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Sharing black theater’s legacy

Delving into the past Stevens, who lives in Southeast Washington with his wife, spent several years writing the self-published book. He conducted much of his research at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, part of the New York Public Library, documenting information on African American theater — from the black minstrels of the late 19th century to black theatre owners across the country from 1910 to 1930. He says his is the only book to pull together information on the evolution of black musical theater during this 60-year span. “The information I uncovered in this book about African American performers from 1865 to 1930 was mind boggling because there were so many people who had

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By Barbara Ruben Ronald “Smokey” Stevens tap danced onto Broadway in 1976 at the age of 25, when he got a role in Bubbling Brown Sugar — a musical revue featuring the music of African American performers of the early 20th century, from Duke Ellington to Fats Waller. Not only did the Washington native get his first big break that year, he met the man who would inspire him for decades to come. Stevens said that renowned tap dancer Charles “Honi” Coles, then in his 60s, became a mentor to him during his Broadway debut and then as they toured the country with the show. Since then, Stevens has appeared in movies such as The Wiz, and in the Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Even today, Coles’ stories about the Harlem Renaissance and black vaudeville shows still resonate with Stevens, leading him to write his second book. He published it this year, The First 60 Years: The History of Afro-American Musical Theater and Entertainment. The book looks at the period from the end of the Civil War through the beginning of the Depression. “It was just awesome being in the company of people like Honi Coles,” said Stevens. “He eventually took me under his wing and became my mentor, so to speak. He taught me all of these historic tap routines. I listened, talked — and drank — with him for over a year and a half,” Stevens said of a friendship that spanned a generation.

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

Actor, dancer and author Ronald “Smokey” Stevens has performed at the historic Howard Theatre in Northwest Washington, as well as on Broadway and at theaters across the country. His recent book chronicles the first 60 years of black musical theater in America, and he turned first book, an autobiography, into a one-man show at local theaters.

to be entrepreneurs. Coming out of slavery in 1865, we had to create our own theater,” Stevens said. “In doing so, we created black minstrelsy, we created black vaudeville. In doing so, the blues was created. Jazz was created and became part of the fabric of America. That was the motivation behind writing the book.”

Early inspirations Stevens had a lot of motivation for entering the entertainment industry. While he was a student at Eastern High School, he was inspired by a group of actors from Arena Stage that came to perform there in the late 1960s. Stevens got a job acting with the Showmobile, a program of the D.C. Recreation

Dept. The mobile stage toured various parks and community centers. It was here the chain-smoking Stevens earned his nickname Smokey, a moniker that’s stuck even though he kicked the habit years ago. The nickname came in handy when he joined the Actors’ Equity Association: Stevens found there was already an actor named Ronald Stevens. After performing in a show about Frederick Douglass at the Smithsonian Institution, Stevens was chosen to join the D.C. Black Repertory Company. He was one of its youngest members, and worked as an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer. See STEVENS, page 50

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Awesome subjects Expressing awe at anything nowadays medicine, cars and gadgets (think James makes one appear to be a simpleton, or at Bond) — now utterly amaze me. Or rather, the very least, uncool. what we have come to know Of course, my children and about the world around us, their friends say “awesome” and the many ways we have at almost any expression of learned to master and manipgood fortune. But I still think ulate that world, make me true awe — expressing stare in wonder. amazement, wonder or astonIn part, that’s probably beishment at something — is a cause I always remained a sentiment we are expected to student of the liberal arts keep under wraps, in favor of rather than the hard sciences. a more contemporary blasé I simply don’t understand attitude. much of the underlying FROM THE So I’ve been feeling rather PUBLISHER physics and chemistry of uncool lately (no big surprise By Stuart P. Rosenthal today’s developments. there, my kids would say), as Fortunately, one doesn’t I’ve been finding myself surprised and have to understand how things are made awed on a near-daily basis. or why they work in order to benefit from Subjects that I thought were interesting them. (And perhaps not understanding the in elementary school — genetics, space, inner workings makes their achievements

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Aug. 30

TIME TRAVEL TO THE 1940S

Oatlands Mansion is hosting a 1940s-themed party on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music and dancing. Dress code is cocktail attire; 1940s dress is welcomed. Tickets cost $95, which includes admission, two drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Oatlands is located at 20850 Oatlands Plantations Ln., Leesburg, Va. For more information, call (703) 777-3174.

all the more wonderful!) At any rate, I love to learn about, and where possible make use of, each day’s new discoveries. You may have suspected this, if you are a regular Beacon reader. Many of our stories discuss a new means of medical diagnosis, treatment or cure; a new website or app to help make wise investments or save money on travel; a new gadget to help people save time or cope with a disability. It’s not a coincidence: I gravitate toward stories that fascinate me, and it seems to me that the world is getting more and more fascinating by the hour. This is why you will be seeing some changes in the Beacon starting next month. We will be introducing a new section of the paper — “Technology and Innovations” — focusing on the technologies and developments that promise to make our lives better (assuming the technologies of destruction don’t put an end to us first). We are conceiving this new section broadly. Some of the stories will be those you have come to expect from our Fitness & Health section or our Law & Money section, addressing an app or website or new technique that addresses a health or financial need. Others will be written specifically for this section, describing local initiatives and programs that can help you learn to use (or use better) your computer, smartphone, tablet and the like. There will also be explanatory pieces

delving into the practical side of technology: how to choose a new device, how to troubleshoot, as well as a question-and-answer column. And we will be bringing you interesting information gleaned from websites, blogs and social media sites that you might want to visit yourself. Overall, the common thread of our new section will be the changing technologies that affect how we live our lives, communicate with each other, interact with the world, and express ourselves and our creativity. If you’re a techno-phobe — one who keeps your distance from new technologies either because you fear you cannot learn to use them or just feel you have nothing to gain from them — I urge you to give it a look anyway. While each article will address some new technology in some way, we will strive to make them as clear, readable and useful (or at least interesting) as we can. There’s so much more we can say. But I will let our new section speak for itself. Please look for it next month. And let me know what you think of it! Organizations and businesses interested in being a part of this new section are invited to call us at (301) 949-9766.

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In Paul Roberts’ July story, “A D-Day eyewitness returns to Normandy,” our editing mistakenly described Mr. Roberts’ as a cryptographer for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in WWII. Actually, he was with the 437th Troop Carrier Group. We also omitted his original article's references to Cameron Griffith, the Congressional Affairs Liaison with the Embassy of France, who helped bring American veterans to Paris for the D-Day commemoration.

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 really enjoyed reading Barbara Ruben’s article about neighborhood villages in your July Housing and Homecare Options magazine. I live in D.C., and I volunteer with the Cleveland and Woodley Park Village. I also have personal experience with the Monterey Bay Village in California as a long distance family caregiver. My late father had been the sole caregiver for his wife: he was wheelchair-bound, and she has Alzheimer’s. She refused to accept any outside help for quite a while. He literally wore himself out taking care of her. My folks joined the Monterey Bay Village last year. The Monterey Bay Village

volunteers helped my folks with chores and provided invaluable resources. I wish I had convinced my dad to join the Village earlier. (It took a year for me to convince him to get help, and by then it was too late.) I really love the cover photo of your housing section, which as you know is a photograph from Cleveland Park. I was also impressed with Barbara’s interview with Elizabeth Fox. It’s such a great article! I’m hoping with this wonderful publicity that another family won’t have to go through what we endured. I’m hoping a lot more families will engage the Village model as a result of the Beacon. Honora Precourt Washington, D.C.

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Something new: Generations Together er school club of my fellow Robert Frost Middle School students to build relationships and bridge the generation gap in our community. We will be starting the school year with regular visits to the Village at Rockville, a retirement community just a short walk from my school. Over time, I think this idea could catch on in schools throughout the country. • I hope to create a book club called “Read, write and think!” that focuses on books featuring older adults and young characters who have an impact on each other. One example would be the Harry Potter series, where Dumbledore and Harry Potter help each other out. • I also would like to write a monthly newsletter on a particular theme to be distributed in schools and senior community centers. • I want to help spread knowledge of technology by designing tutorials that teach older adults how to create PowerPoint presentations and do other cool things with

computers. I also want to set up a program for E-mail Pals. • I also want to organize intergenerational discussion groups about what’s going on in the world today, set up joint exercise programs, and more. [Editor’s Note: See our Nutrition Wise column on page 18 for some ideas about intergenerational exercise.] The next time you have a few minutes to spare, don’t just sit there! Go find either an older or younger person, and do something fun together. You never know; it might lead to a long-lasting friendship. And please take a few moments to fill out the survey form on this page and return it to the Beacon. Thank you for reading my column!

What intergenerational programs interest you? We’d like to learn more about your thoughts on intergenerational ❐ Technology classes programs. Please fill out the survey below or online at ❐ E-mail pals http://bit.ly/generationsurvey. We are asking for your name and ❐ Fun walks contact information in case we can put you in touch with a program ❐ Current events discussion groups in which you might be interested. The Beacon never sells information ❐ Two-way mentoring (for example, learning technology from collected in its surveys. younger people, and teaching them about historical events you’ve experienced) You can mail in your response with the housing information coupon on page 5. Mail to: 3. How far would you be willing to travel from your home to The Beacon Newspapers participate in intergenerational programs that interest you? Intergenerational Survey ❐ 1 mile or less ❐ 2 miles P.O. Box 2227 ❐ 5 miles ❐ 10 miles or more Silver Spring, MD 20915 5. How interested are you in Alexis’ new column? 1. Have you participated in intergenerational activities before? If so, which of the following (check all that apply):

❐ Tutoring/mentoring programs ❐ Interages programs ❐ Experience Corps ❐ Junior Achievement ❐ ReSet ❐ Senior proms (at a high school) ❐ Other _______________________________ 2. Please indicate in which of the following intergenerational activities you would consider participating:

❐ An intergenerational book club (like Alexis suggests above) ❐ Intergenerational sports or exercise activities

❐ Very interested ❐ Somewhat interested ❐ Not interested Name________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________ E-mail________________________________________________________________

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Older and younger generations com- high school, conducting interviews, and bine naturally within families. But what writing journals together? The social media about outside of families? site Facebook has become a Think about it. Kids don’t place where seniors and typically want to hang out with young people interact, too. older folks who may have never I also contacted my greatlaid eyes on a smartphone begreat-aunt and asked her what fore. And seniors most likely she thought about the subject. aren’t daydreaming of spending My aunt was a teacher, so she time with a twelve-year-old like knows about both children and me. seniors. We spoke about ways And that is exactly what I that she would like to see the want to change. generations combine, where My name is Alexis. I’m GENERATIONS she thought good places to star ting seventh grade at TOGETHER meet would be, and what age By Alexis Bentz Robert Frost Middle School in groups she thought would be Rockville, Md., this month, and the best fit. I want to help bridge the expanding gap beAfter much thought and discussion, here tween the older and younger generations. are some of the ways I am hoping to bring How do I plan to do this? Well, my first the generations together: steps were to do some research. I read ar• I proposed to the publisher of the Beaticles about people from different genera- con that I write a Generations Together tions spending time with one another, and column to raise awareness about this issue also some articles on ways to possibly and to recruit older adults for various asbridge the gap. pects of the project. Did you know that seniors and students You are reading my first column now! I throughout the U.S. have created intergen- hope you will also fill out the survey form erational projects including visiting nurs- that the Beacon has created to see if reading homes, writing poetry and stories to ers like you are interested in participating. share, having a “senior (citizen) prom” at a • I plan to create a Generations Togeth-

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Health Fitness &

DIVE INTO SEA VEGGIES Seaweed and algae are packed with many seaworthy nutrients THE HEART OF THE MATTER Certain pacemakers might be more effective for women than men FOODS FOR BETTER SLEEP Foods that contain complex carbs and lean protein can promote slumber PROTECTIVE PORTERS Doormen are being trained to look for signs of elder abuse in residents

Immune system therapy kills off cancers By Marilynn Marchione Two years ago, Arrica Wallace was riddled with tumors from widely spread cervical cancer that the strongest chemotherapy and radiation could not beat back. Today, the Kansas mother shows no signs of the disease, and it was her own immune system that made it go away. The experimental approach that helped her is one of the newest frontiers in the rapidly advancing field of cancer immunotherapy, which boosts the body’s natural ways of attacking tumors. At a recent American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, doctors also reported extending gains recently made with immune therapies against leukemia and the skin cancer melanoma to bladder, lung and other tumor types. The cervical cancer experiment was the first time an immune therapy has worked so dramatically against a cancer caused by a virus — HPV. In a pilot study by the National Cancer Institute NCI), the tumors of two out of nine women completely disappeared and those women remain cancerfree more than a year later. That’s far better than any other treatment has achieved in such cases. Doctors are trying it now against throat, anal and other cancers caused by HPV, the human papillomavirus, and think it holds

promise for cancers caused by other viruses, too. This is “very, very exciting,” said Dr. Don Dizon of Massachusetts General Hospital, a women’s cancer specialist with no role in the study.

One-time treatment Wallace lives in Manhattan, Kansas, west of Topeka, and was 35 when her cervical cancer was discovered. It spread widely, and one tumor was so large it blocked half of her windpipe. Doctors said she had less than a year to live, but with sons aged 8 and 12, “I couldn’t give up,” she said. She enrolled in the study, and researchers removed one of her tumors, isolated special immune system cells that were attacking it, multiplied them in the lab and gave billions of them back to her in a one-time infusion. They also gave her drugs to boost her immune response — “like Gatorade for the cells,” she said. “It’s been 22 months since treatment and 17 months of completely clean scans” showing no sign of cancer, Wallace said. The second woman to have a complete response has been cancer-free for 15 months so far, said one study leader, Dr. Christian Hinrichs of the NCI in Bethesda, Md. “There’s no way to know” if the re-

sults will be permanent, he said. A third woman had tumor shrinkage that lasted three months. The other six women did not respond to treatment. Researchers are attempting to determine why. Doctors are trying the treatment on several dozen more women with advanced cervical cancer, and it could some day be offered at many cancer centers the way bone marrow and stem cell transplants are now.

Other therapies in development Many private companies are pursuing other treatments that are given like drugs aimed at the immune system. Also discussed at the conference: • Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.’s Yervoy, the first immune therapy to improve survival of advanced, inoperable melanoma, also helped prevent recurrence when given to people with earlier stage disease at regular intervals after surgery, a study of nearly 1,000 patients found. But severe side effects caused half to quit treatment, and five people died from it. Doctors think a lower dose might minimize these problems. The drug also costs more than $100,000 for initial treatment, so long-term cost is a concern. • Nivolumab, an experimental therapy from Bristol-Myers, extended survival by

3 1/2 years on average when given with Yervoy to people with very advanced melanoma — far better than any previous treatments. Nine of 53 patients treated had complete remissions. • Merck & Co.’s experimental therapy pembrolizumab gave one-year survival rates of about 69 percent in a study of 411 patients with very advanced melanoma, including many previously treated with Yervoy. • Genentech’s experimental immune therapy for bladder cancer shrank tumors in 13 of 30 patients with advanced bladder cancer for which there are hardly any treatment options now. All signs of cancer disappeared in two patients. Immune therapy struggled for years with just occasional small gains, but “now we have cruise missiles” giving better kill rates against many tumor types, said Dr. Steven O’Day of the University of Southern California. Others tempered their enthusiasm, noting that some promising approaches produced more limited gains once they were more fully researched. “Let’s not forget the history” of what seems like progress with a new approach, said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. “It doesn’t always work out the way it appears to be heading.” — AP

Feds diverge on proper use of painkillers By Matthew Perrone How do you have a conversation about prescription drugs that provide critical pain relief to millions of Americans yet also cause more fatal overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined? The answer is: It depends. Different parts of the federal government describe the problem — and potential solutions — of abuse with Vicodin, OxyContin and other opioid drugs in different terms. The White House has called opioid abuse an “epidemic” and a “growing national crisis” that causes more than 16,500 deaths per year. Meanwhile, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a top-ranking Drug Enforcement Administration official have called on doctors to dramatically scale back their

use of prescription opioids. But while Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret Hamburg acknowledged that opioids are overprescribed in an interview with the Associated Press, she again emphasized the importance of keeping the drugs accessible to Americans with chronic pain — a group she cites as roughly 100 million, or about 40 percent of U.S. adults. “I think we have an important balancing act of trying to assure that safe and effective drugs are available for patients who have real pain and need medical care,” Hamburg said. The agency’s approach has won kudos from physicians who use opioids to treat pain, including the American Pain Society, a group that receives funding from the largest pain drugmakers, including Pfizer Inc. and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

CDC wants to limit But it also exposes a rift in the government’s messaging about the appropriate role of opioids, which are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the U.S. CDC officials have called for more limited prescribing, citing figures that show a four-fold increase in opioid sales between 1999 and 2010, during which opioid overdose deaths more than tripled. “These are dangerous medications, and they should be reserved for situations like severe cancer pain where they can provide extremely important and essential palliation,” CDC Director Tom Frieden said. “In many other situations, the risks far outweigh the benefits.” It’s a view shared by anti-addiction advocates like Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, a group that wants the

FDA to severely restrict pharmaceutical marketing of opioids. “Over the past decade, there have been more than 125,000 painkiller overdose deaths because drug companies were permitted to falsely advertise these drugs as safe and effective for long-term use,” said the group’s president, Andrew Kolodny. Experts agree that most overdoses occur in people abusing opioids at unsafe doses, often by grinding up tablets for snorting or injecting. But groups like PROP say that addiction often begins when doctors prescribe the drugs for common aches and pains. Opioids include both legal and illegal narcotics, such as heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone among others. See PAINKILLERS, page 5

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But in the 1990s, a new generation of specialists argued that opioids, when used carefully, could safely treat common forms of chronic pain, including back pain and arthritis. That message was amplified by pharmaceutical marketing for new, longacting drugs like OxyContin, which the FDA approved in 1995. Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, would later plead guilty and pay $634.5 million in fines for misleading doctors about the risks of addiction and abuse with OxyContin. But opioid prescriptions continued to rise unabated. It’s a trend closely monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, where officials say an oversupply of painkillers is fueling the black market for both prescription opioids and heroin. DEA Deputy Assistant Administrator Joe Rannazzisi says it is “outrageous” that the U.S. consumes 99 percent of the world’s hydrocodone — the most prescribed medicine in the country. “A controlled substance shouldn’t be the most widely prescribed medication in the United States,” he said in an interview. “If we believe we’re the only country that knows how to treat pain that’s a pretty arrogant attitude.” To be sure, any successful effort to curb

In her interview with the AP, Dr. Hamburg emphasized this multifaceted approach while highlighting two recent steps by the FDA to reduce harm from opioids. In September, the FDA narrowed the prescribing label on long-acting opioids like OxyContin to specify that they should only be used for “pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock” therapy that cannot be managed with other approaches. Previously, the label simply stated the drugs were for “moderate to severe pain.” In October, the FDA recommended reclassifying hydrocodone-containing combination pills like Vicodin to limit how doctors can prescribe them. But both of those actions came after outside pressure. The labeling change was in response to a petition from the physician group PROP, which sought much stricter labeling than what the FDA ultimately put in place. The change in classification for hydrocodone pills came after nearly a decade of prodding by the DEA, which argued that the drugs had been misclassified in the first place. DEA’s Rannazzisi says the difference in tone between various agencies reflects their unique missions. As he sees it, the FDA’s primarily role is to review drugs and make sure they are marketed appropriately. But the DEA’s mission to investigate drug diversion brings his staff much closer to the ongoing epidemic of abuse and addiction. “Maybe sometimes people need to get out from behind their desks and actually go and look at what’s going on,” Rannazzisi said. “Because in the end this is a national tragedy that’s not being addressed.” — AP

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The appropriate medical role for opioids has been the subject of vigorous debate for over 20 years. For most of the last century, doctors reserved opioids for acute pain following surgery or injury, or for severe, long-term pain due to deadly diseases like cancer. Using the drugs for more common ailments was considered too risky because they are highly addictive.

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drug abuse must involve a wide range of players, including state lawmakers, medical boards, pharmacy chains and medical educators.

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Painkillers

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Dive into sea vegetables for deep nutrition By Matt Ruscigno, R.D. Seaweed, algae, sea vegetables — no matter what you call them, these plants from the sea have been a delicious, nutritious part of our diet for centuries. Grown in the mineral-dense environment of the sea, they’re packed with nutrients such as iodine, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and phytochemicals. There are hundreds of varieties of sea vegetables, each with a unique nutritional composition — and all are nutrition powerhouses with few calories.

Seaworthy nutrients Seaweed is an especially rich source of iodine, which is required for proper thyroid function. Because iodine levels in veg-

etables and the soil in which they’re grown varies greatly, seaweed can be an important source of this crucial nutrient. Just two tablespoons can contain an entire day’s worth of iodine. Most sea vegetables have significant amounts of the coagulant vitamin K and non-heme (plant-based) iron, which is required for energy transport in the blood. (Note: if you’re taking a blood thinner, you need to be careful about fluctuations in vitamin K intake.) These vegetables from the sea also contain measurable amounts of carotenoids and flavonoids often associated with “superfoods,” such as blueberries, green tea and chocolate. Consumption of these phytonutrients may reduce the risk for heart

disease and some cancers. Certain varieties of seaweed, especially those that are brown, like kombu, contain the unique compound fucoidan — a starch-like molecule with strong antioxidant properties. Sea vegetables are popular as a dietary supplement in pill or powder form, but there’s no reason to take a pill when you can easily eat the whole-food version, which is always better for you. A simple start is to add them to soup or sprinkle the flakes on Asian dishes. There are many kinds of seaweed, typically available in dried form, with an enormous variety of tastes and textures. Look for sea vegetables in supermarkets, Asian markets and online.

Sample some seaweed

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While there are hundreds of varieties of seaweed, you might want to start with those most readily available, such as: 1. Wakame — This kelp looks like a stringy noodle and has a chewy texture. Common in miso soup. Serve tossed with

sesame oil over lettuce. 2. Kombu — This type of kelp is high in glutamic acid, which is responsible for umami, the savory taste associated with Asian foods. Common in soup broth or with sashimi in Japanese cuisine. Add when cooking beans to reduce gas-producing properties. 3. Nori — A dark purple algae that turns green when toasted. Well-known for its use in wrapping sushi, it’s produced in square, dry, toasted sheets, and makes a great crispy snack. 4. Dulse — Most often found as shredded, dried flakes, this red algae is especially high in calcium and is a staple high-fiber food of Northern Europe. Can be baked and eaten like chips, or added to foods like soup and even homemade bread. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2014 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Lifestyle changes may slow aging of cells By Elizabeth Fernandez A small pilot study shows for the first time that changes in diet, exercise, stress management and social support may result in longer telomeres — the parts of chromosomes that affect aging. It is the first controlled trial to show that any intervention might lengthen telomeres over time. The study, published online in The Lancet Oncology, was conducted by scientists at UC San Francisco and the Preventive Medicine Research Institute — a nonprofit public research institute in Sausalito, Calif. that investigates the effect of diet and lifestyle choices on health and disease. The researchers say they hope the results will inspire larger trials to test the validity of the findings. “Our genes, and our telomeres, are not necessarily our fate,” said lead author Dr. Dean Ornish, UCSF clinical professor of medicine, and founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute. “So often people think, ‘Oh, I have bad genes, there’s nothing I can do about it,’” Ornish said. “But these findings indicate that telomeres may lengthen to the degree that people change how they live. Research indicates that longer telomeres are associated with fewer illnesses and longer life.”

What telomeres tell us Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that affect how quickly cells age. They are combinations of DNA and protein that protect the ends of chromosomes and help them remain stable. As they become shorter, and as their structural integrity weakens, the cells age and die more quickly. In recent years, shorter telomeres have become associated with a broad range of aging-related diseases, including many forms of cancer, stroke, vascular dementia, cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes. For five years, the researchers followed 35 men with localized, early-stage prostate cancer to explore the relationship between comprehensive lifestyle changes, and telomere length and telomerase activity. Telomerase is an enzyme that repairs and lengthens telomeres. All the men were engaged in active surveillance, which involves closely monitoring a patient’s condition through screening and biopsies.

drates); moderate exercise (walking 30 minutes a day, six days a week); stress reduction (gentle yoga-based stretching, breathing, meditation). They also participated in weekly group support. They were compared to the other 25 study participants who were not asked to make major lifestyle changes. The group that made the lifestyle changes experienced a “significant” increase in telomere length of approximately 10 percent. Further, the more people changed their behavior by adhering to the recommended lifestyle program, the more dramatic their improvements in telomere length, the scientists learned. By contrast, the men in the control

group who were not asked to alter their lifestyle had measurably shorter telomeres — nearly 3 percent shorter — when the five-year study ended. Telomere length usually decreases over time.

Further research needed The researchers say the findings may not be limited to men with prostate cancer, and are likely to be relevant to the general population. “We looked at telomeres in the participants’ blood, not their prostate tissue,” said Ornish. The new study is a follow up to a similar, See SLOWING AGING, page 9

Vegetarian diet, exercise helped Ten of the patients embarked on lifestyle changes that included: a plant-based diet (high in fruits, vegetables and unrefined grains, and low in fat and refined carbohy-

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Not easy to redirect long-term care costs Shift to home from institutions comes slowly By Matt Sedensky Brent Kaderli has a wheelchair-accessible van waiting in the driveway, a hospital bed in a spare bedroom, and an electric lift that’s left unused. If the 30-year-old quadri-

plegic had his way, he’d be living here, in his father’s house, with help from aides. Instead, he is in an institution, hoping each day for a place that feels more like a home. Fifteen years after a landmark Supreme

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Court ruling that those with disabilities should be given the choice to live outside nursing homes, mental hospitals and other institutions, its legacies are dueling. Progress has been made in every state to keep more aged and disabled people in their homes and communities, but only half of Medicaid spending goes to such care, with the services routinely denied by a system that favors institutions even though they’re typically more expensive to taxpayers. Kaderli said Medicaid approved him for only three hours of at-home daily care, but he’d need at least six to get by while his father is at work. So he lives in a nursing home in Pasadena, Texas. “It sucks and it’s sad and it’s depressing,” said Kaderli, who was paralyzed in a 2006 car crash and had his legs amputated after the wreck. “I wish I was somewhere else every day.”

Less institutionalization In the June 22, 1999, decision in Olmstead v. L.C., the justices ruled that unnecessarily segregating people with disabilities in institutions amounts to discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act if they can be cared for in more home-like settings. Advocates for the mentally ill, older people and the physically disabled regularly cite the ruling, but it has limitations. It says individuals should be “reasonably accommodated,” specifically noting “the resources available to the state” — caveats that have made it difficult to assess compliance and that have fueled widely different outcomes around the country. Nationally, the share of Medicaid longterm care spending that went to home and community services was 28 percent at the

time of the ruling, according to a Department of Health and Human Services report. By 2012, the latest year for which data were tallied, the figure had risen to 50 percent, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Every state has increased its allocation to non-institutional services, but the allocations range from 78.3 percent of Medicaid spending in Oregon down to 27.4 percent in Mississippi and New Jersey. In the Washington area, the District of Columbia allocates 58.8 percent for non-institutional programs, while Maryland is at 53.6 percent and Virginia 52.2 percent The ruling offers no guidance on the allotment of funds. Many advocates argue that states could allow all individuals to be treated at home or in community-based settings such as group homes. The industry says there will always be some people who require or prefer institutional care. “States determine where they are going to put their resources, and in some states and some communities they continue to make the decision to support a higher number of individuals in facilities,” said Sharon Lewis, a special adviser on disabilities to Health Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell. “We at the federal level can encourage and incentivize and support, but ultimately Medicaid expenditure decisions are a state decision.”

Long waiting lists Institutional care remains the default in Medicaid, and getting beyond it is cumbersome. Waivers must be obtained for alternative care, such as in-home services, and See LONG-TERM CARE, page 9

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Slowing aging From page 7 three-month pilot investigation in 2008 in which the same participants were asked to follow the same lifestyle program. After

Long-term care From page 8 some states have lengthy waitlists. In Maryland, more than 18,000 older adults were on the waiver waiting list [not technically a wait list;; they call it something else. Please find out and fix], and the numbers are rising. Waivers are not offered in Virginia and the District of Columbia. Nationally, more than half a million people were on waiting lists in 2010 for Medicaid-provided home and community care waivers, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit that analyzes health policy issues. “The way people are treated in modern society, in our society, to me is still shocking,” said Sue Jamieson of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the lead attorney on behalf of the two plaintiffs in the 1999 case, who sued then-commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Resources Tommy Olmstead. “We still treat people in so many ways as less than human.” Medicaid is the leading payer of long-term care, spending $140 billion on it in 2012. To make non-institutional services a right

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three months, the men in the initial study exhibited significantly increased telomerase activity. The new study was designed to determine if the lifestyle changes would affect telomere length and telomerase activity in

these men over a longer time period. “This was a breakthrough finding that needs to be confirmed by larger studies,” said co-senior author Dr. Peter R. Carroll , professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology.

“Telomere shortening increases the risk of a wide variety of chronic diseases,” Carroll said. “We believe that increases in telomere length may help to prevent these conditions and perhaps even lengthen lifespan.” — University of California, San Francisco

across states rather than an option for eligible Medicaid recipients, legislators would have to approve a change in federal law. Sylvia Waring, 45, of Philadelphia, entered a nursing home in 2011. She has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair, and her care costs Medicaid $355 daily. She is suing for services in her own apartment, where lawyer Stephen Gold believes costs would be cut by half or more. “It doesn’t make much sense to me: They’re always talking about money, money, money,” said Waring, a former cafeteria worker. “It feels like I’m being prosecuted because I was sick. I just need a little bit of help.”

able will prompt a flood of people to seek them and increase costs overall. “Everyone knows the state will save a fortune by providing home and community services,” said Gold, who has represented individuals around the country trying to get out of nursing homes. “The problem is a political one. By and large, this is a business, and disabled people are cash cows.” After her release from a psychiatric hospital, Olmstead plaintiff Lois Curtis slowly gained back her ability to complete basic tasks — cooking, picking out clothes,

shopping. Today, Jamieson said, her former client lives in her own apartment and goes to a studio each day to work on her art. She even made a trip to the Oval Office and presented one of her paintings to President Barack Obama. The other plaintiff, Elaine Wilson, died in 2005. She had said being released from a mental hospital was like being free again. “I felt like I was in a box that I would never get out of,” she said in 1999. “I feel like a real person again.” — AP

Care cheaper at home Medicaid paid an average of $225 per person per day in 2012 for those receiving institutional care, according to CMS figures. Among those receiving waivers for home and community care, the average cost was $125 daily. Home care is generally cheaper because most people don’t require roundthe-clock care, but some worry that making more non-institutional services avail-

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Heart pacer-zapper benefits women more By Lindsay Tanner Women with heart failure are less likely to get a special kind of pacemaker than men, but are more likely to benefit from the device, a government analysis suggests. The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, come from the first study of its kind conducted by researchers at the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has done similar analyses of prescription drugs, but not of medical devices, said lead author Dr. David Strauss, an FDA medical officer. Relatively few women have been included in studies of pacemakers and other medical devices, which “has made it difficult to assess differences in the safety and

effectiveness of these devices for women versus men,” Strauss said. The study authors said it’s unclear why women would benefit more from these special pacemakers, but possibilities include differences in physiology and body size. The researchers pooled results in three previous pacemaker studies, involving more than 4,000 patients, mostly men. Still, there were 878 women included — enough to assess gender differences in treatment results, the researchers said.

What pacemakers do Pacemakers are small devices implanted in the chest that emit electrical signals to regulate the heartbeat. They are often

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used to treat heart failure, which occurs when the heart muscle has weakened and can’t efficiently pump blood. Those studied are a special kind of pacemaker called cardiac resynchronization devices, and include a defibrillator to detect and zap life-threatening beats. They are used to treat a particular type of heart failure involving the two lower chambers of the heart. Women who got the special pacemakers were 60 percent less likely to die or develop heart failure-related complications during two years of follow-up than those who got implanted defibrillators alone. For men, the risk reduction was just 26 percent. The difference in benefits was even greater for women with a specific abnormality — 76 percent were less like to die or develop complications. There was no pacemaker benefit for men in this group. About 20 percent of women studied and 15 percent of the men had that irregularity. In absolute terms, the special pacemakers helped an additional 23 women out of every 100 with that abnormality avoid com-

plications or death during the follow-up. Of about 100,000 Americans receiving the special pacemakers per year, fewer than 30 percent are women, 2010 data suggest. Strauss said it is unclear exactly how many more women should be using these devices, but “more than a handful.”

Message: study more women But Strauss said the study has “a bigger picture message” about the importance of including women and other under-represented patients in medical research to find out if treatments work differently. While heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for women and men, a JAMA editorial notes heart conditions often affect them differently. For example: Women sometimes have different heart attack symptoms than men and more depression afterward; some kinds of heart failure are more common in women; and they respond differently to certain heart medicines. Learn more about pacemakers at http://1.usa.gov/1ljNCqw. — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

A super food soup with watercress and peas By Dana Jacobi Kale has had its power food moment. Now watercress deserves the spotlight, or so declared The Washington Post recently, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent list of 41 fruits and vegetables ranking watercress Number One based on its nutrient content. This l i n k , h t t p : / / w w w. c d c . g o v / p c d / i s sues/2014/13_0390.htm, gives the full list and CDC’s definition of Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables. Eating what experts recommend requires that you like it. We have known about kale’s health benefits for ages, for example, but getting it onto everyone’s plate succeeded only when chefs served it deliciously sautéed with garlic and olive oil and in alluring salads. Finally, crunchy kale chips put this crucifer’s popularity over the top. Can peppery watercress become as ubiquitous? Perhaps. Especially now that at least one produce company is marketing its tender leafy sprigs in a bag, eliminating the tedious task of plucking them from watercress’s tough, woody stems. Bagged watercress stays fresh longer, as well as being ready to use. An alternative that costs less, but where you still have to do the prep work, is buying watercress at Asian markets, where rapid turnover favors freshness, and you may get two bunches for what one costs at a supermarket. This cold soup is one of my favorite watercress dishes. On hot days, its color looks as refreshing as this dairy-free soup tastes. Making it requires just four ingredients, and the work is easy. Also, combining watercress with sweet green peas mellows its bite, making this a good introduction to family members who might find its heat startling. After making this soup, next try stirfried watercress. Stir-frying it, stems and all, with ginger slices, smashed garlic and a splash of chicken broth makes a simply delicious side dish. Finally, if you like watercress’s pungency in salads, serve it paired with sliced endive and dressed with a Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Once a way to prove that you set an elegant table and appreciated fine dining, this classic combination of watercress and endive is still one of the best ways to enjoy watercress.

Chilled Green Pea and Watercress Soup 2 cups frozen petit green peas

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1 1/2 cups watercress sprigs, with as little stem as possible, coarsely chopped 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 1 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 tsp. snipped chives, for garnish In large, heavy saucepan, combine peas, watercress, onion and broth. Add 1 cup water. Bring soup to a boil over mediumhigh heat, reduce heat, cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 10 minutes. Let soup sit, uncovered, for 10 minutes to cool slightly. Purée soup using immersion blender or transfer soup to blender; whirl until soup is smooth or leave a bit of texture, as you wish. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Cool soup to room temperature. Chill soup, covered, in refrigerator until very cold, 6 to 24 hours.

Adjust seasoning and serve cold soup in wide, shallow bowls, garnishing each bowl with 1 teaspoon of chives. This soup can be frozen. Defrost in refrigerator. If defrosted soup is grainy, whirl it briefly in blender.

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Health Shorts Cheap chemo drug boosts prostate cancer survival A cheap, decades-old chemotherapy drug extended life by more than a year when added to standard hormone therapy

A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

for men whose prostate cancer has widely spread, doctors report. Men who received docetaxel, sold as Taxotere and in generic form, lived nearly 58 months, as compared with 44 months for those not given the drug, a major study found. “This is one of the biggest improvements we’ve seen in survival in adults” with any type of cancer that has widely spread from its original site, said Dr. Christopher Sweeney of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. He led the study and shared the results at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual conference.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the United States, about 240,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. About 30,000 annually are like the men in this study, with disease that has spread to bones or other organs. In the study, all 790 men received drugs to block testosterone, a hormone that fuels prostate cancer’s growth, and half also were given six infusions of docetaxel, one every three weeks. About 2 1/2 years later, 101 of the men given docetaxel had died versus 136 of the men who did not receive it. One man died from the treatment, and about 6 percent had fevers from low blood counts, but most were able to tolerate treatment well, Sweeney said. The National Cancer Institute paid for the study, which took nearly a decade to do. The result shows the importance of federal funding for research that otherwise might not get done, said Dr. Clifford Hudis, who works at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and also is the president of the oncology society. “These are often studies that industry is less interested in funding, such as a new use for an old drug” that lost patent protection long ago, he said. Generic docetaxel costs about $1,500 or less per infusion. That’s far less than some other cancer drugs, which can exceed $100,000 for a course of treatment. — AP

Obesity surgery may ‘cure’ diabetes Obesity surgery may keep diabetes in remission even after 15 years in some patients, a Swedish study suggests. Long-term results were missing for more than half the patients who began the study, and remission rates dropped off considerably. But still, 35 out of 115 patients remained diabetes-free 15 years after surgery. About 25 patients remained free of diabetes complications, including eye and kidney problems, for 20 years after surgery. Results were similar for three types of weight-loss surgery: gastric bypass, stomach banding and an operation that involves banding and stapling. The study of obese diabetics in Sweden began with about 340 who had surgery and 260 treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Previous research has found that weightloss surgery is more effective than usual diabetes treatment at reversing the disease. The new results suggest the same thing, but they aren’t conclusive because long-term data was missing for so many patients. The lead author, Dr. Lars Sjostrom of

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Health shorts From page 12 Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, said his research is the longest follow-up to date but that the results need to be confirmed in more rigorous studies. Patients who had been diagnosed with diabetes for less than one year when the study began had the best long-term results. Scientists aren’t certain how obesity surgery “cures” diabetes. It usually results in much more weight loss than other treatment, which happened in the Swedish patients, and that may improve the body’s use of insulin. Also, gastric bypass, the most common obesity surgery in the United States, can alter hormones and other substances produced during digestion, which may reduce diabetes risk. — AP

New antibiotic approved for skin infections The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new antibiotic from Cubist Pharmaceuticals to treat common skin infections often acquired in the hospital. Regulators cleared the company’s Sivextro as a pill and as an intravenous solution for adults with skin infections caused by bacteria that are often resistant to older antibiotics. It’s the second recent FDA approval for a new antibiotic to treat such infections. In late May, the FDA approved a similar drug

from Durata Therapeutics Inc. Antibiotics like penicillin and streptomycin first became widely available in the 1940s, and today dozens are still used to kill or suppress the bacteria behind illnesses ranging from strep throat to urinary-tract infections. The drugs are considered one of the greatest advances in the history of medicine, and have saved countless lives. But in recent decades some common bacteria have grown resistant to antibiotics that were once highly effective. Experts say overuse and misuse of the drugs by physicians has contributed to the rise of these so-called superbugs. The FDA gave Sivextro an expedited review under a 2012 law designed to encourage drugmakers to invest in researching and development of new antibiotics. Under the measure, Cubist will receive an additional five years of exclusive marketing rights to the drug. Sivextro is designed to be taken over six days as a daily intravenous infusion or as a tablet. Cubist says the oral form of the drug gives patients the option of completing therapy at home, which could cut down on hospital-stay costs. The drug works against a variety of common bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species and Enterococcus faecalis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated last year that the staph infection methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, kills about 11,000 people annually. The most common side effects seen in company studies were nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness. — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

These foods can help you get better sleep By Amy Jamieson-Petonic, R.D. Let’s face it, we live in a non-stop society. In our rush, we too often put sleep on the back burner. As a busy mom myself, I can understand why people forgo sleep to get things done. But it’s the wrong approach. Sleep has a huge effect on how you feel throughout the day, and nutrition plays a role in how well you sleep. Food relates directly to serotonin, a key hormone that — along with Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid — helps promote healthy sleep. Try to consume foods that calm the body, increase serotonin levels and get you ready for restful sleep. Here are a few foods to get you started on the path to slumber: 1. Complex carbohydrates Embrace whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, crackers and brown rice. Avoid simple carbohydrates, including breads, pasta and sweets such as cookies, cakes, pastries and other sugary foods. These tend to reduce serotonin levels and do not promote sleep. 2. Lean proteins Lean proteins include low-fat cheese, chicken, turkey and fish. These foods are high in the amino acid tryptophan, which tends to increase serotonin levels. On the

flipside, avoid high-fat cheeses, chicken wings or deep-fried fish. These take longer to digest and can keep you awake. 3. Heart-healthy fats Unsaturated fats will not only boost your heart health but also improve your serotonin levels. Examples include peanut butter (read the label to make sure peanuts are the only ingredient) and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews and pistachios. Avoid foods with saturated and trans fats, such as french fries, potato chips or other high-fat snack foods. These bring your serotonin levels down. 4. Beverages Certain drinks can promote or prevent sleep. A good, soothing beverage to drink before bedtime would be warm milk (your mother was right) or herbal tea such as chamomile or peppermint. As for caffeinated drinks, I recommend that my clients who are having difficulty sleeping consume that last cup by 2 p.m. Caffeine can affect people differently, and even the smallest amount of stimulant can keep you awake. 5. Fresh herbs Fresh herbs can have a calming effect on the body. For example, sage and basil contain chemicals that reduce tension and

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promote sleep. Try making your own homemade pasta sauce with sage and basil. It’s easy to do, and homemade sauces tend to be lower in sugar than store-bought versions. However, avoid herbs such as red pepper or black pepper at night, as they have a stimulatory effect. Looking for some sleep-inducing snacks? a) Try a banana with low-fat yogurt. b) Eat low-fat cottage cheese with a few 100-percent whole grain pita chips. c) Smear peanut butter on 100-percent

whole grain crackers. d) Enjoy an apple with mozzarella string cheese. Sweet dreams! WhatDoctorsKnow is a magazine devoted to up-to-the minute information on health issues from physicians, major hospitals and clinics, universities and health care agencies across the U.S. Online at www.whatdoctorsknow.com. © 2014 Whatdoctorsknow.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Help test new vaccine for H5N1 avian flu By Barbara Ruben Each year, millions of people get vaccinated in hopes of avoiding the fever, aches and wracking coughs caused by the flu. This seasonal flu vaccine contains the strains of the ever-changing flu virus that the Centers for Disease Control thinks will be the most prevalent that year. But the seasonal flu vaccine generally does not prevent what’s known as pandemic flu — one caused by a virus that suddenly emerges and is expected to spread around the world. Different types of avian and swine flu are examples of pandemic flu.

Optimal Research, LLC in Rockville, Md., is now seeking participants for a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a vaccine for a kind of bird flu known as H5N1. Although H5N1 does not usually infect humans, nearly 650 human cases of H5N1 have been reported from 15 countries since 2003. About 60 percent of people infected with the virus died from their illness. Unlike other types of flu, H5N1 usually does not spread between people, but rather by coming into contact with infected poultry. There have been no reported infections with the virus in birds, poultry

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or people in the United States.

Risk rises with age As with seasonal flu, older adults can be more severely affected by the H5N1 virus. “We really have to look at the elderly. People over a certain age have a less robust immune system, and their response to the vaccine is different from younger people. Their body just doesn’t create the same level of antibodies as a younger person’s might,” said Dr. Stephen Bart, Sr., president and chief medical officer of Optimal Research. The study is open to volunteers age 18 and over. Participants will be divided into three age groups: 18 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 and older to better study response to the vaccine in older adults. People with egg allergies, those who take blood thinning drugs like warfarin, or who currently have cancer or HIV cannot participate. The vaccine is licensed in Europe and is pending approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because the vaccine is not made with live flu virus, participants cannot get sick from it. However, some people may experience swelling and tenderness at the injec-

tion site, or a low-grade fever, similar to effects they may have experienced from other vaccinations. Those in the study can also get the seasonal flu shot about two to three weeks before receiving the pandemic vaccine. “In this study, people will be encouraged to get the seasonal vaccine, but because the seasonal vaccine doesn’t protect patients from pandemic flus, the potential benefit to the people will be that they will gain some immunity to the avian flu,” Bart said.

Volunteers are compensated The study will include approximately four to five visits to Optimal Research. During the first visit, participants will have a medical history taken. For the week following the vaccine’s administration, participants will keep a symptom diary. In the weeks after the vaccine, participants will have blood drawn to see how well they have produced an immune response. Compensation for the study will be $50 to $100 per visit, and those who complete the study will receive a bonus. For more information or to volunteer, call (301) 309 8610 or see http://optimalsites.net.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Answers on low blood pressure, joint pain Q: My blood pressure stays low. Sometimes it drops so low that it causes dizziness and weakness. What can cause this? A: Many healthy people have low blood pressure. In fact, no specific blood pressure reading is considered too low, as long as the person feels fine and is generally healthy. But in your case, your blood pressure is low enough to cause symptoms. So you need to see your doctor for an evaluation. Here is my approach to someone with symptoms related to low blood pressure: First, I review all medications the person is taking. If you take medicine for your blood pressure or your heart, the dose may be too high for you. These and many other drugs can lower blood pressure. Next, I make sure the person has been drinking enough fluids. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you could still be dehydrated. Also, many people restrict their salt intake. Usually this is healthy, but people with low blood pressure may actually need to increase the amount of salt in their diet. These two factors, medications and dehydration, account for the great majority of low blood pressure episodes. If neither of these applies to you, you could have postural hypotension. In this condition, blood pressure falls dramatically when someone stands. Usually this is caused by problems with the nerves that help regu-

late blood pressure. People who’ve had diabetes for a long time can have this problem. When you do feel lightheaded, lie down immediately. If that’s not possible, at least sit down. If you continue to stand while feeling lightheaded, you could faint and hurt yourself. By Howard LeWine, M.D., a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass., and Chief Medical Editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School. Q: I’ve been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica. What is it? What treatment is used for the associated pain? A: Polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR) is a condition that causes the sudden onset of aching, stiffness and fatigue in older adults. Symptoms are due to arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis, especially in the shoulders and hips. The stiffness tends to be worse in the morning. People often feel pain in the thighs and upper arm muscles. That’s why the term “myalgia” (meaning muscle pain) is part of the name. The cause is unknown. It’s also unclear why PMR only affects older adults. Occasionally, PMR occurs in combination with temporal arteritis (TA). This is another, more serious, condition in which arteries also become inflamed. The diagnosis is made based on your

symptoms, your doctor’s physical exam, blood test results, and the absence of another explanation for the symptoms. Usually, blood tests show a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The standard treatment for PMR is a low dose of a corticosteroid, such as prednisone 10 to 20 mg. daily. Some doctors base the dose on weight. But rarely is a dose of more than 20 mg./day required. The dose is slowly tapered to the lowest ef-

fective dose and eventually discontinued. Many people with PMR require a year or more of treatment. If the required dose of prednisone is too high, your doctor may recommend other immune-suppressive drugs, such as methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine. In most cases, these drugs are highly effective at reducing pain. Acetaminophen or tramadol may also relieve pain. See JOINT PAIN, page 19

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Ways to find time and energy to exercise

Q: I need to get more active, but how can I when I don’t have anyone to watch my young grandchildren while I work out, and I don’t get much exercise when I try to do it with them? A: With some creativity, it’s possible you can find an activity that you can do with your grandchildren that allows you to move at an energizing pace. Try to be open-minded about all the ways you can be active with your grandchildren, from dancing to tag and hide-and-seek. If your grandchildren are very young, you may find that pushing them in a stroller, biking with them in a trailer, or walking with a baby in a carrier on your back could turn what seems like very modest activity into more exercise than you realize.

Depending on their ages, look up from books or websites some games that make you move more or faster than the children. For some activities, children’s attention spans may not allow a long workout, but that’s ok. You achieve health benefits from physical activity even when you accumulate it in blocks of 10 or 15 minutes at a time. On the other hand, part of the benefit of physical activity is also the wonderful stress relief of letting your mind escape, so time without keeping an eye on the kids can bring extra advantages. If the expense of a babysitter is too much, how about taking turns with another parent or grandparent — one watching the kids while the other works out? You can also check out fitness or community centers in your area that offer

WHAT MATTERS MOST TO

you?

childcare. Remember, by showing your self waking up rested in the morning. grandchildren the importance of taking If you lack energy because your eating time to be active, you are sethabits don’t provide lasting ting a powerful example for fuel, focus on balanced meals, their health! with at least two-thirds of your Q: The biggest barrier keepplate each time you eat providing me from being as active as ing whole grains, vegetables I know I should be is that I’m and fruits. Up to one-third of just too tired. How can I get your plate might include anithe energy to be active? mal protein like meat, poultry A: You are not alone in feelor seafood. Or, if animal proing that you don’t have enough tein is not your preference, energy for physical activity. then make sure you are inNevertheless, finding a way to NUTRITION cluding enough beans, nuts or include some physical activity WISE other sources of protein. nearly every day is so important By Karen Collins, We each have different natto your health, it is well worth MS, RD, CDM ural body rhythms; some feel finding a way to solve the probmore energy in the morning, lem. And it’s hard to believe, but if you can others later on. Try aiming for physical actalk yourself into just 10 minutes of move- tivity at the time when you naturally have ment, you may be surprised at how much most energy. However, maybe you’re not exbetter you feel. hausted physically, but emotionally — from First, try to decide whether your tired stress and trying to juggle many concerns. feeling is a physical or emotional fatigue. If Start with 10 minutes of movement. you are physically tired, why? After you’ve done this a few times and If you aren’t getting enough sleep be- seen the difference it makes, remind yourcause you stay up trying to unwind by self that taking 10 or 20 minutes to release watching TV or getting caught up on the stress will pay off in leaving you feeling Internet, set an alarm to help you recog- less tired and better able to cope. nize time to go to bed earlier. Work your If this tiredness continues, do check with way back from current habits to a 15 to 20See NUTRITION WISE, page 20 minute earlier bedtime until you find your-

Laughing. Feeling loved. Being happy. When we asked people what they want most at the end of life, we heard that a lot. Wanting the people they love around them. Wanting to be comfortable, without pain. Wanting to feel at peace.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Some natural treatments for muscle pain

Joint pain From page 17

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The following are some known causes for muscle pain. If you can find out the cause of yours, you can address it. With the help of a conscientious practitioner and state-of-theart blood tests, find out if you have one or more of the following:

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are not recommended when taking a corticosteroid. That’s because corticosteroids usually control inflammation well and there is significant risk of intestinal ulcers when corticosteroids and other antiinflammatory drugs are combined. Prednisone and other corticosteroids can weaken the bones. Therapies to help prevent weak bones include calcium, vita-

min D and bisphosphonates (such as alendronate or risedronate). Also, physical therapy can help improve range of motion in sore joints and muscles. By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., a practicing physician in rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. ©2014 President And Fellows Of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The cause of muscle pain varies greatly from person to person. Try not to concern yourself too much with the name of your disease or your “diagnosis,” because the labels you take on as an identity make it harder for you to overcome. Just think in terms of having symptoms, rather than diseases. It’s more pleasant.

Dear Pharmacist: mugging” effect of medicines and more. I’ve had fibromyalgia for the last I’ll elaborate shortly, but you asked me eight years. My current to confirm the uses of your medications are Lyrica, hymedicines. The Lyrica (predrocodone and citalopram. gabalin) is used to soothe My local pharmacist said nerve pain and can make you those are used to treat pain drowsy. So can the hyand depression, but I want drocodone, which is used to to make sure with you. reduce a pain chemical called Also, I’d like to know “Substance P.” what natural alternatives I The citalopram (Celexa) is have. classified as an antidepres— S.D. sant, but that’s not necessarily DEAR Dear S.D.: how it’s being used. Sure, it Fibromyalgia affects millions PHARMACIST lifts a brain neurotransmitter of people worldwide. In Latin, By Suzy Cohen called serotonin, which imthe term describes pain in the proves mood and reduces muscles and fibrous tissue. pain. Antidepressants that improve levels of The muscle pain and tender points can be- both serotonin and norepinephrine may be come rather painful and sometimes dis- even more effective. My point is this class of abling, but I believe there is an underlying drugs is often used to relieve pain, not neccause — perhaps infection, nutrient deficien- essarily for depression. All three require cies, mitochondrial dysfunction, the “drug prescription.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to deal with neighborhood ‘poachers’ Dear Solutions: At this age I shouldn’t be as upset as I feel about this problem, but I am and I need help to deal with it. I’m not married any more, but I’ve been living with a widower for many years. I choose not to be married again, but we have been living together in a committed relationship for many years. We live in a community where there are many widowed women — many more than single men.

One of these women, a widow, has been “coming on” to my guy. She has been doing this for years, and it’s very obvious. Of course, it’s very flattering to a man. And although he has assured me over and over that he doesn’t want me to leave him, that he’s where he wants to be and is not going anywhere, etc., I guess it’s too tempting for him not to react in some way. It’s very seductive. This has caused some very disturbing

arguments — which I’m sure that I’ve been seeing a man I feel very woman would be glad to hear. Because serious about. I know that he really we are in a tight-knit community and are cares for me, and he says it a lot, but often in social settings togethhe never goes further. I er, I have said nothing to her, would really like us to get but I’m tired of feeling that married. women think they can step on I don’t want to just keep another woman, and she will going out, and I think unsay nothing. derneath it all he would What to say to her, if anylike that also. I think his thing? intentions are serious, but — Enough! how do I help him know Dear Enough!: that? Actually, “Enough!” is the — Jen SOLUTIONS right answer. However, to the Dear Jen: By Helen Oxenberg, widow just say — nicely — It’s very hard to prove to a MSW, ACSW “I’m sorry you don’t have a man that his intentions are seman in your life right now, but rious. Maybe you’d better the man I live with is not up for grabs, so concentrate on proving that yours are. CUT IT OUT!!!” Then smile and move on. Dear Solutions: See SOLUTIONS, page 21

Nutrition wise From page 18 your doctor, because it could be a sign of anemia or another medical or psychological problem that needs treatment to improve. The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800-8438114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through

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

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Dear Pharmacist From page 19 Infections — Pathogens known as EBV, CMV and HSV are known to hide in the body and cause muscle pain. Some cause chicken pox and shingles. Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, Hepatitis C, coxsackie and parvovirus may also cause terrible muscle pain. Magnesium deficiency — This causes widespread muscle pain. This nutrient is depleted by coffee and “The Pill,” certain menopause medications, antacids, acid blockers, steroids and 200 other drugs! Taking high-quality magnesium supplements along with malice acid (derived from

Solutions From page 20 How? If you really are serious, then it’s a simple “get or go” ultimatum. Get married or go your separate ways. Good luck. Dear Solutions: Because I have a gay son and people know it, some seem to think I must know about everyone else’s family. There is one person who keeps asking about other people in the community and whether they have any gay children because “I’m pretty sure so-and-so’s son is gay also.” Because I live in the same community with her and see her socially from time to time, I don’t want to be nasty, al-

green apples) can support muscle health. Selenium deficiency — This can cause thyroid disease as well as muscle pain. Improving selenium can reduce thyroid antibodies and support immune system health. CoQ10 deficiency — Over 300 drugs are drug muggers of CoQ10 (that is, they reduce the body’s store of this nutrient). Among them are statin cholesterol-reducing medications. When you are CoQ10 deficient, your muscles can spasm, become weak and hurt badly. There are a number of causes (and solutions), so if you’d like to receive a more comprehensive version of this month’s column, please come to my web-

though I’d love to be. Any suggestions? — Nan Dear Nan: Yes, be nasty — but only when you’re alone in the house. How? Take a pillow, give it her name and punch it hard several times. When you see her, however, feign innocence. “I really never ask anyone about their children’s sex lives, so I don’t know. I’m sure you could ask her if you really must know.” End of discussion. © Helen Oxenberg, 2014. 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.

Aug. 27+

LOW VISION PHONE DISCUSSION

The BrightFocus Foundation presents BrightFocus Chats, a series of free monthly telephone discussions on low-vision diseases, such as macular degeneration. The next call is “Living with Low Vision,” which will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 1 to 2 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. To register, visit www.brightfocus.org/telephone-presentationregistration.html#registernow. If registered three days prior, you will receive a remainder call one day before and a call on the day of the chat at 1 p.m. To join the call without pre-registration, call 1-877-229-8493 at 1 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on the chat date and use the code 112435. To listen to archived calls, visit www.brightfocus.org/macular/resources/audio.html#chats.

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Fairfax County’s free Support Group for Kinship Caregivers meets Thursday, Aug. 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bryant Alternative High School in Rooms 40 and 41 (Adult Education entrance), 2709 Popkins Ln., Alexandria, Va. Grandparents and other relatives who are raising children are invited to attend. To register, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/kinship/supportgroups.htm or call (703) 324-5447, TTY 711.

dition. 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 or subscribe to her email newsletter, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

NYC doorman duty: Spotting elder abuse By Jim Fitzgerald New York’s doormen are being enlisted as an army of eyes to look for signs of elder abuse: a stranger picking up the mail, the sudden presence of a rarely seen relative with an attitude, a bruise. “Doormen know ever ything that’s going on,” Joy Solomon said before conducting a training session for doormen, porters and other apartment workers, fittingly held over the din of whirring dr yers in the laundr y room of a Manhat-

tan building. “They know who’s going in, who’s going out. They have access and they have a relationship of trust. They’re a friendly face.” Solomon, director of the Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home in the Bronx, partnered with the building workers’ union in a grant-funded program to help doormen spot various kinds of elder abuse — physical, sexual, psychological and financial.

Broadening outreach The training, which began several years ago, has been broadened to include others who come in contact with isolated seniors, such as Meals on Wheels delivery workers. An online version is in the works that could spread its message throughout the union’s coverage area, from Massachusetts to Florida. Every new set of eyes counts. The National Center for Elder Abuse said lack of detection makes it impossible to know the extent of elder abuse. Solomon quoted from a 2011 study that said only about 4 percent of elder abuse incidents in New York are reported. As an example of what can happen, she told the gathering of about 15 doormen and other workers of a woman whose son stole her prosthetic leg and sold it for drug money. “It got him money, and it kept her isolated and dependent on him,” Solomon said, adding that the man eventually drove the elderly woman into poverty and she now lives in a shelter. Javier Rosa, who works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at a building, said he knows from his own experience that this is an idea that can work. “There’s an old lady, sometimes she comes down late at night, she just wants to

talk,” Rosa said. “She knows I’m here, she has nobody else, she trusts me. If something was wrong, I would know. I would never let anything happen to her.” Solomon said workers should trust their gut feelings: “If you think something is going on, you’re probably right.” She urged the workers to be on the alert for signs of physical decline, mental confusion and depression, which can increase a tenant’s vulnerability.

Finding financial abuse Perpetrators are often the elderly person’s own relatives, but can also be bank workers, telemarketers and street scammers. A MetLife Mature Market Institute study found that elderly Americans lose $2.9 billion each year to financial abuse. Solomon said a doorman can bring the mail directly to the tenant if he suspects someone is stealing a Social Security check. If a daughter walks out with a painting, she said, mention it to the tenant. “You might say, ‘I saw your daughter going out with a painting,’ and if she says ‘What painting?’ you know she’s unaware.” Some workers were concerned they could endanger their jobs by reporting an unconfirmed suspicion. But they were told See ELDER ABUSE, page 24

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Does low testosterone need treatment? By Dr. Todd Nippoldt Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m a 52-year-old man. I recently had blood work done that showed my testosterone levels are slightly low, falling just below the “normal” range. Should I talk to my doctor about getting treatment even if I don’t have any symptoms? What are the side effects of prescription testosterone? Answer: A mildly low level of testosterone alone, without any signs or symptoms, typically does not require treatment. But it would be a good idea for you to talk with your doctor in more detail about this test result. In some cases, low testosterone may be a sign of an underlying medical concern, or it could be a side effect from medication. Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. Testosterone helps maintain men’s bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength and mass, red blood cell production, sex drive and sperm production. The normal range for testosterone is wide, and men’s testosterone levels usually change throughout their lives. For most men, testosterone peaks during adolescence and early adulthood. Then as men get older, testosterone levels gradually fall — typically about 1 percent a year after age 30. In a situation like yours, it is

important to find out if low testosterone is a result of normal aging, or if it could be due to a medical problem.

Apart from that, testosterone usually is not recommended for older men who are otherSee LOW TESTOSTERONE, page 24

Symptoms of concern A significant decline in testosterone levels can cause symptoms. Fatigue and low sexual interest are the most common. Some men also see changes in beard and body hair growth. Muscle wasting and a decrease in muscle strength can be a result of low testosterone, as well. Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can occur with testosterone deficiency. But, overall, low testosterone is not a common cause of ED. Disorders that may lead to low testosterone include hypogonadism — rare conditions of the testicles or the pituitary gland in which the body does not make enough testosterone. Other conditions that can affect testosterone levels are thyroid problems, obstructive sleep apnea, depression and excessive alcohol use. Follow-up tests and exams usually can show if a medical condition may be contributing to low testosterone. If an underlying medical condition is identified, treatment for that disorder may be all you need to bring your testosterone level back into the normal range. Your doctor also should review any medications you’re currently taking to see

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Low testosterone From page 23 wise healthy, even if their testosterone levels are slightly below what’s considered normal.

Risks of treatment Taking prescription testosterone does have risks. It may stimulate noncancerous growth of the prostate, cause enlarged breasts, limit sperm production and accelerate growth of existing prostate cancer. In some men, testosterone therapy can worsen sleep apnea. Recent studies also suggest there may be a link between testosterone therapy and an increased risk of heart disease, but more research is needed to confirm this. If after further evaluation your doctor recommends you take testosterone, it’s important to set up a monitoring plan with regular blood tests to make sure the prescribed dose is correct. Too much testos-

Elder abuse From page 22 they can make calls anonymously to the city’s Adult Protective Services agency. A spokeswoman said the agency is supportive of the training but can’t say how many calls might have been prompted by it. Gene Kastner, manager of the building where the training took place, said he understands the vulnerability of the elderly from

terone can result in an increase in red blood cell production, a condition known as polycythemia. That can lead to other problems, including blood clotting and stroke. In your case, because you’re not experiencing any symptoms of disease, it’s unlikely that testosterone therapy is necessary at this time. Talk with your doctor, though, to find out if additional follow-up testing or evaluations could be useful to better understand the cause of your low testosterone. — Todd Nippoldt, M.D., Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. To submit a question, write to: medicaledge@mayo.edu. For health information, visit www.mayoclinic.com. ©2014 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

his time as a New York City police detective. “We like to think of all our tenants as one big family,” he said, “and this is what a good family would do.” Hope Iaccaci, a 73-year-old resident living alone in the building, said it was comforting to know workers are looking out for her. “It’s a great city for the elderly, but it’s great that in your own building there’s that extra layer of protection.” — AP

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RSVP Northern Virginia is seeking seniors and boomers for its next orientation and information session on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Central Library, 1015 W Quincy St., Arlington, Va. 22201. RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and older. Volunteer specialist Courtney Kurzweil will host the free event that has free parking and air conditioning inside. For more information, call (703) 403-5360.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXV, ISSUE 8

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA In this issue of “Spotlight on Aging,” I would like to profile Mr. Shelton Roseboro, one of the District’s most amazing citizens who has benefited from the District of Columbia Office on Aging’s programs and services. In addition to telling you a little about Mr. Roseboro, I would like to increase the public’s awareness, including employers, about the benefits of hiring older adults. Shelton Roseboro is 58 years of age and spent 15 years working at the Library of Shelton Roseboro Congress (LOC) as a microphotographer. In his position, he was responsible for photographing every piece of the library’s collection. You can imagine that with 15 years of experience, Mr. Roseboro became an expert in his job. As a microphotographer, he was a highly effective, dependable employee who performed his daily tasks with pride. In fact, the LOC honored Mr. Roseboro with two incentive awards: one for quality and one for quantity. For the quality award, he was recognized for producing 22,000 exposures in approximately four to five weeks with only two remakes. Yes, you heard it correctly! He only made two mistakes out of a 22,000 item production. That is remarkable! For the quantity award, he produced 3,200 images in one day, and the standard for production was 1,750. This is very impressive, as well! As the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” Because of the technology age, the LOC went from microphotography to digitizing all of its collection. Subsequently, this led to a reduction in force and Mr. Roseboro being released from employment with the federal government. For the next 14 years, Mr. Roseboro was not in a career position, but instead, he took various jobs just to pay his bills. He worked jobs in security, retail and transportation, which were totally different from his work with the Library of Congress. Fortunately, Mr. Roseboro connected with the Office on Aging in 2013, and I referred him to our Older Workers Employment and Training Program. After a short intake process, we put him in touch with our sister agency, the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), under the leadership of Mr. Rob Mancini. At that time, OCTO was piloting an older workers employment program and was in search of potential candidates who wanted to return to work. The job duties consisted of managing the front desk, See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page 27

August 2014

Age-Friendly DC Strategic Plan Before the Age-Friendly DC Strategic Plan is finalized in September, get involved! 1. Attend a Community Meeting. During the month of August, there will be a series of community meetings across the city. It’s your chance to give input and feedback on the draft Age-Friendly DC Strategic Plan. 2. Volunteer to Walk Your Neighborhood. Since the first day of spring, D.C. residents have participated in the 2014 Block-by-Block Walk all around the city. Make sure your neighborhood has its strengths and needs regarding walkability, amenities and services recorded as part of this citywide effort. Neighborhood Ambassadors — residents familiar with their Single Member District (SMD) — are needed to guide volunteers completing the neighborhood surveys. Sign

up today by registering at www.surveymonkey.com/s/agefriendlydcwalk0914 or call Gail Kohn, Age-Friendly DC Coordinator, at 202-727-2736. Date: Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m. to noon Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 S. Dakota Ave. NE, Meeting Room 1 Date: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 5 to 7 p.m. Location: Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, Auditorium Date: Saturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to noon Location: 1100 4th St., Room E200 Date: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6 to 8 p.m. Location: Savoy Elementary School, 2400 Shannon Place SE, Gymnasium Date: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Location: John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room G-9

A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Congratulations to Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson Ward 4 resident Toni Jackson was crowned Ms. Senior D.C. at the 2014 Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant. Ms. Senior D.C. was one of six contestants to compete in the event held to recognize the inner beauty, talent and community service of District women age 60 and older. Ms. Senior D.C. was crowned wearing a pewter gray full length evening gown, made of tulle netting in a trumpet style. The gown was accentuated with shimmering flower appliqués. At the crowning she was also presented the award for Best Salesperson for her ad and ticket sales. During the talent competition, Jackson sang “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” from the Broadway musical of the same title. First Runner-up was awarded to Vernelle Cousins Hamit, who received a trophy for Best Interview. Hamit’s dark sapphire and sequined ball gown with stacked beading at the neckline won the award for Best Evening Gown. The winner of the award for Best Talent was Billie LaVerne Smith, who placed Second Runner-up in the contest. Smith, a retired government employee and church choir director, played her own arrangement of “All Because of God’s Amazing Grace” with hints of the old-time favorite “Amazing Grace.” Each of the contestants voted, and Annie Cayaban Wilderman was named Ms. Congeniality. The native of the Philippines spoke of uniting young and old of all ethnicities during her talent presentation and philosophy of life.

Also competing during the event were Billye Jean Dent Armstrong, a race car driver and federal government employee and Janice C. Rice, aretired government employee and community organizer. Each of the contestants was judged on their personal interview, their philosophy of life, and their talent and evening gown presentations. An independent panel of judges made up of community representatives from the arts, entertainment and media scored the contest. The interview and talent segments each received 30 percent of the scoring, and the evening gown and the philosophy of life segments each received 20 percent. Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson will represent the District in the upcoming Ms. Senior America Pageant that will be held Oct. 26 to 30 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Dr. John Thompson and daughters Chloe and Kelly pose with Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson; Camile Williams, chief of staff, DCOA; and Nancy A. Berry, Ms. Senior D.C. 2013.

Pictured left to right in the front row: Billye Jean Dent Armstrong; Annie Cayaban Wilderman, Ms. Congeniality; Vernelle Cousins Hamit, First Runner-Up, Best Evening Gown; Ms. Senior D.C. Toni Jackson, Best Salesperson; Billie LaVerne Smith, Second Runner-Up, Best Talent; Nancy A. Berry, Ms. Senior D.C. 2013; and Janice C. Rice. Escorts in the back row left to right: Dr. Johnathan Johnson, Jess Gatchalean, Marcus Shea Taylor, Anthony Matthews, Jimmy Gross and James Thompson. The Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant is presented by the D.C. Seniors Cameo Club, the D.C. Office on Aging and the Office on Aging Senior Service Network.

Best Talent Billie LaVerne Smith plays an arrangement of “All Because of God’s Amazing Grace.”

DCOA Vacancy Announcement The Department of Human Resources has the following position posted for the D.C. Office on Aging: Deputy Associate Director ADRC - Vacancy Announcement No. 25537. A Brief Description of Duties: This position is located in the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA), which has the responsibilities for providing direction, and comprehensive programs and services of the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to seniors, caregivers and persons living with disabilities in the District of Columbia. This position functions as Deputy Associate Director of the ADRC and principal advisor to the Associate Director of the ADRC. Visit www.DCHR.dc.gov for a complete description and details on how to apply.

DCOA is Seeking Volunteers for its Intergenerational Program Are you interested in volunteering to be a part of D.C. Office on Aging’s Intergenerational Program? Do you have what it takes to make an impact? DCOA is currently seeking seniors interested in volunteering to build relationships with, mento, and guide the District’s youngest learners in District of Columbia Public Schools’ (DCPS) early childhood classrooms. For more information on volunteering, please contact us at 202-724-5622 or send us an e-mail at DCOA@dc.gov.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

In the Community Hazel Charity, Amanda McDuffie, Jocelyn Lancaster and Barbara Bryant, participants at the Hayes Senior Wellness Center, display the jewelry made in their arts and crafts class. Classes are taught by Bernice Oden on Wednesdays. To find out how you can participate, call 202-7270357 or stop by the Hayes Senior Wellness Center at 500 K Street, NE.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton held her Senior Legislative Day at Dunbar Senior High School. Nearly 200 seniors were present and received a tour of the new building and legislative updates. Commissioners on Aging Nathaniel Wilson and Jacqueline C. Arguelles, Chairperson Romaine Thomas and Vice Chairperson Ron Swanda are pictured here with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and DCOA Executive Director John M. Thompson.

Free Workshops for Persons Living with Chronic Conditions Free six-week classes will help persons live with chronic conditions. Supported by the D.C. Department of Health and the D.C. Office on Aging, the classes can help persons with diabetes, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, cancer or any other chronic condition that may impact quality of life. Workshops can also help you: • Decrease stress, fatigue and/or frustration. • Manage your symptoms effectively. • Communicate better with your doctors. • Make informed decisions about your treatment. • Set and meet realistic personal goals. • Learn healthier eating habits. Register Now for a Living Well Workshop! Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. D.C. Office on Aging, 500 K St NE (Seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers encouraged to register) Contact Nita Sharma at 202-442-9129 or nita.sharma@dc.gov.

Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Praise Gospel Choir. The group has sung at many locations in the community and at the center. Plaques were presented to the choir director Yvonne Kelly and the pianist Sarah Williams, who have both volunteered their time for nearly 10 years and are both retiring.

Director’s message From page 25

greeting customers, scheduling the use of their conference rooms, and addressing facility issues. In essence, these employees were to become the liaisons between the internal stakeholders, OCTO, and its external customers. Although Mr. Roseboro was excited about a fresh job opportunity, he was a bit reluctant to join OCTO because he was intimidated about using technology. However, he knew that this was his chance to return to government work and to be an asset to his employer. Today, Mr. Roseboro has been with OCTO for approximately 18 months and is thoroughly enjoying his job. In a recent conversation with Mr. Roseboro, I learned that he has become very comfortable with using technology, as he has started his own blog and website and is now using Facebook and Twitter. It is very amazing to see how Mr. Roseboro has grown professionally and personally in the last 18 months. This is not only a win for him, but also for the government, as

he is giving the government his talent and strong work ethic. Older workers, like Mr. Roseboro, are a huge asset for their employers. Job Search Training Systems, Inc. revealed that workers 55 years of age and older have a higher motivation rate as compared to individuals 18 to 29 years of age. Moreover, older workers have longer work histories and performance patterns, which are useful for employers to check into their backgrounds. Having had more years in the work world, older workers are more experienced with problem-solving and decisionmaking and have other transferrable skill sets that are very beneficial to employers. If you are a senior and are looking for employment, you may be able to relate to Mr. Roseboro’s experience. I encourage you to connect with the Office on Aging’s Older Workers Employment and Training Program (OWETP) at 202-724-5626. If you are an employer seeking talented, experienced professionals, I urge you to connect with OWETP, as well. We have a number of older citizens seeking employment, and I am confident that they can be an awesome addition to your team!

A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar August events 3rd • noon to 6 p.m. The Fifth Annual D.C. African Festival will take place at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Enjoy music, food, entertainment, storytelling, art a parade of flags and more. African attire is encouraged. RSVP by calling 202-727-5634.

4th• 10 to 11:30 a.m. Iona Senior Service’s Early-Stage Memory Loss Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month. The group is for individuals diagnosed with early-stage memory loss and their family and friends. The fee is $15 per session. Limited scholarships are available. Call 202-895-9448 for a screening interview and to register. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW

5th • 5 to 8 p.m. Celebrate National Night Out at the citywide kickoff at H.D. Woodson High School, 540 55th St. NE . To learn more, visit http://mpdc.dc.gov/page/national-night-out or call 202-727-9099.

9th • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join in the activities at the MedStar Family Choice Family Fun Day at Shepherd Park (Intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and Malcom X Avenue, SE). For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

16th 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 12th • 2 to 4 p.m. Learn about promising developments that can enhance well-being and ongoing enjoyment of life as you age. At an Iona Senior Services program led by geriatrician E. Gordon Margolin, review the issues of diet, exercise, medical and mental care, and emotional/attitudinal adjustments that are said to keep life “worthwhile” and discuss the issues of applying the best current knowledge to these endeavors. The free session will be held at 4125 Albemarle St. NW.

13th • 11:30 a.m. Information about financial abuse will be presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the Kibar Nutrition Site, 1519 Islamic Way (4th Street) NW. For more information contact Vivian Grayton at (202) 529-8701.

Join in the Broccoli City Fest, a festival that celebrates healthy living, at the St. Elizabeth’s East Gateway Pavilion, 1100 Alabama Ave. SE. For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

16th • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A health fair will be held at the Nigerian Embassy, 3519 International Court. For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

19th • 11 a.m. Learn about rodent control at a presentation by the Dept. of Health at the Petersburg Senior Nutrition Site, 3298 Ft. Lincoln Dr. NE. For more information, contact Vivian Grayton at (202) 529-8701.

21st • 10 a.m. 14th • 11:30 a.m. The Delta Towers Nutrition Site will hold a town hall meeting at 1400 Florida Ave. NE. For more information, contact Vivian Grayton at (202) 529-8701.

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 John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA Executive Director Darlene Nowlin, Editor Darius Logan, Selma Dillard and Darlene Nowlin Photographers The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action. The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

16th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center will hold its Annual Family & Friends Day/Open House. The center is located at 324 Kennedy St. NW. Call 202-291-6170 for more information.

Come to the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s Friends Day. The center is located at 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, contact Vivian Grayton at (202) 529-8701.

DCOA and the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) continue their campaign to make more seniors aware of Smart911, the safety profile that provides first responders information to better assist callers when responding to emergencies. Smart911 is provided free of charge to all residents of the District of Columbia. The DCOA has partnered with the OUC to offer presentations citywide in an effort to keep District seniors safe and more prepared for emer-

gencies should they occur. During the presentations, seniors are also provided more information on the Office on Aging programs and services and those of the Office of Unified Communications. If you have a church group, an organization, residence building or other entity that is interested in hosting a presentation, call 202-727-8364 or email darlene.nowlin@dc.gov to sign up today! Visit smart911.org for more information.

Fresh New Food Options Coming to Local Centers DCOA is excited to announce the addition of selfserve salad bars at each of the six senior wellness centers to provide seniors with more variety and choice. These salad bars offer numerous options, including a make-your-own salad section, a healthy premade salad and freshly cut fruit. The hot meal options will still be offered daily. For a list of participating wellness centers or for more information, visit www.dcoa.dc.gov or call 202-724-5626.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

MOVING UP IN THE WORLD When investing in emerging markets, China may be a good bet OVERSEAS STOCKS Look to Japan and Germany for the best global returns on stocks A VALUABLE TIP Investors favor value over growth stocks for price and dividends IN THE BALANCE When is it a good idea to transfer credit card balances?

Mixed news on retirement trust funds By Stephen Ohlemacher and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Medicare’s finances are looking brighter, the government said in late July. The program’s giant hospital trust fund won’t be exhausted until 2030 — four years later than last year’s estimate. Meanwhile, Social Security’s massive retirement program will remain solvent until 2034, officials say, although disability benefits are in more immediate danger. The disability trust fund now is projected to run dry in 2016, unless Congress acts. At that point, the program will collect enough payroll taxes to pay only 81 percent of benefits. The trustees who oversee Social Security and Medicare issued their annual report July 28 on the financial health of the government’s two largest benefit programs.

Small Social Security raise The trustees project a 1.5 percent in-

crease in monthly Social Security payments to beneficiaries for next year. That would be among the lowest since automatic adjustments were adopted in the 1970s. The increase is based on a government measure of inflation. Medicare’s Part B monthly premium for outpatient care is expected to remain unchanged for next year, at $104.90. Average premiums for prescription coverage are expected to increase by less than $2 a month. Social Security’s finances are relatively unchanged from a year ago. Medicare’s improved finances are largely due to a continuing slowdown in healthcare spending, the report said. “As today’s reports make absolutely clear, Social Security and Medicare are fundamentally secure, and they will remain fundamentally secure in the years ahead,” said Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew. “The reports also remind us of something we all understand: we must reform

these programs if we want to keep them sound for future generations.” Experts debate whether the healthspending slowdown is the result of a sluggish economy or represents a dividend from President Barack Obama’s healthcare law, and more recent Medicare cuts by Congress. Private insurers, including those in Medicare’s managed care program, are also shifting more costs to patients, contributing to the slowdown. “No one knows, and there is an active debate going on,” said Charles Blahous III, one of two public trustees. “That debate is certainly not one that the trustees are going to settle.” The trustees consist of the secretaries of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor Departments, as well as the Social Security commissioner and two public trustees — a Democrat and a Republican. Medicare is adding 10,000 new beneficiaries a day as baby boomers reach age 65.

But the report said that costs per beneficiary were essentially unchanged in 2013, for the second year in a row. That particular statistic is critical because per-person costs had surged for many years.

Congressional action unlikely In the long run, both Social Security and Medicare are still in financial danger, the trustees said. Benefit cuts, tax increases or a combination of both will be needed. Given the state of distrust in Washington, there is little appetite in Congress to tackle such big issues. However, Blahous said that the longer Congress waits to act, the more difficult it will become to avoid either large tax increases or significant benefit cuts. “What is changing is that we are rapidly running out of time,” Blahous said. In 2030, when the hospital trust fund is expected to be depleted, Medicare will colSee TRUST FUNDS, page 30

Tapping retirement accounts penalty-free By Elliot Raphaelson Workers are retiring earlier these days, whether by choice or not, and many find they need to withdraw funds from retirement accounts prior to age 59 1/2. That’s the age when account holders can take distributions from 401(k) plans and traditional and Roth IRAs without a 10 percent penalty. Tax law makes early withdrawals difficult without penalty, but if you need to tap the resources in your retirement accounts early, you have options. If you have a Roth IRA, for example, you can withdraw the principal of any contribution without penalty. For example, assume you have $6,000 in your Roth account ($5,000 in contributions plus $1,000 in dividends, interest income and appreciation). Even if you are 55, and some of your contributions were made less than five years ago, you can withdraw up to $5,000 without penalty. 401(k) plans don’t allow early distributions while a person is employed with the company, but many allow employees to take loans from their own accounts. These loans can be useful but they have disadvantages. One of the most significant is that that the loan must be paid in full if the employee leaves his or her employer.

Any part of the loan balance that is not paid back is assessed a 10 percent penalty, plus ordinary income tax liability. Suppose, for example, you borrowed $5,000 from your 401(k) and repaid $3,000. If you leave your job, unless you repay the outstanding $2,000, you will owe the IRS a $200 penalty and you will be subject to ordinary income tax liability on the $2,000. Do not take out the loan unless you can repay it before you leave your job. Many experts discourage 401(k) loans because of potentially high interest rates. This is one of my pet peeves. The interest rate you incur is not an important issue, since you are paying the interest to yourself.

Taking periodic payments With IRA accounts, and with employersponsored retirement plans when you’re no longer with the company, there is a way to take regular yearly withdrawals before age 59½ without the 10 percent penalty. These are known as “substantially equal periodic payments” (SEPP), and you may elect one of three methods for calculating the amounts of the distributions: the required minimum distribution (RMD), using IRS tables; the fixed amortization

method; and the fixed annuity method. The RMD method is simplest. The amount you must withdraw is recalculated annually. The latter two methods generally produce much higher payment amounts, which may not be desirable as it will deplete your account balance sooner. Whatever option you choose, you may not withdraw more (or less) than the computed amount without incurring retroactive penalties on all payments. Accordingly, make sure you understand the restrictions. Your SEPP program remains in place for five years, or until you reach 59½, whichever comes later, and you get one opportunity to change the method of calculating the payments, if you wish. IRS Publication 590 references the options but does not go into detail. You can discuss them with your financial planner, tax advisor or retirement specialist.

Disability and medical expenses Certain life events allow you to take distributions early, within limits. If you become disabled, you may take them as if you were 59½. You may take withdrawals penalty-free from IRAs and traditional 401(k)s for medical expenses if they ex-

ceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income (7.5 percent if you or your spouse was born prior to 1949). You may withdraw from your IRA, without penalty, $10,000 ($20,000 for a couple) if you use it for the purchase, building or rebuilding your first home, with certain restrictions. However, in all these situations, even though you will not incur the 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty, your tax liability will be computed in the same way it would be for regular distributions taken after age 59½. See IRS Publication 590. Although I have referred to options that will allow you to make withdrawals without penalty, you should consider other options first. The longer you are able to allow your retirement accounts to grow via compounding, the better of you will be. Tax laws are designed to benefit you the most if you are able to keep your funds invested for as long as possible — even post-retirement. However, if you are forced to make withdrawals prior to 59½, select the most cost-effective options. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2014 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Which emerging markets are the best bets? By Stan Choe China’s stumbling stock market has spooked many investors, but Justin Leverenz isn’t one of them. He runs Oppenheimer’s Developing Markets fund, the largest actively managed mutual fund specializing in emerging-market stocks, and he still sees big opportunities for stocks from China and developing economies in general. Investors overall have grown more skeptical of these formerly fast-growing economies: Growth for emerging markets dropped by nearly half between 2007 and last year, and investors pulled out a net $1.3 billion from Chinese stock funds over the last 12 months, according to Morningstar.

Leverenz spoke recently about why he sees big gains for Chinese online-video companies in particular, as well as why he has avoided Argentine stocks and why Indian stocks may be in the midst of a strong bull market.

China’s super-size economy Q: You’ve called Chinese onlinevideo stocks one of the best media opportunities of a lifetime. Why so optimistic? A: America is disproportionate in everything — half the world’s healthcare spending, half the world’s media spending. The only other country that has that capacity to develop these continental-size markets,

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whether it’s healthcare or media or technology, is going to be China. And that’s what I meant by one of the greatest media opportunities of all time: China’s a continental-sized economy. What you’re going to see is advertising, which is relatively small in China as a percentage of GDP, is going to get a lot larger. That is because the real growth story in China is about the consumer, and that consumer is one of the most coveted consumers on the planet because every single multi-national company wants to build a scalable business on the other big, continental-sized economy. Q: What do you make of all the jitters surrounding Chinese stocks?

A: Chinese equities have done stunningly bad against the world’s greatest growth markets from a macro perspective. There was a big bull market between 2004 and 2007, but we’re basically back where we were 10 years ago. All great bull markets have to start in the environment of extreme stress and despair because then ownership is low. That’s where we are in the Chinese equity market. I think that China is the one economy that is addicted to reform, and that reform agenda is very powerful and will create significant, sustained growth. That reform agenda includes interest-rate liberaliza-

Trust funds

Paying out more than collected

From page 29 lect enough payroll taxes to pay 85 percent of benefits. “Notwithstanding recent favorable developments, [Medicare] still faces a substantial financial shortfall that will need to be addressed with further legislation,” the report said. “Such legislation should be enacted sooner rather than later to minimize the impact on beneficiaries, providers and taxpayers.” Social Security’s disability program could be shored up in the short run by shifting tax revenue from the much larger retirement program, as Congress has done in the past. However, that would slightly worsen the retirement program’s long-term finances. If the two trust funds were combined, they would have enough money to last until 2033, the report said. That’s the same exhaustion date as in last year’s report.

See EMERGING MARKETS, page 33

About 58 million people receive Social Security benefits, including 41 million retired workers and dependents, 11 million disabled workers and 6 million survivors of deceased workers. Last year, Social Security paid $823 billion in benefits but collected only $747 billion in taxes. Social Security has been paying out more in benefits than it has collected in taxes since 2010, a trend that is expected to continue and accelerate. The $2.8 trillion trust fund, which is made up of special Treasury bonds, has continued to grow because it is earning interest. However, the balance will start to go down in 2020, the report said. More than 50 million retirees and disabled people get Medicare. The hospital trust fund is only part of the program. Coverage for outpatient care and prescription drugs is covered by premiums and other government spending. — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

A mixed outlook for buying overseas stocks By Carolyn Bigda The economies of Japan, Europe and emerging nations are giving off mixed signals. Here’s what we see happening in the next several months.

Japan on the mend Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s campaign to turn Japan’s economy around is bearing fruit. But as Abe starts on structural reforms, investors are becoming cautious. For example, raising Japan’s national sales tax rate from 5 percent to 8 percent is likely to pinch consumer spending. But look for Japan’s central bank to ride to investors’ rescue by maintaining its aggressive easy-money policies, including continuing to buy government bonds. “As we’ve learned in the U.S., you don’t bet against governments” that open their wallets to stimulate growth, said Alison Shimada, co-manager of the Wells Fargo Advantage Emerging Markets Equity Income fund. For added safety, look for battered stocks at bargain prices. Toyota Motor (symbol TM; recent price, $118) trades at just 9 times projected year-ahead earnings.

Headwinds in Europe But Europe isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders. The euro-zone economy is projected to expand no more than 1 percent in 2014, and there is a risk of deflation, or a decline in prices, in debt-laden nations. The German market, however, has better growth potential and is cheaper than the broader region. Jed Weiss, manager of Fidelity International Growth fund, favors countries that export to Germany. One top holding: Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD; $111). The Belgian beer maker, which acquired American icon Anheuser-Busch in 2008, is expected to generate 9 percent earnings growth this year and 15 percent growth in 2015.

Choppy emerging markets After last year’s horrendous performance and the pullback early this year, valuations are attractive, even with the recent rebound. The MSCI index trades at just 10 times projected 2014 earnings, slightly below the ten-year average of 11. But be prepared for plenty of volatility, maybe even more than usual. “I would look for pretty ugly earnings out of the emerging markets for the next quarter or so,”

BEACON BITS

Aug. 12

PROBATE PROS AND CONS

Join elder law attorney Edward Zetlin for a discussion of probate, its pros and cons, and what to consider about it on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. This free event will take place at the Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 N. Culpepper St., Arlington, Va. For more information, call (703) 228-5210.

Ongoing

NURSING HOME ADVOCATES

Northern Virginia needs volunteer advocates for nursing home and assisted living residents. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman, email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 324-5861, TTY 711.

Ongoing

FREEDOM AND CIVIL RIGHTS

The Sandy Spring Museum seeks participants for Emancipation! 150 Years Later: An Oral History Performance. The program is open to local residents who have freedom and civil rights-related stories to share. There will be once-weekly workshop/rehearsals in September and October, and the premier of the show at the museum on Saturday, Nov. 1. An additional five performances at various community sites will be presented. No experience is required, and participants also receive a small stipend. The museum is located at 17901 Bentley Rd, Sandy Spring, Md. For more information, contact Allison Weiss at (301) 774-0022 or aweiss@sandyspringmuseum.org.

said Ben Kirby, co-manager of Thornburg Investment Income Builder fund. “But once earnings bottom, I think you have a really robust case for the next bull market.” Our favorite developing-markets fund is Harding Loevner Emerging Markets (HLEMX), a member of the Kiplinger 25, the list of our favorite mutual funds. It has

big weightings in South Korea and India. Carolyn Bigda is a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com. © 2014 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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.

September 4, 8:15-10 a.m. — Grow Your Brain At Any Age Dr. Majid Fotuhi, of NeurExpand Brain Center, will discuss how to improve cognitive performance and memory with simple life changes For more information, call (301) 765-3325

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

TAKE THE RISK out of

Selling Your Home! It’s a seller’s market in the DC metro area. Let the Eric Stewart Group help you sell your house for top dollar! Eric is a life-long Washingtonian and has helped more than 2,400 clients buy and sell across DC, MD and VA. With his knowledge of the local real estate market, he is a top 10 agent in Montgomery County. Using his 119-point marketing plan, signature Guaranteed Buy Program, and The Eric Stewart Radio Show on WMAL 105.9 FM & AM 630, Eric’s unique marketing edge gets clients great results! What Eric’s clients are saying: “We met Eric Stewart a few years prior to selling our house as he was frequently in our neighborhood passing out his famous apple butter. He’s a friendly guy and very approachable. We stayed in touch, and Eric was there for us when we were ready to sell. With Eric’s expert advice, we received 5 offers within 4 days of our house being listed. His entire team is top notch, and they work seamlessly together. !"#$%&'"'!()*+!&,"-!.$//!)'"0-*."+$"$+1!-"2!&&!-234 — Charles and Inez Traylor, former owners of 8721 Wandering Trail Drive, Potomac, MD

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Emerging markets From page 30 tion, labor-market reform and lots of micro-level reform including consolidation and privatization. Q: What do you think of the argument that it’s better to invest in the Chinese economy by buying developedmarket stocks that do lots of business there? A: The Chinese model is very different. Think about Alibaba in e-commerce. Alibaba had to do things very differently than eBay did. Because you have a lack of trust in many of these geographies, where buyers didn’t trust that sellers offered what they sold on the Internet, Alibaba had to create escrow accounts, which is Alipay. There’s a presumption that China is going to look a lot like America, and frankly it doesn’t look like America. The world is heterogeneous: Tastes are different, distribution is different, business models can be radically, radically different.

Political concerns Q: You’ve said Argentina and Ukraine are two places you wouldn’t invest. Is the common thread the risk that politics can hurt investors? A: Politics is dirty. The problem is institutions create politics. The institutions in Argentina have not changed for over 100 years. If you remember in the 19th century, Argentina was supposed to be a country like America. It had the same immigrant propensity, massive resources, very fruitful land. And it has always been a yo-yo, and that’s because the underlying institutions are very easily manipulated in a fashion of populism, and those things aren’t changing. Every couple of years there is a thesis that Argentina is on the cusp of change.

And stocks run up hugely, but that’s someone else’s money. We don’t do that. Q: What about India, where stocks are surging on excitement about the new prime minister, Narendra Modi? A: I do think in this five-year term with Modi, it will be a very strong market. It’s not just his character but the unique mandate he’s got, that he’s going to be able to scare his opposition into doing things that they may not be inclined to do because they would be voted out if they didn’t. From that perspective, all the bottlenecks in the economy — about land clearances, environmental permits, financing for projects — all those things that had completely broken the animal spirits of India will get repaired. From the perspective of an investor, it looks really encouraging. However if India really wants to become powerful, a really significant player and not just a regional powerhouse, it is going to have to really change the labor laws so that people are willing to hire. If you can hire or fire people on an atwill basis like other geographies, then there’s a huge amount of manufacturing, which is being moved to places like Bangladesh, the Philippines, Thailand, which could naturally gravitate to India. But if they don’t, the long-term promise of India’s demographic dividend will be hard to achieve. Q: What kind of returns should investors expect from emerging-market stocks? A: I can only speak to my fund. My fund in the long term generates somewhere between 12 and 15 percent compounded. I think that’s the capacity of this fund. But in the environment where most people think interest rates are going to be stuck at relatively low levels, that’s a pretty nice return. But that won’t happen year in, year out. — AP

BEACON BITS

Aug. 12

ESTATE PLANNING FOR ONE

Meredith McKay, managing attorney of Legal Services of Northern Virginia, presents an in-depth presentation for widows, widowers and singles on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington, Va. For more information, call (703) 228-0555.

Aug. 3+

MANSION ART GALLERY EXHIBIT

Glenview Mansion Art Gallery presents a free mixed-media art exhibit, featuring sculpture, photography, and pastel, oil and acrylic painting, from Sunday, Aug. 3 until Friday, Aug. 29. The opening reception will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and attendees will meet three-dimensional artists the Friday Group, photographer Richard Weiblinger and artist Patricia Hilton. Stay and listen to the jazzy tunes of musician Nancy Scimone at 2 p.m. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the gallery is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/arts or call (240) 314-8660.

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. All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change and are current at the time of printing. Contact Washington, DC Lifeline Program at 1-800-253-0846 to apply To learn more about the Lifeline program, visit www.lifelinesupport.org. Economy II is a Lifeline supported service. Lifeline is a government assistance program. Only eligible consumers may enroll. You may qualify for Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income (gross and from all sources) is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. Proof of participation in a government assistance program requires your current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state or federal program; a notice letter or other official document indicating your participation in such a program; and/or another program participation document (for example, benefit card). Proof of income requires your prior year’s state or federal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; a statement of Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement, pension, or Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation benefits; a federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; a divorce decree; a child support award; and/or another official document containing income information. At least three months of data is necessary when showing proof of income. In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service. You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Lifeline service from Verizon or another communications provider. Lifeline service is a non-transferable benefit. Lifeline customers may not subscribe to certain other services, including other local telephone service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Fund investors favor value over growth By Stan Choe The tortoise is running laps around the hare when it comes to investing in mutual funds. Investors are embracing stocks, pushing the Standard & Poor’s 500 and Dow further into record territory. But investors are focusing on mutual funds that buy cheap or underappreciated stocks, ones called value funds. Funds that specialize in more glamorous, high-growth stocks, meanwhile, are still getting the snub. A net $7.9 billion flowed into domestic value stock funds through April of this year. Over the same time, investors withdrew $8.2 billion from their growth counterparts, according to Morningstar. The

bias toward value stock funds began last year. As recently as 2012, investors were pulling out of both growth and value funds, still scarred from the financial crisis. To be sure, value and growth stock funds aren’t the only options available. Broad index funds are even more popular, with many investors choosing to own the entire market. But when investors have opted for actively managed funds, they’ve clearly gone for value over growth.

What are value stocks? Stocks don’t declare themselves in one camp or the other; instead they’re categorized based on broad guidelines. Value stocks tend to have slower revenue growth

than companies like Amazon.com or Netflix, but they also tend to pay dividends and have lower stock prices relative to their earnings. Many also have strong balance sheets. Think of companies that cater to basic needs, like toothbrushes, insurance or electricity. “Our style of investing tends to do better in an environment when the stock market is going slightly up, sideways or down,” said Tom Kolefas, manager of the TIAACREF Mid-Cap Value fund (TCMVX). It tends to lag growth stocks when there’s “a jack-rabbit market that’s very powerful, like last year.” Last year, growth stocks in the Russell 3000 index surged 34.2 percent, including dividends. That topped the 32.7 percent return of value stocks in the index, and it was the fourth time in five years that growth stocks beat value. Part of the allure was the short supply of companies delivering strong growth in a tepid global recovery. The world’s economy grew 3 percent last year, its weakest performance since the recession, according to the International Monetary Fund. That made it tough for most companies to

boost their sales significantly. Amazon.com’s revenue rose 22 percent last year, and its stock surged 59 percent. But in March, the Internet retailer’s stock fell with other growth stocks as worries mounted that their momentum was slowing. The shift in performance can be seen in mutual-fund returns: The average large-cap value stock fund has returned 5 percent this year, including dividends. That’s more than double the 2.4 percent return of large-cap growth stock funds. The disparity is even sharper for smaller stocks: Mid-cap value stock funds have returned 5.1 percent versus 0.5 percent for mid-cap growth funds.

Price and dividends Some of the factors that managers say are driving interest in value stocks include: • Concerns are higher about a more expensive stock market. Last year’s market surge means nearly all stocks are more expensive relative to their earnings than before. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index trades at 17 times its earnings per share over the last 12 See VALUE OVER GROWTH, page 36

BEACON BITS BUS TOUR OF SOUTHERN USA

Nov. 9+

Join a Prince George’s County-sponsored motorcoach tour of the Southern United States from Sunday, Nov. 9 through Thursday, Nov. 21. The 12-night trip features guided tours, meals, a trolley tour and carriage ride, and beachfront overnight stays in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. The bus departs from College Park Airport, 1909 Corporal Frank Scott Dr., College Park, Md. at 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 9 and returns at 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 21. The cost is $3,950 for PG County residents for single occupancy and $4,740 for non-residents. The cost for double occupancy is $2,990 for residents and $3,588 for non-residents. An $800 deposit is required with registration. Walk-in or mail-in registration is available to 6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, Md. For more information, call (301) 699-2255.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Is it wise to transfer a credit card balance? By Alex Veiga Offers from credit card companies to temporarily skirt interest charges can be enticing. Reducing interest payments by transferring a balance from one card to another is a quick way to lower monthly finance charges. But taking advantage of such a promotion, even one offering a zero interest rate on balance transfers, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always pay off. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially true for cardholders who have a tendency to carry a balance. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because once the low-rate period ends, interest on any unpaid charges starts adding up again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the rates at the end of the promotional period can be quite punishing,â&#x20AC;? said Christina Tetreault, staff attorney at Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consumers who are considering a balance transfer should really take a hard look at the offer, do the math and figure out if they can commit to a payment plan,â&#x20AC;? she added. Here are some tips on gauging whether a credit card balance transfer offer makes financial sense: 1. Watch out for fees Card issuers typically will charge a fee of about 3 percent on the amount transferred, but it can go even as high as 5 percent. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say the fee is 3 percent. On a balance transfer of $10,000, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be charged $300 up front, usually rolled into your balance. Some cards donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t charge a fee on balance transfers. The Chase Slate card, for example, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t charge a fee to new cardholders, so long as they transfer the balance from another card within 60 days after being approved, said Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com, which track credit card offers.

2. Remember rates are temporary Generally, card balance transfer offers include an introductory period to pay off the balance at zero or a sharply reduced interest. The period can last for a year or more. For instance, Discover IT provides as long as 18 months. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay off the card before the promotional rate period elapses, you will be charged a higher interest rate on your balance and any transfer fees. With Chaseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Slate card, for example, after 15 months cardholders would move from zero percent interest to a variable rate ranging from 12.99 percent to 22.99 percent. With Discover IT, the interest rate on balance transfers jumps after 18 months from zero to a variable rate ranging from 10.99 percent to 22.99 percent. In addition, the rules on balance transfers usually require cardholders to make

all payments on time. Miss even one, and you may forfeit the low interest rate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Promotional rates can expire and one misstep can wipe out any of the benefits that a consumer might see to transferring a balance,â&#x20AC;? said Tetreault.

3. Consider balance limits Card issuers may approve you for a balance transfer offer, but the amount you will be approved to transfer can vary. And you See CARD BALANCE, page 36

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Value over growth From page 34 months, for example. That’s up from 13 at the end of 2012 and from 8 in early 2009. Many managers say the market doesn’t yet look frighteningly expensive, but in-

vestors are more aware of price-earnings ratios. Value stocks in the Russell 3000 index traded at 17 times their earnings at the end of April. Growth stocks were at 21. • Value stocks are home to dividend payers. Value stocks typically steer more of

BEACON BITS

Oct. 4+

REGINA HIGH SCHOOL 50TH REUNION

The Regina High School class of 1964 reunion will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 with a reception at the Loews Annapolis Hotel and on Oct 5 with a Mass followed by a luncheon. Contact Cheryl (Spicer) Watts at (301) 598-5003 or email: cheryl200@verizon.net. Please use subject line: Regina Reunion

A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

their profits to paying dividends. In contrast, growth stocks often find it best to plow their cash back into the business: Spending money to develop new products or expand their warehouses helps to generate even more growth. Value stocks in the Russell 3000 had an average dividend yield of 2.3 percent at the end of April, versus 1.6 percent for growth stocks. Demand for dividend stocks has increased as investors look for alternatives to bonds, which offer relatively low yields. This should be a long-lasting trend, said John Manley, chief equity strategist at Wells Fargo Funds Management. With the Baby Boom generation reaching retirement age, a bigger percentage of the popu-

lation will be looking for investment income. One challenge for value investors is that the stock market’s surge has made cheap stocks tougher to find. But managers say it’s not impossible. When the market looks too risky, John Osterweis said he sells stocks and bides his time in cash. That’s what he did with his $1.2 billion Osterweis fund (OSTFX) in 2008, when half the fund at one point was in cash. But today, cash makes up just 6 percent of the fund. Osterweis looks for cheap value stocks that he believes will morph into growth stocks, and he said he’s still finding opportunities. — AP

Card balance

Assuming the entire balance can be transferred, that should tell you how much you stand to save. You can do this calculation on an online card payment calculator like this one from Bankrate: http://apne.ws/1gSm3z5 5. Consider other options Borrowers who are overwhelmed by debt may not qualify for a balance transfer card, as such offers are typically extended to borrowers who have a FICO score above 700. And adding another credit card to one’s wallet may not be the best option if there are several others already carrying high balances. Consider asking the credit card company to lower your interest rate, suggests Tetreault. That may not work, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Another option: Seek credit counseling, which can provide assistance managing debt, making a personal budget and dealing with card issuers. Here’s how to find a qualified credit counselor: http://apne.ws/1jSz7HC. — AP

From page 35 typically won’t know how much credit the lender will extend to you until after you’ve been approved. That means you may only be able to unload a portion of your card debt onto a new one with a more favorable interest rate. Consider that when you apply for the card. 4. Do the math You’ve taken into consideration that there may be fees and a limited amount of time to pay down your debt before the interest rate jumps. But is opting for a balance transfer card ultimately worth it? Look at the card jammed with charges that you’re considering refinancing through a balance transfer. Estimate how long it will take you to pay the balance and how much in interest charges, given the card’s annual percentage rate, or APR, you will rack up over the same period. Then do the same calculation, based on the terms of a card balance transfer offer, specifically: The promotional interest rate and number of months that it’s in effect.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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.

Retirees can consult pro bono and for pay By Kate Petersen When Community Ministries of Rockville began putting together a housing proposal for very low income families, it turned to the Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s Pro Bono Consultant Program for an experienced consultant. With his 32 years of experience, Murray Blank, formerly of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Philadelphia, was able to look at the proposal with a seasoned eye. “I would raise issues I thought that the reviewer would want to have presented in the proposal,” Blank commented about the successful funding request. With the funding obtained through this

proposal, Community Ministries was able to recently open a home for several homeless women. “It’s an incredible resource,” Arndt said. “Every nonprofit should be taking advantage of what the volunteer center has to offer.”

Putting experience to work The Pro Bono Consultant Program leverages the extensive experience people in the retired community have accumulated by offering free professional help to non-profits and government entities. “We find that many seniors, in particular, are looking for a chance to draw upon a lifetime of experience to help a nonprofit

organization but don’t have any idea how to go about this. We work with each consultant to try to find the right opportunity,” said Deborah Missal, the organization’s program manager. Another consultant helped interPLAYcompany Band, a band that works with adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities, when they needed a way to evaluate their program. After posting their need on the Pro Bono Consultant Program’s website, interPLAY was put in touch with John Gaffney, a retiree of IBM and Lockheed Martin who worked in statistics and electrical engineering. “His background was ideal for this,” said Ken Silverstein, managing di-

rector of interPLAY. Gaffney worked with Silverstein to create, implement and revise a survey that was filled out by guardians of band members. The final results showed an improvement of behavior of band members that correlated with their participation in the band. These results were included in a successful grant request made by interPLAYcompany Band. “My previous grant writer really was pushing for this for years,” recounted Silverstein. “We needed to do this, and finally we found somebody in John who could do it for us the right way and the most profesSee CONSULTANTS, page 39

Volunteers & Careers | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

You’re ready to retire — your spouse is not By Anya Kamenetz My dear aunt came to her career late after a long marriage and raising several children, so she expects to work for quite a few more years. In her 60s, she had to end a relationship because he was retired and wanted to travel and relax, while she had limited vacation time. This is a common mismatch for people in her age group. Recent national surveys have found anywhere from 58 percent to 75 percent of people over 60 are delaying retirement. According to one survey, while 79 percent of those working for the long haul said they can’t afford to stop working, about half also said that they just plain enjoy their jobs. When one member of a couple wants to retire or downshift and the other one doesn’t, planning, including financial planning, can get tricky.

“It’s a scenario that we’re seeing more and more frequently, both with people who have decided it’s time to retire and those who get laid off and can’t get back into the workforce,” said Howard Hook, a CPA and certified financial planner with the wealth management firm of EKS Associates in Princeton, N.J. He offers detailed cash flow analyses to his clients, and cautions that each is different, but he suggests some general principles for approaching the situation.

Act like you’re both working If at least one member of the couple is still earning, the safest path to take is to act like you’re both still working. That means that the other spouse should delay taking Social Security. There’s a powerful financial incentive to do so: an 8 percent annual bonus for postponing benefits up to

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SOCIAL COMPANIONS NEEDED

The Mount Vernon Adult Day Health Care Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va., needs social companions for participants on Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. and front desk volunteers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on “Volunteer Solutions” or call (703) 3245406, TTY 711.

age 70. If you do need supplemental income, though, Hook said Social Security is preferable to tapping a 401(k) or IRA. “You’ll net more out of Social Security, which is 85 percent subject to tax, whereas every dollar you pull out of a retirement fund is taxed.” To figure out whether you can live on one income, make a new budget. Take into account the savings that come from not working, like commuting costs, clothes, FICA taxes, and retirement and health plan contributions. Think about how to lower expenses. This may be a good time to sell the house and buy a cheaper condo, or stay put if it’s all paid off.

Earn at your leisure “For some of my clients, retirement may not be a permanent change,” said Hook. It may be possible to escape what you hate about the daily grind without leaving the workforce altogether. Almost 40 million Americans are currently pursuing or considering a second career after retiring from their first one, such as consulting, freelancing, nonprofit work or starting a business. My parents, retired English professors, are busy with writing, leading retreats and workshops, and other work. In exchange

for lower earnings, a second career may offer many rewards, such as the ability to be entrepreneurial and set one’s own hours, no more long commutes, an opportunity to travel and to give back. Staying connected and making a contribution can be vital to one’s continuing health and happiness. It can even delay dementia, as a large study last year showed.

Have a plan B Speaking of health, health issues are the most common reason that people quit working sooner than expected. So even if you have a detailed financial plan based on continued earnings for one or both of you, there should also be a backup plan. This would include a survival budget, a sixmonth emergency fund and, of course, medical insurance. Hook also recommends that his clients purchase long-term care insurance, though he cautions: “You have to get it before you need it. Sometimes the insurability is different than life insurance, so don’t assume that it will be there.” Anya Kamenetz’ latest book is “DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs, and the Coming Transformation of Higher Education.” She welcomes your questions at diyubook@gmail.com) © 2014 Anya Kamenetz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Volunteers & Careers

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Consultants

work of consultants — some he found, some who found him — Solomon’s firm consists of retired individuals with experience in a wide range of fields. Solomon said he has met a lot of company executives who know their field, but not so much about how to run a business. “Would you like to know how to do banking?” Solomon asked these companies, “and they said, ‘Yeah, we’re worried about that.’” Solomon has a consultant for that. One of many, actually, with at least half boasting more than 40 years of experience in their respective fields. In fact, he has people lining up who want to become consultants with his collaborative group. “I’m being deluged with emails from people I’ve never heard of before,” said Solomon. “I’ve never seen anything like it!”

was so professional. It was way beyond what I had ever imagined could be developed.”

From page 37 sional way.” It’s not just the organizations, however, that reap the benefits of a program such as the Pro Bono Consultant Program. “It grows your intellect and experience, and it’s fun,” said Gaffney. “[It’s] always nice to learn something new.” For other seniors who are interested in becoming consultants, Gaffney noted that “[volunteers] feel like they’re making a difference in the world. Which they are.” Many of the consultants apply for the program online at www.montgomeryserves.org and are then matched with a project based on the skills of the consultant and the needs of the organization. The program checks in during the projects to ensure that needs are being met. “The Pro Bono volunteers we’ve gotten over the years have been fabulous,” Arndt said. “There is no way we could pay for all these quality services.” “It was unbelievable,” said Silverstein. “It

Sharing the wealth But what if you aren’t a nonprofit and want the type of expertise someone with decades of experience possesses? Or if you’re an older adult who wants to be paid for sharing decades of experience? Louis Solomon, managing partner of LPS Collaborative Group (LCG) has an answer. Several years ago, Solomon started LCG to take advantage of the invaluable experience of retirees. With his own experience in program and financial management, business development and systems engineering, he realized that those who retired from these fields and others had an immense amount of collective knowledge and skills. Solomon got back in touch with his associates and asked, do you want to “have something to amuse you instead of watching daytime TV?” The overwhelming response was “yes.” Gathering together an extensive net-

Why, though, would a group of people who have already worked for 40+ years want to keep working? “They love their work, and they love solving the problems,” Solomon replied. To learn more about the firm and how to hire a consultant, visit www.lpscolg.com or call (240) 403-7603.

Scoring a consultant SCORE is another option for businesses in need of some insight from retirees and those still in the workforce alike. Members of this organization have experience in many aspects of business in a wide range of fields. SCORE offers free counseling and mentoring, as well as low cost workshops for starting or existing business in the D.C. metro area. Visit washingtondc.score.org or call (202) 619-1000 for more information.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRO BONO CONSULTANT PROGRAM

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Historic Sarajevo was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I 100 years ago. See story on page 42.

Breathtaking beauty in Utah’s national parks

Arcing arches Aptly named Arches National Park is a collection of some of nature’s most intriguing creations: architectural designs that span space and confound logic, and for which no man-made blueprint was ever drawn. It boasts the largest concentration of naturally occurring arches in the world

with more than 900 of the structures. The trail to Delicate Arch, one of its most famous, is anything but delicate. Arduous is the more apt term for the mostly uphill climb over slick rock. By the time I neared the top, I was prepared to trip the next person heading down who said, “Oh, but it’s worth it.” Still, after rounding the final obstacle, the only word that emerged with what I was sure was my final breath, was “Wow.” Leaving Delicate Arch, I was able to focus on the beauty of the surroundings. Going up, I could concentrate only on putting one foot in front of the other.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM

By Fyllis Hockman Driving along a winding, narrow cliff, a 1,300-foot drop on the driver’s side, I clung to my heart, with the rest of me halfway out the passenger-side window. Hiking on slick rock at seemingly a 90-degree angle, I came to a visual wonder, and understood why so many made the climb. Gaping at high cliff walls adorned with sharp pinnacles leaping skyward, it looked like the earth had been splashed with multi-hued red dyes, all running together. Such is life among the five national parks of southern Utah. Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion share many commonalities, including uncompromising splendor, a history of both the Earth and the country, and a sense of personal sanctuary. These five mystical worlds have been created over millions of years by the movement of the Earth, water and wind, rain and drought, freezes and thaws and, especially, erosion. Even today, these same elements continue to change the face of the parks. After more than 150 million years, they are still works in progress.

A land of canyons Nearby Canyonlands National Park requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle –- preferably with a driver. At 6,000 feet, the view from the Island in the Sky mesa looks down at cliffs 2,000 feet tall, arising out of a magnificently gouged and painted landscape. The panorama at Grandview Point is unequaled in terms of sheer expanse, providing a broad view over the entire park, stretching across countless canyons -– and beyond. Indeed, Canyonlands is a series of spectacular views strung across hundreds of miles of remote wilderness. Suffice it to say, “Scenic Overlook” signs are redundant. The highlight of the park for me was the Shafer Trail. The dirt road, rough in spots, very rough in others, is bordered on one side by perpendicular cliffs; on the other, the afore-mentioned sheer 1,300-foot drop. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UTAH OFFICE OF TOURISM

Delicate Arch rises above Arches National Park. Visitors can take an arduous uphill hike to reach the 65-foot arch, which is depicted on Utah’s license plate.

Bryce Canyon National Park’s myriad rock formations were created by the park’s unique rain and ice patterns.

Riding along the very narrow, bumpy ledge, I found myself leaning far to the right in the hopes of influencing the car further in that direction. Even so, I managed to appreciate the other-worldly landscape we were passing. Halfway down, the mountain on our right was so high I could barely see its top. On the other side, the drop to the vast valley below was vertigo-inducing. The drive itself -– in lowest gear -– is slow-going. Bouncing up and down and rocking side to side 2,000 feet above any sane person’s comfort level for four hours, you can lose several pounds without ever leaving the car. A plus, as I saw it.

An arid reef Although geologic history is stressed in every park, at Capitol Reef, it’s what defines it — ranging from 80 to 270 million years old. Dana and Milo Breite from Shingle Springs, Calif., were as giddy as two kids in a video game store. “We’ve been collecting rocks and exploring geologic sites together for decades, and this is one of the highlights of all our excursions,” exclaimed Dana. A stroll along the dry Grand Wash River bed nearby, so narrow in parts you can touch both canyon walls at the same time, evoked old western film images of the lonely cowboy out on the trail. Here cine-

ma meets cinema verite. This is Butch Cassidy country. He used to ride along this same stream bed (though it had water in it, then) and hide among the cavernous cliffs overhead –now called, not surprisingly, Cassidy Arch.

Bryce Canyon A park away, Bryce Canyon is synonymous with hoodoos — phantasmagorical images emerging from weird and wonderful rock formations. There are thousands of the little (and not so little) formations in all shapes, colors and sizes. The park’s unique rain and ice patterns sculpt these fanciful spires of rusted limestone; erosion at its most imaginative. More than geologic oddities, hoodoos cast a magical spell on all who return their stony gaze. Stan Weintraub of St. Augustine, Fla., claimed he could spend hours in Bryce Canyon National Park just looking at the hoodoos and assigning them different imaginary configurations. “You can write books about what you think you are seeing,” offered Weintraub. The color-intense view from Aqua Canyon — vivid coppers glowing in ochres and vermillion, vying with slashes of oranges and invading magentas — chalSee UTAH PARKS, page 41

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Utah parks From page 40 lenges the most expensive of cameras or cell phones to reproduce it accurately. Just below, sandstone statues of a Pioneer Woman with bustled skirt and Mad Hunter with Hat reign as king and queen over a hoodoo chessboard. Hiking brings an intimacy with surroundings impossible to experience from an observation ledge. Hikers way below negotiating in, around and through the hoodoo pillars resemble colorful, marching toothpicks.

Riparian Zion Arriving at Zion reinforces the idea that each park is unique. At the other parks, your line of sight extends out toward the horizon as well as down into the canyons. At Zion, you look straight up â&#x20AC;&#x201D;and up â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and up. Towering cliffs â&#x20AC;&#x201D;- some of the tallest in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201D; flank you on either side. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now on the canyon floor, looking up at straight, sheer masses of Navajo sandstone unencumbered by frilly outgrowths and hoodoo pillars. They meet the sky at a point that strains both the neck and the imagination. Water is an anomaly here, in contrast to the harsh drought of the other parks. The soft-running Virgin River, which accompanied me on many of the hikes throughout the park, is responsible for creating the huge rock gorges that encircle the park â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and it took only 5 to 16 million years to do so. At Bryce, riding the shuttle is optional; at Zion, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandatory -â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the only way visitors may tour the park. Running at sixminute intervals, it takes you to eight stops, which are simply starting points for further exploration by foot. Because youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so close to the canyons, â&#x20AC;&#x153;toweringâ&#x20AC;? replaces â&#x20AC;&#x153;expanseâ&#x20AC;? as the word of the day. Viewing options at Zion are more under-looks than overlooks. For those who are afraid of heights, Zion is the park! The Riverside Trail hike passes through surprisingly lush vegetation to streams where you can cool your feet; skip stones with the kids; picnic or simply sit upon a rock and get lost in the scenery. The Virgin River makes its less-than-virgin run through and over rocks, emitting self-satisfied sounds as a backdrop to the reverie.

If you go Visitors, depending upon personal preference, can start at Zion and head north for increasingly spectacular views (my choice), or begin at Arches and drive south to save the best for last, as many consider Zion to be. Either way, it is impossible not to be enthralled by the unimaginable replay of expansive beauty and scenic motifs that present themselves in so many different ways from one park to the other. There are numerous options for accommodations. The lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park was built in the 1920s. It is designated as a historic landmark, and the dĂŠcor is reflects the period. There are no TVs on the property or air conditioning, although temperatures rarely get into the 80s. Wifi

is available in the lodge. Cabins are $213 a night, while motel rooms start at $183. For reservations, see http://brycecanyonforever.com/lodging or call 1-877-386-4383. Zion National Park has a lodge with hotel rooms and 40 cabins. Hotel rooms are $197 a night and cabins are $200. There are two restaurants onsite. See www.zionlodge.com or call 1-888-297-2757. Harvest House Bed & Breakfast is located a half mile from the entrance to Zion National Park. It is run by the daughter of a prominent Boston caterer, and guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts with spectacular views. Rooms range from $130 to $160 a night. For more information, see www.harvesthouse.net or call (435) 772-3880. None of the parks is near a large airport or urban area, and most are nearly equidistant from Las Vegasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; McCarron International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport. Bryce Canyon is about a four-hour drive from either airport, while

Zion National Park is closer to Las Vegas, about a two-hour and 45-minute drive. Spirit Airlines offers an overnight, nonstop roundtrip flight from Marshal Baltimore-Washington International Airport to Las Vegas for just $265 in late August, but beware of extra fees, including one for carryon luggage, that can add up with this airline. Daytime flights on American and

Frontier Airlines start at about $400. The lowest roundtrip fare to Salt Lake City in late August is $345 on Frontier Airlines. For more information, call the Utah Office of Tourism at 1-800-200-1160 or check the website at visitutah.com. Gaithersburg, Md.-based writer Fyllis Hockman is the wife of the Beaconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel writer Victor Block.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Visiting Sarajevo, where WWI was sparked By Aida Cerkez SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — If you find yourself on Ferhadija street behind the old synagogue at noon, close your eyes and listen to the bells from the Catholic cathedral and the Serb-Orthodox church mixing with the Muslim call for prayer. They call this the sound of Sarajevo. And yet, Sarajevo is also known for the sound of a gunshot that led to World War I a century ago. It was June 28, 1914, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s crown prince Franz Ferdinand was assassinated here by Gavrilo Princip. The Great War left millions dead and made four empires disappear. A memorial plaque and video displays of photos from the assassination decorate a museum building at the downtown corner where Princip changed the world. The war’s centennial has been marked this summer with

conferences, exhibits and concerts. But World War I is just one era in the history of this multicultural city of 390,000, with its legacies of Islamic Ottoman, Jewish, Christian Orthodox and Roman Catholic religions. The city is fondly known for hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics. And it is infamously remembered as a key battleground of the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Despite the dark chapters of the past, today the city is defined by what locals call “the Sarajevo spirit,” an interesting and mostly harmonious mix of religions and cultures. And any visit must include a look at how that blend came to be.

Dalmatian traders and hundreds of shops. The tolerant empire filled the town’s skyline with minarets and church towers, attracting anyone who fled Europe’s Catholic inquisition. When Queen Isabella of Spain expelled Sephardic Jews in 1492, thousands found refuge in “Yerushalaim chico,” or Little A Moorish style wooden fountain anchors the square at Jerusalem, which is how the center of Sarajevo. This multicultural city embraces they nicknamed the city. its legacies of Islamic Ottoman, Jewish, Christian OrthoSarajevo’s soul resides dox and Roman Catholic religions 600 years of history in this Oriental quarter Start with the old town called Bascarsija. and residents believe that time runs slower tain on the central square for selfies and to Ottoman Turks founded Sarajevo here in in its water pipe bars, mosques and crafts refresh themselves from one of its pipes — as locals sometimes whisper the first part the 15th century as a center of commerce shops. with three malls, colonies of Venetian and Tourists usually stop at the Sebilj foun- of an old Sarajevo saying: “Whoever drinks water from Bascarsija...” The travel advisory ends by saying the water is cursed and will make you return to Sarajevo over and over till you die. Perhaps better to turn to coffee — a gastronomic cult served in small copper pots and little cups with a sugar cube and glass of water aside. Here is how it goes: Dip cube into coffee. Bite off the soaked part. Let melt on tongue. Sip coffee and let it flow over the sugar. Enjoy for a moment before you wash it down with water. Why? Because it makes every next sip of coffee taste like the first one. Often there is an extra cup for whoever accidently comes by. A refusal to share is an insult. Locals spend hours drinking if only because it is a good excuse for prolonged conversation. Real-time begins again where Bascarsija ends — and a new chapter in history opens. In 1878, Bosnia turned from a western Ottoman province into a southeastern Austro-Hungarian province. The transition is visible at Ferhadija Street near number 30. Look west, and the secessionist-style in a beautiful, comfortable environment. A sense of cultural community and belonging four-story buildings and churches tell you: This professional attention is provided at is a powerful tool for living. To feel secure and Central Europe. Perhaps Austria. Look whatever level of assisted living g care is needat home in new surroundings, g to be amongg east: perhaps some old part of Istanbul ed, in an atmosphere of positive attitudes and ed people who remember what it was like to walk with the low, stone structures with oriental ffriendly i dl faces faces. f We W offer ff an unparalleled ll l d pro proto shul h l and d wait i for f their h i mothers’ mothers h ’ freshly f hl gram off activities ti iti and d holiday h lid observances b baked b k d challah h ll h tto cool, l to t share h memories i with ith See SARAJEVO, page 45 throughout g the year year, y , and our kitchen prepares p p those who seem already y familiar with them them. a delicious kosher menu every day day. That s what it’s That’s it s like to live at Landow House BEACON BITS iin Rockville Rockville. R k ill Find out why y so many y Washington g area fami fami55+ VA. TRIPS INFO llies have h made d us a part off their h lives. lives l Our residents d receive the h highest h h quality l care, care SESSION ffrom personall assistance i t dressing d i or taking t ki Visit Walter Reed Senior Center for medications,, to nursing medications g and medical care, care, all an information session about the trip

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

For a great cruise deal, start planning now If you’re looking for a good deal on a gains, even to the extent of “holding the cruise, think about the rest of this year. price and giving up occupancy,” anathema Even cruise line execs admit that the in- to many lines. dustry is currently doing a lot But, on a more positive of discounting, while, at the note, he noted that the excess same time, they tout efforts to capacity in that primary “discipline” the marketplace cruise market should ease by next year. the end of this year and that Even though those execs the number of ships in the routinely promise to end disCaribbean will drop, leading counting, their track record to higher prices. Carnival’s has been notoriously poor. views are obviously imporStill, as with so many travel tant; it’s the world’s largest services, when you see some cruise line, with 11 individual TRAVEL TIPS really great prices, buy; don’t brands, including Carnival, By Ed Perkins wait for even more price drops. Cunard, Holland America, and I don’t often look to the business pages Princess, that account for almost half the for guidance about the best deals, but Car- worldwide cruise market. nival’s CEO’s conference call for investment analysts earlier this summer provid- Types of discounts Cruise discounting takes three major ed some fascinating tidbits. He blamed competitors for “aggressive discounting” forms: • Straight price-cutting — selling cabins in the Caribbean this year, adding that his own company was trying to limit the bar- for less than the list or “brochure” price.

You see a lot of this, the purest form of discounting, especially with last-minute sales and promotions. • Cabin upgrades — offering better cabins to buyers at the lowest prices. Keep in mind, however, that the megaships have so many cabin classes that even a “two- or threeclass upgrade” may not be much of a change.

• Onboard credit — offering credits to be spent in shipboard shops, casinos, and food venues not included in the base rate. Credit, of course, beats an equivalent dollars-off discount, because the cost of providing whatever you use your shipboard See CRUISE DEALS, page 45

BEACON BITS

Oct. 17

MOSES AND A MEAL Kingstowne Senior Center presents a day trip to the Sight &

Sound Theatres to see a stage production about the life of Moses on Friday, Oct. 17. There will be lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord. Buses depart at 6:30 a.m. and will return at 8:30 p.m. The trip sells out quickly. Payment is by check and is accepted Wednesday through Friday only at the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults, 6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, Va. The cost is $125, and payment is due by Monday, Sept. 8. For more information, call (703) 339-7676.

Sept. 26

ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL The Schweinhaut Senior Center presents a daytrip to the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival in Harpers Ferry, W.V.

Buses leave the center, located at 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring, Md., at 9 a.m. sharp. Meet 200 artisans, taste wines from the area’s wineries and enjoy different types of food. Lunch is on your own, so pack or bring money for lunch. Sign-up is available the center’s registration desk. The cost is $17 per person. For more information, call (240) 777-8085.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Sarajevo From page 42 shops, minarets and water fountains.

The chaotic 20th century In the chaotic century that followed, Sarajevo was part of four different countries and in two wars, proving accurate Winston

Cruise deals From page 43 credit on is a lot less than the cash price. Some discounting employs two or even all three of these forms on the same promotion.

Getting the best discounts Beyond looking at the various forms of discounting, consider a few basic “rules” of cruise deals. • The best discounts — along with the lowest starting prices — are with the giant mass-market cruise lines and on the large megaships. Cruise brands with the lowest ratio of revenues to passengers include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC. Smaller “boutique” cruise lines don’t typically discount as much, and even after discounts, their rates can be several times those of the mass-market lines. • The best discounts are also in the most popular mass-market cruising areas;

Churchill’s description of the Balkans: “Too much history for little geography.” After it recovered from World War II and staged the 1984 Winter Games, Sarajevo was devastated by the Serb siege during the 1992-95 Bosnian war that left its residents hiding from 330 shells a day that smashed into the city. People dug a half-mile tunnel under-

neath the airport for supplies and the Tunnel Museum proves how dangerous passing through the narrow 5-foot-high high passageway was, bent through ankle-deep water while holding on to an electric cable. Graves of some of the 11,541 victims of the siege fill the Lion Park. They are proof that the multi-religious “sound of Sarajevo” has a starkly visible dark side: white obelisks

marking Muslim graves mix with Christian crosses and simple atheist headstones. For Sarajevo tourism information, see www.sarajevo.ba/en/stream.php?kat=146. World War I anniversary exhibits, conferences and other events are planned through the fall. For a schedule, see http://sarajevo2014.com/en/events#world-war. — AP

the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. • As a special case, the lowest per-day cabin prices are on transatlantic repositioning cruises, as cruise lines move their megaships from summers in Europe to winters in warm weather areas and back to Europe in the spring. • The fourth quarter of the year is traditionally the slowest for all U.S. and Canadian tourism to the nearby warm-water areas. This is partly due to seasonal work/school schedules and partly because that’s in the hurricane season. • Cruise lines still sell mainly through travel agents, from online giants such as cruisesonly.com and cruise.com to momand-pop local agencies. AAA agencies have traditionally had some good deals. And you don’t have to worry about agency fees: Cruise agencies still work on commission. • If you have a special requirement — a good solo traveler rate, for example, or a family — don’t limit your search to the Internet. Instead, call or visit an agency, even

an online agency, to check out your options. • If you’re interested in cruising, visit cruisecritic.com and other online information sources. I won’t promise that discount prices will be scarce next year: The cruise industry almost always promises that “next year we’ll stop discounting,” and they rarely come through on that pledge. Still, prices

should be good for the rest of 2014, so go for it. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins (at)mind.net. Perkins’ new book for small business and independent professionals, “Business Travel When It’s Your Money,” is now available through www.mybusinesstravel.com or www.amazon.com © 2014 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Style Arts &

Smokey Stevens appeared in the movie The Wiz in 1978. See continuation of the cover story on page 50.

Irish play’s spooky atmospherics veil its plot

A haunted house McPherson takes us to a frayed Irish country house. With the family’s fortunes depleted and the countryside roiling with uneasiness, the widowed Lady Madeleine Lam-

broke (Michele Osherow), contemplates a sale of the bankrupt estate and its lands. She arranges a marriage for her lovely, somewhat ethereal daughter Hannah (Chelsea Mayo). Hannah is to be sent to England to wed a wealthy Marquis. She is about to be escorted to London by an old family friend, Reverend Berkelely (Steve LaRocque), a rather dodgy priest with his head in spiritualist clouds. Berkeley shows up at the manor with an odd traveling companion, the drug-addled, self-styled philosopher Charles Audelle (John Decker). They immediately get the impressionable Hannah into their grasp and try to harness her extrasensory powers to connect with the old house’s spiritually uneasy past. It’s very much The Cherry Orchard meets The Turn of the Screw. William Fingal (Michael Avolio), the resentful estate manager, has unrequited designs on his mistress and likes to brandish firearms while stomping around the all-purpose drawing/dining/sitting room in filthy boots. Young housemaid Clare (Christine Alexander), who loves the much-older Fingal, schemes to escape to America. Housekeeper Mrs. Goulding (Stephanie

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The Quotidian Theatre’s production of the Irish play The Veil stars Jane Squier Bruns as Grandie, Michele Osherow as Lady Lambroke, Stephanie Mumford as Mrs. Goulding, John Decker as Charles Audelle and Steve LaRocque as Reverend Berkelely.

Mumford) struts around as if she’s a member of the family, while Lady Lambroke’s grandmother, called Grandie (Jane Squier Bruns), only occasionally stirs from her dementia to say something simultaneously silly and perceptive. There’s loud thunder, spooky visions, and long, meaningful glances at a spot in

the room where Something Terrible once happened. And, of course, a séance. There is a contemporary, perhaps timeless, theme to be found here. And that is how we corporeal humans deal with uncerSee THE VEIL, page 47

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By Michael Toscano I am a fan of Irish playwright (and actor and director) Conor McPherson, especially fond of his plays Shining City, The Weir, and The Seafarer. In that body of work, he explores contemporary angst by conjuring up ghosts, literal and ephemeral. His sharply fashioned dialogue is a study in depth, but crafted in naturalistic rhythms. It has been a few years since McPherson has graced our stages with new work, so I eagerly anticipated the American premiere of The Veil, a play that debuted about three years ago in London. Bethesda’s Quotidian Theatre is staging the play through Aug. 17. Yes, it is a ghost story, but it is a period piece, set in an Irish countryside estate in 1822. With his contemporary settings, the ghosts, such as they are, serve the story; here they are the story. I’m not quite certain McPherson has managed to make that work as well as he might.

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The Veil From page 46 tainty about our futures. But it gets overshadowed, as it were, by melodrama and reliance on atmospherics over plot. The very first thing we experience is an extended creak of an old door opening. It’s mixed with the sound of a steady rain. So we know from the first five seconds that this is to be a moody experience. But the atmosphere is thin sustenance until about Scene Four in Act One, when things finally pick up. (Yes, it is a long play; the two acts and intermission run about two hours and 45 minutes.) Gone are McPherson’s naturalistic, modern rhythms. Instead, the period language is florid and stilted. It can still become quite sharp for brief comments, especially when Audelle is enjoying his liquid spirits along with the other kind, aided by generous doses of laudanum. But the playwright seems somewhat lost in this mix he has created. Are we to think that the growing tension over control of the land with the British, and Ireland’s collapsing economy, are ghostly themes? Fervor over that issue does seem to propel Fingal into a late outburst in which Avolio sharpens the focus with an energetic and informed performance. But there is much to be talked through here. And talked through again.

saying they were just out for a pleasant moonlight walk, why are we treated to the menacing sound of howling wind?

Energetic second act Act Two is much better, as the action speeds up, and the plot unfolds. It opens with a burst of energy as the ghost story planted in act one begins to blossom. The themes swirl and collide, but they at least grab and hold our attention. So there is underlying strength here. If McPherson were to sharpen Act One, paring back some of the ingredients of this pungent Irish stew, it just might be easier to swallow. The Veil continues through August 17 at Quotidian Theatre Company, which performs at the Writer’s Center Theater, 4508 Walsh St. in Bethesda, Md. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There is also a matinee scheduled for Saturday, August 16, at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices: $30 regular and $25 for students and seniors. For tickets, call the reservation line at (301) 816-1023, or email quotidiantheatre@comcast.net with the following information: Your name; date of performance; number of tickets desired

(note senior/student status if applicable); phone number; and email address. There is a metered (free on Sunday) parking lot across the street from the Writer’s Center, and the theater is wheelchair accessible.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 23

SOUND OF MUSIC SING-A-LONG

Wolf Trap presents a Sound of Music sing-a-long event on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 7:15 to 11 p.m. The classic film will be shown on large screens with lyrics, and there will be a costume contest. Wolf Trap is located at 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va. Tickets cost $25 to $38. For more information, call (703) 255-1800.

Aug. 13

SCOTT KIRBY IN CONCERT

Jammin Java presents singer-songwriter Scott Kirby on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. With his Newfoundland and New England roots, Kirby is frequently compared to Jimmy Buffet. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Jammin Java is located at 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, Va. For more information, visit https://jamminjava.com/events/scott-kirby or call (703) 255-1566.

Stellar performances The experience is saved for us by uniformly strong performances from the cast. Young Chelsea Mayo, in particular, adds grace and strength with her work as Hannah. She gives us a woman who seems to exist in several dimensions with a layered and subtle power. The Veil offers more female roles than is usual in McPherson’s work. Mayo and Osherow, who turns in a robust performance as Lady Lambroke, take full advantage of this new aspect of McPherson’s body of work. LaRocque and Avolio project differing styles of strength and determination, and while both are scheming, the priest is devious and the manager is bold and direct. Director Jack Sbarbori seems stymied by the limitations of his constricted set, however. It is a flat, mostly one-dimensional room, wide and shallow and often filled with the cast. The house set is neither grand nor especially tattered; it is a bland and dreary space. Berkeley calls the house “a conduit for desperate souls,” but it seems more like the director is desperate for staging ideas. He arranges his actors as if they are in a tableau, posed, rather than living. It is unnatural to have an entire cast spaced uniformly and facing the audience (and not the kind of unnatural called for by the story line). Much of the movement seems contrived and mechanical, as if the director knows somebody has to do something. It just adds to the static nature of the scenes in Act One. And the designers do not always seem to be paying attention to the script. When two characters enter the room by

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

Don’t spoil a second chance at happiness She’s 86 years old, and she’s beaming. that bind any couple at any age. I toasted He’s about the same age, and he’s beam- them with my second cup of joe and said ing, too. They would like me to know three everyone should be so lucky. things. Now here comes the but: One: They’re a couple. A “When I told my kids about serious couple. him, and the fact that he was Two: They’re very happy. moving in, they said I was disThree: Her adult children honoring the memory of their and her granddaughter are father,” the woman told me. being complete nincompoops “They want me to be frozen in about it. time, as the mom they’ve alThe story begins more than ways known. Too bad, kids. I’ve 50 years ago, when the couple still got a life to live.” first met. They were each mar- HOW I SEE IT Indeed so. One would think ried to others at the time. The By Bob Levey that adult children would untwo pairs were good friends. Alderstand and applaud this. though they lived in cities more than 1,000 How can it be better to be lonely? But the miles apart, the four people stayed in touch. woman’s adult children aren’t playing. Three years ago, both marriages ended: It’s even worse with her granddaughter. hers because her husband died; his via di- “She’s 20 years old. She got a summer invorce because “we just ran out of gas.” The ternship in the Washington area. She two octogenarians settled in to live the rest called me and asked if she could live with of their lives alone. me for the summer,” the woman said. “Of But then she was visiting in Florida, and course, I said I’d be delighted.” she knew he lived there, so she figured But then Miss Judgmental said that she why not call? would do so only if “Grandma’s boyfriend” Liftoff was immediate. “I am crazy wasn’t living there at the same time. happy,” she told me, when we shared a cup This would be a game-breaker for a lot of coffee recently. of grandmothers, especially when the ulti“I have been crazy for a long time, but matum-issuer is her only grandchild. But now I’m crazy happy, too,” he added. my 86-year-old pal stood her ground. How much do I love this? Not only does “I told her that he’s in my life, and he’s hope spring eternal, but so do enthusiasm, in my apartment,” the woman said. Good sharing, partnership, stupid movies for her. watched together at 3 a.m. — all the things But bad for her and her granddaughter.

The kid went and found another place to live for the summer. But she hasn’t stopped yapping about how Grandma disrespected her and continues to disrespect her sainted departed grandfather. I may need a forklift to close my mouth. It’s wide open in shock. This 20-year-old is seriously trying to dictate terms to her grandmother? The same grandmother who cheerfully offered her a free bunk for the summer? The same grandmother who has never missed a birthday or a weekly phone call? The same grandmother who has just as much of a right to happiness as any 20-year-old? The kid needs a summer internship, all right — at the Bureau of Common Courtesy. As for the adult children, I give them a little more slack. But only a little more. Losing a parent is very tough at any age. And losing a parent for the first time is especially stunning. But when the dust settles, and there’s Mom gazing down the highway at a life of solitude, isn’t it utterly obvious that she needs to look to the future? Not a future that negates the past, but a future that builds on it.

No, she shouldn’t throw over everything and take up nude body-painting. No, she shouldn’t start giving big money to wackola causes. But the worst thing she can do is to live as if the old man were still there beside her. That would extend her grief rather than allow her to move past it. My 86-year-old friend has found a way. She is a star to have done so. Her companion shines just as brightly. And they’re eager to spend time with her kids and grandkids. He isn’t one of those late-in-life lovebirds who wants his honey all to himself. By the way, the couple says they will never marry. The “marriage penalty” on income tax day makes that a losing idea. But who needs marriage, anyway? Those stupid movies at 3 a.m. — why, grab a tub of popcorn and two glasses of wine, and two great people can feel young again. “I am crazy,” says the man. “Crazy about her.” She beams. He beams back. If her family never beams along with them, it’s their spoiled-brat loss. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 21+

YOUNG AT ART SUBMISSIONS

Young at Art, an annual juried art show for artists age 55 and over, is seeking submissions for artwork. Interested participants should bring submissions (all media types), registration materials and payment to the Durant Arts Center, located at 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria, Va. between 10 a.m. and noon on Thursday, Aug. 21. The cost is $20 to submit the first three works and $5 for each additional work submitted. The show opens on Aug. 25. For more information or to acquire the registration materials, contact Mary Lee Anderson at (703) 836-4414, ext. 11 or executivedirector@seniorservicesalex.org

Ongoing

CHINESE ART

The National Institutes of Health is currently hosting an exhibit and sale by local Chinese artist Tracie Griffith Tso through Saturday, Sept. 5. Her works reflect the tradition of the Far East and this year’s Year of the Horse. This dual-media exhibit explores Chinese brushpainting on paper and pottery, focusing on the power and strength of the horse. Twenty percent of the proceeds of sales will go toward the Patient Emergency Fund. The Clinical Center at NIH is located at 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md. For more information, call visit www.inksart.com or call 1-888-266-1676.

Want Information and Services from Montgomery County Government?

Call 311 to Get it Done! or visit mc311.com Call 240-777-0311 outside Montgomery County or near the County Border

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Stevens From page 1 It was while with the theater that Stevens auditioned for Bubbling Brown Sugar. “I got it, man. I was so elated. I was so excited because I was moving outside of D.C. to the big time,” he recalled. From there he leapfrogged to a role as a

A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

crow in the movie The Wiz, dancing with Michael Jackson, who played the Scarecrow in that 1978 African American take on The Wizard of Oz. “To actually get an opportunity to work with Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Richard Pryor — you can’t get any better. It was a truly awesome experience,” Stevens said. “I had the opportunity to

BEACON BITS BEAUTIFUL WRECKAGE The Touchstone Gallery presents a photography exhibit by Pete McCutchen. “A Landscape Beckoned” features shots of rusted vehicles and twisted wrecks in North-Central Pennsylvania that illustrate the beauty in decay. The exhibit opens Friday, Sept. 5 and will close on Sunday, Sept. 28. The gallery is located at 901 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 347-2787.

Sept. 5

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meet and work with some of the finest entertainers in America.” On Broadway, he appeared in Dreamgirls, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and One Mo’ Time. But Stevens eventually wanted to have more creative control over his career, so he teamed up with a friend to branch out on their own.

Being his own boss “I said, ‘let’s create our own show instead of auditioning for people,’” Stevens said. “We portrayed two black comedians traveling on the old black vaudeville circuit. We used writings of Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks and other writers, and we would perform comedy skits and vintage music.” The show, Rollin’, celebrated unsung black vaudevillians — a genre that Stevens said was created in Washington, D.C. about a century ago. It had a six-week run at the Source Theatre in Washington in 1993 and toured the country before moving on to New York. Unfortunately, Stevens’ co-producer Jaye Steward died before the show rolled into New York. The show hit the big time under a slightly different name, Rollin’ on the T.O.B.A. (Theatre Owners’ Booking Association), the first vaudeville circuit for African American performers in the 1920s and ‘30s. The show progressed from off-off Broadway to an off-Broadway venue, and finally to the Henry Miller Theatre on Broadway itself in 1999.

The New York Times gave it a glowing review, while Newsday said it was “Smart stylishness, elegant, witty, engaging.” Variety called it a “sleeper hit.” But the success on Broadway was shortlived due to a landlord-tenant dispute that forced the show to close and move to a new theater. That broke the momentum, Stevens said. And the Tony Awards snubbed the show, saying that as a musical revue it didn’t qualify to be nominated. The show closed after only a few weeks. “It broke my heart,” Stevens said, “because I was the writer, director, choreographer and performer in my own Broadway show. No African American male had done that since 1922.”

Spiraling down, then back up Stevens took his show’s closing hard, and spiraled into drug use and depression. A year and a half later, he was caught transporting 50 pounds of marijuana from California to Washington. He ended up in an Ohio prison for two years. “Imagine going from having your name up in lights on Broadway to sitting in a prison cell,” he said. “I had gone from experimenting, to dependency, and then to giving fully all of my power away to the drugs. It took coming to the point of hitting rock bottom to realize that I had the power to control that power.” See STEVENS, page 51

Metrobus routes 32 & 36 are changing for the better. Effective August 24, 2014. Metrobus makes 400,000+ trips every day. As you can imagine, we do a lot of work to keep things running smoothly. In this case, we’ve restructured routes 32 & 36 to improve reliability and frequency along Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Avenues. Want the full details? Visit wmata.com/betterbus or call 202.637.7000.

Las líneas 32 y 36 del Metrobús están cambiando para bien. A partir del 24 de agosto de 2014. El Metrobús hace más de 400,000 recorridos todos los días. Como podrá imaginarse, nos esforzamos muchísimo porque las cosas marchen sin contratiempos. En este caso, hemos reestructurado las líneas 32 y 36 para mejorar la confiabilidad y la frecuencia de los recorridos a lo largo de las avenidas Pennsylvania y Wisconsin. ¿Quiere conocer todos los detalles? Visite wmata.com/betterbus o llame al 202.637.7000.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Stevens

is not just in one area, but multi-talented,” Byrd said.

From page 50 Even in prison, Stevens got a chance to write and direct. He adapted the Biblical story of the prodigal son, putting on a production with “rapists, murderers, 22 of society’s worst offenders you could imagine.” As he clawed his way back to sobriety, Stevens decided to write an autobiography about his challenges and overcoming addiction. He turned the book, I Just Want to Tell Somebody, into a one-man show that played at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington in 2011. Stevens’ friend from the Showmobile days, playwright and director Stephen Byrd, said that Stevens has not had an easy time back in his hometown. “He’s said on many occasions that D.C. is a hard nut to crack, unlike New York or California. Everybody in D.C. is a wannabe —pretends to be a writer or an actor or something in their minds,” Byrd said. But he said that Stevens is the real thing. “He’s like what you’d call a man for all seasons, a Renaissance man, a person who

Plans for the future Byrd and Stevens recently filmed a pilot for a TV show they hope gets picked up by a cable network. While he’s cagey about the exact nature of the show, Byrd says, “Think ‘The Voice’ or ‘America’s Got Talent,’ but for actors.” “Because there are so many cable channels now, they’re dying for product, so I know my show stands a very good chance of being picked up by one of the stations,” Stevens said. Stevens’ 25-year-old daughter, Angela Christine Stevens, is already on a TV show — the WE network’s “LA Hair,” a reality show about a high-end hair salon in Los Angeles. He also has a son and a 5-year-old grandchild. Film is the next medium on Stevens’ agenda. He appeared in two movies in addition to The Wiz in his younger days, and wants to move back in that direction, but as a producer and director. Stevens recently finished a screenplay

BEACON BITS

Aug. 9

JAZZ IT UP

Join the Jazz Ambassadors to hear the military’s finest practitioners of jazz and swing at Fort Dupont Park, 3600 F St. SE, Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. The Army’s official touring band features a 19-member jazz ensemble. No tickets required. For more information, call (301) 677-6586.

in a completely different genre, a Western, as well as a documentary about the historic LeDroit Park neighborhood in Washington, helped by a grant from the D.C. Humanities Council. “I’ve been doing theater for more than 40 years, but it can break your heart. You

pour your heart and soul onto the stage, and have the audience in the palm of your hand, but it only lives for that one night,” he said. “But film and TV live forever. You can access it online, on TV. The story you’re telling and the work you do will live on.”

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FROM PAGE 54

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD S K I D P L P E N N E T W I N P E A L A N A N T M U S E F U L L M E T A R O S E D E G C I O A R E A S T T H E A F R I T R A D S H O O T S T H E L E O E M B A L T R O B M P H

O I N T A T E R K S W A T U R S M A L J A T O O R E E S A E C A N Q E V O U O N E L I O N E D C E S E

R O C S R U T

K E V I N K L I N E

I R A N

D A N G

E E R I E

T W E E N

T E A K I N G A R T E Y E S

Classifieds cont. from page 55. Wanted OLD AND NEW WE BUY Sterling Silver Flatware, Tea Sets, Single Pieces, Fountain Pens, Lighters, Tools, Cameras, Glassware, Art Work. Toys From Trains to Hotwheels to Star Wars. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. STERLING SILVER – I WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR for your silver marked “sterling,” “925,” “800.” Please, no silver plate. Want flatware, bowls, plates, candlesticks, etc. Call Richard, 301-646-0101. 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. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, ESTATES. I have been advertising in the Beacon for 20 years. Montgomery County resident – will travel to D.C., MD, VA. Buying following items: Furniture, art, jewelry, gold, sterling silver, old coins, vintage pocket and wrist watches, old tools, books, camera, military items – guns, rifles, knives, pocket knives, swords etc. Also buying: old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, photographs, autographs, musical instruments, guitars, violins, etc. Also old sports memorabilia and equipment – baseball, golf, football, fishing etc. Please call Tom at 240-476-3441.

Wanted 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, 202841-3062. 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 301654-0838.

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

WANTED: ANTIQUE ELECTRONICS, engineer’s estates, Hi-Fi Stereo, huge old loudspeakers, ham radios, records, professional quality musical instruments, antique computers, scientific curiosities. 202-527-9501, vcvdc@msn.com.

STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301-309-3622. Stampex1@gmail.com.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, etc. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack, 301- 279-2158.

CASH FOR ESTATE BUYOUTS, estate clean-outs, jewelry to furniture, one item or whole state. Free Estimate, Will Travel. 301520-0755. CIVIL WAR SOLDIER’S LETTERS, autographs, documents, images, archives wanted by local historian for use in research and feature articles. Free consulting and research, no obligation. Ron, 301-869-2723, 240-498-3535. WB8/14

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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

21 24

40 45

33 37

Scrabble answers on p. 53.

41 46

56 62

Across 1. Lose traction 5. Play “eeny meeny miny moe” 10. ___ gloves 13. Pasta shape 14. Closer to midnight 15. Are backwards 16. City, St. locale of the prequel to a mysterious TV show 18. Start of the 8th president’s last name 19. Opposite of syn. 20. PC linkup 21. British WWII codecracker, the “father of artificial intelligence” 23. Those in silent thought 26. Left-side calendar column 27. An adaptation of the Vietnam War novel The Short-Timers 33. Stumbled out of bed 34. Excessively 35. Preakness winner Seattle ___ 36. Corp. tech. director 37. Bachelors’ rewards 41. Great anger 42. Direction not in any state names 44. Notre Dame coach Parseghian 45. Bert’s best buddy 47. In 2007, it fell 48 spots to number 65 in the AFI’s Top 100 Movie List 51. ___ la la 52. Saintly 53. Attempts a free throw 56. Score from a free throw 57. Afternoon delight 60. August babe, probably 61. The source of Elton’ John’s Academy Award 65. Neighbor of the Ctrl key 66. Insert into (as in this puzzle’s theme movies) 67. A la ___ 68. Indy 500 stat. 69. Puts on clothes 70. Twister centers

Down 1. Darned 2. Create a sweater 3. Hotel, out in the country 4. Removed feathers 5. Hubble discovery 6. Poison ___ 7. “___ a trap!” 8. Silent amphibian, or vocal Speaker 9. Serious injury 10. He won a Tony and an Oscar in the 80’s 11. Modern-day Persia 12. “Darn-it” 13. Book fair host org. 17. Simplicity 22. Legendary birds of prey 23. D.C. United’s org. 24. Pointless pursuit 25. Gin flavoring 27. Diamond surface 28. Dickens’s ___ Heep 29. Warning sign for a night-time fairy 30. Bazooka ___ 31. Spoooooky 32. 1 who likes 2 txt 38. Musical talent 39. Street layout 40. Alphabetize 43. Ingredient in Chicken Luau 46. Groove 48. More like Hardy than Laurel 49. Gives the cold shoulder to 50. Taboo topic 53. Criticize severely 54. Beatles album 55. A dull, boring jerk 57. Become drowsy at the wheel 58. Head docs. 59. Complete another calendar 62. Fade away 63. Far left of Oswald 64. Key letter in 10 Down’s monogram

Answers on page 53.

Answer: The couple left the restaurant because the accordion music was -- "DRAWN" OUT Jumbles: GAUDY WHOOP RATIFY JUNGLE

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

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.

Business and Employment Opportunities GET FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE today! www.myfes.net/MMccollum1 or 202-734-2555. YOUNG MOTHER SEEKS LIVE-IN assistance with care of her children and household duties. Home located in desirable location convenient to public transportation. Free meals and private accommodations provided. Single, nonsmoking female. Encourage to reply by letter (with two references). To Post Office Box 2017, Montgomery Village, Md. 20886.

Caregivers “A” HOME HEALTH CARE – Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in. Flat rate for live-in care. 15 years experience. 240-533-6599. NURSING STUDENT & LICENSED, BONDED, highly experienced CNA seeks fulltime overnight caregiving position. Extensive resume and sterling references available. If interested, please call Jacqueline at 301-787-3555. COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER, ENGLISH SPEAKING LADY with 20 years of experience. Has own transportation, excellent references. Very reliable and punctual. Available now for day or night. Full-time or part-time. Petfriendly. Call 301-803-9000. I WILL CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES night/day. Own transportation. Good references. Lots of experience. 301-502-2258. CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT and responsible female are looking for helping clients with hygiene, dressing, shopping, socializing, walking, light cooking, and housekeeping in Ashburn and Sterling areas. Availability is after 5 p.m. and days off. Please, email me: sla2952312@aol.com or call 571-480-2830. KIND, DEPENDABLE, EXPERIENCED caregiver for live-out care or live-in care for a flat rate. Hygiene care, Meal preparation, Housekeeping, Errands, Appointments, Medication reminders. Call 301-490-1146. CERTIFIED GERIATRIC NURSING assistant, Licensed by Board of Nursing, CPR Certified, seeking work M through F days or nights. Excellent references from top agencies with 15 years experience in Geriatric, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Stroke and more. Please call 240-304-0448. HUMAN TOUCH HOME HEALTHCARE – An award-winning, licensed & certified, skilled home health agency with over 17 years of experience that gives patients “A Touch of Care.” If you, a friend, or loved one lives in DC or VA and need home care, Call Us Today! Medical providers in NoVA. Call Winston to set-up a complementary in-service luncheon. Veterans Care Specialists. Fax referrals to 703-531-0545 (Attn: Winston) or call 703-598-4783.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call: David G at 301-642-4526. COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use. Windows 8, Smartphone/tablet, digital camera. Learn at your own pace with gentle & patient tutor. We also troubleshoot problems & setup new computers. Teaching Seniors since 1996. Senior Discount. Call David, 301-762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

Entertainment THE SHALOM SIGNATURE CLUB: If you like Bagels and Lox, Matzah Balls and Kugel, then you need to try our activities. We’re a dynamic social club geared to folks 50 and up. Many of our activities have a Jewish theme; most are free of charge and take place in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Chevy Chase. Currently, our regular monthly schedule features two afternoon activities (at 1 p.m. and includes lunch) and two evening activities (usually 7 p.m.), plus a monthly Friday-eve Shabbat Dinner. For further info, visit www.ShalomSC.org or call 240-200-4515.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate TAKOMA PARK: New Spiritual, progressive “Golden Girls” household. Seeking two single women (45-75) for friendships, sharing common space + choice of room/suite. ($595/$695/$995/mo + utilities). Rent reduction barter. No smoking/pets. September 1 or later autumn. Email circlewoodshome@gmail.com ASAP. After reading full ad: [Google “Washingtondc.craigslist.com. On far left, type “Spread The Word.” Beneath, choose “housing”/press arrow.] RENTAL – LEISURE WORLD. 55+. Beautiful large highrise K-model condo: 2BR, den, 2BA, enclosed balcony, built-ins, garage. 1480 sq ft. $1750/month. Call Mark, 301-299-4546. LEISURE WORLD – $249,500. Beautiful large highrise Greens K-model condo: 2BR, den, 2BA, enclosed balcony, built-ins, garage. 1480 sq ft. Call Mark at 301-299-4546. I BUY HOUSES ANY CONDITION – Fairfax County, VA. Save time, money and worry. Not an agent, no commissions. Female owned. 703-9695847, ibuyfairfaxhouses@gmail.com. LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 23. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert Realtors. ALLOW YOURSELF THE LUXURY of living in the beautifully maintained 55+ community of leisure! Lovely 2BR, 2 full bath home with tablespace kit, separate dining room, spacious living room & large balcony. Top floor in mid-rise building has in-unit washer, dryer and economical gas heat. Call Joan Brown, 240-277-3132 or 301-681-0550, ext. 138 to see this super unit. Weichert, Realtors. SUPER 2BR, 2BA CONDO – 1,115 sq. ft. with extra large garage space! TABLE/SPACE kitchen! Tree-top view from enclosed balcony. Move-in ready. Settle into a marvelous new lifestyle in this senior, gated community! $158,000. Call Nancy @ 301-460-6976, Weichert, Realtors. 301-681-0550, ext. 250. LEISURE WORLD – RENTAL $1,750/Mo. Beautifully furnished 2BR, 2FB in midrise “Creekside.” Available September, call 301-4049000 or email Lolo10@yahoo.com.

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/Rent: Real Estate

Personals

LEISURE WORLD ® - $219,000. 3BR 2FB 1 HB “M” in Greens. Table space kitchen, separate dining room. Large enclosed balcony. New paint and carpet. 1530 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

PETERAGGA@OUTLOOK.COM. The most affectionate man is single. 63, 5’ 6”. No smokers.

LEISURE WORLD® - $379,000. 3BR 2FB 1HB “H” model with garage in “Villa Cortez.” Separate dining room plus table space kitchen with window, enclosed balcony, laundry room, new paint and carpet. 1629 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $199,000. 2BR 2FB “J” with garage in “Fairways,” updated table space kitchen, enclosed, vented balcony, new verticals, mirrored doors. 1317 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® $159,000. 1BR 1-1/2 BA “A” model in “Overlook” with garage. Wood floors, enclosed balcony, golf course view. 930 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - RENTAL - $1300. 1BR 1FB 1HB “Cordoba” model with covered carport parking. 946 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $149,000. 2BR 2FB “F” model in the ”Greens,” enclosed balcony, move-in condition. 1115 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463,

ATTRACTIVE, BF, 75, 5’1”, good figure, seeks Christian gentlemen, 68+ who is attentive and lighthearted, to date and have a relationship. Call 301-741-1451. I AM A WIDOWER IN THE 80’s, moved to Silver Spring, MD next to my family, looking for a pen pal for friendship with lady, write about life as seniors, future, current topics, what one could have and didn’t. I will acquaint you about myself and my Weltanschuung for you to see that I am above board. Email is Bebe5906@aol.com.

Personal Services FOR THE GIFTED AND TALENTED. Math and more for GT.com. jim4nv92@verizon.net. READY TO DE-CLUTTER? I can help. Sort, donate, discard. Reasonable rates. Call Jan, 301933-7570. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike, 301-565-4051. CHERYL’S ORGANIZING CONCEPTS LLC – Professional Organizing Services. Help with all aspects of home organizing. Experienced – References – Member NAPO. All work confidential. Licensed – Bonded. $25 discount on initial appointment. www.CherylsOrganizing.com. 301-916-9022.

LEISURE WORLD® - $264,900. 2BR +DEN, 2FB “K” in “Greens” with garage space included. Large enclosed balcony, new paint. 1480 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

LEISURE WORLD® - $369,000. 3BR 2FB 1HB “L” in “Villa Cortez”, table space kitchen, separate dining room, enclosed balcony. 1520 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

AVON REPRESENTATIVE in Silver Spring, Maryland. Don’t have a brochure? Check my website online www.youravon.com/phyllisbetts. Free direct shipping to your home on orders over $35.

For Sale ONE CEMETERY LOT FOR TWO people, side by side at Maryland National Park. $1,800, cash only. Call Roy at 410-326-9268.

ALL SLOW OR POOR READERS – Would you like to improve your reading and comprehension skills with one-on-one attention? Contact: Ruby @ 301-367-4058.

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.

RUN&PLAY PET CARE – is a Silver Spring pet care/dog walking service that specializes in group play dates, provides individual walks, boarding, placement assistance. Ask about our senior discount. www.runandplaymd.com, 240882-6411.

Health

LADY DESIRES TO WORK MORNINGS and evenings. Light duties. Call Shirley, 202-265-0107.

SUPPLEMENT YOUR WELLNESS and be in better health! Stress – Pain, Inflammation – Weight Loss - Prevention. Ask about the State-ofthe-Art, Worldwide Wellness Centers. TRY TGLOBAL & Feed A Child! T-Global Health – (844) TRY-TGLOBAL (879-8456), www.wellnesswelldone.com (reps needed – FT/PT – will train).

Wanted

Home/Handyman Services

NEWLY-RENOVATED BASEMENT apartment in the cozy Brookland and CUA area. Quiet, safe neighborhood close to metro, bus line, and local hospitals. $900/month (utilities included). Non-smoking/no pets allowed. Available immediately! If interested, please contact Ms. Habermehl after 4pm for details at 202-276-4958.

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.

SENIOR SEEKS RENTAL: Large, quiet, private entrance, first floor apartment or finished home basement. Open to unconventional space. Ask me about “Service Barter” idea. Move before August’s end! Max $800, more if utilities included. Excellent business, personal references! Paul, 202-544-4545.

THE GOLDEN NETWORK offers Jewish seniors and retirees a variety of engaging programs, including lectures, classes, one-on-one learning in person and by phone, concerts, sing-alongs and more! For more information and details about upcoming events, call 301-338-4810, email info@goldennetwork.org, or see goldennetwork.org.

Miscellaneous

CASH FOR RECORDS & CDs. BEST PRICE GUARANTEED. Free appraisals. All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301646-5403. Will make house calls. WE BUY OLD AND NEW JEWELRY, Coins, Silver and Gold, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks and Parts, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-464-0958. VINYL RECORDS WANTED from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

Classifieds cont. on p. 53

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