March 2013 Baltimore Beacon Edition by The Beacon Newspapers

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So many ways to keep learning

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SOLBERG

By Carol Sorgen When Susan Solberg left her position as Bryn Mawr’s Upper School director last summer, she wanted to retire “from the clock” — not from living and learning. “I didn’t really want to retire,” said Solberg, 58, a resident of northern Baltimore County. “I just didn’t want be tied to the academic calendar or working 60 hours a week anymore.” Solberg gave a lot of thought to what she did want to do with her time and, not surprisingly, decided she still wanted to be involved in education, but now on her own terms. A young colleague told her about a New York-based outfit called Brooklyn Brainery, billed as “cheap classes on anything and everything in NYC.” Solberg contacted the group, inquiring about franchise opportunities, but while the Brainery wasn’t equipped for that, it inspired Solberg to look into starting something similar in Baltimore. The result? Mesh Baltimore (www.meshbaltimore.com), a lifelong learning adventure that doesn’t require a longterm commitment. The impetus behind Mesh Baltimore was Solberg’s interest in both learning and community-building. “I wanted to offer accessible opportunities for people to learn new things with their neighbors,” she explained. Solberg calls Mesh “risk-free learning,” where you get to try something you might never do otherwise. Like spinning yarn. “I have no interest in doing that on a fulltime basis, but I was interested to see what it was all about,” said Solberg, who did just that at one of Mesh Baltimore’s first “SkillShare” events. These are held approximately every six weeks from 1 to 4 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon (the next one is scheduled for March 2) at Digital Harbor High School. At each event, at least 12 different 55minute mini-classes are offered — four unique classes taught concurrently, offered in three time blocks, one after the other. The cost is $20 and you sign up for the event, not individual classes. Examples of previous classes range from creating a water garden, to finding treasures and scoring deals at auctions, to WordPress (a free service for creating websites and blogs) for beginners. At the last SkillShare event, held in January, near-

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

Taking a multi-generation vacation in Orlando; plus, what to watch out for with non-refundable hotel deals page 22

Susan Solberg founded Mesh Baltimore to provide adults an easy way to learn new skills — from antiquing to spinning yarn — through one-time classes taught by their peers. Other outside-the-classroom learning opportunities include Meetup groups, and the Elderhostel Lifelong Learning Institute at Charlestown.

ly 60 people of all ages registered for the 17 mini-classes offered. In our “virtual” times, is there a need and desire for something like Mesh? Solberg believes so. “Yes, you can learn to knit by watching a video on YouTube,” she said, “but you can’t ask that video a question or connect with anyone personally. “I think we yearn to connect with others in ways beyond the workplace, and to meet people who see the world the way that we do,” Solberg added. To register for the upcoming SkillShare event, visit www.meshbaltimore.com.

standably a big part of his life, and a love that he enjoys sharing with others, especially other boomers. Kelly, who is 61 and lives in West Baltimore, laments the fact that radio stations are now aiming to appeal to younger audiences (“We’ve been kicked to the curb!”), and the music of the ‘60s and ‘70s that he grew up with is no longer played on the airwaves. Kelly decided to fill that void with the help of Meetup (www.meetup.com) — an online forum that helps people with similar interests find each other, plan meetings and form local clubs in communities around the world. Currently, there are

Finding fellow travelers For DJ Reginald Kelly, music is under-

See LEARNING page 21

ARTS & STYLE

Dance Baltimore honors two area “dance treasures;” plus, remembering Baltimore’s bygone department stores page 26

FITNESS & HEALTH 3 k Reasons to avoid growth hormone k Best 100-calorie snacks LAW & MONEY 14 k Don’t overpay your 2012 taxes k Veterans beware “advocates” VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS k Rescuing unwanted pets

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Sober reflections Whenever I write about my parents Add in the occasional lengthy hospital (Dad is 92, Mom is 83), I get a larger-than- stay and difficult rehab necessitated by an usual number of comments infection or a broken hip, and from readers. Many identify you start to understand why a with me as the “adult child” long-lived individual might trying to help my parents come to see his later years as cope. Others identify with my an extended rehearsal for the parents and what they are final scene. going through at that moSometimes he gets tired of ment. it all. And yet, my dad continMy January column generues to show a feisty spirit and ated a particularly large numto push ahead with all his ber of comments, some of strength, despite his occawhich I want to share with FROM THE sionally sober reflections. you. For those who may have PUBLISHER The other day, I was the missed that column, I’ll sum- By Stuart P. Rosenthal moderator of a program atmarize it by saying it was a distended by representatives of cussion of my reaction to my father’s recent various activist groups. A well-dressed comment about “how hard it is to die.” gentleman approached me to say he had Dad’s complaint didn’t reflect a suicide read my column and understood what my wish, but rather a general malaise at hav- father was talking about. ing to spend so much of his time and enerI asked if he felt the same way, and he gy feeding himself through a stomach said yes, he did. Turns out he is 89 years tube, taking multiple medications, and re- old, appears to be in excellent shape, and peatedly visiting a bevy of doctors. is one of the activists who had arranged

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the program that day. When I asked why he, like my father, was preoccupied with death, he said he used to think of setbacks as temporary, and would plan with gusto for the future. But at 89, he couldn’t help but think of the clock as running out. The closing off of the future affected his attitude toward everything he did. After the program, during which it was mentioned that I serve as chair of the Maryland Commission on Aging, the same fellow approached me and asked how many years people serve on that commission. I said a term is four years and members can serve a maximum of two. He then asked if there were any vacancies, as he was interested in applying! When I inquired how his interest in such a commitment jibed with his earlier comments, he said with a laugh, “well, you have to keep moving ahead!” Speaking of the Commission, I give a lift each month to an 80-year-old commissioner whose worsening glaucoma prevents him from driving to our meetings. I asked his opinion on my father’s comment, and he gave a similar response. “It hurts, it hurts bad, not to be able to see well enough to get around independently or to travel around the world like I used to,” he said. “My life is not the same; I can no longer run from early till late leading meetings or reading books for hours. But I can’t let it stop me altogether.” The world was shocked recently to hear Pope Benedict XVI announce his intention to resign the papacy at the end of February. The 86-year-old pontiff, who finds it

difficult to walk and is said to have arthritis, said he felt it was time to leave public life “for the good of the Church.” When you think about it, being pope is probably one of the most demanding jobs in the world. I don’t think anyone would fault him for deciding to retire to a life of contemplation out of the public eye. But I can’t help but think this would be a difficult transition for almost anyone. You’ll see below a letter to the editor I received from a reader in response to my January column. I happen to agree with the author’s point that we should open up a conversation about dying, and not make those with a terminal illness feel they must continue difficult treatments that only prolong the inevitable. But for all of the people described above, the issue isn’t terminal illness — it’s chronic conditions that may never, of themselves, end their lives. To me, that’s a very different matter. As a wit once said of the human condition, “we’ll never get out of this alive.” Life itself is a terminal condition. Part of the mystery of it is exactly when and how it will come to an end. And that uncertainty alone can make dying “hard.” If you would like to share your thoughts on these reflections, please send them to: Stuart Rosenthal, The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 or email stuart@theBeaconNewspapers.com. Or stop and chat next time you see me.

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

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Contributing Editor ..........................Carol Sorgen • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ............Steve Levin, ........................................................................Jill Joseph

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions:

The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

Dear Editor: I’m thrilled with the calls I’ve been getting from Beacon readers thanks to the article about me [“Photographer captures old movie theaters,” Feb. 2013]. In the two weeks since the paper came out, I’ve already heard from eight people with good stories to share about their favorite theaters. One very kind man even had some rare photos to share. Yippee! Amy Davis Flickering Treasures Baltimore Dear Editor: In response to Mr. Rosenthal’s January editorial on his father: Your father tried to talk to you about his end-of-life wishes. Yes, like many elderly

people in this country, he was tired of life, but was not permitted to die gracefully. Unfortunately, you ignored his wishes, maybe from love, maybe from fear. He fought against previous setbacks, but have you considered that he may have had enough? It would serve your readers well if you would open a discussion on choices in dying, from those who want to struggle for life as long as possible to those who, after a long life, want relief from the pain and indignity of treatment that does not cure, but just prolongs. Nick Sheridan Baltimore [Editor’s Note: See this month’s From the Publisher column.]

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

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ONE-SHOT FLU VACCINES? Researchers are testing a vaccine that offers long-lasting flu protection

Health Fitness &

MIGRAINES AND MEMORY Frequent migraine headaches don’t appear to boost the risk for dementia NOT SO SWEET Fructose can trigger brain changes that may lead to overeating FRUIT FALSEHOODS Don’t believe those who say fruit shouldn’t be eaten with other foods

More older adults using growth hormone Off-label usage has dangers, few benefits By David B. Caruso and Jeff Donn A federal crackdown on illicit foreign supplies of human growth hormone has failed to stop rampant misuse, and instead has driven record sales of the drug by some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies, an Associated Press investigation shows. The crackdown, which began in 2006, reduced the illegal flow of unregulated supplies from China, India and Mexico. But since then, major drug companies have been satisfying the steady desires of U.S. users and abusers, including many who take the drug in the false hope of delaying the effects of aging. From 2005 to 2011, inflation-adjusted sales of human growth hormone (HGH) were up 69 percent, according to an AP analysis of pharmaceutical company data collected by the research firm IMS Health. Sales of the average prescription drug rose just 12 percent in that same period. Peddled as an elixir of life capable of turning middle-aged bodies into lean machines, HGH — a synthesized form of the growth hormone made naturally by the human pituitary gland — winds up in the eager hands of affluent, aging users who hope to slow or even reverse the aging process. Experts say these folks don’t need the

drug, and may be harmed by it. The supposed fountain-of-youth medicine can cause enlargement of breast tissue, carpal tunnel syndrome, and swelling of hands and feet. Ironically, it also can contribute to ailments of aging, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Prescribed illegally First marketed in 1985 for children with stunted growth, HGH was soon misappropriated by adults intent on exploiting its modest muscle- and bone-building qualities. Congress limited HGH distribution to a handful of rare conditions (growth defects in children and certain hormonal conditions) in an extraordinary 1990 law, overriding the generally unrestricted right of doctors to prescribe medicines as they see fit. Despite the law, however, illicit HGH spread around the sports world in the 1990s, making deep inroads into bodybuilding, college athletics and professional leagues from baseball to cycling. (Consider Lance Armstrong’s recent revelations.) The even larger banned market among older adults has flourished more recently. Anti-aging HGH regimens vary greatly, with a yearly cost typically ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 for three to six self-injec-

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tions per week. Across the U.S., the medication is often dispensed through prescriptions based on improper diagnoses, carefully crafted to exploit wiggle room in the law restricting use of HGH, the AP found. Last year, U.S. pharmacies processed 340,000 orders for HGH, a whopping $1.4 billion worth. That’s nearly double the number of prescriptions that would be expected from legitimate patients of HGH. So, about half of those sales likely went to patients not legally entitled to get the drug. The No. 1 manufacturer, Roche subsidiary Genentech, had nearly $400 million

in HGH sales in the U.S. last year, up an inflation-adjusted two-thirds from 2005. Pfizer and Eli Lilly were second and third with $300 million and $220 million in sales, respectively, according to IMS Health. Members of the medical establishment are also taking a fat piece of the profits — doctors who fudge prescriptions, as well as pharmacists and distributors who are content to look the other way. HGH is often promoted on the Internet with the same kind of before-and-after photos found in miracle diet ads, along with See GROWTH HORMONE, page 5

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Health Shorts Advances in flu vaccines The annual scramble to get a flu vaccination may one day be a thing of the past. In a first for an infectious disease, a flu vaccine has been made out of messenger RNA (mRNA), the genetic material that controls protein production. What’s more, the new vaccine primes immune cells to kill the flu virus over an extended period and can potentially protect against all strains of the virus. We’re protected from flu when our immune system learns to recognize the HA

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

and NA proteins that coat the virus. But flu evolves and those proteins change, so we have no immunity to subsequent strains. For this reason, a new vaccine must be made each year. This takes six months, so manufacturers have to guess which strains will be around the following winter. Lothar Stitz, of the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute in Riems Island, Germany, has gotten around these hurdles. He focused on the viral mRNA that controls the production of HA and NA. When our immune cells encounter this mRNA, they translate it into proteins that are recognized as foreign, generating an immune response. The mRNA can be mass-produced as a vaccine within a few weeks, according to the study reported in Nature Biotechnology. In trials, Stitz’s team found that mRNA vaccines for common flu strains rapidly in-

duced protective levels of antibodies. Better still, the mRNA, unlike HA and NA, induced a response in immune cells such as killer T-cells. They recognize and keep attacking flu viruses even after they have evolved to evade antibodies. Stitz has also tested an mRNA vaccine to a flu protein which does not vary between strains. The mRNA protected animals against a seasonal human flu strain and H5N1 bird flu, suggesting that a well-chosen mRNA vaccine could give long-term protection against all flu strains. — New Scientist

Eating disorders in women over 50 Eating disorders, a condition typically associated with young women, may be more prevalent among older women, according to research from the University of North Carolina published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. Researchers evaluated 1,800 U.S. women who took part in the Gender and Body Image Study. Among the female subjects over the age of 50, about 27 percent were obese, 29 percent were overweight, 42 percent were normal weight, and 2 percent were underweight. The study found that about 4 percent of the women binge eat, about 8 percent purge, and 70 percent diet to lose weight. In addi-

tion, 36 percent spent at least half of their time in the last five years dieting, 41 percent check their body size daily, and 40 percent weigh themselves at least twice a week. Strikingly, 62 percent said body weight negatively impacts their life, 79 percent report it affects their self-image, and 64 percent think about their weight daily. — Environmental Nutrition

New sweetener from an old fruit Legend has it that the monk fruit, commonly called by its Chinese name, luo han guo or luo han kuo, gained its name from the Buddhist monks who cultivated the fruit centuries ago in southern China. It provided folk remedies for numerous ailments. Monk fruit is now making its debut in the U.S., appearing in a range of products, from granola to cocktails. This small, dark-green melon contains an intensely sweet compound called mogroside, which is the star ingredient in this new generation sweetener. Today, people are searching for healthy, natural alternatives to sugars and artificial sweeteners; thus, monk fruit’s sweetening capabilities come at the perfect time. BioVittoria, a food company in New Zealand, developed an extraction process to capture monk fruit’s mogroside, which in its pure See HEALTH SHORTS, page 6

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leading industry critic who does aging research at Boston University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a marketing dream come true.â&#x20AC;? While the operations insist there are few, if any, side effects from HGH, mainstream medical authorities say otherwise. A 2007 review of 31 medical studies showed swelling in half of HGH patients, with joint pain or diabetes in more than a fifth. A French study of about 7,000 people who took HGH as children found a 30 percent higher risk of death from causes like bone tumors and stroke, stirring a health advisory from U.S. authorities. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AP

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While doctors say more than 90 percent of legitimate patients are children with stunted growth, 40 percent of 442 U.S. side-effect cases tied to HGH over the last year involved people age 18 or older, according to an AP analysis of FDA data. The average adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age in those cases was 53, far beyond the prime age for sports. The oldest patients were in their 80s. Some of these medical records even give explicit hints of use to combat aging, justifying treatment with reasons like fatigue, bone thinning and â&#x20AC;&#x153;off-label,â&#x20AC;? which means treatment of an unapproved condition Even Medicare, the government health program for older Americans, allowed 22,169 HGH prescriptions in 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a fiveyear increase of 78 percent, according to data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in response to an AP public records request. And those figures donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t include HGH sold directly by doctors without prescriptions at scores of anti-aging medical practices and clinics around the country. Those numbers could only be tallied by drug makers, who have declined to say how many patients they supply and for what conditions.

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wildly hyped claims of rapid muscle growth, loss of fat, greater vigor, and other exaggerated benefits to adults far beyond their physical prime. Sales also are driven by the personal endorsement of celebrities such as actress Suzanne Somers.

keters turn to images like the memorable one of pot-bellied septuagenarian Dr. Jeffry Life, supposedly transformed into a ripped hulk of himself by his own program available at the upscale Las Vegas-based Cenegenics Elite Health. (He declined to be interviewed for this article.) These promoters of HGH say there is a connection between the drop-off in growth hormone levels through adulthood and the physical decline that begins in late middle age. Replace the hormone, they say, and the aging process slows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy ruse. People equate hormones with youth,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Tom Perls, a

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From page 3

by five to 10 years in prison. Still many older patients go for HGH treatment to anti-aging practices and clinics heavily concentrated in retirement states like Florida, Nevada, Arizona and California. These sites are affiliated with hundreds of doctors who are rarely endocrinologists. Instead, many tout certification by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, though the medical establishment does not recognize the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bona fides. The clinics offer personalized programs of â&#x20AC;&#x153;age managementâ&#x20AC;? to business executives, affluent retirees, and other patients of means, sometimes coupled with the amenities of a vacation resort. For proof that the drug works, mar-

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MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Health shorts From page 4 form is 300 times sweeter than sugar. The fruit is crushed, mixed with hot water, filtered and spray-dried to form a sweet, zero-calorie powder called FruitSweetness, which now is used in a number of foods and beverages. While the Chinese believed monk fruit contained a “longevity factor,” the scientific research on the fruit’s potential benefits is still very young. There is preliminary laboratory evidence that monk fruit and its compounds, including mogroside, display anti-cancer and antioxidant activities. One 2009 cell study performed by Chinese researchers found that mogroside might have potential benefits for diabetes, in that it has a low glycemic index and may stimulate insulin secretion; in addition, two earlier studies found potential anti-diabetic effects in mice from mogroside. However, much more research needs to occur before any recommendations can be made regarding monk fruit extract’s possible health benefits. — Environmental Nutrition

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Lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease may be as easy as drinking green tea. Studies suggest this light, aromatic tea may lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which may be responsible for the tea’s association with reduced risk of death from heart disease and stroke. A number of studies have looked at possible links between green tea and cardiovascular disease. A study of 40,530 Japanese adults found that participants who drank more than five

cups of green tea a day had a 26 percent lower risk of death from heart attack or stroke and a 16 percent lower risk of death from all causes than people who drank less than one cup of green tea a day. In 2011, a meta-analysis of observational studies — 13 conducted in green tea drinkers and five in black tea drinkers — found that people who drank the most green tea had a 28 percent lower risk of coronary artery disease than those who drank the least green tea. Black tea had no effect on heart risk. Another 2011 meta-analysis of 14 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials found that green tea significantly lowered LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Many of the studies had been conducted with capsules containing catechins, the active polyphenols in green tea, rather than with the beverage itself. “The limited data available on green tea support a potential association between green tea and beneficial properties in relationship to risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” said Kathy McManus, director of the department of nutrition at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass. Although no serious side effects were reported in the studies, catechins have been reported to raise liver enzymes in animals. Green tea is also a major source of oxalate, which can cause kidney stones. This suggests that drinking more than five cups of green tea a day (or taking the equivalent in catechin capsules) might have more risks than benefits. When consumed wisely, though, green tea may improve your cardiovascular health. “The bottom line is that no serious red flags were seen in the amount of tea they were testing. It appears that a few cups a day may be beneficial,” said McManus. — Harvard Heart Letter

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Do migraines boost risk for dementia? By Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson and Dr. Michael Craig Miller Q. I have frequent migraine headaches. Does this increase my risk of memory loss or dementia? A. This is a logical question, given that some studies have linked migraine headaches to an increased risk of sympto-

matic stroke as well as “silent” stroke. Multiple “silent” or unnoticed strokes may lead to progressive memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia. Your question is particularly important for women, since they are more likely to have migraine headaches than men, and they also have a higher prevalence of de-

BEACON BITS

Feb. 21+

FREE SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM Northwest Hospital is offering Up in Smoke, a free six-week smok-

ing cessation program funded by the Baltimore County Health Department on Thursdays, Feb. 21 to March 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the hospital’s Education Center in Randallstown. The program includes nicotine replacement

mentia. Fortunately, findings from the Women’s Health Study are reassuring on this topic. The Women’s Health Study is a randomized, prospective study involving 39,876 U.S. female health professionals ages 45 and older. In 1998, a subset of 6,377 women ages 65 and older were tested for memory and reasoning (cognition), and asked about past or current migraine headaches. These women were followed for an average of three and a half years. Those who had migraine were not at greater risk for cognitive decline compared with those who did not have migraine. Although the study had a short follow-

up period, it involved a very large number of women, giving its conclusions heft. It should be reassuring to you and other women who have migraines. Nevertheless, don’t give up any measures you are taking to reduce your risk of stroke. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated cholesterol (especially LDL, or “bad” cholesterol), or if you are obese, work with your doctor to control these conditions. If you have atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm), ask your doctor if you are a candidate for drugs that prevent clots from forming. Make time for regular physical activity, See MIGRAINES, page 8

(gum, patches, lozenges), behavioral modification and support. Pre-registration is

Gentle Foot Care in Your Home

required. For more information or to register, call (410) 601-9355.

Feb. 28

Diabetic foot exams Corns/calluses Wound/infection care Toenail fungus

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Northwest Hospital and Seasons Hospices are sponsoring a monthly bereavement support group designed to provide support

through group interaction and grief education to persons grieving the death of a loved one. The next meeting will be held at the Hospital’s Education Center in Randallstown on Feb. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

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Quality Home Eye Care Visits For Beacon Readers Dr. Thomas Azman, O.D. is a Baltimore-based yet world renowned Low Vision Specialist dedicating his life to helping individuals of all ages who suffer from vision problems. For 38 years, Dr. Azman has provided unique comprehensive eye care to patients challenged by macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, Stargardt's, albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, obesity and any other condition affecting eyesight. Dr. Azman helps patients who have been told by their doctors that 'nothing' can be done to help their vision problems and that eyeglasses will not help them see any better. With an over

98% success rate, Dr. Azman has helped thousands of patients regain vision, independence and a quality of life they could only imagine. His patients now can drive, read their mail, write, paint, play cards, see a menu, recognize faces, watch TV, and enjoy live theater. Dr. Azman is known amongst his patients as the "Miracle Dr. Azman with home care patient Geraldine Soellner. Eye Doctor." You can be assured from your first phone Dr. Azman is available for home visits call, Dr. Azman and his personal staff throughout Maryland and Virginia. will treat you with respect, compassion, Call 1-888-343-6198 today for your and care. appointment.

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Migraines From page 7 aiming for 30 minutes of exercise a day. If you smoke, take measures to stop. Q: My elderly uncle can’t seem to recover from the loss of his dog. Is it

normal to grieve for months when a pet dies? When is it time to encourage him to seek mental health help? A: More than half of American households have pets. “Companion animals” are often considered part of the family. An elderly person may find special solace in the com-

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Ongoing

SUPPORT GROUP FOR ADULTS WITH LOW VISION Jewish Community Services (JCS) offers a support group for adults

with low vision. The ongoing group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Edward A. Myerberg Senior Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd. Participants hear informative speakers, learn about helpful resources, and gain support from people facing similar challenges. There is no fee, and new members are welcome. For more information, call Wendy Garson, LCSW-C, at (410) 843-7309 or email wgarson@jcsbaltimore.org.

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

pany of a pet after losing a spouse or friends. The attachment may be very strong. Not much research has been done about grief over losing a pet. The available evidence says that this grief is like any grief. It resembles the grieving of a close friend or family member. The grieving period varies. It can go on for weeks or several months. In one study, a third of those enrolled experienced grief for at least six months after a pet died. You should seek help when grieving interferes with the ability to function. (This applies whether the person is mourning the loss of a person or an animal.) In the study I just cited, only a small percentage of people could no longer function because of losing their pet. Is your uncle still getting out of bed in the morning? Is he eating regularly and other-

wise functioning? Then he may just need more time and understanding. He will probably navigate the grief process fine. Is the grief overwhelming his ability to care for himself? Then it may be time for him to consult a mental health clinician. Your uncle may welcome advice about how to heal. Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D., is editor in chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch. 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.) © 2013 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 10+

NEW VILLAGE PROGRAM DEBUTS

Northwest Neighbors Connecting (NNC), a volunteer support network to help people live in their home communities as long as possible, will unveil its program on Sunday, March 10, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pikesville Senior Center, 1301 Reisterstown Rd. NNC is comprised of individuals offering, as well as seeking, support in the Northern Park Heights area. Members will receive and provide an array of services such as transportation assistance, odd jobs done around the house, social events and check-in calls. Northwest Neighbors Connecting is a cross-cultural and intergenerational program committed to the needs of the community and sponsored by CHAI (Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.). All are welcome. For more information, call (410) NNCNNC-0 (410-662-6620) or email nncbaltimore@gmail.com.

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Some sugars block feeling of fullness By Marilynn Marchione Scientists have used imaging tests to show for the first time that fructose — a sugar that saturates the American diet — can trigger brain changes that may lead to overeating. After drinking a fructose beverage, the brain doesn’t register the feeling of being full as it does when simple glucose is consumed, researchers found. It’s a small study and does not prove that fructose or its relative, high-fructose corn syrup, can cause obesity. But experts say it adds evidence they may play a role. These sugars often are added to processed foods and beverages, and consumption has risen dramatically since the 1970s, along with obesity. A third of U.S. children and teens and more than twothirds of adults are obese or overweight. All sugars are not equal — even though they contain the same amount of calories — because they are metabolized differently in the body. Table sugar is sucrose, which is half fructose, half glucose. Highfructose corn syrup is 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose. Some nutrition experts say this sweetener may pose special risks, but others and the industry reject that claim. And doctors say we eat too much sugar in all forms.

MRI scans used For the study, scientists used magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scans to track blood flow in the brain in 20 young, normal-weight people before and after they had drinks containing glucose or fructose in two sessions several weeks apart. Scans showed that drinking glucose “turns off or suppresses the activity of areas of the brain that are critical for reward and desire for food,” said one study leader, Yale University endocrinologist Dr. Robert Sherwin. With fructose, “we don’t see those changes,” he said. “As a result, the desire to eat continues — it isn’t turned off.” What’s convincing, said Dr. Jonathan Purnell, an endocrinologist at Oregon Health & Science University, is that the imaging results mirrored how hungry the people said they felt, as well as what earlier studies found in animals. “It implies that fructose, at least with regards to promoting food intake and weight gain, is a bad actor compared to glucose,” said Purnell. He wrote a commentary that appears with the federally funded study in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers now are testing obese people to see if they react the same way to fructose and glucose as the normal-weight

, B Y P L AY I N G A G A M E, H E S W I N N I N G

T H E B I G G E ST B AT T L E O F H I S L I F E.

people in this study did. What to do? Cook more at home and limit processed foods containing fructose and high-fructose corn syrup, Purnell sug-

gested. “Try to avoid the sugar-sweetened beverages. It doesn’t mean you can’t ever have them,” but control their size and how often they are consumed, he said. — AP

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NEED A DOCTOR? THE INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE OF JASON GOODMAN, M.D., IS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.

A highly experienced internist who has been in practice for the past 13 years, Dr. Goodman received his medical degree and completed his residency training at University of Maryland. A Silver Spring native,

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OWINGS MILLS INTERNAL MEDICINE

private practice for seven

410-363-4900

years, after which he joined the University of Maryland. Most recently, he comes to St. Joseph from Mercy Medical Center. Owings Mills Internal Medicine is located at 5 Park Center At the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Neurological Rehabilitation Center at Sinai Hospital, we help people regain lost independence. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in a bike accident, Doug Eby could not stand or walk and his memory was severely impaired.

Court in Owings Mills. For a same-day appointment with Dr. Goodman, please call 410-363-4900. To find more University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Group physicians, visit stjosephmedicalgroup.com.

Our highly skilled team of therapists helped him regain his physical abilities and improve his cognitive skills. It hasn’t been easy, but Doug has made incredible progress and is working on returning to his job as a traffic engineer.

Learn more at www.lifebridgehealth.org/sinairehab 410-601-WELL (9355)

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Health Studies Page

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study aims to help elders remain at home By Carol Sorgen While most older adults prefer to live at home, difficulty in managing their activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing, often leads to their being moved to a nursing home. Frailty can leave them less able to tolerate the stress of illness, hospitalization and immobility. Common signs and symptoms of frailty include fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, and progressive decline in function. Frailty in older adults, and the disability that may result, is not only a concern for

the patients, but is also a major public health problem, particularly among low-income city-dwellers of color. Because of the high cost of nursing home care, as well as the emotional impact on residents forced to leave their homes, researchers are beginning to test innovative, cost-effective means to enhance ADLs and keep older adults in their communities. The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is currently conducting a research study to determine whether services that help with medications, muscle strengthening, pain management and home accessibility can

Sixth Annual Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards For Excellence and Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Aging and Quality of Life for Seniors Categories Trailblazer: An individual, community group, business or organization that has demonstrated leadership in advocacy or developed an innovative program, research or training for seniors. Visual or Performing Arts: An individual 60 or older, or a group (members must be 55 or older) who has demonstrated excellence in the visual or performing arts. Health and Vitality: An individual 60 or older, who demonstrates a commitment to healthy living, and who serves as a role model to others.

Nomination Information Select a category. Submit a nomination form (below) and a 500-word-or-less description or recommendation (why the nominee meets the criteria). Visual Arts nominations must be accompanied by photos, slides or a CD of artwork. Performing Arts nominations must be accompanied by a DVD or web link to a video sharing site (e.g., YouTube). Nominations that do not require supporting materials may be faxed to Wesley Wood at (410) 333-7943. Download additional nomination forms at www.aging.maryland.gov. For more information, call (410) 767-2075 or 1-800-243-3425.

Nomination Form Person or Group Nominated: Name:___________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:__________________________ Evening Phone:__________________________ Fax:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________ Category of nomination: ____________________________________________________________ Nominator Information: ❒ Self Nomination (check box if you are nominating yourself) Name:___________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:__________________________ Evening Phone:__________________________ Fax:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________ E-mail form with your recommendation (500 words or less) and supporting materials to: wwood@ooa.state.md.us

Or mail to: Mr. Wesley Wood Maryland Department of Aging Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards 301 W. Preston St., #1007 Baltimore, MD 21201

NOMINATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED OR E-MAILED BY APRIL 5, 2013

help improve older adults’ ability to walk and take care of themselves, while at the same time saving public health costs by reducing hospitalizations and nursing home admissions.

What the study offers The CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place — Advancing Better Living for Elders) study combines evidence-based nursing, occupational therapy and handyman components to see if these can help people live at home longer. Approximately 500 older adults are being recruited for the study. “It isn’t rocket science. Simply put, how you are able to live affects where you live. For older adults, living in poverty and a sub-par environment with chronic illness too often and too quickly leads to nursing home placement. “CAPABLE could help change that future to one of dignity and better health at home, not in a home,” said study director Sarah L. Szanton, PhD, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Study participants will be low-income adults 65 or older, principally AfricanAmerican, who have difficulty with some aspect of daily living, such as bathing, getting dressed and preparing meals.

The participants, who will be recruited from the Baltimore Department of Housing Energy Assistance Program, will be interviewed in their home and randomized to either the treatment (CAPABLE intervention) or control group. Participants in the treatment group will receive up to 10 in-home sessions — these will include six visits from an occupational therapist, four visits from a nurse, and up to $1,200 in safety and modification services from a licensed handyman. Services will be tailored to each participant’s risks and goals. Participants in the control group will receive an equivalent number and length of visits, which will consist of sedentary activities with a trained research assistant All participants will be reassessed in person at 16 and 52 weeks following the study. The primary objective of the study is to improve the ability of participants to complete activities of daily living without limitations. Additional objectives include increased mobility, health-related quality of life, and home safety. For more information or to refer yourself or someone you know for the study, contact: Sarah Szanto at (410) 502-2605 or sszanto1@jhu.edu, or Alice Delaney at (443) 287-1584 or adelane7@jhmi.edu.

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Ongoing

SUPPORT GROUPS FOR SURVIVORS OF ABUSE Local support groups are available for adult survivors of childhood

sexual abuse. For a list of local support groups in your area, contact Survivors of Incest Anonymous at www.siawso.org or (410) 893-3322.

STUDIES ON ANEMIA Are you 65 years or older? Have you been recently diagnosed with anemia? OR Have you had anemia in the past? en you may be interested in: “THE JOHNS HOPKINS registry of older adults with anemia” • Several new research studies are being designed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University speciﬁcally for older adults with anemia. • By volunteering to join our anemia registry, you will be kept up to date on anemia research studies that match your situation.

Call us at 410-550-2113 to join the Anemia Registry today! We can conduct the study in your home. No travel is required. If you choose to come to Bayview to participate, your parking will be paid.

We look forward to hearing from you! Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeremy Walston, MD. IRB application No: NA_00035307

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Evidence weak for ‘natural’ cold remedies By William Kormos, M.D. Q. I always catch colds during the winter and they last more than a week. I heard that zinc and echinacea help to shorten colds. Should I try them? A. As cold and flu season ramps up, we’re reminded how common the “common cold” truly is. The average adult experiences two to four colds per year, with symptoms that can linger seven to 10 days. Most colds get better without treatment, but many people searching for a shorter illness have turned to two “natural” therapies: echinacea and zinc.

Echinacea Laboratory studies have shown that substances in the echinacea flower and roots activate immune cells and block inflammation. This has spurred excitement about echinacea’s potential to shorten the duration of the common cold. Early studies suggested that echinacea reduced cold symptoms, but more recent research has not documented any benefit, including a study of 719 cold sufferers published in 2010. People in both the echinacea and the placebo group reported symptoms lasting for about the same period: seven days.

Zinc The element zinc has antiviral effects, including against rhinoviruses, which are the most common cause of colds.

Studies of zinc supplements for colds have been equally split, with half of the studies showing a benefit, and the other half showing no effect. Also, the zinc studies have a serious flaw: Zinc’s bad taste could alert people to the fact that they were taking the zinc lozenges rather than the inactive placebo version. This could have biased the results in favor of zinc working. A recent analysis combined the results of 17 studies that included over 2,000 people. It concluded that zinc shortened the duration of colds in adults by an average of 2.6 days. On the downside, zinc lozenges, besides leaving a bad taste in your mouth, can cause nausea.

Problems with all such studies It is difficult to interpret the medical research on vitamins and herbal supplements. The ingredients in supplements sold over the counter are not standardized, and there’s no requirement for quality control, so it’s hard to know for sure if you’re taking the same thing as people in the studies. However, there are now consumer agencies that will provide a “seal of approval” to indicate that the product has passed certain quality measures. Also, the people enrolled in these studies often have a variety of illnesses with differing levels of severity, making general conclusions difficult.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 9

BREAST HEALTH

Learn how breast cancer impacts you and those in your community. Hear from local physicians, nurses and other experts in the field. Connect with valuable resources. This free event is Saturday, March 9, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the new Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Dr. To learn more, call (410) 644-6440 or visit www.komenmd.org.

Finally, there’s a strong placebo effect in any study with self-reported symptoms as the outcome. In the echinacea study mentioned above, researchers compared a group that received no pills with a group that received placebo pills. The people who took the inactive placebo tended to have shorter and less severe symptoms than the people who took no pill at all. So, the evidence that echinacea fights colds is weak. Although zinc may shorten cold duration, it may leave you with a bad

taste in your mouth and a sick feeling in your stomach. The best treatment for colds may actually be prevention. Hand washing decreases the number of colds transmitted, and flu shots prevent about 80 percent of influenza cases in a typical year. — William Kormos, M.D., Editor in Chief, Harvard Men’s Health Watch © 2012. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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

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

CALL TODAY!

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease? Depressed? Are you or someone you know experiencing persistent aches, sad, anxious or empty feelings? Have you had a loss of appetite, increased irritability, restlessness or insomnia? We are conducting a research study to examine this and to see if a drug called venlafaxine may help people with Alzheimer’s Disease who are depressed.

To learn more about the study Call Jane Pollutra, RN at The Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center

410-550-4258 Approved October 15, 2012

Paul Rosenberg, M.D. JHU IRB Application #: NA_00066043

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

When your grandson wants to wear a skirt Dear Solutions: terms of who he will be in the future? My daughter, a recent widow, and her — Worried 5-year-old son have moved Dear Worried: in with me so I can take care It means he will be who he of him while she works full will be, and the less fuss and time. disapproval you show, the I don’t know whether we more chance he has of feeling have a problem or not. My good about himself no matter grandson keeps wanting to who he is in the future. wear a skirt. When I tell him It means you and his moththat boys wear pants and er should set only necessary girls wear skirts, he says limits — such as he can’t wear girls wear pants all the time, a skirt to school even if girls SOLUTIONS and he’s right, of course. do wear pants. Why? Because On Halloween he insisted By Helen Oxenberg, those are the rules. on going as a witch. Is there MSW, ACSW You might explain that something we should be there are other cultures doing now? What does this mean in where men wear skirts some of the time,

in posthospital care • Complex Medical Care • Intensive Rehabilitation

Thank you, ManorCare. “Everything was excellent at ManorCare Health Services, especially the rehab. The nursing staff and aides were really good, too. I’ve been to other rehab centers, and this is the only one I have been to where the physical therapy and occupational therapy work so closely together. I was very weak when I came here, but I am doing so much better now. If I do need therapy again, ManorCare will be my first choice.” – Vincent

For more information, please call the location nearest you or visit www.manorcare.com: Dulaney

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but not in this country. You could then buy him a Scottish kilt, so it will be both a skirt and a costume. You might explain to him that if he wears a skirt among other children they may think it’s silly and laugh at him, so he should think about how he would feel about that. After that, just answer his questions as he asks them, not before. Relax and accept him lovingly for who he is. If you or your daughter would feel more comfortable, you might consult a child psychologist for more advice. Dear Solutions: My daughter, who is very generous but has been out of work for a while now, kept offering to pay for a lovely vacation for me for an upcoming birthday. I thanked her but said no because I didn’t want her to spend the money when she’s not working. She got furious and started yelling at me that I never let her do anything for me. That’s not true anyway, but I’m confused about why she’s reacting this way. — Her Mom Dear Her Mom: Because she’s a grownup and it’s her money and her decision as to how she wants to spend it. When she yells, “You never let me do anything for you” she’s really also yelling, “You never let me feel good about myself” and “You never recognize that I’m

an adult and can make my own decisions.” There’s an art to giving. There’s also an art to receiving. Tell her you’ve thought about her offer and that vacation sounds really great and you’re excited about making plans for it. Then go — and enjoy. Dear Solutions: I have a friend who everyone agrees is very charming and delightful. She’s agreeable and flattering and great company. The trouble is it’s very deceiving, because she’ll volunteer to help out with projects and then at the last minute find an excuse not to do them. I’m confused because I don’t think she really means to be dishonest. Can you explain this? — Carol Dear Carol: Some people are charming but irresponsible. They’ll never be there for the crunch. They’ll disappear in a crisis. They want to be liked so they agree to everything, but they’re afraid to follow through. They’re afraid they can’t live up to the promise — and they’re right, they can’t. Enjoy your friend, but lower your expectations because you can’t count on her. © Helen Oxenberg, 2013. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Don’t believe myths you hear about fruit Q: I’ve heard that fruit should be able to digest them. eaten alone rather than with other And even if it did, undigested food passes foods. Is that true? out as waste material; it cannot A: No. You may see articles possibly turn into body fat. Exsuggesting a myriad of probcess body fat comes from just lems that stem from eating the opposite — more calories fruit along with other foods, consumed, digested and abbut none are based on science. sorbed than our bodies burn. One thing you may read is Fruit can be a filling appetizthat you cannot digest fruit if er to help limit calories at a other foods are present in meal, a delicious addition to salyour stomach at the same ads, and a satisfying way to end time, so the fruit ferments a meal on a sweet note. Don’t causing indigestion or heart- NUTRITION be afraid to combine fruit with WISE burn after a meal. whatever foods you want. This is absolutely untrue: By Karen Collins, Q: Popcorn is always recCarbohydrate digestion begins MS, RD, CDM ommended as a low-calorie with enzymes in the saliva and snack, so why do people continues as food passes make such a big deal about calories in through the stomach and then the intestine. movie theater popcorn? Enzymes that break down carbohydrate in A: Popcorn can be a low-calorie, highfruit are separate from those that break fiber snack. Three cups of air-popped popdown protein and fat. corn (a portion the size of three typical Eating different types of food together adult fists) contain just 90 calories (along does not inhibit digestion. The stomach with practically zero sodium and nearly 4 puts out large amounts of acid; food does grams of dietary fiber). not sit there rotting or fermenting. However, movie theater popcorn is quite You may also hear claims that fruit com- different: Portions tend to be huge, it’s bined with other foods leads to becoming popped in oil and often served with extra butoverweight because the body cannot di- tery topping. According to information from gest them. But this, too, is untrue. Mixing major movie theater chains, a “large” portion foods at a meal does not leave the body un- (often 17 to 20 cups) may contain 900 to 1,000

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tions like granola bars. But ideally, break the connection and focus on enjoying the movie. Some people may find sugarless gum helps ease this transition by providing something to chew — and it keeps you from saying “yes” if companions offer you some of their popcorn! 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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calories, and when the buttery topping is added, that can zoom up to about 1,500 calories. Cutting portion size helps, but even a theater “small” unbuttered portion contains 450-485 calories — which is like a whole extra meal. If you feel totally deprived going to a movie without getting popcorn, get one in the smallest size available, skip the extra butter, and share it with others. Or your theater may have some lower calorie snack op-

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MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Money Law &

DOING GOOD WITH $1,000 Become a philanthropist by setting up your own foundation fund for as little as $1,000, or consider supporting classrooms and young entrepreneurs DON’T DROP LIFE INSURANCE You can sell your life insurance policy for cash or other benefits if you need money now and don’t have to preserve the policy for heirs

What to expect when preparing 2012 taxes By Carole Feldman Taxpayers preparing to file their 2012 returns can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The alternative minimum tax (AMT) has been patched — permanently — and several tax credits and deductions that technically expired at the end of 2011 were extended as part of the fiscal cliff legislation that Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law in January. “It certainly puts back into place many of the tax benefits that had expired for many people,” said Mark Steber, chief tax officer with Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. But the delay in congressional action could mean confusion for some taxpayers over what credits and deductions still exist. That could make going it alone on tax day costly. Experts say people should seek some guidance — whether it’s from a professional tax preparer, up-to-date software programs, or tax guides — before filing returns. The Internal Revenue Service began accepting returns Jan. 30, an eight-day delay necessitated by the late congressional action. “We have worked hard to open tax season as soon as possible,” IRS Acting Commission-

er Steven T. Miller said in a statement. “This date ensures we have the time we need to update and test our processing systems.” The agency said most taxpayers — more than 120 million households — can file now. But filing for those claiming energy credits, depreciation of property, or general business credits will be delayed until late February or March.

Deductions and exemptions As people sit down to do their taxes this year, they’ll find that the standard deduction has been adjusted higher for inflation, to $11,900 for married couples filing jointly, $8,700 for heads of households, and $5,950 for single taxpayers. Each exemption (for taxpayers and their dependents) is worth $3,800 this year, up from $3,700 in 2011. Look expansively at dependents beyond your children under 19 (or 24 if in college). For example, if you’re paying more than half the support for your parents and their taxable income is less than the $3,800 exemption, you might be able to claim them as dependents even if they’re not living in your own home.

NOTICE TO SENIORS, VETERANS AND THE DISABLED What would you say if we told you – you don’t have to pay your credit card or medical bills? Most of our clients say, “ank you.” Living on Social Security, disability payments, pensions or veteran’s beneﬁts? Federal law states that your income cannot be taken to repay debts, even some student loans. Don’t endure frustrating calls and letters from collection agents. You can live worry-free as thousands of our clients do.

“When we say income over the exemption amount, we mean taxable income,” said Jackie Perlman, principal tax research analyst with H&R Block’s Tax Institute. “If a parent’s only income is Social Security, chances are little or none of the Social Security will be taxable. Otherwise, very few people would get to claim a parent.” Single taxpayers with qualified children or relatives as dependents also may be able to use head of household filing status, which is more advantageous to the taxpayer. There also are higher mileage rate deductions — 55.5 cents per mile if you use your car for business, 23 cents per mile for moving or medical issues, and 14 cents a mile for charity. Capital gains rates are unchanged from 2011 — a maximum of 15 percent for assets held more than a year. And don’t forget planning for retirement. You can contribute up to $5,000 to a traditional individual retirement account — $6,000 for people age 50 and older — and reduce their income by that amount. If you haven’t made a contribution yet, there’s still time. You have until April 15, 2013, the tax filing deadline.

The end-of-year legislation also breathed new life into deductions for state and local sales taxes and an array of education-related credits and deductions. Not to mention the AMT patch. “There was broad bipartisan agreement it had to be fixed,” Steber said. Originally set up to make sure millionaires were paying taxes, increasing numbers of middle-class taxpayers are now being caught up in the AMT. The tax has been adjusted for inflation every year, but the last patch expired at the end of 2011. Without a new one, Miller said in a letter to Congress last fall, about 33 million taxpayers would have to pay the AMT in 2012, up from about 4 million in 2011. See 2012 TAXES, page 16

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Be aware, however. Many deductions and credits phase out at higher incomes. Dozens of credits and deductions that impact 2012 taxes had been due to expire at the end of 2011, but were extended as part of the legislation that restored the Bush tax cuts for most taxpayers.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Scams targeting veterans are on the rise By Elliot Raphaelson There are thousands of “free lunch” seminars that attract large audiences. In 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority scrutinized 110 securities firms that presented free lunch seminars. Their report found that 100 percent of them were sales presentations, despite the fact that the majority were advertised as “educational.” The report also indicated that 50 percent of these meetings featured misleading advertising; 23 percent involved possibly unsuitable recommendations; and 13 percent appeared to be fraudulent. If you attend a free lunch seminar, and the products offered seem too good to be true, they probably are. For years, AARP has warned about “veterans’ advocates,” who in fact are unscrupulous investment advisers interested only in generating commissions for themselves. (See www.aarp.org/money/scamsfraud/info-03-2012/scam-targets-vetswa1889.html.) According to AARP, scams targeting veterans are increasing across the country. In many instances, the advisers are not accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans should never take advice about veterans’ benefits from an adviser who is not accredited by the VA.

Benefits ploy One scam involves the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. For certain senior veterans who served during wartime and their spouses, this benefit covers unreimbursed medical expenses and in-home care. In order to qualify, a veteran’s assets are considered. While there is no hard and fast limit, generally those with assets of more than $80,000 are excluded. Unscrupulous advisers often make presentations “educating” seniors who are too well off to qualify about how to reposition their assets using an annuity in an irrevocable trust in order to meet the program’s threshold. They tell senior vets that their assets will be safe and will pass to their heirs when they die. The sales pitch is inappropriate because the Aid and Attendance program was not designed to assist wealthy or even moderately wealthy retirees. Moreover, the annuity the advisers often recommend is a longterm investment inappropriate for most seniors, one that introduces serious inflexibility into their portfolios.

they must go to a nursing home. In most states, Medicaid requires applicants to indicate what they have done with their assets over the prior five years. Since an annuity purchase would be categorized as a nonexempt transfer, this would preclude the veteran from qualifying for Medicaid benefits. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has introduced a bill that would enforce a similar three-year lookback period for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This would essentially prevent vets who try the deferred annuity/irrevocable trust trick from qualifying. If the law is enacted, a vet could end up ineligible for Medicaid and for Aid and Attendance — and have his assets tied up inside in a trust with little flexibility. The only winner in this scenario is the “adviser” who generated a large commission for himself. For example, Neil Granger, a California consultant on investment fraud,

reported to AARP that a $500,000 annuity sale could generate a $75,000 commission. In summary, the Aid and Attendance benefit was not put in place for every veteran who served in wartime. It is a special benefit for those veterans who do not have the financial resources to cover all their medical or in-home health care needs. If you are a veteran and believe you have been subject to fraud, report it to VeteranFraud@gmail.com. You can also call the VA hotline at 1-877-294-6380. If you are considering any investment because you were told it will provide an additional veteran’s benefit, do not make a commitment without verifying it independently with an elder-care attorney. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2013 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS Do you dream of starting your own business? Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore (WEB) has been training entrepreneurs for

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ness, increase your profitability and create additional jobs. For more information, call (410) 727-4921 or visit www.webinc.org.

A whole new approach to long-term and rehabilitative care

BRAND NEW APARTMENT HOMES FOR ACTIVE ADULTS 62 OR BETTER Regency Crest is an extraordinarily carefree community because of the convenient lifestyle enjoyed by those who live here. We go the extra mile to provide our residents with distinctive amenities and service that cannot be found in ordinary active adult communities. COMMUNITY AMENITIES The Green House Residences is the perfect place to get you back on your feet following orthopedic and cardiac procedures. Our goal is to get you back home! Offering the following amenities: •All Private Rooms•All Private Bathrooms•Home-Style Dining•Occupational Therapy•Speech Therapy•Physical Therapy•24/7 Nursing Coverage•TV, Cable, wireless Internet•Lovely Screened-In Porches For your personal tour, call 443-414-6218

All faiths welcomed

• Beautiful club room with theater and demonstration kitchen • Wellness center • Indoor saltwater pool • Yoga studio & classes • Cooking Classes, and many more planned activities • Movie theater & Billiards Room • Business center • Incredible courtyard and meditation garden with koi pond and gazebo PLANNED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WATER AEROBICS, RESIDENT MIXERS, COOKING CLASSES, ZUMBA, MOVIE NIGHTS, BBQ’S AND MANY MORE!

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Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

2012 taxes From page 14 Congress, as part of the fiscal cliff bill, passed a permanent fix for the AMT. Going forward, it will be indexed according to inflation. For 2012, the AMT exemption is $50,600 for unmarried individuals and $78,750 for joint filers. “It’s not just that they passed the threshold amount and indexed it for inflation,” said Kathy Pickering, executive director of H&R Block’s Tax institute. “The other nugget in there is that the nonrefundable credits are allowed.” That means filers subject to the AMT may still be able to use these credits, as long as their income doesn’t exceed the phase-out limits. The fiscal cliff bill signed by Obama also

extends the $1,000 per child tax credit, the expanded earned income tax credit, and the credit for adopting a child. Several education-related credits and deductions also were extended in the legislation. The American Opportunity Tax Credit can be worth up to $2,500 for college tuition. The credit, which can be claimed for each of the first four years of college, was extended through 2017. Elementary and secondary school teachers will still be able to deduct up to $250 of their out-of-pocket expenses for the classroom. And taxpayers will have the choice of deducting state and local sales taxes instead of state and local income taxes. This is especially important to residents of states like Florida, which doesn’t have an income tax.

Westminster House Apartments • Affordable housing for Seniors • Utilities included/underground parking available • In the heart of Mount Vernon • Only steps from the theater, library, churches, shopping and restaurants • Next door to The Walters Art Gallery

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www.westminsterhouseapts.org | 524 North Charles Street

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Storm damage losses For people in the Northeast, Superstorm Sandy may have left them with a casualty loss that will lower their taxes or increase their refund. Tax law allows victims in federally declared disaster areas to file casualty claims in the year the incident happened or file an amended return for the previous year. If they don’t have all the material they need yet to file 2012 returns, they can amend their 2011 return now to include the casualty losses. That’s just one of the reasons people file amended returns. Amended returns are often filed when taxpayers discover discrepancies in the income that was reported.

Sometimes they receive a 1099 form late or a corrected one after they filed their returns. Or they may discover that they didn’t take a deduction or credit to which they were entitled. Some people are reluctant to file amended returns out of fear that they might be audited. According to Mark Luscombe, principal tax analyst for CCH, while the IRS closely guards statistics on what type of returns invite audits, “an amended return would not necessarily be an invitation for an audit,” he said. “It depends what’s contained in there,” said Greg Rosica, a partner at Ernst & Young. “If it’s a very large refund, it could get a different level of review.” — AP

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

TAX PREPARATION HELP

AARP Tax Aide volunteers assist seniors at most Baltimore County Senior Centers as well as other off-site locations. Last year, 135 tax aide volunteers prepared tax returns and completed earned income tax credit forms for more than 4,000 clients. Tax preparations will continue through April 15. Contact your local senior center for an appointment.

Mar. 16+

FOR WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

CCBC will hold its annual Women’s Expo on Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17, at the Catonsville Campus, Enterprise Institute, 800 S. Rolling Rd. Keynote speaker will be Linda Hollander, an industry leader in teaching entrepreneurs about corporate sponsorships, and author of Bags to Riches: 7 Success Secrets for Women in Business. For more details, visit www.WomensExpoMD.com.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Be an effective philanthropist for $1,000 You don’t need a fortune to be a philanthropist. Here are a few ideas on how you can make a difference with a modest amount of money. • Start a charitable fund. A number of community foundations let you funnel as little as $1,000 a year into donor-advised funds, sometimes called acorn funds, that build value over time and let you choose the recipient of your largesse. You contribute cash, stocks or other property — and take a tax deduction for your contribution each year — until you reach a certain threshold, typically $5,000 or $10,000. After that, you recommend an IRS-approved charity to the community foundation trustees. Although you no longer have direct control over the gift, the foundation usually respects your wishes. You can find a directory of community foundations nationwide at www.cof.org/locator. • Give to a classroom, What better way to spend your charitable dollars than to help teachers help kids? At DonorsChoose.org, you get your pick of teacher-proposed projects — from outfitting a media center with computer chairs to buying magazine subscriptions for seventh-graders. You can donate to one project or spread

the wealth among several. DonorsChoose makes the purchase and sends it to the teacher. For your contribution, which is tax-deductible, you’ll get pictures of the students and feedback on how the project is helping them. • Volunteer on vacation. Use your next vacation to give something back. The Sierra Club offers environmental and historical-preservation trips throughout the U.S. starting at about $400. For example, the program fee is $545 for a weeklong habitat-restoration project in May to remove non-native plants in Point Reyes National Seashore, in California. Round-trip flights from Washington, D.C., or New York City to San Francisco run about $300. Meals and accommodations in a rustic boathouse are included. Other week-long projects include wildlife habitat work in Arizona’s Altar Valley ($695) and restoration of historic homesteads in Antietam National Battlefield, in Maryland ($695). You can even be an angel investor for as little as $100. Thanks to the government’s approval in 2012 of “crowdfunding” as a way for businesses to raise capital, it’s easier than ever (not to mention cheaper) to invest in new companies. Upstart (www.upstart.com) allows you to give money to entrepreneurial college

graduates from a pool of 30 universities, including Harvard, Stanford and MIT. You can invest in $100 increments in one “upstart” or as many as you choose. You’ll receive a modest portion of the company’s income — up to an annual rate of return of 14.99 percent — for 10 years (you could also lose your stake if the project goes under). You can also contribute to projects through Kickstarter, which focuses more

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on creative individuals who want to raise money to produce films, music and art. The biggest difference from Upstart: Kickstarter projects keep 100 percent of the funding, so there’s no financial return to backers. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

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MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Make your life insurance work for you now By Sandra Block If you need money now and don’t need to preserve your life insurance policy for a spouse or children, you may be able to sell your cash-value policy to an investor. Lifesettlement companies buy policies for cash, continue to pay the premiums, and collect the death benefit when the insured individual dies. The size of the settlement varies, depending on the size of the premiums and the policyholder’s life expectancy, said

Bryan Freeman, founder of Habersham Funding, a life-settlement company. The settlement amount is typically 12 to 25 percent of the death benefit, although someone with a terminal illness and low premiums may receive up to 60 percent of the death benefit, said Freeman. Here’s an example: A 73-year-old man had a universal life policy he purchased in 2003. The policy had a $2 million death benefit and cost him nearly $40,000 in annual premiums. He sold the policy to the

BEACON BITS

Mar. 18

SHOWSTOPPERS ENTERTAIN The South County Showstoppers, a variety group from Anne Arundel County, will perform at the Arbutus Senior Center, 855-A Sul-

phur Spring Rd., on Monday, March 18, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A special meal will be served at noon. RSVP by March 11 to (410) 887-1410.

Ongoing

COURT WATCH PROGRAM Want to learn more about the court system? Join the Court Watch Program, where volunteers observe and gather quantifiable infor-

Lifeline Program, one of the largest life-settlement companies, for $515,000 — more than twice its cash value of $250,000.

Not for everyone If you’re in your 50s and feeling fine, this isn’t an option for you. Brokers are primarily interested in policyholders who are in their 70s, or younger if they have a serious illness, said Darwin Bayston, executive director of the Life Insurance Settlement Association. And that’s the reason life settlements make many people uneasy. Investors profit from your death, and the sooner it occurs, the more money they make. You’ll be asked to provide detailed information about your health and give the life-settlement company ongoing access to your medical records.

Be aware that taxation of life-settlement payouts remains murky, and legislation to clarify the issue has languished in Congress. Most people who sell their insurance policies work with an independent insurance broker, who negotiates with buyers on their behalf. A financial adviser with experience in insurance products may be able to refer you to a broker. Once you’ve received a referral, contact your state insurance department to find out whether the broker is licensed — a requirement in most states. Your state insurance regulator can also tell you whether a broker has a record of complaints. Avoid brokers who base their commissions on the death benefit instead of See LIFE INSURANCE, page 19

BEACON BITS

Apr. 3

UNRAVELING RETIREMENT OPTIONS Retirement comes with many important decisions. Roland Park

Country School’s Kaleidoscope programs helps you make sense of them at this

mation to help the Baltimore County Department of Social Service’s Family Vio-

workshop on Wednesday, April 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. “Unraveling the Complex Retire-

lence Unit and Court Workgroup Committee assess court room proceedings to de-

ment Options Facing Baby Boomers” will explore the questions facing baby

termine what is effective. If you like watching courtroom television, here is your

boomers in the three stages of retirement: the 10 years leading up to retirement;

opportunity to watch the real thing! Contact Karen Keyser at (410) 853-3031 or

the year you retire; and your retirement years. Cost for this workshop is $20. For

Leslie Krebs-White at (410) 887-6682 for more information.

more information, visit www.rpcs.org or call (410) 323-5500.

WE’RE NOT A “FACILITY.” WE’RE A FAMILY! Please accept my personal invitation for a complimentary lunch and a personally guided tour of College Manor.

You can reach me by calling 410-252-0440 Jane Banks, Owner and Administrator At College Manor, every aspect of our care, campus, activities and services are focused on creating a home-style residence with a strong family feel. After all, three generations of our family have operated College Manor since we founded it in 1952. Our spacious private rooms are filled with sunshine. Our inviting dining room welcomes you with tempting aromas and delicious meals. And our caring staff greets you with compassion, respect, and a heartfelt smile.

Residents enjoy safety and security, the park-like beauty of our 11-acre campus, a wide range of activities, and a round-the-clock helping hand with aspects of daily life. Appreciating the dignity of each resident and encouraging them to be as independent as they want and can be, are the cornerstones of our care. At College Manor, no one compromises a quality lifestyle to receive necessary care. After all, we're not a facility. We're a family!

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Life insurance From page 18 the amount of the settlement. You should expect to pay about 10 percent of the settlement amount in fees, Bayston said. If you’re willing to do the legwork yourself, you can save money by contacting lifesettlement companies directly. (Find a list of companies through your state insurance commission or at the Life Insurance Settlement Association’s Web site, www.lisa.org.)

Other options exist There are other options to profit from a life insurance policy you no longer need. Through what’s known as a 1035 exchange, you can convert it into an income annuity without paying taxes on your gains. You’ll no longer have to pay premiums, and you’ll lock in income for the rest of your life (or a specific number of years). The conversion is tax-free, but you’ll pay taxes on a portion of each payout, based on the proportion of your basis to your gains. To compare annuity payouts, go to www.immediateannuities.com. A financial planner with experience in the insurance industry can help you select the best payout.

Long-term care coverage You can also exchange a life insurance policy for long-term care insurance taxfree. And because long-term care benefits aren’t taxable, you’ll never pay taxes on your gains. Unfortunately, few long-term care insurers allow you to pay for your coverage with a lump sum. That means you must arrange a partial exchange every year to pay the annual insurance premiums, and only a handful of long-term care insurers — including Genworth and Northwestern Mutual — have systems in place to support partial exchanges.

Another option is to exchange your policy for one that combines life insurance with long-term care coverage. Lincoln Financial’s MoneyGuard Reserve Plus policy, for example, provides a pool of funds that can be used for long-term care or a death benefit. “If you [ultimately] don’t need longterm care coverage, there’s still a death benefit that’s passed to heirs,” said Mike Hamilton, vice-president for institutional product management at Lincoln. Or you could exchange your policy for one that includes a long-term care insurance rider. If you need long-term care, the policy will typically withdraw money from the death benefit. If that fund is exhausted, the rider kicks in, generally extending coverage for another two to four years. Make sure you understand the terms of these policies, which may have restrictions. Long-term care insurance typically becomes available once you need help with at least two daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. However, some long-term care riders don’t pay benefits unless a doctor certifies that you are terminally ill, said Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. A financial planner can help you find a policy that suits your needs. Look for a planner who works with more than one insurer and has experience in both longterm care and life insurance planning. You can also get information from a specialist at the American Association for LongTerm Care Insurance, at www.aaltci.org. Sandra Block is a senior associate editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. Kiplinger’s has a new service to pinpoint the ideal time to claim Social Security to maximize benefits. Visit http://kiplinger.socialsecuritysolutions.com. © 2012 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

LIBRARY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) has several volunteer programs: Branch Support Groups (known as “Friends”) assist specific branches with outreach in their neighborhood, advocacy and fundraising events. Legacy Web volunteers assist with the development of a digital image collection and descriptions of historic photographs of Baltimore County. Story Timers Early Literacy Volunteers read stories and conduct activities for young children in library branches. Training and mentoring are provided. For more information, visit www.bcpl.info.

Mar. 20

LEARN ABOUT THE “LAYERED GARDEN” WITH DAVID CULP

Join David Culp, former contributing editor to Horticulture magazine, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, in the Ladew Studio at Ladew Topiary Gardens, as he shares his beloved Brandywine Cottage and twoacre Pennsylvania garden where he mastered the design technique of layering — inter-planting many different species in the same area so that as one plant passes its peak, another takes over. Culp’s garden has been featured in “Martha Stewart Living” and on HGTV. Admission is $25 for garden members and $30 for nonmembers. Ladew is located on Jarrettsville Pike (MD 146), 14 miles north of the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), exit 27B (Dulaney Valley Road North). For more information, visit www.davidlculp.com or www.ladewgardens.com.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Careers Volunteers &

Does your organization use senior volunteers or do you employ a number of seniors? If you do and you’d like to be considered for a story in our Volunteers & Careers section, please send an email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Pet rescuers share their love of animals Many volunteer jobs Frankel now has 72 volunteers and is always looking for more. Volunteer opportunities include fostering dogs, which involves daily care of the dog, taking it to veterinary appointments, bringing the dog to the organization’s weekly adoption fairs at the Timonium Petco on Saturday afternoons from 2 to 5 p.m., and of course, showing the dog lots of love! Volunteers are also needed at the Saturday adoption events to walk dogs, clean up after puppies, show dogs and cats, help with paper work, and greet potential adopters. Cat-loving volunteers are also welcomed at the Saturday fairs to show cats in their cages, give fresh food and water, scoop litter boxes, tidy cages and play with the cats and kittens. Other volunteers are needed to transport animals to vet and grooming appointments in the Baltimore County area, and help with dog-walking, fundraising and more.

Special senior program For older individuals who are interested

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Ongoing

ALL ABOARD THE COUNTY’S SHIP

Join the Medicare Volunteer Corps. Volunteers are needed to make Medicare understandable for the community by filling a variety of roles within the Baltimore County Senior Health Assistance Program (SHIP). Volunteers are currently being sought to conduct online research for Medicare Prescription Part D, helping individuals review and locate the right prescription plan at the best price. For more information, call (410) 887-2059 or e-mail ship@baltimorecountymd.gov.

in adopting a pet, Frankel has established a “seniors for seniors” program, where a senior citizen can adopt a pet over the age of 5. If the older pet owner needs help with transportation, or carrying kitty litter or pet food into the house, volunteers are available to help with those chores. “I truly believe there is a connection between animals and humans and the longevity of both,” said Frankel. Pet Rescue has a similar program for teens with special Cynde Frankel, pictured with her dog Brubear, created Pet problems, such as Rescue of Maryland to find homes for animals whose placeeating or learning ments by shelters have not worked out. disorders, to help “We are a small group of dedicated volthem to form bonds with loving animals. In addition, volunteers visit pre-schools to unteers who give every ounce of free time teach young children how to care for their to helping these animals. We don’t have a pets, how to approach an unfamiliar ani- staff and we don’t have an annual budget. Everything we do is because we love animal, etc. “We’re the quiet little rescue group that mals and believe they deserve better.” For more information on becoming a could,” Frankel laughed, adding that she and her volunteers are passionate about volunteer, email info@petrescueofmd.org or call (410) 627-6563. what they do. PHOTO COURTESY OF PET RESCUE OF MARYLAND

By Carol Sorgen Forty percent of dogs and 47 percent of cats that are adopted from animal rescue shelters are returned because the pets and adoptive pet owners just aren’t a good match. Those were numbers that Cynde Frankel couldn’t live with, so 10 years ago she founded Pet Rescue of Maryland, a nonprofit organization based in Northern Baltimore County dedicated to saving the lives of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. All of Pet Rescue’s animals come from shelters when euthanasia becomes inevitable. The animals are fostered in volunteers’ homes so that they can live in a comfortable and humane environment. “By being in a natural home setting, we are able to assess each dog and cat and address any behavioral or medical needs the animal may have,” said Frankel. “The high success rate of our adoptions is due to our ability to understand the needs of our foster pets and match them with families that provide the best ‘forever homes.’”

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Volunteers & Careers

BALTIMORE BEACON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; MARCH 2013

Learning From page 1 Meetup Groups in over 45,000 cities in 129 countries. For Kelly, Meetup was just what he was looking for â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a social (but not dating) website where he could find other people with an interest in â&#x20AC;&#x153;oldiesâ&#x20AC;? music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew there had to be people in my age group who would enjoy getting together and hearing this kind of music and learning more about it and the entertainers we grew up listening to,â&#x20AC;? he said. Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meetup group, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Love Oldies,â&#x20AC;? meets regularly. The next gathering will be on Wednesday, Feb. 27, where Kelly will act as DJ and spin the best of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;50s, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s and Motown music. Admission is free. (For more information, visit www.meetup.com/we-love-oldies-group-ofBaltimore.) According to Meetupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community specialist Alex Finger, the average Meetup member tends to be older â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like Kelly and his group â&#x20AC;&#x201D; than on most social networking websites. â&#x20AC;&#x153;College-age folks tend to have greater access to organized events and school networks to connect with other people with similar interests,â&#x20AC;? said Finger. While all Meetup groups combine the social element, many also have a more educational focus. In Baltimore alone, for example, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find book clubs, intellectual â&#x20AC;&#x153;salons,â&#x20AC;? foreign language groups and more. (Of course, there are also the requisite singles groups if you are looking for your soulmate.) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meetup connects you with people who are nearby and share your passions,â&#x20AC;? said Finger. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many social media platforms help you keep in touch with people you already know, but Meetup helps you find people in your community that have common interests. That kind of circle can be hard to find, especially in a big city. (Meetup was founded in 2002 with the mission of bringing people together locally, after founder Scott Heifermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiences in NYC around 9/11.) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into knitting, or you love classic literature, or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been dying to learn how to scuba dive and your friends arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t excited about those things,â&#x20AC;? Finger continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Or maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going through a life transition; moved to a new city; or received a diagnosis, and you want to find people who are going through the same experiences. You find yourself looking for a support system, for like-minded people, and Meetup is an amazing way to find your tribe.â&#x20AC;?

Courses without homework Living in a retirement community such as Charlestown doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you want to stop learning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People lose their eyesight, their hearing, their ability to walk, but not their desire to learn,â&#x20AC;? said 72-year-old Charlestown resident Peggy Wixted, a retired 8th grade teacher. With that in mind, Wixted and four other Charlestown residents contacted Elderhostel, a lifelong learning organi-

zation founded in 1975. With Elderhostelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support, six years ago Wixted and the other members of the steering committee (which now numbers 19) founded the Elderhostel Lifelong Learning Institute at Charlestown, commonly referred to by residents as ELLIC. ELLIC now has 400 members taking part in 103 classes and special programs (some of which are open to the public). ELLIC members pay a fee of $25 a year and can then sign up for as many classes as they like. Instructors include both Charlestown residents and outside instructors who offer a variety of classes, from learning more about Mardi Gras and its musical history to a special program on Martin Luther King, Jr. There are also intergenerational programs and field trips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we love food,â&#x20AC;? Wixted added with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything with refreshments involved fills the house!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gratifying to hear from residents how ELLIC has changed their lives,â&#x20AC;? said

Wixted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So many people have said that learning gets rid of their sadness.â&#x20AC;? When planning ELLIC, Wixted and her fellow steering committee members surveyed the residents to see what they would like and whether they had any specific requests. What they found was that those interested in taking classes didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to sit longer than 60 to 90 minutes, and they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any one class to last longer than three weeks. For the most part, the ELLIC schedule adheres to those suggestions.

Most classes meet for 90 minutes and last from one to three weeks. Wixted herself teaches a class on First Ladies and takes as many as 30 participants. Even being a former teacher, Wixted appreciates the fact that the ELLIC classes have no homework and no requirements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel well one day, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like a particular class, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to come back. But all in all, this is a good way for us to keep our minds sharp and to meet other people.â&#x20AC;?

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May. 21

LUNCH AND BINGO AT FRIENDLY FARMS Parkville AARP Chapter #3090 invites you to join its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lunch and

Bingoâ&#x20AC;? trip to Friendly Farms on Tuesday, May 21. Enjoy a lunch of either grilled ham or fried chicken. Price is $57 and includes transportation, lunch, gratuities and Bingo with money prizes. Leave at 11:15 a.m., return at 5:15 p.m. Call (410) 668-4955 to reserve your spot.

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At North Oaks, we never stop improving on our ability to keep the people who live here connected to the best in life. Now, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the midst of some exciting renovations that will add a new look and an exciting new dimension to daily living at this LifeCareâ&#x201E;˘ retirement community. Other features, including new amenities, are being added to help promote health and wellness, which are, of course, hallmarks of life here. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true that many things are changing, the important things are staying the same. Visit www.NorthOaks.net/Rejuvenation to download a copy of our successful aging brochure or call (410) 486-9090 today to schedule a personal appointment.

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MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Travel Leisure &

How to avoid surprises when booking non-refundable hotels online. See story on page 25.

Try a multi-generation reunion in Orlando

A resort built for families Next came the choice of accommoda-

tions. After countless Internet searches, one place emerged as the odds-on favorite. Reunion Resort lives up to its name in every way. It’s a place for family members to gather, have fun, reconnect and spend quality time together. When the day of our departure arrived, our family descended upon the land of sun and fun from Washington, D.C., Denver and Chicago. As each group arrived at the Reunion Resort, we soon understood how it got that name. As it turned out, the grandchildren would have been satisfied to spend virtually all of their time at the 2,300-acre complex. During our initial visit to the resort’s five-acre water park, their eyes widened, their mouths opened in amazement and they took off in different directions. Talya, age 4, and her brother Josh, 3, are daredevil divers who headed for the boards and plunged into the large pool time after time. Becca climbed into an inner tube float and disappeared around a bend of the Lazy River, which meanders through the park. After several minutes she drifted past those of us waiting by the man-made stream, gave a happy wave and continued on her voyage. In the meantime, 7-year-old Ellie had discovered the multiple slides in the water park. As soon as she emerged from an enclosed tunnel and splashed into the water below, she scrambled up a ladder for another thrilling

PHOTO COURTESY OF WONDER WORKS

By Victor Block Nine-year-old Becca stopped in her tracks, pointed across the street and stared in amazement. “Look, Grandpa, that building is upside down!” Sure enough, the massive white structure appeared to be standing on its head. The point of its roof was smashed into the ground, as if the edifice had fallen from the sky. Where the top of the building should have been were ersatz grass and several palm trees that appeared to be growing down rather than up. Even the name over the entrance portico was upside down but readable: WonderWorks. And a wonder it was — one of many encountered during a 10-person, three-generation trip to Orlando, Fla. Another wonder was that Walt Disney World, which attracts families like bees to honey, was not the focus of our stay. As a result, we saved time, because crowds elsewhere usually are smaller, as well as money, which at Walt Disney World seems to disappear more quickly. Planning for this intergenerational sojourn took months, involving numerous emails and long-distance telephone calls. The first priority was selecting a destination that well suited to family members whose ages span seven-plus decades. Orlando had appeal as home to seven major theme parks, more than 25 smaller attractions and abundant sunshine.

PHOTO BY ARIANNE NICHOLSON

Beacon travel writer Victor Block, his wife Fyllis Hockman, their adult children and five grandchildren took an intergenerational vacation to Orlando, Fla., meeting up at the Reunion Resort, which features a water park, spa and other activities for all ages.

The “upside down” WonderWorks building houses more than 100 interactive educational exhibits geared to the younger set. It is one of many attractions that make Orlando a good destination for intergenerational vacations.

ride. Adding to the fun was a huge bucket overhead that slowly filled with water, tipped and doused anyone standing below. After sliding, swimming, floating and being drenched by an occasional torrent of water, our grandchildren took to the land. Organized games, both for kids alone and with their parents and grandparents, take place throughout the day. A spa offers the usual relaxing and rejuvenating services plus some extras. For example, while many spas offer water or tea following a message, here it was champagne. Then there’s golf. While the children may be enjoying half- and full-day camp sessions, their parents can head for the fairways. The resort is the only place in the world with courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.

Out to the theme parks Given the something-for-everyone appeals of the Reunion Resort, it became a challenge to persuade members of the younger generation to head out for other, very different settings. Once there, the challenge became convincing them that we had to return to the resort for dinner. For Fyllis and me, the wacky world of WonderWorks — which bills itself as an indoor amusement park for the mind — was a personal favorite. From the topsy-turvy building to the imaginative experiences in-

side, our first challenge was to keep up with the youngsters as they flitted from floor to floor and room to room. A simulated hurricane and earthquake proved to be just frightening enough for the young ones to enjoy without prompting nightmares. While Fyllis kept her eyes tightly closed during most of a 4-D roller coaster movie, Talya begged to see it again — and again. The older kids were fascinated by a simulated space shuttle ride and mind control game. The little ones spent a long time creating giant soap bubbles which they then delighted in popping. WonderWorks more than lives up to its claim that “the unexplainable will come to life and the unusual will be the norm.” General admission prices are $25 for adults; $20 for children 4 to 12 and visitors 55 and older Not far away, the Old Town theme park entertains children of all ages, and adults brave enough to accompany them, with rides that range from adrenaline rushing to tame enough for 3-year-olds. In the Kid’s Town area, little ones can hop on a merrygo-round, go for a spin in flying tea cups, and ride the Wacky Worm Kiddie Coaster. We adults held our collective breaths as Ellie, fearless mountain climber to be that she is, decided to conquer a ropes course that rose more than 40 feet above ground. See ORLANDO, page 23

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Orlando From page 22 She clambered to the highest level, then confidently made her way over a series of plank bridges that swayed in the breeze. Even though she was attached to a safety wire over her head, we resumed normal breathing only after she descended and her feet touched Mother Earth again. More to the liking of Ellie’s grandparents was Main Street, several blocks of shops that range from fun to funky and conjure up images of years past. While the children were mesmerized by the glitter of stones in Black Market Minerals, we reminisced at the general store and enjoyed a treat at the A&W Root Beer shop. There’s no admission charge to Old Town, but you pay for each ride and activity. If aptly named Old Town speaks to the past, Legoland looks to the future. Any child who has played with Legos (and how many haven’t?) is sure to be entranced by giant figures, familiar characters and entire mini-cities made of oversized Legos. The park is divided into themed zones, and we had to move quickly to keep up with the little ones as they explored every one. They sampled many of the rides, which range from roller coasters to the youngsters’ first experience driving a minicar and navigating a boat. Even waiting lines, which are encountered at virtually every theme park, became part of the fun for the youngsters. While their parents and grandparents held their place, the younger set headed for play areas filled with small mountains of Legos. When the adults reached the front of the line, we had to convince the little ones to leave the Legos and join us for the next ride or attraction. Legoland is not inexpensive. General admission costs $76 (children and seniors are $66), but there’s enough going on there to fill an entire day. Following each excursion, we headed back to the Reunion Resort to prepare dinner, reminisce about our experiences, and plan the next fun, frolic and family togetherness. Each evening, Talya proclaimed, “That was the best day ever” — until the one that followed. That observation alone made it the best family trip ever for her parents and grandparents as well.

Plans and preparations Here’s a brief checklist that can help assure that an intergenerational family vacation will be a delight rather than a disaster.

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Picking a place. While the Orlando area (and Reunion Resort) turned out to be perfect for our family, you might choose something very different. Whether you prefer a winter ski trip, dude ranch, visit to a large city or any other experience, take into account the wishes of everyone, from oldest to youngest. Plan together. While adults obviously make the major decisions, such as where to go and how to get there, let the youngest family members take part in the planning process. Give them a list of things to do and see, and let them make choices for part of the time. R and R. When young children are involved, set aside time for rest and relaxation. A crying, complaining, overtired youngster is not having fun and neither are any adults within earshot. Enjoy down time. Some of the most enjoyable moments and best memories often result when family members are just relaxing together. Our evening meal prepara-

tion, followed by card and board games, were times of fun and bonding. Be flexible. Plans made can be plans broken. If an attraction you wish to visit is closed, have a fallback position. If you get a rainy day, have a Plan B of indoor activities. Keep a sense of humor. Along with many benefits, intergenerational travel can have moments — or longer — of challenge. It’s important for the adults to set the tone by remaining relaxed and dealing calmly with any problems that might arise. That will make it more likely that children will do so as well.

If you go Sharing family fun in an upside down building, exploring a reproduced vintage town, and marveling at a wonderland of super-sized Legos turned out to be enjoyable for our three-generation travel group. But many of the most meaningful hours were spent at the Reunion Resort, where we shared two adjacent, spacious suites. Winter

rates begin at $299 for one-bedroom suites, and at $399 for two-bedroom suites, and special packages are offered year-round. In addition to high-rise buildings with condo-like apartments, the property also rents villas and homes with private pools. While there are numerous restaurant and café establishments at the resort, cooking your own meals in the fullyequipped kitchens in every suite can stretch your travel dollar. And remember, every hour spent enjoying the resort’s attractions and activities is an hour not spending money at a theme park. For more information about the Reunion Resort, visit www.reunionresort.com or call 1-877-845-9163. For information about the Orlando area, including theme parks and other attractions, see www.visitorlando.com or call 1800- 972-3304. The least expensive roundtrip fare from BWI to Orlando in mid-March is $204 on AirTran.

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You’re on top of your medications. But we make a good back up. You know it’s important to stay on your medications exactly as prescribed. However, if you miss a dose, want a lower-cost alternative, or experience any side effects, we can answer any questions. Speak to your local CVS Pharmacist to learn more. Find a store near you at www.cvs.com

MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Be careful with nonrefundable hotel deals A traveler I know recently reserved a not even noted on the pull-down “accessiroom at a hotel in Florence, Italy at a dis- bility” menu. If you book through Expedia, counted — but nonrefundable you could be in for a nasty — price through Booking.com. surprise after you arrive. He thought he had scored a Always read the fine very good deal: good price, print good location, good-looking This little story illustrates a rooms. Good, that is, until he fundamental truth about got the conforming email, “nonrefundable” hotel rates: which had a notice at the botYou can never assume you’ll tom: “Important Information: get what you usually expect at Please note the building has a hotel. Instead, you get only no lift [i.e., elevator].” what is explicitly promised in All of a sudden, the deal TRAVEL TIPS the fine print. turned into not-so-good. This By Ed Perkins My friend claims that most other traveltraveler has a bad back. And the last thing he needed was a two- or three-story stair- ers would probably do as he did, and not case schlep, with baggage, to his hotel scroll down the entire page to see all of the room. He immediately contacted Book- details. He’s probably right. But the fact reing.com to cancel, but an agent told him, mains that he had the opportunity to find “Sorry; the hotel refuses to refund a non- the “no elevator” news before he committed, and he failed to do so. refundable rate.” Hotels have no legal requirement to proThe agent went on to note that the hotel description page on Booking.com’s website vide any specific facilities and services posted the same notice, at the very bottom. other than to comply with applicable safety He got the same response directly from the rules and maintain a secure environment. hotel. I checked the Booking.com website, But almost all of us have a cluster of expectations for what we should get as part of and the warning was there, as claimed. When I checked the same hotel on Ex- the room rate: • Housekeeping services pedia, however, I found no such warning • Air-conditioning in summer, heating — yet Expedia also offered a nonrefundable rate. The absence of an elevator was in winter

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• In most of the world, nonsmoking rooms available • Elevators in any building higher than two floors • Full-time accessibility to a front desk or equivalent • In-room cable or satellite TV • Acceptance of major credit cards • In addition, no-charge Wi-Fi has become a necessity for many travelers These days, you can pretty much be sure that any 3- or 4-star city hotel will provide all or most of those amenities anywhere in the world (although you can still expect some charges for Wi-Fi). For that reason, you can feel pretty safe in taking advantage of a nonrefundable discount or buying through an opaque site such as Hotwire or Priceline. Even then, however, before you commit you might want to know about onsite parking, pet acceptance, accessibility, availability of laundry and cleaning, food service, swimming pool, and a lot more. But expectations change dramatically for smaller inns, B-and-Bs, and older, small hotels, especially in Europe. You often find no elevators, part-time reception desks, no

swimming pool and no TV or Wi-Fi.

How to avoid surprises The lessons here are obvious, if you need a special facility or service: • Always check the complete fine print available on a booking website, and if your need isn’t addressed specifically, check with the website or directly with the hotel before you buy. • If possible, check TripAdvisor or some other traveler review site. Although Expedia’s listing didn’t show “no elevator,” several reports posted by earlier travelers indicated this information. • Be extremely cautious any time you book any hotel you think might differ from the “standard” expectations — and especially one that is obviously “quaint” or quirky. My own personal rule is even stiffer. I book nonrefundable rooms only at modern, 3- or 4-star city hotels. And I never book a nonrefundable room at a downmarket city hotel or quaint inn. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. © 2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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MARCH 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Style Arts &

Do you remember shopping here? A new book by Michael Lisicky commemorates this and other well-known Baltimore department stores of bygone days.

Honoring two of Baltimore’s ‘dance treasures’

Tapping toward acclaim Terry, who is 77 and lives in Mt. Vernon, is well-known as an educator and performer in the art of tap dance, despite the fact that he didn’t turn to dancing professionally until he retired from a career as library director at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “I took lessons as a child growing up in

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Atlantic City,” Terry recalled, “but as I grew older and began my career, I kept that part of my life in the background.” After he retired, however, he began teaching tap dance, first to his friends, Linda Hollis and Sevalyn White, and then at various schools throughout Baltimore, including Baltimore City Community College, where he was adjunct professor of fine arts from 2000 through 2007. He was also a member of the dance faculty at Flair Studio in Catonsville from 1990 through 2008, where he taught intermediate and advanced classes to aspiring professionals as well as adults interested in the aerobic and recreational aspects of tap. In addition, he was a founding member of Tapsichore, Baltimore’s senior tap ensemble (members are age 50 to 76). Terry’s choreography has been seen at Artscape, the nation’s largest annual celebration of the arts; Ageless Grace, Dance Baltimore’s annual concert for dancers over 40; and the 2012 Innovations in Aging Expo and Conference at the National Harbor. He has held master classes in tap at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Morgan State University, the Baltimore Museum of Art,

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DANCE BALTIMORE

By Carol Sorgen A lifetime’s dedication to dance will be celebrated when Ed Terry and Lester Holmes receive the Dance Treasure Award from Dance Baltimore on March 3 at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center. Dance Baltimore, a nonprofit arts service organization now celebrating its 10th anniversary, will present the annual award to each artist for their “artistic excellence and tireless service and contribution to dance throughout the Baltimore metropolitan community,” said Dance Baltimore founder and president Cheryl Goodman. “There are many talented dance professionals in Baltimore,” said Goodman, “but this was really an easy choice. They’re both so deserving.”

Lester Holmes, who has danced since he was a teen, will be presented with a Dance Treasure Award from Dance Baltimore on March 3. Tap dancer Ed Terry will also receive a Dance Treasure Award.

the Johns Hopkins University, and Arena Players, Inc. Terry has been a member of the Arena Players, the nation’s oldest, continuously operating black community theater in the U.S. (since 1956) and a member of its board of directors for a number of years. He said he’s grateful for all the support the theater has given to him and his dance company — today made up of himself, Linda Hollis, Sevalyn White, and boyhood friend George Stamps — through the years. From Terry’s viewpoint it was television that caused the downturn of interest in tap.

“Once you could see it on Ed Sullivan, you didn’t need to go see it in person anymore,” he lamented. But he is happy that there seems to be a resurgence of attention recently, perhaps in part due, ironically, to such television programs as “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Since Terry never expected to have a career in dance, much less one begun later in life, he’s especially pleased about being See DANCE, page 27

Cars, boats, furniture, antiques, tools, appliances Everything and anything is sold on

Radio Flea Market Heard every Sunday, 6:30-8 a.m. on 680 WCBM

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2013

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

Remembering bygone department stores By Carol Sorgen In the still recent enough to be remembered past, a trip to downtown Baltimore was an occasion for celebration. When I was finally old enough to be allowed to take the bus downtown from our suburban home, my friends and I would dress up (complete with leather gloves!), eat lunch at the now long-gone Virginia

Dare Restaurant, and then either take in a movie at one of Baltimore’s palace theaters or go shopping at the similarly-described palace department stores. Unfortunately, all that remains of those shopping emporiums — nirvana to a 12year-old with an allowance! — are some of the store facades and the special memories behind them.

In Michael J. Lisicky’s new book, Baltimore’s Bygone Department Stores: Many Happy Returns, readers are in for a bittersweet treat. If you lived in Baltimore during the heyday of these downtown stores (and later, their suburban outposts), the stories of the founding families, the employees, and the shoppers who happily spent their time and their money there will

bring a smile to your face. But if you’ve ever stopped at a traffic light in front of the formerly magical Art Deco Hutzler’s storefront and seen what remains of it today, your heart can’t help but break a bit.

Dance

Holmes pursued a theater arts degree at Southern Illinois University, after which he was hired as an acrobat with Great Adventure Amusement Parks in New Jersey. He took advantage of his proximity to New York, went on auditions, and began a successful career in New York City, performing on and off-Broadway, on television and in nightclubs. He began his teaching career in NYC in 1982 and was on the dance faculty of the well-known Broadway Dance Center. Eventually, however, “New York became just too much for me,” Holmes said, explaining, “I’m just a small-town boy at heart.” He left BDC to teach and choreograph in Italy for almost four years. One of his dance teachers was a good friend of Baltimore’s legendary dance studio owner, Wally Saunders, and after Saunders died, Holmes moved to Baltimore in 1993 and took over the studio until he closed it in

2000. Three of his former students are now professional dancers with major companies throughout the U.S. Holmes has also taught at Essex Community College, Howard Community College, The Peabody Preparatory, St. Timothy’s School, and is currently on the faculty at Towson University and Goucher College. He has taught and continues to teach workshops, master classes and camps, as well as to choreograph in various schools, studios and theaters in the Baltimore/Washington DC Community. Holmes is also grateful for the recognition the Dance Treasure Award brings him. “I think I’ve made a mark here and I’m happy that people know who I am,” he said. But it’s the love of dance that has inspired him all these years, Holmes said. “You just get smitten with it and it never leaves you.”

Upcoming programs

From page 26 honored by Dance Baltimore. “It looks like I really have done something!” While not everyone needs to pursue a dance career, of course, Terry strongly encourages people of all ages to step it up. “You’re never too old to dance,” he said. “It’s got the health benefits of jogging, but when you add the rhythm, music and camaraderie, you’ve got something special!”

“Smitten” by dance Like Terry, Lester Holmes, who is 57 and lives in Columbia, began studying dance as a youngster, first taking lessons from his aunt, who was a dance teacher. “I really liked it, but little boys weren’t encouraged to dance, so I left it behind until I went to high school,” he said. “By then, I didn’t care what others thought.”

See STORES, page 29

A variety of special events and activities are scheduled throughout the year to recognize Dance Baltimore’s 10-year anniversary. Its annual concert, Ageless Grace, is a presentation of dance by performers age 40 and over, and features soloists, duos and ensembles performing in a wide variety of dance, including modern, ballet, Caribbean, belly-dance, tap and more. This year’s performance will take place on Sunday, April 21, at Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. Terry and Holmes will be presented with the Dance Treasure Award from Dance Baltimore on Sunday, March 3 at 5 p.m. at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 848 N. Howard St. Tickets are now available at $12 per person or a table of eight for $80. The ceremony will include a reception with light fare. For more information, visit www.dance-

presents

“Ageless Grace” An exciting evening of dance featuring performers forty years and older Modern, Jazz, Tap, Ballet and more. Hosted by Maria Broom

Sunday, April 21, 2013 Theatre Project 45 Preston Street, Bal•more, MD Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door, seniors $10.

Purchase online at www.dancebaltimore.org For additional information, 410.539.3091 or 443.470.9084 Media sponsor:

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Stores From page 27

Stories of long-gone stores Lisicky, by profession an oboist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, is a department store maven, historian and author of several best-selling books, including Hutzler’s: Where Baltimore Shops, Gimbels Has It!, and Wanamaker’s: Meet Me at the Eagle. He was born in Camden, N.J. and grew up shopping in Strawbridge & Clothier, Gimbels, Lits and John Wanamaker. Over the past few decades, he has collected more than 5,000 newspaper articles on the nation’s department stores, a passion he inherited from shopping with his mother. In his first book, about Hutzler’s, Lisicky told the story of the 132-year history of Hutzler Brothers, with its fashion shows, legendary Christmas celebrations, and the chocolate chiffon pie served in the store’s Colonial Restaurant. Lisicky chronicled the rise of the familyrun department store, its growth into Tow-

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son and other Maryland cities and, sadly, its eventual passing. (Yes, I know, it does indeed sound like we’re mourning a sorely missed member of the family, but for many Baltimoreans, that’s the way it felt.) In his new book, Baltimore’s Bygone Department Stores, Lisicky revisits Hutzler’s, but also tells the stories of the city’s other well-known destination stores: Hecht’s, Hochschild’s and Stewart’s. For more than a century, these were the four department stores that kept Charm City shoppers in clothes, books, toys, appliances, furniture, even notions (remember notions?). Sadly, they’re all gone now, lost to changing demographics, miscalculations and mismanagement, family squabbles and more. Still, family members, employees and shoppers have shared their memories with Lisicky, either by personal interview or through his meticulous research. There was the Toytown Parade at Hochschild’s, Christmas displays at Stewart’s, the Festival of Flowers at Hecht’s, or

the Wellesley Fudge Cake at Hutzler’s. Recipes for the cake and other favorite treats are included, in case you want to try your hand at re-creating these memories at home.

Slow to integrate It’s not all lollipop trees in Lisicky’s book. (That was one of my favorite destination spots at the Hochschild’s at Belvedere, where my mother would let me stay to explore the children’s book section nearby.) He also relates both the anti-Semitism and racism some of the store owners and many shoppers faced (Hutzler’s, Hecht’s and Hochschild’s were all owned by Jewish families, and many patrons preferred to shop at Stewart’s instead for that reason). Similarly, blacks were not allowed to shop or work in these grand department stores until Hochschild-Kohn led the way by integrating its tea room and workforce after demonstrators targeted the store following the 1955 sit-in at Read’s drugstore.

At Hochschild’s, the demonstrators were served, and segregation was effectively and quietly lifted. Hutzler’s didn’t follow suit for five more years, followed by Hecht’s. The exodus of Baltimore city shoppers to the suburbs after the 1968 riots was the death knell for the city’s department stores, though they tried holding on for a while. In the end though, mergers and takeovers signaled the end of Baltimore’s longstanding family-run retail culture, and with it, much of the pleasure of shopping altogether. (Face it, unless you’re 16 and hanging at the mall with your friends, shopping just isn’t the “experience” it used to be.) While many American, and certainly most European, cities still boast their grand old department stores, their ilk is long-gone from Baltimore, and with their demise, Charm City is, well, just a little less charming. Baltimore’s Bygone Department Stores: Many Happy Returns is available at local book stores or from www.amazon.com.

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Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Get Me Out Of Here by Stephen Sherr 1

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