October 2012 DC Beacon Edition by The Beacon Newspapers

The I N

F O C U S

FREE

F O R

P E O P L E

OV E R

More than 200,000 readers throughout Greater Washington

VOL.24, NO.10

A couple of ‘critical’ importance

A star turn Rich Massabny’s unexpected turn as a theater critic wasn’t the only time that being in the right place at the right time furthered his career. He and Judy attended the Arlington County fair in 1987, when a cameraperson with Arlington Cable Television said he looked good on the station’s monitors as the station filmed fairgoers. “In those days I had nice, black wavy hair. Not the way it looks today,” he joked about his now-gray locks. So he went in to the station for an interview and was told they’d let him know about a job in the next few weeks. But just as he was about to leave, a producer came out of the control room in a panic because one of the hosts for a program called “Arlington Weekly News” didn’t show up that day. The executive producer, Don Ham-

OCTOBER 2012

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY FRANK KLEIN

By Barbara Ruben Rich Massabny owes his long career as a critic — as well as his long marriage — to a serendipitous visit to the Northern Virginia Sun newspaper 50 years ago on the off chance they might be hiring. “I was walking in to look for a job and this guy said, ‘I’m leaving this place. Do you know showbiz, kid?’ And what do you think I answered?” Massabny recalled. Although he had no experience writing about the arts, Massabny replied, ‘Sure!’ One of the departing writer’s bosses asked him to write a review of a show featuring Sophie Tucker at the Shoreham Hotel that night. He did so, and was hired as the paper’s theater critic. But a new career wasn’t the only thing Massabny found at the newspaper. He met his future wife Judy, a reporter, there as well. They’ve now been married for 43 years, and the Arlington couple has become wellknown in Northern Virginia. Rich Massabny, 76, has hosted three public access television shows for the past 25 years, while Judy Massabny, 71, now works with Arlington County’s Office of Senior Adult Programs to raise the visibility of county senior center programs. She also represents Arlington County on the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Committee, serving as co-coordinator.

5 0

LEISURE & TRAVEL

Laid-back living in eclectic Key West, Fla.; plus, a glitzy train ride through Asia on the Oriental Express, and how cruises can nickel-and-dime you page 46

ARTS & STYLE Judy and Rich Massabny are familiar faces in Northern Virginia. They are pictured at the Fairfax Public Access television studio where he tapes “Conversations with Rich” and “Rich’s Place,” a cooking show, both of which he has hosted for 25 years. Rich also reviews restaurants and theaters for the TV show “Arlington Weekly News.” Judy does publicity for Arlington County senior centers as well as the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

mond, who is still with the show, asked Massabny if he could come up with something to fill six minutes of air time. So he talked extemporaneously about Northern Virginia restaurants. “So then [Hammond] said, ‘Not too bad. Come back next week.’ And I’ve been coming back ‘next week’ for 25 years,” as the show’s theater and restaurant reviewer, Massabny said. Around the same time, he began two shows on Fairfax’s public access channel: “Rich’s Place,” a half-hour cooking show with local celebrity chefs, and “Conversations with Rich,” a one-hour interview show with a wide variety of guests. “Rich is living proof that you can go on

and on, no matter what your age, if you really like what you’re doing,” said Judy. “And he just loves all this stuff.” Rich puts it this way: “When I was 25 and did my first column, I didn’t have any background. But when you get older, you can’t help it. You’ve been here, you’ve been there, so that after a while you’re sort of an expert. No one’s around older than you who’s done all these things.” He’s also proud of his off-the-cuff style, saying he never prepares for interviews, whether they be with ambassadors, art experts or doctors. The resulting free-flowing style makes the interviews more like See COUPLE, page 55

The Color Purple musical moves audiences at Toby’s; plus, a conversation with Ms. magazine founder Susan Braun Levine, and Bob Levey on why those 70+ make better jurors page 54

FITNESS & HEALTH k Heart-healthy chocolate k Too old for mammograms?

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY k Funds that beat the market

VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS k Getting out the vote

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

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

Thank You to our Sponsors, Community Partners, and Exhibitors A&A Hearing Group AAA Atrium Classic Assisted Living AARP Maryland AARP Virginia Aetna Medicare Alfred House Eldercare Alliance Francaise de Washington Ameritech Construction Arbor Crest of Silver Spring Arden Courts of Fair Oaks Area Access, Inc. Arete Wealth Management Arleigh Burke Pavilion/ Vinson Hall Arlington Agency on Aging Arlington Commission on Aging Arlington County Fire Department Arlington County Sheriffs Office Arlington Employment Center Arlington Learning in Retirement Institute Arlington Mill Community Center at Fairlington Arlington Public Library Arlington-Falls Police Department Arthritis & Rheumitism Associates, P.C. Asbury Methodist Village Ashby Ponds & Greenspring Aurora Hills Senior Center Bailey's Senior Center Bath Fitter Bedford Court Bethany House B'nai Brith Homecrest House Brightview Fallsgrove Brooke Grove Foundation Brooke Grove Retirement Village CapTel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Captioned Telephones CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Carol's Care Assisted Living Cavalier Apartments Charles Houston Senior Center Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Charter House

Cherrydale Health and Rehab Churchill Senior Living Circle of Rights, Inc. City of Alexandria Community Radiology Associates Culpepper Garden Senior Center CVS/pharmacy Damascus Senior Center David R. Pinn Senior Center Dayspring Senior Home Downtown Baptist Church Dr. Robert Mantoni & The Mobile Dentist Everly Funeral Homes Fairfax County, Neighborhood and Community Services The Fairfax The Fairmont Family & Nursing Care Ficadenti Tandon Asset Management, Inc Forever Young TV Fountains at Washington House Franklin Apartments Friendship Terrace Gaithersburg Upcounty Senior Center Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park Gardens of Traville Senior Apartments The Glebe Glickman Design and Build Grace Presbyterian Church Groveton Senior Center Habitat America, LLC, Willow Manor HealthQare Associates Heatherwood Retirement Community Hermitage In Northern Virginia Holiday Park Senior Center Hollin Hall Senior Center Holy Cross Hospital Hunters Park at Cherrydale Implant Cosmetic Dental Center Inderjeet Jumani, Long and Foster Realtors

ING Financial Partners James Lee Community Center The Jefferson Jewish Council for the Aging John Basmajian Insurance Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus Keller Williams Realty Arlington Market Center Kentlands Manor Knollwood Koons Mobility Langston Brown Senior Center Law Office of Joseph A. Blaszkow Leadership Montgomery Leaf Guard of MD and NVA Lee Senior Center Legal Shield Leisure World Lewinsville Senior Center LightHouse Healthcare, Inc. Lincolnia Senior Center Lisner - Louise - Dickson Hurt Home Little River Glen Senior Center Long Fence and Home Lorton Senior Center Loudoun Senior Center/ Cascades M. Quinn Designs / Pack-N-Move.com Madison Senior Center Maplewood Park Place Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center Maryland Relay Metro Maryland Ostomy Assocation, Inc. Mid Atlantic Waterproofing Miracle Ear Montgomery County Recreation Department Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office Montgomery County Volunteer Center/RSVP Mutual of Omaha National Institute on Aging New York Life NIAMS

Nightingale House Northern VA Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing NOVA Exteriors, Inc NVRC OASIS Office of Senior Adult Programs - Arlington County Olley Glen Senior Residences Paiges Promotions for Wyndham Pavilion on the Park Ron M Landsman, P.A. Seabury Resources for Aging The Senior Connection Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program Shen Yun 2013 Kennedy Center Shepherd's Center of OaktonVienna Sibley Senior Association Sibley Senior Association Simplicity Plan of Maryland The Solona, Olney Sonus Hearing Care Professionals Springvale Terrace Sully Senior Center Sunrise Senior Living Susquehanna Town of Garrett Park Vamoose Bus Vinson Hall Virginia Healthcare Services Virginia Hospital Center Virginia Hospital Center The Virginian Wakefield Senior Center Walter Reed Senior Center Warm Care of Potomac Washington House

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

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Something worth going to Do you feel on top of all the issues fac- Oct. 7 at Ballston Common Mall in Arlinging area residents in the upcoming elec- ton, and on Sunday, Oct. 14 at White Flint tions in November? Perhaps in N. Bethesda, Md. hearing from a veteran politiEven if politics isn’t your cal commentator who is cup of tea, there are so many known for his trenchant other good reasons to attend analysis would be helpful. our 50+Expos. I’m speaking about Mark You can obtain free health Plotkin, who is so well rescreenings and a flu shot spected for his even-handed (which is also free, with your questioning of and reporting Medicare card). You’ll have on candidates and political the opportunity to gather infigures that the journalist formation from, and ask ques(and lifelong Democratic ac- FROM THE tions of, a number of governtivist) now works for Fox 5 PUBLISHER ment agencies and nontelevision. By Stuart P. Rosenthal profits that address the We are pleased to have needs of people 50 and over. Mark as the keynote speaker at both of our We will also have dozens of busifree 50+Expos, taking place on Sunday, nesses of all types — healthcare, finan-

cial, legal, housing, travel, entertainment, home remodeling and maintenance — providing information about their services (and loads of great giveaways!). We are also pleased to have back the Music and Art Traveling Heart Band, performing live together with Maryland Senior Idol winner Mary Ann Evangelista and Ms. Senior Virginia runner-up Linda George. Oh, and at White Flint, we will also be having exercise class demonstrations and free computer classes on the subjects of social media, digital photography, and free software worth having. For all of these reasons and more, be sure to attend either or both of the Beacon’s upcoming 50+Expos, taking place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7 at Ballston Mall in Arlington, Va., and Sunday, Oct. 14 at White Flint Mall in N.

Bethesda, Md. There will be great door prizes, too, including a Google Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire tablet! So please come join us and bring your friends. For more information, call the Beacon at (301) 949-9766 or visit our website, www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com. Our Ballston expo is sold out, but companies interested in the few remaining exhibit spaces at White Flint may call Alan at (301) 949-9766. I’m cutting my column short this month to allow room for a large backlog of letters to the editor. We hope you enjoy this issue of the Beacon.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 6

FREE PIANO CONCERT

Pianist Audrey Andrist will perform on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Westmoreland Congregational Church, 1 Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda, Md. During the concert, presented by the Washington Conservatory of Music, Andrist will play Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat Major, op. 31, No. 3 (“The Hunt”), Schubert’s Impromptu in B-flat Major, op. 142, No. 3, Schumann’s Phantasie, op. 17 and more. For more information, see www.washingtonconservatory.org or call (301) 320-2770.

Beacon The

I N

F O C U S

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

5 0

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County and Palm Springs, CA. Readership exceeds 400,000. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................Dan Kelly, Cheryl Watts

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 62 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

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. Dear Editor: I have been having a very difficult time trying to decide whether or not to rollover a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. I am now 72 and was advised by my bank that it wouldn’t benefit me, while my own common sense told me that I could pay taxes on it up front and not worry about it again. Your article by Elliot Raphaelson in the August issue (“Roth IRAs can benefit retirees”) got me to thinking I might be right. Therefore, I emailed Mr. Raphaelson with several questions, and to my utter surprise and delight, he responded immediately with mind-settling suggestions. He’s even invited me to keep in touch on the matter! I would like to commend the Beacon for engaging such a knowledgeable and responsive contributor. Of course, many kudos to Raphaelson for rescuing me! Elizabeth Brooks-Evans Silver Spring, Md. Dear Editor: I read with great interest “New Hampshire’s lakes, looms and loons” written by Glenda C. Booth in the August edition of the Beacon. Just one comment regarding the picture on page 20, “a boy and his grandfather visit the beach shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire.” I could be wrong, but the lighthouse in the background appears to be the Portsmouth Harbor light located in New Castle, N.H. which is adjacent to Portsmouth, N.H. Ronnie Yanuszewski Millsboro, Del.

Dear Editor: Great article on Mark Plotkin (September cover). I loved it. Fascinating details of him leaving WTOP! Nice work on an interesting subject. Gabriel Goldberg Falls Church, Va. Dear Editor: The Green Party has nominated me to run as its 2012 Green congressional candidate in Maryland’s Fifth District. (District 5 includes Calvert, St. Mary’s and Charles Counties, much of Prince George’s County, and parts of Anne Arundel County.) I was born in 1919 and am now 92 years old. I [have been active in politics since] the 1930s. I served as Maryland Green Party Co-Chair, 1997-2000 and won the Green Party nomination for U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland District 5, in 2002 and again in 2004. I was also the Green Party nominee for Comptroller of Maryland in 2006. Why, at age 92, am I running for Congress? To give voters an opportunity to vote for peace and for the Green values of nonviolence, environmental wisdom, social justice and grassroots democracy. I’m running to call for an end to U.S. wars around the world. The “defense” industry and other wealthy corporate interests give millions of dollars to big-party politicians. Is it any wonder the big-party politicians blindly support military force around the world? Green candidates take no money from the weapons industry or from any other corporate interest. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 61

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A NEW SHOT IN THE ARM New kinds of flu and pneumonia vaccines are available this season

Health Fitness &

HOW INTOLERANT ARE YOU? Sometimes trouble with foods isn’t an allergy, but an intolerance. How to tell REVIEW DRUG PLANS Time to shop (again) for a Medicare Part D drug plan; help is here SLEEP MORE, WEIGH LESS Catching a few extra Zs may help you eat less and keep the pounds off

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,

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 7 creased a person's risk of early-onset 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-

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.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

New vaccine options for this flu season 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:

Flu shots 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 part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) of a regular flu shot, and accordingly creates a stronger im-

KNEE PAIN??

If you have knee pain from osteoarthritis that isn't relieved by NSAID medicine or physical therapy, call the oﬃce of Dr. John Melmed, M.D. today. • Non-surgical treatment • Covered by Medicare and most insurances • Pain relief possible in 2 or 3 visits

(301) 933-7827 Silver Spring Medical Center, LLC 11301 Amherst Ave., Silver Spring MD 20902

mune 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 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. Note: Flu shots will be available at the Beacon’s 50+Expos on Oct. 7 at Ballston Mall, and on Oct. 14 at White Flint; free with a Medicare card. See page 3 for more details.

Pneumonia vaccine 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 recommended 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. You also need to know that this year, there’s an alternative pneumococcal vaccine 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.

Please tell our advertisers, “I saw you in the Beacon!”

Aging in Place Made Affordable!

• Companionship, Meal Assistance, Medication • • • •

Reminders, Personal Hygiene Assistance, Grocery Shopping, and much more We are a family company: You will always speak directly with our owner We employ only highly qualiﬁed and experienced caregivers Our rates are always reasonable We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured

Complimentary Consultation and Assessment

Expires 10/31/12 WB 10/12

301-717-2212 www.bestseniorcare.us Residential Service Agency # R 2041

10% OFF Your ﬁrst two weeks of services. Expires 10/31/12

You may qualify for services at no cost! Call now for details.

WB 10/12

FREE DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

BEACON BITS

GREENBRIAR TOWN CENTER

Rt. 7100

1 mi.

Open Mon.,Tues.,Wed., Sat. 10-6; Thurs. & Fri. 10-8, Closed Sun.

Dr. A.H. Khan DMD

$49.00

$499.00

Basic Denture Per Plate

*Restrictions apply, new patients only.

301-740-3955

Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________________________

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Or fax to (301) 949-8966.

★

10400 Connecticut Avenue • Suite 203 • Kensington, MD 9126 Rothbury Drive • Gaithersburg, MD

Reline/Repair While You Wait Payment Plan Available Different Styles to Choose From

Name________________________________________________________________

WB10/12

Exam, X-Ray

✃

ly *restrictions app

Alpine Dental

✃

We also do implants

I N F O R M A T I O N F R E E I N F O R M A T I O N F R E E ★

❏ Cancer Patient Interviews (See article on page 26) ❏ Healthy Volunteers 80+/ IDEAL Study (See ad on page 26)

I N F O R M A T I O N

Free Denture Consults

Health Study Volunteers

F R E E

703-773-7463

Rt. 50 - Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy.

❏ Arleigh Burke Pavilion (See ad on page 6) ❏ Ashby Ponds (See ad on page 25) ❏ Chancelor’s Village (See ad on page 12) ❏ Chesterbrook (See ad on page 59) ❏ Culpeper Baptist (See ad on page 27) ❏ Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 24) ❏ The Fairmont (See ad on page 53) ❏ Friendship Retirement (See ad on page 15) ❏ The Glebe (See ad on page 41) ❏ Greenspring (See ad on page 25) ❏ Quantum Affordable Apts. (See ad on page 23) ❏ Sommerset (See ad on page 19)

★

13005-R Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy. Fairfax, VA 22033

Fairfax Cty. Parkway

GREENBRIAR TOWN CENTER

I N F O R M A T I O N

A Healthy, Natural Approach to Comfortable Footwear® because you deserve great shoes!

Virginia

I N F O R M A T I O N

Roamer

F R E E

Journey

F R E E

AFTED HANDINCR THE

❏ Bauer Park Apts. (See ad on page 28) ❏ Brightview Assisted Living (See ads on pages 22 & 50) ❏ Brooke Grove (See ads on pages 21 & 51) ❏ Charter House (See ad on page 11) ❏ Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 12) ❏ Covenant Village (See ad on page 23) ❏ Emerson House (See ad on page 23) ❏ Gardens of Traville (See ad on page 29) ❏ Homecrest House (See ad on page 18) ❏ Landow House (See ad on page 45) ❏ Mrs. Phillipines Home (See ad on page 23) ❏ Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 30) ❏ Park View Columbia (See ad on page 30) ❏ Park View Ellicott City (See ad on page 30) ❏ Park View Laurel (See ad on page 30) ❏ Quantum Affordable Apts. (See ad on page 23) ❏ Riderwood (See ad on page 25) ❏ Riderwood Assisted Living (See ad on page 28) ❏ Solana of Olney (See ad on page 26) ❏ Springvale Terrace (See ad on page 48) ❏ Village at Rockville (See ads on pages 17 & 59)

★

The “Remember This” series provides answers to challenging aspects of memory care. On Thursday, Oct, 18 at 5 p.m. Dr. Allan Anderson speaks on pain management and dementia. A complimentary supper will be served. On Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. Patricia Hagen, director of Alzheimer’s/ dementia programs for Charles E. Smith Life Communities, presents best practices for successfully filling the day for memory care patients. The seminars will be held at Landow House, 1799 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, Md. For more information, contact Jill Berkman at (301) 8165052 or register online at www.cohen-rosen.org.

★

DEMENTIA SEMINARS

Maryland

FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★

Oct. 18+

★ F R E E

Learn how to take charge of your diabetes in a free class on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Oct. 17 to Nov. 28. The class will take place at Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax. To register, call Colleen Turner at (703) 324-5489. Go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/chronic-disease.htm for more information.

❏ Friendship Terrace (See ad on page 43) ❏ St. Mary’s Court (See ad on page 19)

I N F O R M A T I O N

Oct. 17+

District of Columbia

✃

BEACON BITS

Housing Communities

F R E E

Doctors and the American Heart As-

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to the Beacon.

★

What you can do

MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION

I N F O R M A T I O N

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.

★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ F R E E

From page 5

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

I N F O R M A T I O N

Heart disease

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

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

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

/P NBUUFS IPX ZPV GBMM ZPV IBWF B CFUUFS QMBDF UP MBOE ZPV IBWF B CFUUFS QMBDF UP MBOE

5IF /BUJPOÂµT 'JSTU 4FOJPST &NFSHFODZ $FOUFS JT )FSF GPS :PV "U )PMZ $SPTT )PTQJUBM XFÂµWF DSFBUFE UIF Â¾STU FNFSHFODZ DFOUFS EFEJDBUFE UP QBUJFOUT BHF %FTJHOFE CZ FYQFSUT JO TFOJPST NFEJDJOF PVS JOOPWBUJWF BQQSPBDI IBT CFDPNF B OBUJPOBM NPEFM )FSF QIZTJDJBOT OVSTFT QIBSNBDJTUT BOE TPDJBM XPSLFST BSF TQFDJBMMZ USBJOFE JO HFSJBUSJD NFEJDJOF 0VS FOWJSPONFOU JT RVJFU QSJWBUF BOE DBMNJOH "OE BGUFS ZPV HP IPNF XF GPMMPX VQ XJUI B DBMM UP BOTXFS RVFTUJPOT

5P PSEFS '3&& +VTU *O $BTF NFEJDBM JOGPSNBUJPO DBSET BOE B NBHOFU PS UP Â¾OE B QIZTJDJBO DBMM PS WJTJU IPMZDSPTTIFBMUI PSH

5IF 4FOJPST &NFSHFODZ $FOUFS JT MPDBUFE JOTJEF UIF NBJO )PMZ $SPTT )PTQJUBM &NFSHFODZ $FOUFS BU 'PSFTU (MFO 3PBE JO 4JMWFS 4QSJOH

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

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

Making food intolerances more palatable As a child, you loved eating ice cream cones and drinking glasses of cold, delicious milk. Today, those same dairy treats leave you feeling gassy, bloated and miserable. Could you be lactose intolerant? You might be. Up to 20 percent of Americans live with intolerances to ingredients found in foods — most commonly the lactose in milk and the gluten in wheat and other grains. Even foods you ate with ease when you were younger can begin bothering your digestive system as you get older. "Our bodies do change over time, and people can go many years without a food intolerance or allergy and then develop it," said Dr. Michelle Hauser, a certified chef and nutrition educator and clinical fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Got milk discomfort? Lactose intolerance, in particular, becomes more of a problem with age. "It's something that's progressive through your life. What happens is, the gut loses its natural lactase enzyme as we age," explained Dr. Stanley Rosenberg, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy foods. Normally, when you eat dairy, the lactase enzyme, which is produced in your small intestine, breaks lac-

tose down into simpler sugars — glucose and galactose — so your body can digest it. When you have lactose intolerance, your body doesn't produce enough of this enzyme, so you have trouble digesting dairy products. Bacteria that live in your gut feast on the undigested lactose, producing the hallmark symptoms of lactose intolerance — gas pain, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. What to do: Try switching to dairy products that are easier for your body to digest, such as lactose-free milk, hard cheeses, and yogurt. You can also take lactase supplement pills or drops (Lactaid, Lactrase) before eating dairy to help your body break down lactose. Make up for the milk you're missing by eating other calcium-rich foods, such as spinach, salmon and sardines, or by taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement.

plaints, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as to iron and calcium deficiencies. About 2 million Americans have celiac disease, but researchers are finding that just as many have intestinal symptoms of gluten sensitivity without qualifying for a celiac diagnosis. "There has been recent acceptance by the medical community that gluten causes symptoms in people who don't have celiac disease, although the mechanism isn't clear," Rosenberg said. What to do: If you have celiac disease, going gluten-free can relieve your symptoms, but that's easier said than done. You not only have to avoid gluten-containing dietary staples like pasta, cereal and bread,

See FOOD INTOLERANCES, page 10

THE REAL DINER IS BACK! Ex-Broadway Diner Ownership Serving Breakfast All Day and Night

Going against the grain Celiac disease is an immune reaction triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, oats and barley. If you have celiac disease and eat a piece of wheat bread, your immune system attacks, going after the tiny fingerlike projections called villi in your small intestine that help you absorb nutrients from food. This damage may lead to intestinal com-

but you also can't eat any foods that were prepared on the same surfaces as glutencontaining foods. Gluten can also hide in places you'd least expect it, including soy sauce, instant coffee, salad dressing, and even some of the medicines you buy at your local pharmacy. Supermarkets today are devoting increasing amounts of shelf space to glutenfree breads, cereals and other products, which makes shopping easier for people with celiac disease. Yet there's no need to go gluten-free if you aren't sensitive to the protein. In fact, you could be shortchanging your body of essential nutrients by doing so.

Special Senior Menu Sunday thru Thursday from $7.98, includes drink

Wednesday & Thursday Half-Price Bottle or Glass of Wine Breakfast Special M-F from $2.95 895 Rockville Pike • Rockville, MD 20852

301.340.0088 www.Teds355.com

$5 OFF any bill over $25 Doesn’t apply to groups, or Sat./Sun./or Holidays. Cannot be combined with other specials. expires 11/30/12

20% OFF any bill over $30 Doesn’t apply to groups, or Sat./Sun./or Holidays. Cannot be combined with other specials. expires 11/30/12

Don’t miss another word! Enjoy phone conversations confident you’ll catch every word! The CapTel® Captioned Telephone allows people with hearing loss to listen to their caller and to read everything the caller says. Like captions on TV- for your phone! s 0URCHASE A #AP4EL PHONE FOR A ONE TIME PRICE OF s )NCLUDES FREE CAPTIONING SERVICE NO MONTHLY FEES OR CONTRACTS REQUIRED s "UILT IN ANSWERING MACHINE RECORDS AND CAPTIONS MESSAGES s MONTH MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Captioned Telephone www.CapTel.com 1-800-233-9130

Free shipping when you use this code FREESHIPJM

CapTel® 840i

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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 Eng-

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

land 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 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 no-

General and Cosmetic Dentistry • Senior Citizen Discount 15% • We use ‘Low Radiation Digital X-Rays’ • Dentures, Partials, Implants • Computer Milled Crowns, Bridges & Veneers

Judy Jo Oh, D.D.S. (UCLA School of Dentistry, 1992) 4607 Connecticut Ave., N.W. #109, Washington, D.C. 20008 (Within 4 Blocks North of Van Ness/UDC Red Line Metro Station)

202-244-2212 • 301-300-7579 www.judyohdds.com

Caring for your aging parent or loved one? It’s not all up to you. Call us. 240-777-3000 ADS@ MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

Aging & Disability Services Mon and Fri: Tue, Wed, & Thur:

8:30am – 5:00pm 8:30am – 7:30pm

A free service of your County Government

Services for Seniors Activities of Daily Living • Bathing • Dressing • Lifting • Transferring • Personal Care & Hygiene

Support Services • Companionship • Meal Preparation • Medication Reminder • Physical Therapy • Light Housekeeping • Transportation to Appointments

tion” 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

Food intolerances From page 9

Other troublesome ingredients Certain preservatives can trigger a reaction if you're sensitive to them. Sulfites, which are found in wine, dried fruits and certain medicines, can cause symptoms ranging from flushed skin to wheezing. If you're trying to avoid sulfites, watch out for names like sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfate and potassium bisulfite on food labels. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) — which is sometimes added to enhance the flavor of Asian restaurant meals and is used as an additive in other foods — is another ingredient many people claim gives them symptoms ranging from heart palpitations to numbness and headaches. This so-called "Chinese restaurant syndrome" has been controversial, because studies haven't been able to confirm its existence. But if MSG seems to bother you, avoid foods containing MSG, glutamic acid and its salts — which can include hy-

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. 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 raSee HEALTH SHORTS, page 12

drolyzed vegetable proteins, hydrolyzed yeast, soy extracts and protein isolate. Chicken or beef flavorings, bouillon, broths, and soup and rice mixes with flavor packets are some common MSG-containing foods. Some foods just have a natural proclivity to make us feel uncomfortable. Take beans, for example. "Those are naturally gas-producing foods," Rosenberg said. Taking a product such as Beano before eating a bowl of baked beans or other high-fiber food can help your body digest the complex carbohydrates, making them easier to tolerate. Artificial sweeteners such as mannitol and sorbitol have a tendency to produce diarrhea — in fact, they've been used as laxatives. The simple solution if they bother you is to cut back on or avoid sugar-free chewing gums and other foods in which they're ingredients.

What makes ElderCaring different? n n n n n n n

2 hour minimum for services – most companies require 4 hours as a minimum All caregivers are professionally trained nursing assistants The owner of ElderCaring personally meets with you to discuss your needs All caregivers are fluent in English Personal choice in selection of every caregiver s now Ser vice e in Licensed, Bonded, Insured l 24 Hours Service - 7 Days a Week availab nia

Would you like to receive a brochure in the mail, or set up an appointment?

Nor ther

n Virgi

u would ty of care yo li a u q e h T “ .” ur parents want for yo

MD • Call 301-949-0060 • www.eldercaring2.com VA • Call 703-956-3564 • www.eldercaringofnova.com

See FOOD INTOLERANCES, page 11

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

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

Food intolerances From page 10

Food intolerance or allergy? If you have a reaction after eating a specific food, you might describe it as a "food allergy." Yet it's very possible that what you have is actually a food intolerance. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference. "The problem is, an allergic reaction and an intolerance have a lot of overlapping symptoms," Hauser said. Here's how to distinguish a food intolerance from a true allergy: Food allergy refers to an immune response to a particular protein in the food. Depending on the extent of the allergy, even a small amount of a food can lead to a severe and life-threatening reaction, called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Your doctor or allergy specialist can use a blood test or skin test to check for this immune response. Food intolerance is sensitivity to or diffi-

culty digesting a particular food. The symptoms are uncomfortable but not lifethreatening. Examples of food intolerances include lactose intolerance, sensitivity to food additives such as sulfites or MSG, and food poisoning. Sometimes the cause of your food intolerance is clear. You drink a glass of milk, and 30 minutes later you're doubled over on the toilet. Or, every time you eat a piece of bread you feel sick to your stomach. But if you aren't sure what's causing your symptoms, it can help to try an elimination diet. Start by keeping a food diary. For each day of the week, write down what foods you eat, at what times of the day. "Record next to each meal and snack if you have any symptoms, and what they are," Hauser recommended. Once you have a general idea of which foods coincide with your symptoms, cut them all out of your diet for two weeks. Then slowly add one food back in every couple of days. When your symptoms re-

To find out more about food sensitivities and how to deal with them, visit: www.livingwithout.com. — Harvard Women's Health Watch © 2012 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Helping Families Hear Better Since 1940 Capture Every Moment This Year with Beltone

BEACON BITS

Oct. 15

turn, you know you've found the culprit. Don't go through this process alone. Talk to your doctor — and possibly a dietitian — before embarking on an elimination diet to ensure you're not shortchanging your body of essential nutrients while you're avoiding certain foods.

PROTECT YOUR VISION

Learn to protect yourself from sight-threatening disorders and to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable in “Understanding the Older Eye,” presented by Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. The seminar, with ophthalmologist Dr. Aisha Maceda, will meet on Monday, Oct. 15 at 1:15 p.m. at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. For more information, call the center at (240) 777-4999 or the society at (202) 234-1010.

Free Hearing Screening

Free Video Ear Exam

Find out what you’re hearing and what you’re not.

Let our experts determine if it’s hearing loss or just ear wax.

Free Service

Financing Available

Belcare™ (is only avaliable at Beltone and guarantees you free lifetime in office care for as long as you are a patient at Beltone.

Hearing help as low as $23 per month with approved credit. All major credit cards accepted.

$995

SPECIAL The 100% digital Turn 1T75, avaliable only at Beltone will be avaliable for $995 by presenting this coupon on purchases made before October 26, 2012.

Expires October 26, 2012. Not to be combined with other offers or previous purchases.

One Week Only! Monday, October 22 - Friday, October 26, 2012. • Featuring 1 & 2 bedrooms and studio apartment homes • Utilities included in rent (except phone & cable) • 24/7 Front Desk Personnel • Controlled Access Entry • Wellness Programs

• Social Activities • Spectacular Solarium & Roof Terrace • On-site Restaurant • Library & Computers with Internet Access • Game Room & Billiards Table

Call today to schedule a personal tour: A Homes for America Community 1316 Fenwick Lane • Silver Spring, MD 20910

Call today and mention Reservation Code 1210.

Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Call today for an appointment. Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Bethesda, MD

Silver Spring, MD Frederick, MD

Connecticut Belair Wildwood Medical Center 10401 Old Georgetown Rd., Medical Park 3915 Ferrara Drive Suite 102

Falls Church, VA

Guilford Professional Center Rock Spring Professional Cntr. 5950 Frederick Crossing Ln. 5657 Columbia Pike, Suite 100 Suite 100

(301) 328-1092

(301) 850-1527

(301) 703-2707

(703) 955-4530

Burke/ Springfield, VA

Sterling, VA

Leesburg, VA

Manassas, VA

Sterling Medical Office Park Lansdowne Office Park 46440 Benedict Dr., 19465 Deerfield Ave. Suite 101 Suite 109

Crestwood Professional Cntr. 10565 Crestwood Drive

301-495-1600

Rolling Valley Office Park 9312-D Old Keene Mill Rd.

www.firstcentrum.com

(571) 642-1691

Professionally managed by Centrum Management

Benefits of hearing aids vary by type and degree of hearing loss, noise environment, accuracy of hearing evaluation and proper fit. Beltone Hearing Care Centers are independently owned and operated. Participation may vary by location.

(703) 348-2973

(703) 722-6151

(703) 794-2371

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health shorts From page 10 diologist 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 prepfree 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

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

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

Exceeding Your Expectations We look forward to serving you! FREE – Social Activities • FREE – Maintenance FREE – Shuttle Services • FREE – Fitness Ctr Hassle Free Parking for residents & visitors! Front Entrance door controlled by key card 2 Elevators Per Building

Rents from $899 Don’t Delay Call Today!

A First Centrum Community www.churchillseniorliving.com

301-528-4400 “The Trusted Name in Senior Living” Care Free Living for Active Adults 62+

21000 Father Hurley Blvd. • Germantown, MD Qualifying Incomes Required for Eligibility

Livelife

to the fullest at Chancellor’s Village

Independent and assisted living with true Southern hospitality We’re located between Washington DC and Richmond, Va., on a beautiful 10 acre campus, minutes from historic Fredericksburg. Highly rated; deficiency-free; Restaurant style dining.

CALL 888-324-1550 FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR Mention this ad for one month free rent!*

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

BEACON BITS

Oct. 20

CLEANING UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Fairfax County needs volunteers to staff the clean-up committee for the Holllin Hall Senior Center’s bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. Contact Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions at (703) 3245406, VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visit Volunteer Solutions at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices and click on volunteers.

• Porcelain or Acrylic Teeth • Same Day Service Available • Repairs While You Wait • Immediate Dentures • Implant Overdentures ••• Our in-office laboratory allows for a convenient, fast denture fabrication at affordable prices. Payment plans available.

(703) 691-9740

*through July 31, 2012

Independent Living | Assisted Living 12100 Chancellor’s Village Lane Fredericksburg, VA 22407 www.seniorlifestyle.com

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 sleepwake 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

www.ericcappsdds.com Eric R. Capps, DDS, P.C. General Dentistry

Complete dentures Portrait........................$1,485.00 each Custom ......................$1,285.00 each Partial dentures Cast metal ..................$1,485.00 each Acrylic base ..............$1,285.00 each Simple repairs......$300.00 each plate and up Fees subject to change.

11001-A Lee Highway • Fairfax, VA 22030

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

Varicose veins â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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.

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 cir-

culation 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 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 effec-

tively eliminate all varicose veins. Be aware, too, that even after treatment, varicose veins may redevelop. ÂŠ 2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Websites link caregivers to info, services By Lauran Neergaard A woman grips her car's steering wheel and silently lets out a scream as her frail father, on oxygen, coughs beside her and her kids play around in the back seat. The frustration portrayed in an arresting new public service announcement is recognizable to millions of Americans who struggle to care for aging loved ones while holding down jobs, raising children and taking care of their own health. "I take care of her, but who takes care of me?" says another one of the public service announcements from the nonprofit Ad Council, which is distributing the ads for TV, radio, print and online use. It's part of a major campaign from AARP and the Ad Council to raise awareness of the impact of family caregiving as the nation rapidly grays — and to point overwhelmed families toward resources that

may ease the strain. "Most caregivers don't know where to turn for help," said AARP vice president Debra Whitman, whose own family has experienced caregiving twice, for her grandmother and her mother-in-law.

The sandwich generation Even knowing what to ask can be a hurdle. That's what Andrea Phillips of Alexandria, Va., discovered when her mother, now 74, visited from Chicago a few years ago and got too sick to go home. She recovered from a heart problem only to be diagnosed with early Alzheimer's. Phillips, a lawyer with 1- and 4-year-old daughters, raced to find nearby senior housing that her mother would accept and could afford. But already she's having to cobble together additional care as the Alzheimer's worsens.

She says her mother skips her prepaid meals in favor of a cookie stash, misses medication despite Phillips' daily takeyour-pills phone calls, and is embarrassed to find herself struggling to remember and perform personal hygiene — the kind of day-to-day issues that health providers didn't address. "I do constantly feel that I'm playing catch-up," said Phillips, adding that she feels guilty when she gets frustrated. "I'm trying to find the right resources so Mom and I can continue to have a good relationship." Although they often don't identify themselves as "caregivers," more than 42 million Americans perform some form of consistent care for older or impaired adult relatives or friends, according to a 2009 estimate. The care can range from paying bills, to driving Mom to doctor appointments, to

more hands-on care such as bathing, and even tasks once left to nurses such as the care of open wounds. "At first you're just helping out Mom. Then it can become more than a fulltime job," said AARP's Whitman. She described the average U.S. caregiver as a 49-year-old woman who on top of her regular job provides nearly 20 hours a week of unpaid care to her mother for nearly five years. An AARP report found family members provide a staggering $450 billion worth of unpaid care annually — and other research makes clear that the stress and the time involved can take a toll on the caregivers' own health and finances as they put off their own doctor visits, dip into their savings, and cut back their working hours. Adding to the challenge is that more and more people are living well into their 90s, as Census figures show the oldest-old are the fastest growing segment of the population. Consider Oona Schmid's father, who is 96 and has advanced dementia. The Arlington, Va., woman has overseen his care for a decade, since her mother died — and said she could have better planned how to pay for it if only someone had warned her how long people can live with dementia. Schmid said the bill at her father's assisted-living facility has reached nearly $8,000 a month as he now needs roundthe-clock care. "I don't think he knows who I am, but he still smiles when he sees me," she said. She choked up as she described the pull she feels between her responsibilities to her father and to her 3-year-old son, fretting that there's no money left to set aside for her son's education. See CAREGIVERS, page 15

Building a Healthier Community The Beacon 50+ Expo

HOME CARE/HOSPICE 11800 Tech Road • Suite 240 Silver Spring, MD 20904 Skilled Nursing • Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy Medical Social Services Home Health Aides • Home IV Therapy Home Hospice • Chaplain • Bereavement Volunteers • In-Patient Hospice Maternal Child Health • Pediatrics

CareFirst Commitment works in partnership with organizations throughout the entire Baltimore and Washington metro region to improve the quality of, and access to, health care in our communities. Providing Community Based Home Care & Hospice Since 1967

301-754-7740 Visit: www.carefirstcommitment.com

Serving Montgomery, Prince Georges and Howard Counties. Medicare Certified and CHAP Accredited. A Member of:

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital

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

Caregivers From page 14 Schmid, 41, works full time, pet-sits for extra cash, and is exploring options to save on her father's care. "Maybe this is a terrible thing to say, but I'm terrified of how long he's going to live and how much it's going to cost," she said. Like Schmid's father, very few Americans have purchased private, and pricey, long-term care insurance, and Medicare doesn't pay for that kind of care. That's

why family members wind up performing so much of it for so long. The Obama administration last fall ended efforts to establish a governmentsponsored program to make long-term care insurance more affordable, finding it financially unsustainable.

Finding help A key message of the new campaign is for caregivers not to neglect their own needs. The ads direct people to AARP's website

BEACON BITS

Oct.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

— www.aarp.org/caregiving — to find information and services from that organization and others. The site offers Web chats with caregiving experts, online support groups, legal documents and links to such programs as locators for care providers — www.eldercare.gov — or respite services — www.archrespite.org. A new "Prepare to Care" brochure offers to-do checklists for families new to caregiving. People not as web-savvy can call a hotline at 1-877-333-5885. Another large website, www.caring.com, has long offered expert advice, access to

caregiving resources and support groups. Until there’s a crisis, too many caregivers don't know such services exist, or even that they can ask their loved ones' doctors to refer them for help, said Dr. Eileen Callahan, a geriatrician at New York's Mount Sinai Medical Center who isn't involved with the AARP campaign. The AARP project is broader than another new effort targeting caregivers — a government website that, as part of the National Alzheimer's Plan, offers families information specific to dementia care at www.alzheimers.gov. — AP

MEDICARE HELP IN FAIRFAX

Prepare now for Medicare Open Season (the annual season from Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 in which Medicare plans can change). Medicare expert Howard Houghton will discuss what you need to know about the 2013 Medicare health and drug plans at a number of Fairfax County presentations. One is on Tuesday, October 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston Va. To register, call (703) 476-4500. For additional dates and locations go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/vicap.htm,

Oct. 27

EMPOWERMENT OVER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The 6th Annual “Restore the Joy” Domestic Violence Empowerment Luncheon, hosted by Women Who Care Ministries, the Victims’ Rights Foundation and the City of Gaithersburg, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Gaithersburg, 2 Montgomery Village Ave. It features a resource fair, a discussion on various issues related to domestic violence, inspirational performances and vendors. Admission is $15 for seniors. To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Judith Clark at (301) 963-8588, womenwhocare@comcast.net or visit www.womenwhocareministries.org.

VOTE for SUE as your WORLD OF LEISURE

REAL ESTATE CANDIDATE IN 2012! Elect to go with a winner!

Experience counts in this difficult market. Cast your ballot for the best service, whether it be to buy or sell!

BIG-CITY AMENITIES.

Sue Heyman Top 1% of Agents Nationwide. World of Leisure Resident.

301-580-5556

I WANT YOU! TO GET THE BEST DEAL!

SMALL-TOWN COST.

Office: 301-681-0550 x115 • www.SueHeyman.com 25 years experience and all the floor plans! Senior & Regency Specialist Former Montgomery County Teacher.

BUYING OR SELLING, CALL FOR THE LATEST SALES DATA NEW LISTING-Vantage Point East L/Garage Light filled 3BR, 2FB, large tiled foyer, expansive living room, sep. DR, eat-in kitchen with w/window, enclosed balcony, 1720 sf, $430’s

Look at MY Aug./Sept. under contract listings and sales:

NEW LISTING-The Greens "E" Highrise 2BR, 2FB Bright & Sunny apartment in popular location by the golf course, furniture available, 980 sf, $95,900

The pace of property sales is FAST....Inventory and Interest Rates are LOW

NEW LISTING-Turnberry Courts T Rise "M" A,CMid NTR Upscale apartment, Tile floors, 1BR, 1FB, ts kitchen, CO R E D N U furniture available, 888sf, $99,900 garden bath, NEW LISTING-Turnberry Courts-High Rise "K" CTviews, 2BR, Spacious apartment with fabulous Agolf ONTR1495 ER Cremodel, 2FB, den,U2012 sf, $290,000 NDkitchen FURTHER REDUCED-Marlboro Condo Rambler ACTfront, 2BR, Prestigious North End ONTRstone Clocation, ERcar UNDone 2FB, sunroom, garage, 1155 sf, $259,000

Overlook "Q" Garage, 2BR, 2FB, Lib Turnberry Courts "K" 2FB, 2FB, den St. Andrew Patio Home 3BR, 2FB Villa Cortese "E" Garden Apt 2BR, 2FB Regency NV Falconcrest 4BR, 3.5FB Marlboro Condo Rambler 2BR, 2FB

Call for a free market analysis - Call for a free community booklet Call to learn about NEW CONSTRUCTION in World of Leisure! You can also meet her by appointment at either the Leisure World Plaza Weichert Office or the 2nd Office inside the community.

Office: 301-681-0550 x 115 Email: sueheyman@aol.com

Friendship Retirement Community in Roanoke, Virginia, is only four hours south of D.C. and offers a change of pace that’s easy on the wallet. Whether it’s scenic mountains and lakes, lower cost of living or being able to travel by air or road to visit friends and family, get the best out of life with all the amenities Friendship and Roanoke have to offer with no buy-ins or long-term commitments. Learn more by visiting www.friendship.us/roanoke or calling (800) 237-2710. www.friendship.us/roanoke

Friendship does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Corporate Compliance Officer (540) 265-2222.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

“Politicians may not like straight talk, but I do.”

When it comes to the future of your Medicare and Social Security, you’ve earned the facts. Now with AARP’s online tools, fact kits, and community conversations across the country, it’s easy to get the facts and get involved. While Washington talks behind closed doors, we’re bringing the conversation to you, because you’ve earned a say.

Get the facts and join the conversation at

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

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

How to compare Medicare prescription plans By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior: Is it important to compare Medicare Part D prescription drug plans every year? My pharmacist recommends it, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a hassle sorting through all those different plans. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Confused Beneficiary Dear Confused: 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. 7) is still the best way to ensure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re comfortable using a computer, you can easily compare Medicareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drug plans yourself online. Just go to Medicareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plan Finder Tool at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan, and type in your ZIP code or your personal information, the drugs you take and their dosages, and select the pharmacies you use. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also important to keep in mind that when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re comparing drug plans, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t judge a plan strictly by its monthly premium cost. Low-premium plans are often associated with higher prescription co-payments and may end up being more expensive. Instead, look at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;estimated annual drug costsâ&#x20AC;? that shows how much you can expect to pay over a year in total out-ofpocket costs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Also, be sure the plan youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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. To find the contact information for your local SHIP, visit http://shiptalk.org, or call the eldercare locator at 800-677-1116. In this area, contact numbers are: Alexandria: (703) 746-5999 Arlington: (703) 228-1700 District of Columbia: (202) 739-0668 Fairfax: (703) 324-5411 Montgomery: (301) 590-2819 Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: (301) 265-8471

Smaller donut hole You also need to know that Medicareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;donut-holeâ&#x20AC;? 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 insurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 your remaining drug costs for the year. See DRUG PLANS, page 19

Do what is right and fair, EVERYTIME

Senior Real Estate Specialist Lisa L. Langlais ABR, SFR, SRES, VA licensed Realtor

Get help If you need some help with this or if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

NVAR 2011 Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club, Top Producer

Cell: 703-967-2675

myrealtorlisa@yahoo.com Selling your home or rental this fall? Call Lisa for help in preparing your house for the upcoming market. 10300 Eaton Place, Suite 120 â&#x20AC;˘ Fairfax, VA 22030

A lot more than you thought. For a lot less than you think. Welcome to the Village at Rockville, the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest value in Independent Senior Living.

FREE UPGRADES Customize your new cottage at The Village at Rockville to match your personal style: a $15,000 Value! Call for details. s &LEXIBLE lNANCIAL PLANS s ,IMITED MONTH TO MONTH RENTALS AVAILABLE s 0ETS WELCOME s #ONVENIENT TO SHOPS AND DINING

9OU PROBABLY DIDN T REALIZE THAT 4HE Village at Rockville included a friendly NEIGHBORHOOD OF ONE AND TWO BEDROOM COTTAGE HOMES WITHIN A BEAUTIFUL ACRE ENCLAVE 9OU GET ALL THE BENElTS OF HOME OWNERSHIP WITHOUT THE BURDEN OF UPKEEP

and maintenanceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we take care of all of that for you, inside and out. An ADDITIONAL BENElT 9OU HAVE ACCESS TO OUR !SSISTED ,IVING OPENING $ECEMBER 2012, as well as Short and Long Term Care.

What else donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you know about The Village at Rockville? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you owe it to yourself to learn more? Call 877-405-1590 to schedule your personal tour of a Cottage Home.

877-405-1590

9701 Veirs Drive s Rockville, MD 20850 s 877-405-1590 s www.thevillageatrockville.org The Village at Rockville is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) sponsored by National Lutheran Communities & Services, a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

To what age do you need mammograms? Once a year, thousands of women subject their breasts to the ritual ordeal of poking, prodding and viselike squeezing known as a mammogram. They willingly endure this process because they know — or at least hope — that if they do get breast cancer, a mammogram will pick it up early enough to treat it and save their lives. Although much research has found that mammograms do reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer over the long term,

these screening tests can have false-positive results, which could lead to unnecessary tests or treatments. Considering the risks and benefits, is it worthwhile to have routine mammograms? For women over 50, mammograms are worth having, said Dr. Barbara Smith, director of the Breast Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. "The women who die of breast cancer are predominantly women who didn't have

mammograms," she said. "If you're waiting until the tumor is big enough to feel by touch, your chance of dying is greater."

Studies reveal pros and cons A couple of recent studies back up the value of having regular mammograms. A Swedish study published in the journal Radiology in 2011 involved the longest trial to date of mammograms for breast cancer detection. It was also the first to track the effects of this screening method alone on breast cancer mortality. After following more than 133,000 women, ages 40 to 74, over a period of nearly 30 years, the researchers found that women who had a mammogram were 30 percent less likely to die from breast cancer compared to women who didn't have mammograms. Another positive study, this one from the Netherlands, matched 755 women who had died from breast cancer with more than 3,700 control women. All of the women were age 49 or older when they were diagnosed or screened. The results, which were published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, suggested that mammograms might lower the odds of dying from breast cancer by about half. Other research, however, has suggested less of a benefit. A 2010 Norwegian study, which was led by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, found that mammogram screening reduced the rate of breast cancer death only by about 10 percent in women ages 50 to 69, and by 8 percent in women over age 70. Furthermore, a follow-up to the study released this April noted that six to 10 out of every 2,500 women screened were "overdiagnosed" — meaning tumors were

found and treated that were never likely to become life threatening. A 2011 analysis of seven mammogram studies found a 15 percent reduction in deaths among women who had the screening test compared to those who didn't, but women who had mammograms were also 30 percent more likely to undergo unnecessary tests or treatments due to false-positive results. Overall, the study found that mammogram screening only extended the life of one out of every 2,000 women, while it led to unnecessary tests and treatments in 10 of those women. Smith said false-positive results are a risk with any medical test that's designed to find disease early. "If you wait until the tumor is huge and obvious, you won't get a false positive, but you'll have waited so long, the cancer will have spread," she said. Because surgeons are moving away from open biopsies in favor of less invasive procedures such as core needle biopsies, even if you need to have further tests, the risks involved are lower, Smith said.

Most experts support testing Though they can pick up early breast cancers, mammograms aren't guaranteed to save your life. Screening can miss up to 20 percent of tumors, especially if you have very dense breasts. Also, mammograms expose you to small amounts of radiation (although the risk of getting cancer from a mammogram is negligible). You, like many women, may be willing to accept these risks in exchange for the chance that the test will pick up breast cancer early, when it's more treatable and beSee MAMMOGRAMS, page 19

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

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

Mammograms From page 18 fore it has a chance to spread. Leading health organizations agree. Here are their recommendations based on the available evidence: The National Cancer Institute advises all women age 40 and over to have a mam-

mogram every one to two years. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every other year for women ages 50 to 74, but said there's not enough evidence to recom-

mend regular mammogram screenings in women ages 75 and older. Smith does not think women should stop getting mammograms after 75. As long as you're healthy enough to tolerate a lumpectomy under local anesthesia (should you

need it), Smith recommends annual mammograms into your 70s and beyond. — Harvard Women's Health Watch © 2012 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

PARKINSON’S New Hope At Yao’s Acupuncture Clinic

Review risk factors When discussing with your doctor whether and how often to have mammograms, take into account your breast cancer risks, which include: 1. Your age. Most aggressive breast cancers are found in women 55 or older. 2. Your genes. Up to 10 percent of breast cancers are inherited, most commonly from mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. 3. Your family history. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast

cancer increases your risk. 4. Your cancer history. If you've had cancer in one breast, you're three to four times more likely to develop it again in the same or the other breast. 5. Your breast density. Women with denser breasts are more likely to get breast cancer, and their cancer may be harder to spot on a mammogram. 6. Your use of hormone therapy. Taking combined hormone therapy after menopause increases breast cancer risk.

Effectively Reduce Tremor and Rigidity by New Acupuncture Techniques + Herbal Remedies 3 Bethesda Metro Center Bethesda, MD 20814

11433 Grey Colt Lane N. Potomac, MD 20878

240-731-9068

www.yaoacupuncture.com Free consultation

Quality of Life Through Our Quality Home Care Our trained, licensed and experienced caregivers are dedicated to making life safer and more enjoyable for individuals

From page 17

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 mar-

BEACON BITS

Oct. 21+

BECOME A HOSPICE VOLUNTEER

JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency), a non-sectarian community agency, is seeking volunteers to help enhance the quality of life of individuals and families facing life-threatening or terminal illness. Russian speakers, music therapists, art therapists, and people interested in having their dogs certified to join them on patient visits are especially needed. The next 20-hour training course is scheduled for Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 21-23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Rd., Rockville, Md. For more information or to sign up for the training, contact Amy Kaufman Goott at (301) 816-2650, agoott@jssa.org by Oct. 16.

Efficiency & One-Bedroom Units A NON-PROFIT FACILITY DESIGNED for seniors 62 years of age or older or individuals with accessibility needs. Located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood near Metro, the Kennedy Center and GWU Hospital.

Features Include: • All Utilities • Meal Program • Library • 24 Hour Front Desk Service • Activity & Educational Programs • Rental Assistance Available • Convenient Shopping • Use of state-of-the-art Wellness Center

202-223-5712 Fax 202-223-6191 stmaryscou@aol.com

www.stmaryscourt.org 725-24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037

OME CARE, IN TH

Drug plans

ried 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.

needing help with daily living.

301-879-2700

www.athomecareinc.com

301-421-0200 Serving the Metropolitan area since 1977

House Calls Available

Personal Care & Hygiene ◆ Meal Preparation ◆ Light Housekeeping & Laundry ◆ Shopping ◆ Activity & Appointment Assistance ◆ Companionship ◆ Medical Reminders ◆ Exercise Assistance ◆

We’re committed to providing excellent and affordable assisted living in the comfort of home.

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2 — WA S H I N G T O N 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 deci-

sions 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 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 se-

• House Call Service • Medicare Accepted • Licensed in Maryland, D.C. & Virginia

Dr. Allen J. Moien Call to set up your appointment today

301-441-8632

cret. “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 See TO TELL OR NOT, page 23

BEACON BITS

Nov. 13

HELP SCREEN FOR MEMORY PROBLEMS

The Village at Rockville will provide Alzheimer’s memory screenings on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. It is in need of current or former clinicians and/or social workers who can serve as volunteer screeners for this event. Screeners will be provided the appropriate tools. The event will be held at 9701 Veirs Dr. Rockville, Md. For more information, call (301) 354-8447.

Oct. 23+

HELP WITH HOME REPAIR

Habitat Critical Home Repair, a project of Habitat for Humanity, recruits volunteers to repair and reduce unsafe and inadequate living conditions for those with limited resources in Northern Virginia. One of its experienced volunteers will discuss how you can help out at a talk on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 11:15 a.m. at Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington, Va. Call (703) 228-0555 to register.

If no answer, please leave a message.

Recover, Rehabilitate, Regain after surgery, hospitalization, stroke or other life-changing condition Choose Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare. Our unique “Rehab Village” provides practical experience to bring you back home strong, safe and healthy. • 24 Hour Skilled Nursing Care • Physical, Occupational, Speech and Outpatient Therapy • 24 Hour Respiratory care for Ventilator and Tracheotomy Weaning • Wound Care and IV Therapy

In-Network with Major Insurance Carriers. Medicare and Medicaid accepted. Certified Veterans Administration Facility.

703-836-8838 2729 King Street • Alexandria, VA 22302

WWW.WOODBINEREHAB

.COM

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

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

Brooke Groove Retirement Village cordially invites you to attend an

Open House Tuesday, October 16, 2012 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Westbrooke Clubhouse 18310 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 Discover the casual elegance & comfort of The Cottages independent living. Explore Westbrooke Clubhouse, its restaurant and fitness center. Enjoy the homelike atmosphere of The Meadows assisted living and learn about our innovative approach to memory support. Please RSVP to 301-260-2320 or lsmith@bgf.org by October 11, 2012.

Simply different ...because what surrounds you really matters

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

www.bgf.org See why generations have chosen Brooke Grove.

residential cottages assisted living

memory care rehabilitation skilled nursing care

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

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

To tell or not

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

From page 20 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. I don't want to be talking about my aches and pains.' Sometimes people will tell and then really regret it, because they're being treated differently.” 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

BEACON BITS UNDERSTANDING E-READERS

Oct. 9

Join Jerry McMahon, community relations manager and e-reader specialist at Barnes and Noble, to learn more about e-books on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. A free hands-on demonstration will follow the discussion at Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. To register, call (703) 228-0955.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

Affordable Senior Communities Discover how great senior living is at one of our affordable apartment communities. Many of our communities feature 24-hour emergency maintenance, full activities programs, spacious floor plans, affordable rents, caring and dedicated staff, and much more. We are conveniently located near shopping, including grocery stores and pharmacies. Let us help you live life to the fullest. Call or visit our web site to view these communities:

A HOT TIME AT THE ARBORETUM

Oct. 13

Taste-test a variety of peppers, sample chili-based foods, and watch live demonstrations at this annual event at the National Arboretum celebrating the cultivation and use of chili peppers. Explore the National Herb Garden’s collection of over 60 varieties, including some of the world’s hottest peppers. The free event on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. is presented by members of the Mid-Atlantic Units of the Herb Society of America at the U.S. National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 245-2726

2201 Savannah Street SE Washington, DC 20020

7010 Schoonmaker Court Alexandria, VA 22310

202-678-5699

703-719-7268

Rent based on income

From $751

FAIRFAX FALL FESTIVAL

Oct. 13

Crafts made by 400 juried crafters from around the region, children’s games, rides, music and food will fill the downtown Fairfax streets during the Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 (rain date Oct. 14). There is no entrance fee. The festival stage will have performances throughout the day featuring Korean dancers and drummers, Main Street Community Band, Shepherd’s Pie Irish Band, Apumarka music from the Andes, Los Quetzalas Mexican Dance Ensemble and more. Shuttle buses will be available from Fairfax High School and George Mason University. For information, call (703) 385-7858 or visit www.fairfaxva.gov.

Dentistry to Enhance Your Smile Stephen J. Friedman, DDS, PA www.go-smiles.net We offer all general dental services to help you look, feel and function your best.

• Zoom! Teeth whitening • Conscious sedation • Invisalign teeth straightening

703-904-9444 From $850

7837 Richmond Highway Alexandria, VA 22306

703-780-9072 From $895

18889 Waring Station Road Germantown, MD 20874

RECEIVE $100 OFF ANY FULL FEE SERVICE* After your initial exam, x-ray and cleaning. ONE COUPON PER HOUSEHOLD *excludes insurance discounted services

Call (301) 681-8200 today Se Habla Español On Parle Français

873 Grace Street Herndon, VA 20170

Lockwood House 600 North Madison Street, Arlington, VA 22203

703-538-6000 Rent based on income

5999 Emerson Street Bladensburg, MD 20710

301-779-6196 Rent based on income

Mrs. Philippines Home for Seniors, Inc.

Some of our many services include:

to schedule your appointment Free parking. Located in Kemp Mill Shopping Center.

6428 Bock Street Oxon Hill, MD 20745

301-540-1162

301-567-9537

From $1,015 for 2 bedroom

Rent based on income

5101 River Road, Suite 101 • Bethesda, MD 20816

301-941-8040 www.qpmgmt.com Professionally managed by Quantum Real Estate Management LLC T/A Quantum Property Management

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

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

At the Hebrew Home, Ruth walked out the door and went home. Living with weakness, pain or exhaustion can limit the very way you live. Whether due to surgery, stroke, injury or other causes, it can cripple and restrict your abilities. There are no fast and easy solutions, but with patience, skill and experience, the care provided by the Hebrew Home’s staff and its extensive facilities, helps patients get back on their feet and on with their lives as soon as possible. Our sparkling new Dekelboum Therapy Center will knock your socks off. Our therapy specialists practice the latest techniques and

have an impressive “go home” success rate. Our nursing care is attentive and responsive. This professional attention is provided at whatever level is needed, in an atmosphere of positive attitudes and friendly faces. Our chefs prepare a complete and delicious menu every day. Our staff can manage swift admissions and close collaboration with the hospital. Call or visit today, and find out why, for 102 years, people all around Washington have turned to us for help.

REHABILITATION AT THE HEBREW HOME

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 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 night. It feels good, boosts energy for the day ahead, and if it helps stave off extra pounds, it's time well spent. © 2012 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Providing Affordable Independent and Supportive Services Apartments Where else in the heart of Arlington can you live in a community nestled on five acres of beautiful, perennial gardens with Arlington County’s largest senior center on the premises?

301.770.8476 • www.hebrew-home.org

(703) 528-0162

It Takes a Community.

VA Relay: 1-800-828-1120

4435 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington, VA 22203

www.culpeppergarden.org Coordinated Services Management Managing Retirement Communities Since 1982

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

Why are these people smiling? They’ve discovered a worry-free way to retire! You’ll smile too when you move to Ashby Ponds, Greenspring or Riderwood, the area’s most popular communities for carefree retirement living. Enjoy freedom from repairs, thanks to our full-time maintenance team. Experience quality health care from doctors who specialize in senior wellness. Pursue your interests with dozens of clubs, classes and activities. Enjoy predictable monthly expenses— no more costly property tax bills! Call 1-800-405-6388 for your free brochure, or schedule a tour of the community closest to you.

Stop by our booth at the Expo!

“This is really independent living. You have total freedom.”

Ashby Ponds Ashburn, VA

Greenspring Springfield, VA

Riderwood Silver Spring, MD

EricksonLiving.com

– Greg and Joanne Harney, Ashby Ponds residents 8626511

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health Studies Page

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

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Studying the effect of a cancer diagnosis By Carol Sorgen More than 60 percent of cancers in the United States develop in individuals age 65 and older. The most common cancers among those in this group are prostate, breast, pancreas, bladder, stomach, lung and colorectal cancers. As our population ages, and as more people are living longer, healthcare professionals expect the number of new cancer diagnoses in older people to rise. Older adults with cancer and their families often have different needs from those of

younger adults and children. Older people, for example, often have or are at higher risk for developing chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis or high blood pressure. These health conditions — known as comorbidities or co-existing conditions — can affect the treatment of and recovery from cancer. In addition, older people may not always have access to transportation, social support or financial resources, which can affect their care and recovery from cancer.

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

Professionals working with seniors are invited to our Monthly GROWS meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. usually at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. October 4, Fall Networking Extravaganza at Potomac United Methodist Church Nov. 1 Back at Holiday Park, Speaker: Ruben Rosenfeld from Easter Seals Call 301-765-3325 for details

BECOME A CHARTER CLUB MEMBER TODAY Exclusively for The Solana® Olney

Understanding the challenges

Who may participate?

Little research has been done about how older individuals with chronic conditions accept a cancer diagnosis, what it means to them emotionally, and how it affects their daily life. “The lack of research on this topic hinders the ability of healthcare professionals to effectively help older individuals manage their overall health and well-being,” said Susan M. Hannum, with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Center for Aging Studies. “Closing this gap could enhance illness management by realizing common areas of stress for the older individual.” To add to knowledge on this topic, the center is conducting in-depth interviews with older adults who have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer during the past 12 months. Participants will each be interviewed three times, for approximately one hour per interview. The overall goal of the project is to add to the basic knowledge of how older adults with pre-existing, chronic health conditions react to a new cancer diagnosis and how this might affect their notions of self, identity, healthcare and care management. The study is funded by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

The study is open to individuals 65 and over who have received a diagnosis within the past year of stage I-III solid tumor cancer, and who have not had a prior cancer diagnosis within five years. In addition, participants must have at least one moderate to severe chronic health condition that has a negative impact on the person’s daily level of functioning. The interviews will be conducted at a location of the participant’s choice, most typically in his or her home. The interviews are generally scheduled one week apart, though that can be changed to fit each person’s care schedule. During the first interview, a life history will be collected that includes information about the participant’s childhood, middle years, etc. The second interview will focus on preexisting chronic conditions and how these have affected the participant’s daily life and relationships. The third, and final, interview will address the participant’s cancer, the diagnosis, and how they have affected his or her everyday life. Participants who complete the interview series will be paid $60 for their time. For more information, call Susan Hannum at (410) 455–8729 or email her at s.hannum@umbc.edu.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

As a member of The Solana Olney Charter Club, you’ll enjoy the best selection of premier apartments available, plus a signature lifestyle that can only be found at our exceptional community. And now, we’re offering the following incentives exclusively to Charter Club members: • $1,000 off your community fee • $500 rent credit every year in your birthday month • A 32-inch flat-screen TV mounted in your apartment

Limited time only:

HURRY IN AND BECOME A CHARTER CLUB MEMBER BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 2012 TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL INCENTIVES! CALL 1-888-694-1669 TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL VISIT. Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 2611 Olney Sandy Spring Road Olney, MD 20832 Your story continues here…

www.brookdaleliving.com !"#$%!&%'%!()*#+*!)+,!-.!/0012#%!345567"8'637693:!!.".

MODEL APARTMENTS NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

NEW WHITE OAK SENIOR CENTER OPENS

In September, Montgomery County Recreation opened its fifth senior center, located in the White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, Md. The center shares state-of-the-art amenities with the community center, including two full-size gymnasiums, spacious social hall, and expansive art and crafts facilities. The senior center is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and beginning in January will extend its hours to Monday through Friday. The new senior center offers programming that emphasizes fitness, socialization and wellness. For information about programs at the White Oak Senior Center, call Dianne Smith at (240) 7774924 or the Active Adult Line at (240) 777-6944.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

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

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.

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 See JOINT PAIN, page 29

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

Cottage homes and apartments available with no entrance fee ONLY A FEW COTTAGE HOMES REMAIN For over 60 years, our continuing care retirement community has offered all the comforts of home, coupled with healthcare services and stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains. Now, we also offer a rental-only option. Enjoy our beautiful brick homes with spacious yards, while we take care of the lawn work and snow removal. If you are at least 62, call Toni Burke to learn more about our new rental option or our traditional continuing care options.

Peace of Mind When You Need It Most Hospice Care for Families in Need

or families facing advanced illness or impending end-of-life of a loved one, peace of mind is in short supply. Fortunately there is hospice, where patients can live in pain-free comfort, and compassionate emotional support is extended to patients and family members. • Holistic team of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors, care attendants and trained volunteers • Care available in your own home, in assisted living or wherever you call home • Non-profit organization serving elderly and those in need for 123+ years • Accepting Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance • Service throughout Washington DC and suburban Maryland Please call us anytime for peace of mind for your family. Our caring team is there to help.

Call 1-800-894-2411 Or visit CulpeperRetirement.org

866-234-7742 12425 Village Loop | Culpeper, Virginia 22701

www.thewashingtonhome.org

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Feeling the burn, in more ways than one Q: Will I burn more calories if I run instead of walk? A: If you go the same distance, studies show you will burn the same calories regardless of whether you walk or run. Of course, it takes more time to cover the same distance walking than running, so in the same amount of time, you’d burn more calories running. The intensity of your activity also influences how many calories you burn: Going uphill for the same distance and same amount of time uses more calories than on a completely flat area or treadmill setting. Another option for burning more calories is "interval training,” which interjects a few short one- or two-minute bursts of more in-

tense activity into moderate activity. (Those bursts could come from jogging, fast walking or climbing hills.) The American College of Sports Medicine and American Council on Exercise say that, as long as you start and end with five to 10 minutes of warm up and cool down, interval training can be a good way to increase fitness without long periods of running. As with beginning any new exercise, start slowly and gradually work up to longer times and more intensity. If you are considering running, be aware of the potential impact on knees and other joints. If you want to try interval training, be sure to discuss this with your doctor if you have medical problems that may put you at risk.

Independent Living for Adults 62 and Older Efficiencies from $435

One-Bedrooms from $524

with minimum $1566 monthly income & security deposit

with minimum $1886 monthly income & security deposit

• On-site manager • Utilities included • Wall-to-wall carpeting • Security access control • Elevators • Across the street from Rock Creek Village shopping center • Metrobus service is easily accessible

14635 Bauer Drive Rockville, MD 20853

301-460-4545

MOM STAYS SAFE & HAPPY with Assisted Living at Riderwood Assisted Living at Riderwood in Silver Spring offers your loved one everything she needs to live a rewarding life. Your mom will benefit from an entire community filled with great neighbors, top-notch on-site health care and lots of fun things to do.

Learn more today. Call 301-850-1253 for your free brochure and activities calendar.

EricksonLiving.com 8207055

Assisted Living t Memory Care t Nursing Care Inpatient & Outpatient Rehab

Q: Do certain foods promote heartA: Making your salad dressing at home burn? When does this become a prob- does offer you the opportunity to make a lem worth reporting to my healthier option than most of doctor? the commercial dressings. A: Some people find that cerOne of the biggest nutritain foods spur a bout of hearttional advantages is the opburn — also known as reflux, portunity to reduce sodium acid indigestion or acid regursubstantially. Many bottled gitation. dressings contain from 260 to Technically called gastroe550 milligrams (mg.) of sodisophageal reflux (known as um in a two-tablespoon servGERD), it’s the burning feeling ing. That’s 11 to 24 percent of mid-chest that occurs when the day’s recommended limit acid in the stomach moves up NUTRITION — or up to a third of the lower through a valve-like ring of WISE limit recommended for peoBy Karen Collins, muscle that separates the stomple who are over 50, African ach from the esophagus (the MS, RD, CDM American, or who have diatube that transports food from betes or high blood pressure. mouth to stomach, and which lacks the Start with a healthy oil like canola or stomach’s protective lining to handle these olive oil and add lemon juice, vinegar or acids). other juice plus herbs and spices, and perSome foods seem to relax this muscle, haps a little chopped garlic. You’ll slash making reflux more likely. Citrus fruits, sodium to less than 5 mg. in that same twochocolate, coffee, alcohol, fatty and fried tablespoon serving if you don’t add any foods, mint and spicy foods are some of the salt, or to less than 160 mg. if you add a most common culprits. If you’re prone to re- dash. flux, try avoiding these foods and see if If you like a mustard flavor, mustard your reflux improves. powder (ground mustard seed found in Look beyond specific food choices, how- the spices aisle) adds zero sodium; or a ever. Smoking can also lead to reflux — yet small amount of prepared mustard might another great reason to stop. Two major raise sodium of your dressing just an addiculprits are overweight, with excess fat in tional 20 or 30 mg. the abdomen pushing up on the stomach, To change up the flavor, you can play and overeating, filling the stomach so full with different oils, such as grapeseed, walthat contents push up against that opening nut or pumpkin seed oil, as well as experito the esophagus. menting with different pure herbs and If you get heartburn twice a week or spices — all sodium-free. For creamy-type more, see your doctor. Long-term frequent dressings, try using plain yogurt as a base reflux of digestive acids can lead to inflamThe American Institute for Cancer Remation and ulcers in the esophagus, cause search offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800scar tissue to form, or lead to changes in 843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday the cells themselves that increase risk of through Friday. This free service allows you cancer development. to ask questions about diet, nutrition and Your doctor will be able to make sure cancer. A registered dietitian will return that the symptoms you’re experiencing re- your call, usually within three business days. ally are heartburn, rather than an alreadyCourtesy of the American Institute for formed ulcer, heart disease or other serious Cancer Research. Questions for this column problems. may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., Q: Are homemade salad dressings NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot healthier than bottled dressings? respond to questions personally.

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

A healthy, flavorful and simple bean soup This wonderful soup combines a host of Mediterranean flavors including cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, commonly used in dishes from Tuscany. The balance of beans, vegetables and pasta make this soup warm and satisfying without being over filling. The popular orange carrot originates from the ancient wild carrot. The first cultivated carrot may have been in Afghanistan around 800 CE. These early carrots included purple and yellow varieties (some of which are appearing in farmers’ markets today). Centuries later, the cultivated carrot found its way to Europe, where the orange carrot we enjoy today was bred. Carrots are packed with a fat-soluble antioxidant, beta-carotene, which you’ll absorb better

Joint pain From page 27 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 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.

thanks to the olive oil in this recipe. The rich red tomatoes and bright green spinach provide more color, flavor and the vitamins A and C. Together with the Italian spices and Parmesan cheese, these vegetables complete the Mediterranean quality of the dish. For a quick midday or evening meal, you could serve the soup with a turkey breast sandwich on multigrain bread. If you have extra, this soup makes great leftovers.

Mediterranean White Bean & Spinach Soup 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium carrot, halved and thinly sliced

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 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.

1/2 medium onion, diced finely 4 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock 1 (14-oz) can no-salt added diced tomatoes (fresh may be substituted) 1 (14-oz) can no-salt added cannellini beans (any white bean may be substituted) 1/2 tsp. rosemary 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning Dash freshly ground pepper Dash red pepper flakes (optional) 4 oz. small whole-wheat pasta shells 4 cups baby spinach leaves 4 tsp. shredded Parmesan cheese In large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic, carrot and onion until carrot pieces are soft, about 5 minutes.

Add stock, tomatoes, beans, rosemary, Italian seasoning and peppers to skillet. Bring to boil. Add shells and cook 14 minutes. If soup is too thick, add a bit more stock. Stir in spinach and continue cooking until wilted. Serve in soup bowls and sprinkle Parmesan on top. Makes 6 servings, 1 1/3 cups each. Per serving: 199 calories, 4 g. total fat (<1 g. saturated fat), 32 g. carbohydrate, 10 g. protein, 4 g. dietary fiber, 85 mg. sodium. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

Learn About Hearing Aids • Request a copy of The Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids • How do different instruments compare? • How is pricing structured? • What should you expect from new hearing aids? • For your complimentary copy, call: 301-434-4300

Auditory Services Inc. Rated best audiology practice in the Washington Metro area. 1734 Elton Road, Suite 104 • Silver Spring, MD 20903 “Everyone deserves good hearing aids.”

Senior Living 62+

BEACON BITS

Oct. 25+

MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND KEEP THE OLD

Led by JSSA staff, Coming of Age will present four, lively interactive classes to help seniors develop and maintain friendships. All classes will be held on Thursday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 is “Making Social Conversation,” Nov. 1’s session is called “Reaching Out & Allowing Others In,” “The Keys to Connection” is Nov. 8, and Nov. 15 is “Expressing Appreciation & Resolving Differences,” and includes a luncheon. The cost for all four is $60, which includes the lunch. Preregistration and screening are required by calling (301) 348-3832 or emailing coamd@jssa.org. The class will be held at JSSA, 6123 Montrose Rd., Rockville, Md.

Fall into Savings Ask about our specials. • Emergency Response System • 24 Hour Maintenance • Transportation Via Community Van • Pet Friendly • Full Size Washer & Dryer www.PinnacleAMS.com/GardensOfTraville

14431 Traville Garden Circle Rockville, Maryland 20850

301-762-5224 Office Hours: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm, Sat. by appt only

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Why chamomile offers so many benefits Dear Pharmacist: want to do if you have pancreatitis, too. I’ve A few months ago, you wrote about emailed you a free copy of my ebook, “Unthe medicinal action of derstanding Pancreatitis & herbal teas (May 2012 Pancreatic Cancer.” Beacon), and got my attenAfter reading a study about tion. I have serious health chamomile’s benefits to those concerns like diabetes, hywith diabetes, I theorized that pertension, pancreatitis it must have other benefits for and insomnia. What teas the pancreas. Lo and behold, I should I drink? found numerous studies dis— J.Y. cussing “apigenin” and its Dear J.Y. ability to inhibit growth of As far as tea goes, chamomile pancreatic cancer cells is perfect. Researchers report DEAR through various mechanisms. that drinking chamomile tea PHARMACIST Apigenin is a citr us daily helps prevent complica- By Suzy Cohen bioflavonoid compound found tions 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

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

anti-inflammatory. According to the study published in Molecular Cancer (December 2006) Apigenin suppresses pancreatic cancer growth through suppression of “cyclin B-associated cdc2 activity” and “G2/M arrest.” The researchers conclude that apigenin may “be a valuable drug for the treatment or prevention of pancreatic cancer.” A few years later, in Pancreas (May 2009), scientists published findings about apigenin again, this time to conclude that it improved the action of gemcitabine, a drug used to treat pancreatic cancer. Their results found that apigenin in combination with gemcitabine inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth more than either agent alone. It was dose-dependent too — the more apigenin, the better the effect. Apigenin was shown in a 2008 study in Pancreas to decrease glucose uptake in

Your New Lifestyle Begins Here

pancreatic cancer cells (you might say it starved them to death). Other studies have found this compound to possess ability in inhibiting several cancer lines, including breast, colon, thyroid, skin and leukemia. To spare confusion, apigenin is a compound found in chamomile, it’s not a drug. You can purchase apigenin as a standalone supplement online or at a health food store. Another way to get its benefits is to drink chamomile tea or take dietary supplements of chamomile. There are very few warnings associated with the lovely centuries-old flower, but being a natural sedative, chamomile could enhance the effect of prescribed tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and prescribed sleep aids (alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem) or dietary supplements/herbs, such as kava kava, passionflower and GABA. High dose supplementation could enhance the effect of anti-seizure medications, necessitating a lower drug dosage. Teas are weaker than supplements. Make your own tea by steeping one tablespoon of chamomile herb in hot water for 15 minutes. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

BEACON BITS

Designed and managed for today’s seniors at these locations: AN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY • Furnace Branch 410-761-4150 • Severna Park 410-544-3411 BALTIMORE CITY BA • Ashland Terrace 410-276-6440 • Coldspring 410-542-4400 BALTIMORE COUNTY • Catonsville 410-719-9464 • Dundalk 410-288-5483 • Fullerton 410-663-0665 • Miramar Landing 410-391-8375 • Randallstown 410-655-5673 • Rosedale 410-866-1886 • Timothy House (Towson) 410-828-7185 • Taylor 410-663-0363 • Woodlawn 410-281-1120

EASTERN SHORE • Easton 410-770-3070 HARFORD COUNTY • Box Hill 410-515-6115 • Bel Air 410-893-0064 HOWARD COUNTY • Colonial Landing 410-796-4399 • Columbia 410-381-1118 • Snowden River 410-290-0384 • Ellicott City 410-203-9501 • Ellicott City II 410-203-2096 • Emerson 301-483-3322 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY NOW! * Bladensburg 301-699-9785 *55 or Better • Laurel 301-490-1526 • Laurel II 301-490-9730

www.ParkViewSeniorLiving.com Call the community nearest you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour or email seniorliving@sheltergrp.com. Professionally managed by The Shelter Group. www.thesheltergroup.com

Ongoing

BECOME A LAUREL MUSEUM DOCENT

If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that could take as little as a couple of hours a month, consider becoming a docent at the Laurel Historical Society’s museum. Shifts are generally two to three hours. Volunteers are particularly needed on Sundays, but also on Wednesdays and Fridays. Training is provided. Other opportunities include helping with the new children’s programs and in the museum shop. To learn more, contact Monica at (301) 725-7975 or email assist@laurelhistoricalsociety.org.

Oct. 12+

HELP FIGHT HUNGER

According to a study of senior hunger conducted by the AARP Foundation, 6.5 percent of D.C. residents 60 and older are at risk of hunger. More than twice as many who are age 50-59 fall into this category, partly due to unemployment and foreclosures. Donate food at many D.C. grocery stores on Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13, or online from Oct. 14 through 20 at www.bit.ly/Octfooddrive. For more information, call (202) 434-7700.

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Fitness & Health

What’s wrong with visiting old flames? Dear Bea: Dear Solutions: Develop a deaf ear. Men have one — they Can you tell me what's wrong with don't hear the little voices getting in touch in a friendly around the house saying, "dust way with an old girlfriend? me,” “wash me,” “answer me," On a trip we're taking, I etc. planned it so that my wife Structure your time. Either and I will be passing dust them, wash them and anthrough my old home town. swer them before you start to We'll be staying for a few work or set aside some time days, and I heard that this after work. Then, when you old girlfriend is now dihear them, stop and shout vorced. We were once en"QUIET!" and get on with your gaged, but that was a long SOLUTIONS work. time ago. By Helen Oxenberg, You'll see — after a while My wife is very upset at MSW, ACSW they'll give up. And once you the idea of me getting in work out a chore sharing touch with her. I don't see anything wrong. I just want to know how arrangement with your husband, they won't dare bother you again. she's doing. — Tom Dear Solutions: I went on a bus tour recently with my Dear Tom: How she's doing what? And what will you husband and other people. One woman do with this knowledge besides being titillat- was always late getting back to the bus ed by your hopeful fantasy that she still finds when we stopped to do sightseeing. People applauded when she got back you attractive? Never mind what's wrong with getting in on the bus after we were all waiting for touch with her. Concentrate on what's her. That seemed like a good natured wrong in your marriage that makes this so way of letting her know we were annoyed, but my husband had to go one threatening to your wife. Home town or not, remember Tom, you step further. He kept making nasty remarks to her can't go home again. Consider this "passing through" to just be a passing fancy. Let it go about holding us all up. I was very embarrassed, and I think people avoided Dear Solutions: When my husband partially retired, us after that. We're planning another trip, and I he worked at home and seemed to do dread going because that same woman very well. He didn't get distracted. He's working outside our home again, is also taking the trip. How can I keep and now I'm trying to find a way to work him from always going that one step furat home. But I'm having a difficult time ther than anyone else and making nasty remarks? He won't listen. with distractions. — Embarrassed Wife Men seem to be able to do this easier. Dear Wife: How come, and what should I do? Watch out, or that one step further may be — Bea

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.

Please patronize our advertisers

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

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE 10

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

October 2012

Delegation Visits from China

By Dr. John M. Thompson In this edition of “Spotlight on Aging,” we will focus the discussion on social isolation. According to researcher Dr. Cheryl Svensson, social isolation occurs when someone becomes separated or detached from family, friends, and acquaintances. I am not referring to people who want personal time or space to catch up on their thoughts. Socially isolated people are those who are detached from the human element because of illness, cultural barriers, relocation or diminished physical capacities. Studies have shown that social isolation can lead to increased risk of serious illness and death. This is a significant topic because we all know of a senior who is socially isolated or who is not that involved in a meaningful way with other people. This reminds me of my mother, who lives in Columbia, S.C. Although my father and brother live in the home with her, I consider her socially isolated for about 95 percent or more of her days. The reason for this is that she spends a great deal of time at home alone. My brother is always working, and my father is always volunteering. When they both return home in the evenings, my mother is on her way to bed by 8 or 9 p.m. My mother’s daily routine consists of going to the gym every morning and returning home to view her Thai Internet programming via her laptop computer. On the other hand, my father serves as a mentor to two youths at different middle schools, a library aide at an elementary school, a peer supporter for heart patients at two hospitals and a library book courier at a nursing home. There is a stark contrast between my mother’s and my father’s lifestyles. My mother is content with being at home, so she says, but is that really

bringing joy to her world? My father, on the other hand, finds purpose in his schedule as he says, “I am going to do the Lord’s work.” He finds joy and satisfaction in helping others while noticing the value that he adds to the community. In sharing this story, I would like to challenge our readers this month to think about those who may appear to be socially isolated for the majority of their days. If they are socially isolated, then they may not be as active as someone who has a productive routine. This person that I am talking about may be you. Look for the following warning signs of a socially isolated person: one who eliminates social activities once enjoyed due to illness or after experiencing some kind of loss to remain at home; one who frequently complains that things will never be the way they once were; one who is always tired regardless of the number of hours slept each day; one who allows physical appearance to prevent him/her from accepting invitations to social outings. If you or someone that you know can identify with one or more of these symptoms, please contact the D.C. Office on Aging at 202-724-5622. We welcome the opportunity to serve you through our many programs, such as the wellness and nutrition programs, which could add a vibrant social component to your life. If you would like to give back to your community in a meaningful way, we encourage you to serve as a D.C. Office on Aging Ambassador. This would give you a chance to apply your passion and skills in helping seniors, persons with disabilities and family caregivers. Above all, we want to do all we can to support healthy lifestyles and enhance the quality of lives for our seniors.

The Office on Aging recently hosted the 25-member All-China Women’s Federation Delegation. Through an interpreter, the groups shared information on D.C. Office on Aging-funded programs, services and policies on the elderly and elder abuse. The participants were also able to tour the new Hayes Senior Wellness Center, which is currently open. Pictured from left to right: Denise Moreno, DCOA Manager; a member of the delegation; Veronica Butler, special assistant; John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA, executive director, DCOA; and Camile Williams, chief of staff DCOA.

District Selects Grantees For Ward 4 Center and Senior Operations Aging, transportation services and wellness center operations will continue with no interruption to consumers The D.C. Office on Aging announces the grant awards to lead services for senior citizens and operate the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center in Ward 4. Services will begin on Oct. 1. An independent panel of reviewers has selected TERRIFIC, Inc. to lead services for District residents age 60 and older. TERRIFIC, Inc. currently leads services for seniors in Ward 1. Lead agency services include case management, counseling, congregate and home-delivered meals and transportation. VIDA Senior Services was selected to operate the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center, located at 324 Kennedy St. NW. VIDA Senior Services currently operates the only Latino senior center in the District of Columbia. Wellness centers provide services including wellness and health promotion, disease prevention, medication management and other services that promote healthy lifestyles for senior citizens. “I am pleased with the recommendation of

the external review panel and feel confident that TERRIFIC, Inc. and VIDA Senior Services will provide an excellent core of programs to assist senior residents in Ward 4 and participants of the senior wellness center,” said John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA, executive director, D.C. Office on Aging. The Washington Elderly Handicapped Transportation System (WEHTS) will be operated by Seabury Resources for the Aging temporarily until a Request for Application (RFA) can be released to identify a permanent solution. “DCOA would like to thank Barney Neighborhood House, who has operated programs for senior citizens as part of the D.C. Office on Aging Senior Service Network for more than 30 years. Barney formerly operated the lead agency, wellness center and the transportation program for older residents. We wish them continued success as they serve residents of the District,” added Thompson.

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

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

What You Need to Know About Voting The Office on Aging hosted the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics Volunteers for National Voter Registration Day at their offices. Persons interested in finding out their registration status were assisted. Information was also available on Early Voting, Absentee Ballot information and Neighborhood Polling Locations.

Election Day: Nov. 6 Presidential General Election Chairman of the Council Special Election Important Deadlines Register or update your address online at www.dcboee.org. The deadline for registration by mail is Tuesday, Oct. 9. Register at the DCBOEE office until 5 p.m. on Oct. 19. Confirm your polling place. Many locations have changed due to redistricting. It is important to know your Ward, Advisory Neighborhood Commission or Single Member District (ANC/SMD). Absentee ballots must be requested by Oct. 30. Once received, absentee ballots must be signed and re-

turned by election date, Nov. 6.

1100 Michigan Ave. NW, 20017 (touch screen voting only)

Early Voting Early voting will take place from Saturday, Oct. 27 to Saturday, Nov. 3. Satellite locations available in each Ward of the city.

Ward 6 King Greenleaf Recreation Center 201 N St. SW, 20024 (touch screen voting only)

Ward 1 Columbia Heights Community Center 1480 Girard St. NW, 20009 (touch screen voting only)

Ward 7 Dorothy Height/Benning Library 3935 Benning Rd, NE, 20019 (touch screen voting only)

Ward 2 One Judiciary Square 441 4th St. NW, 20001 (touch screen, paper ballot) Ward 3 Chevy Chase Community Center 5601 Connecticut Ave. NW 20015 (touch screen voting only) Ward 4 Takoma Community Center 300 Van Buren St. NW, 20012 (touch screen voting only) Ward 5 Turkey Thicket Recreation Center

Avoid the FLU Get the SHOT!

Ward 8 Southeast Tennis and Learning Center 701 Mississippi Ave. SE 20032 (touch screen voting only) Services for Voters with Disabilities Available The Board also provides election services for voters with specific needs. Contact the Board at 202-7272525 for more information. For more information, call DC Board of Elections, 441 4th St. NW, Suite 250 North, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., 202-727-2525, www.dcboee.org, twitter @dcboee.org, Facebook.com /DCBOEE.

D.C. Commission on Aging Members Elections were held for the D.C. Commission on Aging, and the following is a listing of the new officers and a complete list of its members: Romaine Thomas, Chairperson Commissioner of Ward 5 Ron Swanda, Vice Chairperson Commissioner of Ward 6 Alethea W. Campbell Commissioner of Ward 8 Don Colodny Commissioner of Ward 6 Constance L. Fields Commissioner of Ward 5 Elfrida R. Foy Commissioner of Ward 7 Charles Hicks Commissioner of Ward 6 Samuel E. McCoy Commissioner of Ward 4 Ruth G. Nadel Commissioner of Ward 3 Dwan Tai Commissioner of Ward 2 Shirley C. Thorne Commissioner of Ward 8 Brenda T. Williams Commissioner of Ward 1 Nathaniel A. Wilson Commissioner of Ward 3

OPEN HOUSE AND MEET & GREET!

FREE Flu Shots for Senior Citizens 10 AM - 2 PM Thursday, October 11, 2012 500 K Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20002

Flu shots are available each day between 10 AM and 2 PM. Check the list below to find the location nearest you:

OCTOBER Monday, October 1, 2012 Oasis – Family Matters Services for the Aging Homeless Center 1226 Vermont Avenue, NW Wednesday, October 3, 2012 Robert L. Walker House 2201 Savannah Street, SE Thursday, October 4, 2012 Paul Lawrence Dunbar Campbell Heights 2001 15th St. NW Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Claridge Towers 1221 M Street, NW Monday, October 15, 2012 Fort Lincoln One 2855 Bladensburg Road, NE

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Vida Senior Center 1842 Calvert Street, NW Friday, October 19, 2012 Edgewood Terrace Congregate Meal Center 635 Edgewood Street, NE Monday, October 22, 2012 Behrend Adas Senior Fellowship 2850 Quebec Street, NW Tuesday, October 23, 2012 Hayes Senior Wellness Center 500 K Street, NE Monday, October 29, 2012 Delta Towers 1400 Florida Avenue, NE

HAYES SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER Join us and learn about the health and wellness activities now available to seniors at the Hayes Senior Wellness Center. Tour our facility and take part in fitness demonstrations and health workshops. Light refreshments will be served.

Now Available to Seniors: Walking Club

Weight Training

Basic Fitness Training

Health Assessments

Chair Exercise

Wellness Dialogues

Stretch & Tone

Art & Music Therapy

HAYES SENIOR WELLNESS CENTER 500 K Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 727-0357

Sponsored by the District of Columbia Office on Aging Government of the District of Columbia Vincent C. Gray, Mayor

Services provided courtesy of Howard University Hospital

Part of the Senior Service Network supported by the D.C. Office on Aging

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

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar October events

an “Ask the Doctor” session on obesity. The seminar will be held at 635 Edgewood St. NE. For more information, call 202-581-9355.

4th • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attend a diabetic care workshop at the Washington Seniors Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave. SE. For more information, call 202-581-9355. .

9th • 11 a.m. All Ward 5 nutrition sites will take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Day. For more information, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

10th • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arm yourself with resources and information at the 2012 Mayor’s Annual Disability Awareness Expo at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 901 G St. NW. Register at www.2012dcdae.eventbrite.com.

16th • 11 a.m. Edgewood Terrace Senior Nutrition Site will hold

25th • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 17th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Hayes School Senior Wellness Center will have a breast health awareness day. The center is located at 500 K St. NE. For more information, call 202-727-0357.

17th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

18th • 1 to 2 p.m. The D.C. Retired Teachers Association will have a membership meeting. The guest speaker will be Dr. John M. Thompson, director of the D.C. Office on

This year’s OEP will take place Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Any changes you make to your Medicare plan during this period go into effect on Jan. 1, 2013. For more information or help in making your decision, call the Health Insurance Counseling Project at 202-739-0668.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher. 500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Dr. John M. Thompson, Executive Director Darlene Nowlin, Editor Adrian R. Reed, Photographer The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, mari-

tal status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

Learn how to stay safe by taking a “Protect Yourself” workshop from members of the Metropolitan Police Dept. at the Washington Seniors Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave. SE. For more information, call 202-581-9355.

26th+ • 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Learn about minimally invasive vascular screening at Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center, 304 Kennedy St. NW. For more information, call 202-2916170.

Review Your Medicare Plan The Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2013 is coming up soon. Throughout the year, Medicare has different enrollment periods. The Open Enrollment Period, or OEP, is the timeframe during which Medicare beneficiaries (people with Medicare) can make changes to their Medicare plans.

Aging. The meeting will be held at the 19th Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th St. NW.

In a class at Iona Senior Services called “Sing Your Story,” teacher Lynne Feingold will guide you through yoga-like movement to warm up your creative juices and let your stories and songs flow. Beginners welcome. Classes meet for six weeks (no class Nov. 23). The fee is $90. Iona is located at 4152 Albemarle St. NW. For more information or to register, call 202-895-9448 or see www.iona.org.

Our Members Prefer Old-School Classics! The Office on Aging Ambassador Program is a FREE, interactive, member-based program designed to reach out to older adults and/or their caregivers to help them learn about the services and resources available to them through the D.C. Office on Aging. If you are interested in expanding your network and educating older adults about the services and resources available to them, join us for our next Ambassador Training Workshop to learn about all of the programs and services that the Office on Aging offers to the community and how you can become an Ambassador. Upcoming Ambassador Training Workshops: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Wednesday, October 24, 2012 Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Wednesday, December 12, 2012

9:00 a.m. - 12 noon 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon

All workshops are held in the D.C. Office on Aging Headquarters and include: an overview of Office on Aging programs and services, information on how to access resources, and guidance on your role as an advocate.

D.C. Office on Aging 500 K Street, NE •Washington, D.C. 20002 To register and for more information, call (202) 724-5622 Government of the District of Columbia Vincent C. Gray, Mayor

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Money Law &

TAKE A BITE OUT OF PET BILLS Pet health insurance can help pay for large vet bills, but read the fine print to determine coverage 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 easily cracked by criminals

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 36

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 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.

Snowballing shortfall But once the surplus is spent, the annual 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 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 See SOCIAL SECURITY, page 37

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Funds From page 35

Vanguard Dividend Growth (VDIGX) 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 more than $1 million personally invested in the fund.

T. Rowe Price Growth stock (PRGFX) 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.

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

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 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) Don’t let worrying about the cost of nursing home care keep you up at night. We have been solving that problem for more than two decades.

This fund takes a similar approach to Vanguard Dividend Growth, focusing on dividend-paying stocks while also charging ex-

penses 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 earnings 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

BEACON BITS Medicaid and Nursing Home Care Planning  Estate Planning  Special Needs Trusts 

 Washingtonian Top Lawyer 2004, 2007, 2010  Practicing Elder Law for 29 years

Call us today at 240-403-4300 For a Free Initial Consultation or your complementary copy of “e Absolutely Basic Guide to Public Beneﬁts” or “How to Pick a Lawyer.”

The people we elect will determine the future of Medicare and Social Security. Find out where the candidates stand and tell them what you think. The next President and Congress will make decisions about the future of Medicare and Social Security that will affect you and your family. That’s why AARP is bringing you the facts.

Join other Marylanders for a candidate debate with Congressman Roscoe Bartlett and Candidate John Delaney. Sunday, October 28, 1:00 pm. to 3:00 p.m. JBK Theatre at Frederick Community College 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702 Refreshments will be served. Register at: http://aarp.cvent.com/MDdebate

Oct. 16

PASSPORT TO RETIREMENT

Whether you are 10 days, 10 months or 10 years away from retiring, there are key issues to address before making that move. Join professionals from Foundation for Personal Financial Education, a nonprofit organization, for a review of the retirement planning process on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 N. Culpeper St., Arlington, Va. Free. Call (703) 228-6300 to register.

Oct. 22

UNDERSTANDING CCRC CONTRACTS

There are three basic types of contracts associated with living in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). The one you choose will have an effect on future costs as your needs change. Meredith McKay, elder law attorney, Legal Services of Northern Virginia, will discuss the differences on Monday, Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 N. Culpeper St., Arlington, Va. Call (703) 228-6300 to register for this free workshop.

Oct. 13

SENIOR LAW DAY

Learn all about legal issues at Senior Law Day, sponsored by Senior Services of Alexandria and the Alexandria Bar Association on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The event will be held at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King St., Alexandria, Va. To register for this free event, visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or call (703) 836-4414, ext. 10.

Did you know? You may qualify for assistance in paying your home phone bill. Discounts for basic telephone service are available to eligible District of Columbia low-income residents. Verizon Washington, D.C. Lifeline Plans: Verizon Washington, D.C.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reduced rates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one-time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customers at no charge. Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added services are not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, customers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customers who are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of $1.00 per month. • Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federal and in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. Rates as stated here are effective as of September 1, 2011. But, the rates and other terms are subject to change in the future.

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

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Law & Money

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

Taking the bite out of pet healthcare costs By Jessica Anderson As recently as 20 years ago, if a pet was seriously ill, treatment options were limited. Today, many of the options available to humans — transplants, cancer treatments and so on — are also available for pets. Rather than choose between your pet's well-being and your wallet, you may be considering pet health insurance. If you think buying a policy might be right for you, do plenty of research. Until 1997, the only company offering pet insurance was VPI, and it still has the largest share of the market. But competition has been growing over the past five years, and now 11 companies offer coverage. Older pets — those past 7 to 10 years old — may not be eligible for a new policy, so getting a policy when your pet is a pup (or a kitten) is the way to go.

Social Security From page 35 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

PLEASE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! CFC#11285

Our non-profit, charitable MOAA Scholarship Fund helps students from military families achieve their dream of a college education. Will you please help us support these worthy students?

IT’S EASY TO GIVE

WB1012

The Scholarship Fund www.moaa.org/donate or call us at 1-800-234-6622 x169

Check out claims payments When you're shopping policies, the first thing to look at is how a company pays out claims. The higher the maximum payouts, the pricier the premiums. VPI, for example, reimburses according to a set schedule of benefits. That means that for each diagnosis there's a ceiling on the amount you can be reimbursed, and the plan pays 90 percent of the allowed amount. In return, premiums are fairly inexpensive. (As when you use your own health insurance out of network, you pay the vet directly and submit your bill for reimbursement.) Many of the newer companies pay a percentage of your vet bill, up to 90 percent. Be sure you understand the deductibles and maximums. Deductibles can be annual, per visit or per incident (say, if Fluffy gets hit by a car and requires multiple vet

visits). Plans may have annual maximums that limit the payout per year, or they may have per-incident maximums. For older pets and pets with higher-risk lifestyles — cats that live outdoors or dogs that are allowed to roam, for example — look for policies with higher maximums because it's more likely those pets will have higher expenses.

Wellness plans Many pet insurers offer a wellness plan as a rider to a policy that covers injury and illness. Wellness plans cover routine care — such as physical exams, flea-and-tick and heartworm medications, vaccinations

and regular testing. You'll be reimbursed based on a schedule — say, $20 to $50 for a physical exam. Preexisting conditions are never covered, said Michael Hemstreet, editor of PetInsuranceReview.com. Hereditary disorders — such as hip dysplasia in golden retrievers and kidney disease in Persian cats — are generally not covered, either. Ask how the insurer handles chronic conditions, such as epilepsy in dogs and asthma in cats. Those issues will likely require numerous vet visits. Jessica Anderson is an associate editor at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. © 2012 Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Tell them you read it in the Beacon.

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

: 7 # p i T g n i z i s Right ere h w e t a ic

o i nd t s e t o cky n i t s d e go. r cod o d l l o u c o h e Us t ems s i d e t n wa your un es: o g f f r stu u o y s place 5 e h T

you h t i mily W a F . 1 & Kids r u o y 2. To Sale r o F . 3 tion a n o D 4. sh 5 . Tra

800.900.9104

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Law & Money

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

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.

Deferred annuities

vantaged. If someone tries to sell you a variable annuity to hold in a tax-deferred account, or encourages you to purchase an annuity before you maximize your retirement plan contribution, head for the exit. 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

Although there are different flavors of deferred annuities (fixed, variable, equity index), they all share two distinct phases: the accumulaImmediate annuities tion phase, during which your Guaranteed income for life money grows on a tax-deis a big time benefit of immeferred basis, and the payout diate annuities, but it comes phase, during which you at a cost. The first concern is begin to receive scheduled that you are giving up access payments. to your money (the lump- RETIRE SMART Deferred annuities share sum payment you make to By Jill Schlesinger the same lack of liquidity as purchase the annuity) in eximmediate annuities, but change for a lifetime income stream there are other, more worrisome down(consisting of both the principal and in- sides to these contracts. terest). Insurance agents often extol the tax adAs you age, access to money becomes vantages of deferred annuities, but there more important, so tying up your savings are three big issues surrounding their raises a significant concern. For this rea- taxation. son, if you are going to invest in an immeFirst, when you start withdrawing diate annuity, it would be prudent to do so money from the annuity, earnings (but not with only a portion of your total portfolio. principal) will be taxed at your ordinary inMany retirees like to use an immediate come rate, rather than at the lower capital annuity to cover their fixed costs, and de- gains rates applied to investments in scribe it as similar to having a salary to stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other nonmeet regular expenses. tax-deferred vehicles in which funds are However, most immediate annuities held for more than one year. provide for fixed payments, which are So, investing in a deferred annuity not adjusted for inflation. Although we means that you may be converting capital are in a low inflation environment today, gains into ordinary income, which can add who knows whether prices will rise sub- up to big tax payments, especially for stantially during the payout period of those in high tax brackets. [Editor’s note: your annuity? The same ordinary income tax treatment Also, realize that an investment in an im- would apply to earnings from an immedimediate annuity is an investment in the ate annuity.] company that issues it. The guaranteed Second, many financial advisers and instream of income is only as good as the fi- surance agents recommend variable or eqnancial stability of the insurance company uity-index annuities for accounts that are that writes the contract. As we all learned already tax-deferred, like 401(k)s, 403(b)s during the recent crisis, insurance compa- and IRAs. This makes absolutely no sense, nies can run into big problems. because these accounts are already tax-ad-

PAUL F. RIEKHOF ATTORNEY AT LAW

Estate Planning & Administration JOSEPH, GREENWALD & LAAKE, P.A. 111 Rockville Pike Suite 975 Rockville, MD 20850

t 3FDFJWF FREE information on Estate Planning. t 4DIFEVMF B FREE 30-minute consultation to discuss your personal plan in our offices or your home.

240-399-7899

If you are an active and healthy adult, come to this program to learn how a # # ######### # assets# from # # can # protect your ######### # # # properly-drafted#Living Trust the expenses of probate of" nursing " " " "care. " " " " " " " " "" PLUS " " ""the""often catastrophic " " " " expenses "" " " home "

" "

" " " " "" "

" " #

" " " "

" #"

"" " " " " #" " " # " "" " "

" " " " "" " " # " " # " " "" " " " " "" "

# #

Call Now To Reserve Your Seat: " " "

703-691-1888 # ### # #

# #

Life Income You Can Count On!

# Or Register at: ### # # Online # ## # # # #####

www.VirginiaElderLaw.com # # ###

# ##

# # ###########

############# # #

" "

Payment to you* $1020 $1160 $1360 $1560 $1800

*Annual payment on a $20,000 charitable gift annuity

Call today!

Now# offering 15% ## ## #Military # # Discount! # # #

########### # #

" "

Age"

70 " 75 "" " " " 80 85 90+

" "

" " "# " " " " " "" " "" " " "

'E)#B!&#M<+D#%J#@,!=#N>#M!++I#F> >###########836O3#G!<=#/0+))0I#/.<0)#P33#############M!<+J!QI#?K#PP343

# ##

" N$%'"34(&O('",3"P-&)"I?"J&''1"+/("$)0#"&++$')(#",)"K,'5,),&"6/$",3";$+/"&" " "" " " #)+0<J<)A#@"A)+#B!&#K00%+=)L " " "" " " " " " " " " "" " " " # " #" " # # #&)."&" " )+0<J<)A#@*0!0)#KA,<*%+?""K,'5,),&"/&3")$"4'$*(.%'("!$'"&44'$-,)5"*('+,!#,)5"$'5&),Q&+,$)3 " "" # " "# " "" " " " " "" " " " ? # #

# # " " "" " " " " "" " " " "" " " " " " " " The" Law "Firm "" " " of Evan " " Farr " " " "" " " " # 22030 # # " Main # "# Street " " # "VA 10640 " " • Suite 200" • Fairfax, " " " " " " " " " " "" " " "" " " " " " " " " "" " " " " " " " " " " " " "

" "

" " #"

" Saturday, October " " " " " " " 20th " " " " " " " # " #" " # # " # " # 10 12 "pm" " " " " " " am"

" " " " #" " " " " " " " " " " "" " ""

" "" " """

" "" " " "" ""######### "" " " "

Date, # " "Time and Location

# #

#############

6404 Ivy Lane Suite 400 Greenbelt, MD 20770

Listed in Washington SmartCEO’s “Legal Elite”

The Living Trust Plus™

135 W. Dares Beach Rd Suite 209A Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Complete estate plans to avoid probate, save taxes, and assure distribution according to your wishes.

LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ASSETS FROM THE EXPENSES OF PROBATE & LONG-TERM CARE #

the value of the death benefit of these contracts, but since most people are using the funds in retirement, the death benefit is irrelevant. 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 TIAA-CREF 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

# #

Rita S. Corwin # 301-565-8524 #

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Technology Simplified

WOW… A Computer Designed For YOU, Not Your Grandchildren! …It’s easy to read. It’s easy to see. It’s even easier to understand and use! Just plug it in!!!

I just wanted to tell firstSTREET that I am having a great time on my WOW Computer. I am learning something new everyday. I am 79 years old and cannot believe that I am typing and sending e-mails to all my friends now. My daughter and granddaughter are so excited now that I have a computer. They use computers on their jobs everyday, but they cannot believe what you can do on this computer. It is wonderful... Thanks. – Johnnie E., Ellijay, Ga

Touch Screen Technology

Simple navigation, so you never get lost!

designed for SENIORS Big Bright Screen One-touch “zoom” magnification No bulky tower

…”surf” the internet Get current weather & news. …send and receive emails, and video chat Keep up with family and friends. …play games online hundreds to choose from! you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have

to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now the very people who could benefit most from E-mail, and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part? Call now, and a patient, knowledgeable product expert will tell you how you can try it in your home for 30 days. If you are not totally satisfied, simply

return it within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. Call today.

Call now and find out how to get your own WOW Computer! Please mention promotional code 45575.

1-888-818-7734

This computer is easyto-use, worry-free and literally puts the world at your fingertips. From the moment you open the box,

NEW

80341

Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone. Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses, spam and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Law & Money

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

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.

However, a complex password that combines upper- and lowercase letters, numbers 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 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.

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

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

For Your Personalized Estate Planning Needs WILLS • TRUSTS • POWERS OF ATTORNEY LIVING WILLS • ADVANCE DIRECTIVES • PROBATE GUARDIANSHIPS • CONSERVATORSHIPS

HOME VISITS • HOSPITAL VISITS • FREE CONSULTATIONS Attorney Michelle Lanchester THE LANCHESTER LAW FIRM

202-220-3000 • www.LanchesterLaw.com E-mail: michelle@lanchesterlaw.com

601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 900, South Building, Washington, DC 20004

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

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

FORECLOSURE REVIEW If your home went into foreclosure during 2009 or 2010, you may

be eligible to for an independent foreclosure review. Homeowners who suffered financial harm may receive compensation, including lump-sum payments, suspension or rescission of a foreclosure, loan modifications, correction of credit reports, or correction of deficiency amounts and records. The deadline for homeowners to participate in this program was recently extended to December 31. Request the review at https://independentforeclosurereview.com. Contact Housing Counseling Services, Inc. at (202) 667-7006 for more information or for assistance in requesting your review.

Maybelle Payne, road warrior and resident of The Glebe.

Time waits for no one. Don’t be left in the dust! Call today - or you may get left behind! The Glebe is a Life Care community that’s just your speed. You’ll love our spacious apartments and cottages, and all the services and amenities you could ask for. Many floor plans are available, but waitlists are now forming for many of our most popular residences.

VISIT US AT THE 50+ EXPO

Call today for more information and to set up a personal tour.

Daleville, VA | 540 591-2200 | www.theglebe.org

Law & Money | 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

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

014331RXX11

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Careers Volunteers &

Did you (or someone you know) change careers, start a business or go back to school after retirement? Please share your story. Email info@theBeaconNewspapers.com or call Barbara at (301) 949-9766.

A League of their own for things political By Barbara Ruben As the presidential, congressional and local elections churn toward their final weeks, League of Women Voters members are in high gear educating voters about the candidates and issues, as well as the minutiae of voting itself, from locating polling places to learning how to place an early ballot.

PHOTO BY BARBARA RUBEN

But those in the League of Women Voters won’t step back and take it easy once Nov. 6 has come and gone, and a less political year looms on the horizon. The hundreds of League members in five chapters around the Washington area will turn their attention to researching and taking positions on local issues, from air pollution to library funding. They then produce reports on the subjects, which are available to members, the general public, and legislators. While the League of Women Voters takes positions on issues, it never endorses candidates. That’s something that drew Fairfax County League president Helen Kelly to the group. “I decided I wanted to join a non-partisan organization. I’m an independent, and I did not want to join any organization that was perceived as too far to the right or too far to the left,” she said.

voters who have not yet registered. While Virginia has a new voter ID law, there are many ways to meet its requirements, and Kelly said she thinks few people will face any difficulty casting their ballots. Registered voters will be mailed cards that can be used for identification. In addition to driver’s licenses and other government-issued ID, voters can use a utility bill with their name and address, a government check, or even a concealed handgun permit. Across the Potomac, the Montgomery County chapter of the League is one of the largest in the country, with more than 400 members, including many men. Except for

a part-time staff person, they all work on a volunteer basis. “I attribute our [large] numbers to being in the DC area. We’re full of policy wonks,” said Barbara Sanders, 62, who works with the Montgomery County chapter on voter services issues on both the state and county levels. Sanders is a case in point. She retired from a reference position with the U.S. Information Agency, in which she explained the U.S. presidential election process to foreign audiences every four years. She relied on the League for information for her presentations. See LEAGUE, page 44

Get Help With Your

Medicare Costs!

Getting out the vote Barbara Sanders (left) and Barbara Ditzler of the Montgomery County chapter of the League of Women Voters work on the organization’s Voters’ Guide. Five chapters of the League serve the Washington, D.C. area, and the Montgomery County chapter is one of the largest in the country.

The 200-member Fairfax chapter is working to get as many people registered to vote as possible, canvassing water parks, grocery stores and local festivals for eligible

The DC Medicare Savings Program can save you over $5,000 each year in Medicare expenses and prescription drug costs. You can qualify if you…

Faces of Friendship

Are a DC resident Are eligible for Medicare

!"#$%&'(#)*+$"",-$*#'*%#-$*,%&*./#$01* 2#0(*3/%*,-0#4#0#$'555*,%&*#06'*7$,/0#3/89:

Have monthly income below $2,812 (single) or $3,802 (couple)

!"#$#%!&'()%# !"#$%&#'(!$%')#!*++,

If you work, your income may be higher. Any money you have in savings is not counted for this program.

Call today for a tour! 202-244-7400 (TRS 711)

For more information, contact 202-994-6272 or DCHICP@gmail.com Health Insurance Counseling Project

4201 Butterworth Place, NW • Washington, DC www.friendshipterrace.com

LAWC_1213_8

The District of Columbia Office on Aging

Volunteers & Careers | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Self-employed have many savings options It is no secret that being your own boss As of 2012, those under the age of 50 has its advantages. But what often gets can make elective salary deferrals of up to overlooked is that the self$17,000 of their earned inemployed have more retirecome, as well as profit-sharing ment plan options than regucontributions of up to 25 perlar employees. cent of their net business profPotential plans include it, with the total contribution solo 401(k)s, Simplified Emnot exceeding $50,000. For ployee Pensions (SEP IRA) those over the age of 50, the and Keogh Plans. Some admaximum employee deferral vantages and disadvantages is $22,500, and the total contrifor each are described below. bution limit is $55,500. Solo 401(k) plans are availThese limits are much highable for self-employed indi- THE SAVINGS er than traditional IRA limits. viduals without employees or GAME Contributions are not taxable By Elliot Raphaelson with only a spouse as an emuntil withdrawal, and earnings ployee. For the full-time selfare tax-deferred just as they employed, and even for moonlighters, this are with traditional IRA accounts. is an excellent option. Participants can There are also solo Roth 401(k)s availcontribute to their plan as both the em- able in which contributions are taxed up ployee and the employer. front and withdrawals are tax-free (provided

you meet the usual Roth requirements). There is no requirement for regular contributions. Solo 401(k)s are not as easy to establish and administer as SEPs. However, because of the profit-sharing contribution, you may be able to contribute more to the solo 401(k) than you can to a SEP.

League

said Elaine Apter, co-president of the League’s Montgomery County chapter. “So it was really educating women to the issues in politics, and we’re still involved with that to this day. In the process, the League had an impact on women running for and winning electoral office. “Especially in the 1960s and ‘70s, we were a training ground for women in politics,” Apter said. “Many women running for office, especially for school boards and county and city councils, were League members because they got a taste for government, they knew the issues that were involved. They were educated on the issues. So, many of them were leaders.” Apter, 73, joined the League after moving to California and finding there were 32 ballot issues in the next election there. The League helped her sort through them all so she could become a more informed voter. “Ever y time I move, the first thing I do is make sure there’s a League of Women Voters,” she said. “It’s just a learning situation. It’s like continuing education.” The Montgomer y and Fairfax chapters produce annual Voters’ Guides, geared to county voters, for both the primary and general elections in election years. Candidates for all races are invited to submit short answers to a number

From page 43

Began with women’s suffrage While the national League also has both

male and female members, it started in 1920 on heels of the women’s suffrage movement. “If women had the right to vote, they had to know what they were voting for,”

Older adults throughout the region are reading the Beacon every month Shouldn’t your ad be here? For advertising rates, call Alan at (301) 949-9766 or email alan@thebeaconnewspapers.com

How 1 Need: Got Potholes

2 Call: 311 or

Borrow from your IRA One attractive feature that is not available with traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and SEPs is a borrowing option. You can borrow funds from your plan (up to a maximum), and if you repay within five years, there is no penalty. Not all plans offer the loan option, so ask your provider. Solo 401(k) plans are offered by noload funds Vanguard, Fidelity and T. Rowe Price, as well as discount brokers, stock brokers and insurance companies.

Compare the investment options and account service fees prior to selecting. With a SEP, any self-employed individual who operates as a sole proprietor or partner can contribute 25 percent of his net earnings up to $50,000 per year (2012 limits) — a much higher contribution limit than that of a traditional IRA. SEPs are easy to establish and administer. You have the option to convert to a solo 401(k) later if you wish to access the loan option (not available with SEP plans) or if you want to make larger contributions to your plan. One disadvantage is that if you have eligible employees, they must be included in the SEP. You cannot make a personal SEP contribution without making one to your eligible employees' SEPs as well. SEPs are See SAVINGS OPTIONS, page 45

of questions about their positions on important issues. Ballot questions are also described, and the issues are explained in detail. Since 2004, the Montgomery County Voters’ Guide has been inserted into the county editions of the Beacon. [If this Beacon is missing the Guide, you may pick up a copy at a county library, call the chapter (number below), or visit the Beacon website, www.theBeaconNewspapers.com.] The Fairfax Guide will appear in the Oct. 26 issue of the Fairfax County Times.

Join a League near you The Montgomery County League will hold a reception for new and prospective members on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. in a member’s Rockville home. For more information, email trihib@verizon.net. Here are contacts to learn more about the League of Women Voters’ chapters in the area: Montgomery County, Md.: http://mont1. lwvmd.org/n or (301) 984-9585. Washington, D.C.: www.lwvdc.org or (202) 222-0710 Alexandria, Va.: www.lwvalex.org, (703) 549-9386 Arlington, Va.: http://lwv-arlingtonva. org, (703) 344-3246 Fairfax County, Va.: www.lwv-fairfax.org, (703) 658-9150

Works

Contact MC311 for Montgomery County Government Information and Services

3 Visit: mc311.com

4 Done: Check it off your list

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Volunteers & Careers

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

Best cities to launch a second career 1. Portland, Maine. Topping our list of cities in which to launch your second career is Portland, Maine, where a lively arts scene, highly skilled workforce, inventive cuisine, low crime rate and high-quality medical facilities are drawing established professionals who want a change but aren't ready to retire. “The Internet, FedEx and the jetport have changed the dynamics of Portland,” said Andy Graham, of Designtex Surface Imaging, an interior-design company. Second act-ers can establish their home base here, telecommute or fly to their jobs, and still be a part of the Portland community.

Savings options From page 44 available from the same administrators as regular IRAs, specifically mutual funds, stock brokers, banks and others. With both solo 401(k)s and SEPs, withdrawal requirements and penalties are the same as with traditional IRAs. In general, there is a 10 percent penalty on distributions taken prior to age 59 1/2, and after age 70 1/2, there are mandatory withdrawal requirements based on IRS life expectancy tables. All withdrawals are taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

Compared with big-city prices, housing is affordable. New two-bedroom condos along the eastern district of downtown are selling for $360,000. A three-bedroom, twobath house farther northwest sells for $230,000. Much of Portland's economic growth derives from creative sectors, such as advertising, public relations and the arts. The arts district includes the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the ballet, an opera company and a theater. The Portland Museum of Art houses works by Monet as well as Winslow Homer. Hikers and bikers can enjoy breathtaking scenery on trails less than ten miles outside of town. But Portland's biggest attraction of late is its food scene. “Every chef is buying locally, and menus are evolving weekly based on what's coming out of local gar-

dens and the ocean, and what's being foraged,” said Pamela Laskey, of Maine Foodie Tours, in Portland. 2. Santa Fe, N.M. Second on our list, Santa Fe is an oasis in the desert, and not just for its four seasons. The city enjoys low unemployment, highly paid skilled jobs, a renowned opera and some 240 galleries. Other attractions include pricey jewelry shops around the 400-year-old adobe plaza and a two-mile stretch of Spanish farmhouses, restaurants and galleries on Canyon Road. The area bustles on Friday nights with musicians, street artists and locals hungry for an exhibit opening or a chile enchilada. But ambiance has a cost: A two-bedroom house runs $340,000, almost twice the national median for home prices. 3. Austin, Texas. Restart your life

Austin-style, with tacos at Guero's, haute cuisine at the Driskill Hotel, rockabilly at the Continental Club, and hiking and biking along the 809-acre Barton Creek Greenbelt. Downtown lofts are perfect for enjoying city life. Austin is looking for people to fill senior-level jobs. 4. Springfield, Ill. Illinois's state capital is a base for six national insurance firms and for healthcare companies. History buffs have their pick of sites relating to Abraham Lincoln, and everyone can enjoy the symphony, opera and outdoor activities, such as eagle watching. 5. Barnstable Town, Mass. Bucolic yet bustling, this central Cape Cod town is an ideal setting for a second act, with chic shops and restaurants, nightclubs, fishing, sailing charters, and popular Sandy Neck Beach. © 2012 Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Other options At one time, Keogh plans were the only option for self-employed individuals who wanted to contribute more than they could with IRAs. Since the introduction of solo IRAs and SEPs, Keogh plans have become less popular. For the most part, Keogh plans are less flexible and more expensive to establish and maintain. If you have employees, they must be included in your plan. For the vast majority of self-employed individuals, the other alternatives previously discussed are more appropriate. Other options include Simple IRAs and Simple 401(k)s. However, they are not as attractive overall as solo 401(k)s and SEPs. There are different deadlines for establishing retirement plans. For traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and SEP IRAs, the deadline for establishing one is the due date of your return (generally April 15) plus any extensions requested, and Dec. 31 of the prior year for 401(k)s and Keogh plans. IRS Publication 560 (Retirement Plans for Small Business) contains comprehensive tax information for these plans. An excellent source for information related to small business taxes is Deduct It — Lower Your Small Business Taxes (Nolo Press), by Stephen Fishman. Before you establish a plan, you should review your options with your tax adviser. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail. com. © 2012 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

At Landow House, Pearl has rediscovered the close-knit, caring community she knew as a girl. A sense of cultural community and belonging is a powerful tool for living. To feel secure and at home in new surroundings, to be among people who remember what it was like to walk to shul and wait for their mothers’ freshly baked challah to cool, to share memories with those who seem already familiar with them. That’s what it’s like to live at Landow House in Rockville. Our residents receive the highest quality care, from personal assistance dressing or taking medications, to nursing and medical care, all

in a beautiful, comfortable environment. This professional attention is provided at whatever level of assisted living care is needed, in an atmosphere of positive attitudes and friendly faces. We offer an unparalleled program of activities and holiday observances throughout the year, and our kitchen prepares a delicious kosher menu every day. Find out why so many Washington area families have made us a part of their lives.

LANDOW HOUSE 301.816.5050 • www.landowhouse.org It Takes a Community.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Travel Leisure &

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers the ultimate in luxury train trips. See story on page 48.

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

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

to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Hemingway worked hard during the 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” Heming-

way, 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. See KEY WEST, page 47

Key West From page 46 I learned (and like) that Harry enjoyed playing spirited games of poker with his 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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Leisure & Travel

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

artifacts that trace many aspects of the history of Key West and the other Florida Keys. 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. 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 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 See KEY WEST, page 49

BEACON BITS

Oct. 26

TIPS TO ENSURE A SAFE AND HEALTHY TRIP

Join David Laster and Victoria Stark of AAA MidAtlantic to learn about safe travel practices and preparing for the unknown. The free talk is part of the Virginia Hospital Center Healthy Aging Lecture Series. It will be held on Friday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, Va. Call (703) 558-6859 to RSVP.

Nov. 15

GUIDED TOUR OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY

View the historic grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. and hear about its history, legends and traditions on this walking tour with SOAR (Montgomery County’s Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation program) on Thursday, Nov. 15. The tour leaves at 8 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Lunch is on your own in Annapolis with time to walk around Main Street and the city dock area. The fee is $42. For more information or to sign up, call (240) 777-6870.

$25 to New York City/DC

To New York City

Just $25 each way on the leading family owned travelers gateway between NYC and DC. Caring, safe, dependable, courteous, non-stop, conveniently scheduled, daily service on comfortable, lavatory equipped buses.Wifi About 4 hours between Penn Station in New York City and and Electrical Outlets Washington DC. Bus stops inCustomers Arlington/Rosslyn•VAFriendly or Bethesda Staff MD. Steps from red, blue or Loyal orange Metro. 5 minutes to DC national sites and free capitol museums. Transportation Pick-up and drop-offs: Lorton, Arlington, supporter for National Cherry Blossom Festival performersVA and•visitors. Reasonable VA parking near both DC Bethesda, stops. Visit our website exciting –news, discounts and information. By MD •forNYC Penn Station reservation only at www.vamoosebus.com or toll free 877 393 2828.

Reserve online FREQUENT-TRAVELER www.VamooseBus.com REWARDS or call 301.718.0036 www.vamoosebus.com (877) 393-2828 Operated by: DC Trails Inc., Lorton VA, MC #402959

TB10/12 1672498

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Eastern & Oriental Express defines glitzy By Charmaine Noronha Beads of sweat trickle down my forehead on a muggy night in Bangkok when I realize I'm late for the Eastern & Oriental Express train. I've missed the shuttle from my hotel, and my baggage bounces over the unevenly paved streets as I run to the station in a panic. As I fly down the platform, my dress billows behind me. I feel like a character in an old movie as I sprint for the train, but it's not Paris in the 1920s and I'm not chasing the love of my life. Instead, I plan to be chasing back martinis as I journey through northeast Thailand's picturesque landscapes of rice paddy fields and lush hilltops, en route to Laos on this modern luxury train.

Flustered, I hop on seconds before the green and cream train toot-toots out of the station, and just as I imagined, it's as though I've landed in a bygone era. Cherry-wood-walled corridors inlaid with deep-set maroon carpets pave the way to elm-burr paneled cabins, outfitted with floral-patterned furniture and adorned with veneers of rosewood marquetry and intricate inlays. Flamingo pink and brass lampshades create warm, buttery hues inside cozy cabins. Elegantly suited attendants pepper the corridors, ready to oblige your every need. In the distance, a bar piano tinkles Dixieland jazz.

same company that took over the storied Orient Express, which began running between Paris and Vienna in 1883. That legendary route changed and expanded over time, and by the 1930s the trains also served destinations in central and southern Europe. Luxurious interiors and service attracted royalty, diplomats, business executives and the bourgeoisie. And the brand — including sister trains like the E&O — still carries that reputation for luxury. The team that refurbished the modern Venice Simplon-Orient Express train created the interiors for the Eastern & Oriental, which began running in Asia in 1993. Its carriages incorporate Eastern motifs and themes. The E&O has several routes, including journeys to Singapore and through Malaysia. I picked a four-day, three-night round-trip from Bangkok to Laos. Unfortunately, we lost a day's ride due to flooding that had washed out tracks in the south, so instead of winding through the countryside by day for a stop in Chiang Mai, we listened to a lecture about Thailand's textile culture and history at Bangkok's Mandarin Oriental hotel, fol-

A reputation for luxury The Eastern & Oriental is owned by the

lowed by a delectable evening spread. With full bellies, we boarded the train just in time for a night cap, an introduction to our cozy cabins and attendant, and moments later, our bumpy ride into the night began. At dawn, the smell of percolating coffee wafted through the corridors and the jostling of locomotive travel shook us from slumber. Our cabin attendant greeted us with a continental breakfast, including a selection of scrumptious gluten-free baked goods to accommodate my allergy.

Touring Thailand And then it was off to Phimai, one of the most prominent complexes of Khmer ruins in Thailand, which is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Located in Korat in northeastern Thailand, Phimai was the site of a Khmer city, built between 1579 and 1589 by the Khmer King Suriyavaraman I as part of the Khmer Empire. Here, we were treated to a traditional Khmer dance performance and a lecture about the significance and history See ORIENTAL EXPRESS, page 50

PHOTO BY IAN LLOYD

Re-enter the work force with a leg-up from Career Gateway! The Career Gateway! features small classes, 30 hours of intensive training over two weeks, a long-term mentor, and valuable take-home materials This intensive five-day course will help you: • turbo-charge your resume • hone your interviewing skills • learn how to network

• discover the hidden job market • develop personal job search plans...and more

WHEN: Courses offered monthly for computer-savvy seniors Coming up: Session 1: Oct. 15 Another session begins Nov. 12 and Jan. 14 (2013) WHERE: 12320 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20852 Call NO W! FEE: $75 Spa ce is limited

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call (301) 255-4215 or e-mail JCAUniversity@AccessJCA.org

The Eastern & Oriental Express travels through Singapore on its way to Bangkok, Thailand. The luxurious train is richly appointed in the 19th century style of its famous sister, the Orient Express, and pampers tourists with Western amenities and fine dining as they visit exotic Asian sites.

!"#$%&'#(#")*&#"&+,!&-!.%+&$/&#+&011 An affordable alternative to traditional assisted living, our unique Extended Independence program provides seniors with personal care services in an active community close to all that Silver Spring has to offer.

Celebrate summer with a new apartment at Springvale Terrace. Call today to learn about immediate move-in opportunities!

Funded By Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services; e Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the Jewish Council for the Aging®

301-587-0190 (TRS 711) !"#$%&'()*+,+$$)-+!-./0

Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)® www.AccessJCA.org

123204#$%&'()*+05.)60704%*(+$04#$%&'809:

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Leisure & Travel

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

Key West From page 47 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. AirTran and Delta offer the least expensive roundtrip tickets to Key West in late October. Tickets are $299 from BWI and have one stop.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 13+

BEACON BITS

Nov. 1

PLAY THE SLOTS AT DOVER DOWNS

Take a trip sponsored by Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs to Dover, Del. The Dover Downs Hotel and Casino offers more than 2,800 slot machines and table games. The trip leaves from two senior centers around 10 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $11 for Arlington residents and $13 for non-residents. To sign up or for more information, call (703) 228-4748.

Oct. 23

FOR OYSTER LOVERS

Take a trip to the St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival at the fairgrounds near Leonardtown. The event is noted for its emphasis on food, shucking and cooking contests, and entertainment. The trip is on Saturday, Oct. 20, leaving at 8 a.m. and returning at 8 p.m. It is sponsored by SOAR (Montgomery County’s Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation program). For more information, call (240) 777-6870.

HOLIDAYS IN ATLANTIC CITY The Brookland/Woodridge AARP Chapter 2414 invites you to

attend its two-day holiday trip, Thursday and Friday, Dec 13 and 14. Attend a holiday season party featuring recording star Maxine Brown and comic Melvin George II. Then enjoy the show Merry Christmas Baby. The cost of the trip, which includes one night in a hotel (double occupancy), is $250. Each guest receives $30 for the casino. The trip departs from and returns to Northeastern Presbyterian Church, Eastern Ave. and 22nd St. N.E, Washington, D.C. For additional information, call Lillie Fitzgerald at (202) 529-or e-mail travelAARP2414@aol.com.

Known for our Breakfasts Famous for our Lunches! BETHESDA • 7700 Wisconsin Ave. • 301-986-0285 ROCKVILLE • 12224 Rockville Pike • 301-468-0886 FALLS CHURCH • 7395 Lee Highway • 703-698-6292 www.OPHRestaurants.com FREE PARKING ALL LOCATIONS! Find us on Facebook

Travel with us 4X & get the 5th ride FREE!

Upcoming Theater Trips “The Color Purple”

at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia Sunday, October 21 $109 per person

Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” at Allenberry Inn & Playhouse Saturday, November 10 $129 per person

“A Swingin’ Christmas”

at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Sunday, December 2 $129 per person

Our 2013 schedule of trips will be published soon. Call us and ask to be put on our mailing list.

Free parking convenient to Beltway (I-495) and ICC (MD 200). Call us for details about these and our other fun-filled trips.

Travel with Louise, Ltd. 3 0t r a1v e-l w5i t9h l 8o u-i s0e . 7c o 5m 7

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Oriental Express From page 48 of the sprawling ancient city. We hopped back onto the train for lunch and journeyed through picturesque Khao Yai, where we disembarked for an afternoon tour of the GranMonte Family Vineyard, a unique grape-growing region and winery in the country's north. After sampling several international award-winning selections, we stumbled back onto the train to glam it up for dinner. The E&O encourages a formal dress code for its night-time noshing as a means to help preserve its glitzy past, and also encourages passengers to get to know each other. So you're seated among other guests for a fancy-shmancy meal and entertaining conversation.

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

I dined with a couple who had recently lost their home and belongings in the earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand. They were using the tragic incident as a catalyst to begin anew, along with a fellow Canadian who regaled me with fascinating stories about working around the world as an international conflict resolution expert with the United Nations. The next morning, the train rode over the Mekong River via the Friendship Bridge on newly laid tracks linking Thailand to Laos. We were greeted by another traditional dance, this time Laotian, before setting off to explore the capital city of Vientiane, as well as a textile factory started by a former U.N. development worker originally from Ethiopia. The day of touring did not provide enough time to do the city justice, but we

headed back to the train for the last evening of cocktailing and conversation. After a delightful, waist-expanding threecourse dinner, I snuggled into bed for the last night's journey back to Bangkok. Before drifting off, it occurred to me that if I had been chasing the love of my life, I might have let him go so I could spend more time chasing adventures on the Eastern & Oriental through Southeast Asia.

If you go For more information, see www.orientexpress.com/e&o. Luxury train routes in

Asia include Bangkok to Singapore, Thailand and Laos. Rates vary by route, length of trip and accommodations. A four-day, three-night SingaporeBangkok trip with stops in Malaysia departing Nov. 6, 18 and 27, and Dec. 23 starts at $2,440 per person, double occupancy, including some meals and tours. For Europe, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express routes include London, Venice, Paris, Budapest, Vienna and other destinations, as well as Istanbul. Visit http://www.orient-express.com. — AP

BEACON BITS

Nov. 1+

CARIBBEAN CRUISE Take a cruise from Baltimore to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Haiti

and more from Nov. 1 to 10 with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Interior room rates start at $989 per person, double occupancy. For more information,

Kosher,*

Delicious Fresh, Pre-Packaged Meals Salads • Sandwiches • Entrees • Desserts Available at locations throughout the DC area

For details or locations, visit www.wrap2go.com Or call (301) 328-1418

call Ana at (301) 706-0449.

Oct. 11

SHOULD YOU SELL YOUR HOME? Do you wonder if upkeep, taxes or social isolation at the home you’ve owned for years might make living in a senior community a

good choice? Attend a free luncheon and get expert advice on this subject from both a real estate and health perspective. The talk will be presented by Helen Flynn, a realtor and social worker, on Thursday, Oct. 11, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria, Va. To attend, RSVP by calling (703) 845-5000 by Oct. 9.

*certified Kosher by the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington

Assisted living. Bright living.

Co So min on g !

Assisted Living Memory Care

Every day should have bright spots. At Brightview they can. What’s Bright Living at Brightview? It’s everything. The people, the place, the personalized care. The potential to make the most of every day. For assisted living or memory care, come see how we bring it all together for you. ! Personalized assistance tailored to individual needs. Nurse on-site 7 days a week. ! Award-winning Alzheimer’s care program. ! Restaurant-style dining. ! Daily social events and activities.

25% special discount for the Beacon readers

and Free “Guide to Jewish Life”

240-314-7194 9200 Darnestown Road Rockville, MD 20850 www.BrightviewFallsgrove.com

Welcome Center Now Open at 1700 Research Blvd!

$52 $39

New subscribers only! $41.34 With MD Sales Tax

(%&"'(%"'''' m''' X^gXjaVi^dc5lVh]^c\idc_Zl^h]lZZ`#Xdb lll#lVh]^c\idc_Zl^h]lZZ`#Xdb 8a^X` CZl HjWhXg^WZg 9^hXdjci 7VccZg

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Leisure & Travel

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

Stay Connected to the Life You Love

residential cottages assisted living

memory care rehabilitation skilled nursing care

Assisted Living

at BROOKE GROVE

Brooke Grove has earned a reputation for excellence through more than 60 years of caring. We’ve partnered with national leaders in the field to ensure that every last detail promotes optimal living. Residents can relax in a light-filled home full of cozy spaces and with safe, easy access to the natural beauty of our wooded setting. The comfort of pets, children and family are a regular part of life. Our innovative approach to Assisted Living and Memory support encourages residents to fully experience a self authored and meaningful life. ! "#$%&%$'()!$%*+,&-./!01(0!()),2*!,'.!*0(33!0,!%$-#0%3/!01-!'#%4'-! experiences and needs of each resident ! 5-6,./!7'88,.0!3,.!01,*-!2%01! Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss ! 9#:(:%#:;!<"=9® enrichment programming ! =(6%)/!%#&,)&-6-#0;!*'88,.0!(#$!-$'+(0%,# ! "#0-.:-#-.(0%,#()!,88,.0'#%0%-* ! <%&->%#!8-0*

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

www.bgf.org

Call today to see why generations have chosen Brooke Grove.

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS

f o r

S e n i o r s

“Ten-ten AM, Thursday, September 27th, 2012”

i n

2 0 1 2

The wristwatch you never have to set… or even see.

Thanks to its revolutionary design, the Talking Atomic Watch gives you accuracy to within a billionth of a second. It gets its signal from the US Atomic Clock, the standard for time keeping worldwide. Plus, all you have to do is push a button, and the watch will “tell” you the time in a clear, easy-to-understand voice. It will even tell you the day and date. Travelling? Touch a button to switch it to any time zone. It’s lightweight and attractive… and it’s always accurate. The Talking Atomic Watch was . . . $89.95. Now $49.95 + S&H. Call today. 1-888-654-0588. Please mention Promotional Code 45577.

Our Lighted Full-Page Magnifier is hands-free and huge! Our one-of-a-kind magnifying floor lamp combines powerful FULL-PAGE magnification with flexible adjustability and clear, even Balanced Spectrum light. Twelve high-powered LEDs provide ample light for close work and reading. The super-large lens provides 2.5X-plus variable magnification, to easily cover an entire page without glare or hot spots. The ultra-flexible gooseneck positions the lens exactly where you need it. And unlike that magnifier in the drawer, you’ll always know where this one is. Magnifying lens dimensions are a whopping 7.375” x 10”. AC operated. The Lighted Full Page Magnifier was . . . $99.95. Now $79.95 + S&H Call today. 1-888-383-2998. Please mention Promotional Code 45581.

A floor lamp that spreads sunshine all over a room. The Balanced Spectrum’s 27-watt compact bulb is brighter than a 100-watt ordinary light bulb. With the lamp’s sharp visibility, you will see with more clarity and enjoyment in close tasks such as reading, writing, sewing, and needlepoint. It is especially helpful for aging eyes.

Experience sunshine indoors at the touch of a switch. This amazing lamp is not only easy on the eyes, it is easy on the hands as well, featuring a special “soft-touch, flicker-free” rocker switch that is easier to use than traditional toggle or twist switches. And its flexible gooseneck design enables you to get light exactly where you need it. The high-tech electronics, the user-friendly design, and a bulb that lasts 10 times longer than an ordinary bulb–all these features make the Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp a must-have. The Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp Only $59.95 each + S&H or buy two lamps for $99 + S&H. Call today. 1-888-919-6684. Please mention Promotional Code 45582.

The private TV listening system you’ll want to use… even if there is no one else in the room. Nothing causes more household arguments than the volume level of the TV. That’s because everyone wants to be able to hear the dialogue, and not everyone hears the same. Now, thanks to innovative digital audio technology, anyone can listen to TV at the level they desire without disturbing others. What’s more, the sound quality is so spectacular you’ll want to use it all the time. The unit hangs comfortably around your neck, so it doesn’t pull down on your ears. It’s easy to set up and use, so call today! Personal Television Listening System Only $99.95 + S&H. Call today. 1-888-892-6914. Please mention Promotional Code 45583. Copyright © 2012 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Leisure & Travel

Airline-like fees on cruises add to costs Following the lead of airlines, some big lines' sudden burst of fee initiatives in recent cruise lines are moving toward the airlines' years, with the same result: Increasingly, cruise lines are carving out pricing philosophy: Keep the services and features that were base price low, and make up formerly included in the base the difference with fees. How rates and instead pricing them this will play out is anybody's as optional fees. guess, but if you're considering But there is some question a cruise, you need to look past as to whether the cruise lines the initially featured rates. can and will go as far as the airMy friends at Cruise Critic lines in this process. With (www.cruisecritic.com) recentmuch fanfare, in 2005, Easyly reported that Royal Cruise began operating Caribbean just raised the prices TRAVEL TIPS Mediterranean/Aegean cruisin its nine major-ship “premi- By Ed Perkins es where everything but the um” Chops Grille venues from $25 to $30 per person. You do, however, get cabin was extra, but that model seems to have failed. At present, EasyCruise seems to to enjoy reasonably upscale dining. Less understandable are increased sur- be dormant, and even before the hiatus, it recharges at the casual Mexican and seafood verted to prices that included breakfast and venues on some other ships. Royal also in- either lunch or dinner. Clearly, at least so far, cruise lines have stituted a fee for room service.

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 given that cruise lines buy tax-free liquor: typically $5 and up for a standard 12-ounce domestic beer, $8 an up for a glass of ordinary wine, and $2 for a Coke or Pepsi. Carnival and Royal are currently testing all-youcan-drink packages at around $50 a day per person (tip not included), limited to nonpremium drinks, wine and beer. A few smaller lines also have drink packages. • You also run into the occasional oddball charge, such as Norwegian's $40 fee to store golf clubs. Of course, some options have always been costly — and usually extra expensive. All the cruise guides recommend against buying anything in a cruise line's high-priced “boutiques” and other retail 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 air-

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

The Fairmont...

Best Kept Secret In Manassas

So many beneﬁts and amenities We don't have space to list them all! • 24/7 live-in Managers • No buy-in fees or long-term leases • ree chef-prepared meals daily • Full calendar of events & activities • Weekly housekeeping • Pets welcome

9852 Fairmont Avenue Manassas, Virginia 20109

Call to schedule your tour today!

703-257-7111 www.the-fairmont.com

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Style Arts &

A founder of Ms. talks about her recent book on late-life love. See page 58.

Color Purple musical is masterful, moving

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.

October 17 – November 4

I Love to Eat Starring Nick Olcott as James Beard

Tickets: 240.644.1100 or ROUNDHOUSETHEATRE.ORG Bethesda

Nick Olcott photo by ClintonBPhotography. James Beard kitchen photo © Krishna Dayanidhi, courtesy of The James Beard Foundation.

A harrowing tale

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 deliverance. 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

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.

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 See COLOR PURPLE, page 56

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Arts & Style

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

Couple From page 1 conversations, he said. For example, in an interview with the Lebanese ambassador to the United States at the time, Riad Tabbarah, the two discovered while on the air that they shared a background in New York. Brooklyn-born Massabny moved with his family to Arlington when he was 18 and still retains vestiges of a Brooklyn accent, and Tabbarah drove a taxi when he was a grad student at Columbia University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we got off the subject of important matters. But you want to know something? People remembered that, they loved that. They called to tell me how down to earth and personable he was,â&#x20AC;? Massabny recalled. Massabny also puts nervous guests at ease â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in his trademark humorous way. A recent guest about to appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Conversations with Richâ&#x20AC;? admitted she had stage fright. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I said to her, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sometimes I get nervous, too. Sometimes I faint during the interview. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll recover quick, so just keep talking.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Massabnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unorthodox trick worked, and the guest focused instead on his fake infirmity rather than herself. His genial personality comes across in his reviews as well. Massabny lobs any criticism much more gently for community theater than for the larger professional theaters like Arena Stage or the Kennedy Center, for example. The same goes for restaurants. He acknowledges the brutal business environment for restaurant owners and never completely pans an establishment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be around this long if I made enemies or didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what I was doing,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be frank, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anyone knows more about restaurants than I do.â&#x20AC;? In acknowledgment of his expertise, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington paid tribute to Massabnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 25 years as a restaurant critic at their awards in April. So what restaurants does he recommend? In Arlington, he likes Chasinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tails Crawfish and Seafood Bar and the momand-pop pizza joint called Goodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. In Montgomery County, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fond of El Andariego in Olney, with Mexican and Salvadoran food, and the more upscale Normandie Farm in Potomac. Chefs from restaurants throughout the region cook three dishes on the half-hour show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Placeâ&#x20AC;? at the Fairfax studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly remodeled kitchen. Surprisingly, there have been no culinary disasters over the years, Massabny said. The worst problems have been the chefs who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk while they cook â&#x20AC;&#x201D; clearly not candidates for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Food Network Star.â&#x20AC;? In those cases, Massabny turns on his considerable banter skills full force, asking questions and commenting on sauces and techniques to fill dreaded silence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gift,â&#x20AC;? said Judy Massabny. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rich brings new meaning to the term, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I never met a stranger.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He can walk into a room of 100 people and be perfectly comfortable.â&#x20AC;?

Indeed, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how they met at the Northern Virginia Sun, with Rich Massabny lighting up the newsroom with his bubbly personality. Judy moved to Arlington in 1961 with family from a small town in western Pennsylvania. She and her father, who had been the general manager of the newspaper in their hometown, both started working at the Northern Virginia Sun. Judy moved on to serve as public relations director for 30 years for the 500,000member national trade organization the National Grange, a fraternal, farm and community service organization. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved the organization and who it represented â&#x20AC;&#x201D; small family farmers and rural Americans, and its American ideals and values. I was lucky to find my niche in life early,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Not the retiring sort But after retiring, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is not for me, just sitting around.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? So she â&#x20AC;&#x153;sort of

fell into a jobâ&#x20AC;? as marketing and leasing manager for a new seniors apartment building. And that led her to her current work with Arlington Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Senior Adult Programs. Before starting the job, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really realize that Arlington County had six senior centers. So I said to myself, this is going to be my mission, to make sure than everyone in Arlington County becomes aware of the senior centers, because they have so much to offer, not only for the senior seniors, but for the younger seniors as well. All kinds of fitness programs, education, travel, hiking, biking, all sorts of things,â&#x20AC;? she said. The only problem is that Massabny has been so busy doing her job that she hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had time to take advantage of the facilities herself! Most recently, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been involved in promoting the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, which drew the largest number of participants ever this year. When Judyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not working, she likes accompanying Rich to the plays and restau-

rants heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reviewing. And they also enjoy attending musical events together. They went to a Taylor Swift concert at the Verizon Center a couple of years ago and were interviewed by the Washington Post because, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we were undoubtedly the oldest people there,â&#x20AC;? Judy said. And that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother her one bit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both of us have always been involved with seniors. When I worked for the Grange, most of the 500,000 members were over the age of 50. We were both lucky enough to have grandparents. I had great-grandparents.â&#x20AC;? While they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have children, they enjoy their six nieces and nephews. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have always enjoyed working with seniors, and now that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seniors ourselves, we can appreciate even more what they were thinking and how they were feeling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We love being active and being out talking to people. We kind of want to be role models, too, for others to do that.â&#x20AC;?

"RING 9OUR 'ROUP TO THE +ENNEDY #ENTER for Entertainment on a Grand Scale!

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

War Horse

Winner of 5 Tony AwardsÂŽ including Best Play, War Horse is a remarkable tale of courage, loyalty, and friendship. At the heart of this powerfully moving and imaginative drama are astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handspring Puppet Company that bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.

/CT n.OV s /PERA (OUSE

Irving Berlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s White Christmas The classic holiday movie comes to the stage at last! This North American tour shines with classic Berlin hits like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blue Skies,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How Deep is the Ocean?â&#x20AC;? and, of course, the unforgettable title song. Full of dancing, laughter, and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s White Christmas promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

$EC n*AN s /PERA (OUSE

3AN &RANCISCO "ALLET San Francisco Ballet brings Artistic Director & Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomassonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s critically acclaimed ballet adaptation of Romeo & Juliet (Thu.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sun.) and a MIXED REPERTORY PROGRAM (Tue. & Wed.), which includes Trio (Tomasson/Tchaikovsky), RAkU (Possokhov/Eshima), and Number Nine (Wheeldon/Torke).

ROMEO & JULIET

.OV n s /PERA (OUSE The Kennedy Center Ballet Season is presented with the support of Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian. The 1994 world premiere of Helgi Tomassonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Romeo & Juliet was made possible by the E.L. Wiegand Foundation.

Happy Holidays!

2ANDALL #RAIG &LEISCHER CONDUCTOR IRVING BERLINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHITE CHRISTMAS

Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund. The Kennedy Center Theater Season is sponsored by Altria Group.

The spirit of the season is yours to enjoy in this evening of joyful song that also features a visit from Santa Claus and other special guests. The Washington Post has raved about this festive time when the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Concert Hall is festooned with seasonal decorations and young children are watching the proceedings raptly. Infectious rhythms and soaring voices made for the best kind of Pops holiday.â&#x20AC;?

$EC n s #ONCERT (ALL Additional support for War Horse is provided by Laura Pels.

$AVID AND !LICE 2UBENSTEIN are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO.

War Horse photo by Brinkhoff/Moegenburg; Irving Berlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s White Christmas TM & (c) 2012 Paramount Pictures and TM & (c) 2012 The Estate of Irving Berlin. All Rights Reserved; Maria Kochetkova and Joan Boada in Helgi Tomassonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Romeo & Juliet. Photo by Erik Tomasson.

Call now to reserve your Group tickets Visit our Web site at kennedy-center.org/groupsales

(202) 416-8400

4OLL FREE s 449

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Color Purple From page 54 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 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 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

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

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 selfesteem. But as Celie finds the power within her, Quincy transforms before our eyes. Her voice grows in strength and tone, her haggard and tense face and body finally relaxing and resonating with joy. Quincy’s voice is a magnificent instrument, used to full effect in the popular anthem, “I’m Here,” close to the finale. With Toby’s troublesome sound system muffling much of the singing with off-centered, badly mixed and muddy music from the live band, and faulty microphones hampering vocal performances in quieter moments, it is especially rewarding to hear Quincy holding the audience rapt with the heart-wrenching and plaintive “Somebody’s Gonna Love You.” Singing with minimal musical accompaniment, Quincy has the room to herself to mix love and pain and hope when Celie’s baby is taken from her. Hall’s physicality is a feat of story-telling all by itself. In early scenes, he radiates power and authority. He never walks; he strides, riding crop in hand. As Mister starts to age, Hall’s movements become

Going Home Cremation Service Beverly L. Heckrotte, P.A. Personalized

Professional

Dignified

Affordable

• 24 hour service specializing in direct cremation • Arrangements made in the convenience of your home or office • Return of the urn and memorial merchandise to your home • Serving Maryland and Washington, D.C. • Serving Md. & Washington D.C. since 2000 without any increase in prices!

(301) 854-9038 or 1 (866) 728-4663 (toll free) call for your FREE information package Visit us at www.GoingHomeCremation.com

more serpentine, as evil cunning replaces physical strength as a source of domination. And his powerful baritone shows expressive range in several numbers. Adding considerably to the success of this production is Shayla Simmons as Shug, the sensuous saloon singer and Mister’s mistress, who is integral to Celie’s blossoming. Simmons’s voice is liquid gold, used to stunning effect in “Too Beautiful for Words,” a lovely ballad that’s all the more effective because she provides beauty in the midst of moral squalor and ugliness. And in non-singing moments, where this show is weakest, Simmons puts such life into her acting that Shug’s contradictions make sense. We know her, just as we know Quincy’s Celie and Hall’s Mister. When Quincy and Simmons perform the moving duet “What About Love?” it’s musical storytelling and intense character development at its best, as well as a musical highlight. There are too many musical moments that are either emotionally compelling or joyous fun to list here, although mention must be made of choreographer Anwar Thomas’ work. The highlights are “Push Da Button,” the raucous and bluesy road-house number in Act One, and the “African Homeland” sequence that opens Act Two. “Push Da Button” is gritty and earthy, all sweaty energy as the ensemble enjoys physical pleasure in movement. “African Homeland” is a swirl of lithe and supple dance set to the throbbing rhythms of African drums — a celebration of commu-

nity expressed in both synchronized movement and individual gyration and leaping. Diverse in approach, both scenes are show stoppers. This is a genuine crowd-pleaser. Except for some lethargy in a few Act Two scenes, this production of The Color Purple is compelling, delightful and emotionally exhilarating. The Color Purple continues through Nov. 11 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia. The show runs every day, except Mondays. The doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner prior to evening shows Monday through Saturday and at 5 p.m. for the Sunday evening performance. Doors open for matinee/brunch performances at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. All-you-can-eat buffets (including a sundae bar) are served prior to every performance. Following the meal, evening performances begin at 8 p.m. except Sundays, when show time is 7 p.m. Matinee performances begin at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Ticket prices, which include the meal but not sodas or specialty drinks, range from $49 to $54 for adults, depending on which performance is selected. Tickets for children 12 and under cost $35.50. Performers, who also serve as waiters, will expect tips. There is ample, free parking on the premises. For reservations and information, call 1800-88TOBYS (888-6297). You may also visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com. Michael Toscano is the Beacon’s theater critic.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 27

BROADWAY AND BARBERSHOP

Enjoy some of your favorite Broadway tunes performed in four-part barbershop harmony by the award-winning Vienna-Falls Chorus on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Ernst Cultural Center of Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Va. Special guest performers will be Maxx Factor, the 2011 Sweet Adelines International quartet champions, who were also featured on the first season of NBC’s The Sing Off. The afternoon performance at 2 p.m. will be interpreted in American Sign Language. The evening show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets ($20 for adults; $15 for seniors, children under 12, and groups) are available online at www.viennafalls.ticketleap.com/broadway, by email at tickets@viennafalls.org, or by phone at (703) 242-7464.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Arts & Style

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

2012–2013 SEASON

Join the NSO for an extraordinary new season of music to live by in the Concert Hall. OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER CONCERTS CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH, CONDUCTOR KELLEY O’CONNOR, MEZZO-SOPRANO

VASILY PETRENKO, CONDUCTOR SERGEY KHACHATRYAN, VIOLIN

WAGNER: Tristan und Isolde—Prelude and Liebestod LIEBERSON: Neruda Songs TCHAIKOVSKY: Romeo and Juliet TCHAIKOVSKY: Francesca da Rimini Thu., Oct. 4 at 7 | Fri., Oct. 5 at 8 | Sat., Oct. 6 at 8

TCHAIKOVSKY: Violin Concerto SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 4

AfterWords: Thu., Oct. 4 performance followed by a free discussion with the artist. The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation

CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH, CONDUCTOR NATHALIE STUTZMANN, CONTRALTO WAGNER/HENZE: Wesendonck Lieder BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 7

Note: No late seating until intermission.

Thu., Nov. 15 at 7 | Sat., Nov. 17 at 8

BEYOND THE SCORE® VASILY PETRENKO, CONDUCTOR Take your musical appreciation to the next level with this new NSO initiative that’s half concert, half multimedia educational experience.

SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 4 Fri., Nov. 16 at 8 Beyond the Score® is produced by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Gerard McBurney, Creative Director; Martha Gilmer, Executive Producer.

Note: No late seating until intermission.

Thu., Oct. 11 at 7 | Fri., Oct. 12 at 8 | Sat., Oct. 13 at 8

CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH, CONDUCTOR ANNE SCHWANEWILMS, SOPRANO IRIS VERMILLION, MEZZO-SOPRANO RICHARD CROFT, TENOR KWANGCHUL YOUN, BASS THE CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, Scott Tucker, Artistic Director

ˇ JURAJ VALCUHA, CONDUCTOR JONATHAN BISS, PIANO SZYMANOWSKI: Concert Overture MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 13 RAVEL: Ma Mère l’Oye—Suite (Mother Goose) DEBUSSY: La Mer Thu., Nov. 29 at 7 | Fri., Nov. 30 at 8 | Sat., Dec. 1 at 8 The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation.

BEETHOVEN: Missa Solemnis Note: No late seating and no intermission.

Thu., Nov. 1 at 7 | Sat., Nov. 3 at 8

CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH, CONDUCTOR LANG LANG, PIANO STRAUSS: Till Eulenspiegel’s lustige Streiche (Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks) BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No. 2 (Thu. Only) BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No. 3 (Fri. Only) BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” (Sat. Only) ˇ DVORÁK: Symphony No. 7 Thu., Nov. 8 at 7 | Fri., Nov. 9 at 8 | Sat., Nov. 10 at 8 AfterWords: Thu., Nov. 8 performance followed by a free discussion with the artist. The Lang Lang Residency is made possible through the generous support of Ann and Tom Friedman. Bombardier is the supporting sponsor of the Lang Lang Residency.

KELLEY O’CONNOR

LANG LANG

SERGEY KHACHATRYAN

(202) 467-4600 kennedy-center.org Tickets from $10 available at the Box Office | Groups (202) 416-8400 | TTY (202) 416-8524 David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO. Roger and Vicki Sant generously endow the NSO Music Director Chair and provide additional support for the Lang Lang Residency. General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the National Symphony Orchestra Classical Season. The Beacon Newspaper is the proud media partner of the NSO.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Making and living modern women’s history ic companionship, rebuilding intimacy with a lifelong partner, reconnecting with a long-ago love, and testing the waters in a same-sex union.

Power and passion at Ms. An initial position at Seattle magazine led her to work in New York as an editor for Time, Mademoiselle and McCall’s. But in 1972 at the age of 31, she joined other young women in producing Ms., one of whom was the magazine’s publisher — renowned activist and feminist Gloria Steinem. The time was pivotal for American women who were beginning to lobby for equal rights at home and in the workplace. While some older women of the era struggled with adapting to the evolution in their gender identity after generations of inequality with men, “It was the younger women who had the nerve” to put out a magazine like Ms., Braun said. It was also personally transforming for Braun, she said. She had just spent two years as editor of a medical journal on sexual behavior, being paid only about twothirds of what a male candidate for the position had been offered. Though she ac-

All Pet Crematory, Inc. (410) 552-0703 or 1(888) 552-0703 (toll free) • open directly to the public for private cremations only • caring & professional staff • memorial urns and merchandise available “Pet Lovers Serving Pet Lovers” | WWW.APCrematory.com

Reserve your ad now — space is limited

Don’t Miss Out!

• 50,000 free copies • Enhanced distributed throughout listing included Montgomery County with your ad

Call Now 301-949-9766

cepted the position at what she called “the girl price,” Braun said her resentment at being disrespected by the lower salary made her “very ready for Ms. and its support of women’s rights.” The Ms. staff combined women with a variety of concerns, not only for equality of women, but for civil and welfare rights. Her biggest challenge as editor, she said, “was to turn all this challenge and passion into a magazine” — and she discovered just how much women could learn from each other’s experiences. “Ms. expanded my understanding of the world,” she said. “It gave me things to fight for and believe in, and it put me into a moment in history.” Her awareness of this history-in-themaking contributed to Braun developing and producing the 1981 Peabody Awardwinning HBO special She’s Nobody’s Baby: A History of American Women in the 20th Century. Braun was with Ms. until 1988, and then served from 1989 to 1997 as the only woman editor of the Columbia Journalism Review.

A new direction Finally, at a peak in her career as an editor, Braun said she became uncertain which direction to go next. While she had not previously considered writing a book, she realized she had always been interested in the subject of family dynamics, including a growing trend among men becoming more involved in their home lives. Braun’s first book, Father Courage: What Happens When Men Put the Family First, was published in 2000. In 2007, she co-authored with Mary Thom an oral history of one of the country’s most outspoken former congresswomen, Bella Abzug: How One Tough Broad from the Bronx Fought Jim Crow and Joe McCarthy, Pissed Off Jimmy Carter, Battled for the Rights of Women and Workers, Rallied Against War and for the Planet,

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN BRAUN LEVINE

By Connie George For a young college graduate in the 1960s with admittedly no clear vision for her future, writer and editor Suzanne Braun Levine ended up on a career trajectory that has made her one of the most accomplished authorities on women and family issues. Her long list of professional achievements includes having been the first editor of Ms., the groundbreaking magazine that launched 40 years ago and was instrumental in promoting women’s rights, even helping to determine the definition of “rape.” Now 70 and author of a new book on the sex lives of women over 50, Braun recently reflected to the Beacon, “Basically, I’ve been following my generation into the next chapter of transforming experience.” How We Love Now: Sex and the New Intimacy in Second Adulthood, released last December, reveals Levine’s studies of women throughout the United States who are exploring later-in-life love after reexamining their interests. The book describes scenarios as varied as involvement with multiple partners at once, choosing a solo life with only-platon-

Ms. magazine’s first editor Susan Braun Levine recently published her fifth book, How We Love Now: Sex and the New Intimacy in Second Adulthood, about laterlife love.

and Shook Up Politics Along the Way. But three of Braun’s five books have put her in the forefront of exploring the lives and relationships of women over 50, in what she describes as their “second adulthood.” In addition to the recently released How We Love Now, Braun published Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women in Second Adulthood in 2005 and Fifty is the New Fifty: Ten Life Lessons for Women in Second Adulthood in 2007. She also writes a column on similar issues as a contributing editor to More magazine. Prior to her 50s, Braun said, “I didn’t find my voice. I didn’t feel I had anything to say. I didn’t feel I had a right…I am absolutely certain I could not have written any of these books earlier in my life,” she added. “That’s why I find this stage of life so exciting. Our authenticity is emerging. That sense of authority is coming forward.”

BEACON BITS

Oct. 26+

ON THE HOMEFRONT

“What I Did Last Summer” is a play set in 1945 by award-winning playwright A. R. Gurney. Young Charlie undergoes life-altering experiences during the summer his father is away fighting in the Pacific. It will be performed at the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets, available at www.McLeanPlayers.org or 1-866-811-4111, are $14 to $16.

Oct. 20+

WOODBRIDGE FLUTE CHOIR

The Woodbridge Flute Choir, a 25-member ensemble that performs on flutes of all sizes from piccolo to contrabass, will present two free concerts. On Saturday, Oct, 20 at 7 p.m., the choir will perform at the Lake of the Woods Church, 1 Church Lane, Locust Grove, Va. The concert will also be performed on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at Westminster at Lake Ridge, 12191 Clipper Dr., Lake Ridge, Va. More information about the Woodbridge Flute Choir and its 2012-2013 season may be found at www.woodbridgeflutechoir.org.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Arts & Style

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

Sex and the new intimacy In How We Love Now: Sex and the New Intimacy in Second Adulthood, Suzanne Braun Levine continues shedding light on the issues that face midlife (and older) women, and those whom they love — be they husbands, lovers, children, friends and, most importantly, themselves. Levine has said that she wrote the book to encourage women to take inventory of the intimate connections that are already enriching their lives — women friends, work or volunteer relationships, children, children-in-law, grandchildren — and to ask themselves what love means to them now. In a reasonably short, engagingly written book, Braun weaves the science of getting older with the personal experiences of both women and men as they discuss how their relationships have changed in mid-life. And the good news is, Levine reports, it’s mostly for the better. Most of the women and men Levine interviewed for this book say that their relationships — whether new or old — are based much more on egalitarianism and less of a power play than they once were. In chapters that focus on such issues as “From Dependence to Independence to Interdependence,” “Turning On to Our Sexuality — Even If We Undress in the Dark,” “A Second Chance at Getting it Right,” “Love and Work – Together at Last,” “Cyberspace — Where The Action Is,” and “Care Getting — The Next

Frontier,” Levine also finds that how we experience intimacy (not just sexual intimacy) is different from earlier times in our lives. “We are nurturing it in relationships that might not have developed in the past,” she writes. “We are finding the kind of fulfillment, trust, and delight in a widening universe of intimate connections that deserve to be called love. And, most of all…we are discovering new dimensions of give-and-take in those relationships, because we are uncovering new resources for giving and taking within ourselves.” According to Levine, the new intimacy, as she calls it, is based on who we are now. She makes the point early on that “You are not who you were, only older.” Rather, “your circumstances have changed; your choices have changed; you have changed.” The new intimacy is also about risk taking; about finding, not losing, yourself in a relationship; about second chances; about letting go and reevaluating old priorities; about acceptance — of who you are, how you look, and your worthiness to be loved as well as about the limitations of time; and finally, about finding a “peaceful place” where the conflicts that might have plagued you before between past and present, love and work, who you are and who you thought you should be, are reconciled. — Carol Sorgen

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

PERSONAL FINANCE COURSES

The AARP Foundation’s Finances 50+ financial capability program for area residents consists of three 90-minute educational classes on assessing finances, budgeting, taking control of credit and debt, and building and protecting assets. The classes will be held at various times in October and November at the Greater Washington Urban League, 2901 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. To register and for more information, call (202) 265-8200 ext. 263.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

VETERANS ART SHOW

Veteran artists across the United States with a passion for painting or printmaking are encouraged to submit their work for consideration in a special all-veteran art exhibit. The Veteran Artist Program (VAP) is accepting submissions until Oct. 30. This year-long exhibit is part of the ongoing Patriotic Series at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. Artwork in this first ever veteran-specific gallery event will be seen by thousands of government employees, dignitaries and visitors on a daily basis. To apply, go to www.veteranartistprogram.org/submissions and fill out the submission form.

Oct. 28

STEP BACK IN TIME

Join Doc Scanlon and his Imperial Palms Orchestra as they bring their music, complete with the look and feel of the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s, to Vienna, Va., on Sunday, Oct 28 at 3 p.m. The show will be at the Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street, NE, Vienna, Va. and will benefit the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For more information, call (703) 281-0538 or email office@scov.org.

•

!"#$%&''$you$ ()*$"#$+!,-#,./.0012

ENRICHMENT

FRIENDS

COMFOR T

DELICIOUS CUISINE

QUALITY

“There are so many ways that residents interact with each other, and I am very, very happy to have the chance to use my gifts and talents as a chaplain to help others here in my community.” Hamilton Brown, resident since 2011

&77)!")+$-$')'!#&=)&%#)-(()>?=)!9") "(-$#(%'-)7!+()7$+$%/)&') ?(-'("@"!!A)8(-$#(%,(-3

703.531.0781

!!"!#$%&'"(")*&+,--.)"#/ 2030 Westmoreland St. • Falls Church, VA • www.chesterbrookres.org !"!#$%&'()*)+*,!%$-

!6)>!%#("697)-'!"$(-)&%#)&0&B$%/)"(-$#(%'-3

!!"#$%&'(#)*("+$,(-).&%&/(0(%'1)2%,3)4)5"!6(--$!%&7).&%&/(0(%')!6)8('$"(0(%') !009%$'$(-)-$%,():;<:

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Don’t exempt older jurors, use them more! My wife was called for jury duty — again. She grimaced, she groaned, she sighed, she went. The last time she was called, she sat on a panel that heard a complicated weeklong criminal case. But there were no such theatrics-pyrotechnics this time. They had enough jurors. She was discharged after just three hours. As always, my wife marveled at how diverse the jury pool was — fat/thin, male/female, rich/poor, black/white. And as always, we marveled together at how our clunky system of justice seems to deliver justice the vast majority of the time.

That night, I happened to be glancing over the paperwork my wife had been given at the courthouse that morning. Buried among all those sentences was one that brought me up short. It said that anyone called for jury service in Montgomery County who is over the age of 70 can be excused — just for being over 70. Not if they are over 70 and sick. Not if they are over 70 and responsible for someone’s care. Not if they are over 70 and have difficulty getting around. Not if they are over 70, are still working

Crazy, dirty rotten bureaucrats. Panderand have to travel for their jobs. Not it they are over 70 and can’t help ing to the elderly. Patronizing people who are still alert and aware. Turning jury smirking at dopey lawyers. service into a dreaded chore Just if they are over 70. and not a privilege. This seemed bananas to me, Grumble, grumble, grumfor several reasons. ble. First, we seniors have more And then I did some reexperience than anyone else, search. by definition. Doesn’t that Guess what? The loaded mean that a 70-plus juror would jury pool that I was imaginbe a better juror, not a worse ing isn’t loaded at all. one? “In reviewing our statisSecond, to be over 70 isn’t to tics, only about 4.7 percent be at death’s door — not these of those 70 and older opt not days. A 70-plus juror wouldn’t HOW I SEE IT By Bob Levey to appear for jury service,” be any more likely than anyone said Maria Vogel, the Jury else to nod off after lunch, or Commissioner in Montgomery County for suddenly take sick. Third, if a juror is over 70, he or she is the last six years. In other words, the elderly are given a probably no longer working full-time. Doesn’t that mean that this juror can give big “out” in the world of jury service — and very few take it. fuller time and attention to the task? OK, Robert, old boy, you can calm down I’ve been on juries where people age 30something are texting their secretaries now. Or can I? and worrying about picking up their kids I’ve got a new cause, dear friends. at day care. If you’re north of 70, all of that Rather than exempting 70-plus people is very likely to be behind you. Fourth, a 70-plus juror would be less from juries, and rather than applauding likely to be swayed by television. Haven’t when so few of them take advantage, we you met young people who think that our should empanel more of them. I’m not going to re-float the old proposal criminal justice system is just like “Perry Mason” or some latter-day forensics show? about professional jurors. This rears its ugly head every time there’s a celebrity I’ve met many. But I have also met many people 70 and defendant. The jury always seems to conover who understand how important it is sist of the lame, the halt, the brainless and to listen carefully to judges and lawyers — the unsophisticated — usually because defense lawyers want such people. and not to their preconceptions. If we had professional juries, this arguFifth, a 70-plus juror would probably have a very long history in his or her community, ment goes, we wouldn’t have to grit our simply by having lived in that community teeth over jurors who never read a newsthe longest. This is the foundation of the paper, who never vote, and who can’t wait jury system, after all — the idea that deep- to ask the defendant for his autograph seated contemporary community standards once the trial is over. No, what I’m imagining is a re-set of the will lead a juror to the fairest decision. An oldie-but-goodie will have all those jury pool. Add a higher percentage of 70-plus peodecades of experience to call upon. A betple to the mix. All kinds of 70-plus, not just ter verdict awaits. Sixth, diversity is always a good thing, in those who read regularly. Then sit back juries and in life. To automatically exclude and watch as these jurors do their jobs jurors who are 70-plus is to lop off a major with skill, grace, alertness and awareness. No autograph-seeking for them. Just sector of the population. Is that fair? It that just? Not as fair and as just as it would be to community service, in the best possible sense. include them. Bob Levey is a national award-winning By the time I had finished reading my wife’s paperwork, I was in a full-dress snit. columnist.

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD A C M E

F O I L A L T O

From page 63.

O R A L

R O S S

T A K E T S H E L U N O M M A O N G B O B E T E I A N R G

A K A N Y R E E T G F I O F A I L

R E D R E W O W N S

B R O O B A L I K

A F T S R A S E C A P E S R S T O I I T H H O S E E M A M Y A I R C Y D R E E A R S S S T I O M A N D M A B E E N A D

S H O P C L E R K S

H A R M

E Y E S

E P E E S

S A N D

S H I M

M A G I

S T E T

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com | Arts & Style

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

Letters to editor From page 4 I’m running because I believe that the principle of social justice means we must gradually replace the profit-driven system of economic exploitation with a truly democratic, community-based, cooperative economy. I also believe we need to reform the election system. I’m running because environmental wisdom and sustainability should guide public policy. Current energy policy is dominated by oil companies that give huge sums of money to government officials, who then ignore the public interest and instead subsidize their wealthy crony donors and deplete public resources. This conflict of interest is not sustainable. It resembles bribery and undermines democracy. It also degrades the habitability of our planet. We are stewards of the earth. We must not let greed or foolish policies deprive future generations of a healthy and beautiful world. Bob Auerbach Greenbelt, Md. Dear Editor: The Financial Modernization Act, which “modernized” the financial industry by once again allowing commercial and investment banking entities to operate under one umbrella, was signed into law on November 12, 1999, merely a few months before the stock market bubble peaked and subsequently burst in the year 2000. It wasn’t until the end of 2007 that we began to see the effects of this unbridling of the financial industry. The 2008 Great Recession was preceded by a housing industry bubble and the peak number of financial instruments, products and speculation. In 2010 the intent of the Dodd-Frank Act was to undo the damage done to our economy by a highly sophisticated financial industry. It was supposed to stop big banks from doing bad things — like failing. Unfortunately, what it’s been better at is stopping small banks from doing good things — like lending. Smaller community banks and credit unions don’t have large compliance offices to deal with all of the new rules. Many reports point to increased consolidation [of small banks] this year and many more expected in 2013. According to the Government Accountability Office, “20 percent of lending by community banks can be categorized as small business lending, compared to 5 percent by larger banks.” If community banks

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

merge into bigger banks or just disappear, small business lending will continue to decrease. What’s bad for small banks is bad for small business. What’s bad for small business is bad for our economy. We need to consider refining the DoddFrank into a better bill: More clear and less demanding upon the community banks and credit unions that had little or nothing to do with the financial crisis of 2008. Jason J. Howell Independent for U.S. Congress Arlington, Va.

a es ift! k a g M eat gr

Beacon The

I N

F O C U S

F O R

P E O P L E

OV E R

5 0

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

$36/year via First Class Mail* $12/year via Third Class Mail* Please send my subscription to: Name:____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________

BEACON BITS

Oct. 5+

TRAVEL BACK TO THE 1950s

The Marvelous Wonderettes takes you to a 1958 high school prom and the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. They perform such classics as “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” and “It’s My Party” in a show presented by the Montgomery Playhouse Oct. 5 to 21 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Rd., Gaithersburg, Md. Tickets for Gaithersburg residents are $16; $18 for nonresidents. Call (301) 258-6394 or visit www.montgomeryplayhouse.org.

City: _____________________State:_____Zip: ___________ WB 10/12

❐ ONE YEAR First-Class rate ($36 in VA and out of the area; $38.16 in D.C.; $38.16 in MD)

❐ ONE YEAR Third-Class rate ($12 in VA and out of the area; $12.72 in D.C.; $12.72 in MD) ❐ Check here if this is a gift subscription. A gift card will be sent in your name: _________________ Return form with check made payable to The Beacon, to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 *D.C. residents: add 6% for sales tax; Maryland residents: add 6% for sales tax.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

Caregivers CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. COMPANION GHA/HH AIDE AVAILABLE NOW Live-in or out day or night. With excellent references. Very reliable and punctual. Own transportation. Please call 240-543-5024. HOME ASSISTANT for the elderly. With many years as a caregiver. Do personal care, meals, laundry. Available Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm. 301-537-2495. References. COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER - Companion available to care for Elderly or Adult with disabilities. Very reliable, experienced, own car with excellent references/background check available. CPR/First Aid/Hospice/Mental Health Aide certified. I can provide respite care, concierge, plus more services for your loved one. Please call 240-426-3548, kindly leave a message. ELDERCARE – Reliable female. 26 years experience. Certified with care. Available MondayFriday. Full or part-time. 202-636-3598. Please leave a message. LICENSED, BONDED CNA with a decade of geriatric care experience seeks long-term, fulltime overnight position. Currently a grad student pursuing nursing degree, I come with an extensive resume, sterling references & solid pet-care skills. If interested, kindly call Jacqueline at 301-787-3555. LOVING CARETAKER you can trust and afford. Years of experience with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and hospice care. Meal preparation, companionship, housekeeping, errands, appointments, or just going for a ride. Very dependable. References available. Nursing abilities. 240-855-2477.

Computer Services TECH/COMPUTER TUTOR/TROUBLESHOOTER, Consumer Electronics consultant with 17 years experience making house calls. PC, Mac, iOS, Android, networks. Call Claude 202-630-5016 or visit kerno.biz. COMPUTER PERSONAL IT SERVICE HELP – Transfer pictures to CD, download music and books, upgrade computer programs, training, setup email, Apps, and accounts. Contact: Wilson, 301-830-2344 or email at Personal_IT@aol.com. PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call: D. Guisset at 301-6424526.

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

Entertainment PUT THE MUSIC YOU LOVE BACK IN YOUR LIFE! Enjoy live jazz and swing on the first Friday of the month at Hollywood East Café, Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall, 7 to 10 p.m. Listen to the Night & Day Combo perform the classic standard songs of the 30s, 40s and 50s, from Cole Porter, Gershwin, et al. Great music, great food, no cover charge! http://nightanddaymusic.com/clubpage.html. ENTERTAINMENT: Pianist, vocalist, dancer provides fun and interactive music programs especially designed for the “Senior Set.” Shows, sing-a-longs, ballroom dancing and more. All with a touch of humor. See videos and info at MarkHanakMusic.com or call 301-293-2933.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate LEISURE WORLD® - $375,000. 2BR 2FB “G” in Creekside. Table space kitchen, separate laundry room, enclosed balcony, garage space. 1325 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $59,500. 2BR 1FB “Carlyle” model coop. 1035 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $92,000. 1BR 1FB rarely available “A” model in the “Greens” with GARAGE, enclosed balcony with golf course view. 860 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad. Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766. For Sale

Wanted

GE UPRIGHT FREEZER (14 Cu.Ft.) White and in perfect condition. Best offer. Can help with moving. Call 301-657-8322.

MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan (202) 841-3062.

TREADMILL – Automatic powered by electricity. Manufactured by Image Personal Fitness Systems. Best Offer. Can help with moving. Call 301-657-8322.

Home/Handyman Services

LEISURE WORLD® - $129,000. 2BR 2FB “Bristol” model patio home, new paint, close to parking. 1059 sq ft., Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

MICHAELS HAULING Clean-outs, scrap & debris removal yard waste, etc. Mulch, dirt & stone delivery, lite dump truck, 20’ trailer & bobcat. Fully insured. 240-388-1898.

LEISURE WORLD® - $94,900. 1BR 1FB “AA” in the “Greens”, new paint, close to the elevator. 862 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301928-3463.

NEED HOUSE CLEANING? Professional service at an affordable price! Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one time. Call for a free estimate @ 240-644-4289.

LEISURE WORLD® - $119,000. 1BR 1-1/2BA “A” in “Villa Cortese”. Fresh paint and new carpet, enclosed balcony, close to elevator. 940 sq ft, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

Memorial Services

LEISURE WORLD® - $94,500. 1BR 1-1/2BA “Cordoba” model with carport. New paint and carpet, 1st floor with enclosed patio and walkout to grassy area, 1020 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $268,500. 2BR 2FB “Marlboro” patio home. Updated kitchen, new paint and carpet, 1 car garage, Florida room. 1155 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $519,000. 3BR 1-1/2BA “L” in “The Overlook”. End of the hall with 3 exposures, separate dining room, 2 enclosed balconies, 2 separate storage areas, garage parking.1775 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - RENTAL - $1500. 2BR 2BA “E” in “The Greens”. New paint, new carpet. Move in condition. 940 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - RENTAL - $1500. 2BR 2FB “F” in “The Greens”, close to the elevator, move-in condition. 1115 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. COMING SOON - 3BR 2FB “L” model in the “Greens” with garage, 1610 sq ft., 3BR 2-1/2BA “M” in the Greens - 1480 sq ft. 2BR 2-1/2BA “Berkeley” - 1600 Sq Ft. 1BR 1FB “Raleigh” coop - 990 sq ft. LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 15. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors.

For Sale 2 GRAVE SITES AND VAULTS for sale at Fort Lincoln Cemetery. 301-371-6579. $6,500.00 Garden of the Good Shepherd. 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653.

JOHN AND EDNA LUMPKIN To honor the wishes of John and Edna Lumpkin, formerly of Lake of the Woods, VA and Bethesda, MD, the family invites friends to a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lake of the Woods Church. John passed away Nov. 27, 2011, and Edna joined him June 7, 2012. A reception will follow the service.

Personal Services WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike 301-565-4051. VETS AT WORK TELECOM technicians provide high quality Telephone, Data, and video wiring services. Flat Screen TV Installation, Cellular and Wi-Fi reception enhancements. All available at reasonable prices. Licensed, bonded and Insured. Email vetsatwork@gmail.com or call for free estimates. 703-232-5233. MOTHER WILL DRIVE you to your appointments, church, shopping and assist you. Honest, reliable, References. DC & Maryland. Bee 301949-4873.

Vacation Opportunities COLUMBIA LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND, a nonprofit organization serving people of all ages in the Washington metropolitan area who are blind and visually impaired, is recruiting adult volunteers to serve as Readers and Friendly Visitors. Participants in the Readers & Friendly Visitors program are adult volunteers who are matched one-on-one with blind or visually impaired adults. Volunteers arrange weekly meetings with clients at their homes to assist with activities, such as reading mail, grocery shopping or running errands. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Jocelyn Hunter at 202-454-6422 or jhunter@clb.org to attend an upcoming orientation.

Wanted STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-6637. Stampex1@gmail.com.

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious, capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree], knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate, I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan 301-2798834. Thank you. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, ESTATES. FREE evaluations and house calls. We pay the most for your valuable treasures because we get the most money on eBay – the worldwide Internet. Serving entire metro area – Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia. Buying the following items – furniture, art, paintings, silver, gold, old coins, jewelry, vintage wristwatches, military items, including guns, rifles, swords, daggers, knives, musical instruments, guitars, violins, banjos, old toys, dolls, trains, old golf clubs, baseball, football, tennis equipment and memorabilia, old fishing, tools, books, photographs, comic books. I am a resident of Silver Spring and work in Bethesda. I have 25 years experience. Please call Tom Hanley at 240-476-3441 – Thank you. ALWAYS BUYING STERLING SILVERWARE, flatware, holloware (any condition), all jewelry – any condition (including old costume), coins, stamps, old magazines. Call Richard today: 571-426-5363. DC/Balt. Area. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158. VINYL RECORDS WANTED from the 20s through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections preferred. Please call John, 301-596-6201. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838. BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE 240-4640958.

Classifieds continued on page 63.

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

Puzzle Page

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Costume Closet by Stephen Sherr 1

21 23 28

WANTED: ELECTRONICS, radio tubes, ham radios, huge old loud speakers, tube HiFi, stereo amps, earliest computers ever made, vinyl records, professional musical instruments, scientific curiosities, early electronic books, magazines, engineers, physicists, scientist, accumulations. 202-527-9501, vcvdc@msn.com.

COLLECTOR BUYING MODERN FURNITURE, lighting, art & accessories from the 1940’s - 1970’s. Danish/Scan, Knoll, Herman Miller, Dunbar, Paul Evans, Thayer Coggin, Harvey Probber, Vladimir Kagan, Nakashima, etc. Also buying abstract modern art, ceramics, glass and records. Please call 202-213-9768.

Thanks for reading!

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FREE FRAUD INFORMATION

The nonprofit National Association of Triads and the local Home Instead Senior Care office have launched a public information program to educate families and seniors about how to protect themselves against scams. Find tools at www.ProtectSeniorsFromFraud.com. To obtain a free senior fraud protection kit, contact Home Instead Senior Care at (301) 588-9710.

52 59

Across

WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202-726-4427, MD 301-332-4697.

CASH FOR ESTATES, Gold, Silver, Coins, Costume Jewelry, Antiques/Collectibles, Etc. Will travel 301-520-0755.

HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES! Compare my estimate before you sell... Antique and quality modern furniture, paintings, pottery, rugs, clocks, gold, silver, costume jewelry, silver flatware, watches, military items, guns, swords, daggers, helmets, fishing, toys, sports memorabilia, American tools. One piece or an entire collection. I AM an established dealer with 25 years experience, with 2 locations, Silver Spring [Hillandale] & Bowie. Please call Chris KELLER for prompt professional service. 301-262-1299. Thank You.

Wanted

Scrabble answers on p. 60.

1. Your heart goes out to it 6. Imitates Huck Finn 11. That boat 14. Swamp sound 15. Reset the white board 16. “___ is for horses” 17. Requirement for a super-hero costume 19. It is measured on a miner scale 20. “Anything ___?” 21. Mos. and mos. 22. Engine speeds (abbrev.) 23. Arbor Day honoree 25. Acting like a statue 28. Requirement for a ghost costume 33. Tossed with abandon 34. Come across as 35. Fed. org. since 1970 36. ___-Pah-Pah (Song from Oliver!) 37. Like some coffee-house treats 39. Stimpy’s cartoon pal 40. ___ Believer (Monkees tune written by Neil Diamond) 41. The Hawkeye State 42. In a lather 44. Requirement for a princess costume 48. Prepares, as a potion in a witch’s cauldron 49. Sound receivers 50. Drive the get-away car 52. It exceeds 768 mph 53. Beliefs 57. Hula dancer’s accessory 58. Requirement for a witch costume 62. Brownish shade a little darker than 64A 63. He said “What Washington needs is adult supervision” 64. Brownish shade a little lighter than 62A 65. Assn. 66. Compare 67. Word on a ticket stub

Down 1. Wile E. Coyote’s supplier 2. Tough test

3. 1992 foe of Bill and George 4. “OK; let’s all rest now” 5. Rap sheet letters 6. Updated Congressional districts 7. Rainbow parts 8. Employer of air traffic controllers 9. Recipe amt. 10. Match a bet 11. Those who sell super-hero, ghost, princess, and witch costumes 12. Damage 13. Jack-o’-lantern holes 18. No, to Alexander Ovechkin 22. ___ Bravo (Wayne Western) 24. “Do you want ___ or decaf?” 25. Tulip supporter 26. Those guys 27. Resistance unit 28. Instant replay speed 29. A creature inside a super-hero, ghost, princess, or witch costume 30. Hurricane of 2012 31. Fencing tools 32. Beach, basically 33. Defeat a villain 37. Colt or filly 38. Holds the deed 41. “___ were a rich man...” 42. Sticker used at the outlet store 43. Dwelled 45. Understood (as a joke) 46. Toady 47. Spreadsheet lines 50. One higher than tenor 51. Yellowstone Park denizen 52. Between all and none 54. Thin wooden wedge 55. Wizards 56. “Never mind; leave it alone” 58. Basketball giant, Manute 59. A grand slam will net you four 60. America’s national tree 61. Grp. with a Slam Dunk Contest

Answers on page 60.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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