SENIOR BEACON MARCH 2024

14 OUTSTANDING STUDENTS TO BE HONORED BY MASONS, EASTERN STAR

(PUBLO) The three Masonic Lodges, Eastern Star, and Amaranth Chapters of Pueblo County are recognizing 14 “Outstanding Junior Achievement Awards” recipients. One boy and one girl were chosen to represent each of the seven public high schools in the Pueblo County area.

The program will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 126 Broadway, Pueblo, CO 81004. (Rear parking off Evans.)

South Pueblo Lodge #31 will host the event, with W.M. Luis Flores presiding and serving as master of ceremonies.

The theme for this program will be “The Highest Level of Achievement” with guest speaker: Mr. Randy Thurston, a Pueblo native and graduate of South High School who is well known as a commercial and residential real estate consultant, former member of Pueblo City Council from 2002-2010, recent candidate for Mayor, and experienced motivational speaker in Colo. Recipients of the 2024, “Outstanding Junior Achievement Awards” are:

CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL:

Quincy Nakaguma, daughter of Mr. Spencer Nakaguma

Jack Hilwig, son of Mrs. Stephanie Hilwig & Mr. Jason Bachlet

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL:

Lilith Shook, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Shook

Genaro Pino, son of Mr. & Mrs. KennethPino Medicine Shoppe

▶ SEE HONORS, PAGE 15

2024 SLOPPER TOUR WINNERS

(PUEBLO, CO) The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce & Visit Pueblo are excited to announce that 2024 Slopper Tour winners have been selected by the Pueblo community. Nominations were submitted through our website and social media platforms, where individuals nominated their favorite local Pueblo Slopper. Thousands of votes were calculated and we were able to create a list of the top 10 Slopper Stops.

The top 10 Slopper Stops to be included on the 2024 tour are as follows:

Cactus Flower

Gray’s Coors Tavern

B Street Cafe

Rock Ya Belly Food Truck

Gold Dust Saloon

Riverside Bar & Grill

3 Sisters Tavern

Beer Barrel

Cafe Murillo

Sunset Inn

Winners will be featured in the 2024 Slopper Tour Map, which will be available through the official Pueblo Visitor Guide, Visit Pueblo Website and all affiliated

Pueblo Chamber social media platforms. The Pueblo Slopper Tour is a self-guided foodie tour inspiring locals and tourists to try sloppers vetted by Puebloans.

All winners have received a window decal that designates their restaurant as a Top 10 Slopper Stop destination. In addition, Cactus Flower has also been granted our impressive gold traveling chile trophy, that of which will be up for

grabs each year.

March 4th kicked off Slopper Week. Anyone who had purchased a slopper up until March 8th was eligible to drop their itemized receipt off at the Pueblo Chamber for a chance to win a $250.00 cash prize.

Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. 719-542-1704

Please take a look at the latest “safe money” investment rates. From CDs, Treasury bills and bonds, tax-exempt, & more:

All Aboard the Bull Market

“FOMO”—Fear Of Missing Out. Also, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” But…

The bull market is running further and faster. Bear with me while I wipe this egg off of my face. I was among the many, many pros that were sure of a recession, or at least a big slowdown, for 2023. It never happened. The market is going gangbusters and, as prudent investors, we should be following some of this growth.

Thankfully, this has been apparent for a while so, I’ve researched and recommended many growth mutual funds and a few stocks.

Should you jump on board?

A WARNING

There’s a suitable investing saying: “The trend is your friend.” That’s a big reason for this market. They now also call it

The market is overpriced. Some sectors are very overpriced. Some stocks are ridiculously, absurdly overpriced. Let’s talk about NVIDIA (symbol: NVDA, $903.62).

The chipmaker and AI company is, of course, a superbly run and highly profitable company. And we’ve been making a ton of money from the stock. But is it a good long-term value?

Imagine you’re a business owner looking to buy a company. There’s an NVIDIA “store” here in town.

This store sells everything NVIDIA sells. They make the same profit margins and revenues. You decide to buy the local store producing $1 million dollars in revenue. But what’s the price tag?

This NVIDIA store will run you $25 million dollars! At the current stock and revenue levels it would take your store 25 years to bring back the initial price you paid. Of course, that’s just sales revenue and not actual net profits.

For net profits, it would take just shy of 50 years to fully return your purchase priced based on recent market numbers! And the company can grow or shrink in the future. Who knows, really?

One more thing about the extreme overvaluation of NVIDIA: They’re worth about $2.3 trillion in market value. That’s about the size of the entire German stock market! So you can buy one company or the entire market of the biggest European economy?! If that’s not overvalued….

So do make money on this

expense, and you earn more money. Also, lower rates stimulate housing, other lending, and other parts of the economy. Another virtuous “rinse, repeat” cycle. Markets could continue their rise.

“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

strong market but “buyer beware.”

WHY THE MARKETS WENT UP

In my professional opinion, the markets went up because of some basic math. Six trillion dollars printed by the Fed + repeated circulation (velocity) = on fire markets.

The government printed a lot of money—40% of our outstanding currency at the time (see my August, 2021 article or email for a free copy). This money has to go somewhere. It went first to retailers and utilities and banks then to other corporations. Then circled around to the employees and consumers again. Then back to the giant corporations. Rinse and repeat…since 2021. A lot found it’s way to savings, the markets, and later to CDs, also.

WHY THE MARKETS COULD STILL GO UP

It looks like Fed interest rates are set to drop possibly three times this year. In general, this is positive for corporate earnings. You’re a giant public company, rates drop, you pay less interest

This article is for illustrative purposes only. Ron is not recommending any investment security for you but just trying to educate the community. INVESTMENTS CAN AND DO DROP IN VALUE; THEY HAVE NO BANK OR OTHER GUARANTEE. He is licensed and regulated by the great State of Colorado.

Ron Phillips is The Investment INCOME Advisor, a Pueblo, CO native, and an independent business owner. Order a free copy of his book Investing To Win by leaving a message at (719) 220-3005. Visit RetireIQ.com or email RonPhillipsAdvisor@gmail.com

Frankfurt, Germany: An important financial center and home to the German stock exchange

This Is What Fake News Looks Like

“FEDS INVESTIGATING BOARD OF EDUCATION

MEMBER . . .”, an online Denver Post headline screamed last Thursday. It was clickbait, for sure. (Note: shortly after publishing the article, the Post modified the headline to qualify its allegation with the words “sources say”.)

The story was fake news. That’s perhaps an overused allegation against the media. But in this case, it’s true. The story was chalk full of falsehoods and exaggerations. As the target of the story, I appreciate the opportunity to explain why.

During and after my time in the U.S. Army, I developed a special passion for veterans. I went to work for the Veterans Administration. I became the head of the local union.

The previous head of the union had been charged with -- and pled guilty to -- various acts of malfeasance. We obviously needed to clean things up. And that’s what we did. I would have been crazy to push the bounds of ethical propriety. The feds were watching. My fellow officers and I put processes in place to ensure all purchases were properly documented and approved.

When I left my position as President of the Local 2430 after about three years, all audits of the union were clean.

About the time I announced my bid for Congress, I started getting calls from the Post about an “investigation” of me involving my years-ago service with the

union. Timing sound suspicious? I have never been contacted by anyone at the Department of Labor about any investigation of me. And the Post even noted that the department refused to confirm anything. But that did not stop them from writing and publishing their fake news. The Post spoke with several of my political adversaries (there are plenty –I’m a convert to the Republican Party in a Democrat town) – to “document” its story.

Missing were interviews with fellow union officials who stand by me. Curious.

The story makes several allegations, most of which fall into four categories.

1. My use of a debit card to pay for items. The allegation? That I uniquely obtained and used a debit card in some sort of self-serving scheme to circumvent expenditure limits and requirements. The reality? All officers of the union had access to a debit card. All expenditures were documented and followed the union’s internal procurement rules. All expenditures were audited yearly. All audits during my presidency were clean. The Department of Labor was looking over our shoulder and gave our local union a clean bill of health at the time I departed in 2020.

2. My travel. The allegation? That I traveled excessively. The reality? When President Trump took office, his Department of Labor heightened scrutiny of unions with new regulations. Those rules took effect at the very time I took over as President. Those regulations

stipulated attendance at mandatory trainings and meetings. I complied. When I did travel, I kept expenses as modest as possible. Sometimes that meant renting a car to get around; sometimes that meant using taxis or Ubers.

3. My purchases. The allegation? That I somehow unilaterally purchased items, such as “beer-making equipment.” The reality? Every purchase followed protocol. The so-called “beer-making equipment” purchase, for example, was approved by a membership vote and used for union business.

4. My party registration changes. The allegation? That I changed my party 18 times, even changing my party three times in 48 hours! The Post is not the first outlet to lob this one out there. The reality? I was a Democrat, and I did change my party registration a few times before becoming a Republican for good when Joe Biden took office. But I did not change my party registration 18 times or multiple times in one day. My 2022 Democrat opponent was accused of multiple party registration changes of which he had no awareness either. There is clearly some type of clerical error within the election administration system. I have reached out to the county clerk and the Secretary of State to ask for an explanation.

I conclude by quoting

Jason Tubbs,

Vice President of the union at the time I was President, who posted the following on my Facebook page after the Post story was published: “Stephen Varela, unlike his predecessor, served as president honorably and ethically and always in good faith. . . . This [Denver Post] article is clearly politically driven and a misrepresentation of the facts.”

The Denver Post interviewed my political adversaries to generate a one-sided narrative. They got exactly what they wanted. The outcome was predictable because the Post is more interested in tearing down Republicans than reporting the facts. I hope you are never in the Fake News crosshairs of The Denver Post. Luckily, Republican voters know better than to trust The Denver Post.

Stephen Varela represents the Third Congressional District on the Colorado State Board of Education and is a Republican candidate for Congress.

info@stephenvarelaforcolorado.com

StephenVarelaForColorado.com

Menu substitutions may occur without notice. Clients are advised to keep a 3-day supply of nonperishable foods and bottled water in their home in the event of inclement weather or other emergencies that may cause a temporary suspension of service.

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‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’

“THE BATTLE WITH THE BEAST!”

Is there a beast in the closet of your heart? That demonic vile thing that robs you of peace and contentment? Does a fierce battle rage within your spirit and keep you awake at night? Are you losing sleep thinking of all the what if’s and if only’s? Does “should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve plague your mind until you think you will go crazy?

If you are like most people I know, a battle rages inside your mind and heart daily. There is a memory you just can’t shake. That one who harmed you has no idea they have such control over your life and spirit. But you know what? That person would probably be rejoicing with glee if they knew they were causing you such pain and misery and keeping you awake at night. I have a remedy. I found it for myself after God delivered me from a 33-year abusive marriage. I learned this lesson from an amazing Christian music artist. Her name was Honeytree. She was one of the first contemporary music artists. She said, “Unforgiveness is a

bondage. You don’t want to live in that bondage. Painful memories that keep returning are like someone pushing the rewind button on an 8 Track tape. Every time that memory pops up you feel the pain and anger all over. It is fresh— like it just happened. You must forgive that person who hurt you every time that memory pops up in your mind.”

She mentioned the discussion between Jesus and Peter in Matthew 18. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matt 18:21-22 NIV)?

She went on, “For a Christian, forgiveness is not an option. It is a command from Jesus. He said we must forgive if we want to be forgiven. So, when that ugly memory rewinds and starts robbing you of peace, forgive that person again. Jesus speaks of forgiveness beyond what anyone had ever considered before: seventy times seven! Many people understand this to mean that Jesus was telling Peter that he should forgive his brother a limitless number of times. And you know what? He didn’t mean for different offenses. He meant for the same wrongdoing, not necessarily for different offenses. Forgive again. Forgive again. And forgive again.”

I left the meeting that night pondering what Honeytree had shared. I saw the ugliness of unforgiveness and bitter anger in my heart and how I was bound in a very unhealthy way to my former husband. The bitterness and unforgiveness kept me from enjoying the new life Jesus had given me. I began to forgive. Every time the pain surfaced; I forgave him. Every time the tape started playing again in my mind, I forgave him again.

Before long, bitterness turned to empathy and pity for him and his wasted life. I was saddened by the memory of the many opportunities God had

given him to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Each time, he rejected God’s offer of freedom and salvation.

Soon, old memories were no longer playing horror videos in my mind. No longer keeping me awake at night. I was no longer bound by bitterness and unforgiveness. I had truly forgiven my former husband. What I discovered is that chains fell away after every time I forgave him and I was free to live my life to the fullest. In fact, all memories of my life with him, except the good memories, began to fade. God had granted me new life and freedom from that old bondage.

God wants to give you that freedom too - freedom from the beast that plagues you. Sometimes that beast is not a memory of something someone has done to you. The beast is a memory of something you did to someone else. Perhaps the freedom from THAT beast will come when you confess your offense to that person and ask their forgiveness.

Life is full of choices. We live with consequences of our choices. Every good and godly choice we make today will lead to good and godly

against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt. 6:14-15 NLT).

© 2023 Jan McLaughlin - All rights reserved. Jan can be contacted at 719-2756971 or by e-mail JansMail@Reagan.com

JAN MCLAUGHLIN Columnist & founder of an international prison ministry

FALLING FOR FIGARO

BETTY JO

BACK IN THE EARLY FORTIES, I FELL IN LOVE

with Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in their MGM films like “Rose Marie” and “Maytime.” They sang their hearts out to each other, and I’ve never seen a duo that could equal them. Their voices blended and their emotions seemed real. It was a beautiful thing to see and hear. Well, imagine my surprise to find FALLING FOR FIGARO, a movie with opera tunes, romance and comedy that reminded me of Jeanette and Nelson from long ago.

Forget the opera dubbing here by real opera singers. Just go with the flow of emotions between a determined couple played by Danielle Macdonald (Dumplin’ ) and Hugh Skinner (Mamma Mia- Here We Go Again) as they play two people from different backgrounds who love opera and end up as students of a very tough teacher played by the amusing Joanna Lumley (TV’s Absolutely Fabulous).

Although opera voices are dubbed by true opera singers Stacey Alleume and Nathan Ley, Macdonald and Skinner successfully provide the emotions to make their characters real. Macdonald portrays Millie, a woman who has worked as a successful business woman in the big city but longs to be an opera singer. Skinner is Max, a small-town guy studying opera for years but still not reaching his goal. .

In rom-com can opera win?

Don’t tell me that would be a sin.

Watching FALLING FOR FIGARO made me happy to see this show.

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But you must be fully aware that opera is in the air. Leading lady and leading man give us all the singing they can.

In a contest against each one, with same teacher, that’s no fun. Though not MacDonald and Eddy. These actors seem to be ready.

Delightful Australian movie!

Opera plus romance moved me.

Comedy also helps the plot.

Don’t skip this film for what it’s got.

Congratulations to director (and co-writer with Allen Palmer) Ben Lewin (Please Stand By) for not hurrying this story.

We need that pace to get to know Millie and Max. Kudos also to the music selected by Cezary Skubiszewski. It’s so beautiful! And to all the actors, I tip my hat. The tension and growing love between Millie and Max impressed me. Plus, it’s always fun to watch Joanna Lumley. Finally, thanks to Netflix for picking up this 2020 gem.

"Everybody is always in the middle of their own opera." --- Greta Gerwig

(Available now on Netflix. Not rated by MPAA. Released by Umbrella Films and IFC)

(Retrieved 12/12/2104 from http://blogs.chieftain.com/social/kiplinger - pueblo- cheapest- place- to-live/848/)

TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic

ContinuingInto AnotherCentury ofService

For, Montgomery & Steward Funeral 100 Years Directors has had a reputation for excellence.

Our focus has always been thoughtful, caring, professional, personalized service to families.

Moving into the next century, Gerry and Dian Montgomery, pledge their commitment and long tradition of providing care and compassion for the community they have always called home.

Continuing to set the bar high, we promise to go above and beyond for each family we serve –not because it's a business but because it's our way of life.

We invite you to call or visit us today.

100

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: CALLING ALL CENTENARIANS IN PUEBLO COUNTY!

The PACA board for Pueblo Area Agency on Aging is searching for all Centenarians in Pueblo. On May 10, 2024 we will be celebrating the Senior of the Year and have a Centenarian celebration with lunch, goodies and entertainment.

Two Puebloans are Centenarians and Veterans. We are unable to locate these two gentlemen or their families. Please contact Cindy Jones at (719) 671-9539 to provide information on these Veteran/Centenarians or if you have a Centenarian we can celebrate. The Centenarian will be recognized at our event; a family member or contact person for information is extremely important. Please share this with folks you know.

If your organization would like to sponsor this event or provide items for our goodie bags, please contact me at above number or email information to JonesCin@pueblocounty. us

HOW TO PICK PLANTS THAT WILL THRIVE IN YOUR CLIMATE

(StatePoint)— When choosing what kind of plants to put down in your yard, you likely focus on the what and the where. After all, a beautiful plant in a prime location enhances curb appeal and even bragging rights. You may pay less attention though to understanding your plant hardiness zone and all the ramifications that come with it. To help ensure your plants don’t just survive, but thrive, the experts at lawn care equipment manufacturer Exmark are sharing the following insights about plant hardiness:

What is Plant Hardiness?

The secret to growing healthier plants is called plant hardiness. Plant hardiness is the ability of a plant to survive adverse growing conditions such as drought, flooding, heat and cold. Ever watched

why plant hardiness zones were developed.

What is My Growing Zone?

The United States is divided into 13 zones. Zones 1-6 being the coldest, and 7-13 the warmest. Zone 1 averages -60 degrees F while zone 13 never drops below 70 degrees F. A general guideline is to plant anything designated for your zone or lower, but never higher. Know what zone you live in, and be sure to always check the tag on the back of the plant or seed pack before planting anything.

with frustration as a late-season temperature dip leaves your beautiful buds with a serious case of frostbite? That’s

Perennials Versus Annuals

There’s a reason you see palm trees in Miami, not Minnetonka,

What Foot and Ankle Issues Warrant a Doctor’s Visit

(StatePoint) Most people have a foot or ankle problem at one time or another. So how do you know when to seek help?

Many symptoms—even those you can tolerate—require the professional attention of a foot and ankle surgeon to keep the underlying condition from worsening. According to Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), “It’s important to remember that foot health is an important part of your overall health. You need to take care of your feet, which includes going to the doctor when you have pain, sustain an injury or develop a condition needing professional evaluation and treatment.”

Here are five examples of when you should make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon.

1. When you have diabetes: Living with diabetes means being more prone to a variety of conditions that affect the feet, including foot sores and ulcers. At the same time, diabetic nerve damage makes it harder to detect when there’s a problem. Regular visits to a foot and ankle surgeon should be part of your holistic diabetes treatment plan. The doctor can screen for the loss of protective sensations in the feet, as well as diagnose and treat any structural issues leading to ulcers and wounds. Swelling, temperature and color changes in the feet, and calluses, are all telltale signs an ulcer may be around the corner and warrant a trip to a foot and ankle surgeon.

according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the reasons falls occur are numerous, painful foot conditions are a contributing factor, as they make it difficult to maintain balance and coordination. Fortunately, many such conditions are treatable. See a foot and ankle surgeon to alleviate pain and reduce your risk of a life-changing fall.

4. When you can benefit from medical advances: A loss of cartilage once meant a loss of functionality. Today, joint reconstruction surgery with cartilage regener-

2. When children experience pain: When it comes to pediatric foot problems, early intervention is key to long-term successful treatment. As a parent, you may find distinguishing between growing pains and injuries or deformities difficult. But foot and ankle surgeons stress that pain isn’t normal and if it lasts more than a few days or is severe enough to limit your child’s walking, it should be evaluated. Foot problems commonly experienced by children include flat feet, ingrown toenails, calcaneal apophysitis and plantar warts.

3. When you’re at risk for falling: Falls have become the leading cause of injury deaths among Americans 65 and older,

5. When pain is sidelining you: It’s important for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to rest and recover rather than push through foot and ankle pain caused by an overuse injury. If the pain doesn’t improve in three to seven days however, it’s time to see a foot and ankle surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

With the highest level of education, training and board certification, foot and ankle surgeons are the leaders in surgical and non-surgical foot and ankle care. For more information, or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

GLEN VOLLMECKE

Author: "Intermission a Place in Time."

gGlorious Wales. Imagine. Briefly we depart the legendary shires of England, and onto experiences of another kind. Beautiful Wales! Our year spent in a 300-year-old cottage in the Welsh mountains didn’t disappoint, and gives credence to my next column. At times, despite being the only occupant, occasionally unearthly footsteps resounded clearly throughout our tiny home, day and night. Around midnight I was awakened to my son’s guitar strumming. Carefully I crept

along the old hallway, and opened the bedroom door. Their guitar suddenly without human assistance hit the cold stone floor. The boys slept in their bunkbeds, but awoke early the next morning remembering the vague sounds of a distant melody. Views from our mountain retreat depicted a magnificent Tudor mansion in the valley, complete with multiple additional out houses. My three sons attended the local village school. Visiting the toilet was a request only acknowledge in Welsh…quite a challenge was the language, but they learned allot through our yearlong residency, and treasured their time in Wales. My days were spent brewing our homegrown crab apple wine, and enjoying the scents of yeast and apples which permeated throughout the cottage walls. Victorian times left their mark also. With a shovel and carry bag my daily efforts revealed many ancient dimpled engraved bottles, and I really appreciated the odd high styled

short ladies’ shoes/boots concealed in the woods close by. Victorian landfill sites provided innumerable treasures undiscovered for almost 200 years. Un-

ney taken by my ailing dad and myself was ‘Swallow Falls;’ a veritable landmark for tourists, and locals alike.

Residing in this tiny chapel, a sixth century monk relinquished all comforts in this tiny stone building, while surrounded by sea/wind swept rocks. According to legend, he barely escaped a kidnap attempt by a horde of pirates

doubtably, research into ancient locations throughout the United Kingdom would expose masses of riches. Welsh roots deeply buried in the Celtic past; stories of villains, and heroes, dark sinister lakes, and broody snow-capped peaks continue to inspire poets, and artists, past and present, all so proud of the ‘Land of my Father.’

Situated in the Welsh shire of Pembrokshire, St. Govans Chapel is another more significant, memorable construction. This tiny thirteenth century chapel, is possibly seven hundred years old. Accessible by seventy rough stone steps, which seem oddly a different amount when descending as opposed to ascending!

Moving on to Cardiff sits the incredible Castell Coch, which remains an incredible feat of architecture dating from 1870, yes, a rather younger structure considering our usual themes. Designed by William Burges who worked for John Crichton Stuart, then the second Marquess of Bute, Burges soon realized that money wasn’t an issue; he was given a blank cheque. Huge European crystal chandeliers brilliantly shine on vaulted

Residing in this tiny chapel, a sixth century monk relinquished all comforts in this tiny stone building, while surrounded by sea/ wind swept rocks. According to legend, he barely escaped a kidnap attempt by a horde of pirates, by diving into an open rock which conveniently closed. Consequently, he managed to eliminate all immediate prospects of danger. Nowadays, hundreds of years later, by standing on that specific rock, one can make a wish which eventually is granted. So close to Wales was my place of birth, a day trip via bus enabled a beautiful retreat into the Welsh countryside, thus allowing time to return for supper. A favourite jour-

ceilings all were comparable to the Vatican in Rome. Gilt larger than life-sized statues purvey the illustrious scene below. Now standing today is this renowned palace built on a 13th century fortress site, of a once historic, and impenetrable bastion which remained a moldy ruin for over two hundred years. Once again, we cannot forget our paranormal. Another ghost of the White Lady’ tragically watched her young son fall into a bottomless pit, never to be seen again. Continuing to mourn until her own death, her gloomy image continues its search resolutely through the lavish corridors and passageways of Castell Coch. Rumor persists that Lady Bute the previous owner’s widow continued residency in the castle after her husband’s death. Ostensibly, she fled never to return again due to constant ghostly apparitions of the infamous ‘White Lady.’ Often, she’d complain, ‘I will not give in. She must leave first!’ Sadly, the ghost decided to stay, at least until her young son was found.

Thought for the day:

Life Is a test, and those with high esteem have obviously overcome their own failures, and imminent problems. Subsequently, now they have grown…

Author Glen Vollmecke can be reached at AlpacasRus@hotmail.com

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WANTED: RECORDS, ESPECIALLY LPs and 45s. Good prices and will buy in bulk.

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RESCUING TREASURES OF DARKNESS

Broken Promises - Renewed Hope - New Beginnings

You will find spell binding testimonies of prisoners’ broken lives and behind-bars encounters with the living Christ. Renew own faith by reading these amazing stories of prisoners’ transformed by the touch of Christ through caring volunteers.

Find out how you can make an eternal difference in the life incarcerated man or woman across the country or on other shores.

Jan McLaughlin’s book will touch your heart and motivate to reach out to the lost and broken men and women. God is inviting you to pray for them. Perhaps He is inviting you to help Rescue Treasures of Darkness!

Proceeds help fund Prayer For Prisoners Int’l, a non-profit ministry based on the power of prayer which was founded in 1987 by Jan. McLaughlin

$10.00 plus shipping 719-275-6971 or Jansmail@reagan.com

Or by mail: PFPI - P.O. Box 1574 - Cañon City, CO 81215-1574

Checks payable to PFPI or Prayer For Prisoners International

while telling visitors about Pueblo! Contact:

LChapman@pueblochamber.net #0424

LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY

A Great Gift for any Occasion

You will laugh and cry as you walk with Jan through memories that point to an incredible God who orders our steps and uses even the worst situations to His glory and our good. An easy read which also makes a delightful devotional.

You will laugh and cry as you walk with Jan through memories that point to an incredible God who orders our steps and uses even the worst situations to His glory and our good. An easy read which also makes a delightful devotional.

Reviews: A Delightful and Inspirational Read

Reviews: "A Delightful and Inspirational Read"

"The reader will find author Jan McLaughlin’s book an inspirational and thoroughly delightful reading experience. Her wit and love of life permeates the entire 400-plus pages.

The reader will find author Jan McLaughlin’s book an inspirational and thoroughly delightful reading experience. Her wit and love of life permeates the entire 400-plus pages. Reading will not be tedious in the least. I think what I most enjoyed was the author’s ability to take ordinary, and sometimes harrowing, experiences and draw a spiritual lesson that the reader can apply in his or her own life.

The chapters are short and keep the reader’s interest The author is humble and not adverse to admitting her own foibles. As a result, this reviewer can relate as one lessthan-perfect reader to a less-than-perfect author. A 4-word recommendation: It’s a happy read! Dr. Raymond White, Pueblo, CO $10.00 Plus shipping. 719-275-6971 or Jan@prayerforprisoners.org

Or you can order by mail: Checks payable to Jan McLaughlin P.O. Box 855 - Cañon City, CO 81215-0855 LIGHT

SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU

PLAN DURING FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

WE CELEBRATE Literacy Month (FLM) every April to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. FLM also serves as a reminder that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools are here to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future.

You should periodically review your Social Security Statement (Statement) using your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount

Your Statement is an easy-to-read summary of the estimated benefits you and your family could receive, including potential retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits.

If you’re planning to retire, you can visit our Plan for Retirement webpage at www.ssa.gov/prepare/plan-retirement Here you can compare how different future earnings and retirement benefit start-dates might affect your future benefit amount.

Please tell your friends and family about the steps they can take to improve their financial knowledge by exploring their personal my Social Security account. If they don’t have an account,

they can easily create one at www.ssa. gov/myaccount.

SOCIAL SECURITY SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES

Running a small business can be a 24-7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services, and marketing can be challenging.

If you’re a small business owner, or you work for one, our online suite of services can help make your life easier. Our online business services at www. ssa.gov/employer will save you valuable time when you file electronic W-2s and W-2Cs and verify employee names and Social Security numbers.

Small business owners can also take advantage of our Business Services Online at www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm. You must register to use this free service. This service offers fast and secure online W-2 filing options to Certified Public Accountants, enrolled agents, and individuals who process W-2s and W-2Cs.

For more information about electronic wage reporting, please read our publication at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-

05-10034.pdf

HOW TO SPOT AN IMPOSTER SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT

Want to learn how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts? The tips below will help you protect yourself and your family.

Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and vocabulary, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by us.

They also create imposter social media pages of Social Security and OIG officials, such as the Commissioner or the Inspector General.

Protect your personally identifiable information

We will never ask for sensitive information through social media as these channels are not secure. Sometimes, users are asked to enter their financial information, Social Security number (SSN), or other sensitive information.

This is a red flag, and often an indication of a fraudulent account.

How to spot a fake social media account

Identifying an imposter account may seem difficult at first, but there are a few things you can look for right away. You will want to focus on the following:

• How many people follow the imposter page. In most cases, fake pages have a very low number of followers as compared to Social Security’s official page.

• Improper punctuation.

• Links to pages not on SSA.gov.

• Advertisements for forms or other Social Security documents for a price.

• Incorrect social media handles. To view the list of our official social media channels, we encourage you to visit www.ssa.gov/socialmedia.

Please report suspected Social Security imposter scams — and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website at oig.ssa.gov/report. You can find more information about scams on our Protect Yourself from Scams webpage at www. ssa.gov/scam

Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about imposter social media accounts.

EAST HIGH SCHOOL:

Ysabelle Rosales, daughter of Ms. Marlena Brown

Devin Klock, son of Mrs. Sebrina Mares & Mr. Kevin Klock

SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL:

Evan King, daughter of Ms. Maya Galeas

Jayden Saint, son of Ms. Trish Saint

Pueblo County H.S.Alexa Darnell, daughter of Mr. Mike Darnell & Mrs. Laura McMahon

Michael Bregar, son of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Bregar

Pueblo West H.S.-

Nkechi Onyejekwe, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Onyejekwe

Grant Sonntag, son of Mr. & Mrs. Peter Sonntag

RYE HIGH SCHOOL:

Keyanna Kirk, daughter of Mr. Derek Agee & Mrs. Shawna Kirk

Cody Dodge, son of Mr. & Mrs. Dustin Dodge

HB24-1363 could spell the end for charter schools across Colorado

When it rains, it pours. In addition to the many other problematic bills EAC is working on at the Colorado Capitol, state lawmakers have just introduced what we believe to be the most direct and egregious legislative attack on public charter schools in Colorado history.

Introduced this week, HB24-1363 takes aim at nearly every aspect of the Charter Schools Act—the state statute that creates and governs public charter schools like yours.

Here are just a few examples of what HB 24-1363 seeks to do:

* Make it significantly more difficult for charter schools to obtain waivers from certain laws and policies—waivers that allow charters the autonomy to operate independently of traditional public schools

* Dictate to charter schools how their independent governing boards should be structured and filled

* Eliminate the ability for charter schools to decide how to evaluate their teachers or other personnel

* Gut the appeals process available to charter schools when they are unfairly denied approval by a local school board and eliminate the State Board of Education’s authority to overturn these decisions

*Allow ANYONE within the geographic boundaries of school district to appeal the approval for a charter school to the State Board of Education, effectively allowing unelected charter opponents nearly unlimited latitude to block the creation of new schools or the renewal of existing schools

* For the first time in Colorado history,

allow school districts to impose moratoriums on the approval of charter schools

*Allow school districts to deny charter applications simply because the school district is experiencing declining enrollment. Seven of Colorado’s ten largest school districts, as well as dozens of others, are experiencing declining enrollment.

*Allow school districts to charge effectively unlimited amounts for “administrative oversight” of a charter school—money that comes directly out of a charter school’s per-pupil funding

Shockingly, these are only SOME of the harmful changes HB24-1363 would make. It is not an exaggeration to say that if this bill passes, it could spell the end of public charter schools in communities across Colorado.

While EAC always seeks compromise where possible, that is not an option with HB24-1363. The bill has no redeeming qualities and provides no opportunity for discourse or debate. It is a full frontal assault on parental choice in Colorado education, and it must be soundly defeated in its very first hearing.

We urgently need your help killing this harmful bill. Please click the button below to tell the bill sponsors and committee members to vigorously OPPOSE HB24-1363. Your school—and your students’ educational futures—depend on the defeat of this legislation.

◀ FROM PLANTS PAGE 9

Minn. In the case of perennials, it’s not about when the first frost is, but how cold it gets, and whether that plant can survive and thrive through winter.

Plant hardiness zones are less important however when it comes to annuals. Because these plants are only meant to last the length of one growing season;

waiting until after the average first frost date will save you from having to re-plant. Know that even if your plant survives the frost, it may never match the photo you saw advertised at the nursery.

Planting Zone Rule of Thumb Plant hardiness zone maps are, well, all over the map. Consider the number

assigned to your zip code as a starting point. You may live right at the break between one zone and the other. Remember that it’s better to guess too low, than too high. In the South, the heat can put real stress on a plant not made for it. Your particular geography can also affect your hardiness zone, like if you live on a hill or in a valley. Understanding what plants will

thrive in your climate is essential to having a healthy lawn and garden. Fortunately, free resources abound to help you garden and landscape successfully.