June 2011 Baltimore Beacon Edition

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Area athletes shoot for the gold

Exercise and camaraderie Frank Lastner, 80, plans to be in Houston with many of the nine other members of the “Bykota 80.” But not all will be playing, unfortunately, due to recent injuries.

“Buckey [Kimmet] just pulled a hamstring, and Ralph [Piersanti] has a shoulder problem,” said Lastner, who is captain of the team.

In 2007, the team “came close” to the medal round, losing by just one point in the last shot of the game. This year, Lastner is optimistic. “We’ve got a good team for this age group,” he said.

Like many of the players, Lastner played basketball when he was younger, and credits

JUNE 2011

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY FRANK KLEIN

By Carol Sorgen Baltimoreans were justifiably proud of Michael Phelps’s historic medal count in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. But there are other Olympic-level athletes in town who prove that added years don’t necessarily mean their medal-winning days are behind them.

At the upcoming Summer National Senior Games, to be held June 16 to 30 in Houston, 230 older athletes from all over Maryland will join thousands of others 50 and over from around the country to compete in sports ranging from archery to volleyball.

Among them is a contingent from the Bykota Senior Center in Towson. Once again, two of its basketball teams will be competing at the national level: the team of 60- to 64-year-olds, and the over-80 team.

The 60-to-64 team, which has seven members, plays at Bykota three mornings a week. Hoopster Charlie Cooper, 63, of Baltimore City, will be making a return trip to the national games, having competed two years ago with the team in Palo Alto.

There they won two out of seven games.

(The games are held every two years, each time in a different city.)

“We needed taller players!” said Cooper, adding that at the national level of competition, size is a big advantage because the game is played 3-on-3 (rather than the traditional 5-on-5), and from mid-court, rather than using the full court.

Though the team didn’t come back to Baltimore with a medal in 2009, Cooper said they all had a “heck of a lot of fun” and “we’re hoping to do better this time!”

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Charlie Cooper (foreground) prepares to shoot a basket after receiving a pass from teammate “Little” Joe Lamantia in a game at the Bykota Senior Center. Their team, made up of men age 60 to 64, has qualified to compete in the National Senior Games taking place in Houston later this month. There they’ll join thousands of other older athletes vying for medals.

his thrice-weekly games at Bykota and competitions like this to “keeping me moving.”

The basketball teams not only provide opportunities for exercise, but are a big part of the players’ social lives, according to Tom Murtagh, president of the Bykota Senior Center, who has also been in charge of the basketball program since it began in 1999.

“We go to lunch afterward, have holiday celebrations and cookouts,” he said. “We always have a good time and there’s lots of good-natured kibbitzing during the games and when we get together.”

resented by Baltimore athletes at the national competition.

Towson resident Claudia Simpson, 57, will be taking a break from her practice as a yoga teacher to compete in the 100-, 200and 400-meter dashes, as well as the high jump, long jump and pole vault. Simpson has competed in every Summer Senior Games since she turned 50.

She medaled at the last national games in both pole vault and high jump — despite the fact that she had been involved in a serious auto accident on her way to the airport for the flight to California.

A run at a medal Basketball isn’t the only sport being rep-

See SENIOR GAMES, page 14

LEISURE & TRAVEL

Cool summer escapes on Adirondack lakes; plus, living the good life in the heart of Italy page 23

FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Diabetes cure on the horizon? k No risk from mercury in fish LAW & MONEY 15 k How to tap into the bull market k Shopping myths debunked ARTS & STYLE 20 k Charm City summer festivals PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

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JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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In fund we trust — not In my column last month, I wrote about In the midst of the budget crisis, an old the federal budget deficit and touched on the debate has broken out with new force: role Social Security and its soShould Social Security be called trust fund play. seen as part of the deficit that I know from a number of Washington needs to rein in? groups I’ve spoken to that The White House is balkmany of you still trust in that ing at calls to tackle Social trust fund and feel that Social Security’s financial problems Security will remain solvent now, before baby boomers for years as a result of it. swamp the system. But the There wasn’t space in my massive retirement program, column last month to elaborate like the rest of the governon why I believe that not to be FROM THE ment, is running a deficit and true, so I was planning to ad- PUBLISHER has become part of the argudress the subject this month. By Stuart P. Rosenthal ment on Capitol Hill.

But in the meantime, Stephen Older adults and the disOhlemacher of the Associated Press wrote an abled don’t need to worry about losing their article that I think explains the situation benefits or seeing them cut anytime soon. very well.

The Obama administration is correct in asI therefore cede the balance of my space to serting that Social Security doesn’t face an his analysis. I hope you find it edifying. immediate crisis.

Please share your thoughts on the topic by But the program’s red ink will only get submitting a letter to the editor via mail or worse the longer policymakers don’t act. e-mail.

Last year’s $37 billion operating deficit — the first since the system was last overhauled in the 1980s — is expected to grow to $45 billion this year.

Over the next decade, the program is projected to run up more than $500 billion

in operating deficits if Congress doesn’t act, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

White House officials and some Democrats in Congress say not to worry: Social Security has built up a $2.6 trillion surplus over the past 30 years.

“Social Security benefits are entirely self-financing,” White House budget director Jacob Lew wrote in a recent article in USA Today. “They are paid for with payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers throughout their careers. These taxes are placed in a trust fund dedicated to paying benefits owed to current and future beneficiaries.”

That argument, however, overlooks a nagging fact: The money in the trust funds has already been spent over the years to help fund other government programs. In return, the Treasury Department issued bonds to Social Security, which earn interest and are backed by the government, just like bonds sold in public debt markets.

When Social Security runs a deficit, it redeems its bonds with the Treasury Department to cover the red ink. But Treasury gets the money to pay Social Security the same places the government gets all its money: either from taxes and other revenues or by borrowing it.

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A problem that will grow In the short term, Social Security is suffering from a weak economy. Payroll taxes that finance the program are down and applications for benefits are rising because fewer people are working.

Over the next 19 years, Social Security will be further pushed into deficit by the 68 million baby boomers retiring and applying for benefits, even as payroll tax revenues decline due to a shrinking workforce.

“We can either wait and have huge problems, and [Social Security] won’t be here for my kids and grandkids, or we can address it now, make relatively small changes, and make sure that it’s going to be safe for the next 75 years,” said Erskine Bowles, who served as chief of staff under Clinton and co-chaired the recent deficit commission under Obama.

“I think this is all about politics now,” Bowles said, “because I haven’t met anybody here on the left or the right that doesn’t see the arithmetic.”

—AP

Letters to the editor

• 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

Here is how Lew described the Social Security trust funds when he was budget director under former President Bill Clinton, in Clinton’s 2000 budget request: “These funds are not set up to be pension funds, like the funds of private pension plans. They do not consist of real economic assets that can be drawn down in the future to fund benefits. (emphasis added) Instead, they are claims on the Treasury that, when redeemed, will have to be financed by raising taxes, borrowing from the public, or reducing benefits or other expenditures.”

Few on Capitol Hill are suggesting that

the federal government won’t make good on its IOUs to Social Security. But now that it is time to start repaying Social Security, Lew’s decade-old analysis of where the money will come from still holds true.

Advocates for Social Security say the program is being unfairly blamed for the budget deficit, and they worry that benefits could be put on the chopping block.

They correctly argue that Social Security did not cause the nation’s fiscal problems. For the past 30 years, when Social Security posted big surpluses, the program actually reduced the amount of money the federal government had to borrow on public debt markets.

The problem, as Lew points out, is that the rest of the government has been running up big budget deficits, including a record $1.5 trillion deficit this year. The national debt now tops $14 trillion, which includes the $2.6 trillion owed to Social Security.

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Health Fitness &

GALLOPING TOWARD A CURE The equestrian Ride for Life raises money for a Hopkins cancer center FREE EXERCISE PROGRAM Take part in a study on weight loss, diabetes and heart disease THROW YOUR WEIGHT AROUND Strength train using your body weight instead of pricey equipment NEW AND NATURAL Try new products, from gluten-free pizza to a serum for thicker lashes

Studies explore possible cure for diabetes

By Andy Coghlan A pioneering hormone treatment may be the secret to an easy life for diabetics, consigning insulin shots and regular glucose monitoring to the medical history books.

Most people associate diabetes with insulin, the pancreatic hormone that dictates how much glucose circulates in blood.

Type 1 diabetics have to inject the hormone because they can’t make it themselves.

Now, the spotlight is turning on insulin’s lesser-known pancreatic twin, glucagon, as a treatment that could control blood glucose levels without the need for daily monitoring.

Whereas insulin clears surplus glucose from the blood after meals, squirreling it away in the liver, muscles and elsewhere, glucagon does the opposite when we are hungry, ordering the liver to release stores of glucose “fuel” into the blood or to make more if none is available.

To investigate glucagon’s role, Roger Unger at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and colleagues engineered mice to lack glucagon receptors so they couldn’t respond to the hormone.

Surprisingly, the mice had normal levels of blood glucose. Then, when the team

used a toxin to destroy the pancreatic beta cells that make insulin, the mice remained diabetes-free.

No glucagon = no diabetes “The bottom line is that without glucagon, you can’t get diabetes,” said Unger. Even more mystifying, when the mice consumed huge amounts of sugar in so-called “glucose tolerance” tests, their blood glucose levels remained normal, irrespective of whether or not they could make insulin.

“The implication for humans is that [without glucagon] you could drink 10 bottles of sugary drinks and your blood sugar would remain the same, with or without insulin,” he said. “This was a huge surprise.”

So theoretically, if glucagon could be safely neutralized in people with type 1 diabetes, their blood glucose levels would stay normal without them having to take insulin or constantly check that level.

“The only potential downside is too little glucose in the blood, or hypoglycemia,” said Unger. But this would only likely become an issue if a person was due to run a marathon, or do something equally energy-sapping. “The answer would be to take

a sugary drink with you,” he said.

Will it help humans?

The results in mice are so encouraging that a trial has already begun to see if suppressing glucagon has similar benefits in people with diabetes.

Amylin Pharmaceuticals of San Diego, Calif., is attempting to do this with leptin, a hormone that controls fat uptake by cells but which also dampened the action of glucagon in studies on mice by Unger’s team in 2008.

“It’s the first time that researchers will test leptin, in the form of an analogue called metreleptin, in people with type 1 diabetes to see if it can improve glucose control,” a company spokeswoman said. The volunteers will not go without insulin, but will receive the minimum safe amount.

A different trial of leptin for those with severe insulin resistance is now underway at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. For more information on the study, go to http://1.usa.gov/leptintrial.

Other diabetes researchers are encouraged, but cautious about the developments.

“If you get rid of the glucagon receptor,

you get these dramatic changes,” said Alan Cherrington of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. “But is it more relevant in rodents than in humans?” he asked.

Many questions remain Cherrington said that the study leaves important questions unanswered. First, where does surplus glucose go in the mice lacking glucagon and insulin?

Unger agrees that this urgently needs investigation and said that tracer studies are underway with labeled glucose so its fate in the animals can be tracked. The most likely destination, according to Cherrington, is the liver, but if so, what happens when it is full?

The key question is: how are the mice managing to regulate glucose if insulin is not involved? Cherrington’s hunch is that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone made in the gut, may be deputizing.

“GLP-1 may affect the liver and muscle in an insulin-like way, ordering them to store glucose,” he said.

Daniel Drucker at the Samuel LunenSee DIABETES, page 6

Study shows no risk from mercury in fish

By Alicia Chang In an unusual health study, researchers analyzing toxin levels in tens of thousands of toenail clippings determined that mercury from eating fish does not raise the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Health experts have long urged people to eat fish to lower heart risks, but some have worried that the mercury in certain types of fish like shark and swordfish might offset any benefits.

Mercury occurs naturally in soil and rocks, including coal. It gets into the air from coal-fired power plants and other sources, and settles into water.

Small fish absorb mercury when they feed on plankton, and they, in turn, are eaten by bigger fish. Older and larger predator fish — like shark, swordfish and king mackerel — tend to accumulate the highest mercury levels.

In high quantities, the metal can damage the developing brain and nervous system of young children and is a special con-

cern for pregnant women because of potential harm to the fetus. Earlier studies on mercury and heart problems in adults have yielded contradictory results.

Large study finds no danger The latest government-funded work is the largest to look at this question. Instead of relying on what people said they ate, it measured mercury in their toenails — a good gauge of long-term exposure to the metal from fish consumption.

No differences were seen in the rates of heart disease and stroke among those with the highest concentrations of mercury compared to those with the lowest.

“The average person should eat fish as part of a healthy diet,” and not worry about ill heart effects, said Harvard School of Public Health cardiologist Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, who led the research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The new research in adults used infor-

mation from two studies of 174,000 health professionals. Some participants sent in toenail clippings when the work started decades ago.

Since toenails grow slowly and at different rates, they are favored over blood samples because they provide a more accurate picture of long-term mercury exposure.

Toenails are also easy to collect and can be stored cheaply.

After an average of 11 years, 3,500 participants who had given nail samples had suffered strokes or developed heart disease. Researchers compared them to an equal number of participants who did not develop those health problems.

After adjusting for factors such as age, gender and smoking, there was no link between mercury exposure and risks for heart disease or stroke.

This was true even at high exposure, where the average toenail mercury levels were 1 microgram per gram — roughly twice the recommended limit for pregnant women.

How much fish is healthy?

The American Heart Association recommends that adults eat fish at least twice a week. Pregnant women and young children are advised to avoid fish with the highest mercury concentrations and limit themselves to 12 ounces of fish a week, preferably shrimp, salmon and catfish, which contain lower mercury levels.

While fish contains hear t-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, consumers should also round out their diet with whole grains and fruits and vegetables, experts say.

“Fish intake is important, but we also have to think about the whole package,” said Alice Lichtenstein, a Tufts University nutrition professor and spokeswoman for the heart group, who was not involved in the research.

For fish consumption advisories from the EPA, go to www.epa.gov/mercury /advisories.htm.

— AP

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The pain of rejection is more than just a figure of speech.

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Medicare will pay the $93,000 cost of prostate cancer drug Provenge, an innovative therapy that typically gives men suffering from an incurable stage of the disease an extra four months to live. The treatment is intended for men whose prostate cancer has spread elsewhere in the body and is not responding to hormone therapy or radiation.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid said the biotech drug made by Dendreon Corp. is a “reasonable and necessary” medicine. The decision, which will be finalized by June 30, is important because most prostate cancer patients are 65 or older.

Medicare is legally prohibited from considering price when deciding whether to pay for a new treatment. The Food and Drug Administration approved Provenge last April, and in most cases Medicare automatically covers drugs cleared by the agency.

But Medicare’s decision to review whether to cover Provenge last year prompted outrage from some patients and doctors who said the government was looking for a reason to avoid reimbursing

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for the pricey drug. Dendreon said Provenge’s price reflects the more than $1 billion the company spent researching and developing the drug.

The infused drug is a first-of-a-kind treatment in that each dose is customized to work with a particular patient, arming his own immune system to fight the disease.

It offers an alternative to chemotherapy drugs that attack cancerous and healthy cells at the same time. The median survival time with Provenge is double that of chemotherapy, which is about two months and is marked by significant side effects.

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Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health shorts From page 5 to social rejection, according to a study that used brain imaging on people involved in romantic breakups.

“These results give new meaning to the idea that rejection ‘hurts,’” wrote psychology professor Ethan Kross of the University of Michigan and his colleagues.

Co-author Edward Smith of Columbia University explained that the research shows that psychological or social events can affect regions of the brain that scientists thought were dedicated to physical

Diabetes From page 4 feld Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, who investigates GLP-1 and glucagon,

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

pain. In a way, the scientists are saying “it’s not a metaphor,” Smith said in a telephone interview.

The study involved 40 volunteers who went through an unwanted romantic break-up in the previous six months and who said thinking about the break-up caused them to feel intensely rejected.

Functional MRI’s were used to study the brains in four situations: When viewing a photo of the ex-partner and thinking about the break-up; when viewing a photo of a friend and thinking of a positive experience with that person; when a device placed on their arm produced a gentle,

comforting warmth, and when that device became hot enough to cause pain, though not physical damage.

The two negative situations — thinking about the loss of a partner and the burn — caused response in the overlapping parts of the brain, the study found.

Previous studies had not shown a relationship between physical and emotional pain, but those had used a less dramatic event, such as simply being told someone does not like you, Smith said.

In this case, the volunteers were people who actually had been rejected and still were feeling it, he said.

agrees. “Animal models show elimination of glucagon is associated with increased circulation of GLP-1, so this hormone may certainly be playing a role,” he said.

Drucker also said that suppressing

glucagon levels, as expected in the leptin treatment, is probably safer than completely blocking the receptors.

That’s because blocking causes the cells that make glucagon to multiply rapidly to increase glucagon output, potentially resulting in the development of a pancreatic tumor. This shouldn’t happen if glucagon action is only dampened.

Another question, of course, is how the finding will translate to people with type 1 diabetes, said Robert Henry of the University of California at San Diego, head of medicine and science for the American Diabetic Association.

“The animals don’t have any glucagon

There is evidence that emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one, can affect people physically. Smith said studies like this may help researchers devise ways to help people who are sensitive to loss or rejection.

New lupus drug comes from Maryland The FDA recently approved the first new drug to treat lupus in over 50 years, a See HEALTH SHORTS, page 7

activity from birth, so would blocking the hormone have different effects in animals or humans already producing it?” he said.

Although cautious, most commentators were confident that the finding could lead to new treatments, or at the very least to new insights challenging the historical pre-eminence of insulin.

“It raises a large number of issues challenging the classic dogma that insulin is the most important hormone in diabetic control,” said Henry. © 2011. New Scientist Magazine. Reed Business Information Ltd. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

Health shorts From page 6 milestone that medical experts say could prompt development of other drugs that are even more effective in treating the debilitating immune system disorder.

Known as Benlysta, the injectable drug is designed to relieve flare-ups and pain caused by lupus — a little-understood and potentially fatal ailment in which the body attacks its own tissue and organs.

Biotech drugmaker Human Genome Sciences, based in Maryland, spent 15 years developing Benlysta and will co-market it with GlaxoSmithKline PLC. The companies estimate there are at least 200,000 lupus patients in the U.S. who could benefit from the drug.

But experts stress that Benlysta is not a miracle drug: It only worked in 35 percent of North American patients tested and was not effective for patients with the deadliest form of the disease.

Additionally, it did not show positive results in African-Americans, who are dispro-

portionately affected by lupus. The FDA said in its news release it would require the drug developers to conduct another study exclusively on African-Americans.

The drug is approved for systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common form of the disease. Lupus causes fibrous tissue and inflammation of internal organs, skin rashes and joint pain. Most of Benlysta’s benefit came from relieving muscle inflammation versus organ problems.

The disease occurs when the body’s antibodies stop differentiating between foreign invaders and healthy cells. The cause of this malfunction is not understood.

Currently most patients treat their disease with a variety of drugs that help ease inflammation, including painkillers, steroids and anti-malarial drugs — which were first approved for lupus in the 1950s.

Many patients say the side effects of those treatments are nearly as uncomfortable as the disease itself. Steroids can cause bone fractures, weight gain and infection. — AP

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MEDITATION GROUP MEETS WEEKLY The Mindful Way meditation group meets Mondays at 7:15 p.m.

at Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. in Lutherville.

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June 1+

WHAT’S NORMAL AGING?

Have you ever wondered if those “senior moments” are something to worry about? How about the physical changes you noticed and aren’t too happy about?

In this informative workshop, you will learn how to recognize the difference between normal and abnormal changes with age and discover what it takes to age successfully. The free workshop will be offered at three Anne Arundel County senior centers on Wednesday, June 1, Wednesday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 28. Call (410) 222-4464, ext. 3043 for specific locations and times and to register.

Ongoing

Get Vaccinated Today*

WELLNESS CLASSES

• Recommended for adults 60+

Howard Community College offers noncredit continuing education classes on such topics as nutrition, yoga, anger management and dream interpretation. Call (443) 518-1700 or visit www.howardcc.edu and click on “Continuing Education.”

May 26+

• Walk in or make an appointment with an

immunization specialized pharmacist • Most Medicare Part D plans accepted

A JOINT EFFORT

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Does hip or knee pain slow you down?

Learn what you can do to relieve the pain from a Johns Hopkins orthopedic surgeon. These interactive seminars will be held on Thursday, May 26 or June 30, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. For more details and to register, call (877) 546-1009 or visit www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthse minars.

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JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Breast cancer survivor back in the saddle

By Carol Sorgen In 1999, Patricia Artimovich was diagnosed with breast cancer. The treatment and recovery were, in her words, “grueling,” but once she had begun to recover, Artimovich, now 59, began reflecting on what she wanted to accomplish in her life.

“It wasn’t just the big things, but the small things I wanted to do as well,” said Artimovich, an attorney and contracts manager for the Universities Space Research Association in Columbia.

Artimovich had been interested in horses as a young woman, but had let that passion lapse as she got older. “I decided that I wanted that back in my life,” she said.

“When I’m on a horse, I don’t feel like someone who has had cancer.”

Because one of the side effects of breast cancer treatment can be osteopenia (thinning of the bones), Artimovich’s doctors advised her against jumping — the form of riding she had previously enjoyed most.

Instead, she took up dressage, a French

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term most commonly translated as “training.” Its purpose is to develop the horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to work — making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider.

Dressage is also a sport that attracts many riders as well as viewers, from amateur to Olympic level competitions. Artimovich compares watching a rider and her horse performing graceful and elegant dressage to observing a figure skater or gymnast doing her routine.

Since then, the event has grown to a two-day show with more than 200 riders.

Overall, the PVDA Ride for Life has raised more than $320,000 for the center.

“We are very dependent these days on the generosity of others to fulfill our mission and goals of the breast center,” said Lillie D. Shockney, its administrative director. “The Ride for Life event greatly supports our efforts so that more patients can become survivors of this disease, as well as receive quality of care at Hopkins, and through our training efforts, also elsewhere.”

Raising money to fight cancer Artimovich felt that she had gained so much through her association with these “gentle giants” that she wanted to find a way to open that avenue to others, and to utilize the dressage community to raise money for the Johns Hopkins Avon Breast Cancer Center for research and education.

The center has locations in both downtown Baltimore and at Green Spring Station in Lutherville.

In 2004, Artimovich approached the nonprofit Potomac Valley Dressage Association, the second oldest dressage club in the United States, and arranged for the association to take a one-day dressage show and dedicate it and its net proceeds to the Johns Hopkins Avon Center. The event was called the PVDA Ride for Life.

Ride for Life events This year’s Ride for Life will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, at the Prince Georges Equestrian Center, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., in Upper Marlboro, Md. The schedule of activities includes: Dancing Horse Challenge, the weekend’s highlight, on Saturday, June 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 5). This is a lyrical blend of dance, music, lights and equestrian prowess, featuring international and national riders and Olympians.

Immediately following the Dancing Horse Challenge is “Dancing in the Dirt,” during which everyone in the stands can See RIDE FOR LIFE, page 9

“Seeing Mom safe and happy makes me happy too.”

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

Ride for life From page 8 come down to the sand arena and dance to live music until 11:30 p.m.

Throughout the evening, guests can purchase food and beverages, shop for souvenirs, and visit the silent auction area to bid on such items as jewelry, artwork,

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICIA ARTIMOVICH

crafts, memorabilia, gift certificates and riding clinics. (For auction previews, visit www.pvdarideforlife.org.)

On Saturday night, a “Dancing with the Stars”-themed, black-tie optional gala kicks off at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception and a strolling magician. Gala guests will have special seating for the Dancing Horse Challenge and can go back and forth from the show to the auction and the reception. Dinner will be served from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

In addition, guests can mingle with the riders and dance, either in the gala area where the band will perform or down in the dirt where the music will be broadcast.

On both Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy an exciting competition among dressage riders, many who have been touched in some way by breast cancer. Several riders also will perform special demonstration rides and be available to meet visitors.

Patricia Artimovich created the dressage show Ride for Life to raise money for the Johns Hopkins Avon Breast Center. This year’s events take place on June 25 and 26.

Free Hearing Tests set for

Greater Baltimore Area Free electronic hearing tests will be given from Monday, May 23 through Friday, June 3. at select locations in Greater Baltimore.

Tests have been arranged for anyone who suspects they are losing their hearing. Such persons generally say they can hear but cannot understand words. Testing with the latest computerized equipment will indicate if you can be helped.

Everyone, especially adults over 55, should have an electronic hearing test at least once a year. If there is a hearing problem, hearing tests may reveal that newly developed methods of correction will help, even for those who have been told in the past that a hearing aid would not help them.

If you suspect you have hearing loss, call for a free hearing test appointment. Our Licensed Professionals are trained to determine if you have a simple problem like wax impaction or a more serious condition. We will be the first ones to tell you if you don’t need a hearing aid. If you do have a hearing loss, we will explain your test results and provide you with a list of options.

Two weeks only: Monday, May 23 – Friday, June 3.

Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Call Now to schedule your FREE hearing test Baltimore West Baltimore East (443) 986-9690 (443) 986-9662

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Pasadena (443) 955-5374 www.beltone.com

Outside Metro Area • 1-800-808-3277 (EARS)

The weekend also will include children’s activities, such as pony rides, face painting, horse arts and crafts, stick horse building, stick horse races, face painting and magic shows. A boutique with merchandise from more than 45 vendors will also be available.

Daytime admission to Ride for Life is free. Admission to the Dancing Horse Challenge is a $20 per person donation; free for children under age 10. Discounts are also available for groups of 20 or more.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.pvdarideforlife.org.

Gala admission is $100; $50 for children

9

under 12. All reservations must be made

by June 17. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pvdarideforlife.org or by contacting Jeannette Bair at (443) 691-0390 or jeannettebair@hotmail.com. Children’s gala reservations must be made by contacting Bair.

Though Artimovich has not achieved her own equestrian goal of riding every year on a horse of her own, the inspiration she receives from riders and Ride for Life attendees every year continues to motivate her.

“I look around and see a lot of life-giving potential,” she said.

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Health Studies Page

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Volunteer for exercise, weight loss studies The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 20 million Americans suffer from diabetes and that more than 40 percent of Americans over age 60 are affected.

In older adults, a number of factors determine risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Those individuals who are obese and have low levels of physical activity face a higher risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but progression of these two diseases may be prevented.

Researchers in the Division of Gerontol-

ogy and Geriatric Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center focus on investigating the effects of exercise training and weight loss on risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Alice Ryan, Ph.D., and Steven Prior, Ph.D., researchers at the University of Maryland and Baltimore VA Medical Center, are working together to better understand how the body responds to exercise training or weight loss to improve glucose metabolism (the breakdown, use, and stor-

Research Study Have you been told you snore? Do you need to lose weight?

Johns Hopkins Medicine is conducting a research study in persons who may snore and are not currently being treated for snoring. Eligible participants must be over 60 years of age, overweight, not smoking, and not regularly exercising.

All visits are free, including parking, at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

For more information, please call 410-550-5428 or 410-550-5429 or 410-550-6997.

Principal Investigator: Devon A. Dobrosielski, PhD IRB# NA_00040314

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Forest Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center Forest Hill, MD 410-893-2468

Two kinds of studies The University of Maryland School of Medicine and Baltimore VA Medical Center are seeking volunteers to participate in exercise or weight loss studies. Each study volunteer undergoes a comprehensive health evaluation before and after the exercise training intervention to evaluate diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.

This evaluation includes a physical examination, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (EKG), diabetes testing, bone density assessment, evaluation of physical fitness, and testing for glucose and muscle metabolism.

The exercise training intervention includes six months of exercise sessions at the Baltimore VA Medical Center’s Senior Exercise Research Center. Volunteers ex-

ercise three days per week, and each exercise session lasts approximately one hour.

The weight loss intervention includes six months of counseling on diet modification. Volunteers meet one hour per week with a registered dietician at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. The staff includes registered dieticians, physicians, nurses, and exercise physiologists to monitor your health, safety, and provide motivational support.

How to participate To enroll in the studies, volunteers need to be: 1) either 20 to 40 years old or 45 to 80 years old, 2) non-smoking, 3) not currently participating in an exercise program, and 4) in general good health.

Prior and Ryan said participating in these research studies offers many potential benefits. Volunteers are expected to improve their glucose metabolism and their cardiorespiratory fitness level, which may reduce their risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Interventions that improve glucose metabolism have important clinical implications, especially with older adults, since they are at greater risk for obesity and associated cardiovascular disease.

“Understanding how the body improves glucose metabolism after exercise training may lead to more effective treatments for individuals with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes,” Ryan said.

If you are interested in learning more about these studies, call the study recruitment hotline at (410) 605-7179 and mention code STX.

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cities, including Baltimore. Sign up at www.startupdigest.com.

Do you have more trouble than usual remembering things?

People 55 and older with memory problems are needed for a research study at Johns Hopkins Bayview.

Summit Park Health and Rehabilitation Center Catonsville, MD 410-747-3287

Patuxent River Health & Rehabilitation Center Laurel, MD Heritage Harbour Health 410-792-4717 and Rehabilitation Center Annapolis, MD North Arundel Health 410-897-1300 and Rehabilitation Center Glen Burnie, MD 410-761-1222

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age of sugar) in older adults.

Ryan’s studies explore the effects of inflammation — which increases a person’s risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease — on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle, and how weight loss and exercise interventions affect inflammation in the body to reduce the risk for diabetes.

Prior’s studies examine the role of reduced capillary supply — which limits circulation and metabolism in muscle — in the development of type 2 diabetes, and whether exercise improves capillary supply in muscle to improve glucose metabolism.

“We currently know that exercise training and weight loss improve how the body handles sugar,” Prior said. “Our studies are investigating the mechanisms that cause that improvement.”

The study will find out if mentally s"mula"ng ac"vi"es can improve memory and other types of thinking.

Par"cipa"on involves 1 screening visit, 4 visits las"ng 4 hours, and 17 visits las"ng 1 hour.

You will be paid $620 for the study.

For more informa on, please call (410) 550-2688.

Principal Inves"gator: Miriam Z. Mintzer, Ph.D. | Protocol #: NA_00039100

Approved January 11, 2011

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

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11

Use your weight to make you stronger Q: What is this “bodyweight such as the Senior Health section of the NIH strength training” I am hearing about? website, http://nihseniorhealth.gov/ A: Bodyweight strength exerciseforolderadults, and the training is exercise that uses American Council on Exercise’s your own body weight for reworkout guide at www. acefitsistance to work your musness.org/article/3159/. cles instead of weights or reYou might also find it helpful sistance bands. to get personal instruction on For example, you can how to do these exercises and strengthen your arms with adapt them as you grow exercises like push-ups stronger by meeting for a few (standing against the wall, or sessions with a qualified trainer regular or bent-knee on the at a YMCA, JCC or other fitNUTRITION floor) and chair dips. ness center in your community.

You can strengthen leg WISE Q: Why do I hear some muscles by getting up and By Karen Collins, people making a big deal down from a sitting or squat- MS, RD, CDM about how you breathe ting position, depending on when walking or biking for your current level of fitness and balance. exercise? Does it really make a differOther leg-strengthening exercises that ence? use only body weight include leg raises, A: Yes, how you are breathing during aerwall-sits and lunges. obic exercise can affect your heart rate and You can strengthen your abdominal thus your performance and endurance. muscles with sit-ups, which can be done in Many adults have developed a shallow many different variations to focus on dif- breathing pattern. This limits how much ferent areas of your “abs,” as well as exer- oxygen you can take in, cutting short your cises known as planks and bridges. ability to continue when you could otherAlthough these bodyweight strengthen- wise go longer or faster. Erratic breathing ing exercises may not be enough for body- when exercising can lead you to hypervenbuilders, by changing how far you work tilate or get dizzy. against your body weight and how long you Instead, as you walk, try to inhale for hold the resistance, variations of these exer- two steps, then hold the air in for two cises can be used by people who have been steps, and then exhale for two steps. Altersedentary and have little strength as well as natively, some experts advise inhaling a by people who already have developed good full three steps to get oxygen deep into all muscle strength from regular exercise. your muscles. Either way, focus on full, You can find examples of these body- strong inhales and full, complete exhales. weight strength training exercises and inThis attention to breathing can seem structions from several trustworthy websites, awkward at first, but you will notice that

your heart won’t start pounding as easily because you are able to get more oxygen into your body and push out the carbon dioxide waste.

You may also find that with a focus on breathing, your walk turns into a more meditative, calming activity as a side benefit. Eventually this will seem less awkward and will become second nature.

The most important thing is simply to keep breathing. People often assume that they are breathing automatically when they are actually holding their breath.

Take a moment to focus on your breathing during your next walk or during strenuous activities such as climbing the stairs.

You may be surprised to find that you are

holding your breath.

And you may be just as surprised to see how much more you can do when you are breathing in a way that gets your body the oxygen it needs.

The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will return your call, usually within three business days.

Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Questions for this column may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot respond to questions personally.

Studies on Aging: Johns Hopkins University Are you 70 years or older?

Investigators from the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Campus are looking for individuals aged 70 or older to participate in a research study that is looking at the aging process.

Tests would include measurements of strength, walking speed and questions about your physical activities. We may also request a blood draw and urine sample.

You will be paid $10 for participating depending on the study and we can conduct the study in your home. No travel required. If you choose to travel to Bayview, a parking pass will be given to you.

For more information, please call our study coordinators at Bayview:

410-550-9016 or 410-550-2113

Knee arthritis pain?

We look forward to hearing from you!

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JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTHY LIVING

Johns Hopkins has started a “Healthy Living” program for Marylanders 45 and older. This free health and wellness education program offers monthly seminars and screenings, discounts on select elective medical services, discounts on fitness programs and in-home resources, a consumer health newsletter and online health alerts, lifestyle events, and assistance making medical appointments. To enroll, call 1-800-547-5182 or visit www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthyliving.

Seeking Men and Women The University of Maryland & Veterans Affairs of Baltimore are conducting a research study to better understand FALLS in aging individuals.

With your participation you will receive:

• Health evaluation • CT scans of waist, hip, and leg • Balance and strength testing

410-605-7179 Mention code: FALLS You must be at least 65 years old and in good health.

You will be compensated for your time.

Volunteers are needed for a research study conducted at Johns Hopkins Bayview

To study sleep in pa"ents with osteoarthri"s of the knee. To par"cipate, you must be 50 years or older.

Both good and poor sleepers are needed. Parking, and tests are provided at no cost. Compensa"on is provided.

Call 410-550-7906 and/or visit the website at

www.SleeplessInBaltimore.com Principal Inves"gator: Michael T. Smith, Ph.D. Protocol NA_000118021

Approved 08/24/2009

12

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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

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

014331RXX11

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

13

New and natural edibles and wearables Dear Readers: www.simplysharis.com If it’s a pizza wrap I visited the Natural Products Expo you crave, go to www.glutenfreeda.com. trade show in California to Cinnamon Vanilla Personfind cool, new supplements, al Lubricant by Good Clean foods and cosmetics. Some of Love: This moisturizes sensitive them are so new, you’ll have areas, reduces vaginal dryness to ask your health food store and it’s free of parabens, glycto stock them. erin, silicon and petroleum. The These were my faves: company’s entire product line Irey Ice Cream by Pure and motto is “Chemistry withM a r k e t E x p r e s s : The out chemicals” and they mean it. booth exhibitors should www.goodcleanlove.com have honestly called security Nogii Bars: Created by DEAR to get rid of us. My husband “The View’s” Elizabeth HasselPHARMACIST Sam and I just hung around, back and her husband Tim, forBy Suzy Cohen noshing on all their samples! mer NFL quarterback. Their Made from coconut water, family is gluten-free, and I samthis incredible snack offers guilt-free in- pled her “Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel dulgence for people watching their Crisp.” Amazing, and free of HFCS, trans weight. www.puremarketexpress.com fats, hydrogenated oils. www.nogii.com Ultimate Lash and Brow Serum by Danielle Crispy Fruit Chips: I could MyChelle: This natural lash builder creates go broke buying these. They are crazy thicker, fuller lashes within weeks. It com- good and totally natural...with two ingredibines apple fruit stem cells along with ents, the fruit and a non-hydrogenated oil! “myristoyl pentapeptide” which was shown No trans fats, gluten-free, and exotic flavors to increase lash length/thickness over 70 like Honey Banana, Tangy Pineapple and percent after six weeks. www.mychelle.com Sweet Jackfruit. www.daniellechips.com Gluten free Pizza by Simply Shari’s: Hugo Naturals Fizzy Bath Bombs: My husband has searched for years, Hugo’s products are super pure — no a n d t h i s w i n s h i s a p p r o v a l . T h e parabens, PEG’s, petroleum or artificial anyflaky cr ust tastes like regular pizza thing. The new, natural bath “bomb” disand the sauce/toppings are delish. solves in your tub, releasing minerals and

pure essential oils like lavender/chamomile for relaxation. Their styling gel tames frizz and makes your hair manageable and shiny. www.hugonaturals.com PowderColors by Honey Bee Gardens: Gorgeous eyeshadow colors. Department store brands often contain cheap fillers, talc, FD&C dyes and parabens.

Honey Bee’s is pure, made of colorful minerals, and the subtle shimmer lights up your eyes all day. I like how it stays on my lid, not on my cheek. www.honeybeegardens.com Baking Mixes by Lauralicious: If you have food sensitivities, make this your new baking line. The chocolate chip cookies are scrumptious, and her entire line — including pancake/waffle mix — is safe for people

who avoid soy, eggs, wheat, gluten, peanuts and dairy. www.mrslauralicious.com Chimes Ginger Chews: Ginger eases nausea, vertigo, morning sickness, stomach cramps and joint pain/inflammation.

These candies have the texture of a gummy bear but they are made of ginger and flavored naturally. I like the tropical mango flavor. www.chimesgourmet.com This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

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Baltimore Eye Doctor Helps Legally Blind to See Again Diplomat in Low Vision Care trains Dr. Thomas Azman to help those with age-related macular degeneration with reading and driving.

By Elena Lombardi Freelance Writer

Donald Paquette, 72, a former assessor from Anaheim, California, thought that his driving days were over. “I could not read the street signs soon enough and I couldn’t pass the vision test at the DMV office.”

Gonzalo Garcia, 74, Albuquerque, New Mexico, wanted to be able to read and write more easily.

He wanted to see the nails and screws when he tried to use them in home repairs. He wanted see his grandchildren singing in the church choir. But he thought those days were over when he was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration.

California Opthomasetrist, Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner and Baltimore opthomasetrist Dr. Thomas Azman are using miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration or other eye conditions.

“Some of my patients consider us

Hank Frese wearing Bioptic Telescope Driving Glasses

the last stop for people who have vision loss.” said Dr. Azman, a low vision opthomasetrist who has just completed training with Dr. Shuldiner in California.

“Amazing!” says Donald. “I can read the street signs twice as far as I did before and even see the television better!”

Macular degeneration is the most common eye disease among the senior population. As many as 25% of those over 65 have some degree of degeneration. The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp images.

When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in

the center of vision, which makes it impossible to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the drivers vision test.

The experts do not know what causes macular degeneration. But major factors include UV light from the sun, smoking, aging, and improper nutrition.

Vitamins can help. The results of two studies, AREDS and LAST demonstrated a lowered risk of progression by about 25% when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins. Dr. Azman advises patients on the best nutritional supplements during the low vision evaluation.

Nine out of ten people who have macular degeneration have the dry type. There is no medical treatment except for vitamins. The wet type involves the leakage of fluid or blood from the blood vessels behind the macula. Injections of Leucentis or Avastin are very effective in preventing the vessels from leaking.

“Our job is to figure out anything and everything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Azman.

“Whether it’s driving, reading, watching television, seeing faces, playing bridge… we work with whatever is on the persons “wish list.”

Even if it’s driving.

Maryland and California are two of many states that allow the use of telescopic glasses for safer driving.

Hank Frese, 69, a former High School Principal from La Palma, California saw Dr. Shuldiner last August.

“I could not read the street signs soon enough when driving, and I could not read my morning paper.”

Bioptic Telescopic glasses were prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. As Hank puts it, “These telescope glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. Definitely worth the $2450 cost. I don’t know why I waited two years to do this; I should have come sooner” “Telescopic glasses start at around $1500”, says Dr. Azman, “and low vision prismatic reading glasses start at $500. A small price to pay for better vision and increased independence.”

If you or someone you care about is struggling with vision loss, call Dr. Thomas Azman for a free telephone interview.

You can reach Dr. Azman by dialing (410) 561-8050.

14

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Senior Games From page 1 In high school, Simpson competed on the boys’ track team (there was no girls’ track team at the time), but then didn’t take up the sport again until mid-life.

“My parents were both runners who competed at the state level in Virginia,” Simpson said. “They never got to the na-

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

tionals, so I’m carrying on the family tradition for them.”

To qualify for the Senior Games, athletes have to participate in state-level games in the prior year. To meet that requirement, Simpson took part in the Maryland Senior Olympics, as well as in local 5K races, such as “Race for the Cure.”

Though Simpson has always been competitive, she said the real joy of the games

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is seeing how she improves each time.

“I’m out there to be the best that I can be,” she said, adding that there is a different “mindset” when you compete at the senior level. “I’m there to have fun, improve my own time, and meet other people who are active and healthy.”

Trying the triathlon Barbara Garner will be competing in the triathlon when she goes to Houston. The Catonsville resident — “let’s just say I’m in the 70-to-74 age group” — will, in quick succession, swim, bike and run.

Garner also qualified to compete in the swimming competition, but a family wedding reception may bring her back to Baltimore before those events take place.

Garner, a retired state park ranger, still works as a seasonal ranger in the summer and a ski teacher in the winter. She has been competing in sports events since she was 55.

“It’s interesting and invigorating,” she said of her participation in competitive

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meets. To prepare for the Games, Garner bikes with the Baltimore Bicycle Club, runs in local races and swims regularly.

Triathlons are not as intimidating as they may sound, she said, pointing out that the senior triathlon consists of shorter distance events than what a younger elitelevel triathlete would face. “We don’t overdo,” she said.

Like the other athletes, Garner also downplays the importance of medals, though she admits that she has won a few over the years. “They’re packed away somewhere,” she said.

For Garner, the Senior Games are a way to keep her athletic skills honed and to travel to different cities throughout the country.

“The motto of the games is ‘To participate is to win,’” said Garner, “and that’s my motto as well. It’s nice to win something, but just getting ready and getting there is good, too.”

For more information on the National Senior Games, visit www.nsga.com. For more about the Maryland Senior Olympics, whose events run from August through early November, visit www.mdseniorolympics.org.

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June 16

HELLO DOLLY! IN PENNSYLVANIA

Bykota Senior Center hosts a trip to see Hello Dolly! at the Allenberry Playhouse in Boiling Springs, Pa., on Thursday, June 16. Cost is $75.

Reserve a spot now by calling (410) 337-7350.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

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JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

What do people think of assisted living?

By Erin Roth For the past nine years, a team of researchers from the Center for Aging Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has been studying assisted living settings in Maryland from urban, rural and suburban locales.

With funding from the National Institute on Aging, we have interviewed more than 500 residents, family members and staff members in 17 different assisted living settings, giving us insight into their everyday experiences.

Assisted living came onto the senior housing scene over 25 years ago as an alternative to nursing home care. It sought to create a home-like environment by offering private rooms with a bathroom, a kitchenette with microwave, and locks on the doors. Handrails were discreetly disguised as chair rail molding, and residents were given a choice of entrees at meals.

While the physical structure of assisted living facilities vary greatly — from purpose-built, architect-designed buildings, to converted cinder-block walled nursing homes built in the 1970s, to split-level homes located in the midst of single-family neighborhoods — they all share the desire to be less medical and institutional in appearance and operation than conventional nursing homes.

Unanimously preferred From our research we’ve found that over and over again, family members, residents and staff talk about assisted living in terms of what it is not — it is not a nursing home. It doesn’t smell like one, look like one, or feel like one, they say.

And yet, as assisted living has matured, it has in some ways become susceptible to some of the same issues nursing homes have faced.

Because people are staying in their homes longer and coming to assisted living older and frailer, dining rooms have become jammed with more walkers and wheelchairs than they were designed to accommodate.

Elevators are crowded — but absolutely essential. And the old ratios of direct care staff to residents are not realistic or perhaps even safe, given the increased needs.

The consensus among those who work within these settings is that assisted living is the new nursing home. Still, people unanimously prefer assisted living over nursing homes because of the strides it has made in improving upon the old nursing home model.

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able number of other changes over time — some planned and some not.

Many people move into a setting with the assumption that things like staff, services, food quality, or the number of people living there will remain the same.

The reality is that each assisted living facility is continually in flux, adapting to changes in ownership, additions to the building, evolving state policies, adjustments in the services offered, and fees charged. Well-liked employees may leave, and fellow residents eventually move or die.

These factors impact how residents experience life in assisted living, both in the short and long term. Because so many of these changes are out of one’s control, many people learn to adapt and accept. For most people, the efforts involved in finding a new place and moving are simply not worth it.

It may be helpful to heed the words of advice from some of the people we have interviewed. One administrator suggests you plan ahead, shop around, ask lots of questions and do the math.

Here’s her advice on choosing an assisted living community: “Whenever we have anybody come in and tour our facility, as much as they like it, the thing I always tell them to do is make sure you go look at other places. Because at the end of the day whenever, who-

ever is making that choice, you want to be able to put your head down on that pillow and go, ‘I know what’s out there, at least I think I know what’s out there, and I made the best choice I could.’

“It’s not the world’s easiest or happiest decision. But you can make it easier on yourself and your loved one by at least touring as many places as you can and not falling in love with a place because of infrastructure.

A lot of times people try to cover things up with crown molding and bead board.

“Ask as many questions as you can, and when you’re ready to make that move — if it’s not a subsidized facility and it’s a “private-pay” facility like most of them are — sit down with a calculator and try to figure you out how much time are you [likely] to have in that [facility] — because [the total cost is] going to be a big part making the decision.”

Erin G. Roth is a senior ethnographer at the Center for Aging Studies, part of UMBC's Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

She has co-authored two books based on the center’s assisted living research: Inside Assisted Living: A Search for Home (2009), http://bit.ly/insideassistedliving, and Quality Assisted Living: Informing Practice through Research, http://bit.ly/qualityassistedliving, (in press). For additional information, see http://bit.ly/centerforagingstudies or contact Erin Roth at eroth@umbc.edu.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

B-3

Don’t let your clutter boss you around

By Fiona Morrissey Clutter has many faces. It’s not always something obvious like a box of antique bank statements, a pile of yellowing newspapers or a bucket with holes.

It can be a warm winter coat, a great book or a crystal vase. Each may seem harmless in itself, but if your house is crammed with excess clothing, reading matter and bric-a-brac, then it’s clutter and you need to take action.

As a professional organizer I’ve found that a lot of people with clutter issues are intimidated by what they own. This is particularly true of my older clients, many of whom grew up in the Depression.

They often allow a perfectly useless piece of junk to bully them into keeping it: How dare you say I’m only a jar of rusty nails? You might need me one fine day. So don’t even think of throwing me out!

The first thing I do is remind my clients that possessions make good servants but bad masters. If you let your clutter boss you around, then you’ll always have a home that you’re ashamed of and keep apologizing for.

Interrogate your clutter The trick is to stand up to what you own.

If you suspect a particular item of being clutter — interrogate it! Ask it the following questions:

• When was the last time I used you?

• When will I use you again?

• Who might ask for you?

• Are you easily replaceable?

• What’s the worst that would happen if I gave you away?

• Are you helping to make my home difficult to clean?

• Do you make it harder for me to find things I need?

• What have you done for me lately?

Once you decide that something deserves to be kept, it has to have a fixed address. Homelessness is a concern in many households, with things drifting aimlessly from place to place. A quick cross examination should find the right spot for any item.

• Do you belong in this room?

• How accessible are you now?

• How accessible should you be?

solid waste department to arrange for one.

As for any usable items, load them up in your car, drive to your nearest thrift store and be done with it. Some thrift organizations will even pick your stuff up. Call one of these numbers: Goodwill: 1-888-817-4323 Purple Heart: 1- 877-851-8111 Salvation Army: 1-800-728-7825 Amvets: 1-800-526-8387 Central Union Mission: 202-745-7118 Goodwill, Salvation Army and Central

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Don’t put it off It is important to be aware that clutter is sly and unscrupulous. You want your home up and running — your clutter does not. So it employs delaying tactics to slow See CLUTTER, page B-4

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Get it out of the house The next step is to dispense with all those rogue articles that fared badly under interrogation.

Anything cracked, chipped, soiled, ripped, or with missing parts should go into the garbage.

Larger pieces that you believe are so broken or decrepit that no one will want them can be put out at your curb for a special trash pick-up. Call your jurisdiction’s

Union Mission will even accept big pieces of furniture, such as sofas, if clean and in good condition. Amvets also picks up sofas and the like, but only from the curb and not from inside your house.

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JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Ways to recycle practically anything at all You’re inspired to clean out your cluttered garage, basement and closets. But what should you do with your out-of-date clothes, ancient tube TVs and old mattresses?

Long gone are the days of dumping everything into the trash and out on the curb. Here’s a rundown from Consumer Reports magazine of some of the most creative ways to get rid of unwanted items: E l e c t r o n i c s . Log on to www. ecoqsuid.com to check out options for reselling or recycling old gadgets. Or try selling on eBay — somebody, somewhere might be looking for an older model or its components.

Best Buy also recycles gear. The stores accept computers, TVs and more, even when items were not purchased there. Office Depot and Staples also recycle.

Toys and stuffed animals. After the

"%34 6!,5%

kids (or grandkids) have grown, many of us have bags full of toys. Before donating or selling items, go to www.recalls.gov to make sure they have not been recalled in recent years. Standards are tougher now than even a few years ago.

For like-new stuffed animals, donate to Beanies for Baghdad, an organization that sends items to armed service units in wartorn areas and they distribute them to children (www.BeaniesForBaghdad.com).

LovingHugs.org sends soft stuffed animals to children in war zones, refugee camps, orphanages, medical facilities and the like.

Mattresses. If a retailer offers to take away your old mattress when you purchase a new one, try to find out what happens to it. Some retailers dismantle the mattress and recycle its components, and some don’t.

If it’s in good condition, offer it to shel-

ters for the homeless or battered women, or to the Salvation Army.

Hauling the mattress to the curb for regular trash pickup is a last resort, but if it’s the only option, check with the sanitation department. Some communities require mattresses to be wrapped in heavy plastic and sturdy tape to seal in any bugs.

Paint. Put buckets of old paint to good use by asking around at local charities, religious organizations, or high school or college drama departments. Perhaps they can use it.

Some communities collect paint for reuse, but if there are no takers, call a local municipal recycling center or find a recycler at www.earth911.com.

Even items that seem useless can be recycled into something practical for someone else. Try these tips for stuff that’s past its prime:

-/2%¨

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Anne Arundel County U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì ÕÀ >Vi À> V \ {£ä ÇÈ£ {£xä U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì -iÛiÀ > *>À \ {£ä x{{ Î{££ Baltimore City U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì Ã > ` /iÀÀ>Vi\ {£ä ÓÇÈ È{{ä U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì `ëÀ }\ {£ä x{Ó {{ää Baltimore County U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì >Ì ÃÛ i\ {£ä Ç£ {È{ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì Õ `> \ {£ä Ónn x{nÎ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì Õ iÀÌ \ {£ä ÈÈÎ äÈÈx U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì À> >À > ` }\ {£ä Î £ nÎÇx U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì ,> `> ÃÌ Ü \ {£ä Èxx xÈÇÎ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì , Ãi`> i\ {£ä nÈÈ £nnÈ U / Ì Þ ÕÃi ­/ Üà ®\ {£ä nÓn Ç£nx U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì />Þ À\ {£ä ÈÈÎ äÎÈÎ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì 7 ` >Ü \ {£ä Ón£ ££Óä

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:Xcc +('$)+-$.+00 fi <dX`c J\e`fiC`m`e^7j_\ck\i^ig%Zfd kf `ehl`i\ XYflk \c`^`Y`c`kp i\hl`i\d\ekj Xe[ kf XiiXe^\ X gi`mXk\ kfli% Professionally managed by The Shelter Group. www.thesheltergroup.com The Shelter Group is committed to Equal Housing Opportunities for people of all races, religions, ethnic groups, and disabilities and all other groups protected by federal, state, or local law.

Toys. Ask a local animal shelter if they can use old stuffed animals to comfort puppies.

Clothing. At Goodwill, if they can’t repair clothes for sale, they’ll recycle old clothing scraps into industrial wipes for industrial buyers.

Cars. Nonprofit groups like Goodwill Industries and Habitat for Humanity accept vehicles; many don’t care whether they run or not.

Linens. Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores accept towels, sheets, curtains and such. To donate well-worn towels, call a local animal shelter. Often they take them to use for pet bedding and/or cleanup rags.

Furniture. Ask the trash collector about curbside pickup. Haul it to the curb a day early and put a “free” sign on it, in case someone might want it.

— Consumer Reports

Clutter From page B-3 you down.

What? Give me away for nothing? But we’ve been together for so long! The least you can do is get money for me. Aren’t I worth it?

This is why I do not recommend consignment stores for those with major clutter issues. Consignment stores are picky.

There is no guarantee they will take anything, and even what they do accept may not sell.

Yard sales don’t work for most people, either. Haggling with your neighbors to get the best price for your junk uses up time and energy. Chances are you’ll sell only a small fraction. Then you’ll have to bag it all up again and bring it to the thrift shop where it should have gone in the first place.

Once you are no longer at the mercy of what you own, life can only get better. One of my clients put it this way: “I love having my house back. Now I can find things and it’s fun being able to entertain family and friends. Best of all, my grown children have stopped nagging me to declutter. It’s all done and I feel great!”

Fiona Morrissey is a professional organizer in Silver Spring, Md. For more information, see www.happyroomsbyfiona.com or call (301) 593-4026.

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SEASONS HOSPICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care is seeking patient care volunteers at Northwest Hospital, and office volunteers to serve Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and Harford Counties. Contact 1-888-5236000 or jjordan@seasons.org for more information.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

B-5

How to find and hire a home health aide When Richard Foye was looking for a home health aide to live with his 97-yearold mother, he found the search daunting.

One applicant was bipolar and admitted that she didn’t always take her medication.

Another was afraid to stay overnight alone with his mom.

Finally, Foye found a caring and capable aide. But “it was a struggle,” he said.

Care at home can be a lot less expensive than a nursing home or an assisted-living facility, especially for seniors who need only a few hours of help a day. And staying in familiar surroundings can be much more comfortable for the caregivee than living in an institution.

There are many options for hiring trained aides through private companies.

Finding an aid to hire directly, as Foye learned, is not easy. But with perseverance, it’s a manageable task.

Types of aides To start, think about the level of help

your parent or spouse will need. For the most seriously ill, there are registered nurses, who can manage many complex medical conditions, administer medications, and operate sophisticated equipment.

At the next level are certified nursing assistants, who have training in first aid and in helping patients bathe, go to the bathroom and transfer from a bed to a wheelchair.

Finally, for those who don’t need skilled assistance, there are companions and homemakers, who may have little or no medical training.

Once you settle on a level of care, decide how many hours of assistance you’ll need. Does your mom need someone to come in just a few mornings a week to help her cook, clean or perhaps bathe? If Mom needs constant care, you can hire aides to work eight- or 12-hour shifts.

Hiring a live-in aide would be a lot less costly, since you’ll be providing room and

BEACON BITS

June 15

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

Baltimore County Restoring Elder Safety Today (BC-REST) is a coalition working to educate and empower the community to identify and prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in Baltimore County through the development of strategic alliances, advocacy and resource development. BCREST will hold a rally on Wednesday, June 15, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Towson Library, 320 York Rd., in support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. For more details, call (410) 887-4200.

May 28+

board. But you can’t expect a live-in to be on call 24 hours a day. If your loved one needs to be turned in bed every few hours, you’ll need to use shift workers.

Often the biggest area of conflict between aides and clients is confusion over what services will be provided. For instance, families often expect aides to administer medications. But in most states, only nurses can dispense drugs.

How to hire an aide You can hire an aide in one of three ways. The simplest but most expensive option is to hire an employee of a home-

health agency. The agency will take care of the aide’s withholding taxes and any benefits, and it will find a fill-in on days your aide cannot come. The agency may also provide insurance and arrange ongoing training.

In Baltimore, the going rate is $21 an hour for a certified aide who is an agency employee. A registered nurse will likely cost twice as much.

A second option is to hire an independent aide through home-health agencies called registries. These firms act like an old-fashioned hiring hall. They may check See HOMECARE, page B-6

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Advertorials

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JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Homecare From page B-5

P-B Health Home Care Agency, Inc 410-235-1060 2535 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 www.p-bhealth.com P-B Health Home Care Agency provides in-home medical and personal care services to the elderly, disabled, infirmed and special care patients, including those who require in-home post surgical care. Using advanced technology and practices our highly trained staff deliver inhome Skilled Nursing, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Medical Social Work and Medical Home Health Aide Services.

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aides for competency or a criminal record, but the level of screening differs by firm.

Aides hired through a registry may cost, on average, around $15 an hour.

To find a good agency, check with your local area agency on aging (AAA) or a nonprofit information-and-referral service.

[Numbers for local AAAs appear at the end of this article.]

The federal government’s HomeHealth Compare at www.medicare.gov provides broad quality ratings for Medicare-approved agencies. (But note that Medicare itself will pay for only very limited home care after a hospitalization.)

Once you’ve selected some potential companies, call and ask many questions.

How long has the firm been in business? Is the firm insured? How does it handle complaints?

Most important, you’ll want to learn all you can about the individual aide they will be sending you. You’ll also want to know what their policy is on replacing an aide that you and your Mom do not like.

If you have long-term-care insurance, read the policy carefully and contact your agent to determine if it will cover all or part of your costs. Some policies will reimburse you only if you hire through an approved agency.

Medicare and Medicaid, which pays for long-term home care only if you meet strict income and asset tests, will also require you to hire through an approved firm.

You can save money by hiring an aide on your own. You may find one through a newspaper ad, an online service such as Craigslist.org, or a friend. You’ll negotiate your own price, but expect to pay about $10 to $12 an hour.

Note that if you go this route, you will be an employer. You’ll have to pay Social Security taxes, withhold income taxes, check references, and make sure that an immigrant worker has a green card.

Also, by self-hiring, you will have to make other arrangements when your aide calls in sick or takes vacation.

Evaluating an aide Before choosing an aide, conduct an in-

home interview. Most reputable agencies will conduct a formal assessment of your loved one’s needs either by phone or by sending a registered nurse, along with the prospective aide, to the patient’s home.

Ask the aide about his or her experience. If your Mom has dementia or other special needs, see if the aide has cared for such patients before. Find out if the agency or the aide has malpractice insurance.

After you hire someone, prepare a daily schedule of duties, so that expectations are clear. Visit frequently, and at irregular times. Check that the house is clean, that the refrigerator is full and that Mom is doing well — that she’s up and dressed (if that is possible) every morning. If she is confined to bed, check for bedsores. Have the aide keep a log of what she does each day.

Many aides are immigrants. Some may speak English with a heavy accent, and if Mom has difficulty hearing, communicating can be a challenge at first.

But if the aide seems caring and competent, give it a few weeks. You’ll be surprised at how well they’ll be able to work things out.

It is crucial that you communicate with the aide. If an aide is doing a good job, offer your thanks. If there are problems, talk about it. Sometimes an aide is capable, but personalities can clash. If so, you can ask an agency to send someone else.

Remember, this is a difficult situation for everyone. A little patience can go a long way.

Local AAA numbers to call: Anne Arundel County AAA: (410) 2224464 Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Education: (410) 3964489 Baltimore County Dept. of Aging: (410) 887-2108 Carroll County Bureau on Aging: (410) 386-3800 Harford County Office on Aging:(410) 638-3025 Howard County Office on Aging:(410) 313-6410 © The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.

All rights reserved.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT Join one of Baltimore County’s local watershed associations and make a difference in your local streams. Baltimore County EPS en-

Atrium Village is conveniently located just minutes from Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Randallstown and Pikesville. The caring staff are here to evaluate your needs for our Independent Care, Assisted Living or Memory Care community. Enjoy our studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments in our intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, socially and vocationally vibrant environment. Amenities include delicious dining prepared by our Executive Chef, exciting programming and entertainment, transportation to appointments and trips. Unique Quiet Care and emergency response system to keep you healthy and safe, and efficient and convenient laundry and housekeeping provided to all residents. We are LIVING LIFE at Atrium Village.

courages citizens to get involved in volunteer opportunities that make improvements to our streams, forests and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Local watershed associations continually conduct restoration activities and can always use your help. Find a listing of local watershed associations at www.baltimorecountymd.gov under “volunteer opportunities.”

Ongoing

DO YOU SPEAK RUSSIAN OR FARSI? Tutor Russian or Farsi-speaking clients in English language skills and/or translate non-medical terminology at medical appoint-

ments. Contact Jewish Community Services at (410) 466-9200 or www.jcsbaltimore.org.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

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B-7

FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION For free information from advertisers in this special section, check those that interest you and mail the entire page to the Beacon. Please do not request info if you are not interested.

All replies will have an equal chance to win the cash prize.

HOUSING COMMUNITIES: ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Alta at Regency Crest .B-2 and B-9 Atrium Village . . . .B-5 and B-6 Charlestown . . . . . . . . . . .B-10 Edenwald . . . . . . .B-3 and B-11 Greens at Hammonds Lane . .B-9 Greens at Liberty Road . . . . .B-6 The Maples of Towson . . . . B-11 Meadows of Reisterstown . . . .B-5 and B-10 ❑ Oak Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-18 ❑ Oaks at Liberty . . .B-3 and B-11 ❑ Park View at Dundalk B-4 and B-11

❑ Park View at Furnace Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 ❑ Park View at Randallstown . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 ❑ Park View at Rosedale . . . . . . . .B-4 and B-8 ❑ Springwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3 ❑ St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2 ❑ Symphony Manor . . . . . . . .B-9 ❑ Timothy House . . . . . . . . . .B-4 ❑ Weinberg Gardens . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg House . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Manhattan Park .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Manor East . . . .B-12

❑ Weinberg Manor West . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Park Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Place . . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Terrace . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Village V . . . . . . .B-10 and B-12 ❑ Weinberg Woods . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Woodholme Gardens . . . . . .B-8

IN-HOME CARE: ❑ P-B Health Home Care Agency . . . . . . . B-6

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

You may also include the housing info coupon on page 5 of the Beacon.

One entry per household please.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________

Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) ________________________________________________ Please provide your telephone number or e-mail address so we may contact you promptly if you win the drawing.

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JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Advertorials

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Oak Crest 410-665-2222 8820 Walther Boulevard Parkville, MD 21234 www.erickson.com Situated in Parkville, Oak Crest is retirement living at its best. Our beautiful gated community is 100% maintenance-free. So rather than worry about the house and the yard, you can spend more time pursing your passions: travel, volunteer, take a college class and explore some of Oak Crest’s 100-plus clubs and interest groups. Multiple campus restaurants offer a variety of delicious dining options, while 24-hour security offers protection and peace of mind. Enjoy the stability of predictable monthly expenses and look forward to a healthy future with our full continuum of health care and wellness services.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Park View at Rosedale 410-866-1886 1315 Chesaco Avenue Rosedale, MD 21237 parkviewrosedale@sheltergrp.com Park View at Rosedale offers maintenance-free living for those Seniors 62 or better. This community is nestled in a park-like setting, yet is close to Golden Ring, White Marsh Mall, Franklin Square and the Rosedale Senior Center. Residents enjoy many social, recreational and educational activities, including bus trips. This controlled access elevator building offers such amenities as a spacious community room, fitness center, hair salon, clothing care center, lending library and lounge with game tables, cable TV and computers with free Internet access. Call 410-866-1886 or email parkviewrosedale@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. We look forward to meeting you!

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Woodholme Gardens 410-580-1400 1700 Woodholme Avenue Pikesville, MD 21208 www.woodholmegardens.com Spring is in the air! It's time for a new beginning at Woodholme Gardens!

We are a brand new Assisted Living and Memory Care community in the heart of Pikesville. Nestled among acres of natural surroundings, we provide the right combination of compassion, care, dignity and independence. Spacious apartments, with private baths and bathed in natural light, make it a luxurious place to reside.

Numerous activities, excellent cuisine, in-house physicians and a Rabbi will fill your day. You deserve the finest! Woodholme Gardens, near your family, your friends, and your memories!

Call Sherille Otto at 410.580.1400 for a personal tour!

Housing Notes

By Barbara Ruben

Innovative long-term care community Maryland’s first Green House community — designed to be home to 49 older adults needing skilled nursing or rehabilitation care — is now being built at the site of the former Memorial Stadium. The project is expected to be completed early next year.

The innovative Green House model offers an alternative to the typical nursing home environment. Each floor consists of non-institutional, home-like areas for 12 residents and their “universal care workers,” who provide all care as well as lead activities and prepare meals.

“There will be no medicine carts, nurses stations, uniforms or call lights in the Green House,” said Mitch Posner, executive director of Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO), the nonprofit developer building the Green House.

“The small nature of the residence allows elders to move easily from their [private] rooms to a country kitchen, where fresh, hearty meals are cooked throughout the day, to a living room with a fireplace, and a dining room, where the elders and staff eat together.”

There will also be a large porch on each floor overlooking the new Ripken playing field, as well as a beauty salon and therapy room on the building’s lower level.

The Green House concept was developed by Dr. Bill Thomas, an international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare and recent recipient of the Governor’s Leadership in Aging Award for Lifetime Achievement. He is a professor at the Erickson School of Aging, Management and Policy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

GEDCO has also built Stadium Place, an independent living residence with support services, on the Memorial Stadium site, and plans to build additional commercial and residential options.

The Green House Residences will reserve 60 percent of its beds for low-income

individuals from the Baltimore metropolitan area. A campaign is underway to raise funds from the community to help underwrite services and programs for these residents.

For more information, or to make a contribution, call Roxanne Fiddler, philanthropy coordinator, at (410) 433-2442, ext. 13 or visit www.greenhouse.gedco.org.

New veterans community planned A new community for veterans is under development in Dundalk. When completed, the 95-acre campus on the grounds of Fort Howard will include active adult living, assisted living, skilled nursing, healthcare facilities, clinical rehabilitation centers, a town center with restaurants and service-related retail, educational facilities, community meeting space, a wellness center, professional office buildings, and open spaces with walking trails along the shoreline of the Patapsco River.

The campus will offer housing at various price levels for a diverse senior veteran population, as well as housing for single veteran mothers and specialized medical services for those just returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Fort Howard is being developed in collaboration with the federal government, the state of Maryland, Baltimore County and Fort Howard Development, LLC. It will feature solar, geothermal and other sustainable energy components, and will be the first self-sustaining community in the region with on-site renewable energy generation.

The community will be developed over a seven- to 10-year period, beginning early this fall. This will be a “veterans preferred” community, but the public will have access to the grounds, including certain healthcare options, the town center and the walking trails.

Fort Howard Development intends to rehabilitate numerous historic structures on site. Fort Howard is the location of the largest foreign invasion in America’s history, which took place during the War of 1812.

For more infor mation, see www. fthowardcommunity.com.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FOR CIVIL WAR BUFFS

In observance of the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, Mount Clare Museum House is sponsoring “Personal Accounts of the Civil War Experience,” through Nov. 12. This exhibit brings to life objects and stories of the people who personally witnessed and participated in the war. Mount Clare is located at 1500 Washington Blvd. For more information, call (410) 837-3262 or visit www.mountclare.org.

June 2

BROMO SELTZER TOWER CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

One of Baltimore’s iconic landmarks, the Bromo Seltzer Tower — once the tallest building in Baltimore — celebrates its 100th anniversary on Thursday, June 2. Now a center for artists’ studios, the tower will be open for tours, live music, food and art on display. The Tower is located at 21 S. Eutaw St. For more information, visit www.bromoseltzertower.com.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Housing Options

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

Specialty services make moving easier Dear Savvy Senior: Are there organizations or businesses that specialize in helping seniors sell their house, find a new home and help them relocate to it?

My wife and I are interested in downsizing from our home of 35 years, but need some help with the entire process. What can you tell us?

— Slow Movers Dear Slow: The process of selling a house and moving to a new home, or downsizing to a condo or an apartment, is a huge job that can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially for older adults.

Fortunately, there are a variety of specialized services available today that can help make it a little easier. Here’s what you should know.

Buying and selling To get help selling your home and finding a new one, a good place to start may be with Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES). These are realtors that have received special training, making them better equipped to help older clients through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing or selling the family home.

SRES designees are educated and knowledgeable in such areas as reverse mortgages, senior housing options, downsizing, universal design, as well as ways to use pensions, 401k accounts and IRAs in real estate transactions.

They can also help you steer clear of loan scams that victimize older borrowers.

And if you need help from other professionals, a SRES can put you in touch with qualified home inspectors, movers, attorneys, CPAs and other experts.

To learn more or to search for a SRES in your area, visit www.sres.org or call tollfree 1-800-500-4564. Also ask for their free “Moving On” guide, which can help you

with the decisions and transitions that come with moving.

Making the move To help you get packed-up and move, another specialty service you should know about is “senior move managers.” These are organizers who assist older people with the challenges of relocating, and can minimize the stress of this major transition by doing most of the work for you.

They can help you pare down your belongings, decide what to take and what to dispose of, recommend charities for donations and help sell your unwanted items.

They also get estimates from moving companies, oversee the movers, arrange the move date, supervise the packing and unpacking, have the house cleaned and do just about anything you need related to your move.

Costs vary depending on the services and size of the move, but you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000, not including the cost of movers.

To locate a senior move manager visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers website at www.nasmm.com or call 1-877-606-2766.

One note: before you hire one, be sure you ask for references from previous clients and check them out. Also find out how many moves they have actually managed, and get a written list of services and fees. And make sure they’re insured and bonded.

If you can’t find a senior move manager in your area, another option is to hire a certified professional organizer – many of whom offer moving/relocating services for seniors. To find one, check the National Association of Professional Organizers at www.napo.net.

Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SUMMER SOUNDS AT BELVEDERE SQUARE

Belvedere Square will host free outdoor concerts every Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. at 540 E. Belvedere Ave. See the schedule of performers at www.belvederesquare.com.

June 5

Advertorials

62-PLUS SENIOR COMMUNITY

The Greens at Hammonds Lane 410-636-1141 602 Hammonds Lane Brooklyn Park, MD 21225 www.TheGreensAtHammondsLane.com The Greens at Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park’s newest apartment community for seniors ages 62 and over, has all the modern amenities and elegant design that our residents will enjoy. Opening in the summer of 2011, this new community will be conveniently located near shopping, hospitals, and I-695. The Greens at Hammonds Lane will have spacious one and two bedroom floor plans, as well as many community features such as fitness and internet centers, billiards room and community room. Air conditioning and heating is included in the rent! Residents will benefit from regularly scheduled and diverse activities within the community! Call today to set up your appointment to learn more about this beautiful new community!

ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

Alta at Regency Crest 410-753-4171 3305 Oak West Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 www.regencyseniorapartments.com It's time to live at Alta at Regency Crest, a vibrant new place for active adults who seek a spirited lifestyle with luxury and convenience. We surround you in comfort, offer exceptional service and bring first-class amenities and entertainment to your doorstep. Controlled access buildings offer elevators to whisk you to your home, complete with gourmet kitchen, full appliance package, luxurious bathrooms with marble vanities, full-sized washers and dryers, walk-in closets, and extra storage.

Join your friends at the Club Room, with a business center, state-of-theart fitness center, wellness center featuring a heated, indoor saltwater pool and yoga room with group classes. Outdoors, enjoy the landscaped courtyard, meditation garden, koi pond and gazebo. If you are 62 or better, come see how good life can be at Alta at Regency Crest.

ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE

Symphony Manor 410-235-4301 4301 Roland Ave Baltimore MD 21210 www.symphony-manor.com

FEDERAL HILL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

Federal Hill, one of Baltimore’s most picturesque neighborhoods, hosts the Main Street Jazz & Blues Festival on Sunday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy the music, food and drink, and games and crafts for the kids. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.historicfederalhill.org.

May 21+

B-9

WINE IN THE WOODS

Wine in the Woods returns to Symphony Woods in Columbia on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22. Sample wines and foods from the Mid-Atlantic while enjoying live music. Wine-taster tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate. Designated driver tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. For more information, call (410) 313-7275 or visit www.wineinthewoods.com.

Symphony Manor, a new assisted living and memory care community in Roland Park is now open and accepting residents. Symphony Manor provides care for residents in a living environment that reflects the historic Roland Park culture and ambiance. A variety of daily programs are offered to enrich each resident’s life based on his or her interests and desire for personal growth.

Individualized care for those who need assistance with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing and medication management is provided. For those who would benefit from specialized programs related to memory issues, Symphony Manor provides a secure, separate neighborhood.

B-10

Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Advertorials

62-PLUS SENIOR COMMUNITY

Weinberg Village V 410-581-7878 3430 Associated Way Owings Mills, MD 21117 www.weinbergvillage.net Village V is the final addition to the already beautiful Weinberg Village Campus. This lovely campus offers you the opportunity to maintain your healthy and active lifestyle. While living in one of the spacious apartments, you will have access to many amenities that include a convenience store, hair salon, and community rooms that are supplied with computers, games, televisions and books. In addition, residents take part in daily activities planned by resident volunteers and staff members. Located in a quiet corner of Owings Mills, you will have easy access to many shopping, dining and entertainment businesses. Weinberg Village has a community shuttle bus that makes regular trips to many local attractions.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Charlestown 410-737-8830 715 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, MD 21228 www.erickson.com Ideally located in Catonsville, Charlestown offers maintenance-free retirement living combined with a vibrant lifestyle—all in a beautiful gated community. Without the worries of a house and yard, you can spend more time pursuing your passions: travel, volunteer, take a college class and explore some of Charlestown’s 100-plus clubs and interest groups.

Multiple campus restaurants offer a variety of delicious dining options, while 24-hour security offers protection and peace of mind. Enjoy the stability of predictable monthly expenses and look forward to a healthy future with our full continuum of health care and wellness services.

ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

Meadows of Reisterstown Senior Apartments 410-526-3380 300 Cantata Court Reisterstown, MD 21136 www.firstcentrum.com Enjoy carefree leisure living at The Meadows—an affordable senior apartment community for seniors 62+. Each spacious one- and twobedroom apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, roomy closets and a balcony or patio. You can exercise the mind in the library and media room or the body in our fitness area. Keypad entry and the emergency response system provide peace of mind.

The atmosphere is filled with gracious living. Here, you will appreciate not having to worry about maintenance chores. At the same time, you can take advantage of nearby shops, library, banks, postal services, grocery store and convenience to I-695.

We invite you to tour The Meadows of Reistertown.

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Condo buyers beware

By Kathy Kristof For those who have a lot of cash or can get credit, this could be an ideal time to buy a house — the foreclosure crisis has pushed prices down and interest rates are way low.

But beware if you are looking to buy a condominium, co-op, town house or other property that’s part of a homeownership group. Another side effect of the foreclosure crisis is that you could end up paying some of your neighbors’ bills.

That’s because people in shared ownership communities chip in to pay the cost of maintaining the buildings and amenities such as swimming pools. Also, the funds, usually paid in monthly installments, are often used to pay for landscaping, as well as to insure the structures.

That means when individual owners in a group walk away from their homes or lose them to foreclosures, the bills end up getting split by the remaining homeowners.

Sometimes those costs don’t get passed on immediately. Instead associations have been known to let bills pile up, creating potentially devastating surprises for owners.

“There’s really a crisis within a crisis in the shared ownership community,” said Gary Poliakoff, coauthor of “New Neighborhoods: The Consumer’s Guide to Condominium, Co-op and HOA Living.”

Financial problems are common The Community Associations Institute (CAI) trade group recently reported that more than half of the nation’s 310,000 community associations are struggling with “serious” or “severe” financial woes.

Some 59 percent of association managers reported that more than 3 percent of homes in their community groups were vacant, the study said, because the owners either had walked away from their mortgages or were unable to rent the homes.

Some 65 percent of associations reported that more than 5 percent of their homeowners were delinquent on their monthly assessments.

“When some owners, including banks that have foreclosed on homes and now own them, don’t pay their share, other homeowners often must make up the difference through higher regular assessments or special assessments,” said Thomas M. Skiba, chief executive of the trade group.

If an association determines that it needs to levy a special assessment on homeowners, there’s no legal limit on how high that assessment can be. Unlike rent, homeowner dues aren’t subject to price controls.

And homeowners can’t just decide not to pay. Associations can get legal judgments to allow them to take a portion of homeowners’ wages or put liens on their properties.

“You are an owner, not a tenant,” Poli-

akoff said. “You are responsible for paying a share of the expenses, no matter how high they might be.”

Before you buy…

To help avoid problems, check out the association thoroughly before you buy.

• Dig deep into financial records. Normally you are given a disclosure that reveals the level of dues. But you need more, Poliakoff said.

You should get the association’s financial statement and find out what expenses the complex is paying, and what percentage of its overall obligations is handled by the dues.

Associations should have a balanced budget that covers both current and anticipated costs, he explained. But an increasing number of associations are either dipping into reserves or putting off prudent saving for anticipated big expenses, such as roof repair, because of the financial crisis.

The CAI survey, for example, said 38 percent of associations have delayed capital improvement projects, 31 percent are contributing less to reserves, 23 percent have borrowed from reserves and 6 percent have borrowed from banks and other lenders. Any of these factors can be a warning flag of trouble ahead.

• Make sure the association has adequate insurance coverage. Owners normally insure their possessions and the interior of their units, but associations generally hold the policy on structures.

One complex recently burned down and the owners found out too late that the association had cut costs by letting the fire insurance policy lapse, Poliakoff said.

• Check into an association’s reserves.

Some states require that associations maintain reserves for any expense that’s likely to exceed threshold amounts, such as $10,000. In those states the association must have a reserve study showing what the anticipated costs are, when they’re expected to be needed, and how much money is set aside to handle them.

If the roof would cost $50,000 to repair and needs fixing every 10 years, for example, you’d expect that nearly half of that anticipated cost would be saved by year five.

Even if a reserve study is not legally required, your association should have one.

• Look over the grounds. Some 35 percent of associations have reduced landscaping services and 12 percent are asking homeowners to do some work themselves, the CAI study said. If the grounds are not well-maintained, the value of a home is likely to diminish over time.

Kathy M. Kristof welcomes your comments and suggestions, but regrets that she cannot respond individually. E-mail her at kathykristof24@gmail.com. © Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Look for another Housing Options magazine next month.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Housing Options

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

New-home negotiation

By Alex Veiga With a little research, anyone considering purchasing a new construction home can improve their chances of negotiating a better deal, said Michael Corbett, real estate expert and author of Before You Buy! The Homebuyer’s Handbook for Today’s Market.

Homebuilders are eager to rack up sales this spring, and many are offering incentives and even some price reductions on homes.

While homeowners looking to sell their property might balk at an offer that is too low and pull their home off the market, builders of new homes have money invested in land and construction costs and can’t afford to just sit on the homes they’re trying to sell.

So how can you negotiate the best deal on a new home?

When considering an already built home, Corbett suggests buyers find out how long ago the home was built and how many residents are living in the development. That knowledge can help you negotiate.

“The bigger the inventory, the more leverage you’re going to have,” he said.

“The longer it has been on the market, the more leverage.”

Check the real comps Another essential step is to check the price at which comparable homes in the development sold, but ignore transactions that are more than 60 to 90 days old.

It also is important not to put too much stock in the price of other, similar homes in the development that have yet to sell — an argument one might hear from a builder’s sales representative.

“A house is only worth what it’s going to sell for, so don’t be bamboozled by a higher price on the properties that are sitting there,” Corbett said.

To structure an initial offer on a new construction home, one must weigh the recent comparable sale prices, how many homes are left to be sold in the development, and how long the home you are interested in has been unsold.

B-11

Advertorials

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Edenwald 410-823-1341 800 Southerly Road Towson, MD 21286 www.edenwald.org

But definitely make an offer that is below the asking price, Corbett said.

“Some buyers are timid, they don’t want to insult anyone,” he said. “In today’s market, go in a little bit lower. Unless you do, you’re never going to hit the middle ground you want to hit.”

It’s hard to say how much lower, but Corbett offers an example: If the house is listed at $400,000, try going in at $375,000.

However, if recent comparable sales at the development have gone for $350,000, for example, then the buyer should make an offer at that level or below.

And if the development has 30 empty houses, that’s a good indicator the bid should start even lower.

Negotiate three times “You really negotiate three times,” Corbett said. “When you make the first offer, a counter offer, and after the inspection.”

Among other tips Corbett recommended: • Even though a new home often comes with a guarantee, pay for a home inspection so you avoid any repair surprises.

• Get a real estate agent or lawyer to assist with the transaction.

• Don’t be fooled by model home staging tricks, such as smaller-scale furniture, glass tables, and doors removed from their hinges in interior rooms — tactics often used to make the home look larger. — AP

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Extraordinary living is within easy reach at Edenwald, where gracious elegance and dynamic activities beckon. Ideally located in the heart of Towson, Edenwald is designed for those seeking an active independent lifestyle today with the assurance of assisted living and comprehensive nursing care if needed in the future. Our lifestyle amenities include a state-of-the art fitness center with an indoor pool and walking track, four dining venues, beauty and barber salon, bank, performing arts auditorium and much more.

The special combination of beautiful, distinctive apartments, a full complement of convenient services, and a host of amenities make retirement living comfortable, enjoyable and uniquely Edenwald.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Park View at Dundalk 410-288-5483 103 Center Place Dundalk, MD 21222 Park View at Dundalk offers care-free living for those Seniors 62 or better right in the heart of historic Dundalk.

Just a block from Dundalk Avenue, this community has easy access to public transportation, shopping and restaurants. East Point Mall and Johns Hopkins Bayview are just minutes away. Residents enjoy many social, recreational and educational activities, including bus trips. Our residents receive up to four dinners per week in conjunction with the Balto. Co. Eating Together Program. This controlled access elevator building offers such amenities as a community room, clothing care center, lending library and lounge with game tables and cable TV. Call 410-288-5483 or email parkviewdundalk@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. Come see what you’re missing!

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Oaks at Liberty 410-466-9267

The Maples of Towson 410-296-8900

3501 Howard Park Avenue Baltimore, MD 21207 www.pennrose.com

7925 York Road Baltimore MD 21204 www.themaples-towson.com

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Money Law &

15

SHOPPING MYTHS DEBUNKED Bigger isn’t always cheaper, Black Friday doesn’t always offer the best deals, food can be less expensive at drug stores, and other surprising findings on shopping WHERE CREDIT IS DUE Your credit card company may protect you in billing and other disputes, but watch for limitations on when and how much can be recouped

Which sectors best for market rebound?

By Mark Jewell The pain of the stock market meltdown is becoming a more distant memory thanks to the stunning rebound of mutual fund returns.

An extreme example: Since the market bottomed in March 2009, real estate mutual funds have risen an average 195 percent, according to Morningstar. They invest primarily in real estate investment trusts, which were lifted by improving prospects for the income-producing commercial properties that REITs own.

A $10,000 investment at the market’s low has swelled to nearly $29,500. Investors in the top-performing Pimco Real Estate Real Return Strategy fund (PETAX) saw an equal investment grow to nearly $42,000.

Investors can’t expect to latch onto a rising market at just the right time. Yet the gains have been so large across the board that virtually anyone who didn’t give up on stocks has seen a big payoff.

The average returns for 16 of Morningstar’s 21 domestic stock fund categories were greater than 100 percent in

the first quarter, beating the 95 percent return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Even the two categories with the smallest returns — utilities funds and healthcare funds — were up more than 60 percent.

“The categories that have done the best over the last year or two are the ones investors should be more cautious about [now],” Morningstar fund analyst Ryan Leggio said. “They don’t offer the same risks and rewards as they did a year ago, when they were much cheaper to buy.”

Biggest losers rose most Most of the top-performing funds in this bull market specialize in unusually volatile stocks. So it’s important to note that they fell more steeply than the 57 percent drop in the S&P 500 from its October 2007 peak to March 2009.

That means they had a bigger pit to climb out of to get investors back to where they started — a goal many of the recent hottest funds have yet to achieve.

In fact, nine of the top 10 individual stock funds over the past 24 months have bottomrung 1-star ratings on Morningstar’s 5-star

scale. That system measures past returns, while also considering how much risk a fund took to achieve them.

Still, their supersized gains since the market turned the corner offer a reminder that the best short-term opportunities can often be found in the hardest-hit areas.

That was a tough move to make in early 2009, when it seemed the market’s free-fall might not end.

But when prospects brightened that spring, the stock funds that had lost the most “just snapped back really hard,” Leggio said.

One example of how volatile the top-performing funds have been: Ariel Fund (ARGFX) is up 229 percent since the market bottom. That surge came after the fund lost 55 percent from the market’s peak-totrough, compared with the 45 percent average decline for its mid-cap blend fund peers.

Sectors on the upswing A look at a few of the top-performing domestic stock fund categories since the market bottom, and the outlook for the market segments they specialize in:

Real estate: Although the recovery of the housing market remains stalled, the outlook for REITs has been improving.

Their fortunes have little to do with singlefamily home price trends. Instead, REITs are all about the commercial and industrial property markets, which are being lifted by the economic recovery.

One reason these funds have recently been popular: Investors, especially income-seeking retirees, are drawn to the fact that REITs are required to pay out most of their operating income as dividends.

With yields for 10-year government Treasury bonds around 3.5 percent, REITs’ average 4-percent dividend yields look attractive. Historically, REIT dividend yields have averaged around 6 percent.

REITS were offering investors almost 10 percent yields in March 2009, when their prices became so cheap that their yields surged (prices and yields move in opposite directions). But if 10-year Treasury yields keep rising, REITs could look See BULL MARKET, page 16

How divorce affects your Social Security

By Kathy Kristof Consider this: Roughly half of the people who get married in the United States will end up divorced. And Social Security is the primary source of income for 72 percent of unmarried retirees, many of whom are single because they’re divorced.

Unfortunately, few financial advisors put those two facts together and focus on how divorce, as well as remarriage, can affect retirement planning, said Rob Kron, head of advisor education initiatives at the New York-based investment firm BlackRock.

“Social Security is the one purchase that ever yone in America makes with complete and total ignorance,” Kron said.

“You get a job and see your paycheck is a little lighter and you haven’t any idea what you bought for that.”

Although Social Security sends out annual statements that help pre-retirees estimate their future benefits, the statements are largely silent on the topic of divorce, he said.

“Even divorce attorneys are often not

aware of how the Social Security benefit works,” he said. “People just don’t know what they don’t know.”

In fact, divorced people often make costly errors because they don’t understand spousal and survivor benefits, said Leslie Walker, a communications director for the Social Security Administration. “The closer you get to retirement age, the more you need to know the rules.”

Below is a look at some rules that could apply. If you have specific questions regarding your situation, Kron urged that you take advantage of the Social Security Administration’s help line at 1-800-7721213.

“Social Security representatives can be very helpful, but they’re reactive,” he said.

“They’re not going to come to you. They’ll sit at the other end of the phone until you ask.”

Benefits even if divorced If you were married for at least 10 years

to someone who paid into the Social Security system, you are entitled to a spousal benefit, even if you are divorced from that person. Eligibility does not depend on whether or not you also worked and paid into the system.

Spousal benefits, if claimed at your full retirement age, usually amount to 50 percent of the wage earner’s full benefit. If you claim benefits early, the amount you get is reduced.

If you worked for 10 years and paid into the Social Security system, you also may be entitled to benefits on your own work record. In that case you must choose — you cannot claim both your own and spousal benefits. You can, however, claim the one that gives you the most money.

60 is the magic number If you remarry prior to age 60, you lose your ability to claim spousal or survivor benefits from a deceased former spouse, Walker said. If you remarry after age 60,

all your rights to spousal and survivor benefits based on the record of a deceased former spouse are retained for your lifetime.

If your former spouse is alive, remarriage can eliminate your ability to claim benefits on their record regardless of your age.

Disaster stories about remarrying too soon are legion, Walker said. For example, one couple, who married when they were both age 58, had based their retirement projections on claiming Social Security spousal benefits based on the records of their former spouses. They found out too late that those benefits would no longer be available to them.

But there was a solution — the couple could divorce. Then, when they reached 60, they could each claim spousal benefits based on the earnings of their former spouses. Then at that point they could remarry without hurting their spousal benefits.

If you are single now but were married See DIVORCE, page 16

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Bull market From page 15 less attractive, sending REIT stocks down.

Industrial: Mutual funds specializing in industrial stocks such as manufacturers and chemical companies have been the second-strongest domestic stock category, with an average 162 percent gain. Most indicators suggest an economic recovery will continue, so the outlook for these funds remains good. However, it’s open to debate whether stock prices already reflect those expectations.

Divorce From page 15 to more than one person for more than 10 years each, you may be eligible for spousal

Small companies: Small-cap funds, which specialize in stocks of companies valued at less than $2 billion, ranked high.

They posted an average gain of about 140 percent. Small companies are typically more dependent on borrowing, and nearzero short-term interest rates have lifted their stocks.

Although rates have nowhere to go but up, few economists expect a sharp rise anytime soon. However, because smallcaps have fared better in the bull market than large-caps, the situation could reverse itself. Typically, large-caps regain the lead

as a bull market begins to lose momentum.

Financial: Funds specializing in stocks of banks and other financial companies have risen an average 133 percent. They were helped as the credit troubles that sent these stocks into their 2008 tailspin eased.

Like industrials, financial stocks often move closely in sync with the economy, so they could continue to rebound. But credit issues vary widely from bank to bank, so generalizations are tough to make.

Technology: These mutual funds, up an average 133 percent, are an exception among the bull market’s top-performing

categories. The others rebounded from unusually sharp drops during the meltdown.

Tech funds have been faring relatively well all along, and have the best 3-year record among all domestic stock fund categories. Their average annualized gain is nearly 10 percent.

That’s because the insatiable demand of consumers for high-tech gadgets withstood the recession. That demand shows little sign of slowing — year-to-date, tech funds are up an average 6 percent, secondhighest among all categories.

— AP

benefits based on the earnings records of each of those former spouses.

You don’t get to add up all the benefits, of course, but you do get to choose the benefit that’s the best. So, if you married

three times and one spouse was an executive with maximum Social Security earnings, the next spouse was a low-wage earner, and the third worked in a job that didn’t earn Social Security credits, you can claim the benefit from the first spouse, which is likely to amount to the most money.

But what if spouse No. 2 died before you claimed Social Security benefits? Then you would be entitled to spousal benefits on spouse No. 1 or survivor benefits on spouse No. 2.

Because survivor benefits are 100 percent of the working person’s entitlement while spousal benefits are only 50 percent, the survivor benefits may be more generous, even if spouse No. 2 didn’t earn as much. You can claim the one that pays the most.

Kathy M. Kristof welcomes your comments and suggestions but regrets that she cannot respond individually. E-mail her at kathykristof24@gmail.com. © 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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INTERGENERATIONAL SAFETY DAY Bring the grandchildren to Catonsville Senior Center’s Intergenera-

tional Safety Day on Tuesday, June 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. See a fire engine and talk with local firefighters, police officers and EMTs. Speakers will focus on bullying, financial safety and more. Area agencies and organizations will also be available to answer your questions. The free event will be held at 501 N. Rolling Rd. Lunch is available for a $2.50 donation for seniors and $4 for guests. For more information, contact Grace McDowell at (410) 887-0900.

Ongoing

HELP FOR ENTREPRENEURS The Small Business Resource Center offers assistance to entrepreneurs with everything from preparing business plans to finding

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17

Five popular shopping myths debunked

By Anne D’Innocenzio If you think a super-sized container of peanut butter is always a better deal than a tiny version, think again. Bigger is not always cheaper. And don’t count on getting a bargain on designer goods at an outlet or off-price chain.

Here are five common but mistaken assumptions about bargains — plus tips for avoiding getting fooled into paying too much.

Myth No. 1. Bigger packages and larger quantities are more economical than buying small.

Often, yes. But Tod Marks, a senior project editor at Consumer Reports, said smaller sizes are actually cheaper about one-fourth of the time. He recommends checking the unit prices — cost per ounce or other element of the package — to find the best deal.

Takeaway: Read the fine print, and don’t assume.

Myth No. 2. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the best day of the year to buy clothes, housewares, electronics and gifts.

Sure, the promotions on that ballyhooed day are quite alluring, particularly on TVs and other electronics. But are the bargains so amazing that you should wake up at the crack of dawn and join the crowds? Definitely not.

Many of the biggest deals, particularly on TVs and computers, are very limited: Your chances of grabbing one of the 25 heavily advertised flat-panel TVs your store is selling at 50 percent off are slim.

In fact, many of the traditional marquee promotions — like January “white sales,” when department stores discounted bedding and bath linens — have melted away.

Michael Londrigan, chairman of the fashion merchandising department at LIM Col-

lege in Manhattan, points to Macy’s for an example: It now offers sales on bedding throughout the year.

Jodi Furman, who blogs about saving without sacrificing at www.LiveFabuLess.com, said Black Friday is more of an emotional event people get caught up in than it is an opportunity for special savings. “You can find better deals during regular sales events,” Furman said.

Retailers are now running significant promotions all year long, from free shipping to 50 percent discounts to buy-oneget-one-free, according to Marks.

Takeaway: Go online, whether by computer or one of many dedicated smartphone apps, and compare, compare, compare.

Myth No. 3. Outlets sell mainly extras and leftovers from their own regular-price stores.

Actually, outlets vary by merchant.

Some stock their outlets mostly with items direct from their own regular stores. But many others buy specifically for the outlet division or, like Brooks Brothers and Gap, have goods made specifically for these second-tier stores.

At Nordstrom Rack, for example, about 80 percent of the stock is purchased specifically for sale there and just 20 percent has been transferred from full-price Nordstrom department stores.

But Colin Johnson, a Nordstrom spokesman, notes that much of the Nordstrom Rack stock is excess inventory from the same vendors whose goods Nordstrom stores routinely carry.

Takeaway: Check the label of anything you’re considering buying to determine whether it was made for the outlet, Marks said. Or ask a salesperson.

Myth No. 4. A weekly outing — with a

list in hand — to Walmart, Target or another big box discounter is the best way to save on groceries.

Yes, shopping at Target or Walmart for a typical basket of 45 items will save you 15 to 25 percent, said Bob Buchanan, a retail consultant in St. Louis, Mo. But shoppers would do even better by scouring for deals at local grocery stores as well.

Remember, too, that super-size stores can tempt you to go off-list and spend much more than you intend buying clothing, toys and other goods.

Takeaway: Furman recommended constantly comparing prices for specific items at discounters with grocers and other stores.

Myth No. 5. Food costs more at drug

stores.

In reality, compared with grocery chains, many drug stores sell basics like milk, eggs and household cleaning and paper goods for less. The idea is that then shoppers will buy other more profitable items.

Some drug chains, including Walgreens and CVS, have loyalty programs that — if used carefully and consistently — can net a shopper occasional savings up to 80 percent, Furman said.

Takeaway: Drug stores are becoming increasingly like mass retailers, so include them in your rounds when you’re buying staples.

— AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

19

Say ‘charge it’ for help resolving disputes

By Elliot Raphaelson When you buy a product or pay for a service but end up dissatisfied with the quality or the fairness of the transaction, often the best way to resolve the problem is to complain politely to management. A wise company will do what it takes to make you happy.

But in cases where they do not, there is a federal law that may protect you: the Fair Credit Billing Act. I have taken advantage of it several times, and so can you.

The law only applies under certain conditions: • The transaction must cost at least $50.

• The service provider/seller must be located in your home state or within 100 miles of your mailing address.

• The customer must have paid using a credit card — not a debit card, not cash and not a check.

• If the customer is dissatisfied, he must first complain in writing to the provider or the seller of the product in writing. If the customer isn’t satisfied with the response, he must then write to the credit card company, documenting the problem.

• No part of the disputed charge should be paid to the credit card company. (For example, if your total credit card bill that month is $1,000, and the disputed charge is $500, you should pay only $500, documenting why you are withholding payment.)

How the law works After the credit card company receives the customer complaint, the credit card company notifies the service provider regarding the dispute. The provider has 30 days to respond.

If he does not respond within 30 days, the credit card company will reverse the charge.

If the provider does respond, the credit card company will then determine how much, if any, of the disputed amount is justified.

Consider these examples of how the process works. A few years ago my son, Mark, was having car problems in Orlando, Fla. He brought his car to a dealer, who told him he had transmission problems.

He accepted the dealer’s diagnosis and had the car fixed for $1,200. He charged the bill with Visa. But after the repair, the problem persisted, so Mark returned the car to the dealer, who then told him it was a different problem and that it would cost several hundred dollars more to fix.

Mark then took the car to a different mechanic, who told him that the initial diagnosis was incorrect. Mark had the car fixed by the new mechanic for substantially less than the new estimate he had received from the original dealer.

He returned to the original dealer, with documentation, and asked for a refund. He received no satisfaction, so he notified Visa

following the guidelines of the Fair Billing Act. The dealer was notified by Visa of the complaint, but did not respond within 30 days. Visa reversed the $1,200 charge.

Document all disputes A few years ago, my wife and I took a cruise from Florida. I paid by credit card. I overheard cruise personnel discussing the fact that the cruise was overbooked. As a result of the overbooking, there were interminable lines, insufficient seating and insufficient food.

I complained in writing to the cruise line, indicating that, because of the overbooking, there was poor service. I received no response from the cruise line. Accordingly, I

documented my dispute to Visa, indicating that I thought I should pay no more than 50 percent of the advertised cost of the cruise.

Visa forwarded my dispute to the cruise line. The cruise line did respond to Visa within 30 days, but Visa did not accept its explanation. Visa accepted my argument, and I was only charged 50 percent of the initial price.

A few months later, the cruise line tried to charge my credit card for the 50 percent it hadn’t received. I notified Visa, and Visa promptly deleted that charge from my account.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2011 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.

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JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Style Arts &

Hundreds of beehived “hons” are expected at this year’s HonFest in Hampden.

This summer’s top 10 Charm City events of the Preakness Stakes Barn. Reservations are not taken; tours are on a firstcome, first-served basis.

For more information, e-mail Diana Harbaugh at dharbaugh@marylandracing.com.

For more information on the Preakness, visit www.preakness.com.

2. Showcase of Nations Ethnic Festivals. One of Charm City’s, well, charms, is its cultural diversity, honored every year in its ethnic festivals which run from June 9 through Oct. 16. From the St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival to the Russian Festival — and many more in between — these celebrations of ethnic music, crafts and cuisine are a summer highlight. For a complete list of upcoming festivals, visit

www.promotionandarts.com.

3. Farmers’ markets. Buy local and buy fresh at Baltimore’s farmers’ markets.

One of the oldest, and most popular, is the Baltimore Farmers’ Market, held every Sunday under the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday and Saratoga Streets from 7 a.m. until noon through Dec. 18. For a complete list of Maryland farmers’ markets, visit www.mda.state.md.us and click on “farmers’ market directory.”

4. HonFest. This local tradition is quintessentially Baltimore. The “Bawlmer” term of endearment, Hon, short for Honey, embodies the warmth and affection traditionally shown neighbors and visitors alike by working women of Baltimore. HonFest is an annual celebration in honor of these women.

Since 1994, HonFest has grown from a See SUMMER EVENTS, page 22

PHOTO BY DREAMSTIME

By Carol Sorgen Once you get past the heat and humidity, there’s lots to like about summertime in Baltimore. Here are some of our favorites: 1. The Preakness. This year’s 136th running of the Preakness — the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown — will be held Saturday, May 21, at Pimlico Race Course.

For a behind-the-scenes look during the days before the race, experience sunrise over Old Hilltop. This 20-minute tour is offered between 6 and 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Preakness Week.

After enjoying sunrise on the Grandstand Apron, you will get an insider’s perspective on racing during an escorted tour

Baltimore’s iconic Preakness horse race will take place on May 21 at Pimlico Race Course.

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JUNE 2011

21

Contemporary black women artists showcased

By Carol Sorgen Reflections of family traditions and African heritage are explored in the works of eight black women artists being showcased in the special exhibition, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Material Girls: Contemporary Black Women Artists,â&#x20AC;? on view at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum through Oct. 16.

Thirty-eight three-dimensional works of art celebrate the traditions of skill, innovation and creativity practiced by black women, both past and present. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Material Girlsâ&#x20AC;? is curated by Dr. Michelle Joan Wilkinson, the Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Collections and Exhibitions, and explores the artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; use of different media, from the traditional â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as wood, clay, paper and glass â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to the unconventional â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including rubber tires, plastic bags, model cars and human hair.

The works range from intimate, handcrafted beadwork to monumental-sized sculptures constructed of industrial materials and weighing more than 1,000 pounds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The caliber and creativity of these artists is astounding,â&#x20AC;? said Wilkinson.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their sculptural works have a highly sensory appeal, ranging from the gleaming visual surfaces of hand-blown glass to the coarse textures of volcanic stone.â&#x20AC;?

Area artists in exhibit Among the artists are several with regional connections. One of the most wellknown artists living and working in Baltimore today, Joyce J. Scott is a sculptor, jeweler, printmaker, installation artist, performance artist and educator.

She draws on influences as wide-ranging as her media: from African and Native American traditions, to popular culture and racial stereotypes.

Maya Freelon Asanteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work has been exhibited internationally and is included in the collections of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the U.S. State Department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;AfricanAmerican traditions of creative ingenuity

N OW O PE N !

are a constant source of inspiration in my work,â&#x20AC;? said Asante.

RenĂŠe Stout grew up in Pittsburgh and in 1985 moved to Washington, where she began to explore the roots of her African American heritage. She looks to the culture and belief systems of African peoples and their descendants for the inspiration to create works that encourage selfexamination, self-empowerment and self-healing.

For Maren Hassinger, â&#x20AC;&#x153;sculpture has become a way of orienting myself to the world.â&#x20AC;? Hassinger, a native of Los Angeles, is currently director of the Rinehard School of Sculpture at the Maryland Insti-

tute College of Art in Baltimore.

In her most well-known works, Hassinger sculpturally transforms industrial materials, such as wire cable, newspaper and plastic bags, into natural objects resembling trees and bushes.

Martha Jackson Jarvis has been a professional artist for more than three decades. She works with natural materials, including clay, glass, wood and stone (â&#x20AC;&#x153;If materials could talk, what would they say?â&#x20AC;?).

Family inspirations Many of the artists in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Material Girlsâ&#x20AC;? were inspired at an early age from seeing

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Summer events From page 20 tiny pageant behind Café Hon to a nationally recognized festival that covers four city blocks on Hampden’s very own 36th Street (“The Avenue”). This year’s homage to “all things hon” takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12. For more information, visit www.honfest.net.

5. Little Italy Open Air Film Festival. Baltimore has a number of film festivals, but this one in Little Italy not only has great films, but the picturesque charm of this traditional neighborhood — and lots of great food nearby!

This year’s series starts on Friday, July 1 and continues every week through July and Aug., with live music at 7 p.m., and the film of the week — projected onto a wall near the corner of Stiles and High Streets — at 9 p.m.

As is tradition, the series ends on Aug. 27

Women artists From page 21 their mothers and other family members sewing, quilting and shaping simple pieces of fabric into items both functional and visually impressive.

Textile traditions are visible in works by Asante, who unites fragments of tissue paper in sculptures reminiscent of her

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

with the showing of Cinema Paradiso. For more details, visit www.littleitalymd.com.

6. The BSO Celebrates Independence Day. Every year, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra puts on a show with its performance of the “1812 Overture” and Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes,” under the skies at Oregon Ridge. Of course, there will be fireworks as well.

This year’s concerts will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3 at 8 p.m.

Come early and bring a picnic. For more information, visit www.bsomusic.org.

7. Artscape. This year marks the 30th celebration of the largest free arts festival in the U.S. Artscape features more than 150 fine artists, fashion designers and craftspeople; visual art exhibits on and offsite, including exhibitions, outdoor sculpture, art cars, photography and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize; and live concerts by name performers on outdoor stages.

There’s also a full schedule of performing arts including dance, opera, theater, film, experimental music and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; family events such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children’s entertainers and street theater; and a delicious, international menu of food and beverages that is available throughout the festival site.

This year’s festival will be held Friday to Sunday, July 15 through 17. For details, visit www.artscape.org.

8. Baltimore Summer Antiques Show.

To be held at the Convention Center from Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 25 through 28, this annual event is the largest indoor antiques show in the country. More than 500 exhibitors from across the U.S. and four continents will be on hand. For details, visit www.baltimoresummerantiques.com.

9. Maryland State Fair. Funnel cake anyone? That’s just one of the treats at this

annual farewell-to-summer celebration held every year at the Timonium State Fairgrounds. This year’s fair will take place from Thursday, Aug. 25, through Monday, Sept. 5. As always, there will be rides, games, refreshments, animal exhibits, concerts and a jousting tournament. For a complete schedule, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

10. Baltimore Grand Prix. OK, it’s not one of our favorites yet since this is the first year it’s being held, but we’re pretty sure the Baltimore Grand Prix will take its rightful place in Baltimore’s must-see summer line-up.

Scheduled for Friday and Sunday, Sept. 2 and 4, in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this event — part of the IndyCar racing series — will feature a combination of world-class racing and festivities, highlighted by the American Le Mans Series and IZOD IndyCar Series.

For more information and to order tickets, visit www.baltimoregrandprix.com.

grandmother’s quilts, while Sonya Clark, who learned to thread a needle from her maternal grandmother, creates sculptural works patterned to resemble West African kente cloth.

Family relationships also play into the artists’ work, as they celebrate their ancestral connections to Africa. Scott, Stout and Jarvis, for example, create objects with spiritual and ritual functions, while Asante,

Booker and Clark incorporate seeds, stones, clay and glass into sculptures and installations that reference rituals practiced in Central Africa and the American South.

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is located near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor at 830 E. Pratt St. The museum is also accessible on Baltimore’s Charm City Circulator Orange and Green Routes. The museum is open

Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., and Thursday (June to August), until 8 p.m.

Admission is free for members, children 6 and under, and Maryland public school teachers; $8 for general admission; $6 for those 65 and older or between the ages of 7 and 17.

For more information, call (443) 263-1800 or visit www.AfricanAmericanCulture.org.

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Travel

23

Leisure &

Hike, fish, boat and relax in the cool Adirondacks. See story on page 24.

Living the good life in the heart of Italy neighbor, Tuscany. Our villa in Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, which the bride found through Homeaway.com, was the perfect base for exploring this region known as “the green heart of Italy.”

The villa was a stunning rehab of a 16thcentury home once owned by the Prince of Milan. It had several bedrooms, spacious common areas, Internet access, a gigantic kitchen with modern appliances, and a two-tiered backyard with a pool overlooking the hills. (For smaller parties or shorter stays, try an “agriturismo” — essentially an Italian bed-and-breakfast.)

© MILLA74 | DREAMSTIME.COM

By Kathy Matheson MONTE SANTA MARIA TIBERINA, Italy — As we turned off the main street onto an unpaved local road, I glimpsed a stone tower jutting up from a distant hill. It seemed impossibly high from our vantage point — were we really headed up there?

Where else could this road lead?

It was late May, and I was traveling with two friends to a destination wedding in the tiny town of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, about halfway between Rome and Florence. The happy couple had rented a villa there for about 18 guests and would be getting married on the grounds.

As our little car powered its way up the mountain, the altitude started to make sense. Earlier in our drive from Rome to the Umbrian countryside, we had gasped from afar at the beautiful hilltop town of Orvieto as we sped up the A1, the main north-south highway in Italy.

Breathtaking views of stone buildings perched above green valleys would be repeated throughout our five days in Umbria, which boasts beautiful landscapes, terrific food, impressive art and architecture, and a wealth of history.

Umbria plays the subtly gorgeous girlnext-door to its more famous celebrity

Visiting Assisi

© FLAFAB | DREAMSTIME.COM CREDIT

One of my favorite day trips from our villa was to Assisi, home of St. Francis (San Francesco), Italy’s patron saint.

The immense basilica built in his memory is a major pilgrimage site — his remains are on the lower level — and a marvel of ornate frescoes, including Giotto’s “The Life of St. Francis.” Dress modestly (no shorts or tank tops) or you’ll be turned away.

The town also boasts a medieval fortress, other churches (St. Clare is buried in one) and many upscale shops and eateries.

Ironically, while St. Francis renounced his worldly possessions in a search for God, you can buy all kinds of saintly keepsakes — including a miniversion of his signature sandal on a keychain.

We also stopped in nearby Perugia. The Umbrian capital is a university town and home of the Galleria Nazionale, the region’s main art museum. History buffs might seek out Etruscan treasures like the municipal well and Porta Marzia (Mars Gate), both of which date to the 3rd century B.C. My guidebooks had hyped the city’s main piazza and fountain but, while perfectly nice, they weren’t all that exciting.

The pedestrian-only Corso Vannucci is great for strolling and people-watching; it’s lined with shops and cafes and has a nice overlook at the end.

Just outside the city is San The 540-foot-high Marmore waterfall in Umbria was Sisto, where Perugina chocobuilt 2200 years ago to divert stagnant river water down a cliff to another river below. late is made. You can tour the

Nestled in the green hills of Umbria, the town of Assisi was home to St. Francis, Italy’s patron saint. The town includes a large basilica built in his name, along with a medieval fortress.

factory where it manufactures its signature Baci (“kisses”) hazelnut chocolates. Each fall, Perugia hosts the Eurochocolate festival (this year, from Oct. 14-23).

On another day, as I ran errands with the bride in charming Citta di Castello, our friends drove to Gubbio. Turns out they just missed the town’s biggest festival, the centuries-old Corso dei Ceri (Race of the Candles). Held each May 15, thousands watch as teams carry giant wooden dowels (“candles”), representing saints, in a foot race through town.

Still, our friends said the town remained draped in flags and overrun by people in colored costumes — perhaps gearing up for the next weekend’s annual festival, a crossbow competition with the nearby town of Sansepolcro.

I’ve since realized that we should have stopped in Orvieto — and not just because of its famous native white wine, Orvieto Classico. Its cathedral (duomo), whose facade is covered in brightly colored mosaics, is universally regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful.

But no matter which town you visit, the real enjoyment comes from soaking up the atmosphere: Wandering narrow streets and winding stairways, treating yourself to coffee or gelato at an outdoor cafe, admiring scenic vistas and architecture, or shopping at farmers markets that offer every-

thing from seasonal produce (fresh truffles!) to flowers, cheeses and meats.

Navigating rural roads I was nervous about driving in Italy, but I’m glad we rented the car. Train travel among these cities is not efficient. Just remember to keep right on the highway unless you’re passing. You have never truly been tailgated until you accidentally stay in the left lane too long on the A1.

Navigating was fairly easy: Follow the signs to the city you want, then follow the bulls-eye “centro” symbol to get to the town center. Some parking areas are situated below the town centers and offer escalators, elevators or funiculars to take you up.

Also, practice driving a stick shift before you get here. It’s difficult and expensive to rent an automatic. If you’re not good with a clutch, you’ll hate stopping and starting on these hills, especially in traffic.

A fine surprise along the A1: The unappetizingly named Autogrill rest stop eatery chain was terrific. Pasta bar. Carving stations. Melon and prosciutto. Fresh mozzarella. Glasses. Silverware. Even singleserving bottles of wine bottles (for passengers, I’m sure). The New Jersey Turnpike should be so blessed.

On our drive back to Rome, we took a See ITALY, page 25

24

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

NY’s Adirondacks for cool summer action

By Glenda C. Booth Last August, as most of the Eastern U.S. sweltered, I was experiencing the cool days and nights of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, serenaded by the haunting call of the loons, which alternates between a watery yodel and a wavering tremolo.

Tuberculosis patients once went to the Adirondacks “to take the cure.” Today, a few days in the Adirondacks can surely cure the stressed out, technology-addicted and rat-racing urbanite.

Rob Surovell has been summering in the Adirondacks for 60 years. “I find the changing of the seasons, the continuity of life of the forest, the ducks and loons and other creatures all comforting, calming and quite beautiful,” he said.

Erinn Madden, mother of four, finds the Adirondacks a good family vacation venue, where children can “enjoy the outdoors, make their own fun, help the family with meals, and spend more time together without the distractions of our typical daily life.”

Artists, photographers, hikers, sportsmen and adventurers of all types have long enjoyed the region’s beauty. In the late 1800s, the Gilded Age, wealthy tycoons like the Vanderbilts vacationed in luxurious wilderness estates like Great Camp Sagamore.

Starting in Albany and heading north, you find yourself moving from bustling to quiet, from beach town to wilderness, enjoying declining gradations of busyness and deeper immersion in nature as you go.

Just four hours north of New York City, Adirondack Park, established in 1892, is the largest park in the U.S. It covers 20 percent of the state of New York, spanning six million acres.

It is actually a patchwork of public and private lands, a unique blend in ownership

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as well as habitats — granite peaks, crystal clear lakes, sparkling streams, vast dense forests, quiet wilderness trails and many small communities.

Throughout the Adirondack region you’ll also find 1,300 miles of roads, over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, and 6,000 miles of rivers. It’s known for its looming mountains: 42 of them over 4,000 feet. While July and August are known for their perfect weather, beware of June’s black fly season.

Lake George Among the many pearls in the southern Adirondacks region is Lake George, an azure, 32-mile long lake. First, though, you must get past the ticky-tacky town of backto-back souvenir shops, beach bars, strip malls and motels. Thankfully, the lake’s east side is protected from development and 170 of the lake’s 365 islands are state owned.

And if you’re not all that into nature’s wonders, or are traveling with grandchildren, the town of Lake George is the place to be.

The House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom Fun Park (a theme park of roller coasters and 125 rides), Waterslide World (12 acres of 35 slides, a wave pool and kiddie pool), Dr. Morbid’s Haunted House and Goony Golf offer plenty of in-town diversions for the wilderness challenged.

Summer traffic can crawl through town, so the hop-on, hop-off Village Trolley from Bolton to Glens Falls is a sensible alternative to driving.

There is music most summer nights, fireworks on Thursdays, and a theater festival in July. Try the walking tours around the village and lake. Million Dollar Beach on the south end, a short walk from town, is free with picnic facilities, a bathhouse and lifeguards.

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On the many lake cruise choices, you can have meals and fireworks or take in the old estates along the shoreline.

Invoke the spirit of James Fenimore Cooper at the Fort William Henry Museum (www.fwhmuseum.com), a reconstruction of the 1755 fort originally built by the British, used in the French and Indian War, and featured in The Last of the Mohicans.

Guides in 18th century military attire lead tours of the barracks, dungeons, an Iroquois longhouse and artifacts from the original fort. You can study ice harvesting, logging and more local history at the Lake George Historical Museum.

A drive up Prospect Mountain to 2,021 feet will introduce you to the Adirondack peaks and dramatic views of the region’s lakes and mountains — the splendor awaiting further north and west.

A Rockwellian village Twenty-five miles further north, Schroon Lake is a sleepy village that is “turned up to medium” in the summer. On its one-mile-long main street (Route 9), you won’t see rowdy teens, thrill rides or glistening bikini-clad bodies. It’s more like a Norman Rockwell painting.

“There’s a real sense of community here and we don’t lock our doors,” said Alex Gillman who lives there six months of the year.

Stop by the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce at 1075 Main Street for a calendar and visitor information. Fran Williford, who has lived there 53 years, will brief you on many local visitor treats. (Of course, you can also get this information ahead of time at www.schroonlakechamber.com.)

Be sure to ask about the Pontoon Boat Ride led by Laura Donaldson, a living encyclopedia of local lore. You can do-si-do

with the best at the town’s Wednesday night square dances.

At the Monday farmers’ market, indulge in regional favorites like blappleberry pie (blueberries, apples, strawberries and raspberries) with crumb topping.

The Towne Store is the place to get black bear and antler knickknacks, Adirondack décor, sweatshirts and supplies, and check out the artisans’ co-op upstairs for handmade crafts and art.

While away a few hours at the Historical Museum where you can examine local artifacts, including items from some of the grand hotels like Scaroon Manor, which closed in 1960.

When you spot the 50-foot chair outside the Adirondack Rustics Gallery on the south end of town on Route 9, park and go inside for original “forest-inspired” furniture

by Barry Gregson. He makes everything from hardwoods and naturally bent roots, limbs and burls (nothing is bent by hand or forced), with and without the bark on.

For a real down-home meal, try Pitkins for breakfast or lunch, a favorite eatery decorated with gingham curtains, painted saws and taxidermied northern pike and tiger musky caught by the owner. Be prepared for big dollops of whipped cream.

Drake’s Restaurant is a comfy family spot for soups, seafood, steaks and pasta.

Don’t leave without sampling Drake’s claim to fame and number one selling dessert —Ticonderoga Bread Pudding oozing with Drake’s own warm whiskey sauce.

Check with the Chamber of Commerce (www.schroonlakechamber.com) for lodging information. Reservations are advised.

There are no lakeside B&Bs, but several in See ADIRONDACKS, page 25

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

From page 24 town, as well as motels and rental cabins.

Getting outdoors is what it’s all about in the Adirondacks. The marina on the north end of town rents canoes, kayaks, motorboats and pontoons. Then you can get on Schroon Lake free from two boat launches.

The Towne Store will transport canoes and kayaks for self-guided tours on the Schroon River.

To plunge into the wilds, pick up a brochure for nearby hiking trails and fishing, hunting and guide services.

Fort Ticonderoga, at the southern end of Lake Champlain and once called “Key to the Continent,” is an easy day trip from Schroon where you will see weapons, tools, uniforms and documents from colonial and revolutionary days. Catch a fifeand-drum concert or drill.

Low-key Long Lake An even more scaled-down lake and town destination about 50 miles west is Long Lake, a widening of the Raquette River.

The lace-curtained, all-wood Adirondack Hotel, first built in 1853 (rebuilt in 1899 after it burned down), recalls the glory days of the Adirondack lodge. There are 18 rooms (some with a shared bathroom) and one apartment with a kitchen.

There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms.

The Victorian dining room serves lunch and dinner, but the real treat is soaking up the mountain air on the wraparound porch.

In the summer, there are seaplane rides, boat tours, concerts and boat races. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Custard’s Last Stand with ice cream flavors like Key Lime Pie, Adirondack High Peaks, Adirondack Black Bear, or the best seller, Holy Cow (peanut butter swirl).

Italy From page 23 slightly different route and said farewell to Umbria with a stunning view of Todi. We then dropped off the car at the airport and took a taxi back to Rome for a whirlwind 10-hour sightseeing jag.

After watching our cabbie maneuver through hordes of urban scooter riders, I

Long Lake is a convenient jumping off point for visiting several renowned sites.

Nine miles away is the world-famous Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake. Allow at least three to four hours to explore the 22 buildings on 32 acres featuring 100,000 artifacts depicting many aspects of Adirondack life, history and culture.

You’ll see a restored Victorian cottage, a typical 19th century resort hotel room, a hermit’s camp, and learn all about logging. Visit www.adirondackmuseum.org for programs.

A lesson in Adirondack ecosystems awaits at the 54,000-square-foot Wild Center in Tupper Lake, 22 miles from Long Lake. There, a 31-acre campus on a former gravel mine is home to over 900 live animals, including river otters, turtles, birds and other critters. There’s also a glacial ice wall, an indoor river, and hiking trails.

By definition, being in the Adirondacks in the summer means getting outdoors — hiking, canoeing, rafting, fishing and camping.

Visitor Marfé Delano sums up the attraction: “I love the deep, cool, quiet greenness and the smell of pine needles. I love kayaking on the crystal clear lakes and hiking in the mountains.” All are cures for sure.

If you go Albany is the closest airport, 55 miles south of Lake George. In mid-July, US Airways has flights from BWI to Albany, N.Y. via LaGuardia for around $206.

If you prefer the train, the closest Amtrak station to Lake George is Fort Edward, 15 miles south. From the train station, Greater Glens Falls Transit operates two services. Most direct is a shuttle from the Fort Edward train station to Lake George village. This must be reserved at least two days in advance and costs $20 per person each way.

Alternatively, it also offers hourly bus service from the Amtrak station to Lake George village, requiring a transfer at

PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.VISITLAKEGEORGE.COM

Adirondacks

25

Visitors can take a speed boat ride or more sedate cruises to explore the 32-milelong Lake George in upstate New York’s Adirondack region. The lake boasts 365 islands.

Glens Falls to the trolley to Lake George; $2 per person one way. For reservations or info, call (518) 792-1085. In addition, Enterprise and Hertz have car rental outlets in Glens Falls.

For more infor mation about the Adirondack region in general, see the following websites: www.adirondacks.org, www.AdirondackExperience.com and www.iloveny.com.

For the Lake George Chamber of Commerce, visit www.lakegeorgechamber.com

or call (518) 668-5755 or 800-805-0059; for Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce, www.schroonlakechamber.com, (518) 5327675; and for Long Lake Parks and Recreation, www.MyLongLake.com, (518) 6243077.

For whitewater rafting near the towns in this article, try Wild Waters Outdoor Center in Warrensburg, www.wildwaters.net, 1-800-867-2335.

Glenda C. Booth is travel writer living in Alexandria, Va.

serving those who

served and their eligible non-vet spouses

was so grateful we ditched the car before coming to Rome. Stick-shift expert or not, when in Rome, let Romans do the driving.

For more information about Umbria, visit www.italiantourism.com/umbria.html.

Umbria is less than three hours by car from Rome via the A1. Air France has the lowest roundtrip fares to Rome in July, $1,337 from BWI Marshall Airport.

— AP

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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66. Tenth US president 67. Mach 1 breaker 68. What a detective connects

1. Superficially smooth 2. Anchor 3. Overture follower 4. Latin dance 5. Ont. or B.C. 6. Subject of What Color is Your Parachute?

7. Two-dimensional 8. Strike a match 9. Canal to the Red Sea 10. Astonish 11. Cadabra lead-ins 12. Roll downhill 14. Experts at division 20. New Zealanders 21. Trident-shaped letter 25. Furniture store offering 26. Bed size 27. Monthly expense, for many 28. Ideal dir. from home plate to second base, per MLB rules 29. Drunkard 33. K-K-9-7-3, for example 34. The far end of a kitchen 35. See 13 Across 37. Twisting road 38. UK military branch 39. Items in a rations kit 40. Smooth transition 42. They may have three axels 45. Wobble 46. Feeling queasy 47. Ascends Everest 48. Outstanding 49. Knievel event 50. “That sounds great” 51. Prepare a steak 55. ___ of use 56. Race pace 57. What a detective gathers 58. Tiny irritant 59. Realigns pins

Answers on page 25.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2011

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the bottom of this page.

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either.

Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Business & Employment Opportunities UNLIMITED INCOME POTENTIAL from home promoting unique products that everyone will need. Will train the right individual. Watch FREE video for complete details at www.Home BusinessAccess.com/021.

BATH FITTER® THE NATIONAL LEADER IN THE ACRYLIC TUB LINER INDUSTRY IS SEEKING MARKETING REPS. GREAT PAY + COMMISSIONS. CALL TIM 410-808-6318.

ACTORS/MOVIE EXTRAS Needed immediately for upcoming roles $150-$300 per day depending on job requirements. No Experience, All looks needed. 1-800-561-1762 Ext A-104, for casting times/locations.

AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 686-1704.

ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE Be your own boss 25-machines/ candy all for-$9,995. 1-877915-8222 “S.S.REGNO.299” AINB02653 Void in AK,CT,KY,ME,NE,NH,SD,WA,LA,VA Vend 3, 880 Grand Blvd, Deerpark, N.Y. HANDS ON CAREER – Train for a high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance. Call AIM today (866)8546156.

LOCAL DATA ENTRY/TYPISTS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY. $400 PT - $800 FT weekly.

Flexible schedule, work from own PC. 1-800262-8135.

Caregivers NURSING GRAD (MSN) student & licensed, experienced CNA seeks full-time overnight caregiving position. Pet-friendly with stellar references. If interested, call 301-787-3555.

Financial Services CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT(1-866-738-8536) Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

TRYING TO GET OUT OF DEBT? NO Obligation – Complimentary Consultation $10k in Credit Card/Unsecured Debt YOU have Options!! Learn about NO Upfront Fee Resolution Programs! Call 800-593-3446.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

27

For Rent/Sale Real Estate

Vacation Opportunities

Wanted

OWN 20 ACRES ONLY $129. Per/mo., $295/down near growing El Paso Texas (safest city in America!) Money back guarantee, no credit checks, owner financing. Free map/pictures 1800-755-8953 www.sunsetranches.com.

SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.sellatimeshare.com Call (888) 879-8612.

OLD HIFI, STEREO EQUIPMENT PreAmps, Amplifiers, Tuners, Large Old Speakers, James B Lancing, Altec, Tannoy, Quad, Basement-Garage-Attic. Honest Pricing. Please Call Alan 240-478-1100.

For Sale

Wanted

CRYPT FOR SALE – Baltimore. Eye level.

Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Inside beautiful Chapel. 410-960-5002.

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

DINING ROOM SET – Cherry, by:“Thomasville”. & other items . Call 410-252-4590 – make offer.

Owner going to assisted living must sell now. **ALL Satellite Systems are not the same.

Monthly programming starts at $24.99 per month and FREE HD and DVR systems for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-799-4935.

MEMORY FOAM THERAPEUTIC NASA VISCO MATTRESSES WHOLESALE! T-$299 F-$349 Q-$399 K-$499 ADJUSTABLES - $799 FREE DELIVERY 25 YEAR WARRANTY 90 NIGHT TRIAL 1-800-ATSLEEP 1-800-2875337 WWW.MATTRESSDR.COM.

Health ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with MEDICARE or PPO. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies (mask, tubing, etc) to prevent infections & sores. Plus, FREE home delivery. Call (800) 458-4337.

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99.00 #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.70/pill. The Blue Pill Now! 1-888-777-9242.

Miscellaneous REACH OVER 28 MILLION HOMES WITH ONE AD BUY! Only $2,795 per week! For more information, contact Roger at 410-248-9101.

AAAA** DONATION. Donate Your Car Boat or Real Estate, IRS Tax Deductible. Free PickUp/Tow Any Model/Condition Help Under Privileged Children. Outreach Center. 1-800-928-7566.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance.

Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com.

DONATE A CAR – HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES. Fast, Free Towing.

Call 7 days/week. Non-runners OK. Tax Deductible. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 1-800-578-0408.

GET YOUR DEGREE ONLINE *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com.

DONATE A CAR To Help Children and Their Families Suffering From Cancer. Free Towing.

Tax Deductible. Children’s Cancer Fund Of America, Inc. www.ccfoa.org 1-800-469-8593.

DONATE YOUR CAR! Breast Cancer Research foundation! Most highly rated breast cancer charity in America! Tax Deductible/Fast Free Pick Up. 800-771-9551 www.cardonationsforbreastcancer.org.

DONATE YOUR CAR…To the Cancer Fund of America. Help Those Suffering With Cancer Today. Free Towing and Tax Deductible. 1-800835-9372 www.cfoa.org.

Personal Services LEARN ENGLISH – SPANISH – ITALIAN – FRENCH – PORTUGUESE Conversational.

Grammatical. Private lessons. Reasonable Rates. Tutoring students. 443-352-8200.

PIANO LESSONS: Patient, experienced teacher. Ages 6 thru senior. Keyboards OK. Near Towson. Summer is a great time to start.

Call Linda at 410-532-8381.

For Rent/Sale Real Estate

Vacation Opportunities

$120,900 - 3705 BAYONNE AVE 21206. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, semi-attached townhouse move-in condition. Equity Realty, Inc. Ruth White 410-665-0200/410-409-9728.

SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE hosted by Bykota Senior Center departs Jan 19th! Brochures available by calling Accent On Travel in Towson 410296-8330. Presentation: Bykota SC, May 18, 10AM.

STAMPS! U.S. only. Small collector buying pre1940. Best price paid. Southwest Stamp Club meets Friday, June 17th, 2011, 1PM, Arbutus.

410-247-4169.

LOOKING FOR GOLD and silver coins. Father and son from Howard County will pay cash for your coins. Please call Mac 443-285-2774.

STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-6637. Stampex1@gmail.com.

VINYL RECORDS WANTED from the 20s through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections preferred. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

CASH BUYER SEEKING WATCH MAKER’S TOOLS & PARTS, wrist & pocket watches (any condition), costume jewelry and antiques, coins. 410-655-0412.

BUYING NUMISMATIC COINS and most gold or silver items including coins, sterling, jewelry, etc. Will come to you with best cash offer. Call Paul: 410-756-1906. **OLD GUITARS WANTED!** Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Prairie State, Euphonon, Larson, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s TOP CASH PAID! 1-800-401-0440.

MOTORCYCLES WANTED! CASH MONEY PAID! Also select watercraft, ATV & snowmobiles. FREE National Pickup! NO HASSLE! Call 1-800-963-9216 Now! www.SellUsYourBike.com Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm (CDT).

Thanks for Reading!

BEACON BITS

May 24

LEARN ABOUT A TRIP TO INDIA

Breathe Books in Hampden will host an informational session about its November trip to India. Tour guide Deepak Singh will speak about the trip and prepare Indian food. The session will take place on Tuesday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m., at 810 W. 36th St. The session is free. The cost of the two-week trip, excluding airfare, starts at $2,899. For more information, call (410) 235-READ or visit www.breathebooks.com.

July 12+

TAKE A BET ON ATLANTIC CITY

Join Southwest Senior Center on this three-day, two-night bus trip to Atlantic City from July 12 to 14. Stay and play at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. Prices: single occupancy, $354; double occupancy, $210; triple occupancy, $170. Prices include transportation, hotel room and all taxes. For reservations, call (410) 659-2164 and ask for Calvin Vaughn.

June 8

JAMBOREE AND LUNCH IN OCEAN CITY

The Essex Senior Center is sponsoring a daytrip to Ocean City, Md., on Wednesday, June 8. Enjoy the Ocean City Jamboree and lunch at the Dunes Manor Hotel overlooking the beach. Price is $85. For reservations, call (410) 687-5113.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED

Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month.

Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad.

We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, offer a personal service, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Commercial Party Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing commercial business enterprise. Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one commercial ad.

The Beacon, Classified Dept.

P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

28

JUNE 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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H2108_11_0034 File and Use 12142010