July 2016 | DC Beacon

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VOL.28, NO.7

Where creative ideas can incubate

Mentoring and networking The company, which opened in 2013, requires would-be start-up creators to complete an application process. Once accepted as members, they are offered workspace, access to mentors, and myriad networking opportunities with their fellow entrepreneurs and established businesspersons.

“We talk about 1776 in terms of trying to accelerate innovation in life-critical industries. So that’s a focus on education, energy, healthcare, smart cities, improving overall quality of life, transportation, things like that,” said Andrew Dolan, 1776’s director for special projects. “It’s not easy to start a company to begin with, let alone in one of those industries.”

Members pay 1776 a monthly fee ranging from $100 to $600, depending on whether

JULY 2016

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY BARBARA RUBEN

By Barbara Ruben America’s Founding Fathers waged one kind of revolution 240 years ago. Today, at a Washington, D.C. company called 1776, a 21st century revolution is underway, helping foster innovative business start-ups in areas like education, healthcare and energy.

In a sprawling loft space on the 12th floor of a downtown office building, millennials bend over laptops at communal tables, sitting in chairs that look like they were scrounged from their grandparent’s basements (actually, they were chosen by a professional decorator). When they need privacy for phone calls, they tug the door shut on an authentic red London phone booth and speak into their smartphones.

Len Biegel, who joined 1776 last fall, found himself enveloped by the constant hum of conversation and tapping of laptop keyboards at this incubator for entrepreneurs as soon as he exited the elevator on his first visit to 1776.

“When I first walked in, I was struck by two things. There’s a chandelier made from an old rusty bedspring, and there was a guy lying on a couch with a laptop on his belly waiting for an appointment.

“So it’s a bit of the new generation,” said Biegel, who describes himself as 65+, about four decades older than many of the fledgling entrepreneurs at 1776 (tagline: Where Revolutions Begin).

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SEE SPECIAL INSERT Housing & Homecare Options following page 26

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

Len Biegel, of Bethesda, Md., is developing a social media platform for retirees looking for ways to spend their time productively. He has been utilizing the resources of 1776 — an incubator for entrepreneurs of all ages, located in downtown Washington — that provides work space, networking and mentoring opportunities.

they work remotely or in the shared space.

Those who successfully flesh out their ideas may eventually get seed money from 1776, which works with a variety of funding partners — from Microsoft to American University — looking for the next brilliant idea.

Social media for retirees And that’s what Biegel is hoping for. He is working to create a new social media platform to help retirees find the most productive way to spend their time.

“A couple years ago, when I’d meet people who were retired, I’d ask them ‘What are you doing?’ A number of people described very productive use of time.

“But there was a surprising number who expressed frustration or dismay over suddenly having time: ‘Gee, I don’t set the alarm

clock anymore. I’m catching up on reading. I took the big trip. I’m still trying to figure myself out.’ A lot told me about the frustrations of finding part-time work,” he said.

So Biegel is launching his Dexter3 website to enable those who have “figured themselves out” to communicate ideas and insight on what comes next to those who haven’t.

As for the name?

“My wife said when you’re older you need to be agile, dexterous. This is the third phase of your life, so it’s Dexter 3. I was a little apprehensive about it because it sounds obscure, but when you look back at Yahoo or Google, what were those names to start with?” asked Biegel, who says he’s on his third career.

See 1776, page 32

There’s more to Chattanooga than the choo choo; plus, best places to view next summer’s solar eclipse, summer travel scams, and finding last-minute page 37 bargain airfares TECHNOLOGY k Robots on the job

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Nothing but the truth?

Generally, we profess to love the truth and game.

Research confirms the near universality to admire people who only speak the truth. of lying. Researchers find We tend to parody or disparage that we begin to lie around those “congenital liars” we beage 3, when we first realize lieve to be frequently engaged other people don’t know what in falsification, calling them we’re thinking. By the age of used car dealers, spin doctors, 5, most of us are quite profiMadison Avenue types. cient at it.

But if we are honest with ourselves, we should admit We further develop these that much of the time we shade skills of deception through the truth, and that we like it the experiences of our school when others do so, too. In fact, years, often coached in them on some level, we often consid- FROM THE by our parents and teachers, er a person’s ability to fudge PUBLISHER though not always explicitly.

By Stuart P. Rosenthal the truth to be a sign of their Bella DePaulo, a psycholocompetence and normality. gy researcher at the UniversiThink about people you’ve encountered ty of California, Santa Barbara, taped volunwho seem not to know how to lie, or don’t teers’ conversations for a week and found understand the subtle falsehoods of polite students lied, on average, in every third conversation. conversation lasting at least 10 minutes.

Maybe they find it difficult to tell white Adults lied in every fifth conversation.

If it sounds like I’m being critical, or am lies, inadvertently insulting someone because that outfit really does make them judging people harshly, or as if I’m excludlook fat. Or they take you much too seri- ing myself, you misunderstand me. I truly ously when you ask “how are you?” and think most of us believe this is the way of they proceed at great length to fill you in the world, and that we basically like it this on all their current problems. way, for the most part.

All of us need some help from time to Let’s face it: we often feel uncomfortable around those who can’t, or won’t, play the time marketing our personal brand, pro-

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Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ......................Dan Kelly, Rena Pensky, M.K. Phillips • Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 51 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

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moting our company, or sprucing up our resume. Sometimes we need a good PR person or attorney who will vigorously defend us.

Here, I’m not referring to intentional deception, but more to white lies that protect other people’s feelings, and presenting your case in the best possible light, which requires, at a minimum, certain sins of omission.

Furthermore, there are many important and well-regarded professions — law enforcement, diplomacy, military intelligence and others — where the ability to lie convincingly at times is absolutely essential, even a matter of life and death. Where would we be if our military leaders, ambassadors, undercover spooks, treaty negotiators and the like were congenital truthtellers? We’d all be at risk.

Closer to home, let’s talk about our dearest friends and family. We want them to be truthful with us, most of the time.

But if we’ve shared intimate things about ourselves with them, we’d be horrified to find they didn’t keep our confidence because someone asked them about us and they couldn’t tell a lie.

So you see, our entire social fabric requires that we know how and when to lie or withhold the truth.

The same observations apply to the realm of politics. On the one hand, Americans say they hate lying politicians, and criticize Washington and its influence peddlers for promoting a culture of falsehood and corruption.

On the other hand, we tend not to elect candidates who play nice, avoid attack ads, and only make promises they know they can deliver. We expect politics to be a somewhat dirty business, and want our

guy to know how to get things done as well as the other fellow/lady, even if the fact checkers may find their arguments involve misrepresentations or quotes taken out of context.

Similarly, if we have an interest in a certain law for personal or political reasons, we rush to contribute to special interest groups that will lobby the dickens out of Congress, and we may even lobby our representatives ourselves. Our end goal is seldom objective truth, but what we perceive to be the best result for us and those like us.

And yet, despite all of this, I think it’s also true that people can sense when they or someone else crosses a line. At a certain point — either due to the number of falsehoods or their degree — we may start to wonder if we really understand another person or can trust them at all. And at that point, we have to either call them on it or end the relationship.

While there are many occasions on which we really don’t want to speak or hear the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, we ought to still retain a way to recognize when the conversation has gone too far in the other direction.

Reasonable people can differ on where the line is, and it may be a moving target as our public discourse evolves. But I think we have to agree that one exists, and that it should affect how we respond.

If you have any thoughts on this subject you would like to share, I would like to hear them. Please email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com or write to me here at the Beacon. I really mean it!

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

Dear Editor: I read the publisher’s column on migraines and noted his request from his readers for “simple or alternative solutions.”

I began having migraines at the tender age of 53. I do not believe I ever had them before, and was not afflicted with headaches.

Here are actions I took for my migraines: 1) Look at my schedule of work/play/ home activities.

2) Honestly look and reflect on when I would come down with the migraines. Realize I got them on a Saturday.

3) Write to the National Migraineur Society in Chicago, IL. This was before web sites and emailed materials. The literature

told readers that most migraines happened on Fridays/the weekends! And stop caffeine, chocolate, etc.

4) Again, get honest. At the age of 53, I was still trying to work full time, focus on an aging mother, and live a life that I could no longer do.

5) Cut down on my ‘burn the candle at both ends’ way of life. Get some serenity; let go of having to be everywhere. It was ok to stay home!

In this way I put a stop to them. Of course, I was not vulnerable to medicalbased migraines, for which I am grateful.

But, after wasting money on an MRI, an MD visit, etc., I just had to change some of See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 51

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Technology &

Innovations Surprising places you can find robots

On uneven terrain Two-legged machines that look like humans aren’t new, but most versions are slow, clunky and quick to fall over. The upgraded ATLAS robot, built by Alphabetowned Boston Dynamics, blows the others out of the water. It’s smaller, sturdier and more nimble than any humanoid robot thrown into real-world settings.

The 5’9”, 180-pound robot is packed with sensors to maintain balance and avoid obstacles. It can walk over uneven terrain in a snow-covered forest, and takes a hard push without tipping over. The robot can also pick up packages and place them on shelves, open doors, and even get up after a fall.

While ATLAS isn’t ready to replace humans just yet, it does show promise for tackling all sorts of human tasks, from stocking shelves to cleaning houses. Sure, huge challenges remain, including designing dexterous robotic hands and improving autonomous decision-making. Early uses will include emergency tasks, such as search and rescue missions in dangerous territory.

Note: Amazon’s Kiva robots already move objects around in huge warehouses, and Fetch Robotics designs small robots that can work alongside workers and help stock shelves.

In your hair Panasonic is developing a robot that can rinse, shampoo and blow-dry your locks

while massaging your scalp with its 24 automated “fingers.” It’s not designed to handle razors or scissors, so barbers and hairstylists can rest easy about their job prospects...for now.

With its aging population and shrinking workforce, Japan will probably be the quickest to embrace this new technology, with the U.S. following along slowly.

Panasonic has tested prototypes in Japan but hasn’t yet unveiled any for commercial use.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN

By John Miley and Matthew Housiaux Robots working in factories, on the battlefield, in hostage situations and in many other places are commonplace today.

But it may surprise you to learn about the rapid development of humanoid robots and other intelligent machines that will soon pop up in places you might not expect — from the hair salon and corner bar, to the dairy farms that produce your milk.

Such robots may not quite rise to the level of “synths,” the fictional human-looking robotic servants starring in the summer science-fiction series “Humans,” but they’re amazingly handy and may eventually be as ubiquitous in our lives as smartphones.

Check out these nine robotic assistants (most fresh on the market, some still in development) designed to make our lives easier and make businesses more efficient in a number of surprising ways.

On the farm Got milk? These robots do. Robo-machines weighing more than 2,000 pounds are equipped to corral cows. A stainless steel arm equipped with cameras and lasers accurately locates teats to automate the milking process.

It pumps out about 800 gallons of milk per day, while also performing chemical analysis on the milk to keep tabs on each cow’s health.

The robo-milkers are so cow-friendly that animals nuzzle up to them voluntarily. Dairy farmers can monitor the machines remotely via a smartphone app, and can even get texts for each cow’s insemination date, especially useful when dealing with big dairy herds.

Each machine, from manufacturer DeLaval, costs about $200,000.

But does it know your name?

Whether you take your martinis shaken or stirred, this robot bartender will serve up a satisfying drink. Robo-bartenders made their big debut during the maiden voyage of Royal Caribbean’s state-of-the-art cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, last year.

Programmed to mimic the graceful moves of Italian dancers, the robot’s two automated arms can handle 176 bottles of spirits (all of which are mounted to the ceiling, with special valves for precision dispensing) and serve up to 120 drinks per hour. Patrons order drinks from an app on their phones and wait for the robo-bartender to work its magic.

One might even make an appearance at the next party you attend. Makr Shakr is rolling out a mobile version that can be delivered to any location upon request.

There is a downside, though: Robo-bartenders don’t empathize with your problems quite as well as their human counterparts.

The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Harmony of the Seas has a "bionic" bar in which robots pour the drinks.

At the mall

At the grill

Developed by Toshiba, this android — with lifelike skin and hair along with humanlike gestures — created quite a stir when “she” began working at a Japanese department store earlier this year, smiling at customers and greeting them with a prerecorded message.

Though she can sing, too, she doesn’t answer questions. Robots like this will become more common in Japan as its population ages, and more and more jobs go unfilled by humans.

99 billion hamburgers served? Soon, some of those will be made by robots. Momentum Machines has designed a new robot that flips patties, slice and dices veggies, and assembles everything on a toasted bun, producing a complete burger every 10 seconds, or 360 per hour. Momentum Machines hoped to have five machines installed in burger joints by this year and 1,500 by 2017.

They have not reached their goal yet, but the push for a higher minimum wage in the fast-food industry may spur quicker adoption.

At your hotel room door Step aside, Jeeves and Hobson. SaviOne, an autonomous robot for the hospitality industry, is already at the service of guests in a few of Silicon Valley’s ritzier hotels.

How does it work? Hotel staffers simply load SaviOne with items requested by guests. Then, guided by Wi-Fi, the robot can go up and down elevators and glide through hallways to make deliveries.

Forget your toothbrush? SaviOne will be there with a new one, posthaste, and send you a text message when it’s at your door. (A cousin performs similar tasks in hospitals.)

At the moment, SaviOne is not cost-effective enough to displace many hotel workers, but manufacturer Savioke hopes hotels that are short-staffed will make the investment.

In med school Before med students go to work on humans, they can practice on robot stand-ins who won’t complain so much about botched procedures — at least not yet.

The latest evolution of medical mannequins, these humanlike robots (cousins of crash test dummies?) can mimic human patients by sweating, bleeding, convulsing and more with the help of internal batteries, pneumatic power and wireless sensors.

They’re so lifelike that their pupils dilate in response to light. The robots can even recognize and respond to injected drugs.

Robots are programmed to test doctors-intraining, and a teacher can remotely take See SURPRISING ROBOTS, page 5

It’s also capable of telling stories, complete with graphics and sound effects, and taking photos of special events with its seeand-track camera, which can automatically sense when someone is posing for a picture.

It’ll also help to keep you organized with timely reminders of appointments. Jibo’s developers hope that it will function as a sort of humanoid tablet, keeping track of your information at the same time that it keeps you company.

Jibo costs $749 but is temporarily sold out.

All contents © 2016 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Need someone to talk to when the rest of the fam is too engaged with their smartphones? Jibo may be the friend you need.

It can engage in conversation, with replies based on your mood.

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Feel free to mail this together with the theatre ticket drawing form on p. B-11.

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control of the robot’s voice to make situations more real.

A fully equipped SimMan 3G from Norway-based manufacturer Laerdal runs about $70,000.

Maryland

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From page 4

❏ Friendship Terrace (see ads on pages B-12 & B-18) ❏ Glover Park Senior Living (see ad on page B-9) ❏ Knollwood (see ads on pages B-4 & B-19) ❏ Residences at Thomas Circle (see ad on page B-2)

✃

Surprising robots

See LINKS & APPS, page 6

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The best route isn’t always the quickest one — something mapping apps don’t understand. Try the website My Scenic Drives

District of Columbia

I N F O R M A T I O N

With a tag line of “Live well. Learn how,” the federal government’s Healthfinder.gov website helps you find information and tools to stay healthy.

Healthfinder.gov has resources on a wide

Housing Communities

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The scenic route

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

★

Health help

MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION

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By Barbara Ruben

range of health topics selected from approximately 1,400 government and non-profit organizations. From a tab for “Health topics from A to Z” to articles about health news updated daily, the site includes comprehensive information about dozens of conditions.

There’s a section for older adults, including a quiz to test your knowledge about staying healthy as you get older. http://healthfinder.gov

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Beacon Links & Apps

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

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Links & Apps From page 5 to see more than highway exit signs and toll plazas.

Enter the city or ZIP code to see what’s nearby, or just search by state for gems such as California’s Big Sur coast and Kansas’ Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway. www.myscenicdrives.com

with suggestions for what to read next.

Users can catalog movies and music as well, and lend and track their books. Twohundred items can be entered into LibraryThing free of charge. For unlimited entries, the cost is $10 a year or $25 for a lifetime membership. www.librarything.com

Apps

For bibliophiles Want to keep track of the books you’ve read or the ones on your overstuffed book shelves? LibraryThing is an online service to help people catalog their books easily.

You can access your catalog from anywhere, and LibraryThing also connects people who have the same books and comes up

Facebook photos in words Facebook is training its computers to become seeing-eye guides for blind and visually impaired people as they scroll through the pictures posted on the world’s

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

largest online social network.

The new feature on Facebook’s iPhone and iPad apps interprets what’s in a picture using a form of artificial intelligence that recognizes faces and objects. VoiceOver, a screen reader built into the software powering the iPhone and iPad, must be turned on for Facebook’s photo descriptions to be read aloud.

Until now, people relying on screen readers on Facebook would only hear that a person had shared a photo without any elaboration.

The photo descriptions initially are confined to a vocabulary of 100 words. For instance, the automated voice may only tell a user that a photo features three people smiling outdoors without adding that the trio also has drinks in their hands. Or it may say the photo is of pizza without adding that there’s pepperoni and olives on top of it.

The vocabulary of Facebook’s photorecognition program includes “car,” “sky,” “dessert,” “baby,” “shoes,” and, of course, “selfie.”

Facebook also plans to turn on the technology for its Android app and make it available through Web browsers visiting its site.

Get the lowest price Pricerazzi helps consumers search for better prices on purchases they have al-

ready made. That’s useful because many stores offer to match competitor prices if their customers find a cheaper price.

With Pricerazzi, users scan their receipts into an app. The software then searches to see if there are better prices and sends the user all the forms and directions on how to get a better deal. Pricerazzi takes a 15 percent cut of the price savings.

Pricerazzi, free to download for Ios and Android.

Where history was made As you travel, History Here, produced by the History Channel, will alert you about nearby places where interesting events happened.

It can be serious, such as the Rodney King trial in Simi Valley, Calif., which led to rioting in Los Angeles after the acquittal of four white police officers charged with beating a black motorist. For something lighter, how about the New York apartment where baseball legend Mickey Mantle lived?

The free app sends location-based notifications to iPhones and Apple Watch.

There’s an app for Android, but you must open it to see what’s nearby.

— Additional information from the Associated Press

Apply for Discounts on Your Utility Bills Discounts are Subject to Income Eligibility Requirements

- Apply for Discounted Rates on Telephone

Lifeline Program (Economy II)

Electric

Residential Aid Discount (RAD) Program

Annual discount on one land line service per household.

Natural Gas

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Potential savings up to $276 during the winter heating season.

Potential savings are between $300-$475 annually.

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Potential discount could be over $400 annually.

For more info call 311 or visit doee.dc.gov/udp To apply for the telephone Lifeline Service (Economy II), call 800-253-0846.

These programs are for DC residents only.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

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

MASTER MICROSOFT EDGE® BROWSER

Prerequisite: Computer experience & Windows 10 PC Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 10 # 526 Mon Aug 1 – Aug 8 9:30am-11:30am Edge is the new web browser provided with Windows 10. It contains a number of useful features that make your browsing easier. This course shows you how to setup the browser to best meet your needs and how to take advantage of the new features.

MOVING UP TO WINDOWS® 10

Prerequisite: Computer experience & Windows 10 PC 6 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $85 # 531 Tue Jul 5 – Aug 9 9:30am-11:30am You have upgraded your PC to the new Windows 10.

Now you want to know how to take advantage of the several new features it introduces. This course explains what’s new and what’s familiar in Windows 10 and shows you how to use it to improve your computing experience.

TOTAL PHOTO WITH PICASA

Prerequisite: Experience taking digital photos and using a computer 4 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $65 # 532 Fri Jul 8 – Jul 29 9:30am-11:30am You need something that can do it all for your digital photos – organize, edit, and share – without investing a lot of money or buying features you don’t need. The free Picasa program from Google can do the job for you. This course shows you how to use Picasa’s tools to import, organize in albums, edit and then share your photos. Also, the future of Picasa is discussed.

ORGANIZE YOUR FILES WITH WINDOWS® 10

Prerequisite: Computer experience & Windows 10 PC Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 10 # 533 Mon Jul 11 – Jul 25 9:30am-11:30am Do you need to bring a little organization to your computer-based life? This course shows you the features of the new Windows 10 File Explorer application and how to use them to bring organization to your collection of documents and photos. File Explorer has a new “look” plus serval built-in features to assist you in crating and viewing folders, as well as moving, copying and renaming files.

WINDOWS® 10 & YOUR SMARTPHONE

Prerequisite: Computer experience & Windows 10 PC 1 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $20 # 534 Fri Aug 5 9:30am-11:30am You have a Windows 10 PC and a smartphone using

the google Android of apple iOS operating system.

Would you like to see your Windows 10 email, calendar and contacts on your smartphone? This class shows you how using the Phone Companion Universal app that comes with your Windows 10. Please bring a fully charged smartphone to class

ONEDRIVE® & THE CLOUD

Prerequisite: Computer experience & Windows 10 PC 1 session Limit: 10 Fee: $20 # 535 Fri Aug 12 9:30am-11:30am The Cloud is a new place to store files and do computing. Windows 10 provides you with free storage space on the OneDrive service. This course shows you what you can do with OneDrive and how you can use the Cloud to do computing.

ASSISTED PRACTICE

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. You must be registered for at least one class to participate.

No Fee Wed Jul 6 – Aug 10 9:30am-1:30pm

JCA Bronfman Center 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 240-395-0916

FILE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer skills Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 538 Tues Jul 19 1:30pm- 3:30pm Learn how to manage your files – documents you’ve created, copied, downloaded, pictures and more.

IPHONE®

APPS

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 544 Wed Jul 13 10:00am-12:00pm Learn to use and organize apps. Explore apps to create reminders, read or listen to books, find directions, track health and fitness activities, share photos and more! Share YOUR favorite app!

IPHONE®,

PHOTOGRAPHY

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 545 Wed Jul 27 10:00am-12:00pm Learn how to use the iPhone’s capabilities to take great pictures, organize photos, and share photos with friends and family.

BROWSING AND SEARCHING THE WEB **NEW**NEW**

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $ 20 1 session Limit: 8 # 548 Wed Jul 20 10:00am-12:00pm Using Internet Explorer®, Google Chrome®, and Google® search to teach how to more effectively use

7

the World Wide Web. We will teach the basics but go beyond including setting up favorites and bookmarks, creating a bookmark bar, opening multiple tabs, and adding extensions to the browser. Learn many techniques to more precisely find the information you want.

DO MORE WITH EMAIL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 3 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $50 # 549 Tues Jul 12 – Jul 26 10:00am-12:00pm Learn to take full advantage of your web-based email service. This course covers all aspects of email, including attachments and contact management. You use your own mail provider for most lessons. You need your email User ID and password for class.

MEET THE TECHNOLOGY GURUS! BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS!

Fee: $30 per individual session Limit: 8 # 554 Date and time to be determined by Tech Guru Have a one-to-one lesson with our Tech Gurus. Experts are available to help individuals with hardware or software issues. Topics: Windows® 10, buying a new computer, securing your computer, backing up the cloud, laptop/desktop Issues, photos/videos, PowerPoint® and more. Your session will last 2 hours. After you register, you will be contacted to select a date and time for your session and to discuss the questions or issues you will be working on with one of our Tech Gurus.

MEET THE MAC TECHNOLOGY GURUS!

 NEW  NEW  NEW 

BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS!

Fee: $30 per individual session Limit: 8 # 555 Date and time to be determined by Tech Guru Have a 1:1 lesson with our Mac Tech Gurus. Experts are available to help individuals with hardware or software issues. Topics: iPhone®, iPad®, Apple® Laptops/computers. Your session will last 2 hours. After you register, you will be contacted to select a date and time for your session and to discuss the questions or issues you will be working on with one of our Tech Gurus.

TECH TALK

Presentations and Discussions on hot topics in technology

CUTTING THE CABLE – TV WITHOUT THE PRICE OF CABLE

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 25 # 559 Wed July 13 1:30pm-3:30pm With the availability of high-speed broadband internet, it is possible to enjoy television without the high price of cable TV. Learn about programs that are available online and how to watch on a standard HDTV set.

continued next page

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Technology & Innovations

HEALTH INFORMATION ON WEBSITES

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 25 # 560 Tues July 12 10:00am-12:00pm Health information can be confusing, so many of us turn to the Internet for guidance. This class will present several Internet sources for reliable healthrelated information, government and non-government sites. You will learn how to navigate through them, learn how to evaluate websites, plus also gain some basic knowledge that can be used generally to evaluate Websites for the quality, reliability and credibility of their content. NOTE: This class presents general health websites, NOT medical information.

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COMPUTER BASICS: INTRODUCTION TO THE PERSONAL COMPUTER USING WINDOWS© 10

Prerequisite: Bring a flash drive to class 6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 # 562 Tues Jul 5 — Aug 9 10:30am-12:30pm This course is intended for people seeking to refresh or expand their computer skills. It covers the start menu and taskbar, files and folders, the World Wide Web, and use of applications such as the word processor.

EXCEL – BEYOND BASICS

Prerequisite: Excel Basics or equivalent Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 8 # 564 Thurs Jul 7 — Jul 21 10:30am-12:30pm Develop and format pie charts and columns charts.

Use Excel as a database. Explore other subjects of interest.

THE CLOUD – WHAT IS IT? SHOULD YOU CARE? WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computing, keyboarding and mouse skills Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 566 Thurs Jul 21 1:00pm–3:00pm Students will learn what functions can be performed in the cloud and about cloud storage – who the providers are, what’s free and what isn’t. Students will also explore Microsoft’s OneDrive in some depth, setting up an account and briefly looking at a cloud computing application.

FACEBOOK IS EASY WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Bring a picture of yourself and a picture you’d like to share in digital form (jpeg).

1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20

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

JCA SENIORTECH # 567 Thurs Jul 28 10:30am-12:30pm Find out how set up a Facebook account and keep it as private or public as you want. Share pictures, thoughts, or quotations with chosen friends.

GRAPHICS EXPLORERS

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Photoshop® Elements software Elements 10 or 11 software Fee: $40 ongoing sessions Limit: 4 # 570 Mon Jul 11 – Aug 29 10:30am-12:30pm Graphics Explorers is a series of meetings with no fixed agenda or syllabus. There is no instructor. Students use Photoshop Elements 10 or 11 to enhance photographs, using several workbooks. Students provide their own copies of Photoshop Elements and workbooks.

ORGANIZING, EDITING AND SHARING PHOTOS WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer and mouse skills 3 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $50 # 575 Wed Aug 3 – Aug 17 10:30am-12:30pm In this three-day workshop students will learn how to import their digital photos from cameras, phones, and tablets into their computers. They will also learn how to use Photos, a free photo-editing program that comes with Windows 10, to edit their photos—crop, brighten, darken, sharpen, and more. Finally, they will learn how to share the photos on the Web with chosen individuals without sharing them with the world.

TAMING WORD WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge and mouse skills Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 8 # 578 Wed Jul 6 – Jul 13 10:30am-12:30pm Learn how to make Microsoft Word your personal tool for word processing.

USING YOUR APPLE IPHONE® WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 581 Mon Aug 22 1:00pm-3:00pm Learn how to use your iPhone to surf the Internet, take and share photos, play games, read books – and much more.

USING SKYPE® TO MAKE VIDEO OR AUDIO CALLS WORKSHOP

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 583 Thurs Jul 14 1:00pm-3:00pm Learn how to use the free Skype application to communicate with relatives and friends.

WINDOWS® 10 HOW TO USE IT WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 588 Thurs Aug 11 10:30am-12:30pm Students will learn how to use Windows 10, the latest Microsoft operating system, including comparisons with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1; how to customize Edge, the new Internet provider replacing Internet Explorer; and file management.

ASSISTED PRACTICE

No Fee Limit: 5 FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. You

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — W A S H I N G T O N B E A C O8 N

must be registered for at least one class to participate. When no classes are being offered, volunteers are available to help registered students practice what they learn in classes and workshops. Speak with your instructor for details.

REFUND POLICY:

Students who wish to withdrawl and receive a full refund must notify JCA at least 48 hours before the first class begins.

A 50% refund is given after the first class.

ATTENTION:

Instruction, course materials and all computer language settings are in

English.

Courses are taught with Windows computers.

VOLUNTEER TO TEACH OR COACH

We are looking for volunteers who are computer savvy, willing to share their knowledge, and would like to help people age 50+ learn new computer skills.

For more information, call 240-395-0916.

Email: seniortech@accessjca.org Website: www.accessjca.org

✃

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

SENIORTECH REGISTRATION FORM

COMPUTER TRAINING

WAYS TO REGISTER:

BY MAIL:

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

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

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

Student ID (Office use only)_______________

I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR: Class #

Class Title

Location

Start Date

Start Time

Fee

#

$

#

$

#

$

#

$

#

$

#

$

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

-

TOTAL $ _________

PAYMENT METHOD:

WB7/16

❒ Master Card ❒ VISA ❒ American Express ❒ Check (Make Checks payable to JCA SeniorTech.)

Name as it appears on card: ____________________________________________________________

-

-

Card Number

-

____________ ____________ ____________ _____________

Exp. Date

______ /______

Sec. Code

__________

OFFICE USE ONLY Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

NOTICE: WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ITS RESOURCES, JCA SERVES PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. INDEED, WE TRY TO BE AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE IN ALL THAT WE DO. SOMETIMES, HOWEVER, JCA MAY DENY A PERSON OR GROUP THE OPTION TO ENROLL OR TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL OR PARTICULAR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DO SO, AT OUR SOLE DISCRETION, SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT OUR ACTION IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR PROGRAM OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON NOT PRECLUDED BY APPLICABLE LAW. Each contribution or remittance of payment by check is considered authorization to convert that particular check into an electronic fund transfer. If your check is unable to be converted, it may be processed as a Check Replacement Document drawn against your account. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day you make your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. You have the right to opt out of Electronic Conversion. If you choose to exercise this right, write the words ‘Opt Out’ in the memo field of your check and JCA will process it as a draft against your account.

9

SeniorTech

DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES The Microsoft operating systems vary by site and include Windows® 7 and Windows® 10.

Classes are designed to help adults, 50+, refresh or advance their computer skills and learn to use social media.

Courses are taught by volunteer instructors and coaches.

Courses are almost always “hands on” in which students practice skills and techniques on a computer during class.

SCHOOL IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS ANYMORE! Watch for our SeptemberDecember offerings in the August issue of the Beacon.

10

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Health Fitness &

LESS STRESS Coping with stress gets more difficult as we age. Some tips for staying calm ALZHEIMER’S HALLMARKS Brain scans are for the first time finding markers of cognitive decline NITRATE FACTS Fear of nitrates in processed meats may be overblown. Veggies have more PREVENTING DIABETES Keep prediabetes from progressing by changing your diet and exercising

Ways to protect against mosquito bites If you’re trying to avoid mosquito bites, there are four simple ways to do it: Cover up, use insect repellent, stay indoors, and eliminate places where the bug can breed.

A mosquito’s first choice for biting is bare, unprotected skin. So be sure to wear

a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants when you go outside.

You can go one step further and treat your clothing with permethrin, a synthetic insect repellent, or purchase clothes already treated with the chemical. Permethrin spray

is available from many retailers that cater to camping or outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Clothing treated with permethrin remains protective after a number of launderings, but be sure to check the product information to learn how long the protection will last.

If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully. Do not apply permethrin products directly to your skin; the product is made to treat clothing.

Choosing and using insect repellent When used as directed, insect repellent is the best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Even children and pregnant women should protect themselves with insect repellent, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) said.

When you’re choosing insect repellent to apply to your skin, look for the active ingredients DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). DEET and picaridin provide the best protection against biting mosquitoes, but DEET is the most common ingredient found in repellents.

Dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang recommends DEET. “Higher concentrations of DEET give you longer-lasting protection if you’re staying out several hours,” she said.

Products with DEET typically offer different formulas that contain 5 percent to 100 percent of the chemical, giving you about 90 minutes to 10 hours of protection. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Mosquitoes are most active from dusk till dawn, so Piliang stresses that it’s most important to apply repellent every time you go out during those hours.

In many parts of the country, mosquitoes also bite during the day, so apply it whenever you go outdoors for an extended period. If you sweat or get wet, you may need to re-apply.

Apply insect repellent only to exposed skin, and concentrate on your ankles, feet, neck, ears, arms and legs, Piliang said. Do not spray repellent on the skin that’s covered by clothing.

Heavy application isn’t necessary. And don’t spray or pump repellent directly onto your face — spray your hands, then spread the repellent carefully on your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth.

If you also are using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen before applying insect repellent. Wash off the insect repellent once you’re inside for the day, Piliang added.

Easy way to avoid mosquitoes: Stay inside with the air conditioning on, or in a place with window and door insect screens See MOSQUITOES, page 11

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Mosquitoes From page 10 that can keep mosquitoes outside.

If you’re staying in a place without screens or air conditioning, or if you’re sleeping outdoors, sleep under a mosquito bed net. Mosquito bed nets are a good idea for travelers, the CDC said.

Keep mosquitoes away Want to hinder mosquitoes from breeding in your backyard? Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so drain any standing water on your property, the CDC advises.

Also, any kind of container can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty bird baths, garbage cans, buckets, flowerpots, play equipment and anything else that collects water.

Mosquitoes like garbage cans, too.

Spray your garbage cans regularly with insecticide and keep the lids on.

A Wellness Update is a magazine devoted to up-to-the minute information on health issues from physicians, major hospitals and clinics, universities and healthcare agencies across the U.S. Online at www.awellnessupdate.com. © 2016 www.awellnessupdate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

July 12

CAREGIVER TELEPHONE SUPPORT

Make your energy bill predictable.

Fairfax County’s free Family Caregiver Telephone Support Group meets by phone on Tuesday, July 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. This month’s topic is “I’m Sandwiched In! Balancing Competing Needs of the Family.” For more information or to register, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Caregiver Support/Telephone Caregiver Support Group or call (703) 324-5484, TTY 711.

Ongoing

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

The Alzheimer’s Associations offers a caregiver support group at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, located at 9801 Centerway Rd., Montgomery Village, Md. The group meets the first Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information or to pre-register, call (240) 428-1342.

Ongoing

HOSPICE VOLUNTEER CALLERS

Hospice of the Chesapeake is looking for Tuck-In Team volunteers to make “tuck in” phone calls to each patient and their family members for two to three hours Thursday mornings to ensure they have everything they need, including medication refills and supplies to last through the weekend. Team members can make calls from the Prince George’s County Office, located at 9500 Arena Drive in Largo, Md. Volunteers are asked to participate in at least one session per month. To apply, contact Allison Kuchar at (443) 8371513 or akuchar@hospicechesapeake.org.

START HERE h Our Budget Billing program helps you plan for energy costs, with the same predictable payment every month.

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We’ve made major system upgrades to support the District’s plans for the future – and we can help you plan for your own energy needs with a variety of programs that make it easier to manage costs.

Visit pepco.com/everyonesaves to learn more.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to manage stress as you get older We all experience a little stress from time to time. It’s not so hard to handle when we’re young. But as we age, coping with stress isn’t as easy anymore.

“We tend to have less resilience to stress [as we age], and older adults often find that stress affects them differently now,” said Dr. Michelle Dossett, an internal and integrative medicine specialist at the BensonHenry Institute for Mind Body Medicine.

What’s different about coping with stress when we’re older? “Our cells are aging. Heart fitness and lung capacity decline, especially if you’re sedentary,” said Dossett. That keeps us from adequately accommodating the body’s natural stress response.

If you have a chronic disease, which is

already a burden on the body, it’s even harder to bounce back physically from the toll the stress response takes.

You may also feel a difference mentally.

“Normally when we’re stressed, our brains get flooded with stress hormones, the midbrain takes over, and the front of the brain — which controls concentration, attention and decision-making — works less well,” Dossett said. “Stress hormones in the brain can also contribute to short-term memory problems that are unrelated to dementia or age-related memory loss.

Good sleep is important “Restorative sleep helps to flush stress hormones from the brain. However, many older adults have sleep problems. Stress

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may make it more difficult to fall back asleep, and the inability to clear these stress hormones from the brain during sleep means that the cognitive effects of stress can worsen over time,” Dossett added.

When you were younger, your stressors may have been a busy day at the office or a crying child.

“Stressors that tend to affect seniors are the loss of a loved one; too much unstructured time on your hands; a change in relationships with children; or a loss of physical abilities, such as vision, hearing, balance or mobility,” said Dossett.

Symptoms of stress may include tension headaches, indigestion, heart palpitations, poor concentration, sleep difficulties, anxiety, irritability, crying or overeating. If any of these symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, Dossett suggests that you seek help.

Stress management

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If you’re feeling stressed, Dossett recommends talking about your concerns with loved ones, and getting a physical check-up. “Stress may be having a physical impact on you that you’re unaware of,” said Dossett.

Treatment may include addressing an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise are also important, as is nurturing yourself by pursuing activities that bring you joy, and making time to socialize.

A big part of stress management focuses on triggering the opposite of the stress response: that is, the relaxation response, which helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen consumption, and stress hormones. Techniques to elicit the response include yoga, tai chi, meditation, guid-

ed imagery, and deep breathing exercises.

“One breathing exercise is to inhale slowly, mentally counting 1-2-3-4, and then exhale slowly, silently counting 4-3-2-1,” said Dossett.

Another treatment for stress is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you identify negative thinking and replace it with healthy or positive thoughts.

“These are great skills, but they often don’t work right away. So you may need medications, such as antidepressants, as a bridge,” said Dossett.

Limit stress if possible When the brain senses danger or a need to fight, it sounds the alarm for action: it tells the muscles to tighten and signals the adrenal glands to release stress hormones — such as adrenaline and cortisol. Those hormones make you breathe faster, getting more oxygen to your muscles, and they trigger the release of sugar and fat into the blood, giving your cells more energy. To accommodate these needs, your heart beats faster and your blood pressure goes up.

These physical changes are all part of the stress response, which is helpful if you need to jump out of the way of danger.

Once the brain senses safety, body function returns to normal.

This routine isn’t harmful if it occurs once in a while. But if you put your body through those paces frequently, or even constantly, you may suffer a cascade of dangerous and sometimes lasting effects such as high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, insomnia, heartburn, indigestion, and an increased risk for heart disease. © 2016. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

13

Scans find marker of Alzheimer’s decline

By Lauran Neergaard Scientists are peeking inside living brains to watch for the first time as a toxic duo of plaques and tangles interact to drive Alzheimer’s disease — and those tangles may predict early symptoms, a finding with implications for better treatments.

It’s not clear exactly what causes Alzheimer’s. Its best-known hallmark is the sticky amyloid that builds into plaques coating patients’ brains, but people can harbor a lot of that gunk before losing memories.

Now new PET scans show that those plaques’ co-conspirator — the tangle-causing protein tau — is a better marker of patients’ cognitive decline and the beginning of symptoms than amyloid alone. That’s especially true when tau spreads to a particular brain region important for memory, researchers reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

“It’s a location, location, location kind of business,” said Dr. Beau Ances of Washington University in St. Louis, who led the work. The plaque “starts setting up the situation, and tau is almost the executioner.”

amyloid and tau buildup, something researchers hope one day could help healthy but at-risk people stave off the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

“This is exactly the type of information we’re going to need” for better treatments, said Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer Maria Carrillo, who wasn’t involved in the new study. “It’s cool to see the utility of this new imaging technology actually being deployed and used.”

About 5 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, a number expected to more than double by 2050 as the population ages. Today’s medications only temporarily ease symptoms, and finding new ones is complicated by the fact that Alzheimer’s quietly ravages the brain a decade or two before symptoms appear.

Doctors have long known that many older adults harbor amyloid plaques that increase their risk of developing Alzheimer’s but don’t guarantee they’ll get it. The latest theory: Amyloid sparks a smoldering risk while tau pushes patients over the edge.

PET scans reveal tau May aid drug development The new study is very small, and more research is required to confirm the findings. But it highlights the importance of developing drugs that could target both

Only recently have scientists developed a way to perform PET scans to see tau deposits like they can see amyloid buildup, so that they can test that theory. Currently, the expensive scans are used only for re-

search — doctors don’t know enough yet to use them for routine patient care.

Ances’ team analyzed both amyloid and tau PET scans from 10 patients with mild Alzheimer’s and 36 apparently healthy older adults. They compared patterns of amyloid and tau deposits with a battery of standard memory tests.

Sure enough, the Alzheimer’s patients had a lot of amyloid in their brains, as did some healthy people who scored fine on the memory testing. Some cognitively normal people also had bits of tau deposits.

But tau tangles that clustered in the temporal lobe, a region linked to memory, most closely matched cognitive impairment on those memory tests, the re-

searchers reported.

The findings suggest that while amyloid is an early sign of Alzheimer’s risk, and people can tolerate some tau tangles, the toxic tau spreading to the wrong spot is the “interaction to tip the person over,” Ances said.

He plans to study larger groups of people to better understand that decline into full-blown Alzheimer’s.

A number of drugs that target amyloid build-up have failed in recent years. Many researchers think the treatment wasn’t started early enough, before patients showed symptoms.

A handful of anti-tau drugs also are being developed.

— AP

14

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health Shorts Group walkers are healthier If you’re looking for a way to increase your physical activity, you might want to consider joining a walking group.

In a survey published early this year in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, investigators looked at data from studies involving close to 2,000 participants in group walking activities.

They found that walking in a group effectively increased physical activity for participants. They also found that people who walked in a group were more likely to stick

with the activity over the long term. In addition, group walking lowered blood pressure, body fat, body mass index and total cholesterol.

Any type of walking done regularly is likely to achieve similar results, but group walking appears to lower these factors by a greater degree. Group walking also reduces the odds of depression and enhances physical functioning.

All of these benefits occurred despite the fact that most of the walking groups’ activity levels fell short of moderate activity guidelines.

To find a walking group, you might check with your doctor or local recreational or community center. Many walking groups can be found online.

Try searching for the term “walking group” paired with your city or ZIP code.

New Assisted Living

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Or visit www.walkers.meetup.com. If you don’t have a computer, your local librarian may be able to help.

— Mayo Clinic Health Letter

Making radiation more effective against tumors Researchers at the Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a key immune response that causes radiation treatment (radiotherapy) against skin cancer tumors to fail. In the journal Nature Immunology, they offer a novel solution to promote successful radiotherapy for the millions of cancer patients who are treated with it.

The team found that when radiotherapy damages skin that harbors tumors, special skin immune cells called Langerhans cells, which are normally dormant, are activated. These Langerhans cells can uniquely repair the damage in their own DNA caused by radiotherapy.

Then Langerhans cells travel to nearby lymph nodes to communicate with other immune cells, and help program a population of “regulatory” T cells. These cells then travel back to the damaged tumor, and shield it from attack by the immune system.

Investigators mimicked the effect of immunotherapy drugs that blocked the ability of Langerhans cells to repair their own DNA after radiotherapy, causing them to die, and thus preventing the immune response that protects skin tumors.

“Our study suggests that this combination approach — combining radiotherapy with drugs that rev up a healthy immune response — will help make radiation therapy much more effective,” said the study’s lead author, immunologist Jeremy Price, Ph.D. While this study was conducted using mouse models of melanoma and focused on the skin where these Langerhans cells are located, the researchers believe the same process happens in organs throughout the body.

— WhatDoctorsKnow

Knee MRIs can predict arthritis ahead People who are at higher risk to develop knee osteoarthritis (OA) from being overweight or having injured their knee in the past may have normal X-rays, but worsening lesions or damage appearing on their MRIs predicts a significantly higher risk of See HEALTH SHORTS, page 15

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Health shorts

delay progression of the disease.

— WhatDoctorsKnow

From page 14 soon developing knee osteoarthritis or painful symptoms, reports a new Northwestern Medicine study.

Depending on the type of lesion, their risk of developing knee OA within three years as diagnosed by X-ray is three to 20 times greater.

“These worsening lesions are an early warning sign and an opportunity to intervene before a person develops the debilitating disease,” said lead investigator Dr. Leena Sharma. “If we employ aggressive prevention strategies in persons with these lesions before they develop knee osteoarthritis, we may be able to delay disease development or alter its course.”

Sharma is a professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine rheumatologist.

Prevention strategies include paying attention to weight and carefully reviewing physical activity to avoid potentially damaging activity and injury, said Sharma.

This is the first study to examine and determine the impact of knee lesions in persons at higher risk for knee OA with normal X-rays. Previously, it wasn’t known whether the lesions predicted the new development of OA or future symptoms such as frequent knee pain.

Many scientists had thought these lesions were insignificant and simply the result of aging, though in the last few years, the lesions have sparked more suspicion.

The study was published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Among Americans 55 years and older, 40 percent have frequent knee pain or knee osteoarthritis. In older adults, knee OA is responsible for as much chronic disability as cardiovascular disease. Current treatments may help symptoms, but do not

Bypass boosts survival in heart failure patients Heart failure patients with clogged arteries have a better chance of surviving 10 years if they get bypass surgery plus medicine rather than just drugs alone, according to an international study.

Earlier results from the same research raised questions about the benefits of bypass versus medicine alone, but researchers say the long-term evidence clearly favors the surgery.

The lead author of the study, Duke University cardiologist Dr. Eric Velazquez, said the results “are so definitive and so robust” that they would likely lead to stronger recommendations favoring bypass surgery for these patients.

Nearly 6 million Americans and 23 million people worldwide have heart failure, and many of them also have artery disease similar to those studied. In recent years, bypass surgery has increasingly been recommended for such patients, along with medicines to ease heart failure symptoms.

Concerns were raised when results after nearly five years of research showed about equal number of deaths in bypass patients and in those who got only medicine, despite fewer heart-related deaths in the bypass group. Those findings were published in 2011.

The 10-year results were published online in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at an American College of Cardiology meeting in Chicago.

The study involved 1,200 heart failure patients in 22 countries, including the United States. Most were men around age 60 when the study began. All were taking

heart medicines, and about half were assigned to also get bypass surgery.

More than half the patients in each group lived beyond the study’s first phase.

The 10-year results are a look back at all patients studied.

A total of 359 bypass patients died from

15

any cause, or about 59 percent, compared with 398 medicine-only patients who died, or 66 percent.

Deaths from heart disease-related causes totaled 247 in the bypass group, or 41 percent, versus 297 medicine-only patients, or 49 percent.

— AP

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Pay Medicare premiums tax-free with HSA

By Kimberly Lankford Q: We have a sizable health savings account in my wife’s name. She will turn 65 and go on Medicare in August. I am

71, and my monthly Medicare Part B premium is deducted from my Social Security payment.

Can we use money from her HSA to

BEACON BITS

July 9+

SUPERFOOD SEMINAR

Green Spring Gardens presents a three-day seminar on Superfoods on Saturdays, July 9 and 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and Saturday, July 23 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. “Superfoods: Ancient Grains & Seeds” features culinary expert Nora Burgan, who will explain ways to incorporate a variety of healthful superfoods into your family’s diet. Each session includes a demonstration, creative recipes, and three to four samplings. The cost is $90 per person.

Green Spring is located at 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, Va. For more information or to register, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring or call (703) 642-5173.

pay our Part B premiums, even though they’re automatically deducted from my Social Security benefits? Can we also pay our Part D prescriptiondrug premiums from the HSA? A: After your wife turns 65, you can use money from her HSA to pay Medicare premiums for both of you. And even though your premiums are deducted from your Social Security benefits, you can withdraw money from the HSA tax-free to reimburse yourselves for the Part B premiums.

You can also use the HSA money to pay Part D premiums for both of you, as well as premiums for Medicare Advantage plans (but not Medigap).

Keep in mind that your wife will no longer be able to make new contributions to her HSA after she signs up for Medicare. For more information, see IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts at www.irs.gov/publications/p969. © 2016, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

July 19

GRIEF DISCUSSION GROUP

Montgomery Hospice presents a free drop-in discussion about grief and healing for Montgomery County residents mourning the death of a loved one on Tuesday, July 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The meeting will take place at Montgomery Hospice, located at 1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville, Md. Registration is required. For more information, call (301) 921-4400.

Ongoing

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Holy Cross Hospital offers a support group for adult children caregivers on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join other caregivers facing similar challenges and share ideas. All groups meet in Room 12 of the Holy Cross Resource Center, located at 9805 Dameron Dr. in Silver Spring, Md. For more information, contact Kathleen Weber at (301) 754-7152.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

17

Putting added nitrates into perspective

By Densie Webb, R.D. Nitrates in processed meats such as bacon, ham, deli meats, sausages and beef jerky have been scrutinized and vilified since the 1970s.

Nitrates (in the form of sodium nitrate) are added to most processed meats to “cure” or preserve them, giving them their characteristic color and taste, while preventing contamination, particularly with the sometimes deadly Botulinum and Listeria bacteria.

Yet the Environmental Working Group includes nitrates on its “Dirty Dozen” list of dangerous food additives. And the World Health Organization reports that consumption of processed meats, a source of nitrates, is strongly linked to cancer.

Thus, the concern over nitrates has led to more meats labeled “no nitrates added.”

Should you go nitrate-free?

Nitrate facts Before reaching for that “no nitrate” product, here are a few things you should know first: • You can’t completely avoid nitrates, since 80 percent of the nitrates in our diet come from vegetables — such as celery, greens, beets, parsley, leeks, cabbage, fennel and drinking water. Only about 6 percent come from cured meats.

• Vegetarian diets, which have been shown to be healthy, contain about four times more nitrates than a conventional diet.

• Nitrates themselves are not the prob-

lem; there is cause for concern only when they are converted by the body to nitrosamines. Nitrosamines have been identified as cancer-causing compounds.

• Meats, such as organic lunch meats, labeled “no nitrates added” are not actually nitrate-free. Instead of adding sodium nitrate, celery powder (naturally rich in nitrates) is typically used. However, even naturally occurring nitrates can be converted in the body to nitrosamines.

• Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables, help reduce the conversion of nitrates to nitrosamines.

Some processed meats have vitamin C added (labeled “ascorbic acid”).

• While some previous studies have linked nitrates to certain forms of cancer, several recent studies, including one published in January 2016 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, have found that dietary nitrates may be beneficial by helping to lower blood pressure and prevent damage to arteries.

The bottom line Without nitrates, bacon and ham would be an unappetizing gray color and lack that unique “cured” flavor. Choosing processed meat labeled “no added nitrates” doesn’t mean you’re avoiding nitrates; it simply means nitrate-rich celery powder has been substituted for sodium nitrate.

Keep in mind that most processed meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, which everyone should limit, whether or not you choose no-nitrates-added meat.

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Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Book helps people walk without pain

By Barbara Ruben From the severe leg and foot pain caused by diabetes, to hugely swollen legs due to lymphedema, some older adults are so stricken by pain that walking is not only challenging, it can sometimes be impossible.

Others who have trouble walking have been told it’s due to myriad issues — from arthritis of the hip, to leg cramps, to spinal stenosis.

A new book by Baltimore podiatrist Dr. Stuart Goldman, Walking Well Again, offers a guide for both patients and clinicians to achieve pain-free walking, standing, sleeping and sitting.

Goldman includes information on causes of difficulty walking, exercises to help improve gait, and tools to help make walk-

ing easier — from braces to walkers.

While the book is intended for both patients and physicians, it is written in accessible language. More advanced sections throughout the book are labeled “for the clinician and the medically curious.”

Goldman is a fellow with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a diplomate with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Most likely culprits Although foot and leg pain can stem from such diverse problems as anemia, inner ear disorder, deep vein thrombosis, bunions and sciatica, Goldman asserts that a pair of primary culprits may be to blame in many cases.

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Goldman says that many times difficulty walking and standing are due to the conditions called spinal stenosis and pseudostenosis. “Our two villains are like a wily pair of nearly identical twins,” he writes, as symptoms are often almost exactly the same.

The word “stenosis” itself means narrowing, and here refers to a narrowing of the structures of the spine. Goldman writes that this can lead to pressure on nerves in your lower back, causing symptoms in your buttocks, thighs, legs or feet, and sometimes in more than one area.

Goldman recommends physical therapy, medications and epidural injections to treat the pain, using surgery as a last resort.

Goldman writes that pseudo-stenosis is very similar to stenosis. It may be caused by one leg being slightly shorter than the other, flat feet, and altered walking patterns caused by arthritis or stroke.

You can test yourself Much of the book focuses on understanding the symptoms and ferreting out the causes of the pain. Goldman offers several tests to help, including ones that use a

grocery cart or walker to measure how difficult it is for you to walk, determine when pain occurs, and how long walking can be maintained.

“Dramatic improvement of…symptoms when using a walker or a grocer y car t strongly suggests that a large part of the problem is af fected by spinal position,” Goldman writes.

Thus, Goldman includes tips on positioning the spine (such as going down stairs backward), and tools (like orthotic shoe inser ts). He says these management techniques can provide relief from symptoms in as little as one to three days.

Not all patients will be helped, he acknowledges, but he says that about 70 percent of his patients find improvement quickly.

“You may be able to treat yourself with the techniques I provide on these pages, or you may require follow-up with a good podiatrist or physician,” he writes.

Walking Well Again (a large format 336page paperback book) is available in print from Amazon.com for $39.95, or in Kindle format for $9.95. More information is available on Goldman’s website at http://walkingwellagain.com.

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19

Cucumbers have many healing properties In the winter you can’t get me to buy cu- water and ice. Let it marinate for an hour, and cumbers, but come summer, there’s always then drink all day. Among the many health benefits, you may see a mild dione or two in my fridge. They uretic effect, which could help have a lot of health benefits. with blood pressure and weight Cucumbers ar e known loss. botanically as Cucumis sativus, 5. Eat them. The profound and they’re actually a fruit, not medicinal benefits of cucuma vegetable. They’re in the bers may not be apparent to same family as melons, zucchiyou. I bet you walk right past ni and pumpkin. them in the produce section all Cucumbers have many acthe time. They can block COX2 tive constituents — among enzymes (similar to Celebrex, a them, an anti-inflammatory popular medication) dampening flavonol called “fisetin” which DEAR PHARMACIST down pain-causing cytokines. supports brain health. CuBy Suzy Cohen While cukes are not as cumbers offer compounds strong as drugs, I’d still chop that are antioxidants, so they some into your salad along with fresh tomahelp prevent systemic rusting. toes and basil leaves. Finish with cilantroHere are some fresh ideas: 1. Soothe itchy eyes. Cut two slices lime vinaigrette. This salad adds fiber, off and lay them on your closed eyes. This which in turn helps you manage weight.

6. Treat acne with them. Cucumbers feels especially comfy if you have red, have the ability to remove dirt, dead skin itchy eyes from whatever’s blooming.

You can also cut slices and put in a jar of cells, bacteria, and left over make-up water and infuse the water for an hour in residue. It naturally calms and cools a red the refrigerator. Then make a compress or inflamed area.

Put a quarter of an unpeeled cucumber out of the cucumber water. Squeeze it and in your food grinder along with a tablelay that on your eyes.

2. Juice them. Cucumbers contain lar- spoon of witch hazel, two drops of tea tree iciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolari- oil and five drops of lavender. Grind to a ciresinol — three important compounds smooth consistency and apply as a ‘mask’ when it comes to reducing risk of repro- or dab on an area.

7. Make a toner for your face. Slice ductive cancers (ovarian, breast, uterine, prostate). Secoisolariciresinol is also cucumbers into two cups of pure distilled water. After awhile, strain out the cucumfound in flax.

3. Heal burns. Cut the slices length- bers so you are left with cucumber water, wise and apply to areas of sunburn, or use add one tablespoon of organic aloe vera leaf juice, 10 drops essential oil of lavender my compress idea from above.

4. Drink them. Cut cucumbers into 1/2” and five drops of jasmine. For oily skin, slices along with 1/4” slices of lemon and put also add five drops of helichrysum. If you into a glass decanter or carafe with some have dry skin, use rose oil instead.

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 and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

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BEACON BITS

July 20

FAIRFAX AGING MEETING

The Fairfax Commission on Aging meets on Wednesday, July 20 at noon at the Centreville Regional Library, located at 14200 St. Germain Dr., Centreville, Va. The public is welcome to attend and join in the comment period that begins each session. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/coa.htm or call (703) 324-5403, TTY 711.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Statins benefit even lower-risk patients

By Lindsey Tanner The first major research of its kind shows that cholesterol-lowering statins can prevent heart attacks and strokes in a

globally diverse group of older people who don’t have heart disease.

The results bolster recommendations in recent guidelines on who should consider

taking the drugs.

The aim was to prevent heart problems using a statin alone, blood pressure drugs, or a combination of the two. The three approaches are commonly used in high-risk patients or those with evidence of heart disease.

The patients in the study did not have heart disease and faced lower risks of developing it, and the statin approach worked best.

World-wide study

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The research involved nearly 13,000 men and women from 21 countries on six continents. Most previous studies on heart disease prevention have been in white, North American patients with higher risks because of high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels or other conditions.

But with heart disease a leading global killer, causing 18 million deaths each year, there is a trend toward recommending preventive drug treatment to more borderline patients.

The benefits of this strategy were “seen in people from every part of the world,” said study co-author Dr. Salim Yusuf, a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. “This is globally applicable.”

The research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at an American College of Cardiology meeting in Chicago.

Study sites included Canada, Europe, China, South America and South Africa.

About 20 percent of patients were white.

Patients were at moderate risk because of age — men were 55 and older and women were at least age 60 — and because they had another heart disease risk factor, including obesity, family history or smoking. On average, their cholesterol levels were nearly normal, and blood pressure was slightly lower than the cutoff for high blood pressure, which is 140 over 90.

They were randomly assigned to receive one of the treatments in low doses or dummy pills for almost six years. The drug treatments all reduced cholesterol and blood pressure levels but other results varied.

Large risk reduction Statin-only patients were about 25 percent less likely to have fatal or nonfatal heart-related problems than those given dummy pills. Those in the combined drug group fared slightly better, and the researchers credit the statin for the benefit.

Blood pressure drugs alone worked no better than dummy pills at preventing these events, except in the fraction of patients who had high blood pressure. The drug doses used may have been too low to provide much benefit to low-risk patients, although longer follow-up may be needed, according to a journal editorial published with the research.

Heart problems and deaths were relatively rare in the three study groups. In the combined drug group, less than 4 percent of patients had those outcomes, versus 5 percent of those on dummy pills. Nearly similar results were seen in the statin-only group. Those outcomes occurred in about 4 percent of patients on only blood pressure drugs and in those on dummy pills.

Patients on statins had slightly more muscle pain or weakness — known statin side effects — than those on dummy pills.

Statin patients also had slightly more cataract surgeries, but the researchers said it isn’t known if the drug played a role.

Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiology chief at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, said the results add important evidence favoring drug treatment for lower-risk patients, but emphasized that lifestyle approaches including diet and activity should be included. He wasn’t involved in the research.

The study used 10 milligrams daily of rosuvastatin, sold as a generic or under the brand name Crestor. The editorial authors said other statins would likely have similar results.

Crestor’s maker, AstraZeneca, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research paid for the study. Yusuf reported receiving grants from both, and several co-researchers reported grants and personal fees from the company and other drugmakers.

The blood pressure drugs were candesartan, sold as a generic and by AstraZeneca as Atacand; and hydrochlorothiazide, a generic diuretic.

— AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

21

Prevent prediabetes from progressing

By Dr. Howard LeWine Q: I recently had a blood sugar test.

The level was slightly higher than normal. Does this mean I have diabetes?

A: No, it more likely means you have prediabetes. That’s a condition in which the blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes can go on for years — and can even progress to full-blown diabetes — without causing a single symptom.

The most common way to test blood sugar levels is a fasting blood sugar test. It requires a single blood sample that’s collected after you’ve fasted for at least eight hours.

Normal blood sugar is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) after an eight-hour fast. You have diabetes if your blood sugar is 126 mg/dL or higher after a fast. People with a blood sugar reading above 100 but below 126 have prediabetes.

A different blood sugar test called hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) can be done without fasting. It reflects your average blood sugar over the prior two to three months.

A normal HbA1c is 5.6 percent or lower.

A level of 6.5 percent or higher means you have diabetes. And prediabetes is defined by an HbA1c between 5.7 percent and 6.4 percent.

While having prediabetes definitely increases your risk, it doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get diabetes. Once you know that you have prediabetes, you can take steps to prevent it from developing into full-blown type 2 diabetes. A few simple lifestyle changes can stop you from ever getting a diabetes diagnosis.

Certain foods or eating patterns might be particularly helpful for preventing diabetes. For example, people who eat a Mediterranean style diet have a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. The diet is high in whole grains, whole fruits (not fruit juice), vegetables and fish.

Combine diet with at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. Taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day is a good option — or you can choose another aerobic activity, such as dancing or playing tennis.

If you’re overweight, trimming down by even a small amount can help you avoid diabetes. Losing just 5 to 7 percent of your body weight is enough to reduce your risk.

If you weigh 165 pounds, you can make a difference with a loss of just 8 to 12 pounds.

These three changes — diet, exercise and weight loss — can cut your risk of getting type 2 diabetes by more than half.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston

and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu.

© 2016 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Questions on dry heels and swollen legs Q.: My heels get very dry and cracked, and are sometimes painful.

What can I do to help make them better?

A: There are several things you can do to help heal the skin on your heels.

Cracked heels usually develop when the skin around the rim of the heel is dry and thickened, and increased pressure applied to the fat pad under the heel causes the skin to split.

To prevent this, moisturize often. Moisturizers provide a seal over your skin to

keep water from escaping and your skin from drying out. Try rubbing your heels with a thick moisturizer, such as Eucerin or Cetaphil, several times a day.

Some moisturizers contain keratolytic agents — such as urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid — that help soften and exfoliate the skin, but they may cause slight stinging or irritation.

Foot soaks — in warm, plain or soapy water for about 20 minutes — may be helpful. Follow up with a loofah or foot scrubber,

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Memory care Medication management Pain management Incontinence Prosthetic management

Call us today at (301) 242-9787 or email us at ASKV2U@Genesishcc.com.

then coat your heels with a petrolatum-based ointment, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor.

You might want to use those petrolatum-based moisturizers just before you go to bed, as they can feel a bit greasy. Slipping on a pair of socks over your moisturized feet may help lock in moisture overnight.

If these measures don’t help, or if your heels become swollen or inflamed, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. You may need a prescription ointment with stronger moisturizers or a steroid cream to relieve inflammation.

Bandages or a special tissue glue can protect and hold the edges of the cracks together so that they can heal. Wearing supportive shoes and losing excess weight also may help relieve pressure on your feet.

If you have other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, you’ll want to consult with your doctor as well, as this may affect treatment.

If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to take good care of your feet.

Cracked heels that are left untreated may lead to infection and ulcers.

— Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care.

E-mail questions to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo. edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. ©2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Leg swelling often caused by vein problems Q: I recently saw my doctor because my ankles and lower legs swell. She says I have venous insufficiency. What does that mean? Is it serious?

A: Venous insufficiency means that the veins don’t work properly. Most people with the condition develop it in their legs.

The veins are responsible for draining blood and fluid back to the heart. So people with venous insufficiency usually have

symptoms caused by the buildup of fluid in their legs. These symptoms can include: • Swollen or painful varicose veins.

• Swelling (edema) of the foot, ankle or calf. This swelling may get worse if you stand for long periods of time. And it usually improves when you lie down or raise the legs. Swelling may also get worse during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

• A sense of heaviness.

• Throbbing, achy or crampy pain.

• Redness and irritation of the skin.

Over time, the skin may get thicker or become darker in color.

• In very severe cases, skin in the lower legs becomes so stretched that skin ulcers form or the skin may actually ooze fluid.

Venous insufficiency is very common.

Women are affected more than men. The condition is more common as people age or become overweight. In many people, it develops after the veins have been damaged by an injury, surgery or a blood clot.

The treatment of venous insufficiency depends on why it has developed, where it develops, and the symptoms it causes: • In mild cases, simply elevating the legs appears to help.

• Support stockings help to reduce swelling and discomfort. You can buy these at a medical supply store. Custom fit stockings are also available with a prescription from your doctor.

• A diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide will control some of the fluid buildup.

• Mild steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone cream, can reduce redness and irritation of the skin.

• Skin ulcers often need careful attention. Special bandages help speed the healing process. Antibiotics are prescribed if the ulcers become infected.

— Howard LeWine, M.D. is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. © 2016 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

23

Zesty chicken salad for a healthy picnic

By Melissa D’Arabian In our small hometown, Sunday evening’s concert in the park is more than just a gathering of locals and tourists. It’s how we mark the passage of time between May and September.

Over the years, we’ve become picnicking experts. My top two pieces of advice on picnic-planning are: Keep it simple and keep it flavorful. Because the getting ready — packing up a tablecloth or blanket and all the dishes — takes time, I’ve learned to make the menu extra-simple.

But extra simple doesn’t mean sacrificing on flavor.

My solution is to turn to a trusted supermarket shortcut, the rotisserie chicken, as a starting point for a deceptively simple, yet unbelievably complex-tasting, chicken salad. A very distant cousin to the overcreamy chicken salad grandma used to make, this dish gets its garlicky-herba-

ceous flavor from pre-made pesto.

A generous helping of lemon zest adds depth and balance. But the secret of this dish is capers, added with the juice.

Pack a thermal container of this chicken salad along with whole wheat pita halves, a head of lettuce for lettuce wraps, raw vegetables and a big bunch of grapes, and you have a strong picnic game for Sunday, or anytime.

Lemon-Pesto Chicken Salad

For the salad: 1/2 rotisserie chicken, cubed (about 2 1/2 cups) 1/2 cup finely chopped celery 1 cup cherry tomato halves 1 green onion, chopped Lemon wedges and parsley for garnish (optional) To make the dressing, mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl with a spoon. In a large bowl, place the chicken, celery, tomato, and green onion. Spoon the

dressing on top and stir to coat. Chill until serving. Serve with lettuce wraps, whole wheat pita, or tortillas.

Nutrition information per serving: 243 calories; 107 calories from fat; 12 g. fat (3 g. saturated; 0 g. trans fats); 80 mg. cholesterol; 296 mg. sodium; 5 g. carbohydrate; 1 g. fiber; 3 g. sugar; 28 g. protein.

Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook, Supermarket Healthy.

Her website is www.melissadarabian.net.

Start to finish: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings For the dressing: 3 tablespoons prepared pesto 3 tablespoons low-fat plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons capers, brine included (do not drain) 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

BEACON BITS CIRQUE ITALIA

July 8

Cirque Italia is coming to Montgomery County Fairgrounds, located at 16 Chestnut St. in Gaithersburg, Md., on Friday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. The show features a 35,000-gallon water stage that hand balancers, contortionists and more will perform over. Tickets cost $15 for children; $20 to $50 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://cirqueitalia.com/tickets.

Dealing with Dementia Three-part series for caregivers I II

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

A Working Caregiver's Guide to Handling a Loved One with Dementia

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learning Your Loved One's New Language: Dementia Fluency

FREE TO THE PUBLIC THE VILLAGE AT ROCKVILLE, CLASS ROOM – TERRACE LEVEL 9701 Veirs Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 All events 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m.

Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited.

Register | www.thevillageatrockville.org/events

III

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Strategies for Handling Family Members with Middle to Late Stages of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Contact | Sharon Flowers-Williams 301-424-9560 ext. 18804 sflowerswilliams@thevillageatrockville.org

9701 Veirs Drive | Rockville, MD 20850 | 301-424-9560 | www.thevillageatrockville.org The Village at Rockville is sponsored by National Lutheran Communities & Services, a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, serving people of all beliefs.

24

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Unfairly blamed for their parents’ divorce Dear Solutions: I am engaged to a man I met shortly after his divorce from a long-term marriage. His three grown children rarely agree to see their father since his divorce, and blame me for their parents not getting back together.

Their mother, his former wife, is alone now. Finally, at his insistence, they have agreed to come and visit him and meet me.

I’m very uncomfortable. Should I try

to make sure they know that I only met their father after his divorce and never even knew him while he was married?

We are planning a quiet wedding in a month. Should I invite them? What should I say to them?

— Help Dear Help: Say “I’m so happy to meet you!” Explanations should have been, and are, up to their father. Evidently, no matter how “grown up” children of divorce are, there

Take Time for You!!

A special offer for you thee caregiver

is still that urgent wish or fantasy that their Dear Ada: Your friend probably needs these visits parents will get back together. even more than Henry. It’s My suggestion is that you the stimulation of outside stay away from any explanacompany that they need. tions and leave those to their However, it may be hard father, who certainly should for Lou to see his friend ill have told them that he met this way, and he may find it you after the divorce. threatening for his own fuAt some point you might say, ture as he grows older. graciously, that you’re sorry for See if you can enlist another the pain their family has and is couple who Henry likes to go experiencing. Their father and along. This will stimulate some you should tell them about the SOLUTIONS interaction, which all of you wedding, and say that you hope

By Helen Oxenberg, might enjoy, including Henry, they will consider attending.

MSW, ACSW who probably just wants to see And it might be helpful if people around him. their father reassured them So don’t pressure Lou, just suggest that about future financial arrangements that this is a way to make helping an old friend might affect them. Good luck. easier. Everyone will feel good doing this — Dear Solutions: We have a friend who is not well and your friend, the wife, Henry the husband — cannot get out anymore. His wife stays and even Lou. home as a caregiver, and keeps asking me Dear Solutions: All my life I’ve been afraid of critito please come with my husband to visit.

We were all friends when we were younger. cism. Now I’m old, and there are My husband doesn’t want to visit things I’d like to try, but I stop myself. them anymore because the patient Do you have any advice?

— L. doesn’t interact, and there’s no conversation, so my husband is bored Dear L: Yes. Try not to hurt anyone. But finally, and uncomfortable. When I tell the wife that I’ll come myself, she keeps now at last, be who you are, and say what insisting that Henry, her husband, re- you feel — because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. ally wants to see Lou, my husband. © Helen Oxenberg, 2016. Questions to be Lou doesn’t feel so great himself anymore, although he still keeps up his ac- considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, tivities. However, he refuses to visit.

Should I pressure him to go, and if MD 20915. You may also email the author not, what do I say to my friend, the wife? at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about — Ada reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

BEACON BITS

July 20

Our Take Time for You program can help provide you with what you need the most...a little extra free time. Time to get all of the things done you wouldn’t normally have the time to accomplish.

Hospice Caring, Inc. and JSSA present a free screening of the documentary Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, based on the best-selling book by Atul Gawande, which explores the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness and their relationships with the physicians who treat them. The screening will take place at BlackRock Center for the Arts, located at 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, Md. Check in at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited, so register early. For more information or to register (required), visit www.HospiceCaring.org/being-mortal.html or contact Catherine Stahl at (301) 990-7927 or catherines@hospicecaring.org.

Don’t wait...call (301) 637-7215 to take part in our FREE Take Time for You program!

All participants are subject to health screenings by Arden Courts prior to participation.

Annandale • Fair Oaks Kensington • Potomac • Silver Spring

BEING MORTAL SCREENING

TM

Memory Care Community

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Celebrating 40 Years

25

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE 7

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

By Laura Newland Executive Director, D.C. Office on Aging The D.C. Office on Aging is proud to announce that one of our very own, Aurora Delespin-Jones, program manager, won the 15th Annual Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Award for Distinguished D.C. Government Employees. The Cafritz Awards are designed to recognize and reward outstanding performance and exemplary service by D.C. government employees.

Aurora has worked for District government for more than 30 years, and with the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA) for 12 years. She is the foundation of our mission driven agency. She has been here through major transitions, supporting the agency to ensure that DCOA provides the best services to District seniors, people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Aurora has dedicated her entire career to District government, and represents DCOA at its best: dedicated, passionate, creative, and collaborative. As a District, we’re only as good as our employees, and I’m proud that Aurora’s hard work has been recognized.

One of the things I most admire about Aurora is that she’s a living testament to what we’re able to achieve when we marry expertise with a true care and concern for our District seniors. She understands the importance of listening — really listening — and putting in the hard work of changing how we do things if that’s what it takes to meet seniors where they’re at.

Speaking of listening and learning what seniors want, DCOA needs your help to design a new program

for FY 17! Mayor Muriel Bowser has been very supportive of villages in the District, and she knows how critical it is to engage the community in order to achieve the goals of creating a true Age-Friendly D.C. The District senior village movement has been a model of healthy, active aging in our community at the grass roots level. Villages facilitate access to community support services and connection to on-going civic engagement. Most villages are created and run by their members, who pay an annual fee for membership.

Each village is uniquely designed, and meets the specific needs of its neighborhood. Since the first village opened in 2002 — Beacon Hill in Boston — more than 160 villages have opened throughout the U.S., providing full-service programs to nearly 25,000 older adults. The District is proud to have 10 villages serving various communities across the District, and is poised to launch at least three more within the next few years.

During the development of the FY 2017 budget, the Council added a $250,000 enhancement to DCOA’s budget to support the village movement, which was supported by the Mayor. The intent of the funds is to promote the development and sustainability of villages, particularly in underserved communities, with some of the funds dedicated to subsidizing memberships for low-income neighbors.

As the D.C. Office on Aging develops plans for allocating the funds, See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page 28

July 2016

New ConnectorCard Helps Pay for Transportation D.C. seniors, you have transportation options! Check out Seabury ConnectorCard — a prepaid VISA debit card that can be used for any ground transportation, such as taxi cabs, Metrorail and Metro bus, Uber, and Super Shuttle.

Any resident of the District of Columbia who is 60 years old or older may enroll in the ConnectorCard program. Eligible seniors complete an enrollment packet that includes proof of residency and income. The card utilizes customer funds that are then matched by the District’s Office on Aging.

The individual’s contribution to the card is determined by income, and ranges from $12 to $38. District Office on Aging (DCOA) matching funds

are loaded on the VISA debit card, for a combined load of $50. Currently, there is no limit on the number of loads per card. Once activated, you can begin your travels.

ConnectorCard can be used on any form of ground transportation and can be used anytime, anywhere with any ground transportation provider that has a credit card reading device. And you don’t have to restrict your trips to Washington, D.C. However, the card cannot be used for purposes other than transportation.

For more information, contact Seabury Resources for Aging’s Alternative Transportation Office at 202-844-3000. Enrollment sessions are being held throughout the community.

Mayor’s Symposium Set for August 4 Plans for the Mayor’s Fifth Annual Senior Symposium are well underway! This year, attendees will have the ability to register online, or receive a ticket at one of our six senior wellness centers. Additional information will be provided soon.

This year’s theme is “Healthy Homes. Healthy Hearts. Healthy Living.” The symposium will feature workshops on topics such as: senior health and wellness, housing, accessible transportation, technology, elder justice, effective ways to access government resources, and more.

Mayor’s Fifth Annual Senior Symposium Date: Thursday, August 4, 2016 Time: 8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Location: Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School 101 N Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

26

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

ON

AGING NEWSLETTER

Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day the world by completing the sentence, “Together WE can fight elder abuse by...” Staff and seniors posted photos of their completed posters, which included tips and the 24hour hotline number for Adult Protective Services to report possible abuse. Participants also received purple ribbons and refrigerator magnets to help bring awareness.

Did you know that 1 in 10 seniors in the U.S. are abused, neglected, or exploited DCOA marked World Elder Abuse Aware- fice on Aging Senior Service Network partic- every year? Most cases often go unreported, ness Day — June 15 — with a social media ipants and the public. due to shame and embarrassment. Share campaign to increase awareness among OfParticipants and staff joined others around this information with others.

Here are three effective ways to prevent elder abuse: 1) Check on the older adults in your family or neighborhood.

2) Call your city or county Adult Protective Services if you suspect abuse.

3) Provide a break for a caregiver.

To report an incident, call the Adult Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline: (202) 5413950.

DCOA Staff members hold up their World Elder Abuse Awareness Day posters.

Spotlight On Aging continues on page 27, following the Housing Options Magazine section at the right Please pull out and keep the Housing Options section. You may also pull out and keep Spotlight on Aging.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J U L Y 2 0 1 6

SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Memory care communities address need

By Rebekah Sewell Last March, Pat Oliver knew it was time to find his mother, Evelyn, a new home.

For the past year, Evelyn had been living in a private assisted living home that wasn’t helping her cope with her Alzheimer’s. She wasn’t engaged or active, and the family often saw the home’s residents “just sitting in front of the TV,” Oliver said. The community was also open and therefore ill-suited for someone at a risk of wandering away from the home unsuper-

vised. The family was worried about her safety.

Oliver eventually decided to move his mom to Olney Assisted Living, where the team created a customized and focused memory support program for her.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a type of long-term skilled nursing specifically geared to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other types of memory problems. Pri-

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vate units usually provide 24-hour supervised care within a separate wing or floor of an assisted living or nursing home setting. Some communities are emerging specifically and solely for memory care.

Residents may live in semi-private apartments or private rooms, and have structured activities that are designed for those with memory impairment.

Because memory care requires a larger staff-to-resident ratio and additional training, monthly fees are usually higher than at other assisted living communities. Costs may vary, depending on level of care needed, size of room, whether a room is private or semi-private, and geographical location of the community.

In general, memory care offers 24-hour supervised care with meals, activities and health management for residents. The basic services usually offered include: • Private or semi-private rooms • Daily meals • Housekeeping and laundry service • Medication management • Exercise and physical therapy programs • Social programs and activities • 24-hour staffing and personal assistance As our population continues to age, memory care housing is becoming in-

creasingly more prevalent, and with it, an emphasis on making this specialized housing more welcoming and home-like for residents and family alike.

“Caring for your loved one is a longterm partnership of trust and commitment,” explained Melissa Stewart, Olney Assisted Living executive director. “Together we will create a very special place for your loved one to live with dignity, honor, respect, and love. Your family becomes our family.”

Here is a brief sampling of memory care options in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. To learn more about these and other facilities you will see in the Beacon, call or visit them, or return the free information coupon found on page B11 of this section.

Olney Assisted Living 16940 Georgia Ave. Olney, MD 20832 (301) 570-0525 www.olneymemorycare.com Olney Assisted Living offers customized “memory care by design” for its residents.

Its Montessori-based approach emphasizes meaningful activities, and the residents enjoy group singing, support groups and structured, familiar routines, which See MEMORY CARE, page B-3

Experience Assisted Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

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For families needing Assisted Living and Memory Care, with an enriching quality of life.

Care is at the Core of Tribute communities. Imagine the peace of mind you’ll feel knowing your senior family member is getting professional care in a community of such unbelievable beauty, luxury, and comfort.

Tribute residents live Connected, Active, and Purposeful lives. Throughout the community they can socialize, be active, or pursue personal interests.

Tribute’s advanced Memory Care programming focuses on serving and connecting with seniors living with memory impairment.

Tour Tribute and experience Assisted Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before!SM Now Serving Residents In Gainesville!

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Memory care From page B-2 provide more opportunity for personal independence.

Each private room houses photos and mementos to serve as visual reminders and to help with recognition and identification. Similarly, residents and their loved ones are encouraged to furnish the rooms with furniture and accessories from home to make it feel more recognizable.

The building’s design mimics a real-life neighborhood, with “four distinct houses” surrounding a community “neighborhood square,” “where residents enjoy arts and crafts in the studio, entertainment in the neighborhood center, clinical services in the health center, and cosmetic services in the beauty and barber shop,” explained Christina Green, director of marketing and community relations.

Each neighborhood features “visual reminders and décor” to help residents find their way and ease anxiety. They also have a living room, electric fireplace, covered outdoor patio and gardening beds, and a dining room where meals are served family style.

Residents have access to a 24-hour nurse for health and medication management, and enjoy Mediterranean-inspired meals, which are approved by a registered dietician and recommended for those with memory loss.

The public is invited to an open house on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where people can tour the final neighborhood opening for residents. To RSVP, call (301) 570-0525.

The City Club at Residences at Thomas Circle 1330 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 628-3844 The Residences at Thomas Circle, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. Its Montessori-based memory care neighborhood, called the City Club, is located on the second floor of the 10-story building.

The community is under new ownership

by Meridian Senior Living and is currently in the process of establishing a new Montessori Moments in Time program, explained marketing director Matt Johnston. The program should be up and running in a few months.

The new program emphasizes “purposeful living, an individualized life engagement program, education, health and wellness, and family connections,” he said. It aims to provide residents with the highest level of independence possible for them.

Johnston also says the single-floor, intimate environment allows residents and staff to forge a close working bond. Residents have the added benefit of becoming

Because your health care needs don’t take a summer break.

Choose the senior rehabilitation specialists at Greenspring.

Summer brings blue skies and baseball, but it also brings the pollen, pollution, and humidity that aggravate chronic conditions like COPD and asthma. If you’re suffering, don’t wait to get relief. Choose Greenspring for rehabilitation for seasonal respiratory issues or following an elective surgery.

Plan your rehabilitation at Greenspring in Springfield.

One-on-one attention from a dedicated staff

Inpatient and outpatient care in one location

Physical, speech, and occupational therapy

Convenient coordination of care

very familiar with their surroundings.

There are currently 19 rooms in the City Club, and residents have a choice of private or companion suites. Groups perform daily exercise, go on outings, and regularly meet with youth groups so residents can stay engaged and meet new people. They can also spend time in the shared dining room, café, tea room, barbershop, and TV and movie room.

The community provides three meals per day, healthy snacks, assistance with daily living, and access to a visiting podiatrist, occupational therapist and onsite nurse 24 hours a day.

The Sylvestery 1728 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 (703) 970-2700 www.vinsonhall.org/memory-support

S

Vinson Hall, a military-affiliated continuing care retirement community, offers assisted living at Arleigh Burke Pavilion and private memory care at the Sylvestery to all members of the community. Only its independent living apartments are restricted to those with a military or certain Federal government affiliations.

Vinson Hall opened the Sylvestery across the street from the main campus in 2003 with 36 private suites. It serves those needing all levels of memory care, from residents with high cognitive functioning to those whose dementia or Alzheimer’s has progressed into advanced stages.

Activities are based on level of functioning and interest. Residents often meet in small groups of three or four for gardening, games or conversation. Many also See MEMORY CARE, page B-4

Enriching the LIVES

of Our Residents

Olney Assisted Living Memory Care…nurturing independence and promoting individuality

pecialized programs, designed to stimulate the mind, body and spirit, are integrated into everyday life in our unique, nurturing environment. At Olney Assisted Living, we focus on what our residents can do, not what they cannot.

Our customized plans of care, developed to improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and recreational well-being of each resident, are uniquely tailored to each resident.

Life enrichment programming incorporates exercise, music and art into familiar routines to further enhance socialization, cognition, conHidence and, ultimately, quality of life.

Come see the results of our exceptional life enrichment program Hirst-hand.

Call us today at (301) 570-0525 to learn more and to schedule your personal tour.

You don’t have to be a resident of Greenspring to come here for rehabilitation.

Learn more today. Call 703-835-9651 for your FREE brochure or to schedule a tour.

Springfield 11517503

EricksonLiving.com

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16940 Georgia Avenue I Olney, Maryland 20832 (301) 570-0525 I www.olneymemorycare.com

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Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Costs for long-term care keep climbing

By Tom Murphy and Anya Kamenetz Two new reports show that long-term care grew more expensive again this year, with the cost of the priciest option — a private nursing home room — edging closer to $100,000 annually (more in this area), according to a survey from Genworth Financial.

Senior living costs in 2015 were up one and a half times faster than inflation — 2.7 percent year-over-year across the nation.

That’s according to a new national report by a commercial senior housing referral company called A Place for Mom. The Place for Mom report breaks down three categories of senior living options.

They don’t include nursing homes, which provide 24-hour skilled medical care.

Independent and assisted living Independent living in a retirement community is the least expensive but provides the fewest services. There may be housekeeping, meal and activity options, and amenities like fitness centers, but not nursing care. Average monthly costs across the country were $2,650 in 2015. That’s plus an up-front administrative fee. In the Washington area, the average was $3,462.

Assisted living typically includes some assistance with activities of daily living, such as washing and dressing, as well as medication management, medical monitoring and three meals a day.

Some assisted living facilities are connected with nursing homes for when seniors’ needs change. Others make it easy to

arrange for nursing care at an additional cost without having to leave the familiar setting. Average monthly costs for assisted living: $3,948 (in the Washington area, $5,391).

“Memory care,” the third category listed in the report, covers services for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, who need physically secure facilities and 24-hour supervised care from staff with special training. Average monthly costs: $5,140 (in the Washington area, $6,596).

Nursing homes and LTC insurance

care costs, and differs a little from the Place for Mom figures, where categories overlap.

Private nursing home rooms now come with a median annual bill of $92,378, an increase of 1.2 percent from last year and nearly 19 percent since 2011. That’s roughly twice the rate of overall inflation and breaks down to a monthly bill of $7,698.

In the Washington area, the cost of private nursing home rooms is $135,780 per year. The price has risen 8 percent over the last five years.

Genworth Financial’s report focuses on nursing home, assisted living and home-

See RISING COSTS, page B-6

Memory care From page B-3

un-retire AT CHANCELLORS VILLAGE

IT’S TIME TO UN-R ETIR E. With countless

benefit from exercising in the gym, engaging in stretching, weightlifting or cardio on the treadmill.

There are also regular visits from professional entertainers, parties, cookouts and off-campus visits to restaurants and local attractions.

Residents who are less ambulatory are brought to the open sitting and community areas to avoid isolation. “They should be visually seeing what’s going on, even if they aren’t processing it,” explained David DeClark, director of marketing.

The building layout is based on a “continuous walkway,” which encourages residents to move around and feel comfortable. There are no sharp turns, which can confuse those with dementia, and many openings lead out to secured “wander gardens.”

Residents can also spend time in the aquarium or sensory oasis, which offers lights, sounds and touchable items to help achieve a sense of calm and peace.

The community provides transportation, meals, snacks, laundry, housekeeping, in-house audiology and therapy, medication management and assistance with daily living.

A Great Retirement? You’ve Earned It.

programs, groups and friends, the hardest part about joining our community, is deciding what you want to do once you get here! Your apartment is waiting.

No guarantee you’ll spend much time there.

$30,000 IN SAV INGS!* PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS AND TO SCHEDULE YOUR PRIVATE TOUR *Limited time. Available to new residents only. Call for details.

540-412-3640

Now It’s Time To Enjoy It At Knollwood.

The nation’s first military retirement community has provided more than 50 years of service to those who experienced the unique life of the military family. Knollwood is built on the cornerstones of personal attention, superior care and camaraderie.

Knollwood, bordering Rock Creek Park, is convenient to all Washington, D.C., has to offer. Our affordable continuing care retirement community features modern independent living apartments from 500 to 2,900 sq. ft., assisted living apartments, skilled nursing and memory care and a new Independent Living Plus option.

INDEPENDEN T L I V ING | A SSIST ED L I V ING 12100 CH A NCEL LOR’S V IL L AGE L A NE FR EDER ICK SBU RG, VA 22407 W W W.SEN IOR L I F E ST Y L E.COM

To schedule a tour, contact the Marketing & Admissions Office at 202-541-0149 or marketing@armydistaff.org

Visit us online at www.armydistaff.org

6200 Oregon Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20015 Knollwood, a continuing care retirement community, is owned and operated by the Army Distaff Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization committed to providing a safe, permanent home for uniformed officers and family members.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Call our Sales & Marketing Department at (703) 439-1521 to schedule your visit!

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

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Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Rising costs From page B-4 Genworth Financial Inc. sells long-term care insurance coverage and didn’t address that cost in its study, which was based on information from 15,000 longterm care providers.

Insurance coverage costs also are rising, and many people don’t understand these expenses until they face them, said Joe Caldwell of the National Council on Aging, which is not connected with the study.

“It’s really becoming more and more difficult for the average family...to even pur-

chase long-term care insurance,” said Caldwell, the nonprofit’s director of longterm services and support policy.

Medicare doesn’t cover long-term stays, but Medicaid, the government’s health insurance program for the poor, does. So a large swath of people who need long-term care wind up spending down their assets until they qualify for Medicaid.

There are no cheap options for those without long-term coverage. Semi-private nursing home rooms cost on average $82,125 annually, a bill that has climbed nearly 17 percent over the past five years, according to Genworth. In Washington,

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

the cost is $116,983 and rose 7 percent.

Nursing home costs are rising largely because residents are more likely to arrive with chronic conditions, like diabetes or emphysema, that need more medical attention, said Greg Crist, a spokesman for the American Health Care Association, the country’s largest trade group for nursing homes.

He added that the average nursing home resident takes 11 prescription medications. “They’re living longer; they’re not necessarily living healthier,” he said.

Genworth found that the median annual cost for assisted living communities adds up to $43,539 this year. The cost in Washington is $52,800, a 2 percent increase.

In-home health aides, who help patients with non-medical tasks like bathing or dressing, cost $46,332 annually. In the Washington area, the cost is slightly lower at $45,760, and has remained flat over the last five years.

The median annual cost for adult day care fell $224 to $17,680. In Washington, the cost rose by 2 percent to $24,960.

High East Coast prices

ED T RA EL O D EC MO D

GRAND OPENING

NOW LEASING STUDIOS & 1-BEDROOMS, RENT FROM $834

As the reports show, costs in the Washington area are generally higher than the national average. According to A Place for Mom, costs are highest in the Northeast “Amtrak corridor” of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York and Boston. They are lowest in Sun Belt cities like Phoenix, Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas and Tampa, as well as in Detroit.

In addition, price trends vary by region: Costs are going up fastest in the South and West. However, location is often best determined not by where seniors can find the best deal, but by where they feel the most comfortable — ideally, where they can be closest to family and friends and other social networks that prolong life.

When it comes to the cost of transition-

ing into senior living, timing is everything.

There is a trend of seniors waiting longer to make the move. The percentage who were aged 84 or older when they moved increased by 3 percent between 2013 and 2015.

Delaying the transition increases the chances that you will have an acute need for care. So there will be less time to shop around, and initial sticker shock will be much higher if you’re going directly into memory care, for example.

Some senior communities, called “continuing care” or “life plan” communities, offer a way to manage escalating costs. If you agree to move in at the assisted living level and pay an initial deposit, you may be guaranteed housing and care at a fixed rate of increase as your needs change.

On the other hand, spending fewer years in a senior living community could still save you money overall. And most people prefer to stick it out in their own homes for as long as possible.

Ideally, family members who are caregivers should be part of this conversation, because caring for a senior living at home can take a serious toll on the savings, career and health of spouses or adult children.

And remember, cost isn’t everything.

Most people don’t want to entrust their care merely to the lowest bidder.

Facilities for the older adults are accredited by state agencies and by some independent groups: The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (www.jointcommission.org) and the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (www.carf.org) are two places to start your research.

To learn more about the surveys described above, see www.aplaceformom.com/ senior-living-cost-planner and www.genworth.com/about-us/industryexpertise/cost-of-care.html.

— AP and Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

HOME CARE

INDEPENDENT/PERSONAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING

Seabury at SPRINGVALE TERRACE 301-587-0190 8505 Springvale Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.springvaleterrace.org Located in the heart of Silver Spring, Springvale Terrace blends affordability with convenience, style and quality care.

Independent apartments are available, and enhanced senior living is complemented with personal care services including three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, and medication administration. And if additional care is needed, Springvale Terrace also has beautiful assisted living apartments. This range of services—combined with low monthly rates—provides just the right amount of assistance to meet your needs while allowing you to live in an apartment you’ll love. Call today to learn more and schedule your personal tour.

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org This community hums with warm-hearted camaraderie and a zest for life shared by residents and staff alike. Experience all that makes assisted living at Brooke Grove extraordinary. Cozy, homelike dwellings with easy access to beautiful courtyards and walking paths. Caring staff trained in using memory support techniques, building independence and lifting self-esteem.

Innovative LIFE® Enrichment Programming with meaningful activities and off-site adventures. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing care retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Chesterbrook Residences 703-531-0781 2030 Westmoreland Street Falls Church, VA www.chesterbrookres.org At Chesterbrook Residences, you will be able to live with dignity, grace and security, close to the people and places you love in a comfortable, neighborhood setting. We offer an active assisted-living lifestyle for those 62 and over. A variety of one- and two-bedroom floor plans are available. Enjoy our community living room with fireplace, beautiful views, and chef-prepared meals in our gracious main dining room. Rehab services are available 5 days a week, offering physical, occupational and speech therapy, most of which are covered by Medicare Part B. We also have an on-site wellness center with visiting physician and podiatrist. We are a mixed-income nonprofit, so our rates are affordable and all inclusive.

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Home Care Assistance 202-470-4579 - DC 301-760-4431 - Bethesda 703-873-7716 - McLean 703-664-1956 - Fairfax www.HomeCareAssistance.com Our mission at Home Care Assistance is to change the way the world ages. We provide older adults across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region with quality care that enables them to live happier, healthier lives at home. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in live-in care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. Ask about our Cognitive Therapeutics Method for long-term brain health!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Riderwood 301-495-5700 3140 Gracefield Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 EricksonLiving.com Get the facts about active retirement living at Riderwood All in one fantastic FREE brochure. The comprehensive Riderwood brochure is packed with the crucial information you need—and the exciting details you want—about carefree senior living. Riderwood is Silver Spring’s premier continuing care retirement community, designed exclusively for seniors 62-plus who want an independent retirement lifestyle with peace of mind for the future. Don’t spend another moment without the facts about vibrant retirement living at Riderwood Call 1-877-742-4390 or visit ericksonliving.com today to request your FREE brochure today!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Covenant Village 301-540-1162 18889 Waring Station Road Germantown, MD 20874 www.qpmgmt.com • Spacious 2-bedroom plans with washer/dryer in each apt.

• Covenant Village shuttle bus for shopping and local trips • Fitness room, billiard room, game/crafts room, movie theatre • On-site beauty salon, garden plots “It’s all about our residents,” says Kathy the property manager. The staff ensures that the residents always have interesting and exciting activities going on. Some of the fun includes movie nights, new resident meet and greet, holiday parties, fashion shows, and community dinners. Attendance at the wine and cheese and ice cream socials is close to 100%. Covenant Village was recently awarded a trophy by the Property Management Association for being Maryland’s Best Affordable Community in their category! Please call today to make an appointment for a tour.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Housing Notes

By Barbara Ruben

55+ community to open in Ashburn, Va.

Does your doctor make house calls?

Ours does!

Your Hirsh Health Center physician will make house A surprising calls to your apartment in opportunity at ifRing House Ring House you’re not feeling well.

Ring House A community for older adults with the convenience you are looking for...

Live in the heart of Rockville. Choose programs from creative writing to fitness, take our complimentary bus shopping, and enjoy frequent outings to Strathmore Music Center and more.

Enjoy a delicious kosher breakfast and dinner. Take advantage of a medical practice and personal care services located on-site.

Choose from studio, one-and two-bedroom apartments, many remarkably affordable, with fresh new kitchens, individual washer-dryers, and walk-in showers.

Call 301.816.5012 for a tour of Ring House.

1801 East Jefferson Street | Rockville, MD 20852

Your Home. Your Life. Your Community. www.smithlifecommunities.org

Late this summer, Birchwood at Brambleton will join the larger planned Brambleton community in Ashburn, Va. Birchwood is a 55+ community that provides condos as well as courtyard- and villa-style homes with maintenance-free yards.

Birchwood will offer socially focused community groups, including book clubs, cooking classes, technology classes and more.

Brambleton, which began development in 2001, has a lake, walking trails and fishing pier. When completed, there will be more than 8,000 residential units, a town center and office space.

For more information, call (703) 542-2925 or see www.brambleton.com/boomers55plus-living.

New assisted living under construction in Falls Church Kensington Senior Living, which has a community in Kensington, Md., will be opening a sister community in Falls Church, Va., in early 2017. The community will offer assisted living, nursing and memory care.

The community is divided into three neighborhoods. The assisted living neighborhood serves residents who are able to enjoy guided activities that are individually tailored and include support.

Two memory care neighborhoods — Connections and Haven — will serve memory-impaired residents who need more assistance with activities and higher levels of clinical care.

The five-story community will include a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, all-day dining and unlimited meals for visitors.

The Kensington’s information center opened to the public in June. The information center is located at 1212 West Broad Street in Falls Church, down the street from the new site. Families and future residents will have the chance to meet the team, learn about resources, and discuss care options. They will also be able to tour fully furnished model suites.

The Kensington is the fifth community developed by Reston, Va.-based Kensington Senior Living, LLC. Founding partner Tiffany Tomasso said that Kensington Senior Living takes a boutique approach to senior care, focusing on markets in the Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas as well as California.

“We don’t intend to become a behemoth

in senior care, but rather stay small so we, as owners and operators, can personally stand behind our promise ‘to love and care for your family as we do our own’,” she said.

To learn more, visit www.thekensingtonfallschurch.com or call (703) 992-9868.

Bethesda, Rockville tops for active retirement Don’t want to kick back and relax during retirement? Then you might want to live in — or already live in — Bethesda or Rockville, Md. They were numbers two and three, respectively, in a national analysis of best cities for active retirement by the financial website SmartAsset. The site looked at data on the 575 largest cities in the U.S. First place went to another midAtlantic city, Wilmington, Del. SmartAsset assessed the overall retirement-friendliness of each city, such as the effective retirement tax rate and the number of doctor’s offices per 1,000 residents.

Then it combined that with data on how amenable each city is toward an active lifestyle.

The metrics included to capture this were the concentration of fitness businesses, such as gyms and tennis centers, the number of golf courses per 100,000 residents, and the Walk Score of each city. The Walk Score measures how easy it is to walk around the community.

SmartAsset said that Bethesda is a welleducated and prosperous community. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the city has the 18th-highest concentration of golf courses of any city in the U.S. The city’s most famous course is at Congressional Country Club, a favorite of presidents and a frequent host of PGA tournaments.

Seniors make up 18.1 percent of the population in Bethesda, and there are 4.6 doctor’s offices per 1,000 residents.

Rockville doesn’t have quite as many golf courses as Bethesda, but it does have a number of other amenities that can be important to older adults, according to SmartAsset. In fact, the concentration of doctor’s offices — nearly six for every 1,000 residents — is the country’s ninthhighest.

For retirees who like to hike, jog, fish or paddle, there are a number of parks, rivers and lakes in the Rockville area. Rock Creek Regional Park is the largest at 1,800 acres. It encompasses two lakes (fishing, canoeing and kayaking are allowed on both) and 13 miles of trails.

Wilmington topped the list because it has no sales tax, and the state exempts all Social Security income from tax. It also provides a deduction of up to $15,000 for seniors with income from a 401(k) or an IRA. Santa Barbara, Calif., and Erie, Pa., round out the top five communities on the list.

To read more, see https://smartasset. com/retirement/best-cities-for-active-retirement/

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

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Ways to keep your home cool in summer

By Katherine Roth As summer temperatures — and utility bills — rise, there are some easy ways to keep cool that are cheaper and greener than air conditioning.

Cooling curtains Pull down the shades or draw the curtains on windows facing south, east and west during the day, said Con Edison, which provides power to New York City and surrounding areas. It said 40 percent of unwanted heat comes in through the windows. Even if air conditioning is needed later in the day, drawing the curtains earlier means you can use less of it.

Be a fan of fans Ceiling fans are a great substitute for air conditioning when it’s not overly hot or humid, and they make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin, said Meg Waltner, of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

If you need to buy fans, look for Energy Star ratings and rebate offers, she said.

Also, many ceiling fans feature a light kit, so make sure each socket has an energy-saving LED bulb inside. LED bulbs use five times less energy than the old incandescents and don’t give off as much heat, Waltner said.

Plant a tree A tree is as sophisticated as any electronic device around, conservationists say.

It lets sun through in winter and grows sun-blocking leaves in summer.

Large deciduous trees planted on the east, west and northwest sides of your home create shade from the hot summer sun, and can reduce summer air conditioning costs by up to 35 percent, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, a non-profit Nebraska-based conservation group.

power companies offer free programmable thermostats to clients. It’s worth checking their websites for offers and rebates.

Make sure windows are well-sealed to keep cool air from leaking out.

And don’t cool an empty room: Block vents in unused rooms, and turn the system off entirely while you’re away.

Keeping central air conditioner filters clean adds to their efficiency. Air conditioners and cooling systems should be inspected and cleaned annually, and kept

clear of leaves and dirt, experts say. Filters should be checked every three months, or more often for homes with pets.

If your AC is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an Energy Star-qualified model could cut your annual cooling costs by 30 percent, Waltner said. Many local utility companies offer rebates for more efficient new models.

Learn more at www.energystar.gov/ cooling.

— AP

Avoid heat-producing appliances Con Edison recommends minimizing the use of household appliances when temperatures climb. Summer is a great time to opt for outdoor grilling and foods that don’t require cooking. Washers, dryers and dishwashers should be used at night, when temperatures are cooler, the utility said.

AC efficiency When you do use air conditioners be sure they’re Energy Star-certified, have programmable thermostats, and are set no lower than 78 degrees when you’re around, 80 when you’re away for part of the day, and “off” when you’re on vacation, Waltner said.

Programmable thermostats can cut power use by 20 to 30 percent, she said. Many

Right Size, Right Place Enjoy the Big Benefits of a Small Community The Woodlands fits your retirement perfectly. You actually get to know your neighbors here. You’re pampered with personal attention.

And because we’re family-owned, you can always walk your ideas directly to our management.

Your apartment home, however, is uncommonly large—as is our list of amenities. We’re brimming with all the perks you deserve, from our movie theater and heated pool to fabulous dining. Our convenient Fairfax location keeps you close to everything else.

Stop by and try The Woodlands on for size. Call 703.667.9801 to arrange your visit.

4320 Forest Hill Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22030 www.thewoodlandsccrc.com

The Woodlands is part of a continuum of care.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

INDEPENDENT LIVING

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 1-800-564-0155 21170 Ashby Ponds Boulevard Ashburn, VA 20147 EricksonLiving.com Get the facts about active retirement living at Ashby Ponds.

All in one fantastic FREE brochure.

The comprehensive Ashby Ponds brochure is packed with the crucial information you need—and the exciting details you want— about carefree senior living. Ashby Ponds is Ashburn’s premier continuing care retirement community, designed exclusively for seniors 62-plus who want an independent retirement lifestyle with peace of mind for the future.

Don’t spend another moment without the facts about vibrant retirement living at Ashby Ponds. Call 1-877-664-5445 or visit ericksonliving.com today to request your FREE brochure today!

ASSISTED LIVING/MEMORY CARE

Emerson House 301-779-6196 5999 Emerson Street Bladensburg, MD 20710 Our community features bright onebedroom apartments in a nine story elevator building for today’s active and independent seniors who are 62 or older. Emerson House is subsidized for low- to moderate-income households. Activities are yours to choose from: gardening, Bingo, Wii bowling league, parties, bus trips, movement classes, learning to line dance- it’s all waiting for you and more! Emerson House offers an in-house Resident Service Coordinator to assist with finding helpful resources. Please call today for an appointment to tour our community or request an application; 301-779-6196 Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00.

ASSISTED LIVING/MEMORY CARE

Tribute at Heritage Village 703-468-1475

Great Falls Assisted Living 703-421-0690

13650 Heathcote Boulevard Gainsville, VA 20155 hello@tributeatheritagevillage.com

1121 Reston Avenue Herndon, VA 20170

If you are looking for an Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Prince William County, you don’t have to look any further. Prince William has been anticipating a community with a high level of luxury in senior living, featuring advanced care systems for accurate and accountable care. While care is at the core of Tribute at Heritage Village, an excellent quality of life is an essential feature of the community. We have a Director of Excitement whose only job is to keep residents anticipating what’s next and what excitement tomorrow will bring. Whether it’s activities on the third floor open-air terrace, or adventures in the luxury motor coach, residents stay active in meaningful pastimes.

Imagine a memory care specific community with open spaces, walking paths, and a family feel.

Add security, an experienced team, and 24/7 licensed nursing care.

Top it off with robust programming, outings, and activities tailored to the individual and you have Great Falls Assisted Living! Our mission is to promote independence and dignity for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. This commitment is reflected in the design of our community and through everything we do. A family member recently said, “Great Falls has been wonderful. I no longer feel alone in caring for my dad, I feel like I have a team with me now.” Schedule your tour today and experience the feeling for yourself.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Vinson Hall Retirement Community 703-536-4344

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320

6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org

Vinson Hall Retirement Community is just minutes from Washington, D.C. area attractions. Our active, vibrant community features independent living, assisted living, nursing and memory care, which allow our residents and their family to enjoy peace of mind knowing that our continuum of care can accommodate changing needs. Our independent living is open to commissioned military officers and their immediate family. We are now accepting federal employees GS-14 and above as residents. All are welcome at Arleigh Burke Pavilion, where we provide assisted living, skilled nursing, and private pay nursing care services; and at The Sylvestery Memory Care, where we offer assisted living care for those with memory impairment or other forms of dementia.

You’ll feel it as soon as you drive onto our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forest—all that makes independent living at Brooke Grove different. Beautiful cottages in a truly picturesque setting. Maintenance-free living, with more time for what you really want to do. Personalized fitness programs, meals prepared by talented chefs, clubs and social events. Neighbors who share your interests and passions. Come for a visit and see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most soughtafter retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

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FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION For free information from advertisers in this special section, check off those that interest you and mail this entire page to the Beacon. Please do not request info if you are not interested. All replies have an equal chance to win. To be eligible for Wolf Trap or Toby’s tickets, your reply must arrive by July 31, 2016.

HOUSING COMMUNITIES:

❑ Riderwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7 & B-14 ❑ Ring House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8 ❑ Springvale Terrace . . . . . . . . .B-7 & B-17

WASHINGTON, DC ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Friendship Terrace . . . . . . . .B-12 & B-18 Glover Park Senior Living . . . . . . . . . .B-9 Knollwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 & B-19 Residences at Thomas Circle . . . . . . .B-2

MARYLAND ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

The Bonifant . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6 & B-19 Brooke Grove . . . . . . . .B-7, B-10 & B-20 Covenant Village . . . . . . . . . .B-7 & B-13 Emerson House . . . . . . . . . .B-10 & B-13 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . .B-6 & B-15 Mrs. Philippines Home . . . . . . . . . .B-13 Olney Assisted Living . . . . . . . . .B-3 & B-12

VIRGINIA ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Almost Home Senior Living . . . . . . . .B-6 Arliegh Burke Pavilion . . . . . . . . . . .B-16 Ashby Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10 & B-14 Chancellor’s Village . . . . . . . .B-4 & B-19 Chesterbrook Residences . . . . . .B-7 & B-18 Fairfax, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-14 Falcons Landing . . . . . . . . . .B-5 & B-15 Great Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10 & B-16 Greenspring . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7 & B-14 Gum Springs Glen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13 Herndon Harbor House . . . . . . . . . .B-13 Lockwood House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Morris Glen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13 Tall Oaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2 & B-12 Tribute at the Glen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2 Tribute at Heritage Village . . . . . .B-2 & B-10 Vinson Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10 Wingler House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13 The Woodlands . . . . . . . . . . .B-9 & B-15

HOME CARE SERVICES: ❑ Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-13 ❑ Home Care Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7

NURSING & REHAB: ❑ Greenspring Rehab . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3

REMODELING SERVICE: ❑ Homefix Custom Remodeling . . . . . . .B-17

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this entire coupon to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227.

You may also include the free info coupon on page 5.

One entry per household please.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________ Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) ________________________________________________ Please provide your telephone number and e-mail address so we may contact you promptly if you win the drawing.

WB716

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Seabury at FRIENDSHIP TERRACE 202-244-7400 4201 Butterworth Place NW Washington, DC 20016 www.friendshipterrace.org Active, affordable senior living close to stores, restaurants, transportation and entertainment can be found at Seabury at Friendship Terrace! Located in a quiet, tree-lined northwest Washington neighborhood, Friendship Terrace is just two blocks from the Tenleytown Metro station. The community offers affordable senior living with subsidy assistance to those who are eligible, as well as exciting on-site events including performances, lectures, holiday observances, socials, and more. A rooftop deck, greenhouse, library, lounges, and a dining room overlooking an outdoor courtyard are highlights of the community. If needed, additional onsite care can be arranged. Call for your tour today!

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Wish you had a village? Do it yourself

By Barbara Ruben While the “village concept” has spread quickly throughout the Washington area, many neighborhoods still lack this grassroots initiative through which, for an annual fee, residents get access to vetted service providers and neighborhood volunteers who can help with everything from changing hard-to reach light bulbs to plumbing disasters.

But that doesn’t mean that those who aren’t part of a village have to swim through uncharted waters and take their chances on an unknown handyman or electrician. Free and inexpensive services (usually online) offer reviews from people who have hired them.

Angie’s List MEMORY CARE

Olney Assisted Living Memory Care by Design 16940 Georgia Avenue Olney, MD 20832 www.olneymemorycare.com A memory care specific community, Olney Assisted Living offers compassionate care in an environment designed specifically for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Design includes; interior “neighborhoods,” a central Town Center, and outdoor court yards. Daily life enrichment programming is provided with the goal of enhancing cognition, feelings of accomplishment, and quality of life. Licensed, on-site nursing care is provided 24 hours a day by a team of experienced professionals. Families seeking memory care will feel right at home in our community.

For more information, call 301-570-0525 today.

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

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One such company is Angie’s List. This service began in 1995 and has evolved over the years to include more than 3 million households nationwide that use Angie’s List consumer-provided reviews to find local service providers — such as roofers, plumbers, handymen, mechanics, and even doctors and dentists.

“We use proprietary software that ensures the reviews aren’t from the owner of a company’s spouse, or a company isn’t sending a barrage of bad reviews about competitors,” said Cheryl Reed, an Angie’s List spokesperson.

Angie’s List members submit more than 60,000 reviews every month about the companies they hire, including the cost for the work they had done. They grade the company’s response time, price, professionalism and quality of work on an A to F scale. Angie’s List members will tell you if a crew was courteous, cleaned up after themselves, or just totally botched the job.

Unlike many online review sites, Angie’s List also has a phone number that it encourages its members to call for advice.

“We know people like to talk to human beings sometimes. Let’s say your toilet explodes. Do you really want to log on and scroll through pages of information to find someone who can help right away?” Reed said. “We’re here to help, whatever kind of technology you have.”

Although Angie’s List has always charged a membership fee, in July the company is doing away with a fee for reading and posting reviews. Reed said that’s because consumers have become accustomed to getting information free on the Internet and are becoming more reluctant to pay for it.

Users will still have to register on the site, and Angie’s List will offer several tiers of memberships to those who want to get exclusive deals, price guarantees on services and other services.

For more, see www.angieslist.com or call 1-888-888-5478.

HomeAdvisor and Yelp The company HomeAdvisor works in a similar way to Angie’s List, with a couple of twists. In addition to perusing reviews of service providers by other customers, users can contact HomeAdvisor about a project they are need done, and the company will have several prescreened service providers get in touch to bid.

HomeAdvisor also offers a price calculation tool, where home owners can see the range of prices others paid for similar services. The website is free to use.

HomeAdvisor says it is the nation’s largest online home improvement marketplace and has connected more than 35 million homeowners to its network of prescreened home service professionals since it started in 1999.

“Homeowners can feel confident using our site because professionals undergo a criminal and financial background screening,” said spokeswoman Steffanie Finkiewicz.

For more information, see www.homeadvisor.com or call 1-877-800-3177.

Another way to search for customerprovided reviews of services is through the website and app called Yelp. Anyone can post reviews of just about any business, so you can use it to find restaurants, hair stylists, mechanics — as well as home service providers. Since Yelp was founded in 2004, more than 102 million reviews have been posted.

Social activities, too Many villages also provide social and educational activities for their members.

While you may not be able to find similar events right in your own backyard, you may be able put together a roster of free (or inexpensive) and fun activities not too far from your own neighborhood.

Check out the book groups, computer classes, music programs and speakers at your local library. Most have daytime offerings The senior center nearest you also offers a plethora of activities.

And try Meetup groups in your area (www.meetup.com). Just search under the name of your neighborhood to see if there are any such member-led groups doing activities that appeal to you, or widen your search to all of the Washington area. Some groups meet for meals at restaurants, while others go for walks or discuss movies.

Start your own village You can also check to see if you live in the boundaries of one of the 46 villages now open or in the planning stages throughout this metro area. See the complete list on the website of the Washington Ar ea V illage Exchange (WAVE) at http://wavevillages.org/index.php/aboutSee MAKE A VILLAGE, page B-15

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Advice for those blending two homes

By Melissa Rayworth For couples setting up a new home together, it’s a challenge: how to merge two sets of stuff and two decorating styles into one space both of you can love.

“Emotions get really high when it comes to your belongings if the person you’re choosing to spend the rest of your life with doesn’t love what you love,” said stylist Marianne Canada, host of the “HGTV Crafternoon” web series.

In our increasingly design-savvy world, many people come to coupledom with a clear idea of how their home should look.

Even when couples try to accommodate conflicting tastes, they run into the space issue.

“Most of us just don’t have room for two full households together,” Canada said.

Here, Canada and two other interior designers — California-based Betsy Burnham and Florida-based Laura Burleson — offer advice on mixing, matching and peacefully negotiating a merger of two homes.

in a dramatic shade of charcoal gray that matched a modern, concrete and brass dining table.

“It takes repurposing things like that for people to look at them in a new way,” Burleson said. “It’s such a great exercise as a first compromise. And we all know marriage is based on compromise.”

Go with the contrast Once those favorite pieces are chosen, Burnham suggests creating a clean slate by painting the walls a crisp white or a white shade with just a hint of color. Then look at all the remaining furniture against this new backdrop as though you were shopping.

Rather than trying to group items that are similar, experiment with pairing those that contrast. All three designers say contrast can be the best part of decor. In fact, couples merging two households “have such a leg up, design-wise,” said Burleson, because they can creatively mix and layer a wide range of decor into one stylish space.

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Claim your favorites Each person probably has a few treasured pieces of furniture or art that they can’t imagine living without. Burnham suggests that partners agree to each keep perhaps three or four of these pieces in their shared home.

If one partner truly dislikes one of the other’s absolute favorites, consider changing the piece a little through painting or reupholstering.

Burleson cites one couple who disagreed over a set of cane-backed dining chairs. The solution: lacquering the chairs

Try new locations As you assess your remaining furniture and accessories, consider placing things in rooms where they’ve never been.

“You don’t have to make that big leather recliner work in your traditional living room,” Canada said, even if that’s where it’s always been. What about using it in your bedroom for late-night reading?

Small dressers can serve as end tables or sideboards, while end tables can be

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Tiny homes can offer some big benefits tiring to a tiny home, be sure to find one designed to suit the needs of retirement-age owners. Look for safety features such as slip-resistant floors, and avoid sleeping lofts with ladders.

Also weigh the pros and cons of a mobile tiny home that can be moved around on a trailer versus one placed on a permanent foundation on land you own.

Downsize without cramping your style The Getaway model Square footage: 400 1 bedroom; 1 bath Price: $63,700 Builder: Escape Homes (Rice Lake, Wisc.)

This home is a good fit for those looking for a tiny home that isn’t too tiny. The Getaway is a park model RV, which means it isn’t motorized. Everything is on a single level, with a separate bedroom that’s large enough to fit a queen-size bed.

Some universal design features can be added to the layout for an additional fee.

These include a step-less front entry and additional grab bars in the bathroom.

The home sits on a chassis with wheels that can be transported using an industrial trailer truck if the owner decides to relocate.

Once you’ve settled into a new location, the wheels can be covered with a “skirt,”

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which gives the home the appearance of being a permanent structure. The skirt comes as part of an install package that also includes stairs and leveling for an additional $6,500.

Depending on the amount of customization, this home can be constructed in as little as three months.

Escape Homes offers delivery, but the cost varies depending on the home size and desired location.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOME CARE SUITES

By Andrea Browne Taylor For those looking to undergo extreme downsizing, a tiny home might be the answer. The average tiny home measures just 186 square feet, and is often one single room doing double or triple duty.

Tiny houses have exploded in popularity in the last decade or so, buoyed by a number of cable TV shows devoted to the Lilliputian trend, such as “Tiny House Nation” and “Tiny House Hunters.”

Most of the houses are 100 to 400 square feet. That’s a fraction of the size of a traditional house. But limited space offers unique benefits, including lower utility bills and easier upkeep.

And retirees are taking notice. Nearly 30 percent of tiny home residents are between the ages of 51 and 70, according to a 2015 survey conducted by TheTinyLife.com, a tiny home website.

Cost makes tiny homes particularly appealing to those living on fixed incomes. The average price to build a tiny home yourself is just $23,000, according to TheTinyLife.com.

You’ll pay more to have someone build it for you — the three tiny homes for retirees described below start at $45,000 — but the price tag will still be far less than what you’d pay for a full-size home. Of course, you must add in the cost of land.

If you’re intrigued by the prospect of re-

Home Care Suites designs its small cottages for the backyards of existing residences. At 500 square feet, the Floridian model is spacious by tiny home standards.

A backyard bungalow The Floridian model Square footage: 500 1 bedroom; 1 bath Price: $85,000-$100,000 Builder: Home Care Suites (Tampa, Fla.) Home Care Suites specializes in building small cottages in the backyards of existing residences. The aim is to provide a place for a parent or parents to live when they get older.

“If you ask a retiree if they would rather live in their son or daughter’s backyard

cottage or go into an assisted living facility, I can almost guarantee the answer every time,” said Henry Moseley, president of Home Care Suites.

The structures, though designed with aging in mind, could just as readily be used as home offices or man caves, or as quarters for guests or boomerang kids.

The backyard cottage is spacious by tiny home standards. It’s an expanded version of the builder’s Floridian model, which typically runs 448 square feet. In ad-

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Make a village From page B-12 us/our-villages.

What about helping start a village of your own in your neighborhood? WAVE can help with forums and quarterly meetings.

The national organization, Village to Village Network, also helps communities establish and manage their own villages.

Blending

A detailed “toolkit” with information on everything from what the village concept entails, to creating a business plan and recruiting volunteers, is available on the organization’s website. You can read the basics free, but the in-depth guide requires a $100 membership fee.

To learn more about the Village to Village Network, see www.vtvnetwork.org or call (617) 299-9638.

vorite things. “There’s this element of, ‘It’s just stuff,’” she said.

From page B-13 used as bedside tables. Living room seating can make a guest room cozier, while a small kitchen table can add extra dining space to a family room.

Burleson finds that older clients marrying for the second time tend to be more open to embracing new locations for fa-

Shop together Buying a few new pieces can tie together a couple’s shared decor and help both partners feel at home. “Maybe they go shopping,” Burnham said, “and they find some great vintage rugs that neither one of them knew they loved.”

— AP

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

B-15

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

The Woodlands 703-667-9801 4320 Forest Hill Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 www.thewoodlandsccrc.com The Woodlands — a boutique luxury residence where you’ll know everyone by their first name — offers 102 spacious Independent Living apartments, and features an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, business center, theater, several dining venues, and a wooded site with walking paths.

We offer our residents a fee-for-service Continuing Care contract, and a choice of two residency options: a 90% Refundable Entrance Fee or a Rental Program. We are owned and managed by The Bainum Healthcare Family, owners of Fairfax Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and The Gardens Assisted Living. For more information, call or visit us Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 703-667-9801.

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Support and training are provided. For more information, contact Kristin Martin at (703) 324-7577, TTY 711, or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Why I would never retire to a tiny home

By Douglas Harbrecht You may dream of a tiny home in retirement. You, your partner, and 250 square feet of warm, dry space — a foldup bed, perhaps, Wi-Fi for the laptop, and a kitchenette.

Here’s what I see: Oh, the claustrophobia. What, no room for a big-screen TV? And marital terror. A place so small and confined that at night “wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands’ necks,” as crime novelist Raymond Chandler famously wrote.

After all, we are talking about a space half as big as Ralph and Alice Kramden’s cramped tenement in “The Honeymooners.” Ralph and Alice loved each other very much. But they fought...a lot. No thanks. I want to live happily ever after in retirement.

All this is not to say I don’t get the growing fascination with tiny homes.

From first-time home buyers wanting to minimize their environmental footprint to empty nesters looking to downsize and economize as they age in place, people seem to be mesmerized with the idea of downsizing to a living space the size of a standard kitchen or bedroom.

Sure, it’s much more affordable than traditional homes. And tiny homes often can be as portable as trailers.

Erik Blair, a tiny home consultant/ builder and founder of Project Eden, a nonprofit trying to create a tiny house ecovillage on the Hawaiian island of Maui, points out that “hoarding is unheard of in tiny houses. It takes 15 minutes to clean your entire house.”

My question, though, is why go to such an extreme? With any downsizing, you’ll be forced to either donate, gift, store, or throw away your accumulated clutter.

And because they are small and the construction venue so new, tiny homes often fly under the radar of building codes and tax assessors, setting up potential future financial problems. The socalled “granny flats” designed to help care for the aging parents of baby boomers built in backyards across America are increasingly running afoul of city and county building ordinances.

No thanks. I will not be living in a tiny home in my retirement. Give me at least a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,600-squarefoot condo. Preferably with water views.

The romance of living in a tiny space?

I’ll go camping. Probably by myself. My wife hates camping. © 2016 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

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INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITIES

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PERSONAL CARE offers: assistance with bathing, daily meals, weekly housekeeping & laundry services with optional medication administration. Homecrest is nestled on 10 beautiful acres & neighbors with Leisure World. Residents may qualify approximately 30% of their adjusted income for rent & may qualify for personal care subsidies. Homecrest offers a full array of amenities, activities & scheduled weekday van service. Call Maria at 301-244-3579 for a personalized tour or visit us at www.homecresthouse.org.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Delivery services bring dinner to the door

By Barbara Ruben and Joseph Pisani Laid off after a long career in technology, and with her four kids off to college and beyond, Gigi Schumm of Olney, Md., decided it was time to find a new direction.

She realized that one of the casualties of working and having a family frantically trying to cram in myriad activities was not having time to cook dinner. Thus, Bluebird Dinners was born.

The Rockville-based company delivers a weekly box of completely prepared meals, like Thai salmon or chicken piccata, to homes across most of the Washington area and Howard County.

“I thought families would be my main clients, but about one-third of my business is with seniors,” Schumm said. “I have some clients who have lost their wives and say they never cooked a meal in their lives.

Some were living off Meals on Wheels or frozen food, which can be high in sodium and loaded with preservatives.”

She pointed out that while many meal delivery services only offer online ordering, Bluebird dinners also offers phone service.

Growing interest Meal-kit and fully prepared meal companies have exploded in the past four years or so. Some, like Bluebird Dinners, send a meal completely ready to heat and eat,

while others ship boxes of raw meat, seafood, fresh vegetables and other ingredients to those who want to skip the supermarket and still cook at home.

The industry is growing quickly in the U.S., after first gaining popularity in Europe, and competition is heating up as more players join the fray.

Because of that, meal kit companies are doing all they can to stand out. Blue Apron started to ship wine last year to pair with its meals. HelloFresh began airing TV commercials in November featuring celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Gobble promises that its meals can be cooked in one pan within 15 minutes. And Purple Carrot, which ships vegan meals, brought on cookbook author Mark Bittman to come up with recipes like tofu fries and onion-stuffed crepes.

Bluebird Dinners are delivered by local drivers and left on the front porch in coolers that are later picked up. The meals cost $9.95 to $16.95 per serving.

Meal kits from national companies like Plated and Terra’s Kitchen are shipped to people’s doorsteps, and the raw ingredients come in an insulated cardboard box.

Customers then cook the meals using step-by-step recipes provided. Each kit comes with enough food to make several meals, which average about $10 each. Sub-

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scribers can get a new box every week.

The market in the U.S. is expected to grow faster than in any other country over the next five years — to as much as $6 billion by 2020, the Technomic research group said.

“We don’t know how the market will shake out in five years, but there’s going to be some big winners and there will be some folks that won’t make it,” said Erik Thoresen, a principal at Technomic.

Many introductory offers Holding on to customers may prove to be particularly challenging. Jumping from one meal kit service to the next is tempting, since many offer free meals or heavily discounted boxes for new subscribers, said Thoresen.

Keith and Sharon Robinson began using meal kits from Blue Apron and Plated about two years ago after finding discounts at daily deals websites Groupon and Gilt City. The kits let the high school vice principal and his pediatrician wife cook healthy

meals for their two daughters without having to shop at the grocery store.

“It literally comes to the door,” Keith Robinson said. “Everything is right there; the little baggies of seasoning and spices, the meat, all the vegetables.”

New York’s Purple Carrot last year brought in Bittman, whose cookbooks and articles focused on eating plant-based foods for part of the day. Purple Carrot, founded in 2014, shipped 100,000 meals in its first year.

That’s small potatoes compared with Blue Apron and HelloFresh, which say they ship millions of meals in a month. But Purple Carrot has big plans with Bittman, who is now a part owner, and the service has since expanded to the West Coast.

Other kits go beyond dinner, sending ingredients to make cupcakes or smoothies.

Foodstirs, co-owned by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Sarah Michelle Gellar, See DELIVERED MEALS, page B-19

Meal delivery services Premade meals Bluebird Dinners, Washington area and Howard County, (301) 355-0045, www.bluebirddinners.com Power Supply, Washington and Baltimore areas, pick up at selected fitness centers, www.mypowersupply.com Galley, parts of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore City and County, www.galleyfoods.com Schwan’s, meals are frozen and delivered nationally, discounts for AARP members, www.schwans.com

Meal-kits to cook at home (all deliver nationally) Blue Apron, www.blueapron.com Terra’s Kitchen, www.terraskitchen.com/ Purple Carrot, vegan, www.thepurplecarrot.com Plated, 1-855-525-2399, www.plated.com Hello Fresh, www.hellofresh.com Marley Spoon, 1-866-228-4513, https://marleyspoon.com/

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Tiny homes

PHOTO COURTESY OF TINY HOME BUILDERS

ting room, a U-shaped kitchen with bar top, a walk-in closet, and space for a fullFrom page B-14 size stacked washer and dryer.

Home Care Suites builds all of its cottages dition to a large bedroom and bathroom, the cottage has an oversized porch, a sit- on permanent foundations, and utilities are tied in to the primary residence. This cottage also has its own tankless propane water heater.

It takes five or six months to build a backyar d cottage from start to finish, according to Moseley, and construction costs run between $170 The 160-square-foot Tiny Studio, which is built on a trailer, can be and $200 per transported when the owners travel. square foot.

Weather and inspection delays can impact the timeline, and upgrades and finishes can influence the final price tag.

A petite suite for two The Tiny Studio model Square footage: 160 Studio with 1 bath Price: $45,000 Builder: Tiny Home Builders (DeLand, Fla.) This Tiny Studio model is built on a mobile trailer and can be attached to a vehicle, making it possible to bring the tiny home along on road trips to visit the grandkids.

The kitchen does not have a stove, so you’ll need to add your own portable cooktop. The kitchen and dining area are situated on a raised platform that has two steps.

The platform steps pull out (similar to a dresser drawer) to reveal additional storage space. Underneath the platform, there’s a roll-away bed that can double as additional

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seating when pushed in partially.

The bathroom has a toilet and a 36-inchwide shower with a storage loft located directly above it.

Buyers can customize the home by adding grab bars in the bathroom for $100, slip-resistant flooring for $400 (you’ll work with the builder to select the material), and a ramp adjacent to the stairs at the front door for $2,000.

The Tiny Studio can take up 90 days to build. Tiny Home Builders offers delivery nationwide. The first 50 miles are free, and each additional mile can cost as much as $3.

All contents © 2016 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Are DIY meal-kit services worthwhile?

By Bree Fowler Could a subscription service that delivers kits of pre-measured ingredients and recipes be a cost-effective and healthy solution to the never-ending question of what to have for dinner?

To find out, I spent a month cooking meals created by some of the biggest players in the industry: Blue Apron, Plated, Purple Carrot, Hello Fresh, Terra’s Kitchen and Marley Spoon.

Their taste, value and customer service varied. And ultimately the question of whether these kits might work for you depends a lot on whether you’re a picky eater and how much you value time.

Each of my boxes contained three dinners for two. My husband and I tested out the services.

cover the additional costs.

Do they save time?

Yes, though not in the kitchen. I’m no slouch at the stove, but all the meals I made still took longer to prepare than the kit recipes said they would. I did, though, save time on grocery trips. And the boxes minimized what I needed to pick up and schlep back on the shopping excursions I couldn’t avoid.

Another time-saver: You don’t really have to decide what you’re having that night until just before dinner time. (Though you should probably make seafood dishes soon-

Are they affordable?

At about $10 per meal, per person, the services cost more than groceries, but probably less than takeout or a restaurant meal, depending on where you live. I didn’t save money.

The meal kits don’t yield leftovers, so that meant buying groceries for sack lunches or picking up takeout. Factoring out the substantial first-week discounts the companies all offer, my family’s weekly food budget grew by roughly 60 percent to

er rather than later.) And you can try out new dishes and flavors without having to make the trek to a specialty food store.

Not having to lug bags home on the subway, then drag them up a few flights of stairs, was also enticing. Suburbanites with SUVs may not feel the same way.

Knowing that everything you need to make dinner is waiting for you at home is a

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stress reducer, but the boxes aren’t foolproof. A rock-hard avocado in a Hello Fresh shrimp recipe resulted in a last minute trip to the store for a replacement.

Are they healthy?

It depends. All the companies provide calorie counts; most of the meals come in between 500 and 700 calories. After that, it can get a little hazy.

In particular, Blue Apron fudges the numbers, labeling some of its meals for two as actually serving three. A dinner of Italian beef sandwiches with cheese sauce and potato wedges was listed at 590 calories per serving. The kit made two sandwiches, but said it served three people. My husband and I polished off the whole thing by ourselves, consuming a whopping 885 calories each in the process.

Blue Apron said the extra portion was a result of large rolls that a supplier provided for the dish, adding that the majority of its meals do serve two people.

Some of the ingredients left a bit to be desired as well.

While Plated boasted wild Pacific salmon, and Blue Apron supplied shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico, Hello Fresh’s shrimp came all the way from India. Marley Spoon takes its focus on ingredients a step further by including products from high-end suppliers familiar to foodies.

But others included mystery ingredients. A Blue Apron kit came with a container of “chicken demi-glace” and a bag of

“biscuit mix,” but didn’t list any ingredients on the containers or on the company’s website. Blue Apron said it provides customers with ingredient lists on request, but doesn’t list them on its website, because they can vary by region.

Plated’s fancy salmon dish included hoisin sauce, but didn’t say what was in it. A Hello Fresh dish also used hoisin sauce, but it came in little takeout packets with the ingredients printed on them. It included artificial food coloring, something I try to avoid.

So how do they taste?

Healthiness aside, some meals were really great, while others reminded me of the hot lunches I ate in elementary school.

Meals from Purple Carrot, which are exclusively vegan, may or may not be up your alley. Some were great, all were time consuming and, unlike with the other companies, there wasn’t an option to choose dishes from a list.

You’re stuck with the three dishes Purple Carrot schedules for a given week.

It’s worth noting that all the other companies offer plenty of vegetarian options. And Hello Fresh offers a vegetarian subscription that’s a little cheaper than their regular one.

I found the Blue Apron dishes I tried a bit simplistic and bland, prompting memoSee DIY MEAL-KITS, page 19

Location, Location, Location!

A quiet neighborhood setting? Yes, we have it. Relaxing outdoor spaces, including a patio dining area and a rooftop deck? Yes, we have it. Spacious apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows, just two blocks from the Metro? Yes, and yes! If you haven’t found the right senior apartments yet, discover our affordable community today!

Call 202-244-7400 (TRS 711) to schedule your visit.

FriendshipTerrace.org

1-800-643-3769 DC RELAY SERVICE • 1-800-643-3768 TTY 4201 Butterworth Place, NW, Washington, DC 20016

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

DIY meal-kits From page B-18 ries of lunch ladies in hair nets. Plated gives you the option of paying a little extra for more upscale food. A wild Pacific salmon dish was worth the extra $12 I paid on top of the company’s regular $72 weekly price. But with its high-end ingredients, Marley Spoon offers much of the same quality for a fraction of the price.

Hello Fresh fell somewhere in the middle. Its dishes were the fastest to prepare and tastier than Blue Apron’s, though not as fancy as those from Plated or Marley Spoon.

Editor’s note: The Beacon tried four dishes from the recently launched Terra’s Kitchen. The dishes ran the gamut from the vegetarian “Creamy Squash Nests with Blistered Tomato ‘Eggs’,” which tasted better than its over-the-top title suggests, to a steak bowl with sweet potatoes and avocadoes, which was also tasty.

One note: Many of the meal kits arrived swathed in huge amounts of packaging.

Terra’s Kitchen tries to remedy this by delivering what looks like a small refrigerator, complete with pull-out shelves. Customers put this reusable cooler outside their door for pick up the next day. One drawback is that the cooler is very heavy and would be difficult to carry for those who live in apartment buildings with stairs.

Delivered meals From page B-16 ships monthly kits with ingredients and tools to bake chocolate cake pops, vanilla loaf cakes and other treats.

And for those that prefer liquid meals, Green Blender in New York sends boxes of cut fruit, vegetables, chia seeds, almonds

So what’s the bottom line?

These services are worth a try. All of the companies I tried offer generous first-week promotions. But if you think you might drop them after that, go online and skip your next few deliveries while you make up your mind. Cancellations take time to process and people have gotten stuck paying for boxes they didn’t want because they didn’t cancel them fast enough.

Whether something like this could be worth it boils down to what your time is worth.

Cutting back on lastminute grocery trips is nice, but is it worth $60 to $72 a week?

I grew tired of eating out of a box after a couple of weeks and began longing for fresh bread and my favorite turkey chili — not to mention “Free Wine Wednesday” at my neighborhood Thai restaurant.

While I’m keeping my Plated and Marley Spoon subscriptions active, I think it’s back to the grocery store for me. Though that could change after I start hauling bags up the stairs again.

— AP with additional reporting

by Barbara Ruben

B-19

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Knollwood 202-541-0149 or 1-800-541-4255 6200 Oregon Avenue NW Washington, DC 20015 www.armydistaff.org

and other ingredients that can be dumped into a blender to make a smoothie.

“It’s really cool that customers have become comfortable getting ingredients and food in the mail,” said Green Blender cofounder Jenna Tanenbaum.

For an overview of the pros and cons of delivered meal-kits, see “Are meal delivery services worthwhile?” on page B-18. — AP

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

The Bonifant at Silver Spring 844-243-0369 929 Bonifant Street Silver Spring, MD 20910 TheBonifant.com The Bonifant at Silver Spring has brand new studio and onebedroom apartments available, with rents starting from $834 per month. Stop by to tour the beautiful newly-decorated model Bonifant floorplan and see all of the modern touches in the comfortable setting. This floorplan offers eat-in kitchen, living room and bath, with ample storage. All apartments in The Bonifant come with washer and dryer, full kitchens and vinyl plank flooring.

This beautiful weather is perfect for the outdoor terrace while the community rooms and fitness center are open for your enjoyment.

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Knollwood is a military continuing care retirement community featuring modern independent living apartments ranging in size from 500 to 2700 sq.ft., assisted living apartments, skilled nursing and memory care. Situated on a 16-acre campus in Rock Creek Park, Knollwood is convenient to all D.C. has to offer. Outings to events and cultural venues, such as the Kennedy Center and National Mall, frequent daily trips to WRNMMC, and a committed activity staff enrich the lives of our residents. Providing service for over 50 years, Knollwood was built on the cornerstones of personal attention, superior care and camaraderie, values that have withstood the test of time. Call today to ask about our new Independent Living Plus option!

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Chancellor’s Village is where active seniors enjoy every day with the support of caring staff. Conveniently located between Washington and Richmond, Chancellor’s Village offers the finest independent living and assisted living for seniors in the Fredericksburg area.

When you visit Chancellor’s Village, you’ll notice that our vibrant community has the elegance of a country club and the charm of a southern manor. Residents of Chancellor’s Village live in spacious, beautifully appointed apartment homes, and enjoy fine dining and housekeeping. Our calendar is packed with events and activities each day, from bible study to zumba classes. Come unretire and start living at Chancellor’s Village.

B-20

Housing Options

PULL-OUT & KEEP THIS SECTION

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

July - August 2016

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at B at Brooke ro o ke ke G Grove r ov e r retirement etirement v village ill a ag ge

Ass experts A p ts in senior care and d memory suppor support, rt, B rt Brooke rook ke G ke Grove rove ov R Retirement eti tiir irement Vil Village llage is pl pleased leasedd to of offer ffer seminars i ev vents that tth hat promote promote physical, physiccaal, spiritual spiritual and and mental mental well-being. well-b being. All be All seminars semiin nars and and events events will wiilll be be held held ld at and events Brrooke ooke k Grove Grove Rehabilitation Reh habilitation and and Nursing Nurssing i g Center, Center, located at 18131 18131 Slade Slad de School School Road Road on on the the Brooke Brook ke Grove Grovve G Brooke Retirementt Village Vil V iilllage campus. campus. Please Please register registe i er with with h Toni To oni Davis Daviis at at 301-388-7209 301-388-7209 or or tdavis@bgf.org. tdavis@bgf.oorgg.

Retirement Support for the Caregiver Seminar: minar r: ome” “Providing Optimal Care at Home” July 12, 2-3 p.m.

Support for the Caregiver Seminar: “Winning Life’s Toughest Bat tles” August 23, 2-3 p.m.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia at home is demanding as well as challenging. Learn how you can offer an ideal environment based on four aspects of care: Safety, Structure, Stimulation and Support. FREE. Register by July 10.

Explore the characteristics of those who survive traumatizing situations and focus on ways to reshape suffering in order to flourish. Discover techniques that will allow you to care for yourself as you experience the stress of caregiving. FREE. Register by August 21.

Alzheimer’s support group July 20 & August 17, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this confidential group provides an opportunity for individuals and families to find support, gain understanding and share caregiving tips. FREE.

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 www.bgf.org

Independent living assisted living rehabilitation long-term care memory support

27

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Spotlight On Aging, continued Continued from page 26, preceding the Housing Options Magazine at the left.

Billie LaVerne Smith, Ms. Senior DC 2016

Jessica Haynes-Franklin, First runner-up

Dr. Judyan Andrews, Second runner-up

Elvera Patrick, Ms. Congeniality

Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2016 We have a winner!

Billie LaVerne Smith, a resident of Ward 4, has been crowned Ms. Senior DC! She impressed the judges at this year’s pageant with her skills on the piano when she played “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” from Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington and Bob Bassie. The judges also awarded her Best Interview based on their conversations with the 10 contestants.

First runner-up in the contest was Jessica Haynes-Franklin, who was also the winner of the Best Evening Gown Award. She elegantly wore a white lace evening gown during that segment of the contest.

Second runner-up was Dr. Judyan

Andrews, who sang the tune “Teach Me Tonight.” Third runner-up was Elynore Hooker Herron, who also was awarded Best Salesperson for her ad and ticket sales. Herron used a slide show to depict her original historical writing on “Queens” during the talent segment.

The contestants voted on the person they felt best represented Ms. Congeniality, and Elvera Patrick from Ward 8 was the winner.

Patrick had a very energizing hula hoop routine to “Let’s Twist Again”

by Chubby Checker. She entertained the audience wearing a hot pink and black 50’s sock hop outfit.

The MC Steppers — the Ms. Senior DC Pageant official dancers —

MC Steppers in their afro wigs

set the tone for the event with music

by Stevie Wonder from his album, “Songs in the Key of Life.” The group danced to several songs by the musician in bright-colored sequined costumes, bell bottoms and afro wigs. During the finale they wore black sequined and neon wigs.

During the opening, Wendy Denise Bridges, Ms. Senior DC 2015, and Mary L. McCoy, Ms. Senior DC 2012, shared the Keys of Life. This moment was special, but difficult, for the dancers, who were supposed to perform with Nancy A. Berry, Cameo Club President, who died suddenly the week before the event. She had practiced for weeks to dance with the duo during the opening.

The group performed in her memory, and her loss was felt because she was instrumental in the planning of the event and coordi-

nated many of the activities even days before.

A panel of judges from the community rated each contestant on their elegance, grace and poise in each segment of the competition.

The four segments were Philosophy of Life, Evening Gown, Talent and Interview. Carroll “Mr. C” Henson, Jr. was the master of ceremonies for the event, and led the audience through each phase of the show.

The Ms. Senior DC Pageant was presented by the DC Office on Aging, the DC Seniors Cameo Club, and the Office on Aging Senior Service Network. Pictures from the event can be viewed on the agency’s website and social media pages. Follow DCOA@DCAgingNews on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.

Full group of contestants

28

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

ON

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar July

at Edgewood Commons, 635 Edgewood St. NE, and on July 21, it takes place at North Capitol @ Plymouth, 5233 N. Capitol St. NE. For more information. call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

5th and 19th • noon Join the D.C. Caregivers Online Chat at Noon to discuss “Unresolved Issues in Family Caregiving” on July 5 and “Long Term Care and Tips for Caregivers” on July 19. Log on to http://dcoa.dc.gov/page/caregiver-chat at noon or visit at your convenience and hit replay to see the chat. For more information, contact linda.irizarry@dc.gov or call 202-535-1442.

12th • 11:30 a.m.

AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly will present information on the Medicare Patrol at Petersburg, 3298 Ft. Lincoln Dr. NE. For more information, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

13th • 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 21st • 11:30 a.m.

Seabury Resources for Aging Ward 5 presents Seabury ConnectorCard sign-up days at various nutrition sites. Read more about this transportation debit card in this issue of Spotlight on Aging. Verification of income, date of birth and residence needed at the time of sign-up. The event on July 6 takes place at Ft. Lincoln I, 2855 Bladensburg Rd. NE. The July 7 session is at Petersburg, 3298 Ft. Lincoln Dr. NE. On July 13 it is at Kibar, 1519 4th St. NW. On July 14 it is

Director’s message From page 25

we’d love to hear from you on how villages can support you more, and how we can use District funds to help villages grow sustainably.

Begin by answering these questions: • District seniors: How would you use funds to improve access to village membership and services?

• Community-based organizations: How would funds best support efforts to serve village members or neighbors?

Learn all about how to get organized for a stressfree move. Penny Catterall and Sue Crow of Order Your Life, a Bethesda-based professional organizing company, will offer suggestions on where to donate or sell possessions you no longer wish to keep, and give tips on how to simplify the moving process in this workshop at Iona. The early bird fee before July 6 is $10. After that, the cost to register is $15. Sign up at http://bit.ly/stress_free_move or call 202-8959420. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW.

Please send your thoughts, ideas, questions and concerns to askthedirector.dcoa@dc.gov by Friday, August 5.

Thanks for taking the time to express your thoughts and ideas. It’s important to us that the community has an opportunity to share how DCOA services can best meet their needs. To learn more about villages and to find a village near you, visit DCOA’s website at http://dcoa.dc.gov/service/seniorvillages.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Last, but certainly not least, please join me in congratulating our 2016 Ms.

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

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Acting Executive Director Laura Newland Editor Darlene Nowlin Photographer Selma Dillard The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone

based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.

Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

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

19th • 11:30 a.m.

United Healthcare presents information on the circulatory system at North Capitol @ Plymouth Nutrition Site, 5233 N. Capitol St., NE. For more information, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

21st • 10 a.m. to noon Train to become a DCOA Ambassador, an initiative to train community residents about the programs and services offered by the D.C. Office on Aging and its Senior Service Network. The ambassadors serve as points of contacts for distributing information about the programs and services available to seniors, people living with disabilities and caregivers in their wards and communities. To register, call 202-7245622 or email Darlene.nowlin@dc.gov.es presents a

Provider Resource Fair at The R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, located at 2730 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. For more information, contact Alonzo Brown at 202-368-7092.

Senior D.C., Billie LaVerne Smith.

Smith is a resident of Ward 4, and will be representing the District of Columbia at the national Ms. Senior America

pageant in Atlantic City later this fall. I also want to thank our 2015 Ms. Senior D.C., Wendy Bridges, for her service to the District’s seniors during her reign!

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

29

MEDICARE DRUG CHANGES? The rising cost of drugs may spur Congressional action on Medicare Part D JUMP STARTING START-UPS Small companies going public can now sell shares directly to consumers NETWORK TO FIND A JOB How to find and make new contacts who can help you land employment BE A CHEAPSKATE Mutual funds charging the lowest fees nearly always come out on top

Best bond funds given low interest rates

By Steven Goldberg Seven years after the end of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, the U.S. economy continues to lead the developed world. Gross domestic product in the U.S. has been rising only about 2 percent annually (compared with a more normal 3 percent), but the economies of most other major nations are at, or just above, stall speed.

Will we ever get back to normal global growth? Probably, given time. But a return to the good old days is still a ways in the future.

Meantime, efforts by central bankers to light a fire under the global economy have pushed down bond yields to ridiculously low levels. Until growth picks up, those yields should stay artificially low. Citing concerns over sluggish employment growth, the Federal Reserve once again opted to leave rates unchanged at its June meeting.

Little gain, future pain Because interest rates are so low, investing in most kinds of bonds is risky. If yields increase (and there’s a lot more room for rates to rise than there is for them to decline), bond prices will fall, so fixed-income investors must be vigilant.

Take the benchmark 10-year Treasury

bond. As of June 14, it yielded a puny 1.61 percent. If consumer prices rise at the historical annual rate of 3 percent, a 10-year Treasury is a guaranteed loser even if the bond’s price remains unchanged. Heck, even at 2 percent inflation, you’ll be in the hole with a 10-year Treasury because the bond’s interest will be less than the rise in consumer prices.

The best argument for owning U.S. Treasuries is that they pay more today than government bonds issued by many other developed countries. Many overseas bonds sport negative yields — a phenomenon I can’t begin to understand. In effect, you buy a government bond knowing that you will get back less when the IOU matures than what you put in. Makes me want to buy stock in a company that makes safedeposit boxes.

The advent of negative yields has prompted investors to lock up their cash in super-long-term bonds that pay meager yields. Spain — get this — recently issued 50-year bonds with a 3.45 percent coupon.

France also issued 50-year bonds. Belgium and Ireland each sold 100 million euros of 100-year bonds in private deals.

I predict that one day we will look back on long-term bonds with tiny or negative yields, such as the 10-year Treasury, in much the same way we now view the in-

BEACON BITS

July 19

CREDIT SEMINAR Housing Counseling Services presents a free credit clinic on Tues-

day, July 19 at 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. HCS can help you map out a strategy to meet your goals. Housing Counseling Services is located at 2410 17 St. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information or to register, call (202) 667-7606 or email training@housingetc.org.

July 16

INVESTMENT CLUB The Washington Metro Investment Club (WMIC) is having an open house meeting on Saturday, July 16 at 4 p.m. WMIC is comprised

of a small group of novice investors interested in learning about current trends in investing. It meets once a month to discuss investments in the stock market. The group meets in the McCourt Building, located at 1 County Complex Ct. in Woodbridge, Va. For more information, contact Ken Wright at (703) 801-1465.

sanely high price-earnings ratios of tech stocks in the late 1990s.

When yields inevitably do head north, those holding bonds will suffer huge losses. Just a one-percentage-point rise in the yield on the 10-year Treasury would cause its price to fall by 9 percent. A two-percentage-point increase would trigger a 17 percent plunge. Depending upon their current yields, a one-percentage point rise in 50-year and 100-year bonds would bring a price collapse of 25 to 45 percent.

The case for owning bonds So, why own bonds at all? Because stashing all your money in stocks can be too risky. Bonds provide ballast for your portfolio, and investment-grade bonds often rise, or at least generate positive total returns, during periods of falling stock prices.

Bonds issued by shaky companies (aptly called junk bonds) currently offer the most attractive yields: 7 percent, on average. But high-yield bonds come with substantial risk that the issuer might not be able to pay you back, and often perform poorly when stocks are tanking.

With all that in mind, here are my favorite bond mutual funds and exchangetraded-fund picks for the current market, listed from the most conservative to the riskiest. Note that I’m not including past returns for any of the funds because they would tell you little about how the funds will likely do in the future.

You’ll never grow rich owning Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (symbol VCSH), but you won’t go broke, either. I especially love two numbers about this fund: its annual expense ratio of just 0.10 percent and its average duration of 2.8 years (duration is a measure of interest-rate sensitivity; a duration of 2.8 years suggests that the fund’s price would drop by 2.8 percent if interest rates rose by one-percentage-point). The exchange-traded fund invests in short-term, high-quality corporate and government bonds. It yields just 1.9 percent, but the modest payout is a fair trade-off for the low risk.

For money held in taxable accounts, I favor Vanguard Limited-Term Tax Exempt (VMLTX), which charges 0.20 percent a year and yields a paltry 0.9 percent (equivalent to a taxable 1.6 percent for an

investor in the top, 43.4 percent bracket).

But the average duration is only 2.5 years.

If you can meet the $50,000 minimum, you can qualify for the fund’s Admiral share class (VMLUX), which charges just 0.12 percent and yields 1.0 percent (a taxable-equivalent yield of 1.8 percent for a top-bracket investor).

If you find it beneficial to invest in a single-state muni fund, which delivers interest that is free of federal and state income taxes, make sure it has a relatively modest duration.

Jeffrey Gundlach, co-manager of DoubleLine Total Return Bond N (DLTNX), has been a good prognosticator of the future course of interest rates. Over the past six months, he has trimmed his fund’s average duration from 3.5 years to 2.9 years, suggesting that he thinks rates will rise a bit.

Total Return, which sports a relatively generous 3.2 percent yield, holds a mix of government mortgages and much riskier privately backed mortgages. About 20 percent of its assets earn junk ratings.

As the name suggests, Metropolitan West Unconstrained Bond (MWCRX) has a lot of flexibility. Among other things, the managers can sell bonds short (that is, bet on their prices to fall and yields to rise). At last report, the fund’s average duration was just 1.4 years. Some 85 percent of the fund’s assets are in corporate bonds, non-government-backed mortgages and other securitized debt.

All told, about one-fourth of the fund’s assets was in junk-rated securities. The fund yields 2.5 percent. Its four managers have a long and superior track record running Metropolitan West Total Return (MWTRX), a more-traditional, middle-ofthe-road bond fund that is a member of the Kiplinger 25.

Loomis Sayles Bond (LSBRX) fishes in treacherous waters. The fund, which yields 3.9 percent, has about 30 percent of its assets in bonds with junk ratings and another 10 percent in unrated bonds, as well as 8 percent in common stocks. It also invests a sizable chunk in foreign bonds.

Says comanager Elaine Stokes: “There’s so little yield in the world that we don’t think it pays to be in bonds with high credit ratings.”

Steve Goldberg is an investment adviser in the Washington, D.C. area.

30

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Drug costs may spur Medicare changes

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Calling the rising cost of drugs “unsustainable,” congressional advisers in June recommended major changes to Medicare’s popular outpatient prescription program, now 10 years old.

The proposal from the nonpartisan Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or MedPAC, steers clear of calling for the government to negotiate drug prices directly, an option both presidential candidates advocate.

For beneficiaries, the plan is a mixed bag. All seniors would get better protection from extremely high costs, but some may have to spend more.

The recommendations are unlikely to

gain traction in Congress during an election year, but they will get a serious look from staff experts on key House and Senate committees overseeing Medicare.

MedPAC is a congressional agency charged with making regular recommendations on Medicare, the government’s premier health insurance program, with about 57 million elderly and disabled beneficiaries. Echoing widespread concerns about drug costs, MedPAC said spending for Medicare’s prescription program grew by nearly 60 percent from 2007 through 2014, from $46 billion to $73 billion.

That was driven by spending on highcost beneficiaries who tend to use the most expensive medications, such as the

recent breakthrough cures for hepatitis C infection. Congress should re-examine the program’s design “to better ensure financial sustainability,” the commission said.

Out-of-pocket limit sought The MedPAC proposal would protect all seniors by setting an annual limit on how much they can be required to pay for medications — a new safeguard.

However, it would also raise costs by about $1,000 for some beneficiaries who land in the widely loathed coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole.” And MedPAC also proposed restructuring modest copayments that low-income beneficiaries may face, in order to encourage greater use of generic and preferred brand name drugs.

Insurance companies, the middlemen who deliver coverage to some 39 million beneficiaries in the prescription program, aren’t likely to be pleased.

The MedPAC plan wouldn’t change the share of total program costs subsidized by the government, which is roughly threefourths. But a change in the payment formula would put insurers more directly on the hook for managing spending on the priciest drugs. That could expose the companies to greater financial risk.

Currently, after a beneficiary reaches what’s called the “catastrophic” threshold of the benefit, taxpayers are responsible for 80 percent of the cost of drugs. The insurer’s share is 15 percent, and the beneficiary pays 5 percent. That threshold is about $7,500 this year, counting spending both by the patient and by the insurer.

Under MedPAC’s proposal, beneficiaries

would no longer have to worry about how to keep paying that 5 percent, which can be substantial with some drugs costing $100,000 a year. Instead, the beneficiary’s exposure would be limited to about $4,850.

Insurers, however, could face a potential downside. MedPAC concluded that the current formula doesn’t give insurers much incentive to drive bargains with pharmaceutical companies, since Medicare picks up 80 percent of the cost of catastrophic coverage.

The plan calls for gradually dialing down the government share to 20 percent.

Drug companies may not like that either, since insurers would demand bigger rebates.

It could also pressure pharmaceutical companies to restrain prices for new drugs.

No negotiation with drugmakers While the complex proposal involves major restructuring, Medicare would not negotiate with drugmakers. In many other economically advanced countries, the government is actively involved in setting prices, leading to lower costs for consumers. The drug industry says if the U.S. takes that road, it could reduce their investment in research and development.

But in this election year, both presidential candidates have called for some form of direct negotiation by Medicare. For Republican Donald Trump, that stance puts him at odds with Republican congressional leaders opposed to the government setting drug prices.

MedPAC said its entire package would save an estimated $2 billion annually, and $10 billion over five years.

— AP

BEACON BITS

July 6+

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS

The Senior Connection is looking for volunteer drivers to help older adults who don’t drive get to appointments. Volunteers use a webbased scheduling system to create their own driving schedules, and training and liability coverage are provided. Training sessions will take place on, Wednesdays, July 6 at 10 a.m. and July 13 at 7 p.m. at Holiday Park Senior Center, located at 3950 Ferrara Dr., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, visit www.seniorconnectionmc.org, call (301) 962-0820, or email volunteer@seniorconnectionmc.org.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

31

Not afraid of risk? Invest in a start-up

By Joseph Pisani Last year, Randy Murphy went to DietBet.com and bet $25 that he could drop 4 percent of his weight in four weeks. After shedding about 20 pounds, he won back $50.

Now he’s making an even bigger bet: Murphy invested $1,000 in the company that owns DietBet, New York-based WayBetter Inc. Making the purchase — which was the first time he’s bought a company’s stock — was easy. Murphy clicked a link in an email from WayBetter that invited DietBet users to invest. After a few clicks, he had ordered up 1,000 shares for $1 each.

“I’m not a wealthy guy, but I felt like the risks were worth it,” said Murphy, a program manager and a volunteer medical first responder. “It has the potential to pay off.”

Usually only rich people and venture capitalists invest in startups. But now more regular folks are getting the chance.

That’s because of two major changes to a federal law that have made it easier for small businesses to sell shares and raise cash from the public.

In June 2015, rules known as Regulation A were updated in an effort to get more companies to raise money from the public.

And this May, brand new crowdfunding rules went into effect allowing even smaller companies to raise up to $1 million a year from average Joes and Janes.

Many are hitting up their customers.

Shoppers who go to BeautyKind.us to buy moisturizer or perfume will see a banner

on the top of the site: “BeautyKind is going public! Click here to learn how you can be a BeautyKind shareholder!”

Fans of Virtuix, a developer of virtual reality gear for video games, will see a link on the top of its website: “Interested in investing in Virtuix?”

N1ce, which sells frozen mojitos, daiquiris and other cocktails in easy-to-carry tubes, told its 13,000 Instagram followers that it was crowdfunding: “Take your chance to own a part of N1ce and claim a front row seat to our journey as we go global.”

Big risks Investing in startups is risky. Most fail.

And many don’t have a proven business model. Some desperately need the money to hire employees, make a product or open a store.

Experts say there are a few ways investors can make money from their investment, such as if the company is bought or if it goes public. But none of that is guaranteed to happen, and if it does, it could take years before it happens, experts say.

“The bottom line is that Main Street investors should not invest beyond what they are comfortable losing,” said Mike Pieciak, who is the deputy commissioner for Vermont’s securities regulator and serves on a committee that advises the Securities and Exchange Commission about small companies.

To protect inexperienced investors, the SEC publishes financial details and other information about the companies on the SEC

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website. More importantly, it also limits how much they can invest, depending on which rules the companies use to raise money.

For example, if your annual income or net worth is below $100,000, you can invest a maximum of $2,000 or 5 percent of your income or net worth, whichever is less, in start-ups.

While the crowdfunding rules are brand new, Regulation A has been around for years.

But small companies rarely used Regulation A because the maximum $5 million they could raise in a year didn’t justify the costs of winning regulatory approval, said Gary Emmanuel, a securities attorney in New York. In 2011, for example, only one company received approval to sell shares under Regulation A, according to a 2012 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The 2012 law known as the Jobs Act increased the amount companies could raise to as much as $50 million in a 12-month period. Since the law took effect last June,

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more than 80 companies have applied to the SEC to sell shares, and more than 30 of them have been approved.

And as soon as new crowdfunding rules went into effect last month, more than 25 companies signed up.

Getting in on the ground floor Murphy read about the risks before he invested in WayBetter. His $1,000 investment is small enough that it won’t hurt him much financially, he said. Murphy believes in the company and already knows that DietBet helps people lose weight.

He also liked that WayBetter is expanding its betting model to other products, such as StepBet, which motivates people to walk more. WayBetter, which declined to comment for this story, wants to raise as much as $20 million through Regulation A. “I love the idea of getting in on the ground floor,” said Murphy.

— AP

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1776 From page 1 The first was in broadcasting, working with special events news coverage for CBS in New York and as program director and executive producer for Metromedia (now Fox) in New York and Washington.

Biegel then segued into crisis communications, where he counseled companies and trade groups on how to respond to everything from the Tylenol tampering case, to 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina.

Age is no barrier Biegel, who lives in Bethesda, Md., says he finds it energizing that he and just a handful of others working on their ideas at 1776 are over 40.

“I don’t think age is any kind of barrier to engaging in conversations. It’s a lot of give and take.

“But I’ve learned to be careful of telling stories that go back 20 and 30 years to ear-

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

lier experiences of mine, because they’re not relevant.

“My first job at CBS was working for Walter Cronkite. I mentioned that to a millennial, and it was like, ‘Who was that?’” I was embarrassed. So I have to be careful not to get into trivia that’s totally irrelevant, but rather talk about today’s world.”

And he’s far from the oldest one there.

“I saw a very tall, stately gentleman [working on a project], and I said, ‘I never do this, but I have to ask you, how old are you?’ He said, ‘I’m 93.’ So age doesn’t matter.”

That man is Sumner Myers, who is developing an app to help overweight members of the military get trim.

And there are other older entrepreneurs at 1776 as well. “Age is all in the mind,” said Prashant “PK” Kothari, who says he’s in his late 40s. Kothari has already founded four companies, and wants to build on one of them — a real estate information services company called String.

He has a small office in Bethesda, and 650 employees in his native India working on mortgage processing and title searches. Now he wants to find a way to more automate that in his newest venture, which he’s dubbing String 2.0. So he decided to give 1776 a try.

I said, “Let me get out of my office and come to a new environment and hang out with a whole bunch of entrepreneurs doing different things, see if it would be an invigorating experience.”

His wife had a different view. She told him he was going through a midlife slump.

“I said, “Well, that’s one way of looking at it, but I’m not getting a crimson Ferrari or the trophy wife!”

Kothari says it’s been a successful venture so far. “I have a lot of fun hanging out with the younger people, so there are no issues [regarding age difference] at all.

“In multiple ways it’s beneficial,” he said. “One is that I am extremely curious and entrepreneurial. I love learning about

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new products, new services, new problems people are solving.”

Making math friendly Former math teacher Rebecca Klemm, 66, agrees. She’s used many 1776 denizens as sounding boards for her ideas about making math less intimidating for students. “[1776] makes available people who are interested in new ideas,” she said. “The campus environment as an incubator is fabulous to me.

“It’s where I’m meeting the most useful people that I can toss ideas at, and they don’t just say, ‘No, I’ve never seen that, therefore it can’t be very good.’ They say, ‘Let’s see how it can be useful or not.’”

Klemm, who lives in Washington, D.C., is the creator of a company called Numbers Alive! One facet of the business is a collection of soft, stuffed numbers in various sizes that kids can hold, rearrange, and use as pillows.

“I asked, ‘What could I do to alleviate anxiety over math?’” I had been a seamstress, so I said, ‘Make them soft. Make them friendly. Make them things you can count on.’” (Pun intended?)

“They’re not in a book, they’re not black and white, they’re not abstract. They’re actually friendly and tell you the story of who they are.”

In addition, Klemm has designed a collection of geometric puzzles in which students must be able to figure out how to arrange the pieces to make shapes like parallelograms and hexagons.

She has also written the first in an intended series of children’s travel books featuring her friendly numbers. In it, the numbers explore Washington. On one page, a bewigged numeral 1 visits the Washington Monument to give both history and math lessons, learning, for example that the monument is 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches tall.

And while NumbersAlive! has so far been self-funded, Klemm hopes to find interested investors through her work with 1776.

“It’s my tribe. And I didn’t know there was a tribe to be part of. I’ve been an inventor all my life, and basically [as such] you’re over here on the fringe. This [incubator] is a place for being an inventor-entrepreneur as opposed to buying into a franchise or company.

“It’s wonderful at this stage of life,” Klemm continued. “When I was their age, it wasn’t available for people to get together and try out new things, and learn how it’s OK to try and fail and change and be creative.”

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Want a new job? Network to find contacts Q: I have applied to so many jobs on pleased to find a person really interested in the Internet, but haven’t heard a thing knowing more about them. from any of them. What I have been rewarded should I do? many times for initiating conA: Network, network, netversations, listening and rework! I realize many people sponding in kind. You never looking for jobs are resistant to know who knows whom! the idea of networking. Often, Attend social and profeswhen I talk with clients about sional events. There are lots of the importance of getting out people to engage in conversaand talking with people, I can tion at social gatherings, chamalmost hear their discomfort. ber of commerce meetings, I believe insufficient inforfundraising affairs, organized mation contributes to the un- CAREER COACH networking events, neighboreasiness. So I’m going to pro- By Judy Smith hood council meetings, schedvide details about the nature of uled lectures and on and on. networking and describe how to engage in The goal of networking at such events is the process successfully. not to find a job right away. Networking is While I think it’s fine to continue apply- about building relationships. And that reing for jobs via the Internet, you should quires focusing on the other person first. know that each job posting draws dozens, Lynne Waymon, co-founder of Contacts perhaps hundreds, of responses. It’s diffi- Count, defines networking as “the delibercult to get noticed in a torrent of appli- ate process of exchanging information, recants. To find a job today, building relation- sources and support in a way that creates ships is the more effective way to go. mutually beneficial relationships.”

Networking might sound like a timeOf course, when we engage in “the deconsuming way to find a job. It may be, but liberate process” of networking, we want keep in mind: Statistics show that approxi- something. But don’t ask a new contact for mately 80 percent of jobs today are ac- what you want right away. Instead, focus quired via networking! on what you can give them. Giving is the The reason networking is so effective is only way to establish a real connection. because organizations seek referrals from Ask questions to learn what’s important their employees before they announce a to this person and use the information to position publicly. This approach makes for determine something you can do to support a faster, easier selection process for them, them. You can suggest (or forward) readand reduces competition for a job seeker ing materials they would find beneficial, tell at the same time. them about other good places to meet peoIf you want to find people who know ple (perhaps offer to join them there), offer about job openings before they’re adver- to help them set up a record-keeping systised, you can’t afford not to network. tem related to their job search efforts, etc.

Be sure to follow-up! Life is too busy to exReconnect with old contacts pect most people (family and friends includThere are two parts to networking: Re- ed) to remember you if a great opportunity connecting with people familiar to you, and forming new relationships.

Begin by creating a list of everyone you know — family, friends, neighbors, second cousins, previous co-workers, and people from your place of worship. Include your dry cleaner, accountant, lawyer and hairdresser.

Everyone knows at least 200 people.

Maybe one of the people you know is aware of a good contact for you. Don’t disqualify anyone. (I read about someone who got their job lead from an 85-year-old congregant in their church.)

Call, visit or e-mail the people you know.

Ask them to coffee. Ask how they are, and let them know the specifics of your job search (field of interest, level of position you seek, etc.). See if they know of anything or anyone else you might get in touch with.

arises. Create a system for staying in touch.

Right after the event, gather all the business cards you collected and send an email message to everyone you met to say hello again, check on how they’re doing, and review the conversation you had and what you offered to do for them.

Better yet, arrange an in-person get-together with one (or more) of them. It’s been said that it takes six to eight interactions before a contact really knows you and the range of your skill set.

Share your opinion.

Send a letter to the editor.

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Send e-mail updates monthly. Check progress, remind contacts about your offer, and let them know you still value their referrals.

Not everyone is a natural networker, but good networking karma has a way of coming back to you. May your efforts bring good results.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Cheapskate mutual fund investors do better

By Stan Choe Stay cheap.

Research keeps piling up to show that one of the best predictors for the success of a mutual fund is if it has low fees. Whether the fund specializes in stocks, bonds or other investments, having low costs tends to lead to higher future returns.

The latest piece of support comes from Russ Kinnel, director of manager research at Morningstar. He recently looked at returns for several categories of funds through 2015 — from foreign-stock to municipal-bond offerings.

He ranked funds in each category into five groups, based on their expenses. For each type of fund, he found that the lowest-

cost group had a higher rate of success than the second-cheapest, which had a higher rate of success than the thirdcheapest, and so on.

To see how much your mutual fund charges in fees, check its expense ratio.

The number shows what percentage of its assets goes each year to pay for manager salaries and other costs.

Many stock funds have an expense ratio of 1 percent, but most of the dollars invested are in funds that charge significantly less than that.

Kinnel recently talked about the importance of keeping that number as low as possible. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

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Q: So, when I’m considering a mutual fund, the very first thing I should look at is its expense ratio, right?

A: I’m always careful to point out that it’s not all you need, but it’s a great place to start. It’s such a strong predictor of future success. Our data show that it works in all kinds of funds and in all kinds of markets.

And the longer you hold an investment, the more important it becomes. The compounding effect of getting into lower costs is huge.

In a single year, that 0.30 percentage point difference between the expenses of Fund A and Fund B is obviously not going to be a huge deal for your returns. But the way compounding works and the way that investing is a very long-term game, it adds up tremendously.

Q: What about people who are comfortable being in a higher-cost fund because it’s done well for them the last few years?

A: I could say they overcame the fee in the past, so who cares? But the reason you should care is that fees are far more persistent than outperformance. Performance, especially in the short term, is a combination of luck and skill and fees and other things.

We’ve tested it, and you can take the top performers and pit them against cheapest funds, and in the next five years, the cheapest funds will crush the top performers from the previous year.

We’ve gone so far as to say that if you put cheap funds with bad performance versus great funds with high costs, the cheap bad performers will win.

Q: It feels strange for something with a lower price tag to be better than the “premium-priced” one.

A: Often, we’re inclined to think that if

you pay more for something, you get something better. If I pay more for a car, computer or bottle of wine, I’m generally going to get something better. Not always, but generally.

There are a couple catches with that.

One is that when you’re looking at a fund’s expense ratio, you’re not looking at the dollars that the manager is paid. You’re looking at the percent (of the fund’s assets). Because of economies of scale, it’s often the case that the manager of the lower-cost fund is actually getting paid much more, because they’re running an $8 billion fund for 0.70 percent versus a $500 million fund charging 1.0 percent.

The manager of the bigger fund is getting paid more.

So it’s kind of comparable to a Ford or Toyota versus if someone made a car for you by hand. It would cost 10 times more, but would probably be worse.

Also, fees are very persistent. All around, having low fees improves your margin for error. You don’t know what the market’s going to give you. If you know the next 10 years will be the greatest bull market ever, then great, you could probably buy a higher-cost fund. But it’s probably more likely that the next 10 years will have subpar returns, and you’re forking over an even bigger chunk of your return.

Q: Is a takeaway from this that we should just invest in index funds?

They’re often the cheapest funds.

A: That can be a takeaway. But not all index funds are cheap. If you look at ETFs, there’s a lot of high-cost garbage out there.

There are crazy ETFs for crazy niches.

I’d turn it the other way and say: Stay with a low-cost provider, such as Vanguard, American Funds, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, iShares.

— AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Q & A on rebalancing

By Sarah Skidmore Sell Like many things in life, investing is all about balance.

As the market moves and other forces take shape, different investments will grow at different rates. Over time, this may leave investors with a higher percentage of money in one type of investment than originally intended, such as more stocks than bonds.

Rebalancing, as it is known, is the act of reviewing and shifting investments to make sure they continue to reflect your goals. That could mean restoring them back to your original asset allocation, or updating them to reflect your changing needs.

It’s an important and often overlooked part of investing that we discussed with John Sweeney, executive vice president of retirement and investing strategies at Fidelity. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: There are different theories on rebalancing. What are your thoughts on how to approach it?

A: Our philosophy on asset allocation is important to understand first, and that will feed into why rebalancing is important.

We try to work with our investors to make sure their asset allocation lines up with their goals, which include time horizon and their risk tolerance.

A 25-year-old is not going to retire for 40 years, so their risk tolerance should be fairly aggressive and therefore heavily oriented toward equities. Because they have time to withstand volatility, we suggest 90 percent (stocks). A 65-year-old, by contrast, should have more like 55 percent in stocks.

What ends up happening when you have a period like we have over the past 10 years, even with the market downturn, the stock market is up about 170 percent from its lows. So you are likely to end up with a portfolio that is significantly more heavily allocated to stocks than to bonds.

Unless you’ve been rebalancing or are in some portfolio or service where that

happens automatically, then you are probably more heavily weighted to stocks than you would like to be.

Q: How often should people be rebalancing?

A: One way to do it is time-based. We would suggest at least once a year. Certainly we have some customers that do it once a quarter. You could do it every month if you want.

The way our portfolio managers would do it in a managed account or a mutual fund is on a risk-adjusted basis. What I mean by that is you let the portfolio drift within a band. (Once you hit a certain threshold,) you are going to take some of that equity risk off the table so the portfolio doesn’t get whipsawed too drastically should stocks fall.

Q: What is the most common mistake you see?

A: People don’t do it. We ask people when they come in: “Okay, when was the last time you rebalanced your portfolio?” and they give you a blank stare.

You end up with people who have an allocation that is the same as when they started working, which may have been 40 or 20 some years ago. That is a risky scenario. The other scenario is a young person who doesn’t make any election at all and they are 100 percent in cash. And that money isn’t really earning anything for them because it’s just sitting there.

Q: Where is the line between responsibly rebalancing and tinkering with things too much?

A: We have what I like to characterize as three different ways of driving: you can have an automatic transmission. I liken that to a target date fund, where you put asset allocation in the hands of the portfolio manager. You can have a manual transmission, where you rebalance on your own. And you have a car service: a managed account where you don’t have to worry about the rebalancing or the fund selecting. People may migrate among those over time as their skills and lifestyle change.

— AP

35

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

37

Leisure &

Where to visit for the best view of the total solar eclipse due next summer.

See story on page 39.

Chattanooga — beyond the choo choo sipping freshly-roasted, whiskey-barrelaged coffee, or from a leisurely river cruise on the Southern Belle serenaded by the “Tennessee Waltz” to a high-octane bluegrass festival.

You can eat fried green tomatoes and sweet tea glazed chicken at one meal, and upscale cuisine like wild boar ragù at the next. You can study a rare, 1947 “bubblehead” tow truck in one museum and move to a Wilhem de Kooning painting in another.

A city transformed

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHATTANOOGA CVB

In 1969, television newscaster Walter Cronkite dubbed the then-smokestack town of Chattanooga “America’s dirtiest city.” The Tennessee River was an industrial sewer of lead and heavy metals.

Cronkite’s label sparked a renaissance, symbolized by the popular, riverfront aquarium that is the largest in the Southeast, and the free electric shuttle chugging through a bustling downtown.

Chattanooga’s slogan is now “A Great City

by Nature.” The city of about 175,000 sits on the Tennessee River’s banks in a geologic bowl surrounded by mountains. Outside magazine twice named it the “best town ever.”

Lookout Mountain at 2,388 feet looms nearby. The area has over 10,000 caves — the greatest concentration of caves in the U.S. The river is home to over 300 species of fish that support bald eagles and ospreys.

Tennessee is the “epicenter of aquatic diversity,” said aquatic biologist Bernie Kuhajda. “The critters are what make Chattanooga really special.” It’s even known as the “salamander capital of the world,” harboring 11 percent of the world’s salamanders.

Ruby Falls, located inside Lookout Mountain, is — at 145 feet — the world’s highest underground waterfall open to the public.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHATTANOOGA CVB

By Glenda C. Booth During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln asserted, “If we can take and hold Chattanooga and East Tennessee, I think the Rebellion must dwindle and die.”

He saw the region as crucial to a Union victory because of the fertile fields that fed soldiers, the Tennessee River that moved them, and four radiating railroad lines that transported supplies.

People today are still “taking” the Chattanooga area — taking in many offerings indoors and out. There’s history, art, music, good food, nature and more.

The town was made famous by the hit song, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” when Glenn Miller’s swing band recording became the nation’s number one song on December 7, 1941. (It remained atop the charts for nine weeks.)

Chattanooga is the birthplace of blues queen Bessie Smith. And baseball great Willie Mays played with the Chattanooga ChooChoos at age 16.

The city, which sits at Tennessee’s border with Georgia, is a place where you can go from eating grits and black-eyed peas to

The Tennessee Aquarium attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year. It houses not just thousands of fish, but penguins, owls, frogs and butterflies as well.

Under the sea The 190,000-square-foot Tennessee Aquarium is downtown’s centerpiece, topped by six triangular glass points that dominate the skyline. In its Imax theater, the 66-by-89-foot screen and 3D viewing make fish seemingly nip at your nose.

The River Journey exhibit traces a raindrop falling in the Appalachian Mountains as it makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico.

In the Ocean Journey building, marine invertebrates squiggle, and gentoo and macaroni penguins dive and dart through the water.

Other intriguing critters from around the world include leucistic alligators (white with a “toupé” of dark spots), hyacinth macaws, six-foot-wide Australian whiptail stingrays, and spindly pipefish that coil their tails around underwater grasses.

The award-winning Bluff View Art District weaves together art galleries, outdoor sculpture, gourmet cuisine, B&Bs and nature into a cohesive whole.

The Hunter Museum showcases American art from 1730 to the present, including artists like Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Cole and Edward Moran. There’s also 20th century art, including works by Andrew Wyeth, N.C. Wyeth, Edward Hopper, and abstract expressionist Wilhem de Kooning.

The International Towing and Recovery

Museum honors people of the vehicle towing industry with tow trucks dating to 1916. It traces the industry’s history, starting with the first wrecker ever fabricated

by Ernest Holmes, a local mechanic, who bolted a bed onto a Cadillac chassis and cab. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of toy tow trucks.

Feisty women Chattanooga has spawned some intriguing women.

For “Empress of the Blues” Bessie Smith, music was her ticket out of poverty.

Born in a shack around 1894, she started out singing on street corners for nickels and dimes, and later, “drank, swore and brawled with the toughest of them,” recalls a poster in the Bessie Smith Cultural Center dedicated to her.

“The blues is a feeling,” one exhibit notes, and Bessie lived it. She sang about pain, sorrow, joy, despair and comfort.

Exhibits also explore the contributions of local African-Americans. Early 20th century posters remind visitors of unfortunate stereotypes. Aunt Jemima’s pancakes: “Sho hits the spot!” touts one.

Then there’s “Antique Annie,” Anna Safley Houston, who amassed one of the See CHATTANOOGA, page 38

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Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

vases, baskets, bottles and beer mugs.

From page 37

The Trail of Tears

finest collections of antique glass, porcelain and pottery in the world, now filling the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts in Chattanooga. Called a “genius,” an “enterprising business woman,” and an “eccentric,” Houston built a ramshackle, tarpaper barn herself to store her “pretties.”

She had nine or 10 husbands, perhaps setting the world record at that time, and suffered deprivation rather than relinquish her collection. The museum has 10,000 glass pieces, including pitchers, cruets,

Several sites in the region memorialize the Trail of Tears — the 1838 forced removal of native peoples ordered by President Andrew Jackson. In all, about 4,000 Cherokees died.

The Passage waterscape in Chattanooga leads down to Ross’s Landing, where over 3,000 Cherokees were sent downriver by boat.

“This is our national story, an emotional story that has to be told,” said Melissa Woody, Cleveland (Tenn.) Chamber of

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHATTANOOGA CVB

Chattanooga

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Commerce vice president.

Red Clay State Historic Area ranger Jamie Russell, a Cherokee, stresses, “We were a distinct nation that once controlled 40,000 square miles.” Today’s park was the site of the tribe’s council, or capital.

Blue Hole Spring and an eternal flame invoke reflection on one of America’s darkest chapters. The flame burns because the involuntary evacuees took embers with them and believed that as long as the embers burned, the The Chattanooga market offers farm-fresh produce from the spring through the fall, as well as locally-proCherokees would survive.

The Hiwassee Heritage duced arts and crafts. Frommer’s has named it one of the top 10 best public markets in America.

Center in Charleston presents both the native peoples’ and the U.S. military’s perwith food, fun and features for all tastes. spectives (The U.S. Government called the 23 internment camps “emigration de- Chattanooga eats pots.”) A monument at the Cherokee ReSpeaking of which, for a southern mix of moval Memorial Park at Blythe’s Ferry, food and fellowship, try the Soul Food Exwhere the evictees crossed the river, lists press, where locals gossip under spinning the names of those removed, including fans and snarf up fried chicken, catfish, fried Bullfrog, Big Hoe and Young Duck. corn, pinto beans, and macaroni and cheese.

The Chicamauga and Chattanooga Na- At another long-established soul food spot, tional Military Park tells the story of the Memo’s, the motto is, “It’s all about the dolConfederates’ 1863 victory at Chickamau- lar and not the color,” in reference to its hisga and their loss a few months later when tory of serving customers of any race.

Union forces won control of Chattanooga The 212 Market’s fried green tomatoes, in a Civil War battle known as the “Death grits, and black-eyed pea-and-kale salad Knell of the Confederacy.” Authorized by stand out. Sugar’s Ribs specializes in finCongress in 1890, this was the nation’s ger-licking barbecue and sides like okra, first national military park. corn on the cob, and scrumptious banana pudding.

Beyond Chattanooga At festivals, you might get Tennessee The greater Chattanooga area offers stump dogs — hotdogs cooked on charhiking, hang gliding, fishing, canoeing and coal inside a hollow stump. Don’t forget scenic cruises. Lookout Mountain is a pop- moonpies, a local snack. And very sweet ular spot from which you can see seven tea is served with everything. states on a clear day.

To learn more about attractions and Amateur spelunkers can walk almost a lodging, visit www.chattanoogafun.com. mile inside the mountain to see the 145The Beaux-Arts Chattanooga Choofoot Ruby Falls. It is the world’s highest Choo Hotel, in the 1909 restored train staunderground waterfall open to the public. tion, offers antique Pullman rail car rooms.

Into trains? Year-round excursions on Rooms start at $155 a night. See working steam-powered trains start at the http://choochoo.com or call (423) 266Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. 5000 for more information.

“They are faster than horses,” quipped American Airlines has the most (and Tim Andrews, president. least expensive) flights to Chattanooga, A former mayor called Chattanooga starting at about $325 roundtrip from “Nowheresville,” complaining that you Dulles and BWI. Delta Airlines offers could smell it and taste it before you arrive. flights from about $340 from Reagan NaToday, Chattanooga is a happening town, tional Airport.

A sampling of festivals Annual Cherokee Heritage Festival, Aug. 6 and 7, Red Clay State Historic Area, Cleveland; crafts, stickball, dancing, traditional foods; http://tnstateparks.com/ events/details/cherokee-heritage-festival1 International Cowpea Festival and Cookoff, Sept. 10, Charleston; 50 varieties of peas (“Southern caviar”), cowpea cookoff, chefs creating recipes; www.cowpeafestival.com Tennessee Tow Show, Sept. 8 to 10,

Chattanooga; towing equipment and parade; www.tennesseetowshow.com National Cornbread Festival, April 2017, South Pittsburg; carnival, cornbread cookoff, Miss National Cornbread crowning; http://nationalcornbread.com The Bessie Smith Strut, June 2017, Chattanooga; street party, music, food, blues stars; www.riverbendfestival.com/ bessie-smith-strut

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

39

Reserve now for next year’s solar eclipse

By Mead Gruver Where’s the best place to watch next year’s total eclipse? If you’re thinking the grand open spaces of Wyoming, you have plenty of company.

Hotel rooms across the Cowboy State are going, going, gone, well over a year before the arrival of the first total solar eclipse to be seen from the mainland U.S. in almost four decades.

A national astronomy convention has reserved Casper’s largest hotel. International guides plan eclipse-oriented tours of the Yellowstone region. Jackson Hole is bracing for big crowds, and Native American tribes are promoting their heritage as the perfect backdrop for the rare natural event.

Tourism boosters are giddy. They’ve done little to market Wyoming as an eclipse destination, with millions already visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone each year, and yet even campsites are being claimed more than a year before eclipse day, which will be Aug. 21, 2017.

“What’s hot on everybody’s mind is, what’s the attendance number?” going to be, said Brook Kreder with the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

She projects 20,000 visitors, one-third of Casper’s population. With an influx like that, many more locals might join in the profits. “We have had some people inquire about putting their personal bedrooms up on Airbnb,” she said.

Some are calling this the Great American Eclipse, because the moon’s shadow will cross Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina before heading out over the Atlantic.

Where to watch Communities from coast to coast are already arguing for bragging rights as the best place to watch: • Madras, Oregon, claims its highdesert setting 100 miles southeast of Port-

BEACON BITS

July 29

FORT MCHENRY TRIP

Arlington County presents a day trip to visit Fort McHenry on Friday, July 29. Take a tour and visit the site of the famous battle where Francis Scott Key composed the National Anthem. Following the tour, there be will time for shopping and dining on your own. The cost of $17 for residents and $20 for non-residents covers transportation. The bus will depart from Lubber Run Center, located at 300 N Park Dr., at 8:30 a.m. and will return at 4 p.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/ArlingtonTrips or call (703) 228-4744.

Aug. 16

ORIOLES VS. RED SOCKS

Montgomery County Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation (SOAR) presents a trip to Baltimore to see the Orioles play the Boston Red Socks on Tuesday, Aug. 16. The trip costs $53 for upper desk reserved seating. The van will depart from Olney Manor Park, 16601 Georgia Ave., Olney, Md. at 4:30 p.m. and return at 11:30 p.m. For more information, call (240) 777-4926.

land gives the best odds for clear weather.

The city plans an Oregon SolarFest, with camping, music and beer gardens.

• North Platte, 275 miles west of Omaha by Interstate 80, bills itself as a safe and accessible viewing place in the Nebraska Sandhills region.

• The sun, moon and Mississippi River will meet 80 miles south of St. Louis in Perry County, Missouri, local promoters say.

• Nashville will be the biggest city under total eclipse, but Hopkinsville, Ky., an hour north, boasts it will have the greatest degree of eclipse anywhere, meaning it will remain “total” for longer.

• South Carolina offers the closest eclipse-watching for 100 million people on

the East Coast, right before the moon’s shadow crosses into the Atlantic Ocean, assuming summer rain clouds don’t block the view.

How eclipses occur Solar eclipses, which happen when the moon passes directly between the Earth and sun, are not rare. But they seldom happen in such easily accessible places.

A roughly 65-mile-wide zone, called the path of totality, will offer the best viewing as the moon’s shadow races over the Earth’s surface at more than 2,000 mph.

Stars and planets come out, and the sun’s corona glows in a perfect circle around the See SOLAR ECLIPSE, page 41

40

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Don’t fall for these summer travel scams

By Justin Lavelle The summer vacation season is finally here. Have you booked your trip yet?

There’s actually someone who’s more excited about your trip than you are, and that’s the scammers hoping to rake in millions from unsuspecting travelers. This time of year, travel scams surge — targeting people of all ages, but especially older travelers.

Here are a few tips to protect you, your family and friends during the busy summer travel season: • Avoid the vacation rental scam — One of the biggest scams today targets travelers booking hotels and vacation homes through websites. Renters are enticed by an incredible deal and book it online with a payment wire. When they arrive

at their destination, the hotel or rental home exists, but they have no record of your reservation or payment, and have no room waiting for you. That’s because your money went to the scammers instead.

Always do some online research before paying in advance online, or use a background checking service. You can search the individual or company’s name (and physical address) to get a sense of whether or not the company is real and if the name matches the property.

Also, always pay with a credit card that has a fraud prevention guarantee, book through well-known travel websites and companies, and call the properties directly to confirm that they do offer rentals and have availability when you are looking to book.

• Don’t broadcast the fact that you’re traveling — Telling people when you’re going away and where you’re going is advertising your absence, leaving you, your friends and family open to scams (and your home open to theft).

One common scam results from your email account getting hacked. The scammers send an email to your contacts that appears to come from you, telling them you’ve either being mugged or somehow lost all your money while on vacation.

“You” then ask your friends or family members to wire money, which goes to the scammers!

Since the email is coming from someone they know, people will sometimes believe it. Remind your friends and family never to wire money without talking to you or someone you’re traveling with first.

• Beware of high pressure travel club companies — Some of today’s “travel club” companies employ unscrupulous tactics and high pressure sales to entice consumers into purchasing their vacation club memberships (similar to the style of many timeshare companies).

Consumers believe they are getting See TRAVEL SCAMS, page 41

BEACON BITS

July 9+

WWII HISTORY WEEKEND Oatlands Historic House & Gardens presents a weekend dedicat-

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and a lecture about General and Mrs. George C. Marshall. Visitors will also enjoy displays of military vehicles, World War II era singing performances, re-enactors and service dog training. There will be food and beverages for sale. Admission cost is $20 per family; $10 for an individual. Veterans have free admission with IDs. Oatlands is located at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln. in Leesburg, Va. For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit www.oatlands.org or call (703) 777-3174.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

From page 39 dark side of the moon as the effect of a sunset appears in all directions.

Depending on the location, the eclipse will be total for less than 30 seconds to as long as 2 minutes, 41 seconds.

“It gets darker and darker and darker.

And what’s weird is, the temperature drops and then wildlife becomes mysteriously quiet,” explained amateur astronomer Lowell Lyon. “All of a sudden — boom! — it suddenly gets dark.”

Astrocon2017, next year’s annual convention of more than 240 U.S. amateur astronomy groups in the Astronomical League, will bring dozens of experts to Casper over the four days leading up to the eclipse. Lyon, who sells insurance in Salt Lake City by day, is organizing the event.

Even without astronomical phenomena to attract them, tour groups in Jackson Hole often reserve blocks of hotel rooms a couple years ahead of the winter and summer peak seasons.

People hoping to watch the eclipse from the foot of the Teton Range began booking rooms even further in advance, said Clarene Law, who owns four Jackson hotels.

“Some of these photographic groups got in here before my staff realized it was the eclipse,” Law said. She said she doesn’t plan to raise rates — by much — for the few rooms she has left.

One company that provides eclipseviewing tours worldwide plans several multi-day, multi-state packages that will take hundreds of travelers to Tennessee, northwest Wyoming and Oregon to watch the eclipse. Past customers of the Prescott, Arizona-based TravelQuest International — who have traveled as far as

Travel scams From page 40 something for free by attending travel club sales presentations, and then are under the belief they are joining the vacation club at a reduced price after high pressure tactics.

They later find out they are not getting a good deal, and could have purchased the same vacation for less elsewhere. In general, vacation clubs are a common source of travel complaints, so it’s best not to agree to the presentation in the first place.

• Steer clear of shared Wi-Fi, if possible — Most people understand the dangers of using an open public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Did you also know you also have to be careful with protected networks at hotels and other venues that require a password?

Any time you use a shared Wi-Fi network in a public spot, it’s easy for someone to intercept your data and monitor what you’re doing. They know what sites you’re visiting, your account passwords, emails and more.

• If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is — If a deal sounds incredibly cheap, there’s a strong likelihood it’s a scam.

Companies aren’t about to give you an 80

Bali, the Faroe Islands and Ethiopia — have signed up for next year’s trips, President Aram Kaprielian said.

“This time, they’re traveling with their children and with their children’s children. So we’re getting these inter-generational groups that are joining us,” he said.

PHOTO BY IGOR ZH.

Solar eclipse

41

Watching in Wyoming One eclipse-watching advantage in Wyoming: A two-lane highway, U.S. 26, crosses the state entirely within the path of total eclipse. In case of clouds, eclipse watchers seeking clear skies will be able to drive more than 400 miles without leaving the prime viewing zone. All while keeping their eyes on the road, of course.

The route also crosses the Wind River Indian Reservation in central Wyoming, where the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes plan eclipse-oriented dances and eclipse-day tours to the sites of ancient petroglyphs, said Casey Adams, a spokeswoman for the Wind River Visitors Council.

“It can be a more personal experience.

It’s not going to be crowded. You can go find your own special little corner of Fremont County and take it in with just your close friends and family by your side,” Adams said.

Or, you might join the lively, festival atmosphere in Lander, a funky outdoors town at the foot of the Wind River Range, she said.

A lonesome Wyoming mountaintop would offer a spectacular view, but Lyon, the convention organizer, wants to be with his other dedicated stargazers.

“Just to hear the reaction of the crowds and the wild cheers that will go up,” Lyon said. “It’s kind of an adrenaline rush when you’re in a mass of people all sharing that experience.”

— AP

percent discount on your travel and stay.

Protect yourself from scams by always using a credit card with fraud protection, always get everything in writing, play it safe by booking directly with a company (whether it’s United Airlines or a resort in Mexico), and do your research on a site like Trip Advisor.

Before you get wrapped up in the idea of a relaxing getaway, do your homework and proceed with caution to protect yourself and your family.

You can also use a website or app background check service, such as BeenVerified, that enables you to verify information and avoid the many scams that proliferate on Craig’s List and other sites that specialize in vacation rentals. You can also use it in conjunction with a people search when transacting on Airbnb.

BeenVerified charges a monthly fee starting under $25, with discounts for three or six month memberships. Rates vary among the services.

Justin Lavelle is communications director for BeenVerified.com, which allows individuals to find information about people, phone numbers, email addresses and property records.

On August 21, 2017, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from coast to coast in a narrow swath of the U.S. Hotel rooms in the path of the eclipse are selling out fast.

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Traveling on impulse: Fun or foolish?

Domestic and international deals As of the day I’m writing this, May 29, sample “deal” domestic round-trip fares include Atlanta-Sacramento and vice versa,

$198 for flights on selected dates through February 2017; Denver to Ft. Lauderdale and vice versa, $166 for August; and Newark to Phoenix, $249 for late summer and fall.

But the best deals tend to be for international flights, both regional and long-haul.

Examples include Los Angeles to Bangkok, $448 for fall travel; Chicago to Mexico City, $288 for late summer; Seattle to Manila, $417 for October through February; and Chicago to Kolkata (Calcutta), $604 for October through December.

Most of the deal fares are on major airlines; sometimes just one line, sometimes several. Some of the deal fares require stops; others cover nonstops. Most deal fares are subject to seat limitations and blackout dates.

Occasionally, these and other websites will post what their operators think are “mistake” fares that an airline really didn’t intend to post. As the operators note, airlines sometimes honor mistake fares; other times they don’t. But there’s no risk in buying a mistake fare: You may not get the deal, but you get your money back.

Typically the purchase windows for

these special deals are pretty short, maybe even just a day or two. But the travel period is usually a month or more, and usually weeks in advance, giving you the opportunity to tailor a trip to your needs.

Economy and business class deals By far the largest numbers of deal fares — and the lowest prices — are for economy class travel. But often the most spectacular deal fares are in business class.

A few days ago, for example, British Airways posted round-trip fares from the East Coast gateways to Israel at less than $2,000, which you could cut to $1,600 with an AARP discount. Last winter, I grabbed a less than $2,000 round-trip business class fare from the West Coast to enjoy Christmas in Vienna. I don’t see anything that spectacular available right now, but I’ll keep looking.

Although the websites I mentioned also post business class fares, the gold standard in premium-class deals is Matthew Bennett’s First Class Flyer. Unfortunately, the annual fee of $97 to $297, depending on the level of service, puts this resource

outside the reach of most vacation travelers, but the free sites do a reasonably good job.

Each site presents information in its own way: Some tailor the presentation to your home airport, others give you the picture throughout the nation. Which one you use most depends on your preferences.

The main minor annoyance to secretflying is that it lists every fare as “only” some figure, which seems condescending and gets old very quickly.

The blog “View from the Wing” (viewfromthewing.com) is also good for premium deals, although it concentrates on credit-card “points” deals more than would interest the average traveler.

No matter what your interest, the secret to finding the best deals is almost always to cast a wide net. And these days, that net can come up with some terrific airfare deals with enough diversity that you can almost count on finding something you’d like.

Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Also, check out Ed’s new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com. © 2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 3

FREE MOVIE AND SAFETY INFORMATION

The Montgomery County Police Department presents a morning of safety information and a free screening of the Peter Pan film Hook, starring Robin Williams, on Wednesday, Aug. 3. The screening begins at 10 a.m., but guests should arrive at 9:30 a.m. and meet above the food court at Montgomery Mall. The movie will run at Arc Light Cinemas, located at 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Md. For more information, contact Officer Stroman at (240) 773-6727 or Officer Janney at (240) 773-6728.

Aug. 6

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD

Montgomery County Master Gardeners present a “Grow It Eat It” summer open house on Saturday Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Take a class on aquaponics and indoor grow lighting, and learn how to preserve tomatoes and take care of chickens. Also walk through the demonstration garden, see different veggies, and tour the farm house and more. Classes require pre-registration and a fee, but demos and tours are free. The open house will take place at Agricultural History Farm Park, located at 18410 Muncaster Rd., Derwood, Md. For more information and the cost of classes, visit http://bit.ly/VeggieGardenClasses.

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Many years ago, when starting a vacation, a priest I knew packed his bags and papers, headed for the San Francisco Airport, went to the Pan Am counter (I told you it was a long time ago), and said to the agent, “I’d like a seat on the next flight.”

The puzzled agent responded by asking, “Next flight to where?” And the priest answered, “Wherever the next flight goes.”

That might be an extreme case of impulse travel, and it certainly isn’t practical now with walk-up fares as high as they are.

But if you’re really loose about potential destinations, you can find some terrific deals if you’re willing to go where the airfare bargains take you.

A handful of websites, some purely informational and some selling tickets, offer posts, blogs, tweets and email bulletins about airfare deals. I tend to follow airfarewatchdog.com, secretflying.com, and, of course, smartertravel.com, where I’m a contributor.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

43

Arts &

Mark Baughman, architect and amateur musician, will see his first rock opera premiere at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre this month.

See story on page 45.

Winning big on TV’s “The Price is Right” McQueen-Gates prevailed and is now the proud owner of an iPhone, several computer tablets, a red Rebel motorcycle and a sailboat, worth a total of more than $25,000.

“I was nervous, I was excited. I was scared. It was absolutely awesome,” said McQueen-Gates of the experience.

She tried not to let her nerves get the best of her, but there were times when “I could barely think,” she said. It was particularly hard when audience members shouted out advice as she was trying to guess a price or make a move in a game.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FREMANTLE MEDIA NORTH AMERICA

By Barbara Ruben Eva McQueen-Gates says she doesn’t consider herself a lucky person. In fact, she recently lost money on a trip to Las Vegas. But that all changed a few days later when her name was called with the hallmark “Come on down!” on “The Price is Right.”

McQueen-Gates, who is 63 and lives in Brandywine, Md., could hardly contain her excitement. She leapt up from her seat in the audience among her three sisters.

“I was jumping up and down so much I was exhausted before I got up front,” she said of getting on the episode that aired June 13.

McQueen-Gates won a set of three computer tablets and then got to play a game in which she tried to win a new car by putting the prices of five items in descending order of cost. She missed getting the car, instead winning a lowly can opener.

But she still made it to the showcase round with three other of the day’s semi-finalists, which were soon narrowed to two.

She and the other competitor had to come closest to naming the price of individualized prize packages without going over.

A sibling trip Each year, McQueen-Gates makes a trip with her three sisters. This year, they went to Las Vegas and made a side trip to Los Angeles for “The Price is Right.” They donned hot pink T-shirts that said “Carolina Girls,” referring to their South Carolina birthplace, and went to the show with a dozen of their friends.

McQueen-Gates has also been in the audience of “Let’s Make a Deal,” but was not chosen to compete for the prizes.

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Eva McQueen-Gates screams with excitement with host Drew Carey after winning the day’s biggest prizes on “The Price is Right” in a segment aired last month.

March, but didn’t air until last month, and McQueen-Gates had to sign confidentiality agreements stating she wouldn’t divulge what happened on the show. But with so many people she knew at the show with her, it was hard to keep her win under wraps.

“My father is not a secret keeper, and I

knew everyone in town would know in a minute, but we got him to keep his mouth shut,” she said.

McQueen-Gates left South Carolina for Washington, D.C. right after high school.

She soon joined the Air Force, and served See PRICE IS RIGHT, page 44

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

BEACON BITS

Price is Right

July 10

From page 43

FREE PIANO CONCERT

The D.C. Piano Society presents a free piano concert on Sunday, July 10 at 3 p.m., followed by a reception. Enjoy a summer bouquet of solo and four-hand piano works by Debussy, Gershwin and Schumann, and guest artist Audrey Andrist. No tickets required. The concert will take place at Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, visit www.dcpianosociety.org or call (301) 793-1863.

July 12+

LIFELONG LEARNING CLASSES

Oasis, a nonprofit that promotes successful aging through lifelong learning, health programs and volunteering, offers year-round enrichment classes. Upcoming class “Lunar Oddities, Mysteries of the Moon” will take place on Tuesday, July 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the large room at Macy’s Home Store, located at 7125 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Md. The cost is $20.

For more information and a complete list of classes, visit www.oasisnet.org/Washington-DC/Classes.

Queen-Gates and her husband are planning to take a class in motorcycle riding and safety since neither of them are bikers. And they’re looking for a good place to dock the boat.

“I love to fish, so this is perfect,” she said.

for eight years before taking a job with the U.S. Postal Service, where she worked for 30 years before retiring.

As for the boat and motorcycle, Mc-

How to get on a game show Dream of hearing your own name called to “come on down!?” Tickets for most game shows are free (although you will have to get yourself to Los Angeles) and fairly easy to obtain. Here’s how to get on a few of them: • “The Price is Right”: Check the website http://on-camera-audiences. com/shows/The_Price_is_Right for free ticket availability. In mid-June tickets were available starting in early August. The show tapes in Hollywood. For questions, call (818) 295-2700.

• “Let’s Make a Deal” is a show in which audience members dress up in costumes in hopes of standing out and getting chosen to vie for prizes. Producers also advise to bring random items in your pockets. The host asks for a specific item and an audience member can win cash. The show tapes in Van Nuys, Calif., and tickets are available nearly every day.

For tickets see http://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/Lets_Make_ a_Deal.

• “Jeopardy!”: To be in the audience, look for tickets at www.jeopardy.com/ show-tickets. To try out to be a contestant, you first must pass an online test; then you may be invited to audition in person. See www.jeopardy.com/be-acontestant.

• “Wheel of Fortune” tickets can be ordered at www.wheeloffortune.com/request-tickets. If you want to try out to appear on the show, you must fill out an application and upload a video of yourself at www.wheeloffortune.com/be-a-contestant.

“Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” audience tickets can also be ordered by calling 1-800-482-9840 between 1 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time. To order via mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, along with the number of tickets requested and the date/time you wish to attend, to: Tickets, P.O. Box 3763, Hollywood, CA 90028.

— Barbara Ruben

BEACON BITS

July 20+

SENIOR ART SHOWCASE

Riderwood presents “A Feast for the Eyes IV,” a showcase of its residents’ artwork, on Wednesday, July 20 from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 21 from 2 to 8 p.m., and Friday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artists will be present to discuss techniques and inspiration behind the 173 pieces, which include paintings, silk screens, ceramics, glass, woodwork, photography and digital art. Admission is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be in Maryland Hall at Riderwood, located at 3120 Gracefield Rd., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, visit www.ericksonliving.com/riderwood or call (301) 572-2300.

2016 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES THROUGH AUGUST 30 MONDAYS AT 8 P.M.

TUESDAYS AT 7:30 P.M.

West Steps of the U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C.

U.S. Navy Memorial 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C.

All concerts are FREE and open to the public. Tickets or reservations are not required. For more information about additional concerts in your area, please check our online performance calendar.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

45

Local architect produces first rock opera A new original musical will open at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre for six performances from July 22 to 31. Called 99 — A Rock Opera, the musical was written by local musician and composer Mark Baughman and directed by Jonathan Zuck, an award-winning film and stage director.

It tells a story about two former soul mates who are reunited on opposite sides of a protest in a city park.

Pete, a bureaucrat from the Cleveland Department of the Environment, must manage a group of protestors (the “99-ers”) who have taken over a downtown park.

Their leader is Sarah, his college flame, and while he is thrilled to see Sarah again, she crushes him with a rebuke that he is “a sell-out.” Pete’s reaction to the 99-ers’ featured speaker, known as “the Gardener,” makes Pete wonder if Sarah might be right.

Meanwhile, Henry, who was living in the park by his own choice, is displaced by the very protesters who purport to defend him from the bureaucracy. The protest opposition leader, who goes by the name “Captain America,” sees an opportunity in Henry’s plight, and a square-off ensues.

The story is a commentary on the power of leaders to incite followers, for good and bad.

Baughman, 57, answers some questions about his work and the production.

Q: You’re an architect by profession, what motivated you to write a rock opera?

Baughman: Like a lot of people my age, I put my music career aside for a “real” profession. A few years ago I was encouraged by friends to play more, and I found that I was a much, much better guitarist at 50 than I was at 18.

So I started writing songs again and I found that they were much better, too. I found it was important to me to write about more complicated things in life than simple emotions or the ways we recreate. Lots of other people do that better than I ever could.

But my training as an architect made me want to think through a complete concept that had a philosophical underpinning, and it helped me to look at musical genres as part of the vehicle of telling the story.

Good architects pull from an extremely diverse number of influences and make

beautiful places that have a critical stance yet are accessible.

Q: As someone who is not a professional in the music theater business, how did you go about pulling this together for the upcoming performances?

Baughman: I started stringing together some songs and a rough story, and my friend Jonathan Zuck, an excellent filmmaker who should know better, told me he thought I had the makings of a really good musical and he wanted to direct it. At first I thought there was no way I had the bandwidth to do this, but I spent a weekend sitting in front of a blank piece of paper and then suddenly a real story appeared.

I had to re-learn what it was to be a musi-

cian and composer. It is so different than my time in Boston in the late 1970s, even if my music sounds a little like it’s from that time. I spent a lot of time learning how to use the computer to help me think through the writing process.

I’d build up a song recording track by track and eventually replace tracks with either better musicians or just better performances by me.

Over time, I fell in with a group of the most wonderful musicians you could possibly ever want to play with, and while we couldn’t be more different, we all found this project a kind of salvation for the See ROCK OPERA, page 47

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK BAUGHMAN

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Whose special needs are most special?

Evening rush hour on a very crowded nected to a small oxygen tank.

But all three duly get up, and all three bus. The sardines are smushed in tightly, pregnant women duly sit down. as usual.

The men are greeted with apAt a busy intersection, the plause by many sardines. driver stops to pick up a fresh They smile. The pregnant batch. By the sheerest chance, women smile. The driver gets three are pregnant. back behind the wheel. The I mean seriously pregnant. bus lumbers on.

I mean out-to-here pregnant. I Nice tale, isn’t it? Except mean you couldn’t miss their that it straddles the toughest pregnancies if you tried. question of all: Should we The three women waddle up the stairs and onto the bus. have a policy that awards a special-access seat to pregThey can’t go down the aisle HOW I SEE IT nant women over and above because there’s no room. So By Bob Levey they stand right beside the the elderly? Or should we do it the other way around? driver.

And what if you can’t tell a human book He blows his cork. Slams the gearshift into park. Engages the emergency brake. by its cover? What if a pregnant woman is Clomps up to the three men who are sitting feeling so good that she doesn’t want or in the special-access seats right behind his. need to sit? What if an elderly man looks “Gentlemen!,” he says, sharply. “Can’t wan and wrinkly, but is actually in training you see that these three women are preg- for a marathon?

Can we really legislate this situation? nant? Where would any of you be if your mothers hadn’t been pregnant? Get up Can we codify it? Can we rank one group of bus sitters ahead of another? Do we realright now and give them your seats!”

The three men are all 75 if they’re a day. ly need or want a bus driver to lobby for They rise slowly. They are obviously not in one group over another?

Or should we just rely on politeness? the prime of their careers.

One leans on a cane. One has yellowish That last one is my vote. I cast it even skin — maybe a cancer patient? The third though I still remember (with great sighs) is wearing a plastic nose clip that’s con- the time I was sitting on the subway and a

woman got on.

She was very large around the tummy.

Looked like she was carrying the proverbial bowling ball. I was sitting right near the door and noticed her right away.

Assuming that she was pregnant, I immediately sprang to my feet and offered her my seat.

Nice try, Robert.

“Thank you, but I’m not pregnant,” she said. “I’m just a little large.”

Which of us was more embarrassed?

The jury is still considering that.

Or how about the time I was waiting in line at a restaurant? The man right behind me was at least 80. Both of us were alone.

I motioned to him to hop in front of me in line.

“I don’t need your pity,” the man said.

Such sweetness.

Or the time when a young woman asked for my seat on the subway? I gave it, even though she didn’t look pregnant in the slightest.

“I’m only two months pregnant,” she informed me, “and morning sickness is driving me crazy.” (See above about books and their covers.)

I’ve never been pregnant, and I have no plans to change that. But I am rapidly clos-

ing in on being old. I shake my head no, proudly and a bit vainly, whenever I’m on a crowded conveyance and some millennial offers me his seat.

“Does he really think that every guy with white hair is infirm?,” I ask myself.

“Does he really think that I’m about to collapse if I don’t sit down?”

But some day, my knees and the rest of me might give out. I might really want or need that seat, even if three pregnant women get aboard.

The answer, dear friends, lies in the next row.

When three mothers-to-be are in a standoff (pun intended) with three greatgrandfathers to be, why can’t the people right behind the special-access seats rise (pun intended) to the occasion?

Why can’t all six be offered seats? Why do we have to pit anyone against anyone?

Why can’t every bus and subway have the following sign on the wall: “Please offer these seats to anyone with special needs. And if any of these people are still standing, everyone else on board is strongly urged to use a) his eyes, b) his judgment, and c) the golden rule.”

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

BEACON BITS

July 8+

FOOTLOOSE PRODUCTION McLean Community Players presents Footloose on weekends from

Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 24 at Alden Theatre in the McLean Community Center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for regular admission; $23 for seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.McLeanPlayers.org or call OvationTix at (866) 811-4111.

Rock opera From page 45 things we go through at this time of our lives. We played it out a few times, and it became clear that I needed to present this in its most complete form.

I found nothing but encouragement, and the discipline and professionalism I developed as an architect over all these years was a huge help.

Q: What are you trying to say with 99?

Baughman: It’s a shock to find that

those of us who grew up as idealists find ourselves being played by our leaders and their outlets. I’m still a hippie by nature, but I find myself and most everyone I know estranged from each other by this pressure to dive into a bunker and not really, really listen to and engage with each other.

It’s interesting to see that both political parties are being led by people who are despised by a large number, if not the majority, of the party members. It’s all about winning, not ideas. So many Americans like me have woken up to this horror. If you

BEACON BITS

July 6+

47

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

BOOK CLUB FOR CANCER PATIENTS Hope Connections for Cancer Support offers a book club that

hear one truly thoughtful potential leader speak, your mind immediately asks how they could deal with this cable network or that special interest.

Q: What do you hope will become of 99?

Baughman: I started all this with my selfish goal — to play guitar in a band again. To my surprise it has become something else that means a lot to other people.

I’d love to see the play continue to develop as these other talented, creative people bring their ideas. It would be a real kick to gather a wide audience, a cult, for 99. I’d be thrilled to watch other people perform it, and I’d be thrilled to be in the pit band playing guitar.

Q: What is your next project?

Baughman: I’m nearly done with another rock opera called Release. It’s the story of a veteran with PTSD, an autistic teenager, and the disowned son of serious money who find each other in a clinic in Wyoming.

They see that they are equally alienated from the world by their own circumstances, and they discover that together they can find their way back to the world the rest of us live in.

Performances of 99 will take place at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, 8642 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md., at 7 p.m. July 22, 23, 29 and 30. Also, there will be matinees at 2 p.m. on July 24 and 31. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the door, or in advance through the website, www.99rockopera.com, which also has demos of the music.

meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. at Beaumont House at FASEB, located at 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md. The group reads and discusses books recommended by participants. For more information, visit www.hopeconnectionsforcancer.org or call (301) 634-7500.

July 18

MUSIC AND POETS CAFE June’s Cafe Muse, a free monthly poetry reading series, will take place on Monday, July 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Writer’s Circle,

located at 4508 Walsh St., Chevy Chase, Md. Poets Carrie Bennet and Celeste Doaks will read from their work. The evening starts with classical guitar music and includes refreshments. For more information, call (301) 654-8664.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 48 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

J U D A S

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H Y E N A

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J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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1. Monopoly monotony 5. Witnessed 8. Brick made from mud 13. Arm bone 14. Cabinet handle 16. Auto maker with California home 17. Airhead 18. Fish market feature 19. Further along the recovery process 20. In need of analgesics 21. How to solve the six longest Down clues 23. Use one of the five senses 24. “The Greatest” (1942-2016) 25. Beginning of “time” 26. ___ Moines, Iowa 28. One of two Indy champs named Bobby 30. It could mean opportunities or operations 33. Sightseers 36. Discussion system that predated the World Wide Web by 10 years 38. Good place to buy Road Runner traps 39. Russian rejections 41. Oliver Twist’s request 42. Per ___ (average per person) 44. Detective story 46. End of can and Cant 47. Start the speech with “I believe...”

49. Cruise ship dir. from Miami to Nassau 50. Long, long, long, long time 51. Breakfast meat option 53. Librarian’s admonishment 56. Executives 61. Sicken with sweetness 62. More qualified 63. Light bulb measure 64. Crescent-shaped figure 65. Cook pumpkin seeds 66. __ A Sketch 67. Clickable image 68. Last year in a decade 69. Cow or scow

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70. Ingredient in Chicken Andouille Gumbo

Down 1. Paradigm of betrayal 2. Waitress at Mel’s Diner for nine seasons 3. Sad 4. Like a couch potato 5. Its tin cover does not actually state “smokeless tobacco” 6. Fiercely competitive 7. Type of fireplace 8. Appearing shabby 9. End start 10. Scandinavian capital 11. Used a breathalyzer 12. Deserve 15. Soup base 22. Joint project of the Natl. Endowment for the Arts and the United Service Org. 24. “ ___ was saying” 27. “I kissed thee ___ killed thee” (Othello to Desdemona) 29. “How to Make ___ Rag Doll” (threader’s-guide instructions) 30. Star-crossed 31. Prefix with scope or meter 32. “Never mind; leave it alone” 33. Chipotle choice 34. Anthem start at a Blue Jays game 35. Connect without tools 37. Flightless birds 40. “Drink up” 43. Grounded 45. Blue-stater (most likely) 48. Mesmerized 52. ___ World Turns 54. Ten Commandments word 55. A bad-guy in The Lion King 56. Crumpet traymate 57. Trumpet playmate 58. Architect’s doodles 59. Consumer Reports adjective 60. D.C. baseball team 61. Advertising award named for a Greek goddess

Answers on page 47.

Answer: When the shower dampened the coronation, it became a -- "REIGN" Jumbles: FAUNA BRIBE NOGGIN ADROIT

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Letters to editor From page 2 my lifestyle patterns — or else suffer the consequences.

Janis Hochman Silver Spring, Md. Dear Editor: I suffered migraines for years until they suddenly stopped. Puzzled, I asked my internist why, and his answer was that I was now taking a calcium channel blocker for my blood pressure, and they are known to stop migraines.

I don’t know if they can be used solely for migraines, or if one must need them for another reason.

Karol Smith Maryville, Tenn.

Dear Editor: I read with interest “Healthcare headache”

by Stuart Rosenthal (June, “From the Publisher”). He mentions everything except the precipitating factors.

In my practice I have observed that in all cases of migraine, the emotional status of the patient is very important. Once I make them realize the various negative emotional triggers (anger, anxiety, etc.) that cause precipitation of an attack and suggest methods to alleviate the trigger, the frequency and number of attacks diminish.

Seshubabu Gosala, M.D. India Dear Editor: In the June issue I read the letters from readers commenting on your editorial “Political musings” in the April issue. While The Federalist Papers are useful in developing an understanding of original intent, Madison’s transcript of the debates at the Federal Convention is even more so.

The Federalist Papers were designed to sell the new system. The debates were aimed at figuring out what the new system’s structure should be, which is not the same, since many options were debated.

You will see when reading the debates that the founders did not want gridlock to characterize the operations of the new system. They placed great emphasis on the need for compromise in order for the new system to work properly. [I have published an annotated “translation” of Madison’s transcript to make the language easier to understand. It is available on Amazon.com for $3 as a Kindle ebook.]

The founders made many compromises during the Convention, and they made it clear that future legislatures would need to

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

do the same in order for the system to work. They would have little use for today’s legislators who are unwilling to bend on any important issue.

They were quite frank in making it clear that the ball would be in the hands of future legislators, and it would be up to them to either make the system work or wreck it — and that wrecking it would be a real possibility. As Franklin said at the signing, “We’ve given you a federal government — if you can keep it.”

Richard Kreutzberg, via email

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

ASSIST THE MARYLAND LEGISLATURE

The University of Maryland’s Legacy Leadership Institute on Public Policy is looking for volunteers, age 50 and older, to serve as volunteer legislative aides during the 2017 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Classroom training begins in September for 10 weeks, two days per week, at the College Park campus, with site visits to the state complex in Annapolis. The volunteer assignment will be for a minimum of two days per week, starting in January 2017 in the Annapolis offices of various senators and delegates. For more information or for an application, contact Wesley Queen at wqueen@umd.edu or call (301) 405-2529.

WB 7/16

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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.

LOOKING FOR A QUIET AND FRIENDLY WOMAN between the ages of 55-70 to share my lovely home in a quiet area of Silver Spring, MD. Must be either vegan or lacto-vegetarian, nonsmoker, and non-drinker. The rent is $600/month including utilities. Call Carol at 301-754-1289.

Financial Services

KITCHEN CABINET SERVICES: Cabinet painting and cabinet refurbishing. Serving Montgomery County only. We make old cabinets look new. Free estimates. Call Richard Gray at 301-593-9490.

I’LL GET THAT MESS OFF YOUR DESK! Do you hate paperwork and paying bills? Well, I LOVE IT! Bookkeeping, organizing & secretarial services for individuals and small businesses.

Quicken & Quickbooks. Gina, 240-312-3450. GinaWillManage@gmail.com.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate N.C. WATERFRONT 1.6 ACRE bldr. ready lot on Dawson Creek. Premier Community with access to Neuse River near Oriental, fishing, boating capital of US. Half hour to historic New Bern and Pamlico Sound; IC; and Morehead and Beaufort 104 Sunshine Dr. 28510. CONTACT: troorda@hotmail.com or 301-392-9697.

LEISURE WORLD® – $389,900. 3BR 2FB + Garage “JJ” Model in “Overlook.” Wood floors throughout, open floor plan with view of trees, separate laundry room, enclosed balcony, 1560 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-9283463.

LEISURE WORLD® – $259,000. 2BR 2FB “EE” Model in “Overlook.” New paint, treetop view from enclosed balcony, 1260 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® – $379,000. 2 BR 2FB + Den + Garage “F” Model in Villa Cortese. Table space kitchen, separate dining room, enclosed balcony. 1490 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® – $239,000. 2 BR 2FB “S” in Fairways North as is with garage, first floor with patio. 1460 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

COMING SOON: LEISURE WORLD® – $TBD. 2br 2fb “J” Model, new paint and carpet, enclosed balcony with golf course view. 1317sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-9283463.

COMING SOON: LEISURE WORLD® – $48,000. 1 BR 1FB “Staunton” Coop, Renovated, new carpet. 635 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

COMING SOON: LEISURE WORLD® – $TBD. 2 BR 2FB “B” in “Overlook.” Enclosed balcony with golf course view. 1035 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

EXPERIENCED CNA/GNA/HHA to take care of your loved one at home. Live-in/live-out hourly duty. I also give massages to help relieve some discomforts. Good reference. Call 240-9975582.

LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will set up an automated online search for you, preview units, and contact you to arrange a showing when there is a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings in this issue. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert Realtors.

CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes.

MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com.

GET A FAST OFFER ON YOUR NOVA HOUSE today! We buy your house as is. No need to repair. No commissions. Free no-obligation consultation. Female owned, references.

Call 703-969-5847 or email IBuyFairfaxHouses@gmail.com.

LICENSED CAREGIVER seeks private duty.

Over 25 years experience. Excellent references.

Available days, full-time. Please call Babeth at 240-351-7295.

For Sale

LOOKING FOR LOVING, CARING, compassionate, dependable and reliable one with years of experience and references for your loved ones? Have experience with MS, Alzheimer’s diabetics and other health problems. Please call Brigitte @ 301-908-9134.

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

COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use. Windows 10, Smartphone, tablet, digital cameras. Learn at your own pace with gentle & patient teacher. Troubleshooting & setup new computers. Since 1996. Senior Discount. Call David, 301-762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

2 MEDICAL WHEELCHAIRS, $300 each. 2 portable toilets, $100 each. Raised toilet seat with arms, $75. Blind cane, $30. 4-wheel rollator with basket, $100. Cash only. 240-486-8646.

FRENCH HOME DOWNSIZING – 80 issues of Architectural Digest. Collectible, carnival glass, paintings, candelabra, garden decorations, fountain, etc. Too much to mention. In VA, 703-591-6321.

DISCOUNTED PRICE. Cemetery sites at Mt. Lebanon. Memorial Gardens in Adelphi, MD. 2 sites sold together at discount $1,850 or $1,000.

Contact Mr. Harris, hsaaba@aol.com. Cell, 301655-0606.

Home/Handyman Services

Miscellaneous MAY THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Oh, Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. Saint Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Saint Jude, helper of the homeless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days and it will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thanks for prayers answered. J.W. THE GOLDEN NETWORK offers Jewish seniors and retirees a variety of engaging programs, including lectures, classes, one-on-one learning in person and by phone, concerts, singalongs and more! For more information and details about upcoming events, call 301-732-1773, email info@goldennetwork.org, or see goldennetwork.org.

Personal Services I PURCHASE GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY and coins for my company Gold 4 Good. I will come to your home and provide a no-fee, noobligation estimate. If you decide to sell, I will transport you to and from my shop in Silver Spring. Local references. Montgomery County license #2327. Call Bob, 240-938-9694.

READY TO DE-CLUTTER? Sort, donate, discard. Reasonable rates. Call Jan, 301-933-7570.

DOMINION MOBILE NOTARY SERVICE. We travel to you in Northern Virginia. Reasonable. Bilingual-Spanish fluency. www.DominionMobileNotary.com. Call 703-801-1012.

Wanted SELL YOUR GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY and old coins. Licensed dealer in Silver Spring buys gold and silver. I will meet you at your home or bank, analyze your jewelry, or coins, and tell you how much I can pay if you should decide to sell. No fees or obligation. Call Bob, 240-9389694. Gold 4 Good. 8431 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. License #2327. I have references.

WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY. Costume too. Gold and silver coins, paper money, military, crocks, old bottles and jars, etc.

Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, tea sets, single pieces of silver, large pieces of silver plate. Attic, basement, garage. You have something to SELL, we like to BUY. Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

VINTAGE ELECTRIC SLOTCARS and accessories (all scales) from the 1960s through 1970s including Aurora, Atlas, Tyco, Cox, K&B, Revell, Monogram, etc. Call Bill at 410-615-7043.

CASH FOR BOOKS. BEST PRICE guaranteed. All types of books. Hardcover or paperback.

Free appraisals. Will make house calls. Call Nelson, 240-472-4615.

CASH FOR RECORDS, CDs, DVDs AND TAPES. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals.

All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301-646-5403. Will make house calls.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, etc. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack, 301279-2158.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS 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.

CASH FOR ESTATE BUYOUTS, estate clean-outs, jewelry to furniture, one item or whole estate. Free Estimate, Will Travel. 301520-0755.

ESTATE SALES, ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate sale, estate liquidation and home cleanout. We provide a variety of services to help you sell your treasures. We run wildly popular estate sales, purchase estates, offer consignment options and clean out homes.

We serve greater Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia region. No home is too packed for us to handle! We are always looking for Antiques, Advertising, Fine Art, Asian Decorative Arts, Rare Books, Collectibles, Coins, Curiosities, Vintage Electronics, Furniture (Mid Century Modern and Antique), Decorative Glass, Historical Artifacts, Hollywood Memorabilia, Jewelry (gold, silver, fine and costume jewelry for men and women), Military, Records, Sterling Silver, Sports Memorabilia, Vintage Toys, Western and Southwestern items and so much more.

Learn more at www.OrionsAttic.com. Contact Chris at 202-731-9447.

STERLING SILVER. TOP DOLLAR paid for silver marked “Sterling,” “925” or “800.” Want flatware, bowls, plates, candlesticks, etc. Please, no silver plate. Call Richard, 301-646-0101.

GOT PENS? LONG-TIME COLLECTOR seeks fountain pens. Free appraisals of your pens, information about restoring them, and always looking to buy or trade for fountain pens, especially Sheaffer, Eversharp, and Waterman fountain pens. David, 301-221-6596.

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.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, ESTATES. I have been advertising in the Beacon for 20 years. Montgomery County resident – will travel to D.C., MD, VA. Buying following items: Furniture, art, jewelry, gold, sterling silver, old coins, vintage pocket and wrist watches, old tools, books, camera, military items – guns, rifles, knives, pocket knives, swords etc. Also buying: old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, photographs, autographs, musical instruments, guitars, violins, etc. Also old sports memorabilia and equipment – baseball, golf, football, fishing etc. Please call Tom at 240-4763441.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838.

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

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious, capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree], knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate, I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-2798834. Thank you.

FEMALE SEEKS MUTUALLY AGREEABLE arrangement. My personal assistance in exchange for a room. Willing to pay rent if the needs are few. Vienna, Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac areas. Susan, 202-867-1153.

Classifieds cont. on p. 51

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Wanted

Wanted

MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan, 202-841-3062.

WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202-726-4427, MD 301-332-4697.

LADY WHO LOVES DISHES and figurines wants to buy yours. Especially Royal Copenhagen, Deco Noritake, Limoges, Herend and English bone china. Do you have a collection of cup and saucers, dog and cat figurines, Royal Doulton ladies or salt and pepper shakers? Also mid-century Scandinavian ceramics and glass, Asian items, silver, paintings and costume jewelry. Anything else old and interesting, please call me. 301-785-1129.

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783.

GET A FAST OFFER ON YOUR NOVA HOUSE today! We buy your house as is. No need to repair. No commissions. Free no-obligation consultation. Female owned, references.

Call 703-969-5847 or email IBuyFairfaxHouses@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading the Beacon!

51

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month.

Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

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

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

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept.

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

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Computer Classes JCA SeniorTech ......................7-9

Dental Services Friedman, Stephen, DDS .........34 Lee Dentistry............................13 Oh, Judy, DDS .........................12 Sklar, Andrew, DDS .................20

Dating Options Date ............................15

Errand Service A Second Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Events Beacon 50+ Expo.......................3 Ms. Virginia Senior America Pagent .....................44

Financial Services Children’s National Hospital....31 Eversafe......................................5 Group Benefit Resources.........33 PENFED Credit Union ............30

Funeral Services Fram Monuments .....................30 Going Home Cremation...........40

Government Services DC Office on Aging ...........25-28 DOEE Lifeline Service ..............6 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services ................18

Hearing Services Auditory Services, Inc .............15 Mendelson Group.....................21 Sound Hearing Centers ............17

Home Health Care Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . .B-13

Elder Caring .............................20 Holy Cross Homecare & Hospice .............................19 Home Care Assistance . .12, B-7 Options for Senior America .....42 Senior Quality Home Care.......14

Home Services Homefix Custom Remodeling .......................B-17 In Order......................................6

Housing A Right Place for Seniors ........23 Almost Home Senior Living ..B-6 Arden Courts............................24 Arleigh Burke Pavilion ........B-16 Ashby Ponds.........48, B-10, B-14 Aspenwood Senior Living........19 Birmingham Green ..................13 Bonifant at Silver Spring, The .....B-6, B-19 Brookdale Senior Living..........16 Brooke Grove Retirement Village .............B-7, B-10, B-20 Buckingham’s Choice ..............31 Chancellor’s Village .....B-4, B-19 Chesterbrook Residences.................B-7, B-18 Churchill Senior Living ...........22 Covenant Village ..........B-7, B-13 Culpepper Garden ....................42 Emerson House ..........B-10, B-13 Fairfax, The ..........................B-14 Fairhaven ..................................31 Falcon’s Landing ..........B-5, B-15 Friendship Terrace......B-12, B-18 Glover Park Senior Living .....B-9 Great Falls Assisted Living........B-10, B-16 Greenspring..........48, B-14, B-19 Homecrest House .........B-6, B-15 Knollwood....................B-4, B-19 Olney Assisted Living ........................B-3, B-12

Park View .................................32 Potomac Place ..........................24 Quantum Property Mgmt.......B-13 Residences at Thomas Circle .....................B-2 Riderwood..............48, B-7, B-14 Ring House.............................B-8 Springvale Terrace........B-7, B-17 Tall Oaks ......................B-2, B-12 Tribute at the Glen .................B-2 Tribute at Heritage Village ........B-2, B-10 Village at Rockville ...........14, 23 Vinson Hall ..........................B-10 Waltonwood .............................20 Woodlands, The............B-9, B-15

Legal Services Law Firm of Evan Farr.............33 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ...30

Medical/Health East Natural Therapy................19 Grace in Motion .......................12 I Hate Knee Pain ......................10 Medical Eye Center..................22 Montgomery Medical Clinic....17 Providence Hospital .................15 Silver Spring Medical Center....................................21 Virginia Integrative Health.......17

Restaurants

Original Pancake House...........45

Retail/Pawn/Auction Five Colors ..............................44 Four Sales LTD ........................34 Patriot Coins USA....................33 Quinn’s Auction Galleries ........35 WOW! Computer .....................36

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Communicare Health ...............18 Greenspring Rehab Services..B-3 HealthSouth Rehab Hospital....21 Manor Care Health Services ....16 Vitality to You ..........................22

Subscriptions Beacon Subscription ................49 Washington Jewish Week.........46

Theatre/ Entertainment DC Commission of Arts & Humanities ........................43 Toby’s Dinner Theatre ..............43 US Navy Band .........................44 Wolf Trap .................................45

Pet Care

Tour & Travel

Sampson Smiles Pet Care ........42

Eyre Travel ...............................39 Smith Island Cruises ................39 Tripper Bus ..............................38 US Navy Memorial ..................45 Vamoose...................................41 Walper Travel ...........................38 Yates Tours ...............................39

Real Estate Long & Foster/ Eric Stewart......................35,40 Long & Foster/Inderjeet Jumani ...................................31 McEnearney Associates/ Sue Schumacher....................41 Weichert/Doug Brasse .............11 Weichert/Sue Heyman..............34

Utilities Pepco..................................11, 52

52

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

J U L Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Grilling outside uses less energy and keeps your home cooler.

SAVING IS EASY THIS SUMMER.

Receive credits off your bill when you reduce your energy use on Peak Savings Days. On average, customers receive a $5 credit off their bill.

Peak Savings Days are a few days each summer when demand for energy use is highest. We’ll notify you the night before to tell you which hours to save – then you can make simple energy-saving changes around your home.

To learn more about the Peak Energy Savings Credit, visit pepco.com/peak or call 1-855-730-PEAK. © Pepco, 2016

THE PEAK 5: Start here to save on Peak Savings Days.

1. Unplug unused chargers and electronics 2. Lower blinds and shades to keep your home cool 3. Avoid using your oven to cook a meal 4. Raise your thermostat 1-3 degrees, if health permits 5. Plan to use large appliances before or after specified hours