February 2015 | Howard County Beacon

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Evoking memories with music PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNIE FINNEGAN

By Robert Friedman Carolyn, who suffers from advanced dementia and is bed-ridden at a local nursing facility, says she would like to hear some hymns. Music therapist Jeannie Finnegan strums her guitar and sings “Amazing Grace.”

“Oh, so beautiful,” says Carolyn (not her real name), wiping her eyes. She turns to the wall. “Do you hear it? Do you hear the singing?”

Finnegan is not sure to whom Carolyn is speaking or what she is imagining. Now she plays “In the Garden,” and Carolyn is soon singing, “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own...”

Carolyn, who is in her late 80s, says, “They’re singing along with me. My children are 4 and 5, and they are singing with me. Isn’t that something?”

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Finnegan agrees.

The session ends and Carolyn says of her children, who have been brought to her consciousness by the hymn, “When I look at them, my faith is fulfilled.”

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A healing touch Finnegan knows about the therapeutic power of music, and how it triggers memory and brings solace to the chronically and terminally ill.

Her visit to Carolyn was one of many she has made to nursing homes and senior living communities around Howard County and adjoining areas. She plays her guitar and sings for the residents, especially for those with memory loss.

“I believe music is uniquely therapeutic for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive impairments and physical challenges,” said Finnegan, who lives in Sykesville. “My mission and passion is to increase awareness and education about the power of music to evoke memories and positive emotions.”

Finnegan created her company, Melodies & Memories, in 2011 and has since immersed herself fully into her passion and mission.

Finnegan has recorded and performed professionally as a musician with the Choral Arts Society of Washington, among other groups. She has also worked for years in Alzheimer’s and dementia care

ARTS & STYLE

Music therapist Jeannie Finnegan performs for residents of nursing homes and senior living communities. She finds music helps engage and comfort patients with dementia and other serious conditions. Studies show that music spurs memories, helping patients recall events and people in their lives.

and long-term care administration.

Finnegan, 54, is also a certified dementia practitioner. This means that Finnegan “has received comprehensive knowledge in the area of dementia care…and reflects a deep personal commitment... inspiring confidence and dedication,” according to the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

“Music is able to engage those who can no longer be engaged by any other means,” Finnegan said in an interview. “I want to educate and encourage families, caregiving staff, and literally everyone to get involved in bringing meaningful music to those who can no longer access it for themselves.”

to offer “comfort and connection,” and loves carrying out her life’s mission.

She said that during her initial visits to various senior communities and rooms of the residents she has become “a bit of an investigator.” She tries to find the type of music that will connect to a “happy and meaningful time” in the life of the listener.

“Sometimes I can get information by looking for cues around the room,” Finnegan said. “If there is military memorabilia, I might try patriotic songs. If there are religious artifacts, I could sing hymns.”

Music, she has found, helps seniors connect with pleasant memories, helps them communicate with family and

Making a musical connection Finnegan has learned the musical ways

See MUSIC THERAPY, page 27

Columbia Orchestra premieres a silent movie score; plus, new books look at aging mindfully page 26

TECHNOLOGY 4 k How businesses track you k Manage health records online FITNESS & HEALTH 8 k Generic drugs go through the roof k Get the most from your produce THE SENIOR CONNECTION 15 k Newsletter for Howard County seniors LAW & MONEY 19 k Cheap oil’s risks and rewards k The outlook for bonds in 2015 ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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Facing facts, part II In last month’s column, I started to lay essential medical and long-term care costs. out some generally well-known facts in This program is jointly funded by the federhopes they can facilitate an al and state governments, in important discussion that I most cases on a 50/50 split, feel Americans need to be though there are variations. having with each other.

Medicaid is an entitlement, To summarize very briefly: meaning a state cannot cap Thanks to modern medicine participation at a certain numand healthier lifestyles, we ber. Everyone must be acare living longer. While that’s cepted who qualifies under a good thing for the most their state’s particular eligibilpart, more and more older ity rules. (These generally reAmericans are outliving their quire poverty-level income savings. and assets or something FROM THE This problem is likely to PUBLISHER close). grow, as many in the baby By Stuart P. Rosenthal With our longer lives, boomer and later generations more expensive medical care, have put aside far too few resources to sup- and steady growth in cases of Alzheimer’s port themselves in their later years. and other dementias (which can completeFurthermore, our growing longevity ly incapacitate and last a decade or more), will add trillions of dollars to the cost of So- Medicaid expenditures are forecast to rise cial Security and Medicare — programs substantially into the foreseeable future. that, as presently structured, are already How will we pay for the unstoppable, unforecast to fail to meet long-term needs, cappable costs of our social and health even based on current life spans. safety nets in an era of rapidly rising needs Now for some additional facts: and, at least at the moment, declining revFor those who basically run out of sav- enues? ings and assets, Medicaid steps in to cover In Maryland, for example, shortly be-

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fore Governor O’Malley left office in January, he announced that this fiscal year’s budget would produce a $400 million deficit that needed to be plugged. Furthermore, the budget being prepared for the coming year indicates an additional deficit expected to be $1.2 billion.

At the same time, Maryland’s new governor, Larry Hogan, campaigned on a promise to roll back many of the new taxes that Gov. O’Malley instituted in an effort to eradicate what he called Maryland’s “structural deficit” when he first came into office in 2007.

According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2007 and 2012 state and local governments in Maryland alone spent over $6 billion more than they raised in revenue. Throughout the country as a whole, state expenses exceeded revenues over that period by more than $118 billion.

Growing population. Longer lives. Burgeoning rates of disability and dementia.

Additional destitute retirees. Mushrooming state and federal liabilities. Inadequate Social Security and Medicare funds.

This is where we’re heading.

What can we do about it?

Fortunately, we needn’t feel paralyzed.

There are many options to choose among — some good, some fair, some poor, some terrifying.

Here are a few examples of those options. We should be having a national conversation about them NOW. Some options for individuals and families: Work longer, save more, invest better, adopt healthier lifestyles, expect less, stick together and help each other out, encourage adult children to support older parents, reduce end-of-life medical care, sign do-not-resuscitate orders/living wills.

Some options for state and federal

governments: Take steps to boost the economy, improve tax collection, crack down on waste and fraud in government programs, incentivize healthier lifestyles, raise payroll taxes (for Social Security and Medicare), raise local taxes (which cover about half of Medicaid costs), raise estate taxes, reduce entitlement payments and/or their cost-of-living increases (for better-off recipients), limit usage of the most expensive healthcare treatments, cap end-of-life care expenses, restrict or further tax transfers of wealth to younger generations (especially when done to qualify for Medicaid).

Clearly, some of these are more palatable than others. I invite you to join the conversation and express your opinion, as well as your willingness to support some of these options politically. These financial realities will affect you, your children, your grandchildren and many generations to come.

Older adults, particularly those who are well-off and well-prepared for retirement, may want to recognize their relative advantages and support proposals that cut back on their entitlements (yes, even their earned benefits), in the interests of assisting those less fortunate (yes, including those who could have saved more than they did).

Our future is one of longer and better lives, but comes with financial costs we may not be able to bear equitably if we don’t take at least some of these steps. The sooner we act — and the wider a variety of approaches we use to ameliorate the consequences — the better it will be for all of us and our progeny.

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

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal

name, address and telephone number for verification.

• Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel

BEACON BITS

• Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King

Jan. 26

• Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben

Join in a book discussion about At Home in the World by Joyce Maynard. The group will meet on Monday, Jan. 26 at the East Columbia Branch Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia from 10 to 11 a.m. No registration is required. For more information, call (410) 313-7700.

• Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................ Steve Levin, Jill Joseph

MORNING BOOKS WITH COFFEE

• Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

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 and advertising is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details.

Please mail or email all submissions.

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Jan. 30+

TRIVIA TIME

Have a great time playing group trivia on the last Friday of every month from 9:30 to 10:25 a.m. No preregistration is required and this event is free. Meet in the lobby of the Bain Center, 5740 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 313-7311 or email Cathy Vigus at cvigus@howardcountymd.gov.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Technology &

Innovations Companies stealthily study customers

By Mae Anderson Think you’re in control? Think again.

OKCupid, an online dating site, recently became the latest company to admit that it has manipulated customer data to see how users of its service would react to one another. The New York-based Internet company’s revelation followed news last July that Facebook let researchers change news feeds to see how it would affect users’ moods.

The fact is, big companies use customers as unwitting guinea pigs all the time — online and in the real world.

OKCupid’s claim, that its research was aimed at improving its services, is common. But some find that manipulating situations in order to study consumer behav-

ior without consent raises troubling privacy concerns.

“Every company is trying to influence consumers to purchase their product or feel a particular way about their company,” said Kit Yarrow, consumer psychologist at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

“The question is, when is it manipulation, when consumers are in some ways tricked, and when is it just influence?”

In a blog post, OKCupid founder Christian Rudder detailed the experimentation: The company removed text or photos from profiles and in some cases told people they were a 90 percent match with another date-seeker instead of a 30 percent match.

Rudder was unapologetic, and said the results are being used to improve the sites’

algorithms.

“If you use the Internet, you’re the subject of hundreds of experiments at any given time, on every site,” Rudder wrote.

“That’s how websites work.”

Facebook’s disclosure last year set off a firestorm on social media services and in the press. During one week in January 2012, the company let researchers manipulate 689,000 users’ news feeds to be either more positive or negative in order to study how the changes affected their moods.

But Internet companies aren’t the only ones studying unsuspecting customers.

Retailers research as well Retailers have been at it for decades.

Brick-and-mortar stores and restaurants

have long used data drawn from customer loyalty programs, satisfaction surveys and exit interviews, to figure out how to best target consumers.

For example, Darden, which operates the Olive Garden, analyzes customers’ checks to see what types of dishes people tend to combine. The restaurant chain also analyzes how long customers wait for a table. Darden said the research, along with customer surveys, helps the company improve the customer experience.

“We collect all sorts of information about any interaction we have with guests to understand who our customers are, and who is visiting the restaurant,” said Chris See CUSTOMER DATA, page 6

What happens to online files after you go?

By Anne Flaherty You’ve probably decided who gets the house or that family heirloom up in the attic when you die. But what about your email account and all those photos stored online?

Grieving relatives might want access for sentimental reasons, or to settle financial issues. But do you want someone reading your exchanges on an online dating profile, or a spouse going through every email?

The Uniform Law Commission, whose members are appointed by state governments to help standardize state laws, recently endorsed a plan that would give loved ones access to — but not control of — the deceased’s digital accounts, unless specified otherwise in a will.

To become law in a state, the legislation would have to be adopted by the legislature.

If it did, a person’s online life could become as much a part of estate planning as deciding what to do with physical possessions.

“This is something most people don’t think of until they are faced with it. They have no idea what is about to be lost,” said Karen Williams of Beaverton, Oregon, who sued Facebook for access to her 22year-old son Loren’s account after he died in a 2005 motorcycle accident.

ings, photos and videos — such as a popular cooking blog or a gaming avatar that has acquired a certain status online — can be worth considerable value to an estate.

Imagine the trove of digital files for someone of historical or popular note — say former President Bill Clinton or musician Bob Dylan — and what those files might fetch on an auction block.

“Our email accounts are our filing cabinets these days,” said Suzanne Brown Walsh, an attorney who chaired the drafting committee on the proposed legislation. But “if you need access to an email account, in most states you wouldn’t get it.”

But privacy activists are skeptical of the proposal. Ginger McCall, associate director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington, said a judge’s approval should be needed for access, to protect the privacy of both the owners of accounts and the people who communicate with them.

“The digital world is a different world” from offline, McCall said. “No one would keep 10 years of every communication they ever had with dozens or even hundreds of other people under their bed.”

Valuable assets

Passwords aren’t enough

The question of what to do with one’s “digital assets” is as big as America’s electronic footprint. A person’s online mus-

Many people assume they can decide what happens by sharing certain passwords with a trusted family member, or even mak-

ing those passwords part of their will.

But in addition to potentially exposing passwords when a will becomes public record, anti-hacking laws and most companies’ “terms of service” agreements prohibit anyone from accessing an account that isn’t theirs. That means loved ones technically are prohibited from logging onto a dead person’s account.

Several tech providers have come up with their own solutions. Facebook, for example, will “memorialize” accounts by allowing already confirmed friends to continue to view photos and old posts.

Google, which runs Gmail, YouTube and Picasa Web Albums, offers its own version: If people don’t log on after a while, their accounts can be deleted or shared with a designated person. Yahoo users agree when signing up that their accounts expire when they do.

But the courts aren’t convinced that a company supplying the technology should get to decide what happens to a person’s digital assets.

In 2005, a Michigan probate judge ordered Yahoo to hand over the emails of a Marine killed in Iraq after his parents argued that their son would have wanted to share them. Likewise, a court eventually granted Williams, the Oregon mother, access to her son’s Facebook account, although she says the communications appeared to be redacted.

How new law would work Enter the Uniform Law Commission.

According to the proposal, the personal representative of the deceased, such as the executor of a will, would get access to — but not control of — a person’s digital files so long as the deceased didn’t prohibit it in the will. The law would trump access rules outlined by a company’s terms of service agreement, although the representative would still have to abide by other rules, including copyright laws.

That means, for example, a widow could read her deceased husband’s emails, but couldn’t send emails from that account.

And a person could access music or video downloads, but not copy the files if doing so violated licensing agreements.

Williams said she supports letting people decide in their wills whether accounts should be kept from family members.

“I could understand where some people don’t want to share everything,” she said in a phone interview. “But to us, losing him (our son) unexpectedly, anything he touched became so valuable to us.” And “if we were still in the era of keeping a shoebox full of letters, that would have been part of the estate, and we wouldn’t have thought anything of it.”

To access Google’s inactive account manager: http://bit.ly/XuvgqD. Facebook’s page on deleting or memorializing accounts is at http://on.fb.me/1cyCi5e.

— AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

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How to manage your health records online

See HEALTH RECORDS, page 6

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rectly from a smart phone. The app organizes your information into sections for medications, conditions, allergies and immunizations.

When visiting a doctor who uses a companion Humetrix app designed for medical professionals, patients can transmit records to the doctor’s iPad. Likewise, doctors can use the app to transmit visit summaries, wound-care instructions, or other information to patients. The consumer app, which costs $9.99, is available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

— Eleanor Laise

But as patients take charge of their records — and become responsible for safeguarding them — the “risks are very real,” said Joseph Lorenzo Hall, chief technologist at the Center for Democracy and Technology, which promotes online privacy. If a thief obtains your insurance information and seeks drugs or treatments

under your name, for example, he could wreak havoc with your own medical care and credit report.

Still, health policy experts see the benefits outweighing the risks.

“When people have access to their own personal health information, they’re inclined to be more engaged in their care,” said Joyce Dubow, principal for health policy and strategy at AARP. Indeed, patients who manage their medical records electronically can help spot potentially dangerous errors. For example, if one of your drugs is inadvertently missing from your record, you run the risk of a doctor prescribing a drug that could

F R E E

Patients can start to access records electronically by looking for the Blue Button logo. Visit http://bluebuttonconnector.healthit.gov to search for hospitals, labs, pharmacies and insurers that offer access to records through Blue Button.

Medicare beneficiaries can create an account at www.mymedicare.gov to review records and select Blue Button to download information.

Humetrix’s iBlueButton app (www.ibluebutton.com) helps users manage and share medical records di-

Risks and benefits

I N F O R M AT I O N

Accessing records with Blue Button

Tech companies, meanwhile, are racing to develop apps and online storage systems. Apple, for example, announced last June that a new Health app would be part of its next operating system. The app’s features include an emergency medical card listing medical conditions, allergies and other key information.

F R E E

fects. They also can use these tools to transmit the data to doctors or caregivers.

One such tool already allows Medicare beneficiaries, veterans and other groups to electronically access their medical records.

In September, the federal government launched a national campaign to raise consumer awareness of this “Blue Button” tool, developed in partnership with the healthcare industry (See sidebar).

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F R EE I N FOR MATION ★ F R EE I N FOR MATION ★ F R EE I N FOR MATION ★

By Eleanor Laise Doctors and hospitals traditionally have been the gatekeepers of patients’ medical records. That’s changing as a growing number of digital tools place these records at consumers’ fingertips.

Patients can now view their medical records, download them to a computer or mobile device, and organize key information such as allergies and drug side ef-

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Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Customer data From page 4 Chang, senior vice president of technology strategy at Darden.

While Darden’s methods are considered traditional, retailers are beginning to use more high tech ways to study consumer behavior, too.

Alex and Ani, a New York-based jewelry and accessories maker that runs its own stores and also sells goods at department stores nationwide, works with technology company Prism Skylabs to use data taken from video footage to create so-called “heat maps.”

Using video they can track how customers flow through the store, and re-

BEACON BYTES

Feb. 11

BORROW EBOOKS FOR YOUR IPAD

The Howard County Library System will teach you how to browse, borrow and download eBooks for your iPad. The session will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. For more information, call (410) 313-1950.

Ongoing

WII CLUB

Have fun bowling, playing tennis or playing baseball without even going outside. Improve your hand-eye coordination playing Wii on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Bain Center, 5740 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia Md. For more information, call (410) 313-7311 or email Cathy Vigus at cvigus@howardcountymd.gov.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

arrange displays and move them to places where customers linger.

That’s just one piece of data the jewelry company uses, said Ryan Bonifacino, vice president of digital strategy. Once the company has the traffic patterns, they also evaluate timestamps on receipts and other point-of-sale information in an effort to create a profile of what types of people are shopping in the store so they can customize products to them.

“It’s not about one individual coming into a store. It’s about understanding the journey” of customers as a group, Bonifacino said.

Tracking cell phone movement Another example is Forest City, a Cleveland-based real estate developer, which operates malls around the country. The company works with U.K. firm Path Intelligence to identify shopper patterns through mobile phone movements.

The system uses cellular data, wi-fi and

Bluetooth. Forest City emphasizes that it does not collect personal data or any data that could be used to identify an individual shopper.

The company has used the data to determine whether it should move an escalator in one mall to make the flow of traffic more efficient. Another time they were able to tell a retailer whether they should change locations or not.

“In the past, we would have used a gut feeling or anecdotal evidence, more lowtech ways to determine whether or not we should move the escalator,” said Stephanie Shriver-Engdahl, vice president digital strategy.

The use of “big data” and other ways to study consumers are likely to get more pervasive. The key to conducting studies without sparking outrage — both online and offline — is transparency, said marketing expert Allen Adamson, managing director of branding firm Landor Associates.

“Big data is everywhere, and people know that and are willing to deal with it,” he said. “If you tell consumers this is what you’re doing to make sure you’re meeting their needs and be able to offer the right merchandise, they’re usually accepting and understand.”

That’s true for Lucas Miller, 24, of Phoenix, who wasn’t fazed when OKCupid disclosed its experiments.

“In terms of tracking behavior, I’m far less worried about for-profit companies doing it than I am about the government,” he said.

— AP

Health records From page 5 interact adversely with it.

Much medical harm “can be prevented if the patient or family caregiver has a look at that information,” said Dr. Bettina Experton, chief executive officer of Humetrix, developer of an app that works with Blue Button.

An electronic “vault” Microsoft HealthVault (www.healthvault.com) also helps organize and share your medical records while connecting with health and fitness apps and devices such as blood pressure monitors. The free service stores records on secure servers, so users can access the information from any device that has an Internet connection.

Both iBlueButton and HealthVault are highly secure tools for managing electronic medical records, Hall said. But he warns that the push toward electronic medical records may spawn startup companies offering apps that are less secure.

Read the privacy policy before downloading any app, paying particular attention to whether the company might share your data with third parties or use it to generate targeted advertisements — a warning sign that your information “can be very promiscuously shared,” Hall said.

— Kiplinger’s Retirement Report © 2014, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Beacon Links

By Barbara Ruben

All about grandparenting The website of the American Grandparenting Association is chock full of tips and information for grandparents. Brush up on the hottest toys and parenting advice.

Watch videos of celebrities, including Tim Daly and Bruce Willis, talking about being grandparents. Join a forum with such reader-posted topics as “My daughter-in-law is having an affair” and “Empty nest no longer,” about adult children and grandchildren moving back home. www.grandparents.com

BEACON BYTES

Feb. 10

AROMA THERAPY

Learn about the health benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils at the Elkridge Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesday Feb. 10. Cost is $4 per person. For more information, call (410) 313-5192 or (410) 313-4930.

Feb. 2

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring will be available on Monday, Feb. 2 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the HCLS Glenwood Branch, 2350 Rt. 97, Cooksville. This event is free and is offered by Howard County General Hospital.

Feb. 18

LIVING WITH DIABETES

Learn how to improve your health whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for a while. The next session will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wellness Center Medical Pavilion, Suite 100, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For more information or to register, call (443) 718-3000.

Jan. 27+

THERAPEUTIC AQUA ZUMBA FOR 55+

Enjoy a cardio dance-based workout with the added resistance of water.

The cost is $48 for six weekly classes. Classes start Jan. 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cedar Lane School, 11630 Scaggsville Rd., Fulton. For more information, call (410) 313-7311 or email cvigus@howardcountymd.gov.

Windows on the world Wonder what Times Square looks like at this very moment? How about Jackson Hole, Wyo, or the neon-colored jelly fish swaying at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium in California? EarthCam links to hundreds of live webcams throughout the world to give you an up-to-the-minute view of what’s going on. www.earthcam.com

Too cute From a white baby bunny curled inside a teacup, to a girl reading a book to a miniature pony at a library, Attack of the Cute is, well, very, very cute. If you’re looking for a benign diversion or fodder for Facebook, this is the site to find it. http://attackofthecute.com

Meetup mania Do you ever wish you had a group of people to share an esoteric hobby with, or maybe ones who enjoy the same foreign movies as you do? Meetup may be the an-

swer. Just go to www.meetup.com and plug in your city and interests to find groups planning activities near you. Some groups are age restricted, and there are many specifically for those in their 50s and older, or labeled “baby boomers.” www.meetup.com

BEACON BYTES

Feb. 20

COMPUTER AND DEVICE WORKSHOP

Bring along your new or existing laptop or device and join technology enthusiasts at the N. Laurel Senior Center for questions and answers on how to navigate your device. The workshop takes place on Friday Feb. 20 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The center is located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel. Call (410) 313-0380 to register for this free program.

Feb. 3

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GUIDED MEDITATION

Experience meditation designed to increase a sense of peacefulness. Please bring a cushion or meditation pillow to the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, call (410) 313-1950.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Health Fitness &

WARMING UP Stretch and do warm ups before exercise to prevent injuries PRESERVING NUTRIENTS Try some of these ways to retain more vitamins in your fresh produce RECENT HIP FRACTURE? A new study will send rehab experts to your home to improve recovery DOES GRANDPA KNOW BEST? Should a father step in to advise his daughter about his grandchild?

Soaring generic drug prices draw scrutiny

By Matthew Perrone Some low-cost generic drugs that have helped restrain healthcare costs for decades are seeing unexpected price spikes of up to 8,000 percent, prompting a backlash from patients, pharmacists and now Washington lawmakers.

A Senate panel met in November to scrutinize the recent, unexpected trend among generic medicines, which usually cost 30 to 80 percent less than their branded counterparts.

Experts said there are multiple, often unrelated, forces behind the price hikes, including drug ingredient shortages, industry consolidation and production slowdowns due to manufacturing problems.

But the lawmakers convening the hearing said the federal government needs to play a bigger role in restraining prices.

“If generic drug prices continue to rise, then we are going to have people all over this country who are sick and need medicine and who simply will not be able to buy the medicine they need,” said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging. Sanders is a political independent

who usually votes with the liberal wing of the Democratic party.

Bill for drug rebates Sanders introduced a bill that would require generic drug makers to pay rebates to the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs when prices of their medications outpace inflation. Those payments are already mandatory for branded drugs, but have never applied to generics.

Sanders and House Rep. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, sent letters to the makers of 10 generic drugs that have seen price increases of over 300 percent or more in recent months. The price for one of those, the antibiotic doxycycline hyclate, rose more than 8,280 percent during a six-month period from an average of $20 per bottle to $1,849 per bottle. (See “There are many ways to cut your drug costs” on page 9.)

The increases cited by the Senate subcommittee were calculated by the Healthcare Supply Chain Association using the average prices of the drugs and other price data.

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association said in a statement that the 10 drugs

cited by lawmakers do not reflect the broader U.S. market, which includes 12,000 generic medications that have reduced drug costs by billions.

But pharmaceutical experts testifying said the price spikes reflect broader price increases for generics, which have traditionally fallen over time.

An analysis of 280 common generic drugs by Professor Stephen Schondelmeyer found that roughly a third recorded prices increases in 2013. The University of Minnesota researcher said those numbers show that generic price increases are not limited to a few isolated cases.

“The markets are broken, and we need to do something to fix it,” he told the panel.

“I think the government needs to step in and develop and monitor solutions.”

Dr. Aaron Kesselheim of Harvard Medical School recommended several new government policies, including allowing the Food and Drug Administration to accelerate the clearance of generic drugs for which there are few manufacturers.

He also said that federal officials should be notified of all drug price increases greater than 100 percent. In previous

cases where drug shortages have led to price spikes, FDA has approved emergency imports of extra supplies from foreign sources.

The lower prices of generic drugs make them the first choice for both patients and insurers. Generic drugs account for roughly 85 percent of all medicines dispensed in the U.S., according to IMS Health.

Typically, generic drug prices fall as more companies begin offering competing versions of the same drug. But recent examples suggest the market forces that have kept generic prices low are not working properly.

The average price of albuterol sulfate, a common asthma treatment, shot from an average of $11 per bottle in October 2013 to $434 per bottle in April 2014, an increase of over 4,000 percent, according to the Healthcare Supply Chain Association’s calculations.

The hearing followed requests for congressional action by the National Community Pharmacists Association, which said independent pharmacies are being squeezed See GENERIC DRUGS, page 9

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9

There are many ways to cut your drug costs

By Dr. Howard LeWine Q: Recently, my doctor prescribed a 10-day course of doxycycline. I always ask for a generic since I need to pay full price.

I was shocked when the pharmacist said it would be almost $65. I took this medication three years ago and I think it cost me less than $8 then.

How could that be?

A: The prices of certain generic drugs have skyrocketed. Doxycycline is one of them.

Reasons for the price hikes vary from drug to drug. The sharp increase for doxycycline was linked with shortages of raw materials needed to make the drug.

Only two or three generic drug makers were able to continue to manufacture doxycycline. With less competition, those companies hiked their prices. The higher prices were passed on to the retail pharmacies and consumers. In some cases, the prices went

from as low 7 cents per pill to over $3 per pill.

The good news is that only a handful of generic drugs have become extremely expensive. You can almost always save by buying a generic drug rather than a brand name. So, ask your doctor whether a generic version of the same drug will work as well as the brand-name drug.

Here are some other ways to help save money on drugs. As your doctor starts to write a prescription, ask: Are there lifestyle changes I can make to either avoid taking this drug or at least start at a lower dose?

If no generic is available, is there another option that costs less and works as well as what you’re prescribing?

Can I split this pill in half? For many drugs, the higher dose doesn’t cost much more than the lower dose. By splitting a higher-dose version in half, you can save a lot of money.

After you have a prescription, you can save in other ways, too.

Generic drugs

“Community pharmacies are put in the untenable position of having to absorb the difference between the large sums of money that they spent to acquire the drugs and the lower amounts that they are paid,” said Rob Frankil, who testified on behalf of the pharmacist group.

— AP

From page 8 by the price hikes. In some cases, pharmacists are losing money on drugs that are purchased at new sky-high prices but are still reimbursed at the older, lower rates by pharmacy benefit managers.

Shop around, especially if you don’t have a drug plan and need to pay retail prices. I called a couple of nationallyknown pharmacies to ask about retail cost for 30 doxycycline pills. One quoted a cost three times higher than the other.

Consider buying a three-month supply of drugs that you know you will take for a long time. Examples include drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. You may save on insurance copays if you do this and order by mail.

Talk with your pharmacist about ways to save money. Given the thousands of drugs on the market today, your doctor may not know about all the options.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, and chief medical editor of internet publishing at Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.) © 2015 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Why warm up and stretch before exercise Q: How important is it to warm up and stretch before exercise?

A: Warming up before exercise is very important for people of all ages to reduce the chance of soreness or injury, and to prepare your cardiovascular system for exercise.

Older adults and those who have been inactive should be especially sure to make time for this vital element of physical activity.

You can do a slow and easy version of whatever type of exercise you’ll be doing as your warm-up, whether that means walking, swimming, dancing, tennis or working with weights.

Pay special attention to warming up when exercising outdoors in cold weather.

Even if your body as a whole feels warm, make sure the muscles in your arms and

legs, which may be exposed to the wind and cold, have moved enough to feel warm.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, muscles are more elastic and ready to be stretched when they are warm, so warm up first and then stretch.

As one option to stretch the muscles you’ll be using, simply move them through the full range of motion you’ll be using during your exercise.

Another option is called a static stretch; you gently stretch each muscle you’ll be using to the point of feeling slight tightness, and then hold that position for 10 to 30 seconds without bouncing.

In addition to the pre-exercise warm-up and stretch, the cool-down and after-exercise stretch are important. Take five to 10

minutes of low-intensity movement to help A: Pumpkin and winter squash (includyour body settle back down to its normal ing acorn, butternut and hubbard) are in state. the same plant family and their nutrient Then, while your muscles content is similar. As with are loose, general stretching sweet potatoes, the deep orwith focus on the muscles you ange color of pumpkin and just used will decrease chances winter squash signals that of muscle soreness, and help they are very high in comimprove and maintain the flexipounds called carotenoids. bility that makes all life activiIn laboratory studies, ties easier. carotenoids function as antioxiTry these flexibility exercise dants and aid in controlling cell from the NIH SeniorHealth growth, which could mean website (http://bit.ly/flexibilithey help reduce cancer risk. ty_exercises) that show 12 NUTRITION Human studies link higher conmajor muscle areas that all ben- WISE sumption of foods containing efit from stretching regularly, By Karen Collins, carotenoids with lower risk of from neck and shoulders, MS, RD, CDM some cancers. through back, arms and each All three vegetables are area of the legs. also packed with potassium, which seems Q: How do pumpkin, winter squash to promote good blood pressure control. and sweet potatoes compare nutrition- All are good sources of vitamin C, too, with ally? What are healthy ways to prepare them?

See NUTRITION, page 13

BEACON BITS

Feb. 24

HISTORY OF PATAPSCO RIVER VALLEY

Learn about this significant area and how it played an important role in Maryland’s development. Join a volunteer ranger from the Patapsco Valley State Park on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Elkridge Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. Topics will include the Elkridge Landing harbor, the Thomas Viaduct and more. For more information, call (410) 313-5192 or (410) 313-4930.

Feb. 2+

CREATING COLUMBIA

Join the Columbia Archives to explore the planning and implementation of Jim Rouse’s planned community. Sessions will be held on Monday Feb. 2, 9 and 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Ln., Columbia. Each session will cover a different topic.

Sessions are free, but registration is encouraged. To register or for more information, visit creatingcolumbia.eventbrite.com or call (410) 715-3103.

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11

How to preserve the nutrients in produce

By Clare Tone, R.D. Food preparation techniques such as peeling, chopping and cooking make an impact on the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.

Follow these tips to preserve more nutrients in your produce: 1. Fresh is best, frozen is next.

Fresh, ripe produce in-season — with virtually no cooking required — will usually be highest in nutrients. But what about produce in the middle of winter? U.S. Department of Agriculture data indicates that freezing produce immediately after harvesting retains 95 to 100 percent of most vitamins and minerals, with the exception of vitamin C, which diminishes by up to 30 percent in frozen produce.

2. Be water wise.

According to the USDA, up to 50 percent of vitamin C, thiamin, vitamin B6 and folate content in food can be lost to the water it’s cooked in. In order to retain water-soluble nutrients, try to use cooking methods such as steaming or stir-frying that use less water.

Also reduce water used in steaming and boiling, and reuse cooking water in soups or sauces to capture escaped nutrients.

3. Cut cooking times.

As a rule of thumb, the longer foods are exposed to heat, the more nutrients are lost.

To reduce cooking times, cover the pot to retain heat and avoid evaporation; place vegetables in already boiling water, and learn to enjoy vegetables with a crunchier texture.

4. Make friends with your microwave.

Since it cuts cooking time and water use, the microwave is a nutrient-friendly kitchen appliance. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Food Science found microwaving preserved higher antioxidant activity in a majority of 20 vegetables studied compared to any other cooking method.

5. Chop less.

Chopping foods into smaller pieces increases the surface area exposed to light, heat and water — three factors that degrade nutrients.

One exception is garlic and other foods in the allium family (onions, leeks, shallots). Chopping these foods and allowing them to sit for 10 minutes before cooking increases their active components.

6. Preserve the peel.

Keeping peels on foods like potatoes, yams and carrots preserves more nutrients, which tend to concentrate just near the surface. In place of peeling, opt for a good vegetable brush and scrub vegetables thoroughly.

7. Use it all.

The next time you’re getting ready to throw away those beet or carrot tops, think again. Many vegetables are entirely edible and rich in nutrients, so using the entire plant, from root to stem, is a sure way to add nutrients to your day.

8. Keep it cool.

Nutrient loss in many fruits and vegetables can be decreased with cooler temperatures, high humidity and less air contact. Store produce in airtight containers in the fridge.

9. Cooking helps, sometimes.

Not all vegetables need to be eaten raw. In fact, cooking methods such as baking, microwaving and stir-frying can increase the antioxidant activity of many vegetables, such as celery, carrots and green beans, according to a 2009 Journal of Food Science study.

10. Eat more produce.

No matter how we slice them, chop them, cook them — or not — simply eating more produce may be the best way to optimize nutrient intake.

Nutrient synergy — how the total sum of nutrients in a food interact with each other and respond to cooking methods —

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helps explain why using a variety of cooking techniques and ingredients might be the best policy for optimizing the nutrient quality of your produce.

Reprinted with permission from Environ-

mental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2014 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Health Studies Page

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Restoring independence after hip fracture

By Carol Sorgen Hip fractures are fairly common among older adults. In the United States alone this year, approximately 350,000 people 65 and older will break a hip. Despite improvements in therapy, a hip fracture can still result in decreases in the strength of bone and muscle, making it difficult to walk and perform daily activities.

Physicians and physical therapists believe that regular activity and exercise are beneficial in reducing disability in older individuals, yet the majority of older adults do not regularly exercise.

This is true even for older adults who

have suffered a hip fracture and completed the prescribed rehabilitation program. As a result of their lack of ongoing activity, significant disability often remains in older persons after a hip fracture.

Currently, the goal of post-fracture therapy is for patients to be able to function independently in a safe household two to three months after surgery. One year after hip fracture, however, 20 percent of patients need help putting on pants, 50 percent need assistance to walk, and 90 percent need assistance to climb stairs. This means that many patients are functioning at a lower level than they were before rehabilitation.

Seeking post-fracture volunteers The University of Maryland, Baltimore, is sponsoring a study to compare two 16week supervised multi-part physical therapy programs beginning up to five months after hip fracture.

This randomized controlled multi-site trial will include 300 people age 60 and older. Participants will join the study after standard rehabilitation is completed, approximately 20 weeks after admission to the hospital for hip fracture.

The goal of the study is to enable older adults who have experienced a hip fracture to recover sufficiently to function at home

BEACON BITS

BEACON BITS

Jan. 28

Ongoing

DAY TRIP TO WASHINGTON Explore the Nation’s Capital your own way on Wednesday, Jan. 28

and in the community.

The primary outcome the study will measure will be the ability to walk 300 meters or more in six minutes 16 weeks after being accepted into the study. This reflects the minimum distance a person needs to be able to walk to carry out usual activities.

Additional outcomes the researchers hope to measure include endurance, balance, quadriceps muscle strength, lower extremity function, fast-walking speed, ability to perform activities of daily living, quality of life, balance confidence, depresSee HIP STUDY, page 13

HAITI SISTER CITY PLANNING COMMITTEE The Columbia Association is seeking volunteers for a planning

from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bus will pick you up at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth

committee to look into the possibility of developing a sister-city relationship

Keeton Way, Columbia, Md., and the Normandy Shopping Center, Ellicott City,

between Columbia and Cap-Haitien in Haiti. Volunteers should have an interest in

Md., and drop you off on 4th St. between the East and West Buildings of the

Haiti and be able to be active participants in monthly evening meetings. For more

National Gallery of Art. The cost is $45. For more information, visit www.howard-

information, call (410) 715-3162 or send an email to

countymd.gov/rap or call (410) 313-7275.

Laura.Smit@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

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A clinical study is underway to evaluate the effects of two dietary supplements, Fruitflow® (tomato extract) and Resveratrol (grape extract) on memory, blood flow, and fitness.

Dr. Majid Fotuhi, Medical Director of the NeurExpand Brain Center is the Principal Investigator.

You may qualify to participate if you: t BSF CFUXFFO BOE ZFBST PME t IBWF NJME NFNPSZ DPNQMBJOUT t BSF JO HPPE IFBMUI BOE IBWF B QSJNBSZ DBSF QIZTJDJBO Call today to see if you are eligible.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Hip study From page 12 sion symptoms, cognition, and nutritional status.

Help comes to you at home Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two arms of the study, identified as PULSE and PUSH. PULSE participants will receive flexibility exercises, active range of motion (AROM) for the upper and lower extremities, breathing exercises, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Over a 16-week period, participants will receive 40 visits from a study physical therapist (three visits per week for the first eight weeks and two visits a week during the second eight weeks). Visits will take place in the participant’s home.

Nutrition From page 10 sweet potatoes containing the highest amounts.

Sweet potatoes are richer in natural sugars and starches than most vegetables, making them higher in calories. One-half cup of sweet potatoes has about 90 calories compared to 30 to 40 calories in one-half cup of pumpkin or winter squash.

Many recipes with these vegetables include so much butter, margarine, sugar or syrup, that they become quite high in calories. However, those additions are not necessary to enjoy the vegetables’ wonderful flavor.

For a quick-and-easy way to boost nutrients and color to your meal, add puréed frozen or canned winter squash or pumpkin to soup, stew or even smoothies. (Just be sure the canned pumpkin is pure, un-

During the AROM exercises, participants will work to increase flexibility and range of motion. Exercises include the neck, shoulders, arms, trunk, hips, knees and ankles. During all AROM exercises, the participant focuses on deep breathing techniques. The second part of the session uses TENS on lower extremity muscle groups to decrease pain, in order to allow greater ease of mobility.

The PUSH program seeks to improve specific requirements needed to walk and perform activities of daily living at home. It addresses endurance (with continuous upright exercise for 20 minutes); function (by improving fast walking), standing from a chair and stair negotiation; muscle performance (by exercising to enhance lower extremity strength); and balance (by performing unilateral activities and activities with decreased base of support). salted pumpkin and not sweetened pumpkin pie mix.)

Cubes of fresh squash, pumpkin or sweet potatoes are delicious in stir-fries and stews, and mix well with many different flavor combinations.

All three choices are also terrific roasted in the oven, either alone or with other vegetables, drizzled with just a bit of olive oil.

You can cook them by steaming as well.

The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800-8438114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will return your call, usually within three business days Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Questions for this column may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot respond to questions personally.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 6+

HISTORICAL SOCIETY LECTURE SERIES

The Howard County Historical Society Museum will host a lunchtime lecture series from noon to 1 p.m. at 8328 Court Ave., Ellicott City. The next session will be on Friday, Feb. 6 and cover the topic “World War I.” Tickets are free for HCHS members and $5 for non-members. For more information, visit hcsmd.org.

Want to Prevent Falls in the Elderly?

Seeking Men and Women to participate in a research study at the University of Maryland &Veterans Affairs of Baltimore to better understand balance and the prevention of falls in aging individuals.

You will receive:

• Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time If interested call: 410-605-7179 & Mention code: LIFT at Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Line *You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine *You will attend approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours each per visit

CALL TODAY!

As with the PULSE group, over a 16week period, PUSH participants will receive 40 visits from a study physical therapist at their home (three visits per week for the first eight weeks and two visits a week during the second eight weeks).

All participants in both the PULSE and PUSH arms of the study will receive 2000 IU vitamin D3, 600 mg. calcium, and a multivita-

13

min daily for the duration of the 40-week study. Nutritional counseling is also provided.

Weight will be monitored every four weeks.

For more information, or to find out if you are eligible for the study, contact Denise Orwig, PhD, at (410) 706-2406 or dorwig@epi.umaryland.edu, or Lynn M Lewis, MA, at (410) 706-5144 or llewis@epi.umaryland.edu.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 5

WORKSHOP WITH COUNCILMAN WEINSTEIN Jon Weinstein will hold a community workshop on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to invite Ellicott City and Elkridge residents

to participate in formulating government policies. The workshop will be held at the Oella Room at the Roger Carter Center, 3000 Milltowne Dr., Ellicott City. For questions or to indicate that you plan to attend the workshop, email Gary Smith at GLSmith@howardcountymd.gov or call (410) 313-2001.

14

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Does granddad or mommy know best?

By Helen Oxenberg, MSW, ACSW Dear Solutions: I don’t know whether my problem is with my daughter or with my grandson.

My daughter and my 4-year-old grandson have to live with us for a while, and she has him enrolled in every activity possible. He has sports class dates, tutoring dates, swimming dates, play dates and more.

Now he’s refusing to go to the swimming class, but my daughter insists he should go. When he gets there, he won’t go in the water. She thinks if he doesn’t go, he’ll never get over his fear. I think she should leave him alone. What do you think?

— Her Dad

Dear [Grand]Dad: It just goes to show –— you can lead a child to water, but you can’t make him swim! I think your grandson is overwhelmed and may be too young for this intensive dating game. He could probably benefit from a “do nothing” date.

Children’s imagination and creativity have a chance to develop when they have some time to just invent their own play activity without adults telling them how. I would advise your daughter to back off for a while. He can get in the swim later when he’s ready.

Dear Solutions: My wife died recently, and my next door neighbor has been very kind. I’m retired and home all day and so is she, but her husband is still working.

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Because she’s been so kind to me listening to my need to talk and everything, I’ve gotten her a few small gifts.

I’m beginning to get a bad feeling from her husband, though.

He doesn’t say anything, but I can sort of feel his annoyance, and he’s acting very cold to me.

I’ve been giving his wife gifts because she has such a warm heart. Do you think I should explain to him that I’m not after his wife? What am I doing wrong?

— Tom Dear Tom: His cold shoulder must take precedence over her warm heart! Cool it. It feels flattering to you that she pays attention, and it feels flattering to her that you give her gifts.

But it obviously feels threatening to him.

What are you “doing wrong?” You’re around all day, and he’s not. That’s enough.

Start looking elsewhere for single women friends. I assure you there are many who also have warm hearts and are willing, even eager, to share.

Dear Solutions: My sister has five children. Four of them are doing very well — doctors, successful business people, good marriages, etc. One, the middle daughter, is struggling along. As my sister says, “nothing ever works out right for her,” and that’s

all my sister concentrates on now.

She keeps talking about it and is depressed and gloomy all the time. She doesn’t know what to do about it, and I don’t know what to do about her.

I keep telling her to feel good about how well her other children are doing, but she doesn’t seem to get any joy out of that. I’m afraid she’ll make herself sick. What do you think?

— Ellie Dear Ellie: I think that a mother is only as happy as her unhappiest child. The first thing you can do is express your understanding of that, because that’s where she’s at.

She doesn’t worry about her other children because she doesn’t think she has to do anything for them. But she thinks she does need to fix things for this one, and that’s the problem.

She’s feeling powerless. Unless there’s some practical way she can change things for this daughter, she needs help to accept that she can’t fix things. She can only be supportive.

Perhaps she can help her daughter get professional help. She should also get some counseling for herself. That would let both her and you off the hook. © Helen Oxenberg, 2015. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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The

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Senior

15

NEWS and EVENTS from the Howard County Office on Aging

Connection

Department of Citizen Services

A Message from

Lois Mikkila Director, Howard County Department of Citizen Service

L

ast month’s Senior Connection included an update on our planning efforts to ensure that Howard County continues to be a great place to age far into the future. While we’re looking forward to releasing the report in the coming weeks, we are not waiting to begin thinking about what’s next!

One of the major opportunities for our Office on Aging is broadening the role of the 50+ and senior centers.

They already provide a wide range of activities for all ages. The upcoming opening of the Annex space in Ellicott City will offer our first fitness center and a broader, more flexible, schedule of exercise classes along with expanded lifelong learning programs. The design and development of a new center in Elkridge will give us the chance to take programming there to a new level, too.

We are looking at how we can use our network of centers to make more services easily accessible.

We’ve already started working on the technology upgrades that will allow us to have our MAP staff work from the centers, making it easy to have inperson consultations on community resources.

And we want to explore the benefits of being on the broadband network – like having telemedicine available for visitors to the centers. We see limitless potential for the senior centers of the future!

It’s also clear that caregiver supports and support to age in community are going to become even more critical in the years ahead. We’re looking at how we can expand the services we already provide, and design innovative new approaches, to meet those growing needs.

One thing won’t be changing, though: the Office on Aging’s commitment to serving older adults and adults with disabilities, ensuring you have the resources you need to grow, thrive, and live with dignity. You can always count on that!

Volume 5, No. 2 • February 2015

Building a Fit Brain Series Begins in March Dr. Majid Fotuhi, MD, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert on memory and Alzheimer’s disease, will once again partner with the Howard County Office on Aging to offer a series of presentations beginning in March, called “Building a Fit Brain.” Dr. Fotuhi is the founder of the NeurExpand Brain Center, a neurology practice that focuses on improving memory and cognitive function. He was early to recognize that there are factors in our lives that we can control to help reduce the risk of memory decline and possibly even Alzheimer’s.

Throughout the series of six free presentations, Dr. Fotuhi will discuss how making simple changes in your diet, lifestyle, and sleeping habits can make a lasting difference to your brain for years to come. Topics for the series include:

Role of Sleep March 5, 10 a.m • East Columbia 50+ Center

Role of Stress & Mindfulness March 12, 10 a.m. • North Laurel 50+ Center

Six Steps to a Better Brain March 13, 1 p.m. • Glenwood 50+ Center

Role of Brain Games March 19, 1 p.m., Elkridge Senior Center

Role of Exercise March 26, 10 a.m., Bain Center June 11, 1 p.m., Ellicott City Senior Center “Offering programs like this is just one way our senior centers can help Howard County’s older adult population continue to remain vital and vibrant throughout the aging process,” said Barbara Scher, Senior Center Division Manager for the Office on Aging.

The Senior Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Department of Citizen Services and the Office on Aging.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Contact us, or join our subscriber list at seniorconnection@howardcountymd.gov Howard County Office on Aging, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 • www.howardcountyaging.org Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCitizen

Kim Higdon Henry, Senior Connection Editor kahenry@howardcountymd.gov • 410-313-6531 Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Howard County Office on Aging or by the publisher.

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The Senior Connection

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

2015 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Sites

5 Tips to Make YOUR Tax Time Less Taxing

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in conjunction with the IRS, offers free assistance to low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older. Appointments are required; call to schedule yours today.

Helpful advice for smoother sailing during tax preparation courtesy of the Howard County Office of Consumer Affairs

For a list of documents you need, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide

Bain Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044

410-313-7387 FEBRUARY 2 thru APRIL 15 Mondays & Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (selected) Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (selected)

East Columbia 50+ Center 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045

410-313-7680 FEBRUARY 18 and MARCH 4, 18 Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon (Snow Date: April 1)

Elkridge Senior Center 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, MD 21075

410-313-5192 FEBRUARY 4, 11, 25 and MARCH 11, 25 Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon (Snow Date: April 1)

Ellicott City Senior Center 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042

1) CHECK OUT YOUR PREPARER. All tax preparers, whether working individually or as part of a national tax preparation chain, must be licensed by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Make sure your preparer is properly licensed by going to DLLR’s web site: http://www.dllr.state. md.us/pq/. In addition, ask preparers for their required Preparer Tax Identification Numbers or PTINs before agreeing to pay for their services.

2) ASK ABOUT FEES. Some tax preparers do not fully disclose all their fees up front. To avoid surprises, ask for a list of all charges and potential fees before your taxes are prepared.

3) AVOID REFUND ANTICIPATION LOANS. Many tax preparers offer to provide your refund immediately in the form of a refund “loan” (sometimes also called Refund Anticipation Check). If you take this option, however, fees and interest on that loan will be deducted from your refund. Instead, choose to get your refund directly deposited into your bank account. The deposit is usually made in just a few days, and you will get the full amount of your refund.

4) FILE EARLY. Identity thieves try to steal money from the IRS by filing returns using stolen social security numbers. This also results in a lot of hassle and delayed refunds for tax payers. By filing early, you can reduce the odds of becoming a victim.

5) GET HELP. If you made less than $53,000 in 2014 and need assistance with tax preparation and filing, the Howard County non-profit, Making Change, offers free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

Visit www.makingchangecenter.org, or call 410-880-5917 for details. You can also get assistance from the AARP Tax-Aide Program (see article, above or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide for more information).

For more information on this and other consumer topics, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at 410-313-6420 (VOICE/RELAY) or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer.

410-313-1400 FEBRUARY 2 thru APRIL 15 Tuesdays, 5 to 9 p.m.

Glenwood 50+ Center 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723

410-313-5440 FEBRUARY 5 thru APRIL 15 Thursdays, 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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

410-313-0380 FEBRUARY 3 thru APRIL 15 Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesdays, 1 to 5 p.m.

APRIL 1-15 Thursdays, 1 to 5 p.m.

Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Howard County Paws4Comfort This program fosters special bonds between pets, their owners and the County residents they visit. If you are interested in volunteering, or wish to attend a free evaluation for your pet, contact:

Ingrid Gleysteen at 410-313-7461 or igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov Evaluations are held at the Bain Center 1ST WEDNESDAY of every month FEBRUARY 4 and MARCH 4 are the next available appointment dates.

The Bain Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044

www.howardcountyaging.org

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

The Senior Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

17

February 2015 Calendar of Events Don’t miss these exciting programs and services from the Howard County Office on Aging

20TH ANNUAL

PENGUIN PACE 5K Sunday, February 1, 2015 7:45 a.m. at The Bain Center, 5460 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044 $35 Entry Fee includes registration, post race food/beverages and event shirt.

Wednesday, February 11, noon Valentine Tea East Columbia 50+ Center Savory and sweet treats plus great conversation! $6 donation; register at 410-313-7680.

Thursday, February 12, Noon to 1 p.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration • North Laurel 50+ Center Celebrate the Year of the Goat with a Chinese meal, music and dance. $6/person. Register at 410-313-0380 for lunch no later than February 4.

Friday, February 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

www.striders.net/events/penguin/2015

Motown Memories • North Laurel 50+ Center Enjoy a special lunch and soulful tunes for Valentine’s Day. $3 plus lunch contribution. Call 410-313-0380 to reserve lunch by February 4.

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon

Fridays, February 13 and 27

Blood Pressure Screenings • Ellicott City Senior Center February is Heart Month – stop in to for a free blood pressure check.

Sponsored by Howard County General Hospital.

Friday Afternoon at the Movies • Glenwood 50+Center Join us for a showing of And So It Goes (FEB 13) and This is Where I Leave You (FEB 27). Cost: $1 donation; register at 410-313-5440.

Fridays, Appointments begin at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, February 17, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Acupuncture with Dawn • Glenwood 50+Center Come enjoy the relaxing and healing benefits of this ancient practice with Dawn Kulak (insurance accepted). Call 410-313-5440 to schedule.

The Legends of the Black Hi-Story: Honoring Black History Month • Bain Center Storyteller Bill Grimmette presents how to reframe, rename and reclaim the story. RSVP to 410-313-7213 for lunch no later than February 10.

Tuesday, February 3, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, February 18, 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Medicare 101: What You Can Expect • Ellicott City Senior Center Learn how Medicare Parts A (hospital), B (medical) and D (prescription drug) work, what the benefits are, and when you should make decisions related to your coverage. Sponsored by SHIP; register at 410-313-7391.

Travel Talk with Rick: Fjords of the World • North Laurel 50+ Center Experience the beauty of Winter in Alaska, Chile, Antartica and Norway with captivating photos and travel opportunities. Details: 410-313-0380.

Tuesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to noon

Thursday, February 19, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.

Estate Administration Workshop • Glenwood 50+Center Join the Register of Wills for an in depth discussion on estate planning in Maryland. Register at 410-313-5440.

Heart Healthy Food Matters • Ellicott City Senior Center Nutrition Specialist Jodi Bargamian presents a taste of current trends in nutrition and how food choices impact health. Free; details 410-313-1400.

Tuesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, February 20, 12:30 p.m.

Opera Lovers & Lunch • Bain Center Dr. Sam Stern highlights Umberto Giordano’s opera about the French Revolution poet, Andre Chenier. $13; register at 410-313-7213 no later than January 27.

How Much Salt Do Our Bodies Need? • Ellicott City Senior Center Rona Martiyan, R. LDN, will offer nutrition info at this lunch ‘n learn.

Details, registration or to schedule a personal nutrition appt: 410-313-1400.

Monday, February 9, 1 to 2 p.m.

Ask the Pharmacist • Ellicott City Senior Center Discuss you medication concerns in confidence with Don Hamilton, P.D., Consultant Pharmacist. Free; details 410-313-1400.

Talkin’ Broadway: The American Songbook • North Laurel 50+ Center Follow the evolution of Broadway’s rich history through discussions and live song presentations. Free; call 410-313-0380 to register.

Tuesday, February 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Medicare 102: Why Medicare Isn’t Enough • Ellicott City Senior Center Learn about Medicare Part C (health plans) and how Medicare Supplement Policies (Medigap Plans) can help cover out of pocket expenses. Sponsored by SHIP; register at 410-313-7391.

Tuesday, February 10, 10:30 a.m. to noon Aromatherapy • Elkridge Senior Center Aromatherapy and essential oils can help with issues of pain and stress; join us to learn more and enjoy a lavender cream hand massage. $4/person; register at 410-313-5192.

Tuesday, February 10, 11 a.m. to noon Showstoppers and Chart Toppers • Bain Center Join Terry Marsh for a musical blend of Big Band standards, show tunes, swing and blues. Free; lunch reservations due by February 3.

To request accommodations to attend any of these events, call 410-313-5980 one week in advance.

Monday, February 23, 11 a.m.

Monday, February 23, 6 p.m.

Chinese New Year Celebration • East Columbia 50+ Center Celebrate the Year of the Goat with demonstrations of Tai Chi, Qigong and Chinese painting, and refreshments. Free; register at 410-313-7680.

Tuesday, February 24, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

History of Patapsco River Valley: Elkridge to Ellicott City Elkridge Senior Center Learn how the Patapsco area played a major role in the development of Maryland. Free; register at 410-313-5192.

Wednesday, February 25, 9:30 a.m. to noon Gelli Plate Printing • East Columbia 50+ Center Instructor Sherry Pollack provides everything you need to create beautiful monoprints with acrylic paints. $30 includes all materials.

Wednesday, February 25, noon Poker & Pizza: Ladies Texas Hold ‘em • East Columbia 50+ Center Learn to play this fun game of poker. No experience needed, but bring a sense of humor! Prizes awarded, too! $5; register at 410-313-7680.

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Speakers Bring the Creative Arts to Life

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

START LIVING WELL TODAY! DIABETES and other CHRONIC CONDITIONS CAN be managed with our 6-week Living Well program!

It’s a wrap! The first season of Enjoying the Creative Arts ended on a high note, at the performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Howard Community College (HCC). Piloted last fall by the Office on Aging’s SeniorsTogether program, Enjoying the Creative Arts offered members a behind the scenes look at local productions, gallery exhibits and more.

Sue Kramer, Artistic Director of HCC's Arts Collective, arranged a post-performance discussion with the actors and directors of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Since both Sue's daughter, an actor in the play, and her mom participated, attendees were able to view the production through the eyes of three generations.

The program’s first speaker, Suzanne Beal, Co-Producing Artistic Director of REP Stage at HCC, presented “Art in Our Lives.” Designed as a primer for the group to view art with a fresh perspective, she discussed the impact the arts can have on our lives.

“Art encompasses much more than I realized,” said one participant.

Stephenie Frasher, a National Gallery of Arts docent, also shared her expertise and insights presenting “A Closer Look at Analyzing Artwork.” Participants especially enjoyed describing works of art to one another. “Telling the "backstory" of the art and artists helped me make a connection. It’s what I liked most about our conversation with Stephenie,” offered one participant.

For more information about the Enjoying the Creative Arts program, contact the Bain Center at 410-313-7213.

Living Well With Diabetes Glenwood 50+Center Six Wednesdays, April 8 - May 13 9:30 AM - NOON | $28 includes all materials

Living Well: Take Charge of Your Health Medical Pavilion Wellness Center at Howard County Six Fridays, April 10 - May 15 10:00 AM -12:30 PM | $28 includes all materials

Contact: WENDY FARTHING wfarthing@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-3506 howardcountyagingmd.gov/aging

Don’t miss the 7th Annual WomenFest!

Build Your Healthy Tomorrow, Today!

Featuring keynote speaker, Lynne Brick, president, Brick Bodies Fitness Services, Inc. A signature event designed to inspire women to live a more balanced, healthier and fulfilled life!

Saturday, April 25, 2015 10 am - 3 pm Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723

Plus, workshops on self-defense, heart health, painting on canvas, financial wellness, and keeping relationships strong!

There’s something for everyone at WomenFest!

Bring your mom, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, and friends for a day of fun and shopping featuring 90+ vendors, informative seminars, important health screenings, door prizes and more!

www.howardcountyaging.org/womenfest

Making Your Home More Accessible Could Earn You a Tax Credit!

THE HOWARD COUNTY LIVABLE HOMES TAX CREDIT Make improvements now to create a more accessible home for your future and save money!

When you install certain types of accessibility features in your primary County residence (ramps, stair glides, reinforced walls and grab bars) you could be eligible for credit against your county tax bill.

Applications are processed through the Howard County Department of Finance in the order received until all program funds have been exhausted.

For more information, contact:

HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE 410-313-2062 or MARYLAND ACCESS POINT at 410-313-5980 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND APPLICATIONS, GO TO

www.howardcountymd.gov/livablehomes

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

19

A SMALL FORTUNE Small-cap stocks didn’t gain much in 2014, but the improving economy and more buyouts may boost them this year.

American stocks are the preferred pick WHICH FUNDS DO BEST? Much higher expenses reduce the returns of actively managed funds, helping index funds come out on top

Why oil is so cheap; what it means for us

By Jonathan Fahey The price of oil has fallen by nearly half in just six months, a surprising and steep plunge that has consumers cheering, producers howling, and economists wringing their hands over whether this is a good or bad thing.

The price of a barrel of oil is just under $55, down from a summer high of $107, and lower than at any time since the U.S. was still in recession in the spring of 2009.

So what’s going on? A global imbalance of supply and demand that is rippling across the world economy, for better and worse.

elsewhere. A balance was struck: Increasing supplies from outside of OPEC and from Iraq’s recovering oil industry helped meet rising demand around the world as other OPEC supplies waivered.

But now those OPEC supplies look more certain despite continuing turmoil, and those non-OPEC supplies have swamped the market.

OPEC estimated last month that the world would need 28.9 million barrels of its oil per day this year — the lowest in more than a decade. At the same time, OPEC countries plan to produce 30 million barrels of oil per day next year. That supply surplus is sending global prices lower.

Supplies go boom Years of high oil prices, interrupted briefly by the recession, inspired drillers around the world to scour the earth’s crust for more oil.

They found it.

Since 2008, oil companies in the U.S., for example, have increased production by 70 percent, or 3.5 million barrels of oil per day. To put that in perspective, that increase alone is more than the production of any OPEC member other than Saudi Arabia.

As U.S. production was ramping up, turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa reduced supplies from Libya, Iran and

Demand goes bust Global demand is still expected to grow this year, but by far less than many thought last year. The economies of China, Japan and Western Europe — the top oil consumers after the United States — all appear to be weakening. Oil demand falls when economic growth stalls.

The U.S. is still the world’s largest consumer, but more fuel-efficient cars and changing demographics mean demand for oil and gasoline is not increasing. The Energy Department predicts a slight decrease in gasoline demand this year even though the price is expected to be sharply lower and

the economy is expected to grow.

Consumers are happy For drivers, shippers, airlines and other consumers of fuel, there’s nothing not to like about the drop in oil prices.

The national average gasoline price has fallen for 97 straight days to $2.30 a gallon, its lowest level since October of 2009, according to AAA. It’s $1.40 a gallon less than at its high last year, saving U.S. households more than $100 a month.

Diesel and jet fuel prices have also plunged, helping boost the profits and share prices of airlines and shippers.

Heating oil is the cheapest it has been in four years, reducing home heating prices just in time for winter for many in the chilly Northeast.

Economists, producers worried Falling fuel prices act like a tax cut and help boost consumer spending, which in turn accounts for 70 percent of the U.S. economy.

But economists are growing concerned that there are other, more troublesome forces at play.

The depth of oil’s plunge could be a signal that the global economy is struggling even more than economists think. A weak global economy could hurt the U.S. econo-

my by reducing exports, employment and spending, which together could outweigh the economic benefits of cheaper fuel.

For oil companies, oil-producing states, and oil-exporting countries, the oil price collapse is painful.

Oil companies generally keep producing oil from wells they’ve already drilled, but lower prices sharply reduce revenue and force them to cut back spending on new exploration projects. BP announced last month it would try to trim $1 billion in spending in 2015 in a move that analysts say could result in thousands of job cuts.

States that rely on taxes from energy production, such as Alaska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas, will see lower revenues. Some have already had to trim budgets.

Major oil exporters such as Iran, Iraq, Russia and Venezuela rely heavily on revenues from state-owned oil companies to run their governments and are struggling under major budget shortfalls.

For example, Bank of America estimates that every $1 drop in the global price of oil costs Venezuela $770 million in annual revenue. Current prices are now $47 below 2013’s average, putting the country on pace for a $36 billion reduction in revenue.

—AP

What does 2015 hold in store for bonds?

By Stan Choe Don’t expect much from your bond mutual fund this year.

The bond market will likely produce modest returns, if they’re positive at all, according to many bond-fund managers. It’s a matter of math: Bonds are offering very low interest rates following a decades-long drop in yields. That means they’re producing less income.

It also means bonds have less protection from rising interest rates. When rates climb, the price for existing bonds falls because their yields suddenly look less attractive than those of newly issued bonds.

If bonds were yielding 8 or 10 percent, they could more easily make up for a decline in price with their interest payments.

But a 10-year Treasury note offers a yield

of just 2.25 percent. Less income coming in means it takes a smaller price decline to saddle bond investors with losses.

“We’re getting to the point where it’s really dangerous,” said Bill Eigen, manager of the JPMorgan Strategic Income Opportunities fund. He says he’s the most nervous about the prospect of rising rates that he’s been in his career.

Investors got a taste of what bond losses feel like in 2013, when the average intermediate-term bond fund fell 1.4 percent due to a rise in rates. It was the biggest loss for the bond market in nearly two decades.

Managers say that, at the very least, it’s best to prepare for big swings in bond returns this year.

To be sure, many managers predicted bond losses a year ago, and they were

wrong. Interest rates unexpectedly fell, and last year the average intermediateterm bond fund returned nearly 5 percent.

But even the more optimistic bond fund managers say returns will likely be lower in 2015. Virtually all economists expect the Federal Reserve to raise short-term interest rates this year, which would be the first increase since 2006. The central bank already ended its bond-buying stimulus program, shuttering it in October.

“Given where bonds are, you should not be thinking about a return like last year,” said Matt Freund, chief investment officer of USAA mutual funds. “It could happen, but I wouldn’t want to base my financial plan on it.”

Here are some questions set to shape the bond market in 2015:

— Rates are rising, right?

Nearly everyone is planning for the Fed to raise rates this year because the economy may have finally caught enough momentum. The unemployment rate hasn’t been this low since 2008, and the economy just delivered its strongest back-to-back quarterly growth since 2003.

Many fund managers forecast the Fed will begin raising rates in mid- to late-2015.

It has kept the federal funds rate at a range of zero to 0.25 percent since 2008.

— But maybe not too much?

Even though the economy is improving, it’s still fragile. That could lead the Fed to move more slowly in raising interest rates than many investors expect, said USAA’s See BONDS, page 20

20

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Bonds From page 19 Freund.

Inflation also remains low, with the price of oil close to a four-year low and the dollar at its strongest level in years. That gives the Fed more leeway to take its time in raising rates.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury could be around 2.5 percent at the end of 2015, according to Joe Davis, Vanguard’s global chief economist. That’s only a little higher than its current yield, and Davis expects the taxable bond market to return 2 to 3.5 per-

cent annually over the next several years.

— Aren’t short-term bonds safe?

Long-term bonds lock investors into yields for a longer time period, so rate increases can hurt them more than shortterm bonds. That’s pushed many investors to pile into short-term funds, hoping to reduce their risk.

The $22 billion that they put into shortterm bond funds over the last year is 10 times what they put into intermediate- and long-term bond funds combined, according to Morningstar.

But short-term bond investors aren’t getting a free lunch, said Karl Dasher, co-

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

head of fixed income at Schroders asset management company. Yields are so low that they’re in danger of losses when the Fed begins raising short-term rates.

Longer-term bonds may actually be in a better position, Dasher believes. Longterm rates may not rise as much for several reasons. Pension funds and other big institutional investors will continue to buy long-term bonds to cover their liabilities, for example, and that demand should help to support prices for longer-term bonds.

— What about credit risk?

Interest rates have been so low that in-

vestors searching for yield have reached into areas they may have avoided before.

Junk bonds, for example, are issued by companies with poor credit ratings. They pay higher yields to attract investors, but they’re riskier. Default rates have been low recently and are expected to remain so.

But prices for junk bonds can swing more widely than others, and volatility looks set to rise with interest rates. The fear is that many of the newbies in the junkbond market will rush to sell at once, which could cause even sharper price declines.

—AP

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410-730-7230 Pre-Planning Available howardcounty@sollevinson.com • www.sollevinson.com/howardcounty

Jan. 28

UNITED SENIORS OF MARYLAND FORUM

United Seniors of Maryland will hold its annual forum on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the President’s Conference Center, Main Floor West Wing, Miller Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen St., in Annapolis. Meet and greet with legislators at registration from 8 to 9 a.m. A leadership program runs from 9 to 11:15 a.m., followed by a caucus on senior issues from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and a box lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed for the event. Call Elizabeth at (410) 608-7966 or email ew@elizabethcoonbeyagency.com to volunteer. The fee for attendees who are not volunteers is $15. Mail payment in full to USM, P.O. Box 1094, Sparks, MD 21152.

Feb. +

FREE AARP TAX ASSISTANCE

Volunteer accountants will help with basic tax returns for people who qualify at Elkridge Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City on Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11 and 25. To make an appointment or determine eligibility, call (410) 313-5192 or (410) 313-4930.

Does difficulty using the phone put your life on hold?

Connect with Maryland Relay.

Multiple Calling Options For anyone who has difficulty using a standard telephone Captioned Telephone Displays every word your caller says, as you listen Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program FREE assistive equipment to qualified applicants

Get a FREE evaluation to find the solution that’s right for you. Call 800-552-7724 or 410-767-6960 (Voice/TTY) 443-453-5970 (Video Phone) or visit mdrelay.org to get started.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

What’s the outlook for small-cap stocks?

By Stan Choe 2014 felt like a hangover for owners of small-cap stock funds. On several occasions, small-cap stocks dipped by more than 7 percent in just a matter of weeks.

All told, they were close to flat for the year, a letdown from 2013 when they surged 37 percent. And the performance looks even worse when compared with large-cap stocks, which were up 11 percent in 2014.

The last time small-caps had this bad a year relative to large-caps was when Google was still operating out of a garage in 1998.

The stall for small-cap stocks isn’t a big surprise. Many fund managers early last year called them overpriced following their heady performance in 2013 and much of the decade before. Small-caps also often lag the rest of the market when the economy moves out of the early stages of recovery and begins to gain momentum.

But the underperformance has also raised optimism for some mutual-fund managers because it has made small-caps relatively less expensive.

To be sure, no one argues that smallcaps as a group are cheap, whether they’re valued based on their earnings or other measures. But managers point to several factors that could help small-caps in 2015.

Since hitting a bottom in mid-October, the Russell 2000 index of small-cap stocks has risen faster than the broader market.

Consider Drew Weitz, one of the managers of the Weitz Hickory fund, which focuses on smaller companies with a market value of less than $10 billion.

Weitz considers himself a value investor, and if he can’t find any attractively priced stocks, he’s comfortable not buying anything. Bargains were so tough to find at the end of 2013 that the Hickory fund had

more than 30 percent of its assets in cash, versus its norm of 10 to 20 percent.

Prices have since dropped enough to grab his attention. By the end of September the fund was down to about 20 percent in cash. In the first two weeks of October, small-caps had another jagged drop, quickly losing nearly 5 percent. Weitz pounced and bought more, including stock in Allison Transmission. He had been watching the maker of transmissions for trucks and other vehicles since last January, waiting for it to get cheap enough to buy.

Allison Transmission now trades at 27.5 times its earnings per share over the last 12 months. In February its price-earnings ratio was above 42.

Here are some other factors managers say could help small-cap stocks: — Buy American Companies that do most of their business at home appear to have the advantage heading into next year. That would favor small-cap stocks, which depend less on foreign sales than their bigger rivals.

The U.S. economy finally seems to have reached a higher gear. Employers have added more jobs than in any year since 1999, and economic growth just had its best backto-back quarterly performance since 2003.

Other countries around the world, meanwhile, aren’t doing as well. Japan’s economy is back in recession. Europe’s is growing, but only barely. China is trying to navigate a slowdown in its growth.

Small-cap companies generally get about 15 to 20 percent of their revenue from abroad, said Christopher Beck, chief investment officer of the small-cap value team at Delaware Investments. Large-cap companies, meanwhile, get closer to 50 percent of their revenue from outside the U.S. — Stick with the dollar

Let Nursing Home Costs Take Every Dime You’ve Worked For. Medical Assistance Planning and Eligibility Advance Medical Directives / Living Wills Trusts / Estate Planning Administration Wills / Powers of Attorney

Small-cap stocks offer greater protection from not only weaker economies abroad but also their weaker currencies.

Procter & Gamble, for example, sells its razors and detergent around the world. It gets about 65 percent of its revenue from outside the United States.

Last quarter, it would have reported a 9 percent rise in its core earnings per share if currency values around the world had stayed flat. But the dollar is close to its highest level in years against the Japanese

yen and other currencies. That made each yen of sales worth less in dollars than a year earlier. Procter & Gamble reported growth of only 2 percent last quarter.

— Ride the rise in buyouts CEOs are growing more confident, and they’re more willing to make deals to boost growth. The total value of mergers and acquisitions this year is on track to be the strongest since at least 2007.

See SMALL-CAP STOCKS, page 22

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Do you need an actively managed fund?

By Elliot Raphaelson Not all experts agree whether actively managed funds can outperform index funds. Some do in the short term, but it is certainly not easy to select actively managed funds that will outperform index funds in the long term.

An index fund manager buys all of the securities of a specific index, such as the S&P 500, or at least a representative sample. The objective is to track the index’ performance as closely as possible.

Index funds are commonly described as “passively managed.” An actively managed fund, by contrast, is one in which the manager selects individual securities in an effort to outperform specific indexes.

One of the most important factors to consider is the annual cost associated with an actively managed fund you are considering in comparison to the annual cost of

the indexed mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) you are comparing it to.

Morningstar has done extensive research in this field and has pointed out that the annual cost of the fund is one of the best predictors of long-term performance.

A tale of two funds What follows is a comparison between the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) and the Dodge & Cox Stock Fund (DODGX).

The Dodge & Cox fund is in the top performance echelon for long-term value funds. Morningstar gives it a four-star rating; in terms of trailing total returns, it’s ranked No. 1 in three-year and 15-year returns. It has fairly consistently outperformed the S&P 500. If you chose this as your single managed stock fund, you can congratulate yourself for being an astute

fund picker.

The Vanguard Total Stock Fund is also an excellent fund. It’s a standard index fund of a large, well-known company. If you buy it, you won’t exactly impress your friends for your originality (it has assets more than six times larger than the Dodge & Cox fund). However, you will be just as pleased by its performance.

Let’s compare.

Dodge & Cox Stock Fund (DODGX) Expense Ratio: 0.52 Trailing total returns (according to Morningstar) 1-year: 13.47 percent 3-year: 24.93 percent 5-year: 15.31 percent 10-year: 7.48 percent Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) Expense Ratio: 0.05

Trailing total returns (according to Morningstar) 1-year: 14.61 percent 3-year: 21.32 percent 5-year: 15.66 percent 10-year: 8.32 percent An investment of $10,000 made 10 years ago would be worth $20,576.80 if you chose Dodge & Cox. It would be worth $22,233.13 if you chose the Vanguard fund.

(Those figures are from Morningstar.)

Expenses make a difference There is no question that the Dodge & Cox fund is an excellent fund and is well managed. However, no actively managed fund can compete with index funds on a cost basis.

Note the difference in expense ratios: 0.52 for the Dodge & Cox fund vs. 0.05 for the Vanguard fund. On a long-term basis, it becomes very difficult for any well-managed active fund to outperform an index fund in the same category.

Index funds also have one additional advantage over actively managed funds — savings on income taxes. There will be more “turnover” in actively managed funds than there would be with index funds. For any investments other than retirement accounts, you will have more of a tax liability with actively managed funds because you will incur more capital gains taxes.

In my opinion, most investors will be better off in the long-run by investing the majority of their common stock investments in index funds. You can still diversify within index funds, investing in smallcap, mid-cap, large-cap, value and other types of index funds. You can do this with both mutual funds and ETFs, but you should limit your investments to those funds with the lowest expense ratios.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2014 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Small-cap stocks From page 21 Buyouts can offer a quick way to jumpstart revenue growth, something that’s been tough to deliver since the recession.

Companies certainly have the financial strength to make the purchases. They’re sitting on a near-record amount of cash, and low interest rates make it cheap to borrow.

A boost in buyouts should help smallcap stocks, which can make for attractive targets, said Delaware Investments’ Beck.

Last month, two of the companies in his Delaware Small Cap Value fund announced they were getting bought. And such deals generally mean a quick surge in price: Susquehanna Bancshares jumped 32.5 percent the day it said it was being acquired by BB&T. —AP

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

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Leisure &

Ryanair and EasyJet are Europe’s largest low-cost carriers. See story on page 25.

Aruba’s varied island culture and terrain

Dutch touches

Aruba’s arid, desert-like terrain, where cacti abound, contrasts with its tropical beaches, palm trees and turquoise water.

PHOTO BY LEN KAUFMAN

Evidence of Aruba’s Dutch heritage can be seen around every corner.

Oranjestad, the capital and largest city (the word translates to “orange town” in Dutch), is named for King William van Oranje-Nassau, the first heir to the royal family House of Orange.

Many buildings sport pastel colored facades and whimsical architectural touches

that have been described as Spanish Mediterranean, with overtones of Dutch influence. Streets with names like Nieuweweg and Arendstraat would not be out of place in Amsterdam.

Adding to the cross-cultural blend is a distinctive landmark familiar to anyone who has visited the island. Looking out of place in a landscape of palm trees and cactus is an authentic windmill that once drained water from low-lying areas of Holland. Built in 1804, the structure was dismantled, shipped to Aruba, and reassembled in its unlikely Caribbean setting, where it has housed several restaurants and night clubs over the years.

Despite these inviting hints of the “old country,” most people who visit Aruba come to enjoy its soft sand beaches overlooking crystal clear water. A magnificent seven-mile stretch of beaches backs up to the high-rise hotels that rim the sheltered southwestern and western coastlines.

The windswept northern and eastern coasts, which are battered by the sea, have been left largely undeveloped. Each stretch of shoreline, along with the arid island interior, has its own appeal.

Rugged limestone cliffs that run along much of the northeastern coast mark one boundary of Arikok National Park, an ecological preserve that sprawls over nearly 20 percent of Aruba. Hiking trails criss-cross the park, and those that lead through its more isolated areas offer opportunities to spot native parakeet, burrowing owls and other wildlife that makes it their home.

Intriguing chapters of Aruba’s history

PHOTO BY LEN KAUFMAN

By Victor Block A gleaming white sand beach that rims the azure sea is set off by an explosion of scarlet, purple and other vivid colors of lush tropical foliage. Nearby, stretches of rocks and pebbly soil interspersed with cactus comprise a very different terrain — bleak and desert-like.

The dramatic variety of landscapes that greets visitors to Aruba is echoed by the equal diversity of its attractions. Together, they make the island an inviting winter destination for vacationers with a broad range of interests.

Those seeking nothing more than a relaxing sun-and-sand getaway have a choice of magnificent white sand beaches that are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean.

Others interested in something with a European flair will discover touches of it around the island.

The continental influence dates back to times when both Spain and, for a brief period, Great Britain held sway over Aruba.

The Dutch took the island over in 1636, and today it is an autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Aruba’s capital and largest city, Oranjestad, features casinos, museums and Dutch colonial architecture.

come alive in this setting. Shallow cave formations recall a time when a branch of Arawak Indians inhabited the island.

Brownish-red drawings that ornament walls and ceilings attest to their presence.

Reminders of Aruba’s agricultural past in the park include a long-deserted adobe farm house, while abandoned mines recall a mini-gold rush that got underway in 1825 and lasted for nearly a century.

Casinos and museums Speaking of gold, the 12 casinos on the island have earned it the nickname “Las Vegas of the Caribbean.” While most casinos are located in major resort hotels, there are two in Oranjestad.

The capital city also has other attractions. The Dutch colonial architecture and pastel hues of many buildings, some dating back to the late 18th century, impart a Disneyworld atmosphere.

The busy port teems with the coming and going of boats, and sidewalks with crowds of sightseers and shoppers. Jewelry, designer fashions and perfumes are popular buys, along with blue Delft ceramics and Dutch cheeses.

When not spending money on shopping or gambling, visitors have a choice of several small but interesting museums. The Archaeological Museum is housed in a cluster of colorfully painted homes that were occupied by a local family for nearly 130 years, beginning in 1870.

The exhibits inside showcase the history of Indians on Aruba. They range from

an ancient long house and native hut, to artifacts dating back as far as 2500 BCE. The Historical Museum of Aruba is tucked away in Fort Zoutman. That fortification was built in 1796-1798 to protect the island from pirates, and the town soon began to grow around it.

The museum has exhibits describing farming, fishing and other aspects of island life, including interesting tidbits about villages that I explored. For example, I strolled through the small town of Noord, which began as an Indian community, and the hamlet of Rancho, that was established around 1855 as a fishing village.

Visits to other communities also provided introductions to what locals call “the real Aruba.” San Nicolas is the second largest town after Oranjestad, but is worlds away in atmosphere. While it once jumped to the beat of workers from the now-abandoned oil refinery nearby, it’s usually on the quiet side these days.

A mini-promenade along the main street is lined by several shops and restaurants, but the biggest draw in town is Charlie’s Bar. Beginning in the early 1940s, scuba divers who dropped by that establishment attached their underwater finds to the walls and ceiling, creating what eventually evolved into a bric-a-brac heaven.

Today, virtually every inch of available space is adorned by automobile license plates, paper money and business cards from around the world, and other memoraSee ARUBA, page 24

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Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Aruba From page 23 bilia too varied and numerous to list.

Ancient rock formations Very different is the main claim to fame of Paradera village, which is its location close to two natural sites that were sacred places to the Indians.

The Ayo and Casibari rock formations consist of huge boulders that rise up from the sandy desert terrain. Over time, prevailing winds have carved the rocks into unusual shapes which, with a little imagination on

the part of the viewer, resemble birds, dragons and other identifiable figures.

Steps have been carved into the rock at the Casibari site, and those who climb to the top are rewarded with a panoramic view over the island. Some of the stones at Ayo still bear petroglyphs scratched and painted onto the surface by Indian artists.

Those boulders rising from a flat, stark landscape provide a setting very different from the white sand beaches of Aruba.

The small, silent caves in Arikok National Park present an environment that contrasts sharply with the clamor and commotion of the island’s casinos.

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Yet these scenes and many more are among the something-for-everyone variety that makes Aruba an inviting destination to explore and enjoy.

If you go Restaurant meals can be a bit more expensive here than on some other Caribbean islands, but the over-sized portions served by a number of eateries are large enough to share. There also are early bird specials and other meal deals that can stretch your dining dollar.

At Fusion, a sophisticated piano bar adjacent to Alhambra Casino, some of the hot and cold tapas ($6-$12) are ample enough to be an entrée. Main courses include rib eye steak with French fries, and paella, the typical Spanish seafood soup (each $19.50).

For more information, call (297) 280-9994 or email marritf@megaresorts.com.

A very different décor and cuisine are offered at the Pelican Nest, a casual outdoor café perched at the end of the pier in front of the Holiday Inn. One chef’s special is the excellent ceviche ($7.75), which is large enough to make a meal from. A merger of shrimp and chicken salad on greens is a land-sea entrée combination ($16), and grilled fresh-caught fish is served with French fries ($8.25). For more information, call (297) 586-2259 or log onto www.pelican-aruba.com.

The challenge when seeking a place to stay is narrowing down the numerous

choices. The studio apartment at the Aruba Beach Club Resort validated the belief of my wife Fyllis and me that checking into a timeshare property can provide good value. It was surprisingly roomy, and the kitchenette offered the option of eating some meals in.

The low-rise property lacks the hustle and bustle of much larger hotels, and sits on one of the finest beaches on the island. Basic rates begin at a reasonable $200 a night for a suite that can accommodate four people, although taxes and other charges add to the total. For more information, call (297) 5243000 or log onto www.arubabeachclub.net.

If you check into the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa & Casino you may never want to leave (that is, until your money runs out).

As the name indicates, it combines Hyatt Regency excellence with a top-flight spa, in-house casino and other amenities one expects from that hotel brand.

The landscaping alone is worth stopping by to see even if you’re staying elsewhere. Fields of flowers surround a massive three-level swimming pool with a slide and waterfalls, all leading to the beautiful beach. High-season rates start at $565 a night. (Low season starts April 20.) For more information, call (888) 591-1234 or log onto www.aruba.hyatt.com.

The lowest roundtrip fare in late February is $411 on United Airlines from BWI. For more information about Aruba, call (800) 862-7822 or log onto www.aruba.com.

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 — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

25

Flying around Europe on low-cost airlines

By Ed Perkins If you’re heading to Europe next year, and if you plan to move around a bit, you may consider some intra-European flights.

You will quickly find that Europe hosts more than 100 low-cost airlines, some huge, some tiny.

On my recent trip to England and Italy, I tested Europe’s two largest low-fare lines, and came away with some impressions that may be helpful to you.

EasyJet and Ryanair, the largest and second-largest European airlines in terms of annual intra-European passengers, operate from bases spread around the continent. You stand a good chance of flying one or the other just about anywhere you want to go.

Fares are capacity controlled, and if you buy well enough in advance, they start out very low.

Service is probably closer to Spirit and Allegiant than any other U.S. airlines. That is to say, seating is extremely tight, almost everything is priced a la carte, and you pay extra for buying with a credit card (EasyJet does not take American Express).

Ryanair I flew Ryanair from London to Bari, Italy, and EasyJet back to London a week later, about three hours each way: My flight to Bari cost $107, including a checked bag and an assigned seat. All Ryanair flights are on 737s, meaning very narrow seats; legroom, at 30-inch pitch, is a bit tighter than on large U.S. lines.

Ryanair’s main London base is at Stansted Airport, which has no flights from the United States, but lots of European flights.

You get to Stansted by an express rail service, which leaves every 15 minutes from Liverpool Street station at a cost of about $36.

Ryanair also has a few flights from Luton, and a very few from Gatwick to Ireland. Its main bases in France are Beauvais (which it calls Paris/Beauvais) and Marseille. The main base in Germany is Hahn (Frankfurt/Hahn).

In several cities, it uses nearby city airports rather than the main fields, such as Bergamo for Milan, and access to/from the nominal primary city may be difficult.

EasyJet My flight cost $183, including a checked bag and an assigned seat. All EasyJet flights are on A320s and 319s, with seats wider than Ryanair’s but, at 29inch pitch, punishingly limited front-torear space.

EasyJet runs large London operations from Gatwick and Luton, and limited operations from Stansted and Southend.

Flights from Gatwick give EasyJet an immediate $20 price advantage over Ryanair because of cheaper ($16) rail tickets to/from central London. Main bases on the continent include Amsterdam, Berlin, Geneva, Milan/Malpensa, Paris/Orly and Rome/Fumicino.

Although the flight crews always urge you to “enjoy your flight,” the only enjoyment on these lines is getting where you want to go, expeditiously, with your baggage, and at a good price. There’s no way you can actually “enjoy” a few hours on these cattle cars.

On Norwegian, Europe’s third-largest low-fare line, I’ve flown only its long-haul service. Local services are based mainly in Scandinavia. It has been rated “best European low fare line” in several surveys.

Unable to compete with the low-fare lines, Air France and Lufthansa are establishing their own low-fare subsidiaries.

Finding flights, trains If you’re considering an intra-European flight, you have a good chance of finding what you need on either EasyJet or Ryanair. Metasearch engines such as TripAdvisor and Kayak show both lines.

But if you don’t find the flights you want there, log onto www.attitudetravel.com or www.skyscanner.net.

For trips under 300 miles or so, also consider high-speed trains. These days, low-

est rail ticket prices often match lowest air prices.

But rail travel is much more comfortable than flying, terminals are in city centers, you have no security hassles, and you avoid the cost of airport access. Where schedules work out for you, taking a train is almost always a better choice than flying.

Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. © 2014 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

26

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Style Arts &

Daniel Klein traveled to Greece to write a book on growing older mindfully. See story on page 28.

Orchestra premieres silent movie score

By Kate Petersen When the Columbia Orchestra set out to commission an orchestra piece for the first time, it had no idea it would turn into a multimedia experience.

“I was thinking he would write a standard concert work,” said Music Director Jason Love of composer Andrew Earle Simpson.

But Simpson decided to take this opportunity to do something a little less orthodox and compose a score for the 1920 Buster Keaton silent film One Week.

The score will debut at the Columbia Orchestra’s Jan. 31 concert, Cinematic Inspirations. The film will be shown at the concert while the orchestra provides a live accompaniment of the new score.

Narrative pieces All the pieces being performed in the concert were ones Love had been hoping to perform in the near future, and he was able to find a place for them in the upcoming concert with the unifying theme of the cinema.

“I tried to find pieces that were either somehow very cinematic and visual or at

least had a strong narrative story to them,” said Love.

In addition to Simpson’s score for Buster Keaton’s One Week, the January program will include Ferde Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite,” Modest Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” and Gioachino Rossini’s “William Tell Overture.”

“Night on Bald Mountain” is a piece the audience may recognize from Disney’s Fantasia, while the “William Tell Overture” found its popularity as the theme for The Lone Ranger. Though less recognizable, “Grand Canyon Suite” offers what Love called a “tone painting” depicting vivid imagery and narrative.

The Columbia Orchestra is well known for its diversity within performances, putting both well-known and unfamiliar pieces on the same program. Just last year, the Columbia Orchestra won the American Prize in Orchestral Programming.

Jan. 31’s concert is no exception. “It is a great combination of what is very familiar and what is new and accessible,” said Love.

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In its Jan. 31 concert, the Columbia Orchestra will screen Buster Keaton’s comedic 1920 silent movie One Week as it performs the world premiere of a score tailored for the film. In the movie, Keaton and his bride (played by Sybil Seely) are given a build-it-yourself house that supposedly can be assembled in one week. The score was commissioned by the orchestra.

Music and film in tandem Accessibility similarly played a major role in Simpson’s new composition.

“I love the way that there is this magical three-way interaction between the screen, the performer and the audience,” Simpson said. “It creates this experience that’s better than film or music would be on its own.”

It was this type of unity that Simpson focused on while composing for the silent film. Although his main goal is for the au-

dience to enjoy themselves, musical themes recur throughout the score that the audience can listen for. Since the score was written specifically for the film, the music changes mood according to what is happening in the story.

Simpson did note, “There’s no tragedy in the film. It’s a comedy.” But with the new piece comes new challenges, as a live orchestra has to stay in time with the rolling film.

See ORCHESTRA, page 29

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Music therapy From page 1 allows them to express their emotion.

It can even decrease pain, anxiety and depression, “and help improve the quality of life, especially for those battling illness or memory impairment.”

Music of any genre — country, classical, religious, jazz, the blues — could be the means to the deep and heartfelt memories of the past, Finnegan said.

Finnegan gives seminars and workshops on the power of music on memory, and will offer a course on the subject at Howard County Community College this spring.

Remarkable changes Andi Walsh, director of recreation and engagement at Integrace Fairhaven, a retirement community in Sykesville, has seen how weekly visits by Finnegan and other musicians have spurred emotionfilled, positive responses in the residents.

“After these sessions, residents who seldom speak are able to answer questions and engage in conversations,” Walsh said.

“Even residents who are in the later stages of Alzheimer’s, and are totally dependent on us, they’re tapping their feet and clapping their hands.”

Walsh remembers Finnegan singing a hymn to an 87-year-old woman suffering late-stage Alzheimer’s. In the past, the woman had spent many happy days on sail-

boats. During the singing of the hymn, the woman suddenly said she heard the mast of the sailboat clinking and that she smelled the salt of the sea, “She opened up; she was back on the boat,” said Walsh. “The residents may not remember what they had for lunch, or even whether they ate or not. But every word of a certain song can be meaningful to them,” she said.

Backed by research The music-memory connection has become a serious subject for scientific research.

Psychology Today noted that “a series of recent studies have found that listening to music engages broad neural networks in the brain, including those regions responsible for motor actions, emotions and creativity.”

Not only does music evoke meaningful memories for sufferers of Alzheimer’s and dementia (as well as healthy people). A 2013 study conducted by scientists at the University of Newcastle in Australia found that music also helped severely brain-injured patients recall personal memories, the magazine pointed out.

Live Science, a science news website, wrote recently about a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California at Davis who said studies appear to show that “a piece of familiar music serves as a soundtrack for a mental movie that starts

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playing in our heads.”

The neuroscientist, Petr Janata, said that the powerful recollections occur in the medial pre-frontal cortex part of the brain that sits just behind the forehead The UC study that found the connection went by the name, “The Neural Architecture of MusicEvoked Autobiographical Memories.”

Said Janata: “What’s cool about this is that one of the main parts of the brain that’s tracking the music is the same part that’s responding overall to how autobiographically salient the music is.”

The journal NeuroImage reported that Finnish researchers mapped how music affected brain networks by using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to scan persons listening to an Argentinian tango.

Among other things, the researchers concluded that “music was more efficient at evoking autobiographical memories

than verbal prompts…across each life period, and “may be beneficial in the rehabilitation of autobiographical amnesia.”

This appears to back up a 2010 study by Boston University researchers who found that Alzheimer’s patients who completed a series of memory tests “learned more lyrics when they were set to music rather than just spoken.”

World-renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks said in “Inside Alive,” a recent documentary about music and memory, that “Music imprints itself on the brain deeper than any other human experience. Music evokes emotion. And emotion can bring with it memory; it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.”

Andi Walsh, of the Sykesville retirement community, put her first-hand observations this way: “Music is amazing. It can connect so deeply to a person’s core.”

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

New books look at growing old mindfully — many he hadn’t read since his days as a philosophy major at Harvard — and returned to the Greek island of Hydra, where he had spent time a half-century before.

The result of his sojourn there is the entertaining and thought-provoking book, Travels with Epicurus: A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of a Fulfilled Life.

While on the island, Klein spent much of his time reading, especially the works of Epicurus, born in 341 BCE on the Aegean island of Samos. Epicurus concerned himself with the question of how to live the best possible life,” especially considering that we only have one of them” (the Greek philosopher didn’t believe in an afterlife).

Klein also spent his time visiting the other old men of the island, comparing their acceptance of growing older (or just plain old) with that of the youth culture in the U.S., where Viagra, breast implants

that he himself, in writing this book, clearly thought he still had work to do before reaching the next stage of old age.

Klein concludes by musing on the Buddhist principle of mindfulness, suggesting that no matter what we choose to do in order to live a good old age, we try to remain mindful that we are indeed old...”that this is the last stage of life in which we can be fully conscious, that our time in this stage is limited and constantly diminishing, and that we have extraordinary oppor-

and numerous other procedures, medications, potions and lotions are available to help us stave off, if not the years, the appearance of those years.

A philosophical journey Though Klein subscribes to the theory of Thomas Merton, who wrote, “take more time, cover less ground,” he acknowledges that the question of “what is the best way to be an old man” is open-ended.

Whereas Epicurus’s prescription for happiness in old age is to free oneself from “the prison of everyday affairs and politics,” Klein acknowledges that many old men and women in this country genuinely want to remain involved in the affairs of the day, and even continue to work.

“To be true to oneself, a person needs to make his own decisions about what brings him happiness,” Klein writes, observing

See MINDFUL AGING, page 29 PHOTO COURTESY OF VIKING

By Carol Sorgen Author Daniel Klein had a wake-up call when his dentist suggested he get implants as opposed to dentures. They would be more convenient, more attractive and more youthful. And who wouldn’t want to appear more youthful?

After giving it some thought, though, it appeared that Klein didn’t actually care about putting his best smile forward. Too much time and too much money, he concluded.

Not to mention, he was unsettled with the thought of not coming to grips with who he was at this stage of life — a man in his early 70s, who had earned the right to enjoy that age before he arrived at “old” old age, when many decisions might not be left to him at all.

To contemplate his new old age, Klein, a successful TV writer and bestselling author, packed a suitcase of philosophy books

Author Daniel Klein wrote his book Travels with Epicurus after visiting the Greek island of Hydra, where he talked with older men about their acceptance of aging.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 24

CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS

The Aizuri Quartet will be performing with guest cellist Peter Wiley on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Horowitz Performing Arts Center, Smith Theatre, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia. The concert will feature works by Haydn, Debussy and Schubert. Tickets are $32 for adults ($30 for seniors) and $12 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.candlelightconcerts.org or call (410) 997-2324.

Jan. 23+

JULIUS CAESAR The Rude Mechanicals present

Julius Caesar at the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. Performances will take place on Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students/seniors. For more information, visit www.rudemechanicals.com.

Orchestra From page 26 “It is a high wire act,” Simpson said.

“The trick is keeping varying people together with an unvarying film.” In other words, the conductor will have to keep one eye on the orchestra and one eye on the screen.

“It’s a little bit like shooting a rocket ship,” said Love, “If you’re just one degree off here on the surface, by the time you

Mindful aging From page 28 tunities in this stage that we never had before and will never have again.”

The art of slowing down Though not designed as a companion piece to Klein’s book, Pico Iyer’s The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere makes for an interesting and worthwhile addition to the literature of letting go, even if only for minutes a day.

A travel journalist, Iyer has crisscrossed the globe too many times to count, and now makes his home in both California and Japan. At 58, he is more than 15 years younger than Klein, but still is realizing that the world continues to speed up just as he might be ready to start slowing down.

For Iyer, that doesn’t mean not traveling or writing anymore, but it does mean mak-

get to space, it’s way off.”

The experience will be unique for orchestra and audience alike. Some music that used to go along with silent films was often more generic, or not quite a match for the film. But Simpson’s score was tailor-made for the 20-minute One Week.

Simpson hopes to offer a complete experience, with the idea that the film and music “go so well that you can’t really separate them in your mind.”

A Keaton comedy Buster Keaton’s One Week depicts the story of a pair of newlyweds. Their wedding present is a house they are supposed to be able to assemble in one week. Naturally, the audience can expect comedy to ensue.

“You can imagine what could go wrong building a house,” laughed Simpson. “It’s really very entertaining from first to last.

The film has a great ending. It has one of

the best endings in silent comedies. I’m not going to spoil it for you.”

The Columbia Orchestra’s Cinematic Inspirations concert will take place Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jim Rouse Theatre, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia. Tickets cost $20 for adults ($16 for seniors), and $10 for students.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (410) 465-8777 or visit columbiaorchestra.org.

ing time for a time-out...whether by going on a retreat, meditating, or simply sitting still in an airplane, immune to his mobile devices, in-flight entertainment, or even sleeping.

“It’s only by taking myself away from clutter and distraction that I can begin to hear something out of earshot and recall that listening is much more invigorating than giving voice to all the thoughts and prejudices that…keep me company twenty-four hours a day,” he writes.

“By going nowhere — by sitting still or letting my mind relax — I find that the thoughts that come to me unbidden are far fresher and more imaginative than the ones I consciously seek out.”

For many of us, Iyer notes, it takes courage to step away when there is so much to do in our daily lives, much of it urgent and necessary. But one doesn’t have to go somewhere to accomplish this, he observed.

“Nowhere has to become somewhere we visit in the corners of our lives by taking a daily run or going fishing or just sitting quietly for 30 minutes every morning (a mere 3 percent of our waking hours),” he writes. “The point of gathering stillness

is not to enrich the sanctuary or mountaintop, but to bring that calm into the motion, the commotion of the world.”

Whatever age you’re at now, these two books can show you a path worth exploring.

FROM PAGE 30

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

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

February Meeting Date: Time: Location: Speaker: Topic:

29

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 — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Green 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, MD 21044 Mary McGraw The Village in Howard County

Learn more by calling (410) 997-0610 or visit www.cogsmd.org Inclement Weather: If Howard County Public Schools are delayed or closed our meeting will be cancelled.

Thank you to our 2014 Executive Members PLaTinuM MeMber Howard County General Hospital – A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine The Beacon Newspapers

GoLD MeMberS Being There Senior Care, LLC • Howard County Office on Aging

SiLver MeMberS Deborah L. Herman, CPA • Oasis Senior Advisors The Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Select Realtors

bronze MeMberS Earl Wilkinson, M.D. (ENT) • Gentiva Health Services • Homewatch Caregivers

PaTron MeMberS Genesis SelectCare • Home With You Senior Care, LLC • Let’s Move, LLC Neighbor Ride, Inc. • Right At Home In-Home Care & Assistance

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

A D O B E

T Y S O N

C H E F

H A V E

O N L Y S T A T E D

T H R H A I E N T G E

M E O W H U H E O S E S R I E D E E F A E R R M

A L M O S T

L O O F A H

M O D E L

A S I N I N E

P O T O R R I E S K R E E A C R T T S O N G H E A T T L O S E G O S A N T

D A N D I F Y

D R A W S A

P B R O O R E F A I L

A E I O

Y A N L S L F

I N S I D E I N F O

R E S T

S E T S

A G N E W

U S E R S

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Crossword Puzzle

Puzzle Page

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus

Fairy Fails 1

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HB2/15

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Scrabble answers on p. 29.

by Stephen Sherr

64

65

Across

Down

1. Molecule part 5. Place for a Swiss stake 8. 6/6/44 12. 1/100,000th of a newton 13. Ransack 15. “Sanity and happiness ___ impossible combination” (Mark Twain) 17. Scandinavian capital 18. Drop anchor 19. Manicurist’s canvas 20. Callow canine cook 23. Nixon’s start and end 24. Olympic chant 25. Competes in the Winter Olympics 26. C, C+, and C32. Pandemonium 34. ___ for help 35. Amal Clooney, ___ Alamuddin 36. “___ leads to suffering” (Yoda) 37. Quarterbacks Ryan, Schaub, and Leinart 39. (hey, you) 40. She was naked, but not ashamed 41. Garden-variety 42. Most actors in Harry Potter movies 43. She ate the food, instead of delivering it 47. Garden ideal 48. Van Gogh’s gift 49. It’s bottled in Cannes 52. Ingredients in a fruit cupcake 57. The largest city in northern Israel 58. Bloodhound’s pride 59. Interstellar actress, Hathaway 60. Obey a door sign 61. Fragile traits 62. End of Jenn or Luc 63. Foe of Howard Hughes 64. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character in A Bug’s Life 65. Down times

1. Brick made of mud 2. ESPN ranked him the hardest hitter in heavyweight history 3. Not written down anywhere 4. Feline tagline 5. Just about 6. Body scrubber 7. Impoverished 8. Dress-up all fancy 9. ___ blank 10. Its not complete without U 11. “You guys”, down South 14. Divide into thirds 16. Bank stamp 21. Shades 22. Those who just barely get by 27. Garden tool 28. Turn state’s evidence 29. Good dirt 30. Use a Barcalounger 31. Distributes silverware 32. Food Network show host 33. One of the elites 37. Tiny airplane 38. Moronic 39. Sunday football player 41. Colt .45, for example 42. Force to yawn 44. ___ Madness (1930’s propaganda film) 45. Boards a train 46. Least sickly 50. Veep before Ford 51. Readers of a guide 52. Most common English word 53. Punish, permanently 54. Baptism or bris 55. Roman-themed party attire 56. Botch a fairy tale (in this puzzle)

Answers on page 29.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

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

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

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

Caregivers LICENSED, BONDED & EXPERIENCED CNA and nursing student seeks full-time overnight position caring for your loved ones. I come with an extensive resume and stellar references. If interested, please call Jacqueline at 301-787-3555.

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Financial Services TAXES – ACCOUNTING, BOOKKEEPING, conscientious CPA, 37 years experience, reasonable rates, accepting additional business, personal and eldercare clients and preparation of business plans. Call 410-653-3363.

For Sale 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.

Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653.

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

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

31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept.

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

Personal Services

Wanted

Wanted

LEARN ENGLISH – SPANISH – ITALIAN – FRENCH – PORTUGUESE Conversational.

Grammatical. Private lessons. Reasonable Rates. Tutoring students. 443-352-8200.

OLD AND NEW WE BUY Sterling Silver Flatware, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plates, Fountain Pens, Lighters, Tools, Cameras, Art Work. Toys From Trains to Hotwheels to Star Wars. Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

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

Wanted MILITARY ITEMS Collector seeks: helmets, weapons, knives, swords, bayonets, webgear, uniforms, inert ordnance, ETC. From 1875 to 1960, US, German, Britain, Japan, France, Russian. Please call Fred 301-910-0783, Thank you. Also Lionel Trains.

Computer Services

WE BUY OLD AND NEW JEWELRY, Coins, Silver and Gold, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks and Parts, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call: David G at 301-642-4526.

BUYING JEWELRY, MILITARY – Cash paid. Gold, silver, pocket watches, wrist watches. Old toys, sports, guns, knives, coins, collector’s, etc. Tom, 240-476-3441.

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

BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-4640958.

Thanks for reading the Beacon!

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical research Studies

NeurExpand Brain Center . . . . .12 UM Elderly Falls Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

events

COGS Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Financial Services

Golden Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . .21

Funeral Services

Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Homes, Inc. . . . . . . . . .24 Going Home Cremations . . . . . .26 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . .20

Home Health Care

A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . .11 Homewatch Caregivers . . . . . . . .13 Options for Senior America . . . . . . .9 Right at Home of Central Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Housing

Pharmacies

Brightview Senior Living . . . . . . .3 Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Charlestown Independent Living/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Heartlands of Ellicott City . . . . .20 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Ivy Manor Normandy . . . . . . . . . .4 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Shangri-La Assisted Living . . . .27 Shriner Court/Quantum . . . . . . .24 Somerford Place/5 Star Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Vantage House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

CVS Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Ellicott City Pharmacy . . . . . . . .11 Rite Aid Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . .22

Legal Services

CommuniCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Frank, Frank & Scherr Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Medical/Health

AA-Eastern Mobility . . . . . . . . . .6 Audiology First, LLC . . . . . . . . . .8 Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia . . . . . . . .10 Dr. Taylor & Associates Vision and Learning . . . . . . . . .5 I Hate Knee Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Maryland Relay Dial 711 . . . . . .20 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . .11

retail

Columbia’s Village Centers . . . .24

Senior Services

The Senior Connection . . . . . . . .15

Skilled nursing & rehabilitation Theatre/ entertainment

Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . .26

Tour & Travel

Destinations Travel . . . . . . . . . . .25 Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . .25 Side by Side Travel . . . . . . . . . . .25

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

2015 Community Seminar Series Offers Insight on Living Well rooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV) is pleased to launch its seventh year of Living Well Community Seminars beginning in February. Designed to help participants navigate a variety of healthcare and personal challenges, this year’s series offers an impressive array of experts ready to offer insight on topics that range from heart-healthy cooking to getting a good night’s sleep.

B

necessarily replace pills, but developing them will allow you to talk confidently and develop a partnership with your physician.

To attend any of these seminars, please RSVP to Director of Marketing Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org by the Monday prior to each seminar.

Each free, monthly presentation will be held from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the terrace level conference room of Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and will be preceded by a complimentary light supper at 6:30 p.m. They are open to the public as well as to members of the BGRV family.

The seminar series will kick off on Wednesday, February 18, with a “Matters of the Heart: Heart-Healthy Cooking Demo.”

It’s a new year, and it’s not always easy to stay committed to a healthier lifestyle. Join Warman Home Care and Personal Chef Nikki Haddad to learn how easy it is to keep your resolution by incorporating nutritious, delicious ingredients into your eating plan for a healthier you in 2015.

You’ll “Take Control and Get a Good Night’s Sleep” with the help of Certified Professional Life Coach Suzanne Rosetti of Work Life Destinations, LLC. During her Wednesday, March 18, presentation, she’ll explore the things that keep us from falling asleep and the simple lifestyle adjustments that can break negative sleep cycles.

Holistic Pharmacist Brian Sanderoff, director of the Well Being Healing Center, will take the podium on Wednesday, April 15, to answer the question “What’s Your Stress Type?” Science has proven that every chronic disease can be caused by, or negatively impacted upon, by daily stress.

Discover the five major stress types and the specific tools for addressing each one that can put you on the path to better health.

During “Unlocking Your Inner Pharmacy: Pills and Skills” on Wednesday, May 13, Certified Health Coach Spring George of the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute will discuss lifestyle choices that can help improve certain medical conditions, such as inflammation and high blood pressure. Skills do not

For more information about Brooke Grove, call

301-260-2320 18131 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860

www.bgf.org