July 2012 Baltimore Beacon Edition by The Beacon Newspapers

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Veteran legislator leads AARP

Early start as a leader Davis, who was born in Georgia, moved to Baltimore with his family in 1948. He attended public schools, graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where he was both captain of the football team and president of his class. In the early 1960s, he served four years in the United States Air Force, a period he now says was the “cornerstone” of his life. He was stationed for three years in Europe (England and France), with temporary assignments in Germany and Vietnam, working on vital security matters. “To have had a position of responsibility in the military, in a time of unrelenting

JULY 2012

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AARP

By Carol Sorgen At almost 70 years of age, Clarence “Tiger” Davis reports that he feels completely “reinvigorated” by his appointment as president of the 830,000-member Maryland Chapter of AARP. “I’m walking on cloud nine with this responsibility,” he said. As state president, Davis chairs the state executive council and works with the senior state director to provide vision and leadership for AARP’s work in Maryland. The presidency is a volunteer position. The state president is also responsible for helping to build relationships with other organizations, and serves as the principal AARP volunteer spokesperson in Maryland. “I am proud to serve AARP at such a critical stage in the public debate over how we age with dignity and purpose in America and across the state of Maryland,” said Davis. Davis said AARP is working to create positive social change “to enhance the quality of life for all of us as we age…to protect our rights…work on which you can’t place a value.” During his first year as state president, AARP Maryland has weighed in on a number of local and national issues affecting older adults, said Davis, including Medicare and Social Security, older worker employment, proposed utility rate increases, hunger, and funding in Maryland for homeand community-based services that enable seniors to stay in their homes as long as they want.

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ARTS & STYLE AARP Maryland President Clarence “Tiger” Davis draws on his leadership experience as a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates, professor and counselor for veterans, to help steer the 830,000-member chapter.

racism, was paramount to my development,” he said. Those experiences, together with the support of his family, gave him the strength of spirit to achieve all his later accomplishments. After his military service, Davis attended Morgan State College and University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in history and social science. He also pursued doctoral studies there. While attending college, Davis served as a civil rights organizer for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He also was appointed to the Model Cities Program Board of Directors by then-Mayor Thomas D’A-

lessandro, and successfully organized a community organization around the North Avenue/Greenmount Avenue corridor. He continued to work as a social worker and community organizer early in his career, which allowed him to apply what he had learned in college to assist his fellow veterans. “Every able-bodied black man from our community served in the Vietnam War,” Davis said. “I watched them all get drafted, and I saw their wounds — physical and/or emotional — when they came home. Too many of them were just walking time bombs.” See AARP PRES., page 14

From The Mikado to Anything Goes, summer theater lights up stages all over town; plus, which city passes are worth the cost? page 19

FITNESS & HEALTH k Sunshine can promote sleep k Saunas help hearts

VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS k Aiming to help others

LAW & MONEY 15 k You may already own Facebook k How to buy a landmark PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Maximizing a maxim One of the aphorisms I’ve been partial to bereft of friends and family (unless, perhaps, since childhood says a person should “live we were to invite a different friend or family each day as if it were your last.” member to accompany us on Though I’ve liked and reeach of our adventures). Still, membered the maxim, I only very few would have the rerecently found myself wondersources or stamina to keep this ing what it really means. Perup for long. haps getting older (and attendSo, if the lesson of “live each ing more funerals) has started day as if it were your last” can’t to make the concept more really be to spend every day thought provoking to me. having the most pleasurable On first blush, it sounds personal experiences, perhaps something like another popu- FROM THE the phrase means something lar saying: “Eat, drink and be PUBLISHER completely different. merry, for tomorrow we die.” By Stuart P. Rosenthal Maybe it impels us to deAfter all, if we know tomorrow vote ourselves intensely to really is our last day on Earth, we might try doing as many good deeds for others as posto see how many pleasurable experiences sible — for this day could be our last chance we can cram into those last 24 hours. to (choose one or more): repent, give to While that could be a reasonable ap- charity, return favors, make up for all the proach to a terminal diagnosis with a firm time we wasted, make up to all the people 24-hour countdown, it does raise the ques- we’ve wronged, earn a decent epitaph, etc. tion of how reasonable an approach it This might well be considered a worthwould be as a plan for daily life. while use of one’s last day. It might indeed If each day we devoted ourselves to a even be a more popular choice than the round-the-clock effort at fulfilling (and ex- selfish one we first contemplated. panding) our bucket list, we’d soon be worn But would it be any more reasonable as an out and poor, out of a job, and probably approach to daily life? We might treat each

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The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 23 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

closeness any more than those we once sent packing! Following this path day after day would not only wear you out, but also everyone you ever knew! Ironically, the one activity most people would probably never do on their last day is spend time exercising — the very thing that, doctors tell us, has the greatest chance of extending our longevity. If we really knew this would be our last day, what would be the point? But if we made a habit of not exercising, our lives would be considerably shorter and, probably, far less pleasant given the illnesses and troubles brought on by a sedentary lifestyle. So where does that leave us? Seems to me the underlying lesson of living each day as if it were our last is that we should live a balanced life: We should strive to be good to others, devote some concerted effort to our work, show some love to our friends and family, get some exercise, and be sure to enjoy ourselves a bit, too. I’m glad I took some time today to think about it. Please feel free to share with us your thoughts on this topic, or any other. Email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com or write to Letters to the Editor, The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227. On Facebook? Please post your comments (and “like” us!) at www.facebook.com/BeaconNewspaper.

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day as our last chance for “doing good,” but the more days we spent in this fashion, the more we might start to wonder: When are we going to start “doing well,” too? How might those of us who are workaholics interpret the precept? OMG! Only one day left to complete all the projects, organize the piles, clean out the in box, file away the reports, or at very least, set things in order for those to come after. Believe it or not, my own dear wife, the associate publisher of the Beacon, admitted sheepishly that those were some of her first thoughts when I asker her to interpret the expression. She’s really not a workaholic. But she’s incredibly responsible (and considerably compulsive), and since she’s handled the Beacon’s billing and books for 20+ years, all the inevitable loose ends tend to weigh heavily on her. Still, she was well aware that this would be no way to live every day while waiting for one’s last breath. In fact, she said, she’d probably be more likely to do the polar opposite of her first reaction and devote her last day to spending time with family and friends. This might be a fine way indeed to focus attention on something both meaningful and pleasant on one’s last day — giving voice to all the deepest things we feel and think, but seldom express; drawing close those who mean the most to us; reaching out to those we’ve perhaps ignored, or scared off, or stopped speaking to. But if there ever were a prescription for one’s last day that did not lend itself to ongoing practice, it would be this. Those we love couldn’t take this kind of perpetual

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your letter to the editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I have a few observations to make about your commentary “How we see ourselves” by guest columnist Leslie A. Morgan in the June issue. The discrimination faced by older people is not a natural phenomenon; in fact in many cultures the senior generation is treated with deference and respect. The prejudice today is a manufactured bias, and it is a situation where scrutiny is needed. I read many magazines, newspapers, watch television and peruse the Internet, and since reflecting on your commentary, I’ve noted a dearth of pictures of older people and a total lack of stories about seniors in the popular press. There is even a derision of our “older hood” in TV commercials and on the Internet. Whatever happened to the Grey Panthers, now that they’re really needed? Considering the enormous demograph-

ic of us baby boomers, it’s hard to believe the media and advertisers do not recognize that we are a lucrative market. It’s possible advertisers see us as a cyberwasteland and hardly worth any effort to engage. Today, it’s more and more difficult for older people to have a “positive place in society,” and even finding meaningful volunteer work is a challenge. (I know from personal experience.) When you understand you are living in a culture that denigrates your existence, it makes sense to be watchful and on the alert. Ageism is painful, but it is the way of today’s rapidly changing world. Rosalind Ellis Heid Baltimore Dear Editor: Regarding your May 2012 article, “FindSee LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 20

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For adults with Dupuytren’s contracture when a “cord” can be felt

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Connect with local doctors who have experience treating with prescription XIAFLEX®. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION XIAFLEX can cause serious side effects including tendon rupture (break), ligament damage, nerve injury or other serious injury of the hand, or allergic reaction. Call your doctor right away if you have trouble bending your injected finger after the swelling goes down, pain, tingling, numbness, or problems using your treated hand or if you get hives, swollen face, breathing trouble, or chest pain. For more information, It’s important to tell your doctor about a prior allergic reaction to XIAFLEX, call 1-877-XIAFLEX or if you have a bleeding problem or use a blood thinner. or visit XIAFLEX.com Common side effects include hand swelling, bruising, injection site reaction or bleeding, and pain. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Important Product Information on the following page. © 2012 Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. 0412-020.b

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Important Product Information XIAFLEXÂŽ (ZĂŻ a flex) (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) What is the most important information I should know about XIAFLEX? XIAFLEX can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Tendon rupture or ligament damage. Receiving an injection of XIAFLEX may cause damage to a tendon or ligament in your hand and cause it to break or weaken. This could require surgery to fix the damaged tendon or ligament. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble bending your injected finger (towards the wrist) after the swelling goes down or you have problems using your treated hand after your follow-up visit.

s HAVE HAD AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO A PREVIOUS XIAFLEX injection.

Do finger exercises each day, as instructed by your healthcare provider.

s HAVE A BLEEDING PROBLEM

Follow your healthcare providerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructions about when you can start doing your normal activities with the injected hand.

s HAVE ANY OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS s ARE PREGNANT OR PLAN TO BECOME PREGNANT It is not known if XIAFLEX will harm your unborn baby.

What are the possible side effects of XIAFLEX?

s ARE BREASTFEEDING )T IS NOT KNOWN IF 8)!&,%8 PASSES into your breast-milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive XIAFLEX.

XIAFLEX can cause serious side effects. See â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is the most important information I should know about XIAFLEX?â&#x20AC;?.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

s SWELLING OF THE INJECTION SITE OR THE HAND

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Common side effects with XIAFLEX include:

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2. Nerve injury or other serious injury of the hand. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get numbness, tingling, or increased pain in your treated finger or hand after your injection or after your follow-up visit.

a blood thinner medicine such as aspirin, clopidogrel (PLAVIXÂŽ), prasugrel hydrochloride (EFFIENTÂŽ), or warfarin sodium (COUMADINÂŽ). If you are told to stop taking a blood thinner before your XIAFLEX injection, your healthcare provider should tell you when to restart the blood thinner.

s SWELLING OF THE LYMPH NODES GLANDS IN the elbow or underarm

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Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction after an injection of XIAFLEX: s HIVES s SWOLLEN FACE s BREATHING TROUBLE s CHEST PAIN What is XIAFLEX? XIAFLEX is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Dupuytrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contracture when a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cordâ&#x20AC;? can be felt.

Your healthcare provider will inject XIAFLEX into the cord that is causing your finger to bend. After an injection of XIAFLEX, your affected hand will be wrapped with a bandage. You should limit moving and using the treated finger after the injection. Do not bend or straighten the fingers of the injected hand until your healthcare provider says it is okay. This will help prevent the medicine from leaking out of the cord. Do not try to straighten the treated finger yourself. Keep the injected hand elevated until bedtime. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

In people with Dupuytrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contracture, there is thickening of the skin and tissue in the palm of your hand that is not normal. Over time, this thickened tissue can form a cord in your palm. This causes one or more of your fingers to bend toward the palm, so you can not straighten them.

s SIGNS OF INFECTION AFTER YOUR INJECTION SUCH AS fever, chills, increased redness, or swelling

XIAFLEX should be injected into a cord by a healthcare provider who is skilled in injection procedures of the hand and treating people with Dupuytrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contracture. The proteins in XIAFLEX help to â&#x20AC;&#x153;breakâ&#x20AC;? the cord of tissue that is causing the finger to be bent.

Return to your healthcare providerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office as directed on the day after your injection. During this first follow-up visit, if you still have the cord, your healthcare provider may try to extend the treated finger to â&#x20AC;&#x153;breakâ&#x20AC;? the cord and try to straighten your finger.

It is not known if XIAFLEX is safe and effective in children under the age of 18. What should I tell my healthcare provider before starting treatment with XIAFLEX? XIAFLEX may not be right for you. Before receiving XIAFLEX, tell your healthcare provider if you:

s NUMBNESS OR TINGLING IN THE TREATED lNGER s TROUBLE BENDING THE INJECTED lNGER AFTER the swelling goes down

Your healthcare provider will provide you with a splint to wear on the treated finger. Wear the splint as instructed by your healthcare provider at bedtime to keep your finger straight.

s ITCHING s BREAKS IN THE SKIN s REDNESS OR WARMTH OF THE SKIN

These are not all of the possible side effects with XIAFLEX. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about XIAFLEX Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed here. This is a summary of the most important information about XIAFLEX. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider for information about XIAFLEX that is written for health professionals. For more information visit www.XIAFLEX.com or call 1-877-663-0412. Registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Health Fitness &

HEART HEALTHY HEAT Frequent saunas can help patients with heart failure — and boost mood, too A SHOT IN THE ARM (OR KNEE) Injections of the anti-inflammatory drug cortisone often must be repeated BEATING EATING DISORDERS Eating disorders can develop at any age, but appropriate treatment helps CAN YOGA HELP EYES? Patients with high eye pressure are being sought for a yoga study

Let sunshine in for a better night’s sleep By Sarah Korones Insomnia — a common and difficult-totreat condition — is estimated to cost the American economy $63.2 billion each year in lost productivity. A new body of research suggests that a cure might be as simple as soaking up some sun. Blue light, a part of the visible spectrum in solar rays, keeps us perky during the day by suppressing the release of melatonin, the hormone that causes sleepiness. But when we spend our time cooped up indoors, our eyes fail to take in the proper amount of light, and we never get an internal signal to sleep at night. “If you don’t have a change in melatonin levels during the 24 hours of the day, your body doesn’t know when to rest and when to

stay awake,” said Line Kessel, an ophthalmologist at the University of Copenhagen. Long hours at the office and the corresponding lack of sunlight may be to blame for the estimated 23 percent of U.S. workers afflicted with insomnia.

Problems: indoor light, aging eyes Artificial lighting is no replacement for sunshine. “You might as well be sitting in a dark room as far as your circadian clock is concerned,” said Patricia Turner, an ophthalmologist at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Sleep problems can be even worse in older adults. As we age, a natural yellowing of the eyes may hinder blue light from reaching the retina, according to a study in

the journal Sleep. “If the blue light is filtered out by a yellowing lens, the daily and nightly changes in melatonin concentration are flat,” explained Kessel, the study’s author. “Your body’s biological rhythm is disturbed.” Employers may be reluctant to let their workers outside for a sunshine break, but they might want to reconsider. Epidemiologist Ronald Kessler, of Harvard Medical School, puts it simply: “It’s hard to do anything if you don’t sleep.”

Some tips for better sleep Staring at blue light-emitting TVs and computers at night suppresses melatonin, keeping us awake when we should be getting sleepy. To reap the benefits of blue

light while avoiding its perils: 1. Take your lunch outside or walk to work, when the sun is at its brightest. 2. Read a book before bedtime rather than watching TV. Inappropriately timed blue light can lead to insomnia. 3. House hunting or remodeling? You’ll want a home with skylights, large windows and other features that let in plenty of natural light. 4. Take off your shades. While it’s never healthy to stare at the sun, Turner said that habitually wearing sunglasses may block the blue light we need. — Psychology Today Magazine © 2012 Sussex Publishers. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Osteoporosis? Try strontium supplements Dear Pharmacist: probably not aware of strontium’s potential My wife has osteoporosis in her benefits. Doctors interested in scientificalback pretty badly. I read ly-based holistic medical semian article you wrote a few nars should visit www.funcyears ago about strontium tionalmedicine.org. being a good mineral for Strontium offers a one-two bone health. Do you still punch with its dual mechanism recommend it? of action. It prevents bone — C.C. breakdown, while simultaneDear C.C.: ously stimulating new bone Everything I said four growth. Medications typically years ago, in my first column, work only one side of that holds. Strontium has been equation. DEAR clinically proven to support Furthermore, strontium may PHARMACIST bone health. support joint health and preBy Suzy Cohen I wish more physicians vent tooth decay, in sharp conwould suggest over-thetrast to certain osteoporosis counter strontium supplements before medications that can lead to necrosis (deprescribing bone-building bisphosphonate struction) of the jaw and loss of teeth. I wondrugs like Actonel, Boniva and Fosamax, der if strontium could help with cancer-reor even Evista or Forteo. lated bone pain, too. A 2004 study in the New England JourBrand new research published in the nal of Medicine concluded that strontium Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and reduces the risk of non-vertebral fractures Biology said, “[Strontium ranelate] can by 41 percent over three years, and in- now be considered as a first-line option to creases bone mineral density by 14.4 per- treat women at risk of osteoporosis fraccent — impressive when you compare that tures, whatever their age and the severity to standard treatments! of the disease.” You’re probably wondering why no one Strontium is a natural component of has mentioned this to you. Conventional bone — about 100 micrograms in every practitioners educate themselves at semi- gram of bone — so supplementing ennars that are not based in “functional med- hances more of what you already have (or icine” (my educational track), so they are had, in the case of osteoporosis). Stron-

tium’s brothers include calcium and magnesium, which are all chemically similar. In Europe, there are prescription drug versions called “Stronat” and “Protelos” because they patented a unique salt called strontium ranelate. This is the substance that was tested in the published clinical trials. In the U.S., supplements called “strontium citrate” and “strontium gluconate” are sold at health food stores, compounding pharmacies, and holistic physician’s offices. High-quality brands include Life Extension’s “Strontium Caps,” OrthoMolecular’s “Strontium,” Nutricology’s “Strontium Osteo Complex,” Solaray’s “BioCitrate Strontium,” or Doctor’s Best “Strontium Bone Maker.” [Editor’s note: These supplement versions have not been tested in clinical trials, while strontium ranelate has not been approved for sale in the U.S. by the FDA.] You must have enough calcium in your body for strontium to work well. Most people do, but if you don’t, and you need both calcium and strontium, space them apart. For example, take strontium first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach), then take

calcium (preferably with vitamin D) at lunch. When it comes to bone health, vitamin K2, natural progesterone hormone, silica, iodine, zinc, chromium and magnesium are important players. Also, don’t forget to do regular weight-bearing exercises. Some experts now feel that whole grains, which contain phytates, prevent absorption of minerals essential to bone health. Finally, you should know that gluten, caffeine and carbonated beverages are all associated with crumbling bones. [WebMD.com warns that taking excessive doses of strontium can actually weaken bones. It also advises caution for those with kidney problems or a history of blood clots. See www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/strontium-treatment-osteoporosis.] This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

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Saunas appear to improve heart function By Linda Geddes That warm, fuzzy feeling you get from sitting in a sauna isn’t in your imagination — and it may also help your heart. People with chronic heart failure who took saunas five times a week for three weeks improved their heart function and the amount of exercise they could do. Neurons that release the “happiness molecule” serotonin respond to increases in body temperature, perhaps explaining the sauna’s pleasurable effects. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to supply enough blood to the body, resulting in shortness of breath and difficulty exercising. Previous studies have hinted that saunas might boost health.

To investigate, Takashi Ohori at the University of Toyama in Japan and colleagues asked 41 volunteers with heart failure to take 15-minute saunas five times per week, using a blanket for 30 minutes afterwards to keep their body temperature about 1 C higher than normal.

Helps hearts pump better Sauna treatment increased the heart’s ability to pump blood, and boosted the distance participants could walk in six minutes from 337 meters to 379 meters. The team also noticed improved function of the endothelium — the membrane lining the inside of the heart that releases factors controlling the diameter of blood vessels

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and clotting. The researchers also found more circulating endothelial progenitor cells — adult stem cells that can turn into endothelial cells, according to the study published in the American Journal of Cardiology. In a separate study in AJP: Heart and Circulatory Physiology, the same group temporarily cut off blood supply to rats’ hearts to mimic a heart attack, then gave them a sauna every day for four weeks. Later examination saw fewer of the changes to the heart’s chambers than usually occur after heart attacks in rats not exposed to a sauna. In addition, the sauna rats showed increases in endothelial nitric oxide synthase,

an enzyme that regulates blood pressure and the growth of new blood vessels. “We think that repeated saunas trigger pathways that produce nitric oxide and other signaling molecules that eventually reduce resistance to the pumping capacity of the heart,” said Tofy Mussivand at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ontario, who was not involved in the research.

Heating also boosts mood Heating might have other benefits, said Christopher Lowry of the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has identified a See SAUNAS, page 7

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accident prevention skills. For more information, call (410) 222-6680 or visit www.aacounty.org/aging.

BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson will identify your unique body make-up and associated health risks on Thursday, July 5,

using a special scale that uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to determine your weight, body fat, BMI, total body water, muscle mass, metabolic rate and more. Appointment required; call (410) 337-1479 to schedule.

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❏ Fall Prevention Study (see ad on page 10) ❏ Grandparent Study (see ad on page 11) ❏ Knee Pain/Sleep Study (see ad on page 11) ❏ Memory & Sleep Study (see ad on page 10) ❏ Sleep Apnea/Somnos Study (see ad on page 11) ❏ Yoga and Eye Pressure Study (see article on page 10) Name_____________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________State__________Zip____________________ Phone (day)_____________________________(evening)_____________________________ E-mail_____________________________________________________________________________

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or fax to (410) 248-9102.

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2324 W. Joppa Rd., Suite 110, Lutherville, MD | www.KellnerSmiles.com

❏ Breast Cancer Study (see ad on page 11)

F R E E

(410) 321-1100

❏ Anemia Studies (see ad on page 10)

★

If you’re missing any permanent adult teeth, it reducing bone loss. And if well maintained, can definitely feel that way sometimes. Eating any replacement will look great, feel natural mouth-watering, delicious foods can be more and last a long time. of a pain than it’s worth. Call Dr. Kellner at 410-321-1100 to discuss Replacing missing teeth can make eating what options are best for you. Then make enjoyable again. It will also help retain the reservations at your favorite restaurant and natural shape of your face and jaw line by prepare to eat with abandon!

Health Study Volunteers

I N F O R M A T I O N

you can chew?

❏ St. Mary’s Roland Park Towers (see ad on page 16)

F R E E

EVER BITTEN OFF more than

❏ Alta at Regency Crest (see ad on page 6)

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Housing Communities

I N F O R M A T I O N

July 5

✃

Payment is due at sign up. The course helps seniors improve their driving and

F R E E

Glen Burnie. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.

I N F O R M A T I O N

2:30 p.m., on June 26, at the Pascal Senior Activity Center, 25 Dorsey Rd., in

★

An AARP Driver Safety Course will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to

To request info from many more housing communities and other advertisers, return the form on page B-9 in the center of this month’s Housing & Homecare Options Magazine, starting after page 12. Return page B-9 for a chance to win $100!

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DRIVER SAFETY COURSE

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

★

June 26

I N F O R M A T I O N

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MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION

I N F O R M A T I O N

group of serotonin-releasing neurons in a region of the brain called the dorsal raphe nucleus, which fire in response to increases in body temperature. They seem to initiate cooling, but these neurons also project into a region of the brain that regulates mood, which may account for the pleasure of a sauna. Intriguingly, these same neurons feed into the sympathetic nervous system. Activation of the SNS boosts blood pressure

★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ F R E E

From page 6

and heart rate, but “by heating up the skin you inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, which is probably a good thing if you’ve had a heart attack,” said Lowry. Mussivand cautions against people with heart failure rushing to the nearest spa, however. “Cardiologists currently don’t recommend that heart failure patients should be exposed to heat, so this has to be done under medical supervision,” he said. © 2012 New Scientist Magazine. Reed Business Information Ltd. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

F R E E

Saunas

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Repeat cortisone injections are common By Dr. Paul Carns Dear Mayo Clinic: How do cortisone shots work to relieve pain? It appears that they provide only temporar y relief and are often given multiple times. Is there a point at which frequent cortisone shots can be harmful to the body? How much is too much? Answer: Injections of cortisone, or a similar corticosteroid, decrease inflammation in an injured part of the body.

When body tissue is injured, a series of events occurs locally and within the bloodstream to promote healing. Inflammation can result from this healing process and, frequently, the inflammation causes pain. Injecting corticosteroids into the inflamed area helps to calm the inflammation. As the inflammation subsides, the pain does, too. Cortisone is naturally produced in the body’s adrenal glands. It was discovered in the 1940s by Mayo Clinic researchers Ed-

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ward Kendall, Ph.D., and Philip Hench, M.D., who first used it to treat joint disorders. Its powerful anti-inflammatory effect produced such dramatic results in people with rheumatoid arthritis that it was hailed as a miracle drug. In 1950, Drs. Kendall and Hench were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery of cortisone.

Helps tendinitis, gout and more In current medical practice, corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, including bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis and gout. Corticosteroids can be given by mouth or injected into affected joints, including the ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, hand and wrist. Injections near the spine are also common. You are correct that corticosteroid injections do not provide a permanent cure. However, pain relief from a corticosteroid injection may last from several weeks to several months, depending on the medical condition and the patient receiving it. Ideally, the relief provided by the injection decreases or eliminates pain long enough to allow the injury to completely heal. It is not uncommon, though, for repeat injections to be needed in patients experiencing chronic inflammatory conditions.

Side effect concerns Corticosteroids cause a number of side effects, which can be limited to the area in-

jected or affect the entire body. Side effects increase with larger doses and repeated clinical use. For this reason, physicians may limit the number of injections and the cumulative amount of corticosteroid that is given. Typically, corticosteroid injections are not given more often than every six weeks, and usually not more than three or four times a year. But these are only guidelines. A patient’s situation dictates the timing and frequency of treatment. Side effects may include weakening of the joint, increased blood pressure, elevation of blood sugar, and decreased ability to fight infection. Evidence of these side effects should be reported to the doctor monitoring the condition. Also important to note is that, although corticosteroid injections into a joint can relieve pain and restore mobility, in many cases they are combined with other medications and physical therapy to treat the underlying medical problem or injury. Physical therapy is particularly crucial because it can strengthen the muscles surrounding the injured area, so those muscles can provide proper joint support. This will increase the likelihood of long-term healing, as well as reduce the risk of repeat injury. For most effective use, corticosteroid injections should be repeated only when they produce substantial pain relief that lasts several weeks to several months. A physician should closely supervise an See CORTISONE, page 9

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June 28 I am a patient who had severe foot pain for 2 years, with no relief in sight....by the end of the 4 days I was 85% pain free in both feet. I thank God for Dr. Goldman and his passion for research in healing people with foot and leg pain. – Alvin, Baltimore

How fortunate I feel to have found a doctor who could not only diagnose an underlying problem that many specialists missed, but who has been able to find a painless and rapid method of relieving the worst symptoms. – Susan, Baltimore

As a podiatrist with over 30 years experience, I have always focused on conservative treatment of foot and leg pain. I find that most people with foot or leg symptoms (arthritic, aching, burning, cramping or difficulty walking) , even those who have had other treatments, including surgery of the foot (or back), can be helped, usually in 1or 2 visits. — Dr. Stuart Goldman

Stuart Goldman, DPM

410-235-2345

4419 Falls Road, Suite A, Baltimore 4000 Old Court Road, Suite 301, Pikesville

Fellow American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare Author, multiple articles on Foot & Leg Symptoms

H elP F orYour F eet.C oM

BONE DENSITY OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING

St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson is offering free bone density and osteoporosis screenings on June 28. You must not have been screened or had a DEXA scan in the past year. The screening involves an ultrasound test of the heel bone and education. Appointments required; call (410) 337-1479 to schedule.

Ongoing

FREE LEGAL SERVICES FOR BALTIMORE CITY SENIORS

Legal Services to the Elderly provides free legal assistance in general civil matters to Baltimore City seniors and provides education and outreach to seniors at local senior centers, nursing homes, and to other groups. For more information, log on to www.baltimorebar.org.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

Eating disorders can develop at any age Q: Can eating disorders occur even ment are those who had eating disorders in middle age or late life? earlier in life, whether or not they were actuA: Absolutely! In fact, incially diagnosed or treated, dence of eating disorders though some may first develop such as anorexia and bulimia, them later in life. Stress related as well as disordered patterns to divorce, infidelity, job loss or of eating and problems with change, or kids leaving the nest distorted body image, may be are possible triggers. increasing among middle Women of all ages are espeaged and older adults, whom cially targeted in cultural mesmany consider at low risk for sages that place extremely these problems. high value on thinness. For Eating disorders and disorvulnerable women, that can dered eating patterns often NUTRITION give an undesirable emotional flare up at times of transition WISE impact to messages about the in life in an effort to feel more By Karen Collins, health benefits of limiting MS, RD, CDM “in control” of something. midlife weight gain. Clinicians treating eating disChanging self-talk and orders report that many adults seeking treat- avoiding restrictive diets can help steer

Cortisone From page 8 individual’s total dose of corticosteroid, monitor the patient’s benefit, and check regularly for side effects. When used correctly, corticosteroid injections can be a useful part of therapy to treat the pain of acute and chronic inflammatory disease. Paul Carns is an anesthesiologist at the

people away from sliding into an eating disorder, but once one has developed, treatment from a multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals is essential. Regardless of age, appropriate treatment works. The National Eating Disorders Association lists some questions to ask when considering treatment options at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/general-information. php#seeking-treatment. Research is clear that overweight and obesity increase risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But reducing that risk does not mean pushing weight to unrealistically low and unhealthy levels that require rigid rules for “perfect” eating.

Most importantly, we all need to be clear that excess body fat defines a health risk — not who you are as a person. Q: How do almond and soy milks compare nutritionally to cow’s milk? A: For people avoiding cow’s milk due to allergy, lactose intolerance or other reasons, almond milk and soymilk are two of the most popular choices. Their popularity has led to many different options within each category, so check labels since nutritional content varies substantially. The calcium-fortified versions of soy and almond milk provide calcium amounts similar to cow’s milk (and some may proSee NUTRITION WISE, page 11

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. To submit a question, write to: medicaledge@mayo.edu, or Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2010 Westridge Drive, Irving, TX 75038. For health information, visit www.mayoclinic.com. © 2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc. ADVERTORIAL

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 optometrist, Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner and Baltimore optometrist 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 optometrist 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. 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.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health Studies Page

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study: can yoga lower high eye pressure? By Carol Sorgen Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. But you can also have hypertension in your eyes. Known as ocular hypertension, this condition means the pressure in your eyes (your intraocular pressure, or IOP) is higher than normal. If not treated, high eye pressure may cause glaucoma and permanent vision loss. Because yoga and meditation have been shown to help reduce conventional high blood pressure, a study is being conducted at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute to determine whether these might also be effective against ocular hypertension. Volunteers are being recruited now.

The dangers of high IOP There are no outward signs of ocular hy-

pertension, but it can be diagnosed by your eye care practitioner, who measures your IOP during a comprehensive eye exam and compares it with normal levels. According to the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study, 4.5 to 9.4 percent of Americans age 40 or older have ocular hypertension, which increases their risk of developing sight-threatening glaucoma. Factors that cause or are associated with ocular hypertension include: excess production of aqueous humor, the clear fluid produced in the eye; inadequate aqueous drainage, which disrupts the normal balance of production and drainage of the fluid; certain medications; eye trauma, even months or years after an injury; other eye conditions; as well as race, age and family history.

Although anyone can develop high eye pressure, African-Americans, people over age 40, and people with a family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma are at greater risk. If your eye doctor discovers you have ocular hypertension, he or she might prescribe eye drops to reduce your eye pressure. Because these medications can have side effects, some eye doctors take a cautious approach, monitoring your IOP and prescribing treatment only if other signs of glaucoma develop. Because of the increased risk for glaucoma with ocular hypertension, eye doctors recommend that you have your IOP measured at recommended intervals to monitor the condition.

Taking part in the study The study is being conducted by Johns Hopkins University researchers in an effort to determine whether yoga and meditation therapies may be successful in reducing intraocular pressure. The investigators’ objective is to determine if a combination of breathing, postures and meditation may help to reduce intraocular pressure in the short term after each yoga session, and also in the longterm following an eight-week program. Volunteers will participate in the yoga intervention sessions led by Dr. Pamela

Jeter once a week at Lions Vision and Research Rehabilitation, part of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, and will be asked to practice at home at least twice a week using an audio CD. Baseline IOP measures will be obtained at two visits prior to beginning yoga. At each weekly visit, the researchers will obtain two series of IOP measures about one hour apart to estimate trends over the eight-week intervention period. IOP will also be measured at a session one week after the yoga has ended and at a follow-up visit one month later. Participants will not be told their IOP results until they have completed the study. The investigators also hope to learn whether the practice of yoga has an effect on sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety and depression. You may be eligible for the study if you’re between the ages of 18 and 90, have been diagnosed with ocular hypertension in at least one eye and do not require treatment of IOP, and have no disease conditions that would be adversely affected by the practice of yoga. While no compensation is offered for participation, the yoga class and all testing is free of charge. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Pamela Jeter, PhD, at (410) 502-6434 or pjeter1@jhmi.edu, or Ava Bittner, OD, PhD, at (410) 502-6430 or abittne1@jhmi.edu.

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Ongoing

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Part-time employment training opportunities are available for eligi-

ble residents of Baltimore County through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Applicants must be 55 years of age or older, resi-

STUDIES ON ANEMIA

dents of Baltimore County, and meet federal income guidelines. Additional employment services are also available and employers can register their job

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

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

openings. For information call (410) 887-4006.

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

• Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or ﬂexibility exercises • Compensation for your time If interested call: 410-605-7179 & Mention code: LIFT at Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Line

We look forward to hearing from you!

*You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine *You will attend approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours each per visit

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeremy Walston, MD. IRB application No: NA_00035307

CALL TODAY!

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

Nutrition wise From page 9 vide fortification beyond the 30% of Daily Value found in cow’s milk). Beyond that, they are quite different nutritionally. Soymilk is closer to cow’s milk in protein content, providing 6 grams (g) in an 8-ounce glass compared to the 8 grams in cow’s milk. Almonds themselves are packed with protein, but almond milk is really not a source, supplying 1 gram per 8-ounce glass (less than you get in a slice of bread). Calorie content varies substantially. Unsweetened soymilk in regular or “lite” form is similar in calories to either 1% (lowfat) or skim (nonfat) cow’s milk. Unsweetened almond milk contains less than half the

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

NEW SERVICES DIRECTORY

The Friends of Arundel Seniors, Inc., and the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities have published the 2012-2013 edition of “Services for Seniors, Adults with Disabilities, and Caregivers.” Complimentary copies of the directory can be obtained at the Department’s headquarters at the Heritage Office Complex, 2666 Riva Rd., Fourth Floor, Annapolis, and at the Department’s seven senior activity centers, county public libraries, CVS drug stores, Food Lion grocery stores, and other stores in the county. The directory also is online at www.aacounty.org/aging; click on the title in the right-hand Quick Links column. For information, call Maryland Access Point/Information and Assistance at (410) 222-4257.

calories of soymilk. Choosing sweetened versions (including vanilla) adds from 2 to 5.5 teaspoons of sugar per cup, raising calories accordingly. Cow’s milk is highest in potassium, which helps control blood pressure, followed by soymilk; almond milk is much lower. On the other hand, almond milk is lower in sodium and supplies half of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E. For vegans and others who have trouble getting the heart-healthy omega-3 fats, one type of soymilk has added the omega-3 fat DHA. Consider what nutrients you want your milk choice to provide and choose accordingly, reading labels among the specific choices to find what best meets your needs.

RESEARCH STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED The Johns Hopkins University is currently recruiting men and women for a study examining the relationship between sleep apnea and glucose metabolism. Eligible participants will receive a sleep study, blood test, EKG and other medical tests. Participants will be compensated up to $860 for their time. Subjects must be between 21 and 75, and in good health. Please call 410-550-4891 and ask for Kelly Devine, Project Coordinator, for more information.

The

Please patronize our advertisers. They keep the Beacon free! Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren Are you a grandmother raising a grandchild age 4-12? Would you like to take part in a support and learning group? We are sponsoring grandparent programs and research to measure their impact. We provide compensation for interviews plus on-site babysitting and a meal during group sessions that last about 2 hrs and meet once a week for 10 weeks. For more information, call toll-free 855-462-8766. Dr. Frederick Strieder • Family Connections 1701 Madison Avenue • Baltimore, MD 21217

Breast Cancer Study Breast cancer survivors between the ages of 45-80 years needed to participate in a diet and exercise research study. Work with doctors, dieticians and exercise physiologists to change your diet and physical activity to help improve your fitness. Includes cardiac, diabetes, and blood pressure risk evaluation. No diet drugs. If you are interested, please call U. of MD-BVAMC 410-605-7179 mention code: breast cancer

Trouble Sleeping?

Volunteer for a Sleep & Sensory Tes ng Study Study Principal Investigator: Naresh Punjabi, M.D., Ph.D. Application Number: NA_00036672

Services We Oﬀer: • Skilled Nursing • Certiﬁed CNA/GNAs • Personal Care • Companion Care • Meal Preparation • House Keeping Ask us about a FREE Initial Assessment and 1 Free Shift

“I found your aides professional, compassionate and dedicated. I highly recommend Jerry’s Caring Hands. What Peace of Mind!” — Pamela, Baltimore MD

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are looking for volunteers to par!cipate in a research study examining the associa!on between sleep and sensory abili!es.

➢ To par cipate in this study, you must be: • 50 Years of age or older • Have Trouble Staying Asleep • Be otherwise Healthy

➢ Compensa on up to $330.00

➢ This study involves: • 1 Sleep study conducted in your home • Sensory and Physical tes!ng @ Johns Hopkins • 1 Blood draw • Parking and Tests provided at no cost

Michael T. Smith, Ph.D., Principal Inves!gator Protocol: NA_00011802 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Approved 04/5/2010

For informa on, please call (410) 550-7906

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

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

014331RXX11

BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

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B-2

Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

‘Villages’ help neighbors stay neighbors By Ben Nuckols Weaver Shepperson has been blind for nearly 50 years. He’s lived alone since his wife died in 1999 and needs transportation several times a month to visit his doctors. Yet he doesn’t plan to move out of the row house in Washington’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood where he’s lived since 1955. The 80-year-old is part of a burgeoning movement among older adults determined to stay in their homes as long as possible. With the help of nonprofit groups known as “villages,” they’re enjoying many of the perks that residents of retirement or assisted-living communities receive, at a fraction of the cost. Shepperson pays $530 annually for mem-

bership in Capitol Hill Village. It enables him to receive a ride to the doctor’s office from the village’s network of volunteers. The village also takes care of his grocery shopping. Without it, he says he might have had to move into assisted living. “After the village became available, I stopped thinking about what my other alternatives would be,” he said. Capitol Hill Village is one of the oldest and most robust of the roughly 65 active villages nationwide. It’s been around four years and has more than 350 members. While the village movement is gaining momentum, it’s not yet an option available to the vast majority of older Americans. There also are questions about the longterm viability of the organizations.

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

410-837-0180 www.westminsterhouseapts.org 524 North Charles Street (utilities included, underground parking available)

Aging in place is popular The desire of Americans to live at home instead of moving into retirement or assisted-living communities — known as “aging in place” — has always been strong. AARP surveys consistently show that nearly 90 percent of people 65 and older want to stay in their homes as long as possible. But what if you have to stop driving? Or can’t change light bulbs, maintain the yard, or get into the attic? For most people, there are few options beyond relying on relatives or neighbors. This was the dilemma that led a group of friends in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood to create the village concept. Beacon Hill Village began accepting members in 2002; Capitol Hill Village was one of the first to duplicate the model successfully. In addition to rides and other favors that volunteers can provide, most villages offer what they call a “concierge service” — a connection to a list of pre-screened vendors who can provide discounted services such as plumbing or home repair. About half of the nation’s villages are concentrated in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Between 10,000 and 13,000 people are members, according to the Village-toVillage Network, which tracks and coordinates villages around the country. The Washington area is a hotspot for vil-

lages, with 17 up and running and another 10 under development.

Baltimore’s fledgling villages In Baltimore, Village at Home, which covers a number of neighborhoods in north Baltimore City, began last November. And Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI) — the Associated’s housing and community development agency — is planning to help open a village in North Park Heights in January and exploring developing additional villages in Northwest Baltimore. So far, Village at Home has 27 members and is working to attract new ones, according to Susan Newhouse, a social worker who serves as the village’s unpaid executive director. Because the concept is new in the Baltimore area, she’s finding a large part of her job is educating residents on what a village can do for them. “Everything takes a little while to catch on and for people to get their arms around it,” she said. “Some people look puzzled, but the people who get it, their eyes light up when they hear about it,” she said. Village at Home offers volunteer-provided services, from transportation to computer help to friendly visitors, as well as access to vetted handymen, electricians and See VILLAGES, page B-3

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

Villages From page B-2 other household help. Membership is $800 for an individual or $1,200 for a couple in a household. Baltimore is ripe for launching villages, said Ken Gelula, CHAI’s executive director. The Associated, the Jewish Federation of Baltimore, did a study in 2010 that found that the population of Baltimore-area Jewish residents over age 85 had grown 166 percent since 1999. And they thought that both the service recipients and volunteers would find the village concept appealing. The villages will include all interested residents and are non-denominational. “We felt we were at a point in time with a growing baby boomer retiree population who are available, and a population that one might expect…might want to get involved in a grassroots movement,” Gelula said. CHAI has held meetings for groups of people who might be interested in joining or helping the villages, such as widows and the newly retired, both to spread the word and get their feedback on what might be most helpful.

Cost concerns Whether in Baltimore or elsewhere in the U.S., most villages are located in densely populated, relatively affluent urban or suburban communities. More

than 90 percent of their members are white, according to a survey last year by the University of California, Berkeley. Despite their members’ deep pockets, no village has managed to fund itself through membership fees alone. All rely on donations, grants or, in some cases, the willingness of directors to run them for free. Andrew Scharlach, a Berkeley gerontologist who’s conducted the most extensive academic research on villages, said the village movement remains a boutique phenomenon. But he believes there’s potential for growth, and he doesn’t think memberships — which tend to average between $500 and $700 a year — are cost-prohibitive in most cases. “Two dollars, a dollar and a half a day is conceivably affordable,” Scharlach said. “I think one might conclude that the price of admission, the membership fee by itself, is not going to be an overwhelming barrier [even] for people of modest means.” Scharlach and other experts note that as baby boomers age, the demand for traditional services for the elderly will only increase, making villages a more attractive option. Maureen Cavaiola, the executive director of At Home Chesapeake, a village in Severna Park, Md., said the village model appeals to independent-minded boomers who don’t want to think of themselves as old. Many villages have subsidized memberships for those who can’t afford the full price of a membership. Beacon Hill, for ex-

ample, charges $640 for an individual membership and $925 for a household, but low-income members pay $110 for an individual or $160 for a household. About a quarter of Beacon Hill’s members are in the subsidized program, and there’s a small waiting list for inclusion, executive director Judy Willet said. Established villages like Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill have sophisticated fundraising operations, but even Beacon Hill lost members during the recession. Others are on much shakier ground.

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Home Chesapeake, another small village with 35 members. She’s exploring partnerships with companies that want to reach her member base, but unless she can dramatically increase membership, her village faces a bleak future. “It’s not sustainable, no, absolutely not. But I’m willing to push it through, probably another two years,” Cavaiola said. “I feel we’re on the cusp.” Other villages have tried to entice members with much-lower prices. The One Call Club in Knoxville, Tenn., was launched with the help of a grant and charges just

Enticing residents, partners See VILLAGES, page B-4

Cavaiola volunteers her time to lead At

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Advice on how to hire home care providers Excerpted from “Receiving Care at Home” by the MetLife Mature Market Institute. Q. How do I choose a home care agency? A. Given the number of agencies available in the area, you may want to compare one to another. Ask for referrals from friends who may have used an agency. Check for quality of services and possible infractions. You can also check with the Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau, which will have a record of any specific complaint lodged against an agency. You may find some of these questions helpful in narrowing down your choices: • Depending on your needs, does the agency provide both nursing and non-medical/personal care? • What are the qualifications and training of the workers?

• Are the workers supervised, and if so, by whom? • Are there a minimum number of hours required? • Is there a written description of services and fees? Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a home care agency? A. The home health agency provides you with a number of advantages. The agency will create and implement a comprehensive care plan and coordinate this with you and the physician, and manage the administrative details, such as payroll (including state, federal, unemployment, Social Security, disability taxes, workers’ compensation, and paperwork like the I-9 employment eligibility form), screening and supervisory oversight. Another advantage of hiring through an

agency is that they can provide you with a variety of caregivers for back-up coverage so that, in most instances, you will not be without care should one caregiver be unavailable. A commonly cited disadvantage is the cost. The home care agency is usually more expensive than hiring a person privately. Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring privately? A. When you hire a person privately, you become the employer and take on the administrative and supervisory roles as additional responsibilities. However, because the nature of the work is very personal, and the relationship is key, some people prefer to search for an individual whose temperament will be most compatible with their own. The other reasons that you may choose

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Designed and managed for today’s seniors at these locations: ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY "#$%&'(!)$&%'*!410-761-4150 ! "#$%&'( +(,($%&!-&$.!410-544-3411 ! +(,($%& )/0123456!7218 )/0123456 ! /9*:&%;!1($$&'(!410-276-6440 ! 7<:;9=$>%?!410-542-4400 )/0123456!74@A18 ! 7&B<%9,>::(!410-719-9464 ! C#%;&:.!410-288-5483 ! "#::($B<%!410-663-0665 ! 3>$&D&$!0&%;>%?!410-391-8375 ! 5&%;&::9B<E%!410-655-5673 ! 5<9(;&:(!410-866-1886 ! 1<E9<%!F1>D<B*G!H<#9(I!410-828-7185 ! 1&G:<$!410-663-0363 ! J<<;:&E%!410-281-1120

6/+165A!+H456 ! 6&9B<%!410-770-3070 H/5"45C!74@A18 ! )<K!H>::!410-515-6115 ! )(:!/>$!410-893-0064 H4J/5C!74@A18 ! 7<:<%>&:!0&%;>%?!410-796-4399 ! 7<:#DL>&!410-381-1118 ! +%<E;(%!5>,($!410-290-0384 ! 6::>'<BB!7>BG!410-203-9501 ! 6::>'<BB!7>BG!22!410-203-2096 ! 6D($9<%!301-483-3322 -52A76!M645M6N+!74@A18 NOW! O! ):&;(%9L#$?!301-699-9785 *55 or Better ! 0&#$(:!301-490-1526 ! 0&#$(:!22!301-490-9730

EEEP-&$.Q>(E+(%><$0>,>%?P'<D Call the community nearest you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour or email seniorliving@sheltergrp.com. Professionally managed by The Shelter Group. www.thesheltergroup.com

to hire privately include: • You have more control over the duties and responsibilities. • The cost is typically lower than that of an agency. • You will determine the scheduling. If you decide to hire an independent caregiver you should be prepared to: • Locate potential caregivers, • Screen applicants, • Conduct interviews, • Run background checks, and • Administer payroll, including Social Security and other taxes. Q. How do I find an independent caregiver? A. Getting referrals from people you trust will be your first step. People in your community, church, synagogue, mosque See HOME CARE, page B-5

Villages From page B-3 $50 for a membership. But the grant runs out in July, program manager Kathy Sergeant said, and it needs 2,700 members to be sustainable. It has 500 now. The University of Tennessee evaluates One Call Club members and has found that emergency room visits have declined among people who join the village. Members have also reported that their overall health has either held steady or improved since joining. Some villages are open to middle-aged people or to people of all ages. Casey Chandler, 65, has been a member of Capitol Hill Village since it launched, and so far she’s volunteered to help others more than she’s used the services. But she still says she’s getting her money’s worth. Those who rely on villages can’t imagine living any other way. Irving Lindenblad, 82, joined Palisades Village in northwest Washington a few years ago along with his wife, who died last year. Lindenblad had kidney cancer, and would have moved into assisted living if it weren’t for the village. Lindenblad died shortly after this interview. “If you already have your own house, this opens up a whole new field for you….Every one of the volunteers I’ve had has been very high-quality, educated and so on,” Lindenblad said. “What surprised me pleasantly is how much of a spirit of generosity there is in the community.” For more information, contact the following Baltimore-area sources: • Village at Home, north Baltimore City, http://villageathome.org, (410) 2353171 • CHAI, http://chaibaltimore.org, Northwest Baltimore (410) 466-1990 • At Home Chesapeake (Severna Park), www1.athome-chesapeake.org, (410) 647-1997 — AP, with additional reporting by Barbara Ruben

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

Home care From page B-4 or spiritual affiliation may be able to assist you in your search for a caregiver. Your primary care physician may have recommendations for caregivers. Disease-specific organizations such as the ALS Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, American Parkinson Disease Association, American Heart Association and others may know of independent caregivers who are looking for work. They may also be able to provide recommendations from families who have used them in the past. Check with your local senior center or senior clubs as they may have a list of individual caregivers. Word of mouth can often be your best route for finding the right person. [You can also check classified ads, but

be sure to ask for three references and speak to all of them.] Q. Are there professionals who can assist with this process? A. If you are having difficulty finding a caregiver to meet your needs, you might want to consider using a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) to assist you. This is usually a nurse or a social worker who can assist with evaluation and overseeing a care plan. A care manager would be able to assist you in the hiring and interviewing process, as well as ongoing monitoring once you have a caregiver in place. This is especially helpful if you are a family member of someone who needs care and you live a distance from your family member. Some care managers work independently and others may work through an agency. In either instance, the amount the care

manager would charge for services and costs would vary based on the type and amount of service you require. Prior to enlisting the services of a GCM, you should ask for a fee schedule for his or her services. Q. What questions would I need to ask a potential caregiver? A. Once you have candidates for the position, you will need to conduct interviews. You can narrow the field by first conducting a telephone interview. During the conversation confirm: • Number of days per week and hours per day you will expect them to work • Caregiving duties and expectations • Salary and benefits • That they have a valid driver’s license • Smoking policy After successfully screening applicants over the phone, you will want to meet

B-5

them for a more in-depth interview. Each caregiving situation is unique, so your questions should reflect your needs and preferences and the requirements related to the work. Having another person with you at the time of the inter view will help you compare observations and notes once the meeting is over. Here are some examples of questions you may want to include in the discussion: • What has been your prior work experience? • What are your qualifications? • Have you worked with people with similar impairments? • How did you decide to work in this field? • Do you have a resume and/or referSee HOME CARE, page B-6

BEACON BITS

July 3

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN ARBUTUS

Arbutus Senior Center is sponsoring a Yankee Doodle party and luncheon on Tuesday, July 3, from noon to 2 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by singer and guitarist Ellis Woodward. Wear your red, white and blue. Make a patriotic craft at 10:30 a.m. Suggested donation for lunch is $2.50. RSVP to (410) 887-1410. The center is located at 855 A Sulphur Spring Rd. in Halethorpe.

July 26

BACK TO SCHOOL PREVIEW

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University will hold a preview of Fall 2012 classes on Thursday, July 26, at Goucher College, Merrick Lecture Hall, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. The program is from 10 a.m. to noon, and is free and open to the public. For more information or to make a reservation, call (410) 704-3688.

July 20

LEARN HOW TO CAN YOUR PRODUCE

Charlene Meyers from Culinary Morsels will demonstrate how to can vegetables and fruit grown from the garden at the Arbutus Senior Center on Friday, July 20, at 1 p.m. RSVP by July 17 to (410) 887-1410. The Center is located at 855 A Sulphur Spring Road in Halethorpe.

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Reserve your seat at our next complimentary Luncheon and Seminar Series. Call 443.578.8008. 13801 York Rd. Cockeysville, MD 21030 TTY/Voice - Maryland Relay Service 1.800.201.7165

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HOME CARE

Comfort Keepers - Towson 410-339-7056 1055 Taylor Ave., Suite 302 Towson, MD 21286 www.comfortkeepers.com/oﬃce-667 When you or someone you love needs assistance to stay in the comfort of their own home, Comfort Keepers of Towson can provide high quality, compassionate care on a temporary or long-term basis. Our commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the lives of seniors is the underpinning of everything we do. We hire Comfort Keepers (certified nursing assistants and companions) who love working with seniors! And it's their Interactive Caregiving® that sets us apart from other agencies. We empower the client to make decisions and participate in activities so they can control their environment as much as possible. Owners Caroline Cowdrey and Anita Read are happy to talk to you about your situation and to develop an individual RN-supervised Care Plan to meet your needs.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Meadows of Reisterstown Senior Apartments 410-526-3380 300 Cantata Court Reisterstown, MD 21136 www.ﬁrstcentrum.com Enjoy carefree leisure living at The Meadows—an affordable senior apartment community for seniors 62+. Each spacious one- and twobedroom apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, roomy closets and a balcony or patio. You can exercise the mind in the library and media room or the body in our fitness area. Keypad entry and the emergency response system provide peace of mind. The atomosphere is filled with gracious living. Here, you will appreciate not having to worry about maintenance chores. At the same time, you can take advantage of nearby shops, library, banks, postal services, grocery store and convenience to I-695. We invite you to tour The Meadows of Reisterstown.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Overlook at Monarch Mills 866-429-1266 7570 Monarch Mills Way Columbia, MD 21046 Overlook at Monarch Mills offers Seniors 62 or better a beautiful and convenient place to call home. Residents can enjoy musical entertainment at Merriweather Post Pavilion, shop at The Mall in Columbia and dine in the most popular local restaurants. This amenity-rich facility has an exercise room, beauty salon, arts and crafts room, library and cyber-center as well as a community room featuring a fireplace and kitchen. Call 866-429-1266 or email monarchmills@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. We look forward to meeting you!

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Communities for life By Roberta Schultz Benor A continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also called a life care community, is one where both your current requirements and your future medical needs are met. Its contract provides for lifelong housing of independent living, assisted living, medical care services, and long-term care, including skilled nursing services. An inviting aspect of this kind of housing is that you can move in while you are able to live independently and still remain at the facility should you get sick or become unable to care for yourself. Many of these facilities emphasize preventative healthcare. The services include meals, housekeeping, transportation, personal care assistance and activities. Most CCRCs have restrictions on age, assets, income, health and mobility. You may or may not have to move to different sections in the same facility depending on the level of care you need. There are two parts to your financial obligation. You are responsible for an entrance fee, which in many contracts becomes part of your estate when you die, and for the monthly payments, whether you own or rent the unit. There are several types of contracts: extensive (provides unlimited long-term care without much increase in the monthly fees), modified (designates a specific

amount of care beyond which you pay additional fees), or fee-for-service (requires you to pay for health services at daily nursing care rates). It’s important to read all the fine print, and a good idea to contact an attorney to advise you on specifics for that facility. There is a national Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC), which sets standards and conducts evaluations of many facilities. When you visit a facility, ask if they have such an evaluation and review it. Be sure to tour all the areas that provide the different levels of care to help you decide if this kind of senior housing is right for you. The good points of this kind of housing: You may remain in the same facility, or at least on the same campus, from when you move in until you die. This continuity relieves the anxiety about having to move to another setting. The bad points of this kind of housing: You may have to pay a large entrance fee. Your neighbors will be at various points along the health spectrum, and when you move in as a healthy person, you may not want to be around those who are ailing. However, you’ll know that should you someday become ill, it is still your home. Excerpted from The Keys to Senior Housing: A Guide for Two Generations, available at www.amazon.com or from Publish America by calling (240) 529-1031.

Home care

• www.knowx.com • www.backgroundcheckgateway.com Additional information beyond the basic search is sometimes offered at an additional cost. If the candidate states they are a certified nurse’s aide (CNA), confirm in which state they hold the certificate. Obtain the certificate number and Social Security number of the candidate and call the state’s Department of Health to confirm certification. *Note: You will need a signed release from potential employees stating that they agree to a background check. There should also be a place for their Social Security number on the release. Q. How do I ensure that the caregiver understands and agrees to the responsibilities? A. Once you have reviewed all of the interview material, completed background checks and contacted references, you can make your decision. Call the person as soon as possible to confirm the job position. You should make an appointment to meet with him or her to review the job responsibilities. You may want to have your caregiver sign a written contract. Prepare two copies of the contract so you each retain a signed original. In this written contract, be sure to clearly explain the following items: • Starting date of position, • The hours and days of employment, • Time off/vacation policy, • Pay scale, benefits, and pay periods, and • The person responsible for supervision and job performance monitoring.

From page B-5 ences that can be contacted? • Do you have any health restrictions that would limit your ability to do the job? • Do you own a car and have a valid driver’s license? • Are you able to prepare meals? (if that’s something you want) • Can you commit to the days and hours required? When the meeting comes to an end, you will want to let the individual know that you will need to conduct a background check and that you will call them as soon as it is complete. While you may feel uncomfortable asking for this, it may be useful to know that this is a routine process used by home health agencies and nursing homes. Confirm a telephone number and address where the individual can be reached for follow up. Q. How can I do a background check? A. It is always advisable to conduct a background check to verify past employment, check references, and verify credentials that they say they have. Call past employers that the candidates listed as references. Ask: • How long was the person employed? • Why were their services terminated? • Were they dependable? • Would you rehire them? If you have Internet access, you may be able to locate a company that will perform a background check online for you for a minimal fee. Examples of such companies are:

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

Big & small ways to save on energy costs By Patricia Mertz Esswein You can’t do much about how much energy costs, but you can control how much of it you use. One place to start is with a home energy audit. Do-it-yourselfers can try Energy Star’s Home Energy Yardstick (www.energystar.gov) or, for a more in-depth look, the Home Energy Saver, developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (http://hes.lbl.gov/consumer). For a more rigorous evaluation, you could hire an energy auditor. The auditor will size up your home inside and out, basement to attic, and run tests to measure the efficiency of your heating equipment and the leakiness of your home’s exterior. A typical audit takes three to four hours and costs $250 to $600. Local utilities often offer discounted audits. Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E) customers can get a free Quick Home Energy Check-up, a onehour home examination, by calling (877) 685-7377 or visiting http://www.bgesmartenergy.com and clicking on “Quick Home Energy Check-up.” A more detailed audit is available for $100. The Department of Energy estimates that the average U.S. household pays a hefty $1,900 annually in utility bills. The biggest slices are likely to be heating and cooling (about 40 percent), and water heating and lighting (each about 10 percent). With a few no-sweat moves, you can reduce your annual costs by $250 to $300.

Turning down costs Start attacking your heating and cooling bills by using a programmable thermostat. Set the temperature as high as you can tolerate it in the summer and as low as possible in winter, and program the thermostat for greater energy savings when you’re

sleeping or away from the house. In summer, for example, every degree you set your air conditioning above 72 degrees will save you 3 to 5 percent on your energy bill. You’ll make an even bigger dent if you reduce “solar gain” from sundrenched windows by closing curtains or shades during the day. If you haven’t replaced incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, target your home’s five most-used or hardest-toreach fixtures — say, in your kitchen or family room.

Appliance and hot water tips Use your dishwasher’s air-dry option, or turn it off and crack the door after the final rinse. To save on hot water, keep your showers short, and switch from the hot wash/warm rinse setting on your washing machine to warm/cold or cold/cold. If you need to replace or add an appliance, big or small, buy an Energy Star model. One-fourth of all American homes have an energy-sucking second refrigerator, usually retired from the kitchen to the garage or basement. BG&E offers a $50 cash incentive to recycle your old refrigerator and will pick it up for you. Call (866) 898-1901 to schedule a pickup. And stop the drain of “vampire” appliances and electronics that use energy even when they’re turned off. For a comprehensive listing of financial incentives to save energy, by state, visit www.dsireusa.org. Patricia Mertz Esswein is an associate editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Bay Forest Senior Apartments 410-295-7557 930 Bay Forest Ct. Annapolis, MD 21403 www.ﬁrstcentrum.com Love to be close to the water? Then you will love it at Bay Forest Senior Apartments. An affordable independent community for persons 62 years of age or better! A beautifully landscaped country setting with plenty of parking for you and your visitors. Only 10 minutes from Annapolis Historic City Dock, which offers a variety of stores, restaurants, banks and the Watermark Cruises boat tours. Just a few minutes’ drive from the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and walking distance to the Quiet Waters Park. You’ll love the 24-hour emergency maintenance service, many activities hosted by the resident association and the convenience of joining fellow residents at the nutrition site located in the community room for a hot lunch Monday through Friday. Come visit Bay Forest soon, we’re waiting for you!!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Charlestown 410-737-8830 715 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, MD 21228 www.ericksonliving.com Charlestown in Catonsville is the ideal choice for active seniors who want to live a vibrant lifestyle in a setting that’s safe and beautiful. Every maintenance-free apartment home on our private campus is a short indoor stroll to a clubhouse full of exciting amenities, services, clubs and classes. Here, you’ll enjoy the stability of predictable monthly expenses and the convenience of on-site health and wellness services with our full continuum of care. Schedule your personal campus tour today.

BEACON BITS

July 18

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY TOUR ANNAPOLIS Enjoy a seeing Annapolis on a narrated trolley tour and lunch at

Harrison’s Chesapeake Restaurant on Wednesday, July 18. The cost for this trip, hosted by the Pikesville Senior Center, is $65. Reserve a spot by calling (410)

13801 York Road Cockeysville, MD 21030 www.broadmead.org

484-5285.

Ongoing

Broadmead 410-527-1900

LEGAL SERVICES FOR SENIORS The Legal Services for Senior Citizens Program provides free legal assistance, consultation and/or representation to Maryland sen-

iors age 60 or older on healthcare issues, income maintenance, nutrition, housing and utilities, protective services, and unemployment benefits. An attorney will assist in defending a senior in a lawsuit when there is a substantial risk to the client’s person, property or civil rights. Referrals to other legal resources will be made for issues not listed above. Call the Maryland Senior Legal Hotline at (410) 951-7750 or 1-800-896-4213.

Nestled amid 94 acres in the picturesque Hunt Valley countryside, Broadmead offers gardenstyle courtyard homes with a variety of floor plans including private patios or patio enclosures and personal gardens. Broadmead offers exceptional dining venues, a vibrant lifestyle and community amenities including a fitness and aquatic center, trips and transportation, entertainment, activities and more. We offer an all-inclusive healthcare program including an onsite medical center with physicians available 24-hours-a-day, pharmacy services and continuum of care for the ultimate peace of mind.

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Hiring a contractor? Follow these steps By David Pitt Anyone who has ever wanted to remodel a kitchen or a bathroom knows how such projects tend to linger. When times are tight, homeowners often put off renovations as they cut back on anything but necessities. All told, spending on remodeling and repairs fell from $326 billion at the 2007 peak to an estimated $280 billion last year, ac-

cording to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard. And a languishing housing market will mean a slow recovery. “There’s a huge labor pool out there of people who may be qualified in their particular area, but not qualified to manage or run an entire remodeling project,” said Dean Herriges, president-elect of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). “The market is flooded

BEACON BITS

June 30+

IMAGINING PARADISE

The Walters Museum explores the art of gardens and the crossfertilization of garden imagery between the East and West in “Paradise Imagined: The Garden in the Islamic and Christian World,” on view from June 30 through Sept. 23. The Walters is located in Mount Vernon at the corner of Charles and Centre Streets. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. General admission to the permanent collection is free. Prices are subject to change and may vary for special exhibitions. For more information, visit www.thewalters.org.

Ongoing

HONORING 1812

Paintings, prints and photographs by regional artists depicting themes related to the War of 1812’s Chesapeake Campaign and the maritime heritage of Baltimore and Maryland will be on display at two galleries in downtown Baltimore. Crystal Moll Gallery, located at 1030 S. Charles St., hosts one of the exhibitions, through July 7. The other display will be at the World Trade Center’s Lobby Gallery, 401 E. Pratt St., to June 29. For more information, visit www.crystalmollgallery.com.

with people who may think they’re capable of doing remodeling projects, but they’re not.” The economy has been hard on contractors who saw work dry up. That has created a lot of eager carpenters, plumbers, drywall installers and others looking for work. So if you’re looking to a contractor you may be able to find an attractive price, but choose carefully. Here are five key steps to follow in the hiring process. 1. Obtain referrals There are several ways to find potential contractors. Usually the easiest is to begin by seeking recommendations from family members and friends. Tap into social networking sites, such as Facebook, to expand your reach. Keep in mind though that anyone making a personal referral may not have had the same type of work done or a similar budget. Another option is to join the consumerreviews website Angie’s List at http://www.angieslist.com and research contractors there. Joining requires a monthly fee, often around $5, although it’s cheaper if you sign up for a year or more. Suggestions could also come from local professionals who do business with reliable contractors, including your city’s building inspector or a lumber supply store. 2. Interview candidates Armed with a list, make some calls to get a sense for how comfortable you’ll be with them working in and around your home. NARI suggests a list of questions to ask a potential contractor at http://www.nari. org. They include: • How long have you been in business? • Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job, and will workers be em-

ployees or subcontractors? • Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance? • How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year? • May I have a list of references from those projects and a list of business referrals or suppliers? • Do you belong to any professional associations? 3. Avoid red flags During your search it’s helpful to know a few sure signs of trouble. For example, a contractor offering an extremely low bid signals he’s likely cutting costs with cheap material or on labor. Poor quality materials, or a contractor rushing to get a project done cheaply, will end in disaster. “You’re shopping for a final finished product. That doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price,” said Herriges, who is also a contractor in Mukwonago, Wis. “You’re shopping for value.” Here are a few other red flags from a potential contractor: • There’s a request for significant money up front, say more than a third. It’s a sign there may be cash flow issues. • There’s a demand to be paid in cash only. • The contractor doesn’t have a physical business address, just a post office box number. • The contractor sought you out saying he was in the area and wanted to give you a discount. 4. Narrow the field From the calls, winnow your choices down to three. Double check references to make sure past projects were done on time, at the expected price, and that the quality and cleanup was satisfactory. State consumer affairs or consumer proSee CONTRACTOR, page B-10

Pull out this special section and keep, or give it to a friend to read!

Our beautiful apartment homes always sell fast and continue to have long waiting lists. Currently, only a small number of available apartments at both Charlestown and Oak Crest remain! When you experience the lifestyle that Charlestown and Oak Crest offer, you’ll soon see why they’re the most popular destinations for healthy and active senior living. Don’t miss out on this engaging lifestyle that offers the security and peace of mind you deserve.

Call 1-800-647-0317 for a free brochure and get the latest information on the very last of our available homes.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

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

HOUSING COMMUNITIES: ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Atrium Village . . .B-2 and B-14 Bay Forest . . . . . . .B-7 and B-15 Bentley Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . B-3 Broadmead . . . . . .B-5 and B-7 Charlestown . . . . . .B-7 and B-8 Charlotte Hall . . . . . . . . . . B-13 Glen Forest . . . . .B-10 and B-15 Meadows at Reisterstown . . . .B-6 and B-15 Oak Crest . . . . . . .B-8 and B-14 Oaks at Liberty . . .B-3 and B-12 Overlook at Monarch Mills . .B-6 Park View Dundalk B-4 and B-10 Park View Easton .B-4 and B-12

❑ Park View Ellicott City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 and B-14 ❑ Park View Towson (Timothy House) .B-4 and B-12 ❑ Renaissance Gardens . . . . .B-13 ❑ Tudor Heights . . . . . . . . . .B-11 ❑ Weinberg Gardens . . . . . . .B-16 ❑ Weinberg House . . . . . . . .B-16 ❑ Weinberg Manhattan Park .B-16 ❑ Weinberg Manor East . . . .B-16 ❑ Weinberg Manor West . . . .B-16 ❑ Weinberg Park Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-16 ❑ Weinberg Place . . . . . . . . .B-16 ❑ Weinberg Terrace . . . . . . . .B-16 ❑ Weinberg Village .B-10 and B-16

❑ Weinberg Woods . . . . . . . .B-16 ❑ Westminster House . . . . . . . . .B-2

IN-HOME CARE OR SKILLED CARE: ❑ Blue Point Nursing & Rehab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15 ❑ Comfort Keepers . B-6 and B-10 ❑ Elizabeth Cooney Agency . . .B-3 ❑ Holly Hill Rehab . . . . . . . . B-14 ❑ Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . B-11 ❑ Northwest Nursing & Rehab B-15 ❑ Private Home Care . . . . . . .B-8 ❑ Progressive Home Care . . . . B-5 ❑ White Oak Health Care . . . B-12

MISCELLANEOUS: ❑ Senior Transitions . . . . . . . .B-5

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this entire coupon to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227. You may also include the housing info coupon on page 7. One entry per household please. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________ Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) ________________________________________________ BB 7/12

Please provide your telephone number or e-mail address so we may contact you promptly if you win the drawing.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Glen Forest Senior Apartments 410-969-2000 7975 Crain Hwy Glen Burnie MD 21061 www.ﬁrstcentrum.com Glen Forest is centrally located to the numerous conveniences of the region, including Baltimore Washington International Airport, the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and North Arundel Hospital. This independent living community for persons 62 years of age or better is also convenient to local shopping and dining that can be found throughout the Glen Burnie and Baltimore area. A shopping mall is located right across from the property, and includes grocery, clothing and other stores, banks and restaurants. While living at Glen Forest you will enjoy many activities hosted by the resident association, a senior center nutrition site that serves a hot lunch Monday through Friday for a nominal fee and carefree 24 hour emergency maintenance service. Come visit and see why our residents love it here at Glen Forest.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

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

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Contractor From page B-8 tection agencies often register contractors and keep records of complaints. To check whether a contractor is licensed in Maryland, use the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) search engine, http://www.dllr.state.md.us/pq. For a more in-depth background check, you can call the DLLR at (410) 230-6309 to check the complaint history of a contractor. Many local or state governments also require proof of licensing before a contractor can apply for necessary permits, including Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County. The Better Business Bureau also is a resource for checking on past complaints. After all of the background checks, set up face-to-face meetings with those who pass your initial screen to discuss your project and get written estimates. Make sure to ask for an estimate that breaks down material and labor costs so you’ll be

able to make specific service comparisons. 5. Finalize the deal Get an agreement in writing. A formal contract will provide protection in case something goes wrong. For instance, problems may arise if the contractor doesn’t pay his suppliers. If he still owes money on the material or labor used in your project, you’ll want to have a lien waiver in place. This prevents a lumber company or subcontractor from placing a lien on your home for the contractor’s unpaid bills. Also ask for a certificate of insurance proving the contractor has liability and workman’s compensation insurance in case there’s an accident. The contract also should include details including a beginning date, a completion date, and how payments will be made. It’s typical to pay a third up front, a third when the project is half done, and the final third once the job is done and meets your expectations. — AP

BEACON BITS

July 4

PICNIC AT THE TOP Come enjoy music, food and a great view of the Fourth of July fire-

works at Top of the World Observation Level on Wednesday, July 4, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost $75 for adults, $30 for children. Top of the World Observation Level is located on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center at 401 E. Pratt St. For more information, visit www.viewbaltimore.org or call (410) 837-VIEW.

June 29

DOWNS PARK TRIP Take a trip to Downs Park at 9:30 a.m. on June 29, hosted by the Brooklyn Park Senior Center. Stroll on the park walking trails,

enjoy the views of the Chesapeake Bay, sit under a tree and relax. Bring a picnic lunch. The cost is $6. Return is at 1:30 p.m. The Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center is located at 202 Hammonds Ln. For information, call (410) 222-6847 or visit www.aacounty.org/aging.

IN-HOME SENIOR CARE SERVICES

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Park View at Dundalk 410-288-5483 103 Center Place Dundalk, MD 21222 parkviewdundalk@sheltergrp.com Park View at Dundalk offers carefree living for those Seniors 62 or better right in the heart of historic Dundalk. Just a block from Dundalk Avenue, this community has easy access to public transportation, shopping and restaurants. East Point Mall and Johns Hopkins Bayview are just minutes away. Residents enjoy many social, recreational and educational activities including bus trips. Our residents receive up to four hot, nutritional, low-cost meals per week in conjunction with the on-site Balto. Co. Eating Together Program. This controlled-access elevator building offers such amenities as a community room, clothing care center, and fitness center. Call 410-288-5483 or email parkviewdundalk@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. Come see what you’re missing!

He’s Always Been An Individual. Why Should His Home Care Be Any Different? We help to keep his independent spirit strong. Comfort Keepers® provides compassionate in-home care that helps seniors live happy, fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own homes.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

B-11

Getting the best care at a nursing home

Stay close The biggest influence on the quality of care nursing home patients receive is often the frequency of visits by friends and family. Make sure you’ll be allowed to visit when you want — from early morning to late evening — to fit your schedule and enable you to monitor care at different times. Once your loved one is in a nursing home, drop by frequently, sometimes without notice. In the afternoon, see whether residents are enjoying interesting activities together or watching TV alone. At meal times, note how much your mom or dad eats. Stay late sometimes. After your loved one has fallen asleep, remain until he or she wakes up to go to the bathroom. If no one responds quickly to a ring for assistance, that’s a serious problem, said Amy Goyer, AARP’s caregiving expert and blogger. Residents forced to get up and go by themselves risk serious injury.

Get references There are several sources for referrals. Your local Area Agency on Aging or hospital discharge planners can provide listings of nearby nursing homes. Medicare caseworkers, at 1-800-MEDICARE, also can help.

Stick to facilities certified by Medicare. They’re inspected every year, and any complaints are investigated. Read recent inspection reports, usually available through the state health department. One patient accident isn’t a big deal, but frequent reports of patient falls, bed sores and the like are a red flag, said Edward Mortimore, director of nursing home evaluations at CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The CMS website provides a tool to help users compare nursing homes. The site includes links to its five-star ratings system,* complaints against nursing homes, links to local ombudsmen and other health advocates, a detailed guide to choosing a nursing home and much more; visit www.medicare.gov/NHCompare. [*Note: don’t make a decision solely based on the five-star ratings. See “Ratings don’t tell the whole story,” on page B12.]

No matter how dedicated individual employees are, if there aren’t enough, care suffers. Check the ratio of aides to patients. CMS requires each patient have a daily minimum of 2.8 hours of nursing aide time and 1.3 hours with an RN or licensed practical nurse. Ask specific questions about care. Can your mom keep her current doctor? Who decides whether to change your dad’s medicine and will you be notified first? What’s the policy on handling patients who get agitated or aggressive, as can happen with Alzheimer’s patients? Also be sure to ask about how the staff will deal with the unexpected: a power loss, natural disaster or other situation that would require an evacuation. Some nursing homes aren’t fully prepared.

7218 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21208

For most families, cost is a key factor. Last year, a semi-private room ranged from an average $46,355 in Texas up to $222,285 in Alaska. In Maryland, the annual cost is $82,855. For additional average costs by state, go to: www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info -07-2011/nursing-home-care-cost.html. To control costs, determine if it’s possible to keep your loved one at home longer through a combination of family help, health aides and adult day care. If a move is years away, consider getting long-term care insurance. Medicare will pay for a stay of up to 90 days; Medicaid covers costs for the poor. Many people must use up most of their assets to reach the point where Medicaid takes over ongoing costs. Check with your state’s Medicaid program and this site about paying for care: www.aarp.org/relationships/careSee NURSING HOME, page B-13

Getting you back to your life.

Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing

Dulaney – 410.828.6500 Ruxton – 410.821.9600 Towson – 410.828.9494 www.manorcare.com

Freilich

Yiddish for “Comfy & Cozy”

Tudor Heights, the closest thing to home – comfy, cozy and filled with friendly faces.

Dairy Kosher Dining Services

Consider costs

Visit each nursing home you’re considering and take notes. Snoop around — and beware any place that objects. Check resident rooms for cheerfulness and safety. Use the bathroom to see if there’s enough hot water. Inspect the kitchen for cleanliness. Note the atmosphere. Are patients smiling? Is it peaceful? Does it smell pleasant and homey? Stay for a meal with residents, usually for a nominal cost. Is the food appetizing? Are residents enjoying the meal? Ask how kitchen staff handles dietary restrictions and whether they will cut up food for those with difficulty swallowing. Once you’ve narrowed your choice down to two or three facilities, bring along your loved one if he or she is physically and mentally up to it. If not, show them pictures and discuss why you favor a particular home. Allow the person to feel they have some control so they’ll “buy in.”

Check on staffing

Heimish

Meat Kosher Dining Services

Scope it out

By Linda A. Johnson Finding the right nursing home for an elderly loved one is a daunting task. And it’s one most of us will face, as two-thirds of people over 65 will need nursing home care, at least temporarily, according to AARP. It’s best if you can research facilities in advance, but that’s not always possible. A sudden illness or injury may force you to confront these concerns sooner than you expect. Either way, here are several key considerations:

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Yiddish for “Loving Life”

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B-12

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Park View at Easton 410-770-3070 640 Mecklenburg Avenue Easton, MD 21601 parkvieweaston@sheltergrp.com Park View at Easton offers maintenance-free living for those Seniors 62 or better. This community is nestled in a park-like setting, yet is close to The Shops at Easton, Memorial Hospital at Easton and the local senior center. Residents enjoy plenty of opportunities for entertainment, education and socializing with neighbors. This controlled-access elevator building offers such amenities as a spacious community room with a kitchen, salon services, laundry facilities, lending library and fitness room. Call 410-770-3070 or email parkvieweaston@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. We look forward to meeting you!

SKILLED NURSING AND REHABILITATION

White Oak Health Care 410-979-4822 921 E Fort Avenue Baltimore MD 21230 White Oak Health Care is a premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center consulting company. The company manages seven facilities in Maryland and West Virginia. Blue Point, Northwest, and Holly Hill are conveniently located in the Baltimore region. These facilities specialize in short-term nursing care after hip, knee, and any joint surgeries. They can also assist in rehabilitation after a stroke or accident. These centers pride themselves on the great therapy and nursing care given to their patients. If you are considering a joint surgery, or find that it becomes necessary, call the admissions department for more information on scheduling a tour, selecting your room, and meeting the therapy staff prior to your surgery. For a rapid response, please call Julianna Lau at 410-979-4822.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ratings don’t tell the whole story The government’s Nursing Home Compare website (www.Medicare.gov/ NHCompare) provides, among other information, “five star quality ratings” for each home indicating “much below average” to “much above average” for health inspections, staffing and quality measures. Later this year, the ratings are expected to start incorporating new quality measures based on nursing home resident assessments. The analysis below is based on the ratings as they have been done up to this point. According to a 2011 study, the scoring system government agencies use to rate nursing home quality does not provide an adequate evaluation because it does not take into account the degree of cognitive impairment of their patient populations and whether facilities include a specialized dementia unit. Focusing on statistics from Minnesota, researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute reported on the inadequacy of quality of care indicators for nursing home residents with behavioral and psychological systems related to dementia in the study published in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. “Measuring quality of care is complicated, but we really need to do a better job,” said Dr. Arif Nazir, assistant professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine and the study’s author. “We are a society that looks to scores for everything from cars to hotels, but for nursing homes, scorecards aren’t

the endgame.” Poor ratings may cause facilities with the most experience with dementia to be overlooked or rejected by those seeking placement for a family member who needs these services. A low score is given, for example, for worsening of behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with cognitive impairment. However, this decline may be due to the natural progression of the disease, and not necessarily because quality of care is poor, according to the study. “A facility with a large number of cognitively impaired residents and with staff members who are trained to help them will receive a lower score than a facility with fewer cognitively impaired residents,” Nazir said. “The scoring system for nursing homes doesn’t accurately evaluate the quality of care provided to individuals with dementia, and it needs to be changed.” He strongly counsels against using only the one-to-five-star ratings on the federal and state websites to make a placement decision. In addition to looking at scorecards, he suggests families also investigate the patient-to-staff ratio; whether prompt quality medical care is available to residents when needed; cleanliness of the facility; and proximity to family members who may visit. He also recommends consulting the checklist on the Nursing Home Compare website for other considerations before making a nursing home placement decision. — Indiana University School of Medicine

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

TDD: 800-545-1833 x647

Park View Towson (Timothy House) 410-828-7185

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

20 Dunvale Road Towson, MD 21204 timothyhouse@sheltergrp.com

Oaks at Liberty boasts a charming and relaxing setting for seniors ages 62+ to call home. Whether you choose a spacious studio, one or two-bedroom apartment, you’ll find a tranquil Baltimore home where everything you want is brought together: fully equipped kitchens, huge windows, walk-in closets and a community that was designed with you in mind. Whether you are an active senior who loves to attend social events and exercise or a more relaxed adult who prefers to sit fireside with a great book, Oaks at Liberty has the amenities to meet your needs. Make Oaks at Liberty your home today! *Income Restrictions Apply.

Timothy House offers carefree living for those Seniors 62 or better. Located in the heart of Towson, this community is convenient to Dulaney Plaza and Towson Town Center, as well as specialty stores and restaurants. Residents enjoy many social, recreational and educational activities. Our controlled access community offers such amenities as lounge areas for socializing, multiple clothing care centers, and a lending library. Our residents receive up to four hot, nutritional, low-cost meals per week in conjunction with the on-site Balto. Co. Eating Together Program. Call 410-828-7185 or email timothyhouse@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Oaks at Liberty 410-466-9267

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

B-13

Builders cite rise in ‘mother-in-law suites’ By John Byrd and Monica Rhor After retiring, Dean and Carolyn Baird investigated several housing options before ultimately deciding to use the proceeds from the sale of their home to finance a spacious “in-law” wing to their daughter’s residence 25 miles away in Fairfax Station, Va. With little over half an acre, the “children’s” property offered ample room for an addition. The question was whether the stately Colonial could be revised a way that would retain its classic proportionality while accommodating the Baird’s needs. “We weren’t sure what the zoning regulations allow,” son in-law Kevin McDermott admits. “We envisioned a new wing, but I wanted to preserve the look of the existing house.” They ended up converting the existing front-facing 14 by 18-foot library into a “transitional” family room that opens directly into a 720 sq. ft. L-shaped addition that wraps around one side of the house.

Nursing home From page B-11 giving/info-10-2009/women_planning_retirement.html. AARP’s new site for caregivers offers a cost calculator for different types of care, a

There’s a microwave, a pair of compact refrigerators and even a sizeable floor-toceiling pantry recessed behind double doors. But there’s no full-scale cooking range or ovens, no full-sized refrigerator. “The [building] code is specific on this point,” said Dave Guy, an architect with Virginia-based Foster Remodeling Solutions. “This is not a second kitchen; it’s a convenience — like a wet bar.” But that’s OK with the Bairds. “We have everything we could want,” Carolyn Baird said. “This is a wonderful new phase of life for the whole family.”

requests for such additions, known as mother-in-law suites, granny flats or accessory dwellings. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 62 percent of builders surveyed were working on a home modification related to aging in 2010. About one in five builders added an entry-level bedroom. About 3.5 million American households last year included adult children and their parents — a number expected to rise as the country ages and baby boomers move into retirement, according to AARP.

Gaining popularity

Make it a family affair

Although it isn’t for everyone, adding on a suite to accommodate aging parents is a choice many families are making. This arrangement can offer independence and privacy — as well as a sense of security — for both generations. Home builders across the country say they are getting an increasing number of

“There’s both a physical component and a sensitivity side to these projects. The family needs to take that into account,” said Todd Jackson, CEO of San Diego’s Jackson Design and Remodeling, which handles such additions. Jackson noted that aging parents may be reluctant to move into their children’s

checklist of questions and tips: www.aarp. org/home-family/caregiving/info-05-2012/ caregiving-resource-center-asking-rightquestions.2.html.

whether your loved one will be happy and well treated. Will special needs be accommodated? Are there organized outings or visits by young people and pets? What activities are listed on the bulletin board, and is there a full-time coordinator? Do they have a library, Internet access, exercise

Sweat the details Ask about anything that could affect

homes, and may worry about losing their independence. “The transition will go over a lot better if you bring the parent into the conversation,” said Jackson. “Ask them: ‘What do you need?’ ‘What color do you want?” That’s what Betsy McCann and her husband, Jim Forbes, did when they decided to build an addition in 2008 for Forbes’ mother Lois Brokus, now 93. Jackson helped them add a 400 sq. ft. bedroom and bathroom to their home in Escondido, Calif. “We didn’t want her to feel like a guest intruding on our house,” said McCann. “She kept telling all her friends about how she was involved in the design process, and that the paint colors were her choice.” Brokus now proudly calls the addition — which includes a bedroom, wet bar and wheelchair-accessible doorways and bathroom — “her apartment,” said McCann. See IN-LAW SUITES, page B-14

classes and other stimulating offerings? “There’s almost nothing in the care of your loved one that shouldn’t be checked on,” Goyer said. “And don’t hesitate to move your loved one if they are not receiving the care they need and deserve.” — AP

SERVING

THOSE WHO

SERVED AND THEIR ELIGIBLE NON-VET SPOUSES

MOM STAYS SAFE & HAPPY with Assisted Living at Charlestown and Oak Crest Assisted Living at Charlestown and Oak Crest offers your loved one everything she needs to live a rewarding life. Your mom will benefit from an entire community filled with great neighbors, top-notch on-site health care and lots of fun things to do.

Learn more today. Call for your free brochure and activities calendar. 800-522-VETS www.charhall.org

Charlestown

skilled nursing // assisted living // rehabilitation // alzheimer's care // respite care

8207099

Oak Crest

Catonsville, MD

Parkville, MD

410-988-4985

410-734-2592

EricksonLiving.com

B-14

Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Park View at Ellicott City 410-203-9501 8720 Ridge Road Ellicott City, MD 21043 parkviewellicott@sheltergrp.com Park View at Ellicott City I and Park View Ellicott City II extends Seniors 62 or better to enjoy a care free lifestyle. The communities are conveniently located near shopping, Historic Ellicott City, and local Senior Centers. The buildings have electronically controlled access, elevators for the residents’ convenience plus many amenities for social and recreational activities. Call 410-203-9501 or email parkviewellicott@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Oak Crest 410-665-2222 8820 Walther Boulevard Parkville, MD 21234 www.ericksonliving.com Ideally located in Parkville, Oak Crest offers maintenance-free retirement living combined with a vibrant lifestyle―all in a beautiful, private community. Without the worries of a house and yard, you can spend more time pursuing your passions. Travel, volunteer, take a college class and explore some of Oak Crest’s many clubs and interest groups. Multiple campus restaurants offer a variety of delicious dining options, while 24-hour security offers protection and peace of mind. Enjoy the stability of predictable monthly expenses and look forward to a healthy future with our full continuum of health care and wellness services.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

In-law suites

pectations about the impact on your life.”

From page B-13

Tips for a smooth transition

Every month, she writes a rent check covering the cost of utilities, an act that adds to her sense of independence. The arrangement has given the family more time together and greater peace of mind, and may have averted a tragedy last July when Brokus suffered a heart attack. Had she been alone, McCann said, she might not have called 911. As it was, she just had to walk a few feet for help. The addition, which was part of a major renovation to other parts of the house, cost $250,000. The average price for a bedroom addition can run from $100,000 to $400,000, depending on size and amenities, according to builders. McCann cautions that this may not work for every family. For one thing, her mother-in-law is self-sufficient and does not need daily medical care. Also, the two got along well before moving in together. “If you can’t stand one week or one weekend together, this won’t work,” said McCann. “You need to have realistic ex-

Nancy Thompson, of AARP, offered other tips for families considering building a mother-in-law suite for an aging parent: • Decide what your expectations are well in advance and make sure everyone agrees. Involve the elderly parent in the process. • Make sure the addition is built following universal design guidelines. Are counters, bathrooms and doorways wheelchair accessible? Is there a walk-in shower with grab bars? Opt for entry-level additions to eliminate stairs. Look for a contractor or builder with experience in universal design or aging in place. • Check municipal building codes to make sure that accessory dwellings are allowed. For tips and guidelines on remodeling homes so they can accommodate aging in place, see the website of the National Association of Home Builders, at www.nahb.org/ reference_list.aspx?sectionID=717. John Byrd is a freelance writer, and Monica Rhor writes for the Associated Press.

BEACON BITS

July 11

CRUISE THE POTOMAC

Join the Overlea Senior Center on this cruise on the Potomac on Wednesday, July 11. Have lunch on the Dandy and visit the World War II Memorial in Washington DC. Cost is $80. Call (410) 887-5220 for reservations.

July 17

VISIT CHARLOTTESVILLE

The Cockeysville Senior Center hosts this motor coach trip to Charlottesville on Tuesday, July 17. Visit Charlottesville and tour the estate of Thomas Jefferson. Cost is $105. Call (410) 887-7694 to reserve a spot.

June 26

ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

An estate planning workshop will be held at the office of Pessin Katz Law on Tuesday, June 26 at 9:30 a.m. Estate planning attorney Kevin Bress will conduct a free workshop in which you can have your estate planning documents reviewed The workshop will take place at 901 Dulaney Valley Rd., Suite 500 Towson, Md. Call (410) 938-8800 to reserve your place or send an email to ecovell@pklaw.com.

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Atrium Village, now celebrating 10 years of exceptional service to Baltimore seniors and their families, is conveniently located just minutes from Pikesville, Resiterstown and Randallstown. Our caring staff will cater to your individual needs in our Independent, Assisted Living, or Memory Care community. Enjoy our spacious apartments while surrounded by intellectual, spiritual, and social programming. Our family at Atrium Village has access to awardwinning outpatient rehabilitation on site. Other amenities include delicious dining prepared by our executive chef, vibrant entertainment, exciting trips, and transportation to personal appointments. We are LIVING LIFE at Atrium Village.

Holly Hill is proud to announce that its new short-term orthopedic and cardiac rehabilitation unit is now open! There are private rooms, each with a private bathroom and amazing view, that are sure to keep you motivated during your physical and occupational therapy! The 1000+ square foot therapy gym is sure to impress with the new gym equipment and fully equipped occupational therapy rooms. Call Julie today for more information, a tour, and to pick out your room, all before your surgery!

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

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Ways to boost the value of your garage By Bree Fowler For a lot of homeowners, their garage has become their go-to place for stashing everything but their actual cars. But for those looking to sell their home in today’s tough real estate market, or who are just looking to get the most out of the space, a garage facelift may be the way to go. Here are three steps you can take to improve your garage: 1. Clean it up There’s no dispute among realtors and design experts: The worst condition a garage can be in, especially when you’re trying to sell, is messy and disorganized. “There’s nothing people hate to see more than cobwebs or evidence of critters,” said Elizabeth Blakeslee, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker in Washington, D.C. The garage should be kept in the same manner as the rest of the house, she said. Make sure it’s tidy, paint the floor and garage door, and keep the roof in as good a condition as the one over the rest of the house. To eliminate clutter, it helps to store items close to where they are needed, said Barbara Butensky, director of marketing for GarageTek, a company that makes custom garage organization and storage systems. For example, extra rolls of paper towels and other household items should be kept close to the entrance to the house, while lawn care items might be better kept close to an exit to the yard, she suggested.

2. Add shelves and cabinets It’s amazing how much more you can do with a garage and how much better it looks if you just get everything off the floor. Shelving units and cabinets, preferably made out of heavy-duty plastics, can help declutter the space. “Most garages are not climate controlled,” Butensky said. “PVC [cabinets and shelves] hold up the best to moisture, heat and cold. It can even take a few hits from kids’ bats and toys and the garage door.” Think you don’t have space for them? Look up. Butensky said cabinets and shelves can often be installed near the ceiling, freeing up precious wall and floor space. Certain large items that don’t get used a lot, like kayaks and sleds, can also be hung from the ceiling or placed on racks or hangers that hang from the ceiling. GarageTek offers their design service for free, in part to let homeowners know exactly what the renovations will look like and how much it’s going to cost. A fully-equipped one-wall shelving and cabinet system typically starts at $2,500, while a full two-car garage with flooring can run between $10,000 and $12,000, Butensky said. Although that may seem like a lot to spend on a garage, the costs can pale in comparison to a kitchen renovation, which can easily cost $50,000 or more for a space half the size of a two-car garage. 3. Renovate For those whose home just didn’t come

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with the art studio, playroom or man cave they need, garages can be converted into extra rooms — even small apartments. Butensky said some of her company’s clients have chosen to turn part or all of their garages into a living or recreational space. Projects ranged from something as simple as painting squares for hopscotch or a shuffleboard court on the floor, to the fancy indoor rink complete with synthetic ice that a customer in Palm Beach, Fla. had installed. The key to any renovation is doing it right. Just like a kitchen or a bathroom, a garage done cheaply and without the right people involved won’t attract buyers or allow you to recoup your investment if you sell, Blakeslee said. Homeowners interested in big projects,

such as enclosing their garage and turning it into a climate-controlled extra room, need to talk to a realtor to find out if that’s something that reduces the value of homes in their area. Zoning regulations also need to be thoroughly researched, Blakeslee advised. A lack of covered parking usually doesn’t keep a home from selling, as long as it’s not located in a part of the country with extreme weather conditions, Blakeslee said. She also noted that she’s seeing an increasing number of homes where the owners have turned their garage into a small apartment, usually to house adult children or elderly parents who need a place to stay, but want to be a little separated from the rest of the house. — AP

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

PERFORMANCE. PEOPLE. PRIDE.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

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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 email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Aiming to get city seniors out and about

Helping low-income residents “Fifty percent of low-income seniors in

the state live in Baltimore City,” said Sloat. “Someone needs to take care of them, and we do it in a very unique way by providing transportation that helps them meet their day-to-day needs and keeps them from being isolated.” AIM is one of 15 Baltimore City senior centers, but is actually an independent nonprofit organization, explained Executive Director Elizabeth “Liz” Briscoe, 55, who inherited the position from her aunt, Patricia Chalfant, the center’s first director. “My aunt asked if I would be interested in taking over for her,” said Briscoe, whose own background is in science and technology, with degrees in chemistry, medical technology and mechanical engineering. Briscoe’s aunt mentored her for about a year until both she and Briscoe felt she was ready to take the reins. “I think a lot of leaders want to leave their organization in good hands but don’t necessarily have a succession plan,” said Briscoe, who participated in the Weinberg Fellows Program, a leadership development program for executive directors of agencies serving disadvantaged Maryland residents. “That hooked me,” said Briscoe, adding that her prior experience as a scientist in the healthcare field gave her both organizational skills and a valuable perspective on caregiving. AIM has about 600 paid members (dues are $15 a year), but waives the fee for those who can’t afford it, serving close to 2,000 city residents. The center is funded through

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Ongoing

MARYLAND FOOD BANK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The Maryland Food Bank is urgently seeking volunteers to help pack food boxes and package and flash freeze meals. Daytime hours are available Monday through Friday, as well as Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The food bank is located at 2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd. To volunteer, contact Jill Kusner, volunteer coordinator, at (410) 737-8282 ext. 232 or jkusner@mdfoodbank.org.

grants from such agencies and organizations as the MTA, Maryland State Senior Center Operating Funds, Abell Foundation, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Giant Foods and federal funds allocated under the Older Americans Act.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACTION IN MATURITY

By Carol Sorgen Violet Sloat spent her professional career working on behalf of elders, primarily through the Maryland Department of Aging. When she retired, she decided she cared too much about her hometown of Baltimore and its seniors to stop working on their behalf, so now the 71-year-old Baltimore City resident spends several days a week volunteering at AIM (Action in Maturity) — a senior center “without walls” that provides transportation and social services to aging adults in Baltimore City. AIM reaches out to 38 different satellite sites where older adults live. It also provides outreach services to private residences within the area it serves, which runs north to the Baltimore County line, south to Pratt Street, east to Harford Road and west to just beyond Sinai Hospital. Sloat, who holds masters degrees in both social work and pastoral counseling, writes grant proposals, does office work and “whatever else is needed” for AIM — which actually does have a few walls, sharing space in the St. Mary’s Community Center at 3900 Roland Ave. Activities such as monthly luncheons and exercise classes are held at the center, but for the most part, AIM’s, well, aim is to get seniors out and about — whether that’s to their medical appointments, the pharmacy, the hairdresser, the bank, shopping, etc.

Filling transportation needs Shuttle buses take Action in Maturity Executive Director Elizabeth Briscoe seniors on a daily gro- (left) works with volunteer Violet Sloat to help Baltimore cery run (with numer- City seniors find transportation and social services. ous pick-up sites), group outings and more, but there is also ways worked to serve, and it keeps her an individual transportation service (at a busy as well. “I need activity, too!” she said. AIM welcomes volunteers (drivers and much reduced rate from commercial office workers are needed), donations and taxis) that members can call on as needed. For Sloat, volunteering serves two pur- members. For more information, call (410) poses: It helps her continue providing care 889-7915, email aim@actioninmaturity.org, to the Baltimore City seniors she has al- or visit www.actioninmaturity.org.

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Ongoing

ALL ABOARD SHIP

Volunteers are needed to make Medicare understandable for the community by filling a variety of roles within the Baltimore County Senior Health Assistance Program (SHIP). Currently volunteers are needed to conduct online research for Medicare Prescription Part D and assist individuals in reviewing and locating the best prescription plan. For more information, contact the SHIP office at (410) 887-2059 or e-mail ship@baltimorecountymd.gov.

July 15+

HELP WITH HOME REPAIRS The 29th annual Baltimore County Christian Workcamp will take

place from July 15-20. Volunteers work throughout Baltimore County performing

Ongoing

COURT WATCH VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT

Want to learn more about the court system? Join the Court Watch Program, where volunteers observe and gather quantifiable information to help the Department of Social Service’s Family Violence Unit and Court Workgroup Committee assess court room proceedings to determine what is effective. Contact Karen Keyser at (410) 853-3031 or Leslie Krebs-White at (410) 887-6682 for more information.

repairs and maintenance on homes during that week. In addition to volunteer workers, the BCCW can always use supplies and donations, which are tax deductible. For more information or a brochure, contact Chip Day at (410) 744-2794 or Frank Thomas at (410) 667-1725; or email fthomas32@msn.com.

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AARP Pres. From page 1 He became director of Veterans Affairs at Catonsville Community College and served as director of the Mondawmin Vet Center, where he led group therapy sessions (known then as “rap groups”) for Vietnam combat veterans seeking to readjust to civilian life. Additionally, he served on the national faculty of the VA’s Outreach Program. Davis continues to visit veterans in prison and provide aftercare on a volunteer basis. He was an associate professor of history at Essex Community College from 1986-

96, and currently lectures in history at Morgan State University as well as chairs the Baltimore City Veterans Commission.

A political leader, too In 1982, Davis was elected to the House of Delegates of the Maryland General Assembly, where he served for 24 years. He represented the 45th legislative district of East Baltimore, which at that time included Johns Hopkins University as well as his high school alma mater. He served on the important Ways and Means Committee for all 24 years, and at one point as chair of the subcommittee for Revenue and Finance. There he worked to preserve Maryland’s horse racing indus-

BEACON BITS

July 4

FIREWORKS AT THE HARBOR Baltimore’s Fourth of July Celebration takes place Wednesday, July

4. Enjoy live entertainment including a performance by Electric Brigade, a United States Naval Academy Band, at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Pratt and Light Sts. The celebratory night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. The free holiday fireworks can be viewed from several locations in downtown and beyond, including Federal Hill, Fell’s Point and Rash Field. For general information, call 1-877-BALTIMORE.

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

try, and was involved in the slots and gambling issues that so frequently occupy the legislature. Davis says the highlight of his legislative career, however, was working on the Thornton Commission legislation, which addressed public school standards and funding. Throughout the years, Davis has continued to serve his community in many different capacities. He is a former American Legion post commander, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Black Vets of All Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America. He also founded the African American Patriots Consortium, which promotes and celebrates the history of African Americans in defense of the United States. The consortium established African American Patriots Day, which is celebrated the last Saturday in February of each year.

Why AARP appeals to him Davis became interested in volunteering with AARP several years ago when he saw that the organization was intensifying its efforts to help aging veterans. “Prior to that, I let others do the fighting for me,” he said, “but as I have gotten older myself, I realized I couldn’t walk away, not just from the issues pertaining to veterans, but those relevant to all senior citizens. Everything AARP does is pertinent to my own existence.” Veterans’ concerns remain one of his top priorities. AARP Maryland has been working directly with Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Edward Chow and his outreach team to reach 50+ audiences across the state and inform them about available and often overlooked veterans benefits. Last September, AARP Maryland sponsored the Maryland Women’s Veteran’s Conference at Morgan State University. The conference targeted women veterans specifically, and included information for active duty and military retired women, their families and caregivers, in order to raise awareness of the numerous benefits to which women veterans are entitled. Another priority for Davis is protecting

seniors’ Social Security and Medicare benefits, and he is actively engaged in speaking on this topic throughout the state. “These are benefits we have earned,” said Davis. “We have to stand our ground on these issues.” Davis explained that when he was younger, he saw the world in black and white, but as he has gotten older, he realizes there are gray areas, and he has learned to accept compromise — except, he added, on Social Security and Medicare. “On that, I know there is no gray area. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” he said. Davis encourages others to get involved with AARP as he did. “We have a great staff, but we have to cover the entire state,” he said. “We need people with all sorts of skills.” Throughout the year, volunteers are needed for a wide range of activities, including visiting state and federal legislators, attending to tables at local activities or events, and telling their personal stories to local news media. Davis spends 25 to 30 hours a week on AARP-related activities. Just keeping up with current issues relating to seniors can keep him in front of his computer at least 10 hours a week. “There’s so much to learn,” he said. But for Davis, his work with AARP is an extension of his role as “big brother” to so many of his friends and members of his community. “Now, though, I can work for them in a more organized and collective manner,” he said. “It feels good for me to be able to do this for them.” His volunteerism with AARP has given Davis an opportunity to bring all of his life experiences to bear, and to apply whatever skills and abilities he has developed to enhance the lives of other seniors. “Everything has come together to return me to my roots of working in the community,” he said. “But now, I can do it better…This is my last great battle. It’s not a job. It’s a mission.” To learn more about AARP Maryland or to volunteer, visit www.aarp.org/md, email jholz@aarp.org, or call (410) 895-7602 or (866) 542-8163.

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This full-time, inside sales position pays a base salary plus commissions and benefits. We’re looking for a hard-working, detail-oriented people person. Must be outgoing, love selling, be comfortable with computers, e-mail and contact management software (such as ACT!), and be willing to follow direction, complete required paperwork, and work from our office in Kensington, MD. Inside sales or telemarketing experience a plus. If you love the Beacon — and would be excited to call potential advertisers — send your resume and cover letter to Alan Spiegel, Director of Sales, at: alan@theBeaconNewspapers.com.

Ongoing

PRATT HOUSE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Located in Baltimore City, Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s

Pratt House’s is a 35-apartment transitional housing community. In addition to providing a safe and supportive residential environment for homeless families with two or more children, the facility offers case management, mental health counseling and referrals to needed services. To find out about volunteer opportunities, call (410) 362-5657 or email volunteer@voaches.org.

Ongoing

BUSINESS VOLUNTEERS UNLIMITED Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) is the primary resource for recruiting, developing and organizing community and business vol-

unteers in the Greater Baltimore area. Through BVU’s Volunteer Central, individuals can find opportunities to lend their time and talent to organizations that are The Beacon Newspapers, Inc. • 3720 Farragut Ave., #105 • Kensington, MD 20895

working to improve the community. To learn more, visit www.volunteercentral.net.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

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Money Law &

LOOMING BENEFIT CUTS Social Security and Medicare are hurtling toward insolvency faster than previously projected, paving the way for possible cuts in benefits YOU MAY ALREADY OWN FACEBOOK Even if you didn’t buy shares of Facebook during its initial public offering, the company may already be part of your mutual funds

American landmarks you can invest in By Jeffrey R. Kosnett The owners of the Empire State Building are creating a real estate investment trust that will own the crown of Manhattan’s skyline. If you buy into Empire State Realty Trust (symbol ESB), which is due to begin trading later this year on the New York Stock Exchange, you’ll own a piece of what is arguably the world’s most famous office tower. We wondered what other landmarks you could own through REITs or regular stocks, and it turns out there are a bunch. We identify three more investor-owned landmarks worth considering. For a longer list, visit http://kiplinger.com/links/landmarks.

Churchill Downs Own it by investing in: Churchill Downs Inc. (CHDN) Price: $59 Yield: 1.0 percent

The company owns the namesake racetrack that has hosted the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Churchill Downs is the cornerstone of a gambling and racing mini empire that includes tracks in Chicago, Miami and New Orleans, a casino in Mississippi, and slot machines in Florida and Louisiana. The stock doesn’t keep pace with the faster horses, but the Churchill Downs company did just raise its annual dividend by 20 percent, to 60 cents per share. The company is trying to persuade the state of Kentucky to let it install a casino at its hometown horse track, which might turn a buck or two given that 150,000 people show up every May for the Derby. Churchill Downs has already installed slot machines at its tracks in Florida and Louisiana.

Disney World and Disneyland Own them by investing in: Walt Disney

Co. (DIS) Price: $43 Yield: 1.4 percent The smiling visitors to Disney theme parks can get additional satisfaction by buying a piece of the whole enterprise, instead of just sweatshirts and stuffed animals. Helped by films and other brands, such as ABC and ESPN, Disney generates solid long-term growth and lately has been raising its dividends sharply — the payout jumped 50 percent this year. (Disney, incidentally, pays dividends only once a year.) Plus, the company has relatively little debt.

Madison Square Garden Symbol: MSG Price: $35 Yield: 0 percent The home of the New York Knicks and

Rangers hasn’t been on Madison Square since 1925, but the name clings to the world’s most famous arena (the fourth structure with the name). The present Garden, located above Pennsylvania Station, is 44 years old and about to undergo major renovations. The arena is best known for basketball and hockey, but it also has a monumental history of concerts, boxing matches and political conventions. Madison Square Garden (the company) owns the Knicks and Rangers, and it operates Radio City Music Hall as well. Jeffrey R. Kosnett is a senior editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2012 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Are European stocks a bargain today? By Matthew Craft It often pays to zig when everybody else zags. If you were brave enough to put cash into the stock market three years ago — and very few small investors were — you’ve doubled your money. European stocks have lost about 15 percent since mid-March. Renewed worries about the region’s long-running debt crisis have rattled markets. So it might look like a chance to buy cheap. The trouble, money managers say, is that nobody knows when the crisis there will end. Most of them predict it will get worse, perhaps far worse, before it gets better. “You can’t pick the bottom,’’ said Martin Jansen, lead manager for international equities at ING Investment Management U.S. “And if things get worse in Europe, today’s cheap won’t look so cheap anymore.’’ To hear Jansen and other money managers tell it, a rule for shopping applies for investing: Not everything that goes on sale is a bargain. If Greece drops out of the 17-country euro currency group this year, as analysts worry it will, it could spread havoc throughout the financial system. And Europe’s underlying problems — slumping economies, deep debt burdens and ever-rising interest rates — could take years to fix.

That doesn’t mean it’s time to sell everything connected to Europe. The best approach, fund managers say, is to divide the continent into struggling countries and stronger ones. Investors who take this approach keep clear of Greek banks but favor German giants. All European markets could get hammered in a panic, but stocks in the stronger countries stand a better chance of bouncing back months, or maybe years, later. “Put it this way: Are European markets a screaming buy?’’ Jansen said. “No, right now it’s time to be cautious, time to be selective.’’ Some questions and answers: Q: Which European countries are in better shape? Among the 17 countries that use the euro currency, Germany is an outlier. It has the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest in the world. But it’s not just Germany’s size that sets it apart. Key measures of the German economy make it look as if the country broke away from the continent. Unemployment across the euro countries has hit 10.9 percent, with Spain and Greece above 20 percent. Eight of them are in recession. Borrowing costs for deeply indebted countries hover near what

economists consider unsustainable levels. Spain and Italy have to pay slightly less than 6 percent to borrow for 10 years. By contrast, Germany’s unemployment rate is 6.8 percent. Economists expect the economy to expand nearly 1 percent this year. And Germany is a bond-market darling, borrowing for 10 years at just 1.5 percent. Q: But companies in Germany sell to customers in Portugal, Spain and other shrinking economies. Isn’t everyone on the same troubled ship here? German companies do depend on customers elsewhere in Europe. That’s why the next step for bargain-hunters is to find those companies in stable European countries that cater to customers in faster-growing markets across Asia and Africa or even the U.S. For some money managers, German car makers fit the bill. Volkswagen, for instance, sold a record 8 million cars last year, vaulting to the No. 2 spot worldwide, behind General Motors. Adidas, with its far-reaching customer base, sells nearly a quarter of its shoes and clothes to the U.S. and Canada, and another 10 percent each go to Latin America and China. Q: So the idea is that you buy and hold till things clear up. When will

that be? By the looks of it, not anytime soon. An informal poll of five money managers yielded results from “I wouldn’t try to guess’’ to “Who knows?’’ Jansen of ING said that the crisis could go on for 10 years. Q: I’m not invested in Europe. Why should I care? Not so. It’s safe to say that if you own a stock fund, you’re exposed to Europe. One vehicle of choice for 401(k) investors is the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, a collection of large, publicly traded U.S. corporations. S&P estimates that the 500 companies in the index get 14 percent of their revenue from Europe. Overall, nearly half of revenue comes from abroad. Some well-known U.S. companies lean heavily on Europe, according to data from Howard Silverblatt, S&P’s senior index analyst. McDonald’s and Kraft Foods get roughly a third of their revenue from Europe. For healthcare behemoths Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, the region counts for a quarter. Q: So what’s the lesson there? I’m not supposed to sell my S&P fund, right? That’s the bad news about the troubled ship of Europe: We’re on it, too. — AP

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Cuts to Social Security and Medicare loom By Stephen Ohlemacher and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Social Security is rushing even faster toward insolvency, driven by retiring baby boomers, a weak economy and politicians’ reluctance to take painful action to fix the huge retirement and disability program. The trust funds that support Social Security will run dry in 2033 — three years earlier than previously projected — the government said in late April. There was no change in the year that Medicare’s hospital insurance fund is projected to run out of money. It’s still 2024. The program’s trustees, however, said the pace of Medicare spending continues to accelerate. Congress enacted a 2 percent cut for Medicare last year, and that is the main reason the trust fund exhaustion date did not advance. The trustees who oversee both programs say high energy prices are suppressing workers’ wages, a trend they see continuing. They also expect people to work fewer hours than previously projected, even after the economy recovers. Both trends would lead to lower payroll tax receipts, which support both programs.

Both programs face insolvency Unless Congress acts — and forcefully — payments to millions of Americans

could be cut. If the Social Security and Medicare funds ever become exhausted, the nation’s two biggest benefit programs would collect only enough money in payroll taxes to pay partial benefits. Social Security could cover about 75 percent of benefits, the trustees said in their annual report. Medicare’s giant hospital fund could pay 87 percent of costs. “Lawmakers should not delay addressing the long-run financial challenges facing Social Security and Medicare,” the trustees wrote. “If they take action sooner rather than later, more options and more time will be available to phase in changes so that the public has adequate time to prepare.” The trustees project that Social Security benefits will increase next year, though the increase could be small. They project a cost-of-living-adjustment, or COLA, of 1.8 percent for 2013; the actual amount won’t be known until October. Beneficiaries got a 3.6 percent increase this year, the first after two years without one. America’s aging population — increased by millions of retiring baby boomers — is straining both Social Security and Medicare. Potential options to reduce Social Security costs include raising the full

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retirement age, which already is being gradually increased to 67, reducing annual benefit increases, and limiting benefits for wealthier Americans. Policymakers could also increase the amount of wages that are subject to Social Security taxes. Social Security is financed by a 6.2 percent tax on the first $110,100 in workers’ wages. It is paid by both employers and workers. Also affecting Social Security coffers is the fact that Congress temporarily reduced the tax on workers to 4.2 percent for 2011 and 2012. The government has increased its borrowing to keep the program’s finances on track.

Medicare cuts threaten providers Medicare is even trickier to address because it has to contend with healthcare inflation, not just an aging population. Options include raising the eligibility age, cutting payments to service providers, shifting more costs to beneficiaries, or even privatizing the program. President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law is supposed to trim Medicare expenses by $500 billion, extending the life of the program. But some independent experts doubt the full savings will materialize, and even the administration concedes more cuts are needed. Furthermore, alternative cost projections prepared by the trustees’ technical experts suggest the Medicare cuts in the healthcare law would be unsustainable, driving payment rates so low that 15 percent of hospitals, nursing homes and home health providers would be in the red by

2019. The trustees conceded that their own Medicare projections could be too rosy. Based on current law, they assume cuts in payments to doctors that Congress routinely waives will actually take place. They also assume the healthcare law will squeeze the full amount of its cuts from the program. “Medicare’s actual future costs are highly uncertain and are likely to exceed those shown ...in this report,” the trustees said. Republicans, including presidential candidate Mitt Romney, are proposing to overhaul Medicare by converting it into a system that mainly relies on private health insurance plans to cover future retirees. Beneficiaries would get a fixed payment from the government, with low-income seniors in poor health receiving more. Obama says he wants to preserve the existing program and its federally guaranteed benefits. But in negotiations with congressional Republicans last year, he went further than most Democrats by signaling he was willing to raise the eligibility age by two years to 67. He’s also willing to limit future increases in Medicare spending, a policy that prompts serious misgivings from groups such as AARP. The trustees who oversee the programs are Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. There are also two public trustees, Charles Blahous and Robert Reischauer. — AP

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You may already own shares of Facebook By Mark Jewell Ask people what they think about Facebook, the world’s largest online social network, and you’re likely to hear everything from “It’s a terrific way to connect with friends and family,” to “It’s a colossal drain on time and productivity,” and more recently, “It’s a big investment opportunity.” Facebook stock began trading publicly in May in one of the largest IPOs (initial public offerings) ever. While the high expectations of its underwriters were not exactly met (and several lawsuits are now proceeding in connection with it), Facebook and its early shareholders sold more than 400 million shares that first day. Market pros and average investors alike are still sizing up the company’s strengths and weaknesses. The key question: Can Facebook parlay its vast legions of users into huge profits, as Google did following its 2004 initial public offering?

Many mutual funds hold stock While May’s IPO was the first opportunity for ordinary members of the public to buy Facebook shares, dozens of investment funds had acquired private shares of Facebook over the past 18 months. More than 30 Fidelity Investments mutual funds recently owned private Facebook shares, including Fidelity’s largest stock fund, Contrafund (FCNTX). But Facebook made up just 0.1 percent of that $84 billion fund’s portfolio at the end of March, and other Fidelity funds holding Facebook had similarly small investments. Another big fund company, T. Rowe Price, recently reported that 19 of its funds owned private Facebook shares, in nearly all instances making up less than 1 percent of each portfolio. Morgan Stanley has also been active. Its

$1.7 billion Focus Growth Fund (AMOAX) recently held 3.6 percent of its portfolio in Facebook shares. Funds from smaller companies had purchased Facebook stock on secondary markets that are off-limits to average investors. Below are comments from interviews (held prior to the IPO) with managers of two such funds: Chris Brown of Pax World Balanced (PAXWX) and Thomas Vandeventer of Tocqueville Opportunity (TOPPX). They discuss prospects for the stock:

Huge potential for rewards Facebook’s potential is undeniable because the site has more than 900 million users. There are huge profit opportunities for Facebook and its investors from advertising revenue. Brown believes much of that is still untapped. He sees a big opportunity if Facebook can generate earnings from highlytargeted ads tailored to appeal to specific Facebook users based on their interests. “Right now, the ads [on Facebook] are more about building brand awareness,” Brown said. “But if advertisers could specifically target a certain demographic, by age group or gender for example, that’s where the profit margins would be very beneficial.” Vandeventer is cautious about the shortterm outlook, but optimistic in the longrun. It’s still a pretty young company, and we don’t really know how it will find a way to significantly increase the income it generates from online services, he said. But he adds that Facebook has attracted half of all current Internet users on Earth, “so it’s a huge opportunity for a profitable business model.” “It is not that different than if you had invested in Google back in 2004, or even LinkedIn a year ago,” he said. In both

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cases, the companies went public as their income-generating potential was still unclear. Yet each has proved itself. Google’s shares debuted around at $100 apiece, and today trade at around $592. LinkedIn shares opened at $45 last May, and now trade at around $99.

Yet risks abound Despite its vast user base, Facebook isn’t yet generating a huge amount of revenue by Wall Street standards. Although first-quarter revenue grew 45 percent from a year earlier to $1.06 billion, it declined 6 percent from the fourth quarter. “They may have to spend more money to grow this business, and that could put

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pressure on profit margins,” Brown said. Other key challenges include attracting more users who access Facebook from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, and generating mobile ad revenue. Most Facebook users are on personal computers, and Brown believes Facebook is lagging somewhat in the faster-growing mobile space. Mobile applications could be a good growth driver, but could also be a challenge for them, Brown said. Another key issue is whether Facebook can someday expand into China. China’s government blocked Facebook as well as Twitter after the social media services were instrumental in anti-government protests in Iran two years ago. —AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

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Which city passes give you the most for your money in New York and Paris? See story on page 21.

On stage in and around town this summer By Carol Sorgen While many of Baltimore’s theatrical companies take a break for the next few months, there are still plenty of opportunities for theater-lovers as the region’s annual summer theaters take over for the season.

Young Victorian Theatre Company

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNAPOLIS SUMMER GARDEN THEATRE

The Young Victorian Theatre Company will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s popular operetta, The Mikado, from July 14 to 22, in Centennial Hall on the campus of the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore. According to Stage Director James Harp, this production will be “a traditional Mikado — one that is going to be full of spectacle and theatricality.” “In many ways The Mikado is the crown jewel of the G&S canon,” Harp added. “If you’ve never seen a Gilbert and Sullivan show, you’re in for a treat. If you are a G&S aficionado, you’ll be ‘tit-willowed’ beyond your wildest imaginings!” The performance schedule for T h e Mikado is Saturday, July 14, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 15, at 3 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 19 to 21, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 22, at 3 p.m. Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre’s production of Anything Individual tickets Goes kicked off the theater’s summer season. Next up will be Avenue Q, a musical featuring people and puppets. are $40. Call (410)

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

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

323-3077 or visit the box office. Beginning June 20, the phone line will be attended Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, the box office is always open two hours before curtain time on show dates. For more information, visit www.yvtc.org.

Cockpit in Court Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre has been a mainstay of live theater in Baltimore for more than 30 years. Each summer, on the campus of CCBC Essex, Cockpit in Court offers large-scale musicals in its 388-seat Mainstage Theatre; comedies and dramas in the intimate 160-seat Cabaret Theatre; and a family-friendly children’s musical in the 220-seat Lecture Hall. This summer’s productions include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I, weekends through July 1; Sunset Boulevard, July 20 through August 5; Dr. Doolittle, July 13 through July 22; Steel Magnolias, June 22 through July 1; and Laura, weekends July 27 through August 5. Ticket prices range from $16 to $20 ($2 less for patrons 60+). Email cockpitin-

court@ccbcmd.edu, call the box office at (443) 840-ARTS, or visit www.ccbcmd.edu. And just in case you’re itching to get behind the scenes, Cockpit in Court always has volunteer opportunities available — backstage, on stage, front-of-house, on its board of directors, or in the production office in most areas of theatre production. For more information, email cockpitincourt@ccbcmd.edu with your area(s) of interest.

Annapolis Summer Garden Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre was founded in 1966, not only to bring summer entertainment to Annapolis but also to play a role in the rejuvenation of the downtown area. Through the years, the company has won numerous awards, most recently in 2011, when it was honored with the Ruby Griffith Award for its 2010 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The award honors all-around production excellence by amateur theater groups. First off this summer is Anything Goes, See ON STAGE, page 20

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On stage From page 19 playing through June 24. Some of the musical’s most memorable standards include “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top” and, of course, “Anything Goes.” From July 5-29, Avenue Q, winner of three Tony Awards, tells the story of Princeton, a recent college grad, who moves to NYC, all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the Internet sexpert), Lucy the Slut (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help Princeton discover his purpose in life. Ending the season will be Xanadu, from August 9 through September 2. A spoof of

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

the 1980 film of the same name, Xanadu follows the journey of a magical Greek muse named Clio who descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, Calif., to inspire struggling artist Sonny Malone to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time — the first roller disco. Annapolis Summer Garden is located at 143 Compromise Street. Single show tickets are $20. For reservations, call (410) 268-9212 or visit www.summergarden.com.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre Take a trip back in time to the 1950s and early ‘60s at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Baltimore for Hairspray through July 1 and Grease from July 13 to Sept. 16. Tickets range from $50.50 to $56 for either brunch

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or dinner and the show. The theatre is located in the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, 5625 O’Donnell St. This summer, Toby’s Columbia location is performing Wizard of Oz through July 1 and Legally Blonde, the Musical from July 5 through Sept. 2. Ticket prices range from $48 to $53 for brunch or dinner and the show. For more information, call (410) 730-8311. Tickets and more information for both Toby’s locations can be found on its website, www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

Olney Theatre A professional, award-winning regional theater, Olney Theatre Center is situated on 14 acres between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Operating year-round, Olney’s summer schedule kicks off with Anthony Shaffer’s drama Sleuth. When a wealthy mystery novelist invites his wife’s lover to his elegant and isolated country estate, a bizarre game of cat and mouse begins, which

Letters to editor From page 2 ing caregivers to lend a hand at home,” I have concerns with the inaccuracy of some of the information you reprinted from the National Association for Home Care and Hospice website. The article gave a broad picture of what home care registries look like, but each state has different laws and regulations that registries need to follow. The article states that registries are “usually not licensed or regulated by government.” That is not the case in Maryland. To operate a registry in Maryland, a Nursing Referral Services Agency license is required and must be renewed every three years. Further, registries are regulated on an ongoing basis by Maryland’s Department

turns into a complex game of wits and power plays. Sleuth runs through July 8, on the Mainstage. On July 14, Olney Big Band presents MUSIKKAPELLE PRUTZ, an Austrian Concert Band Musikfest, at 3 p.m. on the Historic Stage. The work of the late Howard Ashman, of Baltimore, lives on in Little Shop of Horrors, on the Mainstage from Aug. 1 to 26. The premise is simple: Boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy meets plant from outer space! Ending the summer season will be Romeo and Juliet. Since 1990, Olney Theatre Center’s National Players has produced a Summer Shakespeare Tour to bring classical theater to regional audiences in outdoor venues. This is the 22nd annual Shakespeare production and will be held August 24 and 25. Tickets for Olney’s productions range from $26 to $54. For reservations, call (301) 924-3400 or log on to www.olneytheatre.org. of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality. The article also inaccurately states that “Registries are not required to screen or check the background of their caregivers.” In Maryland, the law requires registries to develop and implement a detailed screening process. Finally, the article states “although not legally required to, some registries offer procedures for patients to file complaints.” In Maryland, registries are required to institute and carry out an internal client complaint investigation process and provide notice to clients of the Health Department’s complaint hotline number for complaints about the services provided by an individual referred by an NRSA. Neal Kursban, President Family & Nursing Care Silver Spring, Md.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

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Are inclusive city passes worth the price? You’ve seen the promotions for passes Boston, Chicago, Houston and San Francisthat promise “free” admission to a handful co. San Francisco also includes a seven-day cable car and transit pass — a of a city’s top attractions — big plus. Philadelphia’s pass is mostly bypassing ticket lines. weaker, and it excludes the They sell for a fixed price that most important museum: the is a lot less than you’d pay Philadelphia Museum of Art. separately. • On the other hand, the I know of two major programs that sell passes for lots Hollywood pass, at $59, is useof different cities. And some inful only if you’re a big fan of dividual cities organize their motion picture lore. You get a own passes. The idea is intriguStarline Tour, Madame Tusing — both the lower total cost saud’s, Red Lines Behind the TRAVEL TIPS and bypassing some lines. Scenes and the Kodak Theater By Ed Perkins CityPass (www.citypass.com) or Hollywood Museum. To issues passes for 10 cities in North America: me, that list is very “ho, hum,” but if Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Hous- movies are your bag, go for it. ton, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, • Passes for Atlanta, Seattle and Toronto Seattle and Toronto, providing no-extra-cost are also heavy on the commercial attractions. admission to a mix of important museums You won’t be surprised by my overall conand major commercial tourist attractions. clusion: CityPass is a good deal if you would • Each pass is valid for nine days after otherwise visit at least half of the attractions first use. each pass covers; not so good if you don’t. • Each pass typically covers four to six one-time admissions from six to eight alter- Leisure passes include more Leisure Pass (www.leisurepassgroup.com) natives. • Prices range from $39 to $79, depend- issues passes for Berlin, London, New York, Paris, Philadelphia and Yorkshire. Its basic aping on the city. proach is quite different: Each pass covers far Where are the best values? more attractions than CityPass, but pricing is All in all, my take is that the value of the much higher and varies by length of validity. passes varies among cities: Some are The New York version, for example, ingreat; others, not so much: cludes admissions to “over 70” attractions • In New York, the pass covers the Em- but costs $80 for one day, $130 for two pire State Building, the American Museum days, up to $210 for seven. of Natural History, the Metropolitan MuseThe mix includes the same blockbuster um of Art, the Museum of Modern Art museums as CityPass plus lots of smaller (MoMA), the Guggenheim Museum, Top ones, along with the same commercial atof the Rock, and the Statue of Liberty or tractions plus many more. the Circle Line Tour. The pass costs $79. The Philadelphia pass ($49 for one day, Individual admission to just the three up to $95 for five days) provides similar blockbuster museums would otherwise coverage, and it does include the Philadelcome to $65.50; add any of the commercial phia Museum of Art. attractions, and the pass is a good deal. The Berlin (about $83 for two days mini• Pass deals are similarly good for a mix mum), London (about $72 for one day), of museums and commercial attractions in Paris (about $130 for two-day minimum)

BEACON BITS

July 5+

CONCERTS IN THE PARK First Thursdays Concerts in the Park bring music lovers to West

Mt. Vernon Park to experience live music surrounded by historic architecture, family and friends. And all for free! The shows start at 5:30 and run till about 8:45 p.m. Food and drink are available and you’re welcome to bring lawn chairs, your own food, and friends for these free shows. For more information, visit www.wtmd.org.

July 7+

CURIOUS EXHIBITION OPENS School 33 Art Center presents “Magically Suspicious,” a group exhibition, through Saturday, Aug. 18. The exhibit features art-

work, such as drawings, paintings, photography, installation and sculptures that draw connections between process-based art, abstraction and the desire to explore the curious and the unknown. An opening reception and School 33 Art Center Open House take place Saturday, July 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. School 33 Art Center is located at 1427 Light St. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call (443) 263-4350.

and Yorkshire (about $54 for one day) passes provide similar coverage. The London website also pitches Travelcards, but the prices are only about a half-pound less than regular prices. All in all, Leisure Pass is a tougher proposition than CityPass. Even the oneday prices are higher, and you pay a lot more for multi-day validity. Most of you could probably come out ahead using a Leisure Pass for a day or two of intensive museum or commercial attrac-

tion visits, but the CityPass formula is a lot better if you don’t want to cram all your museum and attractions visits into a day or two. Keep in mind that independent city passes may also be a better deal. For example, a two-day Paris Museum pass costs about $52; a three-day Berlin Museum Pass costs about $25. Do a Google search for passes in other cities. Email questions and comments to eperkins@mind.net. © 2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Food Subtractives by Stephen Sherr 1

48 51

JUMBLE ANSWERS

11 16

21 23

Scrabble answers on p. 20.

18 20

55 61

ACROSS 1. Ritzy handbags 7. Blazing tennis server 11. 2001 craft 14. Close the vault for the night 15. Mountain cat 16. Madison ___ 17. Watered-down cocktail 20. Not loco 21. Employ 22. Stooge from 1932 - 1946 23. The start of two NL West teams 25. 39 Across, for example 26. Impure dessert 35. Common soccer score 36. Salad dressing ingredient 37. Warm up for a take down 38. Not deceived by 39. ___ Lizzie 40. Roll call response 41. Property claim 42. Nationals is; Senators ___ 43. Future fungi 45. Adulterated appetizer 48. Letters in nine state postal abbreviations 49. Sally Field character, Norma ___ 50. Wipe out 53. ET carrier 55. Watergate artifact 59. Diluted breakfast (with 65 Across) 63. The end of “Life Magazine” as we know it 64. Light converger 65. See 59 Across 66. We apologize, but the real clue for this org. has been classified 67. Relaxation locations 68. The Mad Hatter’s collection DOWN 1. Golf expert 2. Disinterested striped group 3. NATO communication is as easy as ___, Bravo, Charlie 4. In the dumps 5. “But you are ___ people ... a holy nation”: 1 Peter 2:9

6. Come back down the mountain 7. Mimics 8. NIH researcher’s goal 9. Big bird 10. Buckwheat, for one 11. Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner, for two 12. Secretariat’s path 13. Approve alternative 18. ___ salad 19. Waterproof footware 24. The first purchase request on Wheel, often 25. Animation collectible 26. Defrauds 27. Hall, of fame 28. “___ In” (Entry point to Wings’ fifth album) 29. Most like Daffy 30. Unpleasant music 31. Pink Lady ingredient 32. Musical story 33. Paddled 34. Bridesmaid’s uniform 39. Menlo Park monogram 42. Intl. conflicts 43. Fed. org. for entrepreneurs 44. Create an e-mail today to send tomorrow 46. Checks out a new bakery 47. Disney sci-fi film 50. Monumental 51. Indian queen 52. One half base times height (for a triangle) 53. Annapolis inst. 54. Ado 56. Launched 57. Gluttons 58. Location of “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on a Presidential dollar coin 60. “You betcha” 61. Trail mix bit 62. Superlative suffix

Answers on page 20.

Answer: He changed the oil in his wife's car to avoid this — "FRICTION" Jumbles: TIGER FENCE PICNIC FELONY

BALTIMORE BEACON — JULY 2012

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. A National Trade Association we belong to has placed some of the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. 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.

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Caregivers

Personals

Wanted

I WILL KEEP COMPANY WITH YOUR LOVED ONE to give you a needed respite as their caregiver. Call Maddy 410-962-7377. Retired nurse, excellent references.

55 YEAR OLD, SLIM, 5’4”, 140 lbs, professional, independent, Ashkenazi woman will meet single, professional, Ashkenazi man 55 – 65 year old for friendship, possible relationships. Phone 443-610-1006.

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.

Computer Services PC REPAIR Dundalk area. Senior discount. Call 410-271-1563.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate THINKING OF MOVING? – Let a caring professional senior housing expert assist you. LONG & FOSTER R.E. Specially for Seniors group. Joan Hemingway-Mezoff, 410-446-3658 or 410-825-6400. EHO Realtor.

For Sale 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653. TWO CEMETERY PLOTS, Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Sermon on the Mount. $2500 each. 410-362-8338. LIMITED TIME! Bundle DIRECTV® service & High-Speed Internet and Save! Call DirectStarTV - Authorized DIRECTV Dealer: 1-888662-6598. Ask about current offers.

Health HELP! I’ve Fallen & I Can’t Get-UP! You or a loved one live alone? Get Immediate Help in an Emergency! Call LifeAlert Now-FREE Info!Call-800-916-2138. STOP PAYING FOR OVERPRICED MEDICATIONS! Fill your prescription at our Canadian Pharmacy & you’ll SAVE up to 90%! CALL NOW - 800-315-8208 for $10 off+FREE Shipping.

Miscellaneous

Business & Employment Opportunities AIRLINE CAREERS begin here - Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM (866)453-6204. DRIVERS! CDLTraningnow.com accepting applications 16 day company paid CDL training. No experience needed. 1-800-991-7531 www.CDLTrainingNow.com. OVER 18? Can’t miss limited opportunity to travel with successful young business group. Paid training. Transportation/Lodging. Unlimited income potential. 877-646.5050.

Caregivers EXPERIENCED/bonded/insured Nursing Assistant available Live-in/out, Monday – Friday. Long term. 443-559-2987.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com. FINISH HIGH SCHOOL at home in a few weeks. First Coast Academy, 1-800-6581180x130. www.fcahighschool.org.

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

Personals MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1-888-909-9905.

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, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad.

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

Wanted CASH BUYER SEEKING WATCH MAKER’S TOOLS & PARTS, wrist & pocket watches (any condition), costume jewelry and antiques, coins. 410-655-0412. BUYING NUMISMATIC COINS and most gold or silver items including coins, sterling, jewelry, etc. Will come to you with best cash offer. Call Paul: 410-756-1906. FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan 301-279-8834. Thank you.

STAMPS! Small collector buying singles, sets or collections. Fair price paid. Southwest Stamp Club meets Friday, July 20th, 2012. 1-2:30PM. Arbutus. 410-247-4169. CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800-8645784. CA$H PAID- up to $26/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Hablamos Espanol. 1-800-371-1136. DONATE YOUR CAR Fast Free Pickup. Running or Not. Live Operators - 7 Days! Help yourself and the Cancer Fund of America. Call Now 888-317-7257. WANTS TO PURCHASE MINERALS and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201. TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-4546951.

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Phrase of the Month The curious origins of our words and rituals

The Evil Eye The “evil eye” is a stare fixed on a person that is designed to bestow bad luck, either in retaliation for some injustice or just out of mean-spiritedness. References to the superstition are found in antiquity among many lands and cultures, but seems to have been an early common belief among Arabs and Jews in the Middle East. Socrates was said to have possessed the evil eye, felt by some of his inattentive students. More recently, special residents of Sicily claim to have the power to inflict harm with a baleful look. As an antidote, talismans or protections developed in folk religions. The most popular of these are the Arab Hamsa, a handshaped pendant with a blue eye in the center of the palm, and the. Italian cornicello, a long, gently curved amulet copied from the horn of an antelope. Some say the latter is sexual in nature and supposedly distracts those casting United We Rock! the evil eye from the concentration needed to bestow a curse successfully. Well, here’s looking at you, kid. Prepared for The Beacon Newspapers by Wizard Communications©. All rights reserved. Want to have a word/phrase or ritual/custom researched? Contact jpozga@verizon.net.

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JULY 2012 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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