December 2024 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

Our own Golden Bachelorette

By Laura Sturza

Of all the talented contestants who viewers faithfully followed on season one of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor,” producers chose Rockville, Maryland’s Joan Vassos to be the lead in the first season of “The Golden Bachelorette.”

The show is another spinoff of “The Bachelor,” a reality TV program that premiered in 2002. The franchise produces romance and relationship shows that offer unmarried contestants a chance to find love in front of millions of TV viewers.

Vassos, a 61-year-old school administrator and grandmother, lost her husband of 32 years to pancreatic cancer, and first sought love on “The Golden Bachelor” last year. She had to leave that show early when her daughter had complications from giving birth (both daughter and grandchild are fine).

This season, she had to make the hard decisions about which eligible bachelors stayed in the running and which went home. ABC revealed her final choice in the season finale on November 13.

Vassos started off with 24 prospective fiancés, ages 57 to 69, including a retired UN agency director, an ER doctor, a retired Navy captain, a salon owner, and a fire department chief.

Winnowing down the field of suitors took place at “rose ceremonies,” in which she handed out roses only to the men who she chose to remain on the show.

“The rose ceremonies are so painful, and you don’t want [to hurt] these lovely men who have been so open and vulnerable, and who are maybe not love connections but are your friends,” Vassos said.

Forming fast relationships

In part, these heart-wrenching decisions are a function of how rapidly things

move on the show.

“You create these connections with the men really, really quickly because they share things that have happened in their lives that are life-changing events, and you don’t normally get those conversations early on in a relationship,” she said.

In each episode, Vassos faced the challenge of choosing who she imagines spend-

ing her future with and doing so on national television, surrounded by a TV crew.

How did she stay in touch with her feelings and listen to her heart’s desire while all that was happening?

“That was really hard,” Vassos said. “Your interactions are brief, and you need

Retired college professor publishes his

Joan Vassos, 61, starred in ABC’s new series “The Golden Bachelorette.” The Maryland grandmother chose Chock Chapple, an insurance executive from Kansas, in the season finale. They are engaged, but Vassos has vowed to stay in Maryland.

A time for thanks

I want to thank the thousands of readers, their guests and others who attended the 50+Expo events we recently offered in both Maryland and Virginia.

This was the 25th year we had presented these Expos to our readers and the larger community, so they were especially meaningful and joyous for me and the rest of us at the Beacon.

We put many months of effort into organizing our Expos, which included the many health screenings, important vaccinations, speakers and nearly 150 government agencies,

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

nonprofits and area businesses who came this year to share information, resource materials and gobs of chocolate and useful giveaways.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

Every year, more people appear willing to venture out to these large, often crowded events. We all know there is the potential for another pandemic down the road, but for the moment, it certainly feels freeing to be able to see each other’s faces, hear what others are saying, and enjoy the boisterous experience of being part of “the public.”

I was especially happy to see so many familiar faces and to have

NATURE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is seeking weed warriors, nest monitors, butterfly counters and more. Volunteers also maintain trails and tackle invasive plants around Howard County. For more information on volunteering, see the “Get Involved” tab under the Park Information section of middlepatuxent.org, contact Allen Dupre at adupre@howardcountymd.gov or call (410) 313-4035.

TheBeacon is a monthly newspaper

to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Howard County area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md. and Greater Washington, D.C. 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

Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei

Managing Editor – Margaret Foster

Art Director – Kyle Gregory

Vice President of Operations – Roger King

Advertising Representatives –Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel

Assistant Editor – Ana Preger Hart

the opportunity to speak with you, catch up on your lives, and hear your views on the issues of the day.

Of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that one of the best parts was hearing all the glowing compliments people shared with me about the Beacon, our writers, our sales staff and the events themselves. I was floating out the door at the end of both Expos.

Our exhibitors were equally happy to have the opportunity to meet so many active older adults who were sincerely interested in the housing communities, health providers, financial and legal advisors, recreation and travel opportunities, and community resources that participated.

I want to thank our hard-working staff for putting together these fantastic events. I also want to thank our gold sponsors AARP Virginia and Giant Pharmacy who, together with our many other sponsors, made the free events possible.

I also want to thank Giant for providing a variety of vaccines and health screenings, and the Prevention of Blindness Society for offering glaucoma tests.

If you were unable to hear my interview of writer Laura Stassi, we expect to post a video of it soon on our website at thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos.

We are already making plans for next fall’s Expos and intend for them to be even

bigger and better than this year’s. I hope to once again see those of you who came this year, and many more of you who could not be there.

As we enter the holiday season and the year draws to a close, I want to express my thanks to, and admiration for, everyone on the Beacon staff. Their diligent work keeps our printed publications and website brimming with useful content (and relevant advertising) month after month.

I’d like to thank them here by name: Executive Vice President Gordon Hasenei ; Vice President of Operations Roger King ; Art Director Kyle Gregory (celebrating his 25th year at the Beacon this month!); Managing Editor Margaret Foster ; Assistant Editor Ana Preger Hart ; Advertising Representatives Dan Kelly , Steve Levin , M.K. Phillips and Alan Spiegel ; and, of course, my wife, the Beacon’s President, Judy Rosenthal

The Beacon would not exist without all of their efforts — nor without you, who read our publications each month. I offer my sincere appreciation to each of you, too!

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.

Letters to the editor

Readers are encouraged to share their opinions 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:

I’m a longtime reader of the Beacon, but as I get older, can you make the print larger? If you have to, make the paper pages larger to accommodate this print enlargement.

M.S. Harris

Baltimore

Ed. Note: We are in the same boat; many of us find that as we age, we need reading glasses. While we can’t change the format or size of the Beacon to help you, if you have a PC, you can enlarge any print on your screen (whether

TRIVIA NIGHT

on the Beacon website or any other) simply by holding down the “control” button and hitting the plus sign as often as needed, or scrolling up with your mouse. On a Mac computer, you can do the same thing by holding down the "command" button and hitting the plus sign.

Another way to make use of a computer when you have low vision is to use a screen reader to have your computer read out loud to you.

You might also find it helpful to visit a low-vision clinic and ask to try out some of their devices for reading small print.

Calling all brainiacs, bookworms and history buffs! Trivia night takes place every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Collective Encore, 10221 Wincopin Cir., Columbia. Drop-ins welcome. It’s best to call in advance to confirm that trivia night is on at (443) 545-1030. For other local trivia nights, visit capcitytrivia.com/where-to-play.

BIRDWATCHING LECTURE

Learn more about the shorebirds and waterfowl of Idaho’s Snake River Plain. Join Howard County Birdwatching Club members Sue and Wes Earp for a talk accompanied by photographs. Their talk takes place on Thurs., Dec. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln., Columbia. For more information, email doctorfx_99@yahoo.com.

BEACON BITS

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dvisory A The A Ad Att-a-Glance Advisories are reserved f foor significant public health challenges that need people’s immediateaattention. In addition to examining the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in a — w Americ whhich increases the k f ris foor premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily — esaf the Advisory outlin frramework to enhance social connection

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research is needed to understand u the risks, causes and outtcomes of social disconnection, as well as en theeffffeectiveness of implem nting effffoorts to enhance connection.

6. Cultivate a culture of connection. Societal norms significantly impact people’s relationships, and it’s critical f foor connection to be embedded y’ in the fabric of the countr s culture.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

y & N Famil Nuursing Care is one of the oldest and most well-respected private duty home care businesses y a in the gre ter Mar ylland and a. W W Waashington, D.C. are We e pride ff ourselves on offeering access to empathetic, personal companion tsf care that helps clien feeel valued, secure, and connected to the

based on six pillars: l inf 1. Strengthen socia frrastructure. Creaatte communities and institutions — including parks, libraries, playgrounds, and a programs — thattbring people together. communityy.

r me wa So ayys the Ca egivers l e w w we woork with can help p combat f feeeling isolated or lonely include:

• i m General Comppanionshipp: In addition to helping with meeting nutritional needs, personal care,

can become close confidants and provide older adults with an outlet and space to share f feeelings, thoughts, and stories. Loneliness can be curbed with something as simple as sharing a meal or having regular conversations. Caregivers and clients often develop a faf connection like that o frriend or family member.

• Social Access: Mobility and transportation issues can inhibit u social interaction, b t you can leave those woes behind!

f A profeessional Caregiver can accompany clients to social events and get-togethers, including senior clubs, knitting ff circles, and more, offeering tons of opportunities to connect with wf potential ne frriends. “There’s no better time than

a new year to hf

embrace the companionship of a , V Caregiver,”said Kelly Salb Vice icesf President of Client Serv foor Family & Nursing Care. “Human connection has both mental and physical health benefits, and our team is passionate about providing our clients access to customized personal care services in order to help with health needs but also create a better quality of liffe e through social interaction.”

Living independently doesn’t nf haavve to mea feeeling alone, and a 2025 is a gre t year to decide to spend more time in the communityy. . Family & Nursing ff Care offeers access to a range of care services to help with this and ensure human connection.

T Toolearn more, call us at (410) urw 697-8200 or visit o weebsite at r f faamilynursingcaree.com.

Health Fitness & Fitness & Health

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

Various veggies and fermented foods like miso, kimchi and sauerkraut can help your body fight colds and flu

KICKING THE HABIT

A tiny sachet filled with flavored nicotine powder may curb smokers’ cravings

MEATLESS MONDAYS

If you want to take an occasional break from meat, try two recipes for a proteinpacked dip and quinoa pilaf

Studying how sleeping brains clear waste

By Lauran Neergaard

A unique peek inside the human brain may help explain how it clears away waste like the kind that can build up and lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain cells use a lot of nutrients, which means they make a lot of waste.

Scientists have long thought the brain has special plumbing to flush out cellular trash, especially during sleep — they could see it happening in mice. But there was only circumstantial evidence of a similar system in people.

Now researchers have finally spotted that network of tiny waste-clearing channels in the brains of living people, thanks to a small study using a special kind of imaging.

“I was skeptical,” said Dr. Juan Piantino of Oregon Health & Science University, whose team reported the findings last month. “We needed this piece to say this happens in humans, too.”

The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Brains are busy during sleep

The brain is remarkably active during sleep. One reason seems to be that’s the time it does a deep clean.

And that’s gotten attention because while losing a good night’s sleep muddles people’s thinking, chronic sleep deprivation also is considered a risk factor for dementia.

So how does the brain cleanse itself?

Over a decade ago, scientists at the University of Rochester first reported finding a network they dubbed the “glymphatic system.” Cerebrospinal fluid uses channels surrounding blood vessels to get deep into tissue and move waste until it exits the brain.

When mice were injected with a chief Alzheimer’s culprit named beta-amyloid, it cleared away faster when the animals were sleeping.

It’s not clear exactly how that network works, although some research has shown the pulsing of the blood vessels helps move the waste-clearing fluid where it needs go.

But it’s been hard to find that system in people. Regular MRI scans can spot some of those fluid-filled channels, but don’t show their function, Piantino said.

Advanced MRI lit the way

So his team in Oregon injected a tracer into five patients who were undergoing brain surgery and needed a more advanced form of MRI.

The tracer “lit up” under those scans, and sure enough, 24 to 48 hours later, it wasn’t moving randomly through the brain but via those channels, just like prior research had found in mice.

It’s a small but potentially important study that Rochester’s Dr. Maiken Nedergaard predicted will increase interest in how brain-waste clearance connects to

people’s health.

But to test if better sleep or other treatments might really spur waste clearance and improve health, “I have to be able to measure glymphatic function in people,” added Dr. Jeff Iliff of the University of Washington, who helped pioneer waste-clearance research.

The question is whether the new study might point to ways of doing that measuring. Sleep isn’t the only question. For example, animal studies show an old blood pressure drug now used to treat PTSD may improve glymphatic function. Iliff and colleague Dr. Elaine Peskind are about to study it in certain patients.

Additional larger studies in healthy people are needed, and Piantino, whose lab focuses on sleep health, wants to find an easier, more non-invasive test.

“We cannot study all these questions by injecting people,” he said.

What? Another medical form to fill out?

By Heidi Godman

You’re in a doctor’s office with a clipboard and a pile of medical forms on your lap. For the umpteenth time, you must now jot down your medical history — conditions, ongoing symptoms, past procedures, current medications, and even the health of family members.

But how much information should you include? Which details are most important? And why are you slogging through paper forms when a digital version likely exists?

Put down your pen for a moment and take a breath. We have some answers.

Do they need you to fill out the forms again?

In many cases, you do need to fill out medical history forms. That can be true even if you already have a digital record on file, known as an electronic medical record (EMR) or electronic health record (EHR).

The need to collect new information could be due to a variety of reasons:

• The healthcare provider might want an update, since information like medications or new health problems can change over time, or you might have missing or in-

accurate information in your record.

• Different specialists need to know about different aspects of your health.

• Your EMR at one provider’s office might not be accessible to others because practices don’t always have compatible computer software.

• Some practices don’t want to rely on records created by other practices. They may not trust that they’re accurate.

Can you refuse to fill out the forms?

“You don’t have to” complete the forms, said Dr. Robert Shmerling, a rheumatologist and senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing.

“But the response from the practice might be, ‘How can we provide the best care if you don’t provide the information?’ And if you persist, you run the risk of marking yourself — unfairly, perhaps — as uncooperative.”

What’s most important to share?

The most important details of your medical history include:

• chronic or new symptoms and conditions

• past surgeries

• family medical history

• insurance information

• current prescription and over-thecounter medicines, supplements, vitamins, and any herbal remedies or complementary medicines you use

• medication allergies

• vaccination history

• any screening tests you’ve had, so they won’t be prescribed unnecessarily

• any metal implants you have, which could affect screenings

If you don’t know all of the details, try to get them from a previous doctor or hospital you’ve visited.

“In some cases, not having the information could be a problem. For example, I need to know if my patients have had certain vaccines or if they have medication allergies,” said Dr. Suzanne Salamon, associate chief of gerontology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

What information is less important?

Sometimes, leaving out certain details might not matter, depending on the purpose of your health visit.

For example, your eye doctor doesn’t need to know that you broke your wrist when you were 18, had the flu last year, or had three C-sections.

But they should know which medicines and supplements you take, and whether you have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Not sure what to leave in or out of your history? Salamon suggests that you focus on the big stuff: chronic symptoms and conditions that need ongoing treatment, medications and supplements you’re taking, and your family medical history.

“If you can, bring a copy of your medical history to all new doctor appointments. It could be written or printed from your patient portal or kept handy on a digital health app.

“That way, you’ll have it handy if you need to fill out medical forms or if the physician asks you questions about your medical history during an appointment,” Salamon advises.

How secure is your personal info?

We trust healthcare professionals with

FORMS , page 5

Let’s face it: why our faces show our age

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: What are some of the main reasons for an aging face, and what can a person do to help slow it down short of injections or plastic surgery?

A: Dozens of changes take place as the years add up, some of them obvious and familiar:

• foreheads expand as hairlines retreat

• ears often get a bit longer because the cartilage in them grows

• tips of noses may droop because connective tissue supporting nasal cartilage weakens.

There are also structural rearrangements going on behind the scenes. When we’re young, fat in the face is evenly dis-

Forms

From page 4

our lives and our most private information, including our Social Security numbers (SSNs).

SSNs are used to double-check your identity to avoid medical errors, and to make sure your insurance information is accurate and practices get paid.

Is it really safe to hand over the information? It’s supposed to be. A federal law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects your health information with very strict rules about who can access it and how it can be shared.

“Medical practices take this very seriously,” Shmerling said. “They have lots of safeguards around personal health information, and routinely warn medical staff about not looking at or sharing informa-

tributed, with some pockets here and there that plump up the forehead, temples, cheeks, and areas around the eyes and mouth.

With age, that fat loses volume, clumps up, and shifts downward, so features that were formerly round may sink, and skin that was smooth and tight gets loose and sags.

Meanwhile, other parts of the face gain fat, particularly the lower half, so we tend to get baggy around the chin and jowly in the neck.

And, of course, there are the wrinkles. Those deep ones in the forehead and be-

See FACIAL AGE , page 6

tion inappropriately — with the threat of being fired immediately if they do.

“Electronic health records usually track those who look at our information, so it’s often not hard to enforce this.”

But no hospital or other entity can guarantee that your information is protected. That’s true of all information, especially with the constant threat of cyberattacks.

“So, if you feel strongly about it, you can try saying that you’d rather not provide certain information, and ask whether the practice can explain why it’s necessary,” Shmerling said.

“It takes a certain amount of trust in the system that personal health information will be kept private, even though that may feel like taking a leap of faith.”

Heidi Godman is executive editor of Harvard Health Letter.

© 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

MAIL OR EMAIL FOR

For free materials on housing communities just complete and clip this coupon and mail, or take a picture and email it, to the Beacon.

Housing Communities

❏ Brooke Grove (see ad on page 24)

❏ Charlestown (see ad on page 7)

❏ Homecrest House (see ad on page 6)

❏ Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant (see ad on page 5)

❏ Park View at Colonial Landing (see ad on page 21)

❏ Park View at Columbia (see ad on page 21)

❏ Park View at Ellicott City (see ad on page 21)

❏ Park View at Emerson (see ad on page 21)

❏ Residences at Vantage Point (see ad on page 1)

(evening)

Boost your immunity during cold season

By Karla Walsh

We all know that washing your hands is especially important when cold and flu season comes around. But so is what you put on your plate.

“We can really boost our immunity through diet alone. Consistent intake of the micronutrients that help our bodies fight disease is a natural solution to infection prevention,” said Cassie Majestic, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Cali-

fornia. “Micronutrients, or vitamins and minerals, are vital to disease-prevention and health development.”

So, fill your cart with the following foods to strengthen immune systems (listed in no particular order). All come recommended by Majestic; Rachel Swanson, R.D., L.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist and the founder of the nutrition consulting firm Rachel’s Rx in Los Angeles, California; and Rachel Fine, R.D., a registered dietitian and owner of the nutrition

Primary Care At Home

Ikon

•

•

•

•

most major supplemental insurance plans.

counseling firm To the Pointe Nutrition in New York City.

1. Citrus fruit: Among the strongest sources of vitamin C, lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit may support your body in its natural immunity process.

For a bonus dose of the best foods for the immune system that are high in C, add strawberries and avocados to your shopping list too.

2. Fermented foods: Kimchi, tempeh, miso and even kombucha are killer when it comes to combating germs.

“Fermented foods, and the probiotics they contain, are beneficial for the gut ecosystem,” Swanson said. “The majority [about 80%] of immune cells are housed within the

Facial age

From page 5

tween the eyebrows are called expression, or animation, lines. They’re the result of facial muscles continually tugging on, and eventually creasing, the skin.

Other folds may get deeper because of the way fat decreases and moves around. Finer wrinkles are due to sun damage, smoking and natural degeneration of elements of the skin that keep it thick and supple.

While a gracefully aging face is a beautiful thing, there are changes that occur with age that we might like to slow down.

One approach is to simply celebrate our age and appearance for what they are. Age-related changes in our facial appearance reflect our joys and challenges in life.

But not everyone is comfortable with that, and some might like to postpone embracing those changes.

Protecting your face from the sun is the single best way of keeping it youthful. You need to regularly use sunscreen that pro-

gut, which reflects the importance of our diet in maintaining proper functioning.”

3. Chicken soup: “There’s a reason why chicken soup makes its debut a lot during cold and flu season: Poultry, such as chicken, is high in B6, which helps with formation of new red blood cells,” Swanson said.

And if you can stir in a handful of kale or chard, even better. “Dark leafy greens are high in magnesium and vitamin E, a potent antioxidant,” Swanson added.

4. Yogurt: Probiotics are good for your gut and your immune defenses.

“Yogurt [with live active cultures] will boost your intake of probiotics to support a

tects against both UVA and UVB light, with an SPF of at least 30. Wearing a widebrimmed hat is also a good idea.

Moisturizers soothe dry skin and may temporarily make wrinkles less noticeable. Moisturizers for the face contain water to make them less greasy, and many have substances — glycerin, for example — that may help bind water to the skin.

Exfoliant creams can improve the appearance of older skin by getting rid of dead skin cells that don’t slough off as readily as they did when we were young.

Creams containing retinoids, compounds related to vitamin A, may help aging skin by inducing collagen production in the dermis and speeding up the process of replacing old skin cells with new ones.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, see health.harvard.edu. © 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

Can a nicotine pouch help smokers quit?

By Matthew Perrone

A tiny Philip Morris product called Zyn has been making big headlines, sparking debate about whether new nicotine-based alternatives intended for adults may be catching on with underage teens and adolescents.

Zyn is an oral pouch that contains nicotine powder and flavorings like mint, coffee and citrus. The pouches are the fastestgrowing segment of the tobacco industry, which has struggled for decades to replace falling cigarette sales.

Zyn is marketed by Philip Morris International to adult tobacco users. Competitors sell similar products. Altria, for instance, sells its own flavored pouches called On.

Although the pouches don’t actually contain tobacco, U.S. regulators still treat them as a tobacco product.

How do they work?

Users stick them between their lip and gums, where they slowly release low levels of nicotine that are absorbed into the bloodstream. Because pouches generally don’t contain tobacco, there’s no spitting, unlike older products like chew and snuff.

Philip Morris representatives say the nicotine-only formulation is part of Zyn’s appeal.

“People can be reluctant to move into an

oral tobacco product if they view it as similar to traditional chewing tobacco,” company spokesman Corey Henry said. “Consumer acceptability is a big part of Zyn.”

Is Zyn healthier than tobacco?

All tobacco products carry serious health risks. Cigarettes are widely understood as the most harmful, increasing the likelihood of cancer, heart disease and lung problems. Chewing tobacco is linked to mouth cancer, gum disease and tooth loss.

But in the last decade or so, researchers and health regulators have begun to acknowledge different levels of harm among different tobacco products.

In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration said a different oral tobacco product, called snus, contains lower cancer-causing chemicals than cigarettes and could benefit smokers who switch.

Snus are similar to nicotine pouches like Zyn, except that they contain fermented tobacco. Studies from Sweden and other places where they are popular have shown lower rates of lung cancer and related diseases compared with other European countries where smoking is more prevalent.

There’s little research on the long-term effects of nicotine pouches, but many researchers expect they will show similarly

low rates of carcinogens and other toxic components.

Still, that doesn’t mean they’re safe. A study last year found Zyn and similar products contain low levels of harmful substances such as ammonia and formaldehyde.

What does the FDA say?

Currently FDA officials are letting Zyn stay on the market while they review Philip Morris’ marketing application, which was submitted in 2020.

To win FDA authorization, companies generally must show that their products will reduce disease among adult tobacco users without attracting underage use by teens and adolescents.

Is Zyn popular among young people?

Not according to the latest federal data. Only 1.5% of high school and middle school-

Meatless foods that are high in protein

By Albert Stumm

Many people consider eating less meat, whether for health, environmental or animal-welfare reasons. But they sometimes hesitate because they are concerned about how they would replace all that lost protein.

When Jennifer Anastasiou decided to go vegetarian after learning about the environmental impact of livestock, she worried at first about her protein intake.

“It was kind of hard, because when you eat meat your entire life, you don’t even

have to think [about protein],” said Anastasiou, who grew up eating plenty of meat in her Irish-Catholic family in Philadelphia.

Now she relies heavily on foods that dietitians recommend for those cutting down on meat: high-protein legumes like lentils, chickpeas and beans, vegetablebased protein shakes, and veggies like cauliflower, peas and spinach.

The USDA has a calculator to determine daily nutrient recommendations, but those values represent the minimum amount

you need to maintain healthy functioning, said Jenna Braddock, a dietitian in St. Augustine, Florida.

She said research suggests 0.8 to 2 grams per kilogram of weight, depending on your goals.

Small amounts add up

A good way to reach your goal is what

Boost immunity

From page 6

strong microbiome, and as a result, a strong immune system,” Fine said.

5. Mushrooms: Mushrooms are one of the top immune-boosting foods. Both caps and stems offer beta-glucans, Swanson said, which are soluble fibers that research suggests may lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar control and strengthen immunity. Reishi, shiitake and maitake are especially rich in beta-glucans.

6. Matcha tea: The antioxidant EGCG, found in green teas (including matcha), inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, and is “shown to have multiple actions on immune cell function,” Swanson said.

7. Sunflower seeds: Whenever you use this food that helps your immune system (whether tossed into trail mix or for top-

Have confidence in every conversation.

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she called protein stacking: adding a small amount of nuts, whole-grain bread or legumes to meals you already are eating.

“It’s going to be hard to get all of that protein from one single plant-based source — whether because of either the quantity of food that you’d have to eat or the calories

ping your morning bowl of oats or yogurt), you’ll be getting a potent dose of vitamin E. If you’re not in the mood to get seedy, “this powerful antioxidant can also be found in peanut butter and almonds,” Fine said.

8. Sweet potatoes: Roasted, toasted (yes, sweet potato toast is a thing!) or mashed, there are dozens of delicious ways to get your fix of this immune-boosting food.

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, which has been shown to play a role in the development of healthy immune system function.

Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at bhg.com.

© 2024 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Meatless recipes

From page 8

that it would end up being,” said Braddock, co-author of The High-Protein Vegan Cookbook for Athletes.

She recommended making a batch of lentils on the weekend — half a cup has 9 grams — to stuff into tacos, add to salads or just eat on their own.

Frozen edamame is an easy go-to, and tempeh, an Indonesian fermented soy product, has 18 grams “in a pretty manageable serving size,” Braddock said.

Hemp hearts have a chewy texture, high fiber and about 3 grams of protein per tablespoon. One of her favorite snacks is yogurt with hemp hearts, fresh fruit and a drizzle of peanut butter.

Peanuts get forgotten when people talk about healthy nuts, Braddock said, but she highlights them because they’re more affordable than most nuts and still have 8 grams of protein per ¼ cup.

Seeds like pumpkin, sunflower and chia also generally are cheap and high in protein. As is quinoa, which seems like a grain but is actually a seed.

For people who might not like the texture of beans or tofu, Braddock recommended blending them into a creamy soup or making dips out of them.

Or ask around to find the restaurant that makes the best version of tofu, for example, so you start with a positive experience that you’ll want to replicate at home.

Nicotine pouch

From page 7

ers reported using nicotine pouches when surveyed last year. That’s well below the roughly 10% who used electronic cigarettes.

But anti-tobacco advocates point to worr ying signs: videos of young people popping the pouches have racked up millions of views on social media in recent months.

A similar surge of online activity preceded the rise of Juul, the sleek e-cigarette widely blamed for triggering a spike in teen vaping.

The FDA says it’s monitoring underage use of Zyn and other pouches and will take action, if necessar y.

Can Zyn help adults quit?

“Make your entry point as delicious and as easy as possible,” she said.

“When it comes to eating more vegetarian or vegan, it’s not just a switch you tur n on. It’s a journey you take that you will grow in skills, ability, knowledge and competency in the kitchen.”

Try these two recipes from The HighProtein Vegan Cookbook for Athletes by Jenna Braddock and Ivy Stark.

Toasted Pumpkin Seed Dip

Serves 4

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup hulled pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

3 plum tomatoes

1 small red onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, roasted

¼ cup finely chopped cilantro

½ habanero chile, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

1 tablespoon chipotle chile en adobo, finely minced

Juice of 1 lime

Juice of ½ orange

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Place the pepitas in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the first one pops, stir constantly until all have popped from flat to round, about 5 minutes. Blend in a food processor to a smooth paste, scraping down the sides a few times.

yD

Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet under the broiler and roast until blackened

Currently only a handful of products are FDA-approved to help with quitting smoking, including medications, nicotine gums and patches.

Some researchers point out that Zyn works similarly to some of those products — gradually delivering nicotine that reduces cravings.

But early research suggests Zyn and other pouches may not be enough to help smokers quit.

Ohio State University researchers recently found it took smokers 30 minutes to an hour to get enough nicotine from Zyn to relieve their cravings. With cigarettes, smokers achieved the same nicotine levels — and relief — in five minutes.

For now, Philip Morris is focused on obtaining FDA authorization to stay on the market, and eventually it has said it could seek a reduced-risk designation similar to snus.

But no tobacco company — Philip Morris included — has ever asked the FDA to approve their products to help smokers quit completely. —AP

and very soft, flipping halfway through, about 6 minutes per side. Cool and finely chop.

In a medium bowl, combine the seed paste, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantr o, chipotle and habanero. Stir in lime juice, orange juice and cinnamon. Taste and season with sea salt.

Serve with warm corn tortillas or crisp vegetables like baby carrots, cucumber slices, radishes and sliced fennel.

Quinoa Pilaf with Asparagus

Serves: 4

Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups red quinoa

4½ cups water

½ teaspoon salt

1 bunch thin asparagus, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

½ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

1 small red onion, finely chopped

½ small bunch fresh basil, chopped

2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped

Directions:

Place the quinoa in a large strainer. Rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.

Transfer quinoa to large saucepan; add the water and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes.

Transfer quinoa to large bowl, add asparagus and let sit covered for 5 minutes, fluff with fork. Stir in oil, cumin and lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Add pine nuts, red onion, basil and thyme to the warm quinoa just before serving.

The quinoa will hold well covered in the fridge for five days; just add the gar nishes when you are ready to reheat and serve.

Albert Stumm writes about food, travel and wellness. Find his work at albertstumm.com. —AP

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Travel Leisure &

Visit Richmond for its diverse museums

By Glenda C. Booth

Once viewed as a buttoned-up town with a dark history, Richmond today is owning its past and blossoming into a vibrant metropolis that celebrates diversity of all kinds.

The city’s multiple museums offer days of contemplation. One of Richmond’s many history museums, The Valentine Museum, offers an introductory overview of Richmond’s jewels, warts and wrinkles.

Situated in the former studio of sculptor Edward Valentine, the museum includes an exhibit on the “Lost Cause” myth — an ideology attempting to justify the Civil War and slavery as a states’ rights issue.

Other exhibits tell the stories of Indigenous people, African Americans, Civil Rights and women’s suffrage activists, and Richmond’s industries, from Reynolds Metal to Lucky Strike. Photographs and artifacts also focus on the city’s distinctive neighborhoods, like The Fan, which is lined with Victorian rowhouses.

A five-minute walk from The Valentine is the historic State Capitol, where the state legislature has met since 1788. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson, who was inspired by France’s Maison Carrée, a classical Roman temple.

Walk-in visitors can join a free guided tour inside to gaze at the rotunda and its life-size marble sculpture of George Wash-

ington.

On Capitol Square, 12 life-size bronze statues represent a group of accomplished Virginia women whose lives spanned four centuries. Among those whose likeness is preserved by the Virginia Women’s Monument are Cockacoeske, a Native American tribal chief, Clementina Rind, the colony’s public printer, and Adele Goodman Clark, a founder of the state’s Equal Suffrage League.

Nearby, the Civil Rights Memorial honors Barbara Johns — the courageous 16year-old who staged a school walkout protesting racial segregation. She is flanked by seven other desegregation crusaders standing under her comment, “It seemed like reaching for the moon.”

The Virginia Holocaust Museum, located in a former tobacco warehouse on the James River, tracks the Ipson family’s 1943 escape from a Lithuanian ghetto. They hid for six months in a cellar, “the potato hole,” before emigrating to America and settling in Richmond.

Among the museum’s 6,000 artifacts and 1,400 documents is a piece of original barbed-wire fence from the Dachau concentration camp.

The Beth Ahabah Museum recognizes Jewish people who came to the Virginia territory as early as 1650 and created a thriving community in the city. It is locat-

ed in a synagogue of the same name situated in the city’s Fan District (named for the streets that fan out from Monroe Park).

Black history

Richmond, like the rest of Virginia, has both scars of racism and many heroes.

A few blocks from Shockoe Bottom, the country’s second-largest slave trading center, the Reconciliation Statue memorializes the slave trade, and a self-guided Slave Trail unravels slavery’s mechanics and evils.

In historic Jackson Ward, the “birthplace of Black Capitalism,” Maggie Walker’s home tells a story of empowerment.

As the first African American woman bank president, she “turned nickels into dollars.”

When, from the 1860s to the 1930s, white establishments refused to serve Black people, she created a bank, department store, insurance company, newspaper and Girl Scout troop. Her bronze statue is a noble presence at Adams and West Broad Streets.

At the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, exhibits recount slavery from Egypt to the present, along with stories from enslaved people’s resistance, the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Movement.

Visitors learn that in 1849, Henry “Box” Brown, an enslaved man, mailed himself to Philadelphia abolitionists in a wooden crate, a 27-hour journey.

Another statue pays tribute to the wellknown Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the famous dancer from Richmond remembered for tapping up and down stairs in a complex rhythmic pattern. He was the country’s most highly-paid African American entertainer in the early 20th century.

The city’s historic Monument Avenue no longer has towering statues of Confederate generals, but it does have one of tennis great and Richmonder Arthur Ashe who, surrounded by children, holds a tennis racket in one hand and a book in the other.

Art and nature

Located on Arthur Ashe Boulevard is Richmond’s most internationally acclaimed museum, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which offers free admission.

Its collection includes Himalayan and Indian art as well as works by Goya, Delacroix, John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer, and images by photographers Gordon Parks and Sally Mann.

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, located 15 minutes from downtown Richmond, lights up every holiday season. This year’s Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights runs from November 18 to January 5, 2025.

The Jefferson Hotel’s historic lobby resembles a museum. See story below.

The Virginia Women’s Monument features life-sized bronze statues of women from the state, including Cockacoeske, a Pamunkey chieftain; Jamestown colonist Anne Burras Laydon; frontierswoman Mary Draper Ingles; entrepreneur Laura Copenhaver; teacher Virginia Randolph; and Adèle Clark, suffragist and artist.

Richmond

From page 10

In the 135-acre park-like Hollywood Cemetery (named for its holly trees, not Tinseltown), funerary art and nature intermingle amid winding roads and paths, mausoleums, reliquaries, obelisks, urns, pyramids and crosses.

It is the resting place for 80,000 people, including U.S. presidents John Tyler and James Monroe; governors and other Virginia luminaries; and local writer Ellen Glasgow, who often satirized Richmond families.

To research the master of the macabre, the Poe Museum is the place to go. Museum-goers can gain a few insights into poet Edgar Allen Poe — from his turbulent childhood in Richmond as an adoptee, to his mysterious death in Baltimore at age 40.

Artifacts, including a lock of his hair and a piece of his coffin, rest in dim light on creaky floors. There’s even a black cat named Edgar wandering around the garden.

War history

Virginia has been at the center of several wars. Historic St. John’s Church is where Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” oration was delivered in 1775. The Church now stages reenactments of that speech several times during the year and weekly in the summer.

Muskets are fired daily at 1 p.m. at the American Civil War Museum, located on the

site of the Tredegar Iron Works, an arsenal that made cannons for the Confederate army.

The museum tells the war’s story and legacy from multiple perspectives, including that of women, free and enslaved people of color from both the North and South, Indigenous people and soldiers.

The “1865 Fall of Richmond” exhibit there showcases a Confederate battle flag captured by Tad Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln’s 12-year-old son, when they visited the city two days after the South’s surrender.

The Virginia War Memorial honors those who served in more recent wars, including World Wars I and II, Korea and the Persian Gulf.

The Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s upcoming Vietnam War exhibit, from November 23 to July 6, 2025, will feature oral histories of some of the 230,000 Virginians who served.

Nature aglow

Just outside Richmond, the 50-acre Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is worth a visit in any season. Its 15 themed gardens showcase perennials, roses, shrubs, vegetables, wetland plants and native trees.

Winter is a good time to study the gardens’ “bones,” colorful berries and fuzzy buds. In the domed conservatory you’ll find cacti, orchids, other tropical and subtropical plants and butterflies.

The garden’s Dominion Energy Garden-

Fest of Lights is an annual winter display of more than one million lights, including 110 trees glowing with them. USA Today named the garden’s 2023 show the number-one botanical garden holiday light show in the country. This year’s show runs from November 18 to January 5, 2025.

If you go

Richmond is 130 miles south of Columbia. While Amtrak has several daily trains to the downtown Main Street Station and to Staples Mill, seven miles northwest of downtown, a car comes in handy to see Richmond’s different neighborhoods. Parking is easy and often free.

There are many lodging choices, like the historic Linden Row Inn, with its indoor courtyard (nightly rates range from $155$310 per night), or the Quirk Hotel, where

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

guests relax on raspberry-colored sofas and in a rooftop bar (nightly rates start at $196).

Some travelers splurge on the five-star Jefferson Hotel, which opened in 1895 and has hosted notables like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and 13 U.S. presidents. Rates start at $319 per night.

Richmond has restaurants for every pocketbook and taste. Mama J’s in Jackson Ward serves classic Southern fried chicken, catfish, collard greens, mac and cheese and pineapple-coconut cake.

The Rappahannock Oyster Company specializes in seafood, including Virginia oysters. Kuba Kuba serves Cuban fare. Perly’s is a popular kosher-style deli downtown.

For more ideas about what to visit, do and eat, see visitrichmondva.com, richmondmagazine.com or historicstjohnschurch.org/reenactments.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS (VIRTUAL)

Join this free weekly discussion group with Senior Planet to learn about various holistic practices and hear from other adults about their personal experiences with holistic wellness. The group meets on Tuesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. on Zoom. Registration not required. Join at tinyurl.com/HolisticWellnessOnline, or call in by phone at 1-888-788-0099 (meeting ID 895 2422 1328). For more information, call 1-888-713-3495.

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years + Recreation

& Parks

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Cooking

• Info: Melissa Byrne, mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov.

NEW!

A Very British Brunch for the Holidays with Chef

Alba

Fancy a delicious British brunch for a holiday breakfast? Get the holidays off to a delicious start with plenty of recipe ideas to make your holiday morning extra special. Join Chef Alba and prepare recipes that get the day off to a warm start. Our menu: brunch pancake sharing board, egg-in-the-hole smoked salmon and avocado toasties, and the ultimate holiday panettone minitrifles. Class is hands-on while you cook in your own kitchen. Recipes and prep instructions are emailed beforehand.

18 yrs +Classes: 1

RP0514.101OnlineDec 126-8pmTh$39

Crafts & Fine Arts

• Info: Melissa Byrne, mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov.

NEW!

Candle Making at AR Workshop

Join us for this scent-sational DIY workshop! Create a one-of-akind candle scent for your home or as the perfect handcrafted gift. Enjoy our classic candle style and options to upgrade and add on during the class. Please note, once your candle is poured, it takes roughly 45 minutes to solidify/cure. You are welcome to wait until it is ready to take, or you may choose to pick it up at a later date.

18 yrs +AR Workshop, ColumbiaClasses: 1

RP0812.103Dec 66:30-8pmSa$44

NEW! Wood Slice Ornament Acrylic Painting Workshop with Jenn Todd Lavanish

This workshop is a fun way to play with acrylic paints! Create little keepsake wood slice ornaments that make the perfect gift. Pinterest is full of creative ideas to decorate your ornament. They can be painted with a variety of themes like, seasonal, decorative, floral, mandalas, monograms, landscapes and more! Join us to paint and create mini masterpieces! Materials included.

16 yrs +Classes: 1

RP0220.101Harriet Tubman CtrDec 79am-noonSa$55

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/activeaging55 for more 55 yrs + programs!

Fitness

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

First

Step Fitness

with Pamela Schuckman, ACE-CPT, GFI

If it’s time to start exercising but you’re not ready to join a gym, First Step Fitness is the place to begin. Focus on core strength, balance, and flexibility while learning proper body mechanics. Learn modifications for days when you need to take a lighter approach, and progressions for when you’re ready for more. This class has two goals: to help each participant embrace fitness in their life, and to have fun while doing it. Participants should be able to get up and down from the floor independently. Classes include frequent transitions between standing and floor-based work.

55 yrs +Classes: 6

RP3544.103Roger Carter CCDec 39:30-10:45amTu,Th$56

Lifelong Learning

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Saving Money with Technology

The internet can open a new world for saving money and managing your finances. This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe. You’ll also learn about online shopping and explore some digital resources for saving money on entertainment, prescription drugs, and everyday items.

Preregister: tinyurl.com/HCRPSeniorPlanet

55 yrs +Classes: 1

Roger Carter CCDec 210-11:30amMFree

Nature Programs

• Info: Robinson Nature Center, 410-313-0400.

Sr. Naturalist Program

Having fun in nature is for all ages! This program provides a foundation of understanding on a variety of environmental topics through hands-on exploration and demonstrations in a casual, social atmosphere. Enjoy the winter constellations and a film in the planetarium with this month’s theme: Astronomy.

50 yrs +Robinson Nature CtrClasses: 1

RP4831.104Dec 183-4:30pmW$15

• Info: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279 or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov.

Dutch Apple Theater: White Christmas

Join us as we travel to Pennsylvania to enjoy A White Christmas! Based on the beloved movie about veterans (turned song-and-dance men) Bob and Phil. They meet a sister duo and follow them to a lovely Vermont inn. Here, they see a former Army General who fell on hard times. The foursome create a plan to help him. Hear your favorites, “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “Happy Holidays,” “White Christmas,” and more! A delicious and plentiful buffet is included. Walking with seating available.

18 yrs +Bus provided RP4543.101Dec 5 11am-6pmTh$159

Museum of the Bible

Visit the beautiful 430,000-square-foot Bible Museum just two blocks from the National Mall. This experience is unparalleled, using cutting-edge technology to bring the Bible to life across time, space, and cultures. Lunch is on your own at the onsite Milk and Honey Café. Be sure to register early! Lots of walking and standing with some opportunities to sit.

All agesBus provided RP4612.101Dec 129:30am-4:30pmTh$89

A Beautiful Holiday at Longwood Gardens

Poinsettias, magnificent trees, and fragrant flowers transform the conservatory into a holiday wonderland. Outside, colorful fountains dance to festive music, strolling carolers herald the season with song, and a half-million twinkling lights await. No holiday is complete without a visit to “A Longwood Christmas.” Enjoy walking the grounds while viewing special exhibits and seasonal plants. Lunch is on your own onsite. Lots of walking and standing with some opportunities to sit.

All agesBus provided RP4582.101Dec 138am-5pmF$139

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/RPtrips for more trips & tours!

olume 14, No. 12 | December 202 Vo

ct Holiday s

joy to older a dult

For more than 20 years, ay Proojject Holidayy, , an initiative of the Howard County Office of Aging and Independence (OAI), has brought joy and holiday cheer to isolated older adults living in the communityy, , assisted living and nursing home r facilities. This year, , OAI aims to deliver gifts to

largest number ever served.

350 residents—the

o “The success of Projject Holiday is driven by an incredible spirit of unity and compassion amongst our volunteers and community partners, who donate, assemble and deliver hundreds of gift bags o , across Howard County in early December ”says OAI’s Projject W Holidaay y team leader Morgan Spliedt. “Weewant the recipients to . df f feeel seen and care foor and know they are not alone ” In 2023, OAI provided gifts to 328 older adults, engaged 37 volunteers and collected over 5,000 donated items, including personal care items, handcrafted scarves, ornaments and cards, hf plus quilted items handmade by the Fait fuul Circle Quilters. t f l f ef “WWe e are immensely grat fu u foor the continuing suppor frrom our partners such as the Howard County Police Recruits, the Howard County Health Department, Friendship Assisted Living, the , T y Coalition of Geriatric Services, Age Friendly Howard County, Taau t. “ y, Pi Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,” says Splied “AAnd we are e f thrilled so many community volunteers generously donat fuunds y o and items each year to Projject Holiday.”

Because of growing community support, Project Holiday can reach more people and make a bigger impact on the lives of older ts w adul who may not otherwise receive gifts during this season. va, f El frrom Friendship Place Assisted Living, shared, “My residents appreciatethegiftsverymuchandtheirfaceslightupw whenthey

Fo enters. y 50+ C ount C

lder ad

h it e w g in lin ing g a frramin e r r ’ e w w o t h cefle es r hang e c Thes ef .m. t 5 p p a to t s ’ esn feedo nok wlif e e w ausce es—b assl d c ekene d w n g a venin e e or en m v offeere ff lliWeew aranu g J innineg , b o o e t her s t our g h andinexp y 6, 2025. W re ’ e , w enter s C nest y 50+ Fi t t Ci licotl e E

lyiend r e F g ur A f o e o has ext p e n h h t aunc o l e t arrep e p s w A e fe es o ag t d s n es a g l a l r a o fo mmunit e a co at e o cr n t isio ur v o y f flif

ts. Em lu lder ad r o o fo v er s icesf nd s a ramrog ur p e o prov n im a e c ys w er wa h t t o ou b u a yo frrom a e o h t t n e wa , w y, aranu e in J ivatit y ini ount d C Howar y rf

y f a Proojject Holiday y volunteers derive jo frrom giving back as well. o Sandyy, , a Projject Holiday volunteer since 2022, now serves on the a o planning committee. “I first became interested in Projject Holiday y

Through the unwavering support of our community partners and volunteers, Project Holiday continues to thrive, ensuring a f that older adults in our are fe e el valued and connected during the holiday season.

o There’s still time to contribute to Projject Holiday! Learn how you can help at o wwww..howardcountymd.gov/projjectholiday. .

e m becaus my y mother is 85 and lives by herself in Michigan, so I d f understand the nee foor connection and support. It continues to n, motivate me to give back where I ca ,” she explains. y p w appreciate the gifts very much and their faces light u en they em. receive th ” She distributes the goodie bags during their holiday party and noted activity and word search books are particularly popular items.

OAI’s monthly technology support groups are for beginners and savvy tech users alike! Topics vary monthly, and include social media, basic smartphone use, cybersecurity, email, apps, QR codes, ADA accommodations, video chat, and more! Led by trained facilitators, the group meetings are FREE and held at the following 50+ centers:

• Bain 50+ Center | Second Friday of the month, 1 p.m.

• Elkridge 50+ Center | Last Monday of the month, 1 p.m.

• North Laurel 50+ Center | Second Tuesday of the month, 1 p.m.

No registration is required. For more information, contact Malarie Burgess mburgess@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-6542 (voice/relay).

Living Well Chronic Pain Self-Management Program

Wednesdays, January 8 – February 12, 1 p.m. | Virtual A20371.200

This six-week chronic pain self-management program is offered virtually to help people manage chronic pain. Topics include managing symptoms & challenges, evaluating treatment options and balancing activity & rest.

Living Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)

Thursdays, January 16 - February 20, 5:30 p.m. | Virtual A07350.100

This six-week CDSMP can help you manage chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, obesity and more. Small groups meet virtually each week to discuss nutrition, exercise, communication with family members and health care providers, dealing with frustration, and more.

Wreath Craft

Elkridge 50+ Center – December 4, 11 a.m. / A05544.100

Our amazing volunteer, Barb Cavelius, leads a fun and festive crafting session to create a beautiful and unique yarn wreath for the holidays. Cost: $12.

Holiday Craft Show

Ellicott City 50+ Center – December 6, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

No registration required.

Shop local at our Holiday Craft Fair! Choose from a variety of homemade crafts, artisanal foods, jewelry, and more. Admission is $1; proceeds benefit Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue.

Holiday Book Sale

Glenwood 50+ Center – December 10 – 13, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

No registration required.

Discover great reads and support the center. All books are donated, and all funds stay local to support future programs. Don’t miss out!

Preparing for the Unexpected

North Laurel 50+ Center – December 11, 10:30 a.m. / A01657.100

The Office of Emergency Management will discuss their role in keeping residents informed about local hazards. Learn how to write an emergency plan, build a shelter-in-place kit and go bag, and discover how getting involved in the emergency preparedness community can help you stay ready.

Bain’s Annual Holiday Party

Bain 50+ Center – December 11, 10:30 a.m.

Call 410-313-7213 to register.

Delight in traditional holiday music performed by the Bain Center Gospel Choir and HCC Choir. Celebrate the spirit of the season with good friends, good food and good music. Free; lunch is by donation.

Breaking Down the Barriers & Myths of Exercise and Nutrition

Ellicott City 50+ Fitness – December 17, noon / Register

Join MythBusters certified personal trainer and occupational therapist, Roxanne Hartman, and certified nutrition coach and OAI fitness coordinator, Sherri Lively, as they break down misconceptions about fitness and nutrition.

10 Things to Discuss with Your Doctor

East Columbia 50+ Center – December 17, 1 p.m. / Register

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

Find us @HoCoCommunity on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Nextdoor AVAILABLEINALTERNATEFORMATSUPONREQUEST

Join the subscriber list https://bit.ly/HoCosubscribe Listen to the HoCo Community Chat podcast on Buzzsprout

A Maryland Access Point information specialist leads an informative session to explore 10 essential conversations to have with your doctor as you navigate the aging process.

SeniorsTogether: Let’s Chat

Glenwood 50+ Center – January 6 to March 31, 11 a.m. / A03100.200

Stay informed and connect with others in a small, friendly group setting, led by a trained facilitator. Engage in conversations on topics like remembering the ’60s/’70s, downsizing, technology, and cyber safety.

For help paying medical bills, see story below.

MoneyMoney Law & They call you honey, then ask for money

By Kimberly Palmer

Finding a partner can be difficult. You may be tempted to look for love online. Unfortunately, criminals are also on the hunt — but for victims, not romance.

“Meeting people online has opened the door to romance fraud,” said Kim CasciPalangio, program director of the peer support program at the nonprofit Cybercrime Support Network in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“You feel you can trust them,” she said, adding that cybercriminals often cultivate relationships for months before asking for money.

Reports to the Federal Trade Commission show that consumers lost $1.14 billion in 2023 to romance scams. While romance scams can happen to anybody, here are some strategies experts suggest to reduce your risk of falling for one:

Beware of online relationships that move fast

People are often eager to move relationships forward quickly, especially around holidays, said Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that provides advice and assistance related to identity theft. She suggests going slowly instead.

Scam artists, Velasquez explained, tend to shower their targets with affection, proclaiming their love early. Then, the victim feels compelled to send money when the scam artist says they need it.

“They make up some excuse, like [they’ve been in] an accident,” she said. If

their target doesn’t send money to them, they move on to the next victim.

Watch for common red flags

Another sign of romance fraud is if the person you are interacting with asks you to communicate off of the dating app, such as by using WhatsApp or email, said Ayleen Charlotte, whose story of being tricked by a romance scam was featured in the Netflix show “The Tinder Swindler.”

She now works with BioCatch, a fraud prevention firm, as a scam advisor and banking customer advocate.

“They want you in a more personal environment to get to you,” Charlotte said — a forum where they can interact with you on their own terms without any limits imposed by dating apps.

Casci-Palangio said another sign that something is amiss is if the person you are communicating with declines to have video calls with you or meet in person. They might cite reasons such as living overseas, serving in the military or working on an offshore oil rig.

“They may not be who they say they are,” Casci-Palangio said.

They might also be using canned scripts that they send to multiple people. Using terms like “honey” instead of your name is a sign you could be communicating with a scammer.

Do your own research

If you start to wonder about the person you are communicating with online, it’s time to go into investigative mode.

Casci-Palangio suggests starting with a reverse image search of their profile photos. You can upload any photo to images.google.com to generate results.

You might discover the images actually belong to someone else or are used across multiple sites with different names and identities.

“But they could also be using a newly created image. Having no online footprint is also a red flag,” she added.

Melanie McGovern, national spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit that promotes marketplace trust, suggests taking notes on your interactions so you can notice any inconsistencies. If your love interest mentions a high school they attended, look it up and confirm whatever other facts you can.

“Make sure you’re asking all kinds of specific questions,” McGovern said, especially if they share a sad story about a sick relative or other compelling tale.

Then, go back and ask the same questions a week later. “If they can’t remember details, you should be skeptical,” she said.

Avoid exchanging money

One common scenario involves the scam artist asking you to accept a large deposit, which you are then to forward to another account. But then, the first check doesn’t clear, and your own money vanishes, warns Seth Ruden, BioCatch’s director of global advisory.

“Don’t take funds from people you’ve never met, and don’t offer to circulate funds for others,” Ruden said. “If you au-

thorize a money transfer, you are probably responsible for it,” he added, which means you might never see your money again.

Report the fraud

Try to swallow your pride, even if you feel ashamed at being scammed. It’s important to report your experience to the proper authorities.

“A lot of people feel stupid for falling into any type of scam, and that’s the taboo I want to take off. You are not stupid. This is what a fraudster does. This is their job,” Charlotte said.

To help victims feel less alone, the Cybercrime Support Network organizes groups for them to meet weekly to help process what they experienced and find emotional support.

“Usually, they haven’t told anyone yet because they’re embarrassed,” CasciPalangio said.

People who have experienced romance scams can help others by reporting the scam to their bank’s fraud department, as well as the FTC, a state’s attorney general’s office, the FBI, a local police station, the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker and the Identity Theft Resource Center, among others. Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).

“Scams can happen to any of us,” Charlotte said. “The right scam just has to find the right person at the right time.” AP/NerdWallet. This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.

Help for surprisingly high medical bills

By Cora Lewis

Unexpectedly high medical bills are common in the United States, but there are ways to get relief. While the process of fighting high medical bills can be timeconsuming and frustrating, advocates stress that patients shouldn’t be intimidated by the system.

If you’ve received a surprise medical bill, here’s what you should know:

You may qualify for charity care

When Luisa, 33, received a medical bill

for more than $1,000 after an emergency hospital visit for a viral infection, she was able to have the whole amount covered by the hospital after appealing to their financial assistance policy.

“It was my first time going through something like that,” said Luisa, who asked to be identified only by her first name due to privacy concerns. “I tried to be an informed consumer and ask questions when I was in the hospital about the costs, but obviously it’s hard when you’re sick in the emergency room.”

Luisa had heard about the patient advocacy organization Dollar For (dollarfor.org) thanks to a viral video, and she filled out the nonprofit’s online form after receiving her surprise bill. The organization contacted the hospital, which was based in central Florida.

Eventually, the hospital contacted Luisa directly to let her know she did in fact qualify for financial assistance. Even though she had already paid a portion of the costs with a credit card, Dollar For was able to get those payments refunded.

Laws governing hospital charity care require that nonprofit hospitals lower or write off bills for individuals, depending on household income.

“Federal law requires hospitals to have these programs to keep their tax-exempt status,” said Jared Walker, CEO of Dollar For. “If you’re within their income range, they will write off, waive, forgive or reduce your bills.”

To determine if you qualify, you can simply Google the hospital along with the

Medical bills

phrase “charity care” or “financial assistance policy.” Dollar For also provides an online tool for patients to see if they qualify.

Even if you’ve already been paying off medical debt, the hospital will be required to refund the payments you’ve made.

Appeal to the No Surprises Act

While protections against surprise bills have long existed for those who have Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare, the federal No Surprises Act covers people who have insurance through their employers, the marketplace or individual plans.

It says that insurance companies must reasonably cover any out-of-network services related to emergency and some non-emergency medical care.

That means if you’re being charged more than you’re used to or expect when you receive in-network services, that bill may be illegal.

To challenge any bill covered under this law, you can use the free help desk and hotline of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at 1-800-985-3059, or visit cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/dispute-a-bill.

Some states also have free consumer assistance programs to help with disputes and insurance questions. [Call the Maryland Office of the Attorney General for help

at 1-800-492-6116.]

You can always contact the medical billing department of any hospital in writing to say that you believe a bill is in violation of the No Surprises Act and ask the hospital to deal directly with your insurance company.

“The complexity of the system itself is as big a problem as affordability,” said Kaye Pastaina, who heads research on patient protections for KFF, a nonprofit health policy organization.

“A lot of it is from the fragmented system and complex rules, but also lack of awareness about existing protections that are a part of federal law that might help.”

Ask for an itemized bill

Even if you don’t qualify for charity care or you’re not sure your bills are covered by the No Surprises Act, you may be able to reduce the charges.

Medical billing is notoriously byzantine and rife with errors. Anytime you receive a bill, ask the hospital or healthcare provider for an itemized bill that includes the billing codes of all the care you received. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that providers share this information.

Next, check whether the billing codes are accurate. Again, simply Googling the codes with the phrase “medical billing code” can help. If something is off, contesting your bill with your medical provider or physician’s office can yield changes.

Another approach: comparing the bill with insurance companies’ estimates of fair charges for services. If the price you were charged is more than average, you can have your costs lowered. You could even take the provider to small claims court over the discrepancy (or let them know you have a case).

Finally, compare your insurance company’s “explanation of benefits” to the bill. This explanation of costs covered and not covered must match the hospital’s bill. If they don’t, you have another reason not to pay, and to ask the provider to work with your insurance company further first.

Persistence pays off

Despite the hassle, these steps can save you considerable sums of money. Even after taking these steps, you can always appeal health claims with your insurance company if you think there is any reason the bills should be covered entirely or more than the company initially decided. You can also contact your state insurance commissioner for support.

“What we’ve seen in our research and the data is that those folks who appeal — and there are few who appeal — but for those who appeal, there’s a high level of overturning,” Pastaina said. AP

Life-Changing

No more common sickness

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Arts & Style

Writer uses fiction to express what’s true

By Tori Cleveland

While Daine Grey never aspired to be a novelist, the Columbia retiree published his second book in May.

Previously a psychology professor, Grey put his teaching career behind him and began a new chapter, so to speak, just four years ago.

“The transition into being a writer was made by accident,” Grey said in an interview with the Beacon. “I had no intention of doing it.”

He had retired as a college professor and underwent back surgery. While he was recovering, he signed up for a writing course on a whim. “And out of a 25-page assignment came the character for his first novel,” his wife, Ruthann Grey, recalled.

Now retired, Grey writes from his own life experience — and encourages others to do the same.

“Mine your mind,” he advised. “Get into the corners of who you are and try to find the little gems that allow you to express the content and the emotion of what’s happening at a particular time and a particular place for a particular character.”

Write what you know

Grey, who grew up in New Jersey, received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Delaware State University and then a doctorate from Princeton University.

During his career he taught at several universities in New Jersey and Colorado, including Princeton, William Paterson University, Metropolitan State University and Middlesex College.

Now in his upper 70s and living in Columbia, Grey published his first novel, Paris in May, in 2018, based loosely on his early years.

“My first book was a coming-of-age book following the life of an individual from the beginning to retirement,” he said. “It’s been said that, when you first start, you write what you know.”

Paris in May is about a troubled high schooler raised in a poor Black community who, when given a chance, ventured into intelligence work, academia and eventually love. “Paris in May was somewhat of an homage to my life,” he said.

Foray into crime fiction

While Grey’s first novel was a reflection

of what he knew, his second novel was influenced by his wife.

He began writing with the intention of exploring his childhood community in Plainfield, New Jersey. However, after his wife suggested he write about her life, the book turned into something very different.

The resulting novel is set in Buffalo, New York, where she grew up. Its characters were inspired by many of the people he knows from Ruthann’s life, Grey said. “It was my love letter to them.”

Titled Buffalo, the novel takes place during the Great African American Migration. Its first half is set in the 1940s and 50s and focuses on the life paths of two brothers, Clarence and Darrell Johnson.

The second part follows Albert Blake, who has found himself the prime suspect of a murder. He flees town to avoid being arrested, while his friends work to uncover the true killer.

See NOVELIST , page 21

Columbia Pro Cantare

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 7:30 PM - HANDEL: MESSIAH

Amy van Roekel, soprano; MaryAnn McCormick, mezzo; Charles Reid, tenor; Kenneth Overton, baritone, Henry Lowe, organ, Festival Orchestra. Pre-Concert Lecture, 6:30 by Prof. Ernest Liotti; Post-Concert Reception.

Jim Rouse Theatre, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia 21044

Tickets: Advance – Adults $25, Seniors/Students $20 At the Door - $2 more Children 15 and under - $10, Group rates available

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 5 PM –A CHRISTMAS NOËL

with the CPC Chamber Singers – Songs of the Season. Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia 21045

Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors/Students $13 At the Door - $2 more Children 15 and under - $10

PHOTO BY RUTHANN GREY

Columbia resident Daine Grey, a retired professor of research psychology, published his second novel, Buffalo, earlier this year. The book describes the Great African American Migration from the American South to the North; in this case, to Buffalo, New York, where his wife, Ruthann Grey, grew up.

Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos chose Chock Chapple out of 24 bachelors. Our cover story continues on p. 20.

Bachelorette

page 1

to be very revealing, and you need to show who you are right off the bat.

“There’s so much to process, and then you have to kind of weave in your emotions with [what they are saying] to see if you’re a good fit,” Vassos added.

As she developed feelings for the men, she had to get used to the idea of a new life partner.

“That in itself was scary because I hadn’t done that since [my husband] John passed away, so even allowing myself to have feelings that I hadn’t had before was hard.”

In episode three, she grappled with whether she was as ready to remarry as she had thought — a topic many of her suitors also had to address for themselves.

“I thought, how can I do this? I still love John,” Vassos said. “So, I met with the show psychiatrist, who is available to us at all times.”

Doing so helped her have a breakthrough. “They said...you don’t have to let go of John to hold on to this person. You can hold on to both of them.” Vassos said. “It made me so much happier...and I finally

got this freedom.”

Long-distance future

The only bachelor who lived relatively close to Vassos was Pablo, a 63-year-old retired United Nations agency director from Cambridge, Maryland, almost two hours from her home. He left the show in the first episode.

Since the remaining men were from across the United States, how would Vassos, who was born in Olney and works at the Landon School in Bethesda, and her prospective future husband make things work?

“I’m never leaving Maryland. I said that from the very beginning, that my family is the most important thing to me,” said Vassos, citing her commitments to her mom, mother-in-law, four children and three grandchildren.

“But I also want to meet a man who has the same feelings about family and the same values that I have.” So she wouldn’t ask him to leave his family, just as she wouldn’t leave hers.

Instead, she pictures them living for weeks or months at one another’s homes, and possibly having a shared location where they meet.

Enjoy the Beacon? Tell your friends.

That is good news for her family, including her mother, Mary De Kramer, who lives at a retirement community in Silver Spring, Maryland.

De Kramer celebrated her daughter’s search for love by dressing up entirely in gold to attend a viewing party. There, her friends cheered on her daughter and assessed the husband-worthiness of each prospective mate.

An inspiration for others

Other older adults in the area also followed Vassos’ journey and shared her vision for finding love after loss.

Rockville viewer and widow Barbara Isard-Stone, 73, thinks the men on the show are similar to those she has met.

“My dating experience is that there’s no macho act going on...We don’t have the time for any frenzied nonsense” late in life.

“The men on the show are seasoned enough to know that if they just act like strong men, they’re not going anywhere,” Isard-Stone said. “They have to show their sensitive side...their vulnerability, which is appealing, and I think they know it’s appealing.”

While the glamorous clothes and activities on the show don’t reflect the kind of dates most older adults are likely to go on, Isard-Stone said, “these people still have their inner worlds even if they’re on a Hollywood production.”

And besides, she predicts that when it’s all over, “they’re going to go back to their

laundry and Lean Cuisine.”

What she finds most appealing about Vassos is how she listens to the bachelors. “Joan shows a lot of compassion; the men respond to it,” Isard-Stone said.

Adriana Glenn is a 58-year-old nursing professor in Northern Virginia who, like Vassos, lost her husband and has been dating in the DMV. She admired Vassos for leaving “The Golden Bachelor” last year to support her daughter.

At the same time, Glenn would have liked to see a Golden Bachelorette who was somewhat more outside mainstream depictions of beauty.

“Any of the other contestants from the first show would have also been appealing” and could have represented people who don’t necessarily meet those traditional standards [the way Vassos does], Glenn said.

Like Vassos, Glenn hopes to meet “someone I can confide my secrets with, and I can share my dreams and hopes — because we still have them.”

She and millions of others who awaited Vassos’ choice of a mate in the season finale watched Vassos choose Chock Chapple, an insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas, as the man she would marry. The finale featured his bended-knee proposal to her in Bora Bora.

Those looking to catch an in-person glimpse of the couple should keep an eye out for them in the area. Perhaps the pair will show up at a date night near you.

“The general essence of [Buffalo] is true,” he said. “It didn’t happen exactly like I say it happened, but in general, it represents the truth of what people experienced.”

Grey said that he approaches writing fiction through the expression “Fiction is a lie through which you tell the truth.” In other words, Grey creates characters and situations that explore the truths of racism and human nature.

“There are a lot of truths to be told,” he said. “The question is, what kind of lie are you going to use to tell those truths? That is, what kind of fiction are you going to generate to make the truth clear?”

Inspiration and plans

Though Grey self-published two novels without extensive planning, he recommends that aspiring authors take a writing class and work with outlines. He said outlines would have helped him figure things out while working on his first book.

“When you sit down and start writing…[it]

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FREE MORNING MEDITATION

Five days a week at 9 a.m., the Yoga Center of Columbia offers a free 20-minute guided meditation. You can participate online or in person at the studio, located at 8950 Route 108, Suite 109, Columbia. Register for both options at columbiayoga.com. To find out more, email info@columbiayoga.com or call (410) 720-4340.

kind of takes care of itself,” he reflected. “It’s a slow process. When you’re writing, you’re thinking about the language that’s going to allow you to express what it is you’re feeling.”

Grey added, “If you can get two or three pages written in a day, you’re doing good.”

Grey wrote each of his books in about 18 months. He is also an avid reader of many kinds of books. Among his favorite authors are Geraldine Brooks, author of Horse ; Steven Pinker, author of Enlightenment Now; Jon Meacham and Daniel Stone.

Grey plans to start another novel soon and confessed that he has been “tantalized by the idea of a screenplay.”

He read Andrew Ritchie’s biography of Major Taylor, a 19th-century bicycle racer, and thinks Taylor’s story would make a great film.

Although he isn’t sure how to approach writing a screenplay, he has experience figuring out the unfamiliar.

Paris in May and Buffalo are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble (bn.com).

BEACON BITS

Nov. 28+

BOTANIC GARDEN HOLIDAY EXHIBIT

This year’s holiday display at the U.S. Botanic Garden features D.C. landmarks constructed from plants, model trains and festive lights. Visit the garden at 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC, from Thu., Nov. 28 through Sun., Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free, and tickets are not required. For more information, email usbg@aoc.gov or call (202) 225-8333.

SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP

Dec. 2

Do you like scrapbooking but want an easier way to organize and arrange your photos and mementos? In this free demonstration by Senior Planet, you’ll get an overview of a few different tools that make it easy to create, share and print your scrapbooks. This session will take place on Mon., Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. To register, call the library at (410) 313-1950 or visit bit.ly/learnscrapbooking.

HOLIDAY CONCERT

Dec. 15

Christmas at St. Louis is one of Clarksville’s favorite traditions. This year, Grammy-award winning soloist Tynan Davis and other guest vocalists join the St. Louis Concert Chorus, Treble Choir and Orchestra of St. Louis. The free concert takes place Sun., Dec. 15, at 4 p.m., at St. Louis Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville. For more details, visit stlconcertseries.org or call (410) 531-6040.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150

Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

BALTIMORE CITY

Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180

Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301

The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487

Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445

Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440

Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344

Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660

Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888

The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000

The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100

The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000

The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988

Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464

Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better

Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665

Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886

Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185

Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

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

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better

Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526

Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

Scrabble answers on p. 21.

Crossword Puzzle

Get Right to the Point By Stephen Sherr

Across

1. The ___ Splitter (nickname for Honest Abe)

5. Greeting at Kahului Airport

10. Charging station

14. Coin in Ireland or Finland

15. Dimwit

16. Lendl, who won 8 Grand Slam titles

17. Poised to go in either direction (==>.)

19. Uncomfortable topic of conversation (==>.)

Down

1. Follow the subtitles

2. Start to -crat or -graph

3. Persian Gulf nation

4. National flower of India

5. Start of &

6. Run easily

7. Paper folding art form

8. Word in both the Ten Commandment and the Boy Scout’s Oath

20. Unit of currency in the The Simpsons: Tapped Out game

21. Narcissists have fragile ones

22. Honey-makers’ hang-out

23. 22 World Book volumes

25. Sometimes life imitates it

26. Lyric verses

27. Part of every e-mail address

30. Hat-tipper’s word

32. Fall from grace

34. “I love the gray ___ between right and wrong” (Dan Brown)

36. NY univ. for STEM students

37. Cantankerous

41. Just doesn’t matter (==>.)

43. Come to the wrong conclusion (==>.)

45. 12% of U.S. renewable energy in 2021

46. Falcon or Skylark

47. Follow closely

48. Last letter in London

50. “Hold on; I’m still working ___”

52. Abbrev. in a Snickerdoodle recipe

53. Call at first

56. Newhart setting

58. Actor Elliott or Rockwell

60. Reunion attendee

61. Common prop in a 3-camera sitcom

63. The most cramped section of an airplane

67. AD IN, to the server (==>.)

68. Stay on-topic (==>.)

70. “I wholeheartedly agree!”

71. Bert’s buddy

72. Get a foot in the ___

73. Arrange M&Ms by color

74. Disreputable

75. Song with distinct hand-motions

9. Uneasy feelings

10. Sketchy

11. Egg-shaped

12. Work on the buffet line

13. Some skirts cover them

18. Big-ticket ___

24. Root in the middle of “ROOT AROUND”

27. Speaker’s platform

28. Estimator’s words

29. Color in Charlotte Hornets uniforms

31. Appropriate abbrev. for apartment

33. Movie title word with Complicated or Alive

35. Dismay

38. ASAP, in a hospital

39. ___ Day in History

40. Website with over 300 million user reviews

42. Prospector’s goal

43. Recipient of a prostate exam

44. Flower named from the Greek word for “rainbow”

46. Imprison

49. Speaks with contempt

51. “The art of making a point without making an enemy” (Isaac Newton)

53. Roots and Shôgun

54. Rental car company with a booth at San Antonio International Airport

55. One who sets off a bug bomb

57. Dame in Indiana or Paris

59. Temperamental

62. Liquid with a pH lower than 7

64. Elementary particle

65. Neapolitan ice cream section (briefly)

66. Greek goddess of marriage

69. Handcuff accessory

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

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HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington edition).

Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad:

• $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this for you.

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

• Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

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