June 2022 | DC Beacon

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Write your memoir — with help

Courageously unlock memories Sharing your life story “takes an act of courage,” Schwartz said. At a class last month, one of her students remarked, “I realize I’m going to have to unlock myself and my memories.”

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

Explore the gardens and rainforests of Kauai; plus, slow down in historic Edenton, N.C., stay flexible for more affordable summer trips, and learn how to get access to comfy airport lounges page 40

Maryland retiree Dotty Holcomb Doherty, 65, recently published a memoir she began 13 years ago. She took writing classes to help her complete the book. Many local venues offer writing classes for every skill level. Getting input from fellow writers at workshops and meet-up groups can also help improve your memoir, novel, essay or poetry.

The courage to unlock the past is the only requirement to sign up for one of Schwartz’ writing classes, which are open to people of all ages and abilities.

“I’ve had students come with no writing experience and are now publishing widely in literar y magazines and jour nals,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz will teach her next Life Stories Intensive course in August at the nonprofit

Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland. All are welcome.

“We try to encourage anyone who wants to write to take a class,” said Margaret Meleney, executive director of the 12,000square-foot Writer’s Center, founded in 1976.

Meleney not only leads the Center; she is a student there too. “I was nervous myself, See MEMOIRS, page 50

ARTS & STYLE

The Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Our Town highlights the classic play’s timeless messages; plus, honoring volunteers, and Bob Levey on reunions page 46

FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Think twice before genetic testing k What hearing aids can and can’t do LIVING BOLDLY 30 k Newsletter for D.C. residents

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By Margaret Foster Maryland teacher Dotty Holcomb Doherty never considered writing a book until her friend was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. “I don’t want to disappear, and I want my story to help someone else,” her friend told her. “Will you write my story?”

Doherty, who had written for several area publications, started writing the story of her friend’s life and then, thanks to a writing class, wove in her own story. Last November, New Bay Books published her book, titled Buoyant: What Held Us Up When Our Bodies Let Us Down.

“If it’s itching at you and you want to write, just start putting it down,” Doherty advised.

“We all have that critic that says, ‘I’m not good enough; nobody cares.’ Just write it.”

If you’ve ever mused, “I should write a book,” perhaps now is the time. Many retirees fill their bonus hours by writing their life experiences to pass on to family.

With the help of a writer’s group or writing classes, they’re even publishing books.

“A lot of Baby Boomers who are now retired — maybe they took an English course in college — they now want to write,” said Lynn Auld Schwartz, Doherty’s teacher, who has been teaching a memoir course called “Life Stories Intensive” for eight years. It’s one of her most popular classes, she said.

“It’s human nature that we want people to hear what we have to say, and to feel that our life has been important and meant something,” Schwartz said. “And whenever we’re telling a true story, people listen up.”

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Bumps in the road There’s a short but lovely parkway not only masquerade as speed bumps, as they far from my house that I occasionally drive are really just pedestrian crossings painted to look like speed bumps (or on. It runs parallel to a walkso it seems to me). ing and bike trail, and is dotAll of this “inside informated along the way with tennis tion” is especially helpful and basketball courts and picwhen I find myself being folnic sites. lowed closely by a driver who Not surprisingly, the poweither has never driven the ers in charge have instituted a moderate speed limit and road before or just likes to installed multiple speed tailgate. I need to telegraph bumps and pedestrian/bike my intentions lest I get crossings along its length. rammed from behind.

Have you noticed how each FROM THE As I was driving down the speed bump seems to have its PUBLISHER road the other day with all own personality? There clearly By Stuart P. Rosenthal these thoughts flitting doesn’t appear to be any mold through my mind, I couldn’t used to make them, as no two are alike. help thinking how these “bumps in the That seems especially true along this road” — including all their nuances — reparticular roadway. I find some can be eas- semble our experience of life and the obily passed over at the posted 20 mph speed stacles we all encounter. limit, while others could take out your mufSometimes there are signs that warn us fler and make you bump your head on the of impending problems. Sometimes we noroof of the car if you tried that. Some are tice and heed those signs, and sometimes easy to cross in one direction, but a bear we don’t. when coming the opposite way.

Sometimes we recognize a bump as Because I’ve driven the road so many something we’ve seen and traversed before, times, I know which bumps are quite easy so we either proceed confidently or take adto navigate at speed, which ones require ditional precautions. Other times, we may slowing almost to a stop (due to the precip- think we know what we’re about to experiitous drop on the other side), and which ence but are in for a rude awakening.

Beacon The

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. and Richmond, Va. Readership exceeds 400,000.

Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below.

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

Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives – Dan Kelly, M.K. Phillips Assistant Editor – Catherine Brown Content Manager – Ashley Griffin

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 55 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

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Occasionally we pass over or through a bumpy period in life and find very little has changed afterwards. But other times, the experience throws us for a loop, leading to some internal or external damage that we may or may not fully recover from.

Then there are the times we are focusing on the people coming behind us, and either not paying enough attention to the road in front, or letting others push us into something we are not prepared for.

And of course, there are all the places along life’s way we should come to a stop to let others pass or, perhaps, allow ourselves to smell the flowers or consider a different route altogether.

There’s only so far one should go in pursuing a metaphor, and I think I’ve reached (or passed) the limit.

But I did find these meandering thoughts brought to mind certain episodes in my life — some long forgotten or repressed, and others that, in recalling, made me feel I had truly learned from experience.

Perhaps you have had a similar reaction to this column. But if not, I hope you may think of it and smile the next time you hit a literal or figurative speed bump in life.

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

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

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

Dear Editor: Elder financial exploitation is a serious crime that was exacerbated during the pandemic. In 2020, nearly 7,400 elder Marylanders reported losing almost $100 million through financial exploitation, (although estimates are significantly higher, as most seniors do not report the crime).

Maryland’s annual PROTECT Week (Protecting Older Americans from Financial Exploitation) will be held June 13 to 17 so that older adults and caregivers can learn about the under-reported and often preventable crime of elder financial abuse and exploitation.

Visit protectweek.org to view a calendar of events, articles, webinars and other resources to prevent elder financial exploitation from happening to you or a loved one.

If you or someone you know is targeted by a scam, call the Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-3728311. In addition, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network can help you spot and avoid scams with its free “watchdog alerts,” scam-tracking map, and fraud helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

Peter Franchot Maryland Comptroller Dear Editor: I have read many editorials addressing the Aduhelm dilemma, but yours (“Alzheimer’s drug saga,” From the Publisher, May) was by far the best, condensing information and common sense into a very understandable article.

Your article was the first time that I have heard that CMS is considering rolling back the “Aduhelm premium increase.” It is troubling that a single drug, even if it works, can hold a multitrillion dollar operation hostage.

Thank goodness CMS brought some reason to the table and severely limited coverage for a drug that probably really

doesn’t work even in a limited fashion. My family has dealt with Alzheimer’s, and I understand the enthusiasm for anything that will help even a little bit (as with many new cancer therapies). I just don’t believe this is one of them.

I will continue to look for your publication.

Jeffery Schul, MD Via email Dear Editor: Bob Levey’s May article, “A solution to the older driver conundrum,” describes the problems but fails to offer palatable solutions to the loss of a lifetime of driving.

However, a safe option of getting to where you want to go locally, when you want to go, is possible. User-friendly, responsive, licensed taxi service could ease the transition when it becomes necessary for an older driver to turn in his or her car keys and stop driving.

I submit this alternative solution. Seniors who forego driving establish a transportation account using debit or credit cards — in most cases initially funded by the sale of the family car and thereafter replenished by themselves or their families.

Low-income families would be subsidized using public funds.

Transportation would be provided by government-registered taxis including wheelchair-accessible taxis, also providing a stream of income to a troubled industry.

The peace-of-mind bonus is eliminating trips to the emergency room or a court visit.

Charles Kauffman Bethesda, MD Dear Editor: I thought Bob Levy’s suggestion for evaluating older drivers was excellent.

However, I object to restricting the extended evaluation to a certain age group.

See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 53

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

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Health Fitness &

HEADS UP Beware of “harmless” bumps; it’s best to check out a head injury HEARING AID TIPS How to evaluate the many options for today’s hearing aids FIRST TASTE Ditch donuts and start your day right with these breakfast foods LICENSE LAPSE When to stop driving and how to convince older parents to stop

Why antioxidants matter; get from food

By Carrie Dennett Antioxidants are a nutrition topic that’s had staying power for decades as other nutrition trends come and go. Why? Because although antioxidants can be overhyped at times, there is actual substance behind the hype.

What antioxidants do Antioxidants neutralize free radicals — substances that occur naturally in the body but can damage cells and DNA. “Antioxidants are simply compounds that protect cells against oxidation — or the effects of free radicals — and they’re found all around us, in many types of foods and drinks,” said Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist, Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, author of Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep and How to Eat to Beat Disease Cookbook.

Hultin points out that the body is in constant flux and needs antioxidants to help naturally quench the oxidation that occurs by simply living — breathing, metabolizing, detoxing.

“These processes create natural free radical damage, and the balance is that we get antioxidants from the foods we eat,” she said.

Our bodies do a pretty good job of keeping free radicals in check by producing their own antioxidants. But poor diet and exposure to cigarette smoke, pollution, radiation and environmental toxins can produce more free radicals than your body can handle.

The resulting oxidation can accelerate aging and increase the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer.

Counterintuitively, antioxidants in excess can also be oxidant, but oxidation isn’t always bad, said Michelle Averill, PhD, RDN, an associate professor of occupational and health sciences at the University of Washington.

“It’s all a system, and we need oxidants and antioxidants in balance,” she said. “When our body increases oxidants, it’s not always negative. Sometimes oxidants are a response to something happening in our system and it tells our body to do something.”

Multi-tasking properties We sometimes refer to certain nutrients and phytochemicals as antioxidants, but it’s more accurate to say that they have antioxidant properties.

For example, vitamin C plays a role in the production of collagen, neurotransmitters and certain amino acids in the body — and it also functions as an important antioxidant.

“Vitamins and minerals contain antioxidants — including beta-carotene and vitamins C and E — but there are actually thousands of antioxidant compounds,” Averill said. “For example, all the types of polyphenols in tea, coffee, berries and chocolate.

They’ve got flavanols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, among many others.”

The minerals selenium and manganese also have antioxidant properties, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Averill said there may be hundreds of thousands of compounds with antioxidant properties.

plements? The short answer is no, in part because you can have too much of a good thing.

There was a lot of excitement about antioxidant supplements in the 1990s, until researchers found that large doses actually increased some health risks — such as increased lung cancer risk in smokers taking beta-carotene — or simply did not deliver on hoped-for benefits.

It’s almost impossible to get too many antioxidants from food, however. And there’s no evidence that taking antioxidant supplements works as well as eating antioxidant-rich food.

“It’s not that we specifically take X micronutrient to increase antioxidants in our bodies. It’s that we eat the foods that support the antioxidant balance in the body,” Averill said.

“You can’t overcome an imbalance of antioxidants and oxidants through supplements, but there are definitely dietary pat-

Get via food or supplements?

Should you get antioxidants from sup-

See ANTIOXIDANTS, page 5

Want to get genetic testing? First ask why

By Robert H. Shmerling, MD When it comes to health and disease — and, of course, many other aspects of life — one thing is certain: genes matter.

A single gene mutation can cause conditions such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis. More often, multiple genes are involved in disease development, and they act in concert with nongenetic factors, such as diet or exercise, to affect disease risk.

Several companies offer you the opportunity to look at your genes. But how might that help you from a health standpoint?

And how do such tests differ from the genetic testing a doctor may recommend?

Consider the example of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a condition in which multiple variants of several different genes lead to markedly high cholesterol. This greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems.

FH affects about one in 300 adults, which means it isn’t rare. Among adults who have the most common genetic variants that cause it, heart attack or sudden cardiac death may occur in middle age.

Children who have a double dose of a gene variant linked to this condition may die of

cardiovascular disease before age 20.

Treatments to reduce the risk of complications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, are available if a child or adult is known to have a mutation linked to FH.

Genetic testing is on the rise In recent years, there’s been a dramatic increase in genetic testing. It was nearly unheard of only a few decades ago. Now, you or someone you know has likely had genetic testing within the last year or two.

And while healthcare providers can now order far more genetic tests for their patients than in the past, you don’t need a doctor’s order to request this.

Testing companies like 23andMe, Ancestry.com and others are ready and willing to check your genes for variants associated with certain health conditions, as well as your family ancestry. In fact, spending on direct-toconsumer genetic testing is predicted to reach $2.5 billion within the next few years.

Sometimes, tests are lifesaving Is testing useful? For some people, the answer is clearly yes.

When performed accurately, genetic

tests can uncover a disease or a tendency to develop certain conditions, and it can lead to close relatives getting tested as well. Preventive measures or treatment can be lifesaving.

Here are four examples (though there are many more): Hemochromatosis. This is a genetic condition in which too much iron is absorbed from the diet. The extra iron can harm important organs like the heart and liver. Once a person is diagnosed, phlebotomy (blood removal, similar to what happens during blood donation) and avoiding iron supplements can prevent serious complications such as diabetes and liver failure.

Prenatal testing. For people planning pregnancy or who are already pregnant, genetic testing is available to check for many conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome.

Cancer. A number of genes are known to increase the risk of certain cancers. Testing may be especially important for people with a family history of these cancers. Perhaps the most well-known are BRCA mutations, which increase the risk of breast, ovarian and several other types of cancer.

People who don’t know their family’s medical history. A person who is adopted and has no information about family medical problems may learn from a test they are at increased risk of a preventable disease, such as heart disease or colon cancer. In these cases, knowing you might develop a condition or are a carrier can help direct medical care, and may inform life decisions or encourage you or other family members to consider genetic counseling.

Tests can be misleading In other cases, testing is problematic.

Results of genetic testing may provide information you already know, may be unhelpful, or may even be misleading.

For example, testing could reveal that you have a genetic mutation that rarely causes any health problems. Learning that you have this mutation may not help you — though it might alarm you.

Or, learning you’re at increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease late in life may be more upsetting than useful, as there are currently no reliably effective See GENETIC TESTING, page 5

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A study on testing for a genetic cholesterol disorder had some surprising results. This 2021 study published in JAMA Cardiology demonstrates how direct-toconsumer testing may be misleading.

The researchers looked at genetic testing for familial hypercholesteremia. They compared the results from a comprehensive panel of genetic testing ordered by doctors (which included more than 2,000 gene variants) with results from the more limited genetic testing (24 variants) provided by 23andMe. Among more than 4,500 people tested

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preventive treatments.

Genetic testing may have more than one kind of cost. A genetic test ordered by your doctor for a specific medical reason may be covered by your health insurance, but it’s unlikely that an over-the-counter test will be.

And, as one company states on its website, “knowing about genetic risks could affect your ability to get some kinds of insurance.”

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for a medical reason, such as evaluating an unexpectedly high cholesterol level, the more limited testing would have missed important genetic variants for: —nearly 70% of study participants —nearly 94% of Black and 85% of Hispanic individuals —about a third of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals This suggests that a large number of people would be falsely reassured by the results of their genetic tests for FH if they relied on the type of screening offered by a popular over-the-counter product. And results may be particularly unreliable among persons of color.

In many cases, it’s best to review your decision to have genetic testing with your doctor before having it done. You may choose to see a genetic counselor about the ramifications of testing before you jump in, and let your doctor do the testing, rather than ordering it yourself.

Or, you may decide the best plan is no testing at all.

Dr. Shmerling is a senior faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing. © 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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terns that will promote a balance and patterns that would promote an imbalance,” Averill said.

“However, it’s difficult to say that it’s all diet. If someone is eating an unhealthy diet and has an imbalance, the culprit could also be environmental factors.”

Each antioxidant serves a different function and is not interchangeable, so it’s important to get an array of antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients from food. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, coffee and

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From page 4

cocoa, and green and black tea all have antioxidant compounds.

The common denominator? They’re all plant foods.

“People would be amazed at how many antioxidants they can get naturally through food,” Hultin said. “Simply eating more common foods like carrots, apples, onions or parsley, for example, can provide a wide array of potent antioxidants.”

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800829-5384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. ©2022 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Antioxidants

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What hearing aids can and cannot do

By Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan The following is excerpted with permission from the book Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss.

Putting a price on hearing is impossible,

but the purchase of hearing aids often forces us to do exactly that.

If you thought deciding to get a hearing aid was the hardest part of the whole process, it probably was! But now you

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need to focus on which one to get.

Before deciding where to spend your resources, you need to understand what hearing aids can and cannot do. Hearing aids are modern miracle devices, but they are not a silver bullet.

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People often expect hearing aids to “cure” their hearing problems, to correct hearing loss in the way that wearing glasses corrects vision. With these expectations, many people get a rude shock.

Success with hearing aid technology depends on many factors, including the degree and type of hearing loss, the presence of other hearing-related issues such as tinnitus, and the use of additional technical and non-technical communication strategies. Just as influential are personality, lifestyle and attitude.

Hearing aids cannot replicate the body’s natural, perfect hearing ability.

Because of this, they cannot: • deliver sounds as sharply as heard by the natural ear • read your mind — they amplify all sounds rather than just those you want to hear • distinguish among numerous simultaneous speakers • block out all unwanted background noise Hearing aids can: • improve speech comprehension, especially in a quiet environment • reduce (but not eliminate) listening effort and fatigue • improve personal speech clarity and volume (because you hear yourself better) • assist with sound localization • mask or reduce the effects of tinnitus • connect to other devices to enhance communication • combine with non-technical strategies, such as lipreading, to improve speech comprehension Hearing aids vary in size, shape, color and how they fit in the ear. Decades of research and technological developments have gone into creating sleek and sophisticated devices that provide an increasingly improved sound experience.

(Two must-have features in hearing aids are telecoils and streaming capability via Bluetooth, for instance.)

This ongoing and innovative research is part of what makes the devices so expensive.

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Choosing a hearing aid is like any serious, major purchase — what’s right for me might not be right for you. Although you will discuss the decision with an expert — your hearing care professional — doing some outside research is a good idea as well.

Visit hearing aid review websites that show the full feature comparisons of different models and their accessories, and see what users are saying about the pros and cons of different devices.

Reach out to your hearing loss peers or visit online social media groups to learn what features are most critical to other users. (Ignore the Negative Nelly types and focus on relevant feedback.)

Then think about your lifestyle and the situations where enhanced hearing is most important to you. The intersection of these two is your sweet spot. Discuss your findings with your hearing professional — and together you can pick a winner!

Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss, by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan, is available in bookstores and on Amazon. For more information, visit livingwithhearingloss.com/hearandbeyond.

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Be aware of sodium in ready-to-eat soups

By Heidi McIndoo A bowl of soup can be the perfect meal.

But the time required for it to simmer for hours on the stovetop is a luxury we don’t always have.

Ready-to-eat soup to the rescue! Prepared soups, however, are one of the highest sodium-containing foods at the grocery store.

Fortunately, many soup companies have been attempting to create tasty soups with a lower sodium content; therefore, enjoying a premade soup on occasion can fit into a healthy eating plan.

Once you’re aware of a soup’s sodium content, another important aspect to keep in mind is the serving size. The serving size for soups is considered one cup, but it’s not uncommon for people to eat an entire can in a sitting.

However, by doing so, you’ll be increasing the nutrients you’re consuming — both beneficial and, more importantly, those you should be limiting, such as sodium and saturated fat. Adding additional

low sodium foods will help provide a filling meal that doesn’t go overboard in those limited nutrients.

Here are a few ideas to boost the health benefits of supermarket soup: Check the base: To help keep the saturated fat in check, look for broth-based instead of cream-based soups.

Round out the meal: To enjoy readyto-eat soups and have a satisfying meal, consider adding whole-grain crackers and fruit to your meal. These will help fill you up while boosting nutrition.

Use leftovers: If you have any leftover veggies or beans in the refrigerator, or any frozen veggies, consider adding them to the soup as it heats. This addition boosts both the dietary fiber and the protein content, and may keep you feeling fuller longer.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800829-5384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2022 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Important steps to take after head injury

By Nancy J. Schaaf, RN Many of us bump our head and think nothing of it. Unfortunately, a seemingly benign head injury can prove fatal. Actor and comedian Bob Saget died of “blunt head trauma,” according to the autopsy report released by the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office.

“It is in my opinion that the death of Robert Saget, a 65-year-old white male found unresponsive in a hotel room, is the result of blunt head trauma. It is the most probable that the decedent suffered an unwitnessed fall backwards and struck the posterior aspect of his head. The manner of death is accident,” the statement from Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Joshua D. Stephany said in his report.

We might wonder how this could be fatal. The human brain is the control system for all the different activities in the body. As is the heart, the brain is one of the most vital organs in the body.

Head injuries are among the most common causes of disability and death in adults.

Numerous kinds of injury The broad term “head injury” describes a vast array of injuries that damage the brain, skull or scalp, and can be mild, moderate or severe. Common types include concussion, contusion, skull fracture and hematoma.

A concussion is a jarring injury to the brain, while a contusion is a bruise on the brain with minor bleeding or swelling. A crack in the skull is a fracture that can lead to

ASK MARC ELRICH: As Montgomery County Executive, how are you supporting the aging members of our community?

Marc: My budget includes $68 million for older adults including increased support for transportation, recreation, and “Villages” to help seniors remain independent in their homes or to find safe, affordable housing. : We’ve

boosted public efforts to keep seniors healthy and safe with expanded financial and technological support.

: We

created the “Covid corps” of young people to help seniors with technology during the pandemic. We worked with our partners to provide physical, mental, and social interaction.

: We

continue to adapt to meet the changing demographic needs of our diverse community.

Montgomery County is a great place to live, and with your help and vote, we can make it even better.

EARLY PRIMARY VOTE

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other injuries due to bone fragments piercing the brain. A hematoma causes bleeding that collects, clots and forms a bump.

Head injuries are also commonly referred to as brain injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI), depending on the extent of the head trauma.

Nearly 1.7 million people have a TBI each year. Millions of Americans are alive today who have experienced a head injury and now need help with activities of daily living, costing the country more than $56 billion per year.

There are several causes of head injuries. The most common traumatic injuries are from motor vehicle accidents (automobiles, motorcycles, or struck as a pedestrian), from violence, falls or child abuse.

such as headaches, nausea or fatigue; frequent vomiting; pupils that are bigger than usual (dilated) or of different sizes; trouble walking, speaking or breathing; drainage of bloody or clear fluids from the ears or nose; loss of consciousness or seizures.

In any of these cases you should see a doctor, as the full extent of an injury is determined with a comprehensive medical evaluation and diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, X-ray, computed tomography scan (CT scan), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment is individualized, depending on the extent of the condition and the presence of other injuries. Age, overall health, medical history, and the scope and type of the head injury determine the specific treatment.

When to see a doctor

To reduce your risk

It is normal to have a headache and nausea with a head injury. You may be dizzy or disoriented right afterward and may have problems focusing or remembering.

Other symptoms may include ringing in your ears, neck pain and vision problems.

These symptoms often go away in a few weeks but may last longer if the injury is severe.

If you suffer a head injury, seek medical help immediately if you experience the following: any symptom that gets worse,

We cannot always avoid head injuries, but we can do things to decrease our risk, such as wearing a seatbelt in the car, using a helmet on a motorcycle or bicycle, wearing proper protective gear at work or when playing sports, and keeping a close watch on children and older people for falls or accidents.

It is essential to treat all head injuries seriously and have them assessed by a doctor.

Nancy Schaaf is a retired nurse and educator.

BEACON BITS

June 21

RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

In this free Zoom presentation hosted by Mount Vernon Genealogical Society, Claire Kulskens, who is an expert on genealogy and census records for the National Archives, will demonstrate how family history researchers can use the census to learn more about their relatives.

This event takes place Tues., June 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, visit mvgenealogy.org.

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

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Leg pain when walking is probably PAD

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I recently developed pain in my right leg, but only when I walk. If I slow down or stop, the pain goes away. Is it a circulation problem?

A: Your symptoms are most consistent with peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when one or more of the arteries that carry blood to the leg muscles narrows, often because of a buildup of fatty plaque.

An estimated 10 million Americans have PAD, and it usually strikes after age 50. In addition to older age, risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a history of heart disease or stroke.

Leg pain and fatigue are the most dominant PAD symptoms and usually occur with activity, but go away with rest.

Blood flow carries oxygen to tissues.

When you walk, your leg muscles need more oxygen, but the blockages in the leg arteries won’t allow the blood flow to increase, so the muscles hurt from a lack of oxygen and buildup of lactic acid.

Plaque buildup doesn’t affect only the legs. If you have blockages in your leg arteries, you probably have blockages in the arteries leading to your heart and brain, which can raise your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Other symptoms caused by poor blood flow to the legs include foot pain, foot sores that won’t heal, and impotence.

pain, stop and rest until the pain subsides, then begin walking again. Continue the cycle until the time period has elapsed.

Walk every other day at first, and then progress to more days and longer periods.

As you improve, you should find that walking becomes easier and you have fewer stop-and-rest periods. You want to build up to walking for at least 30 minutes, five times a week.

Your doctor also may recommend daily low-dose aspirin to prevent blood clots, and a statin to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

VOTE JULIE YANG FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION on July 19

Board of Education members are elected countywide regardless of district.

Educator | PTA Leader MCPS Parent | Community Advocate MONTGOMERY COUNTY

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Men, if you’re over 50, you’re overdue.

Early detection of prostate cancer makes all the difference.

Diagnosis and treatment Make an appointment with your doctor.

Diagnosing PAD begins with a physical exam.

Your doctor feels the pulses in your legs and feet to identify any reduction in blood flow. He or she may order a noninvasive test called an ankle-brachial index to compare the blood pressure in your arms and legs.

Treatment begins with lifestyle changes.

If you smoke, you need to stop immediately.

In addition, you should eat a heart-healthy diet and keep walking, even if it hurts.

Walking increases blood flow in the smaller arteries of the legs and helps create new channels to move blood around the blockages.

It sounds like you are already on your way toward a good walking program. Begin with 5 to 10 minutes of walking. If you experience

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

How to get relief from allergy symptoms

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I am struggling with more allergy symptoms than usual this spring. There are so many over-the-counter products available. How does one choose?

A: Before choosing a medication, it helps to understand what’s causing your allergies.

Often, it’s a matter of inhaling a harmless substance, such as pollen or another allergen, which the immune system mistakenly perceives as a dangerous invader.

The immune system generates sub-

stances designed to fight the assumed invader. One of these substances is histamine, which triggers inflammation of mucous membranes and the production of mucus (lots of it).

This condition, called allergic rhinitis, is marked by a stuffy or runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing and sometimes a sore throat.

OTC treatments to start If you haven’t tried an antihistamine yet,

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start there. Choose one of the second-generation over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, such as fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), or cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Compared with first-generation antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), the newer ones are less likely to make you drowsy.

Antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen (Zaditor), can be used for watery eyes.

If an antihistamine isn’t resolving your symptoms, you can add a corticosteroid nasal spray. OTC versions include budesonide (Rhinocort), fluticasone propionate (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort).

The downside is that corticosteroid sprays take two weeks or more for their full effect. That can be tough when you’re coping with symptoms.

If you can anticipate seasonal allergy symptoms next time, start using the corticosteroid nasal spray before symptoms typically begin.

Potential side effects include nose bleeds and higher eye pressure related to glaucoma.

Non-prescription decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sudafed PE), shrink tiny blood vessels, which decreases fluid secretion in the nasal passages, helping to relieve a stuffy nose.

Check with your doctor if you have heart or blood pressure problems, as decongestants can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

All of the products mentioned above are available as generic versions, which are usually less expensive.

If you’re still having symptoms, or if you’re concerned about side effects, it may be time to consult your primary care physician, an allergist, or an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist).

Sometimes it takes trial and error to find the best combination of medications to relieve your symptoms.

And if nothing is controlling them, there are still more options, including allergy shots that can change how your immune system responds to allergens. © 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Write a letter to the editor.

See page 2.

GABE ALBORNOZ DEMOCRAT FOR COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE A TRUSTED LEADER TO MOVE US FORWARD 5/16/18

“Few county officials are as capable or widely admired” The son of immigrants, a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, and a devoted husband and father — Gabe has dedicated over 23 years to public service, advocating for youth, seniors, and all vulnerable populations.

As Council President and Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Gabe guided our community through the pandemic — ensuring our county had one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation, and that no resident was left without a hand to help pull them up. Gabe is seen as the “Heart of the Council” as well as its moral compass, and he works tirelessly with his colleagues to negotiate balanced solutions.

G GabeAlbornoz.com b Alb info@GabeAlbornoz.com /GabeAlbornoz1 @GabeAlbornoz1 @GabeAlbornoz1 Gabe for Council, Deborah Williams, Treasurer

The past three years have been a testament to our shared strength and courage, and now more than ever we need trusted leadership to move the County forward.

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When a loved one ought to stop driving Dear Savvy Senior, behind the wheel when the time is right.

What is the best way to deal with older drivers who probaTake a ride together bly shouldn’t be driving To get a clear picture of anymore? My dad, who’s your dad’s driving abilities, a 86, is bound and detergood first step, if you haven’t mined to keep driving as already done so, is to take a long as he’s alive. ride with him and watch for —Backseat Daughter problem areas.

Dear Backseat, For example: Does he have For many families, talking difficulty seeing, backing up to a parent about giving up the or changing lanes? Does he car keys can be very difficult react slowly, get confused easiSAVVY SENIOR ly or make poor driving deciand sensitive.

While there’s no one way to By Jim Miller sions? Does he drive at inaphandle this issue, here are a propriate speeds, tailgate or few suggestions that can help you evaluate drift between lanes? your dad’s driving and ease him out from Also, has your dad had any fender ben-

MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS BETTER WITH BLAIR “David Blair has the experience and vision that makes him the leader Montgomery County needs at this moment in time.”

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ders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on his vehicle?

These, too, are red flags.

If you need some help and your dad is willing, consider hiring a driver rehabilitation specialist who’s trained to evaluate older drivers and provide safety suggestions.

This type of assessment typically costs between $200 and $400. To locate a professional in your area, visit AOTA.org/olderdriver or ADED.net.

Take a class, have a talk After your assessment, if you think it’s still safe for your dad to drive, see if he would be willing to take an older driver refresher course. These courses will show him how aging affects driving skills, and offer tips and adjustments to help keep him safe.

If your dad takes a class, he may also earn a discount on his auto insurance. To locate a class, contact your local AAA (AAA.com) or AARP (AARPdriversafety.org, 1-888-2277669). Most courses cost around $20 to $30 and can be taken online.

If, however, your assessment shows that your dad really does need to stop driving, you need to have a talk with him.

But don’t get carried away. If you begin with a dramatic outburst like, “Dad, you’re going to kill someone!” you’re likely to trigger resistance. Start by simply expressing your concern for his safety.

The Hartford Financial Services Group

and MIT AgeLab offer a variety of resources to assist you with talking to your dad and evaluating his driving skills. Visit TheHartford.com/lifetime and click on “Publications” on the menu bar, then on the “We Need to Talk” guidebook.

If he refuses If your dad refuses to quit, you have several options. One possible solution is to suggest a visit to his doctor, who can give him a medical evaluation and, if warranted, “prescribe” that he stop driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If he still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help. Or call in an attorney to discuss with your dad the potential financial and legal consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away his keys.

Once your dad stops driving, he’s going to need other ways to get around, so help him create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that he can call on. [See sidebar on next page, “Local transportation services,” for some ideas.]

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

BEACON BITS

June 17+

LOW VISION BOOK CLUB The Metropolitan D.C. Chapter of the Prevention of Blindness

Society is hosting a free virtual summer book club on the third Friday of June, July and August at 11 a.m. For more information and to sign up, visit pobreads.org or call (202) 234-1010, ext. 233.

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

Local transportation services Here is a sampling of free and lowcost transportation services offered to older adults in the region:

and other activities. Call (301) 9620820 or visit www.seniorconnectionmc.org/our-programs/senior-rides.

In Washington, D.C.

In Northern Virginia

The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) partners with Yellow Cab to offer transportation to life-sustaining appointments to District residents over 60 with certain medical conditions. Call (202) 724-5626.

The Seabury ConnectorCard provides prepaid debit cards to older adults in D.C. to be used for transportation needs. Call (202) 844-3000.

NV Rides supports a network of local organizations that provide free and low-cost transportation to older adults. Visit nvrides.org or call (703) 537-3071.

Shepherd’s Center provides transportation services to people 50 and over to appointments, grocery stores, banks and libraries. Visit scnova.org or call (703) 291-0067.

In Montgomery County, Md.

In general

With Call-n-Ride, eligible low-income adults with disabilities or those over age 67 can access discounted taxicab service within Montgomery County. Call (301) 948-5409.

Senior Connection provides up to six free round trips for Montgomery County residents 60 and over to medical appointments, social engagements

Wherever you live, if your neighborhood offers a local “village,” membership may include free rides from volunteers to medical appointments and for other needs. The Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE) maintains a list of area villages. See wavevillages.org.

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Simple tests can ID silent kidney disease

By Family Features When people are unexpectedly diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), their lives can be turned upside down.

CKD, which is the gradual loss of kidney function, strikes Americans at a faster rate than any other non-contagious disease.

When diagnosed early, kidney disease can often be treated so that it does not worsen into kidney failure (which can be fatal). However, with no symptoms in the early stages, CKD often goes undiagnosed

until the late stages.

To survive with kidney failure, people must either receive a kidney transplant or start dialysis care, which involves a machine filtering their blood on a regular basis.

The wait for a transplant can be three to five years or more, and 13 Americans die every day waiting to get off the kidney transplant waitlist.

No early symptoms Most people with kidney disease do not

know they have it because they do not have any symptoms until their kidneys are badly damaged.

The only way to know how well your kidneys are working is to get simple blood and urine tests, which a doctor can order at your annual physical. Testing is especially important if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.

When caught and treated early, it is often possible to slow or stop the progression of kidney disease and avoid serious complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death.

Some at higher risk People of all races and ethnicities are equally likely to develop kidney disease; however, people of color are more likely to reach kidney failure.

Black Americans make up just 13% of the U.S. population, but they account for 35% of Americans with kidney failure.

Hispanic/Latino people are 1.5 times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic white people.

Native Americans are twice as likely to

go into kidney failure as white Americans.

Asian Americans are 1.3 times more likely to go into kidney failure.

The higher risk for kidney failure in these communities is in part due to higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as to a lack of access to timely preventative care.

People in regions where there is a scarcity of healthcare resources can experience higher instances of kidney failure.

An estimated 22% of people with kidney failure live in rural areas. People with later stage kidney disease who live more than 100 miles away from a dialysis center are more likely to die than people who live closer.

As a patient, you have the right to understand everything about your health. Talk with your doctor about risk factors, testing options, prevention strategies and available treatment options. If you feel your concerns are not being heard, you have the right to get a second opinion.

To learn more about kidney disease or improving health equity in kidney care, visit KidneyFund.org.

Submit a letter to the editor.

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Low inflammation diet fights chronic pain

By Densie Webb The idiom “you are what you eat” is well accepted when it comes to increasing or decreasing your risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer.

But it may come as a surprise that research increasingly suggests that what you put on your plate can either increase or decrease pain that stems from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis and migraines, and can even potentially impact chronic lower back pain.

That’s because pain, whether it’s acute or chronic, results from inflammation, and what you eat and drink can either stimulate or quell inflammation. In fact, research strongly suggests that your diet can contribute to inflammation throughout your body.

The diet/pain connection While research shows a connection between diet and pain, exactly how it works isn’t completely understood yet.

However, it’s believed that a poor diet that’s high in saturated fats, sugar and highly processed foods that are low in nutrients can negatively affect your immune system, contributing to chronic inflammation which, in turn, can trigger pain.

Some studies have even found that the immune system can react to an unhealthy diet in the same way it responds to an infection — with inflammation.

Chemicals, such as cytokines, neuropeptides, growth factors and neurotransmitters, are produced by the body in response to your diet, and affect whether you experience pain, where you experience pain, and to what degree.

found to ease inflammation).

Eating a plant-based diet is not a quick fix or a cure-all for pain, but it could help and it certainly won’t hurt. In fact, sticking to a plant-based diet can offer even greater health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer.

In other words, a diet to reduce your risk of experiencing pain due to inflammation can reduce your risk of several diseases and improve your overall health.

What to eat, avoid

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

LIVING AND DYING WITH COVID-19

Members of the community are invited to Montgomery County Public Library’s Aspen Hill Library and Davis Library to record stories about how COVID-19 has impacted their lives.

For more information and to register for a specific recording date, visit bit.ly/MCPLStories.

puddings; processed meat, such as ham, bacon, sausage and lunch meat; fried foods.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition. © 2022 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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In your diet, there are many foods to include and several to limit or avoid.

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PERIPHERAL PAIN? | BURNING? | NUMBNESS? NEUROPATHY TINGLING? | PINS AND NEEDLES? Peripheral Neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves due to blood vessels becoming diseased and degenerative, stopping nutrients from reaching them.

This can cause weakness, pain, numbness, tingling and debilitating balance problems.

Diet prescription for pain A review of studies on diet and chronic pain published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine found that sticking to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is linked to lower levels of markers of inflammation found in the blood.

The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based diet, rich in whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes and fruits. These foods are all rich in nutrients that the immune system needs to function at its peak.

The diet also includes olive oil and fatty fish, like salmon and sardines (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a fat that has been

and mackerel; plain yogurt; spices, including cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, cayenne pepper; tea; dark chocolate.

Eat less: Fruit juice; sugar-sweetened sodas; sweets, such as cakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, donuts, brownies, pies and

To treat Peripheral Neuropathy,most doctors will prescribe drugs such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta or Neurontin. These may temporarily reduce your symptoms, but they can also make you feel uncomfortable and have harmful side effects.

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Can wearing contacts harm your vision?

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., Harvard Health Blog Since I first started wearing contacts decades ago, they seemed like a minor miracle. Not having to wear glasses made driving, sports and everyday life better.

But then I’d see the occasional report of sight-threatening infections and other problems related to contact lens use. These were alarming, to say the least — almost enough to consider giving up my contacts.

Wearing glasses isn’t so bad, right?

What are the risks?

There are many types of contact lenses — hard, soft, daily wear, and extended wear — all of which are considered quite safe.

But serious problems, though rare, may occur. And since about 45 million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses, a risk affecting even a small percentage of users could translate to many thousands of people affected.

The most common concerns and conditions related to wearing contact lenses include: • eye irritation or pain • swelling around the eye • blurry vision or sensitivity to light • conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) • corneal ulcers (injury to the smooth, clear front portion of the eye) • infectious keratitis (inflammation of the cornea due to an infection) Although minor irritation may go away on

its own within a day or two, stop wearing your contacts and call an eye doctor if you have severe or persistent symptoms. Usually, this requires evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

Don’t sleep with contacts in The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye. It protects the eye and helps focus light on the back of the eye, enabling you to see clearly.

While contacts rarely harm the cornea, sleeping in contacts not intended for extended wear can increase the chances of a corneal infection or even an ulcer.

In a 2018 report, doctors described the stories of six people who developed serious eye infections after wearing their soft contact lenses while sleeping. For example: • A man reported sleeping in his contact lenses during a hunting trip. Soon after, he developed a corneal infection with an ulcer.

• A woman regularly slept in her contacts, used them for longer than recommended, and did not see an eye doctor for many years.

After developing sharp pain in her right eye, she was diagnosed with infectious keratitis.

• A man wearing contact lenses for two straight weeks developed corneal infections in both eyes.

Treatment for these problems included prolonged courses of antibiotics. Additionally, two people needed a corneal trans-

plant. Even with these treatments, some people lost vision.

Serious problems like this are rare: estimates suggest keratitis occurs in two to 20 per 10,000 contact lens wearers.

However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are up to a million visits per year to emergency rooms and other outpatient healthcare providers for problems related to contact lens use.

As these cases demonstrate, unless you use extended-wear contacts specifically approved for wearing overnight, you shouldn’t sleep in them. Even then, it’s safest to take them out before bed.

Additional advice Other recommendations for safe contact use are: • Ask your eye doctor which solutions you should use and stick with them. Store them in a cool place.

• Wash your hands well before touching your contact lenses.

• Don’t put your contacts in your mouth or spit on them (yes, there are people who do that, especially with hard contacts).

• Don’t let hand creams or makeup come into contact with your lenses. Put your lenses in before applying makeup, See CONTACTS, page 20

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19

Three ways to obtain vision insurance

By Jackie Stewart More than 12 million adults age 40 and older suffer from vision impairment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number is expected to double by 2050 as baby boomers get older.

“Visual acuity deteriorates for many of us as we age,” said Gregg Ratkovic, president of Medicare at eHealth, an online insurance marketplace. “That’s normal, and that’s what vision insurance is [for].”

Traditional Medicare’s Part B only covers vision care when it’s a medical condition — such as cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma or vision health related to diabetes.

Medicare Part B will even pay for a pair of eyeglasses after cataract surgery.

But if there’s no underlying medical condition, you’re on your own. Although you have several ways to get vision coverage, whether it’s cost effective depends on the eyewear you need and your provider, because private insurers restrict where you get care.

Individual vision plans Most vision insurance plans cover one eye exam a year, with a fixed dollar allowance going toward eyeglasses or contacts either once a year or once every two years, Ratkovic said.

The eye exam, which is performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, is comprehensive enough to screen for most conditions that can cause decreased vision, said Dr. Michael Repka, a professor of ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute’s medical school in Baltimore.

Monthly premiums range from $11 to $40, and the insurer typically pays either $120 or $150 toward a pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, said Barbara Davis, principal at consulting firm Health Benefit Advisors in Bluffton, S.C. Most plans will also have copays or deductibles you’ll be responsible for, Ratkovic said.

Many vision plans have no waiting period before benefits kick in, Davis said, but some may require you to pay premiums for a certain number of months, or even up to a year, before you can use the benefits, Ratkovic said.

A low-cost plan may be all you need, and for some people, self-insuring may be more cost-effective.

Davis suggests comparing the plan’s annual cost with your estimated vision costs for the year. For someone who sees an optometrist once a year and only needs a basic prescription, it’s likely “a wash,” Davis said. She recommends keeping the monthly premium under $17.

“That will give you a decent plan that the majority of individuals will find comprehensive enough for their annual needs,” she said. “I wouldn’t get into a $40 plan that has a lot of bells and whistles no one uses.”

The main difference between more and less expensive plans are the allowances provided toward eyeglasses and contact lenses.

For instance, under a cheaper plan you may pay up to $175 for a progressive lens, which has a stronger magnification toward the bottom. Under a more expensive policy, you could pay just $50 for the same lens.

Allowances for lenses that have antiglare or scratch-resistant coatings will also be based on the cost of the plan, Davis said.

Bundled with other coverage If you have multiple insurance needs, it may be more cost-effective to choose a comprehensive plan that bundles dental, vision and hearing (DVH) — none of which traditional Medicare or a supplemental medigap plan covers — into one package.

DVH plans cost $30 to $45 a month on average and have no waiting period for vi-

sion and dental preventive care. However, they typically delay any hearing coverage or major dental services until the second year, according to Elite Insurance Partners, the insurance brokerage behind MedicareFAQ.

For vision care, the plans usually offer graduated coverage, with the insurer typically picking up 60% of the costs of eye exams and eyewear in the first year, 70% in See INSURANCE, page 20

Montgomery County Public Libraries ŽīĞƌƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ƚŽ ƌĞŇĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ǁŝĚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƐ ŽĨ ƚŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ŽůĚĞƌ ĂĚƵůƚƐ͘ ŚĞĐŬ ŽƵƚ Ŭ ĐůƵďƐ͕ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ŚĞůƉ͕ ĞͲƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ͕ ŵƵƐŝĐ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ǁĞůůŶĞƐƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ͘ ǁǁǁ͘ŵĐƉů͘ůŝŶŬͬƐĞŶŝŽƌŝŶĨŽ

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and take out your contacts before removing your makeup.

• Keep your lens case clean and dry between uses, and get a new one at least every few months.

• Don’t overuse your contacts. Change your lenses as recommended, whether daily, weekly or as directed by your eye doctor.

• Get an eye examination at least once a year.

If you notice problems, such as redness or pain in your eye or a change in vision, take your lenses out right away and let your eye doctor know.

If you have a serious problem despite

taking good care of your lenses, report it to the FDA MedWatch program. By tracking these reports, the FDA can issue alerts if necessary.

Fortunately, serious problems related to contact lens wear are quite rare, probably because the recommended care of lenses reliably prevents them.

So, be conscientious about taking care of your contact lenses — this is one situation in which you really shouldn’t cut corners.

And if keeping up with the recommended routine is truly too much of a bother, talk to your eye doctor about other options. Maybe you’ll decide that wearing glasses isn’t so bad after all. © 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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The amount covered is typically capped at about $200 the first two years, according to MedicareFAQ. DVH plans are offered only in certain states (but Maryland, Virginia and D.C. are among them). Visit medicarefaq.com for more information.

Medicare Advantage Last year, 99% of beneficiaries in a

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That means the plans only paid for up to $160 of vision care expenses, leaving beneficiaries to shoulder the rest. The majority of these plans also covered one eye exam a year. © 2022 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Stroke prevention strategies at any age

By Kevin Barrett, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: A family member had a stroke a month ago. I’m 45 years old, and I maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a good diet. What steps can I take to make sure this doesn’t happen to me?

A: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or significantly reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, and causing brain cells to die.

Stroke has several common causes. A frequent cause is narrowing of the arteries in the neck — the carotid arteries — that carry blood to the brain. This narrowing occurs due to fatty deposits in those arteries.

A tear or injury in the wall of a blood vessel, certain heart conditions and blood clot-

ting disorders also can result in strokes, particularly in younger people.

In some conditions, the optimal approach to stroke prevention is not certain. For example, many people have narrowing of the carotid artery, but they are asymptomatic.

Mayo Clinic is leading a multicenter study looking at the best treatment for this issue.

This study, the CREST-2, seeks to identify best treatment for stroke prevention in those who have carotid artery narrowing without symptoms. To date, more than 1,800 participants have enrolled.

For about 35% of people who have a stroke, a specific cause can’t be identified. This is called a cryptogenic stroke. If this is your situation, the goal should be to work with your primary care physician or neurologist to pinpoint any risk factors you have that can be

modified, and reduce your risk, if possible.

Some stroke risk factors cannot be changed. For example, gender, ethnicity, age and family medical history all play a role in stroke risk. Men are more likely than women to have a stroke. Asians and African Americans are also at increased risk. After age 55, your stroke risk doubles each decade.

Exercise, eat healthy foods Focusing on modifiable stroke risk factors can have a big impact. For instance, a variety of treatable medical conditions can significantly affect your stroke risk. People who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or uncontrolled diabetes are at increased risk for stroke.

If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about developing a plan. If you have elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein, also called LDL or “bad” cholesterol, taking a statin drug may lower not only your cholesterol, but also your stroke risk.

In addition to managing any underlying medical conditions, lifestyle choices can help. You mention that you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Both are important.

Exercise can lower your blood pressure, increase your level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol), and improve the health of your blood vessels and heart.

It also can help you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress. A good goal is to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity most days.

A diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in cholesterol and saturated fat, can reduce your stroke risk, as well as help you maintain a healthy weight.

Other stroke prevention lifestyle changes you can make include quitting smoking and keeping alcohol intake to less than one to two drinks per day.

Depending on your medical history, preventive medications also can be appropriate. Anti-platelet drugs, such as aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix), can make your blood less likely to form clots.

Anticoagulant medication, such as heparin or warfarin, can help prevent strokes if you have certain heart problems or a blood clotting disorder.

The bottom line is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of stroke. But the specific measures that are right for you depend largely on your medical history. Talk to your healthcare provider about the stroke prevention approach that best fits your situation. © 2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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23

Post-stroke speech therapy often helpful

By Heather Clark, Ph.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: My mother had a stroke six months ago. Her mobility has returned to near normal, but she still has some difficulty communicating.

She can read and understand others when they speak, but she often struggles to find the words she wants to say.

While frustrated, she refuses to try speech therapy, saying it will not help.

Could speech therapy help someone like my mother?

A: The effectiveness of speech therapy for people who have communication difficulties after a stroke depends on many factors, including which area of the brain the stroke affected, the severity of the brain damage, the person’s awareness of his or her difficulty, and the ability to learn and apply strategies.

Generally, speech therapy can help those whose speech is affected by a stroke just as other types of rehabilitation can help them if they have to relearn other skills lost due to a stroke.

Strokes can affect speech, which is the physical production of sounds, and language, which is the mental representation of words, their meanings and the rules for combining words. People who experience a stroke can have difficulty with speech, language or both.

Finding words is part of language. The medical term for language difficulty due to a

stroke is “aphasia.” Aphasia can affect a person’s ability to comprehend what they hear or read, find words, appropriately combine word forms, and form full sentences. Aphasia, which can be a significant barrier to clear communication, often leads to frustration.

Individual and group therapy Working with a speech-language pathologist can help. The goal of speech and language therapy for aphasia is to improve communication by restoring as much language as possible, teaching how to compensate for lost language skills, and learning other methods of communicating.

After initial evaluation by a speech-language pathologist, rehabilitation can include working one-on-one with a speechlanguage pathologist and participating in groups with others who have aphasia.

The group setting can be particularly helpful because it offers a low-stress environment where people can practice communication skills, such as starting a conversation, speaking in turn and clarifying misunderstandings.

Technology, family can help A speech therapist also can direct your mother to resources she can use outside of speech-language therapy sessions, such as computer programs and mobile apps, that

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aid in relearning words and sounds.

Props and communication aids — such as pictures, notecards with common phrases, and a small pad of paper and pen — often are encouraged as part of speech-language rehabilitation and can improve a person’s ability to convey his or her thoughts.

You, other family members and friends also can help your mother rebuild her communication abilities: Consistently include her in conversations. Give her plenty of time to talk. Don’t finish her sentences for her or correct errors. Keep distractions to a minimum by turning off the TV and other electronic devices while you talk.

Allow time for relaxed conversation.

Recovering language skills can be a

slow process. With patience and persistence, however, most people can make significant progress, even if they don’t completely return to the level of function they had before a stroke.

It is important to seek treatment for aphasia because if left untreated, communication barriers can lead to embarrassment, relationship problems and, in some cases, depression.

Continue to encourage your mother to make an appointment with her healthcare provider to discuss speech-language therapy. © 2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Health Studies INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS Can omega-7 help prevent heart disease?

By Margaret Foster Most of us have lost relatives or friends who have had a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death across

the world and in our country. According to the CDC, about 660,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths.

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That’s why researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) want to find out how to prevent cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke.

This summer they’re studying how omega-7, a “good” fatty acid found in macadamia nuts and fish, might help. “[Fatty acids] tell our body to do something,” explained Dr. Marcelo Amar, principal investigator of the study. “Saturated fats cause inflammation and have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, [but unsaturated fatty acids] can be good, like olive oil or omega-3s.”

A previous study found that a diet rich in omega-7 can be beneficial, but until now it has been “very complicated” to isolate only the best parts of the compound as a supplement, Amar said. “Now there are ways to separate the good forms of omega7 from the parts that are not as good.”

Four visits eight weeks apart Once enrolled in the study, participants will visit NIH in Bethesda a total of four times, eight weeks apart; the study lasts 24 weeks.

At each visit, participants will have blood drawn and answer diet-related questions. Then they’ll get a bottle of pills to take twice a day for two months.

In this randomized, double-blind study, half of the 70 participants will receive olive oil pills, and the other will receive omega-7

pills. They’ll also be asked to keep track of what they eat in a “food journal.”

Researchers will compare participants’ cholesterol levels, inflammation markers (the body’s immune response to an irritant), and other cardio-protective markers throughout the study.

The lower your cholesterol and inflammation, the better. For instance, Amar said, “If we have less inflammation in the body, we may feel less stiff in the morning.”

Another interesting aspect of omega-7, at least in animals, is that it can reduce the appetite and lead to weight loss.

“Animals fed a diet rich in omega-7 developed a reduced body weight compared to controls, so it could help with appetite,” Amar said. “We’re also trying to measure markers of satiety. [Do] you feel full sooner than if you were not taking fatty acids?”

Once this important initial study is completed, Amar said, a larger study of omega7 can move forward.

The current study is open to healthy adults over age 18, with some exceptions. If you’re interested in the study and want to see if you qualify, visit surveymonkey.com/r/DietaryOmega. Compensation may be available, but travel costs are not covered.

For more information, call the NIH Office of Patient Recruitment at 1-800-4111222 or email ccopr@nih.gov and ask about study number 18-H-0019. Or contact Dr. Amar’s research team directly at joylynne.freeman@nih.gov or (301) 480-7632.

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

COVID-19 news

By John C. Schieszer

Wearable device may detect early signs of COVID and flu University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers, in collaboration with EnLiSense LLC, have come up with a wearable sensor that can detect two key biomarkers of infection in human sweat — a significant step toward making it possible for users to receive early warnings of infections such as COVID-19 and influenza.

The sweat sensor can identify the biomarkers interferon-gamma-inducible protein (IP-10) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL).

Elevated levels of IP-10 and TRAIL indicate what is known as a cytokine storm — a surge of pro-inflammatory immune proteins generated in the most serious infections.

“Our work is pioneering since, until this date, it was unclear whether these molecules were present in sweat,” said Dr. Shalini Prasad, who is the head of bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. “We established that our low-volume passive sweat technology is indeed able to measure these biomarkers.”

The ability to detect IP-10 and TRAIL is important because it allows diagnosticians to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. “We have built a technology to unlock and explore the latest frontier in sweat diagnostics,” said Dr. Prasad.

This sweat-based, wearable technology is truly transformational in that it can measure and report human host response messenger molecules associated with inflammation and infection in a real-time and continuous manner, explained the researchers.

The sensor uses passive sweat, which

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means that the wearer does not need to engage in physical activity or have their sweat glands expressed to generate a sample. Real-time continuous monitoring is possible as sweat is collected on a removable strip, which must be changed daily.

In this study, the researchers collected sweat from 18 healthy adults who wore the sensor. They also drew blood from the subjects and compared the results. Researchers next plan to evaluate the sensor in clinical studies with patients experiencing respiratory infections.

Vaccine technique tested for heart attack treatment One of the rare positive things to come from the COVID-19 pandemic is a major advancement in vaccine research. Due to the COVID-19 vaccines, a method for de-

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

livering genetic material to the body is being tested as a way to repair damaged heart muscle after a heart attack.

The COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines use lipid nanoparticles (tiny fat droplets) to deliver mRNA to the body’s cells. This mRNA instructs the cells to manufacture a dummy spike protein on their surface to mimic the protein on the virus causing COVID-19.

The body then mounts an immune response by creating antibodies which can be used if the individual becomes infected with the virus.

A similar method for mRNA delivery is now being tested for heart repair. In this case, instead of aiming for an immune response, the researchers’ ultimate goal is to instruct the heart’s cells to repair themselves after a heart attack. This preliminary study was conducted to determine whether mRNA could be successfully delivered to the heart muscle in lipid nanoparticles.

25

The researchers injected different formulations into the left ventricular wall in animal models during open chest surgery under general anesthesia.

The researchers found that mRNA successfully reached the heart cells 24 hours after injection. However, despite injection directly into the heart, the highest levels of mRNA translation were found in cells of the liver and spleen.

“High expression was expected in the liver, since it metabolizes the lipid nanoparticles. Nonetheless, it was encouraging to see that there was mRNA translation in the heart tissue, which means that lipid nanoparticles could work as delivery systems for mRNA therapy,” said study author Dr. Clara Labonia with the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.

John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute. He can be reached at medicalminutes@gmail.com.

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

Couscous makes a quick, creamy ‘risotto’ The wheaty flavor of pearl couscous (sometimes called Israeli couscous or ptitim) is a perfect match for grassy, subtly sweet asparagus and the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese.

We reserve the asparagus stalk and tip pieces separately; they’re added at different times because they cook at slightly different rates. Don’t use especially thick or particularly slender asparagus for this recipe; pencil-sized spears will be perfectly tender when the couscous is done.

By Christopher Kimball Classic risotto is made with starchy, medium-grain Italian rice, such as Arborio or carnaroli. It is toasted then cooked, sometimes slowly, over low heat as broth is ladled into the pan in stages. While the liquid absorbs, the cook stirs, stirs and keeps stirring.

This “risotto,” from our book Cookish (which limits recipes to just six ingredients without sacrificing flavor), uses pearl couscous (which actually is a pasta) and higher heat to produce “grains” with a rich, creamy consistency.

Much as with rice, stirring releases starch from the couscous that thickens into a creamy sauce, and the “risotto” finishes in the time it takes to cook pasta.

Pearl couscous ‘risotto’ with asparagus Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 4 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter, cut

into 1-tablespoon pieces 1 medium yellow onion, chopped Kosher salt and ground black pepper 3 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 cup pearl couscous ¹/³ cup dry white wine 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut on the diagonal into ½-inch pieces; reserve the stalks and tips separately 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated (½ cup), plus more to serve ½ cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus more to serve Directions: In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add the onion and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper, then cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant. Add the couscous and cook, stirring often, until it begins to brown.

Pour in the wine and cook, stirring, until the pan is almost dry, about 1 minute. Add 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Stir in the asparagus stalks and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, then stir in the asparagus tips. Continue to cook, stirring, until almost all the liquid has been absorbed and the asparagus is tender, about another 2 minutes.

Off heat, add the Parmesan, parsley and remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then stir until the butter melts. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with additional Parmesan and parsley.

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street includes a magazine, cooking school, TV and radio shows and bold, fresh recipes.

Check Amazon or bookstores for the book Milk Street: Cookish: Throw It Together: Big Flavors. Simple Techniques. 200 Ways to Reinvent Dinner. —AP

BEACON BITS

July 8+

CODING FOR BEGINNERS The Rockville Senior Center is teaching a coding class for begin-

from $4 to $8. To register for this or a variety of other classes, visit bit.ly/RockvilleClasses. Call (240) 314-8620 for more information.

12th Annual Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

EARLY VOTING: JULY 7-14 ELECTION DAY: JULY 19 ,Q WKH 3ULPDU\ (OHFWLRQ RQO\ UHJLVWHUHG YRWHUV DIÀOLDWHG ZLWK WKH 'HPRFUDWLF or Republican parties may vote in that party’s Primary Election.

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VOTE 2022

JUNE 28 To register, text VOTE to 77788

VOTE

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JULY 12 To apply, text VBM to 77788

recognizing and supporting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Maryland Protect Week Monday, June 13, 10-11:30 a.m.

Recognizing Elder Abuse in an Increasingly Virtual World Tuesday, June 14, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Also offered in Spanish, 10-11:15 a.m.

Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships Thursday, y, June 16,, 10-11:30 a.m.

Staying Connected Safely

Reg Register gistter o online nline at weaad2022mc.eventbrite.com w eaad d2022mc.e eventbriite.com HOSTED BY THE: Montgomery County Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force

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Join us at local senior centers or via livestream for the following free programs

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Montgomery County DEPARTMENT OF POLICE

Y COUNTY, M ER AR OM D AN YL

For more information visit 777vote.org or call 240-777-8500.

Senior Safety Forum

MO NT G

2022 Gubernatorial PRIMARY ELECTION

SPONSORED BY: SPONSORED BY:

RN EY

www.growsmc.org

ners on Fridays in July from 10 a.m. to noon in the computer lab. The cost ranges

OF

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Resources - Information - Connections

AT THE STATE’S

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Montgomery County STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Montgomery County DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Montgomery County FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

Montgomery County OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY

Interpreters and other auxiliary aids available upon request preferably at least three (3) business days before the event. 'PS questions call 240-777-1841 (V) or 711 .% 3FMBZ or email: WEAAD@montgomerycountymd.gov

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

27

Visit ‘nootropics’ for brain power, not sun As I was doing the Wordle word game of them adversely interact with other medthis morning, it dawned on me that I was ications and medical conditions. really doing this to grow new brain cells, not because I enLion’s Mane joyed it that much. I started Lion’s Mane is an edible playing it daily because one of mushroom clinically proven to my daughters recommended have nootropic benefits. It’s it to me, and it’s nice to share great at making you think faster. our scores each day.

Lion’s Mane mushroom exAt times the game is frustrattract helps you make Nerve ing, though, because I stare at Growth Factor (NGF), which the same screen noodling my helps if you have a disease next attempt for five minutes! that reduces your brain from DEAR Wordle is a favorite among producing enough of its own PHARMACIST those who like to exercise their NGF. We also know that it can

By Suzy Cohen brain, but it’s not the only way help with depression, memory to get smarter. There are other and anxiety. ways to improve cognitive function, gain betThis can be purchased at the grocery ter sleep, and reduce risk for Alzheimer’s store or farmer’s market, as a commercial disease and dementia. tea or concentrated in dietary suppleIf you too want to grow new neurons, ments. You can cook with it, like you do don’t depend entirely on Wordle, jigsaw puz- shiitake mushrooms. zles, sudoku or crosswords. Those are great for you, of course, but you should also be Coffee nourishing your brain with nootropic foods Most people drink coffee every day, and and nutrients [that have some scientific evi- the caffeine provides your brain with a natdence for improved cognition and memory]. ural stimulant that helps you think clearly Blueber ries, for example, contain and learn faster. Anyone who gets a natuflavonoids and anthocyanin, which promote ral lift from caffeine-containing beverages neurogenesis [new nerve cell growth]. Red already knows that it works, and now you grapes (wash them very well) contain have a new excuse to enjoy.

Too much caffeine, however, can cause quercetin and resveratrol, compounds that restlessness, insomnia, high blood presfeed your brain cells.

Walnuts help because of their essential sure, rapid heartbeat and panic attacks or fatty acids. Perhaps the most well-known anxiety. If you have hypertension or heart “brain food” is salmon: That and other disease, it’s best to avoid caffeine. wild-caught fatty fish help you because they are high in DHA fish oils.

Green tea and matcha Here are some other natural nootropic These drinks provide less caffeine than compounds that support good memory and espresso and coffee, but they, too, help recall. Like I always say, please ask your you work faster and think more clearly. doctor if they are right for you because they One advantage of these beverages is that have multiple effects on the body, and some they contain EGCG, a natural tumor-fight-

ing compound. I drink matcha daily with either coconut milk or regular milk and a teaspoon of sugar.

Acetyl L Carnitine This anti-aging smart pill is a natural amino acid, and it’s sold as a dietary supplement. You will almost always find it in multi-tasking memory formulas because it works better with other nootropes than by itself.

It helps your brain work better over time; it’s not instant. That’s because it helps your neurons create more of the memory hormone acetylcholine. That translates to a better mood, too.

Just FYI, deficiencies of acetylcholine play a role in the development and pro-

gression of Alzheimer’s disease. Some medications for that specific disorder target the acetylcholine receptor. So, providing the precursor to acetylcholine via this amino acid may be temporarily helpful for some people. This compound is not a cure [which is also true of current Alzheimer’s medications]; it’s just a building block.

To read a longer version of this article, sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

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28

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

Openn!for Fu Business Summer Camp is Not Just for Kids Anymore!

Summer camp is about having fun, building friendships, and learning new activities. Kids are not the only ones who should get in on the summer fun. Did you know that Montgomery County Recreation offers a summer camp for adults 55 and older?

Senior Adventures is a three-day camp taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 21, 22 and 24 at the

Long Branch Senior Center located a swimsuit, towel, and change of There will be themed activities, at 8700 Piney Branch Road in Silver trips, sports, crafts, games designed clothes.

Spring. The second session meets at for older adults and more.

• Tropical Paradise Day: Learn the Damascus Senior Center, locatthe ukulele and hula dance • Nature Day: The featured activied at 9701 Main Street, June 28, 29 moves. The close-out event will ty will include a trip to Brookside and 30. be a Hawaiian Luau.

Gardens for a guided tour and The $25 registration fee includes Registration is available at activeflower arranging. transportation on a coach bus, lunch, • Sports Day: Enjoy a variety of montgomery.org. The Long Branch and all supplies associated with the sports and games, a guest speak- session number is RO7104-01 and er, and a trip to a local pool. Bring Damascus’s is RO7103-402. camp experience.

Add a Splash to Your Fitness Routine Are you looking for ways to keep fit and have fun? Many people are trading in their sneakers for swimsuits and heading to swimming pools for their workouts. Montgomery County Recreation boasts many water activities suitable for different fitness levels, whether you’re a beginning or an advanced athlete.

While lap swimming is good exercise for the entire body, today’s aquatic facilities offer much more than just swimming.

You may not expect to see bikes in the pool, but Aqua Spin puts cycles in the water. The class combines the best of a cycle spinning class with a water exercise class.

Other aqua-fitness classes offered at Montgomery County Recreation include Aqua Cardio Dance, which is a Latin-music based workout that integrates dance and exercise; Aqua YOLates and Hi/Lo Cardio Fusion, which blend yoga and Pilates together to maximize benefits; Deep Water Running, a cardiovascular exercise with no weight-bearing stress, and more.

Something new coming this fall is Float Yoga. It is a yoga mat that lies on the water and provides a place to practice stretches for a full yoga experience.

Whether you are looking for a fitness program, lap swimming, or relaxation time at the pool, you will want to check out Montgomery County Recreation aquatic facilities for a wide variety of offerings.

Four Indoor Swim Centers Germantown Indoor Swim Center 18000 Central Park Circle, (near Soccer Plex), Boyds

Martin Luther King, Jr. Outdoor Pool

Sarah E. Auer Western County Outdoor Pool

1201 Jackson Rd., Silver Spring

20151 Fisher Ave., Poolesville

Upper County Outdoor Pool 8211 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg

Eunice Kennedy/Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center 5900 Executive Blvd., N. Bethesda Martin Luther King, Jr. Swim Center 1201 Jackson Rd., Silver Spring Olney Swim Center 16605 Georgia Ave.

Montgomery County Outdoor Pools Open Memorial Day weekend: Bethesda Outdoor Pool 6300 Hillandale Rd. Germantown Outdoor Pool 18905 Kingsview Dr. Long Branch Outdoor Pool 8700 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring

Visit mocorec.com for more information about aquatics programs and facilities.

Long Branch Senior Center Will Reopen with a Polished Look and Full Schedule of Programs A special week of activities to celebrate the reopening of the Long Branch Senior Center will take place June 6 to June 10. The week of celebration will include free lessons on how to use the exercise equipment, open information sessions to sign up for the senior lunch program, musical entertainment, and specialty coffee with breakfast treats daily.

The senior center, located at 8700 Piney Branch Rd. in Silver Spring, shares the facility with the Long Branch Community Recreation Center.

The Senior Center will open for normal operations beginning Monday, May 16. Normal hours will be Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community members 55 and older can access the facility free of charge.

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

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECREATION

29

Do you know about the cable program “50+ in Montgomery County”?

The Montgomery County Commission ion on Aging produces this public access cable television evision ion program to share news and information of interest to older adults. Recent topics cs include the benefits of pet-ownership, p, work trends, the many effects of the panndemic, and a discussion of end-of-life issues sues ow host. with Diane Rehm, former NPR talk show

Mo 50+ in Montgomery County airs on Comcast and Ve Verizon cable channels. You can also e watch episodes of the program on your computer or smartphone by visiting com bit.ly/MCCOATV. bit To l e ar n m ore ab out t he Commission on Aging, visit C m montgomerycountymd.gov/coa.

LIVING WELL DIABETES Montgomery SELFǧMANAGEMENT WORKSHOP County

It’s time to take control of your diabetes!

Join this FREE six-week workshop to improve your ability to manage your health and maintain an active and ful illing life while living with Type 2 Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes.

You will learn: • Techniques to deal with diabetes symptoms, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration.

• Exercises for maintaining and improving strength and endurance.

• Healthy eating and appropriate use of medication.

• Working more effectively with health care providers.

Why Attend?

• Teaches skills in the daily management of diabetes to improve the quality of life.

• Designed to build con idence, increase knowledge about symptom control and the disease’s impact.

• Highly interactive and focused on skill-building, support and sharing experiences.

• Small groups help members solve problems.

Anyone living with diabetes or pre-diabetes is welcome to attend this free workshop. Family members, friends and caregivers are also welcome. The classes are 2.5-hours, once a week for SIX WEEKS, and participants are encouraged to attend ALL SIX SESSIONS.

Dates: Mondays, June 6 to July 25 (no class on July 4) Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual via WebEx. To register, call (301) 754-8800.

This program follows an evidence-based curriculum and is a Self-Management Resource Program with the SMRC.

Recreation Is Hiring Older Adults

Are you looking for a part-time job? Montgomery County Recreation is hiring part-time seasonal and year-round employees.

Part-time positions are available in community recreation centers and senior centers.

The aquatic centers are interested in interviewing retired adults who may be interested in training to become a lifeguard. There are also positions as swim instructors or pool cashiers.

To review and apply for open positions, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HRw.

Happy Father’s Day Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and all who provide a paternal bond. It is a day to honor the men who serve such a significant role in our lives and are steadfast in their fatherly support.

Many dads will receive a bestdad t-shirt or coffee mug. But the time taken to wish a sincere thanks will most likely mean the most.

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

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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

By Laura Newland, Director D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living Dear Seniors, The time has come for me to say goodbye.

For the past six and half years, you’ve honored me by telling me your stories, sharing what DC means to you, and showing me how we can make our city a place where all older adults can thrive. We’ve had lots of tough conversations with each other, figuring out what works and what doesn’t work to ensure DC is the best place to age. And, most importantly, we’ve had so much fun together – from pageants and barbecues, to dance contests and holiday parties, we’ve shown the world what it truly means to live boldly. And for these experiences and so much more, I’m so grateful to have served as Director of the Department of Aging and Community Living.

Before I go, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your patience, kindness and love. Because of you, my time with DACL will be unforgettable. The team at DACL will continue the work of ensuring all older adults can thrive in the communities you know and love. One of those team members is our Chief Program Officer, Jessica Smith. Jessica brings passion, brilliance and fierce dedication to DACL values. She steps in wherever she’s needed, bringing a fresh perspective and creative problem-solving skills. Most importantly, she listens. You may have met her already at our wellness centers or at the Senior Fest, and I’ve asked her to share a few words this month.

Remember—Aging is living!!

With so much gratitude, Laura

A Message from DACL Chief Program Officer, Jessica Smith Dear Seniors, I’m Jessica Smith, Chief Program Officer for DACL. As Chief Program Officer, I have the pleasure of working with DACL staff and our network of more than 29 community partners to bring you programming and resources designed with you in mind! I’m excited that this month, and all summer long, we have so much in store for you.

As you know, it’s Pride Month and in the District, we take PRIDE in celebrating and honoring our diverse LGBTQ+ community. Saturday, June 11, we’re excited to join Mayor Bowser in return of the Capital Pride Parade! We’ll be back, stronger than ever before, with our Senior Pride Trolley. If you are an LGBTQ older adult, age 60 or over, and you want to ride along with us during the parade, reach out to my office at 202-727-8955. Seats are limited, but all are welcome to walk with DACL. Then on Sunday, June 12, DACL will be at both the Capital Pride Festival, highlighting our programs and services, and the Annual Ms. Senior DC Pageant! This year’s pageant is back in person, and we can’t wait to see who will represent our city as the new Ms. Senior DC. Also, this month, Mayor Bowser is hosting the

11th Annual Senior Symposium at Ballou High School on June 21. Our theme this year is Better Together: Support, Inspire, Love — focusing on the power of community and recommitting ourselves to connecting with each other. It’s been two years since we’ve had an in-person symposium and it’s time for us to get back together.

Join us to learn something new, meet new neighbors and friends, and reconnect with all of us.

This year’s master of ceremonies is Shawn Perry of the Senior Zone, and we’re excited to have a great line-up of performances, informative sessions, and exhibitors. To register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/SenSymposium11. If you need any assistance with registering, please call 202-727-8955.

Our community partners and DACL outreach team have a ton of other events happening all month long and throughout the city to celebrate PRIDE and to celebrate you! You can find all of these events by visiting dacl.dc.gov and clicking on DACL Events.

Like the Mayor continues to say, DC is Open and the time to gather is now. So, this summer, I invite you to connect with us and see everything we have to offer.

I’m excited to see you at our various events.

Director

Living Boldly is published by the Information Office of the DC Laura Newland Department of Aging and Community Living for DC senior residents.

Editor DACL External Affairs Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

Photographer

Richard Williams

500 K St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 | (202) 724-5626 | www.dacl.dc.gov

Living Boldly

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

Calling all older adults and people who care for them!

Please join us throughout the month of June to learn about healthcare frauds and abuse targeting older adults. All sessions are open to the public!

Elder Justice: An introduction to health care fraud Webinar on 6/8 from noon to 1 p.m.

Experts from the FBI and AARP will focus on healthcare frauds that target older adults. Learn what red flags might indicate fraud, how to report it, and what to do if you’re a victim. Register here: bit.ly/FBIJune8

Elder Justice: A case study of abuse/neglect Webinar on 6/15 from noon to 1 p.m.

Our second session will provide a deep dive into a specific case of elder neglect or abuse. Learn how the allegations first came to light, what steps the authorities took to uncover the facts, and what the outcome was. Register here: bit.ly/AbuseJune15

Elder Justice: A case study in health care fraud Webinar on 6/22 from noon to 1 p.m.

In this session, another case study will illustrate how frauds involving overbilling can cause financial losses to insurance companies and can also spill over into physical or financial harm inflicted directly upon older adults. Our experts will offer tips on the red flags that could indicate fraud, especially in situations involving home health care aides. Register here: bit.ly/fraudJune22

Elder Justice: Q&A about health care fraud, abuse, and neglect Webinar on 6/29 from noon to 1 p.m.

Ask questions about healthcare fraud, abuse and neglect involving older adults.

A panel of subject-matter experts from federal and state government agencies will answer questions from the audience. Register here: bit.ly/FBIJune29 This Elder Justice series is co-sponsored by:

See infragardncr.org/elderjustice for recordings of prior sessions!

S d , JJu Sunday une 12, 12 20 022 Location: UDC Auditorrium Building #4 46 4200 Conneccticut Avenue NW N Washingtton, DC 20008 Doors Open p – 2:00 PM Pageant Start – 2:30 PM Tickett Price: $20 Must provide proof of vaccination and wear a mask.

(Additional fee e for garage parking))

For o More Informa ation:

DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND COMMUNITY LIVING

https://dacl.dc.g gov or www.seaburyresourrces.org (202) 635-190 00

Makes a great gift!

31

Join a Future of Aging workshop, listening session, or other engaging activity and receive a gift card for your time.

Future of Aging (FOA) is a new project focused on improving access to senior services offered by the Department of Aging and Community Living. If you are a District resident, age 50 or older, or a resident of any age providing care for an older adult, we want to hear from you!

You can participate by phone, Zoom, or in-person, and activities will be held across the District. Participants who are selected to participate in an FOA activity will receive a gift card as a token of ap-

preciation for your time.

We’re interested in hearing from you whether you already know about DACL programs and services or have never heard of us. So, tell a friend to tell a friend and give us a call today! To learn more and sign up, call us at 202-715-7534 or email us at futureofaging@dc.gov.

In case you missed it, all senior wellness centers are open! For more information on center hours and COVID guidelines, please contact your local senior wellness center.

Ballou High School Tuesday, June 28 9:00 AM Join Mayor Bowser and the Department of Aging and Community Living at Mayor Bowser’s 11th Annual Senior Symposium.

Register today! visit tinyurl.com/SenSymposium11 to learn more.

You must be 60 or older and a District resident to attent.

For more information, visit dacl.dc.gov or call (202) 724-5626

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

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Money Law &

PENSION TENSION? A nonprofit offers free answers to questions about pensions STICKER SHOCK Who’s behind the rise in gas prices? It’s complicated IMPROVE YOUR IRA Market’s downturn makes this a good time to convert to a Roth END OF LIFE APP Take control of your estate plan, funeral, memorial and more

What are the safest places to invest now?

Many who have invested in various For that reason, I don’t recommend addiforms of bond funds have been disappoint- tional new investments in bond funds/ETFs ed to see that, despite receivwith long maturities at this ing regular interest payments, time.

Investments in short-term the value of their investment bond alternatives will have has decreased significantly in lower risk, but also lower yields.

2022.

I have received quite a bit of mail from readers asking Certificates of deposit whether they should bail out Many readers have asked of bond funds and instead whether this is a good time to make new investments in be reinvesting proceeds from money-market funds, CDs or maturing CDs and funds from THE SAVINGS I bonds. savings accounts with low GAME Here are some considera- By Elliot Raphaelson yields into new CDs. As the Fed increases intertions you should take into acest rates, banks and credit unions will likecount: ly offer higher rates on CDs. I expect interest rates on CDs to increase gradually, so Bond funds The Federal Reserve has indicated that it would be prudent to invest in shorterfor the rest of the year it will raise interest term CDs now. As interest rates increase, rates several times in order to curb inflation. you can invest in longer-term CDs. As a result, if you have investments in One of the advantages of investing in bond mutual funds or exchange-traded funds CDs as opposed to bond funds now is that, with long maturities, it’s likely in the short as you redeem your CD at maturity, your run that the net asset value (NAV) of your in- principal is safe. In contrast, there is no vestments will decrease and that, even with guarantee that new investments in bond regular interest reinvested, the total value of funds, even in Treasury instruments, will your holdings may decrease in value. not decrease in value in the short term.

Money market funds If your main objective is to stay liquid while protecting your capital, you can invest in money market instruments. However, with inflation likely to stay at high levels in the short run, the returns you receive will not keep pace with inflation.

I bonds (inflation-protected bonds) As I have written in many recent columns, investing in Series I bonds has a significant advantage now, as well as one disadvantage that I don’t think is significant.

The major advantage is the high rate of return with no capital risk. For the six months starting May 2022, I bonds will be paying 9.62% in interest.

After October, there will be a new rate, based on the updated consumer price index. Although the next new six-month rate may be lower than 9.62%, you can be sure that the rate of return will be higher than the return from CDs or money-market instruments.

Individuals can purchase up to $10,000 each calendar year and they must be bought through the U.S. Treasury at TreasuryDirect.gov. Married couples can invest $20,000 per year. In addition, you can

invest an additional $5,000 per year using a tax refund.

The main disadvantage of investing in I bonds is liquidity. Once you purchase an I bond, you can’t sell it for 12 months; if you do sell it in less than five years, you lose three months of interest.

You cannot lose money on your investment in I bonds. When you compare investing in I bonds to investing in CDs, savings accounts and money-market instruments, I bonds stand out as a superior choice for conservative investors (as long as you can accommodate the one-year holding period).

Treasury bills and notes For short-term investments, you can purchase Treasury bills directly from TreasuryDirect.gov without a brokerage account.

You can invest in bills that mature in six or 12 months. The recent rate for sixmonth bills was almost 1.5%, and the 12month rate was 2.07%. Another option is the two-year Treasury note yielding 2.71% as of the time of publication.

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

Guaranteeing income in uncertain times

By Elliot Raphaelson I have discussed single-premium immediate annuities, or SPIAs, in previous columns. They have features that are very important because of the uncertainty in the stock and bond markets, and because some politicians would like to reduce future Social Security benefits.

When stock markets were bullish for several years, some investors expected equity prices to always go up. Because of the current volatility in equities, reality has set in and investors now know that equity prices don’t always increase.

Also, because of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s recent actions to increase interest rates, investors have seen bonds fall significantly in value.

So, investors now recognize that, because of the current uncertainty in the equity and bond markets, it makes sense to look at alternatives that, like definedbenefit pensions and Social Security,

offer a guaranteed income stream.

Consider annuities SPIAs are such an alternative.

There are many different forms of annuities. Some are complex, and some have high commission costs.

In contrast, the single-premium annuity is easy to understand, does not have high hidden commission costs, does provide a guaranteed income stream, and is independent from market fluctuations.

The simplest explanation of SPIAs is that you provide a fixed sum to a life insurance company, and the company pays you guaranteed income for life (or for a specific time frame that you specify).

SPIAs are not a new product. They have existed for hundreds of years. Stan Haithcock (aka Stan the Annuity man), an annuity expert licensed in all 50 states, points out that SPIAs are “commodity” products.

“No one is better than the other,” he ex-

plained. “You have to shop for the best contractual deal for your situation.”

If you contact him (stan@theannuityman.com), indicating your age and the amount of your investment, he can let you know the income you can receive from toprated insurance companies, for specific variables. You can also run these quotes at his site, using an SPIA calculator (stantheannuityman.com/spia-calculator).

Haithcock believes you should not allocate more than 50% of your investable assets to an annuity.

Some of the advantages of SPIAs are: they are easy to understand; they have no annual fees; the commissions (built in) are minimal; and the income you receive is contractual and not dependent on market conditions.

You may elect an inflation option (cost of living adjustments), such as a 3% increase in income each year. But this option would result in a lower income initially. For example, if you were entitled to a $524 monthly

payment without a COLA, a 3% COLA would decrease your monthly payment to $374 (which would increase 3% per year).

Three main options There are three primary options: “life only,” “life with a period certain,” and “cash refund or installment payment.”

The life-only option provides the highest monthly payment. You can elect that for yourself only as long as you live, or for you and your spouse for as long as he/she lives.

Naturally, the monthly income will be lower if your policy covers both of your lifetimes.

If you elect life with a certain period, you can indicate that you want to be covered for a specified minimum period. The longer the term certain, the lower the monthly payments.

For example, you might consider other life-insurance coverage when choosing how See ANNUITIES, page 33

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To fight inflation, reduce food expenses

By Kimberly Palmer Like many shoppers, I’ve noticed my grocery bill getting bigger each week: Last month, food prices were almost 8% higher than they were a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. (I had also been turning to shortcuts like prepackaged snacks and meal kits, which further added to our total bill.)

To counteract these pressures, I applied all my go-to savings tricks: opting in to my grocery store’s loyalty program for extra discounts, using a credit card that gave me bonus cash back on grocery purchases, and planning our weekly menus around sales. Still, shopping for my family of five continued to give me sticker shock.

For extra guidance, I turned to budgeting and cooking experts with experience making food spending more manageable, as the USDA predicts food prices will continue to increase, growing 4.5% to 5.5% in 2022.

Here are their best tips for saving money on food:

Control what you can

Plan your meals

While so much about the economy can feel completely outside of our control — including rising interest rates, inflation and supply chain challenges — our food spending is actually one area where we hold a lot of sway, said Erin Lowell, a Bowdoin, Maine-based lead educator at You Need a Budget, a budgeting app.

By spending more time cooking or substituting cheaper ingredients, you can feel an immediate savings impact, she said, unlike with other costs, such as bills or rent, which can be harder to change.

Lowell suggests assessing how much effort you’re currently putting into minimizing your food spending and taking that effort up to the next level.

For example, if you currently order pizza for delivery, then consider buying a nice frozen pizza for a quarter of the cost. If you already buy frozen pizza, then consider making your own from scratch for just a few dollars’ worth of ingredients.

“When people are overspending on food, it’s almost always because they’re eating out too often,” said Jake Cousineau, a personal finance teacher in Thousand Oaks, California, and the author of How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World.

He said planning ahead is key to combating the temptation to order takeout at the last minute. “If you prepare on Sunday and make six to seven meals, you’re not faced with that decision of ‘Should I order out or prepare food?’ every night,” Cousineau said.

He typically cooks meat for Sunday that he can use in tacos, pasta and salad later in the week, for example. “You can do the heavy lifting Sunday, then mix and match throughout the week.”

Annuities

eficiary(-ies) would receive payments over time of the remaining premium not already paid out to you.

With the life with cash refund option, your beneficiaries would receive a lump sum of the difference between the initial premium and the amount received in monthly payments. This is the second highest guarantee while insuring 100% of your initial premium.

Bottom line: If you want to ensure regular guaranteed income in retirement but are not sure your investable assets will provide it, you can consider using an SPIA for contractually guaranteed monthly income. © 2022 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 32 long to receive your annuity. If you had a term life-insurance policy that would pay proceeds to your spouse for 20 years, you might elect a shorter specified time frame for your annuity (say, 10 years) because you knew that if you died after 10 years, your named beneficiary would receive the benefits of your life insurance policy. In the meantime, during the next 10 years, you would receive a higher monthly income from your annuity.

The life with installment option offers the highest lifetime payment while guaranteeing that 100% of your initial premium will go to whomever you specify. The ben-

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Planning also helps you avoid food waste, which is another budget killer, warned Rob Bertman, a certified financial planner and family budget expert in St. Louis.

“Buy in bulk for things you know you will go through, but if food sits in the freezer or pantry and gets thrown in the trash, that gets expensive.”

He and his wife keep a list of the potential side and main dishes they have on hand in the freezer, fridge and pantry so they don’t forget to use those ingredients.

Be resourceful in the kitchen Maggie Hoffman, a Brooklyn, New York-based digital director at cooking webSee FOOD EXPENSES, page 34

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Free answers to your pension questions

By Elliot Raphaelson I have written often about retirement benefits in general, and about pension plans and retirement plans in particular. A very helpful resource to me in writing these columns has been the Pension Rights Center, a national consumer organization that works to protect the retirement income security of workers, retirees and their families.

The Pension Rights Center also provides services, including legal help, at no cost to individuals who contact them regarding issues related to their pension plans and retirement accounts.

The center has recently revised its website (pensionrights.org), which will help those with questions or problems related to their pension plans and retirement accounts.

I recommend that you visit the center’s website and review the services it provides, and also read about some of the subjects its staff members are monitoring.

For example, they have given updates on a new law that protects workers and retirees in underfunded multi-employer plans, and summarized government warnings about allowing 401(k) plans to consider investments in cryptocurrency.

agree to receive or send money or unsolicited items from or to people you don’t know from your 401(k) or other sources; don’t send money to anyone you know even if they send you money first; and don’t pay money upfront to collect a prize or lottery winnings.

If someone you don’t know, such as an

unsolicited phone or online contact, asks you to accept money and send it to someone else, you should refuse and stop communication.

(Further tips for identifying and avoid-

Food expenses

last-minute meals instead of ordering in.

“I try to keep five to 10 easy, budgetfriendly meals in the house at all times,” Lowell said. For her, that list includes ingredients for homemade pizza, frozen fish with fries, and a pasta dish. “It’s never expensive, and I’m always happy to eat it.”

From page 33

Scam warnings and more They have also recently covered the latest scams. At the website, you’ll find an excellent blog that explains current scams, as well as resources that can provide for more information.

To avoid becoming a scam victim, don’t

site Epicurious, suggests substituting ingredients you already have at home for any recipe ingredients you lack. “Be confident in your cooking: If you have farro, use that instead of brown rice. Use hot sauce or vinegar instead of lemon.”

Hoffman also recommends “next-overing,” which is transforming the previous night’s dish into something new. Roast chicken one night can become enchilada fillings the next, for example.

Beans, which are generally inexpensive, are also a flexible staple, she added. You can serve them on their own or add them to salads or soups. “Beans are still the greatest thing around. Just give them a little marinade, add garlic and make sure they’re seasoned.”

Keep your pantry well-stocked Investing in staples can end up saving you money because then you can quickly make

See PENSION, page 37

Lean on your community While some local food banks have eligibility requirements, many are open to all members of the community who need the support, said Willa Williams, co-host of “The Abundant Living Podcast.” Some neighborhood gardens similarly offer the community vegetables and other produce at harvest time. “The food is here, so come and get it,” she said. “It keeps you from spending your food budget.”

My grocery bill is still higher than I’d like it to be — even the savviest shopper can’t outsmart this level of inflation. But it’s more manageable with these tips.

—AP/NerdWallet

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Additionally, APS is a part of the Montgomery County Elder & Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force, which is a multidisciplinary team comprised of multiple government agencies that seek to educate, prevent, remedy, investigate and, when needed, prosecute elder abuse to ensure the safety of vulnerable adults.

Other members of the task force include: the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, Police, Ombudsman, Office of the County Attorney, and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.

If you See Something, Say Something.

Call Montgomery County Adult Protective Services at 240-777-3000 or email: ADS@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

In June 2022, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will feature free virtual classes for the public. Please register at: weaad2022mc.eventbrite.com.

June 13:

Montgomery County - Elder Abuse Prevention See Something, Say Something Montgomery County is committed to preventing elder abuse in our community. This maltreatment may take the form of financial exploitation, neglect, or physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

Elder abuse can occur anywhere – in the home, community or a care facility. It affects older adult or vulnerable adults across all socio-economic groups, cultures and races. Perpetrators of elder abuse may include family members, caregivers or strangers seeking to take advantage of a vulnerable adult.

Help keep our community safe by knowing the warning signs and learning about available resources.

Isolation is a leading red flag of elder abuse, where a perpetrator interferes with a vulnerable adult’s participation in community activities, cuts off visits with friends, or disallows communication with loved ones. A perpetrator may take control of an older adult’s bank accounts, vehicle or even their home.

Covid-19 safety measures, such as social distancing, may have left older adult more at risk of isolation. An increasingly virtual world brings new rewards and risks.

As we begin to leave the pandemic behind us, being mindful of these red flags of elder abuse with our older neighbors and relatives is a must.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a vulnerable adult, please report it anonymously to the Adult Protective Services Intake line at 240777-3000.

The Montgomery County Adult Protective Services (APS) program provides services to vulnerable adults 18 years of age and older who lack the physical or mental capacity to provide for their daily needs. Social workers and nurses will investigate cases of selfneglect, neglect, physical abuse and financial exploitation, while offering resources to ensure and protect the client’s health and well-being.

Recognizing Elder Abuse in an Increasingly Virtual World, @ 10 a.m.

With music therapist Diane Eisenhower

June 14: Health & Unhealthy Relationships. Spanish @ 10 a.m., English @ 12:30 p.m. With yoga instructor Cheryl Kravitz.

June 16: Staying Connected Safely, Montgomery County State’s Attorney's Office and Recreation Department.

Other Important Phone Numbers and Resources

Adult

Protective Services and Guardianship: 240-777-3000

Elder/Vulnerable Adult Abuse Section, Montgomery County Police: 240-773-5050

Crimes Against Seniors and Vulnerable Adults Unit, Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office: 240-777-7300

Office of Consumer Protection: Call: 240-777-0311; Email: Consumer@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

Montgomery County Family Justice Center: 240-773-0444; www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/

National Center on Elder Abuse (ELDR): 1-855-500-3537 ncea.act.gov

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

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How are gas prices set?

By Jim Patterson As gasoline prices keep climbing, many frustrated drivers might be asking, “Who controls gas prices?” The short answer is: No one person, company or government can really be said to set gas prices.

But it is possible to break down some of the major factors that go into determining the cost of a gallon of gas. Let’s take a look.

Crude oil

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The Department of Energy has a handy chart that breaks down the major expenses involved in turning crude oil in the ground into the refined gas you can put in your car.

The biggest, accounting for a bit more than half the price you pay, is the price of crude oil — the raw material from which gas is refined.

Unfortunately, the price of that raw material has been on a tear for over a year now, bringing gas prices higher with it.

West Texas Intermediate crude now trades for about $110 per barrel. A year ago, it was only $65 per barrel.

In 2020, during the depths of the recession caused by COVID-19, WTI prices briefly turned negative because global oil demand fell so fast that oil storage facilities filled up with unwanted oil.

Since then, global oil demand has come roaring back, but global oil output has been slower to recover from the cuts that OPEC and many energy companies implemented.

Unfortunately, there’s little sign of oil prices dropping much, which makes it hard to say when gas prices will go down.

Taxes The next biggest factor determining gas

prices, according to the Department of Energy, is gas taxes — specifically, the state, local and federal taxes levied on fuel.

No one loves paying taxes, but they can’t be blamed for the recent run-up in gas prices. The 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal tax on gas hasn’t been increased in about three decades.

Some states, including Maryland, actually cut or suspended their own gas taxes briefly in an attempt to give motorists some relief. Sadly, those reductions haven’t done anything to keep the average price of gas from hitting new records.

Other factors The remaining factors controlling gas prices are a mix of related costs: refining crude into gasoline and other fuels, transporting it to stations by pipeline and truck, and marketing it.

This bucket of costs includes refiners’ profits on turning barrels of oil into barrels of gasoline, and these days, those profits are soaring.

Some refineries closed due to the slump in fuel demand during the pandemic, which means bigger profit margins for those that remain in operation, now that demand is strong.

If you want to share in some of those profits as an investor instead of just funding them as a driver, consider Valero, Phillips 66 or PBF Energy stocks. Maybe they will provide some comfort during your next expensive fill-up. [Ed. Note: Or invest in solar or wind energy.] © 2022 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Pension From page 34 ing what is known as “money mule scams” can be found on the American Bankers Association’s website, aba.com.)

Other services available Here are some specifics on the services the center provides.

—The U.S. Administration for Community Living’s Pension Counseling and Information Program. One of the important areas in which the center helps individuals is dealing with problems related to their pension or retirement savings plans.

This program serves individuals in 31 states [unfortunately, not Maryland, D.C., or Virginia, but see next paragraph]. Free legal assistance is provided. If you have an outstanding problem or issue, you can find help by going to pensionrights.org/find-help.

—PensionHelp America. Even if you reside outside the 31 states covered by the U.S. Administration for Community Living’s Pension Counseling and Information Program, you can still obtain help from other entities. See pensionhelp.org/help/counseling for details. You will be asked to provide detailed information, such as the company you work(ed) for, your ZIP Code, personal information such as birth date, marital status, in-

come level and the number of members of your household. With this information, you will be referred to agencies and attorneys who can assist you.

—The National Pension Lawyers Network (NPLN). If you need an attorney to assist you regarding pensions and retirement plans, you can use this free referral service, which connects workers and retirees with private attorneys who can help individuals understand and enforce their pension and retirement plan rights.

A note to attorneys and actuaries: If you are willing to volunteer with NPLN, your services are welcome. Please contact the Pension Rights Center for information regarding volunteering your services.

Bottom line: The Pension Rights Center stays up to date with all issues related to your pensions and retirement plans. Its staff is professional and well educated. If you take advantage of its services, you will not incur any fees.

The center’s staff works very closely with legislators who are sponsoring legislation that affects your pensions and retirement plans. The center’s website is a dynamic one, and will include all of the latest information that impacts your pensions and retirement plans. © 2022 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Down market suggests Roth conversion

By Andrew Rosen While a down market may not be a fun time for investors, there are some bright spots and opportunities to be had. Stock market drops like we’ve seen recently might make a Roth IRA conversion more appealing as a strategy for investors.

Should you consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth during a down market?

There are a few things to consider.

What is a Roth conversion?

When you have a traditional IRA, those are pre-tax dollars that you’re investing.

While the money grows tax-free in the IRA, when you later go to take a withdrawal, every dollar you pull will be taxed at your current rate for income (not capital gains).

With a Roth IRA, you invest already-

taxed dollars, which not only grow tax-free in the Roth, but are tax-free (along with any gains) whenever you withdraw them, as long as you are at least 59½ and follow a few other rules.

So, there is a lot of value to a Roth. However, when you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, you need to turn those pre-tax IRA dollars (and any gain to date) into post-tax Roth dollars at the time. That means when you trigger a Roth conversion, you’ll be responsible for paying that year the tax due on any pre-tax contributions or earnings within the traditional IRA.

down, you’ll be paying less taxes on the current value than you would have a few months ago when the market (and your IRA’s value) were higher.

That suggests you can probably convert a larger portion of your IRA in a down market than you could in years when the market is up.

It’s important to work with both a financial adviser and your tax professional to determine not only the amount of tax you’ll owe during the year that you perform the Roth conversion, but also how long it would potentially take you to break even.

Conversions in a down market

Pros of a Roth conversion

When the market has dropped, it’s likely your IRA value has dropped along with it. Since the value of your IRA has gone

Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth has many potential benefits for investors. As noted above, because a Roth IRA allows for dollars to grow tax-free, all the growth is also tax-free.

There are also no RMDs, or required minimum distributions, on a Roth IRA. With a traditional IRA or 401(k), you have a set minimum you must withdraw each year once you hit the age of 72, but Roth IRAs do not have this requirement.

Tax rates are still relatively low, historically, which means now is as good of a time as any for a Roth conversion, from a tax perspective.

Another benefit of having a Roth IRA is

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that it gives you a different “bucket” of income to pull from in an effort to keep your taxes as low as possible during retirement.

Roth IRAs also benefit your spouse and heirs at inheritance time, as the tax-free benefits pass along to them in various ways, depending on the time limit and amount, and their relationship with you, the deceased.

A few cautions Roth IRA conversions have other costs.

There’s the five-year rule, where you must wait five years after a conversion before making a withdrawal or else you could incur a 10% penalty. Keep in mind that this fiveyear rule only applies to those who are younger than 59½.

Triggering a Roth conversion will also increase your adjusted gross income (AGI) that year, which could increase your tax rate that year and possibly affect other issues, such as raising the cost of Medicare premiums (which go up for those with higher AGIs).

The best way to determine if a Roth conversion is the right move for you during the down market is to work with a financial adviser and a tax professional so you can get feedback on your specific financial situation. © 2022 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Apps address end-of-life planning issues

By Liz Weston Before the pandemic, entrepreneurs Liz Eddy and Alyssa Ruderman had trouble getting venture capitalists to invest in their endof-life planning app, called Lantern. Potential business partners were skeptical as well.

“We would hear, ‘Oh, this is really a niche issue,’ which I think is pretty hilarious,” Eddy said. “Death is quite literally the only thing on the planet that affects every single person.”

The past two years have highlighted the importance of such preparation, even for younger people. Abigail Henson, a 31-yearold college professor in Phoenix, said she started using Lantern about 18 months ago to plan her funeral, tell her executor where to find her passwords, and explain what she wanted to be done with her social media accounts.

“I’m a planner, and I have control issues, so the idea of being able to have a say in what happens following my passing was appealing,” Henson said.

Planning for death and navigating life after a loss can be difficult, complex and sometimes expensive. However, several apps — including Lantern, Cake, Empathy and Everplans, among others — promise to help.

How the apps work Death-planning apps typically have free tools for consumers, and most have additional premium services available for a fee.

For example, Empathy’s free offerings include checklists, articles and collaboration tools for family members.

Those who pay a subscription fee of $8.99 a month or $64.99 per year can access a document vault and automated tools to close accounts. Subscribers also get around-the-clock access to “care specialists” who can answer questions and help users search for specialized advisers, such as attorneys or tax pros.

Everplans, a document-storage site and app, offers a free trial followed by an annual $75 subscription fee.

Lantern’s free offerings include basic preplanning tools, an after-loss checklist, document storage and collaboration tools.

A one-time $149 fee provides access to more resources and the ability to create additional plans.

Cake’s free features include end-of-life planning, online memorials, a post-loss checklist and document storage. A $96 annual subscription buys unlimited storage, a legal online will, and one-on-one consultations with the app’s support team, said Suelin Chen, Cake’s co-founder.

Some apps partner with employers, insurers, banks and other companies that provide the app’s features to employees or customers as a benefit.

The apps also may earn referral fees for connecting users with service providers.

Lantern has a “Funeralocity” tool to search for funeral homes, for instance, and Cake partners with Eterneva, which turns cremated remains into diamonds.

Plan at your own pace Henson chose Lantern because she wanted to complete preplanning tasks at her own pace and share them online with trusted people. That felt more manageable than tackling estate planning all at once and storing the documents in a filing cabinet, which is what her mother has done, Henson said.

“It can be really overwhelming to think about it in one sitting. But the idea that, every once in a while, you can pop in and add more is helpful,” Henson said.

People shouldn’t rely on apps to do all their estate planning, said certified financial planner and physician Carolyn McClanahan of Jacksonville, Florida. Wills and trusts, for example, are tricky to draft and best done by experienced attorneys, she said.

But McClanahan likes apps that help with tasks such as funeral instructions, advanced care directives, pet care plans and

obituary drafts.

“Anything that can get people to start thinking about planning for end of life is good,” McClanahan said.

Thinking about your legacy Planning for your death can be a tremendous gift to the people you leave behind, sparing them confusion and stress. But dealing with death’s aftermath can still be a heavy load, made even more complicated by grief.

Families often spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours on post-death tasks, said Ron Gura, Empathy’s co-founder and CEO. Those chores can include arranging the funeral, probating the estate, closing accounts, canceling services and dealing with various government agencies, including Social Security and the IRS. Apps allow people to answer a few questions and get personalized advice. “We can

show you only the things that you need to do right now, and also tell you what can wait,” Gura said.

The apps focus on practicalities, such as completing tasks and uploading important documents. But many also encourage users to think about their legacies.

Everplans, for example, has a worksheet to help people create an ethical will — a document that communicates their values, life lessons and most important experiences. Everplans also has templates and guidance for writing letters and creating videos with a legacy message.

Cake’s Chen said people often ask her if running a death-planning app is depressing.

Quite the opposite, she said.

“It really gets at the core of what makes life meaningful,” she said. “I am reminded every single day to make the most of the time that I have.” —AP/NerdWallet

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VISITNC.COM

Travel Leisure &

Slow down at a historic inn in Edenton, N.C. See story on page 43.

Hawaii’s green island soothes the mind plied in the wild.

My favorite part of this resort on Poipu Beach was the proximity of a hiking path that stretches for about a mile north and a mile south. The path is delineated by a low wall of volcanic black rock leading all the way to the ocean.

Walking this trail at dawn, listening to the morning songs of the birds, passing open meadows and patches of forest with tiny yellow birds (saffron finches) flitting about, and watching a slow, sweet sun rising, was my favorite morning treat.

At the end of the path, you can get a latte at a coffee shop or check out the Whalers General Store. Across the street, walking through the Kiahuna Plantation Resort with its orchid garden and fish pond, you’ll find Poipu Beach.

Thankfully, local laws guarantee free beach access to all. If you are up for it, you can connect with a surfing instructor there who will take you out past the reef and teach you to surf Hawaiian-style.

In February, the weather was perfect, with highs in the 70s. The ocean was still chilly for me, but my family found Poipu Beach great for swimming and snorkeling.

They saw eels, multicolored fish and a whale far off in the distance, its plume marking its route. A monk seal clambered

PHOTO BY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY

By Diane York There is a saying that Hawaii is not a state of mind but a state of grace. I found that to be true during five perfect days in Kauai (Ka-wai’-ee, rhymes with Hawaii) last winter.

People often tell you about their favorite vacation spot, describing it as heavenly.

But none of the typical descriptors fulfill their promise as does Hawaii.

It’s not just sun, beaches and surf. The native Hawaiians are mellow, the pace is slower than the mainland, and the air is magical.

Of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is called the “green island.” And green it is — lush, abundant, fertile with flowers, plants and trees in abundance.

On our first day there, we arrived weary, jet-lagged and a bit cranky. But the easy smiles and patience of the airport staff, and the soft breezes blowing through the airport, softened all that.

We drove to the Pilli Mai Condo complex next to the expansive Kiahuna golf course. One of the first things I noticed was the abundance of roosters, hens and chicks that roam wild everywhere. The story is that Hurricane Iniki in 1992 blasted winds of up to 225 mph across the island, freeing chickens who happily multi-

Spending an evening on a Kauai beach, or watching a sunrise over the water, make for a bucket-list vacation that doesn’t require a passport. Also known as Hawaii’s “garden island,” Kauai’s picture-perfect gardens, slow pace and mellow residents can make visitors never want to leave.

PHOTO BY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY

Tropical rainforests cover much of the lush Hawaiian island of Kauai. Not surprisingly, its vistas have served as the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood films, from South Pacific to Pirates of the Caribbean.

up the beach and made itself comfortable next to us.

Later in the day, we drove to old Koloa town, where we bought groceries at the Safeway grocery store. Shipping goods to Hawaii inflates the cost; I was in sticker shock when I realized I had bought five bags of groceries for $400!

We ate pizza and drank mango martinis that night at the Volcano Pizza restaurant across from Poipu Beach.

Cave adventure Twenty miles east of Poipu Beach is the spectacular Makauwahi Cave Preserve.

This mammoth, two-story cave on the ocean exceeded all expectations.

One of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed here. When Captain Jack Sparrow leaped from a high cliff, it was from the top of the Makauwahi Cave.

An off-road vehicle is your best bet for driving there, as the rocks can tear up the bottom of a low-riding sedan. On your way, you will pass the CJM Country Stables, where you can rent horses to ride along the beach.

A bit of an uphill hike through woods brings you to a stone wall with a small, triangular opening at the base. Taking a leap (crouch?) of faith, you must crawl on your

hands and knees into the cave.

After about 15 feet, you can stand and find yourself inside a huge open area with tall palms reaching to the sky, surrounded by three-story cliffs. There is a feeling of having found the Lost World — and that at any moment, a pterodactyl might fly overhead and sweep you off your feet.

The cave is considered to be the largest fossil area on the island, with 10,000 years of animals, plants, seeds and leaves preserved in its layers of sand, soil and sediment. There is also a preserve here where you can get eye to eye with several giant land tortoises.

After that challenging hike, we visited Uncle’s Best Shaved Ice in the shops at Kukuiula shopping center on Poipu Road and ate mounds of pina colada shaved ice with a huge scoop of creamy, cold, vanilla ice cream on top.

Historic ‘Wild West’ village On day three, after a late brunch and dip in the pool, we drove the winding, scenic road up to the old town of Hanapepe.

Hanapepe is called the “smallest big town in Kauai” and is known for its art galleries, bookstore and swinging bridge.

See HAWAII, page 42

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

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

41

Stay off the beaten path for summer deals

By Sam Kemmis Many Americans are looking to travel this summer. Most hope to find a good deal. Unfortunately, that’s not how the law of supply and demand usually works.

Air travel has nearly returned to prepandemic levels. Hotels are filling up, and vacation rentals are booming.

“Demand across the board for summer 2022 travel is up 20% to 25% relative to 2019,” said Jamie Lane, vice president of research at AirDNA, a vacation rental data platform that tracks trends on Airbnb and Vrbo.

Volatile oil prices could also impact summer travel costs. The price of U.S. Gulf Coast kerosene-type jet fuel hit $4.47 per gallon in our area in May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

With so many factors pushing travel prices upward, where are the deals? And what destinations should budget-conscious travelers avoid altogether?

find than in less popular destinations. The same goes for rural U.S. destinations, especially those close to national parks.

“The strongest demand is in small-town rural areas,” Lane said. “Demand has doubled over 2019.”

Instead, Lane suggests targeting destinations that rely heavily on foreign visitors and have been slower to recover tourists.

“Places like Croatia, Italy and Greece have been very slow to recover and are down anywhere from 40% to 60% in demand. They haven’t seen the price increases that we’ve seen in the U.S.” Flight bookings to Europe dropped after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to data from Hopper, a travel booking app, suggesting that travel to the continent could remain sluggish through the summer. That means deals could (and should) follow.

“A last-minute booking in Croatia? You’re going to find a great deal,” Lane said.

Zig while others zag The rise of inflation has reminded consumers of a simple economic truth: When everybody wants something and there isn’t enough of it, prices go up. This is true for real estate, microchips and airfare.

So, when planning a trip for this summer, it’s helpful to know where demand remains high.

“Destination resort areas are up 40% over 2019,” said Lane, of vacation rental occupancy rates.

Mexico has been a particularly hot destination for U.S. travelers, due to proximity and easygoing testing requirements. Indeed, the number of travelers to Mexico in March 2022 was up nearly 20% compared with 2019 levels.

Deals for summer travel in Mexico could still exist, but they’ll be harder to

Book (some things) late The pandemic has reshaped how many travelers make plans. Instead of cementing dates months in advance, many began booking trips mere weeks away. And despite much conventional travel wisdom, this approach is actually a good way to secure deals.

“Generally, if you book far in advance, you’re going to pay more,” said Lane, pointing to how the Airbnb pricing algorithm will drop prices at the last minute to fill remaining availability. “As you get closer to the stay date, if it’s not booked, you’re going to get a discount.”

The same is true of hotels, which are often cheaper to book within a few weeks or days of your stay rather than a few months. Similarly, deals on rental cars are

generally easier to find at the last minute.

This advice comes with two big caveats.

First, if demand does outstrip supply at a particular destination, prices could actually go up in the few weeks before a trip rather than down. Worse, availability could dry up altogether, leaving few cars or vacation rentals available.

Second, last-minute airfare is usually costlier. This is not an ironclad rule — lastminute deals can pop up, but they’re more common a month or more out.

Stay flexible The only thing we don’t know about what will happen this summer is everything. Another variant could emerge. Borders could close. International conflicts

could escalate. Who knows?

As a traveler, that’s why flexibility is a must for finding deals.

Rather than making a firm plan to visit a particular destination, follow the deals.

See what airfare and accommodation deals are available on target dates, and build a trip around them. Flexibility has always been important for budget travel. Now it’s necessary.

Make sure to only book travel that can be easily changed or canceled. A great deal on airfare with a low-cost airline such as Spirit Airlines could carry high change and cancellation fees. The same goes for basic economy fares, which usually can’t be changed or canceled at all.

—AP/NerdWallet

42

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Hawaii From page 40 The charming town resembles a movie set for a Western, with wood frame houses dating back to the 1880s. The Hanapepe River passes through town, crossed by a 185-foot-long rickety footbridge. It’s only three feet wide and sways wildly, providing plenty of thrills.

The view is gorgeous, though, with fish jumping in the river and the sun streaking the cliffs with gold. If you make it across, peruse the Bridge Art Galler y on the

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

other side.

The town bookstore, called Talk Story, is a delightful escape with an eclectic collection of art, gardening, non-fiction and fiction, and mystery books. It even has the robots from the 1990s TV show “Mystery Science Theatre 3000.”

Talk Story has a unique collection of Hawaiian cultural items, too, including books written in the Hawaiian language.

It’s the kind of bookstore you could spend a week in.

Art galleries abound here, with paintings and photography of Hawaii and be-

BEACON BITS

June 20

JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY DAY

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, on the Washington Mall, is hosting a free Juneteenth Community Day on Mon., June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Events include living history performances in the galleries and a performance by Alphonso Horne and the Gothic Kings.

Register to attend by visiting bit.ly/JuneteenthCommunityDay22.

yond. A cluster of restaurants just down the road serves Hawaiian pork ribs, salads and rice bowls.

Garden tours Think Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs, and you can picture Allerton and McBryde Gardens in Koloa. The two gardens together comprise about 380 acres of flowers, fruit orchards, forest, jungle, water features including waterfalls, streams, a gazebo and pool, ancient palms, enormous Moreton Bay Fig Trees, and monstrous tropical plants that look like they might eat you.

Jurassic Park was, in fact, partly filmed here. National Geographic Traveler calls this place one of its “50 Places of a Lifetime.” A three-hour adventure of riding (a bus) and walking is well worth the $60 fee.

The visitors center sign reads: “relax, connect and be inspired,” and I was.

Back in Koloa we stopped at the Koloa Jodo Mission to view its traditional Japanese temple, whose lovely garden is known

for its collection of lotus and water lilies.

We had dinner at the Bangkok Happy Bowl and listened to a Hawaiian soft rock band while sharing four dishes: Bangkok coconut curry noodles, a Poipu Bowl, a cashew dish and fried rice.

Ziplining and Lydgate Beach Three people in our family wanted some action, so on day five, we went ziplining in Koloa. I watched in awe as they flew away over ravines and streams. They found it “absolutely exhilarating.” Ziplining is safe even for children.

Wanting a different beach experience that afternoon, we drove 34 miles south to Lydgate Beach. Fallen trees are carried here from an inland river, creating “the Driftwood Beach,” where you can find fantastic creations of ocean-sculpted wood.

Two huge enclosed ponds protect you from the big waves, are full of colorful fish, and are perfect for safe swimming.

We finished the day at the Roy Yamaguchi Eating House back in Koloa. Sizzling tataki ribeye and locally grown tomato and mozzarella salad. Yum. There is much, much more to do on Hawaii’s green island. Perhaps the best way to see the mountains, hidden valleys and waterfalls that dot the island is by helicopter. Most of these tours are based at the airport in Lihue.

In addition, boat tours provide views of inaccessible cliffs and oceanfront caves.

There are snorkel and scuba tours to enjoy the vast diverse creatures hidden in the ocean.

In Hawaii, it’s possible to be outdoors from sunrise to sunset with ideal weather most days of the year, which to me would be a perfect life.

Others in my party remarked they felt 10 years younger after a week here. My visit was far too short. But when I need to, I can return to the state of grace that is Hawaii, if only through my memories.

Aloha, heavenly island.

If you go Round-trip flights from D.C. to Kauai start at $830 on American Airlines.

Kauai resorts range from Marriott and Sheraton Grand Hyatt to lesser-known and less expensive hotels. Poipu Beach is sunny year-round, while the Princeville area on the north side is a lush, occasionally rainy area.

For more information, visit gohawaii.com.

BEACON BITS

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June 20

ONLINE RX DRUG RESOURCES

Montgomery County Public Library, in conjunction with Senior Planet Montgomery, offers a free virtual lecture that overviews online drug resources as well as information about drug costs and other related topics. This event takes place Mon., June 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. For more information, including the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/RxInfo.

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

43

Savor small-town charm in Edenton, N.C. Many historic buildings Edenton has many well-preserved buildings, water-oriented recreation and walkable streets lined with attractions and eateries.

Historic preservation is a priority here.

Sir Walter Raleigh explored the area in the 1580s. The town was North Carolina’s state capital until 1792, when state government operations moved to the more central Raleigh.

And so the town has two National Historic Landmarks, five buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and countless grand homes with inviting verandas, in Victorian, Georgian, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne and Federal styles.

Locals even relocate buildings to save them. The Roanoke River Lighthouse was moved three times to escape demolition.

Its screw-pile design is named for the supporting “screw” on its base, twisted into the river bottom.

Now located on stilts in Edenton Harbor, it has been restored to its 1886 interior, housing the keeper’s furnishings and tools, including a crank radio used to communicate.

Another rescued building, the 1758 Jacobean-style Cupola House, was slated for commercial development until a group of residents stepped in a century ago. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house has an eye-catching cupola that enhances ventilation.

Inside, the first floor is decorated with Prussian blue, Georgian wainscoting, mantels, pediments and moldings. Its much plainer second floor was probably quarters for enslaved people.

PHOTO BY VISIT NC

By Glenda C. Booth Paris has the Eiffel Tower; London has Big Ben. Edenton, North Carolina touts a teapot.

On the edge of the town green, in front of the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, stands a 250-pound bronze teapot, mounted on a Revolutionary War-era cannon.

The kettle honors 51 uppity women who staged what was one of the first organized women’s protests in the United States.

In 1774, Mrs. Penelope Barker held a tea party for 51 women, who sent a letter to England’s King George declaring their boycott of English tea and fabrics. Their letter of rebellion provoked a British satirical cartoon ridiculing them for being “treasonous” and suggesting they stay out of politics and tend to their wifely duties.

Edenton, population 4,800 today, has other claims to fame: It’s the second-oldest town in the state and the colonial capital. President James Monroe dined in the Chowan County courthouse in 1819. The Edenton Cotton Mill supplied cotton to U.S. troops in World War I. And the town has the last remaining square, screw-pile lighthouse.

But the best part of Edenton is its friendly, small-town feel.

Nestled into the western end of Albemarle Sound 70 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Edenton is “one of America’s prettiest towns,” per Forbes.com.

“Edenton is a quaint town that is an architectural masterpiece, boasting hundreds of 18th- to 20th-century homes,” according to the tourism director of Chowan County, Erienne Dickman.

“There are a variety of reasons to visit Edenton, but it is the small-town charm, gorgeous waterfront view and people that will make you want to come stay time and time again.”

The restored 1886 lighthouse in Edenton, N.C., has been moved several times to save it from demolition.

1762, displays the Brits’ cartoon demeaning the “traitorous” Edenton women and has exhibits of other “women of distinction.”

One is Inglis Fletcher (1879-1969), a novelist who traveled to Africa alone in 1928 on a six-month trek — then a normbreaking adventure for a white woman.

She described her adventures in her book, The White Leopard.

Edenton will soon open the Hayes Farm to the public, a complex including the 1817, Palladian home of the state’s first U.S. senator, James C. Johnston, and See EDENTON, page 45

BE THESDA BIG TRAIN 23RD YEAR OF AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN Small town charm. Big League talent.

Museums and boat tours The Penelope Barker House, built in

Shirley Povich Field Cabin John Regional Park, 10600 Westlake Dr. First pitch 7 p.m.

Tickets $10 Gates open at 6 p.m.

JOIN US TUESDAY JUNE 14

SENIORS NIGHT Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League

Bethesda Big Train vs. Metro SOCO Braves

First 500 fans receive a Big Train seat cushion courtesy of Seniors Helping Seniors Special Guest: ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian, a living baseball encyclopedia who will be honored at this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown.

www.bigtrain.org/tickets/single/

44

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

Your airport lounge options just grew If you know you’ll be stuck in an airport wide chain of its own lounges as well as for a few hours on your next trip, why not some that it operates under contract for Air make your layover more comFrance, Avianca and Virgin Atfortable? lantic. The new pass is an obviPlaza Premium is selling a ous way of generating additionnew Americas Pass that offers al valuable revenue at very little two visits to a set of airport cost. lounges in North and South Anyone who has followed America during a year for $59. my columns knows that I’m a Participating lounges are locatbig fan of airport lounges and ed at Dallas-Ft. Worth, Newark, their ability to tame the usual San Francisco and Washington hostile environment of big airDulles in America, at Edmonports. Plaza Premium adds a ton, Toronto and Winnipeg in TRAVEL TIPS new niche player to the list of Canada, at six airpor ts in By Ed Perkins ways you can do this at moderColombia, plus Cancún and San ate cost.

Salvador.

This pass joins the Global 2-visit pass for Frequent traveler options $75 and four-visit pass for $150. The global The optimum lounge pass options deoption operates worldwide, as the name pend on exactly what sort of traveler you suggests. are. For folks who travel a lot, the best choicThe Americas Pass entitles you to two es narrow down to three: single-person visits of up to three hours.

• If you frequently travel worldwide but You can buy a pass online at plazapremi- fly mainly on American, Delta or United, umlounge.com or through the Smart Trav- membership in that line’s own program is eller reward promotion system. Use it as a your best bet. Oddly enough, getting the card or an app. line’s co-branded premium credit card, Plaza Premium runs a growing world- with annual fees of $450 to $550, usually

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costs less than straight lounge club program membership; the cards also offer other useful benefits.

• As a corollary, you’ll get the best use of a program with a lounge in your home airport or the nearby hub through which you typically connect. Ideally, that’s also the line you fly the most. After all, half of your trips will use that airport.

• If you fly a lot on a bunch of airlines, or fly on airlines without their own lounges, the American Express Platinum card is generally recognized as offering the widest lounge selection. That selection includes AmEx’s own Centurion Clubs, the 1,300plus lounge Priority Pass program, and a handful of other independent lounge chains, as well as Delta club access when you fly Delta. For many, other benefits compensate for the card’s stiff $695 annual fee.

Several other less expensive premium cards include Priority Pass, but they offer fewer lounge locations than AmEx Platinum.

Occasional traveler options The Americas Pass described above falls into the category of useful options for folks who don’t travel often enough to warrant a big annual fee for lounge access.

Its average fee of $29.50 per visit is less than most programs charge for one-time access. But the current list of U.S. loca-

tions is fairly small.

And it isn’t the only game for occasional travelers. Other suggestions: • LoungeBuddy is an independent website that arranges one-time access to multiple airline lounge chain locations.

Fees start at $25 per visit. The American Express Green Card, at $150 per year, includes a $100 credit with LoungeBuddy.

• The UNFCU (United Nations Federal Credit Union) Elite Visa card, with a $50 annual fee, includes up to five free visits to Priority Pass lounges.

• United Airlines’ Explorer Visa card includes two free entries to a United Club each year, in addition to other United benefits.

• Capital One has started to develop a lounge chain, and holders of Venture and Spark Miles cards enjoy two complimentary visits each year. So far, the chain has only three lounges, but you can expect more in coming months.

Chase Bank is also developing a lounge network, but so far, I can’t see any low-cost options for infrequent travelers.

The take-away line: Lounge entry is getting easier every year. And it’s one of travel’s better reasonably-priced extravagances.

Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or visit his rail travel website, rail-guru.com. © 2022 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough . . . a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

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

From page 43 enslaved workers’ cottages.

The Mill Village Museum tells the story of the Edenton Cotton Mill, 1898 to 1995, where at its peak, 100 workers made cotton into string in hot, dusty conditions.

The mill is the heart of Mill Village, once 70 modest bungalows where workers lived. Exhibits describe close-knit village life, and artifacts like the last batch of yarn made there.

Albemarle Sound is an ever-inviting backdrop. Since the town is 70 miles from the ocean, waters are usually calm and breezes soothing. Cruising on the tour boat “Liber-Tea,” visitors can learn tidbits about the invading Union troops’ shenanigans during their Civil War occupation and sailors hiding rum in cypress trees.

In the 18th century, the town docks bustled with cotton and tobacco shipping. In 1842, Harriet Ann Jacobs, born into slavery, hid in an Edenton attic for seven years, then disguised herself as a sailor and sailed north to freedom in New York, where she published Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl in 1861 under the pseudonym Linda Brent.

For lodging, elegant B&Bs in former homes near downtown have a comfortable, genteel aura.

Many restaurants specialize in fresh seafood and farm-to-table vegetables. At the Edenton Bay Oyster Bar, crispy-fried oysters, fried oyster salad and oysters with homemade pimento and ham top the menu, and creamed collards hit the spot.

For lunch at the Old Colony Smokehouse, pitmaster Adam Hughes offers pork, beef, chicken, turkey and sausage, smoked on wood coals, as well as madefrom-scratch desserts.

To work off your excesses, you can do the twist at Edenton Bay Trading Company’s Saturday Vinyl Night, where rock and roll is played on vinyl records.

Edenton’s July 4 celebration is a popular annual festival.

For more information, go to visitedenton.com. Pick up free travel guides at the visitor center, the 1892 Zeigler House or the Penelope Barker House.

PHOTO BY VISIT NC

Edenton

An antique taxi cruises past downtown Edenton’s historic storefronts. Historic preservationists have saved many structures in the tiny town of 4,600 people.

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL

Eclectic shops A not-to-be-missed retail hotspot is Byrum’s True Value Hardware, with a variety store wing and shelves bulging with hammers, sillcocks, gardening supplies, craft supplies, decorations, North Carolina sports memorabilia, sewing notions, Pyrex dishes, bike helmets and more.

Shoppers can also buy wedding presents, like fine china and crystal. Jean Byrum Brown, granddaughter of the store’s founder, keeps a worn cardboard box under the cash register containing a bridal registry — a bunch of stapled-together, threeby-five-inch index cards, one for the bride and one for the groom. She gladly wraps gifts. If a purchase is too large to wrap, Brown will put a bow on it.

Along the main street, Broad, handmade signs promote coming events, such as a wild game cookout, spaghetti supper and pork chop fundraiser. The thoroughfare is lined with mom-and-pop boutiques selling hand-painted furniture and décor.

Feathers Boutique, a women’s clothing store has a “preloved” section and racks for curvy figures and “working mamas.”

Edenton moves at a slow pace. Pam Johnson is a repeat visitor.

“We stumbled across Edenton by happenstance 20 years ago. Every year since, we have made it a tradition to stay overnight,” she said. “The town’s Colonial architecture, coupled with trendy shops and restaurants, is what keeps us coming back.”

If you go Edenton is located four and a half hours south of the D.C. area. Amtrak has trains from Union Station to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where several companies rent cars for the two-hour drive to Edenton.

45

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Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour.

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

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TERESA CASTRACANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Style Arts &

The play Our Town was one of the first to utilize a minimalist set.

See review below.

Wilder classic Our Town still resonates

A daringly different play When Our Town appeared on Broadway in 1938 to wide acclaim and won a Pulitzer, it broke accepted rules of theater with its bare stage: without scenery, curtain or props.

In the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s current production, which runs through June 11, Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul’s production maintains the barebones staging, which harmonizes with the industrial beauty of Sidney Harmon Hall.

Artistic Director Simon Godwin cast an all-local lineup of “hometown heroes,”

whom audiences may recognize from other theater performances, as a “celebration of our creative community and its resilience,” he said.

One reason that the play continues to resonate is because of the Stage Manager, a character that was radical in 1938 and remains startlingly contemporary today.

The Stage Manager, played here by Holly Twyford with shape-shifting virtuosity, moves between the play, actors and audience, between specific and universal.

Like a Greek chorus, she informs us that the play takes place in three acts. The first introduces the daily life of the inhabitants of Grover’s Corners and the childhood interactions of George Gibbs and Emily Webb. The second act covers George and Emily’s wedding. The third act is about mortality.

The Stage Manager brings comfort, calm, objectivity. Wilder has charged her with delivering facts about this specific town even as he wants to summon an everytown for the audience to reflect on their own specificity, their own origins.

At the same time, the Stage Manager

PHOTO BY TERESA CASTRACANE PHOTOGRAPHY

By Lynda Lantz Thornton Wilder once said, “I am interested in those things that repeat and repeat and repeat in the lives of the millions.” His most widely produced play, Our Town, aims to remind us of our universal humanity.

Sometimes, however, what some imagine to be folks-writ-large is merely the perspective of a specific group of people. Can Wilder’s fictional Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire — set between 1901 and 1914, with its very specific landscape and history — speak to us in our more complicated time?

Jake Loewenthal, Felicia Curry and Craig Wallace bring the characters of Thornton Wilder’s 1938 play Our Town into the 21st century. The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production runs through June 11.

does not to allow the audience to relax into the play. Because the lights in the theater never dim on the audience, we cannot forget we are watching something staged.

Each act has its purpose In the first act, the Stage Manager tells us See OUR TOWN, page 47

Honoring lifelong volunteers for service

By Beacon Staff Since 1998, Montgomery County, Maryland, has bestowed the Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award on selected older adults, honored for their lifelong commitment to volunteer work. The awards, named after former County Executive Neal Potter, are co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission on Aging and the Beacon Newspapers.

This year’s winners are Judge Chung K. Pak and Charlotte Holliday. They will receive their awards at a public ceremony on June 15.

Judge gives back When Chung Pak was 12 years old, he and his family immigrated from Korea to a small town in Alabama, where they encountered both generosity and hostility. “I faced discrimination and name-calling as a kid,” Pak, now 64, recalled in an interview with the Beacon.

His childhood experiences motivated Pak to fight for social justice, and over the past 30

years he has advocated on behalf of immi- for more than 23 years, as administrative grants and others who face discrimination. patent judge of the U.S. Patent Trial and “I felt that it was important for our coun- Appeal Board. try and our community to be much more In 2020, Maryland Governor Larry inclusive,” he said.

Hogan appointed Pak chief Maryland Senator Susan administrative law judge of Lee, who nominated Pak the Maryland Office of Adfor the award, called him an ministrative Hearings. “unsung hero,” describing In his new position, Pak a long record of advocacy. has appointed seven admin“He has worked tirelessly istrative law judges, five of to provide a strong voice to whom are women. Among some of the most needy and his appointees are the first powerless; combat justice female Muslim administraand inequality; advocate for tive law judge and the first Chung Pak legislation to fight hate Asian American administracrimes and inequity and emtive law judge in Maryland. power immigrants, women, children, fami“They were selected for their ability, but lies and all hardworking individuals; form they happened to be women of color,” Pak coalitions, build bridges and obtain consen- said. “We continue to promote diversity sus between our richly diverse communi- and bring about the best talent from ties; and educate, register new voters and throughout the state.” get them to the polls,” Lee wrote.

Pak’s involvement in activism began During Pak’s career, he worked as a cor- shortly after he moved to Maryland in porate attorney and a patents attorney and, 1982. He connected with the Montgomery

County Chapter of the NAACP and eventually became co-chair of its Multicultural Partnership Committee, which consists of nearly 30 ethnic organizations.

Through that work and as a member of the Montgomery County NAACP Police Monitoring Committee, Pak has helped organizations work together to fight injustice.

“Through that unity and through that working relationship, I was hoping to make our community and our country and state better,” he said.

In addition to working with the NAACP, Pak has led the League of Korean Americans and developed partnerships between the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and Montgomery County’s State’s Attorney’s Office and Law Enforcement.

He has served on many boards, including the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Montgomery County Executive’s Asian AmeriSee VOLUNTEERS, page 48

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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

Our Town From page 46 about the fate of several characters we’ve only just met, including Joe Crowell Jr. (Quinn M. Johnson), who bikes around the periphery of the stage delivering newspapers: smartest in high school, headed for great things after Massachusetts Tech, only to be cut down by World War I. The Stage Manager also directs what we see and when. In one scene, Mrs. Webb (Felicia Curry) and Emily (Chinna Palmer) sit at the table as Emily declares her day’s triumphs and asks her mother’s advice. When the Stage Manager determines that the scene has delivered its required message, she stops the scene and shoos the characters, who once again become actors, off the stage.

Other than that of the Stage Manager, the dialogue in the first act is purposefully mundane. Plot is limited; conversation is civil, establishing refrains that will echo through the play.

Fathers are awkward. Mothers cook endlessly. The “all” can feel a little overly rosy, a bit confined. In this everyday routine, Rebecca Gibbs (Maisie Ann Posner) delights with grand gestures.

The wedding in Act II brings a more dramatic tone, with most characters on the edge of or in tears during the whole act, but it still rests intentionally on cliché.

Balancing old and new There are moments that jar. Time and again, characters ask of the drunken, unhappy Mr. Stimson, “How’ll that end?” Duh. Their non-interventionist reaction to a neighbor’s distress seems specific to a culture and time, and might not be tolerable today.

In this diverse cast, the Webb family is played by Black actors. When Leslie Odom, Jr. played George Gibbs in a one-night benefit reading in 2013, he puzzled over how to bring

his American experience to Our Town, eventually unearthing the play’s universal touchpoints.

Watching the Webbs, I wondered whether the audience might be missing out because the experience of a Black family in Grover’s Corners might add a dimension that Wilder could not envision.

Occasionally, the play spills off the stage, as when milkman Howie Newsome (Christopher Michael Richardson) encourages temperamental horse Bessie. Hardworking Dr. Gibbs (Todd Scofield) first enters the stage from the edge of the audience. From a circular staircase, George Gibbs (Jake Loewenthal), more a wide-eyed innocent than his love Emily, calls over to coax algebra tips from by-the-rules Emily on the opposite side of the stage.

Costume Designer Sarafina Bush dresses most characters in classic, contemporary clothing, with a rural nod in Howie’s overalls and a vintage shout-out in dresses for Rebecca and Emily.

Teenage Emily’s costume, a vintage-style top, jeggings and ankle boots that recall both the turn of the century and contemporary times, reflect her personality: smart, confident and outspoken, yet anxious to avoid disruption.

With costumes that only gently poke at the time period, again, characters lose their individuality and become manifestations of all of humanity.

The third act, which twists daily life into science fiction, is another big reason the play still works. Into the cemetery, where “an awful lot of sorrow has sort of quieted down,” comes the newly dead Emily.

Mother Gibbs (Natascia Diaz) coaches Emily in clarifying the eternal part of herself, but Chinna Palmer brings a heartrending performance as Emily, bound still to her earthly home.

Emily demands to relive a day on earth: her 12th birthday, which becomes a little too

real. In Acts I and II, Mrs. Webb mimed cooking breakfast over a stove. Now she rises in a transparent box through the stage. In this glass room, we see what Emily sees: wrapped presents, steam rising from scrambled eggs. The relentlessness of the everyday overwhelms Emily, who sees that what is precious is obscured.

Our Town is being performed at Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, Washington, DC. The show runs two hours and 40 minutes with two short intermissions of 15 and 10 minutes.

Refreshments can be pre-ordered until the show begins, and the concession stand closes after the first intermission. Open-captioned

47

and audio-described performances will take place in early June.

Patrons must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend any performance or public event at Shakespeare Theatre Company. Masks are required for all guests inside, except while eating or drinking in designated locations. For more information about proof of vaccination and rules for guests under the age of 12, visit shakespearetheatre.org/healthandsafety.

People 60 and over get a 10% discount on tickets and a 35% discount for Wednesday noon matinees. Call the box office at (202) 547-1122.

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Volunteers From page 46 can Advisory Board.

Pak has also helped Asian American organizations secure grant funding, so that they can help underserved immigrant populations register to vote and receive job training.

Fighting injustice through legislation, Pak has worked closely with Lee and other state senators by helping pass bills to provide housing for low-income seniors and supporting the passage of the Maryland Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Pak has fought against anti-immigrant legislation to protect the civil rights of immigrants.

In addition to supporting immigrant populations, Pak has improved the lives of Maryland youth by creating an internship program that provides thousands of high school students with experience working in politics.

Pak also served as a member of the Montgomery County Public School Superintendent’s taskforce to reduce racial tensions at John F. Kennedy High School.

Through his work, Pak wants to repay the many people who have supported him throughout his life and career.

“There are a lot of individuals who made sacrifices so a person like myself was able to get a job as an administrative patent judge and be appointed as a chief administrative law judge,” Pak said.

“I am immensely grateful for those who

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

gave me the opportunities, so I try to do what I can to make a difference for the benefit of this country and this community.”

—Catherine Brown

Holliday told her. “I’d love to have my little students record music. Music is such a great medicine.”

The foundation encouraged Holliday to produce a CD to add to the gift bags they distribute to cancer patients. When Holliday Music unites, heals When Charlotte Tacy Holliday was a asked her students if they wanted to record child in Michigan, she loved playing piano, their favorite piano pieces, the response was but her parents struggled to pay for lessons. enthusiastic. In one weekend, 108 record“Some people really helped me out,” said ings were captured in a nearby home studio.

Holliday, now 74 and a resident of German“The tiniest ones played ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,’ and the older town, Maryland. Neighbors, ones played Bach,” Holliday teachers and friends wrote said. “Kids drove up in their recommendations and found soccer clothes and recorded free lessons for Holliday, who went on to receive a master’s their pieces and then went to degree in music and estabtheir games.” lish a piano school in GerAfter the three-volume CD mantown. titled “Sounds of Hope & Holliday spends most of Healing” was produced, Hollher days thinking about how iday’s students traveled to the to help others through music.

Kimmel Cancer Center to give a live performance.

She started a foundation, the Charlotte Tacy Holliday “I’d never done anything Tacy Foundation, more than a decade ago; the group provides free record- like this before,” Holliday said. She was inings and concerts to cancer patients, senior spired to continue the work when parents centers and wounded warriors. asked, “When can we do this again?”

The idea for the foundation began in In 2010, Holliday started a foundation 2007, when Holliday accompanied a friend with seed money from her daughter, who with breast cancer to an appointment at said, “Mom, you’ve always wanted to do Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. There Holli- something like this. Let’s go for it.” day met the director of the Avon FoundaThen, Holliday said, “We were off and tion, which donates millions to breast can- running.” cer research and treatment.

The following year, the Tacy Foundation “I’d like to do something for my friend,” produced CDs to distribute to children’s hos-

pitals. The year after that, they gave away music CDs to wounded warriors. (Nowadays they give away music on USB drives instead.)

Mostly, though, students give free concerts at places like Walter Reed, the National Institutes of Health, Holy Cross Hospital, and retirement communities such as The Seneca.

“The seniors love them. It was as if they were playing for their grandparents. They know that whatever they played, they would be adored.”

Holliday said she’s delighted to see that music can unite generations and soothe people. Recently, a woman from Alaska called to ask for a new CD. “She said they listen to theirs every night, so it’s worn out — can you make another one? So we did.”

Holliday’s music school also teaches piano and guitar to kids in several local Title I elementary schools through two programs: Piano Pals and Guitar Pals.

Holliday is grateful to the people who helped her when she was growing up.

Now she’s paying it forward to “help kids get their footing,” she said.

“The [Neal Potter] award doesn’t go to me; it goes to all the children who have the courage to play. They’re the ones who deserve the award.”

—Margaret Foster The Montgomery Serves Awards will be presented on June 15 at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. To register to attend, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/awards.

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Memoirs From page 1 but these instructors and the people who are in the classes are so positive. It has inspired me to feel comfortable about [writing],” Meleny said.

Unlike some students, she doesn’t intend to try to publish her work. “Just getting something written down for my family, that’s all I need.”

Classes at the Writer’s Center range in price from $50 to $195, but scholarships are available, Meleney noted. A $60 annual membership allows access to the Writer’s Center’s drop-in writing spaces and includes discounts on classes.

In a typical class, teachers may prompt students to write something spontaneously. For instance, Schwartz also teaches people how to write what she calls “Tiny Tales,” aka “micro memoir” or “flash fiction” — short, pithy pieces only three

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

pages long. In other classes, Schwartz provides the first line of a story and asks students to write the rest.

“One of her exercises was about first lines,” recalled Nadja Maril, an Annapolis magazine editor with a master of fine arts.

“I wrote a first line and it just took off for me, and I wrote a novel.”

In class, Maril explained, “you get a prompt and you read other professional work and then that inspires you.”

Other area groups There are other writer’s groups that operate in the metropolitan area. Some are free or charge a modest annual membership fee.

During the pandemic, many classes and writer’s groups switched to Zoom, so you attend without leaving your house, no matter where you live.

Retiree Mary Van Dyke, for instance, moved to Colorado during the pandemic but

Find this month’s Bibliophile column -“Older authors reminisce in their memoirs” – online at thebeaconnewspapers.com; search bibliophile.

THE BIBLIOPHILE

By Dinah Rokach

still participates in the Arlington Writer’s Group.

“The writer’s group has been super supportive,” said Van Dyke, who published a book last year about her travels to Japan.

She had saved her decades-old journals “and realized there were lots of stories there waiting to be brought to light,” Van Dyke said. “I realized that everyone has a story.”

Older adults hoping to take up writing can also seek out a writing workshop. In a workshop, students share their work before class, and other students give their feedback, which can range from praise to polite put-downs.

“If there’s 30 writers in the room, there’s probably 33 opinions,” joked Michael Klein, head of the Arlington Writer’s Group, which meets every Wednesday night to exchange and critique essays, short stories and poems.

“In our group, there’s a lot of opportunity to clash. A retired Georgetown professor in his 70s may not relate to a 20-something Gen Z with purple hair.”

But reading different points of view and hearing a range of reactions to your work can improve your writing, Klein has found.

“A writer’s group can expose you to different writing styles and writing levels. You hear different perspectives,” he explained.

“It’s almost like travel — being exposed to different cultures and different ideas.

That’s what a writer’s group does…allows you to see through other people’s eyes.”

Another advantage of joining a writer’s group or taking a writing class is “accountability,” Klein pointed out.

“At the start of the year, we talk about our writing goals. We joke that [a particular member] is paying attention, and she’s going to check in with you.”

Peers can encourage each other to get cracking on a new story or revision, for instance. They may even share ways to get published.

Dotty Holcomb Doherty also moved away from the D.C. area during the pandemic. From her new home in New Hampshire, Doherty pointed out that sharing your unique story can be a way to reach or even help others.

“You’ve got to tell your own truth,” Doherty said. “The deeper you go into your own truth, the more you connect to other people.”

Contact info for local groups Maryland Writer’s Association: marylandwriters.org DC Writers Salon: dcwriterssalon.com Capitol Hill Writers Group network: capitolhillwritersgroup.org Arlington Writers Group: meetup.com/ writers-499 The Northern Virginia Writers Club: northernvirginiawriters.org Virginia Writers Club: virginiawritersclub.org/chapters L ynn Auld Schwar tz: writerswordhouse.com

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

Sixty years since high school? Can’t be!

The letter was so upbeat, it almost chirped. wear slacks to school unless the mercury “Come back!” it urged. “Relive All Those dipped to 22 degrees.

Great Memories! Bask in the About how some kid brought Glow!” a record to a party by some It was an invitation to my singer named Elvis Presley — 60th high school reunion. Gulp. and it turned heads.

Wince. Run fingers through About how we were caught white hair. between two eras — not exactHave 60 years really passed? ly Eisenhower and not exactly They have.

Kennedy.

Are most of my classmates About how we traded surestill alive? They are. fire ways to make pimples disAre most of them planning appear.

HOW I SEE IT to attend? They are.

About how the boys bragged

By Bob Levey Am I planning to attend? about having kissed their best Wouldn’t miss it for love or money. girls in the movies.

Sixty isn’t as round a number as 50, and About how the girls said no, no, it never that reunion was a blast and a half. So, happened — even when it had.

Number 60 should be festive and the mood About how cars had tail fins and trunks should be light, even if some of us now own big enough to carry a good-sized suburb. titanium knees and sport toupees.

About how math was tough for everyBring on the grandchildren pix! one, and English class produced endless And bring on all the tales of yesteryear, soupy, silly poems. which get better with age, even if we don’t.

About student government meetings About how he wanted to invite her to the that always ended with…RESOLVED, we senior dance but she never gave him the demand better food at lunch. time of day.

About study halls where the books soon About how that young first-year Spanish gave way to snickering and spitballs. teacher made female hearts flutter.

About how half of our homes did not About how bobby socks and penny contain a television set. loafers were standard equipment.

About cigarettes. We smoked them About how dopey it was that girls couldn’t when our parents weren’t looking, so we

could look and act like adults. We never considered the health consequences.

About jet planes. They had just been invented. Suddenly, California was no longer on the dark side of the moon.

About Princess phones. Every girl who wanted to show off had one. Usually pink.

About blue jeans. They weren’t allowed at school. Too casual. So, weekend parties were a festival of denim.

About reputations that would last for decades. For example, Your Faithful Correspondent had great trouble pronouncing the French word for “street.” So he was inducted into — and still inhabits — The La Roo Club.

About cliques. They were everywhere.

Sixty years later, they are nowhere. All walls have been forgotten and forgiven.

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About parents who insisted that Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra were the archdeacons of pop music. We made sure to guffaw when they weren’t listening.

About college. We all expected to go. We all went. And at every reunion — including, no doubt, Number 60 — we will all admit that we couldn’t get into our alma maters today.

And about togetherness. We have helped each other across many rough patches in life. We are amazingly close, thanks in large part to an e-mail chat group. We expect and intend to remain that way.

Of course, no reunion could be complete without subplots.

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

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

Yes’m 1

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Across

66. Befuddle

1. One is in O Brother, Where Art Thou?

6. ___ bump (COVID-era handshake substitute) 10. Nickname for George Herman Ruth 14. Visitor from another planet 15. Asian nurse 16. Carvel cake flavor 17. Gone higher, as Duncan Hines batter 18. Behind schedule 19. A black cat, perhaps 20. School album, with just pictures of the “most likelies” 23. Where to find UPS and FDX 24. Rap sheet list 25. “I am seeing someone ___” 28. Spanish Star Wars IV: ___ Nuova Speranza 30. A love god 31. Points the telescope at a distant star 32. Multiple Grammy award winner, Mann 34. Jan, Feb, and more 37. Great opportunity for each team to pick uniforms 41. ___ Aviv 42. Its northernmost station is in Boston 43. Sea eagle 44. Italian currency, until 2002 46. It is 25% shorter 48. “Knock it off!”

49. Lou Grant actor Ed, and his four children 51. Assign stars 53. Grin 1440 times in a day 58. Amsterdam’s ___ Frank House 59. Merit 60. Aboard the Disney Fantasy 61. VHS alternative 62. Doe’s beau 63. Rods’ partners 64. Korean dish (or MASS-backwards) 65. Head of the (French) class

1. Doughnut, but not peanut 2. Hodgepodge 3. Japanese soup 4. Timidity 5. Ruffle someone’s feathers 6. Alias 7. Mosque leader 8. Moved from the fish pose to the lotus pose 9. NFL score predictor Jimmy 10. “Oh, cry me a river” 11. Knowledgeable about shields 12. Borscht, basically 13. Phanerozoic and proterozoic 21. Tallahassee’s ‘Noles 22. Fathered puppies 25. Direction from New England to England 26. Garnish for a mojito 27. Christmas guy, the same size as his assistants 29. Mayonnaise and garlic sauce 33. It goes from 472 to 528 for pre-meds 35. A man ___ importance 36. Dance maneuver 38. Group of gorillas 39. Most bood-curdling 40. Harbored a grudge 45. One figure on a sewing measurement chart 47. Cheers’ bartender 49. Mid-grade bonds 50. Bluish gray 52. Headwear for Miss Universe 53. Yammers on 54. Middle part of QED 55. Like items at a yard sale 56. Kiss and ___ 57. Uncomplicate

Down

Answers on page 55.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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

Bob Levey From page 51

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

bourgeois and shallow show up and seek forgiveness? Will the basketball players who slacked on defense finally admit that they had?

And will She be there?

If you have to ask who that is, you must have missed the capital S. She, as in Girl Friend Number One. We parted on messy terms. We never reconciled. I haven’t seen her in 60 years.

She won’t be there…Will she? Won’t she?

Maybe? Please?

So go reunions. So will go our 60th. We are older, wiser and frozen in time. Truly, we are joined at the hip.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

Letters to editor From page 2 A driving simulation can be evaluated by computer which would recommend full licensure, remediation or restrictions, depending on the score. Airplane pilots do it routinely; why not automobile drivers?

With enough infrastructure, everyone could be expected to complete a periodic reevaluation. Perhaps the interval could be determined by age, initial score and driving record. In fact, the same simulator can be used to teach as well as evaluate.

Kenneth Harkavy, MD, MBA Potomac, MD Dear Editor: I look forward to reading the Washington Beacon and always appreciate Bob Levey’s columns.

His article in the May issue is thought provoking. I’m aware that my reaction time has slowed with age. I would volunteer to have my driving skills tested.

One way to address the issue of some drivers who are now unfit to drive is to make it easier for families to get assistance in having those drivers tested.

Five years ago, my husband’s medical condition was such that he was a hazard behind the wheel. The police representatives I spoke with told me that they couldn’t do anything because he hadn’t had any accidents, and they let him off with warnings instead of tickets. I was told he couldn’t be tested until he was identified by the police as a hazard.

I moved us to another state to be closer to family. I contacted the police there and was told that, if I paid their testing contractor, I could have my husband tested. The agent decided it would be a danger to do a road test and stopped testing at the inside portion. She then noted that he couldn’t get a license in our new home state.

The previous state then sent notice that, based on the test, his license was being revoked there. It was a great bless-

ing that he didn’t have an accident in that last year before we moved. I don’t know if he caused any.

Elaine Larison Ashburn, VA Dear Editor: Regarding your March cover story on Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring: Before her book was published, I synthesized DDT as a high school chemistry experiment. Post-Silent Spring, DDT was banned worldwide. This extreme reaction left many dead of insect-borne diseases, especially in Africa.

More recent rational treatment with DDT — on mosquito netting and walls, not people or food or water supplies — has saved many lives. All or nothing approaches usually do not work, a valuable lesson for today’s Green New Deal and “abolish all fossil fuel usage” advocates.

Ronald Sheinson Silver Spring, MD

Thank you for reading the Beacon!

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For Sale/Rent: Real Estate FURNISHED COUNTY STATE LICENSED ASSISTED LIVING Facility in the Bowie Area for lease. Facility can be viewed at dilloncircleteak.com or call 240-524-8727 for information.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO RENT this gorgeous 2BR/2BA condo in the Premier Community of Leisure World. This luxury condo features an open floor plan, glass enclosed sunroom with a spectacular view in a midsize building, newer wood flooring, stainless steel appliances, lots of cabinets, granite counters, decorative glass backsplash, washer/dryer, lots of closet space, crown moulding, chair rail, plenty of windows with blinds, and your own parking space with ample visitor parking. NO SMOKING/NO PETS. Utilities/Cable/Internet included in rent. Call 301-312-3843 for additional information on this “Welcome Home Condo”.

Health DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189.

A HOME HEALTHCARE- Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 2405336599)

ALOE CARE HEALTH, medical alert system.

The most advanced medical alert product on the market. Voice-activated! No wi-fi needed! Special offer call and mention offer code CARE20 to get $20 off Mobile Companion. Call today 877-353-2589.

A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in.

Duties include cooking, housekeeping, bathing, errands, etc. Tel: 667-231-8235

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

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call David G. at: 301-6424526. Or 301-328-2112

Financial UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company - 866-212-1092 or visit www.Life55plus.info/beacon WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019.

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

Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.

For Sale PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-866-964-8106.

FOR SALE: 1 SINGLE MAUSOLEUM CRYPT in Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD, in Historic Garden Mausoleum Section: Crypt H, Row 5, Bldg. 18. Valued at $9995. Will sell for $5750, call Helen (301)642-3485 NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY. 4 Choice Sites in Desirable Block DD. Reg $7995/ea. Sale $3495/ea OBO. Contact 917754-3355 TWO CHOICE MAUSOLEUM SITES in King David Memorial Gardens in desirable Court of Christ, Building 0ne. Regular $15,000 each. Will sell for half, $7499. OBO. Call Velma Clark 336-429-2846 cell or 276-730-0104.

Home/Handyman Services HOME MOBILITY EQUIPMENT SALES, SERVICE & REPAIR! One Step Mobility Can Help You With Your Home Mobility Needs 24/7: Stair Lifts, Power Chairs, Scooters, Ramps & More. Please call 301-767-5070 or visit: onestepmobility.com DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170.

SLOWING DOWN AFTER 40 YEARS OF CONTRACTING. Small to medium jobs mainly residential but will do some commercial. Will work all over DC area. $42.50 an hour from arrival on job. Andy 703-906-5429.

THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower.

Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option.

Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866-944-0699.

Legal Services APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim?

Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-866-970-0779 FREE Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

PAUL SCHWARTZ: COUNTY COUNCIL, D7. For Gun Safety - Advocated for the Firearms Safety Act of 2013. For Tax Relief, stem the tide of senior migration to tax friendly states. Advocated for the recently passed Retirement Tax Reduction Act of 2022. For Smart Growth to balance development AND the Environment. Former Political Columnist for the Montgomery County Sentinel. Strong Advocate of putting the School Resource Officer back in the schools. Extensive experience with federal, state and local government interaction. Longtime federal official with DHS, Customs and FEMA. Longtime member of the D7 community; resident of Brookeville for 25yrs. Visit my website: www.paulkschwartz.com. By Authority: Paul Schwartz for MoCo; Stephan Jalon Treasurer TURN YOUR EXISTING SLIDING DOORS into a hands-free entry for you and your pets! Autoslide converts existing doors and windows from manual to automatic. Perfect for outdoor cookers/gardeners/handclapped/infirm/pet owners. To order contact the HIGH-TECH LOCK COMPANY 301 327 0095

Personal Services DOWNSIZING OR LIQUIDATING AN ESTATE? Doing it yourself? DON’T THROW YOUR MONEY AWAY! Our specialists know the current trends in today’s market! Our easy process determines what to keep, gift, sell, donate, or discard.

Services include: estate liquidation, downsizing, junk removal, estate sales, and consignment of collectibles. We buy estates, vehicles, and real estate. Call/text Philip 301-219-3600 DownsizingSpecialists.com. One person’s trash is another’s treasure, and we know the difference!

STOP WORRYING! SilverBills eliminates the stress and hassle of bill payments. All household bills guaranteed to be paid on time, as long as appropriate funds are available. Computer not necessary. Call for a FREE trial or a custom quote today. SilverBills 1-866-957-3360.

WE ARE A TO Z PERSONAL ORGANIZERS, bringing order to your life and to the life of your loved ones. We specialize in relocation services for seniors. Check us out on the web at A2Zorganizers.com, or give us a call at 240.420.4920 DOWNSIZING, RETIRING OR MOVING TO ASSISTED LIVING? I research, project manage and provide you with options and a plan. Don’t be overwhelmed, emotionally drained, let me take the time to think of your family, their needs and direction. Contact me today to give yourself and family peace of mind and direction.... Aging Life Care Manager Rebecca at 240-750-3544 / GuidingHandMD@gmail.com.

ORGANIZE, DECLUTTER, PACK, MOVE & UNPACK SERVICES Personalized service that helps you take control. Please call 301.452.5730 or email: ccallahan@mdseniorhelp.com. Visit www.mdseniorhelp.com for more information.

TV/Cable DIRECTV for $79.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-572-4953.

DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels!

Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1844-560-5837.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158, leave message & phone number (please speak slowly).

WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com).

TOP PRICES PAID FOR FINE ANTIQUES, ARTWORK and unusual and rare things including decorated crocks and stoneware, antique clocks and music boxes, classic cars, coin operated devices, toys and dolls, furniture, lamps , art glass and pottery. I am 69 years old, well educated [ law degree ] financially capable and have over 40 years in the business. Why pay outlandish auction house, estate agent or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your valuables with no hassle? If you have something rare, unusual and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan 301 279 8834. Thank you.

STAMP COLLECTIONS PURCHASED/ APPRAISED- U.S., Foreign, Worldwide, Regular Issues, Commemoratives, and Back-ofBook; Anything Philatelic!; Long-time APS Dealer/Member; Phone: 301-309-3622 or E-Mail: arogolsky@gmail.com WANTED OLD MOTORCYCLES: 1970’s & Older. Any condition good or bad. Buying AS IS paying CASH & PICKING UP. Kawasaki Norton Honda Triumph BMW Yamaha Harley BSA Suzuki Indian Etc. Call for CASH offer 1(800)220-9683, WEBSITE: www.wantedoldmotorcycles.com LADY WHO LOVES PRETTY THINGS would like to buy yours. Dishes, figurines, pottery and similar. Favorites are bone china cups and saucers and old Christmas and Halloween decorations. Especially love Herend, Meissen and Shelley. Also, midcentury smalls of all kinds. Have to clear a house in a hurry? Would be happy to take a look at anything you have.

Please call Susan, (301) 785-1129.

HIGHEST CASH PRICES PAID for entire estate or single item. Buying quality antiques and mid century furniture, art, silver, gold, jewelry, flatware, military camera’s, music instruments, vintage signs, anything unusual. Please be ready to sell and pick up same day. Please call Chris 3012621299. License 0849.

CASH FOR ESTATES: I buy a wide range of items. jewelry, silver, art, rugs, cultural items, collections, etc. Buy out/clean up. Gary: 301-5200755. Website: theatticllc.com. I have my own trucks, my own crew & insurance.

CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls with CURBSIDE PICKUPS. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403.

I BUY OLD GUNS (Military/Civilian) and Military medals, uniforms, books & insignia. I have a Federal Firearms License & can legally buy rifles, pistols & shotguns from estates & individuals. Tim 703-447-7243 or www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com CALLING GREEN THUMBS! Build a garden on my half acre in Silver Spring. You work it. Produce some produce. Give me a bit of it. Sid here on sidsecular1@aol.com or call 301-9202211.

Wanted

SEEKING FRIENDLY COMPUTER SPECIALIST to keep my PC purring with an occasional visit. Must be patient, helpful, and knowledgeable. Sid at sidsecular1@aol.com or call 301-920-2211.

PAYING CASH MERCHANDISE PRE 1980s old toys, silver, records, smoking pipes, zippo lighters, fountain pens, antiques, and collectables & much more. If you have items to sell Call/text Carl 312-316-7553 or cdahlia@aol.com.

Located Silver Spring, MD.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990 JAZZ, ROCK, BLUES, R&B, DISCO, SOUL, REGGAE, & GOSPEL, ANY VINYL FORMAT 33 1/3 RPM Albums, small 45 RPM’s & some 78 RPM, Also CD’s, Prefer LARGER COLLECTIONS AT LEAST 100 items, PLEASE CALL JOHN 301-596-6201

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

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

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HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

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ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: SHYLY DOUBT HANDLE SLEIGH Answer: The Scottish Highlands’ land formations are as — OLD AS THE HILLS

All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington and Richmond editions).

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Clinical Studies Howard Univ. Alzheimer’s Study .25 UM Hearing Study . . . . . . . . . . . .24 UM/VA Exercise Research Study 24

Elections AARP DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Blair for County Executive . . . . .14 Gabe Albornoz for County Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 John McCarthy for State’s Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Julie Yang for Board of Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Marc Elrich for County Executive .8 Mont. Co. Board of Elections . . .26

Employment Virtual 50+ Employment Expo . .33

Events Bethesda Big Train Senior Night .43 Glenview Mansion Rental . . . . . .41 Montgomery County Recreation Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29 Senior Safety Forum . . . . . . . . . .26

Funeral Services Going Home Cremation . . . . . . . .51

Government Services DC DISB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Montgomery County Age-Friendly Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

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Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services . . . . . . . .24 Montgomery County Public Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Home Health Care/Companion Services Best Senior Care .............20 Options for Senior America .....36 Quality Elder Care ............12 Radiocw Health Care ..........18 Tribute Home Care ...........17

Housing Acclaim at Belmont Bay . . . . . . .18 Ashby Ponds/Erickson . . . . . . .1, 23 Brightview Senior Living . . . . . . .7 Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Cadence Living Olney . . . . . . . . .16 Chesterbrook Residences . . . . . . .24 Chevy Chase House . . . . . . . . . . .27 Churchill Senior Living . . . . . . . .27 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . .45 Falcons Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Friendship Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Greenspring/Erickson . . . . . . .1, 23 HIP Home Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Homewood at Frederick . . . . . . . .37 Maplewood Park Place . . . . . . . . . .6 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .45 Quantum Property Mgmt . . . . . . .38

Residences on the Lane . . . . . . . . .7 Riderwood/Erickson . . . . . . . .1, 23 Sky Bridge at Town Center, The .13 Sommerset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Tribute at the Glen . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Legal Services Farr Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Law Offices of Nancy Feldman . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . . . .37

Medical/Health Judy Oh, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . .20 MedStar Center for Successful Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 MedStar Health Prostate Screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 MedStar Olney Imaging . . . . . . . .15 Mobility City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Montage Health & Wellness . . . .17 Pain Arthritis Relief Center . . . . .19 Silver Spring Medical Center . . .16 Steven Friedman, DDS . . . . . . . .14 White Oak Cancer Center . . . . . . .5

Memory Care Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Cadence Living Olney . . . . . . . . .16 Sky Bridge at Town Center, The .13

Real Estate Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Long & Foster/Eric Stewart . .39, 42

Retail Mobility City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 So-Life Scooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Zinger Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Senior Resources GROWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 JCA Connect-A-Ride . . . . . . . . . .36 Montgomery County Public Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Montgomery County SHIP . . . . .34

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation . . . . . . . . . .22

Technology BeaconSilverPages.com . . . . . . . .50 TechMedic4u . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Theatre/ Entertainment Senior Zone Radio Show . . . . . . .51 Shen Yun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Toby’s Dinner Theater . . . . . . . . .47 US Air Force Band . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Travel Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Travel WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Vamoose Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 51

CHINA C H INA IN A B BEFORE E F OR E C COMMUNISM OM M U N I S M OMMUNISM

“It’s like being in heaven!”

—PPaul Behrends e s, end s, consultant

“It is breathtaking! I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!”

—Rita Cosby Cos , Emmy Award-wiinn n ing jour o nalist s

“The energy, the precision, the beauty...

I’m just overwhelmed. It’s so beautiful!”

—John Anthony, retirired judge ge

I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows.

None can compare to what I saw tonight.”

T

hroughout histor y artists in almost ever y culture looked to the divine for inspiration.

Art was meant to uplif t, bringing joy to those who created and experienced it. Tod o ayy, Shen Yun Performing Arts pays homage to this tradition, weaving the wisdom and virtues of Chinese civilization with ancient legends and modern heroic tales on stage.

SH EN YUN brings to its audiences a whole new experience, revealing a China untainted by communist rule. Be prepared to traverse time and space and be mesmerized by the action, humor, and beaut y of five millennia. It’s an experience that will uplif t your spirit and touch your heart.

—Ric R chard Conn o ema, Broadway a critiic

JUL 15–177,, 2022 Washinngton, DC Kennedy Center Opera House

ShhenYun.com/DC 877-663-7469 Use code BEACON to waive all fees.