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Ben Vereen dances into town

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COOPER CO.

By Carol Sorgen Entertainer Ben Vereen has a schedule that other performers would envy — and probably have trouble keeping up with (other than maybe Betty White!). To name just a few of his current gigs, Vereen crisscrosses the globe touring his one-man show, “Ben Vereen Sings Broadway and More,” is filming a documentary of his life, working up a play about Muhammad Ali, creating a CD, appearing on television (on such shows as “How I Met Your Mother” and “Grey’s Anatomy”) and is active on the lecture circuit, speaking on topics ranging from overcoming adversity, to arts in education, black history, and recovery. The legendary song-and-dance man, who won 1973’s Best Actor Tony Award for his role in Pippin, is now 64 and has no intention of slowing down. “There’s time to slow down when you’re in the grave,” he said, adding that he “can’t wait” to turn 65 in October. “Get me that [Medicare] card!” he exclaimed. Vereen will appear in Baltimore (“I can be more in B’more,” he laughed) on Monday, May 16, at 7 p.m. at Beth El Congregation, 8101 Park Heights Ave. “An Evening with Ben Vereen” is presented by the Edward A. Myerberg Center and will honor Howard H. Moffet, the outgoing president of the center.

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See Housing Options magazine after p. 14. You may meet Ben Vereen!

An early start in singing A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Vereen now lives in California. Entertaining was not in his family genes, but he had encouraging parents and got an early start. The first money he ever earned as a performer — $5 when he was 10 years old — came from singing U.S. Bonds’ “Quarter to Three” at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in his neighborhood. “Wow, they pay you for this, I thought,” Vereen recalled, and that was the beginning of his stage ambitions — what he calls his “first love and passion.” “The theater was my first training ground,” he said. “It taught me discipline, dedication and appreciation of hard work and values that will stay with me a lifetime. The stage sharpens the creative instrument and encourages you to go deeper inside and try new things.” In addition to his star-making turn in

LEISURE & TRAVEL Veteran singer and dancer Ben Vereen will speak and perform in Baltimore on May 16 for a fundraiser. In addition to touring internationally, the star is filming a documentary about his life and working on a play about Muhammad Ali.

Pippin, Vereen has appeared on Broadway in Wicked, Fosse, I’m Not Rappaport, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grind, Jelly’s Last Jam, and A Christmas Carol. Of his role in Pippin, renowned drama critic Clive Barnes wrote, “Ben Vereen — unquestionably one of the finest performances seen on Broadway.” Vereen sees his work on stage as a metaphor for his work in life. “Life is art,” he said. “Whatever we do in life — whether it’s performing or teaching or writing or raising kids — is a form of art. “Whatever you do, if you embrace it, it will move you to the next level,” he said. Because Vereen credits many of his men-

tors, including Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra, with setting him on the right path, he likes to do the same for other young people. That’s true whether they’re entertainers, like the R&B superstar Usher, or youngsters living with diabetes, from which Vereen himself suffers as well. “Young people need to be empowered,” said Vereen. “I try to teach them to ‘love thyself,’ as well as ‘know thyself.’” To give people the tools to do that, Vereen has also founded the Angels of Love Spiritual Center in Culver City, Calif. The center is for all people, no matter what See VEREEN, page 21

A natural beauty beyond words in Alaska; plus, mix altruism with global travel to enjoy “voluntourism” page 23

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A time for cutting Are we under attack? budgets for modest growth “cut” when it Are powerful forces in the country and doesn’t receive its expected appropriation? Congress out to eliminate, or It feels like it. at least decimate, the most efOr ask the millions of Sofective and efficient federal cial Security recipients who programs that feed, transport didn’t receive a COLA (cost and preserve the health and of living increase) for the past wellbeing of America’s sentwo years (and may well not iors? see any increase in their Well, yes and no. checks for a third year, either The word “cut” can be ap— see this month’s Money & plied in many ways. I think Law section inside). we can all agree that a 64 per- FROM THE When your costs go up but cent reduction in the budget PUBLISHER your revenues don’t, your of a long-time program that By Stuart P. Rosenthal budget has effectively been trains thousands of low-incut. come seniors and temporarily employs Call me a heretic (I’m sure many will do them constitutes a cut. that and worse), but I can see both sides of But what about a program that’s been the federal budget battles. I find our exsupplemented by stimulus funds for two ploding federal deficits — $1.65 trillion years? Is it “cut” when the extra money this year alone — to be alarming. I don’t dries up? believe we can continue to expand our naIt is if you ask any of the people who tional debt by trillions (or even mere hunwere able to get off long waiting lists and dreds of billions) every year without seriobtain services thanks to the stimulus ous economic consequences for all of us. funds. But it’s not a true cut if you look at But I’m also terribly upset by the impact the program’s base spending levels over our steps to reduce the deficit will have on time. many citizens. That means I see the situaIs a program that has received annual tion as a classic dilemma: whatever steps increases for so many years that it simply we take, even no steps at all, will inflict pain.

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and how Congress’ recent expansion of healthcare coverage for the uninsured will reduce Medicare’s funding for seniors by $400 billion over the coming decade. And that’s not Medicare’s only problem. In some ways it’s worse off than Social Security. Both Congress and the president are finally starting to talk seriously about these programs, and it’s a good thing, too. As a nation, we must start reining in our expenses or compensate by raising taxes or limiting many programs to those with the greatest need. We who consider ourselves senior advocates cannot continue to unequivocally support new and existing programs while asking for more tax breaks and fighting modest revisions to Social Security and Medicare. Instead, we need to support adjustments that protect those in or near retirement and spread cuts and cost increases in a broad and fair way. If we aren’t part of the solution, we’re part of the problem.

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Congress has just cut $38 billion from this year’s federal budget. And yet, as painful as these cuts will be to the individuals and groups that lose funding, the effect looks pitifully weak compared to the size of the problem: $38 billion is only 2.3 percent of this year’s deficit. So, what can we do to bring our costs more in line with our revenues? I think the time has come to look at the three entitlement programs that constitute one-third to one-half of our entire federal budget: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. I have written about Social Security frequently in this column. I’ve tried to explain how this ostensibly pay-as-you-go program — and yes, one into which most Americans have paid into considerably over most of our lives — has begun to add to our federal deficit. And these additional deficits will grow tremendously over the next 20 years as 72 million baby boomers retire while our workforce shrinks. This problem will grow despite (or really because of) the “Trust Fund” we hear so much about. But that’s for another column. I have also written before about Medicare,

Dear Editor: Regarding “Resenting retirement” by Bob Levey in the April issue, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why Roxanne’s husband (who resents her early retirement at age 55) is cranky and jealous. Why did she retire when they have credit card debt and are underwater on their mortgage? Isn’t it a mutual responsibility to address those problems? I think it is unreasonable of her to spend money on jaunts to Atlantic City and go shopping when they can’t afford it. I doubt if her husband is jealous of her free time as much as angry over her selfishness by retiring when they can’t afford it. Bonnie Darden Perry Hall Dear Editor: National Volunteer Week (in April) reminds us to recognize and celebrate the thousands of people who selflessly give of their time and talents in service to others. Here at Hospice of the Chesapeake, we have more than 600 trained volunteers

who are dedicated to making sure those in our community have the support and care they need when facing life’s final journey. Nationwide, more than 550,000 hospice volunteers give 25 million hours of service every year. Hospice care brings comfort, dignity and peace to help people live every moment of life to the fullest, leaving loved ones with memories they can treasure. Many misconceptions about hospice exist — that it means “giving up,” or there’s “nothing more that can be done.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Hospice is about living and making sure those with an advanced illness are surrounded by love and support. I encourage your readers to learn more about hospice volunteer opportunities in their area. In Annapolis, Hospice of the Chesapeake can be reached at (410) 9872003. Michael S. McHale, CEO Hospice of the Chesapeake Annapolis

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Health Fitness &

LABEL LINGO Health claims found on food labels are often inaccurate COFFEE, THE NEW HEALTH DRINK Coffee is packed with antioxidants and can also inhibit diabetes SHINGLES STUDY Help test a new, possibly more effective, vaccine to prevent shingles WHEN THE WORDS WON’T COME A Baltimore center offers help to those suffering from aphasia

Is that test really necessary, doctor? By Marilynn Marchionne Orthopedic CT scans, MRIs and other pricey imaging tests are often performed more for the doctor’s benefit than the patient’s, new research confirms. Roughly one-fifth of tests that bone and joint specialists order are because a doctor fears being sued, not because the patient needs them, a first-of-its-kind study in Pennsylvania suggests. The study comes on the heels of a push to overhaul state medical malpractice laws as a way to reduce unnecessary tests that drive up healthcare costs. “This study is a glimpse behind the curtain of what’s happening in a doctor’s mind,” said Dr. John Flynn of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who led the study. If doctors sense you might second-guess them or cause trouble, “you could potentially be risking more tests being done.”

Worrisome radiation exposure Patients expect the highest level of care

and think this means the most advanced technology, Flynn said. Many patients feel better when a doctor orders lots of tests — until they get the bill. Besides hurting your wallet and adding to healthcare costs, unnecessary or “defensive” tests can expose people to radiation that accumulates over a lifetime and can raise the risk of cancer. Ordinary X-rays are rarely a concern, but an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, can cost $1,000 or more. And super-sharp, three-dimensional images called CT scans are even more expensive and can involve radiation doses equal to 100 X-rays or more, depending on body part. Yet doctors often order tests they don’t really think a patient needs because they fear being sued if the diagnosis is wrong or they miss detecting a problem. Previous studies of how often this happens have relied on doctor surveys. This is

the first one to enlist doctors in advance to track their decisions over time. It involved 72 orthopedic surgeons throughout Pennsylvania who tracked tests they ordered on 2,068 patients, mostly adults, in ordinary office visits, emergency rooms and other settings. Doctors checked a box saying a test was either required for clinical care or done “for defensive reasons.” Defensive imaging accounted for 20 percent of total tests — 11 percent of X-rays, 38 percent of MRIs, 33 percent of CT scans, 57 percent of bone scans and 53 percent of ultrasounds. Defensive medicine also accounted for 35 percent of costs, nearly all of it from MRIs. One example: a torn meniscus — a knee cartilage injury that is a leading reason for knee surgery. Studies have shown that a doctor’s judgment based on symptoms and an exam is even better than an MRI to di-

agnose the condition. Yet patients hardly ever go to surgery without having the imaging test, Flynn said. See UNNECESSARY TESTS, page 6

What to ask before a medical test • Is it truly needed? How will it change my care? • Have you or another doctor done this test on me before? • Does the test involve much radiation, and is there an alternative that does not? • How many images are needed? • Do you have a financial stake in the machines that will be used?

Brain ‘pacemakers’ to treat mental illness By Lauran Neergaard Call them brain pacemakers — tiny implants that hold promise for fighting tough psychiatric diseases, if scientists can just figure out where to put them in all that gray matter. Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, has proved a powerful way to block the tremors of Parkinson’s disease, working immediately to deliver relief. Blocking mental illness isn’t nearly as easy a task. “It’s not [like flipping] a light switch,” cautioned Dr. Michael Okun of the University of Florida. But a push is on to expand research into how well these brain stimulators tackle the most severe cases of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette’s syndrome — to know best how to use them before too many doctors and patients clamor to try. Unlike with Parkinson’s patients, the psychiatric patients who respond to DBS tend to improve gradually, sometimes to their frustration. And just because the tics of Tourette’s fade or depression lightens doesn’t mean patients can abandon traditional therapy. They also need help learning to function,

much as recipients of hip replacements undergo physical therapy, said Dr. Helen Mayberg of Emory University. “Once your brain is returned to you, now you have to learn to use it,” she told the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

How brain stimulation works Roughly 70,000 people around the world have undergone deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s or other movement disorders when standard medications fail, said Okun, among leading researchers who gathered at the meeting to assess the field. How does it work? Surgeons implant a wire deep in the brain. Tiny electrical jolts — running from a pacemaker-like generator near the collarbone up the neck to that electrode — disable overactive nerve cells to curb the shaking. Scientists figured out which spot to target based on surgery that sometimes helps worst-case Parkinson’s patients by destroying patches of brain tissue. But with deep brain stimulation, the electrodes don’t destroy that tissue. The electrical signals can be adjusted or even turned off if they don’t help, or if they

cause neurological side effects. (The implanting surgery, however, does sometimes cause dangerous brain bleeding or infections.) Psychiatric illnesses require a similar operation — but surgeons must implant the electrode into a different spot in the brain. There’s the rub: It’s not clear which spot is best for which psychiatric disease. In fact, two manufacturers — Medtronic and St. Jude Medical — have begun major studies of DBS’ effects on depression. Each places the implant in a different region, based on promising pilot studies. In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved Medtronic’s version for a small group of obsessive-compulsive patients who get no relief from today’s treatments. The approval came under a special program that lets devices for rare conditions sell before there’s final proof that they work. Dr. Joseph Fins, medical ethics chief at New York Presbyterian Hospital, worries that speedy FDA action may hurt efforts to obtain needed proof. The more available the electrodes are, the more people may seek to try the $30,000 surgeries without enrolling in strict studies where they may receive a placebo.

Helps depression, OCD How good is the evidence so far? The researchers are pushing for a registry to track DBS recipients to better tell, but overall they’re cautiously optimistic. Just over 60 people with intractable obsessive-compulsive disorder have undergone DBS since 2000, said Dr. Benjamin Greenberg, a Brown University psychiatrist who is heading a major study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. About three-fourths of the first few dozen patients studied significantly improved, some for as long as eight years. “You still have a burden, but you have a life,” is how he described the improvement. These are people who try to relieve fears or anxiety with obsessive behavior, such as washing their hands or checking locks repeatedly. Many of them never got out of the house because their daily rituals consumed so much time, Greenberg said. They’d failed behavior therapy designed to teach that whatever they fear doesn’t happen if they skip the ritual. But with the brain pacemaker, somehow that behavior therapy starts working, See BRAIN PACEMAKER, page 6

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Looking to power up your workout? Rather than buying new tennis shoes or a heart-rate monitor, you can use your senses to add exercise oomph — without spending a cent. Next time you hop on your bike, try dabbing a few drops of peppermint essential oil on your wrists. Smelling peppermint can help you ride harder and faster, upping your caloric burn by 15 percent. A study conducted at Wheeler Jesuit University found that athletes who sniffed mint ran faster, gripped stronger, and pumped out more push-ups. The scent of jasmine can boost performance, too. When bowlers in a study wore a mask emitting the scent of jasmine, their scores improved. “We think these two scents jolt the reticular activating system, a part of the brain that makes you feel more alert,” said Alan

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Pep up workouts with scents, music

Get the sense of touch into the act by taking your routine outside. “Thanks to wind and terrain changes, which you feel against your body and under your feet, your heart rate is on average 5 to 10 beats per minute higher,” said John Porcari of the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. “You burn 10 to 15 percent more calories.” Exercising outside has other potential benefits. Not only are several senses actively engaged in a natural environment, but your mind is also diverted by the constant change of scenery — leading to less boredom, more enjoyment and, consequently, a better workout. — Psychology Today

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Last month, the Food and Drug Administration extended its approval of the shingles vaccine to those age 50 to 59. The vaccine, called Zostavax, is already approved for people 60 and older. “The likelihood of shingles increases with age. The availability of Zostavax to a younger age group provides an additional opportunity to prevent this often painful and debilitating disease,” said Karen Midthun, director of the FDA’s center for biologics. Shingles causes blisters and severe pain that can last from several weeks to years. The illness is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus lies dormant for years in the nervous system of those who once had chicken pox, but can reappear in the form of shingles for reasons that are not entirely understood. The FDA said in a statement that it approved the drug based on a 22,000-patient study in which Zostavax decreased the risk of shingles by 70 percent. Side effects with the vaccine were minor, including redness,

Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. A pep-o-mint Lifesaver might salvage a lackluster workout session. “Chewing on minty gum or a Lifesaver can have the same effect, since taste and smell are so closely connected,” said Hirsch. Why do so many gym rats wear earphones? The sound of music blocks nerves from signaling body fatigue and perception of effort, said Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University in London. You can boost your effort by up to 10 percent and your endurance by up to 15 percent by listening to upbeat tunes, particularly songs with 120-140 beats per minute.

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M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

BEACON BITS

Unnecessary tests

May 12

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From page 4

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Surprisingly, the study found that newer doctors were less likely to be defensive. “That’s counterintuitive,” Flynn said. “You would expect when you’re new in practice, not as trustful of your clinical judgment, you’d order more.” Doctors who have been sued in the last five years were more likely to order tests defensively, said Robert Miller, a Temple University medical student who helped lead the study and presented the results at a recent orthopedic conference. The authors said similar studies are needed on defensive imaging in other specialties. Dr. Lawrence Wells, a Philadelphia surgeon who participated in the study, said

Brain pacemaker From page 4 Greenberg said — maybe by enabling their brains to better remember the lessons. One big hurdle: The battery, tucked near the collarbone, tends to last less than two years. Changing it entails outpatient surgery, one reason that about a third of studied patients stop getting zapped. Greenberg just began testing a newer version that patients can recharge every few days.

doctors learn to develop “a radar” for problem patients. “It’s disheartening” to be sued, he said. “Someone’s accusing you of a bad outcome or a wrong,” and that can affect how a doctor behaves the next time he sees a similar case. Patients need to trust their doctor’s judgment on what is needed, Wells said. In February, President Obama made a budget proposal that includes money to help states rewrite their malpractice laws so doctors don’t feel the need to act so defensively. Possible measures include caps on damage awards. The administration also has proposed health courts where specially trained judges rather than juries would decide such cases. — AP

Results on about 100 DBS patients with severe depression have been published so far, and roughly half improve regardless of which of the two targeted brain regions is zapped, said Emory’s Mayberg, who shares a patent licensed to St. Jude. Separately, she’s now studying what the successfully treated brains have in common that might help predict the best candidates, hoping to ease “a tremendous burden on the patients” as they decide whether to try these experiments. — AP

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

Ignore most health claims on food labels Q: When the label of a food or supple- ally better or to buy something unhealthy ment says that it supports the immune hoping it could actually be good for you. system, does that mean it Q: Easter candy is everywill help prevent cancer, or where now. Can I avoid gaindoes it refer only to fighting ing weight by choosing jelly off colds and flu? beans, marshmallow candies A: Here’s the confusing part or other low or no-fat sweets? for shoppers: It doesn’t necesA: The most important step sarily mean the food or supplefor keeping candy, whether ment will do either one. high in fat or not, from causA food or supplement coming unwanted weight gain is pany might be able to make a portion control. “structure/function claim” A quarter-cup of jelly beans like this one because a prod- NUTRITION (a portion the size of a golf ball uct contains vitamin A, C, B-6, WISE or egg) or a serving of five D or E, for example. But the By Karen Collins, marshmallow chicks has food might contain as little as MS, RD, CDM about 160 calories. Even 10 percent of the recommendthough there’s no fat added, ed daily amount of one of these nutrients. these candies have as much sugar as a 12Actually, our immune systems require a ounce can of regular soda. host of nutrients, including enough protein A small one-ounce piece of chocolate and calories to produce antibodies, in contains slightly fewer calories, but some order to function well. people fool themselves by just eating a bite Try not to get distracted by claims like here and there without paying attention to this on the front of food packages. Focus on how much it adds up. choosing plenty of unprocessed whole In the end, whether you eat it all at once grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and or mindlessly nibble a bit at a time, when seeds, and check the Nutrient Facts panel you polish off a seven-ounce solid chocofor sodium, fiber or fat content information. late bunny, you’ve consumed more than Don’t let front-of-package claims that 1,000 extra calories. may have questionable support convince As with all treats, limit portions, substiyou to pay more for something that’s not re- tute it for some other higher calorie treat,

and eat it when you can sit down and really taste and fully enjoy it. Behavior researchers also advise us to limit how much candy we bring home, because the odds are that once it comes home with you, it may disappear faster than you planned. Q: Can the plant-based diet you so often recommend really provide enough protein? A: Yes, people sometimes think of pro-

tein as only coming from meat and dairy products, but we also get protein from plant foods. Beans, nuts and seeds are the most concentrated sources of plant protein, and they provide fiber, magnesium, potassium and natural protective phytochemicals. Grains and vegetables also supply small amounts of protein that add up when you See NUTRITION WISE, page 9

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Baltimore Eye Doctor Helps Legally Blind to See Again Diplomat in Low Vision Care trains Dr. Thomas Azman to help those with age-related macular degeneration with reading and driving. By Elena Lombardi Freelance Writer

Donald Paquette, 72, a former assessor from Anaheim, California, thought that his driving days were over. “I could not read the street signs soon enough and I couldn’t pass the vision test at the DMV office.” Gonzalo Garcia, 74, Albuquerque, New Mexico, wanted to be able to read and write more easily. He wanted to see the nails and screws when he tried to use them in home repairs. He wanted see his grandchildren singing in the church choir. But he thought those days were over when he was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. California Opthomasetrist, Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner and Baltimore opthomasetrist Dr. Thomas Azman are using miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration or other eye conditions. “Some of my patients consider us

Hank Frese wearing Bioptic Telescope Driving Glasses

the last stop for people who have vision loss.” said Dr. Azman, a low vision opthomasetrist who has just completed training with Dr. Shuldiner in California. “Amazing!” says Donald. “I can read the street signs twice as far as I did before and even see the television better!” Macular degeneration is the most common eye disease among the senior population. As many as 25% of those over 65 have some degree of degeneration. The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp images. When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in

the center of vision, which makes it impossible to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the drivers vision test. The experts do not know what causes macular degeneration. But major factors include UV light from the sun, smoking, aging, and improper nutrition. Vitamins can help. The results of two studies, AREDS and LAST demonstrated a lowered risk of progression by about 25% when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins. Dr. Azman advises patients on the best nutritional supplements during the low vision evaluation. Nine out of ten people who have macular degeneration have the dry type. There is no medical treatment except for vitamins. The wet type involves the leakage of fluid or blood from the blood vessels behind the macula. Injections of Leucentis or Avastin are very effective in preventing the vessels from leaking. “Our job is to figure out anything and everything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Azman. “Whether it’s driving, reading, watching television, seeing faces, playing bridge… we work with whatever is on the persons “wish list.” Even if it’s driving.

Maryland and California are two of many states that allow the use of telescopic glasses for safer driving. Hank Frese, 69, a former High School Principal from La Palma, California saw Dr. Shuldiner last August. “I could not read the street signs soon enough when driving, and I could not read my morning paper.” Bioptic Telescopic glasses were prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. As Hank puts it, “These telescope glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. Definitely worth the $2450 cost. I don’t know why I waited two years to do this; I should have come sooner” “Telescopic glasses start at around $1500”, says Dr. Azman, “and low vision prismatic reading glasses start at $500. A small price to pay for better vision and increased independence.” If you or someone you care about is struggling with vision loss, call Dr. Thomas Azman for a free telephone interview. You can reach Dr. Azman by dialing (410) 561-8050.

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

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

014331RXX11

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Brewing up a healthier image for coffee By Laura Janecka There’s something inexplicable about our relationship with coffee. It percolates through our day from the moment we wake, enlivening our senses and galvanizing us into action. It’s an affair that’s been going on for over 500 years, since the first cafes set up tables in the Middle East. And it’s now gathering steam as qualityobsessed kiosks add conviviality and connoisseurship to the psychoactive substance for America’s chronically sleep-deprived hordes, more used to medicinally gulping down a cup on the go than stopping to savor the experience. This new, more appreciative approach to the coffee bean and its handling — fresh-roasting, on-site grinding, custombrewing, and sipping at communal tables — comes just as a whole new array of scientific findings are turning coffee, especially in its darkest, most aromatic roasts, into something of a health food. Once demonized for its stimulant powers, coffee has also long been appreciated for its ability to improve alertness, enhance concentration, and ameliorate the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance. But stopping to savor the brew and transform it into a social tool was left to the kaveh

Nutrition wise From page 7 make them a major part of your meals. As you eat less of the animal sources of protein, keep in mind the need for balance. If you eat very little meat, you can’t just eat a rice cake and plain salad and assume you’ve met nutrient needs. As you shift the balance of plant and animal foods on your plate, look for places you can include beans (in salads, soups, casseroles and more), as well as nuts and seeds. A mostly plant-based diet that includes five to six ounces a day of lean poultry, fish or meat and three servings of dairy products or alternatives will meet the protein requirements of most adults. If you prefer to omit or minimize meat or dairy products, you will also get protein well above the Dietary Reference Intake (RDI) if each day you include about three servings of vegetarian sources of protein — such as beans, nuts and seeds. One serving of beans is ½ cup; seeds and nuts are 1 ounce each. 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., N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot respond to questions personally.

kanes — coffee houses of 15th century Arabia and, starting in the 17th century, Europe. Fanning out from the West Coast, the new reverence for coffee bears a striking resemblance to appreciation of wine and cheese. And, as with wine connoisseurship, it starts with terroir, the particular patch of land the coffee is grown on.

tivation and craftsmanship that goes into the beans. But unlike wine or cheese, java does not improve with age. Once the ripe, red, grape-size “coffee cherry” is plucked from the bush-like tree, the skin and pulp re-

moved, and the inner bean soaked, dried, rested — yes, rested! — shipped, and roasted, decomposition begins. James Freeman, owner of San FrancisSee COFFEE, page 11

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An artisanal approach “Specialty” coffee purveyors — as distinguished from mass-marketed brands using beans of unspecified provenance and age — pride themselves on an artisanal approach and seek out small, sometimes family-run, farms where each hand that plucks a raw coffee berry could belong to a relative or community member. With their small crops, such farms can maintain a high standard of quality control — and provide a back story about the cul-

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If you’re over 50 or have osteoporosis, it’s important that you don’t ignore your back pain. It may signal a spinal fracture. See your doctor right away if you think you may have one.

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For more information on balloon kyphoplasty call 800-652-2221 or visit www.kyphon.com Medtronic maintains a list of physicians who have been trained to use, and are believed to be both active and proficient users of, Medtronic’s products and who are willing to accept patient referrals. Physician participation on this list is voluntary and free. All referrals are identified based upon geographic criteria only. Medtronic does not guarantee the accuracy of the listings or the capabilities of the physicians listed. The physicians referenced may be paid consultants of, and research cited may have been funded partially or in whole by, Medtronic. Although the complication rate with KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be low, as with most surgical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure, including serious complications. This procedure is not for everyone. A prescription is required. Please consult your physician for a full discussion of risks and whether this procedure is right for you. © 2008 Medtronic Spine LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Health Studies Page

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Help develop a better shingles vaccine By Carol Sorgen If you have had chickenpox — and more than 90 percent of adults in America have — you are at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, usually as a child, the virus remains inactive in certain nerves in the body. Shingles occurs after the virus becomes active again many years later, though the reason why it suddenly re-activates is not clear. Shingles can

affect anyone at anytime without warning. A vaccine to prevent shingles has been available for several years. Adults over the age of 50 who receive the vaccine are less likely to develop shingles or to have complications from it if they do.

Finding a better vaccine Health Trends Research in Northwest Baltimore is currently conducting a clinical study that is investigating a new shingles vaccine. Volunteers for the study are being sought now.

Studies on Aging: Johns Hopkins University Are you 70 years or older? Investigators from the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Campus are looking for individuals aged 70 or older to participate in a research study that is looking at the aging process. Tests would include measurements of strength, walking speed and questions about your physical activities. We may also request a blood draw and urine sample. You will be paid $10 for participating depending on the study and we can conduct the study in your home. No travel required. If you choose to travel to Bayview, a parking pass will be given to you.

For more information, please call our study coordinators at Bayview:

410-550-9016 or 410-550-2113

Knee arthritis pain? We look forward to hearing from you!

“Our hope is that this new vaccine will be more effective than the current one,” said Health Trends Medical Director Dr. Boris Kerzner. According to the National Institutes of Health, shingles may develop in any age group, but is most likely to occur if you are older than 60; had chickenpox before age 1; and have a weakened immune system because of medications or disease. In addition to the characteristic blistering rash (usually preceded by pain, tingling or burning), additional symptoms of shingles may include abdominal pain, chills, difficulty moving some of the muscles in the face, fever, chills and headache. Shingles sufferers may also experience drooping eyelid and loss of eye motion, taste and vision problems, as well as hearing loss if shingles affects the nerves in their head. Shingles usually clears up in two to three weeks and rarely recurs. If, however, the virus affects the nerves that control movement, you may develop temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis. Additionally, the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may go on for months or even years. This condition, called postherpetic neuralgia, occurs from shingles-related nerve damage. The pain ranges from mild to very severe and is more likely to occur in people over 60. While treatments are available for shin-

gles — including antiviral medications to reduce pain and complications, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling — it is best not to get shingles in the first place as the treatments are not always effective.

Taking part in the study Study participants in the Health Trends Research study, who must be 50 or older, will be divided into two groups: One group will receive a placebo; the other, the new shingles vaccine, given in two injections. The groups will be followed for three to five years to see if they develop shingles, and if so, how severe was the case, and whether complications arose. There is no upper age limit for volunteers. In fact, the older, the better, Kerzner said, since one out of two people who live to 85 will have shingles. If you have already had the shingles vaccine or have had shingles, you are not eligible to participate in the study. Participants will receive $40 per office visit and $5 per phone consultation. There is no cost to participate, and health insurance is not required. The study is recruiting only through the end of May, so interested participants need to call soon. For more information, call (410) 484-9400 or visit www. HealthT rendsResearch.com. Health Trends Research is located at 2700 Quarry Lake, Suite 240, Baltimore, MD 21209.

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Ongoing

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH The Baltimore County Department of Aging is offering a series of

workshops for people with chronic conditions. The course helps people learn skills to manage their symptoms and get the most out of life. The workshop is free of charge for any Baltimore County resident who has one or more chronic conditions. Workshops run for 2 ½ hours, once a week for seven weeks. Call (410) 887-2594 to register.

Volunteers are needed for a research study conducted at Johns Hopkins Bayview

Seeking Men and Women

To study sleep in pa"ents with osteoarthri"s of the knee. To par"cipate, you must be 50 years or older. Both good and poor sleepers are needed. Parking, and tests are provided at no cost. Compensa"on is provided.

Call 410-550-7906 and/or visit the website at

www.SleeplessInBaltimore.com Principal Inves"gator: Michael T. Smith, Ph.D. Protocol NA_000118021

The University of Maryland & Veterans Aﬀairs of Baltimore are conducting a research study to better understand FALLS in aging individuals. With your participation you will receive:

• Health evaluation • CT scans of waist, hip, and leg • Balance and strength testing

410-605-7179 Mention code: FALLS Approved 08/24/2009

You must be at least 65 years old and in good health. You will be compensated for your time.

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

Coffee From page 9 co’s noted Blue Bottle (named for Central Europe’s first coffeehouse), prints the roast date on each bag so consumers can avoid beans gone stale by oxidation. Grown in 50 countries, coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, after oil. And although specialty coffee makes up only 10 percent of java consumed, it’s still an $8 billion business. Depending on the country, coffee is harvested once or twice a year, although in countries like Kenya, straddling the equator, growers harvest coffee year-round. Farms cultivate either the Arabica or Robusta species of bean. Most specialty coffee utilizes the finer Arabica, while mass-produced brands favor the slightly bitter Robusta, which is less selective about its habitat and can be harvested large-scale. It also has more caffeine. Part science, part art, coffee roasting takes the green coffee beans and caramelizes them to varying degrees, releasing their natural oils and aroma. And then they are ground and ready for brewing. A pressurized brewing process like espresso (the basis for cappuccino and latte, as well) concentrates the flavors and extracts all the beneficial compounds in coffee. It has more caffeine per ounce than any other beverage, but it takes a doppio — a double shot, to you, grazie — to supply you with as much caffeine as a cup of

drip-brewed coffee. It’s no secret that caffeine boosts mental performance. It keeps attention focused and elevates mood. Studies conducted by the military show that it improves reaction time, vigilance, and logical reasoning, especially when you’re tired. Neuroscientists attribute caffeine’s effect on alertness to its ability to bind to adenosine receptors and to stimulate dopamine release.

Antioxidant benefits But there’s much more to coffee than caffeine. Researchers have found that coffee boosts a sense of well-being independent of its caffeine content, and that there are many other pharmacologically active substances in the brew. Coffee is the number one source of cellprotecting antioxidants in the U.S. diet. Green coffee beans contain about a thousand antioxidants; roasting adds some 300 more, most of them unique to coffee. Many of the compounds have biological effects, from minimizing inflammation to favorably affecting glucose metabolism. The health effects of antioxidants cover a broad range, as oxidation is a major factor in brain aging, cardiovascular disease, cancer and many other diseases. Coffee compounds also deter Parkinson’s disease and offset Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent study of nearly 70,000 French women, conducted by scientists at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, researchers probed the ability of coffee to

Stomach-friendly coffee Here’s what may be the most counterintuitive news about coffee. It’s well-known that, for some people, java can be hard on the gut, causing indigestion or heartburn. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich, who sought to pinpoint the irritant in coffee, made a surprising discovery: Indeed, caffeine, along with a couple of other compounds, can stimulate production of hydrochloric acid in the gut. But the effect is most

pronounced with weak coffee. Dark-roast coffee has components that actually block stomach cells from producing hydrochloric acid. The longer coffee is roasted, the more gut-friendly N-methylpyridinium (NMP) it contains. There’s twice as much NMP in a darker roast as in a light one. So if you want to protect your gut, your best bet is...yup, espresso. — Laura Janecka

Do you have more trouble than usual remembering things?

People 55 and older with memory problems are needed for a research study at Johns Hopkins Bayview. The study will find out if mentally s"mula"ng ac"vi"es can improve memory and other types of thinking.

Par"cipa"on involves 1 screening visit, 4 visits las"ng 4 hours, and 17 visits las"ng 1 hour. You will be paid $620 for the study.

For more informa on, please call (410) 550-2688. Principal Inves"gator: Miriam Z. Mintzer, Ph.D. | Protocol #: NA_00039100

Approved January 11, 2011

deter diabetes. They looked at the impact of coffee on insulin metabolism in relation to the amount of coffee and the time of day it was consumed. Consumption of both regular and decaffeinated coffee with meals, and especially with lunch, was inversely related to diabetes incidence. Only black coffee had an effect; not coffee with milk. Coffee inhibits iron absorption, and body iron stores are known to increase the risk of diabetes. However, the researchers found, the inhibition of iron absorption occurs only when coffee and the iron source are consumed at the same time, as at lunch or dinner. (Having coffee at dinner does

not have an additional benefit beyond that provided by sipping at lunch.) But coffee delivers at least a one-two punch against diabetes. While the polyphenol antioxidants in coffee block iron absorption, researchers found that other antioxidants in coffee — like chlorogenic acid — slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal. So sit back, relax, chat with the other folks nearby, and down that espresso with impunity. Just skip the latte. — Psychology Today © 2011 Sussex Publishers. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

Program empowers people with aphasia By Carol Sorgen Aphasia is a language disorder, most often resulting from a stroke, that affects a person’s ability to speak, read, write or understand, without otherwise affecting their intelligence or memory. It’s a cruel, debilitating condition, and one that ordinary health insurance often doesn’t do enough to treat. The problem is that aphasia is a longterm disability, and victims can make progress in gradually overcoming their limitations for 10 to 15 years following their stroke. But most insurance policies only provide a few months of speech-lan-

guage therapy for the condition. In fact, with the curtailed benefits being provided in today’s healthcare climate, many people affected with aphasia receive no treatment and are unaware of resources available to them. Enter SCALE: the Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement. This nonprofit organization was founded in 2008 by Andrew and Cherie Snyder, inspired by efforts to help Andrew’s brother, Howard, cope with the results of a massive stroke. It provides long-term, affordable services to individuals with aphasia (which SCALE calls its “members”) and their families.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

AEROBICS FOR ALL AGES Step it up at the Myerberg Senior Center at weekly aerobics

classes on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Classes include a warm-up, moderate aerobics, light weight exercises and a cool-down. The cost is $33 per 10-week session. Call (410) 591-6888. The center is located at 3101 Fallstaff Rd., on the corner of Fallstaff and Clarks Lane.

Ongoing

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT The Alzheimer’s Association has support groups for patients and caregivers throughout the Baltimore area. Call 1-800-272-3900 to

find the one nearest you.

According to program director Dense McCall, M.A., SCALE offers a variety of communication groups and computer classes in addition to hands-on, interactive activities such as art, photography and gardening. Members have input regarding the types of classes offered and select classes of interest to them. “Some individuals choose to focus on enhancing their communication skills through technology or conversation practice,” said McCall. “Others focus on rebuilding social networks by interacting with peers and volunteers at the center as they participate in communication activities.” Members also participate in nationwide aphasia research studies and collaborate with experts developing innovative technologies to improve communication. SCALE’s computer lab offers training on an array of software to support reading, writing and speaking. Members attend the center, located at 5910 York Rd. at Belvedere Ave., two days a week, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on a trimester (three sessions a year) basis. SCALE does not accept insurance reimbursement, but does offer a sliding payment scale and has a limited number of scholarships available for those in need of financial assistance.

Staving off isolation

“Less housework leaves more time for fun!” –Gustie Widmer, Erickson Living® resident

“Because of their difficulty in communicating, people with aphasia become socially isolated,” said McCall. She notes that there are approximately 1 million people in the United States suffering from this disorder, and that the condition affects not only the individual, but also his or her family. Consequently, SCALE offers services for families as well, including peer-led sup-

port groups, education about aphasia, and training in techniques to improve communication. Currently, there are 39 SCALE members, ranging from 41 to 91 years of age. McCall would like to see the number of members grow to about 80. Because not everyone can overcome aphasia, one of the group’s goals is to help its members learn to “live well with aphasia.” Sometimes that can enable members to return to the work force, even if it’s not to their prior employment. For example, SCALE member Mike had a stroke three years ago, at the age of 42. Prior to that, he worked as an accountant, but was unable to return to that profession due to difficulty speaking and understanding spoken language. After a year, he became socially isolated and depressed. Then he started attending SCALE two days a week. He actively participates in SCALE’s horticulture program, and has found that growing plants is a new activity that brings him joy. He has pursued this newfound interest and has learned the skills necessary for a position at a nursery, golf course or greenhouse. Another way SCALE promotes living well is to focus members on helping others. SCALE’s Community Outreach class encourages them to get involved in the wider community through volunteer efforts. For example, members have joined in projects developed by other non-profit organizations to restore the environment while educating others about aphasia. In 2009, for example, SCALE members partnered with the Maryland Saltwater See APHASIA, page 14

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Brush your teeth to protect your heart Dear Pharmacist: dental floss on the Internet!) Heart disease runs in my family, so Earlier this year, researchers in London naturally I’m worried. A published a study that lends friend told me that brushmajor support to the recoming your teeth can prevent mendation to keep the mouth heart disease. I was polite, clear of plaque. The rebut I don’t believe him. searchers looked at results Can this be true? from the Scottish Health Sur— K.M. vey, which collected health Dear K.M.: data from more than 11,000 You’re friend is right. Oral men and women, a representahygiene is very important to tive sampling of the general heart health. In 2005, repopulation of Scotland. DEAR searchers at Columbia UniverOver a period of eight years, PHARMACIST sity Medical Center found that the researchers recorded 555 By Suzy Cohen the bacteria that grow in your cardiovascular “events” (includmouth — promoting the foring heart attacks, strokes and mation of plaque on your pearly whites and similar problems), 170 of which were fatal. causing gum disease — are the same Now here’s where the study gets really germs that contribute to plaque forming in interesting from a tooth-brushing point of your arteries to cause heart disease. view. Even allowing for things like smokSounds to me like a darned good reason ing, obesity and poor diet, the London reto brush and floss each day. (By the way, if searchers found that those who reported you avoid bacon because of cholesterol that they seldom or never brushed their concerns, I actually found bacon-flavored teeth were 70 percent more likely to expe-

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rience a cardiovascular event than those who paid greater attention to dental care. It’s so easy to brush and floss your teeth, and now you know it impacts the health of your most important muscle. Even people with dentures have to be vigilant about plaque formation. Everyone should visit a dental hygienist twice a year for a thorough exam and cleaning. I’m shy about X-rays, so I just opt for the cleaning when I go. A good dentist office will respect your wishes and not pressure you for X-rays each time. Here’s another idea to make your mouth healthier and less of a host to plaque forming bacteria. Scrape your tongue. You can buy a tongue scraper at

any pharmacy and all you have to do is use it after you brush your teeth. Draw the scraper gently down your tongue a few times, and rinse it after each scrape. That brownish white gunk that comes off your tongue? That’s mostly bacteria. Flushing that down the sink is much better than swallowing them. This is great for people with bad breath, too. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

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M AY 2 0 1 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

Sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second wedding goes by new rules Dear Solutions: You may feel that since theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already My son is getting married for the sec- attended his first wedding and given a gift, ond time. He had a large enough is enough. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding and reception the their decision. first time. He wants to invite Without being critical, you my relatives and best friend can tell your son how you feel again. and perhaps suggest that he I am from the old school just send announcements of and feel that this is not the his new marriage after the proper thing to do, but I wedding, especially if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to say to small wedding this time. That him about it. would allow people to wish â&#x20AC;&#x201D;K him well in whatever way they SOLUTIONS Dear K: like. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduation time! Out of By Helen Oxenberg, As for your best friend, you the old school and into the MSW, ACSW should be able to talk frankly new world, where children to her and tell her how you who are marrying again often design, host feel about this. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what best friends do and pay for their own weddings. best. After that, try to just relax and enjoy. If you are not the host of this wedding, Dear Solutions: then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s his wedding and his decision. Since What is the right thing in this case? heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your son, I assume that your relatives When someone gave me a gift, I thanked are also his relatives. The invitation will her verbally at the time. Then when I saw come from him, not from you, and they can her at another time, I thanked her again certainly accept or refuse as they choose. in person.

Do I still have to send a written thank-you note? Thank you in advance for your advice. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rose Dear Rose: Well, in this case, since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve thanked me in advance you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to send me a note. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the rule. The rule is: put it in writing! You can thank people verbally, but they still want a written record of their generosity, not just the sound of it. Just why writing thank you notes is such a chore is a mystery to me, since the note doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be great literature, a thrilling romance novel or even politically correct. If spelling confuses you and grammar sends you into a panic, relax. The simple words â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? are always spelled just that way, and are grammatically flawless and socially acceptable. Dear Solutions: My husband is beginning to lose his hair, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s becoming obsessed with trying to stop it from falling out. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ready to try everything thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advertised, and it scares me because I know some of this can be harmful. I love him, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care if his hair falls out. How can I stop him from trying everything? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re arguing now because he says all I tell him is donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try that, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not being helpful. What to do? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nan Dear Nan: Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one more â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t:â&#x20AC;? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quote Will Rogers, who said â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only thing that can stop hair falling is the floor.â&#x20AC;? Do help him find a really good dermatologist who can tell him what is good and not harmful and which new products can possibly help. Do assure him that you love him with or without hair. ÂŠ Helen Oxenberg, 2011. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also e-mail the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

Aphasia

the festival, and manned tables selling flowers and vegetable plants grown from seed by members of the Horticulture Program. SCALE members have also participated with the National Aquarium and the Department of Natural Resources in efforts to restore tidal wetlands by taking marsh grass seedlings grown in the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greenhouse and planting them along Baltimoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Westport Waterfront shoreline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Such activities produce tangible effects in the community, and they also have a positive impact on the lives of our members,â&#x20AC;? said McCall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rather than sitting at home, or requiring greater services, they are making a positive contribution to society. Some members are resuming activities that they

participated in prior to their strokes, while others are exploring new interests.â&#x20AC;? At the same time, volunteers from SCALEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner organizations can spread the word about SCALEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projects and about the people with aphasia who have helped them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that people with aphasia have someone to speak for them,â&#x20AC;? said McCall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a condition that is prevalent but not well-known.â&#x20AC;? If you are interested in the services of SCALE or in becoming a volunteer, call (410) 323-1777, or e-mail info@scalebaltimore.org. For more information on the center, visit www.scalebaltimore.org, and for more information on aphasia, visit the National Aphasia Association at www.aphasia.org.

From page 12 Sportfishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association to help restore oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay. And last year, in conjunction with the

Maryland Department of Agriculture and Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks, SCALE members participated in the annual Baltimore Herb Festival. Members assembled information boards and educational materials about aphasia to display at

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

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M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

Going to live with your kids? Be flexible By Kathryn A. Walson When Mike Repak’s father passed away, he and his wife considered moving his mother, Maria — then 88 and suffering from mild dementia — into an assisted-living facility near them. But instead, the couple decided they wanted Maria to live with them and their two teenagers. “It was going to be a big adjustment for her without Dad around,” said Repak, now 53. “We wanted her to feel like she was part of a family.” The Repaks built an addition to their home, with a living room, bedroom and bathroom. The couple and the kids often ate with Marie in her living area. “It was nice for our children to see that families can take care of their members,” said Repak, whose mother spent the last two years of her life with them. The couple hired a home health aide to make Maria’s meals and take her to doc-

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tor’s appointments while they were at work. Twentysomething “boomerang” kids who are moving back home seem to get all the headlines. Less recognized is another trend: seniors moving in with their adult children and even their grandchildren. Twenty percent of individuals 65 and older lived in a multigenerational household in 2008, up from 17 percent in 1990, according to the Pew Research Center. Melding households can be a positive experience for everyone. The family can bond while playing games and eating meals. “Look at this as an opportunity,” said Amy Goyer, AARP’s family expert. “You have a chance to enjoy your mom or dad in their later years. This is a way for children to know their grandparents in a way they wouldn’t otherwise.”

Factors to consider But before moving in with your adult son

or daughter, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll feel comfortable living in someone else’s home. You’ll no longer rule the roost as you did when your child was a child. “Do you get along? You may love someone, but do you like them?” said Sharon Graham Niederhaus, co-author of Together Again: A Creative Guide to Successful Multigenerational Living (M. Evans & Co., $17). Also imagine day-to-day life with grandchildren, and maybe pets. “If you have no tolerance for noise, do you want to move into a house with children or teenagers?” asked Jennifer Prell, president of Silver Connections, an elder-resource network in Cary, Ill. Meanwhile, the adult child needs to be prepared for the drain of time, energy and possibly money that could come with having one or two parents move in. The new arrangement could also put a strain on their marriage. And if a parent needs caregiving, you’ll

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% Affordable Living For Those 62 or Better %

Anne Arundel County U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì ÕÀ >Vi À> V \ {£ä ÇÈ£ {£xä U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì -iÛiÀ > *>À \ {£ä x{{ Î{££ Baltimore City U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì Ã > ` /iÀÀ>Vi\ {£ä ÓÇÈ È{{ä U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì `Ã«À }\ {£ä x{Ó {{ää Baltimore County U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì >Ì ÃÛ i\ {£ä Ç£ {È{ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì Õ `> \ {£ä Ónn x{nÎ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì Õ iÀÌ \ {£ä ÈÈÎ äÈÈx U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì À> >À > ` }\ {£ä Î £ nÎÇx U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì ,> `> ÃÌ Ü \ {£ä Èxx xÈÇÎ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì , Ãi`> i\ {£ä nÈÈ £nnÈ U / Ì Þ ÕÃi / ÜÃ ®\ {£ä nÓn Ç£nx U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì />Þ À\ {£ä ÈÈÎ äÎÈÎ U *>À 6 iÜ >Ì 7 ` >Ü \ {£ä Ón£ ££Óä

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

all need to be realistic about what that entails. “Families generally underestimate the amount of care that Mom is going to require,” said Kerry Peck, an elder-law attorney in Chicago. “Even if Mom moves in relatively healthy, that could change overnight.” Before making a decision, the two genSee MOVING IN WITH KIDS, page B-4

About this magazine This is the first in a three-month series of special sections in the Beacon dedicated to the varied housing needs of older Baltimoreans — whether you want to remain in your present home or are looking to move. On these pages, we address things to think about in deciding whether it’s time for a move, as well as important considerations before moving in with your adult children. A reverse mortgage is an option to help homeowners 62 and over tap their home equity so they can remain in their homes. Read more about them inside, because there are pros and cons, and they aren’t appropriate for everyone. If you or a family member are facing foreclosure, you will learn about resources that can help. And if your energy costs keep going up, learn what an energy audit can do to help bring them down. For readers having trouble selling their home, some experienced Realtors offer suggestions, and another expert provides a list of questions to ask in evaluating retirement community options. In addition to all these articles, we offer “advertorials” where you can read about the services and amenities provided by a variety of local communities. Next month, our Housing Options magazine will focus on ways to bring healthcare services into your home, retirement communities that offer healthcare on the premises, how to clear your home of clutter and more. Please pull out and keep this special section for future use, or share it with a friend. For more information about any of the advertisers in this special section, complete and return the form on page B-7. Even if you don’t currently need information, be sure to at least enter our random drawing for a chance to hear and possibly meet Ben Vereen. Just return the coupon on page B-7 by May 10.

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

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Is it time to move? Things to think about By Lisa M. Petsche As people age, and especially if they have chronic health conditions, at some point they’re likely to find that their current home no longer suits their lifestyle or their needs. This article summarizes many of the reasons people have for moving, mentions some of the most common options, and offers tips for planning ahead.

Reasons to consider moving Freedom — To reduce responsibilities associated with home ownership, particularly property maintenance, to allow more time for recreation and leisure activities, such as engaging in a hobby, spending time with family, volunteering or traveling. Independence — To offload as many responsibilities of daily living as possible, in order to continue to live independently in spite of decreased physical functioning. People in this situation may wish to eliminate not only property maintenance tasks but also housecleaning, laundering and meal preparation. Climate — Desire for a moderate climate (not too hot and not too cold), for health and safety reasons or for comfort and convenience — for example, to be able to engage in favorite outdoor activities year-round. Home design — To increase the accessibility of one’s home, specifically, to make it easier and safer to enter and exit, access all areas and use rooms for their intended purpose. A one-floor, open concept plan is typically desired. Some people (those who use a wheelchair, for example) may need a setting designed for the physically disabled. Finances — To reduce expenses associated with shelter, including mortgage or rent, property taxes, utilities and maintenance. Another reason some people move is that the cost of home adaptations to improve safety and accessibility is beyond

their means or is not a wise investment from a real estate perspective. Socialization — To increase opportunities for social contact. Specifically, the goal might be moving closer to family members, especially children and grandchildren, or relocating to a community of peers. Security — To reduce the risk of victimization. For example, those who are anxious about answering the door, leaving their home unattended or coming home to an empty house may experience increased peace of mind living in a gated community with security patrol or an apartment building with a security desk and locked mailboxes. Community access — To improve access to shopping and other businesses, medical resources, places of worship and other amenities such as parks and recreation centers. Those with a driver’s license who live in the suburbs or a rural area may seek a more central location to reduce travel time. Those who don’t drive — or who anticipate being unable to drive in the foreseeable future — may desire a home with easy access to public transit or within walking distance of various amenities. Health — To ensure ongoing healthcare needs are met. Needs may include one or more of the following: medication management, medical monitoring, a special diet, skilled nursing care, personal care (assistance with washing, dressing and grooming) and supervision or assistance with mobilization.

• moving to a similar-sized home with a more suitable design; • downsizing to a smaller house or a condominium or apartment (some seniors apartments may be geared to those with low- to moderate-income; some have units for those with disabilities • moving to an active adult community; • moving to a long-term care setting, such as an assisted living facility or nursing home (also known as a skilled nursing facility). In moving to a retirement community, it’s important to go beyond location, curb appeal and advertisements and take personal tours. Plan to visit several places, and take a relative or friend along for a second opinion. Because a move in middle to late life

usually involves downsizing, it’s wise — if you anticipate changing residences in the next few years — to begin now to sort through your possessions and sell or give away unneeded items. Typically it takes much longer than expected to go through this tedious and emotion-laden process. If you intend to relocate in the near future, consider hiring a professional organizer to assist with the paring-down process, or a senior move specialist who can help with everything from planning to setting up in your new residence. To locate such assistance, contact the National Association of Professional Organizers at www.napo.net or the National Association of Senior Move Managers at www.nasmm.org.

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Residence options There are many possibilities for alternate living arrangements, depending on a person’s needs and preferences. Among the options are: • moving in with a relative or friend for companionship and perhaps also practical assistance, and to share expenses;

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evaluate your individual needs for our independent, assisted and memory care living community. Studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments now available in our intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and socially vibrant environment.

Call (410)363-0330 and mention this ad and receive one FREE month’s rent in Assisted Living OR up to $1000 off in Independent Living when you move in by July 31st, 2011*.

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Arnold Eppel, Executive Director 4730 Atrium Court Owings Mills, MD (410) 363-0330 www.seniorlifestyle.com * Offer available for new residents only.

COMMUNITY AMENITIES • Beautiful club room with theater and demonstration kitchen • Wellness center • Indoor saltwater pool • Yoga studio & classes • Cooking classes, and many more planned activities 3305 Oak West Drive • Movie theater & billiards room Ellicott City, MD 21043 • Business center 410.753.4171 • Incredible courtyard and www.RegencySeniorApartments.com meditation garden with koi pond and gazebo

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Advertorials

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

The Maples of Towson 410-296-8900 7925 York Road Baltimore MD 21204 www.themaples-towson.com Upon walking through the door at The Maples one can see that it’s a superior community – beautifully decorated, impeccably maintained. “What really makes us unique is our dedication to personalized care, customized to each resident’s needs and preferences,” says owner and founder Kelly Cook Andress. Setting their sights beyond simply “assisted living” has been the key to their success. With gourmet meals and room service, a programs calendar tailored to residents’ needs and desires, and a physician on call around the clock, The Maples continues to earn its spot as Towson’s premier senior community. Call to schedule a visit today!

62-PLUS SENIOR COMMUNITY

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

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

Moving in with kids From page B-2 erations should discuss all the issues — from privacy concerns to the division of chores. Goyer suggests sitting down and asking, “What are everyone’s expectations? What are you uncomfortable about?” Once the families are combined, meet regularly to air any concerns. If Mom likes to cook but her son-in-law runs the kitchen, perhaps she can cook on weekdays while he cooks on weekends. Maybe Dad gets a TV in his room, so the adult children — or the teens — can use the family room to watch their favorite programs. Perhaps you prefer a light meal at 5 p.m., while your daughter-in-law and son eat a big dinner at 7 p.m. In that case, plan to eat one meal together each week.

Establish boundaries The adult child needs to set boundaries. For instance, is Grandpa allowed to tell the teenage son to turn off the TV and do his homework? And what if the teenage son talks back to Grandpa? The older parent, too, must set limits. Maybe Grandma is glad to babysit once a week, but she doesn’t want to become a granny nanny. And she’s likely to make friends or find a close companion. “Granny might not move in and want to start knitting,” said Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United, a membership group. “She may want to go dancing or have a male friend.”

BEACON BITS

May 18

715 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, MD 21228 www.erickson.com Ideally located in Catonsville, Charlestown offers maintenance-free retirement living combined with a vibrant lifestyle—all in a beautiful gated community. Without the worries of a house and yard, you can spend more time pursuing your passions: travel, volunteer, take a college class and explore some of Charlestown’s 100-plus clubs and interest groups. Multiple campus restaurants offer a variety of delicious dining options, while 24-hour security offers protection and peace of mind. Enjoy the stability of predictable monthly expenses and look forward to a healthy future with our full continuum of health care and wellness services.

CRUISE AND DINING ON THE POTOMAC

Enjoy a great meal, music and scenery along the Potomac on this Odyssey cruise on Wednesday, May 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $75 per person. Call (410) 484-5285 to register.

May 24

SPEND THE DAY IN ST. MICHAELS

Join the Parkville AARP Chapter on Tuesday, May 24, on this day trip to St. Michael’s, Md. The trip includes a 60-minute cruise on the Miles River, lunch at the Crab Claw (with choice of 2 crab cakes, crab imperial, or fried chicken), and admission to the Chesapeake Maritime Museum. Price is $89 per person. The bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 4:30 pm. Call (410) 256-4318 for information and reservations.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Charlestown 410-737-8830

Consider creating a private entrance. Or perhaps Mom can schedule her bridge games when the kids are at school. Hit the money issue head on. “Have a candid conversation with Mom or Dad,” said Thomas Scanlon, a certified public accountant. “Are they able to sustain themselves? Or will the child need to subsidize some of their expenses?” It’s likely that a parent who has sold a house will be able to pay expenses. Together you should determine a fair amount for the parent to pay for meals, utilities, cable costs and phone bills, and even for a home addition. “It makes the parent feel not as much as an intruder, but a partner in the space,” said Ronald Fatoullah, an elder-law attorney in New York City. Another issue is figuring out what to do with the parent’s furniture and other possessions. “If a senior moves into a son or daughter’s house and tries to take it over with their stuff, there’s going to be a problem,” said Prell. A parent should consider putting his or her possessions in storage for a six-month trial period of living with the adult child. The adult child can hire a geriatric-care manager to assess the home as well as the kind of care an aging parent may need. Find a care manager through the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers at www.caremanager.org. Excerpted from Kiplinger’s Retirement Report. © 2011 Tribune Media Services

Apr. 28

Ongoing

JOIN THE PIKESVILLE SENIOR CENTER BOOK GROUP Discuss Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country with members of the Pikesville Senior Center Book Group on Thursday, April 28, at 10 a.m. For more details, call (410) 887-1245.

CIVIL WAR AT CAMDEN STATION

The Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards continues its ongoing exhibit commemorating the Civil War and events 150 years ago involving Camden Station, the present home of the museum. During the mid to late 1800s, Camden Station was the headquarters of the B&O Railroad, ferried telegraph messages of Civil War movements, and hosted four visits by President Abraham Lincoln, including the transfer of the slain President’s body on its return to Illinois. The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for seniors is $4. For more information, call (410) 727-1539 or visit www.baberuthmuseum.com

Apr. 25

“CULTURE SHOCK” AT CENTERSTAGE

Stoop Storytelling presents “Culture Shock: Stories about Confronting the New, Strange, and Often Scary,” on Monday, April 25, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit www.stoopstorytelling.com or www.centerstage.org, or call (410) 986-4000. Centerstage is located at 700 N. Calvert St.

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

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Know pros and cons of reverse mortgages By Dave Carpenter Buried in debt and struggling to pay her monthly bills, Robin Miles resisted a reverse mortgage as a possible way out of those problems. It would cost a lot, she knew. It sounded gimmicky. And she worried about taking a big risk at an age when you can’t afford a mistake. Reverse mortgages — loans that allow borrowers age 62 or older to convert home equity into cash — unquestionably are expensive. AARP said costs can commonly total 10 percent of the home’s value. Yet Miles’ other fears have proven unfounded so far, and taking a reverse mortgage gave her the financial breathing room she needed. “It was salvation for me,” said the 70-year-old Pikesville, Md., resident. “I just wish that more seniors weren’t so afraid of it.” Reverse mortgages are most often used by seniors who want to stay in their house for the rest of their lives. Generally, the loans shouldn’t be their first option. Downsizing, moving to a more appropriate living situation, or tapping other assets first often makes more sense. Still, some recent changes have widened their appeal. They include lower upfront fees and a new reverse mortgage that’s insured by the government. Such changes mean that now reverse mortgages can make sense to address shorter-term considerations — either for adding retirement income or for getting cash out of a home if it’s hard to find a buyer. An important plus for seniors is that the payments they receive are not taxable and don’t affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. “This is a loan where you really need to be careful to understand what your options

might be,” said Barbara Stucki, vice president for home equity initiatives at the National Council on Aging, a nonprofit advocacy group. But in the right circumstances, she said, “it can provide more flexibility.”

What’s changed Here’s a closer look at reverse mortgages and how they’ve changed. Reverse mortgages work like regular mortgages, only in reverse. Instead of the homeowner paying the bank every month, the bank pays the homeowner. This can be in some combination of a monthly check, access to a line of credit, or a lump sum. The amount a borrower can seek depends on several factors, including the home’s value, current interest rates and the age of the borrower. The older the owner, the higher the amount. If the home is owned by more than one person, the age of the youngest person determines the amount. A couple in their mid-60s who own a $250,000 home, for example, might be able to get $130,000 or more from a lump-sum reverse mortgage, according to AARP. Reverse mortgages are repaid from the sale of the home. And the amount becomes due, in full with interest, only when the borrower moves, dies, or fails to pay property taxes or homeowners insurance. Borrowers often were warned in the past to be cautious about these loans because of the potential for scams. The possibility of abuse has receded because there are virtually no private offerings any more.

Smaller loans, lower costs The Federal Housing Administration is behind today’s loans. The FHA doesn’t make loans itself, but insures lenders against any losses on loans called Home

Adults 62+ – Make Your Move!

Equity Conversion Mortgages, known as HECMs (heck-ums). Last fall, the agency introduced a lowercost reverse mortgage called the HECM Saver that provides smaller loans but also significantly reduces upfront fees. Lenders also have been lowering or waiving upfront sales charges in order to draw more business. All the changes, coupled with the tough economy and depleted retirement savings, are likely to generate more borrowers closer to 62. Miles, who’s divorced and semi-retired from her career as an antiques dealer, survives mostly on Social Security. As the economy soured, business dried up and by last year, she was overwhelmed. Her monthly income was less than her $2,000 mortgage payment, and after a refinancing, she owed $316,000 on the home she bought in 1998. But she still had significant equity in the house. So she took out a reverse mortgage for the entire amount, paying about $11,000 in closing costs, including mortgage insurance. Now the lender sends her a check every month, and she is comfortably able to pay taxes, insurance and upkeep. Her son and two daughters don’t stand to inherit the house or much if any equity now that she has tapped it. But they support her decision, Miles said, because she is much

happier. “This saved my sanity.”

Growing interest The coming flood of baby boomers into retirement, many of them short on savings, will likely drive more people to seek similar solutions. Reverse Market Insight, a website that provides data for the industry, estimates 95,000 to 100,000 reverse mortgages in 2011, up roughly 30 percent from last year. But not everyone is as well-suited for a reverse mortgage as Miles was. David Certner, AARP legislative policy director, cautions that those who take out larger amounts — on the Saver or on HUD’s earlier-established reverse mortgage, the HECM Standard — face sharply higher ongoing monthly insurance premiums that could hurt them over the long run. The premiums total 1.25 percent of the loan balance, up from 0.5 percent. The changes are beneficial for seniors overall, according to Ted Sarenski, a personal financial specialist who chairs the ElderCare/PrimePlus committee for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. But they don’t change his advice, and that of numerous other experts, that reverse mortgages should be pursued mostly as a last resort. See REVERSE MORTGAGES, page B-6

Senior Apartments LIVE WELL FOR LESS Roland View Towers • One- and Two-Bedroom as well as Efficiencies • Rents from $433-$728* Utilities Included! • 24/7 on-site Maintenance and Reception Desk • Beauty/Barber Shop on premises • Rooftop Restaurant • Bus Trips and Social Events and many more amenities!

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ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

Reverse mortgages From page B-5

Symphony Manor 410-235-4301 4301 Roland Ave Baltimore MD 21201 www.symphony-manor.com Symphony Manor, a new assisted living and memory care community in Roland Park, is now open and accepting residents. Symphony Manor provides care for residents in a living environment that reflects the historic Roland Park culture and ambiance. A variety of daily programs are offered to enrich each resident’s life based on his or her interests and desire for personal growth. Individualized care for those who need assistance with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing and medication management is provided. For those who would benefit from specialized programs related to memory issues, Symphony Manor provides a secure, separate neighborhood.

ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

Alta at Regency Crest 410-753-4171 3305 Oak West Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 www.regencyseniorapartments.com It's time to live at Alta at Regency Crest, a vibrant new place for active adults who seek a spirited lifestyle with luxury and convenience. We surround you in comfort, offer exceptional service and bring first-class amenities and entertainment to your doorstep. Controlled access buildings offer elevators to whisk you to your home, complete with gourmet kitchen, full appliance package, luxurious bathrooms with marble vanities, full-sized washers and dryers, walk-in closets, and extra storage. Join your friends at the Club Room, with a business center, state-of-theart fitness center, wellness center featuring a heated, indoor saltwater pool and yoga room with group classes. Outdoors, enjoy the landscaped courtyard, meditation garden, koi pond and gazebo. If you are 62 or better, come see how good life can be at Alta at Regency Crest.

HOME HEALTH AGENCY

P-B Health Home Care Agency, Inc. 410-235-1060 2535 St. Paul Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 www.p-bhealth.com P-B Health Home Care Agency provides in-home medical and personal care services to the elderly, disabled, infirm and special care patients, including those who require in-home post surgical care. Using advanced technology and practices, our highly trained staff deliver in home Skilled Nursing, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Medical Social Work and Medical Home Health Aide Services. P-B Health is accredited by the Joint Commission, is Medicare certified and accepts many private insurances. The Agency has been delivering services to the Baltimore Metropolitan Area for over 17 years. Private Duty options are available with private pay and include personal care and chore services.

“It’s a way to stay in your home without having to liquidate it and move,” he said.

“But the home is usually the last asset that you own. If you still have IRA money, or pension money coming in, you probably shouldn’t look to a reverse mortgage.” — AP

Free reverse mortgage help The National Council on Aging (NCOA) will offer free counseling for seniors through its Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services (RMCS) Network. RMCS counselors are waiving the usual $125 counseling fee in order to help more homeowners understand how reverse mortgage loans, along with community programs and other options, could help them remain in their homes. Consumers age 62+ can schedule a free reverse mortgage counseling session by calling 1-800-510-0301

Generally, RMCS counselors do not charge a fee for counseling upfront, only at the time of closing, if the client decides to take out a reverse mortgage. RMCS counseling is always free for clients with annual incomes of less than $20,000 for individuals or $30,000 for couples. NCOA also offers a consumer booklet on reverse mortgages, entitled “Use Your Home to Stay at Home.” The booklet, and additional information on reverse mortgages, can be downloaded free at www.ncoa.org/reversemortgage.

BEACON BITS

Apr. 28

NAVAL ACADEMY TOUR

Join Beth El Congregation on Thursday, April 28, for a day trip to the U.S. Naval Academy Jewish Chapel Complex. The Superior Tours bus will depart Beth El’s parking lot at 8101 Park Heights Ave. at 8 a.m. and arrive in Annapolis at 9 a.m. A guided tour will be followed by the opportunity to visit the Naval Academy Visitors Center, followed by a leisurely lunch on your own in downtown Annapolis. The bus departs at 2 p.m. For cost, registration and more information, call (410) 484-0411 or visit www.bethelbalto.com.

June 22

VISIT THE C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

Make your plans now to join the Parkville AARP Chapter on Wednesday, June 22, for this trip back in time to the C&O Canal National Historic Park. Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules with Park Rangers describing life in those times along the way. After your ride there will be lunch at Tony & Joe’s Restaurant, located along the Potomac River. Cost is $74 per person. Leave at 9 a.m. and return at 4:30 pm. Call (410) 529-5183 for information and reservations.

Apr. 21

THEATRE PROJECT OPENS NEW MUSICAL

Theatre Project debuts “From Lost in the Stars,” a musical based on the novel, Cry, the Beloved Country, on Thursday, April 21. Tickets range from $20 to $30. Theatre Project is located at 45 W. Preston St. For more information, visit www.theatreproject.org or call (410) 539-3091.

Apr. 27

NEIL YOUNG COMES TO TOWN

Neil Young, originally of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fame, performs at the Hippodrome Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday, April 27 and 28. Tickets start at $65. For more information, call (410) 547-SEAT or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Apr. 30

HELP WITH HEALTH FREEDOM WALK

Baltimore County Volunteers and the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program are recruiting volunteers for the Health Freedom Walk: A Path to Wellness, on Saturday, April 30, from 7 to 11:30 a.m., at Hampton Mansion, 535 Hampton Lane, Towson. Volunteers are needed to help with greeting, refreshments, set-up, registration, mile markers and clean-up. Call (410) 887-2715 or e-mail volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov.

B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

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

HOUSING COMMUNITIES: ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Alta at Regency Crest .B-3 and B-6 Atrium Village . . .B-3 and B-11 Charlestown . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 The Maples of Towson . . . . . B-4 Meadows of Reisterstown . . . . .B-5 and B-9 ❑ Oak Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-11 ❑ Park View at Dundalk . . . . . . . . .B-2 and B-8 ❑ Park View at Randallstown . . . . .B-2 and B-9

❑ Park View at Furnace Branch . . . . . . . . . .B-2 and B-8 ❑ Park View at Rosedale . . . . . . .B-2 and B-11 ❑ St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5 ❑ Symphony Manor . . . . . . . .B-6 ❑ Timothy House . . . .B-2 and B-8 ❑ Weinberg Gardens . . . . . . .B12 ❑ Weinberg House . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Manhattan Park .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Manor East . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Manor West . . . .B-12

❑ Weinberg Park Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Place . . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Terrace . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Weinberg Village V . . . . . . . .B-4 and B-12 ❑ Weinberg Woods . . . . . . . .B-12 ❑ Westminster House . . . . . . .B-3 ❑ Woodholme Gardens . . . . . .B-9

IN-HOME CARE: ❑ P-B Health Home Care Agency . . . . . . . B-6

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this entire coupon to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227. You may also include the housing info coupon on page 5 of the Beacon. One entry per household please. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________

Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) ________________________________________________ Please provide your telephone number or e-mail address so we may contact you promptly if you win the drawing.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Timothy House 410-828-7185 20 Dunvale Road Towson, MD 21204 timothyhouse@sheltergrp.com Timothy House offers carefree living for those Seniors 62 or better. Located in the heart of Towson, this community is convenient to Dulaney Plaza, Towson Town Center and the Bykota Senior Center, as well as the many supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and specialty stores the town offers. Residents enjoy many social, recreational and educational activities. The Baltimore County Eating Together Program is offered to the residents three evenings per week. This controlled access elevator building offers such amenities as a community room with kitchen, multiple laundry centers, and a lending library for books and videos. Call 410-828-7185 or email timothyhouse@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal visit. Come see what you’re missing!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Park View at Furnace Branch 410-761-4150 7466 Furnace Branch Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 parkviewfurnacebranch@sheltergrp.com Park View at Furnace Branch apartment homes were designed for active seniors 62 or better. Convenient to both Marley Station Mall and North Arundel Hospital, this community offers many social, recreational and educational activities for our residents. This controlled access elevator building features a spacious community room with kitchen, beauty and barber services, a laundry facility with relaxing lounge, lending library and computers with free Internet access. Call 410-761-4150 or email parkviewfurnacebranch@sheltergrp.com today to arrange for your personal tour.

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

When you need help against foreclosure Dear Savvy Senior: What kind of help is available to seniors who are facing foreclosure? My 76year-old mother has fallen behind on her house payments and is very concerned about losing her home. — Worried Daughter Dear Worried: With more and more Americans carrying mortgage debt into their retirement years, the foreclosure rates among financially strapped seniors has become a big problem. Here are some things you can do to help your mom. If your mom has fallen behind on her mortgage payments, or if she has already received a letter or phone call about missed payments, your first step is to contact the lender immediately to explain her situation and see if she can work out a payment plan. Be prepared to provide her financial information, such as her monthly income and expenses. You also need to talk to a foreclosure avoidance counselor. These are HUD-approved, trained counselors that provide free advice and will help you and your mom understand the law and her options, and organize her finances. They can also represent her in negotiations with her lender if you need them to. To find a government-approved housing counseling agency in your area visit www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org, or call the Homeownership Preservation Foundation’s HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-4673.

Federal programs can help Another helpful resource you should know about, and one your counselor can help you explore, is the Making Home Affordable program. Created by the Obama Administration in 2009, this program offers struggling homeowners the opportunity to modify or refinance their mortgage to make their monthly payments more affordable. Another government program, the Home Affordable Refinance Program, is intended to help people who have been unable to refinance into mortgages with a lower interest rate because their homes have decreased in value. There is also the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program for those who are interested in a short sale or

deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. This program is for people who agree to leave their property for more affordable housing after either selling the home for less than what they owe on their first mortgage or voluntarily transferring ownership to the loan servicer. To learn more about these programs and their eligibility requirements see www .makinghomeaffordable.gov. If your mom has some equity built up in her house, another option worth considering is a reverse mortgage (See “Know pros and cons of reverse mortgages,” on p. B-5). Reverse mortgages let homeowners 62 and older borrow money against their home equity, which can be used to eliminate their mortgage payments, and it doesn’t have to be paid back as long as they live there. To learn more, or to contact a reverse mortgage counselor visit www. hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/hecmho me.cfm or call 1-800-569-4287.

Watch for scams You and your mom also need to be aware of the many foreclosure and loan modification scams that are out there today. These are con artists that reach out to foreclosure victims via letter, phone call or e-mail, or they may advertise their services on television, radio or in the newspaper, claiming they can stop your mom’s foreclosure or can negotiate a loan modification for her — if she pays them a fee first. Or they may try to get her to sign documents for a rescue loan that actually surrenders the title of her house. Never sign anything or hand over any money unless you run it by your HUD counselor first. You can learn more about foreclosure scams at www.loanscamalert.org. Also make sure your mom is not missing out on any financial assistance programs. The National Council on Aging’s benefitscheckup.org website contains a database of more than 2,000 federal, state and local programs that can help seniors in need. The site will help you locate programs that your mom may be eligible for and will show you how to apply. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org.

BEACON BITS

Apr. 23

TREE PLANTING AT LOCH RAVEN RESERVOIR Baltimore County Volunteers and the Gunpowder Valley Conser-

vancy are seeking volunteers to help out at a tree planting at Loch Raven Reservoir on Saturday, April 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers have planted more than 16,000 trees in the Gunpowder Watershed since the early 1990s, and they need your help to plant even more. To register, call (410) 887-2715 or email volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov.

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

Reduce costs with a home energy audit By Susan Zeveon Real estate agent Jim Alexander decided last summer to subject his own 11-yearold house to an energy audit. “If this was something I was going to recommend to my clients I wanted to see for myself how it works,” he said. His verdict: “Home energy audits are going to change the way we buy and sell houses in America.” Alexander hired the company Retrofit America to conduct the audit, which showed that by spending about $3,000 — $700 of it covered by government rebates — he could save several hundred dollars a month in energy costs. Some of the recommendations were as simple as putting a latch on the attic door so that it would not swing open. “The auditors not only brought in all the latest equipment and computer technology but they also used their eyes,” he said. Home energy audits are like doctors’ checkups for the house, said Seith Leitman, who blogs as the Green Living Guy and consults on McGraw Hill’s series “Green Guru Guides.” And just as you need to follow a doctor’s advice to get healthier, so you need to follow an audit’s recommendations and retrofit your house if you want to see savings, experts said. The federal government’s Energy Star Web site, Energystar.gov, said the audits are the first step in making a home more efficient, comfortable and healthy. If your home is too hot in summer, too cold in winter, drafty or damp, and if you suffer from allergies or just from high energy bills, you should do a home energy audit. You also should do one on any house you are considering buying.

Getting started You can perform a simple home energy audit yourself, but you will need a professional for a thorough assessment that includes heating and cooling systems. Begin with a diligent walkthrough of your house, keeping a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you find. The Energy Star website offers a checklist, or for more guidelines read “Do-ItYourself Home Energy Audits” (McGrawHill, 2010). To get started, Chandler von Schrader, national manager of Home Performance with Energy Star, recommends going online to complete the Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick, which lets you compare your household’s energy use to others and get recommendations for improvement. The yardstick is intended just to give you a general idea, not a thorough audit. Some simple steps to start conserving energy at home include replacing incandescent lighting with energy efficient, fluorescent lighting in the room you use most.

Other quick fixes may include replacing old appliances with Energy Star Appliances. Check the Energy Star website for products that have earned that label. Beware of some other popular quick fixes. Windows, for example, cost a lot, and new ones will not provide energy savings if they are not properly installed with caulking, and if leaks in rooms are not sealed. Von Schrader warns against cheap energy audits conducted by someone trying to sell you something. “Houses are complex and require comprehensive solutions,” he said. “You should look at a house in a holistic fashion. If you do just one thing, you may throw others off. For example, sealing off drafts in an attic may cause humidity buildup in other parts of the house.” A complete energy audit requires specialized equipment, said Matt Golden, president and founder of Recurve Inc., a San Francisco-are company that helps homeowners increase energy efficiency. That equipment includes blower doors that measure the extent of leaks in the building, infrared cameras that reveal areas of air infiltration and missing insulation, and duct blasters that use pressure testing to find leaks in a duct system.

Selecting an auditor Von Schrader suggests hiring energy auditors approved by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) or the Building Performance Institute (BPI), which set national standards. Companies like Retrofit America and Recurve promise one-stop service for homeowners, from the audit to financing to completing the home improvements and verifying the work is done right. Retrofits may include air sealing and insulation; duct work; replacing heating and cooling systems and water heaters; substituting windows, doors or appliances; and adding renewable energy systems, such as solar panels. The average cost of retrofitting a house once it has been audited is $8,000 to $10,000, according to Von Schrader, and it is not always advisable to go with the lowest estimate. “Work done correctly often costs more,” he said. Fortunately, there are programs to offset the costs. Some state energy programs and utilities offer rebates, which require accredited home-energy auditors and contractors to do the work. While the federal energy tax credit of $1,500 expired at the end of last year, a smaller program is available in 2011. This credit is worth up to $500. See these websites for further information: www.energystar.gov, www.green livingguy.com, www. retrofitamerica.com, www.energysavers.gov, http://resnet.us and www.recurve.com. — AP

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Advertorials

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Woodholme Gardens 410-580-1400 1700 Woodholme Avenue Pikesville, MD 21208 www.woodholmegardens.com Spring is in the air! It's time for a new beginning at Woodholme Gardens! We are a brand new Assisted Living and Memory Care in the heart of Pikesville. Nestled among acres of natural surroundings, we provide the right combination of compassion, care, dignity and independence. Spacious apartments, with private baths and bathed in natural light make it a luxurious place to reside. Numerous activities, excellent cuisine, in-house physicians and a Rabbi will fill your day. You deserve the finest! Woodholme Gardens, near your family, your friends, and your memories! Call Sherille Otto at 410.580.1400 for a personal tour!

ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Park View at Randallstown 410-655-5673 3530 Resource Drive Randallstown, MD 21133 parkviewrandallstown@sheltergrp.com Park View at Randallstown — Active seniors 62 and better are enjoying many social and recreational activities while leaving their maintenance worries behind. Residents appreciate being so close to the Liberty Senior Center, the YMCA, Northwest medical services, public transit, shopping and restaurants. The controlled access elevator building places all our amenities under one roof for your convenience. Come see the exciting changes coming in 2011. New energy-saving appliances, stylish kitchen cabinetry, a new salon and a complete community room makeover are just a few of the improvements currently underway. Call or email us today to arrange your personal visit. Why? Because You’re Worth It!

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M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

What to do when your house won’t sell By Dan Sewell Spring can be an exciting time for homeowners ready to sell. But not so much when your home has lingered on the market through multiple spring selling seasons. Years of listings, open houses and showings without offers are weighing on many homeowners this year as the nation’s housing market continues to struggle

from the Great Recession’s prolonged housing slump, credit crunch and high unemployment. “I would like to move on,” said Jim Oliver, who’s been trying to sell since 2007. “It’s frustrating.” His two-story house — with amenities such as a hot tub, finished basement and a wooded lot where deer roam — sits on 1.4

BEACON BITS

May 7

HELP WITH AN EMERGENCY PLANNING EXERCISE Emergency planning exercise volunteers are needed to play crash

victims and friends and family of victims at EPLEX 2011, which will test the initial response to a simulated commercial airline incident. The exercise will take place on May 7 (time to be determined), at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. To register, e-mail EXPLEX@arc-cmc.org, or call Bethany Brown at (410) 624-2055.

Ongoing

PLAY FOR THE HOME TEAM Home Team is a service for people in the community age 60 and over who need assistance to remain independent in their homes.

Volunteers are matched with a person to provide one or more of the following: friendly visits, telephone visits, escort trips, shopping assistance, light housekeeping chores and correspondence assistance. If you are interested in volunteering or are a senior interested in being partnered with a volunteer, call Joyce Goodman at (410) 887-1260.

Do you provide a product or service of interest to people over 50? (And today, what business doesn’t?)

prime acres in an upscale region with a top-rated school district. But the traditional real estate cry of “location, location, location!” has given way in this economy to “price, price, price!”

Too much competition With new foreclosures and mortgage short-sales still streaming into the market, buyers have a lot of bargain listings to shop through. So that can mean some tough conversations between agents and homeowners about how much they can realistically expect to get for their home — and if it’s not attracting much interest after months or years, the need to slash their asking price. “We have had a problem with sellers who are nostalgic for the way it was,” said Ron Phipps, a real estate agent and president of the National Association of Realtors. He recalled homeowners reciting in detail the peak of their home’s market value. But that’s of little use today. “You have to be where the market is, not where it was,” Phipps said. Sales of previously owned homes fell last year to their lowest level in 13 years, with contract signings last June at their lowest since the Realtors began tracking signed contracts in 2001. January contract signings were also down in the latest report. The popping of the pre-recession real estate bubble means many people need to list their homes at or below what they paid for them, said Diane Thomas, senior sales vice president for Comey & Shepherd Realtors. Thomas, who’s listing the Olivers’ house, said 2010 was the worst sales year of her 27-year career. “Nothing like it before, not even when interest rates were high,” she said.

Spring may be your friend But spring usually means increased activity, with better weather and more traffic from families hoping to buy and get moved before next school year. Veteran real estate agents suggest a variety of steps for homeowners to improve their property during spring, and the Realtors association has a website with tips for both buyers and sellers at www.Houselogic.com. Among possible to-do tasks for homeowners: spruce up landscaping, update exterior lighting, and paint or replace front doors, all to create more “curb appeal” for first impressions. For other improvements, Phipps advises owners to listen to their agent’s suggestions and heed negative feedback from previous showings — without taking it personally. He also suggests going to open houses or taking online “virtual tours” of similar homes on sale to see how they compare in appearance and price. “You have to be very realistic about what is keeping your home from selling,” Phipps said. “Sometimes it may actually be the person in the mirror, if your expectations are not realistic. Ultimately, there is a price at which all things sell.” The Olivers, meanwhile, went ahead with their planned move to Salt Lake City, and are letting a niece and her family stay in what was their home for more than three decades. The house went back on the market in October with the price slashed nearly 25 percent, to $549,000. Thomas thinks it might be bought by a developer who will knock down the house and divide the land into lots. Jim Oliver said his family is faring OK financially, but still is more than ready to sell. “I liken it to having a Ferrari just sitting in your garage,” he said. — AP

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An early start in singing

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Vereen now lives in California. Entertaining was not in caption his family genes, but he caption had encouraging parents and got an early start. The first money he ever earned as a performer — $5 when he was 10 years old Pippin, Vereen has appeared on — came from singing U.S. Broadway Bonds’ “Quar- in Wicked, Fosse, I’m Not Rappaport, ter to Three” at the Hair, Ebenezer Baptist Jesus Christ Superstar, Grind, Church in his neighborhood. Jelly’s Last Jam, and A Christmas Carol. “Wow, they pay you for this, I thought,” Of his role in Pippin, renowned Vereen recalled, and that drama was the begin- critic Clive Barnes wrote, “Ben ning of his stage ambitions Vereen — — what he unquestionably calls his “first love and passion.” one of the finest performances seen on Broadway.” “The theater was my first training Vereen sees his work ground,” he said. “It taught on stage as a me discipline, metaphor for his work in life. “Life dedication and appreciation is art,” of hard work he said. “Whatever we do in and values that will stay life — with me a lifetime. whether it’s performing or teaching The stage sharpens the or creative instru- writing or raising kids — is a form ment and encourages you of art. to go deeper in“Whatever you do, if you side and try new things.” embrace it, it will move you to the next In addition to his star-making level,” he said. turn in Because Vereen credits many of his men-

LEISURE & TR AVEL

A natural beauty beyond words in Alaska; plus, mix altruism with global travel to enjoy “voluntourism” page 23 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Do you need that medical test? k Coffee — the new health drink LAW & MONEY 15 k Choosing the next big stocks k Inflation-proof your portfolio ARTS & STYLE

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

How to evaluate a retirement community By Adele Winters If you’re considering a move for yourself or a family member to an independent living retirement community, there are a number of criteria you should consider before making your final decision. Among the most basic things to consider is the quality of the staff, facility and programming. Concern for residents’ safety is especially important. Look for: • On-site amenities, such as a beauty shop, banking and postal services, transportation, and a variety of meal programs. • A varied calendar, with activities that are of interest to you, including religious services, if that is an important consideration. • Staff (front desk, maintenance, housekeeping, food service, etc.) who are trained to notice changes in residents’ appearance, mobility, personality, etc. • An alert system so that the management or social services office will be notified if mail has not been picked up, if a resident hasn’t been on time for a regularly scheduled activity, etc.

Is it your kind of place? The physical environment of the facility is also an important consideration. Are the corridors too long; is the facility too fancy, too intimidating, too much like a hotel? Some people prefer a homey, smaller setting, while others prefer a larger, more anonymous facility. Look for unobtrusive supports — such as handrails in corridors, high, firm furniture in common areas, and low-pile carpeting to facilitate the use of walkers and wheelchairs. Some other things to take note of include: • How many residents have their own cars? • Is there bus transportation? A wheelchair lift? How far is it to the prospective resident’s family, physicians, grocery store, shopping center, church or synagogue, etc.? • Are there intergenerational programs with nearby schools and day care centers? • Is there a buddy system or welcoming committee to help new residents become acclimated? • Are pets permitted? This may be an issue if you have allergies, or are afraid of animals. • Are there wellness services such as

blood pressure checks, a mobile dentist, etc.? • Are there housekeeping and laundry services? • Are options available for adding services — such as meals, personal care, medication management — on an a la carte basis?

Try the food Food, and the social interactions that accompany community meals, are prime considerations for many. If the facility serves regular meals, try to make arrangements to join the residents for lunch or dinner. This will give you the opportunity to answer the following questions: • How is the food presented? How does it taste? • How do the staff and residents interact? • What is the behavior of the other residents like? • How do the residents dress for meals? • Is the atmosphere lively or quiet? • Does the dining room have sound-absorbing materials such as drapes, acoustical tiles and table linens to help hearingimpaired residents enjoy the social interaction? • Is the lighting too subdued or too strong? • Are menus distributed in advance so that residents can select alternate entrees? • Can meals be delivered to individual apartments? How often? How much does it cost? • Does the admissions staff tell the dining room manager about new residents so tablemates can be matched by similar interests/backgrounds? • Is there open or assigned seating? • If a resident has a private duty aide, is the aide allowed in the dining room? (This would be a good time to ask the facility about their policy on private duty aides as well. For example, do residents have to use an in-house agency or registry?) • Is there a monitoring mechanism in place so that someone is alerted if a resident misses a meal? Once you’ve answered all these questions to your satisfaction, make an unannounced visit and ask random residents how they like the facility. Even better, stop residents or their family members in the parking lot (where they are more free to talk openly) and ask about their experience.

BEACON BITS

Apr. 21

SYMPOSIUM ON AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

The theme of this annual symposium focuses on the Mid-Atlantic during the Civil War and the impact on the enslaved and free African American population. The symposium takes place on Thursday, April 21, at Merrick Lecture Hall, Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (410) 823-1309, ext. 208, for details. Admission is free.

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ENJOY THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE in one of our communities designed just for you. Weinberg Senior Living provides quality, affordable apartments for seniors and younger residents with disabilities*. Our residents will make you feel at home, and the friendly staff will be there to answer any questions that you might have. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy getting to know your neighbors and making new friends. In addition, you will find residents who take active interest in their community and meet regularly to discuss ways to improve their campus, inside and out. They work together to keep Weinberg Senior Living beautiful and accommodating to your lifestyle. You owe it to yourself to see how good the best years of your life can be. Weinberg Senior Living apartments are owned by CHAI, a local non-profit organization. CHAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to develop and support thriving stable communities in Northwest Baltimore. In addition to constructing new housing and renovating existing housing, CHAI promotes many programs and services that help seniors to continue to live independently.

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Money Law &

TAKE STOCK OF CERTIFICATES

Old stock certificates may still have value even if the company is no longer in existence AN INFLATION-PROOF PORTFOLIO Inflation is expected to rise this year. Invest in I-bonds and TIPS to help stem its effect on your portfolio

Should you invest in potential high-flyers? By Dave Carpenter Stocks that rocket out of nowhere are a dangerous temptation for the average investor. If only you could catch the next Netflix, Apple or Google before it takes off, you’d really make some serious money, right? The problem is that line of thinking mixes investing with gambling. And you shouldn’t dip into savings or jeopardize your financial security in the hope you’ll hit a stock market home run. But if you’re meeting your financial needs and not taking undue risks, it’s OK to take a small flier on a stock that could hit it big. “You can’t go without dessert all the time,” said Charles Rotblut, vice president of the American Association of Individual Investors. A small portion of your portfolio can have an excess of risk. “You just don’t want [the equivalent of] Boston cream pie every day.”

Watch out for a nosedive There are plenty of recent precedents to fuel stock fantasies. Netflix Inc.’s stock has quadrupled in barely a year. Shares in the movie subscription service have gone from under $50 a share in January 2010 to above $235. And it’s not just tech stocks that can skyrocket. Shares of CME Group Inc., which operates securities exchanges including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, rose

more than 20-fold in its first five years after going public. The price shot from $35 to $714 between 2002 and 2007. And Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. has soared about 1,400 percent in five years. High fliers, however, can turn into deep divers. The stock of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. tripled in less than a year. It reached a high of nearly $50 in 2003 before crumbling to under $5 within two years. Before that was eToys, the Internet retailer whose shares went from $20 to $84 to 9 cents in less than two years during the dot-com bubble. For that reason, many financial advisers frown on the idea of buying stock “lottery tickets.” Investors need to be prepared to lose that money because it’s very hard to pick such stocks, said Eleanor Blayney, consumer advocate for the nonprofit Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. “I’d rather see people look at a small-cap growth fund and enjoy the bounce up that may be expected,” Blayney said.

Some companies to consider If you have that appetite for extra risk and some extra money, however, there are some under-the-radar stocks with well-run businesses and promising futures. As with any stock, you want one with strong management, demonstrated poten-

tial, and a business you can understand. And you should look for one with a unique product or service that can benefit from a broader trend — as Netflix did with its movies-bymail service and then streaming video. Here are three companies that have the potential to see significant jumps in their stock prices: Financial Engines Inc. (FNGN) Sector: Financial services Headquarters: Palo Alto, Calif. Mid-March stock price: $23.20 Financial Engines provides portfolio management services and retirement planning help to participants in 401(k)s and other employer-sponsored retirement plans. Customers include individual investors, large companies and financial advisers. The company is well-positioned to benefit from the continuing transition from traditional pension programs to more self-directed retirement accounts, according to Chris Retzler, manager of the top-performing Needham Small Cap Growth fund, which holds the stock. Its fee-based business model — earning fees based on assets under management — should help it grow significantly, particularly as inflation increases, Retzler said. The stock price has doubled since the company went public last May at $12 a share, lifting its market capitalization to

over $1 billion. Imax Corp. (IMAX) Sector: Leisure Headquarters: Toronto Mid-March stock price: $26.58 Imax, which provides the technology for giant-screen movies, already has taken off. Shares have gone from $4 to $27 in two years and doubled just since July, propelled partly by rumors that Sony or Disney could take it over. Still, the stock is poised to rise even higher thanks to the company’s joint-venture expansion strategy and the improving economy, which is encouraging moviegoers and moviemakers alike to spend more on higher-priced Imax films. As an early adopter of 3-D technology, it also will benefit as filmmakers pile into that trend. The company shares its earnings with film companies and theater owners, which has accelerated the installation of new Imax theaters and motivated studios to make more Imax-compatible films. With fewer than 500 theaters nationwide, it is still relatively early in the adoption phase, according to Rob Lutts, chief investment officer of Cabot Money Management in Salem, Mass. His firm has owned the stock since 2009 and bought more last fall, with Lutts citing its “killer” business model and huge opportunities See HIGH-FLYERS, page 17

Answers to questions about Medicare By Kimberly Lankford Q: I just received my first Medicare Part B bill of the year, and my monthly premium is $115.40, rather than the $96.40 that most people are paying. Why am I paying so much more than everyone else? I don’t earn enough to be hit by the high-income surcharge, and I’ve been covered by Medicare for several years. I’m 68, but I haven’t started collecting Social Security benefits. A: You are correct: Most people are still paying $96.40 per month for Medicare Part B benefits, which cover doctors’ visits and outpatient care. That’s because the majority of Medicare beneficiaries are protected by the so-called hold-harmless provision, which prohibits their Social Securi-

ty benefits from going down in any year. Here’s how it works: There was no costof-living adjustment in Social Security benefits for 2011 because inflation has been so low. Because most people have their monthly Medicare premiums deducted from their Social Security check, applying the increase in Medicare Part B premiums would have resulted in a reduced benefit. Therefore, most existing Medicare beneficiaries are exempt from the premium increase. But because you do not yet collect Social Security benefits, you’re not protected by the hold-harmless provision and you have to pay the increased premium for Medicare Part B. There are other exceptions. People who enroll in Medicare Part B for the first time

in 2011 are not protected by the holdharmless provision because they have not received Medicare benefits in the past. Likewise, retirees who aren’t part of the Social Security system — for example, some former public-sector employees — are not protected by the hold-harmless provision. Both groups must pay the $115.40 monthly premium. A few other groups will also pay more than $96.40 a month for Part B. Retirees who enrolled in 2010 will pay $110.50 per month, which is the same premium that they paid last year. And individuals with modified adjusted gross income of $85,000 or more (or $170,000 or more if married filing jointly) will pay a high-income surcharge on both

their Part B and their Part D premiums. For more information about who pays what Medicare premiums in 2011, see the Kiplinger article “How Much You’ll Pay for Medicare in 2011” at http://bitly.com/ MedicareCosts. Q. What is expected to happen to Medicare and Social Security premiums in 2012? A. Millions of retired and disabled people in the United States had better brace for another year with no increase in Social Security payments. The government is projecting a slight upward cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits next year, the first inSee MEDICARE, page 16

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Medicare From page 15 crease since 2009. But for beneficiaries whose Medicare premiums are deducted from their Social Security, the increased cost of Medicare is expected to wipe out any increase in Social Security benefits, leaving them without a raise for a third straight year. As explained above, when Medicare premiums rise and Social Security benefits don’t, most beneficiaries don’t see their benefit check go down because of the hold-

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

harmless provision. But even in years when Social Security payments rise, if Medicare premiums rise as much or more, beneficiaries won’t see their checks go up, either. David Certner of AARP estimates that as many as three-fourths of beneficiaries will have their entire Social Security increase swallowed by rising Medicare premiums next year. Q: How does Medicare Part D’s new 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs work for seniors affected by the so-called doughnut hole? Doesn’t it just mean that we end up in

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SPECIAL NEEDS TECHNOLOGY ON LINE The Baltimore County Public Library system is equipped with TTY

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Ongoing

the doughnut hole for longer? A: The prescription-drug coverage gap, known as the doughnut hole, has been the big downside of the Medicare Part D program since it was launched in 2006. But beginning in 2011, the gap will start to shrink. Once your total drug costs reach $2,840 for the year (including your share and the insurer’s share of the costs), you will get a 50 percent discount on your brand-name drugs. Your pharmacy will apply the discount automatically when you purchase the medications. After your out-of-pocket costs reach $4,550 for the year, you qualify for catastrophic coverage and your Part D plan picks up most of the tab. As you mention, this discount would have merely left you in the doughnut hole longer if they hadn’t changed the way the doughnut hole is calculated, too. To avoid this problem, the entire cost of the drug — before the 50 percent discount is

applied — counts toward the amount needed to fill the coverage gap. If the drug costs $100, for example, and you pay $50, the entire $100 will count toward your out-of-pocket costs that trigger catastrophic coverage. The discount comes off the price that the Part D plan has negotiated with the pharmacy for that specific drug, said Jim Turner of Humana. The dispensing fee (often $2 to $5) isn’t discounted, but it is added to the discounted amount of the prescription and does count toward the $4,550 in out-of-pocket costs. Also starting this year, you’ll only pay 93 percent of the cost of generic drugs, with the government picking up the remaining 7 percent. But in this case, only the 93 percent of the cost that you pay yourself counts toward leaving the doughnut hole. © 2011 Kiplinger. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc. The Associated Press also contributed to this article.

BEACON BITS

WATCH OUT FOR CRIME The Baltimore County Police Department recently unveiled its newest online crime-fighting tool. Residents who want to learn more about

the activities of the BCPD can sign up for iWatch Baltimore County service that will allow them to receive information about the agency through e-mail subscriptions. Through computers and handheld electronic devices, residents will be able to provide police with crime tips and make non-emergency complaints via the Internet. Learn more at http://baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/iWatch/index.html.

Ongoing

LEGAL ADVICE FROM JEWISH LEGAL SERVICES

Jewish Legal Services, a program of Jewish Community Services, offers legal information, advice and referral services for Jewish individuals with limited income. A walk-in legal clinic is held the second Monday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at JCS, 5750 Park Heights Ave. Jewish Legal Services is also seeking lawyers to volunteer their expertise at the monthly clinic. For more information, call (410) 843-7305 or visit www.jcsbaltimore.org.

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

Old stock certificates may still have value By Joyce B. Siegel “No value,” my stockbroker said to me. “You might just as well use ‘em for wallpaper. Just toss them.” He was talking about the pile of stock certificates my husband and I found more than 20 years ago when we were cleaning out my father-in-law’s house. This was just after I’d found a stash of mint condition U.S. postage stamp blocks I’d put aside, hoping one day they’d be valuable. I took them to a philately store for evaluation. “Lick ‘em and stick ‘em,” the stamp expert said. “They are only worth the face value.” Lick ‘em and stick ‘em is just what I did. Every letter I sent out was a display of the history of American postage stamps. So I didn’t find any amazing treasures there. After my disappointment with the stamps, I had a hard time accepting that the stock certificates were worthless. The only way I could research the companies that I was told were “belly up” was through my broker and some publications on company history he provided, so I had to accept his judgment. We didn’t have computer search engines back then. But as certain as he was that the stocks were worthless, I couldn’t bear to throw them away. They were attractive products in their own right, carefully engraved work

High-flyers From page 15 both in the rural U.S. and abroad. “You can’t underestimate the American appetite for high-quality entertainment, and Imax theaters certainly deliver that,” he said. SodaStream International Ltd. (SODA) Sector: Consumer goods Headquarters: Airport City, Israel Mid-March stock price: $42.65 Long established in Israel, the maker of home carbonating systems held a public offering here in November and now sells in U.S. retail chains including Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s and Williams-Sonoma. SodaStream’s soda-making machines,

of craftsmen. I filed them away. After all, they didn’t take up much space.

We reaped a few thousand dollars more.

Last resort — collectors Tracking down old companies Then, a few years ago, traveling on Amtrak between D.C. and New York, I looked up from a book I was reading. It was a second’s worth of serendipity. There, somewhere in New Jersey, were newly painted oil tanks clearly labeled Meenan Oil. Wait a sec! I had a stock certificate for several thousand shares of Meenan Oil, but I was told the company was defunct. By the time this happened, I had a computer and access to online search engines. As soon as I got home I hunted for Meenan, and sure enough, it was still in existence. It had simply gone from a public to a privately held company. I contacted the company’s finance officer at its Long Island New York headquarters. He told me a fund had been established to pay off old stockholders. My husband sent in the necessary paperwork and we received a check for several thousand dollars. Inspired, I took out the pile of my fatherin-law’s “valueless” stocks and started looking into what had happened to the companies whose shares were supposed to be worthless. I found four more that had gone from publicly held to privately held.

which cost $80 and up, turn tap water into sparkling water and soft drinks. During the third quarter of 2010, the company reported $57 million in revenue from selling 449,000 soda makers in 41 countries. As evidence of what could happen if it catches on here, it has sold a million of the kits in Sweden. The company has potential similar to Green Mountain Coffee and its single-cup brewing business, according to Dave Dispennette, founder and president of The Stock Playbook, a Florida-based stock advisory service. “Just as many people drink soda as coffee, maybe more,” he said. “It’s a product that has phenomenal growth in front of it.” The stock has doubled since its first day of U.S. trading in November. — AP

Peace of Mind for You... and your children

Two companies absolutely no longer existed, but there were two small businesses with the exact name as the defunct companies. Both small business owners were intrigued and asked if they could buy the stock certificate to display in their offices. No problem, I said. We earned $100 more. If you have old stock certificates you may have the same luck. You may have some certificates of interest to collectors. There are businesses that buy and sell old stock certificates, and individuals hawking them on eBay, Amazon, etc. The buying, selling, displaying and collecting of old stock certificates is called scripophily. Does that make me a scripophilist? Why do these old certificates fascinate so many people? For starters, just as I found out with my Meenan moment, they may actually have some retained value. Some currently profitable companies were once organized under different names, but the old certificates are still valid. Xerox, for instance, was first called Haloid, then Haloid Xerox and in the 1960s, it became just plain Xerox. If you

had a share of Haloid and held on to it, you’d find it’s now worth a bundle. American Oil Company became AMOCO and then was bought by BP. Who knows what that’s worth these days? Some certificates may have some special, historic value, representing an especially interesting aspect of our nation’s past. Some may be signed by an “important” person like J.P. Morgan, Rockefeller, Eastman of Eastman Kodak or Henry Ford. Who knows? Some are valuable because of the quality of the engraving. Gone are the days when stock certificates are held in “bearer form” by individual investors. Now they’re in electronic form and held “in street name” on brokers’ computers. The use of paper stocks ended around the 1990s. Old stock certificates are getting increasingly rare, so while they may have no redeemable value as a security, they may have value to collectors (as long as they’re in pretty good condition). Either way, it may be fun — and worth a little detective work to find out if you have some treasures….or just wallpaper. Joyce B. Siegel is a freelance writer in N. Bethesda, Md.

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M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

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Ways to inflation-proof your fund portfolio By Dave Carpenter Warnings of high inflation ahead have been around so long it’s easy for investors to take them for granted. Heavy government spending was supposed to have driven inflation sharply upward. Some experts predicted it would hit 8 percent by now. So far, inflation is still tame. However, the long era of low inflation likely is nearing an end. Prices have accelerated abroad due to super-heated economic growth in China, Brazil, India and other emerging markets. The U.S. consumer price index rose by .4 percent in January and .5 percent in February, increasing prospects that we will eventually have significantly higher inflation at home. Over the past year the index has risen 1.6 percent. “Investors ignore inflation at their own peril,” said Christine Benz, director of personal finance at Morningstar Inc. Even those who normally leave their mutual funds on auto-pilot would be well-advised to consider inflation-proofing their portfolios. Ways to protect yourself include overhauling your mix of funds, paring back on riskier international funds, and adding offerings that focus on inflation-protected bonds such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) — a type of Treasury bond whose payout is adjusted every six months for inflation. Investing in commodities funds and dividend mutual funds also may help. Benz discussed the options and best moves for individual investors in an interview with the Associated Press. Here are excerpts: Q: Why can’t investors rely on fund managers to mitigate the effects of inflation? A: Not many managers spend a lot of time thinking about the macroeconomic environment, whether it’s inflationary, deflationary, recessionary or whatever. Instead, most hew to a specific style (such as growth, value, small cap, large cap). For example, it’s not typical for most core bond funds to buy TIPS. That means that investors who want to ensure that their portfolios have insulation against inflation should take steps to put it in place themselves. Q: There aren’t any mutual funds composed of I-bonds — inflation-

linked government savings bonds — so isn’t it better for inflation-wary investors to invest in TIPS? A: Both TIPS and I-bonds are fine options. I-bonds make good sense for investors’ taxable accounts in that they won’t owe federal income taxes from year to year — only when the bond matures or they sell. But with TIPS, investors are not limited to purchases of $10,000 per year as they are with I-bonds. By buying a TIPS fund you also get the advantage of professional management. For plain-vanilla, low-cost possibilities, both the conventional mutual fund Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities (VIPSX) and iShares Barclays TIPS Bond (TIP), an ETF, are solid. For an actively managed fund, investors might consider PIMCO Real Return (PRTNX) or Harbor Real Return (HARRX). For investors concerned that inflation is a global phenomenon, our analysts also like the exchange-traded fund SPDR DB International Government Inflation-Protected Bond (WIP). Q: How effective are commodities in fighting inflation? A: In theory, buying an investment that tracks commodities prices is a good way to hedge against inflation. As you’re paying higher prices for food, gas, and other stuff you need, an investment in commodities should also be going up, helping offset those higher costs. Unfortunately, the best way to obtain pure exposure to commodities is to take physical delivery of the stuff — whether it’s pork bellies, cotton or oil — and that’s simply not practical for mutual funds. Instead, most commodities funds obtain exposure by buying commodity index futures, which don’t perfectly reflect commodity prices at any given point in time. Q: With those shortcomings in mind, do you still recommend any particular commodities funds? A: If investors are OK with that imprecision, they could look to an exchange-traded note like iPath DJ-UBS Commodity Index (DJP) or to actively managed commodity futures funds such as Harbor Commodity Real Return (HACMX) or PIMCO Commodity Real Return (PCRAX).

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Traded on major exchanges, exchangetraded notes are a type of debt security that combines the aspects of bonds and ETFs. Q: Why should investors see dividend-stock funds as an inflation hedge as opposed to, say, bonds? A: Stocks should be part of most investors’ inflationary toolkits because their long-run potential to beat inflation is much greater than is the case for bonds, and certainly cash. And dividend-paying companies offer an important advantage that fixed-rate investments like bonds don’t: If business is good, they can actually increase their dividends. Those higher payouts, in turn, can

help offset higher prices. Among our favorite dividend-growth funds are Vanguard Dividend Growth (VDIGX), a traditional actively managed mutual fund, and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (VIG for the ETF and VDAIX for the traditional index mutual fund). Q: Who should be thinking the most about adding inflation-fighting investments? A: Retirees. Only a portion of the income that most retirees earn, such as their Social Security income, will automatically step up with inflation. The income they draw from their portfolios, by contrast, will be worth less and less as inflation increases. — AP

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Enthusiastic tap dancing is a staple in the many musical numbers in 42nd Street.

Suspend disbelief to enjoy Toby’s 42nd St. Pa. wins a job in a New York big city musical — and not only that, gets handed the lead, learns all the songs and dance numbers in 36 hours, and becomes a big star overnight. Of course, it’s about as accurate a reflection of how one achieves success on Broadway as “The Brady Bunch” was an exact facsimile of American suburban life. But if one looks at it as a fairy tale — the story of what people who live to perform are willing to suffer and endure for their craft, and a celebration of friendship and love — then 42nd Street is entertainment at its finest.

Captivating choreography Of course, it helps to like tap dancing, because there’s a lot of it in 42nd Street. From the very first scene, “The Audition,” to the final bows 2 ½ hours later, you’ll see a bevy of talented, high-energy, perpetually smiling young people tap their hearts out. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. On the contrary, the precision of the dance moves and choreography, apart from a few slight stumbles (sometimes dancers in the back rows seemed a bit off

as to which way they were to swing their arms), was captivating and certainly a crowd-pleaser. In the large, ensemble cast, none of the 23 performers stood out when it came to dancing ability or voice. Even Jamie Ogden as Peggy Sawyer, the fresh-faced, Shelley Longish “kid” from Allentown who becomes a “Broadway baby,” didn’t demonstrate talent superior to her lowerranking “chorines” — though her high

kicks would make any NFL field goal kicker insanely jealous. After all, this is Bawlmer, hon, not Broadway, so one doesn’t expect singers and dancers to be reincarnations of Fred and Ginger. Some voices lacked the power one might have liked, and there were a few “off” notes, but as is typical of a Toby’s producSee 42ND ST., page 22

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOBY’S DINNER THEATRE

By Dan Collins Let’s be clear. Musicals aren’t for cynics, which might explain why Jerry Seinfeld’s character in the classic comedy that bore his name didn’t like them. “People just don’t suddenly burst into song…they start to sway, it’s embarrassing,” Jerry tells sidekicks George and Elaine. When it comes to appreciating a musical, the same skill needed to enjoy any work of fiction is required — a suspension of disbelief. One must give one’s self over to the premise that people can start out having a normal conversation and suddenly belt out a Broadway number while tap dancing in a chorus line. Credulity must certainly be left at the stage door when it comes to appreciating one of Broadway’s most famous musicals, 42nd Street, now at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore. Based on the 1933 movie of the same name, and featuring some of the great songs from that film plus others by the same writers, the show unabashedly portrays the Broadway cliché where an unknown rises to stardom in her first role. A “kid” just off the train from Allentown,

With a large ensemble cast, 42nd Street is a Broadway musical about a Broadway musical that turns a dancing girl into a star. The show continues at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through June 5.

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Enjoy the wildlife! Visit decoy arts festival special events is the annual Decoy and Wildlife Art Festival, to be held this year from May 6 to 8. The festival will feature more than 140 artists exhibiting and selling their works, food, live and silent auctions, retriever demonstrations, carving competitions and more. An outdoor hunting show will be held at the Havre de Grace Activity Center.

Decoys have been a central element of Chesapeake Bay culture for centuries, explained Margaret Jones, who coordinates the museum’s special events. In the beginning, decoys were made for one purpose — to lure waterfowl within range of the hunter’s shotgun. Decoys

Which is the real decoy? An exhibit at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum depicts master decoy carver Bob Litzenberg at work. The museum will host a decoy and wildlife arts festival from May 6 to 8.

Vereen

years — into a serious cocaine addiction. He entered drug rehab, became clean, and later founded Celebrities for a DrugFree America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young people about the dangers of drugs. In 1992, Vereen underwent another crisis when he was hit by a car. He needed several operations and months of physical therapy to recover. Once again healthy, Vereen has “quite a few things in the cooker,” as noted above,

but said that even though he makes plans, he accepts that life might always have something else in store for you. “You can set a plan in motion, but then you need to let it go,” he said. “Trust that when the time is right — which may not be when you think it’s right — it will all work out for the highest good.” Apart from looking forward to his prized Medicare card, Vereen is also sanguine about old age. “Getting older is a treasure,” he said. “We should be proud

From page 1 their religion, said Vereen. “I simply want to give them the tools to lead a better life.”

Overcoming adversity Despite his professional successes, Vereen has had his share of personal struggles. A teenage daughter was killed in an automobile accident in 1987, leading Vereen — a recreational drug user for

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were simple, utilitarian representations of ducks and geese, rough-hewn from wood. “No one considered them art,” said Jones. Today, decoys lure far more people than they do waterfowl. “You’re more likely to find a decoy adorning a collector’s mantelpiece than floating in a hunter’s rig,” said Jones. That’s why contemporary carvers produce sophisticated works of art with century-old skills that have been passed down See DECOYS, page 22

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAVRE DE GRACE DECOY MUSEUM

By Carol Sorgen On the banks of the historic Susquehanna Flats is the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, housing one of the country’s most extensive collections of working and decorative Chesapeake Bay decoys. The museum was established in 1986 as a private, non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the historical and cultural legacy of waterfowling and decoy-making on the Chesapeake Bay. Tours, lectures, demonstrations, special events and a series of exhibits that range from single display cases to room-sized waterfowl displays communicate the heritage of Upper Bay decoy-making to a national audience of waterfowl enthusiasts. One of the highlights of the museum’s

and stand strong. We are wise and we know the way. “Let’s keep our eye on the prize…healing ourselves, our family, our community, our society and our planet.” Tickets for “An Evening with Ben Vereen” are $40 general admission; $125 for patron seating, which includes a CD signing and a dessert-and-wine reception with Vereen. For more information and reservations, call (410) 358-6856 or visit www.myerbergseniorcenter.org.

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42nd St. From page 20 tion, what players lack in talent they more than make up for in their enthusiasm. Perhaps surprisingly, where the cast is strongest is in their acting. David BosleyReynolds shines as Julian Marsh, the New York director who overcomes his own cynicism to recall why he came to Broadway in the first place. It is he who sings “Lullaby of Broadway,” convincing Peggy to put down her suitcase and return to the stage. Tina Marie DeSimone plays the fading star, Dorothy Brock (substituting for Lynne Sigler), who is somewhat Julian’s mirror image. While Julian is hardened by the business of theater, Dorothy has adopted the tough shell of the diva, which is sometimes played for laughs, but ultimately, is

set aside in the face of Broadway’s greatest truth: It’s all about the talent, the desire, and the willingness to risk all to enchant an audience for a couple hours a night. It’s a truth Julian and Dorothy learn through Peggy’s example. As characters, they grow throughout the course of the show to become something better than when they first appeared on stage. Even a cynic’s got to love a musical that features three-dimensional character development.

Memorable tunes Now toss in some pretty eye-catching costumes (it helps to be a fan of sequins and plaid, the latter especially in evidence in the suit donned by Vincent Musgrave’s Bert, who bore a distinct resemblance to Bob’s Big Boy), a bevy of quick changes (I won-

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M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

dered how David Jennings’ Billy Lawler character got into his tuxedo quite that fast!), and sets that flash, pop and glow. What’s not to like? Particularly when one considers the show includes such memorable tunes as “Lullaby,” “We’re in the Money,” “Quarter to Nine,” “Shuffle off to Buffalo,” and the title number, “42nd Street.” Toby’s production of this perennial theatrical staple is a night to celebrate the art of song and dance and those who give their moxie and tear- and sweat-stained all to be a part of it…which is what this musical is really all about. The show is directed and choreographed by Tina DeSimone, with musical direction by Renie Codelka, set and lighting design by David Hopkins, and wigs/costumes by Larry Munsey.

Performances are Thursdays through Sundays through June 5 at Toby’s Baltimore, located at 5625 O’Donnell St. in the Best Western Hotel & Conference Center. There are also selected Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Thursday matinee performances. Tickets include an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner or brunch. Alcoholic beverages are available from a full-service cash bar. Doors open at 6 p.m. for evening shows, 5 p.m. on Sundays and 10:30 a.m. for matinees. Tickets range from $49.50 to $53.50, depending on the date of the show. Reservations are required. For more information, call (410) 649-1660 or go online at www.tobysdinnertheatre.com. Dan Collins is a Baltimore-based freelance writer.

Decoys

them to Baltimore and Philadelphia restaurants. This exhibit places decoys within their historical context by investigating the tools and techniques used by local hunters throughout the past two centuries for both market and sports hunting. In “Honoring the Masters,” the Decoy Museum recognizes the extraordinary achievements of prominent carvers. Occupying the entire second floor gallery, this exhibit displays a full range of the works of masters such as Steve and Lem Ward, Charlie Bryan, Bob Litzenberg, Paul Gibson, Evans McKinney and others. “Honoring the Masters” allows visitors to analyze and compare the styles of the area’s great carvers while enjoying the scenic vista of the Susquehanna Flats from the second floor gallery. The last permanent exhibit is the R. Madison Mitchell Carving Workshop. Mitchell (1901-1993) is universally recognized as one of the masters of the Havre de Grace style of decoy carving. His simple yet elegant style dominated the decoy market for most of the second half of the twentieth century, and continues to be reflected today in the works of the many carvers who trained with him. The Decoy and Wildlife Art Festival will take place at Havre de Grace Middle School, Recreation Center and the museum from May 6 to 8. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 8. Free shuttle buses are available to all show locations and to downtown Havre de Grace. Admission is $8, and the ticket is valid for the entire weekend. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Museum membership starts at $25 per year for individuals and $40 for families. Members receive free admission, discounts at the gift shop, and a subscription to the museum’s magazine The Canvasback. For more information about the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, call (410) 939-3739, visit its website at www.decoymuseum.com, or stop by 215 Giles St., Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

From page 21 from master to apprentice for generations. The Decoy Museum’s collection consists of approximately 2,700 objects, most of them wooden decoys dating from 1930 to 1990, and representing the work of more than 300 regional decoy-makers. In addition to decoys, the museum owns decorative carvings, boats, guns, textiles, books, documents and photographs. According to Jones, nearly three-quarters of the museum’s collection is open to the public via its exhibits. While major displays are geared to showcasing vintage and contemporary decoys, their makers and the production process, much attention has been given the hunting tradition that gave birth to the decoy. An extensive collection of the instruments once used in carving “counterfeit” wildfowl, as well as many of more recent vintage and still in use, is on display. Showcased also are shotguns of gauges unheard of or outlawed today, punt guns the size of small cannons, and other tools for the massive harvest of waterfowl when it was plentiful, in demand, and had few legal restrictions.

Decoy capital of the world There are four permanent exhibits, plus temporary exhibits that are changed every three to six months. The museum’s main gallery exhibit, “What is a Decoy?,” tells the story of this American folk art tradition, recounts how talented men carved “floating sculpture,” contains examples of working decoys from various flyway regions, and explains why Havre de Grace is known as the “Decoy Capital of the World.” “Gunning the Flats” explores the history of waterfowling on the Susquehanna Flats, an area long noted for its bounty of waterfowl. By the 19th century, sportsmen from all over the world came to the Flats to pursue canvasback ducks, and many of Havre de Grace’s citizens supported their families by hunting waterfowl and selling

B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

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Places where you can volunteer while on vacation. See story on page 25.

A natural beauty beyond words in Alaska is difficult to express in words.

Bountiful outdoor pursuits

PHOTO BY BRUCE GENDERSON

Apart from struggling to write about it, there are numerous ways to enjoy one of Mother Nature’s most splendid settings. Those who prefer to spend their time just basking in the beauty may think they have found the ultimate in dramatic landscapes — until they round the next turn of the road. Visitors who prefer engaging in sports and other activities as they take in the views have a seemingly endless choice of alternatives. Popular warm-weather pastimes range from hiking and biking, to fishing, rafting, sea kayaking and much more. In winter, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and dog mushing are among activities that induce people to brave the cold. Opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural setting, sometimes at close hand, are virtually everywhere. Many Alaska itineraries include a stop in Denali, a world of Arctic tundra and soaring mountains known for sightings of the “big five” — grizzly bear, caribou, moose, wolves and dall sheep. This vast wilderness is also home to a menagerie of other creatures. But those who don’t make it to Denali need not despair. Towns throughout Alaska are never far from the wilderness, and in many places they overlap. Parks often begin within city limits and extend to backcountry landscapes. Moose, bear and other critters looking for food sometimes wander into urban settings, eliciting little surprise from two-legged residents used to such intrusions. For example, the Far North Bicentennial Park at the eastern edge of Anchorage provides inviting habitat for bears and moose. People gather along river banks there and elsewhere during spring and summer to observe the spawning run of salmon. As the fish uncannily return to their birthplace, A bear catches a leaping salmon as it swims upafter spending several years stream to spawn in an Alaska river. From moose and bear to dall sheep, visitors can take a gander at a at sea, they battle their way up wide range of wildlife in the nation’s 49th state. rushing water, leaping to sur-

PHOTO BY BRIAN ADAMS/ALASKA TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

By Victor Block The most immediate, and dramatic, impression Alaska is likely to make on you comes from its sheer size. Alaska has more than twice the area of Texas, and is rimmed by more coastline than all of the other states combined. No wonder the Aleutian people named it “the Great Land.” Mount McKinley — the tallest peak in North America, at more than 20,000 feet — looms over Denali National Park and Preserve. The park itself is larger than Massachusetts, helping to explain how Alaska contains more than two-thirds of the United States’ total national park acreage. Not only is Alaska huge, it is magnificent. The unbelievable scenery is what first catches the eye. Row after row of glacier-garbed mountains stretch to the horizon. Some are reflected in the water of lakes dyed a bluish hue by the silt of melting ice and snow. Braided rivers, which find new routes around ice dams that form during winter, meander through U-shaped valleys that were gouged out eons ago by advancing glaciers. Whether flying over, driving through, walking in, or viewing it from the deck of a ship, the sheer drama of Alaska’s scenery

Kayaking outside of Juneau offers views of the bluish-white Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier is 12 miles long, ending in this lake studded with icebergs that have “calved” from the glacier.

mount low falls along the way. Another obstacle they face is the phalanx of hungry bears that congregate to gorge on their favorite food as they stoke up for the long, frigid winter that instinct tells them lies ahead. Whale-watching cruises offer close-up viewings of those behemoths, if you time it right. Between April and November some 600 humpbacks congregate in waters near Juneau.

Anchoring in Anchorage and Juneau Population centers in Alaska share a unique rough and rugged history. With a population just under 300,000, Anchorage has an urban setting that resembles other U.S. cities of comparable size, along with its share of chain stores and traffic jams. But there also are welcome differences. For one, untamed nature is never far away. Chugach State Park, at the edge of the city, has huge stretches of alpine terrain that are visited by more animals than humans. The Far Nor th Bicentennial Park/ Campbell Tract provides habitat for bears, moose and spawning salmon. People hiking or biking on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail can spot beluga (white) whales swimming nearby and come face-to-face with as many as a half-dozen moose during a brief outing.

A favorite stop of mine is the Alaska Native Heritage Center to delve into Native cultures, part of the state’s mystique. The customs and traditions of the 11 major cultural groups are presented through dance, music, art, storytelling and other mediums at this living history museum. Outside, encircling a pond, stand authentic Native dwellings representing six indigenous groups. Each is staffed by people from villages around Alaska who clearly delight in relating stories of their people. The population of Juneau, the state capital, is slightly more than 30,000, but that number swells during mid-summer tourist season when cruise ships disgorge hordes of passengers. Gold was responsible for the town’s location when it was discovered there in 1880, about 15 years before the Klondike Gold Rush began. Visitors today may relive those heady days during visits to several mining sites, or by trying their hand at panning. Another claim to fame is that the terminus of the most readily accessible of the 10,000 or so glaciers in Alaska, the Mendenhall, is not far outside town. Looming above the suburbs of Juneau, bearing the typical bluish-white glacial hue, it flows about 12 miles from the ice field where it originates. At the lake See ALASKA, page 24

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Alaska From page 23 where the glacier ends, large chunks dramatically break off to become icebergs, in a process called “calving.” Ketchikan occupies the site where Tlingit natives set up summer fishing camps near salmon-rich waters, and it lays claim to the title “Salmon Capital of the World.” It also boasts the largest display anywhere of standing totem poles, in three formal collections as well as in front of private homes. Another popular attraction is Creek Street, a wooden boardwalk over the stream that runs through the heart of town. For about three decades beginning in the Prohibition era, some buildings perched above the water served as brothels. That time is recalled by a sign welcoming visitors to Creek Street, “Where fish and fishermen go up the creek to spawn.” Those structures now house restaurants, galleries and gift shops. The setting is very different in Sitka, where evidence remains of Russia’s incursion and effort at colonization, which ended in 1867 with the sale of the territory to the United States. The Russian Bishop’s House (built 1842-43), onion-shaped domes of St. Michael’s Cathedral, and a replica of a Russian fort blockhouse are among reminders of that chapter of history. Remnants of Russia’s brief influence merge comfortably with constant re-

a es ift! k a g M at e gr

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

minders that the Tlingit, and to a lesser extent Haida and Tsimshain (sim-shee-an) people, have lived in what now is the southeastern corner of Alaska for thousands of years. Everywhere, the rich Native cultures are close at hand.

Native influences Along with Alaska’s breathtaking natural beauty, constant opportunities to interact with wildlife and colorful history, its people also leave an indelible impression. I found this to be so in part because of the respect accorded the cultures of the Native people, and the extent to which they have been woven into the fabric of life. One example is that both many Native and other Alaskans continue to use the word Denali — Athabascan Indian for “The Great One” — as their name for Mount McKinley. Another is that representations of totem poles and other traditional images adorn many T-shirts worn by locals. I was moved by the pride with which an Aleut guide at the Alaska Native Heritage Center described how men from his village hunt for whales from kayaks using poisontip spears, and how the women weave baskets that are among the finest in the world. Non-Native residents manifest pride and independence in their own ways. This is evident in the motto on state license plates, “Alaska — The Last Frontier,” and on a sign I came across in a small town claiming, “Where the road ends and life begins.”

It was voiced by Elizabeth Arnett, a 40something nurse who said she came to Alaska 15 years ago, then added, “It takes an independent spirit to live this far from family and friends.” This spirit was expressed more succinctly by a shop keeper in Ketchikan who, when I inquired why she had moved to the state, replied simply, “adventure.” Travelers seeking an adventure vacation couldn’t do better than to think Alaska. Others who prefer simply to observe wild animals and equally wild scenery from a distance, combined with a lifestyle different from theirs, also are likely to find much to like about the 49th state.

If you go Trips may be timed for viewing the wildlife that holds the most interest for you. Because many animals bear their young during June, newborn sightings are most likely then. July and August are the best times to see bears congregating along rivers to catch salmon swimming upstream to spawn. During August, animals that go on an eating binge in preparation for winter tend to be more visible than at other times. Alaska is a destination best explored by air, land and water. Airline flights between towns provide stunning views of flat tundra, glacier-carved valleys, and snowcapped mountain peaks stretching to the horizon. “Flightseeing” in small planes brings passengers up close and personal with majestic, must-see sites like Mount

McKinley and sprawling glaciers. My wife Fyllis and I chose to join a tour group as the best way to pack as many attractions as possible into a limited time. We selected the eight-day Escorted Alaska Explorer trip, one of a number offered by Gray Line of Alaska. It combines train and motorcoach travel, tours of Denali park, Anchorage and other cities, and additional sites. Rates begin at $2,439 per person. For more information, log onto www.graylinealaska.com or call 1-888-452-1737. The tours do not include airfare. United Airlines currently has the lowest roundtrip fare for June, with flights starting at $589 from BWI. To experience the Inside Passage — the strip of protected waters between Alaska’s southeastern coast and the string of islands that run parallel to it — we chose the Alaska Ferry System over more glamorous, and costly, cruise line vessels. Its 11 ships connect 31 communities in an area where water serves as the highway. While ferry facilities are not luxurious, they are comfortable and clean. Other bonuses are frequent sightings of both sea and land creatures, and opportunities to meet and chat with Alaska residents, including Native people, who frequent the ferries. For information, go to www.ferryalaska.com or call 1-800-642-0066. For information about visiting Alaska, see www.travelalaska.com or call 1-888-655-4020.

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Volunteers mix altruism with global travel Opportunities to lend a hand in other countries are catching on among those nearing or in retirement as a way to see the world while contributing in at least a small way. Here’s a sampling of organizations that offer international service or voluntourism opportunities, with their level of participation by older volunteers:

Cross-Cultural Solutions Headquarters: New Rochelle, N.Y. International volunteer opportunities: The nonprofit’s programs are available in 12 countries, last from two to 12 weeks, and cost $2,923 and up. Work is in orphanages and child care centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for the disabled, and other community organizations. Seniors: From 10 to 20 percent of participants are age 50-plus, often repeat volunteers. Through a partnership with AARP, members get a 25 percent discount on one upcoming trip to spend a week volunteering at a senior care center in Lima, Peru. The cost is $1,482 and includes meals and

lodging, not airfare. More information: www.crosscultural solutions.org; 1-800-380-4777.

Earthwatch Institute Headquarters: Boston International volunteer opportunities: Nonprofit sends about 4,000 volunteers a year on conservation field research projects worldwide. Expedition costs range from $450 to $5,750, averaging $2,662 for a duration of three to 22 days. Seniors: The number of volunteers age 60 or older has doubled in the past decade. Last year, 19 percent of U.S. volunteers were 67 or over. More information: www.earthwatch .org; 1-800-776-0188

Global Volunteers Headquarters: St. Paul, Minn. International volunteer opportunities: Nonprofit’s offerings in 18 countries outside the U.S. include teaching English, caring for at-risk children, providing healthcare services, working with community elders, and

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

painting, constructing or repairing buildings. Seniors: About 50 percent of volunteers are at least 50, and roughly 30 percent are over 60. 2,251 volunteers in 2009. More information: www.globalvolu nteers.org; 1-800-487-1074

Peace Corps Headquarters: Washington, DC International volunteer opportunities: The government-run organization places volunteers in countries from Asia to Central America and from Europe to Africa. They get a living allowance comparable to local pay, then $7,425 at the close of 27 months of service to assist with the transition back home. Seniors: Retired professionals can put their skills to use on projects such as working on HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention in Africa, addressing teacher shortages worldwide, improving the technical knowledge of farmers in Central America, or developing strategic management or marketing plans for small sustainable businesses. Of the 8,655 volunteers in fiscal 2010, 376 (4 percent) were 60-plus, including 42 who were 70-plus. More information: www.peacecorps. gov; 1-800-424-8580

Projects Abroad A L S O

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A R A B

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R A V E D

E C O L I

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

O B E X E C O T H T O T E E A S P C R W O E A W E R B S O O K K N O A R

A B O R T

N I N E A

S T E E L

A L G A

H E A T

O D D S

E X A R E E P E R E E S T E S T

T R E Y

A T R I A

D O A G O O D D E E D

Headquarters: Sussex, England

International volunteer opportunities: About 1,300 Americans participated in this for-profit company’s programs in 25 less-developed countries last year. Teaching English is a common volunteer job; more physical work also is available on nature reserves. Seniors: 9 percent of the 8,000 volunteers worldwide last year were 50 or over, roughly half of them retired. More information: www.projects-abroad. org; 1-888-839-3535

Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) Headquarters: Boston International volunteer opportunities: Only a handful of its 8,000 educational programs involve service abroad. They include recording archaeological sites on Easter Island, assisting in humpback whale research in Costa Rica, and helping to build new classrooms in rural Bolivia. Costs average $260 a night, including accommodations, meals, lectures, activities, transportation within the program, taxes, gratuities and insurance. Seniors: Almost all of the 100 people who enrolled on international service programs last year were in their 60s or older. More information: www.roadscholar. org; 1-800-454-5768 — AP

Whoever said there’s no such thing as a Free Lunch?

From page 26.

Please join us for a free lunch and tour on one of these dates

May 4 or May 18 from

Noon to 1:30 pm We’re looking forward to meeting you!

To RSVP, call Sherille Otto at

410-580-1400 Limited space. Reservations required.

Woodholme Gardens is a truly different senior living community for assisted living and the memory impaired. 1700 Woodholme Avenue • Pikesville, Maryland 21208

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M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

Crossword

Puzzle Page

NEW! Daily Crosswords on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus

Triple Doubles 1

by Stephen Sherr 6

34 40

48 53

JUMBLE ANSWERS

Scrabble answers on p. 25.

Across

Down

1. ___ dark stranger 6. Brain portion 10. Dapper and Desperate 14. Chicago Bears’ charming head coach Smith 15. Head honcho 16. Parting words 17. Longing for lollipops 19. Top quality 20. Switch ups 21. Grill type 22. “... ___ to disagree” 24. Came down with (as a cold) 25. Abstain from alcohol 26. Portion of the U.S.A. 29. The world’s second most popular drink 31. Sign of a hit play 32. Govern 33. It may be well done by a medium (abbrev.) 34. The 43rd state 38. Attentive 40. Held closely 42. Voice of Pepe Le Pew 43. “___ is me” 44. “Good grief!” 45. Compass letters, clockwise from the top 47. Astonish 48. Visits a diner 49. Washington Post employee 53. King or queen, perhaps 55. Well balanced individual 56. They may be Red or White (but not Blue) 57. Paul’s partner on Mrs. Robinson 60. Null neighbor 61. Accountant (or librarian) 64. Israeli airline 65. Part of 2011 AD 66. Pee Wee, whose number was retired by the Dodgers 67. It could get you a stamp in 1974 68. Autocrat 69. Cantankerous

1. “And another thing...” 2. Burg 3. Parallel lines on a Manhattan map (abbrev.) 4. Commit perjury 5. Release 6. Some summer babies 7. Unsuccessful tic-tac-toe column 8. She was Baby Jane 9. Returns from the mountains 10. Emulate a Samaritan 11. Cancel the mission 12. ___ day (ambitious fruit and vegetable goal) 13. Type of guitar or drum 18. Create confetti 23. Heart parts 24. A bit of tri-colored pasta salad 25. Select to run for political office 26. Kuwaiti or Jordanian 27. Consider carefully 28. Singer Fitzgerald 30. Snake head 35. Aquatic organism 36. Miami team 37. This entry, and the next one 39. Sour 40. Chicago fire starter 41. Puma rival 43. Simple card game 46. “From hell’s heart I ___ thee” (Ahab’s declaration) 49. Gave top marks 50. Bacteria that may cause a food recall 51. King of Troy 52. Jackets with wide lapels 54. Apply, as pressure 56. Hershey candy with butter toffee 57. Ruling class in a 1968 sci-fi film 58. Use a 53 Across 59. Low card 62. ___ roll 63. Shoe width

Answers on page 25

Answer: What the lightweight boxer turned into when he retired - A "MIDDLE" WEIGHT Jumbles: LUNGE WHEAT BANDIT NUDISM

B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 1 1

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

Business & Employment Opportunities UNLIMITED INCOME POTENTIAL from home promoting unique products that everyone will need. Will train the right individual. Watch FREE video for complete details at www.HomeBusinessAccess.com/021. ACTORS/MOVIE EXTRAS Needed immediately for upcoming roles $150-$300 per day depending on job requirements. No Experience, All looks needed. 1-800-561-1762 Ext A-104, for casting times/locations. AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 686-1704. ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE Be your own boss 25-machines/ candy all for-$9,995. 1-877915-8222 “S.S.REGNO.299” AINB02653 Void in AK,CT,KY,ME,NE,NH,SD,WA,LA,VA Vend 3, 880 Grand Blvd, Deerpark, N.Y. HANDS ON CAREER – Train for a high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Job placement assistance. Call AIM today (866)8546156. LOCAL DATA ENTRY/TYPISTS NEEDED immediately. $400 PT - $800 FT weekly. Flexible schedule, work from own PC. 1-800-262-8135.

Caregivers LIVE-IN OR LIVE-OUT NURSE with 25 years medical experience and a heart for the elderly. Will provide live-in care for your loved one. Call Liz at 240-672-1767.

Entertainment OPEN MIC: Southwest 109 every Saturday Nite 7-10 p.m., Dewey Loman American Legion. 1610 Sulfur Spring Rd., Halethorpe, MD 21227. 410-242-5256, Ext. 11. Be there!

Financial Services CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536) Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. TRYING TO GET OUT OF DEBT? NO Obligation – Complimentary Consultation $10k in Credit Card/Unsecured Debt YOU have Options!! Learn about NO Upfront Fee Resolution Programs! Call 800-593-3446.

For Rent/Sale Real Estate GARDENVILLE – Large, clean, bright bedroom with microwave & refrigerator for rent on 2nd floor of private home with private bath. Reasonable. References. 410-485-1702.

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For Rent/Sale Real Estate

Wanted

OWN 20 ACRES Only $129. Per/mo., $295/down near growing El Paso, Texas (safest city in America!) Money back guarantee, no credit checks, owner financing. Free map/pictures 1800-755-8953 www.sunsetranches.com.

VINYL RECORDS WANTED from the 20s through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections preferred. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

**ALL Satellite Systems are not the same. Monthly programming starts at $24.99 per month and FREE HD and DVR systems for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-799-4935.

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

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE ELDERLY NATION DONATIONS is seeking vehicle donations running or not. With your donation we are able to give financial support to our local elderly for medicine, medical devices, food, etc. We are a local non-profit organization. You will receive a tax deduction for your donation. Donate by phone at 410-865-3002 or 877-370-3002. On our website www.elderlynationdonations.org.

For Sale LOOK YOUNGER – World’s most advanced age reversing cosmeceuticals. For men and women, all skin types. No harsh chemicals, preservatives or carcinogens. www.blackboxcosmetics.com/ christinev7313, ISA code christinev7313, phone 410-336-1399. FOR SALE Gravely walk-behind lawn mower, electric start, 34” cut, zero turn. Used very little, like new. $875 OBO. Call Dan 410-5294817. EYE LEVEL CRYPT FOR SALE – Baltimore. Inside beautiful chapel overlooking pond. 410960-5002. MEMORY FOAM THERAPEUTIC NASA VISCO MATTRESSES WHOLESALE! T-$299 F-$349 Q-$399 K-$499 ADJUSTABLES - $799 FREE DELIVERY 25 YEAR WARRANTY 90 NIGHT TRIAL 1-800-ATSLEEP 1-800-2875337 WWW.MATTRESSDR.COM.

Health ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with MEDICARE or PPO. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies (mask, tubing, etc) to prevent infections & sores. Plus, FREE home delivery. Call (800) 458-4337. VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99.00 #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Only $2.70/pill. The Blue Pill Now! 1-888-777-9242.

Miscellaneous REACH OVER 28 MILLION HOMES WITH ONE AD BUY! Only $2,795 per week! For more information, contact Roger at 410-2489101. DONATE A CAR – HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES. Fast, Free Towing. Call 7 days/week. Non-runners OK. Tax Deductible. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 1-800-578-0408. ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-510-0784 www.CenturaOnline.com. DONATE A CAR To Help Children and Their Families Suffering From Cancer. Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Children’s Cancer Fund Of America, Inc. www.ccfoa.org 1-800469-8593. AAAA** DONATION. Donate Your Car Boat or Real Estate, IRS Tax Deductible. Free PickUp/Tow Any Model/Condition Help Underprivileged Children. Outreach Center. 1-800-9287566. DONATE YOUR CAR! Breast Cancer Research foundation! Most highly rated breast cancer charity in America! Tax Deductible/Fast Free Pick Up. 800771-9551 www.cardonationsforbreastcancer.org. DONATE YOUR CAR… To the Cancer Fund of America. Help Those Suffering With Cancer Today. Free Towing and Tax Deductible. 1-800835-9372 www.cfoa.org.

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

Vacation Opportunities SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.sellatimeshare.com Call (888) 879-8612.

STAMPS! U.S. only. Small collector buying pre1940. Best price paid. Southwest Stamp Club meets Friday, May 20th, 2011, 1PM, Arbutus. 410-247-4169. LOOKING FOR GOLD and silver coins. Father and son from Howard County will pay cash for your coins. Please call Mac 443-285-2774. STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-6637. Stampex1@gmail.com.

OLD HIFI, STEREO EQUIPMENT PreAmps, Amplifiers, Tuners, Large Old Speakers, James B Lancing, Altec, Tannoy, Quad, Basement-Garage-Attic. Honest Pricing. Please Call Alan 240-478-1100. BUYING SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA Old/New, Entire Collections. For Top $$ Call 410-790-9104. **OLD GUITARS WANTED!** Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, Prairie State, Euphonon, Larson, D’Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker, and Mosrite. Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1930’s thru 1970’s TOP CASH PAID! 1-800-401-0440. MOTORCYCLES WANTED! CASH MONEY PAID! Also select watercraft, ATV & snowmobiles. FREE National Pickup! NO HASSLE! Call 1-800-963-9216 Now! www.SellUsYourBike.com Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm (CDT).

Thanks for Reading!

BEACON BITS

Apr. 28

TOWSON GARDENS DAY

Enjoy the outdoors at Towson Gardens Day on Thursday, April 28, in the Towson Cove area on W. Chesapeake Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plants, crafts, gifts, food, music, exhibits and awards are on tap. Call (410) 825-1144 for more information.

Apr. 29+

42ND ANNUAL FLOWER AND PLANT MARKET

Take a short ride to Westminster for this annual flower and plant market at Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, on Friday to Sunday, April 29 to May 1. Workshops and seminars, gifts and tours of the homestead and grist mill will be available. Hours are noon to 4 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Call (410) 848-2288 for more information.

Apr. 28+

MILLTOWN QUILTERS SHOW

More than 275 quilts, wall hangings, vendors, quilt raffle, peddler’s table, silent auction and free demonstrations will be featured at the Milltown Quilters Quilt Show from Thursday to Saturday, April 28 to 30, at the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, in Columbia. Admission is $5. Call (301) 854-3189 or see www.milltownquilters.com for more information.

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

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

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

M AY 2 0 1 1 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

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

If your Medicare Advantage plan has reduced your benefits or become more expensive, Bravo Health may be able to help. Offering Medicare Advantage plans is our main focus,

+ A few of Bravo Health’s benefits:

0 monthly premium with full state medical assistance

Part D Prescription Drug coverage

and that’s what allows us to do it well. See how Bravo Select (HMO SNP) can help you save and get the benefits you need.

Call a Sales Representative at

1-888-332-2827 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, or visit www.mybravohealth.com.

0 primary care provider visits with full state medical assistance

99 allowance for over-the-counter items

24 one-way trips per year to and from doctor appointments

Bravo Health plans are offered by subsidiaries of Bravo Health, Inc. A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Enrollment is open year round. All cost-sharing is based on your level of state medical assistance - premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may vary based on your income. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, premiums, and copayments may change on January 1, 2012. H2108_11_0034 File and Use 12142010