February 2025 | Howard County Beacon

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT NEAL MARSHALL

By Sophia Lim One Friday morning 12 years ago, Robert Neal Marshall paced back and forth in his living room in Columbia, Maryland, feeling that something was wrong with his body. Phone in hand, he wondered if he should call 911.

Despite that hesitation, he made the call.

“That Friday for me, on August 3 of 2013, was like any other day. I had no idea that that could have been my last day on this planet,” Marshall, now 64, recalled in an interview with the Beacon.

Marshall was having a heart attack, a “widow-maker,” experiencing total blockage of the heart’s biggest artery. Doctors later told him he probably had only a twominute window to make that lifesaving call.

“My heart just started quivering like Jell-O. And from that moment, you’re dead. There’s nothing pumping,” Marshall said.

Thankfully, he was able to make it to an ambulance, where paramedics used a defibrillator and conducted CPR. But for 90 seconds, Marshall had no heartbeat.

“A minute and a half without breathing, without your heartbeat, without anything, is a long time,” he said.

During that time, Marshall had what’s known as a near-death experience. Others who have come close to death have reported sensing an entity of light and beauty. Marshall felt the presence of his beloved grandmother.

“It was this incredible entity of light and electric smoke and energy…But the moment the smoke, the light, touched me, I knew it was my maternal grandmother,” Marshall said.

Marshall felt that his grandmother, who he was very close to, greeted him and expressed her love for him, reminding him

FEBRUARY 2025

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY NEAL HERBERT/NPS

Producer’s second chance at life

L E I S U R E & T R AV E L

To see Yellowstone’s epic geysers, hot springs and wildlife, plan your trip early page 16

Columbia resident Robert Neal Marshall is an actor, director, producer, playwright and documentary filmmaker who founded the Columbia Maryland Film Festival.

Marshall’s near-death experience a dozen years ago reshaped his life and work.

of an earlier time in his life. He also sensed other beings nearby.

“It was very powerful for me,” Marshall said. “It would have been amazing to have conversations with them and ask questions and talk with them. Maybe there’s a part of us that’s always on the other side — this thread between us — and we’re just always communicating. I don’t know.”

A new lease on life

When Marshall’s heart stopped beating, he got more than just a reset, reboot and restart of his body. After doctors brought him back, Marshall felt even more plugged into life.

“It’s like the volume of ever ything See MARSHALL, page 20

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Learning how to think Publisher Stuart Rosenthal is taking a sab- out what you gain by doing your own writbatical this month. His column will return in ing — exercising your brain and enhancMarch. ing your ability to think and All through school we are present your thoughts to othrequired to write. Writing ers. makes us think. Getting us to Let’s say Johnny took an write clearly is a significant English Lit class. He was regoal of education. quired to write an article There are now artificial inabout Hamlet. He went to a telligence (AI) programs that frat party instead of doing the can create stories, novels, assignment. non-fictional books, answers No matter. He turned on to exams, blogs and whatever his laptop, opened one of his else you want to write. three AI writing apps, and They can generate ideas, AS I SEE IT typed in Hamlet, Shakeedit and proofread. Even By Ted Meyerson speare, critical essay, 500 though they are relatively new, words, use Johnny’s style. they are pretty good. Imagine how much betBefore he could get over to the printer, ter they will be in the next couple of years. the essay came out double spaced and It all sounds wonderful, except it leaves printed on both sides. He turned in the

Ongoing B&O MUSEUM VOLUNTEER Volunteers at the B&O Railroad Station Museum assist with tours, educational and scout programs, special events, customer service, and other duties as needed. Dates and times vary. The museum is located at 3711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City. For more information, call (410) 313-1945.

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sis. It didn’t work.

Even though the AI programs could recover everything that had ever been posted on the internet, they couldn’t differentiate between good, bad, true or false.

They couldn’t think. They lacked judgment.

Some of the solutions they came up with had proven disastrous for other companies. Other solutions were downright weird.

Nobody at the table had gotten out of education what education is supposed to offer — an enhanced ability to think and present ideas. I wonder if the company could survive with a laptop and computer app acting as CEO? Taken to its logical conclusion, if AI becomes dominant and permissible, we might end up with smart laptops and nonthinking humans. Seems to me, we have enough non-thinking humans already.

Letters to the editor

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paper and got an A on the assignment.

Johnny couldn’t participate in the class discussion because he hadn’t read the play. Still, he passed the course because the essay was so good.

Johnny got through most of his college classes using AI to do his homework. His laptop passed more courses than he did.

He graduated — but wasn’t educated.

Johnny got a job. He was enthusiastic and eager. He bought a new, more powerful laptop and loaded in advanced AI writing programs.

Johnny’s boss called a meeting. Everyone at the conference table was as dependent on AI as Johnny. Even the boss used an AI program to research solutions to the company’s problems.

The issue under discussion was clear.

Each person in the meeting put in some key words and was confident that the app would find a solution to the company cri-

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Howard County area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md. and Greater Washington, D.C. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below.

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Vice President of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives – Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel Assistant Editor – Ana Preger Hart Editorial Intern – Tori Cleveland

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 23 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

© Copyright 2025 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day.

Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor: Re: your November article on blurry vision, I had difficulty reading with my left eye. Very bright light helped, and I needed reading glasses.

My ophthalmologist told me that people who had cataract surgery would often have wrinkles in the sack that held [their] interocular lens. A five-minute laser treatment put a hole in the sack, and my vision improved significantly.

Now I do not need a bright light or glasses.

Donald W. Vierimaa Via email Dear Editor: I normally enjoy the Beacon for its lively articles, but I was struck hard when reading the November Letter to the Editor that you allowed to be published. The letter writer, Richard Todd, totally tears down a woman, Joan Vassos, who was interviewed about her life. She was chosen to be the “Golden Bachelorette.” Mr. Todd rips into her “ego” and says that she and others “think the world revolves around them” and that we need “a more grown up role model.”

It’s unacceptable to publish such a harsh attack on Ms. Vassos. It never should have been printed. It left a sour note in my heart. She dealt with cancer

and other things and this did not seem fair.

Thank you for listening and I hope this does not happen again. People deserve respect. Especially older people who take risks like Ms. Vassos.

Martine Palmiter Via email Dear Editor: I appreciated your column and memory of the “husky” department in children’s clothing stores (From the Publisher, January 2025). I share a similar memory. Unfortunately, it took me 40+ years to go from husky to a shopper in the “regular” section of the department store.

Glenn Easton Clarksburg, MD Dear Editor: As invaluable as all the new technology is, I have found a rather disconcerting, albeit unintentional, adverse effect when I telephone someone rather than text.

Most of the time the individual who I call invariably sounds annoyed.

I’m always taken aback by such a response because I can’t help wonder why anyone would answer their phone if they are not fully available to do so. That’s why there is voicemail!

Dale Ingrid Barnhard Via email

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

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Say you saw it in the Beacon

Trust the eH Ho ome Care Expert x ert With T To om mS Sm Smith, Regional Manager, Manage Business Dev ve v e ment Fam elopment, Family & Nur Nursing rsing Carre e

Fle exibility to o Address Address Changing Cha Ne eeds A

long a family’s care journey, lo y, circumstances can change, and clients and families may ay need to reassess their needs and consider whether it’s time fo for additional caregiver support, u either on a short-term or long-term basis.

At Famil amily & N Nu ursing Care, our Clien ntt Servi vices Manage gers are here to engaagge w wiith ccllien ntts aan nd faamil milies, prov oviding insiggh ht aan nd assist stan ance around allll car are decisions. K Keelly ly Saallb, Vice Presiden ntt, Clien ntt Servi vices, and K Keelly ly A An nn Sharp r and Nat atal alie Blicckkman an, Directors of Clien ntt Servi vices, shar ared ttheir experiences in guiding clien l ntts aan nd families througgh h aarrangi ging addiitional al car areggiiveer ssu upport.

Additional Support for Short-T Term Needs “It’s’s important fo for our clients and families to understand that we are flexible and able to provide support u beyond what w a is originally scheduled,,” says Salb. The team identified various situations that a could trigger a need fo for additional short-term caregiver support: • Va Vacation/trav avel – Caregivers can travel with families to care for clients so everyone can relax and en njjoy their time together.

• Ev Events (w weddings, reunions, etc.)

– Caregiv ivers can help l clients ge get read dyy and assist s them at at even nts.

• Hospital/R Reehaab b Staayy – Caregivers can offe ffer respite to family members by stay aying wi with love ved ones in the hospital, eve ven overnigght, and help wi with postdischarge recup u eraation at at home.

• Discharge/R Reecov overy ry Support u rt – Caregiv ivers can accompany m ny clients home fr from the t hospit ital a or rehab, and prov oviide addiittional sup upport while they recup uperaatte at at home.

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provi vide fill-iin sup upport w wh hile a family caregive ver is aaway way or needs a break.

• Emergency/back-up care – Caregivers can fill in wh when a family caregiver has an emergency. y.

• Moving support – Caregivers can assist clients in acclimating to new home environments, including assisted living or memory care.

has demen nttia, set up up care fo for Ron to giv ive her some respit ite.

After Pam had an emergency hospitalization, additional caregivers were quickl kly reffeerred to provide Ron wi with 24-hour support until Pam could resume her responsibilities. When Pam was discharged and recovering, the caregivers continued to provide care fo for both Pam and Ron until Consistent A Ad dditional Pam regained her strength.

Support “Family & Nu Nursing Care’s client Client Servi vices Managers fo form strong relat ationshiips wi with clients and services helped us seamlessly change our care situation a as our keep close tabs on their changing needs shifted,,” Pam said. needs. They also rely on fe feedback from caregivers wh who observe Communication is Key changes in clients’ conditions.

Blicckkman em mphasizes that at Changes that may necessitate communicat ation is ke key to a successffu ul additional Caregiver support relat e ationsshiip p wi with yo your Clien ntt include: Servi vices Manager. “We We are here to • Balance issues provi vide the besst out utcomes fo for cl clients.

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reach out ut and d ask,,” she s say ays.

Family & N Nursing Care maintains relat ationshipss with area senior living comm munities, aging liffee care profe fessiionals, rehabilitation facilities and d hospitals, and can help w with gu uidance and resources for clients an nd families.

From the responsiveness r and flexibility of the Client Services team to the hig h h-q qu uality, y, sincere and enthusiaastic caregivers, we offe ffer the sup pport, empathy a and respect everyy family needs to navigate theiir care journey. y.

Couple Care Sharp say ays clients using Family & Nursing Care services have found value in adding couple care services at a lower raate than fo for two individual clients.

“For example, if a Caregiv iver is provi viding servi vices ffo or a cclient, and the clien nt’s spouse needs careggiiver sup upport too, we can set u up p a coup uple care plan,,” sshe say ays. Coup uple care is also aavvailable ffo or any ny two wo indivi viduals livi ving in the same household.

Family & Nursing Care in Action A client named Pam, primary careggive ver fo for her husband Ron, wh who

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Health Fitness &

COMFORT FOOD Try a sweet chili chicken recipe from the author of more than 30 cookbooks BARLEY BASICS Add whole grain barley to your diet to lower your cholesterol and blood sugar IT’S NOT ALL IN YOUR HEAD Is your condition really psychosomatic?

Or just not yet well understood?

CATCH A FEW WINKS There are better (and worse) ways to nap during the day. Experts offer advice

There’s a good side to drug side effects

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. Drug side effects are common and often quite troublesome.

Major side effects, such as severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions, require immediate treatment and discontinuation of the drug. More minor symptoms may be tolerable when weighed against drug benefits.

And sometimes, these go away on their own as the body gets used to the drug.

But there’s another type of side effect you hear much less about: ones that are beneficial. Though uncommon, they’re worth keeping in mind when you’re starting a new medicine.

Aren’t all side effects bad?

The term side effect is usually assumed to be a bad thing. And that’s typically true.

But that leaves out the “good” side effects.

Relatively little is published on this, so it’s not clear how common they are. But four notable examples include: • Minoxidil (Rogaine, Gainextra, other brands). Developed in the 1970s for high blood pressure, this drug also increased hair growth in study subjects.

What was initially considered a bothersome side effect eventually became its primary use: topical forms of this drug are commonly used to treat hair loss.

• Diphenhydramine (Benadr yl or

generic versions). This common treatment for allergic conditions has the side effect of drowsiness.

For adults with allergy issues and trouble sleeping, the sedative effect can be helpful. However, regular, long-term use of diphenhydramine is not recommended, as it may increase the risk of dementia.

• Sildenafil (Viagra or generic versions).

Originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure and angina, it didn’t take long for male users to realize the drug could trigger erections within 30 to 60 minutes.

The makers of sildenafil recognized that under the right circumstances, this could be a highly beneficial side effect. In 1998 it was approved as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus). This drug was developed to treat diabetes, but early users noticed reduced appetite and significant weight loss. Now, several formulations of these related drugs are approved for diabetes and/or weight loss.

In the best study I’ve read on the topic, researchers found more than 450 reports of serendipitous beneficial effects of various drugs since 1991. And that may be an underestimation, since report forms did not specifically ask for or label this type of side effect, according to the study authors.

Repurposing some drugs

While the discovery of helpful drugs can arise unexpectedly, drug developers are increasingly using a more intentional approach: using side effect profiles to look for new uses.

For example: • A drug reported to cause reduced sweating as a side effect may be effective for hyperhidrosis, a condition marked by excessive sweating.

• Drugs reported to cause low blood pressure as a side effect might be effective treatments for high blood pressure (hypertension).

• New treatments for breast cancer may include older medicines that have a similar side effect profile as known anti-cancer drugs.

The availability of large side effect registries has made this method of identifying drugs for repurposing a more realistic option. So even negative side effects can have a silver lining.

Bad side effects and nocebos

While side effects can be positive, most are not. Medication side effects are a common reason people give for not taking prescribed drugs regularly. And adverse reactions to medicines prompt up to 8% of hospital admissions, according to one analysis.

To make matters worse, in some cases the expectation of side effects seems to make them more likely to occur.

Called the nocebo effect, it increases the chances of experiencing a negative side effect and seems due, at least in part, to expectations.

Contrast this with the placebo effect, where a sugar pill or another inactive treatment can lead to benefit.

The bottom line

Many people avoid taking medications because they fear possible side effects.

That’s understandable.

But not taking a medication can mean missing out on its benefits. And anticipation or expectation of side effects can increase the chances you’ll have them.

So, while it’s important to be aware of the most common side effects caused by the medicines you take, it’s also important not to overestimate your chances of experiencing them.

And remember, there’s always a chance you’ll have a side effect you actually welcome.

Robert H. Shmerling, MD, is a senior faculty editor and an Editorial Advisory Board member for Harvard Health Publishing. © 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Key strategies to help improve memory

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I am experiencing more minor memor y lapses. What can I do to help my memor y?

A: Keeping the brain as healthy as possible might help delay memory issues and other age-related brain changes.

The best way to do that is by living a healthy lifestyle: exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes per week of moderateintensity exercise, like brisk walking), giving yourself the opportunity to sleep seven to nine hours per night, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol use, managing stress, socializing, and learning new things.

These habits work together to help create new connections between brain cells and to maintain existing ones, which keeps thinking and memory sharp.

A recent large study zeroed in on the po-

tent influence a healthy lifestyle exerts on memory maintenance, even in older adults with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

The study, published by The BMJ, involved more than 29,000 people in China without dementia (average age 72). Participants initially underwent cognitive testing, as well as genetic testing for a variant of the APOE gene, APOE4, which is known to raise the risk for Alzheimer’s.

Participants also reported how stringently they stuck to six good lifestyle habits: eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, being socially active, and engaging in brain-challenging activities.

Over the next 10 years, participants periodically reported their lifestyle habits and had additional cognitive tests.

By the study’s end, people who stuck

with at least four healthy habits exhibited significantly slower memory decline than those who didn’t practice any healthy habits — and this was true even among participants with the Alzheimer’s-related gene.

To improve memory

In addition, you can help keep your memory in good shape by practicing certain habits.

For learning new information: Pay attention and put effort into the learning process. You can’t effectively learn new information when you multitask. If someone is talking to you while you’re checking your email or watching TV out of the corner of your eye, you’re not likely to remember what they said.

Pay attention, write down the information, say it out loud, or repeat it back to the person.

For memor y retrieval: Relax and try

to go back in your mind to the time and place when you formed the memory.

Think about the senses that were engaged at the time.

What did you see, hear, smell, taste or touch? What were you feeling at the time?

The brain ties those perceptions to memories as a way to help you retrieve them later.

For overall sharpness: Make your brain work harder. Challenge it with exercises such as crossword puzzles.

Studies have shown that doing moderately difficult cognitive tasks is better for your brain than doing easy tasks.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

Think positively about aging for long life Have a sense of purpose. A strong sense of purpose means continuing to pursue goals and to feel life is worthwhile. Explore interests centered on self-development, growth, and connecting with others.

For example, learn an instrument or a language, volunteer for a cause you support, mentor a young person, or take college classes in subjects that stimulate your mind.

Stay connected. Socializing keeps our minds active and engaged. Studies also show that personal connections help curb feelings of low self-esteem that dampen a positive mindset.

You might find it more natural to bond over a shared activity or interest, so consider joining a walking group, golf or bowling league, card or chess club, or service club.

Another option is to create your own “pod” — a small, intimate group you interact with regularly. Schedule weekly, bimonthly or monthly meetups with friends — in person or via Zoom or a conference call.

Challenge yourself. Find a physical challenge that you can realistically complete, create a plan of execution, and then

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Feb. 11+ GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP If you are mourning the death of a spouse or life partner, you’re not alone. Join a virtual support group, Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Monthly Morning Group, at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. The next meeting is Feb. 11, then March 11. Registration is required; call 1-888-501-7077 or email griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org. For a complete list of in-person and virtual support groups organized by Chesapeake Life Center, a Hospice of the Chesapeake program service, visit hospicechesapeake.org.

work to meet that goal.

For example, train for a 5K race, hike a trail, complete a series of boot camp classes, or walk a mile daily for a month. Regular exercise builds confidence in your ability to be active, and setting a challenge helps you experience a feeling of accomplishment. Both can make you feel more youthful.

Ageism — the socially pervasive idea that you are too old to do certain activities — can put a damper on your mindset. It can be tough to overcome, but constantly remind yourself that your age does not dictate whether or not you have the necessary ability, skills or desire to succeed at something. © 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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MAIL OR EMAIL FOR FREE INFORMATION For free materials on housing communities just complete and clip this coupon and mail, or take a picture and email it, to the Beacon.

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By Howard LeWine, M.D. People who tend to be more positive, optimistic and energetic as they get older are more likely to live longer and have healthier lives than those with negative thoughts about aging.

A study published in February 2022 in JAMA Network Open found that the people with the highest satisfaction with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who were the least satisfied.

The study also found that people more satisfied with the aging process had a lower risk for diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease. They also had better cognitive functioning and were less lonely and depressed.

Here are some ways to help you keep a younger mind and body.

Reduce stress and anxiety. Adopt practices that help you maximize positive emotions and reduce negative ones, such as setting aside time for meditation, performing relaxation breathing exercises, and spending some quiet time each day expressing gratitude.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Sweet chili chicken with zucchini barley

By Linda Gassenheimer Here’s a way to keep boneless, skinless chicken breasts moist and tasty.

I brown the chicken in a skillet, cover with a sweet chili sauce and walnuts, then finish the cooking in the oven. That gives the chicken a nice crust, and the steam from the covered skillet keeps the chicken moist.

I wanted to make barley for a side dish

and created a way to make it in the microwave with zucchini. It turns out the same as if you made it on the stove but is much quicker and easier.

Helpful hints: Look for sweet chili sauce in the market. If unavailable, see recipe below. Be sure the skillet is well covered when placed in the oven.

Shopping list: Buy ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 jar low-sugar

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Feb. 5

SLEEP AND BRAIN HEALTH DISCUSSION (VIRTUAL) This free discussion, facilitated by Dr. Matthew J. Reid, PhD, of

Johns Hopkins University, explores the impact of sleep on brain health and offers evidence-based strategies to improve sleep and cognition. To participate, join remotely on Wed., Feb. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. This event is free, but you must register by calling (410) 662-4363 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

apricot spread or jam, 1 container walnuts, 1 bottle sweet chili sauce, 1 carton fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth, 1 box quickcooking barley, ½ pound zucchini. Staples: canola oil, salt and black peppercorns.

Sweet Chili Chicken Serves 2 Ingredients: ¼ cup low-sugar apricot spread or jam ¼ cup chopped walnuts ¼ cup sweet chili sauce 2 teaspoons canola oil ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken breast Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix jam, walnuts and chili sauce together in a small bowl.

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and brown 2 minutes. Turn chicken over and brown

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BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

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HARFORD COUNTY Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118 Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096 Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

the second side 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Spoon sauce mixture on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet with foil or lid and place in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. A meat thermometer should read 160 degrees. Divide in half and place on two dinner plates.

Per serving: 431 calories (38 percent from fat), 18.2 g fat (1.8 g saturated, 6.4 g monounsaturated), 126 mg cholesterol, 42 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, 1.1 g fiber, 558 mg sodium.

Zucchini and Barley Serves 2 Ingredients: 1 cup fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth ½ cup quick-cooking barley ½ pound zucchini cut into 1-inch pieces, about 2 cups 2 teaspoons canola oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions: Place chicken broth and quick cooking barley in a large, microwave-safe bowl.

Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap.

Microwave on high for 5 minutes.

Remove bowl from microwave and add the zucchini. Cover the bowl with the plate and microwave 5 more minutes. Remove from the microwave and keep the cover on the bowl until ready to serve.

Add oil and salt and pepper to taste and serve with the chicken.

Per serving: 242 calories (20 percent from fat), 5.5 g fat (0.6 g saturated, 2.9 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 7.5 g protein, 42.9 g carbohydrates, 9 g fiber, 32 mg sodium.

To make Sweet Chili Sauce

Add 1 tablespoon sugar or honey to ¼ cup bottled chili sauce such as Heinz Chili Sauce or a thick chili sauce.

Linda Gassenheimer is the author of more than 30 cookbooks, including her newest, The 12-Week Diabetes Cookbook.

Listen to Linda on WDNA.org and all major podcast sites. Email her at Linda@DinnerInMinutes.com. © 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

7

Barley is a healthy, high-fiber whole grain

The facts

Barley (Hordeum vulgare), a cereal grain, is the fourth largest grain crop in the world after wheat, rice and corn, but only 2% is produced for food products.

Most is grown for animal feed and malt, which is used to produce beer.

The whole grain, hulled barley is the most nutritious because it retains the bran.

However, pearled barley, whose bran is removed, is most common.

Both forms are nutrient-dense and high in fiber. One cup of cooked pearled barley serves up 24 percent DV (DV=Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories/day) of hearthealthy dietary fiber and about 20% DV of the minerals manganese and selenium.

The findings

A source of soluble fiber, barley has been shown to lower cholesterol. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed significantly lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels after diets low, medium or high in soluble fiber from barley — higher soluble fiber diets had more notable reductions in cholesterol.

Beta-glucan, barley’s soluble fiber, also slows glucose absorption, which may lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

According to a study published in Clinical Nutrition Research, Type 2 diabetes patients who ate white rice mixed with 50% high beta-glucan barley had significantly improved post-meal blood glucose levels and insulin resistance versus those who ate white rice without barley.

PHOTO BY С В Е Т Л А Н А FROM PIXABAY

By Lori Zanteson Barley, as a staple, is anything but basic.

Native to Ethiopia and Southeast Asia, barley has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Since ancient times, it has been used for food — both human and animal — as well as tea, alcoholic beverages, medicine, and even as a standard of measurement.

These days, we’re most likely to enjoy our barley in a meal of hearty stew or soup, or as an ingredient in a glass of beer.

But there are good reasons to reignite our relationship with this healthful and tasty whole grain.

The finer points

Hulled, pearled and flaked barley are available packaged and in bulk containers.

Additional types, including barley grits, quick barley and barley flour, are more likely found in health-food stores.

Barley stores best in airtight containers, where it should keep six to nine months (several months longer if refrigerated).

Combine with water, boil, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the

Studies show that barley can lower cholesterol and slow glucose absorption, which may lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

grains are soft. From here, the possibilities are endless — add to soups, salads, vegetable dishes; enjoy as a breakfast cereal topped with fruit, or served in creamy risotto style.

Reprinted with permission from Envi-

ronmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800829-5384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2024 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Is it all in your head, or not identified yet?

The body and mind are intricately connected, and sometimes, this connection can lead to physical symptoms driven by emotional stress.

These are known as psychosomatic disorders, and they demonstrate just how powerful stress, unresolved trauma and emotions can be in affecting our physical health.

However, not all unexplained symptoms fall into this category. Some are the result of hard-to-diagnose medical conditions that science hasn’t fully understood yet.

Let’s explore psychosomatic disorders, their causes, and how they differ from illnesses that defy diagnosis.

Psychosomatic disorders

Psychosomatic disorders occur when emotional factors like stress and anxiety trigger or worsen physical symptoms.

These symptoms are real — not “all in your head” — but their root cause lies in how your brain and body interact.

These may include: • Chest pain from anxiety (even with a healthy heart) right before a test • A rash that flares during an argument • Migraines triggered by chronic stress • Your heart beating out of your chest before public speaking Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing corti-

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sol and adrenaline. Over time, this state of ist might diagnose Lyme disease even hyperarousal can worsen conditions like with inconclusive results, while a rheumamigraines, irritable bowel syntologist may label borderline drome (IBS) and fibromyalgia. symptoms as autoimmune When the body is in “fight disease. or flight” mode for extended This isn’t to suggest docperiods, the sympathetic nervtors are wrong; they’re often ous system dominates, supworking with the best inforpressing digestion, sleep and mation they have. But as a paimmune function. This can tient, being your own advolead to disorders like hypercate and seeking multiple tension and even bruxism opinions is essential. (teeth grinding).

DEAR Caregivers of loved ones PHARMACIST Advocate for yourself Psychosomatic disorders often live in overdrive, never By Suzy Cohen include real symptoms that knowing when the next health crisis with their loved one will occur. Most are linked to the mind-body connection. people benefit from stress-reduction prac- Hard-to-diagnose conditions also have real tices (as opposed to high-impact aerobics, symptoms without a clear explanation, which increase sympathetic overdrive) often due to science’s limitations.

Both deserve empathy, so I want to asalongside appropriate medical therapy if sure you that your experience is valid, and needed. that healing starts with being heard and supported.

What doctors may not know Not every unexplained symptom is psyLiving with unexplained symptoms can chosomatic. Some conditions, like multiple feel lonely and exhausting. Whether your sclerosis (MS), were nearly impossible to di- condition stems from psychosomatic facagnose before MRI technology became tors or a hard-to-diagnose illness, your available to detect brain and spinal lesions. journey matters. Stay curious, stay strong, In such cases, the problem wasn’t psychoso- and never stop advocating for yourself! matic; it simply hadn’t been uncovered yet.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive into Conditions like chronic fatigue syn- this topic, I’ve written a longer, more comdrome or some neurological disorders in- prehensive blog on my website at suzycovolve real symptoms that may stem from hen.com. multiple, complex factors science hasn’t This information is opinion only. It is not fully mapped. These cases highlight the intended to treat, cure or diagnose your conimportance of staying persistent and seek- dition. Consult with your doctor before using ing second opinions. any new drug or supplement.

Doctors often rely on their specialty’s Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and “toolbox,” which can limit their diagnostic author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real perspectives. For example, a Lyme special- Solutions from Head to Toe.

Feb. 12

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BLACK ART IN THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART (VIRTUAL)

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

9

Is there a wrong way, or time, to take a nap?

By Tiffany Casper Dear Mayo Clinic: I am retired, and although I generally enjoy less hectic days now, I keep busy.

Part of my routine includes trying to squeeze in a nap on most afternoons.

My wife tells me I’m doing it wrong because I often wake up groggy. Is there a wrong way — or time — to nap?

A: Closing your eyes for a few minutes during your busy day may seem like a good idea. It can refresh and recharge you.

Is there a wrong way to nap? Only if the naps cause negative effects on other aspects of your life.

For your daily nap routine, it’s important to consider the time of day and length of time you nap, as these can provide benefits or create problems.

On the plus side, a nap can improve your mood, speed your reaction time, improve your memory, reduce fatigue and increase your alertness. A regular nap can make your afternoon more productive.

There are some potential drawbacks of napping every day. First is sleep inertia.

That’s the temporary grogginess and feeling disoriented after a nap. This can become a problem if you have places to be or

tasks to complete after you wake up from your nap.

Regular naps can interfere with your nighttime sleep routine, too, especially if your naps are too long or close to bedtime. If you experience insomnia or poor sleep quality at night, napping may worsen these problems. Short naps are the best when trying to avoid interference with nighttime sleep.

Follow these four tips to get the most out of your naps: • Set aside an allotted amount of time. If you wake up feeling groggy after a nap, you’re sleeping too long. The ideal nap length is between 15 and 30 minutes.

If you want to make naps a part of your daily routine, have a planned time of day and length of time to keep your schedule on track.

• Plan to take naps in the afternoon. The ideal time to nap is around 2 or 3 p.m. This is because you are likely to experience a lower level of alertness or sleepiness following lunch.

You’re also more likely to avoid interference with nighttime sleep if you nap around this time. However, some people may adjust their napping times to fit their work or school schedules.

On the other hand, if you feel that a nap is essential to your daily functioning, you may have a bigger health problem that should be addressed with your healthcare team.

Talking to your healthcare team is the best way to find out why you’re experiencing increased fatigue. The reasons for your exhaustion could be related to anything from having a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea to a side effect from a new medication.

—Tiffany Casper, D.O., Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Tomah, Wisconsin Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Feb. 1

ETHIOPIAN FOOD RECIPE EXCHANGE Never tried Ethiopian food? Visit the Savage Library on Sat., Feb.

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Feb. 2

• Create a tranquil environment.

Some people struggle to sleep during the day, but there are actions you can take to help you become more relaxed.

Eliminate distractions when napping.

Turn off any screens, including your phone. Find a quiet space with minimal light. Adjusting the room temperature to what is comfortable for you also can make your space more relaxing.

• Give yourself time to wake up.

It’s normal to wake up a little groggy after a nap, but that feeling should dissipate shortly. Allow yourself enough time after your nap to wake up before resuming activities, so you are alert and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

Before lying down to take a daily nap, you may want to think about why you began taking these naps. If you’ve been working the night shift or are a new parent, you probably have reason to be closing your eyes for a while.

tration isn’t necessary. For more information, call (410) 313-0760.

NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY Celebrate the contributions and achievements of girls and women

in sports by trying out a variety of sports led by experienced coaches. All levels and ages are welcome. This free event takes place on Sun., Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel.

For more information and to register, contact Jamie Ponton at (410) 313-1691 or jponton@howardcountymd.gov.

GARDENING LECTURE This free lecture by the Longfellow Garden Club of Howard County explains the effects of climate change on gardens and what gar-

deners can do to reduce global warming. It takes place on Thu., Feb. 13, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Hawthorn Center, 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia. Bring a bag lunch; light refreshments will be provided. Register by Feb. 10 by calling Gil Connor at (410) 707-5909.

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© MONKEYBUSINESS/DREAMSTIME

Money Law &

For three good ways to help adult children financially, see story on opposite page.

Ways to avoid or respond to identity theft

By Mallika Mitra Eva Velasquez is president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nonprofit that supports victims of identity theft. Here, she talks about key identity theft problems to know about in 2025.

Q. What are the most common identity theft schemes?

A. Our most recent contact center data shows that 51% of personally identifiable information (PII) compromises — which take place when someone is trying to access your personal information — come from scams, with the most common types of scams being impersonation and employment scams.

Impersonation scams occur when whoever is on the other end of the interaction is not who they say they are. They may say they’re from Amazon and your delivery is delayed, or they may pose as a credit card representative, asking whether you authorized a purchase.

With job and employment scams, we’re seeing fraudulent postings on legitimate sites such as Indeed and LinkedIn, as well as unsolicited text messages and emails from phony recruiters.

Q. What trends in ID theft do you expect to see in 2025?

A. It’s hard to predict the next global event, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, but that’s what the scammers love to leverage. During those events, consumers know something is going on but don’t have a lot of information, and then they get a bunch of requests for money or information from scammers.

Business impersonation, which occurs when someone claims to be from a company, such as Amazon or your bank, is going to continue to grow in 2025 because bad actors can easily purchase stolen personal information on the dark web and use it to seem credible when they contact victims.

There are also a lot of social media account takeovers, in which bad actors hack into someone’s account and then reach out to their connections and friends to ask for donations and information.

Social media companies aren’t responding quickly enough to these takeovers, so people end up walking away from hacked accounts. We have a proliferation of accounts that are no longer in the original owner’s control.

Q. What can people do to protect themselves from scams?

A. Approach all digital communication with skepticism. If you didn’t initiate the contact with an entity that is requesting information or money from you, go to the source and verify that it reached out to you.

That may mean calling the phone number on your credit card if someone purports to be from your card company, responding to a voice message from someone who says they’re from your utility company by finding the company’s number online, or checking the message center in your Amazon account if you receive an email or text message from someone who says they work for Amazon.

Our recent data also shows that 16% of PII compromises were the result of lost or stolen items, so remember that your smartphone and other devices are just as important as your wallet, and you need to treat them as such.

Make sure that a lock screen is enabled on all your devices, and use biometric authentication of your face or fingerprint.

Also, enable “location detection” for your device and the ability to remotely delete information from it if it is stolen.

Finally, freezing your credit is one of the most robust measures you can take to prevent fraud.

Q. What should you do if your personal information is involved in a data breach?

A. You have limited options once your information has been exposed, but you can react quickly to news of a breach.

The most important first step is to understand what specific data of yours was compromised. If your username and password were stolen, you should immediately change your password on any account where you’ve used the compromised password.

We have a free tool on the ITRC website, idtheftcenter.org, where you can see whether a company has had a breach before you do business with it. You can also sign up to get an alert if a company you do business with experiences a breach in the future.

This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make. © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Use tax software or a tax professional?

By Marguerita M. Cheng Many people find tax-preparation software to be very useful, and most tax software is simple to use, cost-efficient (especially when compared to the cost of hiring a certified public accountant, or CPA) and fast — some returns may be completed in just an hour.

The proof of its popularity: The tax-prep software market was valued at $17.9 billion in 2024 by Fortune Business Insights and is projected to grow to $47.9 billion.

As we approach a new tax year, you might be wondering whether you could ditch your tax professional and go with tax software. It depends on the nature of your financial situation.

Let’s consider some financial situations that are appropriate for tax software and some that might require the expertise of a tax professional.

When to use tax software

Tax-prep software is most appropriate

when your financial situation is straightforward. In the world of tax, the following qualifies as a straightforward financial situation: • You opt for the standard deduction, a fixed amount that is subtracted from your income to arrive at your taxable income, instead of itemizing your deductions.

• You earn only employment income and get a Form W-2 from your employer.

• You invest only in traditional assets like stocks and bonds.

• You’ve lived in one state all year.

In essence, the fewer your tax events and the fewer tax forms you will need to complete, the more you can rely on taxprep software.

When to stick to a tax pro

However, the financial situations of many people are more complicated. If any of the following apply to you, tax-prep software might not be entirely up to the job:

• You itemize your deductions rather than using the standard deduction.

• You have multiple sources of income, such as 1099 income (dividends, rental income, earnings from a side hustle, etc.), or you juggle two or more jobs.

• You are self-employed or own a business.

• If you are a partner in a business, you will need to report your share of income, losses, deductions and credits on Form K1. The form also applies if you have shares in an S corporation.

• You earn income in multiple places.

• You own non-traditional assets such as commodities, derivatives and currencies, among others.

• You are focused on retirement planning and estate planning and need help identifying tax-efficient strategies to maximize your retirement income and the estate you leave to your loved ones.

• You sold a business. The tax implica-

tions will depend on the business structure (LLC, partnership, S Corp, etc.) and whether it is an asset sale (selling the business assets) or stock sale (selling ownership).

• You received equity compensation.

Different tax rules apply to the four types of stock (or equity) compensation — restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options. Tax professionals can help you plan how to hold and exercise these options to minimize your tax liability.

• You got divorced.

The more complicated your financial situation is, the more tax planning you need to minimize your tax liability.

While tax software can help with tax compliance — filing the necessary tax returns and paying the right amount — it cannot help much with tax planning. © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

11

The best ways to help your adult children

By Evan T. Beach There is definitely a sweet spot when it comes to family wealth. Not enough money comes with problems. Too much money comes with different problems.

The numbers are different for everyone.

One thing I’ve seen among the wealthier families we work with is a hesitation to give money to their kids for fear they will run into the problems that come with too much.

I often tell these folks that money can be a rope, or it can be quicksand. It can help your kids up, or it can totally sink them.

This depends on the amount, the method and, most important, the kid.

Below are three ways to help your adult child get ahead without having to fear it will sink them. The common thread here is that each of these categories of expense lasts for a finite period.

In working with retirees, I am much less worried about one-time expenses than I am about smaller, ongoing debits. You can plan for something that has an end date.

As with all gifts, use the “airline oxygen mask” example: Make sure you put on your mask first to ensure you have enough money for yourself before you pass it down.

1. Education

When I was 22, I was sitting in an ING office in Philadelphia. One of the many people I shared my “office” with asked our boss what stock he thought they should buy.

The boss said, “If you have enough money to buy stocks, invest in yourself instead and go get your CFP.” The CFP (Certified Financial Planner™) certification is one of the less expensive professional development programs, but when you consider the cost of going back to school, taking a review course and paying for the exam, you’re probably spend-

ing about $10,000. The return on investment on this will be significantly more than what you can earn in the market.

This is the example I use because it’s the industry I know best, but these programs exist for most professions and can be a great way to help your kids get ahead.

Your Millennial or Gen X children may be beyond this point, but they still may be struggling to save for their own kid’s college.

Even a few hundred bucks a month into a 529 plan for your grandkids is a huge help.

2. Down payment on a home

Home ownership in major metro markets has been put out of reach of many Millennials and most Gen Zers. Demographic trends, shortage of supply and high interest rates are all working against them.

Much of this recent pain is a result of Covid. However, the shortage goes back to the global financial crisis in 2008.

The silver lining is that, with the inflation we have seen over the past few years, we have also seen wages grow significantly.

Many of your kids can afford the monthly mortgage payment, just as they do their rent.

The problem is, the median home price in this area is about $600,000. A 20% down payment, plus $20,000 for closing costs, means your kids would have to scrape together $140,000 to get a home with a mortgage.

That’s tough to picture for someone in their 20s or early 30s. Helping your kids get to 20%, so they can afford the payment and aren’t stuck with private mortgage insurance, will help them instantly build equity.

3. Child care

If you study trends of income vs. expenses over a typical lifespan (as I realize almost no one does), you’ll find things are tightest, and most likely to cross into the

red, in the early years of having kids.

You have all the one-time expenses: cribs, fancy strollers, car seats, etc. But the big one, the one that everyone complains about, is daycare.

We pay about $16,000 per year for our 2year-old’s preschool. Fortunately, my wife’s schedule can support this, and we have the means to pay for it, but this is a real struggle for a lot of people I talk to.

Once again, the benefit to helping during this period is that it is finite. Once kindergarten rolls around, there is a free option.

A final note on contributing to your kids’ retirement

You may have noticed that I didn’t recommend putting money into a Roth IRA or other investment vehicle for your kids. I thought about it, and I don’t think it’s a

mistake to do this.

But then I thought about my own situation: I didn’t have the wiggle room to save in my early 20s.

As a financial planner, I have seen a million versions of those charts showing how much you need to save per month, based on your starting age, to hit $1 million. The amount you have to save gets exponentially larger the later you start.

This forced me to create the capacity to save. It forced me to limit spending that I may not have limited if my parents were saving for me, for retirement.

I think the tradeoff of missing a few years of savings was worth a lifetime of better habits. © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BEACON BITS OF SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS Ongoing BEWARE Telephone and email scammers often pose as government employees. Scammers will try to trick you into giving them your personal information and money. Remember, Social Security will not threaten you, tell you there is a problem with or suspend your Social Security number, demand immediate payment, or require payment by gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, wire transfer or cash. If you receive a suspicious call or email, report it to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

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Recreation & Parks

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years +

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Crafts & Fine Arts • Info: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279 or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov.

Beginning to Advanced Watercolor with Zina Poliszuk The beginning watercolor group examines and creates a color wheel and learns about color terms like value and chroma. Learn watercolor techniques such as blended and graded washes, and glazes. Create simple paintings from real-life observations and personal photographs. Advanced painters work from an inspiring syllabus or continue with personal work. All techniques demonstrated in a user-friendly setting with general and individual demos for specific technique and design questions.

55 yrs + Classes: 7 RP0301.201 Gary J Arthur CC Feb 24 1:15-3:15pm M $145

Special Events Valentine’s Chocolate-Dipping and Wine-Sipping Join us for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Bring a friend, your sweetheart, or just treat yourself to learning the art of hand-rolling delectable chocolate truffles while discovering more about the plant from which chocolate is made. Enjoy tasting six wines from Linganore Winecellars and learn about their grapes, vineyard and sustainable practices. Leave with 10 hand-rolled truffles. Info/Registration: 410-313-0400.

21 yrs + (Bring ID) Robinson Nature Ctr RP4847.201 Feb 15 1-3pm Sa $29 RP4847.202 Feb 15 4-6pm Sa $29

NEW! Bird Bonanza Come celebrate birds! Enjoy bird-themed crafts, games, and activity stations. Meet a live raptor. Gather at the campfire and enjoy a warm beverage as you await your guided bird walk with the Howard County Bird Club. Help with the worldwide community science project, the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Beginners encouraged! Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Info/Registration: 410-313-0400.

3 yrs + Robinson Nature Ctr RP4815.201 Feb 16 Noon-4pm Su $6, ctr member, $8, nonmember

Dance • Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Beginner/Intermediate Soul Line Dance Explore your own style of dance while learning fun, popular, social line dances that can be done at weddings, holiday functions and more. The class is partner-free and designed for all levels. Line up and learn the step-by-step choreography taught by instructor, Jessie Barnes. Multiple dances are performed to great pop and rhythm and blues music.

55 yrs + Instructor: Jessie Barnes Classes: 6 RP3511.202 Harriet Tubman Ctr Feb 25 11am-noon Tu $59

Dancing for Fun Mixer Enjoy moving to the music while trying a variety of dance styles.

From line dancing to ballroom, swing to Latin, we try them all!

This class led by Tom Sellner gives you the chance to get active and have fun! No partner necessary.

55 yrs + Classes: 4 RP3513.203 Roger Carter CC Feb 25 9:15-10am Tu $45

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/activeaging55 for more 55 yrs + programs!

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

Makes a great gift!

13

Fitness • Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

First Step Fitness with Pamela Schuckman, ACE-CPT, GFI

• Info: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279 or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov.

If it’s time to start exercising but you’re not ready to join a gym, First Step Fitness is the place to begin. Focus on core strength, balance, and flexibility while learning proper body mechanics. Learn modifications for when you need to take a lighter approach, and progressions for when you’re ready for more. Embrace fitness in your life, and have fun while doing it.

Participants should be able to get up and down from the floor independently. Classes include frequent transitions between standing and floor-based work.

55 yrs + Classes: 12 RP3544.202 Roger Carter CC Feb 20 9:30-10:45am Tu,Th $112

In a prominent position on Church Circle, Reynolds Tavern is conveniently located within the historic district, shops, restaurants, and the US Naval Academy. The building has been beautifully restored to reflect the working nature of the tavern and the elegance of the 18th Century. Reynolds Tavern is the oldest tavern in Annapolis and one of the oldest in the United States. Join us for a beautiful afternoon tea – surrounded by history! Walking from bus to a seat.

18 yrs + Bus provided RP4599.201 Feb 13 10am-2pm Th $109

Light Fitness with Taylor Williams, GFI

Take advantage of this rare opportunity! Visit this exciting research library and the world’s largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare. This primary repository houses rare materials from the early modern period (1500–1750) in Britain and Europe. The library was established by wealthy American businessman, Henry Clay Folger, and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger. Enjoy a delightful lunch on your own at the new Quill and Crumb Café, located in the Great Hall, complete with numerous lunch choices, baked goods, and snacks alongside coffee and tea. Lots of walking & standing with some opportunities to sit.

18 yrs + Bus provided RP4617.201 Feb 21 10am-3pm F $89

Enjoy a light 55-minute workout to start your day and improve mobility. Participants use a variety of equipment like light weights, sliders, and a Pilates ball to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility while widening your range of motion. This class includes low-impact aerobics, stretching, muscle toning, and activities aimed at improving overall health.

55 yrs + Classes: 10 RP3585.202 Cedar Lane Rec Ctr Feb 27 10:30-11:30am M,W $75

Music • Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

NEW! Sing and Enjoy with Tom Sellner Meet new friends and have fun singing together! Sing along and exercise your lungs and body. Learn to take a correct breath when you sing, which helps your body to move better. Songs will not be sung in parts.

55 yrs + Classes: 4 RP3552.201 Roger Carter CC Feb 25 10:30-11:30am Tu $49

Nature • Info: 410-313-0400

Sr. Naturalist Program Join us at the Robinson Nature Center for our Sr. Naturalist program! The program provides a foundation of understanding on a variety of topics through hands-on exploration and demonstrations in a casual, social atmosphere. Make your own beeswax candles featuring dried flowers and natural scents. No prior experience needed.

50 yrs + Robinson Nature Ctr Classes: 1 RP4831.202 Feb 19 3-4:30pm W $15

Reynolds Tavern: Valentine’s Tea in Annapolis

Folger Shakespeare Library

Tour Lincoln’s Cottage – Washington, D.C. President Lincoln and Soldier’s Home National Monument, or “President Lincoln’s Cottage,” is a national monument on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and his family spent the warmer months of 1862-1864 there. Lincoln was staying in this house when he wrote the final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862. Bring lunch and snacks.

Lots of walking & standing with some opportunities to sit.

18 yrs + Bus provided RP4594.201 Feb 27 10am-3pm Th $89

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/RPtrips for more trips & tours!

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Subscribe online! See how on p. 20

Vo olume 15, No. 2 | February y 2025

Annie is Living Well – You can too!

When Annie, a 73-year-old Howard County reesident, retired fr from her career as a public-school educator, she deccided it was time to focus on herself—her health, her well-being an nd her fu future. She discovered the Living We Well program through her h local Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (O OAI) 50+ Center and was immediately drawn to the program’s focus on managing chronic conditions to live a healthier, more ballanced liffee.

Living We Well is a six-week series of evidence-based community workshops offe ffered in a small group setting which educates older adults on how to hronic disease, type manage their ongoing health conditions — ch 2 diabetes or chronic pain self-management. Off ffeered in-person or virtually and delivered in English, Korean or Spanish, these workshops help participants communicate beetter with primary care providers, make healthy liffeestyle changess, create action plans to meet personal goals, practice problem m-solving to adapt tto h lth changes, h d address dd diffi lt emotions. tii health and difficult Annie’s participation in Living We Well equipped her with practical tools that make her ffeeel empowered and more confident in managing her health. Living with high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, vertigo, and arthritis, she has adopted positive habits, setting manageable goals and prioritizing self-care. She now exercises regularly, y, spending 30 minutes at the gym most day ays—a habit she considers non-negotiable. “These classes taught me to be mindffu ul of my health. I’ve learned how to plan my appointments, communicate with m myy providers and make healthier ffo ood choices,,” she shared.

From the dessk of Calvin Ball, Howard County n Executive Here in Howard Countyy,, we are making great strides in age--ffrriendly initiatives that improve the lives of all residents, with a ffo ocus on the needs of older adults. In Januaryy,, we launched the next phase of our Age-Friendly Howaard County initiative which will support caregivers and older adults by improving our community’s inffrrastructure, increasing access to healthy aging services and resources. c Late last yyeearr,, AARP P approved our ““A Age-Friendly Howard County Five-Y Yeear Progress Report,,” w wh hich highlights the incredible work we haavve accomplished over the past five years. In 2024 alone, we opened the new East Colum mb bia 50+ Centerr,, unveiled our AgeeFriendly Taab bles ffo or Connection and our first Age-Friendly Fitness Lot at Centennial Park. In 2021, we enhanced the Bain 50+ Center and installed state-of-the-art equipment.

AARP supports OAI A in many other ways as well, stepping up to sponsor annual events like OAI’s Caregiver Conffeerence in November, and W Wo orld Elder A Ab buse A Aw wareness Daayy in June.

Starting this month, h residents will once again benefit ffrrom AARP’s T Taax Aide id program, which off ffeers ffrree or reduced-cost tax preparation servvices ffo or low-income older adults. AARP’s Senior Planet progrrams will continue to offer ffe ffrree courses and workshops to boost older adults’ technology skills, empower them to navigate the digital world, access online services and connect with otherss.

Thanks to our eff ffo ortts and strong partnerships with AARP and others, Howard Cou unty is a now becoming a model ffo or creating communities that give older residents plenty of ways to thrive physicallyy,, mentallyy,, emotionally and sociallyy..

Whether walking around Lake Elkhorn, keeping up with her grandchildren or exercising with ffeellow 50+ center members, Annie’s accomplishments remind her of how far she’s come on her health journey. y. She fo found the community support of the Living We Well workshops to be particularly valuable. Participants bring diverse experiences to the table—retired nurses, teachers and caregivers—sharing stories, advice and encouragement.

“Yo You’re not just learning ffrrom the materials; you’re learning fr from and motivating each other,” , she said.

For Annie, living well isn’t just about managing conditions; it’s about transffo orming her liffeestyle and reclaiming control over her See Living W Weell, p. 15

DCRS is celebrating its golden anniversary this year, alo ong with the creation of the original Office on Aging! Join us throughout 2025 at a our 10 open houses, kicking off February 27, noon - 2 p.m., at the Ellicott Ciity 50+ Center. Get all the details in the 50th Anniversary section of www.howard dcountymd.gov/DCRS.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

The 50+ Connection

Makes a great gift!

Living W Weell, from p. 14 health. Her advice to others is simple: “Start sm mall. Attend an introductory class at your local 50+ Center. Wh hether it’s about matter. healthy hy eating or managing pre-diabetes, little steps s And don’t fo forget self-care.”

Learn more about the Living We Well Program aat ntact www.howardcountymd.gov/livingwell or con Heather Sites, Health and W Weellness Coordinaator at hsites@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-35007. Ready to hop today get started? Register fo for a Living We Well worksh on ActiveNet.

Compassion Fills tthe Heart North Laurreel 50+ Centeer / Februarry y 4, 10:30 a.m. / A06100.200 Explore waayys to show care and compassion, even during challenging times, and get tips to build connections, nurture relationships and support emotional well-being.

A Grand Daay y Outt: Out of This Wo orrld Ellicott City 50+ Centeer Februarry y 7, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / A02774 44.200 School’s out! Bring yyo our grandchildren and join the Science Gu uyys for a space-themed proggram. Explore w fo wh hat liffee is likkee in a vacuum, en njjoy spacewalk simulations and learn about rocket propulsion and centriffu ugal ffo orce. $5/person.

Senio orr Planet: Staay ying Safe Online Celeb brate Black Histo orry Month at 50 0+ Cente ers February is Black History Month, a time to hon nor the enduring contributions of Afr frican Americans throughout history. y. Join us at 50+ Centers ffo or a series of events to celebrate Black history. y. V Viiew the ffu ull schedule and a register at bit.ly/Hoco-BlackHM.

Ellicott City 50+ Centeer Fridaay ys, February 7 - 28 8, 11 a.m. / A20673.204 In this series, boost you ur cyyb bersecurity skills while learning how to protect your personal inffo ormation, use anti-virus software and improve data privacyy..

Valentine’s Dinne Va er and Music er Elkridge 50+ Center Februa b rry y 12, 12 5 p.m. / Caall 410-313-5192 to rreegister Savor a catered meal as we honor all ffo orms of love—romantic and platonic, and en njjoy dancing to live music provided by Sam Miller. $20/person.

Speed Friending & Lunch East Columbia 50+ Cen nter / Februarry y 14, 12 p.m. / A04701.200 On V Vaalentine’s Dayy,, mix, mingle and make new ffrriends in a fast-paced taab ble sw wiitcch h, and en njjoy lu unch c ffeeaatturing spaghetttti and meaattballs, salad and more. Luncch h is b byy do onation.

AW Wo onderful W Wo orrld: T he Louis Armstrong o Musical in NY YC C Departing frro om Bain 50 0+ Center Marrcch 27, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m m. / $320/person Travel with the Bain Tr i Theatre Group to New Y Yo ork City to attend a matinee of A W Wo onderffu ul Wo u World. Includes lunch at Ellen’s Stardust Diner and motorcoach transportation. Call 410-313-7213 to reser ve your spot by Februar y 12.

Living W We ell: Chro onic Pain Self-Management Wednesdaay We ys, Marrcch 19 - April 23 / A20371.200 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Drive Columbia Columbia, MD 21046 2 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAAYY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us @HoCoCommunity on Facebook, Instagram, X, YYoouTube, and Nextdoor AVVA AILABLE IN ALTERNA LT ATTE FORMA ATTS UPON REQUEST

Join the subscriber list https://bit.ly/HoCosubscribe Listen to the HoCo Community Chat podcast on Buzzsprout

Chronic Disease Self S Self-Management Managem Thursdaay ys, Marrcch 20 - April 24 / A02352.2 (Korreean) Join us ffo or a Living W Weell workshop designed to better manage your health challenges. Sign up to secure your seat in-person or online.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Subscribe online! See how on p. 20

PHOTO BY ERIC JOHNSTON

Travel Leisure &

Yellowstone teems with elk and other wildlife. See story below.

Yellowstone’s natural wonders & wildlife

Grand Loop’s hot springs

Navigating the park by car (or bus) is fairly simple. The 2.2-million-acre park, located mostly in northwest Wyoming and overlapping into Montana and Idaho, has five entrances. Hop on the 140-mile Grand Loop and be prepared to be amazed.

Along the Upper Loop are several mustsee stops. Mammoth Hot Springs is at the top of the list. Meander the boardwalk that traverses across steaming hot springs that trickle over white, stair-like hydrothermal features called travertine terraces.

Tower Fall is a spectacular overlook stop. The waterfall, one of more than 300

here, plunges 132 feet, ultimately flowing into the Yellowstone River.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone showcases the park’s namesake yellowish rocks, which rise on each side of the canyon. The moniker came from the Minnetaree tribe’s name for the Yellowstone River: Mi tse a-da-zi, or “Yellow Rock River.”

Along the Lower Loop are more natural wonders that will leave your head spinning. West Thumb Geyser Basin has a half-mile loop walk along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, where you can witness an amazing variety of geothermal features.

The path passes by the Thumb Paint Pots, a collection of bubbling clay mud pools. But the jewel-tone turquoise blue of the Abyss Pool, a 53-foot-deep pool with temperatures reaching over 180 degrees, is the highlight of West Thumb.

The grand dame of Yellowstone, Old Faithful, spouts off approximately every 90 minutes. The geyser’s 180-foot plume was one of the highlights of our Yellowstone visit.

Chris was thrilled to watch the dramatic eruption no less than five times during our stay.

Follow the Geyser Loop path alongside Old Faithful to explore the Upper Geyser Basin, site of the most beautiful hot spring

PHOTO BY ALBERT DE BRUIJN

By Sandi Barrett Stunning panoramic vistas and copious wildlife are the showstopping hallmarks of Yellowstone National Park. The world’s first National Park, established in 1872, Yellowstone is home to the iconic Old Faithful geyser and so much more.

My husband, Chris, and I recently embarked on a two-week National Parks bus adventure with Globus tours. We wanted to see it all while avoiding hours of research, planning and driving.

While on a busy tour of five parks, we were treated to two days of exploring Yellowstone’s uniquely beautiful landscape.

Yellowstone National Park’s largest hot spring, Grand Prismatic Spring, is one of hundreds of geothermal features in the popular park, which attracts about four million visitors every year.

PHOTO BY NEAL HERBERT/NPS

of them all, Morning Glory Pool. The array of bright colors encircling this natural wonder will stay in your memory forever.

The grand kahuna of all hot springs is located at Midway Geyser Basin, a collection of geothermal pools that Rudyard Kipling aptly named Hell’s Half Acre.

Wander up the boardwalk to reach the largest hot spring in North America, Grand Prismatic Spring. It is a popular spot, and the boardwalk can be crowded, but it is worth the effort to gaze at the massive turquoise pool ringed with rainbow colors.

Dragon’s Mouth Spring is in the Mud Volcano area, home to some of the most acidic hydrothermal features in the park.

The sulfur odor is strong here; however, it shouldn’t deter you from a quick stop at this funky little hot spring, a vertical cave that puffs smoke.

Encounters with wildlife

Although Yellowstone’s most famous geyser is Old Faithful, smaller ones like Lone Star Geyser, above, can be more beautiful — and less crowded.

Perhaps even more impressive than Yellowstone’s hot springs are the jawdropping numbers of wild animals throughout the park. Driving along the Grand Loop, you will most likely see herds of bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose and pronghorn.

Lamar Valley is the perfect place to spot

wildlife. You are almost guaranteed to see bison and pronghorn, and if you’re lucky, you may glimpse a bear or wolf prowling the meadows.

You may spot predators (although they like to blend into the surroundings) like black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolverines, lynx, coyotes and wolves. The Yellowstone mammal count totals more than 60 species, including approximately 1,000 grizzlies. Birdwatchers note: There are 300 species here.

We encountered a herd of elk in the parking lot at Mammoth Hot Springs.

They kept the park rangers very busy stopping traffic as the animals crossed and re-crossed the streets and parking lot.

Protecting both park visitors and the animals takes skill and patience, as the twolegged guests can be more unpredictable than the four-legged residents.

That said, our encounter was particularly dicey, as it was mating season and a second male decided to crash the party. The two boys put on quite a show.

We had another close encounter with the locals on the boardwalk circling the Upper Geyser Basin. A lone bison, happily munching grass, stood less than 50 feet See YELLOWSTONE, page 17

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

Yellowstone From page 16

If you go

A vehicle is required to explore Yellowstone; there are no shuttle buses. Several excellent tour companies offer itineraries allowing you to explore these natural wonders without having to drive or navigate.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing ROBINSON NATURE CENTER VOLUNTEER Volunteers at the Robinson Nature Center can get involved in

Heritage Center for a nominal fee.

Another busy spot is the massive Canyon Lodge complex of rooms and cabins. Yellowstone also has 12 campgrounds, and all but one (Mammoth is first-come, first-served) require reservations.

Casual eateries dot the park, including cafeteria-style spots, cafés and quick bites.

Several upscale restaurants, like the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, serve de-

licious local favorites such as bison tenderloin and chocolate lava cake.

You’ll need at least two days to see the highlights of Yellowstone National Park.

To hike and explore the park’s beautiful scenery at a leisurely pace, plan for a longer stay — and start planning several months in advance.

For more information about where to eat, stay and play, visit nps.gov/yell/index.htm.

PHOTO © KELLY VANDELLEN | DREAMSTIME.COM

from the elevated walkway.

Tentative steps to bypass him (they can weigh up to 2,000 pounds) turned into quick footfalls as we got closer. Thankfully, visitors were able to pass by without incident. (A word of caution, though: Many people have been seriously injured because they strayed too close to the wild animals.)

Making reservations at any of the nine Yellowstone National Park’s lodges takes a bit of pre-planning if you desire a specific lodge at the height of the season. The reservation booking window opens on the fifth of each month, accepting reservations for the following year.

The beautiful Old Faithful Inn, at the foot of Old Faithful, is one of the most popular lodges. You can watch the dramatic geyser spout from the lodge’s open-air deck while sipping your morning coffee.

Guard your nibbles, though; a quick-witted raven will snatch your breakfast in a wink.

If you plan to hike, carrying bear spray is necessary. You can rent the potentially lifesaving spray at the Canyon Visitor Education Center or the Yellowstone Tribal

17

short-term projects, occasional office tasks or particular special events and programs such as the Green Footprint Awards. One of the volunteer benefits is a gratitude dinner at the Howard County Conservancy’s outdoor summer concert, “Fiddlers and Fireflies.” The nature center is located at 6692 Cedar Ln., Columbia. For more information about volunteering, contact Shannon Davis at shdavis@howardcountymd.gov or call (410) 313-0400.

The Old Faithful Inn opened in 1904 and remains the park’s most popular hotel.

Architect Robert Reamer used rhyolite, the lava that erupted from Yellowstone’s caldera, for the building’s chimney and foundation. Reamer oversaw two additions to the building in 1919 and 1927.

18

Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 20

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

Makes a great gift!

Style

19

Arts &

Our cover story about actor, producer and director Robert Neal Marshall continues on page 20.

Two artists thrive by painting together Although they both graduated in spring 2023, they’ve been painting together ever since.

According to Myers, painting together every week is much like being in the classroom with Lehman.

“We bounce ideas off each other, and we can give each other critiques. And if one person has a question, the other person can sometimes answer it,” Myers said.

Two paths to painting

Myers studied fine arts in college and worked adjacent to the art world as a visual merchandiser and an art framer, all the while painting in her free time.

Lehman became a painter after a career in accountancy. Although her interest in art began in high school, her family didn’t think she was good enough to be a professional artist.

“It was determined by my elders that I did not have talent. And so, it wasn’t worth taking art classes,” said Lehman, who grew up in the Ashton-Sandy Spring area.

Instead, she majored in dance in college and later entered the business world to support her family.

Te n y e a r s a g o , t h o u g h , Lehman began studying fine arts and painting in a county art class.

“That was when I realized that...learning to see the world through an artist’s eye is something that can be learned. You just need to be taught,” Lehman said.

Myers also became interested in art in high school and went on to study graphic design in college. “When you go to college art classes, they seem to expect you to know it already,” Myers said.

She found the classes at the Compass Atelier much more satisfying. “The first year is basics. If you already know it, you re-learn it. If you’ve never done it, you’re learning it,” Myers said.

Capturing childhood memories

With the basics behind them, Myers and Lehman found See MONDAY PAINTERS, page 21

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGO LEHMAN AND LORI MYERS

By Susan Ahearn Margo Lehman sits painting by the southern window of her home art studio in Sunshine, Maryland, eight miles west of Clarksville. Her friend Lori Myers is across the room, painting by the north window.

The two women, who are in their 60s, spend time painting together every Monday.

The women had their first joint exhibit, titled “Monday Painters: First Look by Margo Lehman & Lori Myers,” last fall at the Sandy Spring Museum.

The term “Sunday painter” usually refers to a part-time amateur artist, but Lehman and Myers studied art for many years. During the pandemic they were classmates in the Master Artist Program at the Compass Atelier in Rockville. They had known each other previously, but the program created a strong bond between the two artists, who grew up in Maryland 50 years ago, when it was more rural. Both paint landscapes and nature scenes.

“We happened to be in the same class together, and that was when we really realized that we had very similar subject matter that interested us, a very similar style,” Lehman said.

Maryland artists Lori Myers, left, and Margo Lehman, right, meet every Monday to paint together. Myers worked in the art industry, while Lehman started painting in earnest after she retired from a 40-year career in accounting. Anyone can take an art class, Lehman says. “There’s no gatekeeper to say you can’t come and participate.”

NO W ON S TA GE! Columbia Pro Cantare Sunday, March 16, 2025, 4 PM Celebrating Rutter First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3604 Chatham Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042 Tickets: Advance – Adults $23, Seniors/ Students $18 At the Door - $2 more Children 15 and under – $10, Group rates available

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 8 PM Asian American/Pacific Islander Pre-concert lecture, 7 PM The Jim Rouse Theatre at Wilde Lake, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia, MD 21044 Tickets: Advance – Adults $25, Seniors/ Students $20 At the Door - $2 more Children 15 and under – $10, Group rates available

Information & Tickets: www.procantare.org

To obysDinnerTh heatre.com CELEBRATING 45YEARS

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Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how below

Marshall From page 1

turned up my awareness of things in life — my respect for being here, my sense of duty and purpose,” Marshall said. “It’s the oneon-one conversations that I suddenly realized were more important.”

Born in Baltimore, Marshall has had a long career as a multi-faceted producer, writer and director. He has worked on two teams that have won Emmys and released four documentary films, including the 2015 film “Back from the Light,” about near-

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

death experiences.

Though he’s always shared the stories of others in his films and plays, his near-death experience deepened his need to listen to everyday people.

“I want to know their stories. It’s important that I make people feel wanted, loved and needed. It’s important that I do that now; I feel a greater sense of it,” Marshall said.

“We are introduced to people constantly in our lives. What I have learned as I’ve gotten older is to try to pay more attention, to give it value, to actually listen.”

As it turns out, caring about other peo-

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ple can be contagious.

“There are a lot of people that have incredibly good hearts, that are beautiful souls, that if we just listen to their stories — if we just let them in — we not only can be better people, but we can be better for other people and then teach other people to then continue that on,” Marshall said.

Heads the Columbia Film Festival

Marshall founded the Columbia Film Festival six years ago and today works as its executive director. Last year actor Matthew Modine was a panel speaker at the annual event.

When the pandemic hit, organizers wanted to shut down the festival — until Marshall pushed to make it virtual. “That’s how the festival stayed alive for two years during the pandemic,” he said.

After the previous executive director retired, Marshall took over the full-time position. He moved away from live music and rebranded the event as the Columbia Maryland Film Festival, which is “really growing,” Marshall said.

West End musical, memoir

170 Rollins Ave. Woodbine, MD 21797 Rockville, MD 20852 410.442.3662 301.296.6864

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Marshall has produced and directed several plays in the UK. He’s excited about a new musical under development for London’s West End,“Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter,” which he and composer Tim Battle adapted from the award-winning book by Diane Stan-

ley. The story veers off from the fairytale when Rumpelstiltskin falls in love with the miller’s daughter, and they have a daughter of their own. Kindness wins over greed.

Marshall is currently writing a memoir.

What began as a recount of his heart attack and survival turned into a deeper autobiography that includes elements of his childhood, spirituality and identity. He also opens up about his experience in occasional lectures.

Since 2009 he has been a popular guest lecturer on the Queen Mary II and other ships. He discusses aviation history, his grandfather’s famous color footage of D-Day and the Cunard Line ships’ history, which he explored in his 2009 documentary film “Three Queens.”

The key to embracing the future, he said, is to realize we’re not in control of it.

“There’s a lot of people who worry about things, about fate, about avoiding things and making decisions, but there are things that will happen to us that we can’t control,” Marshall said.

“But really, it’s about being alive. It’s about living…That’s what I try to teach people with my work now. Through my creative work, my lectures, it’s about embracing that vibrant light, embracing, and finding what that is.”

The Columbia Maryland Film Festival is scheduled for September 8 through 14, 2025.

For more information, visit columbiamarylandfilmfestival.com.

A Network of Professionals Dedicated to Serving Older Adults Our members enjoy: • Monthly Networking Meetings • Social Gatherings • Directory & Website Advertising • Professional Development Programming

To review our complete menu of marketing opportunities, visit cogsmd.org.

HB0225

Prospective members are welcome to attend one meeting as our guest.

To register, email info@cogsmd.org.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

Monday painters From page 19 themselves drawn to landscape painting.

Myers was raised on her grandfather’s farm in Damascus, which is now a subdivision.

“There were streams all over the place, and during the summer we’d spend most of our time in the woods, playing in the streams,” Myers said.

Myers is currently creating what she calls “still scapes,” which are close-up, stilllife versions of the landscape.

“Right now, I’m working on a ripple in the water after I drop a stone in it. So they’re more like still scapes,” Myers said.

“I just like limiting the focus rather than [painting] the expanse — honing in on something, whether it’s a flower in a tree or a bough of leaves,” she added.

Lehman, a Quaker, also focuses on details in her work, particularly light and shadow.

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

Quakers “refer to the light,” she explained, “which is a way of referring to that divine force that any person of theology is trying to connect with. When you’re an artist, what you’re trying to do is paint the effect of light on everything else.”

Lehman considers her oil paintings of the woods a way to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. “But also, there is some message in there about caring for the earth and recognizing that it’s under attack right now, and we need to preserve it,” Lehman said.

Lehman urges everyone to explore what she calls “their human right to create art.”

After all, art is open to everyone, she said.

“There are no walls. There’s no gatekeeper to say you can’t come and participate.”

Lehman and Myers hope to hold more joint exhibits in the future. In the meantime, they’ll continue painting together on Mondays.

To see the Monday Painters’ artwork, visit margolehmanart.com and LoriMyers-Art.com.

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

C A M P O D D S T H R E W B E N T R E U S E A C E S S T A T E O F A R K A N S A S N E T E I C T U T E O N P A N T S D R I V E N E W Y O R K G I A N T S E V O O P E R A C A G E F R A N K E N R U G A L F O G P I V E S B L U E R S I L V E R J U B I L E E E T H A N O R C A S T E M S S N E T H T G I W I L L I A M M C K I N L E Y E B A Y E L U L A R I A N D A M E E S P Y S L A N G

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: MORPH PRESS GOTCHA AGENDA Answer: The TV documentary on the Apollo 11 Moon landing mission was a — SPACE PROGRAM

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BEACON BITS

Feb. 2+

FREE ART SHOW AND RECEPTION

Visit The Artists Gallery in February to see its “Wonderland of Art” group show featuring more than 20 artists. The free show runs through Sun., Feb. 23, with a reception on Sun., Feb. 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 8197 Main St., Ellicott City, and is open Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit artistsgalleryec.com or call (443) 325-5963.

Feb. 15

COLUMBIA ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERT

Join Columbia Orchestra for a journey through winter landscapes, which includes Hansel and Gretel and Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony, “Winter Daydreams.” The concert takes place on Sat., Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jim Rouse Theatre, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia. Adult tickets start at $24, and senior tickets at $20; there is a $2 per ticket fee. To reserve your seats, visit columbiaorchestra.org/orchestra-series/winter-dreams. For more information, email info@columbiaorchestra.org or call (410) 465-8777.

Love Learning?

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 22

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Look no further than Osher at JHU—the adult education program of the Johns Hopkins University. Join us for top quality noncredit courses, passionate faculty, and a community that loves learning.

Explore Art, Current Events, Film, History, Music, Science, and more! Classes meet in Baltimore, Columbia, Montgomery County, and online via Zoom.

To sign up for Osher classes during the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer sessions, an Osher Membership is required. For details, visit osher.jhu.edu, call the Osher staff cell phone at 240-595-2219, or email osher@jhu.edu.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Subscribe online! See how on p. 20

Crossword Puzzle Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles.

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2. Cast member 3. Consequential 1. Set up tents for the night 4. Anaheim time (in Feb.) 5. Draft Kings data 5.

Member of the woodwind family 9. Delivered a knuckleball 6. Dexterous 14. Ideal seven-card stud hole cards 7. You get half of it from your dad 15. Made a Silly Straw 8. Scamper with all of your clothes in the 16. Sew old rags into a new coat hamper 17. 25th star 9. Grip 20. Many, many years 10. Member of Foghorn Leghorn’s dating 21. After expenses pool 22. The IRS’ Earned Income Credit, briefly 11.

Coating on an abandoned bike 23. Uncommon Egyptian, born around 12.

Jacob’s big brother 1341 BC 13.

Direction traveled by hopeful 49’ers 24. “You ___ me up a wall” 18. ___ York (Brooklyn ‘hood near Queens) 26. Put them on one leg at a time 19.

Face card 28. 25th January big-game victor 25. Geese pattern 34. Hamster’s home 26. This or that 36. ___ oil (unrefined bread dip) 27. The only ingredient in maple syrup 37. The Barber of Seville, for example 29. “___ durn tootin’!”

38. NBC’s 1980’s-era alien 30. Female gametes 39. Minnesota senator during most of 31. Neurons Obama’s terms 32. Too good to be ___ 42. Toupee 33. Droops 43. More like indigo than purple 45. Open Government Partnership, in brief 34. Cars in an airport line 35. ___ Want is You (U2 song) 46. 1958 Oscar-winner, Burl 39. Acting distraught 47. 25th party 40. Spy org. in Night Flight from Moscow 51. One of the Coen brothers 41. Prefix that is left of -center 52. Killer whales 44. The night before Christmas 55. ___ Fridays, restaurant chain founded 46. End of cash- or clothin 1965 48. Actress Perlman, from a Boston show 58. President pro ___ 49. Played improv music 59. The first one issued was 055-09-0001 50. Actress Anderson, from a Cincinnati 61. Suffix King James probably used show 62. 25th in a list of leaders 53. Enjoyed immensely 66. End of veterin- or humanit54. Without boldness 67. The second most visited eCommerce 55. “___ the night before Christmas” site in 2024 56. Any member of The Supremes 68. Summer Hebrew month 57. Hip bones 69. Jargon 59. Ponzi scheme, for example 70. Judi Dench, as appointed by QE II 60. Kind of terrier 71. Catch a glimpse of 63. PC linkup Down 64. Good degree for a CFO 1. Scoped out the burglary site 65. Word on a high school reunion directory

Across

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By Stephen Sherr

Answers on page 21.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5

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; Legal Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; TV/Cable, 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.

Caregiver MOBILE HAIR & NAIL SERVICES - WE COME TO YOU. Professional Licensed Hair Stylist. Women and Men’s Services - All Hair Types. Cuts, Styles, Roller Sets, Color, Perms, Men’s Cuts & Facial Grooming, Manicures & more. Call 410-415-1760

Financial WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019.

Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations.

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UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company 866-212-1092 or visit www.Life55plus.info/beacon

For Sale NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY. 4 Choice Sites in Desirable Block DD, Regularly $7995/ea. SALE: $2500/each, or best offer Contact 917-754-3355.

NEW WINDOWS FROM WINDOW NATION. Special money saving offer - zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included.

Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 855-909-2278 PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-301-960-3174 today to schedule a free quote. It;s not just a generator.

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Makes a great gift!

For Sale: Rent/Real Estate THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? My total listing fee — 1% - Why pay 5/6/7%?

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Over 20 yrs experience. Call/text for free home valuation. Robert Holmes, professional realtor.

443-794-8297. Home Selling Assistance, Inc. Office 410-256-3939 marylanddiscountbroker.com LAS VEGAS - 2 One-Bedroom side by side timeshare units week 8 $2,500. H. McCrory 240-444-0879 htm7290@comcast.net

Health STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection!

Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-485-7035.

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258 MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189.

Home/Handyman Services LITTLE DEEDS ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS Live independently and safely in your own home through Little modifications by licensed, skilled, and deeply caring craftspeople.

Did you know we can convert your tub into a shower with a Tub-Cut for a quarter of the cost of those shower conversion companies? Little Deeds also provides no-cost, no-obligation, safety, and accessibility assessments for Aging in Place or when coming home from the hospital.

Text/Call 410-450-4466 https://www.littledeeds.com/ JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 6/30/24.)

Call 1-833-994-0538.

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Call 1-855-977-6078.

THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower.

Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-653-0087

23

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington edition).

Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length).

The website will calculate this for you.

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

• Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion.

Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Health

Personal Services

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170.

MENDING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS. I’m Jane M. Connor, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Maryland, dedicated to helping families navigate these challenges. My goal is to support families in overcoming painful experiences and rebuilding relationships. Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me—no strings attached. Let’s explore if my approach is right for you. If not, I’ll help you find the right resources. Contact me at 202-658-5045 or janemconnor@gmail.com. Visit www.janemconnor.com for more information. Together, we can foster understanding and closeness.

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AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL HEATING & COOLING. As temps outside start to climb, the season for savings is now. $49 cooling or heating system tune up. Save up to $2000 on a new heating and cooling system (restrictions apply.) FREE estimates. Many payment options available. Licensed and insured professionals. Call today 1877-691-0273.

Miscellaneous BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance PublishingTrusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed.

Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-833-992-0110 or visit dorranceinfo.com/beacon CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-742-1303.

TV/Cable GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-844-560-5837.

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Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-572-4953.

Wanted WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE! Old Watches and Fountain Pens In Any Condition! Wrist, Pocket, Movements, Cases, and Chains. Call Mitch (301) 778-8120.

Thanks for reading!

BEACON BITS

Feb. 2+

VETERANS BOOK GROUP (VIRTUAL)

Active duty and retired military are invited to join this online discussion group that meets on the first Sunday of the month from February 2 to June 1 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. online. Moderated by a U.S. Navy veteran, the group reads books that relate in some way to military experiences. Registration is required at bit.ly/VeteransBooks. For more information, email rohini.gupta@hclibrary.org.

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible.

Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon.

Classes/Events Brooke Grove Seminars & Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Howard Co. 50+ Connection . .14-15 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 JHU Osher Lifelong Learning . . .21

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . .9 Going Home Cremation . . . . . . . .20 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . .9 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . .11

Home Healthcare/ Companions

Park View Emerson . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Residences at Vantage Point . . . . . .1

A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . .8 Family & Nursing Care . . . . . . . . .3

Medical/Health/ Insurance

Housing

Humana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Ikon Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .7 Enterprise Residential Apts. . . . . . .6 Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Park View Colonial Landing . . . . .6 Park View Columbia . . . . . . . . . . .6 Park View Ellicott City . . . . . . . . .6

Senior/Government Services COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Howard Co. 50+ Connection . .14-15

Theater/Entertainment Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . .21 Columbia Pro Cantare . . . . . . . . .19 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .19

Travel Collette Iceland Trip . . . . . . . . . .18 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 RTA/Transportation . . . . . . . . . . .17

24

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Subscribe online! See how on p. 20

february–April 2025

UPCOMING SEMINARS & CLASSES at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and classes that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being.

All programs will be held in-person in the Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village.

Register as indicated below or contact Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org with questions.

PARKINSON’S EXERCISE GROUP

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “BALANCED BODY, BALANCED MIND”

Offered in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area

Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga March 3 through April 11

MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 12 NOON–1 P.M.

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS • 1-1:45 P.M.

This ongoing class for those with Parkinson’s or other neurogenerative disorders aims to improve posture, balance and circulation while also increasing strength, muscle control and mobility.

FREE with $50 annual PFNCA administrative fee.

To register, visit: bit.ly/BGRVParkExercise LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “BOOST YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR MOOD” THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 • 10:30-11:45 A.M.

This class, geared to older adults and beneficial to ALL, introduces simple and effective techniques to greatly improve your balance and agility while sneaking in a bit of simple strength training and energizing movement.

Each class will begin and end with breathing and grounding techniques which, paired with class exercises, can help to reduce your risk of falls and leave you feeling strong, energized and balanced. $40 for entire six-week session.

To register, visit: bit.ly/BalanceBGRV

Every day and from moment to moment, we are all improvising our lives. Learning a few “improv” techniques can help boost brain health, illuminate possibilities and foster creative expression.

NO BONES ABOUT IT: BUILD BONE AND BALANCE FOR FALLS AND FRACTURE PREVENTION

Join Brooke Grove and learn how to utilize the skills of improv in your everyday life. Outside worries will melt away as you play improv games and laugh with others in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere.

You don’t have to be a comedian or a performer to enjoy this workshop, led by Topher Bellavia.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 • 10:30-11:45 A.M.

FREE. To register, visit: bit.ly/BrainBoostBG

Presented by Dr. Kim Bercovitz Join Dr. Kim as she raises awareness about the importance of bone health during mid-life and later life. In this workshop, participants will learn about risk factors for osteoporosis and simple lifestyle changes to build, maintain and protect bones to live independently – without the fear and risk of falls and fractures.

This is an evidence-based, state of the art workshop based on 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines emphasizing the importance of exercise as part of an integrated approach to prevent fractures and manage osteoporosis for postmenopausal women and men 50+.

FREE. To register, visit: bit.ly/BoneHealthBG

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-321-8707 · www.bgf.org Independent living

assisted living

rehabilitation

long-term care

memory support