December 2014 | DC Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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VOL.26, NO.12

Making aging easier in D.C. PHOTO COURTESY OF AGE-FRIENDLY D.C.

By Barbara Ruben When residents of the Residences at Thomas Circle, a senior community in downtown Washington, try to navigate the traffic-clogged streets to walk to a nearby CVS, they often get marooned on a small island of pavement halfway across busy 14th Street. The light’s timing doesn’t allow them to get all the way across. For people in wheelchairs and walkers, the short trip from home to pick up prescriptions can be particularly dangerous, said Ed Duggan, who uses a motorized wheelchair. And the street is just the first hurdle. Often, stores don’t have doors that automatically open, or a ramp that allows his wheelchair to negotiate the step up into the doorway. But Duggan hopes these and other impediments for older adults in the District of Columbia will be lessened with Washington’s new Age-Friendly D.C. initiative. The plan is part of an international effort established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve the experience of growing older in urban areas.

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TECHNOLOGY

What is social media, and is it for you?; plus, how to protect your ID from breaches, and apps that let you control your page 4 house remotely

An exclusive designation

L E I S U R E & T R AV E L

While most jurisdictions in the Washington area, including the District of Columbia, have crafted plans to respond to rapidly aging populations [see sidebar “What’s the plan?” on page 27], the AgeFriendly City designation is one that just 40 communities across the U.S. are currently trying to obtain. Certification entails a rigorous five-year process that focuses city leaders, businesses and government agencies on improving the elements that affect the quality of life of residents as they grow older. In 1950, just 7 percent of Washington, D.C. residents were 65 or older. By 2013, their proportion jumped to 11.4 percent. And while the percentage of Washingtonians 65+ is somewhat lower than in the country as a whole, it will continue to climb as the tide of baby boomers age. “This is not a temporary blip. We are going to a new level of how many older people there will be in cities,” said Gail Kohn, Age-Friendly D.C. coordinator. “When people look at those data, they say, ‘Whoa, D.C. is going to be a different place.’”

A walking tour through picturesque Tuscany; plus Elvis’s legacy and much more in Memphis

Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray joins other residents in a block-by-block walk that combs the city for problem areas — from cracked sidewalks and broken street lights to boarded up buildings and dangerous street crossings — as part of the Age-Friendly D.C. Initiative. Washington is one of about 40 U.S. cities working to achieve the Age-Friendly designation, conferred by the World Health Organization on urban areas that have taken steps to make life safer and more comfortable for older residents.

Washington started the process of becoming an Age-Friendly City in 2012 and is now wrapping up the strategic planning stage. The resulting plan will be reviewed by AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities program before being submitted to WHO. Then comes a multi-year implementation phase. Formal designation is forecast for 2017. “This is a journey. It’s like accreditation,” Kohn said. Other cities in the process of being certified stretch across the country from Honolulu to Des Moines to Atlanta. The Age-Friendly DC strategic plan will be unveiled by outgoing Mayor Vincent Gray at a press conference on Dec. 10.

Surveying every block Getting to this point has involved months of work, led by a task force consisting of personnel from most D.C. government agencies, as well as business leaders, academics and community activists. The effort has also involved hundreds of residents and volunteers, who have helped comb every inch of the District, walking block by block to ferret out problem areas. Walkers made notes of every sidewalk crack that could raise the potential for falling, the location of benches, vacant store fronts and public restrooms. They surveyed grocery prices to determine if See AGE-FRIENDLY, page 26

page 48 FITNESS & HEALTH 14 k How to wean off sleeping pills k Help for thinning hair SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY k Tips for holiday tipping k Year-end tax moves

LIFETIMES k News from the Charles E. Smith Life Communites

ARTS & STYLE 61 k A manic, musical k Norman Lear’s new memoir PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

In my column last month, I promised to more Beacons won first place “General Exshare more about the awards our writers cellence” awards in their circulation categories, as well as “Best of have recently garnered in naShow” awards for the most tional competitions. total awards in their cateEach year, we enter a selecgories. tion of our writers’ original The judges had this to say stories in two journalism comabout the Beacons: “Readable, petitions: those of the North interesting stories are found American Mature Publishers throughout this publication; Association (NAMPA) and local stories are nicely showthe National Mature Media cased, and those of broader Awards. appeal are quick reads full of This year, we received useful and relevant informamore than 20 awards at the an- FROM THE tion. Overall editing and vinual NAMPA convention, held PUBLISHER in Shreveport-Bossier City, By Stuart P. Rosenthal sion is strong.” In particular, our managing Louisiana in late September. NAMPA is an association of publishers editor, Barbara Ruben, won first place honproducing newspapers and magazines for ors for her feature story on same-sex marthe mature market. It focuses on sharing riage (August 2013), and her profile of a forbest practices for publication enhance- mer State Department diplomat (September ment, exchange of ideas, maintenance and 2013). Our columnist Bob Levey won first improvement of standards, and the im- place in the personal essay category for a seprovement of business conditions within lection of his columns. I won first place in the senior issues category for a selection of the publishing industry. In this year’s competition, hundreds of my From the Publisher columns. Editorial assistant Rebekah Sewell resubmissions from NAMPA member publications were judged in various categories by ceived a second place feature award for her an independent panel of experts from the story on blues guitarist Johnny Winter. Our reviewer, Michael Toscano, won University of Missouri School of Journalism, generally considered one of the top first place for his local theatre reviews, as well as for his October 2013 cover story, journalism schools in the country. Both the Greater Washington and Balti- “Staging matters of life and death.”

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. and Greater Palm Springs, Calif. Readership exceeds 400,000. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................Dan Kelly, Cheryl Watts • Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 71 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NAMPA

Credit where it’s due

Beacon Director of Sales Alan Spiegel (left) and Publisher Stuart Rosenthal display one of the Best of Show certificates awarded to the Beacon in the journalism contest of the North American Mature Publishers Association.

In addition, our travel writers, Victor Block and Glenda Booth, shared first place honors for a selection of their travel columns, and our spring Housing & Homecare Options pull-out section won first place in the special section category. (Look in January for our next edition of that special section. Housing & Homecare Options will become a quarterly feature of our paper in 2015.) Meanwhile, in the Mature Media Awards competition, Ruben won a Silver Award for her story “Secrets to healthy aging,” which appeared on the cover of both our Howard County and Baltimore editions in May 2013. She also won Silver, Bronze and Merit awards for three other Greater Washington cover stories, while Carol Sorgen, our Baltimore contributing editor, won two Bronze Awards for her January and June cover stories last year. Our theatre reviewer, Michael Toscano, won a Silver Award for the same cover story mentioned above. In short, this was our best year to date judged by number of awards in both com-

petitions. Last month, I recognized the entire Beacons staff by name for their hard work and contributions to our success. So let me just say “ditto” this month, as we pat ourselves on the back for all these awards. Of course, whatever awards we do or do not win, what matters most to us is that you, our readers, find the information you are looking for in the Beacons. Please let us know what you think — even (actually, especially) if you think we are missing the boat in any particular area. Also feel free to share ideas for future stories, and to recommend your fellow citizens for profiles. Your opinions and suggestions are always welcome, whether you contact us by mail, phone, fax, email or online. I look forward to hearing from you. The entire Beacons staff joins me in wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a healthy and happy new year.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Editor’s Note: We recently invited readers to complete the phrase, “When I read the Beacon, I know I’m...” We are pleased to print here some of the replies we have received to date. From Virginia Schofield When I read the Beacon, I know I’m...getting so much useful information I can’t read it all in one sitting. OMG! I just finished browsing through it for the first time, and my dining room table is littered with clippings. How could I have lived 75 years and never read your paper?

Gotta go read some more! From Nelson Marans, Silver Spring, Md. For those of us who are senior citizens, we know that we are still with it when we pick up the Beacon each month and read it. And for those who are not yet senior citizens, they would profit if they did the same. From Katherine Tapp, Washington, D.C., via iPhone I happened to pick up a copy of the Beacon at a health fair that my job was having. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 69

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Holy Cross Germantown Hospital is now open. For over 50 years, Holy Cross Health has been dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve. Now, Holy Cross Germantown Hospital brings much-needed health care to upper Montgomery County. This new hospital features: – – – – –

A full-service emergency department All private patient rooms with 24/7 visitation Beautiful new maternity suites Medical, surgical and behavioral health services The latest technology and equipment

Holy Cross Germantown Hospital is conveniently located right off I-270. With peaceful views and state-of-the-art technology, you can trust our team to provide a safe and positive healing environment that you’ll want to call your very own.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Technology &

Innovations What is ‘social media,’ and is it for you? By Morgan Lamphere and Rebekah Sewell There’s a notion common among many young people that older American’s don’t “get” social media. But actually, older adults are now the fastest-growing group of new users of social media in the United States. The growth has been spectacular: In 2013, 43 percent of Americans over 65 used at least one social networking site, compared with 26 percent in 2010 and one percent in 2008. The term “social media” refers to websites and mobile applications (or the more inclusive term: platforms) that enable people around the world to interact and communicate with others who have similar interests. There is generally no charge to use these sites, once you have Internet ac-

cess and a computer or web-connected mobile device (smartphone or tablet). When it comes to using social media, older Americans tend to be more private and cautious about what they share than are younger generations. But once they see the potential benefits of different types of social media, older adults do participate to the extent they are comfortable doing so. We present below an overview of the most popular social media platforms, describing some of their features and benefits that may be of interest to you.

Facebook (www.facebook.com) Facebook is a platform designed to rekindle and preserve existing social con-

nections using on online “forum” for sharing personal messages, written updates, photos and videos. The site is the most popular social media site in the world, with 1.23 billion people using it monthly. Users sign up for a Facebook page at no charge, and then may invite other users to connect with them as “friends.” In return, users can accept or reject invitations to connect with other individuals. Based on the information you supply about yourself, and the Facebook pages you chose to connect with, the site recommends other users or groups you might know or want to know. While users “friend” other individuals, they can “like” their favorite brands, groups, charities, TV shows and more — and receive updates from those designated Facebook accounts. Facebook provides millions of older adults with the ability to keep in touch with family members, as well as learn of each other’s day-to-day activities, through messages and photos posted to their pages. At Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Hal and Marilyn Gaut use Facebook to keep track of family and friends, and occasionally post photos themselves. “We’re still learning how to do that,” said Hal, 81, a retired government employee. The Gauts check their Facebook page daily to see if any of their 190 friends have

posted anything of interest. “It’s fun to see what’s going on,” Marilyn said, “but we keep it to only once or twice a day. Otherwise you can wind up wasting a lot of time!” In 2013, Huffington Post reported that Facebook can serve as a resource for older individuals in preventing cognitive decline, according to a study conducted by Jannelle Wohltmann with the University of Arizona’s Department of Psychology. For “semi-retired attorney, dad, older hipster and pseudo-hippie” Eric Bergerson, who is 63 and lives in Potomac, Md., Facebook is an opportunity to connect with a “remarkable amalgam of folks,” such as a swami whom he recently met on a lonely country road in Illinois as he was driving along Historic Rt. 66. “[The swami] was walking across the country on a peace mission, and I felt compelled to stop for the man in his orange robes as he gave a beaming smile and enthusiastic wave in my direction as I passed by,” said Bergerson. The two are now Facebook friends. “For me, Facebook acts as a podium to post compelling articles that may have some connection to the lives of family or friends who will see them,” he added. “And I am not shy about posting photographs of my daughters,” he added.

LinkedIn (www.LinkedIn.com) LinkedIn is a social media platform inSee SOCIAL MEDIA, page 6

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card, sign for your purchase instead of typing in your personal identification number (PIN) at the cash register. You can do this by asking the cashier to process the card as a credit card or select credit card on the display. Not entering your PIN into a keypad will help reduce the chances of a hacker stealing that number too, Young said. Crooks can do more damage with your PIN, possibly printing a copy of the card and taking money out of an ATM, he said. 3. Beware of email scammers After big data breaches are exposed and get a lot of media attention, scammers come out of the woodwork looking to steal personal information. Some emails may mention Home Depot or offer free credit monitoring, but you should never click on the links. Many are for fake sites that try to steal bank information or passwords. “Avoid these entirely,” Young said. If an email looks credible, go to Home Depot’s site directly instead of clicking on links. 4. Keep up with statements Scan credit card statements every month for any unauthorized charges. And keep an eye out for smaller charges. Thieves will charge smaller amounts to test to see if you notice, and then charge a larger amount later, Litan said. They may also steal a small amount from millions of accounts, scoring a big payday, she said. And check your credit report for any accounts that crooks may have opened in your name. Credit reports are available for free, from each of the three national credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — every 12 months from AnnualCreditReport.com. 5. Go old school Use cash. When possible, the safest bet is to not swipe a card at all. — AP

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By Joseph Pisani Data breaches at retailers aren’t going away, but there are ways consumers can protect themselves from future heists of their payment card information. Home Depot said that malicious software lurking in its check-out terminals between April and September affected 56 million debit and credit cards that customers swiped at its stores. Target, Michaels and Neiman Marcus have also been attacked by hackers in the past year. More breaches are likely. The Department of Homeland Security Department warned recently that more than 1,000 retailers could have malware in their cash-register computers. Here are five ways to protect yourself: 1. Consider another way to pay Try newer ways to pay, such as PayPal or Apple Pay. “Any technology that avoids you having your credit card in your hand in a store is safer,” said Craig Young, security researcher for software maker Tripwire. Those services store your credit card information, and it’s not given to the retailer when you make a payment. Many big retailers, including Home Depot, accept PayPal at their stores, but many others don’t. Apple Pay, which was just introduced in September, has even more limitations: It is available in just a small number of stores so far, and only people with an iPhone 6 can use it. Stored-value cards or apps, such as the ones used at coffee chains Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, are also a safer bet, said Gartner security analyst Avivah Litan. That’s because they don’t expose credit card information at the register. 2. Sign it, don’t use your PIN If you’re planning on paying with a debit

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Social media From page 4 tended primarily for business connections. It currently has more than 277 million users. The site is frequently used by workers and businesses to network, in an effort to gain new business or find jobs. Many employers have begun posting job openings on LinkedIn. Once your profile is complete, the site will even match you to potential job openings according to your skills and previous job experience. But retired and semi-retired people also use LinkedIn. It’s a way to keep in touch with former business contacts who may not necessarily be considered friends you would connect with on Facebook. According to Social Media Today, 70.6 percent of LinkedIn users utilize it to reconnect with past business connections.

LinkedIn users may also join various groups with some sort of business connection. There are groups devoted to certain professions, associations, interests, geographic regions, and even current and former employees of certain companies (e.g., a Current and Ex IBM Employees Group). In addition to networking with individuals, LinkedIn users can also “follow” particular companies, and keep abreast of the latest news from those organizations. For Helen Flynn, 67, of Sterling, Va., LinkedIn is a “valuable tool” for her real estate business, the Flynn Team, she said. As a senior relocation specialist, she is required to stay in contact with her clients and with other professionals she meets at networking events. “I like the professional tone of LinkedIn versus some of the other media,” she explained. It’s also “a quick way to note when people move from one company or position to another.” She recommends LinkedIn to those

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

looking for a new job or volunteer work. “We seniors are a powerful force! LinkedIn in a great resource for maintaining professional connections and building new ones,” she said.

Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) Pinterest is a website that allows users to share, collect and organize a variety of different items of interest represented by photos or graphics. Think of it as a very large online personal bulletin board. Pinterest has more than 70 million users, the majority of whom are women. The most popular shared images or “pins” contain recipes, home décor, arts and crafts, fashion, fitness tips and do-ityourself (DIY) ideas. But there are also categories that tend to be of more interest to men, including cars, photography, design, architecture and film.

For Karen Hoy, 56, of Ashburn, Va., inspiration to start pinning came from one of its most popular uses. Her daughter Caroline, who lived in another state, was getting married, and Pinterest provided an easy way for mother and daughter to share and save ideas while planning the big day. “Since then I have also enjoyed many great recipes, and craft and decorating ideas off of this site,” Hoy said. She also explained that pinning can be relaxing and “something that you can do together with friends; that would enhance a friendship and be enjoyable.” Many consumer brands also have Pinterest pages, and share images of their products that can in turn be pinned to a user’s own Pinterest “board.”

Twitter (twitter.com) Twitter is known as a micro-blogging site. On a blog, people write regularly, often at length, to share their thoughts and opinions and invite comment from other readers. As a micro-blog, Twitter allows messages limited to no more than 140 characters (letters, numbers and spaces). Each message is called a “tweet,” and can be replied to or forwarded (retweeted) to others. People who want to read other people’s tweets are said to “follow” that tweeter, and in turn may be followed by others who are interested in what they have to say. Users can also share links, photos and videos via Twitter. Local businesses often tweet their daily specials or special deals to their followers. Today there are more than 645 million Twitter accounts. Many feel that the real value of Twitter is when it is used as a means of instant communication. News organizations and even police departments “tweet” important messages to the public that can be viewed on their computer or mobile device. During the manhunt after the Boston Marathon, the Boston PD regularly tweeted updates to its followers. Twitter has also been widely used by protesters involved in various political uprisings around the world. Twitter has also popularized the use of “hashtags” (descriptive terms preceded by the “#” symbol). Hashtags are a shortcut way of explaining what the tweet is about. By monitoring certain hashtags, users can view online conversations about particular topics. Facebook has now adopted hashtags as well. Depending on their needs, interests and comfort level with technology, potential users can easily test out these and other social media platforms, and explore them before deciding whether or not they are worth signing up for. Also, many community colleges and continuing education centers offer seminars on social media. Social media sites will never completely replace face-to-face interactions, but they can provide other ways to stay connected to friends, family and former colleagues, as well as a means to learn more about what’s happening in the world today.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Apps let you control your home remotely By Jeff Bertolucci You could call it the march of progress. First, technology allowed you to preset your VCR, and later it let you program your TiVo. Now you can watch videos on demand on your phone or tablet. Next up: devices and apps that let you set and reset your home’s systems and appliances.

Free home security camera Got an extra iPad, iPhone or iPod touch? Repurpose it as a home security cam. Just download People Power’s Presence app to an Apple device (free from the Apple App Store; requires iOS 5.0 or higher) and plug it into an electrical outlet. Then aim the camera at whatever you

want to watch remotely. (The company sells optional stands, including the $100 Galileo, which rotates 360 degrees as per your remote command.) Motion sensors trigger the video feed. To watch, sign into Presence from another Apple iOS device. Presence Pro video (www.presencepro.com; $5 monthly or $50 a year) adds several features, including 2 gigabytes of cloud storage for your videos and the ability to make longer recordings (five minutes versus one minute). The company says it plans to add the ability to view the feed from a Web browser soon.

the juice runs out.

Adjust temp from afar Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat (www.nest.com; $250) studies your habits and adjusts itself accordingly. For instance, if you lower the temperature a few days in a row at 4 p.m., Nest starts making that change automatically. The mobile app, which works with Apple and Android devices, allows you to check your energy usage and change the temperature settings remotely.

Digital housekeys

Control your appliances

Copying a key and handing it to anyone who needs to get into your house isn’t wise. August Smart Lock (www.august.com; $250) is an innovative alternative: It’s a deadbolt that unlocks via a smartphone app. The Bluetooth-enabled Smart Lock replaces the latch on the inside of your door; the outside hardware remains the same. Using your iPhone or Android phone’s contacts, you can send a “virtual key” that allows the recipient to unlock your door wirelessly. Bonus: Smart Lock, which runs on four AA batteries, also works with a real key if

The free Wink app (www.winkapp.com) lets you use your Android or Apple device to control more than 60 home appliances — including lighting sysThe Wink app lets users control their home’s tems, thermostats, smoke alarms lights, appliances, sprinklers, thermostats and and sprinkler systems. more — from wherever they are. The most inventive use of the Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send Wink technology may be the Aros Smart Window Air Conditioner ($280), your questions and comments to moneypowwhich, like Nest, learns from your usage er@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and patterns. It is the product of a collabora- similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com. © 2014 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; tion between General Electric and Quirky, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, a crowd-sourcing site for inventors. Jeff Bertolucci is a freelance writer for LLC.

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Beacon Links By Barbara Ruben

Free classics on the computer From Charles Dickens to Willa Cather to Jack London, the full text of hundreds of books by classic authors are available free at Classic Reader. Dozens of poets, including Emily Dickinson and William Blake, are also featured, along with plays by William Shakespeare and Henrik Ibsen. Share the classics of your childhood with your grandchildren as well. The site includes 10 Bobbsey Twin books, as well

as the Five Little Peppers books and over a dozen in the Tom Swift series. www.classicreader.com

Say it your way “Crazier than a June bug in May.” “Her driveway doesn’t go all the way to the road.” “The lift doesn’t go all the way to the top floor.” Who knew there were so many ways to say someone is crazy? The American lexicon is richer for the regional, colloquial phrases that have been passed down through generations. AmeriSpeaks collects these phrases (on subjects from aging to food to weather) and what they mean. Visitors can add their own. http://www.goodlingos.com/amerispeak

Library of Congress exhibits Can’t make it to Capitol Hill in Washington for the Library of Congress’s current exhibit about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the history of the American Ballet Theatre? The library’s website includes each photo and artifact, which can be enlarged for up-close viewing, as well as extended captions and explanatory information. And if you missed an exhibit — say, last year’s retrospective on Danny Kaye— that’s there, too. The site includes full exhibits dating back to 1995. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits

Mental health help The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation offers a variety of fact sheets on issues ranging from alcohol abuse to dementia to

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

FREE TECH TRAINING

Arlington Library offers free 30-minute basic technology training. One-on-one training at the Central Library, 1015 N Quincy St., Arlington, Va., takes place on Sundays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Training at the Columbia Pike Branch Library, 816 S Walter Reed Dr., Arlington, Va., takes place on Mondays from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. Advance registration is not required unless specified. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis beginning 30 minutes before each class. Overflow seating for auditors is available. Assistants are available to help you during classes. Some classes have minimum skill requirements. For more information at the Central Library, call (703) 228-5959. For more information at the Columbia Branch Library, call (703) 228-5710.

depression. The site also has a searchable database of geriatric psychiatrists. http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/ consumer/index.html

Computing help for the visually impaired Window-Eyes is a screen reader that enables individuals who are blind or visually impaired to access Windows PCs via speech and/or refreshable Braille displays. The display is connected to the computer by a cable and produces Braille with small plastic or metal pins that move up and down to display the characters. Consumers using Microsoft Office version 2010 or higher can download the screen reader for free. The website provides download instructions and additional details. www.WindowEyesForOffice.com

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

E-BOOKS CLASSES The Montgomery County Public Libraries offer free classes on

how to download the library’s e-books and audiobooks to mobile devices, such as Kindles. Participants receive one-on-one training from volunteers. For a schedule of classes and locations, visit http://bit.ly/EBookClasses.

WE DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF D.C. SENIORS.

If you or someone you know is facing mortgage or tax foreclosure, or you need help understanding and enforcing your tenants’ rights, we’re here to help. We work hard to empower, defend and protect seniors in D.C. by providing free legal services. Learn how we can help by calling 1-202-434-2120 or visiting aarp.org/LCE

This mobile eavesdropping is more widespread thanaffi you might think, said Legal Counsel for the Elderly is an liate of AARP. Pam Dixon, executive director of the

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

JCA SeniorTech Computer & Technology Courses For Adults Age 50 Plus

Five Convenient locations Asbury Methodist Village • JCA Bronfman Center Crystal City • Microsoft at Tysons Corner NEW! Coming Soon! Microsoft at Pentagon City

JCA Classes at Microsoft Westfield Montgomery Mall Bethesda. Call for more information.

240-395-0916

www.accessjca.org

See next pages for upcoming classes and workshops on beginning and intermediate computer classes, iPad®, iPhone®, email, photos & much more!

JCA SeniorTech and JCA University are services of the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington®

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Asbury Methodist Village 409 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877 301-987-6291

COMPUTER BASICS WITH WINDOWS® 7 Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC

Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 10 # 254 Tues Jan 6 — Feb 10 9:30-11:30am # 255 Tues Mar 3 — Apr 7 9:30-11:30am This course is for users with Windows 7 or Windows Vista® computers. Although Windows 8 is more current, Windows 7 will be around for several more years. The course is intended for those fairly new to computers or persons seeking to refresh or expand their basic skills. Typing skills are not required. Instruction covers use of the mouse, keyboard, monitor, and external storage devices. Learn techniques for creating and saving documents, editing text, organizing files with folders, and copying and moving files.

DO MORE WITH EMAIL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 3 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $50 # 256 Fri Jan 23 — Feb 6 9:30-11:30am You may know how to send an email message by rote repetition, but you can use email to your advantage to better communicate with family and friends. This course shows you in detail how to compose, send, and receive messages and attachments, and how to manage your email. You will learn how to use your own Web-based mail manager.

SECURITY 101

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent and access to the Internet 3 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $50 # 257 Mon Jan 26 — Feb 9 9:30-11:30am Every person with a computer needs this course! You and your computer are exposed to a wide variety of threats while connected to the Internet, even when not online. This course shows you how to create secure passwords, avoid and deal with threats, and the software tools available. Learn how to improve your own and your computer’s overall security

DO MORE WITH THE WEB

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent and current access to the Internet 6 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $85 # 258 Mon Mar 2 — Apr 6 9:30-11:30am This course shows you how to browse the Web more efficiently and enjoyably. You learn to use the Internet Explorer® web browser to its full extent and to modify it to meet your needs. Hands-on exercises show you how to use search tools and stay secure while online. It does not matter for this course which Internet Service Provider you have at home.

TOTAL PHOTO WITH PICASA

Prerequisite: Experience taking digital photos and using a computer 4 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $65 # 259 Fri Mar 6 — Mar 27 9:30-11:30am Looking for an easy way to organize, edit, and share the digital photos on your computer? This course shows you how to obtain and use

JCA SENIORTECH Google’s Picasa application. You will learn the basics of importing digital photos, organizing them into albums, and use tags and captions. You will see how you can edit photos to make them even better, and ways to share them with others, including photo collages, slideshows, and Google+ Albums

ASSISTED PRACTICE

Plan to attend these FREE Wednesday sessions. They are an integral part of your learning. You must be registered for at least one class to participate. No Fee Wed Jan 7 — Feb 11 9:30am-1:30pm Wed Mar 4 — Apr 8 9:30am-1:30pm

JCA Bronfman Center 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD, 20852 301-255-4200

COMPUTER BASICS WITH WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC 6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 # 260 Thurs Jan 8 — Feb 12 1:00-3:00pm This course is for users with Windows 7 or Windows Vista® computers. Although Windows 8 is more current, Windows 7 will be around for several more years. The course is intended for those fairly new to computers or persons seeking to refresh or expand their basic skills. Typing skills are not required. Instruction covers use of the mouse, keyboard, monitor, and external storage devices. Learn techniques for creating and saving documents, editing text, organizing files with folders, and copying and moving files.

DO MORE WITH WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 #261 Wed Feb 18 — Mar 25 1:00–3:00pm This intermediate, non-technical course shows you how to take full advantage of Windows 7 features. (Windows Vista® users are welcome.) You learn how to use the Windows taskbar and Start Menu; how to better manage files, folders and libraries, how to manage multiple applications, and how to use Jump Lists, shortcut menus, as well as the personalization features to better meet your individual needs. Learn how to modify user interface controls to enhance the appearance of the Desktop, back up critical personal data files, and use built-in utilities for peak efficiency.

MICROSOFT WORD: INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 2 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $35 #262 Tues Jan 13 — Jan 20 10:00am-12:00pm Learn how to use your computer to complete basic word processing tasks. We will use Microsoft Word 2010 to create and improve the look of documents through a variety of different formats. Topics include becoming familiar with Word menus, entering and changing the style of text, controlling the overall style of documents, creating letters and using basic keyboard shortcuts.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

MICROSOFT WORD: THE NEXT LEVEL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 4 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $65 #263 Tues Mar 3 — Mar 24 10:00am-12:00pm Once you know the basics of Microsoft Word, take this course to learn how to create the documents you want through special formatting commands for creating lists and outlines; inserting pictures, clip art, and drawings; formatting material into multiple columns; and creating templates for often used formats such as personalized stationery.

MICROSOFT EXCEL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 4 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $65 # 264 Wed Jan 7 — Jan 28 1:00-3:00pm Excel is the software you use to find the story hiding in that shoebox of numbers, stories like: “Did we make a profit?”, “Was January better than December?”, and “Which is our best product?”. This class will introduce you to creating spreadsheets with the most widely used computer spreadsheet program, Microsoft Excel. This is especially suitable for students who use spreadsheets in a nonprofit or business organization or who want to share them with others. We will be using version 2010.

TECHNOLOGY TERMS FOR IPAD® BEGINNERS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $ 20 # 265 Thurs Jan 22 10:00am-12:00pm # 266 Wed Mar 25 10:00am-12:00pm What is an App? What is the home button? This course is designed for the beginner iPad user. Terms and vocabulary related to the iPad will be defined and explored. Knowing the vocabulary will help in using your iPad more proficiently and successfully. This course would be helpful to anyone who will be taking an iPad class.

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR IPAD®

Prerequisite: iPad needs to be updated to IOS 7 and have an Apple ID and password 4 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $65 # 267 Tues Jan 27 — Feb 17 10:00am-12:00pm # 268 Tues Mar 31 — April 2810:00am-12:00pm In this hands-on class, you will learn the basics about what you can do with your iPad and how using a tablet is different from using a desktop or laptop computer. Topics include basic navigation, what apps are and where you get them, how to set up your email account, managing your contact list, taking and sharing pictures, listening to music and more. You will also learn how to keep your iPad safe and running efficiently, how to backup your data and how to use iTunes®. You need to bring your iPad to class with you along with the power cord and adapter. If you already have an iTunes account, please bring your login ID and password.

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 269 Tues Jan 27 1:00-3:00pm # 270 Tues Mar 3 1:00-3:00pm The web is full of great websites, but it’s often tough to separate the good ones from the truly great ones. In this course, you will be introduced to and explore 10 of the best.

Signing up for SeniorTech classes is easy! Use the registration form on Page 13.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

LINKEDIN®, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Solid computer skills and an active email account 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 271 Wed Feb 4 1:00-3:00pm This two hour class will introduce you to LinkedIn, the leading social networking site for professionals in all fields. Topics to be covered include: Joining LinkedIn, setting up your profile, documenting skills, getting endorsements, building your network, groups, and how to use LinkedIn. This course is for professionals who want to network to get a job. It requires solid computer skills and an active email account.

FACEBOOK, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $ 20 # 272 Wed Feb 4 10:00am-12:00pm # 273 Wed Mar 18 10:00am-12:00pm Connect with friends and family that live near and far with Facebook! This class will teach you how to set up a Facebook account. Facebook is a great tool to keep family members in touch in light of our geographically dispersed culture. Many long-distance grandparents use Facebook to stay better connected with children, grandchildren and extended family.

MEET THE TECHNOLOGY GURUS! BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS!

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 JCA SeniorTech announces a new way to get help with your technology problems. Twice a month, our computer experts will be available to help you with hardware and software issues. Each session registered for allows for a minimum of a half hour to an hour with one of our gurus, by appointment during these times: # 274 Mon # 275 Mon # 276 Mon # 277 Mon # 278 Mon # 279 Mon # 280 Mon # 281 Mon

Jan 12 Jan 26 Feb 9 Feb 23 Mar 9 Mar 23 Apr 13 Apr 27

10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm

Topics the gurus can address include: • iPhone® and iPad® (transferring data, iTunes®, backing up the cloud, etc. ) • Skype® (communicating, adding contacts and setup) • Laptop and desktop Issues (Windows® 7 and 8) • Data Backup • Cameras (managing your photos and videos) • Software Issues (Word, Excel) • PowerPoint

ASSISTED PRACTICE No Fee Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs

Jan 15 Jan 29 Feb 12 Feb 26 Mar 12 Mar 26 Apr 16

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

The FREE Assisted Practice sessions are an integral part of your learning. Come practice what you’ve learned in class. Instructors will be there to help guide you and answer questions. You must be registered for at least one class to participate.

Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

Crystal City

1750 Crystal Drive Shops, Suite 1638B Crystal Square Arcade, Arlington, VA 22202 703-941-1007

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

Prerequisite: Bring a flash drive to class 6 sessions Limit: 12 Fee: $85 # 282 Wed Jan 7 — Feb 11 10:00am-12:00pm # 283 Wed Mar 4 — Apr 8 10:00am-12:00pm This course is for users with Windows 7 or Windows Vista computers. Although Windows 8 is more current, Windows 7 will be around for several more years. The course is intended for those fairly new to computers or persons seeking to refresh or expand their basic skills. Typing skills are not required. Instruction covers use of the mouse, keyboard, monitor, and external storage devices. Learn techniques for creating and saving documents, editing text, organizing files with folders, and copying and moving files.

INTERMEDIATE PC, WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 6 sessions Limit: 12 Fee: $85 # 284 Tues Jan 6 — Feb 10 10:00am-12:00pm # 285 Tues Mar 3 — April 7 10:00am-12:00pm This course continues the exploration of Microsoft Windows 7 begun in Computer Basics. Its objective is to teach the student how to set up computer features (folders, shortcuts, etc.) responsive to personal requirements and desires. In particular, the class addresses customization of the Start menu, changing computer settings in the Control Panel, and use of Windows Explorer and My Computer. Copying disks, using the recycle bin, and finding answers using “Help” also are included.

EXCEL BASICS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent; bring a flash drive to class 6 sessions Limit: 12 Fee: $85 # 286 Thurs Jan 8 — Mar 12 10:00am-12:00pm Develop a basic spreadsheet, including learning how to enter and format text and numbers, adjust column width to accommodate data, add or delete rows and columns, and align data within and across columns. Learn the use of formulas, including cell referencing and establishing absolute and relative references. Learn the use of functions. Bring a flash drive to save spreadsheets you develop and to work on assignments to practice what you have learned.

EXCEL – BEYOND BASICS

Prerequisite: Excel Basics or equivalent 3 sessions Limit: 12 Fee: $50 # 287 Thurs Mar 5 — Mar 19 10:00am-12:00pm One session will cover the development and formatting of charts, including pie charts and columns charts. One session will cover summarizing data from multiple spreadsheets, such as developing an annual expenditure summary using quarterly expenditure reports. One session will cover the use of Excel as a database, including adding / deleting / modifying data entries, sorting, filtering data that match specific criteria using auto-filter and advanced-filter.

TOURING THE INTERNET

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 6 sessions Limit: 12 Fee: $85 # 288 Mon Jan 5 — Feb 23 12:30-2:30pm # 289 Mon Mar 2 — Apr 6 12:30-2:30pm Learn how to send and receive email with and without attachments, use address books, browsers, Internet and email security, and utilize search, shopping, travel, entertainment, and government web-based resources. This is a hands-on course that uses the Windows Internet Explorer browser.

GUIDE TO BUYING A PERSONAL COMPUTER (WORKSHOP)

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 12 # 290 Thurs Mar 26 10:00am-12:00pm Join this workshop to discuss how to make a good choice of a computer for yourself or a loved one. The instructor will present important issues to consider and features to choose when purchasing your next personal computer.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR APPLE IPAD® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Bring an Apple iPad to class 3 sessions Limit: None Fee: $50 # 291 Fri Feb 27 — Mar 13 10:00am-12:00pm # 292 Weds-Fri Apr 29 — May 1 10:00am-12:00pm Students should bring a fully charged iPad to the classroom; no demonstration devices will be provided. This workshop is not for the iPhone® or tablets made by other companies. During this three-day interactive workshop (two hours each day), the instructor will cover topics such as: available iPad features, multitasking, hand gestures, configuration settings and customization, email, photos, iPad apps, and security.

USING YOUR APPLE IPHONE® (WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Ownership of an Apple iPhone 1 session Limit: None Fee: $20 # 293 Thurs Feb 19 10:00am-12:00pm # 294 Mon Apr 20 12:30-2:30pm This workshop will focus on how you can use an iPhone to surf the Internet, take and share photos, play games, read books and much more. Bring a fully charged iPhone to class.

USING SKYPE® TO MAKE VIDEO OR AUDIO CALLS (WORKSHOP) Fee: $20 # 295 Wed # 296 Wed

1 session Feb 18 Apr 15

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

Learn how to use Skype, a free application program, to communicate with your relatives and friends who live far away. You will learn how to download Skype and set up an account, how to make video calls or voice calls from your home computer or smart phone, and how to call from your home computer or smartphone to a landline.

Crystal City courses cont. on p. 12

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

TAMING WORD (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge and mouse skills 2 sessions Limit: 12 Fee: $35 # 297 Tues Feb 17 & 24 10:00am-12:00pm This two-session workshop will show you how to make Microsoft Word your personal tool for word processing. Topics covered include setting the options to suit your needs, how to make and use tables, how to make a macro, how to format materials copied from the Web or other sources, and how to insert and size pictures in a Word document.

GRAPHICS EXPLORERS

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Photoshop® Elements 10 or 11 software Ongoing sessions Limit: 12 Fee: $35 # 298 Mon Jan 5 — Feb 23 10:00am-12:00pm # 299 Mon Mar 2 — Apr 27 10:00am-12:00pm Graphics Explorers is a series of meetings with no fixed agenda or syllabus. There is no instructor. Students use Photoshop Elements 10 or 11 to enhance photographs using several workbooks. Students provide their own copies of Photoshop Elements and workbooks.

WORKSHOP: SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS USING THE ANDROID OPERATING SYSTEM(OS)

Prerequisite: None 1 session Limit: None Fee: $20 # 300 Thurs Apr 9 12:30-2:30pm In this informational tutorial, you will learn what the Android OS is, how to work with Android’s direct manipulation interface, and see demonstrations of popular applications (apps) that run on Android devices. If you are considering purchasing a smart phone or tablet, this informative lecture will also point out some of the differences between the Android OS and the OS for iPhone® and iPad®.

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SECURE

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: None # 301 Fri Jan 9 10:00am-12:00pm This workshop covers the topics of how hackers choose computers, phishing, spam email, website drive-by, passwords, keeping applications and operating systems updated, malware protection and more. This presentation explains computer security with minimal technical terms.

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 302 Mon Apr 13 12:30-2:30pm The web is full of great websites, but it’s often tough to separate the good ones from the truly great ones. In this course, you will be introduced to and explore 10 of the best.

ORGANIZING, EDITING, AND SHARING PHOTOS WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer and mouse skills 2 session Limit: None Fee: $35 # 303 Tues Apr 14 & 21 10:00am-12:00pm In this two-day course students will learn how to import their digital photos from cameras, phones, and tablets into their computers. They will also learn how to use Picasa, a free photo-editing program, to crop, brighten, darken, or sharpen their photos as well as share the photos with chosen individuals without sharing them with the world.

JCA SENIORTECH

USING APPLE IPHOTO® AND IMOVIE® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Must bring your own Apple® computer 1 session Limit: None Fee: $20 # 304 Thurs Feb 26 10:00am-12:00pm # 305 Mon Apr 27 12:30-2:30pm In this class you will learn to organize, edit, and share photographs from a camera, iPhone®, and iPad®, and how to be the Steven Spielberg of your own movies. Bring your Apple laptop to class (fully charged or bring AC adaptor) or just come and learn. Your Apple must have the Mountain Lion operating system or higher, iPhoto 11, and iMovie 10.0.05.

VIEWING MOVIES ON YOUR PC (WORKSHOP) Prerequisite: Basic computer skills

Fee: $20 1 session # 306 Thurs Feb 5 # 307 Thurs Apr 2

Limit:12 12:30-2:30pm 10:00am-12:00pm

This is your chance to find out how to view movies in your home without contracting with cable companies – and pay little or nothing for viewing. You will learn which web pages offer movies for free or for a fee. The advantages of Netflix, Hulu and Crackle will be explained.

WINDOWS® 8.1 DEMONSTRATION

Prerequisite: None, you may bring your own laptop with Windows 8.1 1 session Limit:12 Fee: $20 # 308 Thurs Feb 12 12:30 - 2:30pm # 309 Thurs Apr 9 10:00am-12:00pm

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

LINKEDIN®, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Solid computer skills and an active email account 1 session Limit: 6 Fee: $20 # 311 Wed Mar 11 10:00am-12:00pm This two-hour class will introduce you to LinkedIn, the leading social networking site for professionals in all fields. Topics to be covered include: Joining LinkedIn, setting up your profile, documenting skills, getting endorsements, building your network, groups, and actually how to use LinkedIn. This course is for professionals who want to network to get a job. It requires solid computer skills and an active email account.

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 6 Fee: $20 # 312 Thurs Feb 12 10:00am-12:00pm The web is full of great websites, but it’s often tough to separate the good ones from the truly great ones. In this course, you will be introduced to and explore 10 of the best.

Microsoft at Pentagon City 1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202 703-236-9140

This workshop will highlight the major new features of the Microsoft Windows 8.1 operating system, concentrating on its “Tile” mode of operation. Topics include the start screen, tiles, organizing and managing apps, charms, hot corners, and File Explorer.

All Classes at the Microsoft at Pentagon City are taught on the Surface Tablet (Microsoft) or you may bring a laptop computer.

No Fee Limit: 8 Assisted Practice is an integral part of your learning. The computer lab will be open Monday through Friday; however, times may vary. Check the calendar at your center or speak with your instructor. You must have registered for a class to use the lab.

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 313 Mon Feb 9 10:00am-12:00pm The web is full of great websites, but it’s often tough to separate the good ones from the truly great ones. In this course, you will be introduced to and explore 10 of the best.

ASSISTED PRACTICE

Microsoft at Tysons Corner 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102 703-336-8480

All classes at Tysons Corner are taught on the Surface Tablet (Microsoft) or you may bring a laptop computer.

MICROSOFT EXCEL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 4 sessions Limit: 6 Fee: $65 # 310 Wed Feb 11 — Mar 4 10:00am-12:00pm Excel is the software you use to find the story hiding in that shoebox of numbers, stories like: “Did we make a profit?”, “Was January better than December?”, and “Which is our best product?” This class will introduce you to creating spreadsheets with the most widely used computer spreadsheet program, Microsoft Excel. This is especially suitable for students who use spreadsheets in a nonprofit or business organization or who want to share them with others. We will be using version 2010.

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent

SeniorTech course registration form located on next page.

DISCOUNT! STUDENTS RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT WHEN BILL IS PAID IN FULL 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS. If you have questions, please call 240-395-0916 or email seniortech@accessjca.org NOTICE: WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ITS RESOURCES, JCA SERVES PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. INDEED, WE TRY TO BE AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE IN ALL THAT WE DO. SOMETIMES, HOWEVER, JCA MAY DENY A PERSON OR GROUP THE OPTION TO ENROLL OR TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL OR PARTICULAR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DO SO, AT OUR SOLE DISCRETION, SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT OUR ACTION IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR PROGRAM OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON NOT PRECLUDED BY APPLICABLE LAW. Each contribution or remittance of payment by check is considered authorization to convert that particular check into an electronic fund transfer. If your check is unable to be converted, it may be processed as a Check Replacement Document drawn against your account. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day you make your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. You have the right to opt out of Electronic Conversion. If you choose to exercise this right, write the words ‘Opt Out’ in the memo field of your check and JCA will process it as a draft against your account.

SeniorTech DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

JCA SeniorTech Computer Training Centers teach computer skills to mature adults. Our centers offer a range of courses from basic to advanced, using Windows based computers.

The Microsoft operating systems vary by site and include Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. All training centers have high-speed Internet service. Courses are taught by volunteer instructors and coaches. Courses are almost always “handson” in which students practice skills and techniques on a computer during class. Any individual 50 + years old can access SeniorTech classes. Prior computer experience isn’t required for introductory courses. Advanced courses have prerequisites or more experience requirements.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

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

REFUND POLICY:

ATTENTION:

Instruction, course materials and all computer language settings are in

English.

Courses are taught with Windows computers.

For more information, call 240-395-0916.

Looking for Volunteers

JCA SeniorTech

Are you a senior looking for volunteer opportunities? Do you have computer skills you want to share?

Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) is looking for senior volunteers to teach and coach computer classes in Montgomery county and Northern Virginia. Classes are designed to help seniors refresh or advance computer skills and learn to use social media. Teach with Microsoft’s newest technology and programs. Microsoft will train you on how to use their programs and software.

For more info, contact us at seniortech@accessjca.org or call 240-395-0916.

SENIORTECH REGISTRATION FORM

COMPUTER TRAINING

WAYS TO REGISTER: BY MAIL:

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

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

NOTE: ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE 7 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF CLASS. Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Age: ________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _______________ Phone#: ______________________________ Email: __________________________________________________ I have taken a JCA SeniorTech class before: ____ Yes ____ No

Student ID (Office use only)_______________

I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR: Class #

Class Title

Location

Start Date

Start Time

Fee

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

TOTAL $ _________

PAYMENT METHOD:

❒ Master Card ❒ VISA ❒ American Express ❒ Check (Make Checks payable to JCA SeniorTech.)

WB11/14

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

Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

✃

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Name as it appears on card: ____________________________________________________________

____________ ____________ ____________ _____________

______ /______

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Health Fitness &

HELP FOR THINNING HAIR Facing hair loss? Consider medications, supplements and transplants FEAR OF FLAVORS Are artificial flavors in food a boon for taste buds or something to fear? HIGH ANXIETY Hypnosis and other treatments may help anxiety and panic attacks PREVENTING KIDNEY STONES Drinking plenty of fluids can help lower your risk of painful kidney stones

It’s not easy to discontinue sleep meds Do you take a drug to help you sleep every night? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans rely on prescription sleep medications, called sedative hypnotics. “People believe they can’t sleep without them, and they stay on them for years,” said sleep expert Dr. Lawrence Epstein, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. But you can wean yourself off the drugs using a combination of dose reduction and behavior changes. Epstein points to two challenges when it comes to fighting sleep aid dependence. One is that when you stop taking the drugs, you get a withdrawal response that keeps you from sleeping well. “If you stop too quickly you can get rebound insomnia, which makes symptoms

worse,” said Epstein. The other challenge is that the rebound insomnia then convinces users they need the drugs to sleep. In reality, the medication is just preventing withdrawal symptoms. That cycle creates dependence, which is different from an addiction that’s characterized by compulsive use and preoccupation with a drug that interferes with normal life.

A gradual process The encouraging news is that Epstein helps people get off sleep medications every day. It starts with a gradual, progressive reduction in the amount of sleep medication you take. Make sure this is done under the direc-

tion of a physician. Abrupt stopping can trigger seizures in some people. Reducing the medication requires planning. “Each time you lower the dose, your sleep will be disrupted because you’ll have the withdrawal effect. So be prepared, and know your sleep won’t be as good for a few days,” said Epstein. The longer you’ve been on the medications, the slower your doctor will make the taper. It’s a process that can last from weeks to months. Reducing medications may not be enough to help you rest each night. So your doctor will likely pair the process with tools to counter behaviors that do not promote sleep. These include: 1. Cognitive behavior therapy, which

helps you redirect your thoughts to reduce anxiety about sleeping 2. Relaxation techniques, such as guided visualization 3. Recognizing the stimuli that prevent sleep, such as television, computer and smartphone screens 4. Improving sleep hygiene by — using the bed for sleep and sex only; blocking as much noise and light as possible; going to bed and waking at the same times each day; and getting out of bed if you haven’t fallen asleep within 20 minutes 5. Dietary changes, such as avoiding alcohol, caffeine and foods that promote acid indigestion. See SLEEP MEDS, page 15

Don’t trust those online Alzheimer’s tests There are memory tests all over the Internet, but they’re notoriously poor at evaluating your memory and mental skills. If you’re genuinely concerned about memory lapses and fear they might point to Alzheimer’s disease, talk to a professional. “If people are that worried, they really should make an appointment with a doctor,” said Dorene Rentz, clinical neuropsychologist and co-director of the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Harvard Medical School.

Tests get an F Researchers based at the National Core for Neuroethics at the University of British Columbia evaluated 16 online tests. Two independent panels of experts recruited for the study said that the tests they examined fall short in several important ways: • Most of the sites are “poor” or “very poor” in their ability to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease based on current scientific understanding. • The tests are often unreliable, which means that taking them on different days could lead to different results. This means that day-to-day ups and downs in fatigue or nervousness could throw off the test results. • The sites do not clearly explain their privacy policies, including how personal information in the test process could be used. Some websites ask for dates of birth, credit card numbers, or other sensitive in-

formation. Companies sometimes use the tests to hawk ineffective memory supplements and other products.

tential harms that need to be evaluated,” Robillard said.

Talk to your doctor Many possible harms The tests may seem like harmless fun, but they may not be. “What we saw was definitely very concerning,” said Julie Robillard, the lead researcher on the study. “These tests expose a vulnerable population to predatory marketing strategies.” Another potential downside is the anxiety a person could suffer after test results indicate a memory impairment that may actually have nothing to do with dementia. “There are many reasons why people can have memory problems,” Rentz said. “You might just not be sleeping well, or have something else that’s correctable.” On the other hand, an “all clear” test result may discourage a person from following up on signs of a real memory impairment. “The test could give you a false negative, saying you’re perfectly fine when actually you should worry,” Rentz added. “You’re not truly going to understand what’s going on just by taking a test like that.” Robillard and her colleagues are planning additional research to see if taking online Alzheimer’s tests leads to poorer health or other problems. “It could have potential benefits down the road, but there are definitely some po-

If you have concerns about your memory, talk to your doctor. Diagnosing dementia requires a range of tests and an expert to interpret and explain the results properly. If your doctor refers you for comprehensive memory testing, be prepared for more than a simple check-box quiz. The process can take the better part of a day and may be broken into two visits. But you will get more out of it than just peace of mind.

“We believe in the value of early detection,” said Dean Hartley, director of science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago. “One thing that’s important is getting a baseline assessment.” Medicare now covers an Annual Wellness Visit, at which you and your doctor can discuss any concerns about your memory and mental skills. This provides a reference point to understand any future changes you may experience. — Harvard Men’s Health Watch © 2014. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Warning signs of Alzheimer’s If you notice any of the following warning signs of dementia, see a doctor. (For more details, go to www.health .harvard.edu/alzsigns): 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual im-

ages and spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood and personality —Alzheimer’s Association

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Environmental toxins make us age faster Why are some 75-year-olds downright spry while others can barely get around? Part of the explanation, according to research published recently in the Cell Press journal Trends in Molecular Medicine, is differences from one person to the next in exposure to harmful substances in the environment — chemicals such as benzene, cigarette smoke, even stress. While the birth date on your driver’s license tells you your chronological age, that might mean little in terms of the biological age of your body and cells. The researchers, including UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Director Ned Sharpless, M.D., say that what we need now is a better understanding of the chemicals involved in aging and biomarkers to measure their effects. “The rate of physiologic, or molecular, aging differs between individuals in part because of exposure to ‘gerontogens’, i.e., environmental factors that affect aging,” said Sharpless. “We believe just as an understanding of carcinogens has informed cancer biology, so will an understanding of gerontogens benefit the study of aging. “By identifying and avoiding gerontogens, we will be able to influence aging and life expectancy at a public health

Sleep meds

include flurazepam (Dalmane) and clonazepam (Klonopin). “If the problem is falling asleep, pick a drug that doesn’t last long. If the problem is awakening during the night, pick one that lasts longer, but learn how long it takes you to get rid of the medication, and put aside enough time for sleep to let the drug clear from your body,” Epstein advised. If you’re groggy in the morning, talk to your doctor about a different medication or dose, and don’t get behind the wheel of a car. — Harvard Health Letter © 2014. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 14 Sleep drugs may help you get a decent night’s rest, but they come with the risk of impairment — even amnesia — the next morning. You’ll know you’re affected if you have a hard time getting started in the morning, or if you’re groggy when you wake up. That may also put you at risk for impaired driving. It’s vital to know how long these drugs last in your body. Some, like zolpidem (Ambien), are short-acting. Others, such as eszopiclone (Lunesta) and temazepam (Restoril), are medium-acting. Long-acting drugs

level,” he said. From a public health perspective, cigarette smoke is likely the most important gerontogen, according to Sharpless. Cigarettes are linked with cancers but also with atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis and other diseases associated with age. UV radiation from the sun makes us older too. And Sharpless and his colleagues recently showed that chemotherapy treatment is also a strong gerontogen. The researchers call for a concerted research effort to understand the clinical uses for molecular tests of aging, as well as the epidemiology of accelerated aging. “We believe the comparison of molecular markers of aging to clinical outcomes

should begin in earnest,” Sharpless said. For example, he asked, can biomarkers to aging predict toxicity from surgery or chemotherapy in patients in whom chronological age is already a known risk factor? Sharpless does caution against making tests of molecular age available to consumers and patients directly. “The potential for miscommunication and other harm seems real,” he said. Source: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; from WhatDoctorsKnow, a magazine devoted to up-to-the minute information on health issues from physicians, major hospitals and clinics, universities and health care agencies across the U.S. Online at www.whatdoctorsknow.com.

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Help for thinning hair, hair loss in women Your hair is an important part of your self-image, and if a woman starts to lose it — as up to 60 percent of us eventually do — the loss can be devastating. Throughout our lives, we regularly shed 50 to 100 strands a day, and that process accelerates as we get older. Our hair also re-grows at a slower pace as we age, so we can’t fill in thinning spots as easily. Age-related hair loss is different from female-pattern hair loss, but the two conditions often coexist, said Dr. Deborah Scott, co-director of the Hair Loss Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass., and an assistant professor in dermatology at Harvard Medical School. Female-pattern hair loss — like its male-

pattern counterpart — occurs mainly in the front of the scalp. Age-related hair loss, by contrast, is a general shedding of hair throughout the scalp. “It’s just a slow, gradual thinning without increased shedding. You look up one day and you say, ‘Where did my hair go?’” Scott said. Hair loss can also occur with health conditions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus as well as thyroid problems. “Anything that stresses your body can make you lose hair, but that’s a different type of hair loss; it’s a temporary hair loss,” Scott said. Similarly, years of perming, coloring, blow drying, and chemically straightening can weaken the hair’s structure, leading to

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breakage and thinning. “If you are losing your hair and you’re concerned, see a doctor or specialist who can help you figure out what’s going on,” said Scott. Your doctor will treat conditions that might be the cause of hair loss, such as thyroid or autoimmune disease.

drive, depression, and a few cases of breast cancer in men, which should make women pause before using it. “I would be very careful about giving finasteride to a woman, especially if she has a history of breast cancer,” Scott said.

Supplements and transplants Pros and cons of meds Therapies are available for age-related or female-pattern hair loss but they aren’t cures and can only help restore some of the hair you’ve lost. The only FDA-approved treatment for female-pattern hair loss is minoxidil (Rogaine), a cream or foam that you rub directly on your scalp. Available without a prescription, minoxidil can slow the rate of hair loss and even re-grow some hair. It can cause side effects like skin irritation and unwanted hair growth near the area where applied (such as the forehead). Finasteride (Propecia), an oral medication, is only approved to treat hair loss in men, but some doctors are using it off-label for women who haven’t responded to minoxidil. In studies of women, finasteride wasn’t effective in the 1-milligram (mg.) dose used in men, but higher doses — 2.5 or 5 mg. — did seem to help promote hair growth. However, this drug can cause more severe side effects, including decreased sex

Various techniques are promoted for restoring thinning hair. Some work better than others. Because certain nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, can worsen hair loss, it’s worth getting checked out by your doctor. Diagnosed deficiencies can be easily treated. Dietary supplements containing ingredients like biotin are marketed for hair loss, although there isn’t much evidence behind them. “There aren’t a lot of firm, medically sound studies to support taking these supplements, but they’re harmless,” Scott said. If you want to try taking biotin, it probably won’t hurt. For hair loss, biotin is sold in doses of 2 to 10 mg. Women, like men, might improve their appearance with hair transplants. However, if hair loss is diffuse throughout your scalp, you may not be a good candidate for one of these procedures. See HAIR LOSS, page 18

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Health Shorts Dim lighting at home hurts vision In examinations of older adults, average scores on vision tests can be better in the clinic than at home. Sometimes patients are able to read at least two or more lines extra on an eye chart in the clinic compared with what they could read at home. A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., suggests dim lighting may be the culprit. “The major factor contributing to this difference was poor lighting in the home,” said Dr. Anjali M. Bhorade, a Washington University

ophthalmologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. The study was published online in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology. The researchers studied 175 patients ages 55 to 90, including 126 with glaucoma. All patients had their vision measured at home and at the Glaucoma and Comprehensive Eye Clinics at the School of Medicine. The average scores on vision tests were better in the clinic than at home, Bhorade said. Nearly 30 percent of the patients with glaucoma were able to read at least two or more lines extra on an eye chart in the clinic than on the same chart at their homes, and 39 percent of those with advanced glaucoma read three or more additional lines in the clinic. The same results were observed with up-close vision. More than 20 percent of patients were able to read two or more ad-

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

ditional lines of text at the doctor’s office than they did at home. Patients without glaucoma had similar differences. “The lighting levels were below the recommended range in more than 85 percent of the homes we visited,” Bhorade said. “Since most older adults spend the majority of time at home, our study suggests that better lighting may increase vision and possibly improve the quality of life for a large number of people. The houses we visited were almost three to four times less bright than an average clinic.” Although the study didn’t look specifically at potential dangers associated with low light, such as falls, other research has determined that a difference of two or more lines on an eye chart is associated with a significant difference in how a person functions in daily life.

“Our study results also suggest that not all older adults benefit from increased lighting. Clinicians should refer their patients for a customized in-home evaluation by an occupational therapist or low-vision rehabilitation specialist who can make suggestions to optimize the lighting in people’s homes.” — What Doctors Know

Hair loss

Losing your hair isn’t just a physical affliction; it can affect your self-perception and self-esteem, too. “It takes a while for people to come to grips with the fact that we can’t cure hair loss,” Scott said. “If it’s really difficult for them, I will often recommend that they get counseling.” — Harvard Women’s Health Watch © 2014 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

From page 16 A better option may be to camouflage your hair loss with creative styling techniques, along with products like sprays and powders that give the appearance of thicker hair. If the hair loss is extensive, you can get a hairpiece or wig in your hair color and style to disguise the missing sections. Today’s wigs look more like real hair than wigs once did.

Medicare may cover end-of-life counseling Medicare will consider paying doctors to counsel patients about their options for end-of-life care, the same idea that spurred accusations of “death panels” and fanned a political furor around President Barack See HEALTH SHORTS, page 19

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Health shorts From page 18 Obama’s healthcare law five years ago. The announcement came in a voluminous regulation on physician payment. It will “give the public ample opportunity to weigh in on the topic,” said Medicare spokesman Aaron Albright. Medicare will consider a change for 2016. Such counseling would be voluntary, aiming to make patients aware of their options so they can determine the type of care they want at the end of life. It’s an idea that has wide support in the medical community, and some private insurance plans already pay for such counseling. Supporters say counseling would give patients more control and free families from tortuous decisions. Before former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin ignited the “death panel” debate in 2009, there was longstanding bipartisan consensus around helping people to better understand their end-of-life choices and decisions. In 2008, a year before debate over the Obama’s health overhaul spiraled into tea party protests, Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation requiring doctors to discuss issues like living wills with new Medicare enrollees. That effort dissipated almost instantly when Palin said the end-of-life counseling provision in the legislation would result in bureaucrats deciding whether sick people

get to live. The language, modeled after a bill by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., was ultimately removed. Now the administration is dipping its toe in the water again. — AP

Drugs still found in online supplements Dietary supplements containing potentially dangerous prescription drug ingredients may still be for sale even years after safety recalls, a study found. In supplements bought online, researchers detected hidden steroids, similar ingredients to Viagra and Prozac, and a weight loss drug linked with heart attacks. They tested 27 products promising big muscles, sexual prowess, weight loss and more. Of those, 18 contained ingredients not approved for over-the-counter use; 17 still had the same drug that prompted the recalls. Manufacturers are putting profit ahead of consumer health, but lax oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is contributing to the problem, said lead author Dr. Pieter Cohen, an internist and researcher at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Boston-area healthcare system. The tested supplements were recalled by manufacturers after the FDA raised concerns about drugs in their products.

This type of recall is usually voluntary, involving products that could potentially cause serious health problems and even death. The FDA’s role includes assessing whether recalls successfully remove potentially unsafe products from the market. “There should be significant legal and financial consequences for manufacturers who the FDA finds to be continuing to sell these spiked supplements,” Cohen said. Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements don’t need FDA approval before they are marketed. Still, their labels must list all ingredients, and manufacturers are not allowed to sell products that are “adulterated or misbranded,” the agency’s website says. The authors say laws that increase FDA’s enforcement powers may be needed to fix the problem. In response to the study, the FDA said it

has issued hundreds of consumer alerts warning about tainted products, sent warning letters to supplement makers, “and pursued civil and criminal enforcement” against those illegally marketed products. Deterring manufacturers is sometimes challenging because they are often difficult to locate and some are overseas, the agency said. The researchers bought 27 of the 274 supplements recalled from 2009 to 2012. The products were purchased in summer 2013 from manufacturers’ websites or other online retailers. An Oregon research laboratory tested them. Whether any consumers were harmed by using the tainted supplements was beyond the study’s scope. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. — AP

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Are flavorings in food something to fear? By Candice Choi They help give Coke its distinctive bite and Doritos their cheesy kick. But the artificial and natural flavors used to rev up the

taste of processed foods remain a mystery to most Americans. “Artificial and natural flavors” have become ubiquitous terms on food labels,

helping create vivid tastes that would otherwise be lost in mass production. As the science behind them advances, however, some are calling for greater transparency about their safety and ingredients. Recently, five consumer and environmental groups sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing their concern about the flavor industry, which determines the safety of its own ingredients. The letter noted that safety is sometimes declared based on scientific data that isn’t publicly available.

Invisible ingredients “If we’re eating the stuff, it shouldn’t be such a secret,” said Lisa Lefferts, senior scientist at Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nutrition advocacy group that was among those who sent the letter. The call for more transparency comes as Americans pay closer attention to what they eat. In some cases, they’re petitioning companies to remove chemicals. Many food scientists say the fears are unfounded because the unfamiliar ingredients often just mimic chemical structures found in nature or are used in trace amounts. But complaints have prompted companies including PepsiCo and Subway to reformulate recipes. As a result of the attention given to chemi-

cals and ingredients as a whole, artificial and natural flavors are starting to get attention as well. But they can be frustrating because people often have no clue what’s in them. “Natural flavors can mean whatever,” said Sara Budowsky, a New York City resident who runs a vegan eating website and has become more aware of added flavors. “I’ve always been curious when I see that last part of the ingredient list.” The FDA says natural flavors have to be derived from ingredients like fruit, meat or spices, and obtained through processes like distillation or fermentation. Artificial flavors can be made chemically, say, by mixing an alcohol with a fat. It seems straightforward, but the sophistication involved in making them varies broadly. Some may just be a blend of spices, while others create the illusion that a product contains certain ingredients, like grapes, when it doesn’t. Flavors can also conjure cooking styles. With frozen dinners, for instance, “natural flavors” are often used to give the impression the meat was grilled or roasted. “A company can’t grill all that meat,” said Terry Miesle, a senior flavorist who specializes in savory tastes at Innova Flavors in the Chicago area. “But flavors can See FLAVORS, page 21

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Flavors From page 20 mimic the chemical process of cooking.” A flavorist might use materials like beef stock, fats and sugar to ignite the reactions to create the “grilled” taste, he said. Tracking the size of the flavor industry is difficult in part because food companies may have their own flavorists. But consulting firm Leffingwell & Associates estimates the global industry at about $23.91 billion, up 19 percent from $20 billion in 2000. About half that was for flavors in foods, while the rest was for fragrances, said John Leffingwell, the firm’s founder and a former flavorist who helped invent Sunkist. Big flavor makers including Givaudan, Symrise and International Flavors & Fragrances declined to make representatives available.

Are safety concerns founded? The safety of flavors is determined by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), an industry trade group. In any given year, FEMA may declare as few as 10 or as many as 100 to be safe, said John Hallagan, the association’s senior adviser and general counsel. In all, FEMA says it has found around 3,000 different flavors to be safe. They’re usually used in minute quantities, typically far less than 1 percent of a product. Even so, disclosing their ingredients would likely attract more consumer com-

plaints for companies, which are already facing pressure over ingredients. Last year, a petition noted an ingredient in Subway’s bread, azodicarbonamide, is also used in yoga mats. Subway removed the ingredient, even though it is widely used in other breads. PepsiCo removed an ingredient from Gatorade after a petition by a teenager linked it to a flame retardant. The groups asking the FDA to look into the flavor industry don’t necessarily think the ingredients in flavors should be listed on packaging, since the chemical names would be meaningless to most. But companies might post information online or elsewhere, said Erik Olson of the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the groups that sent the letter to the FDA. A representative for the FDA said the agency is looking into the concerns raised by the groups. In the meantime, flavors are opening up new possibilities. Senomyx, based in California, makes ingredients that interact with taste receptors to block or amplify attributes like sweetness. They have no taste or smell but are listed as artificial flavors. Senomyx recently said it expects one of its ingredients, which allows manufacturers to reduce the amount of sugar and high fructose corn syrup in products, to be used starting this year. PepsiCo, which has exclusive rights to use it in non-alcoholic drinks, declined to comment. — AP

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Treatments for anxiety, panic, depression By Dr. Michael Craig Miller Q: Is hypnotherapy effective for generalized anxiety and panic disorders? A: Hypnosis is an interesting treatment that sometimes seems like magic. But it isn’t magic; it’s a kind of relaxation technique. Some people can use it to manage anxiety. How does it work? You’re invited to relax. You focus your attention inward. You use your imagination to alter your perceptions. A hypnotist may make suggestions, yet you remain alert and in control of your own thoughts and actions. You may be able to turn your attention away from what’s bothering you. Some people are more easily hypnotized than others. This trait is called “hypnotiz-

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ability.” About 10 percent of people are highly hypnotizable. About 10 percent can’t be hypnotized at all. The vast majority of adults can enter at least a light hypnotic state. There’s no scientific proof that hypnosis is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and anti-anxiety medications are most effective for anxiety. But if you’re motivated and reasonably hypnotizable, hypnosis can be a helpful add-on. Try it to ease physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, trembling, unsettled stomach or rapid breathing. The goal is to keep the physical symptoms from making you more anxious. Panic anxiety is especially tough to manage with hypnosis. The symptoms are too

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forceful and concentrated. But hypnosis may help you master your fear of panic triggers. A therapeutic hypnotist should be licensed in one of the mental health professions — psychology, psychiatry, social work or psychiatric nursing. He or she should be trained to evaluate your anxiety symptoms. He or she should be able to provide or refer you for whatever anxiety treatment you may need. As long as you don’t expect hypnosis to be the whole treatment for generalized anxiety or a panic disorder, it’s a reasonable method to help control your symptoms. Q: My mother is severely depressed, but she refuses to see her doctor or get professional help. I’m afraid she will hurt herself if I leave her alone. What can I do? A: First, some thoughts about on what might be preventing your mother from seeking help. Then let’s think about how to deal with the risk of self-harm and suicide. Depression may be affecting your mother’s motivation. That can make her refuse any help. She may also feel embarrassed, either because of her mood or at the prospect of seeing a mental health professional. Depression can impair a person’s ability to think rationally. Pessimism makes everything seem not worth doing. Depression itself may involve the fixed belief that nothing could possibly help. Fortunately, suicide is rare. And there are good ways to reduce the risk of suicide. Treatment can reduce suffering from depression and anxiety, substance use problems, chronic medical illnesses and chronic pain.

Medication can remedy distorted thinking or psychosis. Psychosis is any thought, perception or idea that is not consistent with reality. Emotional support is also beneficial. Family and friends can help a person cope with day-to-day stresses. Remove anything from the home that could be used to commit suicide, especially firearms and dangerous medications. If your mother still refuses help, consider whether she is in immediate danger. Has she experienced a sudden, significant loss — for example, of a relationship or a job? Is she going through some other life crisis? Is there a history of suicide attempts? Is there a family history of suicide? If you believe she is in immediate danger, you may have a tough choice to make. She may need to get help involuntarily. However, most often it’s not necessary to force the issue of treatment. Love, encouragement and firm cajoling often lead a loved one to get needed help. If you’re uncertain about how to address the situation, talk with your mother’s doctor. If she’s insured, find out who is available to do a mental health evaluation. Failing those options, she will likely need evaluation in the emergency department of your local hospital. Michael Craig Miller, M.D., is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an associate physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass. He is a senior medical editor at Harvard Health Publications. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. © 2014 President And Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Lower your risk of painful kidney stones By Dr. Amy Krambeck Dear Mayo Clinic: My family has a history of kidney stones, and I’d like to prevent them if

possible. What should I do to keep from getting kidney stones? Are there foods or drinks I should avoid? A family history of kidney stones does

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increase your risk of developing stones. But you can take a number of steps to help prevent kidney stones from forming. One of the most important is to drink plenty of fluids each day. Making certain dietary choices and staying at a healthy weight also can lower your risk. Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. That waste and fluid leave your body through urine. Kidney stones form when urine contains more crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid — than the fluid in your urine can dilute. At the same time, due to your genetics or other factors, your urine may not have substances that keep crystals from sticking together. That creates an ideal environment for kidney stones to form. For people with family members who’ve had kidney stones, the risk of stones is about twice as high as for people without a family history. Other factors that can raise your risk include surgeries that change your digestive process, such as gastric bypass, and diseases that affect your digestion, such as inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea.

Prevent dehydration People who live in warmer climates tend to have more kidney stones than those in colder climates. That seems to be related to the increased amount of time they spend outdoors in warm weather and, as a result, the amount they sweat. Because dehydration is one of the leading causes of kidney stones, drinking enough liquid every day is key to preventing stone formation. When you make about two and a half liters of urine a day, you’re getting the right amount of liquid. Of course, the amount of urine you pro-

duce can be hard to measure. A good rule of thumb is that your urine should look almost clear. If it is dark, the urine is more concentrated, and stones are more likely to form.

What to drink and eat Your best beverage choice is water. To increase the benefit, add lemon to it, as citric acid has a protective effect against kidney stones. Sugar-free lemonade and diet citrus-based sodas also are good choices. Avoid dark sodas. They contain phosphoric acid. That may raise the risk of kidney stones. Also, your beverages should be low in sugar or sugar-free, since sweet drinks and foods raise your risk of other conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. Some people advocate drinking cranberry juice to prevent stones. However, research has not shown a beneficial effect. One study even demonstrated that cranberry juice raises the risk of kidney stone formation. What you eat also plays a role in the likelihood of getting kidney stones. Eating a diet high in protein, sodium and sugar may raise the risk of kidney stone formation in some people. With that in mind, strive for a diet low in salt and sugar. Limit protein that comes from animal sources. Instead, try to choose plant-based protein sources, such as beans, peanuts, lentils and peas. If you are overweight, the way your body absorbs some substances, including oxalate, can be affected. So getting to a healthy weight may also help lower your risk of getting kidney stones. — Amy Krambeck, M.D., Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. © 2014 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

SSL hours and how they might affect you Ed’s. note: As part of our effort to encour- organized service that meets their comage greater intergenerational communication munity’s needs. It also helps foster a sense and interaction, we present another column of civic responsibility. written by 12-year-old Alexis Our schools integrate SSL Bentz, a student at Robert Frost service into the academic curMiddle School in Rockville, Md. riculum, giving students the What do you know about opportunity to discuss what SSL hours? Or have you even they have learned and to reheard of them? flect on their experiences. SSL stands for “student What types of service work service learning” hours. You are “approved?” I can only can think about SSL hours as speak for the Montgomery hours of required community County Public School (MCPS) service, though they aren’t system, as that is the school GENERATIONS exactly the same thing. system I am in, but hopefully TOGETHER Students can’t just go out- By Alexis Bentz this will give you an idea of what side, pick up some trash, and types of activity students do. expect SSL hours. You can Activities include tutoring, sortonly earn hours for doing something ap- ing donations, volunteering at a veterinariproved by your school district. an's office, organizing collection drives, helpWhile this type of community service ing in soup kitchens, volunteering as a junior may not have been required when you were referee, working in an office, volunteering at a student, today kids like me — middle and a nature center, and many more possibilities. high schoolers in Maryland and WashingIf you want to learn more about what ton, D.C. — need to achieve a certain num- other states require, you can go online and ber of service hours in order to graduate. Google “SSL requirements in ‘blank’” to Overall, school jurisdictions in 35 states view the guidelines. now require some sort of community servSo now that you know what SSL hours are, ice for graduation. the question is, why do they matter to you? The SSL program in Maryland encour- One reason is because an approved SSL funcages students to learn and develop tion may involve students helping out at senthrough active participation in thoughtful, ior centers or retirement communities. If you

go to, or live at, a place like this, you might be benefitting from SSL work regularly. There is also a possibility that a student might volunteer at a place where you work. If not, a great idea is to get your workplace approved by your school district and create SSL opportunities for the kids who go to school nearby. This will allow the kids to gain SSL hours, and it will also allow you some time together with your “opposite” generation. Another great intergenerational thing to do is to talk about SSL experiences in discus-

sion groups of seniors and kids together. This way, you will be able to have an in-depth conversation with the kid/kids you decide to chat with (multi-generational bonding). Spreading this knowledge to other seniors will possibly lead them to chat with more kids as well, hopefully leading to more multi-generational bonding! So remember: If you see a kid working to earn SSL hours, make sure that you recognize their work and appreciate it. They are working hard, and it may just benefit you.

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

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Age-friendly From page 1 costs spiked in certain areas of the city. Others mapped out the distance between pharmacies. Duggan, who is 68 and has multiple sclerosis, found it an eye-opening experience when he participated in a walk this fall. “I thought I’ll just walk around the block. Everything is perfect, so there’s nothing to complain about,” he said. “But I noticed that people could get hurt. There were broken bottles and debris. I won-

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

dered why I didn’t notice it before.” Another walk participant, who asked that his name not be used, said he is glad that the city is taking public safety seriously. In January, the 74-year-old was walking down a city sidewalk when a car backed out of a driveway knocking him to the ground. The accident broke his wrist, but didn’t shatter his self confidence. “I fortified myself. I think it’s much less likely it will ever happen to me again. I’m so much more careful,” he said. The participatory nature of the plan is one of its hallmarks. “I think it’s really im-

portant to get people involved who are immediately and adversely affected by some of the road and sidewalk conditions,” said Karin Slenczka, director of administrative services at the Residences at Thomas Circle. In addition to the walks, residents of all ages have attended numerous public meetings where they have voiced their opinions on what they feel would make D.C. an easier place to age. “[Residents] want to be involved. Having an opportunity to articulate their needs and actually be heard is very important to their quality of life,” Slenczka said. And making sure Washington neighborhoods are walkable isn’t just an issue for older adults. “To help the older population helps everyone,” Kohn pointed out. “Walkability makes it possible to safely push a stroller or ride a trike, as well as using a wheelchair, walker or scooter.” Among other needs identified in the forums is improvement in the availability and affordability of public and private transportation. “Eight blocks is a measure used by the Office of Planning to make judgments about how far away public transportation can be from residents who need it,” Kohn said. “It’s clear there’s a gap, as many in the District say that three blocks [from transit] is about all they can manage. We need to reduce the distance people have to go to reach public transportation,” she said.

Businesses join the bandwagon One facet of becoming an Age-Friendly City is recruiting local businesses to review and revamp their practices so they become more attentive to senior needs. “We believe that businesses can play a key role in [implementing] the objectives and values of Age-Friendly D.C. We want to help the business community understand what are the best practices that exist today that help businesses reach out to and serve older customers,” said Mario Acosta-Velez, the chair of the Age-Friendly task force working in this area. Some questions being addressed include: Is the business facility accessible and comfortable, is the lighting adequate, is the restroom usable? Are menus, signs and websites easy for those with vision impairments to read? Are senior discounts and tailored products available, and does the business publicize them in targeted media? “We heard from seniors at the meetings that it is important for them to receive respectful and excellent customer service,” Acosta-Velez said. “When they come into a business, they want employees who are available, people who can reach items for them. They want to have a location where they can sit down to wait if needed.” Businesses that meet the criteria will be entitled to use an Age-Friendly D.C. logo in their marketing and signage. The first See AGE-FRIENDLY, page 28

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

What’s the plan? As the number of area older adults has swelled in the last decades, and is expected to mushroom through the century, local officials have drawn up plans to spell out how to meet the challenges and opportunities of this increase. Plans call for innovative housing, increased access to medical care, more reliable transportation and more. With its Elder Readiness plan in 2006, Arlington County, Va., created one of the first plans in the region. “We offer a lot in Arlington for older persons,” said Joan McDermott, chair of the Arlington Commission on Aging. “Our vision is Arlington is a community where older persons thrive because there are so many services.” The county is now starting to re-evaluate the plan, looking at successes — such as creating the Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence for those with cognitive impairments or serious mental illness — as well as areas that have evolved and need more attention, such as technology. Fairfax County, Va., developed an aging plan in 2007. According to Sharon Lynn, director of the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging, “the plan incorporated what Fairfax County could do to prepare for the growing number of aging adults,

and also what [it] could do to make it an aging friendly community, because they really don’t want older adults to leave.” Then, this fall the county adopted a new blueprint called the 50+ Community Action Plan, which seeks to involve older residents in community action, from volunteering to start their own friendly visitor programs, to helping start an agingin-place village in their neighborhood. To draw up the Action Plan, the county held 15 forums last year that drew 800 community members. Some of the components of the plan include evaluating technology that can help older residents stay in their homes, starting an entrepreneurship mentoring program, and working with the Grand Involve program that recruits older volunteers to work in schools. For more information on Fairfax’s 50+ Community Action Plan, see http://bit.ly/fairfaxplan. Alexandria, Va.’s Strategic Plan on Aging was implemented in 2012. The District of Columbia State Plan on Aging is the blueprint for services to be provided through the Office on Aging. It was adopted in 2011 and is separate from the Age-Friendly D.C. initiative. Howard County, Md., began formu-

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

lating a 20-year Master Plan for the Aging Population in May. In Prince George’s County, Md., the Advisory Committee on Aging, appointed by the county executive, has oversight of all aging programs including review of the county’s Aging Area Plan to ensure that the goals and objectives are met and reflect the needs of local seniors. Montgomery County, Md., has its county executive’s Senior Initiative — a multi-year, cross departmental project to

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improve coordination, community outreach and promotion of programs designed to serve seniors, and to identify and plan for the short and long-term needs of older residents. Among the areas covered by the initiative are Communications and Outreach, Transportation and Mobility, and Home and Community Support Services. The Senior Initiative just won a National Association of Counties Achievement Award for outstanding program.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Ways to cope with patchy-colored skin By Rebecca Campen, MD, JD Q: What are the latest and best treatments for vitiligo? A: Melanin is the substance that gives color to our skin. Sometimes, melanocytes do not produce melanin. The result is a condition called vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go), which produces white patches on different areas of the skin. The underlying cause may be inherited. There may have been injury to the melanocytes from irritation by certain

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chemicals. Or the body’s own immune cells may have attacked the melanocytes. The white patches of vitiligo are more prominent in people with dark skin. In people with light skin, the patches are less noticeable unless patients become tan. There’s no cure for vitiligo. And there are no ideal treatment options, although there may be some re-pigmentation with treatment.

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For early patches, doctors can prescribe topical steroids. But long-term use of topical steroids can cause skin thinning. Your doctor may prescribe other topicals, including tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions about a possible link between these drugs and lymphoma. Topical calcipotriene (Dovonex), a form of Vitamin D, may also be prescribed. Side effects may include skin rash and itching. You can try light therapy — either alone or in combination with topical medicine. For example, PUVA treatment incorporates psoralen, a drug that makes skin more sensitive to light. You’d take psoralen by mouth or apply it topically to the white areas. This is followed by ultraviolet

A (UVA) light therapy. PUVA treatment can sometimes cause some color to return to the white patches. But there is a higher risk of severe sunburn and skin cancer due to the treatment. Ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy may also re-pigment skin. You may also try laser treatment on small areas to try to bring back skin color. Side effects could include blistering, discoloration and scarring. Other procedures include skin grafting of normal skin into areas where skin color has been lost, tattooing of skin for loss of color around the lips, and de-pigmentation of the normal skin so that all skin is uni-

Age-friendly

and information. These are areas that all Age-Friendly cities must incorporate, using the WHO guidelines. Washington added two additional areas of concern: Emergency Preparedness and Resilience, and Elder Abuse, Neglect and Fraud. Housing is another subject area addressed by the Age-Friendly plan. Washington’s sky-high rents can be unaffordable for those on a fixed income, especially when a once inexpensive older neighborhood gets gentrified. “For those who do not have much income, it’s a very hard situation,” Kohn said. “People want to stay in their own neighborhoods. They don’t want to move across town. Across town is a bit like Siberia, like moving to Nebraska. You have to go to a different grocery story, a different laundromat. “It’s best to stay in a neighborhood where you know your neighbors. What else could be age friendlier?”

From page 26 businesses with the designation will be announced at the Mayor’s Dec. 10 press conference. [The Beacon will also publicize them in its January edition.] But like the walks that will be repeated annually to see if improvements have been made, the businesses will also continually be vetted by customers. “Is a business necessarily better just because it’s agreed to become age-friendly?, Kohn asked. “We’ve agreed to use Yelp, along with Washington Consumers’ Checkbook and Angie’s List, to get ratings from the community. You can go online and see if a particular business is rated age-friendly and then comment if you think that’s not true,” Kohn said. Other facets of the Age-Friendly D.C. plan call for increasing social and civic participation and improving communications

See PATCHY SKIN, page 29

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Stem cells safely reverse some vision loss By Maria Cheng An experimental treatment for blindness that uses embryonic stem cells appears to be safe, and it improved vision in more than half of the patients who got it, two early studies show. Researchers followed 18 patients for up to three years after treatment. The studies are the first to show long-term safety of an embryonic stem cell treatment in humans. “It’s a wonderful first step, but it doesn’t prove that (stem cells) work,” said Chris Mason, chair of regenerative medicine at University College London, who was not part of the research. He said it was encouraging that the studies proved the treatment is safe and dispelled fears that stem cells would promote tumor growth. Embryonic stem cells, which are recovered from embryos, can become any cell in the body. They are considered controversial by some because they involve destroying an embryo, and some critics say adult stem cells, which are derived from

Patchy skin From page 28 form in loss of color. As with other therapies, these techniques have potential side effects. So you should always discuss them with your doctor. Sun protection is the most important factor in treating vitiligo. That’s because the white areas are more prone to sunburn and skin cancer. So wear sun-protective clothing. Use sunscreen that protects against both UVA

tissue samples, should be used instead.

Treated macular degeneration Scientists have long thought about transforming embryonic stem cells into specific types of cells to help treat various diseases. In the new research, scientists turned stem cells into retinal cells to treat older adults with macular degeneration and children with Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, the leading causes of blindness in those populations. In each patient, the retinal cells were injected into the eye that had the worst vision. Ten of the 18 patients later reported they could see better with the treated eye than the other one. No safety problems were detected. The studies were paid for by the U.S. company that developed the treatment, Advanced Cell Technology, and were published in the journal Lancet. Dr. Robert Lanza, one of the study authors, said it was significant the stem cells survived years after the transplant and

and UVB rays. And stay out of the sun during the middle hours of the day. Rebecca Campen, MD, JD, is an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. She divides her time between clinical practice of dermatology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and private practice in Savannah, Ga. For additional consumer health information, visit www.health.harvard.edu. © 2014 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

weren’t wiped out by the patients’ own immune systems. For some of the patients, Lanza noted their improved vision changed their lives, referring to a 75-year-old horse rancher who had been blind in one eye before the treatment. “One month after his treatment, his vision had improved [substantially], and he can even ride his horses again,” Lanza said in an email. He said other patients have re-

gained their independence with their newfound vision, and said some people are now able to use their computers again, read their watches or travel on their own. “The next step will be to prove these (stem cell) treatments actually work,” Mason said. “Unless there is a sham group where you inject saline into [patients’] eyes, we can’t know for sure that it was the stem cells that were responsible.” — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 10

HOSPICE 101

Ashley Fitzpatrick, hospice specialist for Gentiva Hospice, will provide a basic overview of the Medicare hospice benefit, as well as debunk common myths about hospice on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 S. 18th St., Arlington, Va. Learn what hospice does and does not provide. Free. To register, call (703) 228-5722.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Cook with spices that work like medicine I decided it’s worth the extra five minI’m one of those cooks that combines whatever I find in the fridge or pantry with- utes to use spices his way. Indian spices are out a plan. I’ll throw spices and foods togeth- some of the healthiest on the planet and can act as an aphrodisiac, antibacer like a mad scientist, kind of terial, immune booster, respihow I did in my 1987 organic ratory aid and digestive tonic. chemistry class (hoping I I recommend these: wouldn’t blow up the lab). Garam masala. This is not Recently, I went to my first one spice, it’s a blend which difcooking class, “Secrets of Indian Cuisine,” at Sur La fers regionally. It usually conTable. Focusing was difficult tains cinnamon, nutmeg, since I was distracted by the cloves, peppercorns, turmeric incredible aroma of the garlic, and mace (not the kind of mace onion and seasonings which you spray in a mugger’s face, DEAR were simmering in the pot. this “mace” is a waxy red coatPHARMACIST Our chef taught us how to ing off a nutmeg seed.) Garam By Suzy Cohen create the most amazing masala can help you with digesChicken Tikka Masala I’ve tion and respiratory conditions. ever tasted! In between bites and moans, I Curry. This is actually a blend of spices, asked why his tasted so much better than including turmeric, which is known for its the restaurant version. anti-cancer benefits and ability to reduce He said, “The secret is the spice you inflammation. Curry blends may cause diuse.” He did not use the powdered spices arrhea in sensitive people. In case you you get from a regular grocery store. His have ever experienced an Indian food reacwere fresh, and he turned both the cumin tion, curry is the ‘laxative.’ and coriander seeds into powder using a Coriander. It’s from the seeds of the little electric coffee grinder. cilantro plant, but it tastes nothing like Our eyes widened as he passed around cilantro. Lightly toast them to extract more his freshly ground spice and the same flavor. This spice reduces insulin and spice in a store-bought version. The color blood sugar, and one study suggests it and aroma were completely different. One binds heavy metals such as lead. Green cardamom seed. During cookwhiff and his point was made!

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ing class, I gently popped open the seeds in a mortar and pestle by tapping them, and then simmered both the seeds and outer shells in oil. What a difference compared to the store-bought powdered type! Cardamom is rich in minerals, especially potassium, so its medicinal action on the body reduces blood pressure and controls blood clot formation. Chewing the seeds helps with bad breath. This spice is also used in chai tea. There’s also a black cardamom seed which has more of a smokey flavor. Cumin seed. This is rich in iron, in case you have anemia. Cumin is the seed of a small parsley plant. It helps you secrete bile acids and pancreatic enzymes, and that helps you break down your food.

It also has anti-diabetic actions, like the sulfonylurea medicines. Fenugreek. You can buy the seeds and crush them. They have estrogenic properties, so some women use them to control hot flashes. Older folks can also benefit from the cholesterol lowering properties of fenugreek. Visit my website for more information and the recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala. 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.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Enjoy holiday buffets in a sensible way Q: Buffets are a challenge for me — your plate as you go, look over the whole I always seem to overeat and end up range of selections and decide which dishfeeling overloaded. Are there tips to es appeal to you most. make this easier? If you see lots of not-soA: Buffets are a challenge healthy, rich foods, choose just for many people. Fortunately, one or two that you’d like to we can make healthy choices savor on this occasion. If you without resorting to a restricwant to sample many foods, tive mindset that takes the enput just a few bites of different joyment out of the occasion. selections on your plate. Be foWe often equate eating with cused, because this kind of getting “more for our money” nibbling tends to involve more at a restaurant or an obligatory food than a typical meal. politeness at a social gatherOn the other hand, if you ing. Reframe your thinking: NUTRITION find tiny tastes frustrating, be consider the variety of foods as WISE more selective about how many a delightful chance to choose By Karen Collins, different dishes you sample, what you want, not a require- MS, RD, CDM and make portions about onement to gorge yourself. quarter to one-third of normal. One tip for limiting amounts is to Your plate should not be heaped skychoose a salad-sized plate rather than a high as you walk away from the buffet large dinner plate. Then, instead of just table. Remind yourself this is not likely to proceeding down the buffet line, filling be the last time you ever see these foods.

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Add other foods that will create a healthful, hunger-satisfying meal. Include a source of protein (poultry, fish, meat, cheese, beans, eggs, tofu), keeping the animal protein to one-third or less of your plate. Balance this with at least two-thirds of your plate holding vegetables, fruits and grains (ideally whole grains). Finally, rather than automatically going back for more, give yourself a few minutes to consider whether you are truly hungry. Once you’re home, will you really say, “I only wish I’d eaten more?” Overall think of a buffet as a way to sample a variety of foods, and as just one part of what makes an occasion enjoyable. Q: Does physical activity protect against catching a cold or wear down your resistance? A: Regular moderate physical activity reduces the risk of respiratory infections, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. The common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. Whether you get sick with a cold after you’ve been exposed to a virus depends on many influences on your immune system, such as how well you’re eating and whether you’ve been getting enough sleep, as well as age, stress and tobacco use. Physical activity seems to be among those important influences, too. Intense

heavy exercise (as in runners training for a marathon) may decrease immune function and leave people more vulnerable when exposed to cold viruses. However, several randomized controlled studies have shown that people walking 35 to 45 minutes five days a week reported about half as many days with cold symptoms as inactive people in the studies. Part of this protection may come from promotion of healthy IgA levels — the immune cells particularly linked with fighting colds and other respiratory infections. In several studies of people 65 and above, those assigned to an aerobic exercise group showed better IgA levels than did a control group. Several large population studies have also shown that frequent aerobic activity, compared to a sedentary lifestyle, predicts fewer sick days during the cold season. The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will return your call, usually within three business days. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Questions for this column may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot respond to questions personally.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 8

LAUGHTER AS A CURE

This month’s Dupont Circle Village Live and Learn Seminar features Alice Faulkner, MSW, who recommends an upbeat outlook on a life filled with laughter. She will speak from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 1830 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. The talk is free for village members; $10 for non-members. For reservations, contact Linda Harsh at (202) 234-2567 or lindajkh@mac.com.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

NY style no-bake lower-fat cheesecake Each year, the American Institute for Cancer Research teams up with the Careers through Culinary Arts Programs in high schools across the country in a contest to create healthy, nutritious and delicious recipes. This year, three winners are awarded scholarships. This cheesecake recipe was developed by Jessica Stansbery of Phoenix, Ariz.

Ingredients Crust: 1 cup walnuts 1/2 cup rolled oats 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder 1 cup dates, cut into thirds Filling: 16 oz whipped low-fat cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. lemon zest Sauce: 1/2 cup pomegranate juice, reduced Garnish: 4 oz. fresh blueberries 6 oz. fresh strawberries, quartered 1 Tbsp. sugar

Directions Prepare crust: Place walnuts, oats and cocoa powder in food processor. Pulse and process until finely ground. Add dates and process until mixture holds together. Transfer to a 6 or 7-inch spring form pan, baking dish, or pie plate. Press mixture along bottom and up sides of dish. Refrigerate while preparing filling. Prepare filling: Whisk cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla and zest. Spoon over crust

BEACON BITS

Dec. 18

GLAUCOMA FACTS

The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington presents a free information session on glaucoma on Thursday, Dec. 18. Ophthalmologist Dr. Lauren Taney will present from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. There will also be free glaucoma screenings from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. This event will take place at the Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 S Park Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. To register, reserve a free lunch and schedule a screening, call (301) 656-2797.

Dec. 9

FAMILY CAREGIVERS SUPPORT CHAT

Fairfax County presents a free Telephone Support Group for Family Caregivers of Older Adults on the second Tuesday of every month. Next: Tuesday, Dec 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. Topic: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Caregiving with Family and Friends.” Share your experiences, gain support and get important information. For more information and to register, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ and click on Free 2014 Fall Caregiver Seminars.

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and smooth with a spatula. Refrigerate. Make sauce: Bring juice to boil, reduce heat to low so mixture simmers for 10 minutes. Cool in refrigerator. Prepare garnish: Mix blueberries with strawberries in bowl. Toss with sugar and set aside.

Presentation When ready to serve: top cheesecake with sugared berries. Cut into slices and drizzle with pomegranate reduction. Makes 10 servings. Per serving: 230 calories, 12 fat, (4 g. sat fat), 28 g. carbohydrate, 6 g. protein, 3 g. fiber, 180 mg. sodium.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

You want to intervene in your child’s life? Dear Solutions: My daughter and son-in-law have been married for two years. Now she thinks it’s time to have a baby. Instead of trying for that, he has walked out, saying he needs time off before he decides to stay in the marriage. My daughter is devastated. He has no parents, and I would like to really get hold of him and talk to him, but my daughter won’t let me. I would talk to him about the meaning of marriage and commitment. It’s not supposed to be a temporary arrangement. How can I convince her to let me try? — Bernice Dear Bernice: So you think marriage should be a life

sentence. He says he’s out on parole. The main thing for you to accept is that you’re not his parole officer. Honor your daughter’s wishes. She knows better than you what has gone on in her marriage. Also, the thought of a baby and what that entails in terms of responsibility may have scared him. Be supportive to her. Assure her that you’re there for her in any way that will help, but that “way” is up to her. As for the parolee, you can just express your hope that he can work things out. Offer to pay for counseling if he or they think that could help. But unless someone asks you for help, that’s all you can do now. It’s their problem, and it will have to be their solution.

Dear Solutions: ity, culture or nationality as inferior to yours. My beautiful, smart, well-educated So what to tell people? Tell them you’re granddaughter went to study a foreign thrilled that your granddaughter married language in a (very) foreign someone she really loves and country. While there, she who really loves her. The reality “fell in love” with one of the is that although people may be native men and married curious, they don’t really care. him there so his family Since you really care about could attend. your granddaughter’s happiNow they’re going to ness, accept this as a done come visit me so she can indeal and sincerely give them troduce him to me. I’m very your blessing. upset. He’s not only a differDear Solutions: ent race, a different religion, What do you do with a SOLUTIONS and a different culture, but wife who seems to enjoy By Helen Oxenberg, he’s not even as educated as picking fights all the time MSW, ACSW she is or as accomplished or over unimportant things — anything else. mostly when you’re trying I‘m embarrassed by the whole to fall asleep? thing, and I don’t know how to act — Ed with them or what to tell people. Dear Ed: — Molly The first thing you do is recognize that Dear Molly: they’re actually important things because There are three important words here: they’re making you pay attention to her! The first is “act.” Act like the loving grand- Wake up, Ed. She’s trying to get your atmother you say you are, which means ac- tention. cept and respect your granddaughter’s Stop dreaming that she enjoys picking choice and hope that you will find it in your fights, and try to find out what’s really heart to welcome the stranger. bothering her in this marriage. After you The next word is “as.” He’s not “as” edu- find out, and you discuss it with her, and cated, etc. as she is, so what to tell people? I you try to change what’s wrong — then guess you would find it easier to tell people if you can go back to sleep. there were at least the word “more” in© Helen Oxenberg, 2014. Questions to be volved, as in he’s “more” educated (a doctor considered for this column may be sent to: at least), “more” talented (a celebrity per- The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, haps?), “more” prosperous (maybe a million- MD 20915. You may also email the author aire?). In your mind, the “more” would make at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about him equal even if you look at his race, ethnic- reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXV, ISSUE 12

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

December 2014

Classroom Volunteers

By John M. Thompson, Ph.D., CPM, FAAMA Wow! We have made it through another year, and the holidays are upon us! The holidays are a time of fellowship with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers at festive gatherings. For my wife and I, the holidays are exciting as we watch our two little angels’ faces light up as they open their gifts at home, and traveling to South Carolina just to open more gifts at their grandparents’ home. However, for some people, especially older people, the holidays can be a source of the blues because of the passing of a spouse, tough financial situations, or because family members are too far away to come home. According to the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging, older people can overcome the holiday blues with the following tips. 1. Avoid isolation by asking family, friends and/or acquaintances to take you to holiday parties, shopping and volunteer events. Also, take advantage of a brisk morning walk to get energized for the day. 2. Volunteer your time in helping others who could use your assistance. For example, my father appreciates volunteering his time in the community, and his perspective is that volunteering takes the attention off of him while he simply helps others. 3. Accept your feelings; don’t hide them. Also, it is important to seek support from professionals and family members, as you don’t want to become depressed, socially isolated and malnourished. For those of you who have older loved ones, I share these tips so that you can help them to beat the holi-

day blues. 1. Invite them to family gatherings and trips to the mall and restaurants. For those older loved ones who are no longer driving, be kind and transport them. 2. Give them a hand by helping out around their home with light duty housecleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and fixing items. 3. Be a good listener and observe their moods and, if necessary, encourage them to get professional help. 4. If you are feeling really generous, please read on. Buy them a smartphone or tablet and teach them how to use it. It is so amazing how the younger generations have taken advantage of technology while some of our older people have shied away from using it. However, with your encouraging words and free coaching sessions, you can make a difference! My mother purchased a tablet for my father a couple of years ago and, finally, he is using it! I send him pictures of my two little girls, and he shares them with my mother. They don’t have to wait for several months at a time to see how their granddaughters are growing up, as they now see their photos very often. This is an awesome way to stay connected with older family members and to help them avoid social isolation. But there is more. As an added bonus with the new device, older people can stretch their monthly income by receiving coupons via e-mail or by surfing the Internet for them. I hope that the tips described in this message are helpful to you and your family. Have a very blessed and warm holiday season and a prosperous 2015!

DCOA has partnered with Jumpstart to train volunteers to assist in the classrooms with early learners. After training, volunteers will work in the classrooms with students in area schools.

Community Outreach

Community Outreach Specialist Alice Thompson speaks with a senior at a recent event at a Community Health and Wellness Fair at Shiloh Baptist Church.

Seeking Centenarians The D.C. Office on Aging is preparing for the Annual Salute to District of Columbia Centenarians. If you or someone you know will be 100 years of age or older by April 30, please let us know so that they may be registered as a District of

Columbia Centenarian. All centenarians will be invited to attend a special luncheon in their honor. You may call Darlene Nowlin at 202-727-8364 or email darlene.nowlin@dc.gov for more information.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Staying Safe During the Holiday Season Caregivers The following tips are provided by the Metropolitan Police Department.

how the funds will be used. If you aren’t satisfied, don’t give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

If a Stranger Comes to the Door Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved. Ask for identification and find out

While Out Shopping • Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you. • Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk. • Avoid carrying large amounts of

cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. • Deter pickpockets and pursesnatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. • Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

Be Smart About Safety. Be prepared for your future.

Chat Online for Assistance The D.C. Caregivers Online Chat is designed to provide resources, tips and other information to assist persons caring for older adults. Chats are held biweekly on Tuesdays at noon. In case you miss the noon chat, return to www.dcoa.dc.gov/caregiver-chat and press replay to view the conversation. For more information, contact Linda Irizarry at 202-5351442 or linda.irizarry@dc.gov. Please visit www.dcoa.dc.gov/ caregiver-chat to join the discussion.

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The Access HelpLine at 1-8887WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 is the easiest way to get connected to services provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and its certified behavioral health care providers. This 24-hour, seven-day-aweek telephone line is staffed by behavioral health professionals who can refer a caller to immediate help or ongoing care. The Access Helpline can activate mobile crisis teams to respond to adults and children who are experiencing a psychiatric or emotional crisis and are unable or unwilling to travel to receive behavioral health services. Call the Access Helpline to: • Get emergency psychiatric care • Help with problem solving • Determine whether to seek ongoing mental health services or other types of services • Find out what services are available Young people can call the Access Helpline for help dealing with the trauma of family, death, school, drugs, gangs and violence. We can help you sort out and manage feelings of hopelessness, anger, grief, stress or whatever is troubling you.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Ms. Senior Virginia Wins National Pageant Entering the stage to “Dancing Queen,” senior women age 60 and older representing 42 states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands competed at the Ms. Senior America Pageant held at the Superstar Theater of the Resorts Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J. Patsy Godley from the state of Virginia was crowned Ms. Senior America during the annual event. Godley performed Patsy Cline’s Top 10 Country hit “Leaving on Your Mind” during her talent presentation. Wearing a white sequined gown adorned with rhinestones plunging at the back and the neckline, a generous split at the leg and flowing tail, she shared her philosophy of life that included the statements, “I used to think that aging gracefully was an oxymoron. I was brainwashed by a culture buying into the message that old meant useless and undesirable until I realized that it was a lie.” Representing the District of Colum-

bia, Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson, during the talent segment of the pageant, sang “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” from the Broadway musical of the same title. The music was written by Burton Lane with lyrics by the famed Broadway songwriter Alan Jay Lerner. “This was another unbelievable experience — challenging, yet rewarding. The preparation and schedule is rigorous and fast-paced, with rehearsals, interviews and wardrobe changes. But these challenges are balanced by the reward of meeting so many confident and interesting women from different walks of life and learning that you have so much in common,” Jackson said of her Ms. Senior America Pageant experience. During the Philosophy of Life and Talent segments of the pageant, Jackson wore an original creation by “Fashion Designs by Ricardo Rorie” of Washington, D.C. It was sunflower yellow satin with an overlay of a sheer net-

Members of the D.C. Seniors Cameo Club performed “Happy” by Pharrell Williams during the Ms. Senior America Pageant Showcase. Groups from across the country participated in the annual event, held during the pageant activities.

Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson poses with Ms. Senior America Patsy Godley. Ms. Senior America represented the State of Virginia in the contest and sang a Patsy Cline song during the pageant.

Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson is one of 45 contestants who competed in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. Here, they introduce themselves to the music of “Dancing Queen” by Abba.

ting fabric of silver and gold flower petals and a subtle thigh-high side. The sheer top provided an air of elegance, while the sleeves end at the wrist in a princess point. Her philosophy of life, which centered on never losing hope, included the statement, “Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.” The top ten finalists for the event were representatives from the states of Rhode Island, Washington, Michigan, Alabama, Virginia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Georgia, Vermont and Oregon. Each of the contestants was judged on an interview with the judges, her philosophy of life, evening gown and talent presentations. Betty Leeth Haynes, Ms. Alabama Senior America 1997, attended the pageant and presented her poem, “I Am a Senior American,” which she wrote and performed as her talent during the pageant in 1997. “I represent the throng of Senior Americans. We’re growing in

Singing “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,” Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson participates in the talent segment of the Ms. Senior America Pageant.

numbers, with extended life spans. We have maturity and experience when put to the test and we cherish our freedom and give our country our best,” she recited. The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance.” It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society. For more information on the pageant or the local Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant, call 202-724-5622.

During the Cameo Ball, Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson poses with Ms. Senior America Carolyn Corlew before the Pageant Finals. Corlew, from Tennessee, traveled across the country representing Senior America and even had the opportunity to speak and sing on stage with Charlie Daniels at the Grand Ole Opry.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar December Events

11th 10 a.m. to noon Join the Ward 4 Mini Commission on Aging at its monthly meeting held at the Fourth District Police Precinct, 6001 Georgia Ave. NW.

3rd • 11:30 a.m. The D.C. Office on Aging, the Office of Unified Communications, and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency will talk about emergency preparedness and Smart911 with seniors at Emer y Recreation, 5701 Georgia Ave. NW. They will hear about how to prepare for emergencies, will get helpful tips and resources and be able to register for Smart911 on site. For more information, call 202-576-7134 or visit www.smart911.com to register.

12th • 5 to 7 p.m. The Gallery at Iona will celebrate its artist in residence Penny Smith and special guest artists Diana and Dale Feuer. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and the dynamic works by these artists. The event is free. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. For more information, call 202-895-9448.

13th • 9 a.m. to noon 7th and 21st • noon D.C. Caregivers Online Chat will be held to assist caregivers with their care of a loved one. The chat is held bi-weekly at noon to provide caregivers with tips, resources and allow dialogue with other caregivers about best practices. Visit www.dcoa.dc.gov and join the conversation. If you miss the chat at noon, log on at your convenience and hit replay. For more information, contact Linda Irizarry at 202-535-1442 or linda.irizarry@dc.gov.

The First Baptist Church annual foster parents breakfast will be held at 722 Randolph St. NW. Contact Rev. Renee Few at (240) 535-3686.

16th • 2 to 4 p.m. Seabury Resources for Aging will hold a holiday party of those in Ward 5 at its office at 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

Early January Event

10th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, D.C. Office on Aging and the DCOA Senior Service Network present the 2014 Mayor’s Annual Senior Holiday Celebration at the D.C. Armory, 2001 E. Capitol St. SE. The event will include health, information and safety exhibits, free immunizations, facials, massages and live entertainment, music and dancing. To reserve your seat, contact 202-724-5626.

7th • 9 a.m. The Seabury Resources for Aging Ward 5 Advisory Council Meeting will be held at 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, call Vivian Grayton at 202-5298701.

Help the Homeless and Animals Stay Warm Hypothermia season has begun, so please look out for the homeless. When the actual or forecasted temperature or wind chill is 32˚F or below, the District issues a Hypothermia Alert. When the temperature is 15˚F or 20˚F with precipitation, the District activates the Cold Emergency. To request support for DC residents who are homeless and on the street now, contact

the Shelter Hotline at uposh@upo.org, 202399-7093, 211, or 1-800-535-7252 (for toll-free calls from a pay phone). Pets should be brought indoors during Hypothermia and Cold Emergency alerts. To report cruelty, neglect and animal emergencies 24 hours a day, call the Washington Humane Society at 202-723-5730.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher. 500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA Executive Director Darlene Nowlin Editor Krystal Branton, Selma Dillard Photographers The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual

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

Seniors Meet with Employment Reps at DCOA More than 80 seniors attended a senior job information event presented through a partnership with the D.C. Office on Aging and Supported Employment Services. District residents age 55 years and older visited the Office on Aging and had the opportunity to meet with job placement specialists from Costco, CVS Pharmacy, Giant, Kmart, Staples, Walmart and Sam’s Club. The D.C. Office on Aging Older Worker Employment and Training Program assists residents with job placement by helping them with their resumes and providing job leads. Persons interested in assistance should call 202-724-5626 or visit www.dcoa.dc.gov for more information.

DCOA partnered with MBI Health Services Supported Employment Services to connect seniors 55 and older with employment opportunities with area employers. DCOA Manpower Development Specialist Maria Anderson and Employment Specialist Ronald Kelly worked with Zina Williams, Lanita Winfield and Constance Straughn to bring representatives from Costco, CVS Pharmacy, Kmart, Staples and Walmart and Sam’s Club to the event.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

FIX RETIREMENT FINANCES Pay off your mortgage and credit cards to ensure more retirement assets LESS TAXING INHERITANCE Maryland’s estate tax exemption to rise, but inheritance taxes still bite INVEST IN HEALTHCARE Healthcare funds have done well in recent years. Can they stay on top? CHINESE STOCK RISKS Sketchy audits and hidden corruption make Chinese stocks more risky

Protect yourself from Ebola charity scams By Cameron Huddleston Both the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are warning consumers to watch out for Ebola-related charity scams. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is also cautioning investors to steer clear of scams involving companies that claim to be developing products to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

To avoid charity scams 1. Only give to charities you know and trust. You can check out charities at the BBB’s Give.org site, find a list of charities responding to the Ebola outbreak on CharityNavigator.org, or give to the CDC Foundation, which helps the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ebola response. 2. Don’t give out financial information to unsolicited callers claiming to be with a

Year-end ideas to reduce taxes By Sandra Block This is the time of year when many of us count our blessings. And if you own stocks and mutual funds, you may have a lot of blessings to count. But eventually, most of us must share some of our good fortune with the IRS. As the year comes to a close, consider strategies to hang on to more of your bull-market bounty. Be mindful of capital-gains distributions. Mutual funds are required to distribute all gains from the sale of their investments, along with the dividends and interest they earn each year. Unless you own the funds in a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan, you’ll have to pay taxes on those gains with your 2014 tax return, even if you reinvest the money in new shares rather than taking it in cash.

Should you sell? If you get a sizable distribution, consider selling stocks or funds that have declined in value to generate losses to offset those gains. (But don’t sell shares to lock in a loss and expect to buy them back right away in hopes of riding a rebound. The IRS “wash sale” rule bars you from claiming the loss if you buy the same or a “substantially identical” investment within 30 days of the sale.) Be careful, too, that you don’t inadvertently buy a big tax bill. If you plan to purchase a mutual fund for a taxable account

between now and the end of the year, wait until after the fund has distributed capital gains. Otherwise, you’ll wind up paying tax on what is effectively a refund of part of your purchase price (the fund’s share price will drop to reflect the distribution). The distribution date should be posted on the fund’s website.

Dodge the surtax For the second year, investors with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $200,000 or more ($250,000 for married couples) face a 3.8-percent surtax on unearned income, including interest, dividends, royalties, rents and capital gains. The surtax is owed on your investment income or the amount by which your AGI exceeds the threshold, whichever is less. If you’re close to the threshold, consider waiting until next year to sell appreciated securities. If you haven’t fully funded your taxadvantaged retirement accounts, there’s still time to funnel money into them. This strategy will reduce your taxable income and your AGI, which could allow you to mitigate or even avoid the surtax. In 2014, employees younger than age 50 can contribute up to $17,500 to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan; those 50 and over can contribute up to $23,000. © 2014 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

charity. The BBB reports that consumers have received calls from someone claiming to be with a well-known charity’s chapter in the Bronx, N.Y., that’s raising money to help with Ebola. But no such branch exists. 3. Don’t click on links or attachments in unsolicited e-mails. Opening attachments can install malware on your computer, according to the FTC. And the links can lead to fraudulent websites that might ask for your personal information, which can be used to

drain your accounts or steal your identity. 4. Be wary of social media fundraising efforts. Just because you see an organization or fundraising effort touted on Facebook or Twitter doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. The FTC recommends that you research any solicitation before making a donation. You can use the sites listed above. 5. Don’t give cash. Make a payment by See CHARITY SCAMS, page 41

Some tips for holiday tipping By Lisa Gerstner Here are a few things you might want to consider before handing out gifts and cash this holiday season. Make a cheat sheet. For people you see regularly — a weekend babysitter, cleaning person, hairstylist, massage therapist or personal trainer — the cost of one session or visit is an appropriate benchmark. The newspaper deliverer should get about $10 to $30. (Pair your tip with a handwritten note that specifies what you appreciate about the person and her services, said Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas. Exercise discretion. If someone has worked with you for several years, or has provided outstanding service, you may bump up the amount. Where you live also makes a difference. “When in doubt, ask around,” said Peggy Post, director of the Emily Post Institute. But if a neighbor tells you that she’s tipping her handyman twice as much as you can afford, you don’t have to match it. Keep it timely. Try to tip before the holidays are over, said Gottsman. Tipping early in the season gives your recipients a chance to use the money for gifts or other expenses. Delivering the tip in person is ideal, but for hard-to-catch people, such as your newspaper carrier, you may be able to track down an address where you can mail a card and a check. (Some may leave you a preaddressed envelope).

Money isn’t everything. If you want to give a more personal (or less expensive) gift, homemade crafts or food, chocolates and wine are go-to options (but watch for dietary restrictions). A latte drinker might love a gift card to her favorite coffee shop. If tips or gifts don’t fit into your budget, write thank-you notes. Post suggests sending a letter to, say, your cleaning person’s supervisor commending her work. Not ever yone takes tips. Don’t offer money to professionals such as accountants, lawyers and doctors, although a gift may be welcome. Postal carriers aren’t allowed to take cash, checks or gift cards. You may, however, offer a gift worth less than $20. Employers of workers such as nursing-home attendants and trash collectors may prohibit employees from accepting tips or gifts. Check the company’s policy. It’s good to receive. Giving a yearend tip or gift is primarily a way to say thank-you. But being generous can benefit you, too. Your hairdresser would never intentionally botch your dye job if you skip a holiday tip, but she might be more inclined to squeeze you in at the last minute if you treat her well. Lisa Gerstner is a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com. © 2014 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Preparation can ease retirement finances Recent studies have shown that many prospective retirees have insufficient assets or sources of income for a comfortable retirement. A lot of factors play into this problem. I’ll discuss major ones below, and suggest ways to alleviate them. Mortgage debt. More people than ever before are entering retirement with a significant mortgage. If you have a number of years left in your working career, you might benefit from refinancing your mortgage to a shorter term, say, 15 years rather than 30. Or you might make more or larger payments toward principal. These steps can help you significantly reduce or eliminate the outstanding balance by the time you reach retirement. If you’re on the verge of retiring, you might

consider downsizing your home to reduce or eliminate mortgage costs. Credit card debt. Retirees are also facing higher credit card debt than ever. I recommend taking steps to retire all credit card debt before you retire. If you are not paying your bill in full each month, use a different credit card for new purchases, and pay it in full monthly. To deal with outstanding balances, initiate a plan to eliminate all credit card debt before you retire. If you are paying a high annual fee on outstanding balances, consider switching to accounts with lower annual rates. Insufficient retirement assets. Make sure that your 401(k) contributions are high enough to ensure maximum employer

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matching. If you haven’t been making a dents expect significant financial support maximum contribution, cut down on unnec- from parents. Help your children choose essary expenditures so you can increase schools they can afford, and encourage them to get scholarships and your contribution. Make addiother aid. tional IRA contributions. Let them know ahead of Poor investment returns time that, because you are and high commissions. Do planning for retirement, they not keep large investments in should not depend on you to vehicles with low returns or pay their college loans. management fees exceeding 1 Premature retirement. If percent each year. you possibly can, retire later You should not have signifithan you might otherwise incant investments in moneytend. There are several advanmarket instruments, certifiTHE SAVINGS tages. You have more time to cates of deposit, or Treasury GAME accumulate retirement funds. bills earning less than 1 per- By Elliot Raphaelson Your mortgage and credit-card cent. You can’t afford investdebt will be smaller. You can ments with returns lower than postpone taking Social Security, which will the rate of inflation. Invest in diversified stock and bond no- increase the size of your benefit. Conversely, if you retire prior to 65, you load mutual funds and/or exchange-traded-funds with low expense ratios. Consider will not yet be eligible for Medicare, and Vanguard, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price and dis- your healthcare costs will likely be more than you anticipate. count brokerage firms. Poor budgeting and planning. It is Inappropriate investment mix. When you retire, you will want a portfolio that is important for both spouses to agree on reconsistent with your retirement objectives. tirement objectives. For example, how imIt is likely that you will need some consis- portant is travel? How expensive are your planned retirement activities? tent income and inflation protection? If you plan in advance, you will know Determine how much recurring income you need from your retirement accounts, what your expenses will be in retirement. and you should be in a better position to This will make it much easier for you to determine what percentage of bonds you make other decisions, such as when and need in your portfolio, as well as the mix of where to retire, and how much of an asset common stocks. If you don’t have expert- base you will need. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions ise yourself, you may initially need the and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. services of a fee-only financial planner. © 2014 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed College expenses. The cost of colleges has increased dramatically, and many stu- by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Charity scams From page 39 check or credit card to have a record of the transaction for tax purposes. Also be aware that if you’re giving money to a project run by an individual rather than a charitable organization, your donation might not qualify as a tax-deductible gift, the BBB reports.

To avoid stock scams 1. Be wary of claims that a company is poised for dramatic growth as a result of a supposed cure or treatment for a disease such as Ebola, said Gerri Walsh, FINRA senior vice president for investor education, in a written statement. This could indicate an effort by scammers to artificially inflate the value of a stock in what is often

referred to as a pump-and-dump scheme. In this scenario, scammers try to lure investors to buy a stock with promises of big returns. But once the stock’s price increases, the scammers sell off their shares at a profit, quickly driving down the price and leaving investors with worthless (or nearworthless) stock that no one wants to buy, according to FINRA. 2. Consider the source of the stock tip. According to FINRA, investors should be skeptical of emails or promotional materials from unknown senders hyping a company and its products. It’s a red flag if you’re flooded with numerous releases or e-mails about a company’s stock focusing only on its upside and no mention of risk. This is the “pump” phase of a typical pump-and-dump stock scam.

There’s a simple way to find out if someone selling stock or an investment is properly licensed, and whether his or her firm is registered with FINRA, the Securities and Exchange Commission and a state regulator. Use FINRA’s free Broker Check service at www.finra.org/Investors/ToolsCalculators/BrokerCheck, or call your state securities regulator (in the District of Columbia: (202) 442-7800; in Virginia: (804) 371-9051; in Maryland: (410) 576-6360). 3. Do your own research. FINRA recommends doing an online search of the company and its officials to look for red flags. Pay careful attention to recent or multiple corporate name changes, as well as to recent indictments or convictions of company officials. Use the Securities and Exchange Commis-

Multi-Purpose Room Washington, D.C. 20020 January 12, 2015 – 6:00 p.m. Southwest Library 900 Wesley Place, SW, Community Room Washington, D.C. 20024

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA January 20, 2015 – 6:00 p.m. University of the District of Columbia PUBLIC NOTICE FORMAL CASE NO. 1119, IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION OF EXELON CORPORATION, PEPCO HOLDINGS, INC., POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, EXELON ENERGY DELIVERY COMPANY, LLC AND NEW SPECIAL PURPOSE ENTITY, LLC FOR AUTHORIZATION AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSED MERGER TRANSACTION This Notice informs the public that the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia seeks input on its consideration of the June 18, 2014, joint application of Exelon Corporation (“Exelon”), Pepco Holdings, Inc. (“PHI”), the Potomac Electric Power Company (“Pepco”), Exelon Energy Delivery Company, LLC (“EEDC”), and New Special Purpose Entity, LLC (“SPE”) (collectively, the “Joint Applicants”) for approval by the Commission, pursuant to D.C. Code §§ 34-504 and 34-1001, for a change of control of Pepco, the electric distribution company that serves the District of Columbia (“District”), to be effected by the merger of PHI with Purple Acquisition Corp. (“Merger Sub”), a whollyowned subsidiary of Exelon (“Joint Application”). On February 9 to 13, 2015, the Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing to determine if the proposed merger transaction is in the public interest. In making this determination the Commission will look at seven public interest factors determined in Order No. 17597. In addition to the evidentiary hearing, the Commission will convene four community hearings to receive comments from the public on these issues on the following dates: December 17, 2014 – 6:00 p.m. Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia 1333 H Street, NW, Suite 700 Hearing Room Washington, D.C. 20005 January 6, 2015 – 6:00 p.m. Thurgood Marshall Academy 2427 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE

sion’s EDGAR database to see if the company files reports with the SEC. If so, read those reports to verify any information you might have received about that company. 4. Know where the stock trades. Most unsolicited investment recommendations involve stocks that don’t trade on a major exchange like the Nasdaq or New York Stock Exchange. Instead, they likely trade “over the counter” on exchanges with looser listing standards, such as those run by OTC Markets Group. Although many over-the-counter stocks are issued by legitimate companies, the shares may trade infrequently, which means the price may move up or down substantially from one trade to the next. © 2014, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

the Commission Secretary, 1333 H Street, N.W., Suite 200 West Tower, Washington D.C. 20005 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies of any of the documents in this proceeding may be purchased at the Commission at a cost of $0.10 per page, actual reproduction cost. Additionally, copies of the Joint Application may also be inspected at the following public libraries:

Community College 801 North Capital Street, NE Conference Room, Main Floor Washington, D.C. 20002

Main Martin Luther King Memorial Library 901 G Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001

Those who wish to testify at the community hearings should contact the Commission Secretary by the close of business, three business days prior to the date of the hearing by calling (202) 626-5150. Representatives of organizations shall be permitted a maximum of five minutes for oral presentations. Individuals shall be permitted a maximum of three minutes for oral presentations. If an organization or an individual is unable to offer comments at the community hearings, written statements may be submitted by mail or in person to Brinda Westbrook-Sedgwick, Commission Secretary, Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia, 1333 H Street, N.W., Suite 200, West Tower, Washington, D.C. 20005, by email to PSCCommissionSecretary@ dc.gov, or through the Commission’s eDocket system at http://www.dcpsc.org/edocket.asp until March 26, 2015. Any person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing, cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken English, or persons with disabilities who need special accommodations in order to participate in the hearing, must contact the Commission Secretary by the close of business, seven days prior to the date of the community hearing. Persons who wish to testify in Spanish, Chinese, Amharic, or Korean must also contact the Commission Secretary by close of business three business days before the date of the hearing. The number to call to request special accommodations and interpretation services is (202) 626-5150. Copies of previously filed documents in this proceeding, Formal Case No. 1119, are available for inspection on the Commission’s website (www.dcpsc.org) and at the Office of

Ward 1 Mount Pleasant Library 3160 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20010 Ward 2 Southwest Library 900 Wesley Place, SW Washington, D.C. 20024 Ward 3 Cleveland Park Library 3310 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Ward 4 Petworth Library 4200 Kansas Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20011 Ward 5 Woodridge Library 1790 Douglas Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20018 Ward 6 Southeast Library 403 7th Street, SE Washington, D.C. 20003 Ward 7 Capitol View Library 5001 Central Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20019 Ward 8 Bellevue Library 115 Atlantic Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20032

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Money Shorts New focus on crimes against seniors A special unit to investigate and prosecute crimes against seniors and vulnerable adults has been established in the Office of State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Md. “Abuse of the elderly is a growing phenomenon both nationally and in Montgomery County, especially as baby boomers age and the number of older adults grows,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. “Seniors and other vulnerable adults can be targets for abuse and exploitation.”

Elder abuse includes neglectful acts by family, caregivers or others, and comes in many forms, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. The new unit will target such crimes as financial exploitation by family members, caregivers or financial institutions; physical abuse or neglect; and crimes targeting seniors and other vulnerable adults, such as confidence scams, phishing scams and investment schemes. Recent research reported by the Alliance on Aging found that 1 in 10 older Americans are abused each year, and that for every case reported there are approximately 23 that go unreported. The most recent estimates show that elder victims of financial exploitation in the U.S. lost $2.9 billion in one year, and that

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

the direct medical costs associated with violent injuries to older adults adds over $5.3 billion to annual U.S. health expenditures. “This unit will work collaboratively with our community partners to educate our citizens on preventing future crimes, provide referrals, and assist with interventions where appropriate. “Further, as a hybrid unit with prosecutors and investigators cross-trained in financial and physical abuse of the elderly, this new initiative is a proactive strategic plan to meet the needs of our growing senior citizen population,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy. To contact the State’s Attorney’s Special Unit for Crimes Against Seniors & Vulnerable Adults, call (240) 777-7300. To report suspected abuse, contact Adult Protective Services at (240) 7773000 or call 311.

Social Security’s paper statements return The Social Security Administration has resumed mailing statements to workers letting them know the estimated benefits they will get when they retire. Social Security began phasing out mailed statements to most workers in 2011 to save an estimated $70 million a year. Instead, the agency directed workers to track their future benefits online using a secure website. Congress, however, passed a bill last year requiring Social Security to resume mailing the statements. Many workers will now start receiving paper statements in the mail every five See MONEY SHORTS, page 43

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HOW TO SHOP SAFELY

The Elderly Women’s Alliance, formerly Montgomery County Older Women’s League, presents an information session on how to shop safely during the busy and chaotic holiday season on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. They will explain what seniors need to know, including how to navigate a busy mall, driving and parking in a busy lot, how to protect yourself from potential crimes, and the role of the government to protect seniors from elder abuse. This event will take place at Ring House, 1801 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, Md. For more information, contact Sarah Gotbaum at sargot@earthlink.net or (240) 8338151.

Did you know?

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

Verizon Washington, D.C. Lifeline Plans: Verizon Washington, D.C.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reduced rates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one-time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customers at no charge. Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added services are not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, customers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customers who are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of $1.00 per month. • Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federal and in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change and are current at the time of printing. Contact Washington, DC Lifeline Program at 1-800-253-0846 to apply To learn more about the Lifeline program, visit www.lifelinesupport.org. Economy II is a Lifeline supported service. Lifeline is a government assistance program. Only eligible consumers may enroll. You may qualify for Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income (gross and from all sources) is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. Proof of participation in a government assistance program requires your current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state or federal program; a notice letter or other official document indicating your participation in such a program; and/or another program participation document (for example, benefit card). Proof of income requires your prior year’s state or federal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; a statement of Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement, pension, or Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation benefits; a federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; a divorce decree; a child support award; and/or another official document containing income information. At least three months of data is necessary when showing proof of income. In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service. You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Lifeline service from Verizon or another communications provider. Lifeline service is a non-transferable benefit. Lifeline customers may not subscribe to certain other services, including other local telephone service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Good news for heirs about estate taxes By Sandra Block It’s not unusual for states to claim that they’re terrific places to live. But increasingly, states are trying to get out the message that they’re also great places to die. In 2015, four states will increase the amount that’s exempt from state estate taxes, reducing or eliminating the tax that heirs will have to pay.

Maryland raises exemption On Jan. 1, Maryland’s exemption will increase to $1.5 million from $1 million, Tennessee’s estate tax exemption will jump to $5 million from $2 million, and Minnesota’s exemption will rise to $1.4 million from $1.2 million. On April 1, 2015, New York’s estate tax exemption will increase to $3.125 million from $2.062 million.

More relief is on the way. Maryland and New York will increase their thresholds every year until 2019, when they’ll match the federal exemption (currently $5.34 million). Tennessee’s estate tax will disappear in 2016. Minnesota’s exemption will rise in $200,000 annual increments until it reaches $2 million in 2018. Lawmakers in states with estate and inheritance taxes are concerned that well-off retirees will vote with their feet, depriving those states of much-needed income tax revenue, said Scott Grenier, a certified financial planner for Baird’s Private Wealth Management group, in Milwaukee. Taxes are one of the most common reasons retirees relocate to another state, Grenier said. It’s not hard to understand why. Hawaii and Delaware have estate tax exemptions

that match the federal level. But 14 states and Washington, D.C., have lower thresholds, with maximum tax rates ranging from 12 percent to 19 percent. New Jersey’s estate tax threshold is just $675,000, which could affect heirs of even relatively modest estates.

But beware inheritance tax Seven states have an inheritance tax, with maximum rates ranging from 9.5 percent to 18 percent. Unlike an estate tax, which is levied on an estate before it’s distributed, an inheritance tax is typically paid by the beneficiaries. Maryland and New Jersey have both estate and inheritance taxes. If you live in a state that still has an estate or inheritance tax and you don’t want

to move, talk to an estate-planning professional about other tax-saving strategies. Connecticut is the only state that imposes a gift tax while you’re still alive, but in the remaining states you can take advantage of gifts during your lifetime to reduce the size of your estate. If you already have an estate plan, make sure it’s regularly updated to reflect revisions in your state’s law. More changes are likely as states try to make their jurisdictions more attractive to retiring baby boomers. For example, legislation has been introduced in New Jersey to phase out the state’s estate tax over a five-year period. © 2014 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Money shorts From page 42 years, starting a few months before their 25th birthday. Once workers reach 60 they will get them every year. The first statements were mailed out Sept. 15. “We have listened to our customers, advocates and Congress,” acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin said in a statement. “Renewing the mailing of the statement reinforces our commitment to provide the public with an easy, efficient way to obtain an estimate of their future Social Security benefits.” Social Security retirement benefits are based on the wages workers earn throughout their lives. The statements include a history of taxable earnings and payroll taxes for each year so people can check for mistakes. They also provide estimates of monthly benefits, based on current earn-

ings and when a worker plans to retire. Workers can claim reduced retirement benefits starting at age 62. Full benefits are available at age 66, a threshold that is gradually increasing to 67 for people born in 1960 or later. Workers can get higher benefits if they wait until they turn 70 to start receiving them. The agency expects to mail out nearly 48 million statements a year. For this year, Social Security estimates it will spend about $23 million mailing the statements. Colvin urged workers to sign up for online accounts so they can review their future benefits at any time. People who sign up for the “My Social Security” online service at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount will not receive statements in the mail. The agency said about 14 million people have established online accounts. — AP

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Investors face risks with Chinese stocks By Paul Wiseman and Marcy Gordon Something about the deal smelled fishy. China Marine Food Group Ltd., a Chinese company then on the New York Stock Exchange, spent $27 million in January 2010 to acquire a firm whose main asset was “algae-based drink know-how.” The weird thing: Three months earlier, the beverage formula had been valued below $8,800. But when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission tried to review the deal, it got nowhere. The company’s Chinese accounting firm refused to provide documents. And the SEC has been stymied since. And China Marine? Its share price topped $8 in 2010. It’s now around 12 cents. The case represents a cautionary tale for investors eager to invest in Chinese companies on American exchanges. Chi-

nese companies like Alibaba, whose initial public offering this year set a record high, operate under lax standards compared with other stocks on U.S. exchanges. That means higher risks for investors. Worries about the risks of Chinese stocks also emerged from a recent Associated Press investigation of Tianhe Chemicals Group Ltd. When that Chinese company went public in June, the U.S. investment banking powerhouse Morgan Stanley helped it raise $654 million from foreign investors. But Tianhe’s stock has lost 39 percent since allegations emerged that it had exaggerated the value of its business. “The protections that are often taken for granted are just not there [with Chinese companies],” said Joseph Carcello, an accounting professor at the University of Tennessee. More than 100 Chinese companies were suspended or kicked off U.S. exchanges in

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2011 and 2012, most of them for failing to file timely financial reports. These companies, including China Marine, had exploited a legal loophole so they could merge with American shell companies. By doing so, they elude much of the SEC oversight that comes from selling shares on U.S. markets for the first time. About two dozen of these companies have also been hit with SEC fraud or accounting charges. Yet the investigations have stalled because the companies’ audit papers are in China — beyond the SEC’s reach.

Trade as holding companies There are currently about 100 Chinese companies trading on the NYSE and the Nasdaq Stock Market. China restricts foreign investment in some businesses. To bypass that hurdle, Alibaba and many other Chinese companies deploy a structure called a “variable interest entity” or VIE. It works like this: The company listed on the U.S. exchange isn’t the actual Chinese company. Rather, it’s a holding company, typically based in a tax haven like the Cayman Islands. Foreign investors have no say in the company’s management. As a result, Chinese managers can restructure a company in ways that threaten investors. Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, for instance, spun off Alibaba’s payment service into a company he controlled without telling Yahoo, a major investor in Alibaba. The VIEs are also legally dubious in China. In 2011, a Chinese panel rejected a contract between Taiwan-based GigaMedia and a Chinese gambling business that GigaMedia thought it controlled through a VIE. The manager of the gambling business had seized documents required to operate in China. And GigaMedia could do nothing. In 2012, China’s Supreme People’s Court threw out contracts a Hong Kong businesswoman had used to dodge Chinese rules to invest in a Chinese bank. It cited agreements that “conceal illegal intentions.” Beijing could invoke similar reasoning to one day ban all VIEs, potentially imposing huge losses on American and other foreign investors, analysts say. China bars U.S. inspectors from audits done by Chinese accounting firms — in

order, it says, to protect its state secrets. This means most Chinese stocks on U.S. exchanges don’t comply with American law. “It’s a very serious problem,” said James Doty, chairman of the Public Company Oversight Accounting Board.

Why China bars auditors Experts say Beijing likely fears the documents would confirm suspicions that Chinese companies are delinquent on loans from state-owned banks or are involved in corruption. Its stance has hobbled U.S. investigations of stock fraud. Consider the China Marine case. Shares in the snack and beverage firm began trading on U.S. markets in 2007. U.S. investigators grew suspicious over China Marine’s $27 million purchase of most of a company that was built around a drink formula it had bought a year earlier for just $8,776. Had China Marine’s accounting firm reviewed the deal? If so, had it determined the value of the acquisition? Problem was, the accounting firm wouldn’t turn over the papers. And China Marine’s stock price plunged. Two years ago, the SEC sued the China affiliates of the Big Five accounting firms, saying U.S. law required them to provide the documents. In January, an SEC administrative law judge agreed and barred the firms from auditing U.S.-traded companies. The accounting oversight board is pursuing a deal with China to obtain the audits, an effort that Doty has made a high priority. Without a deal, more Chinese companies could be forced off U.S. markets. And more investors would be burned. Many analysts doubt it will come to that. Chinese companies want access to American capital. And American investment firms and stock exchanges want the fees they earn when Chinese stocks list on U.S. exchanges. In the meantime, the stocks trade on American markets without offering investors the protections they’re supposed to enjoy. For now, warns Dartmouth University finance professor Anant Sundaram, Chinese stocks aren’t safe: “I would not invest in those stocks,” he said. —AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Can healthcare stock funds stay on top? By Stan Choe Stocks don’t come with guarantees, but healthcare stocks have held up better than others during past downturns. People get sick regardless of the economy’s strength, after all, and an aging population around the world means more demand for prescription drugs and hospital care. Healthcare stock funds have returned an average of 19.1 percent annually over the last five years, more than any of the other 101 fund categories tracked by Morningstar. The strong returns are luring more dollars: Investors put more into healthcare funds last month than they pulled out, contrary to the trend for stock funds in general. But it’s important to keep in mind that conditions are much different for the sector than they were five years ago. Here’s a look at some questions to consider before buying a healthcare fund. Are healthcare stock funds really safer investments? Everything is relative, but they have been in the past. “We’re investing in demand for health, and that comes in drugs, devices and hospital services,” said Jean Hynes, manager of the Vanguard Healthcare fund (VGHCX), whose $40.9 billion in assets makes it the largest fund in the category by far. Demand for those tends to be more stable than it is for, say, electronics or other non-essentials. Consider how the financial crisis dragged the Standard & Poor’s 500 index to a loss of 37 percent in 2008, even after factoring in dividends. That year, healthcare stock funds lost an average of 23.4 percent. Many of the big pharmaceutical companies and insurers in the sector also pay dividends, which can help offer a smoother ride. Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Merck are the three largest healthcare stocks in the S&P 500, and all have a higher dividend yield than the index. What should I look for in a healthcare stock fund? Even within the healthcare sector, some

types of stocks are safer than others. On the more volatile end are biotechnology stocks, which can be boom-or-bust investments depending on how much excitement their drugs under development are generating. Puma Biotechnology, for example, has more than doubled this year, but that includes some extreme swings. This summer, it posted a one-day loss of 25.3 percent and a one-day gain of 295.4 percent. Investors hoping for a smoother ride should look for funds with a smaller percentage of their assets in biotechnology stocks, said Eddie Yoon. He manages the Fidelity Select Healthcare Portfolio fund (FSPHX), which has a four-star rating from Morningstar. Yoon has been paring back on biotech stocks: They make up 25 percent of his fund’s assets, down from 28 percent two years earlier. That’s even as surging prices for biotech stocks have made them a bigger part of the sector: They make up 22 percent of the index that Yoon benchmarks his fund against, up from 16 percent two years earlier. Why did healthcare stock funds do so well over the last five years? Healthcare funds were available at bargain prices five years ago. That’s when Congress was debating how to reform the healthcare system, and some investors worried that new regulations could hurt profits. Pharmaceutical stocks were hurt by worries about a slowdown in government approvals for new drugs. There were also concerns that a raft of patent expirations for high-profile drugs would send profits for large drugmakers off a cliff. “Fast forward to now, and we have a system where we at least understand what the system is going to look like,” Hynes said. “Companies have gotten through the patent cliffs in a way that was very predictable, and we are in a new and exciting product cycle.” The Affordable Care Act has meant more people have health insurance, which analysts expect will lead to higher demand for healthcare. That means investors are

willing to pay higher prices for the sector: Healthcare stocks in the S&P 500 trade at 20 times their earnings per share over the prior 12 months. Five years ago, they had a price-earnings ratio of 12. So the next five years will be just as good, right? Unlike five years ago, healthcare stocks are no longer cheap. Many are close to their average price-earnings ratios over the last few decades. Biotechnology stocks in particular can look expensive, as demand for their strong potential growth has inflated price-earnings ratios. That makes it tougher for healthcare funds to replicate their returns.

But prospects for companies’ earnings look better today than five years ago, Hynes said. Long-term trends are encouraging for the sector. Demand for healthcare tends to spike once a person gets past the age of 70. A similar leap occurs when someone enters the middle class. Both trends are occurring around the world, as the Baby Boom generation enters retirement and developing economies in China and India vault millions of families into the middle class. “That tail wind is there regardless of whether the economy is expanding or contracting,” Fidelity’s Yoon said. — AP

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A free meal with a spiel may carry a cost By Jane Bennett Clark Like many people over 50, I regularly receive invitations to seminars held at pricey local restaurants. Typically, these invitations offer a free lunch or dinner along with a presentation on how to make the most of retirement income and assets.

I’ve often wondered what, if anything, I could learn from these seminars and what the catch is. Hard sell? Bad advice? Lousy food? Thus I found myself on a recent weeknight sitting with a group of older-somethings at a white-tablecloth restaurant near

home. It was an hour into the program, but the speaker, a registered investment adviser, was just shifting into high gear. His presentation, delivered in the form of call-and-response (think revival meeting) was hokey, but the information seemed reasonable. As promised, it included advice on Social Security, withdrawal strategies and taxes — nothing controversial.

Subtle sales The presenter also brought up annuities and mentioned that as an insurance broker, he sells them. He urged us to make an appointment for a free one-on-one consultation, and he asked us to fill out a form with our contact information. I hesitated, but I also felt obligated, thanks to the dinner I had yet to be served. I filled out the form.

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Think before you buy Walsh’s advice: “Go and listen with an open mind, but don’t buy at the seminar itself. Take the information, think about it, and fully vet it.” Part of that vetting involves going to BrokerCheck (at www.finra.org), which lists the credentials of advisers and firms as well as any complaints lodged against them. Also find out who sponsored the event. “It’s a good idea to check out everybody involved,” Walsh said. Jane Bennett Clark is a senior editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. © 2014 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Bingo, says Gerri Walsh, senior vicepresident for investor education at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which is funded by the securities industry. “It’s the concept of reciprocity,” she noted. If I, a journalist, felt pressure to give my contact information, perhaps more vulnerable people might be persuaded to sign away much more. In fact, reports from regulatory agencies, including FINRA, warn that free-dinner seminars can include misleading claims and even outright fraud. Many seminars are sponsored by companies that have a stake in selling you their products — including investments that can be risky or inappropriate for certain people, such as variable or equity-indexed annuities. If you don’t get the pitch at the seminar itself, chances are it will come later, during the personal consultation you’ll be encouraged to attend. Not every seminar is shady or highpressure, said Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), whose members are fee-only advisors. Some financial advisers, including NAPFA members, use seminars to educate, cultivate new clients and reward old ones, he said.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Get to know Italy’s people and picturesque countryside through a customized walking vacation. See story on page 50.

Memphis — Elvis’ legacy and much more Music put Memphis on the map — blues, country, rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll and soul. A mid-city statue honors “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, who fused Mississippi Delta gospel and cotton-field songs in the early 20th century with lyrics that lament everyday struggles, tempered with hope for a better tomorrow. Memphians love to recall the day in 1954 when a six-foot, 19-year-old, sideburned, Crown Electric Company truck driver dropped in at Sun Studio, where anyone could record anything for $3.95. In his soft country accent, he asked to record a birthday song for his mother. Sun’s owner, Sam Phillips, was instantly wowed by Presley’s rocking rendition of “That’s Allright Mama,” which mixed country and blues, a sound Phillips had never before heard. “It’s not black, it’s not white, it’s not pop, it’s not country,” Sam told his friend, disc jockey Dewey Phillips, who played it on his popular WHBQ radio show, “Red, Hot and Blue.” Call-in requests to replay it flooded in. Elvis Aaron Presley was on his way.

By Glenda C. Booth Some teenage fantasies never die. For those who were teenagers in the 1950s and 1960s, there was a “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Goin’ On” and millions got “All Shook Up” by Elvis Presley’s pioneering gyrations and velvety vocals. Swoon. Making the pilgrimage to Elvis Presley’s Memphis environs verges on a religious rite for many. After all, he was “The King.” Here, you can marinate in all that was Elvis as well as the broader Memphis musical mystique, the influences on him, and the forces that spawned other famous musicians. It’s also a city of contrasts. Memphis offers the sweetness of the South — friendly, gentle people, and luscious cuisine like creamy banana pudding — against the dark backdrop of racism and slavery. Many black musicians rose to their fame in Memphis, but Memphis is also the town where Martin Luther King was assassinated. Memphis offers highs and lows, the stars who made it and stars who didn’t; the thrill of Elvis’s amazing rise to stardom alongside glimpses of his inner turmoil and untimely end.

Along famous Beale Street A city with spirit Memphis is perched on the banks of the Mississippi, a temperamental river, languid or roiling. And its famous music is infused with those elements as well. As bluegrass musician Marty Stuart put it, “Memphis is a hard core Mississippi River town. There’s a lot of spirit in that town.” That spirit seeps out of every crevice.

The town’s most famous thoroughfare, Beale Street, has clung to its historic, intertwined sacred and profane character. The dreams of many aspiring musicians began there. When a young man named Riley King performed in Memphis in the 1940s, he became known as the “Beale Street Blues Boy,” which was transformed to B.B. King. © STEVE KINGSMAN | DREAMSTIME.COM

The living room of Elvis Pressley’s Graceland features a 15-foot-long sofa and stained glass peacocks. The white-columned mansion is the second-most visited home in America after the White House.

Blues singers — from B.B. King, with his own nightclub, to Muddy Waters to Bobby “Blue” Bland — got their start on Beale Street, Memphis’s most famous thoroughfare.

B.B. King’s Blues Club is still a popular, live- music nightspot that serves “lipsmackin’ ribs” and “Southern comfort food.” Blues singers Muddy Waters, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Rufus Thomas, Memphis Minnie and many others started on Beale Street. Today it’s a seven-block entertainment district and host to an annual blues fest, next to be held May 1 to 3, 2015. The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, at 191 Beale St., traces the region’s musical evolution from southern cotton fields to contemporary performers. A 12-minute video reviews 60 years of “the Memphis sound.” There’s a 1946 Wurlitzer juke box; Ike Turner’s first piano, a black upright; Jerry Lee Lewis’s stage attire; Isaac Hayes’s mink coat; a Whitney Houston gown; and Elton John’s heart-shaped, baby blue eyeglasses. Another video pulls your teenage heartstrings: Elvis’s first performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1956, which Sullivan partly censored. Viewers saw Elvis only above the waist, blocked from watching those famous, jackhammer gyrations that unhinged millions of screaming fans. The STAX Museum of American Soul Music, which claims to be the only {solely) soul museum in the world, traces the history of gospel music and the blues. Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” and “Try a Little Tenderness” provide a soft, background soundtrack. With racial school segregation the norm, Stax Records

launched 1960s stars both black and white, like Redding, Hayes and Booker T and the MGs. Sam Phillips’s Sun Studio, which Elvis put on the map as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, is a modest three-room building. “If music were a religion, then Memphis would be Jerusalem and Sun Studio its most sacred shrine,” say promoters. When Elvis showed up, he said, “I don’t sound like nobody.” Phillips had instantly discovered a unique, new talent who could belt out uptempo rockabilly with gutwrenching rhythms, croon sensual comeons, and mix country, gospel and blues all into one. His sounds could be raw, emotive, wailing, tender or electric, and range over two octaves, Phillips recognized. Phillips also recorded blues singers like B. B. King, Howlin Wolf and Rufus Thomas. At Sun, Carl Perkins recorded “Blue Suede Shoes”; Johnny Cash, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I’ll Walk the Line”; Roy Orbison, “Ooby Dooby”; and Jerry Lee Lewis, “Great Balls of Fire.” Visitors can feel the vibes in the broadcasting booth and by caressing the actual microphone that Elvis poured his soul into.

Elvis’s Graceland “Graceland was the perfect expression of Elvis’s universe because it existed closest to his roots,” his wife, Priscilla, once explained. See MEMPHIS, page 49

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Memphis From page 48 The 14-acre estate, bought for $102,500 in 1957, symbolizes the instant catapult of Elvis from near poverty to instant fortune. The two-story, white-columned mansion, which hosts 3,000 visitors a day, is the second most visited home in the U.S. after the White House. Japan’s President Junichiro Koizumi, an Elvis fan, had Graceland on his bucket list. When former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2006 escorted him there, Koizumi sang, “Wise men say, only fools rush in.” En route on Air Force One, they dined on Elvis’s favorite food — grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Describing Graceland, Priscilla also said, “Elvis never did anything halfway.” Floor-to-ceiling, stained glass peacocks greet visitors upon entry. The living room has a white, 15-foot sofa. The pool room’s walls and ceiling are swathed in 350 yards

of fabric. The Jungle Room, laden with Polynesian décor, has images of monkeys, tigers and cougars plus furry furniture and green shag on the floor and ceiling. “’Bring it on!’ he wanted his rooms to say,” wrote Pamela Clarke Keogh, a biographer. The Trophy Room showcases his gold records, flamboyant jump suits spangled with sequins and appliqué, his Army uniform, a video of his 1967 wedding, wedding clothes, the movie script for “Jailhouse Rock,” and a tender telegram to his beloved mom, Gladys. A Graceland visit is a journey through the twists and turns of the “explosion in Memphis that changed the world.” Visitors’ awe of the material trappings is tempered by the fact that Elvis was found here in his bathroom, unconscious. His lifestyle caught up with him, some say. Behind the mansion, at his grave in the Meditation Garden, an eternal flame burns near a quotation in German: “Life is fleeting, but you will remain in our hearts.”

Beyond the mansion, Graceland has a crammed, hyper-commercial side, with shops hawking every conceivable Elvis souvenir and trinket. You can also visit an Elvis car museum, which includes a 1960 pink jeep and a 1955 pink Fleetwood Cadillac with white sidewall tires, and tour the Lisa Marie — his custommade, Convair 88 jet with suede and velvet sofas, brass faucets from Spain, and goldplated seat belts, named for his daughter.

Memories of MLK The Lorraine Motel, now the National Civil Rights Museum, is a must visit. It’s a mostly unchanged 1960s motel with turquoise doors. On its balcony, in 1968, civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King was gunned down at age 39 when James Earl Ray fired a high-powered rifle from a rooming house across the street.

Exhibits tell the story of five centuries of civil rights struggle, from slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, to King’s death. Videos recount the sanitation workers’ strike that brought Dr. King to Memphis, the Freedom Riders, Selma’s Bloody Sunday, and the 1963 March on Washington. Seeing room 306, where King stayed, is certain to stir the emotions. For a picker-upper, try the Peabody Hotel lobby for the famous “Peabody ducks.” With regal pomp and circumstance, the “Duck Master” introduces the permanent “residents” and “marches” mallard ducks to the lobby’s Romanesque fountain at 11 a.m. daily. At 5 p.m., he “directs” them back to their rooftop “room.” Oprah, Larry King and Jordan’s Queen See MEMPHIS, page 51

Winter events in Memphis Graceland will be festooned inside and out at Christmas with hundreds of blue lights lining the driveway and spotlighting some original Presley decorations — a lifesized nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh and more. Visit www.graceland.com /events/christmas.aspx. Elvis “turns 80” on Jan. 8 and Graceland will throw a celebration from Jan. 7 to 10, 2015. Festivities include conversations with co-stars, musicians and others who worked with Elvis, and a dance party with a disc jockey spinning Elvis dance tunes. Fans can attend a birthday cake-cutting

ceremony and top the weekend off with a concert by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra performing “chart-topping hits that remind you why Elvis is and always will be the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Visit www.graceland.com/events/birthday.aspx. From Jan. 20-24, blues musicians from around the world will compete when the Blues Foundation hosts what they tout as the world’s largest gathering of blues acts. All the gigs are throughout Beale Street. For details, visit www.blues.org/international-blues-challenge/2015-internationalblues-challenge.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A walking tour thru picturesque Tuscany By Karen Schwartz Walking from the towns of Buonconvento to Montalcino as part of a weeklong trek through Tuscany, I was faced with a tough decision. How many bottles of wine could I rea-

sonably carry in my daypack? The road that led to this quandary had passed right by the Caparzo winery — so naturally, we stopped in for a sample. Now I weighed the taste of the awardwinning Brunello against the realities of

being only midway through our 9-mile walk on a warm day: A grueling ascent up a steep grade to Montalcino still lay ahead. I opted to carry only one bottle. Once it was packed away, we topped up our water and continued on, past rolling vineyards and along a short stretch of the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrim route running from France to Rome. It was another typical day on our selfguided trip walking from town to town in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia. If we could avoid encountering vipers and wild boar, we had nary a care in the world.

Tour company handles logistics My husband and I had booked the tour through Girosole, which specializes in customized Italian walking tours and conveniently has a U.S. office. Because the trips are private, we got to pick the departure

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date and duration. We opted for seven nights in five towns. On the other two days, we were shuttled in one direction and walked in the other. They handled all the logistics: hotel reservations, shuttles to and from the train, baggage transfers, detailed walking directions and even a cellphone for emergencies. Our responsibilities were few. We only needed to have our bags packed by 9 a.m. each day, bring enough water, and try not to lose the directions. (After dropping them once on the roadside, I took a picture of them each day with my phone’s camera as a backup.) Otherwise, we were free to walk and sightsee at our own pace. The directions, while not infallible, were very specific, referencing distances, landmarks, topography, and the occasional marker from the Italian alpine club. They also included useful tidbits like the amount of shade, the availability of water, the locations of bathrooms, and whether neighborhood dogs were friendly. The landscape — with large farmhouses and borders of cypress trees — often seemed familiar, immortalized in countless paintings during the Renaissance by artists from the Sienese School. Ten years ago, the Val d’Orcia, about 25 miles south of Siena, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, chosen for its artistic influence, and its association with the utopian ideals of sustainable rural development.

Off the beaten path Often we walked on dirt roads around vineyards or while watching a lone tractor traverse a wheat field. Some days we passed through the forest where unseen wild boar left hoof prints on muddy paths. We visited two monasteries and skirted one truffle reserve. Other travelers were few. Most days we covered about eight miles, with an average elevation gain of 1,200 feet. We’d generally pass through the gates of the next walled town in the afternoon, just as the buses with the hordes of day-trippers from Siena and Florence were leaving. That was ideal. Although the hill towns thrive on tourism, it was nice to move beyond the cheese, wine and souvenir shops, and explore their historic fortifications (including spectacular views from the ramparts in Montalcino), small museums (like the mansion of the Piccolomini clan in Pienza) and beautiful churches. We were fortunate to catch the start of the annual Festival of Barbarossa in San Quirico d’Orcia, held each June, in which the town’s four quarters re-enact a 12th century competition with flag and archery contests. Adding to the ambiance in San Quirico was the discovery that our room at the hotel Palazzo del Capitano had a turret that afforded great sweeping views. When booking the tour, we had a choice of three levels of hotels and opted for the See ITALY, page 52

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Memphis From page 49 Noor have been honorary duck masters. “The hardest part is getting them into the elevator,” quipped a recent duck master. Memphis is music and more. When 19year-old Elvis exploded with “That’s Alright Mama” in Sun Studio, the legend began. Today, the legend not only lives, it looms.

If you go The historic Peabody Hotel has hosted every U.S. president since Harry Truman. The public spaces have marble columns and burnished woodwork. The hotel is themed around the Peabody ducks — duck soap, toilet paper and mints. For January, prices are $230 and up. For details and reservations, call (901) 529-4000 or visit www.peabodymemphis.com/peabody. For Elvis nostalgia, try the Heartbreak Hotel near Graceland. There are four suites inspired by The King’s life. On your second

honeymoon? Try the “Burning Love” suite and the heart-shaped pool. Room prices range from $115 to $650/night. Call (877) 777-0606 or visit www.graceland.com/visit /heartbreakhotel.aspx. Hush puppies seem ubiquitous in Memphis, but the city is truly famous for its barbeque. Memphians would never “spoil” their BBQ with vinegar, like those rascal North Carolinians. Instead, chefs specialize in a dry rub, tomato-based sauce. At the One and Only, http://oneandonlybbq.com, (901) 751-3615, try the hickory smoked chicken, ribs or pulled pork, and the twice-baked potato salad. The luscious, light banana pudding with whipped cream is to die for. Another option is Central BBQ, at (901) 672-7760, http://cbqmemphis.com/. American Airlines is offering round trip fares from Reagan Washington National Airport with one stop for $234. From Baltimore Washington International, Delta has one-stop flights from $226 to $254.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 20

DOWNTON ABBEY EXHIBIT

Arlington County presents a Yuletide tour of the Downton Abbey exhibit of 40 historically inspired costumes, and the contrasting world of Winterthur founder Henry Francis du Pont in Delaware on Saturday, Dec. 20. The cost is $36. The bus leaves at 8:45 a.m. from the Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Dr, Arlington, Va., and returns at 8 p.m. For more information and to register, call (703) 228-4748.

Dec. 12

RUSSIAN WINTER FESTIVAL

Arlington County presents a trip to a Russian Winter Festival on Saturday, Dec. 12. Meet Grandfather Frost (Russia’s Santa Claus), mummers and fortune tellers, and create headdresses at the Hillwood Museum in D.C. The cost is $24. Lunch is on your own at Hillwood. The bus leaves at 10:15 a.m. from the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St., Arlington, Va. and returns at 3:30 p.m. To register, call (703) 228-4748.

Voted #1 in Prince William County BEACON BITS

Ongoing

AARP CAPITOL HILL CHAPTER

AARP’s Capitol Hill Chapter #2881 in the District of Columbia is looking for members to make new friends and strive to make the local community a better place to live. They are a nonprofit community service organization that is open to all local AARP members. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at noon; lunch is included. Meetings are held at the Liberty Baptist Church, 527 Kentucky Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. For more information, contact Mattie Coates at mattiecmcc@sc.com or (202) 397-1889.

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Italy From page 50 middle, somewhere between standard and luxury. All of the hotels we stayed in were welcoming, clean and comfortable. Our bags were always waiting in our

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

room, giving us plenty of time to clean up and explore the town before choosing where to have that night’s sumptuous dinner. Being Tuscany, the food was fabulous, often featuring dishes made from local truffles, pecorino or cinghiale — wild boar.

For wine, there was no place like Montepulciano, where restaurants like La Bottega del Nobile boasted as many as 60 local offerings by the glass. The famous city is often associated with the Val d’Orcia, and was a stop on our trip, even though it sits in a neighboring territory. And that bottle of Brunello? It was exquisite. But I was glad I had decided to carry only one, because it turned out that the winery shipped. So, many months later, with a case in my basement, I’m still enjoying the fruits of my trip.

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Girosole: www.girosole.com. Tour company organizes small group walking tours of Italy. Val D’Orcia: http://whc.unesco.org/en /list/1026. UNESCO World Heritage site in Siena, in the Tuscany region of Italy. Walking itineraries: www.parcodellavaldorcia .com/en/itinerari.asp Palazzo Del Capitano: www.palazzodelcapitano.com/en/index.html. Hotel located in San Quirico d’Orcia. Rates vary by room and date. — AP

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A hiking tour through Tuscany’s scenic Val d’Orcia region allows visitors to get an upclose view of the landscape. Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

A Special Supplement to The Beacon newspaper

Happy Hanukkah

Light the first candle at sundown December 16

December 2014/No. 35

The new 101by Emily Tipermas Seated comfortably in his Ring House apartment dressed in jeans and a puffer vest, Morris Erger, age 101, explains how he remains robust and trim. Three times a week, he goes to the Jewish Community Center across the street – on foot – to work out on the treadmill and with weights; on alternate days, he practices Tai Chi. Beyond this, he walks everywhere — without a walker or cane — even for groceries at the nearby Trader Joe’s. As he prepares a lunch of buttered toast, herring, cookies, and coffee, centenarian Erger shares other details of his day. He reads newspapers avidly to follow American politics and world affairs. Each week he walks to B’nai Israel Congregation to attend Shabbat services and lectures that interest him. His major focus and deep concern is the future of Jews and the state of Israel. “I know what it is not to have a homeland,” he states firmly as the Morris Erger, 101, checks the news on his iPad.

conversation shifts to his wartime experience. Born in 1912 in the area now known as the Czech Republic, the fifth of eight children, Erger was 29 when he was abruptly ordered mid-day to drop his job at a wholesale import-export store in the Hungarian town of Rachov and report to a labor camp in Uzhorod, behind the Ukrainian front. In labor camps from 1941 to 1945, he was subjected to punishing work, extreme deprivation, and beatings. Erger notes with bitterness, “It’s all true.” Undeterred after the war by constant setbacks to restore normalcy to his life, Erger eventually made his way to Brooklyn in 1958 with his wife and two daughters. Working 70-hour weeks, he progressed from a job at a knitting mill to become the owner of a delicatessen on Long Island, which he operated successfully until retirement. Nine years ago Erger, who speaks seven languages, moved to Ring House to be near his younger daughter and her family. He appreciates the amenities and safety features offered at this independent-living residence on our campus, but what he wanted most was a life within a strong Jewish community, with Jewish learning opportunities and cultural enrichment. At Ring House, he thinks he made the right choice. For more information about independent living at Ring House call 301.816.5012. n

HEBREW HOME • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES • COHEN-ROSEN HOUSE ELDERSAFE • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • LANDOW HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • RING HOUSE Ring House celebrates 25th

Charles E. Smith exhibit opens

Creativity on campus

Physicians make house calls

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Catch the latest about Charles E. Smith Life Communities Social media: facebook.com/ceslc, Twitter.com/ceslchhgw, YouTube Website: www.smithlifecommunities.org | Monthly enews: Sign up today at info@ceslc.org

Event makers

First person

Home Run

Community is an important part of our name,

More than 100 volunteers helped along the race route through Rockville. Top: Every Fun Run finisher received a medal. Marco Franco shows off his.

Photo by Randy Sager

Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO, Charles E. Smith Life Communities

More than 400 runners and 100 volunteers came out to support Charles E. Smith Life Communities at the Home Run on Sunday, September 21. Runners and walkers participated in a 10K, 5K, and Fun Run, and everyone enjoyed a post-race party with lots of great food, a moon bounce, DJ, and prizes. Kunihiko Hayashi of Rockville was the first place 10K male, and Emmie Perchak of Milford, New Jersey, was the first place 10K female. In the 5K, first place male was Reuben Winston of Potomac, and first place female was Paige Waterman of Silver Spring. A special thank you to Lead Sponsors EagleBank and Ronald D. Paul Companies, Kathy and Jon Tomares, and Minkoff Company, Inc. n

Photos by Randy Sager

and a crucial part of who we are and what we do. What does “community” mean to you? A neighborhood? A sense of belonging? A group with shared values? A system of support and caring? Throughout this issue of LifeTimes, you will find stories that describe Charles E. Smith Life Communities from all these viewpoints. Page one shares the story of a resident who has found our campus to be an outstanding place to call home, and page five tells the stories of seniors who share a love of art and creativity. Turn to page four to read a story about the opening of a new exhibit, Building a Community, which honors Charles E. Smith. The Charles E. Smith name on our organization is not just a sign of the extraordinary generosity and vision of a remarkable individual and his family; it’s an alignment of shared values and vision for our entire community. We are honored to be the site of this important exhibit. Communities grow and change, and the story on page three illustrates how gifts have improved our community by transforming our post-acute services and enabling us to purchase an additional building. With the support of donors, lay leaders, and dedicated staff, our community has its own transportation system, medical practice, dental offices, synagogue, art studios, libraries, and more than a dozen places to eat and have one’s hair done. But most important, we are a community where people care for one another, help one another, and share life’s moments. I invite you to join us in our mission. n

Cutting the ribbon to open the Building a Community exhibit are Warren R. Slavin, Robert P. Kogod, David Bruce Smith, and Marc F. Solomon, Chair, Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Read about the exhibit on page 4. Page 2 | December 2014

Ring House celebrates 25 years

Alan Freeman and David Freishtat, center, toast Ring House’s 25th anniversary at the November 6 celebration, surrounded by residents and families.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

SAVE THE DATE

Say you saw it in the Beacon

January 13 HEBREW HO

Open House at Ring House Stop by between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. to enjoy refreshments, ask about services including physician house calls, and check out the model apartment. Call 301.816.5052.

HEBREW HO

ME OF GREA TER WASHIN GTON • CO HEN-ROSEN LANDOW HO HOUSE • HI USE • REVIT RSH HEALTH Z HOUSE • CENTER RING HOUS E

Special “Menschen”

Dekelboum Family Foundation gift facilitates Charles E. Smith Life Communities expansion On November 7, Charles E. Smith Life Communities purchased 6101 Montrose Road in Rockville, Maryland. The three-story brick office building is on a .67-acre site adjacent to the senior services campus, and was purchased from the Greater Washington Jewish Community Foundation, Inc., and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. The office building has 30,000 square feet, and offers the opportunity for the organization to consolidate financial, development, and communication offices, and to establish a learning center for staff training and educational programs for the community. One floor will continue to be rented to business tenants. The offices that will be relocated to the newly-acquired building will move near the end of the first quarter of 2015. The building purchase was made possible by a generous $2 million grant from the Elsie and Marvin Dekelboum Family Foundation. The foundation’s support of Charles E. Smith Life Communities has also enhanced resident transportation throughout the campus, transformed the Post-Acute Care Center and rehabilitation therapy areas at the Hebrew Home, and renewed the second floor dining and living spaces used by post-acute patients and their families. In recognition of the foundation’s extraordinary philanthropy, the Elsie and Marvin Dekelboum Family Foundation will be recognized with Charles E. Smith Life Communities’ highest honor, the Hymen Goldman Award, on December 11, at the Starlight event at the Bethesda North Marriott and Conference Center. “The Dekelboum Family Foundation’s philanthropy has shaped the trajectory of our organization in so many ways,” said Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO of Charles E. Smith Life Communities. “I’m

I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire Landow House “family” for all that you have done and are doing for my parents. From the moment my parents arrived, everyone, without exception, has provided them with the most skilled care and compassionate treatment that anyone can hope to have. I want to note that everyone has been so wonderful not only in your interactions with my parents, but also in your dealings with me and my siblings. We are so thankful that all of you are so responsive to us and so accessible. Knowing that our parents are in your care gives all of us great comfort and peace of mind. With warm regards and in gratitude, Ari Leifman Meet Ari’s parents on page 8.

Starlight

Thursday | Dec ember

11, 2014 |

6:30 p.m. Bethesda Nort h Marriott Ho 5701 Marinelli tel Road, North B ethesda, Maryl and Entertainment: Kevin Pollak

www.hebrew-ho

in suppor t of Charles E. Sm ith Life Com munities and the 2014 Guardian Cam paign Honoring: T he Elsie and Marvin Dekel boum Family Founda tion

me .org/starlight

| 301.770.8 32

sure Hymen Goldman himself, as well as the women and men who have led our organization for 104 years, would feel our recognition is well-placed.” “The Elsie and Marvin Dekelboum Family Foundation has been pleased to work with Charles E. Smith Life Communities on so many projects that provide quality, meaningful, and immediate impact to seniors and their families,” said Gail Hartstein, foundation president. “We are grateful to our friends at The Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation for giving us the opportunity to keep this building in the Jewish community. It will allow us to expand our resident care services in the Smith-Kogod Residence and give us room — literally and figuratively — to adapt to the changing needs and desires of seniors and their families,” continued Slavin. n

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc., dba Charles E. Smith Life Communities. The Hebrew Home is a registered charity in Maryland and Virginia. A copy of the Home’s financial statement is available from the Maryland Secretary of State or the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs. We are an equal opportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are open to all in the community.

Marc F. Solomon, Chair Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO Abbey S. Fagin, V P, Development and Public Affairs Marilyn Feldman, Director, Communication © 2014 by Hebrew Home of Greater Washington 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 301.881.0300 www.smithlifecommunities.org

While Charles E. Smith Life Communities partners with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington on community issues, we are not a beneficiary agency.

Support us through a gift to United Way

3 check 8111 or CFC n 3 check 49705. n LifeTimes | Page 3

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Charles E. Smith wrote a Prescription for Longevity in 1990. Some of his advice: • W ake up at 7:00 a.m. Relax in bed for one hour. This will get your mind in gear. NO TELEVISION. Begin considering, “How can I help my community?” • 2 0 minutes of stationary bicycling, reading the newspaper while peddling. 20 minutes of stretching and flexing. A 20-minute walk. [Take breaks to eat a whole grapefruit and two glasses of skim milk with cereal and a few berries.]

• M inimize your pressures. Delegate matters to your confidants. • D inner around 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Relax. Play bridge a few times a week, visit with friends, or attend charitable functions. • Bedtime at 10:00 p.m. Read until sleepy! • No smoking or alcohol. Eight glasses of water a day.

Building a Community exhibit honors Charles E. Smith A permanent new exhibit honoring Charles E. Smith, Building a Community, has opened in the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington at Charles E. Smith Life Communities.

Photos by Nadia Lonkevych

Photographs of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy, and a letter from President Jimmy Carter are a sampling of those in Smith’s office now on display at the Hebrew Home. Robert P. Kogod, Charles E. Smith, and Robert H. Smith at a construction site. Michael Smith Liss and his son, a greatgreat-grandchild of Charles E. Smith, enter the exhibit, surrounded by window graphics that show individuals touched by Smith’s generosity.

This game board was presented to Smith by students at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville.

The exhibit puts on display for the first time, artifacts from the Crystal City office of Charles E. Smith. Smith arrived in New York as a ten-year-old who spoke only Yiddish. By the close of his 94 years, Smith had become one of the region’s largest builders, developers, and property managers. His philanthropy and leadership shaped the Washington community, and his office overlooked a sweeping view of Reagan National Airport, its walls filled with honors, photographs, and letters from the most respected statesmen in America and Israel. Visitors to the exhibit can see Mr. Smith’s desk and walk through a passageway framed with photo-murals of those whose lives have been influenced by Smith’s philanthropy and leadership. The main area of the exhibit illustrates Smith’s role in different spheres, including his family, business, community, and philanthropy. A six-minute video, Papa Charlie, allows visitors to experience Smith’s story in his own voice. “To now have a permanent profile about Papa Charlie, 72 years after his Washington arrival, closes what he called ‘the three circles of life: family, friends, community,’” said grandson David Bruce Smith at the Page 4 | December 2014

Photo by Michael Kress

Among the items on the desk from Charles E. Smith’s office is an engraved plaque that reads, “God gave me the gift of life; what I do with my life is my gift to God.”

dedication ceremony on October 5. “Sometimes, after time has passed, a person’s history can become diluted and distorted, and he or she is demoted to a brand name only. Thanks to you, Charles E. Smith is here to stay as he was.” George Washington University’s indoor athletic center, the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, the Jewish Community Services Campus in Rockville, and the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington and its affiliated senior services bear his name in recognition of his vision and support. “It is our privilege and honor to be the home of this exhibit,” said Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO of Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Learn more about this exhibit at www.smithlifecommunities.org. n

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Enjoy this holiday favorite from HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • COHEN-ROSEN HOUSE • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER

Hanukkah Latkes

Make these colorful by substituting a grated zucchini and grated sweet potato for two of 6 potatoes, roughly 1 t salt grated and drained ½ t baking powder the potatoes. Mix all ingredients. Drop a large spoonful, about ¼ cup per latke, into hot skillet 1 onion, grated ¼ t pepper and brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent 2 eggs Oil for frying paper. Serve hot topped with applesauce, sour 3 T flour HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON •cream, COHEN-ROSEN HOUSE •fraiche HIRSH HEALTH or crème and CENTER lox. LANDOW HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • RING HOUSE

LANDOW HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • RING HOUSE

Campus news

Ring House 25th anniversary puts the spotlight on creativity Deborah Rittenhouse, Ring House art specialist has a passion: to generate creativity in the many residents, ages 60 to 100, who flock to her classes in the cozy terrace-level art room. The walls are covered with artwork, and every surface is laden with books and supplies. But what makes the setting unique is the unusual connectivity and excitement among students, and their appreciation of their teacher. “Deborah is magnificent,” remarked sculptor Marilyn Simon. Rittenhouse organized the 25th Ring House anniversary art exhibit on November 9, which showcased experiments in diverse media. In addition to collage, pastel, watercolor, mosaics, sculpture, prints, and photography, are unusual works such as painting on glass, digitallymanipulated graphics, and petit point embroidery. The most unique piece on display was created in 1964 by resident-artist Selma Hurwitz. She used a new art medium, Hadbakah, glued-thread painting; the word is Hebrew for “gluing.” “Residents discover, take chances, fail, keep trying, and share with others in the community,” notes Rittenhouse. “The classes and lectures offered here, and the many trips to galleries and museums inspire, challenge, and support creative possibilities for all Ring House residents.” Rittenhouse cites Life Long Learning program opportunities, and thanks the Jewish Community Center for onsite lectures, C&T Youth Academy for technology student assistance, and the Jewish Cultural Arts Museum Program at George Washington University for graduate student placement. n

Marilyn Simon – “I feel alive when my inner spirit flows through my fingers.”

Joyce Lyman – “I used over 200 colors and spent two years completing my tapestry. You have to love embroidering to be willing to put the time and effort into doing it.”

ose Grossman – “I create R to express my inner feelings — excitement, joy, pity, anger, grief — by composing something visual that is pleasing to the eye.”

Sylvia Berkowitz – “I like working with my hands! I also enjoy choosing different color combinations for my work.”

Pearl O. Krepchin – “I create because I enjoy seeing the results. I get positive feedback when others look at my paintings.”

ollie Leventhal M – “I’m doing more art than I’ve ever done in my whole life. I never knew I had so much talent.”

Seniors at Landow House assisted living and CohenRosen House memory care participated in a three-month series of classes with VisArts funded by the Ellen Gelman Special Exhibition Fund. A showing of their work in acrylics, tile, fused glass, and ceramics opens on December 18 at 4:00 p.m. at the Landow House Gelman Art Gallery. The residents themselves thought up the name for this enriching program: Arts Alive! LifeTimes | Page 5

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

For 104 years, we’ve been here fulfilling Jewish values by caring

for seniors with dignity. Your gift helps 1,000 seniors on our campus lead active and meaningful lives with confidence and security. To make a tax-deductible contribution go to www.smithlifecommunities.org or call 301.770.8329. Take stock. Give stock. Gifts of appreciated stock are an excellent way to help. Designate CFC # 49705 or United Way # 8111.

Sharing our Expertise Charles E. Smith Life Communities continued its well-attended Remember This series of programs this fall, addressing crucial topics in dementia and memory care.

I’ll Be Me About 200 guests came to AMC Loews Rio Cinemas in Gaithersburg Sunday evening, November 9, for a special screening of I’ll Be Me, a remarkable documentary chronicling singer Glen Campbell’s farewell tour. With the support of his family and team, Campbell embarked on a 151-performance tour after going public with his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The movie has now been released commercially. Following the screening, the audience was able to participate in a discussion with producer Trevor Albert, Guide to Retirement Living Sourcebook publisher Steve Gurney, and Alzheimer’s expert Dr. Nicole Absar. The discussion centered on the significant role family caregivers fill, and the ability of Alzheimer’s patients to tap into areas of the brain that deal with procedural and emotional memory, even as other areas of memory are failing. Campbell’s ability and joy in performing, despite being unable to recall the day or the season, was strikingly evident in the movie. “This amazing story is not unusual,” noted Dr. Absar, who explained that Alzheimer’s patients often retain longest their ability to continue to do what is deeply ingrained, what they were really good at, and what they have been passionate about.

Rob Stelboum and Jeff Pargament at the special screening of I’ll Be Me. Page 6 | December 2014

Dementia in Parkinson’s and Lewy Body disease On December 1, Dr. Zoltan Mari of Johns Hopkins University spoke at Landow House about the second most-prevalent cause of progressive memory loss after Alzheimer’s, that caused by Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body disease. A CNN story in November announced that actor Robin Williams had Lewy Body disease, raising awareness of this illness. Dr. Mari’s lecture covered the challenges of diagnosing, evaluating, and managing treatment of dementia when these conditions exist. Dr. Mari is board-certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology, and he directs several areas at Johns Hopkins focusing on movement disorders and deep brain stimulation. The Remember This programs are offered at no charge, thanks to a generous grant from the Hurwitz Lecture Fund at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. To learn more about the Remember This series and to be notified of upcoming programs, please contact Jill Berkman at 301.816.5052, or berkman@hebrew-home.org n Photos by Randy Sager

Now in its tenth year, the Clinical Pastoral Education program led by pastoral care director Rabbi James Michaels has enrolled interns with exceptionally varied backgrounds. Front row, from left: David Abramowitz, computer security specialist, studying for ordination as a cantor; Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, National Cancer Institute research physician; and Rabbi Hillel Baron, director of the Lubavitch Center for Jewish Education in Howard County. Standing: Evan Krame, a trust and estate attorney studying for ordination as rabbi; Sabrina Sojourner, transition coach and spiritual counselor; Rabbi Michaels; Rabbi Devorah Lynn, former rabbi of Beth Sholom Temple in Fredericksburg, Virginia; and David Balto, antitrust attorney and JSSA hospice volunteer. This educational program offers unique professional training for individuals of all religious backgrounds who wish to work with people in a healthcare setting facing life-changing events. Call Rabbi Michaels to learn more at 301.770.7711. n

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Charitable gift annuities benefit the charity of your choice…and you!

Please send me a personalized gift annuity illustration without obligation:

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To learn more, call 301.770.8342 or mail this form to Elana Lippa, Director of Gift Planning, 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852.

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People in the news Few of us can remember the old days when house calls were common. Today, Dr. Zoovia Aman, the director of Outpatient Services at Hirsh Health Center, makes house calls to Hirsh patients at Ring House and Revitz House if they’re ill.

“It’s so easy to do,” exclaims Elaine Pearl, 82, who for the past seven years has patiently – and lovingly – knitted dozens of lap rugs and cuddly shawls in delicious ice cream hues for residents. Each piece takes about 70 hours to complete. Mrs. Pearl, a retired grants management specialist, was inspired to create these cherished pieces based on her visits with her mother at the Hebrew Home years ago, when she grew to appreciate the Home’s warmth and Jewish setting.

Veterans of WWII and Vietnam, Sam Mason, Max G. Bernhardt, and J.D. Harwell of Revitz House were warmly thanked for their service at an event organized by Honor Flight Capital Region at the World War II Memorial on November 8.

After their robust Oktoberfest performance, Alpine Dancers Herbert and Carol Traxler stopped to chat with Hebrew Home resident Katherine Cohen, 102, who thought the dancing was spectacular…along with the beef bratwurst.

Tom Henteleff, 71, a retired managing partner at Kleinfeld, Kaplan, and Becker, is writing a novel among other pursuits. But he also wanted to help others, and now, to our benefit, has begun volunteering at the Hebrew Home. “Couldn’t be more rewarding!” says Mr. Henteleff.

Hebrew Home resident Edward Taylor never took a music lesson. But to everyone’s astonishment at a recent luncheon, hosted by the family of Sylvia Kay Greenberg, he stepped up to the band, and strummed like a pro. “He plays by ear — to perfection,” says proud stepdaughter Wanda Marshall, a supervisor in our accounting office.

Staff spotlight: Director of Recreation Therapy, Russell Rogers, right, works hard to create a nurturing and active environment for residents, striving for a balanced mix of exercise, social, and cognitive programs rounded out with musical entertainment, holiday celebrations, and special events. n

LifeTimes | Page 7

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Calendar of events DECEMBER

t h g i l r Sta

Starlight, an evening with Kevin Pollak 6:30 p.m., Bethesda North Marriott. Call 301.770.8329.

First night of Hanukkah

Performing artist and composer Sam Glaser entertains Hebrew Home residents and families, 10:30 a.m., Wasserman Residence and 2:30 p.m., Smith-Kogod Residence.

JANUARY

13 28

Open House 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Ring House. Call 301.816.5052.

ElderSAFE Center Celebration 3:00 p.m., Wasserman Residence RSVP: www.eldersafe.org

H2YP application deadline The 2015 session of the Shirley and Harold Robinson Youth Philanthropy program for high school students is about to kick off its sixth year. Students act as a foundation board, making decisions on grant proposals and learning about tzedakah. Call 301.770.8409.

MARCH

Purim

Seminar for allied professionals Protecting Seniors from Financial Abuse, 7:30 a.m., CohnReznick, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD. RSVP: 301.770.8342

OTHER EVENTS 1st Sunday of the month – Jewish War Veterans Meeting Ring House, 10:00 a.m., Veterans and interested persons welcome. 2nd Monday of the month Family Caregiver Support Group Presented jointly by Ring House and JSSA Senior Services. Free, open to the community. Ring House, noon – 1:30 p.m. Call 301.816.2635

For more information about community events, resident programs, and news for families, visit www.smithlifecommunities.org

Lives well-lived begin a new chapter by Emily Tipermas With two of their four children living nearby, Vera and Morton Leifman made the move from New York to Landow House this summer. Rabbi Morton M. Leifman was a vice president of the Jewish Theological Seminary and former dean of its cantorial school; his wife Vera, whose family escaped Germany in 1939, became an accomplished violinist and attorney. We welcome them to our campus, and share a letter written by their son Ari on page 3. Each of our residents can look back on a life filled with accomplishment, and the Leifmans are no exception. As a child who was disinterested in sports, Rabbi Leifman looks back with delight at the opportunity to master the High Holiday liturgy at age 15, guided over a summer by his synagogue’s rabbi and cantor. By 21, Leifman was earning joint degrees from New York University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, and filling a role as assistant rabbi at a Sephardic congregation in Brooklyn. In his early career he served as US Army chaplain, first rabbi of Montreal’s Congregation Beth El, and director of the Seminary’s Jerusalem program. He also translated The Ineffable Name of God: Man, by Abraham Joshua Heschel, poems in Yiddish and English. Vera, a violinist, played with the Israel Radio Symphony from 1969 to 1973. When the couple returned to New York, she began law school, and as a litigation and matrimonial law attorney, became director of litigation in the Brooklyn unit of Legal Services Corporation, a federally-funded program that had a special mandate to provide legal counsel to impoverished Jews in the community. At Landow House, the couple enjoys the company of their children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, and they easily captivate listeners with their stories and their obvious affection after 52 years of marriage.

Email us at: info@ceslc.org

How to Reach Us ebrew Home n H 301.770.8476 Post-Acute Care Center and Long-term care www.hebrew-home.org

Page 8 | December 2014

n C ohen-Rosen House n ElderSAFE Center 301.816.5050 301.816.5099 www.cohen-rosen.org www.eldersafe.org

n H irsh Health Center 301.816.5004

n Landow House n R evitz House 301.816.5050 301.770.8450 www.landowhouse.org www.revitzhouse.org

n R ing House 301.816.5012 www.ringhouse.org

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Arts &

Norman Lear explores the roots of his hit ‘70s sitcoms in a new autobiography. See story on page 64.

Manic, mixed-up and fun musical comedy Broadway the following year, where it was nominated for a slew of Tony Awards. You will note the description of “songs,” rather than score, or music and lyrics. That’s because there is no score; music is presented by an old-timey skiffle band in interludes between scenes. Skiffle is defined in the dictionary as “a type of popular music with jazz, blues, folk and roots influences, usually using homemade or improvised instruments.” For our purposes, think of it as the light-but-popular music killed off in England by the Beatles. Cast members sing and play instruments, and the musicians also play small parts, so it’s all very organic. You’ll hear a dozen tunes, presented English Music Hall style, with such instruments as double bass, kazoo, bass guitar, violin, trombone, steel drum, guitars, percussion, face, etc. (Yeah, face.) The play takes place within a fake proscenium, adding to the Music Hall ambiance.

work and hungry. Always hungry. He lands a job as all-purpose assistant to Roscoe, a small-time hood, who is really Francis’ twin sister Rachel (Katy Carkuff) in disguise. It seems Roscoe was killed by Rachel’s boyfriend Stanley (Daniel Corey). Francis also ends up working for the self-absorbed gangster twit Stanley (hence, the “two guvnors;” “guvnor” is British slang for boss) as he waits for Rachel, unaware of her disguise or the fact that she and Stanley are a couple. They all end up in Brighton, the place for “dirty weekends,” as they say. Now, Francis wants to hold on to both jobs, so he does his best to keep “Roscoe” (really Rachel) and Stanley apart. On the sidelines, another half-dozen characters mix and

Shakespearean slapstick

Doug Wilder stars as the alwayshungry Francis in One Man, Two Guvnors at 1st Stage in McLean, Va. The energetic musical farce runs through Dec. 28.

Do we bother describing the plot? You’re probably expecting that, so let’s ‘ave a go. Our hero is Francis (Doug Wilder), out of

Experience the Holiday Magic at Toby’s!

PHOTO BY TERESA CASTRACAN

By Michael Toscano Here’s a good family show for the holidays — and by that I mean one that will let you escape the holidays for two-and-a-half hours. There’s no mistletoe, Santas or carols. 1st Stage in Tyson’s has given us a present this year with One Man, Two Guvnors, onstage through the end of the month. There’s no forced warmth, no lessons learned, and nobody’s selling you anything. It’s just a heck of a lot of fun. With all the shopping nearby, you’ll have a chance to stow your packages in the trunk and pop in for much-needed respite from the holiday hoopla. What we have here is slapstick, farce, dialogue that’s clever at times (just silly at others), and light-hearted music. The lineage is classic, as this is a reworked take on A Servant of Two Masters, the 1743 Commedia dell’arte comedy by the Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni. However, instead of 18th century Italy, we are taken to the run-down English seaside resort of Brighton in 1963. Written by Richard Bean, with songs by Grant Olding, One Man, Two Guvnors was an instant hit in England in 2011 and on

See TWO GUVNORS, page 62

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Two Guvnors From page 61 mingle with the story. So, got that? Doesn’t matter. It all plays out before your eyes in a seamless riot of running back and forth, slamming doors,

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

pratfalls, and split-second timing. With twins, females dressed as males, and a servant controlling not one but two masters, it is positively Shakespearean in scope. OK, that’s overboard, but I’m trying to point out the venerated traditions of this show so you can brag to your friends.

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With direction from Matthew R. Wilson, the cast is uniformly excellent, with energetic and richly drawn comic personas. But the show is carried by the duo of Wilder and Corey. Wilder exudes an amiable combination of scheming and innocent wonder. He hits all the marks right on time, following what must be an exacting script, but doing so while managing the appearance of spontaneity and even improvisation. (Yes, that means a bit of audience interaction, but perhaps less than meets the eye.) He’s anxious and fidgety as he plots to get his hands on food or keep his guvnors from knowing of each other. It’s all managed with a sense of innocent mischief. Corey makes one wonder if he might be some miraculous offspring of young Tony Randall and Martin Short, blending a suave, if fussy and smarmy, persona with rubber-faced exaggeration. His eyes, his mouth, his body language imbue the occasionally slightly blue jokes with extra dimensions of guilty comic pleasure. The aura of ludicrous superiority is pal-

pable. And yet he manages a winsome wistfulness with the line, “I feel like a 4 o’clock in the middle of winter.” Also of note is the work of petite Megan Graves as Pauline, fiancé of the late, unlamented Roscoe. A comic dynamo, she’s cute as a button (a cute button, anyway) with the outsized comedic energy of Imogene Coca. Director Wilson has taken care to sprinkle in the stylized movement of Commedia dell’arte in several manic scenes, which smoothes the action a bit. And for true theater aficionados, Francis/Wilder, talks to the audience before Act Two begins, letting us know that Francis’ motivation for all his actions…hunger…has been taken care of in the First Act. So now he needs new motivation and we have to guess what it is. Again, don’t concentrate too much on that until you meet

up with friends for an espresso and need something intellectual to offer. I mentioned families up top. There are some double entendres here and a few sex jokes. But it’s nothing your 12-year-old isn’t seeing on prime time TV, so I wouldn’t worry about it. You can all enjoy this. One Man, Two Guvnors continues through Dec. 28 at 1st Stage in Tysons, located at 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean, Va. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $28 ($23 for seniors), with general seating admission. Military and student tickets are available at $15. For tickets and information, call (703) 8541856 or visit www.1ststagespringhill.org. There is free, on-site parking and the theater is wheelchair-accessible. Also, the theater is located near the Spring Hill Metro Station on the new Silver Line.

BEACON BITS

Dec.

ONE-MAN COMEDIC EPIC

The Faction of Fools Theatre Company presents The Great One-Man Commedia Epic through Dec. 20 at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Premiering in Italy and performed around the world, the show will have its first extended run in Washington, D.C. this holiday season. In a comedic tour de farce, Matthew R. Wilson brings to life 12 characters featuring hand-crafted masks in 80 minutes of physical comedy for the entire family. The theater is located at 545 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 students, seniors, military; and $10 children 12 and under. They are available at the door, by calling 1800-838-3006, and at http://gomce2014.brownpapertickets.com.

Bring Your Group to the Kennedy Center for Entertainment on a Grand Scale! VANESSA HUDGENS

Mariinsky Ballet Valery Gergiev, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre Yuri Fateev, Deputy Director of the Ballet Company with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

Masazumi Chaya Associate Artistic Director

EISENHOWER THEATER In this pre-Broadway limited engagement starring Vanessa Hudgens, Eric Schaeffer directs the world premiere of an exciting new production of Lerner & Loewe’s luxurious Oscar®–and Tony Award®–winning romantic musical comedy. Recommended for age 10 and up. CMusical Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund.

Jan. 27–Feb.1 ✦ Opera House

The Kennedy Center Theater Season is sponsored by Altria. The Kennedy Center’s Ballet Season is presented with the support of Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian. Comedy at the Kennedy Center Presenting Sponsor

CULTURAL AMBASSADOR TO THE WORLD

Feb. 3–8 • Opera House

St. Petersburg’s great Mariinsky Ballet returns with an exceptional program of Russian choreographers featuring Hodson’s Le sacre du printemps inspired by Nijinsky, Fokine’s Le Spectre de la Rose and The Swan, and Petipa’s Paquita Grand Pas.

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the 2014–2015 Ballet Season. International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES

PHOTO BY ERIC MAHOUDEAU

GLENN ALLEN SIMS. PHOTO BY ANDREW ECCLES

J AN N. 16-- FEB. 12

MARIINSKY BALLET IN LE SACRE DU PRINTEMPS. PHOTO BY NATASHA RAZINA

Robert Battle Artistic Director

Company Premiere!

Led by Robert Battle, one of the world’s favorite dance companies returns with a week of new works and classics, including the iconic Revelations on every program. Program A (Tue. & Thu. eves.): Polish Pieces (van Manen), TBA, Uprising (Shechter), Revelations (Ailey); Program B (Wed. & Sat. eves.): ODETTA (Rushing), Bad Blood d (Dove); Revelations; Program C (Fri. eve. & Sun. mat.): LIFT (Barton), The Pleasure of the Lesson (Moses), After the Rain (Wheeldon), Revelations; Program D (Sat. mat.): Polish Pieces, TBA, Bad Blood, Revelations.

Feb. 21–Mar. 10 | Opera House Faith is put to the ultimate test in Poulenc’s powerful opera about an order of Carmelite nuns who refuse to renounce their beliefs during the French Revolution. Directed by WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, the stellar cast includes three fast-rising sopranos: Leah Crocetto, Layla Claire, and Ashley Emerson. Additionally, it stars mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick and mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop. Sung in English with projected English titles. Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the WNO. General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of WNO’s 2014–2015 Season. WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.

Call now to reserve your Group tickets!

(202) 416-8400 kennedy-center.org/groupsales Toll-free (800) 444-1324

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Join the NSO for an extraordinary new season of music to live by in the Concert Hall.

Upcoming Concerts Handel’s Messiah 2014-2015 SEASON

Nicholas McGegan, conductor Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Jay Carter, countertenor Thomas Cooley, tenor Christopher Purves, baritone The Washington Chorus, Julian Wachner, music director HANDEL: Messiah

THU., DEC. 18 AT 7 P.M. | FRI., DEC. 19 AT 8 P.M. SAT., DEC. 20 AT 8 P.M. | SUN., DEC. 21 AT 1 P.M.

SUN MAT DAY INEE

Berlioz Symphonie fantastique Barto plays a U.S. premiere Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Tzimon Barto, piano DVORÁK: Carnival Overture RIHM: Piano Concerto No. 2 (NSO CO-COMMISSION / U.S. PREMIERE) BERLIOZ: Symphonie fantastique

THU., JAN. 15 AT 7 | SAT., JAN. 16 AT 8

ESCHENBACH

BARTO

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Beyond the Score®–Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique Ankush Kumar Bahl, conductor (Beyond the Score) Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Take your musical appreciation to the next level with this half-concert, half-multimedia educational experience. BERLIOZ: Symphonie fantastique

FRI., JAN. 16 AT 8 Beyond the Score® is produced by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Gerard McBurney, Creative Director; Martha Gilmer, Executive Producer.

Happy Holidays! With Cirque de la Symphonie

SATURD MATINEAY E

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Roger and Vicki Sant.

Steven Reineke, conductor High-flying fantasy soars once again with Cirque de la Symphonie—back by popular demand for a special holiday program, following its sold-out 2013 engagement! Acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, strongmen, and other new and returning acts perform astonishing feats uniquely choreographed to classical masterpieces conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.

THU., DEC. 11 AT 7 | FRI., DEC. 12 AT 8 | SAT., DEC. 13 AT 2 & 8

The Green Series is sponsored by

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of Happy Holidays! Additional support for the 2014–2015 NSO Pops Season is provided by The Honorable Barbara H. Franklin and Mr. Wallace Barnes.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

(202) 467-4600 nationalsymphony.org Tickets also available at the Box Office Groups (202) 416-8400

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Sitcom pioneer Norman Lear looks back “But at the same time, I wished to make him everything I wanted him to be. My favorite way of thinking about him was as a rascal, and not — I have a hard time saying it even now — as a thief.”

Chronicle of show-biz success The book, published in October, became a reckoning for Lear. But it is no dirge. This is an entertaining, penetrating celebration of a richly lived life, as well as a show-biz chronicle kicking off in the late 1940s when Lear — after being fired as a press agent pitching publicity items to such gossip columnists as Dorothy Kilgallen and Walter Winchell — landed a writing job on NBC’s “Ford Star Revue,” one of TV’s original variety shows. “It was so early in the (TV) game that after a couple of weeks we were considered veterans,” laughs Lear, speaking of himself and his partner at the time. “We had cachet.” Jobs followed with such ‘50s TV headliners as Martha Raye, George Gobel and Tennessee Ernie Ford, not to mention the superstar team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. By the 1960s, Lear had moved into writing films, including the Frank Sinatra com-

PHOTO BY CHRIS PIZELLO/INVISION/AP

By Frazier Moore From the moment Norman Lear began writing his memoir, he knew what the first line would be: “When I was a boy, I thought that if I could turn a screw in my father’s head just a sixteenth of an inch one way or the other, it might help him to tell the difference between right and wrong.” Lear’s father Herman — by turns flamboyant, loutish, charming and downright criminal, and an inspiration for his tragicomic hero, Archie Bunker — occupies an overarching presence in Lear’s Even THIS I Get to Experience (Penguin Press). The 92-year-old Lear, still full of pep and new projects, reigns as a filmmaker, humorist, impresario, activist, TV pioneer and, of course, unrivaled sitcom titan, with a portfolio of hits in the 1970s and ‘80s that included “Sanford and Son,” “Maude,” “Good Times,” “The Jeffersons,” “One Day at a Time” and the show that started it all — “All in the Family,” whose patriarch would make famous Herman Lear’s own habitual demand that his wife “stifle it.” “I wanted to run as far as I could from anything he stood for,” said Lear, his voice choking as he recalled life with his father in Connecticut and Brooklyn during a recent interview.

Norman Lear, left, creator of the groundbreaking ‘70s sitcom “All in the Family,” partially modeled Archie Bunker after his own father and Archie’s son-in-law Mike “Meathead” Stivic after himself. Rob Reiner, right, played Stivic in the show. The two are shown here accepting the Heritage Award from the Television Critics Association last year for “All in the Family.” Lear has just published his memoir, recounting many stories about his string of hit television sitcoms.

edy Come Blow Your Horn and Divorce American Style, starring Dick Van Dyke, both directed by his production partner Bud Yorkin.

All in his own family In 1971, the duo’s TV ascension began with “All in the Family,” adapted for CBS from a British sitcom about a blue-collar

bigot locking horns with his liberal son. Why did Lear choose such a show to retrofit for U.S. viewers? “Because it related to me,” he declares. “My father would call me the laziest white kid he ever met. Then he would say I was `a meathead — dead from the neck up.’ See LEAR, page 65

BEACON BITS

Dec. 5+

PICTURING MARY The National Museum of Women in the Arts will open “Picturing

Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea” on Friday, Dec. 5. This exhibition examines how the image of the Virgin Mary has shaped Western art since the sixth century, and will include works by famous female artists, including Artemisia Gentileschi,

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more. The cost of admission is $10 for adults ($8 for those over 65). The museum is located at 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://nmwa.org or call (202) 783-5000.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Lear From page 64 That was his expression.” Thus was Lear able to craft a TV version of his own upbringing through the characters of Archie Bunker and son-in-law Mike (“Meathead”) Stivic. With that explosive success, Lear soared as a champion of TV diversity (“Good Times,” “Sanford and Son” and “The Jeffersons” had predominantly or completely African-American casts) while confronting cutting-edge social issues that ranged from war, sexuality and abortion, to poverty and how a toilet-paper roll should be placed in its bathroom holder (overhand or underhand?). In 1981, Lear turned activist for real by founding the liberal advocacy group People for the American Way, whose mission statement speaks of respecting diversity and combating bigotry. But Lear insists he didn’t launch his comedies to change the world, nor was there any master plan behind the empire he and Yorkin built. “We were just really having a good time,” he said.

They were breaking new ground in authenticity (an early episode of “All in the Family” found Archie’s wife Edith facing menopause), while battling the network over things as picayunish as the sound of a toilet flushing off-screen. Meanwhile, they were tangling with the talent — notably Carroll O’Connor, who played Archie and contested nearly every line of dialogue they wrote for him. “My God, that was difficult!” said Lear. “But it ended up every (darn) week with 240 people in the studio audience roaring with laughter. How do you not have a good time with that?!” How restorative it must have been for Lear to hold sway over Archie Bunker, his father’s surrogate, and to deal from a position of strength with the actor who brought Archie to life — not to “turn the screw a sixteenth of an inch,” but to process the bygone relationship with his father while entertaining millions. “I was dealing in the human condition in a way that interested me,” said Lear, summing up his career gratefully. “How lucky is that?” — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 7

JEWISH FOLK ARTS FESTIVAL

The 20th Jewish Folk Arts Festival (JFAF), a celebration of Jewish art, music and culture, will take place Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Universities of Shady Grove Conference Center from 1 to 6 p.m. Festival day workshops will include, “The History of Jews and Chocolate,” “The Music and Mindfulness of Jewish Renewal,” “Art and Creativity in Torah,” “Yiddish Music” and more. Local filmmaker icon Aviva Kempner will be showing an excerpt of her most recent work. The Universities at Shady Grove is located at 9630 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville, Md. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors. For more information, visit www.jewishfolkartsfestival.com or call (301) 587-1739.

Ongoing

DONATIONS FOR WIDOWS

The Widowed Persons Outreach is accepting donations to help newly bereaved spouses by providing bereavement support, educational activities, one-on-one mentors and social events. To donate, call Marti Bailey at (202) 660-5658.

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Dec. 3+

VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSES The Senior Connection has immediate openings for volunteers to

provide essential services to Montgomery County seniors. Available service oppor-

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tunities include driving senior adults to medical appointments, assisting with grocery shopping and money management. There will be volunteer open houses on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and Dec. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Park Senior Center, located at 3950 Ferrara Dr., Silver Spring, Md. There will be an overview of the programs, orientation to the organization, and training for specific volunteer opportunities. For more information and to RSVP, contact Mary Murphy at mary.murphy@seniorconnectionmc.org or (301) 942-1049.

10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

“Simply gorgeous!” ~The Washington Post

DECEMBER 4–28 at the Warner Theatre

Tickets start at $32*

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Maki Onuki as Miss Liberty. Photography by Dean Alexander and Steve Vaccariello.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A 50-year habit can be tough to break By the time we reach a certain age, we limit myself to one cup of coffee a day. don’t experiment as much as we used to. No big deal, you say? Very big deal, I In restaurants, we tend to order the same say. Because my daily average for more kinds of dishes. At home, we than 50 years has been anytend to take the same seat for where from three to five cups. dinner. When driving, we tend This will be close to cold to choose the same lane and turkey. This will be tough. the same speed. Coffee and I first got introWe are who we are as we duced way back in college. I hit our golden years, and we had just stayed up all night don’t see a reason for major studying for an exam. It was alterations. about 8 a.m., and I was droopHowever, now that I’m well ing. The exam wouldn’t begin into those golden years, I am HOW I SEE IT for two more hours. I needed flirting with a change in my By Bob Levey a jolt to get me through. daily routine that I never I had never tasted coffee bedreamed I’d be considering. fore, but for a dime slipped into a slot, I I’m mulling the possibility that I will could have a cup of Chock Full o’ Nuts. I

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went for it. Mmmmmmm good, as that company’s advertising slogan used to say. The second cup was Mmmmmmmm better. The third cup was ambrosia. I even aced the exam. Thus was a habit born. On I went, up the rungs of life — career, marriage, parenthood. At each step, coffee was webbed into the experience. Career: When I had to produce on deadline, I wasn’t going to do it by sipping root beer, was I? Marriage: When we had a huge issue that needed discussing at 11 p.m., well, how else to steady one’s nerves and sharpen one’s mind? Parenthood: When you’re waiting in the living room for a teenager who has just missed her midnight curfew, and you’re mad, and you’re nervous, and you’re starting to nod off, a glass of water is not what the doctor ordered. After a while, it wasn’t just the caffeine boost that kept my hand welded to a brimming cup of joe. It was the ritual. I liked the act of hoisting my porcelain mug. I liked the fact that I knew just how much to sip without burning my lips. I liked the fact that the warm, brown liquid contained zero calories. I liked the fact that I wasn’t sipping alcohol instead. Coffee was cheap, it was available, and it was a way to be sociable long before a Starbucks showed up on every street corner. Java and I were tight. Very tight. But now we’re heading for a reconstituted relationship. I still love the ritual of coffee, and I love the jolt. But I have started disliking the taste. Can we be honest? It’s bitter. Very bitter. I’m afraid that if I keep mainlining three to five cups a day, my mouth may become fixed in a permanent scowl. Yes, I know that some brands of coffee are tastier than others. But I’ve been all around that mulberry bush, from Ethiopian to Colombian to Dunkin’ Donuts. Can we be honest? Every one of them is bitter by the third swallow. Yes, I know that I could lace my coffee

with milk and sugar. No, thanks. I’ve been a black coffee guy ever since Kennedy was president. If I tarted up my next cup just to escape the taste, that would be like dressing up a pig in a formal gown. He’d still be a pig. And yes, I know that I could switch to tea. Ah, so aromatic. Ah, so flavorful. But oh, so watery. If coffee tastes like motor oil — and when it begins to cool down, it always does — tea tastes like mouthwash. I realize that the British love it. But I’m not British. Before placing extra cups of coffee in my rearview mirror, I considered a halfway measure. I ordered and drank a cup of decaf. I won’t be doing that again. Why drink fake coffee if it doesn’t give you a jolt? Besides, decaf had me reaching for a mint by the time I was three-quarters done. A friend recommended latte. It’s coffee somewhere in the bottom of the cup, and all kinds of gooey, cute stuff up top. Not for this kid, thanks. It’s bad enough that a latte costs $4.50 or so. Worse: it leaves a milk moustache. Some of us older people have standards! Another friend recommended a protein bar instead. If I feel the need for a jolt, he said, maybe I’m actually hungry. Perhaps my blood sugar is down. Nice idea, I suppose, except that protein bars are gone in three bites. I like the lingering you have to do to finish a cup of wonderful. Then a third friend made the obvious suggestion: Give up coffee altogether. Here came his sermon…sparkling water is refreshing and tasty...diet soda with lime is delightful…fruit juice can really hit the spot. I considered all these. Really, truly, I did. But then I realized that, throughout my mulling process, I’d been drinking coffee. One cup. Then another. Then another. What’s that about older people being stubborn? I confess. I’d explain further, but I have to go pour myself a refill. Sorry, it won’t be apple juice. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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BIRDS IN CONTEMPORARY ART

The Smithsonian American Art Museum presents “The Singing and the Silence: Birds in Contemporary Art,” which examines mankind’s relationship to birds and the natural world in 46 works by 12 major contemporary American artists, including David Beck, Rachel Berwick, Lorna Bieber, Barbara Bosworth, Joann Brennan, Petah Coyne, Walton Ford, Laurel Roth Hope, Paula McCartney, James Prosek, Fred Tomaselli and Tom Uttech. The exhibition will be on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, located at 8th and F Sts. NW, Washington, D.C., through Feb. 22, 2015. For more information, visit http://americanart.si.edu or call (202) 633-1000.

Dec. 20+

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

The National Philharmonic Chorale Artistic Director Stan Engebretson will conduct the National Philharmonic in Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, Md. The concert will feature the National Philharmonic’s nearly 200-voice, all-volunteer chorale. Tickets start at $28. Children age 7 to 17 are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit nationalphilharmonic.org or call (301) 581-5100.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

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Puzzle Page

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus So Fine by Stephen Sherr 1

17 19 22

39 43

38 41

Scrabble answers on p. 70.

21 24

52 56

Across

Down

1. Ole buddy 6. Bottom of England 9. Fine ___ (as spelled out by this puzzle’s theme clues) 13. Gun the engines 14. LAX conjecture 15. Free State athlete 16. Prepared to be knighted 17. Organize bricks 18. Spam distribution tool 19. A 22. California beach 24. Carnival city 25. Are we there ___? 26. Prince Valiant’s son 27. Winner of five 2012 Oscars 30. Three-handed card game 32. R 37. Lysol target 38. Item in Mae West’s closet 39. Pakistani language 40. T 45. ___-Dee delivery service 46. Color choice at the linen store 47. Morse code click 48. Swine shrine 50. Synonym for sphere 52. Where vinegar merged with oil 54. S 58. Lots of Lebanese 59. Valuable rock 60. Defeat 64. Balkan native 65. “The”, spoken with an affected German accent 66. Food submerged in oil 67. Company that emerged with oil 68. Election conclusion 69. Doctor repellent

1. Boat measured in cubits 2. Minority of college students since 1980 3. Impressive ending 4. Bodies of water 5. Best case 6. Part of the Batsuit 7. Its mostly made of Mormons 8. Local elected official 9. Prefix for sphere 10. All gassed up 11. Tot’s transport 12. Kerplam! 18. Bring to mind 20. Driver’s shout 21. Herring and smelt 22. Lion’s ladies 23. How to calculate Fido’s age 26. ___ of kangaroos (more than one) 28. Asian desert 29. “Party ___” 31. Stuck in ___ 33. Slow flow 34. The third label 35. Come out of denial 36. Song by Peaches and Herb 41. Bright lights 42. Gilda Radner’s Lisa Loopner character, for example 43. Killer whale 44. “Beware the ___ patient man” (John Dryden) 48. Pile of 20’s 49. Blind mice count 51. ___ cruise 53. Take over illegitimately 55. Decreases 56. Effective word in advertising 57. Like moose, it is its own plural 61. 15%, often 62. The 1st state 63. Poetic tribute

Answers on page 70.

Answer: What the patrolman considered his flat feet - THE "ARCH" ENEMY Jumbles: ANNOY CHIME MOTIVE PIRACY

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Letters to editor From page 2 I thought it was funny when I read the statement, “You know you’re old when you actually start picking up those free copies of the Beacon everywhere.” I’m a 28-year-old Brooklyn Knight who migrated to D.C. five years ago. When I read Beacon, I know I’m becoming a responsible adult! (When did this happen?!) From Mark Collins, Germantown Md. When I read the Beacon, I know I’m in exceptionally great company. They have our backs. From Idalmi Shields, Kenner, La. When I read the Beacon, I know I’m in the know. The Beacon is so informative and resourceful. I live in Kenner, La., and I still find your information helpful and useful. From Bev and Saul Padwo When we read the Beacon, we know we are reading objective reporting on a diversity of subjects of personal interest — often either neglected or distorted in other media. From Patricia Minami When I read the Beacon, I know I’m... going to find good information pertinent to me and my peers, and all in one place. From Cathy Swanton, Silver Spring, Md. When I read the Beacon, I know I’m...INFORMED in a positive way! From Florence Naurock When I read the Beacon, I know I’m caught up on the latest news about health, wealth, travel and the arts. I always feel very optimistic after I read this paper because it focuses on living better and healthier. At times I know that I really am living a good life and doing all the right things because of the featured articles. Especially enjoy Bob Levey’s column because he discusses things that we all think and wonder about — our feelings are mutual. Perhaps because the Beacon comes out monthly, my husband and I read it from cover to cover (unlike our daily newspaper). Even find the ads interesting. If there was a charge for the paper, we

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

would gladly pay it. Thank you for publishing it.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 12+

SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL

More than 250 artisans will display and sell their handcrafted work at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival from Friday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, Va. Jury-selected artists will present their contemporary crafts in sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, leather, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography and fine art. Visitors can watch the creative process during ongoing craft demonstrations. There will also be live music, children’s entertainment and gourmet food available to sample and buy from specialty food vendors. Admission costs $8 online; $10 at the door, and parking is free. For more information, including admission discounts and a list of artists participating in the show, visit www.sugarloafcrafts.com or call 1-800-210-9900.

Dec. 6+

FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Gaithersburg Chorus, directed by Hugh Harvey and MaryLu Hartsell, present their annual winter concert, featuring Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors and a selection of holiday carols on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. The concerts will take place at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Rd., Gaithersburg, Md. The concerts are free, but donations are accepted. The chorus is also seeking new members. For more information, contact Suzanne Takahashi at (301) 258-6394.

WB 12/14

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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 at the right. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Business and Employment Opportunities GET FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE today! www.myfes.net/MMccollum1 or 202-734-2555. Watch Video (Career Opportunity). Select Products. FES Protection Plan. Enroll. STAY ACTIVE AND EARN EXTRA income. Fetch! Pet Care is hiring mid-day dog walkers. Make $9 for a 30 min walk. Please email hrfetchsilverspring@gmail.com to request an application. Contact info: Linda O’Neal ph: 301828-8475 or 301-850-1274.

Caregivers LICENSED, BONDED & EXPERIENCED CNA & nursing student seeks full-time overnight position caring for your loved ones. I come with an extensive resume and stellar references. If interested, please call Jacqueline at 301-787-3555. “A” Home Health Care – Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in. Flat rate for live-in care. 15 years experience. 240-533-6599. KIND, DEPENDABLE, EXPERIENCED caregiver for live-out care or live-in care for a flat rate. Hygiene care, Meal preparation, Housekeeping, Errands, Appointments, Medication reminders. Call 301-490-1146. I WILL CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES night/day. Own transportation. Good references. Lots of experience. 301-502-2258. CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CARING, experienced caregiver to care for your loved ones? Look no further; call Blema @ 301-908-3238. References available upon request.

Computer Services COMPUTER PROBLEMS? $65 NO FIX – NO CHARGE! (most repairs). Professional, yet affordable PC and Mac repair by friendly expert. Microsoft-certified references. Ivan Babinoto, 202285-0887, babinoto@gmail.com. www.pcsave.us. PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call: David G at 301-642-4526. COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use. Windows 8, Smartphone/tablet, digital camera. Learn at your own pace with gentle & patient tutor. We also troubleshoot problems & setup new computers. Teaching Seniors since 1996. Senior Discount. Call David, 301-762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Entertainment

Legal Services

Wanted

THE SHALOM SIGNATURE CLUB: If you like Bagels and Lox, Matzah Balls and Kugel, then you need to try our activities. We’re a dynamic social club geared to folks 50 and up. Many of our activities have a Jewish theme; most are free of charge and take place in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Chevy Chase. Currently, our regular monthly schedule features two afternoon activities (at 1 p.m. and includes lunch) and two evening activities (usually 7 p.m.), plus a monthly Friday-eve Shabbat Dinner. For further info, visit www.ShalomSC.org or call 240-200-4515.

WILLS, TRUSTS & POAs – The Perfect Holiday Gift for a loved one or for yourself. Give an Estate Planning Gift Certificate to a Maryland or DC resident who has procrastinated making or updating a will, trust, power of attorney or advance medical directive. Highly rated, experienced Bethesda lawyer Susan Eleff offers reasonable rates, flexible hours. Mention this ad for a FREE initial 15-minute consult (dates and times subject to availability). More info: www.elefflaw.com. Contact: Law@Eleff.net or 240-3954406. See our display ad on page 43.

STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-3622. Stampex1@gmail.com.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 19. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors. LEISURE WORLD ® – $139,000. 2BR 2FB 1HB “Dartmouth” model townhouse. Separate dining room with bay window overlooking sunny patio, dual master suites. 1359 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $359,000. 3BR 2FB 1HB “H” model with garage in “Villa Cortese.” Separate dining room plus table space kitchen with window, enclosed balcony, laundry room, new paint and carpet. 1629 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $210,000. 2 BR 2 FB “J” with garage in “Greens.” Table space kitchen with pass through, mirrors to reflect light from enclosed balcony with great golf course view. 1317 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $325,000. 2 BR 2 FB “Royal Aintree” patio home with update kitchen, enclosed sunroom addition, 1 car garage. 1394 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-9283463. LEISURE WORLD® – $179,000. 2BR 2FB “C” model in “Overlook” with fully appointed kitchen with pass through to living room, enclosed balcony. 1090 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $375,000. 2BR 2FB “Huntington” with 2 car garage. Patio home with dual owners’ suites, Florida room addition, updated kitchen and baths, new carpet. 1410 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-5989325.

For Sale PIANO FOR SALE – CONSOLE – Good condition. $900 or best offer. Call 301-598-0099. Leave message. FOUR ADJOINING CEMETERY PLOTS at peaceful King David Memorial Garden in Falls Church, Va. Retail value: $3,400 each but being sold for $2,800; four together for $10,000. Write norml@comcast.net for details. FRENCH HOME DOWNSIZING – 2 Russian samovars + tray + pot, French records + books, tapestry, painting, 2 living room leather chairs, black diamond mink coat. 703-591-6321. Va. $5,000 FOR TWO ADJACENT, IN-GROUND, burial sites at Fairfax Memorial Hospital, Fairfax, Virginia. Sites located in “sold-out” Garden of Time. Call Dom, 703-242-0427. TWO NICHES SIDE-BY-SIDE in a columbarium close to chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. $2,000/each. Call Mrs. Davis, 301-983-8059. 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve, 410-913-1653.

Health MOBILE MD AVAILABLE – Licensed physician, Family Medicine and Urgent Care. 24/7, where you are. Accept: Medicare, Medicaid. Call: 703-303-2543. Fax: 703-641-8321. Email: dr.zhousclinic@gmail.com.

PATENTS FOR YOU – Retired U.S. Patent Office examiner will obtain patents for your new ideas. Excellent, expert work at reasonable rates. Call Dan O’Connor at 301-933-2404. Fees from 3K – 9K.

Miscellaneous THE GOLDEN NETWORK offers Jewish seniors and retirees a variety of engaging programs, including lectures, classes, one-on-one learning in person and by phone, concerts, sing-alongs and more! For more information and details about upcoming events, call 301-338-4810, email info@goldennetwork.org, or see goldennetwork.org.

Personals

CASH FOR ESTATE BUYOUTS, estate cleanouts, jewelry to furniture, one item or whole state. Free Estimate, Will Travel. 301-520-0755. MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan, 202-841-3062. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838. CASH FOR RECORDS & CDs. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED. Free appraisals. All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301646-5403. Will make house calls. WANTED: ANTIQUE ELECTRONICS, engineer’s estates, Hi-Fi Stereo, huge old loudspeakers, ham radios, records, professional quality musical instruments, antique computers, scientific curiosities. 202-527-9501, vcvdc@msn.com.

CHRISTIAN WOMAN WANTS TO MEET Christian man, aged 65-80 who enjoys fishing, beach, sightseeing, live plays and enjoys the outdoors. Email delldavis350@yahoo.com.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, etc. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack, 301279-2158.

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

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, 301-2798834. Thank you.

Personal Services READY TO DE-CLUTTER? I can help. Sort, donate, discard. Reasonable rates. Call Jan, 301933-7570. FOR THE GIFTED AND TALENTED. Math and more for GT.com. jim4nv92@verizon.net. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike, 301-565-4051. CHERYL’S ORGANIZING CONCEPTS LLC – Professional Organizing Services. Help with all aspects of home organizing. Experienced – References – Member NAPO. All work confidential. Licensed – Bonded. $25 discount on initial appointment. www.CherylsOrganizing.com. 301-916-9022. VIRGINIA PARIS – PICK UP & DELIVERY. If you need furniture, packages or other items delivered to you or to another location, please contact me at 703-896-2545. www.TheRosieNetwork.org. virginiaparisshuttle@gmail.com. Veteran Owned-Sgt Penn

Classifieds cont. on p. 71 FROM PAGE 68

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

Wanted WE BUY OLD AND NEW JEWELRY, Coins, Silver and Gold, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks and Parts, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. OLD AND NEW WE BUY Sterling Silver Flatware, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plates, Fountain Pens, Lighters, Tools, Cameras, Art Work. Toys From Trains to Hotwheels to Star Wars. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, ESTATES. I have been advertising in the Beacon for 20 years. Montgomery County resident – will travel to D.C., MD, VA. Buying following items: Furniture, art, jewelry, gold, sterling silver, old coins, vintage pocket and wrist watches, old tools, books, camera, military items – guns, rifles, knives, pocket knives, swords etc. Also buying: old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, photographs, autographs, musical instruments, guitars, violins, etc. Also old sports memorabilia and equipment – baseball, golf, football, fishing etc. Please call Tom at 240-476-3441.

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

O P T I M A L N E O N S

B E L F T O R G E O B N I E R B D O O Z E

U T A H O F O N E F R E E

M A Y E O F V R I O S K T H E A G O F C R U C R D A Y E O E F R A

A T M O A R U T

R E A D Y T O R I D E

T R I K E

S P L A T

A D M I T

D U E T

U S U T D O R I E D P P L E

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Classifieds cont. from page 70. Wanted

Wanted

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

BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-464-0958.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FREE COMPUTER & INTERNET USE

All Montgomery County Public Libraries offer public access to computers with Windows 7, Internet access and Microsoft Office. Patrons may use these for up to two hours per day, although extensions may be possible at staff discretion. Computer usage is subject to the library’s “Computer and Internet Access and Use” policy. Headphones should be used to avoid disturbing other patrons. Black and white printing is 10 cents per page. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/ComputerInformation.

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

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

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Montgomery County Information & Services/311 . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Hearing Services

IDEAL Healthy Aging Study . . . .29 Scalp Psoriasis Study . . . . . . . . . .29 Seven Corners Medical Center, Heart Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Auditory Services . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Miracle Ear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Sound Hearing Centers . . . . . . . .33

Computer Services

Home Health Care

JCA SeniorTech . . . . . . . . . . . .9-13

IDC Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Friedman, Stephen, DDS . . . . . . .34 Oh, Judy, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Classic Caregiving . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Elder Caring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Old Dominion Home Care . . . . . .26 Options for Senior America . . . . .32 Virginian Home Health Services .72

Employment

Housing

Career Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Sales Person Wanted . . . . . . . . . .42

Ashby Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Aspenwood Senior Living Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Brooke Grove Retirement Village 23 Charles E. Smith Life Communities . . . . . . . .53-60 Charter House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Chesterbrook Residences Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Churchill Senior Living . . . . . . . .52 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Falcons Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Friendship Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Greenspring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Oaks at Olde Towne, The . . . . . . . .4 Olney Assisted Living . . . . . . . . .25 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .50 Potomac Place Assisted Living . .51 Quantum Property Management .21 Residences at Thomas Circle . . . .27 Riderwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Solana of Olney . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Sommerset Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Dental Services

Financial Services Bone Marrow Foundation . . . . . .52 Car-J Car Donation . . . . . . . . . . .44 Children’s National . . . . . . . . . . .43 Four Sales LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 G&G Pawnbrokers . . . . . . . . . . . .49 HC Custom Homes . . . . . . . . . . .40 James Magno, CPA . . . . . . . . . . .43 Media Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Quinn’s Auction Galleries . . . . . .45 USA Financial Planning Parters .44

Funeral Services Fram Monuments . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Going Home Cremation Services 66

Government Services D.C. Public Service Comm. . . . . .41 D.C. Office on Aging . . . . . . .35-38 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services . . . . . . .22

Springvale Terrace . . . . . . . . . . .33 Vinson Hall Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Virginian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Boone & Sons, Jewelers . . . . . . . .45 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . .67

Legal Services

Senior Organizations

AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Eleff Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Law Firm of Evan. H. Farr . . . . . .45 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . . . .44

Shalom Signature Club . . . . . . . .15

Medical/Health 2 Fitt Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Doctors First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Herndon Community Center . . . .62 Holy Cross Germantown Hospital . .3 Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia . . . . . . .19 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . .32 NAVA Health & Vitality Center . .15 Novant Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Roberts Home Medical . . . . . . . .18 Stem Cell Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Pharmacy CVS/pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Rite Aid Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Real Estate Services Eric Stewart - Long & Foster Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Keller Williams - Lisa Langlais . .19 Swan Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Weichert Realtors - Sue Heyman .18

Restaurants Original Pancake House . . . . . . . .65 Wrap2Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Retail

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation CommuniCare Health . . . . . . . . .24 Manor Care Health Services . . . .20 Village at Rockville, The . . . . . . .26

Subscription Services Beacon Subscription . . . . . . . . . .69 Washington Jewish Week . . . . . . .66

Theatre/Entertainment Alden Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Kennedy Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 National Symphony Orchestra . . .63 Publick Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .61 Washington Ballet . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Wolf Trap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Tour & Travel Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel . . . . . . .49 Tripper Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 US Navy Memorial . . . . . . . . . . .64 Vamoose Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Transportation Connect-A-Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Utilities PEPCO Take Control of Energy Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Verizon DC Lifeline Program . . .42

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

The

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