November 2024 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

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VOL.14, NO.11

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More than 30,000 readers throughout Howard County

Searching for new love mid-life

Family life

Stassi grew up in West Springfield, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in communication studies.

At 22, she married a man she had known since sixth grade and raised two children with him in Richmond.

410-992-12 241 41 Managed b by y

Life Care Services®

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I N S I D E …

LEISURE & TRAVEL

Hop aboard a renovated barge for the trip of a lifetime through the Scottish Highlands page 10

After her 29-year marriage ended in divorce, Laura Stassi started a podcast, “Dating While Gray,” where she interviews guests about dating, sex, avoiding scams and more. She receives emails from listeners all over the world. Stassi also published a book about finding love again.

Because she had loved writing since she was a child, she kept writing throughout her marriage, penning several nonfiction books for children (one about Pink Floyd), as well as articles for the Defense Health Agency and even the Beacon.

Stassi and her husband moved back to Northern Virginia for another decade, but by 2012 he made it clear he wanted a di-

vorce. She said she was “naïve and in denial” that the separation was final, and continued to iron her ex’s shirts and help him look for real estate.

“Divorce was not something you did unless it was just awful. And I just didn’t realize how awful he thought it was,” she said.

See GRAY DATING, page 21

Th Thankful for F riends i

vantagepointreside ences.org

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PHOTO BY JENIFER MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

By Margaret Foster When life gave writer Laura Stassi lemons, she didn’t just make lemonade; she created a popular podcast, wrote a book and created three radio specials, one of which will air on NPR stations this fall.

After her 29-year marriage ended in divorce, Stassi, then in her mid-50s, found herself alone and living in her first-ever apartment, wondering how to start over.

“After the split, I started thinking about where my life was. I wanted to start dating again, but I didn’t know how to do it.

The last time I’d been single, telephone answering machines weren’t even invented,” Stassi said in an interview with the Beacon.

While jogging on a North Carolina beach one day, a phrase popped into her head: “dating while gray.” With that tagline, Stassi started researching how older adults find love again.

Today, she hosts the podcast she created, “Dating While Gray: The Grown-Up’s Guide to Love, Sex and Relationships.” On it, she interviews older adults about their dating lives.

She retells some of those stories in her 2022 book, Romance Redux: Finding Love in Your Later Years, based on the first two seasons of the podcast as well as her own experience.

Stassi was the keynote speaker at the Beacon’s 50+Expo on Sunday, October 20 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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What to expect from the creepy, kooky and somewhat kinky Addams Family musical; now playing at Toby’s page 19

FITNESS & HEALTH k Is it really an allergy? k Fight depression naturally

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A nice pat on the back I am happy to share with you the kudos ers over 50,” garnered first place in the “sethe Beacon received at the annual confer- nior issues” category for freelance writer Laura Melamed. The judges ence of the North American found her article “fun, lively Mature Publishers Associaand extremely informative.” tion, whose journalism comGlenda C. Booth, who petition we enter every year. regularly writes features for Each of our editions gets us, won first place in feature entered in a different categowriting for her “fascinating ry, based on circulation. And and well-written” May cover this year, all three of our edistory, “Devoted to raising, tions reaped honors. racing pigeons.”

The Howard County BeaIn the “How-to” feature catecon brought home two firstgory, our long-time writer place awards and one second- FROM THE PUBLISHER Robert Friedman won secplace award.

Freelancer Susan Ahearn By Stuart P. Rosenthal ond place for his August 2023 cover story on glass blowing in won first place in the “feature writing” category for an arts story last Sep- Baltimore, “Put your lips together and blow.”

As you may know, many of the travel and tember. Called both a “beautiful” and “fun” article, her story “Artists pass down fold art to arts stories we write, along with my monthapprentices” was also praised by the judges ly column, also appear in our flagship edias “A wonderful story about keeping a tradi- tion, the Greater Washington Beacon. tion — the art of Black storytelling — alive.” And because it has the largest circulation In the “senior issues” category, manag- of our publications (100,000+), any story ing editor Margaret Foster won first-place that appears there cannot also be entered for her September cover story “Enjoy in the smaller circulation categories.

As a result, many of our awards this being a student again.” Foster also won second place for her profile of an artist in year were won by our Washington edition, “Turning scrap wood into wildlife paint- even though all our readers had the ings,” which appeared earlier this year. chance to see them.

We were especially thrilled when the Similarly, the Baltimore Beacon brought home two first-place awards and Washington Beacon won first place in the “general excellence” category. The judges one second-place award.

Last October’s cover, “Elevating new writ- said: “This newspaper is rich with out-

Beacon The

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

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

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

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

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standing, well-written articles and impeccable editing…Every high-quality issue offers a distinct and easy-to-read layout, good sectioning, good headline writing and a consistent presentation.”

We also won first-place awards in the "profile," "feature" and "how-to" categories.

The second-place award for a feature went to freelancer Laura Sturza, for her cover story “Bachelorettes of the DMV.” (Stay tuned for another story about that reality TV show next month!)

Long-time travel writers Don Mankin and Victor Block were both honored for their “wonderfully written” travel pieces.

In the “theatre review” category, where we had to submit two articles by each reviewer, we were thrilled that two of our freelance reviewers were recognized: Mark Dreisonstok won first place for “insightful” reviews of Sister Act at Toby’s and Hair at Signature Theatre in Virginia. Lynda Lantz won second place for her reviews of other shows in Washington and Virginia.

In the “senior issues” category, two of my “From the Publisher” columns took first place this year. Under the “editorial/opinion” category, three other columns I wrote were honored with first, second and third place awards.

Another trifecta occurred in the “personal essay” category. Foster won another first place, while two freelance submissions that we printed won second and third. May Benatar was honored for her piece on “Move to a new home is a mixed blessing,” while Taya Jackson won for “Lessons learned from a job search at 77.”

So for all you writers out there, if you have a personal story to tell that you think our readers will appreciate and/or relate to, feel free to send it to us. (We get a lot of such submissions, but we’re proud to note that we print the best ones and even submit them for awards.)

Of course, the most important honor we receive is from you, our readers, who pick up your copy of the Beacon each month from one of our thousands of free distribution sites, subscribe by mail, or read us online at thebeaconnewspapers.com.

However you choose to do it, we thank you for reading the Beacon!

By the way, you can look up and read any of the articles mentioned above on our website.

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

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

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

Dear Editor: When our book group formed in 1988, we were seven women with teenage or young adult daughters and sons. We read an eclectic selection of fiction and nonfiction, enjoying lively conversations about the chosen book of the month.

Each person hosted a Friday afternoon gathering in her living room, accompanied by tea, coffee, cheeses, crackers and homemade sweets.

Serious readers, we all completed the books — most of the time — but put aside time to chat about our work and catch up on our kids’ schooling, marriages and grandchildren.

Over the ensuing two decades, we noticed that fewer of us could remember the names of books and authors, even our favorite ones.

In our 60s, only one or two of us could recall parts of a title, an author’s first or last name, or bits of plot. We worried about los-

ing our memories and whether dementia was invading our now close circle of friends.

One of us researched the kind of forgetting we were experiencing and learned, to our relief, that it was a normal part of aging.

Forgetting the name of a book or a movie, in the absence of other kinds of forgetting, happens to everyone over their 50s.

What a relief for us! Wrinkled brows that had accompanied our book-forgetting conversations fell away. After all, we’d retained the gist of these tales.

And then something surprising happened. Over the decades, we’ve gone from grinning to hiccupping laughter each time our group’s “forgetting ritual” occurs. This is a joy limited to our select club of septuagenarians and octogenarians.

As one of our members exclaimed, “I’m so glad we’re all in our 70s and 80s and can laugh together about forgetting!”

Patricia Steckler, Ph.D. Bethesda, MD

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Health Fitness &

Prepare tasty chicken and broccoli in a sheet pan using this month’s recipe. See page 8.

Choosing next year’s Medicare drug plan Dear Savvy Senior, Part D coverage can lower their prescripWhat’s the easiest way to compare tion drug costs by shopping among plans Medicare Part D prescription each year during the open endrug plans? My Part D prerollment season, which runs mium is increasing again in Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

2025, so I would like to use There could be another the fall open enrollment to Part D plan in your area that find and sign up for a cheapcovers the drugs you take er plan. with fewer restrictions or with —Shopping Around lower costs. You never know Dear Shopping, until you look.

I’m happy to hear you’re You’ll also be happy to comparing your Medicare know that, thanks to the InflaSAVVY SENIOR tion Reduction Act, in 2025, coverage options this fall!

Research shows that many By Jim Miller annual out-of-pocket costs will Medicare beneficiaries with be capped at $2,000 for all

Medicare Part D beneficiaries.

Here are some tips and tools to help you shop and compare Part D plans.

Plan Finder Tool

If you have internet access and are comfortable using a computer, you can easily shop for and compare all Medicare drug plans in your area and enroll in a new plan online, and it only takes a few minutes.

Just go to Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool at Medicare.gov/find-a-plan. You can do a general search on the right side of the page, under the title “Continue without logging in.”

If you wish to save your drugs and phar-

macy information (for future ease in returning to the site), you can log into or create your Medicare account on the left side of the page.

Next, type in your ZIP code and choose the type of coverage you’re looking for, enter the drugs you take, choose the pharmacies you use, and indicate whether you are interested in a mail order option.

The plan finder will then display results for plans available in your area.

Be aware that a plan may not cover all the drugs you take, but it may cover alternatives. It will also tell you if the plan has a

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Is it an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity? not absorbed, it ferments in the colon and leads to symptoms like gas, bloating, nausea and intestinal pain.

Food sensitivity: This is an individual’s adverse physical response to a certain food, beverage or ingredient. The symptoms might be only digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas. However, you may also have fatigue, headache or “brain fog.”

For example, some people have digestive problems and other symptoms after eating too much gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This is different from celiac disease, which is caused by an immune reaction to gluten that requires complete avoidance of the protein.

A good approach to manage food sensitivity is to adopt a short-term elimination diet. It works like this: You eliminate a particular food for about two to four weeks to see if your symptoms recede. Then you reintroduce the food gradually, according to your tolerance, to see if your symptoms reappear.

Elimination diets are trial-and-error, and you may have to try different foods and amounts until you find the right combination. While it’s possible to follow an elimination diet on your own, consider re-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing EVENTS FOR THOSE WITH MEMORY LOSS Join others with early-stage memory loss and their loved ones for support and social interaction. Meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Rd. The meetings are free, and a light dinner is provided. For more information and to register, contact Kathy Wehr at kwehr@howardcountymd.gov or (410) 313-5955 by the Monday before the event.

questing consultation with a nutritionist or dietitian.

These professionals can guide you through the process and help you track your progress, as well as offer support tools like creating a food diary and symptom chart.

A dietitian or nutritionist also can make sure you don’t cut out foods that provide

necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Once you’ve identified the problem food (or foods), you are guided on whether to adjust portions, change your eating habits — like when, and how fast, you eat — or switch out the food entirely. © 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: My gut seems to be more sensitive to a variety of foods. Does this mean I have developed food allergies?

A: Many people confuse food sensitivity with a food allergy or food intolerance.

While these conditions can have similar symptoms, they are quite different.

Food allergy: A food allergy happens when the body mistakes a food ingredient as harmful and defends itself by turning on your immune system, such as producing high levels of a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E. Sometimes a food allergy is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Common food allergies include immune reactions to shellfish, nuts, fish and eggs. A person with a food allergy may have symptoms similar to an intolerance or sensitivity, but he or she can also experience hives, throat swelling and shortness of breath.

Food intolerance: A food intolerance usually means you lack or have an insufficient amount of one or more enzymes needed to break down certain ingredients.

For example, the inability to digest lactose — the sugar in dairy products — is a common food intolerance. When lactose is

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

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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

Coordinating g Care During the Ho olidays W

Accommodating commodating Clients Clients’ Unique Needs Home care is not a one-sizefits-all approach. So, during the intake process, our Client Servi vices Managers will work one-on-one with clients and their families to determine what level of care and services v best suit their holiday ay needs.

Clients may ay preffeer to simply request the same services they regularly use throughout the yyeear on a specified holiday ay. In other cases, clients and their families Planning Ahead needing extra support during the It can be challenging ffo or busy season may ay request onefamilies to find caregivers during time servi vices outside of their typical care plan. the holiday ays. Kelly Ann Sharp, Director of Client Servi vices ffo or Examples of holiday ay-specific Family & Nursing Care, explains care that clients may ay request that “industry-w wide, the holiday ay include: season is typically when demand • Overnight support, while a for quality caregivers is at at its primary family caregiver is out highest, as many ny families plan off town to traavvel and gaatther out of town wn, • Mobility or companionship assistance during family and as winter weather eve vents gatherings increase, so do older adults’ risk of fall-related in njjuries.”

• Tr Transportation to and ffrrom gatherings outside the home As a 24/7/365-day ays-a-year business, Family & Nursing • Assistance with packing ffo or Care prides itself on being ready holiday ay traavvels to help older adults and their • Support/assistance ffo or seasonal families whenever a sudden traditions, such as mailing home care need arises. However, holiday ay cards or preparing a it’s never too early to begin special recipe • Companionship, to ensure your evaluat ating and planning ffo or loved one isn’t alone during this holiday ay care needs. time To better provide v high-quality support, Sharp and ffeellow “The holiday ays can be a special Director of Client Servi vices, opportunity to gaatther, celebrate Natalie Blickman, recommend and reconnect with love ved ones clients reach out to their Client near and far. It’s also a time when Services v Manager as soon as families may ay ffeeel the most time holiday ay traavvel and gathering and resource-starve ved,,” said Sharp. plans are solidified.

“Our aim at at Family & Nursing hether your plan is to host love ved ones at home or to join the millions of Americans hitting the road during the holiday ay season, managing a care plan ffo or yyo ourself or a loved one shouldn’t be a source of added holiday ay stress.

Below we’ve outlined several waays Family & Nursing Care can help clients ensure the smooth planning and execution of their care plan heading into the end of the year.

Care is sim mp ple: give ve clien ntts and a their families peace of mind wh when they need it most. This promise is one we up uphold ye year-round a , wi with compassionat ate, genuine support and Caregive vers wh who fe feel like family, y, so older adults and their love ved ones can spend less time stressing and more time en njjoyi ying liffe’s fu fullest momentts.”

“During During ho holiday liday ay gatherings, people tend to spend more one-on-one time with older family members and may ay notice waayys in which their loved one could benefit ffrrom additional support. Whether they’re interested in help with daily living or companionship services, v our team is a resource for helping older adults access the quality care they need to Getting Started To arrange home care services maintain their independence at during the holiday ays, current home,,” said Blickman. clients and families simply need To get started, new clients maayy to contact their Client Services call Family & Nursing Care aatt Manager, who will review clients’ 410-697-8200 to connect with w unique care requests and answer one of the company ny’s Clients any ny questions you may ay hav ave.

Servi vices Managers.

The holiday ays may ay also be a To learn a more aab bout Family ly & time when older adults consider Nursing Car are and its holiday ay and initiating first-time home care 24/7/365 servi vices, please vviisit our services. website aatt family lynursingcare.com.

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

Medicare plan From page 4

deductible and how much the monthly premium is.

Initially, the plans will be sorted by “lowest drug + premium costs.” This is the closest estimate to what you may pay out of pocket for your Part D coverage for the year.

You can select “plan details” to find out more specifics about coverage, including any coverage restrictions that might apply to your drugs.

Before enrolling, it is a good idea to call the plan directly to confirm any information you read on the plan finder, as information may not be completely up to date.

If you need help, you can call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and they can do this comparison for you over the phone.

Or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling. To reach SHIP in Howard County, call (410) 313-7392.

Any changes to coverage you make will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. If you take no action during open enrollment, your current coverage will continue next year.

Extra Help

If you’re lower-income and having a hard time paying your medication costs, you may be eligible for Medicare’s “Extra Help” program. This is a federal low-income subsidy that helps pay Part D premiums, deductibles and copayments.

To be eligible, your annual income must be under $22,590 ($30,660 for married couples living together), and your assets (not

counting your home, personal possessions, vehicles, life insurance policies or burial expenses) must be below $17,220 ($34,360 for married couples).

For more information or to apply, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit

SSA.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.

Send your senior 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

Oct. 26

SAFELY DISPOSE OF OLD DRUGS

Safely dispose of unused or expired medications, including e-cigarettes and needles, at this drive-through event on Sat., Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, 5755 Cedar Ln., Columbia.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 2

VISIT WITH A THERAPY DOG

Enjoy a visit with friendly therapy dogs from Pets on Wheels at the East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way. Drop in on Sat., Nov. 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. for a relaxing session; no registration required. For more information, call (410) 313-7700 or visit petsonwheels.org.

Nov. 16

PARTYING WITH PUMPKINS

Recycle your pumpkins at this eco-friendly event featuring pumpkin smashing, composting and fun activities for all ages on Sat., Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Miller Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City.

Free admission. For more information, contact Alan Wilcom at (410) 313-6433.

Have confidence in every conversation.

Do you find it difficult to use a standard phone? Do people ask you to repeat yourself during telephone conversations? Do you miss important calls because you can’t hear the phone ring? The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program is here to help by giving Maryland residents the opportunity to apply for State-provided telecommunications equipment to independently make and receive calls. Once you qualify, a skilled evaluator meets with you to determine the best device to support your day-to-day communications. The MAT program has a variety of equipment solutions to support clearer communication, including: • • • • • •

Amplified phones Tablets Ring signalers Phones with large and/or high contrast buttons Captioned Telephones And more

For more information: 800-552-7724 | 410-767-7253 (Voice/TTY) 410-801-9618 (Video Phone) | MDMAT.org

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Sheet pan panko honey mustard chicken Her kids love this dish — they call it giant chicken nuggets (feeding kids is all about the marketing, right?).

The broccoli gets the frico (melted cheese) treatment — crisped up with Parmesan.

Then dunk everything in the extra honey mustard sauce — that’s what it’s there for.

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Panko Honey Mustard Chicken (with Frico Broccoli) Serves 4 Ingredients: ½ cup grainy Dijon mustard 1 /3 cup plus 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1½ teaspoons garlic powder ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Kosher salt 4 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 pound broccoli florets Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the mustard, honey, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1 teaspoon of the garlic powder, the red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the sauce in a serving bowl.

3. Add another ½ teaspoon salt to the sauce in the large bowl, then add the chicken and turn to coat evenly. If you have time, let the chicken marinate at room temperature for up to 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator). But don’t worry if you need to cook it right away!

4. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe medium bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, or in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the panko, ¼ cup of the Parmesan, the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a big pinch of salt (do this right in the skillet if you used one to melt the butter).

5. On the prepared baking sheet, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining 2

PHOTO BY EVA KOLENKO

By The Associated Press Plain ol’ boneless, skinless chicken breasts are given new life in this sheet-pan meal by Caroline Chambers.

The chicken gets coated in a honey mustard sauce, then topped with buttery breadcrumbs that get crunchy and browned in the oven.

tablespoons olive oil and ¾ teaspoon salt to coat evenly. Nestle the chicken breasts among the florets. Top with the panko mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.

6. Roast for 12 minutes, then gently toss the broccoli and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan on top. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 160°F, 5 to 7 minutes more.

7. Serve the chicken and broccoli with the reserved honey mustard sauce alongside for dunking.

Swap: Use finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free spin. Swap in asparagus or green beans for the broccoli.

Shortcut: Use store-bought honey mustard instead of making your own.

Reprinted with permission from What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking by Caroline Chambers © 2024. Published by Union Square & Co. Photos © Eva Kolenko.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 20

ZOOM WITH INDIGENOUS CHEF Join Chef Sean Sherman, an Oglala Lakota member and James

Beard Award winner, as he discusses his book The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen and the revitalization of Indigenous food systems. This free event will take place on Wed., Nov. 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. Registration opens on Sun., Oct. 20 at tinyurl.com/IndigenousKitchen. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration. For more information, call (410) 313-7800.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

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Six nutrients that may lessen depression 1. Vitamin C is essential for the metabolDepression, a pervasive mental health issue, often leads people into a relentless ic pathways that produce serotonin and other neurotransmitters. cycle of medication adjust2. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) inments without addressing unfluences the release of serotonin derlying causes. and norepinephrine, impacting The prevalent use of antidemood and energy levels. pressants, although beneficial 3. The active form of folic for some, has drawn criticism acid called 5-MTHF facilitates due to side effects and the inthe production of mood-reguability to address root causes, lating neurotransmitters. The such as nutritional deficienprescription drug called Deplin cies or hormonal imbalances.

SSRI antidepressants can DEAR is made of this B vitamin.

4. Magnesium plays a multiincrease serotonin activity, but PHARMACIST faceted role in mental health, only temporarily.

By Suzy Cohen The medications are not affecting serotonin regulation designed to correct fundamental biochem- and helping prevent migraines, a common ical imbalances, which are often the pre- comorbidity with depression.

5. Nutrients that support the thyroid, cursors to mood disorders.

These meds don’t provide any minerals such as tyrosine and iodine, are essential or vitamins, which are required to make for the production of thyroid hormones. serotonin and norepinephrine — two key Additionally, mood instability is commonly neurotransmitters involved in producing associated with hypothyroidism.

6. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian “happiness” and mood stability.

Serotonin is predominantly made in the ginseng) is an adaptogenic herb that supgut, not your brain. Foods rich in trypto- ports adrenal health and helps the body phan — such as dates, papaya and bananas cope with stress, enhancing overall well— can naturally enhance serotonin levels, being. potentially reducing depression symptoms.

On the supplement front, several nutri- Seek a holistic strategy While it’s tempting to seek a simple soents play crucial roles in neurotransmitter lution through medication or natural remesynthesis:

dies alone, the most effective approach to managing depression involves a comprehensive strategy that addresses dietary, biological and psychological factors.

It’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to tailor treatment — whether through dietary adjustments, supplements or conventional medications.

Millions of people are searching for alternatives that tackle the root causes of depression beyond just managing symptoms.

This shift towards a more integrative

perspective broadens treatment options and aligns more closely with the body’s natural processes. I’m a big believer in holistic approaches and nourishing the body’s metabolic pathways.

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.

Primary Care At Home

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• Accepting Medicare, Medicaid and most major supplemental insurance plans.

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Subscribe online! See how on p. 22

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

Travel Leisure &

Scotland has its share of mist and rain, but some stunning rainbows can result.

See story below.

Visit Scottish Highlands aboard a barge River walk and Old Town

Our trip started in Inverness, the largest city in the Scottish Highlands. This walkable city features an Old Town, with historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th century, and the River Ness flowing through the heart of the city to Loch Ness.

For three days prior to our cruise, we wandered leisurely through Old Town and along the Ness Walk, a leafy promenade that lines the river on both banks. Along the flat, peaceful walk are stately homes, cafes, restaurants, a botanical garden and the 19th-century Saint Andrew Cathedral.

One of my favorite sights was the 18thcentury Old High Church, the oldest church in Inverness, whose graveyard overlooks the river.

A series of Victorian footbridges less than a mile from the city center led to a cluster of small, wooded islands in the middle of the river, then across to the other bank.

On one of the islands, I sat on a fallen tree trunk that had been carved into an imagined likeness of Nessie (the Loch Ness monster). From my perch on the Nessie log, I contemplated the rivulets on the shallow river as it flowed past.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

By Don Mankin I leaned back in my deck chair, basking in the sun and enjoying the warm breeze.

Languorously I gazed at the lush Scottish scenery slowly slipping by.

Wait, what? Sun? Warm breeze? Scotland?

It was August, and my wife, Katherine, and I were cruising down the Caledonian Canal from Inverness, through Loch Ness, to Fort William on a colorful, retrofitted barge during what passes for a heat wave in Scotland.

The Caledonian Canal was constructed in the early 19th century to connect the west coast of Scotland near Fort William to the east coast at Inverness on the Moray Firth.

About a third of the 60-mile length of the canal is manmade. The rest runs through several lakes, including Loch Ness.

In addition to lochs, there are locks — 29 of them — to raise the canal more than 100 feet at its highest point.

The canal is located along the Great Glen, a straight geological fault that runs through the highlands, featuring some of the most historic and beautiful scenery in Scotland.

The Ros Crana — the name of the red, green and yellow barge operated by Caledonian Discovery — contains six cabins with private baths, a lounge, dining area, and spacious outdoor deck where I spent much of the week-long cruise.

Through lochs and locks

After three days in Inverness, it was time to board the barge and begin our cruise. For the first couple of hours, the PHOTO © AYOME WATMOUGH | DREAMSTIME.COM

Inverness, Scotland, has a walkable historic downtown as well as a waterfront path along the Ness River.

A “Wee Hill” in the Scottish Highlands was a challenging hike for the author and his wife, Katherine, above. The couple spent six days cruising on a retrofitted barge down a 60-mile waterway with 29 locks, stopping for short hikes along the way.

boat glided down the narrow canal, the gentle put-put of the engine and the tinkling of water flowing past the bow were the only sounds.

Everyone sat on the deck, drinking beer or gin and tonics, soaking up the sun and gazing at the lush, emerald green countryside.

For the next several days, we cruised, basked in the sun and hiked. The hikes ranged from a few easy miles along the shore of a loch past a castle, to a more challenging trek up and down “Wee Hill,” which wasn’t anywhere near as “wee” as we expected.

We trudged through knee high heather and pointy, shoulder high gorse. Roots, weeds and underbrush grabbed at our boots. When we finally reached the crest of the hill, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of Loch Oich in the distance.

We also hiked up a gorge, alongside plunging falls, to a café at the top for ice cream. Then we took an easy stroll on shore to explore the ruins of Invergarry castle, stronghold of the MacDonells of Glengarry, built in the 17th century.

After the castle, we walked through the woods along the shoreline, then stopped for tea and scones at the Glengarry Castle Hotel, an elegant 19th-century baronial

mansion.

Leisurely hikes

My favorite hike was up a gentle slope overlooking Loch Lochy to the estate of the Cameron Clan in Achnacarry. Besides being the historical home of such luminaries as David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and James Cameron, director of the movies Terminator, Titanic and Avatar, it was also the training site for WWII commandos from the U.S., Britain and other allied nations.

More of a leisurely walk than a hike, it was the most serene of all the hikes we took. It was just Katherine and I plus another couple, so the peaceful walk unfolded at our own pace.

The scenery was bucolic, the views of the bay and our colorful barge at anchor were sublime, and the weather was balmy and bright. The easy path took us past flocks of grazing sheep, the Clan Cameron Castle, a small clan museum, and an old, rustic church.

A sailboat, stand-up paddle boards, bikes and canoes were also available on board the cruise for use by the guests.

Most every day, many of the guests rode See SCOTLAND, page 11

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

From page 10

bikes along the canal path, meeting up with the barge at the next dock or lock.

A transcendent moment

This was a trip filled with memorable moments, but nothing matched the afterdinner light show on the fourth day of the cruise.

We were anchored in a secluded corner of Loch Oich, just offshore the castle ruins. There was little else around us, other than water, trees, sky and a couple of other boats. The slanting rays of the setting sun, filtered through patches of mist, turned the emerald hills to gold.

As we were finishing our dinner, we spotted a rainbow through the windows of the dining cabin. We rushed outside with our cameras to capture the most incredible rainbow I have ever seen.

With a full 180-degree arch and brilliant sunbreaks illuminating the rainbow, ground and puffs of mist, it was a spectacular symphony of vivid color. All chatter stopped. We stood hushed, enthralled by the scene.

Then our guide, sitting on the roof of the wheelhouse, began to play a wistful tune on a recorder, followed by Martin, our skipper, playing a traditional Scottish tune on a tin whistle. A sweet sound of music to accompany a long moment of breathtaking beauty.

In the words of one of the guests, “I think we found God.”

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

Scotland

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If you go

Round-trip airfare with one stop to Inverness is about $1,000 on British Airways, American Airlines, KLM and Air France.

Contact Caledonian Discovery, our hosts for the canal cruise, for more information: caledonian-discovery.co.uk.

A once-in-a-lifetime rainbow appears over Loch Oich, Scotland, as viewed from the barge on which the author traveled.

BEACON BITS

BEACON BITS

Ongoing PET ADOPTION EVENTS

Nov. 2

Help give a dog the gift of a forever home! PAW, a volunteer-run

ELLICOTT CITY FALL CLEAN-UP Join the community to help beautify Historic Ellicott City.

animal rescue group, hosts monthly adoption events in Columbia. Volunteers

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to assist with trash pickup, weeding and

aged 50+ are welcome to join this mission and help foster, walk and transport

planting on Sat., Nov. 2 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the Roger Carter

animals. To adopt, volunteer or foster, contact volunteer@paw-rescue.org or call

Community Center, 3000 Milltowne Dr. For more information and to register, visit

(240) 275-6834. For more information, visit paw-rescue.org.

tinyurl.com/ECCleanUp.

FIXED ROUTE AND PARATRANSIT SERVICES Serving Howard County, Anne Arundel County, City of Laurel and Northern Prince George’s County

Seniors and ADA certified riders can ride the fixed routes for free.

For Service Alerts, follow us @RTA_alert

For real-time arrival information use Transit app or visit transitRTA.com | Customer Service 1-800-270-9553

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Recreation & Parks

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years +

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

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

NEW! Yoga for the Core with Kathy Greisman

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

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

55 yrs + Instructor: Jessie Barnes Classes: 6 No class 11/28 RP3511.102 Harriet Tubman Ctr Oct 24 4-5pm Th $59

Beginner Latin Dance Learn basic dance steps for rhumba and cha-cha dance rhythms with dance instructor Tom Sellner.

55 yrs + Harriet Tubman Ctr Classes: 5 No class 11/28 RP3517.102 Nov 7 9:30-10:30am Th $59

Formerly Yoga for Bone Strength. Let’s gain better balance and stability by focusing on our core strength. A strong core is vital to maintaining balance, stability and helps to prevent injury.

Bring a yoga mat.

55 yrs + Belmont Manor Classes: 12 No class 11/11, 11/27 RP3566.102 Oct 28 11:30am-12:30pm M,W $95

Exercise with Ease with Kathy Whelan, RYT-200 This well-rounded hour of fitness for active seniors includes low-impact aerobics, stretching, muscle toning, and strength activities aimed at improving endurance, body alignment, balance, and proper breathing. Listen to upbeat music while learning simple choreographed moves. Participants use light weights (3-5 lbs), flat resistance bands and a chair for certain exercises. Class is held online via Zoom.

55 yrs + Online Classes: 13 No class 11/28 RP8060.102 Nov 5 9-10am Tu,Th $67

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

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

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• In Info: nfo fo: Tr TTracy acyy Ad ac Adki Adkins, kins ki ns,, 410-313-7279 ns 410 41 0-31 0313 3-72 7279 79 or or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov. tadk ta dkin dk ins@ in s@ho s@ howa ho ward wa rdco rd cou co untymd unty md.g gov ov.

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

How to Use Your Phone/Tablet Effectively Learn how to get more use out of your mobile devices (smartphone, iPad). Discover social media and how to use it to stay in contact with family members, or receive important information automatically. Bring your smart phone, computer or tablet.

55 yrs + Instructor: Constance Lowe Classes: 1 RP3523.102 Gary J Arthur CC Oct 30 10-11am W $25

Nature Programs • Info: Robinson Nature Center, 410-313-0400.

Sr. Naturalist Program Having fun in nature is for all ages! This program provides a foundation of understanding on a variety of environmental topics through hands-on exploration and demonstrations in a casual, social atmosphere. Topics change monthly based on seasonal happenings.

Birding Walk: Enjoy a walk to identify birds around the property while learning how to recognize the differences between species sights and sounds.

Astronomy: Enjoy the winter constellations and a film in the planetarium.

50 yrs + Robinson Nature Ctr Classes: 1 RP4831.103 Birding Walk Nov 20 3-4:30pm W $15 RP4831.104 Astronomy Dec 18 3-4:30pm W $15

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

Public Archaeology in Howard County: Hundreds of Sites and Thousands of Artifacts Over 300 prehistoric and historic sites in Howard County have been officially surveyed and registered with a site name and number at the Maryland Historical Trust. This PowerPoint session includes an artifact pass-around of diagnostic artifacts from historic sites dating to the 17th century. The tools and techniques used by archaeologists to survey, recover artifacts, and reconstruct a site are highlighted with slides of public archaeology fieldwork at various Howard County sites.

55 yrs + Instructor: M. Lee Preston Jr. Classes: 1 RP3506.104 Gary J Arthur CC Nov 4 10-11:30am M $20

Meet M eet You There!

Th here!! Art: Art: T The he C ClayGround layGround – Merry Mosaic Mosaiic Holiday Holiday Ornaments!

Ornaments!

Create a holiday mosaic during this amazing holiday workshop. With guidance from your instructor, learn how to cut glass to create a beautiful ornament. Select precut mosaic tiles, beads, sea glass, and more to create a fantastic ornament of personalized art. Walking from car to seat.

18 yrs + ClayGround Studio RP4571.101 Nov 6 11am-1pm W $79

Meet You There!

Toby’s Dinner Theatre – Sound of Music One of the most beloved musicals of all time! In 1938 Austria, Maria (a young woman studying to be a nun) is sent to serve as a governess for the Captain von Trapp. Maria finds love while bringing music and joy back to the broken family. This Tony- and Oscar-winning musical features a trove of cherished songs including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “The Sound of Music.” The outing includes a delicious and bountiful buffet!

Be sure to register early! Walking from car to seat.

All ages Toby’s Dinner Theatre RP4583.101 Nov 15 5:45-9pm F $85

Save The Date!

The Historic Ford’s Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol

Join us at the historic Ford's Theatre to celebrate the joy of the season. With his “Bah, Humbug!,” Ebenezer Scrooge reveals his feelings about the holiday. But it’s never too late to change this grumpy old miser. With the help of Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge discovers the true spirit of the holidays – greeting Christmas morning with newfound cheer. Lunch or snack is on your own at the nearby cafe or theatre concession. Walking from bus to seat.

All ages Bus provided RP4613.101 Dec 14 Time TBD Sa $159

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

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Subscribe online! See how on p. 22

Volume 14, No. 11 | November 2024

Celebrating caregivers who support aging in place Born in 1915, Hazel Chambers has lived through more than a century of history and experiences. Now 109, “Miss Hazel” lives with her cousin and caregiver Sydney in Elkridge in a home that has been in the family since the1930s, with help from Sydney’s daughters Ena and Annricka. Her story illustrates the benefits of aging in place surrounded by loved ones and support from the Office of Aging and Independence Senior Care Program.

Miss Hazel spent most of her life in Halethorpe, before moving to Howard County in 2017. She fondly recalls the simplicity and joy of growing up during a time when the area was predominantly farmland. “When I was growing up, it was ALL farmland!” She reminisces about the land her father used to farm near the railroad.

“I’d go to the railroad to play in the morning - the engineers all knew me and would bring me toys when they saw me.”

Life wasn’t always easy, but Miss Hazel’s resilience shines through as she reflects on those days. “When I was growing up ‘broke,’ that was just the times, that’s how it was,” she says, accepting it as part of her life’s journey. She also recalls the challenges of living in a time when technology was not as advanced, sharing a story about having to push the family’s T-bird to get it started: “We had to push, run and jump in,” she recalls with a chuckle.

Since 2023, Miss Hazel has benefited from services provided by the Supportive Services for Older Adults Program (SOAP) Senior Care Grant which helps her remain in the comfort of her family’s home. The program has provided essential support, including case management, four hours of personal care weekly, and assistive devices to increase home safety like a bed rail, all of which allow Miss Hazel to continue aging in place with dignity and comfort.

The family also emphasizes the need for more support and resources for caregivers. Cousin Ena highlights this need, stating, “There could be a lot more services available for older adults who can’t afford private care and don’t have the family support See Miss Hazel, p. 15

From the desk of Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive Did you know that family caregivers – spouses, adult children, relatives, and friends – are the major source of unpaid help for older adults living in our community? During November, National Family Caregivers Month, we want to spotlight our local caregivers and the Office of Aging and Independence Caregiver Support Program.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program coordinates an array of supports to help family and informal caregivers care for older adults and others in their homes for as long as possible. It is projected that by 2030, residents age 60+ will represent about 26% of our population. In Howard County, it is projected that more than a third of our residents will be 55 or older by 2030. In January 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order creating Longevity Ready Maryland, directing the Maryland Department of Aging to prioritize the well-being of older people, adults living with disabilities, and caregivers across the state to address the needs of our growing older adult population.

Under the program’s guidance, our Caregiver Support Program offers information and assistance; individual counseling and support groups; respite care and caregiver education. These services help reduce caregiver depression, anxiety and stress, enabling them to provide care longer at home, avoiding or delaying the need for costly institutional care.

As we kick off the second phase of our Age-Friendly initiative in 2025, we will continue to ensure Howard County older adults have what they need to remain independent in the community for as long as possible and provide services that support the whole family. To learn more, visit howardcountymd.gov/caregiver.

Meridy McCague named Howard County Employee of the Year Congratulations to Meridy McCague, director of the East Columbia 50+ Center and Howard County’s 2024 Employee of the Year. This year, Meridy and her staff transitioned East Columbia from the county’s smallest 50+ Center to the largest. Her positivity, creativity and determination inspired the entire project team to make the long-awaited center a reality for the East Columbia older adult community.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

The 50+ Connection

Makes a great gift!

Miss Hazel, from p. 14 to continue care. More resources supporting the caregiver are necessary.” Cousin Sydney agrees, noting, “Resources for caregivers are crucial if they’re maintaining care at home as opposed to a nursing facility. It would be helpful if there were more support available for both the caregivers and the person receiving care.”

“The goal of the Senior Care Grant program is to delay or divert moving to a nursing home by providing case management and limited gap-filling funding for support services to assist clients who want to age in the community, and their caregivers,” says Vanessa Arndt, SOAP manager. “While grant funding has grown in the last several years thanks to local and state advocacy, it has not matched the increase in the older adult population.”

Miss Hazel continues to add experiences to the rich tapestry of her life surrounded by family and supported by community services. Her journey is a testament to the enduring strength that comes from a life well-lived.

2024 Caregiver Conference: Caregivers Are Superheroes East Columbia 50+ Center – November 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. / A20698.100 The conference features a keynote presentation by Kim Burton on resilience, lunch and activities to help family caregivers relax, recharge and focus on self-care. Breakout sessions include: • How Superheroes can Battle Caregiver Stress; • Mastering Chronic Conditions; • Lifestyle Strategies for Pain Management; and • Lego® Serious Play session: Joy, Resilience and Superpowers.

Cost $15. Register at bit.ly/HoCoCaregiver

Reducing Stress During the Holiday Season Elkridge 50+ Center – November 7, 1 p.m. / A05100.100 The holiday season often comes with added stress from financial concerns, family dynamics and travel. We will discuss these challenges, share recommendations and explore new solutions together. Free.

Native American Heritage Book Discussion North Laurel 50+ Center – November 12, 10:30 a.m. / A06615.104 Join us and the Howard County Library with an engaging and informative discussion on fiction and nonfiction books by Native American authors. Free.

For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/ProjectHoliday or email projectholiday@howardcountymd.gov.

Project Holiday is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Medicare Open Enrollment Howard County’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you explore your options to ensure your Medicare plan still meets your needs and protect you from Medicare scams and fraud. SHIP’s trusted advisors will help you review your current coverage, prepare for changes coming in 2025, and can determine if a Medicare Advantage Plan is right for you. Call 410-313-7392 (voice/relay) to schedule your appointment during open enrollment, now through December 7.

9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us @HoCoCommunity on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Nextdoor AVAILABLE IN ALTERNATE FORMATS UPON REQUEST

Join the subscriber list https://bit.ly/HoCosubscribe Listen to the HoCo Community Chat podcast on Buzzsprout Advertising in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

Join or Die Documentary Screening Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center – November 13, 1 p.m. / A02745.101 “Join or Die” is an evidence-based documentary that follows the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of renowned social scientist Robert Putnam. Free.

Healthy Hands Pampering Elkridge 50+ Center – November 14, 1 p.m. / Cost $7 / A05112.101 In recognition of Healthier Skin Month, enjoy a self-pampering session with trained estheticians and get tips to care for your hands.

Veterans Day Presentation Bain 50+ Center – November 13, 10 a.m. / Call 410-313-7213 to register Army veteran Ellen Frank will discuss her 13-year career as a captain, followed by a performance from the United States Army Field Band Saxophone Quartet. Free.

Keep Moving! Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia November 20, 10:30 a.m. / A20699.104 In partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, Katrina Wolf, ACSM certified personal trainer, and Azaria Noris of Agewell Senior Fitness will offer an overview of exercise for those with the disease.

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© SYDA PRODUCTIONS | DREAMSTIME.COM

Money Law &

Many recent retirees find they’re in better financial shape than they thought they would be. See story on page 18.

2.7 billion IDs hacked in recent breach You are probably affected By the Dominion Post Editorial Board National Public Data (NPD) is a private company based in Florida that collects information for background checks. Its databases held 2.7 billion people’s full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and phone number, alternate names and birth dates and email addresses.

NPD was hacked in April, and possibly again this summer, and all that information became available for purchase on the dark web — the seedy underbelly of the internet where criminal activity thrives. [Ed. Note: In addition, the personal information of almost one million Medicare beneficiaries was exposed during a data breach in May 2023.]

This is a sobering reminder that our personal data — everything from our usernames and passwords to our birth dates and Social Security numbers — is just a few keystrokes away from falling into the hands of criminals.

What you need to do

There are a few ways to check if your in-

formation was part of the leak. You can visit NPDbreach.com to see if you were part of this specific leak and, if so, which pieces of your personal information may have been compromised.

Even if you have no reason to think NPD would have your information, it’s still important to check their site. Criminals can do a lot of damage to your credit, finances — even your reputation — with just your full name, date of birth and address, let alone your Social Security number.

If your information has been leaked, you can protect your credit by putting a freeze on it with the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. The process is not difficult, but you have to contact each of these companies individually. [See box at right for more information.]

If you plan to make any major purchases (like a car or a house) or open any new accounts (like a credit card or with a new bank) that require a credit check, you will have to contact each agency to lift the freeze temporarily. Call it a “thaw,” if you will.

Five tips to protect your ID • Sign up for 24/7 credit monitoring and activate two-factor authentication.

• Never respond to unsolicited requests for information.

• Review credit card, bank accounts and loans on a regular basis.

• Place a free fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before they open any new accounts or change your existing accounts.

• Freeze your credit reports with these three primary companies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. In this context, “freezing” means that you prohibit your credit reports from being ac-

Scammers go phishing

One of the things that worries experts about the NPD hack is that it compromised not only identifying personal information but also people’s email addresses.

Those things in combination make it easi-

cessed by most third parties. When you need to access your credit reports to open new accounts or obtain loans, contact all three companies to “unfreeze.”

You can open an account and freeze your credit reports at no cost at all three companies (though they offer paid plans for additional services).

Here are the websites you will need to visit: experian.com/freeze/center.html; transunion.com/credit-freeze; equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze.

—Donna LeValley © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. er for scammers to impersonate someone (spoof their email) or create sophisticated phishing emails targeting specific users.

Phishing scams are designed to get people to voluntarily offer up personal inSee DATA BREACH, page 17

Got Medicare? You have choices to make

By MedicareResources.org Here are some tips for choosing insurance and prescription drug coverage for the coming year during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which opens October 15 and closes December 7.

In 2024, about 34 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans — more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries. That’s more than double the percentage enrolled in 2007.

“Medicare Advantage plans are growing in popularity because they are very good at communicating with consumers and offering benefits like dental, vision and hearing care that attract interest,” said Jenny Chumbley Hogue, an analyst for medicareresources.org.

“Ultimately, the choice is one that deserves careful consideration each year. A plan that appears attractive at first glance could end up costing you more down the

road if it’s not the right plan for your needs. The devil is always in the details.”

During Medicare open enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries who are already enrolled have a handful of decisions regarding their coverage. Options include: • Switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.

• Switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

• Switching from one Part D (that is, prescription drug) plan to another.

“There are trade-offs depending on which option you choose,” said Chumbley Hogue.

“Advantage plans tend to have a more limited healthcare provider network, and coverage for specific services may not be as robust as you can get with Original Medicare plus a supplemental (Medigap) policy to fill Medicare’s gaps. But Advantage plans also tend to be less expensive.

“On the other hand, if you are enrolled in

Original Medicare and have additional coverage through Medigap and stand-alone Part D drug coverage, that could end up saving you money in the long run if you develop a serious or chronic health condition.”

Weighing pros and cons

Medicareresources.org suggests consumers take into consideration several factors when deciding between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage: • Provider network: Original Medicare has a broader provider network with nationwide coverage. Medicare Advantage plans each have their own network, which may be more limited in terms of providers and coverage area.

• Premiums: The average total of premiums for Medicare Advantage (including the Part B premium that is also paid by Medicare Advantage enrollees) is less than the average total of premiums for Original

Medicare plus Medigap and Part D drug coverage.

• Out-of-pocket costs: Original Medicare coupled with Medigap coverage may come at a higher monthly premium, but could result in little to no out-of-pocket exposure (other than the cost of medications, which are covered separately under Part D).

With most Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll pay coinsurance and copays that could total as much as $9,350 in 2025 for services that would be covered under Original Medicare with Parts A and B (plus the cost of medications).

• Prescription drug costs: Most Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D drug coverage. Check it to make sure.

Each Medicare Advantage plan will also have its own preferred drug list, which deSee MEDICARE, page 17

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

Data breach From page 16

formation — usually Social Security or credit card numbers — or click on malicious links, often by pretending to be legitimate companies or by scaring people into clicking links to avoid supposed late fees or other strange charges to their accounts.

Unfortunately, it’s fairly common for people’s email addresses to be leaked as

Medicare From page 16

termines how much you will pay.

If you stick with Original Medicare, you will need to choose and pay for a standalone Part D plan if you need prescription drug coverage. [See "Choosing next year's Medicare drug plan" on page 4.]

• Extra benefits: Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits — like dental, vision, hearing aids and gym memberships — that are not offered by Original Medicare (or typically covered by a Medigap plan).

• Special plans: People with certain health conditions or applicants with low incomes (e.g., eligible for Medicaid) may be eligible for special types of Medicare Advantage plans with additional benefits.

Can you change your mind?

Consumers should also consider their ability to change their Medicare coverage later on.

“If the ability to easily switch back and forth among plans is important to you, a Medicare Advantage plan offers that flexibility,” Chumbley Hogue said.

“On the other hand, your ability to switch from Medicare Advantage altogether (and enroll in or return to Original Medicare plus Medigap) could be hindered by your medical history. That’s because enrollees who have had Medicare Advantage coverage for more than a year may be denied Medigap coverage for preexisting conditions,” she said.

[Ed. Note: The only times a Medicare beneficiary can be guaranteed a choice of any Medigap plan without regard to pre-existing conditions is during their initial enrollment period, which occurs around the time one turns 65 or if they qualify for guaranteed issue (for example, their Medicare Advantage plan stops offering coverage in their area).]

How to compare plans

If you currently are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, here’s how to evaluate your coverage during Medicare open enrollment: • Check whether your prefer red providers are still in-network.

• Review whether your prescription drug costs change in the upcoming plan year, and always check multiple pharmacies to determine the right plan for you.

• Consider all of the available Medicare Advantage plans — comparing premiums,

part of — for lack of a better word — minor data breaches. So many apps and websites require us to put in our email addresses, even if we don’t set up an account with them. That information gets stored and can be compromised. Same with usernames and passwords.

You can check to see if your email address — and related information — has been leaked in any data breach at haveibeenpwned.com. If your email address has been part of any known hack, this site will tell you,

provider networks and prescription drug costs. See Medicare.gov/plan-compare.

“You really need to pay close attention to the details,” said Chumbley Hogue. “Read the fine print and reassess your plan each year to make sure you understand your plan costs and your plan benefits.”

[The same holds true for those on Original Medicare, who may choose a new Part D prescription drug plan during Open En-

17

There are several things we can do to protect ourselves: use unique passwords for every site (we know — much easier said than done), two-factor authentication, and specific online security services, including antiviral software, to safe-

guard our information, and credit monitoring to alert us when something has happened.

The hazard of modern life is that even the most basic things we do now require us to give up personal information that is then stored electronically. And unfortunately, that information is never as safe as we wish it to be. © 2024 The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va., DominionPost.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

rollment. Go to Medicare.gov and compare all your options.]

For additional infor mation about Medicare open enrollment, and assistance in making your choice, visit the websites mentioned above, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact Howard County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program at (410) 313-7392.

Medicareresources.org, an online source of

information about Medicare since 2011, is owned by HealthInsurance.org, LLC, a corporate affiliate of a group of insurance agencies and marketers. The site provides an overview of the basics of Medicare coverage options, enrollment and eligibility; coverage FAQs; statespecific Medicare information; and a glossary of Medicare terms. Medicareresources.org is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

along with which data breach compromised your address and what other kind of information may also have been exposed by that hack.

Prevention

HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

The first choice you will make this elecƟon is which day to vote!

Maryland voters can vote in-person BEFORE ElecƟon Day at Early VoƟng!

Early VoƟng will be held from Thursday, October 24, 2024, through Thursday, October 31, 2024 (including Saturday and Sunday), from 7:00 AM unƟl 8:00 PM daily.

Early VoƟng will be held at the following five locaƟons: St. John BapƟst Church 9055 Tamar Drive – The Fellowship Hall Columbia, MD 21045 The Bain Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way Great Rooms 1, 2, 3 Columbia, MD 21044 Meadowbrook AthleƟc Complex 5001 Meadowbrook Lane MulƟ-Purpose Room EllicoƩ City, MD 21043

Gary J. Arthur Community Center 2400 State Route 97 – Gym Cooksville, MD 21723 North Laurel Community Center 9411 Whiskey BoƩom Road – Gym Laurel, MD 20723

Please Note: If you vote during early voƟng, you cannot vote on ElecƟon Day (November 5, 2024), or by mail-in ballot. If you have requested a mail-in ballot and choose to not vote that ballot and come to in-person voƟng, you will vote a provisional ballot.

18

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Retirement survey’s surprising results

By Charlotte Gorbold Retirement planning isn’t the most obvious hook for a love song. “We can rent a cottage in the Isle of Wight, if it’s not too dear,” sings Paul McCartney in the Beatles song “When I’m 64.” “We shall scrimp and save.”

Things have panned out slightly different than McCartney, now 82, imagined.

With a net worth of $1.3 billion, he’s pretty far from scrimping and saving.

Surprisingly, while few 80-year-olds can say they’re that wealthy, many older folks in the U.S. say they’re not struggling financially either.

In fact, three in four Americans who have retired (74%) say they have enough money to live comfortably. That’s according to a survey from Gallup, which has been tracking views on retirement in the U.S. since 2002.

In contrast, the survey reveals that nonretirees are far less positive about the road

ahead: less than half (45%) of this group say they’ll have enough money to live comfortably when they retire.

What accounts for what Gallup calls “the disconnect between the retirement expectations of non-retirees and the more positive outcomes among those who are now retired”? In other words, why might many retirees be better off financially than they imagined?

Reality vs. expectations

Every April, Gallup surveys at least 1,000 U.S. adults 18 and older living in all 50 states, asking for their views on personal finance and the economy, including retirement.

Gallup says the results have consistently shown a “retirement reality versus expectations gap” since it began collecting this information 23 years ago. “Non-retirees’ outlook has been consistently lower

and subject to swings based on the national economic climate,” it said.

For example, just over half of those who were 45-60 in 2002-2004 felt they would have enough money to live comfortably when they retired. But 79% of this same age group, who are now retired, say they have enough money to live comfortably.

“For this age cohort of Americans,” Gallup said, “the reality has turned out to be significantly more positive than they anticipated two decades ago.”

Social Security helps

Undoubtedly, many retirees have lower living costs than when they were working.

They may have downsized in retirement, for example, or relocated to a cheaper city or region. They may be finding that Medicare is covering more healthcare costs, too.

However, Gallup highlights the “unan-

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ticipated value of Social Security in retirement” as a key factor. Data from 2019-2024 show that an average of 58% of retired Americans say Social Security is a major source of their retirement income, making it “the bedrock of their financial security.”

In addition, most of those surveyed say they have major sources of income in addition to Social Security.

Of those retirees who have at least one major income source in addition to Social Security, 78% say they are financially comfortable. And 82% of those who have three or more major sources of income in retirement (which may or may not include Social Security) say they’re financially comfortable.

Falling through the gaps

The survey’s findings present a rosy snapshot of retirement that may strike a chord with many of the 55.8 million people in the U.S. aged 65 and over.

But there is a flip-side. Judging by the figures, one in four retired Americans (26%) may not have enough money to live comfortably.

And while six in 10 retirees say they’re financially comfortable with Social Security as their only major income source, four in 10 say they’re struggling. That’s reflected in figures from the U.S. Census, which found that in 2021, roughly 8% of those 65 and above lived in poverty — that’s around 4.5 million people.

So, what happens next?

By 2050, it’s predicted that 22% of the population will be 65 and over. Couple that with a Social Security system that may not be able to pay in full in a few years, and the difficulties of saving for retirement amid a costof-living crisis, and it’s not hard to imagine many retirees facing a very different set of circumstances over the next 20 to 30 years.

If you’re worried about the cost of retirement, take a moment to consider the kind of lifestyle you’ll want in your later years, then use benchmark retirement saving guidelines to help plan for that, or speak with a financial adviser.

Your future self will thank you, as McCartney sings, “many years from now.” © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BEACON BITS DANCE Nov. 8+ HCC SHOWCASE Experience dynamic performances by the Howard Community College dance students, faculty, alums and guests at the 2024 Dance Showcase. Enjoy original choreography on Fri., Nov. 8 and Sat., Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Smith Theatre, Campus Dr., Columbia.

Tickets are $10 to $15. For more information and to reserve your ticket, visit howardcc.edu/DanceConcerts or call (443) 518-1500.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

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19

Arts &

Romance Redux by Laura Stassi weaves the author’s experience with practical advice. Our cover story continues on page 21.

They’re creepy and kooky, but so funny A familiar story line

For a show based on the, shall we say, unique characters created by Charles Addams, the musical’s plot feels familiar.

It centers around daughter Wednesday (L ydia Gifford) surprisingly bringing home to dinner a “normal” boyfriend (with whom she’s fallen in love) and his parents.

As in La Cage aux Folles, the tension is about whether the offbeat family hosting the meal can keep a lid on their eccentricities long enough for both sets of parents to agree to the match.

What turns out to be an even bigger part of the tension comes from Wednesday’s begging Gomez (played by Helen Hayes Award winner Jordan B. Stocksdale) to keep the pending engagement a secret from Morticia (well played by MaryKate Brouillet).

That puts him in an untenable position between the two women in his life — “Trapped,” as he sings in one of the show’s funniest numbers. Stocksdale does an excellent job portraying Gomez as both dashing and hen-pecked at the same time.

Columbia Pro Cantare SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 7:30 PM - HANDEL: MESSIAH Amy van Roekel, soprano; MaryAnn McCormick, mezzo; Charles Reid, tenor; Kenneth Overton, baritone, Henry Lowe, organ, Festival Orchestra.

Pre-Concert Lecture, 6:30 by Prof. Ernest Liotti; Post-Concert Reception.

Jim Rouse Theatre, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia 21044 Tickets: Advance – Adults $25, Seniors/Students $20 At the Door - $2 more Children 15 and under - $10, Group rates available

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 5 PM – A CHRISTMAS NOËL with the CPC Chamber Singers – Songs of the Season. Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia 21045 Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors/Students $13 At the Door - $2 more Children 15 and under - $10

Information & Tickets: www.procantare.org

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

By Stuart Rosenthal The iconic television show “The Addams Family” aired for only two seasons on ABC in the mid-1960s. But it influenced generations of viewers (in part due to decades of syndication), who to this day can chant the theme song with its finger-snapping syncopation.

To be fair, some of us got our first taste of the macabre humor of the Addams Family from the collections of New Yorker cartoons by Charles Addams that graced the waiting rooms of pediatricians and dentists from coast to coast.

But it was the television show, followed by several full-length feature films, that generated the popular interest that led to the successful Broadway musical production in 2010.

Starring Nathan Lane as Gomez and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia, the show was nominated for multiple Tony, Drama Desk and Drama League Awards, including for outstanding musical, best original score and best actors.

The musical is now on stage at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland, through November 10.

The stellar cast of The Addams Family, now playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, brings plenty of morbid and physical humor to the Tony Award-nominated musical. The rather racy show runs through November 10.

Almost Broadway

Despite the feelings of déjà vu from the plot, Toby’s pulls off the musical with both humor and heart. Much of that has to do with the excellent direction and choreogra-

phy (yes, both) by Mark Minnick, who has worked alongside Toby’s founder and artistic director, Toby Orenstein, for some years.

See ADDAMS FAMILY, page 20

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Addams Family From page 20

The score, which as noted above was nominated for a Tony, doesn’t feature many tunes you are likely to start humming. But the major numbers manage to convey the spectacle of a big Broadway stage even on Toby’s intimate theatre-inthe-round.

That’s especially true of the numbers that feature a large cast of Addams Family “ancestors” — ghosts who play a prominent role in the night’s events.

The principal cast members all have excel-

lent voices and powerful delivery. But it’s the women who really get to show their chops.

I was particularly struck by Gifford (Wednesday), not only for her superb singing, but also her distinctive speaking voice. Call me crazy-with-a-z, but she kept reminding me of the young Liza Minelli in Cabaret. Perhaps it was the heavy eye makeup and black hair, but she really channeled Minelli.

Maybe I had Cabaret on my mind because of the attire worn by Morticia. First, the neckline of her floor-length black gown extends “down to Venezuela,” as Gomez describes it. And for their “Tango

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

De Amor” number near the end of the show, she removes the bottom of the dress to reveal a fishnet hose and garter ensemble worthy of Sally Bowles.

Then there’s Alice Beineke (Anna Phillips-Brown), the mother of Wednesday’s intended. Accidentally given a potion meant to bring out the beast in a person, she convincingly transforms from a ditzy, vapid middle-aged mom into a sex-starved tigress in the middle of the family dinner.

To make it clear, while you might have assumed young children (or grandchildren) would be the intended audience for an Addams Family musical, you would be mistaken. On the other hand, at least some of the constant sexual innuendo might go over the heads of tender youths.

As always, Toby’s live orchestra does an excellent job giving life to the score. And the make-up department deserves special accolades, particularly for the wardrobe of the ancestors, who include character types from throughout world history, all appropriately dressed for their time and powdered like the ghosts they are.

A special shout-out goes to Toby’s scenic and properties designer, Shane Lowry, for designing jaw-dropping set pieces and props, including the disembodied hand

(“Thing”) that fences with Gomez, a walking skeleton pushing a cart, and the “monster under the bed” that helps little Pugsley sleep at night.

All in all, The Addams Family is a fun and funny Broadway musical, well suited for those who are into the macabre humor the characters are known for. On the other hand, if you’re usually (or currently) not in the mood for songs extolling pain and death, you might want to take a pass.

Ticket information

As always, Toby’s includes in the ticket price a multi-course, all-you-can-eat buffet: dinner prior to evening performances or brunch prior to Wednesday and Sunday matinees.

Depending on performance, tickets range from $84 to $92 for adults (those 65+ pay $74 for Tues. evening or any Wed. performance); children 4 and older are $64 to $67. Remember, the tips you leave for waiters also constitute the majority of the actors’ pay, so be generous.

Tickets are available from the box office by calling (410) 730-8311 or online via TicketMaster (with a service fee). Toby’s is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. in Columbia, Maryland.

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Gray dating From page 1 “I come from a long line of married people, so you didn’t really think about divorce.

You were expected to soldier on in the marriage forever.”

A new beginning From her new apartment, Stassi began her new life as an unattached single woman.

She decided to do what she knew best: She researched this new world of dating over 50, in hopes of one day writing a book.

When she asked her Facebook friends how they met people, she began gathering stories, which she posted on a blog she started. Stassi’s blog became fodder for a podcast, thanks to a combination of hard work and good luck.

One day in the car, she happened to hear on the radio that WAMU — the NPR-affiliated news-talk station at American University — was looking for new podcasts.

“It was competitive, but they were looking for diversity,” Stassi remembered.

“They had alphabetized the list of diversity categories, and ‘age’ was the number-one thing…So I thought, ‘Okay, I’ve got a good idea, and I’m older.’”

Stassi applied and was one of five people chosen from more than 500 applicants.

The producers, she said, were impressed with the range of stories she had collected, including one from a woman who was trying to date while living with her ex-motherin-law.

“They said they really appreciated my fresh approach,” Stassi said.

With a stipend of $2,500 and guidance from WAMU, Stassi bought podcasting equipment and got to work. Her first episode aired in 2020.

Favorite programs Each episode of “Dating While Gray” focuses on several people’s true-life stories, which they recount on the air.

Stassi’s breezy, empathetic style makes the podcast seem like you’re overhearing a conversation between friends. Some segments are about trends — such as couples

FROM PAGE 22

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

S H A R D S E L F 1 A R M P E T E R A X E L 0 S U M L I E U D A T A I D E A S E G A D B A T S T O P S D E M I G O D S H O W N E T A L I E N A T E P L A N I C O N U S A G E S T U B W R O N G N E R D H E F T O G R E S P E R I H A S S M A L L E S T L I E S F I F T E E N S P I L L D O T R E D O I D O L M E R I T M O O N P L U G N O E L D E I C E G O R Y S T E T S H O T S

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

who live apart, couples who find a partner from their past.

What was Stassi’s favorite episode of her podcast? That would be the one about “The Golden Bachelor” reality TV show, she said, “because who knew that some people take ‘The Bachelor’ so seriously?”

Last fall, Stassi even co-hosted a “watch party” with Slate to view the final episode of that show’s debut season.

This fall, “Love Across the Divide” will air on NPR member stations. In it, Stassi interviews couples with different political viewpoints.

Supporting each other After dozens of on-air interviews, Stassi has found solace, inspiration and support with her fellow singles.

“One thing I’ve learned is we are all in this together,” Stassi said. “There are so many of us out there, over 50, becoming single as we get older.”

Indeed, the number of older people getting divorced has doubled since 1990. More than one-third of divorces today are among

those 50 and older, and 10% of people getting divorced are 65 or older, according to AARP. Stassi receives emails and voicemails from listeners all over the world. Each wants to share their story with others, either as a cautionary tale or hopeful anecdote.

“Overall, in the ‘Dating While Gray’ community, there’s very much a spirit of camaraderie and helpfulness,” Stassi said.

“People want to help each other out.”

‘Just waiting’ Now, Stassi says often, she’s “grateful for the ‘divorce wings’” she had to develop while learning to fly solo.

She lives alone in an apartment in Richmond near her grown children and her grandchild. She plays pickleball, reads novels and travels now and then, mostly to her beach property in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

So far this year, Stassi hasn’t seen any sparks in her personal life.

“At the moment, I am not on any dating sites. I’m just waiting. I am joining what I can join — and keeping my eyes open.”

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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

Downtowning 1

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By Stephen Sherr

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Scrabble answers on p. 21.

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HB1124

1. Piece of ancient pottery 6. Music teacher of Prince and David Bowie 10. Classic slot machine feature 14. Guy in multiple nursery rhymes 15. Cop Eddie Murphy played for the fourth time in 2024 16. Game theory game 17. Some of the best ones come in the shower 18. Stead 19. Facts and figures 20. “Goodness gracious!”

21. Louisville Slugger product 22. Pull out all the ___ 24. Mortal, with a promotion 26. Finish in the money 27. Next most popular after .com and .org 28. Estrange 32. Lexicographer’s interest 35. A secret evil one is often called a scheme 36. A digital thumb-up, for example 37. Ticket remnant 38. “Sorry, ___ number” 39. Hermione Granger or Napoleon Dynamite 40. Prefix with -scope or -meter 41. Weightiness 42. Shrek and Fiona’s triplets 43. Dopey, of the Seven Dwarfs 45. Possesses 46. Uses “alternative facts” 47. Taylor Swift song inspired by her freshman year 51. Release oil into water 53. Part of 27 Across’ clue 54. Take another stab at 55. It has eight phases 56. Homophone for idle and idyll 58. Type of badge or pay 59. Give a shoutout 60. Yuletide 61. Make the wings safe for flight 62. Mix of spicy toppings 63. Like any movie in the I Spit on Your Grave series 64. Leaves in, as text

1. Worked for the CIA 2. Living fence 3. 1980s TV mercenaries 4. Good towns for accounts payable clerks 5. M*A*S*H officers 6. Pittsburgh ___ (veggies and french fries) 7. Visible word in a dark theater 8. Writer Stan or Harper 9. Good NY town for plumbers 10. Appropriately placed vacation address for this puzzle’s characters 11. Stat!

12. Unproductive habits 13. Sport often battled in an octagon 21. Autonomous program 23. Last body part in the pool for a diver, usually 25. It is silent in design, but not in designation 26. It is usually about 8 degrees for italic letters 28. Towards the heavens 29. Serena Williams, 70 times in the 1999 US Open 30. Suffered an Achilles injury 31. Burn the candle at both ___ 32. Letter carrier’s letters 33. Boutonniere attachment spot 34. Ambience 35. First Amendment word 38. Good WV town for a motorcycle gang 42. Stumblebum 44. Rapper Wayne or Kim 45. ___ the Road Jack (Ray Charles #1 hit) 47. Foolishness 48. Goosebumps inducing 49. Official proclamation 50. Do, re and mi 51. Skywalker’s pal 52. Make a sulky gesture 53. One who walks the walk 55. Dashboard info.

57. ___-wop (1950s musical style) 58. ENTs and OB/GYNs

Answers on page 21.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Legal Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted.

For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right.

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either.

Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Business & Employment Opportunities 3 POSITIONS AVAILABLE No Experience; Training Provided; Great For Seniors and All Others; WFH; PT/FT; No Selling; $2,125/wk/ptnl; EOE; Real Estate; No RE-License Req; Start Immediately; Paid Daily; Call: 1-703-398-1586.

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

EXPERIENCED, COMPASSIONATE, DILIGENT Certified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide with Excellent References Looking for Elderly Care. Will Do Light Housekeeping, Bathe, Assist with Medications, and Run Errands.

Please contact me (Panyin) at 301-741-1379.

Entertainment AN EVENT CENTER WITH CLASS AND STYLE! Fall Special: $500 off for space rental for a limited time only. Customers and their guests are pleased with the cleanliness, space, coziness, elegance, and value. Call us @ 240280-8523 to book your next event. Visit us at www.sparklingdiamondoccasions.com or email us at info@sparklingdiamondoccasions.com

Entertainment FIRST SAT’S SEPT-DEC, HOLIDAY SHOP with CRAFTS GALORE Marketplace in Balt County, MD. Find unique handmade goods and homemade food from juried artisans of Vendor Members Group. Interested vendors can exclusively inquire at www.vendormembersgroup.com

Makes a great gift!

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 - 866212-1092 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.

THE FINAL EXPENSES Whole Life Insurance Program is a policy that pays CASH for funeral & other expenses, Provides Peace of Mind to families & is accepted by Funeral Directors everywhere.

Benefits are: *Protection up to $35,000 *0-85 eligible * Easy Qualification-No medical exam, 9 simple health questions, one page app *Affordable monthly rates; can never be increased *Approved Claims paid in 24 hours *Emotional support services offered * Expert Professional funeral cost advice & price savings. FAST Cash to cover final expenses, ie: Monument/Marker, funeral expenses/traditional or cremation & more. Call/Text Agent Tangela Dunbar@ 443.814.3860 for more information without obligation,or email:tangela.dunbarlife@gmail.com

For Sale

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

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

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

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

• Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

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

Home/Handyman Services

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844-366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts.

Call 1-855-977-6078.

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

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

NEW WINDOWS FROM WINDOW NATION. Special money saving offer - zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 855-909-2278.

REDZONE FITNESS STUDIO. We come to you, treat you like family and get results. Call Anthony at 4107393318 to set up a free fitness evaluation. This helps me set up a personalized workout plan for you. This helps you reach your goals. NASM certified.

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-301-960-3174 today to schedule a free quote. It?s not just a generator.

It’s a power move.

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.

GLASS FRONT CURIO CABINET with lighting 14” wide by 68” tall. Mahogany wood. $470.00. Call 410-591-1198.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? My total listing fee -1% - Why pay 5/6/7%? Save thousands full service - Not full price! Over 20 yrs experience. Call/text for from home valuation. Robert Holmes, professional realtor. 443794-8297. Home Selling Assistance, Inc. Office 410-256-3939 marylanddiscountbroker.com THREE LOTS in Crest Lawn Gardens of Memories located at 2150 Mount View Rd., Marriottsville in Howard County. Asking $3,000 each or all 3 for $10,000. Contact Ken @ 410-838-1138.

ONE BURIAL LOT FOR SALE located at 5598 Trumps Mill Rd., Rosedale in Baltimore City at Gardens of Faith Cemetery. Asking $2500. Contact Ken @ 410-838-1138.

Health MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189.

Home/Handyman Services 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! 1866-365-5170.

SAFE STEP. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-866478-2363.

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

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

Call 1-833-994-0538.

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

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

Miscellaneous BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted

by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1833-992-0110 or visit dorranceinfo.com/beacon CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-742-1303.

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

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included.

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

Wanted STAMP AND COIN COLLECTIONS WANTED. China, US, Worldwide. Fair prices paid.

Call Glenn. 301 641-5744 PAYING TOP CASH FOR ANTIQUES and collectibles. Housecalls made with prompt, courteous service seven days a week and 25 years of experience! Buying toys, trains, militaria, glassware, advertising merchandise, paper items and much more! Contact Mason or Megan at: 443-306-8816.

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible.

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

Advocacy/Elections Health Not Harm MD . . . . . . . . . .7 Howard Co. Board of Elections . .17

Classes/Events Howard Co. 50+ Connection .14-15 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Howard Co. Veterans Day Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Pumpkin Palooza . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . .8 Going Home Cremation . . . . . . . .20

Sol Levinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . .8 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .5

Home Healthcare/ Companions

Park View Colonial Landing . . . .18 Park View Columbia . . . . . . . . . .18 Park View Ellicott City . . . . . . . .18 Park View Emerson . . . . . . . . . . .18 Residences at Vantage Point . . . . . .1

Medical/Health/ Insurance

A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . .8 Divine Hands Home Health . . . . . .5 Family & Nursing Care . . . . . . . . .6

Ikon Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Housing

Senior/Government Services

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .4 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . .18

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COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Howard Co. 50+ Connection . .14-15

Maryland Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Theater/Entertainment Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . .21 Columbia Pro Cantare . . . . . . . . .19 Howard County Concert Odyssey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .21

Travel Collette Hawaiian Adventure . . . . .3 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 RTA/Transportation . . . . . . . . . . .11

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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November–December 2024

UPCOMING SEMINARS & CLASSES at Brooke Grove retirement village

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

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

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

PARKINSON’S COMMUNICATION CLUB

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

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

Offered in partnership with MedStar Health’s Center for Successful Aging

WEDNESDAYS 10:45-11:45 A.M.

SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 1-2 P.M.

This weekly wellness and prevention program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners focuses on the maintenance of communication skills, with an emphasis on strengthening breath support and the ability to project and speak loudly enough to be heard in social settings.

FREE with $50 annual PFNCA administrative fee. To register, visit: bit.ly/BGRVParkCommClub

PARKINSON’S EXERCISE GROUP Offered in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 12 NOON–1 P.M. This ongoing class for those with Parkinson’s or other neurogenerative disorders aims to improve posture, balance and circulation while also increasing strength, muscle control and mobility.

FREE with $50 annual PFNCA administrative fee. To register, visit: bit.ly/BGRVParkExercise

Independent living

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “GENTLE YOGA FOR A JOYFUL HOLIDAY HEART” Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga December 2 through December 20 MONDAYS & FRIDAYS 1-1:45 P.M.

Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this group is designed for family, friends and others engaged in the care and safety of someone touched by dementia. In this safe and confidential environment, you can develop informal and mutually supportive social relationships, gain understanding, share caregiving tips and discover other helpful information.

FREE To register, visit: bit.ly/BGAlzSupport

LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “MEDICARE 2025: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET THE BEST BENEFITS”

During the holiday season, it is common to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotional. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude during the holiday season helps reduce stress, enhance overall well-being, and foster a positive mindset. Please join us for this holiday mini-session.

You will be led in mindfulness exercises, calming breathwork, gratitude readings, and gentle chair yoga exercises geared to ground the body and mind, and help promote a sense of fulfillment and joy during this holiday season. $30 for entire six-week session.

To register, visit: bit.ly/BGYOGAJOY

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 10:30-11:45 A.M. Find the answers to questions such as: What do Medicare A and B cover? How does Medicare Part D work? Do I need Part C? What state and federal programs am I eligible for? Medicare doesn’t pay for everything, so what else do I need?

FREE To register, visit: bit.ly/BGBenefits2025

assisted living

rehabilitation

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-321-8707 · www.bgf.org

long-term care

memory support