August 2026 | Greater Baltimore Beacon

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Leisure & Travel Walk the Amalfi Coast | Road trip from Portland to the Redwoods | Rent a camper van abroad | Save money on your next trip 24

Arts & Style

On the Orioles dream team

Back to school with Mean Girls at Toby’s | Veterans record their stories | Summer books | Rolling Stones release new album 29

Fitness & Health

4 k Hope for pancreatic cancer k How much calcium is enough?

Law & Money

17 k The true cost of marriage k Medicare freebies

Advertiser Index 39 Tony Holland became a minority owner of the Orioles last year, surpassing his childhood dreams. Holland grew up in a single-parent household in Brunswick, Maryland, and is now CEO of his own company. See story on page 35.

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Let’s save their stories When I read the other day that televi- patient Auguste Deter, whose doctor, sion’s absentminded Lieutenant Columbo Alois Alzheimer, examined her in the died in 2011, I scratched my early 1900s. When asked to head. Somehow I had missed write her name, she stopped the news of Peter Falk’s dea couple of letters in and said, mise, but a list of other nota“Ich hab mich verloren” (I bles who died of Alzheimer’s have lost myself). brought me up to speed. Rita At the moment, the AlzheiHayworth, Jimmy Stewart, mer’s Association estimates Pat Summitt and Perr y that over 5 million AmeriComo shared Falk’s fate of cans have lost themselves. gradual disappearance. I’ve watched this heartbreakEver since my dad passed ing search firsthand. GUEST COLUMN from the disease in 2012, I’ve At his Florida home, Dad By John Coleman developed a special sympawould stare at a wall of thy for members of his unframed photographs — chilfortunate tribe. Nancy Reagan’s “long, dren, grandchildren and other relatives. long goodbye” to Ronnie reached across Still mostly in possession of himself, he every aisle with its heartbreak. Tough explained his mission: “I don’t want to guy Charles Bronson was no match. The lose you.” coiffed Margaret Thatcher succumbed. But Alzheimer’s has no off-ramp. Sitting My favorite writer, E. B. White, said in on my porch the evening before he moved his last years, “[I] am dependent on into assisted living, my father stared into seven different pills to stay alive — can’t the distance, baffled and defeated. remember whether I took the pills or I said, “Dad, would you like me to tell didn’t.” you about your life?” Hardly anybody remembers German His eyes stayed blank. “Boy, I sure

AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

wish you would.” Denny Coleman was a Wesleyville Bulldog who scored a game-high five points on the basketball court in the early 1940s. He enlisted in the Navy toward the end of World War II but saw no action. He married Dolly Miller and had four children. “I’m your youngest, Dad.” Sometimes I was his cousin or brother, on a good day his son. I kept talking, but the details melted away immediately. He divorced my mother and remarried. He was president of his snowbird condominium association for many years. His standard response was, “Well, if you say so.” The only thing he knew for sure was that I belonged to him. Each time he spotted me coming his way (at the ironically named Independence Court), he raised his eyebrows, let out an “aww” of relief and put out his arms as if for a life preserver. This image of my father going under is haunting, but it yielded a blessing. During my pastoral career, my work frequently took me among souls who more or less admitted, “Ich hab mich ver-

loren.” They told the same stories over and over again, and after a time I found them beautiful. I heard it all: love, victory, defeat, joy, birth, death. My old friends would start off a memory with, “Did I ever tell you about ... ?” I responded with a fib: “Gosh, I’m not sure. Tell me again, just in case.” What happened next was a privilege. As they spoke, it was if they blew dust off a cigar box, took out a charm bracelet or a Purple Heart, and held it out to me. As we examined each memory, I understood that the box had maybe two or three treasures left, and nobody knew when they’d be stolen. Whatever the plot, my friends all said the same thing: “I’m losing myself, but I still have this story. It’s all I have left. Let me tell you.” As I received a memory of love or a grief so old and profound that speaking it was a burden lifted, I made a silent promise: “When you can’t find yourself anymore, I’ll keep your stories safe. Every now and then I’ll see your face and listen to the gifts you kept giving me. Don’t be afraid. I won’t let you disappear.”

Letters to the editor The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedi­cated to inform, serve and en­ter­tain the citi­zens of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County and parts of Anne Arundel County. Other editions serve Northern Virginia, Montgomery County and Greater Washington, D.C. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($50) or third-class mail ($20), pre­paid with order. Maryland residents: add 6% for sales tax. Send sub­scrip­tion order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily con­sti­tute en­dorse­ment. Signed col­umns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Gordon Hasenei, Publisher, CEO Steve Gurney, Associate Publisher Margaret Foster, Editor Kyle Gregor y, Art Director Roger King, Vice President of Operations Advertising Representatives: Jill Joseph, Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips Ana Preger Hart, Assistant Editor Tori Cleveland, Editorial Assistant Luke Sanelli, Editorial Intern Stuart & Judy Rosenthal, Founders

The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501 Kensington, MD 20895 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 39 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

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Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social i­ ssues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501, Kensington, MD 20895 or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I read Carolyn Ellis’s guest column, “Find Your Passion,” in the May Beacon, more than 10 times because it touched my heart. Her story about becoming an abstract artist reminded me of my own experience in 1990, when I took a basic painting class at the University of Maryland. On the first day of class, I noticed an older gentleman painting a beautiful picture. When I asked if he was a professional artist, he said no; he worked as an international lawyer. He explained that he had always dreamed of becoming an artist. However, he did not think he could earn a living through art, so he attended law school instead. At age 72, he was finally pursuing the dream he had postponed for decades. Back then, at age 32, my focus was simply surviving as an immigrant. Today, after 30 years working as a USPS letter carrier, earning a master’s degree, becoming a real estate broker, raising a family and serving my community, I have discovered my passion. Since retiring, I have become more involved in senior programs and community activities. I am grateful for the opportunities this country has given me, and I now enjoy sharing my experiences and

encouraging others to pursue their passions at any age. Eric Kuohwa Wang Rockville, Mar yland Dear Editor: The reason teenagers are acting out in our cities and suburbs is due to the attitudes of our politicians. If politicians and “influencers” lie, cheat, steal and scream at each other, children will continue to misbehave. Larr y Calhoun Capitol Heights, MD Dear Editor: Is Laura Stassi’s column “New Love After 50” really necessary? Who cares about people’s shallow and toxic love lives? I’m a widow, married 46 years to a committed, caring man who valued friendship above all. I don’t need a partner to feel valued or happy. I’m grown up. Women need to get out of the Dark Ages and be independent, accept their age and follow a higher road. Friendship between men and women is possible — much healthier and respectful. Try it. C. Huff Woodstock, MD

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GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

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Fibromyalgia Feels Like a Life Sentence— But It Doesn’t Have to Be Imagine waking up every morning feeling like you’ve run a marathon in your sleep. Your muscles ache, your joints feel stiff, and your energy is at an all-time low. You’re exhausted not just physically, but mentally, too. You try to push through, but simple tasks like getting dressed, making a meal, or even focusing on a conversation feel impossible. This is the daily reality for people with fibromyalgia. The name alone often sends a ripple of discomfort through those who know its pain too well. For many, it’s a long road to diagnosis— one filled with uncertainty, frustration, and the feeling of being misunderstood by the medical community. The pain can be felt in every corner of the body or in some cases has a favorite haunt. In other words, for some suffering there is no one spot of pain—it’s everywhere, while in others it presents as a constant ache in their shoulders or back pain that just won’t give.

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

Health Fitness &

GET THOSE STEPS Walking 10,000 steps a day can stave off dementia and add years to your life TECH CAN HELP Despite Parkinson’s, a musician can still make music with the help of AI THE EYES HAVE IT Protect your eyes with sunglasses, regular exams and a healthy diet EAT LIKE EUROPEANS The Mediterranean Diet is great for the heart, but what exactly is it?

New pill promises hope for pancreatic cancer By Lauran Neergaard A novel pill helped people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer, raising hopes of long-needed better treatments for one of the deadliest types of cancer. “While not curing the cancer, it is a very large step forward,” said Dr. Zev Wainberg, of the University of California, Los Angeles, who helped lead the study. The drug is called daraxonrasib, and it blocks a mutated protein that fuels tumor growth in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases — a target that had eluded treatment for decades. The daily pills nearly doubled survival time, with fewer severe side effects than continuing chemotherapy, in a study that randomly assigned the experimental drug or more chemotherapy to 500 patients whose metastatic, or spreading, cancer had quit responding to prior treatment. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented May 31 at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago, prompting a standing ovation. Those taking daraxonrasib lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients. While that may seem like a small im-

provement, Wainberg said it marked the first drug to show a substantial advantage over chemotherapy. “Having treated pancreatic cancer for 16 years, I actually started crying” when first seeing the study results, Dr. Rachna Shroff of the University of Arizona Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved with the research, said from the ASCO meeting. She was struck by how “patients stayed on this treatment because it was providing durable and meaningful benefit to them.”

Better quality of life

The pills’ effects eventually wane, but recipients used them for significantly longer than the comparison group that stayed on chemotherapy, reporting less pain and a better quality of life as their tumors shrank. Many still were using the drug after the data was analyzed, which Wainberg said means the survival gap may widen as researchers continue tracking them. Dr. Brian Wolpin, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, presented the findings. He said the drug should become “a new standard of care” for previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer, adding that researchers also will explore its use earlier in the disease, including to see if tumor shrinkage might let more patients qualify for surgery.

Side effects most likely to affect pill usage were a rash that can be severe and mouth sores, he said. Daraxonrasib’s developer, Revolution Medicines, funded the study, and the FDA plans to expedite review of the drug. Meanwhile, the agency is allowing what’s called “expanded access” to the experimental drug for patients who meet certain criteria. The drug garnered public attention in April, when former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse described on “60 Minutes” how he’s had less pain while taking it. Oncologists are being flooded with requests as the special access program gets started.

A turning point

Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly forms because it’s hard to detect before it starts spreading to other organs. The American Cancer Society estimates about 67,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, and more than 52,000 people will die from the disease. The fiveyear overall survival rate is 13%. Unlike with other cancers that have benefitted from a variety of chemotherapy alternatives, pancreatic cancer has been harder to tackle. Cancer specialists not involved in the new research expressed optimism that

this may be a turning point in the quest for new options, with dozens of experimental drugs in development. The new drug targets mutations in the RAS gene family that normally regulates cell growth. So-called KRAS mutations are especially critical in fueling pancreatic cancer. But a structure that made it hard for drugs to stick to the mutated proteins meant this cancer driver was long considered “undruggable.” Revolution Medicines’ drug uses what’s essentially a molecular glue to bind with multiple KRAS subtypes. Wainberg said researchers next will probe whether the drug worked better in certain ones of those subtypes. The drug will change pancreatic cancer treatment, said Dr. Andrew Coveler of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved in the research. “This thing works drastically differently,” he said. Wainberg said other drugs in development target specific KRAS subtypes. Other approaches in earlier stages of testing include vaccines designed to prevent recurrence after pancreatic cancer surgery by teaching the immune system to recognize the mutated protein. —AP

How much calcium intake is too much? By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I take a 500 mg calcium supplement ever y morning. I drink about three glasses of milk daily, plus the milk on my breakfast cereal. Is this too much calcium? Is there any danger from taking in more calcium than you need? Can it cause calcium buildup in my heart? A: Yes, you are taking in more calcium than you need to keep your bones and the rest of your body healthy. The current recommendation in the United States is 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day from ages 19 to 50 and then 1,200 mg per day after age 50. However, these amounts are probably more than we actually need. For example, in the United Kingdom, the recommendation is only 700 mg per day. The

World Health Organization says that 500 mg daily is enough. I estimated your calcium intake based on the information you provided. Eight ounces of milk contains 300 mg. Three glasses of milk is 900 mg. You are getting additional calcium from other foods. Adding the 500 mg supplement each day, your total daily consumption of calcium including other food sources is probably more than 1,700 mg per day. Regarding your second question, does ingesting that much calcium adversely affect your health? No definitive answer on that one. Some studies have shown that men who take in very high amounts of calcium have an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer. Other studies suggest that women who ingest high doses of calcium might

have more heart disease and may have a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer. But none of these studies are conclusive. The effect of calcium on the heart and circulatory system is a very interesting question. When fatty deposits build up in our arteries, they pull out calcium from the bloodstream. The calcium gets deposited inside the fatty deposits, and the calcium there makes arteries stiff. The calcium in our blood comes from our bones. There is no evidence that diets very rich in calcium harm the heart. The known danger of taking too much calcium is elevated levels of blood calcium called hypercalcemia. If untreated, this can lead to fatigue, kidney problems and mental confusion. But this is actually quite uncommon, and usually is the result of taking high dose supplements of

both calcium and vitamin D. Unless your doctor specifically recommended the calcium supplement, you probably don’t need it. But be sure you are getting enough vitamin D. I personally recommend a multiple vitamin or a 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement daily. Like calcium, more is not necessarily better. Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium from the intestine into the blood, so a moderate intake of both is best. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, see health.harvard. edu. © 2026 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

FDA panel backs first-of-its-kind flu vaccine By Lauran Neergaard and Matthew Perrone A new kind of flu vaccine moved a step closer to the U.S. market in June, as federal health advisers recommended approval of the first vaccine made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the Covid-19 pandemic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating Moderna’s new shot, dubbed mFlusiva, for older Americans ahead of the winter flu season. Moderna is seeking full approval for the vaccine’s use in people ages 50 to 64 — along with authorization for use in those 65 and older while it conducts additional testing. The FDA’s nine-member independent advisory committee evaluated Moderna’s studies of the vaccine and voted unanimously that its benefits appear to outweigh any risks. Several types of flu vaccines are available in the U.S., including three specifically recommended for people 65 and older. But vaccines made with the Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology are

faster to manufacture than other types — something experts say might help if the shape-shifting flu virus mutates in a way that requires suddenly brewing new doses to match. “Having this technology available puts us in a better position to be prepared for emerging strains in the future,” said Dr. Flor Munoz-Rivas of Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the FDA’s advisers. In a study of 40,000 people age 50 and older, Moderna’s mRNA vaccine reduced flu cases by about 27% compared with those given another routinely used vaccine brand. In a smaller study of people 65 and older, Moderna’s shot also generated a strong protective immune response compared with a high-dose flu vaccine already recommended for that age group. Data showing strong immune reactions “were very compelling,” said FDA adviser Dr. Anna Durbin of Johns Hopkins University, adding that “the vaccine looks ver y promising.” Moderna’s See FLU VACCINE, page 6

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

Don’t leave plastic bags at the curb By Adithi Ramakrishnan Soft, stretchy plastics can make up grocer y bags, bubble wrap and more. They’re impossible to avoid and harder still to properly dispose of. If thrown in the trash, they can take up to hundreds of years to degrade in landfills and release harmful microplastics into the environment. Over 3 million tons of plastic bags, sacks and wraps in the United States went to landfills in 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Grocery bags dumped in curbside recycling bins, on the other hand, can create problems for recycling. “Once they get shredded — or even before — a lot of times they just clog recycling equipment,” said Delaware-based chemical engineering expert Erha Andini. Learning how to manage such plastics,

known as plastic films, is worthwhile, as there likely won’t be a slowdown in production anytime soon: Negotiations for a global plastic treaty have stalled in recent years, with the U.S. and other oil-producing countries resisting any limits on the production of plastics, which are made predominantly from oil. While it’s difficult to live a plastic-free life, there are simple ways to get rid of the most common culprits, as well as other ways you can make a difference. “It’s a problem of volume,” said Gary Dusek, founder of Precious Plastic NYC. “So literally the tiniest thing definitely moves the needle.”

How to identify plastic films

There are many different plastics, from harder kinds like water bottles and takeout containers to softer plastic films. Experts say the best way to describe

plastic films is with examples: bread bags, plastic cereal bags and overwrap for items like toilet paper. To identify a plastic film, you can also look for the classic three-arrow logo with a number inside it. That logo identifies what kind of plastic an object is made of — not whether it’s recyclable in a curbside bin. Many plastic films are labeled with the numbers two or four, meaning they are made of either high or low-density polyethylene. These can be dropped off for recycling at some local grocery or convenience stores. Items without these numbers may be made with multiple kinds of plastic layered together. For example, the plastic wrap that keeps meat fresh at the grocery store, Andini said, can be made of up to five or more film layers, depending on the packaging design. Unfortunately, putting such films in general recycling bins with the hope they’ll end up in the right place — a concept known as wishcycling — can make it harder to process other plastics, so it’s worth considering other options.

Take bags to grocery stores

Instead of trying to put plastic films at the curb, leave them in the specific dropoff bin at a grocery or convenience store. Once dropped off, the bags are given to recyclers who reprocess them into materials for new things like furniture. The company Trex, for instance, makes outdoor decking out of recycled plastic films and has a locator on its website (nextrex.com/view/findadropoff) to find drop-off points by ZIP code. Grocery bags and soft plastics labeled with the numbers two and four are gen-

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Dr. Rituparna Das told panelists that the company’s ability to quickly manufacture mRNA vaccines that closely match the latest flu strains could prevent thousands of hospitalizations in older Americans. If approved, Moderna is planning its required next-step study to include 400,000 people 65 and older. Moderna’s data showed no major safety issues, although the shot did cause

erally accepted at these bins. Before dropping something off, make sure it’s not covered in food residue or too degraded. Such plastics aren’t good candidates for recycling and should go in the trash. Don’t forget to remove stray items like receipts from plastic bags. NOVA Creative Reuse Center in Leesburg, Virginia, repurposes donated bubble wrap for artwork, and Precious Plastic NYC melts plastics to make clipboards and clothes hangers. “All we’re really trying to do is take this stuff out of the environment and put it into something where we know what it is,” Dusek said.

Don’t use some plastic films

If it’s tough to drop plastic films off for recycling, consider reducing your reliance on them. Opt for reusable grocery bags, and avoid plastic packaging where possible. Plastic wrap is an important component of food safety, as it keeps certain products like cucumbers fresh for longer. But it’s still possible to make small swaps, like grabbing individual apples from a grocery stand instead of selecting wrapped bunches. Or use beeswax-coated wraps, which last for years. You can also shop locally and secondhand to avoid the plastic packaging used in shipped products. Or simply reuse those plastic bags stashed under the sink. Use them for multiple grocery runs, for bathroom trash cans, to scoop pet waste or hold wet clothes. Some things may still eventually end up in the trash, and that’s okay. Small swaps and changes are better than nothing, and your local recycling plant will be grateful. —AP some temporary reactions, including injection-site pain, fever, headache, fatigue and aches. The latter reactions are common in a variety of vaccines, but occurred somewhat more often than with today’s flu shots. The FDA said that’s typical of mRNA vaccines. Those temporary reactions can be a signal that “your immune system is responding,” said Dr. Hayley Gans, a Stanford Medicine pediatrician and FDA adviser who stressed it will be important to explain that to vaccine recipients. —AP

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Trust the Home Care Expert With Tom Smith, Regional Manager, Business Development, Family & Nursing Care

Planning a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Vacation with Aging Loved Ones

S

ummer travel offers a wonderful Simple steps can go a long way opportunity to spend time in promoting safety. Request together, create lasting memories, accessible hotel rooms, check for and enjoy a change of scenery. features such as grab bars and When traveling with an aging adequate lighting, and minimize loved one, a little extra planning clutter in living spaces. can help ensure the experience is If your loved one is living with not only enjoyable, but safe and cognitive changes, consider comfortable for everyone involved. bringing familiar items from Whether you are planning a home, such as a favorite blanket weekend getaway or a longer trip, or photos, to create a sense of thoughtful preparation can make comfort in an unfamiliar setting. all the difference. Maintaining a consistent daily rhythm can also help reduce Plan Ahead for Health anxiety and disorientation. and Comfort Before traveling, take time to The Value of Traveling with consider your loved one’s specific a Caregiver For many families, one of needs and preferences. Review the most effective ways to medications and pack more than ensure a smooth trip is to have enough for the duration of the a professional caregiver travel trip, along with a current list alongside their loved one. A of prescriptions and important caregiver can provide handsmedical information. If your on assistance with personal loved one uses mobility aids care, mobility, and medication such as a walker or wheelchair, reminders, while also offering confirm that transportation and companionship and reassurance accommodations can support throughout the journey. those needs. “Travel should be an opportunity It is also helpful to schedule travel for families to connect and enjoy during times of day when your loved one typically feels their best, time together, not a source of and to build in time for rest breaks stress,” said Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services at along the way. Choosing familiar Family & Nursing Care. “Having a foods, staying hydrated, and dedicated caregiver present allows maintaining elements of a regular routine can help reduce stress and clients to travel more safely and comfortably, while giving families support overall well-being. peace of mind and the ability to Prepare for Safety Along fully enjoy the experience.” the Way Travel often introduces new Flexible Support Wherever environments, which can increase You Are Care needs do not pause when the risk of falls or confusion.

you leave home. Having access to reliable, flexible support can help ensure continuity, whether you are traveling locally or long-distance. At Family & Nursing Care, we can arrange for experienced caregivers to accompany clients on trips, offering the same high level of support they receive at home. Our team is available 24/7/365 to help coordinate care that fits your plans ahead and prioritizing safety, and preferences. comfort, and flexibility, you can Making the Most of Time focus on what matters most: Together spending meaningful time together. With the right preparation and To learn more about how support in place, summer travel Family & Nursing Care can can be a positive and enriching support your travel plans, call experience for both older adults 410-697-8200 or visit our website and their families. By planning at familynursingcare.com.

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Health Studies

AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Hopkins study focuses on overcoming pain By Margaret Foster Old age doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. “As you grow older, you’re expected to stop doing the things you love. That’s definitely a myth — it’s not a normal part of aging,” said Janiece Taylor, Ph.D., principal investigator of a new study at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing focused on pain and depression. The study, Strength and Pain-Coping Through Resilience and Knowledge (SPARK), is testing ways to improve the lives of older adults who are living with pain and depression. “This study gives people the tools that they didn’t necessarily know about to try to address their pain and be able to take

control of it,” Taylor said. Like the chicken and the egg, pain and depression are closely intertwined. “When somebody has depression, the body can also feel pain, and vice versa. When somebody has chronic pain, that can lead to depression,” she said. After all, she said, “when someone is living with chronic pain every day, and they can’t do what they want to do, it’s going to affect their mood.”

Pain for three months

If pain has prevented you from doing at least one activity for at least three months, you may be eligible for the SPARK study. People over 45 who feel depressed (no official diagnosis necessary) and have mo-

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bility problems can sign up for the study, which is conducted at home. A registered nurse will visit once a week for eight weeks to walk participants through a few ways to alleviate their chronic pain and perhaps boost their mood. For example, they might show them how to safely exercise at home and how to use heating pads or ice packs more effectively. “The visits fit around their schedule, so if they’re working or if they need early-morning or late-night [appointments], a nurse will work around their schedule,” Taylor noted. Her team will keep in touch with participants for six months to see if symptoms have improved. They’ll follow up by phone.

Overcoming a stigma

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Research Studying Pain and Mood

One of the other things they’ll discuss during the eight visits is how to talk to a doctor about mood problems. “Those things don’t really get touched on too much, so the nurse is helping empower them to be able to talk about these things with their provider as well,” Taylor said. “A lot of older adults don’t talk about their mood because there’s a stigma as-

sociated with that, and this is a safe place to have those conversations.”

Way to help others

People who participate in this Hopkins study can help researchers learn how to help other people who suffer from chronic pain. “Participating in this study is helping contribute to the knowledge about pain management for community dwelling adults middle-aged and older,” Taylor said. “Pain is one of the most disabling conditions, and it’s one of the most expensive conditions for our healthcare system, so studies like this give us knowledge about what we can be doing, and what we’re not doing,” she said. Taylor’s team has seen positive results in participants’ lives already. Some people have been able to do what they love again — to crochet, for example, or attend concerts. “We’ve seen people physically get better and be able to do more things, as well as socially,” Taylor said. For more information about the SPARK study, email SparkStudy@jh.edu or call (443) 228-6899.

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The real benefits of counting steps By Mackenzie Long Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve read so much about the health benefits of tracking my steps. But there’s a lot of confusing information out there. How many is the right number? Are some “steps” better for you than others? Please help. A: Whether you’re tracking steps with your phone, a smartwatch or an oldschool pedometer, the result is the same: you’ll have a good indicator of how much you’re moving during the day. The best device for you is the one you’ll use. With many devices, you can set up alerts and goals that remind you to move. And that’s what counts. The ultimate goal is to move 150 minutes per week.

• Reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes Walking also has been shown to: • Improve sleep • Slow mental decline • Lower the risk of dementia • Reduce the risk of some cancers • Help you lead a longer life • Maintain independent living into older age If you’re on a medically assisted weightloss journey, whether that’s bariatric surgery or a GLP-1 drug, being physically active will help burn calories, build strength, maintain muscle mass and bone density, and promote sustainable weight loss. It also can help medications work better.

Reaping the benefits

Tracking steps

You’re right about the health benefits of getting in your steps. In addition to keeping you strong and active, walking can help you: • Control your blood pressure • Lose or maintain weight • Improve balance and coordination • Increase core strength • Manage stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins • Manage your diabetes • Reduce the risk of a heart attack

Is there a magic number of steps for reaping these health benefits? Research has shown that 10,000 steps a day can lead to reductions in premature death, with a majority of that reduction happening between 4,000 and 8,000 steps. After 10,000, you’ll still see benefits, but they start to plateau. How you get your steps doesn’t really matter. Walking has a cumulative effect on your body across your day. So, whether you walk your dog for 15 min-

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utes in the morning and 15 minutes at night, go for a brisk 30-minute walk or spend an hour moving around the house or working in the yard, those steps all count.

Getting started

The best way to start tracking your steps is to take it slow and steady. Listen to your body — it will tell you whether you’re trying to do too much. Work more steps into your day by

parking farther away from entrances, walking in place while you’re waiting for the timer on the microwave to go off, and making multiple trips to bring in packages or groceries rather than loading up in just one. You could even buy a walking pad to use while watching TV.

Setting the pace

When you’re advised to go for a brisk See COUNTING STEPS, page 10

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

How AI helped a musician with Parkinson’s By Mustakim Hasnath Samuel Smith spent years writing songs with a guitar in his hands. Now, the London-based singer-songwriter is using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help him continue making music after Parkinson’s disease largely took away his ability to play guitar. Smith, who was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 2020, recently released his second album, The Art of Letting Go. For one of the eight tracks, an instrumental piece titled “Horizon,” he relied on platforms that use AI to generate music to create demo arrangements that would convey his vision to the musicians who then recorded the song. The demos he created by humming rough melodies into his phone and uploading the recordings into song generators like Suno and Udio weren’t for mixing into the final studio version of “Horizon,” Smith stressed. But tremors, stiffness and fatigue, which are common symptoms of Parkin-

son’s, caused his guitar skills to deteriorate during the more than a year he worked on the album, he said. “So then I’m faced with a question,” Smith, 49, said. “‘Don’t play, don’t be creative, or find a way out, find a route.’ And for me, this was the route.”

Industry pushback

Generative AI has divided the music industry, whose artists and record labels have complained of their copyrighted work being used to train the models behind AI-powered music tools. Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Records sued Suno and Udio in June 2024, although Universal later reached a settlement and partnership deal with Udio, and Warner did the same with Suno. Less discussed is what those AI platforms can do when employed by a serious musician like Smith, whose disease affects the tools central to his songwriting and identity as a guitarist: his hands. He released his debut album, In the

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Springtime, in 2023, saying he wanted to give his two sons a way to remember when he could perform and record music himself. “I’d always written, I’d also played, I always sung,” he said. “And immediately it became clear to me that I was in trouble, that my music was going to be seriously compromised.”

The problem with AI

AI music generators use systems trained on large datasets of recorded music and audio. The platforms analyze patterns in melody, harmony and rhythm before generating new audio based on prompts or uploaded recordings. Users don’t need musical talent to end up with a serviceable song, or even a popular one. Smith uses AI a bit differently. He hums a song into his phone, uploads the recording, then prompts AI, describing instrumentation, mood and style. “AI is not replacing anything for me,” he said. “It’s unlocking; it’s enabling. It’s allowing me to keep writing. I upload my lyrics; AI doesn’t create my lyrics. I upload my music; AI does not create my music.”

Counting steps From page 9

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Ongoing smell loss may be one of the most important signals of brain health as we age. A new study from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is exploring this link. We’re calling on everyone with and without Parkinson’s to request a simple scratch-and-sniff test and contribute to important research. Request Request your your test test at at 877-525-PPMI (7764) mysmelltest.org/beacon or scan the QR code. or scan the QR code.

walk, what does that mean? “Brisk” is different for everyone. The average walking speed to aim for is 3 to 3.5 mph, which a device can help you measure. The “talk test” is an easy way to identify a proper intensity. If you’re able to talk but find it difficult to carry on a full conversation, that’s “brisk” for you. New research indicates that brisk walking can boost brain function and

He added: “It then brings it to life in a way that I can play to session players and say, ‘Here, that’s what I’m thinking, that is what I’m hearing.’” Despite the progression of his disease, Smith recently managed to play a guitar duet with his friend. “I hadn’t been able to play for months, but I kept telling myself that if I wrote something to take to the studio, perhaps the clouds would part for a few minutes,” Smith said. “That’s what happened. I had a window of about 10 minutes in the studio when my arm freed up. ... So in the end, I was able to capture the last breath of my guitar playing.” Smith said he thinks his experience demonstrated how AI could benefit society and expand creative access, if it’s developed responsibly. “If these companies want to show they’ve got a place, a role in society, then step up,” Smith said. “Engage with health professionals, engage with music therapists, engage with society — and show us what you can do.” —AP well-being, as well as physical health. However, walking slowly is better than not walking at all. Even if you’re able to get in a little bit of walking every day, your body responds to this exercise, and you gain the benefits. —Mackenzie Long, Physical Therapy/ Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse and Onalaska, Wisconsin © 2026 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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How to protect your vision right now

By Feature Impact As you get older, your risk for some eye diseases may increase. However, there are steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy — and it starts with taking care of your overall health. Set yourself up for a lifetime of seeing your best with these eight tips from the experts at the National Eye Institute: 1. Find an eye doctor you trust: Many eye diseases don’t have any early symptoms, so you could have a problem and not know it. An eye doctor can help you stay on top of your eye health. Find an eye doctor you trust by asking friends and family if they like their doctors. You can also check with your health insurance plan to find eye doctors near you. 2. Ask how often you need a dilated eye exam: Getting a dilated eye exam is the single best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to find eye diseases early, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss. Your eye doctor will decide how often you need an exam based on your risk for eye diseases. 3. Move more: Physical activity can lower your risk for health conditions that can affect your vision, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

If you have trouble finding time for physical activity, try building it into other activities. Walk around while you’re on the phone, do push-ups or stretch while you watch TV or dance while you’re doing chores. Anything that gets your heart pumping counts. 4. Get your family talking about eye health histor y: Some eye diseases — like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration — can run in families. The next time you’re chatting with relatives, ask if anyone knows about eye problems in your family. Be sure to share what you learn with your eye doctor to see if you need to take steps to lower your risk. 5. Step up your healthy eating game: Eating healthy foods helps prevent health conditions — like diabetes or high blood pressure — that can put you at risk for eye problems. Eat right for your sight by adding more eye-healthy foods to your plate, such as dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like halibut, salmon or tuna. 6. Make a habit of wearing your sunglasses, even on cloudy days: The sun’s UV rays can harm your skin, and the same goes for your eyes. However,

wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation can protect your eyes and lower your risk for cataracts. Look for ones labeled “UV400” or “100% UV Protection.” 7. Stay on top of long-term health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure: Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk for some eye diseases, like glaucoma. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask your doctor about steps you can take

to manage your condition and lower your risk of vision loss. 8. If you smoke, make a plan to quit: Quitting smoking is good for your entire body, including your eyes. Kicking the habit can help lower your risk for eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Quitting smoking is hard, but it’s possible — and a plan can help. Test your eye health knowledge with a quick quiz and find more vision resources at nei.nih.gov/hvm.

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

The Mediterranean diet is good for your heart By Janet McCann Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve read that following the Mediterranean diet is good for your heart, but I’m not quite sure why. Could you fill me in? A: Extensive research over the years continues to pinpoint the Mediterranean diet as one of the best for your heart. Why? It helps reduce chronic inflammation in the body. Not all inflammation is bad, but once it becomes chronic, it can lead to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancer. One of the main risk factors for chronic inflammation is a high-fat, highsugar diet. The Mediterranean diet is the opposite of that. And the best part is that eating healthy with the Mediterranean diet feels more like eating and living well. Basically, it’s a model eating plan for good health. Built around plant-based foods, the Mediterranean diet: • Replaces harmful fats with healthy, monounsaturated fats, which have been found to lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels. • Includes food rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that help reduce inflammation in the arteries. • Supports healthy blood pressure by

emphasizing potassium-rich foods and decreasing salt intake. • Promotes whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber, support gut health and reduce blood sugar fluctuations. • Encourages healthy weight because it focuses on nutrient-dense, satisfying foods that naturally curb overeating.

Change up what you eat

If you’re interested in trying the Mediterranean diet, these tips will help you get started: • Aim for two to three servings of fruit and four or more servings of vegetables daily. Expand your fruit and vegetable horizons with pomegranates, figs, grapes, peaches, nectarines, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard and mustard greens. Wander through a farmers market for local choices. Swap in fruits and veggies when you’re craving a snack. • Opt for whole grains. Switch to 100% whole-grain bread, cereal and pasta. Experiment with whole grains, such as bulgur and farro. • Add in nuts and seeds. These foods are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats. Try to eat four ¼-cup servings of raw or unsalted nuts and seeds per week. • Use healthy fats. When cooking,

use olive, avocado or grapeseed oil instead of butter. Rather than putting butter or margarine on bread, try dipping it in flavored olive oil. • Eat fish twice a week. Fresh or water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and herring, along with seafood such as shrimp, crab and mussels, are high in healthy omega-3 fats. Grill, steam or bake fish and seafood rather than frying it. [Ed. Note: Choose fish, not supplements. According to recent studies, fish-oil supplements may increase the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation.] • Reduce red meat. Substitute fish, poultry, eggs, beans or lentils for red meat. If you eat red meat, make sure it’s lean, keep portions small — usually about 3 ounces of cooked meat — and eat it sparingly. • Don’t forget dairy. Eat low-fat Greek or plain yogurt, cottage cheese, milk and a variety of soft cheeses. Try cheeses made from goat or sheep milk, such as chèvre and feta. Stir fresh or frozen fruit into yogurt to avoid added sugars. • Spice it up. Herbs and spices boost flavor and lessen the need for salt. • Go easy on wine and alcohol. While red wine is often a choice in the Mediterranean diet, it’s optional. If you do drink wine or alcohol, limit your intake to one glass or less each day. Remember to include water, since it’s the best fluid for your body.

Modify your lifestyle

While much of the Mediterranean diet

revolves around healthy eating, a large part includes slowing down and savoring life — something most of us can benefit from for our well-being and mental health. The basics of Mediterranean-style eating include: • Sitting down at the table for at least two lunches or dinners per week • Taking time over the meal, not eating and running • Eating with friends and family • Engaging in physical activity with a goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week Plenty of eating plans are out there, but the Mediterranean diet is a holistic approach that encompasses healthy, delicious food and lifestyle choices that promote well-being. Many people who switch to this style of eating say they’ll never eat any other way again. For more information, talk to your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian nutritionist. —Janet McCann, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2026 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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13

Could it be a panic attack or something else? A panic attack can feel terrifying. Your nose), stimulant medications (Adderall heart races. Your chest tightens. You and Ritalin), thyroid meds that are dosed may feel dizzy, shaky, sweaty, too high, prednisone or detached or suddenly conother steroids, energy vinced something is terribly drinks, fasting, poor sleep or wrong. taking too many stimulating Many people end up in the supplements together. emergency room, certain I’ve also seen nutrient defithey’re having a heart attack. ciencies quietly contribute. Well, sometimes they are! Low magnesium is a big one. Never dismiss chest pain, Magnesium helps regulate shortness of breath, fainting, your nervous system and one-sided weakness, severe make you relaxed. It helps palpitations or sudden neuro- DEAR with muscles by relaxing logic symptoms. Get checked PHARMACIST them; that’s why leg cramps By Suzy Cohen out. respond to mag. But when Once serious conditions levels run low (like if you are ruled out, you may be shocked to drink caffeine beverages), you’ll eventulearn that panic attacks can mimic major ally start to feel more irritable, tense, medical problems almost perfectly. wired, restless and more prone to palpitaAs a pharmacist and author, I’ve spent tions and cramping. years talking with people who thought Blood sugar instability can play a role they were “losing it” after a panic attack. too. If glucose suddenly drops, your body Unlike some practitioners out there, I releases adrenaline to rescue you. That disagree: Panic attacks are not purely surge can feel exactly like panic. So can psychological. There is biology under- hormone fluctuations, especially during neath that is driving these symptoms. perimenopause, when cortisol and estrogen behave erratically. How about modern life? We are overCheck your medications I’ve seen people become jittery from stimulated constantly. We can’t get away excessive caf feine, decongestants from the noise of things anymore: video (things like pseudoephedrine for a stuffy doorbell alerts, home monitor alerts, pings

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Sometimes the best support starts with basics that sound almost too simple, like getting adequate sleep, drinking more fluids, eating more protein and leafy greens, which are rich in magnesium, consuming less caffeine and practicing breathing exercises. Sunshine wouldn’t hurt. Notice when you’re getting riled up. Do your best to interrupt catastrophic See DEAR PHARMACIST, page 14

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What is tick-triggered alpha-gal syndrome? By Matthew Perrone It’s common knowledge that ticks can spread infections that cause serious illnesses, including Lyme disease. Now health officials are trying to raise awareness of a lesser-known problem: a life-threatening allergy to meat triggered by tick bites. The problem, known as alpha-gal syndrome, was first linked to a particular species of ticks about 15 years ago. But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy. (The allergy doesn’t impact consumption of seafood, eggs or poultry.) For years, the standard treatment has involved avoiding foods that come from cows, pigs and lambs as well as carrying an epinephrine injector in case of medical emergency. But regulators recently approved the first drug for the condition, and more therapies may be on the way. Here’s what to know about alpha-gal

syndrome:

Dear Pharmacist

I also encourage people to review medications and supplements with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner because sometimes the “cause” is hiding in plain sight. If you’d like to read my longer article

From page 13

thinking patterns before they spiral, or step away from people who annoy you.

What causes it?

Unlike other tick-borne illnesses, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, alpha-gal syndrome isn’t caused by a bacteria or a virus. Instead, it occurs when the human immune system triggers an allergic response to a type of sugar, known as alpha-gal. Alpha-gal is found in the meat of most mammals, but not in humans or other primates. It’s also found in the saliva of certain ticks. When eaten, the sugar is normally harmless. But when ticks bite through the skin, they can introduce the sugar directly into the bloodstream. That triggers the development of antibodies — immune system proteins that fight off foreign invaders — that identify and attack alpha-gal sugar molecules. People who develop the antibodies will often experience a strong allergic reaction a few hours after consuming meat or

dairy. But it can take weeks or months for the problem to develop, with the severity of symptoms increasing over time.

Roughly 450,000 Americans are estimated to have developed the allergy, according to a 2023 CDC study.

Why are more people diagnosed?

When should you get tested?

Experts point to increased awareness among health professionals and the public. “More people have learned about it and are on the watch for this syndrome,” said Maria Diuk-Wasser, a Columbia University researcher who studies tickborne diseases. But rising cases also reflect the expanding habitat range of the lone star tick, the primary source of the condition in the U.S. Often identifiable by a white dot on its back, the lone star tick is most common in the eastern and southern U.S. But in recent years it’s been reported in new parts of the country, including the Great Lakes region and as far north as Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Researchers worry that other types of ticks, including blacklegged ticks, may also increasingly spread the condition. with more root causes, medication triggers, natural remedies and calming strategies, visit my website and sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose

People usually seek medical attention after experiencing worrisome symptoms, including hives, dizziness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or eyelids. Some people may only experience digestive issues, including diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. Doctors diagnose the allergy based on results from a blood test, symptoms and other details reported by the patient, including whether they recall any recent bug bites. The blood test detects the presence of alpha-gal antibodies, but sometimes the test can be wrong. “The blood test in and of itself is great, but you can’t rely on that just for diagnosis. You need the actual symptoms too,” See TICKS, page 15

your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

Cool down with chilled corn soup

Ticks

From page 14 said Dr. Scott Commins, an alpha-gal syndrome researcher at the University of North Carolina. “In the allergy world, we have a lot of trouble with false positives on blood tests.”

Which foods are off limits?

Doctors generally advise patients to avoid beef, pork, lamb and other meats from mammals. Some people are still able to consume dairy products from these animals, including milk, cheese and butter. Those with particularly severe reactions may need to avoid foods made with other animal byproducts such as gelatin, which is found in marshmallows and gummy bears.

How long does it last?

The allergy can fade away in some people after several years. Commins has seen that

soups usually need more seasoning, since the chilling process reduces the flavor.

Sunny Summer Soup Serves 6 to 8 Ingredients: 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 medium ears) 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes or 1 large yellow tomato, stemmed and coarsely chopped 1 sweet yellow pepper, seeded and diced into half-inch pieces 3 tablespoons olive oil 6 scallions, white and light green part only, finely chopped 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 6 basil leaves ¼ cup whipping or heavy cream Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon hot pepper oil To garnish: ½ cup sour cream Extra basil leaves, finely chopped; add just before serving to avoid darkening Directions: happen in about 15% to 20% of his patients. As for treatments, in 2024, the FDA approved an injectable drug called Xolair for a variety of food allergies, including alpha-gal syndrome. The drug doesn’t reverse the condition but helps reduce severe allergic reactions after accidental exposure to meat. The drug was first approved more than 20 years ago for patients with hard-tocontrol asthma. It works by reducing the release of biological chemicals that cause inflammation and other allergic reactions. Commins and other researchers hope to study other previously approved drugs as new options for patients. “There are certain [biologic drugs] out there nowadays that interfere with the allergic signaling,” Commins said. “We think that if you were on one of those — or if you got one quickly enough after a tick bite — perhaps it could interfere with the entire allergic response process.” —AP

Seeking Public Policy Volunteers The University of Maryland’s Legacy Leadership Institute on Public Policy, in partnership with the State of Maryland, is looking for volunteers aged 50+ to serve as volunteer legislative leaders during the 2026-2027 legislative session of

1. Reserve ¼ cup corn, 2 tablespoons diced yellow pepper and ¼ cup tomatoes. Immerse the reserved corn and yellow pepper in a saucepan of boiling water for about 2 minutes. Drain, chill and reserve with the tomatoes. 2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add scallions and sauté until slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining tomatoes, yellow peppers and corn to the pan and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer slowly, uncovered, for about Fresh corn, yellow tomatoes and yellow bell peppers 10 minutes. Remove the basil give this soup a golden glow. leaves. 3. Puree the soup in the pan with a hand blender or in batches in and garnish with sour cream, tomatoes, a blender or food processor fitted with a yellow pepper, corn and chopped basil. steel blade. Transfer to a bowl. (For a Diane Rossen Worthington is an authorsmooth consistency if desired, pass ity on new American cooking. She is the through a food mill or strainer into a author of 18 cookbooks, including Seribowl, pressing through to get all the es- ously Simple Parties, and a James Beard sence.) Add the cream, seasonings and Award-winning radio show host. You can hot pepper oil. Taste for seasoning. Chill contact her at seriouslysimple.com. for at least three hours. © 2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Dis4. To serve: Pour the soup into bowls tributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. PHOTO COURTESY OF TCA LLC

By Diane Rossen Worthington Chilled soups are light, flavorful, refreshing and simple to prepare. They can be made well in advance to allow them to chill properly. This means that you can prepare your soup early in the day (when it’s cooler in the kitchen) or even the day before, a real boon to the summer cook. And best of all, these soups cool us off when the temperatures are crazy hot. This bright soup tastes like pure summertime with its fresh just-picked corn, golden yellow sweet peppers and yellow cherry tomatoes. Yellow tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than their red cousins. If you can’t find yellow tomatoes, use the red variety and sweet red peppers for an equally delicious variation. I like to garnish a soup with an interesting topping. Feel free to decorate as you wish. Try corn kernels or chopped tomatoes on top, or add some chopped green basil leaves for a pretty contrast. Remember to adjust the seasonings of the soup once it has been chilled. Cold

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the Maryland General Assembly. The twelve-week classroom training (two days per week) begins on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and ends on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026. Classes will be held at the University of Maryland Extension, 8930 Stanford Blvd, Suite 25, Columbia, Maryland 21045. The volunteer assignment will be at the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis.

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Participants will serve a minimum of two (2) days per week with a legislator’s

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

“I couldn’t afford retirement without Social Security.” Steve

I count on the Social Security I earned. And I vote. As prices for groceries, housing and health care soar, the Social Security millions of older Americans count on is more important than ever. It’s money they earned after a lifetime of hard work, and AARP will never stop fighting to protect it. Social Security is one of the most successful initiatives in America’s history. But it faces a funding gap that Congress must fix in the next few years to keep Social Security strong. Join us to stand up for Social Security in the upcoming election.

Be a Social Security voter. aarp.org/SocialSecurityVoter facebook.com/AARP | @AARP | aarp.org Paid for by AARP

Makes a great gift!

GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

PHOTO BY PIXABAY

Money Law &

17

Thinking about getting married again? See story on page 18.

What this year’s Medicare changes mean By Liz Seegert If you’re among the roughly 70 million people who get health coverage through Medicare, the federal insurance program for people age 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, you’re probably already aware of some of the big changes to the system in 2026 — changes that have hit budgets hard. This year’s 9.7% jump in premiums for Part B, which covers outpatient care, was the biggest increase in four years and eats up more than 25% of this year’s 2.8% annual inflation adjustment for Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, cost pressures have caused some Medicare Advantage plans sold by private insurers to scale back extra benefits, such as dental, vision and hearing coverage, or eliminate others, such as allowances for transportation and over-the-counter purchases. In some cases, private insurers have shut down plans or exited markets entirely.

Those headline-grabbing shifts, however, aren’t the only big changes to Medicare this year — and not all of the developments hurt your bottom line. You may benefit from new policies regarding drug pricing and telehealth services. But the new requirements for prior authorization in some areas and possible further shake-ups to Advantage plans? Not so much. “There’s a lot to think about and a lot to compare, and it can just be really overwhelming,” says Lindsey Copeland, director for federal policy at the Medicare Rights Center. Here’s the lowdown on this year’s Medicare changes.

Some drugs are getting cheaper

New, lower prices went into effect on Jan. 1 for 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D, the first price reductions to be negotiated by Medicare directly with pharmaceutical companies under a landmark pro-

vision in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The medications include blood thinners Eliquis and Xarelto, diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia, and heart-failure treatment Entresto. The nearly 9 million Part D beneficiaries who take these drugs will pay about 50% less on average than in 2025, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). But individual savings will depend on the particular drug and drug plan, and could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, says Gerard Anderson, a professor in the department of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Lower, negotiated prices on an additional 15 drugs, including the diabetes and weight-loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy, will go into effect in 2027. A third round of negotiations, announced in January, will cover 15 more drugs, including Botox (to treat migraines

and muscle conditions, not for cosmetic purposes), the GLP-1 diabetes drug Trulicity, and several cancer medications. Those prices will take effect in 2028. What to do: If you have diabetes or another condition commonly treated by drugs whose prices have been negotiated by Medicare, but your particular medication is not among them, ask your doctor if it would be appropriate for you to switch to one that is. You could save a bundle.

Telehealth is sticking around

During the pandemic, telehealth became more widely available, but those benefits have been on the government’s chopping block recently. In February, Congress extended key provisions through 2027. These include allowing beneficiaries to receive services at home by video and audio, regardless of geographic location; audio-only visits See MEDICARE, page 19

Invest in equities rather than bonds

As a conservative investor, I generally Until inflation rates decrease — and maintain a 50/50 ratio of equities and bonds I doubt they will fall dramatically anyin my portfolio. I have recently time soon — I think it makes increased the percentage of sense to increase the perequities in my portfolio. centage of equities in your Because I am well past 73 portfolio and reduce the perand still have some tradicentage of long-term bonds. tional (non-Roth) IRAs in my That’s what I have been portfolio, I do have to take doing. annual required minimum As I have said many times distributions (RMDs). in my column, I invest the eqWhen I take RMDs in uity portion in my portfolio 2026, I have taken withdraw- SAVINGS GAME mainly in diversified index als primarily from the bond By Elliot Raphaelson funds (an example is an S&P and target funds portion of index fund). That has worked my portfolio. When I do this, the result is for me on a long-term basis, and I don’t exthat I increase the proportion of equities pect to change my investment philosophy. in my portfolio, and reduce the percentOver the last year, my portfolio has inage of bonds. creased over 15%. The bond portion of Because of the current high inflation in my portfolio, which was almost 50% of the U.S., which is unlikely to change very the portfolio, has increased slightly more much in the near future, I think it makes than 8% over the last 12 months. sense to increase the percentage of equiIn previous columns, I have recomties (common stock) in my portfolio. When mended the Vanguard Dividend Apprecilong-term interest rates increase, which ation Index Fund (VDADX), which inthey have recently, the value of long-term vests in companies that pay high divibonds in your portfolio falls in price. dends and have a history of increasing

them. I have invested in this fund for more than 15 years. The return over the last year was an increase of 21.6%. I always reinvest dividends from this fund and avoid making any withdrawals as part of my required RMDs. Vanguard has indicated that over the last 10 years, the fund has had an annual average increase of 13.19%. Morningstar consistently gives the fund an excellent rating. For many years I have only invested in U.S.-based equities, because their returns on average have been higher than those for overseas equities. However, this situation has been reversed. As a result, I have become more diversified and now invest approximately 10% in overseas equity funds that have had better returns. Many investment advisers have recently recommended that investors consider investing 90% of their portfolios in equities and the remaining 10% in bonds or money-market funds. I think this is an extreme position, and I would not recommend this allocation except for investors who are many years from retirement.

I have always recommended that investors maintain a small percentage of their portfolios in safe investments, such as money-market funds, that are immediately liquid but that also pay reasonable returns. For example, I also maintain some funds (less than 3%) in a Vanguard money market fund that currently earns 3.61%, that are immediately liquid — even more so than one-year CDs, which currently pay approximately 4%. Bottom line: As long as inflation rates remain high — and, in the short run, I think that will be the case — you may want to consider increasing the percentage of your portfolio in equities, as opposed to long-term bonds. The federal reserve is unlikely to reduce interest rates in the short term. If they decide to increase interest rates, rather than decrease them, equities should continue to do better than bonds. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2026 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

Calculating the true cost of marriage

Q: My boyfriend of four years has A: Congratulations on getting out of a asked me to marry him. I love him and difficult marriage and re-establishing your want to be in this relationfinancial footing. Plus, you’ve ship with him forever, but found love again! I’m worried about finances You’ve asked about marfor each of us in the future. riage, but I’d be remiss if I It has taken me a long didn’t note that because you time to be financially staand your partner are living toble. I was married for 30 gether, you should have a leyears; my now ex-husband gally binding cohabitation destroyed our credit, and LOVE AFTER 50 agreement. More on that later. we wound up losing our By Laura Stassi Some people don’t care home to bankruptcy. whether marriage makes fiMy boyfriend and I live together in a nancial sense. Instead, it’s their ultimate rental; we each make about the same expression of a romantic commitment or amount of money and split all the bills. a spiritual, religious or moral imperative. We’re completely transparent about fi- Others, like you, don’t see how marriage nances. I don’t see how marriage could change anything. would change anything in our already Well, it may not have an impact on very strong relationship. your emotional connection and relation—Stacy, Wisconsin ship longevity but it could, indeed, have

a significant impact on your finances, for better or worse. On the plus side: Married couples enjoy more than 1,100 tax breaks, benefits and protections that unwed couples do not. (That’s according to the civil rights advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.) For example, only a spouse can claim survivor benefits on some types of pensions; an unwed partner cannot. On the negative side: In communityproperty states (and Wisconsin is one of them) both spouses are equally responsible for debts accumulated during the marriage. That means an ailing spouse’s health, medical and long-term care debt could have a devastating financial impact on the healthy spouse. Unfortunately, this happens often enough that there’s an expression for otherwise loving couples who split up to pro-

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tect the couple’s assets: “medical divorce.” (That way, the ailing spouse, with no assets or income, becomes eligible for Medicaid.) It might be a good idea to seek out the services of a fee-only certified financial planner (CFP). A CFP takes a deep dive into a couple’s respective tax brackets, retirement accounts, assets and obligations, among other factors, and then presents long-term strategies. Through this, you’ll get a clear understanding of what it means financially, now and into the future, to walk down the aisle. In the end, though, it’s a personal decision, which leads me to a cohabitation agreement. A cohab agreement puts protections in place while officially spelling out the financial living arrangements you and your partner have made. It also addresses the unexpected. If one of you decides to move out before the lease is up, for example, is there recompense for the other? Can’t imagine something like this ever happening in your current relationship? Consider what Alexandria, Virginiabased CFP Colette Kolanko told me for a Dating While Gray episode: “I think it’s fabulous that people can find each other after they’ve gone through trials and tribulations,” she said. “But to make sure that it remains a strong relationship, you want to put in safeguards,” such as a cohabitation agreement. A CFP doesn’t write the agreement but works collaboratively with a family law attorney to establish one. The process might sound like a hassle, and that reminds me of a scene from one of my favorite TV shows, “Shrinking.” Harrison Ford’s character, Paul, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He’s fallen in love with his physician, Julie (Wendie Malick). Happily living together and with no plans to wed, Paul and Julie are working with an attorney to get all the necessary paperwork in place for medical decision-making. Their attorney remarks there’d be a lot less paperwork if they simply got married. (Spoiler alert: They do!) So maybe start with a cohabitation agreement, Stacy, and it can turn into a prenuptial agreement if you ever decide you really do want to put a ring on it. Speaking of prenups, that’s the subject of next month’s column. Laura Stassi is host of the podcast Dating While Gray: The Grown-Up’s Guide to Love, Sex and Relationships and author of Romance Redux: Finding Love in Your Later Years. Send your questions to newloveafter50@gmail.com.

To subscribe, see page 36.

Makes a great gift!

GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

Medicare From page 17

for those who can’t use video; and expanded coverage for remote care by physical and occupational therapists and other health providers. What to do: Ask your doctor’s office which appointments can be handled through telehealth, such as test result reviews or medication check-ins.

Advantage plans could become more restrictive

In January, the Trump administration issued a proposal to keep reimbursement rates to Medicare Advantage insurers nearly flat next year, compared with the 4% to 6% boost insurers had anticipated. The news prompted dire warnings about the possible impact on enrollees. “Flat program funding at a time of sharply rising medical costs and high utilization of care will impact seniors’ coverage,” said Chris Bond, a spokesperson for AHIP, the national health insurance trade organization, in a statement at the time. “If finalized, this proposal could result in benefit cuts and higher costs for 35 million seniors and people with disabilities when they renew their Medicare Advantage coverage in October 2026,” Bond said. In early April, CMS announced the reimbursement rate had been finalized at 2.48%, higher than the initial 0.09% proposal, but probably not high enough to prevent changes in some plans for 2027. What to do: If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, carefully review the “annual notice of change” you get this fall for any adjustments to premiums, deductibles, co-pays and benefits. That will give you time to consider alternatives before open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. If you sign up for an Advantage plan but then have second thoughts, you can switch to a different plan or to original Medicare during open enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FIND LOST RETIREMENT BENEFITS

A new U.S. Department of Labor database, created under the SECURE 2.0 Act, may help locate unclaimed retirement benefits from former employers. The Retirement Savings Lost and Found (RSLF) database includes information submitted by plan administrators on separated vested participants age 65+ and potential survivor benefits. To search, visit login.gov and enter your legal name, birth date, Social Security number and ID. For help, contact the Pension Rights Center at pensionrights.org or visit pensionhelp.org for free legal assistance.

19

18 Medicare freebies Many Medicare enrollees are shocked to discover how many benefits come with zero, or almost zero, out-ofpocket cost, including: 1. Yearly wellness visit 2. Seasonal vaccines 3. Alcohol counseling 4. Treatment for opioid use 5. Colorectal screenings 6. Cardiovascular screenings 7. Depression screenings 8. Yearly mammograms 9. Diabetes screenings 10. Lung cancer screenings 11. Yearly prostate cancer screenings 12. Nutrition services 13. Bone density tests 14. Cervical cancer screening 15. Obesity screening and

counseling 16. Sexually transmitted infection screening 17. Hepatitis C screening 18. Other services and items In specific cases, Medicare will also cover the costs of these services or items: • Home health services (Part A): If you’re homebound, periodic skilled nursing, physical therapy or other services can be performed at your home at no cost if medically necessary. • Hospice care (Part A): Hospice care is covered at no cost for terminal illness (6 months or less prognosis). You might have to pay small copays for drugs or respite care. • Clinical lab services: Certain lab tests, such as blood tests or urinalysis, if ordered by a doctor, are covered at

no cost to you under Part B.

What Medicare doesn’t cover

Medicare covers most healthcare needs for older Americans, but some things aren’t part of the program, such as: 1. Most routine dental care 2. Routine eye exams and glasses 3. Hearing aids and exams 4. Long-term or custodial care 5. Many chiropractors’ services 6. Elective cosmetic surgery 7. Acupuncture 8. Alternative therapies 9. Podiatrist’s routine foot care 10. Medical costs outside the U.S. 11. Most over-the-counter meds —Kathryn Pomroy, © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Affordable Senior Apartments Most Communities Are 62 and Better

Anne Arundel County

Baltimore County (cont.)

The Greens at Hammonds Lane - 410-421-7223 Park View at Furnace Brance - 227-240-6288 Park View at Severna Park - 443-940-6735

Park View at Randallstown - 240-916-1522 Park View at Rosedale - 240-237-9903 Park View at Taylor - 443-419-6451 Park View at Towson - 443-870-4234 Park View at Woodlawn - 443-331-2914

Baltimore City Ednor Apartments 1 - 443-903-2847 Ednor Apartments 2 - 443-407-8882 The Greens at Irvington Mews 1 - 227-240-8179 The Greens at Irvington Mews 2 - 240-209-4809 Park Heights Place - 410-210-4889 Park View at Ashland Terrace - 443-233-0366 Park View at Coldspring - 443-238-0106

Eastern Shore Park View at Easton - 443-329-9511

Harford County Park View at Bel Air - 240-929-8123 Park View at Box Hill - 443-363-5229

Baltimore County

Howard County

Cove Point Apartments 1 - 227-240-8710 Cove Point Apartments 2 - 240-981-5172 Evergreen Senior Apartments - 443-232-0241 The Greens at English Consul - 443-241-7976 The Greens at Liberty Road - 443-241-5393 The Greens at Logan Field - 844-431-2949 The Greens at Rolling Road - 443-280-9913 Park View at Catonsville - 240-303-8481 Park View at Dundalk* - 443-296-5284 Park View at Fullerton - 240-732-1542

Park View at Colonial Landing - 443-398-3046 Park View at Columbia - 443-578-3548 Park View at Ellicott City 1 - 240-923-7396 Park View at Ellicott City 2 - 227-997-7416 Park View at Emerson - 443-396-2110 Park View at Snowden River - 443-806-8105

Park View at Miramar Landing - 443-278-2376

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

Volume 16, No. 8 | August 2026

“Raising the Bar” with Group Exercise

From the desk of Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive On June 10, I signed into law Council Bill (CB) 25-2026, a zoning regulation amendment (ZRA) to add “Cottage Clusters” to Howard County’s zoning code to allow for more affordable, missing middle housing options for older adults in Howard County.

Science shows that lifting weights with others can boost your motivation, increase your results and put you in a better mood. A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found group exercise participants experienced a 26 percent reduction in stress and improved mental, physical and emotional quality of life (www.osteopathic.org). What does that mean for older adults? At almost every doctor’s appointment after the age of 50, older adults are asked, “Are you strength training?” If the answer is no, then it’s likely you will be encouraged to start. Strength training for older adults can improve bone health, slow muscle loss, and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. Starting any new exercise program – especially weight training - can be intimidating and even emotional. From not knowing where to start, to worrying about hurting yourself, many people simply give up before they ever step into a fitness room. That is where a group fitness program can help. The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) offers group classes at Howard County 50+ Centers to help decrease the feeling of anxiety or self-consciousness people experience when working out in a fitness center. Unless you have supreme focus, motivation and a clear plan, there’s a good chance your solo strength training sessions will fall flat and leave you uninspired to continue. “There’s an energizing, addictive quality to exercising in a group,” says Sherri Lively, fitness coordinator at the Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center. “You harness the energy of the instructor and the support of others in the room, which increases your motivation and keeps you coming back for more.” “A group workout can lift your mood for an entire day,” says Michelle Rosenfeld, fitness coordinator at the Bain 50+ Center. “Moving in sync with a group of people releases a bonding wave; as a result, lasting friendships are often formed. While solo exercise programs can be beneficial, they don’t elicit the same ‘chemistry’ result.” Ready to get started? OAI’s 50+ centers have opportunities for older adults of all fitness levels to engage in a group exercise-class environment. From quarterly exercise programs to our Group Fitness Class pass with more than 45 classes weekly, there is something for everyone. For more information, stop by a Howard County 50+ Center near you, or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50fitness.

A “Cottage Cluster” is defined as a grouping, including a common courtyard, of at least four detached dwelling units that have a footprint of no more than 1,200 square feet and does not include a basement. Characteristically, cottage clusters are age-restricted adult housing consisting of small, thoughtfully designed communities of detached homes. Furthermore, CB25-2026 advances the broader goals of Howard County Government’s HoCo By Design General Plan and Housing Opportunities Master Plan. This legislation is yet another way we are expanding diverse housing options. In March, we broke ground on Erickson Senior Living’s Oxford Hills in Clarksville. Oxford Hills will provide approximately 900 residences with independent living, and continuing care options once the multi-phase development is complete. Providing affordable, quality housing for our older adults is an imperative. As our population continues to age healthfully, older residents are looking to remain connected to their communities and maintain their independence. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring Howard County remains a place where people can successfully age in place and thrive at every stage of life. To learn more about cottage clusters, visit the County’s “Cottage Clusters” website.

Makes a great gift!

GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

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August Events at Howard County 50+ Centers Summer Steps Challenge August 3 – September 25 Call Michelle Rosenfeld to register, 410-313-7394 Join OAI’s Summer Steps Challenge on the StepUp app to stay active and moving all season long! With this FREE app, you can join our group to count your steps and distance using your phone’s built-in sensors. It also syncs with wearables like Apple Watch, FitBit, Garmin, Google Fit via Apple Health or Android Health Connect. For more information about the Step Up app and how to access it on your phone, contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410-313-7394.

SIGN UP TODAY!

Age Wisely with MAP: Improve Your Communication Skills East Columbia 50+ Center August 19, 1 – 1:45 p.m. • #A04621.800 Learn proven techniques to sharpen essential communication skills to exchange information, improve relationships and defuse conflicts.

Infinite Legacy Elkridge 50+ Center August 20, 10 – 11 a.m. • #A05782.800 or call 410-313-5192 Bernice Mbullu from Infinite Legacy will discuss the importance of organ donation. Earn prizes and learn how you can make a difference.!

Medically Curious: Translating Medicalese Glenwood 50+ Center August 25, 1 – 2 p.m. • #A03632.802 Dr. Larry Romane, a retired ER Physician, joins us to translate medicalese terms and answer your questions.

August Collage & Junk Journaling Elkridge 50+ Center Wednesdays, August 5 - 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m. #A05504.802 or call 410-313-5192 Explore collage and junk journaling techniques with Jillian Kohler; layer mixed textures and found materials to craft deeply personal visual stories. Cost: $40, all supplies included.

Finding Ground in Unsteady Times East Columbia 50+ Center August 5, 1 – 2 p.m. • #A04912.800 Learn to navigate life’s transitions in the realm of grief and soothe the nervous system through Yoga Nidra meditation, intuitive art and journaling. Cost: $34; bring a yoga mat.

Smart Moves for Your Next Chapter: Home, Health, and Life Planning Ellicott City 50+ Center August 31, 2 – 3 p.m. • #A02650.802 or call 410-313-1400 Join Beth Ditman of Stanton Aging Solutions to focus on navigating living transitions, wellness, lifestyle planning, and making informed decisions for the next stage of life.

SeniorsTogether Grief Chat: How We Can Help Ourselves

Back to the Good Old Days Game Day

Bain 50+ Center August 4, 1:30 – 3 p.m. • #A01647.800 Learn how bereavement affects our everyday lives, how to address changes that may result from loss and identify resources to help. For more information, contact Karen Hull, 410-313-7466 or khull@howardcountymd.gov.

Bain 50+ Center August 7, 1 – 3 p.m. • #A01701.800

Mindful Movement for Grief & Loss

Join us for an afternoon friendly competition as you connect with friends and play classic favorites like Uno, Connect 4, dominoes, checkers, trivia, and more.

Soundtrack of Our Lives: Youth Takeover Continues, 1960-1964 Ellicott City 50+ Center August 17, 11 a.m. – noon • #A02749.802 or call 410-313-1400

East Columbia 50+ Center August 29, 10 - 11:30 a.m. # A01667.80 Grief lives in your body, not just your thoughts. Use movement and self-compassion to release tension, steady your nervous system and mindfully care for yourself. Heather Stang, MA, C-IAYT, a thanatologist, author, and yoga therapist will help us navigate loss through mindfulness-based self-care.

Relive the biggest hits of the early sixties by Brenda Lee, Paul Anka and Bobby Rydell as well as the Top Ten Billboard single new artists before The Beatles took over the Pop Chart.

Hawaiian Luau Party Bain 50+ Center August 19, 11 a.m. – noon • Call 410-313-7213 for details Experience the cool sounds of Island Breeze music with solo musician Toale Pai and stay to enjoy Hawaiian pizza and salad at noon. Purchase tickets in advance at the front desk. Cost: $7.

9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (voice/relay) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us @HoCoCommunity on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Nextdoor available in alternate formats upon request

Join the subscriber list https://bit.ly/HoCosubscribe Advertising in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

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Recreation & Parks

AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

Upcoming Programs for 50 Years +

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap. Turn The Page: Book Exchange

NEW! Celebrate National Book Lovers Day with a program aimed at promoting literacy and the joy of reading. All are welcome to come read, review, exchange, and take a few! Book donations in good condition are accepted on site. Preregistration encouraged but not required. Info: 410-313-0860 or www.howardcountymd.gov/htcc. All ages Harriet Tubman Ctr RP4476.801 Aug 9 2-5pm Su Free

Back To School Night

Kick off the new school year with a fun and welcoming evening for the whole family! Students can meet new friends, and connect with peers in a relaxed, social setting. Families are invited to tour the space, learn about opportunities for their students, and get a glimpse of upcoming programs and activities. Join us for games, refreshments, and a chance to build community as we start the school year together. All ages Harriet Tubman Ctr RP4480.801 Aug 21 6-9pm F Free

Public Star Parties

Saturday, August 8 10am-2pm Rockburn Branch Park (Montgomery Road entrance)

SHOW IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC! Classics • Antiques • Hot Rods • Modifieds Special Events August Rockburn Open Car Show

Come celebrate the beauty of classic, antique, modified cars and hot rods on display outdoors at Rockburn Branch Park. Food available for purchase. Info: Susan Harry, sharry@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-4635. All ages Rockburn Branch Pk Free to visitors, exhibitor fees below Aug 8 10am-2pm Sa RP4099.801 Car Entries $10, preregister; $15, on-site registration RP4099.802 Car Flea Market Vendor $25, preregister; $30, on-site registration RP4099.803 Car Sales $20, preregister; $30, on-site registration

Join members of the Howard Astronomical League (HAL) for a Public Star Party in and around their observatory. Telescopic views and programming are shared inside through the club’s telescope. Guests can mingle and ask questions while observing through members’ scopes set up outside. No registration required. Please leave your pets at home. For weather updates, visit www.howardastro.org. All ages Alpha Ridge Pk Aug 22 8pm Sa Free Sep 19 7pm Sa Free Oct 17 6:30pm Sa Free Nov 21 5pm Sa Free

September Down at the Depot: A B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Special Exhibit

An exhibit of original drawings and paintings of the B&O EC Station Museum and the depot area, completed by local artist Wiley Purkey from 1969 to 2026. Open during regular museum hours. All ages B&O EC Station Museum Sep 2-27 Free

Suicide Awareness & Prevention Resource Fair (Preventative Wellness)

Join us as we partner with local organizations to provide community resources to members and families dealing with mental health challenges. Volunteers are welcome. Registration for vendors and service providers is required. Preregistration for event attendees is recommended but not required. Info: 410-313-0860. All ages Harriet Tubman Ctr Free RP4462.101 Service Providers Sep 10 6 -9pm Th RP4462.102 Attendees Sep 10 7-8:30pm Th

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/activeaging50 for more 50 yrs + programs!

Makes a great gift!

GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

25 Artifacts for the 250th! (A HoCo250 Event)

NEW! Join Parks Archaeologist Kelly Palich as she presents on and showcases 25 of the most interesting artifacts recovered from archaeological sites representing the past 250 years of what is now Howard County! View all HoCo250 events at www.HowardCountyMD.gov/hoco250. All ages Harriet Tubman Ctr RP9983.101 Sep 12 1-2:30pm Sa Free

Grandparents’ Day Celebration

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

A Day in Majestic St. Michaels, MD

This popular day trip to St. Michaels features marinas, shops, inns, and restaurants. Enjoy lunch at The Crab Claw and a 90-minute Patriot Cruise along the Miles River, showcasing historic mansions and wildlife. This trip sells out quickly! Some walking required. 18 yrs + Bus provided RP4551.801 Aug 14 8:30am-5pm F $209

Grandparents and older adults are an essential part of every person’s life. Join us as we celebrate the people who bring us endless experience, wisdom, and love! Participate in crafts, learn history, and take fun pictures. Participants are welcome to register with or without participating grandparents/grandchildren. Program includes space to honor grandparents and grandchildren who are no longer with us. Preregistration recommended but not required. Info: 410-313-0860. All ages Harriet Tubman Ctr RP4452.101 Grandparents Sep 12 1-3pm Sa Free RP4452.102 Grandchildren Sep 12 1-3pm Sa Free

The Famous Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Tubman Tailgate

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Grab your jersey and get ready to cheer on the Baltimore Ravens as they take on the Indianapolis Colts in the season opener! Enjoy snacks, fun, and camaraderie with the area's best fans while celebrating the return of football season. Fans are welcome to bring their own food. Volunteers are welcome. Preregistration is recommended but not required. Info: 410-313-0860. All ages Harriet Tubman Ctr RP4453.101 Sep 13 Noon-4:30pm Su $5 • Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Fitness Pop Up Yoga with Kathy Greisman

Relax while you take in the sights and surrounding beauty of nature as you get fit and improve your health in this outdoor yoga class. All classes held under the tent at the beautiful Belmont Manor and Historic Park. Walk away feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day that lies ahead. Join us for the classes that fit your schedule. 50 yrs + Classes: 1 RP3541.810 Belmont Manor Aug 5 9-10am W $15 RP3541.811 Belmont Manor Aug 12 9-10am W $15 RP3541.812 Belmont Manor Aug 19 9-10am W $15 RP3541.813 Belmont Manor Aug 26 9-10am W $15

In Delaware’s Brandywine Valley, Winterthur offers tours, exhibitions, and a renowned collection of American decorative arts. Explore a 60-acre garden, 1,000 acres of rolling hills designed by H.F. du Pont, and 25 miles of trails. Bring a picnic or purchase food from the onsite café. Some walking required. 18 yrs + Bus provided RP4552.801 Aug 20 8am-5pm Th $119

The National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of its kind. The museum’s curvilinear architecture, its indigenous landscaping, and its exhibitions, all designed in collaboration with tribes and communities from across the hemisphere, give visitors the sense and spirit of Native American life. The onsite café offers a menu of Native-American inspired foods. 18 yrs + Bus provided RP4557.101 Sep 4 9:30am-3:30pm F $89

Dutch Apple Theater: Pretty Woman

If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical! This modern Cinderella tale follows a businessman who meets a beautiful woman and the two embark on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and find true love along the way. A delicious and plentiful buffet is included with the show! 18 yrs + Bus provided RP4543.101 Sep 23 11am-6pm W $169

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

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

PHOTO BY IOANA C/PIXABAY

Travel Leisure &

A 10th-century church flanks the beach in Positano, Italy. See story on opposite page.

From roses to redwoods in the Pacific Northwest eight feet high, to miniatures in petite rows. Across the street is the 12-acre Portland Japanese Garden, which was created in the 1960s as a symbol of cultural exchange and reconciliation following World War II. Today, it encompasses several distinct garden styles connected by winding paths, stone lanterns, wooden bridges and carefully composed views. In the Strolling Pond Garden, wander past koi-filled ponds, waterfalls and seasonal blooms, then linger in the meditative Sand and Stone Garden. Take some time to explore Portland’s neighborhoods, including the Pearl District, where industrial warehouses have been converted into galleries and cafés. The Alberta Arts District pulses with murals, galleries and locally owned shops. On Mississippi Avenue you’ll find live music venues, coffeehouses and inventive restaurants. Across the Willamette River, Hawthorne Boulevard is a haven for vintage stores and quirky independent businesses. Another highlight is Powell’s City of Books, a full city block devoted to new and used volumes. Visitors can easily spend hours wandering its color-coded rooms, discovering everything from rare first editions to obscure travel memoirs.

Exploring the city

Just 30 miles east of downtown Portland, the Columbia River Gorge delivers some of the Pacific Northwest’s most dramatic natural scenery, stretching for more than 80 miles along the Columbia River through a canyon between Oregon and Washington. More than 90 waterfalls tumble from the cliffs on the Oregon side alone. Take the scenic route, U.S. 30, also called the Historic Columbia River Highway, which winds past overlooks and accessible waterfalls. You can glimpse some from the road, while others require just a short hike. The most famous waterfall is Multnomah Falls, which plunges 620 feet, making it one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the country. The water cascading behind the Benson Bridge is one of Oregon’s most iconic images.

Portland was founded in 1845, and 60 years later held a world’s fair-like celebration of Lewis and Clark’s westward expedition from Missouri through what became Oregon. In the early 20th century, Portland was dubbed the City of Roses for the rosebushes planted for that event, which still bloom today. The city’s 410-acre Washington Park offers several of the city’s most popular sightseeing spots, attracting 3.5 million visitors a year. Start with the International Rose Test Garden, where more than 10,000 rose bushes burst into bloom from late May through October. As its name suggests, the garden, which opened in 1917, serves as a testing ground for new rose varieties. Roses, some of which are named after Shakespeare’s characters in a section of the garden devoted to the Bard, range from the grandiflora, which grows six to

Wonderful waterfalls

Sand dunes and marine life

Then head back west, past Portland to-

PHOTO BY HENRY FOSTER

By Barbara Ruben In Portland’s central Pearl District two summers ago, the hotel desk attendant showed me points of interest on a map of the city, including its internationally renowned rose garden and Powell’s, the world’s largest bookstore. When I asked if there were any areas to avoid after dark, he scribbled over an area of several square blocks behind the hotel. Fast forward to 2026, and violent crime has fallen sharply as the city turned around its reputation for a large unhoused population and illegal drug use. Now as safe as D.C., Portland is home to brew pubs, outdoor markets, intriguing neighborhoods and more than a dozen bridges crossing the Willamette River, which divides the city. A bonus: on a clear day you can see snow-capped 11,000-foot Mt. Hood shimmering in the distance. But this bounty of attractions doesn’t mean you should spend all your time in the city. Just half an hour to the east, waterfalls plunge into the picturesque Columbia River Gorge. Two hours to the west, Oregon’s coastline offers beaches that seem nearly deserted compared to the throngs crowding the sand back on the East Coast. And just over the state line in California, some of the tallest trees on the planet tower in Redwood National Park.

Hikers on Benson Bridge can feel the spray from Multnomah Falls, which drops 620 feet in the Columbia River Gorge. Oregon’s most famous waterfall is 30 miles from Portland.

ward the Pacific Ocean. My daughter and I chose a diagonal southwesterly route to avoid some of the more crowded areas (like Cannon Beach) so we could explore Oregon’s more rugged central and southern coastlines. We headed toward Depoe Bay, where gray whales migrate north from March through May on their way to the Arctic with newborn calves. South from there, near Florence, massive dunes rise between the highway and the ocean. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area contains some of the largest coastal sand dunes in North America. Numerous lightly visited state parks dot the coastline, offering spectacular views and the chance to spot seals, sea lions and otters if you’re lucky. We stayed at the Overleaf Lodge in the small town of Yachats (pronounced yahots), about 130 miles from Portland. The lodge overlooks the rocky coast and the Smelt Sands State Recreation Site, which hugs the coastline. Three miles south, the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area towers 800 feet above the Pacific and offers the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. At Thor’s Well, seawater surges into what appears to be a bottomless hole in the stone before exploding skyward. Depending on how much time you

have, you can explore even more of the coast for 180 miles to the California state line with views of towering rock formations called sea stacks and windswept beaches around nearly every bend.

Redwood forests

Don’t stop at the state line because just 16 miles farther south, the Earth’s largest arboreal giants, coast redwoods, are protected in a conglomerate of parks collectively known as Redwood National and State Parks. These parks protect nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest. Many of the trees are more than 1,000 years old and over 300 feet tall, having survived storms, fires and centuries of change. Sunlight filters through layers of branches hundreds of feet overhead, illuminating ferns and mosses below. Scenic drives such as Newton B. Drury Parkway pass directly through groves of immense redwoods, while trails like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Fern Canyon allow you to walk in their shadows and, in some cases, right inside their hollowing-out trunks. The closest California town to the trees near the Oregon border is the coastal Crescent City, where long sandy beaches flank redwood forests, creating a See PACIFIC NORTHWEST, page 26

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GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

25

Slow down and walk along the Almafi Coast By Sandi Barrett Rocky shorelines, cliffside villages, sumptuous cuisine and lemons — lots and lots of lemons — Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a destination to be experienced, not simply visited. My husband, Chris, and I embarked on a walking tour of Italy’s southwestern coast with a group of 14, all active retirees. Our guided, six-day tour brought us closer to the history and culture of the region. Of course, shopping and sightseeing were definitely on the itinerary, but actually immersing ourselves in the local culture gave us a taste of la dolce vita, the sweet life. Sorrento is an undisputed foodie paradise. Sorrento tomatoes, a coral-pink beefsteak variety, turn a simple Caprese salad into a culinary adventure. Getting to the Marina Grande at the base of Sorrento’s tufa cliffs requires navigating steep staircases and winding roadways, but intrepid diners will be treated to establishments frequented by locals. Dine on freshly prepared catch-of-theday dishes such as seafood spaghetti, grilled calamari and fried anchovies. Of course, arancini and limoncello spritz are tasty bites and sips for la merenda (an afternoon nosh). The quiet hamlet of Termini is perfect for

embarking on a downhill, 3.5-mile hike to Marina della Lobra. Winding through olive groves and small farms, we traversed old, steep donkey pathways, enjoying the stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Capri. The Path of the Gods is a strenuous, four-hour hike traversing a winding route from Agerola to Nocelle, 1,400 feet above the famous village of Positano. Meander through terraced vineyards, forests and limestone ridges along the coast. From Nocelle, you can take a taxi into Positano to rest and then peruse the local shops. In the pretty village of Ravello, we discovered romantic gardens, medieval walkways and more Mediterranean views. Villa Rufolo is a 13th-century estate with beautiful Moorish gardens, perfect for a low-key walking day. When visiting Ravello, do not miss Villa Cimbrone, home to the five-star Hotel Villa Cimbrone. Their gardens are open to the public, and the dramatic cliffside views from the Terrace of Infinity are worth the walk. Another wonderful walk begins in Praiano and ends at the Convent of San Domenico, which requires climbing more than a thousand steps. The view at the top, however, is perfect. The 17thcentury convent offers a peek into the austere religious life of the time. While in Amalfi, a lemon farm tour is a

different type of hike. Though it was a hilly climb, the sensory pleasure of meandering through the lemon grove was intoxicating. A sweet, citrusy scent fills the air as you brush past climbing trellises laden with bright yellow fruit so close you can almost feel their warmth. We booked the Amalfi Lemon Experience (amalfilemonexperience.it) for a guided grove tour and wonderful lunch. No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a speedboat ride. The view from water level as you pass by Praiano, with its terraced cliffs and the glittering majolica dome of the Church of San Gennaro, was delightful. We zipped past the Li Galli Islands, home of the mythological sirens, then Positano, whose colorful buildings dot the cliffs above the beach. Finally, we glimpsed the island of Capri’s famous Faraglioni rock formations against the bright blue sky.

If you go

To easily navigate the Amalfi Coast,

Sorrento is the best spot to anchor your visit. However, there are several wonderful small, rural areas, like Minori, or high-end enclaves, like Positano, which are just as lovely. We began our Italian sojourn in Rome and used Rome2Rio (rome2rio.com) to book door-to-door transportation to our Sorrento hotel, the Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto. If you are in search of a luxurious, five-star stay, try the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. Alternatively, you can fly into Naples International Airport and take a bus, taxi, train or ferry combination to the Amalfi Coast. Avoid July and August, when the entire region is incredibly crowded and hot. The shoulder seasons (May, June, September and October) are less packed with tourists but still very busy. Our walking tour with EF Go Ahead Tours (goaheadtours.com) was in early May, when the weather was perfect for hiking: cool in the mornings and pleasantly warm in afternoons.

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

For an adventure abroad, rent a camper van By Cynthia Washam On my first trip to Australia, I didn’t expect to see koalas or kangaroos in the wild. I assumed the only odd Aussie critters I’d see would be in a zoo. I lucked out when I spotted a wallaby soon after arriving at a campground south of Sydney. Luck seemed to strike again hours later, when a brushtail possum put its cold, wet nose on my exposed toes. By the time I stepped out of our rental camper van the next morning, surrounded by a half dozen kangaroos, I knew my animal encounters had nothing to do with luck. They came from husband Bob’s and my choice to camp rather than stay in hotels. Bob and I were so hooked on camping abroad that we did it several more times — in Europe, New Zealand and on a second trip to Australia. Not all countries can match Australia’s wildlife, but all campsites offer loads of other perks. Our favorite was simply the

freedom to go where we wanted and stay as long as we liked. Because we traveled slightly before or after peak tourist season, we could pull into a campground late in the afternoon, without reservations, and always find a site. Another key benefit is the cost savings. The compact camper van we rented from Blacksheep Van in France recently listed for $69 a night. A roomier, off-road model with a shower and toilet from competitor Roadsurfer rents for $149. If you’re willing to tote your tent, campsites overseas also cost less than most in the United States. We paid just $27 per night for a site with electricity in the French village of Messanges on the Atlantic Ocean. Another favorite of ours was in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just outside the historic, walled village of St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, at $20 a night. We also slashed our food costs by preparing meals in our camper vans’ compact but well-equipped kitchens.

A European practice we appreciated was the placement of campgrounds near city centers and smaller towns that draw tourists. From our site at Spain’s Gran Camping Zarautz, for instance, we walked no more than 10 minutes down a scenic path to the beach and quaint town. We also made good use of Zarautz’s nearby train station, riding 30 minutes each way to San Sebastián, where we sampled the city’s famous Basque tapas bars. If we had driven, parking would have cost more than our train tickets.

If you go

When choosing the size of a van to rent, consider local roads. The minivans we rented were tight on storage space but perfect for navigating narrow streets. “For couples or first-time renters, compact camper vans are easier to handle and ideal for winding roads and cityadjacent campsites,” said Grace Sillano, marketing manager with Roadsurfer

camper rentals. “Families may prefer larger RVs with a bathroom and shower.” You can get an idea of driving conditions by checking out recommended camping routes at roadsurfer.com, indiecampers. com or other rental companies’ websites. Apps can help you find campgrounds. In Europe, Bob and I used park4night, a free app with information about campsites in more than 100 countries. ACSI Campsites Europe and camping.info provide a similar service. Check country-specific regulations if you’re considering wilderness camping. Norway, Sweden, Scotland and some other countries allow it, though others limit camping to developed sites. Before leaving home, check with AAA or your rental provider on requirements for an International Driving Permit. Many foreign countries require one. AAA issues permits for $20 to holders of a valid U.S. driver’s license. For more information and to apply, visit aaa-idp.com.

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Avoid these expensive travel mistakes By Daniel Bortz Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache. Here are six steps you can take to save money on a trip:

1. Buy travel medical insurance

Nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue, an international health insurance company. Unfortunately, most U.S. healthcare plans — including Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans — offer limited or no medical coverage outside the U.S. One solution is to purchase a travel medical insurance policy, which provides coverage for a range of medical emergencies while traveling abroad, from minor injuries to major events such as heart attacks and strokes, to medical evacuation and emergency transport in severe cases. Travelers spend on average $103 per policy on Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison website, with an average trip length of 20 days. Squaremouth advises international travelers to obtain a policy that provides at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

2. Check your bags in advance

Some airlines charge customers more if they check a bag at the airport, rather than paying to check a bag in advance. For instance, JetBlue customers flying within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada can save up to $20 on

their first two checked bags ($10 savings per bag) when they add them to their flight reservation at least 24 hours before departure. Make sure to pay for bags before you arrive at the airport.

3. Check fees carefully

Wi-Fi fees, early check-in fees, gym fees — hotels today charge guests no shortage of surcharges. It’s a widespread problem: Nearly four out of 10 U.S. adults encountered a hidden or unexpected hotel fee in the previous two years, according to a Consumer Reports 2023 survey. Many hotels offer to reduce or, in some cases, waive certain fees for guests who join their loyalty program, which is free in most cases. Also, sometimes simply asking an employee at check-in to waive certain fees could do the trick. In general, hidden fees should now be less of a problem since the Federal Trade Commission instituted a rule last year prohibiting hidden “junk fees” for live events and short-term lodging. Book directly through the hotel or rental company, not through a thirdparty, to ensure you’re seeing the full costs (and because your trip is typically better secured that way).

4. Shop around for car rentals

When you’re renting a car, keep an eye out for add-ons and extra fees. For example, as Kiplinger personal finance writer Rachael Green explained, “most people can safely decline supplemental coverage, since your regular car insurance likely applies to a rental car in the U.S., and many travel credit cards offer rental car protection through the card.” Stores such as Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club provide their members discounts

Peace of Mind is Priceless

on certain rental cars. In addition, several credit card companies offer discounts from specific companies. AARP members save up to 35% on base rates at Avis and Budget, and AAA members save up to 20% on Hertz rentals. Finally, check third-party sites such as Expedia or Booking.com for deals. You might also be able to nab a lower rate for your car rental by prepaying when you book a reservation. Some rental car companies offer limited-mileage plans at a lower cost, which could be a good option for a short trip.

5. Double-check your bill

Stop at the front desk before you leave a hotel and ask to see a copy of the bill. This only takes a few minutes and could save you a hassle if you catch a mistaken charge after you’ve left. To avoid unnecessary fees when renting a car, always review the list of charges before you accept the keys. By doing that, Kiplinger editor Alexandra Svokos

has caught and avoided tacked-on fees. She also recommends simply asking what services you really need. “I’ve asked the desk agent if the prepaid-toll fee was worth it, based on where I would be driving, and they’ve told me honestly when it wasn’t,” she said.

6. Join the loyalty club

Most airlines and hotels have loyalty clubs where you earn miles or points from your bookings. You can then use those points towards future trips. Additionally, many of these loyalty clubs offer automatic discounts when booking. Sometimes you can get discounts and freebies such as upgrades and discounted checked-bag or change fees. Joining these loyalty clubs is typically free. When booking a hotel or flight online, sign in as a member first or add your frequent-flyer or loyalty number. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

New York City Day Trips – Wed. & Sat.

Atlantic City

August 2 & August 16

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Ocean City MD Day Trips • August 2 & 22 Fishermans Deck Crab Feast and Boat Ride August 9 and September 13

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Springfield, Va.

Silver Spring, Md.

Springfield Town Center

Silver Spring Civic Building

Sunday, October 18 Noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 8 Noon to 4 p.m.

At Both Locations:

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The Library of Congress preserves veterans’ stories. See story on page 31.

Witty, wise musical appeals to all ages

Music orients audience

While many of the dozen songs follow a pop or rock pattern, the song “Where Do You Belong?” is the exception. Alan Gutierrez-Urista and Tobi Baisburd, as Cady’s new friends, social outcasts Damian and Janis respectively, ably lead the

ensemble and introduce the audience to the titular mean girls: dumb Karen, insecure Gretchen and vicious Regina, the queen bee of her group, dubbed the Plastics. This song is perhaps the most Broadway of the production’s songs, along with “Meet the Plastics,” which has a traditional, showstopping Broadway exit that aficionados of the genre will appreciate. Some of the songs take us through the seasons, such as Halloween, celebrated in “Sexy” by an effective Alexis KreyBedore as Karen, leading the ensemble. The Halloween costumes, as well as the Christmas outfits in a later sequence, are designed by Janine Sunday and are nothing short of splendid. Though older than the high school-age characters they portray, the cast comes across very believably in these roles. As Regina, MaryKate Brouillet is in some ways the standout personality in the show. She performs the striking song “Someone Gets Hurt” and shows off her powerful voice in “World Burn.” Toby’s again turns its theater-in-theround setting to a decided advantage. When all of the students rotate their desks a quarter turn, for instance, they and the audience members are thereby transported to a different classroom.

Universal themes

Like all classic high school comedies, the show reminds us that coming of age

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By Mark Dreisonstok American audiences have long been drawn to comedies about high schools — from the 1940s radio and 1950s TV show “Our Miss Brooks” to Archie comics to the 1970s sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter.” In the early 2000s, we had the film Mean Girls, which was so popular that it became a Broadway musical (and another movie two years ago). Now the musical is on stage at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in a fine production directed by Mark Minnick, choreographed by David Singleton and led musically by Ross Scott Rawlings. The lead character in the Mean Girls franchise, Cady Heron (portrayed warmly by Rachel Cahoon), is at first the proverbial “fish out of water,” an American girl who returns to the States after being homeschooled in Africa for 10 years. As the audience watches Cady navigate the various cliques of North Shore High School, the theme of Mean Girls becomes clear: how to find where we belong — not only in high school cliques, but in life.

Rachel Cahoon, left, stars in Mean Girls, a musical based on the 2004 film written by Tina Fey. The musical, which was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, runs at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland, through August 23.

and facing peer pressure are universal experiences. Occasionally, though, the musical strays into trite territory, quoting the Golden Rule and asking, “We will explore: What does it mean to be a good person?” Although the high school setting,

moral lessons and the original film’s association with Disney star Lindsay Lohan might imply that this is a show for teenagers, the music has insights for us all, no matter our age. See MEAN GIRLS, page 31

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 23

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Books illuminate America’s 250 years Joshua Z. Rokach Both by design and by accident, error and ignorance have skewed our understanding of America’s past. On our nation’s 250th anniversary, these books correct distortions, dispel myths and fill in gaps. A Terrible Intimacy: Interracial Life in the Slaveholding South, by Melvin Patrick Ely, MacMillan 2026, 368 pages For more than 100 years, the Lost Cause myth of Civil War history prevailed: The war amounted to a dispute over federalism, and rebels surely lived by a Code of Honor, despite being slaveholders. Or perhaps the war was simply about states’ rights to govern themselves. Not until the 21st century did Yale University historian David Blight underscore

the truth: Racists, seeking to entrench slavery, caused the war, according to the articles of secession. Melvin Patrick Ely, a 74-year-old professor at William & Mary and winner of the Bancroft Prize, unveils an even more fascinating discovery in his newest book. With just six court cases retrieved from Virginia archives, Ely reveals the double-standard justice system of the time. Magistrates, equivalent to citizen grand jurors, tried both races. White convicts received trials in circuit court, as do defendants today. Black people did not. Magistrates convicted Black defendants, despite entrapment or acting in self-defense. Seemingly just outcomes resulted from twisted motives. One white man’s conviction came about because his Black victims were the hidden family of a

prominent white man. A Black man’s acquittal occurred because a lower-class white woman made the false accusation (predating To Kill a Mockingbird). Prominent secessionist lawyers defended Black people merely to protect owners from “loss of property.” That motivated the policy of not executing enslaved people but cruelly reselling them. President Lincoln aptly declared, “In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free.” Mark Twain, by Ron Chernow, Penguin Random House 2025, 1,200 pages Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ron Chernow presents us with yet another comprehensive and thoughtful biography. In Grant Chernow fleshed out its subject’s talent as a military genius and his abhorrence of imperialism and slav-

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ery, along with naivete toward the unscrupulous people around him. This tome does the same for Mark Twain, presenting a complicated, conflicted man. Chernow shows how Samuel Clemens both did and did not overcome his roots of geography and family. Born and raised in the slaveholding part of Missouri, Samuel Clemens participated in a Confederate militia and held racist views. He reexamined and overcame those views, then used his gift for satire to expose the absurdity of white supremacy. He advocated forcefully against antisemitism. In short, mostly through his comedic talents, he championed the underdog. His novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court punctured the pretensions of the aristocracy. Yet Twain himself harbored delusions. The Clemens family history includes some spectacular personal failures and an attraction to get-rich-quick schemes. That temptation caused Twain to fail in business. (However, his firm published Grant’s enduring memoirs.) He also had a taste for high living. Twain had his own insecurities and engaged in conduct that mystifies modern readers. His wife suffered from cardiac illnesses and predeceased him. Twain, believing he had over whelmed her, blamed himself for her death. In old age, Twain interacted with a group of young women, whom he called his “Angel-Fish.” It’s puzzling that Chernow does not even hint that anything untoward happened. The Wounded Generation, by David Nasaw, Penguin Random House 2025, 496 pages Americans, particularly Boomers, praise Tom Brokaw’s book The Greatest Generation, which depicts the cohort who won World War II as uniquely heroic. Brokaw contends that after the war, they proceeded with their lives, seemingly unaffected, and rebuilt America. David Nasaw, 80, a history professor at CUNY Graduate Center, digs deeper. He reviewed personal and government records to prove otherwise. Indeed, veterans did suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, although PTSD wouldn’t be officially diagnosed until decades later. Vets came home to wives newly assertive from their experience in the working world and children who didn’t recognize them. Many had difficulty adjusting. Government failures contributed to the problem. The military kept fighters engaged for the duration, rather than adopting annual rotation, as it did in future wars. Science did not know how to treat PTSD. And free cigarettes distributed to calm nerves overseas caused lung cancer back home. With this book, we admire those veterans even more.

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Veterans History Project collects stories

Oldest Pearl Harbor survivor

Military service makes a lasting impression on veterans, shaping the experi-

Mean Girls From page 29

Mean Girls r uns through August 23 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia. Due to the use of profanity and references to sexual situations, it’s not recommended

ences and the values that guide them through life. Ray Chavez is one such example. He was the oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor before his death in 2018. For most of his life, he remained silent about his experiences, but in 1991, his daughter, Kathleen Chavez, who served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm, convinced him to return to Pearl Harbor. That trip marked the first time he spoke openly about his service. Kathleen Chavez shared their family’s deep military legacy in her oral history for the Veterans History Project. Not all of the stories are from combatants. During the Cold War, Jennifer McNeill rose from Army dental assistant to Command Sergeant Major at the Army Eisenhower Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Her collection includes a photograph of her mother sharing images of her four military daughters in uniform, underscoring how family identity and military service are closely connected.

Code Talkers

Serving in the military is a deeply personal journey, but for many veterans, it’s an experience that transcends generations. The late Bill Toledo enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1942 at the age of 18. Along with his uncle, Frank Toledo, and cousin, Preston Toledo, he served as a Code Talker, transmitting military messages through secret codes based on the Navajo language, which they learned while growing up in New Mexico. In his oral history, Toledo recalled both the challenges of combat during the invasion of Iwo Jima in February 1945 for young children. Tickets range from $84 to $92 for adults. People 65 and older pay $74 for Tuesday evening or any Wednesday performance. Tickets are available from the box office by calling (410) 730-8311 or online at tobysdinnertheatre.com.

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By Feature Impact Major historical events like war or military service make a lasting impact on family identity, values and traditions, often reverberating across multiple generations. Throughout the 20th century, entire families felt the effects of war firsthand, with multiple generations serving. Brothers enlisted together. A father’s military legacy inspired his children to join up. Sweethearts met and married while in uniform. All of these are examples of stories captured by the Veterans History Project, a program overseen by the Library of Congress. The project collects and preserves the firsthand remembrances of U.S. military veterans and makes them accessible for future generations to better understand veterans’ service and sacrifice. These personal stories encompass letters, memoirs, diaries, photographs and oral histor y inter views, all offering deeper insight into the long-term impact of military service. Volunteers also collect and record veterans’ narratives. Anyone who served from World War I to today can submit their personal stor y, regardless of whether they saw combat. The collections shed light on the importance of family in military experiences. Whether expressed through heartfelt letters home, enduring family legacies of service or the experience of serving alongside loved ones, these stories reflect profound connections.

Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Chavez, above, died eight years ago at age 106. His daughter, Kathleen Chavez, who also served in the U.S. Navy, told her family’s story to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.

and the treasured moments spent with his uncle. “The bunch I was with, we worked together — we were always working together, helping each other,” Toledo said.

These and many other family stories of military service and remembrance are available to the public at loc.gov/vets. Contact the Veterans History Project by email at vohp@loc.gov.

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Come on, were you really at Woodstock? You know what they say about death he lit up the night sky with a young lady and taxes, and they’re right. But two who found his charms irresistible. Call it implausible. Call it other things are inevitable bragging. Call it an attempt to for we graybeards of today. remain forever young. I’d vote We will meet someone for all three. who claims to have been at Yet it’s amazing how often Woodstock in 1969. we boomers and busters run And we will meet someinto people who play the I Was one who claims to have attended the perfect game There card. that Don Larsen pitched in Even if those claims are the 1956 World Series. true — and even if they’re not The other day, I notched — why the abiding lust to a two-fer — a guy with a HOW I SEE IT demonstrate one’s coolness, badly receding hairline and By Bob Levey even when the demonstrator is a badly expanding waistline who claimed to have attended both. He said he cut school as a 15-year-old on Larsen Day, rode the subway from Brooklyn to the Bronx, snuck into the game and witnessed baseball histor y. No Brooklyn Dodger reached base throughout nine innings — no hits, no walks, no errors. The Yankees won 2-0. And then, with a hint of smugness, this guy said he had hitchhiked to Bethel, New York, 13 years later, just in time for the legendary music festival. He snuck into that one, too, he said. He slept on a muddy patch of ground within earshot of the sound system. And in case you needed to know this,

80-plus? Because it’s patently competitive. I was there and you weren’t, sucker. Eat your heart out. Could we please revert to facts? Exactly 64,519 people paid to be inside Yankee Stadium on October 8, 1956. I lived in the Bronx then. I can report that it was darn near impossible to sneak into that august ballpark in those days. I once considered it. Men in blue were everywhere. They would have been delighted to correct the error of a kid’s ways with an arrest, or perhaps a clout upside the head. If my Larsen braggart really ducked

into the stadium on that famous day, he must have had a parachute or been good at digging tunnels. As for Woodstock, the numbers tilt a little more in my boaster’s direction. About 400,000 people attended that epic festival. I say “about” because the whole thing devolved into chaos, so accurate figures were never available. Roads were impassable. Port-a-potties were overrun. Ticket-takers gave up the ghost in the face of surly, drug-addled crowds. So it’s possible that my acquaintance got into the festival without paying. It’s also possible that he got within a mile of the sound system and gave up, as zillions did when they realized that they could get no further. If my guy heard the first licks of a Jimi Hendrix guitar solo, fine. But that doesn’t mean he has a souvenir ticket stub. As for his romantic luck at Woodstock, or somewhere near it, I can only say that mud wouldn’t be my preferred setting for up-close-and-personal. In my own case, I happened to hear the last two outs of the Larsen game on a transistor radio. My pal David had smuggled one into sixth-grade math class. He signaled me to request a bath-

room visit. There, beside the sinks, we listened as Larsen struck out Dale Mitchell for the final out. True-blue Yankee fans, we whooped. Of course, a teacher heard us, and we ended up in the principal’s office. As for Woodstock, I was a young newspaper reporter on that day, without much to do. Another reporter was on the scene in upstate New York. She had found the only working payphone. A line stretched behind her for many yards. People were getting angry and ugly. Hurriedly, she dictated her notes to me before someone yanked the phone away from her. I fashioned a story for the next day’s paper. It carried her byline, not mine. Because I wasn’t there. Just as I wasn’t there for Larsen’s still-unmatched feat. To all aging adventurers: You’ve lived a long time. That’s great. What isn’t great is trying to exaggerate your adventures. If you want to impress me, show me pictures of your grandchildren. At least they’re real. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 1+

FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare Beyond program presents Romeo and Juliet. The free performances take place on the fully mobile Shakespeare Wagon in Baltimore on Sat., Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at 300 Warren Ave., and in Howard County on Thu., Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Rockburn Branch Park, 6105 Rockburn Branch Park Rd., Elkridge. Other performances are scheduled in Baltimore on Aug. 8 and 11. Tickets are not required. For more information, visit chesapeakeshakespeare.com/ beyond or call (410) 244-8570.

Aug. 14

PATAPSCO HERITAGE GREENWAY BENEFIT CONCERT

Fighting Dementia Band performs a free concert benefiting Patapsco Heritage Greenway on Fri., Aug. 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 15 Mellor Ave., Catonsville. This outdoor concert is part of the Fredrick Road Fridays series, which features music, local food and fun for the whole family. For more information, visit catonsville.org/frederick-road-Fridays.

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Rolling Stones expand on a late creative burst fierce falsetto, à la “Emotional Rescue.” Richards, unsurprisingly, matches that potency on guitar, and also delivers a truly poignant lead vocal turn in “Some of Us,” about a lover who keeps him on his toes — or actually, on his knees. (“Some of us are on our knees, begging, baby.”) As for Wood, listen to Jagger call out “C’mon Ronnie!” as the guitarist digs into a searing solo on “Back in Your Life.”

PHOTO BY RAPH_PH/FLICKR

By Jocelyn Noveck “When I was oh so young I used to want to go to Mars,” sings Mick Jagger — that staccato voice still remarkably sharp and clear — on Foreign Tongues, the Rolling Stones’ 25th studio album. “Now I’m older,” the frontman notes a few lines later. “I would like to ask you if tonight we could stay at home.” Say what? Are these the Stones, our perennial bad-boy Brits with yet-full heads of hair, our proud Peter Pans of rock ‘n’ roll, singing about growing old? But we’ll allow this slight nod to mortality in the tune called “Mr. Charm,” especially because plans for this evening at home do sound nice — with the promise of cocktails and wine. “You see I’m really quite polite,” the song goes. Polite is not always the word associated with this 64-year-old band — remember the run-ins with various police departments? These days, Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are neither rebels nor degenerates — they’re natty multimillionaires. But they’re cheeky enough to add a jab, in “Mr. Charm,” at “mad mogul Mr. Musk.” A compliment, it is not. More seriously, the Stones get downright political in one song on the excellent and eminently listenable Foreign Tongues, an album that expands on an improbable late burst in creativity launched by Hackney Diamonds, their 2023 Grammy-winning album. “Well I was madly in love with you before we ever met,” the song about America goes. “Watched all your movies, smoked your cigarettes.” But they say things have changed in current-day America, where “there’s always a scoundrel trying to whip up the crowd” (no current leaders are mentioned by name). “Lady Liberty don’t look so good when she’s wearing a frown.” What does look — or, rather, sound — good is Jagger’s voice. How has it stayed this potent, as he turns 83? In “Jealous Lover,” a breakup song, he even flexes a

Guest voices

The album is strikingly consistent, with no true clunker in the bunch, though some tunes are more memorable than others. And as with Hackney Diamonds, there’s an enviable guest contingent: Bruno Mars plays cowbell on “Never Wanna Lose You,” and Paul McCartney guests on bass in “Covered in You.” Steve Winwood has organ duties, and The Cure’s Robert Smith contributes on guitar and backup vocals. The most poignant “guest” of all is hardly a guest — the late, great Charlie Watts appears on “Hit Me in the Head,” his track recorded in Los Angeles before the iconic drummer’s 2021 death at age 80. It’s hard not to feel the goosebumps when you hear him get started. (Elsewhere, Steve Jordan is on drums.) Some songs seem ready for the next arena set, if there’s room among the classics (a big “if”), like the rocking “Divine Intervention” or maybe “Rough and Twisted,” which opens the album with a bluesy growl: “Why don’t you drive me down that rough and twisted road? Why don’t you guide me, ’cause I don’t know which way to go.”

Original music with two covers

Most of the songs, as usual, are by Jagger and Richards, but there’s also a fine cover of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good,” with Jagger doing double duty on vocals and harmonica. And the album ends on a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Beautiful Delilah.” Like the final Muddy Waters track on Hackney, it feels like a loving nod to a seminal

Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts take a bow after a show in London in 2018.

moment on a train platform. We’re talking, of course, about that 1961 meeting between teenagers named Keith and Mick, a bunch of blues albums tucked under the arm of the future front-

man — a moment that launched one of the great partnerships in the history of rock. It’s still, improbably, rocking. And creating. —AP

ENJOY MUSIC? Beacon founder Stuart Rosenthal

Listen to my original smooth-jazz-style compositions at StuartsMelodies.com or on YouTube, including: • Visit to a Museum • Latin Nocturne • Waltz of Joy and more! Share your favorites with friends and on social media, and click “subscribe” on my website or YouTube for free updates. Thank you!

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COVER STORY

Tony Holland’s perseverance pays off By Tina Collins

Difficult upbringing

Growing up in a single-parent household wasn’t always easy. Unsure about his biracial identity and later living with an abusive stepfather, Holland found some escape in sports and television. Money was tight, but he discovered a knack for entrepreneurship at a young age, selling cans and even breaking a sales record for selling jewelry for the Glee Club. At Johns Hopkins on an academic scholarship, Holland’s curiosity led him first toward medicine. There was just one obstacle: “I had a phobia of blood,” he said with a laugh. Medicine was out. Like many young people in the 1980s, Holland was captivated by the excitement surrounding Wall Street. After graduation, he was recruited by a New York

firm. The reality was less glamorous. “I learned the hard way that being a stockbroker may just mean being broke,” he said. Defeated, he moved back to Maryland. At 23, he felt he had failed. “I had a top degree, but I was lost.” Back in Baltimore, for a time he lived out of a van — a red van with shag carpeting, an eight track and, yes, a little blackand-white TV. He ran a painting business, bartended and waited tables at Liberatore’s. Some days he survived on scraps left behind in the restaurant because there wasn’t enough money for dinner. “I was going to do whatever it took. I always had two, three jobs, just like my mom did when she raised us. My mom never took welfare, never took a check, never got child support.” Looking back, he tells the story without embarrassment. Failure, he believes, can teach you. It also prepared him for the moment that changed everything. Opportunity didn’t arrive through a corporate recruiter or a wealthy investor. A bartender heard Holland’s story and mentioned an opening at an insurance company in Towson. “One encounter, one introduction can change your life,” Holland said. He took the job. More than three decades later, he is still building on that decision.

Helping older adults

Insurance, particularly Medicare, isn’t an industry most people dream about entering. Holland understands that. Yet he discovered that helping older adults navigate one of the most complicated transitions of their lives required far more than technical knowledge; it required trust. Every client had a different story. A recent retiree was uncertain about healthcare. A widow tried to make sense of unfamiliar choices. A couple wondered whether they had saved enough. Listening to them became as important as advising. Over time, Holland built a business, but he also built a philosophy. Success, he came to believe, isn’t simply about achievement; it’s about service. “The best way to help yourself is to help others. I call it the ripple effect, circles of service extending forever outward,” he said. Today, Holland’s businesses work with thousands of agents and brokers in 32 states as Medicare navigators. “Everyone has a special gift, and everyone wants to belong to something special. A leader creates an environment to make those dreams possible. Don’t be a boss; be a leader.” That conviction extends well beyond

the office. As a football coach in Carroll County, Holland learns how to listen, teach and inspire young players, no matter their ability. The effort has resulted in 13 championships. Never forgetting how one person helped him when he was a struggling 20-something, Holland also mentors entrepreneurs: “Connecting people is the main business of my life,” he said. He gives back in other ways, investing in local communities, youth sports programs and philanthropic causes such as the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s holiday programs for children. His optimism is unmistakable. So is his realism. Like many of us over 50, he knows what it feels like to fail, and he knows what it feels like to rebuild. Perhaps that’s why he speaks less about avoiding adversity than about responding to it. “You can’t always control circumstances,” he said. “You can control your attitude.”

Finding a lost father

Years after establishing himself professionally, another unexpected turn reshaped Holland’s life. For most of his life, Holland never knew his biological father. Then a DNA test through Ancestry connected him to the man — a biologist — whose identity had remained a mystery for decades. “We spent 14 months getting to know each other before he passed away. It turns out he was searching for me as well,” Holland said. “It was a huge blessing to spend time with him after 46 years. I also gained three half-sisters who continue to be part of my family as well.” Their reunion answered questions Holland had carried since childhood and also made him grateful for the family he had built with his wife, Kathy, and their three children. Holland speaks often about fatherhood, mentoring and legacy, perhaps because he understands the power of both their absence and presence.

No plans to slow down

While many people his age are plan-

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY HOLLAND

The railroad tracks still run through Brunswick, Maryland. For generations, they carried freight through the Frederick County town, but for a young Tony Holland they also marked the edge of the world he knew. Brunswick in the 1970s, when he was growing up, was a blue-collar community where people worked hard, neighbors knew each other, and life was measured less by ambition than by reliability. It was a good place to be a kid, Holland said, but it was also a place where the horizon could feel close. “It was a small worldview,” he recalled. His mother, raising him and his younger brother on her own, quietly expanded her sons’ world with trips to Washington, D.C. Holland remembers looking at the office buildings, museums and professionals hurrying along sidewalks and asking himself a question that would shape much of his life: “What do these people do that makes them successful?” He didn’t know it then, but he wasn’t really asking about money. He was asking how people build meaningful lives. Today, Holland, 56, is chief executive of Global Premier Benefits, a leader in the Medicare insurance industry. He’s also a managing partner at insurance company Integrity Marketing Group as well as a member of the Baltimore Orioles ownership group. Becoming part-owner of the Orioles last year was, for the lifelong Marylander, a full-circle moment. “I remember watching the Baltimore Orioles back in the 1970s on a black-andwhite television, with the kind of antenna you had to adjust and put aluminum foil on to get good reception,” he recalled. “I saw my first game as a devoted six-yearold fan at Memorial Stadium. The tickets were $2.50.”

Tony Holland, 56, mentors young adults and helps communities in need.

ning retirement, Holland is studying artificial intelligence, exploring private equity, thinking about community development and always asking where he can make the greatest difference. What matters most to him is the chance to leave people better than he found them. Holland has learned to use his knack for self-promotion to advocate for communities in need. After all, he knows the measure of a life is not how many doors open, but what you do after you walk through them — and how many others you help. “All you can do is all you can do,” he said. “And all you can do is enough.” As a devout Catholic, Holland leans on his faith. As a businessman, he knows that corporate success and community service can work together to change lives. “People want to change if you just give them the chance. And a little push forward,” he said. For Holland, success goes beyond accolades and acquisitions. He is laser-focused on creating opportunities — for employees, clients, young people he mentors, and for the state he still proudly calls home. “I’ve always believed that where you come from matters,” Holland said. “Maryland gave me a lot and no matter where I am or when I am, Maryland is my heart.”

BEACON BITS

Aug. 22

FREE BUTTERFLY ID CLASS AND GUIDED WALK

Howard County Bird Club leads this beginner-friendly butterfly identification class and guided walk in and around Mt. Pleasant trails and gardens at the Howard County Conservancy. This free event takes place on Sat., Aug. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 10520 Old Frederick Rd., Woodstock. Register at bit.ly/guidedbutterflywalk. For more information, call (410) 465-8877 or email programs@howardnature.org.

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

Write a letter your loved ones will treasure Dear Savvy Senior, money or property. But often, it’s your I want to leave something mean- words, values, and life lessons that leave ingful for my children and grandchil- the deepest mark. A legacy letter gives dren, beyond just money your family something to or property. I’ve heard hold onto: your stories, tradiabout “legacy letters,” but tions and the experiences I don’t really know what that shaped who you are. they are or how to start Children and grandchilone. Can you help? dren often return to these —Legacy Seeker letters for comfort, guidance Dear Seeker, or inspiration long after You’re asking a wonderful you’re gone. In many ways, it question. A legacy letter — becomes an emotional last sometimes called an ethical will and testament, answerwill — is a personal note to SAVVY SENIOR ing some of the most importyour loved ones where you By Jim Miller ant questions about your life. can share your values, life A legacy letter can also lessons, cherished memories, hopes and help explain the “why” behind your esguidance. tate plan in a personal, thoughtful way. Unlike a traditional will, which focuses While a will handles the legal and fion legal matters, a legacy letter comes nancial details, a legacy letter adds constraight from the heart. text — why you made certain decisions or what you hope your loved ones will do with what you leave behind. That added Why write one? Many people think a legacy is just perspective can ease misunderstandings,

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strengthen family connections and leave a lasting sense of closeness.

Getting started

Take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you. Consider asking yourself: • What values or principles have guided my life? • What moments or experiences am I most grateful for? • What mistakes or regrets taught me the most? • How do I hope to be remembered by my loved ones? • What lessons, advice or guidance do I want to leave for my family? • Which family traditions, stories or dreams do I want future generations to carry forward? Keep it personal and sincere. You can write one letter or several for different family members. Most letters run one to three pages, though there’s no strict rule. If you’d like a little guidance as you get started, Trust & Will has a free legacy letter writing guide with step-by-step prompts to help you organize your thoughts and begin writing. You can find it at trustandwill.com/learn/legacy-letter-writing-guide. If writing isn’t your thing, consider creating a legacy video. Speak directly to

your loved ones, sharing stories, guidance and reflections. Most smartphones now record high-quality video and sound, making it easy to create, store and share. A video captures your voice, expressions and surroundings in a way that a letter simply can’t.

Storing and sharing

Keep letters or videos in a safe, easyto-find spot. Physical letters can go in a secure file, safe or with your attorney, while digital files can be backed up to the cloud or an external drive. You can share them now or wait until later, after you’re gone. Be sure to include instructions in your will so family members know where to find them. When it comes down to it, a legacy letter or video is truly the heart behind your will. It gives you the chance to share your values, tell your stories and even explain the intentions behind your estate plan, leaving your loved ones with words that will matter long after you are gone. Written with generosity, empathy and positivity, a few thoughtful pages or a short video can create an emotional imprint that money alone cannot provide. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

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GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

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New poems by the late Lucille Clifton emerge By Margaret Foster One afternoon in 1969, the poet Lucille Clifton walked into Gordon’s Booksellers on East Baltimore Street. When she tried to pay for a book with her credit card, the store clerk wouldn’t accept the card without identification. To prove her identity, Clifton walked over to a display of her books and posed next to a photo of herself. “But you can’t be Lucille Clifton,” the clerk insisted. “Lucille Clifton is famous.” Clifton, the Baltimore poet who died in 2010, was indeed famous. She spent almost 20 years in the city, frequenting bookstores, the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the now-defunct Fells Point bar Angel’s Tavern. She befriended other luminaries such as fellow poet Audre Lorde and novelist Alice Walker. Clifton died in Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 73. In April, 70 poems Clifton left behind have been published in a book, At the Gate: Uncollected Poems 1987-2010. Poet Kazim Ali, a scholar and Clifton fan who edited the book, discovered the unpublished works in Clifton’s computer files.

House preserved

Clifton, the mother of six children, lived on Talbot Road in Windsor Hills, Baltimore, from 1967 until 1984. That’s where she wrote her first collection of poetry and served as the National Poet Laureate of Maryland for six years. In her lifetime, she published 14 poetry books, 18 children’s books and a memoir. For her efforts Clifton won the National Book Award for poetry in 2000. She’s also known for becoming the first person to receive two Pulitzer Prize nominations (but no prize). Her Baltimore house was recently restored, thanks to daughter Sidney, and is now an artist hub. The Clifton House plans to launch a residency program and open an exhibition gallery and artist studios in the coming years. Clifton never got her driver’s license, hence the lack of identification in the bookshop, but she got around the city on

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

MUSEUM VOLUNTEER

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore is seeking volunteers to welcome tour groups from Thursday through Monday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Volunteers will also provide general information about the museum and assist in the galleries as needed. The museum is located at 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore. For more details and to sign up, contact Kiersten Cleveland at (443) 263-1813 or email volunteer.info@lewismuseum.org.

buses and cars driven by her adult children. “Mom liked to take long drives through Baltimore,” Sidney Clifton told the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “She often said she liked seeing different landscapes … it gave her a sense of freedom and possibility.” The newly discovered poems, which editor Ali describes as “edgier” than Clifton’s earlier work, touch on racism, motherhood and homage to other poets like William Blake. Some poems react to current events, including one about the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech, in which Clifton acknowledges the mothers of both the victims and the shooter. “It is the hard edge of things I am avoiding,” she writes in one poem in the new book, “I Take my Glasses Off.” The last line of that poem reads, “I take my glasses off so I can see.” The book can be purchased on Amazon or at boaeditions.org/bookstore.

ONE BIG HAPPY

FROM PAGE 38 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD M A L L I D E A S H A D A S E A R O M P H O L Y T H A T M O S T P E O P L E H Y P H E N L A W S U I T Y E T T I E R S D N A T E S T E E G S I R E R E A L L Y L O V E O R S P R Y E R C A S H E W R E A L L Y H A T E O R A E R O A N Y S O M E S O N G S B U D I N A R E S P O N D G U N G H O W H E R E I N B E T W E E N A I N T N E A T E A R L Y E N S G O D S D R A Y

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: BONGO FUSSY UNSURE ADRIFT Answer: They returned to Rome from Vatican City, and now were back in their -- SURROUNDINGS

By Rick Detorie

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

Crossword Puzzle

Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. This Type of Puzzle This Type of Puzzle 1

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1. Good place for a shopping spree 5. Brainstorming result 9. Fishmonger’s offering 13. Almost to Antarctica 14. Popcorn flick 15. Word before cow or Grail 16. “This is the type of puzzle ___” (start of a sensible claim) 19. Part of tip-off or tie-up 20. Civil legal action 22. “The best is ___ to come” 23. Wedding cake components 25. It was used to clone a T-Rex in Jurassic Park 26. Exasperation 28. Blood analysis 29. Brief brain scans 30. Second part of the claim 35. More able to play sports at the senior center 36. A crunch in Trader Joe’s Happy Trekking Trail Mix 40. Third part of the claim (very similar to the second) 44. Some more of the claim 47. The beginning of space 48. “Pick a card, ___ card” 49. The first two words in many movie trailers 50. Files on a Spotify playlist 52. Future flower 54. Send answers to your pen pal 56. Champing at the bit 59. The end of the claim 62. “Hit it where they ___” (Wee Willie Keeler) 63. Tidy 64. Rank above viscount 65. Longings 66. Residents of Olympus 67. Sturdy cart

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3. 1984 or 2000 4. Furniture making tool 5. Metal with atomic number 26 6. Cinco menos tres 7. CPR specialist 8. Streamer of Severance and Ted Lasso 9. Severance and Ted Lasso 10. Ingredient in Miller Lite 11. Suggest, indirectly 12. Changing up one’s hair color 17. Accomplished, as a goal 18. Side-sleeper’s contact point 21. Profs’ helpers 23. Rolodex no. 24. “Am ___ out of touch?” 26. Org. made possible by the 16th amendment 27. Workout unit 28. Model Banks 29. While lead-in 31. Old member of the string family 32. Writer Stan or Harper 33. She was cursed by 57 Down to only be able to repeat words 34. 1965’s Older Americans Act, in briefs 37. Brain protectors, for boxers and cyclists 38. A billion years, give or take 39. Like Steven Wright’s comedy 41. Break in a set of stairs 42. Trousers half 43. Soph. and jr. 44. Form letter recipient 45. Narrow street, often 46. Golf club that is an anagram for “he aims” 50. Puts loose papers into categories 51. ___ horse town 52. On the other hand 53. Single 55. Founder of Philadelphia 56. Becomes infected with 57. Zeus’ wife (and sister) 58. Child with no siblings 60. Keanu’s Matrix role 61. Disobedient, as a dog

Crossword answers on p. 37

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2026

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; Obituaries; Personals; Per­ son­al 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 in­ves­ti­ gate any ad­ver­tis­ers or their prod­ucts and can­not ac­cept re­spon­si­bil­it­ y for the in­teg­ri­ty of either. Re­spon­dents to clas­ si­fied ad­ver­tis­ing should al­ways use cau­ tion 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 dis­crim­ i­na­tion based on race, color, national origin, sex, fa­mil­ial sta­tus or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Caregivers LICENSED CNA, CPR, FIRST AID, INSURED, dependable with 40 years experience. Home healthcare for Seniors: ADL, Companionship. Transportation provided. REGINA COLEY 667-600-8146. MOBILE HAIR & NAIL SERVICES — WE COME TO YOU. Senior Stylist provides licensed & insured professional hair and nail services in the comfort of your home. Women’s & Men’s Haircuts, Styling, Sets, Color, Manicures & more. Serving senior living communities and private homes throughout the region for over 10 years. Visit SeniorStylist.com or call 410-415-1760. SEEKING PRN SHIFTS ($28–33/hr.) in Pikesville, MD, caring for a lovely older gentleman. Duties include fall prevention, companionship, and light kitchen help. Available shifts: 10–12-hour days or overnights, plus 3–6-hour daytime or evening shifts. Quiet, pleasant neighborhood. Call 443-509-4095.

Computer Services SAVVY SENIOR TECH HUB - Friendly 1:1 tech support designed for seniors! Learn smartphones, tablets & computers at your own pace. Patient instruction, affordable rates. Don’t let technology intimidate you - master it! Call/text Stefan at 443-281-3638. PATIENT, PRACTICAL, PERSONAL & IN-PERSON, 20+ years experience. Don’t let tech frustrate you. Get comfortable & confident with smartphones, tablets, laptops, TV, Alexa & more. Learn how to avoid scams. Julia: 443-436-2612, tech.coach4all@gmail.com.

Events PRIME TIMERS OF BALTIMORE is a welcoming community for mature gay and bisexual men. The Prime Timers offer social activities that cater to the mind and body. We meet for dinners, a book club, potlucks, hiking, tours, bowling, and more! Join us! Visit baltimoreprimetimers. org or email info@ptbalto.org for info.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www. thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds. Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month for the Greater Baltimore edition; and by the 20th for the Northern Virginia and D.C./ Maryland editions. Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500 • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you. Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. •E ach real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

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

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

For Sale MEADOWRIDGE MEMORIAL PARK in Howard County two side-by-side plots for sale in the field of honor section. Meadowridge is a beautiful Cemetery. Asking $9000 for both please contact via text or call 410-812-0244. Thank you. NEW WINDOWS FROM WINDOW NATION. Special money saving offer - zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 855-909-2278.

For Sale/Rent Real Estate LOCAL DISCOUNT REALTOR - Helping Neighbors Save Thousands! Selling your home does not have to be expensive. I offer full service real estate support while delivering top-tier service. 22 years’ experience serving Baltimore neighborhoods. Call for free no obligation home value consultation- 443-794-8297- No pressureno games- just honest help. Let’s talk about your home’s value and I guarantee I will save you thousands. Robert Holmes - Realtor-Samson Properties- HSA Team-Office 443-317-8125.

Health

Home/Handyman Services

HOMECARE PROVIDER - Home With You Senior Care offers in-home care with exceptional caregivers. Our mission is to help older adults live confidently in their own homes. We choose to make a positive difference. We offer a full range of services to assist in “the extra little things.” It’s good to be cared for...It’s great to be cared about! Call us today 410-756-0959 for a free consultation. DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844-366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

Home/Handyman Services DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170. NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-977-6078 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10%. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details.

A D V E R T I S E R

Wanted PAYING TOP CASH FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. House calls made with prompt, courteous service seven days a week and 25 years of experience! Buying toys, trains, militaria, glassware, advertising merchandise, paper items and much more! Contact Mason or Megan at: 443-306-8816. CASH FOR ITEMS; ESTATES, MOVING, DOWNSIZING. Single item, or whole estate. I buy a wide range of items. Will travel to you. Gary Roman, TheAtticLLC.com, 301-520-0755. I BUY LARGE LP RECORD ALBUM COLLECTIONS for top cash! I come to you and haul. Text/call Steve 410-900-5657. Metal, punk, classic rock, alternative, soul/jazz/funk and more! COINS, STAMPS, PAPER MONEY, & AUTOGRAPHS WANTED. Paying top prices. Free estimates — Will travel. No collection too large or too small. 50 years of experience. Licensed. Member of major associations. Call Dirk at 301-704-5453 or email dirkkitchin@earthlink.net.

I N D E X

We thank our advertisers, who make our publication possible. Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon! Classes/Events

Beacon 50+Expos............................... 28 Howard Co. 50+ Connection.......... 20-21 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks....................................... 22-23

Clinical Health Studies

Exercise & Sleep Study/mPATH........... 9 Patient First Summer Studies................ 9 Smell Test Study.................................. 10 Spark Study........................................... 8 Spring Clinical Trial.............................. 8 Weight Loss Clinical Study................... 9

Funeral Services

Cremation Society of Maryland.......... 27 Going Home Cremation...................... 32 MacNabb Funeral Home..................... 27 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc.......................... 13

Home Health/ Care Management

A-1 Action Nursing Care...................... 6 Family & Nursing Care......................... 7

Home Improvement/ Cleaning Services

Cress Onsite........................................ 13 Window Nation................................... 34

Housing

Brooke Grove...................................... 40 Brightview Senior Living.................... 30 Charlestown/Erickson......................... 11 Christ Church Harbor Apts................. 33 Enterprise Residential Apts................. 19 Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant.............................. 12 Oak Crest/Erickson............................. 11 Park View Colonial Landing............... 19 Park View Columbia........................... 19 Park View Ellicott City....................... 19

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Park View Emerson............................. 19 Pickersgill........................................... 26 Residences at Vantage Point................ 14 Roland View Towers............................ 12 Virginia Towers Apts........................... 13 Warren Place Apts............................... 15 Westminster House............................. 31

Medical/Health/Insurance

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine of Maryland....................... 3 Denture Doctor.................................... 10 Dr. Richard Rosenblatt.......................... 6 Medical Eye Center............................. 11 PACE of West Baltimore....................... 6

Retail

Radio Flea Market............................... 29

Senior/Government Services

AARP – Social Security Voter............ 16 COGS.................................................. 32

Howard Co. 50+ Connection.......... 20-21 Positive Aging Sourcebook................. 18

Subscriptions

JMore Living....................................... 36 The Beacon Newspaper...................... 36

Theater/Entertainment

Everyman Theatre............................... 31 Stuart’s Melodies................................. 33 Toby’s Dinner Theatre......................... 29 WAMU 88.5.......................................... 5

Travel

Howard Co. Recreation & Parks....................................... 22-23 RTA/Transportation............................. 25 Superior Tours..................................... 27

Volunteer Opportunities

Public Policy Volunteers..................... 15

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AUGUST 2026 — GREATER BALTIMORE BEACON

juLY–september 2026

UPCOMING SEMINARS & CLASSES at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and classes that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All programs will be held in-person in the Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village. Register as indicated below or contact Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org with questions.

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “BALANCED BODY, BALANCED MIND”

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “YOGA FOR OLDER ADULTS”

Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga July 20 through August 7

Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga September 14 through October 2

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS, 1-1:45 P.M.

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS · 1-1:45 P.M.

This class, geared to older adults and beneficial to ALL, introduces simple and effective techniques to greatly improve your balance and agility while sneaking in a bit of simple strength training and energizing movement. Each class will begin and end with breathing and grounding techniques which, paired with class exercises, can help to reduce your risk of falls and leave you feeling strong, energized and balanced.

Yoga can benefit EVERYBODY! This gentle yoga class is geared for older adults and accessible for ALL as positions may be done from a yoga mat, sitting in a chair or standing with a chair/wall for support. Conducted at a slow pace, this class incorporates mindfulness and breathing techniques, while participants learn and practice poses that will increase strength, balance and flexibility. A regular yoga practice can also improve mobility, increase energy, boost physical function, help with pain and enrich your life!

$20 for entire three-week session To register, visit: bit.ly/BodyMindBG SMOOTH MOVE SEMINAR: “STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING A LIFETIME OF STUFF”

$20 for entire three-week session Register by September 13 at: bit.ly/YogaSeptBG

THURSDAY, JULY 30 • 10:30–11:45 A.M. Respected realtor and founder of the Seniors Solutions Team Eric Stewart will offer expert, compassionate guidance for those sorting and moving a lifetime of stuff. Learn heartfelt, practical ways to pass on your stories and legacy as you gain tools and insights to lighten the load for your rightsizing journey. You’ll leave this seminar feeling confident and assured that the process of letting go will open the door to more ease, joy and connection.

assisted living

Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-388-7209 · www.bgf.org

FREE. Register by July 29 at: bit.ly/MoveMeBG

Independent living

18100 Slade School Road

rehabilitation

long-term care

memory support