December 2015 | Baltimore Beacon

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‘Novel’ approach to retirement

DECEMBER 2015

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MYERS

By Carol Sorgen Stella Adams had planned to become a history teacher after receiving her undergraduate degree from Morgan State University. Instead, she changed gears and, over the next 30-plus years, Adams went on to earn a master’s degree from Towson University and work for the government in a series of analytical, human resources and managerial positions.

Now retired, the 70-year-old Randallstown resident finally has the time to pursue a dream she’s had since she was a child — to become a writer.

Adams’ first novel, Heavy is the Rain, was released in 2013, and is soon to find new life as a theatrical production. Set against the backdrop of Baltimore and South Carolina — and highlighting themes of physical, sexual and emotional trauma — Adams’ novel tells the story of Billie Cunningham, a precocious 7-yearold whose mother moves with her to Baltimore in the 1940s to secure a better life.

The story follows Billie’s life to adulthood as she learns to navigate the uncertainties of life, overcome its tragedies, and discover the power of love and forgiveness.

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Beyond the beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island; plus, tips for vacationing (or living) in an RV, and some new options for solo travelers page 24

Autobiographical overtones The novel begins with Billie’s move from rural South Carolina to Baltimore with her mother, Lilly Ann. (Like Billie, Adams was also born in South Carolina and grew up in Baltimore.)

Their new life, secured through Lilly Ann’s marriage to Herbert Brown, a man 12 years her senior, quickly begins to show that it comes at a heavy price.

For Lilly Ann, it means turning a blind eye to her husband’s unsavory extramarital activities (“In short, he was a pedophile,” said Adams), and, for Billie, it means harboring a dark and shameful secret.

Despite her secret, Billie grows and matures in her new world, and she develops a close bond with Thomas McNeal, Jr., a neighborhood boy struggling to fight his own demons.

“I wrote this book for those who have journeyed from victim to victory,” said Adams who, following the age-old advice to writers to “write what you know,” acknowledged that there are elements of the

ARTS & STYLE Stella Adams, 70, published her first book, Heavy is the Rain, two years ago, and it is now being adapted for the stage. The book follows a young, abused girl from South Carolina to Baltimore, and has some parallels to Adams’ life.

story that reflect her own life.

The coming-of-age story, which is currently on sale as a trade paperback or ebook on Amazon.com and BN.com (Barnes and Noble), also serves as the basis for an upcoming theater production in Baltimore by the same name. Adams herself adapted the script from her novel.

An open casting call for the play will be held on Jan. 23. Dr. Gregory Branch, executive director of Unified Voices, a choir whose members are employees at Johns Hopkins Hospital, will serve as the play’s producer/director.

“After reading Adams’ novel, I knew right away that it was a great fit for a Unified Voices production,” said Branch, who has produced and directed multiple stage

productions and also works for Baltimore County government.

“This play takes place in Baltimore and showcases themes of child sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional trauma — things that I see in my position as director of Health and Human Services of Baltimore County. I hope it will stimulate more conversation about these topics.”

While some Unified Voices choir members may perform in the production and there will be a few song selections in Heavy is the Rain, it is not a musical.

From workshop to publication Though Adams had written poetry as a See AUTHOR, page 33

A museum exhibit explores Paul Simon’s long musical career; plus, highlights of holiday happenings around town page 29 TECHNOLOGY 4 k Hi-tech options make driving safer k New phone plans can save money FITNESS & HEALTH k Breakthrough diabetes drug k Obesity/Alzheimer’s link

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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A time for thanks Last month, I devoted my column to rec- Beacon: ognizing the writers on our staff, and our Managing Editor Barbara Ruben and freelancers as well, who won Baltimore Contributing Editor recognition in two national Carol Sorgen do the bulk of writing competitions. local writing for the Beacon, I am very proud of the highpenning award-winning cover quality writing (and editing) stories, arts features, health featured each month in the studies, volunteer profiles and Beacon, and of the people who more. Barbara has worked devote their energies to providhere for more than 15 years, ing our readers with topical, enand Carol for more than 10. tertaining and useful articles.

In addition to her writing, In addition, as each year Barbara finds, manages and comes to an end I like to take FROM THE edits all our freelance and the opportunity to thank every PUBLISHER syndicated writers — a huge By Stuart P. Rosenthal member of the Beacon staff for task — while answering his or her hard work and dedimore than 100 emails a day cated contributions. and updating our website event calendar.

In addition to putting out our four newsFor over a dozen years, Director of Oppaper editions each month (Greater Balti- erations Gordon Hasenei has been my more, Howard County, Greater Washington right-hand man. He has supervised the and Coachella Valley/Palm Springs), our growth of the Beacon, including our staff, staff works year-round to produce our two our computer system, our printing, distriannual 50+Expos and an annual Seniors’ Re- bution and more. source Guide for Montgomery County, Md. He has also well trained his Assistant DiThese tasks, plus addressing the many rector of Operations, Roger King, who has requests of our readers throughout the been with us for 10 years and knows how to year, involve not only the labor, but the do just about everything Gordon does. Roger heart and soul of our staff. Everyone at the is also our webmaster and email-blaster.

Beacon wears multiple hats, and is dedicatIt makes us all feel secure knowing ed to doing the best job he or she can. these two men are on top of the many techI’d like to thank them by name for their nical and computer issues that can make efforts and devoted contributions to the or break a business in today’s world.

Beacon The

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

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Contributing Editor ..........................Carol Sorgen • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ............Steve Levin, ........................................................................Jill Joseph • Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 35 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

© Copyright 2015 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

Kyle has designed our publications, created monthly ads for our advertisers, and produced our marketing materials and collateral items (stationery, business cards, you name it).

In recent years, he’s been ably assisted

by Gordon and Roger, but Kyle is the not-atall-temperamental artist in charge of it all.

I would never leave out Cheryl Watts — a recently retired sales representative who continues to assist us whenever we need her. We miss her daily presence in the office, but wish her well as she enjoys the well-deserved fruits of a long and varied career (that once included owning and running an ice cream store!).

So many tasks about the office — ranging from prompt and courteous answering of our phones, to writing articles, proofing every issue, and managing many important databases — are performed by our Editorial Assistant Rebekah Sewell. It’s hard to imagine how so many of these tasks got done before Rebekah joined us two years ago. We are lucky to have her.

I don’t think I’ve often mentioned the independent contractors who deliver the Beacon each month to over 2,500 free distribution sites throughout the Baltimore/Washington corridor, but now is a good time to do so.

I want to thank Reid Sabatke and Jose Delgado — who have both done this esSee FROM THE PUBLISHER, page 31

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day.

Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

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

Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below.

Submissions:

Director of Sales Alan Spiegel has managed and grown our sales force for the past five years. He masterfully helped us maneuver out of the national recession and reach new heights of success for both our advertisers and readers.

I include readers in that, as it’s advertising revenue that keeps the Beacon free and enables our page count to be high enough to hold all the varied stories we want to share with readers in each edition.

Printing more than 200,000 copies of the Beacon each month is a major endeavor and cost, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the work of Alan and his dedicated sales staff.

Speaking of whom, we are indeed fortunate to have with us seasoned advertising representatives Doug Hallock (10 years, and our #1 salesperson), Steve Levin (five years), Dan Kelly (almost five years), plus more recently, Jill Joseph (who also wrote an excellent first-person article for our October issue).

Each of them provides great service to our advertisers, acting as marketing and design consultants as well as ad reps.

This is the perfect time to welcome aboard our two new advertising representatives: Rena Pensky and MK Phillips. We are thrilled you have joined us and look forward to many years of working together.

Where would we be without Art Director Kyle Gregory? For more than 15 years,

Dear Editor: Recently, I was writing an email on my PC when I noticed words on the right edge of the screen had ‘gone away.’ Testing myself to find the problem displayed in each eye independently told me quickly it was more than an eye issue. I called my ophthalmologist who said “get to an ER.” Within 15 minutes, I was at the hospital being examined for a stroke. Other than vision impairment, I had no physical, speaking, language or memory difficulties, and no pain. Within 1¾ hours of first noticing vision problems, I was being given tPA — a blood clot buster that has to be administered within hours of the onset of a stroke.

An MRI showed significant damage to the left side rear brain area that controls vision.

This was not a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), but a real stroke. I was moved to ICU and given blood thinners to avoid clots, which I continue to take at home.

I was discharged three days later and would have even been allowed to walk out of the hospital (if my wife had allowed me to). While I still have some visual deficit, my vision improved while still at the hospital, I never lost consciousness, had pain or any other impairment.

I am grateful that the stroke onset was while I was using a computer. Had I not been engaged in such an activity, I probably would not have noticed my right peripheral vision deficit, which was the only symptom I experienced from the stroke.

I likely would have had a very different outcome if the blood clot continued to cause brain damage until I noticed a problem, which would have been too late for tPA to help.

Your readers should know all the various symptoms for stroke and heart attack. Any asymmetry can indicate a stroke. Heart attacks can have different symptoms in men and women. Pain is not always there.

Don’t be casual. Call 9-1-1 and get to an emergency room. They will not ding you for a false alarm. It may save your life or your being able to function.

Also Important: Make sure those you live with and work with know how to detect and act in case you have a stroke or heart attack.

I have been blessed with a “warning” and now go forward differently.

Ron Sheinson via email

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Technology &

Innovations More cars come with safe-driving systems

By Dee-Ann Durbin Fully self-driving cars are a few years into the future. But some of the technology that will make them possible is already here.

Automakers are rapidly adding radarand camera-based systems that can keep a car in its lane, detect pedestrians, and brake automatically to avoid a collision.

For now, they work with a driver behind the wheel, but eventually, versions of these systems will likely power self-driving cars.

Semi-autonomous features used to be confined to luxury cars, but they’re quickly migrating to mainstream brands as technology gets cheaper. Toyota, for example, will offer automatic braking, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning for just a few hundred dollars on all of its vehicles by 2017.

Automakers are also being nudged to add these features by safety advocates like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which gives its top crashworthiness rankings to vehicles with crash prevention technology.

Joseph Gerardi, a communications engineer from Centereach, New York, recently bought a 2015 Nissan Murano specifically for its semi-autonomous safety technology.

As part of its $2,260 technology package, Nissan offers emergency braking and adap-

tive cruise control (see description on page 4). The package also has forward collision warning, which uses radar to monitor both the car ahead and the car in front of that one.

Gerardi’s wife, Michele, and 4-year-old daughter, Caroline, use the SUV to get around town, so he wanted the most technology he could get for under $40,000. “We just wanted to get the safest thing possible,” he said.

He thinks more people would push for semi-autonomous technology if automakers promoted it, or if dealers had a better understanding of how it works. Gerardi had to call Nissan, for example, to get a complete explanation of the Murano’s emergency braking system.

Where to find information A survey by the University of Iowa Public Policy Center’s Transportation and Vehicle Safety program, suggests big gaps in the public’s knowledge about potentially life-saving features.

Based on the responses, the university and the National Safety Council have developed a new Web site (http://mycardoeswhat.org) to teach drivers about new features — from tire-pressure monitoring

systems to automatic emergency braking.

The site is one of several places that car owners and shoppers can learn about safety technology. The federal government’s auto-safety website (www.safercar.gov) lists crash-test results and uses icons to highlight cars with recommended safety features, including lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) also explains key collision-avoidance features like automatic braking, and lists that cars have them.

Not everyone likes the self-driving trend.

“I really, really dislike automobiles that think they’re cleverer than me,” said Will Inglis, who lives outside London and writes about the defense industry. He thinks drivers will come to rely too much on semi-autonomous technology and driving skills will degrade.

But people like Inglis may soon be in the minority. In a recent U.S. survey by the Boston Consulting Group, 55 percent of drivers said they would likely buy a partially autonomous car in the next five years.

now offered on cars can be bewildering.

Adaptive cruise control: Regular cruise control, which has been around for decades, can keep the car at a set speed on the highway. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set speed as well as a set distance from the car in front of it, and it can slow down or speed up automatically.

It started appearing on luxury brands like Mercedes and Lexus about a decade ago. Now, it’s available on less expensive models, like the Mazda3 small car and the Chrysler 200 sedan.

Lane keeping: “Lane departure” warning systems beep or vibrate if the driver leaves a lane.

Camera-based “lane-keeping” systems actually steer the car back into the lane automatically. They have their limits; they might not work in snow or at other times when lane markings aren’t clearly visible.

Lane keeping started appearing on the market in 2014. Among the vehicles that offer it are the Ford Fusion Titanium, as a $1,200 option, and the Jeep Renegade Limited, as a $995 option.

Emergency braking: Some forward

Available features The array of semi-autonomous features

See HI-TECH CARS, page 6

Take a new look at your smartphone plan

By Kaitlin Pitsker In recent years, wireless carriers have vied for smartphone market share by offering flexibility: no-contract, lower-price service plans for customers willing to pay full price for a phone.

Now, with nearly every cell phone user a smartphone user, providers are applying that model to all their plans, eliminating the hefty subsidies that longtime customers relied on to knock hundreds of dollars off the price of a phone.

“The market was based on subsidies for such a long time that the U.S. consumer might think the price of the latest iPhone is $200,” said Brad Akyuz, a director at NPD Group, a market research company.

You may no longer be tethered to a twoyear contract, but you’ll pay the retail price for your new smartphone — either up front or in monthly installments.

T-Mobile led the charge in the spring of 2013, when it discontinued two-year con-

tracts. The other three major U.S. carriers — AT&T, Sprint and Verizon — responded with similar, voluntary programs.

But in August, Sprint announced that it was eliminating long-term contracts, and Verizon said it would eliminate long-term contracts for all new customers. AT&T recently stopped offering contracts for sales made at third-party stores.

and start seeing the benefits of the lower cost of service.

The savings should be about $15 to $25 a month, said Logan Abbott, president of Wirefly.com, a Web site that compares phone plans. So if you continue using a paid-off phone for even one more year, you’ll save $180 to $300.

How much you’ll pay How the new plans work Will the imminent death of the two-year contract and subsidies cost you more or save you money in the long run? That will largely depend on how often you upgrade your device and how much data you use (most no-contract plans include unlimited calling and texting).

You’ll be able to upgrade immediately or end service with your current carrier by paying off the remaining balance on the phone. If you forgo another upgrade, you can continue using your current phone

Let’s say you’re ready to upgrade to an iPhone 6. With both Sprint’s and Verizon’s new plans, you’ll pay $27 a month for two years for the 16-gigabyte model, which retails for $650. Sprint charges $20 a month for 1GB of data (and as much as $100 for 10GB), plus a $15 to $25 monthly fee per smartphone to access the service.

Verizon’s data plans start at $30 a month for 1GB of data (and run as high as $80 for 12GB), plus a $20-per-month line access fee. That’s a price break compared with the older contract option: roughly $200 for

the phone up front, plus $90 a month, including $50 for service (calls, texts and data) and typically a $25 or $40 access fee.

Whether or not your contract has expired, talk to your mobile carrier about your options. For example, if you are an existing Verizon customer whose contract is up, you may either opt for a no-contract plan, or renew your two-year contract and upgrade your device with a subsidy. (If you switch to a no-contract plan before your contract is up, you’ll pay an extra $20 a month per line until the contract would have expired.)

Bottom line: It’s a good time to re-shop your service, said Akyuz. “Some plans are really appealing,” he said. “And you gain the freedom to go with another carrier if you see a better deal in a year or so.” © 2015 the Kiplinger Washington Editors All contents copyright 2015, The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

What to ask before you use a robo adviser

Phone (day)_____________________________(evening)_____________________________ E-mail_____________________________________________________________________________

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Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or fax to (410) 248-9102.

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❏ Brain Imaging Study (see ad on page 16) ❏ Early Alzheimer’s Diet Study (see ad on page 17) ❏ Falls Prevention Study (see ad on page 17) ❏ Parkinson’s Drug Study (see ad on page 16) ❏ Parkinson’s Singing Study (see ad on page 16) ❏ Reducing Inflammation Study (see article on page 16)

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Health Study Volunteers

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❏ Angels Among Us Assisted Living (see ad on page 11) ❏ Brightview Senior Living (see ad on page 3) ❏ Charlestown (see ad on page 22) ❏ Gatherings at Quarry Place (see ad on page 27) ❏ Homewood at Willow Ponds (see ad on page 26) ❏ Linden Park Apts. (see ad on page 23) ❏ Oak Crest (see ad on page 22) ❏ Neighborhoods at St. Elizabeth (see ad on page 28) ❏ Park Heights Place (see ad on page 32) ❏ Park View Catonsville (see ad on page 30) ❏ Park View Dundalk (see ad on page 30) ❏ Park View Rosedale (see ad on page 30) ❏ Park View Taylor (see ad on page 30) ❏ Shangri-La Assisted Living (see ad on page 26) ❏ St. Mary’s Roland View Towers (see ad on page 28) ❏ Westminster House Apts. (see ad on page 32)

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

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Volunteer Allen Miller will lend a helping hand with your computer issues at two senior centers. On Monday, Nov. 23 he will offer help at the Seven Oaks Senior Center, 9210 Seven Courts Dr., (410) 887-5192.

On Tuesday, Nov. 24 he will be at the Parkville Senior Center, 8601 Harford Rd., (410) 887-5338.

MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION

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Nov. 23+

COMPUTER TROUBLESHOOTING

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A representative from a local cellphone store will be available to answer your questions in a program called “Getting Along With My Cell Phone” on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. The class will take place at the Cockeysville Senior Center, 10535 York Rd., Cockeysville. For more information, call (410) 887-7694.

See ROBO ADVISER, page 6

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Nov. 25

HELP WITH YOUR CELLPHONE

the investor’s financial goals.

As the investors provide more money over time and as the factors driving the market shift, the computer models automatically buy or sell shares to rebalance portfolios.

“If you personally wish to be an active investor, make a lot of decisions, or be in

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BEACON BITS

self when considering whether to have a robo adviser handle your investments: 1. Are you a hands-on investor?

When working with a robo adviser, investors at the outset answer questions meant to assess their risk tolerance, investment goals, years left before retirement and other factors. The responses are then used to come up with an asset allocation crafted to deliver returns in line with

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FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★

Users typically access their accounts online or on mobile devices. By not enlisting the services of an investment professional, the robo advisers cost less than traditional investment accounts.

“Your adviser may take you to lunch, go to the ball game, whatever, but ultimately they’re going to determine an allocation based on some questions and then put it in play,” said Frank Trotter, executive vice president at EverBank. “Robo advisers do much the same thing.”

Is this investment approach a good fit for you? Here are four questions to ask your-

F R E E

By Alex Veiga Some of Wall Street’s newest investment advisers don’t have a degree in business or a corner office in Manhattan. They’re also not human.

Dubbed robo advisers, they are automated investing services that rely on computer models to manage investor portfolios.

While investment advisers have relied for years on computer models to fine tune their clients’ portfolios of mutual funds, for example, the advent of fully automated investing services emerged just in the last five years.

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Robo adviser From page 5 and out of different securities, these things are not for you,” Trotter said.

2. How complex is your portfolio?

Some robo advisers link to retirement accounts or allow users to transfer money from their bank accounts.

Generally, they are suited to investors who want to set up a stream of income into an investment account. This can get more complicated when the investor has a portfolio that includes trusts, charitable giving and other investments beyond stocks.

In such a case, relying on a robo adviser may be limiting, said Eric Godes, chief

Hi-tech cars From page 4 collision warning systems beep or flash lights to warn the driver if they detect an object. More advanced ones warn the driver and, if the driver doesn’t react, apply the brakes. The systems may either bring the car to a complete stop or slow it enough to mitigate damage.

The technology, introduced in 2008, is recommended by the federal government.

It’s already standard on the Volvo XC90 SUV, which can even brake automatically as the driver is turning into an intersection.

Other vehicles that offer emergency

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

wealth advisory officer at Federal Street Advisors in Boston.

“Robo advisers fall short when you’re trying to coordinate your various financial needs and various financial accounts to make sure that they’re all working in concert with each other,” Godes said.

3. Do you need an ear?

Does a wild market swoon make you dial up your investment adviser in search of some reassurance or someone to bounce ideas off? That’s generally not an option with a robo adviser.

Consider if that would be a problem for you, say, if the market experienced another major downturn as it did following the financial crisis in 2008.

Would you feel more comfortable knowing you could call upon your adviser to discuss their strategy or touch on their prior experience in similar market downturns?

With robo adviser services, you’re not paying for that type of access.

4. Are the fees reasonable?

Low cost investments have been a big draw for investors in recent years, and that that’s a big selling point of robo advisers.

Charles Schwab & Co. launched its own robo advisory service earlier this year.

Dubbed Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, the service creates a portfolio of ETFs, or exchange-traded funds. Investors only pay fees related to operating expenses on the ETFs. Another robo adviser, blooom, offers to

take over management of investors’ 401(k) accounts for between $1 and $15 a month, depending on the size of the account.

Then there’s WiseBanyan, which doesn’t charge any management, trading or portfolio rebalancing fees.

The New York-based company, which caters to younger investors and invests in ETFs, instead expects to make money off a la carte services such as a tax-loss harvesting — a process that involves selling investments that have declined in value at a loss so that the investor can use them as a write-off against their taxable income.

WiseBanyan plans to roll out the service later this year.

— AP

braking are the Subaru Outback, as part of the $3,090 EyeSight package, and the Toyota Camry XLE, as part of a $2,570 technology and navigation package.

Self-parking: Self-parking systems can find a spot and automatically park in a parallel or perpendicular spot. The systems, on the market since 2008, are now on many mainstream vehicles. It’s a $395 option on the Ford Focus Titanium.

Highway autopilot: Single-lane highway autopilot is basically just a combination of adaptive cruise control and lanekeeping. It helps keep the car centered in its lane at highway speeds, allowing the driver to cruise with minimal effort.

Mercedes, Infiniti and Audi are among those whose systems work in tandem on the highway. Others, including Tesla and

Cadillac, are expected to offer advanced autopilot systems soon.

— AP

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

“NEW VISTAS” AT STEVEN SCOTT GALLERY

The Steven Scott Gallery presents the exhibit “New Vistas,” featuring dramatic landscapes by Robert Andriulli, Ellen Hill, Sheep Jones, Amy Lamb, Kathryn O’Grady, Katja Oxman, and Frank Trefny through Jan. 2. The gallery specializes in contemporary paintings and works on paper by emerging, mid-career and established American artists. The gallery is located at 808 S. Ann St. and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. and by appointment.

For more information, call (410) 902-9300 or visit www.stevenscottgallery.com.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

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

Type 2 diabetes pill significantly cuts risks

By Linda A. Johnson The Type 2 diabetes pill Jardiance, launched last August, sharply reduces chances of dying in diabetic patients at high risk of heart complications, a study shows, making the medication the first shown to lengthen diabetics’ lives.

The study found Jardiance reduced deaths from heart complications by 38 percent, deaths from any cause by 32 percent, and hospitalizations due to chronic heart failure by 35 percent.

Heart complications prematurely kill many of the estimated 387 million diabetics worldwide, so doctors in recent years have moved from trying to reduce patients’ blood sugar to trying to prevent cardiovascular complications.

The results were particularly striking because nearly four-fifths of the participants were already taking standard medicines to control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, plus taking either Jardiance or a dummy pill.

Lilly and German partner Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. funded the study, which included 7,020 patients in 42 countries who were followed for about

three years, on average.

In September, the drugmakers announced their study showed cardiovascular deaths were lower in participants taking Jardiance than those given a dummy pill, in addition to standard heart and diabetes drugs. Detailed results were released simultaneously at a European medical conference and in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“Patients who took this drug had basically a 1-in-3 chance of avoiding death,” said Dr. Silvio Inzucchi, director of the Yale Diabetes Center and a professor at Yale School of Medicine. He was part of the committee overseeing the study.

Pricey, but cost-effective Given the savings from averting costly hospitalizations, Jardiance should appeal to insurers as well as doctors and patients, even with a wholesale price of $343 per month — among the most expensive for diabetes medicines.

Heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular damage kill about half of Type 2 diabetes patients, as excess sugar in their blood steadily damages the heart and

blood vessels, along with other organs.

For those at high risk of heart complications — people who’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, have blocked arteries or suffer chronic heart pain — diabetes and heart disease together on average shorten life expectancy by 12 years after age 60, according to a five-decade British study that included about 690,000 people.

The Jardiance study, called EMPA-REG, found the drug reduced by 14 percent the combined number of nonfatal heart attacks, nonfatal strokes and deaths due to heart complications in study participants.

Those outcomes are typically analyzed as a group in studies involving heart risks.

“It’s a quite impressive study,” given the results and number of patients and countries included, said Dr. Yogish Kudva, a Mayo Clinic diabetes specialist not involved in the research.

Kudva noted one riddle: While many deaths and hospitalizations were prevented, the number of nonfatal heart attacks and strokes didn’t decrease significantly.

Inzucchi said researchers are still analyzing study data and may uncover an explanation, but additional research on Jar-

diance and similar drugs may be needed.

How the drugs work Drugs in the class, called SGLT2 inhibitors, help the kidneys excrete more sugar from the blood through urine. Others include Johnson & Johnson’s Invokana and AstraZeneca PLC’s Farxiga. Merck & Co. is testing another one.

Jardiance brought its manufacturer Lilly just $30 million in sales from January through June; privately held Boehringer Ingelheim hasn’t disclosed its revenue.

Sanford Bernstein analyst Dr. Tim Anderson wrote to investors that the study should help all the SGLT2 drugs slightly reduce sales of other classes of Type 2 diabetes drugs over time, though patients usually take multiple types at once. He tripled his forecast for 2020 sales of Jardiance to $2.7 billion.

SGLT2 drugs shouldn’t be taken by patients with kidney damage. Side effects include dehydration, low blood sugar, urinary tract infections, a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis, bone fractures and, most commonly, yeast infections.

— AP

Midlife obesity may mean earlier Alzheimer’s

By Lauran Neergaard One more reason to watch the waistline: New research says people’s weight in middle age may influence not just whether they go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, but when.

Obesity in midlife has long been suspected of increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health took a closer look and reported that being overweight or obese at age 50 may affect the age, years later, when Alzheimer’s strikes. Among those who eventually got sick, more midlife pounds meant an earlier onset of disease.

It will take larger studies to prove if the flip side is true — that keeping trim during middle age might stall later-in-life Alzheimer’s.

But it probably won’t hurt.

“Maintaining a healthy BMI at midlife is likely to have long-lasting protective effects,” said Dr. Madhav Thambisetty of NIH’s National Institute on Aging, who led the study reported in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

About 5 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, a number expected to more than double by 2050, barring a medical breakthrough, as the population ages.

Alzheimer’s starts quietly ravaging the brain more than a decade before symptoms appear.

With a cure so far elusive, researchers are hunting ways to at least delay the disease, and lifestyle changes are among the possible options.

checked the records of nearly 1,400 participants who had undergone regular cognitive testing every year or two for about 14 years; 142 of them developed Alzheimer’s.

The researchers checked how much those Alzheimer’s patients weighed when they were 50 and still cognitively healthy. They tracked BMI, or body mass index, a measure of the ratio of weight to height.

Every step up on the BMI chart predicted that when Alzheimer’s eventually struck, it would be 6 1/2 months sooner.

In other words, among this group of Alzheimer’s patients, someone who had been obese — a BMI of 30 — during middle age, on average had their dementia

“Every step up on the

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

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

strike about a year earlier than someone whose midlife BMI was 28, in the overweight range, Thambisetty explained.

The threshold for being overweight is a BMI of 25.

The Alzheimer’s study didn’t track whether the patients’ BMI fluctuated before or after age 50. There’s no way to know if losing pounds after that age made a difference in dementia risk, although a healthy weight is recommended for many other reasons.

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

The study adds to previous research See OBESITY, page 8

8

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Supplement with Vitamin D, not calcium

By Kristen Rapoza Like many women, you may have memorized the minimum daily calcium requirement — 1,000 milligrams a day for women ages 50 and younger and 1,200 mg. for women over 50 — and followed it faithfully in an effort to preserve your bones.

You’ll probably be surprised to learn that many health authorities don’t agree with that recommendation. Dr. Walter Willett, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, thinks you’re likely to do just as well on half as much calcium.

“Essentially, I think that adults do not need 1,200 mg. of calcium a day,” he said.

“The World Health Organization’s recommendation of 500 mg. is probably about right. The United Kingdom sets the goal at 700 mg., which is fine, too. It allows for a little leeway.”

Why we need calcium Adequate calcium is necessary for good health, and not just because it’s a major component of our bones. It also plays a vital role in keeping our organs and skeletal muscles working properly.

The body gets the calcium it needs for basic functions by releasing the calcium stored in our bones into the blood through bone remodeling — the process by which bone is constantly broken down and rebuilt.

Because bone density drops when bone breakdown outpaces bone formation, scientists reasoned that maintaining an adequate level of calcium in the blood could keep the body from drawing it out of the bones.

In the late 1970s, a couple of brief studies indicated that consuming 1,200 mg. of calcium a day could preserve a post-

menopausal woman’s calcium balance.

Based on those studies, in 1997 an Institute of Medicine panel raised the recommendation for calcium intake from 800 mg. to 1,200 mg. a day for women over 50.

That wasn’t a sound decision, Dr. Willett said: “The recommendation was based on calcium balance studies that lasted just a few weeks. In fact, calcium balance is determined over the course of years.”

Moreover, there wasn’t any evidence that consuming that much calcium actually prevented fractures. Nonetheless, the recommendation has been carried forward since then.

Doesn’t help, could hurt In the past two decades, several clinical trials involving thousands of postmenopausal women have sought to determine how calcium intake affects the risk of

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hip fractures.

In each study, women were randomly assigned to one of two groups — one to receive supplements of calcium and vitamin D (to aid calcium absorption) and the other to get placebo pills. After several years, the researchers looked at the number of hip fractures in each group.

Here’s what they found: Calcium and vitamin D supplements don’t prevent fractures. That finding came from two British studies reported in 2005.

It was substantiated by a 2006 report from the Women’s Health Initiative, which showed that 18,000 postmenopausal women who took a supplement containing 1,000 mg. of calcium and 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D were no less likely to break their hips than an equal number who took a placebo pill, although the density of their hip bones increased slightly. Even that small change might have been due to the vitamin D rather than the calcium.

High calcium intake — from either food or pills — doesn’t reduce hip fracture risk.

This was the conclusion of a 2007 report

by Swiss and American scientists who conducted an analysis of more than a dozen See VITAMIN D, page 9

Obesity From page 7 linking midlife obesity to a risk of Alzheimer’s, but it’s the first to also find those brain changes, a clue important to examine further, said Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association, who wasn’t involved in the work.

Meanwhile, the Alzheimer’s group has long recommended a healthy weight: “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain,” Snyder noted.

— AP

Providing compassionate care to the many communities we serve has been a hallmark of MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. Since 1968, our neighbors have turned to us for their healthcare needs.

We are here for them—dedicated to safe, high-quality patient care wrapped in exceptional service.

We’re your community hospital. And that’s one thing we’d like everyone in the neighborhood to know.

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Dec. 8+

DIABETES SUPPORT

Your neighbor … your hospital We take care of not only our neighbors, but also people who travel for miles to take advantage of our specialized, compassionate care. We’re minutes from Towson and parking is always free.

The Joslin Diabetes Circle Group offers opportunities to share informa-

What we’re known for …

tion and obtain support for managing

Recognized as a specialty center for orthopaedics and rehabilitation, our community services also include geriatrics, diabetes care, cancer care, vascular care, and wound healing. And, our emergency department provides outstanding patient care.

diabetes in daily life. The group

Building relationships …

meets the second Tuesday of every month from September to June, from

Our neighbors rely on our ability to provide some of the best physicians in the area. Building these relationships enables us to continue our mission of offering attentive, top-notch care to our community.

5 to 6:15 p.m., at 22 South Greene St., 6th Floor North, at the University of Maryland Medical Center. For

855-546-1860 MedStarGoodSam.org/GetToKnow

more information, call Joyce Campbell at (410) 328-6584.

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

Vitamin D From page 8 studies of calcium.

Furthermore, the studies revealed a couple of downsides to high levels of calcium supplementation (but not to calcium obtained through a regular diet): 1. An increased risk of kidney stones. In the Woman’s Health Initiative, women taking the calcium-vitamin D combination had a higher risk of developing kidney stones than those who got the placebo.

Although high levels of dietary calcium are thought to offer some protection against kidney stones, high doses of calcium from supplements may promote stone formation by increasing the amount of calcium that is eliminated in the urine.

2. An increased risk of heart attack.

In a randomized study of 1,471 postmenopausal women conducted in New Zealand, 21 of 732 women who took 1,000 mg. of calcium a day had heart attacks, compared with 10 of 736 who received a

placebo. A 2010 analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials also linked calcium supplementation with an increased risk of heart attack.

Some researchers have speculated that calcium supplements may contribute to heart disease by increasing blood levels of calcium, which can cause arteries to stiffen and blood pressure to rise.

Vitamin D harder to get Vitamin D is also essential for healthy bones. In fact, the daily vitamin D requirement was first introduced to help prevent rickets — a condition in which developing bones are soft and can become bowed — in children.

Vitamin D is made in the skin through exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. However, the amount produced varies widely from person to person. People with darker skin produce less vitamin D than lighter-skinned people. And in all populations, the skin’s ability to convert sunlight to vitamin D declines with age.

Plus, if you follow the advice to reduce

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Dec. 3

LIVING WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

A free half-day program for people with Parkinson’s disease, their family and friends will be held on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Edward A. Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd. There will be speakers on topics such as successful management of the disease, movement improvement exercise, and developing a management plan. To attend, RSVP by Nov. 30 online at jcsbaltimore.org/parkinsons or call Debra Lynn Schwartz at (410) 466-9200.

Nov. 21

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

Valley Presbyterian Church is hosting a free seminar on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for those facing the holidays after the death of a loved one. The church is located at 2200 West Joppa Rd in Lutherville. Call (410) 828-6234 to register.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

your risk of skin cancer by keeping covered and wearing sunscreen, you’re also cutting your vitamin D production.

Such variability has made it difficult for researchers to tell how much vitamin D people make in addition to the amount they consume in supplements.

Evidence from studies that have measured blood levels of vitamin D indicates that levels in the high-normal range are optimal for building bone. To reach those levels may require taking 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day.

One thing the studies have taught us is that both calcium and vitamin D are essential to building bone. The question is how much of each. Dr. Willett recommends going lower on calcium and higher on vitamin D than the guidelines suggest — 500 to 700 mg. a day of calcium and 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D.

9

At that rate, you can probably get all or most of your calcium from food, especially if you have a serving or two of dairy products daily.

If you can’t tolerate dairy, you should still be able to get 300 mg. a day in your diet, and can take a low-dose calcium supplement to make up the rest. By keeping your supplement consumption to 500 mg. or less a day, you should avoid the possible risk of heart disease and kidney stones suggested by the studies.

Although vitamin D is added to milk and some other foods, you’ll probably need a supplement to be sure you’re getting enough. A capsule containing 800 to 1,000 IU should do the trick.

— Harvard Women’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed

By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

10

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Health Shorts Low-nicotine cigarettes may help smokers quit A new study might help the push for regulations to limit nicotine in cigarettes. Smokers who switched to special low-nicotine ones wound up smoking less and were more likely to try to quit, researchers found.

The study only lasted six weeks, and researchers call the evidence preliminary. But they say it’s the first large study to show that slashing nicotine, perhaps below an addiction threshold, is safe and leads to less smoking.

The Food and Drug Administration was

given the power in 2009 to mandate lower nicotine levels if it would help public health, but has not yet done so.

“This, I think, provides support” for lowering nicotine, said one study leader, Dr. Neal Benowitz of the University of California, San Francisco.

“What our study shows is that it’s feasible,” and that people won’t smoke more regular cigarettes to compensate, he said.

Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The FDA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse paid for the study. Two study leaders have advised companies that make smoking cessation aids, and two testified in tobacco lawsuits.

Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease and cancer. Tar and other substances inhaled through smoking make cigarettes deadly, but the nicotine in tobacco is what

Gentle Foot Care in Your Home Diabetic foot exams Corns/calluses Wound/infection care Toenail fungus Dr. Richard Rosenblatt DPM

Over 25 years experience

410-358-0544 6606 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD

Same Day, Weekend and Evening appointments. Most Insurance Accepted

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

makes them addictive.

Some earlier work suggests they might not be if nicotine was limited to roughly 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco. Most cigarettes contain around 15.8 milligrams per gram of tobacco.

There are no low-nicotine cigarettes on the market. The government made special ones with several lower nicotine levels to test.

The low-nicotine users in the study were a little more likely to smoke some regular cigarettes in addition to the ones provided in the study, yet the overall number of cigarettes smoked and nicotine levels were lower in those groups.

All low-nicotine cigarette users reported fewer symptoms of nicotine dependence on various standardized tests.

The study was not intended or designed to get smokers to quit. But twice as many in the low-nicotine group than those smoking standard-strength cigarettes — 35 percent versus 17 percent — said they had tried to quit in the month after the study ended.

A longer study is under way to see whether a gradual or abrupt shift to lownicotine cigarettes is best.

Concerns about implanted heart valves Doctors have discovered a potential problem involving implanted heart valves that hundreds of thousands of people have received: They don’t always open and close properly, possibly because a blood clot has formed that could raise the risk of stroke.

Although the problem appears common, experts stressed that not enough is known about the situation to change practice now, and federal health officials say the valves still seem safe and well worth the risk.

But it’s bound to be unsettling for people with bioprosthetic aortic valves — those made from cow, pig or human tissue.

They have become more popular than mechanical ones made from synthetic materials because they don’t require lifelong use of blood thinners to prevent blood clots.

Also, some tissue valves can be placed See HEALTH SHORTS, page 12

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Ongoing

AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers a variety of support groups for patients and their caregivers. The Amputee Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., at Kernan Hospital, 2200 Kernan Dr., Room G604. For more information, call Naomi Miller at (410) 448-6731.

Ongoing

ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUPS

Many people find help in support groups but aren’t able to attend in person. If you are suffering from a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or grief and would like to participate in an online support group, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/find-support-groups for more information.

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

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11

Caregivers get by with help from friends

By Meghan Streit When you’re caring for a sick spouse or parent, it can be difficult to find time to enjoy hobbies, exercise, or even schedule routine appointments such as dental checkups. As a result, caregivers sometimes suffer from depression, increased anxiety and deteriorating health.

Diane Everett figured out a way to free up her time and reduce her stress. Her husband, Tom, was diagnosed in 2007 with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. A few years ago, Everett, 61, started using the website Lotsa Helping Hands (www.lotsahelpinghands.com) to streamline her communication with family and friends, and to tap into her social network for help.

Caregivers use Lotsa Helping Hands to create personalized websites where they can post updates about a loved one’s medical condition, and request assistance with tasks such as driving to medical appointments or mowing the lawn. Friends must be specifically invited to access the website by the caregiver, to ensure users’ privacy.

When Everett posts a request for help, all of the members of her Lotsa Helping Hands community receive an e-mail alert.

“Sometimes I will say, ‘I need a couple of meals this week, and Tom doesn’t eat onions, and he’s having trouble chewing red meat,’” Everett said.

If Everett’s family and friends can help with a specific task, they simply click a link to sign up. That lets the other community members know the request is fulfilled.

“Now, I don’t have to make a million phone calls or leave messages,” Everett

said. “It’s the most amazing time saver.”

Make coordination easy Lotsa Helping Hands is one of several sites that help caregivers coordinate care.

Brooks Kenny, the site’s executive vicepresident, said 76,000 “caring communities” of family and friends lend help to caregivers. One reason the site is catching on, Kenny said, is that it enables caregivers to turn vague offers of help into practical, tangible assistance. When a well-meaning friend offers to help, most caregivers are reluctant to follow up. But a caregiver who uses Lotsa Helping Hands can refer friends and relatives to her website.

Kenny said the most common requests are for meal drop-off and transportation.

Caregivers might ask for someone to walk the dog or shovel snow. Or the caregiver could ask for people to take turns visiting with the person who is ill so that the caregiver can attend her book club or hit the gym.

“The caregivers we work with say, ‘I had no idea so many people cared,’ or ‘I had no idea it wouldn’t feel funny to have someone drop off a meal,’” Kenny said.

Drayer said that it can be comforting for the sick person to listen to the stories, and the family can keep the module when the person dies. It’s also a way to preserve family history.

CaringBridge (www.caringbridge.org) is another popular site for caregivers. It was launched in 1997 primarily as a tool for people to update friends and family about a loved one’s illness or recovery. In 2012, CaringBridge added SupportPlanner, where caregivers can request assistance with chores.

Many caregivers use CaringBridge to post medical updates and read well wishes from friends and family members, said Sona Mehring, the website’s founder and chief executive officer.

“It’s a great communication tool to let people know what’s going on. Friends can leave messages to show their support as well as sign up for tasks. Being able to connect is very therapeutic for caregivers.” © 2015, Kiplinger. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

More sites that can help CareFlash (www.careflash.com) is similar to Lotsa Helping Hands. Founder Jay Drayer created the site in 2006 after his own caregiving experience.

In addition to a calendar function where caregivers can ask for help, CareFlash includes a “social storytelling” module where family, friends and the ill person can upload photos and record audio stories.

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Treating Difficulty Standing, Walking, Sitting, and Sleeping attributed to Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, Painful Swollen Legs, Poor Circulation, and "Growing Pains" in Children.

I am a patient who had severe foot pain for 2 years, with no relief in sight....by the end of the 4 days I was 85% pain free in both feet. I thank God for Dr. Goldman and his passion for research in healing people with foot and leg pain.

– Alvin, Baltimore

As a podiatrist with over 30 years experience, I have always focused on non-surgical treatment of foot and leg pain. I find that most people with foot or leg symptoms (arthritic, aching, burning, cramping or difficulty walking) , even those who have had other treatments, including surgery of the foot (or back), can be helped, usually in 1 or 2 visits.

Stuart Goldman, DPM

410-235-2345

20 Crossroads Dr, Suite 15 Owings Mills, MD 21117

New Location

— Dr. Stuart Goldman Fellow American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare Author, multiple articles on Foot & Leg Symptoms

WATCh reAL PATieNT TeSTiMoNiALS oN heLPForYourFeeT.CoM

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Snoring causes and solutions are many If your spouse or sleep partner often seems bleary-eyed and resentful in the morning, you may be one of the millions of adults who snore habitually — a condition that affects twice as many men as women.

Snoring occurs when your upper airways narrow too much, causing turbulent airflow. This, in turn, makes the surrounding tissues vibrate, producing noise.

“Snoring is a sign that there is a really narrowed space,” said Dr. Sanjay Patel, a sleep disorder specialist at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “That happens either in your nasal passages or in the back of your throat.”

Some men are snorers because they have excess throat and nasal tissue. Others have floppy tissue that’s more likely to

vibrate. The tongue can also get in the way of smooth breathing.

Once the source of the snoring is identified, you can take appropriate steps to dampen the nightly din. These include not drinking alcohol at night, changing sleep position, avoiding snore-inducing medications, and addressing causes of nasal congestion.

How to alleviate snoring Here are some factors that contribute to snoring and what you can do to alleviate them.

Alcohol. Alcohol, a muscle relaxant, can slacken the tissues of your throat while you sleep. “We see this all the time,” Patel said. “Spouses say the snoring is tolerable except for the nights when their

partner has had a couple of beers.”

Body weight. Extra fat tissue in the neck and throat can narrow the airways. Losing some weight could help to open the airways if the person is overweight or obese, although many people who are lean also snore.

Medications. Medications that relax muscles can make snoring worse. For example, tranquilizers such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) can have this effect.

In contrast, antihistamines may actually alleviate snoring by reducing nasal congestion.

Nasal congestion. Mucus constricts the nasal airways. Before bed, rinse stuffy sinuses with saline. If you have allergies, reduce dust mites and pet dander in your bedroom, or use an allergy medication. If swollen nasal tissues are the problem, a humidifier or medication may reduce swelling.

Sleep position. When you lie on your back, slack tissues in the upper airways may droop and constrict breathing. Sleeping on your side may alleviate this. You can also try

Health shorts From page 10 through tubes into blood vessels rather than through open-heart surgery, which has allowed far more people in recent years to have bad valves fixed.

The safety concern emerged last year in a study testing a tube-placed valve. Scans on two patients, including one who had a stroke, revealed that their valves were not working right.

Dr. Raj Makkar, the doctor at CedarsSinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles who led the study, wanted to know how widespread this was. In a report published by the New England Journal of Medicine, he and others say the problem has now been found in 22 of 55 (40 percent of) patients in

raising your torso with an extra pillow or by propping up the head of the bed a few inches.

Smoking. Men who snore are often advised not to smoke, but the evidence this will help is weak. Needless to say, there are already plenty of other good reasons to quit smoking.

Anti-snoring products Many products claim to help with snoring, but few of them are backed by solid research.

One potentially effective option is wearing an anti-snoring mouth appliance, which pulls the jaw (along with the tongue) slightly forward to open the upper airway. An appliance made by a dentist can cost around $1,000. Do-ityourself kits cost much less, but may not be as well tailored to your mouth.

Nasal-dilating strips are inexpensive and harmless, and some small studies suggest they may help reduce snoring. You apply See SNORING, page 13

the study, and in 17 of 132 (13 percent of) patients in two registries tracking tissue valve recipients.

The initial study was testing a valve from St. Jude Medical, but the problem has now been seen in other brands too, and with valves implanted surgically, not just those placed through tubes. That suggests the issue could affect many people, although it’s unknown if the risk occurs soon after the implant or lasts longer.

Makkar said patients who recently received a tissue valve can talk with their doctors and see if imaging is being offered to check for the problem — it is at his hospital.

“These devices are life-saving,” Makkar said. “The worst thing that could happen is that people get the wrong idea” and are afraid to have a valve fixed.

— AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

13

One-pan Mediterranean chicken with kale Wondering what to make with fresh kale you just bought and chicken legs and thighs in the freezer? How about cooking these with canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, fresh garlic and Italian seasoning — probably staples in your cupboard — for a quick, delicious, one-skillet dinner!

Kale, you may be surprised to learn, was the most widely eaten green vegetable in Europe until the Middle Ages. Then cabbage usurped it. In fact, kale was so commonly consumed in nineteenth century Scotland that the word kail was used as a term for “dinner.” Even now, when someone is too sick to eat, they are said to be “off one’s kail.”

Today, this cruciferous vegetable is one of the most popular greens in the United States because it is packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients such as isothiocyanates and flavonoids that lower cancer risk.

Kale is more than just healthy; it is also delicious with a slightly sweet-bitter flavor.

Kale combined with tomatoes, garlic and

Snoring From page 12 these adhesive strips across your nose at bedtime to help to open up the nasal passages. Breathe Right is one well-known brand, but there are many others available at relatively low cost.

If you are unsure what to do about snoring, a physician can advise you and also make sure your snoring is not related to an underlying sleep disturbance, common in men, called obstructive sleep apnea.

“The louder the snoring, the more likely it is to be related to sleep apnea,” Patel said.

“Not all men who snore have sleep apnea, but if their snoring is frequent, loud or bothersome, they should at least be evaluated.”

Outpatient surgical options Try the more conservative steps described above before considering one of these outpatient surgical procedures to alleviate snoring:

Italian seasoning flavors otherwise plaintasting chicken with Mediterranean cuisine qualities — aromatic, rich and earthy.

Chicken thighs and legs, though slightly higher in fat, have more flavor than breast meat; even more so when cooked with the bones. Being able to pop the whole skillet creation into the oven makes this dish convenient to cook and easy to serve.

The tender chicken falls off the bones and melts in your mouth, as does the kale.

Serve this recipe with warm, crusty wholegrain rolls or bread to soak up the delicious vegetable sauce.

Skillet Chicken with Kale Serves 4 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil, divided 4 chicken legs (about 1 lb.), skinless 4 chicken thighs (about 1 lb.), skinless 4 cloves fresh garlic, chopped 1 package (16 oz.) pre-cut fresh kale, divided ½ tsp. salt, divided

Freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning, plus ½ tsp.

1 can (14.5 oz.) no salt added fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained 1 ¾-2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown, 2 minutes on each side.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Add remaining oil and sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add half the kale and half the salt and sauté about 2 minutes until kale is wilted, stirring constantly. Add remaining kale and salt and cook about 2 minutes until kale is wilted, stirring constantly.

Add a few grinds of fresh pepper and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Stir in tomatoes

and broth and bring to a boil. Turn off heat.

Arrange chicken over kale. Spoon broth over chicken. Season chicken with a few more grinds of pepper and remaining Italian seasoning. Cover and bake 55 minutes.

(If not using ovenproof skillet, transfer kale mixture to casserole dish, top with chicken, add seasonings, cover and bake.)

To serve, divide kale among four wide soup or pasta bowls and top with chicken.

If you prefer less broth, save leftover broth for another soup or stew.

Per serving: 345 calories, 16 g. total fat (3 g. saturated fat), 19 g. carbohydrate, 33 g. protein, 3.5 g. dietary fiber, 464 mg. sodium.

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Palatal implants. Also known as the Pillar procedure, this treatment involves implanting up to three matchstick-sized plastic stiffening rods into the soft palate.

The rods help prevent collapse of the soft palate that can trigger snoring.

Somnoplasty. Also known as radiofrequency tissue volume reduction, somnoplasty uses radio waves to heat and shrink soft tissue that vibrates during snoring. It takes a few minutes to perform and doesn’t cause bleeding, but it may have to be repeated to achieve results.

— Harvard Men’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Safe choices available to whiten teeth Dear Mayo Clinic: What’s the most effective way to whiten teeth? Is it worth it to pay for treatment from a dentist, or do the over-the-counter options work just as well? Are they safe for your teeth?

Answer: There are quite a few choices available if you want to whiten your teeth.

The approved products — both those you can buy at drugstores and those available from your dentist — are safe. Just make sure you follow the directions carefully.

Many teeth whiteners are quite effective, particularly if you use them for an extended period of time. If cost is a concern, try the over-the-counter options first. If those don’t give you the results you want, then talk to your dentist about other choic-

es he or she offers.

One of the simplest options is whitening toothpaste. It whitens teeth by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical called blue covarine. It stays on the surface of the teeth and makes them appear less yellow.

When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste takes about two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpaste that contains blue covarine can have an immediate effect. The effects of whitening toothpaste usually are not dramatic, however. It can’t change the natural color of your teeth, or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth’s surface.

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Many of the other products you can buy without a prescription, such as whitening strips, involve bleaching your teeth. They are generally safe, and often provide better results than just using whitening toothpaste.

Help from your dentist If you’d like your teeth to be whiter than can be achieved with these products, several choices are available from a dentist.

These whitening methods tend to be more effective and last longer than nonprescription products, but they are more expensive.

One option many dentists offer is an athome treatment. The dentist makes an impression of your teeth and uses it to create a tray in which you place a solution that contains a bleaching agent called carbamide peroxide. You wear the tray on your teeth at night. After about two weeks, many people see a significant difference in the whiteness of their teeth. The results usually last about two years.

The other choice is a treatment performed in the dentist’s office. This typically involves using a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth.

The whitening can often be accomplished in a series of about four visits to your dentist, with the appointments usually lasting less than 30 minutes.

One drawback is that the solution can burn your gums, so your dentist needs to carefully protect your gums with a barrier during the procedure.

Tooth sensitivity may increase Another risk associated with all bleaching options is that they can make your teeth more sensitive. Many manufacturers have tried to minimize this problem, though, by adding substances such as potassium nitrate and fluoride to their products that help minimize tooth sensitivity.

It’s important to understand that none of the teeth-whitening options currently available are permanent. Over time, food and drink, along with the natural process of aging, will cause your teeth to darken again.

That means whatever whitening method you choose, eventually you’ll need to repeat the process if you want to maintain the whiteness of your teeth long-term.

— Phillip Sheridan, D.D.S., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A @mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

15

The role of antioxidants, phytochemicals Q: What’s the difference between an mors need. Some fight inflammation. antioxidant and a phytochemical?

Many phytochemicals also seem to supA: Antioxidants are subport our body’s ability to balstances that prevent damage ance antioxidants and free radito cells from highly reactive, cals. The human antioxidant deunstable molecules called fense system includes a com“free radicals.” A balance beplex network of enzymes and tween antioxidants and free other compounds working with radicals in our body is imporone another and with antioxitant for health. If not kept in dant nutrients supplied by food. check, free radicals lead to The important take-home cell damage linked to a varimessage from today’s reety of chronic diseases. search is that we need a wide Phytochemicals are natu- NUTRITION variety of plant foods in our rally occurring compounds in WISE diet to get the full spectrum of plant foods such as fruits, veg- By Karen Collins, phytochemicals available to etables, whole grains, beans, MS, RD, CDM protect our health. Loading up nuts and seeds. In laboratory on any one phytochemical or studies, many phytochemicals act as an- antioxidant just isn’t the same. tioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and Q: How often should I weigh myself? removing their power to create damage.

A: How often is likely different for each However, lab test results don’t accurate- person, but overall research suggests that ly depict effects in the body. In fact, many regular weighing can help you reach and of the phytochemicals that show high an- maintain a healthy weight. A recent analytioxidant scores in lab tests can’t even be ses of studies concluded that checking absorbed from the gut. On the other hand, your weight somewhere between daily and healthful bacteria in the colon may break weekly helps prevent weight gain and supdown many of them, forming other com- ports weight loss. pounds that can be absorbed.

Regular weighing can act both as a reSome phytochemical nutrients — in- minder to continue behavior changes you cluding vitamins C and E and the mineral make, and as a way of catching and reversselenium — seem to block free radicals di- ing small weight gains before they become rectly not only in the laboratory, but within big ones. the human body, too.

In one study of people trying to lose Phytochemicals and the compounds weight, those who checked their weight that form from them seem to act in a vari- daily lost more weight and changed more ety of ways to protect health. Some can in- eating and exercise habits even compared to crease cancer cells’ tendency to self-de- people who checked several times a week. struct; others may stop carcinogens before However, in studies like this, it’s not clear they have a chance to begin the process of whether checking weight more often led to cancer development. They may also block more behavior change and weight loss, or the development of new blood vessels tu- whether the people more prepared to

BEACON BITS

Dec. 1

SMOKING CESSATION/HEART HEALTHY COOKING CLASS Learn how to stop smoking and eat healthy at this free class from

3 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Waxter Senior Center, 1000 Cathedral St. Registration is required. Call (410) 396-1324 or email erika.desravines@baltimorecity.gov.

change behavior were the ones more consistent in weighing themselves.

But it does no good to weigh yourself more than once a day; all you see are shifts in water balance. For some, this behavior can be a sign of developing an unhealthy obsession with weight.

Many factors influence whether weight checks help you. Don’t use weight checks as fuel for self-criticism, but as feedback on the effects of recent eating and activity choices.

In other words, it’s not just getting a number that is helpful, but what you learn as you take a few minutes to think about why your weight did or did not change.

Then make plans accordingly for behavior choices you want to make over the next few days.

Consider how weight checks have worked for you in the past, and perhaps discuss frequency of weighing with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to decide what will work best for you at this particular time in your life.

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.

16

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health Studies Page

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Can reducing inflammation save lives?

By Carol Sorgen The condition known as atherothrombosis is defined by the National Library of Medicine as a complex disease in which cholesterol deposits and the formation of blood clots play a significant part. When those deposits or blood clots rupture or break away from artery walls, serious and fatal complications can occur, including heart attack and sudden cardiac death.

It is known that inflammation contributes to atherothrombosis, but not yet proven whether the prevention or reduction of inflammation itself will reduce the number of cardiovascular events in those with the condition.

Hence, a study is underway — the Cardiovascular Inflammation Reduction Trial (CIRT) — to investigate whether taking a

low dose of the drug methotrexate will reduce rates of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death among patients with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome who have already had a heart attack or multiple coronary blockages. Both conditions are associated with an enhanced proinflammatory response.

Methotrexate is currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, as well as several kinds of cancer, including cancer of the blood, bone, lung, breast, head or neck.

Investigators hope that if the study is successful and methotrexate is shown both to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiac events and death, new directions for cardiovascular treatment can be developed.

The trial is funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the National Institutes of Health, and is being undertaken at more than 400 sites nationwide, including several in the Baltimore area.

Taking part in the study Participants in the trial must be older than 18, have a documented past history of a heart attack or evidence of multi-vessel coronary artery disease diagnosed by angiography, as well as a history of type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome at the time of study enrollment.

Patients cannot take part if they have a history of certain diseases — including tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, bronchiectasis or pulmonary fibrosis, chronic liver disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Participants will be randomly assigned

to their usual care plus a once-a-week methotrexate (in a dose within the range of that commonly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis), or their usual care plus a once-a-week placebo (a similar-looking pill but with inactive ingredients).

All study participants will additionally receive 1 mg. of folic acid (a form of B vitamin) to be taken daily six days per week.

Patients will continue in the study for three to four years, depending on their cardiovascular health.

Locally, the Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, IRC Clinics in Towson, and Woodholme Cardiovascular Associates in Pikesville are participating in the study. Compensation for time and travel is offered, and varies by study location.

For more information, call (855) 4379330 and refer to ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01594333.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 3+

SINGERS WANTED! Women between the ages of 25 and 60 who love to sing are invit-

ed to join the Dundalk Sweet Adelines Chorus, an a capella group, on Thursday, Dec. 3, for Guest Night, as the group rehearses its Christmas repertoire for their holiday music engagements throughout the greater Baltimore area. There is no charge to attend Guest Night or the weekly rehearsals that follow. Those who participate are welcome to sing with the group throughout the month of December as the singers spread Christmas cheer in shopping malls and senior centers. Meet at the North Point Government Center located at Wise Avenue and North Point Blvd. from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. each Thursday evening. For more information, call (410) 866-2288.

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

17

People can change, or sometimes not Dear Solutions: enough to recognize any wrongdoing and A woman who I knew many, many make their own decisions about how to years ago has just moved react. into my community. I was So, Emma, remember that never very friendly with her, you’re a compassionate perbut some of my friends at son — or you wouldn’t feel that time played cards, and this as a dilemma — and resome played mahjong with member to feel good about her. Unfortunately, she was yourself. found to be cheating in both Dear Solutions: games, and no one would How do I tell the truth play with her anymore. without hurting someone’s Now I understand that she feelings, or alternatively, is about to join an ongoing SOLUTIONS how do I lie without feeling card game in our neighbor- By Helen Oxenberg, guilty? hood, and I’m in a quandary. MSW, ACSW Our friends have a very I know it was many years ago, nice vacation house with but do people ever really change, and plenty of room. They keep inviting us to should I warn the other card players? come and spend some time there, but up I don’t want to be mean to her or un- until now my husband wouldn’t go, and I fair to the other women, so I don’t know kept making excuses. whether to say anything or not. The My husband doesn’t really like her trouble is, I have a very good memory. husband, and he hates to sleep in anyWhat do you think? one else’s house, but she’s a very old — Emma and dear friend of mine.

Dear Emma: Now my husband says he’ll go to Actually, Emma, a very good memory is please me, but he won’t sleep there, one that can remember what to remember and he doesn’t care if I blame it all on and knows what to forget! him. I don’t know what to say to them.

I understand your dilemma. However, has — Gail anyone asked you anything about this Dear Gail: woman since it was “many, many” years ago?

Since he’s willing to please you, do as he You don’t know what she may have learned, says — blame it all on him. Tell them he’s or how she may have changed over the hung up about where he lies down. He years. feels uncomfortable in someone else’s The women in the game she is about to house and needs privacy. enter are surely smart enough and mature Get a motel room in the area, and spend

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daytime with them and nighttime in the private room with that person you blamed it all on.

You don’t have to mention that he doesn’t like her husband. It will probably show even if you don’t tell, so in the future you may not have to lie at all.

On the other hand, you could go visit by

yourself while your husband stays in his own bed — happily, I would guess. © Helen Oxenberg, 2015. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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

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

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

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

18

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Money Law &

IN THE SHORT-TERM Short-term care insurance costs less, but you get what you pay for GOOD NEWS ON RMDS New annuity rules let you minimize required minimum distributions SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES File and suspend and another spousal strategy have been cut BETWEEN JOBS Teens and older adults share many of the same woes when looking for work

Ways to afford long-term care coverage

By Kimberly Lankford No matter how carefully you plan for retirement, if you don’t have long-term care insurance, a catastrophic illness could wipe out your savings.

The average private room in a nursing home costs $250 per day — or $91,250 per year — according to Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care study. Costs are typically considerably higher in this metro area.

The median cost of assisted living is now $43,200 a year, and the cost of hiring a homecare worker is $20 per hour, or more than $41,000 per year for a 40-hour week. (The average length of care is about three years.)

Medicare provides little coverage for long-term care, and Medicaid kicks in only after you’ve spent almost all of your money.

In the past, you could buy long-term care insurance to cover most of the potential costs. But those fully-loaded policies have become incredibly expensive. Today, a healthy 55-year-old man would pay nearly $6,870 per year for a Genworth policy that pays $200 per day for five years and in-

creases the benefits by 5 percent compounded each year. Single women now pay about 50 percent more than single men.

And premiums can spike after you buy the insurance, as they already have for many people.

Save money with trade-offs Making a few tweaks to your coverage can save thousands of dollars in premiums and still protect a portion of your retirement savings.

“I try to strike a balance,” said Sam McPherson, a certified financial planner in Brooklyn, N.Y. McPherson looks at the average cost of care in his clients’ area at www.genworth.com/costofcare, then gets price quotes for a policy that would cover a portion of the costs.

“If the average daily cost of a home health aide is $113 in your area and the cost of a private room in a nursing home is $195 a day, think of [getting a policy] covering $150 per day,” he said.

The same 55-year-old man would pay only $1,534 per year for a Genworth policy that covers $150 a day for three years with a 3 percent compound inflation adjustment. That less-expensive Genworth policy would provide up to $164,250 in coverage (in today’s dollars) when you multiply the daily benefit by the benefit period.

But some trade-offs are a better deal than others.

Changing the inflation adjustment delivers the biggest savings. You need to have some inflation protection, especially if you buy coverage in your fifties or sixties and may not need care for 20 years or more. Nursing home rates have increased by 4 percent annually over the past five years; assisted living and home care costs have risen 2 percent a year or less.

But insurers have jacked up premiums for 5 percent inflation protection because their own investments are earning low interest rates. Our 55-year-old man would pay $2,666 more per year, or $4,200, if he

chose the 5 percent inflation adjustment instead of 3 percent. “That cost differential is too drastic for most people,” said Brian Gordon, president of MAGA Ltd., a longterm care specialist in Riverwoods, Ill. Shortening the benefit period saves money, but probably wouldn’t provide enough coverage for a degenerative condition, such as Alzheimer’s.

Couples can hedge their bets by buying a shared-benefit policy. Instead of, say, a three-year benefit period each, they’d have a pool of six years to use between them.

Adding this benefit costs an additional 15 to 22 percent.

Extending the waiting period before benefits kick in can also lower the premium, although you’ll have to pay the full cost of care before your insurance covers anything. Policies with a 90-day waiting period tend to offer a good balance.

But look for a “calendar day” waiting peSee LONG-TERM CARE, page 19

Should investors flock to European stocks?

By Stan Choe Europe has been a land of disappointment for years for investors. But now they can’t get enough of it.

Investors are so hot for the continent that made “debt crisis” and “austerity” everyday terms that they’ve plowed more than $30 billion this year into mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that focus on European stocks — a relatively niche category that has $81 billion in total assets.

The move is part of a broader migration into foreign stock funds and away from many U.S. stock funds, which have been some of the best performers since the financial crisis.

Several motivations are behind the shift, including the desire to make portfolios less U.S.-reliant and more like the global stock market.

The fits and starts for European stocks in recent years have also opened up another attraction, particularly when compared against a U.S. market that has gone nearly straight up for years until recently: Vive la valuation.

“I think it’s a fairly logical shift: People

are seeing more value outside the U.S. than inside the U.S.,” said Rob Lovelace.

He is a senior member of the management committee of Capital Group, whose American Funds family is home to some of the largest international stock funds.

The flows into Europe have been erratic. When worries have flared about Europe’s debt troubles, Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine or how European exporters will cope with a weak global economy, dollars have headed out of the region.

Those risks remain, as does the possibility that a weaker euro could dilute returns for U.S. investors.

Here’s a look at what’s attracting investors to European stock funds, as well as things that need to be considered before joining the crowd.

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

portfolios, even though they make up close to half the global market.

That’s changing. Investors pulled a net $7 billion from U.S. stock funds from the beginning of this year through August, according to Morningstar. They pumped nearly $210 billion into international stock funds over the same time.

Valuations are cheaper The surge for U.S. stocks since 2009 means they’re more expensive relative to how much profit they’re producing. The S&P 500 set a record high this summer, and trades at about 16 times its expected earnings per share.

European stocks, meanwhile, have been on a bumpier ride. The MSCI Europe index is still about 30 percent below its peak from before the Great Recession, in dollar terms.

The relatively listless performance means the MSCI Europe index has recently traded at 14 times its expected earnings.

While that’s not screamingly cheap, it’s less pricey than the United States.

Europe’s economy is improving After shrinking in 2012 and 2013, the euro area’s economy returned to growth last year. This year, growth is set to accelerate to 1.5 percent, and the International Monetary Fund expects it to improve again next year to 1.6 percent.

That’s lower than the expected U.S. growth rate of 2.8 percent in 2016, but Europe’s economy is earlier in its recovery.

The European Central Bank is still in stimulus mode, while the Federal Reserve has already halted its bond-buying program and is discussing when to raise interest rates.

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

Corporate profits usually set records during each economic cycle, and that’s See EUROPEAN STOCKS, page 20

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

Long-term care From page 18 riod. That starts the clock ticking as soon as you qualify for care, either because you need help with two activities of daily living or have cognitive impairment. A “service day” waiting period has the same benefit trigger but counts only the days you receive care (the average person receives home care 3.5 days per week, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI).

Some insurers, such as Genworth, charge about 15 percent extra for a policy with no waiting period for home care.

Find the best deal Annual premiums are lower when you’re younger, although you’ll pay them longer. “To me, the sweet spot for buying long-term care insurance is in your late fifties and early sixties,” said McPherson.

But it becomes more difficult to qualify for coverage as you get older. In 2014, some 21 percent of people in their fifties who applied for coverage were denied; 27 percent of those in their sixties and 45 percent in their seventies were turned down, said the AALTCI. Most insurers now perform medical exams, which may include cognitive assessments for applicants who are older than 60, said John Ryan, a long-term care specialist

with Ryan Insurance Strategy Consultants, in Greenwood Village, Colo. Some companies may charge more if you have a family history of early-onset Alzheimer’s or heart issues, added Gordon.

It helps to work with an agent who deals with several insurers and knows which ones have the best rates. Gordon often works with Mutual of Omaha, MassMutual, Genworth, John Hancock and Transamerica. Before applying, he asks the insurer if it will cover the person’s condition.

You can find a long-term care specialist at www.aaltci.org. A few insurers, such as New York Life and Northwestern Mutual, sell only through their agents.

Along with the coverage trade-offs, you’ll need a plan to tap your income and savings if you have to pay for some care out of pocket.

Scott Sadar, a certified financial planner in Portland, Ore., said his clients identify which investments they plan to sell if they need money to pay for long-term care, and they often use products such as deferredincome annuities to provide additional income when they are likely to need care.

[See “New annuity type can minimize your RMDs,” on page 21.]

Another option is to add a chronic-care rider to a permanent life insurance policy, which boosts premiums by about 10 percent but lets you tap your death benefit early if you need long-term care.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

INFORMATION ON RENTAL HOUSING AVAILABLE The Maryland Department of Housing and Community

Development offers information on availability of rental housing units across the state of Maryland. Housing providers, developers and property managers can use this service free of charge to advertise their property listings. For more information, go to www.mdhousingsrarch.org or call 1-877-428-8844.

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Tax-smart ways to pay premiums Several tax breaks for long-term care premiums can help you stretch your dollars.

If you have a “tax qualified” long-term care policy (most policies sold today are), you can withdraw money tax-free from a health savings account to pay premiums for yourself and your spouse.

The amount is based on age. If you’re 40 or younger in 2015, you can each withdraw up to $380 tax-free for long-term care premiums; $710 if you’re 41 to 50; $1,430 if you’re 51 to 60; $3,800 if you’re 61 to 70; and $4,750 if you’re 71 or older.

If you don’t use HSA money for long-

19

term care premiums, you can count the same amounts outlined above toward the tax deduction for medical expenses. If you’re 65 or older, medical expenses are tax-deductible in 2015 after they exceed 7.5 percent of income (the threshold is 10 percent if you’re younger).

You can also pay long-term care premiums with a tax-free transfer (called a 1035 exchange) from the cash value of a life insurance policy or annuity.

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

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR SENIORS The Maryland Insurance Administration offers “A Consumer Guide

to Insurance Needs for Seniors & Empty Nesters.” The guide is one in a series of educational materials that take into account your current stage of life, and which insurance products you are most likely to need. Copies are available at public libraries and senior centers, by calling the Maryland Insurance Administration at 1-800-492-6116, or download from www.mdinsurance.state.md.us.

20

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Why consider short-term care insurance?

By Eleanor Laise When it comes to long-term care planning, some consumers are starting to think short term. People who can’t qualify for — or can’t afford — long-term care insurance are increasingly turning to short-term care policies, which offer benefits for up to one year.

Short-term care policies have lower premiums and looser underwriting standards than long-term care policies, making them more accessible to people with health problems. But patients who end up needing extended care will find that these policies are sorely lacking.

And short-term care policies may not cover all the levels of care that a long-term policy would cover. Some short-term policies only cover home care, while others will pay only for care in a facility.

Short-term care policies, offered by carriers such as MedAmerica, Kemper and Equitable Life & Casualty, have been around for years, but are gaining renewed attention as long-term care insurance premiums have climbed sharply in recent

European stocks From page 18 been the case in the United States during this expansion.

But European corporate profits are still

years. And wealthier consumers who apply for long-term care coverage are often declined for age or health reasons.

Short-term care insurance is “your plan B option,” said Jesse Slome, who runs trade groups for both long- and short-term care insurance. While long-term care insurance is your best bet if you can afford it and meet the health qualifications, Slome said, “some insurance is better than no insurance.”

Is it worth it?

But some in the industry are more skeptical that short-term care policies offer real value to consumers. If you can afford to pay short-term care insurance premiums, you may well be able to afford care in the short term without bothering with insurance.

A 64-year-old in Nebraska, for example, can get a policy that will pay a $120 daily benefit for 100 days for an annual premium of $312, according to a quote provided by Premier LTC Brokerage, in Norfolk, Neb. If he pays premiums for 20 years before making a claim, he has paid $6,240 for a maximum of below where they were before the 2008 financial crisis. Now that Europe’s economy is slowly improving, Ison expects earnings growth to accelerate.

That has him looking for companies that do lots of business within Europe to bene-

$12,000 worth of benefits. Some short-term care policies offer even lower benefits of $50 per day — just a fraction of a facility’s cost.

Older consumers should also remember that Medicare often foots some of the bill for short-term care, said James Glickman, president of Life Care Assurance, a Woodland Hills, Cal., long-term care reinsurer. If you need rehabilitation in a nursing home following a hospital stay of at least three days, Medicare may cover most of the costs for up to 100 days.

Many people who want to purchase some form of coverage may find shortterm care is their only option. Those who are declined long-term care coverage as a result of conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, for example, may be eligible for short-term care insurance, said Barbara Stahlecker, national marketing director at Premier LTC Brokerage.

Comparing policies Although it’s difficult to make direct cost comparisons between short- and longfit from the growth. His fund owns construction and media companies, for example. One of its biggest holdings is Ryanair, a discount airline that serves leisure travelers around Europe.

Currency and other risks One danger of dropping the “home bias” is that investors may introduce a new form of risk to their portfolios. When the euro or Swiss franc fall in value, it can erode or even wipe out returns for investors counting their performance in dollars.

The MSCI Europe index has returned 3 percent this year in local-currency terms, for example, but only 0.2 percent in dollars. Some funds “hedge” to blunt the ef-

term care coverage, given their varying benefits, Slome offers an example of how much older couples might expect to pay for each type of policy.

A 60-year-old couple can get a short-term care policy that provides $150 in daily benefits for up to 360 days, with a 30-day elimination period, for $1,235 annually, he said. (The elimination period is the number of days between the time you become eligible for benefits and when the insurer starts paying.)

The couple would pay $2,170 a year for a long-term care policy that provides the same daily benefit for up to three years, with a 90-day elimination period.

A benefit for single women: Unlike longterm care insurance, which often charges single women 20 to 40 percent more than single men, short-term care insurance offers unisex pricing.

Short-term care policies also require you to jump fewer hurdles before collecting benefits. For example, long-term care poliSee SHORT-TERM CARE, page 21

fect. The WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity ETF and other hedged funds have become popular.

But if the dollar ends up falling against the euro, unhedged funds will get a boost from the currency move while hedged funds won’t.

Europe is also still working through its debt troubles, and each upcoming political election could fan further worries.

Even bigger issues may be tensions with Russia and Europe’s economic ties with emerging markets. China’s economic growth is slowing sharply, which is striking fear into European exporters of luxury goods, cars and other products.

— AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

21

New annuity type can minimize your RMDs

By Kimberly Lankford Most retirees have two big concerns: outliving their savings and paying taxes on their withdrawals.

Now there’s a way to deal with both of those issues. A new type of annuity, called a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC, lets retirees lock in income in the future and avoid taking taxable required minimum distributions (RMDs) on as much as $125,000 of their retirement savings.

QLACs provide a tax-advantaged twist on deferred-income annuities (also known as longevity insurance), which insurers have offered for several years.

You usually invest in these annuities when you’re in your sixties in order to receive guaranteed lifetime income starting 10 or 20 years down the road. But until recently, you couldn’t delay that long if the money you invested came from an IRA or a 401(k), because such accounts require that you start taking withdrawals at age 70 1/2.

“We saw a tremendous cluster of people taking the payouts at age 70,” said Ross Goldstein, managing director for New York Life, which has a popular deferred-income annuity. “They had no choice.”

in a QLAC without having to take RMDs at 70 1/2. (You’ll owe taxes on payouts, except to the extent they reflect after-tax contributions.)

Nearly a dozen options from insurers, including American General, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, Pacific Life and Principal, are now available.

A deferred-income annuity is one way to ensure you’ll have extra money coming in later in life, when you may need it most, said Andrew Murdoch, president of Somerset Wealth Strategies, in Portland, Ore. “A lot of people are doing this as a way to minimize RMDs,” said Murdoch. “They have enough other assets saved, and they want to defer the taxes as long as they possibly can.”

Being able to count on guaranteed income in your 80s helps you plan how long the rest of your savings needs to last. It can also help pay for potential long-term care costs and other expenses.

If you’re interested in this type of annuity, you can roll money from your IRA into a QLAC. Or you may be able to invest in one through your 401(k) when you leave your job without rolling it over to an IRA, although few plans offer that option yet.

New rules last year The Treasury Department changed the rules last year, permitting people to invest 25 percent of the balance of an IRA or 401(k) account (up to a total of $125,000)

Choose the features

Short-term care

“activities of daily living,” such as bathing and dressing. Short-term care policies typically don’t have the 90-day requirement.

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

From page 20 cies generally won’t pay benefits unless your doctor certifies that for at least 90 days you’re going to need help with at least two

When you pick a QLAC, the key decisions are when to begin payouts and whether to include a death benefit.

The longer you wait, the more you’ll get.

A 65-year-old man investing $125,000 in MetLife’s QLAC, for example, will get about $33,000 per year if payouts begin at age 80; he’ll receive more than $64,000 if he delays payouts to age 85. (Women, who tend to live longer, receive less).

But if you die before the designated payout age, you’ll get nothing. Adding a death benefit, however, reduces your annual payouts.

If the 65-year-old man chooses a returnof-premium death benefit, his heirs will get back the $125,000, minus any money he already received. But his annual payouts would drop to about $26,000 starting at age 80 or about $46,000 starting at age 85.

Some insurers also let you continue payouts for your spouse after you die.

After you choose the features, compare payouts from several insurers, which can vary by more than 7 percent, said Jerry Golden, president of Golden Retirement Advisors, an annuity consultant.

You can see prices and payouts with various options for several QLACs at www.go2income.com/qlac. Or contact insurers that sell primarily through their own agents, such as MetLife, New York Life and Northwestern Mutual.

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

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SMALL TOWN AMERICA

Middletown is a moving and funny new play by Will Eno exploring the universe of a small American town. As a friendship develops between longtime resident John Dodge and new arrival Mary Swanson, the lives of all Middletown denizens intersect in strange and poignant ways. The play, produced by the Theatrical Mining Company, will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., Nov. 20 through Dec. 6. Tickets are $12. There will be one Thursday evening pay-what-you-can performance on Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. All performances of Middletown will be held at Church & Company, 3647 Falls Rd. in Hampden. For more information and reservations, email theatricalminingcompany@yahoo.com or visit www.theatricalmining.org.

22

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Congress amends Social Security benefits In addition to funding the federal govern- proximately 20 percent in 2016. ment through the 2017 fiscal year, the reOn the downside for many retirees, the cent Bipartisan Budget Act inlaw significantly changes the troduces important changes to rules regarding eligibility for Medicare and Social Security. the “file and suspend” option On the beneficial side, it reand for a “restricted applicaduces the proposed increase tion” to collect only a spousal in premiums of Medicare Part benefit.

B from 52 percent to approxiAs I’ve explained in past mately 15 percent for those columns, “file and suspend” is participants not covered by a strategy whereby a person the “hold harmless” provision. who has reached his or her [See “2016 Social Security, full retirement age (FRA) Medicare changes,” in our No- THE SAVINGS files for benefits and then susvember edition, where this pro- GAME pends them. This permits posed increase was described.] By Elliot Raphaelson him or her to accrue an 8 perThe bill also provides addicent bump-up in retirement tional funding for Social Security disability benefits for every year of suspension up to claims — without which disability pay- age 70. Meanwhile, that person’s spouse ments would have been reduced by ap- and dependent children are entitled to

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Trained volunteers are available to answer your questions regarding Medicare A and B, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicaid and potential Medicare frauds. Volunteers can also assess callers for eligibility to obtain financial assistance to help with Medicare and prescription costs. Call (410) 887-2059 for more information.

benefits based on his or her work record.

The budget act bars the spousal and dependent benefits for those who file and suspend May 1, 2016 and after. You can still file and suspend your benefit, but there will be no other benefit to your spouse or children.

If you have already filed for it, you will not be affected by the change. And if you reach your FRA by the end of 2015, you may file and suspend with spousal and dependent benefits up until April 30, 2016.

If you are able to do so, I recommend it.

There is no downside. If you wait until after the deadline to file and suspend, you won’t have the flexibility to provide these benefits to your spouse and dependent children.

A similar strategy is the restricted application for spousal benefit. This is where a person 62 or older applies only for his or her spousal benefit (equal to up to 50 percent of the spouse’s benefit), and collects that while putting off applying for benefits on his or her own work record, accruing the 8 percent yearly credits for doing so from FRA until age 70.

This option is available only if your spouse is receiving benefits or if he/she has filed and suspended. Only individuals eligible for restricted status can obtain spousal benefits and also postpone filing for benefits until 70, thus becoming eligible for a higher benefit.

Under the new law, however, if you turn

62 in 2016 or later you will not be provided restricted eligibility for a spousal benefit.

This means that if you apply for Social Security benefits, either for a spousal benefit or a benefit based on your work record, you will be entitled to whichever benefit is higher. You will not be able to apply for one benefit now and a different benefit later.

Widows and widowers will still be able to claim benefits based on their exspouse’s record and apply later for benefits based on their work record, and vice versa. Their flexibility has not changed with the new budget act.

For additional information, see Michael Kitces’ blog, Nerd’s Eye View, www.kitces. com/blog. Web Phillips, senior legislative representative of the Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, is another excellent source. Their site (www.ncpssm.org) contains up-to-date information.

The bottom line is the Obama administration and Congress have taken away some favorable options for younger Social Security participants that older individuals still have. And it was done behind closed doors with no public notification.

You can complain to Congress and ask them to find other ways to save money.

You have nothing to lose.

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

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BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

23

Teens, seniors share employment woes

By Alexis Bentz applicants, many of whom will work for Have you ever applied for a job and won- lower salaries. dered if you’ve been turned Employers may also worry away because of your age? that older workers won’t have You might be surprised to reup-to-date technology skills, or alize this is something that that they may not be flexible or seniors and teens alike can reable to work long hours. Some late to. employers might not appreciSome employers think that ate their years of experience. because job applicants are However, if you are a senior young or old they cannot looking for work, don’t decomplete tasks or do things spair. There are many reasons correctly and efficiently. why older adults are the right While the overall unem- GENERATIONS choice for the job. Most have ployment rate in the U.S. in TOGETHER lots of experience in various September was 5.1 percent, it By Alexis Bentz fields, and because of this, emwas 16.3 percent for teens beployers know what they are tween 16 and 19. While those age 55 and getting. older have an official unemployment rate Older workers also are mature, and typiof just 3.9 percent, the time they spend cally are very hard workers, as they were looking for work is often far longer than raised learning the importance of effort and younger workers, and some just end up hard work. In some cases, older adults may pulling out of the workforce. also be better at communicating face-to-face because they grew up without computers Two sides of the coin and social media.

Older adults face several particular chalKids looking for work face challenges, lenges. Although many seniors, especially too. Some employers think teens are too in the Washington area, are highly educat- young and inexperienced and do not have ed, they may find employers that tend to the discipline to do a job well. However, hire seniors are only offering jobs that uti- kids can offer a fresh perspective and, belize little of their abilities. There is a lot of cause they have grown up surrounded by competition for jobs, mostly from younger computers, iPhones and tablets, they

should be able to handle any technology the business may have.

Also, many kids have the same qualities as members of the older generation — they are conscientious, hard working, focused and motivated. In addition, teens can be trained to the liking of the employer. Some states even offer tax benefits for hiring younger workers.

Useful steps to take No matter our age, many of us are very valuable workers and could be a great choice for the job — even though many employers fail to realize this.

But you have the power to change that.

If you are looking for work, I suggest you find a teen in the same situation (perhaps through a local middle or high school), get together and make a list of reasons why your age and personal qualities would benefit an employer.

You can practice with each other how to display your positive qualities to an interviewer, and give advice on being a hard worker. You can do research together at the library or online about how to prepare a resume, find a job and network.

Teens can share their technology and social media skills with older adults. In turn, seniors can talk with teens about workplace etiquette and tips they have learned from decades on the job.

Furthermore, you can share the feelings and emotions each of you experience when you are denied a job or the ability to do something because of your age. You can talk about ways to handle your feelings when things like this happen.

So you see, there are many ways the younger and older generations can relate to each other and help each other out.

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

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visit http://volunteer.truist.com/baltimore-county/volunteer/ to take advantage of the online resource listing. If you’d rather talk to someone, call (410) 887-2715.

24

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Travel Leisure &

You’re not alone if you like to travel alone. But good deals are far and few between. See story, page 28

Beyond beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island

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

come face-to-face with an active volcano.

Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times in the past 175 years, most recently in 1984.

Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano.

Lava flowing from Kilauea, which has been erupting since 1983, adds about 42 acres to Hawaii Island every year. Just last year, the lava flow invaded populated areas and prompted an evacuation by some residents.

Those massive mountains have another claim to fame. They measure more than 30,000 feet from their base (located far beneath the sea) to their summits, making them taller than Mount Everest.

Another volcano, Mauna Kea — the name is Hawaiian for “white mountain” — at times receives a mantle of snow during winter that is adequate for skiing and snowboarding. However, skiing there is not for the timid. There are no lifts, grooming or resort, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required to reach the 13,796-foot summit.

Locals call the snow “pineapple powder.”

A good way to experience the park is to drive along Crater Rim Drive, which leads to several major attractions. The Jaggar Museum provides a detailed introduction to volcanoes, and the overlook outside offers a breathtaking panoramic view.

The Thurston Lava Tube was formed when an underground river of molten lava ran out of its channel, and the walls cooled and hardened. The aptly named Devastation Trail leads through an area that was

PHOTO BY BIG ISLAND VISITORS BUREAU

By Victor Block On beaches with white, black and even green sand, vacationers soak up the sun.

Not far away, skiers speed down the snowcovered slopes of a dormant volcano.

Other people check out a surreal moonscape of hardened pitch-black lava, then hike through a lush tropical rainforest.

If this sounds like a continent-wide choice of activities, that’s because the island of Hawaii in some ways resembles a miniature continent.

Since it shares its name with the state, it’s often referred to as the Big Island to avoid confusion, and with good reason. It’s almost twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined — about one-third as large as Maryland.

Visitors find a miniature world that encompasses virtually every kind of landscape. Cactus-dotted desert lies near rain forests. Barren lava fields contrast with waterfalls plunging into verdant valleys.

Depending upon which classification system is used, Hawaii Island possesses at least eight, and possibly more, of the earth’s 13 climate zones.

PHOTO BY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY/KIRK LEE AEDER

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

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

buried beneath a thick blanket of cinders during an eruption of Kilauea in 1959.

Along with volcanoes and the usual sunand-sand vacation activities, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the island of Hawaii. For fishermen, waters off its Kona Coast are famous as the best in the world for catching giant blue marlin.

Much larger examples of sea life drop by during whale-watching season, from December through May. While humpbacks have top billing, it’s also possible to spot sperm and melon-headed whales.

People who prefer to keep their feet on firm ground will find a wide choice of hiking opportunities. Volcanoes National Park alone offers 150 miles of trails.

Coffee and cowboys Some visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover that coffee and cowboys are among the island’s unexpected treasures.

World-renowned, and costly, Kona coffee has been grown there since it was introduced by missionaries in 1828.

Today, the beans are harvested at countless tiny farms crowded into a narrow strip of land along the Kona Coast.

The rich volcanic soil, cloud cover and elevation of upland slopes combine to provide

an ideal environment. A number of the small farms offer tours and tastings.

A farm setting of another kind more closely fits the Big Island nickname, and adds a bit of cowboy culture to the scene.

This story began in 1788, when a visitor presented a gift of five cows to King Kamehameha 1, who had consolidated his rule over the eight Hawaiian islands into one kingdom. After the monarch set the animals free, they multiplied into thousands over the next two decades, wreaking havoc with farm crops and gardens.

When a Massachusetts sailor named John Parker landed on the island, he got permission from the king to shoot the wild cattle. He began selling their meat and hides, became wealthy, and eventually established a ranch that carried his name.

In the 1830s, Parker contracted with vaqueros, horse-mounted cattle herders from Mexico, to tend his large herd of livestock.

The local island men they trained to ride and rope became instrumental in the growth of the Parker Ranch into one of the largest cattle spreads in the United States.

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

See HAWAII, page 26

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

25

Tips for vacationing (or living) in an RV

Coping behind the wheel First, the bad news. Let’s get the driving part out of the way because it’s pretty miserable. Most rental RVs are Class C motor homes: The cab and chassis of a full-size van are merged with a big box that houses enough beds to sleep up to seven, plus a kitchen, a toilet, a shower, a television and whatever other features the builder chooses to include.

For my recent RV excursion, taking my family to visit friends in Rehoboth Beach, Del., I rented a Coachman Freelander 28DS from Ace RV in Herndon, Va. The Coachman is a Class C RV, and that means no matter how nicely appointed it is in back, the front is still just a regular work van.

Pull away from a stop and the engine labors loudly, joined by a cacophony of creaks and rattles as the rest of the vehicle slowly realizes that it, too, has to come along.

Turning? Better swing wide (and check those mirrors). Backing up? If you’re lucky, you’ll have a rearview camera. Otherwise, send out spotters. Crosswinds?

Two hands on the wheel at all times.

Crosswinds on narrow, high bridges, such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which I had to cross to get to the beach?

Now we’re really sweating. As a friend of mine puts it, driving an RV is “like suddenly becoming very, very fat.”

Ask the Expert–

No special driver’s license is typically required to rent an RV, but that belies the complexity of operating one. At the very least, pay close attention during the how-itworks tour of your vehicle, because that’s when you’ll realize that you’re not just checking into a cabin; you’re ripping that cabin from its sewer, water and electrical lines and taking it somewhere. (Cruise America offers an instructional video for renters; you can view it on YouTube.)

If the goal of your trip is to scope out using an RV as part of your retirement plan, keep in mind that most Class C motor homes (average retail price, $89,000) don’t measure up in size and amenities to the bus-style, Class A RVs (averaging $180,000) that retirees favor.

If you want a taste of that life, pay the extra for a Class A rental. El Monte and Road Bear offer these for about $2,000 to $3,000 a week, as do many independents.

John Evans, General Manager Schimunek Funeral Homes

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funeral arranger?

A: A funeral arranger should care for and

guide your family as if you were part of their own. He or she is a caring professional who will be by your side every step of the way—from the arrangement conference

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

Camping without the bugs The campground is where the magic of an RV’s little cubbies, folding beds, tables, pull-out stoves and retractable TVs comes to life.

My Coachman came equipped with “slide-outs” — sections of the RV that move outward to give you more space when you’re parked. Pushing a button to make the entire kitchen move three feet is a stunt I got to pull over and over.

But what wowed the five kids in my party was the bed over the cab, which struck them as the world’s biggest top bunk. Three of them slept up there.

You can look for one of the thousands of campgrounds around the country with “full hookups” (electricity, water and even cable TV). Or you can make your RV a truly independent home-on-wheels, at least for a while: The gasoline-powered generator will make electricity for the airconditioning, and propane will fuel the cooktop, power the fridge, and heat the water for the shower.

About those bathrooms: They’re tiny, and the water flow is modest. If you’re in a See RV TRAVEL, page 27

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By David Muhlbaum Recreational vehicle sales sagged during the Great Recession, but lately they have ticked back up, thanks to gas prices that have stayed below $3 a gallon for over a year.

If you’ve thought about investing a small fortune in one of these mobile motel rooms, perhaps because you’re contemplating a nomadic retirement, think about renting one first to try out the lifestyle for a week or two.

A number of national chains rent RVs. A weeklong rental from Cruise America, for example, typically costs about $1,000, depending on where you rent and how far you drive. Other national chains include El Monte and Road Bear. Renting is also a good option if you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to see the scenery on your next vacation.

If you have more questions, visit your local funeral provider. They are a good source of information for funeral, cremation and cemetery options.

John Evans is a fourth-generation funeral director with over 30 years of experience in funeral service. John has spent the better half of his life serving families with compassion and !"#$%%&"'()&%*+ (,+ "'$+ "#+ ,-$+ *"%,+ .&#/01),+ times in their lives. To learn more, please visit SchimunekFuneralHomes.com.

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26

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Hawaii From page 24

Hawaii’s Polynesian past For history buffs, the story of the island’s past is as intriguing as what greets visitors today. The earliest settlements were established by Polynesians who arrived after a long and treacherous ocean voyage in large double-hulled canoes. Estimated dates of their arrival span hundreds of years, from the fourth to eighth centuries.

Clues to the lifestyle of the ancient Hawaiian civilization abound throughout the island. They include remnants of villages, temples (heiau), agricultural mounds and other archeological remains.

Some relics — such as royal fish ponds constructed to satisfy noble palates and lava rock carvings called petroglyphs — have been incorporated into the grounds of hotels.

The chiseled images depict humans, birds and other recognizable forms, as well as undecipherable lines and dots.

Their precise meanings are unknown, but scientists believe that they record births, deaths and other major events, and perhaps include astronomical symbols.

One of the more intriguing sites is the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, a reconstructed royal compound.

Known as the “City of Refuge,” it served as a sanctuary for people who angered the gods in some way.

Transgressors who were able to reach this

sacred place were absolved by a priest and allowed to go free. The compound encompasses temples, sacred burial places, petroglyphs and other reminders of ancient times.

Another chapter of island history comes alive in the Waipio Valley, a six-by-one-mile gash in the land rimmed by 2,000-foot high cliffs over which numerous waterfalls cascade. The meandering river they create gave the valley its name, which means “curved waters.”

Also known as “Valley of the Kings,” it once was home to many rulers, and contains remains of important temples. Visitors may view the valley from a small overlook, or take a guided tour into it.

When not taking the opportunity to look down into deep valleys or across wide panoramas, visitors also have the ability to look up at the stars as few people have seen them.

Hawaii Island is home to one of the most renowned astronomical sites on Earth.

Perched above the cloud cover on the Mauna Kea volcano, 13 powerful telescopes are trained on the sky. Because of the high elevation, clear air and minimal light pollution, at night the stars overhead resemble sparkling glitter. Guided tours to the observatory include transportation, warm parkas and dinner.

An opportunity to peer at stars in a way that few people ever have isn’t the major reason why most people visit Hawaii Island. It’s but one in a long list of attractions

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Now this is living!

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

that appeal to various interests well beyond the beaches, no matter what the color of the sand.

Where to stay and eat When deciding where to stay on Hawaii Island, the perplexing but pleasant challenge is choosing from an abundance of hotels. The Kohala Coast on the northwest corner is known as the “Gold Coast” because of the string of luxurious resorts set amidst the lava landscape.

While many of these properties offer similar attractions, the Hilton Waikoloa Village and Beach Resort stands out for immersing its guests in varied touches of local lore. A stretch of the 175-mile King’s Trail — which linked ancient communities, temples and other historic sites — skirts the hotel grounds. A petroglyph trail winds through a field of early rock carvings.

The intriguing mile-long Museum Walkway is lined by more than 1,800 pieces of art from areas whose cultures influenced that of Hawaii. The resort offers classes in lei making, stone bowling and other traditional activities. Even the spa gets into the act with treatments that include cane sugar, coconut milk and other traditional local ingredients.

Rates at the Hilton Waikoloa begin at $199 per night. For more information, call 1-800445-8667 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.

A very different setting awaits guests at

the Volcano House, the only hotel located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Situated on the site where the first hotel, a small thatched structure, was built in 1846, today’s lodging is perched on the rim of the Kilauea caldera — a crater-like depression that was formed following a past volcanic eruption.

The small hotel (33 recently refurbished rooms) is designed to take full advantage of its location, with oversize windows overlooking barren lava fields and numerous steam vents, which glow reddish-orange at night.

Photographs that line lobby walls and a continuous video depict volcanic eruptions from the past, and daily guided walks provide close-up introductions to various volcano-related features.

Rates to stay in this unique setting begin at $285. For more information, call 1-866536-7972 or see hawaiivolcanohouse.com.

At meal time, a virtual cornucopia of locally grown, caught and raised ingredients awaits hungry diners. Fruits and vegetables grown in rich volcanic soil share menus with the freshest of fish and grassfed beef.

The aptly named Rim Restaurant at the Volcano House serves ample portions of stir-fried veggies from a nearby farm ($19) and pineapple-wrapped fish ($26). Budgetstretching items available in the lounge include pork and pineapple pizza ($12) and See HAWAII, page 27

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

RV travel From page 25 campground, you’ll probably opt to use its facilities, except for middle-of-the-night bathroom needs, when rolling out of bed to use the onboard toilet sure beats scampering to the comfort station. No bugs, no bears.

That flexibility to camp pretty much wherever was a big part of a rental RV’s appeal for Kristen Potter Farnham of Falmouth, Maine, who checked one out from Cruise America in Las Vegas to tour the Southwest with her husband and three kids. Normally a self-described “total typeA planner,” Farnham made a reservation for only one night of their tour.

“You don’t have to worry about finding a restaurant; you have the RV,” she said.

“You don’t have to worry about finding a hotel; you have the RV.” The Farnhams also knew about the RV traveler’s lastditch option (though they didn’t have to use it): Most Walmarts let you park overnight in their lot.

Other considerations Although having a roof over your head, no matter what, alleviates some stresses of traveling, the RV rental experience still poses demands.

For example, there is air-conditioning and heat in back, but it’s not just a question of punching the thermostat up or down.

You need to think about where the power is going to come from. Are you plugged into a campground’s juice, or will you need to use the generator? What if the campground has quiet hours that restrict generator use?

And you’ll need to budget time to return the RV reasonably clean and with its holding tanks empty (which means finding a dump station), or face punitive fees.

You can cover a lot of terrain in an RV, but don’t be too ambitious. “Some people spend too much time driving or setting up camp in a new place every night, instead of slowing down and enjoying their vacation,” said Phil Ingrassia, president of the National RV Dealers Association.

A week is usually long enough to get the hang of the vehicle, but short enough to preserve the harmony among your traveling companions in close quarters.

Some rental companies, such as Cruise America and Road Bear, include insurance coverage as part of the price (with a damage deductible of $1,000 per incident). And some

27

offer temporary coverage for an extra fee.

With other rental outfits, you’ll need proof that you’re covered by your own insurance.

But unlike a typical car rental, an RV rental may not be covered by your auto policy.

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

BEACON BITS

Dec. 2+

MAKE YOUR WAY TO BETHLEHEM

Join the Parkville Senior Center from Wednesday to Friday, Dec. 2 to 4, on this two-night visit to Bethlehem, PA. Cost of $464 double/$109 additional occupancy includes lodging, two breakfasts, two dinners, Moravian Museum Experience, Bethlehem tour, admission to Longwood Gardens, souvenir gift, all taxes, meal gratuities, and motorcoach transportation. Call Parkville Senior Center at (410) 887-5338 for reservations.

Dec. 6

HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” AT THE MEYERHOFF

Enjoy Handel’s “Messiah” at the Meyerhoff on Sunday, Dec. 6.

Seating is limited. Tickets are $55 and include transportation and symphony. Call Pikesville Senior Center at (410) 887-1245.

Take a vacation without leaving your community.

Hawaii From page 26 grilled prawns ($13).

The imaginatively named, multi-awardwinning Kamuela Provision Company offers gourmet fare along with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and spectacular sunsets. Among its surf-and-turf choices are sesame seared ahi tuna ($45) and beer and wine braised shortribs ($42).

For more information about the Big Island, call 1-800-648-2441 or visit www.gohawaii.com/hawaii-island.

The least-expensive flights to Honolulu in early January from BWI start at $693 on Alaskan Airlines.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 2

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28

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Solo travel is starting to get some respect For many years, true solo travel was the away four years ago. When I travel now, I Rodney Dangerfield of travel: It “got no re- want my own space, not a roommate — but spect” from the industry. without a huge “single suppleStandard cruise and tour ment.” I’m sure lots of you pricing was almost always feel the same way. “per person double occupanAirlines, railways and bus cy,” or PPDO. lines have always been pretty Solo travelers were generally good to solo travelers. They told to conform to the “Noah’s price most ordinary tickets on Ark” formula: If you don’t want an individual basis. to pay an outrageous single supEven so, however, you find a plement, pair up with someone. few nods to couples. Some EuAnd if you don’t have anybody ropean rail passes sell “saver” TRAVEL TIPS to share with you, we’ll find you versions at reduced per-person

By Ed Perkins someone. prices to couples who travel toBut that’s changing, slowly: A current re- gether on all trips. And airlines often offer lease from Grand Circle Cruise Line an- “free companion” fare promotions, alnounces a substantial boost in the number of though the fine print may require you to single cabins the line will offer next year. The buy the first ticket at a higher price than the release notes the “increased interest in solo cheapest available ticket. traveling among older travelers,” adding that Some help for hotels 88 percent of its solo travelers are women.

Solo hotel rates are a mixed bag. Rooms It’s about time. True solo travel — traveling by yourself — is a lot different from shar- in most modern hotels and motels are deing. Not every single wants to share accom- signed for double to quadruple occupancy, with one queen, one king, twins and often modations with anyone, friend or stranger.

I, for one, was suddenly thrust into the double-queens. Rates are generally the solo travel scene when my wife passed same for single or double occupancy: in ef-

To subscribe, see page 34.

fect, a 100 percent single supplement.

But you find some exceptions: — Small and midsize hotels in Europe, which typically include breakfast, often offer single rates that are less than double rates, and many have dedicated single rooms.

— B-and-Bs and other nontraditional accommodations often offer single accommodations and single pricing.

I’ve found that the better hotel online booking systems, such as booking.com and Expedia, can consistently locate accommodations with single accommodations and single-priced doubles.

But unless you’re prepared to pay the regular double price, you can pretty much forget the opaque booking agencies, such as Hotwire and Priceline, which default to double occupancy almost all the time.

Also, flash sale OTAs and promotional coupon deals always price double occupancy and give you no single option.

Many cruise ships actually have at least a few single-person cabins, and some of the newer ships, such as the Norwegian Epic, were designed with a substantial number of single-specific cabins.

Most cruise lines put solo travelers in a conventional two-person cabin, and typically, these singles get slammed with the dreaded “single supplement” that can often double the price.

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Although most conventional tour packages are priced PPDO, agencies such as Singles Travel International (www.singlestravelintl.com) list a small number of solo-accommodations tours.

But solo deals without a single supplement are hard to find: Even Club Med, the epitome of resorts for “swinging singles,” prices on a PPDO basis. Go figure.

Send e-mail to eperkins@mind.net.

“It’s so important to provide preventive care to keep elders enjoying life,” says Dr.Yi. “During my daily rounds and weekly appointments, I get to know my patients as friends and neighbors.”

The Neighborhoods at St. Elizabeth has an 87-year tradition of excellence in providing rehabilitative and nursing care. Plus you’ll find the doctor is always in.

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You occasionally see singles promotions with reduced single supplements, but finding good solo deals can be a challenge: When I last checked, I couldn’t find either a big cruise line website or online cruise agency that offered single rates through their search systems — not even on the Norwegian Epic.

When I asked my colleague Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of Cruise Critic (www.cruisecritic.com), about the best way to find solo pricing, she told me that the only practical approach is to contact a travel agent personally — either by calling an online cruise specialist or visiting a local retail agency location.

I’ve found, by the way, that AAA agencies often have good cruise deals. Cruise Critic also posts a guide to the “best” solo options at www.cruisecritic.com/v-6/articles.cfm?ID=419.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

29

Arts &

Highlights of the myriad festive events that help celebrate the holiday season locally start on page 30.

Exhibit explores Paul Simon’s life, music gress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

“Whether you grew up in the era of Kate Smith or of Justin Timberlake, two singers Simon has appeared with at either end of his career, you’re bound to know his music,” said JMM director Marvin Pinkert, who had not yet seen the exhibit in person when he “jumped at the opportunity” to bring it to Baltimore.

“We had an opening in our schedule, and we were at the right place at the right time,” said Pinkert, adding that the show is a “great fit” for the museum and for the residents of Baltimore.

ly observant, might seem out of place in a Jewish museum.

But Pinkert disagrees.

“Every Jewish museum is different,” he said. “In Baltimore, we focus on community, and how different individuals and institutions — from the recent exhibit on Mendes Cohen, a Jewish American soldier who helped defend Fort McHenry, to the impact of department stores such as Hutzler’s — have contributed to both Maryland and the na-

Tapping into his influence The exhibit’s opening weekend numbers in October seem to bear out Pinkert’s optimism. Approximately 400 people attended the three opening events — about half of last year’s total October attendance.

“People really connect to Paul Simon,” said Pinkert. “Whether as part of Simon and Garfunkel or as a solo performer, he has been an important part of many people’s lives.”

An exhibit focusing on the singer/songwriter who, though Jewish is not particular-

See PAUL SIMON, page 31

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

By Carol Sorgen If you’re a Paul Simon fan (and honestly, who isn’t?) you’re in for a treat at the Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM). It’s the first stop on a nationwide tour of “Paul Simon: Words and Music” — an exhibition first mounted at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in October 2014 to mark the 50th year of Simon’s career. The exhibit will be on view in Baltimore through Jan. 18.

Simon — who celebrated his 74th birthday in October — is a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a winner of 12 Grammy Awards (three of which were albums of the year), and a 2003 recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as half of the duo Simon and Garfunkel.

His song, “Mrs. Robinson,” from the motion picture The Graduate, was named in the top 10 of the American Film Institute’s “100 Years...100 Songs.”

He was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002, and was named one of Time magazine’s “100 People Who Shape Our World” in 2006. In 2007, Simon was awarded the first annual Library of Con-

Singer-songwriter Paul Simon, shown here in an old photo, has been performing for more than 50 years. A traveling exhibit from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that traces his work from his days with Art Garfunkel to the present is on display at the Jewish Museum of Maryland until Jan. 18.

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Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Myriad magical holiday events coming up PHOTO BY SABRINA RAYMOND

Costumed tour guides lead the Holiday Candlelight Stroll through the streets of historic Annapolis. The walk ends at the Hammond Harwood House, a restored 18th century home, shown here.

YO U R

New

By Carol Sorgen The holiday season is just about upon us, and there’s no shortage of merry-making festivities in the area!

All aboard!

Trains are magical during the holidays!

There is no better place to be a child than at the B&O Railroad Museum. Bring the family aboard the B&O’s Magical Holiday Express — a holiday celebration in the B&O Roundhouse devoted to trains of all sizes and shapes, holiday festivities, and a winter wonderland of family fun and activities.

There is a new and different holiday theme each weekend beginning Nov. 21 and running through Jan. 3. See www.borail.org.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Adults, children and families from across the region come together every Thanksgiving morning not only to run (or walk, jog or stroll), but also to raise funds

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so that children living in disadvantaged circumstances have access to programs at the Central Maryland Y. The course starts at Druid Hill Park in front of the Stieff Silver Building, runs through the park, looping around Druid Hill Lake and finishing up back at the Stieff Silver Building. See www.ymdturkeytrot.org/p/baltimorecity.html.

Christmas Village at West Shore Park West Shore Park will be transformed into a traditional German Christmas Market, complete with more than 40 vendors selling traditional European crafts, arts, jewelry, holiday gifts, food, sweets and drinks from Nov. 26 to Dec. 27. Special holiday-themed programming will take place each weekend. See www.baltimore-christmas.com.

Festival of Trees You’ll think you’re in the North Pole after you step into this land of fairytale forests, gingerbread towns, train gardens and craft vendors from Nov. 27 to 29 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd. The event benefits special needs children served by the Kennedy Krieger Institute. See www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.

Miracle on 34th Street It’s not Christmas in Baltimore until you’ve seen these historic Hampden homes transformed into a sparkling Christmas village with a decidedly Charm City touch. Ooh and aah as the lights get turned on Nov. 28 on W. 34th Street. See www.christmasstreet.com.

Washington Monument lighting The annual lighting of the Washington Monument features musical selections by area choirs, a spectacular fireworks show, and refreshments on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 p.m. on Mount Vernon Place, centered on the 600 block of N. Charles St. See www.godowntownbaltimore.com.

Mayor’s Christmas parade The 42nd annual parade on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. will wend its way from Falls Rd. to 36th Street to Chestnut Avenue, and will include live music, new balloons, an appearance from Miss Yuletide, bedecked floats and plenty of holiday spirit. See www.mayorschristmasparade.com.

Family Chanukah celebration The Jewish Museum of Maryland is hosting a family Chanukah celebration with singer Joanie Leeds on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Admission is only $1 as part of Downtown Dollar Day. See www.jewishmuseummd.org.

On thin ice Not really…the ice will be plenty strong at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink Harborplace Amphitheater through Jan. 18. Skate shack, rentals, concessions and entertainment — as well as special events like SkateFest, a learn-to-skate program — will be available.

See http://itsawaterfrontlife.org/events.

Kwanzaa celebration Join the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for its annual community Kwanzaa CelebraSee HOLIDAY EVENTS, page 32

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

Paul Simon

album jackets, rare photos and more.

From page 29

Additional related programs

tion in terms of developing American identity,” said Pinkert.

“Paul Simon: Words and Music” features autobiographical films, videos of select performances, and more than 80 artifacts chronicling Simon’s life, career and creative inspiration. Included is original narration by the artist, recorded specifically for the exhibit and unavailable elsewhere, as well as costumes, film clips, letters and memorabilia associated with his career.

“We wanted to give Paul Simon the opportunity to tell his own story. We interviewed him for hours, and asked him how he got started, his creative process, and how he came up with some of his songs,” said Karen L. Herman, vice president of curatorial affairs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“His stories provide context to the places where his music intersected with our culture — from Simon and Garfunkel to ‘Saturday Night Live.’ We used that to really define how the exhibit would work, with much of the footage used to guide visitors through his life and career.”

Exhibit artifacts range from guitars — like Simon’s first guitar and his 1967 Guild F-30-NT-Spec (used to write and record most of Simon & Garfunkel’s canon) — to handwritten lyrics, personal summer camp correspondence between Paul and Art,

In addition, the exhibit is a platform for the museum’s programs that explore the stories of great Jewish singer/songwriters — from Simon and Bob Dylan to Theodore Bikel and Debbie Friedman.

Through programs and events, the museum is looking at the intersection of folk, folk-rock and the Jewish experience, including political activism in the 1960s; the meeting of African-American and Jewish musical traditions; the incorporation of folk melodies into synagogue music; and the Jewish entrepreneurs who shaped the folk and folk-rock record labels and the Greenwich Village folk scene.

On Nov. 22 at 2 p.m., for example, Nora Guthrie, daughter of legendary musician Woody Guthrie, will discusses the artistic implications of Woody’s relationship with his Jewish mother-in-law, Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt, in “Holy Ground: Woody Guthrie’s Yiddish Connection.”

On Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m., as part of the JMM’s Folk Film Festival, the documentary Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune will be shown, chronicling Ochs’s topical music that engaged his audiences in the issues of the ‘60s and ‘70s, including civil rights, the anti-war movement and the struggles of workers. (For more events that broaden the scope of the exhibit, visit the museum’s

From the publisher

counts payable/human resources/payroll and bookkeeping staff person, and you can see what a debt of gratitude I and the rest of the staff owe to her.

I could continue to tell you great things about everyone on our staff, but space is running short. Suffice it to say, the Beacon would not exist without the effort and dedication of each person mentioned above, nor without YOU — our loyal readers — picking up your copy each month (and patronizing our advertisers).

My deepest appreciation — and best wishes for a beautiful holiday season and new year — goes to all of you.

From page 2 sential work for us for close to 15 years — for their dedication and service.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my wife and Associate Publisher Judy Rosenthal. The Beacon has been a joint project since Judy and I started it 26 years ago.

While Judy kept her day job for a few years at the beginning (so we could keep food on the table), she has always been my bedrock support and sounding board, and the Beacon’s success owes a tremendous amount to her wise advice.

Add to that her decades of work as our amazingly precise accounts receivable/ac-

Cars, boats, furniture, antiques, tools, appliances Everything and anything is sold on

Radio Flea Market Heard every Sunday, 7-8:00 a.m. on 680 WCBM

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

website at www.jewishmuseummd.org.)

The exhibit offers insight into Simon’s creative process, documenting the evolution of lyrics to songs like “The Boxer” (starting with notes made on an in-flight magazine) and the album “Graceland” (scratched out on a yellow pad). It covers all the genres of Simon’s work — folk, rock and world music.

“So much of the soundtrack of our lives was written by a handful of talented people like Paul Simon,” said Pinkert. “Such creative metaphors as ‘sounds of silence,’ and ‘bridge over troubled waters’ echo through the years, evoking emotional memories.”

Visitors can share their memories on a

31

feedback wall at the end of the exhibit, leaving post-it notes on album covers. On the album cover of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” for example, one visitor wrote, “This song got me through lots of tough times as a teenager. It was like a lifeline to me!” “Best exhibit ever” wrote another visitor on the “Bookends” album cover.

Pinkert agrees. “I think this will indeed be one of our most popular exhibits.”

The Jewish Museum of Maryland is located at 15 Lloyd St. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for those 65+. It is free for members. For more information, go to http://jewishmuseummd.org/paul-simon.

Concert sponsored by:

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COPLAND & ELGAR DEC52015 7:30pm Jim Rouse Theatre BERNSTEIN: Overture to Candide COPLAND: Danzón cubano

ELGAR: Enigma Variations SIBELIUS: Violin Concerto Jonathan Carney, violin Soloist sponsored by:

Tickets range from $10-$25 ($3 service fee may apply) 410-465-8777 www.columbiaorchestra.org

32

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

From page 30 tion showcasing contemporary African fashion, an African musical performance, and Sankofa Dance Theater in concert on Sunday, Dec. 27, at 1 p.m. Special admission is just $5. See www.lewismuseum.org.

4-D Polar Express Ring in the holiday season with The Polar Express in 4-D at the National Aquarium. What’s 4-D? A 3-D movie plus special sensory effects: Experience the gentle snowfall, smell the hot chocolate, and be dazzled by a 3-D film that relates the tale of a skeptical young boy’s extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. Tickets to the Aquarium’s 4-D films, running through Jan. 3, are $5 and can be purchased with general admission online at www.aqua.org.

Merriment and melodies in Harbor East Baltimore’s best choral groups will perform on Wednesdays from Dec. 2 through 16 in Harbor East. Hum along to the sounds of the Pride of Baltimore Chorus,

Children’s Chorus of Maryland and Heart of Maryland Chorus as you shop, enjoy free sweet treats, and take in the acts of local street performers from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

See www.harboreast.com.

Annual holiday parade The only event of its kind in Baltimore County, the annual holiday parade at The Avenue at White Marsh on Saturday, Dec. 5, includes local government officials, high school marching bands, street performers, mascots, dance troops and much more.

See www.theavenueatwhitemarsh.com.

New Year’s Eve spectacular Ring in 2016 with a real bang with a chorus of fireworks at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31 in the Inner Harbor. Live entertainment will be provided beforehand. See www.bop.org.

And if you want a change of holiday scenery, here are a few upcoming events well worth the short drive!

Gaylord National Resort’s ICE! Christmas on the Potomac returns to Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center with all new family-friendly experi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM

Holiday events

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

The B&O Railroad Museum attracts crowds with its many miniature trains, on display this year from Nov. 21 to Jan. 3.

ences beginning Saturday, Nov. 21 and running through Jan. 3. The popular offerings include the nine degrees ICE! (parkas are provided), featuring a new ice sculpture exhibit of the classic TV special, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” celebrating its 45th anniversary. See www.ChristmasonthePotomac.com.

Midnight Madness in Historic Ellicott City The annual Midnight Madness Celebration on Friday, Dec. 4, taking place from 6 to 11:55 p.m. in the picturesque historic district of Ellicott City, is a family-friendly affair.

Shops are open late, restaurants will be serving festive selections, and strolling carolers, period actors and more add to the charm.

See www.visitmar yland.org/event/midnight-madness-historic-ellicott-city.

Holiday Candlelight Stroll Get into the holiday spirit in Historic Annapolis. Follow the glowing lanterns lining the streets of Maryland’s State Capital and learn about the origin of holiday traditions — including the significance of ever-

greens, Yule logs, Christmas trees and Santa Claus. After your one-hour walk, enjoy a guided visit inside the Hammond Harwood House. Tours depart from the Information Booth at City Dock at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 4 through Dec. 19 (except Dec. 12). See http://annapolistours.com/our-tours/candlelight-stroll/.

Christmas in St. Michaels The annual “Christmas in St. Michaels” celebration transforms the Chesapeake Bay village into a Currier and Ives Christmas card brought to life. This year’s holiday season begins on Friday, Dec. 11, and lasts through the weekend. Ticketed and free events include the tour of homes, holiday gala, breakfast with Santa, and the largest holiday parade on the Eastern Shore.

To get started early on your holiday shopping, “Midnight Madness” takes place throughout the town the first Saturday in Dec. Shops are open till midnight, with special sales, refreshments, and prize drawings. See www.christmasinstmichaels.org.

Share your opinion.

Send a letter to the editor.

Author From page 1 young child, she had never before written anything for publication.

But in 2009, at the age of 64, she attended a writing workshop at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) taught by Lauren Small — a local writer and novelist who has strong interests in social justice and the history of psychiatry. It was Small’s encouragement that gave Adams the courage to pursue her dream of becoming a writer.

“Our first assignment was to write 20 pages on any topic we chose,” Adams recalled. “I thought if I were going to write at all, I’d make those 20 pages the beginning of my book.”

Small also encouraged those who were serious about writing to establish a group outside of class where they could meet and critique each other’s work. The group met

every other month for a year and a half, and at the end of that time, Adams was the only one with a completed manuscript.

With manuscript in hand, Adams approached Small, who suggested she send it to 10 people who didn’t know her.

(Friends and family weren’t necessarily going to be the most objective audience, she told Adams.)

The response was favorable, and after only two months, Adams was approached

by Delaware-based Plenary Publishing, which specialized in multicultural fiction and nonfiction.

Plenary is no longer in business, so Adams has now taken on the role of marketer (with the assistance of local publicist Cherrie Woods), appearing at book clubs and book fairs such as the Baltimore Book Festival and African American Author’s Expo. “And there are always books in the trunk of my car,” Adams laughed.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HOSPICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

With its new Inpatient Care Center in Pasadena, along with a growing need for hospice care, Hospice of the Chesapeake has numerous volunteer opportunities available in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties.

Volunteers play a vital role on the hospice team by visiting patients, supporting caregivers, serving as counselors at grief retreats, organizing fundraisers, add assisting in offices or inpatient care centers. Volunteer training is provided. Other areas of need include licensed cosmetologists, community outreach and healing arts. E-mail akuchar@hospicechesapeake.org, call (443) 837-1513, or visit www.hospicechesapeake.org for more information and to download an application.

33

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

Adams is working — “slowly!” — on a second novel, which will have a different theme and characters. She is encouraged by the reader response to her first book, which has garnered 5-star reviews on Amazon, with such comments as, “I didn’t want the story to end,” “…artful and entertaining,” “…couldn’t put it down.” And some who grew up in Baltimore mentioned their nostalgia for landmarks that Adams sprinkles throughout the book.

Words of advice For those who harbor dreams of becoming a writer themselves, Adams said that it’s never too late. Though she does add, “If you’re looking to make money, this isn’t the thing to do!”

FROM PAGE 34 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

For Adams, her goal is to get her work into the hands of readers and to have a “following” that will look forward to her future projects, relate to her stories, and be “comforted and reaffirmed.”

“A lot of people are afraid to start writing,” Adams continued, and she offers these tips to allay those fears: Get it down on paper; you can fix the mistakes later!

Write what you know. Do your research.

Hire a proofreader and editor so that you’ll present the best product you can.

“Strive for excellence,” she added, “but don’t let that keep you from getting started (or finishing).”

If you do that, said Adams, then you may just be able to say — as she does — “Now, I’m a writer.”

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

M E S S A G E M A R K

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

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

C A S U A L S U I T

A L K E N E

T E S T Y

A L O E

T E A Y T E S

A L S E H E

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DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Crossword Puzzle

PUZZLE PAGE

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1. Party, on Beverly Hills, 90210 5. Clothing item sold by both Under Armour and Victoria’s Secret 8. “Beat it!”

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

1. Nation with Pacific beaches 2. Muscle car’s greeting 3. Available right now 4. Repurposed bottle content 5. Alliance 6. Harvests 7. He received his name in Genesis 17 8. When on the Lakers, he weighed 325 lbs.

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

Answers on page 33.

BALTIMORE BEACON — DECEMBER 2015

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

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either.

Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

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

Business and Employment Opportunities NEED EXTRA INCOME? SELL AVON! Avon is the #1 Beauty company. $15 start-up, be your own boss. Call 410-236-6023 or email: btheavonlady@gmail.com. Website: www.youravon.com/bwright1.

Caregivers SEARCHING FOR LIVE-IN CAREGIVER in assisted living. Experience and credentials preferred but will train the right person. This is a job where you live where you work. Room and board plus pay. Nice residents, nice staff, beautiful home. Two positions available. One is in 21237 and one in 21220. No smoking, clean background and clean health clearance. Call for more information, 410-365-1633. Daytime only please.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

For Rent MOBILE HOME FOR SALE – 2BR, 2BA newly renovated mobile home by Chesapeake Bay. Single floor, all new appliances. 1020 SF. Pictures available at www.mhvillage.com/1383457. Call Parsa at 240-705-1102.

CARE FROM CARING HOME ASSISTED LIVING. Room available for you or your loved ones.

Looking for a place just like home? Call us today, 443563-2695 or 443-844-1444. Affordable rates available.

Financial Services ACCOUNTING, TAXES AND BOOKKEEPING, eldercare. CPA 38 years, reasonable rates.

Call 410-653-3363.

For Sale IDEAL XMAS GIFT OR COLLECTIBLE – State quarters UNC. P & D mints in booklets, $40. 410-653-0759. Also Hess trucks in boxes.

QUANTUM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR with battery charger, $1,200. 2 rattan/wicker swivel chairs with upholstered cushions, $175.

Western horse saddle – great for decor, $125.

410-661-2562.

2 CEMETERY PLOTS – PARKWOOD Cemetery, Taylor Avenue, Parkville. Heritage section.

Lots B169 & B170. $1,200 each. Please call 443824-2602.

THOMAS BY HEATHKIT – Organ with bench. Good condition. You move it. $2,400. Call 410-636-6271.

FOUR CONTINUOUS PLOTS in the Garden of Peace in Woodlawn Cemetery in Gwynn Oak. Valued at $2,500+ each, but will sell for $2,100 each. Or all for $7,500, plus $100 transfer fee.

Call 410-747-2236.

CEMETERY LOT – MEADOWRIDGE Memorial Park, Elkridge, MD. Lot 376, block 34. $1,500 or best offer. 443-725-4104. Margaret.

ROOMS FOR RENT – Very reasonable. For Handyman work. Mature adult 60+. Leave # and name. Call 410-866-3040.

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

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

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

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

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise.

Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

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

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

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept.

P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Home/Handyman Services

Wanted

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

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

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-279-8834. Thank you.

Miscellaneous YOU LIKE THE MAJOR LOTTERIES! Do you know someone else who does? Play 8-panels, 8-times each month at $30. Share information with friends. More info call Wyman, 1-405-6907.

MY REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH BY Melanie Smith-Taylor. Theme: redemption. Overall message: God truly loves us and is for us. www.TheBookPatch.com or from author. Melanie is available to do readings and speaking engagements. Lyrical4GodSpeaks@yahoo.com or Lyrical4God@hotmail.com. Her second book, On My Master’s Table, is coming soon.

Personals

2 GRAVE SITES – PARKWOOD CEMETERY. Lot 102, two plots with vaults. $7,000 value, will sell for $4,500. 410-661-2698.

MATURE, TALL SLIM, WELL-EDUCATED, playful white man in Timonium looking for a fun loving mature woman. Contact me at sunandfun1094@gmail.com.

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.

FEMALE, DIVORCED, MATURE, straight, 60, drug-free, smoke-free, easy going and loves Caribbean, seeks other female to cruise with from Baltimore. Please call 443-934-5021.

Home/Handyman Services

Wanted

RESIDENTIAL PAINTING: RETIRED PAINTER seeking residential, light commercial work in Baltimore area. Call Mark at 443324-0091. Good work at good prices.

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

For Rent

CASH BUYER FOR OLD COSTUME JEWELRY – pocket and wrist watches (any condition). Also buying watchmaker tools and parts, train sets and accessories, old toys, old glassware & coins. 410-409-4965.

OLD AND NEW, WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plate. Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY. COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay.

Will pay top prices for my personal collection.

Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783.

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

Thanks for Reading!

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Alzheimer’s Diet Study ......................17 Brain Imaging Study...........................16 Dementia Behavior Study...................17 Falls Study ..........................................17 Parkinson’s Study ...............................16 Parkinsonics Study..............................16

Financial Services

Bennett Senior Services......................21 Debt Counsel for Seniors and the Disabled .................20 Good Fixed Rates ...............................19 JS Richardson Insurance.....................19 Maryland School for the Blind...........................................23 Security and Integrity .........................15

Funeral Services

Schimunek Funeral Homes...........20, 25

Hearing Services

Hearing & Speech Agency..................15 Hear For You.......................................11 Maryland Relay/711 ...........................17 Taylor Listening Center ........................9

Home Health Care

Independent Home Care .....................13 Options for Senior America ................32

Housing

Angels Among Us Assisted Living.....11 Brightview Senior Living .....................3 Charlestown .......................................22 Gatherings at Quarry Place.................27 Homewood at Willow Ponds ..............26 Linden Park Apts. ...............................23 Neighborhoods at St. Elizabeth ..........28 Oak Crest ...........................................22 Park Heights Place..............................32 Park View Apartments ........................30 Shangri-La Assisted Living ................26

35

St. Mary’s Roland View Towers .........28 Westminster House Apts.....................32

Housing Referral Service

Oasis Senior Advisors.........................25 Senior Placement Service/Care Patrol ..........................22

Legal Services

Disability Support Services ..................9 Frank, Frank & Scherr Law Firm .......19

Medical/Health

Dr. Richard Rosenblatt, DPM.............10 MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.......8 Mishpacha Dental ...............................14 Skin Cancer EB of Maryland..............10 Stuart Goldman, DPM ........................11

Shopping

Radio Flea Market ..............................31 Wilkens Beltway Plaza .......................31 WOW Computer .................................36

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

CommuniCare Health .........................13 Greenhouse Residences ......................21 Holly Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation ..10 Manor Care Health Services...............14

Theatres/ Entertainment

Army Field Band ................................29 Columbia Orchestra ............................31 Toby’s Dinner Theatre ........................29

Tour & Travel

Pharmacies

Professional Pharmacy Group ............12

Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel.....................25

Remodeling

Utilities

Blake & Sons Contracting ....................5

BGE ......................................................6

36

DECEMBER 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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