January 2014 Howard County Beacon Edition

The Howard County

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Lifelong learning opportunities

Part of a national program The Columbia lifelong learning program, attended mostly by retired and semiretired area residents, began as the Evergreen Society in 1986 — part of the Johns Hopkins School of Continuing Studies. The program, which also offers classes in Baltimore and Rockville, began getting what are known as Osher endowments in 2008.

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By Robert Friedman Some people take the goal of lifelong learning more seriously than others.

Take Dick Blumenthal, who will begin his 26th year as a member of the lifelong learning program at Johns Hopkins University in Columbia when the spring semester gets underway in February.

“I try to get a taste of all subject matters — from world events to art and music,” said the Social Security Administration retiree.

“I’ve been going to these classes steadily for all these years because of the intellectual stimulation and the social benefits,” said Blumenthal. “I’ve made friends there that have lasted beyond the semesters.”

One impetus for attending the classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on the Hopkins’ satellite campus is to keep his memory sharp, said Blumenthal, who is 85 and a resident of Wilde Lake.

Allen Berkowitz, 68, started courses with OLLI a year ago. He’s taken, among other classes, “History of Intelligence,” which he said covered intriguing spy cases and crucial code breaking. The instructor was “a former Defense Department intelligence guy who knew what he was talking about,” Berkowitz said.

Berkowitz, who retired last year as a strategic planner for Veterans Administration hospitals, said the classes “keep my mind going.”

The 30-year Howard County resident was also happy to take a course on “Archeology in Howard County,” taught by Lee Preston, a longtime teacher in the Howard County public schools and professor at Howard County Community College.

Preston brought to class artifacts he was instrumental in excavating. “I’ve been driving for years on a bridge over a mill, which I never knew existed before I took the class.” Berkowitz said.

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Georgia is known for peanuts, presidents and prisoners; plus, what travel insurance to buy page 22

Teacher Ann Wiker talks with Judy Estrin (left) and Ethel Brandt about their class, “Modern Medical Analysis of Famous Artists,” at the Osher Lifelong Learning Center in Columbia. Spring classes on a wide variety of subjects begin in February.

The Bernard Osher Foundation, begun by a successful businessman and philanthropist originally from Maine, gives millions of dollars yearly to OLLI programs at 117 universities (at last count) in every state and the District of Columbia. Among other area universities offering the program are American University in Washington, D.C., George Mason University in Virginia, and Towson University in Maryland.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Johns Hopkins University Columbia Center is located at 6740 Alexander Bell Drive. Its next semester runs from February 17 through May 8.

In addition to the typical courses in international relations, foreign policy, philosophy,

literature, film, arts and science, this semester will offer such non-run-of-the-mill courses as “Delicious Terror: The Classic English Ghost Story,” “Women in Art History” and “Jackie Robinson: Beyond the Movie 42.”

The latter course, taught by John Vernon, a former National Archives and Records Administration official who taught history at the Tuskegee Institute, will cover racism in baseball and the great ballplayer’s post-baseball career as a civil rights activist.

Even the teachers learn Pauline Cohen, who attends classes as a member of the program, will also be teaching See CLASSES, page 27

ARTS & STYLE

Around the world with a Jewish music trio at the Jim Rouse Theater page 26

FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Pros and cons of preservatives k Reduce stroke risk THE SENIOR CONNECTION 16 k Howard County Office on Aging newsletter LAW & MONEY 18 k Profit from the oil and gas boom k Why foreign funds are on fire PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

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At your fingertips Most people I speak with — regardless found that people comprehend and recall of their age — tell me they prefer reading a text better when it’s read on paper rather real newspaper (on paper) than a screen. rather than a virtual one on a Compared with paper, peocomputer screen. ple find reading on a computer, They like the “old-fashsmartphone or tablet screen to ioned” tactile experience, be more taxing — both menwhere they can tur n the tally and physically. Prolonged pages, skim the headlines, reading on screens also causes choose which ads to read, clip more eyestrain, headaches articles of interest, and generand blurred vision than readally feel like they have accoming printed paper. plished something when they I think this is all true. And are through. (You’re some- FROM THE we like to point out these facts how never “through” with on- PUBLISHER when speaking with those ad line media.)

By Stuart P. Rosenthal agencies and potential adverBeing the publisher of a tisers who believe that the printed newspaper, it’s possible that I, per- only place to advertise today is online. haps unconsciously, choose to speak with (Obviously, advertisers you see in the people who are likely to agree with me on Beacon do not share that bias, for which this. we are grateful, as there would be no BeaBut there is evidence that a preference con without them.) for reading on paper rather than screens is But even I have to admit that there are widely shared. Scientific evidence. Scientif- times and places where having access to a ic American evidence, even. broad range of reading material in one’s In its November issue, that premier mag- pocket can come in handy: waiting for a azine of scientific research published an ar- train, sitting in a doctor’s office, standing ticle titled, “Why the Brain Prefers Paper.” It in line and, as the British say, “on the loo.” reports that, in many studies conducted I own a smartphone and admit to using over the past 20 years, researchers have it to read various news sources in those sit-

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of Howard County, Md. and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md., Greater Washington DC, and Greater Palm Springs, Calif.

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

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King

uations. I also just obtained my first tablet (an iPad). While I marvel at its beauty, I am still figuring out how and when I will use it. So why did I buy it?

Drum roll, please.

Because the Beacon has recently unveiled our first “mobile app” for both tablet and smartphone users and, believe it or not, not a single member of our 13-person staff owned a tablet on which to check it out!

Let me pause for a moment to define “app” for the more technologically challenged folks who may be reading this. An app (short for “application”) is a software program that enables your smartphone or tablet to do something particularly useful for you.

For example, there’s an app to convert your phone or tablet camera into a document scanner, or its flash into a powerful flashlight, or to make your device function as an alarm clock or stopwatch or radio or sound machine or GPS or...well, you get the idea.

So what does the Beacon app enable you to do? Well, basically it provides versions of our website, newspapers and Resource Guides that are designed to be easier to read on a smartphone or tablet.

If you’re familiar with our website, you know that it features many options, including feature articles from our four editions, blog posts from me and our managing editor, an events calendar, comics, puzzles, videos and more.

Using a smartphone, you can open and view our website, but you’d better be holding a magnifying glass if you want to read anything on it!

But now, if you access our website through a smartphone or tablet, you should get a message inviting you to download our free “mobile app,” which makes it much easier to scroll through a list of stories and topics and to pick one article at a time to read.

You can also view our archives and select any of our editions (Greater Washington, Greater Baltimore, Howard County, or Palm Springs, Calif.) to view them exactly as they appear in print. You “flip” through the pages

by swiping the image with your finger.

Even though you can significantly expand the size of the text (and ads) to make viewing easier, I don’t think you’ll prefer reading the Beacon in this manner to picking up a paper. But the app can certainly give you an overview, help you find something from a past issue, or call up an ad to remind you of a special offer or phone number while you’re out and about.

And you may find reading our print editions on a large tablet can be helpful, especially if you’re out of town or otherwise unable to pick up a printed copy now and then.

Our mobile app will also let you access other sections of our website in a simple format, such as videos, information about upcoming Expos, and the like. We will be adding more functions to the app as time goes on.

Please don’t be alarmed. Our app will not be taking the place of our printed product! You will continue to be able to pick up our paper from thousands of free local distribution sites.

We do expect, however, that younger people, travelers and out-of-towners will discover the Beacon more readily thanks to this app. In fact, we are already seeing some evidence of this.

Our new app went “live” just two weeks ago, and we have not even announced it publicly. This is my first reference to it in print. But as I write this column, 96 people have already downloaded it.

To download our app, visit http://beacon.mobapp.at, or search for The Beacon Newspapers at the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

I will keep you informed as we make progress. And if you choose to read the Beacon on a mobile device, please return the favor: Let us know what you like (or don’t like) about it, and what else you’d like to see our new app do for you.

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. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

• Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................ Steve Levin, Jill Joseph • Publishing Assistant ....................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 35 for classified advertising details.

Please mail or email all submissions.

© Copyright 2014 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

Dear Editor: As a change of pace to the usual letter to the editor concerning contemporary issues, such as social and economic matters, crime, corruption, etc., perhaps your readers may find interest and humor in the following quotes: 1. Speaking without thinking is like shooting without aiming.

2. They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

3. Those who consider themselves too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.

4. Charity begins at home, but should not end there.

5. When a player can’t see the man who is dealing the cards, it is best to stay out of the game.

6. The only certain thing in life is that nothing is certain.

William H. Stevens Perry Hall

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

SAVE THE DATE! Columbia Association is developing a Comprehensive Plan for Serving the Older Adult community. The work team will be releasing its draft plan recommendations and is seeking your feedback.

Please join us for a Public Meeting on the Draft

PLAN OLDER

COMPREHENSIVE

for serving

ADULTS Monday,January 13, 2014 10am-12pm & 5-7pm

Slayton House

Meeting content will be the same at both sessions.

Inclement weather day is Tuesday, January 14 at the same times.

Wilde Lake Village Center

For additional information on the public meeting, the Comprehensive Plan and more, please visit

ColumbiaAssociation.org/OlderAdults.

10400 Cross Fox Ln Columbia, MD 21044

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Health Fitness &

FOODS THAT HELP YOU SLEEP Try fish, jasmine rice, tart cherry juice, yogurt and whole grains for better sleep REDUCE STROKE RISK Lose weight, drink less alcohol and consume less sodium to cut stroke risk NO MORE STUFFING Outwit your family dynamics to avoid overeating at holiday gatherings SCREENINGS OVERDONE Whole-body CT scans and some other tests can do more harm than good

Preservatives: How much is too much?

By Sharon Palmer, R.D. “Natural” foods, free of preservatives, continue to trend. But is avoiding preservatives really necessary?

If you keep a loaf of homemade bread on the counter for a few days, the telltale signs of spoilage begin: mold, discoloration and an off taste. The same thing will happen if you leave most perishable food products — such as cooked vegetables, meat or eggs — at room temperature for too long.

Bacteria, microorganisms and enzymes begin to do their job by essentially “feeding” on the food, resulting in decay. That’s why food companies add preservatives to foods — to extend shelf life, maintain high quality and prevent spoilage.

Before the advent of modern chemical preservatives used by the food industry, such as sodium benzoate and sulfites, our ancestors used other means of preserva-

tion, like drying foods and adding salt. We know that too much salt in preserved foods isn’t good for us, but what about synthetic preservatives?

While many preservatives appear to be safe and perform an important function in our food system, some of them may be of concern.

Many benefits of preservatives Many of our modern preservatives were introduced in the 1970s. “Before then, you couldn’t leave foods out at room temperature for long,” said Roger Clemens, internationally recognized food science expert and professor of pharmacology at the University of Southern California. “The addition of preservatives has changed our behavior on how we store and use food.”

Now we have the ability to purchase larger amounts of foods less often, and fewer foods need to be refrigerated. Chem-

ical preservatives function to preserve food in many ways, including preventing the growth of microorganisms, reducing moisture content, increasing acidity, preventing the natural ripening process, and acting as an antioxidant.

The biggest advantage of using preservatives is lowering food waste. “We’re losing up to 50 percent of our food supply around the world due to food waste,” said Clemens.

“We’re in a bit of a conundrum; we want healthy food that will last a long time, but if you don’t put preservatives in it, you lose food due to spoilage.”

Preservatives also can help protect our health by decreasing the risk of foodborne illness caused by microorganisms in food. They also play a role in lowering oxidation in the body, which may occur as a result of ingredients in foods that become oxidized (or rancid).

Oxidized compounds in food products can promote the formation of free radicals in the body, which produce oxidative stress. It’s well known that oxidative stress is linked with the development of diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Questions raised on some The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring the safety of foods, but is not required to review preservatives currently in use that are considered “generally recognized as safe.”

Many food preservatives appear to be completely safe, including alpha tocopheral (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium propionate, nisin, tartaric acid and TBHQ. On the other hand, several food additives have been banned, because — after See PRESERVATIVES, page 5

Should we routinely map new baby DNA?

By Lauran Neergaard Little Amelia Sloan became a pioneer shortly after her birth.

The healthy baby is part of a large research project in Falls Church, Va., that is decoding the DNA of hundreds of infants.

New parents in a few other cities soon can start signing up for smaller studies to explore whether what’s called genome sequencing — fully mapping someone’s genes to look for health risks — should become a part of newborn care.

It’s full of ethical challenges. Should parents be told only about childhood threats?

Or would they also want to learn if their babies carried a key gene for, say, breast cancer after they’re grown?

Could knowing about future risks alter how a family treats an otherwise healthy youngster? And how accurate is this technology — could it raise too many false alarms?

This is the newest frontier in the genetic revolution: how early to peek into someone’s DNA, and how to make use of this health forecast without causing needless worry.

“This was something that was looming over the horizon,” said Dr. Alan Guttmacher, a pediatrician and geneticist who heads

the National Institutes of Health’s child health division.

Last month, NIH announced a $25 million, five-year pilot project in four cities — Boston, San Francisco, Chapel Hill, N.C., and Kansas City, Mo. — to start answering some of the questions before the technology is widely offered for babies.

How babies are screened today Today, the 4 million U.S. babies born annually have a heel pricked in the hospital, providing a spot of blood to be tested for signs of at least 30 rare diseases.

This newborn screening catches several thousand affected babies each year in time for early treatment to prevent death, brain damage or other disabilities. It’s considered one of the nation’s most successful public health programs.

A complete genetic blueprint would go well beyond what that newborn blood spot currently tells doctors and parents, allowing a search for potentially hundreds of other conditions — some that arise in childhood and some later, some preventable and some not.

“If I truly believed that knowing one’s genome was going to be transformative to medicine over the next decade or more,

then wouldn’t I want to start generating that information around the time of birth?” asked Dr. John Niederhuber, former director of the National Cancer Institute, who now oversees one of the largest baby-sequencing research projects to date.

Looking for predictive patterns At Niederhuber’s Inova Translational Medicine Institute in Falls Church, Va., researchers are mapping the genomes of newborns, along with their parents and other relatives for comparison. The longterm goal of the privately funded study is to uncover genetic patterns that predict complex health problems — from prematurity to developmental disorders.

But the experimental tests will turn up some gene mutations already well-known to cause serious ailments, and participating parents must choose upfront whether to be told.

They don’t get a full report card of their baby’s genes. Only ones that cause treatable or preventable conditions — so-called medically actionable findings — are revealed, to the family’s doctor.

That means in addition to pediatric diseases, parents also could learn whether a baby carries a particular breast-cancer-

causing gene, information useful once she reaches young adulthood.

Nurse Holly Sloan was eager to enroll daughter Amelia, although she thought hard about how she’d handle any bad news.

“If it was something that we could hopefully prevent through diet or exercise or some kind of lifestyle change, we could start with that as early as possible,” said Sloan, of Warrenton, Va. “I guess I’m just the type of person, I would rather know and address it.” Five months after Amelia’s birth, she hasn’t gotten any worrisome results.

Until now, genome sequencing has been used mostly in research involving curious adults, or to help diagnose children or families plagued by mysterious illnesses.

But many specialists say it’s almost inevitable that DNA mapping eventually will be used for healthy young children, too — maybe as an addition to traditional newborn screening for at least some tots. It takes a few drops of blood or a cheek swab.

And while it’s still too costly for routine use, the price is dropping rapidly. Whole See DNA MAPPING, page 6

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❏ Alta at Regency Crest (see ad on page 12) ❏ Brooke Grove (see ad on page 32) ❏ Charlestown (see ad on page 23) ❏ Country Gardens Assisted Living (see ad on page 19) ❏ Heartlands (see ad on page 10) ❏ Homecrest House (see ad on page 14) ❏ Ivy Manor Normandy (see ad on page 5) ❏ Morningside House Ellicott City (see ad on page 13) ❏ Park View at Colonial Landing (see ad on page 21) ❏ Park View at Columbia (see ad on page 21) ❏ Park View at Ellicott City (see ad on page 21) ❏ Park View at Emerson (see ad on page 21) ❏ Shriner Court (see ad on page 15) ❏ Somerford Place (see ad on page 15) ❏ Vantage House (see ad on page 11)

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Of greater concern may be the sheer amount of preservatives we’re getting.

Many health experts fear that with our increasing intake of highly processed foods, we’re inadvertently upping our intake of these additives.

According to Clemens, when you consume too many foods with preservatives, it may cause problems (as is true for most things in our diets) Ironically, problems can also be caused

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many years of use — they’ve been deemed unsafe. Others have been called into question because of potential carcinogen or allergen risks.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI) has petitioned the FDA to reevaluate the safety of some food additives.

Clemens reports that the FDA hasn’t made a move on this issue yet.

The following additives have been questioned regarding their safety, according to CSPI: 1. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers this chemical to be “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.”

2. Propyl Gallate. Animal studies suggest that this preservative might promote cancer, however additional research is needed.

3. Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate. These are used as preservatives in processed meats, linked to increased cancer and heart disease risk.

4. Sodium Benzoate. While these chemicals appear to be safe for most people, some report severe allergic reactions.

5. Sulfites. Though sulfites appear safe for non-sensitive people, they can cause severe allergies in some.

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From page 4

by using too little preservatives. A 2010 study by Swedish researchers found that when a small amount of a common preservative was added to different types of pork meat, it increased the amount of toxins produced by the bacteria in food. The toxins from food microorganisms are generally responsible for making you sick when you acquire a food-borne illness.

The scientists reported that the preservatives may cause the bacteria to become stressed, which means they produce more toxins. However, when a larger amount of preservative was added, the bacteria did not survive.

The solution to eating a healthful diet seems clear. “Eating less packaged food is ultimately the solution,” said Gerri French, nutrition educator at Sansum Clinic, Santa Barbara, Calif.

“Enjoy more fresh foods, including [those with] healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds and quality oils, and eat less [processed] food products.

“Eat more dried fruit and nuts rather than nutrition bars; plain yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit rather than ‘fruit-flavored’ yogurts; milk in coffee rather than artificial creamer.”

When you do use packaged foods, avoid the preservatives that are of the greatest concern. “Read the ingredients on food labels in the foods that you frequently use,” French said.

“The next time you shop for those foods, look for a substitute that does not contain the ingredient you’d like to avoid.

There might be refrigerator options with fewer food additives for products like bottled salad dressings.”

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-8295384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2013 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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DNA mapping From page 4 genome sequencing is expected to soon come down to $1,000 — what it now costs for a more targeted “exome” sequencing that maps only certain genes and may be enough.

Four views into the future The NIH decided this was a window of opportunity to explore different ways this technology might be used. One of the four teams — at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City — will test rapid gene-mapping to speed diagnosis of sick babies in intensive care.

Another will look for narrow sets of genes important in childhood, such as those involved with immune disorders not detected by today’s newborn screening, or

that alter how a child processes medication.

“It’s not going to be some sort of fishing expedition throughout the genome,” said Dr. Robert Nussbaum of the University of California, San Francisco.

The two other projects — at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill — will go a step further by enrolling healthy infants as they explore what kind of information parents want about their babies’ future.

“We aren’t even sure that genome-scale sequencing in newborns is really a good idea,” cautioned UNC lead researcher Dr. Jonathan Berg in a recent Facebook chat to alert the community about the study.

Rather than a one-time mapping, it’s possible that “we will use targeted sequencing at certain times in a person’s life,

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when that specific information will actually be medically useful.”

For those pioneering babies whose DNA is being mapped already, researchers are “trying to figure out what is legal, versus ethical, versus good medicine” in revealing results, said geneticist Joe Vockley, Inova Translational Medicine Institute’s chief science officer.

Mom and Dad may be told something that their child, once grown, wishes hadn’t been revealed. Other findings may be withheld now that would be good to know years later, as new treatments are developed.

“This is a living, breathing problem,” Vockley said, “not a static decision that’s made and lasts for all time.”

— AP

BEACON BITS

Jan. 8+

VIRTUAL BOWLING

Jan. 16

FREE TIPS TO QUIT SMOKING

Wii bowling begins on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Elkridge Senior Center, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. The sessions will continue on the second Wednesday of the month through April. For more information, call the center at (410) 313-4930.

Join other tobacco users wanting to quit the tobacco habit, and support those who have already quit, in a free session on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Wellness Center Medical Pavilion, Ste. 100, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. Call (410) 740-7601 for more information.

Jan. 17+

LIVING WITH DIABETES

If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, or even if you have been living with diabetes for some time, this course will teach you how to change your habits and will give you practical, attainable solutions for staying healthy. The two-day, interactive group course is held at the Bolduc Family Outpatient Center at Howard County General Hospital, 5744 Cedar Ln., Columbia. The class will be held Friday, Jan. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Most insurance plans cover all or part of this program. For more information or to register, call (443) 718-3000.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Health Shorts Communicating when you can’t talk A range of problems, from stroke to dementia, can hamper speech. Add the stress of being in the hospital, and communication can be nearly impossible.

Boards with pictures and phrases can help patients get across their message without speaking a word. They can be downloaded in paper form from several websites for free. The pages can be laminated or placed in sheet protectors.

“The use of images with medical personnel and family can help people understand and remember what is said to them. I have been to many emergency rooms and hospitals and am usually surprised that more isn’t done to help patients communicate. Everyone is [so] busy focusing on medical needs, that the communication needs of individuals are often overlooked,” according to Joan Green, a speech therapist in Potomac, Md. One of the downloadable communication boards for use in the hospital states, “I need help with something…” at the top, and includes 30 simple drawings — from “sit in chair” to “nurse call button” to “clean glass-

es.” Another says “This is how I feel…” with such choices as “sore throat” and “too hot.”

To download these and other free boards, go to www.amyspeechlanguagetherapy.com/communication-boards.html.

Another resource are the “cue cards” created by Eastern Health. They can also be downloaded for free after entering your email address. They are available at http://www.easternhealth.org.au/services/cuecards/default.aspx.

— Barbara Ruben

Sleep keeps your brain healthy

have trouble learning and making decisions, and are slower to react. But despite decades of research, scientists can’t agree on the basic purpose of sleep. Reasons range from processing memory, to saving energy, to regulating the body.

The latest work, led by scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center, adds fresh evidence to a long-standing view: When we close our eyes, our brains See HEALTH SHORTS, page 8

Free one-to-one support for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis The Crohn’s and Colitis Advocate Program* is here for you if you have Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

Sign up and get:

When we sleep, our brains get rid of gunk that builds up while we’re awake, suggests a study that may provide new clues to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders.

This cleaning was detected in the brains of sleeping mice, but scientists said there’s reason to think it happens in people, too.

If so, the finding may mean that, for people with dementia and other mind disorders, “sleep would perhaps be even more important in slowing the progression of further damage,’’ Dr. Clete Kushida, medical director of the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, said in an email. Kushida did not participate in the study, which appeared in the journal Science.

People who don’t get enough shut-eye

• Personalized support from a specially trained Patient Advocate • Educational resources and information • Useful tools to have more productive conversations with your doctor Thousands of people have taken advantage of the Crohn’s and Colitis Advocate Program. Now you can, too.

Simply visit CDandUC.com to learn more and sign up. *Advocates can provide you with education and resources and offer support, but cannot provide medical advice or replace your conversations with your health care provider.

Crohn’s & Colitis C r o h n s A n d C o l i t i s I n f o . c o m

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No more ups and downs do in

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Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health shorts From page 7 go on a cleaning spree.

The team previously found a plumbing network in mouse brains that flushes out cellular waste. For the new study, the scientists injected the brains of mice with beta-amyloid — a substance that builds up in Alzheimer’s disease — and followed its movement. They determined that it was removed faster from the brains of sleeping mice than awake mice.

The team also noticed that brain cells tend to shrink during sleep, which widens the

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

space between the cells. This allows waste to pass through that space more easily.

Though the work involved mouse brains, lead researcher Dr. Maiken Nedergaard said this plumbing system also exists in dogs and baboons, and it’s logical to think that the human brain also clears away toxic substances. Nedergaard said the next step is to look for the process in human brains.

In an accompanying editorial, neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro said scientists have recently taken a heightened interest in the spaces between brain cells, where junk is flushed out.

It’s becoming clearer that “sleep is likely to be a brain state in which several important housekeeping functions take place,” she said in an email.

The study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. In a statement, program director Jim Koenig said the finding could lead to new approaches for treating a range of — AP brain diseases.

Foods that help you sleep better Some people have trouble falling asleep.

Others can’t stay asleep. And then there are the people who have trouble turning life “off” and tucking into bed at a reasonable hour.

Whatever the reason, they are not alone — more than 50 million Americans don’t get enough shut-eye. Yet the health benefits of a good night’s rest are countless: Sleep helps keep you happy, your brain sharp, your immune system strong, your waistline trim, your skin looking youthful, and lowers your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Here’s the good news: Adding certain foods to your diet may help to increase your odds of successful slumber. (Though these foods won’t answer e-mails, clean your house, or complete whatever to-do item is keeping you up late.)

Here’s what you can eat for a better

night’s sleep: 1. Fish. Most fish — and especially salmon, halibut and tuna — boast vitamin B6, which is needed to make melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone triggered by darkness), according to an article published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Other B6-rich foods include chickpeas, bananas and fortified cereals.

2. Jasmine rice. When healthy sleepers ate carbohydrate-rich suppers of veggies and tomato sauce over rice, they fell asleep significantly faster at bedtime if the meal included high-glycemic-index (GI) jasmine rice rather than lower-GI longgrain rice, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

3. Tart cherry juice. In a small study, melatonin-rich tart cherry juice was shown to aid sleep. When adults with chronic insomnia drank a cup of tart cherry juice twice a day, they experienced some relief in the severity of their insomnia.

4. Yogurt. Dairy products like yogurt and milk boast healthy doses of calcium — and there’s research that suggests being calcium-deficient may make it difficult to fall asleep. Other calcium-rich foods to try: leafy green vegetables like kale and collards.

5. Whole grains. Bulgur, barley and other whole grains are rich in magnesium, and consuming too little magnesium may make it harder to stay asleep, reported the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine.

— EatingWell

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9

Ways you can reduce your risk of stroke Strokes don’t usually come out of the blue. True, nobody can predict the precise time when a stroke will strike, and more than two dozen factors make it more likely a person will suffer a stroke.

But even when family history or an underlying medical condition puts you at risk, you can do more than you think to avoid a fatal or debilitating stroke.

“Stroke is potentially one of the most devastating illnesses that we see, and it’s especially tragic when simply taking good care of one’s blood pressure or some other preventive measure might have averted it,” said Thomas Lee, M.D. of Harvard.

If you’ve already had a stroke or ministroke (a transient ischemic attack, or TIA), cutting your stroke risk isn’t so much an option as a lifeline. Sadly, far too many people who’ve suffered a stroke or heart attack don’t heed the warning.

sense for virtually everyone,” said Dr. Lee. High blood pressure. Most people can control high blood pressure by eating a low-salt diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits, by getting regular exercise, and by taking blood pressure medications exactly as prescribed.

High cholesterol and atherosclerosis. High cholesterol levels build up fatty plaques that reduce blood flow in the arteries — a condition called atherosclerosis, which can lead to a stroke. If diet and exercise don’t bring your cholesterol levels down far enough, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs that can significantly cut your stroke risk.

Atrial fibrillation. “A-fib” is an important cause of stroke, and unfortunately it tends to cause larger strokes. Treatment with medications that prevent blood clots reduces this risk.

“Many people with atrial fibrillation who would benefit from blood-thinning medications are not being treated,” warned Dr. Richard Lee. “This is especially true for people with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation — this is when the atrial fibrillation occurs once in a while, and not all the time. They should be treated as if they had atrial fibrillation all the time.”

Diabetes. Diabetes quadruples stroke risk. Two-thirds of people with diabetes eventually die of a stroke or heart attack.

For people with type 1 diabetes, close

monitoring of blood sugar and careful insulin use helps reduce risk of complications.

Those with type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise, may need metformin (Glucophage, others) or other diabetes drugs. Managing high cholesterol and high blood pressure is extremely important for people with diabetes.

—Harvard Heart Letter ©2013. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Eliminate lifestyle stroke risks Smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for stroke. What’s more, smoking makes just about all your other stroke risks worse. If you smoke cigarettes, you know what you need to do. Nothing will help you prevent a stroke more than quitting.

Other important ways to lower your odds of having a stroke: 1. Lose weight. Get down to what your doctor considers a healthy weight for you.

2. Drink less alcohol. If you drink, keep it moderate (that’s no more than two drinks a day for a man, no more than one a day for a woman), and remember that a drink is only an ounce and a half of liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer. And no binges on weekends, even if you don’t drink at all on weekdays.

3. Consume less sodium (salt).

Limit sodium to no more than 2,300 mg. per day — and no more than 1,500 mg. per day if you’re over age 51, African-American, or have diabetes, kidney disease, or certain other chronic conditions.

4. Eat a healthy diet. Cut way back on saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, but don’t be afraid of foods with healthy unsaturated fats. Eat less sugar and red meat.

Your mealtime mainstays should be vegetables, fruits, fat-free or low-fat dairy, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds and nuts.

5. Exercise. Are you sitting down? Get up! Your couch may be one of your biggest stroke risks. Find kinds of physical activity you enjoy. Talk with your doctor about how much exercise is right for you. Spend less time in front of screens and more time walking.

Reduce medical stroke risks Many underlying medical conditions add to your risk of stroke. By keeping these conditions under control, you minimize that increased risk.

“It’s now clear that many of these measures also reduce your risk of heart disease and other medical problems, so they make

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Stomach discomfort could be gastritis Your stomach lining has an important job. It makes acid and enzymes that help break down food so you can extract the nutrients you need.

The lining also protects itself from acid damage by secreting mucus. But sometimes the lining gets inflamed and starts making less acid, enzymes and mucus.

This type of inflammation is called gastritis, and it can cause long-term problems.

Some people think they have gastritis when they have pain or an uncomfortable

feeling in their upper stomach. But many other conditions can cause these symptoms.

Gastritis can sometimes lead to pain, nausea and vomiting. But it often has no symptoms at all. If left untreated, though, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers (sores in the stomach lining) or even stomach cancer.

Bacteria to blame People used to think gastritis and ulcers

were caused by stress and spicy foods. But research studies show that bacteria called Helicobacter pylori are often the culprit.

Usually, these bacteria cause no symptoms. In the United States, 20 to 50 percent of the population may be infected with H. pylori.

But for some reason, H. pylori breaks down the inner protective coating in some people’s stomachs and causes inflammation.

“I tell people H. pylori is like having termites in your stomach,” said Dr. David Graham, an expert in digestive diseases at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. “You usually don’t know you have termites until someone tells you, and you ignore it at your own risk.”

H. pylori can spread by passing from person to person or through contaminated food or water. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.

One type of gastritis, called erosive gastritis, wears away the stomach lining. The most common cause of erosive gastritis is long-term use of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin and ibuprofen.

“When you stop taking these drugs, the condition usually goes away,” said Graham. Doctors might recommend reducing your dose or switching to another class of pain medication.

Less common causes of gastritis include certain digestive disorders (such as Crohn’s disease) and autoimmune disorders, in which the body’s protective immune cells mistakenly attack healthy cells in the stomach lining.

Gastritis can be diagnosed with an endoscope, a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end, which is inserted through the patient’s mouth or nose and into the stom-

ach.

The doctor will look at the stomach lining and may also remove some tissue samples for testing. Treatment will depend on the type of gastritis you have.

Although stress and spicy foods don’t cause gastritis and ulcers, they can make symptoms worse. Milk might provide brief relief, but it also increases stomach acid, which can worsen symptoms. Your doctor may recommend taking antacids or other drugs to reduce acid in the stomach.

Talk with a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about ongoing pain or discomfort in your stomach. These symptoms can have many causes. Your doctor can help determine the best course of action for you.

Watch for ulcers Gastritis can lead to ulcers over time.

Symptoms of ulcers include pain between the belly button and breastbone that: a) starts between meals or during the night b) briefly stops if you eat or take antacids c) lasts for minutes to hours d) comes and goes for several days or weeks Contact your doctor right away if you have: 1. sudden sharp stomach pain that doesn’t go away 2. black or bloody stools 3. vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds Source: NIH News in Health, November 2012, published by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information go to www.newsinhealth.nih.gov ©2013 Whatdoctorsknow.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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11

Ways to avoid overeating at gatherings Q: How can I avoid overeating in re- try to be sensitive when you are dealing sponse to people pushing food at me with people for whom you know refusing during family gatherings? food feels like you are refusA: Family dynamics vary, ing their love. so an approach that works in Q: Do those elastic one family might not do well tubes and bands really in another. work for strength training?

Is your family one in which A: Yes, elastic tubes and eating rich foods in large bands are now available for amounts is seen as an essenvirtually all levels of strength tial part of gatherings, and not training, and they’re inexpendoing so is met with resistsive and easily stored. ance?

You need to use the right Rather than making a major NUTRITION band or tube to match your statement that you don’t want WISE strength level and the particuto eat that way, you might try By Karen Collins, lar muscle group being exerto let your healthy eating qui- MS, RD, CDM cised. Chest presses, for exetly fly under the radar. ample, need more resistance Especially if you are busy than the arm curls that exerhelping, or not sitting right next to the per- cise your upper arms. son most likely to push food at you, your When working with an elastic tube or lack of overeating may go undetected if you don’t make a big deal of it.

If people do urge you to take more than you are comfortable eating, try for responses that don’t put them on the defensive. You might compliment the food and say that you are so full you’d like to wait until later for more.

If you refuse in a way that makes others feel guilty by implying that they are eating excessively, or that the food they have served you is unhealthy, they may be offended and push further.

Remember that the health impact of a food varies with its portion. If you help with serving, or the meal is family style, you can choose the portion that’s right for you.

Try to find some vegetables or other healthful choices to savor slowly, so that if others are going back for third or fourth portions, you still have something to munch.

Don’t let other people derail your efforts to take care of your health. Nevertheless,

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Jan. 14

GETTING A GOOD JOB AFTER 50

Kerry Hannon, a career, retirement and personal finance expert and columnist for Forbes and AARP, discusses her bestselling book, Great Jobs for Everyone 50+: Finding Work that Keeps You Happy and Healthy…And Pays the Bills, on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. The book will be available for purchase and signing at the event, which is presented in partnership with the Howard County Department of Citizen Services and the Office on Aging. For more information, call (410) 313-7701.

band, you secure it under your feet or around a heavy piece of furniture or a pole.

Focus on squeezing the muscle in use when you encounter resistance as you pull on the tube/band. Stop and pause, keeping the muscle tight when you’ve completed the pulling motion. Then keep the muscle working as you release the weight slowly, rather than letting it spring back as you return to starting position.

Just as when strength-training with free weights or stationary machines, good posture and proper technique is important to work the muscle appropriately and to avoid injury.

You can use many of the same exercises you may have learned with other forms of strength training, but if you haven’t received instruction, it’s best to learn good technique by meeting with a certified fitness trainer at a local facility.

If this isn’t possible, check out a recognized fitness organization’s DVD or website. For example, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers a free suggested routine with elastic tubing at http://bit.ly/elas tic_band_exercises.

You also can see how to use a resistance/stretch band in this video from AICR: http://bit.ly/elastic_band_video.

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

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

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Better solution to the ‘bedroom problem’ Dear Pharmacist: weekend, when they can fix the root cause I have a bedroom problem. I took Vi- by balancing their hormones? agra for several years, and it A good physician should stopped working, so I was evaluate your hormones and put on Cialis. neurotransmitters, and deciSometimes that helps, pher if your problem is low sometimes not. I’m too emtestosterone, low dopamine, barrassed to ask my doctor high cortisol, high estrogen, again. He says this is a part low progesterone, high inof aging because I am 58. sulin, low DHEA or oxytocin.

Any suggestions?

Whether you’re a man or a — T.M., Bethesda, Md. woman, if you’ve ‘lost that Dear T.M.: lovin’ feelin’, you need to evalDEAR I have many! I’m stunned uate and replenish your horPHARMACIST that your doctor hasn’t menmones. Prescribed sex pills,

By Suzy Cohen tioned bio-identical hormone as useful as they are, can’t balreplacement for you, as in ance hormones. testosterone or “T.” There’s another reason I get hot under The reason most men develop erectile the collar about this topic. Men are dying dysfunction in the first place is because every day from heart attack and stroke they are low in their natural ‘manly’ hor- that may have been prevented. The clue mone, which starts to decline with age. that you’re headed for trouble is erectile The declining T causes a relative increase dysfunction. in circulating estrogen, a hormone found in Think that out, it’s not hard to underhigher concentrations in women. Restoring stand. If the blood isn’t effectively flowing testosterone puts balance back, so it’s my down south to your penis, it isn’t flowing best recommendation for increasing mojo. up north either, to your heart. When your Giving a man one of those super sex pills blood vessels are clogged, that could like Viagra, Levitra or Cialis is the equiva- cause erectile dysfunction years before a lent of jump starting the car every two massive heart attack occurs. miles, rather than just fixing the battery.

What does conventional medicine do?

Why do men medicate themselves every Prescribe a quick fixer upper so you can

have a night of fun, instead of helping you clear your arteries, improve vessel flexibility, correct hormonal imbalances and manage cholesterol. (They don’t even measure cholesterol correctly, but that’s another column.)

I think there is an incomplete knowledge or understanding of physiology or hormones, because sex pills should not be your go-to drug for erectile dysfunction.

You think it’s just me saying that to alarm you? Not a chance. I would never scare you, that’s not how I roll.

A study published in March 2010 in Circulation concluded, “Erectile dysfunction is a potent predictor of all-cause death and the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure in men with cardiovascular disease.”

Replacement therapy is controversial.

Some studies suggest the very use of testosterone increases heart attack risk, but I find flaws with those studies. Balance is key.

[Editor’s Note: Last month, a review of veteran medical records published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found an increased risk of stroke, heart attack or death among male heart patients with low-T who had T supplementation.]

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

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

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Putting an end to unwanted discussions Dear Solutions: time for many different reasons.

I have an African American friend I Something may happen, and you may like very much, but we get have a bad experience, and into these discussions then it’s over. She can’t count about what I call “unfair on racism being “over,” so experiences.” those kinds of experiences, She says that because of sadly, can keep recurring for racism she has had these her. experiences. But I’ve also Telling you that her experihad bad experiences for ences are really worse than other reasons (I’m white), yours is not just one-upmanand I’ve also been ver y ship. It’s really true. upset when they hapIf you can express your unSOLUTIONS pened. derstanding and empathy to I think a bad experience By Helen Oxenberg, her, she won’t have to conis a bad experience, no MSW, ACSW stantly try to make you see matter what the reason, and we keep disagreeing about this.

I’d like to stop this discussion. How? — The Friend Dear Friend: Join her. Recognize that because of racism, the so-called “bad experiences” that she’s had, and probably continues to have, are different from other bad experiences that most people have from time to

this her way. That’s how you can stop the discussion.

Dear Solutions: I was at a gathering recently of people who consider themselves very up to date on political matters.

Conversation went back and forth with different opinions, but when they started to talk about gay marriage, it really heated up.

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

One neighbor that I’m fairly friendly with kept ranting and raving about how he thinks it’s wrong and immoral and irreligious and on and on. I know I’m going to hear from him again on this.

I disagree with him completely, but I don’t feel like arguing with him, because that’s what he wants — a constant soap box to bring attention to himself. Can you think of a simple answer I can give that will close the ar— H.B. gument?

Dear H.B.: Yes. Just say: “I hear you loud and clear.

So, since you think gay marriage is wrong, don’t marry a gay person.” End of discussion. © Helen Oxenberg, 2013. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915.

You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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Health Studies Page

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Simple test helps predict heart attack risk

By Carol Sorgen While it’s certainly beneficial to your health if those all-important “numbers” — cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar — are in the normal range, that doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for developing heart disease.

According to Baltimore internist Boris Kerzner, research has shown that for more than 50 percent of people, the first symptom of asymptomatic coronary artery disease is sudden death or a heart attack.

But now, a simple noninvasive finger sensor test has been shown to be “highly predictive” in identifying the risk of a major cardiac event, such as a heart attack or stroke, even in people otherwise considered at low or moderate risk.

Measures blood flow The finger test device, known as EndoPAT, was developed by Itamar Medical, an Israeli company. It evaluates the health of your arteries by measuring what the company calls a PAT (Peripheral Arterial Tone) signal.

The lining of your arteries, known as the endothelium, regulates blood flow and acts much the way a layer of Teflon does in a nonstick pan. When the endothelium is functioning normally, it protects the blood vessels from atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and plaque buildup.

However, if the endothelium is damaged from such lifestyle choices as smoking, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and too much stress, what develops is known as endothelial dysfunction, which is the earli-

est indicator of cardiovascular disease.

The presence of endothelial dysfunction strongly predicts cardiovascular events in people in the early stages of heart disease, even if they don’t have other recognizable risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Its effects also go beyond coronary disease, and have been implicated in other serious illnesses, such as sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, renal disease and dementia.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston used EndoPAT to test 270 patients between the ages of 42 and 66, and followed their progress from August 1999 to August 2007. Forty-nine percent of patients whose EndoPAT test indicated poor endothelial function had a cardiac event during the seven-year study.

The study was presented at the 2009 American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session. Prior to the EndoPAT, there was no simple test for endothelium function, according to Dr. Amir Lerman, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist who was the senior author of the study.

Available locally The test uses a standard blood pressure cuff and finger probes, takes 15 minutes, and can be conducted in a doctor’s office.

It is available from certain doctors around the country.

Kerzner, the Baltimore internist, supports continuing research in the area of endothelial dysfunction. He also believes the EndoPAT is a significant tool in the fight against cardiovascular and other systemic diseases.

“By predicting the risk of a heart attack — up to 7 years before it could happen — many more lives could be saved,” he said.

Kerzner is the only doctor in the Baltimore area who currently offers the EndoPAT test. Kerzner’s office is located at MDVIP/Health Trends Research, 2700 Quarry Lake Dr., Baltimore, (410) 4155811.

Because it is an elective test, its cost may not be covered by health insurance plans. Be sure to check with your own insurance carrier. It is covered by Medicare for those with vascular disease.

For more information on EndoPAT, see www.itamar-medical.com/EndoPAT.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 20

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

The office of County Executive Ken Ulman, the Office of Human Rights and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Service Committee have designated Monday, Jan. 20 as a day of service across the county in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s advocacy, legacy and commitment to social justice. The website for listings of projects and more information on opportunities to volunteer on that date is www.volunteerhoward.org. Or call the volunteer center at (410) 715-3172.

Jan. 23

ABCS OF CCRCS

Learn about the differences between the various types of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and the benefits that each includes to help you make the best choice for your retirement. This talk, sponsored by the Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23 at 1:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 3604 Chatham Rd. in Ellicott City. Registration is required by calling 1-877-461-8933 or by visiting www.MillersGrant.org.

Have You Fallen?

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you will receive: • Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time If interested call: 410-605-7179 & Mention code: LIFT Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Line *You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine *You will attend approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours of time per visit

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

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Some screenings do more harm than good Certain health screenings, such as colonoscopies and cholesterol checks, are wise preventive measures. But other common tests may be unnecessary.

“I think we’re doing too much overscreening,” said geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an instructor at Harvard Medical School. “This leads to the discovery of too many harmless variations of normal body parts, which then lead to expensive, anxiety-producing and often painful further over-testing and unnecessary procedures.”

Here are the top five tests experts from Harvard say you can probably forgo: 1. Electrocardiogram In this test, also known as an ECG (or EKG), technicians place electrodes on your chest to check for abnormalities in your heart’s electrical activity. But for healthy people without heart disease symptoms or risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking or diabetes, the test is not recommended.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said there’s no evidence that routine ECG screening offers any benefits, and that it might pose some risks if further unnecessary tests are done.

“Even though an ECG is extremely safe and relatively inexpensive, the cumulative costs add up if everyone gets one,” said cardiologist Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a professor at Harvard Medical School and editor in chief of the Harvard Heart Letter.

2. Whole-body CT scan This test uses x-ray computed tomography (CT) to look inside your body for early warning signs of conditions such as heart disease, aneurysms, cancer, osteoporosis and lung disease. But these scans cost hundreds of dollars, aren’t usually covered by insurance, and involve radiation exposure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said there’s no scientific evidence that

whole-body scans of individuals without symptoms provide more benefit than harm.

“These pick up all kinds of ‘incidentalomas’ that lead to needless anxiety and expensive screenings, as well as excessive radiation. I don’t think doctors order them.

I think people see ads in magazines and sign up for them,” said Dr. Salamon.

While it’s possible that technological improvements could make such scans a good idea someday, that’s not the case today.

3. Coronary calcium score This test uses CT to scan your arteries for signs of calcium deposits that put you at risk for heart attacks. Dr. Bhatt said studies have shown that it may be useful when used in patients who are at intermediate risk, according to traditional risk factors, since abnormal results can push a person into a high-risk group.

“Perhaps knowing that they have a high calcium score would encourage them to lose weight or stay on their statin, for example, though the data supporting this are mixed,” he said.

But because of radiation risk and the risk of additional unnecessary tests and procedures, he recommends against this test for routine screening, as does the American Heart Association.

4. Chest screening The American Lung Association recommends low-dose CT to detect early signs of lung cancer for current or former heavy smokers ages 55 to 74 with a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years.

But if you’re not in this group, you should not have a routine screening. The risk from radiation exposure and potential unnecessary follow-up testing is not worth the small chance of benefit.

5. TB skin test A skin test can detect if you’re been in-

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fected with the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria.

But if your doctor suggests a routine screening, make sure to ask why.

The TB skin test is recommended only for people who have spent time with a person with TB; who have a weakened immune system from HIV or another medical problem; who have TB symptoms such as fever, cough and weight loss; who use illegal drugs; or who are from or work in countries where TB is common. (Russia is one example.)

If you don’t fall within those categories, a

skin test is likely an unnecessary expense.

But what if your doctor recommends it?

“That is what makes medicine not just a science, but also an art. Ultimately, you have to trust your doctor’s judgment,” said Dr. Bhatt.

If a risky or expensive test or procedure is recommended and you feel apprehensive, you might consider a second opinion.

—Harvard Health Letter © 2013. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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VOLUME 4, NO. 1 • JANUARY 2014

A Message from the Administrator

By Dayna Brown, Office on Aging Administrator Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting a proclamation on behalf of County Executive Ken Ulman, proclaiming Dec. 4 Neighbor Ride Day in Howard County. This special honor was bestowed not only to recognize the $10,000 grant Neighbor Ride had just received in the Tom’s of Maine “50 States for Good” campaign, but also to highlight the invaluable transportation services it provides to older adults in Howard County throughout the year. Neighbor Ride’s Brad Closs and Colleen Konstanzer (pictured with me, above) are partners of the Office on Aging in every sense of the word, and I am proud to call them friends as well.

At the Office on Aging, we realize that having strong community partners not only makes our jobs easier, it also magnifies the impact of the good things we can accomplish by working together. Another outstanding example of this is the mutually beneficial relationship we have forged with the Coalition of Geriatric Services (COGS). Every year, COGS’ FallFest raises thousands of dollars for both Neighbor Ride and the Office on Aging’s Vivian L. Reid Community Fund. I don’t often get the chance to thank them publicly for their enthusiastic support, but I wanted to take the opportunity to do so here.

Of course, there are many, many other folks throughout Howard County who lend their time and talents and open their hearts and wallets to benefit older adults in Howard County. As we begin the New Year I want each of you to know how profoundly grateful I am for your support, and how awed I am by your generosity. Simply put, thank you for all you do. Happy New Year!

This New Year, Take Time to Discuss Critical Issues with Family Have you discussed critical end-of-life future. Topics covered include choosing issues with your loved ones? As your a doctor; monitoring and recording family gathers to celebrate the New Year, health conditions; maintaining medical the 11th annual Home for the Holidays records; establishing durable power of campaign encourages you to set time attorney, trusts, advance directives, wills; aside to broach this difficult subject — and organizing important financial now rather than later. documents.

“This holiday, we encourage families “Having conversations about health, to spend time asking each other some legal, financial and end-of-life issues is basic questions about end-of-life truly valuable for everyone involved,” decisions in order to avoid a potential said Sandy Markwood, n4a CEO. crisis situation later down the line,” said “Understanding the thoughts and wishes Dayna Brown, Administrator of the of your loved ones helps give those Office on Aging. “Starting the involved peace of mind when it comes conversation tends to be the hardest time to make those important decisions.” part, but once started, all parties To learn more, contact Maryland Access involved feel relief that these important Point at 410-313-5980, email issues are being addressed.” map@howardcountymd.gov or visit The Home for the Holidays campaign www.howardcountyaging.org. includes the release of a new guide that covers everything from how to The Howard County Paws4Comfort program fosters special bonds between pets, their initiate conversations to owners and the County residents they visit. the right questions to ask about health, legal, If you are interested in volunteering, or wish to schedule a free financial and end-of-life evaluation for your pet, issues. contact Ingrid Gleysteen, Available to download at 410-313-7461 or igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov. on the National Association of Area Evaluations are held the 1 Agencies on Aging’s Wednesday of every month. (n4a) website, Wednesday, January 8th www.n4a.org, the guide 7 PM at Bain Center seeks to eliminate the “conversation The Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way Columbia, MD 21044 disconnect” by providing 410.313.7461 families with the topics, www.howardcountyaging.org tools and information they need to discuss the st

Thank you to everyone who supported Project Holiday. Your generous donations brought cheer to many Howard County nursing home residents!

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Coming Events The Senior Connection

Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. & Thursdays, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. – Gentle Yoga, North Laurel 50+ Center Reduce stress, tone muscles and increase strength & energy; instructor will modify to your fitness level & health challenges. Cost: $56 for 8 classes. For more information or to register, call 410-313-0380.

Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. – Men’s Forum, Ellicott City Senior Center Join our congenial men’s group to swap tales and share everything from “soup to nuts” for a comfortable, good-humored, social time.

Call 410-313-7466 for more info.

Mondays, 6 p.m. – Qigong, East Columbia 50+ Center Join instructor Jianping Mao to learn Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise which frees energy flow while increasing vitality and flexibility. Monthly fees apply; call 410-313-7680 for more info.

Mondays starting Jan. 6, 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Living Well, Medical Pavilion at Howard County, 10710 Charter Drive Suite 100 Columbia, MD 21044 Learn how to manage your chronic conditions in a supportive group setting over the course of six weeks. Cost: $28; includes all materials.

Call 410-313-5980 for information or to register.

Mondays, noon to 1 p.m. – Ballroom Dancing, Glenwood 50+Center Instructor Laurie Anderson will help you learn or perfect your ballroom dance skills. Cost: $40 for 8 weeks; call 410-313-5440 to register.

Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Bain Center, & 12:30 p.m., Ellicott City Senior Center – Low Vision Groups Ongoing support groups for those with low vision to explore options, share ideas and build an attitude of living with low-vision and staying independent. Call 410-313-7466 for more info.

Tuesdays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Qigong Fitness, Elkridge Senior Center Learn about whole body wellness and try this ancient form of exercise to help you feel better, inside and out. Cost: $4/class; call 410-313-5192 to register.

Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m. – Tap Aerobics, North Laurel 50+ Center Combine the rhythm of tap dancing with a healthy low impact aerobic workout. Tap shoes optional; smooth soled shoes required. Cost: $43 for 8 classes. To register, call 410- 313-0380.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 10 a.m. – Age Well Exercise Class, Elkridge Senior Center Join our new and improved class featuring 2 new instructors with great new moves; it’s easy to follow and fun. Cost: $16 for 16 weeks (32 classes).

Call 410-313-5192 to register.

The Senior Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Department of Citizen Services’ Office on Aging.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

To contact us, or to join our email subscriber list, email seniorconnection@howardcountymd.gov with ‘subscribe’ in the subject box.

Howard County Office on Aging 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

410-313-6410

www.howardcountyaging.org www.Facebook.com/HoCoCitizen

Dayna Brown, Administrator

Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Howard County Office on Aging or by the publisher.

Thursdays, 12:30pm – Brain Teasers, Bain Center Challenge your mind and strengthen memory by using games, puzzles and other activities in a friendly, congenial atmosphere.

Call 410-313-7466 for more info.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. – Trash to Treasure Workshop, Glenwood 50+Center Bring your imagination as we transform discarded and used items into decorative treasures! Cost: $3; call 410-313-5440 to register.

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Medicare 101: What You Can Expect From Medicare, Bain Center Learn how Medicare Parts A (Hospital), B (Medical) and D (Prescription Drug) work, what the benefits are, and when to make decisions about coverage. No fee; sponsored by SHIP. Call 410-313-7391 to register.

Thursday, Jan. 9, 10 a.m. – Soup Savvy Food Demo, Glenwood 50+Center It’s the perfect time of year for healthy and hearty soups. We’ll demonstrate three nutritious options made with fresh ingredients. Cost: $6; call 410313-5440 to register.

Thursday, Jan. 9, 11 a.m. – Brain Fitness, Ellicott City Senior Center Instructor, Robin Zahor R.N., B.S.N. teaches how to keep the mind sharp by using techniques designed to keep the brain in tip top form to improve cognitive performance. Call 410-313-1400 to register.

Fridays, Jan. 10 – March 14, 9:30 a.m. – Qigong, Ellicott City Senior Center Try Qigong with Certified Five Element Instructor, Jessica Koch. Cost: $58 for 10 classes. Call 410-313-1400 to register.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – Breakfast Fit for a King, Bain Center Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Storyteller Bill Grimmette. Enjoy a made to order omelet by Overlea Chefs! Free (lunch donations accepted); call 410-313-7213 to register by Jan. 6.

Tuesdays, Jan. 14 - February 18, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Ballroom & Latin Dance Beginners, North Laurel 50+ Center Learn technique, more complex steps and a variety of fun and versatile dance styles. Singles and couples welcome. Cost: $52 for 6 sessions. For more information or to register, call 410-313-0380.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. – Great Jobs at 50+, East Columbia 50+ Center Meet author Tara Coates to discover the possibilities and challenges of landing a job in today’s market when you are 50+. Free; call 410-313-7680 for more info.

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Nutrition Counseling, Ellicott City Senior Center Rona Martiyan, Registered Dietician and nutritionist will present nutrition tips and answer questions on personal nutrition. For an individual counseling appointment, call 410-313-1400.

Wednesdays starting Jan. 15, 5:30 to 8 p.m. – Living Well for Men, Medical Pavilion at Howard County, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21044 Living with heart disease, obesity, arthritis or other chronic conditions? Attend Living Well for Men, a six-week workshop led by men, for men, to regain control of your life. Cost: $28; call 410-313-5980 to register.

Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. – Back in the Game with Dr. Michael Murray, Bain Center Learn the common causes of back and neck pain and some basic treatments that will improve the health of your spine. Free; call 410-313-7680 to sign up.

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. – Focus on Fitness, Bain Center Jumpstart your New Year’s Fitness Program! Exercise Specialist, Jennifer Lee will administer Fitness Testing to measure strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. Please register at the front desk.

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1 to 2 p.m. – The Beck Diet Solution Book Club, East Columbia 50+ Center Let’s work on our weight together as we progress through the chapters and monthly challenges.

Free; call 410-313-7680 for more info.

Tuesdays, Jan. 21 - February 25, 9:30 a.m. to noon – Living Well with Diabetes, Bain Center Manage the symptoms of diabetes and learn the importance of monitoring blood sugar, nutrition and healthy eating, fitness, stress management, skin and foot care. Cost: $28; call 410-313-5980 to register.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Medicare 102: Why Medicare Isn’t Enough, Bain Center Learn about Medicare Part C/Health Plans and Medigap Supplement Policies and how different plans cover out-of-pocket expenses. No fee; sponsored by SHIP. Call 410-313-7391 to register.

Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – WomenFest 2014, Glenwood 50+ Center Save the date for WomenFest 2014, an interactive day of health and wellness activities for women of all ages. Visit www.howardcountyaging.org for more information or to register as a vendor or sponsor.

If you need accommodations to attend any of these events, call 410-313-5980 one week in advance.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Money Law &

FOREIGN FUND FRENZY Inventors are pouring money into international funds, including ones in Japan and the European Union, but beware of risks COOL HIGH HEATING COSTS Gas and electricity prices are rising; how to save energy and money with simple conservation steps

Profiting from the new oil and gas boom

By Kathy Kristof Decades of importing crude from the vast Arabian deserts left many people believing that America’s dependence on foreign oil was as inevitable as the tide. But sweeping changes in the way oil and gas are extracted are challenging that assumption.

The United States, which was once so dependent on imported oil that energy laws were designed to conserve domestic reserves, is now expected to be energy-independent by 2020. In fact, the nation is rapidly overtaking Russia to become the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas.

As anyone who has seen the classic 1956 film Giant or the TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies” knows, drilling for oil in America is as old as the hills. But that history means that opportunities for landbased drillers are limited.

“The largest onshore oil fields have been developed,” said Todd Scholl, an analyst at Wunderlich Securities. “All the lowhanging fruit is gone.”

Off-shore investments Drilling at sea, on the other hand, offers a new frontier, especially as rigs and drilling techniques become more sophisticated and are better able to probe into deeper waters. Scholl is especially bullish on offshore contractors that don’t own the wells but hire out their crews and equipment for offshore exploration.

Most offshore producers also have onshore operations. We’ve identified two companies with major water-based projects that are certain to play a key role in their growth.

One of them is Anadarko Petroleum (symbol APC). Some of its most promising projects are located in the Gulf of Mexico and off the shores of Brazil, Colombia, Kenya and Mozambique.

Analysts praise Anadarko for its skill in finding large-scale discoveries at a low cost. At $97, the stock sells for 18 times projected earnings — not terribly expensive in view of Anadarko’s expected longterm earnings growth rate of 22 percent.

The other company, Apache Corp. (APA),

has gone through a rough patch over the past couple of years. Shares of the Houston exploration firm, which peaked at $133 in April 2011, sank to $69 two years later, thanks to a combination of low gas prices and operational missteps. Investors also fretted that political instability would derail Apache’s joint ventures on some 10 million acres in Egypt.

But Apache launched an aggressive restructuring program this year, selling off one-third of its Egyptian assets as well as fields in Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. It is using the $7 billion in proceeds to pay off debt and buy back shares.

Apache said that recently completed wells in the North Sea contributed 16 percent of the company’s worldwide production revenue in 2012. The firm is also developing projects in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and off the shore of Australia. At $90, the stock is cheap, trading for just 12 times projected profits.

New natural gas extraction One reason for the turnaround is the use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in

horizontal wells, which allows for vastly increased amounts of oil and gas extracted from shale.

This ability to pull gas out of previously unfriendly rock has been a boon for production but — at least from an investor’s viewpoint — a bane for prices.

Natural gas, which sold for $10.91 per thousand cubic feet in 2005, was selling for $3.41 in July. That’s partly because domestic use of energy is on the decline, leaving newly prolific producers with more supply than demand.

U.S. companies are also hampered in their ability to sell gas overseas, where prices are far higher. Opening the export market would boost demand and create greater parity between international and domestic prices, a move almost certain to boost domestic gas prices.

But because no one knows when supply and demand will come into better balance, your best bet is to invest in low-cost proSee OIL AND GAS, page 19

Good financial advice that’s available free

By Anya Kamenetz We live in a time when there are more avenues than ever for learning about what to do with your finances. The problem is simplifying all that information so you can make decisions based on what’s most important to you. Recently, I came across two resources worth sharing that do just that.

One is a list that’s gone viral on the web.

It came out of a conversation between Washington Post contributor Harold Pollack and journalist Helaine Olen, who has written an exposé of the personal finance industry. Olen’s book Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Side of the Personal Finance Industry (Portfolio, 2012) has been called a “shocking” narrative of the misleading advice given by big-name money gurus.

One reason many people dread managing their money is that the huge financial services industry promotes the impression that it’s harder than it is. That’s a crucial part of getting you to pay for their advice.

As Pollack wrote on his blog: “The financial industry’s most basic dilemma:

The best advice fits on a 3-by-5 index card and is available for free at the library.”

Financial advice condensed A reader challenged him and Olen to produce the card. The following (edited just a bit) is the advice they came up with: Maximize your 401(k) or equivalent.

Buy inexpensive, well-diversified mutual funds such as Vanguard target-date funds.

Never buy or sell an individual security.

Save 20 percent of your income.

Pay your credit card balance in full every month.

Maximize tax-advantaged savings vehicles like Roth, SEP and 529 accounts.

Pay attention to fees. Avoid actively managed funds.

And that’s it.

Of course, the problem with acting on information like this is that it’s not necessarily complete and customized to your individual circumstance.

Target-date funds don’t constitute a fully diversified portfolio for everyone; some prefer even cheaper index funds. Some people don’t earn enough to save 20 per-

cent of their income while also paying off their credit cards.

If you’re looking to go a bit deeper, the smart choice is to internalize the principles behind such advice in order to make your own bets.

Free online financial course For that, there’s a new free resource available online: http://online.stanford .edu/course/rauh-finance.

Josh Rauh, a finance professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, is teaching a free and open video-based version of his graduate course on the finance of retirement and pensions.

Some of the videos are available on YouTube now, and you can sign up for the eight-week class starting in January at the site Novoed.com.

There are ten 45-minute lectures in the course, broken up in to very manageable chunks of 3-8 minutes. By watching just one of them, I learned a couple of interesting principles behind the standard stock market advice.

One is risk and return. Very simple. The

reason we invest in stocks is that they offer potential returns over inflation. But any investment that offers potential returns over inflation also has the potential for losses in equal measure. No risk, no return.

A second is reversion to the mean. This is the idea that, over time, stocks and many other assets return from high or low periods to something close to the moving average.

That means if you are retiring into a down market — say, in 2009 — it would make sense to hold off cashing out your portfolio for a couple of years in the hopes of a recovery. Reversion to the mean is a widely held theory, but it’s only a theory.

Japan’s history, Rauh said, may be a counterexample: its stock market, the Nikkei, peaked just shy of 40,000 in 1989, a generation ago, and is only slightly above 14,000 today.

I’ve been writing about personal finance for almost 10 years, and there is always more to learn, even if the basics are simple.

Anya Kamenetz welcomes your questions at diyubook@gmail.com. © 2013 Anya Kamenetz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

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Stores are getting stingy about returns

By Kaitlin Pinsker As you’re double-checking your holiday shopping list, tack on a reminder to read each store’s return policy before making your purchase. Some retailers are feeling a little less generous when it comes to returns.

Such stingier policies are intended to combat return fraud. Fraudulent returns cost retailers $8.9 billion in 2012, according to the National Retail Federation, $2.9 billion of which occurred during the holiday season.

Customers can expect tougher return policies to spread. “As retailers see competitors or stores with some of the most lenient policies tighten up, it’s going to signal to them that they can do the same,” said Phoenix retail consultant Jeff Green.

“We’re going to see a shift toward a short-

Oil and gas From page 18 ducers that can make money even when gas prices are low.

Companies to consider Three attractive producers are Range Resources (symbol RRC), Cabot Oil & Gas (COG), and Southwestern Energy (SWN).

All three have stakes in the Marcellus Shale basin in southwestern Pennsylvania, which produces prolific amounts of energy for a relative pittance.

All three are growing and profitable.

And earnings could soar if gas prices rise to $4.50 to $5 per thousand cubic feet.

Range, which has a one-million-acre shale-bearing property in the Marcellus region, predicts that its gas production will soar seven- to tenfold over the next few years. The Fort Worth-based company re-

er, 30-day return policy in 2014.” Customers can also expect added scrutiny when taking back merchandise without a receipt.

Identifying repeat offenders Retailers want to identify the bad actors.

To do so, some companies are gathering data on customers who return merchandise, watching for suspicious patterns, and warning or denying repeat offenders.

Clerks may ask for state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, before you can make a return. Nearly 10 percent of retailers require ID for returns made with a receipt, and 73 percent require ID for returns made without a receipt. Some scan the ID into their own system; others send the info to a third party.

If you exceed a retailer’s limit for the number of returns within a given time ported that revenues rose 50 percent and profits soared 159 percent in the second quarter from the same period in 2012.

Its stock isn’t cheap, however. At $77, Range sells for 42 times projected earnings for the next 12 months. Still, if the projected growth rates hold, Range’s stock price could prove to be a bargain.

Cabot sells for a similarly lofty price, trading for 30 times estimated year-ahead earnings. The Houston concern expects to boost gas production in the Marcellus region by 30 to 50 percent annually over the next several years.

Southwestern started to lease Marcellus land in 2007, making it one of the newer players in the region. Overall, Southwestern’s growth rate is slower, so its stock, selling for 17 times forecasted year-ahead profits, is less pricey than the other two.

Kathy Kristof is a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send

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Despite the general trend toward Grinchier return policies, some retailers are giving shoppers a break during the holidays or when shopping online.

Last year, 10 percent of retailers relaxed their return policies for the holidays, and similar promotions are expected this year.

Lenient online return policies — and ac-

ceptance of returns in stores for items bought online — will likely continue. Look for more stores to offer free shipping for both purchases and returns.

As policies shift, the key to keeping your returns hassle free will be staying organized. The ReturnGuru app, free for iPhone and Android, lets you snap pictures of your receipts and reminds you as the deadline approaches to make returns.

The new rules may take some getting used to. But if you expect great deals, that’s part of the trade-off.

Kaitlin Pinsker is a reporter at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.

Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and

similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

frame or for the value of returned products, you could be denied more returns for a period of time (typically 90 days).

If you are given a warning or denied a return, the Retail Equation, a company that collects return information for 27,000 merchants in North America, will provide you with the information in its return-activity report over the phone. To request your report, visit www.theretailequation.com/consumers.

Holiday returns are easier

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

More investors looking to foreign funds

By Stan Choe Willkommen, investors. Domo arigato for the cash.

Investors are piling into mutual funds that invest outside of the United States.

The lure of Japan’s soaring market, Europe’s nascent economic recovery, and the potential for stronger economic growth in developing economies have led investors to pour a net $91 billion into world stock mutual funds through the first eight months of the year.

That’s nearly six times what they’ve put into domestic stock mutual funds, according to the most recent data from the Investment Company Institute.

It’s a continuation of a trend that’s been going for years, both by average investors and by mutual fund providers, in the search for a more diversified portfolio.

Stocks from other countries can zig when U.S. markets zag, offering a smoother ride for investors. That’s why fund companies have bulked up on foreign stocks in their target-date retirement funds, which are built to take care of investment decisions for savers.

The average target-date fund designed for those aiming to retire in 2040 had 36 percent of its stock portfolio in foreign companies at the end of 2012, up from 24 percent at the end of 2005, according to Morningstar.

The split in interest has become even

more pronounced this fall: Investors added a net $924 million to world stock funds during the two weeks ended Oct. 2.

Over the same time, they turned their backs on domestic stock funds and pulled out a net $8 billion.

Larger dividends abroad One attraction has been the bigger dividend yields that foreign stocks offer.

Stocks from developed markets around the world carried a dividend yield of 3.1 percent at the end of September, according to the MSCI EAFE index. Stocks from Brazil, China and other developing economies in the MSCI Emerging Markets index had a yield of 2.7 percent. That compared with a 2.1 percent yield for the Standard & Poor’s 500 index and a 2.6 yield for a 10-year Treasury note.

Investors who bet on Japanese stocks have done well this year. A big push of stimulus by the Bank of Japan has invigorated the country’s market, and the country’s Nikkei 225 index has surged 37 percent this year.

But even better buys are available in Europe, where stocks have lagged the U.S. market since the recession, said Phil Camporeale, client portfolio manager at J.P. Morgan.

He helps run the $7.9 billion JPMorgan Income Builder fund (JNBAX), which invests in stocks and bonds from around the world.

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Currency changes Swings in foreign currency values can hurt returns for investors after translating them back into dollars. Indonesia’s stock index is up 4 percent this year in terms of the Indonesian rupiah, for example. But in U.S. dollar terms, it has dropped nearly 13 percent.

Currency swings can also slow an otherwise quick ride for markets. Japanese stocks have shot up 37 percent this year, roughly double the 18 percent gain of the

S&P 500.

But much of the gain has been due to the yen’s falling value against the dollar. Investors expect the devaluation of the yen to help Japanese exporters by inflating the value of their overseas sales. After adjusting for the currency changes, the Nikkei 225 is up a more modest 20 percent in U.S. dollar terms.

Some mutual funds try to mitigate effects of currency swings by hedging their portfolios. They do this by entering complicated contracts, but funds incur costs to do so, and there’s still the risk that they’ve guessed wrong on the direction of currencies.

Volatility and politics Foreign stocks can have more severe swings than U.S. stocks, particularly those from less developed economies.

Brazil’s Bovespa index plunged 11 percent in June amid worries about economic growth and protests in the streets, for example. The S&P 500 fell a more modest 2 percent during the same month. Indonesia’s stock index dropped 9 percent in August, compared with the S&P 500’s 3 percent loss.

Other risks include the fact that companies in other countries may use different accounting standards than U.S. companies, and the fear that governments in some countries could expropriate private assets.

Fund managers closely follow elections and other political changes that could quickly affect investors. “You can have somebody win an election and create better or worse tax environments for dividends for these companies,” JPMorgan’s Camporeale said.

— AP

BEACON BITS

Jan. 15

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The fund keeps about 17 percent of its assets in Europe, which is close to the highest it’s been since the fund’s inception in 2007. “They’re where the U.S. was three years ago,” Camporeale said.

The European Central Bank has shown that it will be the lender of last resort and will support the economy, which recently had its first quarter of growth in its last seven.

Stocks across Europe and other countries are also trading at lower prices relative to their book values than their U.S. counterparts, said Bill Nasgovitz, one of the managers of the Heartland International Value fund (HINVX). That can provide investors with a stronger safety net in case volatility hits the market again.

Investors who have focused on emerging-market stock mutual funds struggled in the summer. Worries about slowing economic growth and a possible pullback in stimulus by the Federal Reserve dragged down markets from Brazil to China. But that also put many emerging-market stocks on sale, proponents say.

To be sure, investing in international stock mutual funds carries risks, of which investors should be mindful. They include:

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

How to cool the cost of high heating bills

By Jonathan Fahey After two years of flat or lower fuel prices, many residents will pay sharply more to heat their homes this winter, according to government forecasts.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways residents can blunt the expected rise in heating bills — beyond putting on a turtleneck.

Staying warm is expected to cost more because fuel prices are rising and forecasts call for cooler weather, in some areas, after two relatively warm winters.

Natural gas, propane and electricity prices are expected to rise, affecting 94 percent of U.S. households. Heating oil users will catch a slight price break, but still pay near-record bills to heat their homes.

One obvious way to lower your heating bill is to lower the thermostat — sleep under a few more blankets, watch TV in a sweater, and use a programmable thermostat to turn the heat down when you are away or fast asleep.

The Energy Department estimates that a resident can save 1 percent on their heating

bill for every degree a thermostat is set back.

Energy-saving steps Here are a few other ways to lower costs: • Think of the sun as a heater, and your drapes as a blanket: Open drapes when you are getting direct sunlight, then close them at night to keep heat from escaping.

• Make sure the damper in your fireplace is closed when you aren’t using it.

• Keep air vents clean and uncovered so heat can easily flow throughout your home.

• Shut off kitchen fans and bathroom fans as soon as they are no longer needed.

• It takes more energy to heat water in cold weather. You can lower the temperature of your water heater a bit and still get a hot shower, and use cold water to do laundry and rinse dishes. Also, insulate pipes that move hot water around the house.

erization programs that include things like adding insulation, installing more efficient windows, and replacing an old boiler or furnace with a new one.

These investments can pay for themselves in heating savings in just a few years, especially when energy prices are high.

Switching from oil heat to natural gas is expensive — it costs $5,000 to $10,000, depending on how much workers have to do to reconfigure the heating system.

But the Energy Department says the average heating oil customer will pay a whopping $1,367 more this winter than the average natural gas customer — and that gap is expected to remain wide. If it does, the payback for a switch would be four to seven years.

— AP

Prices on the rise A look at the government’s forecast for winter fuel costs shows why homeowners

NewBegins Here

Your

BEACON BITS

Jan. 13

will want to use some cost-cutting measures this winter. Natural gas customers will pay an average of $679 this winter for heating, up 13 percent from last year.

Electricity customers will pay $909, up 2 percent. Propane customers in the Northeast will pay $2,146, up 11 percent. Heating oil customers will pay $2,046, down 2 percent.

At the same time, funding for low-income heating assistance is falling. In 2010, Congress set aside $5.1 billion for heating assistance. This year Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, is expecting $3 billion.

Many states and utilities offer incentives for home energy audits and home weath-

HELP SHAPE PLANS FOR OLDER ADULTS

The Columbia Association will hold two meetings on Monday, Jan. 13 to present draft recommendations from project staff on developing a Comprehensive Plan for Serving the Older Adults Community. Both the morning program, from 10 a.m. to noon, and the evening session, from 5 to 7 p.m., will be held at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Ln., in the Wilde Lake Village Center. In the event of inclement weather, the programs will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The meetings will include a review and discussion of the plan process findings, followed by a question and answer period. After the two sessions, the Columbia Association will prepare a revised draft for approval by the association’s board of directors. For additional information, call David Greisman at (410) 423-4103 or email david.greisman@columbiaassociation.org

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Visitors can travel between SW Georgia towns on this 1949 vintage excursion train.

In Georgia: peanuts, presidents, prisoners and more pecan-based goodies.

And peanuts galore. Georgia produces more than any other state. The sharp-eyed might see a Georgian drop a shelled peanut into his Coca-Cola.

It’s small town USA, where Miss Miriam, the mail lady on the route to the town of Leslie, gladly takes cash from your mailbox and brings stamps the next day. Exuding southern hospitality, people will call out, “Y’all come back to see us some day, ya heah!”

Though slow, this corner of the state has seen some action in times gone by.

Around 45,000 Civil War POWs from the north were shipped by rail to Andersonville, a notorious Confederate prison, now a National Park Service site.

That era is still recalled. In 2011, Georgia celebrated the 150th anniversary of the state’s secession in Milledgeville. Even now, signs recruiting members to the Sons of the Confederacy pop up here and there.

PHOTO BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

By Glenda C. Booth Southwest Georgia is a slow-moving, quiet corner of the state, with broad, flat fields stretching for miles. It’s a “truly languid, southern atmosphere,” President Franklin Roosevelt said about southwest Georgia, site of his woodsy retreat.

Splayed along the highways in the state’s least populous region are field upon field of peanut farms, as well as pecan and peach orchards interspersed with piney woods. On car radios, Willie Nelson might croon, “Peach-pickin’ time in Georgia is girl-pickin’ time for me.”

And there are plenty of sightseeing “pickin’s” for travelers.

When I commented on the slow pace of Plains, a sales clerk in the Trading Post quipped, “Some mornings I could walk down the street neked, and no one would notice.

It’s quiet around here except Sundays, when Mr. Jimmy teaches Sunday School.”

Mr. Jimmy, of course, is native son and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who, in fact, does teach Sunday school every week at Maranatha Baptist Church. It’s a popular event advertised in store windows.

Two-lane country roads link small towns where aromas of fried chicken, fried okra, fried squash and even fried dill pickles waft out of down-home eateries. It’s also the “Pecan Capital of the World,” touting pecan brittle, pies, cakes, cookies, cheese rings, cornbread dressing, jelly

The Billy Carter Service Station Museum in Plains, Ga., pays homage to former President Jimmy Carter’s flamboyant, notorious brother.

Americus A good base and jumping off point is the town of Americus, the only U.S. town with that name — the masculine version of America, named for Amerigo Vespucci. A plaque in the airport announces the town’s claim to fame: Charles Lindbergh bought his first airplane, the “Lone Eagle”— a World War I surplus “Jenny” biplane — in Americus.

The restored Rylander Theatre, built in PHOTO BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

1921, has a 1928 “Mighty Mo” Möller theatre pipe organ. After a 40-year closure, it re-opened in 1999 to celebrate President Carter’s birthday.

The restored Windsor Hotel, built in 1892, offers Victorian flourishes, including a pre-Civil War mirror, a mahogany telephone booth, and the original marble floor.

Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org), which is headquartered in Americus, operates its Global Village and Discovery Center there. Take a self-guided tour of sample houses Habitat volunteers have built in 15 countries, adapted to meet each country’s climate and other conditions. Many demonstrate how these low-cost homes can improve standards of living in nations around the world.

Plain Plains

Shortly before becoming president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt built this house in Warm Springs, Ga. He was drawn to the town because he hoped its mineral springs would help heal his polio. The house came to be known as the Little White House, and is now open to the public for tours.

The people of Plains are proud as peaches to have spawned the nation’s 39th president, James Earl Carter, Jr., a Nobel Peace Prize winner and the world’s most famous peanut farmer. He sold boiled peanuts on the streets of Plains at age five, earning about $1 a day.

Plains looks like a 1950s movie set, and gives visitors insights into the early cultural influences on Carter’s life and philosophy. “Downtown” Plains, the two-block Main Street, looks much as it did in

Carter’s youth.

The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/jica) is actually a complex of four sites. Carter grew up on a farm in nearby Archery during the Depression, where his family raised peanuts, cotton, vegetables, pigs, chickens and cattle. A walk through his boyhood farm is a nostalgic throwback to rural life in that era.

His parents, Earl and Lillian, moved here in 1928 and raised Jimmy, Gloria, Ruth and Billy on the farm, considered successful by rural Georgia standards at that time.

Carter wrote that 1938 was a momentous year — “an almost unbelievable change took place in our lives when electricity came to the farm.” Today’s visitors can see the home’s pre-electricity interior, barn, blacksmith shop and pump house.

Plains High School, alma mater of Jimmy and Rosalynn and now a museum, honors Carter’s accomplishments. The Plains Railroad Depot, built in 1888, has been restored to its 1976 “glory days” when it was headquarters for Carter’s presidential campaign.

And don’t miss headline-making Billy Carter’s Service Station, a popular hotspot from 1972 to 1981, today a museum featuring “Billy Beer” paraphernalia.

See GEORGIA, page 25

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

23

How to find travel insurance that pays off When you start to look at the subject of sions for pre-existing medical conditions. travel insurance, you find a bimodal distri- Typically, pre-existing conditions may be bution among both condefined as any medical condisumers and travel mavens: tion for which the traveler has Some say it’s a scam; others seen a doctor within a period say it’s indispensible, at least of three to six months previfor some trips. ous to buying the insurance.

Count me in the second That can be pretty draconian, group. My overall take for and insurance company bean decades is that trip-cancellacounters love draconian. tion insurance is a valuable Furthermore, some poliprotection any time you face cies that cover cancellation or lots of cancellation penalties, interruption due to a problem TRAVEL TIPS and that travel medical insurexperienced by a traveling

By Ed Perkins ance is a good idea for many companion (or by close relatravelers. tives who are not traveling) apply the preI agree, however, that many travelers existing conditions exclusion to them, as believe that travel insurance companies well. cheated them out of promised benefits. A Fortunately, however, you can get recent release by my go-to authority on around a large part of the problem. Most travel insurance, QuoteWright’s John good travel insurers waive this pre-existCook, helps shed some light on the prob- ing exemption, provided: lem.

• You buy the insurance within a set number of days — typically 10 to 30 days Pre-existing condition problems — within making the first payment or deThe number one cause of disappoint- posit for your trip, ment (often rage) over travel insurance • You be physically able to travel at the has been the denial of claims — for cancel- time you buy the insurance and cannot lation, interruption or medical expenses — foresee any specific upcoming problems, due to a traveler’s “pre-existing medical and condition.”

• You insure the entire amount of Most policies include blanket exclu- money you have at risk in prepayments.

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According to Cook, that last one “causes the most heartache.” With most policies, you can’t insure just part of your risk, and if you underinsure, even just by “rounding down,” many companies can deny your entire claim.

Moreover, as far as I can tell, policies vary in terms of whether you have to cover the total outlay or just the outlay for nonrefundable services.

Cancellation complaints The number two cause of complaints is about denials of claims when something actually happens that requires you to cancel or interrupt a trip.

As Cook points out, trip insurance policies are “named peril coverages,” meaning that they reimburse you only in the case of an event or occurrence specifically included as a “covered” reason in the policy fine print.

You experience lousy weather at your golf resort? No coverage unless the resort actually has to close down or the airline can’t fly there. Street demonstrations in a city you plan to visit? No coverage unless the city suffers an actual “terrorist” act.

Hardly any policies cover cancellation for work reasons.

Taken together, these two problems are why I recommend policies that include a

“cancel for any reason” provision. That way, you decide whether to travel, not an insurance company bean counter paid to figure out ways to deny claims.

Yes, any-reason policies are usually more expensive than conventional policies, they don’t cover any-reason cancellation within the last 48 hours before scheduled departure, and most of them pay off less than 100 percent of the value.

But the any-reason provision is an addon to a conventional policy, not a substitute: If you cancel for a “covered reason,” you get the full recovery; the any-reason option kicks in only when your reason isn’t covered.

Travel insurance remains a complicated issue. One of the best sources of further information I know is Travel Insurance Ratings and Reviews (travelinsurancerating.org), an online resource maintained by Cook.

As an agent, he obviously carries favorable bias to insurance, but his company arranges policies with all the big insurers and he is unbiased in recommending policies he prefers. Check it out if you’re at all unsure about whether to buy insurance for your next trip.

Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. © 2013 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

24

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Georgia

facts from POWs are displayed.

From page 22

The Little White House

Plains people love their peanuts, celebrated by a 13-foot grinning goober bearing Carter’s toothy smile. The town even has an annual September peanut festival highlighted by a parade and beauty queens at which the Carters award prizes and sign books.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was lured to southwest Georgia’s 88-degree mineral waters in Warm Springs, hoping to cure his polio. A walk through the Little White House (www.gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse) takes one back to 1945, the year he died there while portrait sitting.

A video narrated by Walter Cronkite recounts that FDR was a “child of privilege,” but became “a man of the people.” The house has a raised toilet, and a wheelchair-kitchen chair combo that FDR designed to help him function. The Historic Pools Museum, where he sought healing respite, is nearby.

Koinonia Farms (www.koinoniapartners.org/) is called by its founders and current residents “an intentional Christian community” of people living together who “seek to embody peacemaking, sustainability and radical sharing” regardless of race.

Combating the racism of the 1960s, the founders’ products were boycotted by many locals, so the farm began a mailorder pecan business that continues today.

Farm residents also sell chocolate, jelly, baked goods, coffee and organic peanuts.

Residents welcome visitors and encourage people to help with chores. There are community member-led tours six days a week through gardens, orchards and the bakery (they can bake 100 cakes at a time). There are also self-guided tours.

Andersonville In 1864, the Confederates hauled 45,000 Union prisoners of war to Andersonville, then Camp Sumter, to secure them away from Federal troops. Tiny Andersonville village, where prisoners disembarked from the train, is a collection of quaint buildings and the Drummer Boy Civil War Museum.

Andersonville National Park, site of the 1864 POW camp and one of the most infamous of its kind (www.nps.gov/ande/ index.htm), recounts the history of 13,000 prisoners who died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements. Visitors learn how prisoners boiled weeds and otherwise survived (or not) under Confederate handlers.

The museum commemorates POWs throughout American history, starting with the Revolutionary War up to U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who deployed to Afghanistan and is believed to be imprisoned in Pakistan. In filmed interviews, POWs like now-Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain tell their poignant stories. Arti-

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speakers: topic:

Larry Blosser, Esq., LifeCare Advisors; Michael Mooney, Financial Advisor, Pilot Financial Advisors Financial Fitness

learn more by calling (410) 997-0610 or visit www.cogsmd.org Thank you to our 2013 Executive Members PlatinuM MeMbers Howard County General Hospital – Johns Hopkins Medicine • The Beacon Newspapers

Gold MeMbers Being There Senior Care • Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park Howard County Office on Aging • Visiting Angels

silver MeMbers American Remodeling Group • Carney, Kelehan, Bresler, Bennett & Scherr, LLP Deborah L. Herman, CPA • Ellicott City Health & Rehabilitation Center (Communicare) Ellicott City Pharmacy • EMA-Copper Ridge • Oasis Senior Advisors

bronze MeMbers Earl Wilkinson, M.D., ENT • Gentiva Health Services • Home Instead Senior Care HomeWatch Caregivers • Lighthouse Senior Living at Ellicott City • Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc. Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc. The Bob Lucido Team • Trevor Barringer JD/MBA • Whaley Financial Services Witzke Funeral Homes Inc. of Columbia • Wood Builders Collaborative

Patron MeMbers Alzheimer’s Association – Greater MD Chapter • Brighton Gardens of Columbia Brooke Grove Retirement Village • Chesapeake Bay Aquatic & Physical Therapy • Craig Witzke Funeral Care Elizabeth Cooney Care Network • Home Call • Home With You • Ivy Manor Normandy, Inc. Morningside House of Ellicott City •Progressive Care at Home • Right At Home – In Home Care & Assistance

The farm has guest housing and RV accessibility for up to two weeks.

Koinonia, by the way, is where the eventual founders of Habitat for Humanity originally developed their volunteer-built housing concept.

On the quirky-but-fascinating side, the telephone museum (www.grtm.org) in Leslie explores “telephony,” displaying over 2,000 objects, probably the largest collection in the U.S. of telephones from 1867 to the present. All kinds of telephone paraphernalia are crammed into a restored cotton warehouse.

Today’s cellphone addicts might be baffled by wall-mounted phones the size of toaster ovens and apparatuses like switchboards, operator headsets, a pay phone booth, and a replica of Alexander Graham Bell’s workshop.

Food specialties This is the world of finger-lickin’, rib ticklin’, southern cookin’ — specialties like fried chicken, catfish, corn fritters, sweet potato pie, banana pudding and collard greens. Friendly waitresses might greet you with, “Whatcha gonna have, sugah?”

At Mom’s Kitchen in Plains, locals favor buttermilk, slaw dogs and fried quail. At Granny’s Kitchen, lace cornbread is a hit — thin, fried cornbread resembling lace.

Then there’s the Georgia hotdog, smothered with Vidalia onion relish, cheese, and/or chili. There’s also a scrambled hotdog, a

25

chopped-up wiener under a mound of chili, onions, mustard, cheese and oyster crackers.

For dessert? Peanut butter ice cream, of course.

The Americus Welcome Center at http://visitamericusga.com/hotels-motels/offers several choices of lodging, from the historic Windsor Hotel to chains like Knights Inn and Days Inn. The renovated Windsor, in the heart of downtown, houses the Rosemary & Thyme Restaurant, which specializes in farm-totable local ingredients. Rooms start at $105 per night. (www.windsor-americus.com/) The Americus Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast (Motto: “Where history meets romance”) is in the residential historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms start at $129 per night. See www.americusgardeninn.com/tour.html or call 1-888-758-4749.

Any time except summer is likely to be pleasant. “Georgia summers are brutal,” a Virginia transplant told me. The heat index can hit 120 degrees.

The fastest way to get to southwest Georgia is to fly to Columbus and rent a car. Delta Airlines has flights from Baltimore-Washington International for around $380 roundtrip in mid-January.

For further information, contact the Americus Welcome Center, www.visitamericusga.com, (229) 928-6059, and the Plains Welcome Center, www.plainsgeorgia.com, (229) 824-5373.

26

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Style Arts &

Student Jean Larson discusses a collage she made for a class at the Osher Lifelong Learning Center with teacher Ann Wiker. See the continuation of the cover story on page 27.

Around the world with Jewish music trio

A Cantonese cantor?

Helzner said she sang at what may have been the first ever bar mitzvah in Beijing, China, in 1996. How did she get there?

Well, she had been invited in 1992 to serve as cantor at a synagogue in Hong Kong for the High Holidays and other occasions. While in Hong Kong, at a meeting there of Hadassah International (the Jewish women’s volunteer organization), she met the leader of the Jewish community from the mainland China capital, who invited her to serve as cantor for her son’s

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coming-of-age bar mitzvah.

The very welltraveled Helzner also happened to make both official and unofficial visits to Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in the late 1980s, when the Soviet Union was in the process of unraveling.

In “underground trips” to Russia in

ROBIN HELZNER TRIO

Yiddishe Mama,” in the program. But there will be a performance of Pete Seeger’s “Turn! Turn! Turn! (For Everything There is a Season),” whose lyrics were adapted from verses in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Helzner was born and bred in the metro area (Langley Park, Silver Spring), and graduated from Northwestern University.

Today, she switches from stage to synagogue as a cantor during religious services at Temple Sinai on Military Road, the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in downtown Washington, D.C., and at Adas Israel on Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE

By Robert Friedman You don’t have to know Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Luganda, Arabic or even English to sing and swing along with the Robyn Helzner Trio when they present “A Concert of World Jewish Music” in Columbia.

The words — even if foreign to your ears — and the music will draw you in by “the emotion and the celebration” in song of the Jewish experience, said Robyn Helzner, the trio’s vocalist and guitarist, who also happens to be a cantor in several synagogues in Washington, D.C. Helzner noted that the joyous music that the trio will bring to Howard County has been influenced by all countries and cultures where Jews have lived — which means just about all countries and all cultures down through the ages.

The concert, set for Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Jim Rouse Theater and Performing Arts Center in Columbia, is being presented by the Jewish Federation of Howard County.

Folk music of all nations has been a key influence for Helzner, both personally and for the group she leads. No, there won’t be any kitschy Yiddish anthems, such as “My

See MUSIC, page 29

The Robin Helzner Trio will perform Jewish music from many lands on Jan. 12 at the Jim Rouse Theater and Performing Arts Center in Columbia.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Classes From page 1 a course this coming semester. Called “History With a Twist,” it will cover several worldshaking events, including the Gunpowder Plot aimed at blowing up the British Parliament in 1605 (marked yearly in the U.K. as Guy Fawkes Day), and Vladimir Lenin smuggling into Russia just before the October Revolution.

Cohen, 73, a retired instructor at Community College of Baltimore County, said the class would include a “what if” component. It will explore not only what did happen, but also what might have happened if, say, the British aristocracy had been blown away in the Gunpowder Plot, or if Lenin’s cover was blown while sneaking in from Switzerland to the Finland Station at St. Petersburg.

“Imagine what Russia might have been like without Lenin,” she said.

Cohen, who as a member-instructor is not salaried but gets to take all the classes she wishes, said she joined the lifelong learning program in 1999 because of a desire to continue taking classes and to take

part in the social activities.

A native of England, she decided to offer history lessons, she said, because she found that many of her classmates “never heard of certain events,” such as the Gunpowder Plot and the Battle of Hastings, which led to the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

Program assistant Kathryn Cooke noted that many of the OLLI instructors (most of whom are paid) have masters and doctorate degrees along with “life experience” in what they are teaching.

Two locations The cost for membership in the Johns Hopkins program is $525 a year. There are two 12-week semesters and participating members can take as many classes each semester as they choose. There will be 14 non-credit courses offered in the upcoming semester, all on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. There are no tests or grades.

The Spring semester will also include two special courses at the Vantage House retirement community in Columbia. The classes, open to both Vantage House residents and the general public, will be held

BEACON BITS

Jan. 10

ARTS COUNCIL EXHIBITS

The Arts Council will open two shows on Friday, Jan. 10 at its headquarters, 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. Gallery 1 will feature “Digital Disclosure: UMBC Faculty Perspectives” and Gallery II will show a collaborative effort by more than a dozen female artists exploring the personae of “Ordinary Women.” A reception for both is set for Friday, Jan. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m., with a snow date of Friday, Jan. 31. More information is available at hocoarts.org or by phone at (410) 313-2787.

Jan. 18

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

on Fridays for $180.

“Modern Medical Analysis of Famous Artists” is set to explore how such famous artists as Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollack, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Chuck Close have met physical and mental challenges while producing great art.

The second course, “The Power of Music,” will delve into, among other things, the neuroscience behind the “brain-music connection,” and the power of music to affect memory, emotion, communication, relationships, and many other human endeavors.

A thriving social component to the

27

OLLI program includes both formal and brown bag lunches, free tickets to Peabody Institute concerts, and field trips.

The members, Cooke said, have gone on day-long trips to such venues as the Phillips Collection and Corcoran Gallery museums in D.C.; the National Museum of Jewish American History and the Barnes Collection in Philadelphia; Gettysburg; Fallingwater, the Frank Lloyd Wright house at Mill Run, Pa.; and the Hayden Planetarium in New York.

For further information, contact Cooke at (410) 516-9719 or see http:// bit.ly/ColumbiaOLLI.

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JEWISH FILM SERIES OPENS

The Columbia Jewish Congregation is presenting David, the first movie of the four film series, on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. at 5885 Robert Oliver Pl., Room 200, Columbia. Single tickets are $10; $32 for the whole series. For more information on all the films planned, visit www.columbiajewish.org/film_series.shtml or call Tom Laufer at (410) 997-0694.

Talking on the phone can be easy again.

You have our word.

Using voice recognition technology, a Captioned Telephone operator makes it possible for you to receive on-screen captions of what your caller says as you listen. You may qualify for a Captioned Telephone, amplified phone, or other devices through the Maryland Accessible Telecommunications program at no cost.

To learn more, visit mdrelay.org or call 1-800-552-7724 (Voice/TTY).

Captioned Telephone from Maryland Relay

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Music From page 26 1987, she clandestinely sang Jewish songs in cramped apartments for Soviet Jews, many of whom were “refuseniks” (Russian Jews who sought to emigrate to Israel, but were denied exit visas).

Then in 1988, as perestroika was peaking, she was actually invited back by the Soviet government to give concerts where her Hebrew songs were the first in that language publicly performed in Russia since the 1930s.

Helzner, who is of Russian-Jewish heritage, recalled becoming active in the Movement to Free Soviet Jewry. At the age of 15, in 1971, she sang at the movement’s first rally in front of the Soviet Embassy in Washington.

Twenty years later, in 1991, she sang at the movement’s final D.C. rally in front of the Russian Embassy. In the intervening years, Jewish protestors appeared in front of the embassy every day. On Jewish holidays, gentiles carried on the protest.

Versatile musicians The other members of Helzner’s trio are Matt Holsen, who plays bass and keyboard, and Dov Weitman, on mandolin and guitar.

Holsen, who grew up in Spain and Chile, is also a singer, composer and arranger. He

has played with folk, pop, jazz and classical ensembles, and recorded with Leonard Bernstein.

Weitman’s musical styles range from Israeli folk music to down-home bluegrass, as well as klezmer and Spanish dance music.

While some of the songs that will be performed by the trio are in the familiar Jewish languages of Hebrew and Yiddish, other songs will be sung in the less familiar Ladino — a mixture of Hebrew and Cervantes-era Spanish spoken by Sephardic Jews after their expulsion from Spain — and in Luganda, a Ugandan language spoken by the Abayudaya, the Jewish community of that country.

A small number of the indigenous population of that East Africa country began practicing Judaism in 1919. Dictator Idi Amin banned its practice when he came to power in 1971. After he was overthrown in 1979, the Jewish community, about 2,000 members and mostly subsidence farmers, regrouped. Some of their songs will be performed by the trio.

Tickets for the Robyn Helzner Trio concert are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at www.jewishhowardcounty.org. For more information, contact Meghann Schwartz at (410) 730-4976, ext.106.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 8

HOW TO TRACE YOUR FAMILY HISTORY Dottie Aleshire, instructor at the Family History Center in Ellicott

City, discusses ways to use obituaries, internment records and other public records to find information about previous generations on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. The talk is cosponsored by the Howard County Genealogical Society and the Howard County Historical Society. For more information, call the library at (410) 313-1950.

Dec. 31+

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT TRAIN GARDEN The Howard County Fire & Rescue Services will welcome visitors to the last two days of its Holiday Train Garden on New Year’s Eve

and New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. both days. The display is located at the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department, Station #2, 4150 Montgomery Rd., Ellicott City. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. Call (410) 313-2036 for a recorded message with further information.

Ongoing

SAVAGE MILL BRIDGE SHINES ON The national historic landmark Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge, which was decorated for the holidays with 12,500 energy effi-

cient LED lights, will prolong the holiday spirit by continuing to shine through Tuesday, Jan. 7. The antique iron truss bridge is located in historic Savage Mill at 8600 Foundry St. For further information, call (410) 313-2022.

Jan. 14

FOUR TOPS CONCERT IN FREDERICK The destination is the Weinberg Center in Frederick for a program of vintage favorites by the Four Tops on Sunday, Jan. 14.

This bus tour is sponsored by the Dept. of Recreation & Parks. The bus leaves at 5:50 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m. Tickets are $82. For more information, call (410) 313-7279.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

BEACON BITS

Feb. 7

ARTISTS’ SHOW & RECEPTION

Ja. 22

BEHIND THE SCENES AT WETA-TV

A reception for the Artists’ Gallery of Columbia’s winter show, “Love Our Art,” will be held on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gallery in the American City Building, 10227 Wincopin Cir., Columbia. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment. For further details, check www.artistsgallerycolumbia.com or call (410) 740-8249.

Jeff Bieber, vice-president of WETA-TV and creator of documentaries, will share his experiences with “The Jewish Americans,” a three-part series that aired several years ago, in a talk on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jewish Federation of Howard County, 10630 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, and will offer a preview of the next one up: “The Italian Americans,” featuring Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio, Mario Cuomo and others. For more information, call (410) 730-4976 or visit JewishHowardCounty.org.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Puzzle Page

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus A Little Batting Advice

by Stephen Sherr 1

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1. Resort hotel feature 5. Flame finder 9. Bridge lead, perhaps 14. Purina brand 15. Creature observed in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 16. Grill maker 17. Star of the 1894-1896 NL champion Baltimore Orioles 20. Emilio Estevez, to Martin Sheen 21. Female antelope 22. Medicine men 23. NaCl, more commonly 25. Can calamities 26. Start of 17 Across’ philosophy of hitting 29. Mo. with the most fresh flower sales 32. Noted brand of pepper spray 33. Compete 34. Show up 36. Gillette razors 38. General path from ME to FL 40. Flounder relatives 41. ___ alcohol (demonstrate drunkenness) 43. Amniotic ___ 45. An other Spanish word 46. Demolition acquisition 47. More of philosophy 50. Russian images 51. Optimistic 52. Car dashboard feature, usually 55. Horror director Craven 56. King Kong studio 59. End of philosophy 62. Crazies 63. Chewbacca comment 64. Cool stage name of rapper Tracy Marrow 65. H.S. exams 66. Puts out the china 67. Stat start

Down

ANSWER: THE ASTRONAUT WAS SUCCESSFUL WHEN HE WAS -- “DOWN AND OUT”

1. Goldilocks’ hosts had 12

2. Butter substitute 3. Everybody knows it; nobody says it 4. In the dumps 5. Bolshevik diplomat, whose name inspired inexpensive weapons 6. Look up and down 7. Start of a cycle 8. Chortle sound 9. Mister Rogers’ zip-ups 10. Yellow slippers 11. Competent 12. Venison source 13. Botches 18. Without much activity 19. Country on the equator 24. Opposite of an abyss 25. Imitate, visually 26. Discounter, founded by Sebastian S. Kresge 27. Consumed 28. The University of Illinois at Springfield (in boxscores) 29. Rolling in dough 30. “... ___ saw your face” 31. In a daze 35. Big crosses 37. In flip-flops 39. Simple card game 42. Minimum amount 44. Resume writers’ goals 48. Pays the admission fee 49. Curious, and then some 50. Sweats 52. Plant displayed at The National Aquarium 53. Comedian Philips, and namesakes 54. Org. with motto “eliminating racism; empowering women” 55. Second baseman, per Bud Abbott 57. Banjo holder 58. Palindrome game: “Toot and ___” 60. Footprint feature 61. Basketball force

Answers on page 29.

JUMBLES: HOBBY DRAWL JUNKET FELONY

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

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

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

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

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

Financial Services ACCOUNTING, BOOKKEEPING, TAXES – conscientious CPA, 37 years experience, reasonable rates, looking for additional business, personal and eldercare clients. Call 410-653-3363.

For Rent BRIGHTON DAM ROAD, CLARKSVILLE – Separate 1-bedroom apartment with full kitchen and bath. $800/month and utilities included. Good for singles, couples. 410-531-5627.

I WILL BUY YOUR UNWANTED REAL ESTATE for cash. No realtor’s fees, and I can settle as quickly as you would like. Call Neal at 410-419-1289.

For Sale 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.

Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653

Home/Handyman Services BASEMENT OR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? LEVELIFT SYSTEMS, INC. offers honest, professional, no-pressure inspection, consultation & repair quotes for owner-occupied homes with settling, cracking & buckling basement walls. Our 23-year-old Jessup, Marylandbased firm has a spotless record with Angie’s List, Better Business Bureau and Maryland State Home Improvement Commission. Ask for Paul. Office: 301-369-3400. Cell: 410-365-7346.

Paulm@levelift.com. MHIC #45110.

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Home/Handyman Services SANFORD & SON HAULING Trash removal, house & estate clean-outs, garage clean-outs, yard work & cleanups, demolition, shed removal. 410-746-5090. Free Estimates.

Insured. Call 7 days a week 7am - 7pm.

Personal Services ESTATE SPECIALIST Experts in estate clean-outs and preparing your house for sale.

Trash removal, house cleanouts, light moving, demolition, yard work, cleaning. 410-7465090. Free estimates. Insured. Call 7 days 7am - 7pm.

LEARN ENGLISH – SPANISH – ITALIAN – FRENCH – PORTUGUESE Conversational. Grammatical. Private lessons. Reasonable Rates. Tutoring students. 443-3528200.

Wanted VINYL RECORDS WANTED from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-5966201.

CASH BUYER for old costume jewelry, pocket and wrist watches (any condition). Also buying watchmaker tools and parts, train sets and accessories, old toys, old glassware & coins. 410-655-0412.

WE BUY OLD AND NEW COINS, Jewelry, Silver and Gold, Paper Money too. Watches, Clocks and Parts, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars.

If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-279-8834. Thank you.

OLD AND NEW WE BUY Sterling Silver Flatware, Tea Sets or Single Pieces., Furniture, Tools, Cameras, Good Glassware, Artwork Too. Toys From Trains to Hotwheels, Action Figures to Star Wars. Call Greg, 717-6587954.

Thanks for reading the Beacon!

BEACON BITS

Jan. 22

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

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

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise.

Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad.

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

The Beacon, Howard County Classified Dept.

P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 BEACON BITS CELEBRATE BRITTEN’S CENTENARY

Feb. 2

A celebration of composer Benjamin Britten’s centenary will feature the “Four Sea Interlude” from his opera Peter Grimes in the Columbia Orchestra’s program on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the James Rouse Theatre at Wilde Lake High School, 56460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia. The program also features Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto. Prior to the concert, Bill Scanlan Murphy, music department faculty member at Howard Community College, will offer a free lecture on Sibelius at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices are at $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $10 for students. For more information, visit www.columbiaorchestra.org or call (410) 465-8777.

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SPAMALOT AT TOBY’S

The Department of Recreation & Parks is offering a bus trip for a brunch buffet and performance of Monte Python’s Spamalot on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The bus leaves at 10:30 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $49. Call (410) 313-7279 for more information.

Address:___________________________________________ City: _____________________State:_____Zip: ___________ ❐ ONE YEAR First-Class rate

Feb. 5

VISIT THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM IN D.C.

A Recreation & Parks-sponsored bus trip to the Holocaust Museum, followed by lunch at Phillips Restaurant, will leave at 9 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Cost of tickets is $69. For additional information, call (410) 313-7279.

Feb. 19

31

A COLONIAL TEA

A colonial home in Brookeville is the site of a Dolley Madisonstyle tea in historic Brookeville, celebrating its 150th anniversary as U.S. Capital for a Day. A bus sponsored by Recreation & Parks leaves at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19 and returns at 3 p.m. Tickets are $79. Call (410) 313-7279 for more information.

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(Maryland residents add 6% for sales tax = $38.16) ❐ ONE YEAR Third-Class rate (Maryland residents add 6% for sales tax = $12.72 in MD) ❐ Check here if this is a gift subscription. A gift card will be sent in your name: _________________ Return form with check made payable to The Beacon, to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Maryland residents: add 6% for sales tax.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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simply

DIFFERENT

You’ll see it as soon as you turn onto our scenic drive through lush pastures and hardwood forest. You’ll hear it in the birdsong, breeze and peaceful absence of city noise. You’ll feel it in the friendly manner of people who thrive in a gracious quality of life. This community hums with warmhearted camaraderie and a zest for living shared by residents and staff alike—in independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitative care and nursing care.

because what surrounds you really matters.

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 or 301-924-2811

www.bgf.org Residential Cot tages Assisted Living Skilled Nursing Care Memory support Rehabilitation