November 2012 Howard County Beacon Edition by The Beacon Newspapers

The Howard County

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More than 30,000 readers throughout Howard County

Sharing African American heritage

Amassing a collection Burch, who is the director, curator and fundraiser for the museum and center, contributed heavily to them from her own private collection.

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By Robert Friedman In 1963, Wylene Burch was living in Berlin, Germany, with her husband, an Army officer, and their two small children. “It was the time of the assassinations of President Kennedy and Medgar Evers and of the civil rights movement. My daughter, DeLace, who was 9 at the time, was old enough to know that something was going on in America,” Burch said. “So I started teaching my children about the civil rights movement and about their African American heritage.” Fifteen years later, Burch and her family moved to Columbia, Md. She knew that African Americans had lived in Howard County for centuries — Maryland was a slave state until 1864 — but there were no institutions or societies here marking their history. “When I came to Howard County in 1978, I noticed the history of African Americans wasn’t being preserved,” she said. “So I began organizing for a museum and cultural center with others in the community.” Burch’s dream of passing on the history of African Americans to future generations — which took permanent hold in those years she was telling her children about their heritage — became a material reality in 1987 with the opening of the Howard County Center of African American Culture. The center, located in a two-story house on Vantage Point Road, features a museum filled with more than 20,000 artifacts highlighting African American life in Howard County and the contributions of African Americans to the nation and the world. The story of racism and slavery is also touched upon in the museum. The center’s collection of more than 10,000 books about and by African Americans, as well as periodicals and audio and visual recordings, are now housed at Howard County Community College. An archival center tracing the history of five Howard County Black families also is part of the center’s library at HCCC.

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Laid-back living in eclectic Key West, Fla.; plus, how cruise lines can nickel-and-dime you page 23

ARTS & STYLE Wylene Burch helped found the Howard County Center of African American Culture, contributing thousands of books, historical artifacts and memorabilia she has collected. The center’s more than 10,000 books are now housed at Howard County Community College.

The Color Purple musical moves audiences at Toby’s Dinner Theatre page 26

“I started collecting these things — history, music, arts, artifacts, books — for my children,” she said. Soon her home was filled with boxes of historical artifacts, memorabilia and publications. In her early days in Columbia, she would pack up her car and offer a moveable African American museum and history lesson to schools, churches and community centers around the area. “I love history, and I believe in passing it on, which I did with the traveling museum and I’m now doing at the cultural center,“ said Burch,. ”I’ve always wanted to have a place like this where I could share [my col-

lection] with lots of people,” she said. Once the museum was established, other people started making contributions. “We’re still collecting,” she said. “I just learned that a family in Silver Spring has willed me artifacts for the center.” Among the museum’s intriguing exhibits is one composed of miniature replicas of African American inventions. Burch said she has catalogued some 1,000 inventions by black Americans. These include, among many others, the letter box, golf tee, horseshoe, folding chair, player piano, See HERITAGE, page 27

FITNESS & HEALTH k Heart-healthy chocolate k What’s new with flu vaccines

THE SENIOR CONNECTION 16 k Howard County Office on Aging Newsletter LAW & MONEY k Funds that beat the market k Annuity pros and cons

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Appreciation time It’s definitely feeling like fall around Feature Writing, and second place in the here. And with Thanksgiving not far away, Vic Jose Award for General Excellence. The lovely engraved gold autumn always feels like a desk clock that comes as the good time to think about apVic Jose Award is prominently preciation. placed in the office of our manI have a number of things aging editor, Barbara Ruben, to be thankful for this fall, not whose efforts have so much to the least of which is our staff do with our winning that here at the Beacon. And apparently I’m not the only one award. who thinks they are doing a We have long submitted arwonderful job. ticles in the National Mature In the last month, three naMedia Awards writing comtional newspaper and pub- FROM THE petition, perhaps the most lishing organizations have PUBLISHER prestigious of the competiheld their annual meetings By Stuart P. Rosenthal tions for publications in our and industry competitions, niche. This is the competition showcasing the best-written, best-edited that is often swept by AARP’s Bulletin and and best-designed publications. Magazine. Because we did very well in those comNearly every year we receive one or petitions, I now have a chance both to more Mature Media Awards, and this year show my appreciation for our talented staff we were happy to win three: A Silver of writers and editors, and to crow a bit for Award for our Washington February 2011 cover story, “Sex, drugs and HIV after 50” the honors that the Beacon won. This is the first year we have submitted by Barbara Ruben; a Silver Award for Barentries in the competition sponsored by bara’s August 2011 Washington cover the Independent Free Papers of America story, “Buying into a 2nd (or 3rd) career,” (IFPA), a group comprising all types of and a Merit Award for Carol Sorgen’s cover story, “When grown kids move back free newspapers around the country. We were so pleased to have won two in,” which ran in both our Baltimore and awards in our size category: first place for Howard County editions.

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of Howard County, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Greater Washington, and the Coachella Valley in California. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

And most recently, we learned the results of the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) awards, which are judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism. There, all four of our Beacon editions had award-winning articles in their respective circulation categories. Our Howard County edition won first place for feature writing with its August 2011 cover story, “He bought a town to preserve it,” written for us by R. A. Propper. The judges called the piece “a sublime read,” saying, “The writer found an intriguing character with an amazing story to share and told it very well.” Our Greater Baltimore edition won second place for last April’s cover, “Father and son get a TV show,” by Carol Sorgen. The judges praised Sorgen for doing “a nice job of both satisfying reader curiosity and documenting the genuine natures of the father and son.” In addition, our Baltimore edition, which Sorgen helps write every month, won first place in its circulation category for General Excellence, with the judges saying it “covers all the bases” and that “each page is full of fresh, valuable information for the audience.” Our Greater Washington edition also won in a number of categories, including first place for travel writing (Victor Block), first place for How-To Feature (Barbara Ruben), first place for Topical Issues (for my recent column “No patience for politics,”) and, like our Baltimore edition, first place for General Excellence for its circulation size (100,000+). The judges called the Beacon, “an outstanding example of a publication that finds subjects with powerful connections to readers….The overall package is striking.” I was particularly thrilled that our newest edition, the Coachella Valley Beacon, which serves the Palm Springs area of California, also won two awards though it’s

less than a year old. And finally, www.theBeaconNewspapers.com won second place for websites, with the judges saying, “The variety and richness of the topics on this site make it inviting…It’s a strong resource for the community.” Of course, whatever awards we do or do not win, what always matters most to us is what our readers think. We value your opinion, always welcome your input, and ask that you share your comments and suggestions with us via mail, e-mail, phone or fax. We love to hear from you. I want to conclude by expressing my thanks to, and admiration for, the entire Beacon staff, which works so diligently to produce our four editions every month. I’d like to thank them by name for their efforts and devoted contributions to the Beacon: Managing Editor Barbara Ruben, Contributing Editor Carol Sorgen, Director of Operations Gordon Hasenei, Director of Sales Alan Spiegel, Graphic Designer Kyle Gregory, Asst. Operations Manager (and webmaster) Roger King, Advertising Representatives Doug Hallock, Steve Levin, Cheryl Watts, Dan Kelly and Jill Joseph, and last but certainly not least, my wife and Associate Publisher Judy Rosenthal. We also are grateful for the many contributions of our talented freelancers, including Robert Friedman and Anne Ball in Howard County, Connie George in Coachella Valley, travel writers Victor Block and Glenda Booth, theater reviewer Michael Toscano, and freelance photographer Frank Klein. The Beacon would not exist without all of their efforts, nor without your reading our publications. My appreciation goes out to all of you.

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

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................ Steve Levin, Jill Joseph

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

Dear Editor: I was very touched reading your September editorial (“Life is a practicum”) about your folks, especially your dad. I surely hope by now that your mom and dad are settled in their senior living community and doing well. Your dad was very wise when he asked for you or an aide to stay with him every night in the hospital and rehab “to keep an eye on things and advocate for him.” I’m sure you can imagine the empathy I feel for those who have had experiences like you and your dad. Keeping “an eye on things” is a major reason why so many families call Family & Nursing Care, knowing

that someone is watching out for their best interests as well as giving peace of mind to the family. Your editorial serves also as a reminder to me of how grateful I feel to have been able to help families all these years. I really enjoy your Beacon newspaper and read it faithfully every month. The first piece I read is your editorial. I like your personalizing it, along with informing your readers not only of important developments but also the implications of those developments. Sandy Kursban Founder/Chair Family & Nursing Care, Inc. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 27

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VARIOUS VEIN TREATMENTS Determine the source of varicose veins to know how best to treat them

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SLEEP MORE, WEIGH LESS Catching a few extra Zs may help you eat less and keep the pounds off TO TELL OR NOT TO TELL? There are no right answers in deciding when to share difficult health news CHAMOMILE’S MANY BENEFITS Chamomile tea may help diabetes, pancreatitis and other conditions

Family history of heart disease raises risk hol consumption.” The Wisconsin congressman joked “my veins run with cheese” when he was named Romney's running mate, but it is clear that he takes the health of his arteries seriously. Still, heart attacks can result from genetic factors, an abnormal heart rhythm or a heart muscle problem — not just clogged arteries from poor health habits, said Dr. Patrick McBride, a preventive cardiology specialist at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “What's important for anybody with [Ryan’s] kind of story is that they sit down with their physician and get a very thorough, detailed family history and try to identify what factors may be present in the family — not just on their own think they can fix their problem,” McBride said. “Exercise alone won't obviate this risk.”

Quantifying the effect Ryan's family history of heart disease “is dramatic,” and his efforts to modify whatever risks he can control is “very wise,” said the leader of the new study,

AP PHOTO BY MORRY GASH

By Marilynn Marchione Paul Ryan works out and watches his diet, but a new study shows that clean living can only go so far to help people like the vice presidential candidate overcome a strong family history of heart disease. The study of 4 million people — the largest ever on heart risks that run in families — found that having a close relative die young of cardiovascular disease doubles a person's odds of developing it by age 50. This risk was independent of other factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, and was even higher if more than one close family member had died young. Ryan has said his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all died of heart attacks in their 50s, and the 42-year-old Wisconsin congressman has cited that as the reason for his devotion to exercise. In an email message, Brendan Buck, a Mitt Romney campaign spokesman, said Ryan has never smoked, “works out five times a week, eats healthy, gets regular checkups, avoids sweets and limits alco-

Dr. Mattis Ranthe, a scientist at the Danish Ministr y of Health. The study involved 4 million people from Denmark, which has detailed medical registries on families dating to 1949 because of universal health care. Researchers zeroed in on people who had developed cardiovascular disease — such as clogged arteries, heart failure, a rhythm problem or trouble with a valve — by age 50. The chance of this was Vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan serves roughly doubled if someone lasagna at a community event. His family history of had a close relative (a parent, heart disease has led him to focus on fitness. sibling or child) who died of cardiovascular disease before age 60. heart disease — by 19 percent. As the Losing two or more close relatives to number of early deaths in a family rose cardiovascular disease by age 60 more and the age at which they died fell, a perthan tripled the odds that someone son's risk of early heart disease rose up to 10-fold, researchers found. would develop it before age 50. The Danish Heart Foundation paid for Having a less-immediate family memthe study, which was published in the Jourber, such as a grandparent, die young of cardiovascular disease also modestly inSee HEART DISEASE, page 6 creased a person's risk of early-onset

Take two chocolates and call me in the a.m. By Joyce Hendley Chocolate to cure a broken heart is a popular prescription, but it turns out chocolate's heart-mending reputation might just be deserved. A few months ago, Har vard researchers reported that in a study of over 31,000 middle-aged and elderly Swedish women, those who consumed one or two ounces of chocolate a week had a 32 percent lower risk of heart failure than women who ate no chocolate. Similar large-scale studies have suggested that people who regularly eat moderate amounts of chocolate may have lower incidence of high blood pressure, hardened arteries and even strokes.

Improved blood flow Researchers aren't sure exactly how chocolate helps the heart, but a likely explanation is that compounds in cocoa called flavanols help activate enzymes

that release nitric oxide — a substance that helps widen and relax blood vessels. That allows blood to flow through the vessels more freely, reducing blood pressure. Nitric oxide is also involved in thinning blood and reducing its tendency to clot — lowering, potentially, the risk of stroke. What's more, some of the key flavanols in cocoa — catechins and epicatechins (also found in red wine and green tea) — are known to have heart-healthy, antioxidant effects, such as helping to prevent artery-threatening LDL cholesterol from converting to a more lethal, oxidized form. While cocoa butter, the fatty part of chocolate, contains some saturated fat, it's mostly stearic acid, a more benign satfat that doesn't appear to raise LDL levels. Cocoa flavonols also have anti-inflammatory properties that could protect the heart and arteries, and thus might someday have a role in managing other

diseases associated with inflammation and blood vessel damage, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Look for high cocoa content If you're keen to get the most flavanols from your chocolate fix, you might have to do some hunting, since most manufacturers don't list flavanol content on their product labels. But since the compounds are found only in the cocoa component of chocolate, seeking out cocoa, or chocolate with a higher cocoa content, should theoretically send more flavanols your way. So can choosing dark rather than milk chocolate, which, because of the added milk, contains a lower percentage of cocoa solids. Opt for natural cocoa over dutched cocoa powder, as well, since a substantial amount of flavanols are lost when cocoa is alkalized. Of course, all those steps are no guar-

antee of high flavanols, since manufacturing processes like roasting and fermenting cocoa beans can have a huge effect on flavanol content, too — and those vary widely from brand to brand. Your best bet is to contact the manufacturer and ask. But of course, any positive effects of regular chocolate eating have to be tempered with the reality that it packs plenty of sugar y, fatty calories (particularly those added if you're dosing yourself with chocolate in the form of whoopee pies or Snickers bars). All those extra calories can quickly pile on extra pounds, easily undoing any good those flavanols might have wrought. It's still better to keep on thinking of chocolate as a treat, not a treatment. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com. © 2012 Eating Well, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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New vaccine options for this flu season

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The other important vaccination the CDC recommends — especially this time of year — is the pneumococcal vaccine for pneumonia and meningitis. Pneumococcal diseases hospitalize around 300,000 U.S. seniors each year, and kills around 5,000. The CDC currently recommends all those 65 or older get a one-time-only shot of the vaccine Pneumovax. It is also rec-

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Pneumonia vaccine

cine available to people age 50 and older called Prevnar 13. This vaccine, which has been available to children for several years, may provide older adults with longer lasting and better protection against pneumonia than Pneumovax. Talk to your doctor to determine which pneumonia vaccine is best for you. Prevnar 13 is also covered by most insurers including Medicare Part B. But if you aren’t covered, the shot runs between $100 and $150. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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Just as they do every year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly recommends a seasonal flu shot to almost everyone, but it’s especially important for older adults, who are more vulnerable. The flu puts more than 200,000 people in the hospital each year and kills around 24,000 – 90 percent of whom are 65 or older. This year, all those 65-plus have two flu vaccine options from which to choose. A traditional flu shot, or a shot of Fluzone High-Dose. The high-dose vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen (the par t of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) of a regular flu shot, and accordingly creates a stronger immune response for better protection. And if you’re under age 65, your two options are a regular flu shot, or a shot of Fluzone Intradermal. The intradermal vaccine uses a shorter, thinner needle to inject the vaccine just under the skin, rather than deeper in the muscle like standard flu

ommended for those under 65 who smoke or have chronic health conditions like asthma, lung and heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Pneumovax, which protects against 23 strains of the pneumococcal disease, is also covered 100 percent under Medicare Part B, and you can get it on the same day you get your flu shot. If you’re not covered by insurance, this vaccine costs around $45 to $85 at retail clinics. Not all pharmacies give the pneumonia vaccine, and if they do, they may require a doctor’s prescription. Call the pharmacy first to find out. You also need to know that this year, there’s an alternative pneumococcal vac-

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Flu shots

shots. If you’re squeamish about needles, this is a nice option. You also need to be aware that if you’re allergic to chicken eggs or if you have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past you should not get vaccinated without consulting your doctor first. To locate a vaccination site that offers regular, high-dose and intradermal flu shots, ask your doctor or pharmacist, or check the online flu-shot locator at www.flu.gov. Most chains like CVS, Walgreens, Safeway, Kmart, Walmart, Rite Aid and Kroger offer all types of shots. You’ll also be happy to know that if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, Part B will cover 100 percent of the cost of any flu shot. But if you’re not covered, you can expect to pay around $25 to $35 for a regular or intradermal flu shot; $50 to $60 for a shot of the high-dose.

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By Jim Miller Several different types of flu shots are available to older adults this year, along with a new FDA-approved shot for pneumonia. Here are your options:

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Health Shorts Weight-loss surgery reduces diabetes risk Doctors are reporting a new benefit from weight-loss surgery — preventing diabetes. Far fewer obese people developed that disease if they had stomach-shrinking operations rather than usual care to try to slim down, a large study in Sweden found. The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, are provoking fresh debate about when adjustable bands and other bariatric procedures should be offered. It is “provocative and exciting” that surgery can prevent diabetes, but it is “impractical and unjustified” to think of doing it on millions of obese adults, Dr. Danny Jacobs, a Duke University surgeon, wrote in

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

a commentary in the medical journal. Dr. Mitchell Roslin, bariatric surgery chief at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, disagreed. “If surgery is the only treatment we have, we have to accept the cost ramifications of that” and give up “the naive notion” that we can just teach severely obese people how to lose weight, said Roslin, who consults for some makers of bariatric surgery equipment. Millions of Americans have Type 2 diabetes brought on by obesity. Earlier this year, two studies showed that obesity surgery can reverse diabetes and keep it away for many years, possibly for good. The new study went a step further, to see if it could prevent diabetes in the first place among people who are obese. Researchers led by Dr. Lars Sjöström of Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, tracked 1,658 patients who had bariatric surgery — mostly bands and stomach stapling — and 1,771 similar patients who just got usual care

and counseling on how to lose weight. None had diabetes when the study began. After about 10 years on average among those still in the study, 392 developed diabetes in the usual care group versus 110 in the surgery group. Researchers calculated that surgery had reduced the odds of getting diabetes by 78 percent. Weight-loss surgery costs $15,000 to $25,000, and Medicare often covers it for diabetics. Proponents note that complications of diabetes and obesity are expensive, too, especially if dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed. — AP

Colon screening without the prep New Harvard research offers a glimpse of a future when much of routine colorectal cancer screening will no longer require an aggressive bowel prep to clear the colon. Instead, the colon will be imaged in a CT scan and the stool removed digitally — akin to Photoshopping blemishes from a still photo.

Heart disease From page 4

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nal of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Svati Shah, medical director of Duke University's adult cardiovascular genetics clinic, noted that researchers saw a strong risk from family history even after taking into account traditional heart hazards such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. “It's very important to modify those,” she said, but “for certain individuals, there may be a genetic predisposition independent of those risk factors.” One big weakness of the study: It had no information on smoking habits. McBride said smoking a pack a day leads to about the same risk as having two family members die early of heart disease.

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Virtual colonoscopy, known officially as CT colonography (CTC), is already offered as a colorectal cancer screening procedure. Although CTC eliminates the need for physically inserting a 'scope into the body, in its present form it still requires a complete bowel prep. In addition, when CTC finds polyps, a conventional colonoscopy is then required to remove them. Therefore, to avoid two preps, some people choose conventional optical colonoscopy. Colonoscopy's ability to both find and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure is a clear advantage. "The trouble is a lot of the people at risk of colorectal cancer have a strong aversion to the laxative prep that is required for colonoscopy," said Dr. Michael Zalis, a radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. A solution may be at hand. In a study published earlier this year in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Dr. Zalis and his colleagues describe an experimental prepSee HEALTH SHORTS, page 7

sociation offer these tips to anyone with a family history of heart disease: • Learn all you can about the circumstances around a close family member's death, such as the age when they developed cardiovascular disease and any risk factors such as smoking or obesity. • Be aware of symptoms of heart disease or stroke, and see a doctor if you have any. • Make sure other family members and your doctors are aware of your family history. • Live right: Get active, control cholesterol, eat better, manage blood pressure, lose weight, reduce blood sugar and stop smoking. To read the study in Journal of the American College of Cardiology, go to bit.ly/OHYLNf. Information from the American Heart Association on family risk is available at http://bit.ly/MALEy2. — AP

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Health shorts From page 6 free version of CTC. Such an option might spur more people to be screened. The study involved 605 adults recruited at four different healthcare centers. For two days before their scans, the volunteers ate a low-fiber diet and drank small amounts of a contrast agent with meals. The agent chemically "tagged" the stool, allowing software to detect it and subtract it from the CT scan. What remained was a 3D image of the colon wall that radiologists then searched for polyps. The study is the first moderately large multicenter trial of a laxative-free version of CTC. For the polyps most likely to be dangerous — those around 1 centimeter or larger — the laxative-free CTC performed nearly as well as regular colonoscopy. — Harvard Men's Health Watch

A blood test for depression? New techniques for diagnosing depression may make it easier to tell if you have the condition. They may also help change perceptions about the disorder. Two new studies indicate that depression is a physiological illness, detectable in the blood. In April, researchers at Northwestern University found they could use a blood

BEACON BITS

Nov. 3

BIOFEEDBACK FOR PARKINSON’S

Dr. John Jekka of the University of Maryland Department of Public Health will speak on biofeedback devices at a monthly support group for individuals who have early onset or newly diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease, on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bain Center, 5410 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. The session is open to family, friends and caregivers as well as persons with the disease. For additional information, call the center at (410) 313-7213.

Nov. 5

test to diagnose depression in teenagers. A few months earlier, Harvard-affiliated researchers reported a similar finding in adults. Their blood test identified nine biomarkers associated with depression, and correctly identified people with depression 91 percent of the time. "The test needs more stringent validation before it will be ready to be used in medical offices. Still, it appears that these results are promising," said Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and one of the authors of the study. While depression blood tests aren't yet available, the studies are increasing awareness that the condition has a physiological basis. That's important, since many people mischaracterize depression as a problem of the mind. "The recognition that depression is a physiological illness — one that can be controlled by medicines, just like diabetes or high cholesterol — will help decrease

its stigma," said Dr. Kinrys. — Harvard Health Letter

One-day treatment for insomniacs If your nights are spent counting sheep instead of getting sleep, a new treatment could teach you to rest easy. Insomniacs are unfamiliar with the sensation of falling asleep quickly, but a recent study suggests that inducing sleep deprivation can help them learn to do it. Leon Lack, head of the Sleep Laboratory at Australia's Flinders University, worked with colleagues to improve the condition of 79 insomniacs in one 25-hour session. At the beginning of each half-hour, the researchers let participants fall asleep — they'd been kept up the previous night, so they were exhausted — but woke them after only three minutes and then kept them up until the next half-hour began. The sleep-

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FREE DIABETES SCREENING

A registered nurse will be available to conduct diabetes screening, including a risk assessment and a blood test with immediate results, on Monday, Nov. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center Medical Pavilion, Suite 100, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. Eight-hour fasting prior to the test is recommended. For additional information, call (410) 740-7601.

wake cycle was repeated for 25 hours, and then the volunteers were sent home. Within a week participants were falling asleep faster, and the benefits were still measurable six months later. "These people had significant insomnia for years, and in just one day they were able to greatly improve the quantity and quality of their sleep," said Arthur Spielman, a sleep specialist at Weill Cornell Medical College. Why was the therapy so effective? It trains insomniacs to associate the act of going to bed with the feeling of quickly nodding off. "Over the course of 25 hours, someone experiences that process dozens of times, helping them keep that association once they return home," Lack explained. There are no do-it-yourself versions of this therapy available now. But the Flinders sleep lab is already exploring the possibility of creating portable sleep monitors with alarm signals that could translate the 25hour procedure to a home environment. — Psychology Today

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

Varicose veins — causes and treatment By Dr. Jerry Brewer Dear Mayo Clinic: I have varicose veins in my legs and they really bother me. What causes them? Is there any reliable way to get rid of varicose veins? Answer: Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins, usually blue or purple, that commonly appear in the legs. They develop when blood pools in veins, causing them to stretch.

Effective treatments are available. But finding the right treatment for your situation depends in large part on where the problem is occurring. Veins bring blood to the heart from the rest of the body. To do this, the veins in the legs must work against gravity. Contraction of lower limb muscles helps to pump blood back to your heart. Valves in the veins open as blood flows toward the heart, then close to stop blood from flowing backward.

Varicose veins frequently develop when large veins deep in the legs lose their ability to return blood to the heart efficiently. That causes the blood to back up into other veins closer to the surface and bulge outward.

Risk factors A number of factors can raise a person's risk for varicose veins. As people age, varicose veins become more common because, over time, wear and tear can affect the valves within veins and make them prone to leak. Smoking and obesity are significant risk factors for varicose veins, as is having a job that requires long periods of standing or sitting. Family history seems to play a role. And women are more likely than men to get varicose veins. Varicose veins are usually not dangerous, but many people don't like the way they look. They can also cause symptoms, such as swelling, a feeling of throbbing or heaviness in the leg, and pain after standing. In some cases, skin damage can result from varicose veins. Rarely, a blood clot may form if a large amount of blood pools within a varicose vein. That situation can potentially be serious, because a clot that breaks free and travels to the heart or lungs (pulmonary embolism) can be fatal.

Making Moments Matter

Treatment options When considering the best treatment for varicose veins, an important factor is to determine the source of the problem. Using ultrasound to examine veins deep in the leg is often the first step. If those veins are not pumping effectively, treatment needs to be targeted there in order to reduce pressure in the other veins. If a deep vein requires treatment, a common approach is radiofrequency ablation. During this procedure, a thin probe is inserted into the vein and the tip of the probe is heated. The heat causes the vein to collapse and seal shut. This does not cause circulation problems because other veins in the leg can take on larger volumes of blood. In addition to radiofrequency ablation, a procedure called ambulatory phlebectomy may be used to remove varicose veins closer to the skin surface through a series of tiny skin punctures. If the deep veins are not affected and varicose veins are not severe, less-invasive treatment options are usually recommended. Wearing compression stockings may help veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. Quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight, avoiding long stretches of standing or sitting, elevating See VARICOSE VEINS, page 9

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

Extra sleep can improve weight loss Q. How does inadequate sleep impact my weight? A. While those unwanted pounds aren't likely to effortlessly melt away, catching a few extra Zs may be an effective strategy toward maintaining a healthy weight. Paradoxical as it seems, studies are showing that more sleep is a dieter's ally, while burning the midnight oil may sabotage weight loss goals. It's really not as implausible as it seems when you consider the many benefits of sleep on the mind and body. Scientists have long known that when we don't get enough sleep, certain body hormones are thrown off balance — such as ghrelin and leptin, which influence appetite. Ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone, stimulates appetite; the higher the level, the hungrier you feel. Leptin, on the other hand, lets the brain know when the body is full. When levels are normal, leptin counterregulates ghrelin, keeping hunger in check. Sleep deprivation causes a rise in ghrelin levels, signaling hunger, and lowers leptin levels, which dulls the signal of satiety.

Studies show the connection Many studies, including the large scale Nurses' Health Study, which followed 60,000 women for 16 years, have reported an association between short sleep duration and increased weight, and risk for weight gain and obesity. A study published in 2010 in the Annals of Internal Medicine divided 12 healthy dieters into two groups for two weeks. One group had 5.5 hours of sleep, while the other had 8.5 hours. The sleep-deprived group had decreased leptin and increased ghrelin levels, and a 45 percent increase in hunger and cravings for high-carbohydrate, calorie-rich foods compared with the adequatesleep group. While both groups lost weight, more than half of the weight lost in the adequate sleep

Varicose veins From page 8 the leg, and wearing loose-fitting clothing can help ease symptoms of varicose veins and may prevent them from getting worse. Before you decide on a treatment for varicose veins, talk to your doctor about your situation, as well as any health risks or possible side effects of procedures you may be considering. Keep in mind that successful treatment of varicose veins can take some time. Multiple treatments may be necessary to effectively eliminate all varicose veins. Be aware, too, that even after treatment, varicose veins may redevelop. © 2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

group was from fat, compared to only onefourth from fat in the sleep-deprived group.

Quality of sleep matters Some research indicates that weight gain may be simply the result of spending more hours awake with more time to eat and fewer calories burned due to a general lack of energy. However, sleep quality turns out to be an important factor in the sleep-weight equation, too. Because most calories burned during sleep take place in the REM state (rapid eye movement, when the brain is most active), those who have interrupted sleep or a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea don't spend enough time in that phase. In fact, sleep apnea patients are more likely to be obese, despite normal leptin levels, which indicates that people may respond differently to leptin and that other

individual factors may be at play — such as stress levels, exercise, diet and genetics. As research continues to emerge, it makes sense to make time for the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each

BEACON BITS

Nov. 7+

AGEWELL AEROBICS CLASSES

Twice-weekly aerobics classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. at the Ellicott City Senior Center beginning Monday, Nov. 7 and Tuesday, Nov. 8. Fee is $28 for the 12-session classes. For details, visit the center at 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City or call (410) 313-1400.

Nov. 29

TIPS TO QUIT SMOKING

A free program for those wanting to quit smoking, as well as support for those who have already quit, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at Howard County General Hospital, 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia. For further information, call (410) 740-7601.

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

Health threats — to share or not to share? By Leanne Italie In 1976, as a 24-year-old grad student, Samira Beckwith was diagnosed with the thing people still whispered about: cancer. She was in and out of the hospital, had five surgeries, and endured round after round of chemotherapy and radiation as she battled Hodgkin's lymphoma. Beyond a few professors and close friends, she didn't routinely tell people of her bleak diagnosis as she focused on staying alive. Years later, as she was about to turn 50, disaster struck again. This time it was breast cancer requiring a double mastectomy. Her desire for a bit of privacy was the same, but society and sickness had become a share-all whirl. “Back the first time around, people didn't want to hear or talk about cancer. But the boundaries changed, and the second time, it was breast cancer. People really like to talk about breast cancer,” said Beckwith, now 59 and clinical director of a healthcare

services company in Fort Myers, Fla.

Keeping it quiet “But there are still many people who want to keep their illness, keep the decisions that they're making, within a close circle,” she said. “They don't want to be out there on Facebook. It's almost like there's something wrong with them because they don't want to share.” Nora Ephron might have agreed. The humorist who chronicled her life in books and lent romance a laugh in movies kept her leukemia largely locked down to the point that her death in June at age 71 stunned even some close friends. If she had any wisecracks about cancer, she didn't share them with the world. There's no one right way to handle news of a life-threatening diagnosis, but how difficult is it for people to tell or not tell, and at what cost? Michael Jaillet, a senior executive at

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Dell, learned in June 2011 that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. It was the “ultimate horror,” he said. Only his wife and three brothers knew for several months as he sought out a diagnosis, then second and third and fourth opinions. Among those initially left out of the loop were co-workers and his three children, now 14, 13 and 11. “It became, in a lot of ways, a bigger burden than the disease,” Jaillet said of the secret. “It's guilt, tiptoeing around, talking in code. It's clearing out your email or your Internet browser every night because you know your kids are going to get on and you don't want them to see what you've been researching.” Now “out” and active in raising money for research and supporting others with ALS, the 41-year-old Jaillet sees dignity in going public and embracing a broader base of emotional support. “I feel like I've got a torch that I have to carry,” he said.

Deciding to tell Often with limited energy and a need to maintain normal routines, people faced with life-changing illness may not know how to go about deciding when, how and how much to disclose. “Someone's going to know. Word's going to get out and then you're in a position and they're in a position of sort of dancing around the elephant in the room,” said psychotherapist Fredda Wasserman, who has spent 40 years helping people navigate that journey. Anticipating how people will react can be a huge source of anxiety, said Wasserman, clinical director of Our House, a grief counseling and support center in Los Angeles and co-author of the 2010 book Saying Goodbye to Someone You Love.

If sharing the journey is a priority, then be clear about what you need from those you tell, she suggests. An offer of dinner, for instance, doesn't have to mean a night of chitchat with the person who brought it. Do you need jokes to keep you laughing or a shoulder for crying? “People sometimes want to pray for you. If they do, you can tell them what you're hoping for,” she said. “If I'm looking for a cure, that. Maybe I'm just hoping for a day free of pain. Maybe I'm looking for the strength and courage to face what is ahead for me. Let me tell you what I want.”

A very personal choice For others, talking about their illness is the last thing they want to do. “It makes them feel worse,” Wasserman said. “It's, ‘I don't want to think of myself as a cancer patient.’” Taking control of the conversation is important, she said. “Say, ‘Look, I don't want you to treat me like I'm dying, or I don't want you to treat me like I'm pathetic,’” Wasserman said. “That's one reason why a lot of people don't tell. Their skin cringes to have people talk to them like that.” Jessica Aguirre, the mother of two young boys in Green Acres, Fla., was 29 when diagnosed with breast cancer nearly two years ago. Her bad news came just three days before she received a promotion to manager of the cell phone store where she is now on medical leave, after the cancer spread to her brain. “I just decided to be completely open with everything and everyone at work,” she said. “I just thought, you know what, maybe having this can help somebody else. I think that if you do keep it to yourself, it will eat you up inside.” — AP

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

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Feeling the burn, in more ways than one Q: Will I burn more calories if I run reflux, acid indigestion or acid regurgitation. instead of walk? Technically called gastroesophageal reA: If you go the same disflux (known as GERD), it’s tance, studies show you will the burning feeling mid-chest burn the same calories regardthat occurs when acid in the less of whether you walk or run. stomach moves up through a Of course, it takes more time to valve-like ring of muscle that cover the same distance walking separates the stomach from than running, so in the same the esophagus (the tube that amount of time, you’d burn transports food from mouth more calories running. to stomach, and which lacks The intensity of your activity the stomach’s protective linalso influences how many caloing to handle these acids). ries you burn: Going uphill for NUTRITION Some foods seem to relax the same distance and same WISE this muscle, making reflux amount of time uses more calo- By Karen Collins, more likely. Citrus fruits, ries than on a completely flat MS, RD, CDM chocolate, coffee, alcohol, area or treadmill setting. fatty and fried foods, mint and Another option for burning more calories spicy foods are some of the most common is "interval training,” which interjects a few culprits. If you’re prone to reflux, try avoidshort one- or two-minute bursts of more in- ing these foods and see if your reflux imtense activity into moderate activity. (Those proves. bursts could come from jogging, fast walkLook beyond specific food choices, howing or climbing hills.) ever. Smoking can also lead to reflux — yet The American College of Sports Medi- another great reason to stop. Two major cine and American Council on Exercise say culprits are overweight, with excess fat in that, as long as you start and end with five to the abdomen pushing up on the stomach, 10 minutes of warm up and cool down, inter- and overeating, filling the stomach so full val training can be a good way to increase fit- that contents push up against that opening ness without long periods of running. to the esophagus. As with beginning any new exercise, start If you get heartburn twice a week or slowly and gradually work up to longer more, see your doctor. Long-term frequent times and more intensity. If you are consid- reflux of digestive acids can lead to inflamering running, be aware of the potential im- mation and ulcers in the esophagus, cause pact on knees and other joints. If you want to scar tissue to form, or lead to changes in try interval training, be sure to discuss this the cells themselves that increase risk of with your doctor if you have medical prob- cancer development. lems that may put you at risk. Your doctor will be able to make sure Q: Do certain foods promote heart- that the symptoms you’re experiencing reburn? When does this become a prob- ally are heartburn, rather than an alreadylem worth reporting to my doctor? formed ulcer, heart disease or other serious A: Some people find that certain foods problems. spur a bout of heartburn — also known as Q: Are homemade salad dressings

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healthier than bottled dressings? A: Making your salad dressing at home does offer you the opportunity to make a healthier option than most of the commercial dressings. One of the biggest nutritional advantages is the opportunity to reduce sodium substantially. Many bottled dressings contain from 260 to 550 milligrams (mg.) of sodium in a two-tablespoon serving. That’s 11 to 24 percent of the day’s recommended limit — or up to a third of the lower limit recommended for people who are over 50, African American, or who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Start with a healthy oil like canola or olive oil and add lemon juice, vinegar or other juice plus herbs and spices, and per-

haps a little chopped garlic. You’ll slash sodium to less than 5 mg. in that same twotablespoon serving if you don’t add any salt, or to less than 160 mg. if you add a dash. If you like a mustard flavor, mustard powder (ground mustard seed found in the spices aisle) adds zero sodium; or a small amount of prepared mustard might raise sodium of your dressing just an additional 20 or 30 mg. To change up the flavor, you can play with different oils, such as grapeseed, walnut or pumpkin seed oil, as well as experimenting with different pure herbs and spices — all sodium-free. For creamy-type See NUTRITION WISE, page 12

Heartlands: a home that touches your heart

From the daughter of our resident Mr. Dell Bean... Moving my dad to Heartlands has given my family the peace of mind to know that he is being taken care of. It gives us a real sense of relief knowing that he is eating well, having the opportunity to exercise in a safe environment, and being a part of a community. Everyone at Heartlands has opened their hearts to him and it has been really great! -Lindsey Marks

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

Why chamomile offers so many benefits Dear Pharmacist: A few months ago, you wrote about the medicinal action of herbal teas (May 2012 Beacon), and got my attention. I have serious health concerns like diabetes, hypertension, pancreatitis and insomnia. What teas should I drink? — J.Y. Dear J.Y. As far as tea goes, chamomile is perfect. Researchers report that drinking chamomile tea daily helps prevent complications of diabetes, such as loss of vision, nerve damage and kidney damage. This speaks to the ability of chamomile to fight free radical damage in the body, which

is excellent. This is exactly what you want to do if you have pancreatitis, too. I’ve emailed you a free copy of my ebook, “Understanding Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Cancer.” After reading a study about chamomile’s benefits to those with diabetes, I theorized that it must have other benefits for the pancreas. Lo and behold, I found numerous studies discussing “apigenin” and its ability to inhibit growth of pancreatic cancer cells through various mechanisms. Apigenin is a citrus bioflavonoid compound found in chamomile (and other fruits/vegetables including grapefruit) that gives it a yellow color as well as that familiar sedative effect. It’s what we call a flavonoid, and it happens to be a strong

BEACON BITS

Nov. 13

PODIATRY SCREENING

Howard County General Hospital is sponsoring a free consultation with podiatrist Andrew Liss on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center Medical Pavilion, Suite 100, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For additional information, call (410) 740-7601.

Nov. 14+

WEEKLY QI GONG CLASSES

A series of 10 weekly Qi Gong classes, combining meditation and slow movements to relax the body and calm the mind, begins on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Rte. 97, Cooksville. The fee is $53 for the 10 sessions. To register or for more information, call (410) 313-5400.

anti-inflammatory. alone supplement online or at a health According to the study published in Mo- food store. Another way to get its benefits lecular Cancer (December is to drink chamomile tea or 2006) Apigenin suppresses take dietary supplements of pancreatic cancer growth chamomile. through suppression of “cyclin There are very few warnB-associated cdc2 activity” and ings associated with the love“G2/M arrest.” The rely centuries-old flower, but searchers conclude that apibeing a natural sedative, genin may “be a valuable drug chamomile could enhance for the treatment or preventhe effect of prescribed trantion of pancreatic cancer.” quilizers, anti-anxiety medA few years later, in Pancreas ications, and prescribed sleep (May 2009), scientists pub- DEAR aids (alprazolam, diazepam, lished findings about apigenin PHARMACIST zolpidem) or dietary supplements/herbs, such as kava again, this time to conclude that By Suzy Cohen kava, passionflower and it improved the action of gemcitabine, a drug used to treat pancreatic can- GABA. High dose supplementation could encer. Their results found that apigenin in combination with gemcitabine inhibited hance the effect of anti-seizure medicapancreatic cancer cell growth more than ei- tions, necessitating a lower drug dosage. ther agent alone. It was dose-dependent too Teas are weaker than supplements. — the more apigenin, the better the effect. Make your own tea by steeping one tableApigenin was shown in a 2008 study in spoon of chamomile herb in hot water for Pancreas to decrease glucose uptake in pan- 15 minutes. creatic cancer cells (you might say it This information is opinion only. It is not starved them to death). Other studies have intended to treat, cure or diagnose your confound this compound to possess ability in dition. Consult with your doctor before using inhibiting several cancer lines, including any new drug or supplement. breast, colon, thyroid, skin and leukemia. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist To spare confusion, apigenin is a com- and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist pound found in chamomile, it’s not a drug. and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To You can purchase apigenin as a stand- contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

Nutrition Wise From page 11 dressings, try using plain yogurt as a base The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This free service allows you

to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will return your call, usually within three business days. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Questions for this column may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot respond to questions personally.

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

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What’s wrong with visiting old flames? Dear Solutions: don't hear the little voices around the house Can you tell me what's wrong with saying, "dust me,” “wash me,” “answer me," getting in touch in a friendly etc. way with an old girlfriend? Structure your time. Either On a trip we're taking, I dust them, wash them and anplanned it so that my wife swer them before you start to and I will be passing work or set aside some time through my old home town. after work. Then, when you We'll be staying for a few hear them, stop and shout days, and I heard that this "QUIET!" and get on with your old girlfriend is now diwork. vorced. We were once enYou'll see — after a while gaged, but that was a long they'll give up. And once you SOLUTIONS time ago. work out a chore sharing By Helen Oxenberg, My wife is very upset at arrangement with your husMSW, ACSW the idea of me getting in band, they won't dare bother touch with her. I don't see you again. anything wrong. I just want to know how Dear Solutions: she's doing. I went on a bus tour recently with my — Tom husband and other people. One woman Dear Tom: was always late getting back to the bus How she's doing what? And what will you do with this knowledge besides being titillated by your hopeful fantasy that she still finds you attractive? Never mind what's wrong with getting in touch with her. Concentrate on what's wrong in your marriage that makes this so threatening to your wife. Home town or not, remember Tom, you can't go home again. Consider this "passing through" to just be a passing fancy. Let it go Dear Solutions: When my husband partially retired, he worked at home and seemed to do very well. He didn't get distracted. He's working outside our home again, and now I'm trying to find a way to work at home. But I'm having a difficult time with distractions. Men seem to be able to do this easier. How come, and what should I do? — Bea Dear Bea: Develop a deaf ear. Men have one — they

when we stopped to do sightseeing. People applauded when she got back on the bus after we were all waiting for her. That seemed like a good natured way of letting her know we were annoyed, but my husband had to go one step further. He kept making nasty remarks to her about holding us all up. I was very embarrassed, and I think people avoided us after that. We're planning another trip, and I dread going because that same woman is also taking the trip. How can I keep him from always going that one step further than anyone else and making nasty remarks? He won't listen. — Embarrassed Wife Dear Wife: Watch out, or that one step further may be toward you, and the nasty remarks may be

aimed at you and your effort to control him. You have a choice. You can tell him how his behavior makes you feel and refuse to go on this trip unless he changes. Or you can accept the truth that the only person whose behavior you can change is your own. That means don't join him in his remarks, but don't react either. Try a little humor. Shrug your shoulders and smile. Be very nice to the other people. Your husband is not an extension of you. Suggest to your husband that he represent the group in speaking to the tour guide, who should set specific rules and times. And remember — it's that woman who is wrong. © 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.

BRAND NEW APARTMENT HOMES FOR ACTIVE ADULTS 62 OR BETTER

BEACON BITS

Oct. 24+

ELLICOTT CITY GHOSTLY ENOUNTERS

Regency Crest is an extraordinarily carefree community because of the convenient lifestyle enjoyed by those who live here. We go the extra mile to provide our residents with distinctive amenities and service that cannot be found in ordinary active adult communities.

Ross Noratel, author of Ghosts of Ellicott City and president of the Baltimore Society for Paranormal

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Research, will give two free lectures

• Beautiful club room with theater and demonstration kitchen • Wellness center • Indoor saltwater pool • Yoga studio and classes • Cooking Classes, and many more planned activities

on local ghosts sponsored by the Howard County Historical Society. His first talk will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Howard County Historical Society Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. The second will be on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. at the Howard County Historical Society Museum, 8328 Court Ave., Ellicott City. For more

• Movie theater • Billiards room • Business center • Incredible courtyard and meditation garden with koi pond and gazebo

PLANNED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WATER AEROBICS, RESIDENT MIXERS, COOKING CLASSES, ZUMBA, MOVIE NIGHTS, BBQ’S AND MANY MORE!

information, call (410) 480-3250.

Directions: We are located at the corner of Rt. 40 and Rogers Avenue.

3305 Oak West Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043

855.446.1136 www.RegencySeniorApts.com

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

Exercise for long-lasting joint pain relief Is joint pain holding you back? Perhaps an achy ankle or sore knee is making it difficult to enjoy a run through your favorite park or even a short walk. Or a throbbing hip or shoulder prevents you from driving a golf ball down the fairway or from performing simple tasks like carrying a bag of groceries into your home. Sharp reminders of your limitations arrive thick and fast, practically every time you move. Exercises can help relieve ankle, knee, hip or shoulder pain, and help you become more active again, which in turn can help you stay independent long into your later years. Very often, the culprits behind joint pain include osteoarthritis, old injuries, repetitive or overly forceful movements during sports or work, posture problems, aging and inactivity

How exercise can help Ignoring the pain won't make it go away, nor will avoiding all motions that spark discomfort. In fact, limiting your movements can weaken muscles — compounding joint trouble and affecting your posture, setting off a cascade of further problems. While pain relievers and cold or hot packs may offer quick relief, fixes like these are merely temporary. By contrast, the right set of exercises can be a long-lasting way to tame ankle, knee, hip or shoulder pain. Practiced regularly, joint pain relief workouts might permit you to postpone — or even avoid — surgery on a problem joint that has been worsening for

years. They can do this by strengthening key supportive muscles and restoring flexibility. Over time, you may find limitations you've learned to work around will begin to ease. Tasks and opportunities for fun that have been weeded out of your repertoire by necessity may come back into reach, too. Beyond the benefits to your joints, regular activity is good for your heart and sharpens the mind. It nudges blood pressure down and morale up, eases stress, and shaves off unwanted pounds. Perhaps most importantly, it lessens your risk of dying prematurely. All of this can be achieved at a comfortable pace and very low cost in money or time.

estimated knee osteoarthritis would decrease by a fifth. For older women, that shift would cut knee osteoarthritis by a third. For details about helpful workouts, see the Harvard Health Special Report, "The Joint Pain Relief Workout: Healing Exercises for Your Shoulders, Hips, Knees, and Ankles," available at www.amazon.com and other bookstores. © 2012 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Why weight matters Being overweight raises your risk for developing osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint like the knee — and even in the hand, according to some research, since inflammatory factors related to weight might exacerbate this condition. Simply walking across level ground puts up to one-and-a-half times your body weight on your knees. That means a 200-pound man will deliver 300 pounds of pressure to his knee with each step. Off level ground, the news is worse: Each knee bears two to three times your body weight when you go up and down stairs, and four to five times your body weight when you squat to tie a shoelace or pick up an item you dropped. Fortunately, strengthening your quadriceps (the muscles on the fronts of the thighs) changes the equation, and so does

BEACON BITS

Nov. 8

losing weight. Each pound you lose reduces knee pressure in every step you take. One study found that the risk of developing osteoarthritis dropped 50 percent with each 11-pound weight loss among younger obese women. If older men lost enough weight to shift from an obese classification to just being overweight — that is, from a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher down to one that fell between 25 and 29.9 — the researchers

CREATING THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECES The Longfellow Garden Club is inviting prospective adult garden-

ers and flower arrangers to its free demonstration of creating Thanksgiving centerpieces. The club is donating 40 of the centerpieces to the Howard County Office on Aging’s Annual Thanksgiving Seniors Luncheon. The workshop will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. For additional information, call M. Smith at (443) 803-4850.

Want to Prevent Falls in the Elderly? Seeking Men and Women to participate in a research study at the University of Maryland &Veterans Aﬀairs of Baltimore to better understand balance and the prevention of falls in aging individuals. You will receive:

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

CALL TODAY!

• Eye Care for All Ages • Specialists in Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration • Contact Lens Specialists • LASIK - Laser Vision Correction • Plastic & Reconstructive Eye Surgery

Full In-House Optical Department Outpatient No-Stitch Cataract Surgery • Laser Surgery MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED LENARD H. HAMMER, M.D., F.A.C.S. GORDON LUI, M.D. SCOTT B. BECKER, M.D. MEDICARE EYE EXAMS

BRIAN J. WINTER, M.D. CRISTINA F. ROUILLER, O.D. VANESSA LIMA, M.D.

410-997-9900

8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 101, Columbia, MD

Do You Have Knee Arthritis and Difficulty Sleeping? Volunteers NEEDED for a Clinical Trial on New Non-drug treatment for problem sleeping Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study examining new ways of treating insomnia, in people with osteoarthritis in their knee.  To participate in this study, you must be: • At least 50 years of age OR 35 years of age and older with prior diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis • Have frequent knee pain • Interested in sleeping better  This study involves: • Sleep studies conducted in your home • Sensory testing and knee exam at Johns Hopkins • Meeting with sleep specialist to discuss ways to improve sleep • Additional optional medical tests • All examinations, parking, & tests are provided at no cost.  Compensation up to $870.00

Approved 8/16/10

Michael T. Smith, Ph.D., Principal Investigator Protocol: NA_00011802 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

For information, please call (410) 550-7906

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VOLUME 2, N O. 11 â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER 2012

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

November signals the start of the holiday season, when Thanksgiving menus and holiday shopping move to the top of our to-do lists. But November is also National Family Caregivers Month, a time to reach out to the caregivers in your circles and show your support, or lend a helping hand. Amazingly, unpaid family caregivers provide 90 percent of the long-term care in the U.S. (www.thefamilycaregiver.org). Although I am not a fulltime caregiver, I have found myself in this role lately, providing support for my father and stepmother. Both are in their early 80s, and still live independently in the D.C. home they have owned together since marrying 20 years ago. My two younger sisters, my niece and I help with occasional transportation, escorting them to medical appointments and on shopping trips, while their strong circle of church â&#x20AC;&#x153;familyâ&#x20AC;? are also at the ready to run errands, provide social contact, and ensure that they are able to attend church every Sunday.

Caregiving is not and should not be about one person carrying the load, but about a community helping us all to age in our own homes and familiar surroundings for as long as possible. On Saturday, Nov. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Office on Aging will present our first ever workshop just for caregivers at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caregiving: Finding the Balanceâ&#x20AC;? is a day of sharing, caring, learning and fun, featuring keynote speaker Mary Fridley and a host of seminars addressing common concerns. The event is free and open to all; onsite respite care is provided. To pre-register or find out more, contact Valerie Liss at 410-313-6060 or vliss@howardcountymd.gov. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aging in Focus: Implications for Howard Countyâ&#x20AC;? on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Banneker Room at the Howard Building. Sponsored jointly by the Commission on Aging, Office on Aging and the County Council, the forumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speakers will address the growth of our aging population and its implications for Howard County. I hope you will join us! For details, call 410-313-6546.

November is National Family Caregivers Month

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Each year in November, during National Family Caregivers Month, Howard Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department of Citizen Services focuses attention on the more than 65 million family caregivers who provide 90 percent of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-term care services. This year, the Office on Aging will host â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caregiving: Finding the Balanceâ&#x20AC;? to provide an opportunity for Howard County caregivers to come together, gain insights and information from local experts, and share experiences with others walking the same road. This first ever, free event will be held on Saturday, November 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia. The dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda includes engaging speakers and workshops, fun activities, plus continental breakfast and lunch. On-site respite care will also be provided. Register online at www.activenet.active.com/howardcounty and search for activity #A20700.100. For more information or to register your loved one for respite care during the event, contact Valerie Liss at 410-3136060 or vliss@howardcountymd.gov.

10 TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS 1) REWARD YOURSELF often with respite breaks. 2) WATCH OUT for signs of depression and seek help. 3) ACCEPT HELP from others and suggest ways they can give assistance. 4) EDUCATE YOURSELF about your loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition and how to effectively communicate with medical personnel. 5) BE OPEN to options, ideas and technology that promote your loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence. 6) TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll usually lead you in the right direction. 7) BE GOOD TO YOUR BACK when you are lifting, pulling and maneuvering. 8) Grieve for your losses; then ALLOW YOURSELF new hopes and dreams. 9) SEEK SUPPORT from other caregivers; there is great strength in camaraderie. 10) STAND UP for your rights... as a caregiver and a human being.

www.howardcountyaging.org Adapted courtesy of the National Family Caregiving Association â&#x20AC;˘ www.thefamilycaregiver.org

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7 Open enrollment for Medicare prescription insurance (Part D) and Medicare Advantage (HMOs and other health plans) ends Dec. 7. Make an appointment for a free one-on-one review with the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 410-313-7392 or visit www.howardcountyaging.org/SHIP for a schedule of upcoming review/enrollment events.

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

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Coming Events The Senior Connection

Tuesdays, Nov. 6, 13 & 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Pets Are Us: Explore the Connection, North Laurel 50+ Center This engaging three-week program brings together animal lovers, animal advocates and special guest speakers. Free; sponsored by Pets on Wheels and SPRING. For more information, contact Karen Hull, 410-313-7466; to register, call 410-313-0380. Wednesday, Nov. 7 at East Columbia 50+ Center & Friday, Nov. 9 at Elkridge Senior Center, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – AARP Driver Safety Classroom Course Learn proven safety strategies in class, and you may earn a discount on your car insurance! November’s class is free for veterans and their dependents. Cost: $14, Non-AARP Members; $12, AARP Members. Call the center to register.

Nov. 7, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Tongue Twister Contest, Elkridge Senior Center Celebrate National Tongue Twister Day; find out how nimble your tongue really is and win a prize! Cost: $3; call 410-313-5192 to register. Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m. – Tea at Elkridge Furnace Inn, Glenwood 50+Center Join us for a traditional tea at the Elkridge Furnace Inn. Cost: $25. For a complete menu or to register, call 410-313-5400. Friday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m. – The Fall of Saigon, Ellicott City Senior Center Vietnam Veteran Tom Glenn shares his compelling account of the fall of Saigon. Glenn received the civilian Meritorious Medal for his heroic part in this historic event. Free; call 410313-1400 for information.

Tuesdays, Nov. 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to noon – John Brown & the Abolitionist Movement, Glenwood 50+Center Learn the myths and realities of the 19th century abolitionist movement in the U.S. Cost: $40 over 60; $59 under 60. Call 410-313-5440 to register.

The Senior Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Department of Citizen Services’ Office on Aging. We welcome your comments and suggestions. To contact us, or to join our email subscriber list, email seniorconnection@howardcountymd.gov with ‘subscribe’ in the subject box. Howard County Office on Aging 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046

410-313-6410

www.howardcountyaging.org www.Facebook.com/HoCoCitizen Dayna Brown, Administrator Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Howard County Office on Aging or by the publisher.

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m. to noon – National Alzheimer’s Screening Day, The Bain Center Qualified healthcare professionals will conduct a free, non-invasive memory screening (5-10 minutes of questions and tasks). Results are confidential and do not represent a diagnosis. Call 410-313-7213 to schedule an appointment. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Memory Screening, North Laurel 50+ Center Dr. Jennifer Schwartz-Mitchell from the Humanim Cognitive Assessment and Solutions Center will offer private, individual screenings for memory function. Call 410-313-0380 to reserve a spot; walk-ins welcome, but wait times may vary. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Concert – Jazz Nights, East Columbia 50+ Center Join us for a little jazz to heat it up, and let the holidays flow! Cost: donations accepted.

Thursday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. – Oh, How Thankful Brunch!, The Bain Center Join our Thanksgiving Brunch Celebration and enjoy a skit by the Bain Theatre Club. Free; donations accepted. Call 410-313-7213 to register by Thursday, Nov. 8. Thursday, Nov. 15, 12:30 p.m. – Arlington National Cemetery, Post WWI, Ellicott City Senior Center Enjoy a history lesson with Brad Berger, park ranger from the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Free; call 410-313-1400 for information.

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. – Civil War Series: Human Interest at Antietam, Glenwood 50+Center As we celebrate the 150 anniversary of the Civil War, come learn about the human side of the Battle of Antietam. To register, call 410-313-5440.

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Murder Mystery Luncheon, The Bain Center Come play detective in an interactive murder mystery dinner. Lunch is sponsored by Brighton Gardens of Columbia. Cost: $5. Call 410-3137213 to register. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to noon – “Accentuate the Positive” with Dr. Dan Storch, Elkridge Senior Center Join Dan Storch, a psychiatrist certified in geriatrics from Humanim, to gain insight into maintaining a positive attitude through the toughest of times. Questions and feedback are welcome. Free; call 410-313-5192 to register.

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Holiday Tea Luncheon, East Columbia 50+ Center Savor the season and relax before all the excitement begins. For a perfect afternoon of tea and music, call 410-313-7680 to reserve your table. Cost: $6 (suggested donation).

Nov. 29, 10:30 a.m. to noon – Holiday Ceramics, Elkridge Senior Center Make something beautiful to give as a gift or keep for yourself. One fee includes everything; for fee and registration information, call 410-313-5192 or 410-313-4930. Thursday, Nov. 29, 12:45 p.m. – Hearts Away Bombs Away, Ellicott City Senior Center Author Vincent Gisriel, Jr. will discuss this true story of an American hero during World War II. Free; call 410-313-1400 for information.

Thursday, December 6, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – SPRING Holiday Luncheon, Turf Valley Resort & Conference Center, Ellicott City Share the joys of the season with SPRING while enjoying a delicious entrée, dessert, and holiday music. Cost: $23; to register; contact Elaine Widom, 410-313-7283 by Nov. 30.

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Money

PROS AND CONS OF ANNUITIES While annuities can provide lifetime income, they have downsides to watch out for, too FOOLPROOF PASSWORDS How to create and remember computer passwords that can’t be cracked by criminals MEDICARE DRUG PLANS Review your Medicare prescription drug Part D coverage and make any changes by Dec. 7. Help is available

Four low-cost funds that beat the market By Mark Jewell An index mutual fund is a sensible option for building a diversified stock portfolio while keeping investment costs under control. The approach is simple: The fund holds the same stocks as the segment of the market it tracks. Expenses are low because there's no professional manager picking the investments. But you also give up something with an index approach. You're guaranteeing that you'll never beat the market. In fact, you'll come up a bit short, because the modest fees that index funds charge are shaved off investment returns. If that proposition isn't appealing, consider funds run by pros who try to outperform the market. With a little research, an investor can find managed funds charging fees that aren't far above those assessed by

some higher-cost index funds. And several among that select group have beaten the market over periods spanning several years. That's not to say these funds necessarily will maintain their standout performance. In most years, a majority of managed funds fail to beat the market. What's more, a wealth of research has shown that a fund's expenses are almost always a more significant factor in long-term returns than any edge a manager can achieve. But it's hard to argue with the results the four funds below have delivered, or with the fees charged. Each invests primarily in large U.S. companies, the types of stocks that typically anchor a well-diversified portfolio. Each has outperformed a large-cap stock index, the Russell 1000, over the latest fiveand 10-year periods.

And the funds have accomplished that while charging fees that are below 0.74 percent. That's the average expense ratio that investors paid last year to invest in U.S. stock funds of all types, managed and index, according to Morningstar. Each of the four requires a minimum initial investment of $3,000 or less, so the funds are accessible to most individual investors. None charges an upfront sales fee, known as a load. The four, listed in order of their 10-year returns:

Mairs & Power Growth (MPGFX) This fund barely made the cut because its expense ratio of 0.71 percent is only slightly below average. But it's a standout in several other respects. Its 10-year return places the fund within

the top 10 percent among its large-cap blend peers, which invest in a mix of value- and growth-oriented stocks. It's also in the top 10 percent over the past five-year period and 12 months. The fund's managers, William Frels and Mark Henneman, typically invest a substantial portion of the portfolio in companies with headquarters in Minnesota or neighboring states. That's the region that the St. Paul-based managers know best. At latest count, the fund held 47 stocks, with Minnesota-based Valspar, 3M, Target, Ecolab and U.S. Bancorp making up the top five holdings. The fund tends to hold stocks for years before trading them. Three of those top five holdings have been in the portfolio since 1993. See FUNDS, page 20

Deficits will dwarf Social Security surplus By Stephen Ohlemacher As millions of baby boomers flood Social Security with applications for benefits, the program's $2.7 trillion surplus is starting

to look small. For nearly three decades Social Security produced big surpluses, collecting more in taxes from workers than it paid in benefits

Small Social Security COLA next year More than 56 million Americans on Social Security will get raises averaging $19 a month come January, one of the smallest hikes since automatic adjustments for inflation were adopted in 1975. It’s expected that about a third of the 1.7 percent increase in benefits will get wiped out by higher Medicare premiums, which are deducted from Social Security payments. The Medicare premium hike had not yet been announced when the Beacon went to press, but is projected to be about $7 per month. The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is tied to a government measure of inflation. The small increase confirms that inflation has been relatively low over the past year, despite the recent surge in gasoline prices.

Congress has been considering changing the way the COLA is calculated by adopting a new inflation index that would result in even lower annual adjustments. Social Security recipients received a 3.6 percent increase in benefits at the start of this year after getting none the previous two years. In addition to retired and disabled workers, Social Security provides benefits to millions of spouses, widows, widowers and children. About 8 million people who receive Supplemental Security Income, the disability program for poor people, will also receive the COLA. In all, the increase will affect about one in five U.S. residents. — AP

to retirees. The surpluses also helped mask the size of the budget deficit being generated by the rest of the federal government. Those days are over. Since 2010, Social Security has been paying out more in benefits than it collects in taxes, adding to the urgency for Congress to address the program's long-term finances. “To me, urgent doesn't begin to describe it,” said Chuck Blahous, one of the public trustees who oversee Social Security. “I would say we're somewhere between critical and too late to deal with it.” The Social Security trustees project the surplus will be gone in 2033. Unless Congress acts, Social Security would only collect enough tax revenue each year to pay about 75 percent of benefits, triggering an automatic reduction. Lawmakers from both political parties say they want to avoid such a dramatic benefit cut for people who have retired and might not have the means to make up the lost income. Still, that scenario is more than two decades away, which is why many in Congress are willing to put off changes.

al funding gaps start off big and grow fast, which could make them hard to rein in if Congress procrastinates. The projected shortfall in 2033 is $623 billion, according to the trustees' latest report. It reaches $1 trillion in 2045 and nearly $7 trillion in 2086, the end of a 75-year period used by Social Security's number crunchers because it covers the retirement years of just about everyone working today. Add up 75 years' worth of shortfalls and you get an astonishing figure: $134 trillion. Adjusted for inflation, that's $30.5 trillion in 2012 dollars, or eight times the size of this year's entire federal budget. Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue said he is frustrated that little has been done to solve a problem that is only going to get harder to fix as 2033 approaches. If changes are done soon, they can be spread out over time, perhaps sparing current retirees while giving workers time to increase their savings. “It won't be easy but it's just going to get harder the longer they wait,” Astrue said. There is no consensus in Washington on how pressing the problem is. President Barack Obama created a

Snowballing shortfall But once the surplus is spent, the annu-

See SOCIAL SECURITY, page 20

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

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Better passwords improve online security By John Miley If you're like most people, you shrug off advice to craft truly secure passwords for your online accounts. But easy-to-remember words and phrases leave your accounts susceptible — and using the same password on more than one site creates a potential field day for hackers. In a survey by Trusteer, a computer-security firm, three-fourths of respondents said they've reused their online banking password to access at least one nonfinancial website. “If even one of those accounts is compromised and its password stolen, all your accounts may be at risk,” said Lujo Bauer, a professor of computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

How to make passwords The first step to beefing up your online security is creating better passwords and changing them frequently. A six-character password in all lowercase letters, such as kitten, would take a hacker's computer less than a day to guess, according to a tool at Passfault.com. However, a complex password that combines upper- and lowercase letters, num-

bers and symbols, such as %+M;8aa@?aVt, would take four centuries to crack. (To test your passwords, go to www.microsoft.com /security and click on “Create strong passwords.”) Remembering such souped-up passwords is a hassle, but some simple memorization strategies can fix that. Because longer is better, try using a phrase or sentence, such as TheBoyWentBacktoSchool. If your account has a character limit, use a mnemonic trick to jog your memory, and include non-letter symbols: “We have a boy who is 18 and a dog that is 7” becomes Whab#18aad#7.

How to remember them Once you've created stronger passwords, you may have trouble keeping track of them. That's where password managers come in handy. Services such as LastPass (www.lastpass.com; premium costs $12 per year and comes with mobile access on iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and Windows Phone) and 1Password (www.agilebits.com; $35; available for Apple and Android mobile devices) store and remember all your passwords for all your accounts.

With one master login and password to the service, you have access to everything. Bonus: Both services will automatically generate secure passwords for you. For those willing to take an extra step to access accounts in the name of security, some online providers, such as Google, offer two-step verification (go to Account Settings to set up the service). After you sign up, a code is sent to your cellphone via text or voice. To log in to your online account, you must enter the

code as well as your regular password. With this extra step, even were hackers to figure out your password, that wouldn’t give them access to your account. The code is good for one month per computer. When its 30 days are up, a new code is sent to you automatically. LastPass offers a similar service. John Miley is a reporter for the Kiplinger Letter. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. © 2012 Kiplinger's Personal Finance

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BEACON BITS LOCAL AUTHORS SHARE PUBLISHING TIPS

Nov. 1

Five authors with local ties will discuss their latest books and answer questions about the publishing process on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the East Columbia Branch 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way in Columbia. For more information, call (410) 313-7700.

Nov. 20

FINANCIAL PLANNING IN RETIREMENT

Certified Financial Planner John Houseman, creator of the Retirement Quest interactive retirement map, will speak on a wide range of financial planning topics on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Rte. 97, Cooksville. For more information, call (410) 313-5440.

Don’t Let Nursing Home Costs Take Every Dime You’ve Worked For. Medical Assistance Planning and Eligibility Advance Medical Directives / Living Wills Trusts / Estate Planning Administration Wills / Powers of Attorney Disability Planning / Special Needs Trusts Guardianship

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Funds

more than $1 million personally invested in the fund.

From page 18

Vanguard Dividend Growth (VDIGX)

T. Rowe Price Growth stock (PRGFX)

This is one of the standout managed funds at Vanguard, best known for index funds. With an expense ratio of just 0.31 percent, it's among the lowest-cost managed funds. The emphasis in the portfolio of around 50 stocks is dividend-payers. Recent top holdings include PepsiCo, Johnson & Johnson, Occidental Petroleum, Target and Exxon Mobil. Morningstar analysts currently give the fund a top-rung gold medal ranking, based on their assessment of its future prospects. Among other things, Morningstar cites the fund's stable management. Don Kilbride has run the fund the past six years, and has

With expenses of 0.70 percent, this fund also just made the cut. The emphasis is on growth stocks, which typically generate revenue and earnings at an above-average rate. Examples include Apple and Google, the fund's recent top two holdings, making up 11 percent and 3.8 percent of the portfolio, respectively. Apple's recent strong performance has been a big contributor to the fund's 17 percent year-to-date return, which ranks in the top 10 percent among peers. Over 10 years, the fund ranks in the top 20 percent. Morningstar analysts are cautious about the fund, currently maintaining a “Neutral” rating. One reason is the fund's inability to

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

offer much protection in sharp market declines. In 2008, for example, the fund lost 42 percent, worse than nearly two-thirds of its peers.

Vanguard Equity-Income (VEIPX) This fund takes a similar approach to Vanguard Dividend Growth, focusing on dividend-paying stocks while also charging expenses of just 0.31 percent. But this fund is more diversified than the other, with a portfolio of around 150 stocks. The four-person management team also puts a sharper focus on value-oriented stocks, which tend to generate steady earn-

ings and are considered inexpensive based on their price-to-earnings ratios. That emphasis can hold the fund back when the market rallies. For example, Equity-Income's 17 percent return in 2009 lagged the Standard & Poor's 500 by 9 percentage points, and trailed nearly nine of 10 peers. But last year, the fund beat that index by 8 percentage points, returning nearly 11 percent. In the large-value category, the fund's five- and 10-year average annualized returns rank within the top 10 percent among its peers. — AP

Social Security From page 18 deficit-reduction commission in 2010, but didn't embrace its plan for Social Security: raising the retirement age, reducing benefits for medium- and high-income workers, and raising the cap on the amount of wages subject to the payroll tax, all very gradually. The issue has been largely absent from this year's presidential election. Neither Obama nor his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, has made it a significant part of the campaign. Blahous, a Republican, warns that the magnitude of the problem is becoming so great that “Social Security's days as a selffinancing program are numbered” if Congress doesn't act in the next few years. Democrat Robert Reischauer, Social Security's other public trustee, is less dire in his predictions but has told Congress that it needs to act within five years.

Is it really so bad? Others express less urgency. “I would like to see Congress move on this tomorrow, but we do have 22 years before there is any cut in Social Security benefits,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, a liberal independent from Vermont who heads the Senate Social Security caucus. “Compared to other crises — the collapse of the middle class, real wages falling for American workers, 50 million people having no health insurance — how would I rate the Social Security situation?

Nowhere near as serious as these and many other problems,” Sanders said. AARP, the nation's most powerful lobbying group for older Americans, agrees. “I'm not suggesting we need to wait 20 years, but we do have time to make changes to Social Security so that we can pay the benefits we promised,” said David Certner, AARP's legislative policy director. “Let's face it. Relative to a lot of other things right now, Social Security is in pretty good shape.” Social Security's finances are being hit by a wave of demographics as aging baby boomers reach retirement, leaving relatively fewer workers behind to pay into the system. In 1960, there were 4.9 workers paying Social Security taxes for each person getting benefits. Today, there are about 2.8 workers for each beneficiary, a ratio that will drop to 1.9 workers by 2035, according to projections by the Congressional Budget Office. About 56 million people now collect Social Security benefits, and that is projected to grow to 91 million in 2035. Despite the severity and extent of the problem, the solution needn’t be draconian. The Social Security Administration says if payroll taxes were increased by 2.67 percentage points, to a little more than 15 percent (half from employers; half from employees), they would generate enough money to cover the 75-year shortfall, with some left over. To read the 2012 Social Security Trustees report, see www.ssa.gov/ oact/tr/2012/index.html. — AP

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The pros and cons of annuities — Part II In my last column, I described the various types of annuities. This month, we’ll address specifically the pros and cons of these tax-deferred retirement savings vehicles.

up to big tax payments, especially for those in high tax brackets. [Editor’s note: The same ordinary income tax treatment would apply to earnings from an immediate annuity.] Second, many financial adImmediate annuities visers and insurance agents Guaranteed income for life recommend variable or equiis a big time benefit of immety-index annuities for acdiate annuities, but it comes counts that are already tax-deat a cost. The first concern is ferred, like 401(k)s, 403(b)s that you are giving up access to your money (the lump- RETIRE SMART and IRAs. This makes absolutely no sense, because sum payment you make to By Jill Schlesinger these accounts are already purchase the annuity) in exchange for a lifetime income stream tax-advantaged. If someone tries to sell (consisting of both the principal and in- you a variable annuity to hold in a tax-deferred account, or encourages you to purterest). As you age, access to money becomes chase an annuity before you maximize more important, so tying up your savings your retirement plan contribution, head raises a significant concern. For this rea- for the exit. son, if you are going to invest in an immediate annuity, it would be prudent to do so with only a portion of your total portfolio. Many retirees like to use an immediate annuity to cover their fixed costs, and describe it as similar to having a salary to meet regular expenses. However, most immediate annuities provide for fixed payments, which are not adjusted for inflation. Although we are in a low inflation environment today, who knows whether prices will rise substantially during the payout period of your annuity? Also, realize that an investment in an immediate annuity is an investment in the company that issues it. The guaranteed stream of income is only as good as the financial stability of the insurance company that writes the contract. As we all learned during the recent crisis, insurance companies can run into big problems.

Third, from an estate planning perspective, proceeds from most deferred annuities do not receive a "step up" in cost basis when the owner dies. Other types of investments, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds, do provide a step up in tax basis upon the owner's death, which can limit the tax liability for your heirs. By far the most problematic issue with deferred, variable and equity-index annuities are the sky-high costs. Mortality and expense charges (M&E), administrative fees, underlying fund expenses, charges for special features, and the salesperson's commission can eat up 2 to 3 percent of the value of your investment every year! Insurance professionals will talk about the value of the death benefit of these contracts, but since most people are using the funds in retirement, the death benefit is ir-

relevant. If you do need life insurance, there are lots of cheaper options, like term insurance. By now you realize that I'm not a huge fan of deferred variable annuities, but if you already own one, consider exchanging it for a lower cost one through TIAACREF or Vanguard. Section 1035 of the tax code allows you to swap one annuity for a similar one without triggering tax liability. When considering annuities to secure income in retirement, make sure you weigh the potential benefits as well as the inherent risks in these complicated savings vehicles. Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the Editor-at-Large for www.CBSMoneyWatch.com. She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@moneywatch.com. © 2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc

TThis h i s eelection, l e c t i o n , tthe h e ffirst i r s t cchoice h o i c e you’ll you’ll m a k e iis s w h i c h day d a y to t o vote. vote. make which

Deferred annuities Although there are different flavors of deferred annuities (fixed, variable, equity index), they all share two distinct phases: the accumulation phase, during which your money grows on a tax-deferred basis, and the payout phase, during which you begin to receive scheduled payments. Deferred annuities share the same lack of liquidity as immediate annuities, but there are other, more worrisome downsides to these contracts. Insurance agents often extol the tax advantages of deferred annuities, but there are three big issues surrounding their taxation. First, when you start withdrawing money from the annuity, earnings (but not principal) will be taxed at your ordinary income rate, rather than at the lower capital gains rates applied to investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other nontax-deferred vehicles in which funds are held for more than one year. So, investing in a deferred annuity means that you may be converting capital gains into ordinary income, which can add

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

How to compare Medicare prescription plans By Jim Miller Because all Medicare Part D prescription drug plans can change their costs and coverage each calendar year, comparing plans every year during the open enrollment period (which is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on your best deal for 2013, especially if you take a lot of medications. Here are a few tips and resources that can help you compare plans with the least amount of hassle.

Online tool If you’re comfortable using a computer, you can easily compare Medicare’s drug plans yourself online. Just go to Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool at www.medicare.gov/finda-plan, and type in your ZIP code or your personal information, the drugs you take and their dosages, and select the pharmacies you use. You’ll get a cost comparison breakdown for each plan available in your area. This tool also provides a five-star rating system that evaluates each plan based on past customer service records, and suggests generics or older brand-name drugs that can reduce your costs. It’s also important to keep in mind that when you’re comparing drug plans, don’t judge a plan strictly by its monthly premium cost. Low-premium plans are often asso-

ciated with higher prescription co-payments and may end up being more expensive. Instead, look at the “estimated annual drug costs” that shows how much you can expect to pay over a year in total out-ofpocket costs — including premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Also, be sure the plan you’re considering covers all of the drugs you take with no restrictions. Some plans may require you to get permission or try a number of cheaper drugs before they will cover certain prescriptions.

Get help If you need some help with this or if you don’t have Internet access to compare the plans yourself, ask your kids, grandkids or a trusted computer-savvy friend to help you. Or, you can call Medicare at 1-800633-4227 and a customer service representative will compare plans for you over the phone for free. Another resource that you can call on for help is your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free one-on-one Medicare counseling in person or over the phone. They also conduct seminars during the open enrollment period at various locations throughout each state (see box).

Smaller donut hole

your remaining drug costs for the year.

You also need to know that Medicare’s “donut-hole” coverage gap will shrink a little more next year. In 2013, Medicare Part D beneficiaries that hit the coverage gap will receive a 52.5 percent discount on brand-name drugs, and a 21 percent discount on generic medications. For 2013, the coverage gap begins when your total drug cost exceeds $2,970 (that includes your share and the insurer’s share of the costs) and ends when combined spending is $6,733. After that, your Part D plan usually covers around 95 percent of

Low income assistance Also, be aware that if your annual income is under $16,755 ($22,695 for married couples living together), and your assets are below $13,070 ($26,120 for married couples), you may be eligible for the federal Low Income Subsidy known as “Extra Help.” It pays for your Part D premiums, deductibles and copayments, and is worth about $4,000 a year. For more information or to apply, call Social Security at 1-800-7721213 or visit www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Help in Howard County In Howard County, the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers one-on-one assistance by appointment. Last year, for example, because she did annual re-shopping, we saved $50 a month for one client who was in a plan which was no longer right for her. Here’s a quick look at some of the changes the insurance companies have made for 2013: Dropping out or merging. These plans are either dropping out entirely or switching members to different plans for next year: BravoRx (this does not impact Bravo HMO plans), Community CCRx Basic and Choice, Health Net Orange Options 1 and 2, Medco Medicare Choice, Unicare Medicare Rx Rewards Plus, WellCare Signature. If you’re in one of these plans, you will either be switched to a different plan — which may or may not meet your needs — or you will be left without prescription coverage altogether.

Premium increases. The majority of plans have increased premiums for 2013. Most of the increases are a few dollars a month, but Aetna Rx Medicare Premier has bumped up premiums by $17.50 a month, Blue Rx Standard (CareFirst) by $18.70, and Blue Rx Enhanced (CareFirst) by $33.60. SilverScript Plus (the 2013 name for what was called CVS Caremark Plus) is up $11.80. The Bravo Classic HMO (which will now be known as Bravo-HealthSpring Essential), will have a $25 monthly premium; it has no premium in 2012. Call (410) 313-7392 for an appointment with SHIP. SHIP offers regular office hours at the Florence Bain Center, the North Laurel 50+ Center, the Ellicott City Senior Center and the Glenwood 50+ Center. In addition, SHIP will offer special enrollment events, including some on evenings and Saturdays. — Bill Salgalnik, Howard County SHIP

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Cruise lines are nickel-and-diming passengers by adding airline-like fees. See story on page 25

Laid-back living in eclectic Key West, Fla. Hemingway drank (and wrote) here A number of both locals and visitors head for Sloppy Joe’s Bar and Captain Tony’s, both of which claim, with some justification, that Ernest Hemingway was a regular patron when he lived in Key West. After being operated as an illegal speakeasy by a local named Joe Russell, Sloppy Joe’s came out of the shadows on December 5, 1933, the day Prohibition was repealed. The name for the rowdy saloon was suggested by Hemingway, who had frequented a similarly named bar in Cuba, where melting ice used to preserve seafood kept the floor wet and, yes, “sloppy.” In 1937, Joe Russell refused to pay what he viewed as an unreasonable rent increase, from $3 to $4 a week, and he leased an empty building nearby. One evening in May, his customers carried their drinks and all of the tavern’s furnishings down the street to the new location, and partying continued without missing a beat, or in this case a swallow. Later, what had been Sloppy Joe’s was purchased by Tony Tarracino, a charter boat captain, who renamed it Captain Tony's Saloon. Hemingway, by far Key West’s most famous resident, lived there from 1931 to 1942. Those were his most productive years, during which he wrote some of his best-known classics, including A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Hemingway worked hard during the

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

By Victor Block Even after several days luxuriating in the sun that bathes Key West in its glow, the essence of the Florida destination eluded me. I had immersed myself in the tiny island’s history, wandered narrow streets lined by gingerbread-trimmed houses, and taken in a long list of intriguing sights. The missing ingredient fell into place when I spotted several elderly men playing bocce. I asked a bystander if lawn bowling is popular because many people of Italian descent live in Key West. Chuckling, she replied, “No, it’s popular because it’s a game you can play with one hand while you hold a drink in the other.” That fun-filled outlook on life summed it up. More than the subtropical setting, surpassing its eclectic gathering of historic and other sites, Key West is an attitude. Life there is laid back, and people need little excuse to party. Even the sunset provides one. Each evening, a crush of people congregates at Mallory Square as the sun dips toward the horizon beyond the Gulf of Mexico. Jugglers, musicians and other entertainers compete for an audience — and tips. Many spectators clutch a plastic take-out cup containing a beverage purchased at a nearby bar. After the sun disappears, usually to the sound of applause, the throng disperses and flows toward the watering holes and restaurants that line nearby Duval Street.

A sightseeing train chugs past Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where Ernest Hemmingway was a regular patron when he lived in Key West from 1931 to 1942.

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

mornings, writing in his small studio on the second floor of a converted carriage house overlooking an equally minuscule swimming pool. He also played hard, descending around lunch time to spend the rest of the day and evening swimming, fishing and drinking with a coterie of friends that ranged from fellow literary giants to bar owners and commercial fishermen. The Spanish Colonial-style home where Hemingway lived with Pauline, his second of four wives, operates today as a museum. Of special interest is his studio, which remains exactly as he left it. An ancient manual typewriter stands on the desk, and stuffed heads of animals the author shot on safari adorn the walls. Today’s residents are some four dozen cats, many of them six-toed — descendants of the writer’s beloved “Snowball.”

Other Key West luminaries

President Harry Truman stayed at this house, dubbed the Little White House, on his frequent visits to Key West. Many later presidents followed suit. The house now offers guided tours to the public.

Hemingway wasn’t the only famous author to be attracted by Key West’s charms. Robert Frost came from 1945 to 1960 to escape the New England winters, which some of his poetry describes. John Dos Passes was a drinking buddy of “Papa” Hemingway, and John Hersey and Gore Vidal dropped by for visits.

Tennessee Williams owned a modest bungalow on the island from 1949 until his death in 1983. It’s believed that he wrote the first draft of A Streetcar Named Desire while there, and the movie version of his Academy Award-winning play, The Rose Tattoo, was filmed on Key West in 1956. Another famous part-time resident was President Harry Truman, who made 11 trips to what became known as the “Little White House.” That modest, two-story wooden structure was built by the U.S. Navy in 1890 to serve as home for the commander and paymaster of a base on the site. Among other notables who temporarily lived in or visited the house were Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Thomas Edison lived there while conducting experiments and developing weapons for the Navy during World War I. Guided tours and exhibits at a small museum introduce visitors to the famous people who stayed in the house. They also provide personal tidbits about President Truman that to me were more interesting than any facts and figures. I learned (and like) that Harry enjoyed playing spirited games of poker with his See KEY WEST, page 24

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Key West From page 23 guests, and taking part in “loud shirt” contests with White House staff members. Another humanizing touch about the 33rd president was his insistence that he down an early morning “shot of bourbon followed by a large glass of fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice” on the advice of his doctor.

Forts and shipwreck treasures Although it has been more decades than I care to remember since I wore the uniform of the Army, I found two small but interesting forts to be worth a visit. Construction of Fort Zachary Taylor was begun in 1845. Even though Florida seceded from the Union during the Civil War, the presence of the fort, which Yankee troops used as a base from which to blockade Confederate shipping, kept Key West on the side of the North. The fort also saw action during the Spanish-American War. The state park that surrounds the building includes one of the better beaches on Key West, and offers swimming, swim-out snorkeling, fishing and wooded nature trails. Federal forces began construction of the East Martello tower in 1862, but the work was never completed. The eight-foot-thick walls today house an eclectic hodge-podge of artifacts that trace many aspects of the history of Key West and the other Florida Keys.

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

There are exhibits on early industries, including fishing, shrimping, sea sponge harvesting and cigar making. A small section devoted to Cuban immigration since Fidel Castro came to power includes a rickety raft used by people to escape to the United States, and the tragic story that their effort failed and they were never found. Another intriguing aspect of Key West’s history is depicted in two other collections. The Shipwreck Treasures Museum tells the intriguing story of Key West “wreckers” with a combination of exhibits, audio-visual displays and a live presentation. Wrecking and salvage — rescuing passengers, then recovering the cargo of ships that sunk following collisions with treacherous offshore reefs — was the foundation of Key West’s economy throughout the 19th century. For a time, that enterprise made the tiny island the richest city per capita in the United States. Storytellers in period costumes relate this historical tidbit, interspersing fascinating facts with humor that’s as corny as it is colorful. As part of his patter, one guide sought to convince me that I would have made a good diver, until I learned they had to hold their breath under water for up to five minutes. The Mel Fisher Treasure Museum recounts the story of that intrepid fortune hunter. He spent 16 years seeking the wreck of Spanish galleons that sank in 1622 off the coast of Key West during a ferocious hurricane.

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The $450 million treasure he ultimately found included more than 40 tons of gold and silver as well as emeralds, Chinese porcelain and other precious artifacts. To me, the story of Mel Fisher’s search for the valuable cache is as fascinating as the exhibits themselves. A little-known gem that is overlooked by too many visitors to Key West is Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden. “Secret” definitely is the operative word. Tucked away at the end of a tiny lane, it’s a quiet oasis of lush tropical greenery only steps from the rushed, raucous action along Duval Street. Quiet, that is, except for the loud squawking — and impressive talking — of more than two dozen parrots. Conceding that she’s “passionate about parrots,” Nancy knows the likes (ham with grits, sweet potatoes, peanut butter), dislikes (people food, quality nutrition) and idiosyncrasies (baths, quiet days) of each bird that shares the lovely setting. The one acre refuge is perfect for those seeking a temporary respite from the sometimes frantic frivolity elsewhere on Key West.

If you go Accommodations in Key West range from hotels and motels to small inns and charming guest houses. Some of them were built as homes for wealthy wreckers, merchants and sea captains, and many have an interesting history. For example, the Angelina Guest House at 302 Angela Street, built in the 1920s, did duty as a gambling hall and bordello. Now it’s a few-frills property with a small swimming pool surrounded by tropical foliage. Rates begin at $99 including continental breakfast. For more information, call 1-888-303-4480 or log onto www.angelinaguesthouse.com. If you like cats, as I do, the Andrews Inn may be the perfect place to stay. Because its six rooms share a wall with the Hemingway estate, the famous six-toed residents of that property often drop by for a visit. Andrews Inn sits in a lush garden setting

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HOLIDAY TRIP TO LANCASTER COUNTY

This Recreation & Parks bus trip leaves at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, returns at 7:30 p.m. and includes an all-you-can-eat lunch at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord Restaurant in East Earl, Pa., then moves on to the American Music Theatre in Lancaster for the American Music Theatre 2012 Christmas Show. Tickets are $125. For more information, call (410) 313-7279.

Dec. 13

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VISIT AMERICAN INDIAN MUSEUM IN D.C.

A bus tour to the Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7 through the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks. Tickets are $45, lunch on your own. For further information, call (410) 313-7279.

Nov. 29

Columbia’s Village Centers

surrounding a pool. In addition to a bountiful continental breakfast, afternoon “happy hour” combines complimentary beverages and snacks with opportunities to meet and mingle with other guests. Rates begin at $145. For more information, log onto www.andrewsinn.com or call 1-888-263-7393. When it comes to dining, the choice ranges from the whitest of white tablecloth restaurants to eateries that give new meaning to the word “casual.” Seeking opportunities to mix and mingle with locals, I opted for the latter. The Blue Heaven, at the corner of Petronia and Thomas Streets, combines a party atmosphere with good food. It once was the site of cock fights and boxing matches that Ernest Hemingway dropped by to referee. Today’s competitive activity is ping pong, and an informal tournament on Saturday evenings attracts fishing boat captains, crew members and — on a recent night — this travel writer. In this laid-back setting, the kitchen turns out good food. A Jamaican “jerk” chicken dinner costs $22, a veggie stir fry with chicken $25. Entrees are accompanied by vegetables and outstanding corn bread. For more information, log onto blueheavenkw.com or call (305) 296-8666. BO’s Fish Wagon at 801 Caroline Street manages to make the Blue Heaven resemble a haute cuisine setting. In what appears from the outside to be more wreck than restaurant, visitors and locals savor fresh seafood at reasonable prices. A grouper sandwich costs $4.75, the signature conch sandwich with French fries or slaw goes for $12.50. For more information, call (305) 294-9272 or log onto bosfishwagon.com. For general information about Key West, call 1-800-352-5397 or log onto www.flakeys.com. American Airlines offers the least expensive roundtrip tickets to Key West in midNovember. Tickets are $395 from BWI and have one stop.

D.C. HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

A late afternoon visit to the Botanic Gardens dressed for the holidays followed by tours of the Pageant of Peace and the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse area in Washington, D.C. is planned for Thursday, Dec. 13, with the bus leaving at 4 p.m. and returning at 10 p.m. Sponsored by the Department of Recreation & Parks, the fee is $45 per person, 6 years and up. To register, call (410) 313-7275. For additional information, call (410) 3137279.

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

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Airline-like fees on cruises add to costs Following the lead of airlines, some big given that cruise lines buy tax-free liquor: cruise lines are moving toward the airlines' typically $5 and up for a standard 12-ounce pricing philosophy: Keep the domestic beer, $8 an up for a base price low, and make up the glass of ordinary wine, and $2 difference with fees. How this for a Coke or Pepsi. Carnival will play out is anybody's guess, and Royal are currently testbut if you're considering a ing all-you-can-drink packcruise, you need to look past ages at around $50 a day per the initially featured rates. person (tip not included), limMy friends at Cruise Critic ited to non-premium drinks, (www.cruisecritic.com) recently wine and beer. A few smaller reported that Royal Caribbean lines also have drink packjust raised the prices in its nine TRAVEL TIPS ages. major-ship “premium” Chops By Ed Perkins • You also run into the ocGrille venues from $25 to $30 casional oddball charge, such per person. You do, however, get to enjoy as Norwegian's $40 fee to store golf clubs. reasonably upscale dining. Of course, some options have always Less understandable are increased sur- been costly — and usually extra expencharges at the casual Mexican and seafood sive. All the cruise guides recommend venues on some other ships. Royal also in- against buying anything in a cruise line's stituted a fee for room service. high-priced “boutiques” and other retail

Fees for food and Internet But this latest move is “more of the same,” not “good grief — look what they're doing now.” And Royal isn't alone: • Many giant mass-market cruise ships now have “alternative” restaurants where you can enjoy presumably premium dining experiences for extra fees up to $45 per person per meal. • Several lines even charge extra for “premium” entrees in their main dining areas, where food has traditionally been included in the base fee. And some even charge for extra-fancy ice cream desserts. • Although many ships provide Internet access, per-minute fees can be outrageous, and even the multi-day packages, typically $100 for 250 minutes, are incredibly high. • Drink prices tend to be stiff, especially

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Ongoing

SHARE YOUR SKILLS

Opportunities may be available to develop classes and teach in art, cooking, dance, drama, languages and other subjects included in the wide range of Recreation & Parks programs. For an up-to-date listing of possible job needs within the department, visit www.howardcountymd.gov and click on Recreation & Parks or call (410) 313-4450.

Nov. 3

VOLUNTEER IN THE PARKS

Families and friends can work together to help beautify local park and historic sites on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants are invited to bring a canned good or paper product for the Howard County Food Bank. For information and worksite registration, call Ann Combs, (410) 313-4624 or email acombs@howardcountymd.gov.

outlets; they warn about high spa prices; and industry legend says that the percentage return in typical shipboard casinos is considerably worse than in Vegas.

Making up lost revenue There's no secret to what's going on here. The dominance of online cruise agencies, with their price comparison capabilities and focus on low-price deals, has put tremendous pressure on the mass-market lines to show the lowest possible base prices. That's the same pressure behind the airlines' sudden burst of fee initiatives in recent years, with the same result: Increasingly, cruise lines are carving out services and features that were formerly included in the base rates and instead pricing them as optional fees. But there is some question as to whether the cruise lines can and will go as far as the

airlines in this process. With much fanfare, in 2005, EasyCruise began operating Mediterranean/Aegean cruises where everything but the cabin was extra, but that model seems to have failed. At present, EasyCruise seems to be dormant, and even before the hiatus, it reverted to prices that included breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Clearly, at least so far, cruise lines have felt more push-back from consumers on the proliferation of fees than airlines have. And you can still cruise on a mass-market line without having to shell out any extra fees — although the experience may be a bit more limited than in previous times. Even with fees, per-day costs on a cruise rival what you'd pay in a land-based resort. But you have to be extra careful to avoid being nickel-and-dimed — or at least to budget for the nickels and dimes when you start. © 2012 Tribune Media Services

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

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Style Arts &

The Color Purple continues at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through Nov. 11.

Color Purple musical is masterful, moving

A harrowing tale Spanning four decades, this is the story of black women in the South in the first half of the last century, centered on the life of Celie (played by Dayna Quincy). By the age of 14, Celie has birthed two children, who have been taken from her. She is sold into a marriage with the abusive Mister (Mark Anthony Hall), who separates her from her loving sister Nettie (Jessica Coleman), who disappears. The show takes us on a harrowing tale of sexism, physical and sexual abuse, racism and violence. But by the stirring finale, the characters, good and bad alike, have achieved a level of salvation and de-

liverance. In fact, the various stories are so neatly tied up at the conclusion that it should shred credibility. Yet — and much of this is a credit to Toby’s top-notch cast — it all seems believable and affecting. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, with a strong nod to the Steven Spielberg movie, the stage version of The Color Purple was a smash hit on Broadway with music, lyrics and book from people you have never heard of. (Music/lyrics: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray. Book: Marsha Norman. Now you have heard of them.) It’s a mix of life-affirming messaging, sketchy story-telling that lunges through the years, and emotive, at times rousing, music. The score is based in pop with an overlay of regional themes (the story is based in Macon County, Ga.), gospel, blues, and the kind of power singing that usually relies more on lungs than heart. There is a sequence in the second act that focuses on African dance, and the music there is heavily percussive and hypnotic. The music may not always be subtle, but it is stirring and works its magic. The story-telling is not subtle, to say the least. But the musical performances draw us close enough to the characters that the often weak dialogue and head-snapping plot jumps can be overlooked. The men are either evil or ineffectual, and the women are either saintly or wise in

Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOBY’S DINNER THEATER

By Michael Toscano I’m not quite sure where it came from, but as the applause began to die down at the conclusion of a recent performance of the musical The Color Purple at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Md., I wrote one final word in my notebook: redemption. That was unusual. My eyes were moist. That’s not entirely unusual. I am a sentimental person and susceptible to the evocations of music and story. But I have seen this musical several times before, including with the Broadway cast. I knew what to expect. Aware of the nuts and bolts of the unwieldy story-telling and the pop-based core of the music, I should not have been moved yet again. But I was — and you will be, too. If not, you might want to check for a pulse.

Shayla Simmons gives a powerhouse performance as Celie’s glamorous friend Shug in The Color Purple at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.

their degradation. The storylines move so rapidly that character development just seems to happen, whether we know how and why or not. But we’re sad when we’re supposed to be, and happy when appropriate, just the same. Directors Toby Orenstein and Lawrence B. Munsey move things along so quickly that we don’t have time to dwell on the sketchy writing. We just let it wash over us, riding the wave of music. Some dialogue scenes are under-directed, however, and are flatter than need be. For instance, it should be traumatic drama

(410) 465-8777

as a favorite character, Theresa Cunningham’s Sofia (the part Oprah played in the film), is brutalized. But the scene is perfunctorily played and the moment is lost.

Magnificent singing Dayna Quincy and Mark Hall were both with the national tour of The Color Purple, and their care for the material shows in two marvelous performances. Quincy is riveting as downtrodden Celie, a living portrait of non-existent selfSee COLOR PURPLE, page 29

www.columbiaorchestra.org

Benjamin Beilman, violinist with Yekwon Sunwoo, pianist

Candlelight Concerts® Concert at 8:00 PM Pre-Concert Talk: 7:15 PM Smith Theatre, Howard Community College Columbia, MD

An extraordinary concert pairing the winner of the 2012 Avery Fisher Career Grant with the Gold Medal winner of the 2012 Kapell Piano Competition Poulenc — Brahms — Messiaen — Schubert

Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012

Philadelphia Brass Quintet

Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff Saturday, December 1, 2012 • 7:30 .. Jim Rouse Theatre

Hear the premiere of a commissioned work by Paul Salerni and meet the composer

Nkeiru Okoye: Voices Shouting Out

Appealing diversity of repertoire, technical brilliance, and superb musicality!

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 Sergei Rachmaninoﬀ: Symphonic Dances

410.997.2324 www.candlelightconcerts.org Funded in part, by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, the Howard County Arts Council through a grant from Howard County, The Columbia Foundation, The Rouse Company Foundation, and Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour.

Anne Koscielny, piano