August 2015 | Baltimore Beacon

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Secretary off to a running start

All in the family It was during Kramer’s second four-year

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGING

By Carol Sorgen During her eight years as a state senator, Rona Kramer’s efforts on behalf of Maryland’s older residents garnered not only the gratitude of those she served, but also the attention of her fellow legislators from both sides of the aisle.

During Governor Robert Ehrlich’s administration, she came to know the thenSecretary of Appointments, Larry Hogan.

So it wasn’t completely out of the blue when, after last year’s election, then-Governor-elect Hogan called Kramer and asked if she would be interested in serving in his new administration.

“I was honored,” said Kramer, and she accepted — after making a request. Offered one position, Kramer said she replied that “my preference would be to serve our seniors,” whereupon the Governor appointed her Secretary of Aging, a member of his cabinet and head of the state’s Department of Aging.

Despite the difference in their political affiliations — Kramer, 60, is a lifelong Democrat and Hogan is a Republican — Kramer said she has no qualms about serving in the Governor’s cabinet.

“He has made clear that his administration is not going to be about politics, but about making important changes that will strengthen Maryland and bring our spending in line with our revenues,” Kramer said. “I agree completely with those goals.”

One of Kramer’s primary goals as Secretary is to keep Maryland’s aging population as healthy as possible for as long as possible, so that their need for services will come later in life. “That will improve both individual quality of life as well as the State’s fiscal health,” she said.

When it comes to promoting a healthy lifestyle, Kramer practices what she preaches. For years, in her business office, she has used a treadmill desk, walking as she works.

Even when not, she stands as often as possible, since the latest health research indicates that what is now referred to as “sitting disease” is responsible for numerous serious health conditions that can lead to early mortality.

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

Eager to visit Cuba? Some things to know; plus, Shreveport, La., a cultural crossroads page 25

Rona Kramer, former Maryland state senator and a Democrat, now serves as Maryland’s Secretary of Aging in the cabinet of Republican Governor Larry Hogan. An attorney and businesswoman, Kramer brings a variety of skills to the state’s Department of Aging, which she heads.

term in the Senate that she became particularly involved with issues affecting Maryland’s older residents, working closely with her brother, Ben Kramer, who serves as a delegate in the Maryland House.

“One of my brother’s main focuses was the protection of our state’s seniors,” said Kramer. Working as a team — she sponsoring bills in the senate and he in the house of delegates — they were responsible for passing numerous pieces of legislation, ranging from prevention of financial exploitation to protecting older adults in nursing homes and assisted living communities.

“My brother and I worked together very successfully and made a great team,” said Kramer, adding that her brother continues to serve in the House and to work on legis-

lation to protect seniors.

The Kramers have politics in their blood. Their father, Sidney Kramer, served as Montgomery County Executive from 1986 to 1990, and as a Maryland state senator from 1978 to 1986.

A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Kramer received her undergraduate degree in law enforcement from the University of Maryland and a law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1979.

After joining the Maryland Bar and working briefly in a private firm practice, she joined her family’s commercial real estate business, Kramer Enterprises, as senior vice president and general counsel.

See KRAMER, page 14

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Learn about upcoming local plays and festivals; plus, a starstudded film about aging page 29

TECHNOLOGY k Virtual fitting rooms k Affordable fitness bands

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FITNESS & HEALTH 8 k Cocoa can boost memory k A blood test to replace biopsies LAW & MONEY k Freebies for retirees k Are junk bonds for you?

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AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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What could we have done?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been and arrested two days later. going over and over in my mind what’s It’s a terrible tragedy and a horrific been reported about a recent scene to contemplate. But in murder on the Washington the world we live in, it could Metro. happen in front of — or to — For those who didn’t hear any of us at any time. In about it, or perhaps missed broad daylight, on an ordithe details, let me recap: A nary Metro car, without knifing took place in the early warning, we could be conafternoon on the 4th of July fronted by a murderous asaboard a train heading toward sailant, or we could be eyethe National Mall for the Inwitnesses to such an attack. dependence Day celebration.

I can’t stop asking myself, Apparently about a dozen FROM THE “If I had been a witness, what people of various ages were PUBLISHER would I have done? What Stuart P. Rosenthal By on this particular train car. An could I have done?”

18-year-old (later reported to Some of the passengers be 5’ 5” tall and 125 lbs.) grabbed the cell told reporters that everyone else huddled phone of a 24-year old passenger, who re- together at each end of the railcar as the sisted the theft. attack took place. When some passengers The grabber punched and kicked the suggested perhaps they should do somevictim until he collapsed, and proceeded to thing, others sharply disagreed, pointing stab him more than 30 times with a pocket out that police say bystanders should not knife, leaving him to bleed to death on the try to intervene in such cases. floor. The murderer then robbed the other One person tried to call the train operapassengers before he calmly walked off tor to ask for help, and the assailant, who the car at the next station. He was found appeared to be high on drugs, apparently

Beacon

threatened him and told him to shut up.

Clearly, everyone was afraid for their own lives. They felt powerless, and hunkered down in self-preservation mode. No one who wasn’t there could judge them for their behavior. We all might well have done the same thing.

And yet, did it have to be that way? If the victim had been our child, grandchild, spouse or parent, would we be so philosophical about the sensible advice not to get involved?

Let’s imagine instead that the other passengers, gathered at the end of the railcar, had been able to quickly decide on a strategy together.

Perhaps one would run screaming at the assailant, using his backpack or laptop as a shield. Another would go charging at him with two umbrellas. Someone would try to buckle the fellow’s knees and knock him to the ground. Still others could try to grab his arms or wrest the knife from his hand.

Meanwhile, the rest of the passengers would be ready to jump on him and pin him to the ground until the train reached the next station and security guards could take over.

True, any one of those people would be crazy to lunge at the attacker alone. But together? Even were all the bystanders terribly out of shape and unfamiliar with selfdefense, could the attacker have overpowered ten adults at once?

Again, I’m not criticizing those who

were there for any failure to act. It all unfolded so quickly, and they didn’t have the opportunity we now have to consider all the options in advance.

But now I’m talking to you — and to myself — and asking this question: Having learned of, and thought about, this incident, can all of us — and I do mean each and every one of us — make a decision, right now, not to remain aloof if we should ever find ourselves in a similar situation?

(And I do mean similar: I’m not talking about a coordinated terrorist attack or taking on someone armed with a gun.)

It may require one of us to act as a leader, to rally everyone to the cause. But multiple followers are equally essential. In fact, it may be the expectation that others will follow that gives the leader much of his or her courage.

A Washington Post columnist took many “online second-guessers” to task for writing bravely online about “the heroic ways they claim they would have dealt with the attacker.” She noted how easy it is to be a blowhard after the fact, if you weren’t there. It’s all just easy talk, she implied.

But I think such talk can be a good thing.

If each of us will imagine now what we could do in such a situation, then maybe, just maybe, a future criminal can be stopped in his tracks, and a life can be saved.

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Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor: In reference to “Growing older without children” (July cover story), my husband and I both got sterilized at 25. We never wanted kids. Now, 44 years later, we can say that was the right decision for us both.

[Speaking] as a nurse who worked in long-term care, the meme about “who will take care of you when you get older?” is family specific.

I have seen many people with kids who never come to see them. I have seen many families financially broken having to care for parents, and at the same time trying to put kids through college. Of course, I have seen situations where the kids caring for the parents works well, but less so than the aforementioned.

We planned for our old age with good investments, long-term care insurance, and more importantly, we ate right, exercised and tried to keep ourselves in good health.

We have traveled worldwide, as we have no kids to put through college, no boomerang kids asking for money.

I have always felt that it is not the kids’ responsibility to take care of the parent, but for the parents to plan for their future.

In September we will become expats, with no kids or grandkids to worry about.

Shirley Thomas Owings Mills Dear Editor: I read the Beacon each month. Thank you for your article on getting older without children.

Marriage and children are not for everyone. I do worry about who will take care of me in my declining years.

I have no regrets about my life. Because I was childless, I had a lot of opportunities and got to travel. I also don’t have the financial problems that you have when kids get ready for college. And I haven’t had the heartache of children who fell by the wayside.

In the end, people should live their lives as they see fit.

Elizabeth Skates Baltimore

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

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Technology &

Innovations Man controls robotic arm with his thoughts

By Alicia Chang A man paralyzed by gunshot more than a decade ago can shake hands, drink beer, and play “rock, paper, scissors’’ by controlling a robotic arm with his thoughts, researchers reported.

Two years ago, doctors in California implanted a pair of tiny chips into the brain of Erik Sorto that decoded his thoughts to move the free-standing robotic arm. The 34-year-old has been working with researchers and occupational therapists to practice and fine-tune his movements.

It’s the latest attempt at creating mindcontrolled prosthetics to help disabled people gain more independence. In the last decade, several people outfitted with brain implants have used their minds to control a computer cursor or steer prosthetic limbs.

The work was published recently in the journal Science.

Doctors at the University of Southern California implanted small chips into

Sorto’s brain during a five-hour surgery in 2013. The sensors recorded the electrical activity of about 100 brain cells as Sorto imagined reaching and grasping.

Researchers asked Sorto to think about what he wanted to do instead of breaking down the steps of the movements, said principal investigator Richard Andersen at the California Institute of Technology.

Weeks of training After weeks of imagining movements, Sorto trained with Caltech scientists and therapists at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center to move the robotic arm, starting with a handshake and graduating to more complicated tasks. The sensors relayed their signals to the arm, bypassing Sorto’s damaged spinal cord.

Scientists have long strived to make robotic arms produce movements that are as natural as possible. Previous research targeted a region of the brain known as the motor cortex, which controls movement.

The new work zeroed in on a different area of the brain — the posterior parietal cortex — that’s involved in the planning of movements. The hope is that this strategy will lead to smoother motions.

It’s unclear whether the new approach is better because no side-by-side comparisons have been made yet, but it gives researchers a potential new target in the brain.

In 2012, a Massachusetts woman paralyzed for 15 years directed a robotic arm to pick up a bottle of coffee and bring it to her lips. In another instance, a quadriplegic man in Pennsylvania used a robotic arm to give a high-five and stroke his girlfriend’s hand.

Sorto has a caregiver at home, but he goes to the rehab center several times a week to practice using the robotic arm.

Since suffering a gunshot wound 13 years ago, he longed to drink a beer without help. The first time he tried with the prosthetic arm, he was so excited that he lost his concentration and caused the arm

to spill the drink. On the second try, he directed the arm to pick up the bottle and bring it to his mouth where he sipped through a straw.

The beer tasted “like a little piece of heaven,’’ Sorto said.

What the future holds Despite progress in the last decade, hurdles remain before brain-controlled prosthetics can help paralyzed people in their daily lives.

Experts said computer programs must run faster to interpret brain signals, and the brain implants must be more durable.

Currently, wire connections run from a patient’s brain to outside the skull, increasing the risk of infections. Future systems need to be wireless and contained within the body like pacemakers, experts J. Andrew Pruszynski of Western University in Canada and Jorn Diedrichsen of University College London wrote in an accompanying editorial.

— AP

Smart mirrors help boost clothing sales

By Anne D’Innocenzio Imagine a fitting room with a “smart’’ mirror that suggests jeans to go with the red shirt you brought in. It snaps a video so you can compare the image side-by-side with other colorful shirts you try on. It might even show you how the shirt will fit without you having to undress.

A handful of primarily upscale retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, are testing versions of this high-tech fitting room. And experts say the masses will be able to try these innovations at more stores in the next few years as the technology gets cheaper.

Luring shoppers to stores This trend is a way stores aim to catch up to online rivals like Amazon.com, which are able to gather information on which items shoppers browse, and use that info to recommend other products.

The new technology enables physical stores to collect much of the same data as online retailers. It raises privacy questions, but executives say customers are offered a choice, and the data is protected.

Stores are tapping into the significant role

the often-forgotten fitting room can play in purchase decisions. While 36 percent of store browsers wind up buying something, 71 percent of shoppers who try on clothes in the fitting room become buyers, according to Paco Underhill, a retail consultant.

Yet the typical fitting room isn’t always inviting: Only about 28 percent of shoppers even walk into a dressing room of a typical clothing chain, Underhill said. “The dressing room experience in many places has been close to miserable. There’s bad lighting.

They’re dirty. And they have poor service.’’

Some companies are working to change that impression. Later this year, Big Space, a technology company, plans to test at an undisclosed clothing chain a new mirror that recognizes the gender of a customer and makes recommendations based on that. Customers also will be able to request or purchase the items directly from the mirror and have them shipped.

Mirror, mirror on the wall Other technologies already are being tested in stores. In recent years, Bloomingdale’s and Top Shop, among other stores, have tested technology that enable shop-

pers to see how they look in an outfit without trying it on.

The patented MemoryMirror, from a Palo Alto, California-based company called MemoMi, is one of the most advanced in this socalled virtual dressing — a feature that’s expected to be tested in U.S. stores later this year. The mirror is outfitted with sensors, setting off motion-triggered changes of clothing. MemoryMirror uses pixel technology that captures even small details, such as a wrinkle on a skirt as it moves.

Even for those actually trying on items, the mirror doubles as a video camera, capturing a 360 degree view of what an outfit looks like and making side-by-side comparisons. Shoppers can replay the video and share it with friends Earlier this year, Neiman Marcus rolled out the MemoryMirror outside fitting rooms in three of its locations — Walnut Creek, Calif., San Francisco and the Dallas suburb of Willow Bend. It is considering activating the “virtual dressing’’ feature.

John Koryl, president of Neiman Marcus stores and online, said the mirror allows the retailer for the first time to have specific information regarding who tried

on the dress and bought it. He said shoppers must register for a unique account with their email address in order to use the mirror’s features. Any data collected on the mirror’s usage is anonymous and aggregated, he said.

More fitting room tech A division of online seller eBay called eBay Enterprise, which specializes in providing retail technology and service, also has fitting-room technology that some stores are testing.

Designer Rebecca Minkoff’s first two stores in New York and San Francisco are testing the new fitting room technology that uses radio frequency identification that embeds data in clothing tags. It will be rolling out the technology when it opens stores in Chicago and Los Angeles later this year, said CEO Uri Minkoff.

It works this way: a touch screen allows the customer to flip through a catalog and indicate which items he or she wants in the dressing room. The customer inputs their cellphone number, and the sales clerk texts See SMART MIRRORS, page 5

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It works this way: Technology allows shoppers to see themselves in outfits

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Virtual dressing rooms

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It works this way: Pick up a shoe and information pops up about the color and designer.

Who’s doing it? Start-ups like Perch Interactive Inc. use projection light and motion sensors. It detects when a product is being picked up. Perch then monitors the interactions and sends that information to the retailer.

Perch says it has worked with several accessories brands like Kate Spade who have tested the technology. Jeans maker Levi Strauss is testing the Perch technology on a few of the jeans maker’s essentials, like the trucker’s jacket and the 501

It works this way: Products like shoes are tagged with Radio Frequency Identification, and when shoppers step on a carpet, information pops up on a screen, including available sizes and colors.

Who’s doing it? Uggs is testing the technology from tech firm Demandware at its Ugg Tysons Galleria store, McLean, Virginia, and its parent store Deckers in San Francisco.

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jacket in one store in San Francisco and one in New York City.

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Here are three other high-tech trends that some shoppers will see in retail stores this year:

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when the fitting room is ready. When the shopper walks in the dressing area, the mirror recognizes the items and displays the different clothing on the screen.

Minkoff said the two stores testing this technology are selling the clothing two and a half times faster than expected, and shoppers are increasing the number of items they buy by 30 percent. “We are creating dressing room therapy,’’ said Uri Minkoff.

EBay Enterprise is also working with Nordstrom, helping the company understand how the technology performs on a larger scale. Nordstrom uses the mirrors in some fitting rooms in Seattle and in San Jose, Calif., but they work a little differently: Shoppers are equipped with bar code scanning devices so they’re able to see what’s in stock in the dressing area.

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From page 4

“We will listen to the customer as they use the mirror and see what changes make sense to improve the experience,’’ said Nordstrom’s spokesman Dan Evans.

The new technology has some consumer advocates concerned. “One assumes that the mirror is not looking back at me unless you are in a fairytale,’’ said Nuala O’Connor, president & CEO of the nonprofit Center for Democracy & Technology. “People love new technology — as long as they are aware of what is happening to them and have control of their data.”

But some customers are embracing it.

Wendy DeWald, of San Francisco, spent $1,000 on her first trip to the Rebecca Minkoff store; she’s returned a few more times. She doesn’t mind sharing some of her personal data to get a better experience.

“I’m pretty blown away,’’ she said. “It’s a toy in the dressing room. It enhances the experience.’’

— AP

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Smart mirrors

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Fitness bands that won’t break the bank

By Jeff Bertolucci Whether you want to lose weight or simply stay fit, electronic fitness trackers may be able to help. Fitness bands, often worn around the wrist like bracelets, are designed to keep track of your progress and keep you motivated.

Many of them are used to set fitness goals, track the amount of calories burned, and the distance walked or run. They can even monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns.

Fitness trackers have become popular because they are lightweight, user friendly, wearable, and sync with computer programs or apps to log the information and display the user’s progress. Some apps even allow you to digitally share your achievements with friends, and provide encouragement to get off the couch.

Now a variety of smart watches (which include fitness tracking, games and many more apps) have arrived. So why buy a fitness band

now? If all you want is the bare bones, any of the wearables below will do the job — generally for a lot less than the cost of a smart watch (e.g., $349 for the new Apple Watch).

Each of these fitness bands is water-resistant, so you won’t have to take it off to jump in the shower.

Misfit Flash www.misfit.com; $50 To see how you’re progressing toward a daily fitness goal — say, walking 3,000 steps or burning 300 calories — click on the display (a circle of LEDs) and a number of consecutive lights will appear that show how far along you are. As for monitoring sleep, the Flash records “light” and “deep” sleep, as well as the number of hours slept.

The Misfit’s smartphone app (Android and iOS; Windows Phone coming soon) links to the Flash via Bluetooth; you use the app to set and track your daily goals.

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Ongoing

The Flash runs on a 3-volt coin cell battery that lasts up to six months with normal use.

Misfit recently announced that users would be able to use the Flash to control home automation devices, such as Google’s Nest thermostat and the August smart door lock.

One drawback: The round plastic module feels flimsy, even a little cheap.

Fitbit Flex www.fitbit.com; $100 At $100, the Fitbit Flex lists for twice the price of the Flash, but it has a web interface for users who would rather monitor their activity via a Mac or PC. Each of the five LED display lights represents 20 percent of the way toward your daily fitness target.

The Flex can tell you how long you slept and how often you got up, and the silent vibration motor will gently wake you in the morning.

The Flex’s brain is housed inside a mod-

ule that needs charging every three to five days. You’ll need the mobile app (Android, iOS or Windows Phone) to plan and track your fitness goals.

Garmin Vivofit http://sites.garmin.com/en-US/vivo; $130 The Garmen Vivofit has an honest-togoodness display that shows your steps, calories and distance, as well as sleep patterns.

It will run for more than a year on two lithium coin-size batteries. The Garmin Connect app, where you’ll track your fitness goals, runs on Macs and PCs, as well as on Android and iOS mobile devices.

One nifty feature: a “move bar” that’s designed to prevent binge watching. An optional heart rate monitor ($60) wirelessly transmits your heart rate to the fitness tracker. © 2015 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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High tech From page 5 without having to try them on.

The technology allows shoppers to add items like coats and accessories, and change colors and materials.

Salvador Nissi Vilcovsky, CEO of MemoMi, says shoppers will see the company’s virtual dressing technology in some U.S. stores in the next few months, and noted a variety of stores from luxury brands to mid-level departments stores are interested.

— AP

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Beacon Links

By Barbara Ruben

is written by two moms who have experienced these issues and others as their children have matured. http://grownandflown.com

Take a seat

What’s in a name?

Looking to get comfortable on your next airplane flight? That may not be an oxymoron if you check out the website or app Seat Guru.

Sponsored by Trip Advisor, Seat Guru allows users to look up the seating chart for their next flight or search individual airlines’ planes to see how many seats they hold and in what configuration. You can also compare seat pitch, width and flight amenities. Site users can also leave comments and photos about their flight experience. www.seatguru.com

The Social Security Administration does more than issue checks for retirees. It also tracks baby names. That may not be a surprise, given that all babies get Social Security numbers.

The administration recently released the top baby names of 2014: Noah and Emma. With a wealth of historical name data, the site offers a window into the changing popularity of names going back to 1900. You can track a name by year.

Barbara, for example, reached its pinnacle of popularity from 1937 to 1944, when it was in the number two spot for girls’ names each year. Today, it is #863. My grandmother’s name, however, is on the rise. Last year, Lena was the 279th most popular name; it hasn’t been that high on the chart since 1946. www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames

Grown and flown Once your kids were tikes, scraping their knees and struggling to memorize the times tables. And there was a bevy of books and, later, websites that helped steer parents of young children through the early years.

But once they are in college and beyond, there is far less guidance about interacting with your young adult offspring.

The website Grown and Flown offers advice about navigating college admissions, coping with the empty nest, and the new relationship you have with your children when they are living on their own. The site

with discounts. Each item found provides the minimum age for the discount, address, phone number, website and directions from your current location. www.sciddy.com

Take note Give your memory a digital assist with the Evernote app. You can type in your grocery list as you remember to add items, take notes from a meeting, or add any other text you need to keep handy.

You can then access the notes on any device, including a tablet or laptop. The app also takes dictation, adds photos to documents, and adds sound directly to notes. The basic app is free, but some advanced features cost $5 a month. evernote.com

7

Never stop learning Want to take a college class for free from the comfort of your couch? Check out iTunesU, which provides access to complete courses from dozens of leading universities from the work’s largest digital catalog of free education content. iTunes U includes more than 750,000 videos, presentations, documents and books in subjects from algebra to zoology.

Students participating in private courses can pose questions on the course or any post or assignment, and other students can jump into the discussion and ask more questions or provide answers.

You must have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to use the app.

Download iTunesU from the iTunes store

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FREE PUBLIC COMPUTER ACCESS The Enoch Pratt Free Library offers free public computer access

at the central library for finding jobs, creating resumes, completing assignments and more. There are 32 computers available. Computers can be reserved for 2 or

Senior discounts There are several apps for searching senior discounts that themselves cost money (99 cents to $1.99), but the Sciddy app allows users to search for discounts at no charge.

Search under a variety of topics, from movies to grocery stores. The app uses your location to find the closest retailers

4 hours, depending on availability. One computer is wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.prattlibrary.org/services/computers.aspx?id=58420.

The central library is at 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore. For more information, call (410) 396-5430.

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AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Health Fitness &

LIQUID BIOPSIES Simple blood tests can identify cancer cell DNA without a tumor biopsy TIMING IS EVERYTHING Maximize the effectiveness of your vitamins, minerals and medications LOWER GLAUCOMA RISK The drug metformin may help reduce glaucoma risk in diabetics PREVENTING ALZHEIMER’S How to join a large study on preventing Alzheimer’s in healthy seniors

Vitamin B3 may help prevent skin cancer

By Marilynn Marchione For the first time, a large study suggests that a vitamin might modestly lower the risk of the most common types of skin cancer in people with a history of these relatively harmless yet troublesome growths.

In a study in Australia, people who took a specific type of vitamin B3 for a year had a 23 percent lower rate of new skin cancers compared to others who took dummy pills.

In absolute terms, it meant that vitamin takers developed fewer than two of these cancers on average versus roughly 2.5 cancers for the others.

The study did not involve melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Instead, it aimed at more common forms — basal and squamous cell cancers. More than 3 million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

“These are sort of the run-of-the-mill skin cancers that so many people get,” said Dr. Richard Schilsky, chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, an organization of cancer specialists.

“They’re rarely lethal, but they’re very persistent, and they keep coming back.”

They are also expensive to remove, usually through surgery, freezing off the spots or radiation.

certain ones can be harmful.

Researchers also stressed they were not suggesting vitamin use for people who have not yet had one of these cancers.

“At the moment, it’s not something for the general population,” said the study’s leader, Dr. Diona Damian of the Dermatology University of Sydney in Australia.

“We must always remember the basics of sun-sensible behaviors” — avoiding overexposure and using sunscreen — as the best ways for anyone to lower risk, she said.

The study involved 386 people who had at least two skin cancers in the previous five years. They took either 500 milligrams of the vitamin or dummy pills twice a day for a year. Neither they nor their doctors knew who got what until the study ended.

Besides reducing the rate of skin cancers, vitamin use also seemed to cut the rate of pre-cancers — scaly patches of skin called actinic keratoses — by 11 percent after three months of use, and by 20 percent after nine months.

Participants were tracked for six months after they stopped taking their pills, and the rate of new skin cancers was similar in both groups.

“The benefit wears off fairly quickly,” Damian said. “You need to continue taking the tablets for them to continue to be effective.”

More research needed Schilsky and other doctors with the oncology group said the vitamin, called nicotinamide, could offer a cheap, easy way to lower risk.

However, Australia has higher rates of skin cancer than the U.S. and other parts of the world, and some doctors may want more evidence beyond this single study before recommending the pills. Vitamins have long proved elusive for cancer prevention, and some studies have even found

A special kind of vitamin B3 Nicotinamide (nih-kuh-TEE’-nuh-myd) is thought to help repair DNA in cells damaged by sun exposure. It is not the same as nicotine, the addictive stuff in tobacco. It’s also not the same as niacin and some other forms of B3, which can cause flushing, headaches and blood pressure problems.

Those problems were not seen with nicotinamide in the study.

Nicotinamide is sold over the counter, is

easy to take, and “there are essentially no side effects,” Schilsky said.

However, it might be a little tough to find.

A check of one major drugstore chain found only other forms of B3, such as niacin, or combination B vitamins. Online, some retailers offered nicotinamide for prices ranging from a nickel to a dollar a tablet, sometimes

combined with other things.

Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council funded the study.

Information on vitamin/cancer evidence can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ktuquta.

Lear n more about skin cancer at www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer/index.

— AP

These drinks may protect your skin Sunscreen is the first line of defense against sun damage (experts say slather on an ounce — about a palmful — of SPF 30 or higher and re-apply every two hours).

But now it has some help. New research suggests that these beverages may also deliver nutrients that protect your skin:

skin cancer) than those who don’t.

Moreover, the risk was lowest for those who drank the most — three cups a day lowered risk by 20 percent in women and 9 percent in men. Researcher Fengju Song, Ph.D., thinks the caffeine in coffee helps reduce potentially-cancerous UV-damaged cells by stimulating them to naturally die off.

Green tea Study results published in the Journal of Nutrition found that women who drank four cups of green tea per day for 12 weeks lowered their risk of sunburn by 25 percent. Plus their skin density and elasticity — qualities that make skin look younger — improved.

According to the 2011 study, powerful antioxidants in green tea called catechins absorb UV light, protecting the skin.

Coffee That morning cup of coffee can do more than boost your energy. A 2011 study out of Harvard Medical School found that people who drink coffee are less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of nonmelanoma

Red wine Although white wine might be your summer sip of choice, preliminary research out of the University of Barcelona points to a new reason to choose red. Researchers found that proanthocyanidins, antioxidants found in red grapes, may help prevent oxidative reactions in your skin.

Oxidative reactions, often stemming from sun exposure, can damage and kill cells, which in turn may lead to sunburns, wrinkles and possibly skin cancer. Before you pour yourself another glass, though, remember that the recommended cap on alcoholic beverages is one a day for women, two for men.

— EatingWell

Cocoa improves thinking skills, memory Chocolate is more than just a tempting treat. Certain compounds in chocolate, called cocoa flavanols, have been shown to boost health. But that doesn’t mean you should start loading up on the sweets.

“Consuming cocoa flavanols in chocolate is tricky. You need to understand the risks and benefits first,” said Dr. Miguel

Alonso-Alonso, a neuroscientist at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass.

Magic beans Flavanols are a type of plant nutrient found in many foods and drinks — such as tea, red wine, blueberries, apples, pears,

cherries, and nuts. They’re particularly abundant in cacao beans, which are the seeds of the cacao tree. Fermenting, drying and roasting cacao beans yields cocoa powder, which is used to make chocolate.

Flavanols in cocoa have been studied for many years. They’ve been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow

to the brain and heart, prevent blood clots, and fight cell damage. They’ve also been shown to help thinking skills.

A study published in the February 2015 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that older adults with normal thinkSee COCOA, page 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Cocoa From page 8 ing skills who consumed between 500 and 900 milligrams (mg.) of cocoa flavanols every day for eight weeks made significant improvements on tests that measured attention, executive function and memory.

A similar study in 2012 showed that daily consumption of cocoa flavanols was associated with improved thinking skills in older adults who had cognitive problems.

“From laboratory and animal studies, we know that flavanols facilitate brain cell connections and survival, and protect brain cells from toxins or the harmful effects of inflammation,” said Alonso-Alonso.

Not all chocolate is healthful Since cocoa flavanols are so beneficial, it would seem that you should add chocolate to your daily diet. But you must use caution. The amount of cocoa used in chocolate varies by manufacturer, and flavanols are often destroyed in the production of chocolate.

Remember, too, that chocolate candies are high in sugar and saturated fat. Adding chocolates to your diet without taking out other foods can lead to weight gain, which may cancel out any health benefit. In addition, too much saturated fat can raise blood levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

In the U.S., there are not yet recommendations for daily consumption of cocoa flavanols. But the European Food Safety Authority concluded that 200 mg. of cocoa flavanols per day is a good target for the general population. Alonso-Alonso agrees that 200 mg. can help maintain a healthy blood circulation.

To find out how much you’re getting, though, you’ll have to do some detective work about the source of your cocoa flavanols, especially in chocolate. The amount of flavanols in chocolate is not always listed.

While as a general rule dark chocolate has more cocoa and therefore more flavanols than milk chocolate, the amount can vary enormously depending on how the chocolate has been processed.

If you can, avoid chocolate that’s been processed with the Dutch method — which includes alkali to reduce acidity, but reduces the flavanol content. The ingredients in “Dutched” chocolate will list cocoa processed with alkali.

If a chocolate bar doesn’t list the cocoa flavanol amount, see if it lists the concentration of what’s called “cacao.” Generally, dark chocolate with a higher concentration of cacao contains more cocoa flavanols. And remember that chocolate candies containing caramel, marshmallow and other flavorings add no more flavanols — just more calories.

groups studying the amounts of cocoa flavanols in products have found that the actual amount in supplements and cocoa powders varies widely.

Alonso-Alonso said it’s best to get cocoa flavanols from unsweetened cocoa powder that has not been processed using the Dutch method. The label may state that it’s not Dutch processed or simply that it’s nat-

Other sources of cocoa flavanols include baking and beverage cocoa from the grocery store, and “fortified” supplements and powders from health food stores.

But be careful: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not review and approve dietary supplements based on their safety and effectiveness. Consumer

ural cocoa, but if it said “alkalized” or “Dutch processed,” look for another brand. It should come from a major manufacturer and guarantee at least 200 mg. of cocoa flavanols per serving. It will have a bitter taste, but it may have sweet results. © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Health Shorts Blood test may replace cancer biopsies for some A new type of blood test in the U.S. is starting to transform cancer treatment, sparing some patients the surgical and needle biopsies long needed to guide their care.

The tests, called liquid biopsies, capture cancer cells or DNA that tumors shed into the blood, instead of taking tissue from the tumor itself. A lot is still unknown about the value of these tests, but many doctors think they are a big advance that could make personalized medicine possible for far more people.

They give the first noninvasive way to repeatedly sample a cancer so doctors can

profile its genes, target drugs to mutations, tell quickly whether treatment is working, and adjust it as the cancer evolves.

Two years ago, these tests were rarely used except in research. Now, several are sold, more than a dozen are in development, and some doctors are using them in routine care.

The huge potential for these tests is clear. The problem: There are no big, definitive studies to show they help patients, how accurate they are, which type is best, or who should get them and when.

Still, patients do better when drugs are matched to their tumors, and liquid biopsies may give a practical way to do that more often.

“I’m really excited about all of this,” said Dr. Razelle Kurzrock, a University of California, San Diego cancer specialist. “I spent most of my life giving drugs that were useless to people” because there was no good way to tell who would benefit, or

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

quickly tell when one wasn’t working, she said. “This is so much better.”

— AP

Competency tests for older doctors?

Unlike U.S. pilots, military personnel and a few other professions where mistakes can be deadly, doctors have no mandatory retirement age. All doctors must meet state licensing requirements, and some hospitals require age-based screening. But there are no national mandates or guidelines on how to make sure older physicians can still do their jobs safely.

It’s time to change that, according to a new report by an American Medical Association council that says doctors themselves should help decide when one of their own needs to stop working.

The report notes that the number of

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U.S. physicians aged 65 and older has quadrupled since 1975 and now numbers 240,000 — one-fourth of all U.S. doctors — although not all still see patients.

The report asks the AMA to spearhead a doctor-led effort to develop national guidelines and screening methods.

The AMA’s Council on Medical Education wrote the report and says “physicians should be allowed to remain in practice as long as patient safety is not endangered.” But physicians should develop guidelines and standards for monitoring and assessing both their own and their colleagues’ competency.

Doing so “may head off a call for mandatory retirement ages or imposition of guidelines by others,” the council’s report says.

Typical age-related changes in hearing, vision, memory and motor skills could potentially affect physicians’ competence, the report says, but notes there is no evidence that directly links these changes to worse outcomes for patients.

While some physicians think they will know when it’s time to hang up the stethoscope, the report says evidence disputes that.

It’s a touchy topic for older doctors, and not all welcome the prospect of extra scrutiny.

See HEALTH SHORTS, page 12

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

ALZHEIMER’S VOLUNTEERS

The Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is looking for volunteers in the positions of community outreach volunteer/ambassador, helpline specialist, special events volunteer, on-call office volunteer, family support group facilitator and as a professional speaker. For more information, visit www.alz.org/maryland or call (800) 272-3900.

Ongoing

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS Enoch Pratt library

system is looking for volunteers to perform a variety of activities and assignments. For more information, visit www.prattlibrary.org or call (410) 396-9940.

MedStar Orthopaedics combines the skill and expertise of more than 80 physicians at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar Harbor Hospital, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, The Curtis National Hand Center, and more than 20 community locations, giving you convenient access to the area’s top orthopaedic, spine and sports medicine care. Our physicians treat the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, Baltimore Blast, US Lacrosse, and the majority of collegiate, high school and recreational teams in the region.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

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Health shorts From page 10 “I don’t myself have any doubts about my competency, and I don’t need the AMA or anybody else to test me,” said Dr. William Nyhan, an 89-year-old pediatrician, genetics researcher, runner and tennis player who works with the University of California, San Diego and a children’s hospital there.

“There are a lot of people overlooking my activities” already, he said. “This is a litigious society — if we were making mistakes, we’d be sued.”

The University of Virginia Health System and Stanford Health Care, at Stanford University, are among institutions that require additional scrutiny of older doctors.

The University of Virginia’s screening began in 2011 for doctors and some other medical staff starting at age 70. It involves

physical and cognitive exams every two years.

“The vast majority of them score very well,” said Dr. Scott Syverud, chair of the university medical center’s credentials committee.

Those who don’t “can choose to cut down their practice or even to retire,” Syverud said, although he declined to say if any have been deemed incompetent.

— AP

More is better in breast cancer surgery Having a little extra tissue taken off during breast cancer surgery greatly lowers the risk that some cancer will be left behind and require a second operation, according to a new study that could change

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

care for more than 100,000 women in the United States alone each year.

Women having a lump removed dread learning there was a positive margin, an area at the edge of the tumor that looked healthy but turned out to harbor cancer when studied later. There are no good ways to tell during the surgery whether the doctor has gotten it all.

The new study tested cavity shaving — routinely removing an extra thin slice all around the margins — as a way to lower this risk.

“With a very simple technique of taking a little more tissue at the first operation we can reduce the chances that somebody would need to go back to the operating room a second time by 50 percent,” said the study leader, Yale Cancer Center’s Dr. Anees Chagpar. “When you think about the emotional impact, let alone the economic impact, of those second surgeries, that’s a big deal.”

The study rigorously tested cavity shaving. First, 235 women were given the usual surgery and while they were still in the operating room, doctors opened letters telling them what to do next. Roughly half of the women were randomly assigned to get the extra cavity shave.

Only 10 percent of those who had extra tissue removed needed a second surgery versus 21 percent of the others. There was no difference in how women in the groups regarded their cosmetic results.

The study could change practice, said Dr. Deanna Attai, a University of California, Los Angeles surgeon who is president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

“We now have much stronger evidence than we’ve ever had” that it helps, she said.

— AP

Replace lost Medicare card online Medicare beneficiaries can now obtain a replacement card if they have lost, damaged, or simply need to replace it using their online My Social Security account.

The portal is at www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount. The Medicare card is the most important piece of identification a beneficiary needs because it’s proof that they have Medicare health insurance. Medical professionals and insurance companies need this proof to provide care and accurately calculate compensation for services.

Once logged in, select the “Replacement Documents” tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.” After you request a card, it will arrive in the mail in approximately 30 days.

In addition, you can also get a letter showing what benefits you receive, change your address and phone number, and access Social Security information.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SUPPORT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE Al-Anon and Alateen groups offer help and hope for families and

friends of alcoholics. Meetings are held throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard and Carroll Counties. For a directory of meetings, visit www.alanon-maryland.org or call (410) 832-7094.

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

13

Timing of vitamins, minerals can be critical We are better off getting our nutrients By learning all you can about vitamins from healthy foods and beverages. But di- and minerals, you can make better choices etary supplements can fill a about dosages. There are nutritional gap. times when I need to dump It’s confusing to know out half of one capsule to get a when you should take certain lower dose, and other times I nutrients, especially the minwill take more than what is erals which can bind or typically recommended. Each “chelate” with a lot of differof us is unique. ent medications. It’s also diffiToday, I will teach you cult to time your supplements more about timing your medaround meals and medicaications and supplements so tions. you can optimize effect and Over the years, I’ve used DEAR minimize risk. Taking some PHARMACIST my own vitamin list to help me medicines too late in the day

By Suzy Cohen remember when and how to will make you wide-eyed at 3 take supplements. I think it a.m.! Interactions with minercould help you, especially if you have to als can defeat the purpose of taking medtake a lot of different things. You can ications. download my form for free at my website Since there are thousands of medicaand fill in the blanks with your own supple- tions and supplements, I obviously can’t ments. This cheat sheet will help you stay cover them all here, but I’ll hit the big cateon track. gories. When you’re done reading today’s As a pharmacist, it’s kind of in my blood column, visit my website (suzycohen.com) to “approach with caution,” and I don’t nec- and sign up for my newsletter so you will essarily mean pharmaceuticals. Supple- receive the longer version of this article, ments (the high quality ones that really along with a sample “Vitamin List” that work) will act in your body exactly like a you can adapt and use for your own regidrug, and the timing of ingestion affects men. their efficacy.

Medicines and supplements that are Before you embark on any supplement best taken in the morning: regimen, I suggest you ask a holistic-minded Thyroid medication practitioner what is right for you, giving conModafinil (Provigil) sideration to your allergies, your liver, kidStimulants (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderal) ney function and even genetic mutations.

Diuretics like HCTZ, furosemide, dan-

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delion, berberine, neem, green tea Osteoporosis drugs (Boniva, Fosamax, etc.)

Medicines and supplements that are best taken with food: Mineral supplements (iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron) Vitamin A, D, E or K (fat-soluble vitamins) Anti-fungals CoQ10 Probiotics can usually be taken anytime Medicines and supplements that are best taken in the evening or bedtime: Diphenhydramine Aspirin Magnesium Ashwagandha Goto kola Skullcap Muscle relaxants Statin cholesterol reducers ACE inhibitors (like enalapril)

ARB class of blood pressure pills (candesartan, etc) Do NOT combine: Vitamin K or ginkgo with anticoagulants Folate with methotrexate or phenytoin Minerals or dairy foods with minocycline or doxycycline Grapefruit or pomegranate foods/supplements with statins Chocolate with Nardil Licorice extract with digoxin or HCTZ HCTZ with vitamin D (raises calcium too much) 5-HTP with any antidepressant St. John’s wort with any antidepressant 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 the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

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Kramer From page 1 Throughout her business career, Kramer has always been active in community affairs, serving in the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and as a

board member of many organizations, including Holy Cross Health, the Maryland College of Art and Design, and the Montgomery County Friends of the Library.

“I was always aware of what was happening in Montgomery County from both a business and a legislative standpoint,”

BEACON BITS

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IMPROV FESTIVAL The ninth annual Baltimore Improv Festival will feature six nights

of comedy and two days of workshops for students from Tuesday, July 28 to Sunday, Aug. 2. The festival will be held at Theatre Project, located at 45 W. Preston St. and Mercury Theater, located at 1823 N. Charles St. Tickets range from free to $15. For more information, visit www.baltimoreimprofestival.org or call (410) 539-3091 or (888) 745-8393.

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Kramer said. And though it had never been a goal of hers to hold public office, when a Maryland Senate seat became available in 2002, Kramer decided to run for it.

“I disagreed with the philosophies of the two gentlemen already in the race,” she said, “and I was raised to believe that I had no right to complain if I didn’t get involved.”

Kramer won that election and the next one. During her tenure, in addition to her work on behalf of the aging, she was a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee, chaired the Joint Committee on Pensions, and served on more than fourteen subcommittees, including Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Transportation and the Environment, and Capital Budget.

“I had the opportunity to see everything the state was involved in,” Kramer said. It would help prepare her for her next major assignment.

Improvements from day one As Secretary of Aging, Kramer is concerned that while Maryland’s older population is growing dramatically, the Department’s funds — which come from the state as well as the Federal Older Americans Act — are basically stagnant. To wit: the 2015 budget was $51,874,423, while the 2016 allowance calls for only a slight increase to $52,149,990.

“Funds are not increasing, so we have to operate more efficiently if we’re going to

serve growing numbers of people,” Kramer said.

The Department’s funds are mostly passed through to the state’s 19 Area Agencies on Aging (known as AAAs), which are supervised by the Secretary and her staff.

The AAAs use Department funds to carry out most government programs for older adults in their territory: transportation, meals, senior centers, subsidized assisted living, information and referral, etc.

Within days of arriving at the Department, Kramer found a glaring inefficiency in that process that needed to be addressed.

Each year, every AAA must submit a detailed plan to the Department of Aging indicating what programs they will be operating for the coming year, and how every dollar will be spent. Until a AAA’s plan is approved, state and federal funds are not released to be spent.

The problem, Kramer discovered, is that these plans have traditionally been prepared and submitted for review during the first quarter of the fiscal year, which starts July 1, and have typically not been finalized until just before the second quarter begins.

As a result, AAAs have been squeezed for funds throughout the first months of every fiscal year, frequently needing to borrow money to pay salaries and manage See KRAMER, page 15

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Kramer From page 14 operations. The stress and inconvenience affects not only AAA staff but all the local nonprofits and seniors who rely on the programs.

So, within days of arriving at her new office, Kramer announced that this had to change at once. Adjusting the schedule so that AAA plans were to be submitted during the last quarter of the preceding fiscal year was “one of the first things I knew we needed to tackle.”

While it meant an immediate and radical shift in planning for all 19 AAAs, they recognized the immense benefits that would come from having their funds ready at the start of a new year, so everyone stepped up to the plate. “We did it successfully,” she reported with satisfaction. “All plans were completed by June 30,” so funds were available the day the new fiscal year started.

It was a bold stroke on Kramer’s part, and one that immediately telegraphed throughout the state that this was a Secretary who both understood and meant business.

Since her confirmation by the State Senate this past March, Kramer has been working closely with aging advocates and professionals throughout the state, meeting with regional and jurisdictional groups, nonprofit organizations, senior residences, and members of the business community.

From her new perspective as Secretary of Aging, Kramer believes that Maryland compares favorably with other states in its efforts to provide for its aging population.

“The state partners with so many volunteers, nonprofit groups and private organizations,” she said. “Everyone has the same goal — to support Maryland’s senior citizens.”

Kramer also feels fortunate that her staff — most of whom were already on board when she became Secretary — are so dedicated to the mission of the Department. “They’ve made my job much easier,” she said.

Despite the learning curve of the new position, the hectic schedule, and her daily

round-trip commute from Montgomery County to the state’s offices in downtown Baltimore, Kramer — single, and the mother of two grown daughters — said

15

she looks forward to getting to work each day.

“It’s fascinating, challenging and exciting!” she said.

Volunteers needed Since funds for increased numbers of staff people are not forthcoming, Kramer hopes to broaden the State’s volunteer base.

“I’d like to have an ‘army of individuals’ with many skill levels who can provide a range of direct and consultative services,” she said. “I’d like all of us to think of how we can use our time, and would like to create a volunteer commission that would include individuals representing different areas, such as the medical and legal fields, to name just a few.”

Those interested in volunteering with the Department of Aging may call (410) 767-1100 and leave their name and contact information. A work group to explore various volunteer programs and services is being formed this summer. “I’d love to hear people’s ideas,” Kramer said.

BEACON BITS

July 28

FINANCIAL BOOK SIGNING

John Bennett, best selling co-author of the financial guide Uncommon Knowledge, presents a book signing and community event at the Sparrows Point Country Club, located

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AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Diabetes drug may lower glaucoma risk

By Dr. Howard LeWine Q: I just read that the drug metformin might help prevent glaucoma. I have pre-diabetes and am working on lowering my blood sugar.

My last eye exam indicated my eye pressures were in the high-normal range. Should I start metformin now?

A: Metformin is the best medicine to use first for people with type 2 diabetes.

And some experts suggest people with pre-diabetes should consider taking it, in

addition to diet and exercise.

You have a higher than average risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, so your question is very timely. A study published in May in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology suggested metformin might decrease the risk of glaucoma in people with diabetes.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to irreversible vision loss through damage to the optic nerve, a collection of specialized nerve fibers that connect the back of the eye (the retina) to the brain.

TRY U One FreSe! Shift call for details

Treating Difficulty Standing or Walking, attributed to Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Neuropathy, Poor Circulation or Poor Balance I am a patient who had severe foot pain for 2 years, with no relief in sight....by the end of the 4 days I was 85% pain free in both feet. I thank God for Dr. Goldman and his passion for research in healing people with foot and leg pain.

How fortunate I feel to have found a doctor who could not only diagnose an underlying problem that many specialists missed, but who has been able to find a painless and rapid method of relieving the worst symptoms.

– Alvin, Baltimore

Glaucoma is caused by a problem with the circulation of fluid in the eye. Normally, a clear liquid called aqueous humor circulates continuously inside the front part

of the eye. To keep a healthy pressure within the eye, an equal amount of this fluid flows out of the eye.

See DIABETES DRUG, page 17

Preventing diabetesrelated blindness People with diabetes are more likely to develop blinding eye diseases. Yet recent studies have revealed low awareness of the issue among those at higher risk for diabetes, and few preventive eye exams among affected Medicare beneficiaries.

While it’s recommended that people with diabetes have a dilated eye exam every year, one study recently published in the journal Ophthalmology found that, among Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetes — all conditions that require an annual eye exam — three-quarters of those who didn’t have an exam in five years were those living with diabetes.

The term “diabetic eye disease” encompasses a number of diseases and conditions that can cause blindness if left untreated, including: 1. Diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina), which is the leading cause of blindness in working-aged adults in the United States. “In the beginning stages, the blood vessels in the eye leak, causing swelling of the retina. If diagnosed early, this swelling can be treated, which has been shown to reduce vision loss,” said Harry W. Flynn, Jr., M.D., professor of ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Fla. 2. Cataract (clouding of the eye’s lens)

3. Glaucoma (increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage and loss of vision) “Most people don’t know that diabetic eye disease is often asymptomatic. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect changes inside the eye before loss of vision begins,” Flynn said.

The best way to prevent diabetic eye disease is through strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure. These measures significantly reduce the risk of long-term vision loss. With annual eye exams and prompt treatment, few people progress to serious vision loss.

Tips to help prevent diabetes-related vision loss: 1. Control your blood sugar.

Choose high-fiber, low fat foods such as vegetables, lentils, beans and whole grains. Eat more fish and chicken.

Avoid juice, soda, candy and fried or oily foods.

2. Reach and stay at a healthy weight. Get regular physical activity; thirty minutes a day can help prevent disease, and 60 minutes a day can help you lose weight.

3. Quit smoking.

4. Get a comprehensive dilated eye examination from your ophthalmologist at least once a year.

5. Call your ophthalmologist immediately if you’re having any vision problems, or if you have a sudden change in your vision.

— What Doctors Know

– Susan, Baltimore

As a podiatrist with over 30 years experience, I have always focused on non-surgical treatment of foot and leg pain. I find that most people with foot or leg symptoms (arthritic, aching, burning, cramping or difficulty walking) , even those who have had other treatments, including surgery of the foot (or back), can be helped, usually in 1 or 2 visits.

— Dr. Stuart Goldman

Stuart Goldman, DPM

Fellow American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

4000 Old Court Road, Suite 301, Pikesville

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410-235-2345

Fluid builds up in the eye

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BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Diabetes drug From page 16 In open-angle glaucoma, this drainage system becomes less efficient. The outflow of fluid slows. The fluid then backs up in the eye, like water in a clogged sink. Internal pressure in the eye rises.

This, in turn, puts stress on the optic nerve. If the pressure continues, nerve fibers that carry the vision messages to the brain begin to die. Vision starts to fade. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

Results of the new study showed a 25 percent lower risk of open-angle glaucoma in people who took the highest amount of metformin compared with those who didn’t take the drug. The higher the dose of metformin, the lower the risk of openangle glaucoma. Even people taking small-

er doses of metformin had a lower risk compared with non-users. Other diabetes drugs did not have the same effect.

Talk with your doctor. I think it’s very reasonable to start a low dose of metformin now. But diet and exercise should remain your primary therapy to prevent diabetes. And calorie restriction might also lower your glaucoma risk.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass., and Chief Medical Editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.

For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. © 2015 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

17

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

ALZHEIMER’S HELPLINE The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 helpline. For more infor-

mation or assistance, call (800) 272-3900.

Aug. 1

GARDEN FEST The University of Maryland Extension presents Garden Fest with

its Master Gardeners on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Maryland Extension Demo Garden, located at 1114 Shawan Rd. in Cockeysville. This free event includes scavenger hunts, fun with herbs, garden ideas and answers, children’s crafts and activities, worm composting, heirloom tomato tasting, and busy bee pollen hunt. For more information, visit http://extension.umd.edu/baltimore-county or call (410) 887-8090.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 15

END OF WWII CEREMONY

We specialize in

The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum invites warfront veterans and home-front workers of World War II to attend a special ceremony to honor the men and women who served their country, on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. Families, churches and community organizations are also asked to track

short-term rehabilitation and long-term relationships.

down their World War II folks and bring them to this special event. For reservations, call (410) 682-6122. For more information, visit www.mdairmuseum.org.

Mary came to ManorCare Health Service – Woodbridge Valley debilitated from an infection. Mary couldn’t even get out of bed! didn’tknow know She told us ‘Ididn’t what to expect. I’ve never been hospitalized.’

“Everyone was so wonderful. I’m glad I came here.”

- Mary

After our rehab team worked with Mary, she was up on her own two feet, managing all of her own needs and, in no time, was discharged and back to her regular routine.

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18

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health Studies Page

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Alzheimer’s prevention study recruiting

By Lauran Neergaard Sticky plaque gets the most attention, but now healthy seniors at risk of Alzheimer’s are letting scientists peek into their brains

to see if another culprit is lurking.

No one knows what actually causes Alzheimer’s, but the suspects are its two hallmarks — the gunky amyloid in those

Seeking Men and Women The University of Maryland & Veterans Affairs of Baltimore are conducting a research study to better understand balance & prevent falls as we age.

With your participation you will receive: • Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time

For Information, please call the Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Phone Line

410-605-7179 Mention code: LIFT *You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine for approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours of time per visit

brain plaques, or tangles of a protein named tau, that clog dying brain cells.

New imaging can spot those tangles in living brains, providing a chance to finally better understand what triggers dementia.

Now researchers are adding tau brain scans to an ambitious study that’s testing if an experimental drug might help healthy but at-risk people stave off Alzheimer’s.

Whether that medication works or not, it’s the first drug study where scientists can track how both of Alzheimer’s signature markers begin building up in older adults before memory ever slips.

“This is perhaps the most monumental undertaking to stop Alzheimer’s disease in its tracks,” said Dr. Thomas Obisesan, the study’s principal investigator at Howard University in Washington, D.C. “This study gives us the ability to identify individuals on the trajectory of developing Alzheimer’s 15 to 20 years before they have symptoms of the disease so we can work very aggressively to stop it in its tracks. This is perhaps the only study at this time to do that.”

In addition to Howard University, the study is also being conducted locally at Georgetown University and more than 60 other locations across the country.

“The combination of amyloid and tau is really the toxic duo,’’ said Dr. Reisa Sperling of Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, who is leading the so-called A4 study. “To see it in life is really striking.’’

Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s — aims to enroll 1,000 healthy seniors like Judith Chase Gilbert, 77, of Arlington, Va. The recently retired government worker is mentally sharp but learned through the study that her brain harbors amyloid buildup that might increase her risk.

In May, researchers slid Gilbert into a doughnut-shaped PET scanner as she became one of the first study participants to also have their brains scanned for tau.

“We know that tau starts entering the picture at some point, and we do not know when. We do not know how that interaction happens. We should know,’’ said chief science officer Maria Carrillo of the Alzheimer’s Association, which is pushing to add tau scans to other dementia research, too.

More than 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s or similar dementias, including about 5 million in the U.S. Those numbers are expected to rise rapidly as the baby boomers get older.

There is no good treatment for the condition. Today’s medications only temporarily ease symptoms, and attempts at new drugs, mostly targeted at sticky amyloid, have failed in recent years.

Maybe that’s because treatment didn’t start early enough. Scientists now think Alzheimer’s begins quietly ravaging the brain more than a decade before symptoms appear — much like heart disease is triggered by gradual cholesterol buildup. Brain scans show many healthy older adults quietly harbor those sticky amyloid plaques: Not a guarantee that they’ll eventually get

Aim is prevention The A4 study — it stands for Anti-Amyloid

See ALZHEIMER’S STUDY, page 19

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Alzheimer’s study From page 18 Alzheimer’s, but an increased risk.

Yet more recent research, including a large autopsy study from the Mayo Clinic, suggests that Alzheimer’s other bad actor — that tangle-forming tau protein — also plays a big role. The newest theory: Amyloid sparks a smoldering risk, but later spread of toxic tau speeds the brain destruction.

Normal tau acts sort of like railroad tracks to help nerve cells transport food and other molecules. But in Alzheimer’s, the protein’s strands collapse into tangles and eventually the cell dies. Most healthy people have a small amount of dysfunctional tau in one part of the brain by their 70s, Sperling said. But amyloid plaques somehow encourage this bad tau to spread toward the brain’s memory center, she explained.

The A4 study, which is enrolling participants in the U.S., Australia and Canada, may give some clues. The $140 million study is funded by the National Institutes of Health, Lilly and others. The Alzheimer’s Association helped fund the addition of the tau scans.

Taking part in the study To qualify for the study, participants must be ages 65 to 85 and have normal thinking and memory abilities. Those who enroll will be given a PET scan to check for amyloid. People who do not show evi-

dence of elevated amyloid in their brains will not be able to participate in the main study, but may be able to participate in a separate study where they will complete memory tests every six months to compare changes in cognition over time.

Those in the primary study will be checked for tau three times over the threeyear study, as researchers tease out when and how it forms in those who are still healthy. They won’t be told the results — scientists don’t know enough yet about what the scans portend.

At the same time, study participants will be chosen randomly to receive either an experimental anti-amyloid drug — Eli Lilly & Co.’s solanezumab — or a placebo (an inactive substance) as researchers track their memory. The drug or placebo is administered through an IV infusion that takes up to one hour. Those in the study will receive the infusion once a month for three years.

If the drug proves to be helpful, it might be tamping down amyloid formation, which in turn reins in toxic tau. In previous studies, solanezumab failed to help fullblown Alzheimer’s but appeared to slow mental decline in patients with mild disease, raising interest in testing the still healthy.

“We’re trying to remove amyloid’s downstream effects on tau formation,’’ said Dr. R. Scott Turner of Georgetown University Medical Center, where Gilbert

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enrolled in the study.

Seeing how amyloid and tau interact in living brains “is opening a whole new chapter into possible therapies,’’ Turner added.

For Gilbert, learning she had amyloid buildup “was distressing,’’ but it has prompted her to take extra steps, in addition to the study, to protect her brain. On her doctor’s advice, she’s exercising more, and exercising her brain in a new way by buying a keyboard to start piano lessons.

“It’s exciting to be part of something that’s cutting edge,’’ said Gilbert, who had never heard of tau before.

And she has a spot-on question: “So

19

what’s the medication for the tau?’’

Stay tuned: A handful of drugs to target tau also are in development, but testing will take several years.

Compensation may be offered to study participants for time and travel. To learn more about the study, go to www.a4study.org.

For more information about the Georgetown University study site, contact Erica Christian at ec912@georgetown.edu or (202) 687-8800. The Howard University site contact is Saba Wolday at swolday@howard.edu or (202) 865-7895.

— AP, with additional reporting by Barbara Ruben

20

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Who makes first move when both are shy?

By Helen Oxenberg, MSW, ACSW Dear Solutions: I am basically shy and also have a hard time making a real commitment to

someone. It seems I’m always unsure.

Now I met a man who I really like, but I’m told by friends that he’s shy, too, and also has trouble with commit-

Caring places. Healing spaces.

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ment. We’ve been seeing each other for quite a while now, and I know the feelings are mutual. But I don’t say anything, and neither does he.

I want this relationship to move forward seriously, but I’m afraid to say anything. We really get along very well and seem to have much in common.

Do you think it will spoil things if I say something to him about being serious?

— Joan Dear Joan: Indeed you do have something in common — fear. Sounds like you’re in a race to see who won’t speak first!

If you want forward motion but won’t do anything, the winner will be the loser — you — because this is a race where everyone stands still.

Move! Take the risk. Say what you want.

If you’re sure of your feelings and are pretty sure of his, you have nothing to lose but your uncertainty. And if you don’t get what you want? Well, you’re not getting it now, are you?

Dear Solutions: Almost every time that I invite my

husband’s older son and family to a holiday dinner or Father’s Day or something, he finds an excuse not to come. I’m sure my husband feels bad about this, but he never says anything.

I know it makes me angry.

We’re in a second marriage, so I haven’t said anything to my husband or to his son. Should I speak to my husband about how I feel or just stay out of it?

— Janice Dear Janice: Give your husband a chance to speak — and then stay out of it. Ask him what he thinks about this — what he would like to say to his son — and then stay out of it.

He may never say it to his son, but being able to express it somewhere will help him to get it out of his system. Try it — and then stay out of it! © Helen Oxenberg, 2015. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

21

PROFITABLE HEALTHCARE Healthcare stocks remain a solid bet, but be wary of biotech stocks that rise far and fast JUNK THESE BONDS? As junk bonds fluctuate in popularity, it can be difficult to tell if it’s time to hold or sell these high-yield investments

Alternative funds seek lower-risk returns

By Stan Choe For most of us, investments fall into two simple categories: stocks or bonds.

Some investors are adding an “other” category in their search for possibly safer or better returns. They’re pouring into what the industry calls alternative funds, which are generally bringing hedge-fundlike strategies to the masses. It’s still a niche corner of the market, but nearly $13 billion flowed into alternative funds over the last year, according to Morningstar.

Still, there’s confusion about what these funds do and whether they’re worth the costs they charge over more straightforward index funds.

The Gateway fund is one of the largest and oldest alternative funds in the market.

Managers Mike Buckius and Paul Stewart recently discussed their fund’s strategy.

They invest in stocks, like a traditional stock fund, but they also buy and sell options, which they use to steady returns. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Q: What’s the broad objective of the fund?

Buckius: We own stocks because they go up most of the time, and we do some things on the management side to smooth the ride out. We’re trying to get a decent amount of the return with a lot less of the risk. That means we have smaller losses in downturns and shorter recovery periods.

In bull markets, we tend to lag, but we still have positive returns.

Q: You’ve historically generated about two thirds of the S&P 500’s returns, but with milder swings. Wouldn’t a diversified portfolio, in which bonds balance out the risk of stocks, be similar?

Stewart: The thing is that the 10-year Treasury yield is hovering around 2 percent (about half what it was a decade ago).

It’s very difficult, nearly impossible, for the bond market to replicate the returns they had over the last 10 years.

Buckius: We’re not investing in bonds, but the problem we’re trying to address is: How do I manage the risk of my equity port-

folio the way bonds have historically done?

Q: So the people coming into your fund are moving money that had been in bonds? Or are they selling stocks instead?

Buckius: I think a little bit of each. People in our fund are a little more on the conservative side, or they’re older and they don’t have the time to accept a three-, fiveor seven-year time horizon to recover their losses from a bear market.

Q: Is there a wrong reason to get into a fund like yours?

Buckius: If you think a market crash is coming. We’re there to cushion that, but we’re not betting against the market. We expect the market to go up over a long period of time. We just don’t want to ride the roller coaster.

Q: So much focus recently has been on keeping fees low. Your fees are maybe triple what an S&P 500 index fund charges.

Stewart: Yes, it’s more expensive than an index fund. There’s no denying that.

But I would submit we’re doing a lot more work than an index manager.

Q: How much of a portfolio should be in alternatives?

Buckius: We see people having anywhere from 10 to 20 percent either in us or in a portfolio of two or three alternatives.

The thought process behind that is you want to have enough to make a difference, but you still want to have exposure to traditional asset classes. A more aggressive portfolio may have 10 percent in alternatives, while a more conservative one may have as much as 40 percent.

Q: Was it difficult to convince your parents to invest in the fund?

Buckius: I think our parents probably fit the typical profile of someone who invests in us. It would be tougher to convince someone who’s 20 years old and has all the time in the world until they retire. If they have 30 years or more, that’s when they should be taking risks.

— AP

A review of useful freebies for retirees

By Cameron Huddleston Senior discounts abound, making life in retirement a little more affordable. In some cases, though, older adults can get more than just a lower price; some goods and services that appeal to retirees come free of charge.

Here are eight great freebies many retirees can enjoy. Some are available only for those who’ve reached a certain age.

Others are accessible to people of all ages, but can be especially beneficial for retirees living on fixed incomes.

1. Free preventive care The Affordable Care Act of 2010 now requires health insurers to cover certain preventive care — ranging from flu shots to cholesterol screenings — without these services being subject to the policy’s deductible or co-payments. Medicare beneficiaries can also get many preventive benefits without co-payments or deductibles.

The list includes mammograms, screenings for cervical and colorectal cancer, pneumonia shots, and an annual wellness visit and personalized prevention plan. See Medicare’s Preventive and Screening Serv-

ices, www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs /pdf/10110.pdf, for a full list. You become eligible for Medicare at 65.

2. Free prescription drugs Several supermarket pharmacies, including Harris Teeter and Publix, offer select antibiotics, diabetes medications and other generic drugs for free. You might need to enroll in a pharmacy loyalty program to receive the free drugs.

Pharmaceutical companies also offer free and low-cost drugs to low-income people who do not have prescription-drug insurance. You can use the RxAssist database, http://www.rxassist.org/patients, to find free medication through drug companies’ patient assistance programs.

3. Free eye care EyeCare America, a public service program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides free eye exams and up to one year of care for any disease diagnosed during that exam for those who are 65 and older and haven’t seen an eye doctor in three or more years. Visit EyeCareAmerica.org for program guidelines and to see if you qualify.

4. Free education About 60 percent of accredited, degreegranting institutions offer tuition waivers for older adults, according to an American Council on Education study. State-supported colleges in Maryland and Virginia and some other states offer free tuition.

Some tuition-waiver programs allow credit to be earned for the course, while others only allow the course to be audited.

In Virginia, for example, those who are 60 and over with incomes under $15,000 can get credit. The University of the District of Columbia offers free courses to those 65 and over, but you must pay half of the regular tuition to receive credit.

5. Free tax preparation The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help to all taxpayers, with an emphasis on those 60 and older. Volunteers, who are certified by the IRS, specialize in pension and other retirement-related tax issues. Use the TCE locator tool at http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to find a site near you.

And AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers

free tax preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older, at more than 5,000 locations. Its locator page, at www.aarp.org/applications/VMIS Locator/searchTaxAideLocations.action, is operational only from January through April 15 each year.

6. Free museum admission Most museums offer senior discounts for admission, but a few actually let older adults visit for free on certain days. For example, the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City gives people 65 and older free admission the first Monday of every month.

In Washington, D.C., of course, admission to Smithsonian museums is free for everyone. Same goes for the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.

Several museums offer free admission one day a month to residents of the city, county or state where they’re located. For example, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta offers free admission for Fulton County, Ga., residents the first Saturday of each month, and the Art InSee FREEBIES, page 22

22

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Healthcare continues to offer good returns

By Steven Goldberg Healthcare stocks, traditionally defensive investments, are proving to be the market’s best all-weather sector. Since the start of the last bear market on October 9, 2007, Standard & Poor’s Healthcare index has been by far the best performing of S&P’s ten sectors, climbing 140.3 percent, or 12.2 percent annualized.

Over that period, health stocks beat the number two sector, consumer discretionary, by an average of 0.7 percentage point per year, and topped Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index by an average of 5.9 points per year.

Healthcare’s dominance, moreover, is long-lived. The sector held up remarkably well during the 2007-09 bear market. The S&P Healthcare index was the second top sector during the bloodbath, falling 38 percent, compared with a 55.3 percent tumble for the S&P 500.

And since the bear market’s nadir on March 9, 2009, healthcare has returned

Ask the Expert–

287.4 percent, or 24.3 percent annualized.

That beat the S&P 500 by an average of 1.7 percentage points per year.

Endless demand Healthcare has long been one of my favorite stock sectors. Why? Because of the unquenchable demand for healthcare products and services, and the continuing breakthroughs in medical science that further spur demand.

Just ask yourself one question: Would you rather have a new BMW or two more years of life?

That’s why healthcare is the classic defensive sector. Most people don’t cut their health spending much, even during a recession. After all, if you have a heart attack, you’re going to the hospital regardless of the state of your finances.

What’s more, several strong tailwinds have propelled health stocks to record heights. Obamacare has swelled the ranks of

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Choosing a Funeral Home or Cemetery

If you have more questions, visit your local funeral provider. They are a good source of information for funeral, cremation and cemetery options.

John Evans, General Manager Schimunek Funeral Homes

Q: How do I find a funeral or cemetery

provider I can trust?

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Americans with health insurance by more than 11 million. Aging populations in most of the developed world, including the U.S., are boosting demand for healthcare. Incomes are rising in many emerging countries, further swelling spending on healthcare.

In addition, after a long dry spell during the ‘00s, biotech breakthroughs are now coming at a breakneck pace, and biotech stocks are on a rampage.

But here’s the rub: In the stock market, everything has a price. And major parts of the healthcare sector — biotechnology and some drug companies — have seen their shares rise too far, too fast.

High price-earnings ratios Consider a few price-earnings (P/E) ratios (the ratio of the company’s current share price to its earnings per share). The S&P 500 Healthcare sector boasts a P/E of 19 based on analysts’ earnings estimates for the coming 12 months. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index carries a P/E of 31. The P/E of Regen-

Freebies From page 21 stitute of Chicago lets Illinois residents visit for free on Thursday evenings. And Bank of America cardholders can gain free admission to more than 150 museums on the first full weekend of every month.

7. Free state park admission Several state park systems — including those in Maryland, New Hampshire, New York and Texas — offer older adults free admission or a free annual pass. Some passes require a small processing fee, and some state sites are not included in the admission-fee waiver. Virginia offers several types of annual and lifetime discounted ad-

eron Pharmaceuticals (symbol REGN) is 46, that of Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) is 33 and that of Illumina (ILMN) is 58.

By contrast, the long-term average P/E of the S&P 500 is 15.5. Yes, many biotech and pharmaceutical companies will see sharply rising earnings in the coming years. But their stock prices already reflect a whole lot of future growth. According to Alec Lucas, a Morningstar analyst, “Scientific breakthroughs can boost stock prices, but they can’t immunize them from sell-offs.”

Stock sectors almost never turn around on a dime when they reach an inflated P/E. More typically, their stocks continue to rise for months or years, becoming increasingly overpriced — and only falling when some catalyst precipitates a sell-off in the sector.

What to expect in the future What does all this mean for you, the investor? Unfortunately, it’s a complicated See HEALTHCARE, page 24

mission and parking passes.

8. Free transportation Some localities and states let older adults ride for free on public transportation. For example, Ride On buses in Montgomery County, Md., offer free rides for those 65 and older from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Pennsylvania Free Transit Program allows people 65 years and older to ride bus, trolley and rapid-transit lines for free with a senior transit identification card (which also is free). Some places, such as Orange County, Calif., offer free community transit programs that help older adults get to select locations. © 2015, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

LOOKING FOR A LOW-COST, LEGAL ALTERNATIVE TO BANKRUPTCY? Are you a Senior, Veteran or Disabled Person Living on Social Security, Disability, Pensions or Veteran’s Benefits?

Federal law protects your income from creditor garnishment. Debt Counsel for Seniors, Veterans and the Disabled (DCSD) can protect you from creditor harassment. If you can’t pay your credit card or medical bills or your student loans or payday loans, you can stop paying them without filing for bankruptcy.

We are celebrating 15 years of helping seniors with their debt without filing for bankruptcy and protecting them from letters and calls from collection agents. You too can live worry-free, as thousands of our clients do.

Call Debt Counsel for Seniors and the Disabled For a Free Consultation at 1-800-992-3275 EXT. 1304 Founded in 1998 Jerome S. Lamet Founder & Supervising Attorney • Former Bankruptcy Trustee www.debtcounsel.net info@lawyers-united.com

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

23

High-yield (junk) bonds: hold or sell?

By Stan Choe Don’t know what to make of the junkbond market? Join the club.

One month, dollars are flooding into junk-bond mutual funds and exchangetraded funds. The next, dollars are pouring out the opposite direction.

Consternation is nothing new for this part of the market: Junk bonds are essentially loans made to companies with poor credit ratings, and they have to offer relatively big yields to attract investors.

But skittishness has been particularly high recently, with $9.3 billion fleeing junk-bond funds in December only for $9.6 billion to go right back in two months later.

Since then, flows have continued to be erratic into and out of junk-bond funds, which are also called high-yield bond funds. Several factors worry investors.

The biggest is the threat of rising interest rates, which would knock down the price of all kinds of bonds.

Last year’s plummet in the price of crude was also a big scare, because oil producers make up a big part of the high-yield market.

In addition, skeptics are warning about the high number of “tourists” in junk- bond funds. These are investors who would otherwise put their money in investmentgrade bonds but are desperate for higher

yields. They could quickly abandon junk bonds en masse, driving down values.

Doing well this year Even with all the jitters, junk bonds have produced better returns this year than most other parts of the bond market. The average high-yield bond mutual fund has posted a return of 3.7 percent, versus 1 percent for intermediate-term bond funds, the largest bond-fund category by assets.

If interest rates continue to rise gradually and if the economy avoids a recession — and granted, those are significant ifs — many strategists say junk bonds can continue to outperform the rest of the bond market.

“Right now, you’re getting paid for the risk of owning high-yield debt,” said Jim Kochan, chief fixed-income strategist for Wells Fargo Funds Management. That hasn’t always been the case, he said, citing periods when junk-bond yields weren’t high enough to make up for their riskiness, such as before the Great Recession and last summer.

“If the high-yield market gets too expensive, like it was in 2007 and in June of 2014, it’s due for a correction. But it’s not that expensive now,” he said.

To judge whether junk bonds are expensive, one factor to consider is how much

more interest they pay over high-quality bonds. Yields for junk bonds are generally around 6 percent today. That’s not as much as they have been historically, but strategists say they’re still comfortably above what high-quality bonds are paying. The 10-year Treasury note has a yield of 2.10 percent.

Effect of higher interest rates Because of that cushion, Kochan and others say high-yield bonds can better

withstand a gradual rise in interest rates.

It’s a key question because the Federal Reserve is expected to raise its benchmark short-term interest rate from its record low later this year. Rising rates drag down prices of bonds that have already been issued because their yields suddenly look less attractive.

Prices for junk bonds would also fall as rates rose, but the increased income that See JUNK BONDS, page 24

24

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Healthcare From page 22 picture. The P/Es of many biotech stocks are crazy, and I wouldn’t buy them. Hundreds of companies have developed promising compounds only to have them fail in late-stage trials, often because of deleterious side effects. (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must find a product to be both safe and effective before approving its use.) Hundreds of other biotech companies have simply run out of money.

Junk bonds From page 23 they pay could help protect total returns.

And given how wide the gap is between the yields of junk and investment-grade bonds, the cushion has room to shrink. If that were to happen, price drops could be less severe for junk bonds than for investment-grade bonds.

Defaults, another traditional fear for junk-bond investors, also look relatively benign for now. The default rate is below 2 percent, as companies have refinanced their debt and earnings growth means they have enough cash to make good on their bond payments.

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

But future growth in healthcare spending is inevitable, and some of these biotech firms will hit pay dirt. Shares of health insurers and some drug companies do trade at more palatable prices. Plus, mergers and buyouts should further help drive up healthcare stocks.

Healthcare accounts for 15 percent of the S&P 500. I think that’s a sensible allocation for most investors. You can find out what percentage each of your funds has in healthcare at Morningstar.com.

If your portfolio is light on healthcare,

consider adding a dose of Vanguard Healthcare (VGHCX) to your investments.

Run by Wellington Management, the fund has beaten the S&P 500 every year but one since 2007. Over the past 10 years, it has returned an annualized 13.6 percent — an average of 5.4 percentage points per year more than the S&P. With a distinct value tilt relative to most healthcare funds, Vanguard has been 15 percent less volatile than the S&P over the past 10 years. Only 13.4 percent of assets are currently in biotech. The retirement in 2012 of

longtime manager Ed Owens is a loss, but Wellington has plenty of good managers. Expenses are just 0.34 percent annually.

In sum, many health stocks appear to be overpriced, but over the long term, this sector will perform well — even if you end up buying at a peak. Just don’t overdo it, particularly now.

Steve Goldberg is a local investment adviser and former Beacon columnist.

All contents copyright 2015, The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Many fund managers expect the default rate to tick higher as energy companies struggle with the lower price of crude oil.

But unless a recession is imminent, they don’t see the default rate jumping higher for other areas of the junk-bond market.

To be sure, if interest rates were to spike sharply and quickly, or if the economy does fall into a recession, most everyone agrees junk bonds would suffer. And losses for junk bonds can be more swift and severe than for other areas of the bond market.

“High-yield acts like stocks in a recession,” said James Swanson, chief investment strategist at MFS Investment Management. The average junk-bond mutual fund lost 26.4 percent in 2008. That’s clos-

er to the 37 percent loss for the S&P 500 index than the 5.2 percent return for investment-grade bonds.

Lindquist, head of the high-yield fixed-income team at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Last year, for example, when the high-yield market was struggling with the fallout from the plunge in oil, bond prices were quicker to fall. This year, as the high-yield market has recovered, prices have been quicker to rise. But he said he still can find buyers for bonds he wants to sell.

Regardless of how much confidence anyone has in high-yield bonds, most advisers say they should still be only a small portion of a bond portfolio. Wells Fargo’s Kochan said they likely shouldn’t be more than 15 or 20 percent, for example.

“It’s very difficult to generate income outside of high-yield corporates,” he said, “but it’s only sensible to maintain some discipline.”

— AP

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

Lower liquidity If high-yield bond prices start to tumble, there’s a concern that the market will become illiquid — meaning fund managers will have a tougher time finding buyers when they want to sell bonds. In the past, big banks would help with liquidity by buying when the market was too skittish. But new regulations are making banks less willing to step in when there’s a sell-off in the market.

Market watchers have been warning that liquidity is worryingly low. Fund managers say they’ve already seen signs of lower liquidity.

Prices for bonds move more quickly than they did in prior years, said Richard

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

25

Leisure &

The Shreveport-Bossier area of Louisiana offers a mix of Cajun, Creole and east Texas traditions and culture.

See story on page 27.

Eager to visit Cuba? Some things to know Few amenities

REGIEN PAASSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

By Beth J. Harpaz “Is travel to Cuba for tourist activities permitted? No.” That’s what the U.S. Treasury Department website says.

And yet Havana is loaded with Americans, from the Floridita bar, where they pose for photos with a bust of Ernest Hemingway, to the Rum Museum, where they swig rum samples after trudging through dim displays of old casks.

Sure, some Americans follow the rules on sanctioned travel — bringing supplies to Cuban churches or synagogues, for example, on a religious activities license.

Others come on approved group tours known as “people-to-people” trips with themed itineraries like the arts.

But the 36 percent increase in American visitors here since U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced a thaw in relations includes many travelers who sidestep the rules.

Some travel via third countries by flying to Cuba from Mexico or the Bahamas.

Others fly on their own from the U.S., casually filling out paperwork for one of 12 categories of travel authorized by the U.S., without much worry that anyone will check on its accuracy.

The fact is, “there’s been almost no active enforcement” of the tourism ban under the Obama administration, according to attorney Robert Muse, an expert on the legal aspects of Cuba travel.

Add to this the fact that travel experts and upscale magazines are urging travel to Cuba — before it changes. But visitors envisioning salsa in the streets and glamorous vintage cars should also be prepared to manage without ATMs, credit cards, wi-fi, air-conditioning, seat belts or toilet paper.

Here are eight tips for visiting Havana.

If you need it, bring it I forgot to bring my toothbrush to Havana.

It took me three days to find a new one.

Granted, I was in a “casa particular,” a Cuban homestay booked through Airbnb in a rundown part of town. Street vendors sell Che Guevara T-shirts and tropical fruit. But good luck buying sunscreen or Band-Aids.

The fancy hotels sell some things in shops onsite, of course, but Havana just doesn’t have many stores. Even Harris Brothers, a market on Monserrate at O’Reilly Street, isn’t overflowing with consumer goods — though you can buy souvenir bags of coffee.

Public bathrooms aren’t bad, but I was glad I’d brought a roll of toilet paper in my bag.

Hustled in Havana “Happy holiday, lady!”

This cheerful salutation greeted me as I

American-made cars from the 1950s pass by Cuba’s National Capitol Building in Havana. The building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was the seat of government in Cuba until the communists took power in 1959, after which it fell into disrepair. After renovations earlier this year, Cuba’s National Assembly now operates from the building.

KAMIRA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

walked past crumbling buildings and rubble-filled streets in many sections of Old Havana. Blonde, 5 foot 10, map in hand: Yeah, I stood out.

But conversations with overly friendly strangers often devolved into shakedowns.

They wanted to sell me cigars or exchange my dollars. Could I buy them drinks or give money for their children?

Violent crime in Havana is rare. I never felt threatened — just hassled.

Don’t look for logic For my flight home, I got to Havana’s airport at 5:30 a.m., just like the paperwork specified. Too bad the airport didn’t open until nearly 7 a.m.

I also went to the famous H. Upmann cigar factory for a tour, only to be sent to a different location for a ticket. There I was told, “There are no tours today, but we can sell you a ticket for tomorrow!”

And so it went. Havana is not always a logical place.

Money Street musicians that play for tips from tourists are a common sight in Havana. More U.S. visitors are now visiting Cuba as restrictions begin to loosen.

Are you old enough to remember traveling without credit cards, ATMs and smartphones? Then visiting Cuba will be a trip back in time.

Bring cash to change into convertible pesos, also known as CUCs (not CUPs, the currency used by locals). And budget carefully: There are only a handful of ATMs in Havana, and U.S. bank cards aren’t currently accepted.

On paper, one U.S. dollar is worth one CUC, but the Cuban government takes a 13 percent fee, so you get 87 cents for your dollar. Privately, Cubans may offer 90 cents or more on the dollar; be careful whom you trust.

I have MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards, but none could be authorized for use in Cuba in May. Even when the rules change (or if your card is from a non-U.S.-bank), businesses in Cuba rarely accept plastic.

Limited Internet and wi-fi Cuba’s offline culture makes trip-planning complicated. It takes days to confirm arrangements because most Cubans can’t check email from home. Automated online reservations are rare.

If you must go online in Havana, hotels sell Internet cards for lobby wi-fi for $4 or $5 per 30 minutes. Even then, though, the See CUBA, page 26

26

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Cuba From page 25 wi-fi may not work.

A paper map is essential — drivers don’t have GPS, and there’s no Googling an address on the fly.

About those cars Cuba’s vintage cars sound picturesque — until you’re in one with no seat belts, no air-conditioning in 90-degree heat, broken windows, belching smoke, and doors that open in transit.

The old cars aren’t just American. One

20-something driver told me he inherited his 1981 Russian-made Moskvitch car from his grandfather, who was awarded the car for being a good worker.

Havana’s official, government-owned taxis seemed to be in better condition than privately owned cars — though tourists are routinely overcharged. Meters supposedly exist, but I never saw one.

Food and drink Government-run cafeterias in public places like museums are dreadful. Stick to “paladares” — privately owned restaurants.

You’ll need reservations for the best.

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Prices are moderate but not cheap; food is good but not outstanding. My best meals were at 304 O’Reilly (the restaurant name is also the street address), which offers trendy, light fare (terrific ceviche, lobster and pasta), and Cafe Ajiaco in Cojimar (Calle 92, number 267), whose owner showcases what he sees as the best of traditional Cuban cuisine.

A safe bet in most eateries is a ham and cheese sandwich — called a Cuban in the U.S., but jamon y queso here. Cafe con leche is uniformly superb, as is tropical fruit.

For a drinking tour, consider Ernest Hemingway’s advice: “My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita.” The handwritten quote, allegedly scribbled by Hemingway himself, is framed at La Bodeguita del Medio over a bar mobbed with tourists. The Floridita is nicer: great airconditioning, icy daiquiris and a bust of Hemingway, perfect for selfies.

The Hotel Nacional’s outdoor bar is lovely, on a lawn with a view of the sea.

Have a Cuba libre (rum and cola, but not Coke) or a Cristal beer, then check out the photo gallery of famous guests — mobsters and Hollywood celebs.

Attractions Havana’s best attractions include: the waterfront promenade known as the Malecon, Old Havana, Hemingway’s estate at Finca Vigia, and the Museo de la Revolucion, where “Cretins’ Corner” mocks Ronald

Reagan and the Bush presidencies. The stunning Cuban collection at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes ranges from colonial portraits to 20th century political pop art.

The show at the Tropicana is on many top 10 Havana lists. If spending nearly $100 to see skinny dancers in see-through bodysuits with sequin pasties and chandeliers on their heads sounds fun, by all means, go. Otherwise, try the music scene at Casa de la Musica in Central Havana.

To learn about the array of hotels, go to the website Cuba Hotel Bookings, www.cubahotelbookings.com.

Hotel rates are lower than in the US. For example, the Melia Havana, which bills itself as a luxury hotel, charges $175 for a room with breakfast ($198 with an ocean view). The hotel boasts the largest swimming pool in Cuba and a cigar bar. For more information, call 1-877-696-6252 or see www.melia.com/en/hotels/cuba/havana/melia-habana/index.html.

Tourists cannot book their own flights to Cuba or easily search for them online — and must use a travel agent. Nor do U.S. airlines offer flights from the U.S. directly to Cuba.

One travel agency, Island Travel & Tours, will start to offer nonstop flights from BWI-Marshall Airport to Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport twice a week starting on Sept. 30. Round-trip fares will be $775, but the first two flights are offered at a discounted rate of $695.

— AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

27

Shreveport, La. — A cultural crossroads

By Chris Jay The Shreveport-Bossier area of northwestern Louisiana serves as a crossroads where the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana blend with the wide-open spirit of Texas.

This unique combination of two great American heritages can be tasted in the food, where Texas-style barbecue often shares a plate with traditional Louisiana favorites like gumbo, po-boys and crawfish etouffee.

It can also be heard in the music pouring out of local nightclubs, where jazz and soul share the stage with blues, country, rock and zydeco.

Local festivals, which celebrate everything from crawfish to black history, provide year-round opportunities to become immersed in the blend of cultures that is Shreveport-Bossier, the third-largest community in the state.

Music history enthusiasts will find much to explore. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, a national historic landmark situated downtown, was home to the legendary Louisiana Hayride live radio broadcast from 1948 to 1960.

Elvis Presley made his performance debut onstage at the Louisiana Hayride on Oct. 16, 1954. Today, a statue of Presley stands outside of the auditorium on Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter was born and raised in Mooringsport, La., just outside of Shreveport, and his gravesite at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Mooringsport is a frequent destination for blues aficionados.

Shreveport-Bossier has six riverboat casinos and a live horseracing track. Margaritaville Resort Casino, which opened in 2013, is the most recent addition to Shreveport-Bossier’s gaming scene. The

30,000-square-foot casino has more than 1,300 slot machines and 54 table games.

Located just south of the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets on the banks of the Red River, Horseshoe Casino and Hotel is another popular gaming destination. It’s also home to the Horseshoe Riverdome, one of Shreveport-Bossier’s hottest live music venues. Legendary performers like Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, the Beach Boys and Diana Ross have recently brought their world tours to the Horseshoe Riverdome.

Enjoying the great outdoors can take many forms in Shreveport-Bossier, from a relaxing cruise down the Red River aboard the Spirit of the Red River, to zip-lining

through a swamp filled with live alligators at Gators and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo. One of Louisiana’s top bird-watching destinations, the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City, features a 6.5-mile network of hiking trails, a lake for fishing, and an interpretive center offering interactive educational programs for all ages.

Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport also offers a network of trails, including some that are wheelchairaccessible.

For those who enjoy traveling “off the See SHREVEPORT, page 28

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CONVENTION AND TOURIST BUREAU

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Shreveport From page 27 beaten path,” Shreveport-Bossier is a good entry point from which to travel along Louisiana’s Boom or Bust Byway, a scenic route that winds its way through historic rural communities like Oil City, Plain Dealing and Homer. An audiovisual tour has been created for visitors.

Celebrated food and drink Several Shreveport-Bossier eateries are among the best-known in Louisiana.

Strawn’s Eat Shop, a mom-and-pop diner with celebrated ice box pies, has been featured in Southern Living magazine on numerous occasions.

Herby-K’s, a popular local seafood restaurant, has earned rave reviews in numerous national publications and was referenced in Garden & Gun magazine’s list of “100 Southern Foods You Absolutely, Positively Must Try Before You Die.” The

Wall Street Journal has listed Bossier City’s Silver Star Smokehouse among the best barbecue joints in the United States.

Fans of craft beer travel from across the U.S. to sample the acclaimed brews created by Great Raft Brewing, Shreveport’s first craft brewery and tasting room. Gourmet magazine recently named it “One of 10 U.S. Breweries to Watch in 2015.”

Mardi Gras, known as “the biggest free party on Earth,” is often associated with New Orleans. But carnival season — with its parades, parties and costume balls — is huge in Shreveport-Bossier. During carnival season, which officially begins on Twelfth Night and ends on Fat Tuesday, local social clubs known as “krewes” present enormous parades featuring hundreds of floats, marching bands and more.

As Carnival season draws to a close, a busy calendar of major festivals commences in early spring. Holiday in Dixie, one of the oldest annual festivals in the

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

U.S., celebrates the arrival of spring in mid-April with a carnival, live music and more. Holiday in Dixie concludes with the Ark-La-Tex Ambassadors BBQ Cook-Off, a competitive event that attracts many of the top barbecue teams in the South. Barbecue lovers can enjoy live music while sampling outstanding barbecue and voting for the winners of top prizes.

Shreveport-Bossier is home to the United States Air Force’s oldest bomb wing, housed at Barksdale Air Force Base. Each May, the might and power of the U.S. Air Force is showcased during the Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow. Many of the world’s top aerobatic teams regularly perform at the air show, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Festivals year-round Each Memorial Day Weekend, the sounds of zydeco music and the scent of boiling crawfish drift through the air in down-

town Shreveport as the Mudbug Madness Festival brings four days of music, food and fun to Festival Plaza. Named one of the “Top 100 Events in North America” by the American Bus Association, this festival includes outstanding Louisiana cuisine, three stages of live music, activities for kids and more.

One of most anticipated events each June is the Let the Good Times Roll Festival, a celebration of black history and culture that features old-school, gospel, R&B and funk music, as well as an outstanding array of food vendors, art booths and more.

As temperatures drop each fall, every weekend in September is packed with events — ranging from the Pioneer Heritage Festival in Greenwood, Sept. 18 and 19, to the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival, a music festival held in Columbia Park that regularly attracts top names in jazz and blues music, Sept. 19.

Fall’s most-anticipated event may be the annual Red River Revel Arts Festival, an enormous, eight-day outdoor arts festival featuring hundreds of visual artists and three stages of non-stop live music, children’s entertainment and food vendors, Oct. 3 to 10.

The State Fair of Louisiana is held each October and November on the State Fairgrounds in Shreveport. The State Fair of Louisiana has received national acclaim for its unusual variety of food vendors and free entertainment, along with all of the delights of a State Fair midway. The 2015 State Fair of Louisiana will be held, Oct. 22 to Nov. 8.

Throughout November and December, the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights provides countless ways to enjoy the spirit of the holidays “Louisiana style.” One of Shreveport-Bossier’s best-known holiday events is Christmas in Roseland, a holiday lights extravaganza at the Gardens of the American Rose Center, Nov. 27 to Dec. 23.

Other popular events include the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival, a charming, small-town Christmas festival featuring fireworks over scenic Caddo Lake, Dec. 5, and Les Boutiques de Noel, a weekend-long holiday shopping extravaganza at the Bossier Civic Center, Nov. 19 to 21.

From the glittering excitement of the casinos to the wonderful array of festivals, the mouth-watering local cuisine, fantastic shopping and numerous outdoor activities and attractions — Shreveport-Bossier has all of the necessary ingredients for a memorable getaway.

For more information To learn more about what to see and do in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org or call 1-800-551-8682. A digital copy of the official visitor’s guide to Shreveport-Bossier may be downloaded at www.shreveport-bossier.org. A print copy may be requested by phone.

Currently, the lowest round-trip airfare from the Baltimore area to Shreveport is $330 via American Airlines from BWI. Chris Jay is the public relations manager of Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

29

Arts &

Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel co-star in a new film by Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino. See story on page 32.

Variety of shows on tap on area stages

Spotlighters Theatre Through Aug. 2, Spotlighters Theatre puts on Altar Boyz, a “foot-stomping, rafterraising, musical comedy” about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national “Raise the Praise” tour. The Boyz are five singing, dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham.

As they perform their signature hits such as “Rhythm in Me,” “The Calling,” and “I Believe,” the Boyz question their loyalty to each other and ask whether or not faith is really holding them together.

They finally deliver a message of unity, that “there is no star as bright as its constellation, no harmony in a single voice.”

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for those 60+, and $16 for students and military. Spotlighters is located at 817 St. Paul St. Call (410) 752-1225 or visit www.spotlighters.org.

Vagabond Players Vagabond Players, the oldest continuous “little theater” in the United States, presents Commander through July 26. Is America ready for a gay President? Governor Ned Worley is about to find out. But can the ambitious politician prove the naysayers wrong, or will personal demons, and a troubled partner, scuttle his historic candidacy?

Vagabond is located at 806 S. Broadway St. Ticket prices range from $10 to $17. Call (410) 563-9135 or visit www.vagabondplayers.org.

COURTESY OF ZACH MILLER

By Carol Sorgen Maryland is particularly rich when it comes to community theatre, and this summer’s range of offerings — from comedy to drama to musicals — once again proves the point.

Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre At Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre at the Community College of Baltimore County-Essex, the entertaining Thoroughly Modern Millie runs through Aug. 2 on the Mainstage. The winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie was the 2002 season’s most awarded new show on Broadway. Based on the 1967 Academy Awardwinning film, Thoroughly Modern Millie takes us back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, when “moderns”— in-

Caption: Amy Luchey and Jim Baxter dance as Millie and Jimmy during the Jazz Age in Thoroughly Modern Millie, playing through Aug. 2 at Cockpit in Court Summer Theater at Baltimore County-Essex Community College.

cluding a flapper named Millie Dillmount — were bobbing their hair, raising their hemlines, entering the workforce and rewriting the rules of love.

Also at Cockpit, in the Cabaret through Aug. 2, is An Evening of Murder.

See SUMMER THEATRE, page 30

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Summer theatre From page 29 For ticket information for all shows, call (443) 840-ARTS or email cockpitincourt@ccbcmd.edu.

Toby’s Dinner Theater Into the Woods, the by-now classic musical with songs of Stephen Sondheim, will relate its not-so-happily-ever-after fairy tales at Toby’s Dinner Theater in Columbia through Sept. 6.

In the First Act, a baker and his wife join several of their Grimm Brothers acquain-

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

tances — Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack (of the beanstalk) and Rapunzel, as well as a nice-enough witch, considering her occupation, and a couple of outwardly charming princes — as they go through some tough times in the woods, but come out more or less getting what they wished for.

In the Second Act, however, when the characters return to the woods, things really fall apart: the princes prove unfaithful to Cinderella and Rapunzel, the witch loses her powers, and the giant wife of the giant that Jack killed takes revenge.

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Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia. Ticket prices range from $53 to $58 and include an all-you-can-eat brunch or dinner buffet.

Call (410) 730-8311 or see www.tobysdinnertheatre.com for more information.

Annapolis Shakespeare Company Annapolis Shakespeare Company returns this summer with The Servant of Two Masters, through Sept. 29 in the outdoor courtyard at Reynolds Tavern, and A Tale of Two Cities, through Aug. 2 at ASC’s Studio 111 in Annapolis.

The Servant of Two Masters is Carlo Goldoni’s 18th-century farce that follows Truffaldino, a minion who tries to double his earnings by working for two bosses.

Needless to say, things don’t go as planned, with lots of mistaken identities and missed connections leading to lots of laughts.

A Tale of Two Cities, adapted from the classic Charles Dickens novel, tells the tale of French emigrant Charles Darnay, who returns to his native Paris to help a friend. His aristocratic past leads to his imprisonment in the infamous Bastille, where he is sentenced to death by guillotine. With time running out, Darnay’s friends and family try to free him before it’s “off with his head.”

Reynolds Tavern is located at 7 Church Circle in Annapolis. The Servant of Two Masters is $20, while ticket prices for A Tale of Two Cities range from $30 to $35, with discounts for seniors.

Purchase tickets online at www.annapolisshakespeare.org or call the box office at (410) 415-3513.

Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre Catch through July 25, at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre (a theatre under the stars), Catch Me If You Can, a criminal caper based on the hit film of that name and the true story that inspired it.

Teenager Frank W. Abagnale, Jr. runs away from home in search of a glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination, and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer.

But the globe-trotting con artist eventually catches the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, who pursues Frank across the country, along the way forging an unlikely friendship.

Following Catch Me If You Can, from Aug. 6 to Sept. 6, ASGT will present The Addams Family, a musical comedy based on the kooky TV characters of Gomez Addams, his wife Morticia, and their daughter Wednesday.

Tickets for all shows are $22 and can be purchased by sending a check, payable to ASGT, to ASGT Ticket Office, 143 Compromise St., Annapolis, MD 21401, or by visiting online at www.summergarden.com.

Seating is outdoors, with the stage under For a listing of theaters throughout Maryland, visit www.srbnet.com.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

31

Some local late-summer festivals to enjoy

By Carol Sorgen It may seem that summer is zipping by, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy some of Baltimore’s favorite summer events and activities!

Cool off! If you can’t make it “downy Ocean” for a dip in the ocean or bay, take a water taxi ride to pubs, restaurants and parks along Baltimore’s waterfront; enjoy the spray from the Walter Sondheim Fountain with its 53 interactive jets in the Inner Harbor; taste your way along Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail at any of the Cow to Cone dairies; or stop at a local Sno-ball stand to enjoy Maryland’s unique icy treat. www.visitmaryland.org/article/top-things-do-summer Farmers market fare. Locally-grown produce is on display — and for sale — at more than 100 farmers markets around the state. Here at home, don’t miss the Baltimore Farmers’ Market and Bazaar under the Jones Falls Expressway. www.promotionandarts.org/events-festivals/baltimorefarmers-market-bazaar. For a complete list of Maryland farmers’ markets, visit www.mda.state.md.us and click on “farmers’ market directory.”

Pints in the Park. Every second Friday through September 11, head down to Center Plaza for $2 beers, live music, corn hole and ping-pong. www.godowntownbaltimore.com Shore Leave 37. Calling all science fiction-lovers. The 37th edition of Shore Leave, a fan-run science fiction convention, runs from August 7 to 9 at the Hunt Valley Inn. It showcases everything science fiction, and features celebrity guests including John Barrowman of “Arrow,” “Torchwood” and “Doctor Who,” and Jaime Murray of “Defiance.” There will also be writing workshops,

a game room and a Saturday evening dance. www.shore-leave.com.

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Through August 9, enjoy the al fresco setting of the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden and performances by regional and national jazz musicians. Tickets range from $30 to $45. www.artbma.org Hamilton Street Festival. If it’s summer in Baltimore, there’s a festival somewhere.

On July 25, enjoy this free, family-friendly street fair with live music, craft vendors, and local eats. www.bmoremainstreet.com Outdoor film festivals. Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and head outdoors to one of the region’s eight outdoor movie series: The Wine Bin’s Summer Movies (in Howard County); Shops at Kenilworth Summer Moonlight Movie Series; Bel Air Outdoor Movies; Pics in the Park; Little Italy Cinema Al Fresco; Fells Point Films on the Pier;

AVAM Flicks on the Hill; and Ravens Family Movie Night. www.bmoreinterested.com Summer Restaurant Week. From July 24 to August 2, enjoy one of your favorite eateries or try someplace new with discounted lunches and dinners at more than 100 dining establishments in town. www.harboreast.com Baltimore Summer Antiques Show.

The 33rd annual event, held from August 20 to 23 at the Baltimore Convention Center, features more than 550 international exhibitors from across the U.S., Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, South America and Asia. www.baltimoresummershow.com

Maryland State Fair. An end-of-summer ritual for 134 years, with rides, horse racing, exhibits, livestock and horse shows, and all the food you can eat! www.marylandstatefair.com Maryland Renaissance Festival. Travel way back in time (and down to Crownsville, just outside of Annapolis), to enjoy this annual display of Renaissance-inspired live entertainment, crafts and refreshments from turkey legs to meat pies and mead. Jousting, Maryland’s state sport, will also be on display. The Festival village at 1821 Crownsville Rd. is open from August 29 to October 25. www.rennfest.com.

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AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Caine, Keitel, Fonda shine in the film Youth ference, calling his latest work, “very optimistic.” The film is scheduled for release in the U.S. later this year.

“The future gives us freedom and freedom gives us a feeling of youth. Whatever one’s age, one can look toward the future,” he added.

But the film’s poignancy about age is in large part because of the real-life wrinkled flesh of its stars.

Baring almost all Caine’s semi-naked 82-year-old body is frequently in close-up — a point about which the two-time Oscar-winner retains much humor.

“It didn’t matter to me because it’s the only body I’ve got, an aging body. To people who

are not old, this is what’s going to happen to you. So don’t get too smug about it,” Caine quipped.

“The only alternative to playing elderly people is playing dead people. So I’m quite smart, I picked elderly people. I thought that’s a better idea,” he added.

Harvey Keitel, 76, turns in a solid performance as a oncegreat director whose best work is behind him. Throughout his career Keitel himself has chased vibrant new directing talent, from Jane Champion to Quentin Tarantino, Abel Ferrara to Ari Folman.

That’s also what led him to Sorrentino. After seeing the Italian director’s Il Divo and his Oscar-winning The Great Beauty, he told his agent to get him a Harvey Keitel stars in the new film Youth, a poignant movie about aging. He is shown at the part in Youth.

“He changed the playing field Cannes Film Festival in May, where the movie premiered. for me with (The Great Beauty) so I wanted to work with him, the way any disciplinarian of the arts “I said to myself, ‘My goodness, we’re alwould want to work for any master,” said ways youthful in some sense,’” he continKeitel. ues. “We’re always learning something.

“I’ll be damned if I don’t think Paolo Even in death, we’ll learn death. But you makes certain things go together that no shouldn’t afraid of it because I’m going to one has made go together before,” said come back and tell you about it.”

Keitel, who starred in Taxi Driver, The See YOUTH, page 33 Piano and Pulp Fiction.

PHOTO BY DENIS MAKARENKO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

By Thomas Adamson Paolo Sorrentino’s bittersweet age drama, Youth, features a tour de force performance by Michael Caine as a retired conductor reflecting on the passing of time and memories of his wife, a former singer.

Caine’s character, Fred, bitterly refuses a request by Queen Elizabeth to conduct his most famous work at a royal gala — because it used to be performed by his wife.

But as Fred tries to move beyond the pain of loss, he’s able to look to the future; the theme of aging introspection riffing on Sorrentino’s Oscar-winning 2013 smash The Great Beauty.

“That is the only subject that really interests people — passing time,” said Sorrentino at the Cannes Film Festival press con-

Classifieds cont. from p. 35.

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Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY.

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CASH BUYER FOR OLD COSTUME JEWELRY – pocket and wrist watches (any condition). Also buying watchmaker tools and parts, train sets and accessories, old toys, old glassware & coins. 410-409-4965.

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Wanted VINYL RECORDS WANTED from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783.

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars.

If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-279-8834. Thank you.

Thanks for reading!

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

Youth From page 32

Scene-stealing Jane Fonda Jane Fonda, 77, plays Keitel’s one-time muse and steals her scenes in a performance as a cantankerous older actress. She has exaggerated makeup and a near-dragqueen wig, which at one point humiliatingly falls off in a hysterical diva scene on a plane.

Fonda said she relished the warts-andmore performance.

“There’s something very vulnerable about an old woman who puts on the mask of make-up and everything, and when

that’s stripped away she becomes very vulnerable, and it’s fun to play,” she said.

Fonda — she is famously honest about her age — said the message of Youth struck a chord.

“For me, this movie called Youth says something that I agree with very much — that age is much a question of attitude. If you have passion in your life... you remain young and vital in your mind — which is your spirit,” said the age-defying Barbarella star, who with two Oscars and a sixdecade career to her name, has nothing left to prove.

— AP

33

BEACON BITS

Aug. 9+

EXPLORE CHICAGO

Woodlawn Senior Center presents a trip to visit Chicago from Sunday, Aug. 9 to Saturday, Aug. 15. The cost is $575 for a double. For more information or to reserve a spot, call (410) 887-6887.

Ongoing

COUNTY SENIOR RESOURCES

Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Baltimore County is part of a nationwide effort to streamline access to support, services and benefits for older adults, persons with disabilities, their families and care providers. For more information, call (410) 887-2594 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov. For the statewide MAP site, visit www.marylandaccesspoint.info.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 8+

FREE CONCERTS Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower presents Sounds of the Tower, two free open-mic instrumental and vocal performances on Saturdays, Aug. 8 and 29 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The tower is located at 21 South Eutaw St. If interested in performing, call (443) 874-3596 or contact Paul DeKraai at pdk46@aol.com.

ARTS TOWER OPEN Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests have an opportunity to view artwork throughout the building, including 15 floors of working artist studios and special exhibits.

Visitors can also learn more about the historical building and take a tour of the clock room, which costs $5. For more information, visit www.bromoseltzertower.com or call (443) 874-3596.

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44

41

45

47

46

48

49 52

51

55

Scrabble answers on p. 31.

12

29

31

39

50

11

25

28

33

10

22

27

43

9

19

21

30

42

8

16

23 26

7

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

Across

Down

1. Santa’s subordinate 4. Molten rock 9. Dickens’ characters 14. “More grass, please” 15. Some have “Double Stuf ” 16. She said “I didn’t want to be just another orphan” 17. Holiday or Comfort 18. Quickly forgotten event 20. “Anyone who doesn’t believe in miracles is not a ___” (David Ben-Gurion) 22. Expense report category 23. Chip’s partner 24. Barbie’s partner 25. The Belmont Stakes, for example 26. Kite connector 28. Network that hosted “Renovation Realities” 29. Sheets of stamps 30. Fourth base 31. Word repeated in the chorus of the Beatles’ “Nowhere Man” 32. See 39 Across 33. Accrue interest 34. Puckered (or one potential title for this puzzle) 36. “Hey; quiet down” 39. Part of lipstick.com 40. Sculler hauler 41. What buffalo do 42. Liver leavers 45. 1960’s US Attorney General 46. Instrument for June Carter Cash 47. Change for a five 48. Clumsy moron 49. Impacts heartstrings 50. Cherry ___ 52. Zeppelin 55. Low commitment fashion statement 57. “That was a pretty firework” 58. Look away 59. The reindeer, before Rudolph 60. She sheep 61. Tries out a new car 62. Makers of psychedelic shirts 63. Was a witness

1. Arabic prince 2. Like Texas’ star 3. Quickly change one’s plans 4. Home or phone (but not a home phone) 5. Juliet’s metaphor 6. Mannerly man 7. Bon ___ (clever comment) 8. One of the Olsen twins 9. Beaver believer 10. Maraschino, for harmonicas 11. Third of five, by depth 12. Future bride 13. Ridged fabrics 19. Long, long, long, long, long time 21. Daily Planet byline 24. Go away! (or one potential title for this puzzle) 26. However, briefly 27. Palindromic praise 28. Apply sour cream 29. It boils in Hell’s Kitchen 31. Batting average increaser 32. Mangy mutt 34. Third part of UCLA 35. Poison ___ 36. Comfy footwear 37. The ___ (Uris novel) 38. Med. care provider 39. Mousse, maybe 41. Material for Cinderella’s first dress 42. Californian carnivore 43. Head over heels 44. West African currency 45. Force a bill through Congress 46. Overfills a balloon 48. Middle FLOORED 49. Exxon symbol 51. HS students’ stressors 52. Pay to play 53. Part of the Louisiana Purchase 54. “That was a close one” 56. Slippery

Answers on page 31.

Jumbles: ROBIN SHINY ACCEDE UNLIKE Answer: Important when buying an audio system -- A "SOUND" CHECK

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2015

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

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

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

Business and Employment Opportunities LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY is looking for Mature Responsible Adults to work part-time representing our company and products at home shows, fairs, festivals. Weekends or weekday work available. Paid training, hourly wage, mileage reimbursement, bonus program! Call 301-829-1313 or email info@marylandsunrooms.com.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Caregivers COMPANION/CAREGIVER – Do you or someone you love need assistance with home care services? Will provide compassionate and reliable service. Light housekeeping, meal planning/preparation, personal care, help with daily activities and more. Will provide personal and professional references. Jackie, 443-653-1778.

EXPERIENCED, NURTURING, HONEST Nursing Assistant and medication administrator looking to care for clients in need of bathing, dressing, meal preparation, eating, toileting, medication management, errands, light housekeeping. Call 443-518-6997.

Financial Services ACCOUNTING, TAXES AND BOOKKEEPING, eldercare. CPA 38 years, reasonable rates.

Call 410-653-3363.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate PARKVILLE WELL-MAINTAINED HOME – 3-4 bedrooms, 1 and ½ baths, all rooms freshly painted & new carpet or vinyl. Large private 1/3rd acre tree-shaded lot (120 feet wide & 118 deep). Great for family/kids. Separate lot okay for additional home. Walking distance to excellent schools (St. Ursala Grade, Parkville Middle and High). Large one-car garage and ample multi-car off-street parking. Currently assessed at $225,000. Anxious to sell. Asking $219,500.

Open to all offers. May assist with closing costs.

Please inquire, 410-344-1083.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month.

Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise.

Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad.

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept.

P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 For Sale

For Sale

1 CEMETERY LOT WITH VAULT and casket.

Forest Lawn section, Loudon Park – Wilkins Avenue. $4,000. Good deal. 410-247-3644.

2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.

Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve, 410-913-1653.

LOUDON PARK CEMETERY – Poplar Lot 164 – Site 1. $2,400 or best offer. 410-592-3438.

COINS – 50 INDIAN PENNIES, $45. 40 Buffalo nickels, $30. 410-812-8867.

CHERISHED TEDDIES COLLECTION – Plates, figurines. New or in excellent condition.

Call 443-519-7027.

GLEN HAVEN CEMETERY – 1 space in Masonic section. Includes deluxe vault. Current value: $7,500. Sell $6,000. 443-319-3719.

LARGE, CLEAN, QUIET FURNISHED BEDROOM with private bath for rent on 2nd floor of private home (on bus line). Microwave and refrigerator provided. Reasonable. 410-4851702.

REFRIGERATOR & WASHER/DRYER. Kenmore refrigerator, white, 22 cubic feet, top freezer, water dispenser and icemaker. $445.

Kenmore W/D combo, white, $425. Both $850.

443-708-8804.

CARE FROM CARING HOME ASSISTED LIVING. Room available for you or your loved ones. Looking for a place just like home? Call us today, 443-563-2695 or 443-844-1444. Affordable rates available.

PARKWOOD CEMETERY – TAYLOR AVENUE – Poplar Lot 831 – Site 2. Also includes one burial vault and one opening and closing of grave site – value $2,795. Sell for $1,400 or best offer, 410-529-1191.

Health MOBILE EYE EXAMS – Comprehensive and/or low vision eye exams provided to Baltimore seniors with limited mobility. Visit www.HomeEyeOD.com or call 443-802-9920 for more information.

Home/Handyman Services HAULING & JUNK – LOW UPFRONT PRICING. Free Estimates, Senior Discounts.

365 days. Licensed and Insured demolition. Estate & Eviction Services, Recycling, Organizing.

ATTIC SWEEPERS HAULING, 443-838-2353.

Classifieds cont. on p. 32.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Taylor Learning Center . . . .12

Falls Study . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Gastrointestinal Study . . . . .18 HYPNOS

Independent Home Care . . .13 Options for Senior

Diabetic Sleep Study . . . . . .19

Senior Companion Program 26 Seniors Helping Seniors . . .16

IBNI Study . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Maximizing Independence Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Events Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . .36

Financial Services Bennett Senior Services . . .23 Debt Counsel for Seniors and the Disabled . . .22

Golden Real Estate . . . . . . .23

Funeral Services Schimunek Funeral Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 22

Hearing Services Hearing & Speech Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Hear For You . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Home Health Care America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Westminster House Apts . . .30 Woodholme Gardens . . . . . .27

Housing Referral Service Senior Placement Service/Care Patrol . . . . . . . .12

Housing

Legal Services

Briarwood Estates . . . . . . . .32 Brightview Senior Living . . .3 Brookdale Senior Living . . .15 Brookfield Homes . . . . . . . .9 Charlestown . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Gatherings at Quarry Place .31 Green House Residences . .26 Homewood at Willow

Disability Support Services 13 Ellsworth, Law Office of Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Frank, Frank &

Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Keller Williams/ Tyrone Maxwell . . . . . . . . . .20

Oak Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Park Heights Place . . . . . . .33 Park View Apartments . . . .28 Shangri-La Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

35

Pharmacies Walgreen’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Remodeling Blake & Sons Contracting . .7

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation CommuniCare Health . . . . .20 Holly Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Manor Care Health Services17 Progressive Rehab Services 15

Nursing Home Justice . . . . .19

Theatres/ Entertainment

Medical/Health

Radio Flea Market . . . . . . .16 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . .29

Cologuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Dr. Richard Rosenblatt, DPM 9 Dr. Stuart Goldman, DPM .16 Hamilton Foot Care . . . . . . .13 Maryland Laser Skin & Vein 7 MedStar Orthopedics . . . . .10 Mishpacha Dental . . . . . . . .20 Skin Cancer EB of Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Tour & Travel

Scherr Law Firm . . . . . . . . . .22

Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel . . .26 Festive Holidays . . . . . . . . .27

Utilities BGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Volunteers Senior Companion Program 26

36

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

AUGUST 2015 — BALTIMORE BEACON