November 2025 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

Nature photographer looks back

By Elias M. Taye

When Michael Oberman was 16 years old, he landed a weekend job as a copy boy at the Washington Star. It was a small footnote in a long career that would encompass journalism, music and photography, but in retrospect, the Columbia resident, now 78, says it feels like destiny.

His older brother, Ron, was a music columnist at the paper at the time. When Ron got to interview the Beatles during their inaugural U.S. visit in 1964, young Michael was hooked. “I said to my brother, ‘What a job you got!’” Oberman recalled with a grin. He wanted in.

A few years later, still just 19 and studying journalism at the University of Maryland, Oberman seized his chance.

When Ron left for a publicity job at Mercury Records, Michael lobbied his brother’s editor to let him take over the column. She balked — after all, he wasn’t even out of his teens — but Oberman countered that his brother had started at 20. With that, he became the new voice of the paper’s music column, entering the music world, where he was seen as much a peer as a reporter.

“I had long hair; they had long hair,” he explained in an interview with the Beacon. “They knew I was cool. I was hip. They welcomed me.”

Celebrity encounters

Oberman quickly built a portfolio that reads like a who’s who of R&B and rock. He met James Brown, The Impressions, Joe Tex and The Jimmy Castor Bunch before rock’s British invasion truly reshaped the soundscape.

From 1967 to 1973, as the cultural revolution rippled through music, he was there to document it, writing stories about The

Doors, the Grateful Dead and more than 300 other iconic bands.

Among the many stories that could fill a book — and eventually did — one stands apart.

In January 1971, British musician David Bowie visited America for the first time. His album The Man Who Sold the World had yet to break through in the U.S., and Ron, by then Mercury Records’ publicity director, brought Bowie over on a modest promotional tour. Bowie had one unusual request: He wanted to spend his first night

with an American family.

The Obermans obliged.

Michael remembers when his brother picked Bowie up from Dulles Airport and brought him home. A now-famous photo of Bowie sitting with the Oberman family in their Silver Spring, Maryland, living room has since been viewed millions of times.

“He just wanted to hang out with an American family,” Oberman said.

That night, they didn’t dwell on Bowie’s

Explore Turkey’s modern cities and ancient ruins; plus, natural ways to prevent jet lag page 10 ARTS & STYLE

New local chapter of Quilts of Valor gives handmade quilts to Maryland veterans page 19

How we learn to be afraid

When I’ve had the privilege of watching my toddler grandson as he learned to walk, run and play, I noticed something striking: As he gained experience in the world, he grew more confident in some ways and more cautious in others. And in both things, he often took his cues — about how to feel and how to respond — from his parents and other caregivers.

Taking his first steps, he was awkward and fell repeatedly. But he would quickly get up and try again. If he happened to bump his head or land on his hand, he would often look up anxiously to see the reaction of nearby adults.

he’d be back on the prowl.

On the other hand, there are some things he’s grown surprisingly afraid of. He used to love going down slides at nearby parks. On his butt, on his stomach, on his side.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

If they were smiling and nodding as if to say, “Yep, that’s how we learn,” he would smile, get up and walk some more. But if an adult nearby happened to look alarmed or concerned, he would start to pout and cry.

He also learned the value of a placebo. When he seemed to feel some pain from a minor fall or bump, rubbing a spot or whimpering, we would ask if he wanted an ice pack and he would often nod vigorously.

He usually waited patiently (and silently) while we went to get it, then he’d perfunctorily touch the ice pack to the spot he hit, which was now magically healed, and

But something must have happened that I didn’t witness, because for the last couple of months he’ll do anything else at the park except go down a slide!

With some work, I’ve gotten him to slide down sitting on my lap, which he enjoys immensely. But he still won’t slide solo. I’m sure he’ll get back to it when he decides the time is right for him.

Of course, I have also learned from (often painful) experience over the years to be more careful. Two tumbles in particular stand out for me. Once, I tripped over some rocks at a public park when I thought I heard one of my children calling for me.

Another time, I landed hard on an asphalt parking lot when my foot caught on a concrete car stop that had been pushed out of place. In both cases, my recovery took some weeks (and stitches).

Both reminded me of sound advice from childhood: Watch where you are going, and don’t make any rash moves! Taking a

Beacon

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Howard County area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md. and Greater Washington, D.C. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

Publisher/Editor Emeritus – Stuart P. Rosenthal

President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal

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Editor – Margaret Foster

Art Director – Kyle Gregory

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Jill Joseph, Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel

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Editorial Assistant – Tori Cleveland

little more time can avoid a lot of agony.

Looking at folks who work out at my gym, I see a number of older men and women working hard to stay fit and truly maintaining some impressive strength.

But many of them nonetheless walk hunched over and shuffle between the machines. I assume it’s a habit born out of earlier falls, fading eyesight or both. I’m hoping to avoid a similar gait by noticing it in others and trying to stay upright even if I walk more slowly than I used to.

Sometimes, however, I’m still the speedy walker I once was, and from that I learned yet another lesson about fear. I was heading into the supermarket the other day to pick up a head of lettuce. I hoped to make it a quick errand and get back to work.

I found myself entering the store behind a frail older gentleman moving very slowly with a rollator through the main doors. There was no getting around him as we went through the crowded entry vestibule and by some narrow fruit displays, and I was getting antsy.

Finally, I saw my opportunity to break to his right as the cantaloupe display ended, and I quickly slipped past him — without touching him or his rollator — toward my destination.

After a quick beat, I heard him yelling quite loudly after me: “Don’t scare me like that! I’m an old man!” I quietly apologized from a distance as I reached for the lettuce.

Of course, I felt terrible. I didn’t mean to scare him. It made me wonder what he had experienced that made him perceive a rush of motion behind him as disorienting and even frightening.

It made me a bit fearful, too: of possibly becoming so frail one day that I might feel the same way. I guess it depends on what I learn to be fearful of as I continue to move through life.

If you have thoughts on the topic of learned fear or would like to share lessons you’ve learned, please send us a letter to the editor via mail, email or our website. In the meantime, stay safe!

Letters to the editor

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

Dear Editor:

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com

Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st

Please pass on my thanks to Tina Collins for the beautiful story about Vincent Lancisi and Everyman Theatre. My late wife and I have been in the audience for their productions over a span of 30 years, and I was there just two days ago for their mounting of The Piano Lesson by August Wilson. I took a copy of the Beacon with me and gave it to the box office staff, who are too young to be “people over 50.” They were delighted to see the story. I enjoy your newspaper, which I find in my senior living community, Charlestown. I will always look forward to the next month’s Beacon

George Alderson Catonsville, MD

Dear Editor:

Thank you for an excellent article on how Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect pilots’ behavior and other folks’ behavior (“Do we really want to know?”, October 2025). I don’t see any columnists writing about this. You addressed an important topic.

Jo Ann West Via email

Dear Editor:

I am a regular reader of your newspaper and enjoy reading every issue from front to back. Articles are very informative and useful, and your newspaper is providing a

great service to seniors.

My favorite part is reflections from the publisher on the back of the front page. However, I am disappointed to read your reflections this month where you started describing what happened to the Air India flight. I have not read any official reports where it is stated that the pilot deliberately cut off the fuel to the engine. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and I find it very inappropriate for you to state this as a fact and build your reflections around. Such a statement may lead readers to form the wrong impression of an airline.

Your reflections are still valuable, but I hope in future you use factual and officially validated information.

Pankaj

C. Patel Laurel, MD

From the publisher: Thank you for your comments. We certainly did not mean to single out any airline for criticism or blame. On the contrary, the whole point of the column was to show how people with depression often hide their condition. We need to encourage such people to get the help they need.

You are correct that the investigation of the crash continues. On July 12, the Washington Post quoted India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau repeating a conversation between the pilots from the cockpit flight recorder. That was the source of our statement that one pilot asked the other why he cut off the fuel switches.

HOLIDAY DAZE

Health Fitness & Fitness & Health

Health

Older adults might face more loneliness this season, so reach out to others

FOOD SAFETY

Salmonella (from cantaloupe, ground beef or eggs) can hit harder as we age

CUT THAT COLD

Vitamin C can’t prevent the common cold, but it may shorten its duration

EARLY TO RISE

Eating breakfast earlier is associated with a longer lifespan, says a new study

To protect your heart, visit the dentist

By Christy Bieber

Heart health is key to overall health. That’s why there has been ample research on how to improve cardiovascular function and combat age-related heart issues, including blood vessel narrowing and arterial stiffening.

Some of the healthy-heart tips are pretty obvious: Exercise. Don’t smoke. Control your cholesterol, manage stress and limit alcohol. Base your diet around fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins instead of processed or sugary snacks and fried foods. All of these are steps you can, and should, be taking.

However, recent research suggests that there’s another step you can take that can have a major impact on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. And, best of all, all you need to do is visit your dentist.

What recent studies show

According to a clinical trial published last August in the European Heart Journal, treating periodontitis can slow down the thickening of the inner two layers of the carotid arteries (the arteries on the sides of your neck).

This thickening is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and, as the Mayo Clinic reports, carotid artery disease is a leading risk factor for stroke.

The good news is that you may be able to minimize it with help from your dentist, as researchers have discovered that deep cleaning the mouth, including below the

gumline, could have a notable impact.

This was discovered after studying a group with periodontal disease who were otherwise healthy. Those participating in the study were divided into two groups: a control group that received only routine dental cleanings and test subjects who received intensive periodontal cleanings over a two-year period.

Those who received the intensive treatment, which removed more plaque and tartar, fared significantly better over the two-year period, with an ultrasound of the carotid arteries revealing less thickness within this group compared to the control group.

In fact, not only were their arteries not as thick, but they were also found to have better blood vessel function, as well as better bloodwork with lower levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. These markers are known to contribute to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of artery walls.

The improvement in artery functions wasn’t minor, either.

As Dr. Francesco D’Aiuto, one of the study co-authors, told Live Science, the effect of the dental cleaning was “comparable to what has been seen with lifestyle interventions and some pharmacological agents in similar populations.”

These improvements were evident at the one-year and two-year marks, as revealed by five separate blood tests and artery assessments.

Gum disease is costly and common

These study results are important because gum disease is very common. Around 40% of U.S. adults suffer from it, and it can result in a whole host of problems, including tooth loss, persistent bad breath and, as this new study shows, worse outcomes for your heart.

Unfortunately, 34.1% of adults didn’t go to the dentist at all in the past year, according to recent studies.

Skipping out on the dentist actually comes at a pretty huge cost, and not just for your health. When you don’t address minor problems, they can escalate into major and expensive issues, as recent research has shown.

In states like Utah, Nevada, West Virginia and Alaska, costs climb higher than they should due to delayed care. In Alaska, for example, treatment expenses are 654% higher than they otherwise would be because people put off getting dental care.

Get the dental care you need

Given how much delayed treatment increases costs, it’s ironic that cost is one of the key reasons why so many people put off getting dental care.

Seeing a dentist can be expensive, and it’s often not covered by insurance, with 38.9% of dental spending paid out of pocket (well above the 10.4% of healthcare spending that’s paid privately).

Dental care can be expensive for individuals because many standard insurance poli-

cies, including Medicare, often exclude coverage. Since Medicare doesn’t cover dental care, older Americans have a choice of buying coverage or paying the bills without help.

If you decide to pay out-of-pocket for your dental care, a health savings account (HSA) could make paying easier. You can invest in an HSA with pre-tax dollars and withdraw funds tax-free to pay for qualifying medical expenses. Dental care is one of those qualifying expenses.

If you are on Medicare, you may also be interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes dental coverage. Advantage Plans can sometimes offer lower across-the-board out-of-pocket spending than traditional Medicare alone, which comes with 20% coinsurance cost for most outpatient services.

You’ll have to think long-term, though, as switching back to traditional Medicare later can be challenging since you may face difficulty getting a Medigap plan (a plan that supplements traditional Medicare by helping to pay those coinsurance expenses).

Ultimately, though, whether you’re getting the care paid for through your dental insurance at work, through a Medicare Advantage Plan or out-of-pocket, the key is to get your care.

Doing so does more than help you maintain a pretty smile. It could be the key to a healthy heart.

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

Best ways to prevent or respond to choking

By Mike Stobbe

Each year, choking claims the lives of more than 4,100 Americans who are 65 or older. It’s the most vulnerable age group, accounting for about three-quarters of U.S. choking deaths, according to federal health statistics.

The death rate has been relatively steady, but the number has risen, as the size of the nation’s retirement-age population grows.

In response, a number of companies are marketing anti-choking devices to the elderly. Medical professionals have been debating whether to endorse the products, sold under the names LifeVac, SaveLix, Vi-

talVac and the Dechoker.

Here’s a look at choking and the best ways to prevent choking deaths.

Choking risks rise with age

Choking occurs when food or some other object partially or totally blocks the windpipe, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs.

Telltale signs include someone reaching for their neck and losing the ability to speak normally. Brain damage can occur after four minutes, and death can come just a few minutes later.

Older adults are at higher risk for a number of reasons. As people get older,

mouth and throat muscles can weaken.

Older people also produce less saliva. Some chronic diseases and medications can make swallowing even harder. Dentures can be a choking risk.

Best ways to stop choking

Of course, choking risk can be reduced by cutting food into small pieces, chewing slowly, drinking plenty of liquids with meals, and not laughing or talking at the same time you are chewing and swallowing.

When someone is choking, you can try perhaps the oldest form of first aid: back slaps.

There’s also the Heimlich maneuver,

named after the doctor credited with devising it in the 1970s. It involves standing behind the choking person, wrapping your arms around their abdomen and — with a balled fist — thrusting inward and upward. The idea is that it forces air out of the lungs, along with the obstruction.

The American Red Cross recommends alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts in sets of five.

That’s for situations in which someone is around to help a choking victim. But what if they are alone?

It is possible for someone to try to

How to find balance this holiday season

By Tom Swisher, M.D.

As autumn progresses toward winter and the holiday seasons approach, many people in Howard County look forward to traditions that warm the heart: family gatherings, festive meals and the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.

Yet while the holidays bring moments of light, they also come with challenges — especially for those navigating grief, changes in family roles or the quieter realities of aging.

For older adults in particular, the season can stir deep memories. A familiar song may remind us of those no longer at the table. Busy schedules and crowded stores can feel overwhelming rather than energizing. And sometimes, expectations — our own or others’ — leave us stretched thin.

Still, there are ways to embrace both the joys and the challenges. A few simple practices can help:

• Keep traditions, but adapt them. If hosting a large meal feels daunting, consider a smaller potluck or gathering at a local restaurant. The connection matters more than perfection.

• Honor those we miss. Lighting a candle, displaying photos, or telling stories can make absent loved ones part of the celebration.

• Step away from the holidays. Per-

haps planning a trip away for the holidays this year is just the escape you need. A sunny beach or a new environment where relaxation and fun are the primary goals can serve as a distraction from the blues that a recurring holiday tradition might evoke.

• Reach out. Loneliness can weigh heavily this time of year. Calling a neighbor, joining a faith service, or participating in a community group can renew a sense of belonging.

• Be there for others. Recent research suggests that helping others benefits helpers by boosting their happiness, reducing stress, and increasing life satisfaction.

Practice special acts of kindness, such as writing anonymous thank-you notes, leaving encouraging messages in public spaces, or sharing a kind thought with the clerks and office workers you encounter (or just hand them a mini chocolate bar).

• Give yourself permission to rest. The holidays do not need to be a marathon. Quiet moments — walking down Main Street in Ellicott City, enjoying the Symphony of Lights at Merriweather, or simply savoring a cup of tea — are part of the season’s gift.

The holidays can remind us that family, friendship and community are what endure. As we move through the often hectic weeks ahead, let’s allow joy and tenderness to sit side by side, trusting that even in the

busiest season, there is space for peace.

Dr. Tom Swisher is the author of Family Dynamics: Transforming the Hidden Patterns That Shape Us, available on Amazon.

He is a professor emeritus in Stevenson University’s Counseling & Human Services Department and maintains a private practice in Ellicott City, Maryland.

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Salmonella can hit older adults harder

By Maureen Salamon

Pop quiz: what is salmonella? If you’ve ever had a run-in with this bacteria, you know it can cause a food-borne illness called salmonellosis, a form of food poisoning.

But you may not know that salmonella bacteria sicken an estimated 1.35 million people every year in the United States. In fact, it’s the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths due to food poisoning.

Salmonella bacteria can be sneaky — not only by triggering unusual complications, but infecting people in startling ways, said Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann, an infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

One patient she treated showed up with

Choking

From page 4

self-administer a Heimlich by thrusting their abdomen against the back of a chair. Not everyone is able to do that, however.

Makers of some of the newer anti-choking devices say that’s where their products can make a difference.

“Elderly people probably are not capable of diving on a chair or counter,” said Arthur Lih, the founder and chief executive of LifeVac.

an abdominal aortic aneurysm — a dangerous bulge in the lower section of the body’s largest artery — that looked infected. Testing revealed a surprising culprit: salmonella. “It can be kind of scary,” Hohmann said.

How do people get infected by salmonella?

Many of the foods salmonella bacteria lurk in are raw or undercooked. Breaded raw chicken products like nuggets and chicken Kiev are one way it may reach your table. But a variety of foods have been implicated, including flour, organic basil, cantaloupes, ground beef, nut butters, raw cookie dough, eggs and raw or unpasteurized milk.

Risks of anti-choking devices

Anti-choking devices vary in design, but generally they look like a face mask attached to a tube or bellows, with a handle at the end. They typically sell for around $30 to $100.

A choking person dons the mask, pushes down on the handle and then pulls up. That is supposed to create a suction to pull out the blockage.

Some research suggests certain devices can injure the tongue or cause bleeding and swelling in the throat. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received re-

Backyard chickens are another source of salmonella outbreaks. Even pets such as turtles and frogs, along with dog food, have contributed to multistate outbreaks in recent years.

You can also become infected by handling contaminated food and spreading the bacteria from your hands to your mouth. Additionally, you can spread it to others on your hands or even on your clothes without becoming sick yourself.

“It’s a bug that’s carried in stool and animal feces and is also present in the environment,” Dr. Hohmann said. “So it can set up shop in lots of different inanimate objects, soils and machinery, especially in moist environments.”

ports that some products did not generate enough suction and left people with bruising around the face, lips and mouth.

Last year, the agency issued a notice to consumers that said it has not approved anti-choking devices sold over the counter, because their safety and effectiveness haven’t been established.

More research is needed

Right now, the consensus — even among anti-choking device manufacturers — is that back blows and abdominal

What symptoms can salmonella cause?

Most of the time salmonella infection leads to gastroenteritis, usually causing just an upset stomach, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. These symptoms can start as soon as six hours after ingesting the bacteria. Typically, symptoms resolve on their own within two to three days.

Some people have such mild symptoms they’re barely noticeable. “The classic case might be a college student who eats a burrito from a sketchy place, gets sick for a couple of days, gets better, and doesn’t think anything of it,” Hohmann said.

thrusts should always be tried first.

Lih said thousands of nursing homes and emergency response agencies have purchased the newer anti-choking devices.

Manufacturers claim the products have saved thousands of lives in multiple countries, but it’s tricky to document how well they actually work.

Perhaps a study could compare what happened during choking incidents at nursing homes that stock the devices with those that don’t.

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Does vitamin C help us when we’re sick?

By Jesse Bracamonte

Dear Mayo Clinic: Growing up, I was told to drink orange juice when I had a cold because “vitamin C is the cure.” Does vitamin C actually help us when we’re sick? What are its benefits?

A: Vitamin C supports our immune systems, helps our bodies heal wounds, protects our joints and contributes to collagen formation, the main protein in the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against what are called free

Salmonella

From page 6

Most people will get better on their own without any medicines. Replacing lost fluids by sipping water or electrolyte drinks to avoid dehydration will help.

Sometimes symptoms are more serious, such as severe abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea, or unexplained high fever and fatigue. These symptoms require a call to your doctor: fever higher than 102° F; diarrhea that doesn’t improve after three days; bloody stools; or vomiting so severe it prevents you from keeping liquids down.

Complications of salmonella

Certain folks are especially vulnerable to

radicals, which are produced when your body is exposed to potentially cancerous things like cigarette smoke and the sun’s rays.

Despite all these benefits, there is limited evidence to support the notion that taking extra doses of vitamin C can effectively prevent common colds.

For most people, taking a daily oral supplement of vitamin C via tablets, drink powders or gummies may not be that beneficial because you might be getting it

serious infection, including adults 65 and older, pregnant women, children under 5 and people whose immune systems are weakened by diseases (such as cancer) or treatments (such as immunosuppressive drugs).

A small percentage of those infected can have salmonella in their blood, which can spread the infection to other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract, bones, joints or central nervous system (brain and spinal fluid).

On rare occasions salmonella can lead to unusual blood vessel complications in people who already have atherosclerosis, blockage of the arteries caused by plaque buildup.

How to avoid salmonella

We all can take steps to avoid the food

from your diet naturally. Our bodies don’t produce vitamin C on their own, but a lot of what we eat contains it.

Citrus fruits may come to mind first when we hear vitamin C, but foods such as potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, berries and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables are full of the nutrient. An orange bell pepper has three times the amount of vitamin C than an orange.

It’s important to get your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, but many people in

poisoning, illness and hospitalizations that salmonella exposure can cause.

Hohmann and the CDC suggest these strategies:

• Using hot water and soap, wash cutting boards or plates on which you cut into raw foods — including vegetables and fruit — before using those surfaces for other purposes. If possible, use separate cutting boards for produce, meat and fish.

• Refrigerate or freeze foods that are perishable, prepared or left over within two hours to thwart salmonella growth.

• Always wash hands well with soap and water before preparing food and after contact with animals, using the toilet or changing diapers.

• If you have a sick pet, take extra care

Have confidence in every conversation.

Do you find it difficult to use a standard phone? Do people ask you to repeat yourself during telephone conversations? Do you miss important calls because you can’t hear the phone ring? The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program is here to help by giving Maryland residents the opportunity to apply for State-provided telecommunications equipment to independently make and receive calls. Once you qualify, a skilled evaluator meets with you to determine the best device to support your day-to-day communications. The MAT program has a variety of equipment solutions to support clearer communication, including:

• Amplified phones

• Tablets

• Ring signalers

• Phones with large and/or high contrast buttons

• Captioned Telephones

• And more

For more information: 800-552-7724 | 410-767-7253 (Voice/TTY) 410-801-9618 (Video Phone) | MDMAT.org

the U.S. do not. A little bit of added vitamin C may actually help those individuals. In most cases, though, if you are able to access and eat an adequate supply of fruits and vegetables in your diet, that will be sufficient.

Some people may think they should double up on vitamin C supplements when feeling ill, but more is not always a good thing. Taking too much vitamin C can cause side effects that may make you feel

handling its feces and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Take additional steps to help more vulnerable people stay healthy:

• Don’t let young children touch highrisk animals, such as turtles, frogs, chickens or ducks.

• Older adults and those with compromised immune systems should take extra care to wash and cook foods thoroughly.

“You hate to make people paranoid, so that we’re washing our lettuce leaves with soap, but it’s worth thinking about these things, particularly if you have people in your household who are susceptible — which is an increasing number of people,” Hohmann said.

© 2025 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Do late breakfasts speed up aging?

There’s an interesting new study that might make you think twice about when you have your first meal of the day.

Researchers followed about 3,000 adults (between the ages 42 to 94), for more than two decades. They weren’t looking at calories, carbohydrates or cholesterol. Instead, they looked at something most of us never think about: the timing of breakfast.

On average, most people in this study ate breakfast around 8 in the morning. But as they aged, their first meal shifted later and later, sometimes creeping toward 10 or even 11 in the morning.

shorten your lifespan. We can’t take it that far. The researchers themselves make it clear that the timing of breakfast is more a marker of health than the cause of it.

DEAR PHARMACIST

By Suzy Cohen

That may not sound like a big deal, but it ended up revealing something shocking: Each additional hour of delay in breakfast was associated with about a 10% higher risk of dying earlier!

By the end of the study, the folks who pushed their first meal to late morning had lower survival rates compared to those who ate earlier.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that eating breakfast at 10 a.m. will automatically

In other words, if you’re dealing with fatigue, depression, pain, low appetite or dental problems, you might naturally put off getting up and eating breakfast. These are the same health issues that are linked to shorter lifespan. So is it the late breakfast, or the fact that people who feel unwell often eat later?

Didn’t track foods

This study by Mass General Brigham didn’t evaluate what people were eating. A breakfast for one person might have been oatmeal and berries. For another, breakfast might be black coffee with two sugars. And let’s be honest, breakfast has become a socially acceptable way to eat cake, cleverly rebranded as pancakes, muffins and waffles. These food choices can affect blood sugar, blood pressure and heart health very differently. For someone with undiagnosed hypertension, a late-morning coffee

might push up blood pressure when what their body really needs is potassium, magnesium or fiber-rich foods.

As a pharmacist, I look at the bigger picture. Breakfast timing may be a clue, but food choices and medications also play a huge role in long-term health.

For instance, certain blood pressure drugs can deplete magnesium, a mineral that naturally relaxes blood vessels. Coffee depletes magnesium too. It’s a “drug mugger” effect I often write about.

If your breakfast is coffee, your blood pressure will slowly rise and eventually worsen heart rhythm and blood pressure.

The takeaway? Don’t panic if you prefer a later breakfast; the study shows correla-

tion, not causation.

But it’s a reminder that meal timing deserves our attention. When you do eat, make it count with foods that fit your body and health needs. Early bird or brunch lover, what’s on your plate matters more than the clock.

For a deeper dive into this study and some free ebooks to learn more, visit me at suzycohen.com or check drugmuggers.com.

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

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

worse, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating, fatigue, heartburn, headaches, skin flushing and even kidney stones in some people. Make sure you do not consume more than the recommended daily dose of 500 milligrams.

High levels of vitamin C can also interfere with multiple kinds of medications and results of certain medical tests such as blood or glucose screening. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, the use of antioxidants such as vitamin C might lessen the effect of the chemotherapy drugs.

Overall, taking vitamin C in the form of food is the best way to reap its benefits, but taking extra vitamin C, particularly for those with a weakened immune system,

would not be harmful.

Some limited research shows that vitamin C may shorten the duration of a virus, such as the common cold. So, if your cold lasts a week, a few limited studies found taking vitamin C may reduce it by 13 hours, which isn’t all that significant. Consult with your healthcare team to decide what’s best for you. — Jesse Bracamonte, D.O., Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.

© 2025 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Travel Leisure &

To prevent jet lag, adjust your bedtime before your trip. See story on opposite page.

Turkey holds on to its ancient traditions

By Martha Steger

Lunch on the top floor of Hilton’s Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus hotel turned out to be a smart way to survey the city. From its windows I looked out on the Golden Horn, the major urban waterway and natural harbor of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. These shimmering waters mark one of the continental boundaries between Asia and Europe.

I traveled to Istanbul last year for the Society of American Travel Writers meeting. Although the conference lasted only four days, I stayed six additional nights to see more of Turkey. It did not disappoint.

Like whirling dervishes, the Sufi dancers who are common in this country, Turkey mixes ancient and modern — spiritual and secular — rituals and routines with ease.

As the “crossroads of civilizations,” the East and the West, Turkey was part of the trade route connecting the Roman (and later, Ottoman) Empire to China.

I’ve long been fascinated with the Silk Road, a 4,000-mile route established in 130 B.C. and active until 1453. Traveling from Istanbul to other parts of the country, I discovered markets that would have traded wares such as spices, carpets and jewelry with other cities on the ancient Silk Road.

Old Town’s sights

Istanbul served as the capital of two great empires: first as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire (A.D. 313-

1453), and then as Istanbul, the renamed capital of the conquering Ottoman Empire (until Ankara became the capital of modern Turkey in 1923).

Today, impressive monuments to those past empires dominate its Old Town: the popular Hagia Sophia, the multi-domed Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace, home to the ruling sultans and their harems. These sites often have long lines for entrance except during the off-season, December through March.

With a guide, I visited the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. Across town, Istanbul’s Grand Çamlıca Mosque is the city’s largest, with a capacity of 63,000.

Five times a day, the Muslim call to prayer echoes across rooftops. I found the live voices (never recorded) relaxing as I rushed to see as much as possible during my four days.

For those who answer the call to prayer, the city of 15 million people has more than 3,000 mosques to choose from — but devout Muslims simply stop where they are, prostrate themselves and pray. Although 70% of Turkey’s people declare themselves to be Muslim, no one knows the percentage of those regularly practicing their faith.

Most Turks wear Western apparel, but I noted some generational differences: A 30something guide told me she never wears a burka, whereas her mother always wears the

traditional black dress for Muslim women.

Throughout the country, I observed that similarities among faiths (Islam, Judaism, Christianity) are easier to see than the differences. Museums display objects from all three religions: a staff claimed to be that of Moses, a sword belonging to David and preserved footprints of Mohammed.

Sampling Turkey’s food

Walking the streets provided a glimpse of Istanbul’s character and culture as well as its cuisine. Pastry shop windows displaying honey-soaked baklava and vendors selling corn on the cob from carts looked familiar, but foods like gözleme (flatbread folded over cheese and spinach) were less so.

The cuisine throughout the country is Mediterranean-healthy with tasty seafood and grilled meats cooked with olive oil, veggies and lentils. Save room for dessert, though: Pairing a soft, chewy Turkish delight with the famously strong Turkish coffee is a must.

Turkey today remains one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of fresh produce (apricots, peaches, cherries), food items amply included on every menu.

In terms of shopping, I bought a few reasonably priced silk scarves to bring home as gifts, as well as the blue-andwhite glass “evil eye” amulets dangling from souvenir stands. These are said to be good-luck charms that ward off evil.

Some of my friends who were serious

carpet shoppers hired guides who assisted them in finding the best places for what they wanted in their price range and having the purchase shipped home.

Trabzon and Ephesus

I chose to go early and stay late after my Istanbul conference. My Turkey trip, with its pre- and post-additions, was a 10-day trip of a lifetime (but it wasn’t inexpensive — approximately $6,500, even with every discount I could muster).

First I headed to Trabzon, a beautiful area on the Black Sea known for its tea plantations and the magnificent 4th-century Sümela Monastery, built into a steep cliff face almost 1,000 feet above the valley floor. I climbed dozens of steep steps (some with railings, some without), only to find at the top — where I had a spectacular closeup view of the monastery — that I had to descend steep steps to enter the monastery. Since we also had to descend to the valley floor via the same path, I decided not to go inside. Instead, I just breathed in the beautiful view from the top. A 54-year-old who went down told me I didn’t miss anything. The refurbished artwork on the walls, she said, included “an angel that looks suspiciously like Cary Grant.”

After the conference, I traveled west to Ephesus, the most important Greek and Roman city in Ionian Asia Minor and a

Prevent jet lag naturally with these tips

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: I have never had jet lag because my longest plane ride was about two hours. I am flying from California to New York next month, about six hours on the plane. What can I do to minimize jet lag?

A: On trips across just one or two time zones, many people like you don’t experience jet lag — that tired, groggy, out-ofsync feeling you get when your internal clock is thrown off.

However, on longer trips when you travel farther and across more time zones, it can be much harder to adjust.

Luckily, there are strategies you can use before, during and after your trip to help your body adapt to a new time zone.

Turkey

From page 10

major archaeological site. To make the flight worthwhile, I expanded this trip into a four-night visit to the seven “churches” (i.e., communities) that St. John the Apostle addresses in the New Testament’s Book of Revelation.

While Ephesus is one of the world’s great religious and archaeological sites, I found the church at Sardis just as interesting, though it’s nowhere near as large. Unlike Ephesus, which was abandoned in the

Here are some tips to help you fall asleep and wake up close to your time schedule at home:

Before your trip: Start to shift your schedule before you jet off. For several days before you leave, move mealtimes and bedtime incrementally closer to the schedule of your destination. Even a partial switch may help (see below).

During your flight: Stay hydrated during your flight by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, as they promote dehydration, which worsens the physical symptoms of jet lag and can disturb sleep.

After you arrive: Switch your bedtime as rapidly as possible upon arrival. Don’t turn in until it’s bedtime in the new time zone.

15th century, Sardis remains a thriving, bustling city, with traffic circling the ancient section all day, every day.

If you go

Round-trip flights to Istanbul start at $660. To fly within Turkey, check rates at Pegasus Airlines, AnadoluJet or SunExpress.

At Hilton’s Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, a five-star-hotel, room rates are $150 a night and up. Prices may be lower from December to March. January is the coldest month in Istanbul, with temperatures in the high 30s to low 50s.

Use sunlight strategically to help your body adjust. After eastward travel, morning sunlight can help you wake earlier. After westward travel, late-afternoon sunlight can help you shift to a later schedule.

Sleep schedule to beat jet lag

If you’ll be traveling through several time zones, as when flying coast to coast, you can gradually adjust your sleep time. For example:

• Three days before your flight, go to

BEACON BITS

Oct. 30

bed half an hour earlier than usual, and get up half an hour earlier the next morning.

• The next night, go to bed an hour earlier than usual and get up an hour earlier.

• The day before you travel, go to bed 90 minutes earlier than your usual bedtime.

If you follow this schedule, by the fourth day — the day of your trip — you’ll find it easier to adjust to your new time zone and will feel more energized during your trip.

© 2025 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ALZHEIMER’S HOME SAFETY WEBINAR

This free webinar, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, reviews home safety practices that support the independence of people living with Alzheimer’s. Join on Zoom on Thu., Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. For registration details and the webinar link, visit bit.ly/AlzHomeSafety. For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association and the free resources they offer, visit alz.org.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Nov. 3

Join a grief support group hosted by the Chesapeake Life Center. One group offers collaging as a way to remember and process the loss of a loved one. It meets on Mon., Nov. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. Register by calling (888) 501-7077 or emailing griefinfo@chasapeakelifecenter.org. For more information, visit hospicechesapeake.org/events.

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our rolley e shopping, grabbing . r Old Ellicott City T d ride with ease on vite you to park your

FAMIL

Upcoming Programs for 50 Years + Recreation & Parks

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Special Events

NEW! HoCo HaHa’s Circus/Magic

Howard County’s new variety show features clean, family performances with a variety of artists (jugglers, magicians, and circus performers). Details on performers, lineups, ticket prices, showtimes, and on-site featured food trucks: www.howardcountymd.gov/hocohahas.

7 yrs + Harriet Tubman Ctr Doors open at 6pm

RP1704.501 Nov 8 7pm Sa $20 (one person)

RP1704.502 Nov 8 7pm Sa $30 (two people)

RP1704.503 Nov 8 7pm Sa $50 (up to a family of four)

Family Volunteer Day V

Beautify county parks, heritage sites, and Historic Ellicott City. Tools and instruction provided. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration required (visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org, search keyword “Family”). Info: Danielle Bassett, 410-313-4634 or dbassett@howardcountymd.gov. All ages

Locations, times & details posted online Nov 22 Sa Free Mistletoe at Midday Maker’s Mart

Meet local artisans and shop their handmade and sustainable wares at tables both inside and outside of the center. The on-site gift shop will offer 15% off purchases for members and 10% off purchases for nonmembers during the event. On-site parking is limited. Off-site parking with complimentary shuttle is available when lot fills. Info about vendor space or to see participating artisans: www.howardcountymd.gov/RNC/makersmart or 410-313-0400. All ages

RP4822.501 Robinson Nature Ctr Nov 22 11:30am-3:30pm Sa $3

Holiday Train Garden

at B&O Ellicott City Station Museum

This holiday season, enjoy train models set up throughout the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, including the year-round exhibit in the Freight House. Available during normal business hours. Info: 410-313-1945. All ages

B&O EC Station Museum Nov 28-Jan 4 Free

Cooking

NEW! Fall Tuscany Recipes with Chef Alba

Tuscany is a unique region with historical treasures, impressive art, picturesque villages, and bewitching views of the countryside. Tuscan cuisine is uncomplicated and uses high-quality ingredients with unsophisticated techniques. Join Chef Alba to create delicious fall Tuscan dishes. Menu: La Ribollita, Aromatic Chicken in White Wine, Pancetta and Sage, and Broccoli al Forno Con Pane e Peperoncino. This class is handson as you cook in your own kitchen. Recipes and prep instructions are emailed.

18 yrs + Classes: 1

RP0509.501 Online Nov 13 6-8pm Th $39

Fitness

Exercise with Ease with Kathy Whelan, ACE, GFI

This well-rounded hour of fitness for active adults includes low-impact aerobics, stretching, muscle toning, and strength activities aimed at improving endurance, body alignment, balance, and proper breathing. Listen to upbeat music while learning simple, choreographed moves. Classes use light weights (3-5 pounds), flat resistance bands, and a chair for certain exercises. Class is held online via Zoom.

50 yrs + Classes: 13 No class 11/27

RP8060.502 Online Nov 4 9-10am Tu,Th $78

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

Pop Up Yoga w/ Kathy Greisman

Relax while you take in the sights, sounds, and beauty of nature as you get fit and improve your health in this outdoor yoga class. Classes are held under the tent at the beautiful Belmont Manor and Historic Park. Walk away feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day that lies ahead. Join us for the classes that fit your schedule! November classes are indoors.

50 yrs +Classes: 1

RP3541.510Belmont ManorNov 510-11amW$14

RP3541.511Belmont ManorNov 1210-11amW$14

RP3541.512Belmont ManorNov 1910-11amW$14

Lifelong Learning

How to use your

Phone/Tablet Effectively

Learn how to connect your iPhone with your iPad. Discover useful free apps for your phone. Learn about backing up your phone and how to use voice communication to gain information. Bring your smart phone and/or tablet.

50 yrs +Instructor: Constance Lowe

RP3523.502Gary J Arthur CCNov 610-11amTh$25

Speaker Series

Archaeology: Three Centuries of Milling in Simpsonville

The remains of the Simpsonville Mill are hidden under the overpass where Cedar Lane crosses the Middle Patuxent River. In the 18th century, Dr. Joshua Warfield built the first known mill there. Then in the late 18th century, Richard Owings operated a merchant flour mill and woolen factory. Owings’ descendants sold the mill seat to the Simpson’s, who sold it to the Brayshaw’s in the mid-19th century and by the early 20th century it was owned by John and Mary Iglehart. The growth and development of this industrial hub for over three centuries is highlighted with key primary documents, family photos, and artifacts.

50 yrs +Instructor: M. Lee Preston Jr.Classes: 1

RP3506.503Harriet Tubman CtrNov 510-11:30amW$9

Senior Planet: Using Google Drive

If you have a Gmail address, you have access to free cloud storage through Google Drive! With this cloud storage service, you can store many types of files and access them from any device with an internet connection. In this hands-on workshop, create and upload folders to Drive and organize your files within folders. Then learn how to share folders with others. Prerequisites: You must have a Gmail address prior to class. Feel free to bring a device you are comfortable using to class that is logged in to your Gmail address to practice during the session.  Preregister: tinyurl.com/HCRPSeniorPlanet.

50 yrs +Classes: 1

Harriet Tubman CtrNov 1010-11:30amMFree

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

Museum of the Bible

Visit the beautiful 430,000-square-foot Bible Museum just two blocks from the National Mall. This experience is unparalleled, using cutting-edge technology to bring the Bible to life across time, space, and cultures. Lunch is on your own at the on-site Milk and Honey Café. Be sure to register early! Moderate walking.

All agesBus provided RP4612.501Nov 69:30am-4:30pmTh$109

Meet You There! Art: The ClayGround –Holiday Ornaments!

Create a holiday mosaic during this amazing holiday workshop. With guidance from your instructor, learn how to hand-build a beautiful, personalized ornament out of clay using an ancient pottery technique. The three primary methods are pinching, coiling, and slab building.

18 yrs +ClayGround Studio RP4571.503Nov 1211am-1pmW$79

Meet You There! Pinot’s Palette –“Holiday Tree Art”

Join the fun and paint a festive holiday tree! Come and enjoy friendship and step-by-step instructions provided by their professional artist on a 11” x 14” canvas with acrylic paints to make a beautiful memory. Light holiday refreshments are included for this session.

18 yrs +Ellicott City – Pinot’s Palette RP4542.501Nov 192-4pmW$79

Yuletide at Winterthur

Discover one of Brandywine Valley’s most spectacular holiday showcases! Yuletide at Winterthur embraces the warmth and festivity of the season with a magnificent holiday tour of Henry Francis du Pont’s breathtaking mansion, stunning trees, dazzling room displays, a festive magical dollhouse, and the opportunity to explore the amazing gift shop, dine, and create new memories. Lunch is on your own. There are sandwiches, soups, sweet treats, and more from the delicious, on-site Pavilion Cafe. Happy Holidays! Moderate walking. All agesBus provided RP4610.501Nov 288am-5pm F$139

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

ExplorethePilla

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OAI’s 2025 Caregiver Co feerence, The Pillars of Brain Health, will f fo o cus on the latest insights into brain health and overall well-being. erf Join us on November 14 at the East Columbia 50+ Cent frrom 9 nf a.m. to 3 p.m. to lear frrom leading experts in the field, including keynote speaker Dr. William Mansbach, a renowned voice in brain health research and practice.

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nf Pre-registration is required at bit.ly/HoCo-CaregiverCo feerence25. n f uff A b ffeet lunch is included in the registratio fe ee of $15.00. For more y W inffoormation, contact Kath Weehr at 410-313-5955 or kwehr@howardcountymd.govv.

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The 50+ Connection

ward Count

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November 7, 1 – 2 p.m. | #A30102.500

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rans Da Vete Ve er ay y Luncheon

Glenwood 50+ Center

November 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | #A03716.500 nf raV sf Join u fo o Veeterans Day Luncheo fe eaturing a Mission BB Q meal f r V ices f y V d en an nj joy live music b Vo o fo o Veets, perfoorming patriotic favorites raf erf ldies.V and o Veeterans, regist fo o frree meal; all other guests $15.

Modeerrn Art Meets Cubism: The New Era & Infflluence on Social Life

Bain 50+ Center

November 13, 1 – 3 p.m. | #A01505.500

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November 18 – 20, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | November 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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MoneyMoney Law & Why so many people are afraid to retire

By Cyrus Bamji

Ready, set — wait just a minute!

This is what it looks like at the starting line of the largest-ever group of Americans who expected to be racing into retirement but are having second thoughts about leaving their jobs.

According to the Alliance for Lifetime Income (ALI) 2025 Protected Retirement Income and Planning Study,the only annual retirement study that surveys both consumers and financial advisers, 38% of consumers age 61 to 65 are considering postponing their retirement, while financial advisers say 28% of their clients have already delayed it.

The fear of retirement is happening just as our country is hitting Peak 65, when more people are turning 65 — about 11,200 each day — than at any time in history.

Triple whammy of financial worries

For a growing number of people, a trifecta of worries — inflation concerns, doubts about the viability and future benefits of Social Security and having sufficient savings — is enough for people to seriously reconsider quitting work.

The survey found:

• Inflation (67%) and healthcare costs (60%) are overwhelmingly the top worries

of consumers ages 45 to 75 when asked to identify the top financial concerns in retirement.

• 58% of those consumers are concerned that Social Security benefits will be reduced based on recent policy actions, and 52% report less confidence in Social Security compared to five years ago.

Given those growing doubts, 35% say they are considering claiming benefits earlier than planned, leaving significantly larger future payouts on the table than if they waited to claim.

More than half of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers (54%) are fearful of outliving their savings in retirement, up from 48% in last year’s survey.

The research shows retirement jitters are magnified for the 32% who are counting on Social Security as their sole source of guaranteed income in retirement.

Those without a source of protected income — a pension or annuity — are twice as likely (36%) to delay retirement than those without (17%).

Gloomy outlook

According to a recent economic analysis published by the Retirement Income Institute, two-thirds of Peak 65 consumers age 61 to 65 will be challenged to meet their fi-

nancial needs in retirement, let alone maintain their current standard of living.

More than half (52.5%) of these Peak boomers have assets of $250,000 or less. Given the likelihood of their living 20 or more years in retirement, they are most likely to exhaust their savings and be forced to rely mainly on Social Security, especially later in retirement when long-term care and healthcare costs are likely to be greater.

Already, 33% of retirees say they are spending faster than anticipated, making it no surprise that 47% say spending money in retirement gives them anxiety.

Confidence builders

So what can be done to help Americans feel more confident about retiring?

First, Congress needs to seriously focus on shoring up Social Security, so people don’t have to constantly confront headlines about the program’s trust fund going broke sooner than expected.

Rather than wait until the last minute to make the changes needed, policymakers need to move now to ensure workers can count on the promise of Social Security.

Second, financial advisers can help their clients through this period of uncertainty by taking their worries seriously.

The ALI survey suggests this is happen-

To avoid getting scammed, send unknown numbers to voicemail, freeze your credit and set strict privacy controls. See story on page 18.

ing. Sixty-five percent of advisers said they changed their retirement planning approach over the past year to address client worries about market volatility, inflation and rising interest rates.

More than half of advisers said they are putting more client investments into annuities, which now ranks as the most popular change in investment strategy.

Finally, more people should seek help from a financial adviser. The ALI survey shows 70% of consumers working with an adviser are confident in their ability to create a retirement income plan — twice as many as those without professional financial help.

Unfortunately, just one in four people works with a financial adviser, according to YouGov data, and one of the biggest barriers to using an adviser is cost.

More people should be trying to find an adviser who can work with them for a fee they can live with, so they can gain the confidence they are lacking to land on a stable, reliable retirement plan.

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How to stay busy and happy in retirement

By Elliot Raphaelson

I have been retired from full-time work for 30 years now, and I probably have been more active during retirement than when I was working full-time.

Many individuals in retirement are bored because they have not found activities that give them satisfaction. Maybe that’s because they haven’t tried hard enough to find activities that challenge them.

During my “retirement,” I have taught personal finance courses at local colleges, volunteered for Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) advising small business owners, volunteered at AARP helping individuals file their taxes, and conducted seminars on personal finance for AARP members.

For more than 15 years, I volunteered in Orlando, Florida, with my wife as a state-certified court mediator helping indi-

viduals deal with debt collectors and other financial issues.

Of course, for the past 15 years, I have been writing a syndicated personal finance column. I encourage my readers to ask any questions they have regarding personal finance issues.

It is not unusual to receive 100 responses to columns, especially when new Social Security regulations or tax regulations change. I try to answer all the responses I receive. Many readers ask me complicated questions that require some research. Fortunately, experts in the field are happy to respond to complex issues. For example, I receive many inquiries regarding retirement plans, and when I ask the experts at Ed Slott’s group for advice, they generally respond with an accurate answer the same day. Regarding Social Security issues, I

work with several experts, and I receive prompt responses.

Find a hobby

It’s important to find activities to fill your hours. If you are interested in expanding your education, most local colleges are offering free or inexpensive courses for you to develop new skills and new hobbies.

One of my favorite activities is playing contract bridge, which I have played for more than 60 years. One of my favorite partners just celebrated his 95th birthday, and he plays better than most of our opponents. Playing bridge will keep you young and help you maintain life skills you need. I prefer duplicate bridge because you only compete against players who receive the same cards as you do, so you don’t have the excuse of receiving poor cards. If

you enjoy playing cards, you won’t find a more challenging game.

In most locations in the U.S., you can take courses at minimum costs. At the bridge club I belong to, for a $5 fee, you receive excellent training for several hours for beginners and intermediate levels. After the course is over, you can then play duplicate bridge with experienced players for three hours for a $10 fee, with refreshments, five times a week in a friendly environment.

Once you become more experienced, you can attend regional and national tournaments to test your skill against experienced players. You may play against Warren Buffett or Bill Gates, who are both avid bridge players.

Bottom line: There is no excuse to be

What funeral directors wish everyone knew

By Family Features

Most people don’t want to think about death, let alone talk about it. When the time comes, families often find themselves overwhelmed, not only by grief but by the many decisions that need to be made quickly.

Funeral directors witness this every day. They see the stress and confusion that can come when there is no plan in place and the peace of mind that comes with thoughtful preparation.

After consulting funeral directors nationwide, the National Funeral Directors Association uncovered five things they wish families knew.

1. It’s never too early to start planning.

While everyone knows death and taxes are inevitable, conversations about death are often avoided.

Simply documenting your wishes and discussing your preferences with your family can alleviate the difficult decisions your loved ones will have to make in the future. Speak with a funeral director to explore the many options for planning a meaningful funeral.

2. Legal and financial details can cause unexpected issues.

Families often don’t realize power of attorney ends at death, meaning a designated person can no longer make decisions or access bank accounts after an individual dies.

To avoid complications, consider adding a trusted loved one to your bank account and ensure life insurance beneficiaries are up to date. Too often, deceased individuals

leave minor children, deceased spouses or former partners as beneficiaries, leading to legal and financial challenges.

3. Final wishes shouldn’t be in your will.

Many people believe the best place to document their final wishes is in their will. However, wills are often not read until after funeral services take place, making them an unreliable way to communicate last requests.

Instead, discuss and document your wishes with family members or a trusted funeral professional who can keep your wishes on file until there is a need.

4. There are a variety of memorialization options.

End-of-life planning offers more choices than many realize. While burial remains a common preference, cremation is an increasingly popular choice and can even include a viewing and funeral service.

Additionally, eco-friendly options, such as alkaline hydrolysis, natural burial and natural organic reduction are becoming more widely available for those seeking green memorialization. In fact, according to NFDA’s 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study, 68% of respondents expressed interest in green funeral options.

5. Funeral directors can be your guides.

Funeral directors play a vital role in helping families create meaningful services that reflect their loved one’s life, values and traditions. Whether you are planning ahead or facing a recent loss, funeral professionals provide expertise, compassion-

new hobbies and expand your education.

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

ate care and personalized guidance during one of life’s most difficult moments.

Choosing the right funeral director is an important decision and finding someone who understands your needs can make all the difference in honoring your loved one in a personal and meaningful way.

Use comprehensive resources like RememberingALife.com, which is designed to guide families through every stage of the journey, including planning, funeral options and grief resources. The site of-

fers valuable tools and support, such as the “Find a Funeral Home” tool to connect families with compassionate, local funeral directors and much more.

Start the conversation today by talking about end-of-life planning. It isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have with your loved ones. A little planning today can make a world of difference tomorrow.

This article was sponsored by the National Funeral Directors Association.

or over the

to make arrangements

work on your schedule and in your budget.

bored in retirement. Your local paper will generally indicate ways to volunteer, learn

© 2025 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Talk about scams and how to spot them

By Kimberly Palmer

When a scam artist called Cameron Huddleston’s mom to tell her to wire money to claim a prize, Huddleston had to intercept the calls. Her mom, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, was convinced she had to wire the money as soon as possible.

“That was a wake-up call for me. If you have any cognitive decline, you don’t see those red flags anymore,” said Huddleston, who is the director of education at Carefull, a service built to protect aging adults’ daily finances. She also wrote the book Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk, which is about how to have important conversations about money with your parents.

Scam artists often target older adults, partly because they have more wealth.

“From a criminal’s perspective, which target will give you the greatest returns: a broke 20-something who is struggling

with student loans or a baby boomer with a couple million dollars of retirement assets?” asked Marti DeLiema, assistant professor of social work at University of Minnesota’s School of Social Work.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers age 60 and older filed 467,340 fraud reports in 2021, reporting total losses of more than $1 billion. Overall, consumers age 60 and older are less likely to report losing money to fraud than those ages 18 to 59.

But when they do report a monetary loss, it tends to be for more money, especially among those 80 and older. They had the highest median loss of all groups, at $1,500. The FTC reports that older adults are more likely than younger adults to lose money on scams involving tech support, prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries, and family and friend impersonation.

What you can do

Here are some steps fraud experts suggest taking to protect yourself, your parents or other older adults you care about: Raise the topic. “Talking about scams can be one of the easier conversations because we’re all targeted,” Huddleston said. And you can use your own experiences or trending news to put it out there in a way that isn’t condescending.

DeLiema said explaining specific scams — such as a stranger reaching out over social media saying they want to be friends and then asking for money, or fake text messages claiming to be a grandchild who needs immediate help — can greatly reduce the chances that someone will fall for them.

“If you know about the scam first, you’re 80% less likely to respond,” she said.

Lean on anti-fraud tools. A few simple steps can help avert fraud, such as setting

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phones to send unknown numbers to voicemail, using a credit freeze, and setting stricter privacy controls on social media, said Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support for AARP. “These are things we should all be doing,” she said, adding that you can set this up for yourself at the same time.

It’s also relatively easy to sign up for financial account monitoring or to receive alerts for every transaction, Huddleston said. In some cases, it could make sense to allow adult children to also monitor those accounts, depending on the parents’ comfort level and support needs. [Ed. Note: EverSafe is one such service.]

Legal tools such as a durable power of attorney, a guardianship or a revocable trust can keep an older adult’s money safe from scammers, said James Ferraro, vice president and trust counsel at Argent Trust Company, a wealth management firm headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana.

“If you have funded a revocable trust, then you have a vehicle in place where you can quickly step in if you suspect someone is taking advantage of your parents, be it a fake charity or the ‘your grandson is in jail in Mexico’ scam,” he said.

Know the warning signs. If an older adult is suddenly reluctant to talk about finances, has trouble paying for everyday expenses or has a high number of incoming phone calls or text messages, those are all potential signs of fraud, said John Breyault of the National Consumers League, a nonprofit advocacy group.

Scammers are adept at creating a false sense of urgency, Breyault said, telling their targets that they must send funds immediately or the IRS or other authority will come.

“They are incredibly inventive,” he added, noting that methods and techniques are constantly evolving. The FTC reports that scam artists are even using artificial intelligence to mimic voices.

If fraud does occur, help the authorities track and prosecute it by reporting it, Nofziger said. Start by reporting to your local police department and using the FTC’s online reporting portal (reportfraud.ftc.gov).

The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline has a toll-free number you can call: 1-877908-3360.

Avoid shaming. The shame and embarrassment people feel when victimized can make a stressful situation worse.

“Lead the conversation with kindness and empathy, not anger or belittlement,” Nofzigar said. “You can say, ‘I’m sorry this happened to you. Together we’ll figure out next steps. There is no problem that we can’t solve or recover from.’”

Reassuring words can keep older adults, and their money, safer from scam artists in the future. —AP/NerdWallet

Arts & Style

Quilts of Valor honors Maryland veterans

By Elias M. Taye

On October 18, about a dozen veterans gathered at the American Legion in Sykesville, Maryland, to receive a handmade quilt — a gift of gratitude for their service, sacrifice and resilience.

For Eldersburg resident Pam Adams, who leads the newly formed Eldersburg Quilts of Valor group, the moment marked a culmination of months of work, countless yards of fabric and a deep commitment to honor those who have worn the uniform.

“Each quilt carries love, time and respect,” Adams told the Beacon. “Each veteran we honor has a story, and this is the least we can do for them.”

A national nonprofit Quilts of Valor was founded in 2003 by Delaware midwife Catherine Roberts, whose son served in Iraq. Roberts had a dream in which she watched a demoralized soldier find comfort in a quilt. With that image in mind, she created a foundation, and that November, her first quilt was presented to a wounded soldier at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Today Quilts of Valor has become a na-

tional group with more than 12,000 volunteer quilters in local chapters, each with between two and 50 members. So far it has awarded more than 400,000 free quilts across the country.

Adams’ journey to establish a local chapter in her town began five years ago in an unexpected place: aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Her husband, Buck Sgt. Donald Adams, served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1980.

“My husband was selected to receive a quilt at the ship’s military appreciation event,” Adams said. “He looked at me and said, ‘You quilt ’ That was the beginning.”

At first, Adams was a “group of one,” sewing by herself. She had already made and given away about 65 quilts when she realized she had started something.

A conversation at the local American Legion prompted her to make her work official. Quilts of Valor explained that unless she became a formal group, her name wouldn’t appear in their directory.

“So, I reached out to people in the community and said, ‘Hey, is anybody else interested in quilting?’”

The response was overwhelming. In Au-

Columbia Pro Cantare

December 7, 2025, 7:30 PM

Jim Rouse Theatre at Wilde Lake, Columbia Handel’s Messiah

CPC, Laura Lee Fischer, conductor, with Amy van Roekel, soprano; Leah Serr Gibson, mezzo; Charles Reid, tenor and Lester Lynch, baritone, Henry Lowe, positif organ, and Festival Orchestra, present the Christmas portion and selections of Parts I and II of this favorite Masterwork. Pre-concert Lecture by Prof. Ernest Liotti, 6:30; Post-concert Reception.

December 20, 2025, 4 PM Christ Episcopal Church, Columbia A Christmas Noël

with the CPC Chamber Singers. CPC’s small group presents seasonal selections from four centuries and around the world in a small acoustically rich venue.

gust, Adams and 20 other women officially launched the Eldersburg Quilts of Valor group. In just five weeks, they completed 27 quilts.

‘Somebody cares’

music career. Instead, they chatted about beer. Dinner followed at Emerson’s Steakhouse (long closed). What struck Oberman most about Bowie wasn’t his fame or flamboyance, but his intellect.

“This is not to say that other artists weren’t intelligent, [but] he was the most intelligent, the most well-spoken,” he said.

Trauma and turning points

But Oberman’s journey wasn’t all glamour and rock-star hangouts. In December 1967, when he was 20, he endured a brutal mugging in Georgetown. Four young men circled

him and broke bottles over his head, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. He underwent emergency neurosurgery that night.

“The surgeon told my mother, ‘This is a life-and-death situation,’” he recalled.

The attack left permanent scars, both physical and emotional, but the near-death experience also became a defining moment.

“That incident made me realize life was too short, and I was going to do what I wanted to do,” he said.

That philosophy led Oberman to the music business. Musicians he had once interviewed began urging him to check out their bands. One group asked him to manage them. Soon, he was negotiating major recording contracts.

Although the band Oberman managed eventually dissolved, as many do, he had found his footing as a manager. From the late 1960s into the early 1990s, he juggled writing with managing artists, carving out a niche in an industry that both exhilarated and exhausted him.

In 2020, Oberman published a book titled Fast Forward, Play and Rewind, which recounts Bowie’s first visit to America and features 100 interviews with other famous musicians.

From Bowie to birdwatching

At age 50, Oberman embarked on another reinvention: He turned to photography, a hobby he had long nurtured.

“I’d shot album covers before, but I decided I wanted to do something I loved — and I loved photography,” he said.

Three years later, he had committed fully, focusing on wildlife and nature. His photos now hang in permanent museum collections across the U.S. and Canada, and his first solo gallery show in 2007 drew 350 visitors, selling 40 of the 50 pieces displayed.

Photography, he says, gave him freedom. “In music, there was a lot of stress. With nature photography, I go out when I want to go out. It’s not work for me — it’s love.”

His lens has taken him from Florida’s wetlands to the islands of the Caribbean to Costa Rica. And for two decades, he has shared that love through teaching, running annual nature photography workshops in Columbia.

Even now, just two years shy of 80, Oberman remains active. In September, he spent a day photographing birds at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware, capturing scenes of marshland beauty.

“I never thought I’d still be working at 78 years old,” he said.

‘Happy to be outdoors’

Oberman has stopped doing gallery shows — tired of the 30 to 50% commission art galleries claim — and instead hosted an exhibit at his own home last June, where he sold 33 pieces.

“I have a legacy already in my writing,” he said. “And museums want my photos. I’m pretty content now. I’m happy to be outdoors.”

True to form, Oberman is still thinking ahead. He’s currently organizing a “Defend Democracy” concert for next summer, working to secure a venue and recruit major acts. Reinvention, for him, isn’t an isolated event but a lifelong pattern.

And he has advice for others, especially those over 50, who dream of reinventing themselves: Find someone who has done what you want to do and learn from them.

“People like to help people,” Oberman said. “Most people who change careers after 50 aren’t doing it to make a lot of money. They’re tired of the same old thing.

“So start part time, go on YouTube, read or find a mentor. And maybe there’s even a story in the Beacon that can inspire you.”

Quilts of Valor

= Healing.” For Adams, the phrase rings true every time she hands over a quilt.

“When you recognize a veteran for their service, it puts a smile on their face,” Adams said.

“Especially those from earlier wars like Korea or Vietnam. Sometimes they don’t want recognition, but when they receive it, you see the gratitude in their eyes. It makes them feel like somebody cares.”

Each quilt measures approximately 59 by 65 inches and is made from high-quality cotton fabrics in patriotic patterns. It requires about two weeks of steady work to complete and costs between $150 and $200 to produce.

Adams’ voice softens when she shares stories of past presentations. For instance, one woman, whose brother had been killed in the Vietnam War, sponsored a quilt for another Vietnam vet. The sister couldn’t bring herself to present the quilt, but her silent tribute was powerful.

“That touched me deeply,” Adams said.

A special day

Among the 11 recipients on October 18 was a 94-year-old Korean War veteran — the first from that war that Adams has been able to honor.

Others included leaders of the American Legion and local veterans from her church. The ceremony highlighted not just the di-

versity of service — from privates to brigadier generals — but also the diversity of contributors nationwide. One quilt was shipped from Alabama, made by someone who couldn’t attend in person but wanted to contribute.

Plenty of work to do

Maryland now has seven Quilts of Valor groups, stretching from Cumberland to the Eastern Shore. Adams’ group fills a gap in the central part of the state, covering Carroll, Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel and Frederick counties.

As the state coordinator, Adams oversees requests, often deciding whether her team or another group is best positioned to respond.

“Right now, I have 43 quilts to make between now and the end of the year,” she said.

Her volunteers meet twice a week for “sew days,” where they cut, stitch and share stories. “It’s really become a community effort,” Adams said.

They gather at the American Legion, which provides space for the quilters.

“Back in August, we offered the free use of our hall to Pam Adams and her volunteers to bring in their sewing machines, materials, irons and skilled hands to assemble the quilts and prepare for the ceremony,” Matt Livesay, spokesperson for the American Legion, said in an email.

Donations welcome

For Quilts of Valor Eldersburg, the biggest obstacle isn’t time or energy; it’s

the cost. Batting alone can run $380 to $400 per roll, enough for only eight quilts.

“It adds up quickly,” Adams noted.

“We want to honor as many veterans as we can,” she said. “This work is important, and as long as I can, I’ll keep doing it — even if I have to fund [the quilts] myself.”

To donate, email pamela.adams@qovf.org.

While she has personally funded nearly 90 quilts, she launched two fundraisers, selling embroidered flags and shirts with the slogan, “I support those who quilt for veterans.” Adams envisions a long-term presence for Quilts of Valor in Maryland.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

When you pre-plan your funeral, you give both yourself and your family a great gix.

Your service will be exactly as you wish, and your family won’t be burdened with arrangements.

Pre-planning also fixes the cost at today’s prices. Plus: We offer a price-match guarantee!

Scrabble answers on p. 20

Crossword Puzzle

And

Stephen Sherr

Across

1. Indication of hyperventilation

5. Director Paul Thomas Anderson, to cinephiles

8. Losing streak

13. Big birds

14. Spill the beans

15. Inexpensive wind instrument

16. Above-water parts of icebergs

66. Half of all binary digits

Down

1. “Hurry; the bus doors are closing!”

2. Acid in proteins

3. Invisibility, stretchability, flammability, and strength, for Four

4. “Hey, buddy...”

5. Boeing 737 or Airbus A320

17. End a flight

18. Moron

19. Obsessively focused

22. Letters often at the top of a Winter Olympics medal scorecard

23. Munched on lunch

24. A thou thous

25. Dir. from London to Paris

28. Use the panic button

30. Unit of social media success

31. Schoolboy

32. An endless series of problems

36. Rob, of the Brat Pack

37. They may be frozen at a fertility clinic

38. It may be frozen at a convenience store

39. CPA or MD, for example

44. “It’s just ___ word vs. his”

45. “Heavens to Betsy!”

46. Interpret palms or tea leaves

47. @@@

48. X, Y, Z, or Alpha

49. Part of a Vegas showgirl outfit

50. “Click here to ___ out of future messages”

53. It may be thrown at a failing investment

56. Make the wedding dress wearable for the tenth anniversary

59. Instrument, typically with 23 holes

60. Hockey haven

61. Make up for

62. “I got ___ on the top bunk!”

63. Section of a hand, to an orthopedist

64. Maternity, psych, and surgical

65. Place that’s fine for swine

6. Drink available on every Gemini mission from IV to XII

7. Gut-related

8. Pancake cooker

9. Classy female

10. Top-selling machine gun of the 1970’s

11. Comment from a moon-jumper

12. It won’t boil if you watch it

14. Callously indifferent

20. Reheated meat and potatoes

21. The “Just Do It” company

25. Burger topping

26. More like Martin than Lewis

27. A cube has 12

29. Letters that follow comm- and comp-

30. “‘Tis better to have ___ and lost...” (Tennyson)

32. “Hi,” in HI

33. Santa’s reindeer chorus

34. Mars and Venus (but not Apollo)

35. ___ double (reach second base)

40. Subtracts a number from zero

41. Like expensive whiskey

42. Vanishes, over the centuries

43. Word that proverbially lacks an “i”

49. Prize for winning last-place

51. Like ziti, but with angled ends

52. Youngsters

53. Turn pages into a book

54. First bio that includes both DOB and DOD

55. Rice-like pasta

56. Precooked

57. Sort option on travelocity.com

58. In support of the resolution

CLASSIFIEDS

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

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

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

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS:

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

DRIVERS WANTED / GREAT FOR RETIREES / Locally 35-year-old family-owned company is looking for dependable people to make delivers to businesses. / Make your own schedule / Call (410) 234-3100 for more information and schedule an appointment to apply.

MOBILE HAIR & NAIL SERVICES - WE COME TO YOU. Professional Licensed Hair Stylist. Women and Men’s Services - All Hair Types. Cuts, Styles, Roller Sets, Color, Perms, Men’s Cuts & Facial Grooming, Manicures & more. Call 410-415-1760.

BRINGING HEART TO HOMECARE - 24 Hours - At Loving House Homecare, we believe every smile, every moment matters. Our passionate caregivers go beyond the ordinary to create a nurturing, joyful environment for your loved ones. It’s more than care — it’s a heartfelt commitment to dignity, happiness, and love. Let us transform your home into a place of comfort and trust. Call now and feel the difference! 410-870-7108.

SAVVY SENIOR TECH HUB - Friendly 1:1 tech support designed for seniors! Learn smartphones, tablets & computers at your own pace. Patient instruction, affordable rates. Don’t let technology intimidate you - master it! Call Stefan at 443-281-3638.

THE MARKETS OF CRAFTS GALORE! Shop, Eat, Mingle. Handmade goods, holiday gifts, and food. 9/6, 10/4, 11/1, 12/6. Free public admission 9:30am-2:30pm. Held by Vendor Members Group at Timonium UMC: 2300 Pot Spring Road, Timonium MD. www.VendorMembersGroup.com.

UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company866-212-1092 or visit www.Life55plus.info/beacon WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-6268703.

CEMETERY PLOTS Ft. Lincoln Cemetery. Brentwood, MD. 4 plots Section K-B Lot 30 Sites 1-4. Single depth. Monument privilege. Number of plots and price negotiable. Contact Steve Frank. stevefrank22@verizon.net. 301490-5898.

GRAVE SPACE & VAULT at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium. $3,500. Call Joanne 304-726-6396.

NEW WINDOWS FROM WINDOW NATION. Special money saving offer zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 855-909-2278.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

NEED TO SELL YOUR HOME FAST, FACING FORECLOSURE? Divorce? Too Many Repairs? Can’t Sell? Cash Offer. No Repairs. No Fees. No Waiting. We Buy Houses in DMV & Surrounding Areas. Call/Text 240-746-5981.

CONDOMINIUM BUYING TIPS every senior should know about downsizing your lifestyle to fit your budget. Let’s find your dream condo together. No more exterior maintenance to do or too much space to deal with. Something just right that checks all the boxes. I help seniors sell their homes and buy condos to live out their years in financial security. Contact Joseph O’Connor Realtor at 202-3214182 of Long and Foster for more information and a free consultation. Office 410-583-9400 “Ask for Joe O.”

WE COME TO YOU. RedZone Fitness Studio will come to you for Personal Training, Rehab, Red Light Therapy and Assisted Stretching. Call 410-739-3318 to set up a free fitness evaluation. We are getting results and take care of our clients like family.

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

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR

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

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

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

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

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

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

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

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

DISCOVER NORTH STAR NAVIGATORS:

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

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

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

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170.

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

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

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

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

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-572-4953. GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-844-560-5837.

PAYING TOP CASH FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. House calls made with prompt, courteous service seven days a week and 25 years of experience! Buying toys, trains, militaria, glassware, advertising merchandise, paper items and much more! Contact Mason or Megan at: 443-306-8816.

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