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Michael Feinstein’s lucky break
At Gershwin’s Beverly Hills home, Feinstein met many of the legendary members of Hollywood’s old guard, such as Frank
WIN TICKETS TO MEET Michael Feinstein! PHOTO BY GILLES TOUCAS
Learning from the masters
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
By Carol Sorgen On a summer day in 1977, 20-year-old Michael Feinstein had a life-changing encounter: he was introduced to Ira Gershwin, the 80-year-old lyricist brother of George Gershwin, the famous American composer who had died years earlier at the age of 38. The present-day Feinstein, now 56, says he always felt like “an old soul,” even as a child growing up in the 1960s. From the time he was 5 and started playing piano by ear in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, Feinstein began listening to his parents’ recordings of Bing Crosby, Al Jolson and Rosemary Clooney. “While I couldn’t tell you the names of the hit songs on the radio, I was a kid who could rattle off the name of every hit song written by George and Ira Gershwin, as well as many arcane facts about their lives and career,” he writes in his critically acclaimed memoir, The Gershwins and Me. Feinstein had met Ira Gershwin through June Levant, the widow of the concert pianist Oscar Levant, whom Feinstein calls “the greatest interpreter of Gershwin music of his generation.” Ira and his wife Lee asked Feinstein to start working with them, and he spent the next six years, until Ira’s death, taking care of their archive of Gershwin memorabilia. “Those formative years shaped the direction of my career and taught life lessons I never could have gotten in college, had I the grades to get in,” Feinstein told the Beacon in a telephone interview. Of course, today Feinstein himself is a world-renowned entertainer — a pianist and singer, not to mention author, known for his interpretations of what has become known as “the great American Songbook.” That Songbook comprises the best of American music — principally from Broadway, musical theatre and Hollywood musical film — from the 1920s to 1960. It includes dozens of songs of lasting popularity by such composers and lyricists as Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, Jerome Kern and Cole Porter, to name just a few.
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Singer and pianist Michael Feinstein recounts working with Ira Gershwin in his recent memoir, The Gershwins and Me. He will share those stories and his enthusiasm for the songs of Broadway and film known as “the Great American Songbook” in a program to benefit the Myerberg Center at the Lyric Theatre on May 9.
Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Rosemary Clooney, Roddy McDowall, Henry Mancini and many others. A number of them became his friends as well. “It was as if I had arrived in Beverly Hills in the nick of time,” Feinstein recalled, “because only a few years later they were all gone....But they taught me much of what I know about performing, interpreting a song, and about why it’s important to pass on what we learn. “They planted the seeds that have bloomed into a lifelong mission of sharing the classic era of music and culture by finding a way to make it relate to contemporary audiences.” Ira Gershwin, in particular, was a great
teacher and mentor who shared much that otherwise would have been lost long ago, Feinstein said, adding gratefully, “I have a very strong career because of this music.” Many of the tunes are timeless, as seen by their continued popularity, even among today’s pop artists. “I gain such joy seeing the music go on and on,” Feinstein writes in his book. “Whether it’s Lady Gaga singing “Someone to Watch Over Me” or hearing Beyonce sing “At Last,” I know I’m part of a tradition that will never die. And I was there to learn it from the masters.” In 1995, Feinstein wrote an earlier memSee FEINSTEIN, page 34
ARTS & STYLE
Carving out a new career as an artist; plus, a reprise of Fiddler on the Roof at Toby’s Dinner Theatre page 33
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
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Driven by technology Your broke your glasses (or your foot)? transit systems for those unable to use You had surgery recently? Your car’s in public transit (MTA Mobility in Baltimore; the shop? Metro Access in Greater Getting from here to there Washington), to volunteer — to the doctor’s office, to drivers, subsidized taxis and the grocery store, to a conthe like. These are helpful cert, to the hospital — can (but often far from ideal) opbecome a problem for all of tions we have written about in us at one time or another. the Beacon many times over The solution? Call a cab. the years. Call a friend. Take the bus. But today I want to write We can usually work around about a futuristic solution that it for awhile. is, amazingly, almost ready But getting around can be- FROM THE for prime time — namely, come a daily struggle for PUBLISHER “self-driving cars.” those who can no longer safe- By Stuart P. Rosenthal Perhaps you’ve read about ly drive, either due to poor vithese cars, enhanced with sion, a chronic or permanent disability, or self-driving technology by Google (yes, the lack of a car (or of access to the keys). the Internet search engine people). There That’s why, for a number of years now, are about a dozen such computer-run vehithe most common concerns raised by cles on the road today, mostly in Califorthose calling aging and disability services nia, following programmed instructions hotlines tend to be transportation-related. and rooftop radar that control their route, A number of more-or-less satisfactory turns, speed, braking and parking. solutions exist, ranging from public paraA person sits in the driver’s seat, but
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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Baltimore area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Howard County, Md., Greater Washington DC and Greater Palm Springs, Calif. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail for $12 or via first-class mail for $36, prepaid with order. MD residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal
only in case of emergency (and probably to keep other folks from driving off the road at the sight of a driverless car). They are still being tested and improved, but so far, we are told these vehicles have driven more than 300,000 miles without a single accident — that is, without a single accident they have caused. Vehicles driven by people have run into them from behind on occasion. Google says its research has shown the automatic cars have outperformed professional drivers in accident simulations. Take a look at the self-driving car doing its thing on a three-minute YouTube video, in which nearly blind Steve Mahan, a resident of Morgan Hill, Calif., is driven from his home to a taco drive-through and his neighborhood dry cleaner and back again (www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdgQpa1pU UE). Three states have already passed legislation permitting such cars on their roads: California, Nevada and Florida. It is probably no coincidence that California and Florida also happen to have more residents 65 and over than any other states in the Union. Given the higher rate of accidents per mile among older drivers, and the greater risk of fatality that older adults experience in auto crashes, the promise of an accident-free and totally independent mode of transportation for those no longer able to drive on their own would be a dream come true — not only for otherwise homebound people themselves, but for their families and indeed everyone else on the road. Of course, such a solution, while possibly accident-free and driver-free, is not free. At present, the computer and radar
components that make Google’s customized cars autonomous cost a reported $150,000 per car. But most people will not need to own such a car themselves. I envision companies with a small fleet of them using an online reservation system that keeps its cars taking people back and forth pretty much 24/7 (once they teach the cars how to fill themselves at a gas station!). In the meantime, car manufacturers including Lexus and Ford are already selling a number of models that can parallel park themselves, have “adaptive cruise control” (which maintains a safe distance from cars in front), and “lane keep assist” systems that, with cameras and automated steering control, keep cars safely within their lane when the driver fails to do so. These existing technologies — plus new ones in development that will allow cars to communicate with each other on the road and maneuver safely in crowded conditions, such as Ford’s “Traffic Jam Assist” — will transform both public and private transportation. And I don’t mean in the distant future, either. Reportedly, Ford envisions selling a self-driving car by 2017, building on currently available technologies. Yes, our demographic realities will mean rapidly increasing numbers of older drivers (and non-drivers) in the coming years. But fortunately, inventive and daring engineers are crafting what appears to be a solution in tandem with the problem.
Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.
• Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Contributing Editor ..........................Carol Sorgen • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ............Steve Levin, ........................................................................Jill Joseph
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Dear Editor: I am sharing my thoughts on the Publisher’s column “Sober Reflections,” from March. My husband died in 2005 at the age of 76. We had previously filled out all of the forms that would be necessary to prevent others from prolonging “the act of dying.” He died at home, peacefully, and aware that I was with him. My concern is that my daughter will not
abide by the decisions, already in place, when I reach the end of my life. She changes the subject. Can you offer advice in a future article about the indignities seniors face when pain and illness prevent them from caring for themselves? The shame? The embarrassment? Jeanne White Baltimore, MD
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ANNOYING COMPANIES, GREAT STOCKS Consumers may dislike their customer service, but investors love them KEEP REAPING DIVIDENDS Despite an increase in the dividend tax rate, dividends continue to deliver PLANNING AHEAD Funeral planning can save anguish and money, but know your rights DIVVYING UP YOUR STUFF Strategies for fairly dividing your personal possessions among heirs
Investing’s vicious cycle of greed and fear The stock market has been on a roll, After two years of non-stop worry about reaching new five-year highs and approach- the European “PIIGS� (Portugal, Ireland, ing all-time nominal (not inflaItaly, Greece and Spain) and tion-adjusted) highs, which is the debt crisis, the euro zone tempting many investors to is no longer on the precipice jump back into the fray. of disaster. TrimTabs reports that inAdditionally, when China’s vestors poured a record-setred-hot property market imting $55 billion into equity-reploded, many worried that the lated mutual and exchangeChinese government would traded funds in the first four not be able to manage an orweeks of 2013. But is the optiderly cooling-off, that its econmism warranted? RETIRE SMART omy would come to a screechThere are a number of very By Jill Schlesinger ing halt, and the miracle would good reasons for the rise in come to an end. stocks. First, let’s look abroad, where the That much-feared “hard economic landoutlook has improved. ing� in China never came to pass, and re-
cent data suggest that the country is resuming a more consistent pace of growth. Finally, the election of a new government in Japan has been a shot in the arm for that country’s multi-decade economic stagnation. In the U.S., the Congressional decision to delay the debt ceiling debate until May eased investors’ concerns in the near term. There are other political and fiscal deadlines that loom [such as the sequester that is scheduled to go into effect March 1, when this issue goes to press], but none quite as severe as a potential U.S. default. Another bright spot is the housing market, which bottomed in 2012 and is starting to contribute to economic growth, rather than detract from it.
Perhaps the biggest boost to stocks has come from the Federal Reserve, which is likely to maintain its low interest-rate policies (including the monthly purchase of $85 billion worth of bonds) until the national unemployment rate drops to 6.5 percent.
Stick with your investing plan Taken together, these factors have created a tailwind for stocks. But does that mean you should be more aggressive with your retirement assets? The answer is a resounding NO! If you have been avoiding risk for the past few years, you have done so for a reaSee INVESTING, page 4
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Annoying companies with great stocks By Kathy Kristof Consumers hate them. Investors love them. They’re airlines, insurance companies, cell phone providers and other companies that annoy us with high fees, rotten service and policies so abusive that you want to call the Better Business Bureau — or a lawyer. Take Spirit Airlines, the no-frills carrier based in Miramar, Fla., which recently hit the headlines for hiking carry-on baggage fees as high as $100 for those who don’t check in online. Spirit also charges for
checked bags, drinks, snacks, and booking a ticket over the phone through its reservation center. Leg room? Forget about it — unless you’re willing to pay extra, of course. To say customers don’t like this kind of treatment is an understatement. Negative reviews and complaints registered at ConsumerAffairs.com total more than 600. But, said Imperial Capital analyst Bob McAdoo, Spirit is one of the best firms for investors. Since going public in May 2011, the stock has soared 45 percent, yet still sells
for just 8 times estimated profits, which are expected to jump 30 percent in 2013. That’s a bargain for a firm that analysts see delivering annual profit growth of nearly 20 percent over the next few years. Besides, McAdoo said, many passengers complain about Spirit because they don’t really understand how it works. “If you are expecting traditional airline service, Spirit is annoying,” he said. “It would be annoying if you went to McDonald’s expecting to sit
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son: you did not want to take the stock market roller-coaster ride. Now that equities are up about 5 percent this year (not to mention that they’ve more than doubled since their low in March 2009), your inclination to dive back into stocks could just be because of the pesky voice of Greed whispering in your ear. You might remember that guy, the one who persuades you that you are missing out on market booms after prices have already gone up. Greed is usually right about the market for a short time. Then, when the bottom falls out, his alter ego, Fear, shows up to convince you to sell everything. All of a sudden, your emotions ensnare you in a Greed/Fear tug-of-war in which you are buying high and selling low. Compare that with a balanced approach that helps keep those emotions in check. Investors who create and adhere to longterm plans periodically rebalance their retirement accounts.
Why rebalancing is vital Here’s an example of how it might work in practice: Joe has been retired for five
down in a restaurant with a knife and fork. Spirit offers a different product.”
Cellphone behemoths Telecom giants AT&T and Verizon Communications provide plenty of services — from landline phone service to Internet connections — that most consumers find seamless. See GREAT STOCKS, page 5
years and manages his investments by himself. Every few months, he checks his accounts to make sure that his 50-50 split between stocks and bonds remains in balance. When he last checked, his equity position had swelled to 55 percent because of the recent stock market rise. He diligently sells 5 percent of his stocks and rotates the proceeds into bonds. In other words, he forces himself to sell high and buy low — the exact opposite of what happens when Greed and Fear control his investment decisions. The benefit of rebalancing is that instead of chasing stocks higher, you can be confident about selling as the market makes new highs and equally confident that you will buy when it drops to the lows. Following a disciplined approach is never more important than when the market swings in either direction, and Greed and Fear come a-calling. Protect yourself and your assets by avoiding emotion-driven decision making. Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the editor-at-large for www.CBSMoneyWatch.com. She covers the economy, markets, investing or anything else with a dollar sign on her podcast and blog, Jill on Money, as well as on television and radio. She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@moneywatch.com.
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stands out because it specializes in Medicare Advantage plans — an alternative to traditional Medicare coverage offered by private companies — at a time when the baby-boom generation is creating a booming business for senior care. Although healthcare reform will lead to lower premiums for Advantage programs, Seligman believes the reimbursement rate will be sufficient to keep Humana’s profits growing. Seligman thinks the stock, $65 today, will trade at $90 within a year. Kathy Kristof is a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. © 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
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But when it comes to their cell phone operations, consumers complain about everything from spotty reception to miserable customer service — not to mention exorbitant fees for getting out of a contract early. Yet rich dividends and near-captive markets have kept both stocks on recommended lists for years. Recently, several analysts, including UBS analyst John Hodulik, downgraded AT&T, partly because its share price has become relatively dear. But Hodulik does recommend Verizon. He notes that Verizon Wireless — owned by Verizon Communications and Britain’s Vodafone — is making so much money that it recently said it would pay its parents an $8.5 billion dividend. The cash helps fund Verizon Communications’ $2.06-pershare annual dividend payout. You won’t make a killing in Verizon, but with a lofty 4.7-percent yield, the stock need rise only a couple of bucks and change to give you a double-digit total return.
ConsumerAffairs.com notes that people who have health coverage don’t like the terms, think they pay too much, and believe they get nickel-and-dimed at every opportunity. Of the 19 health insurers the site rates, none gets an average grade as high as two stars (out of a maximum of five). Humana has been cited in several ConsumerAffairs.com posts for denying claims and providing miserable customer service. But S&P Capital IQ analyst Phillip Seligman thinks the Louisville, Ky.-based insurer is a great investment. Although he also has “buy” ratings on other health insurers, he said Humana
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has to do with how hard they make it for you to cash in on your claims when you do get into trouble. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, for instance, many homeowners complained that insurers had sneaked “hurricane deductibles” into their policies, requiring them to pay more before their coverage kicked in. But some of the very insurers that you hate for their surly service and avaricious policies often turn out to be great investments. Casualty insurer Travelers was caught in the Sandy maelstrom, with roughly 10 percent of the market share in hurricane-affected states, according to SNL Financial. However, risks such as hurricanes aren’t new problems for insurance companies, and insurance-rating firm A.M. Best said all of the big property companies were well prepared for the claims. RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Dwelle said that even though Travelers is a big name in homeowners coverage, that line accounts for just one-third of its revenues. The rest comes from commercial lines and worker’s-compensation coverage, where growth prospects are better. In addition, the New York City-based insurer has been buying back billions of dollars’ worth of its stock. Dwelle’s one-year price target: $85, or 20 percent above today’s price. If property insurers are widely reviled, health insurers may do them one better.
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
How to talk to your parents about money By Jill Schlesinger [Editor’s Note: Though this article is directed at adult children with older parents who won’t talk about financial matters, the issues cut both ways. Sometimes it’s the children who don’t want to have the discussion. Both can benefit from the techniques discussed below.] “How can I talk to my parents about money? Every time I try to bring up the topic, my mother gets paranoid and the conversation deteriorates quickly.� It is hard to balance being a responsible adult child, while not seeming like you are prying. Even if your loved ones appear to be financially self-sufficient, neurologists say
that cognitive ability starts sliding in later life. Having a conversation with your aging parents about their financial situation can be difficult because it often touches on feelings of control (or lack thereof), privacy and dignity. Indeed, talking to parents about money can be intimidating enough to cause many people to avoid it altogether, which ultimately leaves them with a tangled mess after death. That’s why it’s important to have “The Talk� when your parents are still healthy and self-sufficient.
Breaking the ice When should you have the conversa-
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tion? The easiest time is when your parents bring up something about money. Maybe it’s a complaint about low CD rates, how the markets are doing, or even a high utility bill. These are great opportunities to talk honestly about their current financial situation and explain that you can help by streamlining certain aspects of their financial lives, whether through automatic bill paying or consolidation of bank accounts. The early conversation does not have to be a forensic accounting of every last nickel of your parents’ finances, but you need to explain that an open dialogue will help them feel more in control and allow you to be prepared in case of an emergency. Remember, the goal is not to have your parents designate you as their power of attorney. It’s to help them see that you are there to assist them today and in the future, as needed.
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At North Oaks, we never stop improving on our ability to keep the people who live here connected to the best in life. Now, we’re in the midst of some exciting renovations that will add a new look and an exciting new dimension to daily living at this LifeCare™ retirement community. Other features, including new amenities, are being added to help promote health and wellness, which are, of course, hallmarks of life here. While it’s true that many things are changing, the important things are staying the same. Visit www.NorthOaks.net/Rejuvenation to download a copy of our successful aging brochure or call (410) 486-9090 today to schedule a personal appointment.
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If your parent does not bring up the topic, talk about your own experience. Maybe you recently sent your children to college and had a money talk with them, or you hired a financial adviser, or consulted with an attorney to create your own will. A colleague of mine raised the topic after the death of a friend’s father: “Jen’s dad left such a mess that she can’t even mourn him properly because she is overwhelmed by paperwork!� Her parents opened up more when they realized that withholding information could exacerbate an already difficult time.
Encourage updating paperwork What information should you gather? Make sure that your parents have current estate documents in an accessible location. If the will has not been updated in many years, encourage them to schedule an appointment with an estate attorney. Drafting or updating estate documents will force your parents to track down bank and investment account statements, insurance policies and pension documents. You can offer to attend the meeting, but only if they want you there. Emphasize that this is an opportunity for them to make their own decisions and to make their wishes known. One important note: Your parents may choose to do something that you don’t like! Unless it is dangerous to their wellbeing, try not to argue for a different outcome. If your parents have an up-to-date will, encourage them to draft a detailed list of where various accounts and important documents are held so that, in the event of an emergency, you are not rummaging through their home to locate everything. This is an ideal opportunity to ask your parents the names of and contact numbers for brokers, advisers or CPAs. You should also remind them how financial salespeople can be very convincing. Ask them to talk to you before buying any financial products or opening any new accounts. You can also suggest they have duplicate statements sent to your address so you can be apprised of their investments. Keep notes of these conversations, especially if you have siblings. There are far too many stories about relatives who become estranged as a result of end-of-life financial decisions. Finally, you can only do what you can do. If your parents simply shut down or refuse to talk to you about their money, don’t fight it. They may not want to talk today, but at least they know that the door is open. Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the Editor-atLarge for www.CBSMoneyWatch.com. She covers the economy, markets, investing or anything else with a dollar sign on her podcast and blog, Jill on Money, as well as on television and radio. She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@moneywatch.com. Š2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
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Don’t give up on dividends due to tax hike By Jeffrey R. Kosnett America’s robust dividend culture will survive despite the increase in the dividend tax rate for 2013 from 15 percent to 20 percent for high-income taxpayers — or to 23.8 percent, if you are subject to the Medicare surtax on investment income. You’ll still see regular quarterly checks and generous annual increases in the payments. So if you love dividends, take a deep breath, exhale and relax. The longer-term issue is whether higher dividend tax rates will discourage companies from making bigger distributions or investors from buying yield-oriented stocks. On the second question, there is exhaustive evidence that investors remain loyal to high-yielding or dividend-growth stocks because generous payouts provide evidence of a secure, well-run enterprise.
On top of that, high-yielding stocks almost always outpace other stock categories in the years following hikes in dividend tax rates — including the last time it happened, in 1993.
Higher dividends coming? As for companies’ willingness to raise dividends despite higher taxes, there’s plenty of evidence in the affirmative. Start with the 117 firms that initiated or restored dividends in 2011 and 2012, despite clear indications that the 15-percent rate would be up for review. Here are some others: • The influence of tax-exempt investors. Pension funds, endowments, insurance companies, and IRA and 401(k) investors collect about 75 percent of all dividends. Preferential tax rates — at whatever level
BEACON BITS
Ongoing
SUPPORT FOR SENIORS IN NEED
The Department of Aging’s Fund for Needy Seniors provides onetime emergency assistance, such as help with medication, groceries and electricity turn-offs, to Baltimore County seniors. Individuals can make donations with a credit card. For more information on the fund or on donations, visit www.seniorexpoonline.com, or send checks, payable to the Baltimore County Department of Aging, to BCDA, 611 Central Ave., Room 302, Towson, MD 21204. Donations are tax-deductible.
Apr. 12+
WALK-IN LEGAL CLINIC GIVES ADVICE
Jewish Legal Services, a program of Jewish Community Services, offers legal information, advice and referral services for Jewish individuals with limited income. A walk-in legal clinic is held on the second Monday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at JCS, 5750 Park Heights Ave. in Pikesville. The next clinic date is Friday, April 12. Lawyers and financial services volunteers are also needed to provide their expertise. For more information, or to volunteer, call (410) 843-7035 or visit www.jcsbaltimore.org.
— are irrelevant to them. Huge institutions, such as Calpers, the California public-employee pension fund, are saying that they will shop aggressively for discounted high-dividend stocks if a tax increase sparks an irrational selloff. • Bond refugees. Until interest rates rebound, bonds “cannot cut it” as a competitor to income stocks, said Mark Freeman, a fund manager and chief investment officer of the Westwood Group. If it appears that investors are starting to defect to bonds, Freeman thinks, cash-rich companies might boost dividends faster than otherwise to offset higher taxes. • Changes in techland. In years past, a technology company might fall under suspicion if it paid dividends instead of spend-
ing those billions on research and takeovers. But who can accuse Apple of not being innovative just because it started paying a dividend last summer? Or look at Cisco Systems. It recently hiked its dividend by 75 percent, and its stock recently yielded 2.8 percent. Jeffrey R. Kosnett is a senior editor at 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. Kiplinger’s has a new service to pinpoint the ideal time to claim Social Security to maximize benefits. Visit http://kiplinger.socialsecuritysolutions.com. © 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Funeral planning saves anguish, money By Elliott Raphaelson According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make. A traditional funeral, including a casket and vault, with additional expenses such as flowers, notices, hearses and so
forth, can cost more than $10,000. When plans and arrangements are not made in advance, survivors are uncomfortable negotiating costs. As a result, they often spend much more than they would otherwise. If you want to spare your relatives the
BEACON BITS
Ongoing
FAITH AND FINANCIAL FITNESS WORKSHOPS
Associated Black Charities’ Faith and Financial Fitness Workshops provide information and assistance to residents who may be experiencing economic stresses, including job loss and reduced income, and who may be at risk of home foreclosure and other challenges to their financial stability. For more information, log on to www.abc-md.org/faith-and-financial-fitness-workshops/ or call (410) 659-0000.
Mar. 23
CONCERT PIANIST ERIC ZUBER PERFORMS
Concert Artists of Baltimore’s third Concert of the Maestro Series will feature one of the leading American pianists of his generation, Baltimore native Eric Zuber. Zuber has won major prizes in many of the world’s most prestigious international piano competitions and was recently awarded The Arthur Rubinstein Prize for outstanding achievement by the Julliard School. The concert will take place Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m. at Miriam A. Friedberg Hall, Peabody Conservatory, 1 E. Mt. Vernon Pl. Ticket prices are $28 general admission, $25 senior, $8 students. For tickets, visit www.cabalto.org or call (410) 625-3525.
Ongoing
EXHIBIT BY OLDER MICA ALUMNI
The MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) Alumni Association is hosting an exhibition of work by the members of MICA’s Master Guild, a designated group of alumni who are celebrating — or have celebrated — the 50th anniversary of receiving their degrees. “Master Guild: Celebrating A Legacy of Excellence” will be on view through May 31 in MICA’s newly renovated Student Health & Wellness Center. Exhibition areas include public entry, patient and conference rooms, and lobby areas. The Wellness Center is located at 1501 W. Mt. Royal Ave. For more information, visit www.mica.edu.
burden of making those decisions at such a stressful time, you should document your wishes in advance. Attorney Denis Clifford, in his book Plan Your Estate (NOLO, 2012), points out that written burial instructions left by a deceased person are legally binding in most states, as long as they don’t violate state laws regarding body disposition. Even in states that do not require a deceased person’s instructions to be followed, they almost always are. Clifford recommends preparing printed burial instructions in a distinct document separate from wills and other estate-planning documents. The instructions should be in a safe and accessible location known by the persons responsible for implementing them.
Know your rights The FTC acknowledges that most funeral providers are professionals who serve the best interests of their clients. However, the commission warns that some take advantage of their clients by inflating prices, overcharging, double charging and adding unnecessary services. Fortunately, the FTC enforces something called the “Funeral Rule” to protect consumers. The Funeral Rule requires funeral directors to provide customers with itemized prices in person or over the phone, along with other information regarding their goods and services. If you ask in person, the funeral home must release a written price list to you indicating the goods and services offered. If you wish to buy a casket or other container, the funeral home must show you descriptions of the available selections and associated prices before showing you the caskets or containers. Funeral homes generally offer various
packages of common goods and services, some of which you may not want. Under the Funeral Rule, you have the right to purchase those goods and services individually. According to the FTC website, the rule also mandates: • If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law. • The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere. • A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available. Caskets are sold by retailers such as Costco and Walmart at prices that are usually significantly lower than those available at traditional funeral homes. Military benefits are available to honorably discharged veterans, their spouses and dependent children. They are entitled to be buried free in a military cemetery. You can find information at www.cem.va.gov. There is a great deal of valuable consumer information regarding funerals at the FTC website. For your convenience, we have shortened their site address to: http://bit.ly/funeralcosts. The site has detailed information regarding costs, services and products (such as embalming and cremation) and how to select a funeral provider. It discusses the pros and cons of prepaying for funerals, and points readers to other information resources. If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices, you can file a complaint with the FTC at 1-877-382-4357. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2012. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.
BEACON BITS
Apr. 8+
APPALACHIAN SPRING FESTIVAL Inspired by “Ap-
palachian Spring” by Martha Graham, Aaron Copland and Isamu Noguchi, as well as Ballet for Martha, a children’s book, the Baltimore School for the Arts is presenting an eight-day festival, beginning Monday, April 8, full of dance and music. This will be the first time a high school has ever officially been granted permission to perform the ballet. The festival will feature student projects at the Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St., as well as performances at Straus Recital Hall and the Schaefer Ballroom. For more information, including a calendar of events, visit the Baltimore School for the Arts website, www.bsfa.org.
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
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Smart and fair ways to divvy up your stuff By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior: What’s the best, conflict-free way to divvy up my personal possessions among my kids after I’m gone? I have a lot of jewelry, art, family heirlooms and antique furniture, and five grown kids who don’t always see eye-to-eye on things. Seeking Peace Dear Seeking: Divvying up personal possessions among adult children or other loved ones is a task that many parents dread. Deciding who should get what without showing favoritism, hurting someone’s feelings, or causing a feud can be difficult, even for close-knit families who enter the process with the best of intentions. Here are some tips to consider that can help you divide your stuff with minimal conflict.
Problem areas For starters, you need to be aware that it’s usually the small, simple items of little monetary value that cause the most conflicts. This is because the value we attach to the small personal possessions is usually sentimental or emotional, and because the simple items are the things that most families fail to talk about. Family battles can also escalate over whether things are being divided fairly by monetary value. So for items of higher value, like your jewelry, antiques and art, consider getting an appraisal to assure fair distribution. To locate an appraiser, visit www.appraisers.org.
Ways to divvy The best solution for passing along your personal possessions is for you to go through your house with your kids (or other heirs), either separately or all at once. Open up cabinets, drawers and closets, and go through boxes in the attic to find out which items they would like to inherit and why. They may have some emotional attachment to something you’re not aware of. If more than one child wants the same thing, you will have the ultimate say. Then you need to sit down and write up a list of who gets what signed, dated and referenced in your will. You can revise it any time you want. You may also want to consider writing an additional letter or creating an audio tape, CD or DVD that further explains your intentions. You can also specify a strategy for divvying up the rest of your property. Some fair and reasonable options include: • Take turns choosing: Use a roundrobin process where family members take turns picking out items they would like to have. If who goes first becomes an issue, they can always flip a coin or draw straws. Also, to help simplify things, break down the dividing process room-by-room, versus tackling the entire house at once. • Hold a family auction: Give each person involved the same amount of play money or “virtual points” to bid on the items they want. This can also be done online at eDivvyup.com, a website for families and estate executors that provides a fair and easy way to distribute personal property.
Tell them you saw it in the Beacon! Don’t Let Nursing Home Costs Take Every Dime You’ve Worked For. Medical Assistance Planning and Eligibility Advance Medical Directives / Living Wills Trusts / Estate Planning Administration Wills / Powers of Attorney Disability Planning / Special Needs Trusts Guardianship
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For more ideas, see “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” — a resource created by the University of Minnesota Extension Service that offers a detailed workbook or interactive CD for $12.50, and DVD for $30. It gives pointers to help families discuss property distribution and lists important factors that can help avoid conflict. You can order a copy online at www.yellowpieplate.umn.edu or by calling 1-800-876-8636. It’s also very important that you discuss
your plans in advance with your kids so they can know ahead what to expect. Or, you may even want to start distributing some of your items now, while you are still alive and can enjoy your family’s appreciation and see them put the items to use. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior.
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You’re on top of your medications. But we make a good back up. You know it’s important to stay on your medications exactly as prescribed. However, if you miss a dose, want a lower-cost alternative, or experience any side effects, we can answer any questions. Speak to your local CVS Pharmacist to learn more. Find a store near you at www.cvs.com
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Health Fitness &
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QUICK DEPRESSION RELIEF Studying a new drug that improves symptoms within hours IN A NEW LIGHT New adjustable LED bulbs may help you read and sleep better UP IN SMOKE More women smokers are dying of lung cancer today than decades ago ZAPPING ALZHEIMER’S Researchers are testing brain ‘pacemakers’ that may improve Alzheimer’s
Common sleeping aid boosts accident risk By Matthew Perrone The Food and Drug Administration is requiring makers of Ambien and similar sleeping pills to lower the dosage of their drugs, based on studies suggesting patients face a higher risk of injury due to morning drowsiness. The agency said that new research shows that the drugs remain in the bloodstream at levels high enough to interfere with alertness and coordination, which increases the risk of car accidents. Regulators are ordering drug manufacturers to cut the dose of the medications in half for women, who process the drug more slowly than men. Doses will be lowered from 10 milligrams to 5 milligrams for regular products, and 12.5 milligrams to 6.25 milligrams for extended-release formulations. The FDA is recommending that manufacturers apply these lower doses to men as well, though it is not making that a requirement.
Zolpidem is drug of concern
Impaired driving
The new doses apply to all insomnia treatments containing the drug zolpidem, which is sold under brands including Ambien, Edluar, Zolpimist and in generic forms. It is the most widely prescribed sleeping aid prescribed in the U.S. The changes don’t affect other popular sleeping medicines like Lunesta and Sonata, which use different ingredients. FDA officials pointed out that all sleeping drugs carry warnings about drowsiness. “All sleep drugs have the potential to cause this, so health professionals should prescribe — and patients should take — the lowest dose that is capable of preventing insomnia,” said Dr. Ellis Unger, a director in FDA’s Office of Drug Evaluation, on a teleconference with reporters. Unger added that the FDA will begin requiring developers of sleep drugs to conduct driving simulation studies going forward.
Ambien has been blamed for several high-profile driving accidents in the past year, including Tom Brokaw in September and Kerry Kennedy in July. The FDA has received more than 700 reports of driving-related problems connected to zolpidem over the years. “But in most cases it was very difficult to determine if the driving impairment was actually related to zolpidem,” Unger said. “Usually the reports did not contain information about when the accident happened or how much time had lapsed since taking the drug.” The agency decided to take action after recent driving simulation studies showed that, in some patients, drug levels remained high enough to cause difficulty driving. The data came from company studies of Intermezzo, a new form of zolpidem that was approved in 2011 for people who wake late at night and can’t get back to sleep.
The data showed that 33 percent of women and 25 percent of men taking extended-release zolpidem had enough of the drug in their blood to interfere with driving as much as eight hours later. When the dose was cut in half, only 15 percent of women and 5 percent of men had those same drug levels. FDA analysis was unable to determine why women metabolize zolpidem so much more slowly than men. According to FDA staff, the difference cannot be accounted for by usual factors like size and weight. For now, patients should continue taking their currently prescribed dose until they can talk to their doctor about the best way to proceed. “We really don’t want people to change the dose they’re on. We want them to talk to their healthcare provider,” Unger said. Ambien is marketed by Sanofi, Intermezzo by Purdue Pharma LP, and Zolpimist by NovaDel Pharma Inc. — AP
Retooled Pap test may spot more cancers By Lauran Neergaard For years, doctors have lamented that there’s no Pap test for deadly ovarian cancer. But recently scientists reported encouraging signs that one day, there might be. Researchers are trying to retool the Pap, a test for cervical cancer that millions of women get, so that it could spot early signs of other gynecologic cancers, too. How? It turns out that cells can flake off of tumors in the ovaries or the lining of the uterus, and float down to rest in the cervix, where Pap tests are performed. These cells are too rare to recognize under the microscope. But researchers from Johns Hopkins University used some sophisticated DNA testing on the Pap samples to uncover the evidence — gene mutations that show cancer is present. In a pilot study, they analyzed Pap smears from 46 women who already were diagnosed with either ovarian or endometrial cancer. The new technique found all the endometrial cancers and 41 percent of the ovarian tumors, the team reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
More testing needed This is very early-stage research, and women shouldn’t expect any change in their routine Paps. It will take years of additional testing to prove if the so-called PapGene technique really could work as a screening tool to spot cancer in women who thought they were healthy. “Now the hard work begins,” said Hopkins oncologist Dr. Luis Diaz, whose team is collecting hundreds of additional Pap samples for more study and is exploring ways to enhance the detection of ovarian cancer. But if it ultimately pans out, “the neat part about this is, the patient won’t feel anything different,” and the Pap wouldn’t be performed differently, Diaz added. The extra work would come in a lab. The gene-based technique marks a new approach toward cancer screening, and specialists are watching closely. “This is very encouraging, and it shows great potential,” said American Cancer Society genetics expert Michael Melner. “We are a long way from being able to see any impact on our patients,” cautioned Dr. Shannon Westin of the University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She reviewed the research in an accompanying editorial, and said the ovarian cancer detection would need improvement if the test is to work. But she noted that ovarian cancer has poor survival rates because it’s rarely caught early. “If this screening test could identify ovarian cancer at an early stage, there would be a profound impact on patient outcomes and mortality,” Westin said. More than 22,000 U.S. women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and more than 15,000 die. Symptoms such as pain and bloating seldom are obvious until the cancer is more advanced, and numerous attempts at screening tests have failed. Endometrial cancer affects about 47,000 women a year and kills about 8,000. There is no screening test for it either, but most women are diagnosed early because of postmenopausal bleeding.
DNA analysis improves on Pap The Hopkins research piggybacks on one of the most successful cancer screening tools, the Pap, and a newer technology used along with it.
With a standard Pap, a little brush scrapes off cells from the cervix, which are stored in a vial to examine for signs of cervical cancer. Today, many women’s Paps undergo an additional DNA-based test to see if they harbor the HPV virus, which can spur cervical cancer. So the Hopkins team, funded largely by cancer advocacy groups, decided to look for DNA evidence of other gynecologic tumors. It developed a method to rapidly screen the Pap samples for those mutations using standard genetics equipment that Diaz said wouldn’t add much to the cost of a Pap-plus-HPV test. He said the technique could detect both early-stage and more advanced tumors. Importantly, tests of Paps from 14 healthy women turned up no false alarms. The endometrial cancers may have been easier to find because cells from those tumors don’t have as far to travel as ovarian cancer cells, Diaz said. Researchers will study whether inserting the Pap brush deeper, testing during different times of the menstrual cycle, or other factors might improve detection of ovarian cancer. — AP
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Health Shorts Near-instant relief from depression Depression need not linger if a new class of drugs that can improve symptoms within hours becomes available. People with depression are often treated with drugs that increase levels of serotonin and other mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. But these drugs typically take weeks, or even months, to work. Drugs that target receptors for a chemical called NMDA appear to take effect much faster. Ketamine is one example. It can reduce symptoms of depression within hours,
but also has hallucinatory side effects. Now, Joseph Moskal and colleagues at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., have tested a similar drug called GLYX-13 that also targets NMDA receptors. Moskal’s team gave either GLXY-13 or a placebo to 116 people with depression who didn’t respond to other treatments. Those who received the drug reported that their symptoms got better within two hours, with no significant side effects. The drug also performed significantly better than the placebo. The team presented their results at a recent meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Moskal believes the drug works by boosting either the strength or number of connections between neurons, although it’s not yet clear why this improves symptoms. Gerard Sanacora at Yale School of Medi-
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cine thinks that people with depression may experience a slump in activity in the frontal cortex of the brain, and that the drug might reverse this. “I’m excited about this whole class of drugs,” he said. “It opens up a new vista for drug development for these disorders, although there’s still a lot of work to be done.” Moskal said he’s aiming to get the drug to market by 2016. — New Scientist
Possible heart attack? Take an aspirin now Chewing an aspirin tablet during the first symptoms of what could be a heart attack can save your life. But in order for it to work properly, you must understand which kind of aspirin to take, and how to take it. Why? A heart attack is usually the result of a blood clot in a coronary artery that blocks blood flow. Aspirin inhibits the formation of a clot and helps restore blood flow. What? Chewing and swallowing one regular-strength adult 325-milligram aspirin should be sufficient. Avoid coated aspirins, as they are absorbed slowly. If you normally take an 81-mg. aspirin (baby aspirin) as part of your daily aspirin therapy to prevent cardiac events, you’ll still want the full-size 325mg. version to take during a heart attack.
How? If you’re over 50, and surely if you have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, always carry an aspirin tablet in a small pillbox in your pocket or purse. Chewing an uncoated aspirin and swallowing it quickly will speed the medicine through your bloodstream. If you’re wrong, and you’re not having a heart attack, the one aspirin won’t hurt you. If you’re already taking low-dose daily aspirin, you still should chew a regularstrength aspirin at the first signs of a possible heart attack. When? Chew the aspirin as soon as you realize you may be having a heart attack. Also call 911. Don’t ever try to drive yourself to the hospital if you think you’re having a heart attack. If possible, have a list available for emergency personnel detailing all the medications you take and other health information. — Harvard Health Letter
Losing your sense of smell? You may take it for granted that a loss of smell is just part of aging. And to some degree, you’re right. “After age 65, many people lose some sense of smell, and we don’t know exactly why,” said Dr. Eric Holbrook, assistant See HEALTH SHORTS, page 13
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
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Five tips help you outsmart your appetite By Kerri-Ann Jennings A new study, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, helps explain why the size of our plates affects how much we’re eating. Turns out, our behavior is directly influenced by what our eyes perceive, even when we know better. So, for example, you’ll serve yourself — and eat — less on a 6-inch plate than a 9inch plate because it looks more satisfying. The study, by Brian Wansink, Cornell researcher and EatingWell advisor, and Koert van Ittersum suggests the color of your plates, table and tablecloth matters, too: Using light plates on dark tablecloths helps you eat less. Having dark plates on dark tablecloths makes us take — and eat — more.
even nutrition experts — people trained in food and calories — are duped. One of Wansink’s previous studies involved his nutrition students and colleagues at an ice cream social. They were each randomly given a smaller or larger bowl and either a smaller or larger serving spoon to scoop out the ice cream into their dish. He and his colleagues found that nutritionists using the larger bowls served and ate 31 percent more ice cream than those with the smaller bowl. Nutritionists who used the larger serving spoon served and ate 15 percent more ice cream. Those who received a large bowl and a large serving spoon ate the most — 57 percent more than those with the smaller spoon and bowl combo.
Fooling the nutritionists
What you can do at home
Perhaps the most surprising of all is that
Before you reach for the measuring
cups or spoons and food scale, try these easy-to-use tips: 1. Change your place settings. Highly contrasting your plate color with the table by getting bold place mats (think white plates on black mats) will help you take less by tricking the eye. The opposite is true for plate and food colors — you want to match those as closely as possible (think red pasta on a red plate). 2. Learn to measure with your eyes. Take the “memorize-the-common-household items” approach. Remember that a healthy 3-ounce serving of meat (or other protein) looks like a deck of cards, a medium potato should be the size of a computer mouse, and a quarter cup of anything is about as big as a golf ball. 3. Try the “Rule of Thumb” method, which uses your hand as a reference. If you’re a relatively small-framed woman, 1
teaspoon equals the tip of your thumb (to the middle joint); 1 tablespoon is the size of your thumb, and 1 cup is about the size of your fist. Obviously, this isn’t a precise way of portioning — and the margin of error is greater the bigger your hand is — but it’ll work in a pinch. It might be a good technique to try when you’re eating out or at a friend’s. 4. Measure your dishes. At home, find out how much your frequently-used bowls and utensils hold. One time only, measure out the amount of soup that your ladle holds. If it’s 3/4 cup, you’ll know forever that two scoops equal a satisfying 11/2-cup serving. On the flipside, you can measure out a given portion of a particular favorite food See FIVE TIPS, page 15
Health shorts From page 12 professor of otology and laryngology at Harvard Medical School. But if loss of smell lasts more than a few weeks, it may indicate an underlying problem. Our brains detect smell through receptors located high inside the nose and in a channel near the roof of the throat. A reduction in smell and taste may result when there is damage to the smell receptors or there are blockages in the nose. Blockages may be caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, and growths in the nose or sinuses called polyps. Nerve damage can result from head trauma, radiation for head and neck cancers, nasal surgery, brain tumors, diabetes, obesity, smoking, exposure to air pollutants, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. “Especially for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, loss of smell is one of the first symptoms,” said Dr. Holbrook. Some medications such as nasal decongestants used for long periods may also cause a loss of smell. A reduction in your sense of smell puts you in some danger. You may not be able to smell smoke from a fire, natural gas leaks, or spoiled food. A loss of smell may also affect your quality of life, since it can reduce your ability to taste food. Don’t jump to conclusions about underlying causes of smell loss, Dr. Holbrook advised. “Just because you’ve lost some of your sense of smell, it doesn’t mean you have a neurodegenerative disorder,” he said. But anything that lasts more than a few weeks is worth investigating. To help your doctor make a diagnosis, report anything that occurred when the loss of smell or taste started, such as a change in medication, headaches or nasal obstruction. Treatment for loss of smell caused by inflammation or blockage might involve topical steroids, antibiotics or surgery. However, sometimes the sense of smell does not return. — Harvard Health Letter
Stephen J. Noga, MD, PhD Medical Director MedStar Health Cancer Network
A cancer network so accessible, you’re never far from MedStar. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, waiting for answers is not an option. Neither is traveling miles and miles for treatment. At MedStar Health Cancer Network, we’ve made advanced cancer care easier to access than ever. More than 1,000 cancer experts in four MedStar hospitals offer the latest clinical trials and treatments when and where you need them. And because we understand personalized care can make all the difference, you’ll have a dedicated team that will guide and support you every step of the way—from diagnosis to survivorship. Call 1-877-715-HOPE (4673) for a physician referral, or visit MedStarCancer.org/Info to learn more.
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital MedStar Harbor Hospital MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
What meat is safe to eat? What’s edamame? Q: Do recommendations to avoid processed meat in order to help prevent cancer refer to ground turkey, chicken and beef? A: Although grinding meat or poultry is a form of processing, the link between “processed meat” and colorectal cancer does not refer to fresh meat ground up for burgers or casseroles. The types of processed meat that studies convincingly link to colorectal cancer risk include meat and poultry that is
smoked, salted, cured or contains added preservatives (such as nitrites). Processed meat refers to choices such as bacon, sausage, ham, hot dogs and bologna. In addition to its link to colon cancer, processed meat is often high in sodium, increasing risk of high blood pressure. It is also linked to risk of type 2 diabetes. You don’t need to be as cautious with fresh ground meat. However, fresh red meat — which refers to beef, lamb and
pork — whether it is solid (like a steak or out of the pod. Whether served hot or roast) or ground (like meatloaf or ham- cold, when still in their pods, you put the burger) is linked to colorectal cancer risk pod to your lips and pinch, so the beans when consumed in amounts pop into your mouth. The pod beyond 18 ounces per week. is not eaten. You don’t want to exceed Purchasing shelled that amount, even getting the edamame makes it easy to extra lean version, because add them to soups, stir-fries, red meat’s heme iron content rice or salads. Try using is what seems to pose the risk. them as an alternative to peas If you’re eating ground in casseroles; their texture meat beyond 18 ounces per holds up even better, they week, switch some or all of it make small portions very satto lean (7 percent fat or less) isfying, and they can substiground turkey or ground NUTRITION tute for all or part of the meat WISE chicken. you usually use. If you’d like further informa- By Karen Collins, In Japan and China, tion about red and processed MS, RD, CDM edamame are popular as meat, you might like to check snacks, usually served still in this free brochure from the American In- the pod in one large bowl from which stitute for Cancer Research: “The Facts everyone helps themselves. about Red and Processed Meat.” Read it While they look like vegetables, they online at http://bit.ly/processedmeat. have the nutritional content of a substitute Q: I keep hearing about a form of for meat. A half-cup of cooked beans consoy called edamame. What can I do tains more than 8 grams of protein and 4 with it? grams of fiber and supplies the nutrients A: Edamame (eh-dah-MAH-may) are and phytochemicals found in all soy foods. fresh (not dried) green soybeans. AlThe American Institute for Cancer Rethough smaller than lima beans, they have search offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800a buttery, nutty flavor much like baby 843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday limas. through Friday. This free service allows you Sometimes you can get them fresh in to ask questions about diet, nutrition and the grocery produce section, though usu- cancer. A registered dietitian will return ally it’s easier to find them in frozen form, your call, usually within three business days. often with other frozen vegetables, or in a Courtesy of the American Institute for natural foods section. Cancer Research. Questions for this column Edamame must be cooked before serv- may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., ing (often by steaming or boiling about 10 NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot minutes), but can be served in or popped respond to questions personally.
To subscribe, see page 36. MOM STAYS SAFE & HAPPY with Assisted Living at Charlestown and Oak Crest Assisted Living at Charlestown and Oak Crest offers your loved one everything she needs to live a rewarding life. Your mom will benefit from an entire community filled with great neighbors, top-notch on-site health care and lots of fun things to do.
Learn more today. Call for your free brochure and activities calendar.
Happy Easter The community is invited to join us for an Easter Celebration! Hop on over and say hi to the Easter Bunny, enjoy an egg hunt with great food and prizes. Call our bunny Julie at
410-979-4822 for details and to make your reservation. We can't wait to see you! MARCH 28TH
Charlestown
8482819
MARCH 29TH
Oak Crest
Catonsville, MD
Parkville, MD
410-988-4985
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Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances accepted.
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
15
LED bulbs can help you read, sleep better Despite their vital role, light bulbs don’t often come to mind when we think of cutting-edge technology. That may be about to change, with a wave of tunable LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs that promise to not only keep out the dark, but help us concentrate, relax, read or even improve our sleeping habits. In October, electronics company Philips launched the Hue bulb, which can be tuned using a smartphone or tablet computer to bathe a room in almost any color of light. The firm is promoting the light as a fun technology, as it comes with features such as changing color when the phone is shaken, so party hosts can put on their own light shows. But the system, which costs around $200 and comes with three 50-watt-equiva-
Five tips From page 13 and serve it in the dish you’ll almost always use when you eat that food. Once you know that one serving of cereal reaches only halfway up your bowl, you’ll know to stop there. This is a good trick to try with beverages too: perhaps with your favorite juice or wine glass. 5. Choose portion-controlled foods.
lent bulbs and a wireless hub, also has intriguing possibilities for improving the lives of its users.
Energizing and relaxing colors Research has shown that different colors of light affect more than just our conscious vision system. A set of receptors in our eyes responds to blue light by suppressing production of sleep-inducing melatonin, so the naturally blue-rich light of daytime keeps us alert, while reddish evening light lets us ease into sleep. Fluorescent bulbs contain a lot of blue light, so being exposed to them late in the day or at night can contribute to sleep problems. Many LED bulbs perpetuate the problem, because they generate white light
using blue LEDs coated in compounds that emit longer wavelengths when illuminated. The Hue bulb instead contains red, green and blue LEDs. That’s a more expensive way to generate white light, but the level of each color can be adjusted, meaning it’s possible to produce a broad gamut of colors, including white mixtures that contain very little blue light.
the International Space Station because astronauts have trouble sleeping more than 6 hours a night. The lights will switch from blue-rich to keep the astronauts alert during their working day to red-rich light when they are relaxing before bed. Start-up firm LIFX is also developing a color-tunable LED system, which has generated huge interest and received significant funds through the crowd-funding
Helpful for astronauts and students NASA is developing similar lights for
See LED BULBS, page 16
Look for single-serving packages of your favorite packaged foods so you know exactly how much you’re getting. You can do-it-yourself at home by making entrees pre-portioned with ramekins and muffin tins, or portioning out and pre-packing snacks to take with you. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com. © 2013 EatingWell, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Quality Home Eye Care Visits For Beacon Readers Dr. Thomas Azman, O.D. is a Baltimore-based yet world renowned Low Vision Specialist dedicating his life to helping individuals of all ages who suffer from vision problems. For 38 years, Dr. Azman has provided unique comprehensive eye care to patients challenged by macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, stargardt's, albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, obesity and any other condition affecting eyesight. In addition to routine eye examinationsm Dr. Azman helps patients who have been told by their doctors that 'nothing' can be done to help their vision problems and that
eyeglasses will not help them see any better. With over 98% success rate, Dr. Azman has helped thousands of patients regain vision, independence and a quality of life they could only imagine. His patients now can drive, read their mail, write, paint, play cards, see a menu, recognize faces, watch TV, and enjoy live theater. Dr. Azman is known amongst Dr. Azman with homecare patient Geraldine Soellner. his patients as the "Miracle Eye Doctor". You can be assured from your Dr. Azman is available for home visits throughout Maryland and Virginia. first phone call, Dr. Azman and his Call 1-888-343-6198 today for your personal staff will treat you with appointment. respect, compassion, and care.
Home Eye Care Specialists 1-888-343-6198 | HomeEyeCareMD.com Serving Maryland and Virginia
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LED blubs From page 15 website Kickstarter. Philips’ approach is based on studies of how students performed in school rooms illuminated by different types of lighting: a
red-rich “relax,” a blue-infused “energize,” a milder, yellowish “concentrate” and a “reading” blend. “Controlled experiments have shown that light at the right intensity and wavelength can have alerting effects and that dimmer, long-wavelength light can help
APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
prepare for sleep,” said George Brainard, of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, who works on the NASA program. Brainard has not studied the Philips system and cautions that it’s hard to tell if it will provide therapeutic doses. Nonetheless, he adds, “these are exciting frontiers for the future potential of light”. “We were looking backward in time” by
trying merely to exchange inefficient incandescent bulbs with more efficient alternatives, said Fred Schubert, at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. “We can go beyond the replacement paradigm to make bulbs with new capabilities.” © 2013 New Scientist Magazine. Reed Business Information LTD. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.
BEACON BITS
Ongoing
LEARN TO MEDITATE This ongoing weekly Learn to Meditate class is a gentle introduc-
tion to the practice of shamatha, or peaceful abiding meditation. It includes meditation instruction, short periods of sitting and walking meditation, and discussion, with a reception to follow. It is open to the public free of charge. Contact Eric Laufe at practice@baltimoreshambhala.org. The class is held every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 3501 Saint Paul St.
Mar. 20
HEART HEALTH & LIFESTYLE SCREENING Northwest Hospital Center will conduct a heart health and lifestyle screening at Milford Mill United Methodist Church, 915
Milford Mill Rd., on Wednesday, March 20, at 11:30 a.m. The fee is $20 and includes blood pressure, cholesterol/ triglycerides, comprehensive metabolic panel blood profile, body composition analysis, a heart health awareness assessment, and a brief counseling session with a registered nurse. Appointments are required. For appointments, call (410) 601-WELL.
Moving to Charlestown or Oak Crest is easier than you think.
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The Green House Residences is the perfect place to get you back on your feet following orthopedic and cardiac procedures. Our goal is to get you back home! Offering the following amenities: •All Private Rooms•All Private Bathrooms•Home-Style Dining•Occupational Therapy•Speech Therapy•Physical Therapy•24/7 Nursing Coverage•TV, Cable, wireless Internet•Lovely Screened-In Porches For your personal tour, call 443-414-6218
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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
17
Asian chicken baked with honey & ginger With spring here, enjoy the wonderful taste of baked chicken marinated in honey, soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger. This combination blends perfectly to bring out the full flavor of the chicken. Produced in a natural factory, it’s no wonder that honey has been called nature’s perfect sweetener. Honey gives the dish a mouth-watering natural sweetness. As incredible as it seems, the bees in a colony must visit 2 million flowers and fly over 55,000 miles to make one pound of honey. The soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger give the dish a decidedly Asian taste. The earthy quality of the soy sauce softens the sweetness of the honey. When buying soy sauce, opt for the naturally brewed, reduced-sodium variety. Also, when purchasing fresh ginger look
for a plump root, free of blemishes and wrinkles. A small amount of toasted sesame oil adds its unique nutty flavor. This recipe is easy to prepare. Marinating the chicken hours ahead allows it to absorb more flavor. For a great meal, simply pair the baked chicken with brown or wild rice. You also can serve baked winter squash and a green salad. Add some color to the salad with cherry tomatoes, perhaps some sliced cucumber and shredded carrots. Dress it with a light drizzle of olive oil and wine vinegar. This is an elegant and delicious dinner.
Asian Chicken with Honey & Ginger
2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tsp. plain or toasted sesame oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 green onion, chopped 2 tsp. fresh ginger root, peeled and grated 1½ lb. chicken breasts, with ribs, skinless In small skillet over low heat combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onion and ginger. Stir until honey melts, about 1 minute. In medium baking pan, cover chicken with sauce until well coated. Arrange breast side down, ensuring parts don’t overlap. Tightly cover pan with aluminum foil. Marinate 2 hours (longer is better) in refrigerator. Before cooking, remove pan from refrig-
erator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place covered baking pan in oven and bake 30 minutes. Uncover pan and turn chicken over. Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 degrees. Baste once with pan juices after 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 178 calories, 2.5 g. total fat (<1 g. saturated fat), 11 g. carbohydrate, 27 g. protein, 0 g. dietary fiber, 375 mg. sodium. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research.
2 Tbsp. honey
BEACON BITS
Apr. 11
DAY OF DANCE
Northwest Hospital Center sponsors a Day of Dance on Thursday, April 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Northwest Hospital, 5401 Old Court Rd., Randallstown. Day of Dance is an annual free event hosted by hospitals that are part of the national Spirit of Women network. Northwest Hospital’s Day of Dance will actually be an energetic evening with various dance demonstrations, performances and entertainment. Enjoy light, heart-healthy food and refreshments, including a wine tasting. For more information, call (410) 601-WELL (9355).
The Meadows of Reistertown offers the maintenance-free, independent lifestyle you’ve been looking for in a retirement community.
Treating Difficulty Standing or Walking, attributed to Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Neuropathy, Poor Circulation or Poor Balance I am a patient who had severe foot pain for 2 years, with no relief in sight....by the end of the 4 days I was 85% pain free in both feet. I thank God for Dr. Goldman and his passion for research in healing people with foot and leg pain.
How fortunate I feel to have found a doctor who could not only diagnose an underlying problem that many specialists missed, but who has been able to find a painless and rapid method of relieving the worst symptoms.
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— Dr. Stuart Goldman
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As a podiatrist with over 30 years experience, I have always focused on non-surgical treatment of foot and leg pain. I find that most people with foot or leg symptoms (arthritic, aching, burning, cramping or difficulty walking) , even those who have had other treatments, including surgery of the foot (or back), can be helped, usually in 1or 2 visits.
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
More women smokers die of lung cancer By Marilynn Marchione U.S. women who smoke today have a much greater risk of dying from lung cancer than they did decades ago, partly because they are starting younger and smoking more — that is, they are lighting up like men, new research shows. Women also have caught up with men in their risk of dying from smoking-related illnesses. Lung cancer risk leveled off in the 1980s for men but is still rising for women. “It’s a massive failure in prevention,” said one study leader, Dr. Michael Thun of the American Cancer Society. And it’s likely to repeat itself in places like China and Indonesia where smoking is growing, he said. About 1.3 billion people worldwide smoke. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is one of the most comprehensive looks ever at long-term trends in the effects of smoking. It includes the first generation of U.S. women who started smoking early in life and continued for decades, long enough for health effects to show up. The U.S. has more than 35 million smokers — about 20 percent of men and 18 percent of women. The percentage of
people who smoke is far lower than it used to be; rates peaked around 1960 in men and two decades later in women.
Is smoking still deadly? Researchers wanted to know if smoking is still as deadly as it was in the 1980s, given that cigarettes have changed (less tar), many smokers have quit, and treatments for many smoking-related diseases have improved. They also wanted to know more about smoking and women. The famous surgeon general’s report in 1964 said smoking could cause lung cancer in men, but evidence was lacking in women at the time since relatively few of them had smoked long enough. One study, led by Dr. Prabhat Jha of the Center for Global Health Research in Toronto, looked at about 217,000 Americans in federal health surveys between 1997 and 2004. A second study, led by Thun, tracked smoking-related deaths through three periods — 1959-65, 1982-88 and 2000-10 — using seven large population health surveys covering more than 2.2 million people.
More women die of lung cancer than of breast cancer.
Among the findings of the studies: • The risk of dying of lung cancer was more than 25 times higher for female smokers in recent years than for women who never smoked. In the 1960s, it was only three times higher. One reason: After World War II, women started taking up the habit at a younger age and began smoking more. • A person who never smoked was about twice as likely as a current smoker to live to age 80. For women, the chances of surviving that long were 70 percent for those who never smoked and 38 percent for smokers. In men, the numbers were 61 percent and 26 percent. • Smokers in the U.S. are three times more likely to die between ages 25 and 79 than non-smokers are. About 60 percent of those deaths are attributable to smoking. • Women are far less likely to quit smoking than men are. Among people 65 to 69, the ratio of former to current smokers is 4-to-1 for men and 2-to-1 for women. • Smoking shaves more than 10 years off the average life span, but quitting at any age buys time. Quitting by age 40 avoids nearly all the excess risk of death from smoking. Men and women who quit when they were 25 to 34 years old gained 10 years; stopping at ages 35 to 44 gained 9 years; at ages 45 to 54, six years; at ages 55 to 64, four years.
• The risk of dying from other lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is rising in men and women. The rise in men is a surprise because their lung cancer risk leveled off in the 1980s.
“Safer” cigarettes really aren’t Changes in cigarettes since the 1960s are a “plausible explanation” for the rise in non-cancer lung deaths, researchers write. Most smokers switched to cigarettes that were lower in tar and nicotine as measured by tests with machines, “but smokers inhaled more deeply to get the nicotine they were used to,” Thun said. Deeper inhalation is consistent with the kind of lung damage seen in the illnesses that are rising, he said. Scientists have made scant progress against lung cancer compared with other forms of the disease, and it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. More than 160,000 people die of it in the U.S. each year. The federal government, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the cancer society and several universities paid for the new studies. Thun testified against tobacco companies in class-action lawsuits chalSee LUNG CANCER, page 19
Annual Dementia Conference Making Connections APARTMENT HOMES FOR ACTIVE ADULTS 62 OR BETTER Regency Crest is an extraordinarily carefree community because of the convenient lifestyle enjoyed by those who live here. We go the extra mile to provide our residents with distinctive amenities and service that cannot be found in ordinary active adult communities. COMMUNITY AMENITIES • Beautiful club room with theatre and demonstration kitchen • Salon • Indoor saltwater pool • Yoga studio & classes • Bingo, and many more planned activities • Movie theatre & Billiards Room • Business center – 24 hours • Incredible courtyard and meditation garden with koi pond and gazebo • Guest suites PLANNED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WATER AEROBICS, RESIDENT MIXERS, COOKING CLASSES, ZUMBA, MOVIE NIGHTS, BBQ’S AND MANY MORE!
Featuring: Mark Shriver, Author “A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver” A premier educational event for dementia care professionals, caregivers and people living with early-stage dementia.
April 26, 2013 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton 1726 Reisterstown Rd. 3305 Oak West Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043
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Pikesville, MD 21208 Nursing, social work and nursing home administrator CEUs pending.
Register online at alz.org/maryland or call 1.800.272.3900.
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
Lung cancer From page 18 lenging the supposed benefits of cigarettes with reduced tar and nicotine, but he donated his payment to the cancer society. Smoking needs more attention as a
health hazard, Dr. Steven A. Schroeder of the University of California, San Francisco, wrote in a commentary in the journal. “More women die of lung cancer than of breast cancer. But there is no ‘race for the cure’ for lung cancer, no brown ribbon” or high-profile advocacy groups for lung can-
Smokers over 55 should be screened After decades of qualms about lung cancer screening, the American Cancer Society says there now is enough evidence to recommend it, but only for current and former heavy smokers ages 55 to 74, and after a frank talk about risks and benefits. The new guidelines, announced in January, are a cautious but exciting step against the world’s most deadly cancer, doctors who wrote the advice say. It is based on a big study in 2011 that found annual, low-dose CT scans — a type of X-ray — could cut the chances of dying of lung cancer by 20 percent and from any cause by nearly 7 percent. The study only included older peo-
ple who smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or the equivalent, such as two packs a day for 15 years. Whether screening would help others isn’t known, so scans were not advised for them. “We’re trying to make sure we restrict harm that might come from screening,” such as unneeded biopsies and follow-up procedures when scans falsely suggest cancer, said Dr. Richard Wender, chief of family medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Lung cancer is fairly rare before age 55, so “the benefits of screening are going to be less if you start at a younger age.” — AP
cer, he wrote. Kathy DeJoseph, 62, of suburban Atlanta, finally quit smoking after 40 years — to qualify for lung cancer surgery last year. “I tried everything that came along, I just
19
never could do it,” even while having chemotherapy, she said. It’s a powerful addiction, she said: “I still every day have to resist wanting to go buy a pack.” — AP
BEACON BITS
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD
Higher Achievement has a variety of volunteer opportunities. Mentors tutor a small group of 5th to 8th grade students in a subject of their choice one evening per week during the school year, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. depending on the school site. There are three centers mentors can choose from: Collington Elementary/Middle, Arundel Elementary/Middle, and Lakeland Elementary/Middle. Higher Achievement also seeks buddy mentors to split the mentoring commitment with someone else or to be an alternate if a mentor is unable to attend one day. For more information, email nbreon@higherachievement.org or call (410) 752-7753.
Westminster House Apartments • Affordable housing for Seniors • Utilities included/underground parking available • In the heart of Mount Vernon • Only steps from the theater, library, churches, shopping and restaurants • Next door to The Walters Art Gallery
410-837-0180
www.westminsterhouseapts.org | 524 North Charles Street
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Nutrition Notes Berries may stall memory decline High intake of flavonoid-rich blueberries and strawberries by older women appears to delay cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years compared to those consuming less, a study published in the Annals of Neurology found.
APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Data focused on more than 16,000 women over age 70 whose memory and cognitive function was tested every two years between 1995 and 2001. Two or more weekly servings of blueberries and strawberries reduced memory decline.
Eating smaller pieces is more satisfying Preliminary research by scientists at
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Arizona State University found that cutting energy-dense foods into smaller pieces may be perceived as more food and therefore provide greater satiety. Two groups of 301 college students were given equal portions of a bagel and cream cheese. One received a whole bagel, the other, a quartered bagel. Those with whole bagels ate more than the other group, and subsequently ate more of the free meal that followed.
Which diet is best? Researchers at the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children’s Hospital compared three common diets for their ability to keep weight off. While study participants on the low-carb diet burned more calories per day than those on the low-fat diet, the low-carb dieters experienced increased stress and inflammation markers, which could put them at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Those on the low-glycemic index diet burned more calories than the low-fat dieters without any impact on cholesterol levels or various hormones, making it, according to researchers, the ideal diet.
Almond joy Almonds have 20 percent fewer calories than previously thought, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Using a new method of measuring calories, which gives a more precise determination of how many calories are actually digested and absorbed from foods, USDA scientists at the Agricultural Research Service determined a one-ounce serving of almonds has 129 calories, not the previously estimated 160 calories stated on nutrition facts panels. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2012 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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“Untreated hearing loss may increase your risk of Alzheimer’s”
ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY (FEBRUARY 2012)
“Hearing loss is twice as common in adults with diabetes”
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE (JULY 2008)
At the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Neurological Rehabilitation Center at Sinai Hospital, we’re committed to giving people like Patricia Gardner-Smith a renewed sense of hope. Following a stroke, Patricia experienced right-sided weakness, which caused her difficulty walking, talking and even swallowing, but our team of dedicated physicians, therapists and nurses helped her regain her strength and relearn functional skills such as eating and grooming. Now at home with her husband, she continues to progress every day. Learn more at lifebridgehealth.org/sinairehab.
“Older people with mild hearing impairment are nearly twice as likely as those with normal hearing to develop dementia” CNN HEALTHLINE (FEBRUARY 2011)
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THE HEARING AND SPEECH AGENCY 410-601-WELL (9355) www.lifebridgehealth.org/sinairehab
Improving Lives through Communication Since 1926 5900 Metro Drive | Baltimore, MD 21215 www.hasa.org | hasa@hasa.org
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
Health Studies Page
21
THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS
Improving women’s health after cancer By Carol Sorgen Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, representing 26 percent of all female cancers. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. for women. Side effects of the cancer itself, as well as treatment therapies, may result in inactivity and inadequate intakes of various nutrients — including protein and vitamin D, which are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. An interventional study is underway to examine the effects of resistance training — with and without protein and vitamin D supplementation — on the development of fatigue, muscle weakness, and poor balance and walking associated with breast
cancer survivorship. The study is being conducted by the Division of Gerontology at the University of Maryland’s Baltimore School of Medicine and the Geriatric Research, Education & Clinical Center of the VA Maryland Health Care System.
Health concerns after cancer Recent data suggests that more than 60 percent of female cancer survivors report an increase in their weight after treatment. Seventy percent of women cancer survivors suffer from treatment-related fatigue that lasts years after completion. Physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis has been shown to improve quality of life and may improve survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. It also de-
BEACON BITS
Mar. 28+
FIRST TIME GRANDPARENTS’ CLASS
For those expecting their first grandchild, University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Hospital covers the latest trends in maternity and infant care, including infant CPR and choking. This workshop for expectant grandparents is held monthly on the Towson Campus, Irwin Center, Rooms 101/102, 7601 Osler Dr., Towson. The next class is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The fee is $10. To register, call (410) 337-1880.
Apr. 3
Apr. 3
creases risk of osteoporosis and fractures, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, falls, coronary heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Researchers have already determined that there is substantial evidence to indicate that incorporating physical activity and nutrition into one’s lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Understanding the role of exercise and diet management in the health of breast cancer survivors will allow investigators to translate these findings into therapy guidelines.
Participating in the study One group of study participants will be assigned to an exercise program three times a week for four months. Another group will not only participate in the exercise program, but also be given vitamin D and calcium supplements, along with increased protein intake. The benefits of participating in the study are the opportunity to undergo a supervised exercise program, see potential improvements in cardiovascular health, See WOMEN’S HEALTH, page 23
BEACON BITS
Apr. 20+
SPRING HOUSE AND GARDEN TOURS
The annual Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage returns this spring over five weekends from Saturday, April 20 through Saturday, May 28. The tour includes about 50 private homes, gardens, farms, churches and historic sites, including a docked Skipjack, across six Maryland jurisdictions: Anne Arundel County-Annapolis: Wardour (Saturday, April 20); Queen Anne’s County (Sunday, April 27); Baltimore City: Guilford (Sunday April 28th); Somerset and Worchester Counties (Saturday, May 4), and Charles County (Saturday, May 18). Each tour is $30 in advance. For tickets and more information: www.mhgp.org or (410) 821-6933.
A DAY AT THE CASINO Spend the day at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course on Wednesday, April 3. The fee of $25 includes $30 coin return. Call Victory Villa Senior Center at (410) 887-0235 for reservations.
SPRINGTIME IN WASHINGTON, DC This Odyssey luncheon cruise will give you an up close and personal view of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. This $95 trip is sponsored by Senior Box Office, (410) 882-3797.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease? Depressed? Are you or someone you know experiencing persistent aches, sad, anxious or empty feelings? Have you had a loss of appetite, increased irritability, restlessness or insomnia? We are conducting a research study to examine this and to see if a drug called venlafaxine may help people with Alzheimer’s Disease who are depressed.
To learn more about the study Call Jane Pollutra, RN at The Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center
410-550-4258 Approved October 15, 2012
Paul Rosenberg, M.D. JHU IRB Application #: NA_00066043
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Brain ‘pacemakers’ may zap Alzheimer’s By Lauran Neergaard It has the makings of a science fiction movie: Zap someone’s brain with mild jolts of electricity to try to stave off the creeping memory loss of Alzheimer’s disease. And it’s not easy. Holes are drilled into the patient’s skull so tiny wires can be implanted into just the right spot. A dramatic shift is beginning in the disappointing struggle to find something to slow the damage of this epidemic: The first U.S. experiments with “brain pacemakers” for Alzheimer’s are getting under way. Scientists are looking beyond drugs to implants in the hunt for much-needed new treatments. The research is in its infancy. Only a few dozen people with early-stage Alzheimer’s will be implanted in a handful of hospitals. No one knows if it might work, and if it does, how long the effects might last.
The first patient Kathy Sanford was among the first to
sign up. The Ohio woman’s early-stage Alzheimer’s was gradually getting worse. She still lived independently, posting reminders to herself, but could no longer work. The usual medicines weren’t helping. Then doctors at Ohio State University explained the hope — that constant electrical stimulation of brain circuits involved in memory and thinking might keep those neural networks active for longer, essentially bypassing some of dementia’s damage. Sanford decided it was worth a shot. “The reason I’m doing it is, it’s really hard to not be able, sometimes, to remember,” Sanford, 57, said from her Lancaster, Ohio, home. Her father is more blunt. “What’s our choice? To participate in a program, or sit here and watch her slowly deteriorate?” asked Joe Jester, 78. He drives his daughter to follow-up testing, hoping to spot im-
Do you have more trouble than usual remembering things? People 50 and older with memory problems are needed for a research study to find out if mentally stimulating activities can improve memory. You may participate at: Johns Hopkins Bayview or Mays Chapel Ridge Participation involves 1 screening visit, 4 visits lasting 5 hours, and 17 visits lasting 1 hour. You will be paid $620 for the study.
For more information, please call Christina at (410) 550-2688. Principal Investigator: Miriam Z. Mintzer, Ph.D. Protocol #: NA_00039100
Approved December 23, 2011
STUDIES ON ANEMIA Are you 65 years or older? Have you been recently diagnosed with anemia? OR Have you had anemia in the past? en you may be interested in: “THE JOHNS HOPKINS registry of older adults with anemia” • Several new research studies are being designed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University specifically for older adults with anemia. • By volunteering to join our anemia registry, you will be kept up to date on anemia research studies that match your situation.
Call us at 410-550-2113 to join the Anemia Registry today! We can conduct the study in your home. No travel is required. If you choose to come to Bayview to participate, your parking will be paid.
We look forward to hearing from you! Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeremy Walston, MD. IRB application No: NA_00035307
provement. A few months after the five-hour operation, the hair shaved for her brain surgery was growing back and Sanford said she felt good, with an occasional tingling that she attributes to the electrodes. A batterypowered generator near her collarbone powers them, sending the tiny shocks up her neck and into her brain. It’s too soon to know how she’ll fare; scientists will track her for two years. “This is an ongoing evaluation right now that we are optimistic about,” is how Ohio State neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Rezai cautiously puts it. More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s or similar dementias, and that number is expected to rise rapidly as the baby boomers age. Today’s drugs only temporarily help some symptoms. Attempts to attack Alzheimer’s presumed cause, a brain-clogging gunk, so far haven’t panned out. “We’re getting tired of not having other things work,” said Ohio State neurologist Dr. Douglas Scharre.
Jolting old memories back The new approach is called deep brain stimulation, or DBS. While it won’t attack Alzheimer’s root cause either, “maybe we can make the brain work better,” he said. Implanting electrodes into the brain isn’t new. Between 85,000 and 100,000 people around the world have had DBS to block the tremors of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The continuous jolts quiet overactive nerve cells, with few side effects. Scientists also are testing whether stimulating other parts of the brain might help lift depression or curb appetite among the obese. It was in one of those experiments that Canadian researchers back in 2003 stumbled onto the Alzheimer’s possibility. They switched on the electrical jolts in the brain of an obese man and unlocked a flood of old memories. Continuing his DBS also improved his ability to learn. He didn’t have dementia, but the researchers wondered if they
could spur memory-making networks in someone who did. But wait a minute. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just steal memories. It eventually robs sufferers of the ability to do the simplest of tasks. How could stimulating a brain so damaged do any good? A healthy brain is a connected brain. One circuit signals another to switch on and retrieve the memories needed to, say, drive a car or cook a meal. At least early in the disease, Alzheimer’s kills only certain spots. But the disease’s hallmark gunky plaques act as a roadblock, stopping the “on” switch so that healthy circuits farther away are deactivated, explained Dr. Andres Lozano, a neurosurgeon at Toronto Western Hospital whose research sparked the interest. So the plan was to put the electrodes into hubs where brain pathways for memory, behavior, concentration and other cognitive functions converge, to see if the jolts reactivate those silenced circuits, added Ohio State’s Rezai. “It’s like going through Grand Central Station and trying to affect all the trains going in and coming out,” he said.
Promising tests under way Lozano’s team found the first clue that it’s possible by implanting six Alzheimer’s patients in Canada. After at least 12 months of continuous stimulation, brain scans showed a sign of more activity in areas targeted by Alzheimer’s. Suddenly, the neurons there began using more glucose, the fuel for brain cells. “It looked like a blackout before. We were able to turn the lights back on in those areas,” Lozano said. While most Alzheimer’s patients show clear declines in function every year, one Canadian man who has had the implants for four years hasn’t deteriorated, Lozano said, although he cautioned that there’s no way to know whether that’s due to the DBS. The evidence is preliminary and will take years of study to prove, but “this is an See ALZHEIMER’S, page 23
Seeking Men and Women The University of Maryland & Veterans Affairs of Baltimore are conducting a research study to better understand balance & prevent falls as we age. With your participation you will receive:
• Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time For Information, please call the Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Phone Line
410-605-7179 Mention code: LIFT *You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine for approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours of time per visit
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
Women’s health From page 21 and receive a comprehensive health evaluation — including a physical exam, electrocardiograms, diabetes tests and cholesterol profiles, and evaluation of Vitamin D levels, blood pressure, body composition, fitness level, body fat and bone density. You may qualify to participate if you are 45 to 80 years old, are a non-smoker, are three months to 10 years post breast can-
Alzheimer’s From page 22 exciting, novel approach,” said Dr. Laurie Ryan of the National Institutes of Health’s aging division, which is funding a followup study. The Toronto researchers have teamed with four U.S. medical centers — Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida, and Arizona’s Banner Health System — to try DBS in a part of the brain called the fornix, one of those memory hubs, in 40 patients. Half will have their electrodes turned on two weeks after the operation and the rest in a year, an attempt to spot any placebo effect from surgery. At Ohio State, Rezai is implanting the electrodes into a different spot, the frontal lobes, that his own DBS work suggests could tap into cognition and behavior pathways. That study will enroll 10 participants including Sanford. Surgery back in October was Sanford’s first step. Then it was time to fine-tune how the electrodes fire. She took problem-
BEACON BITS
Ongoing
ADVOCATE FOR A CHILD IN NEED
Nearly 4,000 Baltimore City children are living in foster care due to abuse or neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers (CASAs) advocate for their welfare in the court system. Volunteers are trained and supervised by CASA’s professional staff. Hours are flexible. For more information about volunteering, call (410) 244-1465 or visit www.casabalt.org.
Ongoing
SHARE THE JOY OF READING
Share the joy of reading and help change a life in just one hour. As a Reading Partners volunteer tutor, you will have the opportunity to bring magic and imagination to the life of a struggling reader. Become a volunteer reading tutor at Cherry Hill Elementary, located at 801 Bridgeview Rd. in Baltimore. The center runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Contact (410) 585-7600 or volunteer@readingpartners.org.
cer treatment (such as chemotherapy and radiation), and you have not exercised regularly in the past year. Participants will undergo testing and exercise classes at the Geriatric Research, Education & Clinical Center at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, 10 N. Greene St. For more information about this program or other programs at the center, call the recruitment hotline at (410) 605-7179 (mention breast cancer study) or visit http://peppercenter.umaryland.edu.
solving tests while neurologist Scharre adjusted the voltage and frequency and watched her reactions. Sanford was cheered to see her test scores climb a bit during those adjustments. She said she knows there are no guarantees, but “if we can beat some of this stuff, or at least get a leading edge on it, I’m in for the whole deal.” — AP
BEACON BITS
Apr. 1
BERLIN AIRLIFT REMEMBERED
On Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m., the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum’s Aviation Speaker Series presents Dr. Roger Miller, Air Force historian, who will explore the topic of the Berlin Airlift. The speaker series is free and is held in the Lockheed Martin auditorium, 2323 Eastern Blvd. in Middle River. A photo ID is required for entry. For more information, call (410) 682-6122 or log on to www.mdairmuseum.org.
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APRIL 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; BALTIMORE BEACON
Slippery elm may soothe a troubled stomach Dear Pharmacist: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dealt with stomach problems all my life. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to eat, but I am under physician care. What natural remedy can soothe my tummy and allow me to eat? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; W.C. Dear W.C.: Probiotics are fundamental to digestive health. And a diet free of common food allergens is in order. But something like slippery elm could
help. Known as Ulmus fulva to herbalists, the mucilage from the inner bark of the tree provides extensive nutrition and easy-to-digest complex carbs. Slippery elm forms a slick gel coating and soothes everything it comes in contact with, including your mouth, throat, stomach and intestines. Slippery elm contains calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin C and plenty of B vitamins. Children, adults and the elderly can eat this
when recuperating from an illness, having stevia and flavor it with cinnamon, nutmeg, trouble digesting or holding down food or lemon rind or vanilla. wasting. Think of it as Mother Once made, the dosage Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ensure. varies tremendously. Some say It could help you with acid eat the whole thing in one sitreflux, ulcerative colitis, gasting. Other experts suggest a tritis, chronic pancreatitis, tablespoon every hour until constipation/diarrhea and ulyou can eat solid food again. cers. It may support tissue rePerhaps consider your weight, generation for people with age and severity of malnutrileaky gut syndrome (a.k.a. extion as well as response. cessive intestinal permeabiliAsk your doctor if this wonty). A bad cough or bronchitis derful remedy in any form is DEAR may respond to the soothing approved because there are inPHARMACIST properties of slippery elm. dividual considerations, such By Suzy Cohen Slippery elm is sold as as your current health status tablets/capsules, liquid herbal and drug regimen. Some peoextracts and lozenges. The lozenges are ple are allergic to elm pollen, making this a nice for sore throats. no-no. Health food stores carry powder which Other naturally-occurring components is basically just ground up inner bark of in slippery elm include beta-sitosterol, the tree. There are coarse and fine pow- campestrol and a little tannin (which agders. Coarse is needed to make topical gravates kidney stones). poultices that help cuts, bruises and achy I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find documented interactions joints, such as come from gout. except a theoretical one that says it may The fine powder can be turned into a render meds and supplements less active. gruel (something like cream of wheat) and So separate administration of slippery elm eaten. The recipe for slippery elm gruel from important drugs by two hours. consists of about one tablespoonful fine This information is opinion only. It is not powder and enough hot water to make a intended to treat, cure or diagnose your conthin, smooth paste. The amount of water dition. Consult with your doctor before using used is up to your personal taste. I use one any new drug or supplement. half cup myself. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell you right now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slimy any way and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist you make it, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the point! Sweeten it and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To with organic honey, agave, maple syrup or contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
25
When a boyfriend keeps his options open Dear Solutions: gles,” and he may be one of those. They I feel silly writing at my age about a claim they want a real relationship, but they “boyfriend” problem, but I never stop going to singles just want your opinion. I’ve events (usually with other sinbeen going out with a very gle men — a kind of “gang”). nice gentleman who is getYou, of course, are cooperatting me very confused. ing with him. You don’t chalHe’s attentive and seems lenge him and you don’t set to care a lot for me, but he’s limits. You want a commitbeen single for a long time, ment? First make one to yourand he keeps going to sinself. Decide what you want, gles dances in between seethen take the risk and tell him! ing me. When I question He may walk away for good this, he tells me he loves SOLUTIONS (that might really be for good me, but then he doesn’t say By Helen Oxenberg, since it would free you). Take any more and doesn’t come MSW, ACSW back some power and control around for a while. and, as the director said to the When he tells me he loves me, I ex- starlet, “Don’t just stand there — do somepect to hear more and wait for some thing!” kind of plans for the future, but noth- Dear Solutions: ing materializes. When he says this, I A member of a group of casual friends watch his face to see if he’s sincere, has had her grandchildren staying with and he seems to be, but… her for a while now. We meet for dinner — Mary and a social evening once a week. Dear Mary: The trouble is she never stops talkNever mind his face — watch his feet! If ing about those children. It’s very anhe says he loves you while walking away noying. We all have grandchildren, but from you, you’d better examine his mo- no one wants to say anything about tives. By telling you this, he locks you into her behavior because we don’t know place and buys time for himself to roam what or how to say it. the range and remain uncommitted. My husband says we should be There are what we call “professional sin- thankful that at least she leaves them
at home. Any suggestions? — Bea Dear Bea: Your husband is wrong, because evidently she never leaves them at home even when she doesn’t bring them along. Since you all have grandchildren, treat this as an opportunity for everyone. Thank her for a great idea. Suggest that before the food is served, each grandparent has five minutes to report on the latest antics of their little geniuses before the food arrives. Then the grandparent door shuts for the evening. Dear Solutions: I was at a big birthday party recently. It was pretty formal since we all re-
in posthospital care • Complex Medical Care • Intensive Rehabilitation
ceived invitations by mail. There were many lovely gifts given and then this surprise: Before the end of the evening, envelopes were handed out to each guest, and we were asked to please write our own address on the envelope so thank-you notes could just be inserted. What do you think of this? After all, since they had mailed invitations to each of us, they certainly knew our addresses. I was really surprised, amazed, even a little insulted. — Amy Dear Amy: How about annoyed? And — what? — See SOLUTIONS, page 27
Thank you, ManorCare. “Everything was excellent at ManorCare Health Services, especially the rehab. The nursing staff and aides were really good, too. I’ve been to other rehab centers, and this is the only one I have been to where the physical therapy and occupational therapy work so closely together. I was very weak when I came here, but I am doing so much better now. If I do need therapy again, ManorCare will be my first choice.” – Vincent
For more information, please call the location nearest you or visit www.manorcare.com: Dulaney
Ruxton
410.828.6500
410.821.9600
Roland Park
Towson
410.662.8606
410.828.9494
Rossville
Woodbridge Valley
410.574.4950
410.402.1200
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
We want to be your Family’s Pharmacy That’s why we give you more. Our pharmacists are at the heart of everything we do. They can counsel you on your medications, side effects, drug interactions... even vitamins. We give you more than your medications; we’ll give you the advice you need. Plus a series of pharmacy benefits like no other drugstore.
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
27
Dancers raise money, awareness for AD By Carol Sorgen “Dancing with the Stars” fans don’t have to travel to Hollywood to get their fix of sparkles and sequins. They can have just as much fun cheering on their favorite “stars” at the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Dancing Stars”-themed Memory Ball 2013 gala, on April 13 at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore. Co-chaired by Terri Taber (a previous Memory Ball dancing star) and Union Memorial Hospital cardiologist George D. Bittar, the black-tie gala will feature a cocktail reception, full-course dinner, dancing to live music by Highway Star and a showcase of local ballroom talent. For a number of the amateur dancers, performing at the Memory Ball is an opportunity to support a cause that means something to them on a personal level. They will compete in a “Dancing with the Stars”-like show during the event.
Putting on their dancing shoes Jane Sewell, for example (who lives in Reisterstown and admits to being “65plus”), began volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association eight years ago. “I got involved because I feel it is a devastating disease and I wanted to help in
Solutions From page 25 no stamps for you to attach? Yes, they had to know your address. This is carrying outsourcing to a new level! Since the birthday man/woman took the time to unwrap and enjoy each present, he/she could take the time and effort to do the thank-you envelopes. Thank-you notes are a do-it-yourself ef-
some way,” said Sewell, the executive director of the Union Mills Homestead Foundation in Westminster. She recently retired from Calvert School, after 38 years of teaching physical education and dance. Sewell danced professionally “many” years ago with the June Taylor Dancers, but ballroom dancing is new to her, so she is currently taking lessons and is partnered with professional dancer Matthew Misroch with the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. “l am dancing this year to honor the memory of my cousin, Robert Sargent Shriver, who was one of the most delightful, charming and elegant men I have ever known,” said Sewell. Shriver was the first director of the Peace Corps and also served as Ambassador to France. He suffered from Alzheimer’s for eight years before passing away in 2011 at the age of 95. “I am proud to support the mission of the association, and pray that a cure can be found in the very near future,” Sewell said. Sue Levi, a former realtor who is 65 and lives in Owings Mills, was inspired to dance by her mother and brother-in-law, both of whom suffered from Alzheimer’s. “I had attended one of the Memory Balls
fort if they are to be accepted as sincere. Whoever threw the party should have given the birthday person an address list and a roll of stamps. © Helen Oxenberg, 2013. 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.
and really enjoyed it,” said Levi, adding that the cause really “hits home” for her. “I am not only dancing for my family but for all the people who have suffered with this horrible disease,” she said. Essex resident Mary Pat Seurkamp, president emerita of Notre Dame of Maryland University, and now senior advisor and director for the New Presidents Program of the Council of Independent Colleges, noted a few “important connections” to Alzheimer’s that inspired her to participate. First, the research by David Snowden that led to “The Nun’s Study,” which examined the causes and signs of Alzheimer’s, was conducted with the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the founders of Notre Dame
of Maryland University. In addition, one of the university’s significant friends and donors died from Alzheimer’s. “She was married to the son of one of our first six graduates from the class of 1899,” said Seurkamp, “and I had the privilege of getting to know her and her husband early in my presidency.” It is in honor and memory of these people that Seurkamp is dancing.
Well-known judges All the competition dancers will receive free lessons prior to the gala and will perform a Latin or ballroom number of their choice before a panel of judges. See DANCING STARS, page 28
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Dancing stars From page 27 Judges will include Maryland First Lady Katie O’Malley, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Memory Ball 2012 Champion Tony Foreman, Miss Maryland USA 2013 Kasey Marie Staniszewski, and retired Baltimore Colt Bruce Laird. A “Judge’s Choice” trophy will be awarded to the dancer with the best technical skill. Dancers also raise money for the Association by encouraging their friends and acquaintances to vote for them before the event (at www.alz.org/maryland), or at the
APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
banquet itself, for $1 per vote. A “You’re Our Star” trophy will go to the dancer who raises the most money. Another highlight of the ball will be the recognition of Gina DeStefano, vice president of development and general counsel of Sturbridge Homes in Annapolis, whose own family was touched by Alzheimer’s. When her father was diagnosed with dementia in 2004, DeStefano provided backup and support to her mother, who served as the primary caregiver. Following her mother’s death in 2008, DeStefano became her father’s primary caregiver. While she had a lot of help and support
from her brothers, she found it hard to locate information in her local community on how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia through its various stages, and how to deal with the stresses that affect family members as the disease progresses. Continuing with her father’s legacy of giving back to the community, DeStefano has focused her efforts on the Alzheimer’s Association, not only to continue the fight for a cure through research, but to make information and assistance more available to families in her community struggling with all the effects of the Slava Sergiev and Mary Pat Seurkamp will take disease. “Gina is truly a champion for the stage in a dance competition to raise money Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s for the Alzheimer’s Association during the group’s annual Memory Ball on April 13. Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, and her work has made a big im- fect more than 86,000 Marylanders. Tickets are $300 per person. Corporate pact on families dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Cass Naugle, executive sponsorship packages are also available. For director of the Greater Maryland Chapter of tickets, sponsorships or more information, call (410) 561-9099 or visit www.alz.org/marythe Alzheimer’s Association. The Memory Ball will be held Saturday, land. The Alzheimer’s association has an ongoApril 13, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 700 ing need for volunteers to contribute to all aspects of the organization, including proAliceanna St. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s As- gram services, education, advocacy and desociation’s many programs and services, as velopment. Training is available for volunwell as raise awareness of Alzheimer’s dis- teer positions. Visit www.alz.org/Maryland ease and related disorders, which now af- for more information.
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Travel
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Leisure &
Spring “positioning” cruises offer big bargains. One of the best deals is on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. See story on page 31.
Life in Dover, Del.’s fast and slow lanes
Three centuries of history The historic center of town retains the charm that William Penn must have envisioned when he laid it out in 1683. The Dover Green surrounds the more than 300-year-old Public Square. A Victorian District reflects the wealth that accompanied the arrival of the railroad
in the 1850s. Attesting to Dover’s role as the state capital are street names like State and Federal streets and Governors Avenue. The Green is where a Continental Regiment was mustered during the Revolution, and where townspeople gathered in 1776 to hear the reading of the newly penned Constitution. It also is where, in 1787, Delaware’s delegates gathered at the Golden Fleece Tavern to ratify that document, an act recalled by the words “the First State,” which adorn vehicle license plates. History comes to life in the First State Heritage Park, an enclave that encompasses the Green and links a number of sites. Free walking tours combine a bit of both education and exercise. They focus on topics that include Stories of the Green, Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution, and Tales of Slavery and Freedom. The Old State House, completed in 1791, served as Delaware’s Capitol for more than 140 years, until it was replaced by the Legislative Hall in 1933. A five-minute audio-visual presentation followed by a guided tour of the Old State House brings to life the people who once deliberated within the walls of the graceful Georgian-style structure. That personal introduction continued as we read biographies of 21 members of the first House of Representatives in 1792. In contrast with many full-time politicians of today, they included farmers, an iron forger, and several men who fought in the Revolutionary War. Our next immersion in history was provid-
ed by a costumed interpreter playing the part of James Booth, Jr., who was chief justice of Delaware from 1841 to 1855. He noted that while Delaware was a slave state, its residents were deeply divided over the issue. “Judge Booth” explained that he had been “accused” of having abolitionist sentiments, a claim he did not admit to. However, a description of his decisions in two controversial slavery cases led me to conclude, with relief, that the claim was valid.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KENT COUNTY TOURISM
By Victor Block The lights and sounds of hundreds of slot machines vie for attention with the excited cries of winners at nearby gambling tables. Not very far away, silence reigns at farms where mechanized equipment gives way to horse-drawn tractors, kerosene lanterns and other reminders of life in a slower lane. Welcome to Kent County, Del., about a two-hour drive from Baltimore, but worlds apart in terms of atmosphere. Touches of history that greet visitors stand comfortably near a collection of aircraft that ranges from rare relics to sleek, modern jets. Bustling farmers’ markets augment a year-round schedule of festivals that celebrate themes as diverse as chocolate, jazz and ladybugs. Embarking on an exploration of this nearby, but often overlooked, destination, my wife Fyllis and I were somewhat dismayed as we approached Dover, our base of operations. We were greeted by strip malls and residential neighborhoods that had seen better days. But doubts about the wisdom of our plans faded as soon as we arrived in Delaware’s capital city.
See DOVER, page 30 Historical interpreters dressed in colonial attire relate stories of historic Dover during lantern-lit tours of the buildings at First State Heritage Park. Free walking tours combine a bit of both education and exercise.
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Dover From page 29 Located just around the corner from the imposing Old State House is the tiny John Bell House, which dates from the mid1700s. It was owned by three generations of a family that operated a series of taverns around the Green. The little wooden structure now serves as an interpretive center and the starting point for tours. Our costumed “historical interpreter” shared information ranging from facts and figures to interesting tidbits about life as it was when members of the Bell family lived there
Home of the Victrola After taking in our fill of early Americana, Fyllis and I set our sights on the eclectic offering of other attractions in and around Dover. A short stroll led us to the Johnson Victrola Museum which we found to be as fascinating in its way as our trun-
APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
cated history lesson. That tale begins with a Delawarean named Eldridge Johnson, who founded the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901. After perusing collections of more than 100,000 old records, antique phonographs and memorabilia that trace the history of recorded sound, Fyllis and I were amused by an assortment of early hand-cranked “talking machines” with oversized listening horns. We also enjoyed stories recounted during our guided tour. These included the source of the popular sayings, “put a sock in it,” whose origin is traced back to when people literally stuffed a sock into the large listening horn of a Victrola to quiet the sound, and “put a lid on it,” which evolved when record players later were placed in cabinets whose lid could be closed.
Amish wares An introduction to a more contemporary chapter of history is available at several farmers’ markets that take place in
and around Dover. Our stroll through Spence’s Bazaar combined the usual appeals of a sprawling open-air shopping experience with a first encounter with representatives of the Amish community that has found a home in the area. Dressed in their distinctive “plain people” attire, the Amish offered for sale a variety of fresh-baked breads and pies, homemade fudge and other hard-to-resist, diet-busting foods. Non-edible items that covered table after table included vintage clothing, antique model cars and pre-loved stuffed animals. A juke box, priced at $2,200, contained records with songs like “At the Hop” and “See You Later Alligator,” which prompted memories of our teenage years. Equally enjoyable were encounters with the Amish lifestyle during a drive in the countryside. We passed tiny shops and tidy farms that line narrow, winding roads, and encountered very pleasant people along the way. A young man guiding a six-horse team
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pulling a plow paused to chat with us. The amiable proprietor of Daniel Yoder Furniture proudly showed us hand-crafted wooden wares made by him and Amish artisan neighbors. The main feature at Shady Lane Selection is a large collection of quilts, one of which Salina Yoder was working on when we arrived. In keeping with the belief of the Amish against using electricity from the power grid, she was working on a footpedal-powered sewing machine. After viewing the colorful assortment of bright coverlets and comforters, we weren’t surprised to spot a sign which suggested, “When life gives you scraps, make quilts.”
Speedways and byways Very different settings provide even more variety to the eclectic choice that awaits visitors to the area. Even though we aren’t car racing fans, Fyllis and I found a tour of the Dover International Speedway to be more interesting than we had anticipated. Known among followers of that sport as the “Monster Mile,” it hosts several major car races each year on what is billed as “the fastest one-mile car track in the world.” Guided tours include a stop at a garage where retired Sprint Cup race cars are permanently parked. Close-up inspection of those claustrophobia-inducing vehicles, which vaguely resemble the automobiles that most people own, left us with a new degree of respect for drivers who travel in them at speeds that can approach 200 miles an hour. Come evening, many visitors to the area join locals who head for two full-service casinos. Both the Dover Downs and Harrington casinos offer the complete range of table games of chance — serious gamblers would say skill — and the usual array of slot machines, plus dining and entertainment options. Even this long list of attractions and activities doesn’t exhaust the possibilities. The somewhat oddly named Air Mobility Command Museum, which is housed in a World War II hanger, is home to more than two-dozen aircraft. They include an open-cockpit biplane and a retired jumbo jet whose passengers included U.S. presidents and vice presidents as well as the Queen of England. The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 16,000 acres of habitat for waterfowl, song birds, shorebirds and other wildlife. Close-up animal encounters are available for those who set out on gentle walking trails, while others prefer drive-by sightings from their car. The section of the Coastal Heritage Scenic Byway that runs through Kent County meanders through marshlands that skirt Delaware Bay. It leads to small fishing villages, a personal favorite of which was Leipsic. At the tiny hamlet, working boats used for fishing, crabbing and oystering often are tied up at the dock. Fyllis and I received a lesson in crabbing from two watermen as they unloaded bushel baskets of creepy, crawly crustaceans they had just retrieved from the traps they tend. See DOVER, page 31
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
31
Positioning cruises can be true bargains By Ed Perkins Over the years, I’ve pitched “positioning cruises” as one of the top travel bargains you can find, and this year will be no exception. The best rates will be for sailings in April, with several starting in the range of $30 to $35 per person per night. That’s about what you’d pay for a budget motel — and the cruise throws in meals and entertainment. In the spring, positioning cruises are transatlantic sailings from the United
States and the Caribbean to Europe, as the big cruise lines reposition their liners for the seasonal summer peak in the Mediterranean. In the fall, they return for the warm-weather Caribbean and Mexican season. The eastbound season runs from midMarch through mid-May, with the lowest prices in April. Departure ports range from Galveston to Florida to Puerto Rico, with a few from New York. Most terminate at a Mediterranean port, with a few head-
Dover
heated indoor swimming pool. Preparing some meals in the kitchen in each suite can stretch your travel budget. Current rates for double rooms begin at $94. For more information, call (302) 678-8383 or log onto www.mainstaysuites.com. Always seeking to eat where locals do, Fyllis and I headed for Fraizer’s, which overlooks a small pond somewhat pretentiously named Mirror Lake. A lengthy menu includes 15 hamburgers and seven cheese steaks, along with entrees like fish and chips ($11) and New York strip steak with two sides ($15). For more information, call (302) 741-2420 or log onto fraizersrestaurant.com. Since 1954, the Hollywood Diner has been the most popular place to eat “scrapple,” if your heart desires and your stomach
From page 30 Museums and history-rich buildings have much to offer those who visit Kent County. But for Fyllis and me, chatting with amiable watermen as they unload the day’s catch, and watching a young Amish man steer a horsepowered plow, were among experiences that provided the most lasting memories.
If you go For more information about Dover and Kent County, call 1-800-233-5368 or log onto www.visitdover.com. The Mainstay Suites hotel is well located for exploring Dover and Kent County. Amenities include a fitness center and
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The experience on a positioning cruise is not the same as on a typical peak season cruise. They take a minimum of 11 nights, and many take up to 20 days, compared with the popular one-week period for peak season cruises. And unlike peak season cruises, which typically stop at a different port every day, positioning cruises entail periods of sever-
does not protest. Composed of pig parts perhaps best left unidentified, that local favorite may be prepared in a variety of ways. As our waitress somewhat mysteriously explained, “It’s sort of like its name sounds.”
See CRUISES, page 32
Specials at the diner for those 62 and older include roast beef and turkey dinners with sides for $10.99. For more information, call (302) 734-7462. Victor Block is the Beacon’s travel writer.
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Should you pay with credit or debit? Led initially by a few airlines, some suppliers are trying to persuade you to switch from credit to debit cards when you buy tickets or accommodations. The reason is simple: to cut their costs. Processing a debit card payment costs 21 cents, whereas credit card processing costs them anywhere from 2 to 4 percent of the transaction value. Keep in mind that the choice to use a debit or credit card involves a tradeoff for you between a potentially lower price and extra benefits: — Credit cards provide some important consumer protections and benefits. Federal law requires issuing banks to refund payments for services not received — for example, an airline or tour operator that goes
bankrupt or can’t fulfill its obligation to you. Furthermore, many credit cards offer modest “protections” against baggage loss and delay expenses; most protect you against unauthorized use; many provide references to services you may need while traveling, and a few include “concierge” programs that help with various arrangements. Of greatest monetary value, most credit cards provide backup coverage for collision damage to rented cars, a secondary coverage that becomes defacto primary outside the United States. And, of course, there are the “miles” or points you earn — the equivalent of a 2 percent rebate on the most generous
cards. Cards co-branded with American, Delta and United provide no-charge checked baggage, and cards from Alaska, Hawaiian, Frontier, JetBlue, US Airways and Virgin America offer companion tickets and other benefits. And, finally, for a price, you can pay off credit cards over time, if you want. — Debit cards, by contrast, provide none of those protections or benefits. They’re a direct pipeline to your bank account. Because they carry no annual fees and cost merchants so little per transaction, they have no margin to add any goodies to the deal. You may pay 2 percent or so less, but you lose out on a lot. — Ed Perkins
Cruises From page 31 the Azores, Madeira, Gibraltar, the Balearics, Valencia, Genoa and Marseilles, then terminate in Rome or Venice. A few more expensive cruises take a more northerly route, stopping in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia.
Cheap rates to Europe The best rates I could find for this spring season are for trips on the big mass-market lines’ megaships leaving in April. One of the lowest prices is for a 12-night itinerary on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, leaving Ft. Lauderdale-Miami for Barcelona on April 8, with stops at Lisbon and Cadiz. Inside cabins start at $399, or $33 per person per night; ocean-view cabins start at $499, balconies at $799. Other ships where you can get an inside cabin for $50 or less per person per night are the Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Star, and Nieuw Amsterdam. Often, last-minute promotional rates include cabin upgrades from inside to ocean view and ocean view to balcony. Upscale lines also run positioning cruises, but their rates are considerably higher, starting at around $80 per person per night on some lines, and starting at more than $200 a night on Seabourn and Crystal. Cunard, of course, runs the Queen Mary 2 both ways over the summer, but prices are higher with few, if any, port calls. And the Norwegian Epic makes a nonstop westbound trip at rates just a tad under Cunard’s. If you would like a really northerly trip, calling at such ports as the Faeroes, Iceland, Greenland and Maritime Canada, you have to wait for fall westbound positioning trips. Prices posted so far are higher, but you’ll see some cuts by late summer. Most cruise lines or cruise agencies can arrange one-way air returning from Europe. But you might find better deals on your own, and you might want to use frequent flyer miles. Obviously, $100 a day or less for a couple, including accommodations, food and most entertainment, is a pretty good buy by just about any standard. Even though the mass-market cruise lines are adding fees for services that were once “free,” a positioning cruise is still hard to beat as a vacation value. Check with your travel agency or any of the big online cruise agencies such as cruisesonly.com, cruise.com or cruisesnmore.com. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@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. © 2013 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
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33
Arts &
Retiree turns hobby into a second career. See story, page 36.
No need to fiddle with Fiddler at Toby’s By Stuart Rosenthal It’s been a decade since Fiddler on the Roof was last presented at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia, and the return of David Bosley-Reynolds, once again playing Tevye, is a welcome one. The musical revolves around the set-upon Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman living in Czarist Russia at the turn of the 20th century. His village, Anatevka, and family, including his wife and five daughters (“five daughters!” Tevye exclaims, looking heavenward) were the main foils in a series of Yiddish short stories by Shalom Aleichem chronicling not only growing anti-Semitism in Russia, but also the increasingly devastating impact of modernity on the traditional family. Bosley-Reynolds, who made an excellent Tevye a decade ago, has grown further into the role, giving us a very loveable bear of a character with whom it is easy to identify. Whether he is having one of his periodic arguments with G-d, or engaging in a tortured “on the one hand this, on the other hand that” debate within himself, or exercising his decision-making “rights” as the leader of the house (often ineffectually), he engagingly conveys the struggles we all encounter at times in our lives. Jane C. Boyle, who plays Tevye’s wife, Golde, is well-matched to him. Not one to be pushed around physically or otherwise, she rules the household, but with a loving strength. Speaking of which, the topic of love is a
key one throughout the play, with eldest daughter Tzeitel insisting she marry for love, and not accept a match struck by her father with a wealthy older merchant. That leads to the touching duet between Tevye and Golde, “Do You Love Me?” when Tevye wants to know if Golde has come to love him since they were matched and married 25 years before. It’s one of the show’s best-performed numbers. Both of Tzeitel’s suitors, the gregarious, hard-drinking butcher Lazar Wolf (played by Andrew Horn, whose character makes Tevye look trim in comparison), and the shy, stuttering Motel the tailor (David James) are standouts among the supporting cast.
Pros and cons of closeness Perhaps the most striking difference between a production at an intimate dinner theater like Toby’s and one at a typical theater is that there is no striking distance between audience and actors. Patrons are anywhere from 5 to 30 feet from the action throughout the performance. The benefits are many. No opera glasses are required to see even the most subtle changes of expression on the faces of the actors. And any strong passions reverberate immediately through the audience. On the other hand (as Tevye would say), that also means stage makeup (such as Tevye’s highly artificial beard) and the wireless mics protruding along every character’s cheek or peeking out from the hair at the top of their foreheads are al-
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In Fiddler on the Roof, now showing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia, Jewish residents of Anatevka find themselves celebrating an engagement with the young Cossack soldiers who will later lead a pogrom at the wedding. The beloved musical is based on Yiddish stories by Shalom Aleichem that depict the turmoil affecting Jewish families in Russia around the turn of the 20th century.
most impossible to ignore. Those mics, by the way, are wonderful in many instances, allowing all to hear even Tevye’s whispered asides. But they dismally fail us during the famous dream
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sequence, in which Golde’s grandmother returns from the grave to warn against Tzeitel marrying the butcher. See FIDDLER, page 35
NOW OPEN
34
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Feinstein From page 1 oir, called Nice Work If You Can Get It: My Life in Rhythm and Rhyme. But he more recently came to realize he should capture those years with the Gershwins in a separate book. “As time has evolved and I’ve seen changes in the world, I realized I needed to set down, in a somewhat more permanent form, stories I had learned firsthand, because otherwise they could disappear and get lost,” Feinstein said. “Setting it down was cathartic,” he continued. “I enjoyed it — for the most part. It’s something that I think, like all creative processes for me, veered between wildly ecstatic moments and moments of frustration. But it’s something that, when completed, is really a wonderful feeling.”
Multifaceted career Feinstein tries to inject all his personal appearances with humor and with stories that offer the audience a personal sense of the experiences that brought him to the career he has today. And quite a career it is. Feinstein’s 200plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace. In addition to his live performances, Feinstein appears on numerous PBS television broadcasts. A new season of his show,
“Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook,” starts April 5 and will include neverbefore-seen footage of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Liza Minnelli, an extensive interview with Angela Lansbury, and footage from the original cast of Follies. His previous series and CD celebrating the music of Frank Sinatra have garnered top ratings and numerous awards. He has stayed current by collaborating with TV star Cheyenne Jackson of popular television shows “Glee” and “30 Rock,” while staying true to his musical roots with his recording of “Cheek to Cheek,” with Broadway legend Barbara Cook. His recent recording, “We Dreamed These Days,” features the Carmel Symphony Orchestra; Feinstein co-wrote the title song with poet Maya Angelou. In addition to his performances and recordings, in 2007 he founded the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, dedicated to celebrating the art form and preserving it through educational programs, master classes, and the annual High School Vocal Academy and Competition, which awards scholarships and prizes to students across the country. He also serves on the Library of Congress’s National Recording Preservation Board, an organization dedicated to ensuring the survival, conservation and increased public availability of America’s sound recording heritage. Feinstein says he enjoys the many and
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
varied aspects of his career. He finds singing before a live audience “exciting,” for example, because “the shared experience becomes a communal moment unlike any other means of performing,” he said. But he also finds making recordings both “intimate and personal…one-on-one in an odd way because I’m singing to the microphone,” he said.” It’s like talking to an individual.” Feinstein’s schedule remains jam-packed and includes a recording with Andre Previn coming out in April, as well as a regular series on NPR called “Song Travels,” now in its second year, which keeps him busy recording 39 shows a year. There’s also a series at New York’s Lincoln Center, and a film project about the Gershwins. Baltimoreans will have a chance to hear and meet Feinstein when he gives a benefit performance for the Edward A. Myerberg Center on Thursday, May 9, at the Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric. General admission is $50, but VIP tickets at $125 include a post-performance dessert reception and book signing with Feinstein.
Homes, sweet homes Still “young at heart,” Feinstein has no intention of slowing down, despite the fact that he may not often get to kick back at the three locations he calls home. These include: Indiana, where he spends part of the year serving as artistic director of the Center for the Performing Arts, a $170
million, three-theatre venue in Carmel, Indiana, which opened in 2011; New York, where his Manhattan nightclub, Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, presents the top talents of pop and jazz, and where Feinstein himself appears there for a sold-out holiday engagement every year; and Los Angeles, where he has scored the original music for the film Get Bruce and performed on such hit television series as “Better With You,” “Caroline in the City,” “Melrose Place,” “Coach,” “Cybill” and “7th Heaven.” Yes, it’s hectic, but it’s not likely to change anytime soon. ”There’s not much reason to slow down,” said Feinstein. “I believe that everything ebbs and flows in life. I want to take the opportunities while they exist, to be able to do what I do, because nothing is forever.” To see Michael Feinstein present “The Gershwins and Me” for the Myerberg benefit, order tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com, call (410) 547-SEAT, visit the Modell Lyric box office, call the Myerberg Center at (410) 358-6856 or email tickets@myerberg.org. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9. The Lyric is located at 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Myerberg Center in northwest Baltimore, which provides more than 125 enriching programs each year for area residents 55 and over, including classes in painting, See FEINSTEIN, page 35
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
Fiddler From page 33 The many ghosts wear plastic masks that interfere with their mics, causing us to miss much of what Grandma Tzeitel had to say in the production I saw. Of course, many of us know the words to all the songs by heart, so we could fill in the gaps to ourselves. The choreography was not up to Toby’s usual standards. Former resident choreographer Ilona Kessell has apparently withdrawn from most such work in recent years, and her absence was evident throughout — especially in the somewhat stilted opening number, “Tradition,” and the bottle dance portion of “To Life.” But Toby’s deserves kudos for maintaining a live orchestra in this day and age. In some past years, music was produced on a synthesizer. Now, we’re treated to the incomparably rich tones and lively sounds of a real violin, clarinet, trumpet, keyboard and percussionist.
Feinstein From page 34
The theater also makes effective use of the screened-in orchestra area (and two similarly screened “porches” jutting out from the side walls of the space). In those we see other families in the village lighting candles during the moving “Sabbath Prayer” number, and again at the end, in “Anatevka,” when we see families packing up their worldly goods in preparation for the Jews’ mass eviction from the town.
The dinner theater experience Not everyone is a fan of dinner theaters. And though it’s different from traditional theater, there are many aspects that add to the experience more than they take away. First, there’s the fact that an all-you-caneat meal immediately precedes the performance and is included in the price of your ticket (which, by the way, is already less than most local theaters charge for seats alone). The food is plentiful, including a large salad bar, a variety of cold salads and hot
side dishes and entrees, a carving station for roast beef, ham and turkey, and concluding with a choice of rich desserts and a do-it-yourself ice cream sundae bar. Specialty drinks of all types (alcoholic and not) can be ordered for additional cost. Many come with souvenir glasses. The show’s actors also function as your waiters/waitresses, both before the show and during intermission, when more coffee and drinks are available. This provides the opportunity to interact with them from both perspectives — as the people they are, and as the characters they play. This can be especially engaging for young people who might accompany you to the performance. Also, while the stage area (set up for the buffet carts when you arrive) is being cleaned up for the performance, a member of the cast welcomes the many groups and families who have come for special occasions. The often humorous banter between the actor and the many patrons celebrating an-
niversaries and birthdays, as well as spirited school groups, makes for a pleasant diversion. All in all, the evening (or afternoon, if you attend a matinee with brunch) offers entertainment for all ages. Fiddler on the Roof runs seven nights a week (plus Wednesday and Sunday matinees) at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia through April 28. It will be followed by the Tony-award winning musical In the Heights, opening May 3. Tickets range from $49 to $54 for adults, depending on the performance. Children 12 and under are always $35.50. Patrons are expected to tip the wait staff based on the full price of their ticket plus any additional items ordered. In fact, tips are the chief source of income for most of the cast members, so you know they are performing for love of the theater! For more information, visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com or call the box office at (301) 596-6161.
BENEFITING THE EDWARD A. MYERBERG CENTER
sculpture, current events, technology and fitness. The center’s Eating Together program serves 12,000 meals a year. The event will also honor local philanthropist and long-time supporter of the Myerberg Center, Sandra R. Hittman, for her service to the community. For more information, visit www.myerbergseniorcenter.org or call (410) 3586856. Additional reporting by Barbara Ruben.
BEACON BITS
Apr. 12
DANCE PERFORMANCE AND LECTURE
Artist Siona Benjamin collaborates with classical Indian dancers in a performance entitled: Rang de Nila (Color Me Blue) on Friday, April 12 at 8 p.m. at Towson University. The performance is choreographed to Indian/Jazz/Hip-hop/Bollywood music, followed by a lecture and Q/A session. Admission is free. Presented in cooperation with Towson University Center for Student Diversity. For more information, call (410) 704-2051 or visit www.towson.edu.
Mar. 21+
SPRING AWAKENING
Carroll Community College will present performances of the Tony award-winning musical Spring Awakening on Thursday and Friday, Mar. 21 and 22, at 7:30 p.m. Performances will be held in the theater in the Scott Center, 1601 Washington Rd., Westminster, Md. Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $10 for senior adults, faculty, staff and students with ID. For more information, visit www.carrollcc.edu.
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An evening of anecdotes and melodies
MAY 9 . 7:30 PM . MODELL LYRIC 410547SEAT MODELL LYRIC BOX OFFICE lyricoperahouse.com 410-685-5086
INFO: 4103586856 . MYERBERG.ORG
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Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com
APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Engineer-turned-artist sculpts a new life By Carol Sorgen Growing up, Lawrence (Larry) Schneider never realized he had any artistic talent. “I was very left-brained,” the 78-year-old recalled. “I loved mechanical things...taking things apart and putting them back together.” Those skills served Schneider well in his professional career, first as an aeronautical engineer, and then as a computer systems administrator with the Social Security Administration. But somewhere along the way, Schneider said, “my brain must have changed.” He woke up one day in 1970 and announced to his wife Irene that he wanted to carve an American eagle. “I didn’t know he could carve,” said Irene, who first met Schneider in high school (they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary). Turns out that, as a matter of fact, Schneider really didn’t know how to carve, but with materials and plans in hand, he taught himself. But with that eagle — carved on the then-young family’s kitchen table and still mounted and hung in the Schneider’s cozy apartment at Broadmead, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Cockeysville — Schneider the engineer became Schneider the woodworkerturned-sculptor.
a es ift! k a g M at e gr
Today, his works can be found not only throughout his own home and Broadmead’s public spaces, but in private collections, art galleries, a St. Louis hospital and one-man exhibitions.
A full-time avocation One of the reasons the Schneiders chose to move to Broadmead when they were looking to downsize in 2004 (after one too many snowstorms) was the retirement community’s full-service wood shop, where Schneider spends close to 40 hours a week. About half his time is spent doing the actual carving, with the rest spent maintaining his website, corresponding with his sales agent and more. He works in both furniture hardwoods, such as mahogany, maple, walnut and cherry, as well as bronze. Schneider says his artistic objective is that, in addition to creating a poignant message — be it one of hope, friendship, love or loss — his sculptures provide imaginative design, striking aesthetics and quality workmanship. “My greatest joy is to see viewers receive insight and pleasure from my work,” he said. Schneider’s three-dimensional sculptures fall into three main categories: his Ribbon Series, his Soft Side Series, and his Inspiration Series.
Beacon F O C U S
F O R
P E O P L E
OV E R
For the most part, his sculptures are abstract, but fabricated in such a way as to evoke their individual theme or subject matter, such as “Harmony,” “Endless Joy,” “Commitment,” and “Creativity.”
Schneider well in his earlier careers still come into play in his work as a sculptor, honed through his woodworking years. “This is challenging work,” Schneider explained. “Woodcarving isn’t like working with clay where you can add or sub-
Using his engineering skills The “left-brained” skills that served
See SCULPTOR, page 37
Sixth Annual Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards
The
I N
Lawrence Schneider’s abstract wood sculptures are on display in homes, galleries and even a St. Louis Hospital. After retiring from a career in engineering and computer systems administration, he turned to sculpting full time.
For Excellence and Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Aging and Quality of Life for Seniors
5 0
NEWS & FEATURES • LAW & MONEY FITNESS & HEALTH • LEISURE & TRAVEL ARTS & STYLE • VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS We are pleased to offer both First-Class and Third-Class subscriptions:
$36/year via First Class Mail* $12/year via Third Class Mail* Please send a one-year subscription to:
Categories Trailblazer: An individual, community group, business or organization that has demonstrated leadership in advocacy or developed an innovative program, research or training for seniors. Visual or Performing Arts: An individual 60 or older, or a group (members must be 55 or older) who has demonstrated excellence in the visual or performing arts. Health and Vitality: An individual 60 or older, who demonstrates a commitment to healthy living, and who serves as a role model to others.
Nomination Information Select a category. Submit a nomination form (below) and a 500-word-or-less description or recommendation (why the nominee meets the criteria). Visual Arts nominations must be accompanied by photos, slides or a CD of artwork. Performing Arts nominations must be accompanied by a DVD or web link to a video sharing site (e.g., YouTube). Nominations that do not require supporting materials may be faxed to Wesley Wood at (410) 333-7943. Download additional nomination forms at www.aging.maryland.gov. For more information, call (410) 767-2075 or 1-800-243-3425.
Name:____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ City: _____________________State:_____Zip: ___________ BB4/13
❐ ONE YEAR First-Class rate (Maryland residents add 6% for sales tax = $38.16) ❐ ONE YEAR Third-Class rate (Maryland residents add 6% for sales tax = $12.72 in MD) ❐ Check here if this is a gift subscription. A gift card will be sent in your name: _________________ Return form with check made payable to The Beacon, to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Maryland residents: add 6% for sales tax.
Nomination Form Person or Group Nominated: Name:___________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:__________________________ Evening Phone:__________________________ Fax:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________ Category of nomination: ____________________________________________________________ Nominator Information: ❒ Self Nomination (check box if you are nominating yourself) Name:___________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:__________________________ Evening Phone:__________________________ Fax:__________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________ E-mail form with your recommendation (500 words or less) and supporting materials to: wwood@ooa.state.md.us
Or mail to: Mr. Wesley Wood Maryland Department of Aging Governor’s Leadership in Aging Awards 301 W. Preston St., #1007 Baltimore, MD 21201
NOMINATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED OR E-MAILED BY APRIL 5, 2013
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
Sculptor From page 36 tract. With wood, you need skill and craftsmanship, and that skill takes many years to develop.” Schneider’s engineering skills also still get called upon when he has to figure out how to turn his initial sketch into a piece of sculpted wood. “It’s a challenge,” he said, observing that getting an idea, and then turning that thought into a sketch, is only the beginning of the process. “I have to wait for the magic,” he said, which usually only comes to him when he’s relaxed and not thinking about getting an idea in the first place. Ribbon Head
“Then I have to figure out how to make it....what tools to use, how to keep it together, and so on,” he said. “It’s an engineering puzzle.” Throughout the years, Schneider Attitude has created more than 50 pieces of sculpture in about 15 different designs. While he may re-use a design, he often does a new piece in a different size or different wood. Working with large, heavy pieces of wood that can weigh well over 100 pounds is yet another challenge for Schneider, one he meets by working out rigorously in the retirement community’s fitness center or walking their landscaped grounds. “As long as I’m dedicated to working out,” said Schneider, “I can continue doing my art. One relies on the other.”
Schneider’s works sell for between $1,700 and $9,000, and while the financial compensation is, of course, a welcome bonus, it’s not the motivation that keeps Schneider down in the wood shop day
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after day. “I’m doing what I love to do,” he said. To learn more about Lawrence Schneider and his work, visit www.lawrenceschneider.com.
BEACON BITS
Apr. 7+
FARMERS’ MARKET OPENS FOR SEASON
The 36th annual Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar returns Sunday, April 7, through Sunday, December 22, from 7 a.m. to sell out. The Market & Bazaar is located on Saratoga St., between Holliday and Gay Sts., underneath the Jones Falls Expressway (JFX). Farmers, food vendors and craftspeople from the region can apply to participate. The market averages 3,000 to 8,000 attendees each Sunday and takes place rain or shine. For more information on the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.org.
Mar. 27
SEE THE ANDREWS BROTHERS AT ALLENBERRY
See The Andrews Brothers, about a trio of boys that masquerade as the Andrews Sisters, at Allenberry Playhouse in Boiling Springs, Pa., on this trip sponsored by Overlea Senior Center on Wednesday, March 27. Cost: $79. Call (410) 887-5220 for reservations.
FROM PAGE 38
Baltimore City Health Department Office of Aging & CARE Services
ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE
® ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD
TaxiCard is a transportation program that provides a monthly subsidy to eligible Baltimore City residents age 60 and older and individuals with disability under the age of 60 with a completed medical form. What is the Cost? Participant cost is based upon income. Low (L) income under $900.00 per month or Moderate (M) income over $900.00 per month. Payment Code “L”
Payment Code “M”
CARE Your Monthly + CARE = Total Money added to Your Monthly + = Total Money added to TaxiCard Subsidy your CARE TaxiCard Payment TaxiCard Subsidy your CARE TaxiCard Payment
$6.00 $12.00
$19.00 $38.00
$25.00 $50.00
$12.00 $24.00
$13.00 $26.00
$25.00 $50.00
Must be Baltimore City Residents and meet eligibility requirements. TaxiCard can be used with participating taxicab companies for fare payment 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Participating Cab Companies: A.A. County Cab Connection Checker Cab of AA County Diamond Cab Valley Cab County Cab Arrow Cab Jimmy’s Cab Yellow-Checker Cab
How Do I Register? Call TaxiCard Customer Service Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm at
410-664-1123
or visit our website www.caretaxicard.com www.marylandaccesspoint.info
TAXICARD PROGRAM, 1501 Sulgrave Avenue, SuitF t Baltimore, MD 21209
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
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Puzzle Page
Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus More Oomph by Stephen Sherr 1
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1. Establish a point spread 4. Chevy from the 70’s 8. Scrub for surgery 12. Earth Day subj. 14. “Zounds!” 15. Ingredient in banana bread 16. Go for a long-lasting grassy flavor (with 20 Across) 18. From yesteryear 19. Home to Sans Diego & Bernardino, but not Jose 20. See 16 Across 22. Eligable to be served in a bar 25. Common soccer result 26. Have a bug 28. Four cups, or more 30. Enhances 35. TV static 37. Suit to ___ 39. Gushed over (or solved this puzzle) 40. Bright red elk 43. Hockey hall 44. Columbus’ favorite ship 45. ___-Rooter 46. Contemporary 48. Unyielding 50. Transgression, to sin, e.g. 51. Jeans maker, founded in 1889 53. Pass into law 55. Urban underground transit (with 64 Across) 60. Where to find Seoul food 63. Elite crust 64. See 55 Across 67. Knight’s transport 68. Silk shade 69. Henry VIII’s first wife (alphabetically) 70. Trade for cash 71. Non-fat 72. Jupiter, basically
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2. Come back at you 3. Excessively vibrant 4. Victory sign 5. ___ salad 6. France, in Caesar’s time 7. Acknowledge 8. Judge’s request 9. Military campus grp. 10. Continental coin 11. Ship’s front 13. Lounge around 15. Word on New York’s state quarter 17. Serving of ribs 21. Car company whose name roughly translates as “rising out of Asia” 23. ___ bag 24. Used by zombies 26. Northeastern Indian state 27. Econ 101 class, for example 29. Typeface feature 31. Way out 32. Toodle-oo, twine 33. Almost ready to snap 34. Ancient Greek theater 36. Wax off 38. Character voiced by Jim Henson 41. Unaccountable military leader 42. Crocheter’s purchase 47. Classical beginning 49. Earn 52. Novel endings 54. First half of the world’s most known logo 55. 41st or 43rd in a series 56. ___ no good 57. On ___ (without a contract) 58. Emulate a monkey house 59. Darned item 61. Sicilian source of heat 62. Often, they have it 65. One of the T’s in TNT 66. Operate efficiently
1. Stopwatch clicks (abbrev.)
Answers on page 37.
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2013
CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the 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.
Say you saw it in the Beacon
Personal Services $$$$$ NEED CASH $$$$$ WE help clear out and conduct sales for: Estates, Downsizing, Clutter Clearing, Divorce, Moving, Rental Properties, and More. We Buy, Sell, and Trade Items. Free Estimates. Call David @ 443-514-8583 davidbalt7@aol.com. ESTATE SPECIALIST Experts in estate clean-outs and preparing your house for sale. Trash removal, house cleanouts, light moving, demolition, yard work, cleaning. 410-746-5090. Free estimates. Insured. Call 7 days 7am - 7pm. LEARN ENGLISH – SPANISH – ITALIAN – FRENCH – PORTUGUESE Conversational. Grammatical. Private lessons. Reasonable Rates. Tutoring students. 443-352-8200. NEED HELP WITH PAPER MANAGEMENT or checkbook balancing? Overwhelmed by medical claims/bills? Vision or Health Impairment? Call Bonnie Blas – The Organizer (over 20 years) 410-358-9290. HOUSE CLEANING Do you need weekly house cleaning? 443-955-0022. HELP YOU SELL we help you sell any type of large item. Don’t lose the sale – we’re there when you can’t be. We run the ad, meet with clients, and help with the transaction. Automotive, Motorcycles, RV’s, large vehicles, and Equipment, Boats, and More. Call Dave @ 443-514-8583.
For Rent/Sale: Real Estate Personals
SENIOR COUPLE Fixed income in need of small house or 1st floor apartment in Eastern or North Eastern Baltimore County. 443-6945529. Leave a message.
TRYING TO LOCATE PATTY DODD from West Inverness, had a friend named Gloria & Brenda. Reward for info 410-238-4167, 443-418-6329.
For Sale
Vacation Opportunities
TWO SIDE-BY-SIDE CEMETERY PLOTS in Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Premier spots at dramatic discount from current cemetery asking price. Call 410-484-8529.
FOR SALE 4-BEDROOM timeshare at Villas at Ocean Pines. Includes use of Ocean City beach house, golf course, swimming pools. July 4th week. Very low price. Call 410-426-1817.
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.
Home/Handyman Services SANFORD & SON HAULING Trash removal, house & estate clean-outs, garage cleanouts, yard work & cleanups, demolition, shed removal. 410-746-5090. Free Estimates. Insured. Call 7 days a week 7am - 7pm. ARTISTIC SLIPCOVERS – UPHOLSTERY COMPANY. Steve Gulin. Your fabric or mine. 45 years experience. References available. 410655-6696 – Cell: 410-207-7229.
Wanted
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 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, Baltimore Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Wanted
Wanted
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.
BUYING OLD BASEBALL CARD COLLECTIONS Baseball Card Outlet at 7502 Eastern Ave near Eastpoint Mall is always in the market for buying vintage sports card collections & memorabilia from 1975 & older. 410284-4440 Open daily at 10AM.
MILITARY ITEMS Collector seeks: helmets, weapons, knives, swords, bayonets, webgear, uniforms, inert ordnance, ETC. From 1875 to 1960, US, German, Britain, Japan, France, Russian. Please call Fred 301-910-0783, Thank you. Also Lionel Trains.
$$$$$ WE PAY CASH FOR ITEMS $$$$$ We buy the following items and more: Toys, Collectable Glassware, Dolls (Barbies, Ceramic), Automotive and Motorcycle Parts and Related Items, Electronics, Musical Instruments, Trains, Items of Any Kind – Just Ask – Vintage or Current Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s and More. Call Dave @ 443-514-8583. Davidbalt7@aol.com. LIONEL & AMERICAN FLYER electric trains. Any age or condition. Also buy older men’s watches & fountain pens. 410-363-4873.
Thanks for reading!
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. CASH BUYER for old costume jewelry, pocket and wrist watches (any condition). Also buying watch maker tools and parts, train sets and accessories, old toys, old glassware & coins. 410-655-0412. BUYING NUMISMATIC COINS and most gold or silver items including coins, sterling, jewelry, etc. Will come to you with best cash offer. Call Paul: 410-756-1906.
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Luncheon All Marylanders 100 years of age and older, or who will be age 100 by December 31, 2013, are invited to attend the 21st anniversary
Maryland Centenarians Recognition Luncheon Thursday, May 9, 2013 • 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Martin’s West 6821 Dogwood Rd. • Baltimore, MD All family and friends of centenarians are also welcome. Donation: $30. Centenarians admitted free with registration. For more information or to register,
call (410) 664-0911 or email doctorodd@comcast.net by April 15, 2013 SPONSORS: AARP, The Beacon Newspaper, CARE Services, Community College of Baltimore at Catonsville, Elizabeth Cooney Agency, Maryland Department of Aging, Social Security Administration
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APRIL 2013 — BALTIMORE BEACON
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