December 2010 DC Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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VOL.22, NO.12

Making their mark with body art

DECEMBER 2010

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY FRANK KLEIN

By Barbara Ruben Once considered the domain of bikers and sailors on shore-leave sprees, tattoos have gone positively mainstream. And not just among the younger crowd. A 2008 Harris poll reported that about 20 percent of adults between the ages of 40 and 64 now have one or more tattoos. Why? People are just becoming more comfortable and curious about body art, say tattoo artists and researchers alike. “Tattooing gives people the opportunity to express their identity,” said Myrna L. Armstrong, professor and regional dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Armstrong has conducted numerous studies on body art, including tattooing, body piercing and branding. “It’s a way for them to feel special and unique.”

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

Exotic experiences of Himalayan proportions in Nepal; plus, history behind the scenes, and the fun of DIY driving trips page 38

A means of expression Sandy Parsons, 60, estimates that tattoos cover about two-thirds of her body. She also has a nose piercing and several piercings in each ear. “It’s a show of individuality, a way to stand out,” she said. She and her husband Charley opened the Great Southern Tattoo parlor in 1979 in College Park, Md. They later opened a second location in Alexandria, Va., where Sandy continues to work. Their daughter works at the College Park shop. While Parsons said she hasn’t seen an increase in older people getting tattoos, she does have a number of clients over 50. “People hit a certain point where there were all these things they wanted to do when they were younger, but [they] didn’t have the nerve to do. Now they just say ‘forget it’ and do it. The movie The Bucket List really pushed that idea forward,” she said. Does she see a difference between her older and younger clients? “I think the main difference would be [older customers] tend to put a lot more thought into their first tattoo. They’re not as impulsive,” Parsons said. Coco Simon fits that description. She got her first tattoo in 2008, but had thought about getting inked for 17 years. She’s not quite sure what led her to finally visit Dragon Moon Tattoo Studio in Glen Burnie, Md., but she all of a sudden

ARTS & STYLE

A dramatic comedy pits hope against resignation; plus, a delightful Annie adds cheer to the holidays, and Bob Levey writes about caregiving page 51 Mick Michieli-Beasley, better known to her customers at Dragon Moon Tattoo Studio as Ms. Mick, has tattoos over most of her body. Body art is becoming more mainstream, even among older adults, as a means of acceptable self-expression.

said to herself, “We’re not taking a summer vacation, so this is the time. I’m not getting any younger.” Simon, who is 65 and lives in Silver Spring, has had her whole back tattooed with scrolls, swirls, arabesques and other French baroque decorative elements. Her shoulders have epaulets tattooed on them. She said her husband, who has no tattoos himself, “loves them.” “My only concern as I got older was to be careful about where I put them,” she said. “I wanted to make sure I didn’t put them on any place that would get wrinkles.” Simon said she was thrilled by the work of Mick Michieli-Beasley (more common-

ly known as “Ms. Mick”) who, with her husband Tom Beasley, co-owns Dragon Moon Tattoo. Mick, 51, got her first tattoo when she was 23 and keeps adding to the art that now covers most of her body. “My tattoos all have to do with the things I love — babies, flowers and fish,” she said. “In the ‘80s when I got my first tattoo, a heavily tattooed woman was rare. Now, people want to touch me!”

An ancient art

LAW & MONEY k The best stock funds for 2011 k Should you refinance now?

FITNESS & HEALTH 14 k How personality affects health k Medicare Part D last chance VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LIFETIMES k From the Charles E. Smith Life Communities

A tattoo is created by inserting ink into See TATTOOS, page 56

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

We’re all in this together The bipartisan deficit commission apBoth of these factors portend tremenpointed by President Obama is expected to re- dous effects on Social Security and lease its long-awaited report on Medicare, not to mention our December 3, after this issue of healthcare system and workthe Beacon goes to press. force in the years to come. Below is the column I posted For these reasons and othon my blog on November 22, ers, I think it’s time we and our shortly after the commission political leaders stop living in co-chairs issued a “discussion denial and take some serious proposal” — a trial balloon of steps to get our country’s fisuggestions that had not yet nancial house in order and been agreed to by the other plan ahead for the challenges FROM THE commissioners. of the coming decades. I invite you to visit our new PUBLISHER The bipartisan deficit comwebsite, www.theBeaconNews- By Stuart P. Rosenthal mission appointed by Presipapers.com, to comment on my dent Obama to make recomblog and to see more recent comments made mendations for balancing the federal by me and other visitors on this topic. budget and reducing the national debt has The number of older Americans is in- been quietly focusing on this task for the creasing at a far more rapid rate than pre- past few months. viously due to rising longevity and the With a report due December 1, the coaging of the 78 million baby boomers (now chairs of the commission released a “disstarting to turn 65). cussion proposal” in early November. It At the same time, our struggling econo- may be only a trial balloon. (Many, includmy and persistent joblessness are threat- ing members of the commission itself, ening the quality of life of Americans in have been shooting arrows at it ever general. since.)

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Here’s what the co-chairs — Erskine Bowles, former chief of staff to President Clinton, and former Republican Senator Alan K. Simpson — say at the forefront of the proposal: “The problem is real, the solution is painful, there’s no easy way out, everything must be on the table, and Washington must lead.” I think this is the kind of statesmanship and bipartisanship we want — and have a right to demand — from our leaders. But for this to succeed, we — the voters, the people ultimately bearing the burden and enjoying the benefits of a free society — must support such steps, and do so publicly. And that also means telling those politicians who would try to exempt any particular constituency — particularly if we are members of that constituency — that this is not what we want, and that we are prepared to bear our share of the pain in support of the overall goal. We’re all in this together, and that means we need to act like it. I urge you to contact your representatives and senators and let them know you support a comprehensive, balanced approach against the debt and budget deficits, and that you are willing to do your part as long as everyone else does theirs. I also welcome your comments. Send us a letter to the editor, an e-mail or contact us through www.theBeaconNewspapers.com.

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.

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But even without evaluating the particulars, I think it’s a very important step if only because it calls for painful sacrifices by almost every possible constituency, and offers some counterbalancing sweeteners as well. Among other things, it proposes slashing Pentagon spending, cutting federal agency budgets, ending special tax rates for capital gains and dividends, eliminating the tax deduction for home mortgage interest, taxing healthcare benefits given employees, raising the retirement age, cutting Social Security benefits for wealthier retirees, increasing payroll taxes, and cutting farm and student-loan subsidies. On the sweeter side, it would also simplify the tax code, reduce tax rates for both individuals and corporations, and eliminate the alternative minimum tax. The proposal carves out protections for the disadvantaged and low-income, of course, though they are not as generous as we, or they, might like to see. There is no group that won’t find something to complain about. But I see that as a brilliant stroke, because each affected group can see that it isn’t being singled out for rough treatment. Everyone gets nicked in some fashion. Reactions from naysayers have tended to be along the lines of, “Cutting back on X, Y and Z is great, but I will protect my constituency to the death.” We all know that exempting any particular group from sacrifice would lead to a cascade of exceptions and undermine the entire effort.

Dear Editor: I found last month’s “Burn” editorial baffling. It correctly noted collecting fees only from fire victims would require huge fees, quoted the mayor saying — reasonably enough — that putting out fires for people who hadn’t paid for protection would lead to nobody paying fees, then slams the fire department for doing exactly what the city and fire department had said they’d do: let unpaid homes burn. This was a disaster waiting to happen. There were two failures: the government and the fire department which established this folly of a fire-protection funding mechanism, and a homeowner careless about paying his most important yearly bill. Of course firefighters shouldn’t have to check for payment before saving homes. But that simply means fire protection should be paid from general funds, not by fees. Suggesting that the fire chief should have been arrested ignores the real problem. Gabriel Goldberg Falls Church, Va.

Dear Editor: I love your paper. This is the best source of information in my area for senior citizens. I especially enjoy the financial information. Have used some of your advertisers. Keep up the good work. Adelaide Olsen Manassas, Va. Dear Editor: I am so delighted with your new online format! I have read the Beacon for a number of years and been dismayed that current editions were not online, nor could I copy and save an article. But all that has changed! Thank you SO MUCH. Now to explore the rest of your website… Pat Minami Rockville, Md. Dear Editor: I just finished surfing your entire website and I just love it. For years, I have read the Beacon whenever I can get my hands on a copy. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 58

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

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Planning for Emergencies Preparing for a Winter Power Outage

Phone Numbers to Keep Handy

Everyone should plan for emergencies, but planning for power outages is especially important for seniors and customers who use life-support equipment.

Pepco • Power out:

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”)

Such customers are spread out along the vast majority of Pepco’s power lines. Unfortunately, severe winter storms can cause extensive power outages throughout our electric supply system. As much as we would like to prioritize certain households in restoring power, the nature of widespread damage often prevents that.

District of Columbia • Non-emergency Government Information: 311

To restore service as quickly and safely as possible, we focus first on public safety needs such as restoring police and fire facilities, then major transmission lines and substations, and then move to primary and secondary power lines. Only when those are repaired can we generally restore power to homes that are individually without service, including those of customers using life-support equipment.

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

Prince George’s County

That’s why we encourage all our customers to take responsibility and have a contingency plan ready for potentially long-lasting service interruptions. Here are some other suggested steps you can take to help you better weather winter outages.

• Non-emergency Government Information: 301-583-2200

How to Prepare •

Make arrangements ahead of time to prepare for potentially long-lasting interruptions in service. Identify a relative, friend or neighbor who you can stay with if you lose power or other essential services. Also identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there or to a hospital during a prolonged outage.

•

Assemble a “storm kit.” Include a battery-operated radio or television, flashlight, a first aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.

•

Keep at least a 5- to 7-day supply of nonperishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.

•

Check your supplies of medications, prescription drugs and any special items for health needs.

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Make a plan and gather supplies for your pet or service animal.

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Make sure you have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and won’t work if there is an outage. FIOS customers: If you have FIOS service, please note that when the power is out, FIOS uses battery backup that lasts about 8 hours. FIOS customers should consider having a cell phone available and limit its use to conserve battery life.

•

Pepco’s Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program provides advance notice of scheduled outages and severe weather alerts for those using life-support equipment. Unfortunately, in case of sudden storms, we cannot call with advance notice.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Money Law &

OVERLOADED Front-end fees on funds will lower your returns as long as you own them IS IT TIME TO REFINANCE? Historically low mortgage rates mean savings for many homeowners TALK IS CHEAP Inexpensive cell phone options for people who aren’t big talkers ALL THAT GLITTERS Watch out for unscrupulous dealers when buying or selling gold

The five best stock funds to hold in 2011 After the wretched stock market re- the economy weaken. turns of the past decade, you can hardly So here are five stock funds I think fault older investors — espemake up a smart stock portcially those whose investment folio for 2011, along with sughorizon is not measured in gestions for what portion of decades — for shunning your portfolio to invest in stocks and seeking shelter in each. bond funds and bank certifiLarge cap funds cates of deposits. Primecap Odyssey Growth But with CD yields at micro(1-800-729-2307) is my fascopic levels, and inflation and vorite U.S. stock fund. It’s a interest rates highly likely to relatively new fund, but it emrise in the near future, keepSAVVY SAVER ploys the same methods and ing your nest egg ahead of inBy Steven T. Goldberg is run by the same managers flation calls for investing a sizwho have piloted Vanguard able chunk in stocks or stock Primecap with superb results since 1984. funds. Vanguard Primecap has returned an anThe good news is that some of the very cheapest stocks today also happen to be nualized 12.4 percent over the past 20 the biggest and strongest companies — years through mid-November. That’s an those least likely to lose you money should average of 3.5 percentage points better per

year than Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index. The fund ranks in the top 1 percent among large-company-growth funds over the past ten and 20 years. Unfortunately, Vanguard Primecap is now closed to most new investors, but Primecap Odyssey Growth is open. The fund has about 25 percent of assets in technology stocks and 40 percent in healthcare. These are sectors that continue to grow rapidly even during an anemic economic recovery. Annual expenses are just 0.71 percent. Like Primecap, Fidelity Contrafund (1800-544-6666) invests in large company growth stocks. Manager Will Danoff has steered Contrafund since 1990. Over the past 20 years, the fund returned an annualized 12.8 percent, even topping Vanguard Primecap by a small margin. In general, Fidelity isn’t my favorite

fund firm. The atmosphere is cutthroat — managers either perform or they’re fired. But a few managers, including Danoff, have thrived in this ruthless environment. FPA Crescent (800-982-4372) is an entirely different kind of fund. Manager Steven Romick is a dyed-in-the-wool value investor who worries constantly about what might go wrong with the global economy or his fund’s investments. Consequently, he rarely invests more than 50 percent of the fund in stocks. The rest goes into bonds and cash. Romick hunts everywhere for value. Lately, he has found himself in unfamiliar territory — loading up on large company growth stocks. Romick’s innate conservatism has paid off. Over the past 10 years, the fund returned an annualized 12 percent — comSee BEST STOCK FUNDS, page 5

Fees may affect credit/debit card choice By Candice Choi The customer isn’t always king. Sometimes he’s just a pawn. The feud over the so-called “swipe fees” that retail merchants pay banks when customers use credit and debit cards is reaching a crescendo, and will likely hit registers in coming months. Both sides — merchants and card issuers — insist they’re fighting for the best interests of the consumer. At stake are billions of dollars in swipe fees, otherwise known as interchange fees. Visa and MasterCard recently agreed to let merchants offer customers incentives for paying with cards that have lower swipe fees. Separately, new regulations issued this year will cap the debit card swipe fees merchants have to pay. Banks and credit unions warn that they’ll need to make up the lost revenue elsewhere. Q: First off, what are interchange fees and why is there so much talk about them? A: Let’s start by clarifying a common misconception. Contrary to popular belief, Visa and MasterCard don’t issue credit cards; they run the networks that process transactions made using those cards. If it was the cell

phone universe, think of the companies as operators of the phone lines and networks over which calls are made. The use of their networks comes with costs, which are paid for in a complex way. Every time a customer pays with plastic, the merchant pays a fee to the bank or credit union that issued the card. The fee typically ranges between 1 and 2 percent of the purchase amount. Visa and MasterCard don’t get a direct cut of this fee. But they make money through separate deals with the 16,000 or so banks and credit unions that issue cards. So on one side of the battle line, you have card issuers and payment processors — such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express — arguing that plastic is convenient for businesses and helps drive up sales. They consider credit cards a perk the merchants should pay for. On the other side are merchants who say they’re paying too much and should be allowed to steer customers toward payment options that cost them less. Q: So what’s different at the register right now? A: Under regulations that went into effect this summer, merchants can legally set a $10 minimum for credit card purchases. This

could be inconvenient for anyone who relies on plastic and doesn’t carry around cash. It’s not clear how many merchants will take advantage of the option. You’re more likely to run into new minimums at the corner deli or other small stores. Some stores had already required a minimum for credit card purchases, but that was in violation of policies set by Visa and MasterCard. If you’re paying with a debit card, there still shouldn’t be any minimum purchase requirement. Of course, merchants can refuse to accept plastic of any type. Q: What does the Justice Department’s settlement with Visa and MasterCard mean for consumers? A: Visa and MasterCard agreed to let merchants offer incentives for customers to use a card from a particular network. So, for example, a retailer might offer a discount to anyone who pays with a Discover card, which tends to have lower interchange fees. Merchants can also state preferences for specific cards within a brand, such as basic Visa cards versus rewards Visa cards, which tend to have higher interchange rates. The changes are part of a settlement Visa and MasterCard made with the Department of Justice over allegations that the compa-

nies were trying to insulate themselves from competition with their policies. American Express plans to fight the federal suit. Note that retailers can already state a preference for debit card purchases, which come with lower interchange fees of about 1 percent, versus an average of 1.6 percent for credit cards. So on a $10 purchase, 10 cents would go to the card issuer with a debit card payment. With a credit card payment, 16 cents would go to the card issuer. This is why merchants prefer debit cards over credit cards. Q: Are there any other changes in store that could affect me? A: The Federal Reserve is expected to propose a new cap on debit card interchange fees in coming months. Banks and credit unions are already warning that they’ll need to make up the lost revenue in other places, perhaps by tacking on new fees or eliminating rewards programs for checking accounts. On the other side, merchant groups counter that those are empty threats and that banks can’t afford to alienate customers in this competitive climate. See CREDIT CARDS, page 7

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

How to allocate For a simple portfolio, I’d recommend putting 25 percent of your stock money in each of the above three funds. Then invest another 15 percent in Oakmark International (1-800-625-6275). Manager David Herro is a canny veteran, who still loves traveling the world hunting for stock investments. He has piloted the fund since its inception in 1992. Over the past 15 years, Oakmark International has returned an annualized 10.7 percent. That’s 5.5 percentage points per year better than the MSCI EAFE foreign stock index, and puts Oakmark International into the top 1 percent among foreign funds. Herro’s record has been just as good in recent years relative to his peers. However, Herro and his team don’t own many emerging markets stocks. That’s why I think you should invest the final 10 percent of your stock money in T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Stock (800-6385660). Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price has long boasted first-class foreign funds, and

BEACON BITS

Dec. 14

WHAT TO KEEP, WHAT TO TOSS Rosemary Hill, of Money Management International, will present a

free class on where and how to keep important papers and how long items need to be kept. It will be held at Langston-Brown Multipurpose Senior Center, 2121 N. Culpeper St., Arlington, Va., on Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. For additional information, call (703) 228-6300.

Income You Can Count On! Fixed. Your payments will always be the same. Regular. Your payments will be delivered to you on time. Enduring. Your payments continue for your lifetime. Make a gift to Children’s National Medical Center and receive payments to you over your lifetime.

Charitable gift annuity rates as high as 9.5%.

Rita S. Corwin 301-565-8524 www.childrensnational.org

Learn more about the area’s housing options Check the boxes of communities from whom you would like to receive information and mail or fax this form. Washington D.C. ❏Friendship Terrace (See ad on page 34) ❏The Georgetown (See ad on page 11) ❏Methodist Home of D.C. (See ad on page 28)

Maryland ❏Asbury Methodist Village (See ad on page 17) ❏Brooke Grove (See ad on page 21) ❏Charter House (See ad on page 24) ❏Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 19) ❏Classic Residence (See ad on page 25) ❏Country Meadows (See ad on page 6) ❏Covenant Village (See ad on page 16) ❏Emerson House (See ad on page 16) ❏Homecrest House (See ad on page 7) ❏Mrs. Philippines Home (See ad on page 16) ❏Park View at Bladensburg (See ad on page 57) ❏Park View at Columbia (See ad on page 57) ❏Park View at Ellicott City (See ad on page 57) ❏Park View at Laurel (See ad on page 57) ❏Renaissance Gardens Riderwood (See ad on page 19) ❏The Residence on Greenbelt (See ad on page 15) ❏Riderwood Village (See ad on page 31) ❏Springvale Terrace (See ad on page 18) ❏The Village at Rockville (See ad on page 42) ❏Willow Manor (See ad on page 30)

Virginia ❏Chesterbrook Residences (See ad on page 20) ❏Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 23) ❏Greenspring Village (See ad on page 31) ❏Kendrick Court (See ad on page 18) ❏Olley Glen Retirement Community (See ad on page 24) ❏Quantum Affordable Apts. (See ad on page 16) ❏Renaissance Gardens Greenspring (See ad on page 19) ❏Sommerset (See ad on page 23) ❏The Virginian (See ad on back page)

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

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form, to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Or fax to (301) 949-8966.

12/10

rcorwin@cnmc.org

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pared with less than 1 percent annualized for the S&P 500. This fund is so good that for some seniors it could make a one-fund portfolio. The only negative: Romick tends to lag in bull markets.

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From page 4

Emerging Markets Stock is a gem. Over the past 15 years, the fund has returned an annualized 10.9 percent, beating the MSCI Emerging Markets Stock index by an average of 1.5 percentage points annually. I’m a strong believer in the emerging markets story. These countries will likely continue growing rapidly for many years to come. What about the rest of your investment portfolio, beyond stocks? Almost all older adults, I think, should have at least 40 percent of their money in bonds. Most will do better with 50 or 60 percent in bonds. I wrote about bond funds in my column last month. For those who missed it, T. Rowe Price offers fine Maryland and Virginia municipal bond funds, which yield about 4 percent annually free of federal and state income taxes. These are great for investments in taxable accounts. For investments in tax-deferred accounts, I’d divide your bond money evenly among the following bond funds: DoubleLine Total Return (877-354-6311), Pimco Unconstrained (800-426-0107), Pimco Diversified Income and Fidelity New Markets Income. 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: Steven Goldberg, 9005 Woodland Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20910. You may also call him at (301) 650-6567.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Don’t be fooled by stock brokers, CD ads Q: My broker, who’s trying to sell me a load fund, says I shouldn’t be concerned because the fund is a longterm investment and the impact of the load will be less and less over time. True? A: False, and demonstrably so. Say you invest $10,000 in a fund charging a maximum 5.75 percent front-end load, typical for many load stock funds. That means $575 pays for commissions and $9,425 is actually invested. With a no-

load fund that charges no commissions to buy or sell, $10,000 would have been invested. Now, let’s say the fund goes up by 7 percent a year for the next five years. With the load fund, $9,425 would have grown to $13,219.05. With a no-load fund, $10,000 would have grown to $14,025.52. Because of the load, you end with $806.47 less, or 5.75 percent less than without the load. Use any investment return and time period you want and do the math. Assuming

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future returns are the same, if you pay a the issuing banks but insurance agencies. load of “x” percent upfront, They use their own money as you will always have the same a “bonus” to add to your CD “x” percent less than if you principal, which makes up the had not paid the load. difference between the yield I’m not debating whether they advertise and what the the broker’s advice is worth banks actually pay. the load and I’m not getting To them, that’s just the into a separate and potentially cost of doing business to enlengthy discussion over differtice you to come to their ofent “share classes” of load fice so they can sell you an funds. I’m just pointing out annuity or other insurance that basic math proves your THE SAVINGS product. The FDIC has broker’s not uncommon asser- GAME warned consumers about By Humberto Cruz tion is wrong. these pitches, and I would Q: I see advertisements in stay clear. the newspaper for certificates of deQ: I’m budgeting for retirement as posit insured by the Federal Deposit you suggested and included my husInsured Corporation at rates more than band’s 401(k) balance and my tax-dedouble what local banks are paying. ferred annuity as savings, not as fuWhat’s your opinion of these offers? ture income. Is this correct? I’m not A: I am leery. The companies promoting sure how to estimate taxes on the these CDs — invariably for extremely short See DON’T BE FOOLED, page 7 terms, such as just three months — are not

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Ongoing

GET GOING ONLINE

Generations Online offers free one-on-one help for people age 55 or older to learn Internet basics. The step-by-step tutorial sponsored by the Jewish Council for the Aging is designed for those who have never used email or the Internet and is held at locations in Silver Spring, Wheaton and Rockville, Md. Enroll at any time by calling Marie Romejko at (240) 395-0915.

SKI TRIP TO WHITETAIL RESORT

Jan. 26

D.C. Residents You may be eligible for discounted phone service.

Montgomery County SOAR (Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation), for active adults 55 and older, is planning its annual ski trip to Whitetail Resort in Mercersburg, Pa., on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Cost for this outing is $30; it departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. Ski rental and lift tickets may be purchased separately at the resort (or you may bring your own equipment). To register, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec or call (240) 777-4926.

Economy II Service is a discounted telephone service available to qualified D.C. residents.

Jeanne knew it was time for a change. Country Meadows resident since 2008

Residents who meet income eligibility guidelines can receive Economy II Service for $3.00 a month, plus applicable taxes and surcharges, including free unlimited local calling.

Jeanne loves the memories of her family and the home they shared. However, when she found herself alone, fixing problems and taking care of maintenance became overwhelming.

Income qualified Seniors 65 years of age and over pay only $1.00 per month, plus applicable taxes and surcharges.

For additional information on how to qualify, please contact The District Department of the Environment/Energy Office on 311. FY 2010 Income Eligibility Guidelines:

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Maximum Annual Income $16,245 $21,855 $27,465 $33,075 $38,685 $44,295 $49,905 $55,515

When Jeanne moved to Country Meadows, she brought her memories with her and left homeowner worries behind. Now, she feels spoiled by people serving her dinner, taking care of landscaping, even cleaning her apartment. It gives her time to do the things she loves most. At Country Meadows, we have independent living, assisted living, memory support services and restorative care options to fit the individual needs of most seniors. Like Jeanne, every one of our residents is unique. So for many of them, having more choices about how they live makes a world of difference.

Link-Up America Link-Up America is for District residents who are eligible for social service assistance. New customers or customers who move to a new address may qualify for a 50 percent reduction in service connection charges.

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Country Meadows does not discriminate in resident admission on the basis of race, ancestry, religious creed, age, sex, handicap, disability or national origin, provided the resident, in the sole opinion of Country Meadows, can be cared for legally and responsibly.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

From page 4 Additionally, merchants say all the changes mean consumers will likely start seeing discounts or other perks depending on how they choose to pay. For example, a purchase might cost $5 if you pay with a credit card or $4.75 if you pay with a debit card. Or a grocery store might offer free delivery if you pay with a debit card. It’s still too early to say how it will play out, since many merchants are waiting for the Fed’s proposed cap on debit card swipe fees before they strategize. Q: Does this mean merchants will

Don’t be fooled From page 6 401(k) and tax-deferred annuity. A: The balances in 401(k) plans and deferred annuities are part of your savings, as you are not making withdrawals yet. Once you do, the amounts you take out should be listed simply as withdrawals from savings. The exception would be if you use the money to buy an immediate annuity that pays you an income for life. In that case, the payments you receive should be listed as income. How much you will pay in income taxes when you take the money out will depend on many factors. Among them are: how much you withdraw when, whether you have other taxable income, and the tax rates in effect at the time. For deferred annuities funded with after-tax money, straight withdrawals are taxed one way and lifetime annuity payments another way. Cleary, the overall tax bite of these future withdrawals is very difficult to predict. To play it safe, I would assume it will be at least the same amount of tax you

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stop accepting credit cards, or maybe rewards cards, because they have higher interchange fees? A: No. Visa and MasterCard can still require merchants that use their networks to accept all their branded cards. It’s just that retailers can now offer incentives for lower-cost cards. Merchants already have the right to refuse acceptance of cards from an entire payment network, of course. American Express and Discover for example, aren’t as widely accepted as Visa and MasterCard. But Visa and MasterCard are so universal that merchants generally agree to the companies’ terms. — AP would pay now, if not more. 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.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 16

Attorney Elizabeth Wildhack will address questions to better understand and manage benefits for retired federal employees and their spouses on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. This free session is offered at Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington, Va. Call (703) 2280555 to register.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Is it time to refinance your mortgage? By David Pitt The last time mortgage interest rates were as low as they are now you could buy a gallon of gas for 19 cents, and you could buy a loaf of bread for 16 cents. So what’s turned the home loan clock back to 1951? The federal government’s attempt to fight a stubborn economy that seems stuck in first gear. One of the benefits of the Federal Reserve’s continuing low interest strategy is cheap loans. Borrowers can finance their home purchase for an average 4.4 percent on a 30-year fixed-rate home loan, said government-controlled mortgage buyer Freddie Mac, in its weekly survey of mortgage rates on Nov. 24. That means a homeowner with a $200,000 mortgage with an interest rate of 6.07 percent could save more than $200 a month on principal and interest payments by refinancing at current rates. The savings have jolted many homeowners into action. “People are starting to

think, ‘I don’t want to miss something that may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’“ said Cass Chappell, a financial planner. The 30-year fixed rate loan has been under 5 percent for more than six months, Freddie Mac said. The last time rates were that low was April 1951.

Decision factors How’s a homeowner to decide whether to refinance? For those with an adjustable rate mortgage, now is a good time to lock in interest at a permanently low rate. Also, it makes sense for homeowners with good credit scores who plan on staying in their home for several more years to refinance. Online calculators can help you estimate the time it will take to recover your financing costs, giving you an idea whether refinancing makes sense for you based on how long you plan to stay in your home.

Everyone Leaves A Legacy What’s Yours? Give the gift of security and certainty to yourself and your family

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See REFINANCE, page 11

Dec. 12

VISIT NEMOURS MANSION AND GARDENS

Tour Delaware’s Nemours Mansion and Gardens while the former home of Alfred Dupont is decked out in breathtaking holiday décor. Enjoy lunch at the historic Columbus Inn. The bus leaves several Fairfax county locations between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12 and returns between 7 and 8 p.m. The cost is $149 for Fairfax County residents and $164 for those living outside the county. For more information or to sign up, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/classes/trips or call (703) 324-TOUR (8687).

AGING IN PLACE INFORMATION

It is free to download “The MetLife Aging in Place Workbook: Your Home as a Care Setting” and the “MetLife Report on Aging in Place 2.0: Rethinking Solutions to the Home Care Challenge,” at www.MatureMarketInstitute.com. They can also be ordered through “Contact Us” on the MetLife Mature Market Institute Website or by writing to: MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Green Farms Rd., Westport, CT 06880.

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Locked in rates typically are for specified periods of 30 or 60 days. Locking in a rate is a little bit of a gamble because rates could go up or down during the several weeks it takes to process your loan. However, with current historically low rates, it’s unlikely they’d drop much further, but they could edge up. Before you sign any commitment, make sure you understand all the costs and details of the loan and that you’ve done your comparisons and know it’s the best deal. Don’t cash out. If it’s not absolutely necessary, resist the temptation to cash out some of the equity you’ve accumulated. Your home is a long-term investment and not an ATM, said Chappell. If you borrow only the amount in the refinancing that you currently owe on your home, qualifying for a loan will be much simpler. Do your homework. Before meeting

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As you think about refinancing, here are five points to consider: Shop around. Compare the terms offered by different lenders. One good website to check is Bankrate.com. You’ll find the latest mortgage rates for your area, along with several calculators that may help you decide. Talk with your current lender and make it clear you’re shopping around. In order to keep your business, your bank may cut or eliminate some refinancing costs, including application fees and charges for a title search or inspection. Avoid flashy ads or unfamiliar lenders that may draw you in with introductory interest rates and may have hidden fees. Ask friends and family members who have recently refinanced for recommendations. Lock in a rate. To make sure you get the current interest rate, ask about a mortgage rate lock-in and get it in writing. This is a guarantee by the bank that you’ll get the current low rate while your loan is being processed.

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

Not a big talker? Cell phone plans for you Dear Savvy Senior: What are the absolute cheapest cell phone plans available today? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a cell phone for nearly four years that I rarely use, but I like having it for emergency purposes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Infrequent Caller Dear Infrequent: For those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use their cell phones very often but still want one for emergencies or occasional calls, there are a number of low-cost plans available depending on your specific needs. The best way infrequent cell phone users can save money is with a prepaid cell phone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also known as pay-as-you-go phones. With a prepaid phone thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no contract, no fixed monthly bills, no credit checks and no hidden costs that come with traditional cell phone plans. With this type of service, you buy a special prepaid phone (they can cost anywhere from $10 to $100), then pre-purchase a certain amount of minutes (for talk or text) that must be used within a specified period of time. While there are many prepaid phones on the market today, the cheapest deal for occasional users belongs to T-Mobile (www.tmobile.com, 1-800-866-2453), which has a 30-minute plan for $10. Minutes are available for 90 days before expiring.

That averages out to $3.33 per month. If, however, you need more talk time, check out its Gold Rewards annual plan, where $100 gets you 1,000 minutes that are good for a full year. With all T-Mobile pay-as-you-go plans, if you replenish your account before your minutes expire, your unused minutes will roll over. TracFone (tracfone.com, 800-867-7183) also offers some nice value plans that start at $10 for 50 minutes per month.

minutes, and no contract. Both Jitterbug and Consumer Cellular, however, do charge a one-time activation fee of $35.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re living on a limited income, you See CELL PHONES, page 11

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my estate planning, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m giving the gift of education.â&#x20AC;?

User-friendly phones If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind spending a little more, Consumer Cellular and Jitterbug are two other popular options because they offer inexpensive low-use plans and seniorfriendly phones. Consumer Cellular (www.consumercellular.com, 1-888-345-5509) sells two â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doroâ&#x20AC;? simplified cell phones that cost either $25 or $30. And it offers a â&#x20AC;&#x153;casualâ&#x20AC;? calling plan for $10 per month plus 25 cents per minute, and no long-term contract. It even gives a 5 percent monthly service discount to AARP members. Jitterbug (www.jitterbug.com, 1-800-9188543), which makes the most seniorfriendly cell phone on the market, sells its Jitterbug J phone for $99, with calling plans that start at $15 per month for 50

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Cell phones From page 9 may be able to get a free cell phone and free airtime each month through a program called SafeLink Wireless, which was created by TracFone. It is currently available in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and 27 other states. To qualify, you’ll need to show that you’re receiving certain types of government benefits, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, or have a household income at or below 135 percent of the poverty line — that’s $14,621 for an individual and $19,670 for a family of two. To learn more or apply, call 1-800-723-3546 or visit www.safelink.com. If you don’t qualify, another option to

Refinance From page 8 with a banker, make sure you can document your income and be sure your house is worth more than you need to borrow. It’s a good idea to get a copy of your credit reports in advance to avoid any surprises. Consider shorter terms. One strategy to consider is comparing the payments of a 30-year mortgage with those of a 15-year. Taking the shorter-term loan will cost more per month but will build equity faster and cost you thousands of dollars less in interest. An alternative is to go ahead and refi-

check into is the 911 Cell Phone Bank. This is a program that provides free, emergency-only cell phones to seniors and victims of abuse. To see if there’s an emergency cell phone program near you, contact your local law enforcement agency or see www.911cellphonebank.org/agencies.asp. Savvy Tip: If you’re in a long-term cellular contract and want to escape without paying the hefty early termination penalty, see www.cellswapper.com or www.celltradeusa.com. These companies match cellular customers who want to get out of their contracts with people who are willing to take them over. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

nance at 30 years but continue to pay the same mortgage payment you do now — or at least pay more per month than the new lower payment requires. This pays off your mortgage faster, again saving money in the long run. For more information, check out these online resources: • Federal Reserve, refinancing guidance and calculator: http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/refinancings • National Bureau of Economic Research, optimal refinancing calculator: http://zwicke.nber.org/refinance/index.py — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 4+

HOLLY TROLLEYFEST

The National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Rd., Colesville, Md., is having its annual Trolleyfest on Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 19. Come ride a trolley with Santa and see the toy train display. Trolley departures are from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Museum admission is $7 for adults; $5 for children. For more information, visit www.dctrolley.org or call (301) 384-6088.

Dec. 11+

WINTER CANDLELIGHT TEA

Visit Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, Va. and step back in time to enjoy tea by candlelight with stories of Christmas past. Traditional music, decorations and teatime treats will take you back to the early days of the historic house on Saturday, Dec. 11 or Dec. 18 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Cost for adults is $27; for children under 12 the cost is $18. To register, call (703) 941-7987 or visit www.greenspring.org.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 15

FAIRFAX AREA COMMISSION ON AGING MEETING

Attend the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. and share your ideas and concerns during the public comment period. The meeting will be held at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Call (703) 324-7746, TTY 711 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/coa for more information.

Dec. 13

KWANZAA LECTURE AND DEMONSTRATION

The African Heritage Dancers and Drummers will lead a pre-Kwanzaa demonstration featuring dancing and drumming and a lecture about the history of Kwanzaa on Monday, Dec. 13 at 10:15 a.m. and noon. Tickets are $5 per person, $4 for those 60 and older. The Prince George’s Publick Playhouse for the Performing Arts is located at 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly, Md. For additional information, call (301) 277-1710 or visit www.pgparks.com

Dec. 13

A MAGICAL EVENING

Magician Rich Bloch brings mystery and surprises to his performance on Monday, Dec. 13 at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Admission is free, but seating is limited, for two performances: at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes prior to show on a first-come, first-served basis (one ticket per person in line). For additional information, visit www.nationaltheatre.org or call (202) 7833372.

MetLife Bank

Trust a MetLife company for your reverse mortgage This is great news if you’re a homeowner age 62 or older and you’re considering a reverse mortgage. MetLife Bank is a MetLife company—and MetLife has been helping its customers build financial security for more than 140 years. I’m proud to offer this important financial option from MetLife Bank, and I can review all the details with you so you can determine if it’s right for you. Contact me today for a free, no-obligation educational video and information kit. Treona Kelty Reverse Mortgage Consultant 202-352-2679

All loans are subject to property approval. Certain conditions and fees apply. Mortgage financing provided by MetLife Bank, N.A., Equal Housing Lender. © 2010 MetLife, Inc. R0410101758[exp0411][All States][DC] © 2010 PNTS

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

Will Your Money y Last As Long g As You Do? At Capitol Retirement Strategies, our goal is for every one of our clients to ask and answer that one simple question. If your assets need to be organized to supplement your Social Security and/or a partial retirement income (now or in the future), if you feel that your portfolio is more of a Hodge Podge of Investments versus a Coordinated Strategy, or if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t own long term care insurance, then one or both of our upcoming seminars may be for you.

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Capitol Retirement Strategies is an independent financial planning firm. We have absolutely no affiliation with a wire house, bank or insurance company. Registered Principal, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Capitol Retirement Strategies are not affiliated.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

What to know when buying or selling gold By Kathy Kristof Howard Wolfe watched gold prices soar for several years before he finally decided to jump. Last year, the Mississippi retiree answered an advertisement for a company selling gold bullion. He wired $20,000 when the metal was retailing for $1,100 per ounce. As of late November, gold was selling for more than $1,300/ounce. But Wolfe isn’t celebrating. The gold he bought was never delivered, and he can’t get the company to answer his calls. “I liked the company because they seemed kind of low-key,” Wolfe said. “They’re still low-key. Really low-key. I’m trying to find the rock they’re hiding under.” As the price of gold surpassed one record after another over the last two years, all too many investors discovered the dark underbelly of gold sales. Scams proliferated as unsophisticated buyers poured into the market to take advantage of rising prices. The phones at Wolfe’s gold dealer, Superior Gold Group in Santa Monica, Calif., have been disconnected. The company has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau, largely as the result of 44 unanswered complaints. A precious metals trade group said it received complaints from individuals who invested more than $170,000 in bullion that Superior never delivered. The chance of getting the investors’ money back? Negligible.

buyers. These itinerant pitchmen and pitchwomen, who set up shop in local hotel ballrooms, advertise that they’ll pay “top dollar” for jewelry and coins. Jordan noticed that the traveling purchasers often targeted areas hit hardest by the sour economy. It was where consumers were likely to be the most desperate. He borrowed a pocketful of rare coins when one of these road shows passed through town and went to see what he’d be offered. Jordan was told that a coin worth $13,000 would fetch $250. Another worth $10,000 got a bid of $60 — not exactly the “top dollar” that was promised. Jordan has since attended traveling gold-buying shows in four states and written a series of award-winning exposes. The short version: “They routinely offer pennies on the dollar,” he said. “They have an internal motto: If the customer is not educated, do not educate them.” Mike Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin and Bullion in Beaumont, says most dealers are honest. But shady dealers can take in millions overnight. It’s a classic case of buyer beware. “Just because you see an advertisement on your favorite network doesn’t mean that the company has been vetted,” Fuljenz said. “It doesn’t mean that the company is legitimate or that they’ll give you a good deal. You have to do your homework.”

Caution for sellers, too

Buying tips

Gold buyers are not the only ones who should beware. Those seeking to sell their gold are also at risk. Jerry Jordan, managing editor of the Examiner, a weekly newspaper in Beaumont, Texas, spent the last eight months conducting sting operations on traveling gold

What must you know before you buy gold? • Spot price. The best way to buy gold is to buy common coins, such as the American Gold Eagle, which sell for 3 to 5 percent over the spot price of gold. A recent spot price was $1,334, so consumers should not have paid more than about

$1,400 an ounce at that point. • Better Business Bureau rating. Wolfe would have saved himself a world of hurt had he checked out his dealer’s BBB rating before he invested. You can find a rating on a company, if it’s available, by going to the organization’s national site at http://www.bbb.org. Click on “Check out a business or charity.” • Dealer affiliations. Is the dealer a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild or the American Numismatic Associa-

tion? If so, the dealer must abide by a code of ethics and can be kicked out of the group if it fails to resolve consumer disputes. • History. How long has your gold dealer been in business? Many of the fly-bynight operators launched their businesses in the last couple of years as interest in buying gold soared. You could have problems with any company, but dealers with long histories are at least likely to have a trail of complaints if they operate unethically. © 2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Health Fitness &

NON-INVASIVE VALVE SURGERY Open heart surgery is not needed for a new valve replacement technique WHEN EVERY MINUTE COUNTS Certified stroke centers are the best places to get immediate treatment STATINS AND MUSCLE PAIN Some options to explore if your cholesterol medicine causes muscle pain CREATIVE COMMUNICATION TIPS Use song, photos and notes to communicate with dementia patients

How your personality affects your health By Angela Haupt Could your personality kill you — or might it make you live longer? Could it give you heart disease, or protect you from illness? Could it push you toward or away from doctor appointments? Personality traits play a distinct role in determining how healthy we are, psychologists say. “Everything is related to everything else. How stressed or angry you are, and how you interact with the world, is contingent in large part on your personality style,” said Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. “And that is going to have an enormous impact on your health.” Here’s a look at common personality types and traits and how each can help or hurt your health (sometimes both):

Hostile One of the aspects of the impatient, hardcharging Type A personality that’s known to increase heart disease risk is hostility. Hostile people eat and smoke more and exercise less than other personality types, said Redford Williams, head of behavioral

medicine at Duke University Medical Center and author of Anger Kills. They’re likelier to be overweight in middle age and have higher cholesterol and blood pressure. Williams’s past research suggests hostile people are also more likely to develop irregular heart rhythms, and to die before reaching their 50s. Most of these problems can be traced back to elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as increased inflammation in the walls of the coronary arteries, which leads to a greater risk of heart attack. No personality is set in stone, however, and Type A’s can be taught how to take the edge off their hostility. Hostile heart patients who attend workshops that teach coping skills, for instance, have a lower incidence of depression and healthier blood pressure than Type A’s who don’t go. The key, Williams said, is learning how to communicate more clearly and how to control anger and other negative emotions. Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can damp hostility with a layer of calm. He suggests Type As ask themselves four questions when they get angry: Is this

issue truly important? Is what I’m feeling appropriate to the facts? Can I modify the situation in a positive way? Is taking such action worth it?

Impulsive Because Type A personalities are defined by competitiveness, a drive to succeed, and a sense of urgency, they’re prone to take risks and act without thinking, neither of which is likely to improve health. Non-Type A’s can be impulsive, too. Such people are often not as wellgrounded as others, said Robin Belamaric, a clinical psychologist in Bethesda, Md. “They’ll look at an opportunity that comes along and say, ‘Hmm, that sounds like fun,’ whereas another, more thoughtful person, will say, ‘I’m going to pass, because I’m not sure it’s the best idea.’”

Relaxed If you’re a Type B, you roll with the punches. You’re relaxed, take life a day a time, and handle stress without cracking. That translates to a higher quality of life and lower likelihood of heart disease —

less anxiety strengthens the immune system. The more we chill, the better off we are, said Miller: “You don’t want to get locked into a stressful, tense state of mind.” Over the long term, he adds, relaxing and managing stress effectively will lengthen your life, help your heart and gastrointestinal system, and just make you feel better overall.

Extrovert People who are outgoing, involved in their communities, and have strong social connections reap health benefits. An analysis of 148 studies published in the online journal PLoS medicine in July found that on average, adults enrolled in a study who had many close friendships were 50 percent likelier to survive until their study ended than were those with few friendships. And a 2009 study published in Perspectives in Psychological Science suggests that social support leads to improved coping skills, healthy behavior, and adherence to See PERSONALITY, page 16

Take steps now for Medicare Part D needs By Humberto Cruz experience with this, I should really give you I wrote in a previous column that, as of some. I’ve seen many people over 65 come the first of August, the month I close to bankruptcy over medturned 65, I was covered by ication. Medicare Part A (hospital in“Typical scenario: Man, surance) and Part B (doctor age 65, takes no or little medservices). But I held off applyication because he hasn’t ing for Part D (the prescripbeen to a doctor for years. tion plan) because I take no Suddenly, at age 65 1/2 or 66, medications now. he has an ‘event’ — a heart Many readers wrote to adattack, stroke or untreated vise me emphatically: “Don’t high blood pressure — that wait too long!” turns into heart failure. To “Can you guarantee you will THE SAVINGS stay out of the hospital, he not develop a condition tomor- GAME must take at least $1,000 per row that requires expensive By Humberto Cruz month worth of medicine, medication?” asked Jim Hunt, and this is a modest estimate; an insurance agent in Tucson. “I’ve had it usually goes much higher.” clients who contracted serious infections I’m convinced. I won’t take the risk of a that required very expensive antibiotics.” major prescription drug expense just to Pamela Cianci, a cardiology nurse in save a few dollars in premiums I can easily Chicago, was more blunt: “You certainly did- afford. I enrolled in a Part D plan well withn’t ask me for advice, but because of my huge in my “initial enrollment period,” which for

me ran through Nov. 30, or three months after my birthday month.

Part D basics If I had missed the initial enrollment period, I could apply only during a monthand-a-half window each year (Nov. 15-Dec. 31, with coverage beginning the following Jan. 1). Although I wouldn’t have been denied coverage, premiums would have gone up the longer I waited to apply. Unlike government-run Medicare Parts A and B, prescription drug plans are administered by private companies. But all plans must meet minimum standards and be approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Under these standards, the annual deductible for 2010 can be no more than $310 and the insurance company must pay at least 75 percent of the next $2,520 of drug costs. After this so-called “initial limit” of

$2,830 — $310 plus $2,520 — you pay all drug costs until you have spent $4,550 out of pocket for any deductibles, co-pays and drug costs, but not including plan premiums. This is the so-called coverage gap or “doughnut hole.” After that, you pay a $2.50 co-payment for generic drugs (and brand-name drugs treated as generic) and $6.30 for all others, or 5 percent co-insurance, whichever is greater. Those are the minimum standards. Many plans offer much greater coverage, which is good.

Difficult comparisons What is bad is that big differences among plans make them difficult to compare. In Florida where I live, 19 insurance companies offer 47 different plans this year, with monthly premiums ranging from $19.80 to $100.40. See MEDICARE PART D, page 15

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Medicare Part D From page 14 You can switch plans only once a year during the Nov. 15-Dec. 31 period.

The lowest premium does not necessarily mean the least expensive plan or best value. You need to calculate the benefits and total annual plan cost to you (premiums plus out-of-pocket expenses, includ-

ing any deductibles and co-pays) based on the medicines you take. Since I take none now, the lowest premium is a top consideration for me, but other factors may be more important later.

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. © Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Choosing a Part D plan When shopping for a Medicare D plan, don’t look only at premiums. It’s also important to confirm that all your prescriptions will be covered in the correct quantity — and whether they require any prior approval from the insurance company. “Cheaper isn’t always better,” cautioned Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center. “For example, prior approval can be a big hoop to jump through. It can be just like a denial, and you might need to get it approved more than once a year.” And look closely at Advantage plan provider networks to see whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are covered. “Ask your doctors if they are in the network you’re considering, and what they think of the plan,” said Baker. The best online shopping tool is the Medicare website’s Plan Finder (www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan).

For more personalized help, visit your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program, a network of nonprofit Medicare counseling services that offers free, one-on-one consultations. In Montgomery County, call (301) 590-2819; in Prince George’s County, call (301) 265-8471; in Washington, D.C., call (202)-739-0668; in Arlington, call (703) 228-1700; in Alexandria, call (703) 746-5999; in Fairfax, call (703) 324-5411. The Medicare Rights Center also offers free counseling by phone (1-800333-4114). If you’re willing to pay to get advice and help with paperwork, hire an independent, fee-based, counseling service such as Allsup. For $200 to $300, Allsup assigns an adviser who will provide a written personalized plan analysis and offer phone consultations. — Mark Miller © Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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Personality From page 14 medical regimens. Bonding with others also reduces stress and improves the immune system — so making friends and getting involved becomes, in effect, a well-being tonic. What drives at least some of the health benefits goes beyond biology, Miller said. “It may have to do with the fact that when you’re around people, you think, ‘Oh, Martha has gone for her mammogram — that reminds me, I should, too.’”

Eager to please People-pleasers — Type C’s — are conforming, passive, and want to accommodate. That can be a good thing when it comes to patient compliance: They’re more likely to take the right medicines in the right doses at the right times, for instance — once they see a doctor, that is. Making and following through on appointments can be challenging for Type C’s, who tend to accept their fate as inevitable and fall readily into hopelessness and helplessness. That means others must push them to take care of themselves. “They may be less likely to maintain their health on their own,” Belamaric said. “If they develop a problem, they may just complain about it, hoping somebody says, ‘I have a good doctor, I’ll make you an appointment.’” Some Type C’s may be so mired that they don’t seek medical attention — even when it’s clearly necessary — and slough off preventive behaviors, like watching what they eat. “If they get a serious diagnosis, they may be passive, throw their hands up, and say, ‘Well, there’s nothing I can do about it, anyway. If it’s my time, it’s my time,’” Belamaric said.

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Type D’s — D is for distressed — dwell on negative emotions and are afraid to express themselves in social situations. Compared to more optimistic sorts, a Type D may face three times the risk for future heart problems, according to a recent

study in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Type D’s also face a higher likelihood of compulsive overeating and substance abuse. “If you’re a person who is prone to depression or anxiety, or if you’re overly self-critical, there’s more of a chance of turning to gratifying behavior to feel better,” Miller said.

Optimistic vs. pessimistic Optimism “heavily influences physical and mental health,” concluded a study published in May in the journal Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health after researchers followed more than 500 males for 15 years. The rate of heart-related deaths was 50 percent lower among optimists than among pessimists. “Optimists have a higher quality of life, and they may be more resilient in the way they deal with stress,” Miller said. “So if a problem comes along, they’re able to handle it better, and they become less symptomatic.” In contrast, glass-half-empty types harbor little hope for the future and tend more toward depression and anxiety disorders. But there’s a catch for those at the extreme end of the optimism spectrum: They think of themselves as impervious to risks. Extreme optimists who smoke are the best examples. They believe they won’t develop lung cancer. Why give up smoking to prevent a nonexistent risk?

The “self-healing personality” That’s the name Howard Friedman, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Riverside, attaches to people who are curious, secure, constructive, responsive, and conscientious. These traits translate to enthusiasm for life, emotional balance, and strong social relationships. “Positive emotions buffer hormonal responses to stress,” said Friedman, who studies the relationship between personality and longevity. Self-healers, he said, “have healthier behavior patterns: more physical activity, a better diet, and less smoking and substance abuse.” © 2010 U.S. News and World Report

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New heart valve without invasive surgery By Lauran Neergaard Thousands of older Americans who need new heart valves but are too frail to survive the surgery might soon get a chance at an easier option — a way to thread in an artificial aortic valve without cracking open their chests. The aortic valve is the heart’s main doorway, and a major new U.S. study found that snaking a new one in through an artery significantly improved the chances that patients with no other treatment options would survive at least a year. Not yet known is whether easier-to-implant valves might work for the less sick who’d like to try the new technology rather than undergo the open-heart surgery required for standard valve replacements that can last 20 years. That question still is being studied, but two competing types of these “transcatheter aortic valves” already are sold in Europe/ And manufacturer Edwards Lifesciences Corp. hopes to win U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to sell its version for inoperable patients in about a year. “This opens the door to a new treatment,” said lead researcher Dr. Martin Leon of Columbia University Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He reported the results in the New England Journal of Medicine. Edwards paid for the study at 21 hospitals, and many of the researchers have received fees from that company or competing heart device makers. The valves are not a cure-all, they come with a risk of stroke, and no one knows how long they’ll last. Still, specialists say they are a step to transforming care for a problem on the rise as the population grays.

50,000 surgeries a year Some 300,000 Americans already have a seriously diseased aortic valve, a gate that essentially rusts with age until it can’t open properly, forcing the heart to work ever harder to squeeze blood through. More than 50,000 people a year undergo open-heart surgery to replace that valve, and thousands more are turned away, deemed too old or ill to survive the arduous operation. The less invasive option will “possibly be a game-changer,” said Dr. Robert Bonow of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School in Medicine in Chicago, who monitors the valves’ development for the American Heart Association and has consulted for Edwards. “In the future, this may be the way many patients get their valves replaced.” Patients marvel at how quickly they can

bounce back. “It’s like they jacked me up and put a new motor in,” said Herbert Rose, 81, of New York City. He couldn’t climb a few stairs without pain and shortness of breath before his April implant, but said now he swims 11 to 14 laps in the local pool every other day. Traditionally, surgeons saw a person’s breastbone in half, stop the heart, cut out the old, hardened valve and sew in a new one. Even the best patients spend a week in the hospital and require a few months to recuperate, but people can live well with these valves for decades. Transcatheter valves, made by Edwards and competitor Medtronic, are threaded through a leg artery up to the heart. The old valve doesn’t need to be removed. Instead, it’s propped open and the new valve is wedged into that doorway.

More survive in better shape In the new study, 358 patients deemed inoperable were randomly assigned to receive either the Edwards transcatheter valve or essentially comfort care. In the first month, 5 percent of the valve recipients died, compared with 2.8 percent of the control group, showing the risk of any procedure in these sickest-of-the-sick. But a year later, half of the patients who didn’t get a new valve had died of various causes, compared with just 30 percent of the valve recipients. Columbia’s Leon said doctors saved a life for every five patients treated — and most patients with the new valve felt better and moved better, enjoying more quality of life. That’s a meaningful survival difference, said Dr. Andrew Wang of Duke University, See HEART VALVE, page 18

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Stroke symptoms? Get to a stroke center By Lauran Neergaard When her stroke hit, Edna Wooten somehow stopped her car. Then her

grown daughter ignored her slurred protests and raced her to the hospital — in time for a drug to dissolve the blood clot

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causing her stroke. Wooten was lucky: Too few stroke sufferers get that clot-busting treatment, especially black and Hispanic patients who are at highest risk of having a stroke and also may be particularly hesitant to seek fast care. New research is targeting those underserved populations to better spread the word that “time is brain” — the faster you move, the more brain you save. “We basically scare people so much about stroke, it motivates them to denial,” said Dr. Lewis Morgenstern of the University of Michigan, an expert on stroke disparities. “What we haven’t done a good job of is telling people there is an effective treatment; that people are in control of their own destiny.” That was the message stroke educator Shauna St. Clair of Georgetown University took to a senior center in a predominantly black neighborhood in the nation’s capital recently, part of a project funded by the National Institutes of Health. Most strokes are like a clogged pipe, St. Clair explained: Break up the clog and blood can resume feeding starving brain cells on the other side, which is what happened when Wooten, 61, was treated at a nearby hospital. “Damaged brain cells we can fix. That’s

Heart valve From page 17 who called the results exciting. Duke is among the centers soon to begin testing Medtronic’s valve. While the results are promising, there is a worry: 5 percent of valve recipients suffered strokes, compared with 1 percent of the control group. “We don’t want to have people stop having heart failure and be debilitated by having strokes,” said Dr. James McClurken of Temple University in Philadelphia. Doctors had seen similar stroke rates in Europe and are working on smaller valves and better techniques to lower that risk.

why we want you to get treatment as soon as possible,” St. Clair told the rapt group. “If they stay damaged, they die.” About 795,000 Americans have a stroke every year. It is the nation’s leading cause of disability and the No. 3 killer. Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side; sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech, seeing or walking; a sudden supersevere headache.

Get to a hospital fast While some strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain, the vast majority are ischemic strokes, the clot kind that the drug TPA can help treat — but only if it’s given within a few hours of the first symptom. Yet 14 years after TPA hit the market, overall only about 5 percent of U.S. patients get it. That’s partly due to problems within the healthcare system — but also partly because only about a third of stroke sufferers get to the hospital in time for testing to tell if they’re a good candidate. Everyone needs to know to act fast if they experience or witness stroke symptoms. The new research comes because African-Americans have strokes at twice See STROKE SYMPTOMS, page 19

Study patients will be tracked for five years, but how long these wedged-in valves will last is a huge question if they are ever to be used by lower-risk patients, cautioned Dr. John Conte of Johns Hopkins University, a spokesman for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. He said potential patients should be evaluated by both an interventional cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon to decide if the new method or the old is their best option. Standard heart valve replacement costs upward of $50,000, most from surgical and hospitalization fees. Transcatheter valves are anticipated to cost $20,000 to $30,000 but to bring lower hospital bills. — AP

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Stroke symptoms From page 18 the rate of whites and are more likely to die. Hispanics are at increased risk of stroke as well. Worse, both populations tend to have strokes at much younger ages than whites. Georgetown researchers tracked ischemic strokes for a year in Washington, and found black patients received TPA less often than whites in part because of slower

hospital arrival — despite community surveys that found widespread knowledge about stroke symptoms. “No, you can’t wait to see if your symptoms go away,” said Dr. Chelsea Kidwell, a Georgetown neurologist who heads the project. “No, you should not call your relative or friend. You’ve got to call 911.” The findings echo a major study that Morganstern leads in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Mexican-Americans were 40 percent less likely than whites to call 911 for a stroke.

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The disconnect isn’t surprising, said Dr. Walter Koroshetz, deputy director of the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The most common mistake among all populations when feeling a stroke symptom is to go rest. Adding to the confusion are so-called ministrokes — a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, where an artery is blocked for a few minutes, leaving no permanent damage. But it’s a warning sign that a major stroke may be imminent, something prompt care to treat risk factors like high blood pressure might avert. Other studies have found half of people who have a TIA never tell a health provider. It takes community-specific research to learn what act-fast messages work, Morgenstern said. His Corpus Christi project recently taught middle-school students to call 911 if they witness someone having stroke symptoms, with homework assignments to teach their parents, too — thus reaching a hard-to-target population. Next, the project is designing ways that local Catholic churches can help with stroke education.

Local stroke centers In Washington, Kidwell is working with

Dec. 13

ambulances to bypass the closest hospital for a certified “stroke centers” — hospitals with 24-hour special capabilities to give TPA. In addition to Georgetown University Hospital, the following hospitals in the Washington area have certified stroke centers: George Washington University, Washington Hospital Center, Holy Cross, Montgomery General, Suburban, Inova Alexandria, Inova Loudoun, Inova Mount Vernon, and Virginia Hospital Center. The NIH community education efforts won’t just target seniors, but also younger people who may witness a stroke, like the woman who told St. Clair she’d noticed her mother leaving church looking drunk — a loss of balance caused by a stroke. And it will stress happy endings like Wooten’s. She slept off a TIA two weeks earlier and credits her daughter’s love of TV hospital shows for recognizing the major stroke. About an hour after getting the clotbuster, “it was like it never happened,” said Wooten. Her only lingering problem is a slight shake when her right hand holds something heavy. “I’m driving my car, I’m messing with my grandkids. Thank God I’m doing OK.” — AP

ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Learn what science is saying about alcohol consumption in older adults on Monday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Langston-Brown Multipurpose Senior Center, 2121 N. Culpeper St., Arlington, Va. Nancy Connors, senior adult specialist, will lead the free discussion and answer questions on dependency or addiction problems and recovery. For additional information, call (703) 228-6300.

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The Woodlands Retirement Community, 4320 Forest Hill Dr., Fairfax, Va. is offering fall prevention classes in a heated indoor pool. Classes are held Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Mondays and/or Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $10 per class. Space is limited; call (703) 667-9800 to register.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Options when statins cause muscle pain By Dr. Thomas Lee Q. I’m a 61-year-old man with high blood pressure. My doctor wants me to take Zocor to lower my cholesterol, but I’m worried about muscle damage. I found a website that claimed coenzyme Q10 would help. Is that right? A. Simvastatin (Zocor) is one of the six statin drugs. They all do a good job of lowering levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. More importantly, they can all reduce the risk of heart attacks in men at risk. Since you have high blood pressure, which is an important cardiac risk factor in

its own right, your LDL goal is 100 mg/dL or less, well below the goal for men with normal blood pressure. Although diet and exercise should be your first steps, most men will need medication to reach that tough goal — and for most, a statin will be the drug of choice. Although the current crop of statins is really quite safe, they can have side effects. Muscle aches are among the most common complaints, though serious muscle injury is rare. In most cases, these myalgias are mild, and they resolve quickly when the statin dose is reduced or therapy is stopped.

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Even if myalgias are mild, they are uncomfortable and they can interfere with this important drug therapy. Can coenzyme Q10, a nonprescription product sold as a “dietary supplement,” help? To find out, scientists in New Zealand conducted a clinical trial in 44 patients who were starting simvastatin therapy. Half the volunteers were randomly assigned to take 200 mg. a day of coenzyme Q10, while the other half received a placebo. At the end of 12 weeks of therapy, there were no differences in the occurrence or severity of myalgias. The researchers also monitored levels of creatinine phosphokinase, a muscle enzyme that spills into the blood when muscles are injured by statins (or by other factors). Again, there were no differences between the people taking coenzyme Q10 and those taking the placebo. It’s only one study, but it was careful and comprehensive. An American review of the overall experience with coenzyme Q10 concluded that there is no clear evidence it can help with statin-induced muscle pain, but that coenzyme Q10 appears safe. If nothing else, the coenzyme story is a reminder of the importance of subjecting supplements to objective scientific investigation. Without such scrutiny, we are at the mercy of well-intentioned anecdotes and financially motivated marketing companies. Q. I’ve tried all of the statin drugs to lower my cholesterol, but each one has caused severe muscle pain. Are there any non-statin medications I could try using to lower my cholesterol? A. Have you tried niacin yet? It is an excellent drug for reducing cardiac risk in almost every way — it lowers harmful LDL cholesterol, raises beneficial HDL, and reduces cardiac complications. One reason it plays second fiddle to

statins is that it causes side effects like itching and flushing in many people. These side effects can often be minimized or even eliminated by taking an aspirin before niacin, by gradually building up the dose, or by taking the intermediate-release type called Niaspan, which is available by prescription only. Two other drugs that may be used in place of a statin are ezetimibe (Zetia) and colesevelam (Welchol). Both of these medications work in the intestines, rather than the bloodstream, and so are less likely than statins to cause side effects. Ezetimibe blocks cholesterol in food from crossing the intestinal wall and getting into the bloodstream. Colesevelam grabs cholesterol-rich bile acids in the intestine and locks them into a watery goo that’s excreted in the stool. Ezetimibe has been controversial since trials showed it adds little to cardiac protection. Colesevelam might be a good choice if you have diabetes because it lowers blood sugar as well as cholesterol. What you eat can help lower cholesterol. Switching from an average American diet to a Mediterranean-type diet can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Researchers at the University of Toronto created what they called a “dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods” that included margarine enriched with plant sterols; oats, barley, psyllium, okra and eggplant, all rich in soluble fiber; soy protein; and whole almonds. A diet emphasizing these foods substantially lowered LDL, triglycerides and blood pressure, and did not harm HDL. Eating nuts can modestly lower cholesterol. Fish oil and garlic have long been touted as cholesterol reducers, but meta-analyses of See STATINS, page 23

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Brooke Grove Foundation is First in Maryland to Offer “Memories in the Making” ®

rooke Grove Foundation (BGF) recently became the first organization in Maryland to offer the Alzheimer’s Association’s innovative “Memories in the Making”® art program on its Brooke Grove Retirement Village (Sandy Spring) and Williamsport Retirement Village (Williamsport) campuses. The program is now also available at Rest Assured Living Center, a personal care home operated by BGF in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. “Memories in the Making”® provides Alzheimer’s artists with a forum to express themselves through painting and drawing when words have failed them. The program originated at the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter, where it was developed by Selly Jenny, whose mother suffered from Alzheimer’s. Since 1998, La Doris “Sam” Heinly, MSW, has dedicated her career as a social worker and artist to art and Alzheimer’s and to refining, formalizing and documenting “Memories in the Making”® training. She is the author of two books on the subject: “I’m Still Here” and “Memories in the Making.” In October, Ms. Heinly

trained 100 employees and resident family members from BGF’s three campuses on how to serve as “Memories in the Making”® art program facilitators and incorporate its concepts in caregiving. “Alzheimer’s disease often impacts verbal communication early in the disease process,” explained Ms. Heinly. “This results in the patient withdrawing for fear of embarrassment and leads families and care providers to assume the person is unable to communicate. ‘Memories in the Making’® artists have proven over and over again that they are ‘still here’ by creating beautiful and meaningful artwork that provides a unique glimpse into their past.” Information learned during “Memories in the Making”® sessions can enhance communication between those with Alzheimer’s, loved ones and caregivers. “Time and time again, families express joy and amazement over the recollection of a memory they believed was gone,” continued Ms. Heinly. As a result, “the staff also experiences a more compassionate and whole understanding of the person in their care.”

Assisted Living LIFE Enrichment Coordinator Ursula Allen participates in a "Memories in the Making"® art training program.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Get health benefits you can count on, before it’s too late. Enroll in a Bravo Health Medicare Advantage plan today.

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*Unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or within your Initial Enrollment Period. 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. 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. Y0015_11_0180 File and Use 10312010

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Doctors urge aggressive sepsis treatment By Lauran Neergaard It’s one of the most intractable killers you’ve probably never heard of: Sepsis, an out-of-control reaction to infection that can start shutting down organs in mere hours. A new push is beginning for hospitals to be more aggressive in rolling out care at the first hint of trouble — even as scientists discover an intriguing clue to what may fuel the deadly cascade estimated to kill more than 200,000 people a year in the U.S. alone. There’s no simple diagnostic test for sepsis, but there are warning signs if health providers pay close attention, said Dr. James O’Brien, a critical care specialist at Ohio State University Medical Center. “Minutes matter,” he adds, saying delays too often are “just an issue of not treating this like a medical emergency.”

spread throughout the body — it doesn’t always, stressed sepsis specialist Dr. Kevin Tracey of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in New York. Instead, complex interactions between the microbe and the immune system make the latter run amok. “At that point even if you eradicate the bacteria — we can do that most of the time — the damage continues to spread because of the toxic reaction that’s unleashed,” said Tracey, who helped lead a meeting of international sepsis experts who formed a “Global Sepsis Alliance” to urge more aggressive care. Even people who’ve survived sepsis may not have heard the term, because it’s such a hard-to-explain concept that many doctors instead just say they battled a tough infection, Tracey said. And the earliest symptoms that some-

one with an infection is sliding into sepsis are vague: Confusion, shortness of breath, an increase in heart rate, dropping blood pressure, weakness. But the alliance’s goal: Start antibiotics and intravenous fluids, to counter the shock or low blood pressure, within an hour of suspicion of sepsis. Every hour of

delay lowers survival by nearly 8 percent, yet many hospitals don’t get appropriate care started for four or even six hours, O’Brien said. With millions dying worldwide and death rates near 30 percent in the U.S., See SEPSIS, page 24

BEACON BITS

Dec. 15

GRIEF AND HEALING DISCUSSION Montgomery Hospice provides a drop-in discussion about grief

and healing for anyone mourning the death of a loved one. The session to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., is open and free to any Montgomery County resident. Montgomery Hospice is located at 1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville, Md. Registration is required by calling (301) 921-4400.

Uncontrolled immune reaction Once misleadingly called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body’s overreaction in fighting an infection that in turn injures its own tissues, leading to shock and organ failure. That doesn’t mean the infection has

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From page 20 clinical trials show they have little effect on cholesterol. Substances that do lower cholesterol are plant sterols and stanols. They have been added to margarine (Benecol, Promise, others), orange juice, granola bars, chocolate and other foods. They are also available as plain, no-calorie pills. © 2010 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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Sepsis

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Looking for survival clues

From page 23 new treatments are needed. Now scientists from Portugal have uncovered a new culprit that may help determine which sepsis patients are at highest risk of death — and points to a possible new treatment approach. During sepsis, red blood cells can become injured and leak an iron-based substance called heme that’s normally part of the hemoglobin that carries oxygen. But when it leaks into the bloodstream at the same time the body is experiencing lots of inflammation — a given during sepsis — the heme becomes toxic to organs, explained lead researcher Miguel Soares of Portugal’s Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia.

In a series of experiments with infected mice, Soares’ team first showed extra heme led to more deaths. Next, the body makes a molecule to clean up leaky heme — but in the mice, as heme levels rose, levels of that molecule, known as hemopexin, dropped. So they injected sick mice with extra hemopexin and more survived, they reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Finally, Soares tested blood samples from 56 sepsis patients in a Brazilian hospital — and found those who survived had significantly higher natural hemopexin levels than those who died. More research is needed to confirm the findings, but the work raises the prospect of a way to monitor sepsis risk in hospitalized pa-

tients, and possibly of creating a medication. In New York, Tracey says the study makes sense — adding that it might help explain why people who require blood transfusions seem at higher risk for developing sepsis. Meanwhile, no one knows what triggers sepsis in some people with garden-variety infections. It’s more common in the elderly, the very young and people who’ve just undergone surgery, but can strike anyone, as Linda Haltman, 49, of Woodbury, N.Y., learned last summer. She awoke from a nap suddenly feeling bad after a day of tennis and swimming. Her husband pulled out his blood pressure monitor thinking to prove she was fine —

only to race her to the hospital when it read a super-low 70 over 50. “I said to my 20-year-old daughter, ‘We’re going to the emergency room, we’ll be back in an hour.’ That’s all I remember for 13 days,” recalled Haltman. ER doctors first suspected a different illness but, importantly, started antibiotics anyway because her level of infection-fighting white blood cells was abnormally high. Still, delirium set in within hours. By morning, her lungs were filled with fluid. She needed a ventilator. Doctors eventually diagnosed strep bacteria, but never discovered where her infection started. — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 16

ENVISIONING THE CITY Washington, D.C. Public Schools students present their vision for

their city at the National Building Museum, 401 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Thirty-one students developed plans in collaboration with the D.C. Office of Planning for sites in Brookland, on the Southwest Waterfront and near RFK Stadium. This free program on Thursday, Dec. 16 does not require registration; a reception will be held after the presentations. For additional information, call (202) 272-2448 or visit www.nbm.org.

HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING

Dec. 10

Bring presents that need to be wrapped to the Langley Park Senior Activity Center, 1500 Merrimac Dr., Hyattsville, Md. on

Friday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free service requires reservations; limit of three gifts per person. Call (301) 408-4343 to sign up or visit www.pgparks.com to get more information.

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Dec. 11

Enjoy an old-fashioned family holiday at Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls, Va. on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 6

p.m. Visit Santa, see the tree trimmed with Victorian decorations, and join the 49th Va. Volunteer Infantry caroling around a bonfire. Roast marshmallows and make a craft. No reservations are required; cost is $6.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

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Health Studies Page

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — 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

Heart mapping study seeks volunteers By Barbara Ruben Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In some cases, the heart can’t fill with enough blood. In other cases, the heart can’t pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force. Some people have both problems. The condition is a common cardiovascu-

lar problem. Its incidence increases with age, affecting up to 10 percent of people older than 65, including nearly 14 percent of men and 12 percent of women over age 80. The term heart failure doesn’t mean someone’s heart has stopped or is about to stop working. However, heart failure is a serious condition that requires medical care.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CRAFTS AND CROSS-STITCH WORKSHOP

Learn how to make lovely homemade gifts in this drop-in workshop every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. Renee Jacobik will share her expertise by providing sampler projects in this fun and creative workshop. Call (240) 7774999 for more information.

Dec.

LIGHTING UP THE ZOO

Friends of the National Zoo is giving a special “gift” to the city: ZooLights, the annual holiday event is free this year. ZooLights runs Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-23, 26-30 and Jan. 1 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Smithsonian National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Visit www.fonz.org/zoolights or call (202) 633-4085 for more information.

Do you wake up BEFORE your alarm? If you are 65 years or older and have trouble STAYING ASLEEP you may qualify to participate in a research study of an investigational drug. Compensation will be provided for time and travel.

research@sleepdoc.com

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md., are now studying the use of noninvasive imaging methods to better understand the symptoms and effects of heart failure. They are looking for people with and without the condition for a two-year study. No treatment will be provided as part of the study, and patients will continue to see their own doctors. Participants will visit the Clinical Center four times during the study, with one initial screening visit and three study visits. The three study visits will take place one year apart. Participants will also receive followup phone calls six months after the first and second visits. During the screening visit, they will have a full medical history taken and have a physical examination, as well as submit blood and urine samples. During each of the study visits, participants will have the following imaging tests: cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac computerized tomography (CT) to study the blood vessels in and

leading to the heart, echocardiogram to evaluate heart function, and electrocardiogram to measure heart electrical activity.

Who qualifies to participate? To take part in the study, participants must be age 18 or older, and be either healthy or be diagnosed with heart failure at a New York Heart Association functional class II level or worse. People who have a history of severe allergic reaction to contrast agents may not participate. Those with symptomatic coronary artery disease, a prior heart attack, congenital heart disease and certain other heart conditions are also disqualified from taking part in the study. Additional disqualifying conditions include a personal or family history of kidney disease, diabetes treated with insulin, multiple myeloma, lupus, renal failure and end stage liver disease. Compensation for time and travel is available for study participants. To learn more about the study, or to volunteer, contact NIH’s Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at 1-800-411-1222 or e-mail prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov.

BEACON BITS

INSOMNIA

Call 301-654-5665

Two-year study underway

The Center for Sleep & Wake Disorders Chevy Chase, Maryland Friendship Heights Metro

THE NEXT GENERATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE THERAPY

Georgetown University is recruiting participants for an ADCS-sponsored research study to help stop the progression of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. The purpose of this research study is to assess the safety, effectiveness and tolerability of a new experimental gene transfer drug called CERE-110 in patients with mild to moderate AD. This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to be conducted at 10 clinical research centers and will last about 24 months. CERE-110 is administered only once by direct surgical insertion into the area of the brain that is damaged or at risk of being damaged by AD. Clinical laboratory tests and imaging exams will be conducted.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Behan (202) 687-0413 keb53@georgetown.edu

Dec. 16

RESUME WRITING 101

Employment counselor Jack Dunne will offer advice on how to create a resume that will be effective in representing who you are to prospective employers. Bring a resume or two if you would like a critique from Dunne and the other participants. This free workshop is offered on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Walter Reed Connections Café, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. Call (703) 228-0955 with questions.

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

Some Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research advances

turned into a song. You may still sing it to yourself that way. Mr. Baker no longer recognized his daughter when she came to visit. She would tell him who she was but he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the connection with the verbal input. One day she tried a different approach and brought him a page with three photos of herself. One was of her as a young child, one was as a teenager, and one was taken recently. Each one had her name written under it. When she handed it to him, he looked at each picture, and then looked at her with a big smile and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is great to see you.â&#x20AC;&#x153; He was able to understand who she was with these visual cues that reached into his long-term memory. Try using written notes as answers to constantly repeated questions, or to improve compliance with your requests like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go to bed.â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to come and eat.â&#x20AC;&#x153; Someone may be able to understand and respond to visual cues better than to verbal statements. Experiment, use your imagination, and try singing a carol this season. What can you lose? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Reprinted from LifeLedger Caregiving Tips, a product of www.elderissues.com.

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Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disease Study (See ad, p. 26) Gout Study (See ad, p. 27) Heart Mapping Study (See article, p. 26) Insomnia Study (See ad, p. 26)

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H E A LT H S T U D Y I N F O â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO

Communicating with dementia sufferers can sometimes be a challenge. The brain is a complicated machine with different parts having different functions and different ways they receive, process, and output information. When a person experiences cognitive decline, regardless of whatever disease caused it, the process will not be uniform and certain parts of the brain will be more affected than others. Because of this, you may be able to improve communication by working with alternative inputs and outputs. For example, Mrs. Apple had not been speaking for almost six months and was usually not responsive to verbal requests, which are a function of one section of the brain. During the holiday season her daughter and granddaughter were at her house decorating for the season. They began to sing a carol together and were completely shocked and delighted when Mrs. Apple joined right in and began to sing along. They were three happy people that day. They had discovered a way to communicate using a part of the brain where music had better function than the area where her speech resided. We all learned the alphabet by having it

researchers from the long-running Framingham Heart Study reported recently. Earlier studies also found exercise helps. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That seems to be as good as anythingâ&#x20AC;? for preventing dementia, said Dr. Richard Mayeux, a Columbia University neurolo-

3DLQIXO VZROOHQ EXUQLQJ MRLQW" <RX PD\ EH H [SHULHQFLQJ V\PSWRPV RI JRXW Consider the following criteria for possible participation in a local clinical research study for gout: â&#x20AC;˘ Men 18 years of age or older â&#x20AC;˘ Never taken any of the following â&#x20AC;˘ Women 45 years of age or older medications for gout: allopurinol â&#x20AC;˘ Experienced a gout ďŹ&#x201A;are (painful, (ZyloprimÂŽ), febuxostat (UloricÂŽ), swollen joint, redness over joint)

or probenecid (Benuryl ÂŽ)

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be ready until next year. Still, there is some progress against Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a dementia that afflicts more than 26 million people worldwide. Here are some highlights of the research: â&#x20AC;˘ Prevention. Moderate to heavy exercisers had half the risk of developing dementia compared with less active people,

H E A LT H S T U D Y I N F O â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO

But what is needed most â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a treatment that does more than just ease symptoms â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is not at hand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have anything that slows or stops the course,â&#x20AC;? said William Thies, the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association scientific director. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really in a silent window right nowâ&#x20AC;? with new drugs, he said. Several promising ones flopped in latestage tests â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most recently, Pfizer Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dimebon. Results on several others wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘ H EALTH STU DY I N FO â&#x20AC;˘

By Marilynn Marchionne Scientists reported advances in detecting and predicting Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease at a recent conference in Honolulu, plus offered more proof that getting enough exercise and vitamin D may lower your risk. There are better brain scans to spot Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease; more known genes that affect risk; blood and spinal fluid tests that may help tell who will develop the mind-robbing illness and when.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Fiber fights cancer, cholesterol and more Q: Is there something special in dry beans that lowers cancer risk, or is the goal really just to eat more fiber? A: Dry beans — such as kidney, black, pinto and navy beans — and dry peas and lentils are more than just sources of dietary fiber. Yes, beans are concentrated in fiber, and foods high in fiber do probably lower cancer risk, at least in the colon. But dry beans, peas and lentils also provide resistant starch, which is converted in our gut to compounds that seem to offer direct cancer protection to colon cells. Dry beans are also top sources of lignans, a variety of antioxidant phytochemicals, and folate, important to produce and

maintain healthy DNA. Growing research suggests that regular consumption of dry beans may help protect against breast, colon and prostate cancers, and potentially others. In one large study, for example, although total consumption of a group of antioxidant compounds called flavonols was not linked with lowered risk of breast cancer, women who consumed dry beans and lentils at least twice a week had nearly 25 percent lower risk of breast cancer over an eight-year period than those eating them less than once a month. An animal study suggested that bean consumption could act through several different pathways to increase self-destruc-

tion of breast cancer cells and decrease production of substances within the gut tumor formation. that have been linked to development of Q: I’ve noticed chicory colon cancer. root fiber listed in several Emerging research sugfoods I thought were high in gests it may also help defiber from basic whole grains crease insulin resistance and or fruit. Does this form of lower blood triglycerides, posfiber have the same health sibly by slowing the speed at benefits or is it a trick? which the stomach is emptied. A: Chicory root is the most First caution: as with many common source of a substance things, when some is good, called inulin, and it is now more is not always better. We added to a wide variety of bars, don’t yet know if there are cereals and bread, and even NUTRITION health risks with too much infoods which naturally provide WISE ulin, but too much from suppleno fiber, such as yogurt, ice By Karen Collins, ments can lead to uncomfortcream, cottage cheese, juice MS, RD, CDM able gas and bloating. and chocolate bars. Second caution: lower risk It is listed on labels as conof cancer and heart disease in tributing to total fiber intake because, like all studies with high-fiber diets is not necesfiber, inulin passes undigested to our colon. sarily due to the fiber alone, so foods with Different types of fiber vary widely in chicory root fiber or other sources of intheir effects. Foods providing inulin from ulin should not be considered replacechicory root or Jerusalem artichokes may ments for whole foods that provide fiber not reduce LDL cholesterol like fiber from along with a wide range of nutrients and oatmeal and barley, but research does sup- phytochemicals. port a variety of likely health benefits. Courtesy of the American Institute for Inulin is what is called a prebiotic, mean- Cancer Research. Questions for this column ing that it feeds growth of health-promot- may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., ing bacteria in our gut. It may also sup- N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Collins canpress growth of unhealthy bacteria and not respond to questions personally.

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Cook a quick and easy chicken cacciatore Creating classic tastes doesn’t have to be time consuming or difficult, as proven by this recipe. It combines the goodness of chicken with the timeless taste of tomatoes, all set off with traditional Italian spices. Using cooking spray is a healthy way to sear and cook the meat. Finishing the cooking process by simmering the bird in the sauce enables the meat to fully absorb the flavor of the other ingredients. The chicken broth ensures that the poultry stays savory moist. You can serve the pieces whole, or some home chefs prefer to shred the meat. Either way, serve this wonderful dish

over a bed of whole-wheat spaghetti or linguini. You will probably want to make some extra of this fast, nourishing and satisfying recipe because it makes great leftovers.

Alzheimer’s

fecting blood-sugar levels, she explained. “If it works, it would certainly be an easy thing to administer. It’s not like taking a shot each day,” and likely would be cheap, she said. • Improved detection. Many types of imaging can document dementia, which usually is diagnosed through cognition tests. For several years, scientists have used one such method — a radioactive dye and PET scans — to see the sticky brain plaque that is a key feature of Alzheimer’s. But the dye is tough to use, and at least four companies are developing better ones. Until there are better treatments, there will be little demand for tests that show you have or are destined to get the disease, several experts said. There’s little testing now for the first gene strongly tied to Alzheimer’s risk, ApoE-4. “It’s kind of like finding high cholesterol” but not having drugs that can lower it, said Dr. Mark Sager, director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scientists also don’t know if the plaque

From page 27 gist and conference leader. Another big government-funded study found that vitamin D deficiency can raise the risk of mental impairment up to fourfold. This doesn’t mean taking supplements is a good idea, doctors warn. A large study is testing whether that is safe and helps prevent a variety of diseases. • Novel treatments. Tests of an insulin nose spray to improve cognition gave encouraging results, but “it’s still a pilot trial” and larger studies are needed to see if this works and is safe, said Laurie Ryan. She oversees Alzheimer’s study grants for the National Institute on Aging, which funded the work. It’s based on the theory that Alzheimer’s and diabetes are related. Diabetics seem to have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and Alzheimer’s patients tend to have insulin resistance, Ryan said. Giving insulin as a nose spray sends it straight to the brain without af-

Quick & Easy Chicken Cacciatore Serves 4 Nonstick cooking spray ½ lb. chicken breasts, skinless and boneless ½ lb. chicken thighs, skinless and boned 1 green bell pepper, cut into julienne strips 1/3 cup chopped onion ½ cup sliced mushrooms 1 (14½ oz.) can no-added-salt stewed

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The Smithsonian is looking for volunteers with an interest in learning more about butterflies and plants to work at the “Butterflies and Plants: Partners in Evolution” exhibit. Volunteers welcome museum visitors to the pavilion and help guide them at the exhibit. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is located at 10th St. and Constitution Ave., Washington D.C. For additional information, call (202) 633-1077; apply for the training to take place on Dec. 11 by going to http://www.mnh.si.edu/education/volunteering/application.html.

Services for Seniors Activities of Daily Living • Bathing • Dressing • Lifting • Transferring • Personal Care & Hygiene

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tomatoes ¼ cup water (may substitute low-sodium chicken broth or dry red cooking wine) 2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning 1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper Coat large skillet with cooking spray. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about six minutes. Turn frequently to ensure consistent browning. Add in green pepper, onion and mushrooms and sauté an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in tomatoes, water, broth or wine, Italian seasoning and black pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer,

gently stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and no longer pink, about 15 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet, set aside and cover to keep moist and warm. Continue to simmer sauce, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until desired consistency. Place chicken in a serving dish. Pour sauce over the top and serve with your choice of pasta. Per serving: 190 calories, 6 g. total fat (1.5 g. saturated fat), 9 g. carbohydrate, 23 g. protein, 2 g. dietary fiber, 75 mg. sodium. — Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research

is a cause, an effect, or just a sign of Alzheimer’s. Two experimental drugs seemed to clear plaque but did not lead to clinical improvement.

“We’ve still got a long way to go,” Sager said. For more information, see the website of the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. — AP

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Herbs that protect from, and treat, a cold Dear Pharmacist: toms or health benefits. Such herbal teas What can I do to protect myself nourish your body and warm your soul. from catching a cold this For example, if you want viseason? tamin C for its amazing an— N.W. tioxidant power, buy some Dear N.W.: rose hips. Job one is to strengthen If you want to strengthen your immune system, which your immune system, get elprotects you from pathogens derberry and astragalus and which, by the way, are everycombine those together. Just where. There are “bugs” on boil some water and steep your skin and all over your about 1 teaspoon each per body, but they don’t infect you cup. It’s okay to add a little bit unless your immune system DEAR of raw honey or unrefined PHARMACIST runs down. agave nectar. Keep a light, healthy diet By Suzy Cohen If you get a bad cough, why that is tilted in the direction of healthy foods, and free of refined sugar. Drink herbal tea. You can buy commercially prepared teas at any health food store or online. Be careful though: Some are just black tea flavored with herbs. You want the real deal, pure 100 percent herbal tea. Instead of buying ready made tea, why not make your own? I study the herbs that I like, and then go to the health food store to buy them in bulk. You can combine herbs in intelligent ways to customize your tea based on symp-

not use marshmallow extract? That is, the herb marshmallow, not the gooey confection! Marshmallow soothes mucous membranes and can put a stop to a dry, hacking cough. For sore throats, make tea from slippery elm. Now, as much as I believe in your own ability to take care of yourself when you get a cold, I also think there comes a time when you need to see your doctor. See your doctor if you experience sharp pains in your chest, shortness of breath,

coughing up blood or yellow/brown mucus, persistent chills or night sweats, or persistent cough along with a fever. Use common sense and see your physician, because you may need an antibiotic or a breathing inhaler. I’m a big advocate for self treatment, but sometimes, enough is enough! Dear Pharmacist: How can I save money at the pharmacy? It gets real expensive, especially at this time of year. —T.A. Dear T.A.: My pharmacy customers used to joke and say it was the high cost of living! Here are my tips about how to save some money at the pharmacy: 1. Buy generic prescriptions. You could save up to $400 a month, depending on the drug. Generics are supposed to be manufactured to the same exact standards as brand name drugs, but they don’t rack up the same expensive research, development and advertising costs. 2. Ask your doctor for samples. It’s a free way to try your medication and see if it works before you make a large non-refundable investment at the pharmacy. Physicians are busy and often forget to offer samples, but if you ask, and they have one, you’ll get it. Don’t be shy. 3. Take an older medication. Older drugs have generic equivalents available for them. Just ask your physician to write a prescription for a medication that has been out for at least 10 years. Newer drugs are not necessarily any better, and besides, their track record of safety isn’t established like the old drugs. 4. Buy a pill splitter and cut pills in half. First ask your doctor if he can pre-

scribe your medication in double the strength you need. For example, if you normally take 10 mg., ask your doctor to write your prescription for 20 mg. The pharmacist does not split pills; you do this yourself at home. But keep in mind, it requires good eyesight. The beauty is that you get double the bang for your buck. Caution folks: Controlled or extended release medications should never be split. 5. Shop for price. I hardly ever suggest leaving your regular pharmacy, because they have your entire drug profile on the computer so you are safer when it comes to potential interactions. That said, some chains offer a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10 for maintenance medications, and this saves money. 6. Use a loyalty card. They scan your card when you check out and reward you with cash back every month or quarter. You may also get something like a dollar back for every prescription you buy and discounts for cosmetics, groceries, OTC meds and household items. It’s a free card at the pharmacy; just ask. 7. Buy OTC products when possible. Sometimes you get a prescription for a medication, but its “sister” drug is available over-the-counter for a fraction of the price! Ask the pharmacist if your new, pricey prescription has a relative that is sold OTC. You can do this entirely on your own, but I always prefer that you get your doctor’s blessing for the switch. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

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A mother-in-law’s unintended offense Dear Solutions: Dear Solutions: I guess I said the wrong thing to my I have strong political opinions, daughter-in-law, although I which I’m pretty vocal thought I was being kind. about, and my friends Her mother has chosen know it. I’m also ver y to live in another country, much in favor of a certain so she hardly ever sees candidate. There’s one her. She said once when friend who disagrees with we were talking that she me politically and especialmisses having her mother ly about that candidate. around to talk to when she I try to stay away from needs help. her opinions so we won’t I told her that she could argue, but she keeps sendcall me any time if she SOLUTIONS ing me long nasty e-mails needed to talk. As soon as By Helen Oxenberg, about that candidate. I I said that, she stiffened up MSW, ACSW wouldn’t care if these were and became very cold to me. I don’t know what was wrong about that, but I find it very hard to talk about it. How can I change the atmosphere? Also, what was wrong with what I said? — Mother-in-law Dear Mother-in-law: Write the wrong if it’s too hard to talk. Write her a note telling her that you weren’t trying to replace her mother but only trying to help her. You didn’t do anything wrong. She’s probably angry at her mother for not being around and is displacing that anger onto you. You said what she wanted to hear, but you’re not the person she wanted to hear it from. So write the note — and then write it off.

just her opinions, but they are written by other people, and they are full of actual lies about facts that have been researched and published all over. I don’t want to argue with her but I do want to point out the truth that people who read a newspaper, watch TV or read a book know. How do I do this without arguing or hurting the relationship? — Karen Dear Karen: Don’t be silly. The “truth” will never interfere with a strongly held opinion! Instead, choose. Choice #1: You don’t want to hurt the relationship, so decide that the “e” in “email” means e-rase, e-radicate, e-liminate. Or go back to the letter D, which stands

for delete. Choice # 2: You don’t want to be tempted to read these, so ask her to please stop sending you political material. Then tell her that good friends can disagree and still stay friends. However, these issues are emotional and people discount truth, defend their lies, and go on believing whatever they want. Remember the old adage “truth will out.” Count on that and you can choose to do nothing. Dear Solutions: I have a friend who completely ignores other people’s needs if they interfere in any way with her own. She keeps telling me it’s very important to

love yourself and that’s what she lives by and bases her judgment on. I hear that a lot, but if you’re going to be hurting other people, what’s so great about loving yourself? — Irene Dear Irene: Well, it’s the only love I know of that’s guaranteed to last a lifetime! If you love yourself Irene, I’d suggest that you examine this so-called friendship very carefully. © Helen Oxenberg, 2010. 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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Retirees teach entrepreneurs the score launching his first business, he heard about SCORE himself. But he said he failed to follow up on the lead and enlist the services of the group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In hindsight, I should have gone in to talk to them, because I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t successful and the company folded,â&#x20AC;? he laughed. Clarke said he came across SCORE again when he retired from a position with Gartner, a large IT consulting firm, and was exploring volunteer opportunities. During his career, he has worked for federal clients as well as commercial ones. Early on, he worked for a consulting company that grew from 12 employees to 150 before being sold. Clarke was recently named the chair of the Washington areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main office for SCORE. There are 10 SCORE offices around the Greater Washington metropolitan area. Nationally, SCORE has 380 chapters. In addition to his volunteer work with SCORE, Clarke has his own practice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started a one-person consulting shop to keep myself current in technology, which I do on a part-time basis,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Objective advice Clarke acknowledged that often itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult for business owners who are too â&#x20AC;&#x153;emotionally wrapped upâ&#x20AC;? in their situations to see clearly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to do is get them to step back and look at the situation objectively, and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what serves people the most,â&#x20AC;? he said. Thirty years ago when Clarke was

Many avenues for assistance Entrepreneurs can seek assistance from SCORE in the manner that works best for them. The group offers one-on-one consultations with mentors, and will perform an onsite evaluation at a business location. SCORE also offers low-cost workshops and seminars on a variety of business issues, and lets entrepreneurs submit questions to

PHOTO BY DELIA SAVA

By Delia Sava Bad business decisions had put Amsale Saife-Selassieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bakery at serious risk of going under. Dama Restaurant and Bakery, a 10-year-old, family-owned business located in Arlington, Va., ran into difficulties when expansion plans to open a second location didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out as the owners had hoped. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re emotionally and financially drained and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even think straight, you really need professional help,â&#x20AC;? said Saife-Selassie, 53. Through BizLaunch, a small business assistance network that is part of Arlington Economic Development, Saife-Selassie discovered the volunteer group called SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), an organization that provides free advice to entrepreneurs. She was matched with volunteer Joe Clarke, a 63-year-old IT consultant who has worked with SCORE for about three years and mentors clients two days a week: one day at SCOREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Washington D.C. office and one day in Arlington.

Experienced business people from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provided free business advice that spared Amsale Saife-Selassieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bakery from bankruptcy. SCORE volunteers share their expertise with entrepreneurs throughout the region and the country.

counselors with particular types of expertise on the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, www.score.org. All SCORE volunteers go through an extensive screening process and orientation period, explained Clarke. A membership panel reviews applicants to ensure that â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good fit for what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to do with the program.â&#x20AC;? There is also a strict code of ethics that members swear to observe. The oath is re-

newed every year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a number of different rules on how we do things so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very clear that we only have one interest in mind â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and that is the best interest of the customer,â&#x20AC;? Clarke said. Business owners may contact the organization at any point where they need advice See SCORE, page 35

Faces of Friendship â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place to live. I have a lot of friends and I feel respected here.â&#x20AC;? Sam Dendy, resident since 1998

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Volunteers & Careers

Give gift of your time to local nonprofits By Barbara Ruben During the holiday season, many area organizations need volunteers more than ever to help with such tasks as preparing holiday meals for the homeless, wrapping gifts for needy children, and singing carols at nursing homes. Here are just a few of the many groups looking for people to help out in December. • The Holiday Project of the National Capital Area organizes visits to people in nursing homes and hospitals in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, bringing the holiday spirit through song and friendly conversation. Upcoming events are at the Arleigh Burke Pavilion in McLean, Va. on Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. on Christmas from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www.holidaypro-

ject.org, e-mail holidayprojectdc@hotmail.com or call (703) 370-0370. • The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless sees its shelter population rise each winter. The shelter does not have a kitchen, so it relies on volunteers to provide food and deliver it to the shelter in Rockville, Md. Hot dinners are especially needed, but the shelter also accepts bagged lunches and breakfasts. To get involved, contact Jacqueline Havens at (301) 917-6658 or jhavens@mcch.net. • Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) needs volunteers to deliver wrapped gifts to children whose parents are incarcerated. Volunteers will deliver the gifts to recipients within their Zip codes in Northern Virginia. Gifts will be picked up at the organization’s office at 1400 N. Uhle St., #704, Arlington. For more information, call OAR at

SCORE

tirelessly to help entrepreneurs and business owners address challenges, as well as seek out opportunities for growth,” Iverson said. Clarke said he enjoys the work with his SCORE colleagues and business partners. He cites the intellectual challenges presented with each situation, and appreciates the out-of-the-box thinking required. “Intellectually it’s a demanding environment — it’s more than a bunch of old people telling war stories,” he joked. “A big part of the satisfaction you get from helping people is seeing the light bulb go on,” Clarke said. “We get paid back by the satisfaction of seeing our clients succeed.” Saife-Selassie credits Clarke’s assistance with saving her family’s business, which she said is back on track these days. “Somebody that you pay does not give you that much attention and that much care, and it was genuine care…I always thank him in my heart,” she said. To learn more about SCORE or to volunteer, visit www.scoredc.org or call (202) 272-0390.

From page 34 and guidance. SCORE hired Gallup to do a survey of 10,000 small business owners who had been clients of SCORE. They found that one-third of the people had been exploring the idea of starting a business, one-third were in the active stages of starting or launching a business, and the final third were established business owners that needed help. Tara Palacios, director of BizLaunch, gives Clarke high marks for his dedication and contributions to businesses that have sought his help. The organization donates office space to SCORE in Arlington. In D.C., space is donated by the Small Business Administration. “I could not ask for a better partner,” said Palacios adding, “It’s a pleasure to work with someone who has such a high ethic of giving back to the community, and is such a strong supporter of small businesses.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Jennifer Ives, director of Business Investment at Arlington Economic Development. “He works

The Beacon wishes you happy holidays.

(703) 228-7030 or visit www.oaronline.org. • Help wrap and sort toys for Montgomery Housing Partnership’s 12th Annual Angels for Children Toy Drive in Wheaton, Md. from Dec. 4 to 18. Find out more by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Lesia Bullock at (301) 622-2400 or lbullock@mhpartners.org. • On Dec. 24, more than 1,000 volunteers of all ages and religious backgrounds will serve meals to the homeless, entertain seniors and children, give blood and paint homeless shelters on this day of service coordinated by the District of Columbia Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 518-9400 or go to http://washingtondcjcc.org/volunteer.

• Wesley Housing Development Corp, which provides apartments for low-income families, needs volunteers to help wrap gifts for youth at one of its two community resource centers in Alexandria or Falls Church on Dec. 9 and 10 from noon to 3 p.m. Supplies will be provided. Gift wrapping for the organization’s adopt-a-family program is also needed from Dec. 14 through 17 at Wesley Housing’s resource center in Arlington. For more information, contact Amanda House at ahouse@whdc.org or call (703) 642-3830. Additional opportunities can be found at the websites of the Montgomery Volunteer Center, www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteer; Volunteer Fairfax, www.volunteerfairfax.org/ individuals/holiday.php; and Greater D.C. Cares, www.greaterdccares.org.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — 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 XXV, ISSUE 12

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Dr. Clarence Brown The Office on Aging Senior Service Network, the South Washington West of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative (DCOA’s Lead Agency for Ward 6), and Arthur Capper Senior Building and Nutrition Site hosted a kick-off event for Medicare Part D Open Enrollment. The U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick, M.D., were the honored guests and presenters during the event, which I was pleased to join in. Seniors were able to ask questions and get answers regarding the enrollment period, which started on Nov. 15 and ends on Dec. 31. During this time, Medicare recipients can make changes to their health and medication coverage plans. Last month, we provided you with a chart that explained some of the available plans. For more help choosing the best coverage plan for you, call George Washington University Health Insurance Counseling Project (DCOA’s grantee and service provider for Medicare and Medicaid) at 202-739-0668 or contact DCOA/ADRC at 202-724-5626. We are delighted to announce that Access Housing, Inc. (D.C.) will be the Office on Aging’s new Lead Agency for Ward 8 Senior Programs starting Dec. 1 for this fiscal year. The Ward 8 staff will remain the same, with a new office location at 4301 9th St., S.E. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program will relocate to Wayne Place Senior Housing in Southeast at 114 Wayne Place, S.E., and will become a new Nutrition Site under Access Housing, Inc. The program’s phone number will remain the same, 202-610-6103. DCOA/ADRC would like to thank Downtown Clusters and Project Director Thomye Cave for providing the administra-

tive and managerial leadership for Ward 8 senior programs during the past fiscal year. In the midst of another holiday season, we want to offer some important reminders. This is the season when scam artists prey on the elderly. When persons present themselves to you on official duty, don’t just be satisfied by seeing a person in uniform. Always remember to ask for photo identification, especially if the visit or service is not requested by you in advance. Persons working in an official capacity should have proper identification and be willing to present it to you upon request. When entering a government building, you are asked to present a photo ID; request the same before you allow someone to enter your home or approach you in other situations. Remember, your safety must be your first priority at all times. Don’t be afraid to speak through the door and ask them to present their ID at your window, or talk to them from a secure and slightly ajar door. Please see this issue of “Spotlight on Aging” for more helpful tips from the Metropolitan Police Department on being safe during the holiday season and every day. Please avoid the holiday blues. Get involved with helping others. Visit with family and friends. Remember the sick and shutins, and brighten their day with your presence. If you want to know what activities you can become involved with, call your Office on Aging Ward agency or 202-724-5626 and inquire. But most importantly, whatever you do during this holiday season, stay engaged, be safe and enjoy the spirit of the season! I also hope to see you at the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Celebration for Silver Citizens on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at the D.C. Armory from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Winter Fire Safety Tips • Be sure your fireplace or wood stove is installed properly. • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from your stove and fireplaces. • Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time. • Do not use liquids to start or accelerate any fire. • If you use synthetic logs, follow the directions on the package, Never break a synthetic

log apart or use more than one at a time. • Never burn charcoal indoors; burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. It’s important that you have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition. Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shut-offs are in proper working order. Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.

December 2010

Ms. Senior America Visit Newly crowned Ms. Senior America Kimberly Moore visited the Washington area recently and spent time with Ms. Senior D.C. Sheila Poole, members of the D.C. Senior America Cameo Club and others. Ms. Senior America, along with Ms. Senior D.C., competed among 33 women from across the country in the Ms. Senior America Pageant held in Atlantic City, N.J. Representing the United States Virgin Islands, Moore dazzled the audience with her imitation of Tina Turner performing “Proud Mary.” The St. Louis native is a dental surgeon and owns and operates a dental practice in Saint Thomas, USVI where she has lived for the last 17 years. The 61-year-old divorcee is the proud mother of one daughter. While in the District, the group enjoyed a play and dinner at a local restaurant.

Medicare Part D Kick-Off

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick, M.D., Brenda Gordon Reynolds, project director, South Washington West of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative (SWWR) ; U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius; Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee, Executive Director Clarence Brown, D.C. Office on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resource Center; Acting Director Samuel Tramell, SWWR, pose during the recent Medicare Part D Enrollment kick-off.

Stay Safe This Holiday Season The following tips are provided by the Metropolitan Police Department.

If a stranger comes to the door Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren’t satisfied, don’t give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

While out shopping • Stay alert and be aware of what’s

going on around you. • Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk. • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. • Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. • Shopping with grandkids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar December events

10th • 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

9th • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get free flu and pneumonia vaccinations and health screenings at Older Adults Vaccination Day. The event will be held at Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, 1901 Evarts St., N.E. For more information, call 202- 635-1900.

9th • 1 to 2:30 p.m. The “Take Charge, Age Well” seminar is back by popular demand at IONA Senior Services, 4125 Albemarle St., N.W. This seminar is designed for retirees and those planning to retire, who want to remain active, engaged and connected. The topic for Dec. 9 is “Roles and Relationships in Retirement.” It will be led by social worker Deborah Rubenstein, the director of IONA’s consultation, care management and counseling services, and Lylie Fisher, manager of IONA’s volunteer program. Call 202-895-9448 with any questions.

Take a trip to Bally’s casino in Atlantic City, N.J. with Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center. The trip costs $45, but participants will get $25 back to play with at the casino. The trip leaves from the center, 324 Kennedy St., N.W., at 6:45 a.m. and returns at 8 p.m. For more information, call 202-2916170.

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 & Selma Dillard, Photographers The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital sta-

7th • 1 to 3 p.m. Take an opera appreciation class at IONA Senior Services with the Washington Concert Opera Guild beginning Jan. 7. IONA is located at 4125 Albemarle St., N.W. The class will be held each Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Register by calling 202-895-9448.

Ongoing 15th • 1 to 4 p.m. Celebrate the season with Seabury Ward 5 Aging Services’ holiday open house. The event will take place at 2900 Newton St., N.E. For more information, contact Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

sheet mailed about one to four weeks before your smart meter is scheduled for installation. Please check the area around your existing meter and clear any obstructions, such as shrubs that need to be trimmed, so that Pepco’s installers have safe access. An installer will knock on your door before the installation begins. If no one is home, a door hanger will be left advising that the work has been completed or that the customer should call and set up an appointment with Scope Ser vices, the contractor performing this work for Pepco. Your electric service may be interrupted for a brief period of time during the meter exchange. You may need to reset digital clocks. The Office on Aging will be holding a series of workshops on the program. For more information, call 202-724-5626.

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.

Attend a workshop, “Medicare Part D — Open Enrollment” at Delta Towers Senior Nutrition Center, 1400 Florida Ave., N.E. For additional information, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

January event

13th • 6:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monitor Your Energy Use with Smart Meters Pepco is installing smart meters in homes and businesses across the District of Columbia. These smart meters will allow them to provide you detailed energy information that will help you better understand your electric use and help all of us meet our energy reduction goals. Smart meters are equipped with technology that allows two-way communications between your home or business and Pepco. The meter records your daily energy use, and in the future you will have access to the data to monitor your own energy use. Energy information from your smart meter will help you make decisions about your energy use and help you target ways to save. All District customers receive a new meter. Crews began installing the smart meters in October and will continue with the installation process through December 2011. Pepco will be notifying you with a letter and a fact

17th • 11:30 a.m.

The Washington Senior Wellness Center is holding its annual Christmas party at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 3800 Ely Place, S.E. Contact Renee Few at 202-581-9355 with any questions.

tus, 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.

Seabury Ward 5 Aging Services emergency food is available at its pantry, located at 2900 Newton St., N.E., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is free to Ward 5 residents 60 years and older. Eligibility is determined on a “case by case” basis. Contact Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

MetroAccess Payment Changes In an effort to simplify and save customers time in paying fares, Metro is encouraging its MetroAccess riders to use remaining tokens and paper fare cards before January 31, 2011, when their use will be discontinued. The Metro Board of Directors voted Oct. 28 to approve the elimination of the tokens and paper fare cards. The transition is being planned in preparation for new distance-based fares that are being implemented on Dec. 5, as part of the 2011 budget fare changes authorized earlier this year. Under the new fares, continued use of tokens and paper fare cards will add handling time to each trip. While paper fare cards and tokens are being phased out, Metro is encouraging MetroAccess customers to prepay for trips by phone or online using a credit or debit card with MetroAccess EZ-Pay. The service has been available to customers since May 2009. SmartBenefits customers may also take advantage of MetroAccess EZ-Pay. Customers can receive stepby-step instructions on how to use EZ-Pay online, or they can call 301-562-5360 to request information. In addition to EZ-

Pay, MetroAccess fares also may be paid in cash in the exact amount at boarding. Starting Dec. 5, MetroAccess fares will be based on the distance and time of day that a customer travels. The MetroAccess fare will be twice the amount of what the fare would cost on the fastest comparable trip if the same trip were taken on fixedroute services (Metrobus and Metrorail), up to a maximum fare of $7. MetroAccess customers will be informed of the exact fare that they are expected to pay for a trip when they book a trip online or with a MetroAccess reservations agent. Effective July 1, the MetroAccess service area was changed to provide paratransit service to locations within ¾ mile of fixed route service (Metrobus and Metrorail) during the same hours that fixed route transportation services are available. Customers who traveled outside the ADA service area or hours in FY2010 are permitted to continue to do so under a grandfathering provision adopted by the Metro Board of Directors. All grandfathered trips outside the ADA service area will be charged the maximum fare.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Thomas Jefferson’s home and other historic sites in Virginia are attracting new visitors with behind-the-scenes stories. See more on page 40.

Nepal offers visitors unique experiences

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

much a part of everyday life as eating and breathing. While about 90 percent of the people are Hindu, and most of the rest are Buddhist, over 2000 years the line dividing those faiths has virtually disappeared. Many believers hold the other religion’s shrines as sacred, and worship the gods of both. Around-the-clock prayer, reverence and ritual exceed expressions of faith I have encountered anywhere else. Spiritual beliefs and religious commitment provide solace for people who are among the poorest in the world, with a per capita annual income below $500. As one man observed, “America has financial riches. In Nepal, people have spiritual wealth.” The natural place to begin a visit is Kathmandu, the political, financial and cultural capital where about 10 percent of the approximately 29 million Nepalese live. It doesn’t take long to experience many of the contrasts that abound throughout the country, as well as sensory overload. The sing-song cry of street vendors selling vegetables, spices and multicolored fabric is echoed by the occasional mooing of a sacred cow wandering serenely along the streets. Animals vie with cars and motorcycles whose constantly honking horns add to the din, A spiritual nation Nepal is also a nation where religion is as along with Pedi cabs and pedestrians weaving through the traffic. The oldest neighborhood is a maze of cobblestone back streets lined by tiny shops and small shrines, some erected and maintained by individual families. They are miniscule imitations of elaborately carved and gaily painted ancient temples, pagodas and monuments said to be the largest collection of religious architecture in the world. The biggest concentration of shrines is in Durbar Square, a Magic KingdomReligion plays a large role in daily life in Nepal, where Hindus like jumble of more and Buddhists live together peacefully. Durbar Square in than 50 temples and Kathmandu has more than 50 Hindu and Buddhist temples and shrines. other structures

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

By Victor Block The setting resembled a stunning picture postcard come to life. Soaring, snow-capped mountains provided a backdrop for greenclad terraces carved out of steep hillsides. In fields below, men and women wearing a rainbow of colorful clothing bent low to pick golden shoots and tie them into huge bundles, which they carried to a rickety wooden wagon pulled by a pair of water buffalo. Scenes like this, and others equally stunning, combine to make Nepal a destination that surpasses its already intriguing image as a place of unsurpassed natural beauty and fascinating lifestyles. The small country, about the size and shape of Tennessee and tucked between India and Tibet, is home to eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world, including fabled Everest and the magnificent Annapurna range. Touches of western technology and culture stand in stark contrast to life in remote rural areas, which in many ways is reminiscent of medieval times. Women wearing multihued saris walk hand-in-hand with children dressed in jeans and T-shirts sporting “I love New York” and other incongruous messages.

The towering Himalayas, blanketed in snow year-round, provide a stunning backdrop near Nepal’s border with Tibet.

built over centuries in a variety of styles. They’re adorned by statues of humans, animals, gods and goddesses fashioned from stone, gold, silver and other materials. This other-worldly setting, both sacred and to me somewhat Disneyesque, is echoed not far away. Patan and Bhaktapur, two ancient sister cities to Kathmandu, each has its own Durbar Square, which rivals that of its nearby relative in splendor if not size.

Trekking through varied terrain Venturing outside the three vibrant communities that share the Kathmandu valley introduces you to a very different, if no less intriguing, world. Remote villages that dot the countryside resemble living museums little changed from centuries past. Their narrow streets are crowded with people going about their daily chores much as generations of their forebears did. Most eke out a living growing rice, wheat, maize and other staples of the diet. Depending upon where you are, the scenery also offers a constantly changing tableau. In the north, near the border with Tibet, the rugged Himalayan mountains loom overhead. Their jagged peaks, blanketed year-round by deep snow and ice fields, glint in the sun. Further south is the mid-mountain region, where peaks that elsewhere would

rate as giants are relegated to second-class status by the towering Himalayas. Southern Nepal comprises the Terai, a subtropical belt of low-lying plains, wetlands and fields, where much of the nation’s grains and vegetables are grown. Travel throughout the country also provides introductions to people who are as ethnically diverse as the terrain. Counts of the number of cultural groups that comprise the native population range from 35 major categories to more than 100 smaller subsets that speak over 90 languages and dialects. Many ethnic groupings are concentrated in specific locales and are identifiable by their dress and customs. My two-day trek led through tiny villages inhabited by some of those minorities. The hike did not come close in terms of time or challenge to the two most popular routes — around the Annapurna massif, or the longer journey to the Mount Everest base camp perched at 17,700 feet. Even so, walking at an altitude of nearly 9,000 feet, following long stretches of stone paths clinging to steep hillsides, was challenge enough. Two fellow trekkers elected to ride ponies that carefully picked their way along the rock-strewn route. It didn’t help that winds blowing up to 40 See NEPAL, page 39

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Nepal From page 38 miles per hour swept down the valley, tearing hats off heads and sunglasses from faces. Some gusts were so strong that narrow glacier-melt waterfalls plummeting down mountainsides were actually blown back up toward the peaks where they originated.

An elephant ride in the jungle In contrast to ice-clad mountain tops, the grasslands and forests of the fertile Terai area are home to an abundance of wildlife. Elephants, tigers, leopard, rhinoceros and wild boar are among residents of the region that roam jungle-like stretches, while monkeys chatter in the trees overhead. Crocodiles and alligators lie hidden in stream waters. The habitat also attracts nearly 600 lowland species of birds, especially near rivers and ponds. A dozen national parks and reserves have been set aside in Nepal to provide protected areas for endangered and other animals. Chitwan National Park in the Terai lowlands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best known. As if the opportunity to view a Noah’s Ark of wildlife in its natural habitat weren’t enough, an unusual mode of transportation through the jungle renders animal sightings almost a bonus. Elephants line up like so many taxicabs, standing patiently as four passengers clamber up a ladder and take their place on a wooden platform strapped to each beast’s broad back. Then, guided by their handler, the massive pachyderms amble into the dense jungle, nimbly stepping over fallen logs and gently traversing muddy bogs. In that setting, the unlikely ringing of a cell phone sounded almost surreal. Notified of a rhino sighting nearby, our driver guided us to the spot, but by the time we arrived, the elusive creature had slipped — or, rather, crashed — back into the forest cover. Birds and the occasional crocodile were sighted during a gentle 45-minute river ride in a long canoe fashioned from the trunk of a kapok tree. We also spotted trails left by rhinos that came to the river to drink, elephant footprints along the shoreline, and a woman draped in a multi-

color sari doing her laundry. More exciting to our guide were sightings of the yellow-headed whitetail, redvented bulbul and other birds whose names I found as exotic as their appearance. Disappointment over our failure to encounter a rhino, preferably from a distance as far as I was concerned, was more than outweighed by the kaleidoscope of sights and sounds that overwhelmed my senses during every waking hour in Nepal. The magnificence of Mother Nature at her very best vies for attention with women wearing a rainbow of graceful multi-hued garments. People toiling in fields from dawn to dusk display a serenity emanating from their strong sense of spirituality. Tiny shrines built by families as testament to their strong belief stand in the shadow of immense, ornately decorated temples and monuments that attract throngs of worshippers. Those pictures and others will linger long in my memory. So will the grace and gentle humor with which the people, despite facing many hardships, deal with life. Asking at a tiny airport how late the plane for which I was waiting, already an hour overdue, might take off, I was told, “Whenever it does, it will be on time.” Stopping during my trek to inquire about the distance to the next town, a fellow hiker who has visited Nepal many times told me that she once had asked an elderly peasant the same question. In response, he good naturedly replied, “If you don’t stop talking and start walking, you’ll never get there.” After visiting this fascinating destination, my advice is that if it’s at all possible, do what it takes to get there yourself.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Leisure & Travel

Given its remote location, challenging terrain and often basic tourism infrastructure outside the larger cities, Nepal is a destination that lends itself to group travel. A set itinerary, organized transportation and luggage handling are among many conveniences that ease the way. Myths and Mountains, the tour company with which I went, demonstrated a degree of flexibility that also enhanced the experience. Just one example of that was arranging for box lunches to eat on the bus when a delayed flight could have caused us to miss inviting sightseeing opportunities. Another plus is that the company focuses its trips on providing deep insight into the culture and customs of countries it visits, and exposure to secluded villages and activities that many visitors miss. Myths and Mountains offers a choice of tours to countries throughout Asia and South America. The price for its trips to Nepal begin at $2,295 for groups as small as two people. An added bonus is that traveling with

Myths and Mountains supports its READ Global charitable arm, which has helped to open 50 libraries throughout Nepal, plus others in India and Bhutan. In additional to regular library functions, these establishments serve as community resource centers offering a long list of activities ranging from pre-natal care, day care and early childhood education to adult literacy programs, women’s empowerment and micro-financing. The centers are planned and built with major involvement by volunteers in each community, who also operate businesses —such as a small furniture factory, meal catering, goat raising and an ambulance service — that provide financial support to each enterprise. For more information, log onto www.mythsandmountains.com or call 1800-670-6984. For tourism information, go to http://welcomenepal.com, the site of the Nepal Tourism Board. Victor Block is a Washington, D.C.-based travel writer.

See useful links and resources at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com 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!

When to go, and with whom

Call Lee at (571) 244-4363

Good times to visit Nepal are October and November, the beginning of the dry season, and February through May, when that period is ending. It can be chilly during December and January at higher altitudes, and the monsoon season is June through September. A number of special events will take place during 2011, which has been designated as Nepal Tourism Year. They will include festivals, cultural programs and reopening of recently restored temples.

to learn more about this incredible adventure. www.h2t3Tours.com

CRUISE FROM BALTIMORE in 2011 5-Night Bermuda Cruises docking 2 full days at Kings Wharf, Bermuda from Baltimore: Apr. 11 & 30; May 14 & 28; June 11 & 25 July 9 & 23; Aug 6 & 20; Sep 3 & 17; Oct 1 15 & 29; Nov 12, 2011. Rates from: $649. per pers dbl

9-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Tour South Africa with Dr. Bettye-Bouey Yates ese exciting 12-day tours are uniquely designed to showcase this country in many diﬀerent ways, educationally, culturally, historically, and politically. See Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Sun City, and Soweto Highlights include: the Cape Peninsula - high tea - a tribal experience – an evening game drive -Mandela’s cell on Robben Island -Table Mountain - a township school – a jazz evening. Plus much more - Optional add-on: Victoria Falls

For a full itinerary and tour dates:

(202) 559-7897 • (202) 554-0395 info@yatestours.com, or visit: www.yatestours.com

San Juan, P.R.; St. Thomas, USVI; Samana, D.R.; Labadee, Haiti (private island beach party). From Baltimore: Jan. 2; Feb. 19; Mar. 12; Apr. 2; May 5 & 19; Jun 2 & 30; July 28; Aug 25; Oct 20; Nov 3, 17 & 26 2011. Rates from: $899. per pers dbl

12-Night Southern Caribbean Labadee, Haiti (private island); Samana, D.R.; San Juan, P.R.; St.Thomas, USVI, St. Marten,Tortola, BritishVirgin Islands. From Baltimore: Jan 17; Feb 7 & 28; March 21; April 11; Dec 5; Jan. 17; Feb. 7, 28; Mar. 21; Apr. 11, 2011 • Rates from: $899. per pers dbl

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Behind-the-scenes stories from history June in Monticello’s cellar depicts a place where slaves who worked as cooks, housemaids and others worked together and crossed paths with Jefferson family members, visitors’ servants and others. Called “Crossroads,” the exhibit includes life-sized figures of Jefferson’s enslaved butler Burwell Colbert, Jefferson’s daughter Martha, teenage house servant Israel Gillette and others next to artifacts found during archaeological research — such as thimbles, clothing irons and shoe buckles.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTICELLO

By Zinie Chen Sampson Thomas Jefferson’s clothes and linens didn’t get pressed on their own, and the meals for his lavish parties didn’t cook themselves. Jefferson’s Monticello estate, in Charlottesville, Va., is expanding efforts to depict the lives and activities of the people who worked behind the scenes, allowing visitors to see that Jefferson had a lot of support for his achievements. Other sites have been undertaking similar updates — and in doing so, they’re providing a more complete depiction of history. Curators at the third president’s mountaintop home have been using Jefferson’s detailed journals, archaeological finds and other research to expand Monticello’s stories beyond the great man and his achievements. They are also speaking to a wider audience that includes a growing number of black visitors and other minorities, said Leni Sorensen, African American research historian at Monticello. “Visitors want to see how Jefferson was allowed to live the way he lived — who was behind that work,” Sorensen said. “They’ll see that competent, skilled enslaved people did the work and helped make it happen.” A new permanent exhibit that opened in

Beyond praising famous men Ford Bell, president of the American Association of Museums, said that historic sites and museums are now reflecting a more multicultural approach, turning away from the “great man theory” that spotlighted only the achievements of Jefferson and other historic figures. “The true story is the telling of millions of individual stories of all Americans,” Bell said. “It’s truly about diverse cultural and ethnic groups that came together to create our country, and many of them were reviled or subjugated.” Updating history could also help attendance. The nation’s demographics are changing, but core museum visitors are still largely white, Bell said. To draw more diverse visitors, museums

Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s former home in Charlottesville, Va., has a new basement exhibit that depicts how slaves kept the household running and interacted with Jefferson family members. It is part of a new, multicultural trend at historic sites and museums to illuminate the lives of those who lived behind the scenes of great historical figures.

are offering stories that resonate with visitors of many backgrounds, including people from ethnic or religious minorities, he said. The Hermitage, the Tennessee plantation home of President Andrew Jackson, has updated its introduction film and

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opened a gallery exhibit that includes the Indian Removal Act that Jackson pushed for and signed into law in 1830. The measure led to the forced westward See HISTORIC SITES, page 41

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Historic sites From page 40 migration of thousands of Native Americans from five Southeast tribes to make way for white settlers and slavery. Some visitors have thought the presentation portrays Jackson as evil, or that Indian removal shouldn’t be discussed because it’s a black mark on the seventh president’s legacy. But Marsha Mullin, the Hermitage’s vice president for museum services, said it’s important to present a fuller look at Jacksonian America. “It’s an era people don’t know much about, between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War,” Mullin said. “We need to paint the picture in between so they know why the Civil War came along.”

Richmond Civil War sites In Richmond, the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar was among the first to tell the story of the war from Union, Confederate, and African-American perspectives. Opened in 2006 at the site of the Tredegar gun foundry, the center allows visitors to see the war’s legacy, and to examine similar contemporary issues — including opposition to immigration and the increase in states’-rights rhetoric, said center president Christy Coleman. The National Park Service also is in the process of enhancing Civil War battlefield sites, said David Ruth, superintendent of the Richmond National Battlefield Park. One project has been to create new exhibits at Chimborazo, site of the Confederacy’s largest wartime hospital. Highlighted at this museum at the National Battle-

field Park is the role of Southern women and slaves who tended to wounded soldiers, marking the introduction of women to the then male-dominated nursing profession. History and military buffs, of course, will still be able to immerse themselves in the battles and wartime strategy, Ruth said. But the war’s bigger picture becomes clearer when it includes more depictions of real people’s lives during that time. “My sense is that by including a more complete context, we’re going to be more relevant to a larger audience,” he said. “With a larger audience coming to our site, there’s no question there’s an economic impact in local areas by having more reasons for people to come.” Monticello: Charlottesville, Va.; www. monticello.org. Estate of Thomas Jefferson. Open daily December to February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. New “Crossroads” cellar exhibit is included in basic house and grounds tour: adults, $17, November to February ($22 the rest of the year); ages 6 to 11, $8 year-round (free for 5 and under). American Civil War Center: Richmond, Va., www.tredegar.org/americancivil-war-center.aspx. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults, $8; children $2 (free for 6 and under). Richmond National Battlefield Park: Richmond, Va., www.nps.gov/rich. Visitor centers at Tredegar Iron Works and Chimborazo open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; park battlefields open daily sunrise to sunset. The Hermitage: Nashville, Tenn., www.thehermitage.com. Home of Andrew Jackson. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults, $17 (seniors, $14); ages 13-18, $11; ages 6-12, $7 (free for 5 and under). — AP

BEACON BITS

Dec. 18

MOUNT VERNON BY CANDLELIGHT “Mrs. Washington” hosts an evening of candlelit tours, fireside

caroling and hot cider and cookies on Saturday, Dec. 18. Sponsored by Arlington

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Upcoming Trips “Sugar” at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, PA

Saturday, March 26, 2011 Sugar is the hilarious musical version of the film Some Like It Hot, where two unemployed musicians witness the St. Valentine's Day massacre and escape the mob by disguising themselves as women and joining an all-girl band on their way to Miami. $129 per person

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV Sunday-Tuesday, April 10-12

A resort worthy of a head-of-state, The Greenbrier represents the height of elegance. You’ll dine in the main dining room and enjoy afternoon teas, the luxurious spa, and the abundant recreational and athletic facilities. You can also tour the famous bunker and the Presidents' Cottage Museum, take a carriage ride or try your luck at the brand-new Monte-Carlo-style casino. $745 per person, double occupancy $855 per person, single occupancy

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at

Riverside Dinner Theater, Fredericksburg, VA Sunday, May 1, 2011 A country-music extravaganza, based on the last days of Miss Mona’s “Chicken Ranch,” a legendary Texas brothel. Slightly risqué, but loaded with great country songs and hilarious humor. Don’t miss this one! $129 per person

Also: Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA May 22-27 “Music of the Night” at American Music Theatre Saturday, June 11 “Hello Dolly” at Allenberry Inn and Playhouse Sunday, July 17 The Hamptons, Long Island, NY September 18-21 and many others Call us about these and the other trips we have planned for 2011

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non-residents. Departs from Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington, Va., at 3:45 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m. Call (703) 228-4748 to reserve a spot or to

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Find freedom and fun in DIY driving trips My friend Don, back home in the High scenery, food, buildings and monuments, Country from a driving trip in Europe, told historical sites, whatever. me he “hated” most of France Make sure the area is large and Spain. enough to provide a reasonWhy? Because, as was his able range of stops, but small enough that you don’t have to usual pattern, he pre-booked all of his hotel accommodadrive more than a few hours each day. tions in city and town centers, 2. Before you go, get one and found the traffic to be teror more guidebooks covering rible and the cities to be packed. The only places he the area’s attractions and activities, and another one or enjoyed were the small towns two covering accommodaand countryside. TRAVEL TIPS tions and restaurants. This was a predictable outBy Ed Perkins In the U.S., that means come. He now recognizes that he would have been better off on a free- some combination of a good destination form trip, keeping to the countryside and guide and the AAA or Mobil guides. If you staying anywhere along the route he found like B&B accommodations, get one or attractive. more B&B guides, or download and print My wife and I have done that sort of trip online regional directories. In Europe, that means, at a minimum, often, in the United States as well as in Europe. Armed with good maps and guide- the appropriate Michelin “Green” regional books, we’ve driven around some beautiful destination guide and the national Micheareas, stopped when we saw something lin “Red” hotel and restaurant guide. Research the region carefully — both worth a stop, and crashed at funky country the sights/activities and the general highinns along the way. way layout. You don’t need to map out a deTen tips for free-form travel tailed itinerary; spontaneity is part of the Here are the 10 “rules” I’ve developed fun of free-form touring. But you should for that sort of free-form driving trip: have a feel for the region’s “must see” 1. Select a region you’d like to explore. stops, regardless of the order in which you Choose on the basis of what interests you: visit them.

3. Get the most detailed maps of the region you can find. In the U.S., that means the usual state highway maps plus whatever AAA maps are available for areas within the region. In Europe, that means however many of the highly detailed minimum-area maps you can get from Michelin or its several competitors. They’re available at any good travel bookstore or online through Amazon. 4. Plan your trip for the low season. This is critical. Free-form touring just doesn’t work in a region’s high season, when you can expect most accommodations to be fully booked and restaurants mobbed. You don’t do free-form touring in New England during the fall foliage season, or the U.S. coasts in summer, or the Colorado Rockies during ski season, or Normandy or Tuscany in August. We’ve found some really nice overnights on the Oregon coast in late fall, in Tuscany in late fall, and in the French Alps in early summer. 5. If you’re renting a car, rent one in

which you feel comfortable. Your car will be “home” for the duration. Skimping on rentals is a major mistake. 6. When you start touring, pack so you can keep most of your stuff in the car’s trunk and schlep only a toilet kit and one change of clothes each time you check into a hotel. 7. Avoid big cities and even sizable towns — free-form touring doesn’t work well there. Even if it did, most city and suburban accommodations are now chain motels. If you just have to go into a city or two, stay in the outskirts and use public transportation to get in and out of the center. 8. Stick to the side and back roads; forget freeways and main highways. 9. Stay overnight when and where you feel like it. In Europe, some of the least expensive countryside accommodations are “restaurants with rooms,” and you can get some great meals there, as well. 10. Take it easy and have fun. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. © 2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

See puzzles on p. 62. More at our website.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A Special Supplement to The Beacon newspaper

Volunteer Opportunities Fort Meade’s Air Force Detachment 2, 336 TRS sent a group to spend a full day visiting and assisting residents.

Page 8

December 2010/No.19

Photos by Randy Sager

“New Frontiers in Dementia Care” symposium offers insights on research and caregiving More than 200 physicians, eldercare and Alzheimer’s care professionals, and family caregivers convened at the Hebrew Home’s recent New Frontiers in Dementia Care symposium to discuss the latest in Alzheimer’s research, treatment options and caregiving strategies. The event, part of the Hebrew Home’s centennial year programming, was co-sponsored by Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO of Charles E. Smith Life Communities, noted the symposium was “a unique opportunity to examine the future of eldercare, connect and share best practices with experts, and learn about the growing prevalence of dementia and its impact on the baby boomer generation.” Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death in the nation. It affects more than five million individuals, and Americans are spending more than $172 billion to care for loved ones with

Ann Morrison of Johns Hopkins led a panel on “Strategies for Caregivers” at the “New Frontiers in Dementia Care” symposium co-sponsored by the Hebrew Home and Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Drs. Andrew Rosenzweig and Richard O’Brien field questions at the “Research Horizon” panel.

Alzheimer’s. One thing is clear about this costly disease: today, the answers and solutions cannot be found in a pill. Continued research on Alzheimer’s is essential to understanding the illness and delaying its onset. As the best treatments are being explored, professional and family caregivers remain at the frontline of defense.

Important insights gleaned from the symposium: • The government research budget for Alzheimer’s is $500 million a year while the research budget for cancer is $6 billion, reported Dr. Marilyn Albert, professor of neurology/director, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Medicine. • According to Dr. Richard O’Brien, M.D., Ph.D., chairman, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Center, dementia may not be preventable, but vascular disease and stroke are, and this can help eliminate the chance of developing dementia. >> continued on page 5

HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES • LANDOW HOUSE • RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE

Elizabeth Taylor visited residents in 1978. Who else volunteers?

Caregiver tips

Youth philanthropy program seeks teens

Page 2 – 3

Page 4

Page 7

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Centennial

You don’t need to be as beautiful or famous as Elizabeth Taylor to be a ‘mensch’

On March 16, 1978, movie star Elizabeth Taylor created quite a bit of excitement when she volunteered to visit residents. “You don’t need to be as beautiful or famous as Elizabeth Taylor to be a ‘mensch’ and volunteer some of your time to serve the many men and women of our Home,” wrote Executive Director Samuel Roberts at the time. That thought is still true: please call 301.770.8333 or e-mail volunteers@hebrew-home.org and learn how you can make a difference. See page 8 for a list of current volunteer opportunities.

Our Special Ingredient: Volunteers For 100 years, volunteers have been a vital part of the Home’s success. Visionary lay leaders, Men’s Club, Women’s Auxiliary, and Guardian Campaign Committee members, medical and dental professionals and countless others have contributed selflessly in unique and essential ways. From youngsters to retirees, our volunteers have ensured that the Home’s frail elderly residents always feel safe, cared for, comforted and embraced. This is but a tiny sampling; more volunteer photos are at www.hebrew-home.org Spring Road

1970s

An American Red Cross volunteer helps with recreation activities.

Women’s Auxiliary volunteers ran a gift shop in the Wasserman lobby. Sarah Robins, Blanche Alloy, Elaine and David Gefter, Lillian Kessler.

1980s Sarah Tunick established warm relationships with countless residents. Ari Israel, today a rabbi, captured resident events with his movie camera.

< Hana Layson volunteered weekly as part of the Madeira school’s community service project.

Harry “Grandpa” Frey, a retired auto mechanic, repaired resident wheelchairs. Fay Burka founded the Guardian Campaign in 1958. For more than 50 years, dedicated campaign volunteers have raised critical funds for the Home. This year’s goal is over $1 million.

Pets as volunteers? Shelly Weitzman and her dog represent the many engaging pet volunteers who have brought enjoyment to our residents over the years.

Bud Rothstein, DDS, began volunteering on Spring Road, providing dental care to residents in the clinic his father Robert J. Rothstein equipped at the Home. For 41 years, Rothstein Dental Laboratories produced free dental prostheses for residents. Today, Dr. Richard Meltzer and members of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity continue to provide volunteer dental care.

David Englander, a Holocaust survivor, led religious services and escorted residents to activities and physical therapy.

Dorothy Golomb, a beloved volunteer for over 33 years, did everything that needed doing; she never said no. Nancy Fox, a junior volunteer, shares a light-hearted moment with Max Poms.

Page 2 | December 2010

www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Christmas Day volunteers

Volunteer Ron Guritzky captured the action on Christmas 1989 as volunteers pitched in throughout the Home. Matthew and Brad Saaks of Germantown helped out in the laundry.

enable more employees at the Hebrew Home to spend the holiday with their families. You can help, on Christmas and on other holidays: call

301.770.8333.

Celia Mannes, our longest-serving volunteer, devoted her talents to residents for nearly 50 years.

Adam Klein-Goldstein, who accompanied his mother on weekly visits, plays improvised duets at the piano with resident Henry Kalinsky.

Rachel Wiley, an outstanding student volunteer, created an art program for residents with Alzheimer’s. “They have no past, no future, but they have the moment, and that’s what I’m working with,” she said.

1990s Claire Marwick, a 20-year volunteer, led a popular “Culture Hour” and made weekly deliveries of large-print books for visually-impaired residents.

2000s Anne Naimark volunteered for over 37 years, more than 50,000 hours. She supervised a team of 30 volunteers who assisted with quarterly jewelry bazaars in our lobbies (earning over $100,000 for the Home) and initiated the successful “Bead Group,” training her successors who continue today.

Josefi Seltzer, today an attorney, was an active volunteer.

Art Leibman and the “poker volunteers” have run a long-standing weekly poker game for residents.

A teenager demonstrates a dance with elegant fans for residents.

Dorothea Lear organized imaginative activities for residents. She started as a volunteer, worked on staff for many years, and resumed volunteering upon retirement.

When residents with no families needed help managing their financial and medical paperwork, Julius Langsner came to their assistance.

Today Twenty-five members of the Senase Group, a non-profit organization based in Silver Spring, reached out to residents.

Hedy Peyser, right, has guided volunteers for more than 30 years; many with the able assistance of Linda Cohen, left. Volunteer programs at the Home have won national awards.

Andy Siegel and Orly Farber continue Josh Stanton’s volunteer role on the awardwinning “Lessons of a Lifetime: The Ethical Will project.” Hebrew Home resident, Herman Markowitz, center. Ruth Pinkson was an exceptional volunteer for over 30 years; her husband Ray volunteered as the Home’s “official” photographer.

LifeTimes

www.smithlifecommunities.org

December 2010 | Page 3

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Generation to Generation is a monthly publication of Charles E. Smith Life Communities that focuses on topics of importance to seniors and their families. Alzheimer’s disease, explored from the perspective of the caregiver, was also addressed in our November issue, as well as below. Please visit our Newsroom page at www.hebrew-home.org to access our archives.

Generation to Generation Strategies for caregivers Initiatives

Caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients walk a long, painful, and often lonely road. They have been thrust into a role not theirs by choice and one for which they possess no preparation, training or knowledge. Experts at a recent symposium on dementia care sponsored by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington with Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, suggested strategies for coping, including: • Recognize that no issue can be solved in one pass. Try to reduce undesirable behavior bit by bit. • Keep things in perspective. “The stressful problem of today will not be the same problem tomorrow. As the disease progresses, the problems will typically worsen,” says Ann Morrison, outreach coordinator for Johns Hopkins’ Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. • Gather your team together if you are a home caregiver, says Shelly Webb, founder of The Intentional Caregiver. Attend support groups; tap into online resources; find respite care. Having a parent with dementia can stress the caregiver’s marriage and health. • Physical environment, including lighting, can affect behavior. Make it safe and more effective in promoting calm behavior. Advice from an occupational therapist may be valuable.

Page 4 | December 2010

Dr. Damien Doyle, medical director, Charles E. Smith Life Communities, moderated the research panel at the recent symposium.

• Create consistent routines, but be open to providing new experiences for the patient that might be beneficial. • Try to decipher – and then avoid – triggers which arouse outbursts. Dementia patients have limited ways of responding, and when the result is an aggressive flare-up, use distractions such as turning on the TV or serving a snack. • If changes in medication are being considered, change only one drug at a time. • Consider whether depression may be a factor. It often goes unrecognized and untreated when coupled with dementia. • Pastoral support can be an important component. “Faith can help, but faith can also be questioned,” notes Rabbi James Michaels of the Hebrew Home. “Life review is important at this stage, but some memories may revive feelings of guilt or regret.”

The “stew of dementia defies neat categories and pie charts,” says Dr. Damien Doyle, vice president of medical affairs/ medical director at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. There are always “shades of gray” and frequently “the coexistence of co-morbid conditions.” “The reality is that the current treatments do very little,” acknowledges Dr. Doyle. “They can be of limited benefit, but the answer to our problems does not lie in the form of a pill, certainly not at this point.” Behavioral psychology may offer as many answers as medical treatments. ■

Perspectives The daughter of a former Hebrew Home resident with dementia describes the futility of expecting conversational responses from her dad. “It was important to rephrase every question, avoiding unfair tests of recall that required correct answers. Instead of asking ‘Do you know who I am?’ I’d say ‘You know I’m your daughter Pearl, don’t you?’ This way he could nod yes when he was no longer able to speak. ‘You know that I love you, don’t you?’ And then I’d say, ‘You know that I know you love me, too.’ I was helping him express feelings that I knew he had but could no longer express.”

• If a loved one refuses to have an aide, hire a “housekeeper” or a “gardener.” ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

It Takes a Community Did winter weather leave you in the dark? Residents at Charles E. Smith Life Communities never missed a beat, or a meal or a chance to be together with friends and neighbors. Before Mother Nature causes more havoc in our area, check out our opportunities for independent living and assisted living. Some apartments have immediate availability. Call Pam Rosen at 301.816.5012.

Symposium

continued from page 1

• Dr. Albert also provided prevention advice around lifestyle changes including increased physical and mental activity and social engagement. • At best, current drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s and other dementias offer a brief pause in the inevitable decline, said Dr. Albert. • Depression is a common component of dementia but often goes unrecognized and untreated. • Thirty to forty percent of caregivers die before the patient dies, so it is imperative that family caregivers reach out for advice and support. • The government is working to address the issue of integrated care by 2019, according to Anthony Rodgers, deputy administrator for strategic planning, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This includes aligned incentives Barry Petersen, CBS News correspondent between Medicare and and author of Jan’s Story: The Long Medicaid, a shifted focus Good-bye with Warren Slavin, CEO/ President. Petersen’s emotional and on patient-centered care and raising health literacy. insightful journey with his wife who has early onset Alzheimer’s was a Keynote speaker Barry powerful presentation. Petersen, Emmy-award-winning CBS news correspondent and author of Jan’s Story: Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer’s, shared that individuals may develop physical changes associated with Alzheimer’s as much as 50 years before diagnosis. Peterson also spoke movingly about his own experiences caring for his wife Jan, who developed early-onset dementia. “If you met one caregiver who’s involved in this journey, then you’ve met one caregiver on a unique journey,” he concluded. Attendees gave the symposium high ratings and praised the information conveyed, the variety of panelists and terrific speakers: “Excellent presentations. Focused on what we need as professionals and what we need as caregivers.” “Barry Petersen was phenomenal. He provided a powerful example of a caregiver’s personal experience, but this also shed to light issues that are common for many caregivers.” ■

Video highlights of presentations and photos from the event will be posted online at www.hebrew-home.org.

LifeTimes

Your house can be more than a home Owning a home can be a comfort — or a tremendous strain. The option of selling it can potentially leave you with a large tax burden. If this describes your situation, A New Twist: Use Your Home to Help the Hebrew Home, can be the perfect educational event for you. Nationally-acclaimed speaker, Mark B. Weinberg, Esq. of Weinberg, Jacobs, & Tolani, will discuss how your home can simultaneously enhance your cash flow and help the residents of the Hebrew Home, all while you continue to use your property for the rest of your life. Mark Weinberg speaks and writes frequently about philanthropy and presents new ideas for charitable giving and estate tax issues for professionals and individuals alike. Please join us at no charge on December 16, at 11 a.m. for an informative session in the Board Room of the Wasserman Residence. Following the program, a light lunch will be served. Dietary laws will be observed. Please reserve your seat by December 13 with Julia Pitkin-Shantz at 301.770.8342 or pitkin-shantz@hebrew-home.org. ■

Car simulator

Physical therapy specialist Sanjita Bandahri and lead therapist Laura Moody-Parker take a “ride” in the new car simulator in our physical therapy suite. Therapists use this important tool to teach patients how to get into and out of automobiles safely.

www.smithlifecommunities.org

December 2010 | Page 5

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Brighten Shabbat and other special occasions for a Hebrew Home resident with a bouquet of festive flowers. For information or to place an order, contact the Hebrew Home’s Volunteer Department at 301.770.8333 or online at www.hebrew-home.org/family.

IT MAY BE USED… BUT IT’S NOT USELESS! Consider donating your car to the Hebrew Home. Proceeds benefit our elderly residents. It’s an easy, tax-deductible gift… and we offer FREE towing. For more information,

please contact us at

301.770.8329.

LifeLines In Our Mailbox

Evercare

Hi, Both myself and my fiancé combined have had many wonderful and memorable connections with both the Hebrew Home and Revitz House over many years, with having loved ones given the best care in what we have felt to be one of the best eldercare facilities in the country. My fiancé and I will be tying the knot on November 14, 2010, and we felt that at this stage in our lives, we do not need to get wedding gifts from friends and family – that the best gift that they could give us would be to make a donation to the Hebrew Home and Revitz House. We will be providing an address as an attachment to our wedding invitation. I would appreciate if you could provide me with an address that would facilitate their donations going to both. Thank you so much . . . invitations are going out soon! Sincerely,

Mary Lou Winkler and Gary Metz were married November 14.

Gary Metz and fiancé Mary Lou Winkler

During the election, both Ehrlich’s and O’Malley’s campaigns visited our campus. Here, Governor Martin O’Malley chats with Ring House Resident Council President Julian Sacks.

Did you know that long-term care residents at the Hebrew Home who have Medicare A and B are eligible for a special Medicare program at no extra cost? The program is called Evercare, and more than 170 residents already take advantage of it. “This is such a powerful benefit,” says Beth Delucenay, VP, Planning and Development. “It keeps people healthier and offers moneysaving features.” Evercare is a federallyfunded Special Needs Medicare Program, designed for Medicare recipients who live in nursing homes. It provides enhanced benefits and focuses on preventing illnesses. An Evercare nurse practitioner monitors residents’ health, watches for any changes, and treats at bedside as quickly as possible, providing an extra layer of care. Evercare also “turns on” the Part A skilled benefit without a three-day hospital stay, and includes benefits in medically necessary transportation, podiatry, dental, hearing and vision services. Learn more from Evercare representative John Doyle at 617.548.5483. ■

Fighting falls

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is registered in Maryland as a charitable organization. Documents and information filed under the Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act may be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State, 410.974.5534. We are an equal opportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are open to all in the community. David A. Samuels, Chair Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO Marilyn Feldman, Editor Nicholas Simmonds, Vice President, Development and Public Affairs © 2010 by The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852-4856, 301.881.0300

Page 6 | December 2010

www.smithlifecommunities.org

For older adults, falls are one of the greatest causes of serious health problems. A new piece of equipment at Revitz House, the Biodex, can assess a person’s risk of falling, identify the factors that put the person at risk, and improve mobility and independence. Since the incidence of falls and the severity of fall-related complications rise steadily after age 60, this is an important initiative. In the U.S., one in three people aged 65 years and older fall each year and rates are even higher for age 75+. ■ LifeTimes

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Organize your Estate Planning information! Our FREE booklet helps you record important details regarding your assets and the location of your will. We offer more assistance, too, including an opportunity to discuss, without obligation, ways to include the Hebrew Home in your estate plans. Please call 301.770.8342 or mail this form to: Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP®, Director of Gift Planning Charles E. Smith Life Communities 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville MD 20852-4856

Name Address City/State/Zip Phone/E-mail For a personalized illustration showing how you can receive income for life, please list your birth date:

EventMakers

LT 12/10

President’s Circle

The second season of “H2YP,” the Hebrew Home’s successful youth philanthropy board, will begin in January, and we are seeking exceptional high school students to participate. This program enables teens to play an active role as philanthropists and as decision-makers for grants to benefit campus residents. The group will meet monthly from January to May, 2011. Each participant will make a contribution of $250 toward the grant pool. Their gifts are augmented by an endowment established by the Harold and Shirley Robinson Family Foundation, for whom the program will be named. Students act as a foundation board, reviewing proposals from the Hebrew Home and Revitz House,

Photos by Randy Sager

H2YP Youth program begins its sophomore year

Liz Meltzer pictured with Board Chair David Samuels, represented her parents Amy and Alan Meltzer, hosts for the evening. The event was set in the striking House of Sweden, overlooking the Potomac River.

Paul Shaffer, best known as David Letterman’s sidekick, delighted guests at the President’s Circle dinner November 14 with songs and anecdotes. ■

Photos by Randy Sager

2010 Home Run fun for all

The Rindner family came out in full force on race day. Left to right, back row: Karen, Emily, Marc, Steven, Lisa; front: Erin, Elisabeth, Ethan and Erik

Teens Samantha Reback and Brandon Robinson from the first H2YP class present a check to Bea Litman and Esther Mazel and to Patty Hagen, Director of Recreation Therapy.

asking pertinent questions and voting on which programs to fund. During this time, the students gain a deeper knowledge of tzedakah and what it can accomplish, and learn more about our campus. The Home’s program is fashioned after the highly successful program run by the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning in Washington. Rabbi Sarah Meytin will continue as the facilitator. Please forward contact information for appropriate high school students to Gale Deitch at deitch@hebrew-home.org or 301.770.8409. ■ LifeTimes

Steve Rindner and Jon Tomares co-chaired the 2010 Home Run. Over 500 runners competed on a sunny Sunday morning, October 3. Special congratulations to our eldest runners: Jacqueline and Aaron Epstein, 78 and 79 respectively, who completed the 5k (and won their age groups!) and Nianxiang Zie, 83, who finished the 10k. Kids enjoyed the fun run led by Sandy Liss.View more race photos and complete results at www.hebrew-home.org. ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

December 2010 | Page 7

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Centennial Gala on December 11 caps a milestone year

Save the dates

We care for 1,000 residents. Each senior has a unique personal story and now, each needs some supportive service found on our campus. We would like to have each and every one of our elderly residents represented by a guest at the Centennial Gala. Join us on December 11 to represent a World War II vet, a Holocaust survivor, a doting grandmother, a retired teacher, author or tailor. Find out more at www.hebrew-home.org or contact Carolyn Lesesane at 301.770.8329. The gala, chaired by Helen and Leonard Abel, Barbara Landow Bernstein, Sandy and Stanley Bobb, Arlene and Steve Friedlander, Alma and Joseph Gildenhorn, Barbara and Allan Hurwitz, Vivian Pollock, and Phyllis and Ron West, will feature comedian Richard Lewis, co-star of the hit HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. Information is available at www.hebrew-home.org/gala. If you would like to attend please contact Carolyn Lesesane at 301.770.8329. ■

Current volunteer opportunities

11 r e b m e c De

Gala l a i n n e t n e C is, emcee

ichard Lew Comedian R n Hilton Hotel Washingto 29 01.770.83 RSVP at 3

16 r e b Decem ng Seminar o d Givi e your home t e n n a l s P ome wist: U

H T A New the Hebrew rg, Esq. help einbe k B. W r a M h ce wit esiden R n a m ser ., Was rved; 11 a.m ght lunch se Li 8342 1.770. 0 3 t a RSVP

December 31 Last chance to he lp residents this year

Donate to the 2010 Guardian Cam paign at www.hebrew-hom e.org

The “Bead Ladies,” Greta Galef, Ellie Weingarten, Berta Furman, are long-time volunteers and close friends who joined forces in the early 90s to lead jewelrymaking classes. Residents just love making colorful bracelets and necklaces. Share your talents.

Patient Service Representatives – assist rehab patients; health care or legal experience preferred. Welcome New Residents – help orient newcomers to independent and assisted living. Shoppers – head for the mall with a resident’s shopping list Entertainers – seeking musicians, comedians, dancers, magicians with a 40-minute program. Bingo leaders – needed Thursdays at 10 a.m. Dining room assistants – help serve breakfast, 8 a.m.; lunch, noon; or dinner, 5 p.m. Escorts – to activities, beauty shop, therapy sessions or synagogue services. Please call 301.770.8333 or volunteers@hebrew-home.org

Our Other Special Events December 10 Rockville Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio speaks 3 pm, Ring House

December 14 Machaya Klezmer Band performs 6:45 at Landow House, 8 pm at Ring House

December 19

Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to ✓ check 8111 or for CFC ■ ✓ check 49705. United Way ■

How to reach us... ■

Art lecture on Cezanne and American Modernists with Stephen May, 7:45 p.m., Ring House

For more information about upcoming events, resident activities and family support groups, visit our web site at www.hebrew-home.org.

Page 8 | December 2010

Summer interns earn valuable experience. Apply by May 2011 for the summer internship class. Minimum age, 14; minimum commitment, 50 hours.

■

Hebrew Home 301.770.8476 www.hebrew-home.org Revitz House 301.881.7400 www.revitzhouse.org

■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Hirsh Health Center 301.816.5004

Ring House 301.816.5012 www.ringhouse.org

■

Landow House 301.816.5060 www.landowhouse.org

Volunteer Programs 301.770.8333

LifeTimes

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

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Arts &

An intergenerational comedy with a serious side at Studio Theatre. See story on page 52.

The stars shine in Olney’s delightful Annie a gaggle of girls in the New York City Municipal Orphanage overseen by their tippling, mean-spirited caregiver Miss Hannigan. They spend their days scrubbing floors, eating mush and singing about their “Hard Knock Life.” Annie’s trademark red hair seemingly offers the only bright spot in the orphanage’s sea of gray, from the plaster-peeling walls, to the cast iron bed frames, to the girls’ patched pinafores. Annie pines for her parents, who left her at the orphanage 11 years earlier with a locket and a note saying they’d be back someday, but were never heard from again. She runs away, finding herself on the streets of Depression-era Manhattan, first

A SCI-FI HOLIDAY TREAT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! BRING THE GRANDCHILDREN! KIDS TICKETS JUST $10 & $15

DECEMBER 1 – 26

Photo of Erin Weaver by Scott Suchman A WRINKLE IN TIME 81962 Madeleine L’Engle

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Bethesda

tricking a policeman into thinking an adorable golden retriever is her own dog and then seeking her parents under a bridge in a rickety “Hooverville.”

Finding a home She’s dragged back to the orphanage just in time to be plucked up by the secretary to billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who’s looking to polish his image by taking an orphan in for the holidays. Annie manages to beguile not just Warbucks but his entire vast staff as well. When Miss Hannigan’s oily brother and his girlfriend disguise themselves as Annie’s real parents in a plot to capture a large reward check from Warbucks, even the young kids in the audience will bet their bottom dollar that Annie will ultimately triumph. After all, the sun will come out tomorrow. By now, there’s probably not too many on the planet who don’t know that it’s only a day away. Caitlin Deerin, a sixth grader at Montgomery County’s arts magnet middle school, plays Annie at Olney, and she can belt out “Tomorrow” with the best of them, making the song more poignant than cloying as she searches for a

better day. This is Deerin’s second time perSee ANNIE, page 52

PHOTO BY STAN BAROUH

By Barbara Ruben The sun may have set on the “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip when it appeared in newspapers for the final time last summer, but the spunky carrot-topped urchin still shines on stage at Olney Theatre. The ever-optimistic musical about Annie, her dog Sandy and her bald benefactor Daddy Warbucks is proving to be almost as popular here as it was when it premiered on Broadway in 1977 and won seven Tony Awards. Just a week after it opened in mid-November, some performances of Annie were already sold out, and its run was extended for a week, until Jan. 9. Set in December 1933, Annie focuses on

Caitlin Deerin keeps the audience smiling as the Depression-era orphan Annie in the musical of the same name at Olney Theatre. Her dog Sandy is played by golden retriever Abby.

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Comedy/drama pits hope vs. resignation By Michael Toscano The work of playwright Tracy Letts is subversively complex. And with his latest work, Superior Donuts, now onstage at Studio Theatre, he proves himself stylistically adept, as well. All of us who thoroughly enjoyed his scathingly witty August: Osage County, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award (best play) winner that came to the Kennedy Center last year, might have thought we had a handle on Letts. But while August: Osage County is an acer-

bic, at times lacerating, autopsy of a dysfunctional Oklahoma family, Superior Donuts is a much warmer and gentler comedy. The characters in the new play are just as well-sketched as in the previous work, and the portraits are just as intimate, but the interplay is much more subtle. Superior Donuts may be less flashy, but its characters make an impression that is every bit as striking in this thoughtful and emotionally resonant play. Arthur Przybyszewski (Richard Cotovsky) is the proprietor of Superior Donuts, a faded shop in an old Chicago

neighborhood that may just be starting to turn around after decades of decay. The story opens with a crime: Somebody has broken into the shop and vandalized it. But Arthur shrugs off the invasion, barely expressing any reaction. He’s a sixtyish hippie, still sporting an unkempt and graying ponytail and beard, and he seems either content or resigned to drift along in a quiet existence. A man of shambling routine, he minimally runs the shop he inherited from his immigrant father, his neglect allowing the

Annie

Stars small and large

other orphans are each played by two actors at alternate performances. On opening night, 6-year-old Heidi Kaplan made her stage debut, playing the smallest orphan with enough charm and wit to reform the Grinch. But the littlest stars don’t entirely steal

From page 51 forming Annie; last year, she took the title role in Toby Dinner Theatre’s production of the musical.

Deerin and the half dozen other girls who play the orphans bring an endearing brightness to the stage, despite their ragged colorleached sweaters and torn dresses. While Deerin appears each night, the

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

Bring Your Group to the Kennedy Center for Entertainment on a Grand Scale!

C A L L N O W TO R E S E R V E YO U R G R O U P T I C K E TS MARIINSKY BALLET IN GISELLE. PHOTO BY NATASHA RAZINA

American Ballet Theatre The Bright Stream and Mixed Repertory ABT’s elegant stars continue to prove ballet’s enduring power with Alexei Ratmansky’s evening-length work The Bright Stream (Jan. 21–23) and a mixed program (Jan. 18–20) that features Balanchine’s Theme and Variations and Duo Concertant, Tudor’s Jardin aux Lilas, and Robbins’s Fancy Free as part of The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Jan. 18–23 ✽ Opera House

Mariinsky Ballet Giselle AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE IN FANCY FREE

Boasting an artistic legacy that spans more than 200 years, St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Ballet returns with the classic evening-length ballet Giselle, choreographed by Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa.

Protégés III: International Ballet Academy Festival Protégés III showcases the stars of tomorrow from Bolshoi Ballet Academy, The Royal Danish Ballet School, New National Theatre’s Tokyo Young Artists Training Program, and the Julio Bocca Foundation Ballet Argentino School of the Arts.

Mar. 25–27 ✽ Opera House 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.

JULIO BOCCA FOUNDATION BALLET ARGENTINO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS IN NOMBRE Y APELLIDO

American Ballet Theatre at the Kennedy Center is supported through the generosity of The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund. Additional support is provided by Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

Contact the Group Sales Office

(202) 416-8400

Michael Krajewski, conductor

Enjoy the magic of Disney with the NSO Pops. Memorable scenes and melodies you know by heart, from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, and more, will transform anyone into a Mouseketeer.

Feb. 3–5 ✽ Concert Hall

Follies

Feb. 8–13 ✽ Opera House

The Kennedy Center Ballet Season is sponsored by Altria Group.

Disney in Concert

Additional support is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Altria Group, Constance Milstein de La Haye St. Hilaire and Jehan-Christophe de La Haye St. Hilaire, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, and David Gregory and Beth Wilkinson.

A New Kennedy Center Production Book by James Goldman Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Music Direction by James Moore Choreography by Warren Carlyle Directed by Eric Schaeffer

Winner of seven Tonys®, Follies is one of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s greatest works. All of life’s might-have-beens take center stage as two couples rehash past times and favorite songs amid the crumbling magnificence of their old theater. Full principal casting available at kennedy-center.org.

May 7–June 19 ✽ Eisenhower Theater

The Mariinsky Ballet’s engagements are presented with the support of RB Properties Inc.

Follies is made possible through the generosity of The Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund.

International Programming at the Kennedy Center is supported by the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

Additional support is provided by The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation and The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation.

Toll free (800) 444-1324, TTY (202) 416-8410 Visit our Web site at kennedy-center.org/groupsales

business to crumble and go stale even as a Starbucks opens up in the neighborhood.

More than a sit-com A burst of new energy soon comes through the front door in the form of 21year-old Franco Wicks (Johnny Ramey). Franco needs a job and he talks Arthur into hiring him. Soon, he is pestering the older man about fixing up the place and expanding its See SUPERIOR DONUTS, page 55

the show. The adult actors play their roles with gusto. Unfortunately, the hyperactive sound system on opening night rendered some of the singing ear-splittingly shrill, especially that of Channez McQuay, who plays the scheming orphanage director Miss Hannigan with blowsy verve and otherwise standout vocals. Broadway veteran George Dvorsky smoothly transforms from gruff to paternal as Daddy Warbucks. He’s at his best when extolling the virtues of the city in the song “NYC.” Hannigan’s miscreant brother Rooster (Bobby Smith) and his girl Lily St. Regis (Jenna Sikolowsi) heat up the stage as they strut through the song “Easy Street,” about their get-rich-quick schemes. While most of the songs aren’t as memorable as “Tomorrow” or “Hard Knock Life,” they lend era-appropriate jazz and vaudeville tunes to the musical and are ably accompanied by a six-piece orchestra. As big a star as the actors is the scenery. Painted backdrops evoke 1930s New York, from bustling downtown street scenes to the bleak orphanage. Daddy Warbuck’s mansion includes an ornate curving staircase that the actors swoop up and down, as well as a massive Christmas tree. The sets, designed by nationally acclaimed Ming Cho Lee, are borrowed from other regional productions of Annie. This is the kind of show you’ll want to share with the children in your life. It might even spark a discussion about the Great Depression and some of the sober parallels to today’s stubbornly sluggish economy. It’s a show about being home for the holidays, even if not the home you imagined. And on a dark December night, it will leave you believing the sun really will come out tomorrow. Annie continues at Olney Theatre, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, Md., through Jan. 9. Tickets are $49 to $54. Students and patrons 65 or older receive a $5 discount, except for Saturday evening performances. The discount is also not available for seniors at Sunday matinees. Days of performance and times vary. Call the box office at (301) 924-3400 or go to www.olneytheatre.org for tickets and more information.

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David Pittsinger and Carmen Cusack. Photo by Craig Schwartz.

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TICKETS FROM $39 AT THE BOX OFFICE OR CHARGE BY PHONE (202) 467-4600 ONLINE AT KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG s GROUPS (202) 416-8400 s TTY (202) 416-8524 South Pacific is made possible through the generosity of The Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

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STRATHMORE

YOUR BEST ENTERTAINMENT VALUE! COMPLIMENTARY PARKING CLOSE TO HOME NO TICKET FEES!

WED., DEC. 1, 8PM

STRATHMORE EDUCATION

The King’s Singers: Joy to the World

MONDAYS IN THE MANSION JAZZ LECTURES MONDAYS, 11AM-12:30PM, TUITION $15

The Grammy-winning ensemble returns to Strathmore with a holiday program that takes the audience from medieval treasures to 20th century favorites, including “The Angel Gabriel,” “What Child Is This,” “Stille Nacht” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” MUSIC CENTER, CONCERT HALL Tickets $25–$56 (Stars Price $22.50–$50.40)

Lester Young

Marco Borggreve

Too Cool For School—The Individuality and Influence of Lester Young JAN. 17

The Golden Era of Jazz in DC

THURS., DEC. 2, 8PM

SAT., JAN. 22, 9AM–3PM

The 2010 Kenny G Holiday Show

Nuno Felting on Silk

CO-PRESENTED WITH AM PRODUCTIONS Grammy-winning jazz superstar Kenny G performs favorites from his best-selling holiday albums. MUSIC CENTER, CONCERT HALL Tickets: $38–$125 (Stars Price $34.20–$112.50)

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

MON., DEC. 6, 8PM

Dave Koz & Friends A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2010 With special guests Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson and Candy Dulfer

SUNDAYS, JAN. 9, 16, 23 AND 30, 4–5:30PM

Sight Singing Made Simple

CO-PRESENTED WITH BLUES ALLEY This holiday tour is a cherished tradition now in its 13th season. Enjoy high-energy, soul-inspiring music by Koz and his guests as well as holiday standards for the whole family. MUSIC CENTER, CONCERT HALL Tickets $35–$65 (Stars Price $31.50–$58.50)

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)

FRI., DEC. 10, 8PM

Bowfire: Holiday Heart Strings Bowfire will bowl you over with virtuoso string performance that spins across genres from Celtic to Gypsy to Bluegrass and beyond in this high-energy, dramatic and powerful stage show that also features seasonal holiday favorites! MUSIC CENTER, CONCERT HALL Tickets $30–$65 (Stars Price $27–$58.50)

MONDAYS, JAN. 10–FEB. 14, 7:30–9:30PM

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)

Veronika Lukasova

STRATHMORE FINE ART JAN. 8–FEB. 21

Fabric of Survival Last season’s exhibition of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz’s powerful works was one of the most profound experiences for visitors to Strathmore’s Galleries. Now see more of this Holocaust survivor’s Nisenthal Krinitz, Nazis Arrive beautiful yet haunting images that express the personal courage and humanity that individuals must draw upon to overcome racism and injustice. MANSION GALLERIES ADMISSION FREE

www.strathmore.org

Charles Peterson

JAN. 10

ART AFTER HOURS WED., DEC. 8, 7:30PM

Ramón Tasat and Flory Jagoda WED., DEC. 15, 7:30PM

Taurus Soul: A Tribute to Sam Cooke WED., DEC. 22, 7:30PM

St. Petersburg Trio MANSION, SHAPIRO MUSIC ROOM Tickets $15 (Stars Price $13.50)

Strathmore Ticket Office

5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD

(301) 581-5100

M/T/TH/F 10AM–5PM, W 10AM–9PM, SA 10AM–2PM

GROUPS SAVE! (301) 581-5199

Veronika Lukasova

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From page 52 offerings. It’s a seemingly formulaic, sitcom-style pairing: the crusty, old man, set in his declining ways, and the young, brash and street-wise protégé. And, indeed, much of the dialogue does have the rhythm and bounce of a sitcom, the rat-a-tat of set-up and punch line. But under the gentle direction of Serge Seiden, Cotovsky and Ramey minimize the Chico and the Man composition and concentrate, instead, on larger issues. The pair always seem on guard with each other as they circle around the gap between the idealism of youth and the resignation of experience. But Letts has layered in more complexity than seems apparent at first, and Studio’s excellent cast exploits it fully. By the time the lights come up, the gaps between old and young, black and white, are mere doors leading to richer themes. The effort is considerably enhanced by the fine work of Cotovsky and Ramey, as well as the seven supporting players who help populate this scruffy Chicago nook. There is sincerity and muted empathy between the two leads, following a period of mutual testing and emotional reserve.

Actor inspired his character If the role of Arthur seems perfect for Cotovsky, it may be because playwright Letts has said the actor, who understudied the role in the original production at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, was an inspiration for the character. Cotovsky brilliantly displays Arthur’s ironic awareness of his marginal life, his eyes occasionally flickering with what may be embarrassment. Looking like a slimmer Jerry Garcia, Cotovsky perfectly captures the aura of a faded romantic, a man whose bright ideals

about changing the world have washed out by late middle age into gray inertia. Ramey plays Franco with jaunty charisma, his strong personality like fresh air entering a mausoleum. His energy is an important element in the play’s success, especially in act one, which is not as tightly constructed as one might like. It shambles along with a number of subplots introduced until one begins to fear a lack of focus. But Ramey’s vigor finally shakes things up, and an element of danger is introduced late in the act, concentrating the story and our attention. Act two moves along with a higher level of dramatic intensity until a rather contrived bit of theatrical plotting shakes Arthur out of his lethargy and puts his dormant romantic ideals to the test. Seiden’s low-key direction maintains a focus on character, and each of the shop’s visitors is given the time and space to make an impression. Gregor Paslawsky is particularly notable as Max Tarasov, the Russian-immigrant owner of next door’s DVD store, who wants to buy the donut place and expand his business in it. Tarasov embodies the new life an immigrant (like Arthur’s own father) can bring to the American dream, as he seeks to capitalize on a projected turn-around in the shabby neighborhood. Like many in the supporting cast, Paslawsky walks a line between comedy and drama to pleasing effect. There is a definite Chicago ambiance here. Gil Thompson’s evocative sound design smoothes over each scene transition with the sound of a Windy City el train passing by. But while the set-up seems like something from Chicago’s David Mamet, Letts has a softer, subtler edge to his work here. There is a glimmer of hope in the bleak place.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 23

MESSIAH SING-ALONG A popular holiday tradition, the Kennedy Center’s Messiah Sing-

Along, will take place on Thursday, Dec. 23. Conductor Barry Hemphill leads

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROL PRATT

Superior Donuts

The charismatic Franco (Johnny Ramey, left), brings new life to an aging eatery when he is hired by the beaten-down Arthur (Richard Cotovsky) in Studio Theatre’s production of Superior Donuts.

Arthur may say he now thinks that dreams are dangerous, that life is a “derailment,” but in the end, it seems that there is a clash between hope and hopelessness in the shop called Superior Donuts. Guess which one wins. Superior Donuts continues through at least Dec. 19 at Studio Theatre’s Metheny Theatre, located at 1501 14th St., N.W., Washington, DC. Evening performances: Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.

and Sunday at 7 p.m. Matinees: Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. There are also Tuesday performances Dec. 7 and 14 at 8 p.m Ticket prices are $44 to $65, with a $5 discount for those 62+ and military personnel (except for the Saturday evening performances). For tickets, call (202) 3323300. (V/TTY: 202-667-8436). For further information, visit www.studiotheatre.org. Michael Toscano is the Beacon’s theatre critic.

Christoph Willibald Gluck

Iphigénie en Tauride

members of the Opera House Orchestra, guest soloists and audience members in

May 6-28, 2011

Handel’s masterpiece. Free tickets are required. They are handed out one per per-

Company Premiere

formance. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C. For additional information, call (202) 467-4600.

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son in line in front of the Concert Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. on the day of the per-

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Tattoos From page 1 the skin’s layers to permanently add color for decorative or other reasons. The earliest records of tattoos can be traced to ancient Egypt, Polynesia and Japan, when tattoos indicated social status, tribal identity and sexual allure. The word tattoo is thought to have two major derivations — from the Polynesian word “ta,” which means “striking,” and from the Tahitian word “tatau,” which means “marking.” Throughout history, tattoos have served as rites of passage, symbols of status and rank, expressions of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, marks of fertility, pledges of love, talismen for good fortune and more — including as marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

The popularity of tattooing has surged in recent years, especially with the appearance of such cable television shows as “Miami Ink,” “LA Ink,” and “Inked.” “With so many entertainers and sports figures having tattoos, Jane and Joe Public are much more comfortable with having one too,” said Darren Brass, a tattoo artist who was featured in “Miami Ink,” one of the first tattoo reality shows. The men and women getting tattoos are now from every walk of life, Brass added. And “if they had a good experience with their first one, chances are they’re thinking about their next one.” According to Brass, men tend to get larger tattoos, while women think of tattoos as mementos. “Once they might have put a charm on a bracelet,” he said. “Now they get a tattoo.” Falls Church resident Linda, who asked

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that her last name not be used, thinks of her tattoo as a symbol of a new beginning. After a 22-year marriage, her husband had an affair and asked for a divorce. She spent a year mourning the loss of her marriage until she finally came to feel she was ready to move on. “I wanted something permanent to take with me into a new phase of my life. “The old Linda might not have chosen something as radical as getting a tattoo, but it just felt right at the time,” she said. She had a small bird taking flight tattooed on her shoulder. Did it hurt? “Hell, yes,” she answered. “But it was nothing like the pain I was feeling after my husband left.” When asked the same question, Simon played down the pain factor, describing it as feeling like a sunburn. People have various responses to the sensation during tattooing because everyone’s pain threshold is different, according to Parsons.

Like father, like daughter

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Back in 1984, Curt Harpold decided to get a mermaid with a long spiraling tail tattooed on his arm. The mermaid, designed by a well-known science fiction illustrator, symbolized his love of sailing and work as a scuba diving instructor. “Mermaids were a natural thing for me, sort of a totem if you will,” said Harpold, now 52 and living in Rockville, Md.

But he found at the time that “tattoos were pretty much underground.” Harpold even had a hard time finding a tattoo parlor, which were then illegal in New York City and some other areas. He checked out one in Washington, D.C., and was disturbed to find “it was just swishing used needles around in some soapy water,” to clean them for the next client. After further searching, he selected Great Southern Tattoo, which not only had a friendly staff but an autoclave to sterilize the needles. Fast forward to 2006, when Harpold got an unexpected second tattoo. Diagnosed with testicular cancer, his radiation oncologist tattooed a grid of dots on his body to ensure he was lined up in exactly the same position for radiation each day. When his daughter, now 26, found out about his illness, she decided to get her own mermaid tattoo to honor her father. In it, the mermaid’s shirt resembles a scuba diver flag, and her father’s own initials are woven into the mermaid’s hair. “I was dumbstruck, but it’s beautiful and I’m proud of her,” he said. “I shudder to think how big it would have been had I not survived.” While his daughter was getting her new tattoo, Harpold realized how faded his own mermaid had become. He went back to Great Southern and they re-inked it for free. See TATTOOS, page 57

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Caregiving for spouse is a man’s job, too Man Number One is 90 years old. He tain Age do. smiles easily, laughs even more easily. I’ve We live in an age of clichés — and one of always considered him a carefree soul. the oldest is that only women do the careUntil a couple of weeks ago. taking, because it somehow He casually dropped the fact isn’t masculine for men to do that his wife had died of deit. mentia a few months earlier — But my nose says this is after he had cared for her every changing — for many reasons, day for her final three years. all of them good. Man Number Two is about For one thing, men are living 85. We worked together ages long enough to take on the ago. I hadn’t seen him in at caretaker role. For another, least 20 years. they are better at it than their He was always a “man’s HOW I SEE IT fumble-fingered fathers and man” — full of football chatter, By Bob Levey grandfathers would have been. claps on the back, war reminisFor another, they recognize that cences. But there he was, in a hospital cafe- knowing the patient is critical to providing teria, slowly spooning apple sauce into the good care for her — and who knows The Old mouth of a woman I recognized as his wife. Lady as well as The Old Man who has been She was in a wheelchair and a hospital by her side for half a century or more? gown, tethered to at least four intravenous But the biggest and best reason is that drips. She looked emaciated and discolored. It wasn’t hard to diagnose a serious illness — probably cancer — from across the room. When I ran into Man Number Two later in the hospital lobby, I shook his hand with two of my own and congratulated him on providing such obviously loving care for his wife. “It’s what I do,” he said. Indeed, it’s what a lot of Men of a Cer-

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these men want to do it. Listen to Man Number One: “I could have left it all up to a private duty nurse. But we had been married for more than 60 years when she started to go downhill. She didn’t always recognize me any more, but I knew her habits and her rhythms.” Listen to Man Number Two: “Sure, I’d rather be on the golf course. But this is what I signed up for. You know, the business about in-sickness-and-in-health? There’s no law that says the guy is always going to die first.” And how have the women in their lives reacted? Man Number One: “The best day of those three years was the day I carefully smoothed her hair out of her eyes. She said, ‘You know, my husband used to do that all the time.’ All I could do was smile. But when I thought about it, what she was saying was that she wanted someone with

her who made her comfortable. Guess who that was?” Man Number Two: “She tells me every day that she loves me. I don’t need her to thank me. I just need to hear those three little words.” Granted, these two situations have not tested the two men as deeply as they might have. Woman Number One was in a nursing home when Man One took care of her, so he had help overnight and help right down the hall whenever he needed it. Woman Number Two is in a hospital room every minute of every day. Man Two doesn’t have to worry about taking her to the bathroom, changing the sheets, any of the basic details that can rub away dedication and patience. See BOB LEVEY, page 58

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Tattoos From page 56

A make-up alternative While many customers choose to be tattooed for religious or sentimental reasons, a number of women — older women in particular — have turned to the technique for cosmetic tattooing, defined as permanent makeup to enhance the eyebrows, eyelids and lips. Myrna Armstrong, who with fellow researchers studied the cosmetic tattooing experiences of older women (and who has had cosmetically tattooed eyeliner applied herself), has found that benefits include saving make-up time and money and achieving personal goals of retaining a youthful appearance. If you do decide to get a tattoo — whether artistic or cosmetic — follow these guidelines provided by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery:

Do: • Choose a facility carefully: Make sure the establishment is reputable and licensed to perform these procedures. • Keep things simple: A small tattoo, or one with two or three colors, is the easiest to remove as well as conceal. • Choose an appropriate location: Think carefully about where and how large it should be. A good tip is to place it in an area that can be covered by clothing traditionally worn in the work place.

Don’t: • Let an infection go: If you suspect any problems, or experience considerable redness or soreness, see your doctor immediately — it may signal an infection. Carol Sorgen contributed to this article.

% Affordable Living For Those 62 or Better %

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

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

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Go to www.theBeaconNewspapers.com for more comics.

Bob Levey From page 57

Beacon The

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But both men said that every morning, they knew exactly where they needed and wanted to be as soon as the alarm buzzed.

“I was there when the kids were born. I was there when her parents died. How could I not have been there for her final years?” asked Man One. “When I was in the Marines, I learned to be a man of my word,” said Man Two. “A man of his word knows what to do, when to do it and how to do it.” It isn’t always as pure as it is in these two families. Sometimes friends and other relatives shoulder into the act — without being invited. Sometimes adult children want roles — and immediately prove that they can’t play them. Often insurance (or the lack of it) will determine who steps into which roles, and for how long. But when couples have been married forever, they not only finish each other’s sentences. They want to be on deck for the littlest details. “I knew how she liked her napkin folded,” Man One told me. “A nurse might have been able to remember that. But maybe not. It made both of us feel good when I did it, just so.” “We’ve been talking about the past in a way that only she and I could have,” said Man Two. “We’ve been as close as two people can be. How does that stop just because she’s sick?” Here’s another cliché that needs to disappear: The one that says love fades with time. I know four people who trump that one to pieces. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

5 0

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Letters to editor From page 2 When I subscribed for the mail copies, I never got an issue in time to take advantage of some activities. Now I can keep on top of what is going on and attend if I want to. In addition, it takes very little time to scan through and choose to read whatever articles I am interested in. If I don’t have time now, I can jump in later to catch up. Good job! Thank you. Maureen Padget Via e-mail

Dear Editor: This letter is in appreciation for the excellent variety of articles in your monthly newspaper. Topics from Social Security to medicine, current events, the importance of exercise, and even how to make a casserole are all well done and very readable. I also want to thank you for including my publication, Dear Parents: When to Call the Doctor for Your Infant or Toddler, in the article on do-it-yourself publishing. Louis I. Cooper, M.D. Silver Spring, Md.

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Dec. 11

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On Saturday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. attend a free holiday con-

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cert featuring the older singer ensemble Encore Chorale and the Columbia Flute

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Choir at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington. For more

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FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT The U.S. Army Orchestra and Chorus, and Downrange, featuring country music artist Mark Wills, are scheduled to perform at DAR

Constitution Hall, on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. Tickets are required for this free concert on a first come, first-served basis. Constitution Hall is located at 1776 D St., N.W., Washington D.C.; the box office window is on C Street. For ticket availability information, call (703) 696-3399 or visit www.usarmyband.com.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

Join the NSO as the era of Eschenbach begins. 2010–2011 Season

December Concerts Louis Lortie Plays Beethoven Emmanuel Krivine, conductor Louis Lortie, piano BEETHOVEN BEETHOVEN LISZT R. STRAUSS Emmanuel Krivine

Louis Lortie

Egmont Overture Piano Concerto No. 2 Les Préludes Don Juan

Thu., Dec. 2 at 7 | Fri., Dec. 3 at 8 | Sat., Dec. 4 at 8 Concert Hall, Tickets from $20

Handel’s Messiah Rinaldo Alessandrini, conductor Klara Ek, soprano Alisa Kolosova, mezzo-soprano Michele Angelini, tenor Joan Martin Royo, bass-baritone University of Maryland Concert Choir, Edward Maclary, director HANDEL

Messiah

Marvin Hamlisch

SUND AY MATIN EE

Thu., Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. | Fri., Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. | Sun., Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. Concert Hall, Tickets from $20

New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center Murry Sidlin, conductor Alyson Cambridge, soprano Eric Owens, baritone Usher in the New Year with a dazzling concert featuring guest conductor Murry Sidlin, vocal soloists, and members of the National Symphony Orchestra playing works by J. Strauss Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein, Bernstein, Gershwin, Puccini, and others.*

Thu., Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. Concert Hall, Tickets from $50 Murry Sidlin

*Tickets for all New Year’s Eve evening performances and that day’s Kennedy Center restaurant receipts include admittance to the Grand Foyer Party. Usher in 2011 with a festive party and dance until 1 a.m. with Salon Orchestra of Washington and Full Swing.

Happy Holidays! Marvin Hamlisch, conductor Christiane Noll, soprano Mikaela Schneider, soprano The City Choir of Washington, Robert Shafer, music director Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch and a colorful assortment of lively performers present a program of festive songs and timehonored classics such as “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” and many more. Plus, a visit from Santa Claus!

Thu., Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Sun., Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Concert Hall, Tickets from $20

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.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

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ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD N O T E

A M A D

C B E R

H O P E

S T R A W

P E E V E

From page 62.

P A C I F I C I S L A N D E R

A M O R U O S O N E A T F A A I N C T E D I T E T W T A C A O N R E

A S C P T I C S A G E B A N S R T I L R N I A O C A L K I P S N A P T R L E K A N D Z I T R O D O J O

T H I I S S U H P E L D X I A I B A T E

E A S T E R N A I R L I N E S

S T E E R

T H E R E

N C A A

Y E L P

T N N S

Z O N E

LEISURE WORLD® -$94,900. 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® - $214,000. 2BR 2FB “Nottingham” model in move in condition. Parquet floors, large family room addition with extra storage. 1004 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD - $110,000, 2BR 2FB 2nd floor Garden style with elevator, large balcony. Lovely remodeled kitchen. Master bedroom has dressing area with double sink vanity, new baseboard heaters and AC. Carport with storage 1,237 sq. ft. Ellyn Pollack, Long & Foster, 301717-8639.

LEISURE WORLD® - $109,000. 2BR 2FB “Warfield” model. New appliances and AC, enclosed patio. Move in condition.1043 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

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.

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.

COLONIAL BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT – Clean Home. Quiet Neighborhood. 2 bedroom, family room, 1 bath upstairs, 1 bath in unfinished basement, carport. $900/month. Call 703-430-7988.

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 Charming 2BR 1.5BA with balcony and lots of light! Cable TV and LW privileges included (indoor/outdoor pools, golf course, club house, exercise room), parking, storage. $1,260/month. Call Carl, 202-669-6417.

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.

FOR RENT LEISURE WORLD 55+ $925/month. 1 bedroom, kitchen, dining room, 1 bath, living room & enclosed porch. 1/2 block to metro, across the street from golf course, pool, club house I, administration building, 2 blocks to Giant, Includes all utilities. 301-438-2455.

LEISURE WORLD® - $239,000. 3 BR 2FB “M” in the Greens. Fresh paint and new carpet, enclosed balcony overlooking the golf course. 1610 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. 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. 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. LEISURE WORLD® - $229,500. 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. SAINTSBURY PLAZA 55+ 2BR 2BA Condo at the Vienna Metro. Future development of Metro West (see MetroWestVA.com) is coming to the back yard. Corner unit, covered patio, gourmet kitchen, recessed lighting, lots of windows. Secure, elevator building, additional storage, party room, exercise room, business center. Move-in ready. Call Jackie Lewis RE/MAX Allegiance 703-220-1768 to see. $309,000 to purchase, $1,750 monthly to rent.

LAND LIQUIDATION 20 acres $0 down, $99/mo. Only $12,900 Near growing El Paso, TX Guaranteed Owner Financing. No credit check! Money back guarantee. Free Maps-Pictures! 866-257-4555 www.sunsiteslandrush.com. ***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. FOR SALE – SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Magazines (1972-1982 most issues). Also miscellaneous records & books. Call 240-401-9398. 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. FREE HD FOR LIFE! DISH Network. $24.99/mo. - Over 120 Channels. Plus $500 BONUS! Call 1-800-915-9514.

Classifieds cont. on p. 63

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.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

CROSSWORD

Puzzle Page

See Puzzles Plus at www.theBeaconNewspapers.com for additional crossword puzzles.

Down Time 1

by Stephen Sherr

JUMBLE ANSWERS

50 56

51 57

61 66

67 70

Across

Answers on p. 61.

43 47

9 15

24 28

Jumbles: ABHOR FILMY VALUED NOTIFY Answer: Being laid back at the office can lead to this - LAID OFF

1. Distributor of distributors 5. Like some Fr. nouns 9. Last section of the SAT 13. Actor Sharif 14. Sight-related 16. “What ___ God wrought?” 17. Baja Fresh option 18. Gas bill factor 19. “That makes sense” 20. Inventor of the alkaline storage battery 22. Indoor sliding temptation 24. Accomplishments 26. QB protectors 27. Before, forward or backward 28. Symbol used in Greek tic-tac-toe 30. Be held back 32. Western German region 34. Florida city, familiarly 36. Common pasta ending 37. Going rate for thoughts 40. Beowulf, for example 41. Like Coke Zero 43. Wedding dress material 44. Invigorated 46. Tom Hanks’ character on “Bosom Buddies” 47. Old phone feature 48. ___-Brite (glowing toy) 49. Pet treats 51. Grammy category 52. Rejuvenation location 54. NJ village 56. Ordeal 58. Doctor Octopus’ weapon 61. Offer card-playing tips 64. Rotate the furniture 65. Endpoints, separated by 24 67. Part of A.D. 68. Claim 69. A piece of TNT 70. Home of Rep. Davy Crockett

71. Existed 72. Martial arts school 73. To be, in old Rome

Down 1. Memorandum 2. Tyler Perry film, Diary of ___ Black Woman 3. Census designation 4. Got up 5. (Mostly) green cylinder 6. Reverse of 52 Across 7. Wild guess 8. Groucho Marx trademark 9. That alternative 10. First purchaser of the Boeing 757 11. Change directions 12. Over ___ 15. Setting in The Catcher in the Rye 21. Galoot 23. “Nothin’; what ___ with you?” 25. ___-Soviet relations 28. Burt Reynolds’ Bandit, for example 29. Wish for 31. Enjoys an ice cream cone 33. ___ over (performing again tomorrow) 35. When Romeo first saw Juliet 38. March Madness org. 39. Kennel cry 42. Cause of a grammar cop’s citation 45. Blues singer James 50. Top letters on some watches 52. Big Gulp go-with 53. Major irritant 55. School uniform style 57. Lessen 59. Injured a muscle 60. Prefix meaning “within” 62. Belonging to a former Country Music CATV station 63. Time ___ (and the key to this puzzle’s “Down Time” theme) 66. 1981 NBA MVP

Answers on page 61.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0

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For Sale

Personal Services

Wanted

STEEL BUILDINGS: 4 only 20x22, 30x46, 40x52, 45x82. Selling for Balance Owed! Free Delivery! 1-800-211-9593x284.

DO YOU HAVE A NOVEL IN YOU? Awardwinning 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.

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.

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.

Health FDA APPROVED VIAGRA, Testosterone, Cialis. Free Brochures. CODE: Free pills 3 (619)294-7777, www.drjoelkaplan.com.

Miscellaneous DONATE YOUR CAR. FREE TOWING. “Cars for Kids”. Any condition. Tax deductible outreachcenter.com, 1-800-597-9411. HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME, 68 Weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a diploma. Get a job! 1-800-264-8330, www.diplomafromhome.com.

MOTHER WILL DRIVE YOU to your appointments, do your shopping, clean your house, fix computers, event planner, personal assistant at a reasonable rate. Honest and dependable. 240-595-7467. 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. BASEMENT, attic and garage clean-outs. Call 240-413-7334 for a free estimate.

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.

UNLIMITED SERVICES House cleaning, transportation to appointments, assist with errands, move-in. 15 years experience, reasonable rates & reliable. References upon request. Nancy 301-466-8469.

Personal Services

PAUL F. CASEY, MOVER, delivery, storage, trucking, a world leader in personal service. Specialist to NYC, All Boro’s, New England, Maine. Call Paul, 301-351-3840 Small Loads Welcome.

SPARE ROOM OR EMPTY NEST? MISS HAVING SOMEONE AROUND? OPERA BUDDY? GW Grad Student (Museum Studies) looking for DC host home. January 2011. COMPANION, with a myriad of interesting hobbies, talents, skills and fun to be around. I CAN HELP with everyday things in life including house sit, pet care (love animals), shopping, run errands, cook (I’m a great baker too!), driver, garden, paint/decorate, and computer savvy. Love to attend shows, concerts and visit museums. 24 year old female moving from Oregon with sterling personal, professional, and volunteer references. Non-smoker, tidy, amicable with a great “JOIE de VIVRE.” Trade my help and cheer for room & board, or negotiable $ (so I can afford grad school). Please contact me at 971-241-8672 or watt.hm@gmail.com for resume and info about me, to see if we are a “good fit.” 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. MEDICARE PROVIDER HOME VISITS by a licensed clinical psychologist with over 40 years experience. SENIOR ASSISTING SENIORS with stressful life changes of aging, including illness, chronic pain, relationship problems, loss of family or friends due to death or change of residence. If you think you might benefit from consulting with a mental health professional, and have difficulty making visits to doctors, call Ben Prieto, Ph.D. at 301-384-3392 to arrange a FREE initial consultation. 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.

PET CARE professional provides dog walking, boarding, pet sitting, your home or mine. Reasonable rates. Dogs & Cats. First aid certified. 240-605-1953. professionally trained.

Personals SWF – 54, 5’4”, 118 pounds, (Tysons area). Seeking a S/DWM 52-65, in Fairfax or Montgomery County. Non-smoker preferred. Retired OK. Let’s meet for coffee! Voicemail number is 571-451-2770. OLD FASHION 63 YEAR OLD White male seeking old fashion female 65-100 years old, for fun, walks, movies, TV and cuddling. 703-751-1037. EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE YOUNG SPIRITED WIDOW (55) ISO blue or white collar man aged (50–65) to enjoy the Christmas holiday season together and maybe beyond. Dinners, walks, dancing, conversation and traditional Christmas fun (concerts/light shows, etc.). You need to be attractive, down to earth, a good listener, caring, sweet spirited, etc. Bobbie 301-439-0833. ATTRACTIVE, active single female desires companionship of active Montgomery County male 62-72 for concerts, plays, travel. I’m youthful, physically fit. I’m in Silver Spring, 301-598-7140. SEEKING A FRIEND to enjoy and share life with. Age 40-60. SBF, 202-372-5163. WHITE FEMALE – Seeking friends (M/F) for shopping, movies, local travel, or just pen pals. You can be divorced, separated, married, (55+), does drive. Leave a message, 703-597-9015.

Vacation Opportunities 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.

Wanted 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. ANTIQUE AND QUALITY OLDER FURNITURE and accessories wanted. One piece or entire estate, including toys, dolls, paintings, silver, Oriental rugs, prints, pottery, china and glassware. Music boxes, clocks, country store items, paper memorabilia, historical and military items, old fishing equipment, antique firearms and all other items of value. I am a Washington native with over 35 years of experience in this business. I am well educated, courteous and have more experience and pay higher prices than virtually any other dealer in the area. I make prompt decisions, have unlimited funds, pay immediately and remove items expeditiously. No messy consignments or phony promises. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, (301) 279-8834. Thank you.

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. 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.

WANTED: DONATIONS in Fairfax County area for non-profit thrift store. Proceeds help local residents in crisis through Herndon-Reston FISH. Call 7036-437-0600. 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) 742-5031. COIN COLLECTIONS AND ACCUMULATIONS PURCHASED/APPRAISED. Estate appraisals or outright purchases by Numismatic Expert/Collector for all U.S. coins and currency, including Silver Dollars, Gold Pieces, Sliver Coins, Proof Sets, Indian Head Pennies, Half Dollars, Sets of Coins, Commemoratives, and all Other Coins. Will examine at your home/office/bank, or mine, for you convenience. Thirty years experience. Member: International Society of Appraisers, American Numismatic Association. Please call Mark Mitchell: 703-591-5608, anytime. 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. 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. SELL YOUR DIABETES TEST STRIPS any kind/brand unexpired $16.00 box shipping paid 1-800-266-0702, ww.selldiabeticstrips.com.

Helping you with daily living in the comfort of your home

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