Board CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL INFORMATION FAIR FREE ADMISSION!

Sunday, January 29, 2017 • 1 - 4 p.m.

Ten Oaks Ballroom 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029

EXCLUSIVELY for Individuals AGE 50 and OVER!

Please bring a non-perishable item for the Howard County Food Bank www.howardcountymd.gov/children

A GO50+ Fitness Package offers 4 locations to get your fitness on for one, low, annual fee!

Resident: $75/year • Non-resident: $100/year Add a GROUP EXERCISE PASS for access to 16 weekly, instructor-led classes at the Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center for $125/quarterly

For information on closings and cancellations, call the Inclement Weather/Program Status at 410-313-7777 (VOICE/RELAY); or visit us at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging, or www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity.

410-313-1940 (VOICE/RELAY) children@howardcountymd.gov

The 50+ Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence.

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

To join our subscriber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

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

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

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The 50+ Connection

START LIVING WELL TODAY! DIABETES and other CHRONIC CONDITIONS

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

LIVING WELL:

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Are You & Your Pet Ready to Share Your Hearts?

Paws4Comfort fosters special bonds between pets, their owners and the County residents they visit.

If you are interested in volunteering, or wish to receive a FREE evaluation for your pet, contact:

Ingrid Gleysteen, PROGRAM COORDINATOR 410-313-7461 • igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov

Take Charge of Your Health

2017 PET EVALUATIONS Feb 2 • March 2 • April 6 May 4 • June 1 • July 6 August 3 • Sept 7 • Oct 5 Nov 2 • Dec 7

UPCOMING CLASS OPTIONS To achieve the most benefits from the Living Well program, we encourage a commitment to attend all six sessions of the class.

$28 fee includes 15 hours of workshop and materials

Held at Bain 50+ Center

Medical Pavilion at Howard County Wellness Center, Columbia Conference Room

5470 Ruth Keeton Way Columbia 21044

10710 Charter Dr., Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21044 www.howardcountymd.gov/paws

February 24 • March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Columbia Community Church 8516 Thomas Williams Way, Columbia, MD 21044

February 16, 23 • March 2, 9, 16, 23, 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm OR 6:00 - 8:30 pm CONTACT:

Nicole Jones 410-313-3506 (VOICE/RELAY) OR njones@howardcountymd.gov

VIVIR SALUDABLE CON DIABETES

Medicare Public Education Sessions FREE Information Presented by SHIP

Medicare 101 Thursday, January 19 • 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Are you new to Medicare? Join us to learn how Medicare Parts A (hospital), B (medical) and D (prescription drug) work, what the benefits are, and when you should make decisions related to your coverage. Also, find out about benefit programs that can help pay for Medicare health care costs.

Medicare 102 – Why Medicare Isn’t Enough Thursday, January 26 • 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Vivir Saludable con Diabetes es un curso para el manejo de la diabetes. El programa lo motivará a llevar una vida más saludable.

Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church 6798 Oak Hall Lane, Columbia, MD 21045 6 sesiones, Sábado de 2:30 – 5:00 PM 14, 21, 28 de Enero y 4, 11, 18 de Febrero $

28 incluye 15 horas de taller y todos los materiales

Registrese con:

Carmen Faye 410-313-0380 (VOZ/REPETIDOR) cfaye@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

Do you know how to determine which Medicare Health Plan, such as an HMO, PPO or Cost Plan, is the right choice for you? Learn about Medicare Part C/Health Plans and Medicare Supplement Policies (Medigap Plans); how the different Medigap plans cover the gaps (out of pocket expenses) of original Medicare; how they are priced; and when is the best time to enroll. Hear about how to protect yourself and Medicare from health care fraud.

Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044

REGISTER at 410-313-7391 (VOICE/RELAY)

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. Contact us for help.

www.howardcountyaging.org/SHIP If you need accommodations to attend, call 410-313-5980 one week in advance

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

19

Howard County 50+ Centers

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

Bain 50+ Center The Bain 50+ Center facility renovations begin Dec. 19, with limited programs and services through Dec. 30; closed Jan. 3–16; we will reopen Jan. 17. For updates, call 410-313-7777.

Tuesday, January 24 • 10:30 a.m. – Baltimore’s Industrial

Ellicott City 50+ Center Wednesdays, starting January 11, 2 to 3 p.m. –

Spot Energy Healings: Tune-ups for Your Body

Age: from Colonial Town to Manufacturing Center

Tune up your body in 2017 with a 15-minute healing session. $10; call 410-313-1400 for more information or to schedule.

This Baltimore Museum of Industry presentation highlights Baltimore’s roots as a center of commerce, business and industry, and the workers who helped make the city an industrial landmark. FREE. RSVP: 410-313-7213.

Mondays & Wed., Jan. 9-March 15 • 10 a.m. – Active Adult

Fridays, Starting January 27 • 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Beginner Bridge Designed for players with little or no previous knowledge of bridge; learn the basics, and start playing in no time! $53/5 weeks; fee includes all materials. Register at front desk.

Get moving with a cardio warm-up, strength training, balance and core muscle work (requires strong independent balance ability). $76/18 classes; no class Jan. 16 or Feb. 20. Register: 410-313-1400.

Tuesdays & Thurs., Jan. 10-March 16 • 10 a.m. – Still Kickin’

Tuesday, January 31 • 10 to 11 a.m. – Brain Fitness Returns

This low-impact cardio kickboxing class includes seated and standing moves to strengthen shoulders, arms, abs and legs and tone upper and lower body. $85/20 classes. Register: 410-313-1400.

Increase your ability to process information with challenging activities to build a stronger brain reserve and improve your cognitive capacity. Led by Robin Zahor, RN, BSN. FREE; to sign-up, call 410-313-7213.

Glenwood 50+ Center

East Columbia 50+ Center East Columbia 50+ Center will undergo facility repairs and be closed December 27–30; we will reopen January 3, 2017.

Wednesday, January 11 • 10 to 11 a.m. –

The Power of Positive Thinking Positive thinking can bring you joy and help turn your dreams into reality; the good news is, positive thinking can be learned. Taught by Mary Pat Donelan, Executive/Life Coach. FREE; to register, call 410-313-7680.

Thursdays, starting January 19 • 10 a.m. to noon –

Bridge: Beyond the Basics This class covers transfers, preemptive bids, defensive strategies and more. $43/four weeks; to register, call 410-313-7680.

Friday, January 13 • 11 a.m. – The Flag, the Poem, the Song Join Baltimore historian Wayne Schaumburg for a history lesson and discussion of the story behind our national anthem. FREE. Register: 410-313-5440.

Tuesday, January 24 • 9 a.m. – Oatmeal Bar Get a healthy start to your day! Join us in the lobby for a delicious oatmeal bar with a variety of toppings. Information: 410-313-5440.

Friday, January 27 • Noon – Chili Cook-off Make your favorite chili or try a new recipe and enter our chili cook-off.

Lunch is free for all entrants, $6 for all others; includes chili, salad, cornbread and dessert. Pre-register: 410-313-5440.

North Laurel 50+ Center Mondays, January 9 to March 13 • 9 to 9:45 a.m. –

Thursday, January 26 • 10 a.m. – Learn to Move

Mindful Mondays: Meditation and Movement

Learn from a certified personal trainer how to incorporate movement in your everyday life, and the proper way to move during exercise to keep you safe and avoid injury. $5; to register, call 410-313-7680.

This fusion class combines a guided meditation with light yoga stretches to incorporate a little mindfulness in your daily life. $35/six sessions; no class January 16 or February 20. To register, call 410-313-0380.

Elkridge 50+ Center

Tuesdays & Thursdays • 11:15 a.m. to noon – Building Balance

Friday, January 6 • 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – New Year Gala

This combination of light cardio and muscle strengthening exercises using bands and weights can increase your range of motion, as well as improve both posture and hand-eye coordination. $48/eight sessions. To register, call 410-313-0380.

Enjoy live music, games and good food to ring in the New Year in style. $5; to register, call 410-313-5192.

Wednesday, January 18 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Winter in Paradise

Thursday, January 12 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Spaghetti Dinner

Chase away the winter blues with cheeseburgers, mock margaritas and live music by Panama Rex, a Jimmy Buffet Tribute band. $5 plus lunch donation. For tickets, call 410-313-0380.

TEMPORARY LOCATION: 5660 Furnace Avenue, Elkridge 21075

Join us a homemade spaghetti dinner; bring a friend or two for an enjoyable lunch. Donations accepted; to register, call 410-313-5192.

Thursday, January 19 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. –

Thursday, January 26 • 10:30 a.m. to noon – Insurance Scams

Winter Wellness with Essential Oils

A Maryland Insurance Administration representative will share information that can protect you from scams and show you how to save money on premiums. FREE; for details, call: 410-313-5192.

Refresh your skin with natural remedies such as lavender, rosemary and sandalwood; learn about essential oils and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine. FREE; to register, call 410-313-0380.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Rehabilitation

Return to the

LIFE YOU LOVE

New, state-of-the-art Rehab CENTER opening early 2017 Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center’s innovative, new place to heal and revitalize will be simply different from any other option in the region.

Imagine the best therapies and equipment—in a beautiful environment that rejuvenates and restores.

Physical therapy spaces bathed in sunlight. Fireside gathering places and restaurant-style dining with sunset views over the lake. The quiet comfort of a garden walk or a relaxing massage.

Because what surrounds you Really matters.

Fully dedicated to short-term rehab • Innovative therapies for faster healing Expansive private rooms and companion suites • Covered porches, courtyard and walking trails Lounge and coffee bar with two-story fireplace • Open, sun-filled living and dining rooms with made-to-order meals • Salon • Spa with massage room and soaking tub

Independent living assisted living rehabilitation long-term care memory support

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

21

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Money Law &

UNWEDDED BLISS Some seniors have “weddings” without marrying, simplifying finances REWRITING YOUR RESUME Keep your new resume concise and direct to appeal to employers DOWNSIZING TIPS How to make sure you have enough room for your things when you move SCAMS HEATING UP The county warns residents of utilities scams as the weather grows colder

What you’ll pay for Medicare next year Dear Savvy Senior, curity Act’s “hold harmless” provision, I know there won’t be much of a Medicare cannot pass along premium incost-of-living increase in creases greater than the dolSocial Security benefits lar increase in their Social Senext year, but what about curity checks.

Medicare?

So, if your Medicare Part B How will the 0.3 percent monthly premium is currentSocial Security raise affect ly $104.90, you can expect it our Part B monthly premito be around $109 (on averums in 2017? age) in 2017. Or, if you signed — Inquiring Beneficiary up for Part B for the first time Dear Inquiring: in 2016, your $121.80 monthly Considering the rising cost premium will rise to around of healthcare coverage, the SAVVY SENIOR $127 (on average) next year. news regarding your Medicare By Jim Miller costs for 2017 is not too bad.

Some will pay more Here’s what you can expect: Unfortunately, the hold harmless provision does not protect all Medicare recipiPart B Premiums ents. New Medicare enrollees (those who Because the Social Security Administra- will enroll in 2017), beneficiaries who are dition is giving out a measly 0.3 percent cost of rectly billed for their Part B premium, and living increase starting in January — that current beneficiaries who have deferred equates to about a $4 to $5 monthly increase claiming their Social Security will pay more. on average — the 2017 Part B monthly preIf you fit into any of these categories, mium for about 70 percent of Medicare re- your Medicare Part B premium will be cipients will increase only about $4 to $5. $134 per month in 2017, up from $121.80.

That’s because, thanks to the Social SeThe hold harmless rule also does not

protect high-income Medicare beneficiaries who already pay higher Part B premiums because their annual incomes are above $85,000 for an individual or $170,000 for a couple.

If you fit into this category, here’s what you’ll pay for your Part B premium next year, based on your 2015 tax returns: • Individuals with incomes of $85,000 to $107,000, or married couples filing joint tax returns with incomes of $170,000 to $214,000, will pay $187.50 per month.

• Individuals earning $107,000 to $160,000 (couples $214,000 to $320,000) will pay $267.90 per month.

• Individuals with incomes of $160,000 to $214,000 (couples $320,000 to $428,000) will pay $348.30 per month.

• Individuals with incomes over $214,000 or couples above $428,000 will pay $428.60 per month.

Another increase that high-income beneficiaries (those with incomes over $85,000, or $170,000 for joint filers) need to be aware of is the surcharge on Part D premiums.

Affluent seniors that have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan will pay an

additional $13.30 to $76.20 per month, depending on their income, on top of their regular Part D premiums.

Deductibles and co-pays Other changes that will affect all Medicare beneficiaries include the Part B deductible, which will increase from $166 in 2016 to $183 in 2017.

The Part A (hospital insurance) annual deductible will also go up to $1,316 in 2017 (it’s currently $1,288) for hospital stays up to 60 days. That increases to $329 per day for days 61 through 90, and to $658 a day for days 91 and beyond. And the skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21100 will increase from $161 per day in 2016 to $164.50 per day next year.

For more information on all the Medicare costs for 2017, visit www.medicare.gov and click on “Find out how much Medicare costs in 2017,” or call 1-800-633-4227.

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

Questions and answers about Medicare

By Kimberly Lankford Q: Does the Medicare Part D doughnut hole continue to close next year? What is the threshold for 2017?

A: Yes. The gap in coverage that Medicare beneficiaries reach after incurring a specified total cost for prescription drugs in a given year — known as the doughnut hole — will continue to shrink gradually each year until it levels off in 2020.

In 2017, after you pay a deductible of up to $400, you’ll be responsible only for copayments until your total drug costs reach $3,700 (including your share and the insurer’s share of the costs).

At that point, the doughnut hole kicks in, and you’ll have to pay 40 percent of the cost of brand-name drugs (50 percent is a discount paid for by the drug company and 10 percent is covered by the plan), and 51 percent of the cost of generic drugs.

Once your out-of-pocket costs reach $4,950 (including the brand-name manufac-

turer’s 50 percent discount), you’re out of the doughnut hole, and you’ll pay no more than 5 percent of the cost of each drug.

If you’re approaching the doughnut hole for 2016 ($3,310 in total costs for covered drugs) and you’re taking an expensive brand-name drug, ask your doctor whether you can switch to a generic medication or therapeutic alternative that has a similar benefit but costs less.

Q: My Medicare card still has my Social Security number on it. I know it’s a bad idea to keep anything that displays my Social Security number in my wallet.

Wasn’t the government supposed to stop putting Social Security numbers on Medicare cards?

A: ID thieves can do a lot of damage if they get your Social Security number, which is why we recommend that you don’t carry your Social Security card or number in your wallet.

But Medicare beneficiaries are in a tough spot because SSN-based health claim numbers still appear on their Medicare cards. President Obama signed a law in April 2015 requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to remove SSNs from Medicare cards, but the change is being implemented gradually.

CMS will start sending the new cards in April 2018, but it will take until April 2019 before SSNs are removed from all cards.

Under the new system, a randomly generated 11-character Medicare Beneficiary Identifier will replace the SSN-based health claim number on your new Medicare card. You’ll get information in 2018 letting you know about the new Medicare card, with an explanation of how to use the new card and what to do with your old one.

You can start using your new Medicare card with the new number as soon as you receive it, and there should be a transition

period in 2018 and 2019 when you can use either the old card or the new card. Keep an eye on www.cms.gov/Medicare/SSNRI for updates.

Changing the health claim numbers for the more than 55 million Medicare beneficiaries is a big undertaking, and Medicare isn’t issuing any new cards without an SSN yet.

But there are ways you can protect yourself until the new cards are issued. Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy for the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, recommends that you carry your Medicare card only when you visit a healthcare provider for the first time, so the provider can make a copy for its file.

Otherwise, he recommends making a copy of your card with the last four digits of your Social Security number blacked out, and keeping that in your wallet in case of an emergency. © 2016 Kiplinger, all rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

23

Use price match to always get sale price

By Courtney Jespersen Kevin Brasler recalls barraging an obliging salesperson with questions about car seat safety when he was a concerned new parent.

Before they checked out, Brasler and his wife found the seat they were considering for $50 less on Amazon. But they were so invested in their in-store experience that they bought from the salesperson anyway.

However, they likely could have purchased the car seat at the store and gotten the Amazon price by simply asking the retailer to match it.

Price matching typically requires asking the cashier to meet a lower advertised price at the time of purchase, or asking a representative at the customer service desk for a price adjustment within a postpurchase grace period.

To price match online, call the site’s customer service line. You’ll usually need a digital or physical ad for evidence of the lower offer, and there can be exceptions and exclusions.

Brasler is executive editor at the nonprofit Consumers’ Checkbook. The group has found that mystery shoppers saved considerable amounts by price matching, including $140 on an LG sound bar speaker system at Best Buy. Even though price matching works, fewer than 10 percent of consumers do it, according to Sucharita Mulpuru, chief retail strategist for Shoptalk.

She said that although price matching has grown during the last decade, many consumers are still unaware of it, and others don’t bother because it seems like a hassle.

And some stores keep such a close eye on pricing that matching isn’t often necessary.

How to price match • Check retailer websites for price matching policies. For example, Amazon honors TV prices from select stores, but won’t price match anything else. Best Buy matches Amazon.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, HP.com, Newegg.com

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and TigerDirect.com, in addition to local competitors. But Kumar said price matching policies often exclude businesses offering the lowest prices because they might not sell genuine products.

• Match comparable products. It can be more difficult to price match items such as electronics because retailers might sell different model numbers, Mulpuru said.

• Download a price comparison app such as ShopSavvy or Scan. Then scan the barcode of the item you want and see what

it’s selling for elsewhere — and whether you should request a price match.

• Some retailers, including Target, will match their own online prices in store, so check both before buying.

• If you find your item for less post-purchase, ask for a price adjustment. Many credit cards offer a price protection perk if an item drops in price after you buy.

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.

24

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

To marry or not to marry. It’s a question

By Beth J. Harpaz Some older couples who want social recognition for their love relationships are exchanging rings, throwing parties and holding wedding-type ceremonies. But they’re stopping short of getting legally married to avoid complications with retirement funds, property and grown children.

“It was important for our friends to know we were committed to each other,” recalled Dixie Reppe, 80, who wears a ring from her beau, Joe Pendergraft, 77, and refers to him as her fiance. “But the financial piece and the families — it’s a whole

lot more complicated. We decided to keep those things separate.” The two live in adjoining apartments in Tulsa, Okla.

Pendergraft bought her the ring after she visited him in Georgia. “He didn’t want people to think I’d spent time with a strange man in Georgia,” Reppe recalled with a laugh.

Once word got out about their relationship, “we weren’t sure how well accepted that would be,” said Reppe. She needn’t have worried: Her girlfriends threw her a surprise engagement party, and there were a few other informal gatherings with champagne, chocolate and friends, where they

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Husband and wife nonetheless “Most of the time we refer to each other as husband and wife just to keep things not so complicated,” said Shirley Sapp, referring to her relationship with Doug Oxenhardt. “If you go the other route, people look at you like, ‘Well, what’s the deal?’”

Sapp and Oxenhardt, both in their 70s, were widowed when they met, and each had two grown children. Those children were among 90 guests at their 2013 wedding ceremony in Missouri, complete with a pastor.

“It was just like any other marriage ceremony, except we didn’t have the last sentence where the minister will say, ‘By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,’” Sapp recalled. “He was a really cool pastor, and when we told him our story, he said, ‘Sure, I’ll do it.’”

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could introduce themselves as a couple.

One benefit of formalizing a relationship this way is that it allows older couples to dispense with terms like “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” which might be fine for 20somethings, but can raise eyebrows among the 70- and 80-something set.

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But while avoiding marriage may seem like an easy way to keep finances and estates separate, unmarried couples may still face some legal complications, according to Frederick Hertz, a California lawyer and co-author of Living Together: A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples.

Hertz noted that some states honor common-law marriage, and will consider couples married after a number of years whether or not they got a marriage license. Other states allow unmarried partners to claim money or property “based on an oral or implied agreement.”

Hertz also said that signing a credit card or lease with your partner could make you responsible for the other person’s debt.

Other issues include who has legal authority for medical decisions, and when one partner dies, whether a surviving partner has the right to stay in the home where they lived together. That may depend on who owns it and who inherits it.

Housing is one thing Reppe and Pendergraft thought about early on. When they met, Reppe was living at Inverness Village, a retirement community, in a unit that was too small for both of them.

When the unit next door opened up, they “basically blew a hole through the wall and got the apartments connected,” she said. This way they have their own apartments, but they can also be together, and if something happens to one of them, the other will still have a place to live.

Sapp and Oxenhardt also own separate homes where they spend time together.

She owns the villa in Florida where they spend winters, and he owns the house in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., where they live in the warm months. Their retirement finances are separate too: She worked for the Veterans Administration, and he has a pension from the railroads.

But whatever arrangements older couples make as they manage the logistics or social conventions of being together, the love and companionship they share makes it all worthwhile.

“I think when you get to this stage in life, if you found happiness, when you find someone to love and someone who loves you, and you can share so many common interests, and you don’t have to come home to an empty apartment, that’s pretty special,” said Reppe.

“We laugh a lot,” Pendergraft said. — AP

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

25

Rewrite your resume to land today’s jobs Q: How can I get my arms around mended. the overwhelming task of rewriting my A resume is neither a piece of literature resume? nor an encyclopedia entry A: I think the first step in the about you. Think of it as a resume-writing process is getmarketing document that only ting into the right frame of lists highlights to convince mind. There’s nothing quick or the employer (the “buyer”) to easy about crafting a document invite you (the “seller”) in for that puts you in the best light an interview — where much on paper. Many people find the more can be shared. process to be frustrating.

By definition, a resume is a I can relate. Advising hunsummary of your qualificadreds of people on preparing tions. Employers focus on their resumes has made me CAREER COACH what you’ve done lately. Inkeenly aware of attitudes that By Judy Smith clude only the last 10 to 15 can stand in the way of digging into this task in a positive way.

Here are some of the common barriers that job seekers face, and my thoughts on getting past them: I don’t know how to write.

A resume doesn’t have to read like a great piece of literature. Nowadays, most employers scan new resumes for only a matter of seconds! Just use plain English to describe what you’ve done clearly. Use short phrases. Keep this important concept in mind: Less is more.

I can’t fit years and years of experience onto the two pages now recom-

years.

I think all the items on my resume are important. Why are you telling me to take them out?

Keep this rule forefront in your mind: The text of a resume should be structured according to the viewpoint of the prospective employer. Know too that there are likely to be many other qualified applicants vying for this employer’s attention.

Your resume must make it easy for him or her to assess your candidacy for a specific job opening — quickly. Only include information that will help this employer’s organization function better.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 11+

FINANCIAL PLANNING CLASSES Central Branch Library is offering two lectures on investment

basics and planning for financial stability in partnership with Making Change. The first, “Where Did My Money Go?” (about budgeting), is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. at the library, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. The second, “Investing Basics,” will be held at the same location on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. Registration is required for each program. Call (410) 313-7800 for more information.

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I really haven’t done that much.

At times, life confronts us with real challenges and demands – and not just at work.

How you respond reflects skills and characteristics known as ‘transferable skills’ because they apply on the job as well.

For example: Making purchasing decisions for your home includes budgeting and managing finances; getting five things done in one day involves time management; hosting a get-together in your home involves event planning and organizing.

Be sure to include skills like these.

Don’t undervalue your achievements. A resume is not the place to be modest. Let your strengths shine through.

In job-hunting, much as it is in life, attitude is everything. I find when approaching the critical task of creating a resume, a willing spirit makes a big difference.

Judy Smith is a registered career coach.

Send your job search questions to Smith at smithjudit@gmail.com or visit her website at www.judysmith.solutions.

26

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Five home downsizing tips from the pros

By Katherine Roth For empty nesters and others who find themselves moving into a smaller space, downsizing can feel emotionally and physically overwhelming. But careful planning and perspective can make it easier.

It helps to keep your eyes on the prize, experts say. Envision how great it will feel to be unburdened by excess, and achieve your goal of living happily with less, in a smaller but comfortable space, said Stephanie Sisco, home editor for Real Simple Magazine.

For older adults, it may help to think of the process as a way to put things in order now so the burden of sorting through everything doesn’t fall to your family later.

For families, downsizing is a great chance to teach kids organizational skills, she said.

“Kids might not be able to help much in the garage or kitchen, but they are experts on their own toys, and know which things they care about and which can go,” Sisco said.

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Here are five suggestions to make downsizing easier:

Don’t guess, calculate Measure your new space to determine exactly what will fit (and what won’t), and precisely where each piece of furniture should go.

It helps to draw a floor chart onto graph paper so that each square represents a foot, with furniture pieces cut out from Post-Its and placed appropriately on the grid. Or use one of many available smartphone apps that accomplish the same task, generally in greater detail.

“I use the Sweet Home 3-D app, but there are many other apps out there,” said Diana Zagariello, owner and director of Caring Transitions of Long Island, based in Merrick, N.Y. Caring Transitions, which helps seniors downsize, has 170 offices across the country, including one serving Howard County.

“It’s important to know exactly what will go where, so you can make the most of the muscle available to you on moving day, and aren’t stuck rearranging heavy furniture in a small space after the movers have gone home,” she said.

When helping older people move, she said, get them and everything they’ll be taking with them moved into the new space first. Going through the rest of their things can be too physically and emotionally overwhelming for many seniors, and is often more efficiently accomplished once they have moved out.

Prepare, prepare, prepare Start paring down by making a list of everything you don’t love or need so that you can start selling or giving it away. Add to your list as you sift through your things, Sisco said.

Identify appropriate charities. “Before you start a big purge, it’s good to know where you want to donate your items like books, clothes and furniture. Do a little research, and that way you have a plan to quickly get rid of things as you go,” said Sisco.

Make sure you have plenty of boxes, Sharpies, zippered plastic bags and other materials for quickly packing. Once you

get going, you won’t want to lose momentum because you don’t have enough of the right boxes, she said.

In addition, said Zagariello, “Make a nice long list of who to contact about your change of address, what services need to be disconnected or transferred, where you want to donate things or to whom you want to give them. Everything.”

Take on your belongings Begin the process of discarding your possessions by tackling the least sentimental first, so you don’t get bogged down, said Sisco. Start with the laundry room or pantry, for instance, and work your way up to things like photos or mementos — the toughest things to get rid of.

As bestselling author Marie Kondo writes in The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Ten Speed Press, 2014), it helps to tackle things methodically, keeping only what you truly love or need.

Enlist help “It really helps having someone by your side, helping you stay focused,” Sisco said.

It could be someone from a moving company, a professional re-locator, a friend, a neighbor or family member, Sisco said.

It’s important to have support making the many decisions that come up before, during and after a move.

Give yourself a 5- or 10-minute break every 45 minutes or so, Sisco said.

And if it’s all too much, hire a relocating expert to do part or all of the job. In many cases, estate sales can help cover the cost of their services.

Make it quick Resettle as quickly as possible to keep your new, smaller home from feeling cluttered.

“You want to get all the boxes unpacked and out the door, and everything in place in a matter of days. Otherwise boxes can linger unpacked for far too long,” Zagariello said.

“If you’ve done things right in the planning stages, the resettling part should be pretty quick and easy, and the quicker you finish up, the better.”

— AP

BEACON BITS

Jan. 5

COFFEE WITH A COP

Howard County Police are offering an opportunity for residents to voice their safety concerns and other policing matters with a police representative over coffee on Thursday, Jan. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mad City Coffee, 10801 Hickory Ridge Rd., Columbia. For more information, call the Police Department’s community outreach division at (410) 313-2207.

Jan. 5

RESOLVE TO GET ORGANIZED

Professional organizer Jakia Muhammad discusses the importance of organizational systems, including tips on how to organize your home, on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. Registration is required. Call (410) 313-1950 for more information.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

27

County warns residents of utilities scam As colder temperatures begin to blow in across the region, Howard Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Consumer Protection is warning residents to be on the lookout for calls from individuals posing as representatives of local utility companies demanding immediate payment for service.

This warning follows an alert issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as part of the FCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new, standing series of consumer alerts to inform, protect and empower consumers.

What youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear With this scam, the caller claims to be a representative with the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local gas or electric utility company, stating that immediate payment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; often by prepaid debit cards, credit cards or gift cards â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is due to ensure the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heating service is not disconnected. Scammers often â&#x20AC;&#x153;spoofâ&#x20AC;? utility company telephone numbers so the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s caller ID suggests that the call is from their utility company.

After consumers follow instructions via interactive prompts, they are connected to a live â&#x20AC;&#x153;customer service representativeâ&#x20AC;?

who asks for the access code for a credit, debit or gift card. This information allows the scammer to cash out the card or sell it to a third party. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you receive a call warning that your service will be cut off due to an outstanding balance, hang up immediately,â&#x20AC;? said Rebecca Bowman, Administrator of the Office of Consumer Protection.

If you are not sure if a caller is legitimate, hang up, look up the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phone number independently (for example on a recent statement or legitimate website), and use that number to verify the call with the company.

To keep scammers at bay The Office of Consumer Affairs also advises: â&#x20AC;˘ Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them go to voicemail; â&#x20AC;˘ If you get a recorded message asking you to hit a phone key to stop getting calls, just hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify, and then target, live respondents; â&#x20AC;˘ No legitimate business will demand

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards or wire transfer; â&#x20AC;˘ Ask your phone service provider if it offers a robocall blocking service that allows subscribers to block unwanted calls.

If not, encourage your provider to start offering a blocking service.

Visit the FCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website for more information and resources on available blocking tools at www.fcc.gov/unwanted-calls.

How to get help If you think you may have been scammed, or for more information in general, contact the Office of Consumer Protection at (410) 3136420, email consumer@howardcountymd.gov, or visit the Officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scam Alert!â&#x20AC;? website at www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/

Community-Resources-and-Services/Officeof-Consumer-Protection/Scam-Alerts.

The Office of Consumer Protection can help answer questions, and forward reports of scams to the appropriate state and federal authorities who work to identify the scammers and take action to stop them.

Residents who have lost money or feel their personal safety is at risk due to a scam should contact the Howard County Police Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s non-emergency phone number at (410) 313-2200 to file a report.

Howard County residents who are having trouble paying their utility bills should contact the Community Action Council of Howard County at (410) 313-6440 for assistance.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

DISCOVER A BETTER WINTER AT FIV E STA R SENIO R L I V I N G

Country Living Magazine shared that the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a “colder than normal” winter, with “above normal” precipitation in many regions.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

29

Leisure &

For highlights of a visit to Scotland’s Isle of Skye, where “Outlander” is filmed, see story on page 31.

Dutch heritage colors Caribbean Curacao ing their luck, and extremely friendly people.

Furthermore, we concluded that the beaches deserve a better reputation than they sometimes get. After all, how many stretches of sand does a person need during a stay of a week or two? The three dozenplus on Curacao include both those expansive enough to satisfy most sun bathers as well as tiny swatches perched in little coves protected on both sides by craggy cliffs.

Knip Bay has two beaches, Grote (Big) Knip and Kleine (Little) Knip. Both offer soft white sand, shade provided by large trees, and are lapped by stunning turquoise waters. The nearby Playa Lagun, tucked in a small inlet, shelters fishing boats whose owners return to clean their catch at a small stand near one end of the beach.

© FOTOS593

By Victor Block I knew that the Caribbean island of Curacao is unfamiliar to many people from the United States, but the flight attendant’s announcement still caught me by surprise.

As the plane prepared to land in Miami, she read a list of connections but stumbled over the name of my final destination. Then she admitted, “I don’t know how to say the name of that island.”

A similar thought was expressed by a fellow American during my stay. She described Curacao as “one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean.”

Maybe the challenging pronunciation of its name — cure-a-sow — is a turn-off. Perhaps the fact that it lacks as many long stretches of magnificent beach as some other islands convinces sun-seekers to head elsewhere.

But the relatively small number of vacationers from the United States who join a larger influx from South America and Europe are richly rewarded.

Begin with the island’s intriguing history and rich cultural tapestry. Add some of the best diving and snorkeling in the area.

Throw in an architectural gem of a minicity that combines tropical touches with European flair.

My wife Fyllis and I augmented the list with an enticing choice of outdoor activities, a sprinkling of casinos for those who enjoy test-

Dutch history

Boats line a pier in Willemstad, Curacao, forming a “floating market” that delivers fresh produce and other goods from Venezuela to the arid but lovely Caribbean island.

Grote and Klein Knip are by no means the only places on Curacao to have Dutch names, as the island’s history and culture are closely entwined with what today is the Netherlands.

The earliest inhabitants were Arawak Indians who lived there more than 6,000 years ago. They were followed by Spanish explorers who arrived in 1499, seeking gold and other treasure. Finding none, they included Curacao on their country’s list of islas inutiles (“useless islands”).

But the Dutch who showed up were PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

Pedestrians cross Willemstad’s Queen Emma Bridge, which links the city’s two main neighborhoods and can swing open to allow boats to pass. Some call Curacao “the best-kept secret” in the Caribbean.

after something else. Attracted by Curacao’s deep-water port, they took over the island in the early 17th century, and it became a colony of the Dutch West India Company. That launched Curacao’s long tradition as a trading center, including the slave trade, that helped make it one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean.

Trade also was responsible for attracting immigrants from around the world.

That created an ethnic melting pot that today includes people of more than 50 nationalities.

One way in which this diversity manifests itself is language. While Dutch is the official means of communication, Spanish and English also are widely spoken.

Many residents also converse in Papiamentu, which originally was developed by slaves. It’s a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, African, Portuguese and Caribbean Indian dialects, with touches of other languages thrown in for good measure.

Some Dutch settlers built stately plantation homes and used slave labor to grow sugar cane, corn and indigo. Most of these land huizen (land houses), which date back to the mid-17th century, were perched on hills within sight of others in case help was needed during a slave revolt or calamity.

A number of them have been restored, and today serve as restaurants, art gal-

leries and museums, while others remain in private hands. It’s well worth a visit to at least one of these great houses to explore that period of Curacao’s history.

Whimsical Willemstad The island’s rich history may be explored in many ways. The obvious starting point is Willemstad, the storybook capital of the island. Given its rich past and architectural treasures, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1997.

The architecture is one well-deserved claim to fame. A number of buildings feature a tropical adaptation of 17th-century Dutch design, often adorned with fanciful gables, arcades and columns. Adding to the whimsical scene is a virtual fruit salad of peach, raspberry, mango and other pastel colors with which many structures are painted.

That eye-catching chromatic explosion is attributed to a governor general of the island who suffered migraine headaches that he blamed on the glare of white paint.

In 1817, he decreed that only pastel colors could be used. According to some accounts, the fact that he owned a paint factory in Holland may also have played a part in his decision.

The Technicolor setting of Willemstad See CURACAO page 30

30

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Curacao

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

An historic synagogue

From page 29 is best seen on foot. The two main neighborhoods, Punda and Otrabanda (“the other side”), are linked by the Queen Emma Bridge — one of three spans that were named by the Dutch after monarchs.

Because the pontoon Queen Emma Bridge swings open to allow ships to pass, it is affectionatly nicknamed “the Swinging Queen.” The other two are the Queen Juliana Bridge over the harbor, which at 200 feet is the highest span in the Caribbean, and Queen Wilhelmina Bridge.

Close to the Queen Juliana Bridge is a “floating market” which doesn’t really float.

Because Curacao has such an arid climate, much of the fresh produce is transported from Venezuela in small wooden boats.

Hence the name. The fruit, vegetables, fish, some handicrafts and other items are sold from stands that line the dock next to where the vessels are moored.

Of more historic interest is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, which was built in 1732 and lays claim to the honor of the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere.

The sand that covers the floor is said to symbolize the wandering of Israelites in the desert following the Exodus, and also to recall the way that sounds of worship were muffled during the Inquisition period, when Jewish people had to pray in secret.

The congregation uses Torahs that are more than 300 years old, and keeps in protective storage several others that date back to the 15th century. A small but interesting museum in the courtyard displays scrolls, bibles and other religious objects.

A number of other little museums are gems in terms of their collections. The Curacao Museum provides an overview of the island’s lifestyles and customs. Exhibits range from geological history and the first Indian inhabitants, to the arrival of

Europeans, and include examples of thatch-roof slave dwellings and 19th century mansions.

The Maritime Museum traces more than 500 years of Curacao’s seagoing history. On display are authentic nautical charts, original maps dating back as far as 1666, navigation equipment, and a number of highly detailed ship models.

I was intrigued by a book with the following hand-written notation from 1713: “We will not be making a profit this year.

Curacao has had to pay the French privateer Jacques Cassard 115,000 pesos to leave the island.”

The piece de resistance in our sightseeing sojourns was the museum at the Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village & Spa. A major focus of that eclectic collection is the history of slavery — including the slave trade, Africans in Latin and North America, and abolition. It contains the largest African collection in the Caribbean.

We found especially moving the full-size

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replica of the hold of a ship in which captured slaves were transported to the New World in appalling overcrowded conditions. It demonstrates dramatically how people were crowded onto wooden platforms where they could hardly sit, much less stand, to be taken from their homeland to their new lives as slaves in a distant and different place.

Collections in the museums also include pre-Columbian gold, 4,500-year-old bronzes and ceramics from the Middle East, and other treasures that would fit comfortably in much larger world-class museums.

An off-road adventure It doesn’t take long after leaving Willemstad to encounter a very different environment. In contrast to the multicolored hues of the city, much of the surrounding landscape is barren and dry, the victim of sparse rainfall.

Undulating hills are blanketed by rock outcrops and cacti that grow as tall as trees. In a few places, the terrain more closely resembles a moonscape than a Caribbean island.

Our ride on all-terrain vehicles allowed Fyllis and me to get off-road to explore hidden nooks and crannies that no car can reach.

We also took to foot in Christoffel Park, which was created by joining together three former plantations and is laced with pleasant hiking trails. We skipped the heart-pounding climb to the top of 1,230-foot Mount Christoffel and instead enjoyed the tranquil setting of more level terrain, and the company of countless small lizards and an occasional iguana that slithered across our path.

We followed that stroll with a refreshing dip in the sea. The beach from which we swam was pleasant enough and, unlike many on other Caribbean islands, virtually deserted. Maybe, we concluded, there’s something good to be said for Curacao’s low profile as an inviting Caribbean vacation destination.

If you go For guests at the Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village & Spa, the setting and accommodations become part of the Curacao experience. The 82 rooms are furnished with antiques and hand-carved mahogany and teak pieces, and the walls are adorned with hand-painted designs by local artisans.

Transportation is provided to the resort’s beach-front sister property.

The room rate for a three-night winter package on select dates is $600. For more information, log onto www.kurahulanda.com.

The Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort offers a more traditional setting, with golf, tennis and spa facilities, seven restaurants and lounges, three swimming pools and a beach. Reminders of Arawak tribes that lived on the site include the use of Indian words throughout the resort, spa rituals based on Arawak traditions, and artifacts that have been unearthed from the premises.

Rates begin at $219 during the winter high season and fall to a budget-stretching See CURACAO page 31

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

31

Visitors love Scotland’s misty Isle of Skye You can take in the views by driving Skye’s winding roads, get out for a shoreline amble or, if you’ve got the skills, go mountaineering. Guides can be hired for more challenging itineraries; a good option is www.skyeguides.co.uk.

Recommended spots include the Trotternish ridge, known for rock formations like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing pinnacles. Also a must-see — the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal clear and flowing pools on the River Brittle. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/fairypools.shtml.

© PICHAYA PUREESRISAK

By Michelle Locke Bonny Prince Charlie saw Scotland’s Isle of Skye on the run. He was fleeing government troops after his Highland rebellion ended disastrously at the 18th century Battle of Culloden.

My visit was hurried, too, although due to nothing more exciting than a tight schedule — no redcoats on my tail.

Luckily, even a short stay is long enough to glimpse why the Misty Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Here are a few reasons.

Highland history Dream scenes Rain or shine, most likely both in the same day, Skye is a stunner — from the stark grandeur of the Black Cuillin, the jagged mountain range looming over the island, to the cheerfully pastel houses of Portree harbor.

Curacao From page 30 $139 during summer. For more information, call (855) 590-2266 or log onto www.santabarbararesortcuracao.com.

To lunch with locals, head for the Plasa Bieu (Old Market), a covered space locat-

Are you a fan of the Starz TV series “Outlander”? If so, you should already be familiar with the beauty of the Highlands, the setting for that time-traveling drama.

The series hasn’t gotten into Prince See SCOTLAND, page 33

ed at Waaigat Punda, where several vendors prepare lunch in open kitchens and some menus are written on chalk boards.

The choices at Ivonne’s Place range from beef and chicken to stewed goat meat. Fish filet with rice and peas costs $12 and is large enough to serve two people. For more information, call (599) 9-524-8529.

The 13th century Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish highlands overlooks the Isle of Skye. The castle was partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, and lay in ruins for almost 200 years until an army officer bought the island in 1911 and restored the castle to its former glory.

In addition to restaurants at the Santa Barbara resort that range from fine dining to beach and pool eateries, Boca 19 (19th hole) is a fun and funky spot where the owner greets first-time guests like old friends. In addition to familiar fare like the Boca Burger and fresh fish, there are local favorites like goat stew with prunes and

olives ($14). For more information, call (599) 9-840-1075 or log onto boca19.com.

The least expensive roundtrip airfare from BWI for mid-January is $844 on American Airlines.

For more information, call the Curacao Tourist Board at 1-800-328-7222 or log onto www.curacao.com.

32

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Scotland From page 31 Charles’ flight yet; Season 2 ended just as the Battle of Culloden started. The show’s been renewed for two more seasons, but we don’t know a lot of details on what’s coming.

In real life, the prince, Charles Edward Stuart — who was the grandson of the deposed James II and was trying to win back the British throne for the Stuarts — escaped government troops aided by several Highlanders, including the brave Flora MacDonald, who got him to Skye dressed as her maid.

If you are headed into the Highlands by way of Inverness, you’re close to the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Center, which does a good job of explaining the rise and fall of the doomed campaign.

You can’t go far in Scotland without finding a castle, and Skye’s Dunvegan Castle is

From the Publisher From page 2 recipients (that is, reduce benefits paid to wealthier retirees), or change the formula for the annual cost of living increases, or impose an across-the-board decrease in benefits, or...

How much good would each of these potential steps do? Glad you asked.

Last June, the Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative, a nonpartisan research group, unveiled an online program that allows users to apply the six types of changes mentioned above, in any of 4,000+ combinations, to see how they would affect the 75-year solvency of Social Security.

Not surprisingly, a little bit of a lot of different steps — each of which would gore a different ox — implemented gradually over a period of many years would produce a perfectly reasonable solution. See http://bit.ly/SocialSecuritySimulator But we’re talking about Congress and

billed as the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. It’s been home to the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for eight centuries. Admission to castle and gardens is about $16.

For more island history, visit the Skye Museum of Island Life in Kilmuir, which features a recreation of a Highland village.

Admission is about $3.25.

Dining and drams Think Scottish cuisine begins and ends with broth and haggis? You’re in for a surprise (not that there’s anything wrong with broth and haggis).

Skye boasts a variety of dining choices, including the Michelin-starred Kinloch Lodge, and The Three Chimneys, which lost its Michelin star after a change in chefs in 2015 but continues to put out excellent food. If you’re there for lunch, look for the Crispy Croft Egg starter, a perfect

the White House here, which are very sensitive to the fact that many of those variously gored oxen are quite powerful politically and vociferous in opposing any harm to themselves.

It seems to me that, while imposing most of the burden on any one group (current workers, seniors, employers, the affluent, etc.) would justify loud objection, it should be much easier to accept if a small bit of pain were imposed on all potential beneficiaries.

The longer we wait to act, the more painful those solutions will be for all of us.

The sooner we solve this very solvable problem, the more we and our progeny will benefit.

I urge you to encourage your congressional representatives to take this issue seriously — and to let them know you won’t vote them out of office if they do so.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 6+

D.C. MOTORCYCLE SHOW

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. will host a motorcycle show from Friday, Jan. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 8. Admission is $16; those age 14 and under are free. For more information, visit motorcycleshows.com/washingtondc or call (800) 331-5706.

Jan. 24

PLANNING A TRIP?

The Elkridge Branch Library is inviting patrons to share their vacation planning experiences in a discussion group with library staff and customers on Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the library, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. To register, call (410) 313-5077.

Jan. 27

WHERE MONEY’S MADE

The Department of Recreation & Parks is sponsoring a bus tour to Washington, D.C. on Friday, Jan. 27, leaving at 9 a.m. and returning at 4:30 p.m. Tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Postal Museum, with lunch at Union Station on your own. Tickets are $52. For more information or to register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap or call (410) 313-7275.

Jan. 10

USE THE INTERNET TO FIND A JOB

Explore online tools like LinkedIn, USAJobs and other sites at a presentation Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Central Branch Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Registration is preferred. Call (410) 313-7800 for details.

mix of rich, dense egg and crisp crust.

On the drinks side, Skye has one whisky distillery, Talisker in Carbost. And it’s the home of another Scots libation, Drambuie, now made in Glasgow but first developed and served at Skye’s Broadford Hotel in the 1870s. The liqueur, a blend of aged scotch, spices, heather honey and herbs, is said to be based on a recipe of the bonny prince himself, who gave islanders the secret to his private elixir in gratitude for their help.

Skye’s largest town, Portree, has a supermarket and other shops. It also has a visitor center (Bayfield House, Bayfield Road) with information on walks, attractions and boat trips.

You can even arrange a boat tour to the coastline of Elgol, on the southern end of the island — home to a cave where the prince is said to have hidden. No telling whether you’ll feel the presence of High-

33

landers past. But keep an eye out for men in red coats.

If you go Get visitor information on the Isle of Skye at www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/isle-skye/see-do/.

A bridge connects Skye to the mainland, so the easiest way to get to, and around, Skye is by car — either your own or on a booked tour. Some island roads are singletrack, with places where you can pull over to let others pass.

There are B&B’s, hotels and self-catering cottages. Rooms fill up quickly at high season (spring and summer), so book ahead.

The Isle of Skye is about 250 miles north of Edinburgh. The least expensive round trip fare from BWI to Edinburgh in mid-January is $607 on American Airlines.

— AP

BEACON BITS

Jan. 14

JEWISH FILM SERIES

The story of Julius Rosenwald, one of the founders of Sears Roebuck and Company, who used his wealth to build more than 5,000 schools for African Americans in the south in the early 1900s, will open the 2017 Jewish Film Series on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. The four-film series, which runs through April, is sponsored by the Columbia Jewish Congregation, and will be held at the Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver Pl., Columbia. Tickets are $10 for one movie, $19 for two, $27 for three or $32 for all four. Tickets may be ordered in advance by calling (410) 730-6044 or by visiting www.columbiajewish.org/content/jewish-film-series-5.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Style Arts &

The album cover for Bette Midler’s re-released album, “The Divine Miss M.”

Photographers get creative with images

Rethinking the photograph While the great film photographers of not all that long ago used darkroom tech-

niques to enhance their photos, “there is even more scope for adjustment” via digital computer-enhanced imagery, said Richard Eskin whose “photo composites made from separate images” will be in the exhibit.

Eskin, 64, a retired ecologist for the Maryland Department of the Environment, said he has been an active photographer since high school. Over the last 10 years, his interest developed in computerenhanced photography, and he has sold several of his works.

While noting that “a good photo is a good photo” no matter how it has (or hasn’t) been Photoshopped, he also said that photography is now classified as “a fine art.” He believes that photographers who produce more abstract works can be compared to the Impressionists among painters.

Another member of the Creative Imagining Workshop whose “abstract” works will be shown is Columbia resident Sarah Herman, 70, a retired high-tech consultant who didn’t seriously take up photography until four years ago.

She attends monthly sessions at the Ellicott City studio of Charles Bowers — a landscape architect and a very experi-

PHOTO BY CHARLES BOWERS

By Robert Friedman “Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.”

— Ansel Adams Those words of the great American photographer seem to be the motivating force behind the exhibition of some 40 photographs by the Creative Imaging Workshop, a group of eight local photo-artists, which opens Jan. 5 at the Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House in Columbia.

The photographers in the show believe that clicking the camera’s shutter button is just the first step towards the finished work of art they aim for.

After capturing the image, the photographers process their digital photos on computers, where they can alter the original pictures through enhanced color, shape, light and shadow. In this way, they say, they can transfer their inner vision of the photo, or of a collage of photos, to the finished work.

This computer-manipulated photo, by photographer and landscape architect Charles Bowers, is called “Color in Motion.” It will be displayed, together with works by other members of the Creative Imaging Workshop, at the Bernice Kish Gallery at Slayton House in Columbia starting Jan. 5.

enced computer-enhancing photographer — who has had several shows in the area and whose works are also in the exhibit.

Herman is well aware, as were the other interviewees for this story, of the famous quote by Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the great “humanist” photographers of the mid-20th century. He said that photography was all about capturing the “decisive moment” — when the photographer realizes through the lens, in a fraction of a sec-

ond, the significance of an event and its precise composition.

“We still would like to get that a-ha! moment — the expression on a child’s face, the special light on an ordinary object,” Herman said. But she also believes that the changes produced by computer techniques help “to adjust the picture as it was seen in the photographer’s mind. Ansel See PHOTOGRAPHERS, page 37

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35

Bette Midler revisits her star-making songs

Singing with Barry Manilow Midler made a name for herself in the early 1970s singing high-energy concerts downtown with Barry Manilow as her pianist. In vintage clothing and with her bawdy personality, she breathed new life into old songs and made torch songs scalding.

“She was, and is, the most brilliant performer we have in my lifetime,” Manilow said. “When it came to the music, her taste in songs and her choices were so odd — what was on the radio those days was nothing like what she wanted to do. Her taste was very much my taste.”

Midler and Manilow put together a solid hour of music and one night lured Atlantic

Records founder Ahmet Ertegun to a swanky midtown nightclub to hear it.

“The audience was so crazy that at the end of the show they carried her out on their shoulders,” Manilow recalled.

Midler soon signed with Atlantic and released “The Divine Miss M” based on her act. She won a best new artist Grammy in 1973 and went on to get two more, plus four Golden Globes and three Emmys.

This spring she returns to Broadway in a revival of the musical “Hello, Dolly!”

She admitted to being a little shocked revisiting the platinum-selling album that made it all possible 44 years later: “It’s just unbelievable the way that time passes. And yet I still look fabulous. What can I say?”

Midler was hands-on with the re-release

by Rhino Records, including selecting the bonus disc of singles, outtakes and demos.

There are five unreleased recordings, including “Mr. Freedom and I,” and an alternate version of “Superstar.”

Making the album divine She recalled that recording the album was stressful because co-producers Joel Dorn and Manilow didn’t get along: “In those days, I was really caught between a rock and a hard place. I couldn’t really stand up for myself.”

Dorn, who had produced Roberta Flack,

© HELGA ESTEB

By Mark Kennedy Bette Midler is going back to the beginning of her career — the divine beginning.

The Grammy- and Emmy Award-winner is re-releasing a deluxe version of “The Divine Miss M,” her 1972 debut album that included the hits “Do You Want To Dance,” “Chapel Of Love,” “Friends” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” “They were the songs that launched me, really. They were the foundation on which I built my career,” Midler said. “I’m always happy to sing them because they’re friends. They’re old friends.”

was the first to take a crack at it. He threw out Manilow’s tried-andtrue arrangements and started from scratch.

When it was finished, Midler stopped by to play it for Manilow.

“She sounded beautiful and professional and boring,” said Manilow.

“She was never boring.

That’s the last word you would ever describe Bette Midler, especially in those days.”

Manilow vowed to not let that album out — “I was this young, punk musician but I believed so much in her,” he said — and lobbied Ertegun to let him produce a handful of the songs his way. It was a Bette Midler is re-releasing her 1972 debut album, “The bluff: He’d never pro- Divine Miss M” with a bonus disc of five previously unreleased songs and outtakes. duced an album.

Manilow tried to recreate a live vibe in the studio, inviting an melded with Dorn’s for the final album.

“Over the years she has sounded much audience and stringing some lights. “I wanted to get that wonderful personality See MIDLER, page 37 on this record,” he said. His tracks were

SPANISH BRASS Sat Jan 21, 8 pm ”They play with amazing cohesion and set the highest standards.”

- Maurice André, trumpet

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EDGAR MOREAU Sat Feb 25, 8 pm YCA First Place Winner, 2014 “...the rising star of the French cello.”

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BRASS, BRASS, BRASS! UNRAVELED! Sun Jan 22, 2 & 4 pm AKROPOLIS REED QUINTET A fun hour-long introduction to brass Sun Feb 26, 2 & 4 pm instruments, designed for young audiences.

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A fun hour-long interactive introduction to reed instruments, designed for young audiences.

TICKETS: $12 Smith Theatre, Horowitz Center, Howard Community College

410-997-2324 www.candlelightconcerts.org

36

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Midler From page 35 better on other albums. But this album was so special and so unique and so individual, and the performances are so brilliant — they’re funny and they’re moving, just the way it should be,” said Manilow. “I was glad that I fought for her.”

On “The Voice” The power and pizazz of “The Divine Miss M” was one reason Midler was asked

by Blake Shelton to mentor his picks on “The Voice” this season. She advised them to take the stage with authority.

“They get really brilliant voices, but they’re very self-effacing people. They’re

not personality-driven. They don’t come fully charged. That’s a piece of the puzzle that they sometimes miss,” Midler said.

“The old school is to be able to do it all and to be a compelling presence on the stage.”

Midler’s next project will show off all those skills — Broadway’s revival of “Hello, Dolly!” Demand for her is big — the box office took in $9 million the day tickets went on sale.

“I’m in training. I can honestly say that. I know there’s a lot of expectations and people are looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to it, too, but I have a lot of weight on my shoulders,” she said. “I want to make sure my i’s are dotted and my t’s are crossed.”

Midler’s website is http://bettemidler.com.

— AP

BEACON BITS SPANISH BRASS QUINTET

Jan. 21

The Candlelight Concert Society starts the year with a concert by the Spanish Brass Quintet on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. in the Smith Theatre on the Howard Community College campus, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. The performance will be preceded by a Spanish wine and olive oils tasting. Tickets are $35 for concert; $12 for tasting. For more information, visit www.candlelightconcerts.org or call (410) 997-2324.

Ongoing

RAISING FUNDS FOR COLUMBIA ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Columbia Pro Cantare choral group is seeking donations to support a special concert celebrating Columbia’s 50th anniversary on May 14. To reach its $10,000 goal, the chorale is asking for donations through a crowdfunding site available from the Pro Cantare home page www.procantare.org. For additional information, visit the website or call (410) 730-8549.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 38 Photographers From page 34 Adams did wonderful things in the dark room” as he was developing his photos, she pointed out.

Capturing Ellis Island Thomas Fretz, 74, another member of the group, has been taking photographs since he was 13. A retired University of Maryland administrator and a trained horticulturist, he has been an avid underwater, as well as landscape, photographer.

Fretz said that he doesn’t like taking portraits. “I don’t find it comfortable putting a camera before a person,” he said.

Many of Fretz’s photos have been converted through “post-processing techniques” into abstract works, he said. Photography, for Fretz, does not necessarily mean that you’re trying to catch a factual truth. “For all of us in this show, I believe it means that we are trying to catch an artistic truth,” he said.

Through attending the monthly Bowers workshops, Fretz is also learning such “advanced techniques as transferring

photo images to other mediums — wood, canvas, metal, ceramics.”

The local exhibit will feature photos taken by Fretz of the now-deserted immigrant hospital on Ellis Island. From 1892 to 1954, 12 million immigrants passed through the complex of 22 buildings in New York Bay. “I try to show the decay, the patina inside those buildings that once held thousands of immigrants, many of whom didn’t get through because of illness. I find the imagery there, along with the memories of the site, interesting,” he said.

The other photographers in the Creative Imaging Workshop whose works will be exhibited are Jon Meyer, Sukumar Balachandran, Karen Dillon and James Lubitz.

The show, which is called “Diversity” because of the different styles and subjects of the works, runs through Feb. 11. A reception will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is invited.

Free admission tickets to the exhibit can be obtained online at www.wildelake.org.

For more information, call (410) 730-3987.

The gallery is located at 10400 Cross Fox Lane in the Wilde Lake Village of Columbia.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 23

ORCHESTRA OPEN REHEARSAL

Join the Columbia Orchestra at the Gathering Place for an open rehearsal. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes peek at the creative, collaborative process of putting a concert together. Enjoy wine and cheese in a relaxed setting. The free rehearsal starts at 7:30 p.m., and you can mingle with orchestra musicians at their break at about 8:30. The entire rehearsal lasts from 7:30 to 10 p.m., and you can come and go as you like. The Gathering Place is located at 6120 Daylong Ln., Clarksville. Visit www.columbiaorchestra.org or call (410) 465-8777 for more information.

Jan. 28

CONCERT TO BENEFIT FLOOD VICTIMS

The Howard County Historical Society is hosting a concert on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. by the bands Black Jacks and 3 Dollar Suit to raise money for the Ellicott City Partnership to help victims of the Ellicott City flood. Billed as “Artists for a Common Cause,” the concert will be held at the society’s museum, 8328 Court St., Ellicott City. A silent auction and cash bar will be available, and concertgoers are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share. For more information and to order tickets at $15 per person, email info@hchsmd.org or call (410) 480-3250.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

U S S R

F A T E

M I R O S T A S H A P E

T U D O R

O T I C

S E C R E S T T I C C R K I Y E N D O T E

O C B O S K F I G U I T S T S N U T S E T A K S A N E S Z D M A M A S R E D E T C H T R A I D O P E

T R U T H S

E E R I E

A D S I P G I R P I I N T Y

T R E E C A H I A R T O S A E V L A S T E A R

H A I L S T O N E S

S T R I P

T O T E

E N I D

T E M P S

N E S C O K S S E N D

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

January Meeting Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Location: Lighthouse Senior Living at Ellicott City 3100 North Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD Topic: The Next Step – Members will be introduced to a 2017 Member Benefit Opportunity offered for the first time. This meeting is the first official follow-up discussion after the September launch of the COGS Business Development Series and one you will not want to miss.

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

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

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Crossword Puzzle

PUZZLE PAGE

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

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By Stephen Sherr

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HC1/17

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Scrabble answers on p. 37.

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46

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Across 1. Silver ships for green men 5. Basic box of crayons 10. One after FDR 13. Fills to capacity 15. Droning speaker 16. Returned from the salad bar 17. Simple drawing 19. It’s in FIRM 20. New soldier 21. Dapper accessory 23. The difference between dapper and dapperest 24. ___-crab soup 25. Nile region reptiles 26. Humidifier output 29. They make Chunky Monkey chunky 31. Slugging percentage increaser 32. Be a bad apple 33. “Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to ___ bad example” 34. First man in the bible (alphabetically) 36. Bone breakers (maybe) 40. Realty bites 41. Compresses a large computer file 42. Type of terrorist 43. Youngster 44. Jesus’ first visitors 45. Serves as a game show host 46. It may dot your eyes 48. Second degrees 49. Gun the engines 51. Mediterranean C 53. Joseph, who actually named his physical fitness system “Contrology” 57. Big fuss 58. Make permanent 60. Flower holder 61. Characteristic 62. Raid the ‘fridge 63. Shortly before 64. Snow White’s only beardless dwarf 65. Commic Foxx

62 65

Down 1. Beatles’ plane destination 2. Plain predestination 3. Ear-relevant word 4. Middling security level 5. Final words 6. “ I’m just a small ___ in a large machine” 7. Some are self-evident 8. Like American Horror Story 9. Christmas decoration 10. Some are as big as golf balls 11. Remove paints or pants 12. Office fill-ins 14. Inventory codes 18. Health club objective 22. Nile region capital 24. Poem parts 26. Two husbands, or one wife 27. Simplest Greek letter to draw 28. Small reminder 30. Hagen, winner of a 1999 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement 31. Rabbits’ hiding spots 33. Put on the calendar, briefly 34. Fever reliever 35. Executioner’s target 37. Watched a tear-jerker 38. Search for buried treasure 39. In Morse Code, it is “... —- ...”

44. Zany 45. Top grossing film of 2009 46. ___ up or ship out 47. Dynasty that resulted from The War of the Roses 48. Subway in Paris or DC 50. Ultimate word in an ultimatum 52. No longer factored into unemployment stats.

53. Mr. T’s emotion 54. Carry, fashionably 55. Oklahoma city, legendarily named from a reversed “DINE” sign 56. Provide mixed signals 59. Make haste

Answers on page 37.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right.

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Financial Services TAXES, ACCOUNTING, AND BOOKKEEPING, eldercare. CPA Over 40 years of experience, reasonable rates. Call 410-653-3363.

For Rent/Real estate NEEDED, RETIRED COUPLE OR SINGLE, mature, nice professional person to rent a spacious lovely 2 bedroom basement suite with private bath located in upscale neighborhood, with lots of amenities! Has big kitchen, complete appliances, including W/D. Large backyard and private walkout. Not pets or smoking.

Rent is $600/room with free utilities. 2 room available. If interested, please call 301-3109481 or leave a message. Transportation close to I-95, 295, ICC, Marc train, bus stops, hospital, and shopping center.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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 EXERCISE STUDY, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Healthy adults (55-80) able to have an MRI scan and participate in 30 minutes of exercise may qualify. Contact aalfini@umd.edu, 970-319-1616.

Home & Handyman Services BALTIMORE’S BEST JUNK REMOVAL – Clean Outs: Whole House, Emergency, Attics/Basements. Furniture and Junk Removal, Yard Waste Removal, General Hauling, Construction Debris Removal. Free estimates.

10% Senior Discount. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Call Jesse, 443-379-HAUL (4285).

Personals PRETTY WF 50s YOUTHFUL LADY, nonsmoker, down to earth, seeks SWM, 50s-60s, honest, sincere, handsome gentleman with hefty build, non-smoker, for old fashioned fun, friendship, possible relationship, who enjoys the great outdoors, dining out, cinema and dancing. 301-880-6977. Please leave a voice message with your phone number.

Personal Services TURN YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD jewelry into cash and do something good for yourself.

Gold 4 Good buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month.

Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question.

Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad.

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept.

P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Wanted

Wanted

WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY. Costume too. Gold and silver coins, paper money, military, crocks, old bottles and jars, etc.

Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

ADRIAN BUYS CARS – A convenient way to dispose of an unwanted car for top cash dollar.

My buy price is usually hundreds higher than a CarBox quote. I come to you. 410-916-0776.

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.

WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, tea sets, single pieces of silver, large pieces of silver plate. Attic, basement, garage. You have something to SELL, we like to BUY. Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

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.

TIRED OF POLISHING YOUR SILVER? Turn it into cash which does not tarnish. I will come to your home and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. I buy all gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver, gold and silver coins, gold watches, etc. I am licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Call Bob, Gold 4 Good, (240) 938-9694.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Events COGS Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Financial Services Moriarity Financial Services . . . . .25 PENFED Financial Services . . . . . .23

Funeral Services Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . .34 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .26 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . .24

Hearing Services Chesapeake Hearing Centers . . . . .14 Miracle-Ear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . .12 ComForCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Hands That Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Options for Senior America . . . . . .25

Housing Alta at Regency Crest . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Bayleigh Chase/Integrace . . . . . . . . .5

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Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . .20-21, 40 Buckingham’s Choice/Integrace . . . .5 Charlestown/Erickson Living . . . . .12 Fairhaven/Integrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Gatherings at Quarry Place/ Beazer Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Heartlands of Ellicott City . . . . . . .28 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Olney Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Shriner Court/Quantum . . . . . . . . .26 Somerford Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Vantage House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Retail/Services Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . .35 Crossroads Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . .27 Joy for All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Senior CompuCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 WOW! Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Senior Services Senior Connection . . . . . . . . . . .16-19

Skilled Nursing & Rehab CommuniCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Subscription Services

Legal Services

The Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC . . . . . .25 Law Office of Karen Ellsworth . . .23

Theatre/Entertainment

Medical/Health AMS Men’s Health . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Lee Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Virginia University of Oriental Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 World Class Chiropractic . . . . . . . .13

Candlelight Concert Society . . . . . .35 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . .34

Tour & Travel Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Nexus Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

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