Turning 65 or new to Medicare?
zip, zilch
The Humana Gold Plus H0028-025 (HMO) has everything
Original Medicare has, and more.
With its $0 monthly plan premium, you can get the care you need and stick to your budget, with benefits like:
• Humana Flex allowance, with $250 a year to use toward your plan’s covered dental, vision or hearing services*
• $2,000 dental coverage annually for select services, plus exams, X-rays, cleanings and more†
• $75 over-the-counter allowance every three months ‡
H0028-025 (HMO) has everything and more.
With this Humana Medicare Advantage plan, you may have more money in your pocket and more of what’s necessary to help you get the care you need to enjoy your best health.
you can get the care you need and stick to your budget,
* Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances, used to purchase Medicare-covered prescriptions or converted to cash. Limitations and restrictions may apply.
† $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.
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus H0028-025 (HMO). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果
$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: 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.
Day 8: After breakfast, depart Spokane for Colorado Springs.
*Based on double occupancy. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury
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
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.
*Total price, which includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, roundtrip transfers, 11-day cruise, shore excursion in every port, all meals, all beverages, open bar, pre-hotel stay in Chicago, all taxes and surcharges
Days 1 & 2: Depart Colorado Springs, arrive in Turkey, check-in to your hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 3: Start your tour in Istanbul. Your city tour of Istanbul includes the Hippodrome Roman, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Topkapi Palace and finally end at the Grand Bazaar.
Day 4: Depart for a visit to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest shrines ever built. A highlight of the day will be the scenic cruise on the Bosphorus by private boat. Sail past the medieval hilltop fortress of Rumeli. Afterwards drive to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
Day 5: Start exploring the capital city of Turkey with the Anatolian Civilizations Museum where you will have the chance to discover the archeological findings that belong to Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many other civilizations which had left traces in the cradle of civilizations, Anatolia.
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.
Day 6: Explore Cappadocia with its unique landscapes formed by erosions of winds and water. Continue to Pasabag Valley. Your next stop is Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings providing shelter for early Christians protecting themselves from invaders. Continue to the rockcarved natural citadel of Uchisar promising a superb view of the region from its top. The last stop of today’s touring before returning to the hotel is Avanos, the famous town of Cappadocia that was established by the Hittites on the riverbanks of Halys River.
Day 7: You will be driven to Konya that was called Iconium during the Roman period and was an important post for Roman legion and control of the trade routes of antiquity.
Day 8: Start your exploration with Hierapolis founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point of trading routes connecting East to West.
Day 9: Explore the timeless city of Ephesus where history and archaeology will offer you their majesty with incredible richness.
Day 10: Depart from the hotel to explore the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon famous for its Asclepion, the ancient medical center of which its purpose was most like a spa of the 19th century. Leaving the Asclepion, you will see the Acropolis, the Altar of Zeus, and the Temples of Athena, Trajan and Dionysus. Continue your drive to the very well known ancient city of Troy. You will be thrilled by the ancient city that witnessed the battle of heroes.
Day 11: You will be driven to Istanbul. Your scenic drive will first take you to Gallipoli, the site of the incredible battle played out here during World War I.
The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region
February 2023 | Volume 36 | Issue 2
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 Circulation Supervisor
Andi Falcone 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. 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
How one local couple found common ground when hurt and dissatisfaction began to fester and threaten their marriage
Inflation is hitting Americans hard, but there are some easy ways to save money just by starting a conversation
22
Low libido? Examine your diet and lifestyle
12
A sizzling sausage link wrapped with French toast, this recipe combines a favorite breakfast protein and general deliciousness in one little roll
12 What to Do When the Doctor Won’t Listen to You, the Caregiver You, the doctor and your loved one are part of the Therapeutic Triangle. Use these communication tips to help make your voice heard
Last year we saw an eclectic mix of new medications gain FDA approval. Many are highly anticipated because of how they may benefit patients
24
Travelers can relive history at sites recounting pages from the fight for freedom and equality
God’s Love
So often our experiences seem to contradict the idea that God really loves us. But God’s love is more powerful than anything else that exists
15
Without even asking anyone to “sit” or “roll over,” several of my human guests tried the handcrafted dog biscuits and begged for the recipe
Even if your marriage has hit a fork in the road, there are ways to reroute your journey to arrive at a satisfactory destination to live out your golden years
18
Colorado Department of Agriculture’s STAR program is a great step towards educating consumers about the importance of looking after soil health
There are many ways to make hearts happy during February, including National Letter to an Elder Day on February 26
Vera Whole Health is in the Humana Medicare network in your area and can actively help you make the most of your Medicare plan. With providers in Humana's network, you can find doctors who have time to listen—and an entire team dedicated to coordinating your care to serve your whole self.
An empathetic and holistic care team dedicated to your whole health
An empathetic and holistic care team dedicated to your whole health
care to serve your whole self.
Convenient locations, including one close to your home
Convenient locations, including one close to your home
—Judy, Humana Gold Plus HMO Member
to listen to
Time to listen to you–a minimum of 60 minutes for your first visit
Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingü.stica. Llame al 1-844-346-2176 (TTY: 711). (Chinese): 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711)
Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicio gratuitos de asistencia lingü.stica. Llame al 1-844-346-2176 (TTY: 711). (Chinese): 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711)
It was the last night of vacation—that kind of shared space and experience that was coming to a bittersweet yet undeniable end. I had awakened in the middle of the previous night to joints and muscles protesting an ambitious hike with my siblings. As I groggily reached for the Advil, I resolved to ask my hot tub-loving niece if she’d want to take a soak.
After a full day, my sister, niece and I suited up and headed to that steaming cauldron of rejuvenation. The hot tub would close in an hour, but we seized the evening—and what a breathtaking showstopper it was! The Arizona desert skies morphed into a fluorescent palette of vivid gold, burnt orange, streaks of crimson and billows of pink. Stunning! As I sank gratefully into the warm, frothy bubbles with the brilliant sky boldly painting the west, I felt immense joy in that moment.
Our silly banter eventually turned introspective, as my sister commented on how long it had been since her family had used their subdivision’s hot tub. We all knew why: the chaotic cancellations of COVID cruelly coupled with the unwelcome visitor of sudden grief. Whiling away an hour in a hot tub no longer seemed important. But day after day, by putting in the hard, honest work grief demands, they’re surviving and thriving, even while carrying their loss.
We started musing. What, like the hot tub, is in our own backyards that we should avail ourselves of?
I thought of my own literal backyard. I used to sit out there, basking in our cool Colorado summer evenings, but responsibilities—including the larger, unexpected responsibility of caring for my granddaughter—led me to forgo those twilight breezy breaks. I miss it.
SUMMER 2023, LOOK OUT! I’m going to enjoy you firsthand. There’s the quirky little domed gem that is Stargazers Theatre in the backyard of our city. (More on that in a future Life After 50 issue.) It’s so relaxing to
enjoy live music there. Why don’t I attend more concerts? I can change that.
The PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning— wow! In less than 10 minutes, I can be back in a college-type setting again, soaking up everything from art history to “Women of the Santa Fe Trail.” I just have to sign up for a class.
In the backyard of my life are people I want to reach out to, help, get to know and encourage. Some I know well. My parents are navigating their 80s with grace, but still—I want to be there for them. Even strangers, or “friends I haven’t met yet,” may cross my path in that coincidental way that feels far more intentional than happenstance.
What about you? What, or who, is in your backyard, and what is preventing you from going there?
Grand experiences are exciting, and we should all be so lucky to have some, to add spice and interest to our lives. But there is power in the everyday, in the smaller circles of life in which we find ourselves, in the possibilities beckoning us to open our eyes and our patio doors to what lies beyond. You and I just might be surprised by serendipity, riveted by what’s within our reach.
Like gazing at the glowing sunset before it dissipates into the gray shadows of nightfall, let’s grasp these moments while we can. ■
Such exciting news and well done for being recognized in so many categories! As the very first editor of The Senior Times, which morphed into Life After 50, it is such a joy to continue to read this every month and use it when working with seniors and their families. Keep up the awesome work!
- Jody Barker, Director, Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging
Congratulations on your publication’s success at the NAMPA convention! Very impressive. I’m sure you are quite proud of your staff.
- Michael M.
I just received the email regarding your awards! Congratulations on a job well done!
- Nancy S.
“Self-love can be tricky” (January)
On my 70th birthday, I was diagnosed with a serious congenital hole in my heart. In the past 18 months I’ve been trying to wrap my head around how I could’ve lived for so long and it was never detected. Since reading this article in January’s issue, I’ve stopped trying to wrap my head around it and started enjoying the life I’ve been given and will continue to enjoy as long as I have.
- Barbara
Rhonda: Oh Barbara, I’m so sorry you had to go through that, and on your 70th birthday too! I LOVE your can-do attitude, and if our article helped with that in some way, that is fabulous. I think you are supposed to be here living your best life, even if your heart has a hole. There are no holes in your attitude! Blessings!
Recipe: Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup (January)
I made this recipe and it was great. I could’ve gone without the heavy cream though.
- B. B.
Caregiver Support Column (January)
Good job on the layout for the Caregiver Support Foundation column. Thank you for your support.
- Mike
Three days. That’s the total length of time Cassidy and Walt Finn spent together throughout the entire month of December.
After nearly 40 years of marriage, the Finns are leading separate lives and their relationship is suffering. Their marriage road diverged and they can’t find a way to travel both paths.
The Finns will tell you their marriage journey bisected some 15 years ago when Walt’s father died, leaving an inheritance that included farmland in Nebraska. To Walt, maintaining the cornfields and raising horses are akin to reaching nirvana. To Cassidy, the whole ranch thing is nerve-wracking. She doesn’t enjoy living in a dumpy RV in the middle of nowhere. They now have separate residences and vastly different visions for what will happen when Cassidy retires in two years.
Marriage counselor Teri Reisser will tell you the couple’s road most likely diverged long before the inheritance came and Wayne relocated from Colorado to Nebraska. She believes cou ples like the Finns are in danger of what has been coined as “gray divorce.” Couples who let hurt and dissatisfaction build and fester often split up once the kids move out.
In fact, according to the American Bar Association, a quarter of U.S. divorces are among couples age 50 or older.
Not all gray discord leads to divorce, but it can derail happiness and significantly erode mar ital intimacy, both physical and emotional. This tension often comes at a time when retirement decisions must be discussed, and it can interfere with the communication process.
There is hope, however. Even if your marriage has hit a fork in the road and each of you desires a different retirement path, there are ways to reroute your journey to avoid hazards and arrive at a satisfactory destination to live out your golden years.
Nelson Mandela was perhaps one of the most significant negotiators in recent history.
But the negotiations to end Apartheid in South Africa took three years. One histo
rian described Mandela’s style: “He rejected the simple-minded notion that one must either negotiate with the devil or forcibly resist. He did both. He was willing to make concessions, but not about what was most important to him. With respect to his key political principles, he was unmovable.”
Local marriage experts and authors Tim and Anne Evans agree that finding out what is most important to your spouse takes time and that making snap decisions can snap relationship trust.
COUPLES LIKE THE FINNS ARE IN DANGER OF WHAT HAS BEEN COINED AS “GRAY DIVORCE.” COUPLES WHO LET HURT AND DISSATISFACTION BUILD AND FESTER OFTEN SPLIT UP ONCE THE KIDS MOVE OUT.
to unity that kept them from going in opposite directions.
“[We decided] we would not move ahead until we both agreed,” is the first part of their rule. “We would resist the temptation to justify our positions, power up or allow the stronger personality to make the final decision.”
One example is that Tim had to wait years before Anne felt peace that Tim’s upgrading to a new motorcycle was right for them. Though Tim wanted the newer motorcycle, he wanted harmony with Anne even more.
The first ground rule for a successful retirement is patience. The Evanses kept working on a solution until both spouses agreed on a course of action. Negotiations take time. Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, a successful marriage—especially after retirement—most likely can’t be built in one discussion.
Suddenly, he was forced to stay in Nebraska for longer and longer periods. Cassidy felt abandoned and like a single mother because Walt wasn’t in Colorado to help raise their children.
As they take time to negotiate their plans for retirement, the Finns have identified some core values: Cassidy prioritizes civilization and family togetherness. For Walt, the solitude and physical labor of farm life keep him feeling alive and connected to the land. He’s not willing to give that up. He had to bury those needs when he lived in the suburbs.
Since Cassidy now understands what makes Walt happy, she’s willing to make adjustments. But she wonders how neither of them knew about his love for the demanding life of a farmer until the inheritance arrived.
• What are you feeling right now?
• Is there something I could have done differently that would’ve helped us more?
• What are you most worried about right now? (This is the single most important question you can ask to understand core values.)
• Is there any way I can help you with that concern?
Such communication is the basis for building trust and mutual understanding, both of which are needed when negotiating life plans.
In both Mandela’s and the Evans’ models, taking the time to identify core values and principles was key to making a satisfying plan.
The Finns are in the process of choosing what is most important for them. Walt and Cassidy managed to see each other often enough until the 2020 pandemic, when the labor market shrank and Walt couldn’t find workers to care for his horses on the farm.
Reisser isn’t surprised by such gaps. In her practice, she meets couples who don’t know each other or themselves until they intentionally find out what’s going on internally on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Few couples have such communication skills. Awareness arises on all fronts when intentional communication takes place. Until a person articulates their thoughts to a loving recipient, sometimes they don’t know their own heart and mind either.
Reisser recommends that couples ask each other a standard list of questions weekly, and she adds, “without giving any negative feedback, advice or problem-solving (unless your partner specifically asks for it).” The result of this weekly commitment can be a greater awareness of your partner’s inner needs, a closer marriage and a better chance of making a great retirement plan.
• What were the best and worst things that happened to you this week?
• How did I best meet your needs this week?
• How did I least meet your needs this week?
Neil Clark Warren, psychologist and founder of eHarmony, writes in his book “The Triumphant Marriage”: “Magnificent marriages involve two people who dream magnificently. The partners encourage each other to dig deeper and dream bigger, and in the process, they get in touch with a level of being and doing that otherwise would be far beyond them.”
When you’re negotiating your retirement plan together, don’t be competitive or shortsighted. Encourage your partner to dream big. Explore ways your respective aspirations can overlap and become something greater than each of your individual plans. If your retirement solution is not win-win, both of you will lose in the long run.
The Finns are looking at selling their family home and the farm and buying a property in Parker. That way Cassidy will be closer to the airport and visiting her children will be easier. The kids will also enjoy visiting their parents more if they can stay in a house near amenities and not in an RV near the horse poop heap.
Walt has agreed to be content with an extensive garden and raising horses. He knows that at some point he won’t be able to manage the Nebraska corn business anyway. Plus, there’s a bonus dream for both of them: his daughter is studying to be a large animal veterinarian and has expressed interest in helping him with the horses—if he moves. Having a child live nearby would be Cassidy’s dream come true.
NEGOTIATIONS TAKE TIME. JUST AS ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY, A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE—ESPECIALLY AFTER RETIREMENT—MOST LIKELY CAN’T BE BUILT IN ONE DISCUSSION.
When your marriage roads diverge and you can take only one path, stay at the fork until you reach agreement through good communication. That will make all the difference. ■
Names and details for the “Finns” have been changed to protect their privacy.
EVEN IF YOUR MARRIAGE HAS HIT A FORK IN THE ROAD AND EACH OF YOU DESIRES A DIFFERENT RETIREMENT PATH, THERE ARE WAYS TO REROUTE YOUR JOURNEY TO AVOID HAZARDS AND ARRIVE AT A SATISFACTORY DESTINATION TO LIVE OUT YOUR GOLDEN YEARS.IDENTIFY CORE VALUES THROUGH GOOD COMMUNICATION
Sexual intimacy among older adults is a subject people don’t talk about much. Especially around the grandkids. There’s a widespread misconception that seniors lose interest. Ooh-la-la, au contraire. Unclench, please! We’re all adults. Don’t get uptight and mentally censor, or deem sinful, urges that come naturally.
A survey by the University of Michigan and AARP found 40% of people ages 65-80 are sexually active. Nearly 72% of individuals in that age range have a romantic partner and of those, 54% are sexually active. More than half of those surveyed also reported that sex and intimacy is important to their quality of life.
“Sex and sexual health among older adults doesn’t get much attention, but is linked closely to quality of life, health and wellbeing,” said Erica Solway, University of Michigan’s co-associate director of the poll.
While some seniors may give up strenuous sports, sex is a physical pleasure many older people readily enjoy.
“There’s no age limit on sexuality and sexual activity,” reported Stephanie A. Sanders, PhD, associate director of the Kinsey Institute Sexual Research Group. “However, sex hormones testosterone and estrogen decline with age, but these changes affect everyone differently.”
Other than faded love or physical infirmities, there’s mixed information why sex drive decreases as we age. Both biological and psychological factors affect sexuality.
According to the National Institute on Aging, naturally occurring changes in body shape and size may change some people’s desire for sexual relations, as can medication side effects. Having chronic health conditions doesn’t help matters either. If you don’t feel well, you’re not going to be thinking about sex. Talk to a doctor about it. Many causes for decreased libido are treatable.
Most sexual health hitches can be improved through plant-based nutrition, regular exercise and medical help. Foods high in omega-3 help the body’s nervous system, neurological functioning and
enhance circulation which aids sexual function. Salmon, tuna, trout, walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, chia and flax seed are wonderful for overall health and sex life.
Foods rich in L-Arginine: sugar-free granola, oatmeal (not instant), dairy, green vegetables, root vegetables, garlic, ginseng, chickpeas, onions, whole grains, eggs, dark chocolate and beans, also increase circulation. Avocados are sexually potent foods high in antioxidants, potassium and vitamin B6, which promotes blood flow. Additionally, excessive alcohol can dull sexual desire, decrease arousal and sensitivity and may lower inhibitions leading to unsafe decisions and deceive some into thinking they’re Casanova doppelgangers.
When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs), age doesn’t protect anyone.
“We assume seniors know about safe sex, but many don’t,” said Jennifer FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C. “Seniors who are sexually active outside of a committed relationship should use condoms.”
Recent data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that among all age groups, rates of STDs are going up, and the greatest rise appears to be among seniors. An analysis by Athenahealth showed in-office treatments for chlamydia, herpes simplex, hepatitis- B, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and syphilis were up 23% from 2014 to 2017. Treatment for these same diseases rose by 11% in younger age groups.
A Duke University study showed that some 20% of people over 65 have sex lives that are better than ever before.
Geriatrics expert Walter M. Bortz, author of three books on healthy aging as well as several studies on seniors’ sexuality said, “If you stay interested, stay healthy, stay off medications, and have a good mate, then you can have good sex all the way to the end of life.”
Rather than assuming desire is lost, examine diet and lifestyle. Forking over big bucks for a pill is like paying for sex.
Prepare a quixotic supper at home where you can create a romantic setting with music, flickering candles, and mindfully prepared, easy-to-digest food using healthy ingredients. Perhaps consider intimacy before dining. Regardless, keep love alive from wedding day to everyday with healthy intimacy from the fountain of love, sweet love—the ultimate aphrodisiac.
If I tied together all of the many different brands and types of bed sheets I’ve bought over the years, I could use them to rappel down Mount Everest.
When I was a newlywed, I bought a set of black satin sheets, thinking they would add a romantic touch to the bedroom. They turned out to be so slippery, I didn’t dare wear a silky nightgown when I jumped into bed for fear I’d end up landing on the floor.
I later entered a phase where I enjoyed the feel of crisp, cotton sheets and pillowcases. My husband, however, didn’t share my fondness for them.
“They’re like sleeping on cardboard!” he complained one morning. “They feel like those sheets hospitals use. And look at my face!”
The wrinkles on the pillowcase left a series of lines across his cheek that made him look as though half of his face had aged overnight. Before I could comment, he added, “And the sheets are noisy! When I roll over, they sound like someone’s crumpling newspaper!”
So I switched to a softer cotton, which he liked, but I didn’t. Every time I washed and dried them, they seemed to shrink a size. It got to the point where the elasticized bottom sheet wouldn’t even stay on the mattress anymore. When one of us rolled over, the corners of the sheet would spring up at us, as if it were an attack sheet. I expected to wake up one morning completely wrapped up in it like a giant burrito.
The sheets my husband and I finally both liked were made of flannel. They were soft. They were cozy. They were warm in the winter
and surprisingly cool in the summer. The only problem was they were lint magnets. After a while, lying on them was like lying on a bed of goosebumps.
“Maybe you should use that clothes-shaver gadget to get rid of all these lint balls,” my husband said as he was lying on his side in bed and staring at the collection of white bumps that resembled constellations all over the blue sheet.
“I’d have to spend a week shaving it!” I said. “Those little shavers are meant for sweaters and socks, not for something the size of a car.”
Finally, I discovered the answer to all of our problems—brushed micro-fleece sheets. They were softer than flannel, lightweight and, best of all, they didn’t gather lint. They felt like angora—like sleeping on a cloud. I was so excited about them, I bought them in plaids, florals, stripes and solid colors.
Even my husband raved. But his raving was short-lived.
“These sheets are way too comfortable!” he complained one frigid morning. “I can’t force myself to get out of bed anymore. They’re making me late for work!”
I didn’t want to admit it, but I was having the same problem. Something about the brushed micro-fleece made my body scream, “No! Don’t make me leave this cozy warmth and go out into the cold, cruel world! Let me just stay here curled up in bed all day!”
So I looked into other sheets: bamboo, percale, 400 thread count, 600 thread count, infinity thread count, and didn’t buy any of them. It turned out to be a lot easier and cheaper to just use the bare mattress pad. ■
”I would advise anyone trying to get disability benefits to call Diane Bross. I was so pleased with how things went.” – G.V.
“After all of the time I waited and tried working through the system, Diane Bross managed to get me my disability insurance payments that I was needing. Thank you!” –
“A special thanks to Diane Bross and her staff because without them I would not have my benefits. Because of them, I have regained my financial life. It’s back in order. No where to go but up. So, thank you very much.” – Mr. Winston
In skillet, cook sausage links according to package directions. Set aside.
In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, almond extract and cinnamon.
Dip bread slice in egg mixture. Wrap bread slice around cooked sausage link, pressing seam to keep from unrolling. Repeat with remaining bread slices and sausage links.
In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Place rollups in skillet, seam-side down, and cook until all sides are browned, approximately 10 minutes.
Drizzle with syrup. ■
Dear Laird: My brother’s Alzheimer’s is advancing rapidly. The problem is that he doesn’t tell doctors the truth about his issues, so the doctor can’t give him good advice or treatment. He gets mad when I try to help. Plus, the doctor doesn’t pay attention to me anyway. It’s like I am not even in the room even though I am the one who takes care of my brother. Signed, Jim
Dear Jim: Unfortunately, many medical professionals don’t really understand the caregiver’s role in situations like yours. In this case, there are three people in the room. I call it the Therapeutic Triangle—the patient, doctor and caregiver. Each has a role. Here are a few ideas that may help you better communicate with your brother’s doctor:
1. When entering the exam room, sit to the side and slightly behind your brother. You will be able to signal your thoughts to the doctor without your loved one noticing. This could relieve conflict with your brother and help the physician to better help him.
2. Have a written plan for each visit and have it visible so the doctor can see it. Have your questions written down in advance and be ready to share your own challenges and feelings. Ask for clarification when you don’t understand something and take notes. They will help you remember, help you explain to your family and help you remind your loved one if they forget. Before you leave the exam room, review your questions to see if you missed anything important.
3. Show your desire to cooperate. From time to time, repeat the doctor’s words so you both know you understand. Have an open posture and nod. When
you have a question or want to say something, wait until the doctor is through talking. If the doctor does not pay attention to you, interrupt with a positive statement. “I’d like to help answer your question. I understand what my brother is saying and here’s another take on that.”
4. Keep a log of your loved one’s behaviors, your concerns handling them and your own feelings. Add your best examples to your written plan.
5. If you do not want to upset your brother or you want more advice on how to give care, ask for an appointment for yourself. Most doctors will agree to see you even if they are not your personal doctor. In that visit, you need to be very candid about what you’re feeling and thinking: how much sleep you’re getting, if you are losing your temper, or wonder if you can keep going.
6. Be a part of writing the care plan. A good care plan is an agreement about when and how care is given. It includes the activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing), when more help will be needed as your loved one loses function and end-oflife care.
I can’t cover everything about the Therapeutic Triangle, but we have a three-part video series about it at Family-Caregiver.org ■
BY DR. LAIRD LANDON, PH.D.
Send your questions to Laird in care of Life After 50, or email him at Laird@Family-Caregiver.org
provides innovative, coordinated healthcare for seniors, assisting participants so they can live enjoyable and independent lives.
Transportation from home to medical appointments and our adult day health center. Coordinated care plans that make it easy to access qualified doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Our staff and other seniors create a caring community that will help you or your loved one thrive.
A wide variety of exciting activities and events to stay active and engaged.
Last year, we saw an eclectic mix of new medications gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Many of these are highly anticipated by patients and the general public. If you’re interested in learning more about any of these medications, ask your doctor to see if they’re right for you or someone you love.
Quviviq® (daridorexant) Tablets, Rx: This drug is intended for adults with insomnia. It should not be used if you have serious liver problems or if you do not intend to lay in bed for seven hours. Like all other sleep medications on the market, it will leave you feeling a little woozy in the morning so don’t jump out of bed without acclimating. Do not operate machinery or drive either! In clinical studies, people who took Quviviq reported they were able to fall asleep about 30 minutes
faster than usual and gain about 35 to 45 minutes of total sleep time compared to their baseline. Never combine this drug with alcohol or other sedatives, and certainly not with hypnotic drugs like alprazolam or zolpidem!
Cibinqo® (Abrocitini) Tablets, Rx: This medication is a JAK inhibitor and it’s useful for people who have atopic dermatitis (sometimes called eczema). I like JAK inhibitors in general, but do not take this medication if you have serious heart problems or a history of blood clots. Common side effects
include increased risk of infection, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, hypertension or dizziness.
Eluciremt® (Gadopiclenol) and Vueway ® (gadopiclenol) Injections, Rx: These two contrast agents are administered before an MRI, making it easier for doctors to see inside your body. If you are allergic to iodine-based contrast, these two new options are handy to have. Although these drugs might be harmful to the kidneys, these two new agents are supposedly better than the older gadolinium-based agents which is good because I’ve seen the harm done by those older ones!
Omlonti® (Omidenepag) Eye Drops, Rx: These drops treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and could certainly be used in conjunction with herbal/vitamin remedies that support eye health. Your eye color may change over months to years, and it’s permanent. Faster lash growth may occur too.
Elahere® (Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) Injection, Rx: This medication is used to treat resistant cases of ovarian or fallopian tube cancer (also peritoneal cancer). It may cause neuropathy or eye problems, but it can help people who are resistant to platinum therapy or prior chemotherapy treatments. ■
BY
SUZY COHENFor more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at SuzyCohen.com
International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day is February 23. In my lifetime with dogs, these toothsome temptations have been a staple—and a godsend. I have done it all with the help of dog biscuits: trained, coaxed, lured, rewarded and bribed. Small, medium and large; plain and flavored; fancy or whatever is on sale—my dogs have never been picky. Even on occasions when a pooch has sniffed reluctantly at a meal, there always seems to be a hidden reserve of hunger for a “treat” or “cookie.” I am all in on this celebration.
James Spratt, an Ohio electrician, is credited with the first patent for dog biscuits. In the mid-19th century, during business travels to London, Spratt frequently watched “quayside mongrels” feeding on hardtack—a dense and simple cracker made from flour
and water. Sailors relied upon these wafers for sustenance during their long voyages.
Spratt’s observations gave him the idea for a biscuit that could be used as a primary food for dogs. The mixture of grains, beetroot, vegetables and “the dried unsalted gelatinous parts of prairie beef” was known as Spratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes. The iconic bone shape, however, was the creation of Carleton Ellis—the American inventor of modern-day margarine,
From “Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook from the Bubba Rose Biscuit Company,” 3rd Edition
Preheat oven to 375° F. Combine all ingredients, except water. Add water slowly and mix until a dough forms (if too dry, add more water; too wet, add a bit more flour). You may not need all the water to reach the desired consistency.
Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into the desired shapes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies on the sheet (they can be rather close together as they don’t expand much while cooking).
Bake 18-25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer and let cool completely on a wire rack. Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
varnish and paint remover—in 1907. Gatherings at our house usually include homemade treats for the canine guests. This past Thanksgiving, I used a recipe that claimed to be “so tasty, you’re gonna want some too.” They were a hit with the four-legged crowd. I mentioned to our visitors that I had tried a few of them myself. Without even asking anyone to “sit” or “roll over,” several of the curious ones tried the handcrafted dog biscuits and begged for the recipe afterwards. Not since I was a kid and convinced my little sister that Ken-L Ration was “people” food have I had so much fun watching a human consume something intended for dogs!
The variety of commercial dog biscuits on the market is staggering. Flavors run the gamut from blueber-
ry and coconut to burgers and fries. Milk-Bone even has a Birthday Cake Flavored Biscuit—complete with confetti sprinkles and a vanilla-flavored yogurt coating.
Growing up, I thought giving our scruffy mutt Frisky a red (beef), yellow (chicken) or green (unspecified vegetable) Milk-Bone was an epicurean adventure. The doodles and chiweenies today have no idea how rough their predecessors had it.
I imagine the perros, hunde, chiens and inu around the globe would be happy to show off their favorite tricks for their beloved dog biscuits on February 23. Or maybe all it will take is one look from those beautiful eyes and a wag of the tail to score a treat. After all, nothing says “I love you” like a dog biscuit. ■
Send your questions to Marti in care of Life After 50, or email her at OutnumberedByDogs@gmail.com
A middle-aged couple died and went to heaven at the same time.
When they arrived, St. Peter showed them to a beautiful mansion and told him it was all theirs.
In awe but still skeptical, the man said, “What about the electric bill?”
St. Peter said, “It’s all paid.”
Then he showed them to a lake with their own personal boat. The man said, “Well, who’s going to pay for the gas for the boat?”
St. Peter said, “It’s all paid for.”
Then he took them to a golf course and the man said, “But who is going to pay for the green fee?”
St. Peter said, “It’s all paid.”
The man took his hat off and threw it on the ground and said to his wife, “We would have been here a lot sooner if you hadn’t fed us all those vitamins!”
Submitted by Lloyd Mason
A senior citizen said to his 80-yearold buddy, “So I hear you’re getting married!”
“Yep!”
“Do I know her?”
“Nope!”
“Is she good looking?”
“Not really.”
“Is she a good cook?”
“Naw, she can’t cook too well.”
“Does she have lots of money?”
“Nope! Poor as a church mouse.”
“Well then, is she good in bed?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why in the world do you want to marry her then?”
“Because she can still drive!”
Submitted by Ben Kuckel
An altar boy comes to confession al and says, “Bless me Father, for
I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl.”
The priest asks, “Is that you, little Joey Pagano?”
“Yes, Father, it is.”
“And who was the girl you were with?”
“I can’t tell you, Father. I don’t want to ruin her reputation.”
“Well, Joey, I’m sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?”
“I cannot say.”
“Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?”
“I’ll never tell.”
“Was it Nina Capelli?”
“I’m sorry, but I cannot name her.”
“Was it Cathy Piriano?”
“My lips are sealed.”
“Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?”
“Please, Father. I cannot tell you.”
The priest sighs in frustration. “You’re very tight lipped, and I admire that. But you’ve sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for four months. Now
his friend Franco slides over and whispers, “What’d you get?”
“Four months’ vacation and five good leads.”
A woman went to the doctor’s office where she was seen by one of the younger doctors. After about four minutes in the examination room, she burst out screaming and ran down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was, and she told him her story.
After listening, he had her sit down and relax in another room. The older doctor marched down the hallway back to where the young doctor was writing on his clipboard.
“What’s the matter with you?” the older doctor demanded. “Mrs. Terry is 61 years old, has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and you told her she was
writing and without looking up said, “Does she still have the hiccups?”
Submitted by Jane Diamond
A man needed to purchase a hearing aid, but he was unwilling to spend much money.
“How much do they run?” he asked the clerk.
“They run anywhere from $2 to $2,000,” the clerk responded.
“Let’s see the $2 model,” the customer said.
The clerk put the device around the man’s neck.
“You just stick this button in your ear and run this string down to your pocket,” he instructed.
“How does it work?” the customer asked.
“For $2 it doesn’t work,” the salesman replied. “But people talk louder after seeing the string.”
Submitted by David Warner
A 71-year-old was fishing from his boat one day when he heard a voice say, “Pick me up.”
He looked around and couldn’t see anyone. He thought he was dreaming. Again he heard the voice say, “Pick me up.”
He looked in the water and there, floating on the top, was a frog.
The man said, “Are you talking to me?”
The frog said, “Yes, I’m talking to you. Pick me up, kiss me and then I’ll turn into the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. I’ll make sure that all your friends are envious because I will be your bride!”
The man looked at the frog for a short time, reached over, picked it up carefully and placed it in his front breast pocket.
Then the frog said, “What, are you nuts? Didn’t you hear what I said? I said kiss me and I will be your beautiful bride!”
He opened his pocket, looked at
the frog and said, “Nah. At my age, I’d rather have a talking frog.”
Submitted by Martha Burns Count all the ones that you remember, not the ones you were just told about and calculate your results below:
Could you use a little extra money each month?
• 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.
The topic of soil health has taken hold across the agriculture industry, and now with homeowners and consumers as well.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) recently launched the Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR) program to encourage farmers and ranchers to assess their soil health. This free and voluntary program is a great step towards defining soil health practices and educating consumers about the importance of looking after this vital resource.
Producers complete a questionnaire regarding their soil management practices. Based on their commitment to soil health and the results of their soil profile analyses, the CDA awards a one- to five-star rating, with a five representing
a complete commitment to soil health.
Farmers and ranchers commit to the program for three years and do evaluations each year to grow their STAR rating and demonstrate their ability to grow crops while conserving water, reducing erosion, sequestering carbon and promoting soil microbiology. Another component educates consumers on interpreting the STAR rating when purchasing from producers whose practices they support.
The USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) division was able to succinctly define soil health management based on four components that even home growers can work towards improving. The STAR program is based on these principles:
In our desert climate, mulch is important for both conserving water in our plants and for keeping weeds down. A patch of lawn or a pasture of native grass can protect the soil from weed seeds and keep the soil temperatures moderated in the summer heat and winter cold.
Leftover plant debris in the garden can insulate soil microbes from intense freezing while decomposing and releasing stored nutrients back into the ground.
Cover crops or plant residue also stops wind and collects blowing snow for a good spring moisture bank. That same residue protects the soil from heavy rains that can wash away topsoil or pound down our heavy clay soils.
Keeping living roots in the soil yearround is amazing for soil microbe health. Roots gain a constant feed supply, both from root exudates and from decomposing roots from last season’s crops.
All living roots have the capacity to hold more moisture in the soil. In addition, last year’s crop roots turn into this year’s organic matter, acting as a sponge to retain moisture in the soil for longer periods of time. Homeowners are a step ahead as most already have trees and shrubs on their property. The NRCS makes it clear that a 1% increase in organic matter can hold up to 20,000 gallons of water per acre.
Cover crops are an option for us gardeners as well. I scattered oats, buckwheat and winter wheat seeds throughout my gardens in early September and they filled the space around my vegetable plants.
This year I used an all-edible Milpa cover crop mix consisting of beans, seeds, mustards and radishes. I planted it in areas where the summer roots and greens had been harvested. They grew in quickly and held their vitality through the first early frosts and well into late November. The legumes fixed nitrogen, and all the other plant species fed a variety of microbes and put roots into varying depths of the soil.
Tilling and turning the soil is harmful to microbe-populated root zones. Most of the beneficial bacteria populate the one-millimeter zone around the plant’s roots known as the rhizosphere.
Uprooting plants removes the
fields since plowing and tilling takes labor, fuel and wear and tear on a tractor. By reducing the amount of tillage in our gardens, we can actually build soil structure and keep those earthworm holes intact so that irrigation water has a way to get to the plant roots.
Using companion planting not only helps crops to thrive, but it also helps to conserve water.
Julio Franco at Texas A&M planted watermelon, hot peppers, okra and peanuts in two identical acre plots over two years. He planted one in quarter strips of each crop while the other was planted one crop per row in a repeating pattern across the field so that every crop was next to another crop.
The yield from the interplanted field surpassed the traditional strip plantings both years. He found that the vining watermelon cooled the soil for the hot peppers and the okra provided shade for the peanuts.
In the first plot, crops competed with each other for root space and nutrients while the intercropped plots complemented each other and aided in their growth. Franco also found the intercropped plot used less water.
Another approach to biodiversity is to graze fields with livestock to incorporate their manure and cycle nutrients. Animal manure has classes of actinobacteria that can’t be found anywhere else.
As a home grower, we can incorporate manure into our gardens or composting to gain the benefits of actinobacteria without the added responsibility of managing livestock. ■
Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of Life After 50, or email him at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu
By Mary Jo Terry
Inflation is hitting Americans hard and the effects are touching every aspect of our lives.
Everything from food, gas, water, clothing and housing is rising in price. But while many people have decided to create a strict budget plan and cut back on unnecessary spending, they’re still finding themselves spending more than they’re saving. However, saving money doesn’t have to be a complex plan that restricts your lifestyle. Here are some easy ways to save money just by having a simple conversation:
high for Americans and many find themselves continuing to rack up charges on their cards to pay for necessities.
If you find yourself in this situation and the debt continues to pile on because you’re unable to pay off your balances monthly, call your credit card company and ask them to lower your interest rate.
The worst that could happen is that they decline your request. However, if you have a good past relationship and credit history, they
may help you by lowering your interest rate, which can help you pay less over time.
Even if you’ve never been on one before, many utility companies offer payment plans. As utility prices continue to rise, you have options to keep your utilities on without draining your bank account.
Call your utility companies and ask about being put on a payment plan that works for you. These plans let you pay your bill in a way that’s comfortable for you and works for your budget and pay schedule. This way, you can have an exact idea of how much you’ll pay for utilities each month without worrying about whether you’re going to have enough money.
Before you completely get rid of your cable TV or internet, call your cable company and inquire about a lower rate. Explain that the cost of the service has gotten too high and you’re going to have to cancel if you can’t get a lower rate.
Whether they upgrade your package for free or simply lower your bill to something that’s more manageable, this will usually spark a conversation that will tip in your favor, especially if you’ve been a long-time customer. Asking to speak to someone in the Retention Department can never hurt. Cable companies want to keep your service, so calling to ask for a lower rate during these tough times can usually get you a discounted price.
Tens of millions of Americans have student loans—even at our age. Although the Biden Administration is calling for forgiveness of up to $10,000 for many borrowers, many will still be left with a balance to
pay each month.
Since taking on student loan debt, many Americans’ incomes have changed. Look into income-driven repayment plans (IDR plans) for student loans. This can help set your monthly student loan payment at an amount that is affordable for you based on your current income.
If you’re earning less than you were before, this is a great way to continue to be able to make your payments on time but lower the amount you owe each month. You may even find that you can spare a few extra dollars here and there each month that can easily make a difference in your budget.
Most of the unnecessary spending we do comes from trips to Starbucks, TJ Maxx or other non-essential stores and restaurants.
Ask yourself the hard questions of whether or not you really need to make specific purchases. If you pay for every streaming service that’s available each month, you likely use one of them more than the others. Figure out what spending in your budget is going towards things you don’t need to buy each month and you can identify what is easier for you to eliminate or what you’re willing to give up for the time being.
You can also challenge yourself to go 24 hours without unnecessary spending, or maybe even expand the challenge up to a week. This can help you reevaluate where your money is going and what purchases you can cut out without limiting your lifestyle. Things like groceries, gas, utilities and other necessities don’t count towards this challenge. But purchases like eating out, a new pair of shoes or a new makeup palette can add up quickly on your monthly expenses. ■
This article was reprinted with permission courtesy of MLiving News: mlivingnews.com
As the Civil War drew to a close, soldiers of the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiments occupied a plantation on James Island, South Carolina, which earlier had been held by Confederate forces. They were among the approximately 185,000 U.S. Colored Troops, as they were called, who fought with the North.
The McLeod Plantation was established in 1851 near Charleston on the riches of sea island cotton. It is a living tribute to the men and women and their descendants that persevered in their efforts to achieve freedom, equality and justice. McLeod Plantation offers guided tours about African American life from slavery to freedom, with walks of the main house and a fully intact row of slave cabins, a cotton ginning house and sweeping oak tree alley.
Visitors may relive that chapter of history and the story of African slaves who lived and toiled at McLeod Plantation Historic Site. This is one of numerous sites around the country which recount pages from the fight for freedom and equality that has been waged by segments of our population.
that children may not be denied admission because of their race. When nine African-American students sought to enroll in all-White Central High three years later, they were blocked.
The 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiments occupied McLeod Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.
Churches played a major role in the Black civil rights movement. Some serve as reminders of tragedies and victories in the struggle for equality.
The 16th Street Baptist Church was the site of a bombing by the Ku Klux Klan on September 16, 1963, in which four young girls were killed and 22 others were injured.
At the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, a clock is frozen at 10:22. That was the time in the morning on September 15, 1963 when a bomb exploded, killing four Black girls between 11 and 14 years old who were attending Sunday school. The church was targeted by members of the Ku Klux Klan because it was a place where civil rights activists met and trained. The first colored Baptist church in the city, it continues to house an active congregation and is open for $10 tours.
Probably the most infamous school that captured headlines related to the civil rights movement is Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools are unconstitutional and
It took an order by President Dwight Eisenhower, who directed the Arkansas National Guard to escort the youngsters into the building, to end the impasse. Central High remains a functioning school which, according to its motto, seeks to help “all students feel valued and respected…in a diverse and changing world.”
Admission to Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center is free. National Park Service ranger-guided tours are also free but must be reserved in advance to guarantee availability.
Other places provide introductions to the civil rights movement, including the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. It is the largest in the world devoted to its topic.
The focus of permanent collections in this Smithsonian museum ranges from activism and the American West to religious groups and segregation. Exhibits like Louis Armstrong’s trumpet paint a positive picture, while iron collars from slave ships and a rope used in a lynching are not for the faint of heart.
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson houses interactive galleries that demonstrate “the systematic oppression of Black Mississippians and their fight for equality.” They
Photo courtesy of Charleston County Parksalso recall the brave responses of those who challenged racism.
Medgar Evers Home Museum in the same city honors the civil rights leader who in 1963 was assassinated in the driveway of his house. He was returning home from a meeting carrying T-shirts that read “Jim Crow Must Go.”
Martin Luther King, Jr., is memorialized by buildings, highways and other monuments around the country that bear his name. The
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Charleston, South Carolina ccprc.com/1447/McLeod-Plantation-Historic-Site • 843-762-9514.
16th
most poignant reminder is the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was fatally shot on April 4, 1968 while standing on the balcony. The building now is part of the National Civil Rights Museum, which traces the history of human rights from the 17th century to the present.
The fight for equality in the United States isn’t restricted to African Americans. A Native American civil rights movement that was born in the 1960s led to the occupation of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, a site of the former prison. The demonstrators maintained control there for 19 months, claiming it was compensation for the U.S. government’s violation of numerous treaties. They offered to pay for it with beads and trinkets.
Two places associated with the fight for Latino/Hispanic rights are the National Chávez Center and César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California. They recall the legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez who is remembered for fighting for the rights of migrant farm workers.
Chávez’s is most known for spearheading a strike of grape pickers in 1965. The protest lasted five years and led to boycotts that ultimately
National Museum of African American History & Culture Washington, DC nmaahc.si.edu • 844-750-3012
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Jackson, Mississippi mcrm.mdah.ms.gov • 601-576-6800
Medgar Evers Home Museum Jackson, Mississippi nps.gov/memy • 601-345-7211
Entrance to the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, CA.
resulted in an agreement that provided benefits to the workers. His many accomplishments are recalled where Chavez is buried near the former headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America.
When you visit any of these monuments to the civil rights movement, remember that they are much more than brick and mortar. Each tells a story of hardship and sacrifice, along with victory over hate and prejudice by those who fought, and sometimes died, for their cause. ■
Alcatraz Island San Francisco, California nps.gov/alca • 415-561-4900
Chávez Center & César E. Chávez National Monument Keene, California nps.gov/cech • 661-823-6134
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble, or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?’”
- Romans 8:35
In order to open our eyes and help us see God’s love, Paul gives us two lists. We might call the first one “Love’s Skeptics.”
So often our personal experience seems to contradict the idea that God loves us. Because if God really loves us, why are our lives full of trouble and hardship?
In Paul’s Greek, “trouble” literally has the sense of “pressure,” like the weight of our responsibilities crushing us.
“Hardship” puts us in a narrow place, a tight spot. The walls are closing in. The options are running out. We are cornered and trapped. Why, if he loves us, does God let us be persecuted? How come I can’t just fit in and be accepted by everyone else? Why should they be making jokes because I try to live my faith? Why should my job, my reputation, my safety be threatened because of what I believe?
If I am God’s child and he loves me, then why should I be struggling to make ends meet? Doesn’t God promise our daily bread? Has he stopped loving us?
No. In fact, Romans 8:37 says, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Notice that Paul doesn’t deny these things happen to Christians. But in all these things, we are still the conquerors. God still loves us just the same. Faith learns to trust that God’s promises are more real and more certain than all we see or
experience, because nothing stands between us and Christ’s love.
In support of that assertion, Paul brings his second list. Here are the leading candidates for getting between us and God’s love for us. Every one of them is destined to fail.
“I am convinced that neither death nor life…”
Death can’t do it. Although death was at one time the penalty for sin that cut us off from God, now it is the gateway to life. It actually brings us into the direct presence of God and his love, not farther away.
Life can’t do it, either. Many people fear the things that life can throw at us. But the worst that life has to offer is just temporary, and God promises to love us through it all.
“Neither angels nor demons…”
Spiritual powers, whether good or evil, cannot do it. Their powers greatly exceed our own but they are no match for God and his love.
“Neither the present nor the future nor any powers…”
Nothing in time can do it. We may not like the times in which we live. We may fear the future with all its unknowns even more. But present or future, from now until the day Jesus returns, we will be the objects of God’s love, every minute, every moment until time comes to an end.
“Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Build a space probe and travel to the farthest edges of the universe. Dig a hole until you come out in China. God’s love for you is bigger and more powerful than anything else that exists. ■
Last month, I encouraged readers to have a safer 2023 by taking control of their online identity and abandoning obsolete advice that makes them more vulnerable to financial fraud and identity theft. This month, I will talk about how scammers and other shady entities, such as sleazy telemarketers and email spammers, use your online identity to find you, gain your trust and take advantage.
Before I can explain how to protect yourself, you need to know what exactly you’re protecting yourself from. Here are a few terms to familiarize yourself with and know the differences:
• Hacking: A bad guy getting into an area where he isn’t supposed to be and making changes.
• Spoofing: Rather than get into an account, the bad buy pretends to be you by using software or creating a copy of your account in order to con the people you know.
• Scam: When a bad guy gets you to send him money or information.
• Phishing: An email, pop-up ad, phone call, snail mail or any other message that is designed to deceive you into giving up your username and passwords without realizing it.
• Spear Phishing: Phishing attempts that are very precisely targeted, such as an email about your account that appears to be from your personal banker, or a strange text from your boss asking you to send him your login information.
• False Positives: Fake alerts via email, text, voice calls or pop-ups that tell you that your computer, finances or online accounts are in danger.
• Social Engineering: When the
bad guy deceives you into voluntarily giving them information they can use to scam you.
Many of these tools cross over. Spoofing, phishing and false positives are all forms of social engineering that are designed to get past your learned defenses. Bad guys often use fake security popups, recorded messages and emails to get you to contact them.
Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you are positive the person on the other end is legitimately trying to help you (like the IT guy from your work or a trusted family member).
It’s okay to be skeptical and even snarky. Any legitimate caller from a bank, credit card or similar entity will understand your reluctance. There are always official channels that you can use to verify the legitimacy of the issue or someone’s honest desire to help. Don’t ever contact someone via the links, phone numbers or email address that the person in question provided to you.
VERIFY. VERIFY. VERIFY
If you get an email or phone call saying you are in violation, past due or in danger of, don’t respond to it.
If you get a random text telling you that your bank has approved an unexpected transaction for $700, log in to your banking app from a separate device, go to the bank or
look up the bank’s phone number and verify it directly.
Most bad guys will give you nine truths and a lie. The lie will be the door they need you to open for them.
If you receive an email or a call from Microsoft and they confirm your name, phone number and address, and tell you they need control of your computer to fix an issue, hang up.
Just because they can provide information that is available on a utility bill or in your voter registration, doesn’t mean they are official.
Legitimate banks are obligated by the government to protect your money. All genuine banks have fraud specialists that you can talk to for free because they are legally obligated to protect the government’s money.
However, just because an entity has a teller doesn’t mean you are working with a bona fide bank.
Western Union, check cashing
places and the “bank” in Walmart are not official banks. They are called Money Service Businesses (MSBs). If another party requires you to make the transaction through an MSB, it is always a scam.
Pay with plastic whenever possible. Credit card companies insure and ensure against fraudulent activity by offering purchase protection. This allows you to file claims over fraudulent activity and receive reimbursement for it.
If you must do a financial transaction electronically or over the phone, a debit or credit card is always the safest option. You can rest assured that credit card companies will guard your purchases.
Our country’s economy will likely be complicated and unpredictable in 2023. When people are in hardship, they become more vulnerable to scams and hoaxes. Spending time protecting yourself will be more effective when you know how to outsmart the bad guys. ■
Send your questions to Adam in care of Life After 50, or email him at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org
MOST BAD GUYS WILL GIVE YOU NINE TRUTHS AND A LIE. THE LIE WILL BE THE DOOR THEY NEED YOU TO OPEN FOR THEM.
There are many ways to make hearts happy during February. American Heart Month educates us how to care for this mighty organ. International Flirting Week (February 12-18) celebrates “the first conscious step towards initiating romance.” Hubba-hubba! And, of course, there’s Valentine’s Day.
Celebrating National Letter to an Elder Day on February 26 is yet another way to do our tickers some good. It’s a delightful opportunity to deliver some bonus love to an elder in the form of an unexpected letter or card.
Reading heartfelt words and knowing that someone took the time to put them on paper is a powerful reminder that you matter to somebody. Likewise, the act of
writing kind or encouraging words to another person is gratifying.
The holiday was founded in 2020 by Jacob Cramer, who relished the time he spent with his grandparents growing up.
When his beloved grandfather passed away, he was heartbroken. Eager to honor his grandfather’s memory, the then-12-year-old decided to volunteer at a local senior living facility. At first he felt shy and out of place, but his conversations with friendly seniors drew him back.
With each visit, Cramer bonded with many of the residents. This exposed him to a painful truth: Many of them rarely received visits from family or friends, let alone any
written correspondence. Although he provided temporary companionship during his visits, he knew his presence could not replace the continued support or love of family.
Cramer picked up a pen and began to write. He filled cards with kind words and sent them to his elderly friends and then to nursing homes across the country. His mission was to alleviate some of the loneliness experienced by isolated seniors. Buoyed by the response and encouraged by friends, he decided to take the initiative to the next level.
At age 13, Cramer founded the nonprofit Love for Our Elders. Now—10 years later—his organization has over 50,000 volunteer letter-writers worldwide. LoveFor OurElders.org features people nominated by loved ones who would welcome some friendly mail.
This organization is also dedicated to the healing power of the pen. During the pandemic, sisters Shreya and Saffron Patel held video calls almost every day with their grandparents in the U.K. On one occasion, their grandmother held up a letter she’d received and gushed over the piece of mail for nearly a week. The teenagers were inspired by their grandmother’s delight and they wanted to bring that same joy to other seniors living alone.
They contacted local care facilities and asked if there were residents who would be interested in receiving handwritten correspondence. Their inquiry was met with a resounding yes! Within a week, the sisters had their hands full getting letters to an astounding 200 seniors.
With the growing numbers of elders hoping for correspondence,
the two women founded Letters Against Isolation, which now serves thousands of senior citizens in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and Israel. As with Cramer’s website, the Patels also provide access to people who would enjoy being written to, and quite a few would love a letter in their native language. For more information, visit LettersAgainst Isolation.com ■
National Letter to an Elder Day is one we could celebrate all year long. After all, we are from generations that know how to write a good letter and remember the impact of receiving one, even decades later.
If you choose to write to a senior, here are some tips:
• Write legibly and print larger, if possible
• Be creative: draw something, send a photo or crossword puzzle, make it colorful
• Avoid writing about religion or politics
• Make an effort to write several lines
• Don’t use glitter
Technician: How long has your air conditioning not been working?
Customer: Two weeks.
Technician: Why did you wait two weeks to have it fixed?
Customer: My In-laws were here. They were planning to stay for a month.
Do you know where your furnace is in your home? How about your crawl space or utility room?
“Some people don’t know where these things are, and only when it’s cold or very hot will they start to look,” said Matt Amos, 55, owner of Fountain Valley Mechanical.
electric and radiant heating. They can conduct preseason furnace checks, including hot water and steam heating.
While the majority of homes in Colorado do not have air conditioning due to low humidity levels and moderate weather, the blazing hot temps in the summer might make you long for a cooling blast of a/c. Fountain Valley Mechanical can set you up with central air or other cooling systems.
The company offers additional summertime services, including air duct cleaning, electronic air filters and a preseason a/c check.
If customers plan to install, remodel or repair their plumbing, the professionals at Fountain Valley Mechanical can help. From replacing leaky faucets to unclogging pipes, the business’ certified professionals can do it all. Plus, they give free estimates.
of their stellar reputation, Amos says he is very picky about the employees he hires.
“The top qualities that I look for in my people are honesty and friendliness,” he stressed.
Employees do not get paid a commission, as Amos said he doesn’t like the cutthroat attitude that commissions tend to foster.
Coco hangs out at the office every day to greet visitors
tomers like family as well.
The shop dog Coco, a standard poodle, is cute, curly, curious and always ready to celebrate special occasions with the staff. This beloved pet is very much a part of the family business and may greet you if you stop by their storefront at 2615 E. St. Vrain St.
Dependable heating and cooling services are important. Technicians with Fountain Valley Mechanical repair equipment and provide customers with complete solutions to keep them cozy and comfortable all year long.
“We care that our customers get good quality service and products at a reasonable price,” said Matt. “We want to make sure customers are 100 percent satisfied with the services we offer.”
Fountain Valley techs service furnaces and boiler systems, and gas,
Senior and military discounts are part of their exceptional service, as is round-the-clock emergency services for repairs.
Matt grew up along with the family business, which was founded by his father Arden in 1981. Now the business employs 10, including Matt’s wife, Jenny.
“We work and play together 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Jenny, “and we still get along!”
Fountain Valley Mechanical is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business with an A+ rating. Because
“We are like a family here,” he said. “We keep things upbeat and happy and make sure to celebrate everybody’s birthdays.”
They do their best to treat cus-
For help with heating, air-conditioning or plumbing needs, reach out to Fountain Valley Mechanical Inc. at fvmech@msn.com or call 719-392-2652. Technicians are licensed, bonded and insured. ■
This program at the Colorado Springs Conservatory honors the contributions of African Americans to the U.S. It includes a mini-concert from Conservatory scholarship winners and a special appearance by soprano Deborah Anderson, who’s sung with The Eagles. A dessert reception follows.
2-4 p.m. | 415 Sahwatch St. | Free | www.coloradospringsconservatory. org | 719-577-4556
Creating Connections
Caregivers, families and their loved ones can explore materials and play together at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. You’ll discover how to use simple games and activities to connect with adults with dementia. This month’s theme is building materials.
10-11 a.m. | 1514 N. Hancock Ave. | Free | www.playto remember.com | 719-344-5877
This poignant play by Theatreworks explores food as nourishment physically, culturally and spiritually when a Korean-American chef caring for his dying father shares an unexpected last meal. It runs Thursday through Sunday at the Ent Center.
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | $20-$43.75 | www. entcenterforthearts.org | 719-2553232
Reap the benefits of gentle stretching yoga! February’s theme is “the heart of yoga.” Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at Who Gives a Scrap. Beginners are welcome. RSVP to yogaforkindness2021@gmail. com.
10-11:15 a.m. | 810 Arcturus Drive | $5-$10 | www.whogivesascrap colorado.com | 719-375-8734
Remember groups like The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Santana? This local high-energy rock band will take the stage at Stargazers and transport you straight back to the late ’60s to early ’70s!
6 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $15 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200
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
Weekend to Remember Invest in your marriage and God’s blueprint for it at The Broadmoor. Learn skills to weather difficult seasons through every age and stage of your lifelong adventure. 7 p.m. | 1 Lake Ave. | $150 | www. familylife.com | 800-358-6329
The universal feeling of isolation during the pandemic fuels this original dance at the Ent Center’s Osborne Studio Theatre. Artistic movement expresses the power of connection and community in a healing performance. 7:30 p.m. (4 p.m. February 5 & 12) | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | $7 | www. entcenterforthearts.org | 719-5737411
Say hello to lifelong wellness with this fun and comprehensive program for those 50+ to improve well-being, add stability and strengthen community ties. It features speakers who explore relevant aging topics every Thursday for five weeks.
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2420 E. Pikes Peak Ave. | $25 | www.uchealth.org | 719-365-5000
Learn how to converse with God and hear God’s voice at this retreat by One Simple Voice at the Penrose House. Lunch is included in the cost. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1661 Mesa Ave. | $15 | www.onesimplevoice.org | 719-5079255
Discover new trends and learn how to make your house your home at the Norris Penrose Event Center. Remodeling, landscaping and building experts share their expertise for your latest project.
Celebrate winter’s beauty at Fox Run Regional Park with roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, live music, wagon-drawn hayrides, storytelling, a dog costume contest, a parade, games and more to raise funds for a new nature center. Please preregister online. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 2110 Stella Drive | $5 | www.elpasocountynature centers.com | 719-520-6387
All aboard! Come to the Colorado Springs Event Center for all things railroad-related. Hear presentations about rail history, learn new techniques for building a private setup and buy, sell or trade model train sets. Fun for the whole family!
10 a.m.-5 p.m. (ends at 3 p.m. Sunday) | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | $9 | www.tecoshow.org | 915-491-4819
Willson and Mckee: Echo in a Winter’s Heart
Join this performing duo for stories and songs of winter at the Palmer Lake Library (66 Lower Glenway St.) on February 4, the Fountain Library (230 S. Main St.) on February 16 or Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Blvd.) on February 28.
12 p.m. February 4 & 16 | 6 p.m. February 28
Learn research strategies, including how to get started, organizing research and selecting and searching for records. Registration is required. 10 a.m. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Dazzle the guests at your next party with the help of this in-person, interactive class at the Fountain Library on making visually stunning charcuterie-style food boards.
1 p.m. | 230 S. Main St., Fountain |
Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
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 | 719-531-6333
Skate on over to the Broadmoor World Arena for this annual competition for non-African and non-European countries. Medals are awarded in men’s and ladies’ singles, pairs and ice dance. See website for times.
3185 Venetucci Blvd. | $19-$44 | www.axs.com | 719-477-2100
Experience early 1900s living history at the Pioneers Museum!
Becky Stone portrays comedian, dancer and first black movie star Josephine Baker, who later in life advocated for racial justice. A Q & A follows. Online preregistration is required.
5:30-7 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org | 719-385-5990
Celebrate Monte Carlo style with Colorado Springs Chorale and support the concert season with a sophisticated evening of glamour and fun. Enjoy dinner, dancing, casino-style games, silent auction and more. Buy tickets online. 6 p.m. | 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. | $90 | www.cschorale.org | 719-634-3737
Keep your brain active and engaged by listening to UCCS professor Seth M. Porter, Ph.D., Dean of Kraemer Family Library, discuss “Exploring the 21st Century Academic Library” at Ent Center for the Arts. Visitors are welcome. 10 a.m. | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | Free | www.uccs.edu/curiosity | 719-755-5082
Spend Valentine’s Day weekend at the Pikes Peak Center with more than a few of your “Favorite Things”! The Philharmonic Pops covers Rodgers & Hammerstein showstoppers from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma!” and more.
7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $28-$84 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100
Hear Juanita Stroud Martin of Black Beat Productions and Ashley Cornelius of Poetry 719 encourage the voices of marginalized communities and people of color through poetry and other forms of creative self-expression at the Pioneers Museum. Online preregistration is required. 2-3 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org | 719-385-5990
There can be a large gap between veterans and civilians. This discussion series at the Penrose Library 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
Trying to watch spending amid currently rising costs? Come to Broadmoor Community Church for brunch and tips on living a great life on a budget. You may attend two events for free, after which you pay annual dues of $30.
9:30-11 a.m. | 315 Lake Ave. | www.cmncos.org
Enjoy a special night with a grandchild at the Young Bookworms bookstore with snacks and desserts, dancing, a craft, story time and a digital photoshoot. Your grandchild receives a free paperback of his/her choice. 6-8 p.m. | 3604 Hartsel Drive, Suite B | $48/couple | www.youngbook worms.com | 719-358-9492
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
“Take It Easy” and enjoy Colorado’s tribute to The Eagles at Stargazers! For more than a decade, they’ve faithfully recreated the ’70s sound of America’s best-selling rock band in history. Don’t miss it!
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $25 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200
Temple Grandin: Thriving a Different Way
Author, speaker and CSU professor Grandin visits Library 21c to speak about both autism and animal behavior, with a Q & A and signing of “Visual Thinking.” Among her honors: an Emmy Award-winning biopic and Time’s Most Influential People list.
1-4 p.m. | 1175 Chapel Hills Drive | $15-$35 | www.impactuspeaks.com | 719-531-6333, ext. 7012
Superbowl Cookie Decorating Swing by Sweet Addict Bakery and decorate delicious cookies as jerseys, footballs, fans in the stands, goalposts and more, customized to your favorite team! Each participant receives a dozen cookies. Save them for game day—or don’t!
4-6 p.m. | 5928 Stetson Hills Blvd., Ste. 100 | $44 | www.sweetaddict bakery.com | 719-318-3893
Craft Exchange with Who Gives a Scrap?
Swap your unwanted craft materials for new-to-you supplies at the High Prairie Library.
1-4 p.m. | 7035 Old Meridian Rd., Peyton | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Valentine’s Tea at the Castle Dress up and drive up! To Sedalia, that is, for royal treatment at the
Cherokee Ranch and Castle. Enjoy champagne, scones, sandwiches and pastries with a stunning view of the Front Range, then tour the beautiful castle. Reservations are required.
1-3 p.m. | 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia | $63 | www.cherokeeranch. org | 303-688-5555
Learn what increases your risk of falling and how to keep yourself safe and injury free at this two-part workshop (part 2 is March 15). Registration is required.
1 p.m. | 1175 Chapel Hills Blvd. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Interested in reeling in the big one but don’t know where to begin? Come to Bear Creek Nature Center and learn the how-to from pros in Colorado, one of the top freshwater fishing destinations in the world. Please preregister online.
3-5 p.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road | $5 | www.elpasocountynaturecenters. com | 719-520-6977
Bring a friend or make a new one at the Sweet Addict Bakery as you assemble “new age Lunchables,” aka bento boxes. Choose from sushi, veggies, Chinese, chicken wraps, fruit, hummus, dips, pretzels, cheese and crackers. For kids and adults.
1-3 p.m. | 5928 Stetson Hills Blvd.,
Suite 100 | $54 | www.sweetaddict bakery.com | 719-318-3893
ZZ Top Tribute
Close your eyes, and surprise! This trio of guys, one of the top tributes acts in Colorado, becomes ZZ Top. El Loco Fandango duplicates the look, sound and instruments so convincingly that you’ll think they’re the real deal!
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $15 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200
The Art and Science of Love
Bring your significant other to the Embassy Suites by Hilton and find out what does and doesn’t work in relationships. 3,000 couples plus 45 years of research equal science that can strengthen your love. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | 7290 Commerce Center Drive | $775/2 | www.prin cipleskills.com | 719-494-7412
Churchill starring David Payne Amazingly, this funny, engaging show is performed by one man! British actor Payne brings this great historical figure to life onstage at the Pikes Peak Center with depictions of dealings with British and American politicians, wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth. 2 or 7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $30- $57 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100
Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” Hakuna matata! See the African savannah come to life on the Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus stage with Simba, Rafiki and others. The costumes, sets, dancing and songs by students will delight all ages! 6:30 p.m. all weekend, 2 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday | 2115 Afton Way | $15, $13 over 65 and children | www.cytcoloradosprings.org | 619964-2785
Elite Souls: Portraits of Valor in Iraq and Afghanistan Show your patriotic pride and learn
military history as Dr. Ray Raymond gives a presentation based on his book. Books may be purchased and signed.
2 p.m. | 5550 N. Union Blvd. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Channel your inner ’20s flapper or dapper at this Roaring Twenties-themed costume party! Watch 1923’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” starring Springs resident Lon Chaney, in the restored El Paso County Courthouse. You can even learn the Charleston!
6:30-10 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | $35$45 | www.cspm.org | 719-385-5990
Listen to live folk, ballads and pop songs from solo guitarist and trombonist Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma. Same day, two locations: 9-10:30 a.m. at Mission Coffee Roasters, 11641 Ridgeline Dr., and 3-4:30 p.m. at Third Space Coffee, 5670 N. Academy Blvd.
Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off & Carnivale Parade
Gumbo? Yumbo! Twenty cooks compete for trophies at Soda Springs Park, where 75 cents buys you a taste. But don’t eat and run! Stick around for Manitou’s wacky Carnivale Parade at 1 p.m.
11 a.m. | 1016 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | Free | www. manitousprings.org | 719-685-5089
Free | www.missioncoffeeroasters. com | www.thirdspacecoffee.com
Forest Bathing Walk
Experience this therapeutic practice and awaken your senses with a slow, mindful walk through the woods at the Bear Creek Nature Center. A soothing tea ceremony follows.
1-3:30 p.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road | $30 | www.communityservices. elpasoco.com | 719-520-6387
Colorado Floyd
“Hey You,” don’t pass up the chance to go to Stargazers and see fellow Coloradans perform the songs of Pink Floyd so convincingly you’ll think you’re back in the ’70s!
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $17 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719476-2200
I Dream a World Concert
Colorado Springs Chorale presents this concert of music by black and African American composers and arrangers, including Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Moses Hogan, and Adolphus Hailstork, at First United Methodist Church. Buy tickets online.
3 p.m. | 420 N. Nevada Ave. | $10 | www.cschorale.org | 719-634-3737
Our Planet Live in Concert
It’s a sensory feast when breathtaking nature cinematography combines with all-new music by an Oscar®-winning composer performed
by a live orchestra at the Pikes Peak Center.
7-9 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $37$68 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100
Make an informed voting decision! Come to the Colorado Springs Auditorium to hear from all the candidates vying to succeed Mayor Suthers and determine the best fit. A VIP reception with the candidates takes place before the debate at 5:30.
4-7:30 p.m. | 221 E. Kiowa St. | $15 | www.coloradospringschamberedc. com | 719-471-8183
Veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses/family and Reserve/National Guard, come connect with over 40 employers who are ready to hire you at the Elkhorn Conference Center! Find the support and information you need. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1725 Woodfill Road, Building 7300, Fort Carson | Free | www.ppwfc.org | 719-667-3700
The Springs Home Show
Meet local and national vendors ready to assist with your next home improvement project at the Colorado Springs Event Center. Ceiling to floor, outdoor and indoor, find what you need and more. Save thousands, win prizes, enter giveaways and score!
12-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | Free | www.thespringshomeshow.com | 303-867-1182 3
If you were a teen in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Styx’s music was part of the soundtrack of your life. Catch this multimegamillion-selling rock band when they stop at the Pikes Peak Center on their 2023 World Tour.
7:30-9:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $60-$100 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100
Yesterday
Grab a few friends and “Come Together” at Stargazers to see this Beatles tribute—it’s Paul McCartney’s favorite! Though the ’60s are a distant and fond memory, these classic songs still hold up and the Fab Four lives on. 7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $25 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200
Live
Enjoy oldies but goodies from the ’60s and ’70s from the acoustic guitar of Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. | 7715 Dublin Blvd., #160 | Free | www.jaksbrewing.com | 719-375-8202
Researching African American Ancestors (Virtual)
Researching your ancestors of color can be challenging. This class covers how to use both traditional and unique resources to explore your family tree. Registration is required. 7 p.m. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333 ■
No canning required! Come to UCHealth Memorial Administrative Center to try samples and learn the secrets of quick pickling—a brilliant solution for preserving fresh vegetables with your own blend of vinegars and spices. Please register. 1-2 p.m. | 2420 E. Pikes Peak Ave. | Free | www.uchealth.org/ events | 719-365-8061
21st Century Toastmasters meets weekly at Library 21c.
Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-591-8045
ACC Grass Roots 307 Cribbage meets at the Colorado Springs Elks Lodge.
Wednesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 719-3311200
ACLU defends civil rights and liberties. Call for details. 303-777-5482
Austin Bluffs Sertoma, a community service organization, meets twice monthly for breakfast at Embassy Suites.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 7:30 a.m. | 719-460-5561
Austrian-American Enzian Club is a German-speaking culture club that meets at VFW Post #101.
2nd Wednesday | 2-4 p.m. | 719-380-1163
Black Forest AARP meets for a 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 p.m. | Black ForestTrails.org
Blazer Ski Club meets year round with organized ski trips, golf, hiking and more.
Wednesdays | BlazerSkiClub.org
Breakfast Club for Singles 50+ meets for breakfast at Patty Jewett Golf Course. Cost is $20 (cash or check). Must RSVP.
1st Saturday | 9:00 a.m. | 719-2600651 | tbc50plus.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 for lunch with a speaker at DoubleTree by Hilton. Please RSVP.
1st and 3rd Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 740-707-3022 | RotaryBroadmoor. com
Bulldog Club meets monthly at
Westside Community Center.
4th Monday | 6-8 p.m. | ChloeD Howard@yahoo.com
Carnelian Coffee Book Club meets at Carnelian Coffee.
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. | PPLD.org | 719-389-8968
Cheyenne Mountain Newcomers Club for women meets at Broadmoor Community Church.
2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | CMNcos.org
Colorado Springs Chess Club meets at Acacia Apartments ballroom.
Tuesdays | 6 p.m.
Colorado Springs Coin Club meets at Fraternal Order of Eagles #143.
4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 719-632-4260
Colorado Springs Numismatic Society meets at Gold Hill Police Station’s community room.
2nd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-632-4260
Colorado Springs Scrabble Club meets virtually for three games on Woogles.io. Mondays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-332-5141
Colorado Springs Stamp Club meets at Vista Grande Baptist Church.
1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.
Curiosity Unlimited offers continuous learning opportunities with UCCS professor lectures at Ent Center for the Arts, Chapman Founda-
tions Recital Hall. Visitors welcome! 2nd Friday | 10 a.m. | 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 at Woodland Park Library. 1st Wednesday | 5 p.m.
Falcon Adult Group meets at High Prairie Library. 1st Wednesday | 11 a.m.
Falcon Garden Club meets at High Prairie Library.
3rd Saturday | 10 a.m. | 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 and $16 per couple. 719-597-4307 | 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. | 719-2293317
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 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..
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 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 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 | PikesPeakCamera Club.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. | 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 | PPOTHG.com.
Pikes Peak Pastel Society meets five times yearly. All levels welcome. 719-338-5548 | PikesPeakPastel.org
Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners meets for dinner and a program at the Masonic Center. Please RSVP.
2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | 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 | PPWGS.org
other social activities.
Various Wednesdays | 7:30 | SnoJets.org | 512-791-6416
Socrates Cafe meets weekly for discussion at the Monument Library. Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 719-531-6333\
Sons and Daughters of Italy meets for dinner and a meeting at VFW Post #101.
1st Tuesday | 5:30 p.m. | 719-2909586
Sons of Norway meets at Viking Hall.
2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-574-3717
Triviality Trivia plays weekly at Gold Camp Brewing Company. Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | 719-319-3798
Veterans of Korean service (wartime or peace) meets at BPOE Elks 304, 3400 North Nevada Ave. Lunch and speaker are $13. Call to RSVP.
Rampart Range Blue Star Mothers meets at Falcon Police Department.
1st Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-651-8038
Read Amok Book Club meets at Florissant Library.
2nd Monday | 12 p.m. | 719-748-3939
Reader’s Circle Book Club meets 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 | Portal.ClubRunner.CA/3250
Silicon Mountain Mac User Group meets virtually. Visit website for link.
2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | www.smmug.org
Sno-Jets Ski & Adventure Club meets monthly at The Public House at The Alexander. See website for ski trips, biking, hiking, dinners and
3rd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-2146121 | vva1075.com
Vietnam Veterans of America meets at Colorado Technical University.
4th Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-650-1513
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1075, meets at Skills Academy, 1575 Garden of the Gods Road.
Last Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-2358162 | vva1075.com
Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association meets at Sand Creek Police Station.
4th Saturday | 10 a.m. | PeakWAC vets@yahoo.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 at Woodland Park Library.
1st Tuesday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-9281
Yarnia! Knitting & Crochet Club meets at Florissant Library.
2nd Thursday | 10 a.m. | 719-748-3939 ■
Janis Wood“My husband and I and our five ‘grandgirls’ ate breakfast at Gray’s Café in Ault, near Greeley. When we went to pay the bill, we found that someone had paid the bill for all seven of us, and then left. We were shocked and delighted! We asked the people at the restaurant to please give him a huge thank you from us the next time he came there to eat!”
“I was 17 and working at The Soda Straw in Pueblo. I was going to the Springs to pick up birthday cakes and blew a tire. A total stranger saw me at the side of the road and changed the tire for me.”
“Years ago, when I was a single mom, we’d been homeless for a time. One day around Christmas, there was a knock on our apartment door. A woman said, ‘I’m here to take you shopping.’ When I asked why, she simply said, ‘There are people who want to love on you.’ I picked out warm jammies and toys for my kids. Then she said, ‘Now pick out something for you.’”
“While driving my family at night, the car motor suddenly stopped. Minutes later, a semi pulled up. The trucker heard about a stalled car from a passing driver. He peered under the hood and found a battery cable completely broken at the coupling. He snapped his vise grip onto the battery, assuring us it would hold until we could fix it—and it did.”
What is something a stranger has done for you that you’ve never forgotten?
PEARLS
PEARLS (Program Encouraging Active Rewarding Lives for Seniors) of Colorado has started its firstever get-together/support group. PEARLS offers an inspirational way of supporting people over 60 who feel overwhelmed by life’s issues. There are many ways to bring joy back into everyday life. The group will explore this and develop skills worked on with PEARLS coaches/ counselors. Anyone who has gone through a PEARLS program in the U.S. would benefit from these monthly get-togethers. The group is held on the second Tuesday of the month at 3-4:30 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. For more information, call director Cynthia Margiotta at 719-459-2017 or visit www.pearlsprogram.net.
Drinking enough water is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing chronic diseases, dying early or being biologically older than your chronological age, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health. As people live longer worldwide, age-dependent chronic diseases are emerging and increasing. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study shows that those with serum sodium levels at the higher end of the normal range of 135-146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) had poorer health than those at the lower end. Adults with levels above 142 mEq/L had a 10-15% chance of being biologically older than their chronological age compared with those in the 137-142 mEq/L range, and a 64% greater risk for chronic diseases, such as heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disease, diabetes and dementia. Those with levels above 144 mEq/L had a 50% higher risk of being biologically older and a 21% higher risk of premature death. Ask for a complete
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) urges consumers to learn how automated emergency features work on their smartphones and wearable devices. Over the last several years, both Apple iOS and Android smartphones, as well as some wearable devices, like the Apple Watch, have gained the ability to automatically dial 9-1-1 in certain circumstances. While potentially lifesaving, it could cause many unnecessary 9-1-1 calls to centers throughout Colorado and may result in delays for actual emergencies. The Apple Watch has an optional feature that will call 9-1-1 if it detects that the wearer has fallen. While beneficial, it’s caused an increase in unnecessary calls to 9-1-1 centers, particularly in the winter months when people may fall while enjoying recreational sports. Colorado consumers are encouraged to learn what emergency features exist on their phones and wearable devices and how to adjust the settings for additional safety and security without causing unnecessary 9-1-1 calls. If you have any questions, please contact 303-894-2871.
blood count at your next physical.
If your serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or higher, you would benefit from upping your water intake.
Place your order for free at-home COVID-19 tests
Has your stash of rapid antigen COVID-19 tests run out? Just in time for the rise in variant XBB.1.5, the government is once again offering every household in the U.S. four free at-home tests (with free shipping as well). There is a limit of one order per residential address. Additionally, if you have tests on hand that are past their expiration date, don’t throw them out just yet. You can check online to see if their expiration dates have been extended. Order tests and check expiration dates at www.covidtests.gov. If you need assistance with placing an order, call 1-800-232-0233.
The Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association presents the Rocky Mountain Conference on Dementia, a one-day event held online on March 2. Participants may join at no cost. The event is designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers, pro-
fessional caregivers and healthcare providers, public health and aging services professionals and anyone interested in learning more. Topics include the latest in dementia science; clinical research and getting involved in trials; brain health and risk reduction; information on diagnostics, treatments, and partnering with the medical community; services and resources for those living with dementia and their caregivers, including special considerations for those with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease; art, music, animal and other complementary therapies; legal and financial planning; care options and caregiving strategies. Visit www.alz.org to register.
If you are insured, need a medical procedure and want an idea of the cost prior to having it done, a new online calculator can give you an estimate of what you’ll owe. Health insurance companies and employers that offer health plans must provide this online tool for patients to get detailed personal estimates that figure in their individual deductibles, copayments and out-of-pocket limits for a variety of services and
prescriptions. The online calculator will start with 500 nonemergency services considered “shoppable”— such procedures as knee replacements and X-rays. Starting in 2024, insurance companies must include all drugs and services. Patients can request to have the information delivered on paper if they prefer.
The cost-estimator tools could be useful for the increasing number of people with high-deductible health plans who pay out-of-pocket for much of their health care before they hit their deductible. The online calculator can help them consider their options, and they may save a significant amount of money by shopping around before committing to a procedure. Contact your insurance company for details.
Lifelong learning equals a “SuperAger”
Your brain can either be older or younger than your chronological age, and it’s not just genetics. “SuperAgers” is a term longevity researchers apply to those in their 80s and beyond with the cognitive function of those decades younger. While learning of any kind is good for brain health, a 2021 study of SuperAgers showed that they kept learning new skills or concepts. Although aging means a natural loss of some connections between our brain cells, the newness of learning something you didn’t know before strengthens those connections. SuperAgers are open to and even welcome the frustration that comes with learning something outside their normal area of expertise. Planning a variety of activities in three areas engages the brain: mentally (listening to a podcast or learning a new language), physically (learning a new dance or sport) and socially (yes, occasions such as a lunch date with a friend tend to stave off dementia). ■
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 Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 719600-2644
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.
PEARLS Connect for people over 60 who feel overwhelmed by life’s issues meets monthly at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. It is available to anyone who has participated in the PEARLS programs anywhere in the U.S.
2nd Tuesdays | 3-4:40 p.m. | 719459-2017
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 ■
non-profit dedicated to the historical preservation of 19th century baseball in Colorado.
1-2 p.m. | Feb. 13 | $1
a better life. This class is facilitated by a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. Commit to all four sessions for maximum benefit.
1514 N. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs
To register for classes, call 719-955-3400 or visit www.CSSeniorCenter.com
Your donated canned goods will go directly to local seniors in need. Please check expiration dates on donated items.
Feb. 6-17 | Free
What’s more romantic on Valentine’s Day than listening to a sweet serenade of flutes by local quartet
Cinnamon Tea?
1:30 p.m. | Feb. 14 | Free Trivia
Test your general knowledge on a variety of topics. No team? No problem! We will help you find friends to play with.
1:30-2:30 p.m. | Feb. 21 | $3
Get your groove on during our twice-monthly dances to live music. Please remember to tip the band!
1:30-3 p.m. | Feb. 9 & 23
This charitable group focuses on working on three different projects and causes each year! Stop by to learn more about the group’s current project.
10-11:30 a.m. | Feb. 3 | Free
This presentation relates the life of Charles Darwin as a paradigm shifter whose concept of evolution clashed with the concept of creationism.
10-11:30 a.m. | Feb. 7 | $5
Learn about baseball’s beginnings and classic game play from this
Learn how to create beautiful home décor and accessories all by tying different knots in this instructor-led class.
9-11 a.m. | Feb. 14 | $16
We all desire to live a long and healthy life. But for most of us, our lifespan far exceeds our health span, meaning there is a gap between the number of years we live and the number of years we live healthfully.
1-2 p.m. | Feb. 1 | Free
Practice breathwork to increase your blood/oxygen levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase mental clarity.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Feb. 6 | Free
Learn basic spine anatomy, how to minimize risk of injury and exercises for optimizing back health.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Feb. 10 | Free
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mondays, Feb. 20Mar. 13 | Free
Flyswatter Volleyball
Volleyball is just as fun with balloons and flyswatters!
1:30-2:30 p.m. | Feb. 28 | Free
Technology Questions 1 on 1
Schedule your 30-minute one-onone appointment with a technology specialist.
1-3 p.m. | Feb. 8 | $18
Nurse Chats: Plantar Fasciitis
Ever wonder why your feet hurt?
Come learn about plantar fasciitis from a registered nurse.
1-2 p.m. | Feb. 15 | Free
How’s Your Balance?
This program by licensed occupational therapists offers practical strategies to decrease falls and keep you safe.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Feb. 20 | Free
Journey to Grief Recovery
Face your unresolved grief, begin to let go of the pain and move towards
This computer-based class will enhance one’s ability to search and bookmark websites.
1-3 p.m. | Feb. 14 | $15
This class is all about the Internet and how it can help you.
1-2:30 p.m. | Feb. 15 | $10
Learn how the computer can assist you in everyday tasks, along with some nifty shortcuts.
1-3 p.m. | Feb. 22 | $15
Enjoy hot, nutritious meals and socialize with others. Meals available to adults 60 and older and spouses. Call to make a reservation before 2 p.m. the day before.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | MondaysFriday | 719-884-2300 | 3.50
66 Jefferson St., Monument
To register for classes, call 719-464-6873 or visit www.SilverKey.org/trilakes
Advisory
Open to all. Bring ideas and suggestions.
Feb. 7 | 10:30 a.m.
Connections Café
Enjoy hot, nutritious meals and socialize with others.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Bunco
Bring $3 and a snack to share. 1-3 p.m. | Feb. 10
Bingo
Play for fun and prizes! Must RSVP. 1-2 p.m. | Feb. 15 | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness.com
Pinochle
A classic combination of bidding, melding and trick-taking in one card game.
12-4 p.m. | Tuesdays
Hand & Foot
Be the first to get rid of your cards “hand first,” then foot in this Canasta-style game.
1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Mahjong
Play others in this solitaire matching puzzle game.
1-4 p.m. | Fridays
Class fee: $50 per month (unlimited), $60 for 10-class punch card, or $8 drop-in
Build strength and endurance in this muscle conditioning class.
9-10 a.m. | Mondays
Vinyasa is an energetic form of yoga designed to connect your breathing to your movements.
10:15 -11 a.m. | Mondays
Reduce stress and promote serenity through gentle, flowing movements.
12-1 p.m. | Mondays
This circuit-style workout incorporates cardio and simple weight training.
1:30 p.m. | Mondays
Strengthen your core and improve balance and mobility.
9-10 a.m. Tuesdays | 12-1 p.m. Thursdays
Low-impact movements aim to strengthen muscles while improving posture and flexibility.
12 p.m. | Sunday
A slow, gentle class focusing on strength and alignment.
10:15-11 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays
Mind-eroize
Exercise your brain!
12-1 p.m. | Tuesdays
Choreographed dances taught to a variety of music.
1:30 p.m. | Tuesdays
Strengthen your core and improve balance and mobility.
9-10 a.m. Tuesdays | 12-1 p.m.
Thursdays
Low-impact aerobics, simple weight training and stretching.
8-9 a.m. | Wednesdays
Gentle stretching, meditation and visualization work.
10-11 a.m. | Wednesdays
Get the mental benefits of tai chi along with increased physical energy and better rest.
9 a.m. Wednesdays | 11 a.m. Thursdays
Seated poses improve circulation and reduce stress.
12-1 p.m. | Wednesdays
Circuit-style workout for all levels. 9-10 a.m. | Wednesdays
Zumba Gold
Cardio workout to Latin-inspired dances.
9-10 a.m. | Thursdays
Building Better Bones & Balance
Safe for those with osteoporosis.
1:30 p.m. | Thursdays
Zumba
Cardio workout to Latin-inspired dances.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays | 9-10 a.m. Saturdays
WOODLAND PARK
321 N. Pine St., Woodland Park
To register for classes, call 719-687-3877 or visit www.WoodlandParkSeniors.com
Bingo
Play for fun and prizes!
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Thursdays
Manitou
Take a look at local history at this volunteer-led museum at the foot of Pikes Peak.
10:30 a.m. | Feb 10.
Low-Impact Cardio
Tone muscle and pump up the heart in this low-impact exercise program.
9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Chair Yoga
Seated yoga poses improve circulation and range of motion and reduces stress.
9 a.m. | Wednesdays
Chair Tai Chi
Gentle, flowing movements alleviate stress, improve balance and reduce fall risk.
9 a.m. | Fridays
One of the oldest structures at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the planetarium delivers a visually immersive field-of-view to audiences on a 360-degree near-hemispheric screen.
10:30 a.m. | Feb. 24
Crochet & Knitting
Bring a project to work on and socialize.
10 a.m. | Wednesdays
Quilters
Bring a project to work on and socialize.
9 a.m. | Mondays
Dominos, Cribbage & Euchre
Choose to play any of these domino games—or all three!
9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Monday-Friday
Zumba Gold
Cardio workout to Latin-inspired dances geared toward beginners.
10:30 a.m. | Fridays
Silver Key Lunch
Make a reservation 24 hours in advance.
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Monday-Friday | $3.50
Potluck Lunch
Bring a dish to share.
11:45 a.m. | Feb. 14
Catered Meal & Program
RSVP by Feb. 24 for meal and stick around for the volunteer appreciation program.
11:45 a.m. | Feb. 28 | $7
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.
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.
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.
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.
HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, and more. (Mowing or yardwork in the spring and summer.) John 719-471-7471.
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
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. Painting $25 per hour. 719310-5247.
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.
SENIORS LOVE HELPERS that arrive at the door! If you do heavy lifting, climb ladders, painting, cleaning, cooking, or hair care, place an ad in Life After 50. Readers are hunting for your services! 719-900-7664.
TREE REMOVAL, TREE TRIMMING and stump grinding. 24/7 Emergency Service available. Text or Call Ben’s Landscaping 719-492-1671.
GOING AWAY? Experienced pet sitter. I can look after your pets, plants or home. For details call Sue 719-3023338
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. 719-633-5848 or 719-4409288.
Youwon’t see it often in cities. It exists predominantly in flyover states, on rolling prairies and winding mountain roads where distances are measured in hours, not miles. Where people work hard, are honest and of no interest to people on either coast. Where “Pay it forward” is more than a cute movie phrase. Where two pickups park side by side in the middle of a dirt road and the drivers exchange news on crops, the weather, a new baby or a death on their way to move irrigation dams, to inspect alfalfa fields, or to saddle a horse in order to trail the cattle to the high country.
The first time I noticed the salute, my then-husband and I were driving to a ranch far out on the South Dakota prairie. An oncoming driver raised his index finger without lifting his hand from the steering wheel. My husband reciprocated.
“Who was that?” I asked.
“Don’t know,” my husband replied. “Doesn’t matter.”
There are variations on this salute: two fingers lifted, a back-andforth wagging motion, sometimes a lifting of the whole hand, wrist still resting on the steering wheel. Whether from the cab of a battered pickup or through the tinted glass of a new SUV, rural drivers in the West and Midwest seem to learn the salute as soon as they’re old enough to see over the steering wheel.
It doesn’t matter whether or not you know the oncoming driver. Everyone gets the salute. The raised finger gives one a brief sense of safety, of friendship, communicating that someone cares about you, even if only for a brief second. No matter which style of the finger greeting you favor, the meaning is the same: We are everyone. We are one.
The salute is a consciousness of community, that whoever you pass on a highway or dirt lane sees you.
MY HEART LIFTS TO KNOW I’M A PART OF SOMETHING SO SMALL YET SO VAST—A CULTURE THAT ISN’T AFRAID TO MEET YOUR GLANCE AND SALUTE YOU WITH THAT ONE FINGER THAT CONNECTS US
It’s recognition in a place where people help each other with no thought of reward.
It’s an acknowledgment, a comfort, a signal that here in the back of beyond, you are not alone. It says, “I will be here to help, no matter what.” It accepts that we’re not separate. We are joined in our isolation.
My heart lifts to know I’m a part of something so small yet so vast— a culture that isn’t afraid to meet your glance and salute you with that one finger that connects us. Sometimes that’s enough. Enough to keep me going another 100 miles or just five. It lets me know I’m not alone in the vastness of the windswept plain or the high plateau. Where the nearest house could be miles away, it says that if something were to go wrong, the driver would stop and help me change a tire or jump a dead battery.
It says, “I’ve got your back. You’re safe.” ■
Oak Street Health is in the Humana Medicare network in your area and can actively help you make the most of your
in Humana's network, you can find doctors who have time to listen—and an entire team dedicated to coordinating your care to serve your whole self.
Oak Street Health is in the Humana Medicare network in your area and can actively help you make the most of your Medicare plan. With providers in Humana's network, you can find doctors who have time to listen—and an entire team dedicated to coordinating your care to serve your whole self.
plan. With
Oak Street Health is in the Humana Medicare network in your area and can actively help you make the most of your Medicare plan. With providers in Humana's network, you can find doctors who have time to listen—and an entire team dedicated to coordinating your care to serve your whole self.
Oak Street Health Commerce City 5996 E. 64th Ave. Commerce City, CO 80022
Oak Street Health Commerce City 5996 E. 64th Ave. Commerce City, CO 80022
Oak Street Health Pikes Peak 2877 E. Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Oak Street Health Pikes Peak 2877 E. Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Oak Street Health Pikes Peak 2877 E. Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Oak Street Health Pikes Peak 2877 E. Fountain Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Oak Street Health Del Mar 740 Periora St. Aurora, CO 80011
Oak Street Health Del Mar 740 Periora St. Aurora, CO 80011
Oak Street Health Del Mar 740 Periora St. Aurora, CO 80011
Oak Street Health Del Mar 740 Periora St. Aurora, CO 80011
Oak Street Health Vista Grande 4380 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Oak Street Health Vista Grande 4380 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Oak Street Health Vista Grande 4380 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Oak Street Health Vista Grande 4380 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingü.stica. Llame al 1-844-346-2176 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，
Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingü.stica. Llame al 1-844-346-2176 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，
Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingü.stica. Llame al 1-844-346-2176 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese):
