december 2013 dc beacon edition

By Barbara RubenGreat art has often been associated to

some degree with artists stalked by psycho-logical conditions and other impairments.Vincent van Gogh, whose works are cur-rently being displayed at the Phillips Collec-tion in Washington, D.C., is probably one ofthe first examples to come to mind.So might it also be true that older adults

with Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury orstroke might be able to communicate bet-ter via art than words? The answer, at least in some cases, ap-

pears to be yes, as evidenced by anotherexhibit now at the Phillips Collection,called “Art and Wellness: Creative Aging.” It showcases work by participants in an

art therapy program jointly sponsored bythe Phillips, the 92-year-old Dupont Circlemuseum, and Iona Senior Services, a D.C.-based nonprofit that provides a wide vari-ety of services to adults 60 and over. After viewing the work of Impressionist

and modern art luminaries such as MarkRothko, Paul Klee, Pierre-Auguste Renoirand Georgia O’Keeffe, visitors to thePhillips can enter the gallery featuringworks by Sidney Weintraub, Penelope Ni-land and 30 other area seniors. Some of them are coping with serious

health challenges that leave them grap-pling for words and turn once-familiar ter-rain into a thicket of confusion. But when they begin to paint or draw, a

kind of transformation takes place. Amemory emerges or the soothing rhythmof sketching smoothes the edges of agita-tion and confusion.Larry (who, like some of the partici-

pants, asked that his last name not be used)summed up his return to art, a formerhobby of his, simply.“It’s magic,” he said.And that’s exactly the response Brooke

Rosenblatt, who works with the programat the Phillips, is hoping for.“The motivation for us to start this pro-

gram really begins with the philosophicalunderpinnings of the museum,” she said.“Duncan Phillips founded it in 1921 afterthe sudden deaths of his father and broth-er. He believed strongly that art can im-pact wellbeing. He said that art helpedgive him the will to live.

“So this theme of creativity and wellnessis part of our DNA, you might say,” saidRosenblatt, the museum’s manager of pub-lic programs and in-gallery interpretation.This is the second year the Phillips has

collaborated with Iona on the exhibit. Lastyear’s enthusiastic response by partici-pants, their families and museum visitorshelped spur the Phillips to expand the ex-hibit’s showing from one month to two. Thecurrent exhibit can be seen through Jan. 5.

Bringing back memoriesIn the grant-funded program, the Iona

participants visit the Phillips once everyother month to look at and discuss severalpieces of art.

The next month, they go to Iona’s artstudio in Northwest Washington to maketheir own creations, interpreting what theysaw at the museum through the prism oftheir own experiences and creativity.Thus, a 1922 oil painting of mountains,

river and a brooding sky by Americanartist Rockwell Kent, is replicated in nearperfect detail by one artist using watercol-ors, while another made a more abstractdrawing of the scene.“I think I have seen a place like this. I

had the good fortune to fly with the U.S.Air Force, so I got to see a lot of places,”said Irving, painter of the realistic version.

Susan Meyers works on an art project in the art therapy program at Iona SeniorServices. She is “deconstructing” an earlier work to turn it into something new. Anexhibit now at the Phillips Collection features artwork by Meyers and 30 other olderadults in the program, all of whom have challenges due to Alzheimer’s, stroke andother conditions. Says Meyers, “This is my home. The art is my home.”

The

I N F O C U S F O R P E O P L E O V E R 5 0More than 200,000 readers throughout Greater Washington

Our 25th Year!

I N S I D E …

FITNESS & HEALTH 4k Pros and cons of preservativesk Take charge of your migraines

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING 31k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY 35k Profit from the oil and gas boomk Foreign funds are on fire

CAREERS & VOLUNTEERS 43

LIFETIMES 47k News from the Charles E. Smith Life Communities

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

See CREATIVE AGING, page 60

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A R T S & S T Y L EHighlights of local festive holiday productions; plus, Bob Levey on late-life love

page 55

L E I S U R E & T R A V E LGeorgia is known for peanuts,presidents and prisoners; plus,gifts for travelers, and whattravel insurance to buy

page 25

From disabilities to art abilitiesVOL.25, NO.12 DECEMBER 2013

You know how it is that sometimessomething very ordinary strikes you asmeaningful in a new way? For example, I attend Sab-

bath services every week at asynagogue near my home.There are a number of placesin the service where every-one is expected to sing alongor sing in response. Normally, at these times, I

hear mostly my own voice inmy head. But if I stop singingand listen for a moment, I canhear the whole room singingas if it were a symphony. There are the lady sopra-

nos (with a diva or two), some altos, themale tenors and baritones, an occasionalbass. All blend, usually, into a nice, richtone, at least when the tune being led is afamiliar one.But the other day, I was aware not of a

symphony, but of a cacophony. A fellow sit-ting near me, apparently a visitor or new-comer, had begun to sing loudly right atthe start of the song — but at a note or twolower than the leader and, to my mind, therest of us in the room. Now, I happen to be used to the fact that

a different gentleman who often attends

the same service cannot carry a tune. Ihave learned to tune out his near misses

on those occasions when hechooses to sing along. But this new fellow was dif-

ferent. He didn’t have any trou-ble keeping to his key. He wasdead on — just in a differentkey from everyone else, and itwasn’t a key that harmonized. He even had a nice voice.

He probably was well awareof that, too, as he continuedto sing quite loudly and clear-ly in his own personal key,every single note clashingagainst the others in the

room, grating on my nerves. In the sanctuary as a whole, his disso-

nance was probably negligible. In fact, Imay have been the only person aware of it. For some reason, though, it continued to

occupy me long after the song was over.(Yes, I daydream in synagogue. Sometimes.) So I kept thinking: Why did this fellow,

who evidently was quite musical, not realizethat he was out of sync with everyone else?Or did he realize it and not care? Was

he, perhaps, trying to make a statement?Did he think that, somehow, he wassinging in the “right key” and everyone

else was wrong? Was he listening so intently to his own

voice that he remained truly unaware ofthe dissonance he was causing? Or did heview the clashing notes as a problem creat-ed by others, not himself?I have no idea who the fellow was or

what, if anything, he was thinking. But Icouldn’t help but see the whole experienceas a metaphor of sorts — for human differ-ences in personality, political beliefs,lifestyles and the like. Most of us are content to play our role in

society and to focus for the most part on our-selves, with some secondary attention tothose around us and to society as a whole. We prefer to do the work, or sing the

part, that comes most naturally to us. (Per-haps that’s because when we must strainto reach beyond our register, our voicesbecome “falsetto.”) Then there are some whose song/per-

sonality/belief is a bit different. It soundsto the rest of us like it’s off-key, or as ifthose people can’t carry the tune the waymost of us can. But they’re singing alongjust the same, eager to participate in theirway, and we generally respect that. But it can be harder to deal with those

who, knowingly and unabashedly, insist onsinging loudly in a different key altogether— a key, in fact, that creates dissonance

with the song the vast majority of us sing. Now, it’s interesting to realize that, were

we to listen to this other song on its own, wemight well think it is a perfectly fine song,as melodic as any other. It only producesdissonance when it’s sung a half-tone or sodifferently from the song others sing. (Afterall, it takes two to make a dissonance.)If yet more people start to pick up the

same “off” melody, the resulting “dischord”can grow even more noticeable for awhile.But in some cases, so many others adoptthe new melody that it can supercede thefirst one.We hear a lot nowadays about our diver-

sity in culture, our conflicting political par-ties, and the split in opinions that deeplydivide us. These are not subtle differ-ences, and they can tear apart a family, aninstitution, even a government. Yet, on some level, we are all just trying

to sing our song — sometimes followingthe notes, sometimes riffing on themelody, other times purposely belting outsomething completely different. It’s all just part of what it means to be a

free human being, a member of the cho-rus, each with our own unique voice.

2 More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedi cated to inform, serve, and en ter tain the citi zens of the GreaterWashington DC area, and is pri vate ly owned. Other edi-tions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. andGreater Palm Springs, Calif. Readership exceeds 400,000.Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or

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• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal• Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal• Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei• Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel• Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben• Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory• Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King• Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ................................................Dan Kelly, Cheryl Watts

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Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.comSubmissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of themonth preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding themonth of publication. See page 71 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

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BeaconThe

I N F O C U S F O R P E O P L E O V E R 5 0

Our 25th Year!

Letters to the editorReaders are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressedin the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mailyour Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring,MD 20915, or email to [email protected]. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor:I read Victor Block’s article on Myrtle

Beach in the August issue. I followed inhis footsteps and stayed at Island Vista. Itwas an excellent place to stay, both interms of price and quality.

Amit SinghAlexandria, Va.

Dear Editor:I just turned 50 in August and have re-

turned from a tour overseas (I work for theDept. of Defense). I was deeply moved byyour article concerning how the operaLost Childhood came to be (“Cousins debutHolocaust opera,” November).I served in Germany and there is a the-

ater in Wiesbaden, Germany called theAmelia Earhart (as well as the EnglishTheater in Frankfurt) which would love tohave this amazing opera perform there. Iwould like to help in any way possible.I prayed a lot and hoped that the two in-

spiring men, who lived through such hor-rors, were able to attend. I read the articletwo days after the opera!Thank you for such an incredible maga-

zine. I look forward to becoming a regularreader.

Marisol Marengovia email

Dear Editor:While many of us have chosen to be-

lieve that the tragedy of the WW II Holo-caust against European Jews during —and after — WW II is rich in history and istherefore worthy of an operatic setting,there are many of us who believe that de-spite its recognition, it must first be putinto perspective. As with any human tragedy of this mag-

nitude, bluntly, there is nothing to belearned by extensive, retrospective study.We simply, collectively, “let it happen,”even as the United States recounted its at-titudes during and after WW II, establish-ing quotas for immigration, graduateschool policy and “security” measures inemployment.Particularly offensive are historical

notes pertaining to the artistry of RichardWagner of the previous century whosemusic Hitler “respected” because of itssupposed anti-Semitic overtones. The musical journey of Lost Childhood

as portrayed by its producer is about twocultures that “are in conflict,” as stated,learning to listen to each other’s narra-tives. These are glossy words, perhaps be-

See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 56

Imperfect harmony

FROM THEPUBLISHERBy Stuart P. Rosenthal

WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com 3

We wish to thank our 2013 Beacon and Resource Guideadvertisers and 50+Expo exhibitors for the products and services they provide to older adults and for

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20/20 Gene Systems, Inc4 More TravelA First Class MoveA & A Hearing GroupA&A Hearing GroupAAA Mid-AtlanticAARP MarylandAARP VirginiaAbbvie PharmaceuticalsAdventist Home Care ServicesAdvocate 360 LLCAlan J. Nuta, Attorney At LawAlfred House Elder Care, Inc.All Pet CrematoryAlliance FrancaiseAlzheimer's WalkAmerican Cabinet RefacersAmeriprise Financial Servicesampf.comAngels of CareApsenwoodArden CourtsArlington Aging & Disability ServicesArlington County Fire DepartmentArlington County Office of Senior Adult Programs

Arlington County Sherriffs OfficeArlington PoliceArthur C. Hamm & Associates Inc.At Home Care, Inc.Auditory Services, Inc.Azman EyeB'nai B'rith Homecrest HouseBauer Park ApartmentsBayada Home Health CareBeckham Publications GroupBeltone HearingBeltway MoversBelvoir Enlisted Spouses' ClubBest Senior CareBeth Shalom CongregationBiomet Mid-AltanticBoone & Sons, JewelersBrace KennedyBrightStar CareBroadmeadBrookdale/Solana of OlneyBrooke Grove FoundationBrookeville House Assisted LivingBurke Internal Medicine, Inc.Capital Digestive CareCapital RemodelingCare For You, IncCare Givers Home Health ServicesCareFirst BlueCross BlueShieldCarol Shifter, Esq.Centenarians LuncheonCeralsoliStafford Media ManagementChabad of Chevy ChaseChancellors VillageCharles E. Smith Life CommunitiesCharlotte Hall Veterans HomeChesterbrook Residences, Inc.Chevy Chase HouseChildren's National MCChurchill Senior LivingCity of FairfaxClassic Cottages, LLCClear Choice Management ServicesCollege ManorCollingtonColonial OpticiansColumbia Lighthouse For The BlindComfort KeepersCommunity Radiology AssociatesCongressional BankCouncil HouseCountry Gardens Assisted LivingCountry MeadowsCulpeper Baptist Retirement HomeCulpepper GardenCustom Senior Living SearchCVS/pharmacy

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By Lauran NeergaardWhere seniors live makes a difference

not only in how much healthcare they re-ceive but also the medications they’re pre-scribed — as some miss out on key treat-ments while others get risky ones, new re-search shows. More than 1 in 4 patients on Medicare’s

prescription drug plan filled at least oneprescription for medications long deemedhigh-risk for seniors, according to a studyreleased by the Dartmouth Atlas Project. Seniors who live in Alexandria, La.,

were more than three times as likely asthose in Rochester, Minn., to receive thosepotentially harmful drugs — which in-clude muscle relaxants and anxiety reliev-ers that can cause excessive sedation, falls,and other problems in older adults. On the flip side, far more seniors who

survived a heart attack were filling pre-scriptions for cholesterol-lowering statindrugs in Ogden, Utah, than in Abilene,Texas — 91 percent compared to just 44percent, the study found.

The spread was lower around our geo-graphic area, but still noticeable. In Arling-ton, Va., 86 percent filled these prescrip-tions, while 78 percent got the statins inWashington, D.C. and Baltimore. That’seven though statins are proven to reducethose patients’ risk of another heart attack. Even more surprising, the study found

just 14 percent of seniors who’ve broken abone because of osteoporosis were receiv-ing proven medications to guard againstanother fracture — ranging from 7 percentof those patients in Newark, N.J., to 28 per-cent in Honolulu. In Baltimore, 17 percentgot the drugs, while just 12 percent tookthem in Washington, D.C. and 15 percentin Arlington, Va.“There’s no good reason” for that varia-

tion, said lead researcher Dr. Jeffrey Mun-son, an assistant professor at the Dart-mouth Institute for Health Policy and Clin-ical Practice.

More isn’t necessarily betterResearchers with the Dartmouth Atlas

have long shown that the type and amountof healthcare that people receive varieswidely around the country, and that thosewho live where Medicare spends moredon’t get better quality care. The newest report examined 2010 pre-

scription data from the 37 million patientswho get drug coverage under MedicarePart D, and found even more of a mixed pic-ture when it comes to seniors’ medications. For example, patients in the South were

more likely to fill prescriptions for riskiermedications, but less likely than those inother regions to get the long-recommendedtreatments for heart and bone conditions. The average Part D patient filled 49

month-long prescriptions — either newones or refills — in 2010. But the study suggests doctors in some

areas prescribe more readily. The highestnumber of prescriptions filled was in Miami— 63 — and the lowest in Grand Junction,Colo., 39. In Washington, D.C., Arlington,Va. and Baltimore, the number was 46.Overall, patients in regions where

Medicare Part D spent more on medica-tions weren’t more likely to receive the mosteffective medications, the study found. Yes, seniors who are sicker will use

more medications, but the general healthof a region’s Medicare population explainsless than a third of the variation, the re-searchers concluded. Patients don’t always fill their prescrip-

tions, because of cost or fear of side effectsor myriad other reasons — something thisstudy couldn’t measure. It also didn’t ex-amine differences in benefits betweencheaper and more expensive Part D plans.

Docs don’t follow guidelinesBut if doctors were following guidelines

on best medication practices, there wouldbe far less variation around the country,Munson said. Doctors “really need to ask themselves,

‘Is there a good reason why my patientsare getting less effective care than patients


TAKE CHARGE OF MIGRAINESConsider seeing a headache specialistor neurologist and keep a diary

NEEDY CAREGIVERSMore help is needed for family caregivers of those with dementia

REDUCE STROKE RISKLose weight, drink less alcohol andconsume less sodium to cut stroke risk

SCREENINGS OVERDONEWhole-body CT scans and some othertests can do more harm than good

HealthFitness &

Preservatives: How much is too much?By Sharon Palmer, R.D.“Natural” foods, free of preservatives,

continue to trend. But is avoiding preserv-atives really necessary?If you keep a loaf of homemade bread

on the counter for a few days, the telltalesigns of spoilage begin: mold, discol-oration and an off taste. The same thingwill happen if you leave most perishablefood products — such as cooked vegeta-bles, meat or eggs — at room temperaturefor too long.Bacteria, microorganisms and enzymes

begin to do their job by essentially “feed-ing” on the food, resulting in decay. That’swhy food companies add preservatives tofoods — to extend shelf life, maintain highquality and prevent spoilage. Before the advent of modern chemical

preservatives used by the food industry,such as sodium benzoate and sulfites, ourancestors used other means of preserva-tion, like drying foods and adding salt. Weknow that too much salt in preservedfoods isn’t good for us, but what about syn-thetic preservatives? While many preservatives appear to be

safe and perform an important function inour food system, some of them may be ofconcern.

Many benefits of preservativesMany of our modern preservatives were

introduced in the 1970s. “Before then, youcouldn’t leave foods out at room tempera-ture for long,” said Roger Clemens, inter-nationally recognized food science expertand professor of pharmacology at the Uni-versity of Southern California. “The addi-tion of preservatives has changed our be-havior on how we store and use food.” Now we have the ability to purchase

larger amounts of foods less often, andfewer foods need to be refrigerated. Chem-ical preservatives function to preservefood in many ways, including preventingthe growth of microorganisms, reducingmoisture content, increasing acidity, pre-venting the natural ripening process, andacting as an antioxidant. The biggest advantage of using preserv-

atives is lowering food waste. “We’re los-ing up to 50 percent of our food supplyaround the world due to food waste,” said

Clemens. “We’re in a bit of a conundrum; we want

healthy food that will last a long time, but ifyou don’t put preservatives in it, you losefood due to spoilage.”Preservatives also can help protect our

health by decreasing the risk of food-borne illness caused by microorganismsin food. They also play a role in loweringoxidation in the body, which may occur asa result of ingredients in foods that be-come oxidized (or rancid).Oxidized compounds in food products

can promote the formation of free radicalsin the body, which produce oxidativestress. It’s well known that oxidative stressis linked with the development of diseaseslike cancer and heart disease.

Questions raised on someThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration

is responsible for ensuring the safety offoods, but is not required to review preser-vatives currently in use that are consid-ered “generally recognized as safe.” Many food preservatives appear to be

completely safe, including alpha tocopher-

al (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C),calcium propionate, nisin, tartaric acid andTBHQ.On the other hand, several food addi-

tives have been banned, because — aftermany years of use — they’ve been deemedunsafe. Others have been called into ques-tion because of potential carcinogen or al-lergen risks.The Center for Science in the Public In-

terest (CPSI) has petitioned the FDA to re-evaluate the safety of some food additives.Clemens reports that the FDA hasn’tmade a move on this issue yet.The following additives have been ques-

tioned regarding their safety, according toCSPI:1. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole). The

U.S. Department of Health and Human Serv-ices considers this chemical to be “reason-ably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.”2. Propyl Gallate. Animal studies suggest

that this preservative might promote can-cer, however additional research is needed.3. Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate. These are used

See PRESERVATIVES, page 5

Where you live affects what meds you get

SeeWHERE YOU LIVE, page 6

WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health 5

as preservatives in processed meats, linkedto increased cancer and heart disease risk.4. Sodium Benzoate. While these chem-

icals appear to be safe for most people,some report severe allergic reactions.5. Sulfites. Though sulfites appear safe

for non-sensitive people, they can causesevere allergies in some.

Quantity also a concernOf greater concern may be the sheer

amount of preservatives we’re getting.Many health experts fear that with our in-creasing intake of highly processed foods,we’re inadvertently upping our intake ofthese additives.According to Clemens, when you con-

sume too many foods with preservatives, itmay cause problems (as is true for mostthings in our diets)Ironically, problems can also be caused

by using too little preservatives. A 2010study by Swedish researchers found thatwhen a small amount of a common preser-vative was added to different types of porkmeat, it increased the amount of toxinsproduced by the bacteria in food. The tox-ins from food microorganisms are general-ly responsible for making you sick whenyou acquire a food-borne illness.The scientists reported that the preser-

vatives may cause the bacteria to become

stressed, which means they produce moretoxins. However, when a larger amount ofpreservative was added, the bacteria didnot survive.The solution to eating a healthful diet

seems clear. “Eating less packaged food isultimately the solution,” said GerriFrench, nutrition educator at Sansum Clin-ic, Santa Barbara, Calif. “Enjoy more fresh foods, including

[those with] healthy fats, such as avoca-dos, nuts, seeds and quality oils, and eatless [processed] food products. “Eat more dried fruit and nuts rather

than nutrition bars; plain yogurt with freshor frozen fruit rather than ‘fruit-flavored’yogurts; milk in coffee rather than artifi-cial creamer.”When you do use packaged foods, avoid

the preservatives that are of the greatestconcern. “Read the ingredients on food la-bels in the foods that you frequently use,”French said. “The next time you shop for those

foods, look for a substitute that does notcontain the ingredient you’d like to avoid.There might be refrigerator options withfewer food additives for products like bot-tled salad dressings.”Reprinted with permission from Environ-

mental Nutrition, a monthly publication ofBelvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com.© 2013 Belvoir Media Group. Distrib-

uted by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

PreservativesFrom page 4

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Please return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

WB12/13

A panel of leading headache specialistsrecently convened to identify specific stepsmigraine patients can take to better com-municate with their healthcare providers

and obtain a successful treatment program. Effective physician/patient communica-

tion is increasingly important given today’stime constraints for office visits and the va-

riety of new treatment options available.

Take these 10 steps1. Seek help. Be a self-advocate. You

owe it to yourself. Let go of the biases andguilt. There’s no need for you to endureheadache pain. Understand that migraineis a disease that deserves the same atten-tion and care as any health condition.2. Educate yourself about migraines

so you’ll know what to communicateto a physician. Attend support groupsand join resource organizations such asthe National Headache Foundation(NHF); 1-888-NHF-5552. Pay attention tonewspaper, magazine, TV and radio cover-age of migraine, and ask your physicianabout what you’ve seen or heard.3. Visit a doctor specifically about

your headaches. Search for a physicianwho’s interested in treating headaches andmake an appointment to discuss your mi-graines. Find out if your primary carephysician (family physician, internist orOB/GYN) treats migraine. Consider see-ing a headache specialist or neurologist.Call the NHF for a state-by-state list ofmember physicians.4. Prepare for a dialogue with your

physician. Keep a headache diary. Be or-ganized, specific, direct and ready to talkdetails. Be prepared to provide informa-tion on your headache history and generalmedical history. Track your attacks and

how you treat them. Note the date, lengthof each migraine, severity, symptoms, trig-gers and impact on your life (i.e., howmany days lost from work, how many fam-ily/social activities missed). Track medica-tion taken, when, for how long, and effec-tiveness in relieving pain and symptoms.Get to know your migraine patterns andtriggers so you feel more “in control.”5. Have reasonable expectations

about treatment. Understand that there’sno cure for migraine, but the disease canbe managed with an effective treatmentprogram. Be patient and give treatmenttime to work. Realize that treatment suc-cess will ebb and flow. Be willing to listento your physician. Be flexible, open-mind-ed and prepared to modify your treatmentas necessary.6. Be honest about all current med-

ications and other medical conditions.Tell your doctor about all your currenttherapies, including prescription, over-the-counter and natural remedies (becausecertain medications interfere with eachother). Share any psychological history or“emotional disturbances” and medicationsyou take for those conditions now or in thepast.7. Focus on solutions. Be positive.

Don’t blame yourself; headaches are notyour fault. Focus on finding the best treat-

in the other regions,’” he said. He urged patients to ask more questions,

too: Why is this medicine being prescribed?What are the pros and cons? Is there some-thing else I should consider taking?

The Dartmouth Atlas, funded by theRobert Wood Johnson Foundation, studieshealth trends using Medicare data. Similarfigures aren’t readily available for the gen-eral population. For more information from the Dart-

mouth Atlas, see www.dartmouthatlas.org.— AP

6 Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

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Where you liveFrom page 4

Suffering migraines? How to take charge

SeeMIGRAINES, page 7

Communicatingwhen you can’t talk

A range of problems, from stroke to de-mentia, can hamper speech. Add thestress of being in the hospital, and commu-nication can be nearly impossible.Boards with pictures and phrases can

help patients get across their messagewithout speaking a word. They can bedownloaded in paper form from severalwebsites for free. The pages can be lami-nated or placed in sheet protectors.“The use of images with medical person-

nel and family can help people understandand remember what is said to them. I havebeen to many emergency rooms and hospi-tals and am usually surprised that more isn’tdone to help patients communicate. Every-one is [so] busy focusing on medical needs,that the communication needs of individualsare often overlooked,” according to JoanGreen, a speech therapist in Potomac, Md.

One of the downloadable communicationboards for use in the hospital states “I needhelp with something…” at the top, and in-cludes 30 simple drawings — from “sit inchair” to “nurse call button” to “clean glass-es.” Another says “This is how I feel…” withsuch choices as “sore throat” and “too hot.”To download these and other free

boards, go to www.amyspeechlanguageth-erapy.com/communication-boards.html.Another resource are the “cue cards”

created by Eastern Health. They can alsobe downloaded for free after entering youremail address. They are available at

http://www.easternhealth.org.au/ser-vices/cuecards/default.aspx.

— Barbara Ruben

Sleep keeps yourbrain healthy

When we sleep, our brains get rid of gunkthat builds up while we’re awake, suggests astudy that may provide new clues to treatAlzheimer’s disease and other disorders.

WA SH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health 7

ment options by working with your physi-cian to find solutions.8. Ask for detailed instructions for

taking medication — and follow them.Ask for specific instructions on taking pre-scribed medication — how often, withmeals or on an empty stomach, what to doif a dose is missed, side effects, and whatto do if pain and symptoms persist.9. Partner with your physician for

treatment success. Enter into a partner-ship with your physician and bridge thecommunication gap. See your physician ona regular basis and develop a relationship.Treatment is a process that works better

with in-person visits.10. Follow-up regularly with your

physician. Your treatment program willonly be as good as the time you invest.Schedule a follow-up appointment as youconclude each physician visit. Physicianssay three months is usually a reasonabletime period to evaluate the effectiveness ofa treatment program.Source: National Headache Foundation,

headaches.org.From WhatDoctorsKnow, a magazine de-

voted to information on health issues fromphysicians, major hospitals and clinics, uni-versities and healthcare agencies. Online atwww.whatdoctorsknow.com.©2013 Whatdoctorsknow.com. Distrib-


MigrainesFrom page 6

Health Shorts

See HEALTH SHORTS, page 8

This cleaning was detected in the brainsof sleeping mice, but scientists said there’sreason to think it happens in people, too. If so, the finding may mean that, for peo-

ple with dementia and other mind disor-ders, “sleep would perhaps be even moreimportant in slowing the progression offurther damage,’’ Dr. Clete Kushida, med-ical director of the Stanford Sleep Medi-cine Center, said in an email. Kushida didnot participate in the study, which ap-peared in the journal Science.

People who don’t get enough shut-eyehave trouble learning and making deci-sions, and are slower to react. But despitedecades of research, scientists can’t agreeon the basic purpose of sleep. Reasonsrange from processing memory, to savingenergy, to regulating the body. The latest work, led by scientists at the

University of Rochester Medical Center,adds fresh evidence to a long-standingview: When we close our eyes, our brainsgo on a cleaning spree. The team previously found a plumbing

network in mouse brains that flushes outcellular waste. For the new study, the sci-

entists injected the brains of mice withbeta-amyloid — a substance that builds upin Alzheimer’s disease — and followed itsmovement. They determined that it wasremoved faster from the brains of sleepingmice than awake mice. The team also noticed that brain cells tend

to shrink during sleep, which widens thespace between the cells. This allows waste topass through that space more easily. Though the work involved mouse brains,

lead researcher Dr. Maiken Nedergaardsaid this plumbing system also exists indogs and baboons, and it’s logical to thinkthat the human brain also clears away toxicsubstances. Nedergaard said the next stepis to look for the process in human brains. In an accompanying editorial, neurosci-

entist Suzana Herculano-Houzel of theFederal University of Rio de Janeiro saidscientists have recently taken a height-ened interest in the spaces between braincells, where junk is flushed out. It’s becoming clearer that “sleep is like-

ly to be a brain state in which several im-portant housekeeping functions takeplace,” she said in an email. The study was funded by the National

Institute of Neurological Disorders andStroke. In a statement, program directorJim Koenig said the finding could lead tonew approaches for treating a range ofbrain diseases.

— AP


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Health shortsFrom page 7

See HEALTH SHORTS, page 9

FREE DIABETES INFO AND TEST

Friendship Terrace is hosting “On the Road,” a three-part diabetes

program providing information, a free A1C diabetes test and a blood pressure

test. Free gifts will include drawstring bags, pedometers, exercise DVDs, resist-

ance bands, pill boxes and lunch bags. Light snacks will be provided. The first of

these events will take place on Monday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon. The sec-

ond on Monday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The third is not yet sched-

uled. All events will take place at the Friendship Terrace Retirement community,

4201 Butterworth Pl. NW, in Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202)

244-7400.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 9+

Foods that helpyou sleep betterSome people have trouble falling asleep.

Others can’t stay asleep. And then thereare the people who have trouble turninglife “off” and tucking into bed at a reason-able hour.Whatever the reason, they are not alone

— more than 50 million Americans don’tget enough shut-eye. Yet the health bene-fits of a good night’s rest are countless:Sleep helps keep you happy, your brainsharp, your immune system strong, yourwaistline trim, your skin looking youthful,and lowers your risk of high blood pres-sure and heart disease.Here’s the good news: Adding certain

foods to your diet may help to increaseyour odds of successful slumber. (Though

these foods won’t answer e-mails, cleanyour house, or complete whatever to-doitem is keeping you up late.)Here’s what you can eat for a better

night’s sleep:1. Fish. Most fish — and especially

salmon, halibut and tuna — boast vitaminB6, which is needed to make melatonin (asleep-inducing hormone triggered bydarkness), according to an article pub-lished in the Annals of the New York Acad-emy of Sciences. Other B6-rich foods in-clude chickpeas, bananas and fortified ce-reals.2. Jasmine rice. When healthy sleep-

ers ate carbohydrate-rich suppers of veg-gies and tomato sauce over rice, they fellasleep significantly faster at bedtime if themeal included high-glycemic-index (GI)jasmine rice rather than lower-GI long-grain rice, in a study published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition.3. Tart cherry juice. In a small study,

melatonin-rich tart cherry juice was

shown to aid sleep. When adults withchronic insomnia drank a cup of tart cher-ry juice twice a day, they experiencedsome relief in the severity of their insom-nia.4. Yogurt. Dairy products like yogurt

and milk boast healthy doses of calcium —and there’s research that suggests beingcalcium-deficient may make it difficult to

fall asleep. Other calcium-rich foods to try:leafy green vegetables like kale and col-lards.5. Whole grains. Bulgur, barley and

other whole grains are rich in magnesium,and consuming too little magnesium maymake it harder to stay asleep, reported theJournal of Orthomolecular Medicine.

— EatingWell


Health shortsFrom page 8

FREE COUNSELING

Free counseling with

a licensed therapist is now available

for persons 55 and older at the Bowie

Senior Center. If you are suffering

from grief, experiencing anxiety, or

need help making a decision, contact

Susan DeNardo, LCPC, at (202) 256-

3336 or [email protected] to

schedule a private appointment at

the Bowie Senior Center, located at

14900 Health Center Dr., Bowie, Md.

Counseling will be available through

March 2014.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

By Lauran NeergaardDavid Hilfiker knows what’s coming. He

was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so earlythat he’s had time to tell his family what he

wants to happen once forgetfulness turnsincapacitating.“When it’s time to put me in an institution,

don’t have me at home and destroy your

own life,” said the retired physician, who isstill well enough that he writes about the in-sidious progress of the disease on his blog,called “Watching the Lights Go Out.” Nearly half of all seniors who need some

form of long-term care — from help at hometo full-time care in a facility — have demen-tia, according to the World Alzheimer Re-port, commissioned by Alzheimer’s DiseaseInternational.It’s a staggering problem as the global

population ages, placing enormous strain onfamilies who provide the bulk of that care atleast early on, and on national economiesalike.Indeed, cognitive impairment is the

strongest predictor of who will move into acare facility within the next two years —7.5 times more likely than people with can-cer, heart disease or other chronic ail-ments of older adults, the report found.

Who will provide the care?Even as the number with Alzheimer’s

grows, dropping birth rates mean thereare fewer children in families to take careof aging parents, said Michael Hodin ofthe Global Coalition on Aging. “Very short-ly there will be more of us over 60 thanunder 15,” he noted.Today, more than 35 million people

worldwide, including 5 million in the U.S.,are estimated to have Alzheimer’s. Barringa medical breakthrough, those numbersare expected to more than double by 2050.The U.S. National Institutes of Health

recently announced $45 million in newAlzheimer’s research, with most of themoney focused on finding ways to preventor at least delay the devastating disease. The Obama administration had hoped to

invest $100 million in new Alzheimer’s re-search this year, a move blocked by the

budget cuts known as the sequester. Over-all, the nation has been investing about$400 million a year in Alzheimer’s research.But the disease’s financial toll is $200 bil-

lion a year in the U.S. alone, a tab expectedto pass $1 trillion by 2050 in medical andnursing home expenditures — not countingunpaid family caregiving. The world reportputs the global cost at $604 billion.Families affected by Alzheimer’s, as well

as aging advocates, say it’s time for a globalpush to end the brain disease — just likethe world’s governments and researcherscame together to turn the AIDS virus froma death sentence into a chronic disease.“We need a war on Alzheimer’s,” said

Sandy Halperin, 63, of Tallahassee, Fla., whowas diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’sthree years ago. He now finds himself stum-bling for words, but still visits lawmakers tourge more funding.

Caregiver education neededMeanwhile, the world report focuses on

caregiving, stressing how the needs ofpeople with dementia are so different fromthose of other ailments of aging, such ascancer and heart disease. People with dementia begin needing

some help to get through the day early on,to make sure they don’t leave the stove onor get lost, for example. But eventually, patients lose the ability to

do the simplest activities of daily life, andcan survive that way for a decade or more.Often family members quit their jobs sothey can provide round-the-clock care, andthe stress can harm their own health.The world report said families need

early education about what services areavailable to help before they’re in a crisis.


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How Alzheimer’s strains family caregivers

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because what surrounds you really matters.

You’ll see it as soon as you turn onto our scenic drive through lush pastures and hardwood forest. You’ll hear it in the birdsong, breeze and peaceful absence of city noise. You’ll feel it in the friendly manner of people who thrive in a gracious quality of life. This community hums

with warmhearted camaraderie and a zest for living shared by residents and staff alike—in independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitative care and nursing care.

RReessiiddeennttiiaall CCoottttaaggeess AAssssiisstteedd LLiivviinngg SSkkiilllleedd NNuurrssiinngg CCaarree MMeemmoorryy ssuuppppoorrtt RReehhaabbiilliittaattiioonn

simply

DIFFERENT

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-260-2320 or 301-924-2811 www.bgf.org

Strokes don’t usually come out of theblue. True, nobody can predict the precisetime when a stroke will strike, and morethan two dozen factors make it more likelya person will suffer a stroke. But even when family history or an un-

derlying medical condition puts you atrisk, you can do more than you think toavoid a fatal or debilitating stroke.“Stroke is potentially one of the most

devastating illnesses that we see, and it’sespecially tragic when simply taking good

care of one’s blood pressure or some otherpreventive measure might have avertedit,” said Thomas Lee, M.D. of Harvard.If you’ve already had a stroke or mini-

stroke (a transient ischemic attack, orTIA), cutting your stroke risk isn’t somuch an option as a lifeline. Sadly, far toomany people who’ve suffered a stroke orheart attack don’t heed the warning.

Eliminate lifestyle stroke risksSmoking is the No. 1 risk factor for

stroke. What’s more, smoking makes justabout all your other stroke risks worse. Ifyou smoke cigarettes, you know what youneed to do. Nothing will help you prevent astroke more than quitting.Other important ways to lower your

odds of having a stroke:1. Lose weight. Get down to what your

doctor considers a healthy weight for you.2. Drink less alcohol. If you drink,

keep it moderate (that’s no more than twodrinks a day for a man, no more than one aday for a woman), and remember that adrink is only an ounce and a half of liquor,5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer. Andno binges on weekends, even if you don’tdrink at all on weekdays.3. Consume less sodium (salt).

Limit sodium to no more than 2,300 mg.per day — and no more than 1,500 mg. perday if you’re over age 51, African-Ameri-can, or have diabetes, kidney disease, orcertain other chronic conditions.4. Eat a healthy diet. Cut way back on

saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, butdon’t be afraid of foods with healthy unsat-urated fats. [See “Enjoy more good fats;cut out bad ones” on facing page.] Eat lesssugar and red meat. Your mealtime main-stays should be vegetables, fruits, fat-freeor low-fat dairy, whole grains, fish, poultry,beans, seeds and nuts.5. Exercise. Are you sitting down? Get

up! Your couch may be one of your biggest

They also need training in how to han-dle the behavioral problems of the disease— such as not to argue if their loved onethinks Ronald Reagan is still president, orhow to handle the agitation at dusk knownas sundowning, or how to react when thepatient hits someone.Hil f iker, the blogger with early

Alzheimer’s, takes that education idea a stepfurther. He tells everyone he knows that he

has Alzheimer’s as a way to break some ofthe stigma, “so when I make dumb mistakes,I don’t need to be embarrassed,” he said.He urges other patients to plan their

end-of-life care early, while they’re stillcognitively able to participate. He believesthat telling his wife he wants no extraordi-nary care — no feeding tubes, for example— will ease her burden.Hilfiker’s big unanswered question: “If

I’m at peace with my disease, does that makeit easier [for others] to care for me later?

— AP

Alzheimer’sFrom page 10


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Ways you can reduce your risk of stroke

See STROKE RISK, page 13

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stroke risks. Find kinds of physical activityyou enjoy. Talk with your doctor abouthow much exercise is right for you. Spendless time in front of screens and more timewalking.

Reduce medical stroke risksMany underlying medical conditions

add to your risk of stroke. By keepingthese conditions under control, you mini-mize that increased risk.“It’s now clear that many of these meas-

ures also reduce your risk of heart diseaseand other medical problems, so they make

sense for virtually everyone,” said Dr. Lee.High blood pressure. Most people

can control high blood pressure by eatinga low-salt diet with plenty of vegetablesand fruits, by getting regular exercise, andby taking blood pressure medications ex-actly as prescribed.High cholesterol and atherosclero-

sis. High cholesterol levels build up fattyplaques that reduce blood flow in the ar-teries — a condition called atherosclero-sis, which can lead to a stroke. If diet andexercise don’t bring your cholesterol lev-els down far enough, your doctor may pre-scribe cholesterol-lowering drugs that cansignificantly cut your stroke risk.Atrial fibrillation. “A-fib” is an impor-

tant cause of stroke, and unfortunately ittends to cause larger strokes. Treatmentwith medications that prevent blood clotsreduces this risk.

“Many people with atrial fibrillationwho would benefit from blood-thinningmedications are not being treated,”warned Dr. Richard Lee. “This is especial-ly true for people with paroxysmal atrialfibrillation — this is when the atrial fibrilla-tion occurs once in a while, and not all thetime. They should be treated as if they hadatrial fibrillation all the time.”Diabetes. Diabetes quadruples stroke

risk. Two-thirds of people with diabetes

eventually die of a stroke or heart attack.For people with type 1 diabetes, closemonitoring of blood sugar and careful in-sulin use helps reduce risk of complica-tions. Those with type 2 diabetes, in addition

to diet and exercise, may need metformin(Glucophage, others) or other diabetesdrugs. Managing high cholesterol andhigh blood pressure is extremely impor-tant for people with diabetes.

—Harvard Heart Letter©2013. President and Fellows of Har-

vard College. All Rights Reserved. Distrib-uted by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


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Asbury.Where there’s more to life

than the remote.

You won’t find a day on the calendar that isn’t full of funand interesting events at Asbury. Guest lectures, trips,You won’t find a day on the calendar that isn’t full of fun

Stroke riskFrom page 12

NEUROPATHY DISCUSSIONHoliday Park Senior Center presents a discussion on a new non-

surgical method for treating peripheral neuropathy. Dr. John

Melmed of Silver Spring Medical Center will lead this discussion on Tuesday, Dec.

10 from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. For

more information, (240) 777-4999.

LOW VISION SUPPORT LUNCHThe Prevention of Blindness Society presents a low vision support

group and complimentary lunch on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 12:30

p.m. at the Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 South Park Ave., Chevy

Chase, Md. For more information, call (301) 656-2797.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 10

Dec. 19

By Lauran NeergaardLittle Amelia Sloan became a pioneer

shortly after her birth.The healthy baby is part of a large re-

search project in Falls Church, Va., that isdecoding the DNA of hundreds of infants.New parents in a few other cities soon canstart signing up for smaller studies to ex-plore whether what’s called genome se-quencing — fully mapping someone’sgenes to look for health risks — should be-come a part of newborn care.It’s full of ethical challenges. Should par-

ents be told only about childhood threats?Or would they also want to learn if their ba-bies carried a key gene for, say, breast can-cer after they’re grown?

Could knowing about future risks alterhow a family treats an otherwise healthyyoungster? And how accurate is this tech-nology — could it raise too many falsealarms?This is the newest frontier in the genetic

revolution: how early to peek into some-one’s DNA, and how to make use of thishealth forecast without causing needlessworry.“This was something that was looming

over the horizon,” said Dr. Alan Guttmach-er, a pediatrician and geneticist who headsthe National Institutes of Health’s childhealth division. Last month, NIH announced a $25 mil-

lion, five-year pilot project in four cities —

Boston, San Francisco, Chapel Hill, N.C.,and Kansas City, Mo. — to start answeringsome of the questions before the technolo-gy is widely offered for babies.

How babies are screened todayToday, the 4 million U.S. babies born an-

nually have a heel pricked in the hospital,providing a spot of blood to be tested forsigns of at least 30 rare diseases. This newborn screening catches several

thousand affected babies each year in timefor early treatment to prevent death, braindamage or other disabilities. It’s consid-ered one of the nation’s most successfulpublic health programs.A complete genetic blueprint would go

well beyond what that newborn blood spotcurrently tells doctors and parents, allow-ing a search for potentially hundreds ofother conditions — some that arise inchildhood and some later, some preventa-ble and some not.“If I truly believed that knowing one’s

genome was going to be transformative tomedicine over the next decade or more,then wouldn’t I want to start generatingthat information around the time of birth?”asked Dr. John Niederhuber, former direc-tor of the National Cancer Institute, whonow oversees one of the largest baby-se-

quencing research projects to date.

Looking for predictive patternsAt Niederhuber’s Inova Translational

Medicine Institute in Falls Church, Va., re-searchers are mapping the genomes ofnewborns, along with their parents andother relatives for comparison. The long-term goal of the privately funded study isto uncover genetic patterns that predictcomplex health problems — from prema-turity to developmental disorders.But the experimental tests will turn up

some gene mutations already well-knownto cause serious ailments, and participat-ing parents must choose upfront whetherto be told. They don’t get a full report card of their

baby’s genes. Only ones that cause treat-able or preventable conditions — so-calledmedically actionable findings — are re-vealed, to the family’s doctor. That means in addition to pediatric dis-

eases, parents also could learn whether ababy carries a particular breast-cancer-causing gene, information useful once shereaches young adulthood.Nurse Holly Sloan was eager to enroll

daughter Amelia, although she thought


Should we routinely map new baby DNA?

See DNA MAPPING, page 15

HEALTHIER SWEETS

Katie Strong, registered dietician, will lead two cooking demon-

strations of healthier versions of sweet treats. The first takes place on Tuesday,

Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 N. Culpeper St.,

Arlington, Va. The second takes place on Friday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the

Arlington Mill Senior Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, Va. To register, call

(703) 228-6300.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 10+

hard about how she’d handle any badnews.“If it was something that we could hope-

fully prevent through diet or exercise orsome kind of lifestyle change, we couldstart with that as early as possible,” saidSloan, of Warrenton, Va. “I guess I’m justthe type of person, I would rather knowand address it.” Five months after Amelia’sbirth, she hasn’t gotten any worrisome re-sults.Until now, genome sequencing has been

used mostly in research involving curiousadults, or to help diagnose children or fam-ilies plagued by mysterious illnesses.But many specialists say it’s almost in-

evitable that DNA mapping eventually willbe used for healthy young children, too —maybe as an addition to traditional new-born screening for at least some tots. Ittakes a few drops of blood or a cheekswab. And while it’s still too costly for routine

use, the price is dropping rapidly. Wholegenome sequencing is expected to sooncome down to $1,000 — what it now costsfor a more targeted “exome” sequencingthat maps only certain genes and may beenough.

Four views into the futureThe NIH decided this was a window of

opportunity to explore different ways thistechnology might be used. One of the fourteams — at Children’s Mercy Hospital inKansas City — will test rapid gene-map-ping to speed diagnosis of sick babies in in-tensive care.Another will look for narrow sets of

genes important in childhood, such asthose involved with immune disorders notdetected by today’s newborn screening, orthat alter how a child processes medica-tion. “It’s not going to be some sort of fishing

expedition throughout the genome,” saidDr. Robert Nussbaum of the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco.The two other projects — at Brigham

and Women’s Hospital in Boston and theUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill— will go a step further by enrollinghealthy infants as they explore what kindof information parents want about their ba-bies’ future.“We aren’t even sure that genome-scale

sequencing in newborns is really a goodidea,” cautioned UNC lead researcher Dr.Jonathan Berg in a recent Facebook chatto alert the community about the study. Rather than a one-time mapping, it’s

possible that “we will use targeted se-quencing at certain times in a person’s life,when that specific information will actuallybe medically useful.”For those pioneering babies whose

DNA is being mapped already, re-

searchers are “trying to figure out what islegal, versus ethical, versus good medi-cine” in revealing results, said geneticistJoe Vockley, Inova Translational MedicineInstitute’s chief science officer.Mom and Dad may be told something

that their child, once grown, wishes hadn’t

been revealed. Other findings may be with-held now that would be good to know yearslater, as new treatments are developed.“This is a living, breathing problem,”

Vockley said, “not a static decision that’smade and lasts for all time.”

— AP


DNA mappingFrom page 14

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Your stomach lining has an importantjob. It makes acid and enzymes that helpbreak down food so you can extract the nu-trients you need.

The lining also protects itself from aciddamage by secreting mucus. But some-times the lining gets inflamed and startsmaking less acid, enzymes and mucus.

This type of inflammation is called gastri-tis, and it can cause long-term problems.Some people think they have gastritis

when they have pain or an uncomfortablefeeling in their upper stomach. But manyother conditions can cause these symptoms. Gastritis can sometimes lead to pain, nau-

sea and vomiting. But it often has no symp-toms at all. If left untreated, though, sometypes of gastritis can lead to ulcers (sores inthe stomach lining) or even stomach cancer.

Bacteria to blamePeople used to think gastritis and ulcers

were caused by stress and spicy foods. Butresearch studies show that bacteria calledHelicobacter pylori are often the culprit. Usually, these bacteria cause no symp-

toms. In the United States, 20 to 50 percent ofthe population may be infected with H. pylori.But for some reason, H. pylori breaks

down the inner protective coating in somepeople’s stomachs and causes inflammation.“I tell people H. pylori is like having ter-

mites in your stomach,” said Dr. DavidGraham, an expert in digestive diseases atBaylor College of Medicine in Texas. “Youusually don’t know you have termites untilsomeone tells you, and you ignore it atyour own risk.”H. pylori can spread by passing from

person to person or through contaminated

food or water. Infections can be treatedwith antibiotics.One type of gastritis, called erosive gas-

tritis, wears away the stomach lining. Themost common cause of erosive gastritis islong-term use of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Theseinclude aspirin and ibuprofen.“When you stop taking these drugs, the

condition usually goes away,” said Gra-ham. Doctors might recommend reducingyour dose or switching to another class ofpain medication.Less common causes of gastritis include

certain digestive disorders (such as Crohn’sdisease) and autoimmune disorders, inwhich the body’s protective immune cellsmistakenly attack healthy cells in the stom-ach lining.Gastritis can be diagnosed with an endo-

scope, a thin tube with a tiny camera on theend, which is inserted through the patient’smouth or nose and into the stomach. The doctor will look at the stomach lin-

ing and may also remove some tissue sam-ples for testing. Treatment will depend onthe type of gastritis you have.Although stress and spicy foods don’t

cause gastritis and ulcers, they can makesymptoms worse. Milk might provide brief


When the people you love need care, Riderwood in Silver Spring is here with compassionate Extended Care in a beautiful setting. Thanks to a team of full-time doctors and specialists and a licensed nurse on-site 24/7, Mom can continue to live a vibrant lifestyle with the support she needs.

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Stomach discomfort could be gastritis

See GASTRITIS, page 17

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Dr. Allen J. Moien

By Dr. Mary Pickett Q: I have irritable bowel syndrome.

I’m also about 20-25 pounds over-weight. What kind of diet do I need tofollow to address both of these issues?A: Obesity and irritable bowel syn-

drome (IBS) are common problems. Still,it’s not easy to prescribe a diet withoutconsidering your own food preferences,calorie vices and symptom triggers.The best diet for you will be highly per-

sonalized. Here’s some general advice foryou to work with:1. Avoid fats. Fats are full of calories, so

they’re an obvious contributor to obesity. Andfats may contribute to the abdominal cramp-ing common in IBS. Fats in your stomach cancause your colon to respond to a meal with amore exaggerated set of contractions.2. Eat more fiber. Fiber is food

residue that your digestive enzymes can’tbreak down, so it travels the whole lengthof your colon and exits as stool. Fiber can

help both with diarrhea and constipation. It also helps with weight management.

Since fiber is not itself absorbed, it doesnot add calories. But be selective. Just be-cause a food is high in fiber doesn’t neces-sarily mean other ingredients in the foodare low in calories.3. Drink plenty of water. This is a

must if you have constipation-predominantIBS. Also, drinking a glass of water canhelp dampen an urge to snack.4. Eat small portions and eat them

slowly. If you keep your portions small, thiswill help reduce your total calories. Hurriedeating or drinking can cause you to have in-creased gas due to swallowed air, so eatingslowly can reduce bloating symptoms.5. Watch for specific food triggers.

By keeping a food diary or by trial anderror, some people can identify specific di-etary triggers for their symptoms. Lactose(found in milk products) is a very commontrigger. Others include eggs, wheat and

foods that contain “salicylates” or “amines.”Salicylates are natural ingredients found

in various fruits, vegetables, nuts, tea, cof-fee, honey, numerous spices, beer, wine,

juices and peppermint flavoring. Amines are found in aged or fermenting

relief, but it also increases stomach acid,which can worsen symptoms. Your doctormay recommend taking antacids or otherdrugs to reduce acid in the stomach.Talk with a healthcare provider if you’re

concerned about ongoing pain or discom-fort in your stomach. These symptoms canhave many causes. Your doctor can help de-termine the best course of action for you.

Watch for ulcersGastritis can lead to ulcers over time.

Symptoms of ulcers include pain betweenthe belly button and breastbone that:a) starts between meals or during the

night

b) briefly stops if you eat or takeantacidsc) lasts for minutes to hoursd) comes and goes for several days or

weeksContact your doctor right away if you

have:1. sudden sharp stomach pain that does-

n’t go away2. black or bloody stools3. vomit that is bloody or looks like cof-

fee groundsSource: NIH News in Health, November

2012, published by the National Institutes ofHealth and the U.S. Department of Healthand Human Services. For more informa-tion go to www.newsinhealth.nih.gov©2013 Whatdoctorsknow.com Distrib-


GastritisFrom page 16


Right foods can help you cope with IBS

See IBS, page 18

WHAT MATTERS MOST TO

you?

LEARN HOW WE CAN HELP WITH WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU.

866-234-7742 | WhatMattersToMe.org

Providing care and support to all in Washington, DC, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County

“If my mom wants to stay at home, I’ll do all I can to honor that. I just want what she wants.”

When we ask people caring for a loved one at the

end of life what matters most, this is what we hear.

But we also hear about how the responsibility can

be overwhelming for the whole family.

And what an incredible relief it is when people

realize how much support is available.

Emotionally. Spiritually.

They wonder why they didn’t reach

out to us sooner.

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Providing care and support to all in Washington, DC, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County

end of life what matters most, this is what we hear.

But we also hear about how the responsibility can

be overwhelming for the whole family.

And what an incredible relief it is when people

realize how much support is available.

They wonder why they didn’t reach

©2013 The W

ashington Hom

e & Comm

unity Hospices

stable family

WHCH-005 Family 5x9.5.indd 1 10/1/13 5:28 PM

products, such as cheese, wines, beer,yeast extracts, vinegars and soy sauce.They’re also present in chocolate, ba-nanas, avocados, tomatoes and some fishproducts.6. Avoid food additives that in-

crease gas. People often use these threesweeteners — mannitol, sorbitol and fruc-tose. But these carbohydrates are not easi-ly digested and promote gas production bybacteria in the intestines. They are commonly added to many liq-

uid medicines, health foods, juices, can-

dies, dietetic snacks and chewing gum.Avoiding these sugars may be particularlyimportant for people who experiencebloating or diarrhea.Mary Pickett, M.D., is an Associate Pro-

fessor of Medicine at Oregon Health andScience University, in Portland, where sheis a primary care doctor for adults. Dr. Pick-ett is a Lecturer for Harvard Medical Schooland a Senior Medical Editor for HarvardHealth Publications.For additional consumer health informa-

tion, please visit www.health.harvard.edu.©2013. President and Fellows of Har-


By Barbara RubenThe numbers are daunting: A quarter of

those over 65 have diabetes. And 50 per-cent of those in that age group who don’thave the disease yet have pre-diabetes.Yet doctors have little information from

research studies about how to treat dia-betes in older adults. “The problem is that the largest clinical

trials in diabetes typically exclude peopleover 65. The question that’s coming upmore and more is, is diabetes the same inpeople in this age group?” said Dr. Michael

Dempsey, who focuses on diabetes in hispractice in Rockville, Md.His office is now participating in eight

clinical trials on diabetes, and most haveno upper age limit.

New drug under studyOne trial, which looks at how well a new

drug called lixisenatide can control bloodsugar, is focused on people who are 70 andolder.“We know lixisenatide works in the tra-

ditional [younger] group, but does it work

as well in people who are older?” he asked.Lixisenatide is not approved by the Food

and Drug Administration to treat any agegroup yet. However, it has been approved bythe European Union and several countriesfor the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the kindof diabetes that develops in adulthood.Lixisenatide is part of a newer class of

drugs called prandial glucagon-like pep-tide-1, or GLP-1 for short. They stimulateinsulin secretion. In addition, the drugs can help patients

lose weight, typically six pounds in sixmonths, although some people lose moreor less weight. Unlike older diabetesdrugs that can cause weight gain, GLP-1drugs help people eat less because theyslow the emptying of the stomach so peo-ple feel full earlier and longer.While this class of drugs lowers blood

sugar, they don’t cause hypoglycemia, dan-gerously low blood sugar. “The advantagein people over 65 is, as you get older, hypo-glycemia becomes more and more of arisk and has more potential complica-tions,” Dempsey said.

Volunteers being soughtThe study on lixisenatide is seeking

those who are 70 or older with type 2 dia-

betes diagnosed at least one year ago. Theymust have a body mass index (BMI) be-tween 22 and 40. They cannot have a histo-ry of unexplained pancreatitis, chronic pan-creatitis, pancreatectomy, stomach/gastricsurgery or inflammatory bowel disease.The study lasts 24 weeks, and partici-

pants will visit Dempsey’s office 13 timesand talk with the study doctors 10 times onthe phone. Participants will be randomly divided

into two groups. One group will inject adose of lixisenatide once a day beforebreakfast. The other will inject a placebosolution with no active ingredients. All inthe study will continue taking their cur-rently prescribed diabetes drugs.The primary side effect is stomach

upset, but that often gets better after thefirst few weeks on the drug, Dempseysaid.While there is no monetary compensa-

tion for taking part in the study, gas cardsare offered for travel expenses.In addition, “an advantage of being in

the trial is much more intensive follow upof diabetes and state-of-the-art sugar test-ing,” Dempsey said.For more information or to volunteer,

call (301) 770-7373.


Health Studies PageTHE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Diabetes drug study seeks volunteers 70+

IBSFrom page 17

HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING TIPSVirginia Hospital Center is sponsoring a free health lecture called“Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season,” presented by Jessica Mack

on Friday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn about techniques and suggestionson how to curb the temptations by allowing yourself to enjoy holiday foods with-out losing healthy habits. Virginia Hospital Center is located at 601 S. CarlinSprings Rd., Arlington, Va. To RSVP, call (703) 558-6859.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 13

Lung Cancer

A Simple Blood Test Is Now Available From Your Doctor

More information for you and your doctor is available online at: www.BloodTestForLungCancer.com

Call (240) 453-6342 To receive an info packet by mail

ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS NEW TEST TODAY!

· For persons age 50 and over that smoked for at least 20 years. · Can Identify Lung Cancer at earliest stages when most treatable. · Covered by most insurances and Medicare.

Certain health screenings, such ascolonoscopies and cholesterol checks, arewise preventive measures. But other com-mon tests may be unnecessary.“I think we’re doing too much over-

screening,” said geriatrician Dr. SuzanneSalamon, an instructor at Harvard MedicalSchool. “This leads to the discovery of toomany harmless variations of normal bodyparts, which then lead to expensive, anxi-ety-producing and often painful furtherover-testing and unnecessary procedures.”Here are the top five tests experts from

Harvard say you can probably forgo:1. ElectrocardiogramIn this test, also known as an ECG (or

EKG), technicians place electrodes on yourchest to check for abnormalities in yourheart’s electrical activity. But for healthy peo-ple without heart disease symptoms or riskfactors such as high blood pressure, smok-ing or diabetes, the test is not recommended.The U.S. Preventive Services Task

Force said there’s no evidence that routineECG screening offers any benefits, andthat it might pose some risks if further un-necessary tests are done.“Even though an ECG is extremely safe

and relatively inexpensive, the cumulativecosts add up if everyone gets one,” saidcardiologist Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a professorat Harvard Medical School and editor in

chief of the Harvard Heart Letter.2. Whole-body CT scanThis test uses x-ray computed tomogra-

phy (CT) to look inside your body for earlywarning signs of conditions such as heartdisease, aneurysms, cancer, osteoporosisand lung disease. But these scans cost hun-dreds of dollars, aren’t usually covered byinsurance, and involve radiation exposure.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

said there’s no scientific evidence thatwhole-body scans of individuals withoutsymptoms provide more benefit than harm.“These pick up all kinds of ‘incidentalo-

mas’ that lead to needless anxiety and ex-pensive screenings, as well as excessiveradiation. I don’t think doctors order them.I think people see ads in magazines andsign up for them,” said Dr. Salamon. While it’s possible that technological im-

provements could make such scans a goodidea someday, that’s not the case today.3. Coronary calcium scoreThis test uses CT to scan your arteries

for signs of calcium deposits that put youat risk for heart attacks. Dr. Bhatt saidstudies have shown that it may be usefulwhen used in patients who are at interme-diate risk, according to traditional risk fac-tors, since abnormal results can push aperson into a high-risk group.“Perhaps knowing that they have a high

calcium score would encourage them tolose weight or stay on their statin, for ex-ample, though the data supporting this aremixed,” he said. But because of radiation risk and the

risk of additional unnecessary tests andprocedures, he recommends against thistest for routine screening, as does theAmerican Heart Association.4. Chest screeningThe American Lung Association recom-

mends low-dose CT to detect early signs oflung cancer for current or former heavysmokers ages 55 to 74 with a smoking his-tory of at least 30 pack-years. But if you’re not in this group, you

should not have a routine screening. The

risk from radiation exposure and potentialunnecessary follow-up testing is not worththe small chance of benefit.5. TB skin testA skin test can detect if you’re been in-

fected with the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria.But if your doctor suggests a routinescreening, make sure to ask why. The TB skin test is recommended only for

people who have spent time with a personwith TB; who have a weakened immune sys-tem from HIV or another medical problem;who have TB symptoms such as fever, coughand weight loss; who use illegal drugs; orwho are from or work in countries where TB

WA SH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health 19

Some screenings do more harm than good

See SCREENINGS, page 20

Arden Courts, a 100% dedicated memory care community, recognizes the importance of customizing a well-rounded care plan for residents with Alzheimer’s or related dementias to help them thrive physically and emotionally. Our services and results extend beyond traditional programs.

We are proud of what people say:

Deciding to place Mom outside of her own home was very stressful until I saw the results at Arden Courts. The community provided mom with a safe and comfortable environment surrounded by loving caregivers. She thrives on proper nutrition and medication, hands-on care and constant daily activities, giving her the dignity and peace she deserves.

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Experiencemakes a difference

8194_MD Clust_5x7_4.indd 1 11/11/13 1:17:48 PM

is common. (Russia is one example.) If you don’t fall within those categories, a

skin test is likely an unnecessary expense.But what if your doctor recommends it?“That is what makes medicine not just a

science, but also an art. Ultimately, you

have to trust your doctor’s judgment,” saidDr. Bhatt. If a risky or expensive test or procedure

is recommended and you feel apprehen-sive, you might consider a second opinion.

—Harvard Health Letter© 2013. President and Fellows of Har-


ScreeningsFrom page 19

Q: How can I avoid overeating in re-sponse to people pushing food at meduring family gatherings?A: Family dynamics vary,

so an approach that works inone family might not do wellin another. Is your family one in which

eating rich foods in largeamounts is seen as an essen-tial part of gatherings, and notdoing so is met with resist-ance? Rather than making a major

statement that you don’t wantto eat that way, you might tryto let your healthy eating qui-etly fly under the radar. Especially if you are busy

helping, or not sitting right next to the per-son most likely to push food at you, your

lack of overeating may go undetected ifyou don’t make a big deal of it.

If people do urge you totake more than you are com-fortable eating, try for re-sponses that don’t put themon the defensive. You mightcompliment the food and saythat you are so full you’d liketo wait until later for more. If you refuse in a way that

makes others feel guilty byimplying that they are eatingexcessively, or that the foodthey have served you is un-healthy, they may be offendedand push further. Remember that the health

impact of a food varies with itsportion. If you help with serving, or themeal is family style, you can choose the

portion that’s right for you. Try to find some vegetables or other

healthful choices to savor slowly, so that ifothers are going back for third or fourthportions, you still have something tomunch.Don’t let other people derail your efforts

to take care of your health. Nevertheless,try to be sensitive when you are dealingwith people for whom you know refusingfood feels like you are refusing their love. Q: Do those elastic tubes and bands

really work for strength training?A: Yes, elastic tubes and bands are now

available for virtually all levels of strengthtraining, and they’re inexpensive and easi-ly stored. You need to use the right band or tube

to match your strength level and the par-ticular muscle group being exercised.Chest presses, for example, need more re-sistance than the arm curls that exerciseyour upper arms. When working with an elastic tube or

band, you secure it under your feet oraround a heavy piece of furniture or a pole. Focus on squeezing the muscle in use

when you encounter resistance as you pullon the tube/band. Stop and pause, keep-ing the muscle tight when you’ve complet-ed the pulling motion. Then keep the mus-cle working as you release the weightslowly, rather than letting it spring back as

you return to starting position. Just as when strength-training with free

weights or stationary machines, good pos-ture and proper technique is important towork the muscle appropriately and toavoid injury. You can use many of the same exercises

you may have learned with other forms ofstrength training, but if you haven’t re-ceived instruction, it’s best to learn goodtechnique by meeting with a certified fit-ness trainer at a local facility. If this isn’t possible, check out a recog-

nized fitness organization’s DVD or web-site. For example, the American Council onExercise (ACE) offers a free suggested rou-tine with elastic tubing at http://bit.ly/elastic_band_exercises.You also can see how to use a resist-

ance/stretch band in this video from AICR:http://bit.ly/elastic_band_video.The American Institute for Cancer Re-

search offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800-843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. This free service allows youto ask questions about diet, nutrition andcancer. A registered dietitian will returnyour call, usually within three business days. Courtesy of the American Institute for

Cancer Research. Questions for this columnmay be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St.,NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannotrespond to questions personally.


[email protected]

Dr. Jeff Zolt Dr. Kathy Grace Dr. Katie DemirelChoose the right Audiologist, and you’ll choose the right hearing aids

Ways to avoid overeating at gatherings

NUTRITIONWISEBy Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDM

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

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With its wealth of nutritional benefits,including heart healthy fats, many healthexperts recommend adding more fish toour diets. During the holidays, eatingmore fish may make it easier to eat somelighter meals. This delicious dish can be the inspiration

to eat more fish as the New Year begins. Rainbow trout is actually part of the

salmon family and is also known as goldentrout. It has tender flesh and a delicious,mild, nutty flavor. Most rainbow trout available in the Unit-

ed States is farm-raised, and it’s done usinga system of continuously flowing water toreduce any pollution or safety concerns. Environmental organizations, like Mon-

terey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, rec-ommend buying U.S. rainbow trout andavoiding imported farm trout, which isoften sold as steelhead. When buying fish, don’t be misguided

by the term “fresh.” Ask your purveyor fortheir definition of fresh. If buying fillets, look for gaps in the

flesh, because that’s a sign fish may not befresh. Likewise, any discoloration, such asbrown or yellow edges, is a sign to avoid.If buying whole fish to fillet at home,

look for firm, shiny flesh. It should bounceback when you touch it. Trust your nose: astrong fishy smell may mean it’s too old.

The eyes should be clear, not cloudy. Thegills should be pink or red and wet, notslimy or dry.Once you have fresh, quality rainbow

trout, pairing it with a vibrant tomato andorange sauce enhances its natural flavor.The acidity of the tomatoes balances withthe sweetness of the oranges to produce adelightful taste and aroma. The addition of ginger imparts a hint of

the Orient. This beautiful dish is served ona bed of whole-wheat couscous, but youcan easily substitute brown rice or quinoa.This recipe gets you off to a good start

to make eating fish twice a week a NewYear’s resolution you can keep, benefitfrom and enjoy!

Rainbow trout with oranges andtomatoes1 cup whole-wheat couscous 2 medium oranges2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided4 rainbow trout fillets, about 1 lb. Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced1 Tbsp. finely chopped ginger root2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved4 green onions, thinly sliced, including

stemsCook couscous per package directions.

Peel oranges and trim off white pith. Over

small bowl, separate oranges into sectionsand cut each section in half, while catchingany juice. Set aside.In large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over

medium heat. Cook fillets until opaque,about two minutes per side or until done.Season to taste with salt and pepper, transferto plate and cover with foil to keep warm.Use remaining oil and sauté garlic and

ginger until light brown, about two min-utes. Add tomatoes and stir gently and oc-casionally until tomatoes start to breakdown, about three to four minutes. Add or-

anges and any juice, and gently toss toheat through. On four individual serving plates, make

a bed of couscous. Carefully lay a fillet ontop and spoon tomato and orange mixtureover fillet. Garnish with green onion andserve immediately.Makes 4 servings.Per serving: 406 calories, 11 g. total fat

(2 g. saturated fat), 47 g. carbohydrate, 29g. protein, 5 g. dietary fiber, 48 mg. sodium.

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Dear Pharmacist:I have a bedroom problem. I took Vi-

agra for several years, and it stoppedworking, so I was put on Cialis.Sometimes that helps, sometimes not.

I’m too embarrassed to ask my doctoragain. He says this is a part of aging be-cause I am 58. Any suggestions?

— T.M., Bethesda, Md.Dear T.M.:I have many! I’m stunned that your doctor

hasn’t mentioned bio-identical hormone re-

placement for you, as in testosterone or “T.” The reason most men develop erectile

dysfunction in the first place is becausethey are low in their natural ‘manly’ hor-mone, which starts to decline with age. The declining T causes a relative increase

in circulating estrogen, a hormone found inhigher concentrations in women. Restoringtestosterone puts balance back, so it’s mybest recommendation for increasing mojo. Giving a man one of those super sex pills

like Viagra, Levitra or Cialis is the equiva-

lent of jump starting the car every twomiles, rather than just fixing the battery.Why do men medicate them-selves every weekend, whenthey can fix the root cause bybalancing their hormones? A good physician should

evaluate your hormones andneurotransmitters, and deci-pher if your problem is lowtestosterone, low dopamine,high cortisol, high estrogen,low progesterone, high in-sulin, low DHEA or oxytocin. Whether you’re a man or a

woman, if you’ve ‘lost thatlovin’ feelin’, you need to evalu-ate and replenish your hormones. Pre-scribed sex pills, as useful as they are,can’t balance hormones.There’s another reason I get hot under

the collar about this topic. Men are dyingevery day from heart attack and strokethat may have been prevented. The cluethat you’re headed for trouble is erectiledysfunction. Think that out, it’s not hard to under-

stand. If the blood isn’t effectively flowingdown south to your penis, it isn’t flowingup north either, to your heart. When yourblood vessels are clogged, that couldcause erectile dysfunction years before amassive heart attack occurs. What does conventional medicine do?

Prescribe a quick fixer upper so you canhave a night of fun, instead of helping youclear your arteries, improve vessel flexibil-ity, correct hormonal imbalances and man-age cholesterol. (They don’t even measure

cholesterol correctly, but that’s anothercolumn.)

I think there is an incom-plete knowledge or under-standing of physiology orhormones, because sex pillsshould not be your go-todrug for erectile dysfunction. You think it’s just me say-

ing that to alarm you? Not achance. I would never scareyou, that’s not how I roll.A study published in

March 2010 in Circulationconcluded, “Erectile dysfunc-tion is a potent predictor ofall-cause death and the com-

posite of cardiovascular death, myocardialinfarction, stroke and heart failure in menwith cardiovascular disease.” Replacement therapy is controversial.

Some studies suggest the very use oftestosterone increases heart attack risk,but I find flaws with those studies. Balanceis key. [Editor’s Note: Last month, a review of

veteran medical records published in theJournal of the American Medical Associa-tion found an increased risk of stroke, heartattack or death among male heart patientswith low-T who had T supplementation.]This information is opinion only. It is not

intended to treat, cure or diagnose your con-dition. Consult with your doctor before usingany new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist

and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacistand Real Solutions from Head to Toe. Tocontact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.


The DC Medicare Savings Program can save you over $5,000 each year in Medicare expenses and prescription drug costs.

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DEAR PHARMACISTBy Suzy Cohen

Send a letter to the editor. See page 2.

Dear Solutions: I have an African American friend I

like very much, but we getinto these discussionsabout what I call “unfairexperiences.”She says that because of

racism she has had these ex-periences. But I’ve also hadbad experiences for otherreasons (I’m white), and I’vealso been very upset whenthey happened.

I think a bad experienceis a bad experience, no mat-ter what the reason, and wekeep disagreeing about this.I’d like to stop this discussion. How?

— The FriendDear Friend: Join her. Recognize that because of

racism, the so-called “bad experiences”that she’s had, and probably continues tohave, are different from other bad experi-ences that most people have from time totime for many different reasons. Something may happen, and you may

have a bad experience, and then it’s over.She can’t count on racism being “over,” sothose kinds of experiences, sadly, cankeep recurring for her. Telling you that her experiences are re-

ally worse than yours is not just one-up-manship. It’s really true. If you can express your understanding

and empathy to her, she won’t have to con-stantly try to make you see this her way.

That’s how you can stop the discussion.Dear Solutions:

I was at a gathering re-cently of people who consid-er themselves very up todate on political matters. Conversation went back

and forth with different opin-ions, but when they startedto talk about gay marriage, itreally heated up. One neighbor that I’m

fairly friendly with keptranting and raving abouthow he thinks it’s wrongand immoral and irreli-gious and on and on. I

know I’m going to hear from himagain on this.

I disagree with him completely, but Idon’t feel like arguing with him, be-cause that’s what he wants — a constantsoap box to bring attention to himself.Can you think of a simple answer I cangive that will close the argument?

— H.B.Dear H.B.: Yes. Just say: “I hear you loud and clear.

So, since you think gay marriage is wrong,don’t marry a gay person.” End of discus-sion.© Helen Oxenberg, 2013. Questions to be

considered for this column may be sent to:The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring,MD 20915. You may also email the authorat [email protected]. To inquire aboutreprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.


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SOLUTIONSBy Helen Oxenberg,MSW, ACSW

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon 25

By Glenda C. BoothSouthwest Georgia is a slow-moving,

quiet corner of the state, with broad, flatfields stretching for miles. It’s a “truly lan-guid, southern atmosphere,” PresidentFranklin Roosevelt said about southwestGeorgia, site of his woodsy retreat.

Splayed along the highways in thestate’s least populous region are field uponfield of peanut farms, as well as pecan andpeach orchards interspersed with pineywoods. On car radios, Willie Nelson mightcroon, “Peach-pickin’ time in Georgia isgirl-pickin’ time for me.”

And there are plenty of sightseeing“pickin’s” for travelers.

When I commented on the slow pace ofPlains, a sales clerk in the Trading Postquipped, “Some mornings I could walkdown the street neked, and no one wouldnotice. It’s quiet around here except Sun-days, when Mr. Jimmy teaches SundaySchool.”

Mr. Jimmy, of course, is native son andformer U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who,in fact, does teach Sunday school everyweek at Maranatha Baptist Church. It’s apopular event advertised in store windows.

Two-lane country roads link smalltowns where aromas of fried chicken, friedokra, fried squash and even fried dill pick-les waft out of down-home eateries. It’salso the “Pecan Capital of the World,” tout-ing pecan brittle, pies, cakes, cookies,

cheese rings, cornbread dressing, jellyand more pecan-based goodies.

And peanuts galore. Georgia producesmore than any other state. The sharp-eyedmight see a Georgian drop a shelledpeanut into his Coca-Cola.

It’s small town USA, where Miss Miri-am, the mail lady on the route to the townof Leslie, gladly takes cash from your mail-box and brings stamps the next day. Exud-ing southern hospitality, people will callout, “Y’all come back to see us some day,ya heah!”

Though slow, this corner of the statehas seen some action in times gone by.Around 45,000 Civil War POWs from thenorth were shipped by rail to Anderson-ville, a notorious Confederate prison, nowa National Park Service site.

That era is still recalled. In 2011, Geor-gia celebrated the 150th anniversary of thestate’s secession in Milledgeville. Evennow, signs recruiting members to theSons of the Confederacy pop up here andthere.

AmericusA good base and jumping off point is the

town of Americus, the only U.S. town withthat name — the masculine version of Amer-ica, named for Amerigo Vespucci. A plaquein the airport announces the town’s claim tofame: Charles Lindbergh bought his first air-plane, the “Lone Eagle”— a World War I sur-

plus “Jenny” biplane — in Americus.The restored Rylander Theatre, built in

1921, has a 1928 “Mighty Mo” Möller the-atre pipe organ. After a 40-year closure, itre-opened in 1999 to celebrate PresidentCarter’s birthday.

The restored Windsor Hotel, built in1892, offers Victorian flourishes, includinga pre-Civil War mirror, a mahogany tele-phone booth, and the original marble floor.

Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org),which is headquartered in Americus, oper-ates its Global Village and Discovery Cen-ter there. Take a self-guided tour of samplehouses Habitat volunteers have built in 15countries, adapted to meet each country’sclimate and other conditions. Manydemonstrate how these low-cost homescan improve standards of living in nationsaround the world.

Plain PlainsThe people of Plains are proud as peach-

es to have spawned the nation’s 39th presi-dent, James Earl Carter, Jr., a Nobel PeacePrize winner and the world’s most famouspeanut farmer. He sold boiled peanuts onthe streets of Plains at age five, earningabout $1 a day.

Plains looks like a 1950s movie set, andgives visitors insights into the early cultur-al influences on Carter’s life and philoso-

phy. “Downtown” Plains, the two-blockMain Street, looks much as it did inCarter’s youth.

The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site(www.nps.gov/jica) is actually a complexof four sites. Carter grew up on a farm innearby Archery during the Depression,where his family raised peanuts, cotton,vegetables, pigs, chickens and cattle. Awalk through his boyhood farm is a nostal-gic throwback to rural life in that era.

His parents, Earl and Lillian, movedhere in 1928 and raised Jimmy, Gloria,Ruth and Billy on the farm, consideredsuccessful by rural Georgia standards atthat time.

Carter wrote that 1938 was a momen-tous year — “an almost unbelievablechange took place in our lives when elec-tricity came to the farm.” Today’s visitorscan see the home’s pre-electricity interior,barn, blacksmith shop and pump house.

Plains High School, alma mater ofJimmy and Rosalynn and now a museum,honors Carter’s accomplishments. ThePlains Railroad Depot, built in 1888, hasbeen restored to its 1976 “glory days”when it was headquarters for Carter’spresidential campaign.

And don’t miss headline-making Billy

TravelLeisure &

Garments that hide your valuables, language translating devices and moregifts for travelers. See story on page 28.

In Georgia: peanuts, presidents, prisoners

The Billy Carter Service Station Museum in Plains, Ga., pays homage to former Pres-ident Jimmy Carter’s flamboyant, notorious brother.

Shortly before becoming president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt built this house inWarm Springs, Ga. He was drawn to the town because he hoped its mineral springswould help heal his polio. The house came to be known as the Little White House,and is now open to the public for tours.

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See GEORGIA, page 26

Carter’s Service Station, a popular hotspotfrom 1972 to 1981, today a museum featur-ing “Billy Beer” paraphernalia.

Plains people love their peanuts, celebrat-ed by a 13-foot grinning goober bearingCarter’s toothy smile. The town even has anannual September peanut festival highlight-ed by a parade and beauty queens at whichthe Carters award prizes and sign books.

AndersonvilleIn 1864, the Confederates hauled 45,000

Union prisoners of war to Andersonville,then Camp Sumter, to secure them awayfrom Federal troops. Tiny Andersonvillevillage, where prisoners disembarked fromthe train, is a collection of quaint buildingsand the Drummer Boy Civil War Museum.

Andersonville National Park, site of the1864 POW camp and one of the most infa-mous of its kind (www.nps.gov/ande/index.htm), recounts the history of 13,000

prisoners who died from disease, poor san-itation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or ex-posure to the elements. Visitors learn howprisoners boiled weeds and otherwise sur-vived (or not) under Confederate handlers.

The museum commemorates POWsthroughout American history, startingwith the Revolutionary War up to U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who deployed toAfghanistan and is believed to be impris-oned in Pakistan. In filmed interviews,POWs like now-Arizona U.S. Senator JohnMcCain tell their poignant stories. Arti-facts from POWs are displayed.

The Little White HouseFranklin D. Roosevelt was lured to

southwest Georgia’s 88-degree mineralwaters in Warm Springs, hoping to curehis polio. A walk through the Little WhiteHouse (www.gastateparks.org/Little-WhiteHouse) takes one back to 1945, theyear he died there while portrait sitting.

A video narrated by Walter Cronkite re-

counts that FDR was a “child of privilege,”but became “a man of the people.” The househas a raised toilet, and a wheelchair-kitchenchair combo that FDR designed to help himfunction. The Historic Pools Museum, wherehe sought healing respite, is nearby.

Koinonia Farms (www.koinoniapart-ners.org/) is called by its founders and cur-rent residents “an intentional Christiancommunity” of people living together who“seek to embody peacemaking, sustainabil-ity and radical sharing” regardless of race.

Combating the racism of the 1960s, thefounders’ products were boycotted bymany locals, so the farm began a mail-order pecan business that continues today.Farm residents also sell chocolate, jelly,baked goods, coffee and organic peanuts.

Residents welcome visitors and encour-age people to help with chores. There arecommunity member-led tours six days aweek through gardens, orchards and thebakery (they can bake 100 cakes at atime). There are also self-guided tours.The farm has guest housing and RV acces-sibility for up to two weeks.

Koinonia, by the way, is where the even-tual founders of Habitat for Humanity orig-inally developed their volunteer-built hous-ing concept.

On the quirky-but-fascinating side, thetelephone museum (www.grtm.org) inLeslie explores “telephony,” displayingover 2,000 objects, probably the largestcollection in the U.S. of telephones from1867 to the present. All kinds of telephoneparaphernalia are crammed into a restoredcotton warehouse.

Today’s cellphone addicts might be baf-fled by wall-mounted phones the size oftoaster ovens and apparatuses like switch-boards, operator headsets, a pay phonebooth, and a replica of Alexander GrahamBell’s workshop.

26 Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

GeorgiaFrom page 25

See GEORGIA, page 27

GET ON THE SLOPESTake a ski trip with Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation to

Whitetail Mountain Resort in Mercersburg, Pa. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 8

a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bus transportation is $25, and lift and equipment costs are on

your own. The trip leaves from Olney Manor Park, 16605 Georgia Ave., Olney, Md.

For more information, call (240) 777-6870 or see

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec.

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• Catonsville 410-719-9464

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• Easton 410-770-3070

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• Bel Air 410-893-0064

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• Colonial Landing 410-796-4399

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Food specialtiesThis is the world of finger-lickin’, rib tick-

lin’, southern cookin’ — specialties like

fried chicken, catfish, corn fritters, sweetpotato pie, banana pudding and collardgreens. Friendly waitresses might greetyou with, “Whatcha gonna have, sugah?”

At Mom’s Kitchen in Plains, locals favorbuttermilk, slaw dogs and fried quail. At

Granny’s Kitchen, lace cornbread is a hit— thin, fried cornbread resembling lace.

Then there’s the Georgia hotdog, smoth-ered with Vidalia onion relish, cheese, and/orchili. There’s also a scrambled hotdog, achopped-up wiener under a mound of chili,onions, mustard, cheese and oyster crackers.

For dessert? Peanut butter ice cream, ofcourse.

The Americus Welcome Center athttp://visitamericusga.com/hotels-mo-tels/offers several choices of lodging,from the historic Windsor Hotel to chainslike Knights Inn and Days Inn.

The renovated Windsor, in the heart ofdowntown, houses the Rosemary & ThymeRestaurant, which specializes in farm-to-table local ingredients. Rooms start at $105per night. (www.windsor-americus.com/)

The Americus Garden Inn Bed & Break-

fast (Motto: “Where history meets ro-mance”) is in the residential historic district,listed on the National Register of HistoricPlaces. Rooms start at $129 per night. Seewww.americusgardeninn.com/tour.html orcall 1-888-758-4749.

Any time except summer is likely to bepleasant. “Georgia summers are brutal,” aVirginia transplant told me. The heat indexcan hit 120 degrees.

The fastest way to get to southwestGeorgia is to fly to Columbus and rent acar. Delta Airlines has flights from Balti-more-Washington International for around$374 roundtrip in mid-December.

For further information, contact theAmericus Welcome Center, www.visita-mericusga.com, (229) 928-6059, and thePlains Welcome Center, www.plainsgeor-gia.com, (229) 824-5373.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel 27

GeorgiaFrom page 26

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTSGreen Spring Gardens presents a trip to visit the Lewis GinterBotanical Gardens in Richmond, Va. The Garden Festival of Lights

features beautiful botanic displays and more than a half million lights arranged inbotanical themes throughout the gardens, including an orchid and model train dis-play. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Trip cost of $110 perperson includes motor coach, driver tip, entrance fee, garden tour and semi-pri-vate buffet dinner. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspringor call (703) 642-5173.

CHRISTMAS PARADEArlington County presents a day trip to see the MiddleburgChristmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets cost $9. For more

information or to register, call (703) 228-4748.

WHITE CHRISTMAS FILMAFI Silver Theatre presents two showings of the holiday classic,Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star

as army vets-cum-nightclub impresarios who fall for a beguiling sister act in theform of Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. The first showing takes place on Friday,Dec. 13 at 12:45 p.m., and the second on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. Ticketscost $12; $10 for those 65+, students and military (with valid ID). For more infor-mation, call (301) 495-6700.

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Dec. 13+

By Victor BlockWith the holiday season here, have you

finished your gift list, checked it twice andfinished your shopping? Or do you stillhave some presents to buy?

If you need ideas for what to get forfolks who travel a lot for pleasure or busi-ness, a “gift of go” can be the perfect solu-tion. Whether scratching your head aboutwhat to buy for someone who visits a dif-ferent Caribbean island every winter or forAunt Matilda who’s planning a trip to Eu-rope next spring, the selection is long andvaried.

If you can’t decide what makes the bestpresent, a gift certificate is a welcome al-ternative. But to pick up something special

that travelers will appreciate, peruse cata-logues or websites of companies that spe-cialize in items that make travel more con-venient, comfortable or safe. Ordering isconvenient, no further away than your tele-phone or computer.

Here are some suggestions:

Safe travelsMagellan’s claims to be “Your Trusted

Source for Travel Supplies,” and the com-pany comes up with a number of niftyideas. Luggage scales (analog $12.50, digi-tal $25) can quickly pay for themselves byavoiding overweight airline baggage fees.An inflatable Back Buddy Pillow ($28) pro-vides comfy lower back support in other-

wise uncomfy airplane seats, as well as ona train, in a car and even at home.

Security-conscious travelers may opt fora Cash Safe Belt ($16), which protectspaper money in a hidden zippered pocket.More protection is provided by VaultProtote bags ($50-$90) made of slash-proofmesh with a cut-resistant carryingstrap and locking zippers.

There’s even high-tech pro-tection against cyberidentity thieves whoscan credit card chips re-motely to steal the datathey contain. For more infor-mation or to order a Magellancatalog, call 1-800-962-4943.orlog onto www.magellans.com.

Safety is also the goal ofsome merchandise sold by Trav-elSmith Outfitters, which covers all as-pects of trips from packing to in-flight andhotel comfort.

Smart Pouches — which are great fororganizing and packing shoes, soiled ordamp articles, toiletries and any number ofother things — are transparent for easyviewing and made with a spill-proof lining.A set of four costs $29.

In the safety line, the imaginative Trav-elon Garment Hideaway ($25) offers aplace to conceal valuables where would-be

thieves are least likely to look. Styled to re-semble a woman’s tank top, the ersatz gar-ment has eight concealed pockets for hid-ing jewelry, documents and other things

you don’t want to lose. For more infor-mation, call 1-800-770-3387 or log ontowww.travelsmith.com.

Eddie Bauer has been sellingquality outdoor clothing sinceit was established in 1920,

and it’s still the go-to place pre-fer red by many outdoorlovers and travelers.

With winter here, the choiceof fleece jackets, coats, pantsand other outer wear for menand women offers something-for-everyone variety. Light-

weight, quick drying fabricscombine warmth with ease of

packing, perfect for family or friendsheading for colder destinations.

Women’s zipper jackets with hand-warmer pockets ($79.95-$89.95) are de-signed to provide an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. On the other hand, items likezip pullover jackets ($39.95-$49.95) are de-signed to offer what the company de-scribes as “exceptional price-to-warmthratio.” For more information, call 1-800-


Gifts for travelers on your shopping list

See GIFTS, page 29

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Among choices on its website are links topages listing presents for men, women, flyfisherman and even dogs.

What frequent traveler wouldn’t wel-come a 12-in-1 Multi-Flashlight($25) that casts a super brightbeam and includes two screw-drivers, two knives, a can open-er, scissors and other attach-ments?

A four-dial Brass Word Lock ($12) re-places the usual number combination withan easy to remember word that is set by theuser. At the higher end of the price spectrumis a compact Bushnell Backtrack GPS ($89)that guides people back to their startingpoint whether they’re driving,riding a bike or walking inthe woods. For more infor-mation, call 1-800-541-3541 orlog onto www.orvis.com.

Gadgets galoreSharper Image promises

“Gadgets Galore” on its website,and lives up to that pledge. A mi-nuscule, light weight Travel Razor($39.99), which is smaller than a smartphone, charges from a computer and pro-vides 30 minutes of shave time when at fullpower. A multi-voltage four-port UniversalCharger (also $39.99) allows four devicesto get juiced up at the same time, and (thecatalog claims) “works in over 150 coun-tries.”

Light sleepers should welcome aTravel Sound Machine ($89.99)that offers 17 soothing sound op-tions to drown out unwanted noise.Among choices are pleasantsounds of ocean waves, rain and agentle brook. For more informa-tion, call 1-877-363-9984 or log ontowww.sharperimage.com.

Anyone heading for a countrywhere they don’t speak the language is sureto get a lot of use out of an electronic trans-lator. Franklin Electronic Publishers offersan array of compact, lightweight devices

ranging in price from a basic Spanish-to-English model ($9.99) to a deluxe 17-lan-guage translator ($179.99) that includesboth the major languages plus some that areless commonly studied here, such as Ko-rean, Farsi and Hindi.

The words and phrases areboth displayed on the screen

and spoken out loud. It’salso possible to enter intothe database in advance

some words and expres-sions that the traveler expects to use whileabroad. For more information, call 1-800-266-5626 or log onto www.franklin.com.

Then there’s Hammacher Schlemmer,which has been selling “the unexpectedfor 165 years.” That company’s annual hol-iday gift catalog is fun to peruse even ifyou have no intention of ordering, for bothits product claims and some items them-

selves. For example, “The World’s Small-

est Automatic Umbrella” ($34.95)measures only 8 inches when

closed, small enough to fit inmany purses and pockets.

How have your traveling rel-atives and friends lived so longwithout a Flat Fold Travel Mir-

ror ($49.95) which expands from 1-1/2 inches thick when closed to a height of16 inches? It has 1X and 10X magnificationfor both close-up and full-face viewing, andeach mirror is surrounded by a fluores-cent light.

The traveler who uses the Power NapHead Pillow ($99.95) to catch 40 winks onan airplane, in an airport or elsewhere ap-

pears to have a pumpkin on hishead. The cocoon-like headrest is designed to block outboth sound and light, whileleaving an opening for the noseand mouth.

The soft cushion collapsesfor easy packing. The questionis whether the opportunity toget some sleep is worth the riskof attracting attention, and per-

haps guffaws, from fellow passen-gers or passers-by. For more information,call 1-800-543-3366 or log onto www.ham-macher.com.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel 29

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WINTER HIKE FOR WOMENThe Brookside Nature Garden presents a monthly free hike forladies, exploring the winter landscapes of Montgomery County.

Each month is a new trail. December’s hike takes place on Saturday, Dec. 28from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on the Magruder Branch Trail in Damascus, whoseboardwalk overlooks the marshes bordering a stream. Directions to the trailheadwill be provided. Dress for the weather. Appropriate for ages 18 to 80. To regis-ter, visit http://bit.ly/LadiesHike.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 28

When you start to look at the subject oftravel insurance, you find a bimodal distri-bution among both consumers and travelmavens: Some say it’s a scam; others sayit’s indispensible, at least for some trips.

Count me in the second group. My over-all take for decades is that trip-cancellationinsurance is a valuable protection any timeyou face lots of cancellation penalties, andthat travel medical insurance is a goodidea for many travelers.

I agree, however, that many travelers be-lieve that travel insurance companies cheat-ed them out of promised benefits. A recentrelease by my go-to authority on travel in-

surance, QuoteWright’s John Cook, helpsshed some light on the problem.

Pre-existing condition problemsThe number one cause of disappointment

(often rage) over travel insurance has beenthe denial of claims — for cancellation, inter-ruption or medical expenses — due to atraveler’s “pre-existing medical condition.”

Most policies include blanket exclusionsfor pre-existing medical conditions. Typically,pre-existing conditions may be defined as anymedical condition for which the traveler hasseen a doctor within a period of three to sixmonths previous to buying the insurance.

That can be pretty draconian, and insurancecompany bean counters love draconian.

Furthermore, some policiesthat cover cancellation or inter-ruption due to a problem expe-rienced by a traveling compan-ion (or by close relatives whoare not traveling) apply thepre-existing conditions exclu-sion to them, as well.

Fortunately, however, youcan get around a large part ofthe problem. Most good travelinsurers waive this pre-exist-ing exemption, provided:

• You buy the insurance within a setnumber of days — typically 10 to 30 days— within making the first payment or de-posit for your trip,

• You be physically able to travel at thetime you buy the insurance and cannot fore-see any specific upcoming problems, and

• You insure the entire amount ofmoney you have at risk in prepayments.

According to Cook, that last one “causesthe most heartache.” With most policies, youcan’t insure just part of your risk, and if youunderinsure, even just by “rounding down,”many companies can deny your entire claim.

Moreover, as far as I can tell, policiesvary in terms of whether you have to coverthe total outlay or just the outlay for nonre-fundable services.

Cancellation complaintsThe number two cause of complaints is

about denials of claims when somethingactually happens that requires you to can-cel or interrupt a trip.

As Cook points out, trip insurance poli-cies are “named peril coverages,” meaningthat they reimburse you only in the case ofan event or occurrence specifically included

as a “covered” reason in the policy fine print. You experience lousy weather at your golf

resort? No coverage unless theresort actually has to closedown or the airline can’t flythere. Street demonstrations ina city you plan to visit? No cov-erage unless the city suffers anactual “terrorist” act. Hardlyany policies cover cancellationfor work reasons.

Taken together, these twoproblems are why I recom-mend policies that include a“cancel for any reason” provi-

sion. That way, you decide whether to trav-el, not an insurance company bean counterpaid to figure out ways to deny claims.

Yes, any-reason policies are usuallymore expensive than conventional poli-cies, they don’t cover any-reason cancella-tion within the last 48 hours before sched-uled departure, and most of them pay offless than 100 percent of the value.

But the any-reason provision is an add-onto a conventional policy, not a substitute: Ifyou cancel for a “covered reason,” you getthe full recovery; the any-reason optionkicks in only when your reason isn’t covered.

Travel insurance remains a complicatedissue. One of the best sources of further in-formation I know is Travel Insurance Ratingsand Reviews (travelinsurancerating.org), anonline resource maintained by Cook.

As an agent, he obviously carries favorablebias to insurance, but his company arrangespolicies with all the big insurers and he is un-biased in recommending policies he prefers.Check it out if you’re at all unsure aboutwhether to buy insurance for your next trip.

Send e -ma i l t o Ed P e r k i n s a [email protected].

© 2013 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


How to find travel insurance that pays off

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WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 31

VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE 12 A newsletter for D.C. Seniors December 2013

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGEBy John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA

In this month’s edition of “Spotlight on Aging,” Iwould like to share some exciting news about the D.C.Office on Aging’s (DCOA) Nursing Home TransitionProgram, which was started on April 8 with new fundingfrom Mayor Vincent C. Gray. This program, which is important to me both person-

ally and professionally, is designed to assist nursinghome residents to return to the community. During thevery short time since the program’s inception, theagency has been able to touch many lives across theDistrict of Columbia and neighboring jurisdictions.I mentioned that this program is personal to me, as I

faced a situation for a couple of years when my elderlycousin, who suffered a stroke, remained in a nursinghome with no one advocating for her return home. It ap-peared that my cousin had all odds working against her. The Area Agency on Aging in her North Carolina

hometown, which is equivalent to the functions of theOffice on Aging here in the District of Columbia, did nottake a strong interest in assisting my cousin with transi-tioning from an institution. The nursing home was re-ceiving payment from my cousin every month and wasnot working to discharge her. Lastly, my cousin had noknowledge about home- and community-based servicesand how she could receive quality care at home and saveover $40,000 of her retirement each year as compared towhat she was paying to the nursing home.Her ordeal lasted well over two years in an institution

that prevented her from experiencing Thanksgiving andChristmas in the comfort of her home, where she en-joyed cooking, baking and spending quality time withfamily and friends for decades. However, as a result ofour persistence and advocacy, I am glad to report thatmy cousin was able to spend this past Thanksgiving athome! The same approach that I used to help my cousin to

return home is what we do in the District of Columbiathrough our Nursing Home Transition Program.Through this service, my colleagues visit nursinghomes across the District of Columbia, and in other ju-risdictions, meeting with residents who are interestedand able to return home. After identifying these individuals, we work closely

with the nursing home staff, sister District governmen-

See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page 32

In The Community

Commodity Supplemental FoodProgram Important Update

As of Jan. 1, 2014, the Greater WashingtonUrban League location at 2901 14th St NW,Washington, DC, will be closed, and seniorsparticipating in this program will no longer beable to pick up the commodity food bags at thislocation. All seniors will be reassigned to a location

to start receiving commodity foods from acommunity-based site. These sites are locat-ed throughout Washington, DC and have spe-

cific distribution hours. The Capital Area Food Bank thanks you for

your understanding and we hope that thesesites will help provide you with additionalservices. Please contact the Capital AreaFood Bank for your specific locations. Therewill be no change in service or the items inthe bag. For more information, please contactMs. Washington at 202-644-9800, ext.663 or at202-644-9861.

DCOA Executive John M.Thompson speaks during acaregiving event held recentlyat Hughes Memorial.

Nearly 100 seniors participatedin the roundtable discussionhosted by DCOA at the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, located at3500 Martin Luther King, Jr.Ave. SE.

Seniors at the WashingtonSeniors Wellness Center areengaged during a DCOAsponsored roundtable discussion. The Ward 7 center is located at 3001 Alabama Avenue, SE.

32 DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

The holiday season can be a time ofjoy, cheer, parties and family gatherings. But for many people, it is a time of

self-evaluation, loneliness, reflectionon past failures and anxiety about anuncertain future.

What causes holiday blues? Many factors can cause the “holiday

blues” — stress, fatigue, unrealistic ex-pectations, over-commercialization, fi-nancial constraints, and the inability to bewith one’s family and friends. The de-mands of shopping, parties, family re-unions and house guests also contributeto feelings of tension. People may also develop other stress

responses, such as headaches, excessivedrinking, over-eating and difficulty sleep-ing. Even more people experience post-holiday let down after January 1st. Thiscan result from disappointments duringthe preceding months compounded bythe excess fatigue and stress.

Coping with stress and depressionduring the holidays • Keep expectations for the holiday

season manageable. Try to set realisticgoals for yourself. Pace yourself. Or-ganize your time. Make a list and prior-itize the important activities.

• Be realistic about what you can andcannot do. Don’t put the entire focus onjust one day (e.g., Thanksgiving Day). Re-member that it’s a season of holiday senti-ment, and activities can be spread out tolessen stress and increase enjoyment.• Remember the holiday season

does not banish reasons for feeling sador lonely; there is room for these feel-ings to be present, even if the personchooses not to express them. • Leave “yesteryear” in the past and

look toward the future. Life bringschanges. Each season is different andcan be enjoyed in its own way. Don’tset yourself up in comparing todaywith the “good ol’ days.” • Do something for someone else.

Try volunteering some of your time tohelp others. • Enjoy activities that are free, such

as taking a drive to look at holiday dec-orations, going window shopping, ormaking a snowperson with children. • Be aware that excessive drinking

will only increase your feelings of de-pression. • Try something new. Celebrate the

holidays in a new way. • Spend time with supportive and

caring people. Reach out and makenew friends, or contact someone youhaven’t heard from in a while. • Save time for yourself! Recharge

your batteries! Let others share in theresponsibility of planning activities.

Can environment be a factor?Studies show that some people suf-

fer from seasonal affective disorder(SAD), which results from being ex-posed to fewer hours of sunlight as thedays grow shorter during the wintermonths. Phototherapy — a treatmentinvolving a few hours of exposure to in-tense light — is shown to be effectivein relieving depressive symptoms inpatients with SAD.

Other studies on the benefits of pho-totherapy found that exposure to earlymorning sunlight can be effective in re-lieving seasonal depression. Recentfindings, however, suggest that patientsrespond equally well to phototherapywhen it is scheduled in the early after-noon. This has practical applications forantidepressant treatment because it al-lows the use of phototherapy in theworkplace as well as the home.

Information courtesy of the NationalMental Health Association.For help locally, call the D.C. De-

partment of Behavioral Health sevendays a week, 24-hours a day at 1-888-7WE-HELP (1-888-793-4357).

Holiday Depression and Stress

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S.and ranked as the ninth-leadingcause of death in the District The D.C. Office on Aging

(DCOA) announced the release ofthe District’s first-ever State Planconfronting Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Asso-

ciation, 9 percent of seniors living inthe District have the disease. Thischronic illness not only impacts thelives of those with this disease, buthas a profound effect on their familiesand social networks. For this reason,the District of Columbia State Plan onAlzheimer’s Disease seeks to setmeasurable goals to help improve thelives of District residents living withthis disease, and to reduce the bur-den on caregivers and their families. “We developed this plan to ensure

that all residents diagnosed withAlzheimer’s disease and their care-givers receive the adequate supportneeded to reduce the burden that isoften associated with this illness,”said BB Otero, deputy mayor forHealth and Human Services. The plan engages District gov-

ernment agencies, federal part-ners, the private sector and non-profits to make Alzheimer’s diseasea priority for the city. Additionally,the plan outlines several goals andinclusive strategies to enhance careand support for individuals suffer-ing from Alzheimer’s. These goals include:

• Developing comprehensive re-search and data, • Enhancing quality care for sen-

iors diagnosed with Alzheimer’sdisease, • Creating a robust public aware-

ness campaign to increase aware-ness about Alzheimer’s diseasethroughout the District, and • Improving training and work-

force development. “We understand that Alzheimer’s

disease is a complex issue that willtake time and collaboration for vari-ous stakeholders to address this prob-lem. With an increase in the numberof Washingtonians living with the dis-ease, there will also be an increase infamily caregiving demands, both emo-tionally and financially. “Therefore, we have created a

five-year plan that includes variousshort- and long-term solutions thatseek to enhance the lives of per-sons with Alzheimer’s disease andtheir families,” said D.C. Office onAging executive director John M.Thompson, Ph.D. “The District of Columbia needs

an ambitious plan to educate andsupport individuals with Alzheimer’sand those who care for them,” saidSally White, co-chair of the SeniorAdvisory Coalition and the executivedirector of Iona Senior Services. “Welook forward to working with theD.C. Office on Aging and others tomeet the important goals set forth inthe new State Plan.”

tal agencies, and community-basedproviders to ensure that we locatehousing, home and community-based services, and other re-sources that will help a dischargednursing home resident return tothe community. As this is a new challenge for

those who have become accustomedto nursing home living for an exten-sive period of time, our transition co-ordinators work closely with each in-dividual in ensuring their successduring and after transition. Successfor the agency is not only discharg-ing the person, but ensuring thatthey remain in the community andexperience quality and productiveliving.To date, I am excited to report

that our agency has been success-ful in assisting 57 nursing homeresidents return to the familiar sur-roundings of their communities.Some of these individuals are sen-iors, while others are not quite atthe age of 60. In reviewing the data, the agency

learned that the average length of a

nursing home stay for these citi-zens is approximately three and ahalf years. These are not typicalresidents whose nursing homestays were only for short-term re-habilitation. Additional data revealthat DCOA’s assisted dischargeshave taken as little as six days. Do you know of someone who is

in a nursing home but would like toreturn to the community? If theyare a District resident living in aD.C. nursing home or in a neigh-boring jurisdiction and desire to re-turn to their homes, we would liketo hear from you. In this season of giving, why

don’t you give them the gift thatthey so desire by telling themabout our program and calling usso that we can visit them in thenursing home? Our team will workswiftly at beginning the transitionprocess if they are ideal candidatesfor returning to the community. Please contact Dr. Chantelle

Teasdell, associate director of theDCOA’s Aging and Disability Re-source Center, at 202-724-5622 [email protected] for moreinformation about the program orto make a referral.

Director’s messageFrom page 31

The District Releases FirstAlzheimer’s State Plan

WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 33


Ms. Senior D.C. Nancy A. Berrywas one of 34 contestants 60 years ofage or older to compete in the Ms.Senior America Pageant held at theResorts Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J.Ms. Senior D.C. performed a jazzdance to “Sweet Georgia Brown” fromthe play Bubbling Brown Sugar.Berry also talked about a “Plan B” aspart of her philosophy during theevening gown and philosophy of lifesegment of the competition.Ms. Tennessee Senior America

Carolyn Corlew was crowned the win-ner, singing a hip shaking “TellMomma” by Etta James during thetalent segment. Corlew also wore astunning strapless, white sequinedgown that dazzled audiences with itsshimmering effect. First runner-up was Ms. New Jersey

Senior America, and second runner-

up was Ms. Nevada Senior America. Included in the top 10 finalists for

the pageant was a contestant fromColorado who competed with herservice dog and an escort to assistwith her visual disability. During herphilosophy of life segment, a contest-ant from Louisiana in her 90s said,that “90 is the new 60.”Ms. Senior America Pageant con-

testants are judged on a personal in-terview with a panel of judges, theirphilosophy of life, talent and eveninggown presentations. A complete listand information is located at senio-ramerica.org.Congratulations also to Shirley

Rivens Smith, Ms. Senior DC 2009,who was appointed Parliamentarianfor the National Senior AmericaAlumni Organization during the pag-eant activities.

DCOA Job AnnouncementThe D.C. Department of Human

Resources has posted Job #22575Supervisory Public Health Ana-lyst for the D.C. Office on Aging. Lo-cated within the Aging and DisabilityResource Center (ADRC), this posi-tion is responsible for participating inthe overall management of theADRC under the general supervisionof the Associate Director for ADRC. Responsibilities also include over-

seeing and monitoring the servicesrendered through the Hospital Dis-charge Planning, Diabetes Self-Man-agement Programs and other grant-funded projects within the ADRC.The incumbent serves as an au-

thority on the ADRC program, andhas oversight responsibility for en-suring that all Medicaid recipientswho are receiving long-term care orhome and community-based servic-es are provided with adequate andappropriate services.

Duties also include responses toall funding opportunities availableto increase ADRC programs. Thisfull-time position has a salary of$76,996 - $107,794. The Superviso-ry Public Health Analyst positionwill be open until filled. Only onlineapplications will be accepted; visitwww.dchr.dc.gov to view the com-plete position description.

The District of Columbia is at its best when neighbors, gov-ernment and businesses work together in the face of adversity,challenges, and even Mother Nature. Serve DC – The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism is seeking

volunteers from across the District to join our 2013-2014 CitizenSnow Team that will clear sidewalks of elderly and disabled res-idents after it snows. The District requires property owners (residential

and commercial) to clear the sidewalks surroundingtheir property within 24 hours after a snowfall. Even adusting of snow can be too much for elderly or dis-abled residents to shovel. That’s why we are askingyou to volunteer your services and make winter a lit-tle easier on everyone.

District Senior Takes Part in National Competition

Ms. Senior D.C. Nancy A. Berry joins with other state champions, including Debbi Miller, Ms. Senior Virginia, at the pageant.

Berry poses during the evening gowncompetition.

Ms. Senior America Carolyn Corlew during the crowning.

2013-2014 Citizen Snow Team

34 DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON


Spotlight On Aging is published by theInformation Office of the D.C. Office onAging for D.C. senior residents. Advertis-ing contained in the Beacon is not en-dorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or bythe publisher.

500 K St., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002

202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov

John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMAExecutive DirectorDarlene Nowlin

EditorSelma Dillard

Darrell Jackson, Jr.Photographers

The D.C. Office on Aging does not dis-criminate against anyone based on actual

or perceived: race, color, religion, nationalorigin, sex, age, marital status, personal ap-pearance, sexual orientation, familial sta-tus, family responsibilities, matriculation,political affiliation, disability, source of in-come, and place of residence or business.Sexual harassment is a form of sex dis-

crimination which is prohibited by the Act.In addition, harassment based on any ofthe above protected categories is prohibit-ed by the Act. Discrimination in violationof the Act will not be tolerated. Violatorswill be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging isin partnership with the

District of Columbia Recycling Program.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING

December events4th • 11 a.m.Model Cities will hold a holiday bazaar at 1901

Evarts St. NE. For more information, call 202-635-1900.

11th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The Bernice Elizabeth Fonteneau Senior Well-

ness Center will hold a community health and infor-mation fair. The center is located at 3531 GeorgiaAve. NW. For more information, call 202-727-0338.

11th • 10:30 a.m.Model Cities Senior Wellness Center will host a

community outreach health fair sponsored by Veri-zon. Model Cities is located at 1901 Evarts St. NE.For more information, call 202-635-1900.

13th • 11 a.m.Seabury Resources for Aging Ward 5 will distrib-

ute toys to the Second New St. Paul Day Care Cen-ter, 2400 Franklin St. NE. For more information, callVivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

15th to 17th Model Cities hosts a Christmas in the Cities trip

to see the Rockettes in New York and a Christmasshow in Atlantic City. The trip departs on Dec. 15 at7:45 a.m. There is a $246 donation for the trip. Formore information, call 202-635-1900.

17th • 2 p.m.Seabury Resources for Aging Ward 5 will hold its

holiday open house at 2900 Newton St. NE. Forreservations, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

18th • 1 to 3 p.m.Attend a community health and wellness fair at St.

Mary’s Court apartments, 725 24th St. NW. Formore information, call 202-223-5712.

19th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Model Cities Senior Wellness Center will hold a

community health and wellness fair. Model Cities islocated at 1901 Evarts St. NE. For more information,call 202-635-1900.

Community Calendar

The District of Columbia is committed to protecting the homeless fromextreme weather injury by meeting the demand for shelter during hy-pothermia (not enough heat) and hyperthermia (too much heat) seasons.The District’s Winter Plan for homeless services is in effect from Nov. 1

to March 31, the hypothermia season, when all homeless people must behoused when the temperature falls below freezing (32 degrees F).

Call the HotlineYou can help. Call the hotline when you see a homeless person who

may be impacted by extreme temperatures.The Hypothermia/Hyperthermia Hotline, 1-800-535-7252, is operated

by the United Planning Organization (UPO).Families seeking emergency shelter should go to the Virginia Williams

Family Resource Center at 33 N St. NE. The shelter operates Mondaythrough Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (except for holi-days and days on which the District government is closed). After 3:30 p.m. and on weekends, during extreme temperature alerts,

families should call the Shelter Hotline (same number as above) for trans-portation to the DC General family shelter or other available family shelter. Some of the severe weather shelters operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. during

extreme temperature alerts only.

Seasonal SheltersOther single adult hypothermia and hyperthermia beds will also be avail-

able 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. These shelters open at the time of the first alert of theseason and remain open every day of the extreme temperature season.These are seasonal shelters.Overflow single adult shelters operate only when all other shelters are

near capacity.

Hypothermia and Hyperthermia Watches

Health Insurance Enrollment HelpDC Health Link, in partnership

with DC Public Library, has openedtwo new health insurance enrollmentcenters, one in downtown DC and theother in Ward 7. At each enrollmentcenter, trained experts — known asDC Health Link Assisters — and li-censed health insurance brokers willbe on-hand to answer questions andguide people through the process ofobtaining health insurance.In addition to the new Enrollment

Centers, a series of health insuranceenrollment events will be hostedthroughout the city to help Districtresidents and small businesses com-pare and choose quality, affordablehealth insurance plans. • DC Health Link Enrollment Cen-

ter at the Martin Luther King Jr.Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW,operates Monday through Wednes-day, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdayand Friday 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. andSaturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DC Health Link Enrollment Cen-ter at Deanwood Library andRecreation Center, 1350 49 St NE,operates Monday and Wednesday10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday andThursday 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday andSaturday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TheEnrollment Centers at both librarieswill be open until March 31, 2014.

Resources for ConsumersNew website: www.DCHealth-

Link.com• Toll-free hotline – 1-855-532-5465• In-person assistance from trained

experts• Enrollment began Oct 1, with

coverage taking effect January 1,2014.• In order for coverage to begin on

Jan. 1, 2014 enrollment needs tooccur by Dec. 15• Events will be held at libraries,

CVS stores, recreation centers, andelsewhere throughout March

By Kathy KristofDecades of importing crude from the vast

Arabian deserts left many people believingthat America’s dependence on foreign oilwas as inevitable as the tide. But sweepingchanges in the way oil and gas are extractedare challenging that assumption.The United States, which was once so de-

pendent on imported oil that energy lawswere designed to conserve domestic re-serves, is now expected to be energy-inde-pendent by 2020. In fact, the nation is rapid-ly overtaking Russia to become the world’slargest producer of oil and natural gas.As anyone who has seen the classic

1956 film Giant or the TV series “The Bev-erly Hillbillies” knows, drilling for oil inAmerica is as old as the hills. But that his-tory means that opportunities for land-based drillers are limited.

“The largest onshore oil fields havebeen developed,” said Todd Scholl, an ana-

lyst at Wunderlich Securities. “All the low-hanging fruit is gone.”

Off-shore investmentsDrilling at sea, on the other hand, offers

a new frontier, especially as rigs anddrilling techniques become more sophisti-cated and are better able to probe intodeeper waters. Scholl is especially bullishon offshore contractors that don’t own thewells but hire out their crews and equip-ment for offshore exploration.Most offshore producers also have on-

shore operations. We’ve identified two com-panies with major water-based projects thatare certain to play a key role in their growth.One of them is Anadarko Petroleum

(symbol APC). Some of its most promisingprojects are located in the Gulf of Mexicoand off the shores of Brazil, Colombia,Kenya and Mozambique. Analysts praise Anadarko for its skill in

finding large-scale discoveries at a lowcost. At $97, the stock sells for 18 timesprojected earnings — not terribly expen-sive in view of Anadarko’s expected long-term earnings growth rate of 22 percent.The other company, Apache Corp.

(APA), has gone through a rough patchover the past couple of years. Shares of theHouston exploration firm, which peaked at$133 in April 2011, sank to $69 two yearslater, thanks to a combination of low gasprices and operational missteps. Investorsalso fretted that political instability wouldderail Apache’s joint ventures on some 10million acres in Egypt. But Apache launched an aggressive re-

structuring program this year, selling offone-third of its Egyptian assets as well asfields in Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Itis using the $7 billion in proceeds to payoff debt and buy back shares.Apache said that recently completed wells

in the North Sea contributed 16 percent ofthe company’s worldwide production rev-enue in 2012. The firm is also developingprojects in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and off theshore of Australia. At $90, the stock is cheap,trading for just 12 times projected profits.

New natural gas extractionOne reason for the turnaround is the

use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, inhorizontal wells, which allows for vastly in-creased amounts of oil and gas extractedfrom shale. This ability to pull gas out of previously

unfriendly rock has been a boon for pro-duction but — at least from an investor’sviewpoint — a bane for prices.

Natural gas, which sold for $10.91 perthousand cubic feet in 2005, was selling for$3.41 in July. That’s partly because domes-

WA SH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon 35

FOREIGN FUND FRENZYInventors are pouring money into international funds, but beware of risks

FEWER HAPPY RETURNSStores become less generous about returns, so follow rules carefully

COOLING HIGH HEATING COSTSGas and electricity prices are rising; howto save energy and money

GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDERPrepare key financial documents and instructions now to help your spouse

MoneyLaw &

Profiting from the new oil and gas boom

By Anya KamenetzBetween the rocky rollout of Oba-

macare and the government shutdownand debt ceiling crisis, it’s been a jitteryseason for finances. There’s so much new information, and

so many decisions to be made with thefacts in flux: sell or hold stocks? Changeyour health plan or stick with what you’vegot?We live in a time when there are more

avenues than ever for learning about whatto do with your finances. The problem issimplifying all that information so you canmake decisions based on what’s most im-portant to you. Recently, I came across tworesources worth sharing that do just that.One is a list that’s gone viral on the web.

It came out of a conversation betweenWashington Post contributor Harold Pol-lack and journalist Helaine Olen, who haswritten an exposé of the personal financeindustry. Olen’s book Pound Foolish: Expos-ing the Dark Side of the Personal FinanceIndustry (Portfolio, 2012) has been called a“shocking” narrative of the misleading ad-vice given by big-name money gurus. One reason many people dread manag-

ing their money is that the huge financial

services industry promotes the impressionthat it’s harder than it is. That’s a crucialpart of getting you to pay for their advice.As Pollack wrote on his blog: “The fi-

nancial industry’s most basic dilemma:The best advice fits on a 3-by-5 index cardand is available for free at the library.”

Financial advice condensedA reader challenged him and Olen to

produce the card. The following (editedjust a bit) is the advice they came up with:Maximize your 401(k) or equivalent.Buy inexpensive, well-diversified mutual

funds such as Vanguard target-date funds.Never buy or sell an individual security.Save 20 percent of your income.Pay your credit card balance in full

every month.Maximize tax-advantaged savings vehi-

cles like Roth, SEP and 529 accounts.Pay attention to fees. Avoid actively

managed funds.And that’s it.Of course, the problem with acting on

information like this is that it’s not neces-sarily complete and customized to your in-dividual circumstance. Target-date funds don’t constitute a fully

diversified portfolio for everyone; someprefer even cheaper index funds. Somepeople don’t earn enough to save 20 per-cent of their income while also paying offtheir credit cards.If you’re looking to go a bit deeper, the

smart choice is to internalize the princi-ples behind such advice in order to makeyour own bets.

Free online financial courseFor that, there’s a new free resource

available online: http://online.stanford.edu/course/rauh-finance.Josh Rauh, a finance professor at the

Stanford Graduate School of Business, isteaching a free and open video-based ver-sion of his graduate course on the financeof retirement and pensions. Some of the videos are available on

YouTube now, and you can sign up for theeight-week class starting in January at thesite Novoed.com.There are ten 45-minute lectures in the

course, broken up in to very manageablechunks of 3-8 minutes. By watching justone of them, I learned a couple of interest-ing principles behind the standard stockmarket advice.

One is risk and return. Very simple. Thereason we invest in stocks is that they offerpotential returns over inflation. But any in-vestment that offers potential returns overinflation also has the potential for losses inequal measure. No risk, no return.A second is reversion to the mean. This

is the idea that, over time, stocks andmany other assets return from high or lowperiods to something close to the movingaverage.

That means if you are retiring into adown market — say, in 2009 — it wouldmake sense to hold off cashing out yourportfolio for a couple of years in the hopesof a recovery. Reversion to the mean is awidely held theory, but it’s only a theory. Japan’s history, Rauh said, may be a

counterexample: its stock market, theNikkei, peaked just shy of 40,000 in 1989, ageneration ago, and is only slightly above14,000 today.I’ve been writing about personal finance

for almost 10 years, and there is alwaysmore to learn, even if the basics are simple.

Anya Kamenetz welcomes your questionsat [email protected].

© 2013 Anya Kamenetz. Distributed byTribune Content Agency, LLC.

Good financial advice that’s available free

See OIL AND GAS, page 36

tic use of energy is on the decline, leavingnewly prolific producers with more supplythan demand.U.S. companies are also hampered in

their ability to sell gas overseas, whereprices are far higher. Opening the export

market would boost demand and creategreater parity between international anddomestic prices, a move almost certain toboost domestic gas prices. But because no one knows when supply

and demand will come into better balance,your best bet is to invest in low-cost pro-ducers that can make money even whengas prices are low.

Companies to considerThree attractive producers are Range

Resources (symbol RRC), Cabot Oil & Gas(COG), and Southwestern Energy (SWN).All three have stakes in the MarcellusShale basin in southwestern Pennsylvania,which produces prolific amounts of energyfor a relative pittance. All three are growing and profitable.

And earnings could soar if gas prices riseto $4.50 to $5 per thousand cubic feet.Range, which has a one-million-acre

shale-bearing property in the Marcellusregion, predicts that its gas production willsoar seven- to tenfold over the next fewyears. The Fort Worth-based company re-ported that revenues rose 50 percent andprofits soared 159 percent in the secondquarter from the same period in 2012. Its stock isn’t cheap, however. At $77,

Range sells for 42 times projected earn-ings for the next 12 months. Still, if the pro-jected growth rates hold, Range’s stockprice could prove to be a bargain.

Cabot sells for a similarly lofty price,trading for 30 times estimated year-aheadearnings. The Houston concern expects toboost gas production in the Marcellus re-gion by 30 to 50 percent annually over thenext several years.Southwestern started to lease Marcel-

lus land in 2007, making it one of thenewer players in the region. Overall,Southwestern’s growth rate is slower, soits stock, selling for 17 times forecastedyear-ahead profits, is less pricey than theother two.

Kathy Kristof is a contributing editor toKiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.Send your questions and comments to [email protected]. And for more onthis and similar money topics, visitwww.Kiplinger.com.

© 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

36 Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

Oil and gasFrom page 35

ELIMINATE DEBTRosemary Hill pres-ents a program that

teaches you how to get out of debtquickly using the fast track payoffplan. Learn how to free up additionalmoney by using the step-down budg-eting plan. This free program takesplace on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30p.m. at the Walter Reed Senior Cen-ter, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va.To register, call (703) 228-0955.

HELP FROM REBUILDING TOGETHERFor many seniors, the

cost and effort involved in the sea-sonal upkeep of a home is often be-yond their financial and physical ca-pabilities. That’s why volunteers fromRebuilding Together Alexandria workto fix up and upgrade homes year-round to make them safer and moreenergy efficient. If you know of a sen-ior who needs help making repairs,refer them to Rebuilding TogetherAlexandria at (703) 836-1021 orwww.rebuildingtogetheralex.org.

FESTIVE OPEN HOUSEGreen Spring Gardensis hosting a free holi-

day open house on Sunday, Dec. 8from noon to 4 p.m. Grandchildrenare welcome. There will be a holidaypuppet show, festive greens and treeornaments for sale, a vintage traindisplay, freshly baked seasonalbreads for sale, and complimentaryrefreshments. There will also be awhimsical gingerbread house con-test. Get your Gingerbread Housecontest entry form at www.green-spring.org on the Special Eventspage. Tickets for the 2 p.m. puppetshow are $3 per person, but admis-sion to the event is free. GreenSpring is located at 4603 GreenSpring Rd., Alexandria, Va. For moreinformation, call (703) 642-5173.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 17

Ongoing

Dec. 8

By Stan ChoeWillkommen, investors. Domo arigato

for the cash. Investors are piling into mutual funds

that invest outside of the United States.The lure of Japan’s soaring market, Eu-rope’s nascent economic recovery, and thepotential for stronger economic growth indeveloping economies have led investorsto pour a net $91 billion into world stockmutual funds through the first eightmonths of the year. That’s nearly six times what they’ve put

into domestic stock mutual funds, accord-ing to the most recent data from the In-vestment Company Institute. It’s a continuation of a trend that’s been

going for years, both by average investorsand by mutual fund providers, in thesearch for a more diversified portfolio. Stocks from other countries can zig when

U.S. markets zag, offering a smoother ridefor investors. That’s why fund companieshave bulked up on foreign stocks in their tar-get-date retirement funds, which are built totake care of investment decisions for savers. The average target-date fund designed for

those aiming to retire in 2040 had 36 percentof its stock portfolio in foreign companies atthe end of 2012, up from 24 percent at theend of 2005, according to Morningstar.The split in interest has become even

more pronounced this fall: Investorsadded a net $924 million to world stockfunds during the two weeks ended Oct. 2.Over the same time, they turned theirbacks on domestic stock funds and pulledout a net $8 billion.

Larger dividends abroadOne attraction has been the bigger divi-

dend yields that foreign stocks offer. Stocks from developed markets around

the world carried a dividend yield of 3.1percent at the end of September, accord-ing to the MSCI EAFE index. Stocks fromBrazil, China and other developingeconomies in the MSCI Emerging Mar-kets index had a yield of 2.7 percent. Thatcompared with a 2.1 percent yield for theStandard & Poor’s 500 index and a 2.6yield for a 10-year Treasury note. Investors who bet on Japanese stocks have

done well this year. A big push of stimulus bythe Bank of Japan has invigorated the coun-try’s market, and the country’s Nikkei 225index has surged 37 percent this year. But even better buys are available in Eu-

rope, where stocks have lagged the U.S. mar-ket since the recession, said Phil Campore-ale, client portfolio manager at J.P. Morgan.He helps run the $7.9 billion JPMorgan In-come Builder fund (JNBAX), which investsin stocks and bonds from around the world. The fund keeps about 17 percent of its

assets in Europe, which is close to thehighest it’s been since the fund’s inceptionin 2007. “They’re where the U.S. was threeyears ago,” Camporeale said. The European Central Bank has shown

that it will be the lender of last resort and willsupport the economy, which recently had itsfirst quarter of growth in its last seven. Stocks across Europe and other coun-

tries are also trading at lower prices rela-tive to their book values than their U.S.counterparts, said Bill Nasgovitz, one ofthe managers of the Heartland Interna-tional Value fund (HINVX). That can pro-vide investors with a stronger safety net incase volatility hits the market again. Investors who have focused on emerg-

ing-market stock mutual funds struggledin the summer. Worries about slowing eco-nomic growth and a possible pullback instimulus by the Federal Reserve dragged

down markets from Brazil to China. Butthat also put many emerging-marketstocks on sale, proponents say. To be sure, investing in international

stock mutual funds carries risks, of whichinvestors should be mindful. They include:

Currency changesSwings in foreign currency values can

hurt returns for investors after translatingthem back into dollars. Indonesia’s stockindex is up 4 percent this year in terms of

the Indonesian rupiah, for example. But inU.S. dollar terms, it has dropped nearly 13percent. Currency swings can also slow an other-

wise quick ride for markets. Japanesestocks have shot up 37 percent this year,roughly double the 18 percent gain of theS&P 500. But much of the gain has been due to

the yen’s falling value against the dollar. In-

WA SH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money 37

More investors looking to foreign funds

See FOREIGN FUNDS, page 38

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By Kaitlin PinskerAs you’re double-checking your holiday

shopping list, tack on a reminder to readeach store’s return policy before makingyour purchase. Some retailers are feeling alittle less generous when it comes to returns. Such stingier policies are intended to com-

bat return fraud. Fraudulent returns cost re-tailers $8.9 billion in 2012, according to the

National Retail Federation, $2.9 billion ofwhich occurred during the holiday season.Customers can expect tougher return

policies to spread. “As retailers see com-petitors or stores with some of the most le-nient policies tighten up, it’s going to sig-nal to them that they can do the same,”said Phoenix retail consultant Jeff Green. “We’re going to see a shift toward a short-

er, 30-day return policy in 2014.” Customerscan also expect added scrutiny when takingback merchandise without a receipt.

Identifying repeat offendersRetailers want to identify the bad actors.

To do so, some companies are gatheringdata on customers who return merchan-dise, watching for suspicious patterns, andwarning or denying repeat offenders. Clerks may ask for state-issued identifi-

cation, such as a driver’s license, beforeyou can make a return. Nearly 10 percentof retailers require ID for returns madewith a receipt, and 73 percent require IDfor returns made without a receipt. Somescan the ID into their own system; otherssend the info to a third party.If you exceed a retailer’s limit for the

number of returns within a given timeframe or for the value of returned prod-ucts, you could be denied more returns fora period of time (typically 90 days). If you are given a warning or denied a re-

turn, the Retail Equation, a company that col-lects return information for 27,000 mer-chants in North America, will provide youwith the information in its return-activity re-port over the phone. To request your report,visit www.theretailequation.com/consumers.

Holiday returns are easierDespite the general trend toward Grinchi-

er return policies, some retailers are givingshoppers a break during the holidays orwhen shopping online. Last year, 10 percent of retailers relaxed

their return policies for the holidays, andsimilar promotions are expected this year.Lenient online return policies — and ac-ceptance of returns in stores for itemsbought online — will likely continue. Lookfor more stores to offer free shipping forboth purchases and returns.As policies shift, the key to keeping

your returns hassle free will be stayingorganized. The ReturnGuru app, free foriPhone and Android, lets you snap pic-tures of your receipts and reminds you asthe deadline approaches to make re-turns. The new rules may take some getting

used to. But if you expect great deals,that’s part of the trade-off.

Kaitlin Pinsker is a reporter atKiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.Send your questions and comments to [email protected]. And for more onthis and similar money topics, visitwww.Kiplinger.com.

© 2013 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

vestors expect the devaluation of the yento help Japanese exporters by inflating thevalue of their overseas sales. After adjust-ing for the currency changes, the Nikkei225 is up a more modest 20 percent in U.S.dollar terms. Some mutual funds try to mitigate effects

of currency swings by hedging their portfo-lios. They do this by entering complicatedcontracts, but funds incur costs to do so, andthere’s still the risk that they’ve guessedwrong on the direction of currencies.

Volatility and politicsForeign stocks can have more severe

swings than U.S. stocks, particularly thosefrom less developed economies.

Brazil’s Bovespa index plunged 11 per-cent in June amid worries about economicgrowth and protests in the streets, for ex-ample. The S&P 500 fell a more modest 2percent during the same month. Indone-sia’s stock index dropped 9 percent in Au-gust, compared with the S&P 500’s 3 per-cent loss. Other risks include the fact that compa-

nies in other countries may use different ac-counting standards than U.S. companies,and the fear that governments in somecountries could expropriate private assets. Fund managers closely follow elections

and other political changes that couldquickly affect investors. “You can havesomebody win an election and create bet-ter or worse tax environments for divi-dends for these companies,” JPMorgan’sCamporeale said. — AP


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Foreign fundsFrom page 37

Stores are getting stingy about returns

By Jonathan FaheyAfter two years of flat or lower fuel

prices, many residents will pay sharplymore to heat their homes this winter, ac-cording to government forecasts. Fortunately, there are a number of ways

residents can blunt the expected rise in heat-ing bills — beyond putting on a turtleneck. Staying warm is expected to cost more

because fuel prices are rising and fore-casts call for cooler weather, in someareas, after two relatively warm winters. Natural gas, propane and electricity

prices are expected to rise, affecting 94 per-cent of U.S. households. Heating oil userswill catch a slight price break, but still paynear-record bills to heat their homes. One obvious way to lower your heating

bill is to lower the thermostat — sleepunder a few more blankets, watch TV in asweater, and use a programmable thermo-stat to turn the heat down when you areaway or fast asleep. The Energy Department estimates that a

resident can save 1 percent on their heatingbill for every degree a thermostat is set back.

Energy-saving stepsHere are a few other ways to lower costs: • Think of the sun as a heater, and your

drapes as a blanket: Open drapes whenyou are getting direct sunlight, then closethem at night to keep heat from escaping. • Make sure the damper in your fire-

place is closed when you aren’t using it. • Keep air vents clean and uncovered so

heat can easily flow throughout your home. • Shut off kitchen fans and bathroom

fans as soon as they are no longer needed. • It takes more energy to heat water in

cold weather. You can lower the tempera-ture of your water heater a bit and still geta hot shower, and use cold water to dolaundry and rinse dishes. Also, insulatepipes that move hot water around thehouse.

Prices on the riseA look at the government’s forecast for

winter fuel costs shows why homeownerswill want to use some cost-cutting meas-ures this winter. Natural gas customerswill pay an average of $679 this winter forheating, up 13 percent from last year. Electricity customers will pay $909, up 2

percent. Propane customers in the Northeastwill pay $2,146, up 11 percent. Heating oilcustomers will pay $2,046, down 2 percent. At the same time, funding for low-income

heating assistance is falling. In 2010, Con-gress set aside $5.1 billion for heating assis-tance. This year Mark Wolfe, executive di-rector of the National Energy Assistance Di-rectors Association, is expecting $3 billion. Many states and utilities offer incentives

for home energy audits and home weath-erization programs that include things likeadding insulation, installing more efficient

windows, and replacing an old boiler orfurnace with a new one. These investments can pay for them-

selves in heating savings in just a few years,especially when energy prices are high. Switching from oil heat to natural gas is

expensive — it costs $5,000 to $10,000, de-pending on how much workers have to do

to reconfigure the heating system. But the Energy Department says the aver-

age heating oil customer will pay a whopping$1,367 more this winter than the average nat-ural gas customer — and that gap is expect-ed to remain wide. If it does, the payback fora switch would be four to seven years.

— AP

WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money 39

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HOLIDAY ARTTorpedo Factory Artists present a holiday open house on Friday, Dec. 6at their art center, 105 North Union St., Alexandria, Va. Artists will

open their studios after hours for mingling, shopping, food, beverages and festive music.There will also be up to $2,000 worth of door prizes. Admission is free. For more infor-mation, visit www.TorpedoFactory.org or call (703) 838-4565, ext. 5.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 6

Did you know?You may qualify for assistance in paying your home phone bill. Discounts for basic telephone service are available to eligible District of Columbia low-income residents.

Verizon Washington, D.C. Lifeline Plans:Verizon Washington, D.C.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reducedrates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one-time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customersat no charge.Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added servicesare not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, cus-tomers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customerswho are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of$1.00 per month.

• Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federaland in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia.Rates as stated here are effective as of September 1, 2011. But, the rates and other terms aresubject to change in the future.

Link-Up AmericaLink-Up America is for District residents who are eligible for social service

assistance. New customers or customers who move to a new address may qualify for a 50 percent reduction in service connection charges.

Contact DDOE at 311 to applyTo learn more about the Lifeline program, visit www.lifelinesupport.org.

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Losing a spouse is one of the most diffi-cult events a person may face. The transi-tion that follows is difficult,but it can be helped immense-ly if key records and docu-ments — along with clear in-structions about necessary fi-nancial, legal and otherarrangements — are left forthe surviving spouse.Here is a list by category of

the things a surviving spousewill need access to.

Contact list: names andcontact information for the fu-neral home, Social SecurityAdministration, Medicare,current or former employer, life insuranceagent, attorney, accountant, financial plan-ner and credit card companies.

Important documents: life insurance

policies, will, trust agreements, pensionand retirement account documents (see

discussion below on survivorpension rights and beneficiar-ies), recent tax returns, funer-al instructions, titles, deeds,mortgage and loan agree-ments, lines of credit, latest in-vestment and retirement ac-count statements, latest loanand credit card statements,key account logins/pass-words for computer access.

Bill paying instructions:I recommend that the spousewho handles the bill payingfunction request that the

other spouse handle this function periodi-cally, so they are familiar with it.Bills that have to be paid each month

should be kept in a specific location known

to the other spouse. Bills that are automat-ically paid each month from a financial ac-count should be documented. Bills that could fall into this category are

various loans, insurance premiums, cableservice, credit cards, automobile policiesand so forth. There are some bills, such asproperty taxes, that are generally due oncea year. Such items should be documented.

Automatic investments/payments:Any automatic monthly investments, suchas to mutual funds, should be documented.The surviving spouse may wish to discon-tinue some or all such investments. The fi-nancial institution should be informed todiscontinue any life insurance paymentsfor a policy of the deceased spouse.

Short-term cash sources: Funds thatare available for the short-term cash needsof the surviving spouse should be identi-fied, such as savings accounts, money mar-

ket funds and lines of credit.Retirement and investment ac-

counts: It is crucial that the survivingspouse know about assets he/she will beinheriting from a spouse. Handling IRAs, for example, is very im-

portant. If the surviving spouse is notknowledgeable in this area, then recom-mendations should be documented regard-ing whom the surviving spouse and otherfamily beneficiaries should work with. Itcould be a financial adviser, attorney or mu-tual fund representative, but it is very im-portant that the adviser be competent. Records should be retained indicating

who account beneficiaries are. Beneficiar-ies documented on plan documents willtake precedence over any wishes specifiedin the will.It is not unusual for one of the spouses to

make all or most of the investment deci-sions for the family. If the surviving spousehas not been involved, then it is crucial thathe or she be provided reliable sources tomake investment decisions in the future. One approach is for the spouse who has

been making the investment decisions todocument his or her recommendations.For example he may recommend an imme-diate annuity with insurance proceeds,specifying a trusted insurance agent.Other possible sources are a financial plan-ner, attorney, mutual fund adviser, stockbroker or trusted relative.

Pension/life insurance: When indi-viduals retire with a defined-benefit pen-sion plan, they generally have the option toprovide pension income to the survivingspouse. It is crucial that this informationbe documented and known to the surviv-ing spouse in order to ensure pension pay-ments are continued.


Normal forgetfulness is part of the aging process and usually begins in middle age. However, there is a great difference be-tween forgetting your keys and dementia. Of the various types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is the most common, and is character- r- ized as a severe, progressive loss of memory and thinking ability.

The Benefits of Stimulation and Success.

A lifestyle found to be espe-cially effective for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia is an environment that provides mental stimulation, awakens the senses and provides residents with moments of per- r- sonal success. One example is the newly renovated City Club at The Residences at Thomas Circle, located at 1330 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington, DC. In this soothing environment, resi-dents engage in esteem-building activities that enhance their inde-pendence. The City Club Memory Care specialist and caregivers are

specially trained to bring out what makes each person unique; to recognize his or her life’s achieve-ments, and to treat each individual with well-deserved respect.

“My mother has lived at Thomas Circle for a year,” said Kelly Gailbraith. “The move has definitely made a positive impact on both mine and my mother’s life. I find the most important benefits to be the safety and social interaction. The City Club is clean, beautiful and staffed with cheerful and well-trained professionals. I would highly recommend this community.”

When seeking professional memory support, it’s vital to visit a memory care center and note if it is well maintained inside and out. Is the atmosphere cheerful and positive? Does it feel welcom-ing? City Club residents enjoy daily exercise, outings, group activities, and regularly sched-uled visits with volunteer youth groups. Chef-prepared meals are served family-style in the new

dining room to promote a familiar and more appealing atmosphere. Hallways are bright and engaging, showcasing resident art. A secure, beautifully landscaped courtyard invites time outdoors. The resi-dents’ bunny, Baxter, and visits by therapy pets brighten the day. A Cultural Arts Calendar is tailored to the resident’s specific inter- rests and abilities. Massage and Reiki therapy also are available.

Feels Like Home.The City Club neighborhood and

home-like surroundings soothe and comfort, as well as stimulate reminiscence. “The goal is to use every opportunity to take resi-dents on a soothing journey to a place that is comfortable, pleasant and familiar,” said Angie Lay- y- yfield, Executive Director for The Residences at Thomas Circle. In addition, Thomas Circle is a source of information and guidance on topics related to memory care. Informational seminars are regu-larly held and the public is invited.

For more information about City Club Memory Care at Thomas Circle, the next seminar, or the community’s assisted living, skilled nursing or independent living, call (202) 626-5761 or visitwww.ThomasCircle.com.

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THE SAVINGSGAMEBy Elliot Raphaelson

See DOCUMENTS, page 41

SEASONAL MUSICHoliday Park SeniorCenter presents mu-

sical guest singer and guitarist SteveGellman for seasonal music on Mon-day, Dec. 16 from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.This free event will take place at thecenter at 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton,Md. For more information, call (240)777-4999.

FREE PIANO CONCERTThe WashingtonPiano Society pres-

ents its anniversary concert on Sun-day, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. This free con-cert and reception will include worksby Beethoven, Chopin, Ginastera,Scarlatti and Villa-Lobos, and takesplace at the Montgomery College Cul-tural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave.,Silver Spring, Md. For more informa-tion, visit www.dcpianosociety.org orcall (301) 793-1863.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 16

Dec. 15

Failure to pay homeowners’ association(HOA) fees can result in the loss of yourcondominium to foreclosure. The same canbe true of failure to pay property taxes if youhave a reverse mortgage on your home.Thanks to a limited grant, older Mont-

gomery County residents who are havingtrouble paying these taxes or fees may beeligible for an interest-free loan throughthe Montgomery County-funded HomeSavers program.Asian-American Homeownership Coun-

seling, Inc.(AAHC) will loan up to $4,000to pay past-due fees or taxes, and will ne-gotiate a payment plan if additional moneyis owed. The loan has a repayment periodof 12 to 24 months with no interest.

The organization also offers free moneymanagement and credit education.Applicants must meet the following eli-

gibility requirements:1. Have a low to moderate income.2. Be a resident of Montgomery County.3. The property must be their primary

residence.4. The mortgage payment and escrow

must be current, except for senior home-owners with reverse mortgages.5. Have the ability to repay the loan.To learn more about the program, or to

speak to a housing counselor on the phoneor in person, contact AAHC at (301) 760-7636 or email [email protected]’s website is www.aa-hc.org.

WA SH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money 41

Assistance for Montgomery County

homeowners

If the employer/former employer pro-vided life insurance that named the surviv-ing spouse as the beneficiary, this informa-tion should also be documented.

Future assets: The deceased spousemay have been named as a beneficiary inother wills or trusts. To the extent that thisinformation is known, it should be docu-mented, so the surviving spouse hasknowledge about other assets that may beavailable in the future.Even if each spouse has documented all

relevant information for his or her surviv-ing spouse, death will be followed by a dif-ficult transition period. However, withoutthis information and accompanying ad-vice, costly mistakes will likely be made.Every person has an obligation to en-

sure that a surviving spouse and familymembers have the necessary informationto make informed decisions. One of yourbest legacies will be the means for yourloved ones to carry on with life.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questionsand comments at [email protected].

©2013 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed byTribune Content Agency, LLC.

DocumentsFrom page 40

ECONOMICS 101Know where your money is going. Learn the broad trends that

drive markets and economies, along with investment tactics to

stay ahead of trends on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Walter Reed Senior

Center, 2909 S. 16th St. and Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Arlington Mill Sen-

ior Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., both in Arlington, Va. For more information or to

register, call Walter Reed at (703) 228-0955 or Arlington Mill at (703) 228-7369.

BEACON BITS

Dec. 10+

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Rent based on incomeFrom $704 for 1 bedroom

By Rebekah SewellTwenty years ago, Les LeVine wan-

dered into Mazza Gallerie in NorthwestWashington and discovered a computerroom on the top floor. An instructor wavedhim in, and he stayed for the class. Now 85, LeVine volunteers for Se-

niorTech, the Jewish Council on Aging(JCA) computer education program hestumbled upon all those years ago.SeniorTech was founded in 1991 and

was still young when LeVine began takingclasses. “At the time we looked into doing this,

people were commenting that computerswere just for young people. We felt thatsenior whiz kids should be able to use thecomputer as well,” said Micki Gordon, as-sistant CEO of JCA.The program changed locations many

times as it spread across the Greater Wash-ington area. The Mazza Gallerie location wasshut down to make way for the movie theatre. JCA now holds classes in three loca-

tions: Asbury Methodist Village inGaithersburg, Md., JCA’s Bronfman Cen-ter in Rockville, Md., and Landmark Mallin Alexandria, Va.

First learn, then teachSeniorTech is led and coached by older

adult volunteers, many of whom once tookclasses there. “The idea is seniors teach-ing seniors,” explained Gordon. Along with classes, there are assisted

practice sessions and open lab days,where past students can attend and honetheir skills.Before retiring, LeVine worked as a

window trimmer and a shoe salesman forWoodward & Lothrop, the former retailer,in Washington, D.C. “I had no experience in computers,” he

said. It was his retirement in 1993 thatbrought him to JCA. “I was bored andlooking for something to do,” he explainedwith a laugh. Once he took some classes and had the

skills, he began coaching. Coaches act asassistants to the instructors. They typical-ly sit in the back of the room.“We tell them to be as unobtrusive as

possible,” explained Robin Blackman, pro-gram specialist for SeniorTech. But whenstudents seem to be off track with the cur-riculum, coaches step up to assist. Thereare typically one to two coaches for every

class, depending on number of students. Instructors not only teach the class but

also formulate the curriculum. They areresponsible for leading the lecture and an-

swering questions. After taking that first class, LeVine did-

WA SH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon 43

CareersVolunteers &Did you (or someone

you know) change careers, start a business or go back to school

after retirement?Please share your story. Email

[email protected] or call Barbara at (301) 949-9766.

Volunteers share their hi-tech know-how

Bob Nisbet teaches computer skills to older adults at the SeniorTech location at As-bury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Md. The former Navy cryptologist is one of anumber of volunteers who share their high-tech skills as part of the Jewish Councilon Aging program that is offered at three venues.

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APPLY FOR THE COMMISSION ON AGING

Join the Arlington (Va.) Commission on Aging. The commission ad-

vises the County Board on aging issues and advocates to ensure that the needs of

Arlington’s older adults are included in all county planning and activities. Commis-

sion members are appointed by the County Board and must live or work in Arling-

ton. For more information or an application, see www.tinyurl.com/arlcoa, or con-

tact the Agency on Aging at (703) 228-1700 or [email protected].

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

See HI-TECH, page 45

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By Matt SedenskyEvery passing month and unanswered

resume dimmed Jim Glay’s optimismmore. So with no job in sight, he joined agrowing number of older people and creat-ed his own. In a mix of boomer individualism and

economic necessity, older Americans havefueled a wave of entrepreneurship. The re-sult is a slew of enterprises such as CrashBoom Bam, the vintage drum companythat 64-year-old Glay began running from aspare bedroom in his apartment in 2009. The business hasn’t made him rich, but

Glay credits it with keeping him afloatwhen no one would hire him. “You would send out a stack of 50 re-

sumes and not hear anything,” said Glay,who had been laid off from a sales job.“This has saved me.” Some are making the transition to entre-

preneurship more slowly. Al Wilson, 58, ofManassas, Va., has kept his day job as aprogram analyst at the National ScienceFoundation while he tries to attract busi-ness for Rowdock — the snug calf protec-tor he created to ward off injuries rowerscall “track bites.” Though orders come in weekly from

around the world, they’re not enough yetfor Wilson to quit his job. “At this stage in my life, when I’m look-

ing at retiring in the near future, to stepout and take a risk and start a business,

there was some apprehension,” Wilsonsaid. “But it’s kind of rejuvenated me.”

Highest rate of self-employedThe annual entrepreneurial activity re-

port, published by the Kansas City, Mo.-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Founda-tion, found the share of new entrepreneursages 55 to 64 grew from 14.3 percent in1996 to 23.4 percent last year. Entrepre-neurship among 45- to 54-year-olds saw aslight bump, while activity among younger

age groups fell. The foundation doesn’t track startups by

those 65 and older, but Bureau of Labor Sta-tistics data show that group has a higher rateof self-employment than any other age group. Part of the growth is the result of the

overall aging of America. But experts sayolder people are flocking to self-employ-ment both because of a frustrating jobmarket and the growing ease and falling

44 Volunteers & Careers | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

Older entrepreneurs create new careers

See NEW CAREERS, page 46

9631936

Life opens up when you’re not weighed down by worries. At an Erickson Living® community, we take care of details like maintenance, security, health care and finances, so you’re free to relax and focus on doing what you love.

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Call 1-800-436-0340 to receive your free brochure or to schedule a visit to the Erickson Living community nearest you.

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YGW BanquetSunday, January 12, 2014 | 12 Shevat 5774

VOLUNTEER IN THE ARTSVisArts is looking for volunteers to assist with guests and galleryexhibitions. Volunteers receive $5 credit per hour, which can be

applied to the cost of art classes at VisArts, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville, Md. Thereare also opportunities for free dinner and movies on Thursdays and Fridays. To fillout an application, visit www.VisArtsCenter.com/volunteers. For more informa-tion, call (301) 315-8200.

MAKE THE MOST OF LIFEDeath Cafes encourage open discussion about death in order tomake the most of living. D.C. is hosting its next Death Cafe onTuesday, Dec. 10 at Teaism, A Tea Shop in Penn Quarter at 400

8th St. NW, Washington, D.C. The discussion is from 7 to 9 p.m. Death Cafe DC isfree and open to the public, but space is limited. Make your reservation by send-ing an email to [email protected]. For more information, visithttp://bit.ly/DeathCafeDC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

Dec. 10

n’t know that he would go on to become aninstructor for almost 20 years. “It justsnowballed from there,” he said.

Hooked on volunteering Unexpected volunteer careers seem to

be commonplace with SeniorTech. BobNisbet was a volunteer at AsburyMethodist Village’s computer club. JCAlearned of his skills by referral, and con-tacted him about setting up a JCA-spon-sored SeniorTech program at Asbury. Before volunteering, Nisbet spent 26

years in the Navy as a cryptologist.Though not an Asbury resident, his serv-ice there was an outlet for his technologi-cal skills. In 2001, SeniorTech set up classes in a

bare room in nearby Lakeforest Mall. Twoyears later, they moved to a specially madecomputer room at Asbury, where they con-tinue teaching classes today.The classes are not limited to Asbury

residents, and about half of the partici-pants come from outside the retirementcommunity.Nisbet remembered a 90-year-old

woman who once took his class. “She real-ly stuck through it,” he said. “When something like that [happens], a

person who has never used a computer be-fore, whose grandkids want them to sendemail, those kind of moments are verynice. You’re also always learning [as ateacher],” Nisbet added.Similarly, LeVine enjoys teaching his

students what he knows about word pro-cessing. “There are a lot of things you cando. There are many shortcuts that can en-hance what you are printing or typing up. Ialso get a lot of feedback from the studentslike, ‘Isn’t that interesting. I didn’t know

you could do that,’” he said. Over the years, LeVine has met a few in-

teresting people through SeniorTech. Heonce realized he hadn’t paid much atten-tion to a woman who was quiet. After class,he spoke to her one-on-one to make sureshe understood the content.“I discovered she was the wife of an am-

bassador from South America. I can’t re-member what country it was. She was justso lovely, and I had a long chat with her. Itwas so great that she had picked up a lot ofthings we went over in class.” He also once met Tipper Gore, when

her husband was vice-president of the U.S.The second lady was taking a tour of Se-niorTech and even posed for a photo withhim. JCA gave her a chocolate computer.“She got a kick out of it,” he laughed. Both LeVine and Nisbet plan on remain-

ing with SeniorTech. “I’m hooked on theprogram now. I will be involved as long asI’m in the area,” Nisbet said

For more informationJCA interviews all volunteers, and candi-

dates must provide a resume and refer-ences. If interested in volunteering, callRobin Black at (240) 395-0916 or email [email protected]. Classes cost from $15 to $80, depending

on the course level and number of classsessions. For example, the six-session be-ginner course, “Computer Basics with

Windows 7,” costs $80. For more information about SeniorTech

or to see the class catalogue, visit www.ac-cessjca.org/article/18/programs/em-brace-technology. The Gaithersburg location can be

reached at (301) 987-6291, the Rockville lo-cation’s phone is (301) 255-4200, and theAlexandria office’s number is (703) 941-1007.

WA SH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Volunteers & Careers 45

Hi-techFrom page 43

ADVOCATE FOR

LONG-TERM CARE

The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care

Ombudsman Program needs volunteer

advocates for residents in assisted liv-

ing and nursing facilities throughout

the area. Volunteers can work in facil-

ities close to where they live. Training

is provided. For more information, call

(703) 324-5861, TTY 711 or email

[email protected]

DRIVERS NEEDED

Shepherd’s Center in

Northern Virginia

needs volunteers to drive seniors to

appointments. The center’s client

base is rapidly growing. If interested

in volunteering, call (703) 506-2199.

BEACON BITS

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cost of starting a business. “It’s become easier technologically and

geographically to do this at older ages,”said Dane Stangler, the research and poli-cy director at Kauffman. “We’ll see contin-ued higher rates of entrepreneurship be-cause of these demographic trends.” Paul Giannone’s later-life move to start a

business was fueled not by losing a job, butby a desire for change. After nearly 35 years in information tech-

nology, he embraced his love of pizza andopened a Brooklyn, N.Y., restaurant, PaulieGee’s, in 2010. Giannone, 60, had to take asecond mortgage on his home, but he saidthe risk was worth it: The restaurant is thriv-ing, and a second location is in the works.

“I wanted to do something that I could beproud of,” he said. “I am the only one whomakes decisions, and I love that. I haven’tworked in 3 1/2 years, that’s how it feels.”

Cost and technology barriersMary Furlong, who teaches entrepre-

neurship at Santa Clara University andholds business startup seminars forboomers, said older adults are uniquely po-sitioned for the move because they areoften natural risk-takers who are passionateabout challenges and driven by creativity. There can be hurdles, however. Though most older entrepreneurs opt to

create at-home businesses where they arethe only employee, even startup costs of acouple thousand dollars can be prohibitivefor some. Also, generating business in anonline economy is tougher if the person

has fewer technological skills. Furlong said many who start businesses

later in life do so as a follow-up to a suc-cessful career from which they fear a lay-off or have endured one. “The boomers are looking to entrepre-

neurship as a Plan B,” she said.” Antoinette Little would agree. She spent

20 years at a law firm, starting as a legalsecretary and working her way up to man-age the entire office. The stress of working80 or 90 hours a week and always being oncall started taking a toll. After being diagnosed with an enlarged

heart, she said, “The doctor told me eitherquit or you’re going to die.” Little took a series of culinary classes

and found a new passion, opening An-toinette Chocolatier in Phillipsburg, N.J.She misses her previous career and,though the store is now in the black, theprofits aren’t robust. Still, she said she ishaving fun making chocolate, particularlywhen children press their noses againstthe glass doors to the store’s kitchen. “I’m my own boss, and you get to eat your

mistakes,” she said. “How bad could it be?”

Personal satisfaction, controlJeff Williams, who runs BizStarters —

which has helped Glay and thousands ofother boomers start businesses — saidmost older entrepreneurs want to make aminimal investment, typically less than$10,000, to get off the ground. As a result,

most boomer businesses are at-homeones, not brick-and-mortar establishmentslike those of Little and Giannone. Williams classifies about 40 percent of

his clientele as “reluctant entrepreneurs”who are turning to their own business be-cause they can’t find any other work. Williams said owning a business also gives

older adults the flexibility they desire and asense of control while remaining active. “To suddenly leave the corporate world

and to be sitting around the house all daylong? This is an alien concept to boomers,”he said. Glay said he needed the paycheck, but

starting his business was also about keep-ing his mind engaged. He had worked forthe same record company for 23 years whenhe was told to meet his boss at an airporthotel, where the bad news was delivered. Though Crash Boom Bam hasn’t come

close to replacing an annual income thatcrept into six figures, Glay said he’s busierthan ever now, between the business, regu-lar drumming gigs, and part-time work at abookstore and a wine-tasting event company. Sitting among shelves full of drums and

their shimmering chrome, he is reflectivethinking about what his business means. “The satisfaction of doing what I’m doing

now is much greater, but the money is less,”he said. “Even if it’s not making me a mil-lionaire, I know what it’s doing for my head.There’s no price you could put on that.”

— AP

46 Volunteers & Careers | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

New careersFrom page 44

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wa s h i n g t o n B e a c o n — D e c e M B e R 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon 47

A Special Supplement to The Beacon newspaper

December 2013/No. 31

Hebrew Home of Greater wasHinGton • smitH-KoGod & wasserman residencescoHen-rosen House • HirsH HealtH center • landow House • revitz House • rinG House

A+ gradesPage 2

Refreshing Wasserman

Page 5

Lisa Fischer entertains at Starlight

Page 7

“I believe I’ve lived an unusual life,” says Ring House resident Harvey Geller. At 92, outgoing and flashing a wide grin, this remarkable statistician was the first to compile tables that have become the basis for all actuarial tables on life expectancy. His work also produced early proof that mammograms could improve breast cancer survival rates.

But Harvey starts the interview with how he met his wife Helen 70 years ago at Brooklyn College. Emerging from an accounting mid-term, an “A” in his pocket, Harvey spied a coed on the lawn anxiously study-ing for the same test. “I think I can help you with that,” offered Harvey. He did, she passed with ease, and they celebrated. Two years later, just 12 days after his 1945 discharge from the U.S. army -- Harvey served in Patton’s 3rd Army -- Harvey married Helen in his parents’ living room.

Hired by the DC Health Department in 1949 to head up a statistical section for cancer research, Harvey moved his family to Maryland. He next took a position at the U.S. Public Health Service where he would make two significant contributions to health care management.

Using data from the 1960 U.S. “mortality experience” and population census, Harvey created statistical tables to predict death probability: within five years and from the top 15 causes for each age-sex-race group. His groundbreaking work, the first Probability Tables of Deaths from Specific Causes, became known as The Geller Tables; updated and expanded, it has evolved into the basis of all actuarial life tables employed in public and private sectors.

Harvey’s second career achievement was a statistical analysis for a team of radiologists led by Dr. Robert L. Egan to support a theory that mammography might improve breast cancer survival rates. Geller’s

Ring House welcomes ground-breaking statistician and Senior Olympics gold medalist by Emily Tipermas

“One of the things I’m most grateful for is that my mind is acute and active,” says Harvey Geller, 92. “I can sit and discuss things that happened a long time ago…and learn new things.”

work demonstrated the irrefutable clinical importance of this technol-ogy as a tool for early cancer detection in women.

But there’s more to Harvey than statistics. A college cross-country team captain and life-long athlete, Harvey began competing at age 60 in the Senior Olympics in cycling, running, and race walking. He accrued over 100 medals, mostly gold. During his 80s, he shifted to competitive swimming. These days Harvey maintains flexibility and muscle strength with non-competitive exercises.

In his new home at Ring House, Harvey stays active and engaged. Life continues to be a joy, filled with enthusiasm for the next interest-ing experience around the bend. Boomers in need of a role model should take note! n

Harvey Geller (center) excelled on the Brooklyn College track team in the 1940’s, and has gone on to become a Senior Olympics gold medalist.

Design matters

Page 3

Open Wide: see our new dental clinics

Page 4

48 More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com D e c e M B e R 2 0 1 3 — wa s h i n g t o n B e a c o n

Page 2 | December 2013

First person

For 103 years, we have been there to provide care for the elderly in our community. In this season of gift giving:

• your used car can turn into a fabulous trip to Strathmore Music Center • naming us as the charity of choice can fund creative arts programs • a gift of stocks or bonds can help staff learn state-of-the-art memory care • your employer’s matching gift can double the impact of your contribution.

Learn how you can help by calling 301.770.8329 or visit www.hebrew-home.org.

Campus news

Our quality report cardAs a community, we focus on providing

quality services and programs. I am extremely pleased to share recent evaluations by indepen-dent authorities that demonstrate how our com-mitment to quality is paying off. H CMS 5-Star Quality Rating — The Centers

for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Nurs-ing Home Compare website, which is widely referred to, gives the Hebrew Home an overall rating of 5 stars – the highest possible.

H Family Survey — The Maryland Healthcare Commission’s 2013 Maryland Nursing Facility Family Survey measures satisfaction in five domains. The Home’s high ratings, which exceed State aver-ages, include overall care (8.9 on a 10-point scale) and percentage of families who would recommend us to others (96%).

H Pay for Performance — This State of Maryland program links nursing home payment to specific, defined quality measures. The Home ranks 12th among 205 facilities (compared to 24th in 2012 and 36th in 2011), based on staffing patterns, staff retention, family satisfaction, employee influenza vaccination rates, dedicated hours toward infection prevention, and CMS quality measures.

H Landow House and Cohen-Rosen House State Inspection — Our assisted living and memory care residences received a perfect deficiency-free survey, an exceptional accomplishment.

H Ring House HUD Inspection — Ring House received a score of 93 on its Housing and Urban Development Inspection, the equiva-lent of an A grade for excellence in safety and maintenance.

H Revitz House REAC Inspection — Revitz House received a score of 85 on its HUD Real Estate Assessment Center Inspection. This inspection covers site, exterior, building systems, common areas, and dwelling units.

H Cohen-Rosen House Design — Find the impressive list of 2013 awards on page 3.Each of these rankings is a singular

accomplishment; taken together, they paint a picture of exemplary programs and service. Kudos to our staff who lead this focused effort on quality each and every day.

Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO

VP for Development named

Charles E. Smith Life Communities is pleased to announce the appointment of Abbey Silberman Fagin as Vice President, Development and Public Affairs. She comes to our senior community from American University where she was Assistant Vice President of Development.

Abbey brings broad experience in fundraising, campaigns and events, stewardship and strategic planning.

At American University, she served as campaign director for a successful $200 million capital campaign, the largest in the institution’s history.

A member of Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, Abbey lives in Gaith-ersburg with her husband Ken and two daughters. In accepting her new role, Abbey shared, “it is an honor for me to continue my commitment to philanthropy at an organization that so beautifully honors our aging loved ones by delivering exemplary clinical care with social, cultural, and spiritual services that bring them joy and meaning.” For more information on making a gift, contact the Office of Development and Public Affairs at 301.770.8329 or visit www.hebrew-home.org. n

>>In a win-win inter-generational program at Ring House, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School students read to residents who are delighted to encourage youngsters to savor the joy of sharing a good book.

<<Over 60 Mah Jongg enthusiasts played for fun, enjoyed lunch and met new friends at a special Ring House community event. It was a great day and a chance to show off this outstanding senior living residence to guests. To be notified of upcoming special events at Ring House, call 301.816.5052. n

Special events at Ring House


LifeTimes | Page 3

Generation to Generation

Staff and board members from Pittsburgh’s Jewish Association on Aging toured the campus of Charles E. Smith Life Communities to gain insight into our campus’ success in senior services. They took particular interest in the design features of Cohen-Rosen House. “It was like an oasis,” commented Stephen Halpern, JAA Board Chair. “A magnificent, small, community of residents right out of a Frank Lloyd Wright design and setting.”

Designing senior-friendly environments

Designing an environment for someone with memory issues is a special challenge. SAGE, the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments, offers these principles of design:• Provide for physical safety and

psychological security.• Use all aspects of the environ-

ment as a resource for healing and improved functioning.

• Focus on the needs and desires of the whole person: social, emotional, spiritual, physical, intellectual.

• Maximize choices and opportu-nities for individual rights and personal autonomy, including accessibility.

• Generate opportunities for meaningful interactions and relationships among peers, families and staff.

• Create an environment that supports caregivers.

• Harness technology to increase functionality.

• Encourage innovation, diversity of approaches, experimentation and evaluation of outcomes.

Putting principles into practiceThe homelike environment of

Cohen-Rosen House promotes a healthy lifestyle, dignity and personalization, and is a model for memory care design. The residence is all about making connections, and some of its special features are:• The design is based on the layering

of residents’ life stories, and incorpo-rates Judaic traditions and historical continuity.

• Daily life activities take place in an environment that connects residents to each other, their families, caregiv-ers and with nature.

• The large centralized living space is bounded by a window wall, a four-season porch, and views of the land-scaped resident courtyard. It offers an aquarium, open bookshelves and two-sided fireplace.

• Outside each resident’s room is a large memory box to display items that reflect his or her unique person-ality and life story.

• A resident can securely explore the large “house” and exterior courtyard or find areas to sit quietly, inside or out, including a Calming Room. n

Perhaps you have had the experience of entering a medieval cathedral and feeling awestruck, or entering a friend’s home and feeling immediately welcomed and at ease. The environments we build do affect our mood and our behavior.

Design matters Initiatives

The following organizations have honored Cohen-Rosen House and its design team for improving quality of life through innovation in memory care:• U. S. Green Building Council, which named Cohen-Rosen the first Assisted Living LEED-Silver Certified NC (New Construction)

project in Maryland for its environment-friendly features.• The Design for Aging Review, a joint program of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and LeadingAge. This recognition includes a juried exhibition, companion book and educational programs. • The International Association of Homes and Services for Aging, which will feature Cohen-Rosen House at its annual conference in China.• The Assisted Living Federation of America’s second annual Senior Living By Design awards, published in the November/December issue of Senior Living Executive.• Environments for Aging magazine, Citation of Merit, in conjunction with the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environ-ments, the Center for Health Design and the International Interior Design Association.

The design team for the award-winning memory center in-cludes architect THW Design, interior design THW Interiors and general contractor Whiting-Turner. Lead donors are Judy and Richard Cohen.

“Perhaps the most meaningful recognition is the selection each family makes when they choose Cohen-Rosen House for a loved one,” says Warren Slavin, President/CEO. To learn more about this unique residence, or to place a name on the waiting list, call 301.816.5050.

PersPective“At Cohen-Rosen House, the quality and connectivity of spaces, unique design of individual resident rooms with large memory boxes, generous use of artwork and homelike feel all contribute to an enhanced quality of life for its residents.”

— Environments for Aging , 2013 Showcase issue



Open Wide

Dr. Williamowsky knows his history – of the Home’s Dental ClinicReminiscing about the Hebrew Home’s early days on Spring Road in

Northwest DC, retired dentist Ben Williamowsky talks about the 1940s when local Jewish dentists turned out in impressive force to volunteer at the Home’s dental clinic. He himself joined their ranks in 1949, a year after graduating from University of Maryland’s Dental School.

“On Sundays, we had to wait in line to use the chair,” he recalls. This singular tradition of providing all-volunteer dental services

continues today with the involvement of Alpha Omega dental fraternity, and although Dr. Williamowsky is retired, he continues to attend Dental Panel events and recently toured the new Diener-Friedlander clinic in the Wasserman Residence.

“Our goal is to provide optimal dental care for residents,” says Dr. Richard Meltzer, chair of today’s Dental Panel. “We’re dedicated to help-ing the elderly maintain oral health and, in turn, enhance their quality of life.”

This is accomplished in two recently remodeled state-of the-art dental clinics — equipped with digital x-rays, modern cleaning equip-ment and, most notably, special technology that allows residents to be treated in their wheelchairs without having to transfer to a dental chair. A full range of preventive, restorative and prosthodontic care is offered to residents, and the volunteer dentists do not charge residents for their services.

Dr. Ben, as he’s affectionately called, has a bounty of stories to tell from his five decades of volunteer involvement at the Home. Here are two of his favorites:

The daughter of a resident once asked if he would examine her mother, a beautiful woman whose remaining teeth were healthy but loose. When Dr. Ben completed treatment, the resident said, “I’d like to pay you now.”

“But there is no fee,” he answered. “Well then, I’d like to sing you a song,” she said, crooning in the

sweetest voice, I Love You Truly. Dr. Ben assured her that, thanks to her lovely performance, they now had reached a “square deal.”

The second story Dr. Ben relates concerns a blind patient who asked, “Do you know me?”

“No,” the doctor replied. “Did we ever meet?”“No,” said the patient, “but I know your father.”“How do you know him?” asked Dr. Ben. “I know his voice,” the patient said, “and you sound just like him.” Dr. Ben’s father, Chaim Williamowsky, was the respected rabbi at

Southeast Hebrew Congregation for many years, a leader in the Jewish community, and a man who impressed upon his son the values of tzedakah, mitzvot and tikkun olam – charity, good deeds, and saving the world. That response, says Dr. Ben, “made me feel so good.”

Considering how good Dr. Ben and his colleagues have made our residents feel through the years, that’s another “square deal.”

For more information about dental care for seniors, read the Novem-ber issue of Generation to Generation newsletter, at www.hebrew-home.org, on the Newsroom. n

Meet the volunteer dental panel

Dr. Marc Fisher, DDS, is a member of the volunteer dental team that cares for residents in the Hebrew Home’s new dental clinic.

Dr. Ben Williamowsky

reading the november issue of Generation to Generation newsletter and learning about dental health tips for seniors is guaranteed to be painless.

find it at hebrew-home.org under newsroom. while you’re there, check the archives for 100+ topics.


LifeTimes | Page 5

Here’s a hot new idea for a chilly season: be a snowbird in Rockville. Winter is the perfect time to try us out. Our social programs, drivers, chefs, snow shovelers and back-up generators take the chill out of winter. Call now about a short stay at warm, welcoming Ring House, 301.816.5000.

Sharing our expertise

Charles E. Smith Life Communities en-listed the Maryland-based company greeNEWit to provide free “Quick Home Energy Check-ups” for our two senior living residences, Ring House and Revitz House. Residents are now benefiting from energy-saving and cost-saving items in their apartments, including compact flourescent light bulbs, faucet aerators and shower heads, all installed at no cost to them. The result is that both buildings will experience substantial savings in electricity and water and help curb the release of CO2 emissions into the air. By the end of 2015, our campus should be able to reduce per capita energy consumption and per capita peak demand by 15 percent.

How do residents feel about the conservation effort? Ring House Administrator Carol Cohen-Wolfe reports that seniors who welcomed work crews into their apartments have expressed excitement and support for the idea that they have been able to play an active role in reducing their own environmental footprint.

For tips on what you can do in your own home, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s online guide, EnergySavers – Tips on Saving Money & Energy at Home at http://energy.gov/energysaver/downloads/energy-savers-guide. It presents a “whole house” approach for savings and touches on energy savings related to driving. n

Saving energy

Youth Philanthropy begins fifth season

The fifth season of our successful Harold and Shirley Robinson H2YP Youth Philanthropy Program begins in January. Teens participating in this program have funded a Spanish for Seniors class at Ring House, a high-tech device for residents with dementia and trips to musical and theatrical performances.

Each year from January to May, about 15 high school students play an active role as philanthropists and act as a foundation board, making decisions on grant proposals to benefit campus residents. Each participant will make a contribution of $250 toward the grant pool. The students gain a personal knowledge of tzedakah and what it can accomplish, learn more about Charles E. Smith Life Communities, and earn service learning hours.

Encourage your high school student to participate in this worthy program. Please forward their name and contact information by January 15 to Gale Deitch at [email protected] or call 301.770.8409. n

Wasserman modernizes second floor

Rehabilitation patients, residents and visitors are all enjoying the positive results of our 2012 projects in the Wasserman Residence – the beautiful new Elizabeth Gelman lobby, new Dekelboum Therapy Center and life skills apartment, Ratner beauty salon and Rutstein Wi-Fi café. Now, work to modernize the second floor is underway. The results will be:

• All-private patient accommodations • A totally redesigned and updated dining room• New spa areas and day rooms• Access to the second floor outdoor porch These improvements will make our rehabilitation center as

attractive a place to stay during recovery as it is an exceptional place for care and therapy.

Work will take place in four phases, so only a small portion of the second floor will be closed at any time. While most visitors may not even be aware of the work that will be going on, some changes will be evident. For example, during the first phase, the center elevators in the Wasserman Residence will not stop on the second floor. Signs will guide visitors to their destinations.

Should you have any questions as we improve our environment and services, please contact Neal White, Nursing Home Administrator, at 301.770.8331. We look forward to inviting you to see the new areas as we bring our plans to life. n

A model room has been set up for staff and visitor comments as renovation begins on the Wasserman Residence second floor. Director of Admissions Elaine Gebell explains how floor space has expanded by replacing a dresser with new built-in cabinets in the closet space.



if you’ve purchased a new set of wheels, consider donating your used vehicle to the Hebrew Home. Proceeds directly benefit our elderly residents.

Call 301.770.8329 for details.

“Happiness held is the seed; happiness shared is the flower.” ~John Harrigan

A gift of flowers for your favorite Hebrew Home resident is a lovely way to express affection. Order a colorful bouquet by calling 301.770.8333.

People in the news

Recognizing a Shining Star

“I call them my VIP people,” says geriatric nursing assistant Miriam Montenegro, referring to the residents whom she has patiently cared for throughout her nearly 20 years at the Hebrew Home. Describing how she responds to a wide and complex range of needs, she adds, “I want to give our elderly the respect and dignity they deserve.”

Along with reporting important health information to the medical team, Miriam assists residents with all aspects of daily living. “She is so sensitive to my needs without even asking,” notes Lucille Kligerman. “I feel as though she’s my dear friend.” Such sentiments are shared by everyone under Miriam’s care and for that reason she is among the most deeply appreciated members of our staff. n

Miriam Montenegro

Patty Hagen, director of Memory Care Programs, is one of an elite group of professionals who have earned Dementia Capable Care/Care Partner recognition.

Warmest thanks to Jason Rubin of Entertainment Experts for donating a traditional jukebox to Ring House as part of his Jukebox Memories Project, and to his friend Dale Lazar, owner of an electronic games business, for donating the CDs. Isabel Kaufman enjoys listening to old favorites, and some residents have been spotted dancing.

Musician-in-residence for 26 years, Liz Kruger sings her way into the hearts of our residents.

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is a registered charity in Maryland and Virginia. A copy of the Home’s financial statement is available from the Maryland Secretary of State or the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs. We are an equal opportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are open to all in the community.

Marc F. Solomon, ChairWarren R. Slavin, President/CEOAbbey S. Fagin, VP, Development and

Public AffairsMarilyn Feldman, Editor

© 2013 by The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852301.881.0300www.smithlifecommunities.org

Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to

United Way n check 8111 or for CFC n check 49705. 3 3

<<When generous donor Sylvia Greenberg couldn’t be present at her latest Woodmont Country Club luncheon for 80 campus residents, son Ken Greenberg and daughter Beverly Halpert made it a point to warmly greet residents at every table on her behalf.

<<Our Clinical Education team conveyed their message to get a flu shot in a colorful and creative way. The campus offers free flu shots to all staff as one way to protect staff and residents’ health.

While the Hebrew Home partners with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington on community issues, we are not a beneficiary agency and do not receive any of its funding.

>>Rabbi James Michaels has added a Certificate in Palliative Care Chaplaincy to his credentials. The course covered enhanced communication with patients and families, cultural sensitivity and dialogue with clinicians.

>>

>>


LifeTimes | Page 7

Lifelines

Making an impactBessie Cohen Levenson was

very petite, very feisty, and she made sure she made an impact. Born in Poland, she and her sister Emma came to the United States as youngsters.

Both women enjoyed successful, if wildly different careers. Emma became an opera singer at the Met in New York. Bessie went to law school at American University right out of high school, earning her law degree in 1915 and becoming one of the first female attorneys.

Bessie’s husband Jacob Levenson and his family owned a jewelry store on Pennsylvania Avenue called J. B. Levenson Jeweler. Bessie rescued the business from bankruptcy and then ran the store for the rest of her life.

According to family, Bessie was a suffragist, not very religious, and felt that Judaism at that time was sexist. Considering Bessie’s non-reli-gious leanings, her family was fairly surprised and quite pleased at the number of Jewish charities she included in her estate plans.

Bessie’s personality, strength of character and impact will continue to be remembered at the Hebrew Home where we received an estate gift from her trust this summer. Find out how you can make an impact by remembering Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Contact Elana Lippa at 301.770.8342. n

Bessie Cohen Levenson’s graduation photo from American University.

Dear 1 East staff members,

I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly touched I was by your care toward my mother and my family during the last days of her life. I always knew you were special because my mother was so happy at the Hebrew Home. From the moment she arrived, you made her feel welcomed and safe. Her last year of life was a remarkable one, and I am so happy that she had the chance to spend it with you. You all made such a difference in the quality of her life. She loved you all.

Thank you. Holly

Event makers

Kathy Dweck tries her hand as medical examiner. Barbara and Allan Hurwitz pose in front of Bonnie and Clyde’s getaway car from the 1967 movie at the 2013 President’s Circle Dinner on November 11, a special “thank you” to donors at the President’s Circle level and above. This year’s event was an exclusive visit to the one-of-a-kind National Museum of Crime and Punishment, generously hosted by Augustine Home Health Care and the Jonathan S. and Patricia G. England Foundation.

Sandy and Stanley Bobb and Mildred Hoffberg, of blessed memory, will be honored at Starlight on Thursday evening, December 12. The event features Lisa Fischer, who tours with the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Sting, and Chris Botti. Her amazing stagecraft, tone and featured role in the documentary film Twenty Feet from Stardom have created an anticipatory buzz.

From our inbox, regarding the 2013 Home Run, chaired by Marc Schlesinger: “First things first, absolutely super job on the race yesterday, I sent a personal note to Ron Paul of EagleBank today noting how well organized it was; your team and you are the consummate race professionals. You should be very proud of the turnout, race organization and the monies raised for such a great cause. BTW, I noticed I placed third in my division - can I pick up that medal sometime? - The 54 year old male ego is pretty fragile.” Alan Carruthers

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can you help others …and decrease your taxable income at the same time? Yes! If you’re at least 70 1/2 years old, you can make a 2013 gift directly from your IRA, up to $100,000, to benefit the residents of the Hebrew Home. An IRA Rollover donation that equals the amount of your required minimum distribution does not have to be recognized as income on your taxes. Learn more by calling Elana Lippa at 301.770.8342.



How to Reach Us

n Hebrew Home 301.770.8476 Rehab and Long Term www.hebrew-home.org

n Cohen-Rosen House301.816.5050 www.cohen-rosen.org

n Hirsh Health Center301.816.5004

n Landow House301.816.5050 www.landowhouse.org

n Revitz House301.770.8450 www.revitzhouse.org

n Ring House301.816.5012 www.ringhouse.org

facebook.com/ceslc

twitter.com/hhgw

Calendar of events

While the Hebrew Home partners with the Jewish Federation of

Greater Washington on community issues, we are not a beneficiary agency and do not receive any

of its funding.

Online now at www.hebrew-home.org:• 2014 price lists• New welcome guide to rehabilitation• Make a year-end gift to the Hebrew Home

5 ChanukahEighth day of Chanukah

H2YP application deadline The 2014 session of the Shirley and Harold Robinson Youth Philanthropy Program is about to kick off its fifth year. See page 5.

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January

Other events

Starlight, an evening with Lisa Fischer Bethesda North Marriott, 6:30 pm RSVP at 301.770.8329 or hebrew-home.org

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GROWS breakfast Professionals serving seniors meet at Ring House. RSVP and pay at 301.765.3325 or growsmc.org

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DeCember

For more information about community events, resident programs and news for families, visit www.

hebrew-home.org and www.smithlifecommunities.org.

Hebrew Home Family CouncilOpen to family members and friends of Hebrew Home residents, Wasserman board room, 1 pm, on Sunday, Dec. 15, Jan. 26, Feb. 23.For more information email [email protected]

1st Sunday of the month Jewish War Veterans Ring House, 10 am, Veterans and interested persons welcome.

2nd Monday of the month Family Caregiver Support GroupPresented jointly by Ring House and JSSA Senior Services Free, open to the communityRing House, noon – 1:30 pm. Call 301.816.2635.

“Joy in Color” resident art show opening reception Landow House Gallery, 2 – 3:30 pm Made possible by Ellen Gelman Special Exhibition Fund.

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Artist: Pearl Rubenstein

We have outstanding programs on campus, but our residents don’t just hang around home. Betty Kedan, Isabel Kaufman and Libby Kaner join frequent Ring House trips to Strathmore, the Kennedy Center, museums and other cultural venues.

It was a real treat for Hebrew Home resident Sylvia Golnick, 90, when her family popped by for an impromptu lunch visit. This special four-generation event included her daughter Mindi Weisenbloom, granddaughter and son-in-law Meriam and David Grimsley, and great-grandson M.J. Apart from these visits which brighten her day, Sylvia happily notes, “If you ever have to be in a retirement place, you should be here. I feel like I’m in a family-- I feel like I’m home!”

By Michael ToscanoDecember is traditionally the family-

friendliest month on D.C.-area stages, witha mix of holiday-themed perennials andtime-honored favorites.

A listing of some of this year’s top attrac-tions follows.

Before we get to the more traditional of-ferings, there’s something a bit different atthe Kennedy Center: Elf The Musical(Dec. 17 to Jan. 5). The Opera Housewill vibrate with the national touring com-pany of the show, which is based on the2003 comedy film starring Will Ferrell.

The Kennedy Center bills this as a“modern day Christmas classic.” Whilewe’re not sure it has achieved that statusyet, the musical does boast good theatricalgenes. The music and book come from agroup of Tony Award winners, and thestory is both funny and heart-warming.

Naturally, it focuses on discovering the“true meaning of Christmas” as Buddy, ayoung orphan child, mistakenly crawlsinto Santa’s bag and soon finds himself atthe North Pole. He grows up thinking he’san elf, but Santa helps him find the truthby letting him go to New York to discover

his identity and bring the Christmas mes-sage to New Yorkers.

Elf will be performed in the Kennedy Cen-ter Opera House Dec. 17 to Jan. 5. Perform-ances: Tuesday through Sunday evenings inthe Opera House at 7:30 p.m. with Saturdayand Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m.

There is no evening performance on Dec.24. There is an additional matinee perform-ance on Dec. 26. The evening performanceon Dec. 31 begins at 8 p.m. and includes ad-mission into the Kennedy Center’s NewYear’s Eve party in the Grand Foyer.

Reserved tickets range in price from $49 to $130 and can be purchased at theKennedy Center box office, at www.kennedy-center.org, or by calling Instant Charge at(202) 467-4600.

Now to the Christmas chestnuts. Thetheme, as always, is tradition, with variationson the work of Charles Dickens comingback year after year on a number of stages.

The grand-daddy of them all is alwaysFord’s Theatre’s A Christmas Carol(now through Jan. 1). Local stage favoriteEdward Gero is back as miserly Scrooge inthis “music infused” take on the Dickensclassic story of a man finding redemption

with the help of the ghosts ofChristmas Past, Present and Fu-ture. Ford’s recommends theshow for ages five and up.

A Christmas Carol will be per-formed at Ford’s Theatre throughJan. 1, at 511 10th St. NW. Per-formances: Tuesdays throughSundays at 7:30 p.m. (except Dec.24 and 25); Saturdays and Sun-days at 2 p.m. (except Dec. 7).Mondays Dec. 23 and 30 at 7:30p.m. Weekday noon matinees areDec. 4, 5, 11 and 12. Weekdaymatinees at 2 p.m. are Dec. 18, 19,23, 26, 31 and Jan. 1.

There will be audio-described

Ford’s Theatre’s production ofA Christmas Carol runsthrough January 1, featuringTre Jones as Tiny Tim andBobby Smith as Bob Cratchit.Other versions of the popularDickens story are on stage at the Olney Theatre and MetroStage.

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WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon 55

Arts & StyleHighlights of festive holiday productions

See ROUND UP, page 56

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A Wolf Trap Gift Certificate or an Annual Membership makes the perfect holiday gift.

Members receive VIP benefits including priority ticket buying and invitations to members-only events.

Get in the spirit at wolftrap.org/giveor call 703.255.1900.

TTTEncore-Worthy Gifts

WOLF TRAP FOUNDATION IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

The national touring company of theBroadway show Elf the Musical is nowappearing at the Kennedy Center.

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fitting to the opera’s story, but is also alament toward a story that might insteadbe forgotten.

Why enunciate this tragedy when it’s

best to simply forget? It’s best that we for-get, lest others suffer from a resultingvengeance; this vengeance perpetuatesinto yet more vengeance. Immediately,stop!

Edward AbramicWashington, D.C.

performances on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7:30p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. A cap-tioned performance is scheduled for Sun-day, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. A sign-interpreted per-formance is Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $91 andare available at www.fords.org and Ticket-master 1-800-982-2787. Ford’s Theatre isaccessible to persons with disabilities, of-

fering wheelchair accessible seating andrestrooms and audio enhancement. For in-formation, call (202) 347-4833. There is noparking at Ford’s, but there are parkinggarages close by.Olney Theatre Center’s A Christ-

mas Carol (now through Dec. 29) isbecoming a tradition now, too, as this isthe fourth year they’re presenting localactor Paul Morella’s version of the classic.

Morella notes of his adaptation, “Whatmakes this one unique is the fact that it is

the only true version of the Dickens clas-sic, presented as Dickens himself original-ly intended. So many claim to be faithful tothe original, but this is the original — with99% from the novella itself.” The theaterrecommends the show for ages 10 and up.

A Christmas Carol will be performed atOlney Theatre Center’s Mulitz-GudelskyTheatre Lab, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. inOlney, Md. Performances: Thursday, Fridayand Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdayand Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Additionalperformances will be Wednesday, Dec. 11 at7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.;Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Monday,Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 24 at1:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the box office(301-924-3400) or online at www.olneythe-atre.org. Audio described performancesare offered on the second Wednesdayevening of each production’s run.

A Broadway Christmas Carol(through Dec. 22) is back at Alexandria’sMetroStage for the fourth season, and, yes,it’s the same show formerly performed atRound House Theatre in Silver Spring forseven years. There’s a Scrooge, of course,and remnants of the Dickens’ tale, mixedwith song parodies from 33 classic Broadwayshows, including work by Rodgers and Ham-merstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, StephenSondheim and others.

A Broadway Christmas Carol will be per-formed at MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. inAlexandria, Va. Performances: Thursdaysand Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 and 8p.m., and Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m. All tick-ets are $50. For reservations, call 1-800-494-8497 or visit www.metrostage.org.There is a free parking lot.Toby’s Dinner Theatre is also a holiday-

theatre destination this year, with its pro-duction of Miracle on 34th Street (nowthrough Jan. 5). This is another musicaladaption of a movie favorite, the 1947 filmstarring John Payne and Maureen O’Hara.(There have been three other cinematicversions, but the 1947 film is the one thathas become a staple of holiday TV fare.)

With music, lyrics and story fromMeredith Wilson (The Music Man), this isthe tale of a white-bearded gentleman who

convinces New York that Santa is real. Thescore features the song “It’s Beginning toLook a Lot Like Christmas.”

Miracle on 34th Street runs through Jan. 5at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5900 SymphonyWoods Rd., Columbia, Md. With perform-ances seven days a week, the doors open at6 p.m. for evening-and-dinner shows Mon-day through Saturday, and at 5 p.m. for theSunday evening performance. Doors openfor matinee-and-brunch performances at10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Sundays.

Following the buffet, the evening per-formances begin at 8 p.m. except Sundays,when show time is 7 p.m. Matinee per-formances begin at 12:30 p.m. Reserva-tions are required.

Ticket prices range from $37.50 to $56,depending on which performance is se-lected. Ticket prices include an all-you-can-eat buffet. There is ample, free parking onthe premises. For reservations and infor-mation, call (410) 730-8311 or 1-800-88TOBYS (888-6297). You may also visitwww.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

Here is a list of shows that may not haveholiday-specific themes, but are consid-ered family favorites:

Cinderella (Dec. 6 to 22) is a budg-et-friendly show staged by The BritishPlayers, which means there will be a dashof vaudeville added to the magic of a fairygodmother who helps our heroine breakfree from her wicked stepmother andnasty stepsisters to find happiness withPrince Charming

The Players perform the show in whatis called “traditional British pantomime,”which they describe this way: “a popularform of theatre, incorporating song, dance,buffoonery, slapstick, in-jokes, audienceparticipation and mild innuendo.” Despitethe “innuendo,” they say the show is sug-gested for ages 4 and up.

Cinderella will be performed Dec. 6 toDec. 22 at Kensington Town Hall, 3710Mitchell St. in Kensington, Md. Perform-ances: Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30p.m. (except Dec. 24 and 25); Saturdaysand Sundays at 2 p.m. (except Dec. 7).Mondays, Dec. 23 and 30 at 7:30 p.m.

56 Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

Round upFrom page 55

See ROUND UP, page 58

2014 Season Subscriptions now on sale! Call the Box Office today!

11/14/14 - 2/22/159/5/14 - 11/9/146/26/14 - 8/31/14

3/28/14 - 6/22/141/11/14 - 3/23/1411/15/13 - 1/5/14

TOBY’S DINNER THEATRE OF COLUMBIA • CALL 410-730-8311

D inner & Shhhooo wTobysDinnerTheatre.com

RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!

Based on availability. Due to the nature of theatre bookings, all shows,dates and times are subject to change.

SPEND YOUR NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH TOBY’S!Dinner, Show, favors, champagne toast at midnight,

dancing and breakfast buffet

Letters to editorFrom page 2

WINTER CHORAL CONCERTThe Gaithersburg Chorus presents its winter concert in celebra-tion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Britten. The

chorus will perform Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” and “Rejoice in the Lamb.” OnSaturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, performances will be held at St. JohnNeumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Rd., in Gaithersburg starting at 7:30p.m. Another performance on Tuesday, Dec. 10 will be held at the RosboroughCultural Arts Center Theater at Asbury Methodist Village, 409 Russell Ave., inGaithersburg starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.For more information, call (301) 258-6394

BEACON BITS

Dec. 7+

WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style 57

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

2013–2014 SEASON

(202) 467-4600 nationalsymphony.org

Tickets from $10 available at the Box Office Groups (202) 416-8400 | TTY (202) 416-8524

Steven Reineke, conductorThe University of Maryland Concert Choir, Edward Maclary, director

Praised for his “singularly thunderous baritone” (The New York Times), versatile entertainer Brian Stokes Mitchell headlines this annual NSO Pops tradition filled with joyful songs of the season conducted by NSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke. Look out for festive decorations, a visit from Santa Claus, and even snow in the Concert Hall!

THU., DEC. 12 AT 7 | FRI., DEC. 13 AT 8 SAT., DEC. 14 AT 1:30 & 8

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO.

The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation.

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO.

The 2013-2014 NSO Pops Season is presented through the generosity of

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of Happy Holidays!

Additional support is provided by The Honorable Barbara H. Franklin

and Mr. Wallace Barnes.Sir Mark Elder, conductorStephen Hough, piano

David Hardy, celloDaniel Foster, viola

ELGAR: In the SouthLISZT: Piano Concerto No. 1R. STRAUSS: Don Quixote

THU., JAN. 16 AT 7 | FRI., JAN. 17 AT 8 | SAT., JAN. 18 AT 8*AfterWords: Thu., Jan. 16 performance followed by a free discussion.

Hough plays Liszt

THU., DEC. 19 AT 7 P.M. | FRI., DEC. 20 AT 8 P.M. SAT., DEC. 21 AT 8 P.M. | SUN., DEC. 22 AT 1 P.M.

Handel’s MessiahRossen Milanov, conductorLeah Crocetto, sopranoElizabeth DeShong,

mezzo-sopranoRussell Thomas, tenor

Iain Paterson, bass-baritoneThe Choral Arts Society

of Washington, Scott Tucker, artistic director

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!With Brian Stokes Mitchell

SUNDAYMATINEE

S T E P H E N H O U G H S I R M A R K E L D E R

T H E C H O R A L A R T S S O C I E T Y O F W A S H I N G T O N

SATURDAYMATINEE

Weekday noon matinees are Dec. 4, 5, 11and 12. Weekday 2 p.m. matinees are Dec.18, 19, 23, 26, 31 and Jan. 1.

For tickets, call the box office at (240) 447-9863 or visit www.britishplayers.org. Pricesare $20 for adults, $12 for kids under 12.

Over on the other side of the Olney The-atre Center campus, away from oldScrooge, is The King and I (throughDec. 29). The Rodgers & Hammersteinclassic is now 60 years old, but its sparkling,hit-filled score remains timeless.

The musical is set in Siam (now Thai-land) in the 1860s. The King is a single par-ent who imports a prim English nanny, the“I” of the title, to raise his children. Sheends up helping the King to usher in anew, modern age for his people, while en-

gaging in fairly sophisticated dance andsinging a score including such tunes as“Getting to Know You,” “Shall We Dance?,”“I Whistle A Happy Tune,” and “Hello,Young Lovers.” Recommended for ages 5and up.

The King and I will be performed at theOlney Theatre Center’s Mainstage, 2001Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. in Olney, Md.Showtime Wednesday, Thursday, Fridayand Saturday is 8 p.m.; 7 p.m. Sunday; withmatinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tuesday performances are scheduledDec. 17 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.; with additionalWednesday matinees at 2 p.m. on Dec. 4 and18, and matinees at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec.24, Thursday, Dec. 26, and Friday, Dec. 27.

Ticket prices range from $48.50 to $55and are available at the box office (301-924-3400) or www.olneytheatre.org. OlneyTheatre Center is accessible to patrons

with mobility impairment (mention seat-ing needs when placing ticket order).Audio described performances are offeredon the second Wednesday evening of eachproduction’s run.

At Arena Stage, Maurice Hynes isTappin’ Thru Life (now through Dec.29). Broadway legend Maurice Hines hasput together a show in which he uses songand dance to pay tribute to his brother, Gre-gory, and the singers who have inspiredhim — from Frank Sinatra to Lena Horne.

He’s also gathered up the amazing Man-zari Brothers, a couple of local young menwho are spectacular dancers, to help bringthe story of American tap vividly to life,along with an all-female big band.

Maurice Hynes is Tappin’ Thru Life willbe performed at the Kreeger Theater ofthe Arena Stage Mead Center for Ameri-can Theater through Dec. 29. Ticketprices range from $50 to $99 and are avail-able at www.arenastage.org or by callingthe box office at (202) 488-3300. Perform-ances: Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturdayat 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.;and weekday matinees at noon on Wednes-day, Dec. 4 and 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 17.

There will be an open-caption perform-ance on Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. and an audio-de-scribed performance on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.Limited accessible parking is available inthe Mead Center garage by reservation 24-hours before each performance. Arena

Stage offers valet service at no additionalcost to patrons with accessibility needswho call (202) 488-3300 in advance.

Finally, Shakespeare Theatre Com-pany has gone all silly with A FunnyThing Happened on the Way to theForum (through Jan. 5). The popularfarce, based on the plays of ancient Rome’sPlautus, features a beloved score byStephen Sondheim and an uproariouslyfunny book by Burt Shevelove and LarryGelbart. (The musical’s original Broadwayproduction won several Tony Awards®, in-cluding Best Musical and Best Book.)

It’s the bawdy story of Pseudolus, aslave in ancient Rome, who goes to greatlengths to gain his freedom.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way tothe Forum is being performed by Shake-speare Theatre Company at Sidney Har-man Hall, 610 F Street NW. Performances:Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Satur-days at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 to $110,with special discounts available for mili-tary, seniors and patrons under 35. Con-tact the box office at (202) 547-1122 or visitwww.ShakespeareTheatre.org for ticketsand information.

An audio-described performance of AFunny Thing Happened on the Way to theForum will be on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2p.m. A sign-interpreted performance willoccur on Monday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m.


Round upFrom page 56

Donate your vehicle and support three agencies.

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Ann Landers has been gone for sometime now, and I’ve never seen myself as areplacement. But one recentday, the phone rang with aquestion that was vintage Ann:

“How do you keep a 90-some-thing mother out of the love lifeof her 60-something son?”

The person doing the ask-ing was the love interest of the60-something son. She is 60-something herself.

I know both lovebirds well.I like them both tons. I caneasily see them starring in oneof those gooey travel commercials, wherethe lucky couple is sitting on a verandaSomewhere Warm And Southern, sippingMai Tais and looking searchingly intoeach other’s eyes.

But the only searching going on at themoment is by the love interest. For help.

The situation in brief: The 60-somethingson is an accomplished professional whostill works full time. He is honored and re-spected within his field.

He became a widower about three yearsago. His adult children are grown andgone. He had recently dipped deep into alonely funk.

So one day, he picked up the phone.His love interest had been a friend —

but no more than that — in high school.She was glad to hear from him. She is sin-gle, and always has been.

They met for dinner. Then another din-ner. They joked about how they had beenmeant for each other at 16, so why not halfa century later?

Something clicked, and kept on clicking.She moved across the country to spend

a summer in the same town (but not thesame house). All was well until, one mem-orable day, The Mother appeared.

“She poisoned the well right away, bytelling me that she had never liked herson’s wife,” the love interest told me.

Then, within a week or so, she was treat-ing the love interest as if she were marriedto her son. “She advised me on clothes andjewelry. She told me her son’s favoritefoods, even though she knew I never cook.

“She even started telling me how to domy hair. She was pure horror-show stuff.”

But her son wasn’t. “He was warm andcaring, so alert to The Real Me,” thewoman told me. “I really thought we’dhave a future.”

However, in best Ann Landers fashion,the situation soon reached a boil — fol-lowed by a boiling-over.

The mother insisted that her son’s loveinterest move into his house and take careof him. Yes, she did the insisting. He didnot.

The two lovebirds caucused. He apolo-gized profusely, but he said he could neverditch his mother, or disrespect her. “We’restuck with her,” the son said.

At which point the woman trotted outthe famous question — the one that Tonto

allegedly asked the Lone Ranger in hishour of need.

“What do you mean, we?”She left. She broke off con-

tact. Months later, it’s stillbroken.

But so is her guy’s heart.He calls her about six times aday. She never answers. Hefloods her with e-mails. Shenever replies.

Quaint soul that he is, heeven sent her a special deliv-ery letter (when’s the lasttime you’ve sent or gotten one

of those?). She read the single sheet inside— “full of tears and more tears and plead-ing” — and didn’t respond.

Finally, she called me. “I’m caught be-tween being a witch and preserving my-self,” she said. “What should I do?”

I told her I had three answers — one foreach of the three people in the drama.Here they are:

FOR THE MOTHER: Are you serious?And if the answer to that is yes, what bene-fit do you think you are bringing to this sit-uation? As Ann Landers famously and reg-ularly said, butt out.

FOR THE SON: You’re in the toughestposition. But I suspect you have a handleon how to handle it. After all, you have 60-something years of experience with TheDragon Lady. You will never persuade herto become Snow White. And you can’t pre-tend that she isn’t in your life.

So, rather than getting tearful with yourlove interest, you should assure her thatyou aren’t a marionette whose strings canbe pulled. You’re a grown man who makeshis own decisions. And you’d like to givelate-in-life love another try.

FOR THE LOVE INTEREST: Aaaaaragh!Any court in the land would find in yourfavor if you told the old lady off, in very unla-dylike terms.

But she’s not the long-run issue. Youand her son are. So try to see that relation-ship for what it is or isn’t, irrespective ofthe mother.

You may still elect to pass. But for a fewweeks, by your own account, it was a “magicrediscovery.” If there was some “therethere” at the beginning, it may still exist.

TO ALL THREE: Ann Landers wouldtell the mother to grow up, the son to growa backbone, and the love interest to bideher time. I’d tell the mother to go away, theson to stop begging, and the love interestto run as far as she can run.

Sorry, Ann, but this one can’t be saved.Bob Levey is a national award-winning

columnist.


Mom’s apron strings strangle late-life love

HOW I SEE ITBy Bob Levey

GROUPS SAVE!

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.

Bring Your Group to the Kennedy Center

for Entertainment on a Grand Scale!

Visit our Web site atkennedy-center.org/groupsales

Tickets on sale now!

Groups (202) 416-8400 kennedy-center.orgTickets also available at the Box Office.

(202) 467-4600 | TTY (202) 416-8524

Peter and the StarcatcherWinner of five Tony Awards®, this innovative and imaginative prequel to Peter Pan—based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson—takes a hilarious, swashbuckling romp through the Neverland you never knew. Suitable for younger audiences, but most enjoyable for ages 10 and up.

Jan. 28–Feb. 16 Eisenhower Theater

Mariinsky Ballet Swan LakeSt. Petersburg’s historic Mariinsky Ballet presents its signature staging of Tchaikovsky’s mysterious, lyrical, and dramatic Swan Lake, hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as “a vision of Romantic ballet heaven.” Casting available at kennedy-center.org.

Jan. 28–Feb. 2 Opera House

Alvin Ailey American Dance TheaterOne of the world’s favorite dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater led by Robert Battle returns with a week of new works and classics, including the iconic Revelations on every program. Program A (Tue., Feb. 4 at 7; Fri. & Sat., Feb. 7 & 8 at 7:30): Chroma (McGregor), D-Man in the Waters (Part I) (Jones), Revelations (Ailey). Program B (Wed., Feb. 5 at 7:30, Sun., Feb. 9 at 1:30): The River (Ailey), Four Corners (Brown), Revelations. Program C (Thu., Feb. 6 at 7:30, Sat., Feb. 8 at 1:30): Petite Mort (Kylián), LIFT (Barton), Revelations.

Feb. 4–9 Opera House

East Coast Premiere!

Moby-DickOne man’s obsession leaves a lethal wake of destruction in Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s triumphant new opera of Melville’s literary masterwork—featuring massive nautical sets, dazzling visual effects, an achingly beautiful score, and a talented all-American cast—led by renowned American director Leonard Foglia and conducted by American maestro Evan Rogister. Performed in English with projected English titles.

Feb. 22–Mar. 8 Opera House

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

M O B Y - D I C K

M A R I I N S K Y B A L L E T I N S W A N L A K E

P E T E R A N D T H E S T A R C A T C H E R

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.

General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of WNO’s 2013-2014 Season.

WNO’s production of Moby-Dick is made possible through the generous support of Jacqueline Badger Mars.

The Kennedy Center’s Ballet Season is presented with the support of Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

Mariinsky Ballet’s engagement is presented with the support of the State Plaza Hotel.

International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

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The Kennedy Center Theater Season is sponsored by Altria Group.

Comedy at the Kennedy Center Presenting Sponsor

Sidney Weintraub used watercolors to de-pict his more abstract interpretation of thepainting. He said art stimulates his memory.

“While I’m working on art, life experi-

ences do come back. I don’t see a one-to-one relationship, but it does spur my mem-ory,” said Weintraub, who is turning to artfor the first time.

“I’ve discovered things in me I didn’tknow were there. I think it makes me afuller person.”

“With individuals who are at end of life,as well as those faced with changes in theirbodies and cognition, there’s a lot of loss,”said Jackie Sargent, Iona’s art therapist.“There’s a lot of changes happening.

“It’s kind of validating, reminding themthey are not alone, that there is a commu-nity of people that is here that can helpthem through this experience,” she said.

Doris, an Iona participant, agrees: “Artis a special gift, and as long as you can fol-low it, you will never be lonely,” she said.

Sargent might ask targeted questionswhile the participants work on their art.

“Last year we had a conversation aboutan image with a clown, and so we had aconversation about masks. We made ourown masks, with the idea it was inspiredby the painting, but giving them the oppor-tunity for their own deeper experience.

“We talked about instances when theyfelt they had to put on a mask and how thatfelt,” Sargent said.

Bertha found she could better understandmodern art thanks to the program. “It’samazing to know that you can take trash andturn it into art, even little things like leavesoff the trees or a soda bottle,” she said.

“It can be turned into a beautiful, beauti-ful sight to see. You might see somethingone way and someone else will look at itdifferently, and that’s OK. Beauty is in theeye of the beholder.”

Rosemary had enjoyed water colorpainting when her daughter was a toddler,

and has returned to it as she grapples withmemory loss.

“It’s made me calmer and more obser-vant of things around me. And it’s notevery day you’re in a museum,” she saidwith a smile. Her water colors of a delicatered flower and a sailboat are in the exhibit.

The artists also rediscover a sense of joyand happiness as they work. Penelope Ni-land took one look at Joan Miro’s surreal-ist painting “The Red Sun” and laughed.“When I first saw it, I kind of giggled tomyself...It’s playful.”

And this positive energy can continuewhen the participants go home and facenew challenges.

“A lot of feedback I’ve gotten from fami-lies, especially with the exhibition, is ‘it’sso nice to see what they can still do,’” saidSargent, the art therapist. “They’ve beenfaced with doctors saying, ‘This is what’swrong, and these are the changes, andthis is what’s going to happen in the fu-ture. Prepare yourself,’ and all this nega-tivity.

“So they come to this space and it’sabout what they can still do. That pride of,‘Oh my gosh, someone’s chosen my art tobe put on display’ is such a motivation.”

“Art and Wellness: Creative Aging” is ondisplay through Jan. 5, 2014 at the PhillipsCollection, 1600 21st Street, NW, Washing-ton, D.C., at the corner of Q Street.

For more information, see http://phillip-scollection.org or call (202) 387-2151.


Creative agingFrom page 1

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ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

P O O L M O T H S P A D EA L P O O G R E W E B E RW E E W I L L I E K E E L E RS O N D O E H E A L E R S

S A L T D E N T SK E E P Y O U R E Y E F E BM A C E V I E A R R I V EA T R A S S S W S O L E SR E E K O F S A C O T R OT N T C L E A R A N D H I T

I K O N S R O S YK E Y S L O T W E S R K OE M W H E R E T H E Y A I N TL O C O S R O A R I C E TP S A T S S E T S R H E O

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

Classifieds cont.from page 63.

FROM PAGE 62

Wanted Wanted Wanted

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Puzzle Page

Scrabble answers on p. 61.

Crossword PuzzleDaily crosswords can be found on our website:

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Answers on page 61.

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2. Butter substitute3. Everybody knows it; nobody says it4. In the dumps5. Bolshevik diplomat, whose name inspired inexpensive weapons

6. Look up and down7. Start of a cycle8. Chortle sound9. Mister Rogers’ zip-ups10. Yellow slippers11. Competent12. Venison source13. Botches18. Without much activity19. Country on the equator24. Opposite of an abyss25. Imitate, visually26. Discounter, founded by Sebastian S. Kresge

27. Consumed28. The University of Illinois at Springfield (in boxscores)

29. Rolling in dough30. “... ___ saw your face”31. In a daze35. Big crosses37. In flip-flops39. Simple card game42. Minimum amount44. Resume writers’ goals48. Pays the admission fee49. Curious, and then some50. Sweats52. Plant displayed at The National

Aquarium53. Comedian Philips, and namesakes54. Org. with motto “eliminating racism; empowering women”

55. Second baseman, per Bud Abbott57. Banjo holder58. Palindrome game: “Toot and ___”60. Footprint feature61. Basketball force

A Little Batting Advice by Stephen Sherr

Across1. Resort hotel feature5. Flame finder9. Bridge lead, perhaps14. Purina brand15. Creature observed in Harry

Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban16. Grill maker17. Star of the 1894-1896 NL champion Baltimore Orioles

20. Emilio Estevez, to Martin Sheen21. Female antelope22. Medicine men23. NaCl, more commonly25. Can calamities26. Start of 17 Across’ philosophy of hitting29. Mo. with the most fresh flower sales32. Noted brand of pepper spray33. Compete34. Show up36. Gillette razors38. General path from ME to FL40. Flounder relatives41. ___ alcohol (demonstrate drunkenness)43. Amniotic ___45. An other Spanish word46. Demolition acquisition47. More of philosophy50. Russian images51. Optimistic52. Car dashboard feature, usually55. Horror director Craven56. King Kong studio59. End of philosophy62. Crazies63. Chewbacca comment64. Cool stage name of rapper Tracy Marrow65. H.S. exams66. Puts out the china67. Stat start

Down1. Goldilocks’ hosts had 12

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WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 3 Say you saw it in the Beacon 63

AUTHORS! WRITERS! I am an author of 32books. I’m willing to help you finish and publishyour book. Call Donald R. Downing, 301-839-1583.

I WILL CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONESNIGHT/DAY. Own transportation. Good refer-ences. Lots of experience. 301-502-2258.

I AM A DEPENDABLE, CARING NURSINGASSISTANT – CNA. Looking to care for theelderly, full time, day or night, own transporta-tion. Excellent references. Call 240-476-6005.

ALLOW YOUR LOVED ONES to live wherethey are most comfortable... in their own home!Quality and reliability at an affordable price.Errands, shopping, meal preparation, hygieneassistance, light housekeeping. Alzheimer’s anddementia care. Temporary or long-term, up to24-hour care. Bonded and insured. 301-490-9050, [email protected]. www.vis-itingangels.com/Laurel.

CNA/COMPANION FOR SICK OR ELDER-CARE. I am experienced, compassionate andreliable. Available days, nights, Mondaysthrough Fridays and weekends full time or parttime with 23 years experience. Own transporta-tion. Call 301-442-9324.

COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER – LADYCOMPANION available for elderly or adult withdisabilities. Very reliable, experienced, own carwith excellent references. CPR/First Aid/Hos-pice/Mental Health Aide Certified. I can providerespite care, concierge, plus more services for yourloved one. Please call 240-426-3548 and kindlyleave me a message.

CNA/MED TECH ELDERLY CARE for live-in/live-out, taking care of the elderly. 15+ yearsexperience. Own transportation. Excellent refer-ences upon request. 240-482-9027, 202-710-3127.

LOOKING FOR A LOVING, caring, compas-sionate, dependable and reliable caregiver withyears of experience and references for your eld-erly loved ones? Have experience with MS,Alzheimer’s, Diabetes and other health prob-lems. Please call, 301-908-9134.

COMPUTER PERSONAL PC/APPLE ITSERVICES HELP – transfer 3.5 floppy or cam-era pictures to CD, download music and books,update computer programs, training, setup,email, apps and accounts. Contact Wilson, 301-830-2344, [email protected].

PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NET-WORK? Computer Systems Engineer will cometo you with help. Call: D. Guisset at 301-642-4526.

COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computertraining at your home. Email, Internet, generalcomputer use. Windows 8, Smartphone/tablet,digital camera. Learn at your own pace withgentle & patient tutor. We also troubleshootproblems & setup new computers. TeachingSeniors since 1996. Senior Discount. Call David,301-762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

THE SOUND OF JEWISH MUSIC, December31 @ 6:00 p.m., sponsored by the Shalom Signa-ture Club. Enjoy a journey through Jewish cul-ture and nostalgia via songs sung in three lan-guages: English, Hebrew and Yiddish. Thisheartfelt rendition of both celebrated classicsand modern Jewish songs is performed bySinger-Composer Boruch Blesofsky, a NY icon.Tickets: $10 ($8 for seniors). At the NorwoodPark Activity Center, 4700 Norwood Dr., Bethes-da, MD. Light refreshments served. Seating isvery limited. To reserve yours, call the ShalomSignature Club, 240-200-4515.

AFFORDABLE ACCTG/TAX SOLUTIONS @BAI-TECH. Automation, Bookeeping, PayrollTax Planning, Preparation & Representation.CPA on Demand 24/7. 26+ years experience.Email [email protected] or call 301-608-2248.

LEISURE WORLD® - $247,500. 3BR 2FB1HB “M” in Greens. Table space kitchen, sepa-rate Dining room. Large enclosed balcony. Newpaint and carpet. 1530 sq ft. Stan Moffson, We-ichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $98,500. 2BR 1-1/2 BA“Elizabeth” Coop. Window in the kitchen, built-in microwave, enclosed balcony.1308 sq ft. StanMoffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $299,900. 2 BR 2 FBFF in Overlook with Garage + Golf cart space.Table-space kitchen open to enclosed balconywith custom shades. Close to elevator.1320 sqft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $185,000. 2 BR 2FB “O”with Garage + Golf Cart space in Fairways.Table-space kitchen with window, separate din-ing room, enclosed balcony. 2nd bedroom withbuilt-in. 1138 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Real-tors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $159,000. 3 BR 2 FB“Ellicott” model with table-space kitchen, sepa-rate dining room, separate laundry room, newpaint and carpet, enclosed balcony. 1400 sq. ft.Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $275,000. 2BR 2FB “E”in “Villa Cortese.” Table-space kitchen, large en-closed balcony, and Garage parking. 1340 sq ft.Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $249,900. 3BR 2-1/2B“M” in the “Greens.” Great space with enclosedbalcony, new paint and carpet and separate stor-age room in basement. 1530 sq ft. Stan Moffson,Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - RENTAL - $1400. 2 BR2 FB “F” in the “Greens.” Updated kitchen, en-closed balcony, treetop view. 1115 sq ft. StanMoffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $268,000. 2BR 2FB“D” in Villa Cortese.Table- space kitchen, sep-arate kitchen, enclosed balcony, new paint andcarpet. Garage space. 1300 sq ft. Stan Moffson,Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LARGE ROOM FOR RENT – Senior lookingfor same. Must be reliable, no smoking, nodrinking, no drugs. Call 202-629-4096.

THE GREENS $265,000. 1615 SQ FT! Bringeverything! 3BR, 2.5 BA condo. Freshly painted,new carpet, table space kitchen w/ stainlesssteel appliances, new washer/dryer and new A/Ccompressor. Balcony and patio. Nancy Ein-waechter, Weichert Realtors, 301-460-6976.

I BUY HOUSES ANY CONDITION – FairfaxCounty, VA, Save time, money and worry. Not anagent, no commissions. Female owned. 703-969-5847, [email protected].

SPIRITUAL, PROGRESSIVE HOUSEHOLDOF WOMEN (39-69) in Takoma Park MD (at DCedge) seeks two-three separate compassionatewomen – with these underlying values – for friend-ship and mutual supportiveness. Non-smokers. Nopets. $950 for lower level small suite (small efficien-cy) with unfurnished private carpeted bedroom, pri-vate tiled full bathroom, private full kitchen, partlyprivate/partly shared storage area, and access toback porch (mostly private use) and yard. And $750for top level unfurnished carpeted private masterbedroom, private tiled full bathroom with two sinksand skylight, walk-in closet, and double floor-lengthwindows/glass-door opening to small private deckoverlooking lower deck/forest... includes all theshared outdoor house. Small carpeted room withcloset/ window and a hall bathroom: $650. Sharedutilities (1/3) + deposit. One reducible for bartering& help. Begin Feb. 1 or ½ month – 2 months later.TBD. Email: [email protected].

LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take youon a tour of the community, show you floor plans,discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coor-dinate your move. I will preview units & contact youwith a match. I also offer exceptional service sellingyour home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker,Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure Worldresident! You can see my current listings on page 12.Contact me: 301-580-5556, [email protected],www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert Realtors.

WE’LL BUY YOUR HOME Without the Has-sles. Local Company in business since 2003.BBB Accredited. Call 877-948-3232 today for de-tails. No Obligation or Fees.

CEMETERY PLOT, KING DAVID MEMORIALPARK. Falls Church, Va., Block 2, Lot 82, Space 4.Lists for $4,650. Sell for $2,100. Call 301-258-7633.

ITEMS FOR SALE – Low vision enlarger withtable, $150. Hospital bed with electrical con-trols, $150. Shower chair, $30. Shower hose, $15.Call Paul, 301-572-4046.

SIX GRAVE SITES GEORGE WASHING-TON CEMETERY. Cemetery cost is $2,975each. Will sell for $1,500 each or less for all six.256-764-3846.

FT. LINCOLN CEMETERY – Garden of Reflec-tions. 2 burial rights, bronze/granite memorial.$5,795 or best offer. Call Harold, 301-928-9731.

PARKLAWN MEMORIAL PARK: One ceme-tery plot, two chambers; beautiful settling.$1,800. Please call 301-351-9305.

PLOTS FOR SALE AT G.W. MT. LEBANONCEMETERY – Jewish section. Well maintainedat a discounted price. Call: 301-984-1109.

2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints fromDante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures ifdesired. Call Steve, 410-913-1653.

QUIT SMOKING - ONLY IF YOU ARE SERI-OUS about quitting. Send $20 to E. Harris, Box737, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. No pills/drugs.Results are guaranteed or money back!

PAID RESEARCH STUDY – Participantsneeded for NIH-funded hearing experimentsconducted at University of Maryland, Col-lege Park. Seeking people ages 65-80 withnormal hearing or hearing loss. Hearingevaluation included as part of study. Partici-pation time is 12 hours; $12/hour. ContactHannah or Rebecca at 301-405-7454 or [email protected].

SANOWAR FITNESS – kinesiologist and certi-fied personal trainer offering in-home personaltraining and fitness classes for baby boomersand small groups. Contact Mustapha Sanowar,202-717-0980 or [email protected] for afree consultation.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING withhome-bound seniors in lower MontgomeryCounty by state licensed counseling provider.For an appointment, please call 301-340-1510.

WHERE IS YOUR PAIN? Back, neck, nerve,arthritis, joint & muscle pain etc. Give us your opin-ion on our homeopathic, topical pain relief lotion.Free sample & follow up on request. 202-726-2602.

EXPERT ROOF REPAIRS and new installa-tions. 40 years experience. 5 year warranties.Rated A on Angie’s List. See our photo gallery atRamboandRamboConstruction.com. MHIC#8342. Call, 301-220-4222.

NEED HOUSE CLEANING? PROFESSION-AL SERVICE at an affordable rate! Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly or One Time. Call Fulvia for afree estimate, 240-644-4289.

PARALEGAL EXPERIENCED IN WILLS,trust and estate administration as well as otheraccounting and administrative paperwork. Willmake house calls. 301-565-2917.

Donate Art to JCCGW! Fine to folk art, Judaic,non-Judaic, modern, traditional, collectibles, finecrafts, good condition, for JCCGW’s annual art sale.Bring to JCCGW’s front desk anytime JCCGW isopen. 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD. 301-348-3770; [email protected]. Profits benefit education-al programming. The JCC of Greater Washington isa 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization.

RENAISSANCE MAN LOOKING for an ad-venturous woman to spend quality time togeth-er, for a respectful, warm and affectionate rela-tionship. I am an unhappily married man, withnone of this in my marriage. Be my soul mate,for safe fun and mutual enjoyment. P.O. Box10456, Silver Spring, MD 20914.

CLASSIFIEDSThe Beacon prints classified advertising

under the fol low ing headings: Business &Employment Opportunities; Caregivers;Computer Services; Entertainment; ForSale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free;Health; Home/ Handy man Services; Miscel-laneous; Personals; Per son al Services; Va ca -tion Opportunities; and Want ed. For sub -mis sion guide lines and dead lines, see thebox at the right.

CAVEAT EMPTOR!The Beacon does not know ing ly ac cept

ob scene, of fen sive, harmful, or fraudulent ad-vertising. How ev er, we do not in ves ti gate anyad ver tis ers or their prod ucts and can not ac -cept re spon si bil i ty for the in teg ri ty of either.Re spon dents to clas si fied ad ver tis ing shouldal ways use cau tion and their best judg ment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept

ad ver tis ing in violation of federal, state, andlocal laws pro hib it ing dis crim i na tion based onrace, color, national origin, sex, fa mil ial sta tus orhandicap in connection with employment or thesale or rental of real estate.

Business and Employment Opportunities

Computer Services

Caregivers

Computer Services

Financial Services

Entertainment

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

Classifieds cont. on p. 61

Home/Handyman Services

Legal Services

Miscellaneous

Personals

For Sale

Health

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATESDeadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month.Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’sissue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached inthe event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nordo we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

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

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

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For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate Health

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