April 2015 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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Fitness guru shares her message

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PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MYERS

By Carol Sorgen Lynne Brick had no idea while working as a shock trauma nurse that 30 years later she and her husband, Victor, would be household names in the fitness industry. “It was the furthest thing from our minds,” said the soon-to-be-60-year-old, who now makes her home in both Timonium and Florida. While she was pursuing her nursing career, Victor was a recreation director, physed teacher and coach. “We knew that he didn’t want to be a rec director forever,” said Brick, “but we had no plan, and certainly not to have our own business together. But we had faith and trust that our path would be made clear.” That path was revealed when Victor asked Lynne to teach exercise to one of his weight loss classes at the Bel Air Athletic Club. “When he was confronted with a room full of ladies in leotards, he wasn’t quite sure what to do,” Brick recalled with a laugh. A lifelong dancer, she put together a class for the group. “The first exercise class I ever took was the one I taught!” she said. And seemingly the next thing the couple knew, “business was booming.”

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A hike through the English Lake District’s poetic landscape; plus, a visit to Peter Rabbit’s house page 23

Building a fitness empire They moved on to the Greenspring Racquet Club, and in 1985, had the opportunity to buy the Padonia Fitness Center, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. From that one center, the couple has expanded to going-on 35 clubs in Maryland (including Brick Bodies, Lynne Brick’s, and Planet Fitness franchises in Baltimore), as well as locations in Florida and Nashville. Brick will be the keynote speaker at WomentFest, an annual event coordinated by the Howard County Office on Aging, on April 25 in Cooksville. “We got in at the beginning of the fitness movement,” said Brick, explaining how the growing consumer interest in health and wellness fueled their growth. “People thought getting fit might be a fad, but obviously it’s here to stay.” That doesn’t mean the fitness industry has remained static, Brick said. She, Victor, and now their daughter Vicki, who is

Over the last 30 years, Lynne Brick and her husband Victor turned their interest in dance and fitness into a chain of successful fitness clubs, including Brick Bodies, Lynne Brick’s and Planet Fitness franchises. Brick will be the keynote speaker at Howard County's 7th annual WomenFest on April 25 in Cooksville.

CEO of Brick Bodies (their son, John, is working for a San Francisco-based technology start-up), follow the trends and make sure their clubs and their offerings — from equipment to classes — are state-of-the-art. This includes warm water pools and aqua yoga for those with arthritis, mind-body programs such as yoga, and personal strength and cardio training and boxing. “To be in the game, you need great facilities and great programs, and customer service that exceeds expectations,” said Brick. “You have to make sure your customers never get bored, and have enough options to keep them excited and motivated.” As a former nurse, Brick is especially gratified to see that the medical community has embraced the notion of fitness, ex-

tolling its health benefits. Brick said that she was always interested in merging movement and medicine, but now it has become “mainstream” to control your health. “There are things you can’t control, such as healthcare costs,” she acknowledged. “But you can control your need to spend money on healthcare (by reducing your risk for developing serious illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease).”

Bouncing back from illness Brick herself ran into a — well — brick wall, when no amount of fitness classes helped her avoid a brain tumor that struck her in 2001. She is fine now, but admits See FITNESS GURU, page 9

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APL scientists take the stage with Neil Simon show; plus, a fun and kooky Addams Family at Toby’s page 26 TECHNOLOGY 4 k Make an ER appointment online FITNESS & HEALTH 8 k Cold remedies can make you sick THE SENIOR CONNECTION 15 k Newsletter for Howard County seniors LAW & MONEY 19 k Best retirement investing moves ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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A future for print? Sometimes it seems to me like the march of “progress” is so enamored of the bright, shiny future that it too readily jettisons the best of the past. This particularly feels like the case regarding the way many have dismissed the world of print in the face of today’s ever-changing digital devices. Now, I’m no troglodyte. I use a computer and an Android smartphone all day long, and appreciate the many things I can do with them. I also have an iPad (which I consider a work of art, and use mostly for Skyping). But when it comes to reading? Well, that’s another matter. To really get a sense of the day’s news, or to enjoy a well-written

feature article, or to absorb the insights of an intriguing author, there’s nothing like a newspaper, magazine or book. I think I’m probably preaching to the choir, here. We’ve conducted a number of reader surveys and found Beacon readers strongly agree with me. After all, the vast majority of you are reading this paper in its physical, printed version right now, though we are readily available online and through our mobile app. We’ve learned that 49 percent of you regularly turn to the Internet “for information.” But when we asked what would be your preferred medium for reading an article longer

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IRISHMAN’S CHORALE

Learn how to use your digital camera or the camera on your smartphone on Tuesday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (410) 313-1400.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an authentic Irish choral group, Amhrani Na Gaeilge. The group will perform on Tuesday, Mar. 18 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. For more information, call (410) 313-1400.

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of Howard County, Md. and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md., Greater Washington DC, and Greater Palm Springs, Calif. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal

than a few paragraphs, 75 percent preferred pollster Mark Mellman recently lamented printed publications to any type of screen. the scant attention younger people pay to What’s more interesting is that recent national and international news stories. studies have found that it’s not He noted a Pew study found only us 50+ types who feel this that only 5 percent of Ameriway. Surprisingly, most of cans under 30 “claimed to actoday’s college students and tually follow political/Washother “digital natives” say they ington news ‘very closely.’ strongly prefer reading in Those 65 and older were five print to reading on screens, times more likely to do so.” for both pleasure and learning Older Americans were also purposes. “three times more likely to folYes, you read that correctly. low news about local governIn fact, according to a Pew ment than those under 30.” study of reading in America, FROM THE He attributed this to the fact PUBLISHER the age group that was most that most young people do not likely to have a read a book in By Stuart P. Rosenthal enjoy following the news, and print (not an ebook) in the past tend to gather knowledge of year was 18- to 29-year-olds (73 percent), world affairs only incidentally (and briefly) with 50- to 64-year-olds close behind (71 per- on Internet sites such as Facebook. cent). Furthermore, true “news consumers With the far higher use of digital de- generally spend very little time on Internet vices by young people compared with news sites,” Mellman reported. A McKinolder adults, how can we explain this? sey study traced the vast majority of news Naomi Baron, a professor at American consumption (92 percent) to TV, radio and University, interviewed hundreds of col- newspapers, and only 8 percent to smartlege students in America, Germany, Japan phones, tablets and computers. and Slovakia for her recent book, Words Will the younger generations’ strong Onscreen: The Fate of Reading in a Digital preference for printed books someday World. Her surveys reveal that they find translate into readership of newspapers comprehension far superior with printed and more interest in current events? Mellbooks than on screens. man isn’t optimistic. Not only is it easier to take notes and “As members of each generation aged find your place after a break, but it’s easier between 2004 and 2012, Pew reported little to focus, to measure your progress, and to change in the amount of time they spent folread carefully. lowing news. Older people remained subThe constant distractions offered by In- stantial news consumers, while the young ternet-connected devices make it nearly continued to be far less attentive,” he wrote. impossible to concentrate on learning, There seems to be a pattern here. Baron was told time and again. “Over 92 What’s of most concern to people, they percent...said they concentrate best when read in print, whatever their age. reading a hard copy,” she wrote in the Washington Post. Now as for readership of news, the news is less sanguine. In a recent opinion piece in The Hill, Washington-based political

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

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Dear Editor: Regarding the Beacon’s March “From the Publisher” column (“Should we spend it all?”), thank you for your outright rejection of such obtuse idiocy and for teaching a lesson about the mostly forgotten virtues embedded in Civics. Too often the American citizen demands his/her constitutional rights while disdaining acceptance of its other major constitutional counterpart — responsibility. There is a socio-political agenda in our culture which feeds on such disparity of civic duty. This is mainly represented by

the rise of libertarianism, extreme conservatism and a materialistic bent, chiefly manifested by aggrandizement of the ego and the prioritizing of special interests over the common good. Yet without the acceptance of responsibility, all of this has a high cost to our society, as such “entitled” ideology foments highrisk taking, self-gain, social contrariety and personal hedonism —with implied impunity — during a citizen’s productive years, while demanding that society “pick up the bill” at See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 28

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

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Innovations How to book a doctor or ER visit online By Linda A. Johnson It’s like OpenTable — the website that makes it easy to book a restaurant reservation — but for medical appointments. No waiting weeks to see a dermatologist. No sitting for hours in the emergency room. No frantic calls to find a family doctor with openings. Online services such as ZocDoc and InQuicker are enabling patients with nonlife-threatening conditions to schedule everything from doctor’s office visits to emergency room trips on their laptops and smartphones — much like OpenTable users do with restaurant reservations. Hospitals and doctors increasingly are subscribing to the services to simplify ap-

pointment scheduling for patients who dislike waiting on hold and are comfortable doing everything from shopping to banking online.

Short ER wait times ZocDoc covers many Washington- and Baltimore-area doctors, while InQuicker includes just a few Washington-area facilities and practitioners in its data base. With most of the services, booking is as simple as going to a website, entering a zip code and the kind of care needed, and checking available times. Patients can get a doctor appointment within a couple days, even if they’re a new patient. And the services say most patients are

seen within 15 to 20 minutes of their appointment, and when an ER backs up, patients with reservations are texted to come later. “I truly believe talking to people on the phone to schedule doctors’ appointments will be something of the past very soon,” said Natan Edelsburg, a New York resident who has made 10 doctor appointments through one of the biggest online medical appointment booking services, ZocDoc. Doctors and hospitals are using such services to attract and retain patients as the healthcare landscape keeps getting more competitive. With the nationwide proliferation of urgent care centers and pharmacy clinics open on nights and weekends, patients have more convenient

options than ever before. The booking websites also are a way for hospitals and doctors to try to please patients at a time when they face new financial incentives to do so. Starting this year, the Affordable Care Act, which requires most Americans to have health insurance, increases or reduces the Medicare payments hospitals receive each year based on patient satisfaction and quality. That can have a significant impact: Medicare, which covers Americans 65 and older and others with disabilities, pays for 43 percent of hospital patients’ care. A similar program for doctors starts next year. See ER APPOINTMENTS, page 7

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

PCs, laptops aim to compete with tablets

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“Our Chi is thinner than Air,” quipped ASUS CEO Jonney Shih, boasting that at 1.65 centimeters, the Chi T300 is slimmer than a MacBook Air laptop. The Transformer uses efficient new Intel processors that don’t require a cooling fan, which allows for a skinnier profile. And manufacturers are experimenting with new shapes. Samsung is showing off a new all-in-one model, the ATIV One 7, with a slightly concaved, 27-inch screen that’s designed to produce a more immersive experience for watching videos or playing games. Dell and HP are introducing new curved display monitors for desktops, too.

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PC makers say they understand the need to evolve, and showed off many new features aimed at wooing back consumers earlier this year at the International CES gadget show in Las Vegas. Depth-sensing cameras, for example, are popping up in high-end desktops and laptops. Intel vice president Navin Shenoy said his company’s “RealSense” camera can recognize its owner’s face and unlock a PC without requiring a typed password. Intel is also promoting software that uses the camera in games that respond to a player’s head or hand movements. PC makers are borrowing ideas from tablets, with laptops that are increasingly thin and lightweight, with longer battery life. Dell’s new XPS 13 notebook has a screen that extends nearly to the edge of the frame, like the screen on many tablets. By eliminating wider borders, Dell said it can fit a larger screen into a smaller frame. Several companies have hybrid or convertible devices that resemble a tablet with a physical keyboard attached. Lenovo, the Chinese company that has become the

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High-tech cameras, tablet features

world’s biggest seller of PCs, is rolling out several new models of its Yoga hybrid, first introduced last year, with a keyboard that fully folds back so you can hold the display like a tablet. Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing said that the new “convertible” hybrids will eventually replace the laptop computer for most people, because they are lighter and have longer battery life. “Now it’s only a cost issue,” he said. Many of the new hybrids are priced well above $500, while cheaper laptops are available. “We definitely should bring the cost down,” he added. In January, ASUS announced a new series called the Transformer Book Chi, with lightweight keyboards that can detach completely by unsnapping a magnetic hinge.

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ing to research firm Gartner Inc., marking the worst annual decline in the industry’s history. They slipped a little further last year, to about 314 million units.

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By Brandon Bailey A year ago, pundits were declaring the personal computer dead. Smartphones and tablets were cannibalizing sales, and the once-revolutionary PC seemed unnecessary — and boring. Sure, a smartphone is great for checking emails, snapping photos and playing games. Tablets are perfect for watching videos and shopping online. But don’t count the PC out just yet. Manufacturers are crafting high-resolution, curved screens for desktops and other new features you can’t get in a hand-held device, while trying new laptop designs that mimic the tablet’s appeal. “For the last couple of years, mobile devices have been the hot commodity,” acknowledged Dell executive Neil Hand. “But we’re seeing a re-emergence of innovation in the PC space.” For years, PC innovation consisted mostly of putting faster processors or a bigger hard-drive inside the same basic box. That didn’t really matter when the personal computer was a mostly unchallenged commodity. Global PC shipments peaked at more than 365 million units in 2011. But then sales fell off dramatically as tablets stole hearts and wallets. PC sales plunged 10 percent in 2013 alone, accord-

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A P R I L 2 0 1 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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.

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

ER appointments From page 4 “I don’t think you can compete in our medical practice marketplace without being a ZocDoc participant,” said Dr. Bobby Buka, a New York dermatologist who gets about 15 patients a week from ZocDoc.

Easy booking The services, which are free for patients but usually charge $200 to $300 per doctor a month, are benefiting from the focus on making scheduling easier for patients. ER Express, an Atlanta startup, books reservations for more than 150 ERs and urgent care centers in nearly 30 states, but not in the Washington or Baltimore areas. It served more than 40,000 patients in 2014, up 300 percent from 2013. Meanwhile, ZocDoc, which is based in New York, has more than 6 million patients per month making appointments for dentists, family doctors and 40-plus types

Innovative PCs From page 5

Higher price tags Of course, fancy features don’t come cheap. Apple’s new iMac, unveiled last fall, comes with a huge, ultra-high resolution, 27inch Retina screen and equally big $2,500 price tag, for example. For about $1,900, you can control Hewlett-Packard’s specialized machine Sprout with a touch-sensitive mat instead of a keyboard and use its sophisticated camera to scan physical objects and project the resulting image back onto the mat to incorporate into 3D printing designs. “We don’t think of it as a desktop. We think of it as a purely new category,” said HP executive Ron Coughlin. Analysts say both the new iMac and the Sprout are probably best suited for artists and designers, but that some high-end features could find their way into mass-market PCs eventually. To attract consumers at other price points, manufacturers are even trying different software: While Microsoft promises to release an improved version of its ubiquitous Windows operating system soon, several leading PC makers are selling low-cost laptops that run Google’s Chrome instead. “The industry has to figure out how to cater to the different desires of individuals, and not treat them as one big, monolithic market,” said Intel’s Shenoy. “Those days are over.” — AP

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of specialists in more than 2,000 cities. ZocDoc was started in 2007 by Cyrus Massoumi, who was frustrated trying to get care after his eardrum ruptured during a long flight and he had to wait four days to see an ear specialist. “We think everyone in America will be booking online eventually,” Massoumi said. InQuicker had a similar origin. It also was founded by someone who had some experience with the hassles of scheduling medical appointments. Tyler Kiley, who’d spent lots of time in ERs growing up because his mom was an ER nurse and his dad a hospital administrator, started it in 2006. He said he’d seen lots of unnecessary waiting, so he created software for online check-ins. Growth surged after current CEO Mike Brody-Waite joined in 2010, bringing his marketing expertise. InQuicker now serves 224 hospital ERs, 517 doctor practices, 126 urgent care centers and some other medical providers. The Nashville company scheduled

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

302,000 appointments in 2014, up more than 80 percent from 2013, and its revenue was $7 million. Revenue is projected to reach $15 million this year, said marketing chief Stacie Pawlicki.

Pulling in new patients Doctors and hospitals say the services help attract new patients. At Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital outside Chicago, assistant ER director Dr. Steve Edelstein said ER Express sends about 40 patients a month to his ER and the hospital’s nearby Grayslake Emergency Center. A quarter are new patients, and he said those tech-savvy customers “are generally more likely to have credit cards and good insurance” than others. “It’s been nothing but a benefit,” Edelstein said. Jersey City Medical Center and its two urgent care centers rolled out InQuicker two years ago, and use grew quickly. Together, they draw roughly 300 patients a

month — 70 percent of them new patients — through InQuicker and their own healthstops.com site. “It’s helped a lot with patient satisfaction,” said operations chief Kirat Kharode. His ER’s average wait to see a doctor is 35 minutes, versus 15 or less with a reservation. Some patients also like the benefits of booking online. Lauren Toth, 29, made an ER reservation last spring at Jersey City Medical Center when her foot swelled up and red spots covered her leg. “When I got there, the waiting room was packed. There must have been 50 people there, and they took me in 10 minutes,” recalled the Manhattan public relations representative. Doctors advised rest and ice packs, and sent her home for follow-up. Later, a dermatologist diagnosed inflamed blood vessels and prescribed medication. “This could revolutionize the way emergency care is delivered,” Toth said. — AP

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

Health Fitness &

CANOLA OIL CONCERNS While rumors that the oil is toxic are false, avoid heating it too high BOTOX’S OTHER BENEFITS The FDA has approved Botox to treat overactive bladder, migraines and more LUNG CANCER SCREENING Long-time smokers should consider a CT screening to catch early cancer BONE UP A supplement derived from citrus fruits may help strengthen bones

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 peo-

ple 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 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, 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 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.

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 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 diphen-

hydramine. 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), clomipramin (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 See FEWER MEDS, page 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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

Fitness guru From page 1 that such a life-altering experience made her “stop and pause.” “You learn to cherish every moment and appreciate all your blessings,” she said. Her own recovery further inspired her to help other people realize they can alter their own world. “I realized once again that I wanted to establish a legacy,” she said. To that end, the Bricks are establishing the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation to create long-term research opportunities that will explore the relationship between exercise and mental health. “Exercise can be part of the recovery process, especially in mood disorders such as anxiety and depression,” said Brick, who is also a motivational speaker and author. She also has earned a certificate in health and wellness coaching from the Maryland University of Integrative Health,

Fewer meds

and is currently pursuing a degree in nutrition science as well. “I want to constantly grow, learn and inspire,” she said. While both Lynne and Victor are still actively involved with the clubs, they are more behind the scenes these days than “front of house.” She substitute teaches now and then, but otherwise, “coaches the coaches” (she has conducted training workshops for fitness professionals in more than 25 countries), and plays a creative, visionary role. The couple sees themselves pulling out of day-to-day operations within the next five years, but “we’ll always be involved in some way.”

Fitness advice So how does a fitness guru stay fit? By practicing what she preaches. Brick has a varied routine of yoga, Qi Dong, cardio, and intensity interval training (just ramp up by several levels whatever you’re doing

BEACON BITS

Apr. 13

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

County Executive Allan Kittleman will speak on issues facing Howard County seniors, as well as the services and activities offered at the Village in Howard. The meeting will take place on Monday, Apr. 13 at 6:45 p.m. at the Miller Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. For more information, visit thevillageinhoward.org or call (443) 367-9043.

Mar. 20+

LIVING WITH DIABETES

Learn how to improve your health whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for a while. The next sessions will be held on Friday, Mar. 20 and Friday, Apr. 17 at 8:30 a.m. at the Wellness Center Medical Pavilion, Suite 100, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For more information or to register, call (443) 7183000.

care of her own health, but serving as a role model. “Fitness isn’t a fad,” she said. “It’s a lifestyle.” Brick will be speaking at WomenFest on “Build Your Healthy Tomorrow, Today!” on April 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Glenwood, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville. Admission and parking are free.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 23

ASK THE PHARMACIST

Ongoing

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Bring your questions and prescription containers to discuss important information with a consultant pharmacist on Monday, Mar. 23 at 11 a.m. at the Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. For more information, call (410) 313-1400.

Join a stroke support group at the Bolduc Family Outpatient Center Classroom, 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Mar. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (410) 740-7601.

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From page 8 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.

— walking, running, elliptical — for 30 seconds every 1 or 2 minutes). “You can do anything for 30 seconds!” she pointed out. “The objective is to be efficient and effective, and to alter your fitness routine between yang activities (which are higher intensity) and yin (which are more relaxing),” she said. By working out where her club members can see her, Brick not only is taking

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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.

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

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 information, 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. See HEALTH SHORTS, page 11

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

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Botox has many uses beyond cosmetic 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. Most insurers cover Botox injections given for the following conditions: 1. Overactive bladder and urge incontinence. Botox reduces episodes of in-

Health shorts

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 spermicides 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

From page 10 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

See BOTOX, page 12

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

Should you 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 peo-

ple 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

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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.

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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 can-

Botox From page 11 continence in people for whom oral incontinence drugs don’t work. 2. Chronic migraine headache. Botox may reduce the number and duration of severe, frequent migraines. 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

cer 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.

head into awkward and uncomfortable positions. Botox relaxes the neck muscles. 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. — Harvard Women’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

A supplement that may strengthen bones Many of you take bisphosphonate drugs tection, and even improved symptoms of for bone loss (Fosamax, Actonel and the Alzheimer’s in an animal model. like), and you write to me with Since I’m already on a tancomplaints. Lawyers handle gent, I’ll also tell you that adocases now due to the reports of lescents and adults dealing catastrophic reactions like oswith acne may benefit from teonecrosis of the jaw or femur nobiletin because it blocks fractures. It’s a terrible irony. sebum production. Here’s another idea. NoMay block osteoporosis biletin. This is different from Now, let me circle back to strontium, which I’ve written your skeleton. Bone loss in about before. Nobiletin is a humans occurs as the result powerful “polymethoxylated” DEAR of the interaction of two flavonoid that comes from the PHARMACIST processes that are always ocwhite stringy fiber and peel of By Suzy Cohen curring in our bodies: the citrus fruits (the “pith”). You breaking down of old bone, probably spit that out, throw it away or put it in your compost pile don’t you? and the building of new bone. Either your bone cells fail to make sufficient new bone, Many potential benefits or you break down old bone too quickly. Nobiletin has been researched extensive- There needs to be a steady balance. ly over the last 10 to 15 years. It positively Two major players affect the process of impacts cholesterol and reduces inflamma- bone building. One is inflammation and the tion — great news for those struggling with other is estrogen. Chronic low grade inatherosclerosis and heart disease, or those flammation and/or too little estrogen can of you on statin anti-cholesterol drugs. contribute to osteoporosis. Nobiletin also blocks the NF kappaB Research published in the Journal of pathway, which induces pain. Nobiletin Pharmacological Science showed very has anti-cancer activity, confers brain pro- promising evidence of nobiletin on bone

BEACON BITS

May 23

STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND TRIP

Journey to Liberty State Park in New Jersey, and catch the ferry to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty. This is an on-your-own walking tour. Your ticket includes entry into statue pedestal and audio phones if desired. You may bring breakfast and/or lunch on the bus trip to eat on the way. A fast food stop is made on the way home. This trip sponsored by the Howard County Dept. of Parks and Recreation leaves at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. Meet for pick-up at the Normandy Shopping Center, Ellicott City and the Bain Senior Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 313-7279.

health. Scientists used rodents that had their ovaries removed (which causes estrogen deficiency). Nobiletin was given, and it stopped the progression of osteoporosis. Not only that, it significantly restored bone mass in severely osteroporotic critters! How, you wonder? This natural citrusderived antioxidant suppressed pathways responsible for inflammation, namely the COX2, NF-kappa B, and prostaglandin pathways. By no means am I saying an orange a day will keep the hip fracture away! But regular consumption of citrus fruits or pith-derived supplements might help, and can usually be taken with certain medications (not all). Ask your doctor if it’s okay for you, and

look online or at health food stores nationwide. It’s sold as Sytrinol, or as “citrus bioflavonoids.” But note: I want you to be real careful, because some of the products contain “naringen,” a compound that comes from grapefruit and can dangerously spike your blood levels of medications. My point is that self-treatment with natural dietary supplements — even wonderful 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 condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

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Health Studies Page

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

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Reducing challenging dementia behavior By Carol Sorgen More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease — a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative condition that, together with related dementias, indirectly affects close to 15 million family caregivers. One of the most significant and fre-

quently occurring challenges when it comes to caring for someone with dementia is disabling agitation. It is associated with increased healthcare costs, reduced quality of life, increased burden on the caregiver, acceleration of the disease, and necessity for placement in a nursing home.

Medication may not help Typically, treatment involves medication, but this is only modestly effective, poses serious risks to the patient (including the possibility of death), and may not reduce family distress. The Center for Innovative Care in Aging at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is currently conducting a clinical trial to evaluate ways of helping families address the challenging behaviors of persons with dementia who are living at home. To take part in the study, you must be living with and caring for a person with dementia; planning to live in the same area for the next seven months; be at least 21 years old; be managing one or more challenging behaviors (including agitation, anger, anxiety, irritability, pacing, refusing needed help, or asking questions over and over); and be able to speak and understand English.

Home visits Prospective participants will be interviewed first by telephone and then in their home. If researchers determine that the study is right for you and the person you

care for, and you agree to participate, then you both will be assigned at random to one of two groups that will receive up to eight home visits. Those assigned to Group A will take part in the Tailored Activity Program, and will learn how to engage a person with dementia in activities that interest them, as well as ways to handle stress associated with caregiving. Participants in Group B, the Home Safety and Education Program, will learn how to make the home safe for the person with dementia and how to be an effective healthcare advocate. Follow-up interviews with families will be conducted at three and six months in the home, and then a brief telephone call will be conducted to ask families to evaluate their experiences in the study. Researchers hope that this study will yield various strategies that can help families, and which do not rely on medications to manage behavioral symptoms of dementia. There is no charge to participate, and families will receive up to $45 for completing the three home interviews. For more information, call (443) 287-4595.

BEACON BITS

Apr. 7+

SEATED EXERCISE

A gentle, easy seated exercise class with Vickie Jacobs for those 55+ starts Tuesday, April 7. It meets for eight weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:10 to 10:55 a.m. for a total of 16 sessions. The cost is $75. The class is held at Roger Carter Community Center, 3000 Milltowne Dr., Ellicott City. To register, call (410) 313-7275.

Mar. 28

ARTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed to assist with reception, performance, silent auction, set-up, etc. for the 18th annual Celebration of the Arts. The event will be held Saturday, Mar. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. To volunteer or for more information, call (410) 313-2787 or email develop.m.ent@hocoarts.org.

Want to Prevent Falls in the Elderly? Seeking Men and Women to participate in a research study at the University of Maryland & Veterans Aﬀairs of Baltimore to better understand balance and the prevention of falls in aging individuals. You will receive:

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

CALL TODAY!

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

The

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Senior

NEWS and EVENTS from the Howard County Office on Aging

Connection

Department of Citizen Services

A Message from

Lois Mikkila

Volume 5, No. 4 • April 2015

2015

Director, Howard County Department of Citizen Services

he saying “it’s better to give than to receive” has particular meaning in April, as we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month. For all of you who volunteer your time in our community – thank you! For many organizations, the Office on Aging included, volunteers provide critical support. The Office would definitely not be able to provide all the services it does without a dedicated group of volunteers. From the SHIP counselors who help folks navigate the Medicare program, to the Cycle2Health volunteers who help folks navigate the County’s bike paths, our volunteers are certainly making a difference – and they are invaluable. Whether their focus is on human services, health, education, the arts or the environment, organizations throughout our community rely on volunteers to be able to fulfill their missions. Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the community, though – it also benefits the volunteer! We hear all the time, when someone is discussing their volunteer work, that they get more out of it than they give. It’s not surprising that volunteers report greater social connections and a sense of purpose from volunteering. After all, they’re meeting new people and contributing to some greater good. But did you know that a growing body of research shows that volunteering contributes to physical and mental health, vitality, self-esteem, and longevity? That’s right – volunteers have been found to live longer! So if you aren’t already a volunteer, consider becoming one. Whatever your interests, skills, and availability, there are organizations in our community that would be thrilled to have your help. Even if you’re not able to get out regularly because of health or transportation challenges, there are still ways to volunteer. My mom has knit hundreds of baby sweaters for her church’s mission, in the comfort of her living room. At 97, she is still finding ways to give back. What difference do you want to make in our community?

Are you a multi-tasker? If so, you won’t want to miss WomenFest, a day designed just for women where you can boost your health and wellness, attend engaging workshops, shop for Mother’s Day gifts, jewelry and fashion accessories, plus home improvement and financial services, and enjoy lunch, all under one roof, for one fabulous day!

Since its inception, WomenFest has grown dramatically, drawing 90+ vendors and exhibitors offering an expansive array of products, gifts and services. There’s something for everyone... Back for its 7th consecutive year, WomenFest will be on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Glenwood, 2400 Route 97 in Cooksville. General admission and parking are free. This signature women’s wellness event is coordinated by the Howard County Department of Citizen Services and its Office on Aging. Since its inception, WomenFest has grown dramatically, drawing 90+ vendors and exhibitors offering an expansive array of products, gifts and services. There’s something for everyone, as evident by the wide range of free health screenings; engaging seminars, workshops and demos; delicious lunch menu options for purchase; and plenty of great door prize drawings throughout the day! This year’s seminar topics include: EXERCISE GOOD CENT$ (11 a.m.) — Pamela Gilmour, CEO, CPA, and Stephen Norris, CFP, from Financial Fitness will offer tips to help you get your finances in order and reduce your financial stress. THE PULSE OF WELLNESS (11 a.m.) — Kristin M. Clark, MD, of WellBeing Medical Care will help you learn the steps toward a heart healthy life that will benefit you at any age. BE ON GUARD, IT’S NOT HARD (12:15 p.m.) — Howard County Police Lt. Troy Bailey will demonstrate how to be more aware of your surroundings and how to protect yourself if the need arises. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? (12:15 p.m.) — Norma Stevens, MS, LCPC, of IHS Psychotherapy and Counseling LLC, shares communication tools to enhance listening skills and strengthen relationships. SPLASH OF ART (12:15 p.m.) — Lisa Noss from Pinot’s Palette leads this workshop, designed to bring out your inner artist. WomenFest 2015 continued on next page

The Senior Connection

7th Annual WomenFest 2015 Continued from previous page... Just added, don’t miss “Stirring Up Fun in The Kitchen,” two fabulous cooking demos by Kathryn White, Danielle Hanscom, and Debbie Mosimann, co-authors of the new cookbook, Eight Broads in the Kitchen. At 11 a.m., they will show you how to expand your breakfast repertoire by adding vibrant color and uber-flavor to some of your favorite breakfast foods. At noon, you’ll learn how to take some of the all-time favorite breakfast recipes and create something fresh with fruit, salads, and veggies. Come early and stay late! You won’t want to miss the keynote address at 1:30 p.m. featuring Lynne Brick, president of Brick Bodies Fitness Services, Inc., entitled “Build Your Healthy Tomorrow, Today!” Lynne’s interactive presentation is geared to motivate and inspire you on your journey to health and happiness in just three easy steps. Be sure to reserve your free entry tickets upon arrival at WomenFest. After the keynote, you’ll still have time to visit our vendors to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day! WomenFest 2015 is brought to you thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, including ABC2 and its partners: Howard County Health Department, Howard County Recreation & Parks, Special Beginnings Birth & Women’s Center, SynergyFx, The Body Image Therapy Center and U.N.I. Urgent Care Center. The event’s premier sponsors include: Chesapeake Urology, Howard County General Hospital, Vantage House, WeCare Private Duty Services, Inc. and Wegmans. Additional support is provided by signature sponsors Advanced Radiology, American Radiology Services, Anti-Aging & Longevity Institute, Dr. Park Acupuncture, Financial Fitness, Home Instead Senior Care, Howard Commuter Solutions, Maryland Relay, Nava Health & Vitality, New York Life, Oasis Senior Advisors and Pinot’s Palette. Thanks also to our media sponsors – Focus on Women Magazine, Her Mind Magazine, The Beacon Newspapers, The Business Monthly, The Umbrella Syndicate and the Women’s Journal; print sponsor, Corridor Printing; and transportation sponsor, Regional Transportation Agency (see box for transportation options). Go to www.howardcountyaging.org/WomenFest for full details. For ongoing updates and other event information, follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HoCoCitizen, or call 410-313-5440 (voice/relay). To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to attend, call Maryland Access Point at 410-313-5980 at least one week in advance.

Transportation Options for WomenFest! A limited number of FREE round-trip RTA Bus tickets will be available, departing from the North Laurel Community Center and the Bain Center. NeighborRide is also coordinating rides for WomenFest, providing transportation to the bus AND offering door-to-door service to the event.

Call 410-313-0380 for availability and more details. Reserve your ride no later than Monday, April 20!

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

Spring Home Repairs and Improvements by Rebecca Bowman, Administrator Howard County Office of Consumer Affairs

This winter has brought record-breaking cold weather, along with snow, sleet and ice storms. During extreme weather conditions, you may have contracted for repairs resulting from frozen or burst pipes, but decided to leave non-emergency work (tree removal or driveway repair) for spring. When you look for someone to make such repairs, keep the following tips in mind. • Check with your insurance company first, which may require specific contractors, or offer recommendations. Also ask about the extent of your coverage (i.e., your policy may only cover replacement of damaged materials, and to match the existing materials, you would pay for replacing non-damaged areas). • Make sure your home improvement contractor or tree care service is properly licensed. To verify a contractor’s license, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410-333-6301 or at www.dllr.state.md.us. Verify a tree services license by calling the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8511 or at www.dnr.maryland.gov. • Be on the lookout for door-to-door con artists, who may offer great deals but never deliver. Door-to-door solicitors must be registered and carry an ID card issued by the Office of Consumer Affairs. • Take your time and comparison shop before signing a contract. Contracts should be specific about materials and brands, with start and completion dates. Make sure any verbal promises are included in the contract. Legitimate door-to-door sales contracts must also include a 3-day right of cancellation. • Do not obtain any County building permits yourself. Contractors are required by law to obtain all permits. Contact the Howard County Office of Consumer Affairs at www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer, or 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) for more information on any consumer topic.

Please Join Us for the 2015

CYCLING SEASON KICK-OFF! Thursday, May 14, 2015 • 10 a.m. East Columbia 50+ Center In the parking lot at 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045

For more information, contact Jennifer Lee, Program Coordinator 410-313-5940 (voice/relay) • jlee@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountyaging.org/cycle2health

This is a recreational program for the benefit of exercise and to explore the natural beauty and sights of Howard County. A $10 annual fee is required and will be collected at registration and applied to the spring through fall riding season. Rides vary in length and difficulty.

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

The Senior Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

April 2015 Calendar of Events Don’t miss these exciting programs and services from the Howard County Office on Aging! To register for any of these events or for additional information, call the number listed or Maryland Relay 7-1-1.

Flexible Dates and Times

Wednesday, April 15 • Noon

Piano or Vocal Lessons with Diane • Ellicott City Senior Center Want to improve your pitch or learn to play the piano? Schedule an appointment by contacting the center at 410-313-1400. Cost: $30/half hour. Contact instructor Diane Waslick at 410-978-9974 for more info.

Cuba: Culture, Conversation and Cuisine Glenwood 50+Center Learn about Cuba’s history, trivia and cuisine from Cuba de Ayer. $10; register at 410-313-5440.

Tuesdays • 9 a.m. Creative Writing for Beginners • East Columbia 50+ Center Blossom on paper in this 2-hour seminar! Learn to express yourself with instructor Shayna Johnson as your guide. FREE; register at 410-313-7680.

Wednesday, April 1 • 10 a.m. Madison’s Gift • Glenwood 50+Center Author David O. Stewart will discuss his new book about the five partnerships that built America. FREE; register at 410-313-5440.

Wednesday, April 1 • 11 a.m. to noon No Fooling Around • Bain Center The Fabulous 50+ Players present a musical revue of “the good ol’ days.” FREE; light refreshments. Sign up in the lobby or call 410-313-7213.

Wednesday, April 1 • 10 a.m. Spring Egg Hunt • Elkridge Senior Center & Elkridge Library Welcome spring with an egg hunt, games, prizes and a visit from the Elkridge Bunny! FREE (donations appreciated); call 410-313-5192.

Wednesday, April 1 • 7 p.m. Paws4Comfort Pet Evaluations • Bain Center Volunteer visits with your pet! Pets must be at least 1-yr old and have lived with you for six months or more. Call Ingrid Gleysteen at 410-313-7461.

Mondays & Wednesdays, April 6 thru 22 • 4:30 p.m. Dance Basics • Ellicott City Senior Center Learn Ballet terminology along with fast footwork, basic turns and jumps with instructor Carol Asher. $35 for 6 classes. Register at 410-313-1400.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 7 thru May 28 • 9 a.m. Golden Barre • Ellicott City Senior Center Strengthen your muscles and increase range of motion with the Bender method of Barre (must be able to get up and down off the floor on own). Cost: $79 for 15 classes (no class May 5). Register at 410-313-1400.

Tuesday, April 7 • 11 a.m. Knitting Made Easy • Elkridge Senior Center Learn the easy, basics of knitting and crochet to make a beautiful, handmade item. $2/person, includes supplies. Register at 410-313-5192.

Wednesday, April 8 • 11 a.m.

Friday, April 17 • 10 a.m. Spring Breakfast Concert • Elkridge Senior Center Enjoy fresh omelets to order while Anthony Brown sings gospel favorites. $4; lunch donations accepted. Register at 410-313-5192.

Monday, April 20 • Lunch at noon; show 12:30 p.m. “A Celebration of Spring” Lunch Theatre • North Laurel 50+ Center Ballet Mobile’s dancers combine music, movement, and imagery to touch the heart and lift the spirits. FREE program; lunch contribution for 60+. Register at 410-313-0380 by April 13.

Mondays, April 20 & 27 • 9:15 a.m. thru lunch Where Were You When...? An Oral History Project Glenelg Country School, 12793 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City Share your life experiences through interviews with 8th grade U.S. History students. FREE; breakfast and lunch provided. Must attend both sessions. Register at 410-313-0389 or tolsen@howardcountymd.gov by April 13.

Tuesday, April 21 • 11 a.m. Spring Fever Fashion Show • Bain Center View Taylor Marie’s Spring Collection, then refresh your wardrobe with a chance to shop until 3 p.m. Register to attend or model at 410-313-7213.

Friday, April 24 • 9:30 a.m. Wire Wrapped Bird’s Nest Jewelry • North Laurel 50+ Center Learn organic wire wrapping techniques to make pendants and charms. $10; includes all materials. Register at 410-313-0380 by April 22.

Saturday, April 25 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 7th Annual WomenFest • Glenwood 50+ Center A dynamic day for women of all ages! Over 90 vendors and exhibitors; seminars, workshops & health screenings; cooking demos; great shopping and food; and a keynote address to help you build a healthy tomorrow. FREE ADMISSION; call 410-313-5440 (detailed ads in this issue).

Wednesday, May 20 Departs East Columbia 50+ Center at 8 a.m. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Treat yourself to a Broadway Musical trip to New York City and enjoy dinner at Hurley’s Restaurant. $250/person; register at 410-313-7680.

The Love Story • Glenwood 50+Center A concert featuring songs of all the greats, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and more. FREE; register at 410-313-5440.

Tuesday, April 14 • 11 a.m. Give My Regards to Broadway • Bain Center “Olde Golde” musical duo Jim Blackwell and Larry Stauffer will perform unforgettable Broadway hits from 1904-1959. FREE; register at 410-313-7213 or sign up in the lobby.

Wednesday, April 15 • 11 a.m. Fabulous Fifties Concert & Lunch • North Laurel 50+ Center Enjoy favorite tunes from the 1950’s with Lyric Opera Baltimore musicians and singers. Free program; lunch contribution for those 60+. Register at 410-313-0380 by April 8.

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

The Senior Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Department of Citizen Services and the Office on Aging. This publication is available in alternate formats upon request. To join our subscriber list, email seniorconnection@howardcountymd.gov Howard County Office on Aging, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountyaging.org Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCitizen

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

The Senior Connection

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

Don’t miss the 7th Annual WomenFest!

Designed to inspire women to live a more !"!#$%&'()%!"*)+%,(!#&(-."/""%&("+-%0

Saturday, April 25, 2015 Build Your Healthy Tomorrow, Today! 10 am - 3 pm Keynote speaker, Lynne Brick,

Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723

WomenFest is THE perfect place to shop two weeks before Mother’s Day! FREE ADMISSION! Grab a few friends for a day of fun and shopping with 90+ vendors and exhibitors, seminars, health screenings, door prizes and more! TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE – Departing from North Laurel Community Center and Bain Center Call 410-313-0380 for availability and details. Reserve your seat by Monday, April 20. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY ABC2 AND PARTNERS: Howard County Health Department Howard County Recreation & Parks Special Beginnings Birth & Women’s Center SynergyFx The Body Image Therapy Center U.N.I. Urgent Care Center

president, Brick Bodies Fitness Services, Inc. Lynne’s presentation will feature three easy steps to motivate and inspire you on a journey to health and happiness. Enjoy seminars, workshops and demos: “Be On Guard, It’s Not Hard” Lt. Troy Bailey, Howard County Police Department “The Pulse of Wellness” Kristin M. Clark, MD, WellBeing Medical Care “Splash of Art” Lisa Noss, Pinot’s Palette “Exercise Good Cent$” Pamela Gilmour, CEO, CPA & Stephen Norris, CFP Financial Fitness “Can You Hear Me Now?” Norma Stevens, MS, LCPC IHS Psychotherapy and Counseling LLC “Stirring Up Fun in the Kitchen!” Eight Broads in the Kitchen

PREMIER SPONSORS:

SIGNATURE SPONSORS: Advanced Radiology • American Radiology Services • Anti-Aging & Longevity Institute • Dr. Park Acupuncture Financial Fitness • Home Instead Senior Care • Howard Commuter Solutions • Maryland Relay • Nava Health & Vitality • New York Life Oasis Senior Advisors • Pinot’s Palette MEDIA SPONSORS: Focus on Women • Her Mind • The Beacon • The Business Monthly • The Umbrella Syndicate • Women’s Journal PRINT SPONSOR: Corridor Printing | TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR: Regional Transportation Agency

410-313-5440 (VOICE/RELAY) www.howardcountyaging.org/womenfest If you need accommodations to attend this event, call MAP at 410-313-5980 (VOICE/RELAY) at least one week prior.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

MONEY GUIDE A new book offers a clear, comprehensive analysis of financial issues, including retirement advice CONSOLIDATE YOUR ACCOUNTS Pooling your IRAs can simplify withdrawal and tax matters, as well as save money MORE SOCIAL SECURITY Social Security field offices will stay open an hour longer most days and offer more online access to accounts

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

A comprehensive new financial guide Jonathan Clements has been a financial Medicaid, prescription drug coverage and columnist for the Wall Street Journal for Medigap insurance. Clements is very informative on the pros many years. His new book, Jonathan and cons of long-term care inClements Money Guide 2015, is surance and on nursing home a comprehensive financial costs. Many studies have guide to the important decishown that a significant numsions that influence your famiber of families are woefully igly’s long-term financial wellnorant regarding long-term being. Informative, concise, care issues and have not done up-to-date and easy-to-underadequate long-term planning stand, the book encompasses in this area. Clements goes investing, retirement planning, into detail explaining available estate planning and many options. other personal finance issues. THE SAVINGS The book includes tools that On the subject of investing, GAME will allow you to estimate Clements covers well-trodden By Elliot Raphaelson whether you are saving enough ground. He advocates a diverto have a prosperous retiresified portfolio that includes stocks, bonds and alternative investments ment. Clements discusses Social Security benefit options in great detail, including topsuch as real estate investment trusts. He stresses the importance of minimiz- ics I have covered in prior columns, such as ing costs and discusses the advantages of the “file and suspend” option, which allows using index mutual funds and exchange- you to postpone benefits up to age 70 while traded funds (ETFs). This is standard ad- your husband or wife can still claim spousal vice but explained well. His sample portfo- benefits. Clements discusses the advantages of lios and advice on selecting financial advisimmediate annuities, which guarantee lifeers are very useful. time monthly benefits, and of longevity inHealthcare and retirement advice surance, which provide higher guaranteed An important chapter of the book covers income if you are willing to wait until a various aspects of health insurance, includ- later age to initiate payments. ing the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Clements discusses the advantages and

disadvantages of reverse mortgages. He doesn’t rule them out, despite their high fees and lack of flexibility, with the proviso that this option is a “last resort.” That’s sound advice, as I have indicated in prior columns. On the subject of taxes, Clements points out the importance of knowing your marginal rate. (This is the income tax rate you pay for the last dollar you report as income.) Knowing this rate will allow you to know whether to buy municipal bonds, pay down your mortgage, and fund Roth retirement accounts (rather than tax-deductible accounts). As you might expect, Clements recommends putting as much as you can into taxsheltered accounts. If you are not eligible for a tax-deductible investment, or Roth IRA, you can fund a nondeductible IRA and subsequently convert it to a Roth. He is a big proponent of Roth accounts. You should use your retirement accounts to buy your portfolio’s tax-inefficient investments such as taxable bonds, real estate investment trusts and actively managed stock funds. Your taxable accounts can be used to hold municipal bonds and investments that have low turnover, such as index mutual

funds and exchange-traded funds.

Learn about estate planning A useful chapter is devoted to estate planning issues, including key components such as wills; correct naming of beneficiaries for retirement accounts and life insurance and correct titling on major assets; trusts; financial and medical powers of attorney; and steps to reduce taxes. The author points out that it is very important to be sure to name the correct beneficiaries on your retirement accounts. The provisions in your will do not override the beneficiaries you named in your retirement accounts. Make sure that after any significant events, such as divorce, you immediately update the beneficiaries specified on your accounts. Money Guide 2015 could be a very comprehensive asset for your long-term financial planning. Consider it as a gift to anyone you know lacking in knowledge regarding basic personal finance issues. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2015 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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If you would be excited to call and meet with potential advertisers throughout the Metro area, send your resume and cover letter to Alan Spiegel, Director of Sales, at: Alan@theBeaconNewspapers.com.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

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

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 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. 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

BEACON BITS

Apr. 30

SPOTTING SCAMS

Learn from experts how to spot insurance scams and save money. This event, presented by the Maryland Insurance Administration, is free and will take place on Thursday, April 30 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Elkridge Senior Center, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. For more information, call (410) 313-5192.

Ongoing

TRIVIA TIME

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

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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.

BEACON BITS

Apr. 21

BUSINESS DISCUSSION GROUP Join others to discuss business, management and political econo-

my on the third Tuesday of the month at the East Columbia Branch library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. The group will meet on Tuesday, Apr. 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and third Tuesdays thereafter. Registration is preferred. To register or for more information, visit hclibrary.org or call (410) 313-7700.

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

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 restored 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

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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 cre-

ate 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. 23

KOSHER SOUL FOOD Join Michael W. Twitty for a cooking demonstration and discussion

of his Deep South African American roots and how he blends them with his adopted faith, Judaism. Admission is $25 for this one-time event on Monday, March 23 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Monteabaro Hall, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Please register for this event by March 17. To register or for more information, email SNovinsky@JewishHowardCounty.org or call (410) 730-4976.

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

April Meeting Date: Time: Location:

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Brooke Grove Retirement Village 18100 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Speaker: Topic:

Dr. James Richardson Palliative Care

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

Thank you to our 2015 Visiting Angels Executive Members PLATinuM MeMber Howard County General Hospital – A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine The Beacon Newspapers GoLD MeMberS Being There Senior Care, LLC • Howard County Oﬃce on Aging SiLver MeMberS Brooke Grove Retirement Village • Deborah L. Herman, CPA Oasis Senior Advisors • The Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Select Realtors

bronze MeMberS Earl Wilkinson, M.D. (ENT) • Gentiva Health Services • Homewatch Caregivers Integrace Copper Ridge • Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc.

PATron MeMberS Alzheimer’s Association – Greater MD Chapter • Freedom Mobility • Genesis SelectCare • Home Call • Home Instead Senior Care • Home With You Senior Care, LLC • Let’s Move, LLC Luba Services, Inc. • Neighbor Ride, Inc. • New Life Assisted Living Right At Home In-Home Care & Assistance • Visiting Angels

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 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 25.

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 24

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Lake District From page 23 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

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

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. 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.

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 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 stay at a Windermere B&B quaintly named The Rumdoodle? It promises guests “a little bit of luxury, a little bit of whimsy and a whole lot of fun.” Rates begin at about $120. For information, see www.rumdoodlewindermere.com or call 01539-967-445. 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 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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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Welcome to Peter Rabbit’s world 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 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 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

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Style Arts &

Scientists from the Applied Physics Lab produced The Diary of Anne Frank in 2013.

Scientists take the stage with Simon farce Funny or foolish? Poignant, or not, the story goes that Fools was written by Simon because of an agreement he made during divorce proceedings (Simon has had five wives) that his ex would be given the profits from his next play. His alleged hope that Fools would not last on Broadway came true when the play closed after 40 performances. Nevertheless, Reggia and others, if not the New York critics, have found the play very funny and more than suitable for the drama club, which will be mounting its 11th full-scale production since it was formed in 2010. Twice a year since then, they have put on all sorts of productions, from The Diary of Anne Frank to Twelve Angry Men to The Mouse that Roared. Of course, acting isn’t all they do at the APL. The lab is a research and development center sponsored by Johns Hopkins University that works with the Department of Defense and NASA, among other agencies. Some 5,000 people are employed at the APL, which has researched and produced, among other things, spacecraft and unmanned drones for the military. The 40 or so drama club members are al-

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

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE APPLIED PHYSICS LAB

By Robert Friedman It’s all systems go for the rocket scientists, systems engineers and cyber defense guys and gals at the Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel for the launching of their next theatrical production, Fools: a Comic Fable by Neil Simon. The scientists, engineers and others, all members of the APL Drama Club, will temporarily leave their spacecraft plans and microscopes to tread the boards in six performances starting April 10 at the APL’s Kassiakoff Center Auditorium. The two-act comedy is about a Russian teacher who winds up giving lessons in a town that has been cursed with chronic stupidity for 200 years. When he arrives in the town, he finds people sweeping dirt from the stoops back into their houses and milking cows upside down to get more cream. Will the teacher break the curse, or will he succumb to it? That is the question, said Lynn Reggia, the drama club’s production manager. While the play is set in a Ukrainian village in 19th century Russia, it conveys a “a timeless, very poignant message,” she said.

Members of the Applied Physics Lab’s Drama Club produce full-scale productions twice a year that are open to the public free of charge. Neil Simon’s Fools: A Comedic Fable starts on April 10.

most all APL employees, plus an occasional friend or relative. Some have had experience acting on and working behind the stage, while others are novices. The presentations are free and open to the community.

Creative license Reggia, who also has a degree in music, does not appear to believe that left brain (logic, self-control, math skills) and right brain (creativity) cannot coexist and get their respective acts together. She believes, in fact, that there is “an amazing similarity between theater and

science. While a lot of creativity is necessary to solve scientific problems, that skill is also necessary to put on a show,” said Reggia, who works as a human system engineer for the Navy. “I get to go talk to sailors,” she said, “There can be a disconnect between engineers building systems and sailors using them. Since the engineers are not on the ships, they may think of things one way, while the sailors think of them another way. “I make sure the gaps get bridged,” she said. See SCIENTISTS, page 28

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

A familiar, fun and kooky Addams Family 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 showcase 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.

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 Wednesday Addams (MaryKate Brouillet) is not a kid any longer. In the latter ingénue stage and ready to fall in love, she is now central 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 mar-

riage. 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-in-theirown-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. See ADDAMS FAMILY, page 29

Wednesday as ingénue Is there anyone among us unfamiliar with

SCHUBERT & STRAVINSKY APRIL 11, 2015 at 7:30pm Schubert: Symphony No. 8, "Unfinished"

Stravinsky: Petrushka Winners of the Young Artist Competition Order your tickets now to reserve the best seats! Tickets range from $10-$25 ($2 service fee may apply)

Jim Rouse Theatre, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia, MD 410-465-8777 www.columbiaorchestra.org

Toby’s Dinner Theatre is now staging The Addams Family, a musical based on the popular off-beat television show from the ’60s. Here, Pugsly (played by Gavin Willard) and Wednesday (MaryKate Brouillet) argue as their parents Morticia (Priscilla Cuellar) and Gomez (Lawrence B. Munsey) try to intervene.

Sol Levinson & Bros. Funeral Home and Jewish Community Services present

The Empty Place at the Table: Coping with Loss During the Holidays Facilitated by: Rabbi Craig H. Axler and Donna Kane, M.A., JCS Bereavement Specialist

Family gatherings can be painful for those who have experienced the death of a !"#$%!&#'%(!)&%*+%,!-%.# /%)&%0%&$)&1%+*//!-2%3&$%4!5,!-2%$*-)&1%2.#%.! )$36+'

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 | 7:00pm Temple Isaiah 12200 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, Maryland Pre-registration preferred. Visit jcsbaltimore.org/griefsupport or call 410-466-9200.

Don’t Miss the 7th Annual

Designed to inspire women to live a more balanced, healthier and fulfilled life!

Build Your Healthy Tomorrow, Today! Keynote by Lynne Brick, president, Brick Bodies Fitness Services, Inc.

Lynne’s presentation will feature three easy steps to motivate and inspire you on a journey to health and happiness.

90+ Exhibitors! FREE Health Screenings! Plus, enjoy cooking demos, and workshops on: self-defense; heart health; painting on canvas; financial wellness; and keeping relationships strong. FREE ADMISSION!

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

Sol Levinson & Bros. Funeral Home and JCS are sponsoring free community bereavement groups. Groups will meet at Sol Levinson’s Howard County Arrangement Center, 5560 Sterrett Place and also in Pikesville, 8900 Reisterstown Road. For more information call Jewish Community Services at 410-466-9200 or visit sollevinson.com or jcsbaltimore.org.

410-313-5440 www.howardcountyaging.org/womenfest If you need accommodations to attend this event, please call Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-313-5980 (VOICE/RELAY) at least one week prior to the event.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Letters to editor From page 2 the onset of personal crisis, or total failure. There is no doubt that the indifferent, sardonic solipsism of many well-off Ameri-

cans among us are of the mindset that feels “remorselessly entitled to live the good life” at the expense of the rest of society. Needless to say, one is deserving of what one earns, but, at the very least, one must also be consciously aware of the re-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HOWARD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL EXHIBITS

Mar. 28

JOE JACKSON TRIBUTE BAND

Visit the two new Howard County Arts Council exhibits, on display through Friday, April 24 at 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. Gallery I will feature works from Howard County students grades K-12, and Gallery II will feature works by individuals with disabilities participating in Howard County Recreation and Parks’ Department of Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services art classes. For more information, call (410) 313-2787or visit hocoarts.org/exhibits.

Come to this ‘80s themed party dressed in your best ‘80s style to hear some of Joe Jackson’s hits on Saturday, March 28 at the Howard County Historical Society Museum, 8328 Court Ave., Ellicott City from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $15 for a single ticket and $25 for a couple. For more information, call (410) 480-3250 or email info@hchsmd.org.

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sponsibility in maintaining a moral social balance that involves giving back to the society that helped him/her earn the good life, and keep it. This maxim benefits all Americans, including those who cannot fend for themselves, and it’s fundamental in ensuring America’s continued success, greatness and survival. Joseph L. Puchol-Salva Ellicott City Dear Editor: I am writing on behalf of the American Music Therapy Association’s Professional Advocacy Committee. It has come to our attention that the Beacon recently published an article regarding the work of Jeannie Finnegan titled “Evoking memories with music” (February). It is apparent from the article and from her promotional materials that she is doing some wonderful work. Our committee commends the Beacon for publishing this good will article on the use of music to

promote health. Whereas we appreciate and respect the talents and profound power of music highlighted in the article, we hope that you too can appreciate and respect that we are troubled that article labeled Finnegan’s work as music therapy, although she does not have training or credentials as a professional music therapist. Because of our constituted mission, it is incumbent on us to detail our concerns to you in hopes that you understand and are sensitive to professional boundaries and patient care safety issues. We recognize that we don’t “own” music, but it is our responsibility to ensure that the general public understands the difference between music therapy provided by board-certified music therapists and others’ efforts to provide music activities and interventions. Jennifer Swanson AMTA Philadelphia, Pa.

Scientists From page 26 Reggia said just about all those technical and scientific people at the APL, and certainly those in the drama club, are, well, just like you and me. “We don’t think of ourselves as brilliant,” she said. We’re not just people with large glasses who are behind microscopes all day. We have as many other passions and are as artsy as other people. Many of us love the theater and want to take part as much as the next person. “I’m lucky enough to have a job I like, which allows me to follow my real love of music and drama evenings and weekends,” Reggia said. Fools: a Comedic Fable will be performed on April 10, 11 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., and April 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. There will also be a preshow, which will start an hour earlier than the performances, that will feature a puppetmaking station and improvisations, including APL scientists performing with puppets. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Performances take place at APL’s Kassiakoff Center Auditorium at 11100 John Hopkins Rd. in Laurel. For more information, see www.jhuapl.edu/drama or email drama@jhuapl.edu.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 24

SELMA MOVIE AND RECOLLECTIONS A viewing of Selma

will take place on Tuesday, Mar. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia. Tickets are $6 at the door, and the event will include recollections by a Selma marcher and Howard County resident Sherman Howell. For more information, visit thevillageinhoward.org or call (443) 367-9043.

Addams Family From page 27 Right at the top of the show, we get the first finger snaps and the punctuated notes from the TV show’s opening theme, so we know it’s going to be familiar and fun. One of the early treats is how much Lawrence B. Munsey looks like the Gomez Addams of the cartoons. 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.

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 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.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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sembling 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. Reservations are required. Ticket prices range from $39.50 (for children under 12) to $58 (depending on which performance is selected). Ticket prices include an allyou-can-eat buffet and coffee or tea. Other drinks, including alcoholic ones, are extra, and you are expected to tip the waiter/actors. There is ample, free parking on the premises. For reservations and information, call (410) 730-8311, or visit www.tobysdinner theatre.com, where you can also obtain tickets via TicketMaster.

FROM PAGE 30

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

Uncle Fester, too There are many unusual moments. Imagine a bald man wearing something re-

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EN E P O US y HOSaturd-a2pm 10a

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4475 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City

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

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Crossword Puzzle

Puzzle Page

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

Know Him 1

by Stephen Sherr 6

HB4/15

Down

47 50

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

Scrabble answers on p. 29.

Across

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 29.

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

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Computer Services

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For Sale 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653.

Home/Handyman Services BALTIMORE’S BEST JUNK REMOVAL – Clean Outs: Whole House, Emergency, Attics/Basements. Furniture and Junk Removal, Yard Waste Removal, General Hauling, Construction Debris Removal. Free estimates. 10% Senior Discount. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Call Jesse, 443-379-HAUL (4285).

Personal Services LEARN ENGLISH – SPANISH – ITALIAN – FRENCH – PORTUGUESE Conversational. Grammatical. Private lessons. Reasonable Rates. Tutoring students. 443-352-8200.

OLD AND NEW, WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plate. Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY.

PROBLEMS WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call: David G at 301642-4526.

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.

Financial Services

BUYING ANTIQUES, ESTATES – Cash paid for jewelry, gold, silver, old coins, pens, toys, dolls, old sports golf, baseball, any collections. Call Tom, 240-476-3441.

TAXES, ACCOUNTING, BOOKKEEPING, eldercare. CPA 38 years, reasonable rates. Call 410-653-3363.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad. Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

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.

Wanted

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

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.

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

ELECTRIC SLOT-RACING CARS & accessories from 60s & 70s, especially Aurora, Atlas & Tyco HO-scale plus other manufacturers scales. Call Bill @ 410-615-7043.

Thanks for reading the Beacon!

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies IDEAL Health Study . . . . . . . . .14 UM Elderly Falls Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Events COGS Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 WomenFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Financial Services Catholic Charities . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Funeral Services Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Homes, Inc. . . . . . . . . .22 Going Home Cremations . . . . . .24 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . .12 Homewatch Caregivers . . . . . . . .11 Options for Senior America . . . . . .21

Housing

Pharmacies

Brightview Senior Living . . . . . . .3 Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 32 Charlestown Independent Living/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Heartlands of Ellicott City . . . . . .5 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Shangri-La Assisted Living . . . .29 Shriner Court/Quantum . . . . . . .22 Somerford Place/5 Star Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Vantage House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Ellicott City Pharmacy . . . . . . . .14

Legal Services

CommuniCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Retail Columbia’s Village Centers . . . .24

Senior Services The Senior Connection . . . . .15-18

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

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

Theatre/ Entertainment

Medical/Health

Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . .27 Columbia Pro Cantare . . . . . . . .26 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .26

Audiology First, LLC . . . . . . . . .13 BW Eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Dr. Taylor & Associates Vision and Learning . . . . . . . .11 I Hate Knee Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Low Vision Specialists of Maryland & Virginia . . . . . . . .13 Maryland Relay Dial 711 . . . . . .29 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . .10

Tour & Travel Destinations Travel . . . . . . . . . . .24 Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . .25 Heritage Adventures . . . . . . . . . .25 Side by Side Travel . . . . . . . . . . .25

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

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

BROOKE GROVE RETIREMENT VILLAGE CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO ATTEND AN

OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, March 25, 2015 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Westbrooke Clubhouse 18310 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860 Discover the casual elegance & comfort of The Cottages independent living. Explore Westbrooke Clubhouse, its restaurant & fitness center. Enjoy our 220-acre campus of lush pastures & hardwood forest. Learn about the current state of the local real estate market.

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.

Because what surrounds you Really matters.

Please RSVP to Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org by March 23.

Independent living assisted living rehabilitation long-term care memory support 18100 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 • 301-260-2320 or 301-924-2811 • www.bgf.org