August 2013 Howard County Beacon Edition by The Beacon Newspapers

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Outspoken hospital CEO to retire

5 0 AUGUST 2013

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PHOTO BY CHRIS HARTLOVE

By Stuart Rosenthal Only days after Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) honored its president and CEO at its 40th anniversary gala in June, Victor “Vic” A. Broccolino announced his intention to retire this coming January, after 24 years at the helm of the institution. Broccolino, 70, whose early career was in banking and finance, brought his financial acumen and administrative skills to HCGH in 1990, and has widely been credited with the hospital’s growth in both size and reputation since. He is quick to play down his role, however. “What makes me most effective is the staff that I have, my co-workers,” Broccolino said during an interview in the private lunch room next to his office. “Anyone who thinks they’re doing it on their own is a fool.” He even gives his staff credit for the quality of his hires. He asks his existing staff as a group to interview candidates who make it to the final cut, and in all but one instance says he accepted their recommendation. And the one time he didn’t do so, “They were right,” he said.

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Outgoing and forthright Born to Italian immigrant parents, Broccolino spoke only Italian until the age of 4 or 5, and remembers himself as an exceedingly shy child. When guests would come to the home, he said he would hide under tables and ignore his parents’ calls. There’s no trace of that childhood shyness today. Gregarious and talkative, he also has a well-deserved reputation for plain-spokenness. At a speech before the Coalition for Geriatric Services last year, Broccolino gave an overview of the hospital’s impressive workforce: its staff of 1,800, plus 900 physicians and nearly 600 volunteers. He spoke of the 186,000 patients served by the hospital the year before, and the “320 interactions, direct and indirect” that hospital staffers have with each and every patient every day, including all the behind-the-scenes work involved in tests, meal preparation, laundry, etc. Then he very forthrightly added, “Not all of [the staff] are doing their jobs well or have a good attitude. Maybe 10 percent shouldn’t be there.”

Victor “Vic” Broccolino has served as president and CEO of Howard County General Hospital for 23 of its 40 years, overseeing much of its growth, including its affiliation with the Johns Hopkins Health System. He will retire from the community institution in January.

When asked in the interview if he still believes that, he said, “I told [our new hires] as much in an orientation this morning!” One out of 10 “know how to do the job technically, but don’t have the right attitude.” Furthermore, he went on, when staff members aren’t on their game in the hospital, patients will suffer. “Hospitals are dangerous places,” he said. “There’s no such thing as a ‘minor operation.’ People can die from getting an infection or even the wrong food.”

Focus on patient safety Broccolino added that HCGH and the entire Johns Hopkins Medical System to which it belongs are making patient safety a priority. “I’ve seen massive change in the

hospital’s focus on safety just in the past five years,” he said. Among the safety initiatives he mentioned are requiring barcode scanning to be sure patients are getting the right medicines, working to eliminate wrong-site operations, and expanding the number of private rooms. When asked how private rooms are a safety matter, he pointed out that when there’s only one patient to a room, there’s a lower risk of infection and of getting the wrong meds, and a better, quieter environment in which to heal. “But even with that, mistakes will and do happen,” he said. When originally hired in 1992, Broccolino See BROCCOLINO, page 28

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Intractable problems Why do so many of the social issues we Should a civil trial follow, with a very difcurrently face appear to be intractable? ferent burden of proof, it may well produce a I think one of the reasons different result. is that many problems in our What about issues being desociety are treated as having bated in the forum of the world a very limited range of solupress? Edward Snowden and tions — as being black and WikiLeaks would like to treat white, leaning left or right, ofthe NSA’s gathering of metadafering a choice of yes or no, ta as presenting us with a vivid take it or leave it. choice. To them and others, it A few issues may really presseems we have lost our cherent such a stark choice, at least ished freedoms as Americans sometimes. But most problems and become pawns of Big are susceptible to compromise, FROM THE Brother. if people are honest about it. On the other hand, a numPUBLISHER Sometimes options are By Stuart P. Rosenthal ber of world leaders and indilimited because of the forum viduals involved in diplomacy in which an issue is being addressed. Con- and international affairs suggest that gathcerning the recent trial of George Zimmer- ering intelligence from enemies, allies and man for the killing of Trayvon Martin, our even our own citizens is quite old hat and courts require a clear verdict and a unani- universally done. mous one at that. Guilty or not guilty? More nuanced commentators point to But we all know that this is because our the checks and balances over the NSA — legal code requires establishing criminal the congressional committees, courts and guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Certain- judges who take competing interests into ly reasonable doubts cloud the space be- account and oversee the process. Because tween innocence and guilt in nearly every national security is at stake, the debates human interaction. But to reach a verdict, take place out of the public eye, but the we have to say, “If there’s a reasonable NSA’s requests are indeed judged and regdoubt, there’s no criminal conviction.” ulated.

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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. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. 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 • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................ Steve Levin, Jill Joseph • Publishing Assistant ....................Rebekah Sewell

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Seen in this light, the question is: Where do we stand along the continuum? Do we need to balance the interests differently? Looking closer to home, what about the heated debates over whether Walmart should be allowed to open in communities such as the District of Columbia? On one side there are those who argue that Walmart should be welcomed for providing quality produce and goods at affordable prices and creating hundreds of jobs for local citizens. On the other side are those who say that huge stores like Walmart decimate small and independent businesses and pay low wages that workers cannot live on. The decision is typically presented in many communities as a clear choice, presenting an up or down vote. The D.C. City Council has brought an element of compromise to the issue by voting to require a minimum pay scale for large employers like Walmart. Perhaps that could be seen as a middleground approach, but it ought to have been introduced at the start of the process, not as an afterthought once three stores were under construction. Finally, I turn to the issue of government entitlements: Social Security and Medicare. Here, too, we hear arguments setting up a battle to the death. Seniors who have long been promised a secure retirement with inflation adjustments — who worked hard for decades, fought in national wars, scrimped and saved for years — feel it’s completely unfair to change the rules at this time of their lives. Others point out that rising longevity has extended by decades the years that

benefits are being paid, and that the retirement of the baby boom generation just now getting underway will, in a few years, be diverting two-thirds of discretionary federal dollars to senior programs, to the detriment of every other government program, including those for children, education, research, transportation and more. Here, I think it should be clear that a variety of solutions exist. Yes, there are competing interests and legitimate points to be made on both sides. But there are also ways of adjusting payments to help the truly needy by reducing benefits to the truly wealthy without undermining the whole enterprise. I have written many times about the changes that can be carefully crafted to protect those already retired or close to retirement. And I have pointed out that relatively subtle adjustments to different elements of Social Security and Medicare can spread the pain among different groups, over a period of many years. Yes, some problems are intractable, and a rare few may even present a zero-sum game. But if we’re willing to step back and listen to each other, admit there are good arguments on both sides, and make a serious effort at compromise, we may find that many of our most divisive issues can be reasonably resolved. I certainly believe entitlement reform is capable of such a solution, and I urge everyone to start considering it. We owe it to ourselves and to our progeny.

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. Dear Editor: The article “How to become more creative later in life” in the July issue is interesting and stimulating. But it focuses far too narrowly on artistic creativity. There is quite another dimension that needs to be recognized. If you had a career in a profession in serious science, such as being a university professor (as I was), you had to stick to existing orthodoxies if you wanted to attain tenure and funding for your work. If you wanted to feed your family, it would have been foolish to do otherwise. When you retire, many of these constrictions have been lifted. You can now follow some of your long-delayed dreams. Since age 65 I have published four books — two self-published and two published by a university press. All of these are outside the mainstream; all allow me the luxury of following my creative yearnings. I am convinced that I am not alone in

having creative yearnings that were toolong delayed, but are by no means dead. My website, QuestForEffectiveLiving.com, describes my most recent book, an effort to jump-start a new science about the social space in which we humans live. Fred Emil Katz Baltimore Dear Editor: I love reading every article in the Beacon. Thank you for such valuable information every month. I wholeheartedly agree with the column in the July issue, “What is private anymore?” Who can we trust? Whenever I go to my doctors, at the first visit, I’m asked to sign the HIPAA privacy form. Because I am a very private person, I do not divulge my e-mail address at most of my initial visits. I had cataract surgery in December. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 28

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Health Fitness &

ANTI-AGING DRINKS These drinks aren’t the fountain of youth, but they do slow aging LYME DISEASE LIMBO To diagnose Lyme disease, other diseases must be ruled out first BACK ON YOUR FEET How to treat and prevent foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis DO YOU HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL? If so, help test a new drug at the Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research

Brain scans can ‘see’ and measure pain By Marilynn Marchione In a provocative new study, scientists reported that they were able to “see” pain on brain scans and, for the first time, measure its intensity and tell whether a drug was relieving it. Though the research is in its early stages, it opens the door to many possibilities. Scans might be used someday to tell when pain is hurting a baby, someone with dementia, or a paralyzed person unable to talk. They might lead to new, less addictive pain medicines. They might even help verify claims for disability. “Many people suffer from chronic pain, and they’re not always believed. We see this as a way to confirm or corroborate pain if there is a doubt,” said Tor Wager, a neuroscientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He led the research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. So far it is only on pain felt through the skin — heat applied to an arm. More study needs to be done on more common kinds of pain, such as headaches, bad backs and pain from disease.

Pain is the top reason people see a doctor, and there’s no way to quantify how bad it is other than what they say. A big quest in neuroscience is to find tests or scans that can help diagnose ailments with mental and physical components such as pain, depression and PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Looking for pain’s “signature” Although many studies have found brain areas that light up when pain is present, the new work is the first to develop a combined signature from all these signals that can be used to measure pain. “This is very exciting work. They made a huge breakthrough in thinking about brain patterns,” said Dr. David Shurtleff, acting deputy director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which helped sponsor the research. “We need a brain-based signature for pain. Self-report doesn’t cut it. It’s not reliable, it’s not accurate.” The research involved four experiments at Columbia University approved by a

panel to ensure no participants were harmed. In all, 114 healthy volunteers were paid $50 to $200 to be tested with a heating element placed against a forearm at various temperatures, not severe enough to cause burns or lasting damage. Some of the experiments required them to stand it for 10 to 20 seconds. “It’s like holding a hot cup of coffee that you really want to put down but can’t quite yet,” Wager said. Functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI scans, which don’t require radiation as X-rays do, recorded changes in brain activity as measured by blood flow. Computers were used to generate signatures or patterns from these readings. The first set of experiments on 20 people developed signatures for pain versus the anticipation of it or mild warmth on the arm. The second experiment validated these signatures in 33 other people and found they predicted how much pain they said they felt. “It’s really what seems to be a true measure of the experience that the patient’s hav-

ing,” and it gives a number to pain severity that can guide care, said one expert with no role in the studies, Dr. Costantino Iadecola, director of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Measuring emotional pain, too Researchers took their work a step further with the third experiment, which involved 40 people who recently lost a serious love relationship and were feeling intensely rejected. Besides the heat tests, they had scans while being shown a picture of their former partners and then a picture of a good friend. Researchers found the brain signatures for social or emotional pain were different from the ones for physical pain. “That’s very provocative,” said Dr. Allan Ropper, a neurologist at Brigham and Women’s and Harvard University who wrote a commentary in the journal. The signatures seem highly accurate and able to distinguish See BRAIN SCANS, page 7

Exoskeletons enable paralyzed to walk By Carla K. Johnson When Michael Gore stands, it’s a triumph of science and engineering. Eleven years ago, Gore was paralyzed from the waist down in a workplace accident, yet he rises from his wheelchair and walks across the room with help from a lightweight “powered exoskeleton.” The technology has many nicknames. Besides exoskeleton, the inventions are also called “electronic legs” or “wearable robots.” This version, called Indego, is among several competing products being used and tested in U.S. rehab hospitals that hold promise not only for people such as Gore with spinal injuries, but also those recovering from strokes or afflicted with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Still at least a year away from the market, the 27-pound Indego is the lightest of the powered exoskeletons. It snaps together from pieces that fit into a backpack. The goal is for the user to be able to carry it on a wheelchair, put it together, strap it on and walk independently. None of the products, including the Indego, are yet approved by U.S. regulators

for personal use, meaning they must be used under the supervision of a physical therapist. Gore, 42, of Whiteville, N.C., demonstrated the device last month at the American Spinal Injury Association meeting in Chicago, successfully negotiating a noisy, crowded hallway of medical professionals and people with spinal injuries in wheelchairs. When he leans forward, the device takes a first step. When he tilts from side to side, it walks. When Gore wants to stop, he leans back and the robotic leg braces come to a halt. Gore uses forearm crutches for balance. A battery in the hip piece powers the motors in the robotic legs. “Being able to speak with you eye-to-eye is just a big emotional boost,” Gore said to a reporter. “Being able to walk up to you and say hello is not a big thing until you cannot do it.”

Some drawbacks The devices won’t replace wheelchairs, which are faster. None of the devices are speedy enough, for example, for a para-

lyzed person to walk across a street before the light changes, said Arun Jayaraman of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, who is testing a number of similar devices. “None of them have fall prevention technology,” Jayaraman added. “If the person falls, they can hurt themselves badly. If you fall down, how do you get off a robot that is strapped into you?” In addition, they need to be even lighter and have longerlasting batteries, he said. Still, Jayaraman said, the devices might help prevent pressure sores from sitting too long in a wheelchair, improve heart health, develop muscle strength, lift depression and ultimately bring down medical costs by keeping healthier patients out of the hospital.

Made by several companies Companies in Israel, New Zealand and California make competing devices, and all the products are becoming less bulky as they are refined. The Indego was invented at Vanderbilt University in Nashville and tested at the Shepherd Center, a rehabilitation hospital

in Atlanta. It’s now licensed to Clevelandbased Parker Hannifin Corp., which makes precision engineered products like aircraft wheels and brakes. It’s unclear exactly how much the devices will cost if they become available for personal use. Some technology news media reports have said $50,000 to $75,000. Indego’s makers want to bring the cost below that, said co-inventor Ryan Farris of Parker Hannifin. Experts say it will take years of research to prove health benefits before Medicare and private insurance companies would consider covering the expense. Paul Tobin, president of the nonprofit advocacy group United Spinal, said wearable robots present an exciting opportunity, but that patients should keep their expectations realistic. “It’s going to be critical that people have a thorough medical evaluation before trying something like this, especially if they’ve been injured for some time,” Tobin said. “It won’t be appropriate for everyone. For some people, it will be a godsend.” — AP

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New test aids prostate treatment decision By Marilynn Marchione A new genetic test to gauge the aggressiveness of prostate cancer may help tens of thousands of men each year decide whether they need to treat their cancer right away or can safely monitor it. The new test, which went on sale in May, joins another one that came on the market earlier this year. Both analyze multiple genes in a biopsy sample and give a score for aggressiveness, similar to tests used now for certain breast and colon cancers. Doctors say tests like these have the potential to curb a major problem in cancer care — overtreatment. Prostate tumors usually grow so slowly they will never threaten a man’s life, but some prove fatal

— and there is no reliable way now to tell which ones are which type. Treatment with surgery, radiation or hormone blockers isn’t needed in most cases and can cause impotence or incontinence, yet most men are afraid to skip it. “We’re not giving patients enough information to make their decision,” said Dr. Peter Carroll, chairman of urology at the University of California, San Francisco. “You can shop for a toaster” better than for prostate treatment, he said.

Enter the Oncotype test A study he led of the newest test — the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score — was discussed at an American Urological

Association meeting in San Diego in May. The results suggest the test could triple the number of men thought to be at such low risk for aggressive disease that monitoring is a clearly safe option. Conversely, the test also suggested some tumors were more aggressive than doctors had believed. Independent experts say such a test is desperately needed, but that it’s unclear how much information this one adds or whether it will be enough to persuade men with lowrisk tumors to forgo treatment, and treat it only if it gets worse. Only 10 percent who are candidates for monitoring choose it now. “The question is, what’s the magnitude of difference that would change the patient’s

mind?” said Dr. Bruce Roth, a cancer specialist at Washington University in St. Louis. One man may view a 15 percent chance that his tumor is aggressive as low risk, “but someone else might say, ‘Oh my God, let’s set the surgery up tomorrow,’” he said. “I don’t think it’s a slam dunk.” Also unknown: Will insurers pay for the expensive test without evidence it leads to better care or saves lives? The newest test was developed by Genomic Health Inc., which has sold a similar one for breast cancer since 2004. Doctors at first were leery of it until studies in more See PROSTATE TEST, page 8

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physical pain from other kinds, he said. In the fourth experiment, researchers gave 21 participants two infusions of a morphine-like drug while they were being scanned and having the heat tests. The first time, they knew they were getting the drug. The second time they were told they were getting dummy infusions but in fact got the drug again. Brain signatures showed their pain was being relieved both times in propor-

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tion to how much drug was in their systems. “This is beginning to open a new wedge into brain science,” Ropper said. “There may be completely novel ways of treating pain by focusing on these areas of the brain rather than on conventional medications, which block pain impulses from getting into the spinal cord and brain.” Shurtleff also said he hoped the research would lead to newer drugs. “We want medications that can reduce this signature and don’t show a signature for addiction,” he said. — AP

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Prostate test From page 7 groups of women proved its value, and the same may happen with the prostate test, said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, the American Cancer Society’s deputy chief medical officer. The company will charge $3,820 for the prostate test and says it can save money by avoiding costlier, unnecessary treatment. Another test for assessing prostate cancer risk that came out last summer — Prolaris by Myriad Genetics Inc. — sells for $3,400. Both companies can sell the tests without Food and Drug Administration ap-

proval under separate rules that govern lab diagnostics. Myriad Genetics has published nine studies on Prolaris involving more than 3,000 patients. Genomic Health has not published any results on its prostate test, another thing that makes doctors wary. Yet it has a track record from its breast cancer test. About 240,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and about half are classified as low risk using current methods. Doctors now base risk estimates on factors such as a man’s age and how aggressive cells look from biopsies that give 12 to 14 tissue samples. But

A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

tumors often are spread out and vary from one spot to the other. “Unless you can be sure your biopsy has hit the most aggressive part that’s in the prostate, you can’t be sure” how accurate your risk estimate is, explained Dr. Eric Klein, chief of urology at the Cleveland Clinic, who led early development of the Oncotype prostate cancer test.

Testing the test For one study, researchers used prostates removed from 440 men. They measured the activity of hundreds of genes thought to be involved in whether the cancer spread beyond the prostate or proved fatal. A second study of biopsies from 167 patients narrowed it down to 81 genes, and researchers picked 17 that seemed to predict aggressiveness no matter the location in the tumor. A third study used single-needle biopsy samples from 395 UCSF patients scheduled to have their prostates removed. The gene

test accurately predicted the aggressiveness of their cancer once doctors were able to see the whole prostate after surgery. Using one current method, 37 of the 395 men would have been called very low risk and good candidates for monitoring. Adding the gene test put 100 men into that category, said another study leader, Dr. Matthew Cooperberg of UCSF. The gene test shifted about half of the men into either a lower or a higher risk category. “It went both ways — that was the remarkable thing. In any category of risk it added independent information compared to the standard criteria we use today,” Carroll said. “More work needs to be done, but, in my opinion, this is a very good start.” However, Dr. Kevin McVary, chairman of urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and a spokesman for the Urological Association, said the test must be validated in more men before it can be widely used. “It’s not there yet,” he said. — AP

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Active adults 65 and older can now take advantage of Columbia Association’s (CA) new 6-class pass for $42, which gives them access to six of CA’s most popular group fitness classes at Columbia Athletic Club. Choose from tai chi, Zumba, aquatics and more. The classes would normally cost up to $100. The pass is available for purchase at Columbia Athletic Club, 5435 Beaverkill Rd., Columbia. The card is valid for 30 days. Call (410) 7306744 for more information.

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CPR CLASS

Howard County General Hospital is offering a class on cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) leading to an American Heart Association completion card. Participants may choose the class held on either Thursday, Aug. 8 or Thursday, Aug. 22. Both will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the HCGH Wellness Center, Suite 100, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. Fee is $55. For registration and further information, visit www.hcgh.org or call (410) 740-7601.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Stay sharp with these 11 anti-aging drinks By Brierley Wright Aging is inevitable. And there are many variables involved in how long you live. But you can also add years to your life by making smarter food choices. Help keep your mind razor-sharp and body finely honed with these anti-aging drinks: 1. Pink grapefruit juice for smoother skin Pink grapefruit gets its pink-red hue from lycopene, a carotenoid that’ll keep your skin smooth, according to a small

study published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. Researchers found that of the 20 individuals studied, those who had higher skin concentrations of lycopene had smoother skin. 2. Alcohol to ward off Alzheimer’s disease Drinking alcohol — moderately, which is one glass a day for women and two daily for men — may ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As we age, brain cells die, leading to

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gaps that slow nerve transmission within the brain and between the brain and the rest of the body. Moderate drinking appears to somehow prevent these “potholes.” (Scientists aren’t sure why.) In high doses, however, alcohol kills brain cells, leading to brain damage that may manifest itself as permanent memory loss. 3. Cocoa for a healthier heart The Kuna people of the San Blas islands, off the coast of Panama, have a rate of heart disease nine times less than that of mainland Panamanians. The reason? The Kuna drink plenty of a beverage made with generous proportions of cocoa, which is unusually rich in flavanols that help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining youthful blood vessels lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia. 4. Beet juice to beat dementia Beets are rich in naturally occurring nitrates, which — unlike unhealthy artificial nitrates found in processed meat — may be beneficial. In a 2011 study in the journal Nitric Oxide, older adults who ate a nitrate-rich diet got a boost in blood flow to the frontal lobe of their brains — an area commonly associated with dementia. Poor blood flow

contributes to age-related cognitive decline. Scientists think that the nitrates’ nitric oxide, a compound that keeps blood vessels supple, helps increase brain blood flow. Cabbages and radishes also naturally contain nitrates. 5. Green tea to fight inflammation Even if coffee is your beverage of choice, don’t bag tea altogether, especially green tea. Green tea is full of potent antioxidants that help quell inflammation. Chronic inflammation plays a significant role — as either a cause or effect — in many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases and the three top killers in the United States: heart disease, cancer and stroke. In fact, researchers from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock recently found that green tea can inhibit oxidative stress and the potential inflammation that may result from it. “After 24 weeks, people who consumed 500 mg. of green tea polyphenols daily — that’s about 4 to 6 cups of tea — halved their oxidative stress levels,” said Leslie Shen, Ph.D., the study’s lead author. (The placebo group didn’t see a single change.) 6. Soy milk for firm skin and fewer wrinkles See ANTI-AGING DRINKS, page 11

BEACON BITS

Aug. 11

ZUMBA UNDER THE STARS A 40-minute Zumba class followed by Aqua Zumba in a heated

pool will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stevens Forest Pool, 6061 Stevens Forest Rd., Columbia. For a breakdown of fees, rain dates and other information, call (410) 730-6744 or email Megan.Cooperman@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

Anti-aging drinks From page 10 The isoflavones in soymilk may help to preserve skin-firming collagen. In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, mice fed isoflavones and exposed to UV radiation had fewer wrinkles and smoother skin than mice that were exposed to UV light but didn’t get isoflavones. The researchers think that isoflavones help prevent collagen breakdown. 7. Milk to build muscle mass and strength Studies show that we lose 1/2 to 1 percent of our lean muscle mass each year, starting as early as our 30s. Muscle strength also declines by 12 to 15 percent per decade. The amino acids in protein are the building blocks of muscle — and one amino acid, called leucine, is particularly good at turning on your body’s muscle-building machinery. Once that muscle-building switch is flipped — you need to do this at each meal — you’re better able to take in the amino acids (of any type) from protein in your diet. Milk contains whey protein, an excellent source of leucine. Other dairy products, such as Greek yogurt, as well as lean meat, fish and soy, such as edamame and tofu, are also rich in this amino acid. 8. Carrot juice for memory Carrots contain luteolin, a flavonoid believed to reduce inflammation that can lead to cognitive decline. In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, mice that ate a diet that included luteolin had better spatial memory (e.g., how quickly they found a platform in

BEACON BITS

Aug. 21

BRIEFING ON MEDICARE

Learn about Medicare Part C/Health Plans and supplement policies (Medigap) and how to protect yourself from healthcare fraud in a free program sponsored by the county’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program on Wednesday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at the KiwanisWallis Hall, 3300 Norbert’s Way, Ellicott City. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call (410) 313-7391.

Ongoing

ASK YOUR HOUSING VOUCHER QUESTIONS

Howard County residents with questions about the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as “Section 8”) for low-income households, disabled persons or the elderly, can address their questions via email to hcvhousing@howardcountymd.gov or by phone at (410) 313-6320.

a water maze) and less inflammation than mice that didn’t get any luteolin. Luteolin is also found in bell peppers, celery, rosemary and thyme. 9. Coffee may protect against skin cancer Drinking a single cup of coffee daily may lower your risk of developing skin cancer. In one study of more than 93,000 women, published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, those who drank 1 cup of caffeinated coffee a day reduced their risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer by about 10 percent. And the more they drank — up to about 6 cups or so per day — the lower their risk. Decaf didn’t seem to offer the same protection. 10. Water for better breath Water keeps your throat and lips moist and prevents your mouth from feeling dry. Dry mouth can cause bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste — and can even promote cavities. 11. Orange juice for eye health

Studies show that people with low levels of antioxidants are more likely to develop agerelated macular degeneration (AMD) than those with higher levels. (AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60.) Vitamin C, abundant in orange juice, is one antioxidant that seems to be especially protective against the disease. (Other antioxidants include vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin.)

While it’s not completely clear how antioxidants protect your eyes, it seems that they accumulate in the retina where they can mop up free radicals, compounds that damage cells by starving them of oxygen. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com. © 2013 EatingWell, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 7

LEARN HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM MEDICARE Explanations of Medicare coverage and resources will be includ-

ed in a free program on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Kiwanis-Wallis Hall, 3300 Norbert’s Way, Ellicott City. Sponsored by the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and Howard County Office on Aging, the program is free, but pre-registration is required. Call (410) 313-7391 to pre-register or for more information.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Exercise can cause or prevent foot pain Q: Does exercise increase your tended time. The pain usually gets better chances of developing plantar fasciitis as you walk a bit more, but gets worse as or help protect against it? the day continues. A: Plantar fasciitis is an inIf you think you have flammation in a band of tissue plantar fasciitis, see your that runs from your heel to the healthcare provider to make bones in the ball of your foot, sure this is the cause of and it makes walking quite your pain. It can take quite painful. One of the most comawhile for the problem to remon orthopedic complaints insolve, but most people do volving the feet, it most often feel better within a year if occurs after age 40. they take certain actions. Exercise increases your Because it can take so long risk of plantar fasciitis if you NUTRITION to improve, and can pose run long distances, especially WISE such an obstacle to the exeron hills or uneven surfaces, or By Karen Collins, cise that keeps you healthy, exercise in shoes that don’t MS, RD, CDM it’s important to talk with provide enough support in the your doctor about how much arch of the foot or padding in the heel. to rest, how to gradually add activity back On the other hand, risk of plantar fasci- in, and what sort of shoes, inserts, itis also increases with excess body weight stretching exercises or even night splints or when the Achilles tendon (the tendon on your foot you might need. connecting the muscles in the calf of your Work with your healthcare provider to leg to your heel) gets tight. find alternative ways to be physically acAdequate exercise is a key factor in tive in a way that is safe and comfortable avoiding weight gain, and proper stretch- for you. ing to keep ankles, calf muscles and The American Academy of Family Achilles tendons flexible helps reduce risk Practice website shows two stretches of plantar fasciitis. that are recommended to be done twice One of the main symptoms of plantar a day to help resolve or prevent plantar fasciitis is heel pain when you first get out fasciitis, but do make sure to get individof bed or stand up after sitting for an ex- ualized advice from your doctor before

you try them if you already have this condition. To see the stretches, scroll halfway down this web page: http://bit.ly/plantarfascitis. Q: I’ve heard that watermelon is a good source of lycopene. Is watermelon as good a source of lycopene as tomatoes? A: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, a phytochemical that is a carotenoid “cousin” to beta-carotene. Lycopene from watermelon seems to be well absorbed without the cooking or presence of fat that so markedly increases how much lycopene we absorb from tomatoes. Research is limited, but in one human study, lycopene from raw watermelon juice was absorbed as well as the lycopene from heat-treated tomato juice. Tomato juice has been used in many studies because it’s been shown to effectively provide lycopene that may help reduce risk of prostate cancer. And in a laboratory study that tried to mimic human digestion processes to see how carotenoid compounds are affected, researchers calculated that in equal weight portions, more lycopene would be

absorbed from raw watermelon than from raw tomatoes. When you bring it home, keep uncut watermelon at room temperature for up to a week or until fully ripe. Not only will the melon get better tasting, research on uncut watermelon shows that lycopene content may even increase during room temperature storage. Watermelon is also an excellent source of vitamin C, and it holds on to virtually all of its vitamin C and carotenoid compounds during this storage period. Refrigerate the watermelon once it’s ripe or after you’ve cut it in pieces, and use within five days. 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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A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study examines new cholesterol medication The Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research, under the direction of Dr. Paul Gurbel, has been actively fighting heart disease by designing and conducting clinical trials investigating novel drug therapies and devices. The center is currently conducting a trial investigating the clinical effects of a new cholesterol medication called Evacetrapib. The study will also investigate the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with “high-risk vascular disease.”

Cholesterol concerns Cholesterol is one of the many substances created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy. There are two types of cholesterol: “good” (HDL) and “bad”

(LDL). Cholesterol levels in the blood can be used to monitor a person’s risk for heart disease. When there is too much LDL in the blood, it builds up in the walls of the arteries (vessels that carry blood to the heart, brain, and legs and all other parts of our bodies). When the arteries become narrowed, the blood flow slows down and the blood vessels may be blocked. Patients who have blockages in their arteries may be diagnosed with “high-risk vascular disease.” Those people are at high risk of having a heart attack or stroke, or may even die from the disease. HDL (the good cholesterol) helps to keep the LDL from getting lodged into your artery walls. An unhealthy diet or family history can cause

Have You Fallen? Seeking Men and Women to participate in a research study at the University of Maryland & Veterans aﬀairs of Baltimore to better understand balance and the prevention of falls in aging individuals.

you will receive: • Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or ﬂexibility exercises • Compensation for your time If interested call: 410-605-7179 & Mention code: LIFT 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

high cholesterol. If the low-cholesterol diet does not work to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medications. Evacetrapib is being developed to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events by significantly raising the good cholesterol and lowering the bad cholesterol in the blood.

Taking part in the study Approximately 11,000 patients are being recruited around the world for the study. Participants must be 18 years of age or older, and must currently be taking medication to treat abnormal cholesterol levels. Prospective candidates must also have had a heart attack, unstable angina, stroke, peripheral artery disease or diabetes with coronary artery disease. This study is expected to last from 18

months to four years and will include up to 14 visits at the study site at Sinai Hospital, 2401 West Belvedere Ave., and six followup phone calls for about three years. Study participants will receive: • Reimbursement of up to $1,400 for time and expenses. • Close lipid monitoring for the duration of the study and study drug at no cost. • A physical exam with cardiologist and complete laboratory blood work-up. The information learned about the study drug and how it works may be helpful to patients with heart disease in the future. If you are interested, contact the Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research at (410) 601-4795 or email Kevin Bliden at kbliden@lifebridgehealth.org. The study team will assist you with determining your eligibility and with any questions you may have.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 15

SMOKING CESSATION SUPPORT

A free program providing support and education for people wanting to quit smoking, as well as for those who have already stopped, will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the HCGH Wellness Center, Suite 100, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. For advance registration and further information, visit www.hcgh.org or call (410) 740-7601.

Aug. 17

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Show your classic or antique car or hot rod (model year 1999 or older), or just view them, at the Rockburn Open Car Show on Saturday, August 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at Rockburn Branch Park, 6105 Rockburn Branch Rd., Elkridge. Awards will be given in numerous categories. Registration to show a car is $10 before Aug. 13 and $20 after. To show a car, call (410) 3137275 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap. For more information, call or email Ann Combs at (410) 313-4624 or acombs@howardcountymd.gov.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

Pets and bugs can transmit Lyme disease Dear Pharmacist: biting flies and ticks. Sadly, antibody blood On Facebook, you said people catch tests only detect a few strains. So your test Lyme disease from their result may say negative for pets, which tote ticks. That’s Bart (and Lyme for that mathow I got Lyme, and I have ter), but you still have it. Bartonella, too. Physicians unaware of the I found this out thanks to limitations of standard ELISA you, and it explained my blood tests mistakenly accept a symptoms of joint pain, con“negative” result and diagnose fusion, memory loss and you with a neurological or auseizures. I owe my life to toimmune disease, fibromyal— D.C. you! gia, CFS or any one of 300 disDear D.C.: eases that Lyme mimics. Thank you. Lyme is the DEAR It’s a terrible oversight bePHARMACIST fastest growing epidemic in cause you might really have By Suzy Cohen the United States. It’s been a Lyme and co-infections like focus for me ever since my Bart, Babesia or Ehrlichia. first column which sparked thousands of I’m sure you are alarmed by now, but do “atta girl” emails from 27 countries. you realize there’s no conclusive test for fiFew medical journalists tackle Lyme be- bromyalgia or CFS? These are diagnoses of cause it’s extremely controversial. You “exclusion,” meaning your doctor tests you see, some physicians don’t believe chronic and rules out every other disease before Lyme exists, and there’s a huge divide stamping you with fibro/CFS. about treatment protocols. But you must ask if Lyme and Bartonella So while the docs are busy arguing about have been ruled out properly by capable, whether it’s real, and how long to treat it, specialized laboratories. For Lyme, I recmost Lymies are misdiagnosed. They ommend testing by Igenex Labs. For Barbounce from doctor to doctor, suffer be- tonella, I recommend either Igenex or yond belief, and some die. Others want to. Galaxy Labs. With all their limitations, There are 30 Bartonella-like or “Bart” they’re still more reliable than standard species. You can get infected from cat ELISA tests, which are frequently wrong. bites/scratches, mites, fleas, mosquitoes, I interviewed a Lyme-literate medical doc-

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tor, Marty Ross, M.D. who said, “If you have enough Bartonella symptoms, you should be treated for the infection regardless of testing.” I suggest you get Dr. Ross’s free treatment manual from www.TreatLyme.net. Bart symptoms include chronic fatigue, pain, muscle twitching (fasciculations), anxiety, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever/chills, autistic-like symptoms, hallucinations, neuropathy, tinnitus, joint pain, skin rash, stretch marks, memory loss, brain fog, cystitis and excessive day sweats.

Bartonella affects the brain. It also affects vision, causing conjunctivitis, foreign body sensation, vision loss, optic neuritis, redness, blurriness and light sensitivity. To receive an extended version of my article, sign up for my free newsletter at www.DearPharmacist.com. 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. Visit Suzy Cohen at www.dearpharmacist.com.

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VOLUME 3, NO. 8 â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 2013

A Message from the Administrator By Dayna Brown, Office on Aging Administrator

Although National Preparedness Month isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until next month, we have had our fair share of tornado warnings and thunderstorms this summer, so I want to share with you a link to a website with lots of helpful information to weather summer storms. Visit www.ready.gov for helpful hints to prepare and plan for emergencies. Locally, I encourage you to subscribe to Notify Me Howard, our countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency notification system, to receive text messages or emails in case of emergency. You can also elect to receive regular news and event notices from other county agencies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the Office on Aging. Visit www.notifymehoward.org to sign up for this free service. Even without the threat of storms, summer heat can take a toll on all of us, and periods of prolonged high temperatures can be especially dangerous for older adults. If the heat has you beat, stop in your local senior center to enjoy our fitness classes, arts and other activities in air conditioned comfort. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to join us for Senior Day at the Howard County Fair on Tuesday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone age 62 and older will receive free all-day admission to the fair, with music, bingo, informational exhibits and more planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 4-H Activities Building (and yes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air conditioned!). Enjoy the rest of your summer, and please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact us if you have questions, want to find local resources or need a referral. Maryland Access Point Specialists can be reached weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 410-313-5980, or via email at map@howardcountymd.gov. And, if you have a Medicare question or need assistance, one of our SHIP counselors can help â&#x20AC;&#x201D; call 410-313-7391 for assistance.

Be Part of the 15th Anniversary 50+EXPO

exhibitor opportunities are still available. Registration forms can be found at www.howardcountyaging.org/50PlusEXPO. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay; spaces are filling fast. In addition to a prime exhibit space at the event, 50+EXPO sponsors receive special recognition in print and web-based promotional materials; on the Office on Aging website; on our Facebook event page (www.Facebook.com/HoCo50PlusEXPO); and in 68,000 programs. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Madera at lmadera@howardcountymd.gov. The 50+EXPO also features a comprehensive health fair, screenings, healthy aging seminars, and flu and pneumonia shots. Back by popular demand, the Capitol Steps will headline the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment in the Rouse Theatre. For more information on how you can be part of the 2013 event, call 410-313-5980 or visit www.howardcountyaging.org/50PlusEXPO.

2013 marks the 15th anniversary of the Office on Agingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50+EXPO. Over the past 15 years, the 50+EXPO has grown and now attracts an impressive 5,000 attendees throughout the day. Considered to be one of the premier events for older adults in Howard County, the 50+EXPO will return to Wilde Lake High School in Columbia on Friday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In recent years, the event has attracted a younger demographic of the 50+ set (think Baby Boomers), prompting organizers to shift the focus to a more proactive one. Savvy, educated consumers make the event an increasingly attractive venue for those offering products, services and information for older adults, healthcare professionals, and caregivers. The 50+EXPO offers a notto-be-missed marketing opportunity for sponsors, vendors and exhibitors who want to reach this growing population. A limited number of vendor and

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The Senior Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Department of Citizen Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Office on Aging. We welcome your comments and suggestions. To contact us, or to join our email subscriber list, email seniorconnection@howardcountymd.gov with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;subscribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the subject box.

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

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Coming Events

Say you saw it in the Beacon

The Senior Connection

Thursdays starting Aug. 1, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – NewsTalk, North Laurel 50+ Center SPRING’s new peer discussion group will focus on current local, national and global news with facilitators Jacquelyn Barnes and Julia Murray. Free; to register or for more information, call 410-313-0380. Friday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m. – History Alive Presents: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Glenwood 50+ Center Mary Ann Jung is back to present a living history of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a champion of women’s rights. Call 410-313-5440 to reserve your seat.

Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10:30 a.m. (Bain Center) & Tuesday, August 20, 1 p.m. (Ellicott City Senior Center) – Dr. Nicole Love Dr. Love, a board-certified ophthalmologist with expertise in low-vision rehabilitation, will visit our low vision groups to discuss the role of the retina specialist and demonstrate low-vision aids. Free; all are welcome. Call 410-313-7283 to register.

Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6 to 9 p.m. – National Night Out, North Laurel Community Center Join us for exhibits, food, and live entertainment as we raise awareness of crime in the community, in partnership with Howard County Police and Recreation & Parks. For more information, call 410-313-0380.

Friday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. – Echoes of Nature: Animal Adaptations, Glenwood 50+Center Join us for a hands-on experience with geckos, turtles, birds and possum. Call 410-313-5440 to register. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 10 to 11 a.m. – Mongolia: The Fascinating Land of Genghis Kahn, The Bain Center Join Ginny Matthias and Dennis Matt to learn about Mongolia, a country with 10 million sheep, cows, yaks, horses and camels, yet only 4 million people. Free; call 410-313-7213 to register. Wednesday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to noon – Genealogy: Tracking Your Roots Part 1, Ellicott City Senior Center Bill Amos explains methods to develop pedigrees and differentiate between our ancestors and their generations. Free; call 410-313-1400 to register.

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Wii Fitness and Summer Pot Luck Lunch, Elkridge Senior Center Come in from the heat and exercise with your friends using Wii Fitness, then enjoy a delicious lunch with homemade dishes. Cost: $1 and a dish to share; call 410-313-5192 to register.

Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to noon – Tech Day, The Bain Center Gain speed in the tech age by learning to text from your mobile phone. Offered in partnership with students from Howard County Public Schools; call 410-313-7213 to register.

Thursday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. – Mary Kay Glamour Class, Ellicott City Senior Center Enjoy a free skin care class with Sandi Kreibel, and learn how to apply make-up for a fresh new look. Call 410-313-1400 to register.

Monday, Aug. 19, 10 to 10:45 a.m. – Chair Yoga Demo, North Laurel 50+ Center Enjoy all the benefits of yoga in a seated format modified to your fitness level to reduce stress, tone muscles and increase strength. Call 410-313-0380 to register for this free demo.

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – Emotional Freedom Techniques, East Columbia 50+ Center Clear your clogged energy fields with this simple, selfadministered exercise, also called ‘tapping.’ Cost: $12; call 410-313-7680 to register. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Intro to Ballroom & Latin Dance Demo, North Laurel 50+ Center Learn basic steps to a variety of fun and versatile dance styles, from waltz to rumba. Singles and couples welcome. Call 410-313-0380 to register.

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Waffle Breakfast, Elkridge Senior Center Eating alone is no fun; join us for a great breakfast of homemade waffles, eggs, sausage and more at a great price. Cost: $4 (all you can eat). Call 410-313-5192 to register. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30 p.m. – Olde Golde Music, Ellicott City Senior Center Enjoy musical entertainment with Larry and Jim; listen to the oldies but goodies as we stroll down memory lane. Free; call 410-313-1400 to register.

Thursday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to noon, Ellicott City Senior Center & Tuesday, Aug. 27, 10 to 11 a.m., Elkridge Senior Center – Brain Fitness Join Robin Zahor, R.N., as she guides you through challenging games to get your brain in shape. Free; to register, call Elkridge, 410-313-5192 or ECSC, 410313-1400. Friday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – AARP Driver Safety Class, East Columbia 50+ Center Learn proven safety strategies; you may even be a ble to save money on your car insurance. Call 410-313-7680 to register. Cost: $12 AARP members; $14 Non-AARP members.

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – End of Summer Cookout, The Bain Center Enjoy live entertainment by Men-N-Motion, and feast on your favorite cookout treats; lunch donation requested. Call 410-313-7213 to reserve your spot by Aug. 20.

Fridays, Sept. 6 to Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Living Well: Take Charge of Your Health, Medical Pavilion at Howard County, 10710 Charter Drive Suite 100, Columbia 21044 Living Well can help you manage your chronic health condition(s), deal with pain and fatigue, communicate better with family and doctors, and develop healthy eating and fitness habits. Cost: $28; call 410-313-5980 for more information or to register.

Fridays, starting Sept. 13, times vary – Creative Writing Classes, East Columbia 50+ Center Shana Johnson returns, ready to draw out your creative abilities. Call the center to be placed in the perfect level. Cost: $106 (5 sessions); call 410-313-7680 to register.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Kick-Off To Health… A Wellness Event for Men, The Bain Center Designed to encourage men to be proactive about their health, this new event will feature interactive exhibitors, free health screenings and seminars, exercise demos and more. Free admission; call 410-313-7213 for more information.

Thursday, Sept. 19 – Winterthur Bus Trip, Glenwood 50+Center Travel via motor coach to Winterthur, the premier museum of American decorative arts. Enjoy the 60-acre garden, a tram ride, guided house tour, snacks and water on bus. Lunch is on your own on site. Cost: $30; call 410-313-5440 to register.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 2nd Annual Caregiver Workshop, North Laurel Community Center Join us to learn more about Howard County resources for caregivers; legal issues; managing stress and challenging behaviors; long term care planning; and more. Free; continental breakfast and lunch included. Call 410-313-5980 for more information.

Riding High with your Feet on the Ground!

SENIOR DAY AT THE FAIR Howard County Fair 2013 FREE ADMISSION for ADULTS 62+ Tuesday, August 6 • 10 am - 3 pm VISIT THE ACTIVITIES BUILDING FOR FUN THINGS TO DO... Healthy Aging Programs Entertainment & Exhibits Bingo, Games & Prizes Great Information Demonstrations

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Money Law &

PERSONALIZED PRICING Grocery store loyalty programs are offering more personalized deals based on data from past purchases PHONY PHONE FEES Scammers may be trying to sneak extra charges onto your cell phone bill; watch for third-party billing and “text spam”

Investing to earn 4 to 8 percent or more By Nellie S. Huang To earn up to an 8-percent yield in a world where safe investments pay 1 percent or less requires accepting significant risk. But if you really want or need to boost return and are willing to take some risks to do so, read on. Many of today’s best bets for high yields — master limited partnerships (MLPs), mortgage-owning real estate investment trusts, and business development companies — trade on exchanges like stocks, putting you in the often gut-churning position of watching their share prices whip around like a roller coaster. But there are also strong dividend-paying stocks and high-yield municipal bonds

that more conservative investors might want to consider.

Master limited partnerships Becca Followill, head of stock research at U.S. Capital Advisors, thinks MLPs are a great idea for superior income. Her favorite is Targa Resources Partners (symbol NGLS; recent price, $46; yield, 6.0 percent). Morningstar analyst Steven Pikelny likes four closed-end funds offered by BlackRock: BlackRock Corporate High Yield (COY; $8; 7.6 percent); BlackRock Corporate High Yield III (CYE; $8; 7.9 percent); BlackRock Corporate High Yield V (HYV; $13; 8.2 percent); and BlackRock

Corporate High Yield VI (HYT; $13; 8.1 percent). All invest in “junk” bonds and take on a moderate amount of debt to boost their payouts, and all recently traded at close to net asset value. Pikelny suggests buying the one trading at the biggest discount to NAV (or at the smallest premium). He also favors AllianceBernstein Global High Income (AWF; $16; 7.7 percent). Top holdings of this fund include bonds issued by Brazil and Argentina, but more than 70 percent of assets are in corporate junk bonds. Speaking of junk bonds, a key benchmark fund, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch High Yield Master II index, currently yields 5.9 percent. Wells Fargo Advantage High Income (STHYX; 4.0 percent) yields less because of expenses and because it is more conservatively managed than many junk funds. Still, High Income beat its typical peer over the past three years, with a 10.3-percent annualized return — and it did so with less volatility. The biggest junk-bond ETF is iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond (HYG;, 4.9 percent). It charges annual fees of 0.50 percent.

Municipal bond funds If you’re in a high tax bracket, consider a closed-end fund that owns municipal bonds. Nearly all such funds use borrowed money to boost income. One that doesn’t is Nuveen Municipal Value Fund (NUV; $10; 4.4 percent), which mostly buys high-quality, long-term bonds. Although at first glance the fund’s yield seems to disqualify it from this group, you really need to look at its taxable-equivalent yield — what someone would have to earn from a taxable bond to equal the yield of a tax-free bond. In this case, 4.4 percent is the equivalent of a 6.1-percent taxable yield for someone in the 28-percent federal tax bracket and 7.7 percent for an investor in the top 39.6percent bracket, who also faces the new 3.8-percent Medicare surtax on investment income. For those who can stand more risk, UBS analyst Sangeeta Marfatia favors BlackRock MuniYield Quality (MQY; $17; 5.7 percent), which also buys long-term, high-

grade munis. But unlike the Nuveen fund, this one uses borrowed money to boost income. A 5.7-percent tax-free yield is equivalent to 7.9 percent taxable for someone in the 28-percent bracket and 10.0 percent for a top-bracket investor. If you want more diversification, check out PowerShares CEF Income Composite (PCEF; $26; 7.4 percent). It’s an exchangetraded fund that owns dozens of taxable, income-producing closed-end funds. Most of its holdings borrow money, though the ETF itself does not.

Dividend-paying stocks Normally, to get even 4 to 6 percent yields, you have to take on a fair amount of risk. But in the case of dividend-paying stocks, that may not always be the case. Some high-yielders, such as AT&T (symbol T; recent price, $38; yield, 4.7 percent), Verizon Communications (VZ; $50; 4.1 percent) and Intel (INTC; $21; 4.2 percent), are financially strong companies that have the wherewithal to sustain their payouts. Jason Brady, of Thornburg Investment Management, favors telecom companies because of the rapid growth of smart phones. One of his favorites is Telstra (TLSYY; $24; 6.0 percent), a leading Australian provider. We took a page from his book: iShares International Select Dividend ETF (IDV; 5.2 percent) tracks an index that includes 100 high-yielding stocks in developed foreign markets.

Preferred shares Preferred shares are stock-bond hybrids. They pay a fixed, regular dividend like bonds, but the shares trade like stocks. Preferreds suffered terribly during the 2008 financial crisis, but they’ve recovered strongly since then. One ETF, iShares S&P U.S. Preferred Stock (PFF; 5.6 percent), holds 75 percent of its portfolio in banks, insurance and diversified financial-services companies. Bonds in developing countries are paying yields of more than 4 percent these days. T. Rowe Price Emerging Bonds (PREMX; 4.3 percent) and Fidelity New Markets Income (FNMIX, 4.3 percent) See EARN MORE, page 19

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

Big bank stocks are staging a comeback By Kathy Kristof Banking’s behemoths are on a roll. Bigbank stocks have soared over the past two years, and the companies’ prospects look bright, thanks to an uptick in business lending, better loan quality and cleaner balance sheets. To be sure, the stocks are still well below where they were before the financial crisis struck five years ago. For example, Citigroup (symbol C) sold for as much as $552 in 2007 (adjusted for a reverse split in 2011). In late June, the stock went for $50. Citi may be the most promising of the big-bank stocks. Analysts expect Citi’s earnings to grow about 14 percent annually over the next three to five years. The profit growth should boost the stock, which trades at a relatively low 10 times es-

Earn more From page 18 hew closely to a JPMorgan emerging-markets bond index. Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income (FAX; 5.4 percent), a closed-end fund, focuses on Australian and Asian debt.

Real estate investment trusts Finally, real estate: Health Care REIT (HCN; $70; 4.4 percent), a real estate investment trust, and CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income (IGR; $10; 5.7 percent), a closed-end fund, offer exposure to two growing areas of the sector.

timated 2013 earnings.

Bank of America’s big rise The hottest big-bank stock has been Bank of America (BAC). Its shares have rocketed from $5 in late 2011 to $13 today. B of A is slowly working through the disastrous results of a decade of acquisitions. Strong results and the belief that B of A’s woes are finally winding down have driven the stock’s ascent. The shares sell for 13 times predicted 2013 earnings. That seems expensive for a bank stock, but it looks like a fair price in light of expected annual earnings growth of 23 percent over the next few years.

Other bank stocks to consider Shares of JPMorgan Chase (JPM) conThe growth catalyst behind HCN is the firm’s senior-living communities. CBRE is a real estate firm whose assets are mostly invested in North America (59 percent), but which has a chunk across Asia (29 percent), making it a good bet for cashing in on rising consumer wealth in that region. The fund recently traded at a 4-percent discount to net asset value. Nellie S. Huang is a senior associate editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

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tinue to be held back by a London trading debacle that cost the bank a whopping $6.2 billion, said analyst Erik Oja, of S&P Capital IQ. Although a congressional report was highly critical of the company’s leadership, including chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon, Oja thinks JPMorgan is among the nation’s best-run banks. At $54, the stock sells for nearly 9 times estimated 2013 earnings and yields 3.1 percent. An attractive big bank with a different focus is Capital One Financial (COF), one of the nation’s biggest credit card issuers. It generates about three-fourths of its income from credit cards and consumer loans. The improving financial health of the

consumer sector is driving down Capital One’s default rates and helping to put the company in a position to meet increasingly stringent regulatory capital requirements well ahead of schedule. In fact, the bank is so well capitalized that regulators recently gave it permission to hike its quarterly dividend sixfold, to 30 cents per share. At $62, the stock yields 2 percent and sells for 9 times projected 2013 earnings. Kathy Kristof is a contributing editor to 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

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How loyalty programs influence shopping By Candice Choi Loyalty programs at supermarkets used to be as simple as getting access to the cheaper advertised prices on store shelves. But as companies fight to hold onto customers amid intensifying competition, they’re using shoppers’ purchasing histories to offer more personalized deals. Eventually, some say deals could become so customized that everyone is paying different prices for the same item. “There’s going to come a point where our shelf pricing is pretty irrelevant because we can be so personalized in what we offer people,” Safeway CEO Steve Burd said in a call with analysts earlier this year. The company, which operates chains including Vons and Dominick’s, rolled out its “Just For U” loyalty program last year. Other grocery store chains are investing in more sophisticated loyalty programs as well, given the growing pressure they face from big-box retailers, drugstores and dollar stores. As companies step up their loyalty programs, here’s a look at how they affect how much you spend and what you buy.

Boosting sales Whenever you see any discount, keep in mind that the store’s goal is always to get

you to spend more, not less. Loyalty programs achieve this in a couple different ways. To start, your past shopping patterns help companies better predict which new products you might be inclined to buy. If you’re a natural food fan who buys Kashi cereal, you might start getting offers for a new Luna bar flavor or Greek yogurt. But it’s not just about convincing you to buy more stuff overall. One of the problems facing the supermarket industry is that people are increasingly getting their groceries from a variety of sources. For example, someone might get their dried pasta at Target, meat at Whole Foods, and fruit at an independent, local market. “The reality in the grocery industry is that it’s very competitive — the average shopper shops at five stores,” said Mir Aamir, president of customer loyalty and digital technologies at Safeway. One of the goals of loyalty programs is convincing you to do more of your shopping in one place. So a shopper who’s buying baby wipes at a store, but not diapers, might suddenly start getting offers for the latter because the company knows there’s likely a baby in that house. By the same token, companies can sense that they’ve lost a customer when you stop using the loyalty card. The result

might be an uptick in special deal offers to get that customer back. So even if you tend to get most your groceries at a particular store, it might be worth signing up for loyalty programs at rival stores or at least keeping an eye on the prices they’re offering.

Personalized pricing All the data companies collect when you use your loyalty card helps them tailor their marketing to you. Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional supermarket chain, still has a traditional loyalty program that gives shoppers the special prices listed on shelves. The company also mails out personalized packets of coupons to its loyalty card members several times throughout the year. The offers are based on past purchases, meaning someone who regularly buys Cheerios might get offers for that cereal, as well as milk and other related items. But now, the company is testing a program that also better calibrates the exact level of the discount offered to particular shoppers. Keith Dailey, a spokesman for Kroger, declined to say where the program is being tested and how specific the offers get. But he said the idea is partly to set more “consistent” prices for shoppers over a set period. So unlike a traditional coupon

that is used only once, you might be offered a discount you can redeem multiple times before a certain date. The point is to encourage you to become a regular shopper, building a habit that leads to you spending more money at a particular store over time. Dailey says the pilot is an “extension of what we’ve been doing for decades,” because coupons of any kind already lead to people paying different prices for the same items. Still, the growing degree of personalization is clearly resonating. Kroger, which also operates Ralphs and Fry’s, notes that 60 percent of customers cash in at least one coupon from the personalized packets they’re mailed throughout the year. That compares with less than 5 percent for traditional coupon mailings. In addition to maximizing sales, the benefit of such personalized pricing for companies is that it becomes harder for competitors to steal away customers with better offers. “The price offered to the individual customer is really between the retailer and customer now,” said Euan White, senior vice president of consumer markets at Dunnhumby, which works with Kroger and a wide range of retailers to analyze shopping patterns. — AP

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 — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

How to avoid shady mobile phone fees By Anya Kamenetz The average person is paying more than $70 a month on her cell phone bill. With those kinds of prices, it’s infuriating to realize that small-time scammers may be sneaking extra charges into the fine print. But that’s exactly what the Federal Trade Commission says is happening. It’s called cell phone “cramming,” and in April the FTC filed the first-ever case about it. The complaint alleges that an Atlanta company called Wise Media sent people unauthorized text messages featuring news or horoscopes, and then billed them $9.99 a month in “subscription” fees for something they had never subscribed to. How do you avoid having this happen to you?

Watch for third-party billing You may be familiar with fundraising efforts for presidential campaigns, disaster relief, and the like that ask you to make a $10 donation by texting a word or two to a special shortcode on your cell phone. That charge then appears on your cell phone bill, which is called “third-party billing.” The FTC doesn’t want to shut down third-party billing for mobile phones altogether because of these legitimate uses, even though third-party billing is also the way that the no-good crammers operate, and even though Verizon and AT&T have recently banned third-party billing for landlines. So it’s left up to individual consumers to police their own bills.

party billing, it’s important for each one of us to look carefully at our monthly mobile bill, especially if it’s more than you expected. You are looking for something under “miscellaneous charges” or “subscription fees” or “surcharges.” Note unfamiliar abbreviations, apps or downloads, and calls from area codes you don’t recognize. Even if there aren’t any unauthorized charges, taking a close look at your bill has the added benefit of helping you figure out if you’re paying for services you don’t need, or need to switch to a different plan.

Be aware of “text spam” In March, the FTC filed yet another complaint against spammers who sent a total of 180 million unauthorized and unwanted text messages. Sometimes consumers were charged for the messages. Sometimes they offered “free” gift cards or prizes, but in order to claim the supposed gifts people were asked to sign up for personal information or pay for services — you guessed it, another pathway to cramming. The safe policy is, if you get any text message written in all caps from a sender you don’t recognize, delete it. By the same token, avoid signing up for contests or special offers that ask for your cell phone number. This is the major way that spammers get hold of cell numbers in the first place. In general, these free offers and prizes are too good to be true.

What you can do Scour your bill In the absence of an all-out ban on third-

If it happens to you, take action as soon as possible.

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The FTC is working to improve the dispute resolution process when it comes to mobile phone cramming. The first place to contact about an unauthorized charge is your cell phone carrier, who may agree to credit the money back to you. You should also ask the company to put a “block” on any third party billing in the future. The company should be able to give you information about the third party so you can contact them directly to dispute the charge. Follow up by putting your complaint in writ-

ing: email and certified mail both work. Finally, the FTC requests that you file a complaint with it as well. Go to FTC.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. You can also contact your state attorney general’s office with the problem. Just because you’ve complained, don’t assume the problem is taken care of. Follow up by checking your bill next month to make sure the charges don’t reappear. © 2013 Anya Kamenetz. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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Travel Leisure &

Some tips for those traveling alone. See page 24.

French Alps’ glorious food and scenery an aperitif of red Beaujolais spiked with black currant liqueur (crème de cassis). Not only is the wine good in Lyon, it is cheap. The calorie-conscious may find bouchon meals a bit heavy, since the bistros’ specialties are dishes like tripe soup, pork offal sausage, coq au vin and blood sausage. But when in Rome… Banter with the chef and neighboring diners is expected. In fact, to not engage in hearty, elbows-on-the-table eating would be considered insulting. In the no-frills, checkered-tablecloth atmosphere, guests mop up juices and sauces with fresh-baked bread as they chat with fellow diners. Local chefs will tell you that the authentic bouchons are only found in Lyon. Bouchon purists require a little plaque at the restaurant’s door showing Gnafron, a drunken marionette with a red nose and wine glass — a sign that the eatery is part of the official French bouchon association. French novelist Stendhal commented, “I know of only one thing that you can do well in Lyon, and that’s eat.” Eat well you can, but there’s more.

PHOTO BY GLENDA BOOTH

By Glenda C. Booth According to Allrecipes.com, Lyonnaise potatoes, “a simple combination of potatoes and onions, can be absolutely extraordinary.” What I discovered on a recent trip to Lyon is that all cuisine in that city is extraordinary. Lyon (pronounced “lee-on”) is France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. The city is a crossroads of several cuisines — the hearty meats of the cattle and sheep farms to the west, the olive-oil and tomato-ey flavors of the Mediterranean to the south, and the scrumptious butters and cheeses of the north. Lyon is especially famous for its homey restaurants called bouchons. My introduction to these rustic eateries was a fivecourse feast at Chez Paul, highlighted by an entrée of ox tongue with piquant tomato sauce and a huge serving bowl filled with white beans shared by four — my travel mate and two friendly strangers at our table. These heaping dishes were interspersed with beets, gherkins, pickled herring, four choices of cheese, and topped off with a crème caramel dessert. Maureen McFalls commented, after “surviving” her first bouchon meal, “I felt like a little piggie myself after that amazing meal.” While studying the menu, we lubricated our own chitterlings with a communard —

Passageway to the Renaissance Lyon is spliced by two rivers, the Rhone and the Saône. City center is the onesquare-mile Presqu’ile in between, a peninsula throbbing with activity in its squares, cafés, shops, restaurants, museums, thePHOTO BY GLENDA BOOTH

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière sits atop a hill in Lyon. Visitors can either walk to the top of the hill or take a funicular.

Wildflowers blanket the 132,000-acre Parc National de la Vanoise in the heart of the French Alps. The park includes more than 100 lakes and 1,300 acres of glaciers.

aters, opera house and perhaps a sidewalk protest. Old Town, or Vieux Lyon, the Romans’ capital of Gaul in 43 C.E. and a silk-making center in the 15th century, is a zigzaggy, UNESCO World Heritage site, as it contains one of the largest concentrations of Renaissance buildings in Europe. You can escape to another age in this labyrinth of musty passageways, cobbled streets and narrow alleyways crammed with Renaissance and medieval facades. Lyon is especially known for its 315 traboules — dingy, tunneled passages stretching for 30 miles and built in the 1800s to provide silk weavers shelter from inclement weather as they moved their delicate handiwork. In World War II, the traboules were hideouts for the French Resistance dodging German street patrols. At the Musée Historique de Lyon, a 15th century mansion, you can learn about the decorative features of Lyon’s buildings. Here also is the Musée de la Marionnette, home of the town’s famous Lyonnais puppets — the 18th century creations, Guignol and Madelon — and the only museum in France devoted to puppetry. As you meander, you’ll salivate as you study the offerings of numerous boulangers (baked goods), charcuteries (prepared meats) and fromageries (cheese shops). No trip to a French town is complete

without a visit to its cathedral. The Romanesque and Gothic Cathédral St-Jean, bedecked with gargoyles, was built between 1180 and 1480. Inside is an astronomical clock, beautiful rose windows, and 13th century stained glass above the altar. You can hike up to the Basilique NotreDame de Fourvière, a structure that defines the skyline looming from its hilltop position and irreverently known as “the upside-down elephant.” The walking weary can ascend via the funicular. At the top, you’ll soak in a broad view of the city between the two rivers or maybe glimpse the Alps on a clear day. On the promenade along the Rive Gauche of the Rhone, you can probe openair markets amid the walkers, runners, cyclists and a few relaxed loafers.

On and up into the Alps Lyon is the gateway to the French Alps, which climax at Europe’s highest point, the 15,780-foot Mont Blanc. The famous mountains are only an hour or so west from the bustle of downtown by train. In the summer, the French Alps become a Sound of Music setting, exploding in natural beauty — soaring snowcapped peaks, crystalline lakes, jagged ridges and verdant meadows spangled with wild flowers of every hue. (Winter has its pristine beauSee FRENCH ALPS, page 23

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

French Alps From page 22 ty too, which attracts world-class skiers.) The Savoie region starts in the north at Lake Geneva and ends at the mighty Mont Blanc. In between are many towns, hamlets and resorts separated by rolling pastoral landscapes, meadows and hillsides dotted with grazing dairy cows, complete with tinkling bells. One place to absorb all things alpine is the 132,000-acre Parc National de la Vanoise, France’s first national park designated in 1963 and home to five nature reserves. The park contains 107 lakes and 1,300 acres of glaciers, as well as massive peaks, plateaus, meadows and hiking trails. La Grande Sassière Nature Reserve, altitude 7,500 feet, rises between the villages of

Tignes and Val d’Isère. Hiking and walking choices range from gentle paths to moderately challenging slopes. The treks are well worth the effort for summer sightings of animals like the ibex (one third of the country’s 2,100 are here), the goat-like chamois (6,000 here), marmots, foxes, stoats, hares, 1,200 species of plants and 120 species of birds. Bearded vultures and golden eagles soar above. Wildflowers burst forth like multi-colored stars on a green velvet carpet. Park rangers and local guides lead walks in the summer and can drive visitors to a trail from the tourism office in Val d’Isère.

Alpine villages Parc National de la Vanoise is bordered by 28 villages. A year-round, convenient spot is the town of Val d’Isère, known as

BEACON BITS

July 26

DO YOU HAVE AN AFFINITY FOR FARMS? Persons considering serving on the county’s Agricultural Land

Preservation Board are invited to submit a resume and brief letter explaining their interest to Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: David Lee, 3430 Court House Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043. Both farmers and non-farmers are invited to apply by Friday, July 26. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Agricultural_Land_Preservation_Board.htm or call (410) 313-4382.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

one of the world’s top ski resorts, but it doubles as an easygoing summer spot, especially for families because it offers activities like tennis, bocce, trampolines, hiking, biking, trekking, horseback riding, rafting and kayaking on the River Isère. Val d’Isère boasts 27,000 hotel beds and a local population of only 1,500. The town is sprinkled with brightly colored flower boxes and beds from which four-foot lupines seem to lunge. For a 360degree alpine vista, take the ski lift to 8,200 feet above the tree line. At the top, you can fish in a mirror-clear lake — or just imagine Heidi romping over the crest of the

nearest hill. In the Old Village, the quaint Catholic church is always open. Don’t miss the town cheese factory for an authentic cheese-making experience, including a view of goats, whose milk is used to make the cheese, grazing next door. Even the grocery (casino marché) is fun to explore — a warren of local wares like wines, pâtés, jams, herbs, cheeses and olive oils and a refreshing change from the big box, cookie-cutter American supermarkets. See FRENCH ALPS, page 25

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

How to keep costs down with solo travel Like Noah, travel suppliers seem to think the same prices for a single as for a couple. — and price — only for couples, so singles often pay a lot more for a trip A few single options than the per-person price for a Even where a hotel has a few couple. Fortunately, you have single rooms, or publishes sinsome ways to avoid overpaying. gle rates, those single rates are Those of you who really want generally more than PPDO rates. Hostels are about the to travel solo have the toughest only accommodations I know challenge. Other than for air that charge by the person for and ordinary coach rail tickets, “per-person, double occupancy” everyone. Some cruise ships have a rates (PPDO) are almost always few single-occupancy cabins. lower than what solo travelers TRAVEL TIPS They typically cost more than have to pay, including most inBy Ed Perkins the PPDO rate for a low-end dependent travel expenses. And you often face a “single supplement” ap- cabin, but are usually less than full twoproaching double the PPDO price to occupy person rates. However, I seldom see really a double accommodation. great last-minute deals for single cabins. These days, almost all hotel rooms are Some agencies claim to specialize in designed for at least double occupancy, solo travel search and list tours and cruisand, in most of the world, hotels charge es with either low single supplements or

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

none. Connecting Solo Travel Network (www.cstn.org), for example, currently lists dozens of tours and cruises with good pricing for single occupancy. Also, mainstream tour operators and cruise lines sometimes reduce or waive single supplements on last-minute deals.

Pair up for better prices But the travel industry’s preferred approach to singles travel isn’t to facilitate true solo traveling. It’s to pair you up with someone so you pay just the PPDO price. And you have several ways to organize that, depending on whether you prefer sharing hotel rooms/cabins with someone you know or with a stranger. If you prefer to travel with someone you know, you may be able to locate your own traveling companion from among your usual circles — friends, relatives, co-work-

ers, members of your church, club or professional association, or Facebook “friends.” If that doesn’t work, you can explore the “halfway” alternative: Enroll in one of the several “clubs” that match potential travelers weeks or months in advance of an actual trip and allow you to meet and get acquainted before you make a travel commitment. The first such organization, as far as I know, was the pre-Internet Jens Jurgen’s Travel Companion Exchange. Jens retired and shut it down 10 years ago, but a former member is reviving it (www.travelcompanionexchange.com). Others offering similar matching services include SoloMate Travel (www.solomatetravel.com) and Travel Chums (www.travelchums.com). They all work about the same way: You enroll (usually with modest dues) and submit a personal profile with a list of places you want to visit. The organization then sends you a list of potential matches, and you can start contacting or even meeting with any that seem of interest. Depending on your interests, these organizations arrange either same- or opposite-sex matches. If you’re OK with — or even prefer — traveling with a stranger, many tour operators and cruise lines arrange matched-up tours and cruises for singles. Virtually all of the self-announced “singles travel” specialists actually match. Among them are All Singles Travel (www.allsinglestravel.com), Escapade Cruises (www.singlescruises-tours.com), O Solo Mio (www.osolomio.com), Singles-Cruises (www.singles-cruises.com), and Singles in Paradise (www.singlesinparadise.com). Women Traveling Together (www.womentraveling.com) specializes in all-women singles tours and cruises. Some senior-only cruises are offered by All Singles Travel and Singles Travel International (www.singlestravelintl.com). Often, these agencies offer to “guarantee” that they will find someone to share your cabin/hotel accommodations and, if they fail, they’ll let you occupy double accommodations at the regular per-person price. Some claim they try to assign matches based on some sort of personal screening rather than just the luck of the draw. Beyond same sex, however, this matching does not promise compatibility — it just avoids the singles gouge. And that’s enough for many. © 2013 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

July 26

FREE FOLK MUSIC CONCERT

014331RXX11

Victoria Vox, ukulelepop folk musician, will perform in a free concert on Friday, July 26 at Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Rd., Highland. The event is sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Parks. For more information, call (410) 313-4635 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/summer concerts.htm.

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 — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

French Alps From page 23 Every region of France touts its own cuisine. The French Alps have an enticing food story too, summed up in one word — cheese. It’s not the bright orange processed chunks and slices common to U.S. grocery shelves. France has around 400 types of cheese, their method of manufacture closely guarded. The farmstead cheeses of the Alps mostly start with Tarentaise cows and result in yummy products like Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie and Bleu de Termignon. Sampling them all to identify the sometimes subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle, differences is a worthy culinary escapade all its own. And the cheese dishes of the French Alps are what many tourists write home about. Warming on a chilly day is the

tartaflette, a creamy assemblage of potatoes, ham, crème freche, wine, cheese and onions baked to perfection. A raclette is a mixture of melting cheese, boiled potatoes, charcuterie and baby gherkins. And finally, fondue. Fondue Savoyarde has three types of cheese — Emmental, Beaufort and Comté — melted in dry white wine for dunking fresh bread chunks. Here in the mountains after a rainfall, you might see cooks collecting snails off roadside plants for dinner, as I did. In the Alps, weather can change quickly in any season, so have layers at hand and be prepared for rain and cold. Another jumping off point for the Alps is Annecy, a town by Lac d’Annecy, filled with bewitching 16th century passageways, canals, a 12th century chateau, castles and

BEACON BITS

Aug. 6

MUSICIANS SALUTE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The U.S. Air Force Max Impact, a military rock/pop mix band, will play on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at North Laurel Park, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel. The free concert, sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Parks, is in partnership with the Howard County Police Department’s observance of “National Night Out.”

Aug. 7

cafes. Lyon and the French Alps are good examples of how varied, deep and enticing French gastronomy is and has been for years, and reaffirms for visitors that eating in France is essential to the art of living.

If you go Lyon Tourism: www.en.lyon-france.com. Offers free booking services. Val d’Isere Tourism: www.valdisere.com. Staff speak English and can offer lodging options. Once you chose, they can book your room. Annecy Tourism: www.lac-annecy.com To get to Val d’Isere: From Lyon, either take the train to Bourg-St. Maurice and then rent a car or take a taxi or bus 40 minutes. Or rent a car and drive from Lyon (three hours). For information about Parc

AARP DRIVER SAFETY COURSE

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VOLUNEER AT A PRESCHOOL

Volunteers 50 and over are invited to consider spending time with children ages 2 months to 4 years in a program at the Bet Yeladim Preschool at 8910 Rte. 108, Columbia. The Howard County Office on Aging is partnering with the school to provide this intergenerational opportunity. For more information, visit the website www.volunteerhoward.org or call the school at (410) 997-7378.

Ongoing

National de la Vanoise, visit www.parcnational-vanoise.fr. Trains are easily available, reliable, comfortable and a hassle-free way to move around. One caution: If you are not fluent in French, using ticket machines may be daunting, so buying tickets from agents or online may be easier. Train tickets are usually not collected but randomly checked, with heavy fines for freeloaders. The word “composte” means “punch your ticket” in the yellow station machines which record where and when you embarked. So be sure to composte before you board. Train information is available at www.raileurope.com; www.sncf.com; www.eurail.com (Eurail passes are valid in 21 countries.) The lowest roundtrip fare to Lyon from BWI Marshall Airport in late August is $1,383 on US Airways.

Your New Lifestyle Begins Here

This driver safety course at the Bain Center on Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will review the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to manage and accommodate for common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. The Bain Center is located at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. To sign up, call (410) 313-7469.

Ongoing

BOOK BUFFS NEEDED

Information on the diverse areas of the county’s library system needing volunteers is available on the website www.hclibrary.org or by contacting Mary Murbach at (410) 313-7792.

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

A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Style Arts &

Images of America: Howard County illustrates four centuries of the county’s history. See story below.

Historic photos illuminate Howard’s past

Ferreting out old photos While putting the collection together, Wygant, past president and current board member of the Howard County Historical Society, noted that she and fellow photo sleuth, Rebecca Reich, did not only rely on institutional collections, but also invited past

and present residents to share their photos. “We contacted many old-time Howard Countians, and if they agreed, we took bulky scanners to their houses” to get copies of their photo collections of the way it was in the county, decades and centuries before, she said. The two also dug into boxes of nevercatalogued photos at the Historical Society, and searched the Internet, especially on the Ancestry.com website, to put names to unidentified faces of fathers and forefathers and to add historical facts to the captions of the photos. It took about a year and a half to put the book together, according to Wygant. “If it wasn’t for the Internet, it would have taken a lot longer,” she said. Wygant wanted to acknowledge “all the individuals who so generously opened up their homes, photo albums and hearts to help in our endeavor.”

Four centuries of history The book is divided into nine categories: from centuries-old historical scenes, to the area’s stately manors and working mills, its towns, churches and

See It In-The-Round! OPENING JULY 26

COURTESY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

By Robert Friedman Images of America: Howard County, offers a vivid pictorial history featuring drawings and photos from the Howard County Historical Society, from museums, libraries and other institutions — and from the walls and albums of county residents. While Ellicott City and Columbia have usually predominated in historical accountings of the region, the new book portrays life as it was in several of the county’s smaller towns and countryside, as well. “In this book, we really tried to branch out from Ellicott City,” the county’s major settlement over the centuries, said Shelly Davis Wygant, the editor of the 128-page book. It was published by Arcadia Publishing of South Carolina, which has produced hundreds of pictorial histories of communities across the country.

The Thomas Viaduct, a 700-foot-long structure built in the 1830s, spans the Patapsco River and the Patapsco Valley gorge between the towns of Relay and Elkridge. It is the oldest multiple-arched stone railroad bridge in the world and is still in use today. This photo is one of dozens of historical images in the book Images of America: Howard County.

schools, its business activities and lovely homes, and the people at work and play and leisure activities. The pictorial history starts with maps and a drawing of an early 17th century encampment of the original Howard County residents: the Algonquians. There are photos of Gen. Robert E. Lee who visited Ellicott City in 1860; the landed gentry of the early 1900s on their horses as they get ready to follow their Patapsco hounds chasing down foxes; fires and floods, including the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972 with a photo of a practically submerged Ellicott City main street. The storm has been called the county’s biggest natural disaster. There are history-resonating images of

St. Paul’s Church in Ellicott City, where in 1914, baseball slugger Babe Ruth married his first of two wives, and the Patapsco Female Institute, which was established in 1837 as a boarding school for girls 12 to 18, teaching them botany, geology, religion and the classics, and whose remaining structures currently are integrated into outdoor theater productions. Also photographed are Edgar Barksdale, the first black tavern owner, who got his liquor license in the 1940s; the Highland baseball team, which won the county’s championship in 1908; Mother Goose Matthews, aka Marian Matthews, who beSee PHOTO BOOK, page 27

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

Photo book From page 26 tween 1966 and 1991 offered weekly readings for children at the Savage Library.

First settlers The first Howard County settlers, according to Reich, probably staked out land between 1634 and 1687. In 1707, Charles Carroll got a patent for a land grant of over 10,000 acres, which makes up most of Howard County. In the book’s introduction, Reich notes that at about that time Elkridge Landing became one of the busiest ports in Maryland. Then, in the 1770’s, the Ellicott brothers came on the scene, constructing a wheat-processing mill in the Patapsco Valley. They were the founders of Ellicott City, which became the county’s one burgeoning industrial area. Then came the construction of the B&O

(Baltimore and Ohio) Railroad with the first trains rolling into what was then called Ellicott Mills in 1830. The story goes that in that year the driver of a passing horsedrawn car bearing passengers challenged the Tom Thumb-named locomotive to a race along the new railroad tracks between Ellicott Mills and Baltimore. The steam engine was easily able to pull away from the horse until the belt slipped off a pulley. The locomotive lost power, and the horses won the race. Reich writes that while fires and floods destroyed much of Ellicott City’s manufacturing in the 19th century, farming was robust in the rest of the county. Howard County grew somewhat slowly in the beginning of the 20th century, until the post World War-II suburbanization spreading around the country. Then in 1965, came Columbia, the first residents moving in two years later, and the rest is Howard County history.

For more information on how to get the book, contact Shawn Gladden, executive director of the Howard County Historical Soci-

ety, at (410) 480-3250. The book is also available through online booksellers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble for about $17.50.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

A variety of opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of low-income individuals through the Howard County Community Action Council include helping at the food bank, Head Start centers, community garden and special events. For more information, visit the website www.cachc.org or contact Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Groves at agmves@cac-hc.org or by phone at (410) 313-0703.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 30

CALLING ALL ARTISTS Howard County Arts Council is inviting visual artists in all media

who live, work or study in Howard County to apply by Friday, Aug. 30 for the biennial juried exhibit that will open November 1. Visit the exhibits page at www.hocoarts.org to download a prospectus and entry form. For additional information, call (410) 313-ARTS (2787).

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5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029 Featuring a Fabulous Silent Auction, Entertainment and Dinner All Proceeds Benefit Neighbor Ride and the Howard County Office on Aging’s Vivian Reid Community Fund Early Bird Tickets are $65 through Aug. 31; $75 after Sept. 1 Tickets are on sale at www.cogsmd.org For more information, contact COGS at info@cogsmd.org Make a Difference in the Life of a Senior – Support FallFest 2013 Tables of 10 are available for purchase THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 SPONSORS ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORS

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Broccolino From page 1 was given three charges by the board of directors: 1) to make the hospital better known in the community, 2) to improve its relationship with staff physicians, who were (and still are) mostly independent contractors, and 3) to bring some profitability to the hospital. The latter was not a strange request for a not-for-profit hospital. “If a hospital keeps

losing money, it will go out of business, whether for-profit or not-for-profit,” he said. Despite the fact that HCGH had been one of the busiest hospitals in Maryland with one of the highest occupancies, it was not making money when he came aboard. Broccolino brought some “real-world business practices” into the healthcare setting, negotiating better deals with vendors in particular, and turned it around. He said

BEACON BITS

Aug. 25+

SENIOR CREATIVITY PROGRAM AT CHAUTAUQUA Encore Creativity for Older Adults of Maryland is partnering with the D.C.-based Dance Exchange and the Stagebridge Theatre of

Oakland, Calif. for a week of classes and performances featuring people 55+ at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y. The program begins on Monday, Aug. 25 and continues through Friday, Aug. 29. For more information, visit www.encorecreativy.org or call (301) 261-5747.

A U G U S T 2 0 1 3 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

the hospital has earned a profit in nearly all of his 24 years there.

Merger with Hopkins Perhaps the biggest step that helped Broccolino accomplish all three of his objectives was having HCGH join the Johns Hopkins Health System in 1998. When the board of directors asked him in 1992 what his vision was for the future, he remembers replying with his typical directness: “This hospital is too small to survive on its own. Our competition has been around a lot longer, has more resources, brand recognition and customer loyalty than we do. So we need to align with someone bigger, stronger and with a more significant presence in the larger Baltimore/Washington community.” Johns Hopkins was perhaps the natural partner, because the very origins of HCGH went back to a Hopkins venture set up by James Rouse, Columbia’s founder

and developer. The first hospital in Howard County, Columbia Hospital, was formed at Rouse’s urging by Johns Hopkins Hospital and Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., which together established one of the country’s first HMOs, the Columbia Medical Plan. Columbia Hospital was built to serve only the plan’s members plus emergency cases from the area. As the population grew and Baltimore hospitals made plans to expand into Howard County, it became apparent that Columbia Hospital could not survive financially as a private hospital, so the institution was turned over to a community board of trustees, which renamed it Howard County General Hospital. See BROCCOLINO, page 29

Letters to editor From page 4 Shortly after my initial visit to my doctor, I was receiving unwanted e-mails about cataracts and cataract surgery. For over two years, I’ve received phone calls from people identifying themselves as Verizon representatives calling with reference to my computer. When I spoke with Verizon and asked if they were giving my unpublished phone number to such people, Verizon told me I would have to report these calls to the police. Lastly, one week ago, I ran a small item ad in the For Sale section of a local neighborhood newspaper. I found my ad plastered all over the internet yesterday — along with my phone number which at this time is still unpublished. Beverly Grossman Baltimore Dear Editor: I have no problem with the U.S. government collecting phone records, but I want to know how they will be used. If massive data mining of phone calls can smoke out a terrorist, that’s great. But as a law-abiding citizen with nothing to hide, I want to know how years of this personal information might be used against me. We willingly relinquish tremendous amounts of personal information each day, and again it doesn’t bother me. Why should I care if a manufacturer learns I prefer Brand B cereal to Brand X? But what concerns me, along with millions of other Americans, is just how much personal information does the government collect? Do I have to worry they are tracking the books I borrow from the library, or the phone calls I make to my senators and congressman? And why does the government need to know this in the first place? There are millions of foreigners living in America in violation of our immigration laws, so it’s unfair the rest of us are singled out for such scrutiny. You ask “whom do you trust?” Right now my answer is no one. We have a social contract and we have a Constitution. Sadly, both are being shredded. Rosalind Ellis Heid Baltimore

Broccolino From page 28 While HCGH then became independent of Johns Hopkins, many of the physicians who practiced in Columbia were still affiliated with Hopkins. So when Broccolino recommended some years later that HCGH enter into a strategic partnership with the Johns Hopkins Health System, there was no dispute from the board. Since then, Broccolino is proud to say, HCGH has grown from providing about 50 different specialties and subspecialties to more than 90 today. Their patients, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;want to stay in the community to receive essential services, and that is one of the main reasons we affiliated with Hopkins.â&#x20AC;? Another benefit of the connection, he noted, is that it is helpful in getting HCGH patients appointments with Hopkins specialists and getting them into Johns Hopkins Hospital when needed.

Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aging on the radar HCGH is starting to focus on the fact that Howard County has â&#x20AC;&#x153;the fastest- or second fastest-growing aging population in Maryland,â&#x20AC;? according to Broccolino. So the hospital has recently opened a new Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) area aimed at certain patients age 70 and above. The 10-bed subunit is run by a specially trained nurse practitioner and has access

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

to additional social work staff and medical specialists charged with enabling older patients to return home safely to an independent lifestyle. In addition, the team works to reduce length of stay, readmissions, pressure sores, falls, infections and the like which are more common with older patients. Future goals are to expand the ACE area as need grows, and to institute protocols for older patients in units throughout the hospital over time. HCGH is also looking at the idea of a special emergency room area for older patients, but is â&#x20AC;&#x153;holding back a littleâ&#x20AC;? on this and other ideas until the whole Hopkins system completes work on a larger strategic plan in the near future. What does Broccolino see as coming out of the Affordable Care Act and all its changes? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Conceptually itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea, but I worry a lot about how to pay for it,â&#x20AC;? he said. He noted that several components of the law that are supposed to help pay for the expansion of coverage have not been implemented, such as the cut in doctor payments under Medicare, which Congress has repeatedly postponed. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happy the cuts havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t occurred, but he knows the result will be a growing deficit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But at the end of the day, it comes down to individualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; willingness to do whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for themselves,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can legislate people getting insurance, but

not their taking care of themselves.â&#x20AC;? Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an advocate of driving behavior changes through financial incentives. Or has he more colorfully puts it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the only way to get people to change their habits is to put your hand in their pocket and grab their wallet.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There should be a checklist of things people need to do at various ages: get these tests, stop smoking, eat well, exercise. If you do them, you should get a break on your insurance premiums and pay lower deductibles. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, you should have to pay more. But weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to take that step, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m afraid.â&#x20AC;?

Broccolino says his decision to retire now is not related to his age, or to all the changes happening in the medical and healthcare fields due to reform. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has nothing to do with that. I feel great and still love my work. But you reach a point where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time.â&#x20AC;? He primarily wants to enjoy being with his grandchildren (he has 11 so far, most of them living nearby). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lots of satisfaction there,â&#x20AC;? he said. He also thinks heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do a little traveling, â&#x20AC;&#x153;depending on what my wife wants to do. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the boss when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not here [at the hospital]. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect that to change.â&#x20AC;?

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Not Just Detergent by Stephen Sherr 1

13 18

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Scrabble answers on p. 29.

Jumble Answers

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Across

Down

1. Purr of a copycat 6. Salt Lake City students 10. Like The Beatles 13. Her four husbands were Alfred, Donald, Riccardo, and Rossano 14. The second memo 16. Payment alternative 17. It can get your face slapped 19. Toy engine sound 20. Stooges or Amigos 21. One drop in a rainstorm 22. Sport league divisions 24. “Holds one quart of iced tea” 28. ___-la-la 31. Tik ___ (The first number one song of the decade) 32. Punishment, to a waitress 33. One who comes back to the homeland 35. Stir fry ingredient 36. 36 inches, relative to a yard 39. The 40s 43. Estrada of CHiPs 44. Work for the Red Cross 45. Trippy shirt makers 46. Pants style 48. Agency whose activities are summarized by “the 3 Cs”: capital, contracts and counseling 50. ___ no evil 51. Newsmag with realllly slow delivery 55. 4 parts gin to 1 part vermouth, for example 56. Buffoon 57. Eat like a bunny 61. 2008 reality show, America’s Toughest Jobs, briefly 62. 17, 23, 39, and 51 Across 66. B&O stop 67. Delhi tongue 68. Chunks broken from an ice shelf 69. Shortened dog or fruit 70. Sleep fitfully 71. Bend down

1. Product of a witch’s cauldron 2. Word before after 3. Prepare for takeoff 4. Hop ___ 5. Boat propeller 6. Settle in to the hotel 7. A canine 8. Little green men 9. Moon feature 10. Chapter One 11. Largest artery 12. Start (as applause) or end (as a bubble) 15. Sanctified 18. Prefix used for the tenth month 23. “Do ___ ...” 25. Pint-sized 26. Oklahoma city named for a character in Idylls of the King 27. Start a Monopoly turn 28. Fir instance 29. Backside 30. Spread for toast 34. Acid neutralizer 35. Off kilter 37. Unnecessary modifier for “pittance” 38. To be, to Romans 40. Butter subst. 41. 4, on many clocks 42. Like gouda, but betta (to some) 47. A canine 48. Equilibrium 49. Son of a salesman 51. Comprehend 52. ___ Live (diet book) 53. About 56% of college students 54. Bird of the Everglades 58. Successor to Claudius 59. Winner of three 2012 Academy Awards 60. Winged stinger 63. Class that may ignite the interests of 53D 64. Value of a “Goooooooollll!” 65. Docs. for preggos

Answers on page 29.

Answer: Easy to hold up on a rainy day -- AN UMBRELLA Jumbles: ABBEY PUPIL BENUMB YEARLY

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the bottom of this page. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Caregivers NURSING STUDENT AND LICENSED, bonded, highly experienced CNA seeks fulltime, overnight caregiving position. I’m pet friendly, with an extensive resume, stellar references and solid background check. If interested, kindly call Jacqueline at 301-787-3555. SKILLED NURSING / PERSONAL CARE SERVICES AT HOME Clearview Medical services is committed to providing compassionate skilled nursing & personal care services. We have a pool of experienced health professionals (RN, LPN, CNA, & Companions) with a track record of excellence. Call us today for all your nursing & companion needs on 410-779-9162.

For Rent/Sale: Real Estate CHESAPEAKE GLEN APARTMENTS – 1, 2, & 3-bedroom homes for lease in South Gate, MD. Designer upgrades, washers/dryers, tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness center and more! Experience fine living, while enjoying lower prices than Howard County. You deserve it! Only 20 minutes from Columbia! Most pets welcome! Call us today for a personal tour, 410-969-0377. EHO.

For Sale PRIDE JAZZY SELECT 6 Ultra Power with charger unit. Power elevating pan seat with synergy cushion. Like new – never used. $1,900 or best offer. 410-465-5647. 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 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE – reasonable rates. Experienced longtime local resident. Carpentry projects, deck repair, closets, shelving, painting, etc. No job too small. MHIC # 23585. Call, 410-707-8874.

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Home & Handyman Services HANDYMAN MATTERS will help you stay safe in your own home. Professional, Reliable Skilled Craftsmen. Grab Bar Installation, Bathroom Modifications and your to-do list! 410-549-9696. MHIC # 89094. 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. MIKE RUPARD – A FULL SERVICE PAINTING contractor. Interior. Exterior. “No job is too small.” 30 years experience. Free estimates. Fully licensed and insured. 301-6741393.

Personal Services FUNERALS & CREMATION – Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation Service by Brent Francis, P.A. Family Owned & Operated “Celebrating Life.” Traditional burial, cremation, memorial services, pre-planning, affordable options for all budgets. 7527 Harford Rd. (2 blocks south of Taylor Ave.), 410-444-4683. www.parkviewfh.com. 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.

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 watch maker tools and parts, train sets and accessories, old toys, old glassware & coins. 410-655-0412. BUYING OLD BASEBALL CARD COLLECTIONS Baseball Card Outlet at 7502 Eastern Ave near Eastpoint Mall is always in the market for buying vintage sports card collections & memorabilia from 1975 & older. 410-284-4440 Open daily at 10AM. 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. 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. MILITARY ITEMS Collector seeks: helmets, weapons, knives, swords, bayonets, webgear, uniforms, inert ordnance, ETC. From 1875 to 1960, US, German, Britain, Japan, France, Russian. Please call Fred 301-910-0783, Thank you. Also Lionel Trains.

Thanks for reading the Beacon!

BEACON BITS

Aug. 8

DESTINATION: DAR MUSEUM IN D.C. A bus tour to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum

in Washington, D.C. will depart at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8 and return at 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Department of Recreation & Parks, the day will include

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

Aug. 13

CRUISE THE CHOPTANK ON A PADDLE-WHEEL BOAT The Department of Recreation & Parks is offering a bus tour to a

lunchtime cruise on the Choptank River in Hurlock, Md., leaving at 9:30 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Tickets are $85, including lunch and entertainment in the air-conditioned replica of a turn-of-the-century river boat. For more information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279; to register, call (410) 313-7275.

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NEWS & FEATURES • LAW & MONEY FITNESS & HEALTH • LEISURE & TRAVEL ARTS & STYLE • VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS We are pleased to offer both First-Class and Third-Class subscriptions:

$36/year via First Class Mail* $12/year via Third Class Mail* Please send a one-year subscription to: Name:____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ City: _____________________State:_____Zip: ___________ HB8/13

❐ ONE YEAR First-Class rate (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: _________________

docent-led tours as well as opportunities to explore the museum and its environs on your own. Tickets are $49. For more information, call Ginny Russ at (410) 313-7279; to register, call (410) 313-7275.

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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