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Secretary off to a running start

All in the family It was during Kramer’s second four-year

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGING

By Carol Sorgen During her eight years as a state senator, Rona Kramer’s efforts on behalf of Maryland’s older residents garnered not only the gratitude of those she served, but also the attention of her fellow legislators from both sides of the aisle. During Governor Robert Ehrlich’s administration, she came to know the thenSecretary of Appointments, Larry Hogan. So it wasn’t completely out of the blue when, after last year’s election, then-Governor-elect Hogan called Kramer and asked if she would be interested in serving in his new administration. “I was honored,” said Kramer, and she accepted — after making a request. Offered one position, Kramer said she replied that “my preference would be to serve our seniors,” whereupon the Governor appointed her Secretary of Aging, a member of his cabinet and head of the state’s Department of Aging. Despite the difference in their political affiliations — Kramer, 60, is a lifelong Democrat and Hogan is a Republican — Kramer said she has no qualms about serving in the Governor’s cabinet. “He has made clear that his administration is not going to be about politics, but about making important changes that will strengthen Maryland and bring our spending in line with our revenues,” Kramer said. “I agree completely with those goals.” One of Kramer’s primary goals as Secretary is to keep Maryland’s aging population as healthy as possible for as long as possible, so that their need for services will come later in life. “That will improve both individual quality of life as well as the State’s fiscal health,” she said. When it comes to promoting a healthy lifestyle, Kramer practices what she preaches. For years, in her business office, she has used a treadmill desk, walking as she works. Even when not, she stands as often as possible, since the latest health research indicates that what is now referred to as “sitting disease” is responsible for numerous serious health conditions that can lead to early mortality.

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

The splendor (and salmon) of Northwest Oregon; plus, New York City — from the classics to new attractions, and age discrimination travelers may encounter page 47

ARTS & STYLE

Rona Kramer, former Maryland state senator and a Democrat, now serves as Maryland’s Secretary of Aging in the cabinet of Republican Governor Larry Hogan. An attorney and businesswoman, Kramer brings a variety of skills to the state’s Department of Aging, which she heads.

term in the Senate that she became particularly involved with issues affecting Maryland’s older residents, working closely with her brother, Ben Kramer, who serves as a delegate in the Maryland House. “One of my brother’s main focuses was the protection of our state’s seniors,” said Kramer. Working as a team — she sponsoring bills in the senate and he in the house of delegates — they were responsible for passing numerous pieces of legislation, ranging from prevention of financial exploitation to protecting older adults in nursing homes and assisted living communities. “My brother and I worked together very successfully and made a great team,” said Kramer, adding that her brother continues to serve in the House and to work on legis-

lation to protect seniors. The Kramers have politics in their blood. Their father, Sidney Kramer, served as Montgomery County Executive from 1986 to 1990, and as a Maryland state senator from 1978 to 1986. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Kramer received her undergraduate degree in law enforcement from the University of Maryland and a law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1979. After joining the Maryland Bar and working briefly in a private firm practice, she joined her family’s commercial real estate business, Kramer Enterprises, as senior vice president and general counsel. See KRAMER, page 45

Laughter and tears at two Broadway shows at the Kennedy Center; plus, the Smithsonian adds a new business wing, and Bob Levey on the lost art of driving a stick shift page 52

TECHNOLOGY k JCA computer course catalog k What to do if you’re hacked

FITNESS & HEALTH 12 k Avoid shady supplements k House calls make a comeback SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY 37 k Fighting crime can pay k Why try a retirement coach? ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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What could we have done? I don’t know about you, but I’ve been stab him more than 30 times with a pocket going over and over in my mind what I’ve knife, leaving him to bleed to death on the read about the recent murder floor. The murderer then on the Washington Metro. robbed the other passengers No, not the most recent before he calmly walked off murder (the person who was the car at the next station. He shot in a Metro parking lot), was found and arrested two but the knifing attack in the days later. early afternoon on the 4th of It’s a terrible tragedy and a July aboard a Red Line train horrific scene to contemduring the three-minute ride plate. But in the world we live from Rhode Island Avenue to in, it could happen in front of Gallaudet University. — or to — any of us at any For those who didn’t hear FROM THE time. In broad daylight, on an about it, or have perhaps for- PUBLISHER ordinary Metro car, without By Stuart P. Rosenthal gotten the details, let me warning, we could be conrecap. Apparently about a fronted by a murderous asdozen people of various ages were on this sailant, or we could be eyewitnesses to particular train car, heading toward the such an attack. National Mall for the Independence Day I can’t stop asking myself, “If I had been celebration. An 18-year-old (later reported a witness, what would I have done? What to be 5’ 5” tall and 125 lbs.) grabbed the could I have done?” cell phone of a 24-year old passenger, who Some of the passengers told reporters resisted the theft. that everyone else huddled together at The grabber punched and kicked the each end of the railcar as the attack took victim until he collapsed, and proceeded to place. When some passengers suggested

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perhaps they should do something, others sharply disagreed, pointing out that police say bystanders should not try to intervene in such cases. One person tried to call the train operator to ask for help, and the assailant, who appeared to be high on drugs, apparently threatened him and told him to shut up. Clearly, everyone was afraid for their own lives. They felt powerless, and hunkered down in self-preservation mode. No one who wasn’t there could judge them for their behavior. We all might well have done the same thing. And yet, did it have to be that way? If the victim had been our child, grandchild, spouse or parent, would we be so philosophical about the sensible advice not to get involved? Let’s imagine instead that the other passengers, gathered at the end of the railcar, had been able to quickly decide on a strategy together. Perhaps one would run screaming at the assailant, using his backpack or laptop as a shield. Another would go charging at him with two umbrellas. Someone would try to buckle the fellow’s knees and knock him to the ground. Still others could try to grab his arms or wrest the knife from his hand. Meanwhile, the rest of the passengers would be ready to jump on him and pin him to the ground until the train reached the next station and security guards could take over. True, any one of those people would be crazy to lunge at the attacker alone. But together? Even were all the bystanders terribly out of shape and unfamiliar with selfdefense, could the attacker have overpowered ten adults at once? Again, I’m not criticizing those who were there for any failure to act. It all un-

folded so quickly, and they didn’t have the opportunity we now have to consider all the options in advance. But now I’m talking to you — and to myself — and asking this question: Having learned of, and thought about, this incident, can all of us — and I do mean each and every one of us — make a decision, right now, not to remain aloof if we should ever find ourselves in a similar situation? It may take one of us to be a leader, to rally everyone to the cause. But multiple followers are equally essential. In fact, it may be the expectation that others will follow that gives the leader much of his or her courage. Our lead health story this month is about cardiac arrest — a critical condition where one’s heart suddenly stops beating. It’s another often-public occurrence where intervention can be lifesaving, but too many people stand by and watch, or walk on, rather than get down on all fours and start CPR. We say to ourselves, “I don’t know what to do!” “Will I be sued?” “What if I do more harm than good?” And so we rationalize our inaction. Instead, we should bone up on our firstaid (CPR today is easier than ever — no mouth-to-mouth contact required) and learn how to recognize and use a defibrillator (most machines tell you what to do). I may eat my words someday. Heaven forbid I should find myself in a situation like these and find myself frozen, afraid to act. I hope my having written this column will make me — and you — less likely to stand on the sidelines.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I agree with your publisher’s message “Do we save too much?” (July Beacon) in which your answer is “No.” But you only answered part of the question. If savings is not the problem, then there’s the implied question of what is? The facts are that consumer spending, as measured in the GDP, is now well above where it was at its previous peak in 2008 as this recession got underway. And GDP itself, of which consumer spending is about 67 percent, is therefore also well above its previous 2008 peak. So, along with consumer savings, consumer spending is not the problem either. Our economy is now producing more goods and services than ever before, but it’s doing it with fewer workers. Business-

es have become more efficient with regard to their use of labor, and therefore those old jobs are never coming back. What is needed is new jobs. But to get new jobs, you need new businesses and the expansion of old businesses. And to get that, you need new investment. And new investment depends on savings, but, as Mr. Rosenthal points out, there is plenty of savings. So what is the problem? It’s that not enough entrepreneurs and businessmen are borrowing those savings and investing it in new businesses and expanding existing businesses. And why is that? Because the economic and fiscal policies of our government have created a hostile environment for such inSee LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 61

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Technology &

Innovations Think you’ve been hacked? Do this now By Brandon Bailey and Joseph Pisani The entire U.S. federal workforce may be at risk after yet another intrusion from what security experts believe were hackers based in China. The Department of Homeland Security said that data from the Office of Personnel Management — the human resources department for the federal government — and the Interior Department were infiltrated. Two hacking incidents this summer affect a total of 21.5 million federal workers, military personnel and contractor employees These are not the first and it follows massive data breaches at health insurance companies, major U.S. banks like JPMorgan, and retailers such as Target and Home Depot. Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been compromised.

First things first • Notify the three main credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and request a 90-day credit alert. Each reporting agency is supposed to notify the others, but you may want to contact all three yourself. The three are Equifax (1-888-7660008), Experian (1-888-397-3742) and TransUnion (1-800-680-7289). The alert tells businesses to contact you

Tech Shorts New subsidy for Internet service The Federal Communications Commission has expanded a phone subsidy program for the poor to include Internet access. Expanding the Lifeline phone program to Internet service aims to narrow the “digital divide” between those with access to the Internet and other modern technologies and those without. According to a Pew Research Center report from 2013, 70 percent of U.S. adults have a high-speed Internet connection at home. However, only 54 percent of households earnings less than $30,000 a year do. The FCC says low-income Americans are more likely to rely on smartphones for Internet access. According to the Pew report, 67 percent of households that make

before opening any new accounts in your name. You can renew the alert every 90 days, or you’re entitled to keep it in effect for seven years if you find that your identity is stolen and file a report with police. • You might consider asking the reporting agencies to place a full freeze on your credit. This blocks any business from checking your credit to open a new account, so it’s a stronger measure than a credit alert. But you should weigh that against the hassle of notifying credit agencies to lift the freeze — which can take a few days — every time you apply for a loan, open a new account, or even sign up for utility service.

Be a detective • When your credit card bill comes, check closely for any irregularities. And don’t overlook small charges. Crooks are known to charge smaller amounts, usually under $10, to see if you notice. If you don’t, they may charge larger amounts later. • Get a free credit report once a year from at least one of the three major credit agencies, and review it for unauthorized accounts that may have been opened in your name. Ignore offers from companies that charge a fee for credit reports. You can order them without charge at www.annual-

less than $30,000 a year have home broadband or a smartphone. Lifeline was started in 1985 and expanded to include wireless phones in 2005. The FCC’s expansion this summer extends Lifeline’s $9.25 monthly credit to give lowincome households a choice of phone service or Internet access, via a wire to the home or a smartphone. But Lifeline has been criticized for being susceptible to fraud, and the proposal may get pushback from Republicans. The FCC says it will build on anti-fraud measures that were put in place in 2012, such as extending the period that providers must keep documents on customers’ eligibility for the programs. In 2014, Lifeline served 12 million households and cost $1.7 billion, paid for by surcharges on the country’s telephone customer bills. Eligibility depends on income being at or less than 135 percent of the federal government’s poverty line, or participation in programs including Medicaid, food stamps or free school lunch.

creditreport.com. If you order from each credit agency once a year, you could effectively check your history every four months. Some experts say there’s not much to be gained from a paid credit monitoring service. But it can’t hurt to sign up for any monitoring offered for free by a company or any other entity that may have held your information when it was hacked. Note: These services will tell you if a new account is opened in your name, but they won’t prevent it, and many don’t check for things like bogus cellphone accounts, fraudulent applications for government benefits, or claims for medical benefits. Some do offer limited insurance or help from a staffer trained to work with credit issuers and reporting agencies.

If your info is stolen • Contact the credit issuer to dispute fraudulent charges and have the bogus account closed. • Request your credit report and ask the reporting agencies to remove bogus accounts or any incorrect information from your record. • Submit a report through the FTC website: www.consumer.ftc.gov. Click the

As Internet access is often more expensive than $9.25 a month, program participants may have to pay an additional amount for service. Some broadband providers already offer low-cost Internet to households that get food stamps or are in the school lunch program. But Comcast’s $10-a-month Internet Essentials program, for example, has been criticized as having too-slow speeds (up to 5 megabits per second) and for too few people being eligible.The FCC defines broadband as having download speeds of 25 megabits per second and higher. Individuals may sign up for Lifeline through their phone service provider. — AP

Screen magnifier The assistive technology company Ai Squared has released ZoomText 10.1, the latest version of their computer screen magnification software. ZoomText enlarges text and graphics to make it easier for individuals

“privacy & identity” tab, which will walk you through creating an affidavit you can show to creditors. • Keep copies of all reports and correspondence. Use certified mail to get delivery receipts, and keep notes on every phone call. Beware: after a hack, scammers may try to use the stolen data to trick you into giving up more personal information. They can use that info to steal money in your accounts or open new credit cards. • Don’t click on any links from emails. Bad software could be downloaded to your computer that can steal account passwords. • You might get letters in the mail saying you won a tablet or vacation and give you a phone number to call. Don’t do it. It’s likely a ploy to gather more information from you. • Hang up the phone if you get a call asking for account numbers or other information. Scammers may also send texts, so don’t click on any links from numbers you don’t know. The FTC now has a website, www.identitytheft.gov, that provides step-by-step advice and more information on what to do if you think you have been the victim of a data breach. — AP

with low vision or other visual impairments to see what’s on their computer screen. The deluxe version of this program, ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, provides a voice that reads the words on a screen aloud, along with magnification. The program is compatible with Internet Explorer, Microsoft office and computer games. The Magnifier software will read emails, documents and web pages aloud and utilizes a non-robotic, human-sounding voice for easier comprehension. Users can also convert text from documents and emails into audio files that can be retrieved and listened to later. The audio files can be accessed on mobile devices as well. Ai Squared also offers large-print keyboards for PC and Mac computers, and a ZoomText Camera — a high-definition camera that magnifies printed text and displays it on the computer screen. For more information about ZoomText and other assistive technologies by Ai Squared, visit www.aisquared.com or call toll-free 1-800-859-0270. — Rebekah Sewell

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A couple decades ago, you could find the blue eagle-emblazoned US Mail boxes every few blocks on city and suburban streets. But as fewer people sent letters and cards, the US Postal Service began uprooting the ubiquitous boxes. However, there are still plenty of times you need to drop something in the mail. Now there’s a website to help you find the remaining boxes. Simply type in your ZIP code to find a list of addresses (complete with cross streets) where you can deposit your mail. www.payphone-project.com/mailboxes

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Travelzoo.com aggregates dozens of top deals from cruise lines, hotels, airlines, entertainment venues and more. Depending where you want to travel to and when, the site can be hit or miss. But you can snag very good deals. The ever-changing offerings recently included $999 for a nine-night Alaskan cruise, $43 tickets for Book of Mormon at the Kennedy Center, and a seven-night tour of Italy including hotels and roundtrip airfare from Baltimore for $1,146. http://Travelzoo.com

If you are planning a move or just want to reduce clutter, Freecycle can help you give away your goods — from furniture to dishes to shoes. Even things you have no idea what to do with but would like to keep out of the landfill, such as old trash cans or bricks, can be given away. Find the closest Freecycle group to your neighborhood (there are more than 5,000 groups) by typing in your city name. Then join the local list to post things you’d like to give away. Choose someone who responds to your listing to pick it up from your curbside at a specified time. You never have to meet. Of course, the flip side to Freecycle is that you can also request things others are giving away. But don’t give in to temptation for things you don’t need simply because they cost nothing. www.freecycle.org/

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New tech gadgets amuse adults and kids By Bree Fowler Imagine turning a standard can of beer into a frothy draft beer with a head. Or how about using the charge in your fingers to clean your teeth, or taking a walk with a robot dinosaur? At the CE Week gadget show in New York recently, there were several standouts amid the sea of smartphone chargers and 3-D printers. Some are set to hit stores near you in the not-too-distant future. Here is a sampling:

Human-powered power toothbrush There’s a lot of power in your little finger. The Ionic ProClean toothbrush generates millions of negative ions by creating a circuit involving the moistened toothbrush and a person’s palm or finger. According to the company, the completion of the circuit gets the ions flowing. The ions then polarize plaque fluid, causing a person’s tooth enamel to repel it. This loosens and removes the plaque. A small light on the brush indicates when this is happening. The brushes sell for about $10.

Beer Fizzics For the beer aficionado who wants to experience the frothy head of a properly

poured draft beer at home, there is Fizzics. The personal beer dispenser takes beer from any store-bought can, bottle or growler and applies some magic to give it the bubbles and taste of something straight from the tap. All styles of beer from pilsners to stouts work with the machine. The invention was funded by an Indiegogo campaign that raised about $148,000, nearly triple its goal. Commercial sales are expected to start in September, with the machines retailing for nearly $200.

A T-Rex that plays fetch If you think a puppy is too much responsibility for your grandchild, how about a mini robot Tyrannosaurus Rex? Using location technology, the MiPosaur can chase after a matching ball, go for a walk with its owner, and even dance and make happy sounds. The exceptionally cute robots will go on sale this month at major retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart and Toys R Us. The combination of a MiPosaur and a ball will cost about $120. WowWee, the MiPosaur’s parent company, also showed off its REV battle cars. For $100, you can get a pair of race cars controlled by a smartphone or tablet app. Play-

ers use the cars to chase and shoot at each other. Lights and sounds signal a hit. Those who can’t find a partner can choose a computerized bad guy to play against.

Coding for kids Given the job possibilities down the road, it’s never too early to start teaching your kids how to write computer code. Ozobot aims to do just that. By drawing lines in various colors, kids as young as 7 can tell the pingpong-ball-sized robot to do

55+ Inderjeet Jumani REALTOR® Senior Real Estate Specialist 703.472.8804 ijumani@LNF.com www.IJumani.com

things like go forward, backward or spin around. While the original Ozobot has been around for a while, an updated version is geared at older children. Rather than draw colored lines, kids program their Ozobot on a computer. The new Ozobots sell for $60 on Amazon. Older models, which sell for about $50, can be upgraded to add the coding software for $10. — AP

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FREE Patient Education Seminars CONDITIONS THAT MAY RESPOND WELL TO STEM CELL AND PLATELET PROCEDURES: s Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis s Knee ACL & Meniscal Tears s Hip Pain & Labral Tears s Shoulder Pain & Rotator Cuff Tendinitis s Chronic Back & Neck Pain s Hand-Wrist-Thumb Pain

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Chevy Chase, MD WEDNESDAY, SEPT 30, 2015 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 100 Chevy Chase, MD 20815

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Are You a Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?

Mayo F. Friedlis, MD

888.979.7096 rsvp@StemCellARTS.com

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Robert Wagner, MD

Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

The smartest smartphones fight disease By Lauran Neergaard Scientists are turning those ubiquitous smartphones into microscopes and other medical tools that could help fight diseases in remote parts of the world. For example, Columbia University scientists recently created a device powered by a smartphone to detect signs of HIV and syphilis in blood, pilot-testing the tool in clinics in Rwanda. At Massachusetts General Hospital, doctors are researching a tool that clips over a smartphone camera to detect cancer in blood or tissue samples. Still other researchers are using phone cameras to detect intestinal parasites in stool samples.

Detecting parasites in blood This summer, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley are planning to use a smartphone’s camera to target a challenge in parts of Central Africa — some devastating infections caused by tiny parasitic worms. The researchers created a handheld device that converts a smartphone into a video microscope, and uses custom software to record and analyze movements in blood cells that signal worm larvae are wriggling, said UC-Berkeley bioengineer Dr. Daniel Fletcher, who led the work. Essentially, the phone acts as a cheap, portable laboratory — no lab technician required. It’s part of the trend in medical

uses for smartphones that goes far beyond simple tasks like measuring heartbeats or emailing photos of a suspicious mole to your doctor. “This is a very important technology,” said Baylor College of Medicine’s Dr. Peter Hotez, a well-known specialist in neglected tropical diseases who wasn’t involved in the new research. “It’s very practical,” by eliminating the need for specially trained health workers and pricey equipment in remote villages, he added. “We’re using this phone not just as computer power or for its camera, but to run the test,” Fletcher explained.

How it works

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202-244-2212 • 301-300-7579 www.judyohdds.com

Squeeze a finger-prick of blood into a small tube and slide the tube into the 3-D printed base. Click the smartphone on top, its camera lined over the blood sample. Touch the screen to start an app, and an image-processing system analyzes wriggling motions that are the size and shape to be of concern, and reports a count. When used on 33 potentially infected people in Cameroon, the results were comparable to standard microscope testing, the researchers recently reported. Now, the team hopes to test the devices

in a study of at least 30,000 people in Cameroon this summer. Dr. Thomas Nutman of the National Institutes of Health estimates the devices could be manufactured for $50 to $100, not including the phone. The research targets a public health dilemma: A drug named ivermectin can fight two kinds of microscopic worms, spread to people through insect bites, that cause debilitating infections in much of Africa — river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, a disabling swelling. Mass campaigns to treat affected communities are underway in many areas. But in certain parts of Central Africa, the treatment campaigns had to be suspended because some people also harbor a third worm, named Loa loa, that can trigger a potentially fatal neurologic reaction to the medication, Nutman said. For now, the only way to tell who’s at risk requires manually testing blood samples, taking hours and specially trained workers that simply aren’t available during mass treatment programs, said Nutman, who worked with the Berkeley team on the faster phone-based alternative. The work was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, NIH and other groups. — AP

We Can Help You Stay Connected.

Please keep these resources in mind in the event of a power outage. They can help you stay connected to the information you need.

"!Call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) to report outages and downed wires, and please request a call back so we can verify if individual or small groups of outages still exist.

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you can use before, during and after severe weather and power outages. Download it now at pepco.com/storm.

"!Download our mobile app. The Pepco !

Self-Service app is essential storm gear. Use it on your smartphone or tablet to get the latest news, report an outage, access outage maps of your area, call us directly and get estimates for when power will be restored. It’s free and available from your app store or at pepco.com/mobileapp.

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information to get the latest news, report an outage or streetlight problem, access outage maps of your area, get important contact information and estimates for when power will be restored – from anywhere you can access the Internet.

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Technology & Innovations

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

Asbury Methodist Village 409 Russell Ave, Gaithersburg, MD

301-987-6291

COMPUTER BASICS WITH WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC 6 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $85 # 389 Fri Sept. 4 — Oct. 9 9:30am-11:30am # 390 Tues Nov. 3 — Dec.8 9:30am-11:30am This course is for students who want 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.

COOL, INTERESTING & FUN WEBSITES

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 10 # 391 Mon Oct. 19 9:30am-11:30am Do you always visit the same old websites? Learn about sites you probably didn’t know existed and how the World Wide Web can open up new experiences.

THE “CLOUD” & YOUR COMPUTER

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent and access to the Internet 1 session Limit: 10 Fee: $20 # 392 Tues Oct. 20 9:30am-11:30am You probably have heard of the cloud. This course shows you what you can do with Microsoft’s OneDrive® cloud service. MOVING UP TO

WINDOWS® 10

Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC 6 sessions Limit: 10 Fee: $85 # 393 Mon Nov. 2 — Dec. 7 9:30am-11:30am # 394 Fri Nov. 6 — Dec. 18 9:30am-11:30am If you have upgraded to Windows 10, this course will show you what is familiar, how to take advantage of new features, and how Windows 10 can improve your computing experience.

ASSISTED PRACTICE

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. You must be registered for at least one class to participate. No Fee Wed Sept. 9 — Oct. 14 9:30am-1:30pm Wed Nov. 4 — Dec. 16 9:30am-1:30pm

JCA Bronfman Center 12320 Parklawn Dr, Rockville, MD

240-395-0916

COMPUTER BASICS WITH WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Windows 7 or Vista PC 6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 # 395 Thurs Sept. 10 — Oct. 15 1:00pm-3:00pm # 396 Thurs Nov.5 — Dec. 17 10:00am-12:00pm This course is for students who want 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.

DO MORE WITH WINDOWS® 7

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 # 397 Thurs Oct. 29 — Dec. 10 1:00pm–3:00pm This is the perfect class for Windows 7 users who have mastered the basics and want to explore further topics. Topics include managing files and folders, understanding and customizing the start menu, Aero Display functions, control panel, user accounts, disk utilities, operating system updates, backups and more!

MICROSOFT WORD: PART 1, THE BEGINNING

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 8 # 398 Mon Oct. 19 — Oct. 2610:00am-12:00pm Learn basic word-processing skills using Microsoft Word, including hands-on experience creating documents of varying levels of complexity.

MICROSOFT WORD: PART 2, THE NEXT LEVEL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 2 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $35 # 399 Mon Nov. 9 — Nov. 16 10:00am-12:00pm Learn advanced word-processing skills, such as illustrating documents with graphics, using templates, creating tables and advanced formatting.

FACEBOOK®, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 2 session Limit: 8 Fee: $ 35 # 340 Tues/Wed Aug. 4 & 5 10:00am-12:00pm Learn how to set up and use a Facebook account, which is a great tool for staying in touch with family members and friends.

TECHNOLOGY TERMS FOR THE IPAD® BEGINNER

Prerequisite: iPad needs to be updated to IOS 7 and have an Apple ID and password Bring fully charged iPad to class 1 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $ 20 # 400 Thurs Sept. 24 10:00am-12:00pm What is an app? What is the home button? This course is designed for the beginner iPad user. Terms and vocabulary will be explored to allow more proficient use of the iPad. This session would be helpful to anyone planning to take another iPad class.

YOUR IPAD® AND YOU

Prerequisite: iPad needs to be updated to IOS 7 and have an Apple® ID and password Bring fully charged iPad to class 4 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $65 # 401 Thurs Oct. 8 — Oct. 29 10:00am-12:00pm Learn the basics about what you can do with your iPad and how using a tablet is different from using a desktop or laptop computer. Topics include basic navigation, apps and where you get them, how to set up your email account, managing your contact list, taking and sharing pictures, listening to music, how to keep your iPad safe and running efficiently, and how to back up data.

10 AMAZINGLY USEFUL WEBSITES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 402 Tues Oct. 13 1:00pm-3:00pm # 403 Tues Dec. 8 1:00pm-3:00pm Learn about a wide range of useful websites. Tired of waiting for a company’s help desk to answer? There’s a website that gets them to call you! Print web pages without all the ads, find a manual for that appliance that needs repair, get great recipes and nutritional in-

9 7

formation, FREE coupons, FREE books and more!

IPHONE®,

AN INTRODUCTION PART 1

IPHONE®,

AN INTRODUCTION PART 2

IPHONE®,

PHOTOGRAPHY

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 404 Fri Oct. 16 10:00am-12:00pm Take the first steps to learn about navigating your iPhone, receiving and making phone calls, and using the Safari® browser. Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 405 Fri Oct. 23 10:00am-12:00pm Learn about mail, settings (including privacy and security settings), iCloud find my iPhone, and organizing favorite apps. Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 406 Fri Nov. 13 10:00-12:00pm Learn how to use your iPhone to take, edit and share great photos.

SMART PHONES AND TABLETS USING THE ANDROID OPERATING SYSTEM WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $ 20 # 407 Wed Oct. 7 10:00am-12:00pm Learn what the Android operating system is and how to work with its direct manipulation interface and see demonstrations of popular applications (apps) that run on Android.

MEET THE TECHNOLOGY GURUS! BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS!

Fee: $30 per individual session Limit: 8 Have a 1:1 lesson with our Tech Gurus. Experts are available to help individuals with hardware or software issues. Topics: iPhone®/iPad®, 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. # 408 Date and time to be determined by Tech Guru

 NEW  NEW  NEW 

TECH TUESDAY

PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS ON HOT TOPICS IN TECHNOLOGY CUTTING THE CABLE – TV WITHOUT THE PRICE OF CABLE 1 session Limit: 25 Fee: $20 # 409 Tues Oct.13 1:30am-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. BUYING YOUR NEXT COMPUTER OR SMART DEVICE 1 session Limit: 25 Fee: $20 # 410 Tues Oct. 27 10:00am-12:00pm Not long ago buying your next computer usually meant deciding between a desktop and laptop. Today we have additional options such as tablets, smartphones and smartwatches. In this overview, you will learn about the pros and cons of these options and some of the popular software available on various devices.

continued next page

Technology & Innovations

Bronfman Center continued

USING THE INTERNET TO PLAN AND BOOK TRAVEL 1 session Limit: 25 Fee: $20 # 411 Tues Nov. 3 10:00am-12:00pm Get started on the road to being your own travel agent! In this class, you will learn about user-friendly tools to locate and book travel services such as airline and train tickets, hotel rooms, tours, tickets to attractions and more. INTRODUCTION TO THE CLOUD 1 session Limit: 25 Fee: $20 # 412 Tues Nov. 17 1:30pm-3:30pm There has been a lot of talk about “the cloud” recently. Learn what the cloud is and how to use it for storage, backup and sharing of files, pictures and music. ORGANIZING, ENHANCING AND SHARING YOUR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS 1 session Limit: 25 Fee: $20 # 413 Tues Dec. 8 10:00am-12:00pm Learn about the tools available on your computer and the Internet that can be used to increase the enjoyment you obtain from digital pictures. Using free software tools available on the Web, the instructor will show you how to organize and manage and enhance photos, and how to share them by creating web albums, photo books and more.

Crystal City

1750 Crystal Dr Shops, Suite 1638B Crystal Square Arcade, Arlington, VA

703-941-1007

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

Prerequisite: Bring a flash drive to class 6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 # 414 Tues Sept. 1 — Oct.27* 10:00am-12:00pm # 415 Tues Nov. 3 — Dec. 8 10:00am-12:00pm This course is for persons seeking to refresh or expand 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. *The Sept/Oct class will meet 6 sessions (6/1, 6/8, 6/22,10/13,10/17, 10/27). It is extended due to holidays when the training center is closed).

INTERMEDIATE PC, WINDOWS® 7 AND WINDOWS®8.1

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 #416 Wed Sept. 2 — Oct. 14 10:00am-12:00pm #417 Wed Nov. 4 — Dec.16 10:00am-12:00pm This course continues the exploration of Microsoft Windows 7 begun in Computer Basics. It will also deal with how Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 work together. Learn to set up computer features (folders, shortcuts, etc.) responsive to personal needs and preferences.

TOURING THE INTERNET

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 6 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $85 # 418 Mon Nov. 2 — Dec. 7 1:00pm-3:00pm Learn about important Internet tools and resources, including sending and receiving email with and without

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 attachments, using address books, browsers, Internet and email security, search, shopping, travel, entertainment, and Web-based government resources.

GUIDE TO BUYING A PERSONAL COMPUTER (WORKSHOP)

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 365 Mon Aug. 24 1:00pm-3:00pm # 419 Thurs Dec. 3 1:00pm-3:00pm Learn about important issues to consider and features to look for when purchasing your next personal computer.

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SECURE

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 420 Mon Oct. 19 1:00pm-3:00pm Learn about important security issues, including how hackers choose computers, phishing, spam email, website drive-by, botnets, passwords, administrative accounts, keeping applications updated, keeping the operating system updated, and malware protection.

ORGANIZING, EDITING, AND SHARING PHOTOS WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer and mouse skills 2 session Limit: 8 Fee: $35 # 367 Tues Aug. 18 – 25 10:00am-12:00pm Learn to import digital photos from cameras, phones, and tablets and use Picasa, a free photo-editing program.

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

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: None #421 Wed Sept. 30 1:00–3:00pm This informational tutorial will explain the Android operating system and how to work with Android’s direct manipulation interface, plus offer demonstrations of popular applications (apps) that run on Android.

TAMING WORD (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge and mouse skills 2 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $35 # 422 Tues Dec.15 – 22 10:00am-12:00pm Learn how to make Microsoft Word your personal tool for word processing.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR APPLE IPAD® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Bring a fully charged Apple iPad to class 3 sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $50 # 423 Thurs Sept. 10 – Sept.24 1:00pm-3:00pm # 424 Thurs Oct. 29 – Nov. 12 1:00pm-3:00pm This course demystifies the iPad, starting with the hand gestures used to operate the device and the purpose of external buttons and switches, and progressing to hands-on use of a variety of standard iPad applications.

USING YOUR APPLE IPHONE® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 372 Mon Aug. 17 1:00pm-3:00pm # 425 Mon Oct. 26 1:00pm-3:00pm # 426 Mon Dec. 14 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 # 374 Thurs Aug. 20 10:00am-12:00pm # 427 Wed Oct. 28 10:00am-12:00pm # 428 Thurs Dec. 3 10:00am-12:00pm Learn how to use the free Skype application to communicate with relatives and friends.

VIEWING MOVIES ON YOUR PC (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Basic computer skills 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 376 Thurs Aug. 6 10:00am-12:00pm # 429 Thurs Oct. 1 1:00pm-3:00pm # 430 Thurs Nov. 19 1:00pm-3:00pm

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

This is your chance to find out how to view movies in your home without contracting with cable companies – and pay little or nothing for viewing.

WINDOWS® 8.1 DEMONSTRATION

Prerequisite: None, but you may bring your own laptop with Windows 8.1 1 session Limit: 8 Fee: $20 # 378 Thurs Aug. 27 10:00am-12:00pm # 431 Thurs Oct. 29 10:00am-12:00pm # 432 Thurs Dec. 10 10:00am-12:00pm This workshop will highlight the major new features of the Microsoft Windows 8.1 operating system, concentrating on its “Tile” mode of operation. Student computers at the training center have Windows 7, so bring your own Windows 8.1 laptop, or come and see Windows 8.1 demonstrated by the instructor.

GRAPHICS EXPLORERS

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Photoshop® Elements software Elements 10 or 11 software ongoing sessions Limit: 8 Fee: $35 # 433 Mon Sept. 21 – Oct.26 10:00am-12:00pm # 434 Mon Nov. 2 – Dec. 21 10:00am-12:00pm 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.

ASSISTED PRACTICE

No Fee Limit: 8 FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. You 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.

Microsoft at Westfield Montgomery Mall

7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD

301-765-3080

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

WINDOWS® 10, AN INTRODUCTION Fee: $35 # 435 Thurs

2 session Limit: 6 Nov. 12 – Nov. 19 10:00am-12:00pm

DO MORE WITH EMAIL

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 3 sessions Limit: 6 Fee: $50 # 383 Mon Aug. 10 — Aug 24 8:30am-10:00am

Microsoft at Tysons Corner 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA

703-336-8480

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

MICROSOFT EXCEL®

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 4 sessions Limit: 6 Fee: $65 # 436 Wed Sept. 30 — Oct.21 10:00am-12:00pm In this introduction to Excel, you will learn how to develop and use simple spreadsheets. Knowledge of Windows is required.

continued next page

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

Microsoft at Tysons continued

POWERPOINT® PRESENTATIONS

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 2 session Limit: 6 Fee: $35 # 437 Wed Oct. 28 — Nov. 4 10:00am-12:00pm In this introduction to PowerPoint presentation software, you will learn how to develop and use simple presentations. Knowledge of Windows is required.

LINKEDIN®, AN INTRODUCTION

Prerequisite: Solid computer skills and an active email account 1 session Limit: 6 Fee: $20 # 438 Wed Nov. 18 10:00am-12:00pm Introduction to LinkedIn: what it’s for and how to develop a profile. You must have an email address.

INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS® 10

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 6 Fee: $20 # 439 Wed Dec. 2 10:00am-12:00pm Overview of the latest Microsoft operating system. Knowledge of a previous version of Windows required.

OVERVIEW OF MICROSOFT OFFICE WORD, EXCEL®, POWERPOINT®

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent 1 session Limit: 6 Fee: $20 # 440 Wed Dec. 9 10:00am-12:00pm In this high-level introduction to Microsoft Office programs, you will learn about the commonalities among the programs, with a brief look at how to use each one. Knowledge of Windows required

ATTENTION:

Instruction, course materials and all computer language settings are in English. Courses are taught with Windows computers.

DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

SeniorTech

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY Each JCA SeniorTech center follows the weather-related decisions of the public school system in its jurisdiction, except that if a school system is closed for even part of the day, the center will be closed the entire day. As soon as possible, your instructor will arrange to make up any classes cancelled due to inclement weather.

REFUND POLICY:

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

For more information, call 240-395-0916.

✃

SENIORTECH REGISTRATION FORM COMPUTER TRAINING

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

WAYS TO REGISTER: BY MAIL:

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

NOTE: ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE 7 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF CLASS. Name: ___________________________________________________________ Age: _____________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _______________ Phone#: __________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ I have taken a JCA SeniorTech class before: ____ Yes ____ No Student ID (Office use only)_______

I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR: Class #

Class Title

Location

Start Date

Start Time

Fee

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

TOTAL $ ________

PAYMENT METHOD:

❒ Master Card ❒ VISA ❒ American Express ❒ Check (Make Checks payable to JCA SeniorTech.) Name as it appears on card: ____________________________________________________

__________ __________ __________ ___________

______ /______

__________

Card Number

Exp. Date

Sec. Code

WB8/15

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

9 11

Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

OFFICE USE ONLY Course #____ Paid____ Registration #_____ Date_______

Course #____ Paid____ Registration #_____ Date_______

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Health Fitness &

STROKE STENT APPROVED New Heart Association guidelines endorse a device to treat strokes CAN YOU BE TOO THIN? Being underweight can increase the risk of osteoporosis, COPD and more MEDICAL MARIJUANA To date, evidence shows pot doesn’t help most conditions it’s legal for DOPAMINE AND DEPRESSION Dopamine deficiency can make you sluggish; how to break out of the fog

You can save a life performing simple CPR By Lauran Neergaard Would you know what to do if you see someone collapse, not breathing — a loved one at home, a co-worker at the office, a stranger on the street? Far too many Americans die of cardiac arrest, and now a major new report urges a national campaign to improve survival, in part by making sure more bystanders know how to help. Every year, about 395,000 people suffer cardiac arrest in their homes or other nonhospital settings — and less than 6 percent of them survive, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimates. That’s not the whole toll: An additional 200,000 cardiac arrests occur in hospitals every year, and even there only a quarter of patients survive, the report found. Cardiac arrest is not a heart attack — it’s worse. It means the heart abruptly stops beating, its electrical activity knocked out of rhythm. CPR can buy critical time if it’s started immediately, but the report concludes the nation must take key steps to give victims a better shot. “Cardiac arrest survival rates are unacceptably low,” said Dr. Robert Graham of George Washington University, who chaired the IOM committee’s investigation. “There is a lot an individual can do to assist somebody if they witness one, and to work with their communities to improve the system of response.”

What to do may sound straightforward: Call 911, and then start quick, hard compressions of the person’s chest until trained responders arrive. If a device called an AED — an automated external defibrillator — is available, use it.

Why don’t bystanders help? In reality, the IOM committee said, fear — rather than not understanding what cardiac arrest is, lack of first-aid training, and concern about legal liability — can hamper response and cost precious time. Each year, less than 3 percent of the U.S. population receives training in CPR or defibrillator use, while some European countries mandate training, the report found. Moreover, there are wide disparities in outcomes: One study found that survival ranged from about 8 percent to 40 percent across 10 different communities. The IOM called for a major public education effort to teach people how to recognize and react to cardiac arrest — including making CPR training a graduation requirement for high school. According to the American Heart Association, Connecticut just became the 24th state to pass legislation to do that. State and local health departments should team with health groups to create “a culture of action,” the IOM recommended. It also urged employers to stock defibrillators and train workers to use them,

and expanded access to CPR training for people over age 65 and their caregivers. Good Samaritan laws provide varying legal protection by state. At the same time, laymen shouldn’t feel they have to provide perfect care, said IOM committee member Dr. Tom Aufderheide of the Medical College of Wisconsin. “Any CPR and any early defibrillation delivered by the public is better than no care at all,” he said.

Additional recommendations • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should create a national registry of cardiac arrest. There are no good statistics on this killer, the IOM said, calling its own numbers the best available estimates. A registry would track outcomes so communities could take steps to improve. The CDC said it will review the recommendation. • National standards are needed for emergency medical systems, to ensure that 911 callers are talked through how to provide CPR. • The National Institutes of Health should expand research for better treatments. The report found the NIH spends far less on cardiac arrest research than on other cardiovascular problems. Among the issues to address: defibrillators attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm so it can resume beating. But most out-of-hospital

cardiac arrests aren’t the kind of abnormal rhythms that a shock can fix, said IOM committee member Dr. Lance Becker of the University of Pennsylvania. • Hospitals should have to meet national accreditation standards on cardiac arrest care. Survival of patients who suffer cardiac arrest while hospitalized for some other reason can vary by 10 percent between hospitals, the IOM found. Improvement is possible, the IOM found, calling some communities examples. In King County, Washington, there’s a 62 percent survival rate among patients with a specific shockable form of cardiac arrest if they collapse in front of someone. It’s not an accident: Policymakers there have spent decades studying what care works best, and getting bystanders and professionals on board with response practices. The American Heart Association — which, along with the American Red Cross, American College of Cardiology and the federal government, had requested the IOM’s study — welcomed the recommendations. Cardiac arrest is “the most critically ill state a human being can be in,” said Dr. Robert W. Neumar of the University of Michigan, who chairs a heart association emergency care committee. The nation needs to create a culture where “if someone collapses in front of you with cardiac arrest, it’s your obligation to help.” — AP

Don’t fall for brain supplement claims By Matthew Perrone A high-ranking Senate Democrat is probing retailers and online companies about sales of dubious dietary supplements — especially those promising protection from memory loss, dementia and other age-related problems. The pills, tablets and formulas targeted by Senator Claire McCaskill bear names like “Brain Awake,” “Dementia Drops” and “Food for the Brain,” which claims to ease “forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.” In letters sent to 15 companies — including Wal-Mart, Target Corp., Amazon and Google — McCaskill asks executives to explain how they vet dietary supplements and weed out products making false claims. The Missouri Democrat is the ranking member on the Senate Aging

Committee, which frequently investigates health scams targeting older Americans. “Frankly, I think there’s a special place in hell for someone who markets a product and says it will cur e Alzheimer’s,” McCaskill told the Associated Press. “And that’s essentially what these scammers are doing, and they’ve had assistance in that.”

marketing and manufacturing practices. Supplements have never been subject to the same Food and Drug Administration regulations as prescription and over-thecounter drugs, which must be reviewed as safe and effective before being sold in the U.S. Earlier this year, the attorneys general of 14 states asked Congress to investigate the herbal supplement industry. They pointed to DNA-based test results apparently showing that some store-brand supplements have none of the ingredients listed on their labels. McCaskill’s probe focuses on supple-

show some “Tests supplements

contain none of the ingredients listed on their labels.

Supplements aren’t regulated This is the latest probe into the $30 billion dietary supplement industry, which encompasses thousands of products and has long been plagued by questionable advertising,

’’

ments targeting older adults who are concerned about dementia. More than 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no cure, and even prescription drugs only temporarily ease symptoms.

Targeting retailers, search engines But rather than focusing on the supplements themselves, McCaskill’s investigation is probing how they make their way into consumers’ shopping carts and medicine cabinets. In a letter to Wal-Mart CEO Doug McMillon, McCaskill asked for a briefing See SUPPLEMENTS, page 14

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

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House calls save millions for Medicare By Lauran Neergaard An X-ray in the living room. A rapid blood test. A peek into pill bottles and refrigerators. The humble house call can accomplish a lot — and now research suggests that tailoring it to some of Medicare’s frailest patients can improve their care while cutting costs. Medicare announced in June that it saved more than $25 million in the first year of a three-year study to determine the value of home-based primary care for frail seniors with multiple chronic illnesses, by avoiding pricier hospital or emergency room care. Dr. Patrick Conway, Medicare’s chief medical officer, says the house call delivers “high-touch” coordinated care that allows doctors and nurses to spot brewing problems in a patient’s everyday environment before he or she worsens. “If we can keep people as healthy as possible and at home, so they only go to the hospital or emergency room when they really need to, that both improves quality and lowers cost,” he said.

Nipping problems in the bud House calls are starting to make a comeback amid a rapidly graying population, although they’re still rare. The idea: A doctor or nurse-practitioner, sometimes bringing along a social worker, makes reg-

ular visits to frail or homebound patients whose needs are too complex for a typical 15-minute office visit — and who have a hard time even getting to a physician’s office. “It helps you avoid the emergency situations,” said Naomi Rasmussen, whose 83year-old father in Portland, Ore., is part of Medicare’s Independence at Home study. Her father, stroke survivor Teodor Mal, is prone to frequent infections and unable to tell his wife or daughter whenever he starts to feel ill. Visits to multiple doctors left him so agitated that a good exam was difficult, and just getting him there in his wheelchair took several hours and a special van. Then Mal began getting his primary care from Portland-based Housecall Providers Inc. When family members see any worrisome changes in his behavior or appearance, providers can make a quick visit to see if another urinary tract infection or case of pneumonia is beginning, in time to give at-home antibiotics a chance. It took extra primary care visits, but “he went from bouncing in and out of the hospital to one hospitalization in an entire year,” said Housecall Providers nurse Mary Sayre. But this kind of care is hard to find, in part because of reimbursement. Medicare

did pay for more than 2.6 million house call visits in 2013. But add in the travel time, and doctors can see — and get paid for — many more patients in a day in the office than they can see on the road.

Cost-effective pilot program Enter Medicare’s Independence at Home demonstration project, now in its third year of testing how well a house call approach really works and how to pay for it. About 8,400 frail seniors with multiple

chronic conditions — Medicare’s most expensive type of patient — are receiving customized home-based primary care from 17 programs around the country. The incentive for doctors: They could share in any government savings if they also meet enough quality-care goals. [While the Independent at Home Project is not available in the Washington or Baltimore areas, there are a number of doctors See HOUSE CALLS, page 14

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Local resources for house calls The following resources either can help locate doctors who can come to your home, or have doctors registered with them who are available for house calls. These services are not part of Medicare’s Independence at Home study mentioned in the article. Check with your insurance provider to see if any of their services are covered. • American Academy of Home Care Medicine, www.aahcm.org/?Locate_A_Provider, (410) 962-0565 • Capital House Calls, www.capital-

housecalls.com, (240) 744-0001 • Medical House Call Program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center (serves only certain Washington, D.C. ZIP Codes and has income restrictions), http://bit.ly/medstarhousecalls, (202) 877-0576. • GW Medical Faculty Associates House Call Program, www.gwdocs.com/housecall-program, (202) 741-2191 • Metro Direct Care Medical, http://metrodcmed.com, (202) 3686820 — Barbara Ruben

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House calls here who provide house calls. See box at left for further information.] In June, Medicare released its longawaited analysis of the study’s first year and said the project saved an average of $3,070 per participating beneficiary. Conway said all but five practices generated savings. Medicare will divide $11.7 million in incentive payments among the nine practices that met enough of the quality requirements for that financial bonus, including Portland’s Housecall Providers.

“We need to shift costs to this kind of intervention,” said Dr. Pamela Miner of Housecall Providers. The Affordable Care Act created the Medicare study, and legislation is pending in Congress to extend the project another two years. The program is “bringing the house calls of yesteryear into the 21st century,” said Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass. He said the pilot results are promising enough to make the project permanent so that many more Medicare patients eventually could seek this kind of care. — AP

Supplements

A spokesman for Amazon Inc. declined to comment for this story.

From page 13

From page 12 with the company to “better understand Wal-Mart’s policies and practices related to dietary supplements.” McCaskill also requested meetings with Internet search engines, including Google Inc. She requested details about how Google is compensated by supplement producers who advertise through the search engine, and whether Google reviews customer complaints about such products. Companies are not legally required to comply with congressional requests, but they can be ordered to appear before Congress and turn over documents when compelled by subpoena. The new investigation shines light on how supplement makers skirt federal rules that are supposed to stop companies from marketing their products for specific diseases and conditions. For example, a product called Eureka Intensified Focus, sold through Amazon, claims to “support and maintain memory, concentration and focus.” Another product available on Amazon, AloeMarine, is promoted to support “increased memory and brain function.”

Little FDA oversight Because the FDA does not review supplements, manufacturers are technically responsible for making sure their products are safe and truthfully advertised. Products making certain types of health claims are required to carry a disclaimer that “this statement has not been evaluated by the FDA,” though many supplements do not. The FDA frequently sends warning letters to companies that appear to be violating federal rules, but the agency cannot withdraw a supplement from the market until it shows that it is unsafe. Attempts to pass new laws giving the FDA more authority over supplements have repeatedly been scuttled by industry lobbyists and their allies in Congress. Despite the FDA’s limited powers, McCaskill suggested the agency could be doing more. “They do have some authority here, and we want to take a closer look at how they are using that authority,” she said. An FDA spokeswoman said in a statement the agency would respond directly to the Senators. — AP

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

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Groundbreaking Heralds Start of Construction on 70-bed, Dedicated Rehabilitation Facility xcitement was high when Brooke Grove Retirement Village recently broke ground for a new, 70-bed, dedicated rehabilitation facility that will replace Sharon wing at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (BGRNC). The $25 million project will add an additional 77,000 square feet to BGRNC and will increase capacity to 190 beds.

The rehabilitation facility is designed to meet the post-acute needs of the growing aging population in BGRV’s service area. Equipment and technology upgrades will ultimately optimize the rehabilitation potential of those in BGRNC’s care, shorten lengths of stay and reduce expenditures by the Medicare program. “We live to provide an environment and corporate culture that allow us to share intimate spaces with those in our care in a way that allows people to thrive,” said Brooke Grove Foundation (BGF) Vice President of Operations Dennis Hunter, who will oversee the project. “Brooke Grove was founded to care for people. It’s in our DNA. We live and breathe to care for people. That’s where my heart is — and where the heart of every committed person here is too.” “We aim to be the provider of choice in this community, in this county and beyond,” added BGF President Keith Gibb. “At the end of the day, though, a building — even a really cool building — is still just a building,” and it is the people and environment that make the biggest difference. Mr. Gibb shared the story of Bill Rosenberger, who sustained multiple, life-threatening injuries as a result of a head-on collision with a drunk driver in 2008. After spending four months in Maryland Shock Trauma and another acute care facility, he transferred to BGRNC. “Bill said that the exceptional care and rehabilitation he received helped with recovery, and the serene surroundings were extremely important and therapeutic as well. He is able to stand here and help us break the ground today as one of Brooke Grove’s real success stories.” District 14 Delegate Craig Zucker presented a check for state bond bill funding for the project in the amount of $150,000 before joining BGF board and management team members, Mr. Rosenberger, and project partners from Morgan-Keller Construction; M&T Bank; and Reese, Lower Patrick and Scott for the ceremonial “turning of the dirt” to mark the beginning of construction. The grand opening of the new facility is slated for 2017.

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Health Shorts New stroke treatment gets go-ahead Many stroke patients have a new treatment option — if they seek help fast enough to get it. New guidelines endorse using a removable stent to open clogged arteries causing a stroke (see “Game changer: Stents for stroke patients,” April Beacon). The guidelines, issued by the American Heart Association, are the first time the group has recommended a device for treating strokes, and it’s the first new

stroke treatment in two decades to win the group’s strongest backing. The federal government no longer issues guidelines like these, so the Heart Association’s advice clears the way for more doctors to offer the treatment. “It is pretty exciting,” and many patients will benefit if they seek help when symptoms first appear, said the head of the guidelines panel, Dr. William J. Powers, neurology chief at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Most of the 800,000 strokes in the U.S. each year are caused by a blood clot lodged in the brain. The usual treatment is a clot-dissolving medicine called tPA, and it remains the first choice. But the drug must be given within 4 1/2 hours after symptoms start, and most people don’t seek help in time. The drug also

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

fails to work in one or two of every four cases, Powers said. The new device is called a stent retriever. It’s a tiny mesh cage that is pushed through a tube into a blood vessel and guided to the clot, like the stents long used to treat blocked heart arteries. But unlike heart stents, which are left in place to prop the artery open, brain stents trap the clot and are removed with it. Earlier this year, several major studies found these devices dramatically cut the risk of death or disability in people whose clots persisted after treatment with tPA. The guidelines say these patients now can be treated with a stent retriever if it can be done within six hours of symptom onset, they have a severe stroke caused by a clot in a large artery, and have brain imaging showing that at least half of the brain on the side of the stroke is not permanently damaged. The benefit of stent retrievers beyond six hours, or for people not treated first with tPA, is unknown. “We think it probably works in some of them but we just don’t have the hard evidence” to recommend it, Powers said. Where patients seek help matters. Only major stroke centers can do the technically difficult procedure with stent retrievers. — AP

Way to gauge value of new cancer drugs The pushback against soaring cancer drug prices is gaining steam. A leading doctors group has proposed a formula to help patients decide if taking a new medicine is worth it. The formula is something doctors can work through with patients to get a bottom

line on the survival benefit, side effects, and costs of a new treatment or combo versus older ones. In the formula, treatments are given scores for how much they improve survival or the time until cancer worsens. For advanced cancers, bonus points are given for drugs that greatly relieve symptoms or give patients a break from treatment. Side effects also are scored, and the points are combined to get a “net health benefit.” The final step is to compare costs. The tool gives drug prices provided by insurer United Healthcare as a guide, but they vary greatly among hospitals, and copays depend on each person’s insurance plan. The move by the American Society of Clinical Oncology is the third recent effort to focus on value in cancer care. The European Society for Medical Oncology has proposed a similar guide. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York recently posted an online tool suggesting a drug’s fair price, based on benefits and side effects. “We have a broken system,” with drug prices rising more than the degree of benefit, said Dr. Peter Bach, director of the Center for Health Policy and Outcomes at Sloan Kettering. “We hope consumers increasingly think about value.” New cancer drugs typically cost more than $10,000 a month, and patients are paying a greater share through higher copays and deductibles. “We have extraordinarily expensive technology that we have developed, but a lot of it doesn’t seem to move the needle that much” in terms of survival, Michael Porter, a Harvard Business School economist, told an audience at the U.S. oncology group’s annual conference last month. Patients often are not fully aware of costs, which include not just the drug, but See HEALTH SHORTS, page 17

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

Health shorts From page 16 also whether a patient needs to be hospitalized to get it, or to take other drugs to manage side effects, he said. So far, the proposed formula is just a prototype for four situations — lung or prostate cancer that has spread, advanced multiple myeloma, and a common type of breast cancer. The group will take comments from the public until Aug. 21 and plans similar efforts for other types of cancer. To learn more or submit comments, see www.asco.org/value. Tips on managing cost are available at www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/financial-considerations. Sloan-Kettering’s calculator is available at www.drugabacus.org. — AP

Which is better: juice or smoothies? Juicing and smoothies are all the rage right now. While both can boost your fruit and vegetable intake (something most Americans need to do), and are great for getting a variety of produce into your diet, one is the better choice. That’s the smoothie. Why? Juicing leaves behind a pulp — which contains fiber and nutrients that you end up tossing away — and thus you lose most of the benefits of whole fruits and vegetables. Blending produce into a smoothie, however, preserves fiber. A smoothie can deliver an extra boost of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals because it often includes fruit skins and pith. If your smoothie includes yo-

gurt or milk, you get some calcium, too. Blending, however, introduces oxygen and sometimes heat, which will knock out a little vitamin C and some B vitamins. (No big deal, really, as most of us get plenty of C, and produce isn’t a top source of the most sensitive B vitamins.) Smoothie-lovers beware, though: These drinks can easily turn into high-calorie, sugar-soaked desserts if they include sweetened yogurt, sweetened juice, sorbet, frozen yogurt or ice cream (that’s called a milkshake, folks). Sadly, many

made-to-order and bottled smoothies include these ingredients. DIY smoothies reign supreme — you know what you’re getting or, for that matter, not getting. They’re no substitute for whole fruits and vegetables in your diet, however, since it’s easier to take in more calories when you drink them instead of eat them. The Produce for Better Health Foundation recommends no more than 8 to 12 ounces of blended or juiced produce daily. — EatingWell

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Blood pressure meds can affect sex drive By Dr. Howard LeWine and Dr. Michael Craig Miller Q: I recently started a new blood pressure medicine. I know that some of them cause erectile dysfunction in men, but my problem is low sex drive. Is this a side effect of the drug? A: Sexual problems are one of the most common side effects from drugs used to treat high blood pressure. These problems can include decreased sexual drive (loss of libido) and difficulty reaching orgasm (anorgasmia) in both sexes. Also, men can experience erectile dysfunction (impotence) or altered ejaculation. Women may notice vaginal dryness secondary to decreased vaginal lubrication, leading to painful intercourse.

Of the different classes of drugs prescribed to reduce blood pressure, beta blockers and diuretics (“water pills”) probably cause the most sexual side effects. In contrast, sexual side effects less commonly occur with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). If you start a new blood pressure drug and develop sexual side effects — or any bothersome side effects, for that matter — be sure to speak to your healthcare provider. Often, it will possible to switch you to a different drug that won’t cause the same problems. Sexual side effects are a common “placebo effect” with many drugs used to

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treat a wide variety of conditions. In other words, the symptom is real, but might not be caused by the drug. Simply worrying about a particular side effect might also make it more likely to develop. Therefore, it pays to be patient when starting a new drug. Unless a side effect is severe or dangerous, you may want to wait several weeks before concluding that the drug is actually causing the symptoms that you’re experiencing. Under a doctor’s supervision, you may also be able to try stopping the drug for a while to see if your symptoms improve. If they do, a trial back on the drug may help confirm the link between the drug and the side effects. Q: I recently had a kidney stone. Should I change my diet? I drink two to three cups of mint tea daily — could that be the problem? A: First and foremost, be sure you drink plenty of fluids every day and avoid dehydration. Kidney stones form when certain minerals concentrate in the urine and form hard crystals. By drinking plenty of fluid, you can decrease the concentration of these minerals. Drink eight to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) a day. About 80 percent of all kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate. The name might make you think you should eat a low calcium diet to avoid getting them, but you should actually do the opposite. The problem is oxalate. Most people who develop calcium oxalate absorb too much oxalate. The extra oxalate is absorbed by the intestines and passed into the blood stream. The body uses what it needs, and the extra oxalate is excreted in the urine. In the urine, the higher concentration of oxalate can combine with calci-

um to cause kidney stones. Many of the foods we eat, including some very healthy foods, contain oxalate, so it’s difficult to go on an oxalate-restricted diet. What can you do? This is where eating a high-calcium diet comes in. Calcium binds the oxalate in your intestine. This way, less oxalate can get absorbed into your blood stream and less will need to pass into your urine. Higher protein intake, especially from animal protein, increases the likelihood of kidney stones. High-protein diets are acidic and reduce the amount of natural stone inhibitors in the urine. In addition, high-protein diets tend to contain more oxalate. Tea and coffee in moderation are not a problem. In fact, some studies suggest that drinking moderate amounts of tea and coffee can actually decrease the risk of kidney stones. Tea and coffee do contain some oxalate, but the amount of water in these drinks more than compensates. The two to three cups of mint tea you’re drinking a day (as well as other herbal teas) should not cause a problem, as long as you’re drinking additional amounts of other fluids. Black tea is the one tea that you might avoid because it has higher amounts of oxalate than other teas. Q: When I’m forced to fly, I sweat, shake and feel like I’m going to faint. I’ve avoided flying for four years, but now I have a work trip coming up that I can’t miss. What can I do? A: Fear of flying, heights, animals, insects and the like are all phobias. A phobia is an extreme fear of something that poses little or no real danger. The symptoms you describe sound very See BLOOD PRESSURE, page 20

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

Blood pressure From page 18

Your Home. Your Life. Your Community.

much like a panic attack. You may also have other symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations or a smothering sensation. The most distressing feeling may be one of losing control. You can manage a phobia by avoiding the trigger. Of course, that’s not always desirable or possible. Life sometimes forces you to face the fear. There are some very effective treatments to help you overcome your phobia. The best known is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy called desensitization, also called exposure and response prevention. This technique involves gradually increasing exposure to the feared situation. But it’s done at a slow pace, under controlled circumstances. Along the way, you master your fear through relaxation, breathing control, or other anxiety-reducing strategies. This approach is especially useful if what you fear is hard to avoid, such as dogs or insects. You may not need treatment if exposure is occasional and predictable — like your upcoming business trip. In such a case, anti-anxiety drugs such as lorazepam and clonazepam can help. You can take them

only when needed. The goal is to find a dose that reduces symptoms enough so that you can get on the plane and stay calm enough while en route. Given the intensity of the symptoms you describe, it’s probably a good idea to explore both options. Most people find that a dose of anti-anxiety medicine plus a simple relaxation technique is enough to make air travel bearable. The problem you describe is surprisingly common, so you need not feel any shame. Contact your doctor. He or she can help with a prescription or a referral to a therapist — or both. Howard LeWine, M.D., is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass., and chief medical editor of internet publishing at Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School. Michael Craig Miller, M.D., is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an associate physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He is a Senior Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publications. For additional consumer health information, visit www.health.harvard.edu. © 2015 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 — A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

Problems arise from being underweight By Caroline Kaufman While headlines often sound the alarm on the dangers of being overweight, less attention is given to the two percent of U.S. adults who are underweight. Their ranks may be smaller, but the health risks that affect many people who are underweight — having a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 — are significant. Health risks from low body weight include: 1. Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Thin, small-boned women have an increased risk of osteoporosis, particularly if they are undernourished. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies contribute to hip fracture because they speed up bone loss, contribute to impaired coordination, and reduce the body’s ability to protect itself during a fall. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that 20 percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year from problems related to the broken bone itself or the surgery to repair it. Many of those who survive a fall require long-term care. 2. Increased risk of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Underweight patients had a 1.7 times higher risk of death from COPD compared to people with a normal BMI, according to an abstract presented at the 2011 Euro-

pean Respiratory Society’s Annual Congress in Amsterdam. 3. Increased risk of death from surgery. According to a 2012 study in JAMA Surgery, of the nearly 200,000 patients who underwent major surgery, those with a BMI under 23.1 were 40 percent more likely to die within 30 days of the surgery compared to overweight patients (BMI of 2529.9).

Causes of being too thin What contributes to being underweight? Outside of cancer, chronic lung disease and heart failure, common causes include: 1. Underlying medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and eating disorders. 2. Not eating enough food. 3. Heavy alcohol or drug use. 4. Conditions that affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, such as irritable bowel disease or Crohn’s disease. 5. Depression and anxiety. 6. Certain medications — particularly antidepressants, blood pressure and osteoporosis medications — which may decrease appetite, and aspirin and ibuprofen, which can upset your stomach. 7. Barriers to buying, transporting or cooking food, which can include anything from breaking a bone to financial hardship.

Steps to healthy weight gain Are you having trouble gaining weight because you’re tired and don’t have an appetite? You’re not alone. Those are the two most challenging obstacles to overcome, said registered dietician Lori Zanini, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Here are strategies to help you gain weight: a) Make mini meals. Don’t worry about sitting down for large, daunting dinners. Instead, eat small meals every two to three hours. b) Start small. Start meals with foods that pack a lot of nutrients and calories into small servings — like eggs, peanut butter, avocados, nuts and seeds.

c) Get strong. Do weight-bearing exercises, like strength training yoga, tai chi, or brisk walking at least three times a week. Since muscle weighs more than fat, these exercises help you gain weight, plus they’ll help you boost energy levels and protect bones. d) Drink your calories. Get in on the smoothie and juice trend! To boost nutrition and add extra calories, throw in avocado, dry oats, nut or seed butters, tofu, precooked rice, protein powder, cottage cheese, milk powder or yogurt. It’s faster and feels less filling to drink calories rather than chew them. e) Add extras. No matter what you’re making, add something high-calorie and See UNDERWEIGHT, page 22

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

Understanding four types of anesthesia If you’ve ever had a tooth filled without Novocaine, you know the difference anesthesia can make. Anesthesia — whether it numbs your mouth or puts you into a full sleep — is designed to keep you comfortable during a procedure that otherwise might be hard to tolerate physically, emotionally, or both. “We have four goals: to see that you have no pain, that you’re drowsy or unconscious, that your body is still so that the surgeon can work on it, and that you aren’t left with bad memories of the procedure,” said Dr. Kristin Schreiber, an anesthesiologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass. There are four basic kinds of anesthesia

— local, which is typically administered to numb a small area; regional, which numbs a larger area, like your hand, arm, or foot; neuraxial (spinal or epidural), which is injected near the spine and numbs the lower half of your body; and general, which works in the brain to render you completely unconscious and unable to sense pain. The type used depends upon the procedure you’re having, your state of health and, often, your preferences. 1. Local anesthesia Unless you’ve made it through life without having your wisdom teeth extracted or an injury that required stitches, you’ve probably had local anesthesia. Local anesthetics are injected near the

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area to be treated, and their effects are limited to a fairly small area. They are usually administered by a professional — a nurse, dentist, or doctor — who will make sure the area is numb. Administering local anesthesia actually does not require specialized training. Although you won’t feel pain with a local, you may feel pressure. If you find that disturbing, you can be given a sedative to ease your anxiety. 2. Regional anesthesia In regional anesthesia, local anesthetics are injected near clusters of nerves to numb a larger area or region of the body. A classic example is hand surgery, where a shot of numbing medicine near the nerves in the armpit makes the whole arm go numb for three to 24 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia used.

3. Neuraxial anesthesia Neuraxial anesthesia includes epidurals and spinals. Numbing medicine is placed near the spinal roots, making an even larger part of the body numb than regional anesthesia does. Epidurals are commonly given to ease the pain of labor and childbirth or the pain accompanying a large abdominal incision. Spinals, which block sensation to the abdomen and lower body, are frequently used for cesarean section and knee surgery. With both regional and neuraxial anesthesia, you may be able to choose how conscious you’ll be during the procedure. With minimal sedation, you’ll be relaxed but aware of what’s going on. Moderate seda-

Underweight

everywhere so you always have an opportunity to eat a mini-meal. Leave granola bars in the car, trail mix at work, and energy bars in your bag. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2015 Belvoir Media Group distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 21

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nutritious to the mix. Pour extra olive or canola oil into the pan when you’re cooking vegetables, sprinkle nuts or sesame seeds on top of cooked dishes, add avocado slices to a sandwich, and sprinkle granola over yogurt. f) Stash your snacks. Keep snacks

See ANESTHESIA, page 25

EXPERIENCE THE

Educate Yourself

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Living and the Tribune

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pes about Smashing the stereoty America’s best—and most ment living option. misunderstood—retire to senior rental rom Active 55 communities villages, today’s senior properties to retirement when it comes to has a wide range of choices retirement. One of the most where they will live after options is the continuing commonly misunderstood (CCRC). People often care retirement community nursing homes or assisted categorize CCRCs with them with a loss of living facilities and associate this is far from freedom and personal identity—but

F This arrangement is ideal from seniors who want to live an

active, independent lifestyle today, with added peace of mind that vels off high levels higher lyy dily dil dily adily adil ea ea readil re aree rreadily are re ar are ar are cca care available, should they need ever be needed.

an accurate picture. fiction, here is the truth To help sort facts from care myths about continuing behind some common retirement communities:

of older people will be boring Myth 2: Living with a bunch and depressing. sit in rocking chairs If you think CCRC residents again! Communities like playing Bingo all day—think list LOCATOR have a long COMMUNITY NAME in clubs, including resident-run activities to choose from, and dozens of volunteer continuing education classes, campus. Visit the COMMUopportunities on and off and you’ll likely see seniors NITY NAME clubhouse in the fitness center, swimtaking yoga, working out or heading to the pub or ming, playing Wii bowling, café for a meal with friends.

nursing homes. Myth 1: CCRCs are just fancy ptions iin ng options living enior livi of senior CCRCs offer a full range in ntlly in en den de dentl nd nd pend p depen de nd n nde iind independently ive ivvee in live ntss lliv en ents dent de d ide id ssid esi rresidents re st res osst o M Most n Mo on on. ion io tion atti occaat location. loc nee lloca n one on o hee h the njjoyy th n njoy d eenjoy nd n aand es an es me mes ome o homes ho hom ntt h n en ment m rtm rt artmen partm apartment eeee ap re ree fre e-fr ceence n n nc een ena intenanc aint maintenance-free mainte ma m nd ervice and nge of services de rrange ing a wide having h nce of havi convenience conv resources right on campus. living apartments, In addition to independent na re in rsing care rs nursing nd nu ngg and n ing vin vi livin living d li ted ste CCRCs also offer assisted on d on caateed oca located ood lo o h ho rho rh orh o or ighbo eeighbor neighborhood n ui g caree ne nuin on in o continuing ed continuin ted caate dedicated dedi ded is nt is nt een men m me ngeem rang rrr rra is aarrangement is Th This tyy. Thi niity. un u community. co commu hee ccom h tthe off th ds o d n nd und u un ou ound ro rou ro grounds gro hee gr h the th de ndende n e, iindecttiivvee, active, an aacti ivvvee an liv live o lli nt to ant an want who wa orrss w niio nio en seniors om sse om rro from a ffr deal d de ideal id iide at hat ha that d ttha m nd off mind acee o eac peace pe dp ded de dd dde d dded aadded h add tth ith it with w d y, wi oday, o od le ttoday, esssttyylle fes ffe iiffest llifestyle ntt li n den de d nden n nd enden ende pendent pe pen p they readily available, should higher levels of care are d. needed. ev bee nee ever

as residents are free to be Much like a college campus, are lots of opportunities active as they choose. There solitary well as places to enjoy for social interaction as o, you’ll be able to Bingo, Bin yes,, if you like Bingo pursuits. And ye mee! m am game! nd a gga nd find fi fin C.. RC R CR C CC CCRC. to move to a C M 3: You have too be rich Myth ill often will wi Cw RC R CR C CCRC er, living at a CC homeowner, If you’re a homeown usee. Regular u us ou o ho house. urr h u your n you he same as staying in the b costt about meals elect meal select d sse nd n aand xess,, an taxes, e property taxe ties, utilities, expenses like utili taayys the same stays haatt sst that ng e monthly ffeee th ingle single are covered by a si urprise surprise h ssu iitth with dw dened on be burdened u won’t ou You n ng Y ar long. ear aalll yyear and nce inside an naanc intteen Maintenance o either. Main osts pk pkeeep ccosts upk upkeep u upkee or up irs or paaiirs ep ep repairs rep repai rre ded in the ude ud nccllu included o iin also rtment home is als partm pa ur aapartment ou our o your de yyo siide utsi u outside out ou o eeee. fee. fe lyy ffee hly hl th ntth n onth o on monthly mo m ictable ed edicta pred pr predictable op on to to addition In addit

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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 — A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

Worrisome postanesthesia concerns Several studies show that older adults can experience cognitive decline as well as delirium following surgery under general anesthesia. In a 2013 study, almost half of 91 older adults undergoing major surgery with general anesthesia were found to have delirium in the post-anesthesia care unit. The study was published in Anesthesia & Analgesia, the journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society. Delirium occurring early after surgery is linked to decreased cognitive (mental) function and an increased rate of nursing home admission, according to the study by Johns Hopkins University doctors. Delirium is defined as “acute change in level of consciousness, inattention, and disturbed cognitive function.” The patients’ average age was 79 years, and nearly 80 percent were living independently before their operation. All received widely used forms of general anesthesia for surgery. In many cases, delirium persisted after the patient was moved to the hospital wards. Patients with early delirium had decreased mental function, with

significant reduction on a standard cognitive test. The decline was significant even after adjustment for other factors, including initial cognitive score and duration of surgery. Patients with early, persistent delirium were more likely to be discharged to a nursing home or other institution rather than being sent home: 39 percent, compared to three percent of patients without delirium in the post-acute care unit. Of patients who had early delirium but were normal on the day after surgery, 26 percent were discharged to an institution. Another study, by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, found gender differences in cognitive decline after general anesthesia. Using information on patients from the Oregon Brain Aging Study and a project called Intelligent Systems for Assessing Aging Changes, researchers discovered that older women who had surgery using general anesthesia experienced more rapid cognitive decline than men, and that rate increased in women who had undergone more than one surgery. — Barbara Ruben

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

August - September 2015

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village Campus. Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org. Support for the Caregiver Seminar: The Language of Dementia August 18, 2-3 p.m.

Falls prevention program: Ways to reduce your risk of falling September 22, 2-5 p.m.

Hear about helpful strategies for reducing misunderstandings and frustrations when communicating with a person with dementia. FREE. Register by August 16.

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A discussion on the various causes of falls, ways to prevent falls and suggestions on how to “safety-proof” your home to reduce your chances of falling. FREE. Register by September 20. Support for the Caregiver Seminar: Managing caregiver stress September 22, 2-3 p.m. Learn to identify and manage your stressors as a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. FREE. Register by September 20.

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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 — A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

Anesthesia From page 22 tion will send you into a “twilight sleep,” in which you’ll drift in and out of consciousness but can be easily aroused. With deep sedation, you’re essentially fast asleep and unlikely to remember anything. 4. General anesthesia With general anesthesia, anesthesiologists use a combination of intravenous drugs that render you unconscious and unable to feel pain. You’re also often given a drug to relax your muscles so that your body is still during the surgery. The anesthesiologist often inserts a tube in your trachea to allow him or her to help you breathe. Because general anesthesia affects so many body systems, it’s associated with more side effects than regional anesthesia, including nausea and delirium, although these can be minimized. “The effects of general anesthesia last longer in older people. It may take longer to restore memory, and they may have more delirium,” Dr. Schreiber said. (See box for more information.) If you’re having a procedure that requires regional, neuraxial or general anes-

thesia, you might have a preoperative evaluation with an anesthesiologist, nurse or physician assistant a few days before your surgery. It’s important to let this person know about all the drugs you take. You’ll also be asked whether you have had an unfavorable reaction to anesthesia before, and whether you have ever been dependent on opioids, alcohol or other substances. This information will help determine the type of the anesthesia you receive. For many procedures, you should be able to choose between regional, neuraxial and general anesthesia, Dr. Schreiber said. In some cases, the best choice may be a combination. For example, even when general anesthesia is necessary, a regional block or epidural may also be given to help with postoperative pain, reducing the need for narcotic painkillers as you heal. Adding regional or neuraxial anesthesia also reduces the amount of general anesthesia you need and, consequently, side effects like delirium, nausea and delayed bladder and bowel function. — Harvard Women’s Health Watch © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Aug. 21

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

Medical marijuana helps few conditions Benefits oversold? Highlights from the journal: The researchers pooled results from studies that tested marijuana against placebos, usual care or no treatment. That’s the most rigorous kind of research, but many studies found no conclusive evidence of any benefit. Side effects were common and included dizziness, dry mouth and sleepiness. A less extensive research review in the journal found similar results. It’s possible medical marijuana could

have widespread benefits, but strong evidence from high-quality studies is lacking, authors of both articles say. “It’s not a wonder drug, but it certainly has some potential,” said Dr. Robert Wolff, a co-author and researcher with Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd., a research company in York, England. Researchers evaluated 47 brands of medical marijuana products, including candy, baked goods and drinks, bought at dispensaries in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Independent laboratory testing for THC, marijuana’s leading active ingredient, found accurate amounts listed on labels for just 13 of 75 products. Almost 1 in 4 had higher amounts than labeled, which could cause ill effects. Most had lower-than-listed amounts. There were similar findings for another active ingredient. Products were not identified by name. Johns Hopkins University researcher Ryan Vandrey, the lead author, said he was surprised so many labels were inaccurate. The researchers note, however, that the results may not be the same in other locations.

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Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C. have laws permitting medical marijuana use. Approved conditions vary but include Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, kidney disease, lupus and Parkinson’s disease. An editorial in the journal said approval in many states has been based on poor quality studies, patients’ testimonials or other nonscientific evidence. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, and some scientists say research has been stymied by government hurdles including a declaration that marijuana is a controlled substance with no accepted medical use.

But in a notice in June in the Federal Register, the Department of Health and Human Services made it a little easier for privately funded medical marijuana research to get approved. The department said that a federal Public Health Service review of research proposals is no longer necessary because it duplicates a required review by the Food and Drug Administration. Colorado, one of a few states where recreational marijuana use is legal, has pledged more than $8 million in state funds for several studies on the drug’s potential medical benefits, including whether it can reduce veterans’ symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. That study may begin recruiting participants later this year, said Vandrey, one of that study’s leaders. Vandrey said there’s a feeling of optimism in the research community that “we’ll start to get a good science base” for the potential medical uses of marijuana.

Unanswered questions The editorial by two Yale University psychiatrists suggests enthusiasm for medical marijuana has outpaced rigorous research and argues widespread use should wait for better evidence. Federal and state governments should support and encourage such research, the editorial said. “Perhaps it is time to place the horse back in front of the cart,” Drs. Deepak Cyril D’Souza and Mohini Ranganathan wrote in the editorial. They note that repeated recreational marijuana use can be addictive, and say unanswered questions include what are the long-term health effects of medical marijuana use and whether its use is justified in children whose developing brains may be more vulnerable to its effects. — AP

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that many brand labels for edible marijuana products list inaccurate amounts of active ingredients. More than half of brands tested had much lower amounts than labeled, meaning users might get no effect.

CEL

By Lindsey Tanner Medical marijuana has not been proven to work for many illnesses that state laws have approved it for, according to the first comprehensive analysis of research on its potential benefits. The strongest evidence is for chronic pain and for muscle stiffness in multiple sclerosis, according to the review, which evaluated 79 studies involving more than 6,000 patients. Evidence was weak for many other conditions, including anxiety, sleep disorders and Tourette’s syndrome, and the authors recommend more research. The analysis is among several medical marijuana articles published in June in the Journal of the American Medical Association. They include a small study suggesting

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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

Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Cancer study tests personalized drugs By Marilynn Marchione The federal government is launching a very different kind of cancer study that will assign patients drugs based on what genes drive their tumors rather than the type. The National Cancer Institute’s NCIMATCH trial, which began in July, is a massive precision medicine experiment at more than 2,400 sites around the country. About 3,000 patients will have their tumor genes sequenced to see what mutations or pathways fuel their disease. Around 1,000 patients whose tumor characteristics most closely match one of the 20 or so gene-targeting drugs offered in the study will be put into groups of about 30 patients to get that drug. “The goal is really to try to get the information faster, so when we see responses we can expand rapidly” and offer the drug more widely, said Dr. Douglas Lowy, the Cancer Institute’s acting director. The study is based on the growing realization that many cancers share the same gene mutations or pathways to growth. So a drug that targets one of these for a specific cancer, such as breast, may work against other types, such as lung. “We’re getting to the lowest common denominator” of a cancer, said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, which has no role in the study but praised the effort. “You might end up with 30 people, all with different kinds of cancer, getting the same drug.”

Taking part in the study Those eligible for the study will be

adults 18 and older with tumors or lymphomas worsened or spread despite at least one standard treatment. Fresh biopsies will be taken and sent to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for quality checks, then sent to one of four labs around the country that will sequence the DNA. During the study, patients will continue treatment with their own oncologist. Cancer patients cannot take part in the study if they have symptomatic congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, unstable angina, an intra-cardiac defibrillator or known cardiac metastases. They also cannot have psychiatric illnesses, and some HIV patients may not be able to participate. All cancer therapy must be completed at least four weeks before participating in the study.

Free genetic testing and drugs All the labs will use tests from Thermo Fisher Scientific of Waltham, Mass., to check for 143 cancer genes and more than 4,000 mutations. The whole process should take less than two weeks. Gene testing and the drugs will be free to patients. “We’re hoping that a substantial minority of the patients that are tested will actually have rare or uncommon cancers” so more can be learned about what genes fuel them, Lowy said. The study will be headed by Dr. Keith Flaherty at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Richard Pazdur, cancer drugs chief at the Food and Drug Administration, warned that although everyone hopes that

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targeting drugs to gene mutations will improve survival, “this may be far more complex than we realize.” The FDA has never approved a drug that was not aimed at a specific tumor type, such as breast cancer. But if a drug shows promise for a particular pathway involved in many tumor types, it could be approved

for that use, he said. To learn more about this trial, patients should speak with their doctor or healthcare team first. They can also call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). For more information online, see www.cancer.gov/nci-match. — AP

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

Benefits of whole grain and frozen yogurt By Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDM Q: What’s the difference between “multi-grain” and “whole grain”? A: Multi-grain simply indicates that a product is made from more than one kind of grain. It is not the same thing as whole grain. For example, multi-grain bread could be made from a combination of wheat, oats and barley. The term does not give any information about whether the grains included are whole grains or refined grains. No matter

how many grains are used, if the bran and germ of the grain are removed, much of the fiber, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B-6 and vitamin E are lost. Natural phytochemicals that may help fight inflammation and reduce cancer development are also gone. To see if a multi-grain product is also a whole grain one, check the ingredient list and look for the term “whole.” If all grains listed are whole grains (for example, whole grain wheat, rolled oats or brown rice), then it is a 100 percent whole-grain product.

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Also, look at the front of the package. If it says 100 percent whole grain, then it is. The official yellow Whole Grain stamp is also on foods indicating that they contain 100 percent, or a half serving of, whole grains. Higher fiber can be a sign of whole-grain content. But if the fiber comes from added bran or isolated fiber (e.g., inulin, polydextrose polyols, wheat dextrin), it’s not bringing along the other healthful components of whole grains. The ingredient list also provides some information on how many whole grains are included. If one or more whole grains are listed first, followed by one refined grain, then although this is not completely whole grain, the product offers more nutrition than something made only of refined grains. Q: Does frozen yogurt contain the live active cultures that make it a probiotic? A: Most frozen yogurt today does include some live probiotic cultures, though products vary and may not provide the same level found in refrigerated yogurt. Like refrigerated yogurt, frozen yogurt starts with pasteurized milk and adds the two specific live cultures Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilis that characterize yogurt. Then other ingredients are added, such as various forms of sugar, flavoring and possibly fruit, stabilizers and cream. Most

of the live bacterial cultures survive the flash-freezing technique used to produce frozen yogurt. No federal standards govern production of frozen yogurt, although the National Yogurt Association sponsors a voluntary labeling program. The Live & Active Culture seal on containers of frozen and refrigerated yogurt can only be used on products that meet specific criteria, indicating a significant amount of live and active cultures present at the time the yogurt is produced. The number of cultures needed to meet these criteria is lower for frozen than for refrigerated yogurt, though many frozen yogurts may meet the higher standard. As with refrigerated yogurt, don’t let frozen yogurt’s potential as a probiotic lead you to overlook the excess calories that can come from overdoing. Check the serving size on container labels, where calories are listed as a reminder that it’s best served in a small dish (like what is sometimes called a “custard cup” or traditionally sized coffee cup), or in a cereal bowl in which you’ve first placed a cup of unsweetened, nutrient-rich fruit for filling power with fewer calories. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Questions for this column may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot respond to questions personally.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Health stories continue on page 35

Low dopamine can make you depressed Some people feel so bad they want to hold a glass of water or write. We take those die, but don’t follow through because they things for granted. But difficulties here may point to damage in the substanlack motivation. Is that you? tia nigra, a part of your brain You may have been taught to where dopamine is made. equate depression with seroTremors and balance probtonin deficiency. But in fact, lems, trouble with planning, people with that type of depresand slower thinking processes sion don’t usually wish to die. are all issues that individuals Those with low dopamine might wish to, though. with Parkinson’s disease Dopamine deficiency will struggle with. Parkinson’s discause you to wake up sluggish ease is due to abnormally low in the morning, usually with dopamine levels, compounded brain fog, but you might feel DEAR with high levels of inflammaPHARMACIST happier and suddenly more ention chemicals in the brain. thusiastic with a “hit” of some By Suzy Cohen Consider the following if sort, perhaps a cup of coffee. you have these symptoms of Low dopamine causes a different kind of depression and want to feel better: depression from low serotonin, one that is 1) Quell the free radicals in your body hallmarked by a lack of pleasure. Sero- with antioxidants tonin deficiency makes life less optimistic, 2) Consider and discuss the use of and it’s like the glass is always half empty. dopamine-lifting supplements 3) Check thyroid hormone levels propDopamine-related depression forces you to need a “hit” of something sugary, or erly, following the instructions for testing caffeinated. It may manifest itself different- as well as the lab values I recommend in ly in different folks. Some women want to my book, Thyroid Healthy. go shopping; men may want to gamble. 4) Opt for a healthier diet, not the StanDopamine deficiencies affect more than dard American Diet (which I call SAD), mood. Most of us don’t think about the ef- which increases free radicals. Your microglial cells (immune cells in fort it takes to get up out of a chair, walk,

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the brain) fight an uphill battle when there is inflammation there. At first it may be subtle, but over time, the cerebral edema erodes your health. Don’t squirt any lighter fluid onto your hot outdoor grill. By that I mean, your brain is on fire, you may already have a diagnosis of depression or Parkinson’s, or you may be post-TIA or stroke — and still you do things (or eat foods) that light a fire on your brain. Understanding this process is fundamental to improving mood and slowing neurological degeneration. For a more comprehensive version of this article, sign up for my free newsletter

at my website, www.suzycohen.com. In two weeks, I’ll email you the longer version of this article, and you will also be able to leave comments and questions under my articles online. When you sign up, I’ll also send you a free copy of my newest ebook, valued at $12.95. It’s called Spices that Heal: 29 Spices that Work Better than Drugs. 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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A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

LANGLEY PARK (301) 434-3121 7939 New Hampshire Avenue LAUREL (301) 776-5404 15100 Baltimore Avenue NORTH POTOMAC (301) 251-0024 9920 Key West Avenue OLNEY (301) 774-6155 3110 Olney Sandy Spring Road ROCKVILLE (301) 299-3717 7955 Tuckerman Lane SILVER SPRING (301) 598-6617 2271 Bel Pre Road SILVER SPRING (301) 588-6261 1290 East-West Highway SILVER SPRING (301) 942-2300 12359 Georgia Avenue WHEATON (301) 871-7511 13729 Connecticut Avenue

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31 3

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 8

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

August 2015

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

By Brenda Donald Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Interim Director, D.C. Office on Aging

Continuing the Great Work at D.C. Office on Aging When Director Thompson left the D.C. Office on Aging to pursue other opportunities, Mayor Muriel Bowser asked that I assume the day-to-day responsibilities as Interim Director of the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA), in addition to my role as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. As a D.C. native who grew up in Ward 8, I have a deep commitment to the District and its residents. As the former director of the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency, and having served as the Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families and Elders for former Mayor Tony Williams, I have spent my career dedicated to improving the lives of our most vulnerable residents. This is an exciting opportunity for me to continue implementing the Mayor’s vision at DCOA. Mayor Bowser is committed to building an agefriendly city where all residents can live, work, play and age-in-place. As Chair of the Age-Friendly D.C. Task Force, I will continue to ensure strong linkages between DCOA operations and community expectations with final recommendations, goals and objectives in the Age-Friendly D.C. Strategic Plan. An age-friendly D.C. requires a system that educates, encourages, promotes and implements improvements that make every ward and every neighborhood more user-friendly, not only for older residents, but for residents of all ages. I’m excited to support the work of the DCOA staff as we

move forward together to fulfill the vision of an age-friendly D.C. One of my most important roles as Interim Director of DCOA is to provide continuity for the agency, its Senior Service Network, and the individuals who receive services from DCOA. I work with DCOA every day to ensure that the agency continues to advocate for and provide quality services for all seniors, persons living with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. I will continue to work to ensure that DCOA has the resources and support it needs to be able to operate its network of providers, consisting of 20 community-based nonprofit organizations that operate over 37 programs providing a wide range of social and health services throughout all eight wards. Finally, the Mayor has already launched a national search for the next permanent Director of DCOA. DCOA is a thriving agency, and we’re excited to choose its next dynamic leader — although Director Thompson left some big shoes to fill! In the meantime, please know that DCOA will continue to provide the excellent service delivery and customer service you’ve come to rely on. During my time at DCOA, I’ve found the staff to be adaptable, dedicated, and hardworking — I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead them. I am enthusiastic about continuing to work together to keep seniors and people with disabilities healthy and vibrant!

Congratulations to the American Classic Woman of the Year, Karen Moore! She is pictured with Letha Blount, founder, and Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Denise Bridges.

DCOA Wins Achievement Award The D.C. Office on Aging received the 2015 National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) Aging Achievement Award in the Transportation & Mobility category for the Seabury Connector Senior Transportation Program. The Seabury Connector Senior Transportation Service combines multiple transportation programs in response to a Senior Needs Assessment that found transportation and meal services were unsatisfactory and inaccessible. The program includes: 1. Seabury Connector Transporta-

tion Service — providing transportation to sites citywide; 2. Homebound Meals Delivery Program — offering nutritious meals transport for 460 frail, homebound seniors Monday through Saturday; and 3. Seabury Connector Card Program — offering access to public/private transportation using a prepaid transportation card. All programs are offered at low or no cost to seniors. For more information, call 202-724-5626.

Saturday Respite Are you a caregiver who needs a break from your caregiving responsibilities? Find out more about the DCOA Saturday Respite Program and arrange for more time on the weekends to: • Do Saturday chores • See a movie • Make a hair appointment/get

your hair cut Call the DCOA Information/Referral and Assistance Unit at 202724-5626 to see if your loved one qualifies to participate in the Saturday Respite Program. Locations include Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center and Washington Seniors Wellness Center.

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

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Age-Friendly DC Task Force Quarterly Meeting Thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser and her predecessor for appointing an Age-Friendly DC Task Force cochaired by George Washington University president Steven Knapp and the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Brenda Donald. In addition to every deputy mayor and several agency directors, there are a near equal group of community leaders that sit on the Task Force. A number of new Task Force members have been sworn in this year. The most recent meeting, on July 16, was the second Task Force meeting of the calendar year. At the first meeting in May, new Task Force leaders were introduced to the Age-Friendly process and briefed on their responsibilities. At the July meeting, which was attended by Councilmember Anita Bonds and staff and by the Chief of Staff from Councilmember Brandon Todd’s office, leaders from the 10 domain-specific Task Force committees shared updates on the work that their committees had accomplished in June. This included updating and revising strategies in the plan, assigning proper lead agencies, and determining what data will be used to measure progress. The Age-Friendly DC plan will not be layered in dust, but will change as DC changes. Councilmember Bonds noted that, “This is a city on the move where our residents are living longer,” and encouraged Task Force members to alter strategies as they saw fit to re-

flect the changing times of our city. The next Age-Friendly DC Task Force meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at George Washington University’s Marvin Center, 800 21st St. NW, Washington, D.C. At this meeting, the Task Force will vote to accept the domainspecific committees’ recommendations on proposed changes to strategies and progress made. All Task Force meetings are open to the public. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to agefriendly@dc.gov. The 10 domain-specific Task Force committees have scheduled meetings over the course of late July and early August to finalize their recommendations. These committee meetings will be held at the following times: 1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Thursday, July 30, 1 to 3 p.m., John A. Wilson Building (JAWB), 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 2. Transportation: Thursday, August 13, noon to 2 p.m., District Dept. of Transportation (DDOT), 55 M St. SE 3. Housing: Monday, August 17, 1 to 3 p.m., JAWB 4. Social Participation: Friday, August 14, 10 a.m. to noon, JAWB 5. Respect and Social Inclusion: Thursday, August 13, 10 a.m. to noon, JAWB 6. Civic Participation and Employment: Tuesday, August 11, 10 a.m. to noon, DOES See AGE-FRIENDLY MEETING page 34

Age-Friendly DC Wants to Know Your Opinion! In reviewing existing data for the World Health Organization Indicator Project, Age-Friendly DC staff discovered that there were a number of core indicators of age-friendliness that we did not have a good assessment of in D.C. As a result, Age-Friendly DC, working in partnership with the Beacon Newspapers, was the first jurisdiction worldwide to develop and distribute a Livability Survey, based on the WHO core indicator questions. At the 2015 DC Office on Aging Symposium, the May issue of the Beacon, which included the livability

survey in English, was distributed. Soon the livability survey will be distributed in Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. An English online version of the survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/AFDCLivability. For paper copies in any of the languages mentioned above, please contact Age-Friendly DC at 202-7272736, so your voice, evaluating DC’s Age-Friendliness, will be heard. You’ll be asked the same questions again in 2017, to determine if the Age-Friendly DC Strategic Plan has transformed DC into an easier city to grow up and older in.

The District of Columbia 2015 Real Property Tax Sale The Office of Tax and Revenue has just completed the 2015 tax sale, which started July 20. Homeowners who received a notice of tax sale — or who are not sure whether their home was included in the tax sale — should seek assistance immediately. Each year, the District of Columbia holds a “tax sale” auction. If a home or other property is past-due on taxes, the District will place a lien on the property and sell that lien to the highest bidder at the tax sale auction. The District does not sell the home outright at the tax sale. However, the tax sale could lead to a foreclosure law suit, thousands of dollars in additional fees, and even loss of the home. Once the home has been included in the tax sale, the homeowner must pay all the past-due taxes and any additional legal fees. This is called “redeeming” the property. After the homeowner redeems the property, the tax sale lien will be removed and the home will no longer be threatened by a foreclosure lawsuit based on the past due taxes. It is important for homeowners whose property was included in the tax sale to act quickly. The District provides a six-month grace period after the tax sale before a lawsuit may be filed. Property owners

should take action right away to protect themselves against a costly foreclosure lawsuit and ensure that they can remain secure in their homes. The District offers a number of programs to assist seniors with their real property tax burdens. These include: Homestead and Senior/Disabled Credits: The “homestead” and “senior/disabled” real property credits can reduce real property tax bills by more than half. But the credits are not automatic — eligible homeowners must submit an application to the Office of Tax and Revenue. Senior Tax Deferral: The District will allow qualifying seniors age 65 and over to defer payment of their real property taxes for as long as they continue to live in the home. Homeowners who have fallen behind in taxes may even be able to defer taxes retroactively, along with fees relating to a tax sale lawsuit. Schedule H Income Tax Credit: The “Schedule H” credit is part of the D.C. state income tax return. Schedule H provides a refundable credit of up to $1,000. Even homeowners who are not required to file taxes may be eligible to claim this refundable credit. If you did not See PROPERTY TAX, page 34

White House Conference on Aging The 2015 White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) took place at the White House on July 13. The conference was truly a national conversation. In addition to the older Americans, community leaders and advocates at the White House, there were more than 700 watch parties in every State of the Union. The hashtag #WHCOA also lit up social media with nearly 10,000 Twitter users contributing to the dialogue! The event was a culmination of the country coming together in a dialogue about aging in America today and what the coming decade holds. Speakers and audience participants discussed a wide range of topics, from caregiving to financial security to technology and more. The 2015 White House Conference on Aging was an opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting the aging population in the United

States. The Administration announced a number of key deliverables to help empower Americans as they age. The true highlight of the day came early on when President Obama delivered remarks from the East Room of the White House. He noted that one of the best measures of a country is how it treats its older citizens, and some of this country’s greatest triumphs are Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs — created by Congress in 1965 and 1935, respectively. “Together we declared that every citizen of this country deserves a basic measure of security and dignity,” said President Obama. “That choice saved millions upon millions of our people from poverty, allowed them to live longer and better lives.” For more information on the WHCOA, visit www.whitehouseconferenceon aging.gov.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon

D.C. OFFICE

33 3

AGING NEWSLETTER

Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2015 “Women in the Mirror” Congratulations to Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Denise Bridges, a Ward 5 resident and former educator in the D.C. Public Schools System. She was one of seven District women age 60 and older who competed in the Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2015 at the Theatre of the Arts at the University of the District of Columbia. This year’s theme of the Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant was “Women in the Mirror,” and contestants were judged on their interview, philosophy of life, talent and evening gown presentations. The contestants were introduced to the audience during an opening number where they danced to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” with members of the senior dance group, the MC Steppers. The opening also included dance performances by the MC Steppers featuring Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson, and Emma Ward, Ms. Senior D.C. 2011, dancing to a medley of hits including “Can’t Let Her Get Away,” “I Want you Back,” “ABC,” “Got to Be There,” “Billy Jean,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Jam.” Wearing a red costume complete with fringe and

headband from the Roaring ‘20s flapper era, Bridges danced and performed pantomime to “Satin Doll” and “I Feel Good” during the talent segment of the pageant. Her performance and music selection was her interpretation of how it felt to be a girl. First Runner-up Frances Johnson presented a dramatic dialogue, “Senior-hood — just a number that brings about growth, maturity and wisdom with a flare of ageless attitude.” Awarded Best Evening Gown, Johnson’s fuchsia crystal and silk gown with strapless bodice was adorned by a stole that began at the waist and draped over the left shoulder. The graceful skirt flowed into a mermaid hem. A resident of Ward 3, Johnson was escorted by her son Jamaal. She was also awarded Best Interview and voted Ms. Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Sylvia Inez Gaither was Second Runner-up and received the Best Talent Award by the judges. She sang the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” a cappella, demonstrating the full power and range of her voice to the audience and judges.

Other contestants participating in the event included Virginia Davis, who danced a belly dance inspired by Michael Jackson; Olimpia Lopez, who performed a lively and rhythmic traditional Latin Dance; Janet Purnell, who sang and performed “Proud Mary;” and Janice Rice, who presented her poem about friendship and danced to Anthony Hamilton’s “Amazing.” Ms. Senior America Patsy Godley of Virginia also performed during the event, singing “If You Have Leaving on Your Mind” by Patsy Cline. The award-winning country singer also provided greetings at the event and participated in the crowning of Ms. Senior D.C. Ms. Senior D.C. will compete in the Ms. Senior America Pageant to be held in Atlantic City, NJ from Oct. 18 to 22, where Godley will crown the new queen. The Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant 2015 was presented by the D.C. Seniors Cameo Club, the D.C. Office on Aging, and its Senior Service Network. For more information on how you can support Ms. Senior D.C. as she competes for the title, call Monica Carroll at 202-635-1900.

Best Talent was awarded to Sylvia Inez Gaither for her performance of “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

The winner of Best Evening Gown was Frances Johnson.

Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Denise Bridges waves to the audience after she is crowned.

The seven contestants are pictured left to right: Janice Rice; Virginia Davis; Sylvia Gaither, Second Runner-up and Best Talent; Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Denise Bridges; Toni Jackson, Ms. Senior D.C. 2014; Frances Johnson, First Runner-up, Best Evening Gown and Best Interview; Olimpia Lopez; and Janet Purnell. Each contestant is pictured with her escort.

Ms. Senior America Patsy Godley; Ms. Virginia Senior America Janis Thomas; Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson; Nancy A. Berry, Ms. Senior D.C. 2013; Sheila Poole, Ms. Senior D.C. 2010; and Elaine S. Terry, Ms. Senior D.C. 1998 pose before the event.

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

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar August Events

15th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4th and 18th • noon The D.C. Caregivers Online Chat at Noon is a great resource for caregivers. Log on for advice, resources and tips to assist you with your caregiving responsibilities. If you are not available at noon, check back at your convenience and hit replay to see the entire chat. Join the discussion at www.dcoa.dc.gov/page/ caregiver-chat. For more information, contact Linda Irizarry at 202-535-1442 or linda.irizarry@dc.gov.

8th • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ward 8 food pantries will hold a Collaborative Community Day and Health Fair at Allen AME Church, 2498 Alabama Ave. SE. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

14th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center will hold its annual Family & Friends Day/Open House. The center is located at 324 Kennedy St. NW. To learn more, contact Teresa Moore at 202-291-3611.

Age-friendly meeting From page 32

7. Communications and Information: Monday, August 10, 1 to 3 p.m., JAWB 8. Community Support and Health Services: Tuesday, August 18, 3 to 5 p.m., JAWB 9. Emergency Preparedness and Resilience: Monday, August 10, 10 a.m. to noon, JAWB

A Community Health Fair will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church, 2625 Stanton Rd. SE. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

20th • 10 a.m. to noon The D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA) Ambassador Program is a free, interactive, member-based program designed to reach out to older adults and their caregivers to help them learn about the services and resources available through DCOA. If you are interested in expanding your network and educating older adults about the services and resources available to them, join us for our next Ambassador Training Workshop to learn about all of the programs and services that DCOA offers to the community and how you can become an Ambassador. All workshops include an overview of Office on Aging programs and services, information on how to access resources, and guidance on your role as an advocate. Call 202-724-5622 to register today.

500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Interim Director Brenda Donald Editor Darlene Nowlin Photographer Selma Dillard The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on

cated at 710 58th St. NE. For more information, contact Jean Donaldson at 202-441-8096.

20th • 5 to 7 p.m.

16th • noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Metropolitan Police Dept. presents a Beat the Streets neighborhood event to help dispel violence, improve community relations, and encourage citizens to live peacefully. Music, food and games will be available. Government, community, health and nonprofit agencies will also provide services. The event will take place at the picnic area at 1230 Sumner Rd. SE. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

The Chevy Chase (DC) and Georgetown Chapters of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) will hold a free seminar, “Take Charge/Age Well,” at the Tenley-Friendship Library (Metro Red Line), 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW, second floor. The speaker will be Lylie Fisher, director of community engagement at IONA Senior Services. Fisher will address “mindful living” questions, such as: How do I want to live my life? Who do I want to be? Should I age in the community? What are the next best steps for me? For more information, call 202-744-2874.

29th • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A community day will be held at Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, 5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202-535-1321.

29th • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 20th • 10:30 a.m. to noon The Center for the Blind & Visually Im-

10. Elder Abuse, Neglect and Fraud: Wednesday, August 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., JAWB If you would like to attend any of these meetings, please RSVP to agefriendly@dc.gov and indicate the specific committee meeting/s you are interested in. Age-Friendly DC staff is planning to do extensive community outreach after the release of its progress report in October.

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.

paired will host a Family & Friends Day. The center is located at 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, call Gloria Duckett at 202529-8701, ext. 219.

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.

The New Mt. Olive Church will hold a health and community day. The church is lo-

Property tax From page 32

claim the credit in recent years, you may still be able to claim the credit for up to 3 years past. D.C. Housing Finance Agency Tax Lien Extinguishment Program: Finally, there is even a grant program offered by the D.C. Housing Finance Authority that will pay all the past-due taxes of qualifying homeowners. Office of the Real Property Tax Ombudsman: Can assist with residential real property tax issues if administrative remedies through the Office of Tax and Revenue have

Sept. Events

18th • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2015 Lifespan Respite Caregiver Conference will address the concerns and training needs for intergenerational families, older adults and people with disabilities. For more information, call Linda Irizarry at 202-535-1442, or e-mail Linda.Irizarry@dc.gov.

been unsuccessful. The Ombudsman’s Office can also provide general information on real property taxes and the real property tax sales process. Call 202-727-1529. Legal Counsel for the Elderly can provide detailed information about these programs, and may be able to assist homeowners with their applications. LCE can also represent senior homeowners in court to help save their home from tax sale foreclosure. If your home was in the tax sale, or if you are behind in your real property taxes, contact Legal Counsel for the Elderly’s Hotline today at 202-434-2120.

Elder Abuse Prevention Committee Trains Professionals on Abuse On July 17, the D.C. Elder Abuse Prevention Committee conducted a training program on financial fraud prevention for social workers and other professionals who provide services to older adults. This comprehensive “train the trainer” program, entitled “Developing Skills to Help Seniors Avoid Financial Exploitation,” focused on the “Money Smart for Older Adults” training curriculum developed by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to prevent financial exploitation of older adults.

Topics discussed included fiduciary abuse; abuse by caregivers and inhome helpers; investment fraud; and telephone, Internet, and other scams that older adults need to be aware of in order to avoid financial exploitation. Members of the D.C. Elder Abuse Prevention Committee are available to present “Money Smart for Older Adults” to community groups upon request. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Deborah Royster, chair, Elder Abuse Prevention Committee, at deborah.royster@dc.gov or by telephone at 202-727-6603.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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

Health stories continued from page 29

Mexican seven-layer dip is healthy feast By Dana Jacobi Sinful dishes can be modified to reduce their calories — like making brownies using less butter and sugar, or replacing fatty beef in chili with lean ground turkey. Happily, a properly planned seven-layer dip does not need this sort of tweaking. Talking deliciousness plus good nutrition, I cannot think of a comfort food combining as many smart choices as this dip. Everything in it is good — starting with fiber-rich beans topped by layers including lycopene-loaded tomatoes, phytonutrientrich onion, creamy avocado with good fat, plus vitamin C-rich spinach, which is my creative way to add a fresh, leafy green. The jalapeños, lime juice, cilantro and cumin that add flavor bring health benefits, too. Even the sour cream dolloped on top provides some calcium. Your biggest challenge with this colorful, sloppy, slurpy dip — since calories do count — is not eating too much of it. And dare to serve it with crisp, whole-grain pita chips rather than scooping it up with corn chips whose calories (even the baked kind) quickly add up. For best flavors, I urge you to make everything from scratch. But you can buy

canned refried beans low in sodium and fat, and guacamole made with ingredients you would use if you cannot find a properly ripe avocado to mash up for your dip.

Mexican Seven-Layer Dip 1 very ripe large avocado (or 2 small) 1 tsp. fresh lime juice 3/4 tsp. salt, divided 2 tsp. canola oil 1 can (15 oz.) no salt added black beans, rinsed and drained 1 tsp. ground cumin Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup firmly packed baby spinach, chopped 1/4 cup chopped scallions, green part only 1 cup bottled salsa, mild or medium hot 1/2 cup firmly packed cilantro leaves 1 cup chopped seeded plum tomatoes (2 large tomatoes) 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion 2-4 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded 1/2 cup light sour cream Lightly coat 8-inch x 8-inch x 2-inch glass baking dish or 2 quart bowl with cooking spray and set aside. Halve and pit avocado. Scoop flesh into

small bowl and mash with fork until lumpy. Add lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and mash until avocado is almost smooth. Set aside. In medium skillet, heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Add beans, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 4 grinds pepper. With a sturdy fork, mash and mix beans until chunky and hot, 3 minutes. Spoon beans into prepared dish, smoothing them to an even layer. Immediately, cover hot beans with spinach and scallions. Dollop avocado over spinach layer, then using back of spoon, gently spread it to cover greens. Spoon salsa over avocado, and then

sprinkle cilantro over salsa. Distribute chopped tomatoes over cilantro. Sprinkle onions, and jalapeño, if using, over tomatoes. To complete dip, drop sour cream in six dollops over tomatoes and with back of spoon slightly flatten each into a swirl. Serve immediately, accompanied by baked tortilla chips or whole-wheat pita, split, cut into wedges and toasted. Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 173 calories, 8 g. total fat (2 g. saturated fat), 21 g. carbohydrate, 6 g. protein, 6 g. dietary fiber, 576 mg. sodium. — American Institute for Cancer Research

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

How to help a friend back onto her feet Dear Solutions: I need some advice about how to help a friend. My very good friend has had a series of terrible losses all at once — loss of her spouse, loss of her job, probable loss of her home. She won’t go for help and has isolated herself. If I say, “How can I help you?” she just waves me away like she’s annoyed that I asked. Should I just stay away, or what do you suggest? — Jean Dear Jean: Don’t ask. Do tell! Arrive at her doorstep and tell her you’re taking her shopping with you. Tell her you’ve gotten

tickets for the two of you to go to something she used to enjoy going to. Think of simple things you know she used to enjoy, and just pick her up and go. Tell her she doesn’t have to talk about anything, she just has to go. Eventually, she may open to the possibility of going for professional help, but that’s not your job. Your job as a friend is to lift her to her feet when she doesn’t remember how to walk. Dear Solutions: I’m a younger senior, and after all these years I believe that I have learned a lot and have had a lot of experience. Unfortunately, it has not been work experience, and now I need a job.

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I have been recommended for an in- that would convince the brother to be terview for work I really think I can do careful. — Fran better than most people. Dear Fran: I’ve been asked to come in That’s an interesting sugwith what I think my salary gestion, and since Harriet or compensation should be reads this column, she can and then, of course, the decide if she wants to do that company will decide what or thinks her brother should. it will actually be. But I don’t believe Harriet So now I’m undecided. I should touch this without her think I know what my salary brother’s approval. I’m afraid should be, but I’m afraid if I both Harriet and her brother ask for that — since I don’t would be stepping into trouhave any actual recent expe- SOLUTIONS bled waters, and better know rience in the workplace — By Helen Oxenberg, how to swim their way out. they will think I’m putting a MSW, ACSW Dear Solutions: grandiose value on myself. I just read with interest your reWhat do you suggest? — Mollie sponse to the husband whose wife has a Masters degree in Procrastination. Dear Mollie: I too am addicted, but I found a Well, Mollie, if you put a smaller value on yourself, you can be sure that no one wonderful book to help me. Its title is (guess what!) Procrastination. The will raise your price. So, don’t devalue yourself. Come to the authors are Jane B. Burka, Ph.D. and interview with self respect and dignity and Leonora M.Yuen, Ph.D. The publisher say honestly what you think you should is Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. Little did I know how many closet earn. Tell them also that you are enthusiprocrastinators there are! astic about the job and hope to get it. — Elizabeth If they offer you less and you really want it, take it. But set a time line in your mind Dear Elizabeth: Thank you for the information. Any day when you will ask for more, as you show now, all of us are going to get out of the them your good work. Good luck. closet and over to the library — uh, soon. Dear Solutions: I just read the letter from Harriet, Really! © Helen Oxenberg, 2015. Questions to be worried that her brother, a recent widower, was attracted to a lady “gold dig- considered for this column may be sent to: ger” who had been married several The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author times before (June Solutions). How about contacting one of her ex- at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about husbands to get the real story? Maybe reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

KEEP INVESTING ABROAD Despite economic woes in Greece and China, foreign funds hold promise MEDICARE RESPONDS Following an outcry, Medicare considers changing its hospital-stay rule DO YOU NEED A COACH? Retirement coaches can help you map out a fulfilling post-career plan YOU CONTROL ANNUITY TAX How you take money out of your annuity can greatly affect how it’s taxed

Crime may not pay, but fighting it does By Kathy Kristof Who said crime doesn’t pay? You can make money off of lawlessness by investing in companies involved in the prevention and punishment of misdeeds. Analysts say there’s promise in outfits that do everything from building and operating prisons to making guns and surveillance equipment for law enforcement agencies. Although the number of serious crimes has been trending down over the past two decades, a gradual rise in the number of Americans age 18 to 25 — the group that is most likely to commit crimes and whose members are most likely to be under economic pressure — is pointing to higher incarceration rates. Moreover, the rising threat of cyber crime — from corporate espionage to identity theft — is fueling a need for software sheriffs who can identify and stop high-tech criminals.

Prison REITs Corrections Corp. of America (symbol CXW, $34.69) and GEO Group (GEO, $35.50) are real estate investment trusts that specialize in building and operating prisons, immigration detention facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Prison REITs benefit from both demo-

graphics — the rise in larcenous (statistically speaking) youth — and a reluctance among state and local governments to spend precious tax dollars to improve aging cells, said Brian Ruttenbur, an industry analyst. (All share prices and returns are as of July 23; recommended stocks are in bold.) Politicians and investors warmly embrace businesses that are willing to not only build prisons but also run them at a lower per-inmate cost than publicly run prisons. To be sure, the growth rate of prison REITs is unspectacular. But they generate copious amounts of cash and, because REITs must pay out at least 90 percent of their taxable income to shareholders, dividend yields are generous. Because investors generally buy REITs for income, the stocks tend to be interestrate sensitive. That can be unpleasant when rates are rising, as has been the case the past few months. Vanguard REIT ETF (VNQ), an exchange-traded fund that tracks the MSCI U.S. REIT index, has dropped 11 percent since peaking on January 27. Corrections Corp. and GEO reached their tops on March 20 and have both since corrected 17 percent. Ruttenbur doesn’t expect high-

er interest rates to derail profits at the prison REITs, so the sell-off may signify a buying opportunity. Corrections Corp., already the nation’s fifth-largest prison operator (only the federal government and three states are bigger), just completed a facility in Texas that could ultimately house 2,400 prisoners. The Nashville-based company is also constructing facilities in Tennessee and California. That should bode well for growth in 2016 and beyond, although growth in funds from operations — the REIT industry’s preferred measure of cash flow — is likely to be tepid this year. The stock now yields a tidy 6.3 percent, and Ruttenbur sees it returning to $40 within the next 12 months. The prognosis is even better for GEO Group, which Ruttenbur predicts will generate 14 percent growth in funds from operations this year and 5 percent growth in 2016. The Boca Raton, Fla., company has struck deals with Vermont and Washington State to house some of their inmates in a recently completed prison in Michigan. At its lower share price, GEO now yields 7 percent.

Firearms Federal, state and local law enforcement officers buy about 100,000 guns a year — a stable base of business for gun manufacturers Smith & Wesson (SWHC, $16.19) and Sturm, Ruger & Co. (RGR, $55.95), among others. The military accounts for roughly 26 percent of gun and ammunition sales, according to researchers at IBIS World. But consumers, who buy about 4.5 million guns annually, account for the bulk of sales and all of the industry’s growth, said analyst Andrea James, of Dougherty & Company, a Minneapolis-based investment banking firm. Gun sales fell last year after a big gain in 2013, but they’re starting to pick up again. James attributes part of the reversal to a rise in households headed by single women, who buy guns for protection. Ruger, dubbed “the people’s gun company” because of its broad product line — from compact pistols to long-range rifles — handily beat analysts’ first-quarter sales estimates. James expects the stock to pop to $61 over the next 12 months. She’s also high on Smith & Wesson, but its stock has See CRIME, page 38

ETFs that buy cheap, high-quality stocks By Steven Goldberg It’s generally best to avoid new funds, simply because they’re so hard to size up. But occasionally you find exceptions. I’m investing in two fledgling, actively managed exchange-traded funds: ValueShares U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (symbol QVAL) and ValueShares International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL). Manager Wesley Gray is little known, but I’ve spent enough hours talking with him and reading his book that I’m comfortable putting both my clients’ money and my own in his ETFs. Gray and his team of eight self-described “quant geeks” are good enough, in my view, that they could be running a hedge fund, for which they could charge wealthy clients annual fees of 2 percent, plus 20 percent of profits — the standard (and outrageous) pricing structure for such vehicles. But that’s not the kind of guy Gray is.

While studying for his doctorate at the University of Chicago under Nobel laureate Eugene Fama, Gray took four years off to join the Marines and fight in Iraq. His ETFs each charge 0.79 percent annually. That’s pricey for an ETF, but the fees will decline as assets grow.

Beating index funds The funds are off to decent starts. Since its inception on October 22, the U.S. fund has gained 11 percent, beating Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index by 0.8 percentagepoint. The foreign fund, launched December 31, has gained 8.3 percent, compared with 7.4 percent for the MSCI EAFE index, which tracks stocks in developed foreign markets. (Returns are through June 16.) But Gray isn’t crowing about the funds’ short-term results. “We have been on a lucky run,” he said. “Our approach should

work over five to 10 years. But in the short run, we could look like the biggest idiots on the planet.” When Gray was growing up, he learned about investing from his grandmother. He began managing money for friends and family while still doing graduate work. He started an investing blog, which he and his colleagues continue at www.alphaarchitect.com, and he co-authored Quantitative Value, a book about what he calls the “evidence-based investing” his ETFs employ. He still teaches finance part-time at Drexel University in Philadelphia. The crux of Gray’s strategy is to buy the most undervalued, highest quality stocks that he and his team can find. Says Gray: “We are true value investors. We focus on cheap first. Then quality is second.” Academics, including many at the University of Chicago, pioneered the notion

that the market is efficient at taking into account all publicly available information and, thus, impossible to beat except by luck. But they subsequently uncovered several anomalies. Most important to Gray: Stocks that trade at low prices relative to earnings, assets or sales tend to beat the market over the long term. So do highquality companies. Gray and most academics believe investors make psychological errors in evaluating stocks and that such errors allow those anomalies to persist. The ValueShares process is computerized, but judgment goes into most of the factors that Gray and his colleagues employ. To simplify their methods a bit, they start with large and midsize companies, excluding financials and real estate investment trusts. Next they compute each See ETFs, page 39

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

Crime

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

From page 37

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lost some appeal after soaring over the past two months, first because of a positive earnings forecast by the company and then after the FBI released May background-check data that indicated a big year for gun sales.

Electronic security You may be familiar with Taser International (TASR, $31.97), which makes weapons that are designed to stun, not kill, suspects. The company’s stun-guns are already standard issue in more than a dozen cities around the U.S. However, the Scottsdale, Ariz., company wasn’t content to be a one-trick pony, so it recently bought MediaSolv, a provider of interview-room video and in-dash cameras. Seven major cities, including Chicago, Toronto and Washington, are already customers, adding to Taser’s growing stable of law enforcement clients. The catch? The acquisition is likely to depress near-term earnings, and Taser’s shares, trading at 66 times estimated 2015 earnings, are too richly priced to buy at these levels, said J.P. Morgan analyst Paul Coster. Nice Systems (NICE, $64.11), an Israeli maker of cyber-security systems, has a better prognosis, Coster said. Nice soft-

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ware sorts and analyzes vast quantities of data to head off cyber fraud, manage corporate security and optimize employee productivity. Nice recently laid out a plan to triple revenues in each of its core markets over time. Analysts see earnings climbing a modest 7 percent this year and 13 percent in 2016. The stock trades at a palatable 22 times estimated 2015 earnings, and Coster predicts that the price will reach $72 over the next year. Verint Systems (VRNT, $60.40) has a similar business model. Its software crunches vast amounts of disparate data — voice, video and text — in an effort to glean when a secure system is being hacked, as well as to uncover terrorist threats. Like Nice, Verint also provides companies with data that helps them manage their employees and customer relationships, too. These are growing markets, so rich valuations are common. The shares fell 7 percent over four days after the company released disappointing first-quarter earnings, which were depressed by the strong dollar. But currency fluctuations tend to even out over time and, at any rate, the stock, trading at 17 times estimated earnings for the fiscal year that ends next January, looks cheap. All contents © 2015 the Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. 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 — A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

Good reasons to invest in foreign stocks By Stan Choe Many investors are second guessing their decision to move into international stock funds, largely at the expense of U.S. stocks, in recent years. That’s because fear is spiking about economic troubles in Greece and China, while the U.S. economy continues to trudge along. Investors are feeling those big swings in global markets more now, after pumping $208 billion into international stock mutual funds and exchange-traded funds in the 12 months ended in May. Just $4.5 billion

went into U.S. stock funds over the same time, according to Morningstar. It’s tempting to retrench and stick with just U.S. stocks given all the turmoil abroad. But many fund managers who have the freedom to invest anywhere in the world say the Greek drama and other travails haven’t changed their view of world markets all that much. Not only are they sticking with foreign markets, they’re using recent price drops to pick up European and other stocks at cheaper prices. “It’s not like we’ve thrown our hands up

ETFs

risk measures, but Gray expects them to be as volatile as their respective benchmarks — or a bit more so. The relatively small number of stocks in each portfolio is one reason to expect above-average volatility. Moreover, Gray and company pay no attention to sector diversification — one reason he predicts that the ETFs will suffer stretches of lousy performance relative to the broad market indexes. The U.S. fund currently has more than 25 percent of its assets in both energy shares and stocks of consumer durable companies (makers of long-lasting consumer products). Those allocations are, respectively, more than double and triple the S&P 500’s weightings. The foreign fund has 40 percent of its assets in consumer durables and 20 percent in industrials — almost quadruple and double, respectively, the weightings in the EAFE index. A few words of caution: Although you may not be familiar with the EBIT/EV ratio, just about everyone on Wall Street is and, like Gray and his team, either uses high-powered computer screening or works with someone who does. But, in my view, Gray exhibits a singular combination of brilliance, passion and discipline that I’ve found only in first-class fund managers. Steve Goldberg is an investment adviser in the Washington metro area. All contents © 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 37 company’s operating earnings — essentially, profits before taxes and interest payments. They then divide that number by the sum of the stock’s market capitalization (the share price times the number of shares outstanding) and the value of the company’s outstanding bonds. In equation form, this calculation is expressed as EBIT/EV, with EV standing for “enterprise value.” Finally, the team looks for companies with superior, historical long-term growth in earnings, sustainable competitive advantages, and high profit margins. Currently, the U.S. ETF owns 40 stocks and the foreign fund holds 48. The ETFs now own mostly midsize and large-company stocks. As assets grow, Gray said, the funds will shift more toward large companies. Instead of trading every day, the managers, for regulatory reasons, reconstitute the portfolios quarterly. Gray expects annual turnover of about 100 percent, meaning that on average every stock will be replaced over the course of a year. You might expect that to result in capital gains distributions, which could result in an unwelcome tax bill. But ETFs are typically able to avoid making those distributions [by redeeming stocks in kind rather than selling shares for cash].

Expect some volatility The funds are too new to have meaningful

and said we’ve had to get out of Europe wholesale and come back in a year,’’ said Peter Langerman, chief executive of Franklin Mutual Advisers. “There are some things that we liked that we continue to like. Their prices have come down, and we like them more.’’ The Franklin Mutual Global Discovery

fund, which invests $27.5 billion around the world and where Langerman is a portfolio manager, is nearly evenly split between U.S. and foreign stocks. To be sure, he doesn’t downplay the impact of Greece’s debt problems on European See FOREIGN STOCKS, page 41

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The problem arises when patients are placed in a hospital room for treatment but are officially admitted for “observation” (an out-patient status) without being informed of the Medicare coverage implications. In cases when such patients are discharged for follow-up skilled nursing care, they are often surprised to find Medicare will not pay for their subsequent rehabilitation, even if they spent three or more days in the hospital. A congressional moratorium that prevents Medicare from carrying out the twomidnight policy expires Sept. 30. The new proposal from Medicare would, based on a doctor’s judgment,

allow certain hospital stays not on the “inpatient only” list — and expected to require less than two midnights of hospital care — to nonetheless be covered under inpatient payment rules and thus eligible for Medicare Part A reimbursement. The doctor’s decision is subject to medical review and requires supporting documentation in the medical record. The proposed new policy will not take effect until November, following a public comment period that ends Aug. 31. To submit comments on the proposed rule, go to www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions under the ‘‘submit a comment’’ tab. You may also mail written comments to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS–1633–P, P.O. Box 8013, Baltimore, MD 21244– 1850.

Better clarity in metro area In the meantime, a law on the issue passed by the Virginia legislature earlier this year went into effect in July. The new law mandates that hospitals tell patients both orally and in writing if they are outpatients. They must be told that observation or other outpatient status may affect their Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance coverage of their current hospital services, including medications and pharmaceutical supplies, as well as care at a skilled nursing facility or home or community-based care upon their discharge from the hospital. Patients will be asked to sign a form acknowledging that they understand they are outpatients. Maryland was one of the first states in the country to institute a similar requirement last year. — AP, with additional reporting by Barbara Ruben

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documentary I’ll Be Me on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 4 p.m. at 2030 Westmoreland St., Falls Church, Va. The film documents Campbell’s journey as he and his family attempt to navigate the unpredictable nature of advancing Alzheimer’s disease. The film features appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bill Clinton and other celebrities. Cost is $10; proceeds benefit the I’ll Be Me Alzheimer’s Fund. For more information, call (703) 531-0781.

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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 — A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

Foreign stocks From page 39 stocks. “It’s a negative, even if there is a resolution, because confidence levels are impacted,’’ he said. Even so, he adds that it’s important to remain diversified. Among the reasons fund managers cite for continuing to look abroad:

Stocks abroad are cheaper Foreign stocks generally have lower prices relative to their earnings than U.S. stocks. Not only that, earnings for foreign companies may have more room to rise, making them look even more attractive, said James Hunt, portfolio manager of the Tocqueville International Value fund. That’s because U.S. companies keep more of each $1 in revenue as profit than foreign companies do. If those foreign companies can increase their profit margins, they can become more profitable without needing gains in revenue. That’s key when a slow-growing global economy is restricting revenue for companies around the world. Hunt recently bought shares of Syngenta, a Swiss maker of agricultural chemicals, in part on expectations that it can cut costs to boost profits. Syngenta’s stock has since shot higher after St. Louis-based Monsanto offered to buy it, but Hunt said the stock is attractive even if the buyout doesn’t go through because Syngenta is under pressure to cut costs.

Earlier stages of recovery The Great Recession ended six years ago. That means this U.S. economic expansion has already lasted 15 months longer than the average expansion since World War II. Europe, meanwhile, has only recently exited its recession. The European Central Bank and other central banks worldwide are also pushing

more stimulus to help their economies, while the Federal Reserve is moving in the opposite direction. The Fed ended its bond-buying program and is considering when to raise interest rates. That is getting Brent Puff, senior portfolio manager for global and non-U.S. equity at American Century, to look more at European companies. He wants to invest in companies whose profits look set to accelerate, among other factors, and he said Europe is providing more opportunities. Puff’s American Century Global Growth fund owns French automaker Peugeot, for example. European auto sales returned to growth only last year following years of declines, and Puff sees more improvement ahead. U.S. auto sales have been climbing since 2009 and may top 17 million this year for the first time since 2001. That long record of growth means Puff sees less room for improvement here. His Global Growth fund is still more than 60 percent U.S. stocks, but the European portion has ticked up to 28 percent from 25 percent in March 2014.

Most stocks are international anyway Separating stocks into U.S. and foreign camps may be a useless endeavor because many companies are increasingly selling their products around the world. Apple, for example, is the biggest U.S. stock by market value, but 63 percent of its revenue came from outside the Americas last quarter. So does it still count as a U.S. stock? That dynamic is why the American Funds family of mutual funds said that it pays as much attention to where a company gets its revenue as to where its headquarters is located — a concept it’s pushing as the “new geography.’’ — AP

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

Retirement coaches help plan post-career By Jane Bennett Clark I don’t know when I’m going to retire. At my age (63), it could be in a few years or maybe further out. What I do know is that I won’t embark on the next phase of life — which could be longer than my childhood, longer than the time it took to raise my family, and longer than my 21-year freelance career — without a game plan. That’s why I had the idea of signing up for a few sessions with a retirement coach. Retirement coaches — who may have a background in psychotherapy, executive training or financial planning — help clients identify their interests and priorities, align their finances with their retirement goals, and give shape to the vast expanse of time

that represents life after a career. After researching coaches in my area, I set up a series of four sessions with Dee Cascio, a certified retirement coach and licensed therapist in Sterling, Va. The cost: $120 for each session, with an optional fifth session thrown in free. Like many coaches, Cascio sees couples as well as individuals, and counsels them in person or by phone. I chose phone sessions for convenience.

Assessing readiness Before our first phone session, Cascio had me fill out the Retirement Success Profile, an online questionnaire that gauges retirement readiness. If anyone could flunk (which the instructions assured me is not

possible), I certainly did. How so? The analysis revealed that working is essential to my well-being. Not only does it deliver a paycheck, it also gives me satisfaction, a sense of worth, the opportunity to socialize, and built-in time management. Plus, I hate change, my attitude toward leisure is “anemic” (read: I don’t have a lot of hobbies), and I’m leery of life transitions. People like me “have anxiety regarding their retirement,” the report concludes. “They usually prefer their present situation to the unknown future.” You’d think the solution to all this angst would be to stay on the job as long as possible, or at least continue to write during retirement. Having spent my entire career working with words, however, I’m looking to try something new. To get a sense of what that might be, I’m tasked by Cascio with outlining my values (maintaining relationships with family and friends tops the list); my interests (cooking, travel and mastering new subjects); and challenges (having enough savings for retirement). She also asks me to imagine a typical day in retirement. I find it surprisingly difficult to populate even one day.

Filling a social gap One reason my hypothetical day seems so empty, I soon realize, is that it lacks a key ingredient: people. I hope to maintain work friendships once I retire and to spend more time with family. But replacing the day-to-day camaraderie of the office is a worry. That’s a typical concern, said Cascio. “It’s the first thing people say — ‘I’ll be leaving my friends.’” Further, because I’m single I can’t count on having a built-in companion in my future. (On the bright side, I won’t have a stir-crazy spouse underfoot, either.)

Cascio’s solution covers both sides of the equation: Set up a routine for seeing friends in retirement — say, by scheduling a weekly lunch, a regular movie night, a daily walk, or a weekend expedition to the farmer’s market. “You have to think about how to build relationships and expand connections,” she said. In my case, she also suggests that I join a group of freelance writers, despite my intention to try something new. “That’s something that keeps you in the game,” she said.

Exploring the possibilities In the next session, we discuss options based on the list I provided earlier. Travel? I’d like to, but can’t afford regular major trips. She suggests writing about travel, or lecturing about retirement planning on a cruise ship, to defray costs. I mention going to cooking school. Her response: How about using that as a basis for writing a food blog or getting freelance gigs for a food magazine? Me: I could take classes at a nearby community college. Cascio: Why not also teach writing or tutor students? Sheesh. I thought I was retiring to a life of leisure, but Cascio keeps returning to the idea of working or volunteering or otherwise using my skills. What gives? “We think about work as what we do. Earning money, raising kids, that’s work,” she said. “Leisure is the break you take from what you’re doing, to refresh you.”

Making a plan After that pep talk, I consider the skills I could bring to this new form of career. One of them is expertise in college financing, a topic I once covered. Helping prospective See COACHES, page 44

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

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

Taxation of annuity withdrawals can vary By Kimberly Lankford Q: I’m 72 years old and have a variable annuity. If I annuitize the balance to create a lifetime income stream, is that taxed differently than if I just take withdrawals when I need them? A: Yes. If your annuity is not in a traditional IRA, 401(k) or other retirement ac-

count, the way you take the money can make a big difference in the way it is taxed. No matter where the annuity is, earnings are not taxable until the money is withdrawn. If you withdraw money from the annuity on your own instead of as a lifetime income stream, early payouts are considered taxable earnings — taxed at your ordinary in-

come tax rate, not the lower capital gains rate. Payouts after that are treated as a taxfree return of principal. If you withdraw the money in a lump sum, you’ll have to pay income taxes on the difference between your original contributions and the amount you receive when you cash out.

If you convert a deferred annuity into an income stream (called “annuitizing”), a portion of each payout is considered a tax-free return of principal and a portion is taxable earnings. The principal is returned in equal taxfree installments over the payout period.

Coaches

dren’s novel I wrote decades ago, and the other a book of cooking advice I wrote for my kids a few years back. I’ve always meant to revise the manuscripts with the aim of getting them published or publishing them myself. In retirement, I’ll have the time. That’s what coaching is all about, said

Cascio, “digging around, eliciting your purpose, and appealing to your heart and intellect. At the end of the process, you want to say, ‘This is my vision going forward.’”

process. To search for a coach, go to Retirement Options (https://www.retirementoptions.com), which provides certification specific to retirement, or the International Coach Federation (http://coachfederation.org), where you can plug in your criteria for a list of candidates who fit the bill. Ask what training their credentials represent, and find out how long they’ve been practicing in this niche, said Kim Mills, at Retirement Options. “How comfortable would you be working with someone who’d been a retirement coach for only a year?” Ideally, you should start the coaching process three to five years ahead of retirement, said Cascio, the better to have a plan in place when you leave the workforce. But if you find yourself disappointed or at loose ends in retirement, it’s not too late to benefit from a coach’s help. All contents © 2015 the Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 42 college students identify affordable schools and apply for financial aid would be as rewarding for me as it would be useful to them. I also remember that I have two book manuscripts in a drawer — one a chil-

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

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

Find the right match Retirement coaches can also be life coaches, financial planners, corporate trainers or psychotherapists. If you’re mainly looking for financial planning, go with a certified financial planner who has carved out a niche in retirement coaching. If your goal is to retrain for a new career, look for a coach with expertise as a corporate trainer. Therapists can elicit your hopes and concerns and help formulate strategies, but coaching and therapy are not the same, said Cascio, who is certified to do both. “Coaching is more forward-looking than therapy,” she said. “It helps you focus.” Coaching sessions range from $75 to $300 or more; figure you’ll need at least four to six sessions to get the most out of the

See ANNUITIES, page 46

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

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

Kramer From page 1 Throughout her business career, Kramer has always been active in community affairs, serving in the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of many organizations, including Holy Cross Health, the Maryland College of Art and Design, and the Montgomery County Friends of the Library.

Kramer legislative clout Rona and Ben Kramer’s tenure in the Maryland state legislature resulted in a number of pieces of legislation that help older adults in the state. Here are some highlights of the laws they helped pass: • Financial Exploitation of the Elderly, which made Maryland the only state in the nation to criminalize the use of “undue influence” to take money and other assets from senior residents; • Financial Abuse-Bank Reporting Act, which requires employees of banks and credit unions to report suspected financial elder abuse to adult protective services or law enforcement; • Silver Alert, the statewide system that provides for the rapid dissemination of information regarding a missing person who suffers from a cognitive impairment; • Electric Utilities-Service Restoration to Special Medical Needs Facilities, which allows Maryland to track the frequency and duration of electric power outages to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and congregate housing for senior citizens; • Reverse Mortgage Homeowners Protection Act, which made Maryland one of the only states in the nation to establish strict provisions governing reverse mortgage loans and protecting senior homeowners from being financially exploited; • Assisted Living and Nursing Home Residents Protection Act of 2010, which requires the Sexual Offender Advisory Board to review policy and procedures relating to convicted sex offenders who reside or are employed in Maryland’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities; • Insurance Providers — Use of Senior or Retiree Credential or Designation, which created a legitimate educational and training standard for insurance agents who represent themselves as specialists in senior or retirement investing, for the sale of annuities, life insurance or health insurance; and • Wire Transfer Business — Protection of Elder Adults Against Financial Abuse, which requires money transmitters (Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.) to provide training materials to their agents on how to recognize financial abuse and financial exploitation of older adults.

“I was always aware of what was happening in Montgomery County from both a business and a legislative standpoint,” Kramer said. And though it had never been a goal of hers to hold public office, when a Maryland Senate seat became available in 2002, Kramer decided to run for it. “I disagreed with the philosophies of the two gentlemen already in the race,” she said, “and I was raised to believe that I had no right to complain if I didn’t get involved.” Kramer won that election and the next one. During her tenure, in addition to her work on behalf of the aging, she was a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee, chaired the Joint Committee on Pensions, and served on more than fourteen subcommittees, including Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Transportation and the Environment, and Capital Budget. “I had the opportunity to see everything the state was involved in,” Kramer said. It would help prepare her for her next major assignment.

YO U R

Improvements from day one As Secretary of Aging, Kramer is concerned that while Maryland’s older population is growing dramatically, the Department’s funds — which come from the state as well as the Federal Older Americans Act — are basically stagnant. To wit: the 2015 budget was $51,874,423, while the 2016 allowance calls for only a slight increase to $52,149,990. “Funds are not increasing, so we have to operate more efficiently if we’re going to serve growing numbers of people,” Kramer said. The Department’s funds are mostly passed through to the state’s 19 Area Agencies on Aging (known as AAAs), which are supervised by the Secretary and her staff. The AAAs use Department funds to carry out most government programs for older adults in their territory: transportation, meals, senior centers, subsidized assisted living, information and referral, etc. Within days of arriving at the Depart-

New

ment, Kramer found a glaring inefficiency in that process that needed to be addressed. Each year, every AAA must submit a detailed plan to the Department of Aging indicating what programs they will be operating for the coming year, and how every dollar will be spent. Until a AAA’s plan is approved, state and federal funds are not released to be spent. The problem, Kramer discovered, is that these plans have traditionally been prepared and submitted for review during the first quarter of the fiscal year, which starts July 1, and have typically not been finalized until just before the second quarter begins. As a result, AAAs have been squeezed for funds throughout the first months of every fiscal year, frequently needing to borrow money to pay salaries and manage operations. The stress and inconvenience

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See KRAMER, page 46

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Annuities From page 44 If you have a life annuity with payouts that stop when you die, the payout period is the IRS’s life-expectancy number for someone your age. Divide your contribu-

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

tions by that life-expectancy number to see how much of each payout is a tax-free return of principal. You’ll be taxed only on the portion of each payout above that amount. (Your annuity administrator can help with the calculations.) If your annuity is in a traditional IRA,

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401(k) or other retirement account, and all of your contributions were pretax or taxdeductible, all of the payouts will be taxed as ordinary income, no matter how you take the money. If the annuity is in a Roth IRA, all of the withdrawals will be tax-free as long as you’ve had the Roth for five years and are older than 59½. Taxes are just one issue to consider

when deciding whether or not to convert your annuity into a income stream, however. Annuitizing provides payments that last for your lifetime or a certain number of years, but you lose the flexibility of being able to tap the principal if you need more money in some years. All contents © 2015 the Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Kramer

to name just a few.” Those interested in volunteering with the Department of Aging may call (410) 767-1100 and leave their name and contact information. A work group to explore various volunteer programs and services is being formed this summer. “I’d love to hear people’s ideas,” Kramer said. Since her confirmation by the State Senate this past March, Kramer has been working closely with aging advocates and professionals throughout the state, meeting with regional and jurisdictional groups, nonprofit organizations, senior residences, and members of the business community. From her new perspective as Secretary of Aging, Kramer believes that Maryland compares favorably with other states in its efforts to provide for its aging population. “The state partners with so many volunteers, nonprofit groups and private organizations,” she said. “Everyone has the same goal — to support Maryland’s senior citizens.” Kramer also feels fortunate that her staff — most of whom were already on board when she became Secretary — are so dedicated to the mission of the Department. “They’ve made my job much easier,” she said. Despite the learning curve of the new position, the hectic schedule, and her daily round-trip commute from Montgomery County to the state’s offices in downtown Baltimore, Kramer — single, and the mother of two grown daughters — said she looks forward to getting to work each day. “It’s fascinating, challenging and exciting!” she said.

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From page 45 affects not only AAA staff but all the local nonprofits and seniors who rely on the programs. So, within days of arriving at her new office, Kramer announced that this had to change at once. Adjusting the schedule so that AAA plans were to be submitted during the last quarter of the preceding fiscal year was “one of the first things I knew we needed to tackle.” While it meant an immediate and radical shift in planning for all 19 AAAs, they recognized the immense benefits that would come from having their funds ready at the start of a new year, so everyone stepped up to the plate. “We did it successfully,” she reported with satisfaction. “All plans were completed by June 30,” so funds were available the day the new fiscal year started. It was a bold stroke on Kramer’s part, and one that immediately telegraphed throughout the state that this was a Secretary who both understood and meant business.

Volunteers needed bZcidg

Since funds for increased numbers of staff people are not forthcoming, Kramer hopes to broaden the State’s volunteer base. “I’d like to have an ‘army of individuals’ with many skill levels who can provide a range of direct and consultative services,” she said. “I’d like all of us to think of how we can use our time, and would like to create a volunteer commission that would include individuals representing different areas, such as the medical and legal fields,

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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

Volunteer drivers are needed for the “Give the Gift of a Lift” program to help seniors who no longer drive do everything from visiting people to getting groceries. If you have a car, you can be part of this program operating in the Villages of Bannockburn, Burning Tree, Olney, Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Wyngate. For more information or to volunteer, call (301) 2554212.

Ongoing

VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program of Fairfax County needs volunteer advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. For more information, call Lisa Callahan at (703) 324-5861 or email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Ongoing

MEALS ON WHEELS

Fairfax County Meals on Wheels needs coordinators and substitute drivers for routes throughout the county. For more information, call (703) 324-5406 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

Leisure &

From new attractions to old favorites, there’s something for everyone on a trip to New York City. See story on page 49.

The splendor (and salmon) of NW Oregon

Good place for a town The mighty Columbia — one of North America’s largest rivers, and the boundary between the states of Washington and Oregon — crashes into the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, Ore. John Jacob Astor saw more than a roaring ocean here and established a fur trading post which he named Fort Astoria in 1811, later becoming the city of Astoria.

In the late 1800s, 2,000 salmon canneries flourished here, thanks mostly to lowpaid Chinese immigrants. Salmon dominated the town’s economy and became a popular food for American soldiers and at many American tables. Salmon was a staple for Pacific Northwest peoples for thousands of years. The Shoshones introduced Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s hungry Corps of Discovery cadre to fresh roasted salmon in 1805. When the explorers reached the Columbia River, “the men were astonished at the numbers of salmon in the river…” wrote Stephen E. Ambrose in Undaunted Courage, his chronicle of their 1804-1806 expedition to find an all-water route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Early traders negotiating with Native Americans could swap a nail for two salmon. Salmon became Astoria’s economic engine at the mouth of the Columbia River in the late 1800s when fish canneries exploded. There’s even a shrub named for the fish, the salmonberry.

By Glenda C. Booth “Ocean in view! O! the joy,” exulted Captain William Clark on November 7, 1805, when he heard deep rumbling and thought he had finally reached the Pacific Ocean, as the waters before him roiled and frothed. The ocean was actually still 20 miles away, and Clark had encountered an area near the mouth of the Columbia River instead. While awed, little did he understand the rough waters he was about to encounter, later called “the graveyard of the Pacific.” At the five-mile-wide mouth of the 1,200mile Columbia, where the river clashes and churns into the Pacific Ocean, the tide is seven feet high on average, waves can roll in at 40 feet, and fog can shroud everything in sight 200 days a year. Here, 5,000 miles of Pacific Ocean energy, unbroken by barrier islands, storms in and meets what’s been dubbed the “firehose” of the river. Since 1792, 2,000 boats have sunk in the water’s fury.

Mt. Hood towers over vineyards (and everything else) in the Columbia River Valley in northwest Oregon. The 1,200-mile Columbia River is one of North America’s longest, and forms the boundary between Oregon and Washington.

Exploring Astoria Today, downtown Astoria and many restored Victorian homes have earned a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Astorians brag that the town’s charm has made it a favored setting for movies like The Fisherman’s Bride in 1908, PHOTO © THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

In 1805, Lewis and Clark built a winter encampment at Fort Clatsop, near Astoria, Ore. Today, the National Park Service oversees a replica site, where reenactors portray daily life of the early settlers. Here, one prepares fur pelts for sale.

Free Willy I and II in 1992 and 1994, and Wendy and Lucy in 2008. A stroll along the Riverwalk is a good introduction to the gritty side of town — a mix of warehouses, restaurants and seafaring establishments. People can hail the trolley by waving a dollar at a trolley stop. During the 40-block ride, an on-board commentator expounds on the area’s history. The Astoria column, a tower with 164 spiral stairs up to an observation deck, sits atop Coxcomb Hill and offers 360-degree panoramic views — including a mega-view of the Columbia, the ocean and the mountains. Murals recount Astoria’s history from Lewis and Clark to the arrival of the train. The confluence of the river and ocean are the central theme of the Columbia River Maritime Museum (www.crmm.org). A video dramatically brings home some rough water passages during severe winter storms. The museum’s 40,000-square-feet of exhibit halls and over 30,000 maritime artifacts — the most extensive collection in the Pacific Northwest — lay out the region’s rich maritime history. Particularly captivating is the fiberglass, 20-foot, Japanese abalone fishing boat that washed up in March 2013 with its intact Japanese license — a particularly notable

piece of “debris” from the 2011 tsunami generated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Japan. The owner told the museum he didn’t want the boat returned. Don’t miss family-owned Josephson’s smoked fish shop (www.josephsons.com) established in 1920 at 106 Marine Drive. Try the smoked halibut, oysters, sturgeon, rainbow trout, and that health-promoting salmon — smoked salmon jerky and canned coho and alderwood-smoked fillets made the way Grandpa Anton did it.

Forts and trails To the native Clapsops and Chinooks, the Pacific Northwest was “almost paradise,” wrote Lewis in 1806. But to the probably exhausted expeditioners, it was “a miserable place.” Arriving in December 1805, they built their winter encampment, Fort Clapsop, with felling axes, drawknives and hatchets. Suffering through 94 days of rain out of 106 in the drippy, woodsy wetness, they worked on their journals and made elk hide clothes and elk fat candles. At today’s Fort Clapsop replica, a National Park Service site about five miles south of Astoria, visitors can see firsthand See OREGON, page 48

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Oregon

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

argues the environmental group American Rivers. They rated it as the country’s second most endangered river in April.

From page 47 in six rooms how 33 people endured the “dreadful weather,” as Clark complained. Rangers in buckskins, a la Lewis and Clark, demonstrate flintlock gun shooting, hide tanning and candle making. Visitors can also walk the park’s trails and enjoy shoulder-high ferns, sitka spruce, thimble berries, huckleberries and wapato in the damp, mossy forest. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/lewi/planyourvisit/fortclatsop.htm. The hardy, 19th century settlers found a wild, raging, untamed Columbia River a mile wide at many spots. Those who venture inland today from the Pacific see a more docile waterway, transformed by 20th century dams that have slowed its rapids and currents. Because some salmon cannot get past many of these dams to spawn, many salmon runs and other fisheries are at risk,

Gorge on scenery The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa) spans 292,500 acres stretching from the mouth of the Sandy River to the mouth of the Deschutes. The gorge, up to 4,000 feet deep in some places, is an 80-mile river canyon through the Cascade Mountain Range, going from dry grasslands in the east to dry woodlands and temperate rainforest in the west. The forests are home to bigleaf maples, Douglas firs, western hemlocks, Ponderosa pines and cottonwoods. Travelers find diverse ecosystems, waterfalls and great vistas. It is a popular destination for sight-seeing, fishing, windsurfing, paddling and hiking. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses the area. Lewis and Clark passed

BEACON BITS

Aug. 23

CELEBRATE THE C&O CANAL

Take a trip to Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport, Md., to celebrate C&O Canal Days. This trip, sponsored by SOAR (Seniors Outdoor Adventures in Recreation in Montgomery County) includes craft vendors, music and Civil War Re-enactors. The trip takes place on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $39. The trip departs and returns to Olney Manor Recreation Park, 16605 Georgia Ave., Olney, Md. For more information, call (240) 777-4926.

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through this historic transportation corridor for Native Americans en route to the Pacific. Oregon Trail pioneers soon followed, and settlers established steamboat lines and railroad lines through the gorge. Today, most people access the gorge from I-84 in Oregon or state route 14 in Washington. The engineer for the historic Columbia River Highway — Highway 30 paralleling I-84 from Troutdale (16 miles east of Portland, exit 17 off I-84) east to Dodson — did not want “to mar what God had put there.” Today, between Troutdale and The Dalles, visitors can explore historic sites and over 75 waterfalls. Some waterfalls are a short hike from the road, and some are right smack in front of you near the parking lot. Tourism promoters call the gorge “the world of waterfalls.” The 620-foot high Multinomah Falls (exit 31 off I-84), the second highest year-round falls in the country, is a must-see. A steep, paved trail takes visitors to hiking paths and a platform above the interpretive center, restaurant and gift shop. Pick up some travel tips at the U.S. Forest Service counter at Multnomah Falls Lodge (www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia). The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum on the Washington side in Stevenson (www.columbiagorge.org) has 11,000 square feet of exhibits, including Indian artifacts, a replica of a fish wheel (used to catch fish), and the world’s largest rosary collection — 4,000 rosaries. A 12-minute film examines the area’s geologic history, the Corps of Discovery’s expedition, native peoples, timbering and salmon harvesting. There’s also a Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles. Mount Hood, all 11,000 feet of it, looms from many vantage points. The Mount Hood loop is a popular scenic drive, and the mountain offers hiking and the only year-round skiing in the U.S. On the Washington side of the river, Mount Adams “competes” at 9,000 feet.

If you go The closest airport is Portland, Oregon. Delta and American Airlines have the lowest-price roundtrip tickets, starting at around $350 from all three area airports. Some lodging facilities in the gorge have shuttle services. Visit www.flypdx.com. Astoria is two hours from Portland. The Northwest Point Bus (www.northwestpoint.com) connects Portland and Astoria. Visiting the Columbia River Gorge’s waterfalls and shoreline sites requires a vehicle. Several cruise companies offer sightseeing trips on the river, including the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler (www.portlandspirit.com/sternwheeler.php), RiverCruise.com, and American Cruise Lines (americancruiselines.com). The Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association is a good basic source of information about sites, events and lodging. Visit www.crgva.org. Wind River Publishing (www.windriverpublishing.net/) puts out a free paper and online tourist’s guide. For Astoria information, including where to stay and eat, stop by the Welcome Center, 111 West Marine Dr., call 1-800-8756807, or visit www.travelastorial.com. The renovated, centrally-located Hotel Elliot (www.hotelelliott.com, (503) 325-2222) has a rooftop garden. Rooms start at $230 a night. The Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, has a restaurant but no overnight accommodations (www.multnomahfallslodge.com). For a rejuvenating Pacific Northwest mountain retreat, try the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash. (www.skamania.com, 1- 800-316-9495), 45 miles east of Portland. Set on 175 acres, the lodge has a spa, golf course, trails, complimentary mountain bikes, and a dining room featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine. Rooms start at $180 a night for those who are 55 and older. There is an additional $20 per night resort fee.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

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

NYC from the classics to new attractions By Beth J. Harpaz If you haven’t visited New York City recently, you’ve got some catching up to do — from the observatory at One World Trade, to the new Whitney Museum, to happening neighborhoods far from Manhattan. Here’s a look.

What’s new For the newest bird’s-eye view of New York, head to the top of One World Trade. The ride up is so smooth, your tummy won’t even flip. A time-lapse video in the elevator shows the evolution of the cityscape over centuries, including a glimpse of the twin towers melting in and out of view. Once you’re up, the initial views are dominated by New Jersey. You know you’re looking at Manhattan when you spot the Empire State Building. Live guides are available to answer questions, including this one: Which

bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge? (It’s the one with the double Gothic arches.) The city’s other just-opened standout is the Whitney Museum, south of 14th Street, on Gansevoort Street near 10th Avenue. But the best part of this museum isn’t the art — it’s the outside spaces. Take the elevator up and walk down using exterior stairs where possible. The terraces offer a thrilling, visual urban jazz of people-watching, outdoor art, and views of everything from the Hudson River to old tenements and new towers.

Old favorites New York’s an expensive city, but many must-sees are free: Times Square, Central Park, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, and a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, which provides terrific views of the Statue of Liberty. Two more spots that opened in recent PHOTO BY JULIENNE SCHAER/NYCGO

One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, rises from the skyline of lower Manhattan, near where the Twin Towers fell on 9/11. Visitors can take in a panoramic view of New York City from its glassed-in observation deck.

years have quickly become among the city’s most popular (and crowded): the 9/11 Memorial, a park with pools in the footprints of the twin towers, and the High Line — a park built on an abandoned rail line that lets you see the city from 30 feet up. The observatory at One World Trade is

glassed-in. If you prefer the wind in your hair, go old-school with the Empire State Building. Another option for a look from high up is Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, which has the advantage of offerSee NYC, page 50

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

VOLUNTEER COMPUTER TEACHERS

Computer-savvy volunteers are needed to help people 50+ learn new computer skills. Classes are located in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Montgomery Mall, Crystal City and Tysons Corner Mall. Classes will help seniors learn, refresh or advance computer and social media skills. For more information, visit www.AccessJCA.org or call (240) 395-0916.

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

PHIL KLINE/NYCGO

A ride on the Staten Island Ferry offers great views of the Statue of Liberty. The free ride is about 25 minutes long.

NYC From page 49 ing views of both One World Trade and the Empire State Building. A Broadway show is also a must for many visitors. And top museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Modern Art, which is hosting an extraordinary exhibit (through Sept. 7) of Jacob Lawrence’s paintings of the early 20th-century Great Migration of African-Americans from the South to northern cities. The Guggenheim Museum is best-known for its architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. For immigrant history, check out the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and Ellis Island. For fresh air beyond Central Park, take the ferry to Governor’s Island. You can hardly walk a block in New York without being tempted to buy something, but favorite neighborhoods for shopping include 34th Street, anchored by Macy’s; SoHo, known for pricey boutiques as well as mass-market emporia like Uniqlo; and 14th Street-Union Square, where a veritable palace of shoes, DSW, reigns over a strip of trendy but affordable retailers.

Getting around The subway is old, dirty, crowded and noisy, but it’s the fastest, most efficient way to get around. Consider buying a $31, seven-day Metro card (plus a $1 fee for the card), which covers unlimited rides for a week. Since individual rides are $2.75, the card pays for itself in 12 rides.

The subway is relatively safe, but be prepared for panhandlers, the homeless, loud musicians and the occasional preacher. If one car on a crowded train is mysteriously empty, there’s inevitably an unpleasant reason that you’re better off not discovering — just squeeze into a different car and call it a day. The subways can also be confusing. Every train car has a framed paper map and many have digital guides, too. One of the best websites for point-to-point directions is Hopstop.com, but most New Yorkers know the lines fairly well and can give basic advice if asked. Free maps are available from manned booths inside subway stations. Trains are sometimes rerouted on weekends; check the MTA.info/weekender website for guidance. Spend some time outside Manhattan. Among the many Brooklyn neighborhoods worth a visit are trendy Williamsburg, DUMBO and Bushwick. Coney Island has the beach, an old-time amusement park and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. In Queens, there’s Greek food in Astoria, plus many museums there and in nearby Long Island City: Museum of the Moving Image, Socrates Sculpture Park, Noguchi Museum, and PS1 with its fabulous eatery, M. Wells Dinette. For the beach in Queens, take the A train to Rockaway. The Bronx offers the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden (with a Frida Kahlo exhibit through Nov. 1), and Italian food on Arthur Avenue. For an online guide of more things to see and where to stay, see http://nycgo.com. — AP

BEACON BITS

Aug. 3+

BALANCE AND FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

Montgomery County residents are invited to register for the Stepping On program, a free balance and fall prevention program. The program meets from 10 a.m. to noon, seven consecutive Mondays beginning Aug. 3. No class will be held on Monday, Sept. 7. Participants will practice strength and balance exercises and learn about medications and home safety. The class meets at the Benjamin Gaither Center, 80A Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, Md. To register or for more information, call (240) 773-8268.

Aug. 8+

FREE ART OF MOVEMENT CLASSES

Free, drop-in Art of Movement classes will take place at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton Va. on the Quad in the Rizer Pavilion. Classes feature belly dance, yoga and Pilates. Classes are held at 8 a.m. on Saturdays, Aug. 8, 22 and 29. No experience is necessary. Bring your own mat. For more information, call (703) 584-2965 or email Lesley Spalding at lesleyspalding@workhousearts.org.

Sept. 5

NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

The 15th National Book Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, D.C. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (202) 707-5221 or visit www.loc.gov/bookfest/.

Ongoing

RESPITE CARE VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are needed to give family caregivers of older adults a well-deserved break so they can go shopping, attend a doctor’s appointment, etc. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adults for a few hours each month. For more information, call Kristin Martin at (703) 3247577 or email Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Age discrimination remains for travelers Can you be “too old to travel?” That’s a States and Canada is priced based on age, question raised by Which Travel, the travel and the age premium gets pretty stiff as publication of Which, the British counter- you get older. Back in June, I checked part to Consumer Reports. rates at varying ages for a typIt documents travel probical “basic” travel policy coverlems British seniors have ing a couple on a European faced. Some are unique to the river cruise tour in mid-SepUnited Kingdom, such as the tember, lasting eight days, role of banks in issuing travel costing $4,550 per person. insurance. Nevertheless, alThe coverages for such a polithough U.S. trade practices cy were $9,100 for full canceldiffer in many regards from lation or interruption, $15,000 those of the UK, both travelper person for medical, and ing publics face many of the TRAVEL TIPS $100,000 for emergency medsame problems. By Ed Perkins ical evacuation. Those are all Among those that Which reasonable minimum values. Travel investigated: Here’s how the costs of such a policy • Escalating insurance rates for older drivers, even though those drivers actually ran, total for the couple: Ages 45 and 44 years: $395 file fewer claims than younger drivers. Ages 65 and 64 years: $573 • Several seniors age 71 to 81 who were Ages 85 and 84 years: $1,193 turned down by the operators of walking Note, especially that the cost for the tour programs. • Travelers age 70 or over who were de- 85/84-year-olds was more than double the nied access to extra-legroom exit-row air- cost for those 20 years younger. I have no data by which to judge whether the age esline seats because of age. • Travelers with confirmed rental car calation is valid from an actuarial standreservations who were refused cars be- point. But it is certainly enough to make older travelers seriously consider whether cause of age. • Termination of included travel insur- to buy insurance. Nevertheless, the conclusion for U.S. ance by banks to travelers who reach cuttravelers is that you can buy insurance; off ages ranging from 65 to 80. • Demands by tour companies for doc- you’ll just pay a lot more the older you get. tors’ notes attesting to older travelers’ Check options on an online travel insurance agency such as quotewright.com or physical capabilities. As an interesting side note to the investi- squaremouth.com. gation, Travel Which noted that several suppliers reversed their policies when Car rental age limits challenged by the investigators. Nice to Travel Which noted the inconsistent have that sort of clout. policies of major rental companies, with Overall, I haven’t heard from many sen- maximum age limits by some companies, ior readers about facing severe age dis- in some countries, ranging from 70 to 75 crimination problems. But I know some of years, although some companies had no you have encountered them. As far as I can limit. Among those with limits, the top age tell, the most egregious examples are in varied by location. Also, Travel Which travel insurance and rental cars. found a few cases of an added age surcharge or requirement for a medical cerAge-based insurance costs tificate. Most trip-cancellation, interruption and The most annoying element in the age medical insurance sold in the United problem is that some companies do not no-

BEACON BITS

Oct. 8

DINNER AND SHOW IN PENNSYLVANIA Join the Laurel Senior Friendship Club on a one-day bus trip to Rainbow’s Comedy Playhouse in Paradise, Pa., on Thursday, Oct.

8. The cost is $78 and included bus transportation, dinner, show (Over the River & Through the Woods), tax and gratuity. The bus will depart at 9 a.m. from the Laurel Region Hospital employee parking lot at 7300 Van Dusen Rd., Laurel, Md. and will return at 5 p.m. The trip is open to all over 50. Sign up deadline is Friday, Sept. 4. For more information, call (301) 206-3380.

Aug. 19

MONTICELLO TRIP Visit Thomas Jefferson’s home and explore the preservation display gardens and nursery at Tufton Farm on Aug. 19 from 7 a.m.

to 7:30 p.m. The bus pick up is at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Washington, D.C. Cost is $95 for Vienna residents and $119 for non-residents. For more information, call (703) 255-6360 or register at www.viennava.gov.

tify you that they have an age limit, even when they ask your age on their reservation webpage. Instead, they let you reserve and prepay, then deny you at the counter! Sure, you can get your money back, but arriving at a destination to find you can’t have the car you arranged and you have to dig up another rental — often for a far higher price — is not a real solution. As far as I can tell, the big problem is in Europe. If you’re over 70, don’t assume

you will automatically get a car. Instead, locate your deal online, but then call the rental company to verify your age will not be a problem. Major rental companies do not impose age limits in the U.S. Rental agents do, however, have the authority to refuse a car for someone who appears to be unable to drive responsibly. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@ mind.net. © 2015 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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

Style Arts &

A new wing at the Smithsonian history museum focuses on innovation in America. See story on page 57.

Laugh and cry at two Broadway shows And while Once is a thoroughly lovely show with a devoted following, it’s probably not commercially viable enough to warrant a KenCen return.

Missionary misadventures In case you somehow missed it, The Book of Mormon won the Tony Award for Best Musical, along with best score, best book and six other Tonys, in 2011. It also won just about every other New York theater award that year. Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of TV’s long-running and profanely comic animated series South Park, teamed up with Robert Lopez for the story and songs. It takes us along on a misadventure-filled missionary trip by two “young elders” to an impoverished African community. They make for an odd couple: a straight-laced and totally focused overachiever paired with a bumbling and sweet-natured compulsive liar. There is a lot of broad comic shtick, as well as toe-tapping production numbers, a couple of dulcet ballads, and lots of blue material and jokes made at the expense of Mormons everywhere.

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By Michael Toscano If you’re looking to escape the first couple of weeks of D.C.’s August heat and humidity, but can’t get away on vacation, consider the refuge offered by a couple of cool shows finishing up their runs at the Kennedy Center. Two must-see musicals are on the boards and, amazingly enough, seats are still available. I’m talking, of course, about The Book of Mormon — the monster (and monstrously funny) Broadway hit making a return engagement to the marble palace on the Potomac — and Once, the lesser known and much quieter Irish fable of love and music. Mormon is in the Opera House and Once is in the Eisenhower Theater, both running through Sunday, August 16. This is probably your last chance to see Broadway-level productions of these two great shows locally. The Book of Mormon’s second stop here follows a record-breaking, sold-out run two seasons back. So it’s probably done with D.C. A scaled-down version might stop by one of the rental venues from time to time. But this is the real thing, to be savored and remembered.

In The Book of Mormon, David Larsen (left) and Cody Jamison star as two Mormon elders on a mission trip to Africa, where they are confronted by Monica L. Patton in full tribal regalia. The hit musical, by the creators of the animated TV show “South Park,” continues at the Kennedy Center through Aug. 16.

Surprisingly, The Book of Mormon remains generally good-natured, lacking bitterness as it ribs the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That’s probably why there has been little complaint coming from Salt Lake City. The show may lampoon the Church, but the Mormons we meet are decent people with a laudatory moral code (notwithstanding a few pointed references to such matters as the Church’s extremely belated embrace of a multi-racial society). The early Broadway leads, and even

most of their replacements, have long moved on to stardom elsewhere, but the two leading characters are played here to laugh-generating perfection by Cody Jamison Strand (who has played the role on Broadway) and David Larsen. The plump and vocally inventive Strand makes the show his story with a theaterfilling charisma based on slapstick physicality, agile dance moves, rapier-sharp timing, and an infectious sense of fun generatSee BROADWAY SHOWS, page 53

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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

From page 52 ed by the twists and turns of his wildly expressive voice. His Elder Cunningham may be a serial liar, but when he puts that talent to use to develop a tale of Mormonism the Africans will find palatable, we love him all the more for it. It’s just too bad none of it can be printed here. Larsen has the challenging task of shining as Elder Price — as serious a Mormon missionary as Cunningham is silly. He plays it straight, mostly, but with just enough tongue-in-cheek to let you know there’s a rascally John McCain somewhere behind the Mitt Romney façade. Both actors are capable singers, with Strand standing out in the sharp duet “Baptize Me,” sung with Candace Quarrels. She plays the lovely Ugandan Nabulungi, and temporarily hijacks the show in “Sal Tlay Ka Siti,” a solo paean to what she imagines a shining Salt Lake City is like. Larsen gets his chance to own the place — and grabs it with both hands — in “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream.” This dynamic number has Elder Price traversing Satan’s lair in the top theatrical moments of the production. Hellish lighting, music, dance, and a parade of Price’s fantasy “sins” swirl through his fevered nightmare.

A wistful Once And for something totally different, a theatrical palate-cleanser, if you will, there is Once. It’s based on a little independent film from Ireland, released in 2007, about a guitar player and songwriter who performs in Dublin streets, singing about a lost love. A sensitive, sensuous ballad from Glen Hansard called “Falling Slowly” went on to win an Oscar as Best Song. And if you need

more information about the musical’s pedigree, it was celebrated on Broadway with eight Tony Awards, not to mention a Grammy for best musical theater album. Our musician, named Guy, is played by Stuart Ward — a Liverpool native who is a recognized singer and songwriter back home. His ability to explore the depth of meaning in a song are highlighted in “Leave,” as he laments his love leaving him for America. He is paired with Dani de Waal as Girl, who discovers him and resolutely pushes him to live a life of music. Of course, if their relationship were simple, there would be no story. And there is a story with many folds here, played out with a combination of emotional realism and sweet charm. As they discover new things about themselves and are drawn together over their common passion for music, the complications are leavened with light comedy and the quirks of a supporting cast of warmly drawn characters. de Waal nicely complements Ward’s smoky intensity with her vivacity. She seems to sing from the heart, perfectly suited for the infectious Celtic-tinged, Irish folk-rock score. The duets she shares with Ward, “Falling Slowly” and “When Your Mind’s Made Up,” are some of the show’s best moments. If you’re still unsure, go online and check out the music performed by Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who played Guy and Girl in the film. You’ll probably especially like the song from Girl called “The Hill.” The Eisenhower is turned into a convivial Irish pub for Once, and if you don’t mind getting there half an hour early and forking over a little extra money, you can quaff a drink on the set and enjoy some pre-show music.

Broadway shows

Street musician Guy (Stuart Ward) falls for Girl (Dani de Waal) in Once, a musical based on an Irish film. On Broadway, Once won eight Tony Awards, as well as a Grammy for best musical theater album. Like The Book of Mormon, Once continues through Aug. 16 at the Kennedy Center.

There’s no drinking at the Mormon show, of course. The Book of Mormon and Once are onstage through Aug. 16 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW in Washington, D.C. Tickets are on sale at the Kennedy Center Box Office at (202) 467-1324, or online at www.kennedy-center.org/tickets. Tickets currently available for Book of Mormon

range from $90 to $250. Once tickets range from $60 to $165. For information, visit www.kennedycenter.org. The Kennedy Center will accommodate accessibility needs, including wheelchairs and assistive listening devices. Call (202) 416-8727 (voice) or 202-416-8728 (TTY) for more information. To reserve a courtesy wheelchair, call (202) 416-8340.

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

Sobering photos and artifacts He’s reprising that effort, 20 years later, with a display at AU scheduled to run through Aug. 16. It includes six pictures on folding screens by the late Iri and Toshi Maruki — a husband-and-wife team whose powerful depictions of nuclear horrors, known as the Hiroshima Panels, are being shown in the U.S. capital for the first time. In an adjacent room are 25 artifacts collected from the debris — a rosary, a glass fragment removed from the flesh of a casualty, a container of sake, a student’s cap and a student’s shoe. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum have provided an explanatory account of the bombings with photos, including panoramas of the two leveled cityscapes and images of the victims. Yoshiko Hayakawa, who brought the

panels from a gallery outside Tokyo, said it had been difficult to find a venue willing or able to display them in the United States. They were last shown in the U.S. in 1995, in Minnesota. “They go right to the heart of people who wish for long-lasting peace and for a ban on nuclear weapons,” she said. Kuznick said the primary aim of the exhibition is to portray the human suffering caused by the atomic bombings that ushered in an era in which absolute destruction of the planet became possible and “nobody’s future is guaranteed anymore.” He lamented that Americans — including undergraduates he teaches — have become less aware since the end of the Cold War about the devastating impact a nuclear conflict would have. “Part of why we’re doing this is because the danger has not really passed, and it’s important that people focus on it again,” he said.

POWs died, too The exhibition shows not only suffering by the Japanese. Two of the Hiroshima Panels on display portray the death of American prisoners of war and Korean forced laborers in the bombings. Most haunting is “Crows,” a picture in black ink that depicts birds picking at the corpses of Koreans, reflecting the discrimination they faced even in death. The picture’s caption, a verse penned by the artists, says the Korean bodies “were left on the streets to the very last.” “Not only are we portraying the Japanese as victims, we’re also portraying the Japanese as victimizers. That in no way mitigates the American responsibility for using atomic bombs, but it does complicate the narrative a little bit,” Kuznick said. Jan Thompson, president of the American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor Memorial Society, which advocates for American former prisoners of war of the Japanese, said atomic bombs were a tragedy that no one should celebrate. She said she has not seen the exhibition yet, but was concerned it would promote the view that that use of the bombs was not justified. Kuznick said he has faced no opposition so far to this year’s exhibition. The American University Museum is located at 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Admission is free, and the museum is open every day, except Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (202) 885-1300 or see www.american.edu/cas/museum. — AP

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By Matthew Pennington As the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II approaches this month, a new museum exhibition provides a different perspective on the end of the conflict — one in which Japanese people were the victims. That has the potential to upset American veterans, especially at a time of intensifying focus on Japan’s reluctance to face up to its militaristic past. The American University Museum, in Washington, D.C., is showcasing artifacts and art recalling the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: a pocket watch that stopped at 8:15 a.m., when the first atomic bomb dropped; a picture of twisted bodies and screaming faces engulfed by the flames; the school lunch box of a girl who disappeared without a trace. Defenders of the bombings say it alleviated the need for a land invasion of Japan that would have cost many American lives. The precise death tolls from the bombings are unknown, but it is believed about 200,000 people were killed. On the 50th anniversary, controversy surrounded an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution of the Enola Gay, the B-29 that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, Aug. 6, 1945. The 1995 exhibit was scaled back dramatically because of U.S. veterans’ protests that it portrayed the Japanese as victims, rather than as aggressors. That year, Peter Kuznick, director of American University’s Nuclear Studies Institute, responded to the controversy by staging an exhibition of artifacts that the Smithsonian would not. Doing so at a private institution, and not a governmentfunded one, made it less contentious.

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

Smithsonian’s innovative business wing

More sections to come The newly renovated $63 million innovation wing is the first piece of a six-year overhaul of the museum’s entire west wing. Construction began in late 2012 and is set to continue into 2018 on other floors. The museum raised $43 million from the private sector and $20 million from Congress to fund the new innovation wing. Next, work will shift to a new section devoted to democracy and the peopling of America, slated to open in 2017, followed by a section on American culture in 2018. The overhaul is part of a reinvention of the Smithsonian’s American history museum, said museum director John Gray. A 2002 blue-ribbon commission took a critical look at its less-than-inclusive presentation, questioning why the museum didn’t explore capitalism or other under-represented subjects as well as the nation’s diversity. “History museums are not passive places, but places that make it essential to understand and grow our country,” Gray said during a preview of the new innovation wing. “Here visitors will learn how business has affected the nation’s history as well as their own lives....’American Enterprise’ shows how the United States has moved from being a small, dependent nation to being one of the world’s most vibrant and trend-setting economies.”

Broadly envisioned exhibit It’s rare in the museum’s history to have such a broad range of objects together in

one exhibit. In the past, the museum separated exhibits by topic and collection. Now agriculture, technology, manufacturing, retail and finance have been pulled together into a more comprehensive story. In planning it, curators argued the various economic sectors are interlocked and should be presented that way. “It was definitely moving from that old way of doing exhibitions, that are very narrow and deep, to a much broader kind of inclusive approach,” said curator Peter Liebhold, chairman of the division of work and industry. “It’ll be interesting to see what people think.” With a chronological layout, the exhibit looks back at the nation’s merchant era from the 1700s and early 1800s, followed by the corporate era and industrial revolution through the 1930s. Next came the consumer era and a production boom after World War II and, most recently, the global era since the 1980s. Entrepreneurs from each period — banker J.P. Morgan, Barbie doll creator Ruth Handler, cosmetics maker Estee Lauder, and Apple founder Steve Jobs, to name a few — are highlighted on a biography wall with some of their stories and creations. Another timeline traces the history of advertising. “We show the stories here of people taking risks, sometimes succeeding and sometimes failing,” said guest curator Kathleen Franz, an associate professor at American University. “You can’t separate American history from business history, because business was there from the beginning, and it’s what builds the nation.” An interactive gallery asks visitors to make choices in building successful businesses, including a simulation of a farmer’s critical decisions. Major donors included M&Ms maker Mars Inc., SC Johnson, Intel, Monsanto Co. and the History Channel. Many of them are represented in the exhibit. For example, a weekly food program will feature the history of chocolate making. But corporate donors did not dictate the exhibit content or fund specific pieces, Liebhold said. Curators did consult with supporters, businesses, academics, nonprofits and labor groups for ideas. “The Smithsonian has a pretty firm line in the sand about no donor influence,” Liebhold said, “and nobody pressured us

on this exhibition.” The National Museum of American History is located on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Admission is free, and the museum is open

from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with special extended hours until 7:30 p.m. most days until Sept. 7. For more information, see http://americanhistory.si.edu or call (202) 633-1000.

COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY

By Brett Zongker A wide range of innovations — from Eli Whitney’s cotton gin and Thomas Edison’s light bulb, to the early Google servers and Apple’s iPhone — have been brought together to tell a broad story of American business history for the first time at the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History opened its new innovation wing in July. It includes galleries featuring U.S. inventions, hands-on activities, and even food demonstrations. A major exhibition about “American Enterprise” traces the interaction of capitalism and democracy since the mid-1700s, including conflicting views from some founding fathers. The centerpiece artifact in the new 45,000-square-foot space is the studio of home video game inventor, Ralph Baer.

In the National Museum of American History’s new business and innovation wing, American enterprise is traced by time period. Here, the “Global Era” display covers the 1970s to the 2010s — an era of international expansion and fast-paced technological change.

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Getting a kid unstuck from second gear All of us born in the mid-20th century have (yes, in a stick shift car), that figure was 44 seen scads of progress since we arrived. percent. So today’s young person is the vicMedical breakthroughs. Technological mar- tim of a lack of opportunity, not a lack of will. Still, isn’t being able to drive vels. Astounding advances in a stick shift right up there with business and education. knowing how to tie a bow tie But in one area, we have to(this kid doesn’t know how to tally failed our descendants. do that either — I asked) and They don’t know how to drive knowing how to use a manual stick shift cars. typewriter (this kid has never I came face to face with tried one — I asked that, too)? this phenomenon one recent Handling a standard transevening. I had arrived at a social event by subway, but mission is a basic life skill — or at least it was in my day. Maybe it was late, and this was sure- HOW I SEE IT you didn’t use this skill every ly the right moment to try to By Bob Levey beg a ride home. day. Maybe you didn’t use it any So I sauntered up to the 20-something day. But you wanted it in your saddlebag of capabilities, just in case, didn’t you? son of friends and made my request. Besides, learning to drive a stick shift He looked down at his shoes. He coughed a couple of times. He cleared his was not all that difficult. I well recall the first time I tried my luck. I was a little throat. He rolled his eyes. And then he spilled: He’d be glad to heavy on the clutch — OK, a lot heavy. The drive me home, he said, but the only car car’s engine roared unappreciatively as I he could use was his father’s, and it had a tried to move off from a red light. The clutch moaned with overexertion. Neighstick shift, and, gee, well, awfully sorry… boring motorists honked. Failure was rear“You really can’t drive it?,” I said. ing its ugly head. “I really can’t drive it, “ he said. But, eventually, I worked out the coordiI don’t blame this millennial for his ignorance. After all, only 1.5 percent of all cars nation between my left and right feet. Took made in 2014 had standard transmissions, only about ten minutes. according to industry publications. In fact, just a couple of months after I In 1961, when I first got a driver’s license got my driver’s license, I found myself pi-

loting a stick shift car in downtown San Francisco. If you can figure out how to coordinate the clutch on those hills so you don’t roll backward, all the way to San Jose, well, you’ve achieved something. I managed it like a champ. Even though automatic shift cars were becoming the drug of choice in the 1960s, we young macho heroes disdained them. We referred to their transmissions as “slushboxes.” We brandished research that showed how much better gas mileage would be if a car had standard shift. Besides, it was a whole lot cooler to go through the gears

than it was to shift a lever to “D,” wasn’t it? It’s tempting to make a larger point here: that today’s millennials are so coddled and so lazy that they literally can’t manage a transmission that has served us perfectly well for decades. But that wouldn’t be fair or accurate. Today’s kids are not squishy-spoiled. They merely need what we oldies can give them — an education. I saw my opportunity. I told the young man at the party to beg the keys from his father. He did so. See BOB LEVEY, page 61

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

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2. Garlicky sauce 3. Call off the dogs 1. After-bath powder 4. Yearbook feature 5. Frolic 5. Big name in lodging (and crackers) 9. Strait-laced 6. Instrument featured in I Got You Babe 13. Cambodian currency 7. Flurries 14. It connects the ankle bone to the 8. Dispose of, deceptively knee bone 9. Bluenose 15. Use a Ferris Wheel 10. Overrun 16. Just a minute amount 11. Goal, for Indiana Jones 17. Bikini, perhaps 12. Dining hall, to some 18. Flying saucers 14. ___ personality (Taiwanese 19. Bikini wearers, perhaps temperament) 22. Drinks with a straw 20. Takes to court 23. Type of lip or loser 21. Type of vaccine 24. Middle of Kathie Gifford 26. Rhyme scheme in Do Not Go Gentle 25. It’s in the midst of FANFARE into That Good Night 26. Mork and Mindy network 27. West German capital during the 29. One of the Marx bothers Cold War 35. Start of a fictional byline 28. Street ___ (urban respect) 36. Act ___! 29. “Dirty Little Secrets”, “Day Light 37. End of a fictional byline Savings”, and the like 38. Developer’s pieces 30. Promises of payment 43. Dir. of boat traveling the Red Sea 31. General feeling 44. See 47 Across 32. Annually 45. End of raf-, rif-, and ruf33. “I’m ___ Mother Teresa” (Mike Tyson) 46. She walked into Rick’s gin joint 34. Reduce suffering 47. About when the SNL host says 39. Sophie, for Meryl goodnight (with 44 Across) 51. The gold standard of crossword puzzles 40. Picks up the phone 41. Out of tune 56. Carry cargo 42. Travel from flower to flower 57. Like Rosemary’s Baby 46. “I’d rather be an outlaw than an ___ to 58. Is not wrong you” (Elvis Costello lyric) 59. Book before Nehemiah 48. Mideast leaders 60. Long-legged and thin 49. Core belief 61. Fir example 50. Prefix, relating to bones 62. The cat’s ___ 51. Those guys 63. Hit show signs 52. Dusty cloud 64. ___ es Guerra (Spanish-language 53. Replacer for Franc and Mark reality show) 54. “Yes ___?” Down 55. Fixes with available tools 1. Loses one’s footing

Across

Scrabble answers on p. 59.

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Answers on page 59.

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

Bob Levey From page 59

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Then I told him to follow me into the parking lot. He did so. Over the next five minutes, I held a tutorial, he behind the wheel, me riding shotgun. Kid botches clutch. Bob corrects and instructs. Then kid botches clutch a little less. Bob tweaks and praises. By Minute Six, the smell of burning clutch liner no longer filled the air, and a look of doubt no longer filled the kid’s face. He was up to speed. He had learned. He had joined the human race. Yes, I got my ride home. Yes, I got a bushel full of thanks. But what I really got was that nice warm feeling that we graybeards get all too seldom. Someone had actually listened to one of us (wonderful!) and someone had actually profited from it (double wonderful!). Now, if the kid ever asks about the ins and outs of a manual typewriter... Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

Letters to editor From page 2 vestment. That is why this country has been suffering through the slowest economic recovery in our history for the last six years. Jay R. Baker Rockville, Md. Dear Editor: I’ve been saving like a little squirrel since I was a kid because my parents, who lived through two world wars and the Depression and were working class, taught us that way. I’ve always been happy I chose that path. I’m not rich, but I have what I need. Because I saved when my peers spent, I’m pretty confident I can live a long life on my savings. And, interestingly, I find people of the same mind in younger generations [and among] immigrants. Even a pro football star, Washington football RB, Alfred Morris, won my heart as a rookie by telling a Post reporter that he wouldn’t give up his ‘91 auto for a fancy new one because it was “all I need.” I felt

Classifieds cont. from page 63. Wanted FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious, capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree], knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate, I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-279-8834. Thank you. 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.

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Notices; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 63. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Business and Employment Opportunities SENIORS: PART-TIME and/or second career with retirement plan in place. Field underwriter/manager position open to all. Secure your future with one call. Mr. James Bull, 703-5974628.

Computer Services CERTIFIED, LICENSED CAREGIVER SEEKING homecare job – honest, reliable and compassionate. Available 7 days per week, nights or day. Rates negotiable. Call Babeth at 240-351-7295. I WILL CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES night/day. Own transportation. Good references. Lots of experience. 301-502-2258. RESPONSIBLE, KIND, CARING LADY will run errands, take to appointments and companionship. 301-943-7430. “A” HOME HEALTH CARE – Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in. Flat rate for live-in care. 15 years experience. 240-533-6599. 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. CERTIFIED LICENSED CAREGIVERS – Cooking, light housekeeping, companionship home, nursing homes, assistant living, hospitals and vacation travel. Doctors’ appointments. Call or text, 703-479-6425.

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.

Entertainment SCHEDULED BUS SERVICE TO HORSESHOE CASINO Baltimore & the Maryland Live! Casino from Northern Virginia. Contact Dulles Tours at 703-592-9905 or visit www.dullestours.com. PICKLEBALL: IDEAL GAME FOR SENIORS. Courts can be set up in 30’x 50’ space and/or tennis courts can be lined. For fee lessons and/or equipment, go to www.pickelballcraze.com or call (703) 281-2899.

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

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

Notices

LEISURE WORLD® - $235,000. 2BR 2FB “K” in Villa Cortese. Table space kitchen, huge enclosed balcony, treetop view, 1353 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LIVE-IN STUDIO APARTMENT FULLTIME. Assist in housework and light farm work. Need a license to drive. Background and reference check required. Phone: 301-349-5274 and 240-308-2947. Dickerson, MD.

This new section is for readers to announce items of interest. Place notices of anniversaries, marriages, new grandchildren, even funerals or obituaries.

LEISURE WORLD® - $259,000. 2BR 2FB “EE” model in “Vantage Point West.” Open floor plan, upgraded kitchen, separate dining room. Spacious enclosed balcony. 1260 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $279,000. 2BR 2FB “FF” model in “Vantage Point East.” Open table space kitchen, separate dining room, enclosed balcony. 1305 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $300,000. 3BR 2FB “L” in “Greens.” Rarely available, with garage + 2 storage rooms, spacious living and dining rooms, enclosed balcony with 2-tiered verticals, close to elevator. 1610 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $289,900. 3 BR 2 FB CABOT patio home, 1-car garage, part of garage converted to breakfast room, fireplace in living room, new carpet. Utilities included in condo fee. 1193 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $175,000. 2BR 2FB “J” model in “Greens.” 2 BR 2FB “J” in “The Greens.” Golf course view from enclosed balcony, new paint and carpet. 1317 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $269,000. 2BR + Den 2FB “K” in “Greens.” Table space kitchen with large pantry/storage, balcony open to living room and both bedrooms. 1480 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $132,000. 2BR 2FB “E” in “Fairways.” Move-in ready, new paint and carpet, close to the elevator, across from the exit to the grassy area. 980 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $319,000. 3 BR 2-1/2 BA “N” in “Greens.” Garage space included. Table space kitchen with quartz counter tops, enclosed balcony opens from kitchen and living room. 1615 sq ft. Stan Moffson. Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. NEWLY RENOVATED BASEMENT APT in cozy Brookland and CUA area. Quiet, safe neighborhood close to Metro, bus line, and local hospitals. $875/month (utilities included). Nonsmoking/no pets allowed. Available immediately! If interested, contact Ms. Habermehl for details at 202-276-4958. PROFESSIONAL, SINGLE MAN, 70, shop owner, employed full-time, seeks apartmentsharing or house-sharing with single person or couple. Home, 301-253-3061, cell, 240-938-9694. RENTAL IN LEISURE WORLD. Furnished room in lovely townhome. Female- 55+, nonsmoker. Utilities included. Available 9/1/15. Call 301-598-4433. $850 per month. FEMALE RENTER FOR FURNISHED ROOM. Gaithersburg, Watkins Mill High School. Shared bathroom, kitchen, laundry, parking. bus route. Available 8/15. $900/mo. Down payment. No pets. Call 301-963-4053. NEW WOMEN’S HOUSE-SHARE ... TWO OPENINGS in charming Takoma Park, MD. Beautiful 3-story gingerbread house overlooking woods with stream. Opportunity for two separate, very sweet, outgoing, single, 45-75 y.o. women to join kind owner, for a household with warmth, fun, depth, integrity, political progressive worldviews, beliefs/interests in God (as you define), mature interpersonal skills, household friendships (not just room-renting). 1st chosen helps find/choose 2nd. Share: table-space kitchen, open-space living/dining room, fireplace, half bath, deck with pay-peruse hot tub, another sitting area, front porch, yard (gardening possible); Washer/Dryer, Central Air, Internet, FIOS-TV, free parking. Metro: 20 min walk (Ride-On: 12). Plus: newly-painted/carpeted, unfurnished, with private full bathroom, closet: Choose: Suite w/ tall windows, private kitchen & wide porch adjoining yard: $995. Or 12’x12’ upper floor bedroom, street/woods views: $595. Deposit + shared utilities additional. One minimal rent/assistance barter possible. No pets, smoking, live-in beaus. Start Sept. 1 or later in 2015. Prefer 2-yr. minimum. Please email to request full description. If still interested, email your detailed self-description (in relation to household description) ASAP, to CircleWoodsHome@gmail.com and please spread the word!

LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 36. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors.

For Sale KING DAVID CEMETERY PLOTS – 4 available. Lots 161 and 162. $2,500 each. Much cheaper than purchasing from source. Call Mike, 301-977-0969. 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. BOOKCASES, RECORDS, CHINAWARE crystal. Copper items, books, knitting and sewing items, sheet music. Call between 9AM to 11AM. 202-265-0882.

Health CURRENT OR FORMER SMOKERS OVER 60: Test our website. Seeking input to improve a quit-smoking website. Participants will be compensated. 1-hour time commitment. Sessions to be held during business hours on Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Friday, Aug. 28 in Southeast D.C. Call 240399-8447 or email focusgroups@blhtech.com for more information. Limited space.

Home/Handyman Services BILL’S LIGHT HAULING. Garage, basement, attic cleanouts. Junk to the dump, yard debris, storm damage, etc. No job too small. Call Bill, 240-876-1206. HARRY O PAINTING. INTERIOR/EXTERIOR painting. Power washing, dry wall repairs. MHIC# 50427. Free estimates, 301-948-1045. Serving MD/DC for twenty-five years.

Miscellaneous THE GOLDEN NETWORK offers Jewish seniors and retirees a variety of engaging programs, including lectures, classes, one-on-one learning in person and by phone, concerts, singalongs and more! For more information and details about upcoming events, call 301-732-1773, email info@goldennetwork.org, or see goldennetwork.org. CLOCK AND WATCH APPRAISAL SERVICES of Northern Virginia, LLC offers in-home appraisal services in the Metro DC area. Appraisals for insurance, equitable distribution, donation and estate matters. Member of ISA and USPAPS certified. 845-325-5071 or ClockAppraisal@wildblue.net.

ROSEMARIE CASASSA RIDINGS (AGE 81) of Herndon, VA passed on July 14, 2015. Beloved wife of late Albert L. Ridings. Loving mother of Albert L. (Mary) Ridings Jr. of Inwood, WV and John (Laura) Ridings of Sterling, VA. Also survived by grandchildren, Jacob, Amanda, Amber, and Patrick, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. A celebration of life will be held August 8, 2015 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Arbor Terrace of Herndon, 1100 Dranesville Rd., Herndon, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations suggested to American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 (www.cancer.org). Information and condolences at www.adamsgreen.com.

Personals HUSBAND OF BRAIN-INJURED WOMAN seeks Long-Term Relation with Marriage in Mind. In my late 60s, DC area, active and fit, gentleman. Wife in accident 2 years ago with major brain injury, mental and physical abilities poor, no communication or companionship. Relation reduced to caregiver. No immediate divorce now, but want relation with good lady. Marriage likely. Race irrelevant. Please contact Paul at saver7777@aol.com. VERY ACTIVE (75 YEARS) WIDOW LADY. Educated, history buff, enjoys reading, long walks, watching old films and college football on TV, some travel. I am 5ft. 3in. without shoes. 112 pounds. Others can decide if I’m pretty. I can state that I am not homely. Seeking an educated, Caucasian (75-80) gentle man companion (preferably a widower in the DC area) who enjoys life, has a good sense of humor and who is financially secure.

Personal Services READY TO DE-CLUTTER? Sort, donate, discard. Reasonable rates. Call Jan, 301-933-7570. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike, 301-565-4051. VIRGINIA PARIS SHUTTLE – PICK UP & DELIVERY service. If you need boxes, small furniture, appliances, packages or other items delivered to you or to another location, call Mr. Penn, 703-896-2545. “Spring Cleaning Time.” CHERYL’S ORGANIZING CONCEPTS LLC – Professional Organizing Services. Help with all aspects of home organizing. Experienced – References – Member NAPO. All work confidential. Licensed – Bonded. $25 discount on initial appointment. www.CherylsOrganizing.com. 301-916-9022. WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854. HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS. Housekeeping, laundry, cooking, errands. Excellent references. Damascus area. 301-253-6470. HONEST AND RELIABLE WOMAN looking to clean your house. Available immediately. Rates are negotiable. Please call Lori, 202-2719231.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SHARE YOUR COMPUTER KNOW-HOW

Volunteer to be a computer lab assistant at the Little River Glen Senior Center one hour per week at 4001 Barker Ct., Fairfax, Va. For more information, call (703) 324-5406 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults.

Ongoing

FREE NATIONAL ART GALLERY LECTURES

The department of adult programs at the National Gallery of Art will hold a lecture series in conjunction with the exhibit “Gustave Caillebotte: The Painter’s Eye.” It is the first major U.S. exhibition for the artist’s work in 20 years. Programs are free, and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. The series takes place twice a week through Aug. 30 at the National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Lectures start at 1 or 2 p.m. depending on the date. For more information, call (202) 8426864 or visit www.nga.gov.

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

Wanted WE BUY JEWELRY, SILVER, GOLD, AND COSTUME. Coins, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-6587954. OLD AND NEW, WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plate. Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY. STERLING SILVER... TOP DOLLAR paid for silver marked “Sterling,” “925” or “800.” Want flatware, bowls, plates, candlesticks, etc. Please, no silver plate. Call Richard, 301646-0101.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Wanted HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, ESTATES. I have been advertising in the Beacon for 20 years. Montgomery County resident – will travel to D.C., MD, VA. Buying following items: Furniture, art, jewelry, gold, sterling silver, old coins, vintage pocket and wrist watches, old tools, books, camera, military items – guns, rifles, knives, pocket knives, swords etc. Also buying: old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, photographs, autographs, musical instruments, guitars, violins, etc. Also old sports memorabilia and equipment – baseball, golf, football, fishing etc. Please call Tom at 240-476-3441.

CASH FOR RECORDS & CDs. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED. Free appraisals. All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301-646-5403. Will make house calls.

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.

BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-464-0958.

STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301-309-3622. Stampex1@gmail.com.

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 301654-0838.

Classifieds cont. on p. 61.

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 Clinical Research Studies

Diabetes Clinical Study . . .27 High Cholesterol Study . . . .27 IDEAL Healthy Aging Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Computer Classes

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

Dental Services

Friedman, Stephen, DDS . .20 Oh, Judy DDS . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Employment/ Volunteers

Career Gateway . . . . . . . . .41 Interages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Widow Care . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Events

Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . .3 Mardi Gras in September . .14

Financial Services

Children’s National . . . . . . .39 Jefferson Mortgage Group, LLC . . . . . . . . . . .39 Mortgage Center of America, Inc. . . . . . . . .41

Funeral Services

Fram Monuments . . . . . . . .39 Going Home Cremation . . .46

Government Services

DC Office on Aging . . . .31-34 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services . . . . . . . .18

Montgomery County Information & Services/311 . . . . . . . . . . .57

Hearing Services

Auditory Services, Inc . . . .35 Family Hearing Services . . .13 Sound Hearing Centers . . . .17

Home Health Care

Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . .36 Elder Caring . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Liv Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Options for Senior America 38

Housing

Affordable Housing Wait List (HOC) . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Arbor Terrace of Herndon . .21 Arden Courts . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Ashby Ponds/Erickson .22, 60 Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . .15, 24 Charter House . . . . . . . . . . .29 Chesterbrook Residences . .23 Churchill Senior Living . . .18 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . . .55 Friendship Terrace . . . . . . .42 Greenspring/Erickson . .22, 60 Homecrest House . . . . . . . .16 Kentlands Manor . . . . . . . .16 Olney Assisted Living . . . . .55 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Potomac Place . . . . . . . . . . .44 Quantum Property Management . . . . . . . . . . .40 Riderwood/Erickson . . .22, 60 Ring House . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Solana of Olney, The . . . . .22

Springvale Terrace . . . . . . .26 Tribute at Heritage Village .17 Vinson Hall Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Virginian, The . . . . . . . . . . .64 Waltonwood . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Quinn’s Auction Galleries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . .56 Second Time Around (Book) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 WOW! Computer . . . . . . . .54

Legal Services

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Eleff Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Law Firm of Evan Farr . . . .38 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof .41 Legal Counsel for the Elderly . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Medical/Health

Cologuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Compression Stockings . . .25 Dupont Laser Institute . . . . .5 HealthQare Associates . . . .13 Medical Eye Center . . . . . .28 Stem Cell Arts . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Pharmacies

CVS/pharmacy . . . . . . . . . .30 Rite Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Real Estate Services

Long & Foster/Eric Stewart 43 Long & Foster/ Inderjeet Jumani . . . . . . . . .7 Weichert/Douglas Brasse . .23 Weichert/Sue Heyman . . . .36

Restaurants

Original Pancake House . . .53 Wrap2Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Retail/Pawn/Auction

Four Sales LTD . . . . . . . . . .38 Jacuzzi Walk-In Tub . . . . . .58

Communicare Health . . . . .25 Health South Rehab Hospital . . . . . . . . .18 Manor Care Health Services . . . . . . . . .26 Village at Rockville . . . . . .28

Subscriptions

Beacon Subscription . . . . . .61 Washington Jewish Week . .48

Theatre/ Entertainment

Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . .52 Wolftrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Tour & Travel

Eyre Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Festive Holidays . . . . . . . . .49 Potomac Eagle . . . . . . . . . .51 Tripper Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 US Navy Memorial . . . . . . .53 Vamoose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Utilities

Pepco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 19 Verizon DC Lifeline Program . . . . . . .44

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