April 2023 | Baltimore Beacon

Reenacting historical battles

By Ana Preger Hart

White-walled A-frame tents dot the field where Union soldiers dressed in their blues march nearby in formation, muskets propped up straight against their shoulders. The sun catches serious faces under their distinct forage caps; these soldiers are marching to battle.

Soon, a cloud of smoke hovers over the field as a line of soldiers fires a volley at the enemy, stars and stripes on the flags barely visible through the white, cloudy air.

No, this isn’t 1861; this is a reenactment, a hobby — and a passion for many.

The reenacting of battles from major wars has been going on, in one form or another, since Roman times. Today, it’s done as a way to experience camp life and battle (without risking one’s life), and to reproduce the camaraderie of shared experience.

Reenactors come from all different backgrounds: They are teachers, masons, newspaper photographers, retirees, exmilitary — both men and women. But they all seek out the same spirit of friendship that bound the original soldiers together almost two centuries ago.

“Going on the battlefield and firing your weapon and maneuvering around, that’s one thing,” said Bill Hart of West Friendship, Maryland, who has been participating in Civil War reenactments for 19 years as a member of the 7th Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

“But I enjoy the camp life more. It’s sitting around talking, exchanging stories. That’s the fun for me.”

Hundreds gather for weekends

Reenactment groups are often organized into historical military units from the area that fought in a particular conflict. In the U.S., the American Civil War and the Revolutionary (or Rev) War are two popular periods to reenact.

Each side of the conflict has its own regiments, and once a person joins a regiment, they typically stick with it for years.

In our area, the 7th Maryland Infantry Regiment, of Union soldiers, attracts dozens of participants. Reenactment groups attend weekend-long events and participate in activities throughout the year.

Some are battle reenactments, like the “Getty Annual” — the reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg (July marks its 160th anniversary). One of the most famous Getty reenactments took place in 1913, attended by more than 50,000 Union and Confederate veterans.

These kinds of reenactments are playby-play recreations of actual historical battles, based on well-documented contemporaneous or historical information.

The Civil War is one of the best-documented conflicts in existence. Regiments practice drills ahead of time so reenactors can learn their roles.

Other gatherings are known as “living history” events, which primarily serve to

educate the public about the lives and lifestyles of the people of a given period. These include craft and cooking demonstrations, and leisure activities like period baseball.

“I really wasn’t interested in the Civil War until I moved to Maryland about 15 years ago,” said Erik Schwetje, a Frederick resident who does both Civil War and Revolutionary War reenactments.

“I just realized how right in the heart of the Civil War…here in Maryland we were. I wanted to know what it was like — the soldier’s experience, to be in the field, the whole nine yards.”

See WAR REENACTORS, page 14

LEISURE & TRAVEL

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Revolutionary War reenactors met last fall for a skirmish at Mount Harmon in Earleville, Maryland. Marylanders of all ages participate in weekend war reenactments for the excitement of experiencing historical battles and enjoying the spirit of camaraderie.

PHOTO BY GRAFTON HOWARD

Who’s your real friend?

You probably either watched or read about the impromptu exchange at the recent State of the Union address between President Biden and congressional Republicans concerning Social Security.

Did the rare display of politicians apparently in agreement that Social Security is “not to be touched” give you goosebumps — or chills?

I ask it that way because I firmly believe that any politician who pledges not to touch Social Security is not one who loves seniors, but rather one who disdains the more than 65 million people who are currently receiving benefits and the even larger number of Americans who will be expecting them in the future.

that Social Security is “your” money that you paid into the system — implying that it simply needs to be withdrawn from some bank or other — this is not literally the case and never has been.

lem we have long known was heading this way is now at our doorstep.

At the Beacon 50+ Expo in 2011, our keynote speaker was Charles Blahous, a public trustee of Social Security, who explained clearly that the popular program was heading toward insolvency if it wasn’t fixed, and fixed soon, by Congress.

Americans? Are they weighing the pros and cons of the multifarious ways they can tweak the program to keep it solvent?

No. On both sides of the aisle, so-called leaders are grandstanding on television and in the press, preening before the cameras and loudly braying, “We won’t touch Social Security.”

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

There is no huge government pension plan where the Social Security taxes you and your employers have been paying since you got your first paycheck get invested and grow over decades until you finally get to claim them in retirement. Instead, the wages of current workers are being taxed now to pay benefits to today’s retirees, just as they have been since 1935, when Social Security came into being.

Now, insolvency doesn’t mean Social Security will disappear. But it does mean that, as presently operating, all beneficiaries will see a cut of about 25% in their benefits starting in 2030 or thereabouts.

Blahous also made the point that, for every year Congress kicks the can down the road, the cost to fix the program — and the pain it will cause — will grow.

A plague on both their houses! In order to preserve their coveted positions in Congress, nearly all politicians today are claiming to be your friend when, in fact, they are guaranteeing you (and your children, probably) will suffer serious financial harm through their immature behavior.

We have all known for decades that Social Security has been heading towards “insolvency” around the year 2030, give or take a few. The retirement of the baby boom generation (the last of whom will hit 60 in 2024) is part of the reason, but so is the rising longevity of Americans in general, thanks to the miracles of modern medicine.

You see, while politicians will tell you

The problem is, in 1935 there were 22 workers paying into the system for every retiree collecting benefits. Today, there are fewer than 3.

That’s a demographic fact no politician can afford to ignore: The smaller generations that followed the baby boom are carrying the burden of paying for the boomers’ (and their elders’) retirement.

Add to that the (generally) growing lifespan of each generation, and the prob-

Ten years later, in 2021, we presented another expert at the virtual Beacon 50+ Expo, Dr. Mark Warshawsky, a former deputy commissioner of Social Security. He brought us up to date with not only more dire projections, but also a dozen potential solutions to the problem.

Of course, any of the most likely steps could be politically damaging: risking the ire of recipients (who might get lower costof-living increases or wait longer to qualify), of workers (who might see more of their paychecks withheld), of employers (who would have to match their employees’ contributions), and of taxpayers (who might find their taxes go up).

If each of these constituencies were asked to bear part of the cost to help Social Security fulfill its future commitments, no one group or person would have to suffer inordinately.

So, are we hearing voices among our nation’s leaders saying we owe this to older

They need to get a spine and sit down rationally to discuss the many different ways — ways that have been identified clearly over the years — to correct the course of Social Security and not leave millions of older adults with reduced checks.

What are they afraid of? You. Voters.

So how can you help?

For one thing, talk amongst yourselves, and educate others about what’s really needed to preserve this essential program for us and future generations. The program isn’t going to fix itself.

Second, I would urge you to contact your congressional representatives and tell them they need to take action, now, to set Social Security on a sound fiscal path for the future.

And be sure to add that you won’t kick them out of office for doing so. In fact, you’ll only kick them out of office for NOT doing so!

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Dear Editor:

I am a retired journalist who just read the March Beacon issue front to back when it arrived today.

My response to your Publisher’s column is “Right on!” I agree writers and editors have a limited amount of time to compose an article (sometimes three a day!), but these time constraints equal inadequate reporting and a lack of critical thinking.

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Ongoing

A course for students as you mentioned would be helpful.

Mary P. Felter Arnold, MD

Dear Editor:

I just read your March “From the Publisher” column on Critical Thinking and couldn’t agree with you more. Like law school with less pain?

BE A BIG BROTHER/BIG SISTER

Debbi Mack Columbia,

MD

Becoming a big brother or sister makes a huge difference in a child’s life. Jewish Community Services can help you make a connection that could last a lifetime. For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/JewishBigBrotherSister.

Health Fitness & Health Fitness &

SMOKER SCREEN

Men over 65 who do or have smoked should get screened for aneurysms

BLOOD PRESSURE TIPS

OTC painkillers and decongestants can raise your blood pressure; seek alternatives

MELLOW YELLOW

Studies suggest turmeric can relieve joint pain and inflammation; ask your doctor

HEALTHIER RECIPES

New technologies can keep food fresher

By Dee-Ann Durbin

Hate mealy apples and soggy french fries? Science can help.

Restaurants, grocers, farmers and food companies are increasingly turning to chemistry and physics to tackle the problem of food waste.

Some are testing spray-on peels or chemically enhanced sachets that can slow the ripening process in fruit. Others are developing digital sensors that can tell — more precisely than a label — when meat is safe to consume. And packets affixed to the top of a takeout box use thermodynamics to keep fries crispy.

Experts say growing awareness of food waste and its incredible cost — both in dollars and in environmental impact — has led to an uptick in efforts to mitigate it. U.S. food waste startups raised $4.8 billion in 2021, 30% more than they raised in 2020, according to ReFed, a group that studies food waste.

In 2019, around 35% of the 229 million tons of food available in the U.S. — worth around $418 billion — went unsold or uneaten, according to ReFed.

Food waste is the largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, according to the U.S. Environmental Protec-

tion Agency, which notes that rotting food releases methane, a problematic greenhouse gas.

High-tech sensors, packaging

ReFed estimates 500,000 pounds of food could be diverted from landfills annually with high-tech packaging.

Among the products in development are a sensor by Stockholm-based Innoscentia that can determine whether meat is safe to consume depending on the buildup of microbes in its packaging. And Ryp Labs, based in the U.S. and Belgium, is working on a produce sticker that would release a vapor to slow ripening.

SavrPak was founded in 2020 by Bill Birgen, an aerospace engineer who was tired of the soggy food in his lunchbox. He developed a plant-based packet — made with food-safe materials approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — that can fit inside a takeout container and absorb condensation, helping keep the food inside hotter and crispier.

Nashville, Tennessee-based hot-chicken chain Hattie B’s was skeptical. But after testing SavrPaks using humidity sensors, it now uses the packs when it’s catering fried foods and is working with SavrPak to

integrate the packs into regular takeout containers.

Brian Morris, Hattie B’s vice president of culinary learning and development, said each SavrPak costs the company less than $1 but ensures a better meal.

“When it comes to fried chicken, we kind of lose control from the point when it leaves our place,” Morris said. “We don’t want the experience to go down the drain.”

But will consumers pay?

Cost can still be a barrier for some companies and consumers.

Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, ended its multiyear partnership with Goleta, California-based Apeel Sciences this year because it found consumers weren’t willing to pay more for produce brushed or sprayed with Apeel’s edible coating to keep moisture in and oxygen out, thus extending the time that produce stays fresh.

Apeel says treated avocados can last a few extra days, while citrus fruit lasts for several weeks. The coating is made of purified mono- and diglycerides, emulsifiers that are common food additives.

Kroger wouldn’t say how much more Apeel products cost. Apeel also wouldn’t

reveal the average price premium for produce treated with its coating since it varies by food distributor and grocer.

But Apeel says its research shows customers are willing to pay more for produce that lasts longer. Apeel also says it continues to talk to Kroger about other future technology.

A complex problem

There is another big hurdle to coming up with innovations to preserve food: Every food product has its own biological makeup and handling requirements.

“There is no one major change that can improve the situation,” said Randy Beaudry, a professor in the horticulture department at Michigan State University’s school of agriculture.

Beaudry said the complexity has caused some projects to fail. He remembers working with one large packaging company on a container designed to prevent fungus in tomatoes. For the science to work, the tomatoes had to be screened for size and then oriented stem-up in each container. Eventually the project was scrapped.

Beaudry said it’s also hard to sort out

Bananas or applesauce can replace 25% of sugar and 50% of fat in baking See FOOD TECH, page 5

Who should buy new OTC hearing aids?

By Tom Murphy

It’s now a lot easier — and cheaper — for many hard-of-hearing Americans to get help.

Hearing aids can now be sold without a prescription from a specialist. Over-thecounter, or OTC, hearing aids started hitting the market in October at prices that can be thousands of dollars lower than prescription hearing aids.

About 30 million people in the United States deal with hearing loss, according to the Food and Drug Administration. But only about 20% of those who could use a hearing aid seek help.

Here’s a closer look:

Who might be helped

The FDA approved OTC hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. That can include people who have trouble hearing phone calls or who turn up the TV volume loud enough that others complain.

It also can include people who have trouble understanding group conversations in noisy places.

OTC hearing aids aren’t intended for people with deeper hearing loss, which may include those who have trouble hearing louder noises, like power tools and cars.

They also aren’t for people who lost their hearing suddenly or in just one ear, according to Sterling Sheffield, an audiologist who teaches at the University of Florida. Those people need to see a doctor.

Hearing tests

Before over-the-counter hearing aids were available, you usually needed to get your hearing tested and buy hearing aids from a specialist. That’s no longer the case.

But it can be hard for people to gauge their own hearing. You can still opt to see a specialist just for that test, which is often covered by insurance, and then buy the aids on your own. Check your coverage

before making an appointment.

There also are a number of apps and questionnaires available to determine whether you need help. Some over-the-counter sellers also provide a hearing assessment or online test. [See “Free online hearing tests to take at home,” in our November issue.]

Where to buy them

Several major retailers now offer OTC hearing aids online and on store shelves. Walgreens drugstores, for example, are selling Lexie Lumen hearing aids nationwide for $799. Walmart offers OTC hearing aids ranging from about $200 to $1,000 per pair. Its health centers will provide hearing tests.

The consumer electronics chain Best Buy has OTC hearing aids available online and in nearly 300 stores. The company also offers an online hearing assessment, and store employees are trained on the stages of hearing loss and how to fit the devices.

New devices will make up most of the OTC market as it develops, Sheffield said. Some may be hearing aids that previously required a prescription, ones that are only suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Overall, there are more than a dozen manufacturers making different models of OTC hearing aids.

Shoppers should expect a lot of devices to enter and leave the market, said Catherine Palmer, a hearing expert at the University of Pittsburgh. “It will be quite a while before this settles down,” she said.

What to watch for

Look for an OTC label on the box. Hearing aids approved by the FDA for sale without a prescription must be labeled OTC. That will help you distinguish OTC hearing aids from cheaper devices sometimes

A screening former smokers should get

By Young Erben, M.D.

Dear Mayo Clinic: My 70-year-old father-in-law smoked for more than 30 years. I read that men who used to smoke should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. What does this screening involve? What would be done if he is found to have an aneurysm?

A: Several factors can raise the risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. One of the most significant is tobacco use.

In addition to the direct damaging effects that smoking has on arteries, smoking contributes to the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries and high blood pressure. Smoking also can cause an aneurysm to grow faster by damaging the wall of the aorta.

Other risk factors include a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, being male, and having atherosclerosis, which is a condition where fat and other substances build up in the lining of your blood vessels. The risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm also goes up with age.

Because of his history of smoking and his age, you are correct that your father-inlaw should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The screening that is recommended typically includes a physical exam and an ultrasound of the abdomen. Other imaging tests may be needed in some cases, too.

If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is found, treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm, its rate of growth, and

whether it is causing any symptoms.

The aorta is a large blood vessel about the size of a garden hose that runs from your heart through the center of your chest and abdomen. Two types of aortic aneurysms can occur in the wall of the vessel.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta just above the area of your belly button that forms due to weakness in the blood vessel’s wall. A thoracic aneurysm also can occur along the part of the vessel that passes through the chest cavity.

The greatest risk of an aneurysm is that it may rupture. Because it provides the body with much of its blood supply, a rupture in the abdominal aorta can lead to lifethreatening internal bleeding.

Based on the various risk factors, many healthcare organizations, including Mayo Clinic, recommend that men 65 to 75 who are or were smokers get screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Men and women who have a family history of the disease may need to begin screening earlier. Some organizations recommend that screening begin at 55. Currently, the data to screen women with a previous smoking history is inconclusive.

Most abdominal aortic aneurysms can be detected through a physical exam combined with an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound.

Screening is important because in most cases aneurysms grow slowly and do not cause any noticeable signs or symptoms until they rupture.

Though rare, an abdominal aortic aneurysm that has not ruptured may trigger persistent back pain; deep, constant

Peace

abdominal pain; or a pulsating feeling near the belly button.

Symptoms of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm include sudden back pain, abdominal pain or fainting. If your fatherin-law experiences any of these symptoms, it is critical that he receives emergency medical care right away.

If an aneurysm is found on a screening exam, surgery to repair the aneurysm typically is recommended if the aneurysm is 5.5 centimeters in size or larger, if it is growing rapidly, or if it causes pain or shows evidence of forming blood clots.

If an aneurysm is small, slow-growing and not causing any bothersome symptoms, a healthcare professional may recommend monitoring it regularly without immediate treatment.

Although having an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a potentially serious health condition, the outlook is good when these aneurysms are identified early. Even large aneurysms often can be successfully repaired.

Encourage your father-in-law to schedule an appointment with his primary healthcare provider or a vascular specialist to be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

— Young Erben, M.D., Vascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.

© 2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Hearing aids

From page 3

labeled sound or hearing amplifiers — called a personal sound amplification product or PSAP. While often marketed to seniors, these are designed to make sounds louder for people with normal hearing in certain environments, like hunting. And amplifiers don’t undergo FDA review.

“People really need to read the descriptions,” said Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America.

And check the return policy. That’s important because people generally need a few weeks to get used to them, and make sure they work in the situations where they need them most. That may include on the phone or in noisy offices or restaurants.

Does the company selling OTC devices offer instructions or an app to assist with

Food tech

From page 3

which technology works best, since startups don’t always share data or formulations with outside researchers.

Some companies find it better to rely on proven technology — but in new ways. Chicago-based Hazel Technologies, which was founded in 2015, sells 1-methylcyclopropene, or 1-MCP, a gas that has been used for decades to delay the ripening process in fruit.

The compound — considered non-toxic by the EPA — is typically pumped into sealed storage rooms to inhibit the production of ethylene, a plant hormone. But Hazel’s real breakthrough is a sachet the size of a sugar packet that can slowly release 1-MCP into a box of produce.

Mike Mazie, the facilities and storage manager at BelleHarvest, a large apple packing facility in Belding, Michigan, or-

setup, fit and sound adjustments? A specialist could help too, but expect to pay for that office visit, which is rarely covered by insurance.

Sheffield said hearing aids are not complicated, but wearing them also is not as simple as putting on a pair of reading glasses.

“If you’ve never tried or worn hearing aids, then you might need a little bit of help,” he said.

The cost

Most OTC hearing aids will cost between $500 and $1,500 for a pair, Sheffield said. He noted that some may run up to $3,000.

And it’s not a one-time expense. They may have to be replaced every five years or so.

Hearing specialists say OTC prices could fall further as the market matures. But they already are generally cheaper than their prescription counterparts, which can run more than $5,000.

dered around 3,000 sachets this year. He used them for surplus bins that couldn’t fit into the sealed rooms required for gas.

“If you can get another week out of a bushel of apples, why wouldn’t you?” he said. “It absolutely makes a difference.”

The role of consumers

The science is promising but it’s only part of the solution, said Yvette Cabrera, the director of food waste for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Most food waste happens at the residential level, she said. Lowering portion sizes, buying smaller quantities of food at a time, and improving the accuracy of date labels could have even more impact than technology.

“Overall, as a society, we don’t value food as it should be valued,” Cabrera said.

Martha Irvine contributed from Belding, Michigan.

The bad news is insurance coverage of hearing aids is spotty. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage of devices that need a prescription, but regular Medicare does not.

There are discounts out there, including some offered by Medicare Advantage insurer UnitedHealthcare in partnership with AARP.

VIRTUAL TAI CHI

Shoppers also can pay for the devices with money set aside in health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts.

Don’t try to save money by buying just one hearing aid. People need to have the same level of hearing in both ears so they can figure out where a sound is coming from, according to the American Academy of Audiology. —AP

Join AARP’s Senior Planet for a gentle exercise class to help you maintain strength, flexibility and balance. Virtual Tai Chi takes place every Friday from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom at bit.ly/VirtualTaiChiClass. No registration necessary.

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Qs & As on blood pressure and leaky gut

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: I already take two different blood pressure medicines, but my top number is still too high. I would like to bring it down without taking an additional drug. What can I do?

A: You may need to ramp up healthy habits to maximize their blood pressure lowering effects. Start by eating a plantbased diet that’s low in salt; aim for less than 2,400 milligrams of salt per day.

You should also be getting at least seven

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HEALTHCARE

hours of sleep per night, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

And if you’re not exercising much, it’s time to start. Exercise boosts cardiovascular health in many ways. And a small, randomized trial published in JAMA Cardiology suggests that aerobic exercise (the kind that gets your heart and lungs pumping) may be another effective treatment for hypertension that’s tough to control.

In the study, people who walked, cycled,

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or both — for 40 minutes, three times per week, for 12 weeks — lowered their blood pressure by seven points in the top (systolic) number of their blood pressure measurement, and five points in the bottom (diastolic) number of the measurement, compared with people who didn’t exercise.

You may be taking an over-the-counter product or supplement that is raising your blood pressure. Bring your doctor a list of all the medications you are taking, or bring a bag with all the medication bottles.

Include over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. The list, or bag, of medicines can help your doctor identify if any are contributing.

For example, taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can raise blood pressure. So can decongestants (such as phenylephrine found in many cold medicines). Alternative medications or physical therapy to relieve arthritis pain can decrease or eliminate the need for NSAIDs.

If these strategies don’t reduce your blood pressure, your doctor may feel it’s necessary to prescribe more pills. But don’t despair. No matter what you are taking now, your doctor should be able to make affordable changes in your blood pressure medications to bring down your numbers.

Q: What is meant by a leaky gut and why is it a problem?

A: It begins at the cellular level. The lining of the intestine is made of millions of cells. These cells join together to create a tight barrier that acts like a security system and decides what gets absorbed into the bloodstream and what stays out.

However, when the gut becomes unhealthy, the lining can weaken, so “holes” develop in the barrier. The result is that toxins and bacteria can leak into the bloodstream.

This can trigger inflammation in the gut and throughout the body and cause a chain reaction of problems such as bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, fatigue, headaches and joint pain, to name a few.

How do these “holes” form? Blame genes and diet. Some people may have a weaker barrier because they were born with it, or they follow an unbalanced diet low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats, which may be the trigger that weakens the gut lining.

Age also plays a role since, as you age, cells get damaged more easily and heal slowly, if at all, so the gut becomes more vulnerable.

It is still not clear how large a role leaky gut plays in overall health. Digestive conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease share many of the same symptoms as leaky gut, and are all linked with chronic inflammation. But it’s not known how, or if, they are connected.

Some research suggests leaky gut is linked with a higher risk of autoimmune diseases (such as lupus and multiple sclerosis) or chronic fatigue syndrome. But this is still just an association, and studies have yet to identify any cause and effect.

The challenge is that it’s difficult to measure the strength of a person’s gut barrier, so you can’t know for certain when a leaky gut is really present, or what influence it may have elsewhere in the body.

The best way to protect yourself from a leaky gut is to invest more in your overall digestive health. This means being more attentive about following a gut-healthy diet to help reduce inflammation, like limiting processed and high-sugar foods, and ingesting sufficient amounts of fiber.

© 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Turmeric might be beneficial for some

By Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.N.

Dear Mayo Clinic: I am a breast cancer survivor who still suffers from various aches and pains, including arthritis.

A friend told me that her arthritis pain improved after she started taking turmeric. Can you tell me more about this supplement? Is it something I can add into my diet to feel better?

[Ed. Note: Studies have shown that use of turmeric/curcumin decreases the effectiveness of some drugs used to treat breast cancer, including tamoxifen. Consult with your oncologist before taking any supplements.]

A : Turmeric is becoming a common spice in many home pantries, especially since people are hearing of its many purported health effects, including reducing inflammation.

Turmeric, which is a plant related to ginger, is grown in many Asian countries, as well as other tropical areas. It’s a major ingredient in curry powders — common in many Indian and Asian dishes — and is often used as a coloring for foods, fabrics and cosmetics.

The underground portions of the plant can be dried and made into capsules, tablets, extracts, powders or teas. Or they may be made into a paste to apply to the skin.

Turmeric’s main active component — curcumin — is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions — including pain, asthma and decreased movement in people with osteoarthritis.

Other research suggests that curcumin may reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, it may lessen some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint swelling and morning stiffness.

Other areas of investigation include curcumin’s effect on Crohn’s disease, certain cancers, depression, diabetes, joint pain and irritable bowel syndrome.

There are various studies looking at the benefits of turmeric, including several that showed turmeric to be just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation, swelling and pain. However, more research is necessary to confirm these effects.

Some concerns about supplements

Although there are supplements available, the data is not conclusive, and supplements are not regulated.

Additionally, like many plants, it is not

just one component that may have a beneficial effect. Non-curcumin compounds, such as turmerin, turmerone, elemene, furanodiene, curdione, bisacurone, cyclocurcumin, calebin A and germacrone, also have been shown in animals to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

When taken by mouth or applied to the skin, turmeric — and the curcumin it contains — appears to be generally safe when limited to less than 8 grams a day.

That said, different amounts often are recommended depending on the health condition being addressed, and higher doses have been used for limited periods of time.

High doses or long-term use may cause gastrointestinal upset for some people — even damage to the liver.

Turmeric, or curcumin, may be a complementary therapy that is valuable for you. I would recommend that you discuss with your medical team using it as a complement to mainstream medical treatment.

You also should talk to your healthcare team about turmeric if you take an anticlotting medication or at any point require additional chemotherapy, as the supplement may interact with your medication.

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.

© 2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Some healthier alternatives to cook with

By Lori Zanteson

Eating healthier may seem overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be! It can be as simple as making a few simple changes to your diet. Rather than taking an “all or nothing” approach to tame a sweet tooth, cut back on salt, lose a few pounds, or eat more nutrient rich foods, try the “ol switcheroo” instead. Swapping out less healthy ingredients with those that pack a more nutritious punch can make a big difference in your diet that can lead to better health — without skimping on flavor.

Try these simple swaps to make your next recipe healthier:

Butter and oils

Butter, shortening and tropical oils (coconut, palm oil, and palm kernel oil) are high in saturated fat, which has been linked with heart disease. Substitute with healthier oils like olive, peanut, canola or any non-tropical oil. When cooking, re-

place all or some of these fats with healthier oils using a 1:1 ratio. In baking, substitute at a ratio of 1:3/4.

Furthermore, fruit and vegetable purées — such as avocado, pumpkin, applesauce, prune, fig, banana or date — may be substituted for half or more of the fat in recipes.

Sugar

Consuming too much added sugar is linked to increased risk of chronic disease, including heart disease. Start by cutting the sugar called for in a recipe by 25% and then look to the most natural substitution: fruit!

Not only do puréed or mashed bananas, dates, figs or applesauce provide sweetness, they pack nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals with far fewer calories than sugar.

Honey, maple syrup and agave syrup or nectar are a sweeter swap, as they provide a more similar sweetness to sugar. Substitute one cup of sugar in recipes with 2/3 cup of these liquid sweeteners and reduce the

liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup.

Adding to recipes a teaspoon of “sweet” spice — like vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom — makes the results seem sweeter too.

Salt

Going heavy on the salt shaker can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Try seasoning your food with bold flavors so you won’t need salt.

Replace salt with spices, like fresh or dried herbs. Cinnamon and cumin bring more robust flavors, while basil and thyme are more subtle.

Avoid the hidden salt in store-bought spice blends by mixing your own. For Italian seasoning, combine basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, thyme, red chili flakes and garlic powder.

Other flavor boosters include fresh or powdered onion, garlic and chili peppers, as well as mustards, vinegars, and lemon and other citrus zest and juice.

Refined grains

White flour, white rice and white pasta are made with refined grains, which are grains that have been stripped of their nutrient-rich bran and germ. Refined grains lose three-quarters of their original protein and one-third to half of their nutrients.

Replacing some or all of the refined grain in a recipe with whole grains, or choosing products made with whole grains, delivers all of the fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals nature intended, along with several health benefits, including lower risk of diabetes,

heart disease and high blood pressure.

Instead of white rice, choose whole grain brown rice or wild rice or riced cauliflower. For ordinary pasta, swap in pasta made with whole grains, or choose legumes, spaghetti squash or vegetable noodles made from zucchini.

Replace refined white flour with whole grain flours like whole wheat, oat, millet or quinoa, or nut flours, like almond, hazelnut and flaxseed, or cooked black beans. Conversions from white flour to whole grain or nut flours when baking are not always 1:1, so it may take some experimentation to achieve desired results.

Red meat

High intake of red and processed meats is associated with higher risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and premature death. Replace fatty red meats and processed meats with leaner cuts, or substitute poultry, like chicken or turkey, or fish or other seafood.

Whole food plant-based stand-ins for meat include mushrooms, tofu, tempeh or legume-based veggie burgers.

There are also many packaged plantbased meatless products, but they can be highly processed, so be sure to read the label to avoid unwanted ingredients, such as added sugar, sodium and additives.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800829-5384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com.

© 2023 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Health Studies INFORMATION

ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Studying sleep and memory problems

By Margaret Foster

Sleep and memory loss have a chickenand-egg relationship. People with early Alzheimer’s disease tend to have trouble sleeping, and lack of sleep may contribute to memory loss.

If you have memory lapses and also have a hard time sleeping, there’s a study at Johns Hopkins that could help. Known as the REST study, it involves a common, FDA-approved sleep aid called trazodone.

“We’re looking at the different phases of sleep, total sleep time, and [trazodone’s] effects on memory,” explained Dr. Barry Greenberg, the study’s principal investigator. Greenberg is also associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology and the director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Translational Center.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Aging, the REST study seeks to recruit 100 participants over the next few years.

How the study works

Once screened over the phone, patients and their caregivers will visit the Johns

BEACON BITS

Apr. 1

Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for one of five in-person appointments. (Parking is free.)

After the first visit, participants will take home a monitor to diagnose sleep apnea. If that condition is ruled out, they can proceed with the study, which lasts about four months.

In the randomized trial, participants will first be given a pill to take for a month. The pill is either a safe placebo or the study drug, trazodone, a common sleep medication. The study is blind, so they won’t know which one they’re taking.

After a month off, they’ll switch and take the other pill for a month.

Participants also will have three blood draws, three MRIs and several memory tests. An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging test, is a painless, no-radiation screening that takes less than an hour. The MRIs will be administered at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in downtown Baltimore.

They’ll also be given a FitBit-type of wristband to monitor their sleep time and quality. Most people won’t need a monitor

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LINE DANCING

Visit Northwood Library to learn the newest line dance moves. This class meets on Wednesdays through June 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at 4420 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore. No registration necessary. For more information, call the library at (410) 396-6076.

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to tell them whether or not they had a good night’s sleep, though.

“If they have sleep disturbances, they’ll know whether or not they’re sleeping any better,” Greenberg said.

Benefits of participation

There are several advantages to participating in the REST study, he said. First, the study drug may improve sleep and memory. Second, participants will receive valuable medical information.

“They’ll get information about their brain activity. They’ll get information about how they’re doing on cognitive tests,” Greenberg said.

In addition to receiving personal health information from Johns Hopkins researchers, people who participate in the

study can help future generations. Today more than six million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

“They’re really going to be helping us unpack the impact of sleep on brain activity and possibly slow the impact of the disease,” Greenberg said.

Adults 55 and up with sleep and memory problems are eligible for the REST study. But they don’t have to have an official diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Hopkins researchers will give them a simple memory test over the phone to determine if they’re eligible.

“They’ll also find out, if they don’t qualify for this [study, that] they may qualify for others,” Greenberg said.

For more information or to participate, call (410) 550-7385 or email eeyob1@jhmi.edu.

and

Sleep Problems

✔ Have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or have memory problems that are not impacting daily functioning

✔ Are experiencing problems with sleep

✔ Have a study partner willing to attend study visits

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Workshops help residents tell life stories

By Margaret Foster

There’s power in telling your story. Last fall, at Brooke Grove Retirement Village in Sandy Spring, Maryland, a group of residents listened to each other’s life stories at an event led by a speaker from the nonprofit Story Tapestries.

“People loved the opportunity to share their voice as well as listen,” said Arianna Ross, founder and CEO of Story Tapestries Inc., based in Poolesville, Maryland.

“Our seniors are brilliant, amazing individuals with incredible stories,” Ross said. “They love the opportunity to listen to stories, listen to music and then have a chance to talk about it afterwards.”

After one storytelling performance and discussion, for instance, an older participant named Evelyn Robinson said, “You have encouraged me to share my story with someone.” One woman said the workshop “brought a tear to my eye.”

A dream that grew

Marylander Ross “grew up going to senior centers,” she said, attending performances with her mother, a pianist.

After graduating from Northwestern University, Ross began a career as an actor and director. After a few years in India, she returned home and worked at Children’s Hospital, where she performed in informal settings. She also hosted programs at a Bethesda synagogue for early Alzheimer’s patients.

“My mom always said it’s important that we take care of those who came before us,” Ross said.

Ross officially established Story Tapestries in 2010, securing grants from state and local governments, and operating with a budget of $10,000 that has grown to $1 million today. The group has reached more than a million people.

Story Tapestries travels to schools, li-

braries and senior communities. All its programs are free because Story Tapestries is supported by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and individual and corporate donors.

The nonprofit also hosts programs for seniors and families in collaboration with the library systems of Baltimore City and County.

How the program works

At a typical workshop, a Story Tapestries “teaching artist” first gives a lively performance, demonstrating the art of telling a tale with a beginning, middle and end.

Then they teach the audience how to draft and perform their own personal narratives in front of their peers. The idea is to help older adults feel more confident and connected.

The nonprofit also offers a class to teach older adults how to share photos on their smartphones or iPads. “Seniors want to be able to use digital tools to communicate with the outside world,” Ross said.

“We’ve shown them how to create albums, share their album with someone with a little music — and communicate their story through a digital medium.”

During the pandemic, Story Tapestries began hosting more Zoom “story hours,” a low-tech way for older adults to share their life stories. The program was sponsored by the Maryland Department of Aging. Ross personally gave tech support to a 104year-old woman, enabling her to share her story with others.

As society reopened, Ross’ group also brought storytelling workshops, musical performances, poetry classes and art classes to several senior communities in Maryland, including Brooke Grove, Cadence Senior Living, Wilshire Estates, the Village at Rockville, and Seabury at Friendship Terrace in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit hopes to expand its programs to the Baltimore area this year.

Memory care programs

Although most of Story Tapestries’ programs are for schoolchildren or healthy older adults, it also offers programs for early Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. A facilitator like Ross does a performance, then leads a workshop with photographs designed to jog memories.

After one such workshop, Ross recalled, she received the “best compliments ever in my career.” People rushed to thank her and say, “It has been years since my mother or father remembered that.” That moment, she said, “really triggered my love

for working with seniors.”

Every Story Tapestries session is different, depending on the audience — schoolchildren, older adults or memory care patients. But all of the workshops make an impact.

“We had multiple people say to us, ‘This is the first time in several years that I felt like someone other than a nurse actually wanted to hear what I had to say,’” Ross said. “That’s why these programs are critically important.”

For more information about Story Tapestries’ free programs, visit storytapestries.org or call (301) 916-6328.

A teaching artist from Story Tapestries presents a historical tale to an audience at a retirement community. The Maryland nonprofit hosts free workshops to teach older adults interesting ways to tell stories from their past.

PHOTO BY STORY TAPESTRIES, INC.

What do independent living sites offer?

By Scott Witt and Taylor Shuman, SeniorLiving.org

You have a dilemma. The home where you raised your children, the place you came home to for 30 years, and the yard you manicured, is now too much to manage. You no longer have the desire to weed the flower bed, lug the vacuum upstairs, and listen to your neighbor’s car stereo booming at night.

But maybe the memories of this place stretch your entire adult life. Your kids took their first steps in the living room.

Your grandkids love playing in the oakshaded backyard. So, what should you do?

Deciding to move into something more manageable is not easy at first. But once you see the necessity and start thinking about the possibilities of a new life in an independent living community, you may feel like a weight has been lifted.

We’ll try to make selecting an independent living community as easy as possible and arm you with questions, answers and everything in between!

What is independent living?

Independent living is for older adults who want to live independently among their peers and also have amenities and services tailored to their needs.

When you picture a retirement community, we’d bet that what you’re picturing is independent living. You have your own apartment or cottage, yet there are tons of similarly-aged people living around you.

You can go about your day, doing your own thing, or you can join scheduled group activities like yoga or shuffleboard, and outings like trips to the golf course. Plus, you aren’t dragged down by yard work, home maintenance or cleaning.

That’s independent living: Communities intentionally designed for people 55+ or 65+, where you can remain independent without feeling lonely or isolated.

Everything you need is generally right on campus, such as a library, dining options, a fitness center and social activities. It’s fairly similar to the residential side of college life.

What services and activities are available?

Independent living communities all offer different services and activities for residents. Some might have a golf course and golf carts on the property. Others are located in the middle of the city, making outings very accessible.

The following are some services and amenities commonly offered at independent living communities:

• Fitness classes, a gym or outdoor recreational spaces

• Book clubs, cooking clubs, gardening clubs, Bible clubs, card clubs, etc.

• On-site lectures, seminars and classes

• Housekeeping, meal preparation and home maintenance

• Travel and cultural opportunities

• Dining facilities

• Movie nights, games nights, bingo

• Laundry and linen services

• Around-the-clock security

Is independent living right for me?

Choosing to move to an independent living community takes careful consideration, especially if it means you’ll need to sell your home.

As you do your research and mull it over, don’t forget to talk to any friends who may already live in an independent living community. Their first-hand stories might make deciding a bit easier.

You’ll likely hear a range of stories about why they decided to make the move, as everyone has their own reasons for choosing independent living. Here are a few common ones:

• You want to spend your retirement

See INDEPENDENT LIVING, page B-3

When a day at the bay is not enough.

Independent living

From page B-2

years among your peers.

• You no longer wish to care for an entire property.

• You’re looking for a built-in support network.

• You can care for yourself without assistance but like the idea of prepared meals, a cleaning service and a laundry service.

• You want to participate in social, educational and fitness activities without having to drive around.

• You want to move closer to your loved ones but don’t want to buy a house.

How to choose an independent living community

Deciding you want to move into an independent living community is only the first decision. Next, you’ll need to choose the right community for you.

Some older adults just know when they’ve found the right community. Others need to compare their options meticulously.

Considering the following questions can help you narrow down your search and compare communities.

What’s your preferred location? Knowing your desired location will narrow down your search.

Talk with your family to see what they think. If you live far from your family, it might make sense to choose a community near a relative. Maybe you’ve always wanted to move to a warm-weather state. Now would be a great time to look into it.

You may also want to compare rural vs. suburban vs. city locations. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s a matter of what’s important to you.

If you enjoy staying busy and want public transportation, then the city might make sense. If you find the quiet country life more peaceful, look for a more rural facility.

Is your religion important to you? Some independent living communities are directly affiliated with a religious group or denomination. At these homes, there’s often a church or synagogue on-site along with religious leaders. Activities offered might be rooted in that faith tradition too.

When comparing faith-affiliated communities, ask if you can attend their worship services. That can help you determine which one is the right fit.

Does it offer activities you enjoy and services you want? It might seem obvious, but make sure that the facilities you’re looking at offer what you want.

Ask to see a copy of last year’s activity calendar and a list of services offered. Find out how residents spend their time. Are they social and outgoing, or does everyone keep to themselves?

We also suggest asking how much influence residents have in what goes on. Is there an activity committee that helps plan and suggest events? When there’s a movie night, who picks the movie? Is it normal for residents to start their own clubs? You may feel more at home when you can contribute to the planning.

What security and emergency meas-

ures are in place? Retirement communities generally have some form of security, though some setups are more effective than others.

When you tour the property, be on the lookout for vulnerabilities. You could even check with the local police station for reports of crimes or disturbances at the address.

The community should provide security 24/7. Find out who provides the security and when the guards are on duty. Confirm that security will be in place during all days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Also, ask about emergency services in case police, fire or paramedics are needed. For example, how many minutes away is an ambulance?

Can you afford it? It’s essential to choose a place that you can continually afford. Many people sell their homes and use the equity to pay for independent living. Talk to your accountant or a trusted loved one to make sure the place you end up is a place you can afford to stay for as long as you need or want it.

When visiting a community, make sure

to ask which services are included in membership fees and which are not. We recommend putting together a list that includes the cost of rent, membership fees, and the price of any additional services you want now or may want later.

Why is independent living important?

You might be wondering why, if a person can live independently, they wouldn’t just stay at home? That’s a great question.

The main difference between living independently at home and living in an independent living community is this: those who move into an independent living community might be living alone, but they aren’t alone.

That distinction makes all of the difference because, among seniors who report feeling lonely, there’s a 45 percent increased risk of mortality. Feelings of social isolation and loneliness can also lead to depression, a higher risk of heart disease, and a higher risk of stroke.

Like independent living, senior living

communities combat loneliness by providing older adults with plenty of social opportunities. There are informal opportunities, like befriending your neighbors, and formal opportunities, like joining organized clubs, outings and activities.

Socialization makes a significant difference in a person’s life, decreasing the risk or depression and increasing their life span. A Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Center study found that older adults with an active social life may have a slower rate of memory decline.

All in all, independent living communities provide ways to stay socially, mentally and physically active with built-in programs and services.

How much does independent living cost?

What’s great about independent living is that you can find facilities at nearly every price point. Wealthier people can comfort-

Charlestown 1-800-222-9651

715 Maiden Choice Lane

Catonsville, MD 21228

CharlestownCommunity.com

The Best of Everything is at Charlestown

Experience the finest in maintenance-free senior living at our beautiful 110-acre campus. You’ll enjoy resort-style amenities, clubs and activities, delicious dining, and services that promote your health and well-being, including on-site medical care for every stage of your life. Our stylish apartment homes feature modern finishes and floorplans to suit every need. Our predictable Monthly Service Package takes the guesswork out of managing your expenses, because almost everything is included. And our 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* means your legacy is protected. Call 1-800-222-9651 to request your free brochure or to arrange an in-person or virtual tour. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the Entrance Fee Refund.

Housing Notes

By Beacon Staff

Getting their goats at Inspirations Memory Care

Two pygmy goats were born this winter at Inspirations Memory Care of Westminster, Maryland. More baby goats are on the way this spring at the farm-like six-acre community, which also has alpacas and chickens. Residents can feed, pet and hold the goats.

“It’s animal therapy,” explained Christina Green, executive director of regional marketing at Inspirations Memory Care. “They just smile. It brings laughter; it brings joy; it brings purpose.”

On St. Patrick’s Day, the community hosted a “Goat Shenanigans” party to cele-

brate its newest members.

“[Our residents] want to watch them and cuddle with them,” Green said. “We have a secure courtyard that oversees the farm animals so residents can sit out on the porch and relax and watch them do their thing during the day.”

Inspirations also has pygmy goats at its Lutherville facility, as well as birds and fish at its Linthicum location. Two of its communities have 16 private rooms, while Inspirations Memory Care of Lutherville has 32 private rooms.

For more information about Inspirations

See HOUSING NOTES, page B-5

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

ASSISTED LIVING

Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay

757-496-1785

3100 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23451

www.wcbay.com/expansion

Start every day with vitamin sea. We're taking the luxurious, carefree lifestyle WestminsterCanterbury is known for to a higher level. Introducing The Bay Tower — our new 22-story waterfront Independent Living expansion. With sweeping, panoramic views overlooking Chesapeake Bay, The Bay Tower will offer the most exclusive views with the same inclusive philosophy of Westminster-Canterbury. There’s never been anything like it in Virginia Beach, and we can't wait for you to experience it. Call our Marketing Office today to learn more about our Bay Tower Expansion and our current inventory in the existing two towers. Want more options? Check out our sister rental community, Opus Select. Visit www.opusliving.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

Harmony at Enterprise

(240)

347-1893

12000 Traditions Blvd. Bowie, MD 20720

harmonyatenterprise.com

Combine comfort, elegance, irresistible cuisine, with friends and family for an unparalleled senior living experience. These are the elements that make a person feel at home, and they are the very essence of everyday senior living at Harmony at Enterprise. Located in Bowie, Maryland, our senior living community offers spacious apartments and a rich menu of services and amenities. Harmony at Enterprise will open in early 2023 and is now accepting deposits. Choose from Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care to get the right level of support from our caring, expert team. We are committed to serving our residents in a way that provides comfort and care. Live life enriched at Harmony at Enterprise.

Independent living

From page B-3

ably afford a high-end, luxury facility or a facility in a high-income area, which tends to cost the most.

Those with limited resources can apply for Section 202 low-income housing to move into a low-income senior apartment that offers some services. There’s often a waitlist for these, so the sooner you send in your application, the better.

Independent living facilities typically cost a few thousand dollars per month. The cost might seem steep, but remember, it includes more than rent.

At many facilities, the price of rent, utilities and access to amenities are bundled together. Some places include laundry, housekeeping and linen service in the monthly price too.

Personal income is the most common payment source for independent senior liv-

Oak Crest

ing. For low-income people, extra funds might be available through the Section 8 rent subsidy program.

Active adult communities generally cannot accept payment sources that commonly fund nursing homes and assisted living (like Medicaid and long-term care insurance).

To pay for retirement housing, individuals and their families commonly make these moves:

• Use Social Security and pension

• Withdraw from savings or collect annuity payments

• Cash out investment retirement accounts

• Get a loan or line of credit

Consulting with a trusted financial planner is highly advisable as you plan for retirement.

This article was excerpted from SeniorLiving.org and reprinted with permission. To read the full article, see seniorliving.org/independent-living.

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

1-800-333-5693

8820 Walther Boulevard

Parkville, MD 21234

www.OakCrestCommunity.com

Experience Vibrant Living at Oak Crest

A warm, welcoming environment. Modern apartment homes with contemporary finishes. Resort-style amenities. Clubs and activities for engaged living. All of this and more awaits you at Oak Crest, a beautiful 87-acre senior community nestled in Baltimore County. You’ll enjoy maintenance-free living with a predictable Monthly Service Package that includes virtually all services. Our 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. And should you ever need them, advanced care options are available right on campus.

We’d love to send you a free brochure and answer your questions. Please call 1-800-333-5693 today.

*Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the entrance fee refund

Memory Care, which also offers respite care, visit inspired-joy.com or call 1-833-346-8569.

New community to open in Bowie

A new senior living community will open this spring in Bowie, Maryland.

Harmony at Enterprise — located near the Bowie Town Center, several parks and a nature refuge — has studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The community offers three levels of care: 100 independent living apartments, 60 assisted living units, and 32 memory care rooms.

Each wing has its own restaurant-style dining as well as a shared café and a pub. There’s also a barbershop/beauty salon on site. A concierge is available all day to help with transportation or other needs.

“There’s always someone in the commu-

nity who’s there to help,” said Allison Waters, corporate director of marketing for Harmony Senior Services, which operates several retirement communities in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

All of Harmony’s properties have a Life Enrichment Director on staff who arranges events and outings for residents.

“There’s a lot of live entertainment, like musicians or Elvis impersonators. They also do shopping and other outings,” Waters said.

For more information about Harmony at Enterprise, see harmonyseniorservices.com. Or email info@harmonyatenterprise.com or call (240) 203-7380.

Top ranked for senior living

According to Caring.com’s 2023 report of “The Best and Worst Places for Senior Living,” Maryland made the top-10 list of all U.S. states, ranking eight out of 50.

Using survey findings from 1,000 Americans over 55, Caring.com ranked 300 cities and 50 states on the quality of senior living using five categories: healthcare,

senior living and housing, affordability, quality of life and transportation.

To read the full report, visit caring.com/senior-living.

‘Home care’ differs from ‘home healthcare’

By Kayla Carney, AgingCare.com

“Home care” and “home healthcare” are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are very different in what they offer. Learn what senior care services each provides to determine the best fit for your needs.

Types of home care services

The first step in hiring in-home care services is identifying the differences in a caregiver’s duties and responsibilities between non-medical home care and home health care options.

It is important to understand this distinction, since the type of care will guide your search for the appropriate provider as well as determine how you will be able to pay for home care.

Two types of non-medical home care

Non-medical in-home care is supportive

BEACON BITS

Apr. 23+

care that does not involve medical skill and is therefore provided by senior care aides. This type of home-based care may also go by the following terms: personal care, companion care, homemaker services, custodial care, unskilled care, and non-clinical care.

Professional care aides provide valuable social interaction, help with household chores, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs). [See our January 2023 issue for “Understanding ‘activities of daily living.’”]

Some states make a very clear distinction between personal care and companion care when licensing in-home care agencies. [For example, Maryland requires a license for agencies providing personal care.]

Personal care involves hands-on care like bathing and toileting assistance, whereas companion care focuses on social needs and daily household tasks.

When interviewing and selecting a home care agency, ensure you are specific about the services you require, as person-

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24 locations for older adults in Maryland, including the Jenkins Senior Living Community

al care services require a higher level of assistance and training.

Homemaker and companion care include:

• Companionship and socialization

• Meal planning and preparation

• Laundry

• Light housework

• Shopping and errands

• Transportation

• Mobility assistance

• Medication reminders

Personal care services include:

Personal care aides can provide all the services of a companion caregiver in addition to hands-on physical assistance, such as:

• Bathing or showering

• Toileting

• Oral hygiene

• Feeding

• Dressing

• Incontinence care

What is home healthcare?

Home healthcare is medical in nature and may also be described as clinical or skilled care. A prescription from a doctor may be required to obtain these services, which are provided by healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and physical, occupational and speech-language therapists.

Services may also be provided by home health aides (HHAs) who are acting under

BEACON BITS

Apr. 4

the supervision of a registered nurse. Home healthcare is often short-term and is prescribed as a necessary part of a senior’s rehabilitation or treatment while they recover at home.

Home healthcare services include:

• Administration of medication (including IVs and injections)

• Monitoring vital signs

• Wound care

• Assistance with recovery from illness or injury

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech-language therapy

• Monitoring of medical equipment

• Expertise in specific medical conditions (like Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias)

Note that there may be some overlap in the provision of in-home care services. For example, a home healthcare company may also provide non-medical homemaker and personal care services if you identify a need for household assistance in your care plan.

Originally published on AgingCare.com, this article was reprinted with permission. AgingCare.com is an online resource that connects family caregivers, shares informative articles, provides answers and support through an interactive Caregiver Forum, and offers search capabilities for senior living options for elderly loved ones.

For more information, visit agingcare.com.

MEDICARE 101 WORKSHOP

Find the suitable Medicare options and get all your questions answered during this free workshop on Tue., April 4, at 11 a.m. at Ateaze Senior Center, 7401 Holabird Ave., Dundalk. For more information and to register, call (410) 887-7233.

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Consider co-buying a house with friends

By Abby Badach Doyle

Seven years ago, Phil Levin and his girlfriend, Kristen Berman, pondered a common question: Should we move in together?

Levin assumed they’d take a predictable path and find a more affordable apartment outside of pricey San Francisco. But Berman, a behavioral scientist, shared her reservations about leaving their friend network — and some facts to back up her concern.

“All the behavioral science research shows that that’s one of the worst things you can do for your happiness,” Levin said.

Instead, the couple rented a Victorianera mansion in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood and invited nine friends to move in. Today, they co-own a multi-unit property in Oakland, California, called Radish, which is home to 17 adults and two infants.

It took some effort to find the right property and figure out finances. But the now-married couple couldn’t imagine designing their life — or raising their daughter — any other way.

“Being able to have this extended family of ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles’ close by has been wonderful,” Levin said.

Many co-buyers operate on a smaller scale. But no matter the size of your group, co-buying requires extra planning and paperwork. If you’re willing to get vulnerable about your finances and long-term goals,

the payoff of companionship can be worth it. Keep an open mind

In the National Association of Realtors’ 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record-high 5% of first-time home buyers were “other household compositions” — that is, something different than single, married or coupled.

“It can be a great situation, and a way to enter the market that they wouldn’t be able to enter otherwise,” said Don Koonce, a real estate agent in Seattle who has helped dozens of co-buyers during his eight years in real estate.

Many co-buyers Koonce has worked with are platonic friends who have been living together for years. But they’re as diverse as the types of homes they buy — which range from traditional single-family homes to condos and duplexes.

The right home depends on your group’s size and tolerance of personal versus shared space. Houses with basements work well for separate living spaces, Koonce said, or you could remodel.

Recently, Koonce helped a mother and daughter buy a split-level that they renovated into two distinct units, including separate kitchens.

“It was beautiful,” he said. “I don’t see any problem with a resale on that, because somebody could rent it out.”

Stress-test your relationship

Even for family members or experienced roommates, the financial commitment of co-buying raises the stakes.

Ashley Agnew is an investment advisor and financial therapist with Centerpoint Advisors, a wealth management firm in Needham, Massachusetts. When working with co-buyers, she role-plays worst-case scenarios to “stress test” the relationship, such as how they’d handle major home repairs or theft.

“You really do have to get a little bit financially naked with the person that you’re buying with,” she said. “There has to be a lot of transparency.”

Agnew always recommends that cobuyers seek legal counsel. An estate attorney can draft a cohabitation agreement — something that’s not just for romantic partners, she notes. That way, all parties know what to expect if someone wants out of the homeownership commitment.

“It’s almost like running a mini-business, especially if it’s not a coupleship,” Agnew said.

An estate attorney can also help co-buyers understand options for titling the home, such as joint tenancy or tenancy in common. Each arrangement has pros, cons and legal obligations.

Find the right team

To move your plans from dream to reality, it’s essential to find a lender that is familiar with — and supportive of — co-buyers’ unique needs. That’s often the first hurdle, Koonce noted.

Some realtors hesitate to work with cobuyers, too. “It’s a lot more paperwork,” he said, “and a lot more coordinating and getting people to agree.”

To provide better service, Koonce earned a professional certification established by Seattle-based real estate startup CoBuy. The company offers education for real estate agents, attorneys and lenders, as well as services for co-buyers themselves.

After establishing Radish, Levin found his inbox flooded with questions about cobuying and co-living. People craved trusted guidance on how to do this successfully.

So, in 2020, Levin teamed up with close friend Gillian Morris to co-found the Substack newsletter “Supernuclear.” It provides advice, templates and tools to navigate common challenges of co-buying and co-living.

“We didn’t invent this concept,” Levin said. “We’re standing on the shoulders of other people, so there’s sort of a pay-it-forward element where we wanted to have other people experience the happiness and meaning that we’ve gotten through this.”

AP/NerdWallet

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Pickersgill assisted living residents are rarely in l their rooms! Instead, , theyy’re out and about— participating in a community activity or event or dining with friends.

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Affordable ways to improve curb appeal

By Family Features

Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.

These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.

Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue — it’s all up to you.

Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front win-

BEACON BITS

Apr.

dows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.

Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.

Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that

VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK WITH DAN EGAN

Bestselling author Dan Egan discusses his new book, The Devil’s Element: Phosphorus and the World Out of Balance, which focuses on phosphorus, its use in our food systems and its cost to the planet. Join BCPL’s Zoom meeting on Wed., April 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. Register in advance at bit.ly/DanEgan to receive the Zoom link.

HELP RAILROAD MUSEUM’S GARDEN

matches the rest of your design.

Replace worn welcome mats . A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.

Pressure wash the drive and walk Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect a lot of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.

Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.

Keep up with basic maintenance

BEACON

Apr.

QUILT EXPO 2023

When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof, and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.

Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.

Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “Come on in.”

Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.

Ongoing

The B&O Railroad Museum seeks gardening volunteers to maintain the museum’s landscaping from spring through fall. Duties include trimming, weeding, watering and planting/maintaining flowers. The museum is located at 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore. For more information, contact Malia Furtado at (443) 627-2393.

Stop by the 2023 Quilt Expo to see more than 300 quilts, along with vendors, demos, tours, a silent auction, raffle baskets, a sewing machine raffle, quilt appraisals, classes and more. This event takes place on Sat., April 22, and Sun., April 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased at baltimorequilters.com/expo-2023.

Money Law & Today’s best conservative investments

Many readers have indicated they are concerned about future returns on both stock and bond investments. Returns for both markets overall were poor in 2022, and many analysts are not enthusiastic about returns in 2023.

What are the alternatives for conservative investments this year? Because the Federal Reserve is likely to continue raising interest rates in 2023, albeit at a more moderate pace than it did in 2022, several options look more attractive. Here are a few:

are returning over 4% on a 30-day basis. Other financial organizations are offering similar rates.

There is no guarantee that the returns will stay at the current level, but as long as inflation persists, and the Fed continues to increase interest rates, it is likely that returns will stay at current levels.

THE SAVINGS GAME

By Elliot Raphaelson

Money-market investments

Not long ago, returns on these instruments were well below 1%. That situation has changed significantly, and brokerage firms and mutual funds are now offering money market investments at much higher rates.

For example, I recently invested in federal money market funds at Vanguard that

When you buy money-market funds, you have the flexibility to withdraw funds whenever you wish. And if you invest with a major financial institution, there is minimal risk to your principal.

There is no such guarantee with investment in bond funds, even those with short maturities. Most of these funds showed losses to capital in 2022.

Treasury bills/notes

T-bill returns have also increased significantly in 2022. As of February 2023, you can obtain a coupon equivalent return of

4.84% for 6-month bills and one-year bills. Return for two-year treasury notes is 5.07%.

The interest is not taxable at state and local levels. Return of your principal is guaranteed.

Certificates of deposit (CDs)

Just as rates have increased for moneymarket instruments and T-bills, returns on CDs have also increased significantly. In February 2023, for example, one-year CDs had returns as high as 4.5%. For two years, rates were as high as 4.85%.

Multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs)

If you are willing to invest for more than three years, you can obtain higher returns from MYGAs than from CDs, with the same maturities. For example, for five-year maturities you can currently receive a return that exceeds 5%. [Note also that interest earned on CDs will be taxed every year, while returns from MYGAs are tax-deferred until withdrawn.]

Although you can purchase MYGAs for

longer periods, in a rising interest rate environment, you may want to restrict your time frame to no longer than five years, even though you can obtain a slightly higher interest rate for longer maturities.

There are surrender charges if you decide to withdraw the funds prior to the end of the specified contract period. However, even during the surrender charge time period, most MYGAs allow you to take some money out without penalty. Terms vary, and it is important for you to understand them.

MYGAs are insured by state guaranty funds, not by the FDIC. Make sure your MYGA is issued by a quality carrier.

If you are interested in MYGAs, I recommend you consult with Stan Haithcock (stantheannuityman.com), an annuity expert who can explain the pros and cons of investing in MYGAs. I have worked with Haithcock for many years. He only recommends MYGAs consistent with investor objectives.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com.

© 2023 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How to create your retirement glide path

By Liz Weston

In investing terms, a “glide path” describes how a mix of investments changes over time. Typically, the mix gets more conservative — with fewer stocks and more bonds, for example — as the investor approaches a goal such as retirement.

You also can create a glide path into retirement by making gradual changes in your working and personal life in the months or years before you plan to quit work.

Retirement can be a jarring transition, especially if you haven’t set up ways to replace the structure, sense of purpose and socializing opportunities that work can bring, said financial coach Saundra Davis, executive director of Sage Financial Solutions, a nonprofit financial education and planning organization in San Francisco.

“People are excited to leave (work), but then once they leave, they feel that pressure of ‘How do I define myself?’” Davis said. “Am I important now that I’m no longer in the workforce?”

What do you want your life to look like?

Davis suggests people start by thinking about what they want from retirement. That could mean visualizing your ideal day: where you’re living, what you’re doing, who you’re spending time with.

Free tools such as YearCompass and Unravel Your Year can help you identify what “sparks joy” for you and what you want more of in your life, Davis said. These tools allow you to reflect on your recent past and plan for the future.

“What are the things that have been calling you? What gives you energy?” Davis asked.

Your ideal retirement may well face roadblocks: a lack of money, ill health or the need to provide care for someone else, for example. But understanding what you really want from this phase of your life can help you figure out ways to get what’s most important, she said.

“Just because you might have some limitations, either physical or emotional or fi-

nancial, don’t assume that that counts you out,” Davis said.

Discuss your vision of retirement with your spouse or partner to “see if you’re on the same page,” said David John, senior strategic policy adviser for the AARP Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Your significant other may have different ideas about when to retire, where to live and what they want to do with their time, and those should be discussed before either of you quits work, John recommended.

“We tend to assume that people agree with us when we haven’t had a formal discussion about something, and that can prove to be a mistake,” John said.

What role will work play in your retirement?

Some employers have “phased retirement” programs that allow people to cut back to part-time work while retaining a paycheck and benefits.

Other companies don’t have formal plans but may be willing to accommodate

an employee who asks, particularly if the worker is a high performer, said Joe Casey, a retirement and executive coach in Princeton, New Jersey, and the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy.

Phased plans give employers time to look for a successor while allowing workers to ease into retirement, said Melissa Shaw, a wealth management adviser for financial services firm TIAA in Palo Alto, California.

“They still have more freedom to start to enjoy and plan for the next phase,” Shaw said. “It’s a good way to transition.”

If phased retirement isn’t an option, a part-time job or consulting work can help people keep a foot in the work world while they shape their post-work life, Shaw adds.

How will you stay connected and sharp?

Loneliness doesn’t just diminish the

Grab bars and swivel seats can make driving safer and easier. See article on page 12.

PHOTO BY STANDER, INC.

Devices that make driving easier, safer

Dear Savvy Senior,

Do you know of any car gadgets that can help older drivers? I drive a 12year-old car and have arthritis in my neck, back and knees that limits my mobility, making it more difficult to get in and out of the car and look over my shoulder to back-up.

Dear Almost,

—Almost 80

There are a number of inexpensive products you can purchase that can easily be

added to your vehicle to help with many different needs. Here are some popular auto aids to consider:

Entry and exit aids

For mobility challenged persons who have a difficult time entering and exiting a vehicle — especially cars that are low to the ground or high vehicles such as SUVs or pickup trucks — there are a variety of support handles and special seat cushions that can help.

Some examples include the Stander (stander.com) “HandyBar” ($40), which is a portable support grab bar that inserts into the U-shaped striker plate on the doorframe, and the “CarCaddie” ($20), a nylon support handle that buckles around the top of the door window frame.

Stander also makes an “Auto Swivel Seat Cushion” ($40) that rotates 360 degrees to help drivers and passengers pivot their body into and out of their vehicle.

Rear vision improvements

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bility problems, there are seat belt extension products that can make buckling up a little easier. For example, Seat Belt Extender Pros (seatbeltextenderpros.com) offers vehicle-specific “Seat Belt Extenders” ($13 to $26) that fit into the seat belt buckle receiver to add a few inches of length, making them easier to fasten.

SAVVY SENIOR

By Jim Miller

To help those with neck and back rangeof-motion problems, which makes looking over the shoulder to back-up or merge into traffic difficult, there are special mirrors you can add as well as back-up cameras.

To widen rear visibility and eliminate blind spots, Verivue Mirrors (verivuemirrors.com) offers the popular “Universal 12Inch Panoramic Rearview Mirror” ($13) that clips on to existing rearview mirrors, along with a variety of “Blind Spot Mirrors” ($5 for two), which are small convex mirrors that stick to the corner of the sideview mirrors.

Another helpful device is the “Auto-vox CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera Kit” ($120, auto-vox.com). This comes with a night vision camera that attaches to the rear license plate, and a small monitor that mounts to the dash or windshield. When the vehicle is in reverse you can see what’s behind you.

Seat belt extenders

For plus-sized people or those with mo-

Glide path

From page 11

quality of your days — it also can diminish the quantity. Social isolation and loneliness significantly increase someone’s odds of premature death, and are associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia as well as higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many people underestimate the social connections that work provides, Davis said. They also may not anticipate how much their social circles can shrink over time as people move away or die.

Davis recommends making friends of different generations to counteract that

They also sell a “Seat Belt Grabber Handle” ($8) that attaches to the seat belt strap to make it easier to reach.

Gripping devices

If you have hand arthritis that makes gripping difficult or painful, consider the “SEG Direct Steering Wheel Cover” ($17) that fits over the steering wheel to make it larger, softer and easier to grip.

And for help twisting open tight gas caps, the “Gas Cap & Oil Cap Opener by Gascapoff” ($17) is a long-handled tool that works like a wrench.

Many of these products can be found in your local auto supply stores, or online at the manufacturer’s website or at Amazon.com.

If you need more assistance, consider contacting a driver rehabilitation specialist who is trained to evaluate older drivers and provide safety and driving equipment suggestions.

To locate a driver rehabilitation specialist in your area, visit ADED.net or MyAOTA.aota.org/driver_search.

Send questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

trend. Hobbies and volunteering are among the ways to find prospective friendships, she said.

But it can also help to find friends or mentors among people who have retired, Shaw said. Senior centers, gyms, social connection sites like Meetup and the AARP Foundation’s Connect2Affect service are other ways to find potential social contacts.

“Having others around you who have experienced retirement and who can provide support and tips and share ideas is extremely valuable,” Shaw said.

Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet. She is a certified financial planner and author of five money books, including Your Credit Score.

—AP/NerdWallet

Beware scammers impersonating banks

By Ben Demers

Consumer scams are getting more and more creative with every year that goes by. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that consumers lost more than $5.8 billion to fraudsters in 2021, an increase of more than 70% over the previous year. And the data for 2022 is expected to be even higher when it’s released, as criminals experiment with more intricate and inventive scams.

One of the latest technology-aided gambits involves scammers contacting you, pretending to be your bank, in order to steal sensitive data and take over your accounts. So how do these scams work, and how can you protect yourself?

How they work

The Detroit Free Press reported on a recent surge in scammers targeting checking accounts and bank accounts, particularly during the last holiday shopping rush. The latest trend is to impersonate or “spoof” bank fraud departments.

Scammers and criminal gangs reach out to potential victims via fake text messages, phishing emails, or telephone calls — both live and pre-recorded.

Criminal gangs usually already have some of their intended victim’s personal details, often gained through a data breach, which they use to convince you they really are from your bank.

Once they’ve successfully impersonated the victim’s bank, scammers hope to confuse their mark into believing fictional stories about crooks hacking into their bank

BEACON BITS

Apr. 24

SMALL BUSINESS STORIES

Visit the Canton Library to hear how Christin Reuter, owner of Boards in a Box, started her Baltimore-based charcuterie company. This free event takes place on Mon., April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at 1030 S. Ellwood Ave., Baltimore. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call (410) 396-8548.

Apr. 24

accounts.

The scammer tries to convince you to reveal personal information or to click on fraudulent links to help “stop the crooks” when, in actuality, the scammer’s true goal is to take over your bank account themselves.

Ignore requests to use apps

Scammers use these fake, urgent warnings to panic you into acting before you have time to think, according to the FTC. This “fight or flight” feeling is what helps scammers achieve their goals — and it usually succeeds unless potential victims understand how to protect themselves.

The American Bankers Association reports that scammers also attempt intricate phishing attempts to trick consumers into using person-to-person payment apps to transfer money to the crooks, under the guise of a legitimate business or someone

you trust.

PayPal, Venmo, CashApp and Zelle are the preferred money-transfer apps for scammers. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), consumers lost $130 million in 2021 by mistakenly sending money to scammers via these payment apps or similar services.

How to protect yourself

To guard against these types of scams, follow a few cardinal rules from the CFPB:

• Never trust Caller ID [which can be easily spoofed], especially when a caller asks you for private information. Banks will never call and ask you for that info over the phone to avoid this exact scenario.

• Worried that a call or message is fake? Don’t use the number provided by the caller. Instead, reach out to your bank or credit card company directly via their mo-

bile app or via their official phone number, which is usually located on bank statements and on the back of your credit or debit card.

• Never share passwords or numbers for Social Security, credit cards or bank accounts.

• Never send money to someone you don’t know [especially using a payment app]. If you think you sent money to a scammer, contact your bank or the payment app operator you used to report a potential mistake and hopefully recover your funds.

• Put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry to avoid robocalls from scammers. Go to donotcall.gov or call 1888-382-1222.

• Submit complaints about scammers and fraudulent activities to consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

© 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL

MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

HOMEOWNER/ RENTER TAX CREDIT

Don’t miss out on valuable tax credits. Lynn Reedy of the Baltimore County Department of Aging goes into the details of the Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit application. This free class takes place on Mon., April 24 at 11 a.m. at Jacksonville Senior Center, 3605A Sweet Air Rd., Phoenix. For more information, call (410) 887-8208.

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150

Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

BALTIMORE CITY

Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180

Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301

The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487

Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445

Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440

Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

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 Rosedale: 410-866-1886

Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185

Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

EASTERN SHORE

Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY

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ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

War reenactors

From page 1

Many of today’s reenactors are history buffs. Around the campfire in the evenings they tell stories based from the relevant time period — but also talk about more recent history, like previous events that were fun or memorable or both.

Some sing songs and play music, too, particularly drums and fifes, which were used as signals during battle because not much else could be heard through the commotion.

“I just love the immersion into the Civil War for two straight days,” Schwetje said. “We wind up talking about books we’ve read and movies about the war. It’s great information sharing, but it’s mostly the friendships that keep me coming back.”

BEACON BITS Ongoing

A family tradition for some

It isn’t uncommon for people to get involved in what’s called “the hobby” due to family members’ interests. A few even choose to join specific regiments their ancestors belonged to.

“I was pulled into reenacting because my husband was reenacting, and his dad was reenacting, and his grandfather was reenacting,” said Baltimore County resident Amanda White, a member of the First Maryland Regiment, a Revolutionary War group.

“And now my children [ages 9 and 7] are reenacting as well.” White’s 89-yearold grandfather, John White, has been bringing his family to reenactments since shortly before the American Revolution Bicentennial in 1976.

Eventually, White started his own business selling goods to reenactors. These

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purveyors of period goods are called sutlers, “a term that was used for guys who had a wagon and went out and sold goods to the soldiers: canned oysters, pies, pieces of uniform, buttons, whatever,” Hart explained. Today’s sutlers also sell souvenirs like coffee cups, flags, hats and T-shirts.

Annapolis resident Dawn Giovannini initially attended Civil War-era events to mind her young stepson while her husband was on the battlefield. She made herself a period-appropriate dress and joined other women as a “camp follower.”

Later, when her stepson was old enough to be on the battlefield as a bugler, Giovannini found herself “sitting in camp, in layers of cotton in the heat, cooking over a campfire while all the men are out, and they’re coming back…with huge grins on their faces,” she recalled. “What’s wrong with this picture?” Giovannini asked herself.

Giovannini then read the book They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the Civil War, a historical account of hundreds of women who adopted male personas and fought as soldiers.

Deciding to follow their lead as a reenactor, she began going out in uniform with the men. “It’s much easier to wear pants than a dress in camp,” Giovannini said with a chuckle.

Before the ban on women in combat was lifted in 2015, Giovanni would listen to talking heads debating “about women not [being] fit for combat. And I’m sitting here in a Civil War uniform going, ‘Um, I beg to

differ. They did it…150 years ago; they did it successfully.’” Giovannini enjoys sharing this lesser-known piece of history with the kids at the educational events where her regiment participates.

It’s not exactly a cheap hobby, however. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own uniforms and battle gear. Fortunately, items ranging from axes to shoe horns and all types of uniforms (from vintage to replicas) are available online.

Assembling a “kit,” a uniform and accessories, can cost about $1,000. But beginners usually can borrow items from seasoned reenactors to give it a try before going all in.

Why do reenactors step out of the 21st century for a weekend to don period clothing, sleep in un-airconditioned tents and cook over an open fire?

“It’s fun to be an amateur historian,” White explained. “It’s a nice hobby for any age… from the little itty bitties to our older generation.”

For more information about local reenacting groups, visit 7thmaryland.com (for Civil War-era reenacting) and 1mr.org (for Revolutionary War-era reenacting).

Members of the public can observe a Revolutionary War reenactment in October, including living history presentations and craft demonstrations; see mountharmon.org. To learn about the 160th Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary reenactment event, visit gbpa.org.

Ed. Note: Bill Hart is the author’s fatherin-law.

Travel Leisure &

Patagonia’s spectacular hidden wonders

By Don Mankin

As I guided my kayak through a narrow, twisting marble cave, I marveled at the swirls of turquoise-colored rock.

Although it was only my second day in the Aysén region of Patagonia — the remote, breathtakingly beautiful region that has inspired dreamers, adventurers and entrepreneurs for over a century — I understood why they came and why so many of them stayed.

I have traveled to the southern tip of Patagonia several times — to explore Torres del Paine National Park, to cruise through the Strait of Magellan and to Antarctica, and to stand in a blasting wind on Cape Horn. But the Aysén region, located in Chile’s southernmost third, is even more remote and beautiful.

To quote famed wilderness photographer, Linde Waidhofer, this is the “Unknown Patagonia” — the region that few know about and even fewer have visited. It’s that very “unknownness” that inspired me to visit the region and experience it for myself. This region was essentially inaccessible until 1995, when construction of the Carretera Austral, the Southern Highway, was completed. From Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O’Higgins in the south, this almost

800-mile highway passes through some of the most magnificent scenery on earth.

After a night in Coyhaique, a one-hour drive from Balmaceda, the only airport in the region, my wife and I headed south to the lodge where we’d be staying. It’s tucked into a protected cove on the southern edge of the massive General Carrera Lake, the second largest lake in South America after Lake Titicaca.

It’s not an easy drive. Most of it is on an uneven two-lane gravel highway studded with bone-jarring potholes. Fortunately, we had an experienced local driver who was unfazed by the challenge, so I was free to gawk at the wall of mountains looming like sentries over the broad river valley and the broken clouds wrapped around pointy peaks.

Purple lupines lined the road, adding a touch of color to the monochromatic scene. The scenery got even better when we reached the lake.

Now we were looking at jagged peaks and glaciers across a wide expanse of turquoise-hued water. As the day wound down, the grey massifs across the lake glowed orange in the rays of the setting sun.

Lodge with a view

We stayed in the familyowned Mallin Colorado Ecolodge, a serene, peaceful place with outstanding views of General Carrera Lake and surrounding mountains.

Eduardo Christensen and Maria Arteaga, parents of seven, purchased the property decades ago to serve as a family retreat. Eduardo, a professional agronomist, cleared the overgrown weeds that blocked views of the lake, planted trees and, with help from other family members, designed and constructed all the buildings on the property.

In the early 2000s, the family converted the property into a thriving business, renting rooms to adventuresome tourists.

We easily could have spent our four days at the lodge sitting on the porch outside our room, gazing at the panorama before us, but there was much more to see and do.

My favorite activity of our stay was the three-hour kayak to, around, and through the Marble Cathedral, Chapel and Cave — graceful, colorful, layered marble formations jutting out of the lake.

We also visited the dramatic confluence of the Baker and Nef rivers, where the waters, jade-colored from glacial silt, roared over rocks and falls.

Contemplative visits

Later that day, we toured a misty, drizzly Patagonia National Park. Free-roaming guanacos (a distant cousin to the camel and llama) nibbled on the grass surrounding the tiny cemetery where conservationist Doug Tompkins, the founder of the clothing companies Esprit and North Face, is buried.

Tompkins, who helped establish several national parks in Chile and Argentina, died from hypothermia on an ill-fated kayaking trip in 2015 on the very lake we gazed at every day.

On our last full day, we visited Puerto Guadal, just a few miles away. Sometimes referred to as the “pearl of the lake,” this small village features great weather and panoram-

ic views of the surrounding mountains.

My favorite stop in the village was the small cemetery. This may sound morbid, but I love visiting cemeteries in foreign countries, especially in far-flung corners of the world. Each grave, often decorated with moving displays of grief and love, tells a story of a person, of their family, of the community and culture of which they were part.

I try to imagine their lives in a place and era much different than my own. Where did they come from, how did they live, how did they die?

The view from its cemetery is impressive, but it gets even better a couple of miles down the road with a full-on vista of the lake. The jagged peaks and glaciers of the southern ice fields loom over the scene.

If we had another day, we would have hiked four hours over the ridge behind the lodge to the best viewpoint to contemplate the ice fields in all their vast, gleaming glory.

Hiking in a humid rainforest

From the Mallin Colorado Ecolodge, we headed north, back to where we started, and beyond.

As we drove, the scenery changed dramatically. If the southern portion of the

Over the centuries, water has eroded the calcium carbonate cliffs on the edge of Chile’s General Carrera Lake, leaving twisted marble caves for kayakers to navigate. Patagonia’s ice-blue glaciers, turquoise lakes and chalky mountains enchant travelers to this distant land, located at the southern end of South America.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

Rick Steves encourages travelers to see masterpieces in person. See why on page 16.

The author’s wife, Katherine Mankin, hikes in the rainforest surrounding the resort where they stayed. Older travelers may find travel to Patagonia a bit easier with a touring company that arranges transportation and appropriate lodging.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK STEVES’ EUROPE

Coming to appreciate Europe’s great art

By Rick Steves

To see great art is a joy. And to see it, while traveling, “in situ” — both physically (where it was meant to be seen) and historically (to understand the context in which it was made) — makes the experience richer yet.

I haven’t always loved art history. As a teenager, I struggled doggedly through Kenneth Clark’s epic art series, Civilisation. “Brilliant work,” I thought, “but let’s lighten up.”

And I remember, back in my college days, flipping through a course catalog with dorm friends and playing “name the most boring class of all.” My vote: Art History.

A few inspiring professors — and perspective-broadening trips — later, I had changed my tune. I’ve learned to recognize the value of great art as a window into the culture and people we travel so far to experience and understand.

As a travel writer and tour guide, I’ve spent the last 40 years teaching art history in the most wonderful classrooms imaginable: Europe’s great galleries, palaces, cathedrals and museums.

Through those years, just as some gain an appreciation of fine wine, I’ve gained an appreciation of artistic genius — and the times and places where that genius flourished.

It’s great travel to look at a Fra Angelico

fresco at his monastery in Florence and understand why, for this monk-artist, painting was a form of prayer, and that he couldn’t paint a crucifix without weeping.

It’s great travel to gaze upon an Albrecht Dürer self-portrait brimming with humanistic pride (at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich) and marvel at how, with his etchings and the new-fangled printing press, he was Europe’s first “best-selling” artist.

It’s great travel to stand before a Vermeer painting at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and let it capture tranquility so intimately that you can almost hear the trickle of milk as the maid pours it.

To visit one of Europe’s venerable music halls and realize how Baroque music — Bach with his interwoven melodies, Scarlatti with his trills — can be “Bernini for your ears” and is best played with ruffles on your sleeves.

And to circle the sun-dappled Musée de l’Orangerie gallery in Paris and look way too closely at Monet’s messy brushwork — a seemingly abstract collage of competing colors — then zoom out and, bam, to suddenly understand the genius of his Water Lilies

Domes through the ages

On Scotland’s Orkney Islands, I lowered my head — as people have for 5,000 years — to squeeze through a tunnel before

standing tall in a Stone Age tomb. Under that rock ceiling, I was reminded that the progress of Western civilization can be tracked by art and architecture — in this case the evolution of ever-grander domes.

That progress started about 1,300 BCE with a Bronze Age tomb constructed like a stone igloo, with stones fitted together like the “beehive” tomb I visited in Mycenae, Greece.

Then, in Rome, I dropped my jaw under the dome of the Pantheon, built 1,400 years later and still wowing travelers with the magnificence and splendor of ancient Rome at its zenith.

Two hours away by train, and about 1,400 years later again, I gazed up at Brunelleschi’s mighty cathedral dome towering high above Florence. It was so beloved by the citizens that when Michelangelo set out to build St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, he said he would build a dome “bigger but not more beautiful” than its sister in Florence.

Some 500 years later, summiting St. Peter’s, I stood where sunbeams enter the grandest church in Christendom and marveled at how a Renaissance superstar could glorify God and celebrate humanism at the same time.

Art takes us back to experience it as if we lived when it was created. To be filled with wonder: like a prehistoric hunter with a torch under a dome of bison. Or like a medieval peasant, stepping from an existence of hunger, shivering and fear into a church, to be surrounded by riches and the promise of a happy eternity.

To thrill at the appearance of a gothic spire on the horizon, as if a pilgrim who’s hiked a thousand miles to get there. To re-

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ally believe that a “divine monarch” was ordained by God to rule without question, and then to be wowed by giant murals of his triumphs and his halls of mirrors slathered in gold leaf.

To understand why the great surrealist Salvador Dalí said, “I am the drug.”

Art transports us to other cultures and other times. It shows us both our foibles and our potential for greatness. It helps a society’s culture sparkle. And, of course, it gives us something to savor — exquisite beauty.

Travel writer and television host Rick Steves recently finished a two-year-long project — producing a six-hour public television miniseries called “Rick Steves Art of Europe” — that aims

See EUROPE’S ART, page 17

I age, therefore I am

To see great art like Claude Monet’s Water Lilies in the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris is to “understand the genius” of his series of 250 paintings. Part of the joy of traveling to major cities is visiting great works of art while there.

PHOTO BY SAILKO

Carretera Austral highway reminded me of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the northern portion looked more like Southeast Alaska and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State (without the bears and poisonous snakes).

In the humid north close to the ocean, the mountains are covered with trees, which cling to sheer rocks with their roots like the fingers of desperate climbers. The lush, vertical forest was shrouded in clouds and mist.

Our destination in the north was the Hotel Termas de Puyuhuapi, on the edge of a Pacific fjord, reachable only by boat. The main attraction of this posh hotel and spa are the thermal baths and pools, most of them outdoors overlooking the fjord. The hotel is also surrounded by thick, dripping rainforest.

On our one full day at the hotel, we

Europe’s art

to make art accessible, meaningful and fun. This article was inspired by that series.

Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes Euro-

hiked for an hour or so through the rainforest, working up a grand sweat in the humidity, then soaked in a secluded bath on the bank of the fjord. Since most of the other guests were off on an excursion across the fjord, we had the bath entirely to ourselves.

The Hanging Glacier

It’s hard to imagine that the trip could get any better, but it did. On our last full day, we stopped in Queulat National Park to see the famed Hanging Glacier — a wall of ice “hanging” between two slopes on the edge of a precipice.

After an easy two-mile trail through the forest and across a footbridge suspended over a roaring river, we reached a large lake. We could see the hanging glacier across the lake, spanning two slopes and feeding a long narrow waterfall.

Through the telescopic lens of my cam-

pean guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. You can email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.

© 2022 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

era, I could see chunks of ice tumbling from the glacier and splashing into the waterfall. In a trip that featured one spectacular vista after another, this was perhaps the best, especially when we cruised across the lake in a Zodiac for an even closer look.

In many ways this was the ultimate road trip — a journey through a pristine corner of a remote country where the air is fresh and sweet, the vistas are wide and far, and the roads are largely empty.

If I were younger, I would have loved doing this road trip myself, stopping for the night in funky hostels and guest houses. Now I am happy to have someone else do the planning (and driving) and to stay in luxury spas, boutique hotels and seclud-

ed lodges, so I can just sit back and enjoy the spectacular views.

If you go

Round-trip airfare from BWI to Santiago, Chile, can be as low as $784. From Santiago to Balmaceda, the round-trip fare is about $200.

As for the other details, I strongly recommend letting a tour company like Adventure Life (adventure-life.com) organize everything for you, including the lodges, hotels and especially the driver.

Don and Katherine’s trip was hosted by Adventure Life. For more photos and information go to the blog on Don’s website, adventuretransformations.com.

Classifieds cont. from p. 19.

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Scrabble answers on p. 17.

Find

Crossword Puzzle

Easy Bake Stephen Sherr

BB423

Across

1. Additionally

5. Vinyl singles require 45

8. “Poppycock!”

13. Neighborhood in London or New York

14. “Chief Twit,” Musk

16. Show a good time

17. Medicine helper

20. Thrice, in prescriptions

21. Banishment

22. Ali strategy, rope-a-___

23. Tax File Numbers (Australian SSN equivalents)

25. Give an early end to a ‘70’s talent show act

27. Get shutout

33. At this very location

34. Chop off the last letter from 2 Down

35. “Strange things come ___ in troubled times”

37. Word on a shoppe sign

38. Civic start to Moines or Plaines

40. Queue after Q

41. Q: On what day of the ___ chickens hide?

A: Fry Day

44. Its main campus is in Troy, N.Y.

46. End ___ era

47. What April grains do

50. Poi source

51. Abbrev. for Online Only Fashion

Retailers

52. Deplaned

55. Baseball box-score column

58. Pecan or pistachio

61. What you can do with the ingredients at the end of 17, 27, and 47 Across

64. Entry in a daily planner

65. Requirement of an angel costume

66. Good hole cards

67. Volumize hair

68. News org. with the most Pulitzer Prizes

69. Last item in a top-ten list

Down

1. Kind of prof.

2. Bound along

3. Cook in a diner

4. New pedometer reading

5. Rejection letter, for example

6. Asset

7. Golden retriever : shed :: goldfinch : ___

8. Father figures

9. Like good lipstick

10. Author of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

11. Expeditiously (expeditiously)

12. Used to be

15. Have ___ (be humble)

18. Homophone for nun

19. Winter glaze

24. Animal shelter offering

26. Hero of The Matrix series

27. Conduct an open house

28. Tabloid topic

29. Odin or Eros

30. Bolshoi Theatre performance

31. It starts with a pilot light

32. Yellow dwarf, such as Alpha Centauri

36. The only NBA Pacific Division team not based in California

39. Secret agent

42. Modern forensic tool

43. Shrek and Fiona

45. “It must have slipped my mind”

48. Change from one form to another

49. Wager on the wrong team, with 52 Down

52. See 49 Down

53. Cleanse

54. Seller of the Ektorp sofa

56. Horse color

57. For one night ___

59. Hawaiian strings

60. Vision check-up

62. Chowed down

63. Uber alternative

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