May 2012 DC Beacon Edition

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Paths to community service

Leading the Muslim community Ahmad, 75, said he hopes he will be a role model for his seven grandchildren, three of whom live with him in his spacious Potomac home, along with his wife Sajida and son and daughter-in-law.

Ahmad, who moved from India to Pakistan as a young man, rose through the latter country’s civil service to become a highranking auditing and accounts official.

He came to the United States in 1968 to work as an auditor for Pakistan at the United Nations’ headquarters in New York City.

After three years in that position, he decided

MAY 2012

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PHOTO BY FRANK KLEIN

By Barbara Ruben As a boy in northern India 60 years ago, Tufail Ahmad’s mother would send him out to the village streets each Thursday to find poor people to bring home to feed.

Once, when she was sick, she gave him money to buy food at a restaurant so others wouldn’t go hungry.

“It is still fresh in my mind. My mother was a giver. So this is where I come from,” recalled Ahmad, who carried on the tradition after he immigrated to America, helping feed thousands through the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation, which he helped found.

Similarly, Ruby Rubens comes from a family with a long tradition of helping others and has devoted countless volunteer hours to working for fair housing policies, providing budgeting assistance to low-income families, and advocating for residents of historically African American communities in Montgomery County.

Their lifetimes of volunteer service have earned both Ahmad and Rubens the Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award, which honors older Montgomery County volunteers. The award has been given since 1988, and was renamed three years ago in memory of Potter, a former county executive, county councilmember and longtime civic activist.

“There is an especially great wealth of talent among our fast-growing population of seniors ages 60 and better,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. “The Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award honors those whose lifelong commitment to volunteer service make them outstanding role models for young and old alike.”

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See special pull-out section after p. 28.

After 9/11, Tufail Ahmad felt that Muslim Americans like himself needed to become more involved in political and charitable endeavors in the larger community. As a result, he helped found the Montgomery County Muslim Council, which provides food to thousands of homeless and low-income residents, among other charitable acts.

Ahmad and Ruby Rubens, a Silver Spring fair housing and educational activist , have won 2012 Neal Potter Path of Achievement Awards, which honor Montgomery County residents age 60 and over for their exemplary volunteer work.

to remain in the United States, first working for a company, then establishing his own.

In 2000, one of his sons took over running the business, and Ahmad retired to devote his time to volunteering and fundraising for the Democratic party.

But on Sept. 11, 2001 “everything changed.” Ahmad quickly recognized the need for Muslim Americans to play a vital role in redefining their identity.

“Several times I sat here in my house with other Muslims and talked about ‘what are our options now? Should we stay home and not get out and see anybody?’” he recalled.

“A realization took place in our community that we have to get out, we have to get

involved, we have to make a solid contribution to the charitable activities going on in the county.”

Thus, the Montgomery County Muslim Council was born, with the goals of involving more Muslims in the political process and volunteering to help those less fortunate.

Their first project involved feeding 1,000 people at the Community for Creative Non-Violence’s shelter in Washington, D.C. Ahmad then spearheaded other efforts to help those in need, including feeding three meals a day during part of Ramadan to homeless women staying at Sophia House, a Rockville shelter.

See PATHS, page 32

ARTS & STYLE

Singer Melanie finds a brand new audience; plus, humorous homage to Hitchcock in The 39 Stepsand and Bob Levey on selfless seniors page 45 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k A way to predict heart attacks? k Don’t overdose on vitamins LAW & MONEY k The risks of Treaury bonds k Reliable investment advice

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SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

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No patience for politics It’s been a few years since I attended the tirement of the baby boom generation will national convention of the American Socie- be having on our society and the challenges ty on Aging, one of the major that presents. She could have associations for professionals talked about how our political of all types who work in the process impedes realistic solufield of aging. tions to practical problems, This year’s event took place such as how to adjust Social in Washington D.C., so I went Security and Medicare to reto the opening session to hear store them to a solid financial the featured speakers. The footing well into the future. hotel ballroom was set up for So imagine my feelings 3,000 convention attendees, when, instead, she gave a with huge screens through- FROM THE harsh, ten-minute tirade out the cavernous room for PUBLISHER against the previous day’s coneasy visibility of the person at By Stuart P. Rosenthal gressional vote on the budget, the dais. denied there was any legitiThe keynote address was to be from mate concern for the future of Social SecuriHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D- ty and Medicare and ruled out any changes Calif.). Sadly, she was called away for a fam- to those programs, and delivered a partisan ily funeral, and was unable to attend. But defense of healthcare reform, claiming it she filmed some brief remarks for the event was 100 percent beneficial to seniors. that were aired on the screens.

It was a purely political speech, blaming Given the opportunity to address thou- Republicans for every problem facing sensands of the most active and influential ac- iors today, and casting President Obama, ademics, social workers, community lead- herself and the Democratic party as the ers and aging professionals in the country, only bulwarks protecting seniors and their Pelosi could have taken several possible “true” advocates from the predatory Retacks, I thought. publicans who have it in for older adults She could have chosen to address some and are out to destroy Social Security and of the most pressing financial, health or so- Medicare for purely political reasons in cial needs of older Americans today. She her view. could have talked about the effects the reShe concluded by asking us to support

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain residents of the Greater Washington D.C., Howard County and Greater Baltimore areas, and is privately owned. Readership exceeds 350,000.

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only Democrats in this fall’s election. Then she wished us a productive convention and signed off.

A few minutes later, after a more substantive, policy-focused talk from the Assistant Secretary for Aging, a live member of Congress took the stage for another “welcoming” address. Representative Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.), who had missed the Pelosi presentation, proceeded to say pretty much the same thing in pretty much the same way.

She railed against the Republican-sponsored budget, defended healthcare reform, portrayed Republicans as enemies of seniors, and asked us all to vote Democratic, all without addressing a single substantive issue in a serious way.

Now, I understand why convention organizers, especially for conferences taking place in Washington, D.C., like to invite administration members and important and/or local members of Congress to speak. It ostensibly pleases the crowd and shows the importance of the organization, and it can provide an opportunity to hear important or relevant pronouncements on occasion.

But I was highly distressed to think this was the best these politicians and their

staffs could come up with. Did they really think a national gathering of this prominence was the appropriate occasion for purely political spiels?

Did they think we don’t understand that such simplistic arguments basically obfuscate real problems and make us feel they don’t take us seriously as thoughtful voters?

Do they not understand that such rants make them look as ignorant and one-sided and venal as they paint the “other side” to be?

The vast majority of American voters have a low opinion of Congress. Disapproval ratings now exceed 80 percent in a number of different national polls. We see its bickering and partisanship as the main reason for its failure to solve otherwise solvable issues.

You might think that members of Congress who wanted to improve their standing with voters would take an opportunity like this to show their statesmanship and integrity by stepping away from partisanship and proposing solutions, rather than wading neck-deep into the muck.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor: It was great to see my new ideas on losing weight in Bob Levey’s column (“Learning not to cave when I feel a crave,” April).

I have enjoyed reading his column since we moved into the area.

With my doctor encouraging me to lose weight, I finally decided there is an easier way than strict dieting. I didn’t imagine the lily pad, but putting off an inclination to eat something when I wasn’t really hungry is a great idea. There are many other things and activities to help forget the sudden crave when it comes on.

As a hospice volunteer visitor, I observe many people who have made the wrong decisions in life and have endangered their health. Our various levels of assisted living are filled with these people. I am in the independent area of our senior living home and hope to remain here for some time.

Since I no longer cook for a husband and five children, I can restrict my baking that I enjoyed doing in the past. My family is most supportive, and I can be a good example to all of them with my daily exercises and activities.

Miriam Roos Springfield, Va. Dear Editor: Mazel Tov on your publisher’s 2012 Leadership in Aging honor. I remember

when you began your publication way back about 23 years ago and how impressed I was with this enthusiastic young man named Stuart R. You certainly found your calling, and the community has greatly benefited from your dedicated work.

Grace Lebow Chevy Chase, Md. Dear Editor: A brief note to tell you how very much I enjoy the Beacon when it arrives monthly in my mailbox at the end of the driveway.

I enjoyed it when I lived one and a half years ago in my little apartment at a community of independent seniors. We all scurried down to the mailroom to collect our copies of the Beacon when they arrived each month.

I am still a faithful reader, even though I now pay for the mailing of it. It is very inexpensive in comparison to its pleasure for me.

I am an 88-year-old lady now still trying to adjust to living with my 69-year-old daughter in this Republican county of Harford. I read five to six hours daily, non-fiction or fiction written prior to the ‘60s, when they were good stories.

Thought you might like to know what one of your readers is like out here in this area.

Marie A. Collins Aberdeen, Md.

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Health Fitness &

MANAGING MIGRAINES A doctor shares his expertise on preventing and alleviating migraine pain LOSE WEIGHT, NOT MONEY Try a trial gym membership and read the fine print on contracts to save GENETIC ROOTS OF GLAUCOMA Researchers are seeking glaucoma patients and their families for a study LOSING COMMON SENSES Aging nerves and many meds can cause loss of taste and smell

Blood test may help predict heart attacks

By Lauran Neergaard Too often, people pass a cardiac checkup only to collapse with a heart attack days later. Now scientists have found a clue that one day may help doctors determine if a heart attack is imminent, in hopes of preventing it.

Most heart attacks happen when fatty deposits in an artery burst open, and a blood clot then forms to seal the break. If the clot is too big, it blocks off blood flow.

The problem: Today’s best tests cannot predict when that is about to happen.

“We don’t have a way to get at whether an artery’s going to crack, the precursor to a heart attack,” said Dr. Eric Topol, director of California’s Scripps Translational Science Institute.

Recently, Scripps researchers reported a new lead — by searching people’s blood for cells that appear to flake off the lining of a severely diseased artery.

Topol’s team measured high levels of those cells, deformed ones, floating in the blood of 50 people who’d just had a heart attack. The research is reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Next, Topol said his team will soon begin needed studies to learn how early those cells might appear before a heart attack, and if spotting them could allow use of clotpreventing drugs to ward off damage.

Some San Diego emergency rooms will study an experimental blood test with chest-pain sufferers whose standard exams found no evidence of a heart attack, he said.

Much more study needed Do not expect a test to predict heart attacks any time soon — a lot more research is needed, caution heart specialists not involved with the study. But they are intrigued.

“This study is pretty exciting,” said Dr. Douglas Zipes of Indiana University and past president of the American College of Cardiology. It suggests those cells are harmed “not just in the minutes prior” to a heart attack, he said, “but probably hours, maybe even days” earlier.

“It’s a neat, provocative first step,” added Dr. William C. Little, cardiology chief at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. “But it is not a biomarker ready for prime time.”

About 935,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack every year, according to government figures. Doctors can tell who’s at risk: People with high blood pressure and cholesterol, who smoke, have diabetes, are overweight or sedentary.

But there’s no way to tell when a heart attack is imminent. Tests can spot that an artery is narrowing, or if a heart attack is under way or already has damaged the heart muscle. They can’t tell if the plaque inside arteries is poised to rupture.

So it’s not that uncommon for someone to suffer a heart attack shortly after passing a stress test or being told that their chest pain was nothing to worry about.

Looking for abnormal cells The published study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, investigated cells shed from the endothelium, or the lining of blood vessels, into the bloodstream. They’re called “circulating endothelial cells.”

First, Topol’s team paired with Veridex LLC, a Johnson & Johnson unit that makes technology used to find cancer cells float-

ing in blood. Could it find these cardiovascular cells, too?

The team took blood samples from 50 heart attack patients — before they had any artery-disturbing tests or treatments — and from 44 healthy volunteers. They counted lots of the endothelial cells floating in the heart attack victims’ blood, and very little in the healthy people’s blood.

The big surprise: The cells in the heart patients were grossly deformed. “Sick cells,” is how Topol describes them.

The study couldn’t tell when those abnormal cells first appeared — and that’s key, said Wake Forest’s Little. It’s not clear how many heart attacks happen too suddenly for any warning period.

But Topol theorizes there are plaques that break apart gradually and may shed these cells for up to two weeks before the heart attack. He cites autopsy studies that found people’s arteries healed several plaque ruptures before the final one that killed them.

Topol said Scripps and Veridex have filed for a patent for a blood test to detect the abnormal cells.

— AP

An ‘overdose’ of vitamins can hurt you

By Anna Miller Recently, on “The Daily Show,” Jon Stewart’s guest, David Agus, a physician and author of the best-selling book The End of Illness, fretted about what could be called America’s vitamin abuse problem.

There have been 50 large-scale studies on supplements, Agus said, and not one has shown a benefit in heart disease or cancer. “I don’t get it,” he said. “Why are we taking these?”

Agus is not alone in his frustration.

Other experts liken buying vitamins to flushing money down the toilet. In some cases, they mean it literally: If the body gets more of certain vitamins than it needs, it often excretes the excess in urine.

That doesn’t stop Americans from spending about $28 billion a year on dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbal supplements. In some cases, people may be spending money only to put their health at risk.

“As Americans, we think more is better,

but that’s not the case with vitamins,” said Dee Sandquist, a registered dietician and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, based in Chicago, IL. Here are three popular vitamin supplements that prove you can, in fact, get too much of a good thing:

Vitamin E Supplement skeptics often point to the story of vitamin E, which was once considered a promising tool for cancer prevention. The National Cancer Institute was so hopeful that vitamin E supplements would decrease rates of prostate cancer that in 2001 it funded a study designed to test the theory.

Instead, the findings revealed that the men who took vitamin E were 17 percent more likely — not less — to develop the disease.

While vitamin E is a key player in immune function and cell communication, it’s best obtained through diet — in foods like wheat germ, sunflower seeds, and broccoli

— and worst when taken regularly as a supplement in high doses.

Like many vitamins, it appears to lose its main benefits when taken in excess.

Vitamin A Vitamin A is what gives carrots their good-for-your-vision reputation. Found in both animal and plant-based products, it’s also important for reproduction, bone health and immune function.

Vitamin A supplements can be important for people with certain conditions that hinder fat absorption, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and pancreatic disorders. But vitamin A deficiency is uncommon among healthy Americans.

And partly because the nutrient can build up to toxic levels in the body, taking more than you need over time can lead to serious liver problems, birth defects and disorders of the central nervous system.

A form of vitamin A called beta-carotene is thought to help prevent cancer — but perhaps only when obtained through the

diet. In pill form, it seems to do just the opposite.

Much as the pivotal vitamin E study backfired, so did the Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study, which found that male smokers who took beta-carotene supplements were 18 percent more likely to develop lung cancer, and 8 percent more likely to die, than the ones who did not.

Gerard Mullin, director of integrative gastrointestinal nutrition services at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md., and author of The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health, has cared for patients who developed liver fibrosis because they overdosed on vitamin A. “A lot of people don’t know it can be dangerous,” he said. “They think it fights infections.”

Vitamin C Infection-fighting prowess is often atSee VITAMINS, page 5

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tributed to vitamin C, as well. From orange-flavored chewables to Emergen-C packets, mega-doses of vitamin C are staples in many American medicine cabinets.

While the natural form of the vitamin supports immune function, there’s only a weak scientific link between regular use of vitamin C supplements and shorter or less severe colds. There’s no good evidence that vitamin C pills can prevent a cold altogether.

Unlike vitamin A, vitamin C is water soluble, which means that if you take more than your body can use, the excess is usually excreted without causing harm. However, Sandquist said, adverse reactions like diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea can occur.

“In high-enough doses, vitamin C can cause kidney stones,” added Mullin. Any amount larger than 500 milligrams per day can be enough to cause a problem, he said. That’s only half a 1-gram packet of Emergen-C. “It rarely happens, but there have been case reports.”

Sandquist recommends that healthy people abide by the Institute of Medicine’s “Tolerable Upper Intake Levels,” which indicates the maximum daily intake of a vita-

Exceeding Your Expectations

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From page 4

min you should consume through a combination of diet and supplements. Taking more than that amount means the risks likely outweigh the benefits. The recommended amount is often less than the limit.

“When the IOM makes their recommendations, they look at all the available research,” she said, so its conclusions are more reliable than any single study, even one that gets a lot of publicity.

Because taking supplements is second nature for many consumers, vitamins are often overlooked as a potential culprit for symptoms like headaches or diarrhea, Sandquist said. It’s important to be conscious of what you’re consuming — in natural, supplement and fortified forms — and to tell your doctor about every last one.

“The best strategy is to follow the ‘choose my plate’ method,” she said, referring to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s healthy food guide. If people do that, she said, “then they probably wouldn’t have to worry about a vitamin supplement unless they have a specific medical condition.”

For the Institute of Medicine’s charts showing tolerable upper intake levels, visit http://bit.ly/upperlimit. © 2012 U.S. News and World Report

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

FDA panel supports new painkiller study

By Matthew Peronne A panel of arthritis experts recently recommended that the federal government allow continued testing of an experimental class of pain drugs for arthritis, despite links to bone decay and joint failure.

The Food and Drug Administration’s 21member panel of arthritis experts voted unanimously that research on the nerveblocking drugs should continue, with certain safety precautions. Reports of joint failure led the agency to halt studies of the drugs in 2010 before any of the medications could be submitted for U.S. approval.

Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have asked the FDA to lift the moratorium on testing of

their drugs. The FDA will weigh the advice of its panel before making a final decision.

“There’s clearly a worrisome safety signal, but in spite of that, I think there’s an unmet need in certain patient populations,” said panelist Dr. Sherine Gabriel, of the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minn.

Blocks nerve signals Panelists noted that not all patients respond to medications currently on the market, like Aleve and aspirin. The experts also said that the drugs could prove useful in treating a variety of other chronic pain conditions for which there are few options.

“Anything that has the hope of helping pain patients is worth pursuing,” said

Susan Broyles, the patient representative on the panel.

Drugmakers have touted the drugs, known as nerve growth factor inhibitors, as a potential breakthrough for treating osteoarthritis, back pain and other chronic pain conditions.

They’ve pointed to strong results in early testing and shortcomings of familiar painkillers like aspirin and Advil, as well as powerful opiate-based drugs. Anti-inflammatory painkillers like Advil can cause stomach bleeding, while opiates carry a high risk of addiction.

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Experts said more study is needed to determine why some patients taking the drugs saw their arthritis worsen, in some cases to the point of joint failure. One industry theory is that patients become more active after their pain subsides, leading to increased damage at their most problematic joints.

Data analyses by the FDA showed a higher rate of joint problems among patients taking nerve-inhibitors and anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time. However, there were also cases of bone deterioration in pa-

tients taking the newer drugs alone.

The FDA’s panel said the new drugs should not be mixed with older medications in future studies. Additionally, patients should be warned of the safety risks in a detailed informed consent waiver. The drugmakers should also take X-ray and MRI images to track the strength of patients’ bones throughout the trial.

Problems with nerve growth factor inhibitors first emerged in the summer of 2010, when the FDA asked Pfizer to halt studies of its experimental injection tanezumab in patients with osteoarthritis, low back pain and diabetic nerve pain. The action came after Pfizer researchers reported that osteoarthritis actually worsened in certain patients, requiring joint replacements in some cases.

In December that year, the FDA put a research hold on all drugs in the class after similar problems emerged, halting studies by Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. Regeneron was developing a compound called REGN475, in cooperation with Sanofi-Aventis. Johnson & Johnson was testing its drug fulranumab in several pain conditions.

The FDA lifted its hold on a trial of the drug for cancer pain last summer, though studies for osteoarthritis remain on hold.

— AP

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If your senses of taste and smell change

By Dr. Paul Takahashi Dear Mayo Clinic: Why do we lose our sense of taste and smell as we get older? I’m 86 and very much miss tasting food the way I used to. Is there anything I can do to reverse the loss?

Answer: A decrease in taste and smell commonly occurs with aging. But if you lose these senses suddenly, or if you notice a significant change in your ability to smell and taste, see your doctor, as certain medications or an underlying medical problem could be to blame.

Although nothing can be done to reverse the process if it’s related to aging, there are ways to make eating more enjoyable and ensure you get proper nutrition, even if your taste and smell aren’t what they used to be.

Our senses of smell and taste are closely related. The tongue has taste buds and taste receptors that allow us to perceive sweet, sour, salty and bitter. In addition, when we eat, food releases odors that engage olfactory nerves within the nose. Those aromas combine with the tastes on our tongue to contribute to the overall enjoyment of food.

Nerve loss and other causes With aging, nerves within the nose tend to degenerate, decreasing the ability to smell and taste. To some degree, nerve degenera-

tion also affects the taste buds. For most people, that is less of a problem, though, because the tongue has more nerves than the nose. So, quite a bit of nerve loss would have to occur before you noticed a decrease in taste due to problems with taste buds alone.

Age-related changes to taste and smell occur gradually over time, and there’s no way to reverse those changes. In some cases, however, loss of taste and smell may not be a product of aging alone. Nasal and sinus problems — such as nasal polyps, allergies or sinusitis — can lead to a decrease in these senses.

Dental issues, including an abscess, tooth decay or poor dental hygiene, may also interfere with your ability to taste and smell. Cigarette smoking is another common cause for a decrease in taste and smell.

In certain cases, a loss of these senses could be a sign of a more serious underlying medical concern. For example, some neurologic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, may cause loss of taste and smell in their early stages.

If your ability to taste or smell changes abruptly, or if you notice a big decrease in these senses, that should be evaluated by your doctor.

talk to your doctor about the possibility that they could be interfering with taste and smell. Many drugs can affect those senses, particularly beta blockers and angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Sometimes a change in medication or treatment for an underlying medical concern may help relieve the loss of taste and smell.

For many people, though, these senses simply fade with age and the loss is permanent. If that’s the case for you, take steps to make eating more pleasant by eating with other people as much as possible.

When eating is a social event, people often enjoy their meals more.

Also, experiment with different flavors.

You may be able to taste some types of food, seasonings and spices better than

others. Just be careful not to put too much salt on food, as excess sodium in your diet could lead to additional health concerns.

As taste and smell begin to decrease, be mindful of your eating habits. Some people eat less or begin to eat in unhealthy ways when they lose these senses. Eating three nutritious meals a day, as well as healthy snacks, is important to staying healthy and preventing some common health problems associated with aging.

Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. For health information, visit www.mayoclinic.com. © 2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.

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

Understanding and managing migraines Dr. Paul B. Rizzoli, director of the John R. Graham Headache Center at Faulkner Hospital, Boston, Mass., is an expert on migraines. Co-author of The Migraine Solution: A Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Pain Management (Harvard Health Publications/St. Martin’s Press), Rizzoli shared some of his expertise with editors of the Harvard Health Letter.

Q: What is a migraine headache?

A: Migraine can be defined as a limiting headache — a headache that stops you from functioning. The pain is not a mild, insignificant thing you can ignore; you must actively decide what to do about it. Nausea is also a common symptom.

More and more, it seems like migraine is a separate illness. In the future, it’s likely

that we’ll be able to define migraine by its distinct genetic pattern.

Q: Where does the pain come from?

A: We think that migraine “lives” in the brain. The brain doesn’t have pain receptors, but it processes pain signals from other parts of the body. It’s the pain processing networks, or centers, in the brain that are overly reactive or dysfunctional in migraine.

Q: Isn’t there a theory that the pain comes from the dilation — widening — of blood vessels in the brain?

A: That was the dominant theory in the 1960s. But much of the evidence now is that blood vessel constriction and dilation is an epiphenomenon — something that accompanies the pain from migraine but doesn’t cause it.

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Q: Where do triggers fit in?

A: The notion of triggers is central to the diagnosis of migraine. We look for patterns of reactivity and for events or circumstances that set off individual headaches. The problem is that even when you identify triggers, there’s frequently not a lot you can do about them. You can’t control weather changes, for example.

I think triggers have often been overemphasized in some of the self-help approaches to migraine. Advice on managing triggers can suggest a sense of personal control over migraines that often isn’t there.

Q: And dietary triggers?

A: They exist, but I also think that people can drive themselves crazy trying to identify them. We frequently hear patients report that when they are adequately treated, chocolate, alcohol and other dietary triggers disappear.

Q: Have drugs like Imitrex made a big difference?

A: Imitrex (sumatriptan) is one of the triptan drugs. The triptans have revolutionized treatment of migraine headaches once they start to occur — what we call abortive treatment. They allow people to take a specific medicine to target a specific condition and often get back to having a fairly normal day.

Q: People also take medication on an ongoing basis to keep the headaches from occurring, don’t they?

A: Yes, we have three major groups of preventive medications that we prescribe: anti-seizure medications, blood pressure drugs, and the older tricyclic antidepressants. It is a diverse set of agents, and why they work is not entirely clear, but they seem to reduce headache reactivity — the triggers may still be there, but they fail to set off the migraine event.

Botulinum toxin — Botox — injections into various places on the head also seem to help reduce headache reactivity in some people.

Q: Is there one drug that you prescribe more than the others?

A: I have found amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, others), one of the older tricyclics, to be particularly effective, often at a low dose: 10 milligrams a day compared with the 100to 150-milligram dose that was used for depression. Sedation and weight gain are side effects. Amitriptyline is long-acting, so I usually recommend that people take it around dinnertime so they don’t sleep too late.

Q: Are there any alternative approaches that work?

A: Complementary and alternative therapies are usually not strong enough to treat a tough migraine problem alone, but they might be helpful for a mild one. And a lot of these treatments are very hard to study in a double-blind fashion.

The technique for which there is the most evidence is biofeedback, but the problem is that biofeedback is not widely available and often isn’t covered by insurance.

My own personal favorite for patients is yoga, because it is so widely available and affordable, and it probably has other health benefits.

Q: How has your own understanding of migraine evolved over the years?

A: Certainly our knowledge about migraine has improved. But if I had to pick one thing, it would be my appreciation of just how much of an impact migraines can have on people’s lives.

It took me 15 to 20 years to really understand what migraine patients are going through and what a huge impediment miSee MIGRAINES, page 9

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

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Is there benefit to mapping your genome?

By Lauran Neergaard Gene scans for everyone? Not so fast.

New research suggests that for the average person, decoding your own DNA may not turn out to be a really useful crystal ball for future health.

Today, scientists map entire genomes mostly for research, as they study which genetic mutations play a role in different diseases. Or they use it to try to diagnose mystery illnesses that plague families. It is different from getting a genetic test to see if you carry, say, a particular cancer-causing gene.

But as genome mapping gets faster and cheaper, scientists and consumers have wondered about possible broader use: Would finding all the glitches hidden in your DNA predict which diseases you’ll face decades later?

But a negative test for most of the rest of the diseases does not mean you will not get them. It just means that you are at no more risk than the general population. Those are the findings Vogelstein’s team reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Why? Cancer, for example, typically does not result from inherited genes but from mutations that can form anytime, Vogelstein explained. Many other common diseases are influenced by lifestyle and environment — so you would still have to eat well, exercise and take the other usual precautions.

The study examined just one possible future use of genome mapping. It does not mean there are not other benefits from the effort.

Vague predictions at best

Make no mistake: This technology does have huge promise for customizing care for certain people, especially children with otherwise undiagnosed illnesses, said Dr. James Lupski of Baylor College of Medicine, who wasn’t involved in the study.

Last year, Baylor researchers reported one of the first examples of genome mapping directly benefiting a patient. It found a mutation that pointed to the right treatment for a 14-year-old girl’s baffling trouble breathing.

But even if finding a genetic explanation does not lead to treatment, knowing

Johns Hopkins University developed a model using registries of thousands of identical twins, who despite their shared genes can develop different diseases.

They examined 24 ailments, including different types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Under best-case scenarios, most people would be told they had a somewhat increased risk of at least one disease, said Dr. Bert Vogelstein, a Hopkins cancer geneticist and the study’s senior author.

Migraines From page 8 graine is on their lives. I’ve also come to understand that it often takes a lot for people to come in for care. Many patients have some level of shame about their migraines.

Q: Shame? Really?

A: Shame is a strong word, but I think it’s appropriate. They have shame because they think they should be able to handle it on their own. And shame because they have often made an effort to talk to doctors about migraine and have been passed off as complainers.

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Health Shorts Free Medicare counseling benefit If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you can get one “intensive behavioral therapy” session aimed at preventing heart disease, and weekly sessions for a month or more for help dealing with obesity — no co-pay required.

Both benefits are available only in a “primary care setting.” For Medicare’s purposes, that means the office of a general or family practitioner, internist or geriatrician. Cardiologists don’t seem to qualify as primary care physicians according to this definition, although some perform primary care functions.

Medicare also won’t pony up if these services take place in a hospital, outpatient

E E FR

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

surgery center, nursing home or diagnostic testing facility.

Both programs focus on changing behavior to achieve agreed-upon goals. The cardiovascular program is a one-shot deal, and includes counseling about healthful eating.

While it’s aimed primarily at people with cardiovascular risk factors, if you already have heart disease, no conceivable harm could come from taking advantage of this free session.

The obesity program is more extensive but is restricted to people with a body mass index of 30 or higher. It offers weekly visits for one month, followed by every-otherweek sessions for another five months.

Medicare will pay for additional monthly sessions for up to a year if the beneficiary loses at least 6.6 pounds during the first six months.

For more information about these Medicare freebies, visit http://MyMedicare. gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. — Harvard Heart Letter

Shrub’s secrets could fight aging A flowering Tibetan shrub that tricks cells into thinking they are starving could become a weapon against multiple sclerosis and even old age.

The roots of the blue evergreen hydrangea (Dichroa febrifuga) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat malaria. Now Tracy Keller and colleagues at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston have found that halofuginone — a chemical based on the roots’ active ingredient — blocks immune reactions that can cause disease.

Cells stop the synthesis of non-vital proteins when amino acids are in short supply. Keller’s team discovered that halofuginone mimics such a shortage by blocking an enzyme that feeds one amino acid to the protein-making machinery.

Keller found that the drug triggers a

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chemical cascade that responds to amino acid scarcity. This inhibited the growth of malaria parasites, stopped blood cells from making proteins that cause inflammation, and stopped the development of specific white blood cells that trigger conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, according to a study in Nature Chemical Biology.

This could make the drug effective against autoimmune disease. But as halofuginone mimics nutrient deprivation, there is another possible use.

Animals that receive only just adequate nutrition live longer because diseases that involve inflammation are prevented. That, said Keller, means halofuginone might work as an anti-aging drug.

— New Scientist

Best meds for resistant high blood pressure If you have resistant high blood pressure (hypertension), you’re probably already doing a lot to lower it. But a study suggests that people with resistant hypertension rarely get two particularly effective drugs, and often they get a drug combination that’s not very helpful.

Resistant hypertension occurs when blood pressure stays high despite taking three or more drugs, or when a person needs four or more drugs to reach blood pressure goals.

Colorado researchers reviewed insurance claims for more than 140,000 such people.

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Digestive Health Corner Sponsored by Capital Digestive Care

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a and once diagnosed, there is no known very common disorder affecting up to cure. However, gastroenterologists are 20% of people in the United States, in- trained to diagnose and effectively mancluding men and women of all ages and age IBS in all its different forms, and people suffering from sympraces. Often characterized toms should not be afraid to by abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or seek treatment. Your doctor constipation, IBS can can identify an appropriate cause a great deal of discourse of treatment to effeccomfort and distress, but tively manage your sympdoes not permanently toms and run certain tests harm the intestines or lead to make sure other, more seto more serious diseases, rious diseases, are not pressuch as cancer. While ent. Symptoms such as

By Arnold G. Levy many treatments are availbleeding, weight loss or pain MD, FACP able – from simple lifestyle that awakens you from sleep and dietary modifications are not typical for IBS. In to advanced prescription medications – these situations, you should seek medstudies show only a fraction of people ical attention right away. with IBS seek medical attention.

Researchers have yet to discover any There is no one single test for IBS, specific cause of IBS. One theory is

that people who suffer from IBS have an intestinal tract that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain foods, medications and/or stress. That sensitivity may result in abnormal motility (or movement) throughout the intestinal tract. Sometimes, people will develop IBS after a gastrointestinal infection.

If you have symptoms of IBS, seek the help of a gastroenterologist. He or she can properly diagnose and treat your symptoms. Many people can control their symptoms by following simple dietary and lifestyle changes: 1. Exercise regularly.

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3. Try to reduce the stress in your life and participate in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise or meditation.

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Health shorts From page 10 fective at reducing blood pressure and curbing bad cardiovascular consequences than the most-often-prescribed diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, generic).

Also, only 6 percent of the people were prescribed an aldosterone blocker such as spironolactone, which guidelines recommend for resistant hypertension.

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bination that evidence indicates is not very effective. In late 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first chlorthalidone-ARB combination (Edarbyclor), which could make taking this effective combo more convenient.

If your blood pressure is stubbornly high and you’re not taking chlorthalidone or spironolactone, or if you’re taking the ACE-ARB combination, ask your doctor why. There may be good reasons, but you should know what they are.

Keep in mind that people who have both kidney disease and high blood pressure should take a loop diuretic like furosemide (Lasix), which is easier on the kidneys.

— Harvard Heart Letter

Tattoos take on a medical purpose Tattoos have long served as fashion statements, but a small number of Americans are now relying on them for a more practical, potentially lifesaving purpose: to warn first responders about important medical conditions.

Some medical tattoos are being used to take the place of bracelets that commonly list a person’s allergies, chronic diseases or even end-of-life wishes.

“Bracelets are nice, but something as strong as a tattoo ... that is a strong statement,” said Dr. Ed Friedlander, a Kansas City pathologist who has “No CPR” tat-

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tooed in the center of his chest, where a paramedic would see it.

Friedlander, 60, got the tattoo to emphasize his decision to forgo CPR if his heart stops.

Medical tattoos don’t appear to carry much legal weight. It’s unclear whether an ambulance crew racing to treat a gravely ill patient could honor a request such as Friedlander’s based on the tattoo alone.

But the markings do offer a simple and permanent way to give rescuers important health details.

Melissa Boyer, of Nashville, Mich., wore bracelets for years to identify her as a diabetic, but she kept losing or breaking them.

The 31-year-old decided months ago to get a 3 1/2-inch tattoo on her left forearm that includes the medical symbol and identifies her as a Type 1 diabetic. It also declares her allergies to penicillin and aspirin.

The American Medical Association does not specifically address medical tattoos in its guidelines. But Dr. Saleh Aldasouqi, an endocrinologist at Michigan State University, hopes that might change.

Aldasouqi, who has written about the tattoos, has seen them among his diabetic patients and feels they are becoming so popular that the medical profession needs to help guide their development.

It would be helpful, for instance, if the tattoos were uniform or placed in the same area of the body so responders would know where to look, he said.

— AP

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May 20

THE LATEST IN EYE RESEARCH

The director of the National Institutes of Health’s National Eye Institute, Dr. Paul Sieving, will present “Eye Research Update 2012” on Sunday, May 20 at Sibley Memorial Hospital Conference Center, 5215 Loughboro Rd. NW, Washington, DC. The program, garage parking and refreshments are all free. Register by visiting http://www.sibley.org/community/events or call (202) 234-1010.

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

13

How to lose weight without losing money

By Eileen AJ Connelly Americans spent about $26 billion on weight loss in 2011, according to Marketdata Enterprises, a market research firm.

Of the total, about $20 billion was spent on health clubs, $3.4 billion or so on commercial weight-loss programs, and roughly $2.4 billion on diet or low-cal foods.

The growth in weight-loss spending has slowed due to the struggling economy, said John LaRosa, Marketdata president.

Plus, more dieters are now using online programs that emphasize using regular food, for instance, rather than the more expensive programs that require purchasing their food products.

But plenty are still getting daily deliveries of prepackaged meals. And plenty more are signing up for programs they abandon long before their contracts run out.

Here are three tips to help you get started losing weight, without losing your cash: 1. Try a trial gym membership or pay-as-you-go plan.

Paying for the time you actually use can save you money. One University of California-Berkeley study found that a $70 monthly membership cost individuals about $600 more during the life of the contract than if they paid $10 per visit. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because customers only went to the gym an average of 4.3 times per month.

For more on the questions you should ask before signing up at a gym, check out the advice from the Better Business Bureau here: http://bit.ly/ybOiWz .

2. Read the contract before you sign.

Some weight-loss programs require you to pay for every meeting, even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend. Others automatically charge your credit card each month, even if you stop charting your meals and exercise data on their website.

Most ready-to-eat meal programs charge delivery fees that may not be mentioned in their advertised prices. Make sure you understand the real costs of any program before you sign up, and know how to get out of a contract if you change your mind.

3. Search for a low-cost program Hospitals, universities and community organizations often offer less expensive programs. Other alternatives include the nonprofit Tops Club Inc., www.tops.org, and Overeaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anonymous, www.oa.org.

Neither offer specific meal plans, but both offer supportive meetings and guidelines.

Get informed Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also possible to build a do-it-yourself program, but to do so, you need the right information. There are a lot of wacky diets out there, some that can do more harm than good. Go to the experts for diet and nutrition advice: The website of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, www.eatright.org, offers fact sheets on healthy weight loss, tips for eating out, and you can also get the lowdown on fad diets and read reviews of popular smartphone applications, like Calorie Counter, Daily Burn and Lose It! Advice on losing weight and how to keep it off is also available on the websites of the federal Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/healthyweight; the National Institutes of Health, http://health.nih.gov/ topic/WeightLossDieting; and the Health and Human Services Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WeightControl Information Network, http:// win.niddk.nih.gov.

Try a podcast for tips and advice. Listeners rave about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cut the Fatâ&#x20AC;? podcast, www.cutthefatpodcast.com. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of dozens focused on fitness and nutrition â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AP available for free on iTunes.

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May 10

BACK PAIN MANAGEMENT

If you are struggling with back pain or would like to know more about injury prevention, join Dr. Lori E. Nelson from Capitol Spine & Pain Centers on Thursday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at the Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. Register for this free program by calling (703) 228-0955.

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Health Studies Page

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

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Help discover genetic roots of glaucoma

By Barbara Ruben Glaucoma can stealthily steal vision, irreparably damaging the optic nerve before patients with the disease even know they have it. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why screening is important.

So is being aware of risk factors, such as being over age 60 or being African American. One of the strongest risk factors for many types of glaucoma is having a family member with the disease.

Of course, not everyone with a relative who has glaucoma will be diagnosed with the disease themselves, but researchers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet have a way to predict who will get it.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why doctors at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda and at several other institutions in the U.S. and China are seek-

ing patients and their family members for a study on the genetics of glaucoma.

Researchers would like to define genetic influences and eventually isolate the genes causing those diseases. They hope this will lead to new testing methods, such as a blood test, as well as better treatment options.

Glaucoma is a set of eye diseases that affects nearly 70 million people worldwide and three million people in the United States. Currently, sight lost to glaucoma can never be recovered.

The disease is caused when optic fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure on the optic nerve. This damages the optic nerve, causing vision to deteriorate.

Who can participate in the study?

Patients age 4 and older who have glaucoma or related diseases, or whose family members have those diseases, may be eligible for this study.

They will make one visit, lasting several hours, to the National Eye Institute. Other sites participating in the study include Duke University in Durham, N.C., the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China.

Participants will complete a medical history so that doctors can verify the diagnosis, as well as learn about medical problems and surgeries. Participants will also draw a family tree to help researchers gather data about vision problems in their families.

Participants will also undergo a complete eye examination. Eye drops will be used to dilate the pupils of patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eyes, which will stay dilated for four to six hours.

There may be some temporary glare in brightly lit areas, which can be reduced by wearing sunglasses.

In addition, while dilated, photographs of the eyeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retina and perhaps the lens will be taken. The light that is involved with the specialized photography may cause some mild discomfort.

Patients will also undergo eye tests regarding color vision, field of vision, and ability to see the dark. Also, there will be a measurement of pressure in the eye and thickness of the cornea.

DNA samples taken

Research Project *OPWB "MFYBOESJB )PTQJUBM 6SPMPHZ BOE *OUFSWFOUJPOBM 3BEJPMPHZ %FQBSUNFOUT BSF DPOEVDUJOH B SFTFBSDI QSPKFDU UP FWBMVBUF B NJOJNBMMZ JOWBTJWF USFBUNFOU PQUJPO GPS #FOJHO 1SPTUBUJD )ZQFSQMBTJB FOMBSHFE QSPTUBUF HMBOE

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To study patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DNA, the researchers will obtain a blood sample of about four teaspoons from patients 10 years or older.

A smaller sample will be collected from younger patients.

Those DNA samples will be used only for research into glaucoma within a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. (Family members may also participate in the study if they wish.) No other testing or research will be conducted on the blood samples without a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s separate permission. The DNA will be stored by codes that the researchers define and kept in a secured building.

In this study, researchers will not provide information about a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health to other family members or other people. If information obtained from this study may be important to patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health, they will be informed when it is available.

No compensation is provided for participation.

For more information, or to volunteer, call the NIH Clinical Center Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at 1800-411-1222. Refer to the study as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clinical and Molecular Studies in Families with Glaucoma and Related Diseasesâ&#x20AC;? or by its identification code NCT00272363.

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ALZHEIMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PRESENTATION

Learn about the types of behaviors exhibited by those with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the best ways caregivers can address these in a presentation by nurse Wanda Goldschmidt of the Copper Ridge faculty, a nonprofit dementia research and education organization. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kensington Park Retirement Community, 3620 Littledale Rd., Kensington, Md. To register, call (301) 946-7700.

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

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Estrogen lowers breast cancer risk in some

In women who developed breast cancer, there were six deaths among those who had taken estrogen compared to 16 in those who took placebos. The lower risk of breast cancer didn’t apply to women with a family history of the disease or those who previously had benign breast lumps.

Doctors said women should not take estrogen to lower their breast cancer risk since the hormone comes with slightly higher chances of stroke and blood clots.

Research published last year found those problems appeared to fade after women stopped taking the pills.

“Estrogen on its own appears to be safe,” said Dr. Anthony Howell, professor of medical oncology at the University of Manchester, who co-authored a commentary in the journal.

Scientists aren’t sure why estrogen appeared to lower the risk of breast cancer, but Howell said altering the amount of estrogen in the body might help stop tumor growth, since fluctuating levels could interfere with tumor development.

Other experts weren’t convinced. “It’s inconsistent with the totality of evidence that finds estrogen increases breast cancer risk,” said Valerie Beral, director of the

Check off the health studies you’d like to receive FREE information about. ❏ ❏ ❏

Glaucoma/DNA study (See article p. 14) Healthy Volunteers 80+/IDEAL Study (See ad, p. 15) Prostate Study (See ad, p. 14)

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Hear the latest research from the director of the National Eye Institute (NEI) Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D. Director, National Eye Institute National Institutes of Health Learn how NEI researchers are spending your tax dollars seeking solutions for Macular Degeneration and other retinal diseases through stem cell and genetic research.

When: Sunday, May 20, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Sibley Memorial Hospital Medical Building 5215 Loughboro Road, NW Washington, DC 20016 Free garage parking adjacent to the Medical Building.

To register for this free event, visit www.sibley.org/events or call (202) 234-1010 Sponsored by the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington, Sibley Senior Association and the Beacon Newspapers.

✃

Dr. Peter Bowen-Simpkins, medical director of the London Women’s Clinic and a spokesman for Britain’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said the study was still reassuring news for women who had hysterectomies seeking relief from menopausal symptoms.

“A lot of their suffering could be spared,” he said.

— AP

• H E A LT H ST U DY I N F O • H E A LT H ST U DY I N F O • H E A LT H ST U DY I N F O •

H E A LT H S T U D Y I N F O • H E A LT H S T U DY I N F O

Doctors have long prescribed hormones for women after menopause to relieve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. The pills were also believed to be good for bones, the heart and have other health benefits.

In the 1990s, researchers began a large, U.S.-funded study, known as the Women’s Health Initiative, looking at the effects of estrogen-progestin combination pills and estrogen-only therapies.

The estrogen-progestin part of the study was stopped in 2002 when the combo pill was linked to higher risks for heart attacks and breast cancer. In 2004, the estrogen study was halted after researchers detected stroke and blood clot risks in that group.

Those results shook up conventional wisdom about hormone replacement therapies and led women to stop taking them in droves. Now the advice is to take the hormones to relieve symptoms at the low-

Lower cancer death rate, too

cancer epidemiology unit at Oxford University. She said the analysis was a subset of a larger trial that wasn’t designed to specifically look at breast cancer.

“If you want to take hormone replacement therapy, estrogen-only has a much lesser effect on breast cancer than with progestin,” she said. “But to say it protects against breast cancer is wrong.”

• H E A LT H ST U DY I N F O • H E A LT H ST U DY I N F O • H E A LT H ST U DY I N F O •

Heart risk concerns

est dose possible for the shortest amount of time because of the potential risks.

Estrogen-only pills are recommended for the approximately 25 percent of women in menopause who have had hysterectomies. Other women are prescribed the combo pill: estrogen alone can raise their risk of cancer of the uterus.

In the new analysis, Anderson and colleagues tracked more than 7,600 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 who had a hysterectomy. Roughly half took estrogen while the other half took placebo pills for about six years. Most women in both groups had yearly mammograms. The women were followed for about 12 years.

In the group that took estrogen, there were 151 cases of breast cancer versus 199 in those on fake pills. That amounted to a 23 percent lower risk of cancer, researchers said.

H E A LT H S T U D Y I N F O • H E A LT H S T U DY I N F O

By Maria Cheng Women who take estrogen after menopause appear to have a lower risk of breast cancer even years after they quit taking the hormone, according to a new analysis of a landmark study.

The results are reassuring news for women who have had hysterectomies and use the pills to relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, the researchers and other doctors say. Previous observational studies have suggested a possible connection between estrogen and breast cancer.

The new research found women who had a hysterectomy who took estrogenonly pills for about six years were about 20 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than those who didn’t take the hormone, and the benefit lasted for at least five years. The study was published in the journal Lancet Oncology.

“If women are suffering from serious menopause symptoms and have had a hysterectomy, then estrogen alone is a reasonable approach,” said Garnet Anderson, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and the study’s lead author.

16

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

Poles can help walkers keep better balance Q: Is there any benefit to what look like ski poles that I see people walking with in the park?

A: These poles are called walking poles or trekking poles, and they offer several possible benefits. You can work more muscles in your walk with the increased arm movement, such as your chest and abdominal muscles a bit.

And if you have difficulty with balance, especially walking on uneven outdoor terrain, walking poles can be a big help making those walks safer.

These poles can be especially helpful if you like to walk hills. As you climb up, the poles can transfer some weight to your upper body, reducing leg fatigue. As you go down hills,

they can help you keep your balance and reduce stress on knees and other joints.

Walking poles differ in weight and features. Some have an anti-shock feature, which can be especially helpful for people with weak ankles, knees or hips. But it does add to the poles’ weight and price, so may not be worth it if you’re looking mainly for balance and support or a chance to add upper body movement to your walks.

It’s important to learn how to adjust the poles to proper length for your body. For walking on flat ground, your elbow should bend at a 90-degree angle with your forearm flat and parallel to the ground. You may want to shorten them a bit for more support on an uphill climb, or lengthen them a bit

Our Mission: To secure the well-being of Montgomery County Seniors through the shared strength of diverse organizations and individuals.

Professionals working with seniors are invited to our Monthly GROWS meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. usually at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md.

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for better balance as you go down a big hill. side-to-side jumps, which again can be All in all, the poles aren’t fitness magic, great, but if you are out of shape or carrybut the right type can be a fun ing a lot of excess weight, addition to hiking and may stepping down wrong in that make those walks safer for side-to-side movement can people with balance problems. lead to significant ankle or Q: I’ve seen advertiseknee injuries. ments for home exercise proFor unsupervised at-home grams that include someexercise, it’s extra important thing called plyometrics. It’s that you not attempt moves supposed to be extra-effecthat could lead to injury if done tive for weight loss, but I’m incorrectly, or at an intensity wondering if it’s safe for that may be unsafe for you. someone rather out-of-shape. NUTRITION Plyometrics is a vigorous A: Plyometrics is a popular WISE enough program that if you form of exercise today, includ- By Karen Collins, are unfit or significantly overed in a wide range of pro- MS, RD, CDM weight, you should check grams from boot camps at with your doctor first to make your local fitness center to sports condi- sure it’s safe, and start with instruction tioning classes. from a certified fitness professional to Plyometrics exercises come in many dif- learn proper technique. Proper footwear ferent forms, all of which focus on quick, and a resilient surface are also important. explosive moves that aim for strength, For home exercise as you begin your fitpower and speed all at once. ness journey, choose challenging but less Intensity is high, so while Plyometrics extreme programs, enjoy a relaxing and inburns many calories and can be great for vigorating walk, or simply turn on some advancing cardiovascular fitness, the pace music and dance. and form could be unsafe for someone The American Institute for Cancer Rewho’s out of shape. search offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800One common Plyometrics movement in- 843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday volves jump squats: you jump as high as through Friday. This free service allows you you can, and then coming down, bend to ask questions about diet, nutrition and your knees to go directly into a squat, cancer. A registered dietitian will return touch the ground and repeat a few times. your call, usually within three business days.

For people at a high weight, this can result Courtesy of the American Institute for in a very large force coming down, and if Cancer Research. Questions for this column the landing movement is not quite right, may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., can lead to injury.

NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot Other Plyometric movements feature respond to questions personally.

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17

Tilapia with almonds and whole wheat Fish is nutritious, and many Americans could benefit from eating more. The trick is finding interesting new ways to prepare it. Crusting and baking fish is an excellent way to keep it moist and provide a luscious texture.

It starts with the coating. Although we consider almonds to be nuts, botanically the almond tree is related to fruit trees like peaches and plums. Almonds contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats, vitamin E and fiber.

Whole-wheat bread crumbs add extra crunch and fiber to the crust. The herbs and seasonings provide fresh flavor and the egg is crucial for binding the crumbs to the filet. The result is a delicious fish that pairs well with almost any side dish.

For example, add a slice of fresh grilled pineapple.

Pop a slice of pineapple under the broiler, or on the grill, for three or four minutes.

Complete your meal with a medley of steamed garden vegetables, such as a combination of carrots, broccoli and green beans, and you have a great lunch or dinner.

Tilapia Crusted with Almonds & well. Place breaded fillets on prepared cooking dish.

Whole Wheat Canola oil cooking spray 1 egg 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. dried parsley or 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley Salt and pepper to taste 2 Tbsp. whole almonds (about 14-15 nuts) 2/3 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs 1 lb. tilapia Preheat oven to 425 degrees and coat baking dish with cooking spray.

Beat egg in mixing bowl and add lemon juice, oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper, combining well.

Process almonds and bread crumbs together in food processor or blender to a medium coarse crumb. Transfer to bowl.

Dip fish into egg mixture. Then dredge in crumb-nut mixture, coating both sides

Bake for 17 minutes and serve.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 265 calories, 9 g. total fat (1.5 g. saturated fat), 15 g. carbohydrate, 30 g. protein, 1 g. dietary fiber, 226 mg. sodium.

BEACON BITS

May 16+

SUPPORT FOR OLDER WOMEN WITH HIV

Older Women Embracing Life (“Oh-Well”) is starting a new support group for older women affected by HIV/AIDS. The group meets over lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) on the third Wednesday of each month at New Samaritan Baptist Church, 1100 Florida Ave. NE, Washington, DC. For more information, email owel_47@yahoo.com or call (240) 821-4405.

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BEACON BITS

May 10

END OF LIFE ISSUES

The Maryland Coming of Age Partnership presents a free community screening of the film Consider the Conversation: How to Talk About End-of-Life Issues on Thursday, May 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville, Md. Afterwards, an expert panel of hospice and palliative care providers will answer questions and provide information. Light refreshments will be served. To register, email coamd@jssa.org or call (301) 838-4200.

May 15+

MEDICAL LECTURES

Discover the latest in research, prevention and treatment for diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease with experts from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Suburban Hospital. The first lecture, “Outsmart Diabetes: A Framework for Prevention and Management,” will take place on Tuesday, May 15, and the second lecture, “Is It Memory Loss or Alzheimer’s Disease? Learn the Facts,” will be held on Tuesday, May 22. Both will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Suburban Hospital Auditorium, 8600 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, Md. Register by calling (301) 896-3939.

Lectures are free and open to the public. Light refreshments available at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit http://clinicalcenter.nih.gov/about/news/mfp.shtml.

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

New all-natural products to try and enjoy Dear Readers: I attended the 2012 Natural Products Expo West trade show in California to scout out new healthy, delicious or unique products. The companies mentioned below did not know that I was with the media as I was sampling their goodies, and I receive nothing from this.

Caveman Cookies: I like the “Alpine” and “Original” flavors; they are gluten and grain-free (and therefore Paleo diet compliant). Made with nuts, honey and berries.

No preservatives or table sugar. These are chewy and delicious, and I grabbed a handful of their samples when the rep turned around! www.cavemancookies.com Earthpaste Amazingly Natural Tooth-

paste by Redmond: They mean it! Earthpaste only contains their famous “Real salt” along with Redmond clay, xylitol and natural essential oils. That’s it. Their label even says, “Earthpaste is safe to eat. Rinse or swallow at your discretion, either way would be fine.” Earthpaste comes in three flavors, wintergreen, peppermint and cinnamon. www.earthpaste.com Inner-Eco to Go: It’s coconut kefir, so if you can’t handle dairy but still love kefir, here’s your dream come true. This is a 100 percent pure and natural, dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, soy-free and certified vegan living food! This kefir product provides probiotics. It tastes like coconut soda! www.inner-eco.com

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All Purpose Cleaning Powder by You can drink teas, and in some cases apply Poppy’s: It contains only natural ingredi- them to your skin. ents, such as plant-derived I’ve been playing with herbs surfactants, sodium bicarbonfor years. It’s fun and I honestly ate, and essential oils of tea think it’s a wonderful adjunct tree and peppermint. This to other medical treatments. company makes toxin-free Here are the basics. Use 1 dishwashing soap, laundry detablespoon of herbs per cup of tergent and more. www.popwater. Consider brew time, as pysnaturallyclean.com you will lose some health beneMineral Sunscreen SPF fits over brewing certain herbs.

32 by Dolphin Organics: An “infusion” is best when This company makes a line of using delicate parts of the personal care products target- DEAR plant, like the leaves, flowers PHARMACIST ed at babies and young chiland aromatic aerial portions

By Suzy Cohen dren, but I believe everyone (I’m thinking rose petals or should use toxin-free products wood betony). on their body! This sunscreen contains Infusing means you steep the herbs in natural, organic ingredients to protect you hot water for 20 to 30 minutes, as opposed from UVA and UVB rays. See their entire to simmering them on the stove. Some line: http://dolphinorganics.com herbs take a cold water infusion versus Bambooee Reusable Towels: This is boiled water. a cleaning towel made from bamboo, Roots, bark or seeds are tougher parts which is a fast growing tree, and it re- of the plant and therefore require a “decocquires no pesticides or fertilizers. You use tion.” You simmer them for 20 to 45 minthese all over the house; they are machine utes in gently boiling water. washable. Best when slightly damp.

Experiment with combinations of varihttp://www.bambooee.com ous herbs to find the best taste and physioYogavive Apple Chips: No sugar added, logical effect. just USDA certified organic Fuji apples that Herbs are medicine, so do some reare dried and “popped” so the fruit is a little search on them first to make sure they are crunchy. These are addictive, with all sorts safe for you. My favorite book on teas is of fruity flavors. www.yogavive.com.

Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for ViMaqui Berry Antioxidant Powder: brant Health.

Mix the powder with fruits, juice, yogurt It’s amazing that some herbal teas imor ice and make a smoothie. Contains prove heart rhythm, reduce blood presmaqui berries, acai berries, vanilla flavor, sure, clear brain fog or ease hormonal constevia and brown rice (emulsifier). It’s or- cerns. Most herbal teas are safe for people ganic. www.organicmeetsgood.com. with kidney stones. Talk to your doctor Dear Readers: about any possible interactions with medThe most wonderful thing about our ications you are taking. planet is that it grows good medicine. Making herbal teas is one of my secret passions.

See DEAR PHARMACIST, page 19

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19

How do you see yourself after the divorce?

Dear Solutions: men will be afraid you couldn’t make a man I’ve been divorced for some time happy and so steer away from you? from a man I was married The other side of the to for more than 20 years, “failed divorcee” is the “gay so I was known as a didivorcee.” Do you think peovorcee. He recently died, ple may see you as a woman and since I never remarwho had choices; as a risk ried, I am entitled to some taker; as an independent, adof his Social Security. venturous, fun person?

The Social Security office Think it over, Agnes, and says I am officially considlet me know. Also, how about ered a widow since neither of honesty? If you’re divorced, us remarried. My question you’re not really a widow, SOLUTIONS is, can I now call myself a even though after that long

By Helen Oxenberg, widow instead of a divorcee? marriage you may feel like MSW, ACSW — Agnes one. What do you think?

Dear Agnes: P.S. Readers: I’m interested Of course you can call yourself anything in your opinion about this, too. Let me you choose, but the question to examine is know what you think. why.

Dear Solutions: What does “widow” mean to you? Do A woman who was an acquaintance you think people may feel sorry for you? of mine while I was married will be at Be more compassionate toward you? See a dinner party I’m invited to. I’ve you as a victim? Do you think men will be heard from others that she keeps askmore interested in you and more protec- ing some of them how my former hustive of you? band is doing.

The other side of the “poor me” widow I know she used to be very fond of is the “merry widow.” Do you think people him and sort of gloated when he left may see you as having more money (in- me. I’m sure she’s going to ask me herited from your husband); more ready about him. We’ve been divorced for a to do things and have fun? couple of years, and he’s remarried On the other hand, what does “divorcee” and I’m fine. mean to you? Do you think people may see I’m not in touch with him any more, you as a failure at marriage? As a rejected and I really don’t want to get into any woman? As an angry woman? Do you think discussions about him. Even though

Dear Pharmacist From page 18 Health food stores sell herbs, or look online, or Google “herbal apothecary.” I insist on organic herbs.

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, herb 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.

May is Better Hearing Month!

I’ll probably resent her questions, I don’t want to be nasty or impolite or throw any cold water on the party.

How can I avoid getting into hot water with a nasty answer and still be pleasant?

— The Former Dear Former: It’s hard to get into hot water while you’re throwing cold water on the party, so don’t do either. Just say, “I’m really not in touch with him. All I know is that he’s remarried. I hope he’s happy because I certainly am” — and move on.

Dear Solutions: I still live in the same house I lived in before I got divorced. My children grew up here, and they like to come back to it on holidays and whenever they have time. They don’t want me to sell it because they like the memories.

It makes me very sad, though, and keeps reminding me of better times.

I’m afraid if I sell it I won’t see my

children much, and that scares me. I keep going back and forth with this.

What do you advise?

— Undecided Dear Undecided: Sell! Your children’s memory lane runs right through your ghost town. It may be pleasant for them to look backward once in a while, but looking backward all the time has got to cause a pain in the neck!

Explain to them how difficult this is for you, how it keeps you from moving on with your life, and how important their visits are to you no matter where you live.

Tell them to leave the ghosts there and take their memories with them. Move out and move on! © Helen Oxenberg, 2012. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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

Money Law &

REAPING THE DIVIDENDS Dividend-paying stocks continue to deliver good returns with low volatility TOO MUCH IN TREASURYS? Your portfolio may be too heavy on Treasury bonds; how to rebalance INVESTING IN INFORMATION Try these books on investing and retirement to make informed decisions SAVING AT THE PUMP Learn how fast to drive and when to fill up your tank to save money on gas

Outsmarting investment fraud scammers Financial fraud is alive and well, and ask, “Why me?” Does it make sense that a claiming more victims than ever before. stranger selected you for the investment Scams are getting more soopportunity of a lifetime? phisticated and harder to Scammers can be very identify, and even seasoned skillful in generating slick preinvestors are falling for them. sentations in a video or on a Fortunately, the strategies website. Be especially cauof scam artists have been extious about a product or servamined in detail, and excelice that is still in development. lent tools and resources have You have no idea when, or if, been developed that could such a product or service will prevent the vast majority of be fully developed. scams — if investors would Find out where the secuTHE SAVINGS take the time to read up and GAME rity trades. In order to be listprotect themselves. The fol- By Elliot Raphaelson ed on the New York Stock Exlowing sources and suggeschange, the NASDAQ stock tions should help. market, or any other regulated national seAn excellent source for information re- curities exchange, a security has to meet garding financial fraud is FINRA, the Fi- high regulatory standards. nancial Industry Regulatory Agency.

Thus, it’s no surprise that many swinFINRA is the largest independent regula- dles center on companies listed in the tor for all securities firms doing business over-the-counter (OTC) market. Such in the United States. One of their publica- companies often may not have an obligations, “Avoiding Investment Scams,” sug- tion to file annual or quarterly reports. gests the following strategies: Also, securities that trade in the OTC Consider the source. Never rely on market will be less liquid. For example, for unsolicited information. There is no rea- a thinly traded stock, you may find the bid son for you to believe that information you price is 50 cents and the ask price is $1.50. receive in this way regarding revenue, In that type of market, your stock would profits, future stock prices and so forth is have to triple in price just in order to break reliable. even.

Exercise healthy skepticism. Always Read a company’s SEC filing, if

available. Most public companies file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Check the SEC database to see if the company has filed. If there has been no filing, it is a danger sign.

However, a filing does not automatically imply the company is a good, or even sound, investment.

Look beyond a company’s name: Don’t be misled by a catchy name. A stock promoter will often change a company’s name to reflect a current event or issue, which can be misleading. The SEC report will often reveal name changes.

Check out the person promoting the investment. This is very important. A legitimate investment salesperson must be licensed, and his or her firm must be registered with FINRA, the SEC or a state regulator.

You can review the background of a broker or firm utilizing FINRA’s BrokerCheck (www.finra.org/brokercheck). If the salesperson says he is an investment advisor, check the Investment Advisor Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

Sources for more information A couple of new books go into great detail about securities scams and how to protect yourself against them. Doug Shadel, a nationally recognized expert on financial

fraud, has written an excellent book, Outsmarting the Scam Artists (Wiley, $18.95).

The book has been recommended by many in the field. I found the book very informative and easy to read. I especially liked chapter three, “The Stages of Fraud.”

Readers of this chapter will learn to recognize how the typical scammer operates and how to avoid falling prey.

Another excellent book is The Vigilant Investor written by Pat Huddleston (AMACOM). The author has been an SEC enforcement branch chief and investment attorney with more than 20 years of experience dealing with fraud.

He identifies many “red flags” indicating a potential scam, including investments that allow payment by credit card; investments that encourage investors to recruit friends and family; any investment you don’t understand fully; and any investment where it looks like there is a conflict of interest.

The best time to learn about these scams is before a slick salesman approaches you with one. Take some time to read and learn how to protect yourself. That’s one investment you won’t regret.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2012 Elliot Raphaelson. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Recent mutual fund returns can mislead

By Mark Jewell Investing is all about numbers. Portfolio returns are critical, details about how they were achieved secondary. But numbers sometimes confuse more than they inform.

Understanding that reality is essential to make sense of current 3- and 5-year returns for stock mutual funds.

Current gaps between those common performance benchmarks are so huge that they don’t seem credible. For example, most index funds tracking the Standard & Poor’s 500 have delivered 3-year annualized returns around 28 percent a year — phenomenal, if those numbers could be sustained.

Yet over five years, returns averaged less than 2 percent, roughly keeping pace with inflation.

The index fund results are on par with the 26 percentage-point difference between 3- and 5-year returns for diversified stock funds, the type that make up the bulk of most investor portfolios.

5-year returns include meltdown The reason the numbers are so disparate? Funds are now wiping their 3-year records clean of the stock meltdown that ended March 9, 2009. Five-year records look comparatively awful because they include the market’s 57 percent plunge from October 2007 to March 2009.

The gaps are even larger at many funds using high-risk strategies unsuitable for most investors. Among more than 5,000 diversified stock funds, the biggest gap is 92 percentage points, belonging to Direxion

Monthly Small Cap Bull 2x (DXRLX).

Its annualized 3-year return is a dazzling 75 percent per year, while it has lost an average 17 percent over five years. The fund tracks an index of volatile small-company stocks, delivering double the average monthly gains — or losses — of the Russell 2000.

And there’s no shortage of mainstream, large funds whose volatile returns have resulted in 3- vs. 5-year gaps far wider than the 26 percentage point average. For example, Legg Mason Capital Management Opportunity (LMOPX) has a 48-point gap, while Vanguard Capital Value (VCVLX) has a 42-point spread.

The bottom line for investors is that it’s crucial to put current 3- and 5-year returns in context. They’re a quirk of the calendar,

and an illustration of the market’s bust-toboom cycle the past few years.

The huge gaps are mostly noise for long-term investors who stay on track with a well-designed plan. But over a volatile stretch like the past five years, the damage can be long-lasting for investors who got scared and sold investments as the market was hitting bottom, missing the recovery.

How to choose a fund Here are a few tips for keeping current 3- and 5-year fund returns in proper context: • Seek steady returns: Funds with unusually volatile returns frequently outperform peers over brief periods, and in some cases for several years.

See MUTUAL FUNDS, page 21

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

Mutual funds From page 20 But such volatility can often bring out the worst in investors prone to making short-term moves based on emotion. Fear bred by market declines often causes investors to miss eventual recoveries, and greed during rallies can lead to buying into a market that’s near its peak.

Consider a low-volatility approach. Tom Roseen, a Lipper Inc. fund analyst, puts it this way: “Find a fund with a good steady manager at the helm who can hit doubles and triples, even if they don’t hit many home runs.”

Several funds that aim to deliver smooth returns currently have small 3- vs. 5-year gaps, with strong overall returns. One example: Forester Value (FVALX), with a 3year average return of nearly 17 percent, and a 5-year average of 3 percent.

Credit manager Tom Forester’s defensive style, emphasizing stable dividend-paying stocks. This fund also frequently maintains a large cash position in its portfolio, providing a cushion when stocks are declining.

• Be mindful of the difference a year can make: Many funds with the best records of recent years stand out because they limited their losses in 2008, when stocks plunged 38 percent. Outperformance during market declines can be crucial, because losses have a bigger impact on long-term results than comparable gains.

If stocks lose 50 percent in value, it’s important to remember that you’ll need a 100 percent gain — not 50 percent — to get back to where you started.

It’s a reality that led to standout performance from Reynolds Blue Chip Growth (RBCGX). Sensing trouble in the housing market, manager Frederick “Fritz” Reynolds began selling stocks and holding on to cash as subprime mortgage troubles rippled into the stock market.

His fund lost just 5 percent in 2008, among the smallest losses that year for large-cap growth funds. As the market turned in March 2009, Reynolds was shifting back into stocks. Reynolds’ 5-year record, with an average annualized gain of 14 percent, is best among hundreds of funds in its category. Reynolds achieved that distinction with just 9 percentage points separating its 3- and 5-year returns.

• Invest based on performance over long periods: Quirks like the current 3- vs.

5-year gaps crop up from time to time after the market has gone through a volatile stretch. Volatility is likely here to stay, so don’t overemphasize those 3- and 5-year numbers when assessing a fund’s record.

Give more weight to a fund’s 10-year record, or even a longer period if data are available.

• Diversify: For most investors, diversification — spreading holdings among several types of investments, across a broad swath of the stock and bond markets — pays off.

It means an investor will rarely outperform the market by a significant margin.

But diversification can limit losses in downturns, and usually results in stronger long-

21

term returns. To stay truly diversified, rebalance holdings periodically to restore an appropriate balance of stocks to bonds.

— AP

BEACON BITS

May 17

THE WISE USE OF CREDIT CARDS

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Learn how to build a good credit history, determine your credit limit, detect warning signs of too much debt, and avoid credit card fraud on Thursday, May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. Registration is required by calling (703) 228-0955.

May 18+

LEGAL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS

Fairfax County presents Legal Tools for Caregivers on Friday, May 18 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Dr., Reston, Va. The free seminar will be repeated on Thursday, May 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va. Register online by going to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices and linking to caregiver series, email caregiver@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call (703) 324-5205.

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

The stock dividend boom is here to stay

By Mark Jewell The news keeps getting better for dividend investors. But can it last?

The latest sign of a dividend renaissance is Apple’s decision to begin sharing some of its profits with shareholders for the first time in nearly two decades. The world’s most valuable company will start paying a dividend later this year, rather than continue to stockpile cash from iPhone and iPad sales.

That announcement came a week after major banks moved to restore their dividends, after cutting them during the financial crisis to conserve cash. At least nine top banks plan to raise their payouts or are considering doing so after the government conducted stress tests to ensure the banks can survive another crisis.

It adds up to better times ahead for dividend investors. Payouts by companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 index are ex-

pected to climb 15 percent from last year to $277 billion, according to S&P Indices.

That amount would top the previous record of $248 billion, set in 2008. Threequarters of the S&P 500’s dividend-paying companies are making higher payouts than they did last year.

Interest is so intense that hedge funds and many other Wall Street pros who normally avoid dividend stocks have been rushing into them lately, and Apple’s actions can only add to the frenzy, said analyst Howard Silverblatt of S&P Indices.

Dividends delivered best returns In fact, dividend stocks have been among the market’s strongest performers the past 12 months, a fact that hasn’t been lost on investors. Over that period, they have deposited a net $25 billion into mutual funds specializing in dividend stocks — usually labeled “equity income” funds — according

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to industry consultant Strategic Insight.

That number wouldn’t normally be impressive, except that the cash came in as investors pulled out of nearly all other types of stock funds. A net total of $136 billion was withdrawn from all other stock fund categories, reflecting investors’ continuing fear of market volatility.

It’s fueling talk that a dividend stock bubble might be developing. In one scenario, the economy hits another rough patch, companies conserve cash again by cutting dividends, and dividend stock share prices tumble.

2 Call: 311 or

Reasons to invest in dividends It’s dangerous to invest in a hot segment of the market, expecting the rally will continue — just ask anyone who lost big in the dot-com era. But here are five reasons that dividend stocks are still sound investments.

1. Dividends are a long-term approach, not a trading strategy: The income that dividend stocks generate accounts for more than 40 percent of the total return of the S&P 500 since 1926, according to a study by Ibbotson Associates.

The rest of the market’s return came from rising stock prices.

Companies can cut or eliminate dividends, as many did in 2009. But payouts usually are restored to their old levels in time. Dividends among S&P 500 companies are back to record levels now, thanks to the moves by banks and Apple.

2. Dividend-paying stocks are less volatile: Dividend-payers tend to rise more slowly during market rallies, but suffer smaller losses when stocks decline. So if a market downturn is around the corner, dividends will offer some protection.

That’s why they’re so appealing to retirees, and any investor wanting to limit risk. “In the stock market, dividends are sort of the kids’ end of the swimming pool.

They’re not too volatile for the average investor,” said David Kelly, chief markets strategist at JPMorgan Funds.

3. Boomers will remain yield-hungry: Expect demographic trends to contin-

ue fueling demand for income-generating investments. Baby boomers are beginning to retire in large numbers. That trend is still young, and those retirees will need regular cash flow. Many will rely on dividends, creating demand that could help drive dividend stock prices higher.

4. Corporate cash is at record levels: Profits have risen so sharply the past couple years that the cash held by S&P 500 companies totaled a record $1 trillion in the fourth quarter. With such a big stash, the ratio of dividends being paid relative to cash on balance sheets remains historically low, Silverblatt said.

That puts companies in a good position to increase dividends, or follow Apple’s example and initiate payouts. Last year, a record 22 companies initiated dividends, and Apple became the fourth to do so this year.

5. Dividends can survive possible tax hit: Since 2003, tax rates that investors pay on dividend income have topped out at a historically low 15 percent. President Obama’s latest budget proposal would raise the rates on top earners to as high as 39.6 percent. That means the wealthiest could lose a quarter on every dollar of dividend income, compared with their tax hit under current rates.

Yet it’s hard to say whether Obama’s proposal can clear Congress in an election year. Current rates are due to expire at year-end, unless Congress extends them.

Higher rates would make dividends less appealing to many investors, but wouldn’t necessarily cause dividend stock prices to decline. A study this year by Nuveen Investments and Santa Barbara Asset Management found no link between past changes in dividend tax rates and dividend stock prices.

It all points to a dividend comeback that still has momentum. Said S&P’s Silverblatt: “In the late 1990s, when tech stocks were the hottest thing, nobody wanted to touch dividend stocks. Now, people can’t get enough of them, and it’s not likely to let up soon.”

— AP

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23

Don’t overdo Treasury bonds in portfolio

By Mark Jewell Take a close look at your bond portfolio, and you might be in for an unwelcome surprise. The Federal Reserve’s attempt to revive the economy by buying up government debt has left many mutual fund investors with huge stakes in Uncle Sam’s IOUs. Owning more Treasurys is sticking investors with disappointing recent returns, and in some instances losses.

To be sure, Treasurys are super-safe investments that can help minimize losses when stocks decline. So they have a place in any well-diversified portfolio.

Yet yields remain so low that investors with substantial Treasury stakes could suffer modest losses when interest rates eventually creep up from their current super-low levels.

Higher interest rates pose risk With the economic recovery regaining momentum, that risk is growing. When interest rates rise, bond prices decline because investors can get newly issued bonds paying higher interest.

A recent uptick in rates is one reason why the worst-performing mutual fund categories this year are those specializing in government debt. Funds primarily investing in short- and intermediate-term government bonds are earning a paltry 0.2 percent on average this year, while those specializing in long-term government debt have lost 5.5 percent, according to Morningstar.

It’s also been a rough year for broadly diversified index funds that passively track the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Most are barely breaking even, returning about 0.3 percent.

The Barclays index, the most widely used bond benchmark, has undergone a makeover in recent years, with Treasurys making up an increasing share of the index.

At the end of 2007, just before the financial crisis, Treasurys made up about 22 percent. That’s the Treasury weighting that index funds tracking the Barclays Aggregate sought to maintain.

Fast-forward to the end of 2011, and the index’s Treasury component jumped to

more than 35 percent. Consequently, higher-yielding corporate bonds make up a comparatively smaller piece of the index.

The main reason? “It’s the Treasury market that has been the most manipulated by the Fed,” said Warren Pierson, comanager of the Baird Core Plus Bond Fund (BCOSX).

The Federal Reserve has spent trillions of dollars buying government bonds since the financial crisis, hoping to stimulate the economy and encourage investors to ven-

See TREASURY BONDS, page 24

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May 13

ture into higher-risk investments.

The purchases, and the government’s increased issuance of Treasurys to keep up with its growing debt, have kept Treasury yields artificially low. They’re so low that it’s hard to get a decent return unless you accept more risk and invest in stocks or riskier categories of bonds.

Plenty of investors have done that, and stocks have recovered most of their losses

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Maryland residents are invited to attend a free symposium, “Navigating the Elder Care Maze: What You Need to Know About the Legal Issues Facing Older Adults and Their Caregivers,” from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 19 at Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, Md. Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Gloria Lawlah will welcome participants and present opening remarks. The event is presented by the Maryland State Bar Association’s Leadership Academy. At the end of the day, pre-registered attendees can meet with an attorney to have a power of attorney and/or living will prepared at no cost. For more information and registration, visit www.elderlaw2012.com or contact the Leadership Academy at elderlaw12@gmail.com or (443) 837-7932.

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Treasury bonds From page 23 since the market peaked in late 2007. Yet Treasurys continue to hold appeal for many nervous investors seeking refuge from stock volatility. That high demand has also kept yields low.

Index or managed funds?

Modest exposure to Treasurys is appropriate, but Pierson said an index approach isn’t wise now. It risks leaving bond investors overexposed to investments that he believes are likely to underperform,

and possibly suffer losses.

Of course, index funds offer cost advantages over managed funds like the one that Pierson helps run. For example, Vanguard Total Bond Market Index charges an expense ratio of 0.22 percent, compared with 0.55 percent at Baird Core Plus Bond.

Those are the ongoing charges for operations, expressed as a percentage of assets.

The Baird fund recently held about 16 percent of its portfolio in Treasurys — about half the Treasury weighting in the Barclays Aggregate index.

That’s not unusual. Actively managed bond funds held an average 14.5 percent

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

weighting in Treasurys at latest count, according to Morningstar. Many managers, like Pierson, are discouraged by the meager Treasury yields.

Losses can occur when a fund generates less interest income than going market rates. A fund’s returns will vary because the fund manager must continually reinvest as bonds mature. A recent modest rise in Treasury yields means previously issued bonds paying lower interest are worth less than they once were. A fund with too much invested in those older bonds can end up with losses.

While the Fed continues to keep shortterm interest rates near zero, pressure to raise them is mounting. Recent economic strength has pushed Treasury yields up slightly higher. For example, newly issued Treasurys maturing in 10 years are yielding around 2.2 percent, up from 1.8 percent a couple months ago.

Of course, Treasurys aren’t the only types of bonds that could deliver disap-

pointing returns, or losses, when the Fed eventually raises rates, or if inflation begins to spike. Plenty of other lower-risk, lower-yield bond categories share that vulnerability.

But the Treasury components of many investors’ bond portfolios deserve special scrutiny now, and may be in need of some careful trimming. Treasury yields remain historically low, and the Treasury component in the overall bond market has spiked.

The bottom line: Take a look at the latest holdings data for your bond funds, and check how much is invested in Treasurys.

If it’s substantial, be aware you could be facing losses if the economy continues its recovery.

They won’t be as painful as the hit you could see from a sharp decline in the stock market. But any loss from a supposedly safe investment like Treasurys is a disappointment.

— AP

BEACON BITS

May 16

HEALTHCARE REFORM AND COSTS

Learn about how U.S. healthcare and costs compare with that in nations that have universal healthcare systems at a meeting of the Older Women’s League on Wednesday, May 16 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The speaker is Dr. David Rabin from the Georgetown University Medical School. The meeting will be held at the Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase, Md. The meeting is open to the public, and no reservations are necessary. Bring a brown bag lunch. For more information, call Sarah Gotbaum at (240) 833-8151 or email sargot@earthlink.net.

May 17

SENIOR LAW DAY FOR ARLINGTON, VA.

“Elder Rights: No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom” is the theme of the 2012 annual Senior Law Day to be held Thursday, May 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Arlington County Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Joanne F. Alper, judge in the 17th Judicial Court of Virginia, will headline this year’s free event. The event will feature informational exhibits, the Arlington Sheriff’s Office will be issuing free photo identification cards, and the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney will offer free emergency cell phones. For more information, call Jessica Vasquez, Office of Senior Adult Programs, at (703) 228-0948 or email jvasquez@arlingtonva.us.

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You may qualify for assistance in paying your home phone bill. Discounts for basic telephone service are available to eligible District of Columbia low-income residents.

Verizon Washington, D.C. Lifeline Plans: Verizon Washington, D.C.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reduced rates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one-time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customers at no charge.

Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added services are not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, customers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customers who are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of $1.00 per month.

• Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federal and in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia.

Rates as stated here are effective as of September 1, 2011. But, the rates and other terms are subject to change in the future.

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

Contact DDOE at 311 to apply To learn more about the Lifeline program, visit www.lifelinesupport.org.

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

25

Reliable and readable investment advice

By Elliot Raphaelson Readers ask me all the time for reliable sources of information on personal financial topics. So many books and periodicals are available that it would be impossible for anyone to read everything. It can take a lot of time just to figure out what is worth reading.

I have spent more than 25 years in the personal finance field in various capacities — as a faculty member, a consultant, and a writer of books and articles. I read as many new books as I can, as well as all the major magazines and newspapers that cover personal financial planning. Below I cite the ones I have found the most reliable.

Every individual and every family has different investment objectives, and not every subject is equally interesting to everyone.

My list doesn’t include every worthwhile book or subject area, but I believe these selections are reliable — and readable.

Comprehensive guidebook: Making the Most of Your Money Now, by Jane Bryant Quinn (Simon and Shuster, 2009). This book, a revision of Quinn’s 1991 best-seller of a similar title, has more than 1,200 pages and covers every important personal financial planning topic. Quinn writes clearly and accurately on a broad range of

topics, including how to get the most out of a bank while avoiding fees, the simplest ways of getting out of debt, and how to select a competent financial planner.

Investment primer: A straightforward investment primer with a sense of humor is The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need, revised ed., by Andrew Tobias (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011). He has good advice about how to outperform most stock market investors and how to prepare for a comfortable retirement.

I also recommend his daily blog, “Money and Other Subjects” (andrewtobias.com/column), in which he suggests some speculative short-term investments.

Tobias clearly states that these recommendations are speculative and should be bought only with money you can afford to lose. If you are a conservative politically, you may not like his blog.

Retirement planning: If you have significant retirement savings, you should read the books written by Ed Slott. A good one is Your Complete Retirement Planning Road Map (Ballantine Books, 2007). His books are readable and informative.

His advice can save you thousands of dollars in taxes. He points out common

BEACON BITS

May 10+

mistakes investors make regarding naming beneficiaries. He also makes a persuasive case that many attorneys are not sufficiently knowledgeable about retirement account issues. I can’t recommend his books highly enough.

Index fund investing: Most investors don’t have the time or the expertise to make individual selection of common stocks and bonds. I am a strong believer See GOOD INVESTING, page 27

BEACON BITS

May 19

SHARE SCHOOL DESEGREGATION MEMORIES The Desegregation of Virginia Education (DOVE) Project is identifying, locating and preserving records that document Virginia’s

school desegregation from the early 1950s to the late 1980s. Share your recollections and learn about volunteering for the project at a meeting on Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 905 Wythe St., Alexandria, Va. Call (703) 746-5552 for more information.

May 27

SINGLE SENIORS BRUCH Delight in the spirit of the Hokuhulu dancers of Hawaii, appearing at the Ft. Myer Officers Club during a brunch for single seniors on

Sunday, May 27. The brunch is open to the general public and is held the third Sunday of each month at noon. To enter Ft. Myer, a photo ID is required at the Wright Gate on Marshall Dr. at N. Meade St., and the Hatfield Gate on Washington Blvd. Free parking at the Officers Club, 214 Jackson. Call (301) 530-4884 for reservations.

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The Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission will open its wait list for subsidized housing for seniors age 62 and older on June 4. Applications can be made online and by mail through June 15. To apply online, visit HOC’s website www.hocmc.org and fill out the application. To apply by mail, pick up an application form at an HOC office, county public library or senior center. Mailed applications must be postmarked by June 15. HOC will hold a briefing meeting on the application process on Thursday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at its headquarters, 10400 Detrick Ave., Kensington, Md. For more information or to register for the briefing session, call (240) 773-9399.

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

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

27

Seven tips for saving money on gasoline

By Dave Carpenter Spikes in gasoline prices occur so regularly that ways to combat them should be almost second nature to car owners.

But the latest surge brings worries of the highest price yet at the pumps, underscoring the urgency of really following up on those money-saving moves this time.

The average price for regular gasoline has jumped to $3.90 a gallon nationwide, up 42.5 cents since Feb. 1, and already tops $4 at most pumps in the Washington area.

If higher prices stick, drivers may have to take more drastic steps. Using public transportation is one option to consider.

Making the long-term investment to buy a high-mileage hybrid car is another.

“People can cut their gasoline bills by a lot by moving to fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Brian Castelli, executive vice president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency.

“When you’ve got $4 gasoline, you can

save a lot of money by going to the gas station once every two or three weeks instead of once every week,” he said.

The average U.S. household is on track to spend more than $3,300 this year on gasoline for its vehicles, according to the alliance. That could jump significantly depending on how much pump prices rise.

Short of buying a new vehicle, here are some tips on ways to shave your costs regardless of how high prices climb: 1. Drive slower and smarter.

Easing your foot off the accelerator is a guaranteed way to reduce expenses.

Every 5 mph you drive over 60 costs you an additional 24 cents per gallon, the Department of Energy estimates. That’s because the faster you go, the more work your engine has to do to propel your vehicle.

The sweet spot for fuel efficiency on the highway is about 55 mph. But slowing from 70 to 60 can help a lot. Doing so on an average 20-mile highway commute saves about 1.3 gallons of gas in a five-day work

Good investing

vestors, I recommend Stocks for the Long Run, 4th ed., by Jeremy Siegel (McGraw Hill, 2007). For investors who want to concentrate on common stocks that pay significant dividends, I recommend The Strategic Dividend Investor, by Daniel Peris (McGraw Hill, 2011) and The Ultimate Dividend Playbook by Josh Peters (Wiley, 2008).

Periodicals: I always read Barron’s weekly. I especially like the issues when investment experts from various disciplines are interviewed together, and make specific recommendations of individual common stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

I also read the Wall Street Journal daily, and especially like the Saturday issue for its additional section on personal finance topics.

Many individuals prefer using financial planners or depend on their stockbrokers.

Not everyone wants to be his own financial planner. However, I believe that if you read reliable publications, you will become a better investor and will be able to have comprehensive, worthwhile discussions with your financial advisors and attorneys. © 2012 Elliot Raphaelson. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

From page 25 that most investors will be better off with a portfolio that consists primarily of no-load index funds of common stocks and bonds.

If you want to learn how to follow this strategy, and how to do periodic rebalancing, I recommend A Random Walk Down Wall Street, 10th ed., by Burton Malkiel (Norton Press, 2012). Other excellent guides are Winning the Losers Game, 5th ed., by Charles Ellis (McGraw Hill, 2009), and The Only Guide to a Winning Investment Strategy You’ll Ever Need by Larry Swedroe (St. Martin’s, 2004).

Diversified investment: David Swenson managed Yale University’s endowment very successfully for many years.

His books discussing diversified portfolios are excellent, and I recommend Unconventional Success: A Fundamental Approach to Personal Investment (Free Press, 2005).

Swenson provides sample portfolios to suit different investors’ objectives and stages of life.

Buying individual stocks: I recognize that many investors prefer to select their own individual investments rather than use mutual funds. For common stock in-

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week, according to the American Automobile Association.

Drive more smoothly around town, too — avoid fast acceleration and quick stops.

Aggressive driving can lower a car’s fuel economy significantly.

2. Reduce idling.

Warming up a car engine in cold weather is one thing. Letting it idle needlessly outside stores, in front of a friend’s house, or at railroad crossings is another. That wastes fuel, costs money and pollutes the

air. Cut the engine if you will be at a standstill for more than a minute.

If there’s a line of cars in the drive-thru at Starbucks or McDonald’s, just park and go inside. The line inside is often much shorter anyway.

While you’re at it, combine errands to conserve fuel. Several short trips from a cold start can consume twice as much gas as one over the same distance when the See GAS SAVINGS, page 28

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28

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

BEACON BITS

Gas savings

May 9+

HELP LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS

From page 27

If you live or work in Arlington, join the 15-member advisory com-

engine is warm, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

3. Shop smarter.

Smartphones make it easier than in past years to find the best prices in a given location. Websites like GasBuddy.com and some GPS devices also help. Apps from AAA, GasBuddy and CheapGas all can guide you to the cheapest options on your route.

Just be wary of ads hawking products that can improve your mileage. The Environmental Protection Agency said it has tested more than 100 purported gas-saving products — automotive devices and oil and gas additives — and found that very few provided any fuel economy benefits.

Some can even damage your car’s engine or cause it to spew more exhaust.

Track your gasoline expenses and miles driven and view your trends at

mission that advocates for Arlington long-term care residents. The commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month (except August) at 6:30 p.m. To apply, go to www.arlingtonva.us/aging, click on the Commission on Long-Term Care Residences link, and then click on JOIN US! For more information, contact the Arlington Agency on Aging at: arlaaa@arlingtonva.us or (703) 228-1700.

Ongoing

DO YOU LOVE BUTTERFLIES? Help the Smithsonian by volunteering in a lush tropical setting surrounded by hundreds of butterflies from around the world. The “But-

terflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution” exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History is looking for reliable volunteers to welcome visitors to the pavilion and help guide them. Volunteers must be able to tolerate moderately high temperatures and high humidity. Apply now for training in June by going to www.mnh.si.edu/education/volunteering/volopps.html or calling (202) 633-1083.

Seabury Leadership in Aging Celebration

Join us on Thursday, June 7, 2012 when Seabury Resources for Aging will recognize this year’s Leadership in Aging Honorees: Mr. Stuart Rosenthal Publisher and Editor of the Beacon Newspapers

Live and silent auction, food, drinks and fun!

Thursday, June 7, 2012 6:30 - 9:00 pm Fannie Mae, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 (free parking)

The Medical House Call Program at

To make a contribution in honor of Mr. Rosenthal or the Medical House Call Program, please mail a check payable to Seabury Resources for Aging, 4201 Butterworth Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20016.

Tickets: $125/person & $225/two guests Sponsorship and advertising opportunities available.

For more information, contact Monise Quidley at 202-414-6313 or email MQuidley@seaburyresources.org and visit www.seaburyresources.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

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4. Fill up the tank midweek.

Gas up on Wednesday, or first thing Thursday. Prices are raised on Thursdays in anticipation of weekend travel. And 10 a.m. is roughly when most station owners make their price change for the day, according to CEO Chris Faulkner of Dallasbased Breitling Oil & Gas Corp.

“Unless it is an emergency, do not buy gas Friday, Saturday or Sunday,” Faulkner said.

5. Do regular maintenance.

Keep your vehicle running smoothly to get maximum fuel economy. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Taking the car in for tune ups based on the owner’s manual timetable can improve mileage by an average of 4 percent, according to the Energy Department.

A simple but often overlooked part of maintenance is keeping tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires add resistance, requiring more effort from your engine.

Using the recommended grade of motor oil also can make a difference.

6. Skip premium fuel.

Unless your vehicle absolutely requires premium gas, don’t spend the additional 15 to 30 cents per gallon. Consumer Reports said motorists should not waste money on premium if their owner’s manual said the vehicle takes regular — the car won’t run better. The higher-octane fuel is designed to improve performance.

“In most cases, using a higher-octane gasoline than your owner’s manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit,” according to the Federal Trade Commission.

“It won’t make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner.”

An exception would be if your engine starts to knock or ping when using a lower-grade fuel.

For more details, see “Five Facts of Using Premium vs. Regular Gas” at http://blog.truecar.com/2011/03/03/premium-vs-regular-gas.

7. Use gas cards.

Gasoline cards can cut your costs by providing rewards, incentives or cash back. There are many types: prepaid cards or certificates, credit cards issued by gasoline companies, and cards issued by credit card companies.

Companies such as BP, ExxonMobil and Shell issue their own cards. They can offer the most savings to customers who are loyal to a particular brand.

Shop carefully and pay close attention to the fine print, however. Station-branded cards are known for their high interest rates, which can range from 21 percent to 26.99 percent, according to card comparison site LowCards.com. Consider one only if you pay off your balance in full every month.

Another option is a cash-back credit card with an extra bonus for gasoline purchases. Some cards can save you up to 5 percent.

— AP

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

SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

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

The retirement community of the future

By Sarah Bruyn Jones With retirees increasingly worrying about outliving their savings, Friendship Retirement Community is looking to address the concern with the assistance of architecture students.

The Roanoke retirement community that currently is home to nearly 900 people is in the early stages of developing a research partnership with two of Virginia’s leading architecture schools. The aim is to define and design the retirement community of the future.

The vision includes a walkable community, or at least one that doesn’t rely on cars, plus a community market, recreational amenities, and homes that can be adapted with technology as a person’s needs change with age.

The assignment proposed by Friendship is for students studying architecture at Virginia Tech and the University of Vir-

ginia to create a retirement community that can maintain a reasonable price with little or no rate increases, while adapting to the physical needs of aging residents.

This isn’t just an academic exercise but one that Friendship will use as it plans to expand its campus beginning with construction of new residences this year.

“The most desirable and cost-efficient method of aging — aging in place — is difficult, even under the most ideal conditions,” said Friendship CEO Russ Barksdale.

“Research from both universities shows the correlation between health and housing concerns of elderly individuals, and yet most retirement facilities designed and built even within the last five years are not optimal for our nation’s growing elder population.”

Few homes, whether institutional or not, address both the health and housing needs of people as they grow older, Barks-

dale said. He wants Friendship to be part of a solution that changes that.

Rising retirement costs Last year, the national rates at nursing homes and assisted living facilities nationally increased 4.4 percent and 5.6 percent respectively, according to the 2011 MetLife Mature Market Institute national market survey of long-term care costs.

On average, Virginians pay a monthly base rate of $3,811 for assisted living, according to the MetLife report. Costs in Baltimore are comparable, though Maryland overall has a higher average cost of $4,441.

At the same time, individual retirement accounts are shrinking as retirees face a volatile stock market and ailing economy.

People have seen the equity in their homes fade, and there was no Social Security cost of living raise in 2010 and 2011.

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Plus, Barksdale said, often seniors are not living in an ideal environment. Some are spending too much money for care they don’t require, while others can’t afford the care they need.

“Too often in our industry, seniors are moved quickly into assisted living and then skilled nursing,” Barksdale said.

“Each level is more costly and requires them to give up more and more independence.”

Longer lives On top of the financial strains, Barksdale said the average time retirees live in a community like Friendship has risen. That means that seniors are entering when they are younger, when they are more active.

“We are seeing residents join Friendship Retirement Community in their 70s and living here 15 to 20 years,” he said.

With the impending surge of retiring baby boomers, who are expected to live longer, Barksdale said a new option for retirees is needed.

“Already, we’re seeing 95 percent occupancy in our independent living apartments and our healthcare center is full, with a bit of room left in assisted living,” he said.

“We see the need for more capacity. So future residents will be older, they may require more assistance in their home, and there’s a likelihood that they’ll have less money to bring into retirement.”

Still he added, “They also want more amenities than generations before them — whether it’s a community center, pool, workout room, activities, travel and modern kitchens.”

Figuring out how to rein in costs while providing more amenities is among the seemingly incompatible tasks that Friendship wants the architecture students to tackle.

“This project is about sustainability — financially for residents, clinically for the right care, and philosophically,” Barksdale said.

Architecture students step in For the students, the question posed by Friendship, which is Virginia’s largest retirement community, provides a platform for conducting research in the growing field of how environmental design influences the health and well-being of citizens.

Inaki Alday, chairman of the department of architecture at UVa, said the relationship with Friendship is a promising research opportunity in an area that could have a larger effect on society and the aging population.

“We are demanding new things, new ways of having relationships with the environment,” Alday said. “I guess Friendship is interested in being on the cutting edge of what society is demanding.”

Alday said students will have to ask questions such as where to locate a vegetable garden and how to design a commuSee COMMUNITY, page B-4

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

B-3

New technology enables aging in place

By Laurie Orlov and Barbara Ruben From wireless monitoring systems to devices that call for emergency response, technology that helps older adults live at home is growing by leaps and bounds.

Below are five devices that have recently gone on the market. They not only allow people to live at home longer, but let them communicate with family members quickly and easily.

The GrandCare System connects via Internet and communicates with wireless sensors throughout a home to help caregivers communicate with and monitor a loved one from afar. The device monitors door openings, blood pressure, weight, medications,

eating, wake up times and other activities.

The system also coordinates schedules online with family and caregivers.

Family can send pictures, messages, emails, reminders and more to a dedicated and customized TV channel for the loved one to see. For an additional charge, the interactive GrandCare System includes a touch-screen monitor for these communication elements.

Users can play games, listen to favorite music, watch old film clips, view news and weather reports and more from the system. The company says no computer experience is needed to use the device.

For more information, contact GrandCare Systems LLC, (262) 338-6147, www.grandcare.com.

The GreatCall Responder is a wireless, mobile device that enables you to call for assistance from wherever you are. Weighing 1.8 ounces, the GPS-enabled device can be attached to a keychain or carried in a purse or backpack.

By pressing the button on the GreatCall Responder, users (who must also subscribe to the 5Star Ur-

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For more information, contact GreatCall, 1-800-733-6632, www.greatcall.com.

The TabSafe medication management system not only reminds people to take their prescriptions, it dispenses the drugs as well.

It also alerts caregivers (that the medication has been retrieved, or not, as the case may be) and posts information on compliance, inventory and other health information that is accessible from any Internet capable device.

The medication to be dispensed must be inserted by the pharmacy, homeowner or caregiver into a cartridge in a base unit. The design allows for one type of medication per cartridge or multiple medications using an optional multidose cartridge. The design allows one tablet, or a dose of more than one, to be released at a time.

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the unit, detailed prescription data and compliance records. The device also coordinates ordering refills from the pharmacy.

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Telikin bills itself as a simple and easyto-use computer that combines video chat, photo sharing, Web browsing, e-mail and other popular features into a touchscreen device. It also features a built-in CD/DVD player, games and Microsoft-compatible word processing. Telikin is available with an 18- or 20-inch monitor.

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From page B-2 nity that doesn’t rely on cars for transportation.

Friendship already has identified both land and money to create this new environment and has plans to break ground on a new development on its Roanoke campus next year.

On the table is a $5.5 million budget to construct 34 new apartments that will incorporate the best of the designs and ideas from the students. That will be the first stage of the larger project.

Last November, Jim Jones and five students from Tech’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies stood with Barksdale looking out at 14 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the existing Friendship community.

Jones and Barksdale discussed the location and the vision. “It’s nice because it’s open to the south,” said Jones, who is the director of the Center for High Performance Learning Environments at Tech.

“That provides nice natural light.”

For Jones, the relationship with Friendship also delves into a larger architectural challenge of designing buildings and the surrounding landscape to create energyefficient and sustainable spaces.

Taking advantage of the natural light that he immediately noticed when visiting the site means purposefully including skylights, windows, doors and outdoor spaces

in the overall design, Jones said.

“We want to get into the mind of the people who will inhabit these spaces and figure out what works and what doesn’t work,” he said.

The immediate design will likely rely on existing ideas that have already been proven through research. Friendship is not alone in embracing those concepts.

Last September, the state of Virginia granted permission for Richfield Retirement Community to renovate and expand its nursing home in a $35.5 million project that moves away from the long hallways of traditional medical institutions and instead relies on a “neighborhood” setting where activities and care can be tailored to patients’ needs. [A similarly innovative long-term care community opening soon in Baltimore will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Beacon.]

Besides looking at the 14-acre open field, Barksdale took Jones on a tour of the existing buildings at Friendship. There, too, Jones pointed out changes to the design that would offer a more suitable environment for residents, such as doing away with some of the dark hallways and segregated rooms that confine people to one space and block any connection to the outdoor environment.

“This offers us a chance to design something new, but also test what exists,” Jones said. “We can look at what works and doesn’t and use that to inform [the design]. It’s a continuum of research.”

— The Roanoke Times via AP

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

B-5

More choose not to move when retiring

By Chris Farrell The popular vision of the “good life” in retirement — packing up to move hundreds (if not thousands) of miles to a new abode where it’s always sunny and warm — became commonplace in the 1950s and ‘60s.

Many older Americans had achieved financial independence and migrated from Snowbelt cities to Sunbelt communities, where they expected a leisurely life of golf in the morning and cocktails on the patio in the evening.

“In the past, such an experience of retirement was limited to the wealthy few,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Dora Costa wrote in 1998 in The Evolution of Retirement. “Now, it is an option available to the majority of workers.”

Yet more are staying put But is it really a widely available option

New technology From page B-3 support, as well as built-in video tutorials For more information, contact Telikin, 1-800-230-3881, www.telikin.com.

The telyHD by telylabs delivers highdefinition (HD) Skype video calls directly to a TV. By plugging telyHD into the HMDI port on a TV, the user can make HD

anymore? Following the steep decline in home values after the housing bubble burst in 2006, Americans of all ages are relocating less often. A mere 11.6 percent of U.S. residents moved between 2010 and 2011, the lowest rate since 1948.

The number of older Americans continues to grow, but they are increasingly aging in place. Scholars at the Brookings Institution predict, for example, that Georgia’s senior population — those age 65 and older — will swell by 44 percent between 2010 and 2020. But less than 10 percent of the increase will be due to in-migration of older citizens.

The shift toward staying put runs even deeper than the depression in home values. The leading edge of the massive babyboom generation has reached the traditional retirement age of 65. But most boomers’ savings have fallen short.

That savings dearth is the impetus for the standard retirement advice these days: Work well into your traditional retirement years. And guess what? Working longer influences where you retire.

For most people, it makes sense to stay where they are because they can more easily find jobs by tapping networks of nearby friends, family members and acquaintances.

For example, having such a network makes it far easier for a soon-to-be-retiree to get a part-time consulting contract or an opportunity to use hard-earned knowhow at a local business. Relocating means creating new networks, and that takes time.

video calls to any Skype user, on any device, anywhere in the world.

The all-in-one unit does not require a computer, nor is there any software to install. Designed for the living room, telyHD features a high-definition camera with wide-angle lens and a microphone. The unit also allows users to share photos from a flash drive or SD card and to send and receive video mail.

TelyHD is powered by Google’s An-

droid operating system for continued delivery of new applications. No monthly fees are required.

For more information, contact telylabs:

Financial benefits Staying local benefits you financially in two major ways. First, nurturing the vari-

ous networks in your community is truly a critical investment — the way stocks, bonds and other types of financial savings are important to a secure old age.

Second, you have a good vantage point for researching ways to improve your current home, or select an appropriate retirement community, rather than looking into possible digs in far-away climes Do your bathrooms need remodeling for safety as you age? How about the kitchen? Or would it be smarter to downsize to a nearby condo or an apartment in a nearby active adult community?

Chris Farrell is a contributing columnist to Kiplinger.com. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com.

And for more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2012 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

(650) 318-3549, www.tely.com.

Laurie Orlov is an industry analyst for the website Aging in Place Technology Watch, www.ageinplacetech.com.

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CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bgf.org Situated amid the natural beauty of a 220-acre campus just down the road from historic Sandy Spring, Maryland, Brooke Grove Retirement Village has been an innovator in continuing care for seniors for more than 60 years.

With the ongoing growth of our independent living community, The Cottages, Brooke Grove Retirement Village adds to decades of expertise in assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation, respite care, and specialized support for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. Call for a personalized tour or visit us on the Web at www.bgf.org.

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Chancellor’s Village 540-786-5000 12100 Chancellor’s Village Lane Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407 www.seniorlifestyle.com Chancellor’s Village is Virginia’s only Senior Lifestyle Community with both independent and assisted living. Spacious apartments are available in many floor plans and each residence also includes a porch or patio. Nestled on 10 acres between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. Our amenities package is strong on service and personal care, and is included in the monthly fee! The amenities at Chancellor’s Village include individual laundry and linen service, three chef-inspired meals each day, abundant recreational, cultural and entertainment choices, a wellness center with an on-staff personal trainer, complimentary transportation as you need it and much more.

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

Tools for a do-it-yourself home inventory

By David Pitt Everyone should keep an up-to-date list of their belongings. It’s essential to be prepared in case of theft, loss by fire, or other cause of serious damage. Yet the insurance industry estimates that only about 1 in 5 homeowners have such an inventory.

The old fashioned way of going room to room with a notepad and pencil is one way to accomplish this task, but new tools including software and an iPhone app make it much easier.

The latest is new free offering released by the Insurance Information Institute (III), an industry trade group. It’s available on www.knowyourstuff.org or by using the III Inventory app, which is available on Apple’s iTunes store.

You can enter a list of your belongings through either the website or the app. You do not need to have a smartphone with apps to take advantage of the website, but if you do, what you enter through the app and website will be synchronized.

All of the information is stored in a personal, password-protected account on an Amazon secure server. It can then be accessed anywhere, anytime, which is an important benefit should you have to evacu-

ate your home in an emergency.

The software will guide you through the process of creating and updating your home inventory. As a starting point, there are lists of rooms and item types to make things easier.

Photographs, scanned receipts and appraisal forms can be uploaded. What’s more, the software can generate several types of insurance reports, which is helpful if a claim needs to be filed.

A home inventory enables homeowners and renters to determine if they have sufficient insurance coverage. After a loss, it also helps substantiate the amount of the loss for tax purposes or when applying for financial assistance.

While III’s software is a recent launch, other inventory programs are available.

Check out the one offered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at www.insureuonline.org . The application, called MyHome Scr.APP.book, is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

For those without a smartphone, the association offers a downloadable home inventory checklist and tips for effectively cataloguing your possessions.

— AP

Ten ways to save money when moving

By Brian Ruberry For those planning to downsize in the coming years, the cost of moving is often one of the most worrisome factors. Moving costs range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, so with the right planning the cost savings can be significant.

“Movers typically charge by the hour, so you need a good plan in place to avoid wasting money,” said Susan Danick, founder of Transitional Assistance & Design, a senior move management company

in the Washington D.C. area. “A plan helps the move be better organized, more efficient and more cost effective.”

“Moving into a retirement community is very different than moving into a house,” she emphasized. “You won’t have room for storage, so you need to think as much about purging as you do about packing.”

Danick offered the following cost-saving tips for those planning to downsize: 1. Choose a mover that fits your needs.

See TEN WAYS TO SAVE, page B-7

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

Finding caregivers to lend a hand at home “Homecare” is a simple phrase that encompasses a wide range of health and social services. These services are delivered at home to recovering, disabled, chronically or terminally ill persons in need of medical, nursing, social or therapeutic treatment and/or assistance with the essential activities of daily living.

Generally, homecare is appropriate whenever a person prefers to stay at home but needs ongoing care that cannot easily or effectively be provided solely by family and friends.

More and more older people, electing to live independent, non-institutionalized lives, are receiving homecare services as their physical capabilities diminish.

Home care organizations include home health agencies; homemaker and homecare aide (HCA) agencies; staffing and private-duty agencies.

Home care services generally are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Depending on the patient’s needs, these services may be provided by an individual or a team of specialists on a part-time, intermittent, hourly or shift basis.

Here are descriptions of the various

types of homecare providers and explanations of how they differ: Home health agencies The term home health agency often indicates that a homecare provider is Medicare certified. A Medicare-certified agency has met federal minimum requirements for patient care and management and therefore can provide Medicare and Medicaid reimbursable home health services.

Individuals requiring skilled homecare services usually receive their care from a home health agency. Due to regulatory requirements, services provided by these agencies are highly supervised and controlled.

Some agencies deliver a variety of homecare services through physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, homemakers and HCAs, durable medical equipment and supply dealers, and volunteers. Other home health agencies limit their services to nursing and one or two other specialties.

Home health agencies recruit and supervise their personnel. As a result, they assume liability for all care.

Ten ways to save

ered all in one piece.

6. Protection is key. Regardless of the mover, keep your most precious items with you, like prescription medications, jewelry and important financial documents.

7. Read the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Unfortunately, some movers will tack on hidden fees, such as the cost of packing supplies or boxes, in the fine print.

8. Base the move on a floor plan of your new space. Movers can work much more efficiently using a floor plan, with the added assurance that each piece of furniture will fit in the new space.

9. Do a background check. Make sure your mover has insurance and a mover’s license by checking out the Better Business Bureau.

10. Don’t attempt the move in just one day. Moving in one day makes for a long, exhausting day, so choose a mover who will help with the pack/load on day one, and the unpack/unload on day two.

From page B-6 For a move involving many large and delicate items, make sure the moving company includes packing and crating in their estimate, along with insurance.

2. Move during off-peak days/times. If possible, hold your move until midmonth, or anytime between October and April, to secure lower rates.

3. Request written estimates from several movers. Moving estimates should be based on an inspection of your home furnishings, not a phone conversation.

4. De-clutter before the move for significant savings. Remember, the more items you discard before the move, the less your moving bill will be.

5. Choose best quality over best price. If you hire a mover based solely on the cheapest price, you may be sacrificing other things that are actually more important, such as getting your possessions moved and delivered on time and deliv-

B-7

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ASSISTED LIVING

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

Caregiving From page B-7

The Solana Olney (301) 570-2611 2611 Olney Sandy Springs Road Olney, MD 20832 www.brookdaleliving.com/solana-olney.aspx The Solana® Olney, now under construction in Olney, Maryland, provides Personalized Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care options for seniors. Our community will open this Fall, offering residents an intellectually stimulating, physically invigorating and emotionally fulfilling life. Those who desire to retain their independence but do not require the skilled nursing care provided in nursing homes will appreciate our friendly staff’s assistance with activities of daily living. We also provide specially-designed programs and care for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related illnesses. At The Solana Olney you and your loved one will enjoy a stylish, comfortable and inviting community environment to share with neighbors and friends, along with all the features and amenities needed to enhance your personal lifestyle. We invite you to call to learn more.

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Gardens of Traville 301-762-5224 14431 Traville Garden Circle Rockville, MD 20850 www.pinnacleams.comgardenssoftraville Welcome to a new and unique apartment community created exclusively for seniors featuring spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes. The Gardens of Traville, for adults age 62 and better, combines the conveniences of premier independent living with the advantages of a rental community. Apartment homes feature fully equipped kitchens, upgraded bathrooms and emergency response systems. The community offers a hair salon, computer center, wellness center and game room, as well as large community lounges to host special events and activities. We are conveniently located in a tranquil area of Rockville adjacent to Traville Shopping Center.

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Emerson House 301-779-6196 5999 Emerson Street Bladensburg, MD 20710 Emerson House Apartments is conveniently located on Emerson Street, just off of Rt. 450 and 57th Ave in Bladensburg, Md. In a quaint residential setting, just minutes from neighborhood shopping, the community is convenient to Prince George's Hospital, a local library, public transportation and parks.

Activities within Emerson House include: exercise classes, a Wii bowling league, arts and crafts classes, bingo, movie night, parties, bus trips and much more. Emerson House is a nine-story, community designed for today’s seniors (62 and older). Our 220 one-bedroom units offer Section 8 rent subsidy for low- to moderate-income households.

Please call today to request an application or make an appointment to tour our community. 301-779-6196. Monday – Friday 8:30 to 5:00.

Homemaker and homecare aide agencies Homemaker and HCA agencies employ homemakers or chore workers, HCAs and companions who support individuals through meal preparation, bathing, dressing and housekeeping. Personnel are assigned according to the needs and wishes of each client.

Some states, including Maryland, require these agencies to be licensed and meet minimum standards established by the state. Most homemaker and HCA agencies recruit, train and supervise their personnel and thus are responsible for the care rendered.

Staffing and private-duty agencies Staffing and private-duty agencies generally are nursing agencies that provide individuals with nursing, homemaker, HCA and companion services. Most states do not require these agencies to be licensed or meet regulatory requirements.

Some staffing and private-duty agencies assign nurses to assess their clients’ needs to ensure that personnel are properly assigned and provide ongoing supervision.

These agencies recruit their own personnel. Again, responsibility for patient care rests with each agency.

Registries Registries serve as employment agencies for homecare nurses and aides by matching these providers with clients and collecting

finder’s fees. These organizations usually are not licensed or regulated by government.

Registries are not required to screen or check the background of their caregivers, but some do undertake these tasks routinely. In addition, although not legally required to, some registries offer procedures for patients to file complaints.

Clients select and supervise the work of a registry-referred provider. They also pay the individual provider or providers directly and must comply with all applicable state and federal labor, health and safety laws and regulations, including payroll tax and Social Security withholding requirements.

Independent providers Independent providers are nurses, therapists, aides, homemakers, chore workers and companions who are privately employed by individuals who need such services.

Aides, homemakers, chore workers and companions are not required to be licensed or to meet government standards except in cases where they receive state funding. In this arrangement, the responsibility for recruiting, hiring and supervising the provider rests with the client.

Finding back-up care in the event that the provider fails to report to work or fulfill job requirements is the client’s responsibility.

Clients also pay the provider directly and must comply with all applicable state and federal labor, health and safety requirements.

Excerpted from the website of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.

For more information, see www.nahc.org or call (202) 547-7424.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CARE TO DANCE?

Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center, located at 2126 Industrial Pkwy., Silver Spring, Md., has dances every Friday and Saturday at 9 at p.m., Sunday at 8 p.m. and Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. The events feature both ballroom-style dancing and dancing to contemporary music. A complimentary group dance lesson is offered an hour before general dancing begins, and is included in the $15 admission. For more information, call (301) 3261181 or see www.HollywoodBallroomDC.com.

Ongoing

HOARDING HELP

In collaboration with the Gaithersburg Hoarding Task Force, the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) offers an educational seminar series on the topic of hoarding. In addition, JSSA also facilitates a monthly hoarding support group and can provide telephone and periodic email support. For information on JSSA’s programs for family members and friends of people with hoarding behaviors, contact Beth Shapiro at (301) 816-2665 or bshapiro@jssa.org.

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

B-9

You may win TICKETS FOR TWO to to the Kennedy Center Return the survey below, and you may win a pair of tickets to Nabucco, the opera that made Verdi famous, at the Kennedy Center.

Or, choose tickets to a concert by Columbia Pro Contare or the Columbia Orchestra.

About this survey: Please help us better meet your needs by answering this survey. All surveys returned to the Beacon by May 15 will be entered into a random drawing for

tickets to The Kennedy Center. All survey responses will be kept strictly confidential. Your personal information will not be sold to others or associated with your answers.

Complete and mail this page to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. Thank you!

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.

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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 and the reader survey of the Beacon.

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

Costs and benefits of reverse mortgages

By Elliot Raphaelson More and more these days, seniors who have substantial equity in their homes, but who are nonetheless cash-poor, are turning to reverse mortgages to supplement their retirement savings.

A reverse mortgage may provide a lump sum payment to the homeowner/borrower, or it may make periodic payments or set up a line of credit — or a combination of the three.

A downside compared with ordinary mortgages is that the loan balance increases with

interest and periodic payments over time, causing negative amortization (an increase in the outstanding balance of the loan).

On the other hand, the loan is secured by real property (your home), is repaid solely from proceeds from its future sale, and is often federally insured (see below), so the borrower is generally not personally liable for repayment.

Some basic information To qualify for a reverse mortgage, a

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homeowner must be 62 years old or older and must have home equity, and the home must meet minimum property standards set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligibility is not dependent on a borrower’s credit rating as long as there is equity in the home.

The lender determines the size of a loan based on equity, the borrower’s age (and that of a co-owner, if applicable), current interest rates, and the type of program selected.

As long as the borrower maintains the home and pays the property taxes and insurance premiums, he or she retains ownership and may remain in the home for life.

Furthermore, the loan doesn’t have to be repaid until the homeowner dies, sells the property or lives elsewhere for 12 months. When the home is sold, the borrower (or estate) pays off the loan plus interest.

Any equity left after paying off the loan goes to the owner or heirs. As long as the property is sold at a fair market price — even if it is less than the loan balance — the lender cannot claim more than the sale amount received.

or adjustable-rate mortgage. With a fixedrate mortgage, the borrower must take all the money in a lump sum, and interest accrues immediately. You should consider this type of mortgage only if you need access to all the equity immediately.

Some lenders waive or reduce initial costs such as loan origination and/or servicing fees for this type of loan. Therefore, it pays to comparison shop.

With adjustable-rate mortgages, the interest rate may change ever y month.

Rates will vary over the life of the loan, and can rise substantially. So it is important to review the history of the underlying index.

The advantage of this option is that a borrower can request multiple lump sums, regular monthly payments, or a credit line to use at his or her convenience.

The major disadvantage is that future interest costs are not known, so increases in rates can jeopardize the borrower’s access to additional funds later on. These may be needed to maintain the property and continue to pay real estate taxes and insurance.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development reported in 2010 that more than 7,500 reverse mortgages were in de-

A few caveats Borrowers can select either a fixed-rate

Livelife

See REVERSE MORTGAGES, page B-12

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Friendship Retirement Community in Roanoke, Virginia, is only four hours south of D.C. and offers a change of pace that’s easy on the wallet.

Whether it’s scenic mountains and lakes, lower cost of living or being able to travel by air or road to visit friends and family, get the best out of life with all the amenities Friendship and Roanoke have to offer with no buy-ins or long-term commitments.

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Friendship does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.

For further information about this policy, contact the Corporate Compliance Officer (540) 265-2222.

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

B-11

Inexpensive ways to spruce up your home

By Patricia Mertz Esswein For $1,000 or less, you can enjoy your home more if you’re staying put, or add curb appeal if you’re planning to sell. Consider these options:

Remake an entrance, $250 If your home’s front entrance presents a sad face to the world, brighten it up by painting the front door with an accent color. Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior, about $20 per quart, is a good choice; it hides imperfections, is easy to apply, dries quickly and resists fading and weathering.

Finish the door with new hardware. At www.handlesets.com you’ll find a good selection at discounted prices, often almost half off suggested retail. (Installation is an easy job, but if you lack the time, a handyman will charge $30 to $100.) Add kick plates (screw-on or magnetic, $25 to $112) and door knockers ($10 to $226) from the huge selection at www.signaturehardware.com.

Replace a beaten-up mailbox with one from www.seattleluxe.com, which carries almost 1,200 boxes, wall- and post-mounted, that run from $29 all the way up to $3,960. Add pizzazz or character with house numbers from www.housenumberconnection.com. You’ll find styles from Craftsman to the Age of Aquarius in copper, brass, aluminum, steel and tile ($11 to $47 apiece).

Update your lighting, $500 Are you living with light fixtures that aren’t yet fashionably retro? Switch out one or more, especially in a prominent

place, such as over your dining-room table.

To get a feel for styles, visit www.lampsplus.com or the Web sites of home-furnishings retailers, such as www.westelm.com.

Lithonia Lighting (www.lightahome.com) makes several styles of energy-efficient chandeliers. A five-light chandelier goes for $199 in antique bronze and $258 in brushed nickel. Installation costs $60 to $100.

Make over cabinets, $1,000 Give your dowdy kitchen cabinetry a lift with paint and new hardware. Proper preparation — cleaning, sanding and priming —is key to a good-looking, long-lasting result. Using a paint sprayer helps, too (rent one from a paint or home-improvement store).

Pros charge an average of $547 to do the job with one coat of paint on 150 square feet of base and wall-hung wood cabinets, according to the website Do It Yourself or

Not (www.diyornot.com).

You can cut the cost of painting to about $200, regardless of size, if you do it yourself.

For inspiration, visit websites such as Better Homes and Gardens (www.bhg.com; see “30 Low-Cost Cabinet Makeovers”) and www.houzz.com.

Hardware — knobs and handles — is the jewelry of cabinetry, and the Internet provides endless options. You can spend from a few dollars to $50 or much more per knob or handle. Find a fine discounted selection at www.knobsforless.com. © Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

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B-12

Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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

Reverse mortgages From page B-10

Riderwood 301-495-5700 3140 Gracefield Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 Ideally located in Silver Spring, Riderwood offers maintenance-free retirement living combined with a vibrant lifestyle―all in a beautiful, private 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 Riderwood’s many 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.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Covenant Village (301) 540-1162 18889 Waring Station Road Germantown, MD 20874 www.qpmgmt.com • Spacious 2 bedroom plans with washer/dryer in each apt.

• Covenant Village shuttle bus for shopping and local trips • Fitness room, billiard room, game/crafts room, movie theatre, • On site beauty salon, garden plots.

It’s all about our residents, says Kathy the Property Manager. The Staff ensures that the residents always have interesting and exciting activities going on. Some of the fun includes movie nights, new resident meet and greet, holiday parties, fashion shows, and community dinners. Attendance at the wine and cheese and ice cream socials is close to 100%.

Covenant Village was recently awarded a trophy by the Property Management Association for being Maryland’s Best Affordable Community in their category! Please call today to make an appointment for a tour.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Greenspring 703-913-1200 7410 Spring Village Drive Springfield, VA 22150 Situated in beautiful Springfield, Greenspring is retirement living at its best. Every apartment home in this 108-acre gated community is 100% maintenance-free. So rather than worrying about the house and the yard, you can spend more time pursuing your passions. Travel, volunteer, take a college class and explore some of Greenspring’s many 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.

fault for failure to keep up with taxes and insurance. When borrowers are in default, they must pay up or face foreclosure.

So to avoid this risk of possibly losing your home to foreclosure, do not enter a reverse mortgage agreement unless you are certain you will be able to maintain your home and pay your real estate taxes and homeowner insurance.

While reverse mortgages can be beneficial in many situations, most experts agree that other options — such as downsizing, or selling your home and renting — should be considered first.

What are the costs?

If you are considering a reverse mortgage, you need to understand some of the options and all of the initial and recurring costs associated with them.

Most reverse mortgages are offered through (and insured by) the Federal Housing Administration’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program.

I would urge you to consider a reverse mortgage only if it is under this program’s auspices.

I will be discussing the estimated costs associated with the two HECM offerings: the HECM Standard and the HECM Saver, introduced in 2010. (For more informat i o n , v i s i t w w w. h u d . g o v / b u y i n g /rvrsmort.cfm.)

Aside from interest, there are three basic costs associated with a reverse mortgage: the origination fee, mortgage insurance costs and closing costs. The entire amount of these fees may be financed as part of the mortgage.

The origination fee is 2 percent of the loan amount up to $200,000, plus 1 percent of the loan amount above that level. The fee cannot be less than $2,500 or more than $6,000.

HUD guidelines require that all HECM mortgages be insured. For a standard HECM mortgage, the initial mortgage insurance premium cost is 2 percent of the appraised home value (with a cap of $625,000) plus an annual premium of 1.25 percent of the loan balance. This requirement penalizes mortgage-holders who take out a loan much lower than the home value.

For an HECM Saver mortgage, the mortgage insurance cost is only 0.01 percent of the appraised home value or of the principal lending limit, whichever is less.

However, the annual premium is the same: 1.25 percent of the loan balance.

For a $200,000 mortgage, for example, you would save $3,980 with the HECM Saver program over the standard program. Here’s the catch to Saver mortgages: Borrowers may be limited to a loan amount up to 18 percent less than a standard HECM mortgage loan.

The third type of expense consists of closing costs. These include appraisals, title search, inspections, surveys and so forth. These costs may vary, so you should compare costs among lenders.

What the experts are saying Many experts discourage borrowers from taking out reverse mortgages, especially the HECM Standard loan, because of the high up-front fees, the uncertainty regarding interest (for ARMs), and the loans’ inflexibility.

Also, experts have tended to say that reverse mortgages make more sense for borrowers in their 70s or older, rather than in their 60s, since the amount you can borrow goes down the younger you are.

Yet, a new study from the MetLife Mature Market Institute shows that the age of those seeking reverse mortgages has plummeted in the four years since the collapse of the housing market in the U.S. It also reports that these mortgages have evolved into a way to help many older baby boomers manage urgent financial needs.

Boomers age 62-64 currently represent one in five prospective borrowers of the product, which was once associated with a much older age group.

“Consumer attitudes about reverse mortgages are changing because the recession has eroded confidence about retirement security. Americans will [come to] rely more and more on these measures,” said Sandra Timmermann, director of the Institute.

“As reverse mortgages do not have income requirements and since other forms of credit have become less accessible, these loans will become more attractive,” she added.

Barbara Stucki, Ph.D., vice president for home equity initiatives for the National Council on Aging, said that going forward there is a good chance utilizing home equity [through techniques such as reverse mortgages and home equity loans] will evolve from being an emergency measure to one that is part of a strategic retirement plan.

“While the economic downturn may be a major reason borrowers have begun to use this financial option for debt management, in the future it is likely that tapping home equity will be viewed as part of the entire retirement planning process.

“It is likely the reverse mortgage option will be considered alongside some of the more traditional methods of saving and investment,” Stucki said.

An excellent source for more information about reverse mortgages is The Complete Guide to Reverse Mortgages by Tammy and Tyler Kraemer (Adams Media, 2007).

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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

Housing Notes

By Barbara Ruben

New apartments open at Ashby Ponds Ashby Ponds retirement community in Ashburn, Va., opened Red Robin View, a four-level, 105,000 square-foot residential building with 80 apartment-style homes in April. Many of the apartments feature kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, full-size washers and dryers, walk-in closets, and custom flooring and light fixtures.

Ashby Ponds is owned by Erickson Living, and the new project adds about 100 residents to the 600 already living in the retirement community.

Approximately 20 percent of those moving into Red Robin View are relocating from another geographical area.

“We’ve seen residents come back to the area after initially retiring elsewhere, often to be closer to their children and grandchildren,” said Ashby Ponds’ personal moving consultant Elizabeth McCumiskey.

That is the case for Red Robin View residents William and Abigail Toufectis, who moved into the new building on April 4.

“We are originally from New York, but

lived in Reston for 10 years,” said Abigail.

The Toufectises three children all went to college in Virginia and remained in the area; their son lives in Washington, D.C., and their daughters live in Herndon and Blacksburg.

The couple worked with McCumiskey who helps future residents customize a relocation plan with Erickson Realty and Moving Services. These plans include helping individuals downsize if necessary, providing assistance with moving and packing plans, being present for settlement planning, providing a market analysis, referring local real estate agents, assisting with home staging, and coordinating appraisals and improvements to the home going on the market.

About 90 percent of the apartments in Red Robin View have already been reserved. Virtual tours of two of the 15 floor plans in Red Robin View can be found online at http://brochure.ericksonliving.com//lp/ap l_red_robin/banner/tour.asp.

Homecrest House introduces additional services B’nai B’rith Homecrest House recently began its Partners for Healthy Living program, which brings outside partners into the community to help care for residents in their apartments. Homecrest House is a

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From excursions to local shopping, concerts, theaters, Kennedy Center events and other DC attractions, the excitement never ends.

nonprofit organization in Silver Spring, Md., that provides subsidized senior apartments.

Services include home support and basic living services provided by Premier Home Care Agency, and aging and disability services offered by the Jewish Social Service Agency.

Potomac Home Health Care provides physical and occupational therapy, and Top Banana offers home delivery of groceries.

An audiologist, dermatologist, dentist and

B-13

nurse practitioner also visit to provide care.

These services result in early identification of problems, which in turn leads to decreased hospitalizations and timely responses to depression, malnutrition, dehydration and other preventable problems, according to executive director Joe Podson.

Homecrest House is currently accepting applications. For more information, call (301) 598-4000 or see www.homecresthouse.org.

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B-14

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

Drop preconceptions about assisted living

By Dave Carpenter Assisted living may be in your future.

That may not be an ideal scenario for most retirees, given its association with a loss of independence. But it’s becoming a reality for many as living in retirement for decades becomes more common.

There are close to a million residents in some 38,000 assisted living facilities across the country, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

That population is expected to soar as the number of retired baby boomers continues to grow.

The best time to do some homework on this residential option — an intermediate step between independent living and nursing home care — is well before you need

it. But first that means casting aside some preconceived ideas about assisted living.

“The name has a connotation of ‘I can’t live by myself any more,’” said Ellen Eichelbaum, a Northport, N.Y.-based gerontologist whose company, the SpeakEasy Group, consults on aging issues. “But an assisted living facility provides a lot of the social and security issues that seniors are worried about.”

It takes away the burden of having to care for your home and allows you to be part of a community, she said. And if you don’t feel well, help is just a button away.

“You can still be near your kids,” Eichelbaum said. “You can still go food shopping, you can go to the movies. You just won’t have the burden of your house.”

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Public Housing for those 62+ The Housing Opportunities Commission Opens Its Waiting List For Two Weeks Only June 4 to June 15, 2012 Features & Amenities Spacious, attractive & affordable apartments Great locations, close to shopping centers Bus & Metro Accessible Utilities included Washer & dryer in each building Central Air & Heating Social Activities / Resident Associations 24-hour emergency maintenance

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Applications will be available at All Montgomery County Government Senior and Service Centers, HOC Customer Service Centers, and Libraries or online at www.hocmc.org. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online between June 4 and June 15.

For further information, call (240) 773-9399.

Email: waitinglist@hocmc.org *Priority given to applicants who live or work in Montgomery County.

Here are some things you should know about assisted living facilities.

What they are: Assisted living facilities are residential communities that offer different levels of health or personal care services for seniors who want or need help with some daily activities — anything from cooking to transportation to dressing and bathing.

What they’re not is nursing homes that address major medical needs. They are designed to provide a home-like setting for residents who want to live independently with minimal assistance.

Who lives there: The average age of residents in assisted living facilities in 2009 was about 87, according to the National Center for Assisted Living, an organization representing long-term care providers.

Three-quarters of the residents are female. They stay at the assisted living residence for an average of about 28 months, and the majority then move on to a nursing facility.

Ser vices provided: Services offered vary widely but typically include 24-hour emergency care, some medical services and help with medications, limited assistance with personal care, meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and recreational activities. Large facilities may have private apartments as well as shared and private rooms.

Finding information: AARP suggests checking with your state or local agency on aging, the yellow pages, the Assisted Living Federation of America and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (now called LeadingAge), as well as with friends, neighbors and books on retirement.

If looking on behalf of your parents, check your own local neighborhoods first.

Most residents of assisted living facilities

in urban areas who have children live within five to seven miles of them, according to Eichelbaum.

[For additional resources, see the sidebar at the conclusion of this story.]

What it costs: The cost of assisted living facilities varies greatly depending on size, location and services. The median rate for a private room is $3,698 a month, or just over $44,000 a year, in the Washington, D.C. area, according to Genworth Financial Inc., which compiles an annual costs survey among long-term care service providers. If you need a home health aide on top of that, the median cost is $19 an hour.

Neither Medicare nor health insurance policies pay for assisted living. Medicaid covers only some services, and not in every facility or every state.

Long-term care insurance may cover most of the costs, depending on your policy. But if you haven’t bought coverage well ahead of time (ideally in your 50s or 60s), you may not be eligible and able to afford it once you get close to needing it.

AARP said four out of five residents pay for assisted living out of pocket. Veterans who need assistance can qualify for up to $1,949 a month if married, $1,644 if single or $1,055 for surviving spouses through the Aid and Attendance Pension.

Continuing care: an alternative: There are three basic types of living options for older adults as they age: independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. To avoid needing to move every time more assistance is needed, continuing care retirement communities are worth considering.

They offer a variety of services for all three levels of care within one community.

See ASSISTED LIVING, page B-15

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

Assisted living From page B-14 Entrance fees can range from $100,000 to $1 million, and monthly charges can range from $3,000 to $5,000, increasing as needs change.

Plan ahead: Do the research before you have an immediate need. Having an idea of the cost and availability of options in your community is essential. If local facilities aren’t appropriate or affordable, it

may be worth considering relocating to a community with one that fits you (or your parents) better.

If you have elderly parents, getting siblings to agree ahead of time to a plan for them, and discussing how to finance it, is important too, said Amy Goyer, AARP’s family expert. “If you wait until the crisis time, often the burden just falls on who’s closest,” she said. “That can be much harder and unfair for some family members.”

Additional assisted living resources AARP has two publications focusing on assisted living — “Assisted Living: Weighing the Options” and “Assisted Living Facility Evaluation Checklist.”

These and other housing publications are available online at http://aarp.us/assistedlivingoptions or by calling (888) 687-2277.

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is a national organization of for-profit and not-for-profit providers of assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, independent living and other forms of housing and services. Its website has a consumer checklist and articles of consumer interest about assisted living.

Call (703) 894-1805 or see www.alfa.org.

The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL) is a national consumer advocacy organization dedicated to the needs and rights of assisted living consumers. You can order their book, “Choosing an Assisted Living Facility: Considerations for Making the Right Decision,” for $14.95 at www.ccal.org or by calling (703) 5338121. A short video on choosing a facility is available free of charge on the website.

Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116, www.eldercare.gov, is a toll-free directory of services available for seniors throughout the country. It can connect you to resources at Area Agencies on Aging in any county.

LeadingAge, formerly the American Association of Homes and Services

for the Aging, is a national organization of not-for-profit nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living facilities, senior housing facilities and community service organizations. Their website can help you find assisted living residences in your community. Contact LeadingAge at (202) 783-2242 or www.leadingage.org.

The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) is the assisted living arm of the American Health Care Association, a national organization representing long-term care providers. Call (202) 842-4444 to obtain a free copy of NCAL’s brochure, A Consumer’s Guide to Assisted Living and Residential Care. This brochure has a checklist and a “Cost Calculator” worksheet to record the estimated costs of assisted living services.

You can also obtain the brochure through their website, http://longtermcareliving.com/assess/al.

The Long-Term Care Community Coalition publishes a 24-page guide entitled, “Thinking of Moving to an Assisted Living Residence?” The group also offers other assisted living publications. Copies can be downloaded free of charge from the group’s website at www.assisted-living411.org or requested by calling (212) 385-0355.

The National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (ORC) provides support and training to ombudsman programs nationwide.

Contact (202) 332-2275, www.ltcombudsman.org.

New assisted living for those with disabilities The Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence opened its doors in December 2011. It provides assisted living housing for low-income seniors with serious mental illness or intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The South Arlington community includes 52 private rooms with baths. Many include a kitchenette. Rooms are clustered around shared community living areas.

It has a wellness center, library, computer room and outdoor patios.

Residents must be at least 55 years old and meet income criteria.

For more information, see http://bit.ly/marymarshall or call (571) 527-5000.

— Barbara Ruben

B-15

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Asbury Methodist Village 301-637-0344 201 Russell Avenue Gaithersburg, MD 20877 www.AsburyMethodistVillage.org Ever dreamed of having your own wildlife preserve? Becoming a television reporter? Entertaining guests from all over the world?

Seeing your work displayed in a gallery? Maybe it’s just living without worries and with a secure plan for the future? At Asbury Methodist Village, your only limit is your imagination. Explore our 130-acre campus in the heart of Montgomery County, and you’ll see how easy it is to live life the way you want.

With eight different neighborhoods, including the brand-new Courtyard Homes, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Learn more by scheduling a tour any day of the week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday, or Sunday by appointment.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 703-723-1999 21170 Ashby Ponds Boulevard Ashburn, VA 20147 Ashby Ponds in Ashburn is the ideal choice for active seniors who want to live a vibrant lifestyle in a setting that’s safe and beautiful.

Every maintenance-free apartment home on our private campus is a short indoor stroll from a clubhouse full of exciting amenities, services, clubs and classes. Here, you’ll enjoy the stability of predictable monthly expenses and the convenience of on-site health and wellness services. Only six apartment homes are still available in our newest residence building, Red Robin View.

Schedule your personal campus tour today before we are 100% sold out.

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

The Village at Rockville 301-424-9560 9701 Veirs Drive Rockville, MD 20850-3462 www.thevillageatrockville.org The Village at Rockville excels in short-stay rehabilitative, respite and hospice care, as well as longer-term 24-hour skilled nursing services.

For residents with higher care needs, we also offer dementia/ Alzheimer’s care, post-surgical wound care, and TPN. For over 120 years we have been the flagship quality senior care community in Maryland, attested to by the 98% of residents and families who would recommend us to others. Residential living cottages are also available on our campus. Open to people of all faiths, we accept Medicare/Medicaid, private pay and private insurances.

Stop by or visit our website at www.thevillageatrockville.org.

B-16

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

What’s so special about Brooke Grove Retirement Village?

Just ask our Cottage residents…

“Your staff is wonderful and takes good care of us. The meals are outstanding. Our small community is friendly, caring and willing to help one another as needed. I feel happy, safe and know that I am very lucky to be here at Brooke Grove.”

– Betty Farrell

“We have lived here for nearly three years and are still delighted and grateful at the courtesy, competence and good humor of the staff. They are so good-natured and respectful of our curmudgeonly opinions!”

– Brenda Palley

To learn more about how to enjoy life at Brooke Grove, please fill out and return this coupon or call (301) 260-2320. ❒ I would like to know more about Brooke Grove’s ❒

Independent Living Cottages.

I would like to know more about Brooke Grove’s Assisted Living, Rehab and other services.

Name:_______________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:________________________________________________ WB5/12

www.bgf.org

Please mail this coupon to: Brooke Grove Retirement Village, Attn: Community Relations, 18100 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860.

“We love being free from the work required by a house of this size through the efforts of your maintenance, landscaping and housecleaning crews, yet we can enjoy using our creative natures in directing the plantings and other features that reveal our personal lifestyles.”

– Dr. John and Beatrice Nasou

*All individuals pictured are residents or staff members of Brooke Grove.

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

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE 5

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

By Dr. John M. Thompson “Never Too Old to Play” is the theme that the U.S. Administration on Aging has adopted for May 2012, which is Older Americans Month. As I reflect on my past 12 months with the District of Columbia Office on Aging, I must say that the thousands of seniors that I have met across the District truly embrace this theme! They are physically active through their participation at one of the five operational Senior Wellness Centers across the city and are contributing to our society through their passion for serving people.

Unfortunately, there are still seniors who suffer the effects of social isolation and the lack of family support. Therefore, I urge our seniors and others who have a desire to help, to reach out to these vulnerable persons and connect them with the programs and services offered by the D.C. Office on Aging Senior Service Network. Our intake specialists and social workers are happy to assist all clients directed to our offices.

While we’re still on the topic of Older Americans Month, I encourage you to attend some of our special events for the month of May as we celebrate the contribution of seniors to their communities. I would like to especially highlight the first ever Mayor’s Senior Symposium that will assemble over 300 seniors, advocates, and providers of senior

services who will address issues that matter the most to our seniors. It will be a great opportunity to fine tune our focus on how to better serve the District’s seniors.

The Office on Aging is working diligently to improve the way we provide services through the D.C. Office on Aging Senior Service Network. Our new approach means better access to more services for seniors, persons living with disabilities, and family caregivers. It also results in increased funding and resources for our community-based providers who do an excellent job in serving our stakeholders. I trust that you will notice an improved service delivery model in the next several months.

The D.C. Office on Aging is in the midst of facilitating community engagement meetings around the District on our State Plan on Aging. The state plan serves as our agency’s strategic plan that highlights our goals and objectives for the next three years. We encourage you to attend one of these community engagement meetings and give us your input on shaping this plan. Please see the dates listed in this issue for upcoming meetings or contact our office at 202724-5622. You may also contact us if you would like to host a community engagement meeting on the State Plan on Aging.

Senior advocate and volunteer 101-year-old Mary “Sue” Whitman was also honored during the annual event. Whitman, a retired federal employee, was a former D.C. Commission on Aging member and also served on the Mayor’s Health Policy Committee.

May 2012

25th Annual Salute to District of Columbia Centenarians Laura Genus, 106, was the oldest cente- Jacqueline C. Arguelles posed for photos narian present and the honoree chosen to with the centenarians and their guests as cut the ceremonial cake at the recent 25th the medallions were presented.

Annual Salute to District of Columbia CenVeteran Alyce Dixon, 104 years old, comtenarians. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, the mented on how more seniors are living D.C. Office on Aging and Family Matters longer and they enjoy staying engaged in acof Greater Washington presented the tivities. Dixon who was one of the first event to honor more women to serve as a than 175 residents member of the registered with the Wo m e n ' s A r m y D.C. Office on Corps (WAC), is still Aging. The lunchan active member of eon was attended by her facility commu34 centenarians nity. She received their caregivers, the Good Conduct family members and Medal for her milifriends. tary service and was Mayor Gray ada noted volunteer at dressed those in atvarious hospitals in tendance and posed the area. for a few photos Of the 34 centewith honorees. The narians present at centenarians in atthe event, only four tendance were prewere men. Many of sented with a Joel Emmett McLeod, Sr. , age 102, has been the centenarians medallion and Jerry married to his wife Eva for 72 years. He retired still participate in Phillips, master of from the Department of Labor, Division of programs and servceremonies, read Labor Statistics. The couple has six children, ices provided by information on their three grandchildren and three great-children. the D.C. Office on lives. , D.C. Office Aging. Kelso Stewon Aging Executive Director John M. art and Flora Mitchell, both 100, and Ms. Thompson, Family Matters of Greater Rozalia Simmons, age 102, all attend senWashington CEO Tonya Jackson Small- ior wellness centers on a daily basis. Deawood, Ms. Senior D.C. Emma P. Ward, and con Willie Darby, age 100, attends a day D.C. Commission on Aging Chairperson care on a regular basis.

Centenarian Edna Hardmon, 103 years of age, seated with her daughter, poses for pictures with DCOA Executive Director John M. Thompson, Family Matters of Greater Washington CEO Tonya J. Smallwood, Ms. Senior D.C. Emma P. Ward, Commission on Aging Chairperson Jacqueline C. Arguelles, and Mayor Vincent C. Gray. Hardmon attributes her longevity to her work helping others and their causes.

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

D.C. OFFICE

ON

AGING NEWSLETTER

Older Americans Month Events Older Americans Month is celebrated each May to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society. This year's theme “Never Too Old to Play” encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities. The District of Columbia will be holding citywide and ward events throughout the month in recognition of the 100,000+ Older Washingtonians to play, learn and have fun.

D.C. Parks and Recreation “Senior Golden Olympics” — May 7-11,

“Innovations in Aging 2012- Expo/ Conference” in partnership MD & VA State Agencies on Aging — May 3-5

Event: Opportunity for seniors to dispose of any papers with confidential printing, archive records, colored stock folders. No business or commercial materials will be accepted Locations: Washington Seniors Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave. SE and Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW, 202434-2099 or LCESMP@aarp.org

Event: Expo, job fair and conference workshops for seniors in the DMV. The job fair and the expo are free and open to the public. The professional conference (Thursday and Friday) has a $125 registration fee to cover meals and CEU costs.

Location: Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center, National Harbor Center.

For more information, contact 410-767-1100.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher.

500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Dr. John M. Thompson, Executive Director Darlene Nowlin, Editor Adrian R. Reed, Photographer The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

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

Event: Bowling, track, relay, swimming, golf and more sports Locations: Deanwood Recreation Center, Coolidge Field, Bowling Arena, Takoma Community Center For more information about times and locations, contact 202- 664-7153 or http://www.drp.dc.gov

“AARP Senior Community Shred Event”— May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Senior Day at UniverSoul Circus”— May 8, 10:30 a.m. (other dates May 3-20) Event: Featuring high wire, clowns, trick dogs, elephants, dance, aerial ballet, dancers, tigers and soul music.

Location: 6900 Annapolis Rd., Landover Hills, MD. For tickets call 800-316-7439 or book online at www.universoulcircus.com.

Seabury Resources “Health Fair and Expo” (Ward 5) May 18 at 11 a.m.

Event: Health and information exhibitors, lunch and entertainment for seniors in Ward 5 Location: North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson St. NW Contact 202-529-8701 to RSVP

Barney Program “Senior Talent Show” (Ward 4) — May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Event: Senior talent and fashion show and lunch for seniors in Ward 4 Location: The Nineteenth St. Baptist Church, 4606 16th St. NW Call 202-939-9030 to RSVP

Family Matters (Ward 8) — May 24, 10 a.m. to 2p.m.

Event: Health and information exhibitors, lunch and entertainment for seniors in Ward 8 Location: DCARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE For more information contact 202-562-6860 to RSVP.

Silent Partners Senior Citizens “HIV Training Workshop” — May 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Family Matters “Ward 6 Open House” Event: Training opportunity to learn, advo(Date to be announced), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. cate, identify resources and be informed Location: Temple of Praise Church, 700 Southern Ave. S.E. For more information and to RSVP contact: 202-832-3127 or 202-487-9525

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative “Senior Prom” (Ward 7), May 17, 4 p.m.

Event: Senior Prom with dancing and more.

All invited.

Location: St Luke’s Center 4910 East Capitol St. SE For more information and tickets, call 202534-5880

Family Matters (Ward 2) “Fun Day” May 25, 10 a.m. – 2p.m.

Event: Fun Day out and indoors for seniors in Ward 2.

Location: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1300 7th St. NW For more information and to RSVP contact: 202-232-4202

IONA Senior Services “Advocacy 101” on May 15 at 12:30 p.m.

Event: Be an advocacte for yourself Location: Tenleytown-Friendship Neighborhood Librar y, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW For more information contact 202-966-1055

Event: Open House for new headquarters for Ward 6 Lead Agency for aging services Location: 1318 H St. N.E. Call 202-547-7503 to RSVP

Terrific Inc/Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Ctr. “Ward 1 St. Festival” — May 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Event: Outdoor and indoor street festival for seniors in Ward One. Location: Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center, 3531 Georgia Ave. NW For more information, contact 202-234-4128

National Senior Health and Fitness Day — May 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Event: Open House at Senior Wellness Centers with activities and tour Locations: Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center, 3531 Georgia Ave. NW Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, 3500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center, 324 Kennedy St. NW Model Cities Senior Wellness Centers, 1901 Evart St. NE Washington Seniors Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave. NE For more information, contact: 202-724-5626

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

D.C. OFFICE

ON

AGING NEWSLETTER

Operator for New Wellness Center Selected The D.C. Office on Aging has selected an entity to operate the Hayes Senior Wellness Center in Ward 6. Howard University Geriatrics Division has been awarded the grant to operate fitness and wellness programs at the Hayes Senior Wellness Center, located at 500 K St. NE.

Howard University Geriatrics Division will operate the new Hayes Senior Wellness Center, located in the former Rutherford B. Hayes Elementary School.

“I am pleased with the recommendation of the external review panel and feel confident that Howard University will provide an excellent core of programs to assist Ward 6 seniors as they begin living healthier lifestyles through fitness and exercise. Howard University is a leader in administering evidence based wellness programs that have been proven to improve health outcomes,”

stated John M. Thompson, executive director of the D.C. Office on Aging.

Registration for programs was expected to begin April 30.

District and federal funds in the amount of $170,555 were awarded to Howard University to operate the newly constructed facility for the remainder of FY 2012. Operations will include services that promote healthy habits, enhance social, mental, spiritual and physical well-being and help to prevent unnecessary and costly medical problems associated with the aging process. Currently approximately 11,000 seniors reside in Ward 6.

The features of the Hayes Senior Wellness Center include: • Nutrition counseling and instructional kitchen • Aerobics room and total fitness area • Massage area • Computer training center • Multipurpose room • Offices for Wellness Center staff • Locker rooms with shower and bathroom facilities In 2000, the D.C. Office on Aging requested and was granted capital authority to construct a multipurpose senior wellness center in Ward 6 and a new office headquarters for the D.C. Office on Aging. The old Rutherford B. Hayes Elementary School property was purchased and acquired for the project from D.C. Public Schools in 2001. After several community meetings and approval by the Historic Preservation Office, the building plans were developed and approved. Upon completion, the Office on Aging relocated to the site in October 2011.

For more information or to register for the program, call 202-727-0357.

First Annual D.C. Office on Aging Older Americans Month Senior Symposium Never Too Old to Play: Understanding your Options as a Seasoned Citizen!

Friday, May 25 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Park Hyatt Washington 1201 24th St, NW Washington, DC 20037 Join us for a day of education, discussion and community engagement.

CEUs may be available for professionals attending the event.

The event is free, but registration is required to participate.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided to all registered persons.

To reserve your space today, please call the D.C. Office on Aging at 202724-5622.

District to Hold Public Meetings on Proposed Plan The Office on Aging is seeking public comment on the draft District of Columbia State Plan on Aging for Fiscal Years 20132015 as required under the Older Americans Act (P-L 109365) as amended in 2006. The District of Columbia is required to submit a State Plan on Aging in order to receive more than $6 million in federal dollars under the Older Americans Act. The plan gives the District’s older residents, caregivers and other stakeholders an opportunity to express their views on the current services, future needs and priorities of the Office on Aging.

In addition, a survey is being distributed throughout the city to assess programs for the elderly and persons living with disabilities aged 18-59. The Draft State Plan on Aging is also available for review. To access the survey or the draft plan, access either online at http://dcoa.dc.gov or contact Courtney Williams at 202-727-

8370 or courtney.williams@dc.gov.

Copies of the draft plan and the survey can also be picked up at the Office on Aging.

Comments on the Draft State Plan on Aging may be mailed to: D.C. Office on Aging, 500 K Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 by May 25, 2012.

Community Input Meetings May 7, 1 p.m., Bernice Fonteneau Sr. Wellness Center, 3531 Georgia Ave NW May 8, 10:45 a.m., Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, 3500 MLK Ave. SE May 14, 12:30 p.m., Asian Service Center, 417 G Place May 16, 1 p.m.

Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center, 324 Kennedy St. NW May 22, 12:30 p.m., Washington Seniors Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave SE May 23, 1 p.m., Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, 1901 Evarts St. NE

“Never Too Old To Play” Older Americans Month 2012 Skip the cost of gym memberships. Join thousands of seniors across the city as they participate in fitness activities at on one of our wellness centers located in your neighborhood. All services focus on wellness, health promotion and disease prevention. Nutrition, exercise, reflexology, smoking cessation and other health dialogues, seminars, support groups, creative arts and much more to provide promote the health and wellness of District residents age 60 and older.

202-563-7225 Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center 324 Kennedy St. NW 202-291-6170 Hayes Senior Wellness Center (New location currently taking registrations) 500 K St. NE 202-727-0357 Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts St. NE 202-635-1900

Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center 3531 Georgia Ave. NW 202-727-0338

UDC Institute of Gerontology BODYWISE Senior Program 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW 202-274-6697

Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE

Washington Seniors Wellness Center 3001 Alabama Ave. SE 202-581-9355

32

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

Did you (or someone you know) change careers, start a business or go back to school after retirement?

Careers Volunteers &

Cover story, continuted from page 1 The council, whose charitable works now operate under its nonprofit foundation, collected 17,000 pounds of food for Manna Food Center in April as part of its annual food drive.

It also donates 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of raw meat to the poor each year during the Hajj, a time when Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca. At this time, Muslims sacrifice goats and cows as Ibrahim (Abraham) did in Biblical times.

“The whole purpose is to give [the meat] to people. We are required to give 1/3 to the poor, 1/3 to family and friends, and 1/3 to yourself. We decided, no, we would donate the whole thing to the poor,”

Ahmad said.

“One of our religious leaders said in one of his writings, ‘I do not get communion with God through prayers or fasting, but I got communion from God through feeding hungry people.’ We believe in that and practice it today.”

The foundation also owns a small bus that it uses to take older members of the Muslim community on trips.

Ahmad said that he thinks helping the poor in the community, as many churches and synagogues also do, helps others better understand the faith of Islam.

“Our feeling is that what we have done so far has changed many, many people,

Would you like to sell ads for the Beacon?

who now realize that Muslims are the same as they are. Basically, we are all the same.”

As for the Path of Achievement Award, Ahmad is self-effacing: “It is not so important for me personally, but it is very important for my community that the work that they have done for the last 10 years, and the work that they are doing now, should be acknowledged,” he said.

“By giving the award to me, you are acknowledging the contributions of the Muslims in Montgomery County. And this is a great thing.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF RUBY RUBENS

Paths to Community Service

Please share your story. Email info@theBeaconNewspapers.com or call Barbara at (301) 949-9766.

A fair housing advocate The second award winner, Ruby Rubens, has also made substantial contributions in her own areas of expertise, especially in housing and education. She has served on dozens of committees and boards in a volunteer capacity, and at age 78 continues to assist low-income families and fight racial discrimination.

“My son keeps saying to me, ‘You’re doing too much. Why don’t you sit down?

Aren’t you tired?’ and that kind of thing. But that’s what kind of keeps me going. I tell people I’m afraid to stop because I may not be able to get up any more!” Rubens said.

A native New Yorker, Rubens initially planned to be a social worker while pursuing her degree at Howard University. But after an internship with social services in New York City, she decided the job was

Path of Achievement award winner Ruby Rubens has worked on fair housing and educational issues for decades.

just too emotionally draining.

But that doesn’t mean Rubens didn’t go into public service. She was recruited to be one of the first African American administrators at the Social Security Administration’s headquarters in Baltimore.

She met her husband on the job, and they later moved to the Washington area.

Here she got a job with the Civil Service Administration, now known as the Office See PATHS, page 33

BEACON BITS

May 19+ This full-time, outside sales position pays a base salary plus commissions and benefits.

We’re looking for a hard-working, detail-oriented people person.

Must be outgoing, love selling, be comfortable with computers, e-mail and contact management software (such as ACT!), and be willing to follow direction, complete required paperwork, and participate in weekly training and sales meetings at our office.

If you love the Beacon — and would be excited to call and meet with potential advertisers throughout the Metro area — send your resume and cover letter to Alan Spiegel, Director of Sales, at: alan@theBeaconNewspapers.com.

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Would you like to help an adult learn to read and write, or improve their English skills? Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William offers training to become a certified adult literacy tutor. The next tutor training will be held on Saturdays, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and June 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information or to register, call (703) 670-5702 or lvapw@aol.com.

Also see www.lvapw.org.

All Pet Crematory, Inc. (410) 552-0703 or 1(888) 552-0703 (toll free) • open directly to the public for private cremations only • caring & professional staff • memorial urns and merchandise available

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“Pet Lovers Serving Pet Lovers” | WWW.APCrematory.com

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

Paths From page 32 of Personnel Management.

They began house hunting here in 1967.

“That was the year before the Fair Housing Act passed, so there was a lot of discrimination. We ran into a lot of opposition in terms of buying in this area,” she recalled of buying a house in the Colesville area of Silver Spring.

That experienced impelled her to take up fair housing as a cause. “My lobbying and advocacy work began in working with historically black communities. Many of those communities were isolated and didn’t have public sewage or water,” she said.

Soon she was appointed as the first fair housing manager for Montgomery County. She also served as the housing committee chair for the county’s chapter of the NAACP, and became a “tester” for the fair housing law. That involved posing as a homebuyer in various areas to see if she was discriminated against.

To understand the issues from the inside, Rubens got a real estate license. She also worked to make sure her own neighborhood remained diverse, ferreting out a discriminating real estate company and leading a boycott against it.

“I just gravitated to any way to serve,” she said.

Rubens’ work got noticed by Neal Potter, who appointed her his special assistant on education, housing, and minority and multicultural affairs. “I really got to admire him and learn his world view of justice and fairness,” she said.

And that makes winning the award more personal for her. “I was just delighted, particularly because it’s an award in the name of Neal Potter. That was really just the icing on the cake because I knew him. This to me is the honor of my life to receive the award.”

Montgomery County middle school, propelled her into the world of education.

“I didn’t realize the stereotypes and stigmas attributed to black boys [until he entered school],” she said. “I was horrified. I decided I had to be there in the schools.”

Rubens began working with numerous organizations, including Blacks United for Excellence in Education and several mentoring organizations for black teens. She helped establish Saturday programs to help low-achieving students.

She also was hired as the ombudsman for the Montgomery County Board of Education and as a program coordinator for the school system’s Study Circles project, which brings together parents, teachers and students from different backgrounds to confront challenges posed by cultural and racial differences.

In addition, Rubens is an ordained elder

with her church, the Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer in Washington, D.C., where she’s been a member for 40 years.

Rubens has also spent time caring for her grandson, now 8. Before he went to preschool, she took care of him two days a week while her son and his wife worked.

She enjoys spending as much time as possible with him as he grows up.

Rubens’ son has offered to move his family into her house should she ever need assistance so she can age in place. But for now that prospect seems far away for Rubens.

“I’m not satisfied unless I’m doing something. I just can’t imagine not being involved,” she said.

The Neal Potter Path of Achievement Awards will be presented to Ahmad and Rubens by County Executive Leggett at an event on April 30 at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Md.

Helping children learn But housing is just one side of Rubens’ work. Her son Joe, now the principal of a

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SUPPORT GROUP LEADER NEEDED The Village at Rockville is seeking a widow support group facilita-

tor. The community is located at 9701 Veirs Dr., Rockville, Md. If you have experience leading this kind of group or are interested in other volunteer opportunities, call (301) 354-8447.

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A few minutes going through your jewelry box could be very rewarding! Convert your old, unwanted and broken jewelry into CASH! We will be paying TOP DOLLAR on-site for all types of gold, silver and platinum including sterling silver flatware, serving pieces, bowls and coins.

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• Contribute your skills and wisdom to help students from Pre-K to High School improve academically, socially & emotionally.

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Interages® is a program of JCA® -- the Jewish Council for the Aging®.

JCA serves people of all faiths, ethnicities and income levels.

52847

34

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

®

Be sure not to miss Keynote Speaker:

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Pat Collins

(

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(

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General Assignment Reporter for News4 – WRCTV

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JCA – The Jewish Council for the Aging – thanks our sponsors:

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50+

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00 a.m.

GRAND BALLROOM FOYER Welcome by David Gamse, CEO of JCA - Jewish Council for the Aging Opening Ceremony by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and other dignitaries

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

GRAND BALLROOM D & E Meet Employer Recruiters – Meet representatives and obtain information about job opportunities from local employers.

Informational Resources – Obtain information designed for mature workers on consumer issues, taxes, additional career training and more.

Volunteer Agencies – Learn about volunteer opportunities at local non-profits where you can try out a new job, build your resumé and use your skills while helping people in need.

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

BALLROOMS F & G Resume Place – Review your resume one-on-one with a professional who will advise you regarding layout, completeness, consistency, relevance and word choices – 15 minutes per person.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

BALLROOM H Internet Café – (no food served) Need to apply for a job online or just want to learn the basics of searching for a job online?

Computer coaches will assist you on one of ten computers.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

BALLROOM C Keynote Speaker: Pat Collins, General Assignment Reporter for News4 – WRCTV

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Ballroom B Ballroom C Forest Glen Glen Echo Oakley Linden Oaks Timberlawn

BALLROOMS B, C, Forest Glen, Glen Echo, Oakley, Linden Oaks & Timberlawn Concurrent Seminars offered at 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.

1. LinkedIn: The Power of Social Media in Your Job Search Strategy 2. “What’s Your Brand?” Re-Brand Yourself for Success in a Competitive Career Marketplace 3. Pre-Retirement – “Getting Ready for that Day” 4. Essential Tips for Interviewing After Age 50 5. “Do What You Love: Discover Your Calling, Not Just Your Career” 6. After This Expo: Next Steps To Land A Job 7. The Entrepreneurship Tract – A panel will discuss starting a new business after 50.

35

50+ 36

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EMPLOYERS & RESOURCES

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

PARTIAL LIST

Please

go to www.AccessJCA.org for an updated list.

Early Bird Registrants as of April 28, 2012.

Family & Nursing Care

EMPLOYERS RESOURCES

Food and Drug Administration Aflac 40 Plus of Greater Washington

Green Market Solutions

Athena Consultants AARP Foundation

Joseph Gawler's Sons

Columbia Lighthouse Financial

for the Blind Ameriprise

JS Int'l Inc. Comercial & Federal A Wider Circle The Fit Solution

Construction Avon JCA

Beacon

Health & Human Services The Newspapers JCA Heyman Interages Center

Family Solutions Administration

Bright Horizons JCC of Greater Washington

Holy Cross Hospital Buy

Best JSSA

Hospitality Staff Contemporaries, Kangen Water

Inc. Temporary

Agency

Housing Opportunities

Staffing LegalShield

Institute, Commission of Montgomery CVS Lifelong Learning

County Workforce Dev. & Continung

Ed./

INT’S Montgomery College

Solutions Montgomery

Kelly Government Literacy Council of

LegalShield

County

Manpower Maryland Department of Aging

MV Transportation The Maryland Insurance

NAI Administration Career

National Older Worker

Montgomery County Aging &

Services

Center Disability County

Montgomery

Professionals for Non-Profits

Montgomery County Dept. of Executive

Prudential Life Insurance Co. will open

Recreation Ike Leggett 2012 Expo Randstad, Bethesda & Rockville Montgomery County Police

the

Branches

Department

“There

of Montgomery Montgomery Services County Volunteer

are

Respite a lot of eager County

Center / RSVP jobseekers representing

a Sales Focus Montgomery Works

wide array of skills and

Safeway Inc. M & T Bank

backgrounds – that is the

Sandy Spring Bank

NAMI

most exciting part.”

Professional Outplacement Sibley Memorial Hospital

Designs

Silpada Assistance Center

Maryland

Social & Scientific Inc.

ReServe Systems,

Insurance Louis Stewart LTLCS SCORE, DC

of

Services

The Senior Connection

Inc.

Taconic Farms, Montgomery County

TSA Social

Security

Administration

Volunteers Area of America

Chesapeake United Way National Capital

Washington Adventist Hospital US Senator Cardin’s Office

Wonders Child Care

IF YOU AND WOULD ARE AN EMPLOYER

LIKE TO RECRUIT AT THIS EVENT, CONTACT MICKI GORDON AT 301.255.4231 or MGORDON@ACCESSJCA.ORG FREE BOOTH SPACE.

FOR

50+

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

JCA suggests that you bring 5 copies of your resumĂŠ.

Come dressed to impress!

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MAP OF EXPO

J o b S e e k e rs N eed N ot Pre-Register

Note: FREE to all employers - to register, contact Micki Gordon at 301-255-4231 or mgordon@AccessJCA.org

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

Travel Leisure &

Which credit cards help make your travel dollars go farther? See story on page 47.

Day trips back to early American history others less so, that are filled with fascinating tidbits from the past.

Waterford, Va.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM COUNCIL OF FREDERICK COUNTY

Waterford, the hamlet that grew around Janney’s Mill, is now a bucolic settlement of about 300 residents. The entire town, and farmland surrounding it, is designated as a National Historic Landmark District, and visitors to this quaint site in nearby Loudoun County soon learn why.

The community has changed so little in size and shape since its founding that were Amos Janney to miraculously return, he would feel right at home.

Within several decades of its founding, Waterford had grown into a bustling commercial center, one whose future was greatly impacted by the Civil War. Because its largely Quaker population remained loyal to the Union, the town suffered harassment from Confederate troops as well as from Union forces, which sought to destroy anything that could be of value to their enemy.

After the war, a westward extension of the railroad bypassed Waterford and carried business, and expansion, to other towns. In the long run, the stagnation that resulted turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Because the community remained undisturbed for decades, it retained not only its architectural treasures but also its atmosphere and original character. Since 1943, the Waterford Foundation has spearheaded renovation of buildings and preservation of the area.

While most houses in Waterford date back Frederick County, Md., was the site of both Revolutionary and Civil War military action. Each year, the area’s history is to the first quarter of celebrated at the Middletown Heritage Days Festival, featurthe 19th century, building historic encampments from the 18th century, live music ings in a variety of and great food. After the annual heritage parade, shown styles form an eclectic here, visitors can meet local artisans and crafters while hodge-podge of archilearning about this area, home to several Civil War battles. tecture. Modest stone This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22.

and log houses contrast with more elaborate Victorian and Queen Anne structures. A little one-room school house built with Quaker support was erected about the same time as a brick Gothic-Revival Baptist church.

Wandering along the handful of streets that comprise the town, visitors encounter various traces of life as it used to be. Miniscule smokehouses and icehouses still stand in some back yards. A small stone structure that was built in the early to mid1700s now serves as the kitchen of a large 19th-century brick home.

The names of several Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., about 65 miles from downtown buildings serve as re- Washington, is most famous for the story of abolitionist minders of their former John Brown, but was also home to a 19th century inventor use. These include the who helped pave the way for industrialization.

Bank House, the Doctor’s House, with a small addition that boarding and horse hoof trimming.

When a resident pointed me in the diserved as a medical office, and Williams rection of what she called “New Town,” I Storehouse, a diminutive structure once somewhat fearfully anticipated coming used by a Quaker merchant.

The Waterford Market fills several roles. upon a discordant enclave of recently built Antiquated soft drink machines in front, contemporary houses. I was relieved to which dispense beverages for a somewhat learn that the term applies to a mini-neighantiquated 50 cents, set the stage. Inside, a borhood that was given the name when it few shelves are stocked with a sparse sup- was originally started, back in 1815. ply of canned goods and other basics.

Linda Landreth, the jovial proprietor, The way to Waterford Waterford is about a one hour drive often is on hand, either spinning wool provided by sheep she raises or knitting from Washington.

The post office and store, but not private socks, ear warmers and other items that homes, are open to the public throughout are for sale.

The laidback lifestyle of the tiny town the year. However, a number of historic greets visitors in other ways as well. Dur- homes are open for touring during the aning my recent outing, only occasionally nual Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exwas the constant sound of birds chirping hibit, taking place this year Oct. 5-7. During the 3-day event, more than 150 artisans drowned out by a passing car.

The sign identifying the little post office, demonstrate traditional craftsmanship, a which has been in operation since 1897, Revolutionary War militia establishes an lacks a zip code because it was installed encampment, and Civil War soldiers reenbefore they came into use. Among hand- act a battle. written notices on the bulletin board just outside it are ads for services like horse See DAY TRIPS, page 39 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE W. VA. DIVISION OF TOURISM

By Victor Block In 1733, a Quaker named Amos Janney moved from Pennsylvania to an isolated corner of northern Virginia, where he built grist and saw mills along the banks of a narrow creek.

About a decade later, a group of German immigrants established a frontier community in Maryland that became a place of rest and provisioning for hardy pioneers driving wagon trains to the West.

In 1761, English colonist Robert Harper launched a ferry service across the Potomac River, and a settlement gradually evolved at the site that still carries his name and that of his ferry.

Today, each of the historic towns that trace their birth to those modest beginnings provides an inviting day trip destination from the Washington area. The stories of Waterford, Va., Frederick, Md. and Harper’s Ferry, W.Va. relate chapters of American history, some well known and

Day trips From page 38 For more information about Waterford, or to purchase tickets to the event ($15, with discounts for multi-day visits), log onto www.waterfordfoundation.org or call (540) 882-3018.

While there are no restaurants in Waterford, a good place to have lunch during a day trip is Magnolias, located a short drive away in Purcellville. It occupies a mill building constructed in 1905, and old milling equipment overlooks the tables from above.

The full menu ranges from beet salad ($7) and fried green tomatoes ($9) to comfort food like hickory grilled meatloaf ($12.75). For more information, see magnoliasmill.com or call (540) 338-9800.

Frederick, Md. Many Americans believe that the Boston Tea Party was the first act of rebellion against Great Britain that eventually led to the Revolution. Many Americans are wrong!

Eight years before that well-known event in December 1773, citizens of Frederick, Md., bravely repudiated the Stamp Act, which imposed a tax on legal transactions and printed material in the colonies.

Frederick County Court judges declared the hated law to be null and void, and angry residents reportedly hung the tax collector in effigy and buried a copy of the act in a mock funeral.

That often-overlooked fact is one of many that come to life during a visit to Frederick. Originally laid out in 1745, the community was settled by German and Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants.

Located along a natural migration route, it served as a major crossroad beginning in colonial times. To exert control during the American Revolution, the British stationed a Hessian regiment in town, and two stone barracks where they were garrisoned still stand as reminders of their presence.

The Civil War also played a major role in Frederick’s story, as both Union and Confederate troops marched through. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Maryland Campaign, and a number of special events will commemorate General

39

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

Robert E. Lee’s first advance into the North. Frederick was the largest northern city that he occupied during the fighting.

As a number of Civil War battles raged in the area, the many churches in downtown Frederick became temporary hospitals. They served as the site of innovations in handling the wounded that were implemented for the first time.

That tale is told at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Exhibits depict a number of advances in medical treatment that date from the war, including triage, evacuation and lifesaving improvements in battlefield care.

Stories of real people put a human face on the medicine of the time. So do interactive exhibits, which extend beyond the main focus of the museum to introduce Civil War camp life, African-American life, and the role of women and children during the war.

However, one of the best known and most beloved anecdotes relating to the Civil War in Frederick is most likely fictional. Many people are familiar with the poem by John Greenleaf Whittier that lauds the bravery of Barbara Fritchie, a frail 95-year-old Unionist, as Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson marched his troops through the town in 1862.

Most historians doubt that, as Whittier wrote, Fritchie waved the Stars and Stripes from an upstairs window and uttered the memorable challenge to “Shoot if you must this old gray head, but spare your country’s flag.” Nevertheless, a replica of the house where this incident did, or did not, occur continues to be a favorite site among visitors.

Whittier’s poem also describes how the “clustered spires of Frederick stand greenwalled in the hills of Maryland,” and those words remain true to this day. The skyline of church steeples and towers that watches over the town continues to attest to the religious diversity for which it became known.

Given this rich past, it’s not surprising that Frederick became only the 13th city in the country to establish a local historic district. Many of the 2,500-plus historic properties in this area have been meticulously restored, and visitors encounter a streetscape that remains relatively little changed from its early days.

Frederick is about an hour’s drive from

Washington.

For more information, visit www.fredericktourism.org or call 1-800-999-3613.

A favorite restaurant among locals, especially for seafood and overstuffed sandwiches, is Griff’s Landing at 43 S. Market Street. A “fresh catch” sandwich costs $10.99, and a jalapeno lime shrimp taco goes for $8.99. For information, see griffslanding.com or call (301) 694-8696.

Harper’s Ferry, W.Va. While most closely associated with the quixotic story of the abolitionist John Brown, Harper’s Ferry played a starring

role in other chapters of the nation’s history and development.

The town was the site of a number of Civil War skirmishes, it is a treasure-trove of stories relating to African-American history, and it is associated with little-known but important advances in American manufacturing.

Harper’s Ferry National Park, which includes part of the town itself, extends into West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland at the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. At the park visitor cenSee DAY TRIPS, page 40

Upcoming Trips “Nunsense”at Allenberry Inn & Playhouse Sunday, June 3

"Nunsense" is good old-fashioned comedy at its best: quick-paced, a little raucous, occasionally touching, and totally wonderful. Featuring star turns, tap and ballet dancing, tart quips with a clerical slant, and comic surprises, this awardwinning musical has become an international phenomenon. Before the show you’ll enjoy Allenberry’s luncheon buffet, including their famous “sticky buns.” $129 per person

Northern Michigan

(Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Frankenmuth)

Sat.-Fri., June 23-29 (7 days/6 nights)

The Great Lakes State is a natural wonderland. You’ll tour Frankenmuth and Mackinac Island, cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge to explore the picturesque Tahquamenon Falls, cruise through the Soo Locks, try your luck at Kewadin Shores Casino, and much more. $1099 pp, dbl. occ.

Montreal and Quebec, Canada

Sun.- Sat., July 22-28 (7 days/6 nights)

Experience the old-world charm of Frenchspeaking Canada. You’ll tour Quebec City and Montreal and visit Montmorency Falls and Ste. Anne de Beaupré Shrine. You’ll take a harbor cruise on the St. Lawrence River and stay in central city locations close to shopping and other attractions, to experience the best each city has to offer. $1495 pp, dbl. occ.

Free parking convenient to Beltway (I-495) and ICC (MD 200).

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Day trips From page 39 ter, and museums and exhibits throughout town, information about several themes that run through the area’s history are introduced.

Each is interesting enough alone to warrant a visit. Together they present a multilayered introduction to aspects of not only the town’s, but also the nation’s, past.

Of course, it is the story of John Brown that most people know. In October 1859, he led a band of 21 men in a raid on the Harper’s Ferry arsenal, hoping to use captured weapons to launch a slave uprising throughout the South. Most of the raiders were killed or wounded, and Brown was convicted of treason and hung.

While his short-lived plan failed, it was

one of a number of incidents that focused the nation’s attention on the issue of slavery and became catalysts for the Civil War. Brown’s raid and the Civil War are part of the story of African-Americans in Harper’s Ferry, which began before the Revolution. At one time, the town had 150 slaves and an equal number of free blacks, and during the Civil War it provided refuge to runaway slaves from the South.

Because of its key location along an important rail line, Harper’s Ferry switched between control by Union and Confederate troops eight times. The Battle of Harper’s Ferry in September 1862 pitted Robert E. Lee against Stonewall Jackson in a tactical game of troop movements, attacks and counter-attacks. Many historians consider the result to have been Jackson’s most brilliant victory.

Get uncomfortably close. aqua.org

Why travel the globe? It’s all at America’s Aquarium!

— Marco LeMonde

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

As a sucker for little-known historical facts, I found the story of a man named John Hall equally intriguing. He was an inventor who devised the concept of making rifles with interchangeable parts, and using machinery to replace workers with hand tools.

The novel methods he implemented in an old saw mill at Harper’s Ferry set the stage for transforming the United States from an economy of workshop craftsmen to one of industrialized mass production.

Harper’s Ferry also delivers light touches for the entertainment of visitors. For example, a plaque identifying a mid-19th century tavern near the Armory notes that workmen would “raise a glass or two — or three” during breaks. Their supervisors complained that the practice “ruined morals, work ethic, and even threatens Armory production.”

A very different aspect of life awaits at

Cool Confectionaries, where shopkeeper Susan Benjamin turns out recipes for candy as close as possible to those made some 150 years ago.

She also enjoys sharing factoids such as that the first known candy was a honey treat from Mesopotamia, and tells visitors which confections on her shelves were once included in military rations. A stop at her shop provides a sweet ending to an interesting day.

Harper’s Ferry is about a 1-1/4 hour drive from Washington. For information, see www.nps.gov/hafe or call (304) 535-6298.

The Coach House Grill at 160 High St. is one of the better full-service restaurants that serves lunch. Along with the usual hamburgers ($9.99-$11.99) and salads, choices extend to baked brie with honey and almonds ($8.99) and a tasty crab cake sandwich ($13.99). For more information, call (304) 535-1257.

BEACON BITS

May 12

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING EXPO Celebrate Communication 2012 will be held on Saturday, May 12

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at George Mason University, Center for the Arts Building, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, Va. The free expo includes 50 exhibitors, who will share information and give demonstrations about products, programs and services to improve the quality of life for individuals with deafness or hearing loss. For more information, call (703) 352-9055 x 102.

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Credit cards that stretch your travel dollar Deciding between a cash-back card and a travel rewards card?

Cash-back cards, such as Chase’s Freedom card, may let you redeem your points periodically for cash, travel, gas or merchandise, or post a credit to your account.

Or you could select, for example, the Fidelity Investment Rewards American Express card, which automatically deposits the cash in your brokerage account.

Travel rewards cards, such as the Simmons First Visa Platinum Rewards card and the PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express card, generally require at least 22,000 points for a round-trip ticket to fly anywhere within the contiguous 48 states.

A cash-rebate card is probably a better option if the travel card has an annual fee and you don’t spend enough to accumulate the points you need for a flight within a year or two. And if you tend to carry a balance on your card, note that the extra cost of paying interest would probably offset any rewards you’d earn on your purchases.

Rewards points and cash back aren’t the only goodies that come with credit cards.

Your card may also offer valuable perks that you may not know about.

• Warranties. Gold and platinum MasterCards, Visa Signature cards, and American Express cards all extend the manufacturer’s warranty by up to one year when

you purchase an item with your card — even for products you buy overseas.

• Purchase protection. If, for example, your iPad is stolen from your hotel room, MasterCard and American Express will reimburse you if you paid for the room with a gold or platinum card. Drop that new iPad, and Visa Signature cardholders can have it repaired or replaced at a cost of up to $500 within 90 days from the date of purchase. Citibank and American Express offer protection up to $1,000.

• Luggage protection. Was your luggage lost or damaged by the airline on your last flight? If you paid for your ticket with a Visa Signature card, you can be reimbursed for up to $3,000.

• Rental-car coverage. Most Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards cover damage to a rental car (if you use the card to reserve and pay for the vehicle) that your primary auto insurance doesn’t. That means you probably don’t need the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance.

• Concierge services. They’re available 24 hours a day for Visa Signature, World and World Elite MasterCard customers, as well as American Express platinum cardholders, to help you get tickets to sold-out events, book travel, make dinner reservations and find unusual gifts.

• Travel assistance. If you become ill while traveling or your passport is lost

BEACON BITS

May 23+

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

Enjoy trips to Orioles or Nationals Games on Wednesday, May 23 and Thursdays, June 7, July 26 and Aug. 2 with Montgomery County’s Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation. The cost is $44, which includes transportation and upper deck reserved seating. Leave from Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. Call (240) 777-6870 for more details on this and other trips.

or stolen, Visa, MasterCard and American Express will provide referrals to medical care, legal aid, and help replace your passport (you pay the costs of the services you receive).

Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © 2012 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

BEACON BITS

May 29

MOUNT VERNON TOUR

Visit George Washington’s home as the gardens come alive and the Potomac views are lush and green. Tour the new visitor’s center and home, then enjoy lunch at Mt. Vernon. This Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs trip leaves at 9 a.m. from two senior centers on Tuesday, May 29 and returns at 4:15 p.m. The cost is $52 for residents and $58 for non-residents.

For more information, call (703) 228-4744 or register online at https://registration.arlingtonva.us.

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June 11

SHIPS, SAILORS AND HISTORY

Visit the Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads, one of American’s most dynamic centers for global maritime commerce, and the nearby Norfolk Naval Station, the largest navy base in the world, with the Smithsonian Resident Associates. Lunch is included. The trip leaves from downtown Washington, D.C. at 7 a.m. on Monday June 11 and returns at 9 p.m. The cost is $165 for members and $211 general admission.

June 6

WHITE WATER RAFTING ON THE SHENANDOAH

Take a 2 ½-hour rafting trip on the Shenandoah River with an expert guide with Montgomery County’s Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation. No experience is required. Lunch is included in the $78 cost. The trip leaves at 8 a.m. and returns at 4:15 p.m. Call (240) 777-6870 for more details.

June 11+

CANADIAN ADVENTURE

Visit Niagara Falls and Toronto with the Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs on a five-day, four-night trip from June 11 to 15.

Stay on the Canadian side of the falls. In addition to touring the falls, visit the Fallsview Casino and a winery, and take a day trip to Toronto. The cost is $943 (double occupancy) for Arlington resident; $968 non-resident. Add $171 for a single room. Register by calling (703) 228-4748.

For Kids

Grandparen

42

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

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43

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

So much for the ‘selfish senior’ slander To many, the phrase “senior citizen” and ists more accurately. the word “selfish” go hand in hand.

• Nothing shocks him. He has seen just You know how the slander about everything. He doesn’t goes. Those oldies have done get bumped off his game by their decades at the office. emotional patients, difficult Now all they care about is cases or emergencies. fishing, snoozing and bad • He is eager to be there. He movies from the 1930s. True smiles at his patients. He asks to the famous bumper sticker, about their children. They in they delight in spending their turn become better patients — children’s inheritances. better at communicating with Helping others? That’s for him, better at following his digoody-goodies two generarections.

HOW I SEE IT tions younger.

• His volunteer status takes Dr. Kenneth Marshall does- By Bob Levey money — and anxiety about n’t understand any of this. Or exemplify any of this.

He has been a cardiologist in Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years. Three years ago, at the age of 66, “I didn’t want to work as hard as I was working,” he said. So he slid into phased retirement and began working as a volunteer physician at the Arlington Free Clinic.

“I just called and asked if they needed anybody,” he says. He calls his work at the clinic “highly rewarding. I feel good about giving back to the community.”

Dr. Marshall is never pitied, coddled or patronized when he shows up at the free clinic. There is always a long line of patients for him to see — a total caseload of several hundred, by his estimate. All are below the federal poverty threshold and none has health insurance.

Every other Monday, Dr. Marshall rolls up his sleeves and gets right to work.

There are many ways to calculate his value. Let’s list a few: • If he were replaced by a non-volunteer, the cost would be astronomical — probably prohibitive.

• He is more effective than a younger cardiologist would be because he has more experience. Therefore, he diagnoses patients better and refers them to special-

money — out of the equation.

His patients aren’t fretting about whether they can afford his time. They show up, they listen up, they open up.

• He counts his rewards in human terms. “I love to meet somebody in the grocery store who says, ‘You took care of me.

You kept me going,’” Dr. Marshall says.

• Perhaps best of all, Dr. Marshall has inspired copycats. Arlington Free Clinic now has a full quota of volunteer physicians.

Several are still in private practice full-time.

Clearly, the word has gotten around about the rewards of treating a very needy population (Arlington Free Clinic’s patient population is heavily immigrant).

So why isn’t Dr. Marshall living the “old people cliché?” Doesn’t he like fishing? Or snoozing? Or bad movies from the 1930s?

He grins and shakes his head. “I like working,” he says. “I enjoy using my skills and continuing to use my skills.” He thinks for a second. “You know,” he says, “one day I might want to do more hours here.”

Dr. Marshall believes that older physicians are still dogged by the same misinformation that dogged them 20 and 30 years earlier.

“That old business about how doctors play golf every Wednesday. If it was ever

BEACON BITS

May 21+

BE A LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

Montgomery County’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking individuals interested in helping to enhance the quality of life for nursing home residents as long-term care advocates with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Volunteers will be assigned to make regular visits to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities at convenient locations throughout Montgomery County. This volunteer opportunity demands flexible daytime hours during the work week and creativity in developing problem-solving strategies. Training will be held during the week of Monday, May 21 through Friday, May 25 at Holiday Park Senior Center in Wheaton, Md. The course meets daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Eileen Bennett at eileen.bennett@Montgomerycountymd.gov or (240) 777-1067 to learn more.

true, it hasn’t been true for a very long time,” he said.

Physicians in full-time private practice now work almost all the time, he said.

They have to, in order to give the best possible service.

That means continuing medical education, fighting with insurance companies, conferring with other doctors. There’s very little time for anything else.

On the other hand, Dr. Marshall says, his patients at Arlington Free Clinic benefit from being alive in 2012.

“I have more tools at my disposal than I had 20 years ago,” he said. “I know who needs further diagnosis. Plus there is much more certainty about the effects of

cigarette smoking on hearts. We can help a bigger percentage of people than ever.”

But when will Dr. Kenneth Marshall take some time to himself? Surely he has some personal itches he’d like to scratch.

Just one for now, he says. He’s taking a course in ancient Rome and its effect on Hollywood.

Otherwise, he’s a doc and he revels in it.

How much longer will he volunteer? “A few more years, or until I feel like it doesn’t feel good doing it.”

“I make a difference,” he says. “I’ll continue to make a difference.” Fish, naps and movies won’t save someone’s life.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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Paths to community service PHOTO BY FRANK K LEIN

By Barbara Ruben As a boy in northern India 60 years ago, Tufail Ahmad’s mother would send him out to the village streets each Thursday to find poor people to bring home to feed.

Once, when she was sick, she gave him money to buy food at a restaurant so others wouldn’t go hungry.

“It is still fresh in my mind.

My mother was a giver. So this is where I come from,” recalled Ahmad, who carried on the tradition after he immigrated to America, helping feed thousands through the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation, which he helped found.

Similarly, Ruby Rubens comes from a family with a long tradition of helping others and has devoted countless volunteer hours to working for fair housing policies, providing budgeting assistance to low-income families, and advocating for residents of historically African American communities in Montgomery County.

Their lifetimes of volunteer service have earned both Ahmad and Rubens the Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award, which honors older Montgomery County volunteers. The award has been given since 1988, and was renamed three years ago in memory of Potter, a former county executive, county councilmember and longtime civic activist.

After 9/11, Tufail Ahmad “There is an especially great felt that Muslim Americans wealth of tal- more involved like himself needed in political and charitable ent among our fast-growing to become endeavors in the larger population of sult, he helped found community. As a rethe Montgomery County seniors ages 60 and better,” Muslim Council, which said Mont- to thousands of homeless and low-income provides food gomery County Executive residents, among other Ahmad and Ruby Rubens, Ike Leggett. charitable acts. a Silver Spring fair housing and educational Neal Potter Path of Achievement “The won 2012 Neal Potter activist , have Path of Achievement Award County Awards, which honor honors those whose lifelong residents age 60 and Montgomery over for their exemplary commitment to volunteer work. volunteer service make them outstanding to remain in the United States, first role models for young and working involved, we old alike.” have to make a solid contribufor a company, then establishing his own. tion to the charitable activities In 2000, one of his sons took over going on in Leading the Muslim community run- the county.” ning the business, and Ahmad, 75, said he hopes Ahmad retired to he will be a devote his Thus, the Montgomery County Muslim time to volunteering role model for his seven and Council was born, grandchildren, fundraising with the goals of involving for the Democratic party. three of whom live with him in his spamore Muslims in the political But on Sept. 11, 2001 process and cious Potomac home, along “everything volunteering with his to help those less fortunate.

Sajida and son and daughter-in-law. wife changed.” Ahmad quickly recognized the Their first project involved need for Muslim Americans feeding 1,000 Ahmad, who moved from to play a vital people India to Pak- role in redefining at the Community for istan as a young man, rose their identity.

Creative through the latNon-Violence’s shelter “Several times I sat here in Washington, ter country’s civil service in my house D.C. Ahmad to become a high- with other then spearheaded other Muslims and talked about ranking auditing and accounts ef‘what forts to help those official. are our options now? Should in need, including feedHe came to the United we stay home ing three States in 1968 to and not meals a day during part get out and see anybody?’” work as an auditor for Pakistan of Rahe re- madan to homeless at the United called. women staying at Nations’ headquarters in New York City.

Sophia House, a Rockville “A realization took place shelter.

After three years in that position, in our commuhe decided nity that we have to get out, we have to get

Ongoing

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Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive older residents to and from medical appointments in Falls Church. Contact Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions at (703) 324-5406 or DFSAAAvolunteer@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visit Volunteer Solutions at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices and click on volunteers.

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See PATHS, page 32

5 0 MAY 2012

I N S I D E …

—

.

See special pull-out section after p. 28.

ARTS & STYLE

Singer Melanie finds a brand new audience; plus, humorous homage to Hitchcock in The 39 Stepsand and Bob Levey on selfless seniors page 45 FITNESS & HEALTH k A way to predict heart attacks k Don’t overdose on vitamins LAW & MONEY k The risks of Treaury bonds k Reliable investment advice SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors LEISURE & TRAVEL

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

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45

Arts &

Singer Melanie talks about Woodstock, family — and the enduring life of her hit song “Brand New Key.” See story on page 54.

Olney’s humorous homage to Hitchcock

A story of suspense Hitch’s film, adapted from the 1915 John Buchan novel, is a classic man-on-the-run tale. A London-based gentleman goes to the theater one evening and meets a mysterious, exotic woman who quickly ends up dead.

Trying to work his way out of legal and physical danger, he quickly finds himself tangled in a web of murders, spies and, eventually, the charms of a lovely woman.

To whom he is handcuffed.

Pursued both by the police and sinister agents, he ends up in Scotland trying simultaneously to clear his name and save Great Britain from its enemies. In Hitchcock’s hands, it’s bracing cinema.

Bracing, maybe, but it doesn’t sound like the stuff of comedy, you say? Well, this play won London’s prestigious Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2007 and a slew of Tony Award nominations on Broadway the following year, so you would be mistaken. That, and the fact it was one of the longest-running comedies ever on Broadway, must mean there’s something funny attracting audiences here.

Well, yes. It is funny: rapidly-paced, with four actors playing about 150 roles as they skewer the film with their ersatz homage.

It’s all surface comedy, however, relying entirely on funny voices, speedy costume changes. and constant ridiculing of theater conventions.

The opening night audience seemed to enjoy it well enough, but I have to say that I appreciated it, rather than enjoyed it. I admired the gifted cast and their ability to keep track of all the hundreds of bits of comedy business, all that physical humor.

I appreciated their skill with accents and facial expressions, the ability of the two actors listed as “Clowns” in the credits to shift their way through dozens of characterizations at breakneck speed.

And I especially enjoyed the top-notch production elements, which included rear projections, startling lighting and innova-

PHOTO BY STAN BAROUH

By Michael Toscano Let’s get this on the record right away: Olney Theatre Center has a hit on its hands with its current production of The 39 Steps. Audiences are flocking to see this broadly comic parody of the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie thriller, and there’s a medium amount of laughter filling Olney’s theatre lab venue.

Now, for me, a little bit of shtick goes a long way. This show is mostly shtick (by which I mean full of repetitive, unsubtle comedy, exaggerated facial gestures and comic accents). So while it is inventively staged with lightning-fast pacing, and features a staggeringly talented cast of four, it’s frothy light entertainment.

A bit of perspective is in order. The sketches on the old “Carol Burnett Show,” particularly the popular movie parodies, highlight how shtick can be harnessed to achieve explosive comedic effect with crafty exploitation of a genre. But those skits ended after six or seven minutes, before the premise had the chance to wear out.

The 39 Steps at Olney can be seen as a Burnett movie skit stretched out to about 12 times its normal length. Does that make it 12 times funnier than one of those Burnett sketches? For me, not so much; less would be more.

But I hasten to say that this may be just your cup of tea. (Being an English story and all.)

Talented actors Susan Lynskey (left), Jeffries Thaiss, Evan Casey and Jason Lott portray more than 150 characters in Olney Theatre Center’s campy production of The 39 Steps, a parody of the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film by that name and of theatre conventions in general.

tive use of film clips. There’s an evocative score borrowed from Hitchcock films. And with just a few props and mobile set pieces on a rather barren stage, the cast adroitly pulls off several intense action sequences.

Improvisational feel But as mentioned above, a little bit of shtick goes a long way with me, and I found The 39 Steps to be all sugary dessert and no nourishment. Your mileage may vary.

To his credit, director Clay Hopper has

latched on to a successful formula, which makes all the precision timing the show requires seem more like improvisation than meticulously planned and executed shtick.

That gives the silliness a fresh quality and builds considerable energy.

He also allows the cast to revel in breaking down the barriers between actors and audience as they poke fun at the conventions of the Hitchcock film and of theatrical artifice.

See 39 STEPS, page 46

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46

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

39 Steps From page 45 The amazing thing is how successfully they pull off several action scenes, including a life-and-death tussle on top of a speeding train, a dive from a trestle, and even an airplane chase. It’s surprisingly dramatic and would be quite effective in a straight thriller.

Ace actors Of the four actors, only Jeffries Thaiss is confined to one role. Thaiss has some ex-

perience handling film-to-stage adaptations at Olney, having appeared previously there in Witness for the Prosecution.

Here, he is Richard Hannay, the diffident dandy who unexpectedly finds himself ensnared in espionage. With his dashing pencil mustache and achingly precise accent, he projects suave unflappability amidst the chaos swirling about him.

He doesn’t play it straight, exactly, often employing a cocked eyebrow or quizzical look to get laughs. But he is a steady presence who keeps the enterprise from spiraling out of control.

BEACON BITS

May 26

STRINGS CONCERT

Hear talented young musicians perform at the Arts Are for All Ages end-of-season event, featuring the winner of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra string competition and much more. The free concert takes place on Saturday, May 26 at 3 p.m. at the Fountains of Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria, Va. For more information, go to www.arts4allages.org or call (703) 594-1108.

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

As the two “clowns,” Jason Lott and Evan Casey play dozens of roles, sometimes more or less simultaneously as they whiz from one impersonation to the next, male and female alike, by flipping costume pieces, hats, accents and posture.

It’s theater of the absurd, with a heavy dose of the physically expressive Italian Commedia dell’Arte tradition mixed in. In this world, a ham sandwich is pillow-sized and, in fact, gets used as a pillow. Lott and Casey turn in truly bravura performances requiring both physical and mental discipline to maintain.

The estimable Susan Lynskey performs three roles with her usual panache, adroitly playing against Thaiss’s steadiness.

She’s glamorous and dark as a spy, and fetching, if aloof, as Hannay’s reluctant (and handcuffed) running-mate.

Parallel parodies Film aficionados in the audience chuckle appreciatively at countless references, verbal and visual, to Hitchcock films, while theater regulars do the same for the many inside jokes lampooning how plays are staged.

The two clowns, particularly, make note of the limited scenic design and scant props and let us in on the joke as they do so much with so little.

There’s no “fourth wall” separating the audience from the action and many of the jokes are played directly to the viewers. Some of the action takes places in the aisles and

seats, adding an unusual sense of proximity.

The 39 Steps is a masterfully staged and performed production. Whether or not it is ultimately fulfilling to you is a personal reaction and may be governed more by what you expect of theater than anything happening on stage.

The 39 Steps continues through May 20 at Olney Theatre Center’s Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, located at 2001 OlneySandy Spring Rd. in Olney, Md. Showtime Wednesday through Saturday evenings is 7:45 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinee performances at 1:45 p.m.

Wednesday matinees are scheduled for May 9 and May 16 at 1:45 p.m.

There is an audio-described performance Wednesday, May 2 at 7:45 p.m. and a sign-interpreted performance on Thursday, May 3 at 7:45 p.m. A post-show discussion follows the May 2 performance.

Ticket prices range from $26 to $54, with discounts for seniors and military personnel. Call the Olney Theatre Center Box Office at (301) 924-3400 to make reservations, or visit www.OlneyTheatre.org for tickets and information.

There is free, on-site parking and the facilities are accessible to patrons with mobility impairments. For listening assistance during performances, an infrared system, which amplifies the sound on stage, is available free of charge.

Michael Toscano is the Beacon’s theatre critic.

BEACON BITS

May 13

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT & RECEPTION

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the spring concert of the Piano Society of Greater Washington, Sunday, May 13 at 3 p.m. Piano masterpieces that evoke spring are featured, including works by Bach, Schumann, Chopin and Debussy. Then stay for a delicious reception. This concert will take place at Calvary Lutheran Church, 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. There is no charge; a freewill offering is appreciated. For more information, see www.pianosocietyofgreaterwashington.org, or call (301) 793-1863.

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

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47

“BANG-UP ENTERTAINMENT! SURE-FOOTED AND SILKY-THROATED” —The Washington Post

JUNE 8–JULY 1, 2012

EISENHOWER THEATER

Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund.

TICKETS AT THE KENNEDY CENTER BOX OFFICE OR CHARGE BY PHONE (202) 467-4600 ORDER ONLINE AT KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG

TTY (202) 416-8524

GROUPS (202) 416-8400 The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

48

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

2011–2012 Season

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

Join the NSO for an extraordinary season in the Concert Hall.

MAY & JUNE CONCERTS FREIRE PLAYS BRAHMS Andreas Delfs, conductor Nelson Freire, piano HAYDN: Symphony No. 83 “The Hen” WEILL: Symphony No. 2 BRAHMS: Piano Concerto No. 2

Thu., May 17 at 7 | Fri., May 18 at 8 | Sat., May 19 at 8

Andreas Delfs

Nelson Freire

ESCHENBACH CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN’S SEVENTH Christoph Eschenbach, conductor SEAN SHEPHERD: Blue Blazes (World Premiere) Commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra through a generous gift from the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund for New Orchestral Works

R. STRAUSS: Der Rosenkavalier—Suite BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7

Thu., May 31 at 7 | Fri., Jun. 1 at 8 | Sat., Jun. 2 at 8 The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation.

Christoph Eschenbach

BOHÓRQUEZ PLAYS LALO Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Claudio Bohórquez, cello BERLIOZ: Roman Carnival—Overture LALO: Cello Concerto TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 5

Thu., Jun. 7 at 7 | Fri., Jun. 8 at 8 | Sat., Jun. 9 at 8

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY Steven Reineke, conductor Dancing shoes shined? Check. Fedoras feathered? Check. Zoot suits zooted? Check!

And we are cleared for takeoff into the upper stratosphere of swing with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! The driving force behind a swing dance sensation in the mid-’90s, their hits like “You & Me & the Bottle Makes Three (Tonight)” and “Go Daddy-O” have passed into the classic American songbook. These hep cats are helping to keep swing music swinging, and with the NSO Pops at their back and Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke on the podium, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will have the Concert Hall flying.

Thu., May 10 at 7 p.m.

Fri., May 11 at 8 p.m.

Sat., May 12 at 8 p.m.

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. Claudio Bohórquez

The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Roger and Vicki Sant.

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the National Symphony Orchestra Classical Season.

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. The 2011-2012 National Symphony Orchestra Pops Season is proudly sponsored by

The Beacon Newspaper is the proud media partner of the NSO.

Tickets from $20 at the Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600 Order online at nationalsymphony.org | Groups (202) 416-8400 | TTY (202) 416-8524

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Arts & Style

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

49

Singer Melanie finds brand new audience

Remembering Woodstock Many of Melanie’s songs are the antithesis of her “Brand New Key.” She wrote the powerful Woodstock anthem “Lay Down” (also known as “Candles in the Rain”) after performing there in 1969 when the throngs held candles following a downpour during her performance.

The New Jersey native with an earthy and raw, if high-pitched, voice knew some of the promoters planning Woodstock and asked if she could be on the program. No

one knew just how massive the iconic rock festival would become.

“Early on, I pictured families with blankets having a picnic, and arts and crafts, and maybe some shopping for beads and incense,” she recalled.

With just one hit, “Beautiful People,” on the radio at the time, Melanie had a cult following, but wasn’t well known. Just 22, her mother drove her to Woodstock. She recalled starting to panic about performing in front of the huge crowds when their car got stuck in the miles of backed-up traffic.

“I get there and there’s Sly Stone walking across the hotel lobby and Janis Joplin slugging her Southern Comfort answering questions from people in a circle around her, and I knew it was big stuff,” she said.

“Media trucks were everywhere. These were big star people, and I was completely unknown and very young.”

It wasn’t until she was ushered onto a helicopter taking her to the back stage area for Woodstock performers that she really understood how many people were there.

“I looked out the window at the field and said to the pilot, ‘What is that?’ and he said ‘People.’ “‘No that can’t be people,’ I thought.

‘There’s too much of that. It must be some weird crop.’ But it was people. It was the tops of their heads as far as you could see,” she recalled of her first view of the half-million concert goers.

Over the next year, Melanie starred at major outdoor festivals around the world, including England’s massive Isle of Wight festival, where she was introduced by the Who’s drummer Keith Moon.

From there, she soared to the top of the charts, and in 1970 garnered Top Female Vocalist of the Year awards from Billboard and a number of other music outlets. She also became the first pop solo artist to play Carnegie Hall.

In addition to her own work, Melanie had top 40 hits with covers of the Rolling Stone’s “Ruby Tuesday” and Carole King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”

Conversely, Ray Charles had a hit single with his cover of Melanie’s “Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma,” which she penned in her dressing room at the “Dick Cavett Show” after being told network censors wanted to alter the way she sang one of her songs.

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It wasn’t the first time Melanie experienced meddling by producers.

She was surprised when her first album was printed with just her first name on the cover. Producers thought that her last name Safka was too “ethnic.”

Melanie continued to have hits through the ‘70s and in more recent years performed in a Woodstock reunion tour through the U.S. and Europe and has headlined the “Hippie Fest” tours of musical stars from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELANIE

By Barbara Ruben The commercial begins with a wide-eyed baby whizzing down the highway in a baby walker, accompanied by the stratospherically high refrain of the song “Brand New Key.” (“Oh, I’ve got a brand new pair of roller skates, you’ve got a brand new key.”)

Kooky and catchy, the ad for Hewlett Packard printers went viral on YouTube and catapulted the 1971 hit song and its singer Melanie back into the spotlight 40 years later.

Melanie, who sang at Woodstock and has penned such other hits as “Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma,” said that while a new audience has discovered her music because of the HP commercial, she doesn’t want to be defined only by the breezy, whimsical song about roller skates and young love.

“When my husband first heard [me sing it], he said, ‘We’ll speed it up a little bit, and this will be a hit.’ But I said ‘Oh my God, if this is a hit, I’ll be doomed to be cute for the rest of my life,’ she recalled about the song’s first incarnation during an interview with the Beacon.

Melanie will be performing at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Va., on May 11. She will also sing at the gala of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers at the Library of Congress on May 15, but that performance is not open to the public.

Despite the fact that she has recorded 11 CDs in the last decade alone, Melanie, now 65, admits that a lot of people don’t remember her or have never heard of her music. That’s why she called her newest CD “Ever Since You Never Heard of Me.” “I have pockets of absolute fame and pockets of ‘Melanie who?’ And then you have to sing a few lines of something and then it’s, ‘Ah yes, that was her? Is she still alive?’” she quipped.

All in the family Through the years, Melanie has recorded Hits like “Brand New Key” and “Look What They’ve Done more than 50 albums, to My Song, Ma,” propelled Melanie to fame in the early 1970s. She has recorded dozens of albums since then most produced by her and will be appearing in concert at Jammin’ Java in Vienhusband Peter Schek- na, Va. on May 11. eryk. She was devastated when he died in 2010, after more than 40 band and friend, he did everything. It’s a different universe now because he drove, years of marriage.

“It’s just such an adjustment and a loss See MELANIE, page 50 in so many ways. Besides being my hus-

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Melanie From page 49 he booked things, he was the manager, the agent, the producer of every record I ever did,” she said.

“The first year was very hard. The first year we kept working and kept the dates

he booked. I don’t even know how I did this, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

Melanie’s son Beau Jarred, 32, continues to work with her, as he did when his father was alive. He accompanies her on guitar at her shows and has also recorded CDs of his own. In addition, Melanie’s two daughters, Leilah and Jeordie, are fea-

BEACON BITS

May 11

ENCORE CHORALE SPRING CONCERT Encore Chorale, the nation’s largest choral program for older adults, will present its Virginia Encore Chorales in a spring con-

cert, Friday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, Va. On Monday, May 14, the Schweinhaut Encore Chorale will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md. The concerts are free. For more information, call Encore at (301) 261-5747 or see http://encorecreativity.org.

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

tured on her newest album singing background harmonies.

Melanie lives in Nashville, as does Leilah, who has three children. Melanie said she loves doting on her grandchildren.

Growing older has changed her voice a bit, she said, causing it to lose some of its trademark quiver. She says age has also helped refine her songwriting skills.

“When I was young, it was verging on magic when a song would come to me. I was channeling. I didn’t feel like I was doing anything, except that it was coming through me.

“Now I have that aspect, but I also can observe and create on top of it, so I can refine it a greater extent and articulate even

more than I did,” she said.

Because she skyrocketed to fame at such a young age, Melanie said she always wanted to appear more mature. “It was an effort on my part to sound like an older, wiser woman when I was young — and I got my wish.

“Watch what you wish for,” she laughed.

Melanie will appear at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, Va., on Friday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission seating and $30 for reserved seating at a front-row table. For more information, call (703) 255-1566 or see www.jamminjava.com.

Read more about Melanie at her website, www.melaniesafka.com.

BEACON BITS

June 2

OCCOQUAN ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW

Historic Occoquan’s Spring arts and crafts show will take place on Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free street fair features crafters, galleries, food vendors and more. For information on parking and a shuttle bus service, call (703) 491-2168 or see www.occoquancraftshow.com.

May 13

TORPEDO FACTORY OPEN HOUSE

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s annual spring open house on Sunday, May 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Stroll through the art studios and galleries and watch demonstrations by four resident artists. There will also be live music. The Torpedo Factory is located at 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, Va. For more information: (703) 838-4565, www.torpedofactory.org.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Arts & Style

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

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

BEACON BITS

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

May 13

CATHEDRAL CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT

The Cathedral Choral Society presents Bach’s Mass in B Minor on Sunday, May 13 at 4 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral.

Tickets start at $25, and free parking is available in the Cathedral’s garage. For tickets, call 1-877-5372228 or see www.cathedralchoralsociety.org.

May 25

MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

The National Harbor Memorial Day Military Appreciation Concert will feature the U.S. Army Band Downrange on Friday, May 25 at 6 p.m. National Harbor is located on the Potomac River in Prince George’s County. For more information on this free concert, call (703) 696-3399 or see www.usarmyband.com.

May 16

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN

Learn about the issues that have your adult children worried about you and how to talk about them in a constructive way in a program with Linda Hill, associate director of Aging Network Services.

The event is on Wednesday, May 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Sibley Renaissance Building, Conference Room 2, 5255 Loughboro Rd. NW, Washington, D.C. To register, call the Sibley Senior Association at (202) 364-7602.

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BEACON BITS

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May 11

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NEWS & FEATURES • LAW & MONEY • FITNESS & HEALTH LEISURE & TRAVEL • ARTS & STYLE • VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS

ORGANIC WEED AND PEST CONTROL

Master gardener Paul James, better known as the host of “Gardening by the Yard” on HGTV, will talk about how to control relentless weeds and irritating insects in the garden without toxic chemicals at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 11. The Botanic Gardens are located at 245 First St. SW, Washington, D.C. To register for this free event, go to http://bit.ly/botanicgardentalk.

We are pleased to offer both First-Class and Third-Class subscriptions:

$36/year via First Class Mail* $12/year via Third Class Mail* Please send my subscription to:

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Name:____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________

“Beyond Words: Grief Expressions through Art,” a two-session workshop for anyone mourning the death of a loved one, uses creative ways to express grief. The workshops, led by Montgomery Hospice professional counselors, are on Tuesdays, May 8 and 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The program is free and open to any Montgomery County resident. All materials are provided. Montgomery Hospice is located at 1355 Piccard Dr., Rockville, Md. To register, call (301) 921-4400.

City: _____________________State:_____Zip: ___________ WB 5/12

❐ ONE YEAR First-Class rate ($36 in VA and out of the area; $38.16 in D.C.; $38.16 in MD)

❐ ONE YEAR Third-Class rate ($12 in VA and out of the area; $12.72 in D.C.; $12.72 in MD) ❐ Check here if this is a gift subscription. A gift card will be sent in your name: _________________ Return form with check made payable to The Beacon, to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 *D.C. residents: add 6% for sales tax; Maryland residents: add 6% for sales tax.

EXPRESSING GRIEF THROUGH ART

May 14

MEET THE AUTHOR

Ken Walsh, award-winning chief White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report Online, has covered Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush. In his latest book, Family of Freedom, Walsh focuses on the relationships between presidents and the African Americans who served the presidency. He will be talking about and signing his new book in a free event on Monday, May 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Sibley Renaissance Building, Rooms 1 & 2, 5255 Loughboro Rd. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information about this free event, call the Sibley Senior Association at (202) 364-7602.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Computer Services

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

Legal Services

PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call: D. Guisset at 301-642-4526.

LEISURE WORLD® - $139,500. 3BR 2FB “Ellicott” with updated table space kitchen, separate dining room, ground level with enclosed patio backing to green space. 1340 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

CARING ATTORNEY SERVING THE WASHINGTON DC COMMUNITY for over 22 years.

Experienced in wills, trust, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives, legal separations, divorce, and family law. A Law Firm That Cares...

Attorney Ramona M Justice, 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006. For a Free Initial Consultation, call 202-321-3564.

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.

COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use, and more. Learn at your own pace with gentle and patient tutor. We also fix computers, set up your new computer and troubleshoot. Working with Seniors since 1996. Ask about your Senior discount. Call David, 301762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

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.

PUT THE MUSIC YOU LOVE BACK IN YOUR LIFE! Enjoy live jazz and swing on the first Friday of the month at Hollywood East Café, Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall, 7 to 10 p.m. Listen to the Night & Day Combo perform the classic standard songs of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, from Cole Porter, Gershwin, et al. Great music, great food, no cover charge! http://nightanddaymusic.com/clubpage.html.

A national trade association we belong to has placed some of the classifieds below. Determining the value of an advertised service or product is advised by this publication.

Some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or provide your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

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 SENIORS! SELL YOUR UNWANTED LIFE INSURANCE! State licensed. Call Toll Free: 877-282-4360 or visit www.AtAge60.com for a FREE evaluation.

Caregivers UCARE AGENCY - A LICENSED HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY Providing certified and qualified caregivers: home health aids, homemakers, companions, escorts, personal care attendants (PCA). 4- to 24-hour shifts. For your loved ones. Please call today and get 10% discount. Tel: 240-632-9420 or 240-476-1180.

CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes.

MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com.

GHA/HH AIDE AVAILABLE NOW Live-in or out day or night. With excellent references. Very reliable and punctual. Own transportation.

Please call 240-550-2584.

53

Entertainment

I BUY HOUSES CASH, any area or condition.

Walk away today even if you owe more than the house is worth. 703-688-2891 or www.reihouse.com.

LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 24. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors.

MOBILE HOME 24’ x 48’, plus 12’x 24’ carport and 10’ x 12’ sunroom in beautiful Hendersonville, North Carolina. 7,000 sq ft lot and out building. Brick foundation, shingle roof. Lennox electric furnace, central air. 2BR, 2BA, kitchen, dining/living area. Over 55 senior community, club house, pool. 5 minutes from shopping. 828702-3850. Excellent condition. $85,000.

ROOMS FOR RENT in private home, shared facilities, only non-smoking female, fully furnished, no pets $495 per month plus utilities.

301-233-4722.

LEISURE WORLD® - $119,000. 2BR 2FB “F” in “Fairways”. Great view from 10th Floor, enclosed balcony, new paint and carpet. 1115 sq ft.

Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $114,500. 2BR 2FB 1HB BERKELEY townhouse. Updated kitchen, main level laundry. 1600 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $249,000. 3BR 2FB CABOT patio home on a quiet cul-de-sac, 2 car garage, updated kitchen, new paint and carpet.

Move in ready. 1193 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $61,900. 2BR 1FB “Hampton” model, Rarely available, new paint and carpet, ceramic tile baths, enclosed balcony. 1200 sq ft.

Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $159,000. 3BR 2FB “CAPRI” villa. Updated kitchen, open balcony, huge space, covered parking.. 1415 sq. ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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E C A T N G O O L A O R G E E O R T U S L A P O T J O E O R W E E E S S

G R I F F E Y

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A C H A B R A S C A N E F D A E T M I N D M E C O R Y R O T E O Z A S R O B O T G O O D E M U I R S T U N A M S

LEISURE WORLD® - $229,000. 2BR 2FB “F” in Turnberry Courts. Table space kitchen with window, huge enclosed balcony. Great views. 1301 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

GREAT VALUE ONLY $49,900! Leisure World Blvd, age 55+, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1035 sq ft, enclosed balcony, gorgeous view, new carpet, appliances, paint. Roberta Campbell, Weichert Realtors, 301-681-0550, 301-801-7906.

AGE-IN-PLACE IN ELEGANCE & ease near Washington Cathedral! Two-bedroom all renovated pet friendly! 3900 Watson Place, NW, #64A, $314K. www.forsaleatwatsonplace.com, Weichert, Elizabeth Jessup, 202-965-4369.

LEISURE WORLD RENTAL – PLYMOUTH CT – Beautiful Bldg constructed 2007. 2BR/2BA, wood flooring, SS appliances, granite counter, enclosed glass sunroom with gorgeous view. Second floor with ten steps to enter home. Long-term lease preferred. Lease includes utilities. No smoking/no pets. Available June 2012. Call 301-460-1717.

For Sale INDOOR YARD SALE – Saturday, May 19, 9:30am to 2pm, Walter Reed Community and Senior Center; 2909 S. 16th St, Arlington, VA 22204. Come discover the treasures for sale!

AAUW USED BOOK SALE, Asbury Methodist Village, Gaithersburg, May 10, and May 11, 9 am – 8 pm, May 12, 9 am – 2 pm ($10 per bag) 301-840-1258.

CEMETERY PLOT, King David Memorial Park, Falls Church, VA. Section 2, Lot 82, Plot #4. Current cost - $4650, Sell $2800. Seller pays all transfer fees. 301-258-7633.

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Black for - $25.

TV - $200. Classic Hammond organ good condition, powerful sound - $300. Tony 202-529-2936.

Leave message.

2 SALVADORE DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.

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

Health LIFE INSURANCE FOR DIABETICS and people with other health conditions. MD/DC/VA. For more information call Rick at 301-502-0248.

BREAKING NEWS FOR DIABETICS, prediabetics and weight challenged people! Revolutionary plant-based product can change your life by reducing medication and insulin requirements. Recommended by physicians and pharmacists. Request a free sample! 240-461-0519. www.prevention.myunicity.net.

Miscellaneous ATTENTION MARYLAND HOMEOWNERS TIRED OF HIGH ELECTRIC BILLS? Let us help you save money. Deregulation of Energy allows you to choose your supplier. BGE & PEPCO will still be your provider. For info call 1-888229-1716.

DOG LOVER sought to take in and care for a senior, female Akita (65 lbs) whose owner lost her home. Generous monthly support payment provided plus all cost covered. Need kind animal lover who has experience with larger dogs and who can love this girl for the rest of her life.

Must be ONLY PET in home or possibly share with LARGE male dog. Home and references will be checked. VA area preferred. Call Carol at 814-380-3937 or email salesite@hotmail.com

Personal Services FOR ALL OF YOUR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. Dialysis Center, Non-Emergency Hospital Trips, Hospital Discharge, Doctor Appointments, Rehabilitation & More. We have 4x4 SUVs for Winter Trips. Med Choice Transportation. 703-839-9999. www.MedChoiceTransportation.com.

WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

WOW! GREAT HAIRCUT at a great price!

Professional family hair salon conveniently located in Bethesda, MD. State board certified.

Call 240-432-7211.

VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van.

Call Mike 301-565-4051.

MOTHER WILL DRIVE YOU to your appointments, do your shopping, clean your house, cooking, personal assistant. Do you need to plan an event? Also does Elder Care. Honest, reasonable rate, and references provided. 240-595-7467.

PARALEGAL: Experienced in trust, estates and will preparation and other letters and paperwork. Call 301-565-2917.

Classifieds cont. on p. 55.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month.

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

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

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

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

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept.

P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

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Puzzle Page

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

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Fabulous

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Answer: Training for submarine duty has to be -UNDERTAKEN Jumbles: CRACK TESTY BARREN PUNDIT

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Across 1. Acela stopping pt.

4. Future turtle 7. Cuban dance 13. Flaky mineral 15. ___-Magnon 16. Refs 17. Easternmost part of the Arabian Peninsula 18. “Shop ___ you drop” 19. Esoteric 20. Fab song recorded the same year as I Want to Hold Your Hand 23. Tobacco regulator, since 2009 24. Word painted on a famed B-29 25. Closest state to St. Thomas 26. Complete group of baseball cards 28. Fab song that hit #1 9 years before and 9 years after Come Together 33. Pooh pal 34. Group that recorded the Star Wars theme 35. Bring across the border 39. Decay 41. Cambodian neighbor 42. Sophisticated 46. Fab festivals that debuted 22 years after the Beatles’ rooftop concert 51. Park place 52. ___ Lanka 53. C3PO, for one 55. Partner of “ands” and “buts” 57. Fab song released a decade before Back in the U.S.S.R. 60. Dinosaur decimator 62. Bather’s reward, in 25 Across 63. Sierra Club founder 64. Youth sports division 65. Grampa Simpson 66. Phaser setting 67. Emphasize 68. Humpty Dumpty’s first verb 69. Breakfast times

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Down 1. Campfire treat 2. Comedian’s forte 3. An outdoorsman’s purchase 4. Prefix meaning “outer” 5. Reds All-Star 6. Facility at the British Open 7. Presidential advisor 8. Blasphemous opinion 9. Where The Love Boat could be found 10. More like Martha Stewart than Jimmy Stewart 11. Hokey Pokey offering 12. Where The Love Boat could be found 14. WASP part 21. Member of a rowing team 22. Scattered RAIN 27. Award Susan Lucci won on her 19th try 29. Stop hitting the snooze bar 30. Rx identifier 31. Sgt., for example 32. First square in 59 Down 35. Nauseated 36. The only person named in Revolution 37. Questioning one 38. Site of the Nobel Peace Prize award 40. Shuffle the office chairs 43. Diaper difficulty 44. ___ a witch (executed) 45. He said “Open Sesame” 47. “Eat ___” 48. Streaks ahead 49. “How ___ nice game of chess” (The War Games computer’s last line) 50. Half a portion of salt 54. Endearing seabirds 55. Brats 56. Pool measure 58. Miner quest 59. Web address ending 61. “___ and Me” (story about Dolly and her clone)

Answers on page 53.

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

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Personals

Wanted

Wanted

Wanted

OLD FASHIONED WHITE MALE 64 years old, 5’10”, 250 lbs. Looking for old fashioned female 65 to 100 for fun times, movies, walks, TV, cuddling. 703-751-1037.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Compare my price before you sell! Serving entire metro area. Call for a free consultation, and professional service. I will purchase one piece or your entire estate. Including Furniture, Artwork, Glassware, Jewelry, Rugs, Costume, Gold and Silver, Watches, Sterling Items, Flatware, Lladro & Hummel Figurines, All Military Items, Guns, Swords, Helmets, Bayonets, Medals, Scout Items, Clocks, Music Boxes, Toys, Baseball Memorabilia, Trains, All String Instruments, Including Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Fishing Rods and Reels, Lures, Historical Items, American tools, Posters, Outside Iron Furniture. I am a very reputable dealer with two locations in Silver Spring and Bowie, MD. Please call Christopher Keller 301-408-4751 or 301-262-1299. Thank you.

MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan (202) 841-3062.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, ESTATES. FREE evaluations and house calls.

We pay the most for your valuable treasures because we get the most money on eBay – the worldwide Internet. Serving entire metro area – Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia.

Buying the following items – furniture, art, paintings, silver, gold, old coins, jewelry, vintage wristwatches, military items, including guns, rifles, swords, daggers, knives, musical instruments, guitars, violins, banjos, old toys, dolls, trains, old golf clubs, baseball, football, tennis equipment and memorabilia, old fishing, tools, books, photographs, comic books. I am a resident of Silver Spring. 20 years experience.

Please call Tom 240-476-3441. Thank you.

ENTERPRISING WORLD TRAVELER seeks non-smoking congenial companion for Dutchtreat voyages. Send recent photo to: Boxholder, PO Box 16, Vienna, VA 22183.

ASHKENAZI 55 YEAR OLD, Divorced, slim, independent, professional. Looking for Ashkenazi, independent, working, professional man, 55-65. Friendship/more. Message on email elena01@rocketmail.com.

Volunteer Opportunities COLUMBIA LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, a nonprofit organization serving people of all ages in the Washington metropolitan area who are blind and visually impaired, is recruiting adult volunteers to serve as Readers and Friendly Visitors. Participants in the Readers & Friendly Visitors program are adult volunteers who are matched one-on-one with blind or visually impaired adults. Volunteers arrange weekly meetings with clients at their homes to assist with activities, such as reading mail, grocery shopping or running errands. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Jocel yn Hunter at 202-4546422 or jhunter@clb.org to attend an upcoming orientation.

WANTED: ELECTRONICS, radio tubes, ham radios, huge old loud speakers, tube HiFi, stereo amps, earliest computers ever made, vinyl records, professional musical instruments, scientific curiosities, early electronic books, magazines, engineers, physicists, scientist, accumulations. 202-527-9501, vcvdc@msn.com.

WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697.

Wanted

CASH FOR ESTATES, Gold, Silver, Coins, Costume Jewelry, Antiques/Collectibles, Etc. Will travel 301-520-0755.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838.

STERLING SILVER, Will pay top dollar for your silver marked “Sterling”, “925”, “800”.

Please no silver plate. Want flatware, bowls, plates, candlesticks, etc. Richard, 301-6460101.

BEACON BITS

May 18+

TAKOMA PARK SENIOR FAIR

A weekend of activities for older adults sponsored by UBW Senior Solutions starts on Friday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. with a screening of Age of Champions, a documentary about athletes at the National Senior Games. On Saturday, May 19, activities start at 10:15 a.m. and include tips on living green, games, yoga, an art display and more. The free event will be held at the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, Md. For more information, see http://ubwseniorsolutionsfair.eventbrite.com.

May 12+

CAPITOL HILL HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR

The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) will host its 55th Annual House and Garden Tour. Highlighting older homes, the tour includes about a dozen properties from Massachusetts Ave. to East Capitol St. between 3rd and 11th Sts. The event begins with a twilight tour of homes from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 and continues from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 on the tour weekend. They can be purchased online at www.chrs.org and at select retailers listed on the CHRS website.

May 19

ASIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The Heritage Foundation will present its seventh annual National Asian Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd and 6th Sts. in the District of Columbia. Cooking demos, entertainment and activities are scheduled on five stages in this multicultural street fair that celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month. For more information, see www.asiaheritagefoundation.org.

May 19

VEGETABLE GARDENING 101

Montgomery County Master Gardeners will host a free gardening open house on Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Montgomery County Extension Agricultural History Farm Park, 18410 Muncaster Rd. in Derwood, Md. Hear a presentation on “Vegetable Gardening for Beginners” and mini-talks about growing different types of edibles, gardening in containers, and caring for your gardening tools. Tour the Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden and talk to garden volunteers. No registration is required. For more information, call (301) 590-9650 or see http://growit.umd.edu/ ClassesAndEvents/Montgomery%20County%20Classes.cfm.

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation.

If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan 301-279-8834. Thank you.

COLLECTOR BUYING MODERN FURNITURE, lighting, art & accessories from the 1940’s - 1970’s. Danish/Scan, Knoll, Herman Miller, Dunbar, Paul Evans, Thayer Coggin, Harvey Probber, Vladimir Kagan, Nakashima, etc. Also buying abstract modern art, ceramics, glass and records. Please call 202-213-9768.

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.

ALWAYS BUYING STERLING SILVERWARE, flatware, holloware, jewelry (including old costume), old baseball-football cards, magazines (pre-1970), other old items. Call Richard today: 571-426-5363. DC/Balt. Area.

WANTED – GOLD – SILVER, costume jewelry, scrap, art, decorative. We do repairs. Telephone: 703-314-9233 Edith. Well Established Dealer.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments.

Jack (301) 279-2158.

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.

Phrase of the Month The curious origins of our words and rituals

The Evil Eye The “evil eye” is a stare fixed on a person that is designed to bestow bad luck, either in retaliation for some injustice or just out of mean-spiritedness.

References to the superstition are found in antiquity among many lands and cultures, but seems to have been an early common belief among Arabs and Jews in the Middle East.

Socrates was said to have possessed the evil eye, felt by some of his inattentive students. More recently, special residents of Sicily claim to have the power to inflict harm with a baleful look.

As an antidote, talismans or protections developed in folk religions.

The most popular of these are the Arab Hamsa, a hand-shaped pendant with a blue eye in the center of the palm, and the. Italian cornicello, a long, gently curved amulet copied from the horn of an antelope.

Some say the latter is sexual in nature and supposedly distracts those casting the evil eye from the concentration needed to bestow a curse successfully.

Well, here’s looking at you, kid.

Prepared for The Beacon Newspapers by Wizard Communications©.

All rights reserved. Want to have a word/phrase or ritual/custom researched?

Contact jpozga@verizon.net.

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