Summer 2022

The magazine for mature Marylanders

DISC GOLF: A SPORT FOR THE REST OF US

www.OutLookbytheBay.com

ARTISAN FROZEN TREATS FROM MEXICO A SENSE OF HOPE IN CRISFIELD HIKING ADVENTURES FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA

DAY TRIPS: BATTLE CREEK CYPRESS SWAMP HOW NOT TO GET SCAMMED ONLINE

DISCOVERING THE BAY WITH CHILDREN

�tness • entertainment • gardening • nutrition SUMMER 2022

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SUMMER 2022

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SUMMER 2022

YO U R T H O U G H TS

THANK YOU A friend just sent me a pdf version of the good, good article Kathi Edwards wrote about Poetry X Hunger. I’m so grateful to Mrs. Edwards and to Mr. Whong for showcasing this initiative in OutLook by the Bay. Yes! H. Larew, by email

GREAT PROFILES Once again, Ellen Moyer has done an excellent job of profiling two local Annapolis leaders: Anna Greenberg and Dick Callahan (OutLook by the Bay, Early Spring 2022). Her writing is engaging, accurate, and relevant to those of us who know Annapolis and enjoy its rich history. I look forward to seeing more of Ms. Moyer’s writing in OutLook by the Bay. Each | bay bytes | edition captures my attention! If you have a parent or child who needs PS Subscription on the assistance when traveling, check out way to you. www. flyingcompanions.com for inforElise H., Eastport, by mation on obtaining assistance for an email entire trip or just for a flight.

(Zamurovic / DepositPhotos.com)

GREAT ISSUE I enjoyed the Early Spring 2022 edition of the OutLook and shared with folks in my building and will share with my Recorder Group on Tuesday. Lots of good information and stories and some larger fonts as well. Thanks! Judy P., by email

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FROM THE DESK

The magazine for mature Marylanders

Editor and Publisher

Jason Whong [email protected]

Art Director Emma Stultz Dodge [email protected] Editor Emeritus Tecla Emerson Murphy [email protected] Ad Sales

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Columnists Dr. Jim David [email protected] Henry S. Parker [email protected] Contributing Writers

Barbara Aiken [email protected]

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David J. Schmidt

Sharon Schultz [email protected] Kim Strong [email protected] OT Turtle (a real turtle!) Joyce M. White www.ATasteofHistory.net Louise Whiteside [email protected] Expert Advice

Reid Buckley [email protected]



Jessica L. Estes [email protected]

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ISSN#1948-044X OutLook by the Bay is distributed throughout Anne Arundel County, in sections of the Eastern Shore and Baltimore. It is available free of charge in senior centers, county libraries, hotels, coffee shops, doctor offices, supermarkets, senior communities, book stores, restaurants, private clubs, real estate offices, health clubs, hospitals and at all of our advertisers and is mailed to select homes in the Bay area. OutLook by the Bay is published bimonthly by Whong Community Media LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without express written consent of the publisher. Information published in OutLook by the Bay is intended for reader interest only. Do not substitute it for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional, legal or financial adviser. Reader discretion is advised. Whong Community Media LLC does not verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with advertisements and accepts no responsibility for errors and omissions. All rights reserved. Submissions and article pitches should be sent to [email protected].

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Why do so many people love summer? Is it because sunshine is good for our health? Is it because of all the great outdoor recreational opportunities you can’t do in the winter? Is it because we long for the days before we were adults, and when school was out, we could do whatever we wanted? Maybe it’s all of the above, and then some. I don’t know that I can say I have a favorite summer; summer as a child was full of family, fun and leisure; summer as a young adult was about exploration and freedom, and summer later on in life has been just different, as I now have kids and have to balance making things fun for them, and working, and taking vacations. In recent years, I felt like I was working too hard leading up to a vacation, and working too hard after the vacation. I have a feeling I will like retired summers better. This year, I am going to come up with some summer resolutions. Like New Year’s resolutions, but I intend to keep them. This summer, I will finally catch crabs. I have traps, strings, a net, and some frozen chicken necks. I’ve been trying to catch them at Jonas Green Park. We’ll see if I’m finally successful this year! This summer, I will avoid working when the family goes on vacation. It’s hard to promise that because I work for a much smaller organization now, whose only employee is me. But I started planning for this about a month ago, so I don’t feel like I am rushing as I come up with the plan for how everything will be handled in my absence. This summer, I will try to swim in more than one ocean. The last time I did that, it was 2001. This summer, I will do my best to stay hydrated, I will conserve water, and I will seek to serve others who may need water. This one is difficult, because I work from home, so I won’t be as exposed to people who need water in my daily routine. This summer, I will make sure my kids love summer as much as I loved it when I was a kid. I realize I can’t give them the same kind of summer that I had, because I’m working from home, and they have lots of camps and other activities scheduled. But I’m sure they’ll find something to love about it, besides the lack of school. What will you do this summer? Maybe you’ll get some ideas about possible adventures in this issue. We’ve got articles about exploring Calvert County’s ​​Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, tasting artisan Mexican ice pops, making raspberry fool, playing disc golf or backyard bocce, exploring Crisfield on the Eastern Shore, hiking the Appalachian Trail and other outdoor endeavors, and of course an item about how to prevent and treat skin problems like sunburn, insect bites and poison ivy. Will this be the summer I stop using this column to ask readers to consider subscribing? Well, that’s up to you! I’ve set it up so you can name your own price when you subscribe. Right now, most people pay the suggested price of $24.95 (plus $1.50 sales tax in Maryland); some pay more, some pay less. If a few thousand of you do this, I probably can skip asking for a while! In the meantime, please enjoy your summer. Be well!

SUMMER 2022

(MicEnin / DepositPhotos.com)

Summer 2022

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

EXPERT ADVICE 11

DOWNSIZING: BEACH HOUSE

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ASK THE UNDERTAKER:

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CONTINUUM OF CARE OFFERS

VACATION

EXTREME EMBALMING

DEMENTIA PATIENTS A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE

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SUMMERTIME TOOTH

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YOUR LEGAL COMPASS: THE

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SELLER STRATEGIES IN A PRE-

SENSITIVITY

PROBATE PROCESS

RECESSION MARKET

DEPARTMENTS 18

FEATURES 12

OLD MAN OF THE SWAMP - BATTLE

CREEK CYPRESS SWAMP IN CALVERT COUNTY

ARTICLES

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BAY REFLECTIONS: ARE YOU

ONLINE

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BAY TREKKING: PADDLING THE

FUN

34

BAY FITNESS: HIKING

38

BAY NUTRITION: THERE’S NO

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HOW NOT TO GET SCAMMED

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BACKYARD BOCCE IS EASY AND

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TOWN OF CRISFIELD WRAPS

FINALLY ARRIVED

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LETTER FROM ‘THE OTHER BAY’

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HARDSHIP WITH HOPE

A ‘MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY’

IN EVERY ISSUE

CHOOSES AMERICAN

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DISC GOLF: A SPORT FOR THE REST OF US

Summer is a great time for frozen treats. Find out about artisan Mexican freeze pops on page 16.

FOR POLLINATORS TO POP UP

UPDATE FROM OT TURTLE

MOVE OVER, BASKIN-ROBBINS:

CITIZENSHIP

NATIVE GARDEN, THEN WAIT

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16

MEXICAN FROZEN TREATS HAVE

BAY GARDENING: PLANT A

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YOUR THOUGHTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS (THAT’S

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DR. JIM: MEDITATION ELEVATOR

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BOOKS: OLD, NEW AND

46 ACROSTIC 47

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OUTLOOK FOR THE BAY:

DISCOVERING THE BAY WITH CHILDREN

ADVENTURES FROM THE

MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA

FOOL LIKE A RASPBERRY FOOL: AN ANNAPOLIS CONNECTION

BAY HEALTH: SUMMERTIME

DOWNERS: PREVENTION AND

TREATMENT OF SUNBURN, BUG

SPEECH

OBSCURE

HISTORIC CORSICA RIVER

A HISTORIC CONFECTION WITH

FROM THE DESK

THIS PAGE!)

TRULY LISTENING?

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BITES AND POISON IVY

BAY HEALTH: SENIORS WITH PREDIABETES SHOULD EAT BETTER, GET MOVING, BUT

NOT FRET TOO MUCH ABOUT DIABETES

(MicEnin / DepositPhotos.com)

SUMMER 2022

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David became concerned about whether Mr. Gray was going to attack me even though he’s not bothering Myrtle. David wanted to make sure I am safe. As a result, now I am locked in David’s bedroom and must wait for David to come to me. I’m used to going to the refrigerator and waiting for my food in the kitchen or going to the wash tub when I am thirsty or want a bath. At least now he has given me a tray of water in his bedroom. But I must wait for my worms until he comes to get me. Things may be looking up for me with respect to the cat because David has decided that Mr. Gray is going to be an indoor/outdoor cat and not be inside all the time. David cannot stand all of Mr. Gray’s misbehavior, climbing, and jumping. Neither can I. If Mr. Gray is outdoors some-

A lot happened during my brumation this year. Not only did I have OT Turtle in the grass. (David Fine photo) an article published about me in Outlook by the Bay (Early Spring 2022 cannot do any of the things that Mr. issue), but David, my human, rescued Gray does to attract attention. As a a cat, who he calls Mr. Gray. Mr. result, I am stuck on the floor, am very Gray was coming to David’s porch slow, can’t get up to David and must for food regularly for weeks. Initially wait for David to come to me. I am David thought he was a feral cat, but very jealous of Mr. Gray. it turned out he was very friendly and Also, I am mad that Mr. Gray liked to be around people. Mr. Gray can go visit Myrtle, the other turtle is gray all over with yellow eyes and who lives in David‘s house, any time he has a little brown in his fur, parhe wants. Myrtle lives in the study ticularly on his tail. When Mr. Gray and Mr. Gray has a litter box in injured his foot, David took him to a that room. Myrtle is a much smaller vet and then brought him inside. eastern box turtle than I am. She Mr. Gray has very much upset is only about 4 inches long. Myrtle my quiet turtle life. I have been living was purchased for a dollar at a pet on David’s kitchen floor for years store when she was a young turtle, and suddenly Mr. Gray takes over my and she has been living with David living space and distracts David from for about 54 years. I cannot even attending to me. Mr. Gray is a very go in the room where Myrtle lives. active cat. He jumps up on furniture, David keeps me away follows David around everywhere in Mr. Gray and OT Turtle, wearing time maybe I from Myrtle because she the house, and climbs up into David’s once got egg bound and his signature yellow tape on his can move back shell. (David Fine photo) lap whenever he wants. The cat also to the kitchen. almost died. A veterinarmisbehaves by jumping up on things, Recently, David ian had to break her eggs knocking things over, and making took both me and Mr. Gray outdoors inside her so she could pass them. messes. Whenever David is makand played with us. I crawled around David is afraid if I go in the same ing food for himself or the cat, the in the grass and Mr. Gray ran around room with Myrtle there might be cat jumps up on the and sniffed me but did not bother more eggs. How cabinets and has his me. I sure hope that continues. I am OT Turtle on the left, and Myrtle I wish I could nose in the food. David in 1994. (David Fine photo) definitely afraid of Mr. Gray and will see Myrtle and sometimes locks keep an eye on him and his claws. we could make Mr. Gray in the I was having really a good life eggs! I might be bathroom to before Mr. Gray entered it. I hope he an old turtle, being 60 or keep him out of becomes a full-time outdoor cat. 70 years old, and Myrtle the way or as a — OT Turtle is not so young either, but punishment. I, I bet we could still make being a turtle, eggs. 10

SUMMER 2022

Provided by Chesapeake Transitions

BEACH HOUSE VACATION

manager moved quickly. Items family wanted were identified, packed and delivered directly to our homes. Next, the senior move manager prepared an estate sale and arranged the followup steps. Items were sorted, grouped, priced and attractively arranged. Photos were taken, advertisements placed and emails sent to a large list of estate sale followers collected by the senior mover manager. After the estate sale, a clear-out company took the few remaining items to chosen donation sites and cleaning crew came to the house. Then the senior move manager contacted our real estate agent to let her know the house was ready for sale. Considering the big changes involved, my brothers and I were pleased with how smoothly this major life transition went. By being proactive and working together, Mom is now living where she feels comfortable and we know she’s safe. We were lucky to have a caring real estate agent who directed us to a senior move manager she trusted. We’ll still have our family vacation at the beach house and more wonderful memories will be made, just a bit differently. The owner of Chesapeake Transitions, Marilyn Leek is a Certified Senior Move Manager® who has been providing support and guidance for Maryland seniors and their families for over a decade.

| bay bytes | Check out www.historicaltrips.com if you’re interested in touring historic sites. SUMMER 2022

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(flotsom / DepositPhotos.com)

By Marilyn Leek A tradition for many years, our annual family beach vacation is anticipated almost as much as Christmas. We’ve been renting the same beach house for over 10 years. Spending time with my three brothers, their families and our Mom in such a lovely, familiar location just seems to get better each year. Last year, however, we noticed something new. Yes, the children were taller, but it was the changes in Mom that were most noticeable. We “kids” brought food and other necessities with us to the beach house — with our growing children the cost of food can be shocking. So, was that why Mom brought her entire spice drawer collection? To help save money? We laughed but then noticed mom had packed the top to her electric blender in her suitcase. When we jokingly asked her about it, she said that someone might enjoy a smoothie. OK, but why not bring the blender too? Suddenly, the situation was no longer funny and we became concerned. Mom had also packed a number of

long-sleeved button-down shirts and dress pants — not normal beach attire. We did make some wonderful memories on the vacation, but my brothers and I realized the next chapter in our lives was unfolding. We decided to become proactive for Mom’s sake. My brother who lives the closest to Mom and his wife agreed to visit her daily to and monitor the situation. Looking to the future, we researched memory care facilities in Mom’s town, looking for one that had everything we thought she’d want. When the time came, my brothers and I were pleasantly surprised that Mom was agreeable to moving. It was as if she knew, despite her memory issues, the time had come to leave the house she’d raised us in. We were able to secure her an apartment quickly in the memory care facility we’d chosen — another nice surprise. The next step was selling the family home. We’d found a real estate agent we really liked but the contents of the house were an issue. A few items would be going with Mom and a few items my brothers and I wanted, but most of the home’s contents needed to be sold or donated. With families and jobs, none of us had the time to deal with a house full of belongings. Our real estate agent suggested using a senior move manager. Once hired, the senior move

OLD MAN OF THE SWAMP Story and photos by Barbara Aiken How about a day trip to a cypress swamp right here in Maryland? The bald cypress trees of Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary located in Prince Frederick, Calvert County are believed to have established themselves about 10,000 years ago. The Battle Creek Cypress Swamp was acquired from the Gray and Keim families and protected by the Nature Conservancy in 1957; the first preserve in Maryland. A trail sign refers to the bald cypress as the “Old Man of the Swamp.” Trees surviving here are about 75 — 200 years old. With over 100 acres this amazing habitat of cypress trees is located just about as far north as bald cypress will thrive and it’s the only cypress swamp on the western shore of the state. Cypress knees are part of the root system of these trees and allow the trees to breathe in their watery home, or at least that is one hypothesis.

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Here in the sanctuary at The boardwalk lets visitors walk in comfort at the Battle Creek, named in the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Calvert County. 1600s for Battle, England where the colonists in the area originated, there is a quarter-mile you visit, you’ll see some of the many boardwalk loop to traverse, a meadow avians that call this swamp home for at least part of the year. You may trail of the same length and a nature center to explore. Check to see what’s spy flying squirrels, woodpeckers, or frogs if you tread silently through this going on at the nature center. Infortreasure. mative programs are held at various As you wander through this mini times. You’ll see live animal exhibits at gem of a park, relish the quietude of the center which may include outside the place. Take in the swathes of airy a rescued barred owl and red-tailed ferns and marvel at the knees of the hawk and inside an albino snapping cypress trees mimicking the form of turtle. the trunk itself. The cypress knees Bring your field glasses to spot are part of the root system of these the many birds trees and allow the trees to breathe in flitting among their watery home, or at least that is the trees such one hypothesis. These knees may help as the Prothosecure the trees in place which have notary warbler — a pretty little a shallow root system. It is not fully understood why these mound-like yellow feathknees form. ered bird with In the magical swamp, you’ll margray wings, vel at these unique cypress trees, some purple finch, over 100 feet tall and three to six feet scarlet tanain girth toward the bottom narrowger, vireos and ing as they climb. These giant trees, the Louisiana related to the redwoods and sequoias waterthrush. of California, are pyramidal in shape Depending on the time of year and their green leaves are fringe-like SUMMER 2022

almost as pine needles. The deciduous leaves of these unique conifers become an auburn hue in the Fall and then drop to the ground. The name “bald” cypress originates from the fact that these trees cast their leaves early in the Fall season. The cypress has small, orb-shaped cones that form at the branch ends. These cones start out green and eventually turn brown. At that time, they release 16 winged seeds to the whimsy of the breeze, water and animal life. These ancient trees can survive for thousands of years, one of the longest living on earth. Past logging has eliminated very old stands. In our area, they make their home in the swamps, moist woodlands and rivers of the Delmarva. In Maryland, the two main areas of cypress growth are in Battle Creek and the Pocomoke River on the Eastern Shore. The northernmost collection of these conifers is in Trap Pond State Park in Delaware. The

SUMMER 2022

Patriarch Tree on the James Branch Water Trail in Delaware is estimated to be 600 years old. This tree is about 127 feet tall and has a base circumference of about 24 feet. The oldest known tree on the east coast is located in North Carolina and is estimated to be 2,624 years old. Cypress trees located any farther north than the Delmarva are not native bald cypress but some other nonnative variety. The decay resistant wood of the cypress is used in the production of such interior and exterior items as piers, fence posts, rail road ties, doors, furniture, shingles and barrels. Some Native Americans fashioned canoes from the cypress tree. The wood is moderately hard (classified as a softwood but having the qualities of a hardwood), quite strong and stable over time. In the sanctuary there are picnic tables just waiting for you to enjoy a nice meal or snack, always

a welcome treat when on an out of doors foray. Sit, relax and ponder the wonders you’ve just encountered, the unique bald cypress, “Old Man of the Swamp,” the oldest of trees on the Atlantic coast. Barbara enjoys traveling as often as possible and can be reached at [email protected].

ON THE WEB

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary: https://www.calvertparks.org/ bccss.html/ Pocomoke River State Park: https://dnr.maryland.gov/ centennial/Pages/CentennialNotes/SouthernExposure.aspx Trap Pond State Park: https://destateparks.com/ PondsRivers/TrapPond

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By Chris Barylick The internet is an amazing place that’s brought people together, and allowed for the exchange of ideas, discussions, and products. And like anything that brings people together, there’ll always be those looking to prey on and scam those around them. It’s a fact of life, and if you dig through your email junk or spam folder to see what’s been filtered out, you’ll find there’s no shortage of people trying to sell you something entirely questionable. Here are some steps to both avoid this as well as take measures of your own. PHISHING Arguably the most prolific form of scamming on the internet comes from questionable emails that appear to be from recognizable companies or people. These emails generally ask you to click over to an unknown website, where you’ll be asked to enter your login and password and a third party can begin harvesting your information from there. In more extreme cases, these websites will ask you to enter your credit or debit card information as well. It’s moments like these where you have to look over the email, judge whether it’s unexpected, notice if the graphics or logo appear different or out of place. One dead giveaway that often appears is that these emails generally arrive from a public email such

as Gmail, Yahoo, Live, or Outlook. If this is present, it’s generally a phishing attempt and can be safely deleted. BITCOIN/NFTS As popular as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have become, they’re being seen as more and more of a scam these days, complete with wildly volatile price swings and little to tangibly back the asset. If someone from out of nowhere approaches you online to invest in Bitcoin or a cryptocurrency you’ve never heard of, please back away from this. Cryptocurrency, at present, is the search for a greater fool who will believe the asset will gain value, and this is not worth tying your 401(k) money up in. The same can be said for NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which act as encrypted, digital receipts for assets such as images. While these may be considered an expensive receipt for an asset, their resale value has become a punchline, the asset itself doesn’t currently act as a legal receipt of copyright ownership in court, and this is once again the search for a greater fool to sell to. Please do not support this marketplace or lend it your money. ALLIES IN THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, CONSUMER REPORTS, AND THE FBI As intimidating and scam-heavy as the internet can sometimes be, always remember that there are allies to connect with out there. The Bet-

ter Business Bureau (www.bbb. org) acts as a long-standing pressure group that works to keep businesses up to par, has an excellent Facebook group you can connect with and has a wide community you can tap into at their Facebook group (www.facebook. com/BetterBusinessBureau). The same can also be said for Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.com), which has an incredibly active community of people looking to protect each other from online scams and fraud and has a prolific Facebook discussion community that can be consulted at www.facebook.com/ConsumerReports. Finally, if you’re looking to report online scam activity and bring the hammer down on the scammers themselves, you can always report activity to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center/tip line at www. ic3.gov. This doesn’t necessarily mean SWAT team and/or G Men will immediately kick in their door, but it helps to mount complaints and build a case that law enforcement will eventually look into. The online world isn’t out to hurt you, but you’ll need to be careful, ask for help from people you trust, and exercise some caution. Chris Barylick is the owner of East Bay Mac Menders (www.eastbaymacmenders.com) as well as a veteran technology writer since October, 2000. His work has appeared in Macworld, PC World, TechRadar, the Washington Post, Playboy, PC Gamer, and an assortment of other publications.

It’s not too late to give up your history and start fresh.

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SUMMER 2022

([email protected] / DepositPhotos.com)

HOW NOT TO GET SCAMMED ONLINE

Provided by Lasting Tributes Cremation & Funeral Care

Extreme embalming By Ryan Helfenbein In 1989 many of us moviegoers were introduced to Bernie. The boss of an insurance corporation who would have been labeled as a lively host of two young employees for a weekend getaway. Unfortunately, Bernie was dead. “Weekend at Bernie’s” is one of those classic 80s movies that even today brings a laugh to many of us. The antics of the two friends positioning Bernie in unique situations so that all the partygoers could enjoy his company made the movie an instant classic. At the conclusion of that film many of us began to wonder, what if this wasn’t a movie? What if the concept of having one last ‘natural’ interaction with someone after their passing was in fact an available option? Fellow readers, hold on tight, because it is. It was reported that Drew Barrymore said “Weekend at Bernie’s” was in fact based on her grandfather, John Barrymore. According to Ms. Barrymore, two of her grandfather’s friends removed his body from the morgue and propped it up at a poker table after his death in 1942. She went on to say how she, too, hopes that her friends do the same for her. Perhaps a bit too “out of the box” for most, yes, but it’s captured the imagination of some creative morticians. It is called Extreme Embalming and originated in Puerto Rico. Dad riding his motorcycle, a young man standing in a Green Lantern costume and even a famous boxer upright in the ring

SUMMER 2022

for one last fight are only a few of the many Extreme Embalmings we have found coming out of Puerto Rico. This unique positioning is made possible with the use of special chemicals as well as the use of physical supports during the embalming process. Overall, it has been reported that the process takes four times longer than standard embalming and involves a variety of creative techniques that many funeral homes specializing in keep close to the vest. When this procedure was introduced, several Puerto Rican regulatory agencies debated the legality of this unique method of embalming. Furthermore, the Puerto Rican Funeral Home Association even was quoted as saying these wakes are “sacrilegious.” Yet fast forward to today and we find this “el muerto parao” (dead man standing) is not only more common in Puerto Rico than in years past but now a practice available in areas of the United States. In 2012, a funeral home in Louisiana held the wake of famous New Orleans jazz musician, “Uncle” Batiste. He was positioned standing up against a faux streetlamp, dressed in his signature sunglasses, hat and tasseled loafers. During the same year, holding a glass of Busch beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, Mrs. Easterling attended one last party. She sat at a table, showcasing her New Orleans Saints manicure, with the glitter of a disco ball sparkling above her. That funeral home even accommodated the wake of a New Orleans socialite, having her positioned on a park bench, holding a glass of Champagne and wearing her

A S K T H E U N D E R TA K E R

signature feathered boa. Since then, the Bayou State has showcased exotic wakes such as decedents playing video games, seated at poker tables and behind the wheel of their favorite automobile. To bring things a bit closer to home, earlier this year we witnessed Extreme Embalming right here in Maryland. A funeral home bordering Washington, D.C. held a final farewell for the 24-year-old Mr. Morrow at the Bliss Nightclub. Mr. Marrow was positioned on stage wearing his shades, designer clothes and a crown. Mourners arriving at the club paid the cover for the privilege of dancing alongside their friend and family member one last time. Once used only to preserve the most revered, or reviled, among us, such as Abraham Lincoln and Vladimir Lenin, Extreme Embalming is now available to everyone. I’ve told my wife that when it’s my time I want to be in shorts and shirt, not this dark undertaker suit, cremated and ultimately scattered in my favorite fishing spots along the Atlantic. After learning about Extreme Embalming, perhaps my plans will need to change to being seated on the boat, in a fighting chair, positioned as if I’m reeling in a monster catch. Sorry, but even for this undertaker, it’s a bit too ‘extreme.’ Ryan, owner, supervising mortician and preplanning counselor at Lasting Tributes on Bestgate Road in Annapolis, offers area residents solutions to high-cost funerals. He can be contacted at (410) 897-4852 or [email protected]

15

MOVE OVER, BASKIN-ROBBINS

Mexican frozen treats have finally arrived By Kim Strong you’ll likely feel overwhelmed. SamTamarind, gansito, cheese, and pling is encouraged, so definitely give tres leches are just a few unique several a try. flavors you’ll find at a little ice cream As you meander down the long shop tucked between a beauty salon and a convenience store in a Bladens- freezer, unable to make a choice, your eyes behold a kaleidoscope of burg strip mall. Needless to say, this perfectly stacked ice-pop-shaped isn’t Baskin-Robbins. treats called paletas. Like ice pops, La Neveria Michoacana, a genuine Mexican ice cream parlor, is bright paletas are served on a stick, but and airy, its pink and gray walls deco- at La Neveria Michoacana, that is where the similarity ends. rated with colorful paintings of fruit. Although several counter attendants are quickly scooping up orders, a line of customers is snaking out the door on a warm Sunday afternoon. AN FIND C U O Y E R WHE Families, construction workers, and military personnel mingled in a not-so-orderly queue, chatting mainly in Spanish, waiting their ANA MICHOAC IA R E V E N turn to be served. LA ensburg h Ave., Blad Neveriart o ilw n e K Gazing through the 4527 k.com/Law.faceboo clear freezer glass into 7624074/ https://ww -52563719 a n a c a o h Mic the ice cream buckets, E you’ll find some familiar BALTIMOR HECHO EN ore im lt a B ., favorites, like cookies and rn Ave te s a E 2 2 2 3 ltimore hechoenba cream, but also the unex@ : m ra g ta Ins pected. You’ll discover that ECANA LA ZACAT IA R E the orange one with swirls T E L PA mple Hills wn Way, Te to / n lle A of red ribbon is mango 0 1 59 om/pages acebook.c .f 2440 w 7 w 6 6 /w 6 :/ 4 s and chamoy, not orange 7 http 30341 / a n a c te a a-Zac and strawberry sherbet, and Paleteria-L the green one is avocado. Soursop, prickly pear, and other unconventional flavors provide so much variety that

These traditional Mexican desserts are an absolute beauty to behold. They are made with water or cream with big chunks of fruit or even whole cookies peeking out from beneath their frozen base. Slices of strawberry and kiwi, nuts, spices, rice, and yes, even flowers can flavor these colorful goodies.

C I T N E H T U A PALETAS

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The owner, Claudio Cortez Cortez, is from Puebla, Mexico, a large city famous for its culinary history. Emigrating to the United States approximately 12 years ago with knowledge of the industry, Cortez began his path to business owner by first working for Andres Morales and his partners. They were in the process of opening the first La Neveria Michoacana in Richmond, VA. After successfully expanding to additional stores in Northern Virginia, SUMMER 2022

Morales, in turn, helped Cortez, who was by now a partner, open his own store in Maryland, bringing the total to five. And although the stores go by the same name, they are not franchises in the traditional sense but independently operating “sister” companies with partners that support each other’s growth. Cortez said he hopes to expand so he can provide the same opportunity to others … to help them in the same way that Morales supported him. “When you come to the United States, you want to do your best … you want to improve your situation for you and for your family. Not many people get the same opportunity I had. I want to give others that chance,” he said.

SUMMER 2022

La Neveria Michoacana makes 800 to 1000 paletas per day based on a recipe brought from Mexico. Approximately 80 percent of the products sold are natural. And although 70 percent of their customers are Hispanic, more people discover paletas daily. In fact, Americanized versions of traditional paleta shops are starting to appear throughout the U.S., offering “Artisanal Popsicles” with a surprisingly similar look. However, tradition holds that paletas were invented in Michoacana, Mexico (where a statue has actually been erected honoring the treat). So

skip the artisanal ice pop shops and explore the genuine tastes of Mexico at a local paleta shop. After all, why would anyone settle for a knockoff when you can have the real thing. Kim Strong's freezer is full of paletas she bought for research purposes. You can reach her at kim. [email protected].

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Bay G A R D E N I N G

beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), squirrel corn (Dicentra canadensis), wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) and golden ragwort, (Packera aurea). Summer: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), beebalm (Mo-

(steve_byland / DepositPhotos.com)

By Kathy Reshetiloff Bay Journal As with many children, my first interaction with wildlife was watching pollinators — butterflies, bees, moths, beetles and other insects — as they flitted from flower to flower. Brightly colored swallowtail butterflies and furiously buzzing bumblebees were some of my favorites. But these insects are not just beautiful to watch. As they move from flower to flower, drinking nectar or eating pollen, they also collect pollen on their bodies, then transfer it from male flowers to female flowers in the case of single-sex or “imperfect” flowers (which most are), or from the male part to the female part in “perfect” flowers, which have the reproductive structures of both sexes. This act of moving pollen, or pollination, allows plants to create seeds and reproduce. About 80% of all plants, including many of those we eat, require pollinators to reproduce; the remaining 20% are pollinated by wind and water. But it’s not just insects that do this important work. Some species of birds, bats and even small mammals are pollinators. Pollinators service more than 180,000 plant species and more than 1,200 crops. One out of every three bites of food you eat is there because of pollinators. A hummingbird hovers at a cardinal flower, which blooms in the fall. (Rodger Evans/CC BY-ND 2.0) Many pollinators are declining due to loss of feeding and nesting habitat. Pollution, misuse of chemicals, disease and changes in climate

also contribute to shrinking pollinator populations. According to the Pollinator Partnership, there are at least 41 pollinators federally listed as either endangered or threatened — one fly species, three bats, five birds, eight bees and two dozen butterflies or moths. What can you do? It’s pretty straightforward: Create a garden with native flowering plants that supply pollinators with nectar, pollen and homes. And the emphasis there should be on native plants, which are the foundation of healthy ecosystems, providing food and habitat for native wildlife that depend on them. A pollinator garden doesn’t have to be large to be worthwhile; several square feet of native pollinator plants will attract butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. And it can go just about anywhere — in a suburban yard, pasture or open field, schoolyard or commercial property. Even small city lots are opportunities to plant pollinator gardens.

(weha / DepositPhotos.com)

PLANT A NATIVE GARDEN, THEN WAIT FOR POLLINATORS TO POP UP

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The best garden in these terms is one that provides pollinators with a variety of food sources throughout the growing season. Here are a few excellent choices of native species — broken into prime flowering seasons so you can support pollinators in the Chesapeake Bay watershed throughout the year. Due to the growing popularity of pollinator gardens, many of these species can now be found at local nurseries. Spring: eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), foxglove

narda fistulosa), joe-pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) and narrowleaf mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium). Fall: white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata), gray goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis), New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) and white turtlehead (Chelone glabra). This is just a sampling of plants native to the Northeast that support pollinators. The Pollinator Partnership has more detailed native plant guides for all U.S regions. Go to pollinatorpartnership.org and under “Resources” choose “Planting Guides.” Depending on where you live in the Bay watershed, you’ll want to download one of these guides: Outer Coastal Plain Mixed Province, Southeastern Mixed Forest or Eastern Broadleaf Forest (Oceanic). Page 7 of each of those guides has a U.S. map showing the region’s boundaries. The guides also have information on where you can purchase plants native to your state. The Bay Journal provides the public with independent reporting on environmental news and issues in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

SUMMER 2022

Provided by Hospice of the Chesapeake

CONTINUUM OF CARE OFFERS DEMENTIA PATIENTS A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE patient and the family to develop a plan of care. We know dementia patients crave consistency. This not only applies to the daily routine and surroundings, but also to who is caring for them — the same family members, the same professional caregivers and the same medical team. We strive for a continuum of care where the provider who visits the patient and family in the beginning is the same in the end. For someone who has been diagnosed with a disease like Alzheimer’s, the continuum of care starts from

liative care programs also known as supportive care. The goal is to improve quality of life for both patient and family. Care is provided by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers and other specialists who work with the patient’s primary care physicians, the

diagnosis. Both patient and family can benefit from interventions supportive care can provide, like symptom and medication management from a physician and guidance and resources from a social worker. Over time, getting the patient 10 minutes across

(obencem / DepositPhotos.com)

By Eric Bush, MD, RPh, MBA According to some estimates, around 5.8 million people in the United States suffer from dementiarelated diseases. An additional 5.6 million age 65 and older are at risk. This is what medical professionals call the Silver Tsunami. A growing elderly population living longer combined with the ability to diagnose dementia earlier is leading to a tremendous need for more and enhanced memory care services. Hospice and palliative care nonprofits are working to get ahead of that wave by building up their pal-

SUMMER 2022

town to a doctor’s appointment can take two hours just to prepare for the trip. With supportive care, the medical team can go to patient’s home or wherever they call home. As the disease progresses, patients begin to have difficulties swallowing, which can lead to pneumonia and frequent hospitalizations. This would be a time to consider hospice, or endof-life care. A supportive care patient can easily transition to hospice care when it is with the same provider or organization. With the continuum of care, you have a provider that starts out seeing the patient early in the diagnosis and helps them plan for the final days. Hospice organizations are even there after the patient has died to provide grief support for the family. For a dementia patient and their family, the continuum of care can be an anchor in a sea of uncertainty. To learn more, visit www.hospicechesapeake.org. Eric Bush, MD, RPh, MBA is Chief Medical Officer for Hospice of the Chesapeake and Chesapeake Supportive Care.

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Bay R E F L E C T I O N S

ARE YOU TRULY LISTENING?

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you may not want to dedicate years to bird songs, we can all be encouraged that practicing our listening skills now will improve those same skills for the future. A final feature of listening that I found from this work was the truth that listening skills are not universal. Another reason that Kroodsma wanted to take this trip with his son was the realization that though he had spent many years listening to birds, he had not listened to his son as well as he would have liked. He wanted this trip to be a way to recon-

(diego_cervo / DepositPhotos.com)

By Rev. Dr. Patrick DeVane In his fabulous book, “Listening to a Continent Sing,” professor Donald Kroodsma shares the story of a cross-country biking trip he took with his son. Kroodsma made a career from studying and identifying the nuances and variations of bird songs. This trip provided the chance to listen to birds across America in their native habitat. While the story is well-written and engaging on its own, one of the more noteworthy features of the book is the QR codes placed in the margins of many pages. These codes connect to the actual recordings Kroodsma and his son made on their trip. Being able to listen to what Kroodsma was hearing as you read his passionate account makes the narrative shine. His excited observations about the distinctive notes and pattern of the Blackcapped Chickadee or the Chipping Sparrow were a delight to read. I read this book sitting beside a lake in Virginia. As I played the recordings, I realized that birds near me were responding to the calls. I was struck by how Kroodsma has fashioned his life around listening. He has trained his ears to be able to hear subtle and distinctive patterns of birdsongs and can differentiate not only between different types of birds, but between different examples of the same type of bird. While I can barely tell the difference between Woody Woodpecker and Foghorn Leghorn, he was able to distinguish between different males within one type of bird each claiming territory for themselves. “Listening to a Continent Sing” helped me identify several key features of listening. First, listening is an intentional choice. Author Adam McHugh differentiates listening and hearing in his book, “The Listen-

ing Life.” He writes, “listening is a practice of focused attention. Hearing is an act of the senses, but listening is an act of the will. In listening you center not only your ears but also your mind, heart and posture on someone or something other than yourself.” We choose to listen. While doctors can measure our hearing through a variety of tests, determining our ability to listen is a trickier matter. Our culture invites us to ignore listening as well. Our world craves more and more of our attention. You will buy more, watch more, and clock more if you have a ready supply of things to hear, but little space or silence to truly listen. If listening is an intentional choice that our culture seems to work against, how will we make the space and time to cultivate true listening in our lives? Another feature of listening made clear in “Listening to a Continent Sing” is the reality that listening is an improvable skill. Like with many things, practice makes perfect with listening. Kroodsma displays the mastery of one who has spent decades learning how to listen. He is instantly able to distinguish differences in bird songs that others completely miss. Kroodsma’s son, David, has no experience with listening to birds. Hearing him attempt to identify what he was hearing brought into sharp contrast the expertise his father possesses. When David would venture a guess as to what he was hearing, Donald would calmly correct the repeated mistakes David would make. While

nect and rebuild their relationship. It is a sobering reminder that even when we do take time to listen in one area of our life, others can remain neglected. I was inspired by Kroodsma’s understanding and insight in seeing the places where his relationship was lacking and working to address that deficiency. How much richer and fuller would your life be if you took the time to listen to those around you? You may hear them, but are you truly listening? Perhaps one aspect of a truly active and vibrant life is the ability to stop and listen to all that we hear in the world. Patrick DeVane, senior pastor of College Parkway Baptist Church in Arnold, can be found at patrickdevane.net.

SUMMER 2022

(Zamurovic / DepositPhotos.com)

SUMMERTIME TOOTH SENSITIVITY By Drs. Woody Wooddell and Joe Passaro There is nothing quite like an ice cold, frozen sweet drink on a hot summer’s day. While we’d all like to be able to enjoy these chilly treats, tooth sensitivity can leave you sipping a drink one second and throwing it out the next. The truth about tooth sensitivity is it can occur during any season. It’s not just prevalent when the ice cream truck starts coming around. In fact, it’s just as common when you eat or drink something hot, sweet, or sour. Sometimes a breath of cold air can set it off. The pain can be sharp and sudden and can shoot deep into the nerves of your teeth. But don’t fret. A short lasting sensitivity to cold (or hot) foods is often not indicative of a more serious problem. Momentary sensitivity can be caused by a number of things: a loose filling, small decay or minimal gum recession that exposes small areas of the root surface. If sensitivity persists after a few days of regular brushing with sensitive toothpaste, see your dentist. If you notice sensitivity after you’ve visited the dentist, the pulp of your teeth could be temporarily inflamed. While it’s not necessarily a serious problem, it’s always worth checking out. If the pain you experience from tooth sensitivity worsens or persists after a few weeks, have your dentist check the area that is bothering you.

SUMMER 2022

A lingering pain that lasts more than 30 seconds after eating hot or cold foods could indicate an irreversibly damaged pulp. Often caused by deep decay or physical trauma, it is important that you see your dentist, as root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth. There are a number of things you can try to help relieve your short lasting tooth sensitivity. They include: brushing with desensitizing toothpaste, rinsing with fluoride, using a soft bristle toothbrush, and maintaining clean teeth and good overall oral health. You should notice a decrease in the level of sensitivity after regular use of desensitizing toothpaste. Fluoride treatment can help as well. It isn’t just for kids. If you’re prone to sensitive teeth, your hygienist may use fluoride varnish to help protect the sensitive areas. Varnish is typically applied at the end of your dental cleaning appointment. You should avoid eating or drinking any hot foods for two hours after the fluoride varnish is applied.

It’s also important to avoid certain foods or habits if you know you’re prone to tooth sensitivity. Try to limit your intake of highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and soda. Acidic food can wear at the enamel of your teeth, causing sensitivity to the dentin. People who grind their teeth can experience sudden tooth sensitivity. Often, grinding or clenching can occur at night, when you may not be aware that you are doing it. This will cause enamel to wear down and expose the underlying dentin, thus causing tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend a night guard or other appliance if you show signs of grinding. Dr. Woody Wooddell and Dr. Joe Passaro opened the doors to their dental practice in Davidsonville, MD in 1981. In addition to caring for their patients’ dental health by offering general dentistry services, Drs. Wooddell and Passaro provide expert restorative and esthetic dental solutions. Visit their website at www.wpdentalgroup.com or call 410.956.5555 for more information.

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Bay T R E K K I N G

By Ellen Moyer If only they could talk, Maryland’s 42 Rivers have stories to tell about our early history. The Corsica River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is one of the state’s historic rivers/ The Corsica is off the Chester River, that is off the Chesapeake Bay, home of the drowned Susquehanna River that may be the earth’s second oldest river … 330 million years old. In 1670, James Helmsley received a land grant called Chesterfield along the Corsica waterway. 100 years later, Chesterfield became the thriving town The Corsica River is surrounded by farmland where it joins the Upper Chester River Sanctuary in Queen Anne’s County in this 2016 photo. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program with of Centreville, Queen Anne’s aerial support from LightHawk) County commercial and government center since 1794. This cozy Eastern Shore village of 4500 people along its wharf and Captains houses The Mill Stream Trail ends at boasts the oldest county court house created an elegance about the busMill Stream Park picnic area. It is in continuous use in the nation and tling town. In the 1800s steamboats more “cosmopolitan” with Eagle and is surrounded by 13 other sites in its brought tourists from Baltimore to Osprey nests. A land trail parallels it, historic district. A statue of Queen walk its streets. A Showboat tied up at making it easy to take out or canoe/ Anne (Annapolis’ namesake) sits out- The Wharf and even Elephants were kayak back to The Wharf. side the courthouse and was dedicated unloaded to parade up Chesterfield Yellow Bank Stream Trail is a in 1977. The unveiling was attended Ave when the circus came to town. slow meandering tidal creek that by Princess Anne, daughter of Queen The Wharf is still the center requires some attention to the tides. Elizabeth II. The Princess would have of attraction. From it, kayakers can Too low, you might be mired in mud. seen a much older work of art, the launch their boats to explore 3 water Too high and you can’t get under a golden eagle, a symbol of America’s trails on creeks along the Corsica. The road bridge. This is wetland territory freedom from Britain on the courtstate Department of Natural Resourc- and wood duck habitat looked after house rooftop. es has over 750 miles of water trails in by the Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage The head of the 6-mile Corsica Maryland. organization. The original homestead River was easy access for shipping 8 miles of kayak/canoe watertrails for the Chesterfield land grant is on the tobacco and grain of the fertile follow the Corsica River. Novices can this water trail. surrounding farmland. This protected explore 1.25 miles of the Mill Stream Intermediate canoers and kayaklocation, free from storms that charTrail or a 3-mile round trip of the ers might prefer the Alder Branch acterized the Bay, led to the bustling Yellow Bank Stream Trail and see dif- Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip trail growth of Centreville. Warehouses ferent natural habitat. part of which is in the broad water 22

SUMMER 2022

attack in the War of 1812. Fort Point must have worked, as the attack never happened. The whole of the 6 mile Corsica River is a state protected oyster

sanctuary. viewers on this water trail Gravel Run, a tributary of the Corsica River, used to have a will see the interest hydroelectric dam, which was decommissioned in the late 1900s of property ownand removed in 2016. The removal allows two miles of unimers along Benton’s peded passage for river herring and American eel to two their wharf growing spat spawning habitat. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo) in bags. of the Corsica River. Alder has a The Town of Centreville is workheron rookery. At one time a fort was ing to expand the stories the wharf erected to protect Centreville from has to tell about the town and river’s

SUMMER 2022

history. COVID-19 may have delayed some features, but the Historic captain’s houses frame the wharf as a reminder of the days when Centreville shone as a bustling shipping center. In summer, paddling our historic waterways and catching up on Mother Nature and the stories of our heritage are an alternative stay vacation jour-

ney or just a glorious laid back day on the water. Brochures and Maps for waterway trails are available from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Ellen Moyer is a former mayor of Annapolis. She welcomes comments and idea sharing and can be contacted at [email protected].

23

BACKYARD BOCCE IS

EASY AND FUN

By Steve Bailey In the late afternoon, when the summer heat has broken for the day, but the sun has not disappeared for the night, four people step into a backyard, their favorite beverage in hand, and select two matching wooden balls out of a colorful collection of eight. A player picks up a small white ball, about the size of a golf ball called

Players hurl balls in a game of backyard bocce. (Steve Bailey photo)

the jack, or pallino, and tosses it out onto the lawn. A game of backyard bocce commences. Bocce, a simple game requiring minimal skill, has a long history dating back to the Roman Empire. Over time, its popularity spread from Italy to many other countries, including the 24

United States. In 1991 it became an has an advantage, rotating the order of event in the Special Olympics. pitches provides balance. The formal play takes place in a Players are free to toss their wooden framed court 90 feet long colored balls any way they want. Most and between 8.2 and 13.1 feet wide. roll the ball, trying to read the curves, Typically, a coin toss determines who slopes, and dips in the yard, the way a will throw the jack out first. Then, golfer reads a green. Some put backeach player throws one ball at a time spin on it. Others lob it in the air, and tries to get their balls closest to sometimes referred to as the bombarthe jack. A player may knock aside an dier approach, which is the only way opponent’s ball or move the jack with the throw. After each player has made their two attempts, the group gathers around the tossed balls and reaches a consensus on which ball landed closest. An umpire makes this decision in league play. The owner of the balls with that color gets the point, and if the second closest ball is the same color, that player receives two points. The remaining players get no point for that round. A tape measure settles any disputes. The first player to reach twelve points The yellow ball is closest to the white ball, so yellow gets wins the game. this point. (Steve Bailey photo) Many leagues exist for serious competitive play, with you can play this game on a beach’s strict rules and umpires. But I prefer dry sand. the casual game referred to as backUnlike other backyard activities, yard bocce. As the name suggests, this Bocce requires no setup. There are informal version played on the lawn not the hoops and pegs needed for of a yard without strict rules and um- croquet, no net as in badminton, and pires. Scoring remains the same, but no boards necessary as in cornhole. the players set their own boundaries It only requires the colored balls, the using bushes, swing sets, grills, or any- jack, and a measuring tape. A backthing available to mark off the edges. yard bocce set sells for about $30. Or they can play free-range backyard If you are out for a walk on a bocce with no borders, and the jack warm summer’s eve and you hear excan land anywhere in the yard. cited shouts from a backyard, chances The round winner throws the jack are a game of backyard bocce is the for the next round and then makes source. the first ball toss. By doing this, that Steve Bailey grew up in the Panama Canal Zone, person presents their ball early, and was educated in Minnesota, and taught middle the other players can attack it if they school for thirty-two years in Virginia. He can be choose. Since the last to throw always contacted at vamarcopolo.com. SUMMER 2022

Provided by ERA Law Group

THE PROBATE PROCESS

will must take the original will, along with a certified copy of the death certificate, to the Register of Wills’ office in the county where the decedent resided at death. Next, the personal representative will fill out and file a petition to be appointed the personal representative This column presents general information of the estate. The personal repreregarding estate and disability planning sentative will pay a bond premium, and probate. It is not intended to ceate usually nominal, and publish a notice an attorney-client relationship or consti- to creditors and unknown heirs in tute legal advice to readers. Individuals a newspaper of general circulation with legal concerns should consult with within the county where the estate is an attorney for advice regarding their being probated. Generally, creditors specific circumstances. will have six months from the date of death to file a claim against the estate. By Jessica L. Estes If any creditor fails to file a claim Unfortunately, there are two within the time limit, their claim is things in life that are certain – death forever barred and does not have to be and taxes. Most of us would prefer paid. not to think about either until the Once the probate estate is time comes. Though, at least with opened, the personal representative taxes, it is the same time every year. will have to obtain an estate identifiWith death, on the other hand, it can cation number from the Internal Revbe sudden. And, regardless of wheth- enue Service and open an estate bank er someone had been sick for a while account. Additionally, the personal or they suffered an unexpected injury, representative will have to gather the it is an emotional time for the surviestate assets and report on an Invenvors. The last thing someone wants tory the date of death values of those to deal with after the death of a loved assets. This may require the personal one, is the probate process. representative to obtain appraisals But, probate does not have to be of any real property and/or tangible complicated. Simply put, it is the personal property in the home. legal process of proving the deceThe Inventory is due within three dent’s will is valid and identifying and months of the personal representadistributing the decedent’s assets in tive’s appointment. Also, the personal accordance with their will. To start representative will be required to file the process, the personal representaan Information Report that identifies tive – sometimes referred to as the any assets that may have passed outexecutor in other states, named in the side of probate due to joint ownership, a beneficiary designation, or a trust, to anyone | bay bytes | who is not exempt from inheritance taxes. The Visit www.barracks.marines.mil/ Information Report also Parades/SunsetParade.aspx for inlists any assets that may formation about the Sunset Parade, a be located outside the free event featuring the Marine Drum & State of Maryland. If Bugle Corps at the Iwo Jima Memorial in there are assets located Arlington, Va. SUMMER 2022

YO U R L E G A L C O M PA S S

in another state, an ancillary probate estate may need to be opened. Finally, a first Account will be due nine months from the date of the personal representative’s appointment and thereafter, every six months until the estate is closed. The Account will list all receipts and expenses from the estate during the accounting period. Such expenses will include a probate fee paid from estate assets to the Register of Wills. This fee is based on the value of the gross probate estate. The final Account will show a final distribution to the named beneficiaries in the Will. The estate cannot be closed until all assets have been accounted for and distributed. So, what happens if the decedent did not have a will? It is still the same process, except the State’s intestacy rules will apply. In that case, there is a statute that gives priority to a spouse and the decedent’s children to act as the personal representative; however, if there is a disagreement among them as to who will be the personal representative, the court will schedule a hearing to determine the best person to act. Similarly, there is a statute that indicates how the decedent’s assets will be distributed. Thus, unpleasant as it may be, it is important to think about who you want to administer your estate and to whom you want your assets distributed after you pass. Making a will now assures that you will be in charge and that everything that is important to you will be distributed in accordance with your wishes, not in accordance with the State’s rules. Not only will you have peace of mind, but your loved ones will appreciate not having to guess what you would have wanted. Jessica L. Estes is an elder law and estate planning attorney at ERA Law Group, LLC in Annapolis. She can be reached at (410) 919-1790 or via email at [email protected].

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LETTER FROM ‘THE OTHER BAY’ By Paula Bocciardi Dear Marylanders, I don’t know about you, but I’m afraid to fly. My fear started long before the pandemic and is, I realize, highly irrational. But there’s little I can do to calm myself when I’m convinced that whenever I hear a noise we’re going to plummet from the sky. So I take the train instead. Every year or two I travel across the country from my home in San Francisco to 26

Riding the train is not for anyone in a hurry. Amtrak’s timetables are merely charming suggestions. But train passengers are generally An Amtrak Northeast Regional train unworried, with passes by Baltimore Penn Station. plenty of time on (Amtrak photo) their hands. Rail travel is like bethe beautiing in a moving cottage with beautiful state of ful picture windows and the great Maryland. American expanse passing in front of I have old your eyes. And you fall asleep to the friends who rhythmic rumble of the wheels and to live in or near the periodic squeaks, squeals, groans, Baltimore, and and random hisses, and of course the it’s always a low-pitched whistle of the locomotive. treat to get out And if the engine fails ... well, to the Atlantic nothing happens. No plunging out of coast. the sky. I board The most economical way to ride Amtrak’s Cali- is in coach, with huge reclining seats, fornia Zephyr miles of legroom, electrical outlets, leg in Emeryville, and foot rests, eating trays, reading just across the lights, and the ability to stretch your bay from San legs anytime you want when you head Francisco. The to the observation car or the cafe. Zephyr is the If you’re of a “seasoned” age, as most stunning I am, and prefer your own roomtrain ride in ette or bedroom (which has its own the country, bathroom), you can enjoy a bit more as it ventures across the Sierras, the privacy and have access to the dining Nevada and Utah deserts, the Rocky car, where the meals (included with Mountains, the plains of Nebraska the ticket) can be surprisingly good. and Iowa, and — two days later — The railroad French toast and the flat into Chicago’s stately Union Station. iron steak are popular favorites. In the After a brief layover I change dining car you’re often seated with trains and spend another night on people not in your traveling party, either the Capitol Limited or the and despite my being an introvert I’ve Cardinal. The Limited runs along the never met a passenger I didn’t like. old B&O line through Indiana, Ohio, I’ve dined with pastors, business peoPennsylvania, a smidgen of West ple, teenagers, grandmothers, college Virginia (Harpers Ferry), and into professors, farmers, park rangers, folk the western part of Maryland to D.C. singers, world travelers, honeymoonThe Cardinal, which runs three days a ers, gamblers, saints, and sinners. It’s week, offers views of the Blue Ridge an experience that opens your heart and Allegheny Mountains and the and mind to people with whom you Shenandoah Valley as it dips down have absolutely nothing in common. from Chicago into Virginia and north Just ask folks where they’re headed up to New York City, passing through and listen as the stories unfold. Baltimore along the way. Both routes My passions happen to be trains, are gorgeous. books, and baseball, so once I arrive SUMMER 2022

in Baltimore there’s a lot for me to do. It’s easy for me to spend an entire day in the B&O Railroad Museum. I’ve taken a self-guided literary walking tour of Baltimore, with so many stops (including the Edgar Allen Poe house, the Owl Bar, and the Peabody Library) that it took multiple trips to see them all. And of course there are always the Orioles, the other orangeclad team that plays in the secondmost-beautiful ballpark in the country. (I’m from San Francisco — hello!) Oh, I forgot to mention food and drink. You folks cannot keep me away from your Orange Crushes (the ones made with vodka). Or the pit beef at the ballpark. And I relish my trips to Faidley’s in Lexington Market; we may have Dungeness crab out here on the Pacific coast, but your perfectly seasoned, hearty Maryland crab cakes are beyond compare.

SUMMER 2022

If you’re considering a new adventure, may I suggest that you climb on board a train yourself and consider heading out west to The Other Bay? At this end you’ll find some familiar things: an ocean, a rich literary pedigree, delicious crab, and a baseball team in orange jerseys. What more could you ask for?

This dining car can be found in modernized interiors of Amtrak’s bi-level “Superliner” fleet, serving primarily midwestern, southern and western routes. (Amtrak photo)

Paula Bocciardi is a freelance writer who enjoys baseball, train travel, and playing the drums.

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TOWN OF CRISFIELD _______________

WRAPS HARDSHIP WITH HOPE By Susan Kim “Hurricane” Hazel tells her best stories while she’s picking crabs. The 83-year-old great-grandmother holds the world record for crab picking: 5.58 pounds in 20 minutes. A longtime professional crab picker, she’ll tell you her secret: “I can look at you, and talk to you, and I don’t even have to watch what I’m picking,” she said. “And that’s what gets ‘em!”

Kim Hopkins, program coordinator for the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Group, accesses a flood-damaged home with a young volunteer. (Susan Kim / OutLook by the Bay)

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be free from mold, and elevated so the next flood won’t cause so much damage. Floods seem to be getting worse in Crisfield, residents agree. Inside the Smith Island Baking Company, Executive Chef Garrett Lee said the business was damaged for the first time by flooding in October 2021. ““That was the first time water had gotten in the building — and it was very shocking,” he said. But the baking company keeps going: the sweet smell of Smith Island

She has traveled the world doing crab picking demonstrations but she always ends up back in her hometown of Crisfield, known as the Seafood Capital of the World, and perhaps lesser known for repeat floods that have deluged the homes of its 2,600 residents. Hazel Cropper — her real name — has seen her share of floods. She “shopvacs” the water out and keeps going. Inside her house, the floors and walls are warped with water damage, and the flood stories spill out "Hurricane" Hazel demonstrates the fine art of crab picking of her in the form of to Chris Kurtz. (Susan Kim / OutLook by the Bay) sermons. “I’ve been a flood victim five times,” said Cropper. cakes still fills the building, business “Storms gonna come and storms is good, and Lee is on hand to share gonna go, but if you’ve got the love of samples with out-of-towners who God, you’ll make it through.” are curious about the mystique of the These days, the Eastern Shore Smith Island cake. Long Term Recovery Group is also “Eight layers of cake, seven layers helping people like Hurricane Hazel of icing,” explained Lee. “And we have “make it through.” She’s on a waiting 1,659 cake pans in here in case you list for a new home — one that will were wondering.” SUMMER 2022

Down the road, another resident, ways, this latest round of floodanother flood survivor, Herbert Stering was the worst because it was ling goes through paperwork as he invisible,” she said. “A house prepares to apply for help from the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Group. The coalition of faith-based and voluntary agencies helps the most vulnerable people — those who are uninsured, disabled or otherwise unable to repair their flood-damaged homes. Sterling, a Vietnam War veteran unable to speak clearly due to effects from being exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange, has written on a clipboard “I can’t talk too good. I had Agent Orange, Vietnam War.” But he clearly communicates a sense of hope when Kim Hopkins, program coorHerbert Sterling stands in his flood-damaged dinator for the Eastern Shore home as a volunteer looks on. (Susan Kim / Long Term Recovery Group, OutLook by the Bay)

ON THE WEB

Information about volunteering in Crisfield can be found at https://www.marylandvoad.org/chesapeake-bay-tidal-flooding/

tells him volunteers might be able to help build him a new home. Hopkins, who knows just about everyone in Crisfield, said that many people have been living with flood damage for a long time. “In some

Herbert Sterling’s note explains why it’s difficult for him to communicate. (Susan Kim / OutLook by the Bay)

SUMMER 2022

looks fine — then you walk in the door and people have no floor.” As for Hurricane Hazel, she’s keeping the shop-vac ready for hurricane season. And she’s ready to show you how to pick crabs with one caveat: “No tip — no meat!” she quips, and cracks herself up. Then she leans into Hopkins for a hug. “Thank you, sister,” said Cropper. ‘Whatever gifts we’ve got, we don’t get on our own.” To share crab-picking tips, suggestions for natural bug repellants, and other shore lore with journalist Susan Kim, contact her at [email protected].

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A ‘MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY’ CHOOSES AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP By Kathryn Marchi If you have ever lost your passport while traveling in a foreign country, you might have felt as if you had no real identity until it was restored to you. It would be a time that you were literally without a country. Joseph, who asked that we not print his last name, is a man who grew up without citizenship in any country. He took a circuitous route to become a citizen of the United States. Here is his story: Joseph was born in Cairo, Egypt to Jewish parents of Russian and Turkish descent. His immediate family were all born in Cairo. Joseph’s father spoke 6 languages and his mother and their four children spoke both Arabic and French. At that time, Jewish people were not allowed to become citizens of Egypt so job opportunities were few. For that reason, Joseph did not attend

university; His father suggested he their journey to the United States. attend a trade school and become an They traveled first to Greece and auto mechanic, because of job availthen to Paris, France where they ability in that field. Joseph had already would wait six or more months for shown a proclivity for this type of the proper papers, allowing them to work because, at age 8, he took a move to America. Finally arriving in large, old-fashioned lock apart and New York City, the family made their taught himself to put it back together way to Washington D.C. and then to correctly. This would lead to many Silver Spring, where they settled. areas of Joseph’s life in which he was Right away, Joseph found work at self-taught. an Esso gas station, pumping gas. His Joseph’s father was a wise man boss, coincidentally, was a Holocaust and a very strong influence in his survivor. Joseph did not speak English life. One lesson 11-year-old Joseph at that time so this job was a perfect learned from him was taught one beginning for him in the workforce. day during a walk in a garden. His His next job was as a mechanic at father asked him to pick up a bundle of six sticks. His Joseph is depicted in 1965, as he traveled from Egypt to Paris; in 1967 on the way to Vietnam; father explained that one of and in 2022 in Symphony Village in Centreville. those sticks could be broken (Photos courtesy Joseph) but the six of them together

could not be easily broken. It was an apt analogy for a strong family that would stay together and support each other … no jealousy among them. To this day, Joseph and his family remain close. In 1965, Joseph and his family decided to leave Egypt and begin

Ridgeway Motor Service and when that closed down, Joseph began working for Pohanka Automobile Service. There he taught himself how to repair Fiats and Oldsmobiles, by taking apart similar engines and recalling how each was put together, piece by piece. All was going well until 1967

Step out of your comfort zone and see what you can achieve.

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SUMMER 2022

when Joseph was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Vietnam. He served for two years and was discharged. After Vietnam, Joseph found a job painting offices and other commercial buildings. He then decided to go on his own, opening a paint store. During this time, he also recalled his earlier life in Paris and watching a man in a storefront window using an interesting method of painting called faux finishing. The Frenchman had noted Joseph’s interest in this medium and invited him to work for him while he was in Paris. This was the beginning of Joseph’s interest in art and design. Selling his paint store, Joseph began working as an independent contractor. He was hired by various well-known designers in Washington D.C. and Bethesda, Maryland and designed home interiors using the faux painting method. One of his rooms was featured in Architectural Digest. Joseph had developed a sterling reputation by this time. However, Joseph’s creative nature brought him to another field, carpentry. Still an independent contractor, he began renovating homes … bathrooms, kitchens among others. Backing up a bit, Joseph was a “man without a country” because he had not yet become an American citizen. If you recall, he was also not an Egyptian citizen! In 1971, Joseph applied for citizenship in the United States. During his first interview, it became known that he had served in the Army in Vietnam. The interviewer was so incensed that he was called to fight for a country without being a citizen, she stamped his papers and granted him citizenship then and there! Along the way of his work in carpentry, Joseph met and married his wife. Together they began a series of remarkable renovations that he would SUMMER 2022

work on, in every house they would own. With his wife’s help and an Architectural computer program, they planned other complete home renovations. Once again, Joseph was selftaught. In 2012, Joseph inadvertently found some leftover plaster from a faux painting job. He then created his first painting, adding a variety of pigments to the plaster. His wife recognized his extraordinary talent in this media but Joseph resisted; He really did not want to paint! Purchasing an easel and arranging two weeks of painting lessons with a well-known, local painter, his wife then insisted that Joseph stop working and just paint. Since then, he has produced over 200 paintings, most of which are hung throughout their home. He also participates in local art shows where his paintings are greatly admired; some have been sold to interested parties. Joseph’s amazing journey, from Cairo, Egypt to the United States has been momentous to be sure. For the first 20 years of his life, he was truly a “man without a country.” With his own initiative, strength of character, and his family’s determination for a better life, Joseph was able to overcome certain obstacles and lead a very productive life. He is a brilliant and multitalented man who has used his skills to the fullest … and he is also a proud American citizen! Kathryn Marchi is a retired teacher. She and her husband enjoy living on the Eastern Shore and traveling in their RV. Contact her at [email protected].

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DISC GOLF:

patented the modern Frisbee disc. most, some disc golf courses charge a He and his son Ken would somesmall maintenance fee. I’ve never paid times take their Frisbee discs and more than five dollars to play. sneak into golf courses at night, to To be sure, you can spend quite a practice throwing at different targets: bit on the discs themselves. Unlike ortrees, poles, and trash cans. In 1976, dinary Frisbee discs, golfing discs are Headrick started the Professional specially made from thick plastic and Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and molded for different flight patterns. began manufacturing special discs; the Aficionados often collect dozens of following year, he patented his special discs, each with subtle variations of disc-catching basket. thickness and shape: drivers, midAs in traditional golf, disc golfrange, and putters. Story and photos ers try to reach the basket To get started, howby David J. Schmidt in the lowest number of ever, you really only need “strokes” possible. Like two: a driver for long “Come on, guys! The next one’s “the other golf,” this game distances, and a putter to up ahead!” My five-year-old nephew is a great excuse to enjoy toss into the metal basket. Charlie ran across a wooden bridge a beautiful day outdoors. You can find these for spanning a babbling brook. The park Picturesque disc golf around $10 each at any was filled with the smell of pine trees courses are as varied as the used sporting goods store, and campfires, taking me straight natural landscapes that and many courses have back to childhood. Farther downhill, surround them. a “pro shop” on site that the lake’s waters lapped at its mossy Since I started playrents out discs. (The park shores as fishermen leisurely cast lures ing years ago, I’ve played in Athens, Georgia even into the water. courses throughout Calilends them out for free.) My 66-year-old Dad and I This disc golf course fornia, Georgia, and even Wherever you live, followed after Charlie, each of us features a helpful "tee" you’re likely not far from holding a stack of multicolored plastic Hawaii. I’ve tossed discs marker to identify a disc golf course. The discs. There we were, three generations through thick Georgia which hole to aim for, and how to get there. pine forests hanging with online PDGA directory of Schmidts, hiking across a picturSpanish moss, avoiding lists over 50 courses in esque park near Athens, Georgia. water hazards and swampy “slime Maryland alone, including Scarboro We had come to play a sport created hazards”; along Hills, Seneca Creek, Woodsboro, for all ages and fitness the shore of lakes Mill Brook, and the lovely Summit levels, one that is cheap where fish jump to Lake in the Emmitsburg / Thurmont and accessible to all. catch bugs in the area. There are courses in nearly every We had come to twilight; over dry U.S. state and much of Canada. It’s a play disc golf. creek beds lined popular summertime sport in Europe, The premise of the with chaparral and particularly in Scandinavia, where the game is simple: you desert scrub brush. sunlight lasts well past 10 p.m. Estostand on a concrete One Hawaiian nia has the world’s highest concentrapad and throw a plastic course overlooks tion of courses per square kilometer disc across an extensive the Honolulu sky- of land. distance, aiming for the The author's nephew really enjoyed line, framed by the Disc golf is played in at least 40 “hole”: a metal basket spending time with his uncle and shimmering blue countries around the world, with on a raised pole, with grandfather playing disc golf. Pacific. Play there courses on every continent — even hanging chains made to long enough, and you’re guaranteed to Antarctica. The McMurdo Flights catch the disc. eventually spot a rainbow. course is listed on the official PDGA According to Wikipedia, the While the courses are beautifully website, including instructions on idea of playing golf with flying discs landscaped, this sport has one key how to get there: “From Christchurch has existed since the early 1900s. The difference from conventional golf: in New Zealand, hop on a military modern form of the sport, however, it won’t break the bank. There is no flight down to ‘The Ice’: McMurdo was developed in the 1970s by Ed need to buy or rent expensive clubs, Station, Antarctica.” Headrick. A former employee of the no country club membership fees. At It’s one of the fastest growing Wham-O toy company, Headrick

A SPORT FOR THE REST OF US

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SUMMER 2022

sports in the U.S., with over 90,000 miles! Meanwhile, the throwactive members in the PDGA. Much ing motion strengthens several of its popularity can be attributed to key areas: shoulders, arms, core, how accessible the game is — particu- back, and hips, developing larly for more senior players. greater flexibility. The challenge I recently spoke with Don Walof aiming for the basket, meanlace at San Diego’s Morley Field while, helps to sharpen handcourse. He’s 63 years eye coordination skills. old, and has been When I played playing since he was with my Dad and my 19. Don is a close nephew in Georgia, we friend of Snapper took it slow. Dad used Pierson, the creator his aluminum hikof the course and its ing poles to help him longtime manager. across the course, while “As I’ve gotten older,” little Charlie ran ahead Don told me, “I find of us. It was a languid new limitations. I day at the park, the sun used to play Ultimate glistening off the lake’s Frisbee disc, but my surface, the chatter of Chains hanging from this ankle and joints won’t cicadas in the distance. pole are designed to help let me anymore. But As we approached the catch the flying disc and I’m out here throwing put it into the basket. last basket, Charlie discs twice a week, found that his disc had and I always will be. Disc golf is a landed four yards away. lifelong sport for me.” “You can always move up In 1979, Don and Snapper joined closer,” I encouraged him. the PDGA. They drove up to Hun“No thanks, uncle. I got tington Beach to buy one of the first this.” sets of Night Flyer discs, purchased He grabbed the heavy disc directly from Ed Headrick himself. in his tiny hand, cocked his “I don’t play tournaments anyarm across the chest, threw it at more, but I still love it. It’s a great the basket twice his height … activity for people my age. You don’t And sank the shot! Dad and I have to be the best in the world — applauded, and we collected our it’s all about shooting for your own discs and walked back to the personal best. You come here to stay car. Charlie took his Grandpa’s active and have fun. There’s no place hand. “This is a great game for I’d rather be.” us three to play,” he said with a Players can adjust the intensity smile. to their own personal fitness levels. I couldn’t agree with him You’re free to walk the course at a more. leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery David J. Schmidt is an author, podcaster, of a finely landscaped park. If you multilingual translator, and homebrewer want an extra strenuous workout, on who splits his time between Mexico City the other hand, you can jog from one and San Diego, California. hole to the next. Before you know it, you’ll have covered two or three

TOSS YOUR DISC!

To find a course near you, search the PDGA online directory: https://www.pdga.com/course-directory SUMMER 2022

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Hiking adventures from the mountains to the sea Story and photos by Phil Ferrara

long hike on the Appalachian Trail in 2005. Now 17 years and more than 430 hikes later, the Piedmont Trekkers have experienced trails and awesome beauty from the salt water washed beaches of the Calvert Cliffs State Park all the way out to the Appalachian Trail at Annapolis Rocks and Black Rock with their expansive views across the Appalachian Mountains. Our varied hiking travels have taken us the length of the Gunpowder Falls State Park system to the base of the tower-

Thomas Jefferson Piedmont Trekkers members hike the was filled with awe as he Parkers Creek Preserve of the American looked down upon the Chestnut Land Trust in March. beauty of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. His view was from the Maryland Heights several hundred feet above the rivers. Our third president described the scene he saw as “perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.“ The Piedmont Trekkers Hiking Club has climbed to that point to enjoy ing Prettyboy dam. Exploration has the same sight on numerous enabled us to enjoy the beauty of the occasions during the club’s 17 Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary with its year existence. The view looking forests, wildlife, marshes, and Patuxnorth and west up the Potomac ent River overlooks. This sanctuary is and Shenandoah Rivers is awe truly one of our club’s favorites and a inspiring and well worth the 5 jewel in the crown of Anne Arundel mile round trip hike to the sum- County‘s recreation sites. mit of the Maryland Heights One of the greatest outdoor overlook. treasures in Maryland is the ParkIn fact, it was at the base ers Creek Preserve of the American of those cliffs at a pub in the Chestnut Land Trust with more village of Harpers Ferry that the than 20 miles of hiking trails. This idea of forming a hiking club pristine wilderness along the Chesawas born. All while three friends peake Bay shores presents hills, deep sat admiring the views after a ravines, dense forests, and beautiful SUMMER 2022

river marshes, all wrapped in nature’s silence. It is a beautiful tract being preserved for all time by its ACLT stewards. Through the years we have found eleven parks with beaver dams plus three more parks where eagles were in their nests towering above the park trail upon which we were walking. Many of our hikes have followed the shore perimeters of nearby lakes, while crossing ravines, hills, and creeks that feed into the lakes’ waters. They include Clopper Lake, Lake Frank, Lake Needwood, and the shorelines of three beautiful Maryland reservoirs, Loch Raven, Liberty, and Prettyboy with miles of remote trails and distant views. One of the newest outdoor gems is the Bacon Ridge Natural Area. This is a quiet wilderness of hundreds of acres gathered and preserved by the Scenic River Land Trust. The park land is now owned and managed by Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks for natural use.

Piedmont Trekkers members have lunch on the rocks at Annapolis Rocks.

It has become an amazing outdoor asset for hikers, mountain bikers, and wildlife enthusiasts with the creation of many miles of well-built trails. Much gratitude for this recreational development is owed to Michael Klasmeier, the owner of TrailWerks, who deserves the lion’s share of the credit. He is truly the architect and SUMMER 2022

creator of the dozens of miles of exciting wilderness trails available for the use of all. His tireless efforts resulted in the design, construction, and maintenance of those trails as well as coordinating with Anne Arundel County for their endorsement of the trail system. He has been assisted by scores of dedicated volunteers. Chris Carroll, the county’s chief of the Natural and Cultural Resources Division, has provided invaluable assistance to Michael in coordinating the permitting and the support of the government. Our Piedmont Trekkers objective has remained the same through the many years; to wit, foster our members’ good health, fitness, and camaraderie through enjoying the outdoor hiking experience. We have kept our operations manageable and our equipment needs simple: appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a daypack for lunch and water, hiking poles, and sturdy hiking boots. From the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the stunning mountain views along the Appalachian Trail and the Catoctin Mountains, we have explored nearly every site across the piedmont to the coastal plain. You are encouraged to experience these same enjoyments. Form or join a hiking club or just gather a group of friends and go for a walk in the woods. The benefits are limitless. Phil Ferrara, an avid hiker and traveler, initiated the Piedmont Trekkers hiking club. Interested hikers and outdoor enthusiasts may reach him at pferrara65@ comcast.net for details on forming a hiking club.

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(vectorlab / DepositPhotos.com)

MEDITATION ELEVATOR SPEECH By Dr. Jim David Do you know what an elevator speech is? It is a very brief, succinct telling of whatever topic you choose that is completed in the short time you are on an elevator. This article is my meditation elevator speech. I enjoy conceptualizing meditation in three ways. There is the spiritual path, the psychological path and the career or professional path. The practice is the same for all three paths, but our cognitive stance changes. Spiritual path Some meditation authorities and most spiritual authorities insist that the purpose of meditation is connecting with God (however you imagine 36

God to be) already present within each person. St. Augustine famously stated in his Confessions that “My soul will never rest until it rests in thee, O Lord.” So, one description of meditation is simply “resting in the Lord.” So, it is experiencing the Divine Union, experiencing God’s presence within rather than thinking God. Psalm 46 says, “Be still and Know that I am God.” In secular terms, Eric Fromm in his classic work The Art of Loving explains that we are all saddled with separateness and that we have an inborn or innate drive to overcome our separateness. Visit www.contemplativeoutreach.org for information on Christian meditation. Psychological path There is widespread recognition and acceptance that any form of meditation promotes relaxation and relieves stress. The

pioneering Harvard research physician, Herbert Benson, empirically validated this proposition in his iconic book, “The Relaxation Response.” But the more profound and substantive result of daily meditation is strengthening of the ego. Effortless transformation accrues as the meditation practitioner achieves a gradual quieting of the mind and a deepening relaxation. There is an accompanying, experiential and cognitive realization that I am okay just as I am. I do not have to do anything to be delightful just in being. This pure delight just in being becomes firmly rooted in the practitioner’s identity and becomes more

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unshakeable over time and with continued practice. This is not to say that there are not occasional train wrecks or derailments. But when they inevitably occur, the emotional injury is less intense, and recovery is more rapid. In our culture, we tend toward being “Human Doings” rather than Human Beings. Daily meditation enables a healthier balance between being and doing, working, and playing, relationships and busyness. Another critical aspect of increased ego strength is the development of self-valuing as opposed to being dependent upon being valued by others. This is not an absolute proposition. We need others. We need validation from others. The ideal is a healthy balance of self-validation and self-acceptance, while also receiving validation, acceptance, and valuing from others. A related benefit is greater trust and belief in oneself. This falls under the umbrella of possessing an internal locus of control instead of having an external locus of control. ELC people tend to rely on others to tell them what to do. They live in an “I don’t know what to do” bubble. Parents who over-function create ELC children. Parents who facilitate selfdetermination, self-reliance, and selfconfidence in their children produce ILC adults. Career path Regardless of the type of career chosen or the level of responsibility attained, taking time for daily meditation will enrich one’s work life by opening the mind to the richness in the mind. When faced with a career decision of any type, we first do a brain search with our conscious mind. We may also do research by consulting with others, Googling, or reading relevant books and articles. We may reach a decision using our conscious mind. SUMMER 2022

If we are unsuccessful using our conscious mind, relaxing deeply as in any form of meditation opens the metaphorical door or window into our unconscious mind. Our unconscious mind contains everything we have ever experienced, and it will effortlessly “bubble up” answers to whatever issue we are wrestling with. As new, creative, “outside the box” solutions come into your mind, they must first be evaluated. If they make sense, if they fit just right, the second challenge is to trust yourself rather than second guessing yourself. Naturally, when a new idea or perspective pops into your mind that is unsuitable, discard it. When thoughtful people at any level of authority meditate daily, creative solutions emerge, enriching the individual and the organization. Albert Einstein insightfully said, “No problem can be solved by staying in the same level of awareness that caused it.”

of your day, staying more centered, more observational, more calm, more thoughtful. A most enjoyable, lighthearted yet substantive read for people who want to meditate but have difficulty doing it, is Just Sit by Elizabeth Novogratz and Sukey Novogratz; a valuable, informative read extending beyond the rewards of meditation. I hate to admit it, but I guess you would need an exceptionally long elevator ride to give all of this speech. The condensed version is experiencing Divine Union on the Spiritual Path, acquiring Solid Self or Ego Strength on the Psychological Path, and Career Fulfillment on the Career Path. Obviously, there is much more that could be said and needs to be said. Dr. Jim David is a retired psychotherapist in Silver Spring, MD. He now does Personal, Spiritual and Executive Coaching. Visit his website at www.askdrdavidnow.com or email at jimsue63@ gmail.com.

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Meditation implementation Many people find daily meditation to be undoable for myriad reasons. If you wish to try it out, here are a few guidelines. Choose a time when you have energy. Choose a place where you will not be disturbed. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Sit comfortably with your back straight. Close your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Repeat a one or two syllable word over and over in conjunction with your breathing. When your word ends, stay with your breathing. Eventually, your breathing will disappear. When intrusive thoughts inevitably arrive, return to repeating your word. The main benefit to daily meditation is your enhanced ability to navigate the rest

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Bay N U T R I T I O N

THERE’S NO FOOL LIKE A RASPBERRY FOOL: A HISTORIC CONFECTION WITH AN ANNAPOLIS CONNECTION By Joyce M. White When it comes to sweet confections, no dessert has a more misleading name than a fool, a cream-based confection that can be documented within the British culinary lexicon to as early as the late sixteenth century. One version of a fool is known to have been served by Mrs. Frances Loockerman who lived in the circa 1774 Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis from 1811 to her death

in 1857. A recipe for Raspberry Fool, sweetened raspberry pulp folded into whipped cream, was recorded in Mrs. Loockerman’s handwritten journal book, a task which indicates that she favored it and most likely served it frequently to her dinner guests. Alas, research into the history of Faux raspberry fools can be seen circling a fruit epergne cenfools reveals that not terpiece on the dining table at Hammond-Harwood House. all fools are alike. The (Joyce M. White photo) earliest known refernamon, slices of dates and/or scraped ence to a confectionary foole dates sugar. Norfolk Fools appear in other to 1598 when it was defined simply contemporary cookbooks, as well, as “a kinde of clouted creame… or a trifle.” Gervase Markham’s circa 1615 including a version called Westminster Fool made with the addition of cookbook, “The English Housewife,” wine (usually sack or sherry). A recipe contains a recipe for a Norfolk Fool, for Westminster Fool even appears a thick custard made with egg yolks in a much later American cookbook, and clotted cream flavored with cinSarah Rutledge’s c.1847, “The South namon and nutmeg that was poured Carolina Housewife.” over bread and garnished with sugarMrs. Loockerman’s beloved coated caraway seeds or pieces of cin-

MRS. LOOCKERMAN’S RASPBERRY FOOL A revised adaptation of the recipe printed in “Maryland’s Way, the Hammond-Harwood House Cook Book” (Annapolis, 1963)

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups raspberries (or any other berries or stone fruits) ½ cup sugar ½ pint whipping cream

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DIRECTIONS: Wash raspberries and place in a mediumsized saucepan. Add sugar to the fruit and let stand 30 minutes to extract the juice. Mash berries slightly. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring slowly to the boil. Cook until the berries are soft enough to mash easily when pressed with a spoon or spatula. Pass the fruit through a sieve using a rubber spatula to press out all the juice and pulp, leaving just the seeds behind. Refrigerate until thoroughly cold, about 2 hours. After it is cold, whip the cream and fold in the fruit puree. Ladle the fool into serving dishes. Refrigerate or freeze for 2 hours. Serve with lady fingers or vanilla wafers.

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Raspberry Fool represents a type of fool made with fruit purees, a type documented to the seventeenth century. Appropriately, this fool was most likely named after the French term, fouler, meaning to press or crush. The fruits used in these fools typically

or Rich Cabinet,” there is a recipe for impossible to know the source of Gooseberry Fool that combines fruit, her recipe; all that is available is the sugar, egg yolks, and cream. Another modernized interpretation of that innovative crossover recipe appears in recipe published in 1963 in “Mary1690 in John Shirley’s “The Accomland’s Way, The Hammond-Harwood plished Ladies Rich Closet,” in which House Cook Book.. Fashionable elites cream thickened with eggs yolks and such as Mrs. Loockerman were keen flavored with sack is poured into a to impress their high-society friends dish lined with bread and raspand neighbors; therefore offering berry syrup. them dishes that reflected contempoOne of the earliest recorded rary trends and tastes was expected. recipes for a true raspberry fool Therefore, it is very possible that she was published in Eliza Smith’s cir- used the recipe in Hammond’s very ca 1730 cookbook, “The Compleat on-trend circa 1819 cookbook but Housewife.” Smith’s “To Make substituted raspberries for the gooseStrawberry or Raspberry Fool” berries. Ultimately, whoever wrote the is a very simple recipe in which modernization no doubt simplified sweetened berry juice scented the recipe because it uses whipped with orange flower water is mixed heavy cream instead of a boiled cream into thickened hot cream after custard. Either way, this recipe doesn’t which the whole mixture is chilled suffer fools – so try it for yourself ! on ice. Many later 18th century A fool is a cream-based confection that can be Joyce White, a food historian, can be contacted documented within the British culinary lexicon Raspberry Fool recipes appear to through www.atasteofhistory.net. be copies of Smith’s. However, to as early as the late sixteenth century. (Joyce M. White photo) in 1770, Chef Borella, head confectioner to include gooseberries, oranges, apples, the Spanish Ambassador strawberries, and raspberries. These in England, published a fools were usually thickened with Raspberry Fool recipe in cream and/or eggs. For example, Lord his book, “The Court and Patrick Ruthven’s circa 1655 recipe for Country Confectioner, or Gooseberry Fool, found in his book, the Housekeeper’s Guide,” by Sheila Haak “The Ladies Cabinet Enlarged and whereby the cream and berOpened,” contains just fruit, sugar, ries were cooked separately, and egg yolks; no dairy at all. Howcooled, and then mixed ever, in Hannah Woolley’s circa 1672 together before service. A R I D D L E cookbook, “The Queen-Like Closet This type of recipe was also 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 printed in Hannah Glasse’s R E V E A L E D 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 circa 1800 cookbook, “The I N E V E R Y Complete Confectioner, or, 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 A C R O S T I C Housekeeper’s Guide.” A 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 similar type of fool made with gooseberries is found in a cookbook Mrs. LoockATTENTION: GRANDPARENTS erman owned, Elizabeth

Kidz-Acrostics

Hammond’s circa 1819 “Modern Domestic Cookery and Useful Receipts.. Unfortunately, Mrs. Loockerman’s original manuscript has been missing for decades therefore it is

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Introduce your grandchildren or other young people to the fun and challenge of acrostic puzzles. Great for long car trips or other times when you want to “unplug” children.

Order today from amazon.com 39

Bay H E A LT H

SUMMERTIME DOWNERS

Prevention and treatment of sunburn, bug bites and poison ivy By Louise Whiteside Summertime: A time for contentment, relaxation and adventure. Camping, hiking, picnicking, sunbathing, whatever your outdoor passion, enjoy it to the fullest! However, while you’re frolicking in the sunshine, be mindful of a few annoying problems that can put a crimp in your summertime cheer, namely, sunburn, insect bites, and poison ivy. Of course you’re ahead of the game if you’re able to avoid these irritating skin hazards, using a few simple precautions. But should you be unlucky enough to encounter any of these nuisances, rest assured that treatment is available. Following are some suggestions for preventing and treating such inconveniences, with multiple recommendations for each condition.

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INSECT BITES Prevention: Use a bug spray that contains DEET, the most effective insect repellent for use on the skin. Before going into wooded areas, treat your clothing with an insect repellent containing permethrin. You can also use products made with p-Menthane 3,8-diol, a chemical derived from the eucalyptus plant. One product, OFF! Botanicals, contains this ingredient. Citronella is found in bug-repelling candles, as well as bug sprays. Follow label directions. To keep bees away, avoid wearing perfumes or scented products, and keep food and sodas covered. Treatment for Wasp or Bee Stings: Scrape away the stinger, using the edge of a credit card or a knife blade. Soak the area in apple cider vinegar. Treat the area with meat tenderizer. Apply an aspirin paste (a crushed aspirin in water) to stop the itching. Apply a paste of baking soda mixed with a skin lotion. Apply one drop of tea tree oil to the site several times a day. Treatment for Mosquito Bites: Do not scratch! Rub an ice cube on the bite immediately to decrease inflammation. Apply Sea Breeze Astringent to stop the itching. Apply a drop of peppermint oil to the area. Use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream that contains hydrocortisone.

POISONOUS PLANTS Prevention: Get a book and learn to recognize poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Before going outside, rub some Ivy Block (available over the counter) on exposed skin. Do not go near a burning brush pile, which may contain a poisonous plant. If you come in contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac, wash away the resin (urushiol) from your skin immediately, preferably in a shower or, at best, in the nearest creek. If not possible, clean your skin with rubbing alcohol or any product containing alcohol. Wash the clothes you were wearing in the washing machine with warm water. Treatment: If a rash develops, apply 100 % aloe vera gel to the area. Use a vinegar compress to dry the rash and relieve itching. Dab calamine lotion on the rash. Soak a cloth in cold milk and hold it against your skin. Treat the rash with witch hazel. Moisten a tea bag and apply it to itchy skin. Take a warm bath to which ground-up oatmeal has been added. Call your health care provider if you have a fever, or if the rash is severe or looks infected. Have a healthy and happy summer, and don’t let a skin hazard ruin your summertime fun! Louise Whiteside, a long-time resident of D.C. and Maryland, now resides in the Colorado Rockies. She loves memoir writing, bargain hunting, cooking, country music, theater, and travel.

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SUNBURN Prevention: Slather your skin with a sunscreen that contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., limit your exposure to the sun. If you burn easily, or have been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past, take no chances: Cover up in the sun with long pants, long sleeves, a widebrimmed hat, and sunglasses. Treatment for Sunburn: For immediate relief, soak the sunburned areas in cold water or with cold compresses, to reduce swelling. If you are burned all over, take a soak in a cool bath to which you’ve added ground-

up oatmeal. Brew up a pot of green tea, let it cool, soak a clean cloth in the tea, and use it as a compress. Apply a light coating of pure, 100 % aloe vera gel to the painful areas. Call your health care provider if your sunburned skin blisters, if you run a fever, or if you develop chills or nausea.

Seller strategies in a prerecession market

#1

Don’t be greedy. Sellers who think it is still January, 2022, with virtually no inventory and multiple buyers for each house, are finding that their homes are not selling in one day and they need to adjust their price. Get pricing advice from several real estate agents who specialize in your type of home so you can set a realistic price for today’s changing market.

#2

Follow the preCOVID advice: prepare your home

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By Reid Buckley You’ve waited this long to sell your home and now the real estate market is softening. The good news is that real estate has had unimaginable appreciation in the past two years. The even better news is that you have a new baseline of value, and real estate is an asset class you can enjoy every single day — even if the value fluctuates a little. It’s impossible to gauge the top and bottom of a real estate cycle in advance, so don’t feel like it’s too late — it’s not! Economic indicators do point in the direction of a recession, though, so if your goal is to sell in 2022 don’t wait to list any longer. In order to sell this year, here are some suggested steps to help you make the most from the sale of your property:

for sale. In order to stand out from the increasing competition, make sure your home is clean, staged (if needed), and depersonalized enough that potential buyers can envision themselves moving in. Unless you really underprice your property, in which case you’ll get a lot of traffic and perhaps several offers, you probably need to approach the sale as you would a business venture. Make a plan for completing the “honey-do” list and hire cleaners to give it a good scrubbing.

#3

Be prepared for offers that are less than full price. It’s true that some buyers were paying full and sometimes over full price for properties, but those days are gone. If you get an offer that is less than full price, don’t be offended and start negotiating. An experienced real estate agent can help navigate the negotiation process to help you get the most advantageous terms for your needs. Remember, it is not just the price that is up for negotiation! Other terms to

negotiate are down payment, home inspection, time to settlement, rentback period, and more. With interest rates now double what they were six months ago — and perhaps heading even higher — and inflation that cannot be mitigated with monetary policy, many economists feel we are in a pre-recession. One barometer of the changing real estate market is rising inventory. For waterfront homes in Anne Arundel County, the total number of homes for sale has doubled since January. Given the increased competition, you will want your property to stand out above similar homes in order to sell this year. Your home must look as good as possible, but also seem like a good value. So, set the price correctly and make your home as presentable as possible to reach your goal of selling this year. Reid Buckley, MBA, is a third-generation licensed real estate agent and waterfront specialist with The Mr. Waterfront Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. www.WaterfrontHomes.org or 410-3666880

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and then Someday, that’s not a day of the week.

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THE INN BOONSBORO COLLECTION: THE NEXT ALWAYS THE LAST BOYFRIEND THE PERFECT HOPE By Nora Roberts Putnam Trade (2011-2012) It’s been a long decade since bestselling novelist Nora Roberts penned her intriguing Inn Boonsboro Trilogy. The trilogy is a clever series of character-driven plots that continue through all three books: The Next Always, The Last Boyfriend, and The Perfect Hope. Roberts tells the tale of a prominent, hardworking, ambitious family: a very smart, business savvy matriarch and her three very capable and very eligible sons. The Montgomerys’ make their living through hard, hands-on work. The Boonsboro Inn, found nestled at the base of Maryland’s South Mountain, is the heart of the town that bears it’s name, and the heart of this American family’s story as the Montgomery brothers accept the challenge to renovate the historic hotel. The Inn Boonsboro Trilogy begins in The Next Always, with the eldest of the brothers, Beckett Montgomery, a talented architect, charged with the task of revitalizing the old inn with a much needed face-lift. It is Beckett who takes the lead making sure his younger brothers carry 42

their share of the load, appeasing his mother and her flair for home décor and design with up-to-date progress reports, handling construction and supply issues, and trying to have a social life, if you call eating pizza and drinking beer at the local hangout. No wonder his love life was nonexistent, although he had to admit, someone special had caught his eye ... The Last Boyfriend, the second book in this series, explores the life and habits of middle son, Owen Montgomery, who manages the family’s successful construction company. A natural organizer, Owen takes his responsibilities very seriously, determined that the work stays on budget and is completed as scheduled. He would open the Inn on time, as planned, period. Like his brother Beckett, Owen appreciated a good pizza pie chased by a cold beer and what better place to indulge than the town’s only pizzeria, catty-cornered to the Inn. But he had an ulterior motive: the attractive woman behind the counter. The story continues in the third and final book in the Inn Boonsboro Collection, The Perfect Hope. Ryder is the youngest Montgomery brother and the least sociable. Hard on the outside and soft on the inside, Ryder is the most difficult of the three men to understand. Ryder is most comfortable when wearing his tool belt happily completing construction projects at the Inn. But he wasn’t too busy to notice the newly hired hotel manager from out-of-state. The Inn Boonsboro Collection

has romance, intrigue, betrayal, and a ghost! Nora Roberts fully immerses her readers in the very credible lives of her characters. She introduces the reader to the minor characters they associate with in detail, and paints vivid pictures of the scenes where the story plays out. Although the Montgomery Family and their associates are fictional, the town of Boonsboro, the Inn Boonsboro, and Vesper’s Pizzeria are quite real. Roberts actually renovated and owns the Inn Boonsboro, a very popular Bed & Breakfast — and Vesper’s really is catty-cornered, just across the street. Nora Roberts lives in Boonsboro with her husband, who owns and operates Turn the Page Bookstore, featuring his wife’s books, directly across from the Inn. The Inn Boonsboro Collection is available from www.Amazon.com or visit her official website at www. noraroberts.com for a complete list of her novels. — Sharon Schultz WILD WOMEN OF MARYLAND: GRIT AND GUMPTION IN THE FREE STATE By Lauren R. Silberman The History Press (2015) Many women who came of age before the 1970s may have felt they had few options in life. They could be teachers, nurses, secretaries, cashiers, housewives, and the like. This wellresearched volume focusing on many unusual Maryland women shows that, throughout the state’s history, many have broken with these restrictive societal expectations. Silberman details the accomplishments of female pioneers, soldiers, smugglers, spies, freedom fighters, abolitionists, suffragists, politicians, journalists, SUMMER 2022

authors, business women, public servants, aviators and even an Antarctic explorer. Famous Maryland women, both admirable and notorious are documented. Silberman also delves into strange accounts of witches, princesses, and criminal suspects. Some historically notable women, like Harriet Tubman, are well known to all, but have you heard about the Mitchell sisters, Juanita and Virginia, who in the 1930s, frustrated with discriminatory practices, organized a young peoples’ forum that staged the effective boycott, “Buy Where You Can Work” in Baltimore? Their mother Lillie lead the Baltimore chapter of the NAACP for thirty-five years. Another woman, Gloria Dandridge headed the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee which fought for civil rights in that city. Maryland also boasts the first suffragette, Margaret Brent, a property owner and business woman in St. Mary’s City. In 1648, she petitioned the colonial assembly for the right to vote and be on equal footing with male property owners. She was of course denied. Later, in the early 20th century, Edith Hooker led the Just Government League, one of many such organizations throughout the country advocating for women’s voting rights, which eventually lead to the passage of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This paved the way not just for voting but women candidates for office. Of note in Maryland is Barbara Mikulski who would serve on the Baltimore City Council, the U.S. House of Representatives, and eventually the U.S. Senate. It is perhaps not well known that Ocean City became a bustling resort due to enterprising women. Before the 1890s it was small fishing village. It was then that women began renting rooms in their homes and eventually running boarding houses for vacationers. By 1926, there were thirty-two hotels, thirty of which were owned by women. Women also historically ran SUMMER 2022

taverns throughout the state. Reading this book you can find out a lot of interesting facts about such notables as Mary Pickersgill, Wallace Simpson, Madalyn Murray O’Hare, and Blaze Starr. You can also learn the truth about Barbara Frietchie. Did she really exist? And if so did she really say, “Shoot if you must this old gray head ...?” Who was the female Antarctic explorer? Was The “Blair Witch Project” movie about a real historical witch? Wild Women of Maryland is well researched and documented. Silberman includes photographs and quotes form original sources such as the archives of Library of Congress, and the Maryland Historical Society, as well as newspapers and magazines. An extensive bibliography of historical publications is also included. This volume will be useful for those engaged in academic research, as well as being appealing to those who are merely curious about these most intriguing women and their role in Maryland history. — Kathi Edwards DUNE By Frank Herbert Ace; Media tie-in edition, 2021 (Original, 1965) Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction and fantasy novel Dune is the story of Paul Atreides, heir to a dukedom on the planet called Arrakis. But young Paul soon learns that not everything is as straightforward as it seems to be — or as he might think it should be. In a word, this book is mysterious. But that’s part of what makes it worth reading. Although there is a glossary at the back of the book, the reader doesn’t need to know every little detail to get the sense that Paul — and his family, for that matter

— are part of something bigger than themselves. Dune can also be described as a hero’s journey. In literature, a hero’s journey is defined as a story that involves a protagonist who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home from the adventure changed or transformed. Other examples of a hero’s journey are Homer’s “The Odyssey” and the Harry Potter series. Dune, however, might not be as clearly defined as a hero’s journey as the other examples are. It’s muddier, so to speak. Which actually makes sense when the reader recalls that Arrakis is a desert planet covered in sand, with almost none of it’s own water to speak of. The Fremen — the indigenous people of Arrakis — don’t waste time recycling their sweat and other bodily fluids to make water. What’s that saying? “Some people are born great, while others have greatness thrust upon them?” Well, whatever the words happen to be, Paul is someone who has greatness thrust upon him. And as scary and intimidating as that might be for a 15-year-old (Paul is 15 in the beginning of the book), he quickly grows into a natural leader. The legendary person some say he was always meant to be. Paul is a character that readers can admire. The fact that Paul is able lead a people and make moves to act or counteract other big players in the story is nothing short of impressive. This book may be a bit slow paced, but that’s not to say it’s unsatisfying. It leaves the reader wanting more. Luckily, there is, in fact, more. There are a series of appendices (including the aforementioned glossary) that provide information about the world of Dune in the back of the book, as well as five other books that complete the series. — Marialena Gallagher

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SENIORS WITH PREDIABETES SHOULD EAT BETTER, GET MOVING, but not fret too much about diabetes

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physical shape. She takes a rigorous hourlong exercise class three times a week and eats a Mediterranean-style diet. Yet Selvin has felt alarmed since learning last year her blood sugar was slightly above normal. “I’m terrified of being diabetic,” she said.

Of note, study results show that obese older adults with prediabetes were at significantly heightened risk of developing diabetes. Also at risk were Black seniors, those with a family history of diabetes, low-income seniors, and older adults at the upper end (6%-6.4%) of the A1C prediabe-

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Almost half of older adults — more than 26 million people 65 and older — have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How concerned should they be? Not very, say some experts. Prediabetes — a term that refers to above-normal but not extremely high blood sugar levels — isn’t a disease, and it doesn’t imply that older adults who have it will inevitably develop Type 2 diabetes, they note. “For most older patients, the chance of progressing from prediabetes to diabetes is not that high,” said Dr. Robert Lash, chief medical officer of the Endocrine Society, commenting on recent research. “Yet labeling people with prediabetes may make them worried and anxious.” Other experts believe it’s important to identify prediabetes, especially if this inspires older adults to get more physical activity, lose weight, and eat healthier diets to help bring blood sugar under control. “Always a diagnosis of predia-

betes should be taken seriously,” said Dr. Rodica Busui, president-elect of medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association, which recommends adults 45 and older get screened for prediabetes at least once every three years. The CDC and the American Medical Association make a similar point in their ongoing “Do I Have Diabetes?” campaign. Still, many older adults aren’t sure what they should be doing if they’re told they have prediabetes. Nancy Selvin, 79, of Berkeley, California, is among them. At 5 feet and 106 pounds, Selvin, a ceramic artist, is slim and in good

Two recent reports about prediabetes in the older population are stimulating heightened interest in this topic. Until their publication, most studies focused on prediabetes in middle-aged adults, leaving the significance of this condition in older adults uncertain. The newest study by researchers at the CDC, published in April in JAMA Network Open, examined data about more than 50,000 older patients with prediabetes between January 2010 and December 2018. Just over 5% of these patients progressed to diabetes annually, it found. Researchers used a measure of blood sugar levels over time, hemoglobin A1C. Prediabetes is signified by A1C levels of 5.7% to 6.4% or a fasting plasma glucose test reading of 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter, according to the diabetes association. (This glucose test evaluates blood sugar after a person hasn’t eaten anything for at least eight hours.)

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tes range. Men were at slightly higher risk than women. The findings can help providers personalize care for older adults, Busui said. They also confirm the importance of directing older people with prediabetes — especially those who are most vulnerable — to lifestyle intervention programs, said Alain Koyama, the study’s lead author and an epidemiologist at the CDC. Since 2018, Medicare has covered the Diabetes Prevention Program, a set of classes offered at YMCAs and in other community settings designed to help seniors with prediabetes eat healthier diets, lose weight, and get more physical activity. Research has shown the prevention program lowers the risk of diabetes by 71% in people 60 and older. But only a small fraction of people eligible have enrolled. Another study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine last year, helps puts prediabetes in further perspective. Over the course of 6.5 years, it showed, fewer than 12% of seniors with prediabetes progressed to fullfledged diabetes. By contrast, a larger portion either died of other causes or shifted back to normal blood sugar levels over the study period. The takeaway? “We know that it’s common in older adults to have mildly elevated glucose levels, but this doesn’t have the same meaning that it would in younger individuals — it doesn’t mean you’re going to get diabetes, go blind, or lose your leg,” said Elizabeth Selvin, daughter of Nancy Selvin and a co-author of the study. She is also a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “Almost no one develops the [diabetes] complications we’re really worried about in younger people.” “It’s OK to tell older adults with prediabetes to exercise more and eat carbohydrates evenly throughout the day,” said Dr. Medha Munshi, direcSUMMER 2022

tor of the geriatric diabetes program at Joslin Diabetes Center, an affiliate of the Harvard Medical School. “But it’s important to educate patients that this is not a disease that is inevitably going to make you diabetic and stress you out.” Many older people have slightly elevated blood sugar because they produce less insulin and process it less efficiently. While this is factored into clinical diabetes guidelines, it hasn’t been incorporated in prediabetes guidelines, she noted. Aggressive treatments for prediabetes, such as the medication metformin, should be avoided, according to Dr. Victor Montori, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic. “If you get diabetes, you will be prescribed metformin. But it’s just nonsense to give you metformin now, because you may be at risk, to reduce the chance that you’ll need metformin later.” Unfortunately, some doctors are prescribing medication to older adults with prediabetes, and many aren’t spending time discussing the implications of this condition with patients. That was true for Elaine Hissam, 74, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, who became alarmed last summer when she scored 5.8% on an A1C test. Hissam’s mother developed diabetes in adulthood, and Hissam dreaded the possibility that would happen to her too. At the time, Hissam was going to exercise classes five days a week and walking 4 to 6 miles daily as well. When her doctor advised “watch what you eat,” Hissam cut out much of the sugar and carbohydrates in her diet and dropped 9 pounds. But when she had another A1C test at the start of this year, it had dropped only slightly, to 5.6%. “My doctor really didn’t have much to say when I asked, ‘Why wasn’t there more of a change?’” Hissam said.

Experts I spoke with said fluctuations in test results are common, especially around the lower and upper ends of the prediabetes range. According to the CDC study, 2.8% of prediabetic seniors with A1C levels of 5.7% to 5.9% convert to diabetes each year. Nancy Selvin, who learned last year that her A1C level had climbed to 6.3% from 5.9%, said she’s been trying to lose 6 pounds without success since getting those test results. Her doctor has told Selvin not to worry but prescribed a statin to reduce the potential for cardiovascular complications, since prediabetes is associated with an elevated risk of heart disease. That conforms with one of the conclusions of the Johns Hopkins prediabetes study last year. “Taken as a whole, the current evidence suggests that cardiovascular disease and mortality should be the focus of disease prevention among older adults rather than prediabetes progression,” the researchers wrote. For her part, Libby Christianson, 63, of Sun City, Arizona, started walking more regularly and eating more protein after learning last summer that her A1C level was 5.7%. “When my doctor said, ‘You’re prediabetic,’ I was shocked because I’ve always thought of myself as being a very healthy person,” she said. “If prediabetes is a kick in the butt to move people to healthier behaviors, I’m fine with that,” said Dr. Kenneth Lam, a geriatrician at the University of California-San Francisco. “But if you’re older, certainly over age 75, and this is a new diagnosis, it’s not something I would worry about. I’m pretty sure that diabetes isn’t going to matter in your lifetime.” KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues.

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O U T L O O K for t he Bay

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environment, the kids won’t be interested in what I have to say. Dismiss those thoughts. Kids are naturally curious. You’ll learn together.

A NEW WORLD FOR KIDS DISCOVERING THE BAY WITH CHILDREN By Henry S. Parker Readers of this magazine know that the Chesapeake is a fascinating place. But how many children know this? How many kids appreciate the Bay’s beauty, bounty, and mystery? How many realize that the marine environment accounts for 90% of the earth’s living space; that life began in the seas; that millions of undiscovered species still lurk in the watery depths; that the oceans govern the earth’s climate? How many children have considered how barnacles eat, how starfish walk, how clams burrow, how crabs molt, or how lobsters swim? Sadly, too many young people, too dependent on electronic devices, have too little appreciation for the natural world. You can do something about that. You can share with a child the wonders of Chesapeake Bay. The child could be your son or daughter; a grandchild, niece, or nephew; or a young friend. You could even volunteer to help chaperone a youth group on an excursion to the shore. Doing so will open up a new world for them — and likely for you as well. You may be thinking: I’m not a teacher, I know little about the marine SUMMER 2022

PREPARING Here’s a short checklist to help you prepare: •Decide where you’ll go: beach, marsh, rocky shore, sheltered cove? It’s wise to visit only one habitat at a time and to know in advance what you might find there. • Spend a few minutes with your child to discuss the trip and the ground rules for your excursion (these include safety procedures and respect for the environment). • Check the weather — and tides — in advance. • Dress appropriately: footwear that can get wet and muddy, shorts or bathing suit, hat to block the sun. And bring a change of clothes and rain gear — in case. • Pack water, snacks or picnic lunch, towels, sunblock, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit for possible scratches and scrapes. • For observations and collections bring a hand-held lens, Ziploc bags, bucket, notebook and pencils, and face mask for peering below the water’s surface. • Take a field guide. Among the best for children are the classic Golden Nature Guides including “Seashores,” “Fishes” and “Seashells of the World.” Decades old but still available, these books are nicely illustrated and easy to understand. The comprehensive Peterson “Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore” is a great choice for teenagers and adults. AT THE SHORE On arrival, review the ground rules with your child, including that no living animals should be collected (it’s OK to gather sea shells, inanimate objects, and bits of seaweed). Marine life is best observed in its natural habitat. If an object is moved

— even a rock — it should be put back in place. Children will appreciate using the field guides to identify the species and to learn something about their habits. Encourage taking notes and pictures. It’s not necessary to go deep. Much of interest can be found in ankle-high water, in tide pools, or on the dry shore. Point out things that may not be obvious: the feathery appendages of barnacles sweeping the water for food; the calcareous etchings on rocks that signify the homes of tube worms; suction-cups on the undersurfaces of starfish that allow them to grip hard surfaces; the single claw of a male hermit crab protruding from its borrowed shell-home; the flotation-aiding air bladders of seaweeds. Watch for shorebirds and jumping fish. And remind your child that some important sea life (like plankton) is not readily visible. Take breaks for snacks and discussion. Encourage questions. If you don’t know the answer (and often you won’t), research it together, later. AFTER THE TRIP Post-trip activities can strengthen the learning experience and deepen the child’s curiosity. These include discussions of observations, closer scrutiny of collected objects, research to fill in gaps, writing about the experience, a trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and planning for the next seashore adventure. FINAL THOUGHTS Remember that this will be a learning experience for both you and the child. What’s most important is the kindling of curiosity. Things may not go exactly according to plan — what adventure does? But often it’s the unexpected that leads to the most memorable and satisfying outcomes. Henry (“Hank”) Parker is a scientist and writer who previously lived in Annapolis but now lives in Vermont.

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