March 2015 | DC Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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VOL.27, NO.3

When help is a religious calling

Shepherd’s Center Many religious nonprofits have a diverse base of support that includes funding from congregations and religious organizations, individual donors and government grants. But the shoestring budget of the Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church avoids reliance on governmental funding as a matter of principle. That position goes back to the founding of

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PHOTO BY CHUCK LEE

By Barbara Ruben Liz McRanney hasn’t been able to drive for years. While the area’s Metro Access service will take her to scheduled doctor appointments and for shopping, she sometimes found herself spending hours waiting for the shared van trips. So she’s enjoyed being shepherded around five or six times a month for the past few years by volunteers from a nonprofit in her area: the Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church. The group provides transportation assistance, shopping help, minor home repairs and companionship for local older adults, as well as referrals to other resources. “It’s a blessing and an absolute godsend,” said McRanney, who is 72 and lives in Falls Church, Va. While the interfaith Shepherd’s Center — which has five centers in Northern Virginia and 55 more throughout the country — is non-sectarian and serves older adults regardless of religious belief, McRanney says she likes the fact that the group has as foundation in the faith community. “They come across as very compassionate and caring,” she said of the volunteers. “Some talk about their faith and church. It’s nice to have that in common.” Throughout the Washington area, one can find groups with religious roots focusing their good works on the needs of older adults. While their efforts may not have a specific theological origin, and certainly don’t involve evangelism, they generally look to their faith’s teachings for inspiration, while providing social service support without regard to the religion of their recipients. The Beacon contacted several of the larger organizations to learn more about their services and sense of calling.

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L E I S U R E & T R AV E L

A hike through the English Lake District’s poetic landscape; plus, a visit to Peter Rabbit’s house, and options for a more comfortable flight to Europe page 45

ARTS & STYLE

Leann Sherman, right, director of the Elderly Ministries program of Rockville Community Ministries, visits with client Ann Maslar. The interfaith nonprofit provides a variety of services to those in need of all ages, while its Elderly Ministries program focuses on home care and home safety assistance for seniors. A number of nonprofit faith-based organizations in the area focus on the needs of older residents.

the chapter about three years ago by Edward Schrock, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Virginia state senator. “Having been part of the government process for most of my life, I realized pretty soon that [relying on government grants] wasn’t going to work,” he said. “There are so many hoops you have to jump through, that by the time you got around to doing what you were supposed to do, it just wasn’t worthwhile.” Instead, funding comes from local congregations and businesses, program fees, individuals and fundraising events. And the center relies entirely on volunteer labor. Congregations donate office space and program help. For more information about the Shep-

herd’s Center, or to volunteer or seek assistance, see www.scmafc.org or call (703) 506-2199.

Jewish Council for the Aging As with many other groups, the mission of the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) is to “help older adults of all faiths, ethnicities and walks of life,” said executive director David Gamse. “We like to say we’re the Jewish Council for the Aging, not the Council for the Jewish Aging.” Started in 1973, JCA serves the entire metropolitan area, providing services such as adult day care, transportation, intergenerational programs, technology training, See RELIGIOUS ROOTS, page 20

Angela Lansbury performs here; plus, a fun and kooky Addams Family, a close-up look at Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and Bob Levey learns page 59 from a panhandler TECHNOLOGY 4 k Managing online health records FITNESS & HEALTH 12 k Cold remedies that make you sick SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY 39 k Best retirement investing moves LIFETIMES 51 k News from the Charles E. Smith Life Communities PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

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Should we spend it all? His premise, based on his family’s experiFor the past two months, I’ve been writing in this column about the financial pit that we ence, is that hard-working savers like his parents scrimped and sacrificed are digging for ourselves as a their whole lives, dutifully savcountry. At least, that’s one ing for retirement. But in his way of looking at the trillions mother’s last years, the entire of dollars of expanding deficits sum was “completely drained embedded in our federal and by the nursing home in less state government budgets. than 18 months.” Our demographic trajectoI was with him that far. I ry (rapidly aging population, knew many older adults (inexpanding longevity, dwincluding my own mother) who dling proportion of current spent their last dollars in a workers to retired workers, matter of months, or a couple etc.) suggests this imbalance FROM THE of years at most, paying for between revenues and costs PUBLISHER will only get worse by the day. By Stuart P. Rosenthal nursing home care. But Riggs’ epiphany was I have tried to make the case for a realistic assessment of the prob- not that his parents should have tried to lem, and suggested a wide variety of steps save more if they could, but rather, that we can take, both as individuals and as they should have spent all their savings government entities, to ameliorate the much earlier in their lives (or given it away consequences that will otherwise overtake to family or charities), when they could have enjoyed its benefits more. He sugus in just a few years. While I have received a number of gests his mother would have been better thoughtful letters from readers (one of off had she entered the nursing home eliwhich appears below), I also was recently gible for Medicaid and died poor. He seems to be saying that since her sent a proposed article by a Dr. Stanley Riggs of Florida. He is plugging a book he last years were destined to be unpleasant recently wrote, entitled Build Wealth & anyway, and since having lots of money in Spend It All, Live the Life You Earned. a nursing home doesn’t get you service He did not send, and I have not read, the any better than that provided fellow resibook. But I read his article, and the argument dents who have no assets, what was the point to following all that “save for retirehe made intrigued me at first.

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And if we are confident there will be money left over after we are gone, I think it makes sense to give at least some of it as gifts to our children and grandchildren while we are still alive to watch them enjoy it. Both of those behaviors are not only normative, but they teach important lessons to our families and to others: that there are rewards for a life well-lived and that planning ahead has benefits. But to encourage people of means to spend themselves into poverty, with the expectation that their fellow taxpayers will foot the bill for their last years, is not only irresponsible, it holds the potential to impoverish our entire country. Currently, mandated spending on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, welfare programs and interest on the federal debt consumes two-thirds of the federal budget. Medicaid, an entitlement that is typically half-funded by state governments, is a rapidly growing share of every state’s budget. Considering the more than 75 million mostly affluent baby boomers now heading into retirement, what it would cost state and federal governments (i.e., us taxpayers) to cover all of that generation’s long-term care costs would no doubt crowd out most discretionary funding, leaving little or nothing for healthcare, education, social services, you name it. That might bring pleasure to one generation of fortunate, well-off Americans, but could well put an end to the American dream for everyone else for decades. I’d like to know what you think. Please share your opinion with us via letter, fax, email or website comment.

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. and Greater Palm Springs, Calif. Readership exceeds 400,000. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................Dan Kelly, Cheryl Watts • Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 71 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

ment” advice? Furthermore, he points out that, in general, the current advice of estate planning professionals is to allocate your investments among cash, stocks and bonds, and to spend about 4 percent of the total each year, adjusted for inflation. In most cases (assuming continued earnings, and no significant losses, in your investments), that should enable you to gradually deplete your savings over 25 or 30 years. The goal is to preserve your financial independence for as long as possible. But he finds this, too, to be foolish, in that “traditional estate planning seeks to preserve your net worth up to, and usually beyond, your life, with the remainder being distributed to your heirs, attorneys and the taxman.” Instead, Riggs advocates the “I’m spending it all” approach, as his book title suggests. Since no one knows the date of his or her (natural) death, this requires a “tolerance for being almost broke” at the end, as he says. But then he asks, “Do I want to be the patient in the nursing home with the most money, or the one with the greatest memories? Would I rather be rich and have broken dreams, or be broke but have rich memories?” From a purely selfish perspective, I suppose his approach makes sense. Like the bumper sticker, “I’m spending my children’s inheritance,” it glorifies the Greedy Geezer stereotype. I tell you about this approach not to praise it, but to bury it, if possible. For I do consider it to be purely selfish, and despicably so. I am not saying we need to continuously deprive ourselves of pleasures throughout life. Far from it. When we have reasonable incomes, after setting aside reasonable portions for savings, we are entitled to enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I’m sorry there wasn’t room for Helen Oxenberg’s column in the February issue. I just love her column, which is full of common sense. And I know from her column that others have problems like my friends do in the Golden Age Club, where I am the program coordinator. People ask me for advice often, but I don’t have answers for them all the time. Suze Marley Greenbelt, Md. Dear Editor: I write apropos February’s “Facing facts, part II” by publisher Stuart Rosenthal, addressing our growing longevity

adding to the cost of Social Security and Medicare in a period of declining revenues, and what to do about it, such as boosting the economy. Perhaps the federal government ought to boost the economy by not permitting the moving of American manufacturing overseas, closing our factories, causing American unemployment. Perhaps it ought to stop spending money fighting specious wars against terrorism 10,000 miles away, providing the money for Social Security and Medicare instead. Perhaps it ought to end foreign aid, providing the money for Social Security and See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 69

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

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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 behavior 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.”

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are also instructional videos. www.seniorsguidetocomputers.com

By Barbara Ruben

Computer help The website the Senior’s Guide to Computers offers the nuts and bolts of working with your PC, from email to software, for those who use Windows. A tutorial on accessibility offers advice on how to set up the fonts, colors and other display features to make it easier to read what’s on your monitor. For those who have difficulty hearing or who are deaf, the site shows how to set sound options, such as getting visual warnings for system sounds. The site also covers security, the Internet, and how to back up data in easy-to-understand language. There

Got the travel bug? The Roaming Boomers (tagline: Life’s a trip. Let’s go have fun) takes you inside trips on Viking Cruise Lines, to a beach with purple sand in Big Sur, Calif., eating at reasonably priced restaurants in New York City, and more. In addition to writing about their travels, the couple that started the Roaming Boomers after they turned 50 also offers travel planning services and small-group tours. www.theroamingboomers.com

What to read next Maybe you finally finished all 500+ pages of Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch and want

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’

something similar in tone or theme, if perhaps not heft. The site What Should I Read Next can help you find your next tome. Type in the name of the book or an author, and the site will give you a number of recommendations. The site also tracks the most popular books that people have searched. www.whatshouldireadnext.com

Find the best prices Instead of heading to your local grocery store, hoping you’re getting the best prices, head to the mySupermarket website for staples. Just click on items to add to your cart, and the site will search eight stores, from Amazon to Walmart, for the lowest price. Either use this information to buy products online or in a store yourself,

checks to see what types of dishes people tend to combine. The restaurant chain also analyses 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 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 See CUSTOMER DATA, page 5

or just press “buy,” and pay one bill for the items. MySupermarket will have them sent from the stores with the cheapest prices. Some shipping costs may apply. www.mysupermarket.com

Feed your brain Learn fascinating useful (and useless) facts on Mental Floss, with its endless articles and lists — from “7 Things We Can Turn On and Off in the Brain” to “11 Greatest Class Pranks in History.” There are also answers to questions submitted by readers, such as “Why do shells sound like the ocean?” You can also test your mental prowess with such fun quizzes as “Name the Disney Films by Their EightWord Descriptions” and “Name the FourLetter Sports Teams.” http://mentalfloss.com

Contact MC311 for M Montgomery County Government Information and Services Call 311 to Get it Done! Tweet @311MC311 Visit MC311.com Call 240-777-0311

at: MoCoExperienceCounts.com. Send questions, suggestions for company nominations and completed nomination forms to: ECAwards@MoCoExperience Counts.com 27, 2015.

❏ Aerobic Exercise Memory Study (See ad on page 24) ❏ Diabetes Study (See ad on page 25) ❏ IDEAL Study / Healthy Volunteers 80+ (See ad on page 25) ❏ Radiation Fatigue Study (See article on page 24) Name________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________________________

Please return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

WB3/15

Closing date for nominations is March

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Health Study Volunteers

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Nomination forms are available online

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on June 1.

❏ Arbor Terrace of Herndon (See ad on page 28) ❏ Ashby Ponds (See ad on page 8) ❏ Chesterbrook Residences (See ad on page 43) ❏ Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 47) ❏ Greenspring (See ad on page 8) ❏ Gum Springs Glen (See ad on page 46) ❏ Herndon Harbor House (See ad on page 46) ❏ Morris Glen (See ad on page 46) ❏ Potomac Place (See ad on page 27) ❏ Sommerset (See ad on page 19) ❏ Vinson Hall (See ad on page 20) ❏ Virginian, The (See ad on page 72)

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at the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Annual 50+ Employment Expo

Virginia

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the talents of workers 55 and older. Awards for 2015 will be presented

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who bring skills and diversity to their workforce by hiring and using

❏ Aspenwood Senior Living (See ad on page 22) ❏ Brooke Grove (See ads on pages 17, 21, & 26) ❏ Charter House (See ad on page 42) ❏ Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 40) ❏ Covenant Village (See ad on page 46) ❏ Emerson House (See ad on page 46) ❏ Homecrest House (See ad on page 42) ❏ Mrs. Philippines Home (See ad on page 46) ❏ Oaks at Old Towne (See ad on page 67) ❏ Olney Assisted Living (See ad on page 22) ❏ Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 50) ❏ Park View Columbia (See ad on page 50) ❏ Park View Emerson (See ad on page 50) ❏ Park View Laurel (See ad on page 50) ❏ Riderwood (See ad on page 8) ❏ Solana (See ad on page 43) ❏ Springvale Terrace (See ad on page 36) ❏ Village at Rockville (See ad on page 23)

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Aging recognize best practices of employers in Montgomery County

Maryland

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the Workforce Investment Board and the Jewish Council for the

❏ Armed Forces Retirement Home (See ad on page 15) ❏ Forest Hills of DC (See ad on page 15) ❏ Friendship Terrace (See ad on page 37) ❏ Robert L Walker House (See ad on page 46)

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The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development,

District of Columbia

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Nominations now being accepted!

Housing Communities

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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

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

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Tracking cell phone movement

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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 rearrange 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.

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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 low-tech ways to determine whether or not we should move the escalator,” said Stephanie ShriverEngdahl, 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

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Customer data

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to manage your health records online 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 effects. 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). 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.

Risks and benefits 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 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, develop-

er 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 See ONLINE RECORDS, page 7

Accessing records with Blue Button 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.iblue button.com) helps users manage and share medical records directly 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

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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

Online records From page 6 your data with third parties or use it to generate targeted advertisements — a

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.

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

Passwords aren’t enough 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 See FILES ONLINE, page 8

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Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Files online From page 7 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 or-

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

dered 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.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 15

NEED HELP USING YOUR SMARTPHONE? Generations Tech’ing Together Tech Cafe offers free tech training

and will take place on Sunday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beth Shalom Congregation, 11825 Seven Locks Rd., Potomac, Md. Local teens work with older adults interested in learning about technology, including iPhones, iPads, Facebook, email, taking and sending photos, video chatting and storing music. Participants should bring their own devices. Space is limited, so sign up early. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/Cafe-RSVP.

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

BEACON BITS

Mar. 31

LEARN ABOUT E-BOOKS FOR YOUR TABLET Montgomery County Public Library presents a free e-book training

session on Tuesday, March 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring a Kindle, Nook, iPad or other electronic device. The Marilyn J. Praisner Library is located at 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, Md. No registration is required. For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/branches/praisner.html.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Watch Next Month for New Classes!

Asbury Methodist Village 409 Russell Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 301-987-6291

COMPUTER BASICS WITH WINDOWS® 7 Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC 6 sessions Fee: $85 # 254 Tues Jan 6 — Feb 10 # 255 Tues Mar 3 — Apr 7

DO MORE WITH EMAIL

Limit: 10 9:30-11:30am 9:30-11:30am

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 10 # 256 Fri Jan 23 — Feb 6 9:30-11:30am

SECURITY 101

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent and access to the Internet Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 10 # 257 Mon Jan 26 — Feb 9 9:30-11:30am

DO MORE WITH THE WEB

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent and current access to the Internet Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 10 # 258 Mon Mar 2 — Apr 6 9:30-11:30am

TOTAL PHOTO WITH PICASA

Prerequisite: Experience taking digital photos and using a computer Fee: $65 4 sessions Limit: 10 # 259 Fri Mar 6 — Mar 27 9:30-11:30am

DISCOUNT! STUDENTS RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT WHEN BILL IS PAID IN FULL 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS. If you have questions, please call 240-395-0916 or email seniortech@accessjca.org

ASSISTED PRACTICE

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. Must be registered for at least one class to No Fee Wed Jan 7 — Feb 11 9:30am-1:30pm Wed Mar 4 — Apr 8 9:30am-1:30pm

JCA Bronfman Center 12320 Parklawn Dr, Rockville, MD 301-255-4200

COMPUTER BASICS WITH WINDOWS® 7 Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC 6 sessions Fee: $85 # 260 Thurs Jan 8 — Feb 12

DO MORE WITH WINDOWS® 7

Limit: 8 1:00-3:00pm

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 8 #261 Wed Feb 18 — Mar 25 1:00–3:00pm

MICROSOFT WORD: INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 8 #262 Tues Jan 13 — Jan 20 10:00am-12:00pm

MICROSOFT WORD: THE NEXT LEVEL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $65 4 sessions Limit: 8 #263 Tues Mar 3 — Mar 24 10:00am-12:00pm

MICROSOFT EXCEL: SPREADSHEET

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $65 4 sessions Limit: 8 # 264 Wed Jan 7 — Jan 28 1:00-3:00pm

TECHNOLOGY TERMS FOR IPAD® BEGINNERS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $ 20 # 265 Thurs Jan 22 10:00am-12:00pm # 266 Wed Mar 25 10:00am-12:00pm

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR IPAD® Prerequisite: iPad needs to be updated to

IOS 7 and have an Apple ID and password Fee: $65 4 sessions Limit: 8 # 268 Tues Mar 31 — April 2810:00am-12:00pm

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 270 Tues Mar 3 1:00-3:00pm

LINKEDIN®, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Solid computer skills and an active email account Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 271 Wed Feb 4 1:00-3:00pm

FACEBOOK, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $ 20 1 session Limit: 8 # 272 Wed Feb 4 10:00am-12:00pm # 273 Wed Mar 18 10:00am-12:00pm

MEET THE TECHNOLOGY GURUS! BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS! Fee: $20

1 session

Limit: 8

Experts available to help individuals with hardware/ software issues. Minimum of a half to an hour meeting. Topics: iPhone®/iPad®, backing up the cloud, Laptop/desktop Issues, photos/videos, PowerPoint and more. All classes 10:00am-12:00pm. Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 276 Mon Feb 9 10:00am-12:00pm # 277 Mon Feb 23 10:00am-12:00pm # 278 Mon Mar 9 10:00am-12:00pm # 279 Mon Mar 23 10:00am-12:00pm # 280 Mon Apr 13 10:00am-12:00pm # 281 Mon Apr 27 10:00am-12:00pm

ASSISTED PRACTICE

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. Must be registered for at least one class to participate. All practice sessions 10:00am-12:00pm No Fee Thurs Jan 15, Jan 29 Thurs Feb 12 10:00am-12:00pm Thurs Feb 12, Feb 26 Thurs Mar 12, Mar 26 Thurs Apr 16

Limit: 8

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Crystal City

1750 Crystal Dr Shops, Suite 1638B Crystal Square Arcade, Arlington, VA 703-941-1007

COMPUTER BASICS: INTRODUCTION TO THE PERSONAL COMPUTER USING WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Bring a flash drive to class Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 10 # 282 Wed Jan 7 — Feb 11 10:00am-12:00pm # 283 Wed Mar 4 — Apr 8 10:00am-12:00pm

INTERMEDIATE PC, WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 10 # 284 Tues Jan 6 — Feb 10 10:00am-12:00pm # 285 Tues Mar 3 — April 7 10:00am-12:00pm

EXCEL BASICS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent; bring a flash drive to class Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 10 # 286 Thurs Jan 8 — Mar 12 10:00am-12:00pm

EXCEL – BEYOND BASICS

Prerequisite: Excel Basics or equivalent Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 10 # 287 Thurs Mar 5 — Mar 19 10:00am-12:00pm

TOURING THE INTERNET

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 6 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $85 # 288 Mon Jan 5 — Feb 23 12:30-2:30pm # 289 Mon Mar 2 — Apr 6 12:30-2:30pm

GUIDE TO BUYING A PERSONAL COMPUTER (WORKSHOP) Fee: $20 # 290 Thurs

1 session Mar 26

Limit: 10 10:00am-12:00pm

UNDERSTANDING YOUR APPLE IPAD® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Bring a fully charged Apple iPad to class Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: None # 291 Fri Feb 27 — Mar 13 10:00am-12:00pm # 292 Weds-Fri Apr 29 — May 1 10:00am-12:00pm

USING YOUR APPLE IPHONE® (WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Ownership of an Apple iPhone. Bring fully charged iPhone. Fee: $20 1 session Limit: None # 293 Thurs Feb 19 10:00am-12:00pm # 294 Mon Apr 20 12:30-2:30pm

USING SKYPE® TO MAKE VIDEO OR AUDIO CALLS (WORKSHOP)

Fee: $20 # 295 Wed # 296 Wed

1 session Feb 18 Apr 15

TAMING WORD (WORKSHOP)

Limit: 10 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm

Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge and mouse skills Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 10 # 297 Tues Feb 17 & 24 10:00am-12:00pm

GRAPHICS EXPLORERS

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Photoshop® Elements 10 or 11 software Fee: $35 Ongoing sessions Limit: 10 # 298 Mon Jan 5 — Feb 23 10:00am-12:00pm # 299 Mon Mar 2 — Apr 27 10:00am-12:00pm

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

JCA SENIORTECH WORKSHOP: SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS USING THE ANDROID OPERATING SYSTEM(OS)

LINKEDIN®, AN INTRODUCTION

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SECURE

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: None Fee: $20 1 session # 300 Thurs Apr 9 Fee: $20 # 301 Fri

1 session Jan 9

Limit: None 12:30-2:30pm

Limit: None 10:00am-12:00pm

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 10 # 302 Mon Apr 13 12:30-2:30pm

ORGANIZING, EDITING, AND SHARING PHOTOS WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer and mouse skills Fee: $35 2 session Limit: None # 303 Tues Apr 14 & 21 10:00am-12:00pm

Prerequisite: Solid computer skills and an active email account Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 311 Wed Mar 11 10:00am-12:00pm Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 312 Thurs Feb 12 10:00am-12:00pm

Microsoft at Pentagon City 1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 703-236-9140

USING APPLE IPHOTO® AND IMOVIE® (WORKSHOP)

All Classes at the Microsoft at Pentagon City are taught on the Surface Tablet (Microsoft) or you may bring a laptop computer. No Apple® products.

VIEWING MOVIES ON YOUR PC (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 313 Mon Feb 9 10:00am-12:00pm

Prerequisite: Must bring your own iPad® or iPhone® Fee: $20 1 session Limit: None # 304 Thurs Feb 26 10:00am-12:00pm # 305 Mon Apr 27 12:30-2:30pm Prerequisite: Basic computer skills Fee: $20 # 306 Thurs # 307 Thurs

1 session Feb 5 Apr 2

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Microsoft at Westfield Montgomery Mall

Limit:10 12:30-2:30pm 10:00am-12:00pm

7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 301-765-3080

WINDOWS® 8.1 DEMONSTRATION

Prerequisite: None, you may bring your own laptop with Windows 8.1 Fee: $20 1 session Limit:10 # 308 Thurs Feb 12 12:30 - 2:30pm # 309 Thurs Apr 9 10:00am-12:00pm

ASSISTED PRACTICE No Fee

Limit: 10

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. Must be registered for at least one class to participate. All practice sessions 10:00am-12:00pm All practice sessions 10:00am-12:00pm Speak with your instructor for details.

Microsoft at Tysons Corner 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22102 703-336-8480

All classes at Tysons Corner are taught on the Surface Tablet (Microsoft) or you may bring a laptop computer. No Apple® products.

MICROSOFT EXCEL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $65 4 sessions Limit: 6 # 310 Wed Feb 11 — Mar 4 10:00am-12:00pm

All Classes at the Microsoft at Westfield Montgomery Mall are taught on the Surface Tablet (Microsoft) or you may bring a laptop computer. Classes at this location will be taught by Microsoft personnel.

WINDOWS8: FUNDAMENTALS OF YOUR WINDOWS DEVICE

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 314 Tues Jan 20 8:30-10:00am # 315 Tues Mar 17 8:30-10:00am

EXCEL 2013: FUNDAMENTALS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 316 Tues Feb 3 8:30-10:00am # 317 Tues Mar 31 8:30-10:00am

POWERPOINT 2013: FUNDAMENTALS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 6 Fee: $20 # 318 Tues Feb 17 8:30-10:00am # 319 Tues Apr 14 8:30-10:00am

WORD 2013: FUNDAMENTALS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 6 # 320 Tues Mar 3 8:30-10:00am # 321 Tues Apr 28 8:30-10:00am

Looking for Volunteers

JCA SeniorTech

Are you a senior looking for volunteer opportunities? Do you have computer skills you want to share?

Jewish Council for the Aging® (JCA) is looking for senior volunteers to teach and coach computer classes in Montgomery County and Northern Virginia.

For more info, contact us at seniortech@accessjca.org or call 240-395-0916.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The Microsoft operating systems vary by site and include Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Classes are designed to help older adults, 50+, refresh or advance their computer skills and learn to use social media. Courses are taught by volunteer instructors and coaches. Courses are almost always “hands on” in which students practice skills and techniques on a computer during class.

ATTENTION:

Instruction, course materials and all computer language settings are in

English.

Courses are taught with Windows computers.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

SENIORTECH REGISTRATION FORM

COMPUTER TRAINING

WAYS TO REGISTER: BY MAIL:

Include your payment with form to JCA SeniorTech 12320 Parklawn Drive Rockville, MD 20852-1726

BY PHONE: Call 240-395-0916 with your credit card information

NOTE: ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE 7 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF CLASS. Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Age: ________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _______________ Phone#: ______________________________ Email: __________________________________________________ I have taken a JCA SeniorTech class before: ____ Yes ____ No

Student ID (Office use only)_______________

I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR: Class #

Class Title

Location

Start Date

Start Time

Fee

10% DISCOUNT WHEN BILL IS PAID IN FULL 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS

TOTAL $ _________

PAYMENT METHOD:

REFUND POLICY: Students who wish to withdraw and receive a full refund must notify JCA at least 48 hours before the first class begins. A 50% refund is given after the first class.

For more information, call 240-395-0916.

WB3/15

❒ Master Card ❒ VISA ❒ American Express ❒ Check (Make Checks payable to JCA SeniorTech.) Each JCA SeniorTech center follows the weather-related decisions of the public school system in its jurisdiction, except that if a school system is closed for even part of the day, the center will be closed the entire day. As soon as possible, your instructor will arrange to make up any classes cancelled due to inclement weather.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Name as it appears on card: ____________________________________________________________

Card Number

____________ ____________ ____________ _____________

Exp. Date

______ /______

Sec. Code

__________

OFFICE USE ONLY Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

NOTICE: WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ITS RESOURCES, JCA SERVES PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. INDEED, WE TRY TO BE AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE IN ALL THAT WE DO. SOMETIMES, HOWEVER, JCA MAY DENY A PERSON OR GROUP THE OPTION TO ENROLL OR TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL OR PARTICULAR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DO SO, AT OUR SOLE DISCRETION, SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT OUR ACTION IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR PROGRAM OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON NOT PRECLUDED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

Each contribution or remittance of payment by check is considered authorization to convert that particular check into an electronic fund transfer. If your check is unable to be converted, it may be processed as a Check Replacement Document drawn against your account. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day you make your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. You have the right to opt out of Electronic Conversion. If you choose to exercise this right, write the words ‘Opt Out’ in the memo field of your check and JCA will process it as a draft against your account.

✃

SeniorTech

JCA SENIORTECH

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Health Fitness &

PARE DOWN YOUR PILLS Review your medications with your doctor to see if you can cut down LUNG CANCER SCREENING Long-time smokers should consider a CT screening to catch early cancer COLD MEDICINE CONCERNS Decongestants, antihistamines and pain pills affect older adults differently DON’T BE SHORTCHANGED You may not be getting enough of four essential nutrients. How to fix that

FDA new drug approvals soared last year By Matthew Perrone The Food and Drug Administration approved 41 first-of-a-kind drugs in 2014, including a record number of medicines for rare diseases, pushing the agency’s annual tally of drug approvals to its highest level in 18 years. FDA drug approvals are considered a barometer of industry innovation and the federal government’s efficiency in reviewing new therapies. Last year’s total was the most since the all-time high of 53 drugs approved in 1996. The 2014 approval list includes 15 drugs for so-called orphan diseases, which are rare conditions and disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Last year’s tally, which included drugs for rare cancer and metabolic disorders, exceeded the 13 orphan drugs approved in 2012.

Sky-high prices The record-setting number reflects the drug industry’s ongoing shift toward specialty drugs for niche conditions, which often come with extra patent protections, streamlined approvals — and higher price tags.

For example, in December the FDA granted accelerated approval to Amgen’s Blincyto, a biotech therapy to treat a rare form of leukemia. Shortly thereafter, Amgen announced it would price the immune-system boosting cancer drug at $178,000 per year. Earlier last year, the agency approved Myalept for an ultra-rare metabolic disorder that affects roughly one in a million people in the U.S. The drug from Aegerion Pharmaceuticals costs about $325,000 per year. While the uptick in innovative medicines is good news for patients, it is sure to reinvigorate debate over the price of new drugs as insurers and public payers increasingly push back against higher costs. America’s Health Insurance Plans, the chief lobbying group from insurers, spent much of the last year speaking out against the costs for innovative new drugs, for both orphan conditions and more common diseases. AHIP and other groups took particular issue with the price of Harvoni, a new hepatitis pill that costs $94,500 for a 12-week supply. Express Scripts, the nation’s largest

pharmacy benefit manager, said the drug from Gilead Sciences “is priced as if it were treating an extremely rare condition,” although an estimated 3 million people in the U.S. have the Hepatitis C virus. Express Scripts says that specialty drugs account for 20 percent of its annual costs but just 1 percent of the prescriptions it fills.

Developing niche drugs Industry analysts say the shift toward specialty drugs reflects a natural research tendency. Drugmakers have already developed effective therapies for many of the most prevalent diseases and conditions, such as high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes. “Some of the larger population diseases that we’ve found treatments for have been solved, in essence,” said Michael Kleinrock, director of research for IMS Health, a consulting and data firm. “Innovation is now moving to smaller populations, and they’re more difficult, both technically and in terms of the cost.” But other experts point out that the cost of developing drugs for rare diseases can

sometimes be lower than developing drugs for more common conditions, because the trials require far fewer patients. “You’re talking about having two to three hundred patients in your clinical trial versus a few thousand,” said Christopher-Paul Milne, of the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, a university research group that receives drug industry funding. Companies also benefit from seven years of competition-free marketing for each new orphan drug, as well as tax breaks on the costs of developing the drugs. Milne credits the upswing in orphan drugs to these financial rewards and more proactive efforts by the FDA to expedite reviews of innovative medicines.

Encouraging breakthroughs Nine drug approvals in 2014 benefited from the FDA’s “breakthrough” designation, a recent program designed to speed up development of promising drugs by providing companies with extra meetings See DRUG APPROVALS, page13

Botox has many uses beyond cosmedic You’ve no doubt witnessed the effect of Botox in the unfurrowed brows of celebrities. But Botox’s applications are more than skin deep; the drug has a role in treating disorders that range from migraine headaches to incontinence. “Botox is a first-line treatment only for dystonia, or uncontrolled muscle contractions. But for other conditions, it can be quite effective for patients who have exhausted other possibilities,” said Dr. Bonnie Hersh, clinical instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hersh uses Botox to treat patients with chronic migraine, upper limb spasticity, and excessive sweating. Botox is a trade name for botulinum toxin A — a substance secreted by the bacteria responsible for botulism, a foodborne illness that causes paralysis and sometimes death. When diluted, however, botulinum toxin is a useful muscle relaxant. In 1989, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved botulinum toxin for treating crossed eyes. Next came approval for smoothing facial

lines, which made Botox a household word. Since then, Botox and newer brands of botulinum toxin — Dysport, Xeomin, and Myobloc — have been approved for several medical conditions, and are used off label to treat many others. Botox injections are given during an office visit. The doctor identifies the targeted muscle, numbs the injection site, and inserts a thin needle into the muscle. The number of injections, concentration of Botox, and side effects depend on the condition being treated. Botox often takes three to five days to begin working and two to three weeks to reach peak effectiveness. It lasts about three months, so injections usually need to be repeated several times a year.

FDA-approved uses Most insurers cover Botox injections given for the following conditions: 1. Overactive bladder and urge incontinence. Botox reduces episodes of incontinence in people for whom oral incon-

tinence drugs don’t work. 2. Chronic migraine headache. Botox is approved for treating people who endure severe, frequent migraines. It doesn’t prevent migraines, but may reduce their number and duration. 3. Upper limb spasticity (dystonia). Elbows, wrists, or fingers often contract uncontrollably as a result of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain trauma or spinal cord injury. Botox may relax muscles enough to enable people to do basic activities like washing and dressing. 4. Cervical dystonia. Uncontrollable contractions in neck muscles can force the head into awkward and uncomfortable positions. Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Myobloc are approved for treating cervical dystonia. They relax the neck muscles enough to return the head to a more normal position. 5. Excessive underarm perspiration. When even the strongest antiperspirants don’t work, Botox can alleviate heavy sweating by blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands.

6. Strabismus (crossed eyes). People with strabismus have uncoordinated eye movements, often resulting in double vision and poor depth perception. Botox relaxes the muscles that pull the eyeballs out of alignment. 7. Blepharospasm. Botox and Xeomin are approved for treating uncontrolled contractions of eyelid muscles that cause rapid blinking and may even clamp the eyes shut.

Off-label uses Doctors can prescribe an FDA-approved drug for almost any purpose. Botulinum toxin is used off label to treat conditions as varied as teeth grinding, tennis elbow and pelvic pain. But off-label use isn’t likely to be covered by health insurance. Botox costs around $600 a treatment, and medical and pharmacy fees will be added to the bill. In 2013, Diane Rehm received the National Humanities Medal, cited “for her probing See BOTOX, page 13

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Drug approvals From page 12 and earlier communication with FDA scientists. Milne said these meetings provide more predictability and transparency about the FDA review process, a boon to both companies and investors. But as FDA approvals climb higher, the issue of how to pay for these innovative medicines remains. In years past, expiring patents on blockbuster drugs like Plavix and Lipitor provided cost savings that payers

Botox From page 12 interviews with pundits, poets and presidents.” Rehm, host of a weekday program on National Public Radio, said her interviews would have ended long ago if not for Botox. Rehm has spasmodic dysphonia, in which the vocal cords clamp together, making it difficult to force air through them. In 1998, after six years of futile attempts to get a diagnosis, Rehm found a medical team who identified her condition and suggested Botox treatment. Within a month, she could speak easily again. Her listeners have become accustomed to Rehm’s absences after each Botox treat-

BEACON BITS

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could shift toward new, innovative drugs. In 2012, for example, drugs worth $29 billion in annual sales lost patent protection and became subject to generic competition, while new drugs worth just $11 billion entered the market, according to IMS Health. But in 2014 the equation flipped: between $7 and $8 billion in older drugs lost patent protection, while new drugs worth $20 billion launched. In 2015, IMS expects innovative new drugs to again outpace expiring drugs. –- AP ment, when her vocal cords are too relaxed to produce sustainable speech. But it’s a trade-off she’s happy to make. “These treatments saved my career,” she said. — Harvard Women’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

NOVA SENIOR SOFTBALL

Northern Virginia Senior Softball is looking for new members to play slow-pitch softball. There are no tryouts. There are 26 teams and three leagues that play on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. The season runs from April 7 to Aug. 7. For more information, visit www.nvss.org or call (703) 524-5576.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Can you pare down your medications? If you can’t remember the last time you did an inventory of your pill bottles, you may want to add that to your to-do list. Like some items in your wardrobe, the drugs that suited you at one point may not work as well as you go through life. Your kidneys and liver are responsible for clearing drugs from the body. As you age, these two organs clear drugs more slowly. As a result, drugs remain at higher levels in your blood for a longer time, so a dose of a drug that was optimal for you 20 years ago may be too high today. With age, people also gain fat and lose muscle mass, which contains water. This shift also changes the way drugs are distributed to and broken down in body tissues.

And if you have developed some chronic conditions, you may be taking more prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications than you did 20 years ago. Each of those drugs has the potential to suppress or enhance the effectiveness of other drugs you take. For example, there are hundreds of over-the-counter supplements and prescription drugs that can change the speed at which the anti-clotting drug warfarin (Coumadin) is metabolized. Because drugs stay in the body longer as we age, their side effects can be more severe. The following are especially likely to have significant side effects: 1. Benzodiazepines. This category of

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medications to treat anxiety or insomnia includes long-acting drugs like Valium (diazepam) and Klonopin (clonazepam), and shorter-acting ones like Xanax (alprazolam). They’ve been associated with increased risk of falls, confusion and memory loss. They also tend to create dependence, and you can have withdrawal effects if you stop taking them. 2. Medications containing diphenhydramine. Developed in the 1940s, diphenhydramine has been sold over the counter as Benadryl for allergy relief for decades. It also makes people drowsy, so it’s been incorporated into sleeping aids like Zzzquil and Sominex. It constricts blood vessels, leading to confusion, blurred vision and other side effects. “It’s the one drug I advise my older patients never to use,” said Dr. Sarah Berry, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. 3. Antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), doxepin (Sinequan), and imipramine (Tofranil) can cause drowsiness and sudden drops in blood pressure, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, like fluoxetine (Prozac), were once thought to be safer, but recent re-

search has indicated that they’re also associated with an increased risk of falling. 4. Sleeping pills. The so-called Zdrugs — zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), and zopiclone (Imovane) — have many of the side effects of benzodiazepines, including next-day drowsiness. “The increased risk of falls and fractures is high, especially when you first start,” Dr. Berry said. In 2013, the FDA lowered the maximum recommended dose of Ambien for women from 10 mg. to 7.5 mg. due to concerns for driving safety and mental acuity with the higher dose. A great way to make sure you’re taking only the drugs you need is to put all of the prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements you take into a bag and bring it to your next medical appointment. Sometimes the drug or dose your provider thinks you use isn’t exactly the same as the one you’re taking. Bringing in everything is a good way for the doctor to see everything you take. And you should ask your doctor the same two questions about every drug in the bag, Dr. Berry said: “Do I need to be taking this?” and “Could I get by with a lower dose?” — Harvard Women’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Now I get more benefits than Original Medicare. If you have Medicare A & B and are a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), call to learn more about UnitedHealthcare® Dual Complete™ (PPO SNP). Compared to Original Medicare, this plan gives you added benefits that could really make a difference in your life, including:

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1-855-209-0707 (TTY 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-pays/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. This service should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The nurses are not a substitute for your doctor’s care. Y0066_150212_144700_FINAL_01 Accepted CST6971_PSC2018384

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Intergenerational conversation starters When you get together with a child, her orthodontist appointment in Washing- you participating in any fun after-school ac- view can really stimulate a conversation. I will elaborate on many of these ideas in grandchild or younger neighbor, do you ton, DC, she read a magazine the doctor had tivities? If you had three wishes, what in his office waiting room titled would they be? future columns. But in the meantime, why find it easy to engage in conCalling All Girls. She vividly reFinally, a great follow up question to any not give a few of these topics a try? versation? If you answered no, members an article that was all inquiry you make is, “why?” Asking for exAlexis Bentz is a middle-school student at you aren’t alone. about how to start conversa- planations and seeing another’s point of Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville, Md. Many people feel awkward tions with others. The advice and say they don’t know what was to ask questions. It was a to talk about when they are simple suggestion, but it really with a member of the younger works. generation. Hopefully, that is My grandmother has used something I can help change. Introduction to: • Hearing Aid Technology that advice for decades and Different generations actually • Latest Features • Brand Comparisons she says it has taken her far. do have a lot to talk about. GENERATIONS She became a beloved One topic that is a great TOGETHER teacher, and has also written a thing to talk about is school. By Alexis Bentz few short books, and her Both the young and old have communication skills really experienced it before, and it Offered as a community service by could be interesting to compare experi- helped her reach those goals. Auditory Services Inc. A few great questions to ask youngsters ences and think about change over time 9800 Falls Road, Suite 5 • Potomac, MD 20854 (teachers, lessons, clubs, community serv- are: What are you reading? What did you 1734 Elton Road, Suite 104 • Silver Spring, MD 20903 do today? What is your favorite movie? Are ice, etc.). That is another thing you can discuss: change. You can talk about how times have FORMERLY THE METHODIST HOME OF DC changed from years ago until now. Talk about the differences in technology, or the differences in clothing and style, or the differences in literature and media. And there are so many world events and issues you can debate, from when you were in school until now. You can also tell stories, recall memories, or even create a tale. You can also talk about how to arrange for ongoing means of comIcyline Jonathan munication; for example, becoming a pen Certified Charge Nurse Sandy Nursing 8 years CEO pal or email pal, or learning how to Skype Assistant 22 years and text. 12 years Another simple but beneficial thing that you can do is just ask a question. I spoke with my grandmother about conversation starters, and she told me a story about how, when she was my age, she learned an important lesson about communication. She explained that whenever she went to

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Who should be screened for lung cancer? By Dr. Stephen Cassivi Dear Mayo Clinic: At my last physical, my doctor suggested that I should be screened for lung cancer. I used to smoke about a pack of cigarettes a day, but I quit 12 years ago. I’m 63 now and in good health. Is screening really necessar y for me? What does it involve? Answer: Screening programs are used to find lung cancer at an early stage, when it’s more likely to be successfully treated.

In general, screening is recommended for people at higher risk of developing lung cancer. That often includes people like you, who smoked heavily at some point in their lives. Lung cancer is currently the No.1 cancer killer in the United States. More people die in the U.S. each year from lung cancer than from colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. But studies have shown that a properly organized screening program can reduce

the number of people who die from lung cancer by 20 percent.

Who should be screened? In particular, a research study called the National Lung Screening Trial found that three specific segments of the population benefit the most from screening. The first group includes people who’ve had lung cancer before. The second group is people who smoked a pack or more of cigarettes a day for 30 years or longer. The third group includes people who smoked a pack a day or more for 20 years or longer and who also have another factor that raises their risk of lung cancer. Those factors may include a family history of lung cancer; having emphysema or another lung disorder; having undergone radiation treatment; or a previous cancer diagnosis in another part of the body.

CT screening Lung cancer screening programs use an imaging exam called low-dose computerized tomography, or CT, which scans the lungs to look for lung cancer. Getting a CT scan involves a medical appointment that lasts about an hour, although the actual scan usually takes less than a minute. A low-dose CT scan is a painless procedure, similar to getting an X-ray. The detailed

images of the lungs and surrounding structures created during the scan are generated by a computer and reviewed by a radiologist — a doctor who specializes in diagnosing conditions with imaging tests. Using CT scans to screen for lung cancer is important because these scans can reveal lung cancers long before they cause symptoms or show up on a chest X-ray. A CT scan can spot cancers as small as a grain of rice. That’s significant because survival after lung cancer treatment is directly related to the stage at which the cancer is first found. When lung cancer is identified at a very early stage with a screening CT scan, the cancer often can be cured with surgery. In addition, treatment for early stage lung cancer often can be done using minimallyinvasive techniques. Quitting smoking was an excellent decision — perhaps the best healthcare decision you will make in your life. Stopping smoking dramatically lowers the risk for many health problems and increases overall health and well-being. — Stephen Cassivi, M.D., Thoracic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

INDEPENDENT LIVING

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Jim Beckley, realtor with the Eric Stewart Group, will share information on today’s local real estate and advice on selling your home for an optimal price including tips on timing, sorting through your possessions, and home improvements with the best rate of return. Sessions will be presented at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Health Shorts Is canola oil toxic? No, but... There are all sorts of rumors about canola oil — so let’s sort fact from fiction. First, you may have heard that canola oil contains high levels of the toxic compound erucic acid. Not true. “The rapeseed plant that canola oil was originally derived from does contain high levels of erucic acid, but it’s been bred out of the canola plant we get our oil from today, so levels are very low and not harmful. The FDA regulates how much is allowed (no more than 2 percent),” said Libby Mills, a registered dietician and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In the late 1960s, traditional plant breeding methods — not biotechnology — were used to rid rapeseed of its undesirable qualities, and canola was born. Today, most of our canola oil is genetically modified, which adds a certain creep factor for some people. Truth is, there’s no hard evidence that genetically modified foods (GMOs) like canola oil cause adverse health effects in humans, but there’s also no good research proving that they don’t. The FDA doesn’t independently test GMOs; rather, they rely on reports from the manufacturer when clearing them for public consumption. So if you’re concerned about GMOs, buy organic. Then there’s the claim that canola oil is processed using dangerous chemicals. There’s a kernel of truth here. Canola — like many oils — is extracted using hexane, which is dangerous (it’s flammable). That said, the final oil is essentially hexane-free, and there’s no solid evidence to suggest this method of processing is bad

for your health. There’s also some truth to the idea that cooking with canola can be toxic. But there’s no need to rid your pantry of it. When canola oil is heated to high temperatures (think: frying), especially for a long time, linoleic acid (a healthy fatty acid also in corn, safflower and soybean oils) gets broken down into a compound called HNE, which has been linked to heart and liver disease and neurological problems. HNE becomes particularly concentrated when canola oil hits its smoke point or is reheated. “There’s no research on what amount of HNE is harmful, but it’s prevalent in packaged and restaurant foods — especially fried foods,” said Mills. — EatingWell

How to find 5-star dialysis Medicare is adding a visual tool to help kidney patients compare the quality of dialysis centers: Star ratings. Medicare’s online Dialysis Facility Compare already included quality information, such as whether patient death and hospitalization rates were higher than expected. But it said that information wasn’t always easy for patients to understand. Medicare has now added an extra rating category, giving a facility one to five stars based on some of those quality measurements, as it has long rated nursing homes About 430,000 people in the U.S. are on dialysis, according to the National Kidney Foundation. There are different types of dialysis, but the most common is being hooked to a blood-filtering machine in a dialysis center three days a week. Many people choose a facility close to home or one recommended by their kidney specialist. The star ratings provide additional inforSee HEALTH SHORTS, page 19

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Health shorts From page 18 mation, but they’re not the only thing to consider, said Dr. Kate Goodrich, Medicare’s quality measurement director. Low-scoring facilities should consider the rating an incentive to improve, she said — especially if, as Medicare officials hope, patients ask about quality measures. For example, specialists agree that a catheter placed into a vein usually should be for short-term dialysis access, because longer use risks infection. Yet Medicare’s data shows wide variation in how many patients retain catheters for 90 days or more. Goodrich called that a target for improvement, and something patients should discuss with their health providers. — AP

Myths and facts about UTI treatments The myths about preventing and treating a urinary tract infection (UTI) are many, but let’s get to the truth. About 60 percent of women will experience this common malady (and the painful, frequent and sometimes urgent urination that goes with it) over their lifetimes. At the top of the UTI “myth list” is the

widely held belief that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements can prevent and treat UTIs. “There is an active ingredient in cranberries that can prevent adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall, particularly E. coli,” said urologist Courtenay Moore. “But most of the studies have shown that juice and supplements don’t have enough of this active ingredient, A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.” Overall, clinical studies on the efficacy of cranberry juices and extracts for the prevention of UTIs are conflicting. In 2012, the Cochrane Data Base identified 24 studies comparing cranberry products (juice or extracts) to control or alternative treatments. The review found that, compared with placebo, cranberry products did not significantly reduce the occurrence of UTIs. The effectiveness of cranberry was not significantly different to antibiotics for women. Also, because supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it’s not known how much of the active ingredient each product contains. Therefore, many of the products may not have enough of the active ingredient to be effective. Moore said she’s heard all of the myths about how to prevent or treat UTIs — drinking lots of water, urinating after sex,

avoiding tight-fitting pants, and staying away from hot tubs, bubble baths and tampons. None of these beliefs is supported by any scientific data, she said. On the other hand, here are three things that Moore said women should do to help prevent UTIs: 1. Take precautions to prevent UTIs after sexual activity. “Frequency of sexual activity is strongly correlated with UTIs,” Moore said, and multiple partners and a history of sexuallytransmitted diseases put you at the greatest risk. If you’re prone to recurrent UTIs, Dr. Moore advises against using spermi-

cides or barrier contraceptives (like a diaphragm), and will often recommend a single dose of an oral antibiotic be taken before or after sex. 2. Develop good bowel habits. Urinary tract infections are caused when bacteria from the rectum strays into the vagina, she said. That most commonly happens when you have constipation or diarrhea, so do what you can to stay regular. 3. Balance “good” bacteria with bad. For women with recurrent UTIs, Dr. Moore often uses oral or vaginal probiotics, also known as “good” bacteria. — What Doctors Know

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Reduce Your Risk of Falling Schedule a Hearing Exam Today Study links untreated hearing loss with increased loss of balance.* Those with even mild hearing impairment are nearly three times as likely as those with normal hearing to suffer a fall. Hearing loss has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why a baseline hearing exam is strongly recommended at age 50.

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Religious roots From page 1 and information and referral. JCA has more than 800 volunteers helping to provide its many services. “In a sense, our work is based on the Jewish concept of tzedakah [charity/good works]. It’s not merely donating to a cause, but extending a hand across the table, realizing that you could be in their shoes,” he said. Some of JCA’s services are provided on a fee-for-service basis, but a sliding scale ensures that those with low incomes can still obtain help. Building on that concept,

“part of our faith-based philosophy is to ensure that no one is turned away. We don’t want financial hardship to make it difficult to access our services,” Gamse said. The fact that the group’s very name says “Jewish” has affected funding in two ways. While it may have kept some corporations and other potential donors from contributing, more than 40 percent of JCA’s $6 million annual budget comes from philanthropists, most of whom are Jewish, Gamse said. The group also accepts government grants, which help fund some major projects. These include their annual 50+Employ-

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

ment Expos, which attract thousands of older job seekers, and the Career Gateway program, which helps retirees successfully transition back into the work force. Not only JCA’s volunteers, but its employees also respond to the group’s calling. Many remain as volunteers after they retire from the organization, Gamse said. “In faith-based organizations, the pay is often low. But people are working at what they love to do, and see the impact it has every day.” To learn more about JCA, visit www.accessjca.org or call (301) 255-4200 or (703) 425-0999

Seabury Resources for Aging

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For many years, Seabury Resources for Aging was known as Episcopal Senior Ministries, but it dropped the overt reference to religion in its name in 2010. The connection is still evident in a subtle way, however, as the first American Episcopal bishop was named Samuel Seabury. “While we started as an Episcopal organization, we recognized that Episcopalians aren’t any different than everyone else. Their needs are universal,” said Executive Director Joseph E. Resch, Jr., in explaining the name change. Seabury Resources owns and operates several senior living communities and homes, offers a network of social and home maintenance serves for Washington, D.C. residents in several wards, and pro-

Community Ministries Community Ministries of Rockville traces its roots back to the merging of two churches in 1967, and has been evolving ever since to offer help for all ages through emergency assistance programs, housing for the homeless, a health clinic, and classes in English as a second language. About 30 years ago, the nonprofit organization added its Elderly Ministries program, which includes two main projects for older City of Rockville residents. Its home care program offers case manSee RELIGIOUS ROOTS, page 21

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vides care management, transportation, and information and referral. While its religious origins do not influence its services or determine who is served, Resch said, all of Seabury’s board members have a church connection. “Because our board members have a congregation affiliation, it does influence some of our discussions about services, what’s needed and how it’s delivered. They bring the concerns they have about their older congregation members,” he said. In addition, Seabury has been designated as the organization that provides leadership and coordination of aging services for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. For more information about Seabury Resources for Aging, see http://seaburyresources.org or call (202) 414-6315.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Religious roots From page 20 agement, homemaker services and other support to help older adults remain in their homes comfortably. Clients receive two to four hours of weekly service from certified aides.

The Safe and Habitable Home Project uses volunteers and contractors to help with a range of services, from plumbing to replacement of furnaces. The program also installs safety devices, such as grab bars and railings. A related program that was started recently works with firefighters to test and

Clergy Against Alzheimer’s Alarmed by the burgeoning number of Alzheimer’s patients, a group of religious leaders recently formed the national interfaith group Clergy Against Alzheimer’s. “Clergy Against Alzheimer’s continues the rich legacy of clergy and people of faith as agents of social change. We believe that Alzheimer’s disease presents a moral imperative at a scale commensurate to the grave and growing threat it presents to our nation,” according to the group’s mission statement. Members share the common goals of promoting dignity, compassionate care, and quality of life for individuals with dementia, and providing support for families, friends and caregivers. The network is part of the nonprofit group US Against

install smoke detectors and inspect homes for fire hazards. “People feel like someone cares about them. It’s nice to know that they have a presence in their lives,” said Deputy Director Lynn Arndt. Just $58,000 of Community Ministries of Rockville’s $2.9 million annual budget comes from its 22 member congregations and other religious organizations. A large part comes from local government contracts and foundations.

As its name implies, religious institutions throughout the community participate in the organizations. “Our congregational base is very interfaith — Baptist, Baha’i, Unitarian, Jewish. It’s a wonderful example of comparative religion,” Arndt said. “But religion plays no role in how we provide service or who we serve,” she added. “The only thing that plays a role is the question, ‘Are you needy?’” For more information, visit www.cmrocks.org or call (301) 637-0730.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 18+

Alzheimer’s, whose goal is to stop Alzheimer’s by 2020. Locally, several clergy are founding members of the group, including Rabbi Steven M. Glazer from Rockville, Md. He was also an editor of the group’s recently published book, Seasons of Caring: Meditations for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers. The book is organized around themes and metaphors of seasonal transition, with each of the four seasons paralleling various stages of life. The 141 entries written by clergy members open with quotes from scripture, sacred text or other inspirational text. To learn more, see www.usagainstalzheimers.org/networks/clergy. — Barbara Ruben

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE

AARP presents free tax preparation assistance on Wednesday, March 18 and 25 at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columba Pike, Burtonsville, Md. from 1 to 4 p.m. Appointments are required. For more information or to register, call (240) 777-2577, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

simply

DIFFERENT Gentle Yoga classes Mondays & Wednesdays • 3 - 3:45 p.m. Brooke Grove’s Gentle Yoga classes for seniors meet students “where they are” and are ideal for beginners as well as those with stiffness or movement limitations. All poses may be done using a chair. Instructor Terrie Daniels, a certified professional trainer, provides a nurturing, non-competitive environment. Classes begin March 16, 2015

Six-week session: $89 • Walk-ins are welcome: $8.50 per class To register contact Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org. All classes will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road. 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 • www.bgf.org

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Some cold remedies can make you sicker It’s handy to walk into a drugstore for an over-the-counter cold remedy, but some of the ingredients may cause adverse reactions. “I think people underestimate these medications because you can get them without a prescription. But they are still medications that can interact with other drugs and interfere with existing health problems,” said Laura Carr, a pharmacist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. It’s crucial to read the active ingredient list of any OTC medication you consider taking, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure how it may affect you. Carr recommends that older adults pay close attention to the following: Decongestants: pseudoephedrine

(Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sudafed PE Nasal Decongestant) How they help: Decongestants narrow the blood vessels, which can help reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and provide relief. The risk: They can increase your blood pressure. Decongestants are also stimulants, which can increase your heart rate or cause anxiety or insomnia. The drugs aren’t recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or angina. Prolonged use of OTC decongestant nasal sprays can lead to greater swelling than you experienced initially. What to do: “Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using them, as older adults can be more sensitive to the effects

W hat Makes

of these medicines,” said Carr. Acetaminophen: Tylenol or generics How it helps: Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fevers. The risk: Too much acetaminophen can be toxic to your liver, and alcohol can increase the toxicity. “Too much” is generally defined as more than 3,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day. Acetaminophen is a frequent ingredient in many pain relievers and cold remedies, and taking more than one cold remedy may mean you’re taking too much acetaminophen. What to do: “Do not take more than the recommended dose listed on the product. For example, if you have a cold remedy with 325 mg. per tablet, you shouldn’t take more than 10 pills in a day,” said Carr. “And don’t take high doses for several days. That’s also been shown to harm your liver.” If you’re taking a combination drug,

check the ingredients for acetaminophen. If it’s listed, don’t take separate acetaminophen pills to relieve pain, including prescription pain relievers. And don’t drink alcohol while taking acetaminophen. Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Unisom Sleep Gels), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), and doxylamine (Unisom) How they help: Antihistamines decrease the production of histamine, a substance that leads to a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. They also have a sedative effect and are frequently found in nighttime cold remedies to help you sleep. The risk: Older adults don’t metabolize this medication well. “If you take it at night, you might still feel groggy and confused in the morning, See COLD REMEDIES, page 23

BEACON BITS

Olney Assisted Living

Mar. 13

U nique?

BOOK SWAP

The Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center presents a book swap on Friday, March 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be hundreds of books, including fiction and non-fiction history, politics, mystery, romance and more. The center is located at 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, contact Carolyn Thompson at (301) 674-3056 or ct@mris.com.

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Ask the Expert Hard to Face Conversations Between You & Your Aging Parent Thursday, March 5 • 6:00 ! - 7:30 ! Presented by Linda Hill of Aging Network Services, LLC. Registration at 5:30 !. Free event. Light hors d’oeuvres.

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Long Term Care Planning: What You Need to Consider Saturday, March 14 • 10:30 "! - 12:00 !

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Studying anti-tumor drugs after one dose By Marilynn Marchione Lori Simons took the bright orange pill at 3 a.m. Eight hours later, doctors sliced into her brain, looking for signs that the drug was working. She is taking part in one of the most unusual cancer experiments in the nation. With special permission from the Food and Drug Administration and multiple drug companies, an Arizona hospital is testing

medicines very early in development and never tried on brain tumors before. Within a day of getting a single dose of one of these drugs, patients have their tumors removed and checked to see if the medicine had any effect. If it did, they can stay on an experimental drug that otherwise would not be available to them. If it did not, they can try something else, months sooner than they normally would

Cold remedies

have two to four medications in one dose, such as a painkiller (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). The risk: You may not need all of the medications. “Treating symptoms you don’t have exposes you to medicine you don’t need, and that puts you at risk for possible side effects unnecessarily,” said Carr. What to do: Look at the ingredient lists of potential OTC cold remedies, and make sure you select the one that treats only your symptoms and has only ingredients that are safe for you to use. If you’re unsure which combination product is right for you, make sure you ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice. — Harvard Health Letter © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 22 which can lead to falls and injuries. Then if you take more of the medication, there’s an accumulation that makes the confusion and sedation even worse,” said Carr. Antihistamines can also cause the retention of urine in the bladder, which can lead to urinary tract infections. What to do: “Avoid medications with antihistamines, unless your doctor gives you approval to take them,” Carr said. Most nighttime cold or pain remedies contain an antihistamine, so be sure to check the list of ingredients. Combination medicines: Dayquil, Nyquil, Tylenol Cold and Flu, Advil Cold and Sinus, or any cold remedy that treats more than one symptom How they help: For convenience, these

find out that a drug had failed to help.

Quick action crucial “They don’t lose any time,” said Dr. Nader Sanai, the doctor leading the study at Phoenix’s Barrow Neurological Institute. Time is everything for people with glioblastoma, the most common and deadly type of brain tumor — the kind that killed Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy in 2009. Even when surgeons think they got it all, the cancer usually grows back and

A lot more than you thought. For a lot less than you think.

proves fatal. The few drugs available to treat these tumors have little effect — median survival is about 14 months. “We’ve had an endless string of failures” to find better ones, Sanai said. His study is for people whose cancer came back. Doctors use a stored sample from the original tumor to see if its growth is driven by any genes or pathways targeted by one of the experimental drugs in deSee ANTI-TUMOR DRUGS page 25

Upcoming Events

The Village at Rockville— the area’s greatest value in Continuing Care Retirement

Wine & Cheese with Current Residents

You probably didn’t realize that The Village at Rockville included a friendly neighborhood of one- and two-bedroom cottage homes within a beautiful 30-acre enclave. You get all the benefits of home ownership without the burden of upkeep and maintenance—we take care of all of that for you, inside and out. An additional benefit: You have access to our highly-rated continuum of care, including memory support Assisted Living suites (coming spring 2015), Long Term Care, as well as myPotential Rehabilitation in newly-renovated private rooms.

How To Sell Your Home For Top Dollar

Cottage Tour Provided Wednesday, March 11, 2015 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Luncheon & Community Tours Wednesday, March 25, 2015 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. To RSVP, visit our website or call.

Would you like to learn about The Village at Rockville? Call 301-354-8486 to schedule your personal tour of our community. 9701 Veirs Drive | Rockville, MD 20850 | 301-354-8486 | www.thevillageatrockville.org Celebrating 125 years of service, The Village at Rockville is sponsored by National Lutheran Communities & Services, a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, serving people of all beliefs.

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Health Studies Page

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Fatigued after radiation? Join a new study By Barbara Ruben Cancer treatments can be grueling — and their effects can linger for months after treatment is over. For example, up to 80 percent of patients who have received radiation therapy experience sometimes-debilitating fatigue. Currently, there is no medication that is available to help with the problem. However, a study at the National Institutes for Health is examining a drug that might help patients feel less tired. The study is looking for volunteers who completed radiation treatment at least three months ago. “No one really knows for sure why patients become fatigued after receiving radiation therapy for cancer,” said Dr. Leo Saligan, principal investigator of the study and chief of the symptom management branch of the symptoms biology unit at the National Institute of Nursing Research. “However, based on our findings, there seems to be some inflammatory response triggered by the radiation that may influence one’s experience of fatigue. This is a significant issue for patients.”

IV drug may help The study compares the effects on fatigue of the intravenous anesthesia drug ketamine with midazolam, a sedative with similar effects. While it seems counterintuitive to use a sedative drug to alleviate fatigue, Saligan said that the way ketamine works in the body may provide a boost. “We found in our lab that patients who are fatigued after receiving radiation therapy have low blood levels of a specific protein, known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),” he said. Ketamine is an anesthetic that works by inhibiting the action of certain receptors, which helps activate a pathway that increases the levels of BDNF in the blood. During the first infusion, half of the patients will get ketamine and the other midazolam, a similar drug, but one that does not increase BDNF levels. About two weeks later, they will receive an infusion of the other medication in the study. Neither the doctors nor the patients will know who is getting which drug at which time.

At the 14-day visit, they will talk about their fatigue and infusion side effects. They will start phase II that day. After participants switch medications for phase II, all visits will be the same, except that the last 14-day visit is over the phone. To take part in the study, patients must be at least 18 years old, and have finished radiation at least three months ago. There is no upper limit on the amount of time since radiation took place, as long as the participant is still feeling fatigued. Patients cannot take part in the study if they have abnormally high or low routine blood count results, have a history of tuberculosis, have HIV or hepatitis B or C, have a chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or have received radiation to the head. Transportation assistance is provided, as well as a food allowance for each visit. For more information, call the NIH Clinical Center’s Office of Patient Recruitment at 1-866-444-1132.

BEACON BITS Six visits required In all, the study involves six outpatient

Concerned about MEMORY? Interested in free exercise training? Under a grant from the NIH/National Institutes on Aging, we are looking for MEN and POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN AGE 55 and OVER, who are relatively sedentary (low regular physical activity).

This study will Evaluate the Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on Memory You will undergo testing at no charge to you, including: • general physical/cardiovascular exams • brain imaging and memory assessment • cholesterol and diabetes tests You will also receive fully supervised and individualized aerobic exercise training as well as nutrition education.

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visits to the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md., and three follow-up phone calls. At the first visit, participants will provide a medical history and take a physical exam, as well as blood and urine tests. They will also complete questionnaires about their fatigue and take a breath alcohol test. The study is divided into two phases. During the first phase, participants will have blood taken and talk about their fatigue and other symptoms. They will take thinking and handgrip strength tests. They will then get either ketamine or midazolam through an intravenous line, placed by a needle guided by a thin plastic tube into an arm vein. Participants will have a follow-up phone call within one day. Those in the study will have phase I visits three, seven and 14 days after infusion. At the three- and seven-day visits, participants will take thinking and handgrip strength tests. They will complete questionnaires, talk about infusion side effects, and have blood taken.

Mar. 8

OPTIMIZING YOUR NEW SIGHT

The Macular Degeneration Network presents its 2015 Town Hall Meeting with important updates on vision research and technologies, innovations in ophthalmology residency training, and how low vision rehab can help. Visit with exhibitors and hear from physicians Suleiman Alibhai, O.D., Colonel Donald Gagliano, M.D. (R), and Michael Summerfield, M.D. This free event will be held on Sunday, March 8 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 2 at the Sibley Medical Building, 5215 Loughboro Rd. NW #430, Washington, D.C. For more information, visit YourEyes.org/events. To register, call the Sibley Senior Association at (202) 364-7602.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Anti-tumor drugs From page 23 velopment. If so, they give the patient a single dose of the new drug before surgery to remove the new tumor. Then, the tumor tissue is examined under a microscope to see if the drug had its intended effect on the genes or pathways. So far, the study has tested one drug from AstraZeneca PLC in four patients. Another drug, from Novartis, will be added soon. “We’re trying to develop a portfolio of these” so there are many possible drugs available for new patients under a single “umbrella” study, Sanai said. It is called a “phase zero” clinical trial because it comes before the usual threephase experiments to determine a drug’s safety, ideal dose and effectiveness.

Saving time and money “We view this as a great thing, as something that will produce better drugs that have greater chance of working,” said Dr. Richard Pazdur, cancer drug chief at the FDA. “Cost potentially will go down and certainly time will go down” for companies testing new drugs this way and patients seeking something that will help, he said.

Finding treatments for brain tumors is “a huge unmet medical need” that justifies trying a new approach, Pazdur said. Dr. James Doroshow was involved in the only previous studies like this, done at the National Cancer Institute. In the past, “if you had a new drug, you’d give it to a patient, you’d measure the blood levels, but very rarely would you have a way to know whether the presumed method of action was working in the patient,” he said. The Arizona study gives a way to check that, because the tumor is removed right after the first dose is given. And if the drug does not work in any or few of the people who get it, the study could spare others a futile treatment, and limit the time and money a drug company invests. “If you’re going to fail, you want to fail early and fail fast before you put thousands of patients into randomized trials,” Doroshow said. The experimental drug did not appear to help Simons, a 55-year-old former pharmacist from Gold Canyon, an hour’s drive east of Phoenix. Doctors decided to try an older drug, Temodar, after her surgery in late October. “The real interest in these kind of trials is not necessarily putting patients on these drugs, but keeping them off drugs that

BEACON BITS

Mar. 15

BRINGING BUBBE HOME

The Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA) Hospice and Transitions presents a talk by author Rebbitzen Debra Gordon Zaslow about her memoir, Bringing Bubbe Home, A Memoir Of Letting Go Through Love and Death, at JSSA’s Ina Kay Building, 200 Wood Hill Rd., Rockville, Md., on Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m. The memoir chronicles the life-changing experience of bringing her 103-year-old grandmother into her home during her final months of life, and how family and friends can make a difference in the quality of care provided to patients at the end of life. This event is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow. Seating is limited so register early at www.jssa.org/Bubbe.

May 4

ACTIVE AGING EXPO

The City of Gaithersburg’s 7th Annual Active Aging Expo will take place on Monday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. This free event is open to the public and includes demonstrations, pampering and a pizza lunch. There will also be talks on pain management, posture and its effects on health, the benefits of theater beyond entertainment, elder abuse and fraud, ways to protect ourselves, learning to be our own health advocates and more. For more information, call (301) 258-6380.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

aren’t going to work,” said Sanai, who treated Simons. The patient said she had no regrets about participating. “It’s a revolutionary trial. I think it will open up a pathway for many other drugs to be studied in this manner,” Simons said. “I go into this with no motive for me. It’s just

for the future, people who have cancer like I do, and see what kind of treatments they can have.” For more information on treatment options for brain cancer from the National Cancer Institute, see http://1.usa.gov/ZqXBlz. American Cancer Society information can be found at http://bit.ly/UJMhZG. — AP

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

March - June 2015

SUPPORT FOR THE CAREGIVER Alzheimer’s and dementia seminar series Partnering with national leaders in the field, Brooke Grove Retirement Village has set a benchmark in innovative memory care. Our new seminar series is designed to help educate and encourage caregivers, because we know the challenges you face every day. Join us for free monthly seminars on topics related to being a caregiver. All seminars will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village campus. Please RSVP to Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org by the Sunday preceding each seminar. Meaningful Pursuits March 24, 2-3 p.m. Jeannie Finnegan, CDP – Therapeutic Music/Dementia Care Consultant Learn how to create and share meaningful activities with your loved one while also providing cognitive stimulation and a greater sense of well-being. Dementia t Conversations April 14, 2-3 p.m. Lindsey Vajpeyi, BA, ADC/MC – Programs & Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Association Discover the best way to have difficult conversations with family members, how to plan for care, and how to connect with helpful resources.

Caring for Yourself as You Care for Others May 19, 2-3 p.m. Jessica Rowe, LCSW-C – Owner of Jessica Rowe ElderCare Consulting, LLC Identify ways to find balance as a caregiver, such as accepting help from others, knowing your limits, making time for yourself, and more. I Didn’t Sign U Up for This: Trials and Tribulations of Caregiving at June 16, 2-3 p.m. Terry Ullman, LCSW-C, LICSW Discuss the emotional, physical and financial impact of Alzheimer’s on caregivers, how to define a caregiving role you can embrace, and how to ask for help.

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

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

A supplement that may strengthen bones ones — may not be right for you. Find yourself a holistic-minded practitioner to ask. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your con-

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Many of you take bisphosphonate drugs to make sufficient new bone, or you break for bone loss (Fosamax, Actonel and the down old bone too quickly. There needs to be a steady balance. like), and you write to me with Two major players affect complaints. Lawyers handle the process of bone building. cases now due to the reports of One is inflammation and the catastrophic reactions like osother is estrogen. Chronic teonecrosis of the jaw or femur low grade inflammation fractures. It’s a terrible irony. and/or too little estrogen can Here’s another idea. Nocontribute to osteoporosis. biletin. This is different from Research published in the strontium, which I’ve written Journal of Pharmacological about before. Nobiletin is a Science showed very promispowerful “polymethoxylated” DEAR ing evidence of nobiletin on flavonoid that comes from the PHARMACIST bone health. Scientists used white stringy fiber and peel of By Suzy Cohen rodents that had their ovaries citrus fruits (the “pith”). You removed (which causes estroprobably spit that out, throw it away or put it in your compost pile don’t you? gen deficiency). Nobiletin was given, and it stopped the progression of osteoporosis. Not only that, it significantly restored bone Many potential benefits Nobiletin has been researched extensive- mass in severely osteroporotic critters! How, you wonder? This natural citrusly over the last 10 to 15 years. It positively impacts cholesterol and reduces inflamma- derived antioxidant suppressed pathways tion — great news for those struggling with responsible for inflammation, namely the atherosclerosis and heart disease, or those COX2, NF-kappa B, and prostaglandin pathways. of you on statin anti-cholesterol drugs. By no means am I saying an orange a Nobiletin also blocks the NF kappaB pathway, which induces pain. Nobiletin day will keep the hip fracture away! But has anti-cancer activity, confers brain pro- regular consumption of citrus fruits or tection, and even improved symptoms of pith-derived supplements might help, and can usually be taken with certain medicaAlzheimer’s in an animal model. Since I’m already on a tangent, I’ll also tions (not all). Ask your doctor if it’s okay for you, and tell you that adolescents and adults dealing with acne may benefit from nobiletin be- look online or at health food stores nationwide. It’s sold as Sytrinol, or as “citrus cause it blocks sebum production. bioflavonoids.” But note: I want you to be real careful, May block osteoporosis Now, let me circle back to your skele- because some of the products contain ton. Bone loss in humans occurs as the re- “naringen,” a compound that comes from sult of the interaction of two processes that grapefruit and can dangerously spike your are always occurring in our bodies: the blood levels of medications. My point is that self-treatment with natubreaking down of old bone, and the building of new bone. Either your bone cells fail ral dietary supplements — even wonderful

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Simple ways to avoid nutritional shortfall By Karen Collins When scientists observe that lots of people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meet their needs for particular nutrients, they are dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;shortfall nutrients.â&#x20AC;? Here are four essential nutrients most likely to be insufficient in your diet, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and simple strategies on how to fill those gaps: 1. Potassium promotes blood pressure control. Since almost everyone exceeds recommended limits on sodium consumption, dietary potassiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in countering harmful effects of excess sodium is especially valuable. Potassium may protect the heart and bones in other ways, too. Yet only three

percent of Americans get the 4,700 milligrams recommended daily for everyone age 14 and up. Boost intake by adding more fruits, vegetables and beans. Bananas and citrus arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only fruits rich in potassium; other allstars include avocado, kiwi and melon. Tip: Steam or saute potassium-loaded dark green leafy veggies (like spinach, kale and turnip greens) so potassium doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leach out into cooking water. 2. Dietary fiber helps prevent constipation and lowers risk of colon cancer. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, fiber may play multiple roles in promoting heart health. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real concern that only five percent of Americans meet their daily recommended target, which is 25 grams for women (non-

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pregnant, non-lactating) 19-50 years of age, fortified contain very little. 21 g. for women 50 years and above, 38 g. 4. Calcium is essential for bones, and for men 19-50 years, and 30 g. seems to help lower risk of for men 50 years and above. colon cancer. Boost intake by replacing Although less than 50 permost refined grains with cent of Americans have diets whole grains â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including that meet the Daily Value bread, cereal, pasta and rice. (DV) of 1,000 mg., excessive Swap dried beans for half or use of calcium supplements more of the meat in a cassecan go beyond filling the gap. role, stew or pasta dish. Total intake beyond 2,000 Tip: Choose canned beans mg. per day may damage kidwith no added salt; otherwise, neys and blood vessels. Note rinsing in a sieve or colander NUTRITION that the body can only absorb WISE reduces sodium by 40 percent. 500 mg. of calcium at a time. By Karen Collins, 3. Vitamin D is a challenge, Boost intake by including MS, RD, CDM since less than five percent of dairy or calcium-fortified nonAmericans have sufficient vitadairy (soy, rice or nut) milk min D in their diet to meet current recom- and yogurt two or three times a day. mendations for 600 International Units (IU) Dark green leafy vegetables are also per day (800 IU for those age 70 or older). high in calcium. The body absorbs more Bone health has been the traditional tar- from kale, bok choy and broccoli than get; now some research supports the po- from spinach, however, because they have tential to protect against cancer and other less oxalate binding up the calcium. chronic diseases. Tip: When buying tofu, choose types Boost intake with milk (dairy or soy) that are made with calcium. thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fortified with vitamin D. Fish is also Reprinted with permission from Environa key source, especially the types also rich mental Nutrition, a monthly publication of in omega-3 fats, such as salmon, sardines, Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. mackerel, rainbow trout and tuna. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. Tip: Look for yogurt that is fortified ÂŠ 2015 Belvoir Media Group. Distribwith vitamin D, since yogurts that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t uted by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Tasty garlic salmon with black bean sauce You may know there are different kinds of fat, but did you know that Americans may not be getting enough of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids? These fats (their scientific names are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoicacid (DHA)) are most commonly found in seafood, and are linked to lower rates of heart disease death. In fact, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend eating 8 ounces or more of seafood weekly. This salmon dish can help you do just that — it’s loaded with big flavor, healthy fat, cancer-protective garlic and fiber to boot! The instant marinade works wonderfully because it infuses the salmon with garlic’s aromatic, sweet and spicy flavor. Garlic is protective against colorectal and stomach cancers. Garlic, soy sauce and rice vinegar give the marinade an Asian-style flavor that blends seamlessly with salmon. Marinating and then broiling the salmon at least 6 inches away from the broiler prevent the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that form when animal foods are cooked at super high temperatures. While broiling the salmon, the marinade is transformed into a gorgeous garlic glaze. The combination of garlic and molasses makes for a perfectly savory and sweet coating, with a bit of richness from the deep buttery notes of the molasses. Inspired by the use of black bean sauce in Asian cuisine, this version with minced ginger root, garlic and orange zest enriches the sauce with their distinctive flavors, not to mention their health-promoting phytochemicals. Quick to make, high in fiber and much lower in sodium than the jarred variety, this fresh black bean sauce adds an unexpectedly earthy flavor that complements the mildly sweet salmon and adds a beauti-

ful contrast in color. Salmon fillets cut into equal slices guarantee portion control and a pretty arrangement on beds of the black bean sauce. Garnishing plates with orange slices adds a splash of warm color, hints to the orange zest in the black bean sauce, and is a sweet treat on the plate. Garlic Glazed Salmon with Black Bean Sauce can be served as a jazzed up weekday meal or an elegant dish for weekend entertaining, especially with a simple garden salad tossed with lemon-ginger vinaigrette.

Garlic Salmon with Black Bean Sauce Black bean sauce (see recipe below) 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar or white wine vinegar 2 tsp. canola or extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp. unsulphured blackstrap molasses 1 lb. salmon fillet, cut into 4 equal slices 1 medium orange, peeled, thinly sliced crosswise, optional Prepare black bean sauce and keep warm, covered, on low heat. Adjust oven rack on second rung from top, at least 6 inches from broiler. Turn broiler on high. In medium bowl, mix together garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, oil and molasses. Stir to combine. Place filets in marinade, turning to coat well. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil. Arrange fillets skin side down and pour marinade on top. Broil salmon until internal temperature is 145 degrees F, about five to six minutes. On four dinner plates, divide Black Bean Sauce in center. With back of spoon swirl sauce in oval shape and clear a line in the oval to set the fillet. Carefully slide

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long spatula between salmon and skin. Gently lift up salmon away from skin and place lengthwise on sauce. Garnish plate with orange slices, if using, and serve.

Black Bean Sauce 1 can (15 oz.) no salt added black beans 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. grated ginger root 1 tsp. grated orange rind (save orange for garnish) 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar or white wine vinegar 1 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper, or to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper In small bowl, mash beans with liquid and set aside.

In small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté until garlic starts to turn golden, about 1 minute. Add mashed beans and remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly and cook, stirring often, until hot, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally. Sauce should be slightly chunky and thick. Set aside, covered. If sauce thickens too much before plating, stir in water in 1 tablespoon increments and heat through. Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 318 calories, 13 g. total fat (2 g. saturated fat), 22 g. carbohydrate, 31 g. protein, 6 g. dietary fiber, 250 mg. sodium. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Bad grammar moves worker to intervene Dear Solutions: I work in an office where there are several young people working. One young man in particular is bright, and I think he could advance, but he constantly uses bad grammar. This jars my ears — especially since I’m a former English teacher. He keeps using this word “ain’t” instead of “isn’t” and says things like “orientated” instead of “oriented.” I’m not his supervisor, but I would like to correct him when he uses poor grammar and offer to help him. Should I? — Charles Dear Charles: Yes. What jars your ears probably bars his advancement. Tell him you think he could

have a good future, and you want to help him. Ask if he would agree to have you correct his grammar so that he can learn correct English. If he agrees, then later on you can offer lessons. You’re generous to offer this, and if he’s really as bright as you think, he’ll appreciate it. If he doesn’t, then he ain’t that bright and you can’t orientate him to learn! Dear Solutions: My daughter has asked me for some help, so I’m asking you. Her husband works in his mother’s business. She keeps telling my daughter how to spend their money, asks why she spends so much on this, etc. My daughter’s really upset, but her husband says that one day this business

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will be his, so he treats his mother like a often, so many of my neighbors know her queen. What do you think my daughter by sight, though not personally. It annoys me that many should do? seem to think that, be— Rachel cause we all love grandDear Rachel: children, they have the Her husband, the crown right to ask me, “So when price, is waiting for his mother, is she going to have a the queen, to abdicate and hand baby?” as one recently did. over the business to him. In the I don’t want to say it’s meantime, though, she’s giving none of her business, but I your daughter the business, do want to cut this off withand your daughter shouldn’t out being insulting. So have to put up with that. SOLUTIONS when asked, “when is she If he won’t either stand up By Helen Oxenberg, going to have a baby,” to mom or leave and strike out MSW, ACSW what’s a good answer? on his own, then your daughter must stand up for herself. — Her Grandma She should not discuss any purchases she Dear Grandma: makes with her mother-in-law. “When she becomes pregnant” is a If asked, she should just say she buys short and simple answer to nosey people what she decides she wants. She should tell who don’t even know whether your grandher mother-in- law she respects her opinion, daughter wants a baby. but she must make her own decisions. Times have changed, and the assumpHer husband’s business affairs and her tion by older people that everyone who household affairs need to be kept sepa- marries wants to have children is no rate. Hopefully, he can tell this to his moth- longer a given. ‘Nuff said. er, since she probably needs him in the © Helen Oxenberg, 2015. Questions to be business as much as he wants to be there. considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, Dear Solutions: My granddaughter recently got mar- MD 20915. You may also email the author ried after dating various boyfriends and at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about not seeming to settle down. She visits me reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 3

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

March 2015

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By John M. Thompson, Ph.D., CPM, FAAMA In this month’s edition of “Spotlight on Aging,” I would like to highlight some of the District of Columbia Office on Aging’s (DCOA) accomplishments in the last 12 months. These accomplishments are in the areas of protecting the financial interests of our seniors, increasing access to home and community-based services, improving operational processes, combatting social isolation, and connecting with more customers. I presented these accomplishments as part of my testimony at last month’s agency oversight hearing before the Committee on Housing and Community Development, which is chaired by the Honorable Anita Bonds, Councilmember At-Large.

Protecting the Financial Interests of Seniors

Property Tax Legislation. DCOA collaborated with AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) to successfully advocate for the enactment of legislation to address abuses in the real property tax sales process that were resulting in seniors losing their homes through foreclosure due to relatively small sums of unpaid real property taxes. Based on LCE’s analysis of the tax sale lists provided by the Office of Tax and Revenue, the number of tax sales of properties coded as “senior” fell from 26 in 2013 to just 9 in 2014, a reduction of 65 percent. Financial Exploitation. DCOA is collaborating with the District’s Elder Abuse Prevention Committee and the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to implement “Money Smart for Older Adults” to educate seniors on how to recognize and prevent financial exploitation. Money Smart for Older Adults is an interactive module that has been well received at DCOA’s sen-

ior wellness centers, and we encourage you to sign up today.

Increasing Access to Home and Community-Based Services and Supports

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. In October 2014, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) awarded DCOA a competitive $1 million, three-year federal grant to further develop a dementia-capable system of long-term services and supports (LTSS) for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers. With this funding, DCOA plans to expand access to services for customers living alone with ADRD, offer money management services for persons with mild cases of ADRD, expand a respite care program in underserved Wards 7 and 8, and create a behavioral symptom management training program to enhance professionals’ understanding of ADRD. Falls Prevention. In response to data reported by Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., the District’s Chief Medical Examiner, DCOA launched the Falls Prevention Program in July 2014. According to Dr. Mitchell’s 2013 data, 70 percent of accidental deaths among District residents age 65 and older were due to falls, which makes it the leading cause of deaths among older adults for the fourth year in a row. Through this new program, DCOA organized a District-wide educational campaign around falls prevention, which included facilitator-led seminars and television commercials that aired between July 2014 and September 2014. In conjunction with the education campaign, DCOA is currently contracting with occupational therapists to See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page 32

Recently, DCOA Executive Director John M. Thompson, Ph.D., CPM, FAAMA, had an opportunity to travel to Portland, Ore., to tour the Bridge Meadows intergenerational housing campus. Bridge Meadows offers apartment living for residents 55 years and older, within an innovative community that brings together three generations to support families adopting children from foster care. Housing at Bridge Meadows offers an opportunity for seniors to have a sense of community and purpose. Additionally, the community helps combat social isolation for seniors, which is important for a person’s mental well-being. Through a partnership with the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency, Generations of Hope Development Corporation and other community-based organizations, DCOA is partnering to introduce intergenerational housing to the District. “I can’t wait to bring this to the District of Columbia!” — Dr. John M. Thompson For more information on this new imitative, please contact Darrell Jackson at 202727-8371 or darrell.jacksonjr@dc.gov.

DCOA Volunteer First Responders D.C. Office on Aging is actively recruiting seniors, former first responders, lead agency personnel and college students to participate in the District of Columbia’s First Respon-

der training. In the event of an emergency, disaster or catastrophe, attendees would be equipped to assist. For more information, please call Sandra Lee at 202-727-7402.

Mark Your Calendar! The District of Columbia Office on Aging, in collaboration with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, will hold a Community Health and Wellness Fair. Wednesday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Emery Recreation Center 5701 Georgia Ave. NW Washington, DC 20011 For more information, contact Mark Bjorge at 202-374-9890 or Mark.Bjorge@dc.gov.

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

Director’s message From page 31

perform in-home falls risk screenings. As part of the home visit, the specialists will share recommendations with the seniors on how to eliminate fall hazards. What a Waste Initiative. Through a partnership with The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH), DCOA launched What a Waste™, a new initiative to combat senior hunger by reducing and recapturing food waste in the District of Columbia. Through the partnership, NFESH and DCOA have implemented a twoyear high-tech pilot study at congregate meal sites located in three senior wellness centers. This innovative proj-

Improving Operational Processes

AGING NEWSLETTER

ect is designed to help senior nutrition programs identify and categorize unnecessary waste that can be reduced, as well as waste that cannot be eliminated in order to recapture and convert it into compost. The compost will be used to fertilize onsite gardens to allow our centers to grow fresh herbs and vegetables. In December, DCOA composted 438 pounds of food, which is the equivalent of reducing the carbon dioxide emissions created from driving a car 435 miles. Another highlight of this project was reducing bread roll waste by 57 percent in just two months as the food vendor changed the type of roll and has reduced the number of times it serves rolls weekly. DCOA also noted that a large volume of milk was being discarded due to lactose intolerance for some seniors while others found it

unappetizing. The vendor has replaced milk with yogurt during some of the meals, which means that seniors can consume the appropriate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D. Finally, in reviewing the food waste data as compared to the meal orders, DCOA noticed that one reason for the food waste is over-ordering by the sites. DCOA has worked with each of the sites to improve the precision and efficiency of the meal orders. The Seabury Connector Card. The Connector Card Program, which was formerly the “Call-N-Ride Coupon Program,” was implemented on December 1, 2014. The program enhancement broadens seniors’ options for accessing public transportation without restrictions. This is a cost-sharing program in

Combating Social Isolation

March is National Nutrition Month® Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.

Make smarter food choices and get daily exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and promote overall health. The D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA) offers many nutrition and wellness programs to help seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make Smarter Food Choices at Congregate Meal Sites

Get Daily Exercise at Senior Wellness Centers

DCOA offers delicious and healthy lunches at congregate meal sites throughout the city for older adults that have difficulty preparing meals on their own and want to socialize with other DC seniors.

DCOA offers fun fitness classes and health education at six senior wellness centers across the District. This spring, many centers will offer gardening classes, too!

http://dcoa.dc.gov/page/food-meals-and-nutrition

http://dcoa.dc.gov/service/senior-wellness-centers

To learn more, visit:

Need Help Buying Healthy Food?

Get a free bag of shelf-stable healthy foods by joining the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and get fresh produce by joining the Senior Farmers Market Program, which provides vouchers for use at participating farmers markets across the city. There is a Federal income requirement to qualify for these programs. Call for 202-644-9880 to enroll or learn more about these services.

For more information, contact your local agency:

Ward 1: Terrific Inc., 202-234-4128 Ward 2: Terrific Inc., 202-595-1990 Ward 3: Iona Senior Services, 202-966-1055 Ward 4: Terrific Inc., 202-882-1374 Ward 5: Seabury Resources for Aging– Ward 5, 202-529-8701

Ward 6: Seabury Resources for Aging– Ward 6, 202-397-1725 Ward 7: East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, 202-534-4880 Ward 8: Family Matters of Greater Washington, 202-562-6860

For additional questions, please contact DCOA: 202-724-5622.

which seniors pay a sliding fee based on their income and DCOA subsidizes expenses up to $100 per card per month on a Connector Visa Card. The Visa Card can be used on any public transportation that accepts this method of payment for transportation in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. This program is a significant improvement over the long waits and no shows from taxi cabs that seniors experienced under the Call-N-Ride Coupon Program, as they now have greater access to a variety of transportation options. Intergenerational Program. In partnership with D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and Jumpstart, DCOA is connecting seniors with early childhood students to read to the students, provide one-on-one tutorials, and facilitate special activities. For the seniors, it is an opportunity for them to give back in a very meaningful way while combating social isolation. For the children, it is an opportunity to gain wisdom and acquire life skills from the seniors, while sharing their joy, energy and enthusiasm about learning with the seniors. For the teachers, it provides them with additional assistance in the classroom that enhances the students’ overall learning experience.

Connecting with More Customers

Long-Term Care Planning Guide. DCOA created and has distributed nearly 31,000 free long-term care planning guides to senior centers, hospitals and doctors’ offices, District libraries and recreation centers, and churches across the city. This guide is intended to help residents understand long-term care, the importance of planning in advance for long-term care, and the resources available to District residents. Residents can also find a number of tools that will assist in analyzing their current situations and help individuals to start thinking about future needs. Our agency is very excited about the aforementioned accomplishments, but we will not become complacent as we have plenty of work ahead of us as we improve the lives of more seniors, persons living with disabilities, and family caregivers. If you did not join us for the oversight hearing, we encourage you to attend the agency’s next hearing, which is the budget hearing. It is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the historic John A. Wilson Building in Room 120. I look forward to seeing you at that hearing! In the interim, if you would like to learn more about DCOA’s programs or to obtain the long-term care planning guide, please contact us at 202-724-5622.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

What Can You Do About Debt Collection Problems? If you’re an older consumer and you’re having trouble with debt collectors, you’re not alone. According to U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “since July 2013, older Americans have submitted approximately 8,700 complaints to us about debt collection.” Their top debt collection complaint is that the debt collectors attempt to collect funds that consumers do not owe, do not recognize, or believe are wrong. The second most common complaint is about the collectors’ communication tactics. Here are four things that you or your loved ones can do when experiencing debt collection problems: 1. Get more information if you don’t recognize the debt Older consumers report that debt collectors may have inaccurate or inadequate information, and sometimes don’t provide sufficient information to help them identify the debt. Almost one-third of the older consumers who submitted a complaint couldn’t identify the debt being collected. First things first! Ask the debt collector for the company’s name and address. If the debt collector refuses to give you this information, you may be dealing with a fraud. If you think that a caller may be a fake debt collector: Ask the caller for his or her name, company, street address, telephone number, and professional license number. If you have the company’s name and address but you don’t recognize the debt, ask for more information in writing. You can start by using the sample letter at http://1.usa.gov/182c2R9. Send this letter as soon as you can — if at all possible, within 30 days of when a debt collector contacts you the first time about a debt. 2. Dispute the debt if it’s not yours or if the amount is wrong You can write a letter disputing the debt or any portion of the debt. It’s important to do so as soon as possible after you’re first contacted, and to keep copies of any letters you send. If you dispute a debt (or part of a debt) in writing within 30 days of when you receive the required information from the debt collector, the debt collector cannot call or contact you until after the debt collector has obtained verification of the debt and has provided the verification of the debt in writing to you. You can use this sample letter at http://1.usa.gov/18pRp2C. 3. Stop harassing and/or offensive calls Older consumers told us that debt collectors sometimes refuse to take “No” for an answer, reporting in their complaints that collectors often use offensive language and make threats. To

one extreme, we’ve also heard about collectors making successive calls using profanity or derogatory names. You don’t have to put up with it. You can send a letter to the debt collector telling it to stop contacting you. If you dispute the amount due, or you don’t believe that it’s your debt, put that in the letter, too. Telling a debt collector to stop contacting you does not stop the collection, including the filing of a lawsuit against you or reporting negative information to a credit reporting company. 4. Know your rights: Your federal benefits have many protections from garnishment in collection Many older consumers rely on Social Security or other federal benefits, and frequently complained that debt

collectors threatened them with garnishment of these benefits. Most federal benefits, such as Social Security, Veterans’ (VA) benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, are protected in debt collection. There are exceptions for, among other things, money owed in child support, spousal support, federal student loans, or for federal taxes. When you receive federal benefits by direct deposit to your checking account, your bank or credit union is required automatically to protect up to two months of these benefits that are directly deposited into your account. If you receive your benefits on a government issued prepaid card, they usually are protected too. Some exceptions may exist for debts owed to a federal

or state agency. If you’re not sure if your federal benefits are being wrongfully garnished, you should seek legal advice. Here’s how you can find a lawyer: Call your local legal aid office, where you may qualify for free legal services. See http://bit.ly/legalhelp_directory for local offices. Call Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2170, where you can get free legal advice and assistance. Submit a debt collection complaint online at http://1.usa.gov/1AbOKPx or by calling 1-855-411-2372. We’ll forward your issue to the company and work to get you a response, give you a tracking number, and keep you updated on the status of your complaint.

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar March Events

12th • 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

3rd, 17th and 31st • noon

The D.C. Office on Aging and the Office of Unified Communications will conduct a Smart911 Presentation and Registration event at the Deanwood Recreation Center KEEN Senior Program, 1350 49th St. NE. For more information or to schedule a presentation, call 202-724-5622.

23rd • 7 p.m. Iona Senior Services presents a play reading in partnership with the Playwright’s Forum. In Kitchen Sink by Paula Stone, after a lifetime of cooking, a woman sells the contents of her kitchen in a yard sale. Admission is $5. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. To reserve a seat, call Patricia Dubroof at 202-895-9407.

The D.C. Caregivers Online Chat at Noon is held bi-weekly to provide caregivers with assistance through an online forum. Log on for advice, resources and tips to assist you with your caregiving responsibilities. If you are not available at noon, check back at your convenience and hit re25th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 12th • 11:30 a.m. play to see the entire chat. Join the discussion at Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, Gettysburg (Fort Lincoln 1) will hold a town www.dcoa.dc.gov/page/caregiver-chat. For more hall meeting at 2855 Bladensburg Rd. NE. For 3500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE, will presinformation, contact Linda Irizarry at 202-535- more information, contact Thelma Hines at ent a Community Health, Wellness and Informational Fair. For more information, call 2021442 or linda.irizarry@dc.gov. 202-529-8701, ext. 222. 563-7225.

4th • 9 a.m.

19th • 10 a.m.

Seabury Resources will hold a Ward 5 AdvisoThe D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA) Ambasry Council meeting at 2900 Newton St. NE. For sador Program is a free, interactive, membermore information, contact Thelma Hines at 202- based program designed to reach out to older 529-8701, ext. 222. adults and their caregivers to help them learn about the services and resources available to 6th and 16th • noon to 3 p.m. them through DCOA. If you are interested in The D.C. Office on Aging will provide infor- expanding your network and educating older mation on its resources and services at Wash- adults about the services and resources availington Hospital Center, Physician’s Office able to them, join the next Ambassador TrainBuilding, 106 Irving St. NW. ing Workshop to learn about all of the programs and services that DCOA offers to the 11th • 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. community and how you can become an AmHayes Senior Wellness Center, 500 K St. NE, bassador. All workshops include an overview will present a Community Health, Wellness of Office on Aging programs and services, inand Informational Fair. Contact Andre Lane or formation on how to access resources, and Sherrell Briscoe at 202-727-0357. guidance on your role as an advocate. Call 202724-5622 to register today.

26th • 10 to 11 a.m. The D.C. Office on Aging will provide information on its resources and services at Zion Baptist Church, 4850 Blagden Ave. NW.

31st • 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Chevy Chase Community Center will hold a Community Health, Wellness and Informational Fair. The center is located at 5601 Connecticut Ave. NW. Contact Chevy Chase Community Center staff at 202-282-2204.

12th • 10 a.m. to noon Join the Ward 4 Mini Commission on 21st • 1 to 3 p.m. Aging at its monthly meeting held at the Come to a program called Golden Era at Mt. Fourth District Police Precinct, 6001 Georgia Zion Baptist Church, 5101 14th St. NW. To learn more, call 202-726-2220. Ave. NW.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher.

500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Executive Director John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA Editor Darlene Nowlin Photographers Darrell jackson Jr. & Darvis Logan The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on

actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

Compete to Become Ms. Senior D.C. 2015! Are you a D.C. resident who is age 60 years or older and interested in representing your peers as Ms. Senior D.C. 2015? Are you actively involved in your community? Consider becoming a contestant in the next Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant. Contestants are judged on a personal interview, their philosophy of life, their talent and evening gown presentations. The winner will represent the District of Columbia and compete in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. For more information on how to sign up, visit www.dcoa.dc.gov to fill out your application online or call 202-724-5622 for more information.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Seabury Resources for Aging: Your Trusted Community Leader in Aging Services

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Seabury Resources for Aging's mission is to provide personalized, affordable services and housing options to help older adults in the greater Washington, DC area live with independence and dignity.

For more than 90 years, Seabury Resources for Aging has been a leader in aging services in the Washington area. More than 15,000 older adults and family caregivers depend on Seabury for essential services: food, housing, and transportation. But more than that, Seabury offers assistance so that older adults may age with purpose, dignity and independence. Seabury is proud to make this impact through our dedicated board and staff and the more than 3,600 volunteers who choose to enhance the lives of older adults and family caregivers through Seabury’s programs and services. Learn more about how Seabury is here for you by visiting www.seaburyresources.org or contacting us at 202-289-5690

Spring Cleaning with Age-In-Place As spring cleaning begins in homes across the DC Metro area, Seabury’s Age-In-Place program is getting ready for its busiest season too. Age-In-Place coordinates volunteers who provide yard work and house cleaning services to older adults living in Washington D.C.’s Wards 4, 5 and 6. The program could use your help. If you are cleaning out your basement or garage this spring and find yard and garden tools that you are no longer using, consider donating them to Age-In-Place. And volunteers are always welcomed into the program and are especially needed on weekdays. Contact Brett at (202) 635-9384 for more information about volunteering with Age-In-Place or to arrange for pickup of your donation.

In partnership with Frager's Hardware, Age In Place® will be hosting its 2nd annual STUFF the SHED event on April 25, 2015 from 9 am - 2 pm. Help us fill our shed by donating trash bags, weed wackers, garden gloves, loppers, lawnmowers, or other yard work and cleaning supplies. Age-In-Place® provides free yard work and house cleaning for low-income DC seniors. The collection will take place at Frager’s on 1230 Pennsylvania Ave. SE in Washington DC.

Learn more about Seabury Resources for Aging’s Senior Living Communities Seabury at Springvale Terrace and Seabury at Friendship Terrace senior living communities place an emphasis on comfort, security, and excellent service. Seabury at Friendship Terrace is located in the Tenleytown area of Washington, DC and Seabury at Springvale Terrace is in downtown Silver Spring, MD. Both communities offer amenities such as events, activities, excursions, social and cultural experiences.

Seabury at Friendship Terrace 202-244-7400 FTadmissions@seaburyresources.org www.friendshipterrace.org Ms. B is happy to call Friendship Terrace home. “It’s great to be part of a community,” she says. It was the community aspect of Friendship Terrace that attracted Ms. B. “I was actively searching for a new place to call home. When I saw the beautiful and inviting common rooms, the courtyard and the full list of activities for residents like monthly movies and exercise classes, I knew Friendship Terrace was it,” Ms. B says.

Seabury at Springvale Terrace 301-587-0190 SVTadmissions@seaburyresources.org www.springvaleterrace.org Mr. L loves being a Springvale Terrace resident. “I love the chair exercises and bingo,” he says. Mr. L has been able to make a lot of new friends and dining companions because of the full list of activities at Springvale Terrace. “It’s great to be surrounded by people whether they are residents or staff. There is always someone helpful around,” he says.

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Q & A with Christine Bitzer, Care Manager Christine Bitzer is the Assistant Director of Seabury’s Care Management program. What is a Care Manager? Care Managers are trusted, licensed social workers experienced with the ongoing challenges of dementia, chronic illness and disabilities. Care Management provides counsel to older adults and their families on ways to improve or maintain a good quality of life and on selecting elder law attorneys, home care providers, senior living communities, physicians, rehabilitation centers, mental health providers, financial planners and other resources. What can I expect from my ﬁrst visit with a Care Manager? The first visit with your Care Manager is an opportunity to get to know one another. Your Care Manager will meet with you in your home to talk with you about your challenges, preferences, wishes, social support, physical and emotional health, and finances. All of this information helps your Care Manager understand you and make recommendations appropriate for your individual needs. What is my Care Manager’s role? Your Care Manager will identify ways in which she can partner with you throughout your work together. She will devise a plan of care and help prioritize ways to implement practical solutions for your individual situation. Your Care Manager is your advocate. She can assist with mediating family conflict and provide supportive counseling. Your Care Manager’s role may change over the course of your relationship as your needs change. What is a Care Plan and will I have input on it? The Care Plan is at the heart of Care Management. It is created within 30 days of your first visit with the Care Manager and every 6 months thereafter, unless there is a significant change, such as a move or other transition. The Care Plan clearly identifies expectations, highlights your strengths and addresses concerns. The Care Plan includes your Care Manager’s recommendations. It will address your Care Manager’s role and the role of others, as well as the frequency and type of contact you can expect with your Care Manager. The Care Plan is reviewed with you and/or your family. Your input is valuable, important and expected in the care planning process. How does my Care Manager keep my information conﬁdential? Your confidentiality is our priority. Your Care Manager will request your expressed consent to discuss information related to you. Have a question for Christine about care management or services and support for older adults and family caregivers? Call her at (202) 364-0020 or scminfo@seaburyresources.org.

Serving the W Washington ashington community since 1924 with personalized, afforrdable dable s vices and housing options. ser Are yyou: • Worried about an older adult or yourself? • Sure you need help but you don’t know where to find it? • Afraid of losing your ind dependence? Care management may be just what you need.

Ms. M, discovered how instrumental Seabury’s Care Management service can be when her relative, Mr. M, was discharged from a rehabilitation center after his latest surgery. A Care Manager helped expedite his discharge from the rehab center, helped Mr. M stay on his prescription schedule, prepared his home for his return and even made sure his laundry was done. “Our care manager is like a member of the family. Whenever we need her she’s there,” Ms. M says, “She has been exceptional. ”

Affordable

Senior Living in Silver Spring, MD

Seabury at Springvale Terrace is excited to debut a fresh new look! Each renovated apartment features new carpeting, kitchenettes with stainless steel appliances, and bathrooms with walk-in showers for the comfort of our residents. Affordable care options include Independent Living, Enhanced Living, and Assisted Living services, all under one roof and just a heartbeat away from downtown Silver Spring and the Red Line Metro Station.

Come visit us and see for yourself why families are choosing Seabury at Springvale Terrace. Call 301-587-0190 (TRS 711) today.

Seabury Resources for for Aging off ffers ers proffessional experrtise to manage the health and liffest estyle changes associated with aging. We will listen to your concerns and help you find resources that suit your neeeds. Contact us today to learn more about this and many o other resources we off ffer er to help seniors maintain ttheir independence.

call 202-364-00 020 visit w w w.seabu ur yresources.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Senior Living,in the Heart of it All

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1-800-552-7724 MD RELAY SERVICE 8505 Springvale Road Silver Spring, MD 20190

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Approaches to Dementia in the Faith Community Incorporating members with special needs into congregational life can present special challenges. When that special need is dementia, a double hurdle exists: the usual pastoral concerns, saddled with stigma. The award-winning film, “Still Alice,” explores both the struggles and the progression of Alzheimer’s. In one pivotal scene, the main character, Alice Howland, explains how cancer awareness and charity runs have benefitted medical research of the disease, while the same is not true for Alzheimer’s. As the cover of the January/February AARP bulletin headlines, “Cases are Soaring, But Funding Lags.” No one likes to think about dementia. Yet, dementia occurs in 1 of 20 people between 65 and 74, and in 40% of people over 85. So this illness is faced by most families and virtually all faith communities. How is your congregation dealing with dementia? Could you use some information about approaches that work? Please join us on March 3, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at Arden Courts, Kensington, for “Dementia 101 for the Faith Community.” Guest speakers will include Dorothy Linthicum and Anne Karoly, of Virginia Theological Seminary, and Christine Bitzer, of Seabury’s Care Management. The panel will address how to recognize dementia and tap community resources, and how to incorporate congregants with dementia into congregational life. The event is free, and breakfast is included. You can RSVP by calling 301-493-7881 or emailing Kensington@arden-courts.com. Elizabeth Boyd, Congregational Resources Coordinator at Seabury, is dedicated to strengthening relationships between congregations and Seabury, and she would love to see you at “Dementia 101 for the Faith Community.” To learn more about Congregational Resources, receive the newsletter and to be kept abreast of future events, contact Elizabeth Boyd at: 202.414.6316 or eboyd@seaburyresources.org.

Upcoming Events Estate Planning Documents: Revocable Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Advanced Medical Directives, March 4, 12 PM - 3 PM, Seabury at Springvale Terrace | Presented by Attorney Michael D. Breads RSVP: 202-414-6313 or events@seaburyresources.org

ARTS FOR ALL AGES CONCERT March 8, 3:00 PM, Seabury at Friendship Terrace ARTS ARE FOR ALL AGES uses performing arts to help bridge the gap between older adults and young people through performances by talented young artists for senior audiences. Join us for an afternoon concert of engaging music by some of Washington’s most talented young people. 202-244-7400.

ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION March 16, 7:00 PM, Seabury at Friendship Terrace Singers, dancers and musicians from the Greater Washington Ceili Club perform Irish Dances, musical numbers, ballads and an always popular sing-along of “When Irish Eyes are Smiling!” Light refreshments (202) 244-7400 DIABETES HEALTH BINGO March 24, 2:00 PM, Seabury at Friendship Terrace Presented by Alease Kouadio, Relationship Development Manager with MedStar Medicare Choice, this event does require you to register at 202-244-7400.

FRIENDSHIP FORUM March 13, 7:00 PM, Seabury at Friendship Terrace Georgetown University Professor Andy Steigman will give a lecture titled, “Lisbon, Queen of the Seas!” (202) 244-7400

MUSIC REMEMBRANCE March 19, 2:00 PM, Seabury at Friendship Terrace. With Jamie Lynn Moyer, Music Therapist from VITAS Healthcare, you’ll recall, through music, moments that have impacted your life. (202) 244-7400

CAREGIVER CONVERSATION March 26, 7:00 pm, Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue (5111 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008) Join a Seabury care manager to discuss how to be an effective advocate in the medical setting. (202) 364-0020 SPRING FLING DANCE March 27, 1:00 PM, Seabury at Friendship Terrace DJ Tony Contino will provide musical entertainment. (202) 244-7400

Faces of Friendship

Life is Wonderful with these Faces Our community of friendly faces makes life more fun, more delicious, much easier, and much, much friendlier. Friendship Terrace offers affordable senior apartments in an active, independent community within walking distance of the Tenleytown Metro stop, shopping, dining, and more. Let us introduce you to these friendly faces. Call 202-244-7400 (TRS 711) today to schedule your personal tour. FriendshipTerrace.com

1-800-643-3769 DC RELAY SERVICE • 1-800-643-3768 TTY 4201 Butterworth Place, NW, Washington, DC 20016 Friendship Terrace—Redefining Retirement

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Honorees for the 2015 Leadership in Aging Celebration Announced The Leadership in Aging Celebration is Seabury Resources for Aging’s signature event - raising awareness and funds to support Seabury’s services and housing for older adults. The event will be held on Sunday, May 31st at 4:30 pm at the National Press Club with cocktails, dinner, and silent and live auctions. Join us as we recognize Seabury’s CEO Joe Resch and Robert and Mary Elyn McNichols of McNichols & Associates for their outstanding leadership in the field of aging. With nearly 40 years of experience in the field of elder care, Mr. Resch used his knowledge and leadership to help Seabury grow its services, community impact and strengthen its reputation. During Mr. Resch’s tenure, Seabury created the Care Management service and Congregational Resources and assumed the management of Home First Residences and Seabury at Springvale Terrace living communities, Seabury Wards 5 and 6 Aging and Disability Resource Centers, the Age-In-Place ® program, Seabury Connector transportation, and the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Mr. Resch will retire from Seabury this December. Robert and Mary Elyn McNichols, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of McNichols & Associates, are the first recipients of the Community Partner Leadership Award. Mr. and Mrs. McNichols led Seabury’s initiatives to refinance and renovate Seabury at Friendship Terrace and Seabury at Springvale Terrace preserving a combined 326 affordable senior living units. They developed Coordinated Services Management, Inc. in 1981 which today manages 24 properties ranging from nursing homes and dementia care to assisted living and active retirement living communities. Event proceeds will benefit all of Seabury’s housing and services and particularly help low income older adults who need care management, meals, housing, transportation and help with home maintenance. Purchase tickets at www.seaburyresources.org or by calling (202) 414-6318.

Seabury Resources Programs and Services HOUSING COMMUNITIES

meals and group meal sites, nutrition counseling and education, and case management and support for caregivers, and social, recreational and wellness activities. Ward 5: Phone: (202) 529-8701 Ward 6: Phone: (202) 397-1726

Seabury at Friendship Terrace offers retirement living for active, independent older adults in the Tenleytown area of Washington, DC. Phone: (202) 244-7400 Website: www.friendshipterrace.org $ $ $ $ $

Age-In-Place®* coordinates volunteers to provide yard work and house cleaning service to older adults living in Washington’s Wards 4, 5 and 6. Phone: (202) 635-9384, ext. 105

Seabury at Springvale Terrace offers affordable personal care and assisted living in a community located near downtown Silver Spring. $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Phone: (301) 587-0190 Website: www.springvaleterrace.org Home First Residences* provides a $ $ shared-living home and support for older adults needing assistance with personal care and medication management. Phone: (202) 635-9384

WASHINGTON, DC Services & Programs

Seabury Connector* provides transportation to medical and public benefit appointments for DC seniors 60 and over at no charge. Phone: (202) 727-7771

Aging and Disability Resource Centers’*services include home-delivered

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Senior Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired* enhances the quality of life and independence of older adults who have lost or are losing their vision.Transportation is provided to and from the Center from any part of Washington DC. Phone: (202) 529-8701

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!!Check enclosed (payable to Seabury). !!Credit card information included. !!I will make a gift online at seaburyresources.org !!Please send me more information on your programs (specify: ) !!I have designated Seabury in my will or estate plans. !!This is my first gift to Seabury Resources for Aging.

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METRO AREA SERVICES Information and Referral Line (202) 364-0020. Call for free information, assistance and referral to the appropriate Seabury or other community program. Care Management provides professional guidance and support for older adults and their families, one time consultation and care management services are available. Call for information on fees and subsidies. Phone: (202) 364-0020 Congregational Resources provides guidance for Episcopal and United Church of Christ congregations as they develop programs, services, and share resources with older adults and caregivers. Phone: (202) 414-6316

Volunteers Make Seabury More than 3600 volunteers choose Seabury each year. Volunteers are needed for direct service through the Age-In-Place ® program, at our community sites in Wards 5 and 6, and at Seabury Senior Living communities. Volunteer members of Seabury’s board, advisory councils and event committees provide valuable guidance, insight and support to make Seabury the trusted leader in aging services. Weekday volunteers are especially needed as are those who are willing to drive older adults to medical appointments and to the grocery store. For more information call (202) 414 -6312.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

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Money Law &

ALL ABOUT IRAs IRAs can be used for investments other than stocks and bonds CONSOLIDATE YOUR ACCOUNTS Pooling your IRAs can simplify withdrawal and tax matters, and save money MONEY GUIDE A new book offers a clear, comprehensive analysis of financial issues MORE SOCIAL SECURITY Social Security field offices will stay open an hour longer starting this month

The best retirement investing strategies By Kathy Kristof The cover-the-basics approach to retirement investing aims to match your fixed expenses with fixed sources of income, such as Social Security, pensions and immediate annuities. You can then invest the rest of your assets to provide income for non-necessities, such as travel and entertainment. Let’s say a couple needs $6,000 a month to meet day-to-day expenses and receives $4,000 a month from Social Security at 66, the age that Uncle Sam considers full retirement age for people born between 1943 and 1954. Their gap is $2,000 a month. Rather than accumulating a cash hoard to cover such a gap between income and costs, said retirement expert Steve Vernon, retirees should use an immediate annuity to cover that portion of the gap that’s for non-discretionary expenses. The type of immediate annuity Vernon recommends works much like a pension. You invest a lump sum with an insurance company, and the insurer pays the money back to you, with interest, guaranteeing that the monthly payments will last as long as you do. This approach allows you to cover all of your fixed expenses and take more risk with your remaining assets.

Social Security as an annuity Unfortunately, lifetime annuities are not especially attractive nowadays. A $100,000 investment in a joint-life immediate annuity will return $475 per month to a 66-year-old couple who want payments to last for both of

their lifetimes, according to ImmediateAnnuities.com. If they wanted the annuity payments to adjust for inflation, the monthly payments in the early years would be lower or the up-front cost would be higher. One way to avoid locking in too much money at low rates might be to buy an immediate annuity now with a portion of your savings and invest more in annuities every few years, assuming rates ratchet higher. If our hypothetical couple have pensions and other savings that will cover their $6,000 in monthly expenses for four years after they retire, they could delay claiming Social Security, which offers one of the best annuity deals around. After you reach full retirement age, Social Security hikes monthly payouts by 8 percent for each year you hold off on claiming benefits up to age 70. Assuming that Social Security would pay each spouse $2,000 a month at age 66, the monthly benefit for each would be $2,751 at age 70 if they didn’t claim payments until that age. In return for making an “investment” of a little more than $192,000 — the $4,000 in delayed monthly benefits multiplied by 48 months, plus cost-of-living adjustments to those payments — they would receive enough added benefits to cover almost all of the gap between income and expenses for the rest of their lives.

that is, you’ve matched your fixed expenses with fixed sources of income — you may be able to devote a hefty portion of the rest of your savings to stocks. That’s partly because you’re insulated against short-term stock market downturns. And when you have time to wait out declines, you can tolerate more stock market volatility. The right mix depends on your age, said Catherine Gordon, a strategist at Vanguard Group. At age 66, Gordon said, you can safely invest half of your assets in stocks and the rest in bonds and cash. The stock portion of the portfolio should be divided between domestic and foreign stocks. The bond allocation should include foreign and U.S. debt and be spread among different maturities, though it shouldn’t go overboard on long-term bonds. A look at Vanguard’s target-date retirement funds — all-in-one funds that become more conservative as you approach the target date — gives you a good idea of the fund giant’s ideal allocations. Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 (symbol VTXVX), which is designed for an investor on the cusp of retirement, had 51 percent of its portfolio in stocks and 45 percent in bonds at last report. Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 (VTENX), which is for investors who are five years into retirement, has 37 percent of its assets in stocks and the rest in bonds and cash.

Finding the right investment mix

Add more risk?

Once you’ve applied an asset-allocation approach to your retirement nest egg —

But some advisers advocate a more-aggressive tack. Nick Ventura, a money manag-

er in Ewing, N.J., suggests that in today’s lowinterest-rate environment you should put special emphasis on dividend-paying stocks, including real estate investment trusts. He also thinks investors should keep some money in commodity funds to protect against inflation. Retirement expert Steve Vernon has a simpler approach. Because he assumes that retirees have covered 100 percent of their fixed expenses through Social Security, annuities and pensions, he suggests you invest the rest of your money in a traditional balanced fund, which typically has about two-thirds of its assets in stocks and the rest in bonds. Solid choices include Dodge and Cox Balanced (symbol DODBX), FPA Crescent (FPACX) and Vanguard Wellington (VWELX). Crescent, a member of the Kiplinger 25, recently held a modest 48 percent of its assets in stocks. There’s no perfect formula, said Anthony Webb, senior economist at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Ultimately, you have to figure out how much risk you can tolerate and then create a mix of stocks, bonds and cash that feels comfortable. “You may not be totally right,” said Webb, “but you also will never be totally wrong.” Kathy Kristof is a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to money power@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com. © 2015 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Medicare Part D’s doughnut hole in 2015 By Kimberly Lankford Q: Isn’t the gap in coverage for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit shrinking again this year? A: The “doughnut hole” is the gap in the middle of Medicare Part D coverage that requires you to pay most of the cost of your drugs until you reach the catastrophic-coverage level, at which point your plan picks up 95 percent of the costs. For 2015, after you pay a $320 deductible, your Part D plan provides coverage until your drug expenses for the year reach $2,960 (including both your share and the insurer’s share of the costs). Then you land in the so-called doughnut hole.

At that point, you’ll get a 55 percent discount on brand-name drugs and a 35 percent federal subsidy for generic drugs (up slightly from a 52.5 percent brand-name discount and a 28 percent generic subsidy in 2014). Your pharmacy will apply the discount automatically when you purchase the medications. After your out-of-pocket costs reach $4,700, your plan will pay 95 percent of your covered drug costs. Determining what qualifies as out-ofpocket costs is a bit complicated. Even though the brand-name-drug discount lowers your costs in the doughnut hole, 95 percent of the cost of the drug (including the 45 percent you pay and the 50 percent

discount the drug company pays, but not the extra 5 percent paid by your plan) counts toward your out-of-pocket costs. But for generics, the amount covered by the government subsidy doesn’t count toward your out-of-pocket costs; only the 65 percent you pay counts.

The hole shrinks each year The coverage gap started to shrink in 2011 under the Affordable Care Act. Before then, you had to pay the entire cost of your drugs in the doughnut hole. The doughnut hole will continue to shrink until 2020, when the discount for brand-name drugs and the government

subsidy for generic drugs rise to 75 percent, leaving you to pay just 25 percent of drug costs in the doughnut hole. For details about how much the gap shrinks each year, see the Closing the Doughnut Hole fact sheet from the Medicare Rights Center at www.medicarerights.org/ pdf/Closing-the-Doughnut-Hole-Chart.pdf. When comparing plans using the Medicare.gov Plan Finder, you can see an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs by month based on the plans’ coverage for your specific medications. You’ll also see in which month you’re likely to reach the doughnut hole. © 2015, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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What you may not know about your IRAs By Anya Kamenetz While the basics of Individual Retirement Accounts or IRAs are simple, there are aspects of these retirement savings vehicles that can catch some people by surprise.. An IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement savings vehicle. It’s not an investment in and of itself. Once opened, you make annual contributions with a cap, currently $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re 50 or older). You have until April 15, 2015 to make your 2014 contribution, by the way. Then the money is typically placed into long-term investments such as stocks and bonds. While a 401(k) comes through an employer, the IRA is open to everyone, and increasingly the recommendation is that

pretty much everyone should have one. But that’s just the beginning. Here are five important IRA facts: 1. IRAs may soon become automatic — and government-mandated. In January, Illinois became the first state to require employers to offer an IRA. The rule holds if they have at least 25 employees and no other qualified retirement plan. The only cost to the employer is to automatically enroll employees and offer automatic payroll deduction (employees may manually opt out if they wish). The rule does not go into effect until at least 2017, but several other states are interested too, and President Obama is said to be friendly towards the idea of a similar

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federal mandate as well. 2. IRA savings can be used to pay for college. I want to thank a reader, Tom Mertz, for pointing this one out. Money put away in a retirement account like an IRA, whether yours or your child’s, is not counted as assets against the family’s expected contribution when applying for federal financial aid to college. Yet IRA funds can be withdrawn without penalty to cover tuition at an accredited college. However, be careful when using this strategy, because funds withdrawn and spent one year will be counted as income the following year, potentially reducing the financial aid award. 3. It’s possible to put too much money in an IRA. There are generally two kinds of IRAs. With a traditional IRA, the income is taxfree when you put it in, and you pay taxes on the distribution when it comes out of the account. With a Roth IRA, it’s the opposite: put in taxed income, withdraw taxfree. AARP recently reported that some seniors are put in a pickle if they have too much socked away in traditional IRAs. When they reach the age of 70 1/2, they must take a “required minimum distribution” (RMD) each year. But those distributions can knock them into a higher tax bracket. Using a Roth IRA avoids this problem. Furthermore, RMD can make more of your Social Security benefits taxable, and at a higher rate. For individual taxpayers who earn just $34,000 a year, including their RMD, up to 85 percent of their benefit is subject to taxation. High income can also significantly raise your premiums for Medicare Part B and prescription drug coverage, but the income threshold for a

single filer is $85,000. For those of you still planning for retirement, unnecessary costs can be avoided by practicing tax diversification. Although I have always been an advocate of simplifying your retirement savings as much as possible, there can be benefits to making deposits into both traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as into regular brokerage accounts, all of which have different tax rules. Even if you have an employer-linked account such as a 401(k) or a 403(b), your employer may also offer a Roth IRA at the same time. If you are currently in a high income tax bracket anyway, you could convert assets from a traditional to a Roth IRA, before the RMDs kick in. In this case you would be taking the tax hit up front in order to avoid a “tax torpedo” in retirement. Or you could wait till you have a down income year, and simply take some of the money out and spend it, or pay down a debt or a mortgage. 4. IRAs aren’t just for stocks and bonds. Index funds and target-date funds are good choices for most retirement accounts. But gold coins and bullion are permissible. It’s also possible, though not necessarily easy or recommended, to use IRA funds to invest in a business or in real estate, or to act as a bank and make a mortgage loan to someone else. But remember, you can’t benefit from any of those investments until retirement. 5. You don’t need a J-O-B to have an IRA. It’s totally cool to open IRAs for kids, as long as they have their own earned income to put in. See IRA FACTS, page 41

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

Consolidating IRAs has a number of benefits By Sandra Block Q: Should I consolidate my IRAs? A: For most investors, the answer is yes. Putting all of your IRAs under one roof offers a number of advantages, starting with potential lower costs. Combining your accounts may ensure you avoid low-balance fees that can eat into your investment returns. For example, T. Rowe Price and Vanguard Group charge a $20 annual service fee for IRAs with balances below $10,000. A single, larger account may also lower your mutual fund expenses and trading fees. And you may be eligible for perks, such as bargain-priced tax software or a complimentary portfolio review by a financial planner. Some firms offer a cash incentive to attract new customers. TD Ameritrade pays new customers cash bonuses ranging

IRA facts From page 40 For self-employed folks or small business owners, the SEP-IRA is a beefed up version of the IRA with higher contribution limits, designed to be the main retirement plan for you and even for your employees. Finally, even homemakers can make deposits in their own IRAs, although the rules change depending on total income and the working spouse’s retirement situation. So I called Jamie Hopkins, associate director of the New York Life Center for Retirement Income at American College, to get all the details. As Hopkins explained to me, the RMD from an IRA is calculated at the previous year’s account balance divided by one’s life expectancy, as determined by standard

from $100 to $600, depending on the size of the account, and up to $2,500 to current customers for increasing the size of their accounts. Then there are the organizational benefits. It’s easier to monitor your portfolio when all of your investments are in one place.

Simplify required distributions You’ll also appreciate having all your IRAs in one place when it comes time for you to withdraw money from your accounts. Once you turn 70½, you’re required to withdraw a specific amount from your traditional IRAs by December 31 of each year (there are no minimum-withdrawal requirements for Roth IRAs). The amount of your required minimum distribution (RMD) will be based on the balance in your IRAs and your life expectancy.

actuarial tables. So if you have $400,000 in an IRA and 10 years’ life expectancy, you could be required to withdraw $40,000 in a single year. This sum is then counted as taxable income. An RMD can certainly be enough to push many retirees into a higher tax bracket, where they may become vulnerable to what Hopkins calls “the Social Security tax torpedo.” Hopkins has a final tip on traditional vs. Roth IRAs. If you’re practicing tax diversification and you have both, leave the traditional IRA to a charity as part of your estate planning. The charity won’t have to pay taxes on that money. Anya Kamenetz welcomes your questions at diyubook@gmail.com. © 2015 Anya Kamenetz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

If you have multiple IRAs, you must calculate an RMD separately for each account. Once you’ve done that, you can withdraw the total amount from any account or combination of accounts. Consolidating your IRAs also reduces the risk that you’ll overlook an account when figuring your RMD for the year. The penalty for such an oversight is 50 percent of the amount you should have withdrawn. Changing and updating your beneficiaries is also easier when all of your IRA money is in one place. And combining accounts will streamline the process of transferring accounts to your heirs. Although married couples must maintain separate IRAs, surviving spouses can roll over inherited IRAs into their own accounts.

Should you roll over 401(k)s? If you’ve held several jobs over the years, you may have money in former employers’ 401(k) plans, too. Rolling those 401(k) plans into an IRA is another way to simplify your investments, but it’s not always a good idea. Some large 401(k) plans offer institutional-class mutual funds that charge lower fees than funds for retail investors. If you’re still working and your employer allows it, another option is to roll your old 401(k) into your new employer’s plan. Sandra Block is a senior associate editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. © 2015 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A comprehensive new financial guide Jonathan Clements has been a financial columnist for the Wall Street Journal for many years. His new book, Jonathan Clements Money Guide 2015, is a comprehensive financial guide to the important decisions that influence your family’s longterm financial well-being. Informative, concise, up-to-date and easy-to-understand, the book encompasses investing, retirement planning, estate planning and many other personal finance issues. On the subject of investing, Clements covers well-trodden ground. He advocates a diversified portfolio that includes stocks, bonds and alternative investments such as real estate investment trusts. He stresses the importance of minimiz-

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ing costs and discusses the advantages of using index mutual funds and exchangetraded funds (ETFs). This is standard advice but explained well. His sample portfolios and advice on selecting financial advisers are very useful.

Healthcare and retirement advice An important chapter of the book covers various aspects of health insurance, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug coverage and Medigap insurance. Clements is very informative on the pros and cons of long-term care insurance and on nursing home costs. Many studies have shown that a significant number of families are

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woefully ignorant regarding long-term care is- IRA, you can fund a nondeductible IRA and sues and have not done adequate long-term subsequently convert it to a Roth. He is a big proponent of Roth accounts. planning in this area. Clements goes into detail You should use your retireexplaining available options. ment accounts to buy your The book includes tools that portfolio’s tax-inefficient inwill allow you to estimate vestments such as taxable whether you are saving enough bonds, real estate investment to have a prosperous retiretrusts and actively managed ment. Clements discusses Sostock funds. Your taxable accial Security benefit options in counts can be used to hold great detail, including topics I municipal bonds and investhave covered in prior columns, ments that have low turnover, such as the “file and suspend” such as index mutual funds option, which allows you to THE SAVINGS and exchange-traded funds. postpone benefits up to age 70 GAME while your husband or wife can By Elliot Raphaelson still claim spousal benefits. Learn about estate planning Clements discusses the advantages of immediate annuities, which A useful chapter is devoted to estate guarantee lifetime monthly benefits, and of planning issues, including key compolongevity insurance, which provide higher nents such as wills; correct naming of benguaranteed income if you are willing to eficiaries for retirement accounts and life wait until a later age to initiate payments. insurance and correct titling on major asClements discusses the advantages and sets; trusts; financial and medical powers disadvantages of reverse mortgages. He of attorney; and steps to reduce taxes. The author points out that it is very imdoesn’t rule them out, despite their high fees and lack of flexibility, with the proviso portant to be sure to name the correct benthat this option is a “last resort.” That’s eficiaries on your retirement accounts. sound advice, as I have indicated in prior The provisions in your will do not override the beneficiaries you named in your retirecolumns. On the subject of taxes, Clements points ment accounts. Make sure that after any out the importance of knowing your mar- significant events, such as divorce, you imginal rate. (This is the income tax rate you mediately update the beneficiaries specipay for the last dollar you report as in- fied on your accounts. come.) Knowing this rate will allow you to Money Guide 2015 could be a very comknow whether to buy municipal bonds, pay prehensive asset for your long-term finandown your mortgage, and fund Roth re- cial planning. Consider it as a gift to anytirement accounts (rather than tax-de- one you know lacking in knowledge reductible accounts). garding basic personal finance issues. As you might expect, Clements recomElliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions mends putting as much as you can into tax- and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. sheltered accounts. If you are not eligible © 2015 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by for a tax-deductible investment, or Roth Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Social Security extends field office hours The Social Security Administration says a budget increase this year will allow it to keep field offices open an extra hour on most weekdays, starting in March. After years of cutbacks, the agency said it will restore service hours nationwide on March 16. A field office that is usually open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will stay open until 4 p.m. on every weekday except Wednesday. Field offices will continue to close at noon on Wednesdays. Members of Congress complained last year after learning that Social Security had closed dozens of field offices even as millions of baby boomers were approaching retirement. The agency has more than 1,200 offices.

Much can be done online Social Security says most business can be done online, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits. For example, Social Security beneficiaries are now able to obtain a replacement SSA-1099 from the agency’s website. Social Security sends SSA-1099s each January to everyone who receives Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits paid in the previous year and is used for tax purposes. “Beginning this tax season, any Social Security accountholder who misplaces their original SSA-1099 will be able to request an instant replacement from our menu of online services,” said Carolyn W.

Colvin, acting commissioner of Social Security. Previously, people who lost their SSA1099 had to call or visit a Social Security office to get a replacement or request that one be mailed to them. With this new online service, people now only need to create a “my Social Security” account, or log into their existing one. My Social Security is a secure, online account people use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout

the time they receive Social Security benefits. Once the account is created, it is used by people who are working to keep track of their earnings and to get estimates of future benefits. People already receiving benefits manage them with their account — changing their address, starting or changing direct deposit, getting a benefit verification letter, and more. For more information, visit www.social security.gov/myaccount.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 18+

MEDICARE INFO SESSION The State Health Insurance Assistant Program (SHIP) presents a

free information session about Medicare on Wednesday, March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Casey Community Center, 810 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Md., and Tuesday, March 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Dr., Rockville, Md. The talk will address questions such as when to sign up for Medicare, and working and getting Medicare D. For more information, visit www.medicareabcd.org or call (301) 590-2819.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

Leisure &

Visit the house where Beatrix Potter wrote Peter Rabbit. See story on page 47.

English Lake District’s poetic landscape create some of their best-loved works while living or visiting there.

Land of lakes and mountains In a somewhat ironic nod to the British fondness for quaint and colorful terms, only one of the 16 major bodies of water in the region — Bassenthwaite, itself a challenging tongue twister — is actually called a lake. The others are known as waters, tarns and meres. Whatever their designation, they’re squeezed between the highest mountains in the country, filling valleys that were carved out by the advance and retreat of glaciers over some two million years. Of interest and appeal to anyone planning to visit the Lake District is the fact that so much natural beauty is contained in an area only about 35 miles wide and slightly more from north to south. Even in such a compact area, each body of water claims its own unique appeal and attractions. At 11 miles in length, Windermere is England’s longest lake and the most popular to visit. The shore is lined by Victorian mansions that were built for wealthy families during the late 18th to early 19th centuries, a number of which now serve as guest houses and small hotels. Windermere is one of several lakes that can be explored on sightseeing cruises. Given the name, it’s no surprise that Bassenthwaite once was called Bass Lake,

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

By Victor Block Viewing a high country landscape accentuated by a blanket of yellow, the poet William Wordsworth in 1804 described what he saw as “a host of golden daffodils.” To Alfred Lord Tennyson, people walking in the same region “by zigzag paths, and juts of pointed rock, came on the shining levels of the lake.” When I arrived in the northwest corner of England that has prompted poets and other writers to wax so eloquently, it didn’t take long to understand why. The name of the area itself, English Lake District, sets the imagination roaming. Yet images conjured up in the mind often pale in comparison to the reality. Nestled in the county of Cumbria, the Lake District is many things to many people. Begin with the magnificent scenery of lakes and rugged mountains, thick forests and rolling fields outlined by meticulously built stone walls and hedge rows, where countless sheep graze contentedly. Lace the setting with river valleys, and embellish the picture with a stunning coastline. Add the region’s intriguing history and rich cultural heritage, and it becomes clear why last year it was voted the leading destination in the United Kingdom by readers of Wanderlust Magazine. Given this inspirational environment, it’s little wonder that world-famous poets, novelists and other writers were moved to

The once-dilapidated 19th century Augill Castle in England’s Lake District was turned into a bed and breakfast 15 years ago, and features 10 rooms, as well as a small estate house for rent. The Lake District, very popular with tourists, has many quaint B&Bs and charming inns.

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

The Lake District offers a network of well-marked hiking trails through the highest mountains in England and past 16 bodies of water. Several small towns have preserved the homes of famous poets and writers who lived and wrote in the area.

and that it still provides anglers with good catches. A more ominous story is told about Wastwater, a deep lake where bodies have been found deposited in its dark depths. Steam boats connect tourist villages that overlook Ullswater. Landlubbers may prefer the gentle 6.5-mile foot path that joins the towns. Another walking trail circles Grasmere, and during summer a stony beach at the south end is popular with locals. William Wordsworth, who lived in the town of Grasmere for 14 years, described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”

Roaming by foot Easy walking and moderate hiking attract many visitors to the Lake District, and tempt those who go there for other reasons. An extensive network of wellmarked trails criss-crosses the area, and small wooden “Foot Path” signs are encountered throughout the region. There are paths suitable for every ability, preference and level of stamina. A common sight is people of all ages wearing hiking clothes, many toting walking sticks and often carrying a knapsack stuffed with a picnic lunch. “Welcome Hikers” signs hang outside some Bed and Breakfast accommodations and small hotels, and stores sell books and

booklets describing walks for people with a specific interest, such as through woodlands, to waterfalls and past pubs. A welcome, if to me somewhat quaint, system in England, called the “Right to Roam,” provides public access to both public and private land for recreational purposes. While it applies primarily to uncultivated areas, it also includes some farms. As a result, hiking trails often lead past farm houses, skirt fields planted with crops and cut across meadows filled with grazing sheep. Here and there, an enterprising farmer has opened a small tea room in his house or barn to earn a few British pounds from hikers seeking bit of rest and refreshment. Many hikes leave from or to inviting towns that grace the Lake District, and which provide yet another reason to visit there. Whether walking or driving, pausing to stroll through some of these villages becomes another memorable experience.

Exploring picturesque towns As with the scenery, the choice of hikes and other aspects of the region, variety is the name of the game when exploring the communities. Although Kendal is largely a manufacturSee LAKE DISTRICT, page 46

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Lake District From page 45 ing town, its convenient location has earned it the unofficial title of “Gateway to the Lakes.” A warren of narrow fortified alleyways in the oldest neighborhood recalls a period of some 300 years, beginning in the 13th century, when they provided safety for residents from English and Scottish raiding parties that attacked communities on both sides of those countries’ common border. Many buildings in Kendal were constructed of locally quarried grey limestone, which accounts for its nickname, “Auld grey town.” Other attractions include the ruins of several castles, the newest of which was built in the late 12th century. The adjoining resort towns of Windermere and Bowness offer a long list of recreational activities for vacationers. The Bowness waterfront on Lake Windermere is lined by restaurants and shops. Nearby is the Hole I’th Wall, a 16th-century pub so named, the story goes, for an opening made by a blacksmith who worked next door through which he retrieved his pints of ale. Keswick was granted a king’s charter as a market town in 1276, and its marketplace has remained in operation since then. It became a popular vacation destination in the 18th century, and today tourism continues to be its principal industry. Borrowdale is recognized as one of the most beautiful of the Lake District communities. It lies in a river valley beneath wooded fells (hills) and Scafell Pike — not exactly an Everest, but at a height of 3,210 feet, the tallest mountain in England.

Where writers wrote The charming village of Grasmere loses some of its appeal during summer, when hordes of sightseers arrive to visit landmarks associated with its most famous former resident, William Wordsworth. It is one of a number of towns in the area that relate chapters in the story of the socalled Lake Poets. They were a group of writers who lived in the Lake District around the turn of the 19th century and, inspired by its beauty, described it in their works.

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If you go England being England, where you stay can become part of the travel experience. Scattered about the Lake District are toprate hotels, small inns and, of course, charming B&Bs. Question: When does a hotel room have its own turret? Answer: When it’s in a mid19th century castle. Augill Castle in Kirby lives up to its promise of “a modern brand of dressed down hospitality: unstuffy, informal, but decadently comfortable.” Rooms furnished with family antiques, an See LAKE DISTRICT, page 47

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Apr. 17

SPRING GALA

Apr. 6

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Dupont Circle Village presents its spring gala and auction destinations: “Dreams to Go” on Friday, April 17 at the historic Woman’s National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Packages to be auctioned include dream vacations to the wine country of Sonoma, the Italian Tuscan countryside, a two-bedroom apartment in the historic Marais quarter of Paris, a house in Martha’s Vineyard and more. There will be a gourmet seated buffet dinner, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, dancing and a live band. Tickets cost $75, and include a buffet dinner and two beverages. For more information, contact Martis Davis at (202) 328-3817 or martis_davis@comcast.net or Iris Molotsky at (202) 328-1121 or iris.molotsky@gmail.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.dupontcirclevillage.net.

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The three main Lake Poets were William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (who penned “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”) and Robert Southey, perhaps best known as the author of “The Story of the Three Bears,” the precursor to the Goldilocks story. A number of other poets and writers also drew inspiration from the region, and their words of admiration and adoration did much to put the Lake District on the destination map of a growing wave of visitors. The places associated with this group of talented wordsmiths are as varied as the attractions that draw people to the area. Wordsworth lived in a cottage at the edge of Grasmere from 1799 to 1808, and spent the final 37 years of his life in a rambling old house in the village of Rydal. Both Coleridge and Southey lived for some time in Keswick. Other well-known poets and writers visited the Lake District, which served to embellish its reputation even more. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who was Poet Laureate of Great Britain during much of Queen Victoria’s reign, spent his honeymoon at Coniston, and John Ruskin helped to popularize the village after he purchased a mansion nearby. Today, a growing number of travelers are following the footsteps of those creative types to create their own memories in and of the English Lake District. They’re discovering the reasons why that tiny locale has for centuries so entranced those who visit and live there.

Friendship Heights Village Center is hosting a poetry cafe on Monday, April 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. Poets Gary Stein and Naomi Thiers will read from their work. The evening starts with classical guitar and includes refreshments. A free open mic will follow. The event will take place at Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 South Park Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. For more information, call (301) 656-2797.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

From page 46 honesty bar, and even a 12-seat cinema room are among touches that make a stay memorable. A heated indoor swimming pool is an added amenity. Rates for two begin at about $260, depending upon the exchange rate. For more information, log onto www.stayinacastle.com or call 01768-341-937. How could you not wish to overnight at a bed & breakfast quaintly named the Rumdoodle? It promises guests “a little bit of luxury, a little bit of whimsy and a whole

lot of fun.” The quintessentially English lodging is tucked along a quiet residential street in Windermere, and accommodations come with a bountiful, belt-stretching British breakfast. The establishment’s charming, if curious, name refers to a book titled The Ascent of the Rumdoodle, a hilarious tale of several bumbling British mountaineers who set off to ascend a fictitious mountain. In addition to the B&B’s name, its nine bedrooms are identified with characters in the book, and walls are adorned by drawings and quotes from the volume. Rates begin at about $120. For more in-

What do William Wordsworth, William Yeats and Jemima PuddleDuck have in common? Well, they all lived in and around the fairy-tale villages of England’s Lake District. But only one of them actually is a fairy tale, and she’s possibly the most famous of the three — at least among the under10 set. Ms. Puddle-Duck, along with her good friends and neighbors, Peter Rabbit, Samuel Whiskers and Pickles among many others, were brought to life by Beatrix Potter (1866-1943), another famous resident of the Lake District. And she is the one most responsible for maintaining the environmental integrity of the area since her death in 1943, when she donated 14 properties to the National Trust — thereby preserving much of the land that now comprises the Lake District National Park.

Is there anyone alive today who actually made it through childhood without at least a cursory introduction to Peter Rabbit, Flopsy and Mopsy and that mean old farmer MacGregor? Well, this is where they lived until Beatrix caught them and immortalized them forever in little 5” by 4”-sized books. A visit to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home for 38 years, not far from Windermere, is the site of many of her creations’ adventures. Many homes reflect the personalities of their owners — and sometimes even their pets. But rarely is a home so filled with the immediacy of its owner’s creations as is Hill Top, first purchased in 1905. They appear so alive as to permeate not only the house but the surrounding village and countryside, all of See BEATRIX POTTER, page 48

C G

kendal.com or call 01539-720-956. The Lamplighter in Windermere meets every criteria of “fine dining,” focusing on straightforward preparation that brings out natural flavors. Entrees, all served with sides, include Cumberland sausage ($18) and cheese and onion pie ($20). For more information, log onto lamplighterdining rooms.com or call 01539-443-547. Trains connect London with the Lake District. It takes about 3½ hours to travel from London to Oxenholme. For information about visiting the Lake District, log onto golakes.co.uk or call 01539-822-222.

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formation, log onto www.rumdoodlewindermere.com or call 01539-967-445. Dining focuses on locally grown ingredients and items with a distinct Lake District history. Herdwick lamb has a distinctive full flavor, Cumberland pork sausage comes in a distinctive rolled coil, Kendal mint cake is a favorite with afternoon tea, and Grasmere gingerbread is still made following the original 1854 recipe. Romney’s in Kendal serves traditional pub food in a setting that is more restaurantlike. Specialties include fish and chips and lamb casserole with dumplings (each $15). For more information, log onto romneys

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Beatrix Potter From page 47

correspondence Beatrix was evidently in the process of completing — clearly she is expected to return at any moment. And indeed every shop in the area seemingly sells some version of Peter Rabbit memorabilia. Emblematic of how much Peter invades the neighborhood, when my husband and I stopped at a

local pub for some requisite fish and chips, he asked about the soup of the day. When told by the bartender that it was carrot, he quipped: “How appropriate. No doubt Peter Rabbit’s favorite.” For more information, visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top. — Fyllis Hockman

PHOTO © NATIONAL TRU

which became additional characters in what were soon to become a series of beloved children’s books. Once you enter the grounds and garden of Hill Top, with all its original furnishings, you are transported back to the world as it was until the day she died. Pick up A Tale of Samuel Whiskers lying about as you walk in, and follow the book’s story as you see the holes where the mice lived that threatened Tom Kitten. You can accompany Pigland Bland as he wanders through the village, and seek to protect Jemima Puddle-Duck’s egg as it lays hidden in the rhubarb patch.

You can almost hear the Two Bad Mice discussing the ham and cheese that don’t seem quite edible because they are, of course, from Beatrix’s doll house, which is right in front of you in the parlor. Her desk contains letters she wrote, often illustrated with little cartoons and drawings. The first edition of Peter Rabbit, which started simply as a story written in letter form in September 1893 to cheer up a sick son of her former governess, is available for viewing. The whole house becomes alive through the illustrations in her stories — or is it that the illustrations become alive because they re-create the reality of her home? The parlor contains a table with some partially eaten biscuits and some

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Beatrix Potter wrote her classic tales of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and other creatures from her home called Hill Top near Windermere, England. The house includes her doll house and the desk where she wrote her books.

free educational symposium

Managing Parkinson’s Disease Symposium: 2015 Update The Sibley Senior Association, in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Friendship Heights Village Center, Prevention of Blindness Society and The Beacon, invite you to join us for an informative symposium on Managing Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Speakers include: Dan Gold, M.D., Johns Hopkins Medicine; Kelly Mills, M.D., Johns Hopkins Medicine; Becky Dunlop, R.N., M.S., Johns Hopkins Medicine; and Karis Kavendar, P.T., Sibley Memorial Hospital Learn about the management of non-motor PD symptoms, visual problems associated with PD, creation of your PD management plan and the Lee Silverman Big and Loud program. Resources are also available.

Saturday, Apr. 11 Doors open 9:15 a.m. Symposium 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friendship Heights Village Community Center 4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD Registration is required. Call 202-364-7602 or visit www.sibley.org.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Some more comfortable flights to Europe If you’re thinking about flying to Eu- experience, you have a fair number of oprope, you have a surprisingly wide range of tions. alternatives to ordinary economy class, especially if you’re heading Cheap business class from the New York area to The latest news is that La London or Paris. Compagnie, the new French Let’s face it: Ordinary econall-business-class airline, is omy class is a really bad prodcur rently selling business uct, with its seats designed to class from Newark to Paris/De the dimensions of anorexic Gaulle starting at $1,600 round jockeys and minimal cabin trip. For this summer, La Comservice. And an overnight pagnie is quoting round trips red-eye in a crowded econostarting at $1,800. my cabin qualifies, in my La Compagnie also anTRAVEL TIPS book, as “cruel and unusual nounced it will start flying By Ed Perkins punishment.” from Newark to True, it’s cheap, and the many of you London/Luton in late March. It is offering who value cheap over all else will wind up an introductory fare of $1,007 for reservations made through April 24, with flights toughing it out in the cattle car. But if you want to avoid the worst of that leaving from April 24 to June 30.

La Compagnie flies 757s with all angleflat business-class seats, which means the nighttime seat is flat but at a slight angle so that your feet extend under the top of the

seat in front of you. British-owned OpenSkies offers a similar product, from New See FLIGHTS TO EUROPE, page 50

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Arlington 55+ presents a daytrip to experience Eastern Market. Pick up fresh vegetables, gourmet cheeses or breads, or unique hand-crafted items at the area’s largest outdoor market. Stop at one of the local cafes for coffee (on your own). The bus will depart from the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S 2nd St., Arlington, Va. at 8:30 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $7 for residents and $11 for non-residents. For more information or to register, visit http://parks.arlingtonva.us/programs/adults-55/seniors-travel or call (703) 228-4744.

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Flights to Europe From page 49 York/JFK or Newark to Paris/Orly. Seats lie fully flat, but currently posted fares are much higher. Beyond New York, the giant lines often offer big discounts on business class from all U.S. gateways to Europe during the

YO U R

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

summer, typically with a 45-day or 60-day advance purchase. If you’re interested, keep checking with the airline websites. And Aer Lingus often offers lower business class from its U.S. gateways fares to much of Europe via Dublin connections.

Premium economy Currently, the roomiest premium econ-

New

omy options to Europe are on OpenSkies, from the New York area to Paris; on Norwegian, from Newark and Los Angeles to London/Gatwick; and on Turkish (777300ER). Air Canada, Air France, Air New Zealand (from Los Angeles to London/Heathrow), British Airways, LOT, Lufthansa (some A380s and 747-8s), SAS and Virgin Atlantic offer more standard premium economy from most of their U.S. gateway airports to their European home bases. In premium economy, seats are about two inches wider than regular economy, with around eight inches more legroom and upgraded cabin service. However, the fare differences between regular economy and premium economy vary tremendously; this summer the spread will range from around 30 percent to more than 100 percent. Instead of offering real premium economy, American, Delta, KLM and United offer economy sections with about three to four extra inches of legroom, but with the

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same narrow economy seats. Prices typically add around $100 or more each way. The roomiest regular economy seats are in most A330-340s and 777s configured nine across. You find these on Air Canada (some flights), Delta, El Al, Turkish and United. American’s 777-300ERs have nineacross seating in the extra cabin, 10-across in regular economy; its other 777s currently have nine across in both sections; the big European lines have narrow 10-across seats. If you hate overnight flights, you can fly nonstop to London during the day from Boston on British Airways; Chicago on American; the New York area on British, United and Virgin Atlantic; Toronto on Air Canada; and Washington/Dulles on United. These days, when airlines expect empty seats in premium cabins, some now offer travelers the option to buy or bid on upgrades. On my recent trip from Los Angeles to London, for example, Norwegian was asking $400 for upgrades to premium economy. Other lines accept pre-departure bids. If you’re willing to risk not getting an upgrade, this is a good way to get into a premium cabin at minimum cost. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. © 2015 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Cheaper travel to Europe The falling value of the euro means that vacations to Europe are now much cheaper. Thanks to the currency shift, travelers will pay less for hotel rooms, museum admissions and meals out. “It’s basically a 20-percent-off sale on the whole eurozone for Americans,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of airfare search site Hipmunk. There are 19 countries that use the euro. So those considering deals should look at Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. “This is the best time to travel to Europe in years,” said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel. “Americans can now indulge in a fancy pastry and chocolat chaud without the budget-busting guilt.” The catch: it will still cost a lot of money to get to Europe during peak summer months. Demand for travel is so strong that most airlines don’t have to cut prices to sell seats. — AP

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

A Special Supplement to The Beacon newspaper

A touching and funny look into the lives of seniors who just want to find love...

Join us on March 15. Page 3

March 2015/No. 36

Writing what you know “Write what you know,” Mark Twain advised aspiring authors, and Ring House resident Mollee Kruger does this with panache. Plumbing her Jewish roots for inspiration, she has become an award-winning poet, author of seven poetry collections, Washington Jewish Week columnist for 16 years, an essayist, playwright, and writing instructor. As a resident of Ring House, she has most recently published her memoir, The Cobbler’s Last: A True Story of Hard Times, War and the Journey of a Maryland Girl Who Lived over a Shoe Store on Main Street. Her current project: writing a novel set in a fictional independent-living community. For the record, Mrs. Kruger is listed in Who’s Who in America, on the same page as Dr. Jerome Kruger, a materials scientist and her beloved husband of 58 years who passed away in 2013. A prolific author, Mollee The Krugers moved to Ring House in Kruger continues to 2008 to be in an independent-living produce new works while living at Ring environment where Dr. Kruger could House. navigate comfortably in a mobility scooter. They quickly embraced Ring’s other advantages: cultural programming, fitness center, trips Isaac Kruger listens as his grandmother Mollee Kruger speaks at a 2003 to concerts and museums, and close ceremony honoring the acquisition and placement of her papers into the proximity to synagogue and family. Special Collections of the University of Maryland’s Hornbake Library.

Still disciplined and productive, Mollee Kruger rises daily at 5:00 a.m., writes at her desk for an hour, spends 30 minutes on a treadmill before breakfast, and then returns to her apartment where she writes without distraction. Mrs. Kruger explains that her current book’s colorful characters gather regularly to gossip and swap observations with unguarded frankness and wit, to brag about grandkids, and to commiserate with each other over shared fears and frustrations. Her characters fret about giving up driving, downsizing from spacious homes, and coping with the human condition. “This book has energized me,” she says. “It enables me to get certain feelings out of my system. “As a person who writes and needs some time for myself, Ring House fits my style,” Mollee notes. She treasures the freedom to devote full attention to her craft without the interruption and annoyance of home maintenance tasks. Find Mollee Kruger’s works in the Ring House library, in the University of Maryland library, and on Amazon. Discover how you can pursue your own passion; call 301.816.5052 to learn more about living at Ring House. n

HEBREW HOME • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES • COHEN-ROSEN HOUSE ELDERSAFE CENTER • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • LANDOW HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • RING HOUSE Holocoust survivors share stories

ElderSAFE community partners

WHOLEistic Care Symposium

A passion for philanthropy

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Charles E. Smith Life Communities and Progress Club

PAY TRIBUTE TO HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS Sunday, April 19, 2015

First person

Campus news

Finding the experts

Holocaust survivors share stories

A Washington Post reporter who has written about Holocaust survivors on our campus called recently with an intriguing question: “I know that individuals who develop dementia might be unable to remember yesterday, but does a survivor with dementia remember the Holocaust, and perhaps get stuck in a bad place?” Because our campus has considerable experience caring for survivors, we readily identified a pool of experts to answer her question. Patty Hagen, director of Dementia Care Programs, could address how we manage care when survivors with dementia recall their painful past and how the staff creates a calming, consoling environment, shifting focus to the positive. “These memories do surface, but we help them through it, and no one gets ‘stuck’ there,” Patty says. Rodney Matheson, who manages new employee orientation, teaches about the Holocaust on day one. Our multi-cultural staff (about 1,000 employees) may arrive with no knowledge of the Holocaust, yet they may have experienced loss or hardship from ethnic hostilities and can relate to the survivors. Director of Social Work Lori Saffitz describes taking social histories, the similarities in treating post-traumatic stress, and how she counsels survivors and their families. One of the aspects that makes our campus unique is our full-time, onsite medical team, and Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires was also an available resource. Rabbi James Michaels explains that certain “triggers,” such as seeing dogs or being told it’s time for a shower, can stir memories. His book, Flourishing in the Later Years, Jewish Pastoral Insights on Senior Residential Care, includes a chapter about this. This depth of expertise extends to everything we do. We are committed to being a resource for and about senior care. Please turn the pages of LifeTimes and learn with us.

On May 13, 1939, Fred (Fritz) Buff boarded the ship S.S. St. Louis in Hamburg, one of more than 900 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany with the expectation of arriving safely in Havana, Cuba. The eighteen-year-old’s hopes were crushed when the Cuban government refused to allow their entry. Most of the refugees perished in the Holocaust when the ill-fated ship returned to Europe in June. Fred was one of the few passengers who survived, as he was eventually able to emigrate to the United States. Fred kept a diary of his journey, Riding the Storm Waves, published in 2009. Fred and his wife Lotte recently moved to Ring House. The couple plans to attend a special brunch on April 19 hosted by the Progress Club that celebrates the lives of all Holocaust survivors at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Our campus is home to the largest number of survivors in the Washington metropolitan community, each with a unique and compelling story. The brunch provides an opportunity for survivors to share their experiences with guests of all ages in an informal setting. Coincidentally, Fred Buff is not the only passenger from the S.S. St. Louis who now lives at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Henry Blumenstein was saved by a Dutch family who took him in after the ship was forced to return to Europe, hiding him on their farm for the duration of the war. n

Warren R. Slavin President/CEO, Charles E. Smith Life Communities

Page 2 | March 2015

Two residents of Ring House were among the 900 refugees aboard the S.S. St. Louis in 1939. Fred Buff, a new resident of Ring House, penned this diary during his voyage. Henry Blumenstein is pictured at right with his mother.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

70 percent of our Post-Acute Care Center patients recover

and return home.

Call 301.770.8476 Community events

Volunteer Appreciation Week

Among our wonderful volunteers is Frieda Sushner, who enjoys helping staff in the Office of Development and Communication.

To thank volunteers for their essential accomplishments, we are celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week beginning Monday, April 13, with special treats and surprises each day. Those who have volunteered regularly will be invited to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, April 17. Would you like to get more information on volunteer opportunities? Information is now going out via email and mail. Update your contact information today by sending an email to volunteers@ceslc.org. n

Speed dating at 70? Charles E. Smith Life Communities invites the public to a free screening of The Age of Love, an engaging film that follows 30 adventurous seniors who attend a first-of-its-kind speed-dating session. Join us Sunday, March 15, at 6:00 p.m., at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Road, in Rockville. The message of this groundbreaking documentary is that the desire to be seen and understood by a companion is universal, and the urge to love and be loved remains strong, regardless of age. The film captures the nature of love through a humorous and poignant look at the dating scene for 70- to 90-year-olds. Sunday, March 15, 2015 Discover how the 6:00 p.m. search for love changes — or doesn’t change — from Location: F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre first love to the later years. 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD Relationship experts Amy Schoen and Leora Hoffman and clinical psychologist Dr. Carolyn Eichberg will lead a brief panel discussion after the movie. It will be followed by a dessert reception. There is no charge for the event. For more information, please call 301.770.8329. RSVP is required at www.smithlifecommunities.org. n

Revitz House resident Margery Semon gets an expert tune-up for her walker from the Smart Moves Wellness Team, Chelsea Fields, Jordan Howerton, and Crystal Key.

Tune-up clinics are popular Do walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices require tune-ups, just like autos, buses, and bikes? Absolutely, and that is why Charles E. Smith Life Communities provides regularly-scheduled Tune-Up Clinics. Ours is the only senior community in the area to offer this exceptional service, according to Wellness Coordinator Chelsea Fields. A mechanical technician, Alex Gorokhov, from Jessa Medical Supply in Gaithersburg visits our independent and assisted-living residences monthly on a rotating basis. He consults with residents who want to have their devices adjusted, cleaned, and, if necessary, repaired. He also provides instruction on how to use the equipment safely. “This is truly one of the best and most popular initiatives in our Smart Moves Wellness Program,” says Chelsea. The program also: • Informs residents about health risks and improving lifestyle choices; • Organizes special health-related events such as the annual Brain Health Fair at Ring House; and • Offers exercise classes, personal training, senior fitness tests, and access to fitness centers located on our campus. For information, please contact our Wellness Team at 301.816.5048. n LifeTimes | Page 3

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Elder abuse triples the risk of premature death. The ElderSAFE Center is here to help. Referrals from community agencies are accepted at 301.816.5099 *Source: The Journal of the American Medical Association, “The Mortality of Elder Mistreatment”

Community partnerships

Charles E. Smith Life Communities expands coalition working with ElderSAFE Center Charles E. Smith Life Communities welcomed advocates for seniors, including local, state, and federal representatives, to celebrate the ElderSAFE Center, which officially launched in September. The first program of its kind in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, ElderSAFE provides safe, temporary shelter for abused seniors, community education, and advocacy. “For every one case of elder abuse that is reported, 23 cases are not,” notes Tovah Kasdin, JD, director of the ElderSAFE Center. “Elder abuse encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, and financial mistreatment as well as neglect. It is a complicated and multi-faceted Tovah Kasdin cuts the cake during the problem, affecting as many as community celebration as Warren Slavin, one in ten older adults living on president/CEO, looks on. their own.” An attorney with more than 15 years of experience in domestic violence law, Tovah Kasdin formerly served as a prosecutor with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. “We know caregivers can be abusers; family members can be abusive; people we trust can take advantage of us financially.” To help strengthen the community’s response to this problem, the ElderSAFE Center has forged a multi-disciplinary coalition. “Together we can address this issue,” Kasdin said, a sentiment echoed by Debbie Feinstein, chief, Family Violence Division, Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. Feinstein spoke to the more than 100 attendees, underscoring the county’s anticipated growth in the 65+ population and the need to leverage financial resources, political capital, and real-time discussions across Montgomery County agencies to address elder abuse. “Only four percent of reported elder abuse cases come from the elder person; 96 percent of the reports come from somewhere else. That makes us – physicians, law enforcement, care providers -- so important. We need to recognize the red flags of elder abuse, act as ambassadors, and educate the community,” Feinstein said.

Page 4 | March 2015

Elizabeth Loewy emphasized the role of dementia, isolation, lack of awareness, and unscrupulous heirs in what she termed “financial violence.” Loewy will participate in an ElderSAFE seminar for professionals on March 19 on protecting seniors from financial Debbie Feinstein emphasized the need abuse. See page 5. for a strong community response to The ElderSAFE Center is modeled elder abuse. “This is an issue we need on a program established by the to get in front of.” Hebrew Home at Riverdale, New York, and is supported by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc.; Montgomery County, Maryland; and the Board of Governors of Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Referrals can be made by agencies or programs at the ElderSAFE helpline, 301.816.5099, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Additional information is available at www.eldersafe.org. n Photos by Randy Sager

Tovah Kasdin, director of the ElderSAFE Center (seated center), and Warren Slavin, president/CEO (seated, right), are surrounded by representatives of the community coalition in this effort to safeguard seniors from abuse. They include: • Catholic Charities Legal Network of the Archdiocese of Washington • Holy Cross Hospital • Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) • Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) • Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)

• Montgomery County Adult Protective Services (APS) • Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services • Montgomery County Police, Elder Abuse Unit • Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Remember This:

free programs on memory care focused on caregivers May 20 and June 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Sharing our expertise

Protecting seniors from financial abuse On March 19, the ElderSAFE Center will host a seminar geared to professionals on the front lines of helping seniors with their finances. Protecting Seniors from Financial Abuse will be held at the offices of our co-sponsor, CohnReznick LLP, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda. The outstanding panel of experts includes:

Fifth annual educational symposium explores

WHOLEistic approach to senior health Elizabeth Loewy

• Elizabeth Loewy, former chief of the Elder Abuse Unit, New York County District Attorney’s Office and currently general counsel and senior vice president of EverSafe, which works to identify potential financial abuse before serious harm Pamela occurs Peeke • Barbara Mulitz, vice president and trust officer, Sandy Spring Trust and member of the Montgomery County Commission on Aging • Howard Tischler, CEO, EverSafe • Debbie Feinstein, chief, Family Violence Division, Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office • Bryan Roslund, assistant state’s attorney and chief, Special Prosecutions Division of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office • Susan K. Arthur, associate director, FINRA Investment Education Foundation • Naomi Karp, JD, senior policy analyst, Office of Older Americans, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Registration and a continental breakfast begin at 7:00 a.m.; the program begins at 8:00 a.m. Advance registration is required at www. smithlifecommunities.org. For information, please call 301.770.8329. n

Interfaith program offers clergy insights on palliative care Changes in medical care are making palliative care an important option for people coping with chronic illness. On Thursday, March 12, Charles E. Smith Life Communities will host an interfaith program, Palliative Care: Essentials for All Clergy, for clergy of all denominations to learn more about palliative care and how to discuss the topic with parishioners. Panelists include Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires, vice president, Medical Affairs/ medical director; Simeone Frost, RN, CHPN, director of Education, Jewish Social Service Agency; and Chaplain Lynn Sifrit, MDiv, BCC, from Montgomery Hospice. The discussion will focus on palliative care as distinct from hospice, and on how clergy can provide meaningful pastoral support to parishioners who opt for it. The program is 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Hebrew Home’s Wasserman Residence, 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, and includes a complimentary lunch. Clergy may RSVP at www.smithlifecommunities.org. For more details, please call 301.770.8329. n

On Friday, April 24, Charles E. Smith Life Communities, with Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, presents our fifth educational symposium, WHOLEistic Care for Seniors: Strategies for Clinicians and Caregivers, at Bethesda Country Club. This year’s symposium focuses on integrating traditional and alternative approaches to healthcare for older patients to provide individualized care Dr. Pamela Peeke plans that address the mind, body, and spirit of each patient. The keynote speaker is Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, a nationally-renowned wellness expert and author in the fields of nutrition and fitness. A dynamic presenter, Dr. Peeke is WebMD’s lifestyle expert, an in-studio medical expert for TV and radio, host of the HER show on iHeart radio, and a New York Times bestselling author. She is assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Maryland, Pew Foundation Scholar in nutrition and metabolism, and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. The half-day symposium offers CME and CEU credits for physicians, nurses, nursing home and assisted-living administrators, social workers, and physical therapists. Community caregivers who do not require continuing education credits are welcome to attend at a reduced rate. To register, or for additional information on presenters and session topics, visit www.smithlifecommunities.org. n

Save this Date

Friday, April 24, 2015 tors, care Physicians, administra rs are managers, and caregive : invited to join us for

al Symposium

5th Annual Education

WHOLEistic Care

for Seniors: Strateergises for Clinicians and Caregiv Keynote:

H, FACP

Pamela Peeke, MD, MP

LifeTimes | Page 5

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Make a gift to support

our community’s seniors and receive guaranteed lifetime payments in return.

Contact Elana Lippa at 301.770.8342 or lippa@ceslc.org.

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Special “menschen”

Hitting just the right note “Music can bring good hearts together,” asserts Marilyn Schimpf, a professional cellist who came to Washington to play with the Air Force Band. Her husband of 38 years, Sheldon Lampert, was a violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra for 40 years. She and Sheldon met playing chamber music. They shared a dedication to music, as performers and instructors, and a special joy in playing together. Today, their “good hearts” extend to a passion for philanthropy. Working with Director of Gift Planning Elana Lippa, Marilyn and Sheldon have established charitable gift annuities, enabling them to diversify their retirement income and lower taxable income. “We feel that the quality of care provided to the elderly by the staff at Charles E. Smith Life Communities is very heartfelt and people-centered, with a strong emphasis on prolonging independence and quality of life,” says Sheldon. The son of immigrants, he witnessed the tremendous benefit his mother derived from the “exceptionally kind staff” at Menorah Home in Brooklyn where she spent her final years. The couple knows their support will ensure the same level of respect and compassion for seniors on our campus. n

Musicians Sheldon Lampert and Marilyn Schimpf say, “Our gift annuities helped us diversify our retirement income, and the charitable deductions helped lower our taxable income. Charitable gift annuities are a win-win for everyone.”

Online now at www.smithlifecommunities.org: • Register for the educational symposium • Meet Holocaust survivors on our campus • Learn about ElderSAFE

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc., dba Charles E. Smith Life Communities. The Hebrew Home is a registered charity in Maryland and Virginia. A copy of the Home’s financial statement is available from the Maryland Secretary of State or the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs. We are an equal opportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are open to all in the community.

Marc F. Solomon, chair Warren R. Slavin, president/CEO Abbey S. Fagin, vice president, Development and Public Affairs Marilyn Feldman, director, Communication Emily Tipermas, communication assistant/writer © 2015 by Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 301.881.0300 www.smithlifecommunities.org While Charles E. Smith Life Communities partners with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington on community issues, we are not a beneficiary agency.

Support us through a gift to United Way

Page 6 | March 2015

3 check 8111 or CFC n 3 check 49705. n

Upper school instructor Menachem Porat, right, brought a group of students from Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy to Revitz House in February to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat with residents. Porat and Philip Witenstein enjoyed a good laugh together at the festivities.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Tasty Passover Muffins... Blend sugar and oil. The secret ingredient: charoset 1/3 C peanut oil 1 C (scant) sugar 3 eggs 1/2 tsp Passover vanilla 1/2 C cake meal

1/4 C potato starch 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 C charoset (chopped apples, nuts, cinnamon)

Add eggs, beating after each. Add vanilla; gradually add dry ingredients. Fold in charoset. Pour into greased muffin pans, or use paper liners, filling nearly to the top. Optional: Top with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Makes 12.

People in the news Susan R. Korsower, below, has a tradition. She asks her party guests to bring gifts for Hebrew Home residents. This year she delighted seniors as she delivered games, crossword books, calendars, manicure essentials, and clothing.

KerryAnn Aleibar, above, has joined our staff as ElderSAFE Center case manager. She is a licensed social worker with expertise in aging, supportive counseling, case management services, discharge planning, sub-acute care, and physical rehabilitation.

Barbara Hirsch, vice president, Quality/ Corporate Compliance, reports that the Maryland Patient Safety Center named the Home a 2015 Circle of Honor winner. “The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington continues to be a leader and key partner in our ongoing efforts to make healthcare in Maryland the safest in the nation,” wrote the Center’s president. The achievement will be showcased at the 11th annual Patient Safety Conference in Baltimore March 31.

“I’m asking our seniors how they’d like to spend their free time, what favorite interests they hope to pursue here,” says Stacey Black Watson, the new Lifestyle and Leisure manager for Cohen-Rosen House, Ring House, and Landow House. “From there we build.”

Lauren Chmara, one of the students participating in the 2015 Robinson H2YP Youth Philanthropy program, offers assistance to Hebrew Home resident Helena Splichal. n

two years. Dear Mr. Slavin, e Hebrew Home for th of t en sid re a s Cross, wa r quality of life. Our Mother, Mary B. of time improved he d rio pe at th g rin du ery day ceived The care that she re ess that she faced ev dn kin ch su n ow sh n care of and her with kindness, She was so well take took care of our Mot re ca r he of ge ar ch e Hebrew gels in with a smile. Her an forever grateful to th e ar e W ts. ar he eir with love in th the Memorial thoughtfulness, and et and Betty came to idd M y, ida Es ls. ge e our an our Mother’s life. W Home and especially , to help us celebrate 15 20 , 24 y came ar nu ey th Ja , t is, bu Mass on Saturday be able to arrange th uld wo ey th if re su t re no invited them and we for lped us find a place on their day off. d, Irv Cohen, who he en fri r ou to d te ew eb Hebr We will always be ind impressed with the e have always been W . me Ho nursing ew a br t He no e hotel, our Mother in the e entering a very nic ar u yo if as is It s. ason Home for so many re the extra mile. lpful, kind and goes he is ff the family sta e Th . me ho r Mother was part of ou s ar ye o tw r fo at th We feel so blessed r Washington. ew Home of Greate br He e th of re he sp mo at Thank you, Mary Lou and Bill Cr

oss

Professor Robert Jenner, center, always receives applause at his weekly history lectures at Ring House – something, he notes wryly, that never happened when he taught 19-year-old college students. Residents Myer Kahn and Betty Steinmetz say Dr. Jenner makes their day. LifeTimes | Page 7

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Calendar of events

MAY

Annual Meeting 6 105th Installation of 2015-2017

MARCH

House for Healthcare Professionals 3 Open Post-Acute Care and All that Jazz

Board of Governors Wasserman Residence 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. program

4:00 – 6:30 p.m., Wasserman Residence RSVP: 301.816.5052

Seminar for Clergy 12 Interfaith Palliative Care: Essentials for All Clergy

Purim

Chair Marc Solomon and Chair-elect Joseph Hoffman

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Wasserman Residence RSVP: www.smithlifecommunities.org

Deeds Day 15 Good Volunteers participate in projects on our campus,

Brain Health Wellness Fair Coming in June

sponsored by The Jewish Federation. www.gooddeedsdaygw.org Screening, The Age of Love 15 Movie 6:00 p.m., F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, FREE RSVP: www.smithlifecommunities.org

Remember This:

for Financial Professionals 19 Seminar Protecting Seniors from Financial Abuse 7:00 a.m. registration, 8:00 a.m. program CohnReznick 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD. RSVP: www.eldersafe.org 301.770.8329

APRIL

3 Passover, first Seder 19 24

Recognition Luncheon 17 Volunteer By invitation; 11:30 a.m.

Two free seminars addressing crucial topics in dementia and memory care for professional and community caregivers

Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30 Dr. Majid Fotuhi NeurExpand Brain Center Tours of BeFit Brain Gym Hebrew Home, 6121 Montrose Road

Jennifer Fitzpatrick Jenerations Health Landow House 1799 E. Jefferson Street

Light supper: 5:30 p.m., Lecture: 6:00 p.m. To register, call 301.816.5052

Wasserman Residence RSVP: volunteers@ceslc.org

OTHER EVENTS

Holocaust Survivor’s Brunch Sponsored by Progress Club Foundation, 10:30 a.m., Ring House RSVP: 301.816.5009 Fifth Annual Educational Symposium WHOLEistic Care for Seniors: Strategies for Clinicians and Caregivers 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Bethesda Country Club RSVP: www.smithlifecommunities.org <<< Early Bird rates until April 13.

Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30

1st Sunday of the month – Jewish War Veterans Meeting Ring House, 10:00 a.m., Veterans and interested persons welcome. 2nd Monday of the month Family Caregiver Support Group Presented jointly by Ring House and JSSA Senior Services. Free, open to the community. Ring House, noon – 1:30 p.m. Call 301.816.2635

Save this Date

For more information about community events, resident programs, and news for families, visit www. smithlifecommunities.org

Email us at: info@ceslc.org

How to Reach Us ebrew Home n H Post-Acute Care Center and long-term care 301.770.8476 www.hebrew-home.org

Page 8 | March 2015

n C ohen-Rosen House n ElderSAFE Center 301.816.5050 301.816.5099 www.cohen-rosen.org www.eldersafe.org

n H irsh Health Center 301.816.5004

n Landow House n R evitz House 301.816.5050 301.770.8450 www.landowhouse.org www.revitzhouse.org

n R ing House 301.816.5012 www.ringhouse.org

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twitter.com/ceslchhgw

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

Arts &

The kooky Addams Family takes the stage at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. See review on page 60.

Angela Lansbury is back in the ‘Spirit’ bound mystery writer-turned-sleuth Jessica Fletcher, who the actress portrayed on the television series “Murder, She Wrote” from 1984-96. “People say to me, ‘Well, how can you play Jessica Fletcher and then you come along and play Madame Arcati?”‘ Lansbury said. “I say, ‘It’s all about imagination.’ That’s what acting is, is imagination. “If you don’t have imagination, you’re not going to want to play different roles. I’ve always wanted to attack roles that didn’t appear to be something I’d ever done before.” Lansbury added that, personally, she is “nowhere near” either character, “even though a lot of people would say, ‘Well, you must be like Jessica.’ I’m probably closer to Jessica than I am to Arcati, because I’m a very ordinary person.” But she’s had an extraordinary career, even if the actress herself occasionally begs to differ.

come her way for the next two decades. “I knew that Hollywood didn’t know what to do with me,” said the actress, who received two more Academy Award nominations before receiving an honorary statuette last year. Even before putting movies on the back burner, she accepted offers to do plays in both London and New York, “but then I got into musical theater, and that opened up doors,” Lansbury said. Her first was the original 1964 Stephen Sondheim-Arthur Laurents tuner Anyone Can Whistle, which, after critical pans, closed

Early acclaim

Angela Lansbury reprises the role of psychic Madame Arcati in Noel Coward’s comedy Blithe Spirit, at the National Theatre from March 17 to 29.

The London-born Lansbury was just 19 when her first film, Gaslight, earned her an Oscar nomination. Nevertheless, preciousfew A-titles and great screen roles would

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

By Mike Cidoni Lennox The third time may be the charm for Angela Lansbury. The 89-year-old Tony winner and honorary Oscar recipient is on her third time around in Noel Coward’s comedy Blithe Spirit. Coward’s 1941 farce is propelled by a medium who accidentally conjures the ghost of a writer’s precocious wife. Lansbury played the clairvoyant Madame Arcati on Broadway in 2009. She reprised the role last spring on the West End. Now, she’s taking the character on the road for a four-city North American tour that began in Los Angeles in December and ends at Washington, D.C.’s National Theatre from March 17 to 29. And on most of the marketing materials in each city, there’s just one image: a headshot of Lansbury. “It’s a role that I enjoy playing tremendously,” Lansbury said in a recent interview, adding it was a no-brainer returning to a part “that really, really makes the audience sit up and say, ‘Oh my gosh, what is she doing now?’” A passion for bicycling may be the only tie binding the eccentric Arcati and Lansbury’s best-known character — the earth-

See LANSBURY, page 60

We’re Creepy and We're Kooky at Toby’s! Now through April 19 Toby's is the proud recipient of

18 2015 Helen Hayes Awards Nominations!

Photography by Jeri Tidwell

Based on availability. Due to the nature of theatre bookings, all shows, dates and times are subject to change.

TOBY’S DINNER THEATRE OF COLUMBIA 5900 Symphony Woods Road • CALL 410-730-8311

D in

ner & Sho w

TobysDinnerTheatre.com RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A familiar, fun and kooky Addams Family case how silly the first critics were. But, really, they went overboard. Maybe they just didn’t want to see Nathan Lane, starring as Gomez Addams, or Bebe Neuwirth, as comely-but-pale Morticia, succeed. Ben Brantley of The New York Times, dean of the insular world of New York theatre critics, who seem only to talk to and write for each other, mightily complained in print that the show lacked internal logic. The others rushed into print with similar analyses, as if a show about a family that’s creepy and kooky, mysterious and ooky, needs internal logic. Some folks really need to get out more. Audiences flocked to the show and made it a good-sized hit. Maybe the initial attraction was due to the recognition factor of the premise and fondness for the TV show. But that’s not enough to keep a show running on Broadway for a year-anda-half, and almost always at 100-percent capacity, as this show did. It’s just a fun time, internally illogical or not. And now Toby’s is having fun with it.

Wednesday as ingénue Is there anyone among us unfamiliar with the Addams clan? No? Good. We can dispense with the long description. All the familiar people — zombies, scary butlers and disembodied hands, etc. — are in place. The only difference is that little Wednes-

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL

By Michael Toscano The Addams Family musical, currently in mid-run at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, continues to confound critics and delight audiences. Critics generally don’t care much for the show, while audiences embrace it fully. That’s not the case here, as both this critic and the audience are in sync. We love it. OK, the material is a bit thin. Derivative, even. After all, the stage musical is inspired by the early ‘60s TV show, which was inspired by a series of one-panel, gently macabre cartoons in The New Yorker magazine, going back to 1938. And it follows a couple of theatrical film releases back in the ‘90s. So the material has been worked over pretty well, and it didn’t start out as Eugene O’Neill or Stephen Sondheim. But Toby’s has found the sweet spot in this surprisingly sweet show. The excellent cast, directed and choreographed by Mark Minnick, plays the material to the fullest, while simultaneously spoofing it and letting the audience in on the joke. Along the way there are some pretty good tunes, contemporary in nature, some nostalgic nods to the TV show for the old folks, more than a few funny moments and a few poignant ones. So what’s not to like? The show has been reworked since it first made its way to Broadway a few seasons back. So maybe it’s unfair to show-

day Addams (MaryKate Brouillet) is not a is how much Lawrence B. Munsey looks kid any longer. In the latter ingénue stage like the Gomez Addams of the cartoons. and ready to fall in love, she is now central See ADDAMS FAMILY, page 62 to the story, rather than an afterthought. Along comes Lucas Beineke (AJ Whittenberger), the ostensibly “normal” scion of a “normal” family. They are soon planning marriage. But like other star-crossed lovers, their families are obstacles. Each considers the other “strange.” So we now have all the, er, peculiarities of the Addamses, and the peculiar-intheir-own-way Beinekes to contend with, along with the tale of young lovers being thwarted by their families, and a light-hearted look at just what normalcy might really be, if it even exists. Sounds logical enough to me. Right at the top of the show, we get the first finger snaps and the punctuated Toby’s Dinner Theatre is now staging The Addams notes from the TV show’s Family, a musical based on the popular off-beat television show from the ’60s. Here, Pugsly (played by opening theme, so we know Gavin Willard) and Wednesday (MaryKate Brouillet) it’s going to be familiar and argue as their parents Morticia (Priscilla Cuellar) and fun. One of the early treats Gomez (Lawrence B. Munsey) try to intervene.

Lansbury Did you know?

You may qualify for assistance in paying your home phone bill. Discounts for basic telephone service are available to eligible District of Columbia low-income residents.

Verizon Washington, D.C. Lifeline Plans: Verizon Washington, D.C.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reduced rates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one-time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customers at no charge. Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added services are not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, customers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customers who are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of $1.00 per month. • Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federal and in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change and are current at the time of printing. Contact Washington, DC Lifeline Program at 1-800-253-0846 to apply To learn more about the Lifeline program, visit www.lifelinesupport.org.

Economy II is a Lifeline supported service. Lifeline is a government assistance program. Only eligible consumers may enroll. You may qualify for Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income (gross and from all sources) is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. Proof of participation in a government assistance program requires your current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state or federal program; a notice letter or other official document indicating your participation in such a program; and/or another program participation document (for example, benefit card). Proof of income requires your prior year’s state or federal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; a statement of Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement, pension, or Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation benefits; a federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; a divorce decree; a child support award; and/or another official document containing income information. At least three months of data is necessary when showing proof of income. In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service. You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Lifeline service from Verizon or another communications provider. Lifeline service is a non-transferable benefit. Lifeline customers may not subscribe to certain other services, including other local telephone service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program.

From page 59 following a mere nine performances. However, just two years later, Jerry Herman insisted on casting Lansbury in his new musical Mame, which became a smash, and, at age 40, a Broadway baby was born. Of the actress’s five Tonys, four are for musicals.

An easy role on “Murder” As for television? It’s ironic that Lansbury’s greatest hit — “Murder, She Wrote,” the work that finally brought her global recognition — in some ways took the least effort. Jessica Fletcher “was a lovely woman

to play,” Lansbury recalled. “But it didn’t require acting ability on my part at all — none. “Arcati, on the other hand, requires every bit of imagination I can muster.” Identify the actress as you like. While some have tried, Lansbury’s never allowed herself to be pigeonholed. “Well, I think that’s what keeps me ticking along, is that nobody ever has,” Lansbury noted. “It’s all about imagination. That’s what it’s all about.” National Theatre is located at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Ticket prices range from $48 to $108. To buy tickets, go to http://thenational dc.org/events/blithe-spirit or call 1-800514-3849. — AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

F R A N C IS POULENC

RICHARD WAGNER

DIALOGUES

THE FLYING

DUTCHMAN

OF THE CARMELITES

“A hymn to the powers of sisterhood and the strength of female solidarity” —The Toronto Star

“Eric Owens speaks to you even in his silences… and shakes you when he sings.” —The Chicago Sun-Times

Faith is put to the ultimate test in Poulenc’s powerful 1957 opera about an order of Carmelite nuns who refuse to renounce their beliefs in the wake of the French Revolution. At turns hymnal and haunting, Dialogues of the Carmelites soars with exquisite harmonies, a sublime a cappella “Ave Maria,” and wrenching twists, including a chilling final tableau.

In Wagner’s retelling of the nautical legend, formidable bass-baritone and two-time Grammy Award® winner Eric Owens—one of the most in-demand American opera stars of our day—makes his staged role debut as the Flying Dutchman. Condemned to wander the seas upon a ship of ghosts, he can only venture ashore once every seven years to seek his salvation: a woman’s unconditional love.

Feb. 21–Mar. 10, 2015 Kennedy Center Opera House

Mar. 7–21, 2015 Kennedy Center Opera House

In English with projected English titles

In German with projected English titles

SUN

! NEE I T A .

Ma DAY r. 1 5 a MAT t2 p.m INEE ! .

Eric Owens, photo by Cory Weaver

Photo by Eric Mahoudeau/Paris Opera

M .m AY at 2 p D SUNMar. 8

Company Premiere!

WNO Revival!

Tickets at the Kennedy Center Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600 Order online at kennedy-center.org/wno

Groups (202) 416-8400

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO. General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of WNO’s 2014-2015 Season.

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey. Additional support for Dialogues of the Carmelites is provided by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Additional support for The Flying Dutchman is provided by the Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Addams Family From page 60 He’s much less the sly patriarch as played by John Astin on TV. Munsey gives Gomez just enough continental flair for color, but focuses on the emotional frailties of a father faced with having his daughter all grown up and leaving the nest. It could be maudlin in the wrong hands, but Munsey plays it with charm and comic zeal, saving us from too much of that darned internal logic. In act two’s “Happy/Sad,” Munsey gets to fully explore the parental conundrum and the bittersweet quality that accompanies many of life’s most important moments. In “Not Today,” Gomez seeks to redeem himself in the eyes of his daughter and wife after disappointing both of them. It’s a silly song, but as happens several times in

this show — with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics from Andrew Lippa — the sillier the song is, the more sophisticated the music is. That gives the show some of its charm. It is ingratiating, and this critic, at least, can appreciate how clever that is.

A zesty Morticia As always, Morticia is, forgive me, hot. Different from what we may have known before. But hot. Priscilla Cuellar is not slender and ethereal like Carolyn Jones was on TV. She has other assets on full display here, and brings a Latin zest that fills the stage with energy. One of my favorite moments is her work in act two’s “Just Around the Corner,” referring, of course, to death. She’s delightfully perverse in a zombie kick line, the catchy tune allowing a turn or two with the

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Grim Reaper. What fun! When Cuellar and Munsey lead the company in the late number “Tango De Amor,” the sensual energy of the choreography, with lithe movement and throbbing rhythms, is perhaps the best on area stages this season. Brouillet has a clear, full voice, shown to good measure in the act one rock-ish anthem “Pulled.” She’s a charming dynamo. Act one ends with the company performing “Full Disclosure,” an innovative and powerful mix of light and darkness, pulsing tempo and high energy. The song pushes the slight story forward a few notches, with a bravura performance from Elizabeth Rayca as Lucas’ mother, Alice Beineke. This seemingly self-possessed and very straight lady (think Pat Nixon) lets her inner Addams out and rediscovers her youth.

Uncle Fester, too There are many unusual moments. Imagine a bald man wearing something resembling a potato sack, on roller skates as he sings a love song to the moon, shown here as a painted beach ball, accompanied by a chorus of dead ancestors. That’s Uncle Fester (Shawn Kettering), of course, deliberately delving a bit too deeply into saccharine sentiment and coming up with something oddly sweet, but not cloying. OK, so that’s not internally logical. But it works. There are enough of those moments to let us glide over the trite story and enjoy a

cast of actors, dancers and musicians entertaining us. There are double entendres and mildly suggestive jokes, but they should not scare you off from taking a teen or two along. They might even enjoy the music. The Addams Family continues through April 19 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia. The show runs seven days a week with evening and matinee performances. The doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner, preceding the evening shows Monday through Saturday, and at 5 p.m. for the Sunday evening performance. Doors open for brunch prior to matinee performances at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. Following Toby’s varied all-you-can-eat buffet, the evening performances begin at 8 p.m. except Sundays, when the show starts at 7 p.m. Matinee performances begin at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Ticket prices range from $39.50 (for children under 12) to $58 (depending on which performance is selected). Ticket prices include the buffet and coffee or tea. Other drinks, including alcoholic ones, are extra, and you are expected to tip the waiter/actors, who rely on tips for much of their earnings. There is ample, free parking on the premises. For reservations and information, call (301) 596-6161, or visit www.tobysdinner theatre.com, where you can also obtain tickets via TicketMaster.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

UPCOMING CONCERTS Mahler’s 9th Symphony Christoph Eschenbach, conductor MAHLER: Symphony No. 9

THU., MAR. 19 AT 7 | FRI., MAR. 20 AT 8 | SAT., MAR. 21 AT 8 Note: No late seating and no intermission. Part of the Green Series ALL– RUSSIAN PROGRAM:

Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony Trifonov plays Rachmaninoff ´ Krzysztof Urbanski, conductor Daniil Trifonov, piano RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 3 SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 10

THU., APR. 2 AT 7 | FRI. APR. 3 AT 8 | SAT., APR. 4 AT 8 No late seating. Part of the Blue Series

Mozart & Rachmaninoff Vassily Sinaisky, conductor Loren Kitt, principal clarinet Dina Kuznetsova, soprano Sergey Semishkur, tenor Elchin Azizov, baritone The Choral Arts Society of Washington, Scott Tucker, artistic director BORODIN: Prince Igor Overture MOZART: Clarinet Concerto RACHMANINOFF: The Bells

THU., APR. 16 AT 7 | FRI., APR. 17 AT 8 | SAT., APR. 18 AT 8 Organ Postlude: Thu., Apr. 16 performance followed by a free mini-recital on the Rubenstein Family Organ.

Beethoven’s 5th Symphony TRIFONOV

SINAISKY

URBAN´SKI

(202) 467-4600 nationalsymphony.org Tickets also available at the Box Office Groups (202) 416-8400 David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Roger and Vicki Sant. The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation.

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Steven Honigberg, cello James Lee, cello David Teie, cello J. STRAUSS II: Die Fledermaus Overture PENDERECKI: Concerto Grosso for Three Cellos and Orchestra BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5

THU., APR. 30 AT 7 | SAT., MAY 2 AT 8 Part of the Blue Series

Beyond the Score® Beethoven’s 5th Symphony – Fate Knocks? Ankush Kumar Bahl, conductor (Beyond the Score) Christoph Eschenbach, conductor (full work) Take your musical appreciation to the next level with this half concert, half multimedia educational experience. BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5—Fate Knocks?

The Green Series is sponsored by

FRI., MAY 1 AT 8 Part of the Blue Series

Beyond the Score® is produced by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Gerard McBurney, Creative Director; Martha Gilmer, Executive Producer.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A close-up look at the Spirit of St. Louis By Brett Zongker Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, one of the most treasured aircraft at the National Air and Space Museum, has been lowered to the floor for its first conservation treatment in 22 years. For decades, the single-engine aircraft has been suspended from the ceiling and seen from afar. In mid-January, it was carefully lowered to the floor. Now visitors are getting an up-close look at the historic plane, and can better imagine what it must have been like to fly. The Spirit of St. Louis “is a flying fuel tank” that carried 451 gallons of gas, said curator Robert van der Linden. Two large fuel tanks take up the nose of the aircraft, leaving no room for a front windscreen for

Lindbergh to see through. Instead he relied on side windows, a periscope, and compass headings and calculations to carry out his 33 1/2-hour flight.

chairman of the museum’s aeronautics department. Lindbergh became a hero of flight in 1927 when he made the first solo trans-Atlantic flight, flying nonstop from New York to Paris. When the 26-year-old pilot landed in Paris, a crowd of more than 100,000 was waiting to greet him. Many swarmed the aircraft, tearing off pieces for souvenirs. The French air force helped to quickly make repairs. After the famous flight, Lindbergh flew across the United States on a celebratory tour, then on to Central America and South America. Small flag symbols were painted on the nose of the Spirit of St. Louis to represent each country he visited. The last flag is from Cuba, dated 1928.

Grounded through September The aircraft is expected to be in full view to the museum’s millions of visitors through September as conservators repair cracks in its fabric skin and search for other damage. The lightweight fabric exterior, common for aircraft of the 1920s, has become dry and brittle with age. The fabric covers wooden wings and a fuselage made of steel tubing. “Even though you can’t touch it, you’re a lot closer to it, and it somehow seems a lot more personal,” said van der Linden,

Nearly 90 years on display Lindbergh presented the plane to the Smithsonian that same year, and it was displayed in the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall as an international symbol

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of the advances in aviation technology. The plane will eventually be hoisted again to its high perch in the museum’s “Milestones of Flight” gallery, which is being reimagined to provide more stories about the people, politics and business behind aviation achievements. “The airplane itself, the Spirit of St. Louis, is a very straightforward aircraft,” van der Linden said. “What made it special was the flight, the fact that Lindbergh by himself, and at that time an unknown air mail pilot, conquered the Atlantic.” The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum is located on Independence Avenue at 6th Street SW on the National Mall. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with extended hours until 7:30 p.m. on selected dates in April, May, and every day during the summer. Call (202) 633-2214 or see http://airand space.si.edu for more information. — AP

The plane in which Charles Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic in 1927, The Spirit of St. Louis, is undergoing restoration at the National Air and Space Museum. It has been lowered from the ceiling for the work, giving the public a closer look at the historic plane.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

A marketing lesson from a clever beggar “Excuse me, sir. You seem like such a years younger, I’d have made him for a colnice man. Won’t you help me get some- lege student. thing to eat?” I waved no, as I always do. I never give The scene was the food money to individuals. I give court at Washington’s busy only to organizations that help Union Station, at lunchtime. I them. That way, I’m sure that was scurrying for a train, so it my money will at least provide was hardly a time to debate a bed or a meal, and not drugs the merits of panhandling or alcohol. with a beggar. But our friendly beggar had He wasn’t even dressed for obviously heard no before. He the part. He was wearing a was just warming up. He trotdeep blue Adidas warm-up ted out his ace of trumps. that looked close to new, a HOW I SEE IT “You’ve obviously been pair of jeans that did too, and a By Bob Levey around for a while, sir,” the pair of sneakers that weren’t guy said, with a wave at my scuffed or weather-beaten. very white hair. “You can obviously afford He was clean-shaven and obviously it. Won’t you help a guy who needs it?” freshly showered. If the guy had been 30 I again declined, and I lumbered off to

BEACON BITS

Mar. 15

catch my train. But all the way to New York, I ruminated about the guy’s age-connected pitch. I think he was on to something. Over and over, we hear that our country has become a total youth culture, that the big bucks reside with millennials and Generation X. Yet, I’ve long believed that the opposite is true. If you are a 60-plus American, you have toiled at a career during the greatest period

55+

Charles E. Smith Life Communities will host a free screening of The Age of Love, a new documentary that captures the universal nature of love through an inside look at the dating scene for 70- to 90-year-olds. The film will begin at 6 p.m. at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, Md. A panel discussion will be led by relationship experts Amy Schoen and Leora Hoffman and Dr. Carolyn Eichberg, clinical psychologist. A dessert reception will follow. Dietary laws will be observed. For more information or to register, visit www.smithlifecommunities.org.

See BOB LEVEY, page 67

Are you a 55+ homeowner? Have you thought of moving to:

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LOVE IN LATE LIFE

of prosperity in history. You probably did just fine. Maybe you did more than just fine. And now, as you tiptoe into the final third of your life, you probably don’t have to worry about missing any meals. You will never be begging your way around the food court at Union Station. You can afford to give. You often make it a point to give. So why did it annoy me so much to be “tapped” by this beggar? All he did was to

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Bring Your Group to the Kennedy Center for Entertainment on a Grand Scale!

Rossini’s popular retelling of Charles Perrault’s beloved Cinderella story adds a few fabulous twists to the traditional fairy tale, a perfect springtime treat for the entire family. In this bright and whimsical production by Spanish director Joan Font and his performance troupe Els Comediants, Rossini’s opera glows with captivating bel canto singing and ornate ensemble passages performed by a thrilling cast of young talents, including American mezzosoprano and 2013 Richard Tucker Award winner Isabel Leonard alternating in the title role with celebrated Irish mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught in her U.S. debut. Performed in English with projected English titles. Titles may not be visible from the rear of the orchestra. Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars.

REBECCA KROHN AND ADRIAN DANCHIG-WARING IN EVERYWHERE WE GO

HEE SEO AND JAMES WHITESIDE IN CINDERELLA

April 7-12 | Opera House

Mar. 24–29 | Opera House Boasting dancing that “is so exuberantly sharp and exacting you might cut yourself on its edges” (The Washington Post), the renowned NYCB returns with its orchestra for two programs. 20th-Century Classics (Apr. 7 & 9, Apr. 11m): Serenade (Balanchine/Tchaikovsky), Agon (Balanchine/Stravinsky), Symphony in C (Balanchine/Bizet). 21st-Century Choreographers (Apr. 8, 10, & 11e, Apr. 12):

JJuly uly 77–August –August 116 6| EEisenhower isenhower Theater Theater

The celebrated ABT returns for its annual engagement with Ashton’s romantic Cinderella danced to Prokofiev’s score (Mar. 26–29) and a program (Mar. 24 & 25) featuring Theme & Variations (Balanchine/Tchaikovsky), Pillar of Fire (Tudor/Schoenberg), and Rodeo (de Mille/Copland). Exciting casting available at kennedy-center.org!

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once is an unforgettable story about going for your dreams, not living in fear, and the power of music to connect us all.

The Kennedy Center’s Ballet Season is presented with the support of Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

July 7–August 16 | Eisenhower Theater

Symphonic Dances (Martins/Rachmaninoff), This Bitter Earth (Wheeldon/Washington, Richter), Pictures at an Exhibition

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.

PHOTO BY ROSALIE O’CONNO O’CONNOR

May 9-21 | Opera House

PHOTO BY PAUL KOLNIK

PHOTO BY BRETT COOMER/HOUSTON GRAND OPERA

CINDERELLA

(Ratmansky/Mussorgsky), & Everywhere We Go (Peck/Stevens).

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of WNO’s 2014–2015 Season. WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.

The Kennedy Center Ballet Season is presented with the support of Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the 2014-2015 Ballet Season.

Generous support for WNO Italian opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the 2014–2015 Ballet Season.

American Ballet Theatre’s engagement is made possible through the generous endowment support of The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund.

Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund. Kennedy Center Theater Season Sponsor

Reserve your Group tickets today!

(202) 416-8400 kennedy-center.org/groupsales Toll-free (800) 444-1324

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

ALEXANDRIA (703) 671-5600 • 1462 Beauregard Street ALEXANDRIA (703) 683-4433 • 415 Monroe Avenue ALEXANDRIA (703) 823-3584 • 3130 Duke Street ALEXANDRIA (703) 548-8357 • 503 King Street ALEXANDRIA (703) 823-7430 • 5101 Duke Street ARLINGTON (703) 671-2331 • 5017 Columbia Pike ARLINGTON (703) 522-0260 • 3133 Lee Highway ARLINGTON (703) 522-1202 • 256 North Glebe Road ARLINGTON (703) 243-4239 • 2121 15th St. N. ARLINGTON (703) 418-0813 • 2400 Jefferson Davis Highway

Bob Levey From page 65 identify me as a market opportunity, in much the same way that Rogaine does, or AARP does, or Cialis does. Willie Sutton would have understood. You go where the money is. But can beggars really tell a book by its cover? Does a man with oodles of white hair and a nice winter coat readily part with his dough when asked for some of it? Identifying a marketing opportunity is one thing. Cashing it in is very much another. The next time I was in Union Station, about a month later, I was again prowling the food court, in search of something to munch en route to New York. What do you know? There he was — same guy, same Adidas jacket. And same pitch. I look like such a nice man. Wouldn’t I please help him get something to eat?

I didn’t respond directly at first. I told him I had a few questions for him. He stiffened, but didn’t flee. Does he do better with older people or younger people? “It depends,” the man said. “Some days, the older people really come through. But most of the time, younger people give more often.” So why did you approach me? “Because you looked so generous. So, like, prosperous.” But you just said that younger people usually give more often than older people... “I did say that. But maybe you’ll be the exception.” Why do you think younger people give more often? “Because they feel more sympathy. They’re just starting out. They know how it feels to be on the edge.” So older people don’t ever sympathize? “A lot of the time, they give me a lecture. You know, why don’t I go get a job? Believe me, mister, if I could get a job, I would.” When older people give, do they give a

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

INTERGENERATIONAL PLAY

Intergenerational Chalice Theatre presents Children of Eden, a musical of humankind’s struggle to understand the source of creation and the meaning of life, which is based on the book of Genesis. All cast members are between the ages of 8 and 70. The play is currently running and closes on March 15. The cost is $20 for adults; $15 for those 65 or over. Chalice Theatre is located at 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, Va. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.uucava.org/page/chalice-theatre or call (703) 892-2565.

Mar. 8

CIVIL RIGHTS FILM

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia presents a screening of the film An Ordinary Hero: The True Story of Joan Mulholland on Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. at the center, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, Va. The film depicts the sit-in at Woolworth’s and the movement it inspired. Hear firsthand from the Freedom Riders who took part in this movement. There will be a dessert reception to follow. The cost is $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Students are free. For more information, visit www.jccnv.org or call (703) 537-3060.

Mar. 15+

19TH CENTURY EUROPEAN ART

The National Gallery of Art presents a six-part lecture series on European Art during the 1800s, beginning Sunday, March 15. “Restoration as Event and Idea: Art in Europe, 1814–1820” explores art in the wake of Napolean’s fall. Lectures are free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis in the West Building Lecture Hall. The National Gallery of Art is located at 6th & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nga.gov/mellonlectures.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

little or a lot? “Usually they give a five-dollar bill. And sometimes a 20.” Do older men or older women give more? “Definitely older women. They look one way, then the other way, like they want to be sure no one’s watching. Then they sneak up to me and stuff a bill in my hand.” Do younger men or younger women give more? “Same. Women give much more. I don’t know why.” I’m a man. Why did you approach me if I’m not a woman and I’m not young? “Because you had that look about you, mister. It said ‘I care.’” We both know you’re just trying to butter me, right? “Right. But you haven’t said no yet, have you, mister?” I looked one way. Then I looked the

other way. Then I slipped the guy a dollar. “Like I said,” the beggar called out, as he shuffled off. “I knew you were a nice man.” Did I get scammed? Maybe. I have no way of knowing whether young women really give beggars the most, and older men really give the least. But this beggar knew how to push my buttons. In that sense, was he really any different from a salesman at Sears? My dollar rewarded his enterprise and his ability to connect. For one brief moment in a food court, it felt good to give, even if that dollar never gets spent on anything useful or necessary. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 68 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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Puzzle Page Call FREE

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Know Him by Stephen Sherr 1

Across

Scrabble answers on p. 67.

43 48

1. Top-10 rated show in the ‘70’s 6. Game room doom 10. Play keno 13. Fully committed 14. Between ports 15. Sound like a lion or a Mustang 16. Part of a “wintry mix” 17. Pose for the Mr. Universe judges 18. Winner of three 2012 Oscars 19. What you know about ... his family 22. LAX judgement 23. It can hold a Van Gogh 24. Putrid 27. “The art of making a point without making an enemy” (Isaac Newton) 30. ... his diet 36. Jai ___ 37. Counter-clockwise beltway loop 38. The vowels in a “bar of soap” 39. ... his exercise 42. Leader of “The Untouchables” 43. Xylophone tool 44. Closes forcefully 48. NYSE debut 49. ... his relaxation 57. National trees of England, France, and Germany 58. First person named in the bible 59. Words preceding “Joy” or “Billie Joe” 60. December party times 61. Adopted son of Claudius 62. 1988 Olympics host city 63. Mountain ___ 64. You don’t know ___ (unless you solved this puzzle) 65. Sesame Street resident since 1969

Down

42 46

22 24

1. Top-10 rated show in the ‘70’s 2. “___ want for Christmas ...” 3. Glob and mod ends

4. It can make a van go 5. Make a marquis 6. The only president and chief justice 7. Home to Gilligan or the Dharma Initiative 8. Lecherous look 9. Prepare for takeoff 10. Stereotypical Russian name 11. Bird on all bills 12. Lord of the Rings beast 15. Indian prince 20. “They ___ of my stars drink whiskey, but I have found that ones who drink milkshakes don’t win many ball games” (Casey Stengel) 21. ___ record 24. Persian word for “king” 25. Omelet’s inside 26. Acronym for “Error Detection and Correction” 27. Spacious carrying bags 28. Liquid- run off 29. Potter’s product 31. Pencil pieces 32. Challenging goal 33. New horse 34. Strong credit rating 35. Body art, briefly 40. NIH center 41. Babe, not in arms 44. Wearing wedges 45. “Just go now” 46. Crookedly 47. Fail to meet a young lady 50. Location of the San F. 49ers stadium 51. Brainstorm 52. Dealer revealer 53. In a frenzy 54. Art Deco light 55. Sewing case 56. Actor’s plum

Answers on page 67.

Answer: What happened when she wore her new outfit to the gym? -- IT "WORKED" OUT Jumbles: AWARD POKER FUTURE OCELOT

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Letters to editor From page 2 Medicare instead — domestic aid for a change. Reuben Hamasian N. Bethesda, Md. Dear Editor: Just got my issue of the February Beacon, and lo and behold, there are our belly dancing gals from the Lee Senior Center. What a wonderful and inspiring article. You caught the true essence of this class — that not only is it fun, but it’s healthy, too. A combination hard to beat. Judy Massabny Arlington Dept. of Parks and Recreation Dear Editor: It is a tragedy — and a travesty — that right across the DC/Maryland state line individuals and organizations, including court-appointed guardians and conservators, that financially exploit elderly Maryland residents by use of “undue influence” or otherwise are charged and prosecuted, while individuals and organizations that financially exploit elderly District of Columbia residents are not. This is because Maryland has criminalized elder financial exploitation by use of “undue influence,” and the District of Columbia not only has not, but refuses to do so. Late Councilmember Marion Barry introduced the “Charles and Hilda Mason Elder Abuse Clarification and Expansion Act of 2013,” which was co-sponsored by councilmembers Anita Bonds, Yvette Alexander and Jim Graham. But former councilmember Tommy Wells refused to mark up the bill and report it out of the judiciary committee for an up or down vote, so it died without action at the end of the legislative year. Montgomery County is having great success at prosecuting perpetrators of elder financial exploitation by use of “undue influence.” Montgomery County has, in addition, formed a coalition comprised of the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Department of Police, and Montgomery County Adult Protective Services that works to identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators of elder neglect, abuse and financial exploitation. Unlike Montgomery County, DC Adult Protective Services refuses to even investigate reports of guardianship and/or conservatorship abuse of elderly wards of the court, let alone provide them with adult protective services. No organizational entity is responsible for monitoring the 2500 plus conservatorship cases. I suggest that the District of Columbia use Maryland’s law as a model for a DC law criminalizing elder financial exploitation by use of “undue influence.” Carolyn Dungee Nicholas Washington, D.C. Dear Editor: Thank you so much for mentioning the Piano Society’s March 1 concert in your February issue. The Beacon is credited with truly increasing our audience, and

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

some people now come to every concert because they first saw it in the Beacon. The Beacon enriches lives in so many ways. Ellen Tenenbaum Washington Piano Society Dear Editor: While I can only congratulate financial writer Ms. Kristof on tripling the average value of four stocks in her portfolio (“Five lessons learned from stock winners,” February), I wonder what happened to the other 15 stocks that she held. Apparently, with a $10,000 investment per stock and only $10,000 in a mutual fund, there were 19 stocks in her original portfolio. If the other stocks broke even, there would be a 50 percent overall gain in her holdings, not too shabby However, it would have been instructive to learn how the other stocks made out, and the lessons learned not only from success, but perhaps failure as the averages during the same period reached new hihs. Nelson Marans Silver Spring, Md.

WB 3/15

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M A R C H 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Computer Services

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

Personal Services

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WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

Entertainment THE SHALOM SIGNATURE CLUB: If you like Bagels and Lox, Matzah Balls and Kugel, then you need to try our activities. We’re a dynamic social club geared to folks 50 and up. Many of our activities have a Jewish theme; most are free of charge and take place in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Chevy Chase. Currently, our regular monthly schedule features two afternoon activities (at 1 p.m. and includes lunch) and two evening activities (usually 7 p.m.), plus a monthly Friday-eve Shabbat Dinner. For further info, visit www.ShalomSC.org or call 240-200-4515. FRIENDSHIP KOSHER — Reasonably priced and delicious prepared Jewish foods (chicken, roast beef, kugels, salads, challah and more) now available for pickup every Friday at the JCC of Uptown Chevy Chase, located in Friendship Heights. Enjoy the highest standard of Kashruth and quality. Order deadline: noon Thursdays. To view our full menu and place your order, visit www.FriendshipKosher.org. For more info, call (240) 200-4515.

Financial Services TAXES – ACCOUNTING, BOOKKEEPING and eldercare. Call 410-653-3363.

Caregivers “A” HOME HEALTH CARE – Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in. Flat rate for live-in care. 15 years experience. 240-533-6599. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CARING, experienced caregiver to care for your loved ones? Look no further; call Blema @ 301-908-9134. References available upon request. KIND, DEPENDABLE, EXPERIENCED caregiver for live-out care or live-in care for a flat rate. Hygiene care, Meal preparation, Housekeeping, Errands, Appointments, Medication reminders. Call 301-490-1146. CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com.

Computer Services COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use. Windows 8, Smartphone/tablet, digital camera. Learn at your own pace with gentle & patient tutor. We also troubleshoot problems & setup new computers. Teaching Seniors since 1996. Senior Discount. Call David, 301-762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 48. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors. LEISURE WORLD ® – $190,000. 2BR 2FB “J” model in “Villa Cortese.” Table space kitchen with window, separate dining room, enclosed balcony. 1136 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.. LEISURE WORLD® – $325,000. 2 BR 2 FB “Royal Aintree” patio home with updated kitchen, enclosed sunroom addition, 1-car garage. 1394 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $405,000. 2BR +DEN 2FB KK with Garage in “OVERLOOK.” Open table space kitchen, separate dining room, builtins in den and BR2, huge enclosed balcony, 1510 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $274,900. 2BR 2B “F” in Turnberry Courts. T/S kitchen, separate dining room, enclosed balcony, wood floors, close to elevator. 1315 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

BEACON BITS

June 1

LEISURE WORLD® – $148,500. 3 BR 2 FB “Ellicott” model. Top floor with cathedral ceiling, table space kitchen, separate dining room, balcony off living room. 1340 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $285,000. 2BR 2FB “EE” with Garage space in “Vantage Point East.” Open table space kitchen, separate dining room, enclosed balcony. 1260 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® – $98,000. 2BR 1FB 2HB “Elizabeth” co-op. Renovated with new kitchen cabinets, new appliances, updated baths. Enclosed patio. 1308 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. 55 PLUS – CHEAP, FULLY FURNISHED large bedroom. Free utilities, washer, dryer. No: SMK, drugs, pets, or overnight guests. Info: 240404-8246 to leave message.

For Sale MINK JACKET AND HAT FOR $240. In good condition. Call Carol at 301-754-1289. CERAMICS, ANTIQUE TEXTILES, unique musical instruments, contemporary and folk art, prints, posters, classical LPs, post cards, pins, photos, autographs, stamps, coins, Soviet items, etc. in Kensington storage. Leonklay@aol.com. 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve, 410-913-1653.

Health MOBILE MD AVAILABLE – Licensed physician, Family Medicine and Urgent Care. 24/7, where you are. Accept: Medicare, Medicaid. Call: 703-303-2543. Fax: 703-641-8321. Email: dr.zhousclinic@gmail.com.

Miscellaneous THE GOLDEN NETWORK offers Jewish seniors and retirees a variety of engaging programs, including lectures, classes, one-on-one learning in person and by phone, concerts, singalongs and more! For more information and details about upcoming events, call 301-338-4810, email info@goldennetwork.org, or see goldennetwork.org. FUN ETIQUETTE CLASSES: Learn good manners, dining skills, self esteem, good communication, and life service skills. We prepare teenagers 13-19 for adulthood while respecting and valuing others. Contact us: 240-244-9629. www.reachoutandtouchinc.org.

50+ EMPLOYMENT EXPO Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) presents its annual

50+Employment Expo, “Retool, Recharge, Reinvent,” on Monday, Jun. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd., Bethesda, Md. There will be recruiters from dozens of employers, seminars on online job applications and changing careers, job training information, resume assistance and critiques and more. The keynote speaker is meteorologist Tom Kierein. Job seekers register onsite. Admission and parking are free. For more information, email mgordon@AccessJCA.org or call (301) 255-4209.

Personals HUSBAND OF BRAIN-INJURED WOMAN seeks Long-Term Relation with Marriage in Mind. In my late 60s, DC area, active and fit, gentleman. Wife in accident 2 years ago with major brain injury, mental and physical abilities poor, no communication or companionship. Relation reduced to caregiver. No immediate divorce now, but want relation with good lady. Marriage likely. Race irrelevant. Please contact Paul at saver7777@aol.com.

Personal Services

Mar. 10

CAREGIVER TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUP Fairfax County presents a telephone information session on using the Internet to provide more resources to caregivers. The

call will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10. Call in five minutes early. The number will be provided after registration. To register, visit http://bit.ly/CaregiverTelephoneSupportGroup.

JUNIOR/SENIOR ERRAND GUY – for any reasonable errand. Walk dog, feed cat, pick up prescriptions, grocery shop, house watch while you are away, dept. store returns, wait in line at MVA, take care of oil change, wash, shop, schlepp, serve. Joe Rice. H: 301-947-4933. C:301-944-4924. Gaithersburg/Kentlands resident 17 years. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike, 301-565-4051.

CHERYL’S ORGANIZING CONCEPTS LLC – Professional Organizing Services. Help with all aspects of home organizing. Experienced – References – Member NAPO. All work confidential. Licensed – Bonded. $25 discount on initial appointment. www.CherylsOrganizing.com. 301-916-9022.

Wanted WE BUY JEWELRY, SILVER, GOLD, AND COSTUME. Coins, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. OLD AND NEW, WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plate. Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, etc. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack, 301279-2158. ELECTRIC SLOT RACING CARS & accessories from 60s and 70s especially Aurora, Atlas & Tyco HO-scale plus other manufacturers scales. Call Bill @ 410-615-7043. STERLING SILVER... TOP DOLLAR paid for silver marked “Sterling,” “925” or “800.” Want flatware, bowls, plates, candlesticks, etc. Please, no silver plate. Call Richard, 301-646-0101. CASH FOR RECORDS & CDs. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED. Free appraisals. All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301646-5403. Will make house calls. 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. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, ESTATES. I have been advertising in the Beacon for 20 years. Montgomery County resident – will travel to D.C., MD, VA. Buying following items: Furniture, art, jewelry, gold, sterling silver, old coins, vintage pocket and wrist watches, old tools, books, camera, military items – guns, rifles, knives, pocket knives, swords etc. Also buying: old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, photographs, autographs, musical instruments, guitars, violins, etc. Also old sports memorabilia and equipment – baseball, golf, football, fishing etc. Please call Tom at 240-476-3441. BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-464-0958. MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan, 202-841-3062. 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, 301-2798834. Thank you.

Classifieds cont. on p. 71.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 5

Classifieds cont. from page 70. 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. STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-3622. Stampex1@gmail.com.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Wanted CASH FOR ESTATE BUYOUTS, estate clean-outs, jewelry to furniture, one item or whole state. Free Estimate, Will Travel. 301520-0755. WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838.

Thanks for reading!

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th 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 $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 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:

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE

Computer Classes

Elder Caring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 LivHOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Old Dominion Home Care . . . . . .23 Options for Senior America . . . . .27 Seabury Resources for Aging . .35-38 Virginian Home Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

JCA SeniorTech . . . . . . . . . . . .9-11

Housing

Clinical Research Studies Aerobic Exercise Memory Study . .24 Diabetes Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 IDEAL Healthy Aging Study . . . .25

Dental Services Friedman, Stephen, DDS . . . . . . . .6 Oh, Judy, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Employment Sales Person Wanted . . . . . . . . . .40

Financial Services Children’s National . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Funeral Services Fram Monuments . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Going Home Cremation Services . .49

Government Services D.C. Office on Aging . . . . . . .31-34 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services . . . . . . .18 Montgomery County Information & Services/311 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Montgomery Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Hearing Services Auditory Services . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Beltone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Sound Hearing Centers . . . . . . . . .6

Home Health Care Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Classic Caregivers . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Arbor Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Armed Forces Retirement Home . .15 Ashby Ponds/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .8 Aspenwood Senior Living Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . .17, 21, 26 Charter House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Chesterbrook Residences Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Churchill Senior Living . . . . . . . .40 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Forest Hills of DC . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Friendship Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Greenspring/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .8 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Oaks at Olde Towne, The . . . . . . .67 Olney Assisted Living . . . . . . . . .22 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .50 Potomac Place Assisted Living . .27 Quantum Property Management . .46 Riderwood/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . .8 Solana of Olney . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Sommerset Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Springvale Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Village at Rockville . . . . . . . . . . .23 Vinson Hall Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Virginian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Legal Services

Restaurants

Eleff Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Law Firm of Evan. H. Farr . . . . . .40 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . . . .41

Original Pancake House . . . . . . . .13 Wrap2Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Medical/Health 2 Fitt Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Hep C Community Educators . . .24 Horizon Vascular Specialists . . . .16 I Hate Knee Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Insight Memory Care . . . . . . . . . .20 Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia . . . . . . . .8 Managing Parkinson’s Disease . .48 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . .19 Misler Adult Day Center . . . . . . .49 Podiatry House Calls . . . . . . . . . .14 Seven Corners Medical Center . .25 Stem Cell Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 United Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Miscellaneous Boomer Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 GROWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Shelf Genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Pharmacy CVS/pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Rite Aid Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Real Estate Services Eric Stewart - Long & Foster Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 HC Custom Homes . . . . . . . . . . .41 Long & Foster - Inderjeet Jumani . .65 Weichert Realtors - Sue Heyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Retail/Pawn/Auction Boone & Sons, Jewelers . . . . . . . . .7 Four Sales LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 G&G Pawnbrokers . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Maryland Stamps & Coins . . . . . . .3 Quinn’s Auction Galleries . . . . . .64 SAS Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Arden Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 28 CommuniCare Health . . . . . . . . .18 Manor Care Health Services . . . .27 Village at Rockville, The . . . . . . .30

Subscriptions Beacon Subscription . . . . . . . . . .69 Washington Jewish Week . . . . . . .64

Theatre/ Entertainment Ford’s Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Kennedy Center Group Sales . . . .65 National Symphony Orchestra . . .63 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .59 Washington National Opera . . . . .61

Tour & Travel Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel . . . . . . .47 US Navy Memorial . . . . . . . . . . .60 Tripper Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Vamoose Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Utilities Verizon DC Lifeline Program . . .60

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