December 2019 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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Historian makes history as CEO

Jersey roots prepared him Bunch, the first African American secretary of the 173-year-old Smithsonian, grew up in a white suburb in northern New Jersey. “As the only black kid in the neighborhood, you learn so much about how people judge you without knowing you,” he said. “Jersey taught me to run, to fight and to talk my way out of things. Those are skills that have served me throughout my career.” Bunch credits his grandfather, a former sharecropper from North Carolina, with inspiring his love of history. Bunch was intrigued by photographs in his grandfather’s books, particularly those whose only caption read “anonymous.” “That so bothered me,” Bunch said. “I became a historian in part through photography. I looked at those pictures and tried to figure out what kind of life they had.”

PHOTO BY KATHY HUTCHINS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

By Margaret Foster A girlfriend convinced Lonnie G. Bunch III to jump out of an airplane when he was 17 years old. “I jump out, and I’m yelling, screaming, cursing,” Bunch — now the new head of the Smithsonian Institution — recalled in an interview with the Beacon. But he learned something important from the experience. “It taught me that I could do things that scare the heck out of me if I took a deep breath and took the step,” said Bunch, now 66. “That’s really what’s shaped my career.” Since then, he’s figuratively taken the leap into the unknown more than once. In his new role, for example, he oversees 19 museums, 21 libraries, research centers and the National Zoo, which together attract more than 30 million visitors a year. But perhaps even more of a leap of faith was his prior gig, as founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. When Bunch accepted that position in 2005, the museum was little more than an idea. It had no money, no artifacts — not even a plot of land. Bunch tells the story of how that museum, the National Mall’s newest, finally opened in 2016 in his most recent book, A Fool’s Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama and Trump, which was published in September.

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Natural beauty meets Asian flair in Vancouver; plus, mustsee country music landmarks from Chattahoochee, Georgia to Luckenbach, Texas page 23

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Historian Lonnie G. Bunch III is shown accepting the NAACP President’s Award in 2017 for his work as founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Bunch, who recently published a memoir about the museum’s creation, was installed as the new Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution on Nov. 1. He is the first African American to hold the position.

Bunch attended college in Washington, D.C. in the early 1970s, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from American University. In his early career he was curator of history and program manager for the California African American Museum in Los Angeles. In his book, he recalls sleeping in the museum for a week to guard the collection, which included Muhammad Ali’s boxing glove. After working as curator of the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. from 1989 to 2000, he moved to Chicago for a five-year stint as director of the Chicago Historical Society. After that, Bunch spent 11 years as

founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In the process, which he calls “my calling,” he crossed paths with presidents, historians like Studs Terkel, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey (who has donated over $20 million to the museum), and descendants of enslaved people, who donated artifacts to the Smithsonian.

Building a collection Inspired by PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” Bunch put out a national call in 2008 for artifacts through a program called Save Our See LONNIE BUNCH, page 28

It’s lights, music, action when Mannheim Steamroller rolls through Maryland on its 35th annual holiday tour; plus, best cookbooks this season page 27

TECHNOLOGY k Beware of website tricks

FITNESS & HEALTH k Back pain? Try acupressure k Pros and cons of supplements

WHAT’S GOING ON IN HOCO B-1 k Newsletter from Parks & Rec after page 16 LAW & MONEY k Retirement pitfalls to avoid

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Show your creativity Regular readers of the Beacon will recall other creative activities that we sponsored an amateur art competiThen we invited readers to submit photion for people over 50 last year. tos of their original artworks Called the Beacon’s “Celethrough a special competition bration of the Arts,” it was inwebsite made possible by the spired by moving stories Maryland Federation of Art. from readers who had either I’m not sure what kind of rereturned to an earlier love of sponse we were expecting. art after years away from it, Maybe a hundred or so items. or developed a passion for it So we were pleasantly surlater in life. prised (flabbergasted, actualWe wanted to encourage ly) to receive more than 900 those who have never tried entries! painting, drawing, pottery FROM THE And such beautiful works: and the like to take a class or PUBLISHER Paintings, drawings, statues find a mentor and start expe- By Stuart P. Rosenthal and busts, ceramics, fabric riencing the pleasure of exworks, photographs, even a pressing themselves through art. copper lamp and a mobile sculpture. We also wanted to offer those already In short, it was an eye-opening experiengaged in making art an opportunity to ence, and an inspiring one as well. You can enter their best works in a professionally see for yourself, by viewing the winning judged competition for cash prizes and the works on our website at thebeaconnewspachance to exhibit in a gallery. pers.com/celebration-of-the-arts. To set the stage, so to speak, we ran a Therefore, I am pleased to announce series of stories about area art classes, and that, due to the success of last year’s projhighlighted local amateurs who were ect, we will be holding another Celebration painting, making ceramics or hand-painted of the Arts competition in early 2020. scarves, taking photos and engaging in We learned some important things from

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the last event, so there will be a few changes for next year’s competition. First, we will have some different categories. In part, that’s because we combined several types of art in broad categories last time, and now want to give those working in different media their own categories as much as possible. Also, we had a poetry category last year which, though also very popular, felt somewhat out of place (especially at the gallery show for winners). Our hope is to have a separate writing competition later that may offer categories for poems, short stories, autobiographical sketches and the like. So next year we will award first-, secondand third-place cash prizes, as well as honorable mention certificates, in these seven categories: — Painting (watercolor, oil, acrylic) — Drawing (pen and ink, graphite, pastels, calligraphy) — Sculpture/Carving — Ceramics — Jewelry/Stained Glass — Mixed Media/Textile Art — Digital photography Amateur artists 50 and older may enter up to three original artworks (created after the age of 50) in each category. Those who entered last year are of course welcome to enter again, but not to reenter any artworks that were selected by judges in last year’s competition. The online competition will open in mid-January and run through March 20, 2020. Winners will be announced in April. In addition to the cash awards and certificates, winners will have the opportunity to exhibit their works in one or more area galleries.

Also, bios of winning artists and photos of their works will be published in a special Celebration of the Arts section to be printed in the Beacon in the spring. And winners will be honored at Expos taking place in the fall in Baltimore County and Montgomery County, Md., and in Fairfax County, Va. While there is a modest fee of $10 for each entry, entering at least one work of art will entitle you to a one-year membership in the Maryland Federation of Art (new members only; value: $70). Among other things, the membership will enable you to have your own web page on their site, where you can share images of up to 20 artworks with friends and family. Community partners, including dozens of area nonprofits and government entities, will help us spread the word about the Celebration throughout the region. Communities, businesses and nonprofits wishing to become sponsors or community partners may call the Beacon at (410) 248-9101 or email alan@thebeaconnewspapers.com for more information. Additional details about the competition will appear in the January issue of the Beacon, and complete rules will be posted on thebeaconnewspapers.com. I think this contest is well named. There is so much to celebrate when people try something new later in life and discover a new passion. We’re very excited about the 2020 Celebration of the Arts, and look forward to seeing your work! Questions? Call us at (410) 248-9101.

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 Richmond, Va. (Fifty Plus). Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Vice President of Operations – Gordon Hasenei Vice President, Sales & Marketing – Alan Spiegel Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representative – Steve Levin Editorial Intern – Ivey Noojin

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 31 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions. © Copyright 2019 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: As a performer and fan of jazz, I greatly appreciated your November cover story on Todd Barkan and his new club, Keystone Korner. I encourage Beacon readers who want to find out about other jazz in the Baltimore metro area to check Baltimore Jazz Alliance’s calendar at baltimorejazz.com. Bob Jacobson Baltimore Dear Editor: Thank you for your essay “Music, in

theory,” in the October 2019 issue, which views life’s challenges from a musical perspective. Although we are limited in our ability to control circumstances and events — life is sometimes a crapshoot — despair need not be our default mood. We can take control of how we respond and embrace life in a major key. Your thoughts are energizing and encouraging. A.E. Via email

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Technology &

Innovations Watch for websites’ psychological tricks By Anne Kates Smith You’re on the checkout page when something appears in your shopping basket that you didn’t put there — say you’re buying a laptop, but insurance sneaks in, too, unless you uncheck a box. Or you think you’re signing up for a onetime deal or even a free trial, but you’ve unintentionally committed to a subscription with recurring fees. Maybe your relaxed online browsing session takes on an air of urgency because a countdown timer tells you that a hot deal is about to expire, or the site gives you an “almost out of stock” warning. Perhaps you succumb to a fear of missing out after reading testimonials (of un-

known origin) or seeing periodic messages that someone else (who might not be real) just bought the item you’re considering. Not all of these “nudges” are flat-out deceptive. But all are instances of dark patterns, or website designs meant to steer, coerce or deceive people into making unintended or potentially disadvantageous decisions. Dark patterns have been a topic of discussion among techies, behavioral scientists and marketers since 2010, when British cognitive scientist Harry Brignull coined the term. His website, darkpatterns.org, serves as an information clearinghouse and a dark pattern Hall of Shame.

15 ways to get snookered A new study by Princeton University researchers documents how ubiquitous dark patterns can be and explains why we fall for them. Using a web crawler, the Princeton researchers investigated more than 11,000 shopping websites. They found 1,841 dark patterns on more than 11% of the sites (i.e., more than 1,200 of them). The researchers identified 15 patterns in seven broad categories, including sneaking, urgency and misdirection. The more popular the website, the more likely it was to feature dark patterns. The most egregious examples, deemed “deceptive” by the researchers, were relatively rare: only 234 instances on 183 websites. The authors note, however, that their limited study — for example, they analyzed only text (no images) and only on retail sites — no doubt understates the prevalence of dark patterns.

Why these tricks work We fall for the trickery because of innate cognitive biases. We might go ahead with a transaction even after a previously undisclosed charge gets added at the last minute because of a bias known as the sunk-cost fallacy — the feeling that we’ve invested too much time, energy or money to turn back. And something known as the framing effect makes “confirm shaming” a common

pattern for some sites. You’ve seen it when a shopping site promises a discount in exchange for your email address. If you don’t want to give it out, you’re forced to click on something like, “No thanks, I like paying full price.” Once aware of dark patterns, we tend to adapt. Some 65% of British consumers in a recent survey pegged instances of dark patterns on a hotel booking site as the sales pressure they are. But the frontiers keep expanding. You’ll find dark patterns on mobile apps, video games and social media platforms, too. Congress has taken notice: A bill introduced in the Senate in April would empower the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on dark patterns. “My bigger concern is how dark patterns play out in other contexts,” said Colin Gray, an assistant professor in the computer graphics technology department at Purdue University. “There’s a whole new range of deceptive practices that could be present in non-screenbased dark patterns,” he said, such as in smart-home speakers and other devices. The best defense is to cultivate your inner skeptic when it comes to shopping online, and read — yes, actually read — user agreements, Gray said. “Realize that not everyone is acting with good intent, even companies that we respect.” © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

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New drones promise deliveries in minutes drugstores nationwide to get closer to their customers before even-more-convenient online shopping exploded in popularity and started hurting their in-store business. —AP

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Dec. 21

FAMILY HOLIDAY CONCERT The Columbia Orchestra will offer its annual holiday concert for

families on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. at the James Rouse Theatre, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia. The program will feature highlights from “The Nutcracker” performed by dancers from Dance Connections. Admission is $10 for young people up to age 18, $15 for adults. For more information, call (410) 465-8777 or go to columbiaorchestra.org.

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Drone deliveries in the United States are

competition from Amazon, which offers its Prime customers same-day delivery for detergent, toothpaste and millions of other products. CVS and Walgreens built thousands of

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Many are conducting tests

still largely in early testing. Google announced in April that Wing received federal approval to make commercial drone deliveries. It marked the first time a company has gotten a federal drone delivery certification. Online retail giant Amazon said in June that it plans to use self-piloted drones to deliver packages to shoppers’ homes in the coming months. United Parcel Service Inc. also said in July that it was setting up a subsidiary to expand its drone deliveries, which are currently limited to transporting medical samples at a group of hospitals in Raleigh, North Carolina. Burgess told reporters that Wing and Walgreens had no timeframe for how long this test would take or when consumers might expect widespread drone use. “I think we still have a ways to go before it’s the norm in our transportation network,” he said. Walgreens and Wing picked Christiansburg for their test because Wing has been working with nearby Virginia Tech on drone deliveries. The test comes as Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., which is based in Deerfield, Illinois, and chief rival CVS Health Corp. also work to expand same-day deliveries of prescriptions and other products on the ground. Drugstores have been dealing with

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By Tom Murphy Walgreens and a Google affiliate are testing drone deliveries that can put drugstore products on customer doorsteps minutes after being ordered. Snacks like Goldfish crackers or gummy bears, as well as aspirin for sick kids, were delivered in October in Christiansburg, Virginia, by a 10-pound drone flying as fast as 70 miles per hour. Customers will be able to order from a list of more than 100 items that includes individual consumer goods and packages of products to help with things like coughs and colds, but not prescriptions. They will place their order through a Wing app and then get delivery anywhere from five to 10 minutes afterward. A drone capable of making a 12-mile round trip will fly to the delivery site, hover and use a winch system to lower the package to the ground and leave it there. The drone will be run by Wing Aviation LLC, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet Inc. “We’re taking a 10-pound aircraft to move a three-pound package through the sky,” Wing CEO James Ryan Burgess said. “It’s very light, very efficient.”

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DON’T FORGET TO FLOSS There may be a link between poor oral hygiene and Alzheimer’s disease

Health Fitness &

FEROCIOUS FELINES Don’t risk infection from a cat scratch or bite. See a physician right away ACUPRESSURE STUDY A new study aims to see if your ear may hold the key to back pain relief WHAT’S A WORT? Benefits and risks of St. John’s Wort, CoQ10 and vitamin E supplements

Doctors should know what meds cost By Matthew Perrone It’s the number one reason patients don’t fill their prescriptions: sticker shock. While the price of almost any good or service can be found online, most Americans don’t know what they’ll owe for a prescription medication until they get it. Unexpected costs contribute to the estimated 20 to 30% of prescriptions that are never filled, which can lead to health problems from untreated medical conditions. “The best drug in the world isn’t going to be effective if the patient doesn’t take it,” said Dana Goldman, a health economist at the University of Southern California, whose research shows that patients have more trouble taking their medication

as their costs rise. “Doctors need to think about not just what’s clinically optimal, but what’s optimal given the patient’s financial circumstances.” The fix sounds simple: Give doctors information on patients’ costs before they write prescriptions. But companies have yet to design a system that can quickly analyze all the factors that determine what someone will owe. The effort will soon get a push from the nation’s biggest healthcare customer: the federal government. Under a Medicare rule, companies with prescription drug plans for seniors must offer real-time pricing information by 2021.

Costs vary by insurer, plan Perhaps the biggest hurdle in calculating medication costs is the fact that doctors don’t know all the details about a patient’s insurance coverage. Nearly 40% of people who get their insurance through their employer are required to pay for part of their medication, according to an industry survey. Many other patients have deductibles, in which they are responsible for paying all costs until they hit a set threshold. In those cases, patients can bear the full cost of pricey medications. “Doctors often have no idea what it might cost the patient after insurance, if they have insurance,” said Lynn Quincy of the non-

profit health research firm Altarum. Despite current shortcomings, prescribing tools have come a long way since the days of paper pads. Most major insurers and pharmacy benefit providers now offer cost-comparison information to doctors using online prescribing software. At a minimum, doctors should be able to determine if a medication is covered by a patient’s insurance. For instance, CVS Health reported last year that prescribers using its real-time pharmacy benefit information saved patients $130 on average for every prescription they switched to a lower-priced, covered drug. See DOCTORS, page 10

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you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and NEW Footrest extension muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized for better support biscuit style back and unique seat design head to toe will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.

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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 9

Medicare Advantage plans may offer more By Tom Murphy Medicare Advantage customers are about to be blitzed with an array of new insurance benefits that stray well beyond the usual coverage of doctor visits and other care. Carpet shampooing, food for a service dog, pest control and rides to a nutritionist are among the new supplemental health benefits that privately-run versions of the government’s Medicare program may offer starting next year. Medicare Advantage plans already come with extras like dental benefits or gym memberships that regular Medicare doesn’t provide. But unlike regular Medicare, Medicare Advantage can also restrict access to a network of doctors or hospitals. About a third of the people on Medicare opt for Medicare Advantage plans, according to the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation. Advantage plans are broadening their coverage reach as part of a push by insurers and the government to keep people healthy instead of waiting to cover their claims once they become sick. The idea behind this thinking is that someone who improves their diet or keeps a chronic condition like asthma under control is less likely to generate a big medical bill. This year’s annual enrollment period for

Medicare and Medicare Advantage runs through Dec. 7.

What’s different this year The federal gover nment is giving Medicare Advantage plans more leeway to pay for things they’d ordinarily never cover. The new supplemental benefits will aim to help people with chronic diseases or certain health issues stay healthy when they aren’t seeing a doctor or receiving care. “It is moving the needle from just treating illness to preventing illness and allowing people to stay in their home longer,” said Chris Hakim, a senior vice president with the online insurance broker eHealth. The carpet shampooing, for instance, might be covered by some plans to help their customers with asthma avoid a flareup that lands them in an emergency room. “Might” is a key word here. These new benefits will only be available through Medicare Advantage plans, not regular Medicare, and insurers are not required to offer them. Whether they do can depend on what they think their customers need to stay healthy. Aside from these supplemental offerings, many plans also will provide telemedicine benefits to help patients connect remotely with doctors and other care providers.

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Kindred Spirit Social Clubs provides a place for people diagnosed with early-stage memory problems to interact with others who share that diagnosis. The club meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Glenwood Senior Center Plus site at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Rte. 97, Cooksville. It also meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel. To learn more about the $30-per-day program, call the Social Club facilitator at (410) 313-5441.

How to choose? The last thing some Medicare Advantage customers want is another batch of variables to think about when considering coverage. They already have to worry about whether their drug coverage will change from year to year or if their doctors will stay in their insurer’s network. And some markets may have dozens of Medicare Advantage plans for shoppers to sort through. Medicare Advantage customers have told researchers that they generally dislike making coverage changes after they’ve looked at all their options and picked a plan when they first qualify for Medicare, said Tricia Neuman, a senior vice president with Kaiser.

“What they say is, it’s just too hard, it’s too much work, and they have little confidence they will be able to identify a better plan,” she said. Even so, people with conditions like diabetes or asthma may want to see if there’s another plan that is better for their illness, Hakim said. Shoppers will have until Dec. 7 to enroll, switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or opt for regular Medicare and add prescription drug coverage for 2020. After that, Medicare Advantage customers who regret their decision can make one change in the first three months of 2020. That second window applies only to those who already have a Medicare Advantage plan. —AP

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Can healthy gums prevent Alzheimer’s? By Veena Alfred For some time now, scientists have been aware of the connection between poor oral health and dementia. Long-term studies have revealed that those who suffer from chronic periodontitis (gum disease) are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s as they age. To explain the connection, scientists suggest that the inflammation caused by gum disease may spread to the brain and stimulate the production of the betaamyloid plaques that are thought to be re-

sponsible for the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s patients. The bacteria that live in dental plaque cause gum disease and the resulting inflammation. It is possible that the bacteria are somehow able to enter the bloodstream or invade the peripheral nerves and, in one of these ways, reach the brain, where they trigger an immune response that results in the buildup of amyloid plaques. A study published in January in the peerreviewed scientific journal Science Advances

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detected the presence of P. gingivalis, the bacterium that causes gum disease, in over 90% of more than 50 brains of people who had died in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. This demonstrates that gum disease bacteria do indeed find their way into the brain. It also supports the hypothesis that the same bacteria set off the brain’s immune response and may be responsible for the high levels of amyloid plaques found in their Alzheimer’s brain samples. In a separate experiment, the researchers focused their attention on gingipains, a toxic enzyme produced by the P. gingivalis bacterium, which was also found in the Alzheimer’s brains that the researchers analyzed. The enzyme gingipains feeds the bacteria by chopping up proteins for the bacteria to consume.

The researchers found that gingipains damages the tau proteins in brain cells, causing them to produce the tangles that are characteristic of those with advanced Alzheimer’s. The researchers suggest that the best way to treat the condition may be to starve the bacteria by cutting off their food supply. This can be done by deactivating the enzyme gingipains with medication. The research team designed a drug that binds to gingipains, so that it cannot do its job of breaking down proteins. A version of the drug has been tested on a few human volunteers and reportedly has produced positive results. A more extensive drug trial will begin later this year.

Doctors

IT consultant with Point-of-Care Partners. Babbrah and others envision a consumer-friendly app that pulls together patients’ prescribing and benefit details alongside local pharmacy prices and deals. That has the potential to improve medication use for patients, lower costs for insurers and free up extra time for physicians. But there are reasons to be skeptical. Most insurers now offer price information on certain medical procedures, but studies suggest only a tiny percentage of patients ever bother to view it. Surveys show Americans are interested in healthcare savings but are also “very intimidated by terms of insurance coverage,” Quincy said. “They don’t really understand things like copays, coinsurance and deductibles, so they may lack the confidence to make use of these complex tools,” she said. —AP

From page 8

Save with generics, coupons But experts say additional features are needed. Patients can often save money by not using their insurance at all and instead paying out-of-pocket for cheap generic drugs. In other cases, patients can get better deals by using coupons from drugmakers or pharmacies. Those savings are flagged on smartphone apps like GoodRx but aren’t factored into physicians’ prescribing software. And even if they were, experts say doctors don’t have time to help patients figure out the best place to fill prescriptions. “That’s why we want to put this information in the hands of the consumer, so they can do some of that research and shopping around,” said Pooja Babbrah, a health

See HEALTHY GUMS, page 11

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 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Cat scratches, bites can lead to infection Dear Mayo Clinic: My cat scratched me while I was trimming his claws, and the wound later became infected. Are cat scratches a special concern? A: A bite or scratch from a cat carries particular risks, and infection is common. Cat scratch disease (or cat scratch fever) is a type of bacterial infection that occurs when a cat bites or scratches hard enough to break the skin’s surface or licks an open wound. It’s estimated that 40% of cats carry this particular bacterium, usually after an exposure to fleas or another animal that was exposed. However, most cats with the infection show no signs of illness. Symptoms of cat scratch disease appear within two weeks after contact with an infected animal. Swelling and redness occur around the wound, and you also may experience a fever, headache, poor appetite and fatigue. The most notable characteristic of the dis-

Healthy gums From page 10 It is important to note that the study does not provide conclusive proof that P. gingivalis causes dementia. Certainly not everyone with gum disease will develop Alzheimer’s.

ease is tender and swollen lymph nodes near the wound that typically remain swollen for months. Although the disease will clear on its own in healthy people, treatment with antibiotics may be recommended. Rarely, the disease can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5 and people with weakened immune systems. A Mayo Clinic study reported that one in three people seeking treatment for cat bites on the hand had to be hospitalized. And most of those hospitalized required surgery to remove infected tissue; penetration was deep enough to deposit bacteria into the joints or protective layers around the tendons.

How to prevent, treat There are steps you can take to prevent infection from a cat bite or scratch. Wash your hands after contact with a cat. Don’t roughhouse or provoke a cat, and don’t But it suggests that good oral hygiene could help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. And whether or not the gum disease bacterium causes Alzheimer’s, it is always a good idea to maintain good oral hygiene. Veena J. Alfred, Ph.D., is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and CEO/Administrator of AlfredHouse Assisted Living.

allow young children to chase or grab your cat. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the area well with soap and running water. If it’s a bite, see your healthcare provider — even if the wound appears small. And report any bites from a feral or stray cat. Preventive treatment for rabies may be recommended. If you are a cat owner, keep your cat’s claws trimmed and use care when grooming your pet. Make sure your tetanus vac-

cination, which needs to be updated every 10 years, is current. Keep cats indoors to minimize their exposure to infected animals. Finally, treat your cat with flea prevention medication. — Christopher Boswell, M.D., Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A @mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Who should see a geriatrician, and when? Dear Savvy Senior: some tips to help you locate one near him: What can you tell me about doctors For starters, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to know that who specialize in geriatrics? geriatricians are family pracMy father, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 82, takes tice or internal medicine eight prescription drugs for physicians that have had addidifferent health issues but tional specialized training to still hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been feeling manage the unique and often himself lately. multiple health concerns of Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m wondering if he older adults. Just as a pediatriwould benefit from seeing cian specializes in caring for a geriatrician in place of children, a geriatrician is his regular primar y care trained to provide care for physician. SAVVY SENIOR seniors, usually patients over â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Concerned Daughter By Jim Miller 75. Dear Concerned: While most doctors, and If your dad is dealing with a variety of even general practitioners, are trained to health problems and is taking multiple focus on a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s particular illness or medications, a visit to a geriatrician may be disease, geriatricians are trained to look at just the thing to help get him back on track. all aspects of life that can affect older paHereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a rundown of the different types of tients â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not just their physical symptoms. health conditions geriatricians treat, and They often work with a team of other

healthcare professionals, such as geriatrictrained nurses, rehabilitation therapists, nutritionists, social workers and psychiatrists to provide care. And they will coordinate treatments among a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialists.

Who can benefit? Patients who can benefit from seeing a geriatrician are older adults with multiple health and age-related problems, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, confusion and memory problems, Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, diabetes, hypertension, depression, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, mobility issues, incontinence, vision and hearing impairment, and trouble with balance and falls. Geriatricians are also particularly adept at tackling medication problems. Because many seniors, like your dad, take multiple medications for various health conditions,

&RSSHU LQ QHZ GHYLFH VWRSV FROG DQG Ă X New research shows you can stop a cold in its tracks if you take one simple VWHS ZLWK D QHZ GHYLFH ZKHQ \RX ÂżUVW IHHO a cold coming on. Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop them early, they spread in your airways and cause misery. But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is â&#x20AC;&#x153;antimicrobial.â&#x20AC;? It kills microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, just by touch. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Hippocrates, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;father of modern medicineâ&#x20AC;?, used copper to heal skin ulcers, and why Civil War doctors used it to prevent infection of batWOHÂżHOG ZRXQGV 7KH\ GLGQÂśW NQRZ DERXW viruses and bacteria, but now we do. Scientists say the high conductance of copper disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in seconds. Tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show copper surfaces kill germs that are left on them. That way the next person to touch that surface does not spread the germ. As a result of this new knowledge, some hospitals switched to copper for various touch surfaces, like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives. 7KH VWURQJ VFLHQWLÂżF HYLGHQFH JDYH inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold coming on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It worked!â&#x20AC;? he exclaimed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cold went away completely.â&#x20AC;? It worked again every time he felt a cold coming on and he hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a cold since. He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked for them so he patented CopperZapâ&#x201E;˘ and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it and given feedback. Nearly 100 percent said the copper stops their colds if used within 3 hours DIWHU WKH ÂżUVW VLJQ (YHQ up to 2 days, if they still get the cold it is milder than usual and they feel better. Users wrote things 1HZ UHVHDUFK &RSSHU VWRSV FROGV LI XVHG HDUO\ like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It stopped my cold right away,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is it supposed to work D ZKDFN MRE Â´ %XW KH ÂżQDOO\ WULHG LW DQG to his surprise, the copper cleared up his that fast?â&#x20AC;? Pat McAllister, age 70, received one sinuses right away. Judy and their daughfor Christmas and called it â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the ter both said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has changed our lives!â&#x20AC;? Some users say copper stops nighttime best presents ever. This little jewel really works.â&#x20AC;? Now thousands of users have VWXŕľśQHVV WRR LI WKH\ XVH LW MXVW EHIRUH bed. One man said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best sleep Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had simply stopped getting colds. &RSSHU PD\ HYHQ VWRS Ă&#x20AC;X WKDW VWDUWV LQ in years.â&#x20AC;? People have used it on cold sores the nose if used right away and for several days. In a lab test, scientists placed 25 and say it can completely prevent ugly PLOOLRQ OLYH Ă&#x20AC;X YLUXVHV RQ D &RSSHU=DS outbreaks. You can also rub it gently on wounds, cuts, or lesions to combat infecNo viruses were found alive soon after. People often use CopperZap preven- tions. 7KH KDQGOH LV FXUYHG DQG ÂżQHO\ WH[WLYHO\ )UHTXHQW Ă&#x20AC;LHU .DUHQ *DXFL XVHG WR JHW FROGV DIWHU FURZGHG Ă&#x20AC;LJKWV 7KRXJK tured to improve contact. It kills germs skeptical, she tried it several times a day SLFNHG XS RQ ÂżQJHUV DQG KDQGV WR SURWHFW on travel days for 2 months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sixteen you and your family. Copper even kills deadly germs that Ă&#x20AC;LJKWV DQG QRW D VQLŕľˇH Â´ VKH H[FODLPHG Businesswoman Rosaleen says when have become resistant to antibiotics. If people are sick around her she uses Cop- you are near sick people, a moment of perZap morning and night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It saved me handling it may keep serious infection last holidays,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids had away from you and your loved ones. It colds going round and round, but not me.â&#x20AC;? may even save a life. The EPA says copper still works even Some say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus when tarnished. It kills hundreds of difheadache. When her CopperZap arrived, ferent disease germs so it can prevent seshe tried it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am shocked!â&#x20AC;? she said. rious or even fatal illness. CopperZap is made in the U.S. of pure â&#x20AC;&#x153;My head cleared, no more headache, no copper. It has a 90-day full money back more congestion.â&#x20AC;? 2QH PDQ KDG VXŕľľHUHG VHDVRQDO VLQXV guarantee when used as directed to stop a problems for years. It was so bad it ru- FROG ,W LV *HW Rŕľľ HDFK &RSined family vacations and even dinners perZap with code MDSB5. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call out with friends. His wife Judy bought CopperZaps for both of them. He was so toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. skeptical he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh Judy, you are such (paid advertisement)

and because aging bodies often absorb and metabolize drugs differently than younger adults, unique side effects and drug interactions are not uncommon. A geriatrician will evaluate and monitor your dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medications to be sure they are not affecting him in a harmful way. Geriatricians can also help their patients and families determine their long-term care needs, like how long they can remain in their own homes safely without assistance, and what type of services may be necessary when they do need some extra help. But not all older adults need to see a geriatrician. Those who have fewer health problems are just fine seeing their primary care physician.

How to find a geriatrician Unfortunately, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a shortage of geriatricians in the U.S., so depending on where you live, finding one may be challenging. To locate one in your area, use Medicareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online physician search tool. Go to Medicare.gov/physiciancompare and type in your ZIP code or city and state in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enter your locationâ&#x20AC;? box, and then type in geriatric medicine in the Search box. You can also get this information by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. The American Geriatrics Society also has a geriatrician-finder tool on their website at HealthinAging.org. Keep in mind, though, that locating a geriatrician doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t guarantee your dad will be accepted as a patient. Many doctors already have a full roster and arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accepting new patients. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to call the individual doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office to find out their availability. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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Ongoing

NEEDLE ARTS Do you like to sew,

knit, crochet or embroider? Finish a project, start a new one, or simply meet other adults with similar interests. Newcomers welcome, and basic instruction will be available. These free meetings take place on the first and third Thursdays of every month at the Central Branch Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, from 10 a.m. to noon. The next meeting takes place on Thurs., Nov. 21. For more information, call (410) 313-7800 or visit hclibrary.org.

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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 9

Health Studies

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Back pain: Acupressure study may help By Margaret Foster If you wake up every day with an achy back, you’re not alone. About a third of people over 65 have chronic lower back pain. To manage the pain, some people get cortisone injections, which wear off in several months, or go on opioid medication, which can be dangerously addictive. Now, the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is studying the effects of acupressure — a non-invasive process similar to acupuncture, but without needles — to see if it can help with such pain. Acupuncture, or traditional Chinese medicine, dates back 3,000 years. In auricular point acupressure (APA), tiny seeds — yes, real plant seeds — are taped to particular places on the outside of the ear believed to correspond to nerves in the lower back. The seeds remain affixed to the outer ear with small, square stickers. Participants can bathe, shower or swim as usual. When in pain, participants can press on the small seeds. As part of the study, they’ll be asked to squeeze the pressure points for three minutes, three times a day, wherever they are.

A form of self-care “Opioid use has taken an incredible toll on not just patients, but entire health systems,” one of the study’s principal investigators, Dr. Chao Hsing Yeh, told Johnson & Johnson’s Notes on Nursing magazine. “APA could be more widely disseminated than acupuncture, allowing patients to focus on self-care by engaging the therapy daily, anywhere and anytime, as a practical tool for pain control,” she said. The study, which is open to people age 60 and older, lasts one year. Patients who are currently on pain pills may continue to take their medication. During the first month, participants will make weekly visits to the John Hopkins East Baltimore campus at the Wald Community Nursing Center (901 N. Broadway, Baltimore). For the remainder of the year, they will visit about once every three months. Parking costs will be reimbursed. For Baltimore City residents, the study provides free round-trip rides to the campus via Lyft or Uber. In addition, since the study will track the effects with an online survey, participants without smartphones will be provid-

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ed with one. The study is funded by the National Institute on Aging, which, in response to the opioid epidemic, is seeking to identify alternative methods of treatment for pain management. Yeh recently won a $50,000 grant from the Johnson & Johnson Nurses Innovate

QuickFire Challenge in Perioperative Care. Her copyrighted idea, Wireless Auricular Point Stimulation, was selected from more than 100 proposals. Volunteers completing the study will receive $150. For more information about the study or to volunteer, call (667) 2087653.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

CoQ10, St. John’s Wort and Vitamin E By Bridget Cassady

I. Coenzyme Q10 You’ve undoubtedly heard about Coenzyme Q10 or seen a bottle in the supplement aisle at your local pharmacy. But what is it and what does it do? Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone or CoQ10, is a compound that has a critical role in energy production within the cells of the body. It is synthesized in most tissues in humans, with high concentrations in the heart. In addition to your body naturally producing CoQ10, rich dietary sources include meat, fish, poultry, soybean and canola oils, nuts and whole grains.

Evidence CoQ10 is a non-prescription dietary supplement in the United States with potential benefits in a variety of conditions. Supplement doses range from 30 to 100 milligrams per day, which are much greater than estimated dietary sources. Although oral supplementation of CoQ10 does increase blood and tissue concentrations, less than 5% of orally administered CoQ10 is thought to reach circulation. Therefore, pharmacological doses as high as 3,000 milligrams per day are taken. It is not considered an essential vitamin or mineral, as deficiency does not result in a disease state. However, some data suggest that levels of CoQ10 may reduce the severity of several diseases including certain heart conditions, migraines and

Parkinson’s disease. For example, the harmful effects of oxidative stress are increased in patients with heart failure, and the antioxidant activity of CoQ10 may help to reduce these effects that could damage components of cardiac cells. It may also lower blood pressure.

Safety and side effects CoQ10 is generally considered safe with no significant side effects. Some individuals experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, heartburn and abdominal discomfort, especially with daily doses of 200 mg. or more. Side effects may be minimized if daily doses greater than 100 mg. are divided into two or three doses.

Interactions Individuals taking anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) should use caution taking CoQ10 due to an increased risk of blood clotting. CoQ10 may also interact with statins, insulin and certain cancer treatments. As with any new supplement regimen, consult with your physician before taking CoQ10.

II. St. John’s Wort St. John’s Wort (SJW) is a widely known, non-prescription dietary supplement with use dating back to ancient Greece. SJW is the common name for a flowering shrub native to Europe, Hypercium per-

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Dec. 15

FREE CONCERT IN CLARKSVILLE

“A Feast of Carols with a Tropical Twist” is the theme of the free holiday concert Sunday, Dec. 15 at St. Louis Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike in Clarksville. Beginning at 4 p.m., the concert will feature Christmas music from around the world, but focusing on the island nations of the Pacific and Caribbean. To learn more about the concert, call the church office at (410) 531-6040.

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CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTER

Do you or someone you know need help? HopeWorks, located at 9770 Patuxent Dr., Columbia, offers shelter, counseling and legal services to those impacted by sexual and domestic violence. For more information, call (410) 997-0304.

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DISABILITY EQUIPMENT Buyers, donors and sellers of disability-related equipment can use a free listing service from Equipment Link. For more information, call (800) 832-4827 or go to equipmentlink.org.

foratum, also known as Klamath weed or goat weed. The name originates from when its yellow flowers bloom in late June, around St. John the Baptist’s Feast Day. “Wort” is an Old English word for a plant or herb used as food or medicine. The flowers and leaves of SJW contain the bioactive ingredients hyperforin and hypericin that may affect neurotransmitters in the body. Extracts are available in the United States as tablets, liquids, teas and topical preparations.

More research is needed Although not fully supported by scientific research, folk and traditional medicine utilizes SJW for conditions including insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, wound healing and menopausal symptoms. It is most commonly studied for mild to moderate depression as an alternative to antidepressants. A 2008 Cochrane review of 29 clinical trials concluded that SJW was superior to placebo in patients with major depression and was as effective as standard antidepressants with fewer sideeffects. Despite this, high-quality clinical data supporting the effectiveness as a monotherapy for depression is lacking. It is not yet considered a replacement for more studied treatments and proper medical consultation.

Safety and side effects SJW is generally considered safe when used orally, with no significant side effects. While usually minor and uncommon, some reported side effects include upset stomach, agitation, headache, fatigue, dizziness, sensitivity to sunlight, and dry mouth. SJW is a stimulant and may worsen feelings of anxiety in some.

Some serious interactions SJW interacts with many prescription medications through induction of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, resulting in altered drug effectiveness and potentially severe side effects when taken with oral contraceptives, certain chemotherapy drugs, statins, anticoagulants or antidepressants. Interactions with SJW and certain antidepressants may lead to an accumulation of high levels of serotonin, a brain chemical targeted by antidepressants. SJW may also limit absorption of iron and other minerals. As with any new diet or supplement

regimen, consult with your physician to discuss if SJW is appropriate for you.

III. Vitamin E Vitamin E is an antioxidant essential for the body’s nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive, musculoskeletal and other systems to work properly. It may help prevent diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cognitive decline. It’s estimated nearly 90% of American adults don’t get enough vitamin E. To get more vitamin E, try these foods: —Nuts, especially almonds and hazelnuts —Vegetable oils (like sunflower, safflower, soybean and wheat germ) —Seeds, like sunflower seeds —Leafy vegetables (spinach or chard) Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so you’ll need to ingest it with some form of fat; otherwise, it won’t be absorbed or used efficiently. For example, add nuts to a homemade salad dressing made with oil to increase the absorption of vitamin E. If you prefer a supplement, talk with your doctor first, and then look for a multivitamin or a single supplement that provides 12 to 15 mg. of vitamin E. Vitamin E works alongside vitamin C, so sufficient levels of vitamin C are also important for optimizing vitamin E activity in the body. Common health issues may make it harder for your body to use vitamin E effectively and may increase your need for more of this vitamin. These include: —Metabolic syndrome —High cholesterol or triglycerides —Obesity If you have one of these conditions, consult with your doctor to determine how to boost your vitamin E appropriately. Take action now: —Eat plenty of dietary sources of vitamin E, along with healthy fat —Consider a supplement —Eat vitamin C-rich foods or take a vitamin C supplement —Work with your physician if you have a medical condition that is reducing your vitamin E levels. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9

3 delicious chicken rubs and marinades By EatingWell.com If you have soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, balsamic vinegar and garlic in your pantry you can throw together a flavorful rub or marinade in minutes. That’s all you need to take chicken breast from flat to bodacious, upping its juiciness without sacrificing its lean profile. Even better, when you opt for a homemade marinade over store-bought, you can skip the preservatives, colorings and additives, limit sodium and sugar, and choose olive oil over the less-healthy oils used in many commercial marinades. Want a break from chicken? These also work well with other meats, fish and tofu. 1. Start with: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 to 1 ¼ pounds for 4 servings. Choose one of the rubs or marinades (below). Each makes enough for 1 ¼ pounds of chicken. 2. Marinate or rub: For marinated chicken, place chicken in a shallow dish or 1-gallon sealable plastic bag. Add the marinade of your choice and refrigerate from 1 to 12 hours. (The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor, but it’ll get mushy if you leave it in there too long.) Remove chicken from the marinade and pat dry before grilling or broiling. For dry-rubbed chicken, coat chicken

with the dry rub of your choice up to 30 minutes before grilling or broiling. 3. Grill or broil: Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil the grill rack. Grill the chicken, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165° F, 4 to 8 minutes per side. To broil, position a rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Line a broiler pan (or baking sheet) with foil and coat with cooking spray. Place the chicken on the foil. Broil, watching carefully and turning at least once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165° F, 10 to 15 minutes total.

Teriyaki marinade Whisk 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup sake (or mirin), 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger. Makes: scant 1 cup. Per serving*: 135 calories; 3 g. fat (1 g. sat., 1 g. mono); 263 mg. sodium.

Sweet and savory dry rub Combine 2 teaspoons each light brown sugar and dry mustard, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon white (or black) pepper. Makes: about 2 tablespoons. Per serving*: 140 calories; 3 g. fat (1 g. sat., 1 g. mono); 196

mg. sodium.

Balsamic marinade Whisk 1/4 cup each olive oil and balsamic vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Makes: about 1/2 cup. Per serving*: 169 calories; 7 g. fat (1 g. sat., 5 g. mono); 250 mg. sodium.

Spicy Tunisian rub Grind 2 teaspoons each coriander seeds

and caraway seeds and 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper in a spice grinder (or mortar and pestle) until finely ground. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Makes: about 2 tablespoons. Per serving*: 131 calories; 3 g. fat (1 g. sat., 1 g. mono); 195 mg. sodium. *Analyses are for 3 ounces marinated or rubbed cooked chicken. © 2019 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Going Home Cremation Service Beverly L. Heckrotte, P.A. Personalized

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 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 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon

What’s going on in HoCo? Photography Digital Photography 101 Learn basic elements and techniques. Digital camera required. 55 yrs + Belmont 10% off two or more people RP3521.601 Jan 7 9:30-11:30am Tu $95

Classes: 6

Shooting with a Smartphone Learn some of the same concepts as Digital Photography 101, with a focus on how they apply to great smart phone photos. Classes: 4 Belmont 10% off two or more people RP3522.601 Jan 21 1-2:30pm Tu $55

Dance Beginner Ballet for Active Adults Enjoy basic ballet while building strength, flexibility and grace. Encore is specifically-designed for those at least 55 years old. Info: www.howardcountymd.gov/encore. Registration: 410-313-7275, www.howardcountymd.gov/rap, or 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046.

Crafts & Fine Arts

55 yrs + Kinetics Dance Theatre Classes: 9 or 8 No class 2/17 RP3509.601 Jan 23 10:15-11:15am Th $95 RP3509.602 Jan 27 2:30-3:30pm M $85

Dance on Broadway – or Feel Like You Can! Enjoy musical theater choreography appropriate for all levels. 55 yrs + Kinetics Dance Theatre Classes: 9 RP3527.601 Jan 21 9:30-10:30am Tu $95 RP3527.602 Jan 24 9:30-10:30am F $95

NEW! LaBlast

Enjoy an easy and relaxing method of drawing structured patterns. Certified Zentangle teacher Arlene Mindus guides you in techniques and hand-drawn patterns.

LaBlast is a revolutionary, ballroom dance, partner-free, fitness program based on the dances seen on Dancing with the Stars! It fuses dance into a calorie-burning workout. 55 yrs + Classes: 8 No class 2/17

55 yrs + Elkridge 50+ Ctr Classes: 4 RP0308.601 Jan 7 10am-noon Tu $35 RP0308.602 Feb 18 10am-noon Tu $35

RP3561.601 Kinetics Dance Theatre Jan 27 3:45-4:45pm M $85

Learn to Swing Dance

Watercolors with Carol Zika

55 yrs + 10% off two or more people Classes: 6 RP3429.601 N Laurel Comm Ctr Jan 9 7-8:30pm Th

Basic Zentangle Workshop with Arlene Mindus, CZT

For those who completed Watercolor Basics for the Very Beginner and those with previous watercolor experience. Instructor provides guided lessons, building technique and confidence. Bring materials. 55 yrs + E. Columbia 50+ Ctr Classes: 10 RP0303.601 Jan 10 1-3:30pm F $140

You Can Draw & Paint with Carol Zika Explore your creativity in this fun and supportive open studio atmosphere. Enjoy watercolors, acrylics, oils, pastels or more. 55 yrs + E. Columbia 50+ Ctr Classes: 10 RP0304.601 Jan 10 9:15-11:45am F $140

Fused Glass Workshop with Tara Holl Learn the art of fusing glass! Join glass artist Tara Holl to make fused glass objects such as jewelry, an ornament, or other small items. Whether experienced or new, you are welcome! Classes: 1 Gary J Arthur Comm Ctr $30 materials fee RP3531.601 Jan 8 6-9pm W $30 RP3531.602 Feb 22 9am-noon Sa $30

Learn to swing dance! $89

Senior Tap Classics Beginner-level class that progresses slowly, designed for adults. 55 yrs + Kinetics Dance Theatre Classes: 9 or 8 RP3504.601 Jan 22 10:15-11:15am W $95 RP3504.602 Jan 26 Noon-1pm Su $85

Social Square Dancing Grab your partner and join our accredited square dance caller to show off your best do-si-do! All levels welcome. 55 yrs + 10% off two or more people Classes: 6 RP3510.601 N Laurel Comm Ctr Jan 14 7:30-9pm Tu $89

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Fitness • Fitness waiver must be completed prior to exercising.

Balance, Strength & Fitness with Lori Nowicki, ACE, AFPA Using a BOSU stability ball, light weights and resistance bands, active adults will learn exercises which involve training the body for the activities performed in daily life. 55 yrs + Cedar Lane Rec Ctr Classes: 8 No class 2/26 RP3516.601 Jan 8 10:45-11:30am W $75

NEW! Mat Pilates with Doreen Sheppard

Sports Fundamentals of Modern Table Tennis with Jeff Smart

Pilates strengthens the core muscles of the pelvis, abdomen and back to improve balance, trunk strength, flexibility, body awareness, and whole-body movement.

Through the lessons of ITTF Level 2 Certified Coach Jeff Smart, beginners learn the proper techniques to execute the forehand (FH) and backhand (BH) topspin drive, FH&BH underspin push, basic footwork, and topspin. Also work on serves.

55 yrs + St. Marks Epis. Church Classes: 6 RP3514.601 Jan 6 11:30am-12:30pm M $69 RP3514.602 Feb 17 11:30am-12:30pm M $69

55 yrs + Howard County Table Tennis Center Classes: 10 RP3530.601 Beginner Jan 23 10:30am-noon Th $160 RP3530.602 Intermediate Jan 23 1-2:30pm Th $160

Exercise with Ease

Pickleball

This well-rounded hour of fitness for active seniors includes low-impact aerobics, stretching, muscle tone, and strength activities aimed at improving endurance, body alignment, balance, and proper breathing. 55 yrs + E. Columbia 50+ Ctr Kathy Whelan, RYT-200 Classes: 18 RP8060.601 Jan 7 8:50-9:50am Tu,Th $72 55 yrs + St. Marks Epis. Church Kalil Zaky Classes: 18 RP8060.602 Jan 7 8:50-9:50am Tu,Th $72

Programs, classes, leagues, and tournaments offered. Visit www.howardcounytmd.gov/pickleball.

Adult Sports Leagues

Gentle Yoga/Yoga 1 with Kathy Whelan, RYT-200 Move through poses to increase flexibility, strength and balance while emphasizing mindfulness and breath awareness. 55 yrs + Elkridge 50+ Ctr Kathy Whelan, RYT-200 Classes: 6 RP3515.601 Jan 7 6-7pm Tu $49 RP3515.603 Feb 18 6-7pm Tu $49 55 yrs + St. Marks Epis. Church Ling Hanson, RYT-200 Classes: 6 RP3515.602 Jan 9 10:15-11:15am Th $49 RP3515.604 Feb 20 10:15-11:15am Th $49

Lifelong Learning Bridge Basics Class is for people who have never played bridge before and for those who would like a refresher. First four weeks are instruction and last two weeks are supervised play. 55 yrs + Kiwanis-Wallas Hall Classes: 6 RP3507.601 Jan 8 9:30-11:30am W $69

NEW! Mindful Meditation & Artful Journaling for Grief and Loss

Using the principles of mindful meditation, journaling and community support, learn methods to release pain and uncover the peace that already flows within. 55 yrs + Gary J Arthur Comm Ctr Instructor: Nancy Holt Classes: 4 RP3559.601 Jan 8 7-8pm W $39 RP3559.602 Feb 5 7-8pm W $39

• BASKETBALL • BASEBALL/SOFTBALL • CRICKET

• FOOTBALL • KICKBALL • LACROSSE

• PICKLEBALL • SOCCER • VOLLEYBALL

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 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Hillwood Estate Museum Lunch & Tour RP4522.601 18 yrs + Jan 10 11am-4pm F $79

The Kennedy Center: Diana Ross and The National Symphony Orchestra RP4520.601 All ages Jan 11 5-10:30pm Sa $125

The National Geographic Museum RP4521.601 All ages Jan 17 9:30am-4:30pm F $59

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts RP4523.601 18 yrs + Feb 7 8am-6pm F $69

National Museum of Women in the Arts RP4525.601 18 yrs + Feb 20 8:30am-3:30pm Th

$59

Hippodrome: Wicked RP4524.601 All ages Feb 22 Noon-6pm Sa $145

Philadelphia Flower Show - Rivera Holiday RP4526.601 16 yrs + Mar 2 9am-7pm M $135

• View all trips at www.howardcountymd.gov/tripsandtours. • Registration: 410-313-7275, www.howardcountymd.gov/rap, or 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046 • Information: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279, tadkins@howardcountymd.gov • Pick-up locations: Bain 50+ Ctr and Long Gate Park & Ride

RP4527.701

16 yrs +

Mar 20 Time TBD

$59

The National Cathedral: Cherry Blossom Tour & Tea RP4528.701 16 yrs + Mar 26 10am-3pm Th

$89

The Odyssey: Cherry Blossom Festival Lunch Cruise

Magnificent Maryland Series

RP4529.701 21 yrs + Mar 27 9am-4pm F $129

State House and Governor’s House RP4530.601 18 yrs + Jan 23 9am-2pm Th

The Department of Defense: Pentagon Tour

HOWARD COUNTY RECREATION & PARKS

$49

Granite Rose Tea Parlor RP45301.601 21 yrs + Feb 13 10:30am-2pm Th

$69

National Museum of Health and Medicine RP4532.701 18 yrs + Mar 12 9:30am-3:30pm Th

NOW HIRING!

$49

Our GO50+ membership packages are designed to enhance the quality of life for the 50+ adult population that lives, works and plays in Howard County. Live longer, healthier lives… join today!

www.howardcountymd.gov/OOAHealthandWellness

CHILDCARE

LIFEGUARDS

INSTRUCTORS

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

SPORTS COACHES

AND MANY MORE!

For more information please visit us online at www.howardcountymd.gov/hcrpjobs or call 410-313-4700.

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Adult Astronomy & Nature Events Call 410-313-0400 for info or to register. More programs listed at www.howardcountymd.gov/RNC/programs.

Holiday Open House Join Belmont Manor and the HC Conservancy at this 18th century manor surrounded by historic outbuildings and cemetery on 68 acres of farmland. All ages

Dec 15

3-6pm

Free

Afternoon Tea at Belmont Manor Enjoy afternoon tea in the stately Belmont Manor, built in 1738. Your taste buds will be tempted with a bottomless pot of tea, a Manor scone served with clotted cream and jam, tea savories, and a delectable assortment of desserts. 12 yrs + 11:30-2pm $35 RP9900.603 Jan 11 Sa RP9900.604 Jan 12 Su

RP9900.606 Feb 15 Sa RP9900.608 Feb 20 Th

What’s Cooking in the Manor: The Wonderful Waffle Workshop Learn to make scrumptious batter and decorate them with a wide range of toppings. RP4533.601 55 yrs + Feb 11 10am-1pm Tu $35

6555 Belmont Woods Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 410-313-0200 | www.belmontmanormd.org belmontmanormd@howardcountymd.gov @belmontmanorhouse

Space Matters Learn about current happenings in the sky and recent developments in space science. In January, enjoy handson astronomy demonstrations outside of our planetarium. Beginning in February, programs use our new, upgraded planetarium system and are complemented with a halfhour movie projected on the planetarium dome. 55 yrs + 2:30-3:45pm Th $9 RP4804.601 Jan 9 NEW! Solar System Hands-on (no planetarium) RP4804.602 Feb 13 NEW! The Sky Revealed RP4804.603 Mar 12 NEW! The (Not So) Constant Stars

Ladies’ Holiday Stress Relief Under the Stars Enjoy a relaxing, evening program in our planetarium! A collaboration between Robinson Nature Center and the Retreat Center of Maryland, discover the stories behind winter constellations, enjoy guided meditation to soothe your holiday-frenzied mind and gentle yoga stretches to loosen up your mall-trodding, tightened muscles. End with a quick, outdoor star-gazing session (weather-dependent). RP4883.503

18 yrs +

Dec 14

7-9pm

$20

Valentine’s Day Truffle-Making & Wine-Tasting Learn the art of hand-rolling delectable chocolate truffles while discovering more about the plant from which chocolate is made. Enjoy tasting six wines from Linganore Vineyards and learn about their grapes, vineyard and sustainable practices. Leave with 10 hand-rolled truffles. Special thanks to our partner, Whole Foods, for their help making this event a success. 21 yrs + Bring identification that shows your age RP4847.601 Feb 15 1-3pm Sa $27 RP4847.602 Feb 15 4-6pm Sa $27

NEW! Tea Time - History, Properties and Tasting Discover tea’s history in the U.S.A. with Howard County’s Heritage program. A naturalist guides you on a short trail walk discussing the “true” tea plant vs. plants used in popular herbal “teas”. Enjoy a tea tasting paired with baked goods by local tea house, Sweet Simplici-tea. Learn the distinctions between different teas. Must register by February 27. RP4826.601 18 yrs + Mar 1 2-3:30pm

Su $25

Bethlehem’s Star

For a full list of adult classes, go to www.howardcountymd.gov/adultprograms.

Join Dr. Joel Goodman for a presentation that explores possible astronomical explanations for the Star of Bethlehem. No matter your faith, discover documented celestial and historical events from over 2,000 years ago that caused the Magi to come to Jerusalem. Then enjoy the full-dome movie “Stars.” RP4800.504 18 yrs + Dec 6 RP4804.504 18 yrs + Dec 12

8-9:30pm 2:30-4pm

F Th

$9 $9

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 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon

A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services A Message from Howard County Executive

Calvin Ball This December, I wish you all a safe, warm, and happy holiday season! I also hope you will consider supporting our giving back programs, including Project Holiday and Operation Gratitude. A reminder that Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7, so take advantage of this time to review your coverage with the help of the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). They can help you understand your health insurance benefits, bills, and rights. As I reflect on the past year, I am so proud of Howard County’s efforts to be supportive of our older adult community: • Our spectacular 50+ Centers were recognized by the Maryland Association of Senior Centers (MASC) for program excellence, including things like fitness programs, lifelong learning opportunities, nutrition education, socialization and more. • Our Ellicott City 50+ Center was recently recognized as the “Best Senior Center” by Baltimore Style Magazine. • To expand on our network, the County has embarked on a renovation of the Bain 50+ Center that will increase square footage, add a fitness center, and enlarge the exercise spaces. • Our Loan Closet, which provides free medical equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, and so much more, moved into a new, larger space on Riverwood Drive. Their expansion allows them to provide access to assistive technology through a partnership with Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) and to provide access to pediatric medical equipment. • Launch of our HoCo DASH initiative, so the County can ensure it is delivering the most timely and effective services to the older adult community. Earlier this year, I announced that Howard County is pursuing designation by the World Health Organization and AARP as an “Age-Friendly Community” for our exceptional resources to help everyone live well and age with dignity. I hope you will join me at our official launch event, now officially scheduled for December 3 at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center at 9:00 a.m. See you there!

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 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

Kim Higdon Henry, Editor • Email: kahenry@howardcountymd.gov Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

Volume 9, No. 12 • December 2019

Making Howard County an Age-Friendly Community

oward County is undertaking an exciting venture beginning this month: the launch of Age-Friendly Howard County. The initiative will focus on efforts to ensure that Howard County is not only a great place for people to grow older but also a great place to grow up. An age-friendly community benefits all members of the community, regardless of age. Join County Executive Calvin Ball, AARP Maryland representatives, Jackie Scott, Director of the Department of Community Resources and Services, and Jenna Crawley, Administrator of the Office on Aging and Independence on Tuesday, December 3 for the Age-Friendly Howard County launch at 9 a.m. at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia 21044. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the public is encouraged to attend. To RSVP in advance, visit https://agefriendlyhc.eventbrite.com.

What Makes a Community Age-Friendly? A community that respects everyone, no matter their age or stage of life. Age-Friendly Communities work to ensure there are: • meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities; • accessible health care and social services provided in a respectful manner; • affordable, accessible and safe housing options; • useable outdoor spaces for all, including parks, sidewalks and bike paths; • user-friendly ways to get around, including safe and accessible public transportation; • engaging community activities and social events; and • effective methods of information exchange in a variety of mediums so that all users are knowledgeable and included

Building an Age-Friendly Howard County is a long-term program that will require a new way of thinking and working together. To be an age-friendly community requires collaboration among citizens of all ages, with input from older adults; businesses; non-profit organizations; government agencies; civic organizations; philanthropic groups; and anyone interested in making the community a better place for all to live, work and play. Following the launch of the initiative, updates will be posted on the county’s website, including a series of community events where interested individuals can sign up to be part of workgroups to address the needs and interests of the community. Workgroup topics will be identified by the community, and a public survey and focus groups will be developed to gather more information. To learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

The 50+ Connection

Giving Back to Comfort Children — Above, members of the Elkridge knitting group (pictured L to R, Karen Perkins, Grace Young, Mary Carol Gibson, and Joann Dixon) recently created blankets for 20 young patients at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. This is the ﬁrst year that the knitting group has donated items to the center, which help provide comfort to children undergoing medical treatment. The group meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Elkridge 50+ Center, and is open to all who like to knit, crochet or practice other needlework. Joining is as simple as becoming an Elkridge 50+ Center member – and membership is free! Tai Chi Group Travels to China — Tai Chi students from East Columbia 50+ Center, right, led by their instructor turned tour guide Jianping “Ping” Mao, just returned from a whirlwind tour of China. Pictured at right on the Great Wall of China, the group fully experienced Chinese culture and immersed themselves in thousands of years of the country's history. Mao has been teaching Tai Chi at the East Columbia 50+ Center for over 12 years and led a group of his students to China two years ago to participate in a Chinese Tai Chi competition. On this trip, he was able to arrange for a private tour of a Tai Chi Masters studio. East Columbia 50+ now offers ﬁve levels of Tai Chi instruction on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Help us Celebrate the Spirit of the Holidays!

2019

Paws4Comfort is Accepting New Gift Donations for the Residents of Lorien Nursing Home The Howard County OFFICE ON AGING AND INDEPENDENCE is collecting new donated items for low-income seniors who reside in assisted living facilities and in the community. The OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES is also collecting gift items, including books and toys for families in need with children ages 0 to 5 years old. The wish list for the children and adults includes: Body Lotion • Body Wash • Books (ages 0-5) • Deodorant • Hair Brushes Hair Conditioner • Scarves • Shampoo • Shaving Cream • Slipper Socks Socks • Toothbrushes • Toothpaste • Toiletry Gift Sets • Throw Blankets and • Toys (ages 0-5)

Suggested items include shawls, scarves, puzzle books, small stuffed animals, lap blankets and socks. Gifts may be dropped off at Bain 50+ Center in the “LORIEN” box no later than December 13. Thank you for your generosity!

Last Evaluation Date of 2019 Thursday, December 5 BAIN 50+ CENTER 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044

DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 5:00 PM DECEMBER 9 AT Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ofﬁce on Aging and Independence — Tomiko Thomas 410-313-6542 (VOICE/RELAY) • tthomas@howardcountymd.gov Ofﬁce of Children and Families — Kaya Swann 410-313-1453 (VOICE/RELAY) • kswann@howardcountymd.gov

Ingrid Gleysteen PROGRAM COORDINATOR

410-313-7461 igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountymd.gov/communityresources • 410-313-6400

www.howardcountymd.gov/paws

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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 9

Money Law &

PITFALLS TO AVOID Watch those portfolio fees, don’t overdo risk, and, above all, have a plan HAPPY RETURNS Some companies are making it easier to return items bought online WILLS AND WAYS To help you quit stalling and write your will, try seeing it as a gift to loved ones

Will Social Security keep its promises? By Liz Weston The Social Security Administration will happily forecast your future monthly retirement check. Trouble is, it’s often off the mark. Understanding the sometimes-flawed assumptions underlying the estimate can help you make smarter decisions about when to claim your benefit. First, of course, you should know how to access those estimates. You can find yours online by creating a “My Social Security” account at the Social Security Administration’s site, ssa.gov/myaccount, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 to request a paper version. (The agency automatically sends paper copies to people 60 and over if

they haven’t yet started benefits or created an online account.) Social Security projects how much you’ll receive if you start benefits at the earliest age, 62, as well as what you’ll get if you start instead at your full retirement age — currently 66 and rising to 67 for people born in 1960 or later — or at 70, when benefits max out. When you apply for benefits, Social Security uses your 35 highest-earning years to calculate your check. Each of these years is “indexed,” or adjusted to reflect wage and price inflation over time. The dollar amount you earned in 1995, for instance, would be roughly doubled to reflect what the same wage would be worth today.

Problems with estimates When estimating your future benefit, however, the agency assumes no future growth in wages or prices, said economist Laurence Kotlikoff, creator of the Maximize My Social Security claiming-strategies website. That often creates “lowball” estimates for younger workers, he said. “If you are, say, 40, this can produce a 20% underestimate of the actual benefit you’ll receive,” Kotlikoff said. On the other hand, the agency could be overestimating your benefit if your income has peaked, since the assumption is that you will continue earning roughly the same amount until you apply for Social Security.

Many people lose their jobs in midlife and never make as much again. Illness or disability could knock you out of the workforce prematurely, or you could stop working years before claiming Social Security. Any of those circumstances could result in smaller-than-projected checks.

More factors to consider Other circumstances can upend the estimates. Some people will qualify for spousal or survivor benefits that are larger than what they earn on their own record. Retirees with minor children can get child benefits that boost their checks. See SOCIAL SECURITY, page 21

KNOW before you THROW GENERAL RULES Keep it loose, lose the bag. Place recyclables loosely together. No need to remove lids, caps or labels from items.

Paper (newspaper, office paper)

Plastic (bottles, tubs, jugs, jars)

Metal (aluminum & steel cans, EMPTY aerosol cans)

Glass (bottles & jars)

Cardboard (clean & ﬂattened)

Make sure containers are CLEAN, EMPTY, and DRY.

KNOWBeforeYouTHROW.org

410-313-6444

help@HowardCountyRecycles.org

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Avoid these financial pitfalls in retirement By Jeff Beyer Investing is a challenge at any age, but as you reach retirement, it becomes especially important to avoid making mistakes. When you’re younger, you have more time to recover from a bad investment or market downturn. However, when you are older and your investments are providing your income, it’s important to preserve your nest egg. There are things you can do to protect your money and help make it last. Here

are three common pitfalls to look out for: 1. Paying too much in fees Why is it important to stay vigilant about fees? Recently, while reviewing an investment portfolio with a potential client, we discovered he was paying 2.32% in fees on a mutual fund he’d invested in — not the 0.68% he assumed he was being charged. He didn’t dig into the prospectus to uncover other fees, such as trading costs and 12b1 fees. Be cautious when advisers and mutual

fund managers justify their high fees by promising market-beating results. High fees do not always translate to better investment performance. If you aren’t paying attention, these fees have the potential to quickly dissolve any profit you may make from the investment. Fees are typically based on a percentage of your assets. As your account balance increases, you are paying an ever-growing dollar figure in fees. An investor with a $350,000 portfolio could easily be paying $3,500 to $7,000 or more per year in management fees. As money is deducted to cover these fees, there is less capital left in the account to compound and grow. There are tools available for you to use in reviewing your portfolio and the fees you may be paying. One example is a prospectus, a legal document with in-depth details about your investment. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask your financial adviser about fees you may be paying to buy, sell or hold each of your investments. Ask which fees will and will not be listed on your statements and how you can track the unlisted ones. 2. Taking unnecessary risk For years, investors have said a solid portfolio is composed of 60% stocks (for higher returns) and 40% bonds (for stable income). However, times have changed. A combination of a record-setting bull market coupled with historically low interest rates has made this previous investment approach far less prudent these days. Bonds — generally perceived as safe, reliable investments — are at risk due to rising interest rates, which can cause future bond prices to fall. Stock market valuation already exceeding a 10-year bull market could potentially be a concern if you are counting on your portfolio for income in the near future. There is nothing wrong with stocks, bonds or a portfolio that is diverse in both. Balance is key — and that means looking into other asset classes, such as real estate, commodities, annuities, futures, etc. In retirement, it’s particularly important to lower the level of risk in your portfolio. Yet many investors have no idea how their portfolio equates to their personal risk tolerance — the amount of risk they can sustain taking while still progressing toward their financial goals. Not long ago, I had a conversation with another prospective client who described himself as an “ultra-conservative” investor.

But when we looked at his portfolio, it was not in line at all with his risk tolerance. This tends to be a common occurrence. That doesn’t mean you should be stashing your nest egg under the mattress or even in a savings account. But you may want to do some thoughtful strategizing to help ensure that too large of a portion of your portfolio is not at risk in retirement. 3. Taking too much too fast Running out of money during retirement is some people’s greatest fear, surpassing job loss and even public speaking. There are good reasons to be concerned. People are living longer, so the money they save may have to last 20, 30 or even 40 years. Also, fewer Americans have pensions. Most people could be forced to depend on their investment savings for more of their retirement income and for longer than they expected. That is why they are being advised to withdraw less each year. You may have heard the rule of thumb is to take 4% from your investment savings in the first year of retirement and then add 1% to 2% in order to account for inflation yearly. In doing so, your portfolio could possibly sustain you for approximately 30 years. That calculation has been the source of much debate in recent years. A safer suggestion is a 3% (or even 2%) withdrawal rate. To put that into perspective, if you had a $1 million nest egg, you would take $30,000 (3%) or $20,000 (2%) in retirement income each year to supplement your Social Security benefit and any other reliable income you receive. If that wouldn’t be enough for the retirement lifestyle you envision, it is time to take control. The biggest pitfall of all is not having a comprehensive plan in place as you move into retirement. If you are near or already at your goal retirement age, review your investments along with any additional assets and Social Security on a yearly basis. Doing the legwork up front can very well lead to being able to comfortably and confidently put your feet up later in life. And isn’t that what we all strive for? Jeff Beyer is CEO of Pennsylvania-based Paladin Retirement Advisors. Kim FrankeFolstad contributed to this article. This article was written by and presents the views of the author, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Nov. 21

CLASSIC FILMS See Bogie and Bacall, Taylor and Burton on the big screen. Stop

by the East Columbia Branch Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia on Thurs., Nov. 21 for refreshments and a classic movie. Titles announced in branch and online, or join the mailing list at encorecinema@hclibrary.org. For more information, call (410) 313-7700 or visit hclibrary.org.

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New options to return online purchases By Anne D’Innocenzio Ahead of the holiday season, shoppers have more options to return unwanted items bought online as retailers look for new ways to drive traffic. Plenty of retailers like Target and Walmart allow shoppers to return at their brickand-mortar stores items bought from them online. But now, a growing number of retailers are accepting even rivals’ returns. In July, Kohl’s started accepting Amazon returns in all 1,100 stores, up from 100 previously. Furthermore, at the Amazon kiosks at Kohl’s, customers don’t need a box or a label for a free return. Meanwhile, Happy Returns, a California-based startup that works with about 30 online retailers, more than doubled the number of its drop-off locations to 700. They also allow shoppers to return online orders in person without a box or label. These moves come as retailers aim to reduce costs while making it easier for shop-

Social Security From page 19 Nastier surprises may await people who worked for certain government agencies or were employed abroad. If they get pensions from jobs that didn’t pay into Social Security, the “windfall elimination provision” could reduce their Social Security checks significantly. Lawmakers intended the provision, and the related “government pension offset,” to keep people who didn’t pay much into Social Security from getting more than those who did. But the reductions aren’t always well publicized or explained, and can come as a shock to affected people who were counting on the amounts Social Security promised. Speaking of promises, Social Security’s trustees say the system will have enough revenue to pay only 77% of promised benefits starting in 2035, unless Congress intervenes. Lawmakers are unlikely to allow benefits to be cut for people in or near retirement. If you’re decades away, though, Social Security’s lowball estimate could turn

pers to return items purchased on websites. The average return rate for online transactions is 25% compared with 8% for store purchases, according to Forrester Research.

Inside store drop-offs Package delivery giant UPS is adding 12,000 pickup and return locations inside CVS, Michaels and Advance Auto Parts stores. The new locations will bring to 21,000 the number of pickup points UPS has in the U.S. “Returning a product is annoying,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. “If you can take away some of the hassle by giving customers lots of options, that’s really customer service.” But Saunders and others note that shoppers making returns need to make sure that they don’t miss the return deadline. Here are three tips for returning online orders: out to be on target. To be safe, you might want to assume you’ll get even less.

boxes used to ship bulk returns to retailers, substituting reusable totes made from recycled plastic. In an effort to reduce waste and make the return process easier, Target is in the process of eliminating packing slips from all orders shipped directly to customers from stores and fulfillment centers. To return an online purchase, customers can mail the items back using a link within their shipping confirmation email or Target.com account, or by looking up the order using the Target app or the card they used for purchase when making a return at a store. —Consider return service at home. Shoppers are increasingly able to have a return picked up inside their home. Walmart said it will launch such a return service later this year. For example, online mattress company

—Know the rules when returning goods from rivals. Through a partnership with technology company Narvar, Walgreens now lets shoppers return online orders to partners such as Levi Strauss and Urban Outfitters at more than 8,000 Walgreens locations that have FedEx onsite. Narvar’s concierge service also has drop-off locations at 15 Nordstrom stores for its retail partners. Narvar CEO Amit Sharma said shoppers have to bring in their original packaging with the QR code, but in the next few months, packaging will be available for a fee. Happy Returns lets customers return items from online retailers including Eloquii, Rothy’s and Everlane. Happy Returns’ “return bars” can be found at shopping centers and other retailers, including most recently all 276 Cost Plus World Markets. —Look for eco-friendly alternatives. Happy Returns is eliminating cardboard

A T

See SHOPPER RETURNS, page 22

~ A L

Use a calculator If you’re within 10 years of retirement, on the other hand, getting a more accurate estimate of your benefits can help you plan when to retire. You can start with your My Social Security account, which includes a link to a retirement calculator that allows you to adjust your average future earnings. The site also has a page of free calculators, including a downloadable detailed calculator that the site accurately describes as “somewhat unwieldy” and “difficult to use.” You can pay for a more user-friendly option at Maximize My Social Security ($40) or Social Security Solutions ($49.95). Or consider a session with a fee-only financial planner who has access to similar robust software. This advisor can help you fine-tune your Social Security estimates, advise you on claiming strategies, and make sure your retirement isn’t based on false promises. —AP/NerdWallet

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

How to quit stalling and write your will By Liz Weston You know you should have a will, but you keep stalling. No one likes to think about dying or about someone else raising their children or grandchildren. But if you get no further than scribbling notes or thinking about which lawyer to hire, you risk dying “intestate” — without a will that could guide your loved ones, head off family feuds and potentially save your family thousands of dollars. Financial planners say getting people to stop procrastinating on this important money chore can be tough. I asked several advisors to offer their best strategies for getting clients to get this done. Maybe one of these will help you. Remember for whom you’re doing it. Certified financial planner (CFP) Katrina Soelter of Los Angeles suggests thinking of an estate plan as “the best love letter you can write to those you love.” Providing guidance on what you want to happen after your death — and who you want to care for minor children or pets — can be a huge gift to those you leave behind. You’re also saving them the potentially large costs and delays of hiring attorneys to sort out your estate later. Soelter said she procrastinated on her own estate planning and finds the positive approach works better than browbeating.

“It doesn’t help to heap more shame on them, but rather focus on the reasons why it is wonderful to get it done,” Soelter said. Visualize what happens without a will. Then again, some people need to hear worst-case scenarios before they’ll act. Financial planners often point out, for example, that without an estate plan a court could end up deciding who takes care of your kids. State law determines who inherits your stuff, and the distribution may not be as you would want. CFP Janice Cackowski of Rocky River, Ohio, said one of her clients recently died after ignoring her advice to create a trust. His will bequeathed his estate to his financially irresponsible son, with no restrictions. “The money my client saved over his 63year lifetime will be gone within 18 months of his death,” Cackowski said. Keep it simple. CFP Kevin Gahagan of San Francisco notes that getting a basic estate plan in place may not be as complicated or expensive as you fear. “It is the attorney who does the work,” Gahagan said. “They’ll guide you in identifying the questions you need to answer so a plan can be developed.” Also, think about what you’d want to happen if you died in the next five years, rather than trying to create an estate plan that cov-

ers all eventualities, said CFP Karen E. Van Voorhis of Norwell, Massachusetts. You can always update and change things. Use employee benefits. Many big companies offer their employees access to attorneys through prepaid legal services, said CFP Amy Shepard of Mesa, Arizona. That’s how she and her husband created their estate plan. They met with an attorney available through his employer who cost less than $10 per biweekly pay period. “For most people, the biggest thing stopping them is money,” Shepard said. “If their employer offers a legal benefit, it can make the process of doing an estate plan very affordable and very simple.” Given that attorneys often charge $300 and up for a will, while a living trust can cost $1,200 or more, prepaid legal services can be a cost-effective option for many people, Shepard said. Affordable options for those who aren’t offered coverage through their employer may include online services such as Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom, which are best

for people with simple situations, such as those who don’t have a lot of assets and who don’t need trusts, Shepard said. But users need to answer the sites’ questions carefully and get the resulting documents notarized, or the paperwork won’t be valid. Set a timeline. Van Voorhis also suggests making an appointment with an attorney now but scheduling it for a few months down the road. “That way it’s on the books and they’ll feel like they’ve accomplished something, but they also don’t have to face it for a while,” she said. CFP Mike Giefer of Minneapolis recommends incremental deadlines. “By Dec. 1, have the conversation about guardians, charities and other estate intentions. By Jan. 1, have the initial meeting with an estate planning attorney. By Feb. 1, clarify and confirm the documents and have them signed,” Giefer suggested. “On Valentine’s Day, they are done!” —AP/NerdWallet

Shopper returns

turn their mattress, its customer service team takes care of removing the mattress from the customer’s home at no cost and issuing a full refund. —AP

From page 21 Casper offers a 100-night free trial for its mattresses. If someone would like to re-

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Travel

Leisure &

Quick: What country singer made the Chattahoochee River famous? See story on page 25.

Vancouver’s surprising sites and diversity of towering skyscrapers lodged between the mountains and the sea. Downtown is perched on a peninsula with water on three sides. Stanley Park’s 1,000acre, temperate rain forest is in the city center. Winters are mild; summers, balmy.

Canada, the big picture City center’s Canada Place is a four-block complex with an expansive esplanade and a roof resembling five Teflon-coated, fiberglass sails. A favorite pastime of visitors here is watching passengers disembark from up to four cruise ships at once, as seaplanes take off and land nearby. On the western side is Jack Poole Plaza, the setting for a Digital Orca sculpture by Douglas Coupland and a tripod-like Olympic cauldron from the 2010 games that Vancouver hosted. To get topographically oriented, visitors can zip up 50 stories in the Lookout Tower in less than a minute, for 360-degree views at 553 feet. In the distance looms Mount Baker, 86 miles away in Washington state, an active volcano. For an even broader perspective, Flyover Canada offers a simulated flight where “passengers” belted in to airplane seats soar and swoop virtually over Canada’s 3.8 million square miles. It’s also a tactile ride as the airplane zips through “clouds” and “snow”

PHOTO BY POEMNIST/SHUTTERSTOCK

By Glenda C. Booth The city of Vancouver in Canada’s British Columbia, once a crown colony, is named for British Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver, who in the late 18th century explored much of North America’s northwestern Pacific Coast. But you can bet you won’t drink tea following rigid British protocols when you visit Vancouver. You are more likely to slurp, sniff and savor aromatic Chinese tea poured delicately from clay teapots in the traditional slow-motion, multi-step, ceremonial process. That’s because Vancouver is one of the most Asian cities outside Asia. Of the 2.5 million people in the metro area, 47% are of Asian descent (29% are Chinese). That said, Vancouver is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, whose cuisine reflects its diversity. Visitors can sample four types of Chinese cuisine, Japanese steaks, sushi and sashimi, Filipino pastries, African flame-grilled chicken, Scandinavian waffles and Italian gelatos, along with local briny sea urchins, gooseneck barnacles, oysters and, of course, Pacific northwest salmon. Vancouver is also a place to learn about Canada’s indigenous peoples, with at least 11 First Nations in the metro area. A city of striking beauty and Canada’s third largest, Vancouver is a walkable city

Totem poles stand in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, representing the area’s 11 local indigenous tribes, or First Nations. The huge park in the city’s center is larger than New York’s Central Park and incorporates a rain forest with half a million trees.

over the Rocky Mountains, the Arctic and Niagara Falls. While thrilling, even spine-chilling, as the “airplane” dips, turns and shoots up just before almost crashing into a mountain peak, this adventure is not for the faint of heart or those prone to motion sickness. PHOTO BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

Gastown For a more down-to-earth experience, wander through trendy Gastown’s cobblestone streets lit by Victorian-era streetlamps. This is basically where Vancouver started. It’s named for the garrulous seaman Gassy Jack Deighton, who found no saloon when he arrived in 1867, so he told some workers he would give them free whiskey if they helped build one. They threw up a rowdy drinking establishment in under 24 hours. The world’s first steam clock stands in Gastown. On the quarter hour, the clock plays the Westminster chimes, and on the hour, a steam cloud spews out.

A wok through Chinatown

An oasis in Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was built by Chinese artisans in the Ming Dynasty style.

Next door is historic Chinatown, dating to 1858 and full of beautiful Chinese architecture, golden dragons on lamp posts and back-to-back, open-air stalls where shopkeepers hawk both everyday and exotic

products, ranging from vegetables and herbs to conch meat, fish stomachs, sea cucumbers and assorted fungi. Bob Sung, our third-generation-Chinese tour guide, explained, “To know the food is to know the culture.” New Town Bakery sells 1,000 steamed buns a day, a feat that landed the shop on a New York Times travel bucket list. At Herbal Meds, shoppers can learn about natural remedies, such as how to boil down herbs and how to treat asthma with boiled and strained geckos. The BBQ Shop sells mouthwatering roasted pigs, ducks and cured sausage. Po King has ancestral worship merchandise, including envelopes to hold money for the deceased and incense for sending a message to ancestors. At the Chinese Tea Shop, “any time is tea time,” said Daniel Lui, who ceremonially serves white tea (aged 12 years) from a small clay pot and patiently guides guests through all the steps. He explained that an experienced Chinese tea drinker slurps the tea as a way to incorporate oxygen and bring aromatic compounds to his or her nose. A fine place to walk off Chinese gastronSee VANCOUVER, page 24

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Vancouver From page 23 omy is the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which National Geographic rated as the number one urban garden in North America. A classical Ming Dynasty-style garden, it was built by 53 artisans from Suzhou, China in 1986. Four high walls sharply separate the garden from its urban surroundings to create a peaceful, natural setting. Limestone rocks are naturally weathered, while the terracotta tiles are batshaped.

Totem poles and more The stylized art for which the Haida nation, one of Canada’s indigenous peoples, is known is well represented at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Reid, who lived from 1920 to 1998, was one of British Columbia’s most famous Haida artists. The gallery has a stunning totem topped by a raven, and wood-carved trunks, boxes and baskets. One exhibit explains the coastal tattoo tradition whose practitioners used red ochre and Devil’s club root to make thick red and black paints. Reid delved into his art to find his own

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

origins and honor Canada’s First Nations. He argued that contemporary descendants don’t know who they are or where they belong, that Christianity shamed indigenous peoples out of wearing tattoos, and that residential schools and potlatch bans (laws forbidding certain traditional ceremonies) almost squelched native cultures. Nine totem poles in different styles, with carved animals and supernatural creatures, can be found in downtown’s Stanley Park. Larger than New York’s Central Park, the land was donated by Lord Stanley, the same namesake as hockey’s Stanley Cup. The park features diverse habitats, including lakes, seashore, wetlands, dense fern cover and a temperate rainforest with half a million towering trees, some 800 years old, all of which make for a wilderness escape just blocks from downtown. On the park’s 17 miles of trails, visitors might spot Douglas squirrels, river otters, beavers, seabirds, harlequin ducks and three species of loon.

Other claims to fame The Sam Kee Building — only 5.5 feet wide, but 120 feet tall — landed in the Guinness Books of World Records as the world’s narrowest freestanding building. Today, it is home to Jack Chow Insurance. The Gothic-style, Anglican Christ Church Cathedral, built in 1889, was designed as an inverted ship with a ceiling of red cedar and Douglas fir. Its stained-glass

bell tower, by Sarah Hall, is the only one of its kind in North America. Vancouver promoters like to dub the city “Hollywood North” because it is the world’s third largest city for film, television and movie production. Examples include Fifty Shades of Grey, Dead Pool and The X-Files. Between mid-November and mid-February, hundreds of bald eagles gather at Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park in one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the world. They hit the water’s surface, scoop up salmon and devour them in a stunning example of their natural abilities.

If you go Information: For lodging, tours and events, visit tourismvancouver.com. Flights: Delta has flights from BWI Airport in December starting at around $330 (prices are higher in January). Upcoming events: • November 28 to January 1, Bright Nights in Stanley Park, three million twinkling lights and a Christmas train • January 17 to February 2, 2020, Dine Out Vancouver Festival, 250 restaurants offering meals from $20 to $40 and more than 80 culinary events • January 25, Lunar New Year Festival and Parade, marking the Year of the Rat • February 22 to March 1, 42nd annual International Wine Festival, around 160 wineries from 15 countries, tastings of more than 700 wines

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 9

A tour of country music’s highlights For many country writers, their lyrics were inspired by real places and real people, adding authenticity to the melody. A scan of popular country song titles, from “Luckenbach, Texas,” “Okie from Muskogee,” “New San Antonio Rose” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” illustrates a country music roadmap of America. If Burns’ documentary inspires music fans to hit the road, here are a few spots that you can visit that have been etched into country music lore and history.

Luckenbach, Texas There are few towns more steeped in country music history than this unincorporated outpost in Texas hill country. Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings sang about yearning to go back to this place, a metaphor for small towns and simple times where “everybody’s somebody.” But it wasn’t always that way. The town was abandoned in the ’60s and put up for sale. Hondo Crouch, an eccentric rancher, and his friends bought the town and reopened the dancehall. “Outlaw” country singer Jerry Jeff Walker recorded his progressive country live album, “Viva Terlingua,” in the town’s dancehall. But it was the crossover hit by Jennings in 1977 that not only put the outlaws on the

By Kristin M. Hall Country music is a uniquely American art form, with its roots in the fiddle from European immigrants and the African banjo, all the way through its explosion as a commercial art form that has reflected the social, economic and cultural changes within our country. Ken Burns took on the gargantuan task of telling the story of country music in his eight-part PBS documentary series Country Music, which aired in September. Just as Burns and his filmmaking partners, Dayton Duncan and Julie Dunfey, sifted through hundreds of hours of footage and audio, there’s a wealth of accompanying material for aficionados who want to dig deeper into the music and the history. The official soundtrack from Legacy Recordings comes in a five-CD box set, as well as other versions including vinyl and digital. There’s also a companion book called Country Music: An Illustrated History, by Duncan and Burns. Spotify has an enhanced playlist of music from the film, interview outtakes and more. (You can also stream the documentary by joining PBS’ Passport program for $10 a month.) The storytelling of country music connects a wide swath of Americans from the East Coast to the West Coast, from North to South.

A country music band performs in Luckenbach, Texas, which is popular with tourists. The sleepy town, which had been abandoned in the 1960s, was made famous through a song by Waylon Jennings in 1977.

map, but also this sleepy town. The dancehall is still a place to enjoy country music and cold beers and pick up some souvenirs. For more info, see the website luckenbachtexas.com

mysteries is what happened to Bobbie Gentry. Gentry’s No. 1 hit “Ode to Billie Joe” in 1967 turned her into a star with her swampy, Delta voice and her conversational lyrics about a boy who jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Tallahatchie Bridge, Mississippi One of country music’s biggest musical

See COUNTRY MUSIC, page 26

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Country music From page 25 Nobody knows why Billie Joe jumped on that third of June, and Gentry herself became a disappearing act in the 1980s. But you can ponder those mysteries as you walk across the bridge in Money, Mississippi, about 10 miles from where she lived in Greenwood as a child. Writer Tara Murtha, who wrote a book about Gentry’s debut album “Ode to Billie Joe,” said Gentry confirmed the bridge in Money was the one that inspired her song, although the original bridge collapsed in the 1970s and has since been replaced. If you visit Greenwood, look for a marker from the Mississippi Country Music Trail honoring Gentry as well. For more info, see mscountrymusictrail.org.

Rocky Top, Tennessee Written by master songwriters Boudleaux

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

and Felice Bryant, this bluegrass standard was originally recorded by the Osborne Brothers. It has since become an official Tennessee state song and the rousing fight song for the University of Tennessee football team, often played to excess. The real Rocky Top is not at the football stadium, but instead it’s a rocky outcropping on the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s not easy to get there, a steep, strenuous nearly 14-mile round trip hike. But if you make it, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning 360-degree view of the mountains. For more details, visit nps.gov/appa/ index.htm.

Paradise, Kentucky This now-defunct Western Kentucky town along the Green River was immortalized by John Prine in “Paradise” as an example of the impact of strip mining in Appalachia, a town literally ripped off the map. Tom T. Hall and John Denver both record-

ed versions of the song, and Prine’s lament became a protest song for environmentalists. In the song, Peabody Coal was responsible for the town’s destruction, and Peabody tried for decades to rebut the song. In truth, the town was purchased by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1960s, its buildings demolished and a coal-fired plant was built. Decades later, TVA now plans to shut down the Paradise plant to try to shift to more efficient energy production. Today, there’s not much to see in Paradise but the plant’s three cooling towers, mounds of coal and a declining coal industry.

Chattahoochee River, Georgia The toe-tapping river song “Chattahoochee,” which rhymes Chattahoochee with “hoochie-coochie,” was one of the biggest hits of Alan Jackson’s career, earning him two Country Music Association Awards and two Grammy nominations. The iconic music video features Jackson water-skiing in ripped blue jeans and his

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EASTERN SHORE Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118 Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 Park View at Ellicott City: II 410-203-2096 Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

white cowboy hat. The real Chattahoochee River is not far from where Jackson grew up in Newnan, Georgia, and forms the southern half of the Alabama and Georgia line. Jackson, who grew up water-skiing, came up with the idea for the music video, and his jeans and the water skis were later donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. However, because it was too cold at the time to shoot on the Chattahoochee when they made the video, most of the music video was actually shot on Lake Butler in Florida. But the summer is the perfect time to visit this river, which is popular for recreation, including boating, fishing, rafting and of course water-skiing. For more information, see nps.gov/ chat/index.htm.

“Wabash Cannonball” “Listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roar” go the lyrics to this early American train ballad that is the oldest song listed among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 songs that shaped rock ‘n’ roll. This became Roy Acuff’s signature song, but it dates back much earlier than him. The original song was called “The Great Rock Island Route,” and credited to J. A. Roff in 1882 sheet music. Later the name of the song was changed to “The Wabash Cannonball,” a reference to a major rail system that went from Detroit to St. Louis called the Wabash Railroad. It was also recorded by the original country music family, the Carter Family. The Wabash Railroad is no longer chugging along, but portions of its tracks have been turned into nature trails in the Midwest. The Wabash Cannonball Trail is a 65mile scenic trail system in northern Ohio that is open for hikers, bicyclists and horse riders. In Iowa, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a 63-mile trail in southwest Iowa to the Missouri border where you can see remnants of ghost towns that once relied on the railroad. For more info, see wabashcannonballtrail.org and wabashtrace.org. —AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 13

ENCORE CHORALE’S HOLIDAY PRORAM

The Columbia and Towson Encore

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Chorales combine for a performance

Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

of holiday music on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., Columbia. Composed of singers age

Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour. www.rhomecommunities.com PET-FRIENDLY

55-plus, the two chorales are part of the Encore Creativity organization headquartered in Churchton, Md. For more information, visit encorecreativity.org or call the Encore office at (301) 261-5747.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Style

Arts &

Lonnie Bunch has a new book and a new direction for the Smithsonian. Our cover story continues on page 28.

Mannheim Steamroller rolls into town

Named for Mozartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hometown Mannheim Steamroller formed in 1974, when Omaha musician-composer Chip Davis, who couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find a production company for his unique music, started his own record label. He named the band after the Mannheim

Roller, a type of extended orchestral crescendo developed by the Mannheim school, a group of 18th-century composers in Mozartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hometown of Mannheim, Germany. The records sold well, and the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tours sold out. Ten years later, Davis released the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Christmas album, which hit number 50 on Billboardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 200 chart. The group went on to win a Grammy Award in 1991 for Best New Age Album. It has sold 41 million records overall and is the top-selling artist when it comes to Christmas albums, beating out even Elvis. Mannheim Steamroller has played at the White Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for three presidents, the Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on several television shows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One day we played the Today show, hopped on a plane, went to L.A. and played the Tonight Show,â&#x20AC;? Layton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were like, is it today or is it tonight?â&#x20AC;? To accomplish 80 annual performances in two months, the band divides into several ensembles. Two groups tour different areas of the country, and a third ensemble plays beneath the roller coasters at Universal Orlando in Florida.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER

By Margaret Foster Every November and December for the past 35 years, the neoclassical new-age band Mannheim Steamroller goes on tour, its three troupes giving 80 performances in the space of two months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The music is so uplifting and full of joy,â&#x20AC;? said Roxane Layton, group spokesperson and one of its 20 members. She plays percussion and recorder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like a steamroller, it really moves you. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18th-century rock and roll. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a delicious sound.â&#x20AC;? Mannheim Steamrollerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique sound comes from its combination of electronic synthesizers and traditional instruments such as recorders, lutes, guitars, trumpets and a harpsicord. As part of its 35-year anniversary tour, Mannheim Steamroller will perform on Dec. 6 at Baltimoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Modell Lyric.

Grammy winner Chip Davis and the Mannheim Steamroller ensemble perform in Las Vegas and throughout the country every holiday season. Davis, who launched the New Age group in 1974, hit it big with its first Christmas album a decade later. Mannheim Steamroller will be at the Modell Lyric on Friday, Dec. 6, on its 35th annual holiday tour.

Home away from home Layton, who plays recorder and percussion for the group, hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a holiday at home with her family since she joined the

band 24 years ago. However, after sharing Thanksgiving meals together for decades, See STEAMROLLER, page 29

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Lonnie Bunch From page 1 African American Treasures. Smithsonian curators traveled to 14 cities, including Jacksonville, Detroit and Brooklyn, eventually acquiring 40,000 objects for the museum. About 70% of the museum’s artifacts came from the attics, garages and closets of ordinary Americans. To Bunch, those everyday artifacts are the real history. “I was trained as a social historian, which meant that, yes, I was interested in people like George Washington and Frederick Douglass, but I was really

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

interested in people’s whose names we don’t know,” he said. Some of the museum’s most powerful objects include a slave cottage from Edisto Island, South Carolina; Harriet Tubman’s Bible; the guard tower from a brutal Louisiana prison; a segregated railcar; and the casket of 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was exhumed in 2005 for an autopsy and reburied. Bunch personally sought out many of the museum’s artifacts. For instance, he spearheaded the search to find the wreckage of ships that had carried enslaved people. In 2014, his network of archaeologists unearthed the first such wreck off Cape Town,

TH E C THE COLUMBIA O L U M B I A ORCHESTRA ORCHESTRA December 7 December 7,, 2 2019 019 a att 7 7:30pm :30pm Jim Rouse Jim Rouse Theatre Theatre

COPLAND Lincoln Portrait FRANK La Llorona Julius Wirth, viola BERNSTEIN On the Waterfront

GERSHWIN American in Paris

Julius Wirth, Julius Wirth, viola viola

South Africa: 212 people, many from Mozambique, died when the São José sank in 1794. Bunch delivered a bag of Mozambique soil to the wreck site at the request of a chief whose tribe still honors those lost ancestors. “By the simple act of sprinkling that soil into the ocean, I was contributing to their being remembered, and that was powerful,” he said. During discouraging moments as the founding director of a museum that addresses our country’s racial issues, Bunch stayed motivated by remembering his own ancestors. “Can I make my grandparents smile? Would they be happy about the work I’m doing? And then, after my dad died, how would he feel about it?” he said. “Then it extended to other people who I’ll never know. Maybe they’re resting more in peace now.” Today Bunch is working to increase the relevance of the Smithsonian by addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, the impact of technology and shifting national identity. When Bunch was officially installed as secretary on Nov. 1, he said in a speech that the 21st-century Smithsonian will be “the place America looks to understand itself….We must be the glue that helps to hold our nation together.”

Museum-goers’ stories Tickets range Tickets range from from $10-$28 $10-$28 Call 4 Call 410-465-8777 10-465-8777 o orr vvisit isit w ww.columbiaorchestra.org www.columbiaorchestra.org

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Many of the 6 million people who have visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture so far have

brought their children and grandchildren to see its exhibits about slavery, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights era. “One of the things I’m proudest of in the museum is that it has become this pilgrimage site,” Bunch said. “Watching the intergenerational sharing is so powerful…To see those folks who come and say, ‘I lived that history’ or ‘I understand that history’ and ‘I want you as my grandchild to understand what strength you have that you don’t even know you have yet.’” He understands this on a personal level, too. Bunch and his wife, Maria MarableBunch, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren, ages 5 and 1. “I want my grandkids to be the people to stand up for the kid that’s being bullied,” he said. “I want them to understand fairness and that ultimately their job is to fight for fairness.”

Older volunteers essential Every year, more than 7,000 volunteers play a major role at the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo, with thousands more participating in projects online, such as transcribing historic documents. Volunteers log thousands of hours as information desk specialists, behind-the-scenes contributors, docents and educators. More than half of them are retirees. According to a 2017 Smithsonian study, “Those See LONNIE BUNCH, page 29

Steamroller From page 27 the band members are now close friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is my family. We are silly. There are a lot of pranks,â&#x20AC;? she said, recalling a rehearsal when the musicians wore false teeth, eliciting a few guffaws. She and her fellow band members have performed with greats such as Johnny Mathis, Olivia Newton-John, LeAnn Rimes, Patti LaBelle and Martina McBride. Mannheim Steamroller also collaborated with NASA to record space shuttle launches and landings.

Lonnie Bunch From page 28 in their 60s and 70s contributed 60% of [total] volunteer hours to the Smithsonian.â&#x20AC;? Bunch is grateful to those volunteers, and hopes they will engage visitors by asking them to share their own stories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing more powerful than sharing the oral stories, the memories,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you help families preserve their memories, then we have made a major contribution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They think their story is minor, and they might only be famous to their family, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good enough. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I want them to do.â&#x20AC;? Bunchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message to those looking for a way to find meaning in retirement: Just â&#x20AC;&#x153;find your good fight â&#x20AC;&#x201D; what is the thing

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a band member, though, is signing autographs after the shows, Layton said. Concert-goers bring their children and grandchildren to the performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting three generations [of fans],â&#x20AC;? Layton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I get to hear the most beautiful stories. This music affects people and families and lives.â&#x20AC;?

Healing sounds During the off season, Davis, now 72, is working on a new project with the Mayo Clinic to provide soothing music and that motivates you?â&#x20AC;? he said. In his current job as Secretary of the Smithsonian and in his past role establishing a new museum on the National Mall, Bunch stays motivated not by politicians or celebrities, but by ordinary, â&#x20AC;&#x153;anonymousâ&#x20AC;? people, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did it for all those people whose names we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, all those people who stop me on the street and say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thank you.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; If I could make those people smile and feel that their story is a part of this bigger story, then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done everything I could do.â&#x20AC;? A Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Errand is available on Amazon, in Target and Barnes & Noble stores and at Smithsonian museum gift shops. The Smithsonianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9

sounds of nature to hospital patients, even during surgery. Called Ambient Therapy, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;healthyâ&#x20AC;? sounds are meant to replace typical hospital noise â&#x20AC;&#x201D; beeping, clattering carts, etc., â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to help patients heal. In addition to the Mayo Clinic, Davisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sound therapy has been used at Wake Forest University, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CDs are bestsellers, but Layton said they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace the videos, light shows, fog and

other special effects at the live concerts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like listening to something organically, having it go through your body and feeling it live,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like getting those â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vitaminsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in person. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than just a concert: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an experience.â&#x20AC;? The Mannheim Steamroller Christmas performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Modell Lyric Theatre, 140 W. Mount Royal St. Tickets range from $46 to $95; no senior discounts. For tickets, call the box office at (410) 900-4150 or purchase them at http://modell-lyric.com.

From September to February, walk-up weekday entry begins at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. From March to August and

on all weekends, timed passes are required. You can obtain a pass up to three months in advance at http://bit.ly/AAmuseumpass.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Not Very Hungary 1

Stephen Sherr 6

41 44

43 47

Across 1. Demon’s boss 6. One with tix to the Homecomings game 10. President Tyler or Taylor 14. Justice selected between Sonia and Neil 15. Faux pas 16. Queen of Mount Olympus 17. Rainbow maker 18. “___ that make sense?” 19. State trees of Iowa and Georgia 20. First course, not actually named for a European country 23. Brouhaha 24. El ___ (Spanish hero) 25. Yoga student’s cargo 28. Cake, not actually named for a European country 34. Half of an OMELET 35. Masseur employer 36. Farfalle or fusilli 37. Closely associate 40. State of the ___ 42. Joins the poker game 43. Takes more than a glance 44. Endpoint of a big grin 46. Dir. of Columbus’ return trips 47. Condiments, not actually named for a European country 52. PERFECTLY centered 53. Acronym for Al Gore’s documentary 54. Material for road and roof repairs 55. Sandwiches, not actually named for a (partially) European country 62. Weak poker hand 64. Thrusting sword 65. Talking bird 66. Full of excitement 67. Memorization method 68. “Be careful: many bags look ___” 69. Unaccompanied 70. Scissorhands’ sound 71. Surrendered territory 1. Scissorhands portrayer

59 65

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Scrabble answers on p. 29.

2. NYC’s Eleanor Roosevelt High School, to locals 3. Part of a bride’s uniform 4. The “L” measure on a Levi’s tag 5. Eleventh Greek letter 6. “Shave ___ haircut” 7. Crazy bird 8. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization 9. Art piece created from thousands of jelly beans 10. “Slow down, Trigger” 11. Boarding school big-wig 12. Get on one’s nerves 13. Power source not used by a Nissan Leaf 21. Long long times 22. Human-made amino acid, fully called “levodopa” 26. Come to the conference 27. Sings about a pair sitting in a tree 28. Finished using a streetcar 29. Expatriate 30. First-term president’s goal 31. H&R Block employee 32. Sultan’s selections 33. Set of ethernet or wi-fi connections 38. Maximum volume on most amps 39. Goal of most movie stars 41. The first part of Tel Aviv University’s web address 45. Queue after Q 48. Grand Canyon visitors 49. “___ it; they’re gaining on us” 50. Where the pilot says “We are third in line for take-off ” 51. Pattern of repeating diamonds 56. Compulsion 57. Legendary Himalayan 58. Alert a pedestrian 59. Oklahoma city 60. Make a leaf pile 61. Storage spot for a 60 Down 62. Amigo 63. Previously

Answers on page 29.

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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 9

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Howard County 50+ Connection . . . . . . . .25-26 Howard County Recreation & Parks . . . . . .B1-4 Howard County Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Events AARP Driver Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Washington Innovation Summit . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Funeral Services Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 At Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 HomeCentris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Legal Services Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Medical/Health CopperZap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Gentleneedle Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Nourishing Life Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Real Estate

Subscriptions Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Technology BeaconSilverPages.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 TechMedic4u . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Theatre/Entertainment Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Columbia Pro-Cantare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27, 29

Tour & Travel

Home Improvement

Sachs Realty/Ruth Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Patrick Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Bathroom Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 LeafGuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Peak Custom Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Retail/Services

Volunteers/Employment

Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Oakridge Auction Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Meals on Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Trolley Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Fall in Love ... WITH

BROOKE GROVE Whether it’s strolling winding paths or socializing in sunny courtyards, residents of Assisted Living at Brooke Grove experience a warm, vibrant lifestyle and delight in our charming setting of open meadows and airy trees.

OUR AMENITIES Private rooms ﬁlled with sunshine from over-sized windows and skylights 24-hour on-site clinical support from licensed and caring nurses Secure courtyards and walking paths Ornamental koi pond Manicured ﬂower and sensory gardens Playground for visiting kids

MEMORY SUPPORT PROGRAM For residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we offer a special assisted living option with: Specially trained memory support staff An interactive lifestyle that maximizes choice and independence Tailored LIFE® enrichment programming that connects each resident to his or her past Group activities that allow residents to enjoy the outdoors and a thriving social life

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 or 301-924-2811