December 2016 | Howard County Beacon

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Offering comfort for all faiths

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PHOTO BY JILL SMITH

By Anne Ball Spending day after day in a hospital bed can be a daunting, dispiriting experience.

And winter brings added poignancy, when many patients are unable to join in family gatherings over major holidays.

Fortunately for patients at Howard County General Hospital (HCGH), the Chaplain’s Office offers a program of pastoral care that sends caring volunteers to visit patients in their rooms to offer comfort and support.

These volunteers come from varied faith backgrounds, and have completed a course that meets two hours a week for 12 weeks, covering subjects as varied as crisis intervention, depression, ecumenical prayer and empathetic care.

Their goal is to visit and converse. And, if the patient requests, to pray together.

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A walking tour immerses you in Japanese history and customs; plus, a trip to Dallas minus the car, and the sorry state of travel deal websites page 29

Rewarding for volunteers Joan Burleyson, 61, a Columbia resident and retired evaluation psychologist with Montgomery County Public Schools, has been volunteering with the program for three years. After retiring, she decided she wanted to work with adults one-on-one.

Burleyson said she finds this new way to combine her psychology background with her faith very rewarding. “I hear a lot of concerns about loved ones and about pets,” she said. “I basically just listen, but sometimes patients will ask me to pray with them.”

Andy Snope, 77, is a Ph.D. biologist who was on the faculty at the Baltimore campus of the University of Maryland. He retired as Academic Dean at Baltimore County Community College, Essex Campus.

He joined the pastoral care program in 2010 after reading about it in a local newspaper. He describes the training as “intensive and extensive.” And he feels it prepared him for a fulfilling experience of working with patients of many faiths.

“About a year ago, I walked into the room of a Muslim patient who had a dozen or so family and friends gathered around her bed. Her husband asked me to pray for her, and spontaneously everyone held hands,” the Columbia resident said.

“What an experience, not only for the patient, but for me!” Snope said. “It works both ways.”

Both Burleyson and Snope are on a once-

Chaplains Jack Dunlavey and Stephen Mann work with 35 pastoral care volunteers, including Joan Burleyson and Andy Snope, to offer comfort, support and, sometimes, prayer to patients at Howard County General Hospital.

a-week visit schedule. They usually visit the same floor each time, which sometimes enables ongoing conversations with patients.

The number of patients a volunteer can visit on any particular day varies, but can be as high as 21. Of course, some patients may be getting treatment in other areas when the visitors arrive.

Comprehensive training The Pastoral Care Visitors Program, which currently has 35 volunteers, started some 30 years ago. It is under the auspices of the hospital’s Chaplaincy Services office, headed by Chaplain Stephen Mann, 60.

Mann oversees the pastoral visitor program as well as other efforts “to match the faith perspective [of visitors] to the multi-cultural patients we have here in the hospital.”

The director of the volunteer program is Chaplain Jack Dunlavey, 73, who will be directing the training program again this spring. Both Mann and Dunlavey are ordained ministers.

The training consists of two six-week courses that meet once a week from 7 to 9 p.m. at the hospital, at 5755 Cedar Lane in Columbia. The training is free, and open (and applicable to) persons of all faiths.

In the first six weeks of training, subjects covered include the grieving process, emergency room services and crisis intervention, hospice care/grief and loss, depression and affective disorders, care for the caregivers, advance directives, living wills, organ and tissue donations, and empathetic See PASTORAL CARE, page 5

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Broadway hits come to D.C’s National Theatre; plus, new children’s book celebrates avian pal, and an unlikely Beach Boys’ hit page 34 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Eight steps to lower blood pressure k Best ways to end knee pain THE 50+ CONNECTION 16 k Newsletter from Howard County Office on Aging and Independence LAW & MONEY k Next steps for bond holders k What barcodes can teach us

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Being heard In so many aspects of life, we can find our- Trump student who joined that march to selves frustrated because we feel we aren’t argue with protestors was beaten up and taken to a hospital. being heard. It happens beIn all of these cases, people tween parents and kids; it hapsaid they were protesting the pens between spouses; it hapfact that Donald Trump won pens at school and at work. the presidential election.

When we feel our views are WBAL-TV quoted one protesdismissed and our needs are igtor as saying, “people need to nored, we want to bash a wall, know that we’re not going to gnash our teeth, trash our stand for this and that norooms or worse. body is happy with this.” AnThese feelings can affect us other protester was quoted no matter what our age. But as saying, “We are just exerperhaps it is even more the FROM THE cising our right to protest case when we are young and PUBLISHER that the system is corrupt.” perceive our legitimate means

By Stuart P. Rosenthal I know none of these proof expression to be limited. testors is likely to be reading I was thinking about this as I read about the many recent protests around the Beacon right now. But if they were, this the country by high school and college stu- is what I’d say to them: I understand how dents after last month’s national election. strongly you feel about the election reIn this area, students (and faculty) at sults, and why. I understand and share Towson University walked out of classes in many of your fears about the future. I even protest; some days later, another group of understand the impulse to march around protesters gathered near Johns Hopkins and shout.

University and marched to the M&T Bank But regardless of how you feel about the Stadium during a Ravens game. In Wash- results of this election, it is not correct to ington, D.C., thousands of protesting stu- say “the system” is corrupt or that “nodents gathered outside the new Trump body” is happy with the results. And it is certainly not appropriate to physically athotel near the White House.

And in nearby Montgomery County, hun- tack those who disagree with you.

Think about how nearly half of Ameridreds of students from several high schools marched for miles down major thorough- can voters must have felt when President fares, snarling traffic for hours. One pro- Obama won reelection in 2012 with 51% of

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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.

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• 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, .................................................................... Paul Whipple • Editorial Assistant ......................Rebekah Alcalde

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial 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 39 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions. © Copyright 2016 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

the vote. If you were an Obama supporter, you were elated; if you voted for Romney (who won 48% of the vote), you might have been very unhappy. But neither group could rightly claim that “nobody” was happy, or conversely that “the people” won. In reality, the country was pretty narrowly divided.

The same is true this year. Nobody “stole” anything, and nothing was rigged.

The system functioned as it was designed to function: total votes made a difference in each state, but the electoral college gave state-wide totals some additional clout, resulting in a Trump victory.

By design, our system is not a pure democracy. It incorporates elements purposefully crafted by our founding fathers to elevate the influence of states and dilute the voting power of individuals.

One of those elements is the electoral college. Another is having a bicameral legislature, with a Senate (two votes per state) and a House of Representatives (votes based on total population).

These institutions were created in order to offset what the founders saw as the inherent tendency of a pure democracy to trample the views and rights of minorities. There are many younger democracies in the world today without such moderating influences, where majorities regularly stomp on minority rights.

Had the founders refused to take account of differences among the 13 colonies, and their insistence on retaining some state-level clout, those colonies would never have banded together to form the United States in the first place.

And in the 200+ years since, even more differences have come to characterize residents of different parts of the country; rural vs. city dwellers; small states vs. huge ones.

There is grist here for discussion over

whether this system is still best for us today. And as a matter of fact, that issue is being debated right now in Congress and around the country.

Which leads me to another point: It is every citizen’s right to speak to their congressional representatives and express their opinion. In fact, this is the most direct and probably most effective way of influencing policies and laws in this country and bringing about change.

I have been told by several legislators that even a surprisingly modest number of calls or emails from constituents grabs their attention because so few citizens take the time to do so.

Marches and protests may attract media attention, and sometimes capture the imagination of much of the country. But for practical effect in our system of government, you need to get your congressional representatives on board.

Speaking of which, the prime way we exercise influence in this country is by exercising our right to vote. Despite the many months of press coverage, televised debates and commercials that stressed the importance of voter turnout in this election, only 58 percent of registered voters bothered to cast a vote.

That’s actually a pretty respectable percentage, given recent history. But it means that 97 million eligible voters didn’t participate in the process. In my view, if you didn’t participate in the election, you have no grounds to criticize the outcome.

And as for post-election protests, only by engaging in respectful dialogue and recognizing the basic rights and humanity of those we disagree with can we really say that we — and they — will be heard.

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

Dear Editor: I am only 6 years old, so imagine my surprise when my Pops (grandfather) started telling me about the “invisible” people he was feeding each week. I thought they were super heroes or aliens of some kind, but realized that was not possible. Turns out they are homeless people who grownups drive or walk by and try not to notice.

My Pops asked me if I would like to help him with these meals, and we decided I could bag them each Friday, and he would give them out to the “invisibles” on Saturday.

After washing my hands, I put mustard on 18 rolls that we use for making sandwiches. Then I put a bottle of water, a sandwich, a package of pretzels and cookies, a wet wipe and one of those little hotel soaps and shampoos in each bag. On Saturday

morning, Pops puts a banana in each bag and delivers them.

I was thinking, what if we could get other people to make just one extra bagged meal a week and give it away to a homeless person they pass on the way to work or at some other time they are outside?

I am trying to see if I can get 100 people or more to give out a weekly meal, and then send me a note to tell me how it made them and the person who received the meal feel. We are calling our project Random Bags of Kindness.

They can send their note to Random Bags of Kindness, P.O. Box 117, Woodstock, MD 21163.

Please publish this request for me.

Name withheld by request Marriotsville

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Fitness &

Health

RELIEVE KNEE PAIN Physical therapy, exercise and injections can help ease painful knees FAT CHANCE You need some types of fat in your diet.

Learn what kinds and how much FIND A FURRY FRIEND Pets can be a source of comfort and support to people at any age BONE UP ON NUTRITION Adjust your diet to nourish your bones with magnesium, calcium and folate

How sex and gender affect your health While men and women are similar in many ways, researchers have found that sex and social factors can make a difference when it comes to your risk for disease, how well you respond to medications, and how often you seek medical care. That’s why scientists are taking a closer look at the links between sex, gender and health.

Many people use the words sex and gender interchangeably, but they’re distinct concepts to scientists.

Sex is biological. It’s based on your genetic makeup. Males have one X and one Y chromosome in every cell of the body. Females have two X chromosomes in every cell. These cells make up all your tissues and organs, including your skin, heart, stomach, muscles and brain.

Gender is a social or cultural concept. It refers to the roles, behaviors and identities that society assigns to girls and boys, women and men, and gender-diverse people.

Gender is determined by how we see ourselves and each other, and how we act and interact with others. There’s a lot of diversity in how individuals and groups understand, experience and express gender.

Because gender influences our behaviors and relationships, it can also affect health.

“Sex and gender play a role in how health and disease affect individuals. There was a

time when we studied men and applied those findings to women, but we’ve learned that there are distinct biological differences between women and men,” explained Dr. Janine Austin Clayton, who heads research on women’s health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md. “Women and men have different hormones, different organs, and different cultural influences — all of which can lead to differences in health.”

rection toward appropriate clinical treatment for men and women,” Clayton said.

“Our differences also affect how we respond to medications, as well as which diseases and conditions we may be prone to, and how those diseases progress in our bodies.”

For example, women metabolize nicotine faster than men, so nicotine replacement therapies can be less effective in women.

Attention to addiction Different symptoms, responses As scientists learn more about the biology of males and females, they’re uncovering the influences of both sex and gender in many areas of health.

For instance, women and men can have different symptoms during a heart attack.

For both men and women, the most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are more likely than men to have shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and pain in the back, shoulders and jaw.

Men and women also tend to have different responses to pain. NIH-funded researchers recently learned that different cells in male and female mice drive pain processing.

“Without studying both sexes, we wouldn’t know if we’re taking steps in the right di-

Scientists are finding that addiction to nicotine and other drugs is influenced by sex as well. “When it comes to addiction, differences in sex and gender can be found across the board,” said Sherry McKee, Ph.D., lead researcher at an NIHfunded center at Yale University that studies treatments for tobacco dependence.

“There are different reasons men and women pick up a drug and keep using a drug, and in how they respond to treatment and experience relapse,” McKee said. “ Sex also influences disease risk in addiction. For example, women who smoke are more susceptible to lung and heart disease than men who smoke.”

One NIH-funded research team has detected some of these differences in the brain. In a recent study, 16 people who smoke (eight men and eight women) un-

derwent brain scans while smoking to create “movies” of how smoking affects dopamine — the chemical messenger that triggers feelings of pleasure in the brain.

These brain movies showed that smoking alters dopamine in the brain at different rates and in different locations in males and females.

Dopamine release in nicotine-dependent men occurred quickly in a brain area that reinforces the effect of nicotine and other drugs. Women also had a rapid response, but in a different brain region — the part associated with habit formation.

“We were able to pinpoint a different brain response between male and female smokers, a finding that could be useful in developing sex-specific treatments to help smokers quit,” said lead study researcher Kelly Cosgrove, Ph.D., a brain-imaging expert at Yale University.

Autoimmune disorders Scientists have found sex influences in autoimmune disorders as well. About 80 percent of those affected are women. But autoimmune conditions in men are often more severe.

For instance, more women than men get multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease in which See SEX AND GENDER, page 5

Eight ways to lower your blood pressure When it comes to “natural” ways to improve blood pressure, sodium restriction snags the spotlight. Most experts agree that limiting sodium is a smart strategy for those looking to lower blood pressure.

But why focus on what you can’t — or shouldn’t — have? Shift your emphasis to positive lifestyle changes you can make to improve blood pressure. Here are eight of them.

Nosh on plenty of produce.

Fruits and vegetables are low in sodium and rich in potassium, which offsets sodium’s effect on blood pressure. Potassiumpacked picks include baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, spinach, winter squash, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, beans and tomatoes.

Enhance meals with healthy fats.

Substituting sources of healthy fats for some of the carbohydrates in your diet

helps control blood pressure, according to a recent study.

Remember to swap, and not add, them in. Think: nuts instead of croutons — not both — on your salad.

Go for whole grains over refined starches.

Some studies suggest that whole grains help the body hang on to potassium. You can’t go wrong with whole grains either way — you get more beneficial vitamins and nutrients when you swap white for whole grains, and you’ll also feel full longer after eating them, thanks to their fiber content.

Include low-fat dairy in your diet.

Calcium plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. Low-fat dairy products offer all the nutrients of full-fat varieties, but without the saturated fat and cholesterol that can raise heart-disease risk.

Have low-fat milk with your cereal or oatmeal in the morning, add a cup of plain low-fat yogurt to your lunch, or have some low-fat cheese as a mid-afternoon snack.

Learn to love legumes.

Beans, nuts and seeds are rich in magnesium, which contributes to maintaining healthy blood pressure. Aim to get 4 to 5 servings (1/2 cup of beans or 1 ounce of nuts/seeds) a week.

Savor small amounts of dark chocolate.

Studies attest to the blood-pressure benefits of products made with cocoa, which contains antioxidants that activate a substance called nitric oxide that relaxes blood vessels and makes it easier for blood to flow throughout your body.

Move more.

Moderate exercise has been shown to improve blood pressure. National guide-

lines advise 30 minutes of daily moderate activity, such as brisk walking, jogging or cycling. If you don’t have 30 minutes to exercise, break your daily exercise sessions up into three 10-minute mini-workouts.

Cultivate inner calm.

Studies show that meditation brings blood pressure down — probably by modulating physiological stress responses.

You don’t have to sit in the lotus position, say “om” or think spiritual thoughts.

Simply tuning in to your breathing — for even 10 minutes — may do the trick. Close your eyes (and the door), turn off the cell phone. Now ... breathe.

EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com. © 2016 Eating Well, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

© 2016 www.awellnessupdate.com. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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the body’s immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. But men seem more likely to get a progressive form of MS that gradually worsens and is more challenging to treat.

“Not only are women more susceptible to MS, but women also have many more considerations in the management of the disease, especially since it often begins during child-bearing years,” said Dr. Ellen Mowry, a specialist who studies MS at Johns Hopkins University.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to the study of sex differences in MS and other autoimmune disor-

universities and healthcare agencies across the U.S. Online at www.awellnessupdate.com.

F R E E

From page 4

ders,” Mowry explained. “Researchers can learn a lot by studying women and men separately and together — considering possible risk or predictive factors that may differ based on sex or gender, and working collaboratively with other scientists to improve the likelihood of detecting these factors.”

“NIH now requires scientists to ask: ‘What are my research results for males and for females?’” Clayton said. “We need to learn more about the roles of sex and gender in health and disease. Understanding these influences improves health and saves the lives of both men and women.”

A Wellness Update is a magazine devoted to up-to-the minute information on health issues from physicians, major hospitals and clinics,

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Sex and gender

In addition to trained volunteers, the chaplaincy office also maintains a roster of “on call” clergy, including representatives of the Catholic, Jewish, Protestant and Muslim faiths. These are the men and women who come in to officiate at times calling for ritual prayers or ceremonies.

The ecumenical theme is carried out in the hospital chapel as well. Situated on the main floor off the lobby, the chapel features stained glass windows depicting skies and landscapes without any religious symbolism.

Beneath the windows stands a table that

A chapel for all faiths

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and ecumenical care.

In the second part of the course, volunteers are assigned to nursing units to visit patients, followed up by group meetings to discuss medical, ethical, pastoral and personal issues raised during their experiences.

Dunlavey, a retired Navy Department engineer, has been a pastoral care visitor at HCGH for over 17 years. In fact, his connection with the town of Columbia goes back even farther, to when he helped Columbia founder James Rouse put together a non-denominational community church.

In those days, Dunlavey commuted on

can be used as is or covered with a white cloth to function as an altar. There are candlesticks, crosses, menorahs and other accessories available to enhance the services of whoever may be using the chapel at the time. Hymn books and other materials pertinent to different religions are available too.

“Our chapel vis a place for silence, and a place for conversation,” Mann said. “We want our chapel to be supportive of people’s needs, whatever they may be.”

Those interested in volunteering for the HCGH Pastoral Care Program may contact Dunlavey at (410) 740-7898 or jackdunlavey@verizon.net. The next training course will take place in the spring.

their illnesses.

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From page 1

Thursday nights from his job in Crystal City to the hospital to visit patients.

But it was a near-death experience in 2009 that he credits with confirming his commitment to serving God through pastoral care work.

While working on his farm, he became pinned beneath a tractor. Unable to breathe and in what he calls “an altered state of consciousness,” he had visions of his deceased parents, and an out-of-body experience observing the paramedics saving his life.

He said the experience heightened his awareness of the emotions and concerns of patients in the hospital as they confront the physical and spiritual challenges of

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Pastoral care

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

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

Lean on your neighbors at Five Star this year.

• Independent Living offered with an array of apartment styles and garden cottages with full kitchens and patios at Heartlands at Ellicott City • Award-winning memory care offered at Somerford Place Columbia BOTH OF OUR COMMUNITIES PROUDLY OFFER: • Three Five Star meals daily featuring celebrity-chef inspired signature selections • Weekly housekeeping and laundry services • Lifestyle360 activities and wellness programming • On-site Rehabilitation offering Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy

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- Country Living Magazine, 8/11/2016

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Try PT and injections to fight knee pain Knee pain caused by worn cartilage due to arthritis or a torn meniscus can be so debilitating that you find yourself unable to exercise, go the grocery store, or even walk across a room. While surgery is often the fix, it’s not always necessary to relieve knee pain.

“I see surgery as the last resort,” said Dr. John Melmed, who focuses much of his practice at the Silver Spring Medical Center in Maryland on knee pain.

Melmed is a firm believer in having someone try physical therapy, weight loss (which helps take pressure off the knees), and other less invasive treatments before resorting to knee surgery. There’s science to back up that concept.

Physical therapy is effective A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology found that about a third of

total knee replacements in the United States are inappropriate, suggesting that many people undergo knee replacements unnecessarily. There are about 700,000 total knee replacements performed each year in the United States.

A New England Journal of Medicine study showed that physical therapy is just as effective as surgery in patients with meniscal tears and arthritis of the knee. The study, led

by Dr. Clare Safran-Norton, clinical supervisor of rehabilitation services at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, found no significant differences in functional improvement after six months between patients who underwent surgery with postoperative physical therapy and those who received physical therapy alone.

Safran-Norton, a physical therapist, recommends that a person with knee arthritis

or a torn meniscus undergo at least three months of physical therapy as a first line of treatment.

“There’s a lot we can do with stretching and therapeutic exercise,” she said.

Why exercise helps The first step is to begin a series of exercises to strengthen muscles that work with the knee, including the quadriceps and hamstrings in the thigh, the gluteal muscles in the buttocks, and the abdominal

muscles. If these muscles are stronger, they’ll absorb more of the pressure you place on your knee, which will relieve pain.

The second step is to stretch the muscles that support the knee, such as the thigh and calf muscles, as well as the iliotibial band — a thick cord of connective tissue that runs along the outside of your leg — to keep them all healthy, flexible and resistant to injury. This type of strengthening and See KNEE PAIN, page 8

BEACON BITS

Dec. 1

SAFE DRIVING PROGRAM Learn about risk factors that can affect seniors’ driving ability in

a presentation from the Howard County Police Department at the Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Ln., Laurel on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Advance registration is required by calling (410) 313-0760.

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

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

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

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

MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery.

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

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Knee pain From page 7 stretching program provides relief within weeks.

The following exercise works your abdominal muscles and inner thigh muscles, and can be done on a mat, a bed, or even a couch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Put a small ball (roughly 12 inches) between your knees. Place your arms at your sides. Tighten your abdominal muscles.

Squeeze your knees together against the ball.

Hold, then release. Repeat eight times.

Lubricating injections Even with exercise and therapy, many patients find that knee pain can persist.

The next step for some doctors is a corticosteroid injection into the knee joint, which can temporarily reduce pain and

swelling. The injections can help for up to six months, depending on how advanced the arthritis is, said Melmed.

Another option for those with osteoarthritis is to inject a lubricating fluid into the knee joint. In this procedure, called viscosupplementation, a naturally occurring substance in joints called hyaluronic acid, is injected. The thick, oily substance helps facilitate movement of the joint and reduce pain.

Dr. Brian Paris of Advanced Wellness Systems in Rockville, Md., explains the need for lubrication around the joints like this: “As the knee joint weakens, the fluid starts to dissipate out of the joint, and then it becomes arthritic. It just becomes very rusty,” he said. “The best analogy I can use is like the Tin Man [in The Wizard of Oz].

When Dorothy gives him the oil, he can actually move his joint.”

Protect the ones YOU love against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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

The hyaluronic acid is derived from an unusual source — the comb of a chicken, which is filled with hyaluronic acid.

Both Paris and Melmed guide the needle into the right place with use of imaging. To precisely inject the fluid, Paris uses fluoroscopy, which uses X-rays to pinpoint the joint, while Melmed guides his injections with ultrasound, which uses sound waves to form an image of the joint.

Patients get up to five weekly injections, and pain relief can last up to two years.

Both doctors advocate additional physical therapy after the treatment to ensure the joint remains limber.

The course of treatment is covered by insurance and Medicare every six months.

Safran-Norton noted that studies about whether acupuncture relieves knee pain are mixed, but she said that the treatment is helpful to some people.

Research is also mixed on whether chondroitin and glucosamine supplements relieve pain, but Safran-Norton noted that some people feel the pills make a difference.

— Harvard Health Letter, with additional local reporting by Barbara Ruben © 2016 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Regular walks reduce disability, fall risk A recent study found that simple physical activity — mostly walking — helped high-risk seniors stay mobile after disability-inducing ailments even if, at 70 and beyond, they’d long been couch potatoes.

The research examined whether regular physical activity could help even the oldest seniors stay mobile for longer despite other health conditions.

The study enrolled more than 1,600 adults between the ages of 70 and 89 considered at high risk for disability because they were sedentary and had various chronic health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. More than 2 in 5 were 80 or older.

“We were targeting folks who potentially had the most to gain,” said Dr. Thomas Gill, a Yale University geriatrician who led the work.

The study compared seniors assigned to a regular walking program, plus a little strength and balance exercise, with a

control group given health education.

Over 3 1/2 years, the walking program reduced the amount of time seniors spent suffering from a major mobility problem by 25 percent, the researchers reported in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The walkers were less likely to experience a mobility-robbing condition in the first place, more likely to recover if they did, and less likely to suffer another one, Gill said. They were also less likely to be injured in a fall.

Gill said the study shows many sedentary seniors can start walking safely, no gym membership needed — just a safe place such as a sidewalk or shopping mall.

The goal is to build up gradually to meet federal health guidelines that say even older adults should get 2 1/2 hours a week of moderate-intensity exercise. Essentially, that means enough to increase your heart rate — not breathless, but breathing a little hard.

— AP

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

9

You need some types of fat in your diet

By Holley Grainger, R.D. Fat can be confusing. For a long time, fat — any fat — was the enemy; now, researchers say certain types of fat are a necessary part of a balanced diet.

Here’s help decoding each type of fat: saturated, unsaturated and trans fat.

Saturated fat Saturated fat is typically solid at room temperature.

Health note: The old adage that eating too much saturated fat can raise your risk of heart disease has been contested recently — and now saturated fat is believed to be more benign than we originally thought.

Still, it’s typically calorie-dense, so it’s best to enjoy saturated fat in limited doses.

Food sources: Tropical oils (e.g., coconut, palm), butter, fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, coconut milk.

Monounsaturated fat Monounsaturated fat is typically liquid at room temperature, but solid at cooler temps.

Health note: This fat helps to improve cholesterol levels, therefore lowering your risk of heart disease. It also controls blood

sugar by improving insulin levels.

Food sources: Avocados, nuts and seeds, and peanut, olive and canola oils.

Polyunsaturated fat Polyunsaturated fat is liquid at any temperature.

Health note: There are many types of polyunsaturated fats, but two — omega-3s and omega-6s — are essential, meaning our bodies don’t make them, so we need to get them in our diet.

Omega-3 fat: The omega-3s EPA and DHA have a long list of science-backed benefits. They can help lower triglycerides, blood pressure and heart disease risk, as well as quell inflammation and improve mood.

Omega-6 fat: Higher intakes of omega6s may improve insulin resistance, reduce diabetes risk and lower blood pressure. We get plenty of omega-6s in our diets. Since having an even balance of omega-6s and 3s is recommended, for optimum health, concentrate on increasing foods with omega-3s in your diet.

Food sources: Soybean, corn and sunflower oils, and packaged foods made with these oils.

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Trans fat: the one to avoid There are naturally occurring trans fats found in small amounts in butter and meat.

The bulk of them, however, are produced by adding hydrogen to the chemical structure of vegetable oils, thus making them more solid.

Health note: Eating trans fat raises your “bad” LDL cholesterol, but also lowers your “good” HDL cholesterol — and raises your risk of heart disease. Avoid these completely.

Food sources: Listed as “partially hy-

drogenated” oil in ingredient lists of processed foods, such as cookies, cakes, crackers and margarine.

Trans fats can still be found in foods touting “0 grams trans fat.” (Manufacturers can round down if there’s 0.49 gram or less per serving.) Always check the ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oil to be sure you’re not unintentionally ingesting trans fats. © 2016 Eating Well, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Furry friends offer comfort and support What has benefits including increased pets, including lower blood pressure, diphysical and mental health, improved liter- minished pain, and the release of calming acy skills, and reduced anxiety endorphins. and loneliness? Pet therapy!

“Anyone who has ever Pet therapy uses gentle, owned a pet will readily verify friendly animals, such as dogs, the benefits of associating with to help people with health probfurred, feathered or finned lems cope and recover. Pets friends,” according to Odean can be a great help to members Cusack, author of Pets and the of both older and younger genElderly and Pets and Mental erations in many ways — from Health. something as small as decreas“Animals are fun to be with ing boredom to something as and comforting to hold. Their GENERATIONS significant as improving cardioantics inspire humor and a TOGETHER vascular health. sense of carefreeness, a reBy Alexis Bentz It has been scientifically turn to childhood with its proven that there are numerbuoyant spirits. Caring for ous benefits to interaction with amiable pets encourages nurturance, responsibili-

ty, and adherence to a daily schedule.

“Pets enable owners to reach outside themselves and to put aside fears of an uncertain future. Pets live in the immediate moment, and interacting with them makes us keenly aware of the present with all its joys and idiosyncrasies,” Cusack writes.

Spending time with a “furry, feathered or finned friend” can also make a great difference specific to each generation.

Helping special needs children The occupational therapy staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in New York piloted the pet assistance program in 1998, and it has quickly expanded. Several dogs visit the hospital each month and assist children with special needs.

A dog can help the child to meet specific goals that can lead to his or her recovery.

A child who lost function in one arm, for example, might be asked to use that arm to feed, groom, or pet the dog.

This will both add joy and excitement to the child’s life, and allow the patient to exercise his or her arm. The increased excitement to participate in treatment will also cause the child to be healed more quickly and efficiently.

Besides helping to restore health, pets can assist those learning to read. The PAWS for Reading program gives children the opportunity to read aloud to an animal, such as a bunny, in order to improve their communication skills and reading comprehension.

Benefits for older adults Pets can be constant companions to

older adults as well, and can be a great comfort in times of isolation or sickness.

Seniors with heart conditions who own pets tend to live longer, and have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels than those who don’t own pets.

Also, for patients with dementia, having a pet — even a stuffed or robotic one — can be soothing since the patient may have trouble using language, but doesn’t need to feel pressure to communicate with their four-legged friend.

Studies suggest pets can lower healthcare costs since people with pets make fewer doctor visits than those without. Finally, pets can cause a reduction in depression.

Even just owning a pet for non-health related reasons can be beneficial. You would have a loyal friend who will add joy to your life, and can help teach discipline and responsibility to children.

In my ongoing Beacon column, I encourage readers to befriend young adults, and suggest ways to spend time together for mutual benefit.

If you already have a teenage friend, why not try to add a furry friend to the mix? You and your younger buddy could start by volunteering together at a local animal shelter to have a chance to spend time with pets and do good simultaneously.

If you are not interested in being around animals yourself, why not suggest it to others in your life who may be in need of a cuddly companion? Pets do so much good for those in need. It’s no wonder that we call them “man’s best friend.”

Alexis Bentz is a 9th grade student at Thomas Wooton High School in Rockville, Md.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Low thyroid leads to migraines and more I like saying ‘I told you so,’ because it means you got my help years ahead of everyone else.

In this case, it’s about headaches and migraines, and how this condition is tied to hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone insufficiencies.

Because headaches and thyroid disease are not life-threatening, there isn’t a lot of focus or research on them. But as those who have them know, either condition can leave you disabled, impair relationships,

and reduce your ability to work and to play with your children and grandchildren.

Six years after I told you this, we have a new and very large study that was printed in the September 2016 issue of a highly respected publication, The Journal of Head and Face Pain. I’ll nutshell it for you here.

Researchers followed over 8,000 people for 20 years. They tracked vital statistics, such as frequency of headaches and migraines, as well as biomarkers of thyroid disease. What they found is exactly what I told

you in two of my books, Thyroid Healthy, and numbers look good, but you feel tired, weak also Headache Free. That is, people with mi- and heavier. I told you about that little probgraines, cluster and tension lem seven years ago. headaches almost always have Anyway, researchers from hypothyroidism. the University of Cincinnati Hypothyroidism is when College of Medicine did a your body fails to produce adegreat job monitoring these quate amounts of thyroid horfolks, and what they’ve noticed mone. Or perhaps it produces could help you. People with it, but your cells can’t take it in pre-existing headaches have a and put it to use.

21 percent higher risk of havSymptoms of low thyroid ining hypothyroidism. If you clude anxiety, mood swings, have migraines, your risk for DEAR weight gain or inability to lose PHARMACIST thyroid disease is about 41 perweight, dry skin, hair loss, poor By Suzy Cohen cent greater than the norm. eyebrow and eyelash growth, irIf you have headaches or regular menstrual cycles, and migraines, your thyroid levels the feeling of always being cold. need to be checked properly. The labs I Your hair may be thinner than it used to want you to take (and a better set of referbe, and you’re clean out of energy. Maybe ence ranges, because the ones on most lab you look pale, sleep fitfully or not at all, or reports are based on old data), will be you eat like a bird and still gain weight. emailed to you if you sign up for my free newsletter at www.suzycohen.com.

Standard labs aren’t definitive This information is opinion only. It is not If you have these symptoms, you might intended to treat, cure or diagnose your conhave low thyroid hormone levels regard- dition. Consult with your doctor before using less of what your lab tests say. any new drug or supplement.

If you take a medication for cholesterol, Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist for example a statin, those drugs may raise and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist your risk for hypothyroidism. So after a few and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To months of taking a statin, your cholesterol contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

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POISONING EMERGENCIES The Maryland Poison Center at the University of Maryland School

of Pharmacy reminds residents that the number to call if you think someone has been poisoned is 1-800-222-1222. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The center also operates the website www.mdpoison.com.

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When platonic friends give rise to gossip comfortable doing this, even though we Dear Solutions: have a good marriage.

I’ve become good friends My husband says I’m with a man in my volunteer fearful of a joint account group. We’re strictly plabecause my parents were tonic friends and enjoy havdivorced, and my mother ing lunch together. had a hard time. How can I He’s married and I’m convince him that’s not it? single, so the group gos— Irma sips are talking about us.

Dear Irma: Should I continue to have Gently give him a history lunch with him? lesson: “Women and Money — L. Dear L: 101.” Explain that, for SOLUTIONS decades, women had no conMake it an open lunch By Helen Oxenberg, trol over money and had to every other time. That means MSW, ACSW invite other people from the ask permission from their group to join you. If you hear of rumors, husbands or fathers before they could spend any. So your mother wasn’t the only nip them in the bud.

Say to someone you believe is saying one with a problem.

The inability of women to control their these things, “I’ve heard of rumors about Steve and me. I know it could be exciting own money translated into the inability to to talk about, so it’s too bad it’s not true. control their own lives. Explain to your husband that having your own money alWe’re friends — period.” lows you to be a volunteer in this marDear Solutions: Since I was a little girl, I was told riage, not a hostage.

Suggest a join account for household that a woman should have her own money. Now, after being widowed for bills only, and work out how much each of many years, I’ve been married for you will contribute to that. Tell him that women should have their own money. over a year.

I work and have my own bank ac- Men, too. count. My husband wants me to put my Dear Solutions: money together with his. I don’t feel My son had a very big job with one of

the companies that was written about a lot in the papers when it went out of business. He was often interviewed on television and quoted about his expertise.

Now, unfortunately, he’s been out of a job for some time, and he’s coping with it the best he can. I’m the one who’s having trouble controlling my anger when people — even casual acquaintances — keep asking me what he’s doing, where he’s looking, how he’s coping, and how awful I must feel and so forth.

They think they’re being sympathetic, but I think they’re just nosy. How do I answer them? I’m surprised at the degree of anger I feel.

— Mary

Dear Mary: The degree of your anger is directly related to their sudden degree as therapists. They masquerade as sympathetic supporters who are giving you a chance to vent your feelings, but what you’re sensing, especially from casual acquaintances, is a smirking satisfaction about “Oh, how the mighty has fallen.”

When bad things happen to other people there is often a sense of relief that it did not happen to oneself. Those who are sincerely sympathetic will ask no questions but merely wish your son well.

As for the others, don’t waste your anger on them. Rise above them and just say, “He’s fine, thank you,” and change the subject. © Helen Oxenberg, 2016.

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Adjust your diet to nourish your bones

By Marsha McCulloch, R.D. Unlike the static human skeletons that commonly hang in biology classrooms, your bones are continually being broken down and rebuilt. In fact, your entire skeleton is replaced about every 10 years.

In addition to exercise, about 20 different nutrients help prevent the weakening of bones that leads to osteoporosis. We review nutrients you’re more than likely falling short on, and where to get them.

Calcium Calcium has the strongest research evidence of any nutrient for its role in supporting healthy bones, according to a 2016 position paper from the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Requirement for adults: 1,000-1,300 mg. (milligrams) Sources: Dairy foods, fortified foods (such as orange juice, tofu and soy milk), fish with edible bones (sardines, canned salmon), bok choy and kale.

Vitamin D Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium from food and supplements. Without vitamin D, less than 10 percent of the calcium you consume is absorbed.

Requirement for adults: 600-800 International Units. However, a 2014 analysis

by Canadian experts and a March 2015 analysis by U.S. experts, both published in Nutrients, report that the Institute of Medicine made a significant statistical error in calculating vitamin D needs, making current recommendations too low.

Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D blood level; it should be at least 32 ng/mL to support bone health.

Sources: Fortified dairy foods, egg yolks, salmon and tuna.

To assess how much vitamin D you’re getting from sun exposure daily, use the dminder smartphone app (dminder.ontometrics.com), which vitamin D expert Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D. helped develop.

Magnesium Magnesium is a component of bone, giving it resiliency and protection against fractures. It also is essential for converting vitamin D to its active form in the body.

If you take a calcium and vitamin D supplement, take magnesium, too, because high calcium intake causes magnesium loss, and most Americans don’t consume enough magnesium.

Requirement for adults: 310-420 mg.

Sources: Nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Vitamin K Vitamin K is found in two main forms in food, K1 and K2, and your body may convert limited amounts of vitamin K1 to K2.

Both forms play a role in blood clotting (and work against the anti-clot drug warfarin).

But vitamin K2 also helps prevent calcium from depositing in arteries (the process of atherosclerosis), and instead directs calcium to bones and helps bind the mineral to your skeleton.

Requirement for adults: 75-120 mcg. (micrograms) Sources: K1 is found in dark, leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach. K2 is in natto (fermented soybeans), cheese, grass-fed meat and liver.

Vitamin B12 & Folate Vitamin B12 and folate support bone

health by helping to keep levels of homocysteine, a compound that stimulates the breakdown of bone, low. This role is further confirmed by genetic studies that reveal a link between an increased risk of osteoporosis in older adults and a common gene mutation (MTHFR C677T) that can lead to high homocysteine levels.

Requirement for adults: For folate, 400-600 mcg. For B12, 2.4 -2.8 mcg. (Your doctor may advise higher amounts if you have elevated homocysteine.)

Sources: B12 is in meat, fish and other animal foods, as well as in fortified foods, including cereals and nutritional yeast. Folate is in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, asparagus and legumes.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2016 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Connection

Department of Community Resources and Services

Volume 6, No. 12 • December 2016

Taking the Lead in Emergency Preparedness

E

arly in the recovery process following the Ellicott City flooding, a group of 20 to 30 West End residents began meeting for informal suppers once a week to discuss the impact of the devastation and lend support to one another. The events were simple backyard affairs, with food donated by area restaurants. They invited others in the county to join them, including Daniel Kershner, manager of Emergency Preparedness for Howard County’s Department of Community Resources and Services. “Gayle, the event organizer, reached out to me and I was happy to accept the invitation,” said Kershner. At first, folks were hesitant to lend him their trust. “Everyone had lost so much that they needed to be sure I was someone who was willing to be there for the long term,” he explained.

Kershner has continued to attend the gatherings, and is more than willing to listen and take what residents have to say back to Howard County officials. “Once I earned their trust, residents opened up about their concerns which I shared with county departments. Their firsthand accounts are helping us to see how all the pieces of the recovery fit together, thanks to a continuous flow of information.”

Building strong connections with community leaders throughout Howard County is key to creating a more resilient community.

Kershner’s goal is to identify and reach out to others like Gayle, who are known and trusted by their neighbors. “Establishing relationships within communities prior to an emergency helps us better understand their unique needs based on residents’ ages, disabilities or cultural differences.”

Just as demographics vary countywide, so do the vulnerabilities.

As an example, while flooding is a foremost concern of Ellicott City residents, those who live in the western county want to be prepared for severe storms and high winds. In both instances, insurance — what is and is not covered — is a prime concern.

Information is everything, and getting it to people in a manner that is convenient and accessible is key. While social media is an effective tool to reach large numbers of people, door-to-door contact and town hall meetings have been invaluable to keep Ellicott City residents informed during recovery.

Whether emergency preparedness planning meetings take place in someone’s backyard or living room, in a village center

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

or church, or in an assisted living or long-term-care facility, Kershner wants to establish working relationships with residents to help create a more prepared and resilient Howard County. He is currently looking for individuals who are interested in assuming a leadership role for their neighborhood, faith-based or community organization. For more information, contact him at 410-313-0416 or dkershner@howardcountymd.gov.

A Message from

Steven A. Bullock Director, Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services As the new Director of the Department of Community Resources and Services, I am proud to be a steward of the Howard County taxpayer.

My passion is to be able to help people change their lives for the better, to educate them to be resilient and able to take care of their families in good times and in bad. My approach to emergency planning and community preparedness is centered on two important philosophies: For You, By You (FUBU); and Nothing About You Without You (NAYWU). That is why engaging the community in emergency planning is key. I want to harness the energy of individuals whether they are eight or 80 and empower them to sustain themselves in the event of an emergency.

I recognize government has limited capacity, and that’s why I firmly believe in bringing community members into the planning process as early and often as possible. In an emergency, there are three things everyone needs: accurate information about the current hazards; where to evacuate to if necessary; and a good pair of shoes to get there. This may sound like an oversimplification, but I cannot stress enough the importance of giving everyone access to the information they need to ensure their personal safety and that of their families.

I was incredibly impressed by the community’s response to the devastation following the Ellicott City floods, so I already know how wonderful and resourceful the people in Howard County are. Imagine if we can tap into this resiliency and willingness to help others and provide training for other emergencies. Building on this foundation, my goal is to create a communications network, which brings folks together geographically across the county and across cultures within our communities. Creating culturally-specific communications which are appropriate and accommodating is a vital element of any successful emergency plan. In the accompanying article, you will find several ways you can get personally involved in Howard County’s emergency planning process. I hope you will join us!

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

The 50+ Connection

Home Warranties...

Is the Protection Right for You? When buying a home, many people are offered a home warranty as an incentive. Home warranty companies also pitch their products to owners of older homes as an added protection. It is important to remember that not all home warranties are alike, and some may not include the extent of coverage one would expect.

A home warranty is not the same thing as an insurance policy; it is more like a service contract that covers in home repairs for specific items under specific conditions.

• REVIEW THE WARRANTY carefully to see what it covers, and, more importantly, what it excludes. Most include the mechanical systems in the home — heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. Some also cover appliances.

• REVIEW THE COSTS associated with the warranty. In addition to the cost of the warranty itself, the plan may require a fee for each repair visit. Also, the warranty may not pay for the entire cost of the repair. Some require you to pay a deductible; some cap the amount that will be paid for the repair; others may require you to pay additional out-of-pocket expenses.

• BEWARE OF EXCLUSIONS. Many warranties require that systems be maintained a certain way before claims will be honored. For example, if you have an issue with your air conditioner, but the filters haven’t been changed as required by the manufacturer, the warranty company may decline to pay for the repair.

• BEFORE DECIDING if a home warranty is right for you, assess your needs. Think about the age of the systems or appliances covered and how much it will cost to repair or replace them. How do those costs compare to the price of the warranty and additional fees you’ll need to contribute? A warranty may save you money but only if you need a major repair that is covered under its terms.

To report scams or get information on this and other consumer issues, or obtain a copy of this factsheet in an alternative format, contact the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection at consumer@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-6420 (voice/relay).

Say you saw it in the Beacon

SAVE THE DATE!

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

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 • 7:00 PM Howard Community College 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 Additional information, registration and webinar options for this FREE event will be posted in December at www.howardcountymd.gov/studentloanforum A PARTNERSHIP PRESENTATION COURTESY OF

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

Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 through December 7, 2016 — BY APPOINTMENT ONLY — Call 410-313-7392 Regular SHIP schedule, plus these additional locations/hours:

Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044

Thursday, December 1 • 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 • 9:00 a.m. – noon

Ellicott City 50+ Center 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042

Friday, December 2 • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

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

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

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

North Laurel 50+ Center 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723

Wednesday, December 7 • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. Contact us for help. www.howardcountymd.gov/SHIP

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The 50+ Connection

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Howard County’s 2017

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

Sunday, January 29, 2017 • 1 - 4 p.m.

Ten Oaks Ballroom 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029 Please bring a non-perishable item for the Howard County Food Bank www.howardcountymd.gov/children

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

2016

Holiday

PROJECT

The Howard County Office on Aging and independence is collecting donated items for low-income seniors who reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and in the community.

The wish list includes the following items for both adult men and women and include: • • • • • •

Body Lotion Body Wash Deodorant Hair Conditioner Shampoo Shaving Cream

• • • • • •

Slipper Socks Socks Toothbrushes Toothpaste Toiletry Gift Sets Throw Blankets

• Monetary Donations also accepted Funds will be used to purchase items we don’t receive or of which we have a shortage.

Drop off your donations by December 12 at any Howard County 50+ Center or the

Join Us for Some Holiday Fun!

Howard County Office on Aging and Independence 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21046 FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Debby Magin at 410-313-6063 (VOICE/RELAY) • dmagin@howardcountymd.gov

Annual Holiday Luncheon

www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

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If you need this information in an alternate format, contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 or map@howardcountymd.gov

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Thursday, December 8 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Turf Valley Resort & Conference Center 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 >?@AB$#,+!

Register no later than December 1 !"# $%"&'"())$*&+",$!-"./0",1%!1'2 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Elaine Widom EMAIL

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

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Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

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

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

Help usCelebrate the Spirit of the Holidays!

Paws4Comfort is accepting new gift donations for the residents of Lorien Nursing Home.

Suggested items include shawls, scarves, puzzle books, calendars, small stuffed animals and jigsaw puzzles.

Gifts may be dropped off at Bain 50+ Center in the “LORIEN” box no later than December 9. Thank you!

Last 2016 Evaluation Date is December 1 PET EVALUATIONS Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044

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

www.howardcountymd.gov/paws

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

19

Howard County 50+ Centers

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

Bain 50+ Center Tuesday, December 6 • 10 a.m. to noon –

Make Your Own Holiday Decorations Make your season merry and bright with DIY Christmas décor and craft ideas from Linda Ethridge and Tammy Wiggins, Bain 50+ Center director and assistant director, respectively. $5; includes all materials. Register at front desk.

Tuesday December 13 • 10:30 a.m. –

Ellicott City 50+ Center Tuesday, December 6 • 12:30 p.m. –

Drage Vukcevich, Coin Consultant Take stock of your coin collection; learn which items are worth keeping, and which to liquidate. Leave your personal collection at home please.

FREE; register at 410-313-1400.

Holiday Party featuring the Bain 50+ Gospel Choir and the Machaya Klezmer Band

Wednesday, December 7 • 11 a.m. –

Delight in traditional holiday music with our Gospel Choir and the Machaya Klezmer Band. Machaya is a Yiddish word that means “that which sustains life and brings joy.” Cost: lunch donation. Make your reservation no later than December 6 at 410-313-7213.

Enjoy holiday music courtesy of the HCC Chorus. Join us to welcome them as they make their debut appearance here at the Center. FREE.

Wednesday, December 14 • 10:30 a.m. –

HCC Bain 50+ Choir Holiday Concert Join the HCC chorus as they sing holiday tunes that will be music to your ears. Reservations requested. FREE. Holiday refreshments served.

East Columbia 50+ Center December 1-23 • Center Hours – Clutter Free Gift Ideas

Howard Community College Chorus Sings Friday, December 9 • Noon – Lyric Opera House of

Baltimore Presents Holiday Spirit This musical program featuring both secular music and traditional Christmas favorites. The ticketed event includes a catered lunch, served at noon; the show starts at 12:30 p.m. $10; register at 410-313-1400.

Glenwood 50+ Center Thursday, December 1 • 1 p.m. – Winter Wooden Boxes

Stop by the center all month to see our display of useful, thoughtful gifts, perfect for the clutter-challenged people in your life.

Create a wooden centerpiece box from pallets; assemble, paint or stain, then fill with your favorite flowers or decorative items. $15; class size is limited. Pre-register: 410-313-5440.

Wednesday, December 7 • Noon – A Lyrical Holiday Tea

Friday, December 9 • 1:30 p.m. – Paint it to Frame it

Join us for tea with holiday music compliments of the Lyric Opera.

Our poinsettia and wreath sale will begin after the tea. $6; reservations can be made by calling 410-313-7680.

Join us for a hands-on holiday workshop. Enjoy music and cider as you paint an adorable snowman on a 10” x 10” canvas to take or gift.

No painting experience necessary. $10; pre-register at 410-313-5440.

Tuesday, December 13 • 3:30 p.m. – Technology Tune Up

Wednesday, December 14 • 11 a.m. –

Make an appointment with our Genius Bar! Bring in your tablets, phones, laptops or any other device that baffles you; our experts will help and guide you. FREE.

The Music of Alexander Mitchell

Elkridge 50+ Center TEMPORARY LOCATION: 5660 Furnace Avenue, Elkridge 21075

Wednesday, December 14 • 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. –

Holiday Celebration

This Berklee College of Music graduate will wow you with his proficiency on the fiddle, mandolin and guitar as well as his amazing singing voice.

FREE. For more information, call 410-313-5440.

North Laurel 50+ Center Friday, December 2 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. –

Home for the Holidays with the Lovestory Duo

Celebrate the season with a catered lunch, music, games and gifts for everyone. $20; register at the center or call 410-313-5192.

Ring in the holidays with soul warming songs from powerhouse vocal duo, Lovestory, followed by a festive holiday lunch. $3 plus lunch donation. Tickets: 410-313-0380.

Monday, December 19 • 11 a.m. to noon –

Friday, December 9 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. –

Gift Exchange Bingo

Annual Holiday Bazaar

Enjoy Bingo with a holiday twist – bring a wrapped gift valued around $10 and plan to have fun! Holiday treats will be served; lunch is available with reservation. Register: 410-313-5192.

Visit our one-stop shop for handmade gifts, holiday plants, jewelry, books and sweet treats. FREE. For more information, call: 410-313-0380.

Wednesday, December 21 • 9 to 10:30 a.m. –

Holiday with Elvis

Pancake Breakfast Join us for breakfast, featuring homemade pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit and danish. Cost: donations accepted. Register: 410-313-5192.

Wednesday, December 14 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Enjoy popular holiday songs and a show-stopping performance by an Elvis tribute artist, followed by a special holiday lunch. $3 plus lunch donation. Tickets: 410-313-0380.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Say you saw it in the Beacon

21

Brooke Grove's New Rehab Wing to Offer State-of-the-Art Care in Healing Spaces F

VILLAGE LIFE

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rom its dramatic entryway that includes a cupola-topped port-cochere, to its stateof-the-art, two-story physical therapy gym, the 70-bed, dedicated rehab wing taking shape at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (BGRNC) is designed to heal and revitalize those who come through its doors.

The $25 million project will add an additional 77,000 square feet to BGRNC’s existing 83,000 square feet and will increase capacity to 190 beds. Developed to meet the post-acute needs of the growing aging population in Brooke Grove Retirement Village’s (BGRV) service area, the project includes equipment and technology upgrades that will optimize the rehabilitation potential of those in BGRNC’s care, shorten lengths of stay and reduce expenditures by the Medicare program.

At the heart of this venture is BGRV’s commitment to continue to “touch people’s lives” by offering healing spaces that capitalize on the natural aspects of the recuperative process while also providing the excellent healthcare associated with Brooke Grove’s legacy.

The spacious physical therapy gym, for example, will feature large windows with a rejuvenating view of fields and Lake Hallowell, as well as a balcony overlook. In addition to a skilled staff and cutting-edge equipment, rehab guests will have access to a large, garden courtyard that includes outdoor rehab opportunities, a gazebo, water feature, patio and walking paths.

Natural sunlight and moonlight will pour into restorative spaces throughout the building. Guest rooms will also showcase this element. “Because we recognize and honor the curative aspects of both solace and social connectivity, our rehab center will

offer large guest rooms as well as areas for gathering and enjoying the healing companionship of others,” said BGRNC Administrator Eileen Alexander.

While private rooms will be available, companion rooms will also offer privacy with a shared entry and

bathroom, but separate, carpeted bedrooms – each with its own window, vanity, recliner, 43-inch 4K Smart TV, and thermostat.

Gathering areas include a coffee lounge with a vaulted ceiling and two-story gas fireplace, a living room with an electric fireplace on both floors, patios, porches and more.

The dining experience will continue to support the healing process in an energizing, restaurant, cooked-to-order fashion. Large dining rooms on each floor include a country kitchen, an adjoining parlor for private dining or conferences, and windows that offer sunset views over the lake. Outdoor dining will also be available, or guests may opt to enjoy a quiet meal in their own room.

Other exciting features include a spa with massage room and reclining bath, and a beauty salon – both with spectacular views. Carpet, furnishings and décor throughout the building will utilize a palette of rich, yet soothing, earth tones and textures that flow in tandem with the natural beauty of BGRV’s extensive pastoral grounds.

The first phase of the new wing (56 beds) is slated to open in early 2017, followed by the second phase at the end of the year. “We really feel that we will be able to offer a rehab experience unmatched in Maryland,” noted Brooke Grove Foundation Vice President Dennis Hunter. “We are excited and proud to bring this ‘Simply Different’ facility to our community.”

For more information about Brooke Grove, call 301-260-2320 18131 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 Vice President Dennis Hunter, BGRNC Administrator Eileen Alexander and Project Manager Greg Porter review plans in the physical therapy gym under construction.

www.bgf.org

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Law &

Money

REDUCE VOLATILITY Mutual funds that have a lot of ups and downs can significantly lower overall gains WHEN TO BUY A CAR Get the best car prices during model changeovers and at the end of a month ACING AN INTERVIEW Prepare by rehearsing and reviewing your strengths, and speak enthusiastically and concisely

Reducing the risk of outliving your assets

By Mark Cortazzo The markets may have recently hit a new all-time high, but if you retired in 2000, you may have already run out of money. Surprisingly, it’s a completely different story if you retired just a few years earlier or a few years later.

The timing of when someone retires can have a profound effect on the performance of their accounts. Sequence risk, also known as sequence-of-returns risk, pertains to the timing of returns on your investments after you’ve already started withdrawing from them.

A tale of three brothers To illustrate the impact of sequence risk, here’s the story of three hypothetical brothers each born three years apart.

They each retired at age 65 with a $1 million lump sum pension, which they invested according to Standard & Poor’s 500stock index models. They immediately began taking withdrawals of $5,000 on the same dates of each month. But the results, you will see, are very different.

The oldest brother retired in January 1997. As of the end of July 2016, he has

withdrawn $1,175,000 in income, and his remaining balance is currently about $1.66 million. By taking a 6 percent withdrawal and making slightly less than 8 percent, the oldest brother has approximately twothirds more than his starting value. These results are approximately the historical rate of return for equities and illustrate how equities may be effective over the long term.

The middle brother retired three years later, in January 2000. He, however, did not make out as well as his older brother. As of earlier this year, the middle brother ran out of money! This is despite the fact that he withdrew only $987,342, considerably less than the oldest brother.

The youngest brother finally retired in January 2003. As of the end of July, he has withdrawn $815,000 and has approximately $1.67 million remaining in the account.

(Disclaimer: This example was calculated in Morningstar Advisor Workstation as follows: $1M initial investments on 1/1/1997, 1/1/2000, and 1/1/2003 in S&P 500 TR USD (IDX), $5,000/monthly withdrawals starting immediately and ending on 7/31/2016. It is for hypothetical purposes only. It is not intended to portray past

or future investment performance for any specific investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index, and your own investment may perform better or worse than this example. This example does not include the deduction of fees, charges inherent to investing, taxes or investment costs, which could have a dramatic effect on your results.)

Why did the oldest and youngest brothers succeed while the middle brother ran out of money?

One of the greatest contributing factors is the market performance during the first three years of retirement. The difference here is that the market went up as the oldest and youngest brothers started taking withdrawals, and the market went down as soon as the middle brother began withdrawing.

Create a ladder While no strategy assures success or protects against loss, there are techniques that can help to mitigate sequence risk.

One way is to incorporate a fixed-income component of your portfolio, such as cash or a multi-year bond ladder that is

designated for providing income when the markets are down. If the market recovers in a relatively short period of time, this buffer may protect you from having to sell equities at a depressed price.

Another strategy is to utilize a product, such as an annuity, that can help to provide a lifetime income stream and reduce the withdrawal need from the overall equity portion of your portfolio. The longer you receive the income stream, the greater possible rate of return on the investment.

Conversely, the longer you draw from your equity portfolio, the greater the chance of running out of money.

If you were able to know how the market will perform in your first few years of your retirement, then you would have a high probability of success!

Since we cannot know what the future holds, talk with your financial adviser about these techniques and others to reduce the chance of ending up like the middle brother — sleeping on one of his other brothers’ couches.

All contents © 2016 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Six ways barcodes help you shop smarter

By Paul Michael The humble barcode has been a regular part of grocery store shopping since 1974, with the first-ever product being scanned on June 26th of that year. Since then, they have become almost invisible, with some package designs finding ingenious ways to hide or dress up their somewhat garish appearance.

However, with smartphones and apps now becoming a part of our everyday lives, the importance of barcodes is changing.

Now, instead of being something the store uses to track inventory, the code can be a great way to find out much more about the product itself.

From secrets about the product’s manufacturer, to allergy information and user reviews, here are six amazing things that barcodes can tell you.

1. What people actually think of the product Before you make a big purchase, perhaps of a vacation, car or TV, you research the reviews and see what people really

think of the options.

When it comes to grocery items, however, most people don’t have the time or energy to sit in front of a computer trawling the web for the latest consumer opinions on detergents or frozen foods.

But now, if you have any doubts at all, you can scan the barcode of the product and find out what people really think of it.

For example, apps like OpenLabel and Purchx let you scan the label and read through reviews of many products you’ll find in the typical grocery store aisles.

A particularly interesting feature of OpenLabel is the ability to create an “honest” label for other people to read, highlighting things that you think other consumers should know.

Purchx has been called the “Yelp for products,” with a database of over 3 million products reviewed by consumers just like you. With a barcode and a scanning app, you can literally tap into a vast collective user base of no-holds-barred opinions.

2. Instant price comparisons across

multiple stores One of the many issues facing customers these days is buyer’s remorse, particularly upon finding out that another store has the exact same product for much less than you just paid. You can always try going back to the store for a price match, or returning the item and buying the lower-priced product later. But that’s all a lot of hassle.

Instead, using the power of your smartphone and the net, you can scan barcodes and instantly see what the price is for this item at hundreds of different stores. Apps like ShopSavvy and BuyVia give you access to a huge database of products, and after scanning the barcode in-store, you can see exactly what the product is going for, including shipping fees where applicable.

You can also use this information to get an instant price-match in the store (Toys R Us is very good for this), and can set price alerts if you want to know when the item goes on sale, or dips below a price you specify.

3. Real (and harmful) ingredients in

a product Want to know what’s really hiding behind those complicated chemical names printed on the ingredient label? Well, there are myriad apps available to help you decode them, letting you know in plain English just what is hiding behind the label.

GoodGuide, Chemical Cuisine, ThinkDirty, HealthyLiving and Food Facts give you the ingredients in ways that are easy to understand.

Chemical Cuisine has a ratings system, ranging from “safe” to “avoid,” and it can be eye-opening. For example, adipic acid is on the safe list, whereas benzoic acid should be avoided by certain people.

Beverages, condiments, frozen meals and soups are covered. Some of these apps will also suggest healthier, or better, alternatives to the product you’re scanning.

4. Potential allergy issues Nuts. Dairy. Gluten. Egg. If you or someSee BARCODES, page 23

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Barcodes From page 22 one in your family has an allergy to a certain type of food, it can make grocery shopping as arduous as finding a needle in a haystack.

Every label has to be read, just in case (although more and more manufacturers are now plainly displaying potential allergy issues on the label).

If you want to make this process a whole lot quicker and easier, use an app that scans for allergy issues. Apps like Ipiit and Content Checked are customizable based on your specific allergy requirements.

For instance, you may be fine with gluten, but need to steer clear of nuts and dairy. Select those issues, scan the barcode, and the app will let you know if a product is good to go, or if you should avoid it.

Of course, nothing is foolproof, as Snack-

Safely.com reported back in 2014. By now, the apps will have collected far more information and should have a much more thorough database of foods and allergens, but as always, you use these apps at your own risk.

5. Sustainability and environmental impact These days, many of us try and do our bit for the environment. We want to choose products that are environmentally friendly, and made from sustainable resources. But without committing to hours and hours of research, it’s not easy to be an Earth-conscious consumer.

Technology once again comes to the rescue, with apps like GoodGuide and Social Impact. GoodGuide can uncover a wealth of information with just a quick scan of the product’s barcode, delivering comprehensive information on just how green the product it is, and how healthy and safe it is, too.

RETIREMENT PLANNING CLASS

Roy Yenoli of MakingChange discusses the many issues, from financial to leisure time, facing those thinking of retiring. The class will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Miller Branch library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. Register by calling (410) 313-1950.

Ongoing

5560 Sterrett Place, Suite 204 Columbia, MD 21044 Restricted - Operating out of Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., Pikesville, MD

410-730-7230

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring will be offered by Howard County General Hospital from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Dec. 12 at the Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Ln., Laurel. For more information call the library at (410) 313-0760.

Frank, Frank

& Scherr, LLC

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Elder Law, Estate & Special Needs Planning Medical Assistance Planning and Eligibility Advance Medical Directives / Living Wills Trusts / Estate Planning and Administration Wills / Powers of Attorney Disability Planning / Special Needs Trusts Guardianship

410.337.8900 | www.frankelderlaw.com | 1.888.338.0400 Towson | Columbia | Easton

Pre ree-Planning Available le howardcounty@sollevinson.com y@sollllevins levinson com levin

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if the price of the product seems to justify decent working conditions, and the brand name feels trustworthy.

Well, now you don’t have to guess. There are several apps and browser plugins that will let you drill down into the manufacturing details of the product in question, giving you ratings for the ethical conditions under which the product was made.

Free2Work and Ethical Barcode can show you if the product is tested on animals, or if it was flagged for being made using child labor.

All contents © 2016 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

PROTECTING CONSUMERS

For a problem with goods or services that did not live up to advertised benefits, the Howard County Office of Consumer Affairs reminds residents to report the experience by calling the office at (410) 3136420, emailing consumer@howardcountymd.gov, or visiting the office at 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Columbia. For more information, visit the website www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer.

Dec. 12

Products are ranked on a scale of 0 to 10, and also use a handy color-coded system to show you what you’re buying.

Green is go, red is stop, and yellow is “well, let your conscience be your guide... but don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

6. If the product is made under ethical conditions It’s awful to even think about, but child labor, forced employment and slavery exist even today. You just have to look at a pair of shoes with an $8.99 price tag to know that someone, somewhere, is suffering to achieve that insanely low price.

But it’s not always easy to tell, especially

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Volatility in a mutual fund lowers gains

By Reid Johnson Mutual funds are the cornerstone of many investors’ portfolios. With thousands of mutual funds in the U.S. alone, choosing the right one for your retirement plan can be complicated.

Consider this real-life example (names have been changed, of course, to protect confidentiality): Bob and Sally walked into my office looking for advice about mutual

Annual Return Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

funds. They had narrowed their choices to two funds, but that’s when it got tricky.

Each fund had the exact same average annual return over the past five years: 5.53 percent. They wondered, “Which one do we choose?”

You would think two funds with the same average annual return would produce the same amount of money, right?

Let’s take a closer look. The chart to the

VOLATILITY CHART Fund A 16%

-37% 26% 15% 7%

Fund B 7.7%

-9.9% 14% 11% 4%

left shows a side-by-side comparison of the two funds’ rates of return.

Over the past five years, the holdings in Fund A produced big returns (nearly twice as big as Fund B’s gains) four out of five years with one bad year. The five-year average annual return was 5.53 percent.

The five-year average annual return of Fund B was also 5.53 percent. It posted lower returns than Fund A four out of five years and recorded a smaller loss in Year 2.

Okay, so which one should Bob and Sally choose?

Look at the ups and downs The answer is Fund B. Emphatically. It’s not even close, and here’s why: With $500,000 invested in each fund, and with an average return of 5.53 percent a year, Fund A earned $69,477.

Mutual Fund B earned $143,357. That’s

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an eye-popping difference of $73,880!

What’s going on here? Volatility. It’s all about the volatility within a mutual fund.

The fund with the least amount of volatility produced more cash over five years.

People generally think rate of return is the most important factor to a fund’s success.

But the truth is volatility is a bigger factor.

For example, if a mutual fund drops 25 percent one year, then you need a 33 percent increase just to break even. Bigger losses require even bigger gains: A 50 percent drop needs a 100 percent increase to get back to even.

Bob and Sally’s example serves as an important heads-up if you’re buying in the current market, now at historic highs, because volatility in a dramatic downturn could translate into significantly less money for your portfolio over a period of years.

This lesson raises a key question: Why do we accept higher risk, and volatility, in our personal portfolios?

It goes back to the basic investment principle that we’re all led to believe: take the higher return to earn more money; accept more risk for more return.

But that’s not necessarily the right choice. Mutual funds experiencing big fluctuations like the one above — Fund A with a 37 percent drop in one year — are detrimental to your portfolio. That’s an eye-opening lesson.

Reducing volatility

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Apply the same principle to your own investment portfolio. Can you reduce volatility in your portfolio through smart asset allocation?

Make sure your portfolio is not weighted too heavily with one type of fund. That strategy will better protect you from big market downturns.

You’d be surprised by the number of investors walking into my office who firmly believe their portfolio has low volatility like our Fund B, but a closer look reveals they actually own something closer to Fund A. About 70 percent discover they have too much volatility.

One other thing to consider: Many people buy passively managed mutual funds because they charge lower fees. Low fees mean low turnover in the fund; managers are not trading much.

That strategy is great for a rising market, but in a year like 2016 with lots of ups and downs, you want your portfolio to have more flexibility so you can adjust them during market fluctuations.

Giving managers the option to grab discounts, or sell poor performers, could reduce volatility and put your portfolio in a better position over the long term. Not making changes can cost you.

Now you’re better prepared to put together a winning retirement portfolio. You understand it’s more important to evaluate See VOLATILITY, page 25

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

25

The five best times to buy a new car

By Philip Reed That chill in the air signals not only the onset of autumn, but also cooling auto sales. For bargain hunters, this could be a great time to get a good deal on a new car.

But sales downturns aren’t the only time to buy a new car. New model rollouts, carmakers’ redesign schedules, and other events can uncover bargains for those who know how to read the tea leaves of the auto market.

Just picking an opportune time isn’t enough. First, cover the basics: Arrange financing, check local dealer inventories, and research pricing guides for the current market value of your desired vehicle.

Then, consider these five potential opportunities to boost your chances of snagging a bargain.

1. Model changeover The big three U.S. carmakers launch their new models in August and September, while some foreign carmakers sprinkle newvehicle introductions across the calendar.

Most buyers are drawn to the newest models, which pressures dealers to offer deeper discounts and incentives to clear their inventory of the previous year’s models.

“We’re at a critical time where dealers need to clear out 2016 inventory to make room for 2017’s, and that’s good news for shoppers who will see some great deals on outgoing models,” said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst at car shopping site Edmunds.com.

That means “as a consumer I’m not going to have to arm-wrestle or play the back-andforth game to get a good price,” said Dave Cavano, AAA’s car buying expert. Dealers “are much more likely to cut to the bone more quickly — so it’s less of a hassle.”

Current bargains are available in compact sedans and luxury vehicle segments, while pickup trucks and SUVs still are commanding higher prices, said Steven Szakaly, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Auto sales dropped 4 percent year-over-

Volatility

forming a full analysis on your mutual funds. It will reveal whether volatility in your high-performing mutual fund is actually killing your portfolio, and if you need to adjust your game plan.

All contents © 2016 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 24 the volatility in a fund rather than its average rate of return. That’s a valuable lesson whether you’re in your 40s or 50s, or nearing retirement like Bob and Sally.

Talk to an investment adviser about per-

year in August, but Szakaly calls it a “plateau.” In fact, 2016 is shaping up to be a strong year, with an expected sale of 17.7 million vehicles, the association predicted.

Meanwhile, figures from car shopping site TrueCar show the average transaction prices for 2015 and 2016 dropping across the summer and into fall while sale incentives remain high — which is a good combination for buyers.

Cavano warns that buyers shopping for newly redesigned or recently introduced

models will pay dearly for wanting to be the “first on the block to own that car.” Manufacturers “trickle out” a few vehicles for each dealer to drive up interest. Eager buyers will have to pay sticker price and sometimes a bit more.

2. End-of-month pressure Of all the days of the month, traditionally the last five are when dealers have the greatest incentive to sell.

See NEW CAR, page 27

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

The art of shining in an interview for a job Question: Making a good impression in an interview Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had two interviews, neither of requires preparation. which resulted in a job offer.

Is there anything I could do Prepare for the interview to increase my chances of Begin by researching the orsuccess? ganization youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be interviewAnswer: ing with. You should be well-inReceiving an invitation to a formed about the organizajob interview is a victory in ittionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, size, structure, self. It means you have aland the products/ser vices ready shown the employer they offer. You should also be you have the right backconversant about their comground. petitors.

CAREER COACH Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the next Research the people who

By Judy Smith step â&#x20AC;&#x201D; shining in the interview. will be interviewing you. Ask In the job search process, consider your- the HR Department for a bio of the person self in a sales mode. The interview is your or people youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be meeting. sales call. The product youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re selling is YOU. Communicate with knowing people on

LinkedIn; follow people and trends on Twitter; find critical information on the Internet.

Your interviewer already knows you have the basic knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to do the job. Otherwise, you would not have been selected for an interview.

Now the organization wants to know how you would apply those KSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their organization. That is to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How would you perform on the job?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Select examples of your strengths.

Before the interview, choose three experiences that demonstrate your past successes. Decide how you will relate them to the current job opportunity. (When interview-

ing for different jobs, make sure your comments fit each individual opportunity.) â&#x20AC;˘ Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Have a script. Write notes beforehand to give yourself a better idea of what you want to say to make the point that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the ONE!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rehearse in front of a mirror. Your facial expressions and body language count much more than you may think in shaping othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; impressions of you.

Rehearsal is critical. You can never overprepare. â&#x20AC;˘ Bring at least three questions to See JOB INTERVIEW, page 27

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

New car From page 25 That’s because some carmakers offer bonuses when dealers hit certain sales numbers, said Christian Wardlaw, an analyst for the New York Daily News’ autos section.

“Dealers know they can take a loss on that vehicle because they know they’ll get the bonus for hitting their quotas,” Wardlaw said.

These kinds of bargains are more common at high-volume domestic dealers.

However, it’s hard for the average consumer to know which dealers are facing the pressure to hit quotas, Szakaly pointed out. Shopping at the end of the month can help you improve your odds. “You’re hoping you are the lucky person who walks in

Job interview From page 26 ask. Show your desire to understand the organization with questions about things like its customers, products, services, and the challenges it might have. Listen carefully to the answers for clues to what’s important to the organization. Then comment on how your background and skills can enhance those key areas.

Handle your stage presence • Speak concisely Stay focused on what’s most important.

Aim for no more than a two-minute answer to general questions like “Tell me about

at the end of the month and the dealer is missing the one sale he needs,” he said.

3. Year-end sales The final week of the year brings with it some great deals, particularly from luxury carmakers such as Lexus, Mercedes and BMW, Cavano said. It’s when “manufacturers are trying to eke out those last few sales...and they will push money out to their dealers and say, ‘OK guys, let’s get this done.’”

Keep in mind, however, that with dwindling inventories, you might not be able to get your first choice of color and options.

4. Model redesign When manufacturers redesign models, dealers have both the outgoing and new models for sale at the same time. That

yourself.” The old adage applies here — less is more.

Listen attentively and speak clearly and loudly enough.

• Show enthusiasm Employer surveys show that nothing sells a candidate better than enthusiasm.

Reflect energy and interest. Smile!

By approaching an interview with careful preparation, you will be able to communicate your strength, confidence and zeal.

You may indeed prompt the interviewer to declare, “You’re hired!”

Judy Smith is a registered career coach.

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

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

leads them to offer incentives and discounts to get rid of older models.

Of course, the resale value of the vehicle would be lower. And sometimes, the new model may be “heads and tails better than the outgoing model,” Wardlaw said.

5. Last year of a model’s production This tip is for serious penny pinchers.

When a car is being discontinued or “rebranded” as a different model, the outgoing model’s prices drop even more dramatically. Examples on the market include the 2016 Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, according to Edmunds’ handy list of best leftover cars for 2016. Current pricing for the

27

Chrysler 200 shows a savings of nearly $5,000 off the sticker price, according to TrueCar’s pricing.

Times when you shouldn’t buy a car follows a simple pattern, according to these experts. When there is plenty of foot traffic on the car lot, the dealer will keep prices higher, believing there will be a better offer from another shopper.

So weekend afternoons aren’t optimal because besides higher pricing, the sales staff will be busy, and test-drives will be rushed.

Instead, shop mid-week, communicating with dealers via text or emails.

— NerdWallet, via AP

28

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

29

Leisure &

Travel

Dallas can be surprisingly pedestrian friendly. See story on page 31.

A walking tour through Japanese history

From Kyoto to Tokyo The roots of modern Tokyo were planted during the Edo period, which began in 1603 when Tokugawa Leyasu became the shogun (military dictator) of Japan and ruled from his palace in Edo (present-day

Tokyo). While the emperor lived in Kyoto, the shoguns of the Tokugawa clan controlled the country from Edo. The Tokugawa shogunate ended in 1868, with the opening of Japan to the world.

Our trip with the Walk Japan tour company focused on Kyoto, Tokyo, and an ancient trail that was used during Japan’s feudal period by shoguns, samurai (military officers) and other high-ranking officials to travel between the two cities.

Our journey began in Kyoto — one of the best preserved cities in Japan — which is rich in tradition and important sites. So endowed is it with historical treasures that during World War II the United States removed it from a list of possible bombing targets.

With some 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, magnificent palaces, lovely gardens and more, the welcome challenge for visitors is how to experience and enjoy as much as possible in a limited time.

One popular site is the Kiyomizu (“Pure Water”) Temple, built in 780. It stands in an inviting setting near a waterfall, and is surrounded by a maze of narrow, charming streets lined by small shops.

The Ryoanji Temple is famous for its lovely rock garden, which is believed to have been created around 1500. Laid out for Zen meditation, it consists of immaculately manicured white gravel raked into a wave-like design surrounding rock islands.

One of the most popular buildings in

PHOTO BY LUCIANO MORTULA/DREAMSTIME.COM

By Victor Block The traffic-clogged streets, towering skyscrapers and dazzling lighted billboards could be in Times Square — but they aren’t. An ancient trail that snakes through dense woods and over mountain passes might be one that runs through a U.S. national park, but it isn’t.

A big surprise for many visitors from the U.S. to Japan is how many things remind them of home. At the same time, there are dramatic differences in the history, culture and other aspects of the country. That dichotomy — foreign and familiar, old and new — is one of the pleasures of a visit to that intriguing destination.

Walking in some areas of Tokyo, I was besieged by the usual fast food chain restaurants and signs promoting brands of electronics, clothing and other goods that would be at home in Washington.

At the same time, centuries of history sprang to life as the guide displayed wood block prints and old photographs illustrating how many hidden side streets, bridges and other features of the setting had their beginning centuries ago.

Neon signs crowd the streetscapes in modern Tokyo, a city of more than 13 million people. Elsewhere in the city and around the country, well-preserved elements from Japan’s storied history remain, from the imperial palace to Buddhist temples.

Japan is the Rokuon-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), a Buddhist hall that was burned and then reconstructed. The building was designed in the architectural style used for aristocratic mansions in Kyoto during the 8th to 12th centuries. Its most distinctive feature is the gold leaf that covers the upper two levels of the three-story structure.

Clean, gleaming Tokyo PHOTO COURTESY OF WALK JAPAN

Walking between Kyoto and Tokyo along an ancient trail called the Nakasendo Way, which connects several major Japanese cities, immerses visitors in a close-up view of Japanese life and culture. Walkers stay overnight at family-run guesthouses, and pass through farm villages like this one, with a rice paddy outside a home.

If Kyoto continues to wear its history in plain sight, the past is more hidden in Japan’s capital. Tokyo today little resembles the modest fishing village of Edo that it was before the Tokugawa shogunate made it a seat of power.

Upon arrival, the first-time visitor may be put off by the sheer size of the city, along with the crush of people, glare of neon-lit streetscapes, and other sources of sensory overload.

On the other hand, it’s not difficult to recognize welcome differences from many other urban areas.

For example, even though throngs of people are often encountered in the vast underground subway stations, there’s usually little sound other than that of feet on the floor.

People wait patiently in orderly lines for the trains to arrive, which they usually do at the minute for which they’re scheduled.

It’s unusual to encounter trash anywhere on streets or sidewalks. And most

locals who are asked for directions or other assistance go out of their way to provide it.

Given the magnitude of the city, a good way to enjoy specific places of interest is to group them by area. In addition to temples, shrines and other major tourist sites on many a “must see” list, that also provides introductions to neighborhoods with concentrations of museums, shops and other appeals.

One good place to begin a tour is sprawling Ueno Park, which is home to temples, pagodas and shrines along with a number of major museums.

Any visit to Tokyo also should include the Edo Castle, which was built in 1457 and served as the residence of the shogun Tokugawa. The present Imperial Palace sits on the base of the former castle, and the main gate, along with some original walls, turrets and moats, survives.

Another plunge into Japan’s feudal past is provided at the Edo Museum, where exhibits demonstrate how a small 15th century fishing village evolved into the vast metropolis of today. Visitors are immediately introduced to old Edo, as they cross a lifesize replica of the wooden Nihonbashi Bridge that was built in 1603 over the river of the same name.

The vast open space surrounding the walkway is filled with exhibits illustrating See JAPAN, page 30

30

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Japan From page 29 various aspects of Tokyo’s past and present. Detailed scale models realistically represent buildings and towns from the 17th through 20th centuries. Cultural icons include a life-size reconstruction of a kabuki theater, where that classical dance-drama form of entertainment has been popular since the early 17th century.

Another aspect of life in the Edo period was the creation of various types of gardens based upon Japanese sensibilities. Gardens for emperors and nobles were designed for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment; those at Buddhist temples served for meditation; and promenade plantings lead visitors on a path past carefully composed landscapes.

Walking an ancient trail No matter how lovely a variety of gardens, how magnificent the temples and shrines that grace Kyoto, and how beauti-

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

ful the architectural gems from the Edo period hidden beneath the modern veneer of Tokyo, it was the five days I spent walking along a section of an ancient trail between those cities that provided me with the most meaningful immersion in the history, heart and soul of Japan.

Laid out in the 8th century, that 310-mile path was trod by shoguns, samurai and other nobles, and the underlings who comprised their entourage. The support staff tended to the horses, prepared meals, and took care of the countless other chores that provided the comforts and luxuries to which those who occupied the upper levels of society were accustomed.

Our trek traversed the Kiso Road section of the historic route. The sojourn began by following a short stretch of the original flat paving rocks that were laid down hundreds of years ago, and passed by one of the earliest stone mile markers.

Our daily 8- to 10-mile treks followed valleys past rushing waterfalls, wound

through dense forests, and crossed over mountain passes. The occasional steep sweat-inducing climb was made easier by switchbacks that eased the way up.

We passed numerous Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and unadorned rock structures that represented, or paid homage to, emperors and other human deities and spiritual beings.

Here and there stood a lonely farmhouse, centuries-old mill and wooden waterwheel powered by the rushing streams that cascade down many hillsides. Houses in tiny farm villages are surrounded by rice paddies, and an occasional grove of bamboo reaches toward the sky.

Stops along the way Come nightfall, our band of hikers followed in the footsteps — literally — of the feudal lords and others who preceded us along the route centuries ago. “Post towns” were spaced a day’s travel apart to provide food and overnight accommodations to

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those travelers. The traditional wooden buildings in some of the historic villages have been lovingly restored, and continue to offer the same services they did long ago.

Three of the best-preserved post towns — Magome, Tsumago and Narai — are strung out along the Kiso Valley section of the route, and provide an even more indepth look at what early travelers experienced. The family-run guesthouses where we stayed introduced us to customs and cultural touches of Japan both past and present.

It didn’t take long to learn the rules: Upon entering the modest structure, remove shoes and replace them with the ubiquitous slippers that are neatly lined up on shelves near the front entrance. Be prepared to sleep on a fluffy but surprisingly comfortable futon laid out on the floor.

Don’t expect to order dinner from a menu, but do know that among the numerous dishes that will be laid before you are sure to be at least several that will be as pleasing to your taste buds as they are to the eye.

This experience was very different from the architectural treasures of Kyoto and the hustle and bustle in Tokyo beneath which its past hides in plain sight. This combination introduces visitors to the very essence of Japan in a way that leaves a very lasting impression.

If you go My wife and I traveled with aptly named Walk Japan, which has conducted tours in that country since 1992, and certainly lives up to its name.

The focus on using various kinds of public transportation, staying at local inns, dining at family-run restaurants, and other trip features brings travelers (a maximum of 12 on most itineraries) into repeated close contact with Japanese people from various walks of life.

The tours themselves range from city sightseeing to trail walking to more strenuous experiences, and even in Tokyo and Kyoto we logged several miles by foot each day.

In addition to accommodations, meals, sightseeing and outstanding guides, Walk Japan trips provide participants with an indepth introduction to both Japanese history and contemporary life that is as enjoyable as it is informative. For more information, log onto www.walkjapan.com.

Prices range from about $675 (for the twoday Kyoto tour) and $745 (for the two-day Tokyo tour) up to about $4,745 for an 11-day tour, depending on the exchange rate. The five-day Nakasendo Way tour is priced at $1,982. (Prices do not include airfare.)

For more Japan travel information, see the websites of the Japan National Tourism Organization at jnto.org.au and World Guides at www.world-guides.com/asia/japan. Information on Tokyo is available at https://www.gotokyo.org/en and Kyoto at http://kyoto.travel/en.

The lowest roundtrip airfare from BWI in late December is $1,430 on American Airlines. United Airlines offers a slightly higher fare.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

31

You don’t need a car to enjoy Dallas Klyde Warren.

The “burbs” haven’t disappeared, and corporate moves to outlying cities are business-page headlines. Mass transit is improving, but not comparable to the Northeast, and, let’s face it, it’s too hot in July or August to walk in daytime.

But autumn, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s F, is arguably Dallas’ best season.

By foot, cycle and trolley Near Klyde Warren are hotels like the $600-a-night ZaZa, or family options under $200. It’s a short walk to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science — a 15-story cube where kids can race against videos of a tyrannosaurus, life-sized cheetah, or Dallas Cowboys running back.

In Deep Ellum east of downtown, Local Hub Bicycle Co. rents bikes for $35 a day.

“We’ve had people from all over the world get a bike for the whole week,” said coowner Justin Shannon.

Ride the Katy Trail, a 3.5-mile linear park that starts near downtown, or pedal to the Trinity Groves entertainment district and Dallas’ latest landmark, the soaring Margaret Hill Hunt Bridge.

The old-fashioned McKinney Avenue Trolley follows a 4.5-mile elongated loop to the Nasher Sculpture Garden and the Dallas Museum of Art, both highlighted by

PHOTO BY KAN KHAMPANYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

By John Lumpkin Asphalt and concrete have defined Dallas since a north-south “central expressway” was envisioned in the early 1900s for a stretch of railroad right-of-way. Travel by anything other than an automobile can be challenging and sometimes impractical.

However, there is a promising alternative — call it “Walking Dallas.” The development of the Uptown neighborhood, abetted by the expansion of Dallas’ cultural district (and millennials moving into the area), means a car is not a requirement.

Since August 2014, visitors have been able to ride DART, Dallas’ light rail, from DFW Airport to downtown for $2.50. (The fixed rate for taxis from the airport is $45.)

Also, consider that downtown hotels might charge up to $35 daily for parking your car.

Ground zero for enjoying the city on foot is Klyde Warren Park. Philanthropists and city planners put a roof over a freeway canyon that separated Dallas’ downtown from Uptown. Add grass, flower beds, trees, a dog park, a sound stage and food trucks, and the result is throngs of pedestrians.

Michelin’s Green Guide awarded Dallas its highest city rating, gushing about “a fantastic, world-class cultural, architectural and culinary destination.” Several of Michelin’s touts are a walk away from

Downtown workers enjoy a mid-day yoga class at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. The park was built on top of a recessed eight-lane freeway and opened in 2012.

Michelin, as well as Uptown’s brasseries.

The President George W. Bush Library is a short cab ride to the shady campus of Southern Methodist University, First Lady Laura Bush’s alma mater. The museum has a replica of Bush’s Oval Office, and includes a 22-foot section from the fallen World Trade Center. While there, visit SMU’s Meadows Museum, called “Prado on the Prairie.”

Car alert: The Star, a new $1.5 billion, 91acre complex that houses the Dallas Cowboys headquarters and training facility, is in the northern suburb of Frisco. From downtown, the drive is 30 minutes to an hour.

From Neiman-Marcus to the fair “Walking Dallas” should include NeimanSee DALLAS, page 33

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Air and hotel deals no longer easy to find If you’re looking for the best airfare or cally sound research effort. hotel deal, you can’t trust a single online CR checked nonstop airfares on five busy source. The exact reasons are domestic routes, as returned different for airfares than for by six big online travel agenhotel rates, but the net result cies and three metasearch sysis that the Internet is no tems. The test controlled for longer able to provide what it time differences and even for once did: Easy and accurate whether the searchers’ comone-search airfare price computers may have had cookies parisons and quick identificafrom prior searches. The final tion of the best deal. sample included 372 separate The key factor for airfares round-trip search results. seems to be substantial and And the results — or lack of TRAVEL TIPS constant near-random fare consistent results — is mindBy Ed Perkins variations. At least that’s what boggling: Fare results varied Consumer Reports (CR) recently found as a as much as $138 for trips on a given route result of an exhaustive and methodologi- that were searched at the same time, and

BEACON BITS

Dec. 10

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION IN BALTIMORE

Visit the Engineer’s Club in Baltimore for the Christmas Cheer Concert presented by the Concert Artists of Baltimore on a bus trip sponsored by Recreation & Parks on Saturday, Dec. 10. A buffet prior to the performance is included in the $110 ticket. The bus leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. For more information or to reserve space, call (410) 313-7275 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.

Dec. 1

ACAPELLA CONCERT

The acapella musical group Camerata Musica will perform a selection of seasonal music from different countries and traditions on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. All ages are welcome.

fares for a given trip varied by as much as $238 when queried on different days.

All nine websites delivered different airfares on separate browsers on simultaneous searches.

The test revealed no evidence of fare bias based on browsing history.

No one-stop shopping Clearly, the once-heralded model of simple online fare searches is broken: You can’t call up one website that will provide definitive price comparisons among all the airlines.

CR had no explanation for the huge discrepancies. One industry spokesperson posited that the differences were based on the fact that fares can change from one second to another, but that hardly seems enough to explain the entire slate of differences.

The CR test didn’t even approach the question of whether still better deals were available on the airlines’ own websites.

And the airlines are tweaking their displays to include possible deals that you can’t find on independent websites at all, including various fare options that bundle such extras as seat assignment, a checked bag, and early boarding at attractive package prices.

So, what’s the answer to finding the best airfare for your next trip? My suggestion:

Start with a metasearch system that will instantly check a bunch of online agencies and airline sites. Take your pick of TripAdvisor, GoogleFlights, Kayak, Hipmunk or whichever other one you like. That will at least narrow your search to the possibles.

The CR results suggest that you try at least two such searches. Make a note of the two or three best options; some sites allow you to “hold” that information.

Then look up the trip on the website of any airline that offers a better deal for your trip, especially checking for attractive bundles.

And, in my colleague George Hobica’s words, “When you find a good deal, pounce.”

Getting good hotel rates The hotel problem is different, with two barriers to accurate price comparisons.

The first is a spreading scam. More and more hotels are cutting out part of the real price, posting the phony low-ball rate up front, and adding the cut-out back in as a “resort” fee. City hotels are now starting to do the same with a “facility” fee.

What you see on the first comparison screen is the phony low-ball price, not what you actually have to pay. The Federal Trade Commission is supposed to outlaw See TRAVEL DEALS, page 33

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Dallas From page 31 Marcus’ flagship store, even if you can’t afford a $15,000 Carolina Herrera gown. Opt for the Zodiac Room, where the mandarin orange soufflé and chicken salad ($20) follow recipes of legendary Neiman’s cookbook author Helen Corbitt.

The downtown Sixth Floor Museum, reverent and not ghoulish, is dedicated to the “life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.” It’s located on the sixth floor of the building on Dealey Plaza from which shots were fired on Nov. 22, 1963, killing Kennedy as he passed by in a motorcade.

The State Fair of Texas in October hosted 3 million visitors. Big Tex, a talking 55foot statue in cowboy duds, is the official greeter. The required snack is a Fletcher’s

Travel deals From page 32 this sort of scam, which is per se deceptive. But, at least so far, it’s been dragging its feet. Attorney generals on the state level should also go after it.

Several big chains are now luring you to book through their own websites by offering incentives in the form of free Wi-Fi, free breakfasts, and other loyalty program benefits, which the online agencies don’t find or

Corny Dog, but vendors will fry almost anything, including Jell-O and Twinkies.

The Texas Star Ferris Wheel, 20 stories high, only operates during the State Fair, but Fair Park’s renowned art deco buildings can be viewed year-round.

Check for tickets to classical and popular music and drama at downtown Dallas’ cluster of the Winspear Opera House, Meyerson Symphony Center and Wyly Theater, if you plan to stay near downtown.

Local eats Happy hour patrons are two-deep at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s Rattlesnake Bar. Celebrity chef Dean Fearing’s namesake restaurant is on the same floor, serving concoctions like buffalo tenderloin with jalapeno grits, lobster pot stickers, and oysters “Rockafearing.”

offer. The online agencies often can’t detect senior and other discounts, either.

I’m aware of no search system that can present all-up hotel prices, including fees and discounts, on the first comparison.

The one that use to, the Suitest, is no longer working. So, as with airfares, you can’t rely on a single search. Get to work.

Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Also, check out Ed’s new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com. © 2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

December Meeting Date: Wed., December 21, 2016 Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Location: Vantage House 5400 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044

Topic: Holiday Networking Extravaganza Help Support Project Holiday and Food on the 15th! - Please bring a nonperishable item to our December Meeting. See our website for more details.

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

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Less expensive is Uptown’s S & D Oyster Co., where the daily chef’s sampler ($16.95) includes raw and fried oysters, gumbo, hush puppies and shrimp four ways.

Near Local Hub Bicycles is Pecan Lodge, a Dallas barbecue mecca. Justin and Diane “Boss Lady” Fourton sold brisket sandwiches in a Jiffy Lube parking lot, then from a stand in Dallas’ Farmers Market before opening their expansive current location. Feed your delegation with “The Trough” — stacks of beef and pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork and sausage links ($75).

33

In Klyde Warren is Savor, with ceilingto-floor glass on four sides, and across the street, Lark on the Park, both with al fresco seating and New American cuisine.

Getting there Delta Airlines offers the least expensive roundtrip airfare from BWI for $332 in late December. Some of its flights are nonstop.

To learn more about Dallas, visit the site of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitdallas.com or call 1-800232-5527.

— AP

34

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Arts &

Style

The Grinch is coming to Washington, in a premiere of the Dr. Seuss musical How the Grinch Stole Christmas. See story on page 35.

New children’s book celebrates avian pal A tale of the ‘30s and ‘40s Meyers, 69, said that unfortunately he wasn’t yet born when Pete died in 1944.

But the bird had spent the decades of the Roaring Twenties and the Depression-Era Thirties in and out of the South Baltimore home of Meyers’s grandfather Jesse Jones, a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad engineer. Meyers’ mother Muriel was Pete’s “person,” offering tender loving care to the bird during those years, he said.

Meyers said that details of Pete’s life and times were passed down by the family. His older sister, Eileen Meyers Donnelly, petted and played with Pete during the first 18 months of her life, until the pigeon passed away and was buried in the pet-and-people cemetery off U.S. 1 in Elkridge.

Meyers said the book also relies on stories about Pete published over the years in various Baltimore newspapers. Five of the stories, dating from 1933 to Pete’s passing in 1944, are reproduced in the book.

Among them is a report of how Pete, during his daily neighborhood walk, had once been picked up by a very hungry

Gary Meyers’ new children’s book tells the tale of Pete the pigeon, a long-lived bird who was basically adopted by his family in the 1930s and ‘40s. Pete is buried in the Rosa Bonheur Memorial Park in Elkridge, which allows burial of both people and pets.

homeless man who was about to make the bird “the chief ingredient in a pigeon stew” until Muriel and her little sister, Lorraine, came upon the terrifying scene and ran for their father.

Jones reportedly “rescued Pete from the boiling pot in the nick of time.” The street guy was given enough money for See CHILDREN’S BOOK, page 37

Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus WITH SPECIAL GUESTS, MOSAIC SOUND

Saturday – DECEMBER 3 – 7:30PM Sunday – DECEMBER 4 – 3PM The Hippodrome Theatre • Baltimore, Maryland

Jazz Ambassadors Wednesday – DECEMBER 9 – 7PM

Meade High School Auditorium • Ft. Meade, Maryland d

Saturday – DECEMBER 10 – 3 AND 7PM Centennial High School • Ellicott City, Maryland

B accon Be

Resource Center of Devon, England.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY MEYERS

By Robert Friedman The “autobiography” of Pete the pigeon — who fluttered around Baltimore for a possible longevity record of 25 years before his burial in the Rosa Bonheur Memorial Park in Elkridge, Md. — is captured in a just-published children’s picture book.

Pete tells his tale in The Autobiography of a Pigeon Named Pete, which notes that the pigeon’s narrative was “interpreted” by Gary Meyers. The lovely illustrations are

by Stephanie Helgeson.

Meyers is a retired Goddard Space Flight Center engineer whose mother’s home served as Pete’s residence when the pigeon wasn’t out and about. Meyers noted in a recent interview that the book was “the 100 percent true, real-life story” of the bird, whose life span was among the longest of his species.

(The 2014 Guinness Book of World Records lists Peace, a white ex-racing pigeon of Ashford Surrey, U.K., as the World’s Oldest Living Pigeon, having reached his 25th birthday on Feb. 1, 2014.

It is unclear if Peace is still alive today. Your average “domesticated pigeon” lives up to 15 years, according to the Pigeon Control

For information on these and other holiday concerts: (301) 677-65866

ArmyFieldBand.com

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

35

Broadway hits come to National Theatre

The Grinch’s local premiere Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! brings Whoville to Washington from Dec. 13 to 31 for the first time. In the show, the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.

Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for.

The Grinch celebrates a couple of anniversaries this year: the classic Dr. Seuss TV cartoon, based on his book, first aired 50 years ago, and it has been 10 years since the musical made its Broadway debut.

An older version of Max the dog narrates. The actor who plays him, Bob Lauder, spoke with the Beacon about his role and the enduring popularity of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

“This is not a part that’s in the original Grinch. I’m playing the dog Max that everyone knows, but like 80 dog years later. So the show opens and you see him, suitcase in hand. It’s kind of left open to interpretation if

THE TH HE H E CO COLUMBIA C OLU OL L MB BIA BIA A ORCHESTRA

he’s shuffling off to a new life.

“I suddenly hear the Whos in Whoville singing, and I wag my tail. So the show is all my memories,” said Lauder, 59.

And they are memories shared by millions of baby boomers and younger generations who have watched the cartoon version of the Grinch on TV every year since 1966.

“It’s about what Christmas is really all about,” Lauder added. “It’s about the way we feel, the closeness of being with friends and family, about how even the Grinch can grow and be redeemed.”

Fun Home in the spring The Broadway at National season continues with Fun Home, a “tragicomic” musical that made history in 2015 by being the first musical exclusively written by women to ever win the Tony Award for Best Musical. Book and lyrics writer Lisa Kron and composer Jeanine Tesori also became the first female writing team to win the Tony for Best Score.

The musical is based on Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic novel of the same name, which looks back at her childhood, revealing memories of her dysfunctional family and exploring themes of sexual orientation, emotional abuse, suicide and more.

Fun Home introduces the audience to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. It will be onstage April 18 to May 13.

Rent’s 20th anniversary The first national tour of Rent made its Washington debut at the National Theatre in 1997, and the 20th anniversary tour returns to its stage next summer, from June 20 to 25.

A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, Rent follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. The Pulitzer- and Tony-winning rock musical has an inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear.

Tickets for each show range from $48 to $98. They are available at the National Theatre box office, online at www.then-

2016/17 SEASON

DEC 3 7:30PM 2016 Jim Rouse Theatre Rachel Young cello

PHOTO © JOAN MARCUS

By Barbara Ruben Love Broadway musicals but can’t make it to New York as often as you’d like? National Theatre will feature traveling versions of four hits, including two Washington premieres, this season.

The downtown Washington theater first hosts a production of Once, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, from Nov. 25 to 27.

Once tells the tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his musical dreams when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars. But their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than an everyday romance.

Based on the John Carney film of the same name, the musical evokes the intimacy of an Irish pub, with an ensemble of actors/musicians who play their instruments on stage.

GOLIJOV: Azul TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 4 VIVALDI: Concerto for Two Oboes

Ticketss ra range an nge ge ffrom rom $1 $10 101 0 0-$28 $28 ($3 service fee may apply). $2 Call 410 1010 0-465 6565 5-8777 or visit www.columbiaorchestra.org.

Sam Cieri and Mackenzie Lesser-Roy play a Dublin street musician and young Czech songwriter in the musical Once, which opens the National Theatre’s Broadway at National season Nov. 25 to 27. Three other traveling versions of Broadway hits — How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Fun Home and Rent — round out the season.

ationaldc.com, or by calling 1-800-5143849. The theater is located at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Subscription packages for The Grinch, Fun Home and Rent are available for $145 to $295 by calling the subscription hotline at (855) 486-2516 or online at www.then-

ationaldc.com. Once is not included.

Note: New or renewing subscribers of the 2016-17 Broadway at the National season will receive priority access for tickets to Hamilton at the Kennedy Center upon renewing their subscription to Broadway at the National’s 2017-18 season.

36

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Making the Beach Boys’ most unlikely hit

By Randal Hill “We’re gonna have either the biggest hit in the world, or the Beach Boys’ career is over.” — band member Bruce Johnston Only Brian Wilson believed in it; everyone else in the group (including brothers Dennis and Carl) hated “Good Vibrations.”

It wasn’t what their fans expected, they argued. It ran too long for radio airplay.

Mainly, it was just plain weird.

The Beach Boys had become superstars with hits about surfing, hot rods, summer

fun and romance. Why mess with a winning formula?

But leader Wilson insisted he knew what he was doing, that they were all on the verge of something really, really big! Still, Mike Love put off writing the “trippy” lyrics until the day he drove to the recording studio.

In his autobiography, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Wilson explained his interest in cosmic vibrations. “My mom told me dogs discriminate between people. They like some because the people give off good vibrations. They bite oth-

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ers because they give off bad vibrations.”

Early in 1966, Wilson felt he could create a masterpiece about some good, good, good, good vibrations.

Eclectic instruments When the other Beach Boys hit the tour road that summer, Wilson stayed behind.

Now he had the time to stretch out in the recording studio, push beyond boundaries, perhaps set new standards with his music.

Into his mix went such eclectic musical instruments as a fuzz bass, a clarinet, a

cello and a harp, as well as an eerie-sounding electronic device called a theremin, a forerunner of the synthesizer.

Wilson later admitted, “I threw everything I could think of into the stew.”

With no lyrics to guide him, he spent six months in four different studios with a rainbow of new sounds swirling in his head, everything wrapped around rich Beach Boys harmonies.

“Good Vibrations” unfolded in three elaborate, highly textured phases that reSee BEACH BOYS, page 37

BEACON BITS

Dec. 2

ARTS COUNCIL OPEN HOUSE

Dec. 3

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

The Howard County Arts Council will host a public open house and holiday sale on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at its offices, 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. The event features affordable art and handcrafted items by local artists. Studios of resident artists will also be open.

For more information, visit visitorservices@hocoarts.org or call (410) 313-2787.

Over 100 crafters will offer their items at the Holiday Mart on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville. The one-day show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features door prizes, a children’s craft corner, and carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person (children and adults). For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HolidayMart or call (410) 313-4840.

In case of inclement weather, call (410) 313-4452.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Children’s book From page 34 several good meals, the story noted.

Meyers, who insisted he shouldn’t be considered the book’s author, said “Pete and my mom lived this book. It’s their story, which I put together for my five grandchildren.”

At rest in Elkridge A memorial plaque for the pigeon is installed near the park’s flagpole. It reads: “A Pigeon Named Pete, 1919-1944, from His Person, Muriel (Jones) Meyer.”

The burial grounds made its own head-

Beach Boys From page 36 quired numerous studio musicians. (The Beach Boys played no instruments this time.) Randomly taped chord changes and musical bits and pieces melded into a mosaic of fragments that he called “feels.”

Pricey single Dennis Wilson rehearsed the lead vocal, but when he contracted laryngitis, brother Carl stepped in at the last minute —and nailed it.

Later, Brian mixed the track four different times. When he had finished, “Good Vibrations” clocked in about a minute longer than the average pop song at 3 minutes and 35 seconds. The tune, which began as seventy disjointed hours of recorded tape, cost Capitol Records $50,000 — over $350,000 in today’s dollars — and became the most expensive single ever recorded.

FROM PAGE 38 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD S L U M

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P A S T E E S W O H K I S T L O I D S I T E S

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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lines in 1979 when it became the first pet cemetery in the world to allow humans to be buried alongside their pets. Estimates of human burials there range from 28 to as many as 100, along with some 8,000 pets.

The cemetery, which was opened in 1935, ceased burials in 2003, apparently due to legal problems and changes in ownership. Rumors were rife that land developers would dig up the animals and convert the well-located 11.5-acre burial site into a residential-shopping area, possibly replete with an outdoor mall, a gas station and a trailer park, along with the green space required for new Howard County developments.

Candy Warren, president of the Rosa Bonheur Society — a volunteer group that advocates for the continuation of the park as a pet-people cemetery, and makes weekly maintenance and cleanup visits to the site — said there was ample space for another 8,000 graves in the area.

Animals buried in Rosa Bonheur Memorial Park, named after the 19th century French artist known for her animal paintings, include: Gypsy Queen, a horse that visited all 48 states between 1925-1927; Mary Ann, the Baltimore Zoo’s first elephant; Corporal Rex Ahlbin, a heroic World War II Doberman who served in combat

with the U.S. Marines; several mascot dogs of the then-named Washington Bullets basketball team; Pretty Boy Boyer, a parakeet with a 1,000-word vocabulary; and Willy, the canine companion of former Maryland Gov. William Donald Schaefer.

“We continue working to preserve the cemetery,” Warren said, noting that both state and Howard County laws protect burials of humans and pets, which, hopefully, could prevent any developer from changing the cemetery’s landscape.

Copies of The Autobiography of a Pigeon Named Pete can be ordered for $14.95 from Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

In the end, though, Brian Wilson proved himself right. Released that October, “Good Vibrations” moved 100,000 records in its first four days, shot to Number One in both America and England, and to date has reportedly sold 16 million copies.

This was not just another seven-inch

plastic disc of music, but a sonic masterpiece and one of the finest pop-music productions ever. With its ethereal layering of melody and harmony, “Good Vibrations” showed the world how rock ‘n’ roll could be elevated to a valid art form, the indisputable proof being found in Brian Wil-

son’s now-iconic psychedelic symphony.

Retired DJ and English teacher Randal C. Hill introduces readers to the hits of half a century ago in a feature he calls “It was 50 years ago today,” borrowing from the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Across

Down

1. Item in an IKEA tool kit 6. Member of the Bear family 10. Fruitcake of the Day ingredient 14. 21st century First Lady 15. ___ on the back 16. Politician’s qualities 17. Unconditionally avoid writing with squiggles 20. Stereotypical result of a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed 21. Sean Connery is one, but Roger Moore isn’t 22. Uncontrollable desires 23. Director Kazan, winner of 1999 Lifetime Achievement award 25. “I could ___ horse” 27. Miss Robot makes an unconditional choice 33. Its Western-most school is Notre Dame 34. Price is Right prize: “___ Car!” 35. ___ as a doornail 37. “Immediately, nurse!”

39. Net slang for “sense of humor” 41. Video game co., originally called “Service Games” 42. Read carefully 45. “Be ___; rewind” 48. ID on a color printer toner cartridge 49. Unconditional fish dish 52. It’s one thing or another 53. Arriving after the opening bell 54. Cupid’s weapon 57. “And ___ goes” 59. Returned from the dead 63. Unconditional declaration (and key to puzzle theme answers) 66. Powerful car parts company, ___ Stuff 67. Switch preceder 68. Flattens flats 69. Those that parted before death 70. They are 97% similar to humans, genetically 71. Replay official’s tool

1. Spend time with the lower classes 2. Detective’s tasking 3. Bitterly regrets 4. Scrubbed from the history books 5. Is in the past 6. Option in a Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast 7. Lhasa ___ 8. Creates kindergarten art 9. Participated in a clambake 10. Cheats 11. Wide-eyed 12. Voice mail prompt 13. Mechanics’ best guesses, briefly 18. Like most people 19. Babe and Baby 24. SULTANS’ center 26. Top minor league level 27. Tacks filer 28. Two barbershop groups 29. “___ not much for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it” (Lincoln) 30. Heroes of Star Wars’ Battle of Endor 31. Parting words to an alligator 32. Lox holder 36. His museum is in Catalonia, Spain 38. Playboy Centerfold attributes 40. Top tens 43. Flat-bottomed boats 44. Start to ERUPT 46. Peachy-keen 47. Banned pesticide 50. Remove a Onesie 51. Containing quality thyme 54. The A in a clock’s AM 55. Cajun sauce 56. Abundant 58. Garfield’s pal 60. Greece firewater 61. It provides elevation to a carnation 62. Exxon predecessor 64. What you call a group of lawyers 65. Monopoly props. that don’t allow houses

Answers on page 37.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

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

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

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

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

Call 410-653-3363.

For Rent/Real estate COLUMBIA CONDO TO RENT. 2 bedroom, 2 bath ground floor condo. Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Central Air, laminate floors. Clary’s Forest II Community. Near Hospital. $1400/month. Call Alan (443) 285-9336.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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

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

Personal Services TURN YOUR STERLING SILVER and old gold jewelry into cash and do something good for yourself. I purchase gold and silver jewelry and coins for my company Gold 4 Good. I will come to your home and provide a no-fee, noobligation estimate. If you decide to sell, I will transport you to and from my shop in Silver Spring. Local references. Montgomery County license #2327. Call Bob, 240-938-9694.

39

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.

Wanted YOUR KIDS DON’T WANT YOUR STUFF. Sell your heirloom silver and gold jewelry and old coins. Licensed dealer in Silver Spring buys gold and silver. I will meet you at your home or bank, analyze your jewelry, or coins, and tell you how much I can pay if you should decide to sell. No fees or obligation. Call Bob, 240-9389694. Gold 4 Good. 8431 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. License #2327. I have references.

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

Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

For Sale

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

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.

BUYING ANTIQUES, ESTATES. 20-year Beacon advertiser. Cash paid for jewelry, gold, silver, old coins, pens, art, old toys, dolls, trains, watches, old comics, sports memorabilia, military guns, knives, swords, all collections. Tom, 240-476-3441.

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

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept.

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

Wanted

ADRIAN BUYS CARS – A convenient way to dispose of an unwanted car for top cash dollar. My buy price is usually hundreds higher than a CarBox quote. I come to you. 410-916-0776.

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

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

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay.

Will pay top prices for my personal collection.

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

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Events COGS Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Financial Services Jewish Federation of Howard County . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 PENFED Financial Services . . . . . .25 Moriarity Financial Services . . . . .23

Funeral Services Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .32 Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . .36 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . .23

Hearing Services Designer Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Miracle-Ear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . .8 ComForCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Hands That Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Options for Senior America . . . . . .33

Housing Alta at Regency Crest . . . . . . . . . . .15

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21 Buckingham’s Choice/Integrace . . .27 Charlestown/Erickson Living . . . . .15 Fairhaven/Integrace . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Gatherings at Quarry Place/Beazer Homes . . . .24 Heartlands of Ellicott City . . . . . . . .6 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Ivy Manor Normandy . . . . . . . . . . .27 Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant .26 Olney Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Shriner Court/Quantum . . . . . . . . .25 Somerford Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Vantage House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

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

Medical/Health AMS Men’s Health . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Lee Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Low Vision Specialists . . . . . . . . . .12 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . .15 World Class Chiropractic . . . . . . . . .7

Retail/Services Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . .33 Crossroads Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Joy for All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Kugler Design Center . . . . . . . .14, 28 Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Senior CompuCare . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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

Skilled Nursing & Rehab CommuniCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Subscription Services The Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Theatre/Entertainment Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . .34 US Army Field Band . . . . . . . . . . .34

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

40 More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N