September 2025 | DC Beacon

More than 200,000 readers throughout Greater Washington

Six-minute dates for older singles

By Laura Sturza

If you keep telling yourself, “I’ve got to put myself out there if I’m going to meet someone,” speed dating may be for you.

This unique dating format offers the chance to meet multiple singles in your age range in a single evening.

Each event is held at a different bar, hotel or restaurant, typically in a private area. A host welcomes everyone and gives them a nametag — and some encouragement.

Often the women stay seated at tables, while the men rotate from one table to the next, allowing people to meet as many as 16 prospects in six-minute mini-dates. When six minutes are up, the host rings a bell, and half the guests change seats to meet someone new.

People who have tried speed dating tend to enjoy it, even if they don’t meet the love of their life.

“It was kind of fun — it was definitely exciting. It gave me that school-dance-butterflies feeling,” said Linda R. (last name withheld for privacy), a 56-year-old D.C. resident whose husband passed away in 2007.

At the end of each mini-date, participants indicate whether they would like to share their contact information with the person they have just met. If it’s mutual, the organizers then connect them: Within 24 hours, participants receive an email with the contact information of the people they liked. They can take it from there.

“One of the nice things about speed dating is, people are polite, respectful, nice to each other, so even if there isn’t a match, it’s a chance to just meet new people — as opposed to online, where people ghost you,” said 61-year-old Mark Gianturco, who has been to two events in Northern Virginia.

Hope after divorce

For many older adults, a return to the dating world often comes after another relationship ends.

Gianturco divorced three years ago after 33 years of marriage. His three adult daughters are rooting for him to find a partner for the next chapter of his life, he said.

“I plan on finding a partner and hopefully having a lifelong relationship,” Gianturco said, but it has so far been difficult to meet people.

“It’s not the paradigm anymore that you go shopping and meet the love of [your] life. I’m sure it happens, but the social dynamics are different…I hope I find my person.”

While he hasn’t yet found the woman of his dreams, Gianturco still considers his speed dating experiences a success. After all, he put himself out there, along with everyone else who attended. Doing so, he believes, has brought him one step closer to meeting his match.

Authentic interactions

While many might find the idea of speed dating daunting, others are ready to try it, especially those who have been disappointed in their attempts to meet someone through friends, shared interest groups, or dating apps such as SilverSingles and SeniorMatch.

Gianturco prefers speed dating to dating apps because he says meeting someone in person provides nuance that is lacking in online dating. During short, face-toface encounters, he said, “You’ve exchanged much more information than you would with endless days of texting, and the information you exchange is richer.”

There is another advantage to this inperson dating approach: authenticity. Gianturco has encountered a few women who misrepresented themselves online, including those who used photos that were not their own. Of course, that can’t happen in person.

Good

way to make friends

Like Gianturco, Linda R. tried dating

Explore Cambodia’s heritage sites and Vietnam’s French architecture via a river cruise; plus, a writer returns to Paris after 60 years

Shakespeare meets Duke Ellington at Signature Theatre; plus, a local artist’s plant-based “echo prints,” and Bob Levey on why older patients are best page 29

At a speed dating event held by Pre-Dating Speed Dating, couples spend a few minutes getting to know each other and then move on. Many singles over 50 say they enjoy the experience even if they don’t make a love connection.

PHOTO BY DANIEL RADER

It’s Expo season again

I am thrilled to invite you to join us at the Beacon’s 26th annual 50+Expos. We present these events in both Maryland and Virginia to provide useful information and a great time to our readers and their family members.

In case you haven’t been before, I can share that our Expos attract thousands of area residents who come for health screenings, flu shots and other vaccines, interesting speakers, and valuable information from dozens of exhibitors and sponsors — including government agencies, nonprofits and area businesses providing products and services geared to older adults and their families.

p.m., at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Virginia

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

And, of course, everyone has fun (not least from the chocolates and other goodies our exhibitors hand out, plus the many door prize drawings during each Expo).

I hope you will consider joining us at one or both of this year’s events: Sunday, September 28, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Building in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Sunday, October 5, from noon to 4

Prioritizing the health and well-being of attendees, both Expos will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol tests, as well as glaucoma screenings at Springfield.

Important vaccines will also be available, including the latest Covid booster, regular and high-dose flu shots, RSV, Shingrix (shingles), pneumonia and tetanus vaccines. Please bring your Medicare and/or insurance card with you.

In Silver Spring, Md., our keynote program will consist of a “Community Conversation” with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. Come with your questions and comments for the County Executive!

In Springfield, Va., we are pleased to partner with the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging to offer “Ventures in Volunteering” — a collection of more than 35 agencies and nonprofits offering exciting volunteer opportunities.

IN FOCUS FOR PEOPLE OVER 50

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

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

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

Publisher/Editor Emeritus – Stuart P. Rosenthal

President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal

Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei

Editor – Margaret Foster

Art Director – Kyle Gregory

Vice President of Operations – Roger King

Advertising Representatives –Jill Joseph, Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel

Assistant Editor – Ana Preger Hart

Editorial Assistant – Tori Cleveland

As always, our exhibitors will include hospitals and a variety of other healthcare providers, retirement communities, home improvement contractors, home care agencies, financial and legal advisors, insurance providers, travel, fitness and senior services and more.

The Beacon’s 50+Expos are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. Gold Sponsors are AARP Virginia and Giant Pharmacy.

Silver Sponsors are Adventist HealthCare, Johns Hopkins Health Plans, Cogir Senior Living and Pepco.

Bronze Sponsors include Cogir Potomac Senior Living, Maryland Relay, Xfinity, Trinity Health PACE, Housing Initiative Partnership, Autumn Lake Healthcare, Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services, and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.

For more information, or to exhibit, sponsor or volunteer, call us at (301) 949-9766, email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com or visit thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos.

While our staff will be out in force at both events to help everyone find what they are looking for, we would love to have some volunteers as well. If you are planning to come to either event and can spare an hour or so to assist at our information booth, please contact us.

Also, there is still time for additional sponsors and exhibitors to sign up! Call or email us and we will be happy to speak with you. I look forward to seeing you on September 28 and/or October 5! Please be sure to look for me and say hello.

Letters to the editor

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

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

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

Dear Editor:

I have been impressed by your publisher’s recent comments about spirituality and interest in near death experiences. I have several stories to relate to you.

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com

Submissions:

My grandfather died on the operating table after being seriously injured by a car while he was building a fence along the road. My mother was in her grandparents’ living room when she experienced his spirit coming through the room as if to let her know and say goodbye. It turned out that occurred at the exact time of his physical passing on the operating table.

Later, my mother herself needed an operation. Afterwards, in her hospital room, she stopped breathing. The nurse jumped to give her artificial respiration, while my father begged my mother to breathe and not leave him with two young children to raise alone.

My mother later described her experience of this as if she was floating above them in the room, feeling free and without any trouble breathing. But upon hearing my father’s pleas, she came back to her body to face the effort of breathing again.

After my husband died in 2011, I returned to church to sit where we usually sat together. A doctor friend told me later that he “saw” Jeff sitting beside me on more than one occasion. The experience made his hair stand on end.

As you can see, I can’t tell you my own near death experience — at least, not yet!

Mary Allen Sawtelle Lake Ridge, VA

Dear Editor:

I read your publisher’s recent columns [including “Invisible realms surround

us,” August 2025].

Life is a journey, so we need to be the best we can be and [do] what’s expected of us. That’s why we are here. We have a purpose to fill. The question is, have we filled that purpose?

If you want to know, then begin to write in a journal the events of your life.

If you record what you dream, a channel will open. Have a dream journal and write what you get in the sleep state when you quiet the mind. It may seem like “just stuff,” but are there any key words, signs, puns or activity going on?

There’s a thin veil, and when God wants to communicate, it will be so. When you decide to be open, the spiritual, emotional and intuitive will be understood.

Pat Young Brooklyn, MD

Dear Editor:

Thank you so much for the tickets to an IronBirds Baseball game at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.

We have passed by the stadium when traveling to see family in the New York area and have talked about going to see a game there, but somehow have never done so. Thanks to the Beacon, we decided to actually take the time and schedule an afternoon at the park. We had great weather and a fun time.

Brenda and Lambert Zirkind Baltimore, MD

Ed.: We’re so glad you had a wonderful time! Our newspaper gives away free tickets to performances, bus trips and other events throughout the year. Our next giveaway will be in the October issue.

Exhibitors

AAA Club Alliance

AARP Driver Safety

AARP Virginia

Adventist HealthCare

Asbury Methodist Village

Assisted Living Locators

Autumn Lake Healthcare

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Carol R. Schifter, Esq.

Cherished Hands Home Health Care

Fairfax County Consumer Affairs

Fairfax County Government Channel 16

Fairfax County Public Library

Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery

Giant Pharmacy

HearingLife

Homecrest House

Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP)

Humana

Johns Hopkins Health Plan

JSSA

Kaiser Permanente - Medicare Health Plan

LeafGuard

Montgomery Energy Connection (MCDEP)

Office of the Attorney General

Parkinson's Foundation

Pathways Healthcare LLC

Pepco

ROMTech

Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg

Funeral Care Inc

Sheild Guardant Health

Sibley Senior Association

Thrive USA Home Care

Toby's Dinner Theatre

Trinity Health PACE Montgomery County

Clear Captions

Maryland Oncology Hematology

United Healthcare Medicare

Cogir Potomac Senior Living

Cogir Senior Living

Eric Stewart Group

Maryland Relay

Vamoose Bus

Fairfax County - CPRD

Fairfax County Adult and Aging Division

Volunteer Fair Exhibitors

1st Stage Theatre

Montgomery County Aging and Disability

Montgomery County Board of Elections

Assistance League of Northern VA

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington

Children’s Science Center Lab

Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol

Xfinity

Montgomery County Recreation

Montgomery County SHIP

ECHO (Ecumenical Community

Helping Others, Inc.)

CRi (Community Residences, Inc.)

Culmore Clinic

Children, Youth and Families, (CYF), DFS

Department of Family Services - Area Agency on Aging - Volunteer Solutions

Department of Family Services - Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)

Community Partners

AARP - VA

AARP Driver Safety

Arlington Agency on Aging

Department of Family Services - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets

Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc.

Fairfax Tree Rescue PRISM

Fellowship Square

Food for Others

Northern Virginia Long-Term Care

Ombudsman Program

NV Rides and Pozez JCC

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University

Project Knitwell

Arlington County Arlington Mill Senior Center

Arlington County Aurora Hills Senior Center

Arlington County Lee Center

Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital

Ignatian Volunteer Corps

Inova Retail and Resale

Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern VA

Migration & Refugee Services, CCDA

Mount Vernon at Home

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax County

Burke/West Springfield Senior Center

Capital Caring Health

Chevy Chase House

Rebuilding Together Arlington / Fairfax / Falls Church, Inc

Shepherd’s Centers of AnnandaleSpringfield and Fairfax - Burke TEACH

Traveler's Aid International - Dulles Airport

Volunteer Fairfax - RSVP – NOVA

The Women's Center

Workhouse Arts Center

City of Fairfax Senior Center

Arlington County Madison Senior Center

Arlington County Office of Senior Adult-PR

Arlington County Parks & Rec

Arlington County Langston Brown Senior Center

City of Rockville Senior Center

Montgomery County Department of Transportation

Holiday Park Senior Center

Arlington County Senior Community Outreach

Asbury Methodist Village

Aspenwood Senior Living Community

Assisting Hands Home Care

Bender JCC-Arts & Culture

Benjamin Gaither Center

Bender JCC of Greater Washington

City of Takoma Park Recreation Department

Long Branch Senior Center

Giant Pharmacy

Fairfax Div on Adults and Aging

Herndon Senior Center

Home Energy Program

IT Curves

Jewish Council for the Aging

Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County

Lewinsville Senior Center

Little River Glen Senior Center

Lorton Senior Center

Kensington Park Retirement Community

Lubber Run Senior Center

Loudoun Senior Center at the Cascades

Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center

McLean Community Center

Montgomery County Board of Elections

Protections

Montgomery County Office of Consumer

Montgomery County Public Libraries

Montgomery County SHIP

Montgomery County Stroke Association

Montgomery Energy Connection

Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons

NV Rides

Office of 55+ Programs - Arlington County

Parks and Recreation

Parkinson's Foundation

The Carlin

Victory Court

Victory Square

Springfield Town Center

Wakefield Senior Center

White Oak Senior Center

OUR 26th YEAR

What you’ll find at this year’s 50+Expos:

In

Virginia:

offering dozens of volunteer opportunities Venture into Volunteering Fair

Screenings

at both locations:

Free

• Blood pressure

• Cholesterol

• Glaucoma*

• Blood glucose

*Springfield, Virginia only

Entertainment

Vaccines

at both locations:

• Regular flu/High-dose flu

• Latest Covid Vaccine and New RSV Vaccine

• Shingrix (shingles) (one of two shots)

• Pneumonia

• Tetanus

Bring your Medicare or insurance card. (Some vaccines may require a co-pay.)

In Maryland: Bruce Thomas will return to sing top hits of the 40s, 50s, 60s and more.

Listening Session

In

Maryland:

Listening Session with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich.

Come express your views.

n with unty lrich.

Fitness & Health

SMART SNACKS

Nuts, avocado toast, yogurt and other snacks can make you feel full between meals

TRY THIS AT HOME

Learn how to monitor your skin for problems and when to see your doctor

PRE-VACCINE MEMORIES

Many Americans know the reality of preventable diseases all too well

ROCK CONCERT

Kidney stones can cause sudden, intense pain. Hydration can prevent them

To stay sharp, challenge your mind and body

By Lauran Neergaard

It’s official: Older Americans worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier.

That’s according to initial results released in July from a rigorous U.S. study of lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of developing dementia. People following a combination of healthier habits slowed typical age-related cognitive decline — achieving scores on brain tests as if they were a year or two younger, researchers reported in JAMA and at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.

It’s not too late to get started — study participants were in their 60s and 70s — and it doesn’t require becoming a pickleball champ or swearing off ice cream.

“It was the first time I felt like I was doing something proactive to protect my brain,” said Phyllis Jones, 66, of Aurora, Illinois, who joined the study after caring for her mother with dementia and struggling with her own health problems.

It’s too soon to know if stalling age-related decline also could reduce the risk of later Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. But Jones and other study participants underwent brain scans and blood tests that researchers now are analyzing for clues — such as whether people also saw a reduction in Alzheimer’s-related protein buildup.

“We’re all on a cognitive aging clock, and anything we can do to slow that clock down, to me, that is a significant benefit,” said Laura Baker of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, who led the study.

Good for the heart, good for the brain

Doctors have long encouraged physical activity and a healthy diet for brain fitness. Those steps fight high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes, factors that increase the risk of dementia.

But until now the strongest evidence that specific lifestyle changes later in life could improve how people perform on brain tests came from a study in Finland.

Would it work for a more sedentary and culturally diverse U.S. population? With funding from the Alzheimer’s Association and the government’s National Institute on Aging, Baker’s team tested the strategy for two years in 2,100 adults ages 60 to 79.

What study participants had to do

Half of participants were randomly assigned to group classes for exercise and dietary changes, plus brain-challenging homework — with peer support and coaches tracking their progress.

They did a half-hour of moderately intense exercise four times a week — plus, twice a week, they added 10 to 15 minutes

of stretching and 15 to 20 minutes of resistance training.

They followed the “MIND diet,” which stresses lots of leafy greens and berries plus whole grains, poultry and fish. Nothing is banned, but it urges limiting red meat, fried or fast food and sweets, and substituting olive oil for butter and margarine.

They also had to meet someone or try something new weekly and do brain exercises using an online program called Brain HQ.

Other study participants, the control group, received brain-healthy advice and minimal coaching — they chose what steps to follow. Both groups improved, but the first group fared significantly better.

Combining social engagement with exercise and dietary steps may be key, said Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, who wasn’t involved with the study.

“Americans want to have that one easy thing — ‘If I just eat my blueberries,’” Langbaum said. “There is no one magic bullet. It is a whole lifestyle.”

How to exercise body, mind on your own

Moderately intense physical activity means raising your heart rate and panting a bit yet still being able to talk, said Baker. She cautioned to pick something safe for your physical capability and start slowly, just 10 minutes at a time, until you can han-

dle more. Make it something you enjoy so you stick with it.

Likewise, there are many options for brain exercise, Baker said — puzzles, joining a book club, learning an instrument or a new language.

Jones, a software engineer-turned-tester, learned she loves blueberry-spinach smoothies. Her favorite exercise uses an at-home virtual-reality program that lets her work up a sweat while appearing to be in another country and communicating with other online users.

Maintaining the lifestyle

Researchers will track study participants’ health for four more years, and the Alzheimer’s Association is preparing to translate the findings into local community programs.

In the meantime, will people in the study stick with their new habits?

Jones lost 30 pounds, saw her heart health improve and feels sharper, especially when multitasking. But she hadn’t realized her diet slipped when study coaching ended until a checkup spotted rising blood sugar. Now she and an 81-year-old friend from the study are helping keep each other on track. The lifestyle change “did not just affect me physically, it also affected me mentally and emotionally. It brought me to a much better place,” Jones said. —AP

Are you at risk of developing glaucoma?

Dear Savvy Senior,

What can you tell me about the eye disease glaucoma? My older brother was recently diagnosed with it and lost some of his vision, but he never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too?

—Stressed Sibling

Dear Stressed,

Yes, having an immediate family member with glaucoma significantly increases your risks of developing it, but there are other risk factors you need to be aware of too. Here’s what you should know.

What is glaucoma?

can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness if untreated. This typically happens because the fluids in the eye don’t drain properly, causing increased pressure in the eyeball.

But the scary thing about glaucoma is that with no early warning signs or pain, most people that have it don’t realize it until their vision begins to deteriorate.

permanent damage is already done.

Are you at risk?

It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma today, but that number is expected to surge to more than 6.3 million by 2050. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you’re at increased risk of developing it.

• Are you African American, Hispanic/Latino American or Asian American?

• Are you over age 60?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that

While there are two main types of glaucoma, the most common form that typically affects older adults is called open-angle glaucoma. This disease develops very slowly: The eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to blind spots in the peripheral or side vision. By the time you notice it, the

• Do you have an immediate family member with glaucoma?

• Do you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines or extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness?

• Have you had a past eye injury?

• Have you used corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers and

creams) for long periods of time?

What to do

Early detection is the key to guarding against glaucoma. So, if you’re age 40 or older and have any of the previously mentioned risk factors, especially if you’re African American, you need to get a comprehensive eye examination every 18 to 24 months. Or, if you notice some loss of peripheral vision, get to the eye doctor right away. [Ed. Note: The Beacon 50+Expo on October 5 at Springfield Town Center will offer free on-site glaucoma screening. See page 3 for more information.]

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, annual eye examinations are covered for those at high risk for glaucoma. Or if you don’t have vision coverage, contact EyeCare America,

SAVVY SENIOR

By Jim Miller

Gratitude can change lives for the better

By Cathy Bussewitz

The first thing Alison Jones does when she wakes up is name three things she’s grateful for. It can be as simple as the breeze from a fan or as meaningful as the way a friend showed up for her emotionally.

Jones, an organizational development consultant, said the daily practice has helped her through hardships and the anxiety and vulnerability of starting her own business as a single mom.

“When you practice gratitude, you train your brain to always look for the positive in anything. It just completely shifts everything you’re going through,” she said. “You start to

Glaucoma

From page 6

a national public service program that provides free glaucoma eye exams through a pool of more than 4,600 volunteer ophthalmologists. Visit AAO.org/eyecare-america or call 1-877-887-6327 to learn more.

While there’s currently no cure for glaucoma, most cases can be treated with prescription eye drops, which reduce eye pressure and can prevent further vision loss. It cannot, however, restore vision already lost

see the lessons in the pain. You start to see the beauty in the very difficult times because you realize, ‘Hey, I’m growing stronger.’”

Practicing and encouraging gratitude can be a simple way to boost morale at a time when layoffs and economic uncertainty are causing stress and anxiety. Proponents say expressing and receiving appreciation can help reduce stress, as well as improve a person’s mood and outlook.

How

to

be more grateful

If you’re new to practicing gratitude,

See GRATITUDE , page 8

from glaucoma. If eye drops don’t work, your doctor may recommend oral medication, laser treatments, incisional surgery or a combination of these methods.

For more information on glaucoma, visit the National Eye Institute at NEI.nih.gov and the Glaucoma Research Foundation at Glaucoma.org.

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

MAIL OR EMAIL FOR FREE INFORMATION

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

Housing Communities

District of Columbia

o Chevy Chase House (See ad on page 18)

Maryland

o Brooke Grove (See ad on page 17)

o Charles E. Smith Life Communities (See ad on page 16)

o ChurchillSeniorLiving (See ad on page 35)

o Cogir Potomac (See ad on page 7)

o Cogir West End (See ad on page 15)

o Collington (See ad on page 25)

o Grandview,The/Erickson (See ad on page 9)

o Homecrest House (See ad on page 13)

o Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 31)

o Park View Columbia (See ad on page 31)

o Park View Emerson (See ad on page 31)

o Park View Laurel (See ad on page 31)

o Riderwood/Erickson (See ad on page 9)

Virginia

o Ashby Ponds/Erickson (See ad on page 9)

o Cogir Alexandria Fillmore (See ad on page 15)

o Cogir Old Town Alexandria (See ad on page 15)

o Culpepper Gardens (See ad on page 12)

o Falcons Landing (See ad on page 19)

o Greenspring/Erickson (See ad on page 9)

o WoodleighChase/Erickson (See ad on page 9)

Clinical Health Studies

o Anxiety/Depression Study (See ad on page 10)

o Smell Test Study (See article and ad on page 10)

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or take a picture and email to housing@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Smart snacks to tide you over between meals

By Kirsten Nunez

Snacking often gets a bad rap — but it can actually be helpful for staying energized and full throughout the day. The key is to choose foods that are rich in satiating nutrients, such as complex carbohydrates, fiber, lean protein and healthy fats.

Here are eight healthy snacks you can enjoy between meals.

1. Dark chocolate-covered almonds: Satisfy your sweet tooth — and energy levels — with dark chocolate-covered almonds. When made with minimal ingredients (i.e., nothing more than melted dark chocolate and almonds), this snack will keep you full, according to Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RD. That’s because it contains good fats, fiber and plant-based protein, all of which support satiety and provide fuel.

Gratitude

From page 7

you can start at home with a routine such as Jones’ custom of expressing gratitude before getting out of bed.

She made her gratitude practice easy so it would become a sustainable habit. Her one rule is avoiding repetition and stretching her mind to find new things to be grateful for each day.

Jones also recommends finding a “grati-

2. Popcorn: If you’re a fan of crunchy snacks, you’ll be glad to know that popcorn is on the list of healthy energy-boosting options. “Popcorn is a whole grain and a source of fiber,” explained Kristen Lorenz, RD. The fibrous carbs in popcorn provide a steady source of energy, along with digestive benefits.

3. Yogurt: Yogurt is a stellar source of protein, which “helps maintain energy levels and prevents the mid-afternoon energy slump,” Lorenz said. “Full-fat Greek yogurts are extra creamy, yielding a seemingly indulgent snack while packing in protein to keep you full and satisfied,” she added. This snack also offers bone-healthy calcium and gut-friendly probiotics, giving you a nutritious bang for your buck.

4. Trail mix: Of course, all trail mixes are

tude buddy” to share with. A buddy may be a friend from work or your social circles, and ideas can be exchanged in person, by text or email or during a phone call. Many people find it helpful to list what they’re grateful for in a journal.

As humans, we often have a bias toward negativity, but gratitude “just does an enormous amount to shift people’s mindsets and the way they engage with each other,” said Peter Bonanno, a consultant who helps companies design mindfulness-based programs.

different — but when made at home with whole, minimal ingredients, trail mix can be a nutritious and energizing snack. “Let’s say you made your own with half an ounce each of almonds and walnuts, plus some chocolate candies and dried cranberries,” Pasquariello suggested. This mixture offers a healthy combination of carbohydrates, fiber, good fats and plant-based protein, all of which will keep you satiated and energized.

5. Avocado toast: “Avocado toast contains a balance of healthy fats, vitamin A, potassium, fiber and carbs,” Pasquariello explained. Just mash a ripe avocado on wheat toast to keep you energized and ready to take on the day.

6. Hard-boiled eggs: If you’re looking for a snack that’s nutritious and energizing to boot, reach for hard-boiled eggs.

“Gratitude is especially powerful in that way. It doesn’t take a long time for people to notice an impact.”

Express thanks to others

Throughout the day, try to find time to thank the people you encounter. Your words, note or gift could mean a lot to them.

Registered nurse Denise Wittsell remembers how quiet the hospital where she works became during the pandemic. The hallways of Denver Health, typically busy

“They contain protein and healthy fats, which provide sustained energy and keep hunger at bay,” Lorenz said. “Hard-boiled eggs are also a source of complete protein, meaning you’ll get all nine essential amino acids you need.”

7. Chia pudding: For an energizing make-ahead snack, whip up a simple chia pudding by combining chia seeds and your milk of choice. Chia seeds are rich in three satiating nutrients: fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein. As these nutrients reduce hunger, they’ll quell the fatigue and tiredness that comes with it, keeping your energy levels up.

8. Bananas and nut butter: Bananas and peanut or almond butter provide a

with families and guests, were suddenly empty as visits from outsiders were curtailed and patients battled illnesses alone.

Once in a while, someone from the community would deliver gifts of gratitude: tasty snacks or handmade cards from schoolchildren.

“Those spontaneous recognitions were really sweet,” Wittsell said. “It just felt really kind, and it felt like there was a lot of wrapping around us, a very supportive feeling.” —AP

Health Studies INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

How smell loss is connected to brain health

By Margaret Foster

As we get older, our sense of smell wanes. However, smell loss may be a red flag, indicating neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation has been conducting a study for the past 15 years to determine possible markers for the disease, which has no cure.

“We’re trying to understand how the disease starts and progresses over time,” said Maggie McGuire Kuhl, vice president of research engagement at the Michael J.

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Sept. 17

Fox Foundation.

Now the foundation is asking people over 40 to take a smell test that one day may be the first step in detecting the disease.

A 15-minute test

Anyone age 40 or over without Parkinson’s disease can take the smell test.

Once you sign up on the website, the foundation will mail you the University of Pennsylvania’s Smell Identification Test.

The smell test consists of 40 pages of scratch-and-sniff scents, one per page,

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Take the

Test Challenge Today

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 your test at

or scan the QR code.

Request your test at 877-525-PPMI (7764) mysmelltest.org/beacon or scan the QR code.

such as lemon, pizza, gasoline, onion and cinnamon. You enter your answers on the website, and in 15 minutes, you’re done.

Longitudinal study

If your results show a poor sense of smell, researchers may invite you to participate in the foundation’s longitudinal study, known as Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI).

So far, Kuhl said, 90,000 people have taken the smell test, and around 13,000 have been eligible for additional testing at one of the longitudinal study’s 32 U.S. sites, including one at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, or sites in 12 other countries.

Now the foundation needs another 400 people with Parkinson’s and 1,000 people without it to participate in the clinic portion of the trial.

“We’ve had a lot of folks join us in this effort, but we still need many more,” Kuhl said.

Participants in the PPMI study will receive travel expenses for them and a companion, plus compensation for their time. In addition, they will receive some of their test results.

Researchers are searching for ways to detect Parkinson’s disease before it

Healthy snacks

From page 8

generous helping of carbs, fiber, fat and protein.

“Together, these nutrients offer a satiating combo in terms of overall energy,” Pasquariello said. “Bananas also provide

strikes, much like monitoring cholesterol or blood pressure to prevent heart attacks.

“We really need more markers and tests to understand someone’s specific disease and then know how to treat them,” Kuhl said. “Our main goal is to prevent Parkinson’s — that’s why we’re looking at so many people without Parkinson’s who perhaps have some of the risk factors,” she said. “Early detection is key.”

Results of the study so far

The foundation’s landmark PPMI study has been underway for 15 years, and so far it has discovered at least one reliable marker for the disease.

About 10 years ago, researchers developed a new way to detect looming Parkinson’s in spinal fluid.

“Through this study we have had a breakthrough in detecting the biology of the disease,” Kuhl said. “We still have a lot of questions to answer, but we’re on the right track — and this study is a partnership to bring us to more answers.”

To find out more about the longitudinal study, call 1-877-525-PPMI. To request a smell test, visit mysmelltest.org/beacon or call 1-888-830-6299.

micronutrients like potassium, [and] the nut butter will provide B vitamins and minerals like magnesium.”

Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at realsimple.com. © 2025 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How to check yourself for skin cancer

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: I have very fair skin and worry about developing skin cancers. What’s a good routine to periodically check my skin? What should I look for?

A: To detect skin cancer early, examine your skin all over your body and watch for changes over time. Use a full-length mirror, plus a handheld mirror for hard-to-see spots and a magnifying glass to examine smaller areas. Here’s how to do it.

• Look at your face, neck, ears (especially behind them) and scalp. Use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so you can see better.

• Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror. Then, raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.

• Bend your elbows. Look carefully at your fingernails, palm and back of each hand, forearms (including the undersides) and upper arms.

• Check the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also, check the skin on your buttocks and genital area.

• Sit and examine your feet, including the soles of your feet, the spaces between

your toes and your toenails.

Note any new or questionable moles, sores, painful spots, raised or firm bumps, dark flaky patches and black or brown lines along fingernails and toenails. Make sure to feel any suspicious areas for firmness, too. It’s common to feel something troubling before you see it. Write down what you find, including their locations, and when possible, take photos to show your doctor.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and the earlier you can catch it, the better the outcome. The first sign of melanoma may be a change in an existing mole. However, it also may appear as a new mole.

To recognize possible melanoma, follow the ABCDE guide:

Asymmetry : the shape of one half doesn’t match the other half

Border: ragged or blurred edges

Color: red, brown, blue, black, or white, and the shades may be uneven

Diameter: about a quarter of an inch or larger, although some can be smaller

Evolution: any changes in size, shape or color

Here are some other skin issues to look out for during your self-exam: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough and gritty growths. They can be flat or slightly raised and appear in different colors, such as red, tan, pink, skin-colored, brown or silver. AKs often appear on the face, tips of the ears, bald spots, and backs of the arms and hands.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are typically slow-growing skin cancers. BCC may look

like a bleeding pimple, an open sore, a red patch, a shiny pink growth, or a scar. SCC resembles a crusted, scaly red bump, patch or wart. Both cancers appear in areas frequently exposed to the sun.

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, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2025 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Older generations remember pre-vaccine life

By Laura Ungar

In the time before widespread vaccination, death often came early.

Devastating infectious diseases ran rampant in America, killing millions of children and leaving others with lifelong health problems. These illnesses were the main reason why nearly one in five children in 1900 never made it to their fifth birthday.

Over the next century, vaccines virtually wiped out long-feared scourges like polio and measles and drastically reduced the toll of many others.

Today, however, some preventable, contagious diseases are making a comeback as vaccine hesitancy pushes immunization rates down. And well-established vaccines

are facing suspicion even from public officials, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, running the federal health department.

“This concern, this hesitancy, these questions about vaccines are a consequence of the great success of the vaccines — because they eliminated the diseases,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “If you’re not familiar with the disease, you don’t respect or even fear it. And therefore you don’t value the vaccine.”

Anti-vaccine activists even portray the shots as a threat, focusing on the rare risk of side effects while ignoring the far larger risks posed by the diseases themselves — and years of real-world data that experts

say proves the vaccines are safe.

Some Americans know the reality of these preventable diseases all too well. For them, news of measles outbreaks and rising whooping cough cases brings back terrible memories of lives forever changed — and a longing to spare others from similar pain.

Delayed measles vaccine

More than half a century has passed, but Patricia Tobin still vividly recalls getting home from work and hearing her mother scream. Her little sister Karen lay unconscious on the bathroom floor.

It was 1970, and Karen, 6, had contracted measles. While an early vaccine was available, it wasn’t required for school in Miami, where they lived. Although Karen’s pediatrician discussed immunizing the first grader, their mother didn’t share his sense of urgency.

“It’s not that she was against it,” Tobin said. “She just thought there was time.”

Then came a measles outbreak. Karen quickly became very sick. The afternoon she collapsed in the bathroom, Tobin, then 19, called the ambulance. Karen went into a coma and died of encephalitis.

Today, all states require that children get certain vaccines to attend school. But a growing number of people are making use of exemptions allowed for medical, reli-

gious or philosophical reasons.

Vanderbilt’s Schaffner said fading memories of measles outbreaks were exacerbated by a fraudulent, retracted study claiming a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot and autism.

The result? Most states are below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners — the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.

“I’m very upset by how cavalier people are being about the measles,” Tobin said. “I don’t think that they realize how destructive this is.”

Polio changed a life twice

One of Lora Duguay’s earliest memories is lying in a hospital isolation ward with her feverish, paralyzed body packed in ice. She was three years old.

“I could only see my parents through a glass window. They were crying, and I was screaming my head off,” said Duguay, 68. “They told my parents I would never walk or move again.”

It was 1959, and Duguay had polio. It mostly preyed on children and was one of the most feared diseases in the U.S., experts say, causing some terrified parents to keep children inside and avoid crowds.

See VACCINE HISTORY , page 14

Lifeline Service in the District of Columbia is provided by

Lifeline is a government assistance program supported by the District of Columbia Public Service Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. Verizon offers the following Lifeline-supported services as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier:

• Voice Dial Tone Line and Unlimited Local Usage - $1 - $3 per month (after Federal & State discounts)

• Broadband (internet) - $9.25 monthly discount off any Fios plan

Only eligible consumers may enroll in the programs.

You may qualify for Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. For a list of qualifying government assistance programs and income guidelines, please see your state’s application form from this same website.

In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household consisting of wireline, wireless or broadband (internet). You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Lifeline service from Verizon or another provider.

Lifeline service is a non-transferable benefit.

Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or may be barred from the program.

You must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the Lifeline service. An application for Verizon Lifeline service can be obtained at this same website, www.verizon.com/lifeline, or an application can be mailed by calling 1.800.VERIZON (1.800.837.4966).

To find out more information, you may also call the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers Lifeline for the FCC by calling (1.800.234.9473) or by accessing their website at www.LifelineSupport.org.

All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change. For current Verizon Lifeline information and rates, visit www.tariffs.net/verizon/. See link titled “Verizon Lifeline Information” for state specific pricing.

Watch your step! How to prevent fall injuries

By Leslie Milk

Pride goeth before the fall — in my case, literally. I was boasting about my abilities to avoid the pitfalls of aging when I tripped and landed on my head twice in two weeks.

The first time I blamed it on too-long pants and high-heeled shoes. The result was a huge black eye.

Unfortunately, I was scheduled to be photographed at a major family event that week. My daughter hired a makeup artist to camouflage my injury. I required so much makeup that she took “before” and “after” photos to post on her website to show her skills as a miracle worker.

I blamed the second fall on a slippery bathroom rug. This time I hit the back of my head.

After that I had my head examined. A CT scan said I was “normal.” The diagnosis: 10 percent clumsiness and 90 percent stupidity.

Those at risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of four adults over the age of 65 will fall this year. Falling once doubles the risk of falling again.

There are more sobering statistics:

• People with vision loss have almost twice the risk of falls as adults without vision impairment.

• People with hearing loss are nearly three times as likely to fall compared to those with normal hearing, but wearing a hearing aid reduces the risk of falling by 50 percent.

• Certain medications can have side effects and interactions, such as dizziness and fatigue, which increase the risk of falls.

• Chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis can increase the risk of falls due to neuropathy, pain and other symptoms that can affect walking and balance.

Fear of falling, or basophobia, is also a problem. A growing number of older adults fear falling down and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation and feelings of helplessness.

The art of falling well

To fall safely, experts say it is crucial to prioritize protecting your head. Avoid tensing muscles. Relax your body and try to land on your soft parts such as your buttocks and thighs.

I have never mastered the fine art of falling. I was up one second, down the next. So I checked out the National Institute on Aging’s advice on what to do if you fall.

“Stay as calm as possible and take the following steps:

Breathe. Take several deep breaths to try to relax. Remain still on the floor or ground for a few moments. This will help you get over the shock of falling.

Decide if you are hurt. Getting up too quickly or in the wrong way could make an injury worse.

If you think you can get up safely without help, roll over onto your side. Rest again while your body and blood pressure adjust. Slowly get up on your hands and knees, and crawl to a sturdy chair.

Put your hands on the chair seat and slide one foot forward so that it’s flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent so the knee is on the floor. From this kneeling po-

sition, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.

Get help. If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, ask someone for help or call 911. If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive.”

The NIA also advises that you prepare for a fall by keeping a well-charged cordless or mobile phone with you at all times and arrange for daily contact with a family member or friend.

Emergency response systems are another option. These systems enable you to push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to call for help. Some smartwatches also

Vaccine history

From page 12

Given polio’s visibility, the vaccine against it was widely and enthusiastically welcomed. But the early vaccine that Duguay got was only about 80% to 90% effective. Not enough people were vaccinated or protected yet to stop the virus from spreading.

After intensive treatment and physical therapy, Duguay walked and even ran — albeit with a limp.

But in her early 40s, she noticed she couldn’t walk as far as she used to. A doc-

Falling down

From page 13

have this feature.

Prevention tips

But the best strategy is not to fall at all. To prevent falling, we have to remove obstacles in our paths at home — even area rugs. For me, that includes the shoes my children kick off the second they walk in the door. I’ve added night lights throughout my home so that I don’t stumble

tor confirmed she was in the early stages of post-polio syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder that worsens over time. One morning, she tried to stand up and couldn’t move her left leg.

The disease that changed her life twice is no longer a problem in the U.S. So many children get the vaccine — which is far more effective than earlier versions — that “herd immunity” keeps everyone safe by preventing outbreaks that can sicken the vulnerable.

When whooping cough struck

When Katie Van Tornhout’s baby Callie

around in the dark.

And I’ve accepted the fact that I can’t wear shoes with high heels or platforms even if the social event involves more sitting down than walking or standing.

When I am tempted, I think of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, who was renowned for wearing stilettos in the marble halls of Congress. Last year she tripped on a staircase in Luxembourg. She was transferred to a U.S. military hospital in Germany, where she underwent successful surgery for a hip replacement.

turned a month old, she began to cough.

The Van Tornhouts went to the ER, where Callie’s skin turned blue. At one point she started squirming, and medical staff frantically tried to save her.

“Within minutes,” Van Tornhout said, “she was gone.”

Callie’s viewing was held on her original due date — the same day the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called to confirm she had pertussis, or whooping cough. She was too young for the Tdap vaccine against it and was exposed to someone who hadn’t gotten their booster shot.

Take balance classes

Improving your balance by learning body mechanics also helps. According to my balance instructor at my local senior center, for instance, carrying two bags of groceries of equal weight rather than one heavy bag can make a huge difference. Fortunately, balance classes abound in our area; check your local senior center. For example, the Fairfax County Parks authority offers A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls Program. The course is free. (Sessions are held for eight weeks every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m., from Sept. 10 to Oct. 29, 2025.)

Van Tornhout now advocates for childhood immunization through the nonprofit Vaccinate Your Family. She also shares her story with people she meets, like a pregnant customer who came into the restaurant her family ran saying she didn’t want to immunize her baby. She later returned with her vaccinated four-monthold.

“It’s up to us as adults to protect our children — that’s what a parent’s job is,” Van Tornhout said. “I watched my daughter die from something that was preventable…You don’t want to walk in my shoes.” AP

have two free exercise videos on their website, SilverSneakers.com.

There’s also Renew Active, a fitness and wellness program for Medicare Advantage members that offers access to gyms, online classes and other health and wellness resources.

The most important thing, according to all of the experts, is to keep moving.

As for me, I admit that I kept one pair of high-heeled slingback silver pumps. I tell myself that even though I’ll never wear them again, they are worth saving, if only to admire as a work of art.

Leslie Milk is the former Lifestyle editor of Washingtonian magazine and author of It’s Her Wedding But I’ll Cry If I Want To: A Survival Guide for the Mother of the Bride.

Also, SilverSneakers programs are available at gyms and fitness clubs all over D.C., Maryland and Virginia. They even

What no one tells you about kidney stones

Let me tell you, friends, there’s nothing like a kidney stone to make you rethink every life choice you’ve ever made. We need to talk about the pain, the symptoms, when to run to the ER and how to avoid hosting another internal rock concert.

Mine started out of nowhere. I was just grabbing a package from the porch when a stabbing pain shot through my left side under the ribs. Within minutes it wrapped around to my back.

When to call a doctor

If you have sudden severe pain, a fever with chills, nausea or vomiting that prevents you from holding fluids, visible blood in your urine or you cannot urinate at all, get to a doctor or ER immediately. Kidney stones can cause infections and even damage your kidneys if they block urine flow.

DEAR PHARMACIST

That’s called flank pain, and it can stop you in your tracks. The pain was so intense I started to feel cold and clammy, and I couldn’t catch a deep breath.

By Suzy Cohen

At 60, I wasn’t taking chances, so my husband drove me to the ER. They gave me an IV with Toradol, a pain reliever, and within 10 minutes I could breathe again. The physician assistant said I’d passed a 4.3-millimeter stone exceptionally fast and sent me home with a few pain pills. Spoiler alert: He was wrong.

Two days later, another wave of severe pain hit. Kidney stone pain is sneaky that way. You can feel perfectly fine between attacks, when the stone isn’t moving. But the second it starts traveling down the ureter, you’ll know.

The symptoms aren’t always the same for everyone. Sometimes it’s sudden, sharp pain in the side or back that can radiate to the groin or belly. For me, it was only flank pain, but it got my attention fast.

Some people have nausea or vomiting, blood in the urine that might be visible or might only show on a urinalysis, an urgency to urinate with little or nothing coming out, burning when it’s in the bladder area, or just a deep sensation like an invisible icepick in your side.

Risk factors

The most common type is a “calcium oxalate” stone. Risk factors include dehydration, too much sodium, high-oxalate foods like spinach, almonds and beets, and certain medications such as topiramate or high-dose vitamin D.

Your lifestyle may predispose you to kidney stones: your diet, genetics, how well you stay hydrated, your sodium intake and medications.

Even the climate you live in matters. The Southeastern United States is nicknamed the Stone Belt for a reason. When I lived in Florida, a doctor friend once joked that it’s not “if” you get a stone in Florida, it’s “when,” thanks to the limestone in the water.

If you can, try to catch your stone in a urine strainer so your doctor can analyze it and help you prevent a repeat performance.

How to prevent kidney stones

Hydration is everything. Stones hate flowing water. Think of it as a river sweeping them downstream (your ureter, in this

case). Don’t get dry. If your lips are dry, or you regularly use lip balm, that’s a signal you’re not drinking enough.

Drink plain water — 2.5 to 3 liters a day. Aso try citrate-rich fluids like lemon water: Citrate binds calcium and reduces stone formation (but don’t drink lemon if you have reflux). Another great beverage is herbal tea: Chamomile, nettle and dandelion can be gentle kidney supports.

Avoid sodas — especially dark sodas with phosphoric acid, which may promote stones. Try not to eat too much spinach, beets or rhubarb, as they are high in oxalates. You should also limit energy drinks and high-dose caffeine drinks, as they’re diuretics and dehydrating.

Don’t take too many vitamin C supplements. If you do, your body can convert high doses of vitamin C into oxalate, which contributes to kidney stone

formation (especially the calcium oxalate kind).

Many supplements on the market go overboard with 1,000 mg or more, and while “more” might sound better, in this case, it can actually do more harm than good. I stick to natural vitamin C in my own supplement — just 250 mg.

If you want to read the full, unedited version of this story with all six types of kidney stones, prevention strategies and my personal hyperparathyroidism journey, visit suzycohen.com and sign up for my free weekly newsletter.

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

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

Weight lifting helps improve longevity

By Christy Bieber

Comic book readers from years past may remember the poor “98-pound weakling,” who had a rough go of it for a while, getting sand kicked in his face and being mocked for his small frame. His girlfriend even left him for the bully.

The weakling wasn’t a character in the comics, but rather a regular feature in an ad for Charles Atlas fitness training, a program which would make him a “man” by building big muscles. The skinny sap ended up with a happy ending, as he used the Atlas system and became a musclebound hero in no time.

Old-fashioned stereotypes aside, and with due respect to those who don’t aspire to the bodybuilder physique, the reality is that weight lifting may actually be something worth doing as you get older.

The goal is not to achieve the perfect Atlas look — rather, a growing body of evi-

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Ongoing

dence suggests that weight training has a whole host of benefits that can help with healthy aging. So, is it time for you to start pumping iron?

Can preserve muscles, bones

While weight training may not seem like the ideal workout for someone 50 or over, the reality is that there are ample positive effects of lifting that simply don’t come with other workouts like cardio.

The most obvious effect, of course, is that weight training helps fight off age-related muscle loss. Muscle mass starts to fade at the relatively young age of 30, with most people losing 3% to 5% of their muscle mass per decade, according to Prevention. Starting at 60, the decline accelerates, with most people losing up to 30% of muscle mass by age 75.

Weight lifting can slow this progression, sometimes stop it altogether, and even re-

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verse it.

“When you do resistance or strength training, very important chains of molecules that relay signals between cells are affected, and these changes linger in the body for hours after exercise, building up a cumulative, positive effect,” according to Roger A. Fielding, Ph.D., associate director, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.

Weight lifting can also reduce age-related loss of bone mass, as muscle contractions that strain bones can help promote new bone formation. Not only can this prevent bone fractures, but it can also halt the progression of osteoporosis or prevent its development altogether. Stimulating osteoblastic activity can be especially beneficial in post-menopausal women.

Balance and coordination improve as well with lifting, even in those who have suffered previous falls, and Prevention reports that lifting weights can improve metabolic health, so your body can better control your blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes.

As if all that wasn’t enough, weight training can also help to stave off or slow down cognitive decline, including in those individuals already diagnosed with mild impairments, and the World Health Organization recommends resistance training as

an ideal exercise for the elderly.

How

to start weight lifting

If reading all this has inspired you to start lifting, there’s some bad news: You can no longer send away for the Charles Atlas fitness training program. However, this doesn’t mean you’re doomed to the 98pound-weakling life.

The Mayo Clinic recommends starting with machines or bands, adding in free weights slowly over time, and continually pushing yourself to move to heavier weights.

The Mayo Clinic also has a series of how-to videos, while Harvard Health has a strength training guide for those over 50 as well.

Of course, you should talk to your doctor before jumping into a new routine if you have any health concerns.

If you have Medicare, you may also qualify for a free gym membership through SilverSneakers, and you may be able to find help there in developing a weight-lifting routine that works for you.

If the weakling in the comics could build big muscles, you can too — and doing so may be just the ticket to living a long, healthy life.

© 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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September 10 | 11:30 a.m. | Landow House

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September 17 | 7 p.m. | Ring House

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This seminar will empower participant s to better understand brain health as it re attes to aging. Participant s will learn about general principles of brain health and techniques foor improv ing and maintaining brain health with age. An emphasis will be placed on what one can do to prevvent cognitive decline and keep memory as sharp as possible during the aging process. At the conclusion of the seminar, participant s will be equipped with actionable resources to promote improved brain health and cognitiv fuunction.

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The goal is for you to walk away with

Lisa Jo Finstrom is a board-certified clinical nutritionist with a private practice in Bethesda with a special interest in healthy aging as well as managing metabolic issues such as prediabetes. In this presentation she will explain the importance of managing blood sugar with evidence-based suggestions that include diet, lifestyle and a brief mention of supplementation. ideas that can be easily implemented today.

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Butter chicken is a simple comfort food

By America’s Test Kitchen

Butter chicken should be rich and creamy but also vibrant and complex, so we started by softening onion, garlic, ginger and chile in butter followed by aromatic spices such as garam masala, coriander, cumin and black pepper.

A combination of tomato paste and water provided a bright acidity, punch and a deep color, while a full cup of cream gave the sauce a lush, velvety body. A few more tablespoons of solid butter added extra richness.

To imitate the deep charring produced by a tandoor oven, we broiled chicken thighs coated in yogurt (its milk proteins and lactose brown quickly and deeply) before cutting them into chunks and stirring them into the sauce.

Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Serves 4 to 6

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

1 onion, chopped fine

5 garlic cloves, minced

4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1 serrano chile, stemmed, seeded and minced

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon pepper

1

½ cups water

½ cup tomato paste

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons table salt, divided

1 cup heavy cream

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided

Directions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger and serrano and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is softened and onion begins to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garam masala, coriander, cumin and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add water and tomato paste and whisk until no lumps of tomato paste remain. Add sugar and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.

2. Off heat, stir in cream. Using an im-

mersion blender or blender, process until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Return sauce to simmer over medium heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Remove saucepan from heat and cover to keep warm. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to four days; gently reheat sauce before adding hot chicken.)

3. Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Combine chicken, yogurt and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl and toss well to coat. Using tongs, transfer chicken to a wire rack set in an aluminum foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Broil until chicken is evenly charred on both sides and registers 175 degrees, 16 to 20 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through broiling.

4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. While the chicken rests, warm sauce over medium-low heat. Cut chicken into ¾-inch chunks and stir into sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons cilantro and season with salt to taste. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro, and serve.

For 25 years, home cooks have a relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more at americastestkitchen.com/TCA. © 2025 America’s Test Kitchen. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Money Law &

Healthcare could cost as much as $300,000 in retirement. For ways to plan, see page 24.

Three common Social Security myths in 2025

By Katherine Tierney

Social Security plays an important role in retirement for most Americans. Here’s what you need to know about three common Social Security myths today:

Myth No. 1: Social Security is going bankrupt

Based on current projections, Social Security isn’t going bankrupt. According to the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report, if no changes are made to the program, it will need to reduce benefits in 2033, paying about 77 cents per dollar of the projected benefit.

However, there are several changes Congress can make to strengthen the program and avoid these future cuts, such as removing the earnings ceiling for Social Security payroll taxes, increasing the payroll tax rate or raising the age for eligibility or full retirement.

For example, the Board of Trustees estimates that raising the combined payroll tax from 12.4% to 16.05% would fully fund the program through at least 2099. What you can do

To navigate the uncertainty, focus on what you can control — how much you save for

retirement and when you claim your benefit.

How much to save: According to a June 2025 analysis from the Social Security Administration, Social Security replaces about 40% of pre-retirement income for a median earner who claims at full retirement age (FRA) and who makes an average of $69,473 a year.

The more you earn, the more you’ll have to replace with your own savings to maintain your lifestyle in retirement. Use a financial calculator or work with a financial adviser to help ensure you’re saving enough to meet your needs.

When to claim: While there might be reasons to claim early, we generally recommend against taking benefits before your FRA based on worries about the program’s health.

Social Security payments can be sharply and permanently reduced by as much as 30% if taken before FRA. This initial reduction also compounds over time, since costof-living adjustments are based on this amount, but retirement could last 25 years or longer.

Additionally, your selections don’t just impact you; they could permanently affect the benefit for your surviving spouse.

Myth No. 2: Layoffs

and budget cuts will cause benefits to be delayed or reduced

Budget cuts and staffing reductions won’t reduce your benefit amount. Any changes to how Social Security benefits are calculated would require congressional approval.

While service quality could be impacted, we believe widespread delays in benefit checks are unlikely because of the political pressure the government would face. However, wait times to talk to a representative and file benefits could continue to increase.

What you can do

When you’re ready to file, consider the following:

• Start the application process up to four months ahead of your desired start date

• Use online resources and tools when possible

Myth No. 3: Taxes on Social Security benefits have been eliminated

Contrary to some reports, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) didn’t eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, though a new deduction could have an impact

(more on that below).

If your combined income is above a certain threshold, a portion of your benefits will be subject to taxes. Your combined income is equal to the sum of your adjusted gross income (AGI), nontaxable interest and half your annual Social Security benefit.

If your combined income is from $25,000 to $34,000 for single filers ($32,000 and $44,000 for joint filers), up to 50% of your benefit is taxed.

If it’s greater than $34,000 for single filers ($44,000 for joint filers), up to 85% of your benefit is taxed.

While the OBBB didn’t eliminate taxes on benefits, it did include a new temporary deduction for eligible individuals age 65 or older that can help offset taxes on benefits.

To qualify for the full $6,000 deduction (per taxpayer), your modified adjusted gross income must be $75,000 or less for single filers ($150,000 or less for joint filers). It phases down for income above these thresholds and fully phases out at $175,000 for single filers ($250,000 for joint filers).

The deduction is available through 2028, and it’s in addition to the current standard

The pitfalls of Medicare Advantage plans

If you watch television, it is hard to avoid the promotions for Medicare Advantage plans, known as Medicare Part C. These commercials suggest that if you are eligible for Medicare, you should be signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan.

It is true that some individuals might benefit from a Medicare Advantage plan. However, you should be aware of the potential disadvantages.

THE

David Bynon has written an informative e-book, “Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Bad,” which, as the title suggests, discusses the disadvantages in depth. It’s well worth a read before you decide to buy any Medicare Advantage plan. I will cover some of his points below.

sufficient Social Security credits, you will be automatically enrolled in premium-free Part A (hospital insurance), and you will also be eligible to sign up for Part B (outpatient medical insurance); the monthly cost will vary based on your income going back two years.

By Elliot Raphaelson

Once you reach 65, you are eligible to sign up for Original Medicare. If you have

If you sign up for Part B with Original Medicare, you will be covered for 80% of eligible medical costs after you meet your deductible. However, you can buy what is known as Medigap coverage to cover the remaining 20%. This coverage is very important because if you have serious health conditions or you need hospital coverage, 20% of medical costs can be significant. Without Medigap coverage, there is no limit to your possible expenses with Original Medicare.

Once you reach 65 and are enrolled in Part B, you will only have a limited amount of time to enroll in a Medigap plan. If you don’t enroll in that period, or if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, you may not be able to enroll in a Medigap plan later.

This is crucial. If you decide at any time to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can’t be guaranteed that you can obtain a Medigap plan.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, you may pay the plan’s premium in addition to the monthly Part B premium. Plans may have a zero premium or may help pay all or part of your Part B premiums.

Medicare Advantage downsides

Bynon’s book itemizes some of the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans, including:

—Multiple copays: You have a copay with your primary care medical facility.

When you are referred to a specialist, you have another copay. You also have copays for lab tests and diagnostic tests.

—Hospitalization cost: According to Kaiser Family Foundation, 50% of individuals who have Medicare Advantage plans incur higher costs than those with Original Medicare/Medigap. For example, an inpatient event under a Medicare Advantage plan could run you hundreds of dollars for ambulance costs, medications, physicians and specialists, lab tests and diagnosis. A single hospital admission could easily cost more than the annual cost of a Medigap policy.

—Less doctor contact: Because primary care facilities receive a flat fee associated with Medicare Advantage plans, the result is that you are much more likely to receive medical service from a nurse practitioner than a physician.

—Referrals: According to the Kaiser

SAVINGS GAME

Do the math before taking that second job

By Donna Fuscaldo

Jim Carrey, Al Pacino and Hugh Grant aren’t the only ones who came out of retirement. Countless people return to the workforce after retiring.

For some, it’s a matter of money — they have savings but are afraid it’s not enough. For others, it’s about their well-being — they are bored and miss the structure and sense of purpose at work.

If you want to join the ranks of the unretired, you may want to consider the impact it will have on your finances before you do. After all, it could cost you more money to reenter the workforce than to stay home.

If you don’t need the money, “just don’t go get a job — run it by a financial professional first,” said Rose Niang, a financial planner at Edelman Financial Engines. “Sometimes the pitfalls may be worse than what you gain from that job.”

From Social Security to taxes, here’s a look at three potentially costly drawbacks of returning to work after you’ve retired.

1. You can lose some of your Social Security

If you started collecting Social Security benefits before your full retirement age (which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later) and then return to work, your benefits could be reduced.

This rule is known as the earnings test, and the Social Security Administration applies it to anyone who is working and receiving benefits before their full retirement age.

For every $2 you make over $23,400 for 2025, $1 of your Social Security benefits will be deducted. If you hit full retirement age in 2025, you can earn up to $62,160.

For every $3 over that, the SSA will deduct $1. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. Your Social Security benefits will go back to normal if you stop working.

“It’s not the worst thing in the world if you are getting some income,” said Judith Ward, thought leadership director at T. Rowe Price. “Just be aware that if you are taking Social Security and you’re not at your full retirement age, you might see a reduction.”

2. Medicare premiums could increase

This applies to people age 65 and older on Medicare thinking of returning to work. If you receive any government subsidies and make more than a certain limit, you may lose some of those discounts, Niang said.

If you don’t receive government subsidies but make too much money when you return to work, you have to worry about the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA.

IRMAA is an extra charge added to the monthly premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from the two prior years exceeds certain limits.

For 2025, your MAGI has to exceed $106,000 as a single filer and $212,000 as a couple. The extra expense for 2025 can range from $888 to $5,326.80 per year for Medicare Part B, and $164.40 to $1029.60 for Medicare Part D, depending on how much your income exceeds the threshold.

Your job alone may not push you over the threshold, but pensions, dividend-paying investments, capital gains and required minimum distributions are all part

of your MAGI. The income may outweigh the increase in premiums, but you won’t know until you do the math.

3. Tax bracket creep

Making more money means you have to pay more taxes, and it’s just not income taxes. Depending on what tax bracket you end up in, you could owe more on your SS benefits, Niang said.

If you make between $25,000 and $34,000 as an individual or $32,000 to $44,000 married filing jointly, up to 50% of your SS benefits may be taxed. Over $34,000 for individuals and $44,000 for married couples filing jointly and up to 85% of your SS benefits may be taxed.

Plus, the higher income tax bracket you are in, the more you’ll owe Uncle Sam

come tax time.

“If you need the money, chances are you are not as concerned about these pitfalls,” Ward said. “If you don’t need the money and like the work and the income is a bonus, these are things you might want to be aware of.”

Find the right balance

Ultimately, it’s all about balance. Nobody is telling you not to return to work, but if you are doing it out of boredom, you have to weigh the costs against the gains.

“Run the numbers before you accept the job,” Niang said. “Make sure you weigh the upside and the downside.”

© 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

I’m a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® who is steeped in knowledge and experience. My unique marketing and master negotiating skills are For your free copy of my “Rig Guide” or my “Senior Living ectory Community Dir y,,” down them from the “Resources”

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Social Security

From page 20

deduction available to older people.

What you can do

You might be able to further reduce taxes by using some tax-free assets, such as qualified Roth accounts and health savings account (HSA) withdrawals, as these assets don’t count toward your combined income.

Make sure you’re withholding an appropriate amount from your monthly Social Security checks to avoid a surprise at tax time. You can file IRS Form W-4V to up-

Medicare Part C

From page 20

Family Foundation, many plans control costs by using referrals, requiring prior authorization to specialists. Specialists require an additional copay.

—Plan changes to benefits/costs: Insurers are allowed to change benefits, costs and provider networks each year. Monitor these changes each year to determine if you should change coverage. However, if you change your plan, you may not be able to be covered by Medigap coverage.

—Budget uncertainty: With Medicare Advantage plans, you can’t predict your yearly medical costs, such as for an unplanned hospital incident. With Original Medicare/Medigap, you know in advance

Ongoing

date your withholdings.

Katherine Tierney, CFA®, CFP®,is a senior strategist at Edward Jones.This content is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as specific investment, tax or legal advice. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. Consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. Opinions stated are not intended to predict or guarantee the future of Social Security.

© 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

what your yearly medical expenses will be.

—Limited selection of doctors/providers: Your choice of doctors and other providers is limited. Some plans won’t cover providers outside the plan’s network and service area.

Bynon believes that Medicare Advantage plans could be advantageous for individuals who are healthy and expect minimum use of medical support. However, if you have chronic health conditions, he recommends Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement.

If you want more details about Medicare Advantage plans, visit Medicare.gov/ plan-compare.

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

© 2022 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

DONATE BLOOD FOR THE RED CROSS

The American Red Cross is facing a nationwide blood shortage. There is an urgent need for platelet donors and type O blood donors, but donations of all blood types are welcome. To schedule an appointment or find upcoming blood drives, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HELP PRE-K STUDENTS SUCCEED IN SCHOOL

Empowering the Ages is seeking volunteers age 50 or older in Montgomery County, Maryland, to support school readiness by helping a local 4-year-old and their guardian for 18 to 20 months. Volunteers can dedicate one or two hours weekly, either online or in person; schedules and locations are flexible. Training, materials and support are provided, including weekly group check-ins. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply, visit empoweringtheages.org/volunteer, email volunteer@empoweringtheages.org or call (240) 292-9048.

Ongoing

VOLUNTEER WITH SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT

SOME offers services to the homeless and low-income individuals, including meal preparation and serving, tutoring and support at medical clinics. Volunteer opportunities are diverse and feature flexible scheduling. To see the list of volunteer positions and apply, visit some.volunteerportal.org. For more information, email volunteer@some.org or call (202) 797-8806.

BEACON BITS

Connecting you to what matters most, like neighbors do.

There’s nothing quite like local. That’s why your local AARP creates experences with your community in mind. We’re neighbors, connecting you to free events, learning opportunities, and resources right in your backyard. Wherever you live, we’re here to help your money, health, and happiness live as long as you do.

Find us at aarp.org/local

Planning for healthcare costs in retirement

By Bob Chitrathorn

Retirement: It’s that time when you should be able to kick back, relax and finally enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

But let’s be honest — one of the biggest worries retirees face is the rising cost of healthcare. Medical expenses aren’t slowing down, and if you’re not prepared, they can hit you like a ton of bricks.

Take David and Linda, for example. They’re a couple in their early 60s who worked hard and saved well. They felt confident about their retirement plan — until healthcare costs started to feel like a dark cloud hanging over their heads. Sure, they knew Medicare would help, but what about all those gaps and extra costs no one really talks about?

The truth is, healthcare costs can sneak up on you. According to Fidelity Investments, a 65-year-old couple retiring today can expect to spend over $300,000 on their combined healthcare throughout retirement — and that doesn’t even include long-term care.

When David and Linda heard that number, they knew they had to get serious about planning.

They started by taking a closer look at their health. David had a history of high blood pressure, and Linda had been managing Type 2 diabetes for years. On top of that, their family medical histories revealed more risks — heart disease for David and arthritis for Linda.

Recognizing these potential concerns gave them some clarity. If they wanted to protect their financial future, they needed to prepare for medical costs beyond the basics.

Looking at Medicare

Medicare seemed like the next big puz-

zle to solve. David dove into the research and quickly realized there was more to it than he expected.

Medicare Part A would cover hospital stays, while Part B handled outpatient services and preventive care. Part D was crucial, too, helping to manage the cost of prescription drugs.

But the gaps — those hidden expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover — were still concerning. g

After weighing their options, David and Linda chose a Medigap policy to help fill those gaps. It wasn’t the easiest decision, but knowing their out-of-pocket costs would be manageable helped give them peace of mind.

Even with that coverage, they knew surprises could still pop up. So, they decided to build a dedicated healthcare fund. Thankfully, they had been contributing to a health savings account (HSA) for years, giving them a nice tax-free pool of money to use for qualified medical expenses.

To stay ahead of inflation and rising healthcare costs, they shifted part of their investment portfolio toward growth-oriented assets as well.

One concern that kept nagging at them was the cost of long-term care. A close family friend had recently faced staggering nursing home expenses, and David and Linda didn’t want to end up in the same situation.

After exploring their options, they chose a hybrid life insurance policy with a longterm care rider. This gave them the reassurance that their savings wouldn’t be wiped out if they needed extended care.

Prescription drug costs

You can save on prescription drug costs if you switch to generic medications whenever possible. Use tools like GoodRx to

compare prices and get the best deals. To stay on top of things, David and Linda reviewed their Medicare Part D plan every year to ensure their medications were still covered in the most cost-effective way.

Beyond financial planning, they realized they needed to prioritize their health to avoid bigger medical costs later on. They committed to regular checkups, screenings and vaccinations to catch potential issues early.

They also made lifestyle changes — morning walks, healthier meals and more active social lives. Surprisingly, these changes didn’t just improve their health — they also deepened their connection with each other and their community.

Feeling more confident but still wanting to make sure everything was buttoned up, David and Linda met with their financial adviser. Together, they mapped out a taxefficient withdrawal strategy, aligned their retirement income with projected healthcare costs and made smart decisions about when to take Social Security.

Planning for healthcare in retirement may seem overwhelming, but taking the time to prepare can offer peace of mind. The key is to start early, stay informed and remain proactive.

Bob Chitrathorn, CPFA, is a financial advisor in Corona, California.

© 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Leisure & Travel Leisure &

The more things change in Paris, the more they stay the same. See story on opposite page.

A river tour of Vietnam and Cambodia

By Sandi Barrett

In rural Vietnam and Cambodia, lush vegetation opens up to abundant farmland tended by generations of farmers who still work the land with oxen and plow along the Mekong River.

On a river cruise ship called the AmaDara, a friend and I, along with 120 other passengers, took in the viewsof the beautiful countryside from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.

Our riverboat journey was bookended by booming metropolises — vibrant cities where hipsters on scooters, professionals in cars, and athletic hustlers in rickshaws navigate traffic together.

Many men who came of age during the Vietnam War and the draft have little desire to walk in the footsteps of U.S. soldiers. My husband had no interest in this adventure, so this ended up as a girls’ trip. Although we experienced moments heavy with sorrow, like a visit to the Killing Fields, several instances of reflection and healing touched my heart. The people we met were overwhelmingly generous and welcoming.

We sailed with AmaWaterways, choosing a cruise that leans into cultural education. Temples, UNESCO sites and historic tours are part of the daily adventures. If you want to learn about the people and culture of two nations that are deeply intertwined with our history, this cruise is a wonderful way to tour this beautiful region.

Underground tunnels

We started out in South Vietnam’s for-

mer capital, Ho Chi Minh City, previously called Saigon. One of the highlights on our pre-cruise day in that city was exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels. A veritable underground metropolis, the network of tunnels connects many rooms where civilians hid and the Viet Cong conducted maneuvers.

Camouflaged entrances to the tunnels dotted the countryside, allowing people to move about without being seen. As we dropped into the tunnel and navigated underground, we marveled at the ingenuity required to design this undetectable network of kitchens, weapons storage, hospitals and a military command center.

Cambodia’s capital

Our trip down the Mekong brought us to many interesting ports, including beautiful Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Riding in a tuk tuk (a three-wheeled motorized carriage) is a unique, albeit touristy, way to see Phnom Penh. The city’s architecture blends French and Khmer architectural styles in a fascinating fusion of modernity and history. Its Central Market is a perfect example: French Art Deco-style housing is the backdrop for classic Cambodian bazaar stalls selling food, clothing and souvenirs.

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is the official residence of the elected King of Cambodia, who is part of a unique blend of constitutional monarchy and elected parliamentary government.

The centerpiece of the Royal Palace compound is the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is covered with more than 5,000 re-

flective silver tiles (now mostly protected by carpeting). The pagoda is home to stunning Buddhist artifacts, including an emerald Buddha statue and a gold Buddha encrusted with thousands of diamonds.

Another highlight of our seven-day cruise was Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital and the destination for Cambodian pilgrimages. There, in an ornate monastery, we attended a Buddhist blessing ceremony. We sat on the floor while monks-in-training chanted their blessings.

Later, we climbed 409 steps up Oudong Mountain, where the panoramic views from the temple grounds were spectacular. The hike down was much easier, even without railings.

Our stop in Koh Oknha Teywas one filled with children’s laughter and classroom lessons. We visited an elementary school where the students were eager to practice their English, show off their academic prowess and entertain us with a few tunes like “You Are My Sunshine.” The children, who wanted to know everything from our favorite candy to how many grandchildren we had, were an absolute joy.

We next headed to Silk Island, where cloth is still made on looms. You can watch the artisans’ process, from growing the larvae to weaving beautiful scarves and clothing. This excursion is a must-do for any fashionista who wants to add Cambodian silk to their closet.

Cambodian countryside

Angkor Ban, in northwestern Cambodia, is one of the few villages spared by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s, likely because of its agricultural importance. Today its dusty dirt roads are lined with traditional wooden houses on stilts. Although it’s not a tourist trap, Angkor Ban’s main streets have small shops that sell food, clothing and other essentials, including “motorcycle beer” — old glass Coke bottles filled with gasoline.

Nearby, the famous Angkor Archeological Park is a complex of ancient temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic Angkor Wat is the park’s centerpiece. We made the trek to Angkor Wat beginning at 4:30 a.m., hoping for a great photo of the sunrise over the temple. Sadly, there was a slight drizzle that morning, so the sunrise was underwhelming. However, the complex is immense (around 150 square miles), and we had plenty of time to explore the ruins, painted murals, carved bas-reliefs and massive statues. Pro tip: Leave your jewelry at home. The ubiquitous wild monkeys like to snatch shiny things.

If you go

Round-trip fares to Vietnam start at $839. While the flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are long, the reward is well worth the time on the plane.

Cambodia’s famous 900-year-old temple, Angkor Wat, has 400 acres to explore.

A woman weaves silk in Oknhatey Village on an island on the Mekong River near Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL NOLAN,

Tale of two cities: Paris, then and now

By Judith Wortman

Sixty years ago, a year after graduating from college, a friend and I decided to enter a graduate program at the Sorbonne of the University of Paris.

We lived in the city for a year, making friends and memories. It was an unforgettable experience, one that shaped my view of living abroad and foreign cultures.

Last May, I returned to Paris for a short stay while I could still get around. I am 85 years old and wanted to travel before my body takes me out of the comfort zone.

Of course, I was thrilled to revisit Paris’ many art museums, churches, bistros and cafés. But my main purpose was to observe how the city had changed from my memories of six decades ago.

To smooth my journey, I made a reservation with Road Scholar for an educational travel adventure. The tour advertised seven active days in Paris, but I arrived a day before thegroup and remained one day after it departed.

I noticed the first difference before I even reached the city. As I traveled from Charles de Gaulle Airport, I noted the immense growth of the Parisian suburbs. Office buildings rose above the imposed height limits for structures in the city center, and numerous apartment buildings provided new nesting places for the labor force.

When I reached the city, I discovered a very pleasant change. Gone was the debris in the gutters and the stench that would sometimes greet one’s nostrils when walking down the street. The presence of covered garbage bins has taken care of the smell, and Paris did a major cleanup when it hosted the Olympic games last summer.

Back to the Marais

The Marais district, where our tour stayed at the four-star hotel Les Jardins du Marais, is the oldest section of Paris and was once home to the largest Jewish population in France. It was also across the Seine from the Sorbonne, where I enrolled in a program designed to prepare foreign students to teach French culture.

The cobblestone side streets looked much as they did years ago, but this time, I had to tread carefully to avoid a trip or fall. If one looked up rather than down, the prevalence of graffiti was impossible to miss. Either very little graffiti existed in the early 1960s or I was oblivious to it as a young student. Practically every open space was covered with black scrawl or colorful abstract creations. Occasionally I noticed an attempted artistic depiction or message, but most of the graffiti, to my eyes, was scribble — a small change, but one that surprised me.

One perk of my recent trip was the abundant hot water at the hotel. When my friend and I first arrived in Paris as students, we resided with a French woman who lived north of the Arc de Triomphe. Upon arrival, she warned us that we could only take a bath twice a week because a heater over the tub had to be fired up to get the costly hot water.

More

crowds at museums

During this year’s stay, I visited six art museums. In my student days, the art museums were either free or substantially discounted for students.

On my first full day on my own, I visited the Picasso Museum, housed in a stately

See PARIS , page 28

The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur in Paris’ Montmartre area has overlooked the city since 1914. Today, the artists who frequented its main square in the 1960s are gone, replaced by food vendors.

PHOTO BY SEAN X. LIU

mansion in the Marais.

I had never seen so many people crowded into each room — a rude contrast to my visits in times past. I had to inch my way sideways to make it through the museum, and getting close enough to read the descriptions of the artwork on the plaques was often impossible.

To top off the experience, all the bodies turned the museum into a sweat box. It was not the pleasant experience I had anticipated.

Then I remembered that I was in Paris a week before the popular Paris Open tennis tournament began, so people were pouring into the city from all over the world, flocking to one of its most popular art museums.

Advantages of group tours

Once I joined the tour, everything became a bit easier. Two very experienced guides provided us with entrance passes to the museums, enabling us to skip the lines.

Our guides were particularly advantageous in gaining entrance to the “new” Notre Dame, which some 15,000 people visit each day. The restored 680-year-old Gothic cathedral, which burned in 2019, reopened this year. Its restoration was miraculous: The domed ceiling was clean and elegant, and the stained-glass windows were back in place but shining more brilliantly than I remembered. It is as though the cathedral was restored to its youth.

The white Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur continues to stand out on the Paris skyline, but the artists and their easels that were features of the main square have mostly

been replaced by food stalls.

Fine dining

A person can’t visit Paris without mentioning its cuisine. Not surprising is the presence of American fast-food restaurants. In my student days, when I craved a hamburger, I went to the American Drugstore on the Champs-Elysées. Today, I can visit McDonald’s or Burger King (of course, I avoided fast-food establishments in favor of traditional French fare).

On my first night, I went out to dinner at Bofinger, which had been my favorite restaurant in the Marais. As a student, it was a splurge, but I was ready for a self-indulgent treat. It was famous for its coq au vin, and my mouth watered imagining that delicious chicken dish. To my disappointment, it no longer appears on the menu, replaced by volau-vent, chicken fingers in a pastry nest. Although it was quite good, I would have preferred the dish from my memory.

While it is still possible to find the formerly popular student meal of ham and

cheese on half a baguette, it is not even mentioned on café menus. The popular goto food today is a croque monsieur: grilled cheese with ham and béchamel sauce.

Today’s young Parisians and international students who crowd the outdoor cafés in the evening drink beer, not wine. I thought perhaps they drank beer because it was less expensive, but I was told the taste of beer is simply preferred, and the beverage has become very popular.

All the French people I encountered were gracious, interesting and patient with my pidgin French. None exhibited the standoffish anti-foreigner behavior American visitors have attributed to Parisians in the past.

Because of the people, the food, my guides and the unfading beauty of the city of lights, my trip to Paris in 2025 was delightful.

Judith Wortman is a nonfiction writer and a member of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc. and appears in Who’s Who in American Women. She lives at Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

We went in April, when it was beyond hot. February and March have the best weather. Pack sturdy, comfortable shoes because you’ll walk and walk. However, we did experience some very unique modes of transport including sampans, trishaws, tuk tuks, rick-

shaws and even an adventure on an ox cart. We made our journey simple on this adventure by booking everything through AmaWaterways, even airfare and transfers. This was my third river cruise with AmaWaterways. The staff is superb, the guides are knowledgeable, and the itineraries include beautiful ports. See amawaterways.com.

Arts & Style

Shakespeare meets Ellington at Signature

By Mark Dreisonstok

“I can sing and speak to him in many sorts of music,” says Viola, the protagonist in Twelfth Night

In Shakespeare’s classic comedy, a shipwrecked young lady finds herself in the unfamiliar land of Illyria. To protect herself, she disguises herself as a page for Duke Orsino and tries to help him win the affections of the Countess Olivia.

Riffing off the original play’s focus on transformation, Signature Theatre’s production of Play On! transforms the Shakespeare play into a musical with “many sorts of music”: Duke Ellington tunes.

At the beginning of the performance, an announcer intones, “Welcome to the Cotton Club!”

Rather than Illyria, Viola, now Vy, finds herself in Harlem’s Cotton Club during the Harlem Renaissance, where she must navigate a man’s world. Duke Orsino is now Duke Ellington, and Vy is not his page but his songwriting protégé. Will Vy and the Duke find love in this new time and place?

Play On!, conceived anddirected by Sheldon Epps and written by Cheryl L. West, was first performed in 1996 in San Diego. It made it to Broadway the following year and received three Tony Award nominations during its short run.

Interestingly, the Shakespeare-Ellington connection began long before the 1990s. An informative essay in the Signature Theatre playbill, “The Bard and the Duke,”

notes that “Ellington even adapted Shakespeare’s work himself with his 12-part suite ‘Such Sweet Thunder.’”

This production of Play On!, directed by Lili-Anne Brown and choreographed by Breon Arzell, is a delight for both Shakespeare and Ellington fans as well as those who enjoy classic musicals and artistic intersections across genres and time.

Familiar numbers

The sets, designed by Dan Conway, are wonderfully evocative of the Ellington era of the 1920s and 1930s: Feather fans descend from the ceiling, vintage Broadway stage lights illuminate the actors, and a streamlined stage balcony resembles the upper deck of an old cruise ship.

In addition to Ellington’s famous tune “Take the ‘A’ Train,” you’ll hear some of the Duke’s lesser-known pieces, such as “I Didn’t Know About You” and “Something to Live For.”

The Ellington music is performed superbly by an excellent jazz aggregation (directed by Jermaine Hill) of pianist Brian P. Whitted, saxophonist Grant Langford, trumpet player Kenny Rittenhouse, trombonist Reginald Cyntje, bassist Paul Henry, and drummer Carroll Dashiell III. (More Ellington music is heard via recording before, after and during the intermission of the show, including “The Mooche” and “Swampy River.”)

Countess Olivia from Twelfth Night has transformed into the jazz singer Lady Liv

(played wonderfully by Awa Sal Secka), who sings a sultry “Mood Indigo.” The lovesick Duke himself (played with sophistication by Greg Watkins) sings “I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good)” in duet

with Vy (Jalisa Williams performs brilliantly), and Rev, the stand-in for Shakespeare’s stern puritanical Malvolio (de-

Maryland artist Beth MacNeil Stinson incorporates plants into her art. See story on page 34.

Jalisa Williams plays Vy, modeled after Viola of Twelfth Night, joined by Signature Theatre’s cast of the Duke Ellington musical Play On! The production runs until Oct. 5.

PHOTO BY DANIEL RADER

SEPTEMBER O CTOBER

Stayin’ Alive: The Bee Gees & Beyond with Rajaton

Break out your sequins and bellbottoms—we’re celebrating the best of The Bee Gees, and beyond! Relive the magic of the disco era in this high-octane concert featuring a cappella sensation Rajaton.

Steven Reineke , conductor

Sep. 16 & 17 | Concert Hall

roupe V T Veertigo: Cirque España!

oupe V Feast your eyes on Tr Veertigo’s world-class aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, and dancers backed by the NSO performing works by Bizet, Lecuona, Albéniz, and more.

Steven Reineke , conductor

Sep. 19 & 20 | Concert Hall

&

aphnis et Chloé D é & Simon Trpčeski

The NSO conjures an intoxicating Mediterranean a dreamscape with Ravvel’s ballet Daphnis et Chloé! Simon Trpčeski joins the NSO for Saint-Saëns’s tender Piano Concerto No. 2.

Gianandrea Noseda , conductor

Simon Trpčeski, piano

Choral Arts Society of Washington

Oct. 2–4 | Concert Hall

Schubert’s “Unfinished” Capuçon plaayys Berg

Hans Graf conducts Schubert’s expansive Symphony No. 8, the great “Unfinished” masterwork. Renaud Capuçon performs Alban Berg’s mysterious Violin Concerto.

Hans Graf , conductor

Renaud Capuç on , violin

Oct. 9–11 | Concert Hall

FULL FILM WITH LIVE OR CHESTRA

The Princess Bride in Concert

Fencing, fighting, giants, monsters, true love, miracles... nce this all-time fa Experie avvorite as never before, with the NSO performing composer Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score live-to-picture! Missing this cinematic concert experience would be inconceivable!

© The Princess Bride Limited. All Rights Reserved. Rated PG

Steven Reineke , conductor

Sep. 23 & 24 | Concert Hall

SEASON OPENING GALA C ONCER T

uja W oseda & Y N Yu Waang

uja W nsational Y The se Yu Waang performs Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. The evening also shines a spotlight on AmericanvoiceswithworksbyCoplandCarlosSimon

American voices with works by Copland, Carlos Simon, and more.

Gianandrea Noseda , conductor Yuja Wang , piano

Sep. 27 | Concert Hall

Eschenbach returns: An Evening of Beethoven

Former NSO Music Director Christoph Eschenbach returns with an all-Beethoven program featuring the joyous Symphony No. 7, Overture to Egmont, and Violin Concerto with Isabelle Faust.

Christoph Eschenbach , conductor

Isabelle Faust , violin

Oct. 16, 18 & 19 | Concert Hall

NSO PRESENTS:

Matthias Goerne & Daniil Trifonov

T Twwo titans of classical music join forces for an intimate

Schubert’s

Please note: the NSO does not perform

Oct. 21 | Concert Hall

TRPČESKI

Signature Theatre

From page 29

picted skillfully by Chuckie Benson), sings “I’m Beginning to See the Light” in riotous fashion.

Brush up your Shakespeare

Viewers may want to familiarize themselves with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night before attending, not because Play On! copiously copies Twelfth Night, but because it does not. Instead, its well-placed Shakespearean quotes and references can surprise the audience and become delightful inside jokes.

For example, the character of Feste the Fool (Jester, played by an engaging Wesley J. Barnes) makes a sly reference to “What You Will,” the subtitle of the original Twelfth Night.

Of course, the musical’s name, Play On!, alludes to the fuller quote: “If music be the food of love, play on.” At the very end of

Oct. 18

LITERARY FESTIVAL

The 2025 F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival takes place on Sat., Oct. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, MD. This year’s honoree is Percival Everett, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel James. Registration is required. The fee is $35 ($30 for seniors). For the full schedule and to register, visit fitzgeraldfestival.com, email fscottfestival@gmail.com or call (240) 389-2636.

Ongoing

FOLK MUSIC OPEN MIC

The Institute of Musical Traditions hosts a listening room-style open mic with weekly featured artists on Tuesdays at the School of Musical Traditions, located at 7112 Willow Ave., Takoma Park, MD. Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m., and the music starts at 7 p.m. This event is free, but donations for the featured artists are appreciated. For more information, visit imtfolk.org/home or call (301) 960-3655.

Ongoing

VOLUNTEER WITH VETERANS

The Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center is looking for volunteers to provide companionship, social activities and administrative support to veterans. Volunteers must pass background checks and training. For more information and to apply, call (202) 745-8320 or visit the Voluntary Service Office in the Main Building at 50 Irving St. NW, Floor GC, Room 113. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

the production, Jester ponders the undercurrents of illusion in rhyme — how very Shakespearean!

Play On! offers some thought-provoking insights into the original play’s themes of disguise. As Lady Liv wisely notes, it’s a pity that “people think they have to transform themselves for their true selves to be discovered.”

The musical runs through Oct. 5 at Signature’s MAX Theatre. Tickets are available at sigtheatre.org. The box office can be reached at (703) 820-9771 from noon to 8 p.m. daily.

Reserved ticket prices range from $40 to $131. While no senior discounts are available, a 25% discount is offered to veterans, military retirees, educators and front-line workers, from nurses to grocery store employees.

Family Pack tickets ($50 each) are available for a maximum of two adults (parents/guardians) attending with one to three children ages 6 to 17.

BEACON BITS Oct. 14+

FALL BOOK SALE

Friends of the Beatley Central Library will hold a Fall Book Sale from Tue., Oct. 14 to Mon., Oct. 20 at the Charles E. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, VA. Memberships are $15 and can be purchased at the door. Get hardbacks, paperbacks, children’s books and media for $4 or less unless otherwise marked. For hours and more information, visit beatleyfriends.org or call (703) 746-1702.

Ongoing

NATIONAL MALL VOLUNTEER

If you enjoy meeting people of all ages and backgrounds, you might enjoy volunteering with the Trust for the National Mall. Volunteers provide directions around the park, supply maps and brochures and offer information about the Mall. Training is provided, and a background check is required. Volunteers select their shifts and manage their own schedules. For more information and to apply, visit nationalmall.org/become-a-volunteer.

MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150

Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

BALTIMORE CITY

Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180

Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301

The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487

Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445

Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440

Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344

Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660

Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888

The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000

The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100

The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000

The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988

Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464

Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better

Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665

Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886

Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185

Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

EASTERN SHORE

Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY

Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064

Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399

Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118

Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501

Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096

Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322

Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better

Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526

Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

BEACON BITS

Speed dating

From page 1

apps, but she too was disenchanted with texting someone for a month before they ever met in person, if at all. She heard about speed dating from a

friend, who invited her to go with her to an event in D.C. Although her friend got cold feet and cancelled as Linda was on her way, Linda forged ahead and liked it so much that she has since attended another event.

“I met a lot of nice guys that I would definitely be friends with and would consider dating,” Linda said.

“I ended up going out on further dates with two of them…one of them for four months. We remained friends, and I see him every once in a while.”

Though neither was a lasting match, the experience left her optimistic about speed dating. In fact, one of her friends is still dating someone she met at speed dating last winter, and another met her husband speed dating in the early 2000s.

Stephanie Robinson welcomes people to DMV Pre-Dating events. She has been hosting for two years. “If I can contribute to someone’s happiness, I’m happy,” she said.

Local matchmakers

Speed dating originated in Los Angeles in 1998 at a matchmaking event organized by Rabbi Yaacov Deyo, according to The New York Times. He and several friends developed the idea while brainstorming ways to serve the Jewish community and help singles find marriage partners. It caught on.

One company, Pre-Dating Speed Dating, founded in 2001, hosts many events in the DMV, including speed dating for those 50 and older.

Two sessions for singles ages 40 to 59 were held at the Dulles Marriott Suites in Herndon, Virginia. Executive Chef Jorge Arica welcomes these groups, as they attract new diners. He described the scene as a friendly environment with a “nice group of people” attending.

Stephanie Robinson, 59, is a DMV PreDating event host who helps set the tone for speed dating events.

She discovered the phenomenon because she herself hadn’t had luck with online dating. Several years ago, she attended a speed dating event, noticed what the host did and thought it would be a great job for her. Although she didn’t meet her match, she landed on a new career and has been hosting since 2023.

“My motto is, if I can contribute to someone’s happiness, I’m happy,” she said. Robinson said participants often confide in her that they are nervous. She tells them, “I have been where you are, but once the

event starts, the nervousness will go away.” At the end of the event, those previously anxious daters tell Robinson she was right; their jitters disappeared. “I do my best to make them feel comfortable,” she said.

It seems she is good at it. When Linda attended her first event, Robinson’s warm greeting and confident hosting helped set her at ease — and made her want to attend another in-person event, she said.

“People spend too much time socializing online,” Linda said. “I love that we got dressed up, we met in person, we put our phones away.”

How to dive in

Several speed dating companies are active in our area in addition to Pre-Dating Speed Dating, including Shuffle Dating, CitySwoon and others, but they don’t tailor events specifically for the over-50 crowd. An evening typically costs between $20 and $40.

For those who are curious about trying speed dating but feel apprehensive, consider inviting another single friend to join you. Even if they cancel on you at the last minute, you can go on your own, like Linda, while reminding yourself that you’re not the only one to feel a bit of nerves before putting yourself out there.

Pre-Dating Speed Dating hosts monthly events in the DMV and Baltimore. For more information or to sign up, visit pre-dating.com or call (561) 510-0733.

Help with Housing

It’s difficult to age “friendly” when you have issues with housing.

Whether you rent, own or share your home in Montgomery County, there are many resources available to help you stay there safely and affordably. Here are some resources provided by the County that are worth looking into:

Services For Renters

Renters’ Tax Credits — Renters 60 and up who pay high monthly rent relative to their total income may qualify for a tax credit paid by the state of Maryland. The application deadline is October 1. For more information or to apply online, visit bit.ly/MdRenterTaxCredit

Montgomery County residents who qualify for the Maryland tax credit will automatically receive an additional

credit from the County, equal to half of the state credit.

Montgomery County Rental

Marketplace — This service from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs provides useful information about rental properties throughout Montgomery County. You can view locations, rent levels and unit sizes from multifamily apartment properties, including senior living apartment communities. You can also find local bus stops, parks, libraries, recreation centers and stores. Visit montgomerycountymd. gov/RentalMarketplace

Services For Homeowners

Homeowners Tax Credits —

Homeowners with modest income and assets may qualify for a property tax credit. The application deadline is

October 1. Qualified homeowners who are 60+ also receive a 50% matching tax credit from Montgomery County. If you have questions, call (410) 7675900. For more information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/ housing.html

Property Tax Deferral — If you are 65+ and your family income is less than about $80,000, you may be eligible to defer any increases in the County Property Tax portion of your bill. For more information, see montgomerycountymd.gov/ seniordeferral

Montgomery County Home Sharing Program — In this program, homeowners offer spare rooms in their homes for rent to home seekers searching for affordable, healthy and safe housing. The Housing Initiative Partnership helps secure background checks and credit checks, and helps homeowners prepare their lease and home-sharing agreements with potential home seekers. For details, visit bit.ly/HIPHomeSharing or call (301) 85-SHARE

Home Accessibility Rehabilitation Program (HARP) — The HARP Program provides income-qualified homeowners with free accessibility modifications, such as grab bars, chair lifts and walk-in showers. Visit bit.ly/HelpFromHARP

For The Unhomed

Resources for people experiencing homelessness include the Maryland 2-1-1 system, the county’s Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH) for street outreach and coordinated entry, shelters operated by the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) and organizations like Interfaith Works and EveryMind, and Catholic Charities’ Rapid Rehousing program.

Mixed-media artist celebrates nature

By Luke Sanelli

Beth MacNeil Stinson knew all of her colors when she was only two years old. Born into an artistically supportive family, Stinson had grandparents who nurtured her interests, giving her art supplies for every Christmas and birthday.

“Since I can remember, I’ve had crayons and paint and markers,” said Stinson, who lives in Brookeville, Maryland.

That support launched Stinson’s long and, at times, unconventional career in the arts. After a long career in teaching, designing and tech, she returned to her first love: art. In July, Stinson was the distinguished artist-in-residence at Weir Farm National Park in Ridgefield, Connecticut, her home state.

Stinson formally began her artistic journey in New York City at the Pratt Institute, where she learned about the many forms of art, from commercial art to fine art, printmaking and beyond.

“It was just extraordinary to see the vast difference that you can pursue in the arts, all the different avenues,” Stinson said. “And I just wanted to try everything.”

From artist to educator

Stinson spent a formative year taking full advantage of New York’s art scene.

“I got to know the city really well and all

the different museums,” Stinson said. “And that really was foundational to my art education.”

Later, she transferred to the State University of New York at Albany, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in printmaking and photography. Stinson spent years teaching photography and running darkrooms at different colleges and universities.

With the proliferation of computers in the early 1980s, Stinson knew she had to adapt. So she taught herself coding and design and began working at tech companies who educated teachers about computers.

She was hired by Blackboard, where she worked for 10 years, and later by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, where she used her design skills to help create a safety certification program. She considers her work there one of the most worthwhile aspects of her career.

“I really believe that what we do, the training that we do, saves people’s lives,” Stinson said. “It’s very fulfilling that way, to know that I have contributed in some small part to keeping vulnerable roadway workers safe.”

The road back to the arts

Stinson returned to the arts at the same time the rest of the world rediscovered old

passions and hobbies: during the Covid-19 pandemic. Quarantined at home and with her two grown sons moved out of house, Stinson had newfound time to devote herself to art.

“I went on long hikes in nature just to keep my sanity. Every weekend with my husband, I took a lot of pictures, came home, started drawing and sketching, and I guess the rest is history,” Stinson said.

On her walks, she collected plants and leaves, which became the centerpiece for her art. She developed a process which she calls “echo printing.” She treats plants with a chemical process involving heat, paints and dyes. Then she adds watercolor and ink to the image.

Part of the joy of her process is that she never knows exactly how plants will react. “Every time I use a different plant, I learn something new. I don’t know what’s going to happen as a result, and that endless curiosity about how this would react, how this would look, keeps driving me forward,” she said.

“Nature just sort of takes your breath away when you’re walking through and you see a butterfly or flower or the way the sunlight hits leaves a certain way,” Stinson said. “All of that input is very inspiring to me.”

Weir Farm National Park

six different artists each spend a month living, working and following in the footsteps of one of America’s great impressionists.

Stinson was selected from a pool of more than 70 applicants, according to Kristin Lessard, acting superintendent of Weir Farm National Historical Park and manager of the artist-in-residence program. Stinson’s echo printing process was key to her selection.

“She had such a unique process with her echo prints, with her printmaking process. It’s something very innovative and creative that we haven’t had necessarily here before in the park,” Lessard said.

During Stinson’s month at Weir Farm, she incorporated its native plants in her art and talked about her process with visitors.

“I get to live in an old cottage on the ground, and I get access to this amazing studio where I get to do my thing for a month and I get to interact with the public, with the park rangers, with all the staff here,” Stinson said. “They have been absolutely wonderful.”

Artistic growth

At her artist-in-residence program at Weir Farm, the former home of American expressionist painter J. Alden Weir, Stinson had the opportunity to continue his work. In 1882 Weir bought the property, located an hour and a half north of New York City, so he could focus on painting the natural world around him.

The 60-acre national park hosts six visual artists per year. From May to October,

Stinson has displayed her work in Maryland art galleries such as the Rockville Art League, the Eastside Artists’ Gallery in Frederick, the beachKraft Art Gallery in Olney and the HorseSpirit Arts Gallery in Savage. Her next show opens Sept. 13 at The Artist’s Eye in Severn.

Stinson credits her success in her career and in the arts to her ability to be flexible and grow with life’s challenges and opportunities — much like the natural world.

“Being flexible and open to the possibilities of things has allowed me to adapt and change and make art,” Stinson said.

Why older people make better patients

No question, the internet rules the modern roost. The web has revolutionized commerce, education, dating and publishing, among many other worlds.

But it has not (yet) revolutionized the relationship between doctors and their older patients.

My source for this notion is the sainted Rebecca.

She has been an assistant to my cardiologist for some 30 years. Throughout that time, she has done my blood draws, scolded me about my diet, implored me to do something about rush-hour traffic (sorry, Rebecca).

By Bob Levey

She has helped keep me alive. She knows her job ice cold.

The other day, she added another honor. She taught me that older patients are generally better patients.

Huh? Those famously grumpy hypochondriacs? Those exaggerators of symptoms? Those demanding wrinkled creatures who want the medical profession to keep them alive forever, and who can’t understand why that’s impossible?

Why are they better patients, Rebecca?

Because they don’t live on the internet as often or as extensively as younger patients do.

Therefore, she says, oldies are less likely to challenge docs and their staff with some flimsy notion (often wrong) that they’ve picked up in cyberspace.

According to Rebecca, older patients still generally treat the word of medical staff as gospel. They want to hear it from the doc’s or the nurse’s lips. And once they do, they take that advice seriously.

Rebecca says that some older patients

come prepared. They will bring notebooks to appointments. As the doc dishes out counsel, they will write down every word.

Never mind that most medical practices will now hand you a printed sheaf of exit documents. These pages make note-taking unnecessary.

But Rebecca says that older patients often follow advice better when they write it down themselves. As crusty as that habit may seem to some, there’s no arguing with results.

Of course, doctors aren’t gods. It can never hurt for patients to consult reliable sources such as the Mayo Clinic, NIH or a local library.

Yet the internet is soo-o-o tempting, and older people are increasingly tempted.

Why struggle to a shopping mall when one can order a birthday gift with just a few clicks? Why send a thank-you note through the mail (as we 20th-century folk were browbeaten into doing) when an email will do just fine? And why not glom onto some apparently reliable medical website, as the younger ones do?

Because in Real Life Medical World, older patients tend to want service delivered in the same old way, Rebecca reports. They sometimes ask for handwritten prescriptions. They want a harried doc to check just one more ache or pain. Some even wonder why docs no longer make house calls.

Yes, lonely or chatter-addicted older patients can treat medical appointments like social events. They will munch a busy doc’s time with copious details about a recent vacation. They will compliment a

nurse’s hairdo at length.

Don’t we all know an octogenarian who dumped a world-class doc because he or she didn’t smile enough?

As for medical appointments that fail to start on time, no one complains more loudly about that than seniors, Rebecca says. Even though they no longer work full time and don’t have kids to pick up from soccer practice.

But the best way to appreciate older medical patients is to recognize how younger ones (mis)behave.

Let’s say that a doctor recommends a certain drug. Younger patients will often push back, based on a 30-second Google search or a TV commercial, according to Rebecca. Older patients almost never do that. Or let’s

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD FROM PAGE 36

TO JUMBLE

Jumbles: FLEET SLIMY SPRAWL OUTAGE

Answer:

HOW I SEE IT

Scrabble answers on p. 35.

answers on p. 35.

Crossword Puzzle

Too Many Words By Stephen Sherr

Across

1. Mangy dogs

5. Magician’s word

11. One drafted into the NFL

14. Drive the getaway car

15. Who, what, where, when, why, ___

16. Letters that follow C and D (at a data center)

17. Two many words for teachers

19. “Help me ___-Wan Kenobi; you’re my only hope” (Princess Leia)

20. It may include an omelet station

21. More than most

22. Immobilize a car

23. A few items auctioned together

24. Two many words for gameshow winners

26. Netspeak for “original posters”

28. Wellness center

30. Tik ___

31. Not legally binding

33. Brouhahas

36. Like Athena

39. Two many words for budget analysts

43. Blood bank collections

44. Injure one’s toe

45. Move ___ a new house

46. Most common surname in Korea

48. Jade or jasper

50. Fed. property manager

51. Two many words for reporters

56. “Oh; now I get it!”

58. Shout “Fore!”

59. “We will, we will rock___!”

60. Nearsightedness

63. Recede

64. Two many words for biographers

66. League that gave 3 MVP awards to Dr. J

67. Goes through the revolving doors

68. Buffalo’s lake

69. Allies in a family feud

70. Determine a property tax amount

71. “When you win, say nothing; when you lose, say ___” (Paul Brown)

Down

1. Rice or pasta, basically

2. Transportation company that is now a verb

3. Disgusting

4. Shorthand taker

5. Off the beaten ___

6. Component of most COVID vaccines

7. Ravens mascot, along with Allan and Poe

8. Rock that is fracking powerful

9. Powder room requirement

10. Have the deed

11. It is not needed for faith

12. Westworld denizen, probably

13. Yadda yadda yaddas over the boring parts

18. They bookend the intermission

22. Two piece suit

24. Loses vibrancy

25. Cinderella’s turned into tatters at midnight

26. Contents of a fertility clinic’s freezer

27. Single-user spacecraft

29. Ms. ___-Man (arcade sequel)

32. Go back to brunette coloring

34. Make a choice

35. Ones with lazybones

37. Asian nation with the highest English proficiency

38. Hoarse drs.

40. Innocent one

41. Homer Simpson’s dad

42. “We ___ long way back”

47. Builders of stepped pyramids

49. Center fielder in baseball’s “All-Time Team”

51. Make minor adjustments

52. Religious leader

53. Environments for the citified

54. “It ___ a lot of money to look this cheap” (Dolly Parton)

55. SAT prep student

57. Setting for most of The Shining

60. Flail at a curveball

61. Colorful part of an eye

62. Yes votes

64. Princess irritant

65. Most 7-Elevens are open for 24

Bob Levey

say that a doctor recommends a consultation with a specialist. Older people will almost always book an appointment right away, Rebecca says. Younger ones might counter with some online article that they think is sufficient.

Rebecca’s bottom line: Effective medical care is a cooperative venture. It’s not about medical staff handing down advice from a mountaintop. Nor is it about believing a cyber-doc whom a patient has never met.

It’s about basing advice and treatment on experience and careful, personal study. It’s about trusting Rebeccas. If a younger patient wants to believe some unsourced, unsigned rant on his computer, he’s doing worse by himself, not better.

So please take a bow, older patients. As cranky as you can sometimes be, Rebecca and her ilk respect you because you respect them.

The web might be fine for gamers and day traders. But seniors know that docs and Rebeccas are, if you will, the best medicine.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

Please tell our advertisers, “I saw you in the Beacon!”

ONE BIG HAPPY By

Rick Detorie

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; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 39.

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

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

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS:

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

(2) PART TIME ASSISTANT TENNIS COACHES. Helping Tennis with Dennis Club. Outdoor Only. Germantown area. Prefer retired M/F available 5/7 days weekly if needed. We furnish all student appointments. Dennis is a Van Der Meer Tennis Academy Graduate. Also Silver Spring and surrounding area instructor. Text your name and brief tennis experience to 301367-6566.

A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in. Duties include cooking, housekeeping, bathing, errands, etc. Tel: 667-231-8235

A HOME HEALTHCARE - Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599.

PROOF OF CNA LICENSE and 10 years’ experience. Seeking full-time private duty job providing health care services, companionship, light housing keeping, grooming, meal prep, shopping, and errands. Call bola at 301-996-5180.

MOBILE HAIR & NAIL SERVICES - WE COME TO YOU. Professional Licensed Hair Stylist. Women and Men’s Services - All Hair Types. Cuts, Styles, Roller Sets, Color, Perms, Men’s Cuts & Facial Grooming, Manicures & more. Call 301-338-8251.

COMPUTERS, TELEVISIONS,

CELL

PHONE Help For Seniors. We offer patient and thorough help for seniors with all matters of technology. We come to your home. We service MD, VA and DC. Call Senior Tech Pro at 301337-0028. Available 24/7 Ask for Philip.

UNIQUE FLOWER DESIGNS (www.aeufd.com/ 301-340-8727) offers - HIGH QUALITY, stunning, LOW COST, flower arrangements from an experienced designer - for delivery, home decoration, and weddings and funerals.

CEMETERY PLOTS Ft. Lincoln Cemetery. Brentwood, MD. 4 plots Section K-B Lot 30 Sites 1-4. Single depth. Monument privilege. Number of plots and price negotiable. Contact Steve Frank. stevefrank22@verizon.net. 301-490-5898.

DISCOUNTED USPS FIRST-CLASS FOREVER STAMPS * Never Expire! Booklet of 20 Forever Stamps * Only $11 per booklet * regular USPS price: $15.60 * SAVE BIG * Each Stamp at USPS: $0.78 * Save on postage! * Tyrone S (202) 669-7461.

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.

ROOMMATE WANTED. Furnished bedroom in North Bethesda, MD to share apartment with one roommate. All utilities included. $800 per month. 12 months lease. Metro, busses, doctors are nearby. Please call me or text me for more information. Maria (240) 472-7851 bpc.toastmasters@outlook.com

WORLD CLASS PERSONAL TRAINER/ REHAB SPECIALIST. I come to you and get results. I also do Red Light Therapy. Which has helped a lot of my clients get relief from pain. Call Anthony at 410-739-3318 to set up a free fitness evaluation.

DISCOVER NORTH STAR NAVIGATORS: Your Trusted Partner in Elder Support Services. At North Star Navigators, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of our aging population. We understand the challenges that come with aging and are driven by a personal quest to enhance the well-being of seniors. Our telehealth services include: - Comprehensive Assessments & Recommendations - Golden Years Planning - Healthy Ship (Membership). Get Ready to Set Sail with North Star Navigators! Where YOU remain the Captain, and our Stars guide the way. Visit NorthStarNavigators.net or call 833-735-1983 for more information. Your Trusted Team: Anchored in Compassion, Driven by Passion.

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

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! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

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

NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a noclog guarantee and lifetime transferable 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.

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.

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.

SAFE STEP. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-866-478-2363.

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

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-572-4953.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older acoustic string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158, leave message & phone number.

ALWAYS BUYING SILVER, gold-filled & gold jewelry, Old Silverware & holloware marked “Sterling”, old fountain pens, old tobacco pipes, dental gold, the old stuff... What do you have? Call or text Alex at 571-426-5363. DMW area I’ll pickup!

I BUY GUNS: Military/Civilian & MILITARY MEMORABILIA. I am a licensed Firearms Dealer and can legally purchase from you. I also buy medals, uniforms & insignia. Tim Frank 301-201-0241. historian1975@gmail.com. www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com

UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED

LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company - 866-212-1092 or visit www.Life55plus.info/beacon

WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.

GIL PAINTING CO. INC. Free estimates call (301) 370-9940. www.gilpainting.com Interior & exterior painting, Drywall repair, Plaster repair, Roofing, Roof repair. MHIC# 150105.

AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL HEATING & COOLING. As temps outside start to climb, the season for savings is now. $49 cooling or heating system tune up. Save up to $2000 on a new heating and cooling system (restrictions apply.) FREE estimates. Many payment options available. Licensed and insured professionals. Call today 1-877-691-0273.

JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 9/30/25.) Call 1-833-994-0538.

ANS NOTARY SERVICES, LLC rww@ansnotaryservices.com (301) 658-4819. We bring professionalism, accuracy, and reliability to every situation. Services: Loan Signings, General Notary Work, Mobile Notary Services, I-9 Employment Verification, Power of Attorney, Apostille Services. COMPLIMENTARY ESTATE PLANNING CONSULTATION. Estate planning typically involves customized legal documents to plan for incapacity and death: naming agents to make financial and healthcare decisions and designating beneficiaries to inherit assets. Call Justin M. Ginsburg, Esq. at (443) 393-7696 to schedule a complimentary consultation; learn about guardianship and probate proceedings and incorporating trusts, tax strategies and asset protection as well as special needs planning, charitable giving, retirement accounts, life insurance and vacation homes. Mr. Ginsburg is licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia and has helped hundreds of clients since 2017. He is a Senior Associate Attorney at Elville and Associates, P.C. in Rockville.

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-742-1303.

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance PublishingTrusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author’s Guide 1-833-992-0110 or visit dorranceinfo.com/beacon

FEELING STUCK OR OVERWHELMED?

Life transitions, grief, or stress? Dr. Kimberly M. Martin, licensed psychologist and wellness coach, offers individual sessions and wellness packages for adults 50+. Practical, supportive guidance. www.drkimberlym.com MEN & LADIES. Licensed HAIR, NAILS, FACIALS. I will come to your home if you live in the Silver Spring zip codes. Reasonable rates concentration mainly in LW. For information and appointments call 7 days. Kim 301-7924936.

50+CAUCASIAN MALE {5’9”, brown hair, hazel eyes, medium build} is looking for a female companion with similar interests such as dining out, creative cooking, gardening, dancing, swimming, hiking, live entertainment, action movies, and old tv shows. Reside in the Rockville area. If interested please email: sweetguy_71@yahoo.com or msfltd71@gmail.com

ALWAYS BUYING COMIC BOOKS (1930s to 1985), sterling silver (anything), old coins & paper money, charm bracelets, jewelry, old costume jewelry, old dental gold, old pin-up magazines, sports cards before 1980, old fishing lures, old toy cars, and other old items. What do you have? Call or text Alex at 571426-5363.

CASH FOR ESTATES; Estates, Moving, Downsizing, Etc. I buy Gold, Silver, Art, Quality Glass, Historical Items, Cultural Items, and a wide range of other categories. Collections, Accumulations. Website: TheAtticLLC.com, Gary Roman, 301-520-0755.

CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls with CURBSIDE PICKUPS. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883).

WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com).

COINS, STAMPS, & AUTOGRAPHS WANTED. Paying top prices. Free estimatesWill 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.

CASH FOR; GOLD JEWELRY, STERLING SILVER, COINS, ETC. GARY ROMAN 301-520-0755.

BOOKSHELVES OVERFLOWING? Boxes of books? Stacks of CDs? We’ll haul them off — FREE pickup, same day service available. Easy declutter, no stress. Call 703-980-7421 or mdbookpickup@gmail.com.

BUYING ESTATES, FULL OR PARTIAL, large or small. Need a house cleared in a hurry, I can get it done. Also buying individual small, pretty things such as Herend, Royal Copenhagen and vintage holiday decorations. Call Susan (301) 785-1129.

Ongoing

WALKING TOUR OF THE C&O CANAL

Georgetown Heritage offers a walking tour of the C&O Canal. The tour, “Industry & Innovation,” lasts about 90 minutes and begins and ends at the Georgetown Visitor Center, located at 1057 Thomas Jefferson St., Washington, DC. Tours run Wednesday to Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Participants should be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces and up stairs Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for educators, military personnel and children 12 and under. For more information and to buy tickets, visit GeorgetownHeritage org or call (202) 480-9540

Ongoing

FLEA MARKET AT EASTERN MARKET

This eclectic market offers everything from locally made crafts to vintage finds and handmade products. Browse the goods year-round on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7th and C Streets SE, Washington, DC Admission is free For more details, visit easternmarket.net or call (202) 215-6993.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

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

Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad:

• $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you.

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

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

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

ClinicalHealth Studies

Anxiety/Depression Study .

Smell Test Study . .

Employment/ Volunteer

Opportunities

Career Gateway .

Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

.10

.10

HomeHealth

Best Senior Care .

Housing

.13

Ashby Ponds/Erickson . . .9

Brooke Grove Retirement Village

Charles E. Smith Life Communities

.23

.21

Endof Life/ FuneralServices

Cremation Society of Maryland

.23

Going Home Cremation .28

MacNabb Funeral Home . .23

Events

Beacon 50+Expos . . . . .3-5

Brooke Grove Retirement Village

Charles E. Smith Life Communties .

.17

.16

Chevy Chase House . . . .18

Churchill Senior Living . .35

Cogir Alexandria Fillmore

Cogir Old Town Alexandria

Cogir Potomac

Cogir West End

Collington

Culpepper Gardens .

Falcons Landing

.15

Park View Laurel

Woodleigh Chase/ Erickson

LegalServices

Farr Law Firm . .

Law Offices of Paul Riekhof

.21

.18

Medical/Health/ Insurance

Adventist HealthCare . . .11

Chesapeake Hearing . . . . .8

Pharmacy

.28

.12

.19

Grandview, The/Erickson . .9

Greenspring/Erickson . . . .9

Homecrest House .

.17

. . .16

.13

Park View Bladensburg . .31

Park View Columbia

Park View Emerson

.31