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Dance that breaks all the rules

Enter Jane Franklin Meanwhile, Jane Franklin, who had run her own dance company in Colorado and taught at the college level at several schools, came to this area as a visiting guest artist at George Mason University. Her specialty was in collaborating on dance projects with artists in other fields

JANUARY 2011

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY ENOCH CHAN

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

Visiting Tokyo on a budget; plus, sun and rum in Barbados, the rewards of going off the beaten tourist track, and study abroad opportunities page 39

ARTS & STYLE

South Pacific revival at Kennedy Center; plus, Sunset Boulevard at Signature, and Bob Levey on retirement resentment Jane Franklin discovered the joy of modern dance more than 30 years ago while in college. Today, her Arlington-based dance company includes a Forty+ troupe to keep older dancers on their toes, and offers classes and workshops for neophytes of all ages.

— music, multimedia and the visual arts. She decided to stay here, and about 10 years ago began offering workshops for older adults as part of an artistic project. “I was working with a visual artist, and one of the outreach, engagement parts of that project was to work with some senior adults.” It struck a chord with Franklin. “I just kept coming back to it,” she said. Now Jane Franklin Dance, based in Arlington, Va., features an older dancer troupe called Forty+, and she conducts classes and workshops for older adults at area senior centers, as well as after-school classes for youth. The company performs at venues throughout the metro area.

Franklin’s fluency in the language of movement is evident as she conducts a Saturday morning class for dancers over 40. The sunlight streaming in from the skylights in the rehearsal studio at the Cultural Affairs Building in Arlington, and the upbeat Latin jazz number playing, set the mood as the women follow Franklin’s lead to learn the steps to a routine. In her 50s herself, Franklin has an appreciation for the challenges modern dance can present older adults. But she firmly believes studying dance is not only possible, but desirable. See DANCE, page 24

page 45

LAW & MONEY k Healthcare stocks are cheap k Understanding fund rankings

FITNESS & HEALTH 14 k Beat the wintertime blues k Don’t pass up shingles vaccine SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS k Fly with the Civil Air Patrol

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Time to advocate This is a first for me. In all the years ments, such as health or human resources. we’ve been publishing the Beacon, I don’t While it may well be true that minuscule recall ever asking readers to savings (on the order of take a specific step in support $250,000 perhaps) may result of a particular cause. from this step, it is not only But today I am. some redundant staff posiIn part, it’s because I betions that will be lost. There is lieve this is a very important a significant, if intangible, bencause. But it’s also in part beefit to having a point person cause I want to see for myself with authority and a cabinet if grassroots advocacy efforts position representing your can work. needs in the governor’s office. The issue concerns the fu- FROM THE More than one million ture of the Maryland Depart- PUBLISHER Marylanders are today over ment of Aging. This depart- By Stuart P. Rosenthal 60. And this age group is the ment has been a separate cabstate’s fastest-growing one. By inet-level agency of Maryland state gov- 2030, nearly 20 percent of Maryland’s popuernment since Gov. Parris Glendening es- lation will be over 65 (note: only 17.6 percent tablished it in 1999. of Florida’s population is over 65 today). (Of That move raised the profile of aging is- course, older Virginians and District of sues in the state, creating the position of Columbians are also growing in numbers, Secretary of Aging and making her a but at present neither jurisdiction has a cabmember of the governor’s cabinet. inet level Secretary of Aging whose status is Today, severe budget constraints are at risk. Hence my focus on Maryland.) leading the governor to make cuts wherevIt is my belief that most politicians of all er possible in the state budget. It is ru- stripes tend to be in denial about the rapid mored that among those cuts will be the aging of our population because they know end of the Department of Aging, with its if they pay attention to our society’s future varied programs moved into other depart- needs, they will necessarily have to be

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Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben

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The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • E-mail: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 53 for classified advertising details. Please mail or e-mail all submissions. © Copyright 2011 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

more careful with spending in the present. We have such huge deficit problems on the local, state and federal levels in part because politicians’ desire to stay in power leads them to spend surpluses in good times and borrow money in bad times. Talk about systemic problems! That’s why it’s so important to have a human being at the table who can remind his or her fellow cabinet officials that we are a rapidly aging society. We need to keep our state leaders from becoming Kings and Queens of Denial. I have had the privilege of serving as chair of the Maryland Commission on Aging for the past three years. I have seen several occasions when I believed an organized effort by aging advocates would have had a salutary effect on policy — but that effort failed to occur and the wrong decision was made as a result. I don’t want that to happen this time. So we are devoting the next page of the Beacon to a

letter-writing campaign. We need your help. If you are a Maryland resident, please take a moment to cut out and sign the letter on the facing page, and mail it to the governor. Of course, if you prefer, you may write your own letter or e-mail him, or call his office to express your thoughts. Our goal is to have 500 Marylanders contact the governor’s office on this issue by January 17. Please help us meet this goal! We ask that after you take whatever step you choose that you call or e-mail us to let us know. You may remain anonymous. We simply want to keep a tally of how many readers have responded. Call us at (301) 949-9766 or e-mail info@theBeaconNewspapers.com. Thank you for your support. I will let you know of the results in our next issue.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. You may also submit letters via the “Contact us” link on our website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I agree with some of your basic points (in December’s “From the Publisher” column): that “We are all in this together,” that the issue urgently needs to be addressed, and that some painful changes may need to be made in order to ensure Social Security’s strength. However, your article failed to raise many important points. For instance, you completely ignored the fact that the wealthiest Americans do not shoulder their fair share of the burden. Namely, you did not mention that income over $106,800 is not subject to Social Security taxes. Simply removing this cap would go a long way toward ensuring the long-term solvency and strength of Social Security, one of the most important and effective U.S. government programs in history. Ben Kreider Washington, D.C. The Publisher responds: Thank you for your comment on last month’s column about the federal deficit commission. It’s been a few months, but in my column of August 2010, which dealt specifically with Social Security, I did include the recommendation you make, among many others. Dear Editor: What am I missing? There are two articles in the December edition about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program that speak to the difficulty in selecting a plan and leave the reader up in the air. I have Medicare Part D coverage for my prescription drugs, and each year I use the pretty straightfor ward program

at Medicare. gov to help me decide which insurance companies have the lowest prices for their premium plus the prescription drugs that I take. The program takes into consideration the specific drugs that I take and sorts through the prices of the insurance premium and the price of those drugs, then presents me with a list of the insurance companies operating in my area and the total price that I would pay over the coming year. It is not a difficult program to use. Anyone with a modest capability at a computer can access it and use it. Last year I helped other Medicare Part D prescription drug program participants living in my area evaluate their needs and select a plan. It works! The articles make selecting a Part D plan sound like a monumental exercise. Jack Kalish Falls Church, Va. Dear Editor: The Beacon is the most outstanding publication I’ve read for seniors. Amazing as it may seem, there is nothing similar to it in New York. Each article is well written and extremely informative. Keep up the good work. Herbert Zayer Oyster Bay, N.Y. Dear Editor: Kudos to U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson who ruled that Obamacare, or the individual mandate requiring the majority of American citizens to purchase health inSee LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 52

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If You Live in Maryland, Please Join Our Letter-Writing Campaign! We need 500 Beacon readers to sign and mail the letter ✃ below to the Governor of Maryland. As described in the publisher’s column on the facing page, the Maryland Department of Aging is threatened with removal from the governor’s cabinet and loss of its independent status. Dozens of programs of great importance to Maryland’s older adults are at risk of losing staﬀ support and funding. It is critical that as many Marylanders as possible write the governor and urge him to maintain the Department of Aging on his cabinet and to focus more — not less — attention on aging issues.

Here’s how you can help: • cut out the letter below • add your signature and address at the bottom • mail it as soon as possible to the governor’s office You may mail the letter below as is, or copy it onto stationery. You may also make additional copies so friends and family may also sign and send it. If you prefer, you are welcome to send your own personal letter to the governor, to phone his office at (410) 974-3901 or 1-800-8118336, or to e-mail him through his website at: http://www.gov.state.md.us/mail. Whatever you choose to do, please let the Beacon know (anonymously is fine) that you have responded so we can keep a tally. Call us at (301) 949-9766 or e-mail: info@theBeaconNewspapers.com.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The Honorable Martin O’Malley, Governor State House 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 Dear Governor: Thank you for your support for Maryland’s older adults. Your budgets to date have protected the Maryland Department of Aging from heavy cuts, though its funds have certainly been trimmed repeatedly. I know you are under intense pressure now to reduce executive branch expenditures wherever possible, but I urge you NOT to look for cost savings in downgrading the Department of Aging from its cabinet-level status. While some very modest savings in staff costs might result, such a step would more likely end up costing the state money for at least two reasons: First, many of the programs championed and managed by the department, including those that reduce institutionalization of frail elderly and help keep older Marylanders in their own homes, reduce Maryland’s Medicaid obligations and hold down healthcare costs. Those programs also boost the growth of new local businesses that pay taxes and provide thousands of jobs. Second, the department has been extremely successful in recent years at obtaining federal grants that support existing state programs. If you cut staff and move all aging programs into a department that has a different or narrower focus, such as health or human resources, these programs will be much less likely to be successful, and it is doubtful Maryland will continue to win those competitive federal grants. The number of Marylanders over 60 (already more than one million strong) is poised to double in the next 30 years. They will then constitute more than 25 percent of the state’s population. Now is not the time to diminish the attention devoted to aging issues. On the contrary, if we do not pay more attention to the challenges presenting by our rapidly aging population, we will pay dearly in the coming years for our poor decisions. Please retain the status of the Maryland Department of Aging in your cabinet, give appropriate funding to its programs, and rededicate yourself to addressing the issues our aging population presents. Sincerely,

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Money Law &

IT PAYS TO BE CHOOSEY How to use mutual fund ratings and research to pick a better fund REVERSING A ROTH If you change your mind on a 2010 Roth conversion, you can reverse it ONLINE CHECKING BENEFITS Check out online banks, which offer interest and sometimes ATMs RISING TO THE REBATE BAIT Make sure you follow through on rebates if an offer tempts you to buy

Good buys in healthcare and drug stocks Healthcare stocks are cheap. Enactment of healthcare reform last year has Wall Street fretting that industry profits will be depressed. But those fears are unwarranted. With the aging of the population not only in the U.S. but throughout the developed world, as well as advances in medical technology, people will continue to spend more on healthcare, not less. Paul Larson, editor of Morningstar StockInvestor newsletter (telephone 1-866-9101145), which has a terrific track record, is finding more attractively priced stocks today in healthcare than in any other sector. “That’s a reflection of market fears about healthcare reform,” Larson argued, and I agree. Health reform is a net plus for healthcare companies, most of which backed the legislation. Yes, almost all healthcare companies — medical device makers, pharmaceutical firms, hospitals and health insurance companies — will see their prices squeezed. But the new law will provide health coverage to tens of millions of people who are currently without insurance, increasing the number of customers. “Total healthcare spending will increase under Obama’s plan,” Larson said. Health reform isn’t the only thing that has turned Wall Street against health stocks. Numerous blockbuster drugs have either lost patent protection or are on the

verge of losing it, leading to pressure on pharmaceutical stocks. But Larson and I both think investors have more than priced these losses into current stock prices. And a slew of new medications are on the way.

Attractive healthcare stocks

times projected 2011 earnings. Medtronic (MDT) makes medical devices, such as pacemakers, stents and insulin pumps. It has been a strong innovator, particularly in treatments for cardiovascular diseases, and is working on new therapies for atrial fibrillation. Medtronic trades at just 10 times analysts’ 2011 estimated earnings.

So if this is a good time buy healthcare and drug company Finding a fund SAVVY SAVER stocks, where to invest? Here Prefer to hire a pro to pick By Steven T. Goldberg are some stocks and mutual your health stocks? Vanguard funds worth considering. Healthcare (1-800-635-1511) Pfizer (PFE), the world’s largest phar- and T. Rowe Price Health Sciences (1-800maceutical firm, faces patent expirations of 638-5660) are both excellent funds with anseveral blockbusters: anti-depressant Ef- nual expenses of just 0.36 percent and 0.87 fexor, cholesterol drug Lipitor, and impo- percent, respectively. tence drug Viagra. But the patent expiraThe Vanguard fund is less risky. It’s tions are more than reflected in Pfizer’s about 20 percent less volatile than Standirt-cheap price. dard & Poor’s 500-stock index, and it lost Pfizer trades at just 7 times consensus only 18 percent in 2008 compared to 37 analyst estimates for 2011 earnings. Yet it percent for the S&P 500. The T. Rowe has 100 new drugs in its pipeline, includ- Price fund is just a shade less volatile ing about 30 in late-stage clinical trials. than the S&P; it tumbled 29 percent in Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is the world’s 2008. largest and most diverse health company. Still, the T. Rowe Price fund has perIt develops and sells pharmaceuticals, con- formed a little better than the Vanguard sumer products and medical devices. fund. Over the past 10 years, it has reProduct safety issues have rocked the turned an annualized 5.5 percent comcompany of late. But, again, Wall Street pared to 5.1 percent for the Vanguard fund. Ed Owens has run Vanguard Healthhas overreacted. The stock trades at 12

care since inception in 1984. Kris Jenner has been at the helm at T. Rowe Price Health Sciences since 2000. Owens tends to favor pharmaceutical companies and to underweight biotechnology. Jenner likes smaller companies, including biotech. One negative to Vanguard Health: It requires a $25,000 minimum initial investment. Speaking of biotechnology, I think the best way to invest in that tricky sector is through an exchange-traded fund (ETF) — in other words, a fund that trades like a stock. SPDR Standard & Poor’s Biotech Index (symbol XBI) invests in the largest 29 biotech companies. Unlike most index ETFs, it puts an equal amount of money into each of its holdings. Thus, you get the handful of well-established biotech companies, such as Amgen, as well as lots of more speculative fare. Many of those smaller firms will surely fail — they often have just one or two drugs in development. But the odds are strong that some will hit the jackpot. Note: Don’t overdo this risky ETF. Steven T. Goldberg is a freelance writer and investment advisor in Silver Spring, Md. He welcomes reader questions. E-mail steve@tginvesting.com or write to Steven Goldberg, 9005 Woodland Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910. You may also call him at (301) 650-6567.

Some new funds and trends to consider By Mark Jewell With nearly 8,000 mutual funds on the market, there are already plenty to choose from. Yet in a typical year a few hundred new offerings pop up. Don’t write off all these freshman funds. It’s likely a select group will prove their mettle through good markets and bad, including a handful of recent offerings from managers with strong track records. Yet too many try to tap into fleeting investor moods influenced by the market’s latest moves. Often, new funds reflect old thinking. That’s because a launch typically takes more than a year to go from glimmer in a fund company executive’s eye to regulatory approval. Many of the newest funds were con-

ceived during or just after the financial crisis. It was a turbulent end to a decade that got off on the wrong foot when the dotcom bubble burst. Taxable bonds ended up posting an average annual return of 6.3 percent over the last decade, compared with an average annual loss of about 1 percent for stocks in the Standard & Poor’s 500. That surprising outcome may explain why so many new funds aim to protect investors from stock declines. “They’re responding to the market fears and frustrations over the past 10 years,” said Dan Culloton, associate director of fund analysis with Morningstar. “A lot of it is just pure-and-simple rearview mirror product management.”

Trends in new funds Many of the 150 funds that have hit the market in the last six months are traditional stock funds — not much different from the ones that typically delivered returns approaching 10 percent, before trouble hit last decade. But many of the new funds take a sharply different tack, in reaction to recent events: Go long and short: Morningstar counts 18 new funds — one of every eight launched since May — in its long-short category. Just over a year ago, there were only 78 funds in the entire category. Investing long is betting a stock will eventually rise. Combining that traditional approach with a short strategy means also

trying to take advantage of stocks expected to fall. That way, if the market declines, an investor can still profit. Hedge funds pioneered long-short investing. Now the approach is also available in mutual funds within reach of average investors. These funds attempt to limit losses when stocks are falling. But if markets rise, expect them to lag. Emerging market boom: Seventeen new funds focus on emerging markets — fastgrowing countries like China, India and Brazil that have recently rewarded investors. Emerging markets stock funds have returned an average 28 percent over the past 12 months, compared with the 16 percent See NEW FUNDS, page 5

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

New funds to check out Morningstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Culloton argues some new funds are worth a look, based on the strength of their managersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; records at older funds. A few enticing new products on the market or in the pipeline:

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Please take a moment to answer these questions: When are you thinking of moving? â?? immediately â?? within 6 months â?? within a year â?? just looking What type of housing are you interested in? â?? market-rate apartment or condo â?? limited income active retirement â?? market rate active retirement â?? assisted living â?? continuing care retirement community Name________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________________________

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rise in the Standard & Poorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 500. Most of the new offerings invest across a wide swath of emerging markets, while a few target regions like Asia or Latin America. Two are bond funds: Oppenheimer Emerging Markets Debt (OEMAX) and Invesco Emerging Market Local Currency Debt (IAEMX). Adding such holdings to mostly U.S.-focused portfolios will typically boost returns, because emerging market economies are likely to continue growing faster than our own. But expect bumps along the way, since emerging market stocks tend to be unusually volatile. Heavy on the commodities: Nine new funds concentrate on commodities. Investments in gold or oil, or crops such as corn and wheat, often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rise or fall in sync with stocks, and can fare well even during times of inflation. One entrant to the category is T. Rowe Price Real Assets (PRAFX), which invests in real estate, energy, and precious metals and mining stocks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from a large, wellknown fund company, and carries a modest annual expense ratio of 0.85 percent. Such funds should probably be used sparingly, because commodities are volatile. Consider what happened with oil, which peaked at $147 a barrel in mid-2008, only to tumble below $40 months later when the financial crisis hit.

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From page 4

Bruce Berkowitz, chosen last January as Morningstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Domestic Stock Fund Manager of the Decade as well the top manager of last year, filed with regulators in November to launch his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third fund. Berkowitz built his reputation at Fairholme Fund (FAIRX), which has grown to nearly $17 billion from less than $11 billion in January. Investors have flocked to the stock fund because of its record: in the top 1 percent of its peers over the past 5- and 10-year periods. Fairholme Allocation proposes to keep a focused portfolio of stocks, bonds and cash, with no restrictions on how much to invest among those categories at any one time. Osterweis Strategic Investment (OSTVX), which launched August 31, also takes a wideranging approach, holding stocks, bonds and cash. The new fund is noteworthy because it comes from the company behind the $1.2 billion Osterweis Fund (OSTFX), which has a reputation for protecting investors when stocks are tanking. Calamos Discovery Growth (CADGX), a midcap stock fund, launched in June. Calamos Investments is best known for its expertise in half-stock, half-bond hybrid securities called convertibles. Its bestknown fund is the $3.3 billion Calamos Convertible (CCVIX). Morningstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Culloton said these four new funds need to prove themselves, despite the strong reputations their managers bring. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Morningstar doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even rate funds until they have threeyear records. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But if you find a new fund from a good shop, with managers who have a strong record, you might be more inclined to take a flyer on it than with other new funds,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those can be hidden gems.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AP

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New funds

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What fund ratings do and don’t tell you rector of mutual fund research at Morningstar. Consider Morningstar’s analysis of the best and worst large-cap mutual funds over a 10-year stretch ending in April 2008. Investors who put $100,000 in the best large-

How to evaluate funds yourself Past performance, as regulators require funds to say, is no guarantee of future results. It isn’t, but past performance can help uncover risk. Always ask the fund company and/or person trying to sell you a fund to tell you not only its average annual return over different time periods, such as the past five or 10 years, but also year-by-year results. (The prospectus will typically list returns for recent years, but not necessarily all since inception). Average returns may mask wild swings in year-to-year returns, a sign of a fund’s volatility. Also look at a fund’s return compared to an appropriate index or benchmark. A fund may be down simply because the overall market is down, and even good fund managers have bad years. But a fund that consistently trails its index, even when it makes money, is hardly worth it unless it also lowers your risk of loss in bear markets. Of course, you want more than good “relative performance,” or how a fund does compared to an index. Dur-

ing market declines, advertisements always seem to pop up boasting how a fund has “beaten the market” in recent time periods. If you look at the fine print, you may discover the fund’s returns have been puny, or the fund has even lost money, just not as much as the index. To get a handle on potential losses, ask about returns during bear markets and worst 12-month period, not necessarily worst calendar year. Few people invest only on Jan. 1, and the worst returns may occur at other times. Also ask about the fund’s worst “drawdown” or maximum cumulative loss from a peak to a trough. That’s a number a fund prospectus is not required to disclose but that some fund analysts consider the ultimate measure of a fund’s risk. For the do-it-yourselfers, at the free website http://quote.yahoo.com, after you enter a fund’s ticker symbol in the “get quotes” window, you can get performance numbers over different time periods, and share prices over time. — Humberto Cruz, AP

cap blend funds ended up with an average profit of $97,000. Investors in the worst funds pocketed just $33,000. That makes for a stupid penalty of $64,000 — a price you don’t want to pay. “Stupid” may be a bit harsh, because it’s not always easy to determine whether one fund is more likely to produce above-average returns year after year. That’s where various fund ratings systems come in. They can help simplify the selection process by serving as a starting point. Morningstar and Lipper are the biggest players when it comes to tracking mutual fund performance. Their rating systems and performance rankings are widely used in the industry.

Methods differ There’s a lot more at stake in selecting a fund than in choosing a movie, so you don’t want to rely solely on 1- to 5-star ratings. The rating services aren’t as subjective as film critics, but methodology differences can leave investors confused. For instance, the same mutual fund can be classified differently depending on the

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research firm. Take Encompass (ENCPX), a fund that takes a go-anywhere approach, venturing into U.S. and international stocks of companies large and small. In 2008 the fund finished down 62 percent. When the market rebounded last year, Encompass surged 137 percent — topping more than 200 funds in its category. This year, it’s again among the leaders, up nearly 16 percent. Morningstar’s 5-star system gives Encompass just two stars, penalizing the fund for volatile returns. In contrast, the fund looks comparatively good using Lipper’s system, which rates funds on a scale of 1 to 5 for five different measures. Lipper gives Encompass a top-notch 5 in two categories, and 4, 3 and 1 in the others. One reason for the differences: Morningstar categorizes Encompass as a world stock fund. Lipper classifies Encompass as a global multi-cap growth fund. The category differences are important because a fund’s performance is measured against its peers. Choosing which group to compare against can have big implications See FUND RATINGS, page 8

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Fund ratings From page 7 for performance rankings. John Rekenthaler, vice president of research at Morningstar, acknowledges star ratings are only an introduction to a fund that can “get the odds in your favor” but don’t ensure success. There will never be a perfect system for predicting fund performance. A key problem: Most ratings are backward-looking, relying on quantitative analysis that may offer little help predicting future performance. They don’t account for fund manager changes, how much managers invest in their own fund, and any number of intangibles.

A look at several trackers Yet there’s no shortage of attempts to devise better ratings. New challengers to Morningstar and Lipper are emerging. Here are key differences among the two

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

largest and the smaller players in the fundtracking business: Morningstar: Its star ratings measure a fund’s past performance while also weighing how much risk a fund took to achieve its returns. A fund that produced top results won’t necessarily secure a top rating if its performance was unusually volatile. Funds charging lower fees are more likely to get higher star ratings. In fact, a recent Morningstar study found that expenses, taken alone, are a slightly more important factor in predicting how well a fund will perform than star ratings. Morningstar analysts also write fund reports, offering subjective evaluations of such factors as the fund’s managers or shifts in investment style. Access to the reports is limited to premium members paying $179 a year or $19.95 a month. Funds that analysts deem likely to consistently deliver strong returns win Morningstar’s ‘Analyst Pick” designation.

Lipper: Uses criteria similar to Morningstar’s, but with a 1-to-5 number rating showing how well a fund meets specific goals. Lipper’s numbers show how a fund stacks up on five criteria: total return, consistency, expenses, tax efficiency and ability to minimize risk of losses in a variety of markets. The company’s Lipper Leaders are funds ranking among the top 20 percent of their peers. Lipper’s reliance on a fund’s ability to protect investors from paying taxes on investment gains is another key difference. Morningstar’s site offers data on a fund’s tax efficiency, but it’s not figured into its star rating. Investors holding mutual funds in taxable accounts will want to pay close attention to those tax-efficiency rankings. Standard & Poor’s: S&P changed its fund-ranking methodology last year, differentiating itself from Morningstar and Lipper. Like the others, S&P examines a fund’s record and risk level. But S&P also analyzes a fund’s hold-

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ings. Portfolio quality is a judgment based on S&P analyst assessments of outlooks for individual stocks, and S&P’s credit rankings for bonds. Other factors being equal, a fund holding stocks earning high marks from S&P will rank higher on its 5-star scale than one with poorly-rated holdings. It’s an attempt at a forward-looking approach for evaluating funds. But its predictive power hinges on S&P analysts’ assessment skills. U.S. News & World Report: The magazine aggregates rankings from five services to arrive at a composite score for a fund, on a 1 to 10 scale. U.S. News gives equal weight to Morningstar, Lipper and S&P as well as Zacks Investment Research and TheStreet.com. Zacks Investment Research: Assigns a score of 1 to funds considered a “strong buy” down to 5 for “strong sell.” The rankings are similar to S&P’s approach, assessing the quality of a stock fund’s holdings. That quality is determined according to Zacks’ system for ranking stocks. FundReveal: A newly launched service founded by Ani Chitaley, formerly a vice president at Fidelity Investments. Investors can compare similar funds to see how returns differ, and the risks taken to achieve returns. A graph shows where each fund falls within a four-square quadrant, while also comparing against the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. The best funds appear in a quadrant signifying high returns with low risk. —AP

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High earners will pay more for Medicare By Kimberly Lankford In 2011, high-income beneficiaries face an even bigger hit from Medicare increases than in the past. Not only will they have to pay higher premiums for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient services, but they’ll also have to pay a new surcharge for Part D Medicare prescriptiondrug coverage starting in 2011. However, you may be able to avoid the surcharge, depending on when you retired. In 2011, most Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay Part B premiums of $96.40 per month, which have been in effect since 2008. Those who first enrolled in Medicare in 2010 will continue to pay $110.50 per month. And if you’re new to Medicare in 2011, you’ll most likely pay $115.40 per month. But high-income beneficiaries — individuals who earned more than $85,000 in

2009 and couples with joint incomes of $170,000 or more — will pay a high-income surcharge, boosting their total Part B premiums to at least $161.50 per month, and in some cases, as much as $369.10 per month. And, starting this year, the same highincome folks will also have to pay a new surcharge of $12 to $69.10 per month for prescription-drug coverage, depending on their income, on top of their regular Medicare Part D premiums. But if your income has dropped since 2009 (the most recent tax return the IRS has on record), you may be able to reduce or eliminate the surcharge. To qualify, your income loss must be tied to a life-changing event — such as a marriage, a divorce, a job loss or reduced work hours (including retirement), loss of income from income-producing property,

or cuts in pension benefits. The Social Security Administration will have an updated form available for you to fill out with your income for the year and evidence of the life-changing event. That could include a statement from your former employer verifying that you’ve retired. For more information about contesting the

high-income surcharge, see Medicare Part B Premiums: Rules for Beneficiaries with Higher Incomes at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10116.html. [For a list of free health screenings and vaccinations available to eligible Medicare beneficiaries this year, see page 15 of this issue.] © 2010 Kiplinger. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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WILLS, TRUSTS AND BEQUESTS WORKSHOP

In a talk designed for cancer patients and their families, attorney David Wingate, an expert in asset preservation planning and care advocacy, will lead a discussion about various financial plans and how to make future financial arrangements. The program will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Wellness Community—Greater Washington, DC, 5430 Grosvenor Ln., Suite 100, Bethesda, Md. For more information, call (301) 4935002 or e-mail twcdc@wellnesscommunitydc.org.

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ABCs OF ESTATE PLANNING

Elder law attorney Ed Zetlin will conduct a free workshop on the basics of estate planning, Thurs., Jan. 27, at 1 p.m. at Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington. Topics include essential documents, such as durable powers of attorney, advance

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How to reverse 2010 Roth IRA conversion I sense much confusion — and a tinge of For the lengthy and complex details on regret — among many readwho can contribute and how ers who converted their tradimuch, and what is taxable and tional IRAs to Roth IRAs in what is not, you can download 2010 and now fear the tax imInternal Revenue Service pact will be much greater than Publication 590 from the IRS they first thought. Web site, www.irs.gov. Fear not. If you conclude Starting last year, anybody that making the conversion with a traditional IRA was alwas a mistake, you have lowed to convert part or all of ample time to undo it. If you it to a Roth IRA, regardless of decide to stick with it, you income or filing status. Conhave options to deal with the THE SAVINGS verting — as millions of tax consequences. Americans have done — alGAME Before going on, a refresh- By Humberto Cruz lows for future gains in the er is in order. IRA to be tax-free in exchange With a traditional IRA or individual re- for being taxed now (or soon) on the contirement account, contributions can be tax verted amount. deductible, but then withdrawals will be fully taxable. With a Roth IRA, contribu- Unexpected tax consequences I am confident most people who contions are never tax deductible but withverted understood this trade-off. But many drawals can be tax-free.

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Jan. 13

THE LANGUAGE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING

Wolfgang Mieder of the University of Vermont discusses “Making a Way Out of No Way: Martin Luther King’s Use of Proverbs for Civil Rights” at noon on Thursday, Jan. 13. The presentation is at the Mary Pickford Theater of the Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. For more information on this free presentation, call (202) 707-5510.

may not have realized that the converted amount can make their income for the year so high that they suffer other negative consequences. Say you converted a $75,000 fully deductible traditional IRA to a Roth IRA last year. If you add the $75,000 to your other taxable income for 2010, you most likely will get bumped into a higher tax bracket (or even two brackets higher). Depending on how high your income goes, you may also start losing itemized deductions, personal exemptions, tax credits and other benefits, or may be trapped by the alternative minimum tax. Too high an income can also cause as much as 85 percent of Social Security benefits to be taxed, and future Medicare Part B and Part D premiums to increase. Again, details are too lengthy and complex to get into here. I just want to warn you about unanticipated consequences and the need to understand them fully or get professional tax advice. Fortunately, a conversion can be reversed any time up until the deadline for filing the tax return for the year in which it was made, including automatic extensions, provided you file your return (or extension request) on time by April 15.

October deadline So, if you converted in 2010, you can reverse the conversion as late as Oct. 17, 2011 (the normal tax filing deadline for those requesting extensions, Oct. 15, falls on a Saturday this year). Converting and undoing a conversion — the latter called a “recharacterization” in tax jargon — are merely paperwork transactions with your IRA custodian. If you choose to stick with the conversion, you have a one-time option this year that could lower the tax impact. Rather than report the entire converted amount as 2010 income, you can report half of it as income for 2011 and half for 2012. In our previous example, you could report $75,000 of income in 2010, or $37,500 in 2011 and $37,500 in 2012. (There are no other options. You may not, as some of you think, report one third of the converted amount each in 2010, 2011 and 2012.) Reporting half the income at a time may keep you in a lower bracket and lessen the overall tax hit, but you risk that tax rates may rise in the future. Send questions or comments to Humberto Cruz at AskHumberto@aol.com or c/o Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY. 14207. Personal replies are not possible. © 2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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Online checking accounts offer benefits By Candice Choi You may never have to wait in line at a bank again. Now that most routine transactions can be handled online or at ATMs, you may be weighing whether it’s worth making the leap to an exclusively online checking account. Besides the convenience of never having to go to the bank, these accounts typically bear interest or come with other perks. There are, of course, trade-offs to be wary of as well. Here are three options worth considering:

Bank of America The country’s largest bank introduced its first online-only account in August. Since then, these eBanking accounts have made up more than 40 percent of the company’s new checking accounts. Customers have to opt for online statements and make routine deposits and withdrawals online or at ATMs to avoid a $9 monthly fee. The upside is that there is no minimum balance requirement. Although the accounts don’t bear any interest, customers have the security of knowing they can walk into one of the bank’s 5,900 branches around the country if they need to. But visits have to be limited to those rare situations that can’t be resolved remotely, such as depositing coins or complicated customer service matters. Otherwise, handling a routine transaction at a branch would result in a monthly fee. Another factor that makes the account more attractive is that Bank of America last year finished rolling out its new ATMs that make deposits a lot easier. Customers just swipe their bank card and enter an endorsed check into a blinking slot. The machine scans the check for the value and asks for verification of the amount. Customers can also get a receipt that shows images of the front and back of the check. With cash, up to 40 bills can be deposited at a time and the ATM automatically calculates the amount. Note that these functions aren’t exclusive to Bank of America; Capital One Bank and Chase ATMs

operate in much the same way, and Citi plans a full rollout of similar ATMs starting next year. As for customer service questions, Bank of America offers live online chats for those who prefer not to call and speak with a representative.

Ally Bank Another option is going with an online institution such as Ally Bank. If you already have a supplemental savings account at an online bank, you may be wondering whether it would be inconvenient to move your primary checking account over, too. The main incentive is that the accounts typically bear interest to make up for the lack of branches. At Ally, the interest rates on checking accounts are currently 0.5 percent for balances up to $14,999 and 1.05 percent for anything above. There’s no minimum balance requirement and customers can get paper statements free of charge. Ally offers a few other perks to assuage concerns about moving to an online bank. Since Ally doesn’t operate any ATMs, for example, the bank refunds any ATM fees customers incur. Customers are also given an unlimited number of prepaid envelopes to mail in check deposits. The bank also puts a fine point on its customer service and posts the estimated wait time to speak with a representative on its website. The time is usually less than a minute. Customers might run into snafus if they want to deposit cash, however. The cash would need to be converted into a money order or a cashier’s check, and customers aren’t reimbursed for these fees.

a checking account. The bank does not offer paper statements or a way to deposit cash. Checks can be deposited by mail; the bank doesn’t provide prepaid envelopes. Although there are no branches, ING Direct has seven “cafes” around the country where customers can have a cup of coffee and ask associates about their accounts. There isn’t one in the Washington area; the closest are in Philadelphia and Wilmington, Del. — AP MetLife Bank

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

Think twice if a rebate tempts you to buy By Candice Choi It’s only a rebate if you get the money back. Retailers dangle rebates to get shoppers to buy smart phones and other shiny new toys. But the offers can come with catches that limit your savings. The premise of a rebate is simple enough: Pay the full price at the register and get money back after filling out some paperwork. A check is issued within weeks and everyone is happy. Yet that’s not always how it plays out. Shoppers often don’t bother to register online or mail in rebate forms. In fact, only about half of eligible consumers bother redeeming rebates, according to Hal Stinchfield, CEO of Promotional Marketing Insights in Minneapolis. Customers are more likely to mail in rebate forms if they’re handed the necessary materials at the register. If shoppers have to tear off a slip on a drug store shelf, redemptions go down dramatically. That’s despite the negligible difference in the effort required to get the rebate. And even when people send in the forms, they frequently don’t cash the checks they receive. Rebates also are increasingly issued on prepaid cards, which open a whole new set of issues.

Before you cash in If a steep rebate offer catches your eye, it’s worth shopping around before you act. Some discount chains, such as Best Buy and Target, don’t offer rebates. Yet their

prices may be as competitive. So if a cell phone is selling for $150 after a rebate at one store, you might be able to get it for a similar price without having to go through the hoops of the rebate process. And if it’s a manufacturer offering the rebate rather than a retailer, you can still mail away for the discount. Before you act on a rebate offer, ask what form the refund will come in. You might not be thrilled if it comes on a store gift card. Stores like to offer gift cards because they spur shoppers to return to buy more. Also make sure there’s no chance you’ll want to return the item, since you won’t be able to once you start the rebate process. That’s because customers typically need to cut the bar code from the packaging and mail it in with their paperwork. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to mail in rebate forms sooner rather than later. The redemption deadline is usually within 90 days or so. But the number of buyers mailing in redemptions starts falling off after about six weeks, suggesting that procrastination makes it less and less likely that you’ll get around to it.

If you get a rebate card Once you get a rebate, the next step is making sure you use it. This is a little more complicated than it sounds now that more rebates come on prepaid cards. These cards have a Visa, MasterCard or American Express logo and can be used

C & O CANAL WALK The Seneca Valley Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club (SVSVC) is spon-

soring a walk on the C & O Canal Towpath in Cabin John, Md. on Saturday, Jan. 15. This 10K trail, with a 5K option, is an easy walk out and back on the towpath. Start your walk anytime between 10 and 11 a.m. in the parking lot at the Carderock Recreation Area at the C & O Canal Towpath; walk must be completed by 2 p.m. For additional information about Volksmarching or to pre-register for IVV credit, call Jone Parr at (301) 385-0054

vary significantly depending on the program, so carefully read any accompanying materials. One way to avoid losing any value on a rebate card is to go to your bank and cash it or deposit it into a checking account. Visa says not all rebate cards can be cashed or deposited, but the materials that come with the card should note if that’s an option. This comes with a couple benefits. To start, you earn interest on the money by putting it into a savings account. Or you could earn rewards by spending the money through a credit or debit card. Cashing or depositing a rebate card also eliminates the possibility that you won’t use its entire value. As with gift cards, there’s the chance you could tuck it away into a drawer somewhere and forget that there’s still money on it. — AP

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Jan. 24+

FREE ESOL CLASSES Eastern Montgomery Regional Services, in conjunction with the

Literacy Council of Montgomery County, is offering free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes for adults, beginning Monday, Jan. 24 at the center located at 3300 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, Md. Participants are re-

BEACON BITS

Jan. 15

wherever those cards are accepted. The card may even bear your name, but don’t be fooled into thinking it provides the same protections as a credit or debit card. The entire value of a rebate card could be lost unless a stolen card is reported to the issuer in as little as 24 hours. Rebate cards also aren’t subject to the new federal regulations on gift cards. The rules ban inactivity fees in the first year and expiration dates for at least five years after the card is issued. But the expiration date on a rebate card may be much sooner. For example, the rebate cards Verizon is currently issuing for select phones expire after just one year. Customers can request replacement cards with the remaining balance at no cost. But that’s another hassle you might not want to deal with. The exact terms of a rebate card can

quired to attend one of two orientation sessions: Monday, Jan. 24 or Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The 10-week program will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call (301) 610-0030 for additional information.

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

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Health Fitness &

SMOKE SCREEN Heavy smoking more than doubles the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia AVOID SHINGLES PAIN Medications can help relieve the agony, but it’s best to get vaccinated BANISHING BUNIONS Before you consider surgery, alter your footwear to find some relief NEW CHOLESTEROL DRUG An experimental drug boosts good cholesterol and slashes the bad

Solutions for those with wintertime blues By Jim Miller If you get depressed in the winter but feel much better in spring and summer, you may have “seasonal affective disorder” (or SAD), a wintertime depression that affects more than 36 million Americans. While experts aren’t exactly sure what causes SAD, most think it’s attributed to reduced daylight. Less daylight in the winter months can upset sleep-wake cycles and other circadian rhythms. And it may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin that affects mood. If you think you may have SAD, a trip to a doctor’s office is the best way to diagnose it, or you can take a SAD “self-diagnostic” test at the website of the Center for Environmental Therapeutics (www.cet.org). In the meantime, here are some treatments and remedies that can help. Light therapy: The most effective treatment for SAD is sitting in front of a specialized light therapy box for 15 to 20 minutes a day. Light therapy mimics outdoor light to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood. It’s most effective when timed to fit a person’s individual circadian rhythm (body clock), which varies widely from

person to person. Are you a night owl or a morning lark? You can calculate your proper time for doing light therapy by taking the circadian rhythm test at www.cet.org. The best light boxes provide 10,000 lux of illumination — many times stronger than typical indoor light — and have a diffuser screen that filters out ultraviolet rays and projects downward toward the eyes. With prices ranging from around $150 to $200, you can find a nice variety of light therapy boxes at sites like day-lights.com (1-800-387-0896), www.lighttherapy.philips.com (1-866-8324361), www.verilux.com (1-800-454-4408), and www.lighttherapyproducts.com (1800-486-6723). Dawn simulation: This is a newer form of light therapy that gradually turns the light on in your bedroom, creating a slow transition from darkness to dawn in the room while it’s still dark outside. Studies have found that dawn simulation can ease depression and help people wake up with more energy. These products typically run between $100 and $200 and are sold through many of the previously listed sites that sell light therapy boxes. Antidepressants: If light therapy does-

n’t alleviate your SAD symptoms, antidepressants such as Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft may help. Talk to your doctor about these options. Negative ion therapy: Negative ion generators help freshen and purify the air and, according to Columbia University, help relieve depression and SAD. Several models of ion generators are on the market. Some, designed to be used for 30 to 60 minutes daily, include a wrist strap that channels the ions directly to the body to be absorbed through the skin. Other models work overnight, filling the entire room with negative ions. Sites like cet.org and negativeiongenerators.com (1-866-466-4937) sell them for between $125 and $165. Cognitive behavioral therapy: Even though SAD is considered to be a biological problem, identifying and changing thoughts and behavior can help alleviate symptoms, too. To find a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, check with the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (abct.org) or the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (academyofct.org), both of which offer directories on their websites. Exercise: Moderate exercise such as

walking, riding a stationary bike, or swimming can also help alleviate SAD symptoms. Vitamin D: This sunshine vitamin, that our bodies make when the sun’s rays hit our skin, typically declines during the winter months. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to a wide variety of illnesses, including depression. Your doctor can determine if you’re deficient with a simple blood test. While some foods contain vitamin D — fatty fish, cod liver oil and fortified products like breakfast cereals, milk and orange juices – the most efficient way to get what you need in the winter is probably with supplements. The recommended daily allowance for those 70 and older is 800 IU. Many supplements come in higher doses, but don’t overdo it. The very upper limit of safety is considered to be 4,000 IUs of vitamin D-3 daily from all sources. Consult your doctor before taking this or any other supplements. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book. You may send him questions at:: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

Family health history beats genetic tests By Lauran Neergaard Uncovering all the diseases that lurk in your family tree can be more accurate than costly genetic testing in predicting what illnesses you and your children are likely to face. It may sound old-fashioned, but a Cleveland Clinic study comparing which method best uncovered an increased risk of cancer helps confirm the value of what’s called a family health history. “I view family health histories as back to the future,” said Dr. Charis Eng, a cancer geneticist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Genomic Medicine Institute. “It’s the best kept secret in healthcare.” However you do it, get the scoop on both sides of the family, said another study of 2,500 women. Researchers found that women not only know less about the health of their paternal relatives, they tend to dismiss the threat of breast can-

cer if it’s on Dad’s side.

Testing the theory How does a good history compare with those online genomic testing services — sold without a doctor’s prescription for hundreds of dollars — that analyze DNA glitches and predict people’s predisposition to various diseases? To find out, the Cleveland Clinic’s Eng recruited 44 people — 22 patients in her family cancer clinic and their spouses — for a family health history and a saliva test from one of those genomic services, Navigenics, to calculate their risk for colon cancer and breast or prostate cancer. Both approaches classified about 40 percent of participants as having above-average risk — but they picked the same people only about half the time. For example, the genomic screening missed all nine

people with a strong family risk of colon cancer, five of whom Eng’s clinic gave extra scrutiny to prove they carried a specific gene mutation. “A patient might have done this testing and been very reassured and not come to medical care,” she said. On the other hand, Navigenics listed eight men at risk for prostate cancer when their family history predicted a risk no higher than average. Why the difference? No matter the brand, genomic screening takes a broad look at DNA variations, including some that scientists aren’t sure play a big role. Yet it often doesn’t include highprofile gene mutations that are linked for specific diseases and can require mor e specialized testing, Eng explained. Navigenics didn’t return a call for comment.

Nature and nurture affect you “Family history remains the best genetic tool we have, but healthcare providers are not taking advantage” of it, said Dr. Maren Scheuner of the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in Los Angeles, who is leading a pilot project to add family cancer histories to the VA’s electronic medical records at two area clinics. Because genes seldom are destiny, a family health tree also should reflect shared environmental or lifestyle factors that can further affect an inherited risk, said James O’Leary of the nonprofit Genetic Alliance, which just won government funding to help spread family health histories to community health centers that serve the poor. “Collecting your family health history isn’t just about knowing; it’s about making healthy choices,” he said. — AP

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

Free screenings and vaccinations If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, here’s a list of free health screenings and vaccinations Medicare will be offering in 2011, along with the eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet to get them. • Breast cancer screening: Yearly mammograms will be offered to women age 40 and older with Medicare. • Colorectal cancer screening: This includes the flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy for all beneficiaries age 50 or older. • Cervical cancer screening: Pap smear and pelvic exams are available every two years, or once a year for those at high risk. • Cardiovascular screenings: Free blood test to check cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels are offered every five years to all Medicare recipients. • Diabetes: Twice a year screening for those at risk. • Medical nutrition therapy: Available to help people manage diabetes or kidney disease.

• Prostate cancer screening: A digital rectal exam and PSA blood test is available to all male beneficiaries age 50 and older every year. You pay nothing for the PSA test, but you’ll have to pay 20 percent for the doctor’s visit. • Bone mass measurements: This osteoporosis test is available every two years to those at risk, or more often if medically necessary. • Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: To check for bulging blood vessels. This test is available to men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. • HIV screening: Available to those who are at increased risk or who ask for the test. • Vaccinations: An annual flu shot, a vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia, and the hepatitis B vaccine are all free to all beneficiaries. For more details on Medicare’s preventive services and their eligibility requirements, see your “Medicare & You 2011” booklet that you received in the mail in October. Or you can read it online at medicare.gov. — Jim Miller

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Ongoing

NEW GUIDE TO HOME CARE Fairfax County’s Division of Adult and Aging Services has pre-

pared a new online guide to home care. It addresses such questions as: Should you hire an in-home care agency or an individual provider that a friend recommends? What does insurance pay for? What does the county offer? Access the guide at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/in-home-care-guide.htm.

BEACON BITS

May 17+

RELAX, REFRESH, RECHARGE

A three-day wellness retreat for men and women 55 and older will be held May 17 to 19 at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center in Reisterstown, Md. Sponsored by Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs, the Jewish Center of Northern Virginia and Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA), the retreat will include keynote speakers, workshops and activities designed to last a lifetime. The cost, which includes lodging, three meals a day and transportation from Arlington, starts at $295 a day for double occupancy. Call (703) 228-4745 for details.

Jan. 12

ER TIPS

One in four adults over the age of 65 has made an emergency room visit at least once. Learn how to make the most of a trip to the ER at this free program taught by a Holy Cross Hospital health educator at Holiday Park Senior Center on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 1:15 p.m. Holiday Park is located at 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. For more information, call (240) 777-4999.

Free Hearing Tests set for

Greater Washington Area Age 55+ Free electronic hearing tests will be given from Monday, January 17 through Friday, January 21 at select locations in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Tests have been arranged for anyone who suspects they are losing their hearing. Such persons generally say they can hear but cannot understand words. Testing with the latest computerized equipment will indicate if you can be helped. Everyone, especially adults over 55, should have an electronic hearing test at least once a year. If there is a hearing problem, hearing tests may reveal that newly developed methods of correction will help, even for those who have been told in the past that a hearing aid would not help them. If you suspect you have hearing loss, call for a free hearing test appointment. Our licensed specialists are trained in the latest auditory testing methods and will be the first ones to tell you if you don’t need a hearing aid. If you do have a hearing loss, we will explain your results and provide you with a list of options.

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Health Shorts Heavy smoking linked to dementia Looking to lower your odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Stop smoking if you light up. New research finds that heavy smoking during middle age more than doubles a person’s risk of these brain disorders later in life. People who smoke two packs of cigarettes a day increase their risk of Alzheimer’s by 157 percent, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. And they have a 172 percent

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

higher risk of developing vascular dementia, the second-most-common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. Researchers analyzed the medical records of more than 20,000 people who were followed for 23 years starting in their 50s and 60s to see who would develop these conditions as they hit their twilight year. The heightened risk may be due to smoking causing tissue inflammation, which plays a role in Alzheimer’s, the study authors said. “We have known that smoking is a risk factor for cancer, stroke and cardiovascular disease,” research scientist Rachel Whitmer said. “This adds to the evidence that what is bad for the heart is bad for the brain.” — U.S. News and World Report

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Medicare helps smokers quit Even though they’ve lived with the health warnings much of their lives and doubtless seen the ill effects on friends, relatives and even themselves, about 4.5 million older Americans continue to smoke. Finally, Medicare is catching up to most private insurers by providing counseling for any beneficiary who’s trying to quit smoking. Medicare already covers drugs used to help smokers quit, as well as counseling for those who have developed a smokingrelated illness. And starting this year such counseling will be cost-free, under a provision in the new healthcare law that eliminates co-payments for preventive services. It turns out that smokers age 65 and older present a medical paradox. Many started when it was fashionable to light up. Even though only 10 percent of seniors smoke, compared with 20 percent among the U.S. population as a whole, they are more likely than younger smokers to be seriously hooked on nicotine and less likely to attempt quitting. But research shows that their odds of success are greater than that of younger smokers if they do try to give up the habit. Some experts think that’s because older smokers are more motivated, perhaps from having seen a loved one die of cancer or heart disease, or by recognizing how the cigarette habit has left its mark in their own bodies, anything from wrinklier skin to shortness of breath. Older smokers who receive counseling are significantly more likely to quit than those who only get standard medical care. One study of elderly heart attack patients found that those who got counseling to

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Zapping nerves drops blood pressure Some people who couldn’t get their blood pressure under control despite taking a fistful of pills every day found relief from an experimental treatment that shows promise as a permanent fix for the condition. The treatment uses radio waves to zap nerves near the kidneys that fuel high blood pressure. It is done through a tube pushed into a blood vessel in the groin, much like the angioplasty procedures for opening clogged heart arteries. The new treatment damages certain nerves and causes key arteries to permanently relax. In a study of about 100 people, the top number of the blood pressure reading fell an average of 33 points among those who had the treatment. Doctors say that is much better than the less-than-10-point drop that many drugs give. Even if the treatment doesn’t cure someone and is only partly successful, that’s still beneficial because these people are at grave risk of heart attacks, strokes and death, and drugs are not helping them enough now, said Dr. Elliott Antman, a Brigham and Women’s Hospital cardiologist. The fact the treatment also improves blood-sugar control makes it especially attractive for diabetics with high blood pressure. “This opens up a dramatic new option for them,” Antman said. See HEALTH SHORTS, page 17

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

Health shorts From page 16 It is being developed by Ardian Inc., a private company based in Mountain View, California, whose investors include medical device giant Medtronic Inc. It’s already available in Europe and costs about $12,000. — AP

Sugary drinks raise gout risk Women who drink fructose-rich beverages, such as sugar-sweetened sodas and orange juice, are at increased risk for gout, a new study finds. The incidence of gout — a painful type of inflammatory arthritis — in the United States increased from 16 per 100,000 people in 1977 to 42 per 100,000 in 1996. That rise coincided with a large increase in soda and fructose consumption, the study authors noted. Fructose-rich beverages can cause a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which leads to gout, HealthDay reported In this study, researchers analyzed data from 78,906 women who took part in the Nurses’ Health Study between 1984 and 2006. The women had no history of gout at the start of the study. Over the next 22 years, 778 of the women were diagnosed with gout. Compared with women who consumed less than one serving of sugar-sweetened soda per month, those who consumed one serving per day were 74 percent more like-

ly to develop gout, and those who consumed two or more servings per day had a risk 2.4 times higher. — U.S. News and World Report

Walking helps avoid memory loss Walking may ward off dementia and mental decline, new research suggests. Older people who walk about six miles a week have more brain tissue in key areas than those who walk less, helping maintain memory and cognitive function, according to a study published in Neurology. The researchers initially asked nearly 300 healthy volunteers ages 70 to 90 to record how many blocks they walked in a week. Nine years later, they took high-resolution brain scans of the group and found that the more the participants walked at the beginning of the study, the greater their brain volume. On further follow-up four years later, cognitive testing showed that those who walked six to nine miles a week had half the risk of developing memory problems, Reuters reported. Brain size tends to shrink in late adulthood, which is thought to lead to memory problems. “If regular exercise in midlife could improve brain health and improve thinking and memory in later life, it would be one more reason to make regular exercise in people of all ages a public health imperative,” the study authors wrote in a news release. — U.S. News and World Report

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Osteoporosis drugs may lead to thigh fracture Bisphosphonates, drugs used to prevent bone loss in people with osteoporosis, may raise the risk of rare thigh bone fractures, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Popular brand names include Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva. The agency said it will now require bisphosphonate manufacturers to update labels to advise users of the risk, and officials urged healthcare professionals to routinely reevaluate their patients’ use of the drugs. The labeling mandate comes just months after the FDA announced it was reviewing the potential link. Though it’s unclear if bisphosphonates

are to blame, the majority of people who report the serious but uncommon fractures are those who’ve been taking the drugs for more than five years. “The FDA is continuing to evaluate data about the safety and effectiveness of bisphosphonates when used long-term for osteoporosis treatment,” Sandra Kweder, of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an agency press release. “In the interim, it’s important for patients and healthcare professionals to have all the safety information available when determining the best course of treatment for osteoporosis.” The FDA advises patients to consult their doctors before deciding to stop taking bisphosphonates and to report any thigh or groin pain. — U.S. News and World Report

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

Explaining shingles, and how to avoid it Shingles can be a painful rash that goes away after a few weeks — or it can be hellish. “Horrible” and “excruciating” are terms some people use to describe postherpetic neuralgia, the painful aftermath that develops after the initial rash phase in about 10 to 20 percent of shingles cases. Postherpetic neuralgia pain is hard to predict. It can last for months, even years. Yet it can also end abruptly (and mercifully) for no apparent reason.

How shingles begins Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person experiences chickenpox, leftover varicella virus hides out in the

nervous system in an inactive state, held in check there by the immune system. If the immune system (more precisely, the T cells of the immune system) weakens, the snoozing varicella virus can come roaring back to life, replicate, and cause the havoc we experience as shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. The pain comes from inflammation and injury to nerves, as well as changes in how pain signals are processed. The risk of shingles increases with age because the strength of the immune system declines as we get older. Shingles starts to become more common in our 50s; half of everyone who makes it to age 85 will have experienced shingles some time along the way.

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But anyone harboring the varicella virus in their nervous system, which is true of most everyone over age 40, and who has an impaired immune system is vulnerable. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, some kinds of cancer (especially Hodgkin’s disease), and organ transplant recipients. Some studies suggest that stressful events can bring shingles on. The classic shingles rash appears as a red band on one side of the torso. Shingles may affect nerves in other parts of the body, including those in the arms or legs, resulting in muscle weakness and wasting in the affected limbs. Some of the worst cases involve the trigeminal nerve in the face, particularly the branches that supply the area around the eye. This can lead to inflammation in the cornea and even vision loss. It’s also more likely than other sorts of shingles attacks to develop into postherpetic neuralgia.

Early treatment of shingles with antiviral drugs has been shown to cut the risk of postherpetic neuralgia substantially. For those who miss the early treatment window, or nonetheless develop a painful case, doctors have several treatment options. Small doses of the tricyclic antidepressant medications (amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline) act as pain relievers. Antiseizure medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) can be used alone or in combination with the tricyclics. Some study results suggest that antiseizure medications are particularly good in controlling piercing, knifelike pain. Topical creams containing capsaicin (the substance that makes chili peppers spicy hot) or lidocaine (which also comes as a patch) See SHINGLES, page 20

BEACON BITS

Jan. 18

NOW HEAR THIS

Learn how to keep your hearing sharp in a presentation by Monarch Hearing and Balance. Hearing screenings will also be provided. The free event will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at the Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, call (240) 777-8085.

Jan. 11

TELEPHONE SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS

A session of the telephone support group for family caregivers of older adults will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. The topic is “Finding the Rewards in Caregiving.” Sponsored by Fairfax County. Call (703) 324-5484 to register for this free support group.

Jan. 20

DENTAL CARE AND DIABETES

People with diabetes are at higher risk for dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Learn about the problems that can occur and the ins and outs of good dental care with Sibley Memorial Hospital’s chief of oral surgery at a seminar on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Building, Room 2. The hospital is located at 5255 Loughboro Rd., N.W. Call (202) 364-7602 or visit www.sibley.org/community.

Jan. 13

6955508

Treating the pain

ARE GENERIC DRUGS THE RIGHT CHOICE?

Health educator Helena Rubinstein will present a free workshop on generic drugs on Thursday, Jan. 13, at 10:15 a.m. at the Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. She will answer such questions as: Are generics safe? Are they always identical to the brand name drug? What are the laws governing the switch to generic drugs? Call to register: (703) 228-0955. *As per the Residence and Care Agreement.

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

I want more than I am getting from Original Medicare and Medicaid.

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A sales person will be present with information and applications. During the seminar, the Bravo Health Medicare Advantage plans (HMO, PPO, SNP) available in your service area will be discussed. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings call Bravo Health Member Services at 1-800-291-0396 (TTY 711), seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Bravo Health plans are offered by subsidiaries of Bravo Health, Inc. A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Enrollment is open year round. All cost-sharing is based on your level of state medical assistance - premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may vary based on your income. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, premiums, and copayments may change on January 1, 2012. H2108_11_0034 File and Use 12142010

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Shingles From page 18 may provide a little relief. If all else fails, some patients benefit from injections of medications into the spinal canal.

Despite all the options, about half of the time postherpetic neuralgia patients don’t respond to any treatment.

Prevention is prudent Better than treatment is prevention. There’s a shingles vaccine, sold under the

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Jan. 29

UNDERSTANDING GRIEF

Haven of Northern Virginia’s free workshop, Journey through Grief, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 4606 Ravensworth Rd., Annandale, Va. (Snow day is Saturday, Feb. 5.) Call (703) 9417000, visit Haven’s website at www.havenofnova.org, or e-mail havenofnova@verizon.net for more information.

Jan. 20

HOW TO TALK WITH BEREAVED PERSONS

Talking to a bereaved person can be challenging. A grief counselor at Capital Hospice will lead a workshop with ideas, suggestions and role playing that will help develop skills and confidence in dealing with these situations. The workshop will take place Thursday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m., at Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. For details, call (703) 228-0955.

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

name Zostavax. In the large (38,000 people), randomized trial that led to its FDA approval in 2006, the vaccine reduced the risk of shingles by half and of postherpetic neuralgia by an impressive two-thirds. And by all accounts it’s safe. Federal vaccine officials have recommended that everyone age 60 or older with a healthy immune system be vaccinated against shingles — advice that applies to people who’ve already had a case, because shingles can recur. Yet recent surveys indicate that less than 10 percent of the Americans who should get the vaccine have done so. Part of the reason may be cost. The wholesale price of Zostavax is about $200 per shot, so it’s not a minor expense. The vaccine is covered by all Part D Medicare plans (check with your carrier about copayments), but they’re set up to reimburse pharmacies, not physicians, so physicians sometimes run into difficulties billing for the shingles vaccine.

Other adult vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B, which covers physician services, but so far, legislative and lobbying efforts to move the shingles vaccine into Part B have failed. Less than half (45 percent) of the doctors surveyed knew that shingles vaccine was reimbursed through Medicare Part D, and 12 percent said they had stopped offering the vaccine because of the cost and reimbursement issues. But you may not need to see a doctor to get the shingles vaccine. Vaccines are also allowed to be administered at pharmacies. Some doctors let their patients “brown bag” the vaccine: People buy it at the pharmacy and then bring it to the doctor’s office to be administered. (It must be kept cold, however, to remain effective.) In the case of brown bagging, the cost of the vaccine itself should be covered by your Part D plan, but usually the doctor will ask you to pay the cost of administering the vaccine out of pocket. You should get a receipt and submit it to your Part D plan for reimbursement, but you probably won’t get all your money back © 2010 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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Jan. 24

DOCUMENTING A TV PIONEER

Yoo-hoo Mrs. Goldberg, a documentary about pioneer television actress Gertrude Berg made by Washington filmmaker Aviva Kempner, will be screened on Monday, Jan. 24 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Leisure World Clubhouse II, 3300 N. Leisure World Blvd, Silver Spring, Md. The cost is $6, and the film is sponsored by Coming of Age in

New Courtyard Homes Open Soon at Asbury

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TRACE YOUR GERMAN GENEALOGY

The Mount Vernon Genealogical Society’s meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18 is free and open to the public. The meeting, which starts at 1 p.m., will feature a presentation titled, “The www of German Genealogy.” The

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

Many options exist for treating bunions By Dr. Gordon Weller Dear Mayo Clinic: How bad do bunions have to get before surgery is required? Answer: Not all bunions cause problems, but some are painful enough to interfere with day-to-day activities. Consider surgery when a bunion is painful every day, and you can no longer find comfortable shoes. But before surgery, exhaust all conservative approaches. Surgery to remove a bunion can be complicated and is not a quick fix. Recovery can take a few months. A bunion is an abnormal bony prominence that develops on the base of the toe joint. Bunions usually occur on the big toes, but the little toes can also be affected. The little toe version is called a bunionette. Bunions develop over time due to abnormal motion and pressure on the toe joint. Pain may occur over the bony prominence, which can vary in size. The joint at the base of the toe may be swollen, and the surrounding tissue may thicken. Bunions often occur in tandem with hallux valgus, a condition where the big toe is bent toward the second toe, pushing the

bunion out past the normal profile of the foot. The resulting bulge on the side of the foot near the toe joint can be associated with intermittent or persistent pain. Bunions usually are irritated by ill-fitting shoes. The worst offenders are highheeled dress shoes with narrow pointed toes. Even when this type of shoe fits correctly and is not too tight, the design forces the shoe to bend the toes inward, causing friction and abnormal movement of the toe joints. Not all bunions are related to shoe use. A hereditary structural defect in the foot can cause bunions. Arthritis can also contribute to bunions.

How to get relief Most people can manage bunions successfully with conservative approaches, including the following: Shoes: The first stop is the shoe store. Shoes should have a wide, deep area for toes to avoid rubbing and putting pressure on the bunion. A shoe repair shop may be able to spot-stretch a shoe to reduce pressure in the area of a bunion. Padding: Applying pads or cushioning

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Ongoing

SEW HELPFUL A volunteer sewing group is seeking new members to make

wheelchair and walker bags and mend the clothing of residents of the Village at Rockville retirement community. The group meets every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 9701 Veirs Dr., Rockville, Md. Call (301) 424-9560 if interested or send an e-mail to volunteers@nlhv.org.

Jan. 24+

BE A BUILDING MUSEUM DOCENT Share your interest in architecture, urban planning, design and history with visitors of all ages by volunteering at the National

around the bunion may help. Avoid overpadding, which might increase pressure. Shoe inserts: They can help avoid abnormal foot motion. Options include overthe-counter arch supports or orthotics prescribed by a physician. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen) can help with pain.

When surgery is called for When these approaches donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop the pain, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to talk to a surgeon. Many different operations can help with bunions and related foot deformities. For example, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;bumpâ&#x20AC;? or damaged joint may be removed; the toe bones may be realigned or permanently joined (fused); or a portion of the bone may be removed. With so many options, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to work with an experienced orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist who has special training in foot surgery. And it may be wise to seek a second opinion before making a final decision. After surgery, patients may temporarily wear a surgical shoe or a cast. Some pa-

tients need to keep all weight off the foot for a time and use crutches or a knee caddy. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and improve function. Surgery should not be done for cosmetic reasons or to get patients back in high-heeled shoes. Done correctly, surgery can result in significant pain relief for most patients, although patients may not be totally pain free. And surgery may not help everyone. I encourage people to work closely with a specialist to determine the best medical and surgical treatment options for them. Gordon Weller is a doctor of podiatric medicine and an orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace regular medical care. To submit a question, write to: medicaledge@mayo.edu, or Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY, 14207. For health information, visit www.mayoclinic.com. ÂŠ 2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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

Kidney swaps improve transplant chances By Lauran Neergaard Too often, would-be kidney donors are wasted because the friend or loved one they want to help isn’t a match. Now a new national database promises to help find matches for those frustrated pairs so they can be part of so-called kidney exchanges and cut the wait for a transplant. If the long-awaited pilot project by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) pans out, specialists predict it eventually could result in an extra 2,000 to 3,000 transplants a year through “kidney paired donation,” where someone donates a kidney on a patient’s behalf so they can receive a compatible organ from someone else in return. “The more people involved, the more people match,” explained Dr. Dorry Segev at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, which pioneered kidney swaps and is one of four transplant coordinating centers helping to run the UNOS project. Nearly 17,000 kidney transplants are performed in the U.S. each year, but paired donation remains relatively rare — about 760 were performed in the last three years. Patients today often must track down participating centers on their own and travel hundreds of miles for surgery.

Recent swaps at Georgetown “I have friends that are on dialysis that can’t afford to come this far to receive a transplant,” said Heather Hall, 31, of Denham Springs, La., who was one of 16 patients to receive a new kidney during an unusually large exchange in November at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington. Born with bad kidneys and needing her third transplant, she read about Georgetown’s program after doctors in Louisiana said she’d become too hard to match. Her aunt donated on her behalf. The UNOS project, which began in November, is part of a broader effort to increase kidney paired donation, considered one of the best bets at boosting live-donor transplants — the optimal kind. Some transplant centers already have formed regional alliances to mix and match larger numbers of patients and their would-be donors. Even some small hospitals are making a name for themselves by amassing lists of potential swappers. “We’re trying to tell folks, ‘Don‘t take no for an answer,’“ said transplant surgeon Dr. Adam Bingaman of San Antonio’s Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospi-

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tal, who led another 16-way kidney exchange last month.

Long transplant wait list Of the more than 87,000 people on the years-long national waiting list for a kidney, at least 6,000 instead could qualify for a kidney swap if only they knew about that option, Bingaman recently wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine. Just over a third of transplanted kidneys come from living donors, relatives or friends who happen to be biologically compatible. Without their own donor, patients await a cadaver kidney — and nearly one in three patients may never get one because their immune system has become abnormally primed to attack a new organ, said Georgetown kidney transplant director Dr. Keith Melancon. Black patients are most at risk, but anyone can become “sensitized” from pregnancy, blood transfusions, dialysis or, like Louisiana’s Hall, a previous transplant. Kidney paired donation evolved as an alternative for people with incompatible donors, especially those that are particularly hard to match. The UNOS project aims to spur more of them. Any of the 77 transplant centers participating so far merely submits key matching information about a patient and his or her would-be donor to UNOS’ database, which periodically alerts centers to potential matches with people from other parts of the country. The first attempt in November — when the database contained just 43 kidney patients and 45 donors — turned up seven

potentially matching pairs, said Dr. Kenneth Andreoni of Ohio State University, UNOS’ kidney committee chairman. The rest is up to the home hospitals of the patients and donors, who ship each other blood samples necessary for final compatibility testing and then set up the operations.

Several approaches to swaps Transplant specialists are divided on whether the UNOS approach will prove best, or whether regional alliances or developing “centers of excellence” for kidney swaps might be more effective. In San Antonio, Bingaman notes that a third of his hospital’s 180 live-donor kidney transplants this year were part of exchanges. That’s a big increase from 71 livedonor transplants in 2007, before he began swaps. That debate aside, people can stay on their home hospital’s transplant list and still be part of the pilot national database, potentially increasing their chances of finding of a match, said Hopkins’ Segev. And regardless of how it’s done, increasing kidney swaps potentially helps everyone — by removing people from the national waiting list. “You added new kidneys to the system,” said Georgetown’s Melancon, whose hospital is transplanting about 30 percent of the people on its waiting list, nearly double the rate before he began exchanges. He’s now starting to comb old records to find patients whose incompatible donors were turned away years ago, to see if their donor’s willing to give it another try. — AP

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Jan. 18

LEARN THE LATEST ABOUT BREAST CANCER

Medical oncologist Dr. Rebecca Kaltman, assistant professor of medicine at George Washington University Hospital, will present updates from the national 2010 Annual Breast Cancer Symposium on Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wellness Community—Greater Washington, D.C., 5430 Grosvenor Ln., Suite 100, Bethesda, Md. For information, call (301) 4935002 or e-mail twcdc@wellnesscommunitydc.org.

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

New drug for cholesterol holds promise By Marilynn Marchione An experimental drug boosted good cholesterol so high and dropped bad cholesterol so low in a study that doctors were stunned and voiced renewed hopes for an entirely new way of preventing heart attacks and strokes. “We are the most excited we have been in decades,” said Dr. Christopher Cannon of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who led the study of the novel drug for Merck & Co. “This could really be the next big thing.” The drug, anacetrapib, will not be on the market anytime soon. It needs more testing to see if its dramatic effects on cholesterol will translate into fewer heart attacks, strokes and deaths. Merck announced a 30,000-patient study to answer that question, and it will take several years. But the sheer magnitude of the new medicine’s effects so far excited lots of doctors at a recent American Heart Association conference in Chicago. “The data look spectacular, beyond what anybody would have expected,” said Dr. Robert Eckel, a University of Colorado cardiologist and past president of the heart association. Merck’s Dr. Luciano Rossetti agreed. “We are trying not to be too giddy. The potential benefit is enormous,” said Rossetti, senior vice president of global scientific strategy at the company.

First of its kind For years, doctors have focused on lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol, to cut heart risks. Statin medicines, sold as Lipitor and Zocor do this, and generic versions cost less than a dollar a day. But many statin users still suffer heart attacks, so doctors have been trying to get LDL to very low levels and to boost HDL, or good cholesterol. Anacetrapib would be the first drug of its kind. It helps keep fat particles attached to HDL, which carries them in the bloodstream to the liver to be disposed of. The Merck-sponsored study tested anacetrapib in 1,623 people already taking statins because they are at higher-thanusual risk of a heart attack — half had already had one, and many others had conditions such as diabetes.

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Ongoing

BRIGHTEN AN ILL CHILD’S DAY

Make and donate handmade craft items to be placed in the mailboxes of pediatric patients while they are staying at the Children’s Inn and receiving treatment at the National Institute of Health. Visit www.childrensinn.org for more details or contact Laura King at (301) 496-5672.

An LDL of 100 to 129 is considered good for healthy people, but patients like these should aim for under 100 or even under 70, guidelines say. For HDL, 40 to 59 is OK, but higher is better. After six months in the study, LDL scores fell from 81 to 45 in those on anacetrapib, and from 82 to 77 in those given dummy pills. At the same time, HDL rose from 41 to a whopping 101 in the drug group, and from 40 to 46 in those on dummy pills. Such large changes have never been seen before, doctors say, and these improvements persisted for at least another year that the study went on.

Additional studies needed Over the years, other drugs have generated excitement in early research, then turned out to be risky or not so effective

when tried on many more patients. The Merck study was too small to tell whether anacetrapib lowered deaths, heart attacks or other heart problems. But the trend was in the right direction, with fewer of those cases among patients on the drug. The anacetrapib group also needed significantly fewer procedures to fix clogged arteries.

Few side effects so far Importantly, there were no signs of the blood pressure problems that led Pfizer Inc. to walk away from an $800 million investment in torcetrapib, a similar drug it was developing four years ago. The Merck drug “looks far more potent, without the serious side effects that led to failure” [in the Pfizer study], said Dr. W. Douglas Weaver, a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and past

president of the American College of Cardiology. “If proven effective, this will really change practice in the same way aspirin and statins have.” Merck says it is way too soon to estimate how much the drug would cost, but analysts say such a medication could mean billions for its maker, though it would have to prove cost-effective by preventing enough heart attacks, strokes and deaths. Dr. Allen Taylor, a cardiologist at Washington Hospital Center, noted that study participants’ bad cholesterol was twice as high as their good cholesterol before treatment, and that anacetrapib caused this to reverse: The good became double the bad. That’s never been achieved before and is “a profound swing” that should lead to reversal of heart disease, not just slowing its progression, he said. — AP

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The art of experience

From page 1 “You just feel better because you moved, laughed and interacted with others, no matter how much you could do, how long you could dance, or what the physical capacity,” Franklin said. Gerda Keiswetter, 63, has been taking classes with Franklin for nearly four years. She finds they not only exercise her body, but her mind. “I like the stretch and challenge for my brain because you have to think about how your body moves,” Keiswetter said. The physical benefits are undeniable: Dance uses the whole body and offers a heart-healthy workout, improving flexibility, coordination and strength. Last year, a Scottish study focusing on older women found that dancers were more agile and had stronger legs than women of the same age who took part in activities such as swimming, golf and walking. But certain adjustments may be required, all the same. Lee Bory, another four-year student, said she appreciates having a long, slow warm-up, unlike other classes designed for younger students that have very limited warm-up periods. Jennifer Wright agrees. “It’s nice taking Jane’s class because she’ll accommodate your physical needs.” Students also appreciate Franklin’s sensitivity and support. “It’s about the camaraderie we have,” Keiswetter said. “It’s a wonderful group of people.”

Franklin said many people tend to think that they can’t do dance unless they have a certain physical capacity or type of body. But she believes older people bring a wealth of experience into the process of being together and creating dance — something more important than technical proficiency. “That’s the whole spirit of social dance,” Franklin said. “I direct the participants from one activity to the next, but it’s very loose. “People move what is comfortable for them to move, and everybody is accepting of everybody else, no matter what the ability is. If people get tired, then they sit down,” Franklin said. “Even in the choreography I do for the young company members, it is not so much about the patterns or steps, but it is very much about the relationship of the performers to one another,” she continued. And for that reason, there are no membership rules, either. “There are no auditions for Forty+. Anyone is welcome to come and observe or participate,” Franklin said. “There are a variety of levels of involvement, from those who have never tried to dance but always wanted to, to those who have danced for a lifetime, to others who danced when they were young, had a whole other career and then retired, and finally came back to dance.” Franklin’s company will next perform on Jan. 29 and 30 at Artisphere, a new cultural center in Rosslyn, Va. The show, a premier, is titled, “A Vivid Sense of Place” and incorporates a live saxophone quartet.

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Ongoing

CLASSROOM AIDES NEEDED

The Rosemount Center, a bilingual early childhood center at 2000 Rosemount Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., is looking for volunteers to assist pre-school teachers with reading, talking and playing with children in the classroom. Call Diana Gonzalez at (202) 265-9885 to learn more.

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Dance

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

Members of the Jane Franklin Dance Forty+ troupe take a break during rehearsal. Franklin herself is on the far right. Dancers with all levels of experience can take part in the group.

The Forty+ group will perform a piece called “Long-Term Memory.”

Local workshops offered Separately from the Forty+ performing troupe, Franklin offers free four- to six-week workshops called the Joy of Movement at several senior centers throughout the year. The workshops are open to all, and are casual: participants come in street clothing and shoes. Franklin starts with chairs set in a circle and leads simple exercises that gently encourage flexibility, strength and coordination. She moves on to partnered and group dancing set to diverse styles of music from around the world. The lessons always circle back to a chair so those that need to sit can stay involved. “The population for those workshops is very diverse. For some people, English is not their first language,” Franklin said. ”It’s also diverse as far as physical abilities: Some are much more proficient, and others are not able to walk without assistance or without a walker,” she said. Charlotte Hollister, president of the board of directors of Jane Franklin Dance, feels Franklin’s work at senior centers is “the activity that seems most unique to me.”

“When Arlington County recently failed to fund this effort for the coming year, the senior centers dug into their own funding to keep the program going because they found it so valuable,” Hollister said. WIth dance, Franklin finds that the interactions between people and the relationships that are established contribute a great deal to the whole experience. “They’ll come into that class from very different backgrounds, but almost immediately people start to get to know one another and talk to one another. “They might not see each other outside of that class, but it really gives them a reason to come back to class to see the other people who are involved,” Franklin said. The music she uses, like Latin jazz and Zydeco, is “music that makes you want to move,” she said. The combination of the upbeat music and movement can lift someone’s mood. “There’s something about moving your body that can break you out of that place, if you’re feeling down or closed-in,” Franklin said. And by the way, “It’s never too late to start.” To learn more about area dance classes or attending a performance, see “Care to Dance?” on the following page.

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

Care to dance? If you’re feeling footloose, here are some local classes designed for older dancers: Jane Franklin’s Joy of Movement Workshops incorporate social dance forms to a variety of world music, along with simple exercises to gently encourage flexibility, strength and coordination. The free classes are offered Wednesdays, Jan. 12 to Feb. 4 in Arlington, Va., at both the Langston Brown Senior Center, 2121 Culpeper St., and Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 16th St., South. Classes are from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Langston Brown and 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Walter Reed. A dance technique class for older adults will also be held at the Walter Reed Senior Center each Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 22. Call (703) 228-0955 for more information. To learn more about Jane Franklin Dance, visit www.janefranklin.com or call (703) 933-1111. On Jan 9 and 10, the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange will hold its Winter 2011 Senior Dance Institute for those 50 and older, both those new to dance and experienced dancers. In two half-day workshops, dancers will learn technique and dances, working on ensemble collaboration and solo dancing. Participants will have an opportunity to perform work created during the institute at Dance

and Aging Night at the Dance Exchange on Jan. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost for the program is $150. It will be held at 7117 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, Md. For more information, contact Shula Strassfeld at shulas@danceexchange.org, see http://danceexchange.org or call (202) 506-3382. Many senior centers also offer dance classes. Call your nearest center to ask, or try out one of these upcoming classes: International folk dance classes will be held at Holiday Park Senior Center. A six-week class starts Jan. 7 from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $24 for center members and $28 for nonmembers. Line and ballroom dance also start in January. Holiday Park is located at 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, Md. For more information, call (240) 777-4999. A free line dancing class is offered on an ongoing basis each Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Camp Springs Senior Activity Center, 6420 Allentown Rd., Camp Springs, Md. Call (301) 449-0490. A new square dance program begins at the Senior Center Without Walls on Jan. 11. The free class will continue each week from 1:45 to 3 p.m. for eight weeks. The class will be held at the Woods Community Center, 10100 Wards Grove Circle, Burke, Va. For more information, call (703) 324-5544. —Barbara Ruben

BEACON BITS

Jan. 16

THE STORY OF GREEN SPRING GARDENS

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Affordable Senior Communities Discover how great senior living is at one of our affordable apartment communities. Many of our communities feature brand-new apartment homes, 24-hour emergency maintenance, full activities programs, spacious floor plans, affordable rents, caring and dedicated staff, and much more. We are conveniently located near shopping, including grocery stores and pharmacies. Let us help you live life to the fullest. Call or visit these communities: 7010 Schoonmaker Court Alexandria, VA 22310

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Green Spring historian Debbie Waugh will present photos from the garden’s archives that span 120 years on Sunday, Jan. 16, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn how the landscape evolved and how the gardens were laid out to create this unique and ever-changing public garden. Refreshments will be served. The gardens are located at 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, Va. Call (703) 6425173 to register.

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You’ll start feeling better the minute you see how much you save on generic prescriptions. If you or your family are taking prescription medications, you may want to try generics. Generics are safe and eﬀective, FDA approved, and work the same way that name brands do, but cost up to 80% less. Speak to your CVS Pharmacist to learn more.

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

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

Shop prices online for elective procedures By Kathy Kristof BlueBook.com that provide information In bygone days, when more workers about average prices. Healthcare Blue had comprehensive healthBook also offers links to state care insurance, the price of agencies that monitor the medical procedures was not quality of healthcare. much of an issue. But now, The state of New Hampwith many people having to shire has gone a step further, make do with high-deductible offering detailed pricing inforplans — if they have insurmation online, on a facility-byance at all — price becomes a facility basis, for both insured huge consideration. and uninsured patients. The same is true of choosNew York is attempting to ing doctors for elective procedo much the same, said Arthur dures not covered by insur- MONEY Levin, director of the Center MATTERS ance. for Medical Consumers, a nonBy Kathy Kristof “We are seeing more and profit advocacy group. But that more of this, and it’s only state’s consumer search engoing to grow over time,” said Martin gine is not yet fully operational. Rosen, executive vice president and coStill, it remains a lot tougher to shop for founder of the Health Advocate, a Philadel- medicine than it is to shop for electronics. phia consulting firm. Whereas you can do apples-to-apples comThe situation has forced many con- parisons from one store to the next when sumers to become comparison shoppers buying a digital camera, few commercial when it comes to medical matters. sites offer physician-to-physician pricing “High-deductible health plans encour- based on set procedures. age consumers to be more informed about And the handful of sites that do compare healthcare costs,” Rosen said. “You are physician-to-physician or hospital-to-hospiseeing more tools coming out to help them tal pricing are usually doing comparisons do that.” among only a small group of medical Not surprisingly, many of those tools providers. are on the Web, and they can be as basic as MyMedicalCosts.com, for example, prosearch engines. vides price comparisons among only eight If you type “cost of a colonoscopy” into a facilities. And you need a lot of medical Google search, for example, you get some knowledge to compare prices there. 200,000 matches, including hospitals that Type in “colonoscopy,” for example, and offer fixed prices for uninsured patients. you’re given more than two dozen variations of the same procedure. Unless you’ve Where to find prices got a doctor looking over your shoulder to There are sites such as PriceDoc.com, translate, it’s unlikely that you would know MyMedicalCosts.com and HealthCare- which procedure to price.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 12

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS

Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) is looking for volunteers who can dedicate their time and compassion for hospice patients. Russian speakers are especially needed. The next 20-hour training course is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 200 Wood Hill Rd., Rockville, Md. from 6 to 9:30 p.m. To learn more about the requirements for this position, contact Amy Kaufman Goott, volunteer coordinator, at (301) 816-2650 no later than Jan. 12.

Feb. 4

The concert ensemble Inscape explores ballet music by Samuel Barber and Aaron Copeland in a concert on Friday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center at Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, Md. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors and students. For tickets, call (240) 567-5301 or visit www.montgomerycollege.edu/PAC.

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elective procedures than necessary ones. Realistically, Bradley said, the nature of medicine makes it tough to compare prices. Individual factors such as health history, family history and age vary so much from patient to patient that a site couldn’t guarantee a price to treat conditions such as diabetes. One patient might need a ton of intensive medical help, whereas another might require only occasional visits to the doctor. By the same token, the ability to compare costs for more price-predictable procedures — such as colonoscopies, mammograms and teeth cleanings — is getting better by the day, Bradley said. “I think it’s the wave of the future.” Kathy M. Kristof welcomes your comments and suggestions but regrets that she cannot respond individually to letters or phone calls. Email her at kathykristof24@gmail.com. © 2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HELP HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Support the mission of Habitat for Humanity in Northern Virginia by

volunteering at their store. ReStore, located at 7770 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va., takes in donated building materials that are re-sold, with all proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. Volunteers are needed to work fourhour shifts every week. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers help with cleaning and organizing the store, data entry, assisting customers and stocking items, along with a variety of other tasks. Contact Erica Einhorn at (703) 360-6700 for additional information or visit www.habitatnova.org.

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PriceDoc.com offers clearer information and a larger group of doctors. But the company’s president acknowledges that the site has much better market penetration with cosmetic surgeons than it has with doctors who do non-elective medical procedures, such as hip replacements. “If you’re looking for an endocrinologist, we don’t have it,” said Patrick Bradley, PriceDoc.com’s president and chief operating officer. “But if you want to get your teeth whitened or get a tummy tuck, we have a number of physicians to choose from in most major metropolitan areas.” There are roughly 800,000 medical offices in the country, Bradley said, and PriceDoc represents about 4,000 of them. The company recently signed a deal that could bring thousands more doctors into the fold, but the site is still likely to be stronger on

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Health Studies Page

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

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Less-invasive heart valve repair studied By Barbara Ruben As blood flows through the two chambers on the left side of the heart, it must pass through the mitral valve. But sometimes the valve doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t close completely, causing the blood to leak into the upper heart chamber as the lower chamber contracts.

The condition, called mitral regurgitation, means a decrease in the flow of blood to the rest of the body, possibly resulting in congestive heart failure, heart attack, stroke and sometimes death. The risk for mitral regurgitation goes up with age. Overall, about 2 percent of the

BEACON BITS

Jan. 13

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP The Lupus Foundation of America DC/MD/VA Chapter offers free

support groups led by trained professional for lupus patients at Sibley Memorial Hospital. The next meeting will be held in the Physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dining Room 1 and 2, 5255 Loughboro Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. The

population has the condition, but that rate rises to 9 percent of those age 75 or older. Currently, the only way to fix the problem is open heart surgery. But that may be too arduous a procedure for sick or older patients. A new, less-invasive surgery is now being tested at Washington Hospital Center and about 40 other hospitals across the country. The procedure uses a catheter inserted into a blood vessel in the leg through which surgeons place a device called the MitraClip in the heart to block the backward flow of blood. [Read about similar tests of a different (aortic) valve, â&#x20AC;&#x153;New heart valve without invasive surgery,â&#x20AC;? on page 17 of last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beacon.]

group meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. For additional information call 1-888-349-1167 or e-mail info@lupusdmv.org. Before attending, check http://tinyurl.com/lupusgrps for any last minute changes.

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Promising in prior study The MitraClip has already been tested in a previous study. In that study, doctors compared the new procedure to open heart surgery. Preliminary results show that most patients benefitted from the device and had few complications. The device is awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The study currently recruiting patients will only include the new procedure, comparing outcomes in two sets of patients. One group will be those for whom open heart surgery would be too risky, and the other is for patients who are eligible for open heart surgery. Traditional open heart surgery involves a hospital stay of four to seven days, often followed by care at a rehabilitation facility, said Jonathon Hamilton, a spokesman for

Abbott Vascular, which makes the device. In comparison, the hospital stay following the 2.5 hour MitraClip surgery is about two to three days. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four out of five people with [mitral regurgitation] donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get treated because they are too sick for surgery or not sick enough to risk undergoing such major surgery,â&#x20AC;? Hamilton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In those who have gotten the MitraClip, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a real quality of life improvement. For some people, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literally given them their life back.â&#x20AC;?

Volunteering for the study To qualify for the study, patients must be over age 18 and have been diagnosed with grade 3 (moderate to severe) or grade 4 (severe) mitral regurgitation. They cannot have an active peptic ulcer or any bleeding in the upper gastro-intestinal tract within the last six months. They also must not require dialysis or have a history of intravenous drug abuse. Once the MitraClip has been placed, patients will return to Washington Hospital Center for follow-up visits after 30 days, six months and a year have passed. They will return annually after that for up to five years. Patients will be evaluated on function and quality of life factors. Surgery and follow-up care should be covered by insurance or Medicare. Washington Hospital Center will work to arrange coverage. There is no monetary compensation for taking part in the study. For more information or to volunteer, call Petros Okubagzi at Washington Hospital Center at (240) 593-1052 or e-mail Petros.G.Okubagzi@Medstar.net

Are you online? So are we! Visit our all-new website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd topical articles, as well as blogs, recipes, useful links, reader forums, games, puzzles and event listings. Also â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

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

Deciphering health claims on food labels By Deborah Kotz When choosing among the hundreds of products on supermarket shelves, many of us use labels as a guide, selecting an “allnatural” cereal over one that’s not, or the mouthwash that promises to remove plaque and promote healthy gums — perhaps even saving us a trip to the dentist — over one that merely freshens breath. Unfortunately, many of these labels exaggerate health benefits or are downright deceptive. Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to three mouthwash makers telling them they can’t claim that their products prevent gum disease when that hasn’t been proven in studies. Earlier the same week, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against the maker of Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice, accusing the company of “making false and unsubstantiated claims that (its) products will prevent or treat heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction,” according to a statement issued by the agency. “We’re starting to see a government crackdown on products with misleading labels,” said Bruce Silverglade, director of legal affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington, D.C.based nonprofit advocacy group for nutrition, health and food safety. “But we’d still like to see Congress strengthen the laws on food labeling.”

Interpreting some key phrases Oddly enough, some of the labels on supermarket products have strict legal definitions, such as “organic,” while others, such as “all-natural,” don’t. You’d need to read the label, for example, to know

whether an “all-natural” tomato sauce really has no artificial ingredients. Here’s a guide to common label claims and whether they’re likely to be deceptive: “Supports immune system” or “for brain development.” These are medical claims that the FDA said put a product into the category of “drug” rather than food or supplement. If something is a drug, it must go through a rigorous FDA approval process with clinical studies monitored by the agency. In 2009, the FDA asked Kellogg’s to remove “now helps support your child’s immunity” from the labels of Rice Krispies and Coca Krispies, a statement added at the height of the swine flu pandemic. That year Juicy Juice also came under FDA fire for claiming the juice was “for brain development.” A good rule of thumb: Be wary of any product you can buy without a prescription that promises to fix or prevent a medical problem, said Silverglade. “Good source of vitamins.” Any product, regardless of its sugar, salt and fat content, can carry a vitamin claim if it contains a certain amount of fortification. “Excellent source” means a product has more than 20 percent of the recommended daily allowance of that vitamin. “Good source” means it has more than 10 percent but less than 20 percent. “Fortified” means it has at least 10 percent, according to the FDA’s website. But don’t mistake fortification for nutritious. Products that are fortified, nutrition experts agree, are usually missing hundreds of other health-promoting nutrients found naturally in fruits, vegetables and other unprocessed plant foods. “Zero trans fats.” This doesn’t mean a product is completely free of trans fatty

acids, a type of fat known to be the worst kind for your heart. It just means that a product can’t contain more than half a gram of trans fats per serving. “The kicker is that many of us eat more than a serving at a time,” said Silverglade, like that large blueberry muffin that contains two or three government-standardized servings. “We also see products high in saturated fat that are labeled ‘no trans fats.’ This is misleading, since saturated fats are nearly as bad for your heart as trans fats,” he said. Bottom line: Read the label to check for saturated fat content, and scan the ingredient list for partially hydrogenated oils, which are trans fats. “All-natural.” This is supposed to mean that a product contains no artificial ingredients and is minimally processed, but that’s not always the case. Products with the “all-natural” label that contain meat or poultry are legally required to meet this definition, said Silverglade, since they’re regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which strictly defines the term. All other foods are regulated by the FDA, which allows manufacturers to define “all-natural” however they see fit, he said. Thus, you can probably trust that “allnatural” chicken soup isn’t made with arti-

ficial ingredients, but the same manufacturer’s “all-natural” vegetable soup may be another story, Silverglade said. “Organic.” Because the government has established a single legal definition for “organic” that applies to all food products, this is a “trustworthy” label, said Silverglade. It means a product can’t be manufactured from synthetic ingredients that involved the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, animal drugs, or genetic engineering. The methods used to produce the product must minimize pollution from air, soil and water, and generally be environmentally safe. That doesn’t mean, however, that an organic cookie is more nutritious than a non-organic one. “Light.” To use the “light” label, the FDA said a product must have at least 50 percent fewer calories or one-third less fat than similar products on the market. But light versions of some products, like orange or apple juice, might simply be watered down versions of the original that have been loaded with artificial sweeteners to improve taste. While reduced-fat peanut butter does indeed have less fat, it often contains the same number of calories as the regular kind due to added sugar. © 2010 U.S. News and World Report

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

Strength training may improve metabolism Q: Can strength-training exercise speed up my metabolism even if I don’t actually gain any muscle weight? A: It might: the effects on metabolic rate — how quickly you burn up calories even when you’re sitting still — may depend on the type and intensity of your strengthtraining exercise and on individual physical differences. One study involving 50- to 65-year old men in a heavy resistance-training program showed a 7.7 percent increase in resting metabolic rate during a four-month program. Although the average weight of men in this program didn’t change, they dropped body fat and gained muscle. However, the increase in metabolic rate went beyond what could be accounted for

by the increase in muscle tissue. Some experts say this is because strength training works by causing tiny muscle damage that is then repaired, and this repair process burns up extra calories for two or three days afterward. However, in another study, involving adults with type 2 diabetes, even though resistance training for about four months increased muscle strength, resting metabolic rate did not increase. You can do strength training exercise with varying degrees of weight or resistance, and some experts say that many people do not push themselves to their full capabilities. It may be that significant changes in metabolic rate come with consistently presenting your body with exer-

cise that is appropriately challenging. A: The amount of fat saved depends on Strength training provides other bene- how many whole eggs you replace and the fits as well, such as improved number of servings in the balance and arthritis relief. If recipe. Each time you substiyou are new to resistance type tute two egg whites for one exercise, it is probably well whole egg, you save 40 caloworth the investment in at ries and 1.6 grams of saturatleast a couple of group or indied fat. vidual lessons with a certified While that can add up to a trainer to learn proper techsubstantial total in the entire nique and how to judge when recipe, when you divide the to advance to each new level. total savings among the numQ: Can lack of sleep realber of servings, the substituNUTRITION ly lead to weight gain? tion saves about 10 calories A: Many, but not all, studies WISE and only 0.3 to 0.5 grams of satBy Karen Collins, do show a link between lack of urated fat per serving of most sleep and increased chances of MS, RD, CDM muffins, cookies and cakes. being overweight among chilDepending on what you’re dren and young or middle-aged adults. making, you cut saturated fat more by reThere may be several reasons for this. ducing or replacing butter, stick marIt’s possible that people who are over- garine, shortening or cream cheese. weight or obese are more likely to have Changing egg use also usually doesn’t cut lifestyles that include less sleep, whether calories as much as when you reduce the because of working jobs with long, late amount of these added fats and oil. hours or extended television viewing, for Some recipes use so much fat that you example. can simply reduce the amount listed by However, some research suggests that one-fourth and the result will turn out lack of sleep (usually referring to less than great. You can also adjust recipes by subsix or seven hours a night in adults) can stituting an equal amount of applesauce, lead to choices that make weight control a baby food prunes or low-fat plain yogurt challenge, such as when fatigue causes us for some of the fat. to be less active or grab extra sweet drinks And when it comes to calories, rememand snacks, or when staying up longer ber that reducing sugar also helps, as does hours simply means more time to eat. simply making smaller serving sizes of the There are studies suggesting that lack final product. of sleep can even lead to hormonal The American Institute for Cancer Rechanges that increase appetite and the de- search offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800positing of fat around the waist. 843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Not everyone’s weight seems equally af- through Friday. This free service allows you fected by lack of sleep, but if you’re short to ask questions about diet, nutrition and on sleep and gaining weight, getting to bed cancer. A registered dietitian will return earlier may bring a variety of health bene- your call, usually within three business days. fits. Naps can also boost health, but so far Courtesy of the American Institute for no link has been found to weight control. Cancer Research. Questions for this column Q: How much could I cut calories may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., and saturated fat if I bake with egg N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Collins canwhites instead of whole eggs? not respond to questions personally.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 8+

ART WALK The 2nd Saturday Art Walk at the Workhouse Arts Center show-

cases the diverse work of more than 150 visual artists. Guests can tour seven studio buildings, mingle with artists, buy original works of art, and enjoy light refreshments and music. The free Art Walks are held the second Saturday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Workhouse, 9601 Ox Rd., Lorton, Va. Call (703) 584-2921 for more information.

Jan. 11

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOS Over a million pictures a year are made by National Geographic magazine photographers while on assignment around the world,

but only a tiny fraction make it into the magazine. In “National Geographic Unpublished: Photographs Left on the Editing Room Floor,” four of the magazine’s photographers will share their unpublished work. The event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the National Geographic Society’s headquarters, 1145 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. The cost is $18. Call (202) 857 7588 for more information.

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

Super meatballs spice up winter dinners By Dana Jacobi Whether feeding a post-holiday crowd or hosting a Super Bowl party, these meatballs (heat-spiked to taste) are a sure winner. I call them Super Meatballs for three reasons: First, simmering them in the sauce keeps them super-moist and juicy. Ask any Italian cook. They will confirm this is the best way to make meatballs, plus you get the most flavorful sauce, and all in one pot. In addition, cooking meatballs in the sauce eliminates the mess of browning them on the stove or the time for doing it in the oven. Second, meat lovers and others inclined to shun leafy greens will consume some spinach. The recipe calls for 10 ounces. They may even like it because the bold flavors of pecorino cheese and the terrific tomato sauce complement the spinach ideally. Finally, if you are feeding a mob, simply get out a bigger pot and multiply the recipe. (If tripling it, I would simmer the sauce for 30 minutes before adding the meatballs and expect cooking them to take 10 or 15 minutes longer.)

Super Meatballs with Spicy Red Sauce Serves 4 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2-3 finely chopped garlic cloves 1 (28-oz.) can no salt added crushed tomatoes 1 (28-oz.) can no salt added whole plum tomatoes in tomato sauce 2 Tbsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste 1 lb. 93-95 percent lean ground beef 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry 1/4 cup Italian seasoned dry breadcrumbs

BEACON BITS

May 17

50+ EMPLOYMENT EXPO

Mark your calendar for the 50+ Employment Expo on Tuesday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marriott North Bethesda Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd., N.

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 Tbsp. grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese 1 large egg, at room temperature 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook until onions are translucent, 3 minutes, stirring so garlic does not burn. Add crushed tomatoes. To add whole tomatoes, hold one at a time over pot and squeeze it in your fist, crushing tomato through your fingers, then add sauce remaining in can. Add oregano and red pepper flakes. Simmer

sauce, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. While sauce simmers, in mixing bowl, combine meat, spinach, breadcrumbs, parsley, cheese, egg and pepper, mixing until well combined. Divide mixture into 8 parts and form each loosely into a meatball. (Divide mixture into 16 parts for smaller meatballs, if desired.) Gently drop uncooked meatballs into sauce, cover, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, 40 minutes. If not serving immediately, cool meatballs and sauce together in big bowl until room temperature, then cover and refrig-

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ernment, healthcare, retail and technology industries, as well as seminars on interviewing skills, changing careers, online job searching and more. The keynote speaker will be Bob Ryan, WJLA meteorologist. For additional information, call Micki Gordon at (301) 255-4231 or e-mail mgordon@AccessJCA.org.

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erate for up to 3 days. Reheat, covered, in large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Serve meatballs in a bowl with just Spicy Red Sauce, or spoon over spaghetti or polenta, or cut in half to make meatball sandwiches spooned generously with sauce. Per serving: 380 calories, 13 g. total fat (4 g. saturated fat), 36 g. carbohydrate, 36 g. protein, 9 g. dietary fiber, 480 mg. sodium. Dana Jacobi is the author of 12 Best Foods Cookbook and contributor to the American Institute for Cancer Research’s New American Plate Cookbook: Recipes for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life.

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

Which vegetable oils are healthiest to use? Dear Pharmacist: than heated. Bear in mind any “coldYou say that “vegetable oil” is your pressed” oil should not be heated beyond least favorite cooking oil. the smoke point, so don’t fry It’s all I’ve ever used. Why with it. don’t you like it, and what Hemp seed oil: A study oils should we cook with? showed it may relieve symp— R.E. toms of eczema. Pressed from Dear R.E.: the seeds of legally-grown I think Americans lack the cannabis flowers, this gorright fats in their diet: we geous green oil does not imneed a healthy balance of part psychoactive effects and linolenic acid, omega 3, 6 and in fact it has regenerative 9s.So I recommend oils that properties because it is an inare rich in nutrients known to DEAR credible source of vitamin E, advance our health. Here is PHARMACIST gamma-linolenic acid and By Suzy Cohen my list of healthy oils: omega 3s. It helps heart, imFlaxseed oil: Packed with mune and digestive function. essential fatty acids, like linolenic acid and It tastes nutty. It’s cold-pressed. omegas, flax is known to reduce toxic Almond oil: Refined almond oil is great forms of estrogen in the body, thereby re- for cooking purposes because of its relativeducing your risk of breast or prostate can- ly high smoke point, meaning the oil can be cers. It has a subtle nutty flavor and high heated without destroying too many nutriquality versions are “cold pressed” rather ents or creating harmful compounds. Al-

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with a mocha latte; you won’t wait as long!) Consumers often have to wait to get our attention, but that’s because we’re backed up checking prescriptions for accuracy, on the phone discussing interactions, or talking to a physician or nurse. Often, staff is slim. We have your best interests at heart, so please be patient. Here are the reasons we are worth the wait: We can help you decide which over-thecounter medications help your symptoms. Pharmacists are not doctors, but for example, based upon your cough (wet or dry/hacking), we will help you choose an expectorant or a cough suppressant. We know what kind of bandage you need for your sores, which salve for your skin rash, which lice products are convenient, and which blood sugar gadgets are accurate. We can field virtually any question you have about prescription drugs. We are like walking encyclopedias, and if we don’t know the answer off the top of our head, we have four-inch references to dig into. We know that allergy meds cause dry mouth and blurry vision, iron supplements will make your poop greenish-black, and how certain pain-relievers cause constipation. We know that stimulant laxatives are addictive, which perhaps you didn’t know. We can find lower cost options for you, as well as OTC equivalent medications. We know which meds come in generic and which don’t (and when it’s best to stick with the brand name product). We can help you stay compliant if you really need your medicine but it’s hard to stomach. For example, we might advise taking narcotic pain relievers with food to avoid nausea, or sleep aids on an empty stomach because they work faster. Want to eat grapefruit, or dairy, but don’t know if it interacts? Pharmacists are your go-to guy for these questions. Your regular pharmacist keeps a record of your drug profile on computer making it easy to screen for drug interactions. Our services are free and best of all, some

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monds are rich in vitamin E and D. Sunflower oil: Low in saturated fats and rich in vitamin E, sunflower contains oleic acid, which increases a gut hormone called GLP-1. If you read my book Diabetes Without Drugs (Rodale 2010), you’d know that this hormone makes you feel full faster so you’re less likely to eat too much! GLP-1 also increases insulin sensitivity and protects your pancreatic cells. Don’t overheat. Avocado oil: The best source of powerful antioxidants like glutathione and vitamins A, E and D. Use it in salads or even apply it to your skin — it helps eczema and psoriasis. Glutathione in avocados can clean out your digestive tract, especially your liver and pancreas. Okay to heat. Coconut oil: So many uses for this! It fights candida (a yeast that causes thrush), helps digestion and tastes like coconuts. It may also fight viruses. Try adding it to smoothies. I often sauté veggies with this, but it’s great for cooking at higher temperatures, too. Also, apply a tad to dry elbows, heels or skin irritations. Grape seed oil: One of my favorites because it has a mild taste and imparts strong antioxidants. Great for your heart, it raises good HDLs and lowers bad LDLs. Olive oil: Use only extra virgin, coldpressed oils, which are high in essential fatty acids as well as vitamins E and K. Olive oil can promote smooth digestion while protecting you from heart disease or circulation problems. Dear Pharmacist: I’m frequently confused by all the choices when I’m trying to select an over-the-counter (OTC) product from the drugstore. Is it OK to ask the pharmacist for help? They always seems so busy. — P.R. Dear P.R.: Absolutely! Pharmacists are trained to be drug information specialists, so we can save you time, money and perhaps your life (I’m thinking about catching a deadly drug interaction). You should make your pharmacist your best friend. (Show up

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

Should we treat ‘the boyfriend’ as family? Dear Solutions: about two years now. I believe I’ve Because of unfortunate circumstances, made some progress, but feel that I’m my husband and I had to becoming attached to my raise our two grandchildren. therapist. My granddaughter is in her I’ve learned a lot from second year at an out-of-town him. He is the only person college. Since she’s been that I can talk to, and I feel there, she’s been dating a fellike I can’t manage without low student. my therapist. All of my reWe’re planning a family valationships, or whatever cation during her school you want to call them, with break. Now she says she men have been abusive. wants to spend time with her My therapist is the only boyfriend and asked if he SOLUTIONS person I know who isn’t could come along with us. She By Helen Oxenberg, like those other men. I MSW, ACSW says this is important to her. don’t believe that my theraI’ve been looking forward to spending time with just my husband, my younger grandson and my granddaughter. I’m unsure. Should we invite her boyfriend? If we do, should he pay for himself? Anyway, shouldn’t there be a time when just immediate family still counts? — The Grandma Dear Grandma: Yes there should be and there was. That time was before any of your grandchildren left home for any reason. Once they go and do what grownups do — make new relationships — the door opens, vacations are shared, holidays split, tables extended. Your granddaughter is in a relationship that is important to her. So if you want a happy camper, invite him. He is then a guest of yours, and if you can afford it, you pay. If not, speak to your granddaughter about the two of them possibly sharing some of the cost. Whatever you do, enjoy. The future is here. Dear Solutions: I have been seeing a therapist for

Pharmacist From page 32 pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, allowing the public access anytime. All you have to do is ask. This information is opinion only. It is not

pist knows about these feelings I have. They seem inappropriate feelings to me. I’m all confused. — Happy and Depressed Dear Happy and Depressed: Choose one. It’s hard to be both at the same time. First, I assure you that what you’re feeling happens to many people when in therapy. In your case, these feelings are positive since they show you that you can trust a man, even though you’ve obviously had bad experiences in the past. That in itself is progress. Also, feelings are never inappropriate. It’s how you act that can be inappropriate. You’ve obviously become very dependent on this therapist, and I think you need to share your feelings with him openly and honestly. He’s helped you in the past, and I’m confident that he can help you deal with these feelings as well. Good luck. Let me know what happens. Dear Solutions: How do I tell the truth without hurting someone’s feelings, or how do I lie without feeling guilty? Our friends have a very nice vaca-

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.

tion house with plenty of room. They keep inviting us to come and spend some time there. But up until now, my husband wouldn’t go, and I kept making excuses. My husband doesn’t really like her husband, and he hates to sleep in anyone else’s house. But she’s a very old and dear friend of mine. Now my husband says he’ll go to please me, but he won’t sleep there, and he doesn’t care if I blame it all on him. I don’t know what to say to them. — June Dear June: Since he’s willing to please you, do as he says — blame it all on him. Tell them he has a hang-up about where he lies down.

He feels uncomfortable in someone else’s house and needs privacy. Get a motel room in the area and spend daytime with them and nighttime in the private room with that person you blamed it all on. You don‘t have to mention that he doesn’t like her husband. It will probably show even if you don’t tell, so in the future you may not have to lie at all. You can visit by yourself while your husband stays in his own bed — happily I would guess. © Helen Oxenberg, 2011. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also e-mail the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 1

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MESSAGE

January 2011

Holiday Celebration

By Dr. Clarence Brown Happy New Year! I hope that everyone has had a great holiday season and enjoyed time with family, friends and those that you love. As we begin the new year, I look forward to working with Mayor Vincent C. Gray to ensure that the level of programs and services for District residents age 60 and older and their caregivers continue as needed. Our new Mayor has an awesome task, to work with a $188 million deficit while meeting the needs of all residents of the District of Columbia. Our agency has been fortunate because we have demonstrated budget savings and additional available funds through hard work by my staff and myself in securing grant funding and changing the way we operate. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that the more than 100,000 senior residents are able to age in place independently as they live out their golden years. With the arrival of 2011, as with most years, many of us make resolutions and are optimistic about plans of beginning healthier lives that include increased activity, better eating habits, and beginning a routine that includes regular exercise. Our facilities and senior programs include programming to provide that for most seniors. From chair exercise for those that have limited mobility and aerobic exercise and strength training for the more able-bodied senior, a full range of programming is available in many of our programs throughout the city. For those that have to fool themselves into movement, try line dancing, which is offered at most of our senior programs. Dancing is actually a great weight-bearing exercise that can do wonders for even the couch potato when done on a regular basis. It is our hope that among the programs that will be available, our newest wellness center, the Ward One Senior Wellness Center, will be fully operational in the upcoming days. Call our Information and Assistance Unit at 202-7245626 to help you meet your health and wellness needs this year. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. See important information about glaucoma in this issue to make sure you are more aware of your eye health. As always, visit your doctor regularly and take any prescribed medicine as directed. As we begin 2011, best wishes for a healthy and safe new year for everyone. Best of luck on any resolutions you may have made and keeping them all year long.

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. greets Ward 5 Commissioner on Aging Harriet Brockington and Dr. Clarence Brown at the Annual Senior Holiday Celebration held at the DC Armory. Councilmembers Yvette Alexander and Muriel Bowser also attended the event and greeted the more than 3,000 seniors that were in attendance.

Senior Vaccination Day

Senior Vaccination Day in D.C. was held at Model Cities Senior Wellness Center to stress the importance of flu vaccines for persons 65 and older. Dr. Brown was joined by Dr. David Berwick, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Lester Austin, with public affairs at the Social Security Administration. Dr. Berwick answered questions from those in attendance. He said that the flu usually breaks out begin-

ning in January and that it was not too late to get vaccinated if you have not already done so. Dr. Berwick also urged everyone to encourage their family members, friends and neighbors to get vaccinated. This year, the influenza vaccine also includes H1N1. The event included entertainment from the MC Steppers and a song by Ms. Senior D.C. Sheila Poole. Exhibitors were also on hand to provide information and services.

The Gift of Fitness!

Dr. Brown recently visited the wellness centers and other programs in the Office on Aging Senior Service Network including (pictured) Emmaus Services for the Aging Asian and Pacific Islander Senior Center, where he presented them with the Wii game system and the Wii Fit Plus program. Across the nation, senior centers have benefitted from the Wii gaming system and its promotion of physical activity and healthy competition. Dr. Brown also made presentations to the Washington Seniors Wellness Center, Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, and the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center.

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

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar January events

26th • 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st • 10:30 a.m. Seabury Ward 5 Aging Services will host a diabetes seminar series every Monday in January. The seminars will be held at Lincoln I, 2855 Bladensburg Rd., N.E. For more information, contact Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

7th, 14th, 21st, 28th • 1 to 3 p.m. Washington Concert Opera and IONA Senior Services present a new six-week lecture series on Fridays from Jan. 7 through Feb. 11 that will feature the many operas that are rarely performed by major opera companies, including works by such famous composers as Guiseppe Verdi and Richard Strauss. Guest lecturer John Cahill will present six of these rarely performed gems, as well as information on the composers who wrote them, through audio and video media. The cost for the six-week series is $60. Light refreshments will be served. The series will be held at IONA, 4125 Albemarle St., N.W. For more information, call 202-895-9448.

Lunch and learn with IONA artist in residence, Liz Wolf. Wolf became a printmaker after a career as an attorney and raising four children. She is a fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and teaches printmaking throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland. Bring your own lunch. The free event will be held at the IONA Education Center, 4125 Albemarle St., N.W. For more information, call 202-8959448.

26th • 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. The Dwelling Place Senior Center, 2812 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., is hosting an ongoing support group on the last Wednesday of every month for families caring for loved ones with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. The group will meet with social worker Cheridan Young, facilitator, in the Activity Room from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Refreshments will be served at 5:45 p.m. Free parking is available at the St. Francis Xavier Church lot on 29th St. and O St., S.E. Call 202-581-8000, ext.108 to let the staff know you’ll be attending.

Affordable Care Act at Work for District Residents Support for Seniors The new Affordable Care Act strengthens Medicare by reducing fraud, closing the gap in the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap (known as the “donut hole”), and providing new benefits for seniors — such as free preventive care and an annual wellness visit. Here’s how the Affordable Care Act helps seniors in the District of Columbia: • Closes the Medicare Part D donut hole. Last year, roughly 6,390 Medicare beneficiaries in the District of Columbia hit the donut hole, or gap in Medicare Part D drug coverage. As of the end of August, 803 seniors in the District of

Columbia have already received their $250 tax-free rebate for hitting the donut hole. The new law continues to provide additional discounts for seniors in Medicare in the years ahead, including a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs next year, and closing the donut hole by 2020. • Free preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries. All 74,800 Medicare enrollees in the District of Columbia will get preventive services they are eligible for — such as colorectal cancer screenings, mammograms, and an annual wellness visit — without copayments, coinsurance or deductibles as of 2011.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher. 441 4th St., N.W., 9th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Dr. Clarence Brown, Executive Director Darlene Nowlin, Editor Adrian R. Reed, Photographer The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national ori-

gin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

January dates to be determined South Washington Collaborative Senior Services will host free computer workshops in January that will teach participants how to access health information through the National Institutes of Health. Call 202-608-1340 for dates and location.

February event 11th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seabury Ward 5 Aging Services hosts a Valentine’s Day party at the Teamsters Union Hall, 3100 Ames Place, N.E. For more information, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

Ongoing Fitness instructor Rodney Jordan is back at the Washington Seniors Wellness Center, 3100 Alabama Ave., S.E., offering evening and weekend sessions for seniors who prefer to exercise at those times. These 40-minute sessions are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. For additional information and class times, call Renee Few at 202-581-9355.

Glaucoma Awareness Month Facts Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. In the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. And among Hispanics in older age groups, the risk of glaucoma is nearly as high as that for African Americans. Also, siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk of having glaucoma. Other high-risk groups include: people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics and people who are severely nearsighted. Regular eye exams are especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma, and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss. Vision loss in glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. The two main types of glaucoma are primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular

pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss. With open angle glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Usually, no pain is associated with increased eye pressure. Because vision loss begins with peripheral, or side vision, you may compensate for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, and may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. There is no cure for glaucoma — yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma, among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.

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

Careers Volunteers &

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

Spread your wings in the Civil Air Patrol Vietnamese siege of An Loc, a provincial capital just 55 miles north of Saigon,” he recalled. He flew 240 combat missions, and was presented with numerous medals. After he retired from a career at defense contractor Northrop Grumman and 13 years out of the cockpit, Carey wanted to get back to his aviation roots and do something useful. He became a civilian flight instructor at Manassas Regional Airport.

COURTESY OF CIVIL AIR PATROL

By Pamela Smith Retired United States Air Force Veteran pilot and aviation enthusiast Tim Carey always knew he wanted to fly. “Like many boys of my generation, I was fascinated with airplanes and aviation. My father worked for North American Aviation in the L.A. area while I was growing up, and we always had airplane models and photos around the house,” said Lt. Col. Carey, who is now 62 and lives in Northern Virginia. “I also grew up hearing his stories about being aboard the Coast Guard cutter Itasca and on Howland Island as an AP reporter, listening to Amelia Earhart on the radio as she and Fred Noonan were trying to find the island near the end of her around-the-world flight,” he said. Carey spent 30 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, first as a cadet and then in commissioned service as a pilot and fighter staff officer. After pilot training, he wanted combat experience, and volunteered for duty as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam. “My most memorable missions in Vietnam centered around breaking the North

Emergency action He also joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary to the United States Air Force. CAP volunteer members play a leading role in both air and ground search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief, aerospace education, and serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP’s cadet program. Volunteers do not have to be pilots. They can help from the ground with emergency services and education programs. When Carey is not training student pi-

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Decorated combat veteran Tim Carey joined the Civil Air Patrol after he retired from a career with a defense contractor. He has assisted with many missions since, including search and rescue operations, and trains Air Force pilots for homeland security duty.

lots or doing aerobatics in his experimental plane, he volunteers as a CAP operations officer for the Prince William Composite Squadron in Manassas. In this role, he plans and conducts training, in addition to participating in a range of CAP missions. Carey especially enjoys helping train U.S. Air Force pilots responsible for Homeland Security missions in the National Capitol region. Volunteering has added to Carey’s personal life by allowing him to reconnect with former military personnel and pilots from all backgrounds who share the same joy of flying. In 2008, when U.S. Forest Service fire fighters in Suffolk, Va., were battling the Dismal Swamp fires, Carey, along with other CAP crew members, was there to help maintain communications. In this mission, CAP installed communication equipment in aircraft that allowed fire fighters in the field to maintain continuous radio contact with their Forest Service headquarters. In another memorable mission, Carey helped provide communication-relay assistance to Virginia rescue teams in a successful effort to locate a missing hiker in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this case, Carey maintained direct radio contact with

eight separate teams on a six-hour mission while they searched in pitch-black darkness. When asked what advice he could give to older adults who are looking to get involved in community service, he replied, “Find satisfying volunteer work that links together your experience, skills and personal passions. It’s a time in our lives when we can contribute, while doing what we want to do, not what we have to do.”

Specialized training provided CAP senior membership is open to adults at least 18 years old. To prepare adult members for CAP’s special missions, extensive training and education are provided in more than 20 different specialized fields. In addition, technical training is offered in related areas, such as flight operations, emergency services and communications. Management and executive leadership training are also offered, as members progress through CAP’s professional development curriculum. All CAP members can take advantage of aerospace education, as well as Air Force See CIVIL AIR PATROL, page 38

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

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors Need help or want to help?

Phone Numbers to Keep Handy

In today’s world, we don’t always know all our neighbors or we have only a passing acquaintance. That can make it difficult to approach a neighbor, whether it’s to request assistance or to offer it.

Pepco

Because our power lines are connected to just about everyone in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the District, in a sense we at Pepco are everyone’s neighbor.

• Power Outages:

1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-727-2662) • Customer Service: 202-833-7500 - Ask for our fact sheet, “Weathering the Storm” - Also visit our Web site: pepco.com (click on “Outages & Emergency Preparedness”)

District of Columbia • Non-emergency Government Information: 311

So, to help you “break the ice” with your neighbors, we offer the tips below. If you need some help in the event of a severe storm or power outage this year — or if you are in a position to offer assistance to a nearby neighbor in need — these are steps you can take now. We also want you to know that we’re working hard to improve the reliability of your electric service. For more information about Pepco’s six-point reliability plan, visit pepco.com.

Montgomery County • Non-emergency Government Information: 311 • For an emergency planning brochure or information, call 240-777-2300.

Prince George’s County • Non-emergency Government Information: 301-583-2200

What you can do • Contact the police station in your district and speak with the Community Services Officer. Suggest that neighborhood watch groups keep an eye out for residents who might need help as well as for possible crime. Offer to participate in (or to start) such a group if you can.

• Contact your nearby middle school or high school and ask if there are students who might be able to help in the neighborhood, possibly in return for community service credits.

• Contact religious institutions in your neighborhood and ask if they have volunteers who can assist nearby neighbors in the event of an emergency or severe storm. Offer to volunteer in such a way at your church, synagogue or mosque.

• Consider hosting a “meet your neighbors” pot luck or tea. Mail or hand out invitations to the homes on your block. If you don’t know someone’s name, just address it to “Neighbor.” Ask invitees to let you know what they’d like to bring so you know who is coming and what other foods are needed.

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

Debts, bankruptcies rising among seniors Soaring credit card debt and medical exThose figures reflect trends before the penses sparked a major increase in the recession began in 2008, so it’s fair to asnumber of older Americans sume the situation has worsfiling for bankruptcy in recent ened in the past few years due years. to job losses and diminished A study of bankruptcy filretirement portfolios and ings found that the average housing equity. age of bankruptcy petitioners High credit card debt is rising, with the sharpest inProfessor John Pottow, an crease among those over age expert on bankruptcy law at 55. the University of Michigan While older people account for a relatively small share of RETIRE SMART Law School, analyzed results of the Consumer Bankruptcy overall bankruptcy filings, the By Mark Miller Project, which he describes as rates of increase are dramatic. For example, from 1991 to 2007, the per- the largest national sampling of consumer centage of bankruptcy petitioners age 65- debtors in the country. The data collected included a survey of 2,500 actual bankrupt74 rose 178 percent.

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cy petitioners, and in-depth interviews with 1,000 debtors. When asked about the primary cause of their bankruptcy filings, 67 percent of debtors over age 65 cited financial problems tied to credit cards, specifically fees and interest rates. That was significantly higher than the 53 percent of younger debtors who cited credit cards as a primary cause of bankruptcy. Older petitioners also reported a much higher level of credit card debt — a median of $27,213 for debtors over age 65, compared with $15,499 for those under that age. After credit cards, medical expenses were the most frequently cited cause of bankruptcy. Although Pottow didn’t gather details on the specific types of medical expense that led to bankruptcy, others have studied the financial pressure of medical expense in retirement. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR) reports that the typical married couple at age 65 can expect to spend $197,000 in lifetime uninsured health costs, including insurance premiums, out-of-pocket and home healthcare expenses. That figure excludes any long-term care need. When nursing care is factored in, the typical cost rises to $260,000, with a 5 percent chance of hitting $570,000. In the broadest sense, the credit card problems reflect the financial pressures older Americans are facing. “We’ve got a structural deficit where income is lower than expenses,” said Pottow. “Elderly Americans just don’t have enough money to support their current lifestyle — which is not extravagant. It’s bare bones.”

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But Pottow’s study also points toward some specific personal tendencies that may be pushing older people toward credit cards — even though the high interest rates on card balances and fees can crush household finances. “Many resist the idea of asking family,

Civil Air Patrol From page 36 correspondence courses. Special training is conducted for those participating in search-and-rescue as mission pilots, observers or ground team members. Local squadron units exist around the Washington D.C. metro area — in Arlington, Bethesda, Burke, College Park, Fairfax, Ft. Belvoir, Gaithersburg, Leesburg,

friends or charities for help,” Pottow said. “And some are under financial pressure because they have been helping out their own family members. They want to do it on their own, and are too proud to ask anyone for help. “But that’s also what makes the credit card attractive,” he added. “You don’t have to sit down and talk to someone and admit financial failure face to face. People are deluged with applications in the mail, and getting a card is easy.” Another problem is access to other sources of financial support. “We asked people if they had a way to borrow $2,000 for a couple of months and they’d say that they didn’t. So that points to a diminished network of support, and perhaps isolation.” Some statistics from Pottow’s study of bankruptcy petitioners that bring this into focus: • Only 23 percent over age 65 were comfortable asking others for help, compared with 36 percent of younger debtors. • Only 35 percent over age 65 did ask family members for help before filing, compared with 69 percent of younger debtors. • Just 3 percent asked a charity for assistance, compared with 11 percent of younger debtors. The bankruptcy study comes amid other signs that older Americans are saddled with increasing debt loads. For example, 63 percent of people in their late 50s and early 60s are carrying mortgage and home-equity debt today, up from just 49 percent in 1989, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. Mark Miller is the author of “The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security: Practical Strategies for Money, Work and Living” (John Wiley & Sons/Bloomberg Press, June 2010). He publishes RetirementRevised.com, featured recently in Money Magazine as one of the best retirement planning sites on the web. Contact him with questions and comments at: mark@retirementrevised.com. © 2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Manassas and Rockville, as well as at Andrews and Bolling Air Force Bases. For more information on Civil Air Patrol activities and how you can get involved in your area, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com. For information on the Prince William Composite Squadron, contact Al Bergeron at alberic_bergeron@yahoo.com. Pamela Smith is the deputy public affairs officer for the Civil Air Patrol in Prince William County, Va.

See puzzles on p. 54. More at our website.

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

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Travel

Leisure &

Barbados is known for fun, sun and rum. See story on page 40.

Visiting old and new Toyko on the cheap

Finding an inexpensive hotel Unless you speak Japanese, you won’t make it very far cold-calling Tokyo’s budget-priced hotels. Good English is generally spoken only at top-of-the-line accommodations and pricier business hotels. A good place for budget travelers to start is Agoda.com, an English-language website that specializes in travel bookings in Asia. A search for Tokyo hotels turns up hundreds of hits, including quite a few for under $70 a night — a steal by Tokyo standards. A recent three-night stay at a comfort-

able, quiet — albeit small — one-bedroom at the Dormy Inn Hatchobori ran $72 a night for three nights. This was well below the hotel’s $100 standard nightly rate. More adventurous travelers can choose between two more budget-minded routes: a traditional ryokan hotel (akin to a bedand-breakfast) or, cheaper still, a capsule hotel, where the units are little more than beds with doors. Expect lots of noise and little English, particularly at the latter.

By Dan Strumpf One of the most fascinating things about Tokyo is the way it combines both the ancient and the modern. Or rather, the way it doesn’t combine them at all, so the new and the old are side by side everywhere you turn. Take the metro to the Chiyoda Ward in central Tokyo and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a tangle of glass and steel skyscrapers — until out of nowhere appears a moat, a pavilion of neatly trimmed grass, and the hulking stone walls of the Imperial Palace. There’s hardly a guard in sight and entrance to the surrounding gardens is free and open to the public. That’s another fascinating thing about Tokyo: Despite its enormous size and hightech opulence, much of the city is remarkably affordable for budget travelers. You just need to know the right sites to visit and the best spot for a cheap sushi meal.

Using public transportation Tokyo has one of the finest underground train systems in the world. It’s cheap, safe and oh-so-fast. The downside is that, for first-time visitors, the tangled web of train lines can be extraordinarily confusing. Mercifully, stations have signs in both English and Japanese. Pick up a free map from any station upon your arrival and study it as best you can. If you plan to hit a lot of sites in one day, your best bet is a one-day metro line pass, which can be bought at the bilingual ticket terminal at any station. These will run you 710 yen ($8.31). For a bit more, you can get passes that give you access to additional train routes circling the city, called Toei lines, but it’s not necessary. If you prefer to pay as you go, you can try to guess your fare each time you enter a train station, but this is likely to be an exercise in futility. Fortunately, riders can enter stations by paying a minimum 160 yen ($1.87) fare, then pay the difference upon arriving. © MIHAI-BOGDAN LAZAR | DREAMSTIME.COM

The Hanazono Jinga Shinto shrine dates back to the17th century. Surrounded by trees, the shrine offers an oasis of calm in the midst of one of Tokyo’s busiest districts. Shrines throughout Tokyo are among many free or low-cost sites attractive to the budget tourist.

Even at night, shoppers crowd Tokyo’s busy Ginza District, an upscale shopping area with department stores, boutiques and restaurants. The district is named after the silver coin mint that was once located in the neighborhood. Fortunately, you won’t need a mint to pay for meals at the many inexpensive noodle shops found inside the huge department stores.

Taxicabs can be hailed around the city in a pinch, but they are expensive and the fares can quickly add up.

Old Tokyo One of the first stops for budget-minded travelers should be the sprawling Tsukiji fish market. You can spend hours roaming the market’s corridors, ogling ice troughs full of arm-sized fish, and chowing down on some of the freshest sushi on the planet. It’s best visited early in the morning, when the vendors are still well-stocked. Another piece of old Tokyo not to be missed is the Meiji Jingu shrine. This Shinto shrine was constructed 90 years ago under Emperor Meiji, who led the way in opening Japan to the rest of the world. The gardens, lily ponds and temple grounds are a pleasant respite from noisy Tokyo. Entrance is free, but it costs 500 yen ($5.85) to visit the iris garden, a fee worth paying. You could spend a whole day at the Asakusa temple if you wanted, where you are likely to encounter the curious sight of groups of quiet worshippers praying just steps away from a bustling souvenir shop. Be sure to drop a few coins into a donation jar here and take a fortune that spells out

your fate in great detail. The Asakusa temple is also an excellent budget shopping area, where the sprawl of small shops offers an abundance of inexpensive Japanese goods. Round out your tour of old Tokyo with a visit to the Imperial Palace in the city center. Only the gardens surrounding the palace are open to the public on a regular basis, but they make for an enjoyable walk, and the high stone walls and wide moats offer a glimpse into life in feudal Japan.

New Tokyo Take in all of Tokyo’s vastness from high up with a visit to the Tokyo Tower, which offers a panoramic view of all the sprawl. A ticket to the main observatory costs 980 yen ($11.47) and takes you 492 feet high, offering a view that stretches to Mount Fuji on a clear day. Another 600 yen ($7.02) gets you into the 820-foot-high special observatory. Tokyo from the ground is best seen with a visit to the Shibuya neighborhood. Shibuya is quintessential Tokyo, where neon lights, electronics shops and rivers of pedestrians are the defining features. Be See TOKYO, page 41

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

Sun and rum lap the shores of Barbados accommodating of your confusion and make allowances.”

A scenic, though small, island The island is 166 square miles, about 2 1/2 times the size of Washington, D.C., and about as difficult to get around by car, with driving on the left (Barbados was a British possession until independence in 1966) and many roundabouts or rotaries to negotiate. It is a relatively flat island, with green hills rising gently inland and stunning vistas on the coasts, the Caribbean in the west, the Atlantic in the east. The scenic beauty of the island was the inspiration for the Alec Waugh novel, Island in the Sun, which was made into a movie starring James Mason in 1957 and partly filmed here. Frequent sights while driving around the island are “rum shops,” combination bars and general stores that often serve as gathering places for local Bajans, as the Barbadians are called. It is said that there are as many rum shops as there are churches in Barbados, and there are a lot of churches. The rum shops are the best places to sample local food and drink, watch a game of dominos, or just get to know the friendly Bajans. Cricket fields abound, as do chattel

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By Norm Goldstein ST. PHILIP, Barbados — George Washington slept here. Among the hundreds of markers that make that claim, the most curious is here on Barbados, the easternmost Caribbean island, off the coast of Venezuela. Washington visited Barbados in 1751. He apparently enjoyed his stay, despite a bout of smallpox, writing in his diary, “In the cool of the evening we rode in the country and were perfectly enraptured with the beautiful scenery which every side presented our view. The fields of cane, corn, fruit trees in a delightful green.” It took Washington, who was then 19, six weeks to sail from Virginia with his half-brother Lawrence, who was ailing with tuberculosis. Lawrence hoped the tropical air would be restorative. It took me and my wife, a somewhat older couple, five hours on a direct flight from New York for our first visit here. And unlike George and Lawrence, who came for recuperation, we — along with friends from London — came for the sun and rum. The future first president of the United States rode around the island on a horse; we rented a car. A tourist guide booklet noted that H-number license plates identify visiting drivers and “locals are usually

Yachts line a harbor in Barbados, a small but picturesque Caribbean island that was a British colony until it gained independence in 1961. The country’s sugar cane crop is mostly used to make rum, which is both exported and consumed liberally on the island.

houses, especially on the lesser roadways. The chattel houses are small wooden homes set on blocks rather than on more permanent foundations. “Chattel” means movable property. Historically, in plantation days, the workers did not own the land their house was set on, so they built them to be able to move the whole house quickly in case of a landlord or employer dispute. A few now serve as stores, selling Tshirts, beachwear and gifts in Chattel Vil-

lage in the inappropriately named Holetown on the southeast coast. Apparently, Holetown got its name because of the offloading of ships in the small channel nearby. It’s where the English first landed in Barbados in 1625. We lunched there, at a beachside restaurant aptly named Beach House, dining on fish and chicken, and rum, the island drink, usually served with fruit juice as a See BARBADOS, page 41

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

Tokyo From page 39 sure to stop by Shibuya Crossing, the city’s answer to Times Square in New York. Lastly, the Ginza shopping district is worth a visit, even if you don’t plan on buying anything from its glitzy, high-end department stores. It’s a great place to ogle Tokyo’s fashion-conscious residents, while the cavernous stores offer excellent — and cheap — food options. One of the best parts about Tokyo is the food — its abundance, quality and afford-

Barbados From page 40 rum punch. On one rainy day, we headed for Bridgetown, the island’s capital on the southwest coast, and stopped at the Waterfront Cafe for a lunch of flying fish, the national fish of the island. (They don’t really “fly,” but they do an Olympian leap out of the warm Caribbean waters to escape predators.)

Drink and food Not far from Bridgetown are the George Washington House, restored as a heritage site, and the Mount Gay Rum visitors’ center on the northern edge of the capital. The working distillery is located on another part of the island. The rum is made from local sugar cane, still the island’s biggest product for export and local consumption, although tourism and manufacturing have surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance. On the rugged and less populated east coast of the island is the strikingly beautiful fishing village of Bathsheba, with white sand beaches stretching across a coastline of erosion-shaped rock formations. A lunch at the Round House here provided a wonderful view of the ocean, where surfers were out. Bathsheba is a popular spot for surfers as well as for Bajans who frequently weekend here in sea-

ability. Staples for the budget traveler will include rice, noodles, fish and miso soup. Expect to find one of these items in nearly every meal you eat — including breakfast. Most of this stuff is surprisingly cheap. A healthy-sized bowl of noodles and soup, sometimes with some vegetables thrown in or tempura on the side, can be had for between 500 and 1,000 yen ($5.85 to $11.70) at many of the city’s small, anonymous noodle shops. (Ginza’s department stores have an abundance of these.) It sounds boring, but a bowl will prove a good deal more satisfying, and tasty, than

side cottages along the shore. We ventured into the town of Oistins for its famous Friday night fish fry along the shore. Choices included kingfish, swordfish, dorado (called dolphin fish here) or flying fish, with cou-cou (made of corn meal and okra) or macaroni pie. Dinner per person was about 16 Barbadian dollars or $8 U.S. at the two-to-one exchange rate. Of course, this is a tropical Caribbean island, so sightseeing generally took a back seat to its more alluring features — sun, surf and sand, all in abundance — and accompanying sailing, fishing, surfing and swimming. No wonder Washington slept here.

If you go Find information on attractions and dozens of hotels and resorts at www.visitbarbados.org. American Airlines flies to Barbados through New York or Miami from Reagan National and Dulles airports. Flights in mid-January start at $434 roundtrip. The historic house where Washington stayed is located in St. Michael, Bush Hill, The Garrison; www.georgewashingtonbarbados.org or (246) 228-5461 (international calling code not required). Open MondayFriday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults, $10 U.S. ($20 Barbados). Children 5-12, $2.50 ($5 Barbados). Children under 5, free. —AP

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the stringy ramen you lived on in college. First-time travelers might expect sushi to be consumed in abundance in Japan, but most of the fish eaten here is not raw. Like in the U.S., sushi in Japan is consumed sparingly and is something of a delicacy. It also commands a price premium similar to that in the U.S. That said, you should still sample as much raw fish as your bank account allows, because it’s sure to rank among the best you’ll ever eat. The best place to do it is the Tsukiji fish market, where seemingly around every

corner lurks an affordable eatery. A bowl of raw tuna and rice with a side of miso soup and tea will run you around 1,100 yen ($12.87) at most restaurants here. If you’re feeling adventurous and you enjoy the texture of Jell-O, a bowl of plain fish eggs will cost you half that much. For more information on Tokyo, visit the city’s official tourism website at www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english. Air Canada currently offers the lowest fair to Tokyo in mid-January at $891 roundtrip from either Reagan National or Marshall BWI airports. — AP

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BEACON BITS

Jan. 30

TRAVEL MEMORIES

Travel vicariously to the Hudson River Valley, Florida’s “Space Coast,” and West Virginia at the next meeting of the Fairfax Elderhostel Alumni meeting on Sunday, Jan. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. The meeting will be held at the George Mason Public Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va. It is free, but reservations are required. Call Rebecca Prather at (703) 534-2274.

Jan. 17

MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING

A tribute to Martin Luther King will take place at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda, Md. on Monday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. Some of the performers include jazz musician Marcus Johnson, Men of Valor and gospel jazz saxophonist Brian Lenair. The celebration is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Tickets are required and may be reserved through Strathmore’s website at www.strathmore.org or in person at the Strathmore box office. On the day of the performance, the doors will open to non-ticket holders at approximately 3:45 p.m. until all seats are filled. For more information about the musical celebration, call (240) 777-2570, or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mlk.

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 participate in weekly training and sales meetings. If you love the Beacon — and would be excited about coming to work every day to call and meet with potential advertisers throughout the Greater Washington area — send your resume and cover letter to Alan Spiegel, Director of Sales at: alan@theBeaconNewspapers.com. The Beacon Newspapers, Inc. • 3720 Farragut Ave., #105 • Kensington, MD 20895

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Off the beaten track often beats hot spots By Ed Perkins You can hardly open a slick travel magazine or Sunday travel section without finding at least one report proclaiming the latest “hot” destination. A place may be “hot” for many different reasons — maybe it features some unique attraction, maybe some important event is

scheduled, maybe a few big-name celebrities have been spotted there. But “hot popularity” often equates to high prices, overdevelopment, swarms of tourists and rampant commercialism. And, often, a little ingenuity will allow you to find most of the advantages with less of the hassle and often at lower costs.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 12

GENTLE EXERCISE For those suffering chronic pain and their family members, the

Pain Connection offers a gentle movement class on Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the Washington Grove Methodist Church, 303 Chestnut Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. For more information, contact instructor Kim Thompson at (301) 275-0880 or www.painconnection.org for more information.

Jan. 22

This line of exploration was triggered by an e-mail from a reader who raved about the combination of great resources and relaxed atmosphere he found in Huatulco, Mexico. It’s the ideal “non-Cancun,” he reported, and is the place where upscale Mexicans go to vacation. It’s on Mexico’s Pacific coast, about halfway between Acapulco and the Guatemalan border, and easily accessible by airline. I’ve never been, but I’ll take my reader’s word about its charms. Clearly, some destinations are hot because they’re unique. If you want to attend the 2012 Olympics, you have to go to London; if you want to visit Walt Disney World, you’re stuck with central Florida; and if you like swarms of tourists, gaudy lights and shows, Las Vegas is unique.

Less pricey alternatives

A NIGHT OF IMPROV The Georgetown University Improv Association invites you to a night of unscripted and unrehearsed improvised comedy. Inspired

by audience suggestions, this program showcases the performers’ quick wit. It will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 9 p.m. at the University’s Leavey Center in Hoya Court, in Washington, D.C. The cost is $4 for those 65 or older and $6 for general admission. For more information, call (202) 687-6933

Do you provide a product or service of interest to people over 50? (And today, what business doesn’t?) Reach hundreds of thousands of customers throughout the Greater Washington area by advertising in

But I’ve also found numerous places where you can enjoy many of the features of today’s “hot” destinations without the hassles and high prices, especially in Europe: • For several years, Tuscany has been the “hot” part of Italy for quick visits and particularly for vacation rentals, but you can find a similar mix of great scenery, picturesque villages and outstanding local cuisine, plus less crowding and lower prices, in nearby Liguria, Lombardy, and Umbria. • Similarly, Provence is the commonly accepted “hot” area in France for extended visits and rentals — a development encouraged by several entertaining books about expat life there. But the French people we know shun Provence as far too “touristy,” and instead head for the Ardeche for their holidays. I also like Haut Savoie and the Ariege. • A few years ago, just-freed Prague was hailed as the “new Vienna.” Now Vilnius,

Lithuania, is hailed as the “new Prague,” and Tallinn, Estonia, is a likely candidate for the “new Vilnius.” In fact, just about any Eastern European capital city has a lot to offer — at prices well below London, Paris and Vienna.

Choices closer to home You don’t see quite as much focus on “hot” destinations in North America. We pretty well know that Florida and Mexico have miles of good beaches and beachfront communities that range from big, gaudy Miami to tourist-centric Cancun to Florida’s “Redneck Riviera.” We know that Minnesota has 10,000 lakes, with lots more next door in Wisconsin. We know that Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and such are dynamic cities with a broad pallet of visitor options and attractions. In some ways, the mirror image of “hot” is “secret.” Here again, writers are fond of letting their readers in on some “secret” destinations or activities. I take issue with the concept. In my experience, nothing is really secret in the travel business. Areas that don’t see many visitors are shouting their virtues to anyone who will listen; not trying to keep them anonymous. How, then, to approach the prospect of a hot destination? If the heat is based on an event, you have no alternative: Olympic visitors in 2012 will have to put up with London‘s increased crowding and gouging hotel prices. If you want to visit Walt Disney World, low prices in a different drab community in central Florida won’t do you any good. But if the heat is based on hype from writers or celebrities, you can always look around for something similar but a lot less expensive. © 2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 19

WEIGHT LOSS PANEL DISCUSSION Nutrition, obesity and weight loss will be discussed by a panel of

experts from Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina and Weight Watchers International on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 11:30 a.m. in the Mumford Room of the Madison Building of the Library of Congress, on Independence Ave., between 1st and 2nd Sts., S.E., Washington D.C. For more information, call (202) 707-1205. The

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Dance that breaks all the rules

5 0 JANUARY 2011

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY ENOCH CHAN

By Delia Sava It is frequently said that modern dance “breaks all the rules.” Among those it apparently likes to break is the one that says “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” How else to explain that not one, but two local modern dance companies — Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and Franklin Dance — incorporate Jane older dancers into their performances and even focus on introducing those of us over 50 to modern dance? Liz Lerman was in her late 20s when she first started teaching modern dance to residents who lived at the Roosevelt for Senior Citizens, a once-grand, but by then dilapidated apartment building on 16th St., N.W. in Washington, D.C. She choreographed an evocative piece about her mother’s death cast with professional dancers as well as residents from the home. The next year, in 1976, she formed the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, which has continued over the years to first ask the question “Who gets to dance?” and answered it with a resounding “Anyone who wants to!” Offering classes in modern dance to people of all ages, Lerman established a reputation for working closely and brilliantly with people who had never before considered themselves agile or artistic enough to try, much less perform, modern dance. Not long after, Lerman started a new company, Dancers of the Third Age, as an adjunct troupe of older adult dancers. She Jane Franklin discovered the joy of modern dance also published a book, more than 30 years Teaching Dance to lege. Today, her Arlington-based dance ago while in colcompany includes a Senior Adults. dancers on their toes, Forty+ troupe to keep and offers classes and older workshops for neophytes Though Third Age no longer of all ages. exists as a — music, multimedia and the visual separate troupe, Dance Exchange arts. continues Franklin’s fluency in the She decided to stay here, to be an intergenerationa language of and about 10 movement l company of pro- years is evident as she conducts ago began offering workshops fessional dancers whose a Satages span 50 years. for urday morning class older adults as part of an for dancers over 40. In 2002, Lerman, who artistic project. is now 62, was The sunlight streaming “I was working with a visual in from the skyawarded a MacArthur artist, and lights in the Foundation “ge- one rehearsal studio at the Culturof the outreach, engagement nius” grant. parts of al Affairs Building that project was to work in Arlington, and the upwith some senior beat Latin jazz number playing, adults.” It struck a chord Enter Jane Franklin set the with Franklin. “I mood as the women follow Franklin’s just kept coming back to Meanwhile, Jane Franklin, lead it,” she said. who had run to learn the steps to a routine. Now Jane Franklin Dance, her own dance company based in Arin Colorado and lington, In her 50’s herself, Franklin Va., features an older taught at the college has an apdancer preciation for level at several troupe the challenges modern called Forty+, and she schools, came to this conducts dance can area as a visiting present older adults. But classes and workshops guest artist at George Mason she for older adults at firmly University. believes studying dance area senior centers, as well Her specialty was in collaborating is not only as after-school possible, on classes for youth. but desirable. dance projects with artists The company performs in other fields at venues throughout the metro area.

For demographic information and advertising rates, call Alan at

(301) 949-9766.

See DANCE, page 24

Feb. 1

THE EYE-HEART CONNECTION Learn how a dilated eye exam may not only save your sight, but

LEISURE & TR AVEL

Visiting Tokyo on a budget; plus, sun and rum in Barbados, the rewards of going off the beaten tourist track, and study abroad opportunities page 39

can also offer information about your blood vessels at this seminar sponsored by the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. It will be held on

ARTS & STYLE

South Pacific revival at Kennedy Center; plus, Sunset Boulevard at Signature, and Bob Levey on retirement resentment page 45

LAW & MONEY k Healthcare stocks are cheap k Understanding fund rankings

Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at Classic Residence, 8100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy

FITNESS & HEALTH 14 k Beat the wintertime blues k Don’t pass up shingles vaccine SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS 36 k Flying high with the Civil Air Patrol PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

Chase, Md. For more information, call (202) 234-1010.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Leisure & Travel

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

Plan now for summer study abroad programs A recent press release touting one-week Afloat and American Studies to Train summer study programs at Oxford re- Treks and World Studies, with dozens in between them. minded me that it’s not too Typically, domestic proearly to start planning for a grams run about a week and summer study program. cost $500 to $1,000 per person Certainly, you can find per week, including accommoplenty of vacation/study prodations in college dormitories grams here in the United or budget hotels, many meals, States, and prices are often instruction, guides and local attractive. But the allure of transportation. Oxford reminds you of the Overseas programs are genjoys of overseas programs. erally longer and more expenAlthough I’ve never done a sive — Great Australian Train vacation/study program, my TRAVEL TIPS Treks lasts 25 nights and starts wife has done several short By Ed Perkins at about $11,000 per person. summer stints in Oxford — with Programs run all year, not just the suma doctorate to show for them — and I know mer. And Elderhostel adds and deletes how much she enjoyed the experiences. If you’ve ever seen the great “Inspector programs every year. This year, language Morse” and “Sergeant Lewis” TV myster- options are down to just two — French and ies, you know vicariously what a fascinat- Spanish — with both U.S. and overseas ing place Oxford can be. Given the im- courses. And Elderhostel still doesn’t offer any mense pull, I was a bit surprised that the upcoming summer program isn’t as attrac- courses in computers and technology — a tive as it might be, with a heavy bias to- significant shortcoming, to my way of ward all things British, but many will find thinking. something to like. Cost is another obstacle, at about $1,750 Other resources Of course, Elderhostel isn’t your only per person for a week, including tuition, option. Many tour operators, universities, accommodations and most meals. charities, and other groups arrange all sorts of programs. Elderhostel programs Over the years, I’ve always believed that For years, older adults have turned first to Elderhostel for all things related to vaca- language courses represent a terrific option study for the 50-plus set. (That es- portunity for vacation/study, and many teemed organization can’t seem to zero in people I know have done French or Italian on the right name — it started as Elder- cooking courses here in the United States hostel, briefly went to “Exploritas,” and and in France or Italy. Among the other good sources of inforhas now settled on “Road Scholar,” but with “Elderhostel” still there, too. Go fig- mation (and for vacation/study for travelers of any age): ure.) • Language Course Finder (www.lanBy whatever name, it’s the 800-pound gorilla in the vacation/study business. The guage-learning.net) links to more than current offerings range from Adventure 10,000 language schools teaching 88 lan-

guages in 115 countries. It’s hard to figure you wouldn’t find something of interest — an immersion French program in Provence, for example, looks enticing. • Transitions Abroad (www.transitionsabroad.com) lists a large number of choices in its “Educational Travel” section. If Oxford is too high-toned for your tastes, try Cambridge, or learn to play the Irish fiddle in Kerry. For links to other resources, visit Transitions Abroad’s “key websites” pages. Planning a vacation/study trip isn’t a complicated process. Start by zeroing in on the interests, hobbies and favorite activities you’d like to study. Also focus on the places where you’d like to do your vaca-

Take an adventure • Ride an elephant • Visit Thailand! Four times a year, I personally lead small group tours to magnificent Thailand. Stay in great hotels, enjoy tantalizing cuisine, and see Bangkok, tribal villages, temples and palaces, beaches and more. It’s the trip of a lifetime. Our tours are flexible and affordable!

Call Lee at (571) 244-4363 to learn more about this incredible adventure. www.h2t3Tours.com

Upcoming Trips for 2011 “Sugar” at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Saturday, March 26; $129 per person The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV Sunday-Tuesday, April 10-12 $745 per person, double occupancy

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at Riverside Dinner Theatre Sunday, May 1; $129 per person Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA Sunday-Friday, May 22-27 $899 per person, double occupancy

BEACON BITS

Jan. 9

BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON ESTONIAN CHORUS

The Village at Rockville will host the Baltimore-Washington Estonian Chorus as a

“Music of the Night”

(music of Andrew Lloyd Webber) at American Music Theatre Saturday, June 11; $129 per person

part its artist series on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 3 p.m.. The chorus will perform music from the Baltic region. Refreshments will be served. It is free and open to the

“Hello Dolly” at Allenberry Inn & Playhouse Sunday, July 17; $129 per person

public. The Village at Rockville is located at 9701 Veirs Dr., Rockville, Md. For

The Finger Lakes, New York

further information, see www.TheVillageatRockville.org or call (301) 424-9560

Sunday-Thursday, July 10-14 $999 per person, double occupancy

ext. 17602.

Jan. 10+

tion/study — you’ll find opportunities from next door to the next continent. From that point, it’s a simple matter to locate an appropriate school or tour option. Start with the Internet sites, or if you prefer, contact a good travel agent. No matter how or where you arrange it, a vacation/study program can be a lot more rewarding than schlepping around somewhere on a tour bus. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Perkins’ new book for small business and independent professionals, “Business Travel When It’s Your Money,” is now available through www.mybusinesstravel.com or www.amazon.com. — © 2010 Tribune Media Service, Inc.

“I Love A Piano”

(music of Irving Berlin) at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Sunday, August 28; $129 per person The Hamptons, Long Island, NY Sun-Wed, September 18-21; $799 per person, dbl. occ.

A BREATH OF SPRING At noon each Monday in January, starting Jan. 10, take a tour of

Fall Foliage

Skyline Drive and Shenandoah Caverns Wednesday, October 12: $109 per person

the conservatory at the National Botanic Garden with a guide who will connect the exotic plat world, from bananas to coffee, to everyday life. The garden is

Travel with Louise makes group travel easy and fun.

located at 245 First St., S.W., Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 225-8333. SM

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Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Style

Arts &

Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard recalls the old film. See story on page 48.

South Pacific revival delights and disturbs

A musical masterpiece

For tickets & information visit www.AmericanCentury.org or call 703.995.4555

From the first scene, the show is a masterpiece of design and direction, voice and vision. It opens on the terrace of Emile de Becque’s elegant, tropical home. The sun is setting over the ocean and islands visible beyond the terrace, as the light turns to dusk and early night. Meanwhile, a playful, light-hearted love scene unfolds between de Becque, a nowwealthy Frenchman who fled to the island decades ago after killing a man, and Nellie Forbush, a nurse and ensign with the U.S. Navy, stationed recently on the island and who is clearly falling for de Becque. “Some Enchanted Evening,” de Becque’s paean to love at first sight, is a romantic tour de force, and the voices of the two leads are extraordinary.

Carmen Cusack, who plays Forbush, has a lovely, expressive voice full of power, though perhaps a touch too heavily tinged with her character’s Arkansan accent. David Pittsinger, a bass-baritone with the Metropolitan Opera Company, plays de Becque with panache and grace, and sings, well, like a member of the Met. (It’s interesting to note that in the Oscar-winning movie of 1958, Rosanno Brazzi’s singing voice was dubbed by a Met bassbaritone of the time.) Pittsinger and Cusack have real chemistry, and reveal the depth of their emotions as much by what they can’t bring themselves to say and do as by what they say (and sing) to each other. It’s a very effective and moving opening. The other main characters of the story are immediately introduced through a trifecta of great songs: “Bloody Mary,” “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” and “Bali Ha’i.” The first two numbers are performed by the Seabees: the “construction battalion” servicemen (CBs, get it?) stationed there with the Navy. Four black Seabees serve with about a dozen white ones, but the two groups keep to themselves, intimating the first elements of the racial prejudice that develops into one of the main themes of the story.

lis, a born leader and loveable but somewhat sleazy Seabee who runs multiple businesses on the island with little regard for the rules. Timothy Gulan puts his all into the part, especially in the second act, when he both comedically performs in drag, then touchingly shows his sensitive side to Forbush. Gulan also leads the pack in “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” a rousing production number that typically shows

PHOTO BY CRAIG SCHWARTZ

By Stuart Rosenthal Rodgers & Hammerstein were masters of the memorable, hummable musical. And among their most hummable is South Pacific, the 1949 hit based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific. The musical’s 2008 revival on Broadway won seven Tony Awards, including best revival, best director, best set, costumes, lighting and sound, plus a special posthumous Tony for its original orchestrator, whose arrangements are used in the revival. Now on national tour, South Pacific is playing at the Kennedy Center, complete with a 26-piece orchestra. For those who adore the show, its music and its two love stories, it’s a dream come true. For those who are put off by the story’s simplistic view of love and war, and its amplification of the power of prejudice, there is still much to enjoy.

See SOUTH PACIFIC, page 47 In the revival of South Pacific now at the Kennedy Center, French plantation owner Emile de Becque, played by Metropolitan Opera singer David Pittsinger, embraces nurse Nellie Forbush, played by Carmen Cusack, as they pursue their romance following “some enchanted evening.”

-;8

Memorable supporting cast Bloody Mary, played with gusto by Jodi Kimura, attempts to make a living selling grass skirts and shrunken heads to the Seabees and other servicemen. A tough cookie if there ever was one, she’s nonetheless a favorite of the troops. The Navy’s answer to Bloody Mary’s entrepreneurial machinations is Luther Bil-

Featuring Holly Twyford, Nancy Robinette and Kimberly Schraf

by Horton Foote Directed by Mark Ramont

January 21 –February 13, 2011

The American Century Theater presents

Special Senior Price on Orchestra Seats*: Weekday matinees: $27 Weekend matinees: $30 *Limit of two per person.

January 14–February 12, 2011 Gunston Theatre Two

A captivating portrait of three sisters … and the resilience of the human spirit.

(202) 397-SEAT www.fords.org 511 10th St. NW Washington, DC Lead Sponsor: ExxonMobil Sponsors: Southern Company; American Express Ford’s Theatre stages Built by The Home Depot | Chevron, a 2010-2011 Season Sponsor

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

“A newly energized orchestra playing at its peak.” 2010–2011 Season

The Washington Post

JANUARY & FEBRUARY CONCERTS

Kirill Karabits and Sergey Khachatryan Kirill Karabits, conductor Sergey Khachatryan, violin SILVESTROV SHOSTAKOVICH SIBELIUS

Elegy Violin Concerto No. 2 Symphony No. 1

Thu., Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Jan. 14 & 15 at 8 p.m.

The Christoph Eschenbach Era Continues Christoph Eschenbach, conductor

Tzimon Barto, piano TBA, narrator

SUND AY MATIN EE

Part of The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration

LIEBERSON Remembering JFK (An American Elegy) Commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra through a generous gift from the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund for New Orchestral Works

BERNSTEIN

BERNSTEIN GERSHWIN

Fanfare for the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy West Side Story– Symphonic Dances Piano Concerto

Sat., Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. | Sun., Jan. 23 at 1:30 p.m. Mon., Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. AfterWords: Sun., Jan. 23 performance followed by a free discussion with Christoph Eschenbach, Tzimon Barto, Peter Lieberson, and NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon. The National Symphony Orchestra performances of The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration are supported through the generosity of Constance Milstein de La Haye St. Hilaire and Jehan-Christophe de La Haye St. Hilaire. The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration is the 2011 Rubenstein Program and is made possible through the generosity of David and Alice Rubenstein. Additional support is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Altria Group, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, and David Gregory and Beth Wilkinson.

KIRILL KARABITS

TZIMON BARTO

RADU LUPU

Eschenbach Conducts Beethoven Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Nurit Bar-Josef, violin David Hardy, cello Lambert Orkis, piano BERG

Three Pieces for Orchestra BEETHOVEN Triple Concerto BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5

Thu., Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Jan. 28 & 29 at 8 p.m. AfterWords: Fri., Jan. 28 performance followed by a free discussion with Christoph Eschenbach, Nurit Bar-Josef, David Hardy, Lambert Orkis, and NSO Director of Artistic Planning Nigel Boon.

Radu Lupu performs Beethoven Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Radu Lupu, piano SMETANA The Kiss–Overture BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3 TCHAIKOVSKY Manfred Symphony Thu., Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Feb. 11 & 12 at 8 p.m. The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation

Magical Music from the Movies

Michael Krajewski, conductor Enjoy the magic of Disney with the NSO Pops. Every new generation has a favorite Disney musical, whether it’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Aladdin, or The Lion King. And then there are the classics, from a Mary Poppins medley to the “Yo ho” of Pirates of the Caribbean. When everyone joins together for memorable moments and melodies that Mouseketeers of all ages know by heart, it feels like a small world, after all.

Thu., Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat., Feb. 4 & 5 at 8 p.m.

Kennedy Center Concert Hall

Tickets from $20 at the Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600 Order online at kennedy-center.org | Groups (202) 416-8400 | TTY (202) 416-8524 General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the National Symphony Orchestra Classical Season. The Beacon Newspaper is the proud media partner of the NSO.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

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

South Pacific From page 45 off the gymnastic and dancing skills of the company. The choreography here, however, is creative and amusing, rather than truly spectacular. A particularly dramatic entrance is reserved for Lt. Joseph Cable, a Marine who we later learn has come to perform a secret and highly dangerous mission infiltrating a nearby island controlled by the Japanese. We also learn that the mission depends upon Cable being able to convince de Becque to come along as his guide. Cable is played by Anderson Davis as aloof and full of himself. It’s not the approach to the role made popular by John Kerr in the 1958 movie, but it may be closer to what the part calls for. It does, however, make him hard to like as a character. We respect Cable for his strong sense of duty and self-sacrifice, but we also get a sense that he lacks the ability to feel deeply. This is suggested in Cable’s first song, when he tells Forbush about his (former?) fiancé in the States. He sings: “My girl back home, I almost forgot. A blue-eyed kid, I liked her a lot. We got engaged, both families were glad.” There is no wistfulness in his manner; he’s all matter-of-fact. It’s not clear whether the engagement was broken off before he enlisted, sometime since then, or whether she’s still wait-

ing for him to return (perhaps unaware of his dangerous upcoming mission). But what is clear is that he’s singing of the past, and that he didn’t consider it love. We’re reminded of this later in the story, when Bloody Mary, seeing Cable as sonin-law material, matches Cable up with her stunning and younger-than-springtime daughter, Liat. The two beautiful young things instantly fall for each other — a second case of love at first sight — though in contrast to the de Becque/Forbush liaison, here there appear to be even more cultural and language differences in the way.

Enter prejudice, stage right Bloody Mary urges the young lovers to marry, wanting them to “make beautiful children together,” and offers to support them. Cable, a Princeton graduate and proud Marine, briefly considers whether he could happily chuck it all to live a primitive life on a tropical isle. There are many good reasons a person in his position might decide not to do that, but in the show he attributes his decision solely to racial prejudice. Forbush has a similar emotional reaction when she learns de Becque has two children of color from a former Polynesian wife. She seems determined to reject his marriage proposal as a result, even though she knows she loves him.

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These two irrational decisions seem to be more a reflection of how Rodgers & Hammerstein understood the feelings of their 1949 audience than how the characters in such situations might be likely to act, even back then. That’s suggested when Cable goes on to sing about how prejudice and hate are unnatural and how “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” to hate. If he believed what he says, and truly loved Liat, he would be talking himself out of his decision. De Becque — who had adamantly refused to join Cable on his mission when he thought Forbush would marry him — now changes his mind, and the two go off together. The somewhat disturbing claims the story leaves us with include the following: Older men appreciate true love, especially later in their lives. But as long as they have such love, they fear personal sacrifice and are unwilling to risk death even for higher causes they believe in. Those who are willing to sacrifice for a cause are younger men like Cable — not

yet capable of true love and more enamored with adventure and risk — and older men who have lost what they love. A third option not explored in this show, which is perhaps what most of us like to think is true, is that people are willing to risk their lives to protect those whom they love and the life they dearly want to live. If you don’t think about it too much, the show is a delightful way to spend an evening, and the tunes will dance in your head for days to come. Sometimes the disturbing thoughts may, too. South Pacific runs at the Kennedy Center Opera House through Jan. 16, evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Sat. and Sun. matinees at 1:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $150 and are available at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 4674600 (extra fee applies). For more information, visit www.kennedy-center.org. Half-price tickets for patrons 65 and over may be available for some performances. Call the box office or visit www.kennedycenter.org/tickets/spts.cfm for details.

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

Signature makes Sunset Blvd. succeed

Overcoming challenges There are many challenges involved with making Lloyd Webber’s version of the iconic Hollywood tale of faded dreams and redemption work on the stage, and Schaeffer has mostly surmounted them. The story itself is dark and lurid, and lends itself to camp. Norma Desmond (played here by Broadway actress Florence Lacey) was a major star of silent movies. But it has been several decades

since her career faded and she sank into obscurity. She’s now a museum-piece, a relic shut away with her memories and dreams of a comeback in her Beverly Hills mansion. When destitute young screenwriter Joe Gillis (D. B. Bonds) stumbles into her realm, Desmond entices him into her unwholesome fantasies. Both are opportunists, but Gillis is a naïf compared to the grotesque and scheming Desmond. The film was a dark masterpiece, brooding and intense, and Gloria Swanson’s stunning performance as Norma Desmond is one of the most famous portrayals in Hollywood history. The material is operatic in scope, so transforming the film into an opera would seem like a natural progression. In fact, director Billy Wilder is reported to have told Stephen Sondheim, who considered working up a stage version in the 1960s, that it could only be an opera. However, Sir Andrew has not given us an opera. In fact, while there are some lovely ballads here, the score is not one of his best. Some songs are romantic and melodious, but the themes are repetitious, almost to the point of excess. Some of the song lyrics from Don Black and Christopher Hampton (also responsible for the book)

veer dangerously close to campy parody.

Improving on the original

PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

By Michael Toscano Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard has had mixed success on the stage, though it did win the 1994 Tony Award for best musical on Broadway. It has never played Washington before. But now, thanks to years of effort by Signature Theatre’s guiding light Eric Schaeffer, it is here, and the wait has been worth it. The sumptuously staged and dazzlingly performed musical shows that he truly appreciates and understands Billy Wilder’s 1950 film noir classic of the same name, on which the musical is based. Schaeffer recreates the fast-moving but steady pace of the film and captures its dark, stylized mood. The result is that Signature’s Sunset Boulevard is a ride of sensational twists and turns hurtling toward an unnerving but satisfying destination.

So, what did Schaeffer do about the show’s weaknesses? First, he did what he could with the music. Lloyd Webber’s score plays like that of a film, underscoring much dialogue and evoking a variety of genres and repeating themes. In fact, the repetition is sometimes clumsy, an obvious ploy to cue previously generated sensations. But the ballads evoke the passion and obsession of the characters, and Schaeffer’s cast fully exploits this power. Furthermore, Signature Former silent screen star Norma Desmond, played by broke the budget for this Florence Lacey, gives a warm New Year’s Eve embrace to young screenwriter Joe Gillis (D.B. Bonds) in Andrew production, hiring an orLloyd Webber’s musical Sunset Boulevard, now at Sigchestra of 20 musicians. nature Theatre. It’s the biggest orchestra the theater has ever used, invites him to sit. When the writer hesiand it pays off with a compellingly rich tates, the action pauses. Lacey glares at sound that fills the MAX Theatre, a rela- Bonds. tively intimate space of fewer than 300 The atmosphere electrifies in stillness seats. until Desmond bares her teeth and comRegarding the sensational elements of mands Gillis to sit in a steely voice. His will the plot and histrionic personalities of the crumbling, the young man sits, and we characters, Schaeffer has pushed his cast know his fate is sealed. to build three-dimensional characters as Another example of how attention to demuch as possible. Caricature is, with sev- tail helps build character is the way eral exceptions, avoided. Desmond ascends her mansion’s grand And Schaeffer’s pacing is brisk, slowing staircase after that scene. Previously, she only in portentous moments. For example, shortly after Desmond and Gillis meet, she See SUNSET BLVD., page 50

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The Tango Fire Company of Buenos Aires in Tango Inferno

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Argentina’s most acclaimed company sets “a five-alarm blaze” (Ottawa Citizen) with musicians performing traditional tango as the dancers display their spectacular talents. MUSIC CENTER, CONCERT HALL Tickets $30–$65 (Stars Price $27–$58.50)

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Sight Singing Made Simple Past participants in Strathmore’s singing classes have requested this new course—and here it is! Instructor Aniko Debreceny leads students through techniques to make their singing easier and more accurate. Students will learn how to sing in parts and other languages (pronunciation guides provided), using solfa/solfege, numbers, letter names, and rhythms. Designed for adults and advanced high school students who have a basic foundation in musical notation and who want to advance their sight-singing skills. EDUCATION CENTER, ROOM 402 Tuition $135 for 4 sessions (Stars Price $121.50)

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Intro to Jazz Singing Jessica Boykin-Settles, jazz singer and Howard University music professor, will lead this popular class, introducing participants to elements of jazz rhythm, harmony and improvisation. The class will conclude with a cabaret performance with a full rhythm section. MANSION, SHAPIRO MUSIC ROOM Tuition $275/person (6-session series) (Stars Price $247.50)

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Fabric of Survival & Portraits of Life: Holocaust Survivors of Montgomery County Strathmore Fine Art presents two inspiring exhibitions in remembrance of Holocaust survivors with ties to Montgomery County. With its unforgettable images of Holocaust survivors, “Portraits of Life” depicts a rich tapestry of lives lived in Montgomery County—their stories, lessons, and legacy without idealized overtones.

Learn the intricacies of the nuno felt technique on colorful hand-dyed silk and leave with a finished scarf! Nuno Felting is a laminated felt technique where wool is felted into silk fabric to create a wonderful piece of wearable art or a small object. No experience required. Taught by Roz Houseknecht of the Potomac Fiber Arts Guild. MANSION Tuition $80 (Stars Price $72), plus $20 supply fee paid to instructor SAT., JAN. 29, 10AM–12PM SAT., JAN. 29, 1–3PM

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Fused Glass Workshop Back by popular demand! Students choose their own fused glass project in this unique class. Select from a small votive candle holder, a small dish, a medium square plate, a large candle guard or a hanging glass panel exploring design techniques using a variety of textures and colors of ground, pulled, or sheet glass. Taught by Eileen Martin of Martin Glass Creations. MANSION Tuition $50, plus a $20–$40 supply fee depending on project size, paid to instructor (Stars Price $45)

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A pair of jazz legends, together on stage— premier jazz guitarist John Scofield, whose playing “drives jazz forward with optimism” (All About Jazz), and Grammy-winning composer and saxophonist Joe Lovano, “one of the greatest musicians in jazz history” (The New York Times). MUSIC CENTER, CONCERT HALL Tickets $18–$38 (Stars Price $16.20–$34.20) Sponsored by PNC

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Sunset Blvd. From page 48 has glided up and down the stairs. This time, however, Lacey scuttles back like a spider.

A softer Norma Desmond It must be daunting to take on the role of Norma Desmond. Anyone who has seen the film has seared into his or her brain the image of Gloria Swanson hypnotically fixed on the camera and telling us she is ready for her close-up. It’s an enduring image. Broadway’s Florence Lacey seems like an unlikely Desmond. Doughy and softfeatured, she lacks the sinewy presence of the manipulative, aging creature who has created her own spider-web of a world. But when she sings, Lacey fully inhabits

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

this woman. Her singing is powerful, but she layers her arias with the nuance of vulnerability, allowing us to understand that Desmond’s fantasies are how she keeps her insecurities at bay. There is also an important scene where Lacey literally shines, letting us glimpse the charisma that made Norma Desmond a star. When Desmond descends upon a Paramount Studios soundstage, home of her long-ago cinematic triumphs, Lacey’s performance of the lovely “As If We Never Said Goodbye” provokes the show’s most intense emotions. A stagehand off-handedly shines a spotlight on her, and Lacey’s slack features tighten, the eyes ignite, and her face re-animates. As Lacey deftly shows, this is the moment Desmond is ready for her closeup, though she may not realize it. That makes the character’s iconic call

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for her trademark camera shot in the show’s stunning climax, when her grasp on reality is shattered, resonate so powerfully. D. B. Bonds exudes boyish charm as Gillis, softening the sharper edges of the screenwriter’s opportunism. He is joined by Susan Derry as Betty, an appealing love interest who stirs Gillis’ flagging conscience in “Too Much in Love to Care.” Their soaring voices, meshing with Jon Kalbfleisch’s orchestra in the old-fashioned duet, are magnificent. Ed Dixon plays Max, Desmond’s vaguely menacing servant. His cartoonish outfit by costumer Kathleen Geldard seems to force him into odd posture and movement, accenting a performance that is unfortunately campy much of the time. Dixon usually overdoes the melodrama with his dialogue, but he displays an astonishing vocal range, from bottom-most bass to tenderest tenor in his poignant ode to Desmond, “The Greatest Star of All.” Local stage favorites Harry A. Winter (as famed director Cecile B. DeMille) and J. Fred Shiffman are also here, doing their usual fine work in supporting roles. The musicians are perched behind Mediterranean-style grillwork above Daniel Conway’s remarkable set — a the-

ater-filling thrust platform (the audience sits on three sides) on which Desmond’s ornate palazzo, with its grand staircase, magically disappears and re-assembles during the numerous scene changes. This show sounds great, looks great, and tells its tale with style and power. Sunset Boulevard continues through Feb. 13 at Signature Theatre’s MAX Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., in Arlington, Va. Performances are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $59 to $85. There are no senior discounts, but $30 ”rush” tickets are sold one hour prior to every performance on a first-come, first-served basis, two per person, subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased online at www.signature-theatre.org, by calling Ticketmaster at (703) 573-SEAT, or by visiting the box office during business hours. The theater’s phone number is (703) 820-9771. The theater is accessible for people with disabilities, but mention special seating needs when tickets are purchased. Free listening devices are available. Parking is free in the garage adjacent to the theater complex.

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Jan. 15

KOREAN FILM AT FREER

The Freer/Sackler Museums of Asian Art present the Korean film, Dooman River on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. This film takes a rare look at the Korean diaspora in Asia through the eyes of a 12-year-old who is fascinated with the refugees who have crossed the frozen Dooman River from North Korea into China. Seating for this free screening at the Meyer Auditorium, Independence Ave. at 12th St., S.W., is on a first-come, first-served basis; doors open approximately a half hour before each show. Visit www.asia.si.edu/events/films.asp or call (202) 633-1000.

Jan. 23

WOOD ARTS TALK

The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, located at Pennsylvania Ave. at 17th St., N.W., will present a talk with wood artist Mark Sfirri on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. Sfirri, whose work is on view at the exhibition, “A Revolution in Wood,” will explain his passion for wood turning and the artistic process. To learn more, visit www.AmericanArt.si.edu or call (202) 633-8490.

Jan. 15+

FREE WEEKEND AT THE PHILLIPS

The Phillips Collection will kick off its year-long 90th anniversary celebration with free admission on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highlights of the celebration include the newly renovated Phillips House, special art installations, interactive tours, films and complimentary champagne. The museum is located at 1600 21st St., N.W., Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.phillipscollection.org or call (202) 387-2151.

Jan. 29

CHOREOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE

This annual showcase brings together leading young choreographic talents from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC in an intriguing mix of original works at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Maryland. The show will be held twice on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 3 and 8 p.m. For more information, call (301) 405-2787.

Jan. 10

Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)® www.AccessJCA.org

8127

OPERA HIGHLIGHTS

The Forum Opera Ensemble, consisting of a singing trio and pianist, perform arias from well-known operas and selections from Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas on Monday, Jan. 10 at 1:15 p.m. at Holiday Park Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. The event is free. Call (240) 777-4999 for more information.

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

When one retires and the other resents Ah, men. be at home and to stay at home, to greet Just when it seems as if we’ve made him as he comes in the door each evening. progress — we do dishes, we He hasn’t said he’d like her change diapers — here comes to be wearing a see-through evidence that some guys are negligee and mixing him a still living in caves, or should be. double martini, but I figure Unfortunately, many such those are next. men are at or near retirement. Roxanne asked my advice. And it’s retirement that exposShe said she has asked all her es their caveman-ness. female friends what to do, and Say hello to a woman we’ll the consensus is “Tell him to call Roxanne — which I did get over it.” one recent afternoon. But she’s not happy with HOW I SEE IT We exchanged the usual that answer. She thought that By Bob Levey what-do-you-do biographies. my male perspective might She let me know that she had just retired offer a different view. from the federal government after 36 years It certainly does. Here’s what I told Roxof service. anne, and would tell anyone else whose She’s spending her time doing Pure spouse suddenly acts super-selfish: Pleasure — shopping till she drops, gamThe issue here isn’t retirement and it bling jaunts to Atlantic City, and a whole isn’t men-are-from-Mars-women-are-fromlot of Not Much in between. Venus. “I figure I’ve earned it all,” she said. The issue is timing and communication. Who could disagree? Didn’t Roxanne and Caveman know far Her husband could. in advance that she’d be retiring in late He is still working, even though he and 2010? Didn’t they discuss whether he his wife are the same age (55). He has be- would do so at the same time? Didn’t they come very jealous, possessive, cranky and ask (or in her case, reveal) how she’d be overbearing. spending her time once the office no He doesn’t want her to go shopping, longer beckoned? scoot up to Atlantic City, or do any amount The ugly truth, according to Roxanne, is of Not Much in between. He wants her to that no such conversations ever took place.

“I just figured it would become ‘Me Time,’” she told me. “But I never checked what that would mean with him.” Which makes the score Caveman zero, Roxanne minus one. But Caveman never asked those questions, either. Did he assume that Roxanne would sit at home all day and only go out when he could accompany her? Did he assume that Roxanne was his possession? Did he assume that he had a larger vote in the matter because he still brings home a paycheck? Assuming is the enemy of all relationships, at all stages of life. New score: Caveman minus one, Roxanne minus one.

So why didn’t Caveman retire at the same moment that Roxanne did? “He said we couldn’t afford it yet,” she told me. “He said that because of all our credit card debts and our house being underwater, someone had to keep earning a full salary.” All very reasonable and very typical (especially in this day and age). But was their financial situation a revelation to either one of them? No house goes underwater in five minutes. Big debts don’t accumulate overnight. It’s often very easy to see financial trouble forming far away, like a cloud on the horiSee BOB LEVEY, page 52

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

Bob Levey

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

From page 51 zon. But if a couple doesn’t discuss it, the cloud rains all over them, and each blames the other. New score: Caveman minus two, Roxanne minus two. Could this couple discuss the situation now and reach some sort of jerrybuilt agreement? “He refuses,” Roxanne said. Which puts Caveman in the lead: minus three to minus two. Caveman locked up the championship for good when I asked the bottom-line question: Does he truly believe that Roxanne shouldn’t have a life — even an afternoon — separate from him? Obviously, he doesn’t. Obviously, he regards his wife in some way as his adjunct; his possession. Obviously, he wishes he could do Not Much himself. But he isn’t being honest about that. Instead of expressing that thought, he has transformed it into: If I can’t be happy, I don’t want you to be happy, either. Obviously, Caveman deserves another minus in the ledger. He captures the family crown, minus four to minus two. Three cheers. I sincerely hope Caveman won’t want to put the trophy on his rec room shelf. I sincerely hope he and Roxanne can find a way through this mess. But someone will have to bend, and both of them will have to listen. They came into this marriage with four ears between them. All four should be open and on high alert. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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surance, is unconstitutional or beyond the scope of congressional constitutional powers. Thanks likewise to Virginia’s State Attorney Ken Cuccinelli, who filed the lawsuit last March. This case must and should go now directly to the U.S. Supreme Court to rule and overturn Obamacare as it was signed into law. This is about individual rights to

choose to participate or not without being penalized or punished. This is furthermore not about health insurance or healthcare. It is about liberty for a citizen to chose and not being forced by the Obama administration to participate in [insurance]. There are 20 other states that filed similar lawsuits to overturn Obamacare. Unfortunately, the liberal Free State of Maryland was not one of them. Al Eisner Silver Spring, Md.

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Jan. 24+

LOVE TO SING?

Spend your Monday mornings singing with the Encore Chorale at the Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md. Weekly rehearsals with a professional conductor will be held for 15 Mondays, beginning Jan. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The fee is $135. For more information, call (240) 777-8085.

Jan. 7

ELVIS PRESLEY SHOW

Enjoy an Elvis show featuring the dancing and singing of the Seasoned Players from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, at the Riderwood Lakeside Commons Encore Theater, 3140 Gracefield Rd., Silver Spring, Md. Donations will be accepted at the door. Contact Shirley Robson at (301) 572-4975 for additional information.

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

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 below. 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.

Business & Employment Opportunities AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)453-6204. GREAT PAYING... Frac Sand Hauling Work in Texas. Need Big Rig, Pneumatic Trailer & Blower. 817-769-7621

Caregivers QUTECARE HOUSEHOLD STAFFING SERVICES Dependable and attentive domestic service solutions. *Housekeepers *Nannies *Senior caregivers/companions *Personal assistants/Errand Services *Private Tutors. No placement fees, carefully screened personnel. We handle payroll so you can relax. HOLIDAY SPECIAL First week service FREE, full-time or part-time. Offer Expires 1/15/2011. 301-217-0024. www.qutecare.com. COLLEGE GRAD, Current nursing student & licensed CNA with several years geriatric experience seeks full-time overnight caregiving position. Reliable with own transportation, very petfriendly, and come with sterling references. If interested please call, Jacqueline at 301-787-3555. CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. COMPANION – CAREGIVER: Interested in part-time position. Have experience and references. Rockville or White Flint area. Please call: 301-984-4422. CAREGIVER – Licensed CNA with over 17 years experience, very reliable and punctual, with excellent references is available now. With flexible hours and days. Please call for more information. 240-550-2584 or 410-680-6047. CAREGIVER – College educated (in English & Literature), more recently counselor to special needs people, will provide excellent support/companionship/assistance for you. CPR/First Aid certified. Low rates, call Amy 301-592-9449.

Caregivers

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

A LADY DESIRES TO WORK every other weekend for the sick. Live in or out. Shirley Bonner, telephone # 202-387-3155, after 4 PM.

ROOMS FOR RENT in a private home – shared facilities. Only for non-smoking female, fully furnished, no pets. $695 per month, utilities included. 301-233-4722.

Computer Services

LEISURE WORLD® - $119,500. 2BR 1FB “Hampton” model with access to Broadwalk. Wood floors, upgraded carpet, recent updates. 1200 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $195,000. 2BR 2FB “CC” model in “Turnberry”. Open kitchen, garage parking, upgrades throughout, golf course view. 1085 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. HOME. BUSINESS. Call: D. Guisset at 301-642-4526. COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use, and more. Learn at your own pace with gentle and patient tutor. We also fix computers, setup your new computer, and troubleshoot. Working with Seniors since 1996. Ask about your Senior discount. Call David, 301762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

Entertainment PUT THE MUSIC YOU LOVE BACK IN YOUR LIFE! Enjoy live jazz and swing on the first Friday of the month at Hollywood East Café, Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall, 7 to 10 PM. Listen to the Night & Day Combo perform the classic standard songs of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, from Cole Porter, Gershwin, et al. Great music, great food, no cover charge! http://nightanddaymusic.com/clubpage.html. PRIME TIME – JANUARY 19, 2011. 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. 50+ age group. 11:00 AM: “Organ Grinder Lola”. 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Luncheon ($6.00). 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: “Swing Dancers” entertainment. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4900 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC. RSVP to church office: 202-966-5489. DRAMA WORKSHOP – JANUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 15, 2011. 11:00AM – 12:15PM. Classes will be led by Lisa from Uniquely U. The class will consist of play readings, role playing, poetry reading plus various other areas of drama. A light lunch will follow. Cost: $25.00 for six sessions or $5.00 per session. A donation for lunch is appreciated. Register at the church office: 202-966-5489.

Financial Services PREPARATION OF ALL ESTATE, AND TRUST, FIDUCIARY TAX Returns; PROBATE Court ACCOUNT REPORTING. Preparation of INDIVIDUAL and BUSINESS Tax Returns. Michael Todd Berson, CPA 301-571-7242. GET FAST CASH! Pre-approval by phone. Bad Credit OK. No faxing. Cash in 24hrs. Apply now! Checking account required. 800-390-4380. $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need fast $500-$500,000+? We help. Call 1-866-386-3692 www.lawcapital.com.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 29. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors.

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD A F F O R D

P A R T I I

E M A I L S

S E Z I N E S N E S T

C T R A R I E B U G G A G A P T T R O O M I N I S M I L

From page 54.

S Y N A P S E

K N E E Y A M R A M S

A N T E C A R A R B E A T E M M C M O O R P A R K O I N W A M A S A T R I I D E O N T E T S E V E E N T E R L O T S F R E T

A S T S R L E N S A L I N E T E D P E N S A R N S S E T A M O O N O R R E N H L L A O S A T M O B E E N

LEISURE WORLD® - $239,000. 2BR 2FB “K” model in “Greens” with enclosed balcony, garage space, golf cart space. Pond view. 1520 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $89,900. 2BR 2FB “E” model in the Greens. Table space kitchen, enclosed balcony, nice view. 980 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $119,000. 2BR 1FB 2HB “Berkeley” townhouse with new appliances, fresh paint and carpet, custom Florida sunroom. 1600 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $92,500. 1BR 1FB “A” model in the “Fairways”. Fresh paint and carpet, updated kitchen, close to elevator. 850 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $119,900. 2BR, 2FB “F” model in the “Greens”. Enclosed balcony, close to the elevator. 1115 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $89,000. 2BR 2FB “Warfield” model with updated kitchen. Needs some TLC. 1030 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $99,000. 2BR 1FB 1HB “Elizabeth” model. Rare first floor location with custom patio enclosure, Extras and upgrades. 1308 Sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $109,000. 2BR 2FB “Warfield” model. New appliances and AC, enclosed patio. Move in condition.1043 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-9283463. LEISURE WORLD® - $109,900. 2BR 1FB 2HB “Berkeley” townhouse. End unit. Patio with nice view. 1600 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $249,000. 2BR + den, 2FB “R” model in “Fairways”. Ceramic tile enclosed balcony, table space kitchen, garage parking, new carpet. 1420 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors,301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $119,000. 2BR 2FB “Riviera” model. Loaded with extras and upgrades, covered carport parking. 1273 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $219,000. 2BR 2FB “Modified Sherwood” patio home. Updated kitchen, new paint and carpet. Garage converted to family room and extra storage. 1193 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $139,000. 2BR 2FB “GG” model in “Greens”. Fresh paint and carpet, garage space included, enclosed balcony, golf course view. 1195 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. JUST WAIT ‘TIL YOU SEE IT! Fabulous renovation! New kitchen with upgraded appliances, wood floor, pretty cabinets, granite counter tops + breakfast bar! Fresh paint & new carpet! More! Call Nancy Einwaechter @ 301-460-6976 to see this super condo at 3330 North Leisure World Blvd. today. 2BR, 2BA – 1195 sq.ft. $179,900. Weichert Realtors 301-681-0550. FURNISHED RENTAL – LEISURE WORLD 55+. Beautiful large 2BR, 2BA condo plus garage. 1480 sq. ft. $1500/month, ($1450 unfurnished). Call Mark at 301-299-4546. FOR RENT LEISURE WORLD 55+, 2BR/2BA, almost new hi-rise, 8th floor, 9ft ceiling, enclosed balcony to stunning view, washer/dryer, parking, storage, no pet, cable TV included for $1,250. Call 301-251-1998 evenings/weekends/leave message. KENTLANDS CONDO in secured elevator building. Recently carpeted & painted. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths. Kitchen with breakfast bar. 4 storage units that convey. Walking distance to the town center, shopping, restaurants, public transportation & much more. Offered at $275,000. $5,000 seller credit for contract by January 31st. Larry Prigal, RE/MAX Realty Group, 301-921-2623, 301-370-2305. ***FREE FORECLOSURE LISTINGS*** OVER 400,000 properties nationwide. Low down payment. Call now 800-250-2043.

For Sale FOR SALE – Large antique Syrian Bride’s Chest. Floral pattern with mother-of-pearl inlay. Call 202-829-2981. SLEEP APNEA MACHINE, NEW VPAP Adapt SV machine, HumidAire 21 iTM attachment, Mirage Quattro full mask, quick fitting. EXTRA: hose, filters, carrying bag, petro gel, manuals. Never used cost new $2,204. Sell for $1,000. Phone 571-481-4885, if no answer leave a message.

LEISURE WORLD® - $239,000. 3BR 2FB “L” in the Greens. Fresh paint and new carpet, enclosed balcony overlooking the golf course. 1610 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-9283463.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE. 1960s, 1970s, 1980s. Many All-Stars. Good condition. Buy any or all. Marty, mfixman@aol.com, 703768-5254, 9am-10pm.

LEISURE WORLD® - RENTAL - $1400. 2BR 2FB “N” model in Turnberry Courts. Garage space included. Top floor with table space kitchen. 1042 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

Classifieds cont. on p. 55.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES

Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, offer a personal service, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Commercial Party Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing commercial business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one commercial ad.

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

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

For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

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

Crossword

Puzzle Page

1971 Headlines 1

by Stephen Sherr 5

38 43

45 49

JUMBLE ANSWERS

51 55

61 65

Across

Scrabble answers on p. 53.

54 56

26 29

33 35

1. Intelligent primates 5. German philosopher 9. Bridge positions 14. “American Idol” contestant’s goal 15. Tarheel st. 16. Senator who switched parties in 2009 (first name) 17. Headline on March 9, 1971 20. OJ’s judge in reverse 21. Michelle Obama ___ Robinson 22. The last year of this century 23. Butterfly catcher 24. Agitates 26. Tied up (nautically) 28. Headline on October 2, 1971 33. Reputation blemish 34. Gives a heads up to 35. Midpt. 38. Michelle Phillips and Cass Elliot 41. Prepare the dinner table 42. First in a series of 12 45. Hotel hollow centers 48. Headline on August 1, 1971 54. Paternally related 55. Manager of five MLB teams 56. Appropriate 58. Old radios 59. Some say she had no navel 61. Org. that takes a break for the Winter Olympics 62. Headline on February 9, 1971 66. Fabric-conserving skirts 67. Future construction sites 68. Sphere beginning 69. Long-rumored Beach Boys album 70. Worry 71. Has-___ (better than a never-was)

Down 1. Spare, financially 2. Designation of a sequel

3. Telegram’s great-grandchildren 4. “Oh yeah? ___ who?” 5. Banjo location 6. Backyard measure 7. Capture 8. A seismograph could measure it 9. Admit fault, painfully 10. Pirate syllables 11. Misrepresents 12. Port opener 13. Agitated state 18. Map bonus info 19. Out of control 25. Most of 31 Down 26. Like Lake Mead 27. Fed. org. with a flower in its logo 29. Thanksgiving side dish 30. Actress Zadora 31. General direction up I-95 32. Mach 1 breaker 35. Bus alternative 36. “Based on a __ Story” (article about Capote) 37. Trattoria treat 39. Devoured 40. Sign of success, theatrically 43. French toast requirement 44. Component of the nervous system 46. Start of act, view, or faith 47. Latin 101 word 49. “The Greatest Show on Turf ” NFL team 50. “... fear ___“ (FDR’s observation) 51. Elaborate and fancy 52. “Are we visitors __?” 53. Wrestling hold 56. PIN acceptors 57. Stiffly proper 59. Major extension 60. Bullet stopper 63. Stir-fry starter 64. Neither neighbor 65. Good place to find a mad scientist

Answers on page 53.

Answer: When she bought the wrong glue, she was "STUCK" WITH IT Jumbles: WHEEL SNACK MARTIN TURKEY

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

For Sale

Personals

Wanted

DIRECT to home Satellite TV $19.99/mo. FREE installation, FREE HD-DVR upgrade. New customers - No Activation Fee! Credit/Debit Card Req. Call 1-800-795-3579.

FEMALE (60s) ISO some wonderful new platonic girlfriends ages 50-70 for lunch, shared activities, especially interested in phone conversation and girl talk. Bobbie 301-439-0833.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom or Katherine. Call anytime 301-654-8678.

STEEL BUILDINGS: 5 only 16x20, 25x36, 30x48, 40x52, 45x82. Selling for Balance! Free Delivery! 1-800-462-7930x262.

SEEKING A FRIEND to enjoy and have fun with. Age 40-50 male callers only. 202-679-0852.

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

Health

Vacation Opportunities

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION FDA Medical Vacuum Pumps, Testosterone, Viagra, Cialis (619)294-7777 www.drjoelkaplan.com (Discounts Available).

SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $78 Million offered in 2009! www.sellatimeshare.com (800) 882-0296.

Miscellaneous

Wanted

DONATE YOUR CAR. FREE TOWING. “Cars for Kids”. Any condition. Tax deductible outreachcenter.com, 1-800-597-9411.

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

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Accounting, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? You choose from families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6292, 24/7 Void/Illinois.

Personal Services WOW! GREAT HAIRCUT at a great price! Professional family hair salon conveniently located in Bethesda, MD. State board certified. Call 240-432-7211. PRESERVE YOUR FAMILY MEMORIES! Don’t let your precious photos be forgotten or fade over time. I’ll transfer your photos, slides, and negatives to a CD so they can be easily shared with friends and family. Once they’re scanned, I can bring your photos to life in a memorable DVD slideshow that will make a creative and unique gift for any occasion! Call Kim at Virtual Computer Services, 301-4383140. STRESSED? TIRED? OVERWHELMED? Changes in work status, family life, friendships, health and aging can produce increased levels of stress. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with training and experience in cognitive/behavioral therapy. I support people who are undergoing change to help them transform “limitations” into possibilities. Convenient Bethesda location. Accept Medicare. Don’t struggle alone: Call for support today. Judith R. Peres, LCSW-C 301-455-5140. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike 301-565-4051. CHERYL’S ORGANIZING CONCEPTS. Specializing in residential and small business organizing, paperwork management and senior move management. Member National Association Professional Organizers (NAPO). Bonded, insured. www.CherylsOrganizing.com. 10% senior discount 301-916-9022. DO YOU HAVE A NOVEL IN YOU? Award winning writer with 25 years experience will help you write, edit, and help find agents and publishers for your work of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or your memoir. Hourly rate reduced for senior citizens. Phone Jack Ryan at 703-5601015, or email to jryan12558@aol.com. MOTHER WILL DRIVE YOU to your appointments, do your shopping, clean your house, cooking, personal assistant. Do you need to plan an event? Also does Elder Care. Honest, reasonable rate, and references provided. 240-5957467. PARALEGAL: Experienced in trusts, estates and will preparation and other paperwork. Call 301-565-2917. WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

Personals OLD-FASHIONED 63 YEAR OLD White male seeking old-fashioned female 65-100 years old, for fun, walks, movies, TV and cuddling. 703-751-1037.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, ESTATES. FREE evaluations and house calls. We pay the most for your valuable treasures because we get the most money on ebay – the worldwide internet. Serving entire metro area – Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia. Buying the following items – furniture, art, paintings, silver, gold, old coins, jewelry, vintage wristwatches, military items, including guns, rifles, swords, daggers, knives, musical instruments, guitars, violins, banjos, old toys, dolls, trains, old golf clubs, baseball, football, tennis equipment and memorabilia, old fishing, tools, books, photographs, comic books. Please call Tom 240-476-3441, Thank you. WANTED TO BUY old magazines, books, postcards, posters, etc., pre-1975. Also bookends, antique bookcases with glass fronts. Please call 301-946-0941 anytime. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Compare my price before you sell! Serving entire metro area. Call for a free consultation, and professional service. I will purchase one piece or your entire estate. Including Furniture, Artwork, Glassware, Jewelry, Rugs, Costume, Gold and Silver, Watches, Sterling Items, Flatware, Lladro & Hummel Figurines, All Military Items, Guns, Swords, Helmets, Bayonets, Medals, Scout Items, Clocks, Music Boxes, Toys, Baseball Memorabilia, Trains, All String Instruments, Including Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Fishing Rods and Reels, Lures, Historical Items, American tools, Posters, Outside Iron Furniture. I am a very reputable dealer with two locations in Silver Spring and Bowie, MD. Please call Christopher Keller 301-408-4751 or 301-262-1299. Thank you. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES– Old and good quality furniture, glass, pottery, china, paintings, art, toys, advertising, costume and high-grade jewelry, gold, silver, silver flatware, wind-up watches, clocks, dolls, musical instruments, music boxes, sports & paper memorabilia, sterling, fishing, hunting, rugs, lamps, Hummels, political, rock & roll memorabilia, posters, military items, helmets, guns, swords, bayonets, medals, weapons, guitars, banjos, prints, art, sculptures, Lladro, bronzes, trains, fishing rod reels & lures, cast iron outdoor furniture, hi-grade American made tools, presentation and other unusual items. Purchasing one piece or entire estates. I have over 30 years experience and I am a very ethical dealer located in Bowie, Md. Also a permanent vendor at Eastern Market in Southeast Washington, DC on Sundays. Please call Mike Keller, (301) 731-0982 or (301) dc742-5031.

WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697. COLLECTOR BUYING MODERN FURNITURE, lighting, art & accessories from the 1940’s – 1970’s. Knoll, Herman Miller, Dunbar, Paul Evans, Thayer Coggin, Harvey Probber, Vladimir Kagan, Scandinavian furniture, etc. Top prices paid for Washington, D.C. abstract art and George Nakashima furniture. Please call Brandon at 202-213-9768. MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan (202) 841-3062. SILVER, will buy your old Sterling (925,800) silver flatware, bowls, candlesticks, etc. Tarnished all OK. Please call Richard 301-646-0101 or 301-230-7686.

ELECTRONIC CLEAN-OUTS WANTED, absolute best price, collections, contents, electronics, attic-basement-garage, speakers, accumulations, generous offers, honest pricing, unlimited funds, will travel, CASH. Call Alan 410-7405222 or 240-478-1100. BUYING ESTATES, COLLECTIONS, Remodels, Attics, Basements, Garages and Total Cleanouts. Honest and experienced. David (202) 441-5446. SELL YOUR DIABETES TEST STRIPS any kind/brand unexpired $16.00 box shipping paid 1-800-266-0702. WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI,1970-1980, Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2350, S3-400. CASH PAID. 1-800-772-1142. 1310-721-0726. CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS - up to $17/Box! Shipping paid. Sara 1-800-371-1136. www.cash4diabeticsupplies.com.

Thanks for reading!

Once Again Sweeps National Awards The Beacon continues to garner top honors at the National Mature Media Awards and the annual journalism competition of the North American Mature Publishers Association. Among our recent awards: · General Excellence · Overall Design

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2005

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

The life you know, a home you’ll love At The Virginian, a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Fairfax, Virginia, residents enjoy an ideal location and an enriching lifestyle complete with a variety of amenities, activities and of course, a friendly, caring staff. With a reputation for maintaining a family atmosphere, The Virginian is considered amongst Northern Virginia’s most respected Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s) since opening in 1980. As a CCRC, we have multiple living options available including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Assisted Living and Long Term Care. We’re proud to offer our residents plans that include no large entrance fees, and we accept residents at all levels of care. Visit our newly renovated facility, and see for yourself why residents and their families love to call The Virginian home.

9229 ARLINGTON BOULEVARD FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 22031 (703) 385-0555 www.thevirginian.org