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† $2,000 dental allowance for in-network services with no copays or coinsurance, excluding cosmetic. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply.
‡ Available only through participating retailers and Humana’s mail-order pharmacy, CenterWell Pharmacy™. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Always consult with your doctor or medical provider before taking over-the-counter medications.
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$250 a year to use toward your plan’s covered dental, vision for select services, plus exams, X-rays, cleanings and more every three months ‡ Advantage plan, you may have more money in your pocket and the care you need to enjoy your best health.
Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City, often called the “Crossroads of the West.” This bustling modern city is surrounded by mountains and features the historic Temple Square.
Day 2: Following breakfast you will be treated by the sounds of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir at their weekly live broadcast performance. Then board your motorcoach and travel through the Island Park Region. Our destination is West Yellowstone, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance. Check into our hotel for a two-night stay and a delicious dinner.
Day 3: Have your winter gear ready and your cameras packed as our private Snowcoach picks you up at your hotel and takes you into Yellowstone National Park. This 60-mile-long once-in-a-lifetime journey features a narrated tour to legendary geyser Old Faithful. There are many stops along the way including Madison Junction, Fountain Paint Pot and Biscuit Basin.
Day 4: Leaving Montana today, travel to the historic town of Jackson, Wyoming. En route, stop at the National Elk Refuge for an exhilarating open sleigh ride among the elk herd numbering in the thousands.
Day 5: Traveling south brings you through the rugged Snake River Canyon area before returning to Utah. Stop at the Utah Olympic Park for a tour of the facility which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and continues to host World Cup events. Continue to Salt Lake City where your accommodations and a delicious farewell dinner await.
Day 6: After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day1: Depart Colorado Springs for Chicago. Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city.
Day 2: Today will be spent exploring Chicago. Bold, brazen, and distinctly American, Chicago has the personality to spare. From our embarkation point at Navy Pier to towering skyscrapers to regional cuisine and a quirky dialect, this city represents the heart and soul of the Midwest.
Day 3: Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the view on your own time on this peaceful lake cruising day.
Day 4: Cruise along Mackinac Island. These cruises take you to beautiful Mackinac Island, where you can spend time among nature or stroll the downtown area.
Day 5: Explore Sault Ste. Marie or “the Sault.” Located in Michigan and Ontario. Sault Ste. Marie is home to historical sites, lighthouses, pristine nature preserves, and the spectacular Tahquamenon Falls.
Day 6: Spend the day at Little Current (Manitoulin Island) in Ontario. Recognized as one of the best freshwater boating regions in the world, an evening stroll along the boardwalk will reveal boats from all over the Great Lakes Basin and the east coast of Canada, as well as the U.S.
Day 7: Relax and enjoy the view on your own time on this peaceful lake cruising day.
Day 8: Our Detroit, Michigan, cruises take you along the Detroit River to top destinations throughout Canada and the U.S. Join us on cruises to Detroit, Michigan, which make stops in cities such as Chicago and Toronto. Along the way, you can explore various cities and locations via exciting excursions, such as a tour of Niagara Falls.
Day 9: Step off the ship onto what some call America’s “North Coast” and discover why Clevelanders are so fiercely proud of their home. The reinvented city reverberates with vitality and a cool new atmosphere.
Day 10: We dock at Port Colborne, located on Lake Erie. The city features live theatre, golfing, trails, fishing, beaches, restaurants, recreation, a marina, and shopping districts along the Welland Canal.
Day 11: As your American Queen Voyages journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town, whether it’s an optional premier post-cruise experience or a quick transfer to the airport for your final trip home, your AQV team can pre-arrange everything for you.
Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs for Portland, OR. Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers.
Day 2: Today you tour Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge. Once back in Portland enjoy a guided tour of the city.
Day 3: Depart Portland for the spectacular Columbia River Gorge to visit Vista House and stop at beautiful Multnomah Falls. Arrive at Pendleton and enjoy dinner at Hamley Steakhouse.
Day 4: Tour Pendleton Woolen Mills and Fort Walla Walla.
Day 5: Full-day jet boat trip on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.
Day 6: Historic Rider Ranch and Lake Coeur d’Alene dinner cruise.
Day 7: Wallace Silver Mine tour and Native American cultural dinner.
Switzerland
Switzerland by Rail is the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns and beautiful lakes—all while you relax in first-class aboard Switzerland’s famous trains. You’ll overnight in Zurich, the Lucerne area, Lausanne, Zermatt and St. Moritz.
One of the highlights of this Switzerland train tour is the journey aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the majestic Matterhorn, to glitzy St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous resorts. Another highlight is the journey aboard the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Traveling on the highest railway across the Alps, you’ll witness glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, alpine scenery, and tunnels and bridges that are engineering masterpieces.
Stunning scenery and thrilling train rides... there’s no better way to see scenic Switzerland! So grab your camera and get ready for an amazing vacation!
*Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $450. Price includes fully escorted tour, roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs to Denver, lovely accommodations, baggage handling, breakfast each morning, 4 dinners, all transfers, first class seats on the trains, excursion in Lucerne, all taxes and surcharges. Deposit of $400 per person is due to secure booking; final payment due 5/15/23.
Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs for Boston, MA. Meet your tour manager in the hotel lobby for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of historic Boston then travel up the coast to Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s coastal jewels then continue to Portland, Maine which boasts a vibrant waterfront.
Day 3: Start at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. Take a 1.5 mile long ride along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay followed by a scenic cruise of the bay.
Day 4: Travel west into New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Experience towering peaks, stunning scenery, quaint towns and villages before boarding the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Day 5: Begin the day aboard the North Conway Scenic Railroad then travel the Kancamagus Scenic Byway as it follows a beautiful path through the White Mountains. Cross into Vermont to view the spectacular scenery of the area.
Day 6: Travel to the town of Stockbridge in the culturally rich Berkshires region. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum then enjoy some free time before continuing to the incredible Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Day 7: Board the Essex Steam Train as you pass through some of the most beautiful country in the state. Later board the riverboat Becky Thatcher for a relaxing trip up the Connecticut River.
Day 8: Pass through the state of Rhode Island to Plymouth, MA climb aboard your sea-going vessel for a whale watching excursion. Pay a visit to Plymouth Rock where our forefathers first settled on American soil.
Day 9: After breakfast, depart Boston for Colorado Springs.
*Based on double occupancy. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 8 nights lovely accommodations, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes and fees.
Christmas came early for all of us at Life After 50 when our staff brought home awards from the annual North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) conference.
It was a treat to experience the sights and sounds of Las Vegas alongside other editors and publishers of senior publications. But the highlight of the convention was the awards banquet, where senior publications big and small vie for top honors in a variety of categories.
Every year, senior publications from across the country are independently judged on the quality of their written content, editing, design, photography, advertising and more by the prestigious Missouri School of Journalism. The best are then commended for their efforts with awards.
This year, Life After 50, our writers and staff have a lot to brag about! Here’s a list of the awards we brought home this year:
• 2nd Place: “Does anybody really know what time it is?” by Rhonda Wray (April 2022)
• 3rd Place: “Lessons that pack a punch: Eugene Madry learned a lot about boxing and life from Muhammad Ali” by Will Sanborn (May 2022)
• 1st Place: “To be or not to be a senior actor?” (January 2022)
• 2nd Place: “Magic mushroom revival” by Michael L. Madsen (August 2021)
Several other articles were nominated or received honorable mention:
• “Shop well, dress better” by Sandra Wise (October 2021)
• “Becoming Claus” by Lisa Lowdermilk (December 2021)
• “To be or not to be a senior actor?” by Lynn Jacobs (January 2022)
• “Then & Now: A photographer’s recreated photos tell the stories of our city’s history” by William J. Dagendesh (October 2021)
• “Dress boldly” (September 2021)
The band Chicago asked this in their 1969 song, with the subsequent query, “Does anybody really care?” It seems people care plenty. If you’re like me, waking up on March 13, after “spring forward,” required some extra oomph. That night my granddaughter suspiciously asked, “Are you tricking me?” when she saw the light pouring through the window at her 7 p.m. bedtime, and it took a herculean effort to wake her up for preschool the next morning.
Our digital world requires punching menu buttons and arrows to whip our devices into daylight saving submission to get the correct blue or green glowing readout on microwaves, stoves and car clocks. (Enough time goes by between the changes that must rethink the process for each one. There’s nothing standard about them!) still have one clock that requires manual turning of the hands, and there’s something satisfying about making that orbit with the minute hand. I’m grateful to my cell phone, though, for never forgetting time changes and keeping me accountable. How things change. remember calling the operator as a kid, on a phone with a dial and curly cord, no less, and asking, “May have the correct time, please?” All this changing of clocks could become a distant memory, however. Last month the Senate unanimously passed the cheerily named Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time the norm. We’d have more daylight, and perhaps we could avoid the increased strokes, heart attacks and car accidents that the fall and spring time changes bring.
The jury’s still out on the House of Representatives, however, and many outside the hallowed halls of the Capitol aren’t so sure. Health experts believe that adopting permanent daylight saving time would disrupt circadian rhythms and force an unnatural sleep schedule. There’s even
“For roughly
• “Twenty years later: How Americans processed the September 11 attacks” by Lauren Berg (September 2021)
Putting together a monthly publication like Life After 50 is no easy task. Thanks to our advertisers who faithfully support us and our gifted writers and staff who carry out our mission every single month by crafting an entertaining and inspiring resource for older adults in the Pikes Peak region.
Above all, Life After 50 would not be where it is today if it weren’t for you, readers. Thank you for reading Life After 50! ■
The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region
January 2023 | Volume 36 | Issue 1
Publisher
Kevin K. VanGundy Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Managing Editor
Rhonda Wray Editorial Assistant
Mia Brabaek Graphic Designers
B. Bigler Michael L. Madsen Customer Service Manager
Stacey Splude Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Advertising Executive Jil Goebel
Advertising & Marketing Assistant
Kayla Pool Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Bill Souba Rea Gray LuAnn Weems
P.O. Box 50125 Colorado Springs, CO 80949 Phone: 719-900-7664 Website www.LaFifty.com Email Info@LaFifty.com
Life After 50 celebrates age and brings hope and help to seniors in the Pikes Peak Region and those who serve them.
Life After 50 is published monthly and is distributed at more than 250 locations throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities.
Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.
Display advertising rates are available upon request.
© Copyright 2023 • All Rights Reserved
Editor’s Column: 2023 Ushers in a BEACON of Hope See what the new year has in store for Pikes Peak seniors and Life After 50
How Old is “Old”?
Will an increasingly aging population change our usual perceptions about staying young at heart?
10 Love Your Body As It Ages
20
Burglars, Robbers and Thieves, Oh My!
The Aging in America Survey revealed that younger people continue to define old age at a much younger time than we do, but it doesn't mean they think we shouldn't be active.
14
26
How to Live Positively in a Negative World Difficult times come and go. Here are some practical tips for turning your negative thoughts into positive ones
Ring in the New Year by Debunking Bad Tech Advice
obsolete technology advice can lead to identity theft, financial loss and bigger issues
are
Happy New Year, readers! We’ll all need to get used to writing “2023.”
I wonder how many of you still write checks. I write fewer every year, but still some here and there. Maybe you were a person—or still are—who writes the new year on several checks so you won’t accidentally write the old year. I’m all for anything that makes life easier.
Change is in the air at Life After 50. Many of you may not be aware that we have a sister publication in Western Colorado called the BEACON.
It’s been around for 36 years, and just like Life After 50, it’s the area’s go-to publication for and about seniors.
If you were to see our publications side by side, you’d see similarities and differences. Both magazines have the same easy-to-read format and attractive layouts. We even share some of the stories, but—because we both emphasize our local community and events— much is different.
Life After 50 is descriptive of our demographic. But the BEACON conjures up images of bright hope, of guidance through the dark, and of illuminating the path of our senior years. After much discussion, we’ve decided to change Life After 50’s name to the BEACON as well.
We will roll out this change gradually out of consideration to you, readers. Just as writing
the new year on several checks helps us get used to it, we hope this bit-by-bit rollout will assist us all in making the switch.
By July 2023, you’ll be picking up your favorite issue of the BEACON, which will retain the same look and feel as Life After 50. We will have the same local stories and content to educate and help you make the most of these golden years in the Pikes Peak region. We’ll still provide articles that make you look backward
Xxxxxx
I very much enjoy your magazine! I know it publishes every month, but I’m wondering WHEN in the month is it available for online viewing?
- Nancy P.
Rhonda: Thanks for reading, Nancy! The print publication comes out around the beginning of the month and we post the new issue on Mondays, so it should be online by the last Monday of the month.
My sister was visiting family in the Springs, read this and brought it to me. It’s enjoyable and helpful. I look forward to reading more issues.
- Cheryl G., Broomfield
I love getting Life After 50! You do a terrific job getting information out to seniors about events and other things that are important to us. Thank you!
- Shirley
You published info about a class I was hosting in the calendar. A nice lady gave me a call to reserve her place. She would not have attended had she not seen it in Life After
- Phyllis C.
fondly. We’ll still make you laugh! We’ll still have the same familiar columnists, recipes, travel tips, the coloring page, crossword, sudoku, etc. We’ll still have a full monthly calendar of events letting you know what’s happening around this great city we all call home.
This change will even bring added benefits, including a new website with additional stories, events and resources for seniors in the Pikes Peak region.
“What’s in a name?” asked Shakespeare, in “Romeo and Juliet.” “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.”
Centuries ago, he understood this truth: that the name of something doesn’t fundamentally change what it already is. That is our goal for Life After 50 and the BEACON as we work to share the message that there is life after 50, and plenty of it! ■
“Creches Say Christmas” (December)
I enjoyed reading this December article by Lisa Lowdermilk. Her writings are informative as well as heartfelt!
- Lawrence S.
“Winslow Court: A retirement community with heart” (November)
Thank you on behalf of our team for the wonderful article you did on Winslow Court. Grace’s kind words and heartfelt storytelling really did paint an accurate reflection of what we believe we have happening at our community.
- James D. & Kimberly H.,
Family Advisors at Winslow Court
“Unintended Hero” (November)
The article looked great, as did the whole magazine. Nice job! And kudos to Will Sanborn [for the article].
- Becky Van Vleet
We want to hear from you!
I was in my 20s and 30s, I figured by the time I reached 60, I’d be decrepit and barely able to take care of myself.
But once I turned 60, I felt no different on the inside than I did when I was much younger. Turns out, I realized mature adults are quite capable of dancing, running political campaigns, debating issues, climbing mountains and writing books (That’s what I’m doing post-retirement).
But what about the people around me? How do they view me? What about my contemporaries?
According to a recent Aging in America Survey by Parker Health Group out of New Jersey, younger people continue to define old age at a much younger time than we do.
The survey found that baby boomers and the silent generation were far less likely to perceive people to be old by their 70s than Gen Xers (born 1965-1980) and millennials (born 19811996).
So the younger the individual judging us well-seasoned folks, the more they might be thinking, “That guy’s too old to be doing that.”
Another survey segment had to do with aging and ability. Even though younger folks think 70 is old, it doesn’t mean they think we shouldn’t be active and participating.
Well over a majority of Americans felt 80 is not too old to engage in spirited activities that involve risk-taking, including:
• Falling in love (88%)
• Running a marathon (72%)
• Starting a business (69%)
• Getting a tattoo (68%)
• Riding a motorcycle (62%)
Baby boomers and the silent generation were a bit more realistic about their ability to do these things at 80, but they all seemed eager not to eliminate the possibilities.
More good news! When it comes to getting older, survey respondents reported some things to look forward to:
• Gaining experience and wisdom (over 1/3)
• Time spent with family and friends (30%)
• Embracing a new life chapter (12%)
• Getting close to retirement (10%).
• Finally, Americans seem willing to loosen their death grip on gaining wealth and consumer goods (only 1%). Maybe they figure if they haven’t become rich by the time they’re old, they might as well give up.
The vast majority (88%) of respondents expressed at least one age-related fear. When asked to choose the top three:
• Physical health issues ranked highest (66%)
• Followed by mental health issues (59%)
• Running out of money (40%)
• Being lonely (22%),
• Being bored (21%),
• Not having the lifestyle they expected (19%)
• Losing their physical attractiveness (13%)
We hear plenty these days about how racism and sexism can subtly influence people’s thinking, actions, laws and policies. Seniors aren’t exempt, and examples of ageism abound in television, movies and social media.
Americans are evenly split in their views of how the media portrays older people:
• 38% believe older people are portrayed positively in the media
• 36% perceive the opposite
• 25% have neutral views.
About one-third of respondents have experienced ageism in some form. Discrimination in the workplace has affected more than one in four, but nearly 19% say it was because they were too young, while 11% referenced being too old. Outside the workplace, one in five has faced harassment or discrimination based on age, which divided into too young (15%) and too old (10%).
Two-thirds of respondents were able to choose at least one example from a list of five as a type of age discrimination. Topping the selections
was: describing minor forgetfulness as a senior moment.” (I hear my aging contemporaries use this as an excuse for their behavior quite often.)
Nods were also given to social media campaigns that compare current photos of people to older ones (24%), birthday cards that joke about aging (19%), and dressing children as centenarians on the 100th day of school (14%). Women tend to be more sensitive to these forms of ageism than men.
Now that many are aware of the subtleties of ageism, will those who took the surveys change the way they think and act in the future?
One in five responded yes, but millennials and Gen Xers were more inclined than boomers and silents to expect a change in themselves.
It will be interesting to see what occurs as the world around us alters. No doubt the pandemic will impact the results, but will it dampen our satisfaction with life as we grow older? Will an increasingly aging population change our usual perceptions about staying young at heart? Will we begin thinking there are definite age limits to activities we find appropriate? Let’s not forget that views from the old and the young have always been dynamic and viewed from opposite ends of life’s spectrum. ■
Will an increasingly aging population change our usual perceptions about staying young at heart?
Even though younger folks think 70 is old, it doesn’t mean they think we shouldn’t be active and participating.
Try this daily practice to love your body well as it ages
By Margaret Dulaney
My friend Hayden suggests that as we age and grow less cute, we might be wise to compensate for the loss of good looks with good cheer.
Emerson writes, “There is no beautifier of complexion, form, or behavior like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us.”
My friend Patty, who has made it into her 60s with a congenital kidney disease, likes to tell her body every day how proud she is of it. How grateful she is that it has bravely fought to give her a long life on the planet.
I am beginning to suspect that for those of us who have been graced with long life, the attainment of self-love could be our last challenge to enlightenment. I am not talking about ego or pride, but a certain grateful recognition for the bodies that have carried us through our years on the earth, and will hopefully carry us far into old age.
Our bodies might be viewed as a sort of mobile home—temporary housing. These vehicles undoubtedly benefit from our care and attention to maintenance, but eventually they will break down. They weren’t built to last forever.
To criticize them when they begin to show the inevitable signs of age seems rather small-spirited of us.
“Oh, look at that rust spot on the passenger door—unsightly!” we might say. “My roof looks like hell, my tires are all bald, there are pebble cracks in every window, and my wiper blades fell apart years ago. This old beater is a piece of junk. The poor thing!”
Wouldn’t it be kinder to say,
“Oh, this grand old tank of mine has carried me through so much: through days of blistering heat, nights of frigidity, through wild storms, and traffic jams so backed up we thought we’d never move again. What a blessing this dear old jalopy has been.”
Patty’s husband Chris gave her one of his kidneys several years ago. I’d say he’s pretty well set for an eternity of Christmas gifts. This organ, twice the size of either of Patty’s original kidneys, works like a bear.
This isn’t the only calamity Patty’s mobile home has suffered. She’s had breast cancer, twice. She’s had car accidents, horse accidents, dog accidents (that’s when you trip over a dog and break your bones). Her body has been carved up, patched together and rearranged, but she’s still rolling—and with enormous good cheer.
Patty likes to say to her body, “I love you; you are enough. You are enough for me.” After which she might take the dear old thing out for some fresh air and fruit.
Some, when faced with living out a life in a compromised body, will suggest, “Well, consider the alternative,” by which, of course, they
MY FRIEND PATTY, WHO HAS MADE IT INTO HER 60S WITH A CONGENITAL KIDNEY DISEASE, LIKES TO TELL HER BODY EVERY DAY HOW PROUD SHE IS OF IT. HOW GRATEFUL SHE IS THAT IT HAS BRAVELY FOUGHT TO GIVE HER A LONG LIFE ON THE PLANET.
mean death.
But death, the transition out of our earthly suits and into our heavenly suits, is not only inevitable but, I presume, a welcome change—like going on a long camping trip and finally returning home to take a hot bath and put on fresh clothes.
My friend Sarah refers to any uncomplimentary, old age rumination as “Methuselah thinking.” This is when one sees oneself as an ancient ruin, of no more use to society than an old phone booth. If the criticism that we sometimes place on our aging selves came
from someone else, we would consider it heartless.
“Look at that thing? It can hardly climb a hill these days without sputtering. And that paint job! Pathetic!”
Sarah tells me that she will perform certain tasks, such as thoroughly cleaning her kitchen after her evening meal, as an exercise in self-love.
“Let’s do this for Sarah,” she tells herself. “She will be so happy in the morning to wake to a sparkling kitchen as she dashes to get ready for the day.”
I’m considering adopting this practice. “Oh dear, Margaret seems to be having an ancient day today,” I might say to myself. “Maybe she needs a lift? Let’s take her out for a spin, give her a little shot of sunshine.”
Self-love is a tricky assignment, made more interesting as our bodies age.
It appears that the most dreadful thing that could be said of the aging is, “Oh, she’s let herself go, poor thing.” Or, “Look at that guy. He’s a shadow of his former self.”
I was just on vacation with an 83-year-old friend who asked where she might find a scale to weigh herself every day. She didn’t want to put on a pound. Good gravy! When do we get to let go of that crazy gym teacher in our heads?
This tight grip on our youth can be so limiting. Every age offers us its gifts. Perhaps we should be flattered when someone suggests we have “let ourselves go.” “Hooray!” we might counter, “I’ve been working toward that goal my entire life.”
“Youth is wasted on the young,” they say, but perhaps we could say the same of aging. “Age is wasted on the aging.” It is certainly wasted when we grumble about our mobile homes, when we refuse to let go of the way we rolled in our younger years, when we fuss about our paint job, our tire pressure, our power steering…
Patty, in order to thank her body for its resilience, will take it out to a yoga class. “Let me do you a favor,” she will offer. “Let me take you out to a stretch class and make you feel better.”
I suspect the best fuel on which we could run our mobile homes is simple appreciation. No matter the make or model, the finest, most energy-efficient food for our bodies is probably gratitude.
I’m thinking of a new daily practice.
“Good morning, you dear old thing,” I might say to my body. “What a fine job you’ve been doing all these years. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise, and especially don’t take any grief from that person who lives in your head. You are enough, dear, you are enough.”
After this reassuring pep talk, I might offer it an outing of some sort.
“Today, my good friend, I’m going to fill your tank with love and roll around the neighborhood, waving a cheerful hand,” I might offer. “Let’s go, shall we? We’ll toot around with the windows open, blowing kisses to the world.”
Margaret Dulaney is an author, playwright and essayist, and founder of the spoken word website www. listenwell.org. Her book, “The Parables of Sunlight,” is about leaving New York City and finding hope in the country. ■
Ace Hardware Regularly priced items only on Tuesday 10% off
ARC Thrift Tuesday & Saturday 50% off
Episcopal Thrift House Thursday–Saturday
20% off
Goodwill Wednesdays 15% off Kohl’s Wednesdays 15% off Michael’s
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Ross Tuesdays 10% off
Silver Key Friends Thrift Wednesdays 15% off Walgreens 1st Tuesday of each month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-20% off
Arby’s
10% off Burger King 10% off
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Einstein Brothers Bagels Mondays - Carryout Only, $7 Baker’s Dozen . . 10% off IHOP 10% off
Josh & John’s Ice Cream 10% off Jun Sundays . . . . . . . .
Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks, MS, RD, on behalf of the Mushroom Council
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, small diced
8 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, sliced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups vegetable broth
6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 ounces fresh baby spinach
1 cup whole milk ricotta
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Heat large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes.
Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, bay leaf and broth. Bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer. Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes.
Divide between bowls and top each with dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella. ■
Laird Landon cared for his wife Marilyn for 10 years as she battled a rare form of dementia. From that experience came Laird’s new purpose: helping caregivers with support groups, writing and speaking as chair of the Caregiver Support Foundation.
Being a caregiver has many challenges, and we hope that this new column can help. If you have a question about caregiving, email Laird in care of Life After 50 or email him at Laird@FamilyCaregiver.org.
Dear Laird: I’m starting to feel fearful of my husband’s driving. He has always been the one to drive, so when I mention my concerns or ask him to let me drive, it always starts a quarrel. Do you have any solutions?
Laird: The loss of a patient’s driving skill is a big deal to everyone involved. The patient can get lost, be involved in an accident and perhaps hurt himself or someone else.
The hard part is that driving is also a part of his self-worth—it is the flip side of being a teenager and becoming independent. For some couples, it’s a division of labor. So, when we look to change that balance, your roles are threatened: You become a parent and he loses the position of keeping you safe.
In some cases, he might be able to continue to drive for a while. Going to the store (take care about parking), or common routes he knows well might be okay. Do avoid freeways and other high-traffic volume routes. Nego tiating rules to limit danger may keep you safe and let him continue to drive for a bit longer.
If you feel like you really do need to make a change, ask for
your doctor to help. The doctor’s authority may be enough to help me cope with losing the keys to the car. If not, a doctor can prescribe an evaluation by a state certified driving instructor. From that person, you may both learn new ways to be safe behind the wheel. If, however, your husband’s evaluation is unacceptable, he may lose his license, but that is
Visit www.family-caregiver. org for more support with your caregiving challenges. ■
Send your questions to Laird in care of Life After 50, or email him at Laird@Family-Caregiver.org
PILLAR Membership gives you class discounts and member only events. However, you don’t have to be a member to take classes.
OFFICE AND CLASSROOM
Hills
(Enter the mall entrance between Aladdin Rug Gallery and Dillards) 1710 Briargate Blvd., Suite 847 Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719-633-4991
PILLAR is an independent lifelong learning institute and 501(c)3 nonprofit.
In certain parts of the world, cold and dreary winters cause a mood disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of depression is related to changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same time every year. Other signs and symptoms of SAD may include low energy, an uptick in headaches or other aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, feelings of anxiety or annoyance, hopelessness, thoughts about selfharm or suicide and loss of interest in going places or meeting people.
The winter blues impacts over 10 million people just in the U.S. alone, and 80% of those are women. Researchers believe there is a hormonal component to the condition. There is a strong correlation
between reduced sunlight hours and circadian rhythm alterations. Melatonin levels can also increase while cortisol decreases.
Certain risk factors increase the incidence of SAD depending on where you live. People who live closer to the equator seem to do better than those who live in places with less sunlight.
If you suffer from SAD, here are five supplements that may help relieve symptoms.
1. St. John’s wort . St. John’s wort has been used to treat mild to moderate depression. However, results are inconsistent and the plant interacts with many medications. Talk to your doctor before taking St. John’s wort to make sure it will not cause a reaction.
2. Vitamin B12. Though vitamin B12 doesn’t appear to have clear results in treating symptoms of SAD, studies show that taking the supplement alleviates depression in some people with low B12.
3. Vitamin D. Taking a higher dose of vitamin D has shown to relieve depression among other SAD symptoms. But again, results are inconsistent.
4. Prescribed antidepressants. Taking prescribed antidepressants can help with depression and other mood troubles. Talk to your doctor about which medication would be most helpful for you.
5. Hormone replacement. Hormone replacement therapy, specifically progesterone or cortisol, may help women with SAD. Talk
with your doctor about which type is best and how long the therapy should last. Restoring hormones must be done by a specialist. This may require you to have some baseline testing—either blood, saliva or urine. If your doctor recommends hormone testing, you can purchase a DUTCH test kit and do it at home, but don’t try to replenish them on your own.
Some of us do not have the means to travel just to get some sun during winter. If you have SAD, try some of these potential solutions and make sure you see a licensed, qualified professional.
Don’t go it alone! Share what you are feeling with your family members or friends so they can support you. And keep in mind one very important thing: SAD goes away. ■
For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.SuzyCohen.com
By G. L. Yenne
Technology is great until it’s not, right? We’ve all been confounded by computer issues that leave us stymied and frustrated. Just as people want a trusted mechanic when problems arise with their cars, they require a reliable troubleshooter who can fix their computer issues.
“Computers mostly make sense to me, but the funny thing is that you always expect them to behave logically, and they just don’t. That’s what makes my work so interesting,” said Travers Jordan, aka the Techno Guy. “The saying ‘ghost in the machine’ is so true!” (This refers to a device that behaves as if it has a will that is independent of what the human operator wants it to do.)
After graduating from high school, Jordan, now 39, considered studying computer programming. He worked part-time for Optimum Network Services, removing and sorting miles of old cabling to improve air-conditioning systems. He also worked side jobs building computers and doing upgrades and repairs. His first call was from a woman asking if he could fix her computer’s virus.
“It was the second-worst virus I have ever seen,” Jordan said. “I had assured her that I could fix the problem for $20 and that if I couldn’t do it, I would not charge her. It took me over eight hours to fix that computer, and I kept my promise of having her pay me only $20 for the whole job!”
That was back in 2004. Jordan’s grasp of the time requirements for various fixes has evolved significantly since then.
Jordan considers himself “a friendly neighborhood virus slayer
for Colorado Springs.”
His one-man shop located on the west side has been in business since 2004. He repairs most computer hardware and software problems for a fraction of what the bigname outfits charge.
ti-virus company] Norton, look for the moniker that says @Norton, rather than a whole bunch of letters and numbers,” Jordan advised.
making people happy.”
Satisfied customers praise his punctuality and efficiency.
His services include malware removal, general maintenance and cleaning, getting older computers up to speed (age is not as big a factor as retailers claim), laptop screen and keyboard replacement, configuring networks and file and printer sharing, and setting up printers, scanners and faxes.
REPAIRS MOST COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE PROBLEMS FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT THE BIG-NAME OUTFITS CHARGE.
He also works working on TVs, Blu-ray and DVD players, VCRs, phones and tablets.
Jordan says scam websites and pop-ups claiming your computer has been infected are among the most common problems he encounters.
“Never follow links to emails, and don’t trust pop-up emails in general,” he cautioned. “If you need to find out accurate information, go to the website the normal way. Avoid clicking on any ads, as many are bought and paid for by virus companies to ultimately scam people of money.”
Adware infection on browsers comes from malware or malicious software.
“If an email says it’s from [an -
If his customers are not sure what they’re looking for, he encourages them to call him. If he can help over the phone, he will.
Jordan also makes house calls. He often gets calls for new computer setups, new printer hookups or the need to transfer data from an old computer to a new one.
Jordan suggested backing up your data on two locations: one on the cloud and another on an external hard drive. He noted that new problems arise with new systems, especially Windows programs.
“People tell me that I am so patient,” Jordan said. “I really enjoy my work and don’t mind all the detail. I like fixing problems and
Techno Guy will take drop-offs or make house calls, but an appointment is necessary. A two- to threeday advance notice is helpful, as he stays busy.
Jordan does computer maintenance all over town and drives as far as Woodland Park, Penrose, Monument and Falcon. Trip fees only apply outside of Colorado Springs or Manitou. His minimum hourly charge is $60. Jordan is willing to work outside his normal hours, charging an overtime hourly rate of $120.
If you have a virulent virus or other techie-type troubles or questions, Jordan may be reached at 719-5989608 or 719-246-1990, or by email at travers@technoguycomputers. com. ■
Submitted by Jem & Mickey Neal
My husband wanted one of those big screen TVs for his birthday, so I just moved his chair closer to the one we have already.
Submitted by Ben Kuckel
A wealthy widow marries a much younger man who isn’t very bright.
During the first winter together, he hears the weather station report: “There’s a huge storm on the way tonight. We expect 8-10 inches of snow. To expedite snow plowing operations, please park your car on the odd-numbered side of the street.” The man goes out and moves the car.
A few days later, another storm is approaching. This time, the weather station reports: “We
expect about 12 inches of snow. To expedite snow plowing operations, please park your car on the evennumbered side of the street.”
Again, the man goes out and moves the car.
Two days later, the area is expecting blizzard conditions. “We expect very high winds and a lot of snow tonight and into tomorrow morning. To expedite snow plowing operations, please park on....”
Then the electricity goes out.
The man says to his wife, "Honey, now how are we going to find out which side to park on?”
She replied, "Why don't you just leave it in the garage this time?"
Submitted by Jane Diamond
The Wednesday night church service coincided with the last day of
hunting season.
During the service, the pastor asked who had bagged a deer. No one raised a hand.
Puzzled, the pastor said, “I don't get it. Last week many of you said you wouldn't be at church tonight because of hunting season. I had the whole congregation pray for your deer.”
One hunter said, “Well, preacher, it worked. They're all safe.”
Submitted by Ollie Greer
A cowboy rode into town and stopped at the saloon for a drink. Unfortunately, the locals had a habit of picking on strangers so when he finished his drink, he found his horse had been stolen. He went back into the bar, handily flipped his gun into the air, caught it above his head without even looking and fired a shot into the ceiling.
“Which one of you sidewinders stole my horse?” he yelled with surprising forcefulness.
No one answered.
“All right, I’m gonna have anotha beer, and if my horse ain’t back outside by the time I finish, I’m gonna do what I dun in Texas! And I don’t like to do what I dun in Texas!”
Some of the locals shifted restlessly.
He had another beer, walked outside and his horse was back! He saddled up and started to ride out of town.
The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, “Say partner, before you go... what happened in Texas?”
The cowboy turned back and said, “I had to walk home.”
You have just received the Amish virus. Because we don’t have any computers or programming experience, this virus works on the honor system. Please delete all the files from your hard drive and forward this virus to everyone on your mailing list.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Signed, The Amish Computer Engineering Department
A mother was delivering a station wagon full of kids to their homes one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a dalmatian.
The children began discussing the dog’s duties.
“They use him to keep crowds back,” said one youngster.
“No,” said another, “he’s just for good luck.”
Then a third child brought the argument to a close.” They use the dog,” she said firmly, “to find the fire hydrant.”
Two trucks loaded with a thousand copies of “Roget's Thesaurus” collided as they left a New York publishing house yesterday, according to the Associated Press. Witnesses were stunned, startled, aghast, taken aback, stupefied, amazed, astounded and unsettled.
Submitted by Jean Campbell
Blamestorming - Sitting around in a group discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed and who was responsible.
Mouse potato - The online wired generation's answer to the couch potato.
Sitcoms (Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage)What yuppies turn into when they have children and one of them stops working to stay home with the kids.
Swiped Out - An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because the magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use.
Percussive maintenance - The fine art of whacking the heck out of an electronic device to get it to work again.
Uninstalled - Euphemism for being fired. Heard on the voicemail of a vice president at a downsizing computer firm: “You have reached the number of an uninstalled vice president. Please dial our main number and ask the operator for assistance.” (Synonym: Decruitment)
Salmon day - The experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream only to die in the end.
CLM (Career Limiting Move)Used among microserfs to describe ill-advised activity. Trashing your boss while he or she is within earshot is a serious CLM.
Ohnosesecond - That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake. (Synonym: Ignosecond), the moment between letting go of the door handle as you swing the car door shut and the actual closing of the door, during which you suddenly realize the keys are still in the ignition.
Submitted by Lucy Sullivan
Between her sophomore and junior years in college, my daughter Laurie waited tables at a rather seedy steakhouse.
One evening she waited on a well-dressed young couple. In a rather condescending tone, the man asked her, “Tell me, have you ever thought of going to college?”
“Actually, I do go to college,” Laurie politely replied.
“Well, I went to Harvard,” he said, surveying the restaurant, “and I'd never work in a place like this.”
“I go to Vassar,” Laurie retorted, “and I make it a point to never eat in a dump like this.” ■
er to call
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Iam happy to report that the worm composting community has grown worldwide, as over 10 countries were represented at the recent Vermiculture Conference at North Carolina State University. Everyone brought enthusiasm along with photos and stories of how to make amazing soil amendments and plant nutrient material using simple low-cost methods.
It was also rewarding to learn the North Carolina State campus composts all of its food waste and paper waste at its own facility. They composted 1,600 tons of material last year alone. Not only are they lessening what goes to their local landfill, but they can now meet the needs of all of their campuses’ landscaping departments.
The compost facility at Western Colorado Community College in Grand Junction does worm composting outdoors, but only by winterizing the worm bins and burrowing the structure around them with straw bales.
ADDING WORMS TO THE COMPOSTING PROCESS INCREASES AND
Vermicomposting can take your home composting to the next level.
Adding worms to the composting process increases and diversifies microbial populations, which makes for better plant growth. It also increases the amount of nutrients in the crops that we eat.
Five kinds of worms make great composters. The most temperature tolerant is the red wiggler (eisenia fetida).
Traditional composting raises temperatures above what a red wiggler can tolerate, so we create
worm bins to keep them happy. Ideally, we want to keep their space at 50-80°F while feeding them food waste, teabags, junk mail and composted materials. Worms that are fed food waste and manure do quite well, but the latest research shows that pre-composting materials makes a fantastic worm feed and superior vermicompost in the end. Here are some of the benefits of pre-composting:
• It prevents high nitrogen-content food waste from starting the composting process and elevating temperatures well above what worms can tolerate.
• It moderates the pH level of the compost. Worms prefer a 6-7 pH range.
• It volatilizes ammonia (NH3) and converts it to plant-available nitrates (NO3) so the vermicompost is more readily absorbed by the plants.
• It can decompose potential toxins.
• It homogenizes the feedstock so that the worms can consume it evenly, making for a consistent vermicompost afterward.
Best worm bin
Old Tom’s Wormery (www.oldtomswormery.com) in San Jose, California, has designed the most functional and affordable continuous flow-through method (CFT) vermicomposting worm bin I have ever come across. It is functional and simple to use, and has been engineered for long-term use.
Dr. Zack Jones has identified a core group of microbes that produce plant growth hormones
Vermicompost ready to add to soil.
to aid in crop production that are present in all vermicompost, regardless of feedstocks or worm bin style. You can see his results at www.vermimicrobiomeproject. com.
Samantha Flowers of Meme’s Worms in Georgia (www.memesworms.com) started out raising worms for her grandson to use for fishing. Now her worm breeding business is booming! She sells 100 pounds of red wigglers per week.
Steve Churchill provides materials and supplies for home-based composters (www.urbanwormcompany.com). Be sure to check out his blogs and YouTube channel (@ UrbanWormCompany). He does weekly livestreams on all topics relating to worm composting every Wednesday at 9 a.m. ■
The Urban Worm Bag for home vermicomposting.
a parent in assisted living is such a hard decision, and I never expected my mom to be a true part of the community. 6 months ago you would never have convinced me she would participate in music, bingo, exercises, activities - and she’s now fully engaging in it all! When I visit I can always find her in the community areas having fun and thriving, and I can’t thank the Winslow Court staff enough.
“Fish. Party. Repeat.”
Those words, printed on a South Padre Island, Texas restaurant sign refer to two of the popular pastimes there.
SPI (as locals call it) and nearby Port Isabel also boast a long list of other things to see and do. These activities are well known to “Winter Texans”—people primarily from the Midwest who spend several winter months soaking up the sun and fun at those twin towns nestled along the Gulf of Mexico at the Lone Star State’s southern extremity.
This is an area of outstanding beaches, a long list of both land and water activities, and intriguing historical tidbits. Both communities present the atmosphere of many beachfront locations. Hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops abound, and colorful golf carts are a popular mode of transportation.
Much more awaits those who find their way to this fantastic destination that’s within a seashell’s throw of Mexico.
South Padre Island’s beaches have won well-deserved accolades, and the proximity of Mexico has influenced the local culture. After the Spanish exploration period, the area was owned by Mexico and then the Republic of Texas before becoming part of the United States.
Visitors soon learn why the destination is a magnet for people who like to fish. The waters are so productive that one charter boat captain advertises “No fish; no charge.”
The A (antiquing) to Z (ziplining) list of activities includes many that are water-related. They range from kayaking and canoeing, snorkeling and sailing, to speeding around on a jet ski and loping along a beach on horseback.
Birding is another attraction. At the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, I spotted some of the 350-plus species that reside in or migrate through the area. Some have colorful names like Marbled Godwit and Semipalmated Plover.
Another expedition took me on a dolphin-watch cruise in Laguna Madre Bay. Captain Bob pointed out the first sighting as soon as we left the marina.
Whenever someone saw a telltale fin—or better yet, a dolphin leaping out of the water—a collective “ooooh, aaaah” echoed among the passengers.
Adding to our enjoyment was inspecting the specimens that a net had dredged up from the bay floor. Among the sea life we examined were a sting ray, several fish and shrimp.
It’s no surprise that shrimp were among our catch. Those crustaceans have been the source of an industry that has thrived in the area since the 19th century. Trawlers drag their nets through the Gulf
Mexico for as long as three weeks at a time, working at night because shrimp are nocturnal.
Also not surprising are variations on shrimp dishes that are served at local restaurants, including tacos, quesadillas, benedicts, omelets and
A visiting beachgoer surfcasts for his dinner in South Padre Island, Texas.BLT sandwiches. They augment the American, Mexican and Texas-based cuisine which is included on many menus.
The story of shrimping is among those told at the Port Isabel Historical Museum.
Exhibits portray the area’s past,
beginning with the arrival of Native Americans and moving on to the Spanish exploration period, the Civil War and local folklore.
The museum is housed in a historic building (built in 1899), which in the past served as a dry goods store, post office and railroad station.
Port Isabel also is home to a
Trawlers drag their nets through the Gulf of Mexico for as long as three weeks at a time to catch shrimp, which is the source of an industry that has thrived in the area since the 19th century.
lighthouse, which was completed in 1853 to guide ships bringing supplies to U.S. military posts.
During the American Civil War, it was used as an observation tower by both forces.
Of the 16 lighthouses along the Texas coastline, this is the only one that’s open to visitors. Those who
climb to the top are rewarded with dramatic 360-degree views of the land and sea.
If clambering to the top of a lighthouse isn’t your thing, perhaps world-class fishing or relaxing on celebrated beaches is. They’re among many treats that await those who visit SPI and Port Isabel, Texas. ■
Visit sopadre.com and portisabel-texas.com to get some great ideas for travel!
You’re nearly asleep when suddenly, you’re startled by a noise. Instantly, you’re paralyzed by the fear of an intruder.
Fortunately, most of those bumps in the night turn out to be little more than the ice maker or house settling. Nonetheless, the U.S. Department of Justice reports approximately 3.7 million burglaries occur each year.
So how can you protect your home and yourself? Prevention is the best line of defense. But it’s equally important to be prepared and know what to do should a burglary occur when you’re at home.
The front door is one of the most common entry points for burglars.
In fact, it isn’t uncommon for burglars to knock on the front door to see if anyone’s home.
There are several things you can do to prevent unwanted entry into your home through doors.
• Keep doors locked at all times, whether you’re home or not.
• Install a deadbolt on all doors. Proper installation is crucial, so consider hiring a locksmith.
• Install a peephole.
• Eliminate or frame-in sidelight windows. Security window film can also prevent entry, or at least slow down a burglar.
Typically, sliding glass doors don’t
Sensible ways to prevent burglary, and what to do if you’re home
come with very secure locks. Consider adding a keyed patio door lock and security pin, or add something as simple as a security bar or wooden dowel in the door track.
The same is true of windows. Consider adding a security window film to make the glass more difficult to break. Decorative security film will also add privacy, and can even be used on patio doors. The thicker the film, the more effective it is in preventing glass breakage.
Finally, make it a habit to lock your windows every time you close them, as it’s easy to forget about them when you leave or go to bed.
Today, there are window and door alarms to fit nearly every budget. Although security alarms don’t block access, they can be a deterrent. Many burglars are scared off when an alarm sounds. You’ll also be alerted if someone does enter your home. Depending on the alarm and service plan you have, it may put in a call to the police as well.
Some would-be burglars avoid homes with a security system sign posted outside. However, many burglars realize people often post signs when they don’t have a security system and that most people often don’t arm their systems. This also goes for doorbell cameras and smart home automation.
Before you purchase security alarms, do your research and get the best you can afford.
Make sure all entry points to your home, including windows, are well lit. This serves as a deterrent and also makes braver burglars more visible to you, neighbors or pass-
ersby. If you don’t want lights on all the time, install motion lights. Wall mount solar lights are a very affordable option. You can typically find half a dozen lights for around $25.
Having the lights on indoors also deters burglars by creating the perception someone is home and awake. Leave one or two lights on in the main rooms of your home at night or when you’re away.
• Don’t hide a key under the doormat, planter or elsewhere.
• Keep shrubs and trees around your home trimmed, particularly near access points, so burglars don’t have a place to hide.
• Install window coverings on all windows and close them at night so burglars can’t see in.
• Keep your car locked at all times. This is very important if you have a garage door opener in your car. Also, make sure the opener isn’t in view.
• Lock the door from your garage to your home. Many burglars are able to access garages that are locked or secured by garage door openers.
Being prepared is crucial to reducing your risk of being a victim of violence. First, consider ways you can escape your home safely. Once you’ve developed a safety plan and backup plan, practice both so you’re prepared in the event of a burglary.
• Have an escape ladder. Homes that aren’t at ground level pose
IF YOU HEAR A BURGLAR, HIT THE PANIC BUTTON. SOMETIMES THIS WILL SCARE OFF AN INTRUDER WHO FEARS NEIGHBORS WILL WAKE.
additional challenges. An escape ladder stored in an easily accessible spot is a worthwhile investment. You can also use it to escape a fire.
• Lock your bedroom door at night. That way you’ll be able to hear if someone tries breaking into your room. Because bedroom door locks are easy to pick, consider installing keyed door knobs.
• Choose a safe room. It can be a closet or bathroom that’s easily accessible, preferably with an escape route. Install a deadbolt on the door and, if possible, keep an extra phone in there. In the event burglars do try to enter the room you’re in, they'll likely realize you’re in there. Tell them “we’ve” called the police, so they don’t think you’re alone.
• Arm yourself. Carefully consider the pros and cons of keeping a weapon near your bed or in your safe area and the type of weapon. (Know that pepper spray has a
high incidence of not working. And when it does, the mist can end up in your own eyes.) Most burglars don’t intend to cause harm. But if they feel threatened, things can escalate.
• Sleep with your car keys next to your bed. If you hear a burglar, hit the panic button. Sometimes this will scare off an intruder who fears neighbors will wake.
• Keep your phone near your bed at night and fully charged.
If a burglar is at your door and hasn’t yet gained access to your home, tell him through the locked door that you “and your husband” are home and have already called the police. Then immediately dial 911.
If you think an intruder is already inside your home, you don’t know his intentions. Quietly grab your phone and lock yourself in a room, preferably one with an escape window. Be as quiet as possible and call 911. Give dispatch your address, that way if your call is disrupted, dispatch knows your location. Stay on the phone until dispatch informs you the police have arrived and it’s safe to come out. ■
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology makes home security options more accessible and affordable than ever. Outdoor cameras and doorbells from Ring, SimpliSafe and Google Nest are relatively easy to use and install.It seems when most people make their New Year’s resolutions, they commit the common error of choosing things too difficult to do.
For example, last year one of the top resolutions was to exercise more. Based on the number of treadmills and stationary exercise bikes I saw at garage sales this past summer, I’d say that resolution didn’t work out so well for a lot of folks.
I also saw quite a number of those exercise mats going for cheap—you know the comfortable cushions that you lie down on to stretch and do sit-ups? I had one but I would often fall asleep while lying on it. I do believe that I burned a few calories from aerobic snoring.
And how about that perennial favorite resolution of promising to watch our weight? I’m sure that most of us do not have any difficulty “watching” our weight. I can do that while lying back in my recliner after devouring a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream
and gazing at my belly as it expands before my eyes. But losing weight? That’s a whole ’nother thing.
Since relieving one’s stress during the upcoming year is also high on resolution lists, why make resolutions that will no doubt increase one’s stress?
My solution is to simply make resolutions that are either extremely easy to keep or are so bad for me that I’m better off breaking them as soon as possible. It's a win-win situation.
Here’s how this strategy works: Many people vow to quit smoking during the new year—an exceedingly difficult resolution to keep. Hence, I take the opposite track and resolve to START smoking, which is easy to do. However, it is not good for me and awfully expensive. So, I’ll have one cigarette then vow to quit smoking. Heck, I can knock off two resolutions in about five minutes.
Let me share some of my other resolutions.
I resolve that by the end of 2023 I will have less hair on my head and
more hair in my nose and ears. I have made this resolution for at least the last 10 years and have carried it out faithfully each year.
To become more socially active, I vow to FaceTime with myself by taping my picture over that tiny camera hole on our two computers and run back and forth to speak.
nights too if something special is going on, like some sort of rare natural phenomena such as a sunset.
On Mondays, beer only if football, baseball, or basketball is on TV, so no beer during curling season.
I resolve to not drink beer on Tuesdays and Wednesdays unless, of course, my wife needs the room in the fridge. No beer on Thursdays except for a little to reward myself for how well I’m keeping my resolution throughout the week so far. That leaves Sunday, a day of rest
and no beer, except I may need to have a beer Sunday evening to recover from all that stressful resting. There's also my annual resolution to start using my credit card when shopping instead of my spare-change collection. Mainly because credit cards have really helped to reduce unemployment since there are apparently thousands of diligent people totally dedicated to stealing credit card numbers.
I know this because recently my
credit card company notified me that I had charged 50 cents to a catering company in Mexico.
Now my memory isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be, but I’m fairly sure that if I had recently hosted a party in a place called Zihuatanejo and ordered one pint of refried beans for all my guests to share, I’d probably remember it.
Related to using my credit card more: I resolve to practice writing my name at home with the plastic handle of my toothbrush so I can get better at signing the screen at the checkout stand with that chunky high-tech pen which doesn’t let you see what you’re doing.
Another easy-to-keep technology-related resolution is that I will spend less time watching television simply by falling asleep in front of the TV even sooner than I did last year.
For health reasons, during the new year I resolve to only drink beer on Saturday nights. Oh, and Friday
A final interesting fact about resolutions is that the percentage of people over 50 who achieve their resolution each year is the lowest of any age group: only 14%. That’s probably because, if they’re anything like me, they forgot to write their resolution down, or if they
I RESOLVE TO NOT DRINK BEER ON TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS UNLESS, OF COURSE, MY WIFE NEEDS THE ROOM IN THE FRIDGE.
Pastor Bob Hollopeter Sunday Service: 10:30am & 6:30pm Wednesday Afternoon Prayer Meeting: 3:00pm 2728 Beacon Street Colorado Springs (719) 636-1515
Today we live in a world bombarded with negativity. The news describes deadly natural disasters, wars or threats of war, civil unrest, political corruption, racial turmoil…the list goes on. It seems unavoidable.
But there’s still hope. This isn’t the first time our nation has been in such turmoil, nor will it be the last. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
At first, that statement might sound a bit gloomy. However, the verse reminds us that history repeats itself and that difficult times come and go. Nothing lasts forever. Dark clouds may come, but eventually the sun comes out again and life goes on.
So, what are you to do when you find yourself bogged down by negativity? First, I suggest you focus less on yourself. I Thessalonians 1:12-19 recommends living in peace with one another, encouraging one another, helping those who are weak, being joyful and grateful, and holding on to the good. If you’re busy focusing on others, you have less time to dwell on your own fears. You’ll begin to see there’s still good in this world.
Second, there are some practical steps you can take to turn negative thoughts into positive ones:
• Reflection. Think about things you’ve already overcome. You’ll realize your own resilience.
• Reframe your thoughts. Instead of, “The world is a mess and going downhill,” change it to, “We’ve gone through times this bad or worse before but we’re still here.”
• Get in touch with nature. Take a walk and focus on the sights
and sounds. Watch the birds and wildlife. You’ll feel refreshed afterwards.
• Change what you can and let go of what you can’t. Accept that some things are simply not in your control.
• Do good. It doesn’t have to be something big and it’ll make you feel good.
• Think of how you would advise someone else. Ask yourself, “What would I say to someone who came to me for advice about how to deal with all the bad news surrounding us?”
• Look at the big picture. A year from now, will you even remember what you found so disturbing today?
• Seek the good. You’ll discover there’s a lot to be thankful for in your present life.
• Associate with positive people. It’s hard to be negative when the people around you are almost always positive.
• Be careful what you feed your mind. Don’t constantly watch the news!
You can positively impact our world. Learn from the past but look to the future. Never give up. As the great Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Or as Helen Keller is attributed as saying, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
You have it within you to change the negative to the positive. Find a motto you really like and memorize it. My favorite is by Emerson: “What lies behind you, what lies before you, are tiny matters compared to what lies within you.” If you are positive, surprisingly, the world around you will become that way, too. ■
One of the worst problems I see people do in regards to implementing and using technology is following obsolete advice.
The world “obsolete” is often used to describe something that has gone out of fashion or has been surpassed by something that works more efficiently. However, true obsolescence is when something either becomes totally unusable for the purpose for which it was designed, or because it becomes far more cost prohibitive, or even dangerous, than the alternatives that replace it.
It’s easy to identify when technology becomes functionally obsolete—when using it simply doesn’t make sense.
Following obsolete technology advice can lead to major problems including identity theft, financial loss, limitations on access to public services and even health complications. That’s because bad guys don’t need complicated hacking software if they can use your own misconceptions and obsolete knowledge against you.
Let’s begin the new year by taking a more informed approach to technological advice by getting rid of obsolete practices and ringing in the new. Here are some tech truths to keep in mind.
Your antivirus doesn’t protect you from anything. Back in the day, antiviruses played key roles in defending you from the bad guys, but not anymore. The truth is that most modern computers have the latest protection built into their systems, which do a far better job of keeping your information safe. Web browsers, too, have their own builtin security, oftentimes surpassing antivirus capabilities.
Early viruses were designed to cause problems. The virus creators
often did it for notoriety, activism or to vandalize the digital space.
Now creating viruses takes expertise. The skills used to write malicious programs are in higher demand by legitimate companies like Google, Facebook and Microsoft than by organized crime or third-world political factions.
You can’t stay off the grid. Prior to broadband internet, smartphones, Google and Facebook, it was somewhat possible to keep a small footprint in cyberspace. Those days are gone. Now everything you do that creates a record is connected to the internet.
You have a complete and accurate digital profile in cyberspace whether you know it or not, and there is no way to delete it. Your online identity is made up of all the information that is shared and curated from your various activities online.
Shopper loyalty cards know you. A shopper loyalty card isn’t just designed to give you cheaper gas and exclusive discounts. These cards associate you with what you buy, how often you buy it, which sale items bring you back into the store, the days and times you typically shop, how you pay for merchandise, whether you have a family, etc.
The data these programs gather is even more useful if you use associated services like tire maintenance, pharmacy or the store’s online ordering and home delivery. Think for a minute about what last month’s trips to the grocery store say about you.
Staying offline gives bad guys the ability to claim your identity. Many people think that the best way to prevent bad guys from getting their information is to never intentionally put the information online.
However, if you don’t put your cellphone number into Facebook when you set up an account, anyone with your username and password can access it and make changes. But when you provide your cellphone number, you will get a text with a unique password that will be required to change anything about your account.
Bad guys love getting into an online account where the cellphone number hasn’t been provided. They will immediately put their own cellphone number into that space. After that, everything about your account can be changed and verified by the person who holds the associated cellphone.
Two-factor authentication methods work. All forms of two-factor authentication are secure and reliable. If an online entity you are doing business with has the option to set up two-factor authentication, use it. Provide secondary email addresses and cellphone numbers, or use a specified app for authentication.
It can be annoying, but the more ways a legitimate company can keep someone from accessing your account, the better. Bad guys will not be able to hijack an account unless they have access to your secondary authentication method. ■
Send your questions to Adam in care of Life After 50, or email him at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org
New Year’s Sunrise Painting
It’s the dawn of a new year, so why not paint a gorgeous sunrise? Painting with a Twist artists will equip you with the techniques you need to pull it off. Bottomless mimosas are included!
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | 115 N. Tejon St. | $40-$60 | www.paintingwithatwist. com | 719-473-8663
45th Annual Rescue Run
Run on the trails of Bear Creek Park East—a new course to welcome in the New Year for the 45th run to benefit El Paso County Search and Rescue. Meet at Norris-Penrose Events Center.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $35 | www.runsignup. com
January 1-31
Financial Self-Defense
January is Financial Wellness Month! Attend a free presentation by a retirement income certified professional to get your financial resolutions in order. Registration is required. Varied times and locations | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Free Law Clinic
Speak with an attorney at no cost over Zoom at the Fountain Library. Registration is required.
3:30-5 p.m. | 230 S. Main St., Fountain | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-5316333
Learn research strategies, including how to get started, organizing research and selecting and searching for records. Registration is required. 10 a.m. Monday, 2 p.m. Saturday | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
and Thursdays at Who Gives a Scrap. Contact yogaforkindness 2021@gmail.com. 10-11:15 a.m. | 810 Arcturus Drive | $5-$10 donation | www.whogives ascrapcolorado.com | 719-375-8734
Live Music at JAKs Taproom!
Enjoy oldies but goodies from the ’60s and ’70s from the acoustic guitar of Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma. 7- 8:30 p.m. | 7715 Dublin Blvd. #160 | Free | www.jaksbrewing.com | 719-375-8202
Medicare 101
Learn about Catholic Charities and their efforts. Every first Friday of the month you may tour the Marian House Complex. Please RSVP to BReimerBaum@CCharitiesCC.org by the Thursday prior.
10-11 a.m. | 14 W. Bijou St. | Free | www.ccharitiescc.com | 719-6362345
These informal gatherings for seniors on Tuesday mornings at the Rockrimmon Library offer information sharing, networking, discussions and coffee. All are welcome.
10:30-11:30 a.m. | 832 Village Center Drive | Free | https://ppld.library market.com | 719-593-8000
Reap the benefits of gentle stretching yoga! January’s theme is selfempowerment. Classes are Tuesdays
Bring your Medicare questions to the Memorial Administrative Center. Learn about eligibility, enrolling in Medicare A, B and D and a comparison of the differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans. A virtual attendance option is available. 2-3 p.m. | 2420 E. Pikes Peak Ave. | Free | www.uchealth.org/events/ medicare-101-19 | 719-365-8061
Beatlemania comes to the Pikes Peak Center like it was “Yesterday.” This Emmy award-winning band’s precise attention to detail elevates them far above every other Beatles tribute.
8 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $36$79 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100
See the latest innovations and design trends for your home improvement projects at Norris Penrose Event Center! Meet local professionals and explore how to bring your ideas to life, from countertops and cabinets to flooring and windows.
2-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday | 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $3 | www. homeshowcenter.com | 800-3746463
A good knot is a useful tool!
Come to Fountain Creek Nature Center to get hands-on experience using different materials to tie effective and secure knots for home, camping and gardening projects. Please preregister online.
2-5 p.m. | 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain | $8, $7 members & military | www.elpasocounty naturecenters.com | 719-5206977
fruits, and bridge the gap between ecology restoration and traditional landscapes.
10-11 a.m. | 4955 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. | $10 | www.phelangardens. com | 719-574-8058
A wonderful evening of excitement, laughs and rolling dice awaits when you play bunco in the Nature Center! They’ll provide the dice, score cards, nacho bar and prizes. You must be 13 or older to play. Please preregister online.
5 p.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road | $8 | www.elpasocountynaturecenters. com | 719-520-6977
Master Class
Brush up on your grill skills at Colorado BBQ Outfitter’s north store.
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 4955 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. | $10 | www.phelangardens.com | 719-574-8058
Come out to Boot Barn Hall to hear this six-piece, horn-powered, poprock band that plays covers and originals. Many members are current or former local music teachers. They’ve opened for Eddie Money, Firefall, Pure Prairie League and others. 5-10 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | $29-$49 | www.bootbarnhall.com | 719-401-0600
Tunes on Tuesday!
Nutrition Class (Virtual) Go online and get all the tips and tricks on creating a healthy home environment in this online presentation. Registration is required. 2 p.m. | Free | www.ppldorg | 719531-6333
Mardi Gras Cooking Class
Hear this internationally acclaimed Canada-based pair perform classical music on piano and viola live at an intimate house concert hosted by local painter Karen Mosbacher. A social reception follows.
3-5 p.m. | 9187 Glitter Way | $25 | www.theezraduo.com
There can be a large gap between veterans and civilians. This six-week discussion series at the Penrose Library, which runs through February 14, attempts to bridge that gap through literature and personal accounts. Registration is required.
6 p.m. | 20 N. Cascade Ave. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Is your landscape paying rent? Plant things that will give a return! Learn about hardy, tasty perennials, including native alternatives to the usual
Learn tips, recipes, meat trimming and structure and all about smokers. You’ll make pulled pork, brisket, burnt ends, St. Louis-style ribs and chicken—and feast on your efforts!
4-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday | 5921 N. Academy Blvd. | $300 ($500/couple) | www.roostersq. com | 719-799-6916
Get a front-row seat to Chicago in the 1920s in this musical at the Pikes Peak Center with hot jazz and cold-blooded killers. A pair of murderesses become celebrities, and their shenanigans include court, jail and sensational press!
8 p.m. Friday, 2 & 8 p.m. Saturday | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $38-$240 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719477-2100
Water Harvesting: Making the Most of Every Drop
Learn to water your yard more effectively at Phelan Gardens. By sinking water into your landscape, you’ll save on your water bill, your plants will develop better root systems and you’ll maximize every precious drop of rain. Please RSVP online.
Hear oldies but goodies from the ’60s and ’70s with the acoustic guitar and velvety trombone of Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. 1:30-2:30 p.m. | 1514 N. Hancock Ave. | Free | www.CSSeniorCenter. com | 719-955-3400
Start your new year calm and collected by learning to become better organized and clutter-free with Dana K. White, creator of the popular podcast and blog “A Slob Comes Clean” in this virtual author talk.
12 p.m. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Whip up flavorful Cajun and Creole dishes accompanied by stories and history. You’ll make jambalaya, shrimp etouffee, cornbread crab cakes, chowchow, remoulade, beignets and a non-alcoholic hurricane. Taste and take home a portion of each dish.
Varied times | 4771 N. Academy Blvd. | $89 | www.tfkcc.com | 719-528-6295
Shen Yun
You’ll be mesmerized by the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company’s beautiful costumes and lush orchestration against digital backdrops at the Pikes Peak Center. See cultural history preserved and presented in a kaleidoscope of color, patterns and exquisite movement. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 6 p.m. Thursday | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $90-$193 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719477-2100
Welcome 2023 with healthy intentions at Onaledge Historic Lodge at Sun Mountain Center in Manitou. Enjoy yoga, organic vegetarian
meals, Cave of the Winds medicine music, spa soaks, Thai massage, a silent disco, hiking, reiki and meditation.
12:30 p.m. Thursday-3:30 p.m. Sunday| 336 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs | $835.50 | www.healing wheelholistic.com | 310-774-6191
Rock out at the Pikes Peak Center! This mind-blowing, drop dead accurate homage to Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, Aerosmith and other arena rockers will thrill you to your core.
8-10 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $32-$43 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100
There’s no need to sign up—just show up at Phelan Gardens for this TGIF (Thank God It’s Flowering) event. Come tap volunteers’ knowledge about utilizing native plants for beauty and saving water while benefiting local pollinators and wildlife.
2-4 p.m. | 4955 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. | Free | www.phelan gardens.com | 719-574-8058
2 p.m. | 7290 Commerce Center Drive | $55-$60, $45-$50 student, $10 child | www.cosinecon.org | 719-599-9100
Learn about Dorothy Kemp Heller, one of the first women to work for the Colorado Springs Police Department tackling domestic violence, child abuse and troubled juveniles. She advocated for reforms that helped women and children. Preregistration is required.
2-3 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org | 719-385-5990
Learn how to make nutrients available where your plants need them in this class at Phelan Gardens. 10-11 a.m. | 4955 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. | $10 | www.phelangardens. com | 719-574-8058
Draw inspiration from your hardships to deepen your practice under the gentle leadership of yoga guide Jess Chamberlain, in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership. All skill levels welcome. Please register online. 10-11 a.m. | 704 N. Tejon St. | Free | www.pikespeaksuicideprevention. org | 719-573-7447
Listen to live folk, ballads and pop
Feel the need for speed? Come out to Pikes Peak International Raceway to admire street legal cars and motorcycles and see them in action. The public will choose the winner of the car show.
8 a.m.-3 p.m. | 16650 Midway Ranch Road, Fountain | $10 | www.ppir.com
accordion and bandoneón players in both the classical and jazz genres, as well as a virtuoso composer and arranger.
3 p.m. | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | Call for pricing | www.entcenterfor thearts.org | 719-255-3232
Are you a writer, aspiring author or creative hoping to learn how to market and promote your books before self-publishing? This virtual threepart program is for you. It runs through February 6 and registration is required.
6 p.m. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719531-6333
Pre-1850 Geneaology Research
Calling all science fiction fans to Embassy Suites by Hilton. This convention features sci-fi and fantasy authors, artists and fans, panels, an art show, author signings and receptions, gaming, science and technology, a dealers’ room, kids’ programming and more!
Enjoying our mountainous outdoor beauty is a privilege! Learn how to stay secure amid weather, wildlife and other challenges in this class at Library 21c. 12-2 p.m. | 1175 Chapel Hills Drive | Free | www.sustainableeducationalexperience.org
songs from solo guitarist and trombonist Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma. Same day, two locations: Mission Coffee Roasters in the morning and Third Space Coffee in the afternoon. 9-10:30 a.m. | 11641 Ridgeline Dr. #170 | 3-4:30 p.m. | 5670 N. Academy Blvd. | Free | www.thirdspace coffee.com | 719-465-1657
Julien Labro
Listen in amazement to international star Labro at the Ent Center for the Arts! He’s one of the foremost
Researching ancestors in the United States before 1850 can be a challenge. Learn strategies, records and tips to help you dive deeper into your genealogical research in this online presentation. Registration is required.
7 p.m. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719531-6333
From Spanish paella to French pilaf and Cajun jambalaya, rice rocks! Come to The French Kitchen to learn the techniques for risotto and rice pudding too. When the cooking’s done, enjoy a meal together. Leave with luscious leftovers and brag-worthy recipes to recreate.
9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. | 4771 N. Academy Blvd. | $89 | www.tfkcc.com | 719-528-6295
He’s hilarious, and he’s coming to Loonees Comedy Corner! He was part of the Scream franchise, “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment” on The WB, “Ghost Whisperer” and “The Cleveland Show.” He tours widely, spreading his quirky humor.
7 & 9:30 p.m. | 1305 N. Academy Blvd. | $25 | www.looneescc.com | 719-591-0707
This weekend silent retreat for women at The Hideaway Inn and Conference Center features spiritual talks and time for personal meditation, with holy Mass, holy Rosary and confession.
4 p.m. Friday-5 p.m. Sunday | 3805 Walker Road | $370 | www. mileschristi.org | 858-768-0872
The fruitcakes will fly again in Manitou Springs’ Memorial Park. Throws are monitored for distance, speed, accuracy and balance. Or you can taste instead of toss!
1-3 p.m. | 502 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | $1-$5 | www. manitousprings.org
Nothing says love like a handmade card! Learn watercolor basics, then make your own Valentine’s Day cards. You’ll receive your own watercolor pallet, brush set and cards with envelopes. Please preregister online.
1-3 p.m. | 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain | $15, $10 members & military | www.elpaso countynaturecenters.com | 719520-6745
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While traditional Kokedama is tricky in Colorado, learn how to choose plants that tolerate our dry air and plant your own hanging masterpiece in this quick 30-minute class at Phelan Gardens.
1-1:30 p.m. | 4955 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. | $35 | www.phelangardens. com | 719-574-8058
Local favorite cellist Jan Vogler rejoins the Philharmonic to “play” knight Don Quixote de la Mancha at
the Pikes Peak Center. His loyal servant Sancho Panza is violist Matthew Lipman. Pre-concert talks are one hour before the performance. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $28-$84 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719477-2100
Laughs await you at the Pikes Peak Center, where actor Michael Dorsey bombs a soap opera audition, then reinvents himself as actress “Dorothy Michaels” and wins the part. When Michael falls for his castmate Julie, it’s hilariously complicated!
7:30-10:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $43-$103 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100 ■
Your time and wisdom are valuable. Become a Foster Grandparent Classroom Volunteer. You can share your skills and experience while children shower you with curiosity and hugs. Get involved with Volunteers of America’s Foster Grandparent Program.
• Do you love children and enjoy spending time with them?
• Are able to volunteer 15-40 hours per week helping children learn and succeed?
• Are you 55 years old or older? Do you live in El Paso County?
• Is your income under $27,180 for a single person household, or under $36,620 for a two-person household?
• Could you use an extra $200 - $400+ per month, plus travel reimbursement?
If you answered YES to these questions, call (719) 632-1448 todayto get involved in the Foster Grandparent Program.
21st Century Toastmasters meets weekly at Library 21c.
Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-591-8045
ACC Grass Roots 307 Cribbage meets weekly at the Colorado Springs Elks Lodge.
Wednesdays | 4:30 p.m. | 719-331-1200
ACLU defends civil rights and liberties. Call for details. 303-777-5482
Adult Coloring Club meets monthly at Florissant Library.
1st Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-748-3939
Austin Bluffs Sertoma, a community service organization, meets for breakfast at Hotel Elegante.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 7:30 a.m. | 719-460-5561 (Pat)
Austrian-American Enzian Club is a German-speaking culture club that meets monthly at VFW Post #101.
2nd Wednesday | 2-4 p.m. | 719-380-1163
Black Forest AARP meets for a monthly potluck at Black Forest Lutheran Church.
2nd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-596-6787
Black Forest Trails Association meetings are open to the public at Black Forest Community Club. 2nd Wednesday | 6:30 | www.black foresttrails.org
Blazer Ski Club meets weekly year round with organized ski trips, golf, hiking and more. Wednesdays | www.blazerskiclub.org
Bridge Players Duplicate plays daily at the Bridge Center.
Monday-Friday at 12:30 p.m. | Tuesdays at 9 a.m. | Saturdays at 6 p.m. | 719-634-7250
Broadmoor Rotary Club meets twice monthly for lunch with a speaker at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Please RSVP.
1st and 3rd Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 740-707-3022 | www.rotarybroadmoor.com
Bulldog Club meets monthly at Westside Community Center. 4th Monday | 6-8 p.m. | chloedhow-
Carnelian Coffee Book Club meets monthly at Out West Gift Shop.
1st Sunday | 1 p.m. | jpaisley@ppld.org
Cheyenne Mountain Hooked on Crochet meets virtually to crochet or knit.
1st & 3rd Thursdays | 10 a.m. | www.ppld.org | 719-389-8968
Cheyenne Mountain Newcomers Club for women meets monthly at Broadmoor Community Church. Annual dues are $30.
2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | www.cmncos.org
Colorado Springs Breakfast Club for Singles 50+ meets monthly at Patty Jewett Clubhouse. Cost is $20 (cash or check). Must RSVP.
1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-260-0651 | tbc50plus.org
Colorado Springs Chess Club meets weekly at Acacia Apartments ballroom.
Tuesdays | 6 p.m.
Colorado Springs Coin Club meets monthly at Fraternal Order of Eagles #143.
4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 719-632-4260
Colorado Springs Numismatic Society meets monthly at Gold Hill Police Station’s community room.
2nd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-632-4260
Colorado Springs Scrabble Club meets virtually weekly for three games on Woogles.io. Mondays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-332-5141
Colorado Springs Stamp Club meets monthly at Vista Grande Baptist Church.
1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.
Curiosity Unlimited offers continuous learning opportunities with monthly UCCS professor lectures at Ent Center for the Arts, Chapman Foundations Recital Hall. Visitors welcome!
2nd Friday | 10 a.m. | www.uccs. edu/curiosity | 719-755-5082
DAV Knob Hill holds a bingo fundraiser at 6880 Palmer Park Blvd. to help aid local veterans.
Sundays | 5:30-9 p.m. | 719-591-8787
El Paso Pacers walking club meets monthly. RSVP by email. 3rd Thursday | 9 a.m. | 719-5206977 | theresaodello@elpaso.com
Evening Adult Fiction Book Club for daytime workers meets monthly at Woodland Park Library. 1st Wednesday | 5 p.m
Falcon Adult Group meets monthly at High Prairie Library. 1st Wednesday | 11 a.m.
Falcon Garden Club meets monthly at High Prairie Library. 3rd Saturday | 10 a.m. | www.falcon gardenclub.org
Florissant Bookworms meets monthly at Florissant Library. 3rd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-748-3939
Falcon Wanderers Volkssport Club meets for regular walks. Membership dues are $10 per person, $16 per couple and $20 per family. 719-597-4307 | www.falconwanderers.org
Friends at the Table Cooking Club meets at Florissant Library. 3rd Friday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-7483939
Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship meets for breakfast at IHOP, 6005 Constitution Ave. 2nd Saturday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-229-3317
Gleneagle Sertoma, a community service organization, meets twice monthly for lunch.
1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11:30 a.m. | 719-331-1212
Gold Camp Victorian Society meets monthly at Cripple Creek Heritage Center.
4th Saturday | 2 p.m. | info@gold campvictoriansociety.org
Hi-Country Newcomers is a social group open to all women in Colorado Springs. Activities include hiking, book club, games, lunches and tours. Call for membership and locations.
2nd Monday | 10 a.m. | 719-464-7633
International Dance Club hosts weekly dances. Live bands, variety of
styles, family friendly. Cost is $12. Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 719-633-0195
MAG (Moving Ahead Group), a social group for those who have lost a spouse or partner, meets for dinner at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.
Last Sunday | 4 p.m.
Maxi’s Dance Group meets weekly at Eagles Club #143 with music for ages 40+ and food and drinks for purchase. Cover is $5 members, $8 non-members.
Thursdays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-660-1358.
Not So Young Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library. 1st Wednesday | 11 a.m. | 719-687-9281
Paralyzed Vets of America plays weekly at Bingo World. Tuesdays | 12:30 p.m. | 719-578-1441
Pikes Peak Camera Club meets virtually. Zoom link on website. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-634-2376 | www.pikespeak cameraclub.com
Pikes Peak Computer Application Society meets at Springs Community Church, 7290 Lexington Dr. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | asdtitus@ gmail.com
Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meets virtually.
2nd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | www.ppgs.org
Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang meets monthly for dinner. This club is for active adults 50+ who enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, golfing, camping, etc. Membership required. 2nd Wednesday | www.ppothg.com.
The Pikes Peak Pastel Society meets five times yearly. All levels are
welcome. Annual dues are $30. 719-338-5548 | www.pikespeakpastel.org
Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners meets monthly for dinner and program at the Masonic Center.
2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | RSVP: 719-473-0330
Pikes Peak Water Garden Society meets at Mountain View Church of Christ (April through October). 2nd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 719-6480740 | www.ppwgs.org
PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning holds classes (live, Zoom, video) on a variety of topics. www.pillarinstitute.org | 719-633-4991
Rampart Range Blue Star Mothers meets monthly at Falcon Police Department.
1st Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-651-8038
Read Amok Book Club meets monthly at Florissant Library. 2nd Monday | 12 p.m. | 719-748-3939
Reader’s Circle Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library. 2nd Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-6879281
Red Hat Society meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center 1st & 3rd Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-6002644
Rotary Club meets weekly for lunch and a speaker at The Antlers. Visit website for Zoom link and to RSVP. Fridays | 12:15 p.m. | 719-338-3239 | www.portal.clubrunner.ca/3250
Silicon Mountain Mac User Group meets virtually. Visit website for Zoom link.
2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | www.smmug.org
Sno-Jets Ski & Adventure Club meets monthly at The Public House at The Alexander. See the website for ski trips, biking, hiking, dinners and other social activities.
Various Wednesdays | 7:30 | www.
snojets.org | 512-791-6416
Socrates Cafe meets weekly for discussion at the Monument Library. Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 719-531-6333, ext. 7005
Sons and Daughters of Italy meets monthly at VFW Post #101.
1st Tuesday | Dinner 5:30, Meeting 6:30 p.m. | 719-290-9586
Sons of Norway meets monthly for a heritage meeting at Viking Hall.
2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-574-3717
Travel Club meets regularly through Fountain Valley Senior Center. 719-600-2602 | mbowers@fvscenter.org
Triviality Trivia plays weekly at Gold Camp Brewing Company. Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | 719-319-3798
Veterans of Korean service (wartime or peace) meets monthly at BPOE Elks 304, 3400 North Nevada Ave. Lunch and speaker are $13. Call to reserve.
3rd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-2146121 | www.vva1075.com
Vietnam Veterans of America meets monthly at Colorado Technical University.
4th Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-650-1513
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1075 meets monthly at Skills Academy, 1575 Garden of the Gods Road.
Last Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-2358162 | http://vva1075.com
Women’s Army United, Chapter 75 for women veterans meets at Sand Creek Police Department.
4th Saturday | 10 a.m. | 719-6603641
Woodland Park Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library.
1st Tuesday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-9281
Yarnia! Knitting & Crochet Club meets monthly at Florissant Library.
2nd Thursday | 10 a.m. | 719-748-3939 ■
“I’m a big reader. I love mysteries, especially anything by James Patterson. I also like to do word searches.”
Paul Finch“I’m a few years away from retirement still, so I don’t really have time for hobbies. Right now, my three grandkids are my hobbies.”
“I’ve discovered diamond art. I’ve made Tigger, flowers, peacocks, birds, lighthouses, all sorts of things. It’s putting lots of teeny tiny rhinestones on a color-coded canvas one by one, and it makes a picture that sparkles!”
“I crochet a little. As long as I can crochet in a straight line, I’m good— so that means I mostly make things like blankets.”
There are 99,406 seniors aged 65 and over in El Paso County according to 2021 census data. In November, the Age Friendly Summit, hosted by Innovations in Aging Collaborative (IIAC) at City Auditorium downtown, was the culmination of three listening sessions held throughout the area to brainstorm age-friendly measures. Jarrett Hughes, Governor Polis’ senior policy advisor on aging, spoke of the intersectionality of all of us. County Commissioner Cami Bremmer acknowledged the duality of an aging population and limited resources. In a visioning session, participants were invited to draw their ideas for what would make Colorado Springs more age friendly. Then participants were invited to choose two topics for small-group discussions from the following six priority areas: communication, physical environment, social isolation, community support/health care, housing and transportation. The event concluded with a discussion of next steps, turning input into action by composing the county’s Age Friendly Plan. The final document will be submitted to El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs by March 2023. For details, contact IIAC at info@ innovationsinaging.org or 719-602-3815.
Long COVID and government disability
The disability system has always been time-consuming and difficult to figure out. Now those with long COVID are facing years-long wait times, insufficient legal support and questions about how to prove they are disabled. Unfortunately, the U.S. medical system does not have a uniform process for diagnosing long COVID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines it as a “range of ongoing health problems” lasting weeks to years. The Department of Health and Human Services formally recognized long COVID as a disability in 2021. About 40,000 disability claims include a mention of COVID, but how many of these are long COVID is unclear—plus Social Security has not given instructions on how to evaluate COVID claims to
its employees. To receive disability insurance, people must prove their long COVID symptoms are so debilitating they cannot work. Most long COVID applicants are denied, then appealed, and denied again. The next step is a hearing. The process is lengthy and usually depends on legal help. Symptoms like brain fog and fatigue add to the difficulty, as does the financial burden of legal and medical appointments for documentation. Those who were hospitalized with severe symptoms are more likely to receive benefits. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website at www.hhs.gov.
Colorado Talking Book Library offers accessible options for those with disabilities
If standard libraries are not as userfriendly as they could be for you due to a disability, the Colorado
Talking Book Library (CTBL) is here to assist you. The CTBL is the statewide audio library for those with print disabilities, which may include (but are not limited to) vision problems, learning disabilities, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke effects, arthritis, chemo, dialysis, surgical patients, hospice patients and those with temporary health issues that interfere with reading standard print. For people with reading disabilities to enroll for services, reading specialists, educators, librarians and school psychologists can certify the eligibility of applicants with reading disabilities. The library is now downloadable for any patron with a smart device through the library app BARD: https://myctbl. cde.state.co.us/bard.
Have you wondered if your forgetfulness is the garden variety type that can happen to anyone or a symptom of something more serious? The UCCS Memory Clinic offers a baseline assessment of cognition to anyone 55 and up. Allow two hours for the Memory Clinic appointment, which includes a 45-minute assessment followed by a discussion of the results and recommendations. You will meet with a licensed psychologist and a supervised graduate student clinician during your appointment. The Aging Center also offers more comprehensive evaluations to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning when appropriate. The fee for the cognition assessment is incomebased. Please disclose any financial hardship. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay the service fee. Call 719-255-8002 to schedule an appointment.
The Income Tax Credit for Retrofitting Home for Health bill created
a state income tax credit of up to $5,000 to help people with an illness, impairment or disability retrofit their residence for greater accessibility and independence. The credit is available for retrofits completed in tax years 2019 through 2023. The Colorado Legislature recently passed clarifying legislation to make dependents and spouses eligible. It also allows for up to a $5,000 credit per person in the family with a disability. Email dola_ homemodtaxcredit@state.co.us or call 303-482-7670 for more information.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is working with the current and new Congress to protect and strengthen the programs seniors depend on: Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. These three programs represent retirement security for millions of Americans, considering that Census data reveals that more adults are living in poverty. For those 65 and older, the rate rose from 8.9% in 2020 to 10.3% in 2021. One in four Americans depend on Social Security for 90% of their income. Focus areas are passing adequate 2023 funding to promote health and independence for older adults (and their caregivers), enacting bipartisan legislation to improve the retirement system and increase savings for low- and middle-income workers, improving access to home care for low-income older adults and those with disabilities by making Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person program permanent and helping Medicare beneficiaries with mental health by covering marriage and family therapy and mental health counseling. Learn more at www.ncoa.org. ■
Alzheimer’s Association offers free caregiver support, in person and virtually. Call the 24/7 to register. 800-272-3900
Amputee Support Group meets at Encompass Rehab Hospital.
1st Tuesdays | 5-6:30 p.m. | 719-632-5075
Community Reinforcement And Family Training (CRAFT) has support for families and friends of loved ones struggling with substance use at Springs Recovery Connection. English, Spanish, virtual and in-person options are available. 719-377-2161 | aneeley@srchope.org
Daddy’s Little Girls brings hope to abuse survivors through the love of Jesus Christ.
719-649-9054 | www.daddys littlegirls.net
Dementia Support Group meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center.
3rd Monday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 719-6002644
Depression and Bipolar Support has support for those living with or affected by mood disorders. 719-477-1515 | www.dbsacolorado springs.org
El Paso County Colorado Progressive Veterans is available 365 days a year to help veterans, active duty military and their families with VA health care and disability, homelessness, emergency needs, PTSD and mental health support. 719-488-8351 | www.epccpv.org | info@epccpv.org
Emotions Anonymous, a program
for unsolved emotional problems, meets at First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave.
Mondays | 6 p.m. | 719-685-1091
Falcon Senior Services meets at Patriot High School in Falcon. 2nd Wednesday | 11 a.m. | 719-494-0353
Gamblers Anonymous meets virtually and in person at the Red Cloud Serenity Club, 10400 Ute Pass Ave. in Green Mountain Falls. Virtual: Mondays | 6 p.m. In-person: Saturdays | 9 a.m. www.coloradoga.org
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren supports those parenting grandkids. Call for details. 719-578-8007
Grief Share helps attendees find healing after losing a loved one. 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m. | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness.com
Headway Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group meets at Fargo’s Pizza, 2910 E. Platte Ave. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. | 719-459-0901
Hearing Loss Association of America meets virtually. www.hlaacoloradosprings.org
Keeping in Balance with the Life
Tree meets weekly at Ambrose Family Health. Sessions are $5. Thursdays | 2-3 p.m. | 719-203-5340. Low-Vision Support Group meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center. 3rd Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 719-600-2644
Monday Morning Happy Hour meets weekly via Zoom for caregiver support.
Mondays | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | 520-6476768 | www.journeycarecoordinating.com
Multiple Sclerosis Alliance meets virtually. Visit website for schedule. 719-633-4603 | www.msasoco.org
NAMI Support Groups meet virtually and in person at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. Registration required: 719-4738477, www.namicoloradosprings.org
• Connection Support Group is for those living with mental health conditions.
Virtual: Tuesdays | 7-8:30 p.m. In-person: Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m.
• Family Support Group is for family members of people living with mental health conditions.
Virtual: Wednesdays | 7-8:30 p.m. In-person: Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. Overeaters Anonymous meets daily over Zoom (except Sundays) and in person on Thursdays at Peak Vista Community Health Center. In person: Thursdays | 9-10:15 a.m. | 719-205-9080 | www.oasouthern colorado.org
Parkinson’s Support Group meets at First United Methodist Church,
420 N. Nevada Ave. 2nd Saturday | 10 a.m.
Polio Survivors Support Group meets regularly. Call for details. 303-212-0017
Prison Support Group for those with incarcerated loved ones meets weekly in the prayer room at Woodmen Valley Chapel for sharing and prayers.
Thursdays | 1 p.m. | 602-762-0900
Proactive Living Series meets at the Colorado Springs Senior Center to share tips on aging and resources. 3rd Thursday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Project Angel Heart delivers free, nutritious meals to those living with life-threatening illness. 800-381-5612
PTSD Spouse’s Support meets at UCCS Veterans Clinic. Tuesdays | 4 p.m. | 719-255-8003
Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group meets virtually through The Independence Center.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 719-471-8181
Vital Times is for those wanting to grow spiritually and meet new friends. Group meets at Sacred Heart Parish Center.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 719-600-8642
Widowed Persons Grief Support Group meets twice monthly at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. 2nd & 4th Fridays | 1-3 p.m. | 719955-3400 ■
Medicare Options
10-11:30 a.m. | Jan. 11 | Free
Good 4 U Food on a Budget 1-2 p.m. | Jan. 12 | Free
1514 N. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs
To register for classes, call 719-955-3400 or visit www.CSSeniorCenter.com
“N” Gineers Model Railroad Club
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Jan. 2-6 | Free
Kid Curry’s Last Ride
1:30-2:30 p.m. | Jan. 10 | $3
Coffee with a Cop 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Jan. 13 | Free
Therapy Dog Visit 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Jan. 17 | Free
Tunes on Tuesday 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Jan. 17 | Free
Newcomers Orientation
1-2 p.m. | Jan. 26 | Free
Play to Remember
10-11 a.m. | Jan. 5 | Free
Macrame! Plant Hanger 9-11 p.m. | Jan. 10 | $1
Learning to Play Bridge 10-11:30 a.m. | Wednesdays starting Jan. 11 | Free
Financial Self Defense 1-2:30 p.m. | Jan. 11 | Free
Astronomy in Ancient Imperial China
10-11:30 a.m. | Jan. 12 | $5
Mediterranean Diet Workshop 10-11:30 p.m. | Jan. 19 | $5
Proactive Living Series: Holistic Approach to Living 12-2 p.m. | Jan. 19 | Free
Chickens As Pets with Benefits! 1-2:30 p.m. | Jan. 24 | $3
Health & Fitness As You Age 11-12 p.m. | Jan. 9 | Free
Fall Risk Assessment 9:30-11 p.m. | Fridays starting Jan. 13 | Free
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Jan.19 | Free
Common Medicare Mistakes
1:30-2:30 p.m. | Jan. 19 | Free
Sound Healing & Energy Workshop
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Jan. 20 | Free
Nurse Chats: Be Your Own Patient Advocate 1-2 p.m. | Jan. 18 | Free Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke 1-2 p.m. | Jan. 25 | Free
Zumba Toning
9:30-10:15 p.m. | Mondays starting Jan. 9 | $30
Yoga Flow 9-10:15 a.m. | Mondays & Thursdays starting Jan. 9 | $60
Zumba Gold
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays starting Jan. 9 | $55
Gentle Yoga
3:45-4:45 p.m. | Mondays & Thursdays starting Jan. 9 | $55
Therapeutic Drumming 8:45-9:45 a.m. | Jan. 31 | $35
TaijiFit
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Tuesdays starting Jan. 10 | $35
Hatha Yoga
3-4 p.m. | Wednesdays starting Jan. 11 | $35
Chair Yoga 10-11 a.m. | Tuesdays starting Jan. 10 | $35
Pilates Core & More 10-11 a.m. | Thursdays starting Jan. 12 | $35
66 Jefferson St., Monument
To register for classes, call 719-464-6873 or visit www.SilverKey.org/trilakes
Arts & Crafts
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Thursdays
Book Club
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Jan. 13 | 719-3300241
Walking Club
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Gentle Yoga
10:15-11 a.m. | Tuesdays
Mind-eroize
Exercise your brain with cognitive exercises. 12-1 p.m. | Tuesdays
Bunco
Bring $3 and a snack to share. 1-3 p.m. | Jan. 13 Bingo (must RSVP) 1-2 p.m. | Jan. 18 | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness.com
Chess Club 12 p.m. | Mondays Pinochle 12-4 p.m. | Tuesdays Hand & Foot 1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays Mahjong 1-4 p.m. | Fridays
Class fee: $50 per month (unlimited), or $60 for 10-class punch card, or $8 drop-in
Lean & Fit (muscle conditioning)
9-10 a.m. | Mondays Yoga 5 p.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:15 a.m. | Fridays
Tai Chi Fusion 12-1 p.m. | Mondays Strong for Life 1:30 p.m. | Mondays
Line Dancing
1:30 p.m. | Tuesdays
Mix It Up!
Low-impact aerobics, simple weight training and stretching. 8-9 a.m. | Wednesdays
Gentle stretching, meditation and visualization work.
10-11 a.m. | Wednesdays
Tai Chi Gong
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Wednesdays & Thursdays
Chair Yoga
12-1 p.m. | Wednesdays
Active Minds & Bodies
Circuit-style workout for all levels with cardio and weight training. 9-10 a.m. | Wednesdays
Essentrics
Strengthen your core and improve balance and mobility.
9-10 a.m. Tuesdays | 12-1 p.m. Thursdays
Zumba Gold
9-10 a.m. | Thursdays
Building Better Bones & Balance
Safe for those with osteoporosis.
1:30 p.m. | Thursdays
Zumba
5:30 -6:30 p.m. Thursdays | 9-10 a.m. Saturdays
Total Body Strength
9:15-10:15 a.m. | Fridays
5745 Southmoor Dr., Colorado Springs
To register for classes, call 719-600-2644 or visit www.FVSCenter.org
Interpretive Dance
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Mondays
Blood Pressure Checks
10:15 a.m. | 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Cardio Drumming
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Tuesdays
Tai Chi
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Wednesdays
Low Vision Support
1 p.m. | 3rd Wednesday
WOODLAND PARK
321 N. Pine St., Woodland Park
To register for classes, call 719-687-3877 or visit www.WoodlandParkSeniors.com
Low-Impact Cardio
9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Chair Yoga 9 a.m. | Wednesdays
Chair Tai Chi 9 a.m. | Fridays
Knitting/Crocheting
1-2 p.m. | Mondays
Tap Dance
10:15 a.m. | Tuesdays
Porcelain
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 12:30-3 p.m. | Tuesdays
Quilters
8:30-11 a.m. | Wednesdays
Oil Painting 9-11 a.m. | Wednesdays
Harmonizers
2 p.m. | Wednesdays
Woodcarving
8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thursdays
Card Making
9:30-11 a.m. | Thursdays
LEGAL
Legal Assistance
1:30 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday
HEALTH
Dementia Support Group
2-3:30 p.m. | 3rd Monday
Chair Yoga
2:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays | 9-10 a.m.
Fridays
Zumba Gold
9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays
Zumba Basics
2:30 p.m. | 4th Thursday
Active Minds
2:30 p.m. | 3rd Thursday
Chi Kung 10-11 a.m. | Fridays
GAMES & LEISURE
Ft. Logan Trip
9 a.m. | 2nd Monday
Movie Day
1 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday
Bingo (and cash prizes)
1 p.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Birthday Social 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | 4th Thursday
Wii Games
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fridays
Red Hat Society Meeting 1 pm. | 1st & 3rd Fridays
Wildwood Casino
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Jan. 13
Bowling & Lunch 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Jan. 27
Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. | Wednesdays
Zumba
10:30 a.m. | Fridays
ARTS & CRAFTS
Crafts
1-4 p.m. | Jan. 6 & 20
Watercolor
1-4 p.m. | Jan. 23
FOOD
Quilters
9 a.m. | Mondays
Dominos, Cribbage & Euchre 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Monday-Friday
Silver Key Lunch
Make a reservation 24 hours in advance.
Ice Cream Happy Hour
12:30-2:30 p.m. | 3rd Friday
Game Day
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1st Saturday
Thrift Store Super Saturday
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1st Saturday
Cripple Creek Run
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 2nd Saturday
Bingo
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Thursdays
Movies with Popcorn & Lemonade
1 p.m. | Wednesdays
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Monday-Friday | $3.50
January Potluck Lunch
Bring a dish to share.
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Jan. 19
January Catered Meal & Program
Program: Senior Coalition Services. Reserve by Jan. 20.
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Jan. 24 | $7 ■
Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care is here for you, your patients and their family any time of day, evening or middle of the night, all year long - even on holidays and weekends. Hospice | Palliative | Grief Support | Volunteer Services 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street ∙ Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Call 719-633-3400 ∙ PikesPeakHospice.org
FLAT RATE COMPUTER REPAIR.
Starting at $60. Free pickup & delivery or up to 2 hours of on-site tune-up, virus removal and/or training. Call Richard with SOBE I.T. 719-470-1910.
1264 SQ FT. $1100/MO. Beautiful and spacious 1 bedroom walk-out basement, very private, separate entrance, all utilities included, internet. You won’t find anything better and cleaner for the money. Minutes from Peterson Air Force Base. 719-210-7771
The Villa at Sunny Vista, a HUD-subsidized senior and disabled adult apartment complex located at 2480 East Dale Street in Colorado Springs, announces that its waitlist will be closed as of January 13, 2022. Any applications received after January 13, 2022, will not be accepted and will be returned. A notice will appear in this publication
when it reopens. The Villa at Sunny Vista is pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
VOLUNTEER AT SILVER KEY to help provide seniors with meals, rides, client support, food pantry support, and veterans support. Office staff and materials support also needed. Please apply online at: silverkey.org/volunteer
MORE THAN A HANDYMAN. Home Maintenance, Repairs, Yard Work, Projects. 15% Senior Discount (62+). Call Mike - a Senior and Veteran. 719-338-4279. Voice mail answered same day.
Maxi’s Dance Group is back! Dance party every Thursday 6-9pm, Eagles Club 1050 S. 21st St. Music for ages 40+, food and drink available for purchase. $8 cover; $5 members. 719-660-1358.
HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD
JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, and more. (Mowing or yardwork in the spring and summer.) John 719-471-7471.
Veteran Owned by Ken Rivenburgh
EXPERTISE HOUSECLEANING, reliable and trustworthy. Senior personal care services are also available. Please call Karen 719-4342922.
THE ABC’S OF HEALTHCARE. Licensed Health Insurance Agent, 15 years’ experience. Individual/ Family Insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, Medicare plans, Life Insurance, Final Burial Expense, Home Care Insurance, Vision, Dental, and Hearing. Call JoAnne 719-434-2015 PeakInsuraceBroker.com
S.C.S.E. SANDYS CARE SERVICE EXPRESS Specializing in same day, last minute, when available. Mail –bank – babysitting – shower – meals - dog feeding etc. 9am-4pm, MondayFriday. 719-203-8898.
TREE REMOVAL, TREE TRIMMING and stump grinding. 24/7 Emergency Service available. Text or Call Ben’s Landscaping 719-492-1671.
BEN IS BUYING HOUSES. If you would like a quick, no-hassle cash sale for your home in “as-is” condition and for a fair price, please text or call me so we can talk. Ben 719-492-1671
FASTRACK MOVING. 3 MEN/TRUCK $155 HR. 719-822-8964. www. FasTracMovingandDelivery.com
DAILY LABOR: Gutter cleaning, yard cleaning, house cleaning, snow removal by size, truck and driver available 719-310-5247.
1950S-1960S LP’S, 78’S AND 45’S. Blues, jazz, rock ‘n roll, country, Broadway, movie soundtracks, TV, R&B, soul, children’s, spoken word, etc. I’m a collector, not a business. Call me first - I pay the most for your records. 719-633-5848 or 719-4409288
CASH FOR OLD BANKS AND TOYS, presidential pin back buttons, Simpich dolls, military insignia and memorabilia. Will buy single items or entire collections. 719-632-9904. VINTAGE ITEMS WANTED. TOYS, comic books, children’s books, dolls, movie and music posters, Halloween, guitars and amplifiers, and plastic model kits. I’m a collector, not a business. 719633-5848 or 719-440-9288.
Drug-resistant infections pose a growing threat to public health. We’re not prepared to meet it. That’s because the pipeline of new antibiotics to fend off superbugs has fallen off.
Superbugs are strains of bacteria and fungi that have developed immunity to the medicines used to kill them. Antimicrobials are critical tools in our fight against these pathogens.
The problem is that we’re not developing nearly enough of them and many of the medicines we have are no longer effective. It’s imperative that we act now to bolster our defenses against these serious and life-threatening infections.
There are only 64 antibacterial therapeutics currently in clinical development compared to 1,300 treatments in development for various cancers. In the last 35 years, just one antibacterial with a novel way to target bacteria has been approved.
Meanwhile, superbugs continue to grow stronger. New research estimates they claimed 1.27 million lives in 2019—more than twice the estimated number of annual deaths just five years prior.
Why is our development of new antibacterials declining while new pathogens are on the rise?
The problem is not the lack of success in developing new treatments. In the past decade, antibacterial drugs in clinical trials were twice as likely to move from early human testing to FDA approval versus drugs for all other diseases.
Instead, the problem is a misaligned market for antimicrobials.
Take the experience of the biotech firm Achaogen, which secured FDA approval in 2018 for its novel
antibiotic plazomicin. While important for the overall armamentarium, novel antimicrobials are used sparingly to prevent pathogens from developing resistance to our strongest medications. As a result, clinicians hold novel antibiotics in reserve, using them judiciously to preserve effectiveness. That means companies like Achaogen don’t sell large quantities of the drugs they develop—or earn back the capital they invested in research and development.
Achaogen filed for bankruptcy in 2019. In the three years since, several other small biotech companies have seen a similar fate. The market conditions are so discouraging that most large biopharmaceutical companies have pulled out of the sector entirely.
If nothing changes, 10 million people worldwide could die of drug-resistant infections annually by 2050, surpassing cancer as a leading cause of death.
One solution is the bipartisan, bicameral Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act, which would change the current dosebased payment model for certain antimicrobials. Another bill under consideration is the Developing an Innovative Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistant Microorganisms (DISARM) Act. The legislation would increase Medicare reimbursements for certain antimicrobials, ensuring patients have access to the best novel antibiotics for their needs..
David Thomas, MS, is vice president of industry research at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization.
Emily Wheeler is director of infectious disease policy at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization.
Hearing Ai d : Only a real hearing aid has advanced digital technology ( micro chip with 552 million calculations per second!) A real hearing aid is programmed (by a licensed professional) to match your exact hearing loss, to give you the best possible results. So we recommend that you don’t waste your money either way: not on a OTC piece of jun k or at a “traditional” over- priced hearing aid center. At Hear-Wise we have the same technology at dramatically lower prices.
Everyone's hearing loss is di erent, so there is no one specific hearing aid that is best for everyone. That's why we o er several brands and models that meet our high standards for Performance, Reliability and Value.
specialists have a combined 45 years experience helping the hearing impaired in Colorado. They’ve had over 20,000 successful hearing aid fittings, with zero pressure to purchase.
