March 2011 Baltimore Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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When grown kids move back in

A generational shift But parents bear some part of the responsibility for this phenomenon, too. “Boomerang kids are home not just because of the recession, but also because in the past generation there has been a shift in child-rearing,” said psychiatrist Scott

MARCH 2011

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PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MYERS

By Carol Sorgen Unlike many “empty nesters,” Sharon and Craig Gendler were happy to send their two daughters out into the world and have their house — and their life — back to themselves. “We liked it,” said Sharon, 54, a former retailer who is now a legal assistant for her husband’s law practice. “We didn’t feel empty in the least.” But today — like it or not — the Gendlers’ Reisterstown home is filled to the brim once again as their girls, ages 24 and 26, have moved back in, joining other “boomerang” kids of their generation who have fled the “real world” and are once again living with Mom and Dad. The Gendler daughters are certainly not alone. According to a 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center, 13 percent of parents with grown children reported that one of their adult sons or daughters had moved back home during the year. In large part, this trend has been fueled by difficult economic times. While the recession has touched Americans of all ages, it has hit young adults particularly hard. A job loss — or the inability to find a job in the first place — makes it difficult to pay rent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in October 2009, 15.6 percent of 20-to-24-year-olds were unemployed compared with 8.7 percent for people over 25. Kids come home for other reasons, too. They may be in debt from college loans, they may be getting over a divorce, or they may just realize they can’t afford the comfy lifestyle they had at home. “I don’t think she realizes how good she has it here,” said the Nelsons, a Baltimore City family that prefers not to use their first names so as not to upset their daughter — whom, they are quick to say, they love beyond measure and are happy to have home while she looks for a job (but still wish she’d show a bit more appreciation and responsibility).

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

A feast for the senses in San Francisco’s Chinatown; plus, Palm Springs — a modernist oasis in the desert page 23

ARTS & STYLE

Wendy and Michael Appleby welcomed their grown daughter Lauren back home four years ago. Like many among the growing number of such “boomerang kids,” Lauren moved in with her parents to save money. When adult children return home, open communication about expectations on both sides can avoid strain.

Haltzman, author of The Secrets of Happy Families: Eight Keys to Building a Lifetime of Connection and Contentment. “We have treated our kids like friends, allies and colleagues,” he said. “We’ve blurred the lines that once clearly defined the parent-child relationship. “We’re much more indulgent than our parents were,” Haltzman continued, “and we’ve made home a really comfortable place for our kids. They have little desire to leave. They experience some independence at college and then they’re ready to come home.” Moving back home can be “business as usual” for the kids, but as the Gendlers

and Nelsons have found, it can be “disruptive” for the parents. “When the kids are back, you shift back from being a couple-focused household to a child-focused household,” said Haltzman. “You’re no longer in control of your schedule, what’s in your refrigerator, how much gas is in the car, and so on.” “We all get along well,” said the Nelsons. But they admitted that “it would be nice to know what our daughter’s plans are when we get home in the evening.” “Food is definitely an issue,” added Sharon Gendler. “I make dinner, and I never See BOOMERANG KIDS, page 11

A roundup of new shows, from a Tony Bennett tribute to one of Shakespeare’s last plays; plus, colorful quilts handmade by Marylanders page 27

FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Why bad habits are hard to break k Better blood pressure from food LAW & MONEY 14 k In the market for convertibles k Test your wits against scammers VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS 20 k Never too old for Girl Scouts PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Tooting our horn Recently, the North American Mature the selection of a fabulous subject leads to Publishers Association presented its annu- captivating reading — but only if the writing al journalism awards. lives up to the subject,” the I am pleased to say the judges said. “This time, the Baltimore Beacon once again writer accomplishes both.” won top honors for papers in Sorgen won the Community the 50,001-100,000 circulation Service Award for her article, category. And the Washing“Economy spurs entrepreton Beacon, produced by our neurs,” about laid-off workers same staff, fared similarly for and the new careers they startpublications in the 100,000ed. She also won an award for plus circulation category. “A second career in the clerBoth publications took FROM THE gy.” “These are compelling stoBest of Show honors in their PUBLISHER ries,” the judges said. By Stuart P. Rosenthal categories. Sorgen’s article “Reflections The award judges, from about Woodstock’s 40th,” won the prestigious University of Missouri the first-place Feature Writing award. “The School of Journalism, pointed to the Bea- accounts are as varied as the sources, and con’s “engaging feature stories on interest- the result is a kind of re-creation of an ing people” and called us “a well-edited epochal event,” the judges wrote. paper from cover to cover with nary a Guest columnist Bob Levey edged me typo.” out in the Personal Essay category, taking We are particularly proud of our Balti- first place for his personal essay, “Got more contributing editor, Carol Sorgen, Medicare, but don’t plan to use at lot.” who won numerous awards for various feaThe judges opined, “it’s not often that tures. you read about someone deciding to use Sorgen’s cover story, “Fitness leads to their benefit wisely. This is a well-written ageless body,” about a 73-year-old female column and challenges the predominant personal trainer and bodybuilder, won the frame of those on Medicare.” first-place award for Profiles. “Sometimes I’m not sure on what basis the judges

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• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel 2010 Outstanding Publication Award

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miration to everyone on our staff for their excellent work and their many contributions to the Beacon. Congratulations to you all! As I always say, whatever awards we do or do not win, what matters the most to us is what our readers think of us. Please continue to share your comments and suggestions, whether via mail, e-mail, phone, fax or online at www.theBeaconNewspapers.com. We love to hear from you and appreciate your being our readers.

We’re growing We are also pleased to announce that the Beacon will begin publishing a new Howard County edition next month. If you’re currently a Howard County reader, look for the new edition (rather than our Baltimore edition) around the middle of March. Those with an interest in advertising in Howard County or in proposing story ideas are invited to contact us at (410) 2489101.

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come to that rather stereotyped conclusion, but we appreciate the award all the same. My “From the Publisher” columns on healthcare and Social Security reform took the second-place Personal Essay award. The judges said, “The writer is not afraid to give his opinion, but he does it in a responsible way. The ideas are thought out and very informative. The columns are written to elicit thoughtful conversations.” I couldn’t have said it better myself! Congratulations also go to Dan Collins, who won first place for his theatre reviews in the Beacon last year, and photographer Frank Klein, who won both first and second place awards for his cover photos. You may remember his photo for our tattoo story, “Baltimore boomers get inked,” which the judges called “well-executed and tasteful.” I want to add my congratulations and personal thanks not only to Sorgen, Levey, Collins and Klein, but also to our managing editor Barbara Ruben, who deserves kudos for finding and editing our many freelancers and columnists, and who also won several awards for her writing in our Washington edition. And I want to express my thanks and ad-

Dear Editor: In February I will be 62. In 2003, my husband and I moved from New York to Randallstown. Since I retired in New York and my health plan is [from there], all of my medical expenses are “out of network.” When I go to the doctor for medical check-ups, I have a co-pay. Then I wait for Mercy Hospital to bill my insurance company and then I am billed for the difference. The problem is that Mercy Medical Center’s bills always come six to nine months after I have received my services. They then expect the bill to be paid immediately. They are counting the gap between the time of the service and the time they have billed me as delinquent, even though I am just getting the bill. An example is my colonoscopy exam. I paid the doctor that administered the exam. The anesthesiologist is now coming

a year later with his bill, and it is considered delinquent even though I just received it. The next thing I know, they have given it to a collection agency, and they are just so rude and unscrupulous that I refuse to deal with them. My question to you is have you had any other seniors complaining about these medical centers’ billing practices? I realize once I reach 65 and start receiving Medicare this will get better. Deborah Taitt-Stone Randallstown Editor’s Note: We contacted Mercy Hospital on your behalf, and we understand their patient advocate is working with you and your insurance companies (of which there are apparently two, which is part of the problem) to address your concerns. We hope they will resolve everything shortly.

BEACON BITS

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Health Fitness &

SMOKING GUN No smoking (or smoke) is safe, says a Surgeon General’s report LOSE WEIGHT WITH WATER Drinking water before meals can help boost how much you lose REPORTING DRUG REACTIONS New ways to let the FDA know if you have a bad drug reaction SECRETS TO AGING WELL If you’re 80 or older and in good health, you’re wanted for a study

Why unhealthy habits are so hard to break By Lauran Neergaard Uh-oh, the new year is only a month old, and already you’re finding it hard to keep those resolutions to junk the junk food, get off the couch or kick smoking. It might make you feel better to learn there’s a biological reason a lot of our bad habits are so hard to break — they get wired into our brains. That’s not an excuse to give up. Understanding how unhealthy behaviors become ingrained has scientists learning some tricks that may help good habits replace the bad. “Why are bad habits stronger? You’re fighting against the power of an immediate reward,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and an authority on the brain’s pleasure pathway. It’s the fudge vs. broccoli choice: Chocolate’s yum factor tends to beat out the knowledge that sticking with veggies brings an eventual reward of lost pounds. “We all as creatures are hard-wired that way, to give greater value to an immediate reward as opposed to something that’s delayed,” Volkow said. Just how that bit of happiness turns into a habit involves a pleasure-sensing chemical

named dopamine. Dopamine is released from a cluster of nerve cells, called the nucleus accumbens, lying deep in the brain. It conditions the brain to want that reward again and again — reinforcing the connection each time — especially when it gets the right cue from your environment.

We resist temptations poorly People tend to overestimate their ability to resist temptations around them, thus undermining attempts to shed bad habits, said experimental psychologist Loran Nordgren, an assistant professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. “People have this self-control hubris, this belief they can handle more than they can,” said Nordgren, who studies the tugof-war between willpower and temptation. In one experiment, he measured whether heavy smokers could watch a film that romanticizes the habit — called “Coffee and Cigarettes” — without taking a puff. Upping the ante, they were told they’d be paid according to their level of temptation: Could they hold an unlit cigarette while watching? Keep the pack on the table? Or did they need to leave the pack in

another room? Smokers who predicted they could resist a lot of temptation tended to hold the unlit cigarette — and were more likely to light up than those who knew better than to hang onto the pack, said Nordgren. He now is beginning to study how recovering drug addicts deal with real-world temptations. But temptation can be more insidious than how close at hand the cigarettes are. Always snack in front of your favorite TV show? A dopamine-rich part of the brain named the striatum memorizes rituals and routines that are linked to getting a particular reward, explained NIDA’s Volkow. Eventually, those environmental cues trigger the striatum to make some behaviors almost automatic. Even scientists who recognize it can fall prey. “I don’t like popcorn. But every time I go to the cinema, I have to eat it,” Volkow said. “It’s fascinating.” Much of what scientists know about dopamine’s role in habit formation comes from the study of alcohol and drug addiction, but it’s a key player in more common habits, too, especially overeating. In fact, for anything that links an action and a reward, “dopamine is indispensable

for the formation of these habits,” Volkow said.

Cravings get hard wired Furthermore, recent research shows that there’s more involved than just dopamine. Dopamine interacts with another neurotransmitter, glutamate, to hijack the brain’s system of reward-related learning. According to the current theory, repeated exposure to an addictive substance causes nerve cells in the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex — the area of the brain involved in planning and executing tasks — to communicate in a way that links pleasure with desire and action (seeking the substance). Meanwhile, the hippocampus and the amygdala store information about environmental cues associated with the desired substance, so that it can be located again. These memories help create a conditioned response — or craving — whenever your environment cues the desired substance. The question is how to circumvent the cravings. Some companies offer employees outright payments or insurance reSee HABITS, page 5

How to beat high blood pressure with diet Fiddling with diet to control cholesterol makes perfect sense. After all, some of the cholesterol that ends up in our arteries starts out in food. But changing your diet to control hypertension (high blood pressure) doesn’t seem quite so straightforward. Yet food can have a direct and sometimes dramatic effect on blood pressure. Salt certainly plays a role. But there’s far more to a blood pressure-friendly diet than minimizing salt intake. Fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, beans, nuts, wholegrain carbohydrates and unsaturated fats also have healthful effects on blood pressure. There isn’t a single “magic” food in this list. Instead, the whole package is a foundation for an all-around healthful eating strategy that’s good for blood pressure and so much more. Rigorous trials show that eating strate-

gies such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, DASH variants like the OmniHeart diet, and Mediterranean-type diets lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and those headed in that direction. They also help prevent some of the feared consequences of high blood pressure.

A danger you can avoid Why bother? Hypertension is the ultimate stealth condition. You’d never know you have it without having your blood pressure measured — or until high blood pressure begins to damage vital organs. Half of the 65 million American adults with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. That’s worrisome given the insidious consequences of high blood pressure. It is the leading cause of stroke in the United States. It contributes to thousands

of heart attacks. It overworks the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. It damages the kidneys, erodes sight, interferes with memory, puts a damper on sexual activity, and steals years of life. Drugs that lower blood pressure tend to work well. But they don’t necessarily attack the cause of the problem. And no matter how safe they are, all drugs have some unwanted or unintended side effects. A healthful diet is an effective first-line defense for preventing high blood pressure. It is an excellent initial treatment when blood pressure creeps into the unhealthy zone, and a perfect partner for medications.

10 dietary tips Unfortunately, translating the dietary strategies tested in clinical trials into diets for daily life hasn’t been easy. Drs. Frank M. Sacks and Hanna Cam-

pos, of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, have attempted to do just that. In the New England Journal of Medicine, they offer ten pieces of evidence-based advice about diet and blood pressure: 1. Eat more poultry, fish, nuts and legumes (beans), and less red meat. 2. Choose low-fat or nonfat milk and other dairy products instead of full-fat versions. 3. Turn to vegetables and fruits instead of sugary or salty snacks and desserts. 4. Select breads, pasta, and other carbohydrate-rich foods that are made from whole grains instead of highly refined white flour. 5. Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. 6. Use unsaturated fats like olive, canola, soybean, peanut, corn, or safflower See BLOOD PRESSURE, page 6

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What you can do

From page 4 bates for adopting better habits. It’s not clear yet just how well a financial incentive substitutes as a reward. In one experiment, paying smokers at General Electric up to $750 to kick the habit nearly tripled the number who did, said Dr. Kevin Volpp, who directs the Center for Health Incentives at the University of Pennsylvania. A similar study that dangled dollars for weight loss found no difference — and environmental temptation might help explain the differing results. It’s getting hard to smoke in public but “every time you walk down the street, there’s lots of sources of high-calorie, tasty, low-cost food,” Volpp said.

However paying for behavior plays out, researchers say there are some steps that may help counter your brain’s hold on bad habits: • Repeat, repeat, repeat the new behavior — the same routine at the same time of day. Resolved to exercise? Doing it at the same time of the morning, rather than fitting it in haphazardly, makes the striatum recognize the habit so that eventually, “if you don’t do it, you feel awful,” said Volkow the neuroscientist, who’s also a passionate runner. • Exercise itself raises dopamine levels, so eventually your brain will get a feelgood hit even if your muscles protest. • Reward yourself with something you really desire, Volkow suggested. You exercised all week? Stuck to your diet? Buy a book, a great pair of jeans, or try a fancy restaurant —

safer perhaps than a box of cookies because the price inhibits the quantity. • Stress can reactivate the bad-habit circuitry. “You see people immediately eating in the airport when their flight is canceled,” Volkow pointed out. • And cut out the rituals linked to your

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BEACON BITS

Mar. 9

bad habits. No eating in front of the TV, ever. “What you want to be thinking about is, ‘What is it in my environment that is triggering this behavior?’“ said Nordgren. “You have to guard yourself against it.” — AP, with additional information from Harvard Health Letters

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Habits

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Surgeon general: 1 cigarette is 1 too many By Lauran Neergaard Think the occasional cigarette won’t hurt? Even a bit of social smoking — or inhaling someone else’s secondhand smoke — could be enough to block your arteries and trigger a heart attack, according to a recent surgeon general’s report. Lung cancer is what people usually fear from smoking, and yes, that can take years to strike. But the new report says there’s no doubt that tobacco smoke begins poisoning immediately — as more than 7,000 chemicals in each puff rapidly spread through the body to cause cellular damage in nearly every organ. “That one puff on that cigarette could be the one that causes your heart attack,”

said Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. Or the one that triggers someone else’s: When Pueblo, Colorado, banned smoking in all public places in 2003, the number of people hospitalized for heart disease plummeted 41 percent in just three years, the report found. “I advise people to try to avoid being around smoking any way that you can,” Benjamin said.

Big killer and source of disease About 443,000 Americans die from tobacco-caused illnesses every year. While the smoking rate has dropped dramatically since 1964, when the first surgeon general’s report declared tobacco deadly,

progress has stalled in the past decade. About 46 million adults — one in five — still smoke, and tens of millions more are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. The government had hoped to drop the smoking rate to 12 percent by last year, a goal not only missed but that’s now been put off to 2020. The report was the 30th issued by U.S. surgeons general to warn the public about tobacco’s risks. “How many reports more does Congress need to have to say that cigarettes as a class of products ought to be banned?” asked well-known nicotine expert Dr. K. Michael Cummings of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, who helped to review the

report. “One-third of the patients who are in our hospital are here today because of cigarettes.” Still, this newest report is unusual because it devotes more than 700 pages to detail the biology of how cigarette smoke accomplishes its dirty deeds — including the latest genetic findings to help explain why some people become more addicted than others, and why some smokers develop tobacco-caused disease faster than others. There is no safe level of exposure to cigarette smoke, whether you deliberately inhale it or are a nonsmoker who breathes in other people’s fumes, the report concludes.

Blood pressure

been published about two of the three. A 64-page guide to the DASH diet is available at www.health.harvard.edu/148 for free, or can be mailed to you for a small fee by calling the NHLBI Health Information Center at (301) 592-8573. The DASH Diet Action Plan, by Marla Heller, and The DASH Diet for Hypertension, by Thomas Moore and Mark Jenkins, are available in bookstores. A number of books have been written about the Mediterranean diet, from How to Eat Well and Stay Well the Mediterranean Way, written in 1959 by pioneering nutrition researcher Ancel Keys and his wife, Margaret, to Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet, published in 2007 by Emilia Klapp, a registered dietitian. Information about the OmniHeart diet is harder to come by. A summary of it can be read at www.health.harvard.edu/BPdiet. © 2011 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

From page 4 oils instead of butter, coconut oil, or palmkernel oil. 7. Rely on fresh or frozen foods instead of canned and processed foods. 8. Choose low-sodium foods whenever possible; use herbs, spices, vinegar, and other low-sodium flavorings instead of salt. 9. Don’t skip meals; try to eat one-third of your calories at breakfast. 10. If you need help, record everything that you eat day by day for a week. Have this information reviewed by a dietitian. If you are a do-it-yourselfer and enjoy puttering around the kitchen, you can build a blood pressure-friendly diet from these tips. If you like more direction, plus menus and recipes, a cornucopia of help is available. Drs. Sacks and Campos extracted their advice from the DASH, OmniHeart, and Mediterranean-type diets. Much has

See SMOKING, page 7

BEACON BITS

Feb. 24

HORMONES, SLEEP AND YOUR HEALTH If you’re sleep-deprived, this lecture is for you (after all, you’ll be

awake to hear it!). Presented by Jessica Mong, an associate professor in the University School of Medicine, this talk will be held on Thursday, Feb. 24, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the UM Southern Management Corporation Campus Center, Ballroom B, 621 W. Lombard St. Call (410) 706-3100 or visit www.wellness.umaryland.edu for more information.

Mar. 1+

SUPPORT FOR THE BEREAVED Seeds of Hope, a bereavement group offered by the Palliative Care program at Johns Hopkins Bayview, will hold its next meet-

ing on Tuesday, March 1, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Care Center Conference Room in the John R. Burton Pavilion, located on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus. The group meets the first Tuesday of every month. Seeds of Hope is a support group designed to help people dealing with a death through acknowledging their grief and honoring their loved one. To register, call Jane Schindler, LCSW-C at (410) 550-0291.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Smoking From page 6 Nor is there reason to think efforts to develop so-called safer cigarettes really will pan out. In fact, the evidence indicates that changing cigarette designs over the last five decades, including filtered, lowtar, and “light” variations, have not reduced overall disease risk among smokers and may have hindered prevention and cessation efforts.

Even a little is too much Recently it’s become clear that some of the harms — especially those involving the heart — kick in right away, said Dr. Terry Pechacek of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means social smoking, the occasional cigarette at a party, can be enough to trigger a heart attack in someone whose arteries already are silently clogged, he said. “Too often people think the occasional social cigarette is not so dangerous, when in fact this report says yes, it is,” he said. Why? Cigarette smoke immediately seeps into the bloodstream and changes its chemistry so that it becomes more sticky, allowing clots to form that can squeeze shut already narrowed arteries, the report explains. That’s in addition to the more subtle long-term damage to blood vessels themselves, making them more narrow. And no

one knows how little it takes to trigger that clotting. Some other findings in the report: • Smoking one to four cigarettes a day increases the risk of heart disease almost as much as smoking a pack a day. • The chemicals and toxicants in tobacco smoke damage DNA, which can lead to cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke also can help tumors grow. • Smoking can weaken your body’s ability to fight cancer. With any cancer — even those not related to tobacco use — smoking can decrease the benefits of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. • The body makes white blood cells to respond to injuries, infections and cancers. White blood cell counts stay high while smoking continues, meaning the body is constantly fighting against the damage caused by smoking, which can lead to disease in almost any part of the body. • The chemicals in tobacco smoke complicate the regulation of blood sugar levels, exacerbating the health issues resulting from diabetes. Smokers with diabetes have a higher risk of heart and kidney disease, amputation, eye disease causing blindness, nerve damage and poor circulation. Kicking the habit lets your body start healing, Benjamin stressed: “It’s never too late to quit, but the sooner you quit the better. Even if you’re 70, 80 years old and you’re a smoker, there’s still benefit from quitting.” — AP

BEACON BITS

Mar. 9

UNITED SENIORS OF MARYLAND TO RALLY

BCASCO, the Baltimore County Association of Senior Citizens Organizations, Inc., will be joining United Seniors of Maryland at its 34th Annual State Legislative Rally on Wednesday, March 9. Attendees will meet with their elected state Delegates and Senators and visit committee hearing rooms. Bus service is provided. Pickups are at the Liberty Senior Center at 6:45 a.m..; Towson United Methodist Church, Beltway exit 27B at 7:15 a.m.; and the Ateaze Senior Center at 7:35 a.m. The bus will leave Annapolis at 2:30 p.m. to return home. The cost of $30 includes transportation, admission, continental breakfast and box lunch. For more information, contact Beth Wiseman at (410) 484-6866.

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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.

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Health Shorts Lose weight with water Drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner may be just the backstop your willpower needs to help you shed pounds permanently, according to a recent study published in Obesity. Researchers instructed two groups of overweight or obese men and women to follow a low-calorie diet, asking one group to also drink two cups of water before meals. After 12 weeks, the water drinkers had lost an average of 15½ pounds, compared with 11 pounds for the control group. Those who continued the habit for a year lost an additional 1½ pounds on average.

MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

“I would never promote this as a getslim-quick scheme,” said senior study author Brenda Davy, an associate professor in the department of human nutrition, foods and exercise at Virginia Tech University. But she noted that the practice slows the emptying of the stomach. “This is simply an additional strategy that could help people manage their hunger.” The study examined the effect only on middle-age and older adults, but Liwei Chen, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Public Health, thinks it’s a smart strategy for everybody, particularly if it causes them to cut back on soda. American adults average 28 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages per day, said Chen, who led a study that found even a small reduction in sugar intake significantly lowered blood pressure. “Aim to avoid sugar-sweetened bever-

If you’re over 50 or have osteoporosis, it’s important that you don’t ignore your back pain. It may signal a spinal fracture. See your doctor right away if you think you may have one.

ages altogether,” she advised. That way, you battle two risk factors at once. — U.S. News and World Report

Two drugs are better than one New drug combinations are helping women with early breast cancer. Using two drugs that more precisely target tumors doubled the number of women whose cancer disappeared compared to those who had only one of the drugs, doctors reported at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December. The good news study was the first test of Herceptin and Tykerb together for early-stage disease. They aim at a protein called HER-2 that is overproduced in about one-fourth of all breast cancers. Herceptin blocks the protein on the cell’s surface; Tykerb does it inside the cell.

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For more information on balloon kyphoplasty call 800-652-2221 or visit www.kyphon.com Medtronic maintains a list of physicians who have been trained to use, and are believed to be both active and proficient users of, Medtronic’s products and who are willing to accept patient referrals. Physician participation on this list is voluntary and free. All referrals are identified based upon geographic criteria only. Medtronic does not guarantee the accuracy of the listings or the capabilities of the physicians listed. The physicians referenced may be paid consultants of, and research cited may have been funded partially or in whole by, Medtronic. Although the complication rate with KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be low, as with most surgical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure, including serious complications. This procedure is not for everyone. A prescription is required. Please consult your physician for a full discussion of risks and whether this procedure is right for you. © 2008 Medtronic Spine LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Jose Baselga, associate director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, tested these drugs alone and in combination in 455 patients who also were given the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. (The study was done when he worked previously in Barcelona, Spain.) The patients were treated for about four months before surgery to remove their tumors and for nine months afterward. Doctors have been testing drugs in advance of surgery to shrink tumors and make the operation less drastic, and to get an idea quickly if these drugs will help a patient. Just over half of the women who received Herceptin and Tykerb were discovered to have no signs of invasive cancer when their surgeries were done, versus only 25 to 30 percent of those given just one of these drugs. Tykerb had more side effects, mostly diarrhea. But the main side effect of combo treatment is to the wallet: Tykerb pills cost $5,000 to $6,000 per month. Herceptin costs more than $4,000 a month plus whatever doctors charge to infuse it. “The possibility that we have here is to enhance the number of patients that are cured” and avoid more treatment down the line that might cost more, Baselga said. Dr. Neil Spector of the Duke Cancer Institute said cost “is a real consideration.” Yet he called the results “really exciting” and said the future of cancer care is approaches like this that use targeted drugs well matched to patients’ tumor profiles. British-based GlaxoSmithKline PLC

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Feb. 23

CUT THE CRAVINGS

Mar. 16

DINE WITH A DIETITIAN

Learn about food cravings and binge eating, and how to avoid them. Find out how the popular media influences our body image. This lecture will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 23, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. at the UM Southern Management Corporation Campus Center, Room 351, 621 W. Lombard St. Free. For more information, call (410) 706-3100 or visit www.wellness.umaryland.edu.

Join the St. Joseph Medical Center dietitian and an executive chef at this nutrition and culinary demonstration series. See how easy it is to transform simple ingredients into healthy meals that are delicious and affordable. You even get to taste the results. The next event is Wednesday, March 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the St. Joseph campus, 7501 Osler Dr. Call (410) 337-1337 or visit www.StJosephTowson.com to register. There is a cost of $10 to cover the meal. The next event in the series will be on April 28.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Health shorts From page 8 makes Tykerb; California-based Genentech, now part of the Swiss company Roche, makes Herceptin. Glaxo helped pay for the study. A second study in Germany pitted the two drugs against each other in 600 women with early breast cancer also getting standard chemotherapy for six months before surgery. Herceptin won: 31 percent saw their tumors disappear versus 22 percent on Tykerb. — AP

Atrial fibrillation: don’t blame caffeine Caffeine has long been suspected to be a trigger for atrial fibrillation, an all-toocommon problem that turns the steady, coordinated beat of the heart’s upper chambers into a fast, erratic churn. While it is possible that drinking eight cups of espresso in an afternoon could spark atrial fibrillation, moderate caffeine consumption has little effect on its development, according to a large Harvardbased study. Researchers followed more than 33,000 participants of the Women’s Health Study for 14 years. Over the course of the study,

atrial fibrillation developed in just as many women in the group with the lowest caffeine intake, about one cup of coffee a week, as it did in the group with the highest caffeine intake, about six cups a day. The source of caffeine — coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate — didn’t make a difference. This study is in line with others showing little effect of moderate daily doses of caffeine on the development of atrial fibrillation. A few laboratory studies even suggest that moderate caffeine intake may help protect the heart against this problematic rhythm disorder. Two things to keep in mind here are the terms “moderate” and “individual.” Large doses of caffeine — the definition of large can vary — may set off atrial fibrillation and other potentially dangerous rhythms. How you respond to caffeine depends on how your body handles it and how accustomed you are to it. — Harvard Heart Letter

Today you can tell the FDA directly through one of two programs. Call a Consumer Complaint Coordinator to report a problem that arises from taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication or dietary supplement, or from using a medical device. Coordinators follow up on the complaint and add the information to a national database. The number for the coordinator serving Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia is (410) 779-5713. Contact MedWatch to report a more serious event, such as a life-threatening reaction to a drug or device, a permanent disability,

or a reaction that required medical care. MedWatch is also the place to turn if you think you aren’t getting the same results from a generic medication that you had gotten from the brand-name version or from another generic version. You can reach MedWatch at 1-800-3321088, or access an online reporting form at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm Adverse reactions to a vaccine should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at https://secure.vaers.org/VaersDataEntryintro.htm. — Harvard Heart Letter

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Help for Feet and Legs

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“Where there’s pain- there’s a reason!” – Dr. Goldman A podiatrist for 3 decades, with years of experience as hospital chair, surgical instructor, and author, Dr. Goldman often has success with patients who have persistent symptoms, despite other care, and invites all those with foot and leg pain to come in for evaluation and treatment.

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Introducing Easy Climber™, the dependable and easy-to-install solution to stay safe in the home you love. Your doctor has told you to stop climbing the stairs in your home for health reasons. Your kids are worried you’ll fall on the stairs. Even you are concerned that you’ll trip and fall. Until now, your options were limited. You could try and sell the home you love in this shaky economic environment and move into a one-story home. Now, thanks to an innovative company specializing in developing products for Boomers and Beyond™, there’s a better way. The Easy Climber™ lets

What to look for Quality Construction and Dependability: Look for a cable drive system that uses high-grade cable. Go for one that has a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds. Has the product been tested over thousands and thousands of cycles? Safety: Insist on built-in safety sensors to stop the chair upon encountering any obstruction. Make sure there’s a swivel safety switch that prevents the lift from operating if you are not in the proper position. Don’t forget the seat belt! Flexibility: Look for a system that can be installed on either side of the staircase, a control that can be put on either side of the chair and has multiple call/send controls. There are systems out there that let you choose either AC or DC operation. Warranty*: Some systems are backed by limited drive-train and parts warranties—why stop there? Insist on a lifetime warranty on the drive train.❖

you take back your second floor or your basement, providing you with years of safety and security. Your home is where you raised your children, and is your most valuable investment, and adding Easy Climber™ can enhance its value. Why spend a lot for installation when this system has been designed to be installed by almost anyone, with only a drill and a screwdriver, in a matter of hours. You’ll get the satisfaction of knowing the job was done right… not to mention the money you’ll save. We’ll include a helpful booklet to walk you, or someone you trust through the simple installation process, and our helpful product experts will be standing by to help you at anytime. If you or someone you love lives in a home with more than one floor, the staircase can be more than an inconvenience, it can be a health threat. Whether it's due to mobility issues or cardiac concerns, why risk your life climbing stairs when an easy solution is only a phone call away? You’ll be surprised how easy, simple, and affordable this system is. It features a reliable, aircraft-grade cable drive that’s been tested over 30,000 cycles, and comes with an exclusive lifetime warranty* on the drive train. Call our toll-free number now, and a friendly, knowledgeable product expert can answer all of your questions and help you get on the road to independence and safety in the home.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Boomerang kids From page 1 know who’s going to be here.” Even ordering in can be difficult, albeit at times amusing. “It took us hours to decide on what kind of pizza the four of us wanted the other night,” Gendler laughed.

Wendy chuckled. “Lauren always gets it and changes whatever it is that’s irritating me.” Similarly, Wendy admitted that though it was difficult for her, she realized she had to start backing off: “If [Lauren] were living on her own, I wouldn’t know everything she’s doing, so I shouldn’t necessarily know it just because she’s here…on some levels, ignorance is bliss!”

Glad to be together again Not all families are finding their “boomerangers” a challenge. Columbia residents Wendy and Michael Appleby said that having their daughter Lauren home for the past four years has been “pretty copacetic.” Lauren agreed. “It’s pretty easy here.” Wendy, 53, an interior designer and dental hygienist, and Michael, 56, a member of the Secret Service, said they always assumed Lauren would come back home (unlike their son, Jared, now 26, who spent six months at home after college and “hated it here”). “I wanted to save my money for the future,” said Lauren, 25, co-owner of Serendipity, a clothing and gift boutique in Highland, Md. That future is coming up next year, when Lauren and her fiancé will be married (and, it is assumed, moving out on their own). Despite their obvious good rapport with each other, there have been times when issues had to be dealt with. “If something annoys me, I just make a snide remark,”

Making it work According to “Adult Children Moving Back Home: Don’t Let ‘Boomerang Kids’ Derail Your Goals,” a report published by insurance company New York Life, a return to the nest works best when parents: • Initiate a family discussion. Make sure you and your child are on the same page about why he/she/they are living at home. Is it to save money, attend school, take a break? • Set expectations. What do you expect your child to contribute to the household, whether in terms of chores and/or household expenses? (The families in the report all agreed that their children aren’t contributing financially — “They’re poor,” was the overall consensus. But they also agreed that they probably could have, and should have, been more clear about the kids’ responsibilities for chores like making dinner, cleaning up, etc.). Talk about whether she or he can have dates over to spend the night; if they are spending the night out, should they call

first? (“Yes,” said Sharon Gendler. “I don’t want to be lying in bed thinking they’re dead!”) • Set a time limit. How long does your child expect to be at home? How long is it OK with you for him or her to be there? • Charge rent. Easier said than done, especially in this economy, say both the parents and Dr. Haltzman. But kids should be paying for their own gas, entertainment, and meals out with friends. • Keep your promises. If both parents and adult children stick to their agree-

ments and treat each other respectfully and as adults — and don’t revert to traditional parent/child roles — many problems can be avoided. Remember, though, that there don’t have to be hard and fast rules. “You can always re-evaluate,” said Haltzman. While there can be frictions and challenges to having the nest filled once again, there are pleasures as well. Said Wendy Appleby, “I get to watch my daughter every day live her life as an adult the way I raised her to be.”

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Health Studies Page

MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

What are the secrets to healthy long life? Most people aspire to a long life blessed with good health, the ability to move easily and a sharp mind. Too often, however, the deleterious effects of aging are all too evident. Many people suffer from multiple chronic diseases and impaired physical and metal function, which can result in a move from their home to an assisted living facility or nursing home. “Yet most of us believe that our destiny will be different,” said Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, chief of the longitudinal studies section of the National Institute on Aging. “In our

imaginary unconscious, we will be a member of a privileged caste of lucky people who at the age of 90 will still be able to run a mile in 10 minutes and cite by memory the most hilarious quotes from Mark Twain.” According to Ferrucci, studies in large populations in both the U.S. and Europe have found that, although quite rare, these fortunate people do exist and, therefore, our dream is not completely without foundation. “What do we know about the character-

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!

istics of these improbable individuals?” asked Ferrucci. “And even more important, can we do something to increase our chances to become one of them?”

Study of Aging (BLSA), the longest ongoing study of human aging supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Do you qualify? Studying the fortunate few Researchers want to know why certain individuals live in excellent health into their 90s while others fail much sooner. One theory put forth by scientists is that those people who escape diseases and disability in old age still retain some powerful repair mechanisms that patch up all breaks and dysfunction as soon as they emerge so that they cannot accumulate and challenge the integrity of our body and mind. “Understanding these mechanisms may open new opportunities to boost healthy and productive life in old age,” said Ferrucci. To accomplish this goal, over the next five years the National Institute on Aging is recruiting 500 people, age 80 and older, who are free of diseases, in good physical and mental condition, and who are not on medications for chronic conditions. These individuals will be studied for the rest of their lives. This new study, named Insight into Exceptional Aging and Longevity (IDEAL), is sponsored by the Baltimore Longitudinal

Persons who qualify to participate in the IDEAL Study will be enrolled in the BLSA and receive a complete physical and medical exam and tests of strength, stamina and mental sharpness every year. “By comparing IDEAL individuals who have already reached the goal of healthy longevity with current BLSA participants who were no longer healthy or fully functional when they reached the age of 80, we hope to identify the mechanisms that are critical for exceptional aging and longevity,” said Ferrucci. “In the future, these mechanisms could be enhanced, therefore allowing many more people to be healthy and productive up to very late in their life.” If you, or someone you know, live in the Baltimore-Washington area, are 80 years or older, and physically healthy and mentally sharp, you may be a candidate for enrollment in the IDEAL study. To learn more about participating in the new NIA initiative, call 1-800-225-2572 or send an e-mail to NIAStudiesRecruitment@mail.nih.gov.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 22

MEET HARRIET TUBMAN

Meet one of the most interesting and inspiring figures in American history when impersonator Gwendolyn Briley-Strand brings Harriet Tubman to life on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. at Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call (410) 516-4842 or visit www.greatthinkers.jhu.edu.

Mar. 11

SPRINGTIME IN PARIS

Enjoy “Springtime in Paris” at the Philadelphia Flower Show in a trip hosted by Senior Box Office. Tickets are $66 per person; dinner on your own. For reservations, call (410) 882-3797.

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

Seeking Men and Women

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

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 Approved 08/24/2009

You must be at least 65 years old and in good health. You will be compensated for your time.

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

Many doctors will reduce fees if you ask Getting a diagnosis isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only nerveracking aspect of a medical visit. The bill youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re handed can be even scarier, especially when you lack health insurance or face an intimidating deductible or co-pay. But just as big employers and insurance companies negotiate prices down as a matter of course, individuals can bargain with doctors and hospitals, too, according to Erin Moaratty, chief of external communications at the nonprofit Patient Advocate Foundation. Ideally, the time to make your case for a discount is before you go in for a procedure. Call the medical facility and ask for the projected fees. If you have insurance, contact the company next to find out how much it will pay. Then talk over your situation with the billing department, requesting a break. You might win as much as 50 percent off

full price if you offer to pay quickly by cash or check, said Cindy Holtzman, a medical billing advocate in Marietta, Ga. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of a growing industry of professionals dedicated to aiding patients with billing disputes. Providers accustomed to accepting less than theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like from insurers often realize that getting payment without hassle or delay is preferable to waiting for the full amount or having to hire a collection agency. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay even a discounted amount promptly, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely still be able to get a good deal if you promise regular payments of an agreed-upon size, Holtzman said. Patients with severe financial problems (especially those brought on by illness) may find their physician is compassionate enough to accept the insurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portion as full payment. And uninsured low-income

balance in writing. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also want to scrutinize all bills for errors. Katzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband was once billed $11,000 for a three-hour ER visit because the hospital had recorded him as having checked in the day before. The corrected total was thousands of dollars less. Holtzman recalled one hospital charging nearly $1,000 for alcohol swabs and cups for medications. Those items, at least, come with the room. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; U.S. News and World Report

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Money Law &

NO LONGER IN THE MAIL The IRS isn’t mailing tax forms for 2010; try the library or go online to get the forms you need TAX TIPS Make filing your return easier by organizing your records, checking through deductions and filing electronically HOW TO CLEAR YOUR NAME Debt collectors can be aggressive, even if they have the wrong person

Convertible securities offer smoother ride If I were a betting man, I’d wager that Less volatile than stocks 2011 turns out to be a better year for Here’s the good part: Convertibles typistocks than for bonds. With cally have provided investors the extension of the Bush tax with higher returns than cuts and the clear resolve of bonds, yet have boasted the Federal Reserve to spur fewer losses and lower volatileconomic growth, I think that ity than stocks. the stock market will do well When the stock market for the remainder of this year goes up, convertibles tend to — albeit with its customary rise, too, though not as much stomach-churning dips. as stocks. When the market By the same token, ecofalls, convertibles usually lose nomic growth, especially acground also, but again, not as SAVVY SAVER companied by the huge federmuch. By Steven T. Goldberg al deficit, likely means higher Lots of people steer away interest rates on bonds. When from convertible securities bond yields rise, their prices decline. because they either haven’t heard of them But I don’t like to bet. And for conserva- or they don’t understand them. And the tive investors — and most sensible seniors truth is that convertibles are complex belong in that category — convertible se- beasts. curities offer a wonderful way to make I wouldn’t recommend that anyone but money if the stock market does indeed the most sophisticated investors buy and chalk up healthy gains this year, yet cush- sell individual convertibles. But you can ion your losses if the economy turns south hire a mutual fund manager to do the again. heavy lifting for you — and not worry A convertible security is a hybrid: Nei- about whether you understand all the ins ther stock nor bond, it contains something and outs of convertibles. of each. Like a bond, a convertible security pays you a fixed amount of interest regu- Two good fund choices larly. Like a stock, it rises and falls with the My favorite fund for navigating this fortunes of the underlying company, espe- tricky sector is Vanguard Convertible Secially the common stock. curities (telephone 1-800-635-1511). This

fund charges just 0.72 percent of assets annually. For the past 10 years to mid-January, the fund has returned an annualized 7.6 percent — an average of 6.5 percentage points better per year than Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index. Over those years, the fund ranks in the top 1 percent among convertible funds. It yields 3.8 percent. Vanguard outsources the management of almost all its actively managed stock funds. Since the 1986 launch of this fund, it has paid highly respected Oaktree Capital to manage it. Larry Keele has been lead manager since 1996. In January, Oaktree announced it had appointed two co-managers, Abe Ofer and Jean-Paul Nedelec, to help the fund expand its purchase of foreign convertible securities. The fund also employs several analysts. Keele, 54, has done a terrific job, yet keeps his humility. Of convertible securities, he says: “Convertibles make sense if you don’t know what the future holds, and I don’t know what the future holds.” Howard Marks, chairman of Oaktree, probably puts it even better. He calls convertibles “equities with training wheels.” Perhaps Keele’s most notable accomplishment: Since he began running the fund, it has never had a bond issuer default

on an interest payment. But the fund has one big negative. The initial minimum investment is $10,000. Vanguard boosted it that high to keep too much money from pouring into the fund. For the same reason, it’s very difficult to buy the fund via online brokerages. A good second choice is Fidelity Convertible Securities (1-800-544-6666). Annual expenses are 0.68 percent, a tad lower than Vanguard’s. Over the past 10 years, the fund has returned an annualized 6.6 percent — one percentage point per year, on average, less than the Vanguard fund. Manager Thomas Soviero has run the fund since 2005. It yields 3.2 percent Despite my affection for convertible funds, I wouldn’t make them the only fund you own. Any solid portfolio needs a good mix of bond funds and stock funds. But keeping a nice 10 to 20 percent of your investments in a convertible fund will likely boost your returns — and may even help you sleep at night. Steven T. Goldberg is a freelance writer and investment advisor in Silver Spring, Md. He welcomes reader questions. E-mail steve@tginvesting.com or write to Steven Goldberg, 9005 Woodland Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910. You may also call him at (301) 650-6567.

Now’s a good time to review your portfolio By Mark Jewell Mutual funds have been put to the test. Over the last three years investors saw their balances nose-dive, then edge back toward prior heights. But few investors have fully recovered. On the bright side, all that drama should make it relatively easy to perform an annual portfolio checkup, to decide which funds to keep and which to cast out. How a fund performed through meltdown and recovery are good indicators of how it will fare from here, whether the current rally has legs or not. Consider selling funds that took a steeper dive than their peers when the market was tumbling, then lagged during the recovery as well. If a fund fared well through both halves of that volatility, stick with it.

“I can’t think of anything fundamentally decent that hasn’t outperformed in at least one of those two environments,” said Christine Benz, personal finance director with fund tracker Morningstar. “The last three years have provided a terrific lens through which to view what your holdings are, and what kind of performance you can expect them to deliver.”

How to check out funds Examining a fund’s three-year record is one quick test, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Here are seven checkup tips, including special considerations for 2011: 1. Keep short-term performance in perspective: Evaluating a fund’s performance over more than three years is important, especially if it’s one you expect to

stick with for decades. “Don’t discard any fund if it has one bad year,” said Cliff Caplan, a financial planner and president of Neponset Valley Financial Partners in Norwood, Mass. “But if I see three years in a row with questionable performance, then I have a problem.” 2. Use the right performance yardstick: Assess a fund’s performance only against its peers. It’s misleading to compare funds investing in different segments of the market. For example, performance can vary widely between a fund specializing in stocks of medium-sized companies and one focusing on bigger companies. That can be true even if both emphasize companies with the same earnings growth characteristics.

Mid-cap growth funds have averaged a 22 percent gain this year, compared with 14 percent for large-cap growth funds. Comparing funds in these two groups is apples-to-oranges. 3. Consider dropping what’s been hot lately: There’s no certainty that yesterday’s champs will become tomorrow’s laggards, or vice versa. But market shifts are to be expected. This year, funds specializing in smallcompany stocks have given investors an average return of more than 20 percent. Funds that specialize in stocks of real estate investment trusts also deserve special scrutiny after their average 21 percent gain. 4. Stick with a long-term plan: Be See VOLATILITY, page 17

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Test your knowledge of common frauds Con artists are very good at tricking consumers into parting with money or divulging personal information that can be used to steal funds or run up thousands of dollars in fraudulent credit card charges. How good are you at telling a scam from a legitimate offer or advertisement? Take the following quiz to see. Correct answers follow. 1. You agree to sell your valuable collection of superhero comic books from the 1960s to a complete stranger who mails you a cashier’s check. Because you want to be sure the check is “good” before you part with your prized possessions, you should: (a) Confirm that the dollar amount and your name on the check are correct. Apart from that, cashier’s checks are always safe to accept. (b) Deposit the check into your bank account and wait at least two business days before letting go of the items. (c) Contact the bank that issued the cashier’s check to make sure the check is legitimate. 2. You agree to rent your vacation house to a far-away stranger who sends you a check as a deposit, but when the check arrives, it’s for more money than you agreed upon. The person apologizes and asks you to deposit the check and wire back the difference. This is: (a) Safe for you to do because you’ll be depositing a check for more money than you expected anyway. (b) Safe for you to do because, if there’s a problem, money sent by wire is very easy to recover. (c) Likely to be a scam. 3. You’ve just realized that your ATM/debit card has been lost or stolen. To get the maximum legal protection against losses from unautho-

rized withdrawals, you should notify your bank: (a) Within two business days of discovering the card missing. (b) Within 10 business days. (c) Before your next statement arrives, even if that is weeks later. 4. A company offering to rescue your home from foreclosure may be running a scam if it: (a) Says it will stop the foreclosure from taking place. (b) Suggests that you transfer ownership of the home to the company so you can rent and buy the property back from them. (c) Advises you to stop talking to your lender, lawyer or housing counselor. (d) Any of the above. 5. Your credit report may suggest that you have been a victim of identity theft if it shows: (a) You have a credit card, loan or lease in your name that you know you don’t have. (b) A company you never tried to do business with has requested a copy of your credit report. (c) A home address for you that you never had. (d) Any of the above.

Quiz Answers

If you simply deposit the check into your account and a week later it is returned unpaid, your bank will deduct from your account the original deposit amount, even if you’ve already spent the money. You could also be held responsible for any fees triggered by your reduced account balance. Not only that, you will no longer have your valuable collection of comic books. So, when presented with a cashier’s check by a stranger, “you need to confirm that the check is legitimate,” said Michael Benardo, chief of the FDIC’s Cyber-Fraud and Financial Crimes Section. To have the check authenticated, he said that your best strategy is to contact the bank the check is drawn on or take the check to your bank’s branch manager to contact the other bank on your behalf. You can also ask how to safely proceed. 2(c) “Be suspicious any time you receive a check for more money than you are due,” warned Benardo. “And be especially skeptical if you’re asked to deposit the money and wire back some or all of it, because if you comply and the check is fraudulent, the scam artist will have your payment and you’ll probably owe your bank the amount you took out of your account.” Benardo also explained that money sent by wire is very difficult, if not impossible, to get back.

3(a) Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), if your debit card or ATM card is lost or stolen, your maximum liability is limited to $50 if you notify your bank within two business days of discovering that the card is missing. If you wait more than two business days but no more than 60 days after receiving a bank statement that includes an unauthorized transfer, you could be liable for losses up to $500. But if you wait longer than that, the law doesn’t require your bank to reimburse you for any unauthorized transfers made after the 60-day period, even if that would clean out your account. Note: After you report a lost or stolen card, under most circumstances you will limit your liability for unauthorized transactions from that point on. However, to promote the worry-free use of debit cards and ATMs, some banks may voluntarily waive all liability for unauthorized transactions if the cardholder took reasonable care to avoid fraud or theft, but consumers must still report errors promptly. A good rule of thumb is to review your checking account and credit card statements promptly and report unauthorized transactions to your bank as soon as possiSee FRAUDS, page 17

1(c) There’s been explosive growth in all forms of counterfeit checks, including cashier’s checks. Crooks also know that consumers trust cashier’s checks, money orders and other official checks. Although federal rules require that the funds from most deposited checks be available for withdrawal within two business days (unless the bank provides a written notice to the contrary), that does not mean there isn’t a problem.

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

IRS no longer mails packages of tax forms By Carole Feldman The start of tax season used to be heralded by the arrival of tax forms in the mail. Not any more. The Internal Revenue Service decided this year not to automatically mail them to individual and business taxpayers. “It’s a sign of the times,” said Terry Lemons, IRS senior spokesman. “More people are

going electronic. We’re interested in saving taxpayers money.” He said the agency realizes that not everyone has access to the Internet or to computers. “We think most people are going to have options to get this information,” he said. Forms will be available at many public libraries, post offices and other community sites. They also can be ordered through

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the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov. In addition, there are programs such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, Lemons said. Kathy Pickering, executive director of the Tax Institute at H&R Block, said the decision against mass mailing of forms has another benefit. “With [Congress’s] late passage of the tax bill, the IRS did not have to send out forms that were obsolete,” she said. “It provided them with some agility.” Congress passed a tax bill, which included extension of the Bush-era tax cuts, during a post-election session that ended just before Christmas.

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Lemons said only 8 percent of individual taxpayers got paper tax packages in the mail last year. Those people were mailed postcards last fall informing them about the decision against mass tax-form mailings and telling them where they could get the required forms. Still, some may have missed the postcard. “Some people are just waiting for their forms to come before they file,” said Barbara Weltman, author of some of J.K. Lasser’s tax publications. “Don’t wait,” she said. “It’s not coming.” Electronic filing of tax returns is gaining in popularity. The IRS said nearly 99 million returns were filed electronically last year, up 3 percent from 2009. While nearly two-thirds of the electronic returns were filed by professional prepar-

ers, the biggest growth — 8 percent — was among those who did their taxes themselves. Last year, 34.8 million self-prepared tax returns were received electronically by the IRS. Tax experts expect the trend to continue.

Speedier refunds The IRS Web site says benefits of filing electronically include faster refunds and greater accuracy. J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2011 says that with electronic filing, taxpayers can expect a refund within one to two weeks if they choose direct deposit, or in three weeks if they opt to have a check mailed to them. Under the IRS’ Free File program, taxpayers earning less than $58,000 a year can use tax preparation software and file electronically at no cost. Some of the tax preparation software companies also provide no-cost filing for taxpayers under certain income levels. The government also provides forms that can be filled out online and filed electronically by taxpayers of all income levels. The “Free File Fillable Forms” service does basic math calculations for taxpayers but does not include any tax preparation software. Taxpayers who must submit certain documentation with their return, such as those claiming the homebuyer tax credit or the adoption credit, will still have to file paper forms. — AP

Tax return tips from experts

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With tax season upon us, tax experts are ready with advice. “Everybody needs to put some effort into understanding what the law is for 2010, how things changed, how things didn’t change,” said Greg Rosica, tax partner at Ernst & Young. Some pointers: • Documents. “Get your records in order, get everything together, don’t be in a rush,” said Barbara Weltman, author of tax guides for J.K. Lasser. Needed records include W-2s, 1099s and receipts for charitable deductions. • Deductions and credits. Make sure you’re claiming every one you’re entitled to, said Turbotax Vice President Bob Meighan. For example, he said, if you volunteer at the food kitchen, you can’t deduct your time but you can deduct your mileage to get there. Don’t underestimate the value of goods you donate to charity. • Check for errors. “Review, review, review,” the Internal Revenue Service said. Don’t forget to include

your Social Security number and sign your return. • Don’t go it alone. “Software serves as a double-check,” said Mark Luscombe, a principal tax analyst at CCH. So do professional preparers. • File electronically. “You’re going to get a more accurate return,” said Terry Lemons, chief spokesman for the IRS. It also will help speed your refund, especially if you choose direct deposit. • Remember the deadlines. This year, taxpayers have until April 18 to file 2010 tax returns. • Look ahead. It’s not too early to start planning for your 2011 taxes. Are you having too much tax — or too little — withheld from your paycheck? Should you be doing more to save for retirement — and lower your tax liability in doing that? Are you considering selling a house or business? If so, you might want to consider doing it this year, when capital gains rates are still low. “All items ought to be on the list and examined,” Rosica said. — AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Frauds From page 15 ble. While you may have time under the law to report a suspicious transaction and limit your liability, you should always try to nip these problems in the bud. 4(d) Many homeowners having difficulty making their monthly mortgage payments are being targeted by criminals who falsely claim they can rescue a home from foreclosure, then charge large upfront fees and fail to deliver on their promises. In some of the worst cases, homeowners are tricked into signing away their ownership of a house. If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, contact your lender or loan ser-

Volatility From page 14 careful not to disrupt the balance of your portfolio between stocks and bonds. Maintain a long-term plan that accounts for your age, income needs and tolerance for risk. Benz recommends rebalancing if the stock or bond portion of your portfolio has veered 5 percentage points or more off target. For instance, you may want to ease back on stocks if market gains have left you with 65 percent in stocks, rather than an intended 60 percent. If you haven’t rebalanced within the past three years, you may not need to. That’s because the market recovery has gone a long way — but not all the way — to restore balance in portfolios that had become bond-heavy after stocks plunged in 2008. 5. Look beyond stocks vs. bonds: Don’t make a change without determining whether it might leave you under- or overexposed to certain segments of the market. For example, ditching a large value fund in favor of a small growth fund might be problematic. Your portfolio could lag if big companies with steadily growing earnings surge while smaller companies hit a rough patch. Keep an appropriate mix of bond holdings with short-, medium- and longterm maturities, and diversify among corporate and government debt of varying credit quality. 6. Examine factors other than performance: If a fund’s management has changed, study the new arrival’s credentials to gauge whether they’re up to the task. If the managers have shifted the fund’s investment style — by veering from small-company stocks to large, for example — consider whether the move might run afoul of your goals. If the fund has raised the ongoing management fee, consider finding a comparable fund with a lower expense ratio. 7. Don’t overdo it: If you’ve got a sound long-term plan, it’s generally better to make no changes or only minor ones each year. Potential pitfalls include unintended transaction costs or tax penalties. While it’s generally cheaper to move around than it used to be — consider that companies like Vanguard, Fidelity and

vicer immediately, perhaps with the help of a reputable housing counselor. If a company advises you to cut off communications with your lender or another advisor, that’s another warning sign of a scam. 5(d) There are many good reasons to frequently review your credit reports, and one is to look for warning signs that an identity thief has been or is trying to obtain loans or commit other fraud in your name. “The most important warning sign of ID theft in a credit report is a credit card, loan or lease in your name that you know nothing about,” said Benardo. “Any one of these may indicate that someone has learned enough information about you to be able to steal your identity and conduct

Charles Schwab now offer commissionfree trades of certain exchange-traded funds — frequent moves only increase the chance of a misstep. — AP

business acting as you.” Also pay close attention to the “inquiries” section of the report that shows who has requested a copy of your credit history. That’s because thieves sometimes falsely claim to represent a company with a

legitimate right to obtain credit reports and then use the information to commit fraud. Excerpted from the Fall 2010 issue of FDIC Consumer News. To read the full story online, go to www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnfall10/fraudquiz.html.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Debt collectors can tag the wrong person By Kathy Kristof If you have a common name, watch out. You could get “tagged” with someone else’s debt. Debt tagging is the term used in the collections field for a situation in which an innocent consumer is mistakenly blamed for someone else’s overdue debt, usually because of a similarity in names or some other type of mix-up. But even though it’s a mistake, the person who is tagged can go through a lot of trouble to clear his or her name. It happened to Michael Hughes, a retiree in Virginia, who suddenly started getting calls from collection agents telling him he owed $12,000. Hughes, who had always been financially cautious, knew it could not have been him. “I tried to tell them that they had the wrong Mike Hughes,” he said. “They didn’t care. They let me know that if I didn’t pay the debt I’d be in big trouble.”

How it happens The problem of debt tagging has gotten worse in recent years because banks and credit card companies are increasingly selling debt for pennies on the dollar. “This rarely happens when the original credit issuer is doing the collecting,” said Bill Bartmann, president of CFS II, a col-

lection company headquartered in Tulsa, Okla. “But when debt gets sold, it’s like that old game of telephone.” “You start out with all the information about the person who owes the money, but the file gets transferred and something gets lost or misinterpreted. Then the debt is sold again and again, and the problem is magnified.” You’re most likely to be a victim of debt tagging when you have a common name, said Adam Levin, president of Identity Theft 911, which specializes in identity theft resolution services. In some cases, the name and an address — or perhaps an old cell phone number — are all that a collection agent has to go by.

can ask for the original loan application, a payment history and other documentation. Demand to see written proof that this debt is yours and when it originated, he suggested. Keep as much as possible of your communications with the collection company in writing so that if you end up in court you’ll have documentation.

Clearing your name If you receive information about the debt and know it isn’t yours, you may dispute it by sending the collection company a written letter, explaining that while your name is Jane Young, you are not the same Jane Young who owes $10,000 to Sears, for example. It’s helpful to include the discrep-

ancies between the real you and the person who took out this debt. If you get debt tagged by mistake, your dispute letter to the collection agency should say you do not want to be contacted again. Also insist that the erroneous debt not be included in your credit file, and, if it’s already there, that the collection agency have it removed. Then be sure to check your credit reports later to make sure it’s not there. You have the right to get all three of your credit reports, once every 12 months, for free. Go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com — the only government-authorized site for the free credit reports — to get them. © 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Your legal rights It’s important to know that debtors have rights. Those rights also extend to those who have been wrongly tagged with a debt. The most important of these rights, in this situation, is that you’re legally entitled to detailed information about the debt you supposedly owe. So “the first thing to do is to ask for verification of the debt,” Bartmann said. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires the collection company to provide you with the precise amount owed, the company to which it’s owed, and information about when the debt was incurred. You

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Careers Volunteers &

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

Former Girl Scouts return as volunteers By Carol Sorgen Girl Scouts believe that once a scout, always a scout, and that’s certainly true for Baltimore volunteers Roberta Dorsch and Pat Disharoon. Dorsch, 67, began her girl scouting in the Baltimore Council around 1950 and remained active through the group’s “intermediate” level. She earned the “curved bar,” the highest distinction at that time. When Dorsch’s daughter was 6 years old, she became a Girl Scout herself, first in Baltimore and then in Allegany County, where the family relocated. Dorsch became the troop leader, later joining the Shawnee Council staff. Then Dorsch went back to work, taking a position with the

Maryland Park Service of the Department of Natural Resources. Like her mother, Dorsch’s daughter continued the family scouting tradition through high school, earning the “Gold Award,“ the equivalent of the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Award. She was also a camp counselor, and after graduating from college, became PR director at the Shawnee Council, where she had spent her own scouting days. Even Dorsch’s husband got into the scouting act, becoming a troop leader as well. Today, Dorsch, her husband and daughter are all lifetime members of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Once Dorsch retired from the park

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girls on trips around the U.S. and abroad. This summer they’re off to Savannah, Ga., then will be visiting the WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) World Centers in England and Switzerland in the near future. Disharoon said she spends about 1,000 hours a year on Girl Scout activities. “It’s a lot of fun but it’s a lot of work!” she said. Still, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Girl Scouts is a wonderful organization,” she said. “It helps girls reach their full potential and develop leadership skills and self-confidence. It’s a wonderful thing to see how these young girls become impressive young women.”

Leading the way

Share your skills

Pat Disharoon also was active in Girl Scouts growing up. She became a troop leader while in college, then took a break while attending medical school and having her children. When her daughters became eligible for scouting, Disharoon (known as “Dr. Pat”) became a troop leader again. The 57-yearold physician, a Ten Hills resident, is also the Girl Scout chorus director and accordionist. She recently took on the role of travel pathway leader, leading the council’s efforts to help more girls experience the joys of travel. In that capacity, she will be taking

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland depends on its 11,000 adult volunteers to serve as troop leaders, cookie and cookie cupboard managers, program aides, camp directors, archivists, program leaders, trainers, first-aiders and more. “Volunteers like Roberta and Pat are the biggest part of the engine that runs Girl Scouts,” said communications director Danita Terry. According to Terry, Girl Scout volunteers are needed in all capacities. They can help with a program at a school or commuSee SCOUTING, page 21

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT DISHAROON

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service, her fond memories of scouting drew her back, and she began volunteering as a member of the archives committee. She puts in about 10 hours a week, inventorying the history of the Central Maryland Chapter of the Girl Scouts, cataloguing documents and artifacts such as scout uniforms through the years. “I really like and enjoy preserving history for the future generations,” said Dorsch, who is also an active volunteer with the park service, her community association, her church and various other programs. Scouting has a special hold on her though because she loves the organization and the good it does for the girls who go through it.

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Pat Disharoon (right) leads Girl Scout camping trips as well as the local council’s work to help more girls travel in the United States and internationally.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Scouting From page 20 nity center, teach girls a new skill like knitting, woodworking, painting, knotting, mapping or sewing at troop meetings, or provide guidance as girls pursue their silver or gold awards. “There are many opportunities for adults,

whether they want to volunteer for an hour, a day, a month or a year,” said Terry. To find out more about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, contact Meghan Laschinger at (410) 3589711, ext.219 or mlaschinger@gscm.org. To subscribe to the monthly volunteer newsletter, which lists current opportunities, e-mail volunteerservices@gscm.org.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 12+

FREE WOMEN’S EXPO

The Women’s Expo will feature information on women in business, health and fitness, educational opportunities and more. It will be held on March 12-13 at the Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville campus at 800 Rolling Rd. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.womensexpomd.com.

Mar. 11

SENIOR EDUCATIONAL FORUM

BCASCO, the Baltimore County Association of Senior Citizens Organizations, will present its 7th Annual Senior Educational Forum on Friday, March 11, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Towson United Methodist Church, Dulaney Valley Rd. and Hampton Lane, Beltway Exit 27B. For more information, contact Beth Wiseman, (410) 484-6866.

Ongoing

PINTER PLAY

Irene Lewis ends her tenure as CenterStage director with Harold Pinter’s modern comedy classic, The Homecoming, running through Sunday, Feb. 20. Tickets range from $15 to $55. CenterStage is located at 700 North Calvert St. For more information or reservations, call (410) 3320033, or visit www.centerstage.org.

Bring students to hear writers’ own stories Four local women authors will share the stories behind their books at Girl Scouts of Central Maryland’s 5th annual Women’s Leadership Forum. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 9, from 5 to 8:15 p.m. at the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, 39 W. Lexington St. Themed after the Girl Scouts’ new Journey handbook series, “It’s Your Story –Tell It,” each author will share how she developed the stories she felt compelled to write. The following writers will discuss the inspirations behind their literary works and engage the audience in an interactive discussion and Q&A: Elizabeth Chandler (pseudonym for Mary Claire Helldorfer), author of Kissed by an Angel and Dark Secrets series; Ginny Gong, author of From Ironing Board to Corporate Board; Jerdine Nolen, who wrote Raising Dragons, Harvey Potter’s Balloon

Farm and Eliza’s Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary; and Mia Redrick, author of Time for Mom-Me: 5 Essential Strategies for a Mother’s Self-Care. Cost for adults is $25; students are asked to bring two canned food items in support of Girl Scouts’ Harvest for the Hungry campaign. The Women’s Leadership Forum is an annual program that provides an opportunity for teenage girls, college students and women to come together to discuss challenges and triumphs from a variety of career and community perspectives. The event is co-sponsored by WomanTalk Live, Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, Mercy High School and the Junior League of Baltimore City. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Clarke Fitzmaurice at cfitzmaurice@gscm.org. — Carol Sorgen

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

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Travel

Leisure &

Enjoy a cultural feast in San Francisco’s Chinatown. See story on page 24.

Palm Springs, California’s desert oasis and embellished over the years. Nestled at the base of the stunning San Jacinto Mountains — visible from nearly every point in the city — Palm Springs offers a vibrant downtown, featuring open-air cafes, galleries and shops along palm tree-lined streets. Its stunning mid-century modern neighborhoods and premier golf courses also attract visitors from around the world, who come to enjoy its rich history, many attractions and year-round sunshine.

A life on stage

PHOTO BY TROY PETENBRINK

Palm Springs drew Naber when she joined the Follies five years ago after owning and operating a dance studio, the Wheaton Studio of Dance, for nearly half a century. (She still maintains a home in Silver Spring, Md.). Naber’s performing career began with appearances on local television in the nation’s capital when she was in her teens, touring the U.S. with various dance troupes, including the Roxyettes, a rival troupe to the Rockettes, and traveling the world with the USO as a precision line dancer. Though she has shared the stage with such legends as Louis Armstrong, Gordon MacRae, Eddie Fisher and Bobby Darin, Naber includes her Follies cast members among her favorite co-stars. “They are a bunch of swell, happy, healthy people,” she said. “When we are on stage, we just have a good old time.” She connected with the Follies when her in-laws, from San Diego, gave her and her husband tickets for a Christmas show. She enjoyed it so much she flew back cross-country by herself, unannounced, for a successful audition. It was not just her love of dance and an eternal drive to entertain others, but also her fascination with the city of Palm Springs that drove her to start a new chapter of her life. “This is paradise out here,” said Naber. “It is just fabulous…opening the door everyFormer dance studio owner and Washingtonian Joni day and seeing the beautiful Naber, 74, now kicks up her heels with the Fabulous sunshine.” Palm Spring Follies, whose cast members range in age from 56 to 81.

PHOTO BY TROY PETENBRINK

By Troy Petenbrink It is my favorite part of the show: A grand staircase appears on the middle of the stage, and among all the dazzling show lights the lovely ladies of the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies take to the stage one at a time, adorned in rhinestoned, feathered and flowered regalia. Watching Washington, D.C. native Joni Naber in her purple halo of a headdress gracefully descend the stairs with her long, statuesque legs, I forget for a moment that she is 74. Founded in 1991, the Follies is a song and dance troupe that features a core cast of performers, all 55 or older, who perform up to nine shows a week from October through May. Each year, a series of special guest variety acts and performers join the cast. Past guests have included ventriloquist Sammy King, burlesque star Tempest Storm, entertainer John Davidson, and former Supreme Mary Wilson. The Follies is just one of the many appeals of Palm Springs. The southern California destination, just over 100 miles east of Los Angeles, is a jewel among desert cities. Its village atmosphere has been preserved

A bronze Sonny Bono sits on the edge of a fountain at a downtown square in Palm Springs. Bono is credited with revitalizing the desert city when he served as mayor about 20 years ago. The Springs, about 100 miles from Los Angeles, is nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains.

History and Hollywood The land that Palm Springs occupies is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. They knew the area as “la palma de la mano de Dios“ — the palm of God’s hand. Their ancient healing mineral waters are still a part of the success story of Palm Springs, showcased at their downtown Spa Resort Casino, one of six major casinos in the Palm Springs area. Palm Springs remained a sleepy village until the late 1800s, when it drew pioneers after the Southern Pacific Railroad came through the desert. This early history is kept alive and shared at the Village Green Heritage Center on S. Palm Canyon Drive (the city’s main street). The center houses the McCallum Adobe Cornelia White House Museum with memorabilia of local pioneers, the charming Ruddy’s 1930s General Store Museum, and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The city’s early settlers could not have foreseen that the elite of Hollywood would flock to “The Springs” and make this piece of desert the international playground of the stars. Falling prey to the magic of Palm Springs were the likes of Rudolf Valentino and Theda Bara back in the 1920s, and Lucille Ball and Kirk Douglas in the ’60s.

These tinseltown adventurers and many, many others played hard in Palm Springs and many bought hideaway homes as refuge from the Hollywood studios. But as actors and actresses became less geographically tied to Hollywood, Palm Springs briefly lost its luster. The late Sonny Bono, who served as the city’s mayor from 1988 to 1992, is credited by many for the revitalization of the city, including the establishment of the Palm Springs International Film Festival held each January. The city has since added the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival, held in June. These events have helped attract a whole new generation of Hollywood stars to Palm Springs. A life-sized bronze statue of Bono sits on the edge of a large fountain in the center of downtown along S. Palm Canyon Drive, where the Walk of Stars honors pioneers and entertainment celebs. It is here that you also find the historic Plaza Theatre, the scene of many Benny and Hope radio broadcasts in the ’40s and the home of the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Every Thursday evening the downtown section of S. Palm Canyon Drive is the site for VillageFest, when the street becomes a See PALM SPRINGS, page 25

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

San Francisco’s Chinatown feeds the senses culture. And the best way to experience Chinatown is by foot, so it’s no surprise there are a number of walking tours available. At the Chinese Culture Center, tours begin with a look at art exhibits at the center, which blend contemporary and traditional works. Then it’s a short stroll to Portsmouth Square, where you will find dozens of residents playing mah jongg and other games, or just sitting and talking. With housing space at a premium in bustling Chinatown, the square is “like a living room” for area residents, explained Fengyuan Ji, deputy program director of the Chinese Culture Foundation. “This is where they play chess, they play poker, they talk.” San Francisco’s Chinatown is the district that almost wasn’t. After the 1906 earthquake, city leaders pressed for relocating the Chinese to the city outskirts. But Chinatown businessmen pointed out that getting rid of the Chinese immigrants would also mean losing the rents and taxes they paid. They came up with a plan to rebuild the area and make it a tourist attraction that would bring more money to the city. American architects were hired to create the new district, and pagodas were slapped up just about everywhere, along with generous helpings of red and gold dragons. Chinatown’s outward appearance may be more picturesque than authentic, but what goes on behind the colorful facades is the real deal.

Chinese New Year A visit to San Francisco’s Chinatown is a great way to experience Chinese-American

Herbs and fortune cookies At the Great China Herb Company,

Nominate a Marylander 60 or over for the

Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards “For Excellence and Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Aging and Quality of Life for Seniors”

Four categories: Trailblazer Visual or Performing Arts Health and Vitality Photography – NEW CATEGORY Winners will be honored at Maryland’s Older Americans Month celebration in May. For detailed category descriptions and a nomination form, visit www.mdoa.state.md.us

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By Michelle Locke Smack in the middle of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Portsmouth Square is a kaleidoscope of sounds, smells and colors. The cadence of Chinese dialects fills the air, and splashes of red and gold glow from shop windows to banners strung across the narrow streets. The rich smell of roast duck curls out of hole-in-the-wall eating places, blending with the faint smell of incense burning on modest shrines. Hard to believe that only a few blocks away lay the designer boutiques and gourmet coffee shops of a cosmopolitan Western city. But that’s what it means to visit San Francisco’s Chinatown — a magic carpet of a destination that can take you from West to East in zero to 60 steps. “What’s really significant about San Francisco’s Chinatown is that it has survived for over 100 years. Despite the hardships early on, the community is still here,” said Sue Lee, executive director of the San Francisco-based Chinese Historical Society of America. And not just survived, but thrived, she added. Although many of the original inhabitants have moved out to other areas of the city as well as suburbs, this is still a starting point for many new immigrants from Asia. “It’s a shopping district, it’s a residential neighborhood and it’s a tourist destination. And that’s not by accident,” she said.

You’ll know you’ve entered Chinatown when you start seeing red lanterns hanging high above the street and smell the fragrant Chinese cooking wafting from restaurants and noodle shops.

herbalists carefully weigh out intriguinglooking bundles of this and that aimed at restoring vitality, improving digestion and generally curing what ails you. They also sell high-quality ginseng, which comes from the exotic locale of Wisconsin. Incense is the signature of the Tin How temple on Waverly Place. Climb a few flights of stairs to find the small temple dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven. Pause to admire the ceiling, a blaze of hanging red lanterns that commemorate the dead. Tucked into narrow Ross Alley, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is the kind of place you smell before you see — the sweet, sugary scent of baking cookies floats out the door. It’s a tiny place where workers fold cookies by hand. You can buy a bag of your own for a few dollars. Everywhere you turn there are things to see, like the markets on Stockton Street that have all manner of foods still swimming, clucking and croaking. There are plenty of places to eat in Chinatown, from hole-in-the-wall noodle shops to dim sum palaces. A popular spot, albeit one on the outskirts of Chinatown, is City View Restaurant (662 Commercial St.). Also in abundance are the stores that sell paper replicas of worldly possessions designed to be burned for the dead so they can arrive in the afterlife fully equipped. You can buy the basics — furniture, food, money. And you can go way beyond that with replicas of computer equipment, fast cars, fine liquor and even designer purses. There are glimpses of the past, like the East West Bank branch office (743 Washington St.), a green-and-red marvel of curved eaves plunked down between two resolutely Western structures. The build-

ing was once the home of the telephone exchange, where Chinese operators were required to speak multiple dialects to serve the diverse population. And there are signs of the future — the new immigrants who come to find their fortune in California just like generations did before them. East, West, past, future — all are here. “What’s so fascinating about Chinatown,” said Lee, “is it’s so multifaceted.”

If you go The ornamental gateway for Chinatown is located at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street. The main thoroughfares are Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. By public transportation, take BART to Powell Street, then take the Powell-Hyde or PowellMason cable cars to Chinatown. The Chinese New Year parade takes place Feb. 19, 5:15 p.m.-8 p.m., from Market and Second to Kearny and Jackson. The Tin How Temple is located at 125 Waverly Place. Free admission, but donations accepted. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is at 56 Ross Alley, parallel to Grant Avenue and in between Washington and Jackson streets. Free admission, although a sign asks 50 cents for pictures. Great China Herb Co. is at 857 Washington St. Chinese Culture Center: is at 750 Kearny, (415) 986-1822, www.c-c-c.org. The center offers heritage walking tours Tuesday to Saturday, at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Cost: $30 adults, $25 under age 15, free for children under 5. The Chinese Historical Society of America is located at 965 Clay St., (415) 3911188, www.chsa.org. — AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Palm Springs From page 23 pedestrian promenade and is lined with more than 200 booths offering beautiful art, handcrafted items and unique food.

Attractions for all tastes On the eastern edge of downtown, the Palm Springs Art Museum is one of the top cultural attractions of the community, with renowned traveling exhibitions and an extensive permanent collection among the 28 galleries and two sculpture gardens. A visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum provides a look back at aircraft of the World War II era. The large, air-conditioned hangars house one of the country’s largest collections of WWII flying aircraft. The many programs and flight demonstrations bring this era to life. Visitors can also take to the sky on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which has been delighting visitors for more than 30 years with a 10-minute trip from the desert floor up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon to an alpine forest 8,516 feet above in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The tramway features two state-of-theart tramcars that rotate 360-degrees so riders can see the spectacular views of the mountains and valley below. More than 54 miles of hiking trails, great views and a mountaintop restaurant make this a must-do. Palm Springs is also famous for its eclectic, adventurous architectural style. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which produces an annual list of the nation’s cultural tourism destinations for architecture, named Palm Springs to its 2006 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city has one of the largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture in the world. There is still an aura here brought about by famed mid-century modern architects, such as the late Albert Frey. He was a long time resident who designed Palm Springs City Hall, many homes in the posh Smoke Tree Ranch, and the Tramway Gas Station, which is now the Palm Springs Visitors Center, among other buildings. The city holds Modernism Week each February to formally promote and preserve its unique architectural heritage. The event draws fans from around the world for extensive home tours, lectures and a Modernism show and sale. A popular stop during Modernism Week and year-round is the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, the five-bedroom house that Elvis leased for a year and where he and Priscilla spent their 1967 honeymoon.

Desert eats and sleeps There is no shortage of quality restaurants to help keep one fueled as you explore all that Palm Springs has to offer. Johannes, located in the downtown core on S. Indian Canyon Dr., has been one of the city’s top restaurants for more than a decade. It offers diners a sophisticated

menu of American- and European-inspired dishes. For great Mexican food, El Mirasol never fails to deliver. Classic dishes such as chile rellenos, enchiladas and carne asada go well with the restaurant’s margaritas. Barry Manilow, a Palm Springs resident, is known to dine here occasionally. Since opening its first location in 1953, Sherman’s has become a landmark in the desert. The family restaurant, still owned and operated by Sherman Harris and his family, offers an extensive menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, reminiscent of a New York deli. Among Naber’s favorite restaurants is LG’s Prime Steakhouse, locally owned by the husband and wife team of Leon and Gail Greenberg. It is located just a short walk from Plaza Theater on S. Palm Canyon Drive. When it comes to accommodations, Palm Springs has an array of options, from large full-service resorts, to boutique ho-

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tels, to unique vacation rentals. One of the city’s newest and largest hotels, the 24-acre Riviera, has a rich history. Opened in 1959, the original Riviera Palm Spring immediately became the city’s hot spot for celebrities and cultural sophisticates around the world who wanted the ultimate “Palm Springs experience.” The hotel was featured in the 1963 film Palm Springs Weekend, where actress Connie Stevens had her rendezvous lunch by the pool with actor Robert Conrad. Following a nearly $100 million dollar rejuvenation, Riviera re-opened in late 2008. Rates start at $181 for a double room, if purchased at least 21 days in advance. For more information or reservations, call 1866-588-8311 or go to www.psriviera.com. Its modernist architecture, relaxed atmosphere and South Beach vibe, make the boutique Movie Colony Hotel a transporting getaway. There are 16 rooms with custom furnishings, many with private patios or private terraces.

In addition, there are three large poolside townhouses with mountain views and private balconies. A true modernist gem, the Movie Colony Hotel was built by Frey in 1935 and is located within easy walking distance to downtown Palm Springs. Rates start at $149 a night. For reservations: www.moviecolonyhotel.com or 1-888-953-5700. Many of homes and estates formerly owned by the rich and famous of Palm Springs’ golden age are now available as daily, weekly or monthly rentals through various rental agencies, such as Vacation Palm Springs (www.vacationpalmsprings.com, 1800-590-3110), which handles properties previously owned by the likes of Bing Crosby and Tony Curtis. Roundtrip air fares start at about $410 in late March on American Airlines from BWI. For more information about Palm Springs, visit www.visitpalmsprings.com or call 1-800347-7746. Troy Petenbrink is a Washington, DCbased travel writer.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

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Colorful quilts from across Maryland at the Banneker Museum. See story on page 28.

A wide choice in local theatre productions By Carol Sorgen From musicals to comedies to drama, Baltimore’s theaters are jumping this month. Here’s a look at some of the offerings on local stages. Running through Feb. 27 at the Hippodrome is the award-winning musical Jersey Boys, based on the story of the 1960s pop group the Four Seasons. The musical opened on Broadway in 2005 and has been on a North American national tour, playing in Las Vegas, Chicago, Philadelphia and Toronto. It has also played the West End in London and in Australia.

Jersey Boys won four 2006 Tony Awards: for Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Featured Actor and Best Lighting Design. The Hippodrome is located at 12 N. Eutaw St. Tickets range from $35 to $135 plus fees, if applicable. For more information, call (410) 547-SEAT, or visit www.france-merrickpac.com. Through March 19 you can take in the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s presentation of Cymbeline. The play, one of Shakespeare’s last, depicts the court of pre-Christian British King Cymbeline. Situated amidst the backdrop of a PHOTO COURTESY OF TOBY’S DINNER THEATRE

Now playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Baltimore, Beehive, the 60’s Musical! includes 40 of the decade’s iconic hits. It is one of many shows, from Shakespeare to a Tony Bennett tribute, now on stage in the area.

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Roman invasion of the island, Cymbeline is full of familiar Shakespearean elements — outcast noblemen, lost sons, mistaken identities, duplicitous seductions, deadly potions, gender confusion, a king blind to treachery and a cad turned instantly heroic. This action-packed journey of twists and turns ends as one of Shakespeare’s most redemptive plays. Cymbeline will be presented in Oliver’s Carriage House in Columbia, 5410 Leaf Treader Way. Ticket prices for adults are $25, Thursday evenings and Saturday matinees; $30, Friday and Saturday evenings. Those age 65 and over pay $23; students age 12 to 25 pay $15. Call (410) 313-8874 or visit www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com.

Nostalgia at Toby’s Take six talented women and add one hot band, countless wigs, a considerable amount of costumes, 25 cans of hairspray, and more than 40 of the greatest ‘60s hits, and you get Beehive, The 60’s Musical! It features popular songs like “Proud Mary,” “One Fine Day,” “My Boyfriend’s Back,” and “Respect.” This lighthearted slice of nostalgia is on stage through Feb. 27 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Baltimore, based at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center at 5625 O’Donnell Street. Tickets, which include buffet dinner, range from $49.50 to $51.50 See LOCAL THEATRE, page 29

BEACON BITS

Mar. 11

SENIOR EDUCATIONAL FORUM

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

It takes a village to make quilts like these By Carol Sorgen The history of American quilting is nearly as old as the history of the United States itself. Quilting originated in the Colonial era when women of a community would come together to make quilts by hand. Though modern technology has given individual quilters the option of sewing by machine, the tradition of hand-sewing quilts in quilting circles — groups of people (usually women) working together on a quilt — remains strong. An exhibit of such quilts, “Stitches In Time/Threads Of Change: An Exhibition of Maryland Community Quilts,” is currently on view at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum.

The exhibit, which runs through March, displays 16 present-day works from quilters who have developed their style from this quintessentially American art. Among the quilters from across the state featured in the exhibit are the Furnace Town Quilters of the Eastern Shore, Faithful Quilters of Columbia, Enon Baptist Church Quilters of Baltimore and the Glyndon Quilters.

Art form continues to thrive The quilts illustrate diverse themes and applications, techniques and purposes. They also reflect the vibrancy, relevancy and power of the art form that has both survived and progressed in Maryland, according to museum director Steven Lee.

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“These quilts show that this art form is pieced together with one quilter sending alive and well in Maryland,” said Lee. He her finished block to another and so on also noted that the quilts on display aren’t until the quilt was completed — a process just for keeping someone warm, but also to known as a round robin quilt. document the history of a community — be it a church, a school, a women’s shelter, Honoring Benjamin Banneker Taking center stage in the exhibit is the or a nature preserve. “Banneker Historical Quilt,” The exhibit was created completed in 2010 and conafter Lee sent out a call to structed by the Banneker arts organizations throughQuilting Circle in Oella over out the state for quilts to disthe course of five years. play. The exhibit’s quilts The objective of the quiltwere selected from a variety ing circle, made up of deof entries Lee received, from signer Barbara Pietiella and elementary school students, seven other quilters, was to to college art majors, to “depict the life and times of older adults and quilting Benjamin Banneker by the masters. expression of various symLee particularly wanted to bols on either side of the show the diversity of MaryVegetables quilt family tree.” The tree traces land’s population in his selections. The subject matters are as diverse as the three generations of Banneker’s famithe artists who created them, he said, and ly. Benjamin Banneker was born a free include such themes as friendship, wildlife preservation, domestic violence, abortion African-American in 1731 and became a mathematician and amateur astronomer. and racial oppression. None of the quilts was created by an individual artist. Most of the quilts were See QUILTS, page 29

BEACON BITS

Mar. 30

MARYLAND SENIOR IDOL Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks hosts the 5th

Annual Maryland Senior Idol Competition and Benefit at the Chesapeake Arts

The Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park presents

Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park on Wednesday, March 30 at 1 p.m. Contestants age 60 and over from across the state of Maryland will be competing in this vocal competition. Proceeds will benefit the Maryland Food Bank. Tickets are $6. For more information or for tickets, call (410) 396-2920 or e-mail joann.cason@baltimorecity.gov.

Feb. 24

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH Hear stories, poems and music written by African Americans at this “Fireside Stories” event at the Hampden branch of the Enoch

Pratt Free Library, on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m. You’re welcome to share something you’ve written for Black History Month. The Hampden Library is located at 3641 Falls Rd. Call (410) 396-6043 or email hmp@prattlibrary.org for more information.

Wednesday, March 30th 1 p.m.

Contestants from eight Maryland counties will be competing. Join this showcase of senior vocal talent! Tickets are $6 and are available in advance by calling Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks at 410.396.2920.

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The USM Annual State Legislative Rally has been rescheduled to Wed., March 9, 2011. Tickets already purchased are still good. If you bought tickets for Jan. 25 and cannot attend on March 9, e-mail unitedseniors@verizon.net for a refund.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 2011

Local theatre From page 27 for adults; $35.50 for children under 12. For more information, call (410) 649-1660 or visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com. There’s more nostalgia at Toby’s Columbia location with I Left My Heart: A Salute to the Music of Tony Bennett, running through March 6. The songs featured stretch from his early top-40 hits, jazz recordings with Count Basie, Stan Getz, and Bill Evans, to his torch songs, film scores, all the way to his now infamous MTV unplugged (which introduced

Quilts From page 28 He died in 1806. He is said to have been one of the first surveyors of Washington, DC, and also published numerous almanacs, all the while overcoming racial discrimination. The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, at 300 Oella Avenue at Frederick Road (near Ellicott City), was founded on the homestead of the Banneker family. Once known as “Stout,” the original 100-acre lot was purchased in 1737 by Ben-

him to a whole new generation of listeners). I Left My Heart includes an unforgettable score of 40 standards recorded by Bennett, including “Because Of You,” “Stranger In Paradise,” ”The Best Is Yet To Come,” ”Cold, Cold Heart,” ”Boulevard Of Broken Dreams,” ”I Wanna Be Around,” ”The Good Life,” ” Rags To Riches,” and his best-known hit, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” Toby’s Columbia is located at South Entrance Road between Route 29 and Little Patuxent Parkway. Tickets range from $47 to $52 for adults, and are $33.50 for chil-

jamin’s father in exchange for 7,000 pounds of tobacco. Here the Bannekers farmed tobacco, wheat, corn crops, a fruit orchard, apiary, and a small vegetable garden. Much of the vegetables, poultry, fruit and honey produced were sold to the Ellicotts to supply their General Store in the old mill town now known as Ellicott City. The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. For more information about the Banneker Museum, call (410) 887-1081.

dren under 12. For more information, call (410) 995-1969 or log onto www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

New takes on classics From March 1 through March 6, Cameron Mackintosh presents a new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical Les Miserables at the Hippodrome. This new production, with new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, has already been acclaimed by critics and theatergoers alike. Ticket prices range from $20 to $75,

plus any applicable fees. The Hippodrome is located at 12 N. Eutaw St. For more information, call (410) 547-SEAT, or visit www.france-merrickpac.com. Teen actors join with professional actors in the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival’s production of Romeo and Juliet from March 10 through April 3 at 3900 Roland Ave. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students. Baltimore Shakespeare Festival became Baltimore City’s third resident professional theatre company in 2003. For more information, call (410) 366-8596 or visit www.baltimoreshakespeare.org.

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W I T S A R E A S O N G N E E A S T S S A R U M O S U R B O R K I C K O N H O O M O O N B O Z O A D E S

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MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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NEW! Daily Crosswords on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus

How to Decide 1

21 24

22 27 31

48 53

55 57

60 66

61 67

3. Add in the background music 4. Himalayan beast 1. Instruction to Fido 5. Was in short supply 5. Rock climber’s tools 6. Truth ___ 10. Ingenuity 14. Largest member of the dolphin family 7. Part of m.p.g. 8. 1946 RBI leader, Slaughter 15. Place to see a Monster Truck 9. Clearance event 16. Type of code 10. Existed 17. Elvis output 11. Straightens hair 20. Ike’s command in W.W. II 12. Precept 21. Patty Hearst kidnapping grp. 13. Wise guys 22. Observe 18. The Jetsons character with the most legs 23. Wedding announcement word 19. Baseball position, briefly 24. General ___ 25. Star-spangled contraction 27. Abstains 26. Least able to attend school 29. Office knickknacks 28. Cute button go-between 33. Eight-time Love Boat guest 29. Poll results (abbrev.) 34. Middling grade 35. Boxing promoter and rival to Don King 30. ___, skip, and a jump 31. “That’s interesting!” 39. Unit of measure of fun 32. That girl 40. Fireplace tool 42. Letters in a Buckeye’s e-mail address 36. Wealth redistributor 43. A ___ Journey (Memoir of a CIA agent) 37. Grp. formerly chaired by Peter Ueberroth 38. Gloomy darkness 45. The loneliest number 40. Kalua pig ingredient 46. ___ Day (the 4th Friday in April) 41. Switch positions 48. Karate or swimming maneuver 44. Mailer of over 140 million checks 52. Pink hue each yr. 55. Moon of Neptune 46. ___ World Turns 56. From ___ Z 47. Studio that gave birth to Bringing Up 57. Paddle Baby 60. With 61A, an extended sneeze 49. Coagulate 61. See above 50. Spoke to a crowd 64. Have high aspirations 51. Piles of loot 68. Office helper 52. Social class 69. Lauder, who had a lotion notion 53. Last choice in many polls 70. Character portrayed by Willard Scott in 54. House units 1960 58. About three or four 71. While lead-in 59. February purchase 72. Uses a hoe 62. Seep 73. Fruit drinks 63. John Lennon’s in-laws Down 65. Make a decision 1. Peeved 66. This clue’s number goes to LA 2. A horse gait 67. Wharton award (abbrev.)

Across

JUMBLE ANSWERS

Scrabble answers on p. 29.

by Stephen Sherr

Answers on page 29.

Answer: What the gossip columnist became when she got divorced - A NAME DROPPER Jumbles: THYME BARGE SECOND PAUPER

BALTIMORE BEACON — MARCH 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.HomeBusinessAccess.com/021.

Caregivers COMPASSIONATE COMMITTED CARE for your elderly parent/s. I will come to your home seven days a week, 12 or twenty four hour shifts. My duties are: A.D.L., R.O.M. exercises, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry and doctor’s appointments. State board certified, hourly rate, references, and transportation. Please call Ruth at 443-760-1185 or 410272-4930.

Financial Services $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! As seen on TV, Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 24/hrs after Approval? Compare our lower rates. CALL 1-866-3863692 www.lawcapital.com. CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-7388536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

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Miscellaneous

Wanted

TRYING TO GET OUT OF DEBT? NO Obligation – Complimentary Consultation $5k in Credit Card/Unsecured Debt YOU have Options!! Learn about NO Upfront Fee Resolution Programs! Call 800-593-3446.

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.

ELECTRONIC CLEAN-OUTS WANTED, absolute best price, collections, contents, electronics, attic-basement-garage, speakers, accumulations, generous offers, honest pricing, unlimited funds, will travel, CASH. Call Alan 410740-5222 or 240-478-1100.

For Rent/Sale Real Estate OWN 20 ACRES Only $129. per/mo.. $13,900 near growing El Paso Texas (safest city in America!) Low down, no credit checks, owner financing. Free map/pictures 1-866-623-6706 www.sunsetranches.com.

**ALL Satellite Systems are not the same. Monthly programming starts under $20 per month and FREE HD and DVR systems for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-799-4935.

TO AND FROM Reliable transportation service. Doctor appointments, groceries, airport, etc. Have car, insurance, references. Call 443-6221514 or 410-718-0550.

GIGANTIC GYM MIRRORS 48”x100” (11 available) @ $115/each. 72”x100” (9 available) @ $165/each. 60”x84” beveled (3 available) @ $135/each. 72x50 Beveled, $125/each. Installation available. Will deliver free. 1-800-4730619. FREE HD FOR LIFE! Only on DISH Network! Lowest Price in America! $24.99/mo for over 120 Channels! $500 Bonus! 1-877-4793572. 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.

Miscellaneous REACH OVER 28 MILLION HOMES WITH ONE AD BUY! Only $2,795 per week! For more information, contact Roger at 410-2489101. DONATE A CAR – HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES. Fast, Free Towing. Call 7 days/week. Non-runners OK. Tax Deductable. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 1-800-578-0408. 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 TODAY To Help Children And Their Families Suffering From Cancer. Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Inc. 1-800-469-8593 www.ccfoa.org. 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.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

COMMUNITY THEATRE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre is a community theatre in residence at CCBC Essex and produces five theatrical productions a year. Volunteers are needed for committee and board memberships, set and costume construction, set crew, lobby sales and ushering. For more information, call (410) 780-6369 or visit www.ccbcmd.edu/cockpit.

Ongoing

Personal Services

For Sale

Volunteer to help a homebound senior living in need in your neighborhood by giving the gift of your time, just four hours a month. The Baltimore County Department of Aging Home Team Program is looking for good neighbors willing to assist with shopping, escort trips, homemaker services (such as reading the mail) and/or friendly visiting with elderly homebound people who need a little help to maintain independence in their own homes. Call (410) 0887-4141 or email cshaneybrook@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Ongoing

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.

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

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HELP PROTECT CONSUMERS

The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General attempts to mediate complaints regarding business transactions. Volunteers will learn consumer protection laws and will mediate complaints by phone and letter. Volunteers work two days per week, five hours per day. Call (410) 576-6455 or visit www.oag.state.md.us.

Vacation Opportunities SUNNY WINTER SPECIALS At Florida’s Best Beach-New Smyrna Beach Stay a week or longer, Plan a beach wedding or family reunion. www.NSBFLA.com or 1-800-541-9621.

Wanted STAMPS! U.S. only. Small collector buying pre1940. Best price paid. Southwest Stamp Club meets Friday, March 18th, 2011, 1PM, Arbutus. 410-247-4169.

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. 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. **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.

Thanks for reading!

BEACON BITS

Mar.

HELP THOSE WITH CHRONIC DISEASES

The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities is looking for volunteers who want to learn to be Chronic Disease Self-Management Leaders. Leaders will co-facilitate a six-week workshop for participants who suffer from chronic conditions. Leaders do not have to be healthcare professionals, but should have a chronic disease or be a caregiver of someone with a chronic disease. Training will take place in March at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, 2666 Riva Rd., in Annapolis. For more information, contact Pam Toomey at (410) 222-4366 or at agtoom88@aacounty.org.

Ongoing

ARE YOU A HISTORY BUFF?

If you’re interested in history and the decorative arts, consider volunteering at Mount Clare Museum House in Carroll Park. The museum is looking for women and men interested in bringing the storied history of this 1760s Georgian mansion to life. Volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities, especially as tour guides. For more information, call (410) 837-3262 or visit www.mountclare.org.

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:

MARCH 2011 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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