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IN FOCUS FOR PEOPLE OVER 50 VOL.11, NO.9 More than 30,000 readers throughout Howard County SEPTEMBER 2021

INSIDE… Going solar in Howard County By Catherine Brown PHOTO COURTESY OF HOWARD COUNTY Howard County resident Ari Silver-Isen- stadt has spent the last decade trying to reduce his carbon footprint to protect the en- vironment, including switching to renewable energy. He and his wife first got their feet wet with renewable energy more than 10 years ago, when they installed solar thermal panels that used the heat of the sun to warm their hot water tank. After that initial foray into renewable energy, Silver-Isenstadt had solar panels installed LEISURE & TRAVEL on the roof of their Laurel house — twice. The first time, they purchased some Explore Underground Railroad panels using federal, state and local tax in- sites in Maryland via the centives that lowered the upfront cost of Harriet Tubman Byway; plus, ownership. check out offbeat attractions The second time, they leased panels nearby through a solar company so there was little page 19 to no upfront cost; only a monthly fee covering the panels plus power. In both cases, they saved money on their electric bills. “Solar doesn’t power all our electricity needs,” Silver-Isenstadt said, “but the solar panels drive the meter backwards.” In fact, he said, some months they haven’t had to pay energy bills at all. Silver-Isenstadt’s use of renewable energy, along with his electric vehicle and vegan diet, means that his carbon footprint is much lower than the average American’s. “We still have a disappointingly high carbon footprint, but I’m happy with what we have been able to do,” he said. Howard County employee Amy Gowan speaks in May at Rural Rhythm Farm in Day- ton, one of three county farms setting aside land for a “solar farm.” The solar panels to be installed on the farm will generate energy for homeowners eager to power County’s renewable energy push their homes with renewable solar energy. In May, a law was passed to promote Howard County Energy Manager Leah solar energy generation throughout the county. ARTS & STYLE Miller hopes more residents will follow Ellicott City musician releases the lead of people like Silver-Isenstadt. One way to “go solar” is to purchase credits. Miller noted, however, that “the en- lucky 13th album, finished Through its website livegreenhoward.com, rooftop panels to install on a south-facing, ergy cost savings can be worthwhile.” the county offers residents ways to incor- sloped roof. As Silver-Isenstadt found, the Another option is to hire a company to during pandemic lockdowns porate solar energy in their homes and initial investment can be expensive, costing page 22 adopt other sustainability measures. on average $15,000 to $25,000, before tax See SOLAR, page 24 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Do hair dyes cause cancer? k Myths about hydration

LAW & MONEY 14 k Pass on your passwords k Medicaid planning

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here to credit my late father for setting an popped into my head as I wrote this col- example I am striving to emulate. umn is that dad’s motto could have been: Living with lemons My dad was not a complainer. He had “When life give you lemons, get a juicer.” A surprising (to me) number of readers pletely normal — except that I can’t sit some difficult experiences in his lifetime, While he knew you can’t always turn and friends have been asking me when down for more than five minutes at a time both when young and when old, but he lemons into lemonade — some things can they will get to hear the new without the pain starting to wasn’t one to dwell on his pains or prob- never be made sweet — you can some- piano compositions I wrote return. lems. times find ways to power through the sour- during my recent sabbatical. So, I now use a “standing For example, when he developed swal- ness and move on with your life as best It had certainly been my desk,” which suits me fine, and lowing issues while hospitalized for pneu- you can. intention to record myself I stand or walk all day long, monia in his late 80s, he didn’t seem to So that’s what I’m trying to do, at the playing them and to make the even while eating. There are flinch when the doctors said they would same time as I’m doing the PT exercises, videos available to all on only a few things that this gen- need to insert a feeding tube. taking the long walks, and doing whatever YouTube. It still is, actually. erally gets in the way of. One is We all thought it was to be a temporary else my doctor tells me has the best But reality has intervened driving or being driven, and measure, but it ended up being a perma- chance of getting me through this rough in the form of a rather painful another is practicing the piano. nent one that he lived with for another six patch and back to good health. bad back. My doctor has di- They apparently haven’t years or so. He always maintained that pre- My “juicer,” I hope, will be my electron- agnosed me with “lumbar FROM THE yet invented a “standing baby serving life is an all-important value, and ic keyboard, and I intend to practice and radiculopathy,” and I find the PUBLISHER grand” (it’s not available on you do what you need to do to keep on liv- try to memorize my new pieces so I can term apropos, as it has me By Stuart P. Rosenthal Amazon, so it must not exist). ing. video myself (in five-minute increments) feeling “radiculous” in a num- But I’ve come up with the And since he prized his independence playing them on a real piano. ber of situations. next best thing: I ordered a portable elec- and didn’t want a nurse or other aide han- So, who knows? I may well have them You see, it mostly affects me pain-wise tric piano keyboard that I intend to put on dling his various pills and feeding tube ap- ready for next month. And I may even be in the mornings, when it takes anywhere my standing desk. I fully expect to feel like paratus, he quickly learned how to do it all able to get up in the morning and walk like from 30 minutes to two hours before I can Elton John once I start playing it when it himself. a normal person again. take more than a few steps away from my arrives in a few days. When I would visit, he would grudging- I can tell you one thing: when I can per- bed upon wakeup. Sharp pains shoot down I tell you all this not to ask for your sym- ly allow me to fetch this or that, or to wash form those once simple tasks again, I sure my leg, and I find myself panting from the pathy (not that there’s anything wrong out the utensils when he was done, but he will appreciate them a lot more than I did a aftermath for a few minutes every time I with that). Rather, just to explain why I always insisted on getting his pills, grind- few months ago. try to take another step. haven’t gotten to the point of making the ing them finely in a special pill grinder, But the pain gradually fades away, and I promised videos. mixing them with the liquid diet and pour- find the rest of my day I feel almost com- But in addition, I want to take a moment ing it all into his feeding tube. Though he didn’t coin the phrase, what The Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, BeaconIN FOCUS FOR PEOPLE OVER 50 Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email [email protected]. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and enter tain the citi zens of the Greater Dear Editor: pectation. Baltimore area, and is pri vate ly owned. Other editions Concerning your August cover story, As for connection, I am reminded of serve Howard County, Md., Greater Washington, DC “Stay happy by staying connected,” I dis- what Michael Harris wrote in a 2017 and Richmond, Va. (Fifty Plus). agree with the whole thing, beginning at book: “Not everyone needs more social- Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), the opening line. I call to your attention ization. Indeed, many of us are desperate- pre paid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for the song by Paul Simon which goes, “I am ly in need of isolation.” sales tax. Send sub scrip tion order to the office listed below. a rock/I am an island.” Edward B. Frohnet Publication of advertising contained herein does For a myriad of people, “happy” is not Ellicott City, MD not necessarily consti tute endorse ment. Signed col- — frequently never was — a realistic ex- umns represent the opinions of the writers, and not BEACON BITS necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Aug. 31+ TREE TO ART Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal Artists Gallery in Ellicott City is hosting an exhibition of wood- cuts by local artists Ellen Corddry and woodwork by Gene Adcock President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal and Dave McCann. The exhibit runs from Tues., Aug. 31 to Sun., Sept. 26. Meet Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei the artists in person on Sat., Sept. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, Margaret Foster Managing Editor – visit artistsgalleryec.com. Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King VIRTUAL TOUR OF ARTIST’S STUDIO Advertising Representatives – Sept. 9 Enjoy a free virtual happy hour with the American Visionary Art Steve Levin, Alan Spiegel Museum. Tour the studio of artist Betsy Youngquist, who uses Assistant Editor – Catherine Brown beads to transform found objects into sculpture. This event takes Content Manager – Ashley Griffin place Thurs., Sept. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, visit bit.ly/ArtistHappyHour. The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 DEMENTIA FRIENDS (410) 248-9101 • Email: [email protected] Ongoing Join a support group, Dementia Friends, to better understand Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the dementia. One-hour virtual sessions take place the first Friday of month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month each month at 1 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month at of publication. See page 27 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions. 10 a.m. Visit dffairfax.org for more information. © Copyright 2021 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc. HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon 3

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BETTER THAN SURGERY? Ablation is a viable and less intrusive alternative to prostate cancer surgery

Fitness & OFF THE CUFF How to choose the best blood pressure monitor for you

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FREE HEALTHY MEALS Diabetics can eat for free; enroll in a Health Hopkins study testing different diets Do hair dyes increase the risk of cancer? By Shinjita Das, M.D. or occupational) or hair dye type (perma- phoma, and women with naturally light used, the authors assumed that hair dye Personal use of hair dyes is very com- nent versus non-permanent), and incom- hair were observed to have higher risk for color correlated with natural shades of mon, with estimates that 50% or more of plete accounting of cancer-specific risk fac- basal cell carcinoma. hair. This assumption may miscalculate women and 10% of men over age 40 color tors beyond permanent hair dye use. The authors were cautious in reporting true chemical exposures — such as in the their hair. As natural hair colors get root- their findings, concluding that further in- case of dark-haired users who had addi- ed out, let’s cut to a layered question: do Study finds little increase in risk vestigation is needed to better understand tional chemical exposures from stripping permanent hair dyes increase cancer In a recent study published in The BMJ, associations that were identified. In addi- their natural darker pigment. risk? a British medical journal, researchers at tion, we should keep in mind that associa- Hair dyes come in three major varieties: Harvard Medical School evaluated person- tion does not prove causality. To dye or not to dye? oxidative (permanent), direct (semi-per- al hair dye use and risk of cancer and can- After the pandemic, some may reconsid- manent or temporary), and natural dyes. cer-related death. Some study limitations er whether to dye their hair. The key high- Most hair dyes used in the U.S. and Eu- The study authors analyzed survey data This was a large, well-designed study lights from this study are: rope, both do-it-yourself dyes and those from 117,200 women enrolled in the Nurs- with high participant response rates. The —Personal permanent hair dye use did used in salons, are permanent dyes. They es’ Health Study, collected over 36 years be- researchers analyzed detailed data, allow- not increase risk for most cancers or can- undergo chemical reactions to create pig- ginning in 1976. They tabulated information ing them to tease out the degree to which cer-related death. This is reassuring, but ment that deposits on hair shafts — and that included age, race, body mass index, cancer risk was attributable to personal continued safety monitoring is needed. may pose the greatest cancer risk. smoking status, alcohol intake, natural hair permanent hair dye use rather than to —Additional research is needed to People are exposed to chemicals in color, permanent hair dye use (“ever-user” other potential risk factors. study diverse racial and ethnic back- hair dyes through direct skin contact or versus “never-user,” age at first use, dura- This study also had several limitations. grounds, specific hair dye colors (light ver- by inhaling fumes during the coloring tion of use, frequency of use), and risk fac- First, participants were female nurses of sus dark), cancer subtypes, and exposure process. tors for specific types of cancer. mostly European descent, meaning the levels (personal versus occupational). Occupational exposure to hair dye, as Compared to non-hair dye users, partici- findings are not necessarily generalizable Though this study exposed possible as- experienced by hairstylists, has been clas- pants who had ever used permanent hair to men or to other racial or ethnic groups. sociations between permanent hair dye sified as probably cancer-causing. Howev- dyes did not have an overall higher risk for Next, the study could not account for use and increased risk for some cancers, er, it remains unclear whether personal cancer or cancer-related deaths. every single cancer risk factor (for exam- there is not enough new evidence to move use of permanent hair dyes increases risk Among specific cancers, there was ple, exposure to pesticides and other envi- the needle on recommendations for per- for cancer or cancer-related death. slightly higher risk for basal cell carcino- ronmental chemicals). sonal permanent hair dye use. Many studies have explored the rela- ma (the most common type of skin cancer) Data were not collected on other hair Until more is known, consider your per- tionship between personal hair dye use in ever-users compared to non-users. Risk grooming products beyond hair dyes, and sonal and family histories when deciding and risk of cancer or cancer-related for certain breast cancers and ovarian can- subjects may have mistakenly reported whether to use permanent hair dyes. death. Conflicting findings have resulted cers seemed to increase with longer-term use of permanent hair dyes when they When in doubt, check with your doctor for from imperfect studies due to small study use of permanent dye. were in fact using semi-permanent or natu- more guidance. populations, short follow-up times, inade- Women with naturally dark hair seemed ral dyes. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed quate classification of exposures (personal to have increased risk for Hodgkin’s lym- Without data on actual color of hair dyes by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. How much water do you really need daily? By Jessica Migala foods like heavily processed crackers, fill gut hormones, nutrients and glucose, and you believe that thirst is something you As the warm weather persists, you’ve up on fruits and veggies, and drink when is heralded by stomach rumbles and a sen- should never feel, ever. But thirst is simply probably got your water bottle out. And you’re thirsty, you should stay well hydrat- sation of emptiness. your body’s way of saying, “Hey, maybe that’s a good thing. ed, even if you’re not chugalugging, ac- Myth: You need to drink at least 64 you ought to take a swig from your water “Every single cell in your body needs cording to Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., a nutrition ounces of water a day. bottle.” fluid to function properly,” said Angie professor at Pennsylvania State University. Fact: That’s a random number. It’s OK to feel a little thirsty — just don’t Eakin, M.D., a family medicine physician Myth: It’s easy to mistake thirst for “There’s not a lot of hard-core evidence wait too long to grab a drink. Actual dehy- in Spokane, Washington. “That’s why even hunger. that you have to drink this amount,” Eakin dration (the kind that endangers your mild dehydration can make you irritable, Fact: Your body knows the difference. said. You might need more if you live in a health) comes with more serious ill ef- foggy-headed and headachy.” You’re unlikely to mix up true thirst and hot and humid climate, exercise a ton or fects, like migraines and dizziness. But while it’s smart to keep sipping, a lot hunger because the sensations aren’t even are pregnant. Myth: You should drink a lot during of conventional wisdom about hydrating is similar. “They feel different and are regu- Most healthy adults will hit the right exercise. just plain false. lated by separate mechanisms in your amount by following their own thirst cues. Fact: Let thirst be your guide. Myth: We’re all chronically dehy- body,” Rolls said. Myth: Thirsty? You’re already dehy- You may think it’s good to glug loads of drated. When you’re low on fluids, your cell and drated. water during spin class — or that it can’t hurt. Fact: Not if you eat a healthy diet. blood volumes decrease, and you get an Fact: You could use a drink, but it’s not a But there is such a thing as overhydration. Moisture in food contributes about 20% unpleasantly dry, tacky-feeling mouth. crisis. of the fluid you need. So if you avoid “dry” Hunger, on the other hand, is driven by Folks who tout this myth would have See WATER, page 5 HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health 5 Will COVID-19 booster shots be needed? By Lauran Neergaard cause it could significantly boost levels of nated more recently, the CDC’s Dr. Jay munity to the coronavirus wanes. That, Just because some vaccine manufactur- virus-fighting antibodies, possibly helping Butler said. too, could require a booster shot. ers want to offer COVID-19 boosters does- ward off worrisome mutants. Is the booster question all about Virus-fighting antibodies do gradually n’t mean people will be lining up for them The companies haven’t publicly renew variants? wane. That’s normal since the body anytime soon. U.S. and international leased data, and U.S. health officials is- No, scientists also are watching to see health authorities say that, for now, the sued a sharp response that boosters aren’t how much vaccinated people’s overall im- See BOOSTER, page 7 fully vaccinated seem well protected. yet needed and that the government, not Globally, experts are watching closely to vaccine makers, will decide if and when determine if and when people might need that changes. another shot. At the same time, many sug- The World Health Organization said in gest the priority for the time being should be July there is not enough evidence to show vaccinations, noting that worrisome coron- that third doses are needed. It said the avirus mutants wouldn’t be popping up so scarce shots should be shared with poor fast if more of the U.S. and the rest of the countries instead of being used by rich world had gotten the initial round of shots. countries as boosters. • • • “If you want to stop hearing about the What’s the evidence that vaccine • • • variant of the week,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, a protection is strong? Johns Hopkins University public health An Associated Press analysis in June • specialist, “we need to do more work to found nearly all COVID-19 deaths in the make sure all countries have more access U.S. are occurring among the unvaccinated. to vaccines.” In July, infections and hospitalizations Here are some questions and answers began increasing as the highly contagious about vaccine immunity and boosters: Delta variant spread. But the Centers for What’s prompting all the booster Disease Control and Prevention said the !"#$%&'& debate? surges are driven by the least vaccinated !"#$"$% U.S. health officials have long said that parts of a country that has plenty of shots people one day might need a booster — if people would only take them. after all, they do for many other vaccines. No vaccine is perfect, meaning fully vacci- ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION FREE That’s why studies are underway to test dif- nated people occasionally will get infected, ferent approaches: simple third doses, mix- but those so-called breakthrough cases usu- and-match tests using a different brand for ally are mild. Officials monitoring the need MAIL OR FAX FOR a third dose, or experimental boosters for boosters are watching closely for any tweaked to better match different variants. jumps in serious breakthrough infections. But in July, Pfizer and its German part- So far, the news is good: The people first FREE INFORMATION ner BioNTech announced that in August, in line for vaccines back in December and For free materials on housing communities, just complete they plan to seek Food and Drug Adminis- January don’t seem to be at higher risk for tration authorization of a third dose be- breakthrough infections than those vacci- and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to the Beacon. FREE INFORMATION ★

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★ ★ ★ 6 Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON Advances in prostate cancer treatment By Chandler Dora, M.D. American men. Approximately 192,000 radical surgery that may come with ad- precision during the treatment. Dear Mayo Clinic: My husband men will be diagnosed with prostate can- verse side effects. The temperatures are sent to the abla- was diagnosed with prostate cancer, cer in 2020, according to the American tion device so the power output from the and we are looking at treatment op- Cancer Society. What is ablation? device is continuously adjusted to achieve tions. One doctor suggested a prosta- Prostate cancer is more likely to devel- Ablation is a generic or nonspecific term the desired temperature at the boundary tectomy, but my husband finds abla- op in older men, typically those over 60, for destroying tissue. In recent years, sur- between the prostate and the surrounding tion appealing because of quality-of- and it is more common in African Ameri- geons are finding that ablation is a viable normal structures. The temperature is life advantages. can men. Fortunately, given advances in alternative to traditional surgery. continuously monitored every six seconds I’ve been reading about ablations care, most men will not die from their In terms of prostate cancer, ablation with MRI thermometry. and came across information about prostate cancer. means the reliable and precise destruction Transurethral ultrasound ablation is a re- different techniques. I am wonder- There are many options for treating of cancerous tissue while avoiding struc- finement of previous ultrasound-based treating if one technique or process is prostate cancer, depending on the grade tures important for normal sexual and uri- ments that do not provide real-time monitor- better, or if surgery is more suc- and stage of the cancer. In recent years, nary function. Over the years, many types ing of temperatures within the prostate. cessful? the guidelines for treating prostate cancer of energy have been used to ablate A: I’m sorry to hear that your hus- have changed. Also, technological ad- prostate cancer, including heat generated Early results are promising band is dealing with prostate cancer, vances in imaging and treatment have by ultrasound or laser, and cold generated Although this is a new technology and which is the most common cancer in made it possible for some men to avoid by expansion of gas. many years of follow-up will be required to The ability to control the application of demonstrate equivalency to treatments the heat or cold to keep it within an intend- such as radical prostatectomy, early re- ed boundary, without it spreading even 1 or sults have been encouraging, especially 2 millimeters beyond, has proven difficult. considering how long patients remain cancer-free three years after surgery. Ultrasound ablation methods The clinical trials have proven that this The most common type of ultrasound ab- treatment is superior to surgery and radiation lation has been transrectal high-intensity fo- in preserving urinary and sexual function cused ultrasound, or HIFU. During this after three years. This preservation of func- treatment, a rectal probe is inserted, and tion translates into improved quality of life. the treatment is done using ultrasound. Mayo Clinic in Florida is the only Mayo However, many prostates are beyond the Clinic location that offers this technique. maximum size limits that can be treated with Johns Hopkins also offers the TULSA pro- transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound. cedure. Patients are selected for this pro- Don’t Wait! A promising new technology that is in cedure based on prostate anatomy, as well There is still time to take advantage clinical trials at select centers around the as a review of MRIs, PSA results, biopsy of our 30th Anniversary savings country is building on the rapidly emerg- pathology reports and treatment goals. ing role of the MRI scanner to monitor As different facilities have different infra- Immediate availability for direct entry into our memory support real-time temperatures in the prostate. structures and expertise, your husband’s neighborhood with direct access to our full array of community Known as transurethral ultrasound abla- amenities and on-site 5-star comprehensive nursing center. healthcare provider can discuss with him the (With Residency Agreement option.) tion, or TULSA, this procedure is per- availability of ablation techniques and which RN/LPN on-site 24/7 and on-site Social Worker formed while the patient (under anesthe- technique, if any, would be most appropriate. 30 years’ experience in Downtown Columbia sia) is in the MRI scanner. It uses software Also, consider obtaining a second opinion. Predictable “All-inclusive” pricing. No additional level of care or that provides thermometry or real-time © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical medication management fees temperatures within the prostate and sur- Person centered, engaging activities daily Education and Research. Distributed by Enhanced infection control measures to ensure health and safety rounding structures. This allows for more Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Respite Stays available BEACON BITS Limited time offer. TAKING ACTION FOR HEALTH EQUITY Call for more details. Sept. 9 Learn more about racial health disparities in Howard County in this free virtual event on Thurs., Sept. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Call now to schedule your virtual the Howard County Library, this event includes a brief presentation by Horizon personal appointment! 410-992-1241 Foundation as well as conversations with local leaders and organizations. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/HCHealthEquity.

TECH DISCUSSION GROUP Sept. 9 Join a Lunch and Learn technology discussion group about the newest technology trends. This group meets virtually every vantagepointresidences.org Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit 5400 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044 bit.ly/TechLunchLearn. HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health 7

variant. Thailand announced this week BEACON BITS Booster that health workers who had received two From page 5 doses of a Chinese vaccine would be given Sept. 21+ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED doesn’t need to be on high alert forever. a booster shot made by AstraZeneca. The University Of Maryland's Legacy Leadership Institute on Public But antibodies aren’t its only defense. Could some people need a booster Policy, in partnership with the State of Maryland, is looking for vol- By the time those levels drop, the body before the entire population? unteers age 50+ to serve as volunteer legislative leaders during the 2021 session has formed backups. They include memo- That’s possible. Israel began dispensing of the Maryland General Assembly. Classroom instruction will be 100% virtual and ry B cells that, the next time you’re ex- third doses of the Pfizer vaccine to trans- begin on Sept. 21 and end on Dec. 2, 2021. Visit sph.umd.edu/legacyleaders. For posed, “explode, and they start dividing plant recipients and other patients with more information or to apply, contact Wesley Queen at or (301) 405-2529. like mad” to make new antibodies, said weak immune systems. The reason: Peo- University of Pennsylvania immunologist ple who take certain immune-suppressing Scott Hensley. medications don’t react as strongly to any LAKEFRONT SUMMER FESTIVAL Another backup: T cells that kill virus- vaccinations — not just COVID-19 vac- to Sept. 5 Enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront infected cells to help keep a breakthrough cines — as healthy people (see above). every Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 6:30 case from becoming severe. France already had a similar third-dose p.m. through Sept. 5. For the full schedule, visit bit.ly/LakefrontSummerFestival. Lab studies signal antibodies aren’t as policy for the immunocompromised. And potent against the Delta variant as they are even though it’s not authorized in the U.S., against some earlier versions of the coron- some transplant recipients are seeking out BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE avirus but are still protective. a third dose in hopes of more protection. Ongoing The Children’s Home is collecting back-to-school supplies for vul- Specialists worry more about the It’s not yet proven if a third dose helps nerable kids across Maryland. Learn about three ways to give and prospect of future mutants that might es- and, if so, who needs one and when. The ensure students have the tools they need to succeed in school this year by visit- cape today’s vaccines, something prevent- first large study of the strategy is begin- ing thechildrenshome.net or calling (410) 744-7310. able only by cracking down on viral spread ning in thousands of patients in Norway. everywhere. —AP How are other countries doing against the Delta variant? Real-world data from England, Scotland, Canada and Israel show that the vaccines most widely used in Western countries FINDFIND YYOUROUR NNEWEW HHOMEOME AATT continue to provide strong protection. Re- searchers in Britain found two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, for example, are 96% protective against hospitalization with the Delta variant and 88% effective against symptomatic infection. Israel recently reported preliminary data suggesting protection against mild Delta infection has dipped lower, to 64%. But protection against severe illness re- mained high. There’s less information about how well other vaccines hold up against the Delta andand enjoyenjoy a llifeife ooff lluxuryuxury aandnd eeasease BEACON BITS

Aug. 19+ FREE PFIZER COVID VACCINE The Howard County General Hospital Discover the secret of maintenance- is offering free Pfizer COVID-19 vac- ELLICOTT CITY’S cines on Tues., Aug. 19 and Tues. free luxury living with friendly Aug. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. RESORT-STYLE neighbors, best-in-class amenities, Vaccinations will take place at Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal MI, 6798 55+ COMMUNITY and an attentive management team. Oak Hall Lane in Columbia. To register, visit hcgh.org/vaccine.

CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Ongoing DONATE BLOOD NOW OUR CURRENT SPECIALS! (833) 419-7513 The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage. Donors of all blood types, especially type O and those giving WWW.ALTAATREGENCYCREST.COM platelets, are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent delays to critical patient care. To make an 3305 Oak West Drive appointment, visit redcrossblood.org Ellicott City, MD 21043 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767). 8 Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON Asian salmon with veggies and noodles COURTESY OF ZEN AND SPICE By Family Features 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced If eating wholesome meals is a daily 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce foods that also feed your immune system 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional) by including ingredients like mushrooms. 2 tablespoons water With their earthy flavor, mushrooms — 2 teaspoons cornstarch like many other fruits and vegetables — Other ingredients: can play a positive role in supporting a 1 ½ pounds salmon (4 filets) healthy immune system. 12 ounces stir-fry (Pad Thai) rice Studies at Oregon State University con- noodles cluded there are a variety of micronutri- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil ents important for supporting a healthy 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced immune system. Consider that three of 1 cup sugar snap peas these nutrients (vitamin D, selenium and 1 large broccoli head, cut into bite- B vitamins) can be found in mushrooms, size florets meaning the following family-friendly 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for recipe can help you add all-important nu- garnish trients to your family’s menu. sesame seeds, for garnish Find more ways to add mushrooms to Preheat oven to 400° F. meals at mushroomcouncil.com. In small saucepan, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon sesame oil, barbecue sauce and chili garlic with Noodles and Veggies sauce, if desired. Bring to boil over high Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen heat then reduce heat to simmer. and Spice” In small bowl, whisk water and corn- Total time: 40 minutes starch. Pour into saucepan and cook on Servings: 4 low, whisking often, until sauce thickens, 3- While salmon cooks, prepare stir-fry Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are Sauce ingredients: 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. noodles according to package directions. tender-crisp, 7-8 minutes. Add noodles and ½ cup soy sauce Pour 3 tablespoons sauce into small Drain, rinse and set aside. remaining sauce from pan; toss to combine. 2 tablespoons brown sugar bowl. Brush salmon filets with reserved Heat large skillet over medium heat. To serve, divide noodles, vegetables 1 tablespoon rice vinegar sauce and place on baking sheet. Bake 15 Add sesame oil. Add mushrooms, snap and salmon between plates. Top with 2 cloves garlic, minced minutes, or until salmon is flaky. peas and broccoli. sliced green onions and sesame seeds. HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health 9 Herbs, vitamins that can help with anxiety It’s summer, and many people I know longed anxiety. Finding the root cause (or anxiety and depression. Conventional medical wisdom has pro- are still battling some type of anxiety, the root person) that causes your anxiety Zinc: This mineral has a very calming ef- grammed us to believe that sedatives and whether it’s from travel is key to getting well. fect on the body. Perhaps it helps with the addictive medications are the answer to stress, flying, the idea of the By the way, few things work COMT gene variation some people have anxiety, but that’s not necessary for every- Delta variant or something better to curb difficult emo- that causes them to experience feelings, in- one. stressful going on with family. tions than exercise. Go for a cluding pain, with greater intensity. (Howev- If you’d like to read the more comprehen- Whatever it is, there are run or take a trip to the gym. er, beware: One can overdose on zinc, sive version of this article, please sign up for some natural ways to conquer Physical activity is known to which is dangerous.) my free newsletter at suzycohen.com. anxiety and boost mood. raise dopamine immediately. Herbs: There are many herbs that can help This information is opinion only. It is not First off, do not feel alone: For some simple anxiety- you, either via teas or supplements. Among intended to treat, cure or diagnose your con- Millions of people are anxious producing situations, you can the best are chamomile, lavender, lemon dition. Consult with your doctor before using about something. also look into the following nu- balm, ashwagandha, catnip and valerian. any new drug or supplement. I’ll tell you one of my issues: trients. But remember: If your DEAR driving on big highways with condition is serious, you must PHARMACIST other cars. I assume, when driv- see a qualified specialist. By Suzy Cohen ers fly past me, that they are tex- Vitamin B1: Thiamine or ting. In fact, I assume pretty B1 helps you produce and re- much everyone is distracted except for me, lease serotonin and norepinephrine, which and so I usually use GPS to find the slower reduce mental fatigue and improve physi- • Eye Care for All Ages • Specialists in Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic roads. I have been this way for years, and cal energy. If you like to drink wine, you Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration • Contact Lens Specialists there’s no amount of lavender that helps me! are sure to be deficient in this nutrient. • Plastic & Reconstructive Eye Surgery But for other occasional anxiety, there is Vitamin B2: Riboflavin or B2 helps help in the form of a few natural remedies. your adrenal glands, which secrete DHEA Full In-House Optical Department Common symptoms of anxiety include and cortisol — hormones that must re- sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, a feeling of main in proper homeostasis for you to Outpatient No-Stitch Cataract Surgery • Laser Surgery impending doom, trembling or shaking, cope with feelings of anxiety. MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED dry mouth, gastrointestinal problems, and Probiotics: These friendly gut bugs inability to think of anything else other help you activate thyroid hormone, which LENARD H. HAMMER, M.D., F.A.C.S. VANESSA LIMA, M.D. GORDON LUI, M.D. CRISTINA F. ROUILLER, O.D.. than the perceived danger at hand. Some has been proven in some studies to work SCOTT B. BECKER, M.D. people also experience insomnia. even better than traditional antidepressants BRIAN J. WINTER, M.D. 410-997-9900 Hypertension, gastric ulcers and de- in some people. We know that a reduction 8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 101, Columbia, MD pression are also associated with pro- in probiotics can indirectly cause profound

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Diabetic study includes all meals free By Margaret Foster The best part about participating in the have diabetes, what’s the most effective practices during the pandemic. Kitchen You may have heard of the DASH diet study is that volunteers with diabetes will get way to do that to prevent problems?” and research staff wear masks and follow (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hyperten- free, healthy food for five months as well as Learning about good nutrition can pro- CDC guidelines, and social distancing will sion). Created in 1997 by Dr. Lawrence monetary compensation up to $1,625. long people’s lives. In past studies, Pilla be in effect in the ProHealth center’s din- Appel of Johns Hopkins, the diet includes said, “people learn a lot, and they get a lot ing room. grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy How the study works out of it.” To find out more or to volunteer for the foods. Once enrolled, participants will be pro- Although the Dash 4D study is in per- Dash 4D study, visit dash4D.com, email Appel, the lead investigator on a study vided all their meals for 21 weeks. For son, Hopkins says it’s committed to safe [email protected] or call (410) 281-1600. published that year, found that the DASH three days a week, all meals will be served diet lowered blood pressure, which when at the Johns Hopkins study center called high can lead to stroke and heart attack. ProHealth in Woodlawn, Maryland (free Now Appel’s team is studying whether parking is provided). All participants will the DASH diet can help people with dia- be put into one of four random groups, betes, too, since they’re also at risk for each receiving a different meal plan. One stroke and heart disease. of the plans will be the DASH diet. “The DASH diet has been proven very ef- People aren’t required to eat any unusu- fective in lowering blood pressure, but it al or fancy foods, Pilla said — just healthy, hasn’t been tested for people with dia- nutrient-rich meals. The DASH diet, which betes,” said Scott Pilla, assistant professor includes beans, nuts and fish, is similar to of medicine at Johns Hopkins and one of the Mediterranean diet. the co-investigators of the DASH 4D study. “The general American diet is not very “Figuring out what diet is best to prevent [a healthy. How can people do better? If stroke or heart attack] is really important.” you’re going to change your diet and you Please patronize our advertisers. They keep the Beacon free!

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A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services Volume 11, No. 9 • September 2021

Celebrate Senior Center A Message from Howard County Executive Month at 50+ Centers Calvin Ball eptember is National his September we are celebrating Senior Center Month, National Senior Center Month to Sa time to celebrate all Trecognize all the incredible staff, that centers offer older adults programs and services our 50+ Centers in our community! While provide to the community. As we work to Howard County continues become a more “Age-Friendly” community, we know how vital our to exercise caution to protect 50+ Centers are to improving the well-being and quality of life of our older adults from COVID-19 residents. These community hubs address the needs and interests and its related variants by of older adults in a variety of ways, offering support in nutrition, requiring masks indoors, our health and wellness, technology, volunteer opportunities, financial six 50+ Centers are open, education, creative arts, and so much more. offering in-person programs Throughout the pandemic, our 50+ Center teams have adapted and to meet a variety of needs and interests. With resilience and a dedication shifted programming to online or virtual options to fit the needs of to service, the Office on Aging and Independence’s 50+ Centers’ team our older adults. Whether you decide to venture into one of our has pulled out all the stops to make visiting centers a safe and enriching 50+ Centers, or continue to connect online, our team will be there experience for all. It’s time to celebrate those efforts! to provide knowledge, programming and resources. During an unprecedented time, creativity and innovation have brought Additionally, September is National Emergency Preparedness to fruition a variety of virtual program opportunities. In fact, Howard Month. This year’s theme: “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for County’s Virtual 50+ Programs was selected by engAGED: The National disasters is protecting everyone you love.” After dealing with the Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults as a best and promising challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know how important social engagement practice. preparation is to protect our loved ones. Just this year we’ve fully vaccinated more than 93% of residents over age 65. Beyond our " 50+ Centers provide a vital link for social engagement, keeping current public health challenges, we still must prepare for weather older adults connected, healthy and active," said Barbara Scher, emergencies that typically occur in the fall and winter. 50+ Centers Division manager. "Whether in-person or virtual, There are many resources available for you and your family to centers offer an exciting array of programs for learning and make a plan, build an emergency kit and be prepared for natural growth, fitness, well-being and creative expression." emergencies. For more information, visit www.ReadyHoCo.org. While the 50+ Centers reestablish a full schedule of in-person fitness While we face some uncertainty about COVID-19 heading into classes, they will continue to offer the popular virtual group exercise fall and winter, we can take comfort in the shared responsibility of pass. Planning is also underway to create hybrid-streaming models with our community to get vaccinated and look out for our loved ones. in-person and virtual access to programs to engage and inspire older Wishing you a safe and healthy month ahead! adults in a multitude of ways. Stay tuned for more details. Some Opportunities Scheduled During September Elkridge 50+ Center celebrates Senior Center Month with programs The Bain 50+ Center recently completed its long-awaited renovation and to boost physical and mental health, including Aging Gracefully on debuted its new fitness equipment room. Stop by to celebrate Senior Tuesday, September 14, at 11 a.m. with Melanie Berdyck, a nutritionist Center Month on Tuesday, September 21, with a concert by the United with Giant Food, and a Grab and Go lunch on Friday, September 17, States Army Field Band. The Red Hatters Group returns to Bain that day at 11:30 a.m. Explore mental health at the Elder Safe presentation on as well. If you are at risk for falls, don’t miss the presentations for Fall Monday, September 20, at 1 p.m. and join Revive Physical Therapy on Prevention Awareness Day on Wednesday, September 22. Tuesday, September 21, to learn about Fall Prevention strategies and get Funding for a new, expanded East Columbia 50+ Center has been a free balance assessment from 1 to 2 p.m. approved as part of the FY'22 capital budget, which is certainly a cause The Ellicott City 50+ Center welcomes skilled and novice needleworkers for celebration! Stop by the center for Demo Day on Wednesday, to participate in its Yarnstallation Project on Wednesdays, September September 8, and take part in free introductory classes, including 1, 8 and 15. Knit and crochet small patchwork projects to be assembled Tai Chi, Soul Line Dance, Artist Trading Cards and an Alcohol into a vivid art project for everyone to enjoy. Reunite with friends and Ink Painting demo. Join Sound Healer Josh Howell on Wednesday, reacquaint yourself with fun center activities at a Bunco Party on Friday, September 15, from 2 to 3 p.m. as he sculpts sound using his powerful September 17; a Welcome Back Social on Tuesday, September 21, at gong, singing bowls and other instruments. Plus, the Language Café 12:30 p.m; and a Table Tennis Tournament on September 22. Stop by the returns on September 28, from 6 to 9 p.m., with conversational tables front desk for details or to sign up! available in 17 languages. continued on next page HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 The 50+ Connection Say you saw it in the Beacon 13 Howard County Celebrate Senior Center Month at 50+ Centers continued from front page article Get creative on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. in September at the Glenwood 50+ Walktober Center. Start with DIY Concrete Leaf Garden Art on September 1, as you craft a unique piece of garden art, bird bath or feeder using concrete and 2021 leaves. Materials provided; cost is $8. Make a beautiful Sun Catcher for your window on September 8 using fused glass you cut and design, then leave to be fired; cost is $30. In Pumpkin Pumpkin on September 15, Walk, Roll, Ride, MOVE! create a perfect pumpkin that won’t ever spoil, made from concrete and tights; cost is $6 ($3 if you bring your own tights). Round out the month Walktober is a celebration of Maryland's official exercise and a call with DIY Harvest Signs on September 22, using wooden sign boards to to action to promote walking for physical activity and improved create a two-sided project; cost is $20. health for residents of all ages and abilities. After a delayed reopening, North Laurel 50+ Center welcomes its members back with a festive meal and music in the outdoor pavilion on Join the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition Wednesday, September 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come mingle with old and local partners for a month of walk and move events called friends and center staff to see what you’ve been missing! Walktober 2021, a celebration of movement for all! The event runs For more information about upcoming events at 50+ Centers in from Friday, October 1, through Sunday, October 31. For details, September and beyond, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters. go to www.howardcountymd.gov/health/walktober-2021. All programs are subject to change; call 410-313-5400 (voice/relay) to verify the status of a specific program. Falls Prevention Week is September 20-24 Join us on Friday, September 24 9:00 TO 11:30 AM September 29 THROUGH November 3 1:00 to 2:30 pm Elkridge 50+ Center SIX CONSECUTIVE WEDNESDAYS 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge 21075 If you are a caregiver, we encourage you A one-time 2.5 hour session for those who are interested in to register for this dynamic self-care program. improving their nutrition and strength; designed to help people WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU! understand the connection between nutrition and preventing falls. There is NO CHARGE to attend these self-care classes! • Defining Malnutrition — FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER — • The Connection Between Nutrition and Falls • Muscle Loss With Age Kathy Wehr • Protein In Food and Label Reading for Protein CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM MANAGER • Important Role of Fluids in Our Diet • How to Plan a Strength-Building Diet 410-313-5955 (VOICE/RELAY) • [email protected] • Learning Your Personal Nutrition Risk Level and Score $5/person includes workshop and educational materials TO REGISTER, OR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Mark Your Calendar! MALARIE BURGESS 2021 October 1 thru [email protected] • 410-313-6073 (VOICE/RELAY) November 30

The Beacon’s Virtual 50+EXPO returns this Fall, with full access to programming available online from October 1 through November 30. Registration is open for potential sponsors and exhibitors. Visit http://bit.ly/beacon50expo to sign up and receive more The 50+ Connection is published monthly by the information about the upcoming virtual 50+ EXPO! Howard County Office on Aging and Independence. The Office on Aging and Independence has partnered with the This publication is available in alternate formats upon request. Beacon's Virtual 50+ EXPO. Don't miss out on cooking demos, To join our subscriber list, email [email protected] educational presentations, entertainment, a keynote speaker, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging exhibitors and more! Find us on www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity Kim Higdon Henry, Editor • Email: [email protected] Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher. 14 Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON Law &

Long-distance caregiving is challenging and MoneyMoneyMoney costly. Learn how to do it better on page 16. Who gets the keys to your digital estate? By Liz Weston to make this job easier for your descendants: provider’s terms of service may limit what LastPass or 1Password. You may not own cryptocurrency or run the executor can do and hinder them from These tools typically have a “notes” field an online business. But if you do almost Provide logins to your executor carrying out your wishes. that would allow you to include details about anything online, you probably have digital In the past, your executor — the person So, giving your executor your login cre- how you’d like the account to be handled. assets — electronic records that you own, entrusted with settling your estate after dentials may be the easiest way to make You would need to provide your executor control or license. your death — probably could have figured sure they can carry out your wishes, estate with the master password, which could be Failing to make arrangements for those out what you owned and owed by rummag- planning experts say. included in the letter of instruction. assets while you’re alive could result in un- ing through the papers in your filing cabi- necessary costs, stress and heartache to net and the bills in your mail, said Sharon Share an inventory and passwords Update and safeguard your list those you leave behind. Hartung, the author of two books for finan- The first step in creating a plan for your You don’t want to include sensitive infor- Online photo and video collections cial advisors, Your Digital Undertaker and digital assets is to make a list of them. mation such as passwords in your will, could be lost forever. Heirs could also be Digital Executor. That’s no longer the case. Searching online for a “digital assets in- since that document becomes public after locked out of electronic records with mon- “Because our digital assets tend to be ventory” will turn up some worksheets, in- you die. Instead, store the inventory and etary value, such as cryptocurrency and virtual in nature, an executor is not going cluding a detailed one created by the trade letter of instruction with your other estate frequent flyer miles. Email and social to find them in a search of our home of- organization Society of Trust and Estate planning documents in a secure location, media accounts could be hacked. fice,” Hartung said. “We’re going to have Practitioners, or STEP. It allows you to list such as with your attorney or in a home Even basic tasks, such as paying bills to leave some additional instructions on your accounts, usernames and, if desired, safe, and let your executor know where to online or canceling online subscriptions, what we’ve created and how the executor your passwords. find it. may be difficult or impossible if you is supposed to get access.” Don’t forget to include access to your You also could upload the information to haven’t made arrangements. Google and Facebook are among the few devices. If you have two-factor authentica- an online storage site, such as Everplans “There would be no way for someone to online providers that allow you to appoint tion set up on accounts to verify your iden- or LifeSite, which allows you to give a know how I pay bills unless they could ac- someone to manage your accounts if you tity — and typically you should — your ex- trusted person access to the documents. cess my online account and my emails,” become incapacitated or die. Apple recently ecutor will need the passcode to unlock Consider reviewing the inventory at said Abby Schneiderman, co-founder of announced plans to add a similar feature. your phone or other device that receives least once a year and make any needed up- Everplans, a site for creating end-of-life The vast majority of online providers the authentication code. dates. You’ll rest easier knowing your plans and storing documents. don’t have this option, however. Compli- You may also want to leave a letter of in- loved ones won’t be locked out of your dig- “And if it takes you a while to access these cating matters further, almost all providers struction telling your executor about your ital life. accounts, you’re going to realize afterwards, prohibit sharing passwords. wishes for various assets — what to delete, “Creating a roadmap is really important ‘Well, we’ve lost thousands of dollars on serv- Typically, executors can’t demand ac- what to archive and what to transfer to so that there are no surprises, no tears, ices we don’t use or don’t need anymore, be- cess to your digital assets unless you heirs, for example. that there’s as little stress as possible,” cause we can’t access them.’” specifically give them authority to do so in Another option is to keep your login cre- Schneiderman said. Here’s what you should consider and do your will or living trust. Even then, a dentials in a password manager such as —AP/NerdWallet

The financial effects of losing a spouse By Rocky Mengle “the taxes may be less than initially antici- IRA rules are complex ited IRA] into their own IRA or at least The death of a spouse is one of the most pated because, if you have lower income, Inheriting a traditional IRA can also af- they transfer it into an account in their difficult things imaginable. Besides the you may be in a lower bracket.” fect the surviving spouse’s taxes, but first, name,” McDowell noted. “Consolidating emotional toll, though, surviving spouses Less income could also mean that the there’s a decision to make. makes things much easier to manage.” typically confront financial issues, which surviving spouse now qualifies for certain An inheriting spouse can be designated The third option may make sense if the often trigger tax-related questions and tax deductions or credits that have income as the account owner, roll the funds into surviving spouse is at least 72 years old, consequences. Some of them are fairly caps or phase-out rules. Local jurisdictions their own retirement account, or be treated but the deceased spouse wasn’t. In that straightforward, while others can be often have income-based property tax as a beneficiary. That decision will affect re- case, RMDs from the inherited IRA are de- tricky. breaks that may suddenly be available, too. quired minimum distributions and ultimate- layed until the deceased spouse would That’s why Letha McDowell, president Eventually, every surviving spouse has ly the surviving spouse’s taxable income. have turned 72. of the National Academy of Elder Law At- a new filing status. A joint federal tax re- As either the designated owner of the torneys, advises surviving spouses not to turn is allowed for the year the deceased original account or the owner of the ac- Basis of inherited property make major financial changes immediate- spouse dies if the surviving spouse didn’t count with rolled-over funds, the surviving A surviving spouse also receives ly. Instead, she tells them to reassess their remarry. The qualifying widow(er) status spouse can take RMDs based on their own a stepped-up basis in other inherited prop- finances from a tax perspective. may be an option for two more years if life expectancy. erty. “If the assets are held jointly between The loss of income after a spouse dies there’s a dependent child. If they choose the third option — stay- spouses, then there’s a step up in one half certainly has tax implications. For in- After that, a surviving spouse who does- ing as the IRA’s beneficiary — RMDs are of the basis,” McDowell said. “But if an stance, if a drop in income means the sur- n’t remarry must file as a single taxpayer, based on the life expectancy of the de- asset was owned solely by the decedent, viving spouse needs to tap into a retire- which usually means less favorable tax ceased spouse. ment account, McDowell points out that rates and a lower standard deduction. “Almost everyone either rolls [an inher- See FINANCIAL EFFECTS, page 17 HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money 15

Maximize spouse assets if on Medicaid By David Rodeck Therefore, redistributing your assets can Descendants may have to pay risk. Any assets given away within five The bill for long-term care adds up fast. help you meet Medicaid’s standards. “Rather These strategies protect assets or in- years of a Medicaid application date still The annual median cost for a private room than keeping $100,000 in the bank, use that come for couples. Leaving something to count toward eligibility, but property trans- in a nursing home was $105,850 in 2020, money to pay off your mortgage or pay for other heirs is harder. ferred to heirs earlier doesn’t. according to Genworth. The government home renovations,” Shah suggested. After you and your spouse pass away, “You could set up an irrevocable trust will up these costs if you qualify for Medi- Alternatively, you could prepay a burial state governments are required to recover on behalf of your children, and transfer caid, but that’s easier said than done. plot, replace a vehicle or upgrade house- Medicaid costs from your estate whenever property that way,” Shah said. “It’s like put- “Medicaid is a welfare program,” said hold appliances. Your spouse will keep possible — through a lien on your home, ting the property away in a vault and giv- Neel Shah, estate-planning attorney and a these purchases if you need long-term reimbursement from a Miller Trust, or ing them the key.” certified financial planner at Shah & Associ- care, and with fewer assets to spend down, seizure of assets during probate before © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Edi- ates in Monroe Township, N.J. “There are you’ll qualify for Medicaid sooner. they’re distributed to heirs. tors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content strict income and wealth limits to qualify.” What your spouse is left with, however, A potential workaround comes with Agency, LLC. (Medicaid should not be confused with is unlikely to be enough to live off of. You Medicare, the national health insurance could boost a spouse’s income with a Med- program for people age 65 and over that icaid-compliant annuity. Are you an Active Senior largely doesn’t cover long-term care.) These contracts turn your savings into a If you can pay for your own care, you’ll stream of future retirement income for you Moderate Income? have more options, as not all facilities accept and a spouse and don’t count as an asset. of Medicaid. Still, even individuals with ample You can buy the annuity at any time, but to Discover Great Senior Living at our Affordable Community savings risk impoverishing their spouses to be Medicaid compliant, the annuity pay- Conveniently located near the Union Bridge Community pay for a long stay in a nursing home. ments must start immediately, with the If that’s what you fear, you may be sur- state named as the beneficiary after you Center. 24-hour emergency on-call maintenance. prised to learn that you can preserve some and your spouse pass away. Affordable rent. Caring & dedicated staff. assets for a spouse and qualify for Medi- caid using tools designed for that purpose. Consider irrevocable Miller Trust 550 Shriner Court How to qualify, but protect spouse You could also set up a Miller Trust for Union Bridge, MD 21791 Although qualifications vary by state, to yourself, according to Steve Parrish, co-di- qualify for Medicaid, your income general- rector of the Center for Retirement In- 410-775-2940 www.qpmgmt.com ly must be less than $2,382 per month. come at the American College of Financial However, you can allocate as much as Services in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Rent starts at $585. Income restrictions apply. $3,259.50 of your monthly income to a This irrevocable trust is used exclusively Call or visit our web site to view this community. spouse, whose income isn’t considered, to satisfy Medicaid’s income threshold. T/A Quantum Property Management and still meet the Medicaid limit. If your income from Social Security, pen- Your assets must be $2,000 or less, with a sions and other sources is above Medi- spouse allowed to keep up to $130,380. Cash, caid’s limit but not enough to pay for nurs- bank accounts, real estate other than a pri- ing home care, the excess income can go mary residence, and investments, including into a Miller Trust. That lets you qualify those in an IRA or 401(k), all count as assets. for Medicaid while keeping some extra But you don’t have to count as assets money in the trust for your own care. your residence, non-luxury personal be- The funds can be used by you to dine longings like clothes and home appliances, out, purchase new clothes, or pay for den- one vehicle, engagement and wedding tal work, which Medicare doesn’t cover, rings, and a prepaid burial plot. Parrish said. A Network of Professionals Dedicated to Serving Older Adults Our members enjoy: • Monthly Networking Meetings • Social Gatherings • Directory & Website Advertising • Professional Development Programming

To review our complete menu of marketing opportunities, visit cogsmd.org. Prospective members are welcome to attend one meeting as our guest. To register, email [email protected]. 16 Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how below SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON

Become a better long-distance caregiver By Liz Weston pert and the author of Juggling Life, Work, givers to hire help, take unpaid time off work If you have the means, consider hiring a Long pandemic lockdowns forced many and Caregiving. and pay for travel, Goyer said. geriatric care manager, also known as older adults to become comfortable with More than 1 in 10 caregivers look after Yet many distant caregivers worry an aging life care professional, to help you video calls to stay connected with family. family or friends from a distance, which can they’re not doing enough. evaluate your loved one’s caregiving That in turn meant that long-distance care- be more difficult and expensive. “As caregivers, guilt is our constant needs, hire home health aides if necessary givers had a better way to see how their A 2016 AARP survey found that caregivers companion,” Goyer said. “When you’re a and step in if there’s a crisis. loved ones were faring. in general incur an average of about $7,000 a long-distance caregiver, it’s even more so.” These professionals, who are often nurs- “You can’t tell on the phone that they’re year in out-of-pocket expenses. Long-dis- AARP has numerous resources for care- es or social workers, typically charge $75 wearing the same clothes every day, or tance caregivers — those who live at least an givers, including a “Prepare to Care” plan- to $200 an hour. An initial assessment may they’re not bathing because they’re afraid hour away from the care recipient — incur ning guide and a financial workbook for es- cost a few hundred dollars, but then the they’ll fall in the shower,” said Amy Goyer, about $12,000 on average, according to the timating and tracking costs. Goyer, who manager can be tapped as needed. AARP’s national family and caregiving ex- survey. They’re more likely than local care- cared for her grandparents, parents and a “If my parents had to go to the hospital sister from afar, suggests the following or some emergency happened, there had TWO (2) LOCATIONS • ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING ways to make long-distance caregiving to be somebody right away who could deal more effective and manageable. with it,” Goyer said.

Cremation Packages Burial Packages Assemble a team Embrace technology Just a Simple Cremation Just a Simple If you can’t physically check in on your Video calling isn’t the only technology We own and $1,295 operate our Graveside Funeral loved one regularly, enlist others who can, that can make life easier. own crematory $3,595 Goyer suggested. Those could include Medical alert systems can allow a loved Enhanced Cremation Casket included family members or friends who live closer, one to summon aid, and some have fall-de- (Winston 20 Gauge) $2,895 or even a friendly neighbor to whom you tection technology that works even if the per- Simplicity Plus Funeral can give your contact information. son isn’t wearing a special device. Smart pill or Cremation Service Family Goodbye “You may say, ‘Hey, if you notice grass dispensers manage medications, and some $5,995 isn’t getting mowed, things around the can let caregivers know if doses aren’t taken. Cremation Casket or Rental Casket included house look like they’re not being kept up, Smart home systems can also help. A $3,895 (Winston 20 Gauge or Graphite Ascent Rental) will you let me know?’” Goyer said. smart door lock, for example, can allow 1091 Rockville Pike* 519 Mabe Drive If you have siblings, they can pitch in even you to grant access from afar to someone if they’re long-distance too. They can make such as a friend, a health aide or para- Rockville, MD 20852 www.goinghomecares.com Woodbine, MD 21797 daily check-in calls or handle tasks such as medic. A smart thermostat can help you 301.296.6864 Email: [email protected] 410.442.3662 paying bills, making medical appointments *Restricted-operating out of Going Home Cremation & Funeral Care by Value Choice, P.A. Woodbine, Md. and dealing with insurance companies. See CAREGIVER, page 17

HB921 HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money 17

Financial effects There’s also a special rule that helps within two years of the deceased spouse’s amount. This protects the surviving spouse if surviving spouses who want to sell their death. the exemption is lowered, as President Joe From page 14 home. As for estate taxes, there’s an unlimited Biden and others have proposed doing. then that would be a step up of 100%.” In general, up to $250,000 of gain from marital deduction as well as this year’s If that happens, “it’s going to be impor- In community property states, the total the sale of a principal residence is tax-free $11.7 million estate tax exemption (the tant for a surviving spouse to have elected fair market value of property, including the if certain conditions are met. The exemp- amount is adjusted annually for inflation). portability,” McDowell warned. “And if portion belonging to the surviving spouse, tion jumps to $500,000 for married couples If the deceased spouse’s estate is nowhere you don’t file, you don’t get it.” becomes the basis for the entire property filing a joint return, but a surviving spouse near that amount, the surviving spouse © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Edi- if at least half its value is included in the de- who hasn’t remarried can still claim the should still file Form 706 to elect “portability” tors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content ceased spouse’s gross estate. $500,000 exemption if the home is sold of the deceased spouse’s unused exemption Agency, LLC. BEACON BITS The person you’re caring for may have Caregiver other resources that can be tapped, such Aug. 21+ FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN From page 16 as long-term care insurance, savings or Join participants across the country in this Zoom workshop host- ensure a comfortable temperature, while a home equity. smart home security system can let you Talking about money can be difficult, ed by AARP that addresses financial empowerment, including savings strategy, know if your loved one has left the house. but not doing so can be disastrous, Goyer Goyer used security cameras to keep an said. She eventually filed for bankruptcy debt management, investment basics and retirement planning. Workshops take eye on her dad “whether I was going outside protection because of the credit card debt. place the third Saturday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information, to take out the trash or 2,000 miles away.” If she had it to do again, Goyer said she would consult with a financial advisor to visit bit.ly/AARPFinancialEmpowerment. Look for available benefits better plan for the costs ahead. Your loved one may be eligible for pub- —AP/NerdWallet lic benefits that could help with caregiving tasks or costs. Start your search at Bene- fits.gov. Resources for older Americans can also be found through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov. ENTERPRISE Goyer’s father suffered from dementia for many years, but only during the last RESIDENTIAL year of his life did she learn that he qualified for healthcare benefits from the De- partment of Veterans Affairs. MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER “I wish I’d gotten him into VA healthcare earlier, because they ended up cover- ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.) ing incontinence supplies and medications The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141 Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 and a lot of things that I had been paying Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363 for,” Goyer said. Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411 Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 BEACON BITS Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120 BALTIMORE CITY MEN’S WEEKLY EASTERN SHORE Tuesdays DISCUSSION Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180 GROUP Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301 Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070 Would you like to engage in conver- The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487 HARFORD COUNTY sation with other men your age in Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445 Howard County? The Howard County Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440 senior men’s weekly discussion Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115 group meets via Zoom every Tuesday Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400 from 10 a.m. to noon for lively dis- BALTIMORE COUNTY HOWARD COUNTY cussions about politics, finance, Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 health, nostalgia and more. For more Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118 information, email edwardka- Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 [email protected]. Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 FESTIVAL OF INDIA Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 Sept. 4 The Festival of India Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384 takes place Sat., The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 Sept. 4 from 12 to 8 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY p.m. at the Howard County Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better Fairgrounds. Enjoy a shopping extrav- Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 aganza, food and fun activities for Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730 the whole family. For more information, visit bit.ly/HCFestivalofIndia. Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673 NAVIGATING Aug. 26 OFFICE AND HOME Learn how to balance Call the community of interest to you to inquire about the new realities of in-person and remote work in this eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour. free AARP webinar, which takes place Thurs., Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. For EnterpriseResidential.org more information and to register, visit bit.ly/WorkandOffice. PET-FRIENDLY 18 Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON

THIS SUMMES ER ..... Staart JJouau rnNNeeeyew Whether it’s strolling winding paths or socializing in sunny courtyardss, residents of Assisted Living at Brooke Grove experience a warm, vibrrant lifestyle and delight in our chaarming setting of open meadows and airy trees.

OUR AMENITIES MEMMORY SUPPORT PROGRAAM Private rooms ﬁlled with For residents with Alzheimer’s or sunshine from over-sized dementia, we offer a special assisted windows and skylights living option with: 24-hour on-site clinical Sppecially trained memory support from licensed and suupport staff caring nurses An interactive lifestyle that Secure courtyards and maximizes choice and independence 188100 Slade School Road walking paths Tailored LIFE® enrichment Sandy Spring, MD 20860 Ornamental koi pond prrogramming that connects each resident to his or her past 301-637-8928 Manicured ﬂower and sensory gardens Group activities that allow www.bgf.org. residents to enjoy the outdoors Playgrounnd for visiting kids annd a thriving social life HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon 19

Leisure &

Check out this parade float museum and other quirky attractions. See story Travel on page 20.

In search of the Underground Railroad By Glenda C. Booth America. They were aided by people who PHOTO BY MARYLAND OFFICE OF TOURISM Maryland’s most famous heroine, Harri- cooperated across racial, ethnic, socioeco- et Tubman, was born enslaved in Dorch- nomic, gender and religious lines. ester County around 1822. She was rented Freedom-seekers often traveled at night out at age six by her owner, but at age 27 — in disguise, on foot, in wagons, by boat, escaped to Pennsylvania. however they could. During the day they After her escape, Tubman became a high- slept in barns, cellars, sheds, churches or ly effective “conductor” on the Underground other “stations.” They used railroad-related Railroad, making 13 trips back to her home code words such as stations and depots area to guide 70 people to freedom. (safe hiding places), conductors (guides) “I never ran my train off the track, and I and tracks (routes with sympathizers). never lost a passenger,” Tubman once said. Maryland was a pivotal border state be- Dorchester County, Maryland, about 80 fore the Civil War. Its many waterways and miles east of Washington, D.C., is a mosaic overland routes were used by many en- of 600 square miles of vast, flat farmlands, slaved people, who often headed to Philadel- dense woods, creeks, rivers and marshes. phia as their first destination. That city was Its mazelike landscape looks much as it the headquarters of William Still’s Pennsyl- did in the 1800s, when many enslaved peo- vania Anti-Slavery Society, which aided ple bolted from their Dorchester County 1,500 people in their journey to freedom. plantation owners to freedom. The Underground Railroad was secre- Harriet Tubman Byway’s 45 sites Harriet Tubman offers a helping hand in a mural by artist Michael Rosata, painted on the side of the Tubman Museum & Educational Center in Cambridge, Maryland. The tive in nature, and few structures remain. If you want to tour local Underground museum is one of 45 sites on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a But many historic sites related to Tubman Railroad sites, follow the Harriet Tubman self-guided driving tour through Maryland and Delaware. survive today. Underground Railroad Byway — a self- guided driving tour along 125 miles in touring materials, start at the Dorchester Historic buildings help tell the Invisible depots and tracks Maryland and 98 miles in Delaware — County Visitor Center in Cambridge, story Neither subterranean nor a train, the which highlights 45 marked sites. Maryland. The Harriet Tubman Museum One of the byway’s most popular stops, Underground Railroad was a loosely con- Travelers can download an audio guide and Educational Center opened in Cam- the Bucktown Village Store, stands mostly nected network that stretched over half of from the website (harriettubmanbyway.org) bridge four years ago. unchanged today. (The store, now a small the United States, connecting sympathiz- or download a free smartphone app to navi- Not far away, slave auctions took place museum and gift shop, is currently closed ers who helped self-emancipating people gate the trip. In fact, smartphone users can outside the Italianate Dorchester County due to the pandemic.) escape slavery. now point their phone’s cameras at certain Courthouse, built in 1854, and its 1852 Here Tubman witnessed an enslaved Runaways headed to free northern states sites to see historic images superimposed predecessor, destroyed by fire. Inside this field hand break free of his master. When and Canada as well as Spanish Florida, Cali- on the current landscape. courthouse, a free Black man, Samuel the “owner” demanded that Tubman help fornia, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central For an introduction to the byway and Green, was given a 10-year prison sen- with the capture, she refused, and he

PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRIET TUBMAN BYWAY tence for owning the anti-slavery novel, struck Tubman in the head, cracking her Uncle Tom’s Cabin. skull and leaving her with seizures and A memorial garden in Cambridge hon- headaches for the rest of her life. ors Tubman with murals painted by her The tour route takes visitors north to descendant Charles Ross. several sites from the 1800s, including the At the Harriet Tubman Underground Jacob and Hannah Leverton House in Pre- Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, ston, a Quaker abolitionist haven. 10 minutes away, a film and exhibits detail At Preston’s Linchester Mill, a water- Tubman’s life. Visitors learn that her early powered grist mill with a post office, gen- love of the outdoors and life of hard work, eral store and several safe houses, people including driving mules, timbering and could get the latest news. The town’s farming, later gave her insight and sur- Mount Pleasant Cemetery was likely a vival skills to escape, aid others, and be- meeting place for fugitives. come a Civil War Union nurse, spy and suf- In Denton, the William Still Family In- fragist. terpretive Center honors the Still family’s The adjacent Blackwater National struggle for freedom. Still documented Wildlife Refuge is a wild expanse of the more than 1,000 escapes, compiling in natural elements that Tubman and others 1871 one of the most authentic existing The Bucktown Village Store looks much as it did in the 1830s, when 13-year-old Harri- navigated. In the refuge, they foraged for records of the Underground Railroad. et Tubman was maliciously injured there. An overseer pursuing an enslaved man struck food in the wetlands, dense woods and Tubman with an iron weight, fracturing her skull and causing lifelong headaches. muskrat lodges. See RAILROAD, page 21 20 Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON

Some unique attractions close to home By Victor Block a 30-foot genie (shenandoahcaverns.com). FLICKR/FORSAKEN FOTOS While the Statue of Liberty stands as Open through Labor Day. America’s most famous symbol, our country’s character can also be found in its Baltimore’s eclectic treasures quirky roadside monuments: the world’s In Curtis Creek in Baltimore, a unique largest ball of twine, a corn palace, giant di- collection of ruined ships rises from the nosaur statues, and buildings that resem- water’s surface. As their useful lives ble shoes, bugs or coffee pots. ended, they were unceremoniously For your next day trip, consider a few dumped along the shoreline. overlooked destinations in our region: Among the residents of the ship grave- giant floats that have appeared in inaugu- yard are several wooden World War I ral parades and the Rose Bowl, for in- freighters, a sidewheel steamer and sever- stance, or ships that sailed in Maryland’s al houseboats. waterways centuries ago. The most notable ship, a three-masted We have some wonderful, welcoming — schooner known as the William T. Parker, and, in some cases, downright weird — was abandoned in the 19th century off the places to visit without driving far from home. coast of North Carolina and drifted all the way to Maine. To see the vessels, rent a Parade floats in Virginia boat or kayak, park at the nearby Jaws Ma- Although Shenandoah Caverns in Vir- rina, or glimpse them from the I-695 ginia (near Luray Caverns) is well known, its bridge nearby (gofishbaltimore.com). adjacent warehouse, the American Celebra- While you’re in Baltimore, stop at a Located just off 695, the Curtis Creek Ship Graveyard contains World War I-era ships, tion on Parade, gets less attention. But visi- unique diner near the Baltimore Museum houseboats and other scuttled vessels. It is best viewed by kayak. tors to the red-carpeted warehouse will be of Art. Along with breakfast classics and impressed by the enormous floats that had a Southern staples, the Papermoon Diner eyes as well (papermoondiner24.com). on Queen Victoria, and George Washing- few hours of glory before being laid to rest. serves up a colorful collection of quirky After eating, floss. That’s one of many ton’s lower dentures — which, despite leg- In addition to the elaborate parade decorations that it touts as “living art” messages imparted at the National Muse- end to the contrary, were fashioned prima- floats, including from Presidential Inaugu- (others may call it pop-culture kitsch). um of Dentistry, appropriately located near rily from ivory, not wood (dental.umary- rals and Rose Bowl parades, the facility Mannequins lean against walls and lounge the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. land.edu/museum). displays models ranging from a miniature on the lawn. Plastic toys, carousel horses and Among some 40,000 objects that trace Frightening teeth are among the exhibits U.S. Capitol building and Iwo Jima Memo- a collection of Pez paraphernalia help to the history of the profession are historic rial to a 20-foot pelican playing a banjo and transform a place to eat into a feast for the dental chairs, instruments that were used See OFFBEAT, page 21 HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel 21

They reported sightings of a large, Annex since 2011 (medicalmuseum.mil). in terms of chic charm. The 1892 building Offbeat gray-winged creature with glowing red Other buildings that in themselves are houses a boutique hotel, museum, gour- From page 20 eyes. The Mothman Museum displays oddities are worth a visit. met dining room and event venue under a at Protean Books & Records, located in a police reports of eyewitness accounts, The Markel Building in Richmond has single roof. Baltimore warehouse. A real book store, it’s newspaper articles about the sightings, the dubious distinction of having been in- Its eccentric interior styling includes also where Dr. Gloom’s Crypt of Curiosities and a statue of the alleged creature itself cluded on a list of “The World’s 10 Ugliest rooms individually decorated with an- displays a collection of morbid artifacts, like (mothmanmuseum.com). Buildings.” That’s no surprise to those who tiques and fine art, and dozens of hidden ghastly recreations of cryptids, mummified have seen the circular edifice, whose top secret doors. It even has a room that remains and a representation of Barnum’s Offbeat buildings and museums three floors are sheathed in a single piece of served as temporary home for civil rights sharp-toothed Fifi mermaid. Einstein’s brain, Ulysses S. Grant’s fatal crinkled aluminum. The building’s designer activist Rosa Parks. That fraudulent creature has the torso tumor, and other medical samples are part conceived the idea at an American Institute The museum displays a diverse collec- and head of a monkey attached to the back of the massive collection of the National of Architects dinner, where he was served a tion of art, sculpture and memorabilia half of a fish, and in years past was a com- Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver baked potato (architeturerichmond.com). (omansion.com). mon feature of circus sideshows, where it Spring, Maryland. While smaller, the O Mansion in down- Before you visit any of these sites, call ahead was presented as a real animal. Established in 1862 by U.S. Surgeon town Washington, D.C. has more to offer to check for hours or pandemic restrictions. General William Hammond, who asked West Virginia’s Mothman physicians to send him “specimens of mor- Another unbelievable creature, the Moth- bid anatomy…together with projectiles and Charters man, is celebrated in the heart of West Vir- foreign bodies removed,” the museum dis- Available ginia. At the Mothman Museum in Point plays grim anatomical accidents as well as for All Pleasant, visitors can learn about the bird- historic artifacts such as a 1660 micro- Occasionss like humanoid that residents claimed to scope. Relocated 10 times, the museum has have seen in the mid-1960s. been located in the Army’s Forest Glen New York CCityity DDayay TTripsrips Wednesdays,W d d SSaturdayst d St Michael’s Maryland Crab Railroad Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill, in Washing- and Sundays Claw Restaurant ton, D.C., where he lived from 1878 until Atlantic City Sept. 26 & Oct. 17 From page 19 his death in 1895. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays Tropicana Hotel Atlantic City Another conductor: Frederick Ocean City, MD 2-nights/3-days All Inclusive! Douglass To help your search Every Saturday Oct. 4 – Oct. 6 Frederick Douglass also led people on The Harriet Tubman Underground Rail- Ocean City Sunfest Oct. 2 Harriet Tubman Tour – Nov. 9 the Underground Railroad near Rochester, road Byway has a list of all 45 sites on the Call us for Reservations “The Total Experience” New York. Douglass was born into slavery self-guided tour: harriettubmanbyway.org. Radio City Christmas Show around 1818 in Talbot County on Mary- Some sites may be closed during the pan- 410-602-1704 Orchestra Seats – Dec. 8 & 15 land’s Eastern Shore. He became a bank demic, so call ahead. Email: [email protected] • Website: www.superiortours.com president, statesman, lecturer and author. Make a reservation for the Harriet Tub- To learn more about Douglass, visit man Visitor Center in Church Creek, open the Talbot County Courthouse in Easton, Thursday through Sunday, at bit.ly/Tub- where Douglass was jailed in 1836 after manreservations. he attempted to escape from his planta- The National Park Service’s National tion. Underground Railroad Network to Free- In addition, visitors can see the Bannek- dom lists more than 650 locations in 40 er-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, and states. Visit bit.ly/exploreugrr. BEACON BITS

Aug. 27+ NITE FISHING As summer turns to fall, it’s the perfect time to fish Centennial Lake at night. Night Bite Fishing takes place the second and fourth Fridays in August, September and October. Bring your own pole, bait, tack- le, bug repellant, flashlight or lantern, chair or boat. There is a $5 fee per person collected at check-in at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/NiteBiteFishing. To confirm this event is running as scheduled call (410) 313-4451 on the day of the event and select option 4. 22 Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON PHOTO BY HOWARD COUNTY GOVT. Arts &

County Executive Calvin Ball is committed to solar power. Our cover Style story continues on page 24.

Ellicott City band releases new album By Nick Clarkson and joined the group as a bass guitarist. PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD WALTON GROUP The pandemic has been a struggle for Today, Walton is the bassist in his own millions since it began in March 2020. And band, The Richard Walton Group. The en- that goes for Ellicott City musician semble formed back in 1990, playing Richard Walton as well. music many people describe as the jazz va- A singer, songwriter and performer, riety. However, Walton has his own take Walton wasn’t able to play in his normal on the Richard Walton Group’s sound. venues, like Little Market Café in Ellicott “We’re calling it ‘multi-genre’ because it City or Main Stage Grill in Woodstock. He incorporates jazz, rock, funk and Latin — couldn’t tour around Maryland or sell all those combined,” he said. records in person. “I’ve been in arguments with jazz But he has been writing songs. In June, purists that have put me against the wall, Walton released his 13th record, entitled saying, ‘You’re not a jazz artist.’ And I’ve “Your Love,” via his trio group “Straight just said, ‘Yeah, I agree with you!’ On Red,” which includes his wife, Tecla. While he was not on the road playing in Now in his 50s, Walton’s music career front of crowds during the pandemic, Wal- has spanned multiple decades, albums and ton was working hard on his new album. shows. He was inducted to the Maryland He said this new set of songs is an extend- Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2016, the ed play (EP) originally started in the late same year his band was nominated for Best 2000s. Jazz Artist by the Maryland Music Awards. EP recordings generally contain fewer songs than an album. In Walton’s case, it Richard Walton has been the front man for his multi-genre band for three decades. A multi-genre sound includes 10 bonus tracks that were fin- After a pandemic pause, the Richard Walton Group has resumed outdoor concerts at venues throughout Maryland and Delaware. The Catonsville native began playing in ished during the pandemic. “garage bands” during his teenage years “I was in the studio, and I found all these what I did.” ‘We leave our egos at the door’ in the 1970s before earning his first gig at songs that were unfinished,” he said. His In August, the band returned to the The Richard Walton Group has had the age of 17. He auditioned for a semi-pro- wife and fellow musicians encouraged him stage, performing songs from the new many members since its inception three fessional band based in Baltimore County to finish producing the record. “So that’s record as well as its most recent vinyl, decades ago, and Walton keeps in touch “Twelve,” which is Walton’s solo project with almost all of them. featuring Tecla and members of a band “Everybody in this band is really hum- Now On Stage called Crack The Sky (guitarist Rick ble. Not only are they great musicians, but Witkowski and Tecla were main producers we kind of leave our egos at the door,” he on that album). said. Now back in action, the group has 18 gigs scheduled in the month of August. See MUSICIAN, page 25

Columbia Pro Cantare 45th Season Concerts SAVE THE DATE! October 30, 2021 – VIVALDI & FRIENDS December 5, 2021 – HANDEL: MESSIAH December 19, 2021 – A CHRISTMAS NOËL 2022 March 6, 2022 – LIGHT & SHADOWS 410-730-8311 Subscriptions TobysDinnerTheatre.com Now On Sale! May 14, 2022 – AMERICAN VOICES

Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change. • Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, MD Visit www.procantare.org for details. HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon 23

RETURNING THIS FALL

This year, we are pleased to announce two in-person events and an online Virtual 50+Expo In-person Expos NEW Springfield, Va. Bethesda, Md. LOCATION Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021 Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021 Springfield Town Center Westfield Montgomery Mall Health Screenings • Flu Shots • Keynote Speaker • Giveaways Exhibitors (nonproﬁ t, government and business) • Door Prizes Online Expo October 1 thru November 30 at beacon50expo.com

Online find dozens of free classes, 2021 speakers and entertainers available 24/7, as well as helpful resources and exhibitors. PRESENTED BY Watch this space for more details. Or email [email protected] to receive updates.

ATTN: Businesses and nonproﬁ ts: To sponsor or exhibit at either or both in-person Expos and/or at our virtual Expo, call (410) 248-9101 or speak with your Beacon advertising representative.

SILVER BRONZE SPONSORS SPONSORS 24 Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON

Solar How to go solar in the shade dents to lower their energy costs by at just need to contact the supplier they want to But not everyone owns a house, and not least 5% per month. work with.” (Compare offers from residential From page 1 all homeowners have sunny, south-facing, The model works well for Miller herself. suppliers at mdelectricchoice.com/shop.) install its own solar panels on your roof. sloped roofs. In those cases, Miller recom- “I participate in community solar program But don’t overlook the cheapest way to Since the company owns the panels, there’s mends looking into something called a for my own electrical needs because I have save on energy costs: use less of it. little or no cost to the homeowner. Although community solar program. a shady roof,” Miller said. “Residents can do simple things like un- they won’t save quite as much money on Residents pay a nominal fee to “sub- Miller found a program through a non- plugging appliances not in use and turning their power bills, residents can feel good scribe,” and the company uses those in- profit called Solar United Neighbors. She vis- off lights when leaving rooms,” Miller said. about reducing their carbon footprint. vestments to build or use a commercial ited its website, solarunitedneighbors.org, Replacing regular lightbulbs with LED light- solar facility in the region, allowing resi- typed in her ZIP code, and browsed the ac- bulbs helps save money and energy, too. tive solar projects in need of subscribers. Miller also suggests that homeowners re- Subscribers receive a credit on their quest a free energy checkup from Empower FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO electricity bills; the credit depends on the Maryland, which can suggest ways to save CROSSWORD amount of energy used and the individual’s energy. Visit their website at energy.mary- investment in the program. land.gov and click on EmPower on the left. CAGY OMAHA NUT “With community solar, you can pur- ANSWERS TO OBOE NASAL ETAL chase or lease a ‘share’ or subscription in a Efforts to be climate friendly DEPARTMENTSTORE community solar project; or start a project Howard County is not only educating ADO OOM GOT PTA SCRABBLE SMA AGO AP I AN with your neighbors. Every month, you re- residents on using renewable energy; they RET I REMENTPLANS ceive a credit on your electricity bill for the are using it themselves. BRAS MI L AL I energy produced by your share,” accord- When Howard County’s executive SALTSEA CREASES AEE ZOO BRAT ing to the Solar United Neighbors website. Calvin Ball took office in 2019, Miller said, BUNKERMENTAL I TY As Kimberly Armstrong, program di- “one of the first things he did was pledge ONEER ADD CEL rector for Solar United Neighbors, puts it, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by FIB ELD OPT ABC the community solar subscription model 45% by 2030, with the goal of reaching zero FOURD I MENS I ONAL ONL A SAGES OKRA “makes it more equitable for everyone to by 2050.” SAG ANGST HAND participate in clean energy, no matter The county government has a goal to where they live.” use solar for 20% of its energy usage by 2024, Miller said, “and we are well on our ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Wind power way to surpassing that.” Another option for people who want to To do so, the county established an Jumbles: STASH SOUPY MEDLEY IMPALA use renewable energy is to switch their elec- agreement with a New Jersey-based solar Answer: They said “hello” as their boats passed tric service provider to one that uses wind power company, CI Renewables, which each other on the — “HI” SEAS energy or another type of renewable energy. “It’s easy to switch,” Miller said. “Residents See SOLAR, page 25 Stand Up Straight and Feel Better Discover the Perfect WalkerTM, the better way to walk safely and more naturally NEW Old Way Better Way

It’s a cruel fact of life, as we age, gravity takes over. Our muscles droop, our bodies sag and the weight of the world seems to be planted squarely on our shoulders. We dread taking a fall, so we find ourselves walking less and less– and that only makes matters worse. Well, cheer up! There’s finally a product designed to enable us all to walk properly and stay on the go. It’s called the Perfect Walker, and it can truly change your life. Traditional rollators and walkers simply aren’t designed well. They require you to hunch over and shuffle your feet when you walk. This puts pressure on your back, neck, wrists and hands. Over time, this makes walking uncomfortable and can result in a variety of health issues. That’s all changed with the Perfect Walker. Its upright design and padded elbow rests enable you to distribute your weight across your arms and shoulders, not your hands and wrists, which helps reduce back, neck and wrist pain and discomfort. Its unique frame gives you plenty of room to step, and the oversized wheels help you glide across the floor. The height can be easily adjusted with the push of a button to fit anyone from 4’9” to over 6’2”. Once you’ve reached your destination you can use the hand brakes to gently slow down, and there’s even a handy seat with a storage compartment. Plus the Perfect Walker includes Stand AssistTM handles which make standing from a sitting position simple and easy. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it FREE easy to use indoors and out and it folds up for portability and storage. Utility Bag, Cane and Beverage Why spend another day hunched over and shuffling along. Call now, and find out how you Holders can try out a Perfect Walker for yourself... and start feeling better each and every day in your own home. • Stand-assist handles • Comfortable Seat TM • Folds easily • Adjustable Backrest Perfect Walker Call now Toll-Free 1-888-891-1995 • Optimized Center of Gravity • Easy-brake Wheels Please mention promotion code 115672. Plus, now you can choose between royal blue or rich bronze © 2021 ﬁrst STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 84529 HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style 25

take on things.” dously. Some of the songwriter friends I Richard Walton Group EP being mastered Musician Walton said his music has been influ- have are just phenomenal,” Walton said. now — that is, having the final touches From page 22 enced by Holand-Dozier-Holland, Joni “Leading that group took my songwriting being put on by the band’s sound engineer While it sometimes took some extra ef- Mitchell, Smokey Robinson and Stevie up a notch.” — that he hopes to release soon. fort to get everyone on the same page when Wonder. Due to the pandemic, in-person meet- In the meantime, Walton is just enjoying it came to the music, Walton said, he is But there’s also a group Walton credits ings have been on hold. However, he the ride and going wherever the music grateful to have collaborated with talented with boosting his songwriting ability: the hopes that it will pick back up when takes him — from the Delaware shore to musicians and friends for so many years. monthly songwriting circle that he joined COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror. private events throughout Maryland. “I write a wide variety of music. But I in 2005 and has led for more than 10 years. This summer, Walton is involved with “For live music, wherever I can get kind of give my band members more of Attendees have included songwriters from multiple projects, with four more albums work, I go. I have no fear of travel, and love an opportunity [to develop the music],” he around Maryland, who bring their works currently in the works or more than meeting new people and bringing a posi- said. “It’s almost like coloring a picture to meetings to be critiqued and improved. halfway done. He mentioned that there is a tive vibe.” with other painters. I like other people’s “That group has helped me tremen- Tell them you saw it in the Beacon! installed rooftop panels on many buildings, Solar including the Miller Branch Library, the A T E~ A L S From page 24 Howard Building and the District Court. The maintains solar panels and arrays on coun- county is pushing for new buildings to be de- ty-owned as well as private land. signed to allow for more rooftop panels. They generate 44,000,000 kilowatt- Through these projects, the county is hours a year, covering more than half of modeling the effective and cost-efficient the county’s energy usage. In fact, Miller use of solar power and inspiring residents believes that number may be closer to 75%. to do what they can. Howard County solar projects include For Silver-Isenstadt, his investments have F O O F G the following: paid off financially and emotionally, by help- —Solar panels in parking lots. ing him live consistently with his values. Howard County has added canopies with “We want to support the solar industry,” L’Shanah Tovah! solar panels to several of its parking lots, Silver-Isenstadt said. “We want to be role including at the East Columbia Library, models for the neighborhood and live in a Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year! the East Columbia 50+ Center and the way we can explain to the next generation. -from the Levinson Family & Staff Gateway Building. These canopies not If not us, then who?” Columbia Arrangement Center only generate solar power but provide Find out more about ways to use renew- 5560 Sterrett Place, Suite 204 shelter and shade. able energy at Howard County’s website, Columbia, MD 21044 1892 —Rooftop solar panels. The county has livegreenhoward.com. S www.sollevinson.com 410-730-7230 The Invention of the Year

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Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, The first thing you’ll notice about rollators, and scooters were created to help people 10” with mobility issues get around and retain their the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been Think about it, you Th e Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches. yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade any new improvements to these existing products can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t aluminum. It weighs only 47.2 lbs but can handle or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, have to let mobility issues rule your life. an innovative design engineer who’s developed a passenger that’s up to 275 lbs! It features one- Why take our word for it. You can try the Zinger one of the world’s most popular products created a touch folding and unfolding– when folded it can be out for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Call completely new breakthrough... a personal electric wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into now, and find out how you can try out a Zinger of vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing a backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering your very own. out there quite like it. levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to Zinger Chair® “What my wife especially loves is it gives her a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor Call now and receive a utility basket back feelings of safety and independence it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable absolutely FREE with your order. which has given a real boost to her battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With conﬁ dence and happiness! Thank You!” its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can –Kent C., California handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. 1-888-404-2068 Please mention code 115671 when ordering. The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2021 ﬁ rst STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 85221 26 Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 16 SEPTEMBER 2021 — HOWARD COUNTY BEACON Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Middle Men By Stephen Sherr 1234 56789 10 11 12

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Across Down 1. Cautious with information 1. Post-credit scene 5. Largest city in Nebraska 2. Waiting for the next snooze alarm 10. Crackpot 3. Lose one's temper 13. Common woodwind instrument 4. Positive vote 14. Like a bad singer's American Idol audition 5. "Hold ___ your hat" 15. Latin list shortener 6. Number two song on ABBA Number Ones 17. Where Kim Cattrall came to life in 7. End of an enzyme Scrabble answers on p. 24. Mannequin 8. "I'll be there in a sec" 20. Fuss 9. Cher, vocally 21. Dutch uncle (or a comment from a cow 10. Cast a wide ___ walking backwards) 11. Perfect world 22. "Cat ___ your tongue?" 12. Kilt design 23. Org. that runs a school's Fall Festival 16. Tilts southward (as Pisa's tower) 24. Snugger than Lar. or Med. 18. Excited crowd sound 26. Fifth word of the Sgt. Pepper's album 19. Combine all the receipts together 28. Beelike 25. Whoopsie 30. Nest eggs 27. Shaving cream alternative 34. Items in Bare Necessities' inventory 29. Easy to manipulate 35. A thousand thous 30. Goal line TD scorers 36. He said "I am the astronaut of boxing; Joe 31. Historic time Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots" 32. Arab ruler 37. Hypersaline body of water 33. 78-card deck 39. Results of poor luggage packing 38. Boil over with rage 43. Just the vowels in "BRACELET" 39. Accepts bad behavior 44. It has lions and tigers and bears 40. Island nation called "the teardrop of 45. One who will not inherit from Willy Wonka India" 46. Extreme defense mechanism 41. Word between dogs 51. Singleton 42. Pigpen 52. Put two and two together 44. Letter to Queen Elizabeth 53. Animation frame 46. Successful, theatrically 54. White lie 47. Marriages 55. Maturity 48. Giant cloud in space 57. Make a choice 49. Lunatic 59. Brady Bunch network 50. When Romeo met Juliet 62. Including time and space 56. The Simpson's middle child 66. Eye ___ (TV show originally called 58. "hey... buddy..." Eyewitness Los Angeles) 60. "The hay is in the ___" 67. Wise guys 61. Dressed 68. Ingredient in Campbell's Chicken 63. Scandal sheet Gumbo Soup 64. Ingredient in brioche bread pudding 69. Droop 65. Sound repeated 188 times in Don't 70. Lack of serenity Worry, Be Happy 71. Game piece for Rock Paper Scissors

Jumble answers on p. 24. Answers on page 24. HOWARD COUNTY BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021 Say you saw it in the Beacone 27 CLASSIFIEDS For Sale 1994 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4, One Owner, 105k The Beacon prints classified advertising Miles, Price: $1,400. Call Riki at: 617-944-2269. HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD under the follow ing headings: Business & BEIGE SOFA BED & HP PRINTER, Sofa All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.the- Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Bed - 72 inches in good condition $175 or best Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; offer, must have your own pickup transporta- beaconnewspapers.com/classifieds tion and only can view on Sunday afternoons. For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; HP 3520 ink jet printer for $75 dollars, will Deadlines and Payments: Personals; Per son al Services; Va ca tion Oppor- ship. 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INDEPENDENT LIVING SIMPLY DIFFERENT

Set on our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forests, Brooke Grove’s cottages offer plenty of space to live the life you love. With maintenance-free living, there’s more time for outings, family and hobbies.

• Floor plans from 1,350 • Extra bedrooms and dens to 4,000 square feet • Cathedral ceilings, gas ﬁreplaces, • Basement space for crafting, walk-in closets, over-sized garages, exercising, entertaining and more screened porches

because what surrounds you really matters. Cottage available now!

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-637-8928 www.bgf.org

INDEPENDENT LIVING Assisted Living REHABILITATION LONG-TERM CARE MEMORY SUPPORT