Committed To Southern Colorado Seniors For 39 Years And Counting
Senior
Beacon JANUARY 2021
Vol. 40:12
"If You're 50 Or Over You Should Read It!"
Established February 1982
480 Consecutive Months!
Colorado Set To Receive $385 Million From Opioid Settlements JANUARY, 2022 (DENVER)
—Colorado stands to receive its maximum share of funding from legal settlements reached with Johnson & Johnson and the nation’s three largest drug distribution companies that fueled the opioid crisis, Attorney General Phil Weiser announced today. With all 64 counties and nearly 100% of the municipalities needed signed onto the settlements and a joint framework for distributing opioid dollars throughout the state, Colorado is set to receive approximately $385 million when the settlements are finalized in 2022. The settlement agreements with
settlement payments. “By bringing together this amazing level of local government support well in advance of the January 26 sign-on deadline, Colorado is demonstrating its collaborative solving problem culture and commitment to combating the opioid epidemic. As a result, we as a state will be poised to act on our opioid response plan as soon as settlement dollars come to our state. I thank the department staff and our local government partners, including Colorado Counties Inc. and the Colorado Municipal League for working collaboratively to design the opioid framework and helping us achieve this incredible milestone,” Attorney General Weiser said. The joint framework is structured according to a memoran▶ SEE COLA, PAGE 21 dum of understanding between the Colorado Department of Law and all counties, municipalities, towns, and county and city municipal corporations in the state that agree to the framework even if they have not filed lawsuits against opioid manufacturers or others for their role in creating and fueling the opioid epidemic.
Johnson & Johnson and the drug distributors require states to have significant participation by their counties and municipalities in order to receive maximum base and bonus payments. The joint framework that Attorney General Weiser unveiled in August is the mechanism his office used to garner local government participation in the Johnson & Johnson and the distributors’ settlements. This framework will also govern the distribution of any funds from future opioid settlements. Colorado is one of the first states to reach this critical local government participation threshold and maximize its
Most of the opioid settlement proceeds go directly to 19 regional collaboratives and local governments for opioid abatement purposes such as drug treatment, recovery, prevention and education, and appropriate harm reduction programs. The attorney general’s office worked with local government representatives, including city and county attorneys and leaders from Colorado Counties, Inc., and the Colorado Municipal League, to develop the joint framework. “Reaching 100% signatures from counties is a huge success and our commissioners are very proud of this. The members of Colorado Counties, Inc. truly appreciate the partnership counties developed with the attorney general’s office during this entire process and believe this positive partnership is one of the reasons we reached 100% participation from counties. This kind of collaboration and partnership is how government should work and is something the attorney general modeled well,” said John Swartout, executive director of Colorado Counties, Inc.
▶ SEE $385 MILLION, PAGE 21
Ask Marlene, your Real Estate Consultant! • How many Senior Citizen Clients have you assisted? • What resources can you recommend for the move? • What will you do to market my home?
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“Let’s write the next chapter of your life story together. Call me today for a free market analysis of your home.” Marlene Berrier, Realtor
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THE SUCCESS TEAM Proven success with over $41 million in team real estate SALES IN 2020! Marlene Berrier
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FREE PAIN RELIEF PRODUCT! Check out page 6... NEW FUN & GAMES SECTION p. 20
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Page 2 - Senior Beacon - January 2022 FINANCE
The Case For Real Estate RONALD S. PHILLIPS
I
Thousands of Units
Author of two books, teacher & trusted columnist
stock market) did New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units Vintage: 2021-11-17 New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units Vintage: 2021-12-16 the next year. And 2,800 then the next few more years. Hotels, rentals, personal 2,400 homes, mortgages…it was all a 2,000 financial mess. It was actually the worst real estate 1,600 market, as measured by new hous1,200 ing starts, since the Census started tracking that num800 ber in 1959. The U.S. had six years 400 in a row (!) under 1 million new starts. The only time this 0 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 happened in half a century. This 1 Shaded areas indicate U.S. recessions. Sources: Census; HUD alfred.stlouisfed.org million number is a sort of guidepost CAN A FROTHY MARKET BE million. for the housing market. Under is Is that a bubble? Well, the current GOOD? bad and over is positive. figure puts us back to about 2001 There were wobbly years or numbers. So we’re a long ways from There’s an old investing saying: months before that fateful crash but the heady days of a real bubble in “The trend is your friend.” In other nothing this deep and long lasting. lending and building. Also, credit is words, don’t fight the market. Get If you remember it felt like it might tighter, we have a larger population in and make some money while last forever. Now we’re on solid that can support more housing, and you can before the ride stops. This ground. New housing starts have the banks have stricter rules and real estate ride may keep going steadily been climbing since 2013. standards. But, yes, it’s a bit frothy. We’ve now had eight years over 1 SEE REAL PAGE 21
t’s an inflation-protector, an income producer, a portfolio diversifier, lately a performer, and more but is it still a good time to own real estate? Is it too hot? LET’S TRAVEL BACK TO 2007 Ah, sunny days, easy credit and getting to use our homes as ATM machines. What more could you ask for? For a light bounce instead of a fiery crash. Which is what the real estate market (and
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OBSERVATIONS FROM THE CAVE JAMES R. GRASSO Former Chief Cook & Bottle Washer
H
i all..... Egad, It's 2022 whether we like it or not. Another year, another year! Try this on for a new year starter. This came from a dear friend of mine from college days and thought it would be a good way to start 2022......it's fairly long but it starts thusly: Whether or not you remember the radio announcer Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story" you’ll never forget this surprising tale of two men: STORY ONE Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned
January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 3
Chicago. Capone wasn’t famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the Windy City in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder. Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone’s lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie’s skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. Butch O'Hare, his father Easy-Ed O'Hare, and Alphonse Capone; from left to right To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not pass on a good name or a good The poem read: only was the money big, but Eddie "The clock of life is wound but once, example. got special dividends, as well. For and no man has the power to tell just One day, Easy Eddie reached a difinstance, he and his family occupied ficult decision. He wanted to rectify when the hands will stop, at late or a fenced-in mansion with live-in early hour. Now is the only time you wrongs he had done. help and all of the conveniences of own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place He decided he would go to the the day. The estate was so large that no faith in time. For the clock may authorities and tell the truth about it filled an entire Chicago city block. Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his soon be still." Eddie lived the high life of the tarnished name, and offer his son Chicago mob and gave little considSTORY TWO some semblance of integrity. To do eration to the atrocity that went on World War II produced many hethis, he would have to testify against around him. He did have one soft roes. One such man was Lieutenant The Mob, and he knew that the cost spot, however. He had a son that he Commander Butch O’Hare. He was loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his would be great. Still, he testified. a fighter pilot assigned to the airWithin the year, Easy Eddie’s life young son had clothes, cars, and a craft carrier Lexington in the South ended in a blaze of gunfire on a good education. Nothing was withPacific. lonely Chicago street. But in his held. Price was no object. One day his entire squadron was And, despite his involvement with eyes, he had given his son the great- sent on a mission. After he was est gift he had to offer, at the greatest airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge organized crime, Eddie even tried price he could ever pay. to teach him right from wrong. He and realized that someone had Police removed from Eddie’s pock- forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He wanted his son to be a better man ets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious than he was. Yet, with all his wealth would not have enough fuel to and influence, there were two things medallion, and a poem clipped from SEE STORY, PAGE 21 he couldn’t give his son; he couldn’t a magazine.
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Page 4 - Senior Beacon - January 2022
SILVER KEY SENIOR SERVICES | 719-884-2300 / www.SilverKey.org Week of
3rd
to
3
4 Riblettes Baked Beans Potato Salad Applesauce Milk
5 Meatball Sub Vegetable Soup Cauliflower Orange Milk
10 Beef Burrito/Green Enchilada sauce SW Black Beans Spanish Rice Mandarin Oranges Raisin Nut Cup Milk 17 Chicken Cordon Bleu Roasted Sweet Potatoes Mixed Vegetables WW Roll Mandarin Orange Milk
11 Hamburger w/ Lettuce, Tomato & Onion Carrots Coleslaw Diced Pear Milk
12 Pork Chow Mein Brown Rice Winter Blend Vegetables WW Roll Pear Milk
18 Beef Tacos w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Sour Cream & Salsa Spiced Pinto Beans Applesauce Milk
19 Lemon Pepper Cod Brown Rice Pilaf Peas 3 Bean Salad Mandarin Orange Milk
24 Cheese Ravioli w/Marinara Bahama Vegetables Tossed Salad Peaches Raisin Nut Cup Milk
25 Breaded Chicken Sandwich w/ Lettuce & Tomato California Blend Vegetables Salad w/ Raspberry Vinaigrette Pear Milk
26 Pork Pot Roast w/ Onion Celery Carrots Potato Medley Caesar Salad Orange Milk
In observation of Jan 01, 2022 Silver Key will be closed this day
7th
Week of 10th- 14th
Week of 17th – 21st
Week of 24th – 28th
31 BBQ Chicken Baked Potato Soup Peas & Carrots 3 Bean Salad Apple Milk
Last Day of Jan 31st
6 BBQ Turkey Sweet Potato Fries Green Beans Tossed Salad w/ Dressing Orange Milk 13 Honey Curry Chicken Wild & Brown Rice Peas & Carrots Broccoli Slaw Apple Spice Cake Milk 20 Chicken Stir Fry Peas Brown Rice Asian Cabbage Slaw Apple Milk 27 Beef Bourguignon Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Roll Strawberries Milk
7 Pico Lime Cod Lemon Herb Rice Carrots Coleslaw Banana Milk 14 Ham Salad on WW Bread Cream of Mushroom Soup Spinach Mandarin Salad Strawberries Milk 21 Baked Ziti w/ Sausage & Marinara Bahama Vegetables Caesar Salad Orange Raisin Nut Cup Milk 28 Turkey Salad Sandwich on Croissant Minestrone Soup Broccoli Sunflower Salad Apple Milk
Menu substitutions maymay occuroccur withoutwithout notice. Clients are advised to are keepadvised a 3-day supply of non-perishable foodsof and bottled water in the eventand of Menu substitutions notice. Clients to keep a 3-day supply non-perishable foods inclement weather or other emergencies that may cause a temporary suspension of service. bottled water in the event ofinclement weather or other emergencies that may cause a temporary suspension of service.
Why Not Give a Shout Out to
PUEBLO’S FREE CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING DROP-OFF BEGINS JANUARY 5, 2022
SILVER KEY SENIOR SERVICES | 719-884-2300 / www.silverkey.org
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK !! Thank them for sponsoring these menus!
PUEBLO CITY and county residents may drop-off their real Christmas trees at no cost on select days in January at the City Park Pool Parking Lot, 221 S. Parkside Lane, Pueblo, CO 81005 (in City Park). Drop off 11:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 5 through Sunday, January 9, 2022. Individual’s handle unloading and removing all decorations, tree stands, wires, and nails from trees. No wreaths or garlands will be accepted due to the final chipping process. Free chips and mulch will be available to the public at City Park Pool Parking Lot on Friday January 14 and Saturday, January 15 from 11:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit pueblohealth.org or call the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment at 583-4309.
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 5
SRDA JANUARY 2022 CALENDAR Special information from Pueblo’s SRDA (Plus)
Recreation Department is currently CLOSED due to Covid - 19. All information provided depends on when SRDA reopens, which includes Matter of Balance. Also, all outside activity start up, like AARP -Taxes and Driver Safety classes will be determined by their national office.
Senior's Shopping Time Scheduled EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article is rerunning because of the COVID-19 relief efforts. MANY STORES IN the area
are offering a separate time for senior only shopping to assist in keeping one of the most vulnerable populations protected from the spread of COVID-19. At this time, information for senior only shopping is as follows: Albertson’s Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 – 9 AM Dollar General, 1245 Spruce Every day, 8 – 9 AM Dollar General, W. 18th Street Sundays, 8 – 9 AM Dollar General, 1502 Troy Every day, 8 –9 AM Dollar General, 609 Pueblo Boulevard Thursdays, 12 – 1 PM; All other days, 8 –9 AM Dollar General, 1610 Santa Fe Every day, 8 – 9 AM Dollar General, 2417 Prairie
Are you new to the Pueblo area?
Looking to make new friends?
Here’s the place to go!!! S R D A
230 N. Union Ave. Pueblo, CO 81001
Call us: 719-545-8900 Every day, 8 –9 AM King Soopers North and South Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 7 – 9 AM LaGrees Every day, 8 – 10 AM Natural Grocers Sundays, 9 – 10 AM Safeway Southside and Pueblo West Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 – 9 AM Sam’s Club Thursdays, 7 – 9 AM
Everybody has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in Pueblo Save-A-Lot Every day, 7 – 8 AM Target Every day, 8 – 9 AM Walmart; South, North, Pueblo West, Neighborhood Market Every day 6 -7 AM All public and media inquiries in Pueblo are answered through the local hotline at Pueblo’s Joint Information Center. Pueblo COVID-19 Hotline is answering questions 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday, 719-583-4444. Everybody has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in Pueblo by: ■ Minimize social activities and being physically close to other people. ■ Do not go to the emergency
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room unless medically necessary. ■ Wash your hands with soap regularly. ■ Cough or sneeze into elbow or tissue. ■ Stay home when you’re sick. ■ Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid close contact with sick people. ■ Clean surfaces frequently touched. Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment encourages residents to seek out credible, reliable sources of information on COVID-19: www.puebloemergency.info Pueblo’s COVID-19 Hotline 719-583-4444.
Page 6 - Senior Beacon - January 2022
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‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’
JAN MCLAUGHLIN
Columnist & founder of an international charity
“JUST PASSING THROUGH!”
E
mbarking on a brand-new year stirs desire in my heart for the promised peace which has been noticeably evasive over the two previous years. While I prepared nearly 100 Christmas cards, a word that has surely been there every year jumped off each card as I read it. Perhaps you noticed it as well.
Peace. The word peace was a major slice of each message. “May peace fill your hearts at Christmas and always.” “Peace to you and the blessing of hope and the peace of His love.” “Wishing you the simple beauty of the season and a New Year of peace and promise.” We wish for peace, hope for peace, desire peace, and pray for peace. Are you thinking what I am? Peace has never felt so distant, so unattainable, so impossible? Our world is upside down. A constant storm of political upheaval, climate disasters, wars, and division especially in families, remind us of end-time prophecies. And though I deeply long for peace in our world, I am reminded of those who have gone before us from the beginning who longed for peace which was then and continues to be illusive. Then I remembered those who were martyred because of their love for Jesus and determination to stand for truth no matter what the consequences. Think of the 4-and 5-year-old children who not so long ago were beheaded because they refused to embrace Islam and say they didn’t love Jesus. Even centuries ago, the disciples who were martyred in horrible ways. When I think of division in families, what occurs to me is that much of the cause today is the social
agenda, including left vs right, vaxed vs un-vaxed, pro-life vs pro-death (abortion), pro or anti-gay agenda. If you are against abortion because you value human life and believe a baby begins at conception or that God created man for woman and ordained marriage between one man and one woman then for many you are a racist, an uneducated idiot who should be locked up or at least excommunicated. God’s truth, the only truth, is unpalatable and disgusting to those living in sin or shielding and embracing the sins of others. Truth is light and those living in darkness despise light. Remember, light exposes and dispels darkness. The devil and his minions work in darkness and shadows. At the name of Jesus who said, “I am the Light of the world,” the demons are disarmed and must flee. The terrible truth is that many churches have embraced the “woke” agenda and refuse to stand for truth and righteousness against the surging tide of evil. Many pastors refuse to speak against the encroaching evil to protect their flocks from the mind manipulation and fear agenda pushed by the demonic media and wicked politicians. Can not the body of Christ recognize that this is not a war between left and right but between good and evil? We are living prophecy. I say all that to remind you that this world is not our home. We are only passing through. Aren’t you glad! My heart rejoices as those words ring in my spirit. Those words are an encouraging reminder which I wrote on many of the cards I mailed. Jesus said, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get
you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:2-3 NLT). Are you, like me, longing for that final trip “HOME?” When I see masked people walking, riding bikes or in cars alone, I cringe at how fear paralyzes. The mainstream media (MSM) refuses to tell the truth. People lacking discernment believe their lies. You won’t hear it on MSM but most covid infected people in hospitals today are fully vaxed. In some European countries citizens are forced to get booster after booster to keep their card to be able to shop or be on the streets. It’s all so crazy. A friend sent an inspiring video to remind me of Who our God is. Be encouraged with these reminders. He has made everything we see. He breathed it into existence. When His people were caught up in slavery, He rescued them. He parted the sea and made a way for them and delivered their enemies to them. He unlocked wombs, provided water from a rock and manna from heaven. He brought down the walls of Jericho. He froze the sun allowing victory. He toppled giants with tiny stones. He brought fire from heaven. He shut the mouths of lions. He preserved life in the belly of a giant fish. He fed thousands with a few loaves. He gives the weak strength, He heals the sick. He made the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak and the lame walk. He’s overcame evil and made a way through death for you and me. By the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, we will live with Him forever, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever. Christian! Of WHAT are you afraid? His resume is flawless! He controls everything. And
▶ SEE LIGHT, PAGE 21
▶ CROSSWORD ANSWERS ▶ GAMES ON PAGE 20
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 7
NEWS
Arts Center Announces 2021 Trustees of Distinction
(PUEBLO, CO)—The Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the award of Trustee of Distinction to four outstanding individuals who have served the Arts Center with exemplary service, dedication, and achievement. Trustees of Distinction are nominated by their peers and awarded annually at the Board of Trustees Appreciation Celebration Dinner. Individuals awarded Trustee of Distinction Status for 2021 include:
Francis King: In 1979 Francis E. King donated his collection of western art to the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. The collection contained 100 paintings and one bronze sculpture. At that time it was the largest gifts ever given by a donor in the city and county of Pueblo. Helen Thatcher White: In 1980 Helen Thatcher White made a gift of $1.3 million for construction of a 16,000 square foot addition to the galleries to provide a permanent home for the Francis King Collection of Western Art, a small children’s museum, and a gift shop. Dorothy O'Dowd: As a dedicated volunteer and passionate advocate for the arts, Dorothy O’Dowd has participated in Arts Center activities for more than 20 years and has served as president and chair of Art Associates, Arts Center Board of Trustees and Visionaries. Dorothy, along with her friends, family and community support and commend the love, education and well-being the Arts Center provides the southern Colorado region. Wendy J. Rapp: A Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center member for 40 years, Wendy has served on the Board of Trustees for 12 years and as Chair for 2 years. As a member of Junior League, Wendy was instrumental in the formation of the Buell Children’s Museum and establishment of the Children’s Playhouse Theater Series. She currently serves on the Foundation Board of the Arts Center. The Arts Center is grateful and humbled to be served by outstanding donors, volunteers and passionate advocates. The Trustees of Distinction exemplify service above self and help the Arts Center achieve its mission “to provide artistic learning opportunities for everyone.” About the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center: Admission to the Arts Center is $4 for adults and $3 for children and military. Admission includes the Buell Children’s Museum. Members of the Arts Center receive free admission. Galleries and Buell Children’s Museum are open Tuesday-Saturday 11a.m.-4p.m.; closed Mondays. Box office open Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-5p.m. and Saturday, 9a.m.-4p.m.For more information, please call 719-295-7200; stop by the Arts Center located at 210 N. Santa Fe Ave., just off of I-25, exit 98b, or visit online at www.SangreDeCristoArts.org
▶ SODUKU ANSWERS ▶ GAMES ON PAGE 20
Page 8 - Senior Beacon - January 2022
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NEWS OF THE WEIRD
SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON FROM THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL News of the Weird extends greetings for a peaceful holiday season and a happy new year full of many notably weird moments. While you're welcoming 2022, enjoy some of our favorite items from 2021. A Walk on the Wild Side
A couple in Sherbrooke, Quebec, were each fined $1,500 on Jan. 9, when police spotted the pair walking outside about an hour after the city's 8 p.m. curfew, with the husband wearing a leash, CTV News reported. The city's COVID-19 curfew allows for dog-walking after 8 p.m., but police rejected the couple's claim they were following the rules. It was the first weekend under new province-wide restrictions imposed by Premier Francois Legault, and officers throughout Quebec handed out more than 750 tickets.
Awwwwww
Russell Jones of London couldn't figure out why his dog, Billy, was favoring one of his front paws while walking. He took the pet to
the veterinarian to have X-rays, United Press International reported, but the vet found nothing wrong. Jones, however, had recently broken his own ankle and was wearing a cast and limping. At the $400 vet visit, the doctor suggested that Billy was simply imitating his owner. Man's best friend, indeed.
Weird Science
-- Researchers have solved the mystery of how bare-nosed wombats, native to southeastern Australia, produce poop in cubes, reports the International Business Times. Wildlife ecologist Scott Carver of the University of Tasmania is lead author on a study, published Jan. 28 in the journal Soft Matter, that details the particular inner workings of the wombat's digestive tract that produce the square-shaped dung. "This ability ... is unique in the animal kingdom," Carver said. "Our research found that ... you really can fit a square peg through a round hole."
Angie Yen, 27, of Brisbane,
Australia, had her tonsils removed on April 19, a simple surgery that
went smoothly, News.com reported. But on April 28, as she got ready for work, she started singing in the shower and noticed something unusual about her voice. "I was singing in a different sound and also talking words in a funny accent," Yen said. She called a friend, who agreed that her accent suddenly sounded Irish and told her about FAS, foreign accent syndrome. Yen went to the hospital, but doctors told her to go home and see if the new accent would disappear in a few days. Nearly two weeks later, the brogue remains, and Yen is scheduled for an MRI and a visit with a neurologist. "I'm very lucky to have very supportive friends and family," she said. "If they find something hopefully there is a cure or treatment for it."
The Aristocrats
Rapper Lil Uzi Vert, whose real name is Symere Woods, revealed on Instagram in early February that he has had a $24 million 10-carat pink diamond implanted in his forehead, reported Rolling Stone. According to Simon Babaev,
spokesman for the New Yorkbased jeweler Eliantte & Co. that implanted the stone, Uzi fell in love with the marquise-shaped diamond when he saw it in 2017 and has been making payments on it as he determined what he wanted to do with it. "We didn't think he was serious about it," said Babaev, but as it became clear that he was, "we engineered a specific mounting that clips and locks in place. There's a whole mechanism involved."
Weird History
In an auction in Chesapeake City, Maryland, that closed on Feb. 8, a white wooden toilet seat pilfered from Adolf Hitler's retreat in the Bavarian Alps sold for about $18,750, The Sun reported. Ragnvald C. Borch, a U.S. soldier who spoke German and French, was one of the first to arrive at the Berghof at the end of World War II. His senior officers told him to "get what you want" from the damaged property, so Borch grabbed a toilet seat and shipped it home to New Jersey, where he displayed it in his basement. Bill Panagopulos of Alexander Auctions said, "This was
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 9
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON FROM THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL as close to a 'throne' as the dictator would ever get." Borch's son put the "trophy" up for auction; the buyer was not identified.
Awesome!
In 1961, when she was 10 years old, Gwen Goldman sent a letter to New York Yankees general manager Roy Hamey, offering her services as a bat girl. Hamey responded, "In a game dominated by men a young lady such as yourself would feel out of place in a dugout." Goldman kept the letter from Hamey on her bulletin board for the next 60 years, and her daughter recently forwarded it to current general manager Brian Cashman. On June 28, United Press International reported, Goldman was invited to Yankee Stadium to fulfill her dream. Her visit included a
tour of the clubhouse, meet-andgreet with players and coaches, and photos with umpires -- plus she got to throw out the first pitch wearing a full pinstripe Yankees uniform. "Sixty years thinking about this and here it is," Goldman said.
Creme de la Weird
An arrest warrant was issued July 8 in Little Rock, Arkansas, for Brian Dale Reams, 32, in connection with several incidents where he allegedly approached women and asked if he could touch their feet -- with a curious twist, KATV reported. In Conway, Arkansas, a woman said a man with no arms followed her into a Walmart last September, telling her she had pretty feet and asking if she liked having people touch
SRDA MONTHLY MENU ABOUT THE MENU
● Nutrition Services (Congregate) Eligibility Policy: Individuals are eligible to participate in the congregate meals service in one of the categories listed in this below: Persons 60 years of age or older and their self-declared spouses of any age; Disabled persons under 60 years of age who reside with persons over 60 years of age, when the care and maintenance of the disabled person otherwise prevents the older adult from participating in the program and when the participation of such individuals does not prevent the participation of older adults and their spouses. The disabled person must accompany the eligible older consumer to the site; Disabled persons under 60 years of age who reside in housing facilities occupied primarily by older adults and at which congregate nutrition services are provided when such participation does not prevent the participation of older adults and their spouse Persons under 60 years of age who provide meal related volunteer services and individuals providing volunteer services at congregate meal sites during meal hours when the participation of such individuals does not prevent the participation of older adults and their spouses; and Staff members of the nutrition program who are 60 years of age or older when such participation does not pre-
them. Later he began harassing her on Facebook. In June, a second woman said a man matching the same description (but wearing a face mask with "Brian" written on it) followed her around the same Walmart and wondered if she'd let him give her a foot massage. He apparently didn't explain how that might work. A third woman identified Reams after viewing screenshots of his Facebook account; he approached her in a Kroger store.
Say What?
The Guardian reported on July 19 about a phenomenon among American preschoolers called the Peppa Effect. The hypothesis is that children who watched a lot of "Peppa Pig" during the pandemic lockdown have developed British accents and started using British
NOTE: Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), meal sites are closed. Meals-on-Wheels is still open
vent the participation of other older adults and their spouses. Nutrition Services (Home Delivered)
"give it a go" (try it) and "satnav" (GPS). Wall Street Journal reporter Preetika Rana tweeted that her niece "had an American accent before the pandemic. Now she has a posh English accent." One responder agreed: "And for Christmas I had to put out a freaking mince pie for Father Christmas, or, as we call him here in the States, Santa Claus."
Call SRDA at 545-8900 for congregate meal sites and Meals-on-Wheels info!
in one of the categories listed in this below: Persons age 60 years or older who are
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terms like "mummy" (mommy),
homebound or who are geographically isolated; Disabled persons under age 60 years who reside with eligible consumers; and
Spouses of home delivered meals consumers if, according to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) criteria, receipt of the meals are in the best interest of the consumers. More Information For more information, please contact us at 719-543-0100. CONGREGATE LUNCH SITES Avondale Community Center 719-947-4180 409 2nd Lane Avondale, CO Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beulah Center 719-485-3100 5903 Penn Avenue Beulah, CO Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Colorado City Community Center 719-676-3059 5445 Cuerno Verde Colorado City, CO Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. JH Edwards Senior Center (SRDA) 230 N Union Avenue Pueblo, CO Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fulton Heights Center 1331 Santa Rosa Pueblo, CO
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OPINION-EDITORIAL
ANN COULTER
Columnist, author and lawyer
TIPS ON FAKE NEWS FOR TWITTER’S NEW CEO He has a difficult job ahead of him, trying to maintain the site’s reputation for fastpaced, free-ranging commentary.
TWITTER ANNOUNCE
that Parag Agrawal will be the social media giant’s new CEO. (This is an incredible achievement for the Indian-born Agrawal, given that the selection process heavily favored people born in India.) He has a difficult job ahead of him, trying to maintain the site’s reputation for fast-paced, free-ranging commentary, while also keeping the platform free of dangerous misinformation. Agrawal is probably aware of the mounds — and I mean
mounds — of irrefutable SCIENTIFIC PROOF that conservatives are gullible paranoids, constantly falling for misinformation and hoaxes. For example, consider these 100% objective academic studies: Conservatives More Likely To Believe False News, New Study Finds — Maggie Fox, CNN, June 2, 2021 Return of the Paranoid Style: Fake News Is Fooling More Conservatives Than Liberals. Why? — The Economist, June 3, 2020 Conservatives’ Susceptibility to Political Misperceptions — R. Kelly Garrett and Robert M. Bond, Science Advances, June 2, 2021 On the other hand, now that I think about it, even powerful Democrats, establishment news organizations and influential celebrities have been known to err when evaluating the news. Hey! That reminds me — the Jussie Smollett trial kicks off this week! (It’s a good thing I remembered that while writing this column.) Smollett, you will recall, is the half-black, half-Jewish gay actor
formerly of the Fox TV show “Empire” who claimed, back in January 2019, that he left his Chicago apartment at 2 a.m. in the middle of a polar vortex to get a sandwich, whereupon he was viciously set upon by two white guys shouting racist and homophobic slurs. (Despite being racist, homophobic white guys, they were huge fans of “Empire,” recognizing Smollett immediately.) They beat him about the face, put a noose around his neck and doused him with a “chemical substance.” (Yes, as luck would have it, the white guys happened to be carrying a noose and chemical agents. Duh. It was a polar vortex.) For extra bonus authenticity, Smollett said his assailants yelled, “This is MAGA country!” Did I mention this was in Chicago? (Trump: 12.4% of the 2016 vote.) Even a skeptic would have to admit, Smollett’s account had the ring of truth. When you add (to an already highly believable story) the fact that there have been dozens of “noose incidents” over the past few decades, and every single one of them, without exception, turned out to be a hoax, his narrative only becomes more convincing! To leap ahead to the conclusion, the Chicago Police Department spent 3,000 man-hours carefully examining surveillance tapes of the neighborhood where the incident had occurred and determined that — please sit down for this — the “attackers” turned out to be two Nigerian extras on “Empire.” (That does explain how they were able to recognize him.) After their arrests, they admitted that Smollett had paid them $3,500 to stage the attack. Liberals, those calm, dispassionate seekers after truth — not conservative dolts, with their “paranoid style” and “susceptibility” to “false news” — reacted to Smollett’s alleged attack with the cool detachment we have come to expect from them. “What happened today to @ JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie.” — Joe Biden “@JussieSmollett is one of the kindest, most gentle human beings I know … This was an attempted modern-day lynching. No one should have to fear for their life because of their sexuality or color of their skin. We must confront this hate.” — then-Sen. Kamala Harris
“The racist, homophobic attack … is an affront to our humanity. No one should be attacked for who they are or whom they love. I pray that Jussie has a speedy recovery & that justice is served. May we all commit to ending this hate once & for all.” — Rep. Nancy Pelosi “Regarding the heinous attack on @JussieSmollett, yet another reminder that Trump’s ascendance and the resulting climate of hate has meant that lives have been increasingly at stake since 2015. Smollett could have been killed by those thugs screaming MAGA. Let that sink in.” — Karen Attiah, Washington Post editor “The horrific attack on Jussie Smollett has no place in a decent human loving society. Homophobia existed before Trump, but there is no question that since he has injected his hatred into the American bloodstream, we are less decent, less human, & less loving. No intolerance! No DT!” — Director Rob Reiner “Jussie Smollett was violently attacked by two white men who poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck. He was targeted for being black and for being gay. THIS is why we have to have zero tolerance against homophobia and racism. Jussie’s life matters.” — Actress Olivia Munn “Heartbroken and furious reading about the attack on @JussieSmollett. I want Trump and all MAGA lunatics to burn in Hell.” — Actor Billy Eichner All this blithering idiocy, about something that was an obvious hoax from day one, was posted on the very social media site that Agrawal is about to oversee. Nearly identical tweets from nearly identical liberals could be produced for similarly deranged takes on Nick Sandmann, Kyle Rittenhouse, Althea Bernstein, the NASCAR “noose,” the “Klansman” at Oberlin College, the “racist” bus attack in Albany, Trump supporters ripping hijabs off Muslim girls, racist graffiti at the Air Force Academy, the noose at Columbia’s Teachers College, the Duke lacrosse rape hoax, the University of Virginia gang rape hoax, the synagogue bomb threats and on and on and on. Good luck to you, Mr. Agrawal. COPYRIGHT 2021 ANN COULTER
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 11
5 Ways to Keep Your Home Black Forest AARP is Back! Cozy All Winter Long
(StatePoint) According to the Energy Information Administration, heating bills for homes that use natural gas could be significantly higher this winter – perhaps by as much as 50%. Why? Based on recent weather trends, colder temperatures are expected, which not only boosts the energy your home needs to stay warm, but quickly raises the demand for those resources as well. Weatherizing your house to ensure it stays comfortable during the long winter season is a great way to help control possible increased costs on your utility bills. Here are five easy ways to keep your home cozy all winter long. 1. Maximize Heating Options: Unpredictable weather can cause outages, so it’s best to prepare with alternative ways to heat your home. A log fireplace is wonderful, but for those without one, it may be best to invest in a gas heating alternative, like an individual heater or small generator. 2. Temperature Control: Bringing those utility bills down means keeping the warm air inside. Shifts in temperature can cause wood to expand or contract, creating small cracks or leaks which need to be filled. Duck Brand Foam Weatherstrip Seals form the perfect barrier from drafts with self-adhesive foam strips to ensure utility bills remain low with minimum effort and maximum savings.
These heavy-duty strips also provide protection year-round by blocking dust, pollen and insects. 3. Swap Your Furnace Filter: Trapped dust and dirt in your furnace filter can cause low air flow and limit your furnace’s ability to properly function when you need it most. This can unnecessarily raise the temperature on your heat and cause energy bills to skyrocket. A simple filter change on your furnace and even air conditioning units as often as once a month can help maintain excellent air flow. 4. Create a Barrier in the Garage: While many homeowners concentrate on preventing drafts by their front door; they often forget about the largest opening in their house – the garage. Protect against snow, water and cool winter air from entering your garage with a Duck Brand Garage Bottom Seal. This heavy-duty, waterproof rubber seal won’t freeze or crack, and creates a tight, protective border all year long. 5. Cover Exterior Access Locations: Built-in pet doors and mail slots often go overlooked. Lower your energy bill by covering those spaces and opt for alternative options when taking out your pets and receiving mail. Staying prepared for any shift in weather is always something homeowners should prioritize.
Longevity Badges were awarded L-R to Helen Von Gunden (15 years), Lori Belk (5 years), Anna Skinner (5 years), Jim Belk (5 years), Durelle Pithy (5 years) and Beverly Schaab (10 years). Not shown: Karen Buck (5 years), Sue Fletcher (10 years) and Waldo Pendleton (25 years).
The December meeting of Chapter 1100 of AARP in Black Forest was joyous indeed. There was a good turn out and a delicious catered chicken dinner was enjoyed along with the side dishes, drinks, and desserts provided by the members. President Candace Lehmann presided over a short business meeting which filled the gaps in the organization and activities which remained after our almost two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. The business meeting was culminated with the award of the 2020 and 2021 Chapter Longevity Badges. These unique name tag badges are presented in 5 year increments to members with five or more years of uninterrupted membership in the chapter. The badges, although earned by members, were not presented in 2020 because the chapter met only three times that year. Santa’s sleigh laden with many wrapped packages was present at the meeting. Ray and Lin Rozak, Santa’s helpers, distributed the presents to the membership. The many potted poinsettias which decorated the festive scene were also given away. The next Chapter meeting is scheduled for noon January 12 at the Black Forest Lutheran Church 12455 Black Forest Road. All ages are welcome.
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 13
FOR A HEALTHIER YOU
Why Experts Say We Must Broaden Our Definition of Health (STATEPOINT)—Many Amer-
icans view health as a product of the medical care they receive. However, public health experts say that’s just one piece of the puzzle. “In reality, our health is shaped more by the zip code we live in than the doctor we see. In fact, where we live, our financial circumstances, our access to affordable, nutritious foods, and other non-medical factors overwhelmingly influence our physical and mental health,” says Dr. Shantanu Agrawal, chief health officer, Anthem, Inc. These factors that Dr. Agrawal refers to are known as “social drivers of health” (SDoH), and they determine up to 80% of our health outcomes, according to Robert Wood Johnson Foundation research. As part of “What’s Driving Our Health,” Anthem’s campaign to start a national conversation around whole health, the healthcare company recently conducted a study to learn more about Americans’ perceptions of what health really means. Here are some of the study’s top findings: • While 46% of Americans are unaware of the concept of social drivers of health, once given the definition, 60% agree that their local community is facing at least some health issues related to them. • Americans of color are disproportionately affected by the
consequences of SDoH. While 58% of white respondents report that their local community is facing at least some health issues related to SDoH, 69% of Hispanic and Latino respondents report the same, as do 68% of Asian respondents and 68% of Black/ African American respondents. • Poor nutrition can contribute to a range of chronic health conditions, and 50% of those surveyed say it is hard to find affordable, healthy food in their local community. • Though 70% of Americans live near at least one hospital or medical center, one in five say that lack of transportation has kept them from medical appointments. What’s more, nearly one-third struggle with access to health services and care. • Internet access not only determines whether one is able to use important health services such as telemedicine, it deeply impacts educational outcomes and access to economic opportunities, including employment. Yet, only 39% of Americans believe it significantly
impacts their health.
• Some additional factors that can drive health outcomes in the
short and long term include access to green spaces, educational opportunities, economic stability and living in a safe community. Where to Start More than 80% of those surveyed believe that healthcare entities, local government, private citizens and employers share responsibility to address the many social drivers of health. While these issues are complex and no one entity can fully address all the social drivers alone, here is what you can do today: 1. Connect the dots. Visit Whats-
DrivingOurHealth.com to read the full report and learn more about whole health and its drivers. 2. Spread the word. Share what you’ve learned about the ways social drivers affect you and your community and follow the conversation on social media using #DrivingOurHealth. 3. Join the conversation. Understanding is the first step in making positive change. Engage with friends, family, and community members about the many ways to address health-related social needs in your community. “The sooner we broaden our definition of health, the sooner we can address the many factors that affect people’s ability to thrive,” says Dr. Agrawal.
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Page 14 - Senior Beacon - January 2022
Penrose (719) 372-3872 Florence (719) 784-6493
January 2022 Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Program
GOLDEN AGE CENTER
GAC
Monday 3 #55 Kielbasa Parsley Buttered New Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Baked Acorn Squash Pineapple/Mandarin Orange Compote
Tuesday 4 #13 Beef Barley Soup WW Crackers Sesame Broccoli Apricot Pineapple Compote WW Bread Apple
Wednesday 5 #66 Pot Roast w/Gravy Baby Carrots & New Potatoes Seasoned Green Beans Cantaloupe Raisin Nut Cup WW Bread w/Butter
Thursday 6 #47 Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham Spinach Salad w/Mandarin Oranges Hard Boiled Egg Sliced Peaches WW Roll w/Butter
10 #92 Sweet & Sour Pork Brown Rice California Vegetables Orange WW Roll w/Butter
11 #24 Chicken Cacciatore Green Beans Smashed Red Potatoes Banana WW Bread W/Butter
12 #94 Swiss Steak Mushroom Sauce Smashed Red Potatoes Seasoned Greens Salad w/Lite Ranch Orange WW Bread w/Butter
13 #20 California Veggie Bake Spinach Salad w/Egg and Lite Italian Pear Citrus Cup Oatmeal Raisin Cup WW Bread w/Butter
17 CLOSED
18 #39 Corned Beef Brisket Parsley Buttered New Potatoes Cabbage & Carrots Spinach Salad w/Mandarin Oranges Apple
19 #40 Cream of Potato Soup Tuna Salad Wrap Shredded Romaine Lettuce & Tomato Slices Creamy Coleslaw Peaches
20 #68 Pueblo Beef Stew Sour Cream WW Crackers Brussels Sprouts Vegetable Salad w/Lite Ranch Banana
21 #88 Stuffed Peppers Chopped Spinach w/Malt Vinegar Applesauce Cake WW Bread w/Butter
24 #62 Oriental Pepper Chicken Brown Rice Broccoli Spears Apple Fortune Cookie WW Bread w/Butter
25 #109 Turkey Pot Pie Peas & Carrots Salad w/Lite Ranch WW Roll w/Butter Orange Oatmeal Cookie
26 #86 Spinach Lasagna Seasoned Green Beans Salad w/Lite Italian Banana WW Bread w/Butter
27 #28 Beef Stroganoff Orange Spiced Carrots Pickled Beet & Onion Salad Orange WW Bread w/Butter
28 #17 Black Bean & Tortilla Casserole Steamed Brown Rice Whipped Sweet Potatoes Mixed Fruit
31 #51 Hot Turkey Sandwich Whipped Potatoes Asparagus Amandine Pineapple Mandarin Compote Banana
A $3.00 suggested donation per meal is appreciated, but not required.
Must have assessment form for our meal program on file with UAAACOG.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Friday 7 #56 Lemon Baked Fish Tarter Sauce/Lemon Rice Pilaf Creamy Coleslaw Green Beans w/Mushrooms Apple 14 #82 Smothered Chicken Cornbread Stuffing Peas & Carrots Cauliflower& Broccoli Applesauce Waldorf Salad
Please call (719) 345-3064 before 9:30 a.m. for reservations. Congregate meals served Monday – Friday at noon. All menus subject to change.
Please call (719) 345-3064 before 9:30 a.m. for reservations for grab-n-go meals served Monday Fridays. All menus subject to change.
Canon City (719) 345-4112 Salida (719) 539-3351 January 2022 Florence Senior Center Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Program
FLORENCE SENIOR CENTER
Tuesday 4 #40 Cream of Potato Soup Tuna Salad Wrap Shredded Lettuce & Sliced Tomato Creamy Coleslaw Diced Peaches 11 #30 Chicken Salad Sandwich Lettuce and Tomato Confetti Salad Beef Barley Soup Orange Juice 18 #29 Chicken Noodle Soup Chicken Caesar Salad WW Saltine Crackers Mitzie’s WW Rolls Apple Orange Juice Raisin Nut Cup 25 #43 French Dip Sandwich w/Au Jus Oven Browned Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Strawberries
A $3.00 suggested donation per meal is appreciated, but not required.
Thursday 6 #47 Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham Spinach Salad w/Mandarin Oranges Hard Boiled Egg Sliced Peaches WW Roll w/Butter 13 #20 California Veggie Bake Spinach Salad w/Egg and Lite Italian Pear Citrus Cup Oatmeal Raisin Cup WW Bread w/Butter 20 #68 Pueblo Beef Stew Sour Cream WW Crackers Brussels Sprouts Vegetable Salad w/Lite Ranch Banana
Friday 7 #56 Lemon Baked Fish Tarter Sauce & Lemon Rice Pilaf Creamy Coleslaw Green Beans w/Mushrooms Apple
27 #16 Beef Stroganoff Orange Spiced Carrots Pickled Beet & Onion Salad Orange WW Bread w/Butter
28 #17 Black Bean & Tortilla Casserole Steamed Brown Rice Whipped Sweet Potatoes Mixed Fruit
14 #82 Smothered Chicken Cornbread Stuffing Peas & Carrots Cauliflower& Broccoli Applesauce Waldorf Salad 21 #88 Stuffed Peppers Chopped Spinach w/Malt Vinegar Applesauce Cake WW Bread w/Butter
Must have assessment form for our meal program on file with UAAACOG.
Please call (719) 784-6493 before 9:30 a.m. for reservations for grab-n-go meals served Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. All menus subject to change. Please call (719) 784-6493 before 9:30 a.m. for reservations. Congregate meals served Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at noon. All menus subject to change.
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SENIOR SAFETY
PUEBLO POLICE DEPARTMENT — 549-1200 | PUEBLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE — 583-6125 | EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE — 520-7100 | COLORADO SPRINGS POLICE DEPT. — 444-7000 | FREMONT COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT. — 784-3411 | CANON CITY POLICE DEPT. — 276-5600
65 Or Older? It’s Time to Assess the Risk of Pneumococcal Pneumonia (STATE POINT)—Now, more
than ever, you’re likely acutely aware of the importance of helping protect your lung health. As you return to doing the things you love, it’s essential to understand the risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, a potentially serious lung infection that can strike anyone at any time. Older adults are at greater risk of serious illness and death resulting from pneumococcal pneumonia compared to younger adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To give you the facts you need to help protect yourself, the American Lung Association is partnering with Pfizer to raise awareness about the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia for adults 65 and older. AN OVERVIEW When words begin with “pneumo” it means related to the lungs, and a pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs, which you can get from bacteria, viruses or fungi. This infection causes the air sacs in your lungs to fill with fluid or pus, which makes the gas exchange that supplies your body with oxygen more difficult. It also can result in a host of uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms. Pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common type of bacterial pneumonia, is caused by bacteria that can be spread through coughing and close contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include high fever, excessive sweating, shaking chills, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Certain symptoms, such as cough and fatigue, can ap-
pear quickly and without warning and severe cases can lead to hospitalization and even be potentially life threatening.
RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTION The immune system naturally weakens with age, making age a risk factor regardless of health status. “Even healthy adults aged 65 and older are over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia than those aged 18-49,” says Albert Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer, American Lung Association. “If you also live with a chronic lung disease like COPD, asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease, you face a greater risk.” Dr. Rizzo speaks on behalf of the American Lung Association when he encourages all adults 65 and older to speak with their doctor about vaccination. But he knows all too well that there are disparities among who is most likely to be protected against this potentially serious lung infection. While the overall vaccination rate among adults 65 and older was 59% in 2017, only 42% of Latino/ Hispanic individuals were vaccinated. And with only 45% percent of Black adults and 56% of Asian adults vaccinated, the gap in coverage has potentially serious consequences for communities of color. Additionally, Latino and Black Americans are at greater risk of developing chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes compared to white Americans, which further increases their risk of getting pneumococcal pneumonia. If you are 65 or older, talk to your healthcare provider about
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REELING
THE REAL RITA MORENO POPULAR MOVIE & TV STAR GETS HER OWN REVEALING DOCUMENTARY AT THE AGE OF 90 BETTY JO TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic
I
enjoyed watching RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT, one of the most revealing documentaries ever made. Although I knew from first-hand experience that this talented actress was quite candid about her feelings, some of the things she admits in her documentary shocked me. It was my good fortune to interview Moreno on my radio show when we were celebrating “Singin’ in the Rain.” She also talked about some of her other movies, and when we got to “West Side Story,” she said, “Choreographer Jerome
Robbins almost killed me in the dance scenes!” But I still wasn’t prepared for the descriptions of her love life in this terrific documentary directed by Mariem Pérez Riera. The film covers Moreno’s life and work from her childhood in Puerto Rico to her success on Broadway and in Hollywood. She has the distinction of being one of the few people to be an EGOT, which stands for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards winner. Moreno talks a lot in the film and that’s what fans will probably enjoy the most. But hearing from some of the people who know about her work also adds to our understanding of this national treasure. Showbiz folks like
Morgan Freeman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Norman Lear, Eva Longoria, Sonia Manzano, Gloria Estefan, and Whoopi Goldberg give fascinating testimonials regarding Moreno and why her contributions have been so important, especially to her ethnic group. Being a dancer during most of my early life, I appreciate Moreno’s description of how dance was her entrance into the entertainment world. And, boy, can she dance! Some of the clips from “West Side Story” show her fantastic dancing talent as well as her dramatic chops that combined to win her a Supporting Actress Oscar in 1962. . The most distressing part of this documentary involves how Moreno was
treated when she worked for MGM. Same type of roles over and over again. Even after winning an Oscar, she didn’t receive offers for meaty roles. But Moreno didn’t give up. Her outstanding work in television and on Broadway kept her on our mind for many years. Who can forget “The Rockford Files,” “The Muppet Show,” “The Electric Company,” and “One Day at a Time.” Plus, Broadway fans remember her for “The Ritz.” Now at 90 years old, Rita Moreno is more popular than ever. And she’s making the most of it. She’s even wowing us in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” remake released last month, but in a different role, of course.
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(Released by Roadside Attractions and Netflix. Rated “PG-13” for suggestive material, a sexual reference, strong language throughout, and adult thematic material.)
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 17
America's Frontline Doctors Announces Legal Victory
AMERICA'S FRONTLINE DOCTORS ANNOUNCES LEGAL VICTORY AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO TO STOP MANDATORY VACCINATION AND DISCRIMINATION
On December 21st, Nevada's elected representatives sided with Jonah by voting against the vaccine mandates. See, KSNV Staff (December 22, 2021). Nevada COVID-19 vaccine mandates expire as lawmakers split on approval. NBC News KSNV. https:// news3lv.com/news/local/nevadacovid-19-vaccine-mandates-expire-lawmakers-split-vote A preponderance of evidence proved that experimental Covid-19 vaccinations would provide zero statistical benefit to Jonah, and risk significant harm. As the Complaint details, the vaccinations also provide no benefit in preventing transmission to other students or faculty. Rather, they increase transmission risks by creating high viral loads in the vaccinated, as detailed in the Complaint. Therefore, Jonah's lawyers argued correctly in court that Covid-19 vaccination would only be a type of medical ritual with no
actual medical benefit for either Jonah or public health. Jonah's lawyers did not mince words but proclaimed boldly in the court documents, "To be perfectly clear, one hundred and fifteen years after Jacobson, the law and justice confirm that the government does not have the right to sacrifice an individual, in this case, one Jonah Gold." https://americasfrontlinedoctors. org/legal/lawsuits/university-of-nevada/ Attorney Joey Gilbert stated, “Jonah Gold’s courage should be an example for others. I’m happy to know he’s now registering for classes and living a normal college student’s life. I also applaud the Republican party for coming together to set this precedent for science and logic. This case makes it abundantly clear: Covid mandates are a political power grab and have nothing to do with public health.” Although Jonah can now register and attend classes as a free and unvaccinated young man, he will likely still face discriminatory testing and regulations restricting his rights. The science clearly shows Jonah has more robust immunity than any of his vaccinated peers; we hope the University corrects these abhor-
AFLDS Files an Amicus Brief to the U.S.
Supreme Court to Appeal Decision
Involving OSHA Mandate America's Frontline Doctors (AFLDS) filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court on December 30, 2021. The filing, in support of the Petitioners in In Re MCP No. 165, opposes the onerous OSHA mandates being applied to all businesses with greater than 100 employees, requiring their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. Associate Medical Director of AFLDS, Dr. Dan Stock said: "People all over the country are standing up for justice. It’s our hope, and I have great faith in the Court, that the Court will honor its nation’s commitment to freedom and its opposition to medical tyranny.” Several states, including Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina are among the more than twenty-five states opposing the mandate. The high court has scheduled the case for oral argument January 7, 2022.
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rent policies. Following the victory, Jonah reported to America's Frontline Doctors, "I want to thank my legal team and all of the great doctors that stood up for me against Governor Sisolak. Today is a good day. The people of Nevada know that natural immunity works, and we're not willing to just pretend that it doesn't. I think this victory shows that when we respect our Constitution, everyone wins." America’s Frontline Doctors
(AFLDS) stands up for every American looking for the best quality healthcare by empowering doctors working on the front lines of our nation’s most pressing healthcare challenges. We help to amplify the voices of concerned physicians and patients nationwide to combat those who push political and economic agendas at the expense of science and quality healthcare solutions. AmericasFrontlineDoctors.org
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Page 18 - Senior Beacon - January 2022
SENIOR CLASSIFIEDS
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(2) Email your ad to BeaconNewsGroup@gmail.com
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 19
SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU
JOSH WELLER, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST-SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - PUEBLO COUNTY, FREMONT COUNTY AND EL PASO COUNTY
If Social Security Benefits Increased as Fast as Medicare Part B Premiums...
WASHINGTON, DC – If the annual Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) did a better job of keeping pace with Medicare Part B premiums, benefits over the past decade would be 42 percent higher in 2022, according to a new analysis by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). “Medicare Part B premiums are the fastest growing cost that most older Americans face in retirement, but those costs aren’t fairly accounted for by the method used to adjust Social Security benefits for inflation,” says Mary Johnson, a Social Security and Medicare analyst for The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). The Social Security Administration reports that most beneficiaries will receive a COLA high enough in terms of dollars to cover the Part B increase. “But the failure to account for this expenditure in the COLA, has been a major source of erosion in the buying power of Social Security benefits,” Johnson says. Social Security benefits will increase 5.9 percent, effective with
the check received in January of 2022. But despite it being the highest COLA in four decades, the Medicare Part B premium increase is even greater, 14.5 percent — about 2.5 times faster. “Surely there are many others like me who wonder how much higher Social Security benefits would be if our benefits were tied to the percentage of increase in Medicare Part B premiums instead of the consumer price index.” Johnson said. The new analysis by Johnson found that, had Social Security COLAs equaled the percentage of increase in Medicare Part B, from 2013 to 2022, a benefit of $1,155 would be about $593 per month higher in 2022 ($7,116 more for the year). Had the COLA equaled the increase in Part B premiums, retirees with an average benefit of $1,115 per month in 2012 would have pocketed an extra $32,608 from 2013 through 2022. The 2022 Medicare Part B premium will increase by $21.60 per month from $148.50 to $170.10 in 2022. As high as this
premium increase is , Medicare premiums routinely have increased about three times faster than COLAs over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022 the COLA increased benefits by 18.8 percentage points while Medicare premiums grew by 57.2 percentage points. This was the case even though Part B premiums did not increase at all three times during the past decade and by just 1.1% in 2019. “Our annual COLA is shortchanging and failing the very people it’s supposed to protect,” Johnson says. The Social Security COLA is provided to protect the buying power of benefits, but the COLA doesn’t account for Part B premiums. According to research by Johnson, Social Security benefits have lost 32 percent of their buying power, over the past 21 years. “We expect that loss to deepen, par-
ticularly if inflation continues into 2022,” Johnson adds. The Social Security Administration announced it is in the process of mailing out notices to Social Security recipients that explains the amount of the individual’s benefit increase in 2022, and the amount of Part B premium that will be deducted from benefits. The Senior Citizens League has proposed a one-time $1,400 stimulus check for Social Security recipients to better help people living on fixed incomes cope with rising costs and prices continue to rise. The online petition and has over 93,000 signatures. The organization launched a national mail campaign to supporters and is collecting signatures that way as well. For details, visit www. SeniorsLeague.org
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Page 20 - Senior Beacon - January 2022
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FUN & GAMES FOR YOU
45. *"Little Women" author 47. Poor man's caviar 48. Analyze 50. Canter or gallop 52. *"A Farewell to Arms" author 56. Latin dance 57. Club on the links 58. Kind or courteous 59. Los ____, CA 60. Round feed storage 61. Not odd 62. Colonial times laborer 63. Band performance 64. Theodores, to friends
44. Smidgins 46. Young swan 48. Eagle's nest 49. Young salmon 50. *"Miss Lulu Bett" author 51. Highest adult male singing voice 52. Snake's warning 53. Take as a wife 54. Got A+ 55. Desires or cravings 56. Sticky substance
DOWN
THEME: AMERICAN AUTHORS ACROSS 1. Cause for a duel 5. Nelson Mandela's org. 8. "____ in the shade" 12. Andean people's chew 13. "White Wedding" singer 14. Like a haunted mansion 15. South American tuber, pl. 16. Type of cotton fiber 17. Desired forecast? 18. *"The Underground Railroad" author 20. Like West Wing office 21. Not silently
22. "When We Were Kings" subject 23. Hand over (2 words) 26. Barbecued 30. The Jackson 5 1970 hit 31. Repressed 34. "Alice Doesn't ____ Here Anymore" 35. State of dishonor 37. Three, to Caesar 38. Brightest star in Cygnus 39. Performer's time to shine 40. "No.1 Ladies Detective ____" book series 42. African migrator 43. *"The Night Watchman" author
1. Flat-bottomed boat 2. Scottish lake 3. Antioxidants-rich berry 4. Popular primo dish in Italian restaurant, pl. 5. Bye, to Edith Piaf 6. Wanderer 7. Garbed 8. *"Moby Dick" author 9. Length times width 10. Call someone, in the olden days 11. Poetic "ever" 13. Apple invention 14. Food contaminant 19. Run off to wed 22. Jean of Dadaism 23. Out of style 24. Find repugnant 25. Burn with coffee, e.g. 26. *Ursula K. Le ____ 27. Jargon 28. It happens at a certain time and place 29. First novel, e.g. 32. Near in space or time 33. Not a win nor a loss 36. *"Song of Solomon" author 38. *"Chronicles" author and songwriter 40. *NY Times bestselling author Atkins or playing card 41. Gambling venue SODUKU Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.
▶ ANSWERS ON PAGES
SIX AND SEVEN
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 21
◀ FROM $385 MILLION PAGE 1 related the event surrounding his re-
pick up your Bible. Read the Psalms. “Municipalities from every part of turn. The film from the gun-camera Trust Him. Jesus is your peace. He is the state have seen the devastation mounted on his plane told the tale. It truly the only real peace.
caused by opioids. CML is proud to be part of state-local partnership at its best and is thankful for the leadership of Attorney General Weiser,” said Kevin Bommer, executive director of the Colorado Municipal League, a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing 270 Colorado cities and towns. The Johnson & Johnson settlement dollars will be paid over nine years, with the majority of the funds paid during the first three years, and the drug distributor settlement dollars will be paid over 18 years. The first payments are to be delivered later in 2022. Colorado expects additional settlement dollars from Mallinckrodt when it exits bankruptcy. The state has already received more than $8 million in funds from a $10 million settlement with McKinsey & Company. Weiser continues to investigate additional companies and individuals who have contributed to the opioid epidemic. For more information on the joint framework and how Attorney General Weiser and the Department of Law are combating the opioid epidemic please visit www.coag.gov/opioids
showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy’s first Ace of WWII, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honor. A year later, Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WWII hero to fade, and today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So, the next time you find yourself at O’Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch’s memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It’s located between Terminals 1 and 2. So what do these two stories have to do with each other? Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son. As Paul Harvey might say, "And now, you have the rest of the story..." Godspeed my friends and a welllived 2022.
◀ FROM LIGHT PAGE 6
He loves you. * I sing a song in the prisons that is a favorite of most of the prisFROM STORY PAGE 3 oners we worship with. The Only Real complete his mission and get back Peace. My comment proceeding the to his ship. song is that peace, especially in prison, His flight leader told him to reis a rare commodity. However, followturn to the carrier. Reluctantly, he ers of Christ can have His peace in the dropped out of formation and head- midst of chaos, discord and disaster. ed back to the fleet. Across the world today, peace is as As he was returning to the mother rare as it is in prisons, perhaps more ship, he saw something that turned so. Still, our Lord has promised peace his blood cold; a squadron of Japeven in the midst of tribulation, which anese aircraft was speeding its way He also promised. “These things I have toward the American fleet. spoken to you, that in Me you may The American fighters were gone have peace. In the world you will have on a sortie, and the fleet was all but tribulation; but be of good cheer, I defenseless. have overcome the world” (John 16:33 He couldn’t reach his squadron and NKJV). bring them back in time to save the Remember, dear follower of fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of Jesus, this world is not your home. the approaching danger. There was You’re only passing through. If you only one thing to do – somehow don’t have the peace Jesus promised,
◀
divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 calibers blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction. Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival, he reported in and
*From Igniter Media
in all of its forms has made a lot of money recently. But after many years of weakness this can simply be making up for lost time.
* * * I usually recommend REIT (real estate investment trust) funds be © 2021 Jan McLaughlin. Jan can be seven to 10 percent of a client’s contacted at 719-649-2937 or by e-mail portfolio. Of course, it should be Jansmail@reagan.com rounded-out with other assets like Treasury bonds, cash, a mixture of FROM REAL PAGE 2 stock funds, and other strategies and classes that can manage risk. These along with the stock market. assets should all produce some or If we take a look at the Vanguard a lot of portfolio income. And real Real Estate ETF the price is high estate should continue to do that. compared to the market overall. The REITs have to pay out the majority price-to-earnings ratio is over 38, acof their income to the shareholders cording to Morningstar. Yet there are as a dividend, promising a healthy real estate values out there, too. I ran income. a “screener” on closed-end real estate funds. Only 8 popped up but of Ron Phillips is a Pueblo native and an those six were trading at discounts. independent financial advisor. Order Also, there are global bargains. One a free copy of his book Investing To fund I recommend to clients is tradWin by leaving a message at (719) ing at a bit over a 12 P/E ratio. 220-3005. Visit RetireIQ.com or Back to the Vanguard fund (symemail RonPhillipsAdvisor@gmail. bol: VNQ): This is the largest real com estate ETF with around $50 billion in assets. It’s performed well over 3 years with an annual average of over 18 percent return. Plus it pays a dividend of about two-and-a-half percent a year. So that’s really great growth, despite the higher pricing. The trend is your friend. If the actual real estate market continues its climb it’s possible to see more growth in the “paper” real estate area, too.
◀
RETURNING TO NORMAL Another reason real estate may continue it’s ride is a textbook example of “reversion to the mean.” That’s fancy economic talk for things returning back to normal. We had six extreme down years for this sector. It went it’s lowest in 2009, at just barely 1/3 of the 1959 level of housing starts. Many homeowners were “underwater” for half a decade or much more. Some regional prices dropped 70-80 percent. This extreme downside reaction has led to a robust and healthy upside reaction. Real estate investing
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Page 22 - Senior Beacon - January 2022
d
ANCIENT FAERIE LORE: FAERIE HERBS AND POTIONS
GLEN VOLLMECKE Author: "Intermission a Place in Time."
In 1340 the poet Davydd ab Gwilyn wrote: Pigmy elves named Ellyllon… a name derived from 'Spirit.' He continues…there was in every hollow a hundred wry mouthed elves. All were consistently searched for by local peasants who walked home through the woods at night.
During my extended exploration for these columns, the comparison regarding faeries, goblins and scientific data is incredible. Once again Wales, my U.K. home for two years enriches our beliefs, and brings tales of the faerie, especially the north, so say the population in the south. Apparently, it's the chosen abode of giants, monsters, and magicians, and all creatures of enchantment, despite their presence the faes visited the sunnier climes of the south often. As he sat atop a mountain in Wales staring at the stars a huge albeit friendly giant governed all around him. The wizard monarch named Gwydion could powerfully change his appearance at will. Therefore during one of his conversions a 'peasant' guarded this mountain summit… a spectacular province is this mystic region, which he ruled with majesty and grandeur. A grand titled lady, Charlotte Guest wrote some of these following stories. More recently in Glamorganshire amid the special traditional lore, faerie land has been located! There is a steep rugged crag called Craig y Dolinas. Ostensibly it has a reputation as
being the home of the fae tribe. Its holes and crevices being a favorite haunt for the little people for centuries. Miserably, over the years few sightings have transpired. Legend has it that the Methodists' drove them away. (Who knows for sure?) Never the less even in this day and age, the fae kingdom is consistently observed by us all. Continuing on our faerie narrative…their sovereign has a special guardian named Morgana, 'The White Maid.' During the fourteen century an old bard ruled the goblin tribe. He's often referred to in ancient Welsh mythology. Abducted one dark and rainy night he ran into a 'turf bog' and was rapidly abducted by the faeries. The 'fish pond' of Gwyn is a virtual palace for goblins. Names places and goblin habitats remind us of movies such as Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. The producer's initial descriptions, and stories are indistinguishable from ancient lore's and stories, which I am enthusiastically trying to bring to light! Remember the 'almost' human trees which carried the Hobbits? Walking trees which talk! In 1340 the poet Davydd ab Gwilyn wrote: Pigmy elves named Ellyllon… a name derived from 'Spirit.' He continues…there was in every hollow a hundred wry mouthed elves. All were consistently searched for by local peasants who walked home
through the woods at night. Sadly proof of their existence still evades the locals. Their favorite foods were poisonous mushrooms, butter, toad stools. All were readily available in the dark damp forest. Shakespeare's usage of Welsh folklore was extensive and faithful to its roots. I'd like to conclude with a story from Pugh's Welsh Dictionary involving a person whose life was fanatically involved in the faerie world. "In 1866 after a lengthy walk through moss laden lanes I entered the 'Huntsman's Rest Pub' near Cardiff. (Which undoubtedly remains a working pub today.) In front of a roaring fire of crackling logs, a group of humble peasants drank ale while warming their partially gloved hands. They enthusiastically exchanged multiple stories, mainly of dog's horses, and crops. As a stranger I established my comradery while listening to amazing accounts of their personal folklore tales. Now I pass them on to you." Youth emanates from the mind. Aches and pains from the physical body. Stay tuned to our monthly accounts of this strangers' stories, and meanwhile stay in awe like a child, stay inquisitive and most of all stay young!
Some Cell Phones Will Not Work in 2022 The major companies that offer cell phone service are phasing out cellphones that use a 3G network, including those that are used solely for the purpose of calling 911. A lot of older cellphones, including the IPhone 5, IPhone 5S and Samsung Galaxy S4, as well as many of the flip phones, will become obsolete in 2022 as mobile providers make the switch to 5G networks. Some tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs and even older-style smartphones will no longer be able to make calls once the networks are taken down. Most of these phones, which are sometimes called “third generation” phones were launched nearly 20 years ago and will no longer work with most of the carriers in 2022. The Federal Communications Commission says that oftentimes mobile carriers upgrade their networks to make them faster and to use the latest technology. The FCC has released the fol-
lowing schedule for shut downs of the 3G network: AT&T, February 2022; Verizon, December 31, 2022. T-Mobile, March 31, 2022 and Sprint’s 4G network by June 30, 2022. T-Mobile’s 3G UMTS network will shut down by July 1, 2022. The shutdown date for the T-Mobile 2G network has not been announced. The FCC recommends that you first contact your mobile provider. Some carriers may be offering discounts for those individuals needing different devices. Given the cost of internet services, as well as the purchase of a new device, older adults who are still using these devices should take action immediately to avoid any disruption in services and to allow time to plan for the possible increase in costs and purchase of new phones. For more information, call 303333-3482 or 1-855-294-3971 (toll free) or 1-855-880-4777 (Spanish).
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January 2022 - Senior Beacon - Page 23
OPINION-EDITORIAL
DAVID SHRIBMAN
David M. Shribman is a North Shore native and Pulitzer Prize winner
AFTER FIRST 11 MONTHS, HARRIS’ VICE PRESIDENCY IS A WORK IN PROGRESS New year, new start for Kamala Harris? Last year should have been one of triumph for the vice president. She was a pathfinder as the first female, Black and Asian occupant of the office. Her ascendancy wiped away the memories of her faltering 2020 presidential campaign, which ended before the election year even began. She was second-in-command to a man who had held the position before, who understood its frustrations and, just as important, understood its potential. And the whole enterprise turned out to be a bit of a dud. She didn’t accomplish much, she didn’t burnish her image, she didn’t carve out achievements on her own. But in fairness, one of the reasons she didn’t stand out was because she was in a position where the job description calls for a political figure to stand aside. Biden knows, for example, that Harris can’t be a legislative closer the way he was; her relationships in the Senate are slim, the result of having, literally, one-ninth the time in the chamber that he had before moving to the vice president’s mansion on Observatory Circle. But he wasn’t a historic figure the way she is. And so far — overlooked by most commentators — she has sailed through the difficult waters of executive branch politics far better than some of her predeces-
sors. Gerald R. Ford, who held the position briefly under a Watergate-besieged Richard M. Nixon, essentially dumped his vice president, former Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York, in his first year. Bill Clinton and Al Gore grew estranged in their second term, and Dick Cheney was less influential in the second term than he had been in the first, in part a reaction to talk that he had molded an “imperial vice presidency” after the 2001 terrorist attacks. By contrast, Ronald Reagan grew in respect for George H.W. Bush as time progressed, and Obama declared Biden “the best vice president America ever had,” which might have been a presidential fib but a tactful one delivered in the nostalgic low of their last eight days in office. Biden surely would deliver a similarly tactful public assessment of his vice president, but privately likely would be inclined to think that the final verdict on Harris has not yet been sealed. “She’s had missteps and there’s talk about staff problems, but by all appearances she still has a lot of access to Biden and is involved in a lot of public advocacy,” said Joel Goldstein, a Saint Louis University Law School expert on the vice presidency. Lyndon Johnson chafed in the job — so less powerful, so less interesting, so less rewarding than being Senate majority leader — and may actually have been clinically depressed during the 1961-1963 period; his top aide had to push him — to cajole a stubborn, embittered man — to deliver a speech on civil rights at Gettysburg that may have been his finest vice-presidential moment. Hubert H. Humphrey was an ebullient and effective senator but a sullen and humiliated vice president; Walter F. Mondale once told me that the position, which he believed his mentor never should
have accepted, crushed Humphrey’s spirit and wounded him psychologically forever. The activist vice president is a modern concoction, created by Mondale under Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) and Gore under Clinton (1993-2001). Dan Quayle, who served under the elder Bush, doesn’t fit this model, and personal loyalty and political help were the principal assets taken to the office by Bush and Biden, though Obama’s understudy did push the president on gay rights and pushed back on the mission to kill Osama bin Laden. (He prevailed on the first, was overruled on the second.) Mondale, who had witnessed Humphrey’s despair and had studied how forlorn Rockefeller had been as Ford’s vice president, accepted the position from Carter only after lengthy negotiations assuring he would have unlimited access to the president and to all the information that Carter received. He also won a promise to have a regularly scheduled Monday lunch when the two both were in town. “He wanted a substantive role and not a ceremonial role,” Richard Moe, who was Mondale’s chief of staff and who drafted the 11-page memo setting out the Minnesotan’s hopes for the office, said in an interview. “It worked because Carter thought the vice presidency as it was conceived was a wasted asset.” Indeed, Carter actually went further, offering Mondale an office in the West Wing and telling his staff members they should regard a request for information from Mondale as a request from him. Biden had a similar arrangement with Obama, though Karine Premont, deputy director of the Centre for United States Studies at the l’Universite du Quebec at Montreal, argues that the appointment of Biden, with his soothing temperament and easy Capitol Hill relationships, was a
reaction to the aggressive vice presidency of Cheney. Biden almost certainly had politics in mind when he chose Harris; her selection was a signal of his commitment to diversity, and, following the California senator’s aggressive debate challenge to Biden for his views on busing, of his instinct for forgiveness. But he also almost certainly had the Biden model for the vice presidency in mind. His prescription for the job: Be supportive but not aggressive, confident but also compliant, dutiful but not demanding. So the truth may be that Biden has exactly the vice president he wants, the vice president he needs — and the vice president he was.
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