July 2022 - Life After 50

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The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region

JULY 2022

Summer means selling for these seniors at area farmers markets

Feeling Lucky? Gambling industry bets on boomers

Opinion: Medicare doesn’t want to pay for people with Alzheimer’s

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DAY TRIPS IN COLORADO

Quality Cruises and Travel C inderella & C olorado R ailroad M useum

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July 23, 2022

*

LOUISIANA

*

H awaii Four Isla nd H oliday

Day 1: Depart from Colorado Springs for San Antonio. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Paseo del Rio, beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Day 2: Take a sightseeing tour of the city from a local guide. Explore the area’s rich history with a visit to Mission San Jose, followed by shopping at an authentic Mexican Marketplace. Later visit the Alamo, the world-famous fort where Texans fought for independence from Mexico.

Day 3: Travel through the Texas Hill Country for a visit to the Lyndon Baines Johnson National Historic Park. Begin in Johnson City and explore the boyhood home of LBJ, our nation’s 36th President. Visit Stonewall, LBJ Ranch and the Texas White House. Enjoy an included lunch in Fredericksburg before visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War. Day 4: The day begins at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum in Austin. Experience the life and times of Lyndon B. Johnson and learn how legislation signed by LBJ affects you today. Enjoy lunch at The Salt Lick, Texas BBQ at its finest. Then visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the internationally recognized botanic garden and research center. End the evening with a farewell dinner.

Day 5: After breakfast, depart for the airport for your flight home to Colorado Springs. *Based on double occupancy. Price includes: Roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, a full escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 4 nights lovely accommodations, 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, all transfers and transportation, all attractions as described and all taxes and fees.

Y ellowstone in W inter *

An 11-Day Tour to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island!

Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs for lovely Honolulu, Hawaii! Get ready for a fabulous sunset dinner cruise, followed by fireworks over Waikiki Harbor.

Day 2: Depart for a full day tour, including Pearl Harbor, the USS Missouri, the USS Arizona Memorial, a city tour of Honolulu and the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater.

Day 3: Today we depart for Maui. The Valley Isle. The day is yours to relax or explore this picturesque Hawaiian town.

Day 4: Experience Maui up close on this full day tour of the island.

Day 5: Enjoy a whale watching excursion today with a certified Marine Naturalist.

Day 6: This morning it’s on to the Big Island, the largest and geologically most diverse of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Day 7: Enjoy a full day tour of the Big Island including Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls, the southernmost point of the United States, and much more.

Day 8: This afternoon it’s on to the lovely island of Kauai, known as the Garden Isle.

Day 9: See the north part of the island including Hanalei Valley, Wailua Falls, Kapaa Town, Moloaa Bay, taro fields and much more.

Day 10: Today we will visit Waimea Canyon. We’ll also see Spouting Horn, Koloa Sugar Mill and cruise down the Wailua River on our way to the famous Fern Grotto.

Day 11: Our last day in Hawaii is yours to enjoy on your own.. *Based on double occupancy. Price includes fully escorted tour, roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, 10 nights lovely accommodations, breakfast each morning, 2 dinners, all tours as described, transfers, inter-island flights, all taxes and surcharges. Deposit of $400 due to secure space; final payment due 11/1/22.

Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2023

2,795 PER PERSON

$

*

Witness the majesty of Yellowstone in winter when the park is bathed in crisp white snow and shimmering ice.

Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City, often called the “Crossroads of the West.” This bustling modern city is surrounded by mountains and features the historic Temple Square.

Day 2: Following breakfast you will be treated by the sounds of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir at their weekly live broadcast performance. Then board your motorcoach and travel through the Island Park Region.

Our destination is West Yellowstone, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance. Check into our hotel for a two-night stay and a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Have your winter gear ready and your cameras packed as our private Snowcoach picks you up at your hotel and takes you into Yellowstone National Park. This 60-mile-long once-in-a-lifetime journey features a narrated tour to legendary geyser Old Faithful. There are many stops along the way including Madison Junction, Fountain Paint Pot and Biscuit Basin.

Day 4: Leaving Montana today, travel to the historic town of Jackson, Wyoming. En route, stop at the National Elk Refuge for an exhilarating open sleigh ride among the elk herd numbering in the thousands.

Day 5: Traveling south brings you through the rugged Snake River Canyon area before returning to Utah. Stop at the Utah Olympic Park for a tour of the facility which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and continues to host World Cup events. Continue to Salt Lake City where your accommodations and a delicious farewell dinner await.

Day 6: After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home. *Based on double occupancy. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 4 nights lovely accommodations, 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, all transfers and transportations, all attractions as described, and all taxes and fees.

QUALITY CRUISES AND TRAVEL

Kris Monroe, Master Cruise Counselor (719 719)) 685-0544 • QualityCruisesAndTravel@yahoo.com

UTAH, MONTANA & WYOMING

HAWAII

*Based on double occupancy. Price includes: roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, 5-day cruise, pre-cruise hotel stay, all tours as described and tours each day while cruising, all meals/drinks on board ship, all taxes and surcharges.

4,485 PER PERSON

2,395 PER PERSON

$

San Antonio

Day 1: Gaze at the spectacular sights of New Orleans from the comfort of a luxury coach on an unforgettable 3-hour city tour. In the evening, journey through time on a paddle-wheel boat ride along the mighty Mississippi.

Day 2: Enjoy lively on-board commentary from your guide as you trace the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain and Great River Road en route to Oak Alley Plantation, one of the most photographed plantations ever. Take a tour of Oak Alley Plantation with knowledgeable guides. This evening enjoy time on your own to explore the city.

Day 3: After breakfast, we’ll transfer to our beautiful ship and begin our cruise up the mighty Mississippi!

Day 4: St. Francisville today is a testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, with its plethora of charming antebellum-period homes and striking architecture. This evening celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard your beautiful Paddle Boat!

Day 5: American Queen Steamboat Company features an exclusive port at Nottoway. While the boat is docked, visit the sugarcane estate - the largest standing antebellum mansion in the south.

Day 6: As we port in New Orleans, we say goodbye to Southern Charm and depart for the airport for our flight home.

$

Nov. 28-Dec 2, 2022

TEXAS

*

From traditions and music to exclusive culinary masterpieces, you’ll find the spirit of the season at each river bend

Jan. 19, 2023

*Price includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, entrance into the Wildlife Refuge, lunch and wine tasting and tour.

ht Stay ig N rou F a ith w s ay id ol H r ou Y Light Up iverwalk Along the Famous San Antonio R

ruise C hristm as & N ew Y ea r’s Eve C 2,165 PER PERSON

*

Walk down the world’s longest footbridge while scouting for large cats and bears lounging in the shade or splashing in the pool. The sanctuary is home to nearly 500 animals including lions, bears, jaguars, coyotes, tigers, mountain lions, porcupines, alpacas and more.

After lunch, we’ll head to Blue Mountain Vineyards for a private wine tasting and stroll through their beautiful gardens!

*Price includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, a tour of the Colorado Railroad Museum and train ride, excellent seats for the musical and a full lunch consisting of salad, entrée, beverage, desert, tax, and gratuity.

$

195 PER PERSON

$

September 8, 2022

An unforgettable day trip to the Keenesburg Wildlife Refuge and Wine Tasting at Blue Mountain Vineyards

Join us on this memorable day trip to see the performance of one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved musicals, along with a private tour of the fabulous Colorado Railroad Museum.

Stroll the museum’s 15-acre railyard with over 100 locomotives, passenger and freight cars, cabooses and even a G-scale garden railway. After our tour we’ll end our visit with a short train ride!

After experiencing a piece of Colorado history, we’ll head to the Candlelight Dinner theater for a fabulous production of Cinderella, the hearts of children and adults alike will soar with the slipper fits.

Dec. 27, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023

2022/2023 Travel Destinations

A W alk O n The W ild Side

Something for the ladies and the gentlemen!

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I N T HI S I S S U E

The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region July 2022 | Volume 35 | Issue 7

Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Managing Editor Rhonda Wray Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Graphic Designers B. Bigler Michael L. Madsen Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy

8 COVER STORY

Local flavors at farmers markets

At all 11 markets stretching from Fountain to Monument, you’ll find seniors touting fresh produce and handmade goods and gifts

10 Surviving Independence Day as a kid

Advertising Executives Jil Goebel Advertising Assistant Kayla Pool Delivery Manager Diane Salkovich Delivery Eulogio Martinez Robert & Kathy Wernly 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 is published by Pendant Publishing, Inc. dba BEACON Senior News P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829 Life After 50 brings hope and help to seniors in the Pikes Peak Region and those who serve them.

Life After 50 is published at the beginning of the month and is distributed at more than 250 locations throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities in El Paso and Teller counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available upon request.

20

My trip to Disneyland the year it opened: 1955 For me, that hot day in August was the place where dreams come true and adventure and fun await

12 Recipe: Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie This simple-to-make, delightful treat with luscious peanut butter flavor melts in your mouth

13 New ways to find your lost cat

Most indoor cats who were found had been in hiding within two houses of their home. When your cat goes missing, try these steps

15 7 surprising home remedies for bug bites

Here’s what to do if you are stung or bitten by a nasty little critter

© Copyright 2022 � All Rights Reserved

18

July 4 always brings back fond childhood memories of near disasters involving sparkler sword fights and firecrackers blowing tin cans sky high

22 Feeling lucky?

Here’s why the gambling industry is betting on boomers

24 Faith: God doesn’t make junk!

Build confidence through prayer, positive self-talk and reading the Bible

25 Bonding with grandkids over technology

Advice for grandparents who struggle with technology and family members who grow weary from offering help

26 Your eyes on home safety

The hidden hazard of reading glasses in the summer

27 CALENDARS 27 Support Groups 28 Calendar 32 Clubs 33 Question of the Month 34 News Bits 36 Fun After 50 Senior Center Activities 38 Fun & Games 40 Classifieds

Garden pests bugging you?

On the Cover

Many seniors relish the opportunity to socialize, get some fresh air and peddle their produce and handmade goods at area farmers markets.

Know the difference between pesty insects and bugs that are good for your garden

42 Opinion: Medicare doesn’t want to pay for people with Alzheimer’s

For years, the program has gotten away with paying only a fraction of the costs for this disease that impacts more than six million Americans

LIFE AFTER 50

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6 | JULY 2022 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

My grassroots movement S

ummertime is lawn care time. Getting the sprinkler system running. Attacking the weeds. Planting flowers to give the curb some appeal. Striving for thicker grass. (Well, this is Colorado. Any grass at all!)

Some of you are keeping cool in your senior communities, leaving the yard work to those managing your complex. Enjoy it! You deserve a break. For others of us, we’re just getting started.

Or maybe that’s just me. Somehow I’ve managed to skate by to a ripe age without ever mowing a lawn. I’m slightly embarrassed by this fact.

Isn’t it a rite of passage everyone goes through?

Growing up, every other family member took on the herculean task of mowing our mammoth country lawn. Eventually it was with a riding mower, but still. Turns out I was the weak link.

During the years of dorm and apartment living, it wasn’t mine to worry about. With my own family, again—either others stepped up (or were “voluntold”) or we found ambitious teenagers trying to make a buck.

When the nest started emptying, I contracted with an online service. This worked…sometimes.

But I grew tired of the all-too-frequent cancellations, particularly after a deluge of rain left the lawn a jungle. I’m not sure why, but apparently they dropped me. I received heartfelt emails in May saying, “We’ve missed you!” and pleading, “Come back!” But it seemed like time to make a change.

My parents had an old mower in their garage, and my dad offered to show me the finer points of cutting the grass. It did not go well. Between yanking that cord just right to get it going, a self-propelling mechanism that seemed a tad overzealous and my fears that I wouldn’t reliably check the gas and oil levels, I gave it a hard pass.

I began online shopping the wonder that is the battery-powered lawn mower, researching the reviews like I was studying for a test. Wow! No oil. No gas. No fumbling with the choke. No

HOW MANY FAMILY MEMBERS DID IT TAKE TO MOW MY LAWN?

LETTERS

from our readers I’ve been waiting for the new edition, especially for the laughing page. I put the jokes in everything I mail.

- Darlene Are you not publishing monthly? I went to the Senior Center and the library in Colorado City and Safeway and I wasn’t able to find the new edition. We seniors are on limited incomes that don’t go up even when inflation goes up. We can’t subscribe, but we love Life After 50.

- Carol

THAT TIME, FOUR: DAD, MY TWO SONS AND ME. runaway mower. They’d even deliver it to my door! I bit.

My adult son stopped by to get it unpacked and running. All I had to do was press a button and it purred to life. (No roar here—they’re quiet!) He mowed a few rows, then said, “I’d do the rest, but you probably want to try it.”

I agreed and set off on my maiden journey on not just my lawn, but any lawn. I relaxed and hit my rhythm, strolling and pushing. Life is full of enough messy problems that sometimes it’s therapeutic to do something simple, like make nice straight lines in the grass. It looked like verdant, extra-wide-wale corduroy, or the shag carpet of my youth (specifically, my brother’s room). One lap led to two, and then another of my 20-somethings stopped by. “Hey, I’ll finish that for you if you’d like,” he offered.

Well, I reasoned, I’ll have many more chances to mow my lawn, and if my kids want to help me, who am I to say no? It seemed like Tom Sawyer’s whitewashing the fence. My guys worked without realizing it because I had a new “toy.”

My lawn’s emerald buzz cut looked fantastic. He departed with a sweaty smile and a wave.

How many family members did it take to mow my lawn? That time, four: Dad, my two sons and me. But I knocked out the next one solo, and it was a good feeling.

Want to know what else is a good feeling?

The back yard is xeriscaped. ■

Rhonda Wray, Managing Editor Rhonda@LaFifty.com

EDITOR’S COLUMN

Rhonda: Thanks for reading, Carol. Yes, Life After 50 is still published monthly! Our printer is experiencing unforeseen issues, so the magazine isn’t always out by the first of the month like our readers are used to.

We apologize, and are working to rectify the problem soon. Did you know you can read the new issue at www.LaFifty.com?

I remain continuously impressed with the publication. The quality and layout are first rate!

- Bob O. I just finished reading your column in [May’s] magazine—a good one about mothers! You referenced that in ’83 your family traveled by RV from Iowa to Lake Powell. I grew up there, in central Iowa.

- Shirley S. I want to thank you and the folks at the magazine for putting me on the mailing list, as I have been receiving copies of the magazine in the mail and enjoying staying close to what’s up there in Colorado.

- Sandra W. RE: “Harvest Hosts” (June) I first heard about Harvest Hosts at a local winery. The winemaker came to our table and introduced himself, and we got caught up in laughter with him and the couple at a nearby table. They were about our age (seniors) and travelers from Oregon, who were staying on the property. By the end of the night, we’d exchanged phone numbers.

I don’t own an RV, but my girlfriend and I plan on visiting them later this summer.

- Annie L.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Info@LaFifty.com PO Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949 WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

7

Summer means selling for these seniors at area farmers markets

By Lisa Lowdermilk

SALSA SPECIALISTS

ravel back in time to the ancient Egyptians. Farmers wave from colorful stalls, selling produce they’ve carefully tended. On the horizon, the Nile courses along, mirroring the flow of customers shopping at the market. While the time and place aren’t familiar, the business model likely is. Farmers markets have changed remarkably little since their origin in Egypt 5,000 years ago.

With 11 markets stretching from Fountain to Monument on every day of the week but two, there’s bound to be a market near you.

While most take place in the morning through early afternoon, Colorado Farm & Art Market (at the Indy) and Banning Lewis Ranch’s market run from 3-7 p.m.

They often run through early fall, so months of outdoor browsing remain. Sometimes food trucks and live music add to the festive atmosphere.

Locally grown produce is fresh and succulent. Sellers often offer samples so you can try before you buy. Beyond the tomatoes and cucumbers are honey, baked goods, coffee, clothing, jewelry, art and handmade soaps and candles.

Seniors are well-represented among those peddling their wares.

Salsa makers Charlie Gallegos, 59, and his son Trinidad, 20, busily tended to their customers one recent morning at Briargate Farmers Market. With 12 years of experience selling at farmers markets, they are veterans of the trade.

Initially, they sold just three salsas.

They’ve since expanded to 20 with mild and medium varieties, along with spicy flavors made from ghost peppers and Carolina Reaper.

After Trinidad’s mom passed away, he and his father vowed to honor her memory by sharing her salsas with the southern Colorado community. Trinidad is working toward a degree in business management so he can share his mother’s gift on a national scale.

The father-son duo’s warm approach to business is reflected in Trinidad’s advice to new sellers: “When you’re genuine, people will

T

8 | COVER STORY | JULY 2022

Jane Keeran, aka “The Rock Lady,” helps a young shopper select a small polished stone in just the right color.

Photo by Rhonda Wray come back,” he said.

Dean Sigman, 75, of NAYR Industries, has worked the local farmers market circuit for 14 years.

His portable fire system won the Best of Colorado Springs award in the BBQ Equipment and Supplies category in 2018.

Setting up Sigman’s small fry portable fire system is remarkably simple. Thanks to its intuitive tab-and-lock system, setup takes as little as two minutes. Incredibly, the smallest portable fire system weighs just seven or nine ounces.

Despite its small size, the portable fire system can be used as an emergency stove for your car.

BEYOND THE TOMATOES AND CUCUMBERS ARE MANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS, INCLUDING HONEY, BAKED GOODS, COFFEE, CLOTHING, JEWELRY, ART AND HANDMADE SOAPS AND CANDLES.

| WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

Sigman also has larger (but still portable) fire systems for hikers, campers, survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts.

“It’s not just a fire pit and grill,” said Sigman. “It’s also a slow cooker and oven smoker, making it the most compact and universal [portable fire system] on the market.”

He also sells the medicinal, multiuse plant aloe vera, as well as savory seasonings free of salt and preservatives.

GOOD FOR HUMANS, GOOD FOR PETS Jeff McClure, 53, markets microgreens. The Air Force veteran’s passion for his products is evident in his patient, thorough manner as he explains their many uses to customers.

“Microgreens are a younger version of a full-grown plant,” McClure said. “They’re grown in the soil in

Trinidad Gallegos explains the finer points of the chilies used in their salsas to a customer while his father, Charlie, bags up her purchases. Photo by Rhonda Wray

FARMERS MARKETS Buy local at these markets Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is always free.

WEDNESDAY just 11 days from seed to harvest.”

Sunflowers, purple amaranth, mustard, kale and wheatgrass are microgreens. They’re more intense in flavor than sprouts (which are grown in water) and may be eaten in omelets and salads or by themselves as snacks.

It’s even possible to safely feed certain microgreens to pets. McClure feeds his cat wheatgrass to help with digestion. Wheatgrass is also a much healthier pesticide-free alternative to lawn grass.

Another seller that caters to pets is Troy Harbison, 49, who sells “custom photo cakes and cookies, homemade treats, fresh jerky and all things dog.”

Harbison worked as a sous chef in his 20s and later managed a pet store. He drew on his previous employment, combining his cooking experience with his knowledge about pet nutrition to invent the dog treats he now routinely makes and sells.

He takes great care in selecting highly nutritious ingredients that are safe for pets. He even makes treats for dogs without teeth, and uses broth instead of water, with the scent making dogs’ mouths water before they even

taste the treat.

Harbison also enjoys making products for pet owners, including vintage stuffed animals, notepads, keychains, colorful socks and more.

“I believe the pet parent should experience as much joy as the pet,” Harbison said.

ROCKS AND JEWELRY Handmade jewelry is the specialty of Jane Keeran, 77. An accomplished reiki practitioner, she is very familiar with the principles of energy healing and sees her work with gemstones as a natural extension of this work.

She sells bracelets, one-of-a-kind pendants and earrings. She learned how to wire wrap stones by watching YouTube videos and has been hooked ever since.

To be successful at selling your product, Keeran said you must believe in it. That’s why she makes sure each piece is both durable and easy to wear before selling it.

At farmers markets, kids affectionately refer to her as the “rock lady” for her habit of offering colorful rocks to kids. She also started doing custom wire wraps for customers who want to use a stone they already own.

Despite the abundance of sunny days, the most common complaint sellers cited is bad weather. Unlike their indoor counterparts, farmers market sellers must spend time setting up and taking down their booths each week, and business is often as unpredictable as the weather.

Still, nearly every seller described how they treasure the friendships they’ve made through farmers markets, as well as the opportunity to interact with customers face to face. ■

Nothing brings a smile to Jeff McClure’s face more than a curious customer trying nutritious wheatgrass for the first time.

Photo by Rhonda Wray

Briargate Farmers Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 7610 N. Union Blvd. | www. springsfarmersmarkets.com | 719-5929420 Colorado Farm and Art Market 3-7 p.m. | 235 S. Nevada Ave. | www. farmandartmarket.com | 719-640-6154

THURSDAY

Banning Lewis Ranch Farmers Market 3-7 p.m. | 8833 Vista Del Pico Blvd. | www.springsfarmersmarkets.com | 719321-0925

FRIDAY

Woodland Park Farmers Market 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Henrietta Ave. & Center St., Woodland Park | www. wpfarmersmarket.com | 719-400-9986

SATURDAY

Monument Hill Farmers Market 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | 66 Jefferson St., Monument | www.springsfarmersmarkets. com | 719-592-9420 Old Colorado City Farmer’s Market 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 24th St. | www. pikespeakfarmersmarkets.com | 719-5741283 Backyard Farmers Market (Black Forest) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | 12530 Black Forest Road | www.thebackyardmarkets.com Colorado Farm and Art Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | 7350 Pine Creek Road | www.farmandartmarket.com | 719-6406154 Fountain Community Market 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | 618 E. Ohio Ave., Fountain | 719-358-0063

SUNDAY

Ridgeline Backyard Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 11631 Ridgeline Drive | www.thebackyardmarkets.com Cordera Farmers Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 11894 Grandlawn Circle | www.springsfarmersmarkets.com | 719-351-0012

Story by Jan Weeks Color photos by Cloie Sandlin he jungle hung low over the green-gray waters, thick and humid. Exotic bird calls sounded around us. Something slithered and splashed into the river as the captain guided his boat downstream, pointing out beasts only seen in comic books and tropical art.

Suddenly the water surged as a gigantic beast broke the surface, its huge mouth opening wide in a shattering roar. I jumped back against my mother’s knees as the giant sank below the surface again.

This intrepid explorer of ferny Iowa woods and clear creeks, champion to all in her bath towel

10 | JULY 2022 |

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cape, had come face to face with one of Walt Disney’s miraculous creatures—an animatronic hippo calculated to scare the bejesus out of visitors to the world’s first theme park.

The Adventureland Jungle Cruise made me want to explore the deepest jungles on earth. The Rocket to the Moon in Tomorrowland made me wish I had my cardboard space helmet “bought” with box tops. I could barely walk up the ramp from my excitement. I was going to the moon! Of course, I knew that was fantasy, but when the dawn of the space age was just a glimmer, imagination did strange things to a girl who sent away for the Captain Midnight Decoder Ring and watched Flash Gordon battle with Ming the Merciless on the small screen.

I took my seat in the circular tier and waited for blastoff. A great roar

Standing at 76 feet tall, the TWA Moonliner I was the tallest structure at Disneyland on opening day, outmatching Sleeping Beauty’s Castle by about eight feet. The rocket was removed in 1967, and a smaller, one-third size rocket was installed in 1998. The rocket now stands outside an Alien Pizza Planet restaurant (from “Toy Story”) that once housed the “Flight to the Moon” attraction.

LIFE AFTER 50 The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland has remained mostly unchanged since 1955. The hippos still threaten passengers, although the captains sail by peacefully now and no longer shoot at the hippos to scare them back below the water’s surface.

AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a Scen

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“There used to be an actual rocket here,” I said. filled the room. A screen below the My friend Paul, having grown amphitheater filled with smoke; up in nearby Bakersfield, scoffed. the screen above us trembled as “There never was.” we lifted off for the moon. Min“Yes, there was!” I insisted. I corutes passed as I watched the earth ralled an employee and asked, “Did recede and the moon grow closer there used to be a rocket here?” in the screens. In black and white “There sure was,” he said. we raced closer. I held my breath.

I smirked at Paul.

• ALL PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES And there was the moon’s surface, Pirates of the Caribbean en- AFFORDABLE • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING Living • ON-SITE & BARBERSHOP Assisted inSALON a Scenic Setting • 24-HOUR CARE • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL pockmarked with craters, a stark thralled me, as did the Swiss Family AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting THE COMFORTS OF HOME contrast with the utter blackness Robinson Treehouse. We viewed surrounding it. I was in heaven! the park from the monorail, but • ALL PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING SER Uncle Whitey had taken me, my the lines for Space Mountain were HEAT & COOLING ON-SITE SALON & BA Visit any of• INDIVIDUAL our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living•Centers! sister, mother and his daughter to too long, so we opted for the water • 24-HOUR CARE • FAMILY ATMOSPHER Disneyland the first year it opened: ride through It’s a Small World.

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WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 |

11

RECIPES

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Servings: 6-8

2368 Research Parkway Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Ingredients

A Residence of Legend Senior Living®

LegendSeniorLiving.com

20 chocolate cream-filled cookies ¹ ₄ cup butter, melted 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 cup smooth peanut butter 2368 Research1 Parkway can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk Colorado Springs, CO 80920 3 tablespoons lemon juice ® A Residence of Legend Senior Living 1 teaspoon vanilla extract LegendSeniorLiving.com 1 cup whipping cream chocolate syrup

Low Vision Specialist and Mobile Optical Service Single Vision Multifocals No-line Progressive Bifocals Trifocals

LET’S SHOW OFF YOUR SMILE! Honest, ethical dental care focused on your personal wants and needs.

We are going above and beyond to make sure you are safe from COVID exposure.

As a non-profit organization, we have various grants to help support you!

FREE $70 VALUE!

Scratch Coating, Lens Tinting and UV Protection Expires 7/31/2022

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

1444 N. Hancock Ave. Colorado Springs

(719) 471-7347 12 | RECIPES | JULY 2022 |

Community Dental Health SENIORS & VETERANS CALL TODAY! Qualification, scheduling and more information

(719) 310-3315 www.CommunityDentalHealth.org

1436 N. Hancock Ave. Colorado Springs

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Directions Remove cream filling from chocolate cookies; set aside. With rolling pin, finely crush chocolate cookies.

In medium bowl, combine finely crushed cookies with melted butter.

Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate; chill while preparing filling.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add reserved cookie cream filling, peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk; beat until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.

In medium bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

Fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. Mix until combined.

Pour into crust. Chill four hours, or until set. Drizzle chocolate syrup over pie before serving.

Cover leftovers and store in refrigerator. ■

ASK MS. KITTY

My cat didn’t come home!

New ways to find your lost cat Dear Ms. Kitty: We had some remodeling done and the noise must have scared my cat Willow enough to run outside. I’ve called her but she hasn’t come back, and it’s been three days! What should I do?

—Lost in Lone Tree Dear Lost: Summer can be a scary time for our cats, with remodeling projects, strange visitors and of course, fireworks.

If your cat gets lost, do not give up! Chances are, Willow is probably still fairly close to home.

Dogs roam but cats hide. Most lost cats get so scared they lose the ability to find home on their own.

They will also go silent and not come when you call. Cats instinctively know they could become prey if they show their location.

For years, many of us were taught to put out things that smell like home to our cats, like clothing, food and even litter boxes. This is wrong!

A terrified lost cat will probably go into survival mode and tuck into the first small, dark place she finds. She will stay there until she gets so hungry, she must risk coming out to eat.

Professional cat trackers report this can take 10-14 days. Unfortunately, that’s about the time that most guardians give up their search.

When your cat goes missing, try these steps for locating him or her: � Post on your local shelter’s Lost Pets page. In Colorado Springs, a lost pet report with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region will stay on file for 10 days, so don’t forget to renew it. They recom-

ASK MS. KITTY

This free helpline is offered by Happy Cats Haven and Colorado Cats Boarding. Submit questions at www.HappyCatsHaven.org

mend checking their online found reports, but also going to the shelter and actually checking kennels and asking to see cats in out-ofview rooms. � Post notices in your neighborhood using 22-by-28 inch neon posterboard. Print a large photo of Willow (filling a piece of 8.5-by-11 inch paper). Print her description— including your phone number—on a second sheet. Print “LOST CAT” and “PLEASE HELP” in large letters.

People are more apt to help without exchanging money, so that is better than offering a reward. � Do a thorough search. Studies show most cats hide within two houses of home. Don’t rely on your neighbors to look—you need to do it yourself. If you can fit your fist in the space, your cat could be there.

Rule out all small spaces in your block. � Look for her right after dusk, checking for reflective cat eyes with a flashlight. Check in trees, too. � Put Willow on social media.

Neighborhood groups on Nextdoor or Facebook can be especially useful for sightings. Ask people to watch their door cameras, too. � Buy a trail camera and put it up to watch for yourself, especially for movement at night.

Once Willow is spotted, you will know where to set a humane trap. Most municipal shelters have humane traps for rent or deposit, as does Happy Cats Haven. Your chances of getting her back by trapping her once she is spotted are very good. ■

You are cordially invited Please join us for our Colorado Springs Office Grand Opening!

This is a community event, everyone is welcome!

Please bring a friend. *Lunch ticket provided for the first 300 guests* Humana MarketPoint Office 5310 N Nevada Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Friday, July 8, 2022 : 11 A.M. - 3 P.M. Schedule of events: • Start Time - 11 AM • Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting - 12 PM • Entertainment - 12:30 PM • Office Tours - 1 PM Call Humana to RSVP for a private guided office tour Humana MarketPoint Office 719-532-7700 (TTY: 711) Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Y0040_GHHL4EZEN21_C Important! _________________________________________________________________________________________ At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries do not discriminate or exclude people because of their race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, or religion. Discrimination is against the law. Humana and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws. If you believe that you have been discriminated against by Humana or its subsidiaries, there are ways to get help.

•

You may file a complaint, also known as a grievance: Discrimination Grievances, P.O. Box 14618, Lexington, KY 40512-4618. If you need help filing a grievance, call 1-877-320-1235 or if you use a TTY, call 711.

•

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights electronically through their Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, DC 20201, 1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD).

•

California residents: You may also call California Department of Insurance toll-free hotline number: 1-800-927-HELP (4357), to file a grievance.

Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711) Humana provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate.

Language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711) Español (Spanish): Llame al número arriba indicado para recibir servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. 繁體中文 (Chinese): 撥打上面的電話號碼即可獲得免費語言援助服務。 Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese): Xin gọi số điện thoại trên đây để nhận được các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí. 한국어 (Korean): 무료 언어 지원 서비스를 받으려면 위의 번호로 전화하십시오 .

Tagalog (Tagalog – Filipino): Tawagan ang numero sa itaas upang makatanggap ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang bayad. Русский (Russian): Позвоните по номеру, указанному выше, чтобы получить бесплатные услуги перевода.

Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Rele nimewo ki pi wo la a, pou resevwa sèvis èd pou lang ki gratis.

Français (French): Appelez le numéro ci-dessus pour recevoir gratuitement des services d’aide linguistique.

Polski (Polish): Aby skorzystać z bezpłatnej pomocy językowej, proszę zadzwonić pod wyżej podany numer.

Português (Portuguese): Ligue para o número acima indicado para receber serviços linguísticos, grátis.

Italiano (Italian): Chiamare il numero sopra per ricevere servizi di assistenza linguistica gratuiti.

Deutsch (German): Wählen Sie die oben angegebene Nummer, um kostenlose sprachliche Hilfsdienstleistungen zu erhalten. 日本語 (Japanese): 無料の言語支援サービスをご要望の場合は、上記の番号までお電話ください。 ‫( یسراف‬Farsi) ‫دیریگب سامت قوف هرامش اب ناگیار تروصب ینابز تالیهست تفایرد یارب‬.

Diné Bizaad ЁNavajoЂ: W0dah7 b44sh bee hani’7 bee wolta’7g77 bich’9’ h0d77lnih 47 bee t’11 jiik’eh saad bee 1k1’1n7da’1wo’d66 nik1’adoowo[. ‫( ةيب رعلا‬Arabic) ‫كتغلب ةدعاسملل ةيناجم تامدخ ىلع لوصحلل هالعأ نيبملا مقرلاب لاصتالا ءاجرلا‬

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 | ASK MS. KITTY |

13

LIFE AFTER 50

Serving Colorado Springs Since 1976

Anxiety Free Sedation Dentistry and New Digital X-rays for Reduced Exposure

New Patients Welcome • Routine Dental Care • Cosmetic Dentistry • Denture Services • Implant Dentistry – Surgical & Restorative

• Laser Dentistry – Many Procedures Without Shots • Root Canal Procedures • CEREC – Crowns In One Visit • Velscope – Early Cancer Detection

“I love restoring smiles and oral health. I believe healthy teeth and gums are critical for the overall health of the individual. I want all of our patients to be healthy and enjoy a full life. I count it a privilege to help my patients be restored to dental health.”

Trent Sayers, D.D.S.

(719) 593-0263 – 5145 Centennial Blvd., Ste. 100 Member American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Colorado Springs Dental Society, Member International Congress of Oral Implantology, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL

MACKENZIE PLACE OCTOGENARIAN GOLF TOURNAMENT

Monday July 11th

SD

SENIOR™ Discount

This is a wonderful opportunity to play a nine-hole golf tournament on a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course at

NO COST! This tournament honors the great people of this generation and is open to both MEN and WOMEN aged 80 and older or will be age 80 anytime during this calendar year.

Tournament includes range balls, putting green, green fee, golf cart and a lunch buffet after play has

Shotgun Start at 10:00AM

been completed.

HOSTED AT THE

Standard Golf Attire

Colorado Springs Country Club LOCATED AT

3333 Templeton Gap Road • Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 473-1782 14 | JULY 2022 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

If you are interested in playing, please reach out to Al Williams at: awilliams863@comcast.net

7 surprising home remedies for bug bites R ecently, my friend was outside when a bug swooped from above and descended down her V-neck shirt. Faster than you can say “bugger,” she was stung or bit on not one but both of her breasts.

It then dropped out the bottom of her shirt and flew away.

What followed was a lawn dance the likes of which her neighbors had never seen. She’s lucky no one had a video camera handy—footage like that would have taken the internet by storm!

When she told me the story, I asked her, “Did you apply meat tenderizer? Ammonia?”

She said no, but was grateful that she had taken some Benadryl that morning to help with insomnia.

She suspects (and I agree) that the inflammation and pain could have been much worse. We joked about her story and dubbed it “One Bee, Two Boobs.”

What do you do if you are stung or bitten by a nasty little critter?

You can find a host of remedies for insect attacks and other summer boo-boos at your local pharmacy or in your kitchen. Here are some of my favorites: � Put quick-cooking or rolled oatmeal into a food processor to make a fine powder. Mix it with a small amount of water to make a paste and apply it to your sting.

You can also take a bath with oatmeal for all-over itch relief. � Apply a cold black tea bag on the bite site for five minutes. The naturally occurring tannins in tea make it bitter, but also draw out poison and ease discomfort.

English Breakfast Tea in particular is high in tannins.

DEAR PHARMACIST

Make Your Life

Easier!

MOBILITY � Mix white or apple cider vinegar 50/50 with water and use a cotton ball to dab the mixture to your sore for instant itch relief. � Meat tenderizer contains papain, which breaks up poisons from insect venom. Sprinkle about half a teaspoon into a little cup and add some water, perhaps a teaspoon or two, to make a paste and dab directly onto the bite. The sooner you do this after you get stung, the better! � Insect venom is usually acidic and ammonia is alkaline so it neutralizes the poison when applied as soon as possible to a bee or wasp sting. Some people recommend dabbing it on straight. Others suggest diluting it 50/50 with water. � Ice cubes are super effective at reducing inflammation and numbing the area. Wrap a cube in a paper towel and apply for 5-10 minutes. Ice feels nice on bites! � Toothpaste. The menthol in toothpaste makes for a nice cooling sensation while reducing swelling. Just apply a thin layer and let it dry.

The next time a bug swoops down the front of your shirt, don’t panic. Just head to the pantry! ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.SuzyCohen.com

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WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 | HEALTH & WELLNESS |

15

TOO MANY 911 CALLS

Submitted by Ben Kuckel A man hears some noise outside in his garage. Peering through the garage window, he sees three burglars bagging items to steal.

He calls 911 to report the crime.

911 operator: “What’s your emergency?”

Man: “There are three burglars robbing me right now!”

911: “Are they in your house?”

Man: “No, they’re out in my garage stealing all sorts of things!”

911: “Sorry, sir, but we currently have no patrol cars that can respond to that type of emergency.”

The call is disconnected but the man calls again.

911: “What’s your emergency?”

Man: “I just shot three burglars!”

No sooner than he provided his

address did three patrol cars, two ambulances and a fire truck show up and find three burglars in the garage. No one had been shot.

A police officer said, “I heard you reported that three men had been shot!”

Man: “I heard there were no patrol cars available.”

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT

Submitted by Eric Escobar An elderly lady was standing at the railing of a cruise ship holding her hat tightly so that it wouldn’t blow away in the wind.

A gentleman approached her and said, “Pardon me, madam. I do not intend to be so forward, but did you know that your dress is blowing upward in this high wind?”

“Yes, I know,” said the lady. “I

need both my hands to hold onto this hat.”

“But madam,” the man said. “You are not wearing any panties, and your privates are exposed!”

The woman looked down, then back up at the man. “Sir, anything you see down there is 75 years old.

I just bought this hat yesterday.”

SHORT JOKES

Submitted by Jem & Mickey Neal I read recipes the way I read science fiction. I get to the end and I think, “Well, that’s not going to happen.”

My husband wanted one of those big-screen TVs for his birthday, so I just moved his chair closer to the one we have already.

The noblest of dogs is the hot dog—it feeds the hand that bites it.

POKER

Submitted by Bob Breazeale A man walks into a casino and sees three men and a dog playing poker. He watches for a while and then says, “That dog must be really

smart to be able to play poker.”

One of the players says, “Not really. He wags his tail when he has a good hand.”

MY SUCCESSFUL SON

Submitted by Melissa Young The pastor of a small church found a pink envelope containing $1,000 when he counted the offering one Sunday. Every week after, that same pink envelope appeared in the offering.

The following Sunday, he watched as the offering was collected and saw an elderly woman put the distinctive pink envelope in the plate. This went on for weeks until the pastor, overcome by curiosity, approached her.

“Ma’am,” the pastor said. “I couldn’t help but notice that you put $1,000 a week in the collection plate.”

“Why yes,” she replied. “Every week my son sends me money, and I give some of it to the church.”

“That’s wonderful,” the pastor replied, “but $1,000 is a lot. Are

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LAUGHING MATTERS you sure you can afford this? How much does he send you?” “$10,000 a week.”

The pastor was amazed. “Your son is very successful. What does he do for a living?”

“He is a veterinarian,” she answered.

“That’s an honorable profession,” the pastor said, “but I had no idea they made that much money.

Where does he practice?”

The woman answered proudly, “In Nevada. He has two cathouses.

One in Las Vegas, and one in Reno.”

THE OTHER STALL

Submitted by Colleen Reed Traveling down the interstate, I stopped at a rest area and headed to the restroom.

“Hi, how are you?” a voice said.

I’m not the type to start a conversation in the restroom, and I don’t know what got into me, but I answered, somewhat embarrassed, “Doin’ just fine.”

And the other person says, “So what are you up to?”

What kind of question is that? At that point, I was thinking this is too bizarre, so I said, “Uh, I’m like you.

Just traveling.”

At this point, I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question.

“Can I come over?”

Okay, this question was just too weird for me, but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation.

I tell them, “No, I’m a little busy right now.”

Then I hear the other person say nervously, “Listen, I’ll have to call you back. There’s an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions.”

FORGETTER BE FORGOTTEN? Submitted by Wilma Parsons My forgetter’s getting better, But my rememberer is broke To you that may seem funny, But to me, that is no joke.

For when I’m “here” I’m wondering If I really should be “there,” And when I try to think it through, I haven’t got a prayer!

Oft times I walk into a room, Say “What am I here for?”

I rack my brain, but all in vain!

A zero is my score.

At times I put something away Where it is safe, but gee, The person it is safest from Is generally me!

When shopping, I may see someone, say “Hi” and have a chat, Then when the person walks away I ask myself, “Who the hell was that?”

Yes, my forgetter’s getting better, While my rememberer is broke, And it’s driving me plumb crazy, And that isn’t any joke.

BALL OF YARN

Submitted by Mark Lambuth Did you hear about the cat that swallowed a ball of yarn?

He ended up having mittens. ■

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17

GROW WILD

Garden pests bugging you?

5 steps to successfully manage insects in your garden

The destructive squash bug lays eggs on the bottom of leaves.

I

nsects are valuable to our landscapes and ecosystem. Without pollinating bees and butterflies, we get no veggies or fruit. Earwigs and pill bugs are amazing decomposers that eat plant debris and turn organic matter into plant nutrients.

Worms and beetles burrow into compacted soils to provide aeration and pathways for irrigation.

Springtails and centipedes feed on other small insects and microbes to keep their populations in check, and when they die, their bodies are a powerhouse of trace minerals for plants.

However, bugs can be difficult to manage. Your first instinct might be to destroy them, but that will wreak havoc on your garden and cause more problems in the long run. For effective ways to manage pesty insects, follow these steps:

STEP 1

to scout in the middle of the night when caterpillars or cut worms are active. Insect books are handy, but I really like www.insectimages.org for identifying insects in each phase of their life cycle.

Keep in mind that insects appear differently at various stages of their lives. For example, juvenile ladybugs look nothing like adults, with their slender black profiles and orange stripes.

Once you know what squash bug eggs look like, flicking them off of leaves is much easier than managing voracious adults.

Calling the CSU Extension Master Gardeners and describing the damage an insect is causing can aid in identifying the culprit. Is it a small-mouth insect that’s making shot holes within the leaf or a large-mouth insect that’s eating the edges? Are there ruffled leaves from a sucking insect or any discoloration around the puncture wound on the leaf?

STEP 2

IDENTIFY EVERY INSECT

PREVENTION TACTICS

You don’t want to harm beneficial insects, so it’s important to identify the bugs in your garden before taking action.

For accurate identification, use a hand lens. You may even have

To keep problematic insects under control, prevention is a time-worthy approach.

Squash bugs and aphids can lay eggs in the soil. Rotating crops causes these pests to have to find

their food source after they hatch and perhaps become another creature’s food source in the process.

Adding birdhouses specifically to attract blackbirds will help keep grasshopper populations down before they get out of hand. Bat boxes are also great, as bats eat moths, gnats and mosquitoes while we sleep.

STEP 3 DETERMINE YOUR LIMITS The next step to managing pests is to determine how much damage you can tolerate. As a home grower, I don’t mind eating spinach with chew holes from flea beetles.

Professionally, I can’t tolerate any damage since my customers buy with their eyes.

When plants are young in the spring, I have a very low tolerance for damage and will intervene immediately. I’m more lenient at the end of harvest because frost is coming and investing time and money into my plants is less important.

STEP 4 TRAPS, LURES AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS Bug zappers are effective for cabbage moths, and I use a lot of yellow sticky cards fastened to chopsticks when leaf miners or fungus gnats show up. Little bowls of stale beer attract slugs and don’t leave a chemical residue in the garden.

Biological controls are the most

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Whiteflies on cabbage leaf.

STEP 5 USE SPRAYS This option is the most expensive and takes the most time to manage.

I make my own pesticide by soaking chopped chili peppers, garlic and onion in a quart of water overnight. Strain it and add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dish soap for clinging power and spray it on crops.

I’ve also sprinkled crushed chili pepper powder on plants right after spraying them. The powder sticks to the leaves, which deters rabbits.

GROW WILD

Remember not to spray basil or lettuces the day before harvesting so you don’t get the taste.

If I do purchase a pesticide from the garden center, I only choose products with an OMRI label.

This means the Organic Materials Review Institute in Oregon has verified that it’s non-toxic to humans.

Sprays are really my last option because pesticides are not target specific. They kill all bugs regardless of how beneficial they are. Insects also build a resistance to sprays, so a pesticide that works great this week can be ineffective after a month of continued use.

If you resort to using sprays, make sure to rotate. That keeps the problematic insects on their heels—or heading over to the neighbor’s yard! ■

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fun option; however, I once released ladybugs in my back yard and they migrated to my neighbor’s rose bushes, which had more aphids than my garden.

You can purchase an army of beneficial insects at www.sound horticulture.com.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a beneficial bacteria that acts as a biopesticide on beetles, black flies and moths. It’s toxic to problematic nematodes in the soil, but it’s non-toxic to humans.

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LIFE AFTER 50

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Surviving Independence Day as a kid

By Michael Murphy

I

can tell it’s July without glancing at the calendar because it’s so hot that my dog turns the fan onto herself every time I leave the room to refill my ice cream cone.

Around the Fourth of July is when folks of my generation reminisce about how much hotter it was when we were kids. But the truth is it just seemed hotter because air conditioning had not yet been invented. All we had back then to cool the house were those fans with three black steel blades protected by a cage which we kids constantly tried to stick our fingers through to “see what would happen.”

July 4 always brings back fond childhood memories of near disasters involving sparkler sword fights

and firecrackers blowing tin cans sky high just as I bent over them to check the fuse.

Where I grew up in the Midwest, fireworks stands were set up in a clandestine location a short drive outside city limits. Customers wore those phony nose and glasses to avoid being identified since the legality of fireworks was highly questionable.

Back then, firecracker shoppers had basically six choices: Lady Fingers, Black Cats, Cherry Bombs, M-80s and Silver Salutes. Oh, and sparklers and snakes for the less adventurous—the kids who now as seniors have much better hearing than the rest of us.

Today kids have an endless selection of fireworks to pick from with much more descriptive names

LIFE AFTER 50

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I WAS ALWAYS LEERY OF WATERMELON SEEDS AND WONDERED IF AN UGLY CREATURE WOULD POP OUT OF MY STOMACH IF I ACCIDENTALLY SWALLOWED ONE. such as Airotica, Heartstoppers, Molten Fury and my favorite, Baby Boomers.

In addition to fireworks, there was the obligatory picnic that families attended—the one where Uncle Marv thought it was a barrel of laughs to throw lit firecrackers at the children and dogs. Thankfully, Grandma would put a sudden end to the insanity by bopping Marv over the head with her umbrella.

I never understood why people looked forward to bellying up to a picnic table where you spent half of your time trying to hang onto napkins, paper plates and potato chips to keep them from flying away on the sweltering hot breeze. The rest of the time, you are combating flies, bees and an army of ants which magically emerged once someone sliced open the watermelon.

As a kid, I was always leery of watermelon seeds and wondered if an ugly creature would pop out of my stomach if I accidentally swallowed one.

Then there was the giant mutant fly that attempted to sail into your mouth with each bite of corn, which is the only vegetable that remains completely lodged between your teeth after you’ve finished eating it, so that with every smile,

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you look like you just stepped off the set of “Hee Haw.” While we waited on the food to be ready, we kids would play with a Frisbee which no one could throw correctly and no one could catch.

We just ran around aimlessly for 10 minutes until the toy mercifully got stuck high up in a tree. That led to killing more time throwing rocks, sticks and empty bottles at the lodged Frisbee until Uncle Marv threw a large firecracker in a futile attempt to blow the Frisbee out of the tree.

Ah, yes, celebrating the Fourth of July today just isn’t the same as it was during my childhood. I think I’ll go light a sparkler to celebrate that fact. ■

“When Dignity is a Must, But Cost is a Factor”

We would like to thank you, our community family, for over 25 years of loyalty and voting us “Best of the Springs” 2010-2022

With many thanks to God and you, we hope to serve you for many years to come. ~Jim and Paula Cappadona

4th of July Events See the Calendar on page 28-29 for fireworks and Independence Day events

Please call us for information and an appointment

(719) 520-1817 | www.cappadonafh.com

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 |

21

TRAVEL

Feeling lucky?

Gambling industry bets on boomers

By Michael Murphy

W

alk into any Las Vegas casino during the breakfast buffet and you’ll find the longest lines are folks waiting to fill their bowls with oatmeal. Why? Because, according to the gambling industry’s most recent data, half of all adult visitors to casinos are aged 50 and older.

Seniors are the fastest-growing population of gamblers. A recent poll found that 70 percent of seniors had gambled in the last year!

Even more of a surprise was another recent study which discovered that the favorite social activity for people over 65 was gambling.

It ranked higher than eating out, shopping, movies and golf.

Of course, the casino industry is aware of this boomer betting bounce and is doing everything it can to encourage it. They’ve marketed incentive programs and clever advertising aimed at seniors whose IRAs, Social Security checks

22 | TRAVEL | JULY 2022 |

and grandchildren’s education funds are burning a hole in their pockets.

Buffet discounts, free lunch coupons, drug discounts, scooters and wheelchairs, shuttle buses to and from retirement centers and friendly “We miss you” reminders make up some of the gambling industry’s

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PR ploys. It comes as no surprise, then, that there’s a strong senior influence on casinos’ live entertainment. It’s not just the omnipresent Elvis impersonators performing throughout the Vegas strip. There also seems to be a tribute band for every classic-rock act from Foreigner to Fleetwood Mac playing in the

IN SOME WAYS, CASINOS ARE LIKE DISNEYLAND FOR SENIORS. THEY OFFER ACTIVITIES LIKE MOVIES, BOWLING AND BINGO ALL UNDER ONE ROOF. lounges.

And, yes, Wayne Newton is still performing in Vegas. However, if you want to see him, I suggest you hurry since his current show at the Tropicana has the rather ominous title “Once Before I Go.”

WHY GAMBLING? Why this upsurge in senior gambling? What is it that causes baby boomers to be so enthralled by a “Wonky Wabbits” slot machine that they’ll sit and stare at carrot and eggplant images spinning around

TRAVEL

for hours? The theories range from concerning to uplifting.

One explanation for the senior surge at slot machines is older folks are vulnerable to gambling’s addictiveness due to chemical changes taking place in their brains. Some pundits go so far as to suggest that the senior gambling compulsion is a sign of dementia.

In truth, there are stories of seniors blowing all their life savings and putting themselves at financial risk. Obviously, throwing away money needed for medicine and food to play “Slotmania” is a bad idea.

Other explanations for boomers’ interest in casino gambling include lots of time to kill, physical or emotional pain to relieve, and just plain old loneliness—especially for women, as many outlive their spouses and often live far away from their children.

All these rather negative reasons for seniors to flock to casinos are concerning. But who’s to say that those who choose to mingle with their peers in the more crowded, exciting environment of a casino are in the wrong?

Strolling through places like Caesars Palace and MGM Grand, it’s easy to see the attraction. You can sit down next to a fellow boomer and strike up a conversation. If you’re like me and need help understanding the games, plenty of peers are eager to assist.

In some ways, casinos are like

Disneyland for seniors. They offer activities like movies, bowling and bingo all under one roof.

Where else for the cost of an overpriced drink can seniors gather and listen to bands play songs that transport them back to their youth, if only for an hour? Places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City even offer senior meetup sites where groups participate in a variety of activities, like museum tours.

Some feel it’s wrong for seniors to waste their children’s and grandchildren’s inheritance or college funds. I disagree. They earned it, saved it and invested it, so they can spend it however they want.

When you think about it, choosing how to blow their money is one of the last vestiges of freedom seniors have. ■

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FAITH

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By Barbara Ward “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

(1 John 4:7-8)

M

ost humans talk to themselves regularly. According to WebMD, talking to oneself out loud is less common but one study reported that 96 percent of adults say they have an internal dialogue.

Regardless of whether we talk to ourselves silently or aloud, the things we say can positively or negatively affect our wellbeing. People with a negative self-image tend to focus on their faults and weaknesses while those who see themselves in a positive light recognize their assets and potential, which leads to a higher sense of self-worth.

During her husband’s presidency, First Lady Louisa Adams was scrutinized for being a foreigner, aristocrat and advocate for women’s rights. But in spite of all that was said about her, Louisa knew her worth.

Thinking of women like her, she wrote, “Under all circumstances we must never desert ourselves.”

Believing in our inherent worth makes it easier to see the worth in others. As Christians, we have the responsibility to learn to love ourselves so that we can follow Jesus’ directive in Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Fortunately, the Bible has quite a bit to say about self-love and selftalk. In Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

These scriptures remind us of our worth: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) God sent Jesus to die for us because He loves us. If we’re precious in God’s eyes, then why can’t we also see it?

“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26-27) My grandson has a T-shirt that reads, “God doesn’t make junk!”

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

(2 Timothy 1:7) We have the power to change the way we feel about ourselves and build confidence through prayer, positive self-talk and reading the Bible.

Here’s another reminder that you are beautifully and wonderfully made. God has a plan for you that is uniquely yours. ■

Do you have words of faith to share? Is there someone who inspires you spiritually?

Send your articles to: Rhonda@LaFifty.com

TALKING DIGITAL

Bonding with grandkids over technology R ecently, I saw a Facebook meme featuring a close-up picture of a scared chihuahua. The dog had an overlay of a chaotic war scene—as if having a traumatic flashback— with the caption, “When you’re the tech guy in the family and you overhear someone say Grandma got a new phone.”

At first, I laughed. But it was the kind of laugh that comes from empathy and, possibly, when you mean to cry but a laugh comes out instead.

While I’m grateful for how often I get to help my friends and family, I regret that I allowed my resentment of my skills to miss out on getting closer to my grandpa before he died.

Grandpa Charles was fascinated by gadgets and had an engineer’s mindset for solving problems.

Before Wi-Fi, he had every room of his house—including the bathroom—wired with a TV and a phone. Because of his inherent need to tinker and his love for experimenting with tools and materials, I was terrified of the day he’d buy a computer.

My fear was both arrogant and completely unfounded. When he wanted to get a computer to start cataloging his 80,000 or so photos since he served in World War II, I agreed to help set him up on one condition: I didn’t want to be his 24/7 IT guy.

Today, the dreadful scenario I imagined of him calling me to come over and walk him through a problem is something I fantasize about.

What would Grandpa Charles have

thought of smartphones? I’d give almost anything to spend a day explaining how to post old videos on YouTube or connect with extended generations of his eight sisters via Facebook.

Grandpa left us with boxes of pictures and hours of videos in which he narrated a slideshow (literally a video recording of his slide projector screen) of his entire life.

He could’ve done a lot more with my help. But I’m so grateful that he taught himself how to do so much on his own.

This reflection triggered by a silly meme prompts me to offer advice for both grandparents who struggle with technology and family members who grow weary from offering help.

Grandparents: Don’t stop asking for help with your technology. Don’t worry that you are being a bother and don’t stop trying to learn more because your family computer guy has a bad attitude.

Family computer guy/gal: Don’t feel obligated to drop everything to help, but keep in mind that your help won’t always be needed. We all wish we could have one more moment with a loved one who’s passed.

It’s strange how the moments you wish you could spend together aren’t necessarily road trips or sporting events. If I had a day with my grandpa, I’d show him how to use his computer to track airplanes flying into the airport, how to use an iPhone to measure a shelf, or how to text his daughter and grandkids who live out of state. ■

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TALKING DIGITAL

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SilverKey.org | 719-884-2300 Discover how you can make a difference!

All Seniors | All Neighborhoods

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 | TALKING DIGITAL |

25

LIFE AFTER 50

Your eyes on home safety The hidden hazard of reading glasses Story and art by Steve Strickland

A

sunny reading room. A comfortable leather sofa. Reading glasses on the coffee table.

One would think the only danger in this setting lurks on the pages of a nearby mystery novel, but one could be seriously mistaken!

My wife Julie, an avid reader, recently took a break from her book and walked into the kitchen.

She turned around to notice our precious lap dog, Trinket, in the process of stealing her place on the couch. Julie also noticed, unbelievably, smoke arising from the front of the couch!

Closer examination revealed an astonishing situation. Julie’s reading glasses, resting randomly on the

26 | JULY 2022 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

coffee table, had managed to focus the afternoon sunlight onto the black leather surface of our couch, burning an area about the size of a Tylenol capsule until it was smoldering.

Julie quickly told me about this incident, and we were both still incredulous. Taking a scientific approach, we decided to replicate the incident. It didn’t take especially careful placement of the 1.50-power readers, and it didn’t take long— only about two minutes. Another small spot on the sofa started to burn, shrivel and smoke!

I did some quick searches on the internet for “reading glasses causing a fire,” and so on. Fires can be, and indeed have, started due to ordinary, innocuous glass objects capable of magnifying sunlight.

These items have included glass and crystal doorknobs, jars, fishbowls and reading glasses!

It’s called “solar ignition.” It’s the same principle as elementary school science experiments using a magnifying glass on paper or dried leaves until they catch fire. Particles called photons carry light from the sun to the earth. They transmit light and energy in the form of heat. A magnifying glass (like the reading glasses) sets fire by focusing all the photons through the small dot area created by the convex lens. When the sun falls on the magnifying glass and enough time passes, the strength of the photons passes through the lens and creates a small-sized dot on the ignitable material, generating a level of heat strong enough to start a fire.

The statistical possibility of such an isolated incident is remote at best. Nevertheless, magnifying reading glasses, or “cheaters,” as tradesmen in my age bracket are likely to call them, are nearly ubiq-

uitous these days. Affordable and useful, many households have a pair in every room where they are likely to come in handy.

Julie and I keep thinking about how much worse it could be if someone left their house to run errands while the reflected light did its damage, unnoticed. It doesn’t take a particularly vivid imagination to envision a sunny home library, an already hot work truck or a tool shed with flammable materials where the magnifying capability of the reading glasses, combined with strong indoor sunshine, could turn hazardous.

While the commonly cited Colorado statistic of “300 days of sunshine a year” is a myth started by an overzealous railroad publicist in the 1800s, we do enjoy many sunny days. And, due to our altitude, the sunlight is particularly intense. For

every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the sun’s UV rays intensify by 8-10 percent due to the thinning atmosphere. In Colorado Springs, the UV exposure is 36 percent more intense than at sea level. Consequently, Coloradans may be more likely to encounter this strange phenomenon.

Today the “Dangerous Magnifying Reading Glasses Incident” is mostly a novel memory and an amusing anecdote for us. We have incorporated it into our familiar, inside-joke repertoire.

Still, as both of us are on the way out of our house, we go over a shopworn checklist: Doors locked?

Check. Dogs have water? Check.

Lights on or off as needed? Check.

Curling iron disconnected? Check.

Garage door down? Check. Reading glasses in their cases or otherwise disabled? CHECK! ■

SUPPORT GROUPS Alzheimer’s Association offers free caregiver support groups and education classes, in person and virtually. Call the 24/7 helpline to register.

800-272-3900

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

Amputee Support Group meets at Encompass Rehab Hospital.

1st Tuesdays | 5-6:30 p.m. | 719-632-5075 CRAFT (Community Reinforcement And Family Training) offers a free support group for families and friends of loved ones struggling with substance use at Springs Recovery Connection. English, Spanish, virtual and in-person options are available.

719-377-2161 | aneeley@srchope.org Daddy’s Little Girls brings hope to abuse survivors through the love of Jesus Christ.

719-649-9054 | www.daddys littlegirls.net Dementia Support Group meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center.

3rd Monday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 719-6002644 Depression and Bipolar Support has six groups for those living with or affected by mood disorders. See website for times and locations.

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,

Keeping in Balance with the Life Tree meets weekly at Ambrose Family Health, 5035 N. Academy Blvd.

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. | 719-6002644

Falcon Senior Services meets at Patriot High School, 11990 Swingline Road in Falcon.

2nd Wednesday | 11 a.m. | 719-494-0353

Multiple Sclerosis Alliance meets virtually. Visit website for schedule.

719-633-4603 | www.msasoco.org/ event-calendar.html | support@ msasoco.org

Gamblers Anonymous meets virtually via Zoom 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

NAMI Support Groups meet virtually and in person at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. Registration required: 719-4738477, www.namicoloradosprings.org

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren supports and encourages those dealing with issues of raising 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

� Connection Support Group is for those living with mental health conditions.

Virtual: Tuesdays | 7-8:30 p.m.

In-person: Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. � Family Support Group is for family members of people living with mental health conditions.

Virtual: Wednesdays | 7-8:30 p.m.

In-person: Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m.

Overeaters Anonymous meets daily over Zoom (except Sundays) and in person on Thursdays at Peak Vista Community Health Center.

In person: Thursdays | 9-10:15 a.m. | 719-205-9080 | www.oasouthern colorado.org

Parkinson’s Support Group meets at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. 2nd Saturday | 10 a.m.

Polio Survivors Support Group meets regularly. Call for details.

303-212-0017 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. Call for information about receiving meals.

800-381-5612 PTSD Spouse’s Support meets at UCCS Veterans Clinic, 4863 N. Nevada #380.

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 ■

List your support group for FREE Let local seniors know you’re here to help GROUP NAME:_____________________________________ MEETING TIMES/DAYS: ______________________________ The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region

MEETING LOCATION: _______________________________ CONTACT PHONE: _________________________________

Email: Info@LaFifty.com Call: 719-900-7664

WEBSITE: ________________________________________

*Inclusion of group subject to space availability

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 | SUPPORT GROUPS |

27

CALENDAR July 1

Invitation for Hope

Support a worthy cause through this special exhibit of original fine art from breast cancer survivors at Jana L. Bussanich Art. The artwork is for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

5-8 p.m. | 218 W. Colorado Ave., Suite 111 | Free | www.janalbussan ich.com | 719-644-0340

July 1, 8, 22 & 29

Summer Tea Luncheon

Savor sandwiches, scones, sweets, tea and lemonade as you learn about Edwardian history and etiquette under a tent at Rock Ledge Ranch, followed by a tour of the historic country estate.

Reservations required.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 3105 Gateway Road | $25 | www.rockledgeranch. com | 719-578-6777

July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Concerts in the Park

Combine live music and the outdoors with performances by students and friends of the Colorado Springs Conservatory at Acacia, Bancroft and Venezia parks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. See website for locations, dates and directions.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Free | colorado springsconservatory.org | 719-5774556

July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

First & Main Summer Concert Series

Relax and unwind every Friday in July as you enjoy live music in the park across from Cinemark off Powers and North Carefree Circle. There’s a beer garden and a variety of musical genres for every taste.

5-7 p.m. | 3305 Cinema Point | Free | www.visitcos.com/events

July 1-4

Green Box Arts Festival

Catch the last few days of this multi-disciplinary arts fest in scenic Green Mountain Falls. Experience Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Ballet Hispanico, Puppet Palooza, Silversmithing, Sunday Sing-Along, Astronomy & S’mores and a Water

28 | CALENDAR | JULY 2022 |

Lantern Festival. Hikes and yoga are offered too, and there’s an art camp for kids. See website for times, tickets and locations.

6990 Lake St., Green Mountain Falls | www.greenboxarts.org | 719-465-3065

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

4th of July events

July 1-4 & 8-11 CampFI

Take a break from the grind at this retreat on financial independence (“FI”) at the Franciscan Retreat Center. Gain insight and inspiration, whether you are heavily in debt or already FI, from the shared stories of students to engineers.

4 p.m. | 7740 Deer Hill Grove | $450 | www.campfi.org | 719-955-7025

July 1-3

4th of July Camping Weekend

Hey, happy campers—celebrate at the KOA Holiday! Enjoy pool parties, cookouts, socials and more.

Show off your red, white and blue by decorating your campsite for the contest and your golf carts and bikes for our annual parade.

12-3 p.m. | 8100 Bandley Drive, Fountain | Variable pricing | www.koa.com | 719-382-7575

July 2

RACE the Opera workshop performance

Experience an intimate preview concert at the Pioneers Museum of this work on Kelley Dolphus Stroud, a Colorado Springs scholar-athlete of color projected to win the 5K Olympic trials in 1928. Composer João Rocha will discuss the work, along with Stroud family members.

Preregistration is required.

2-3 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org/event/race-theopera | 719-385-5990

July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Summer Music Series

Nothing beats being outside with live music and beer on a summer night!

Goat Patch Brewing offers a rotating lineup of musicians on Sundays in their beer garden.

5-7 p.m. | 2727 N. Cascade Ave. #123 | Free | www.goatpatchbrew ing.com | 719-471-4628 WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

July 4

Family Fourth

Make Rock Ledge Ranch your new holiday tradition! Visit each historic site to see how the eras celebrated our nation’s independence. Play carnival games, listen to patriotic music, enjoy delicious food and shop for old-fashioned snacks and souvenirs.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 3105 Gateway Road | $8 ($5 for 55+ seniors) | www.rockledgeranch.com | 719-578-6777

July 4

Wood Avenue Parade

Come to the Old North End for the annual children’s parade! See beautiful historic homes and decorated strollers, bikes and kid walkers along the flag-lined parade route.

Bring a snack to share afterward at Boddington Park.

9-11 a.m. | 2050 Wood Ave. | Free | www.oldnorthend.org

July 4

Collective Groove

Catch some of Southern Colorado’s finest soul, funk and rock musicians in Monument’s Limbach Park. These party rocking specialists promise an over-the-top good time!

11:30 a.m. | 151 Front St., Monument | Free | www.collective groove.band

July 4

Old-Fashioned 4th of July

Celebrate in Woodland Park with live music, a beer garden, a food

court, arts and crafts and fire engine rides at Memorial Park.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 200 N. Park St., Woodland Park | Free | www. wpmainstreet.org | 719-687-5218

July 4

Cripple Creek’s 4th of July Celebration

As if the scenery, casinos and attractions aren’t enough, Cripple Creek offers live music, food vendors and a beer garden. End the day with an epic fireworks display synced to music at 9:30 p.m.—one of the best in Colorado!

12-10 p.m. | 264 Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek | Free | www.visitcripplecreek.com | 719689-3461

July 4

Symphony on Your Porch

Every Springs resident can see fireworks from the comfort of their own home, with ten locations lighting up across the city. Enjoy the Colorado Springs Philharmonic patriotic concert by tuning your radio to KCME (88.7 FM).

4:30 (concert) & 9:30-10 p.m. (fireworks) | Free | www.COS4 thofjuly.org | 719-634-7333

July 4

Star-Spangled Symphony and Block Party

Join this all-American celebration with food vendors and a beer garden and enjoy the Philharmonic’s patriotic concert inside or broadcast outside on the north lawn, with favorites like “1812 Overture,”

★★★★★★★★★★★ “The Olympic Spirit” and “America the Beautiful.”

3:30-7 p.m. (concert at 4:30-5:50 p.m.) | 190 S. Cascade St. | Free | www.COS4thofjuly.org | 719-634-7333

July 4

Independence Day Concert

Relax in Manitou’s Soda Springs Park with live music and socializing before all the area fireworks blast off. Bring a picnic, camping chairs or blankets and lawn games for the kids.

1-4 p.m. | 1016 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | Free | www. manitousprings.org | 719-685-5089

July 4

Tri-Lakes 4th of July Celebration

Celebrate the Fourth up north, from a pancake breakfast in the morning to a beer garden and live music through late afternoon.

Watch a parade, eat festival food and check out local art too! See website for times and locations.

7 a.m.-5 p.m. | www.townofmon ument.org | 719-481-2954

July 4

Palmer Lake Fun Run

Run or walk four miles, from Palmer Lake to Monument via the Santa Fe Trail! In-person or virtual options are available. You’ll get a T-shirt and surprise gift. Proceeds go to Palmer Lake Elementary.

7-9 a.m. | Palmer Lake | $49 | https://runsignup.com/

July 5

Symphony Above the Clouds Concert

Bring a picnic or buy food at Woodland Park Middle School while the town’s Wind Symphony serenades you outdoors with patriotic music. The grand finale features Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with cannons booming, bells ringing and fireworks!

5-8 p.m. | 600 E. Kelley’s Road, Woodland Park | Free | www. symphonyabovetheclouds.org

July 5, 12, 19 & 26

Food Truck Tuesdays

Enjoy a tasty lunch from a dozen local food trucks with a rotating lineup on the Pioneers Museum’s west lawn every Tuesday.

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org | 719-3855990

July 6, 13, 20 & 27

Hillside Gardens Summer Concert Series

Discover an incredible mixture of local talent to enjoy—two bands every Wednesday night. Choose from several food vendors. The price includes a house drink. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

6-8:30 p.m. | 1006 S. Institute St. | $15 | www.hillsidegardensand events.com

July 8

Michael Martin Murphey

Remember ’70s hit “Wildfire”? Listen as Murphey plays hits in various genres at Boot Barn Hall, including pop, country, western and bluegrass, from his 35 albums.

7 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | $49-$59 | www.bootbarnhall.com | 719-401-0600

July 8

Friday Night Cruise

If you love cars, Fountain’s Metcalfe Park is the place to be! See all years, makes and models at the show and shine, then the cruise. There’s food, music and prizes too!

4 p.m. | 704 E. Ohio Ave., Fountain | Free | www.thunderinthevalley show.com | 719-896-0389

July 8

July 9

Make plans to see five-time Grammy winner Carpenter (“I Feel Lucky”) at the Pikes Peak Center, with special guest John Craigie. With over 15 million albums sold, she is one of just 15 women voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

8-10 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $40-$75 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2121

Cheer on Springs resident Bob Salem as he attempts to push a peanut up Barr Trail to Pikes Peak’s summit—only accomplished three times in Manitou’s history. The event starts at the Barr Trail trailhead and features drum circle entertainment.

9 a.m. | 540 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs | Free | www.manitou springsheritagecenter.org | 719685-1454

Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Pikes Peak Peanut Pusher

July 9

Masonic Outdoor Family Craft & Gift Festival

July 8

Humana Grand Opening!

Bring a friend to Humana’s grand opening celebration of their new Colorado Springs office. Don’t miss the ribbon cutting at 12 p.m., followed by local entertainment.

Office tours begin at 1 p.m. The first 300 guests to RSVP receive lunch.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 5310 N. Nevada Ave. | Free | 719-532-7700

Get some fresh air, bring your loved ones and come to the Masonic Center for live music, food trucks and 50+ local handmade vendors.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1150 Panorama Drive | Free | www.sonshineshows. com | 719-632-8994

July 9 & 23

July 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30 Promise of the Garden

Pick a weekend to see this lighthearted tragedy written in iambic pentameter about a missing botanist in the wild. Is time travel involved?

Come to the Bear Creek Park Nature Center to find out! Includes a 1.5mile hike.

6:30-8:30 p.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road | $20 | www.campfiretheater tours.com/2022-season | 719-5206387

July 9

CSNY Tribute

Are you “Helplessly Hoping” for a nostalgic dose of the ’60s and ’70s?

Don’t miss The BUS Band’s tight harmonies as they recreate Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young folk rock favorites at Stargazers Theatre. The decades will disappear!

7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Dr. | $15 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719476-2200

Making Memories Downtown History Stroll

See history come to life downtown on this ¾-mile walking tour that starts and ends at Story Coffee Co. in Acacia Park.

You’ll hear stories of celebration and protest, identity and belonging, entrepreneurship and beloved traditions. Preregistration is required.

10-11:30 a.m. | 120 E. Bijou St. | $5 | give.cspm.org/downtown historystroll | 719-385-5990

Calendar continued on next spread...

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29

CALENDAR July 9

Gospel Bluegrass Festival!

Listen to gospel and bluegrass music at the Lake George Bible Church grounds, featuring Hillbilly Aliens, Silvering Sage and solo guitarist Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma. Bring your lawn chair, jacket and your bluegrass instrument, if you want to take part in a jam session. Food trucks will be there!

11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 8989 County Road 90, Lake George (corner of Highways 24 & 90) | $5 | 719-748-9088

July 9-10

Colorado Springs Garden Tour

Draw inspiration from eight private gardens in the Mountain Shadows and Rockrimmon neighborhoods for “From Ashes to Beauty: A Decade of Recovery from the Waldo Canyon Fire,” with Colorado Master Gardeners at each location to answer questions.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 535 Buckeye Drive or 4995 Braeburn Way | $25 | www. extensionfriends.org | colorado springsgardentour@gmail.com

July 10

Kenny G

Hear the man who makes the saxophone sing with soulful emotion at the Pikes Peak Center! His recordings routinely made the pop, R&B and jazz charts during the ’80s and ’90s, and he’s still creating his unmistakable sound.

8-10 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $49-$115 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2121

July 11

Octogenarian Golf Tournament

This tournament is open to men and women age 80 or older (or who will be 80 in the calendar year).

It’s a wonderful opportunity to play nine holes on a certified Audubon cooperative at no cost. Email if you want to play.

10 a.m. | 3333 Templeton Gap Road | Free | awilliams863@comcast.net | 719-473-1782

July 14

Downsizing Seminar

Simplifying your life should leave you

30 | CALENDAR | JULY 2022 |

July 13-16

12-1 p.m. | 828 E. Pikes Peak Ave. | Free | www.ppatos.com | 719-6365011

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

July 15 & 22

Giddyap to the Norris Penrose Event Center, where contestants vie for championships in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping and more.

Arrive early for family-friendly attractions, food and Western shopping—and stay afterward for live music and dancing. See website for times.

1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $25-$55 | www.pikespeak orbust.org | 719-634-1394

Summer Family Fun Day

History comes to life through crafts, demonstrations and family-friendly activities located throughout the Pioneers Museum. Register online.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org | 719-385-5990

July 16

Lawrence the Music Man!

Listen to folk, gospel and ballads by solo guitarist and trombonist Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma at Third Space Coffee.

3:30-5:30 p.m. | 5670 N. Academy Blvd. | Free | www.thirdspace coffee.com | 719-465-1657

71.9 miles and 9,190 feet of elevation gain.

6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | 2340 Ramsgate Terrace | $45-$151 | www.719ride. com

July 17

Hayes Carll

Head to Lulu’s Downstairs in Manitou Springs to hear this Texas-born and now Nashville-based singer-songwriter perform his trademark country folk.

8 p.m. | 107 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | $22 | www.lulus downstairs.com | 719-424-7637

July 18

July 16

The Doors Tribute Concert

overjoyed, not overwhelmed. Learn some easy steps to downsizing at this practical and helpful workshop.

Please call to RSVP. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2520 International Circle | Free | www.century pa.com/senior-living/inn-gardenplaza | 719-381-7021

July 14

Paint the Town Blue

Blues fans, don’t miss Two Faces West at Thorndale Park. This Denver-based power trio’s sound blends rock and blues with funk for a distinctive sound. Choose from two concert times.

5:30 & 7:30 p.m. | 2350 W. Uintah St. | Free | www.twofaceswest.com | 719-385-5940

July 14, 21 28

Sack Lunch Serenade Series

Bask in the rich sounds of theater organ music for a glorious hour each Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church Organ Gym. Bring a sack lunch and a friend! Use the church parking lot and enter from the alley north of the gym.

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Groove to the ’60s sounds of The Doors via The Strange Parade, a Colorado tribute band. The Doors’ music still rocks 55 years after “Light My Fire” became a top hit.

7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Dr. | $15 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719476-2200

July 16

The Kingleys in 1870s Colorado

Hear author Tamara Teale at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center tell of Englishwoman Rose G. Kingsley, who organized Colorado Spring’s first reading room, first music concert and the Fountain Society of Natural Science. Rose and her brother Maurice brought culture to “Little London.”

11 a.m. | 517 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | Free | www.manitou springsheritagecenter.org | 719-685-1454

July 16

719 Ride

Cyclists, come to Chipeta Elementary School for a homegrown cycling challenge! It’s an elevation celebration of never-ending ascending on a 14-mile loop course of neighborhood roads. The signature ride is

Social Security 101 Webinar Classes

If you’re approaching retirement age, “Understanding Your Social Security Benefits” offers clear and comprehensive answers.

Discover how age and work affect retirement benefits and learn about spousal, children’s, survivor and disability benefits, with the qualifications and application process for each.

4-5:30 p.m. | Free | www.ppacg. org/events | 719-471-2096

July 18

James Taylor

Get nostalgic with “JT” at the World Arena. “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Fire and Rain” will give you all the ’70s vibes, with Taylor’s warm baritone and distinctive guitar. He’s sold over 100 million albums and won multiple Grammys.

8-10 p.m. | 3185 Venetucci Blvd. | $68-$133 | www.broadmoor worldarena.com | 719-477-2100

July 21

Lone Wolf…Live!

Put on your boogie shoes and head to the Eagles Club, where Maxi’s Dance Group presents a performance by Lone Wolf. Food and bar opens at 5:30 p.m.

6-9 p.m.| 1050 S. 21st St. | $8 ($5 members) | 719-660-1358

July 21

Shenandoah

Make time for these country crooners at Boot Barn Hall and their number-one hits like “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Next to You, Next to Me” and “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” (duet with Alison Krauss).

7 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | $39-$79 | www.bootbarnhall.com | 719-401-0600

July 22 James McMurtry

Lulu’s Downstairs welcomes James L. McMurtry (son of novelist Larry McMurtry), a self-described “rock & roots” guitarist and singer-songwriter, drawing on elements of alt-country, folk and old-fashioned Texas rock.

He appears with Jonny Burke.

8-11 p.m. | 107 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | $29 | www. lulusdownstairs.com | 719-4247637

July 23

Shop this upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market at the Norris Penrose Event Center featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor,

This one show at Boot Barn Hall features three rock n’ roll giants: Kevin Chalfant (The Storm and Journey), John Elefante (Kansas) and Randall Hall (Lynyrd Skynyrd). This highly decorated artist collective is loaded with Grammys, Billboard singles and major soundtrack and touring credits.

7 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | $79-$99 | www.bootbarnhall.com | 719-401-0600

Car enthusiasts, come to the Broadmoor World Arena to see lowriders of all styles, displayed indoors and outdoors. There’s also live music, a car hop, a concert, vendors, a kids zone and more.

12-6 p.m. | 3185 Venetucci Blvd. | $50 | www.lowriderexperience. com/ | 719-406-7838

outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and more. Alt-country singer Joelton Mayfield performs too!

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $11-16 | www.vintage marketdays.com | 719-635-1101

July 23

Medicinal Qualities of Herb and Garden Plants

At Phelan Gardens, discover the healing properties of many garden, herbal and native plants to remedy aches and pains, strengthen organs, improve memory or aid in relaxation and learn about extraction methods, tinctures and teas. Please register.

10-11 a.m. | 4955 Austin Bluffs Parkway | $10 | www.phelangardens. com | 719-574-8058

July 24

Starburn Concert

July 28 Vintage Market Days

Voices of Rock Radio

Colorado Springs Lowrider Supershow

This high-energy five-piece band will rock the Pikes Peak Brewing Company’s beer garden in Monument like it’s 1972! Starburn’s spot-on threepart harmonies recreate 60’s and 70’s hits through nostalgia and rock ‘n roll.

3 p.m. | 1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument | Free | www.starburn rocks.com | 719-208-4098

July 22-24

July 29

Sam Hunt

Soak in the sounds of singer-songwriter Hunt’s husky, mid-range voice at Weidner Field. His music draws from country, R&B and pop. Russell Dickerson also performs.

7:30 p.m. | 111 W. Cimarron St. | $81-$365 | www.switchbacksfc.

com/tickets/ | 719-368-8480, ext.

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July 28

Aaron Watson

Country music fans, head to Boot Barn Hall to hear Watson, who has created a lauded career through songwriting, over a dozen albums and relentless touring, from humble Texas honky-tonks to sold-out tours around the world. Cody Cozz opens.

7 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | $39-$89 | www.bootbarnhall.com | 719-401-0600

July 29

Movie in the Park

Bring the family to Pi-Ute Park in Widefield to see “Sing 2” on the big screen at dusk. There will be themed activities and Tuns of Fun’s hot dog truck too!

805 Main St., Widefield | Free | https://parksandrec.wsd3.org | 719-391-3515

July 30

“Neighhh-borhood” Blockbusters

Join humans and horses at StableStrides in Elbert to catch a movie under the stars! This outdoor movie experience for the whole family includes ice cream, pizza, popcorn and more. Please bring chairs or blankets.

6-9 p.m. | 13620 Halleluiah Trail, Elbert | Free | www.stablestrides. org | 719-495-3908

July 30

Bronc Day

It’s the 84th year for this fun outdoor celebration! Shop from local arts and crafts and food booths as musicians perform. There are sack races and egg and balloon tosses for the kids. Try your hand at gold panning, and don’t miss the parade!

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 6970 Lake St., Green Mountain Falls | Free | www. discoverutepass.com/bronc-day | broncday@gmail.com ■

July 29 Elmohr Iris Society Sale

Choose from among hundreds of varieties, colors and sizes of iris rhizomes at this annual event at Spencer’s Lawn & Garden. See Elmohr Iris Society on Facebook.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 1430 S. Tejon St. | Free

SENDEVENTS EVENTSTO: TO:Info@LaFifty.com Info@LaFifty.com SEND WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | JULY 2022 | CALENDAR |

31

CLUBS 21st Century Toastmasters meets weekly at Library 21c.

Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-591-8045 ACC Grass Roots 307 Cribbage meets weekly at the Colorado Springs Elks Lodge.

Wednesdays | 4:30 p.m. | 719-331-1200 ACLU defends civil rights and liberties. Call for details.

303-777-5482 Adult Coloring Club meets monthly at Florissant Library.

1st Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-748-3939 Austin Bluffs Sertoma, a community service organization, meets for breakfast at Hotel Elegante.

2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 7:30 a.m. | 719-460-5561 (Pat) Austrian-American Enzian Club is a German-speaking culture club that meets monthly at VFW Post #101.

2nd Wednesday | 2-4 p.m. | 719-380-1163 Black Forest AARP meets for a monthly potluck at Black Forest Lutheran Church.

2nd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-596-6787 Black Forest Trails Association meetings are open to the public at Black Forest Community Club.

2nd Wednesday | 6:30 | www.black foresttrails.org Blazer Ski Club meets weekly year round with organized ski trips, golf, hiking and more.

Wednesdays | www.blazerskiclub. org

Bridge Players Duplicate plays daily at the Bridge Center.

Monday-Friday at 12:30 p.m. | Tuesdays at 9 a.m. | Saturdays at 6 p.m. | 719-634-7250 Bulldog Club meets monthly at Westside Community Center.

4th Monday | 6-8 p.m. | goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com Carnelian Coffee Book Club meets monthly at Out West Gift Shop.

1st Sunday | 1 p.m. | jpaisley@ppld.org Cheyenne Mountain Hooked on Crochet meets virtually to crochet or knit.

1st & 3rd Thursdays | 10 a.m. | www.ppld.org | 719-389-8968 Cheyenne Mountain Newcomers Club for women meets monthly at Broadmoor Community Church.

Annual dues are $30.

2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | www.cmncos.org Colorado Springs Breakfast Club for Singles 50+ meets monthly at Patty Jewett Clubhouse. Cost is $20 (cash or check). Must RSVP. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-260-0651 | tbc50plus.org Colorado Springs Chess Club meets weekly at Acacia Apartments ballroom.

Tuesdays | 6 p.m.

Colorado Springs Coin Club meets monthly at Fraternal Order of Eagles #143.

4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 719-632-4260

Colorado Springs Numismatic Society meets monthly at Gold Hill Police Station’s community room.

2nd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-632-4260 Colorado Springs Scrabble Club meets virtually weekly for three games on Woogles.io.

Mondays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-332-5141 Colorado Springs Stamp Club meets monthly at Vista Grande Baptist Church.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Curiosity Unlimited offers continuous learning opportunities with UCCS professor lectures virtually and at the Ent Center for the Arts.

2nd Friday | 10 a.m. | www.uccs. edu/curiosity | 719-755-5082 DAV Knob Hill holds a bingo fundraiser at 6880 Palmer Park Blvd. to help aid local veterans.

Sundays | 5:30-9 p.m. | 719-591-8787 El Paso Pacers walking club meets monthly. RSVP by email.

3rd Thursday | 9 a.m. | 719-5206977 | theresaodello@elpaso.com Falcon Adult Group meets monthly at High Prairie Library.

1st Wednesday | 11 a.m.

Falcon Garden Club meets monthly at High Prairie Library.

3rd Saturday | 10 a.m. | www.falcon gardenclub.org Florissant Bookworms meets monthly at Florissant Library.

3rd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-748-3939

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Friends at the Table Cookbook Club meets at Florissant Library.

3rd Friday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-748-3939 Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship meets for breakfast at IHOP, 6005 Constitution Ave. 2nd Saturday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-229-3317 Gleneagle Sertoma, a community service organization, meets twice monthly for lunch.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11:30 a.m. | 719-331-1212 Gold Camp Victorian Society meets monthly at Cripple Creek Heritage Center.

4th Saturday | 2 p.m. | info@gold campvictoriansociety.org International Dance Club hosts weekly dances. Live bands, variety of styles, family friendly. Cost is $12.

Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 719-633-0195 MAG (Moving Ahead Group), a social group for those who have lost a spouse or partner, meets for dinner at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

Last Sunday | 4 p.m.

Maxi’s Dance Group meets weekly at Eagles Club #143 with music for ages 40+ and food and drinks for purchase. Cover is $5 members, $8 non-members.

Thursdays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-660-1358.

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Falcon Wanderers Volkssport Club meets for regular walks. Membership dues are $10 per person, $16 per couple and $20 per family.

719-597-4307 | www.falconwander ers.org

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Not So Young Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library.

1st Wednesday | 11 a.m. | 719-687-9281

Senior Circle Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library.

2nd Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-9281

Paralyzed Vets of America plays weekly at Bingo World.

Tuesdays | 12:30 p.m. | 719-578-1441

Silicon Mountain Mac User Group meets virtually. Visit website for Zoom link.

2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | www.smmug.org

Pikes Peak Camera Club meets virtually. Zoom link on website.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-634-2376 | www.pikespeak cameraclub.com Pikes Peak Computer Application Society meets at Springs Community Church, 7290 Lexington Dr. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | asdtitus@ gmail.com Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meets virtually.

2nd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | www.ppgs.org Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang meets monthly for dinner. This club is for active adults 50+ who enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, golfing, camping, etc. Membership required.

2nd Wednesday | 719-388-1534 | www.ppothg.org Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners meets monthly for dinner and program at the Masonic Center.

2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | RSVP: 719-473-0330 PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning holds classes (live, Zoom, video) on a variety of topics. www.pillarinstitute.org | 719-633-4991

Sno-Jets Ski & Adventure Club meets for ski trips, biking, hiking, dinners and more. Summer membership (May-September) is $15.

See website for activities. www.snojets.org Socrates Cafe meets weekly for discussion at the Monument Library.

Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 719-531-6333, ext. 7005 Sons and Daughters of Italy meets monthly at VFW Post #101.

1st Tuesday | Dinner 5:30, Meeting 6:30 p.m. | 719-290-9586 Sons of Norway meets monthly for a heritage meeting at Viking Hall.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-574-3717 Travel Club meets regularly through Fountain Valley Senior Center.

719-600-2602 | mbowers@fvscenter.org Triviality Trivia plays weekly at Gold Camp Brewing Company.

Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | 719-319-3798 Vietnam Veterans of America meets monthly at Colorado Technical University.

4th Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-650-1513

Rampart Range Blue Star Mothers meets monthly at Falcon Police Department.

1st Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-651-8038

Women’s Army United, Chapter 75 for women veterans meets at Sand Creek Police Department.

4th Saturday | 10 a.m. | 719-660-3641

Read Amok Book Club meets monthly at Florissant Library.

2nd Monday | 12 p.m. | 719-748-3939

Woodland Park Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library.

1st Tuesday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-6879281

Red Hat Society meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center 1st & 3rd Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-6002644 Rotary Club meets weekly for lunch and a speaker at The Antlers. Visit website for Zoom link and to RSVP. Fridays | 12:15 p.m. | 719-338-3239 | www.portal.clubrunner.ca/3250

Yarnia! Knitting & Crochet Club meets monthly at Florissant Library.

2nd Thursday | 10 a.m. | 719-748-3939 ■

List your club for FREE! Rhonda@LaFifty.com or call 719-900-7664

Question Month OF THE

Compiled by Rhonda Wray

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Dianne & Rob LeBlanc Dianne: “As teenagers, my friends and I would jump into random strangers’ hot tubs late at night.”

Rob: “At 14, I jumped off a bridge into the Niagara River above the Falls. The scariest thing I’ve done is skydiving.

You really have a sense of your mortality, wondering if the chute will open okay.”

Alesia Mia Easterling “I’m a cancer survivor, and I still have neuropathy in my hands and feet. So the craziest thing I’ve ever done is go fly fishing in spite of it.

My husband dreamed of fishing in a certain place in Wyoming, and I went along and caught the biggest fish of my life!”

Ann Dickey “As a new grad in physical therapy, I got my dream job at St. Louis University. I worked there for three months before quitting my job and moving to Flint, Michigan for love. I didn’t know another soul there except my boyfriend. While I was able to find a job in Flint, all my patients were on workers’ comp and had no incentive to improve. It definitely wasn’t a dream job, but I found my dream guy and we got married (and better jobs followed).”

Denise Meyer “I’m normally reserved, but I went zip-lining in the Dominican Republic and Cancun, Mexico. It was pretty scary because they don’t have OSHA constraints. They had to make sure you could climb before they even let you on the course. We actually climbed up telephone poles to get to the top. Zip-lining in a foreign country—it will scare the living bejeebers out of you!”

NEWS BITS Octogenarian and Army golf tournaments

Calling men and women golfers 80 and over during this calendar year— come play a nine-hole golf course at no cost! The 10th annual Mackenzie Place Octogenarian Golf Tournament will be held on July 11 at the Colorado Springs Country Club, 3333 Templeton Gap Road. Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. The event includes range balls, putting green, green fee, golf cart and a buffet lunch afterward. If you’re interested in playing, contact Al Williams at awilliams863@comcast.net or call 719-473-1782.

The Pikes Peak Chapter, Association of the US Army

will hold its first annual golf tournament on August 1 at the Country Club of Colorado, 125 E. Clubhouse Drive. Registration is at 6:30 a.m.

Shotgun start is at 8 a.m. The cost is $125 per player. For more information, contact scott.leeling@ gmail.com or 719-963-9760.

Voices of Grief support groups These support groups provide a safe place for people to integrate their loss and educate themselves around the challenges and misconceptions of grief. One group meets from 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays for eight consecutive weeks beginning July 7 at CONO Commons, 1506 N. Hancock Ave. The cost of $80 includes a book and supplies.

The other group meets from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays for five consecutive weeks beginning July 23 at Humana Healthcare, 5310 N. Nevada Ave. The cost of $50 includes a workbook.

Preregistration is required for both groups. Limited scholarships are available. For more information, contact sarah.lee@voicesofgriefcenter.org or 719-505-2257.

PPACG approves $6 million for older adult services The Pikes Peak Area Council of

34 | NEWS BITS | JULY 2022 |

Medical practice offers blood pressure control education “Blood pressure is our business” is the tagline for a new program at Age Well Medical Associates. Patient education is an integral part of the program. Blood pressure control is one of the most important measures to track for patients’ well-being. The American Heart Association literature states that nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure and are unaware of it. Most of the time there are no obvious symptoms, but when left untreated, the damage that affects your circulatory system is a significant contributing factor to heart attack, stroke and other health threats. Age Well developed a program to identify, educate and treat high blood pressure. It starts with our providers, who identify patients who are high risk and have hypertension. Education happens at the office visit and includes lifestyle changes, eating modification and medications. A dedicated nurse meets with each patient to continue the discussion. Patients may be sent home with a kit for self-monitoring, including a blood pressure cuff, tracking log and educational material. The patient then makes a follow-up appointment to return the kit and track their progress toward their own personal blood pressure goals. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” absolutely applies to healthy blood pressure control. For more information, contact the office at www.agewellmedical.com or 719475-5065.

Governments (PPACG) Board of Directors recently approved $6,186,679 in funding for services to older adults. This money supports seniors in El Paso, Park and Teller Counties to live as healthily and independently as possible. The funding provides case management, legal assistance, reassurance and safety contacts, access to homemaker services, home delivered meals, nutrition education, counseling, visual assistance and access to eye care, dental services, chore assistance, memory screening/ education/counseling, congregate meals and so much more. PPACG awarded $816,000 for specialized transportation services through the Federal Transit Authority Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities funds to two agencies. Quality of life for seniors

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is a priority as the number of 50+ individuals along the Front Range continues to rise.

“Elderoscopy” resources for families

Older adults experience plenty of “probing” medical examinations as they age, which can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. Yet the most uncomfortable exam may actually be a critical conversation between older adults and loved ones about end-of-life plans. 1 in 6 Americans would rather have a colonoscopy than make these tough decisions and document their wishes. To relieve this anxiety and help navigate this process, aging experts at Home Instead developed Elderoscopy, an educational program with tools to start the conversation. An Elderoscopy starts a dialogue between older

adults and their loved ones, examining wants and needs. The time is ripe, as nearly half (48 percent) of all adults report the COVID-19 pandemic has made them more likely to talk about end-of-life plans.

Areas covered in the examination include your home, lifestyle, health, marital status, driving, finances, relationships and plan for your final years. If you’re an aging adult or provide care for one, you can find free resources and support materials, such as a checklist of questions, conversation starters, guides and storytelling elements, at www. homeinstead.com/elderoscopy. For more information on personalized care provided locally, call 719-5340908.

Invitation for hope: surviving and thriving after breast cancer Support a worthy cause through this special exhibit of original fine art from breast cancer survivors on July 1, 5-8 p.m. The artwork is for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In addition, there will be special Saturday presentations from 12-3 p.m. that are free to the general public: July 2, Roundtable Discussion: Journey to Survivorhood and Thriving after Breast Cancer; July 9, Food for Thought: The potential role of nutrition in women’s wellness and Turning off Breast Cancer; July 23, Healing Therapies During and After Cancer (includes lymphatic massage and reiki) and July 30, Ways to Help the Body and Spirit Heal After Breast Cancer (includes acupuncture and yin yoga). All events are held at Jana L. Bussanich Art, 218 Colorado Ave., suite 111 (under the Colorado Ave. bridge). RSVP is required. Please call Natalie Becker to reserve a spot at 719-644-0340. ■

LIBRARY EVENTS Pikes Peak Library Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concert Series Bring a blanket or lawn chair to the Manitou Springs Library lawn and listen to your favorite local bands each week in July.

6-7:30 p.m. | Wednesdays “The Tempest” UCCS Theatreworks’ 75-minute production centers around Shakespeare’s beautiful language and action-packed story at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs.

Time TBA | July 2 Combat Contrails: Vietnam Join local author and Vietnam-era veteran William B. Scott at the Manitou Heritage Center for a presentation on his book’s stories of those who served in Vietnam.

11 a.m. | July 2 Genealogy Basics (Virtual) 10 a.m. | July 5 & 16 Virtual Pikes Peak Regional History Symposium (Part II) The 19th annual Regional History Symposium, “Resilience, Resistance & Restoration,” features speakers that explore the challenges and triumphs of the people and communities of the Pikes Peak Region. Registration is required.

10 a.m. | July 9 Craft Exchange Bring your new/gently used art, craft and hobby materials to the Cheyenne Mountain Library and exchange them for new-to-you craft supplies.

1-4 p.m. | July 9 Fueling for Fitness Nutrition Class (Virtual) 1:30 p.m. | July 19 Protect Your Skin from the Inside Out On-demand | July 28

How to Pick Stocks Like the Pros Discover the secrets to buying good stock values in this advanced one-night course at Library 21c.

Learn the three “Billionaire-Investor Strategies,” the three vital ratios for finding value, how to lower risk and avoid stock disasters and much more. (For adept investors only. Basic investment knowledge is assumed.)

6:30-8 p.m. | July 19 Senior Lunch and a Movie You bring a lunch to the East Library, and PPLD will bring the movie! Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration is encouraged.

12 p.m. | July 26

Florissant Library Tai Chi 10-11 a.m. | Tuesday Family Fun Fridays 2-4 p.m. | Fridays Craft & Create Adult Program 2-4 p.m. | July 27

Woodland Park Library Tai Chi

5-6 p.m. Thursdays | 10-11 a.m.

Fridays Family Movie Bring your lunch, and we’ll provide the movie and lemonade.

12-2 p.m. | July 6 Free Legal Clinic Call 719-748-3939 for an appointment.

2-5 p.m. | July 14 Sasquatch Presentation 1-2 p.m. | July 16

SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS TO: Info@LaFifty.com

Live Better Rocky Mountain PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

provides innovative, coordinated healthcare for seniors, assisting participants so they can live enjoyable and independent lives.

Here’s how you PACE Let us help orcan yourmake loved one Live Better by healthcare stress-free offering stress-free healthcare through:

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35

FUN AFTER 50 1514 N. Hancock Avenue, Colorado Springs To register for classes, call 719-955-3400 or visit www.csseniorcenter.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Independence Day Tribute Celebrate with Oasis Band and patriotic sing-along favorites.

1:30-2:30 p.m. | July 1 | $1

Tunes on Tuesday

1:30-2:30 p.m. | July 12 | Free

Blue Ribbon Pie Contest 1:30-2:30 p.m. | July 19 | $1

Music with Francis!

1:30-2:30 p.m. | July 21 | Free

Coffee with a Cop

9:30-10:30 a.m. | July 27 | Free

LIFELONG LEARNING Learn to Play Bridge

10-11:30 a.m. | Wednesdays | Free

Schemes, Scam, Scum: How Not to Become a Fraud Victim 1-3 p.m. | July 7 | Free

End-of-Life Finances

1-2:30 p.m. | July 11 | Free

Macrame! Classic Design 9:30-11:30 a.m. | July 14 | $1

Brainstorming Tea

1:30-2:30 p.m. | July 19 | Free

ProActive Living Series: Paying for Care 10-11 a.m. | July 21 | Free

HEALTH Sound Healing and Energy Workshop 11 :30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | July 1 | Free

GMOs: What Are They? Why Should I Care?

SilverSneakers Circuit

1-2 p.m. | July 13 | Free

11:30-12:30 p.m. | Mondays and Wednesdays | $50

Medicare & Medicaid

SilverSneakers Classic

1:30-2:30 p.m. | July 14 | Free

Living with Alzheimer’s for Care Partners: Middle Stage 9:30-11:30 a.m. | July 19 | Free

Nurse Chats: Insomnia 1-2 p.m. | July 20 | Free

Living with Alzheimer’s for Care Partners: Late Stage 9:30-11:30 a.m. | July 26 | Free

EXCERCISE Yoga Flow

9-10 :15 a.m. | Mondays and Thursdays | $60

Zumba

10:30-11:30 a.m. | Mondays and Wednesdays | $55

Gentle Yoga

3:45-4:45 p.m. | Mondays and Thursdays | $55

Feldenkrais

1-2 p.m. | Mondays and Wednesdays | $60 8:30-9:30 or 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Tuesdays | $33

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | July 8

Members Picnic in the Park 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | July 16

9-9:45 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays | $50

ACTIVITIES

SilverSneakers Yoga

9:30-10:15 p.m. | Wednesdays & Fridays | $50

TECHNOLOGY Computer Basics II

1-2:30 p.m. | July 12 | $10

Android Phones

1-2:30 p.m. | July 13 | $10

1-on-1 Help with Your iPhone 2-3 p.m. | July 15 | $10

Intro to Microsoft Excel 1-2:30 p.m. | July 26 | $10

Technology Questions

1-2:30 p.m. | July 27 | $10

DANCE

Crochet & Knitting 10 a.m. | Wednesdays

Quilters

9 a.m. | Mondays

Dominos, Cribbage & Euchre 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Monday-Friday

Bingo

10:30-11:30 a.m. | Thursdays

Movies with Popcorn & Lemonade 1 p.m. | Wednesdays

FITNESS Low-Impact Cardio

9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Chair Yoga

9 a.m. | Wednesdays

ARTS & CRAFTS Paper Making

1-1:45 p.m. | Wednesdays | $35

1-4 p.m. | July 15

11-11:45 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays | $50

Cha Cha

Candle Making

PIlates Core and More

Line Dance I

Sit & Fit

10-11 a.m. | Thursdays | $33

Flyswatter Volleyball

Planning for Long-Term Care

Small Group Training

36 | FUN AFTER 50 | JULY 2022 |

Adventure Mini Golf & Lunch

Nightclub Two Step

Living with Alzheimer’s for Care Partners: Early Stage

10-11:30 a.m. | July 13 | Free

SPECIAL EVENTS

SilverSneakers Stability

TajiFit

1:30-2:30 p.m. | July 26 | Free

9:30-11:30 a.m. | July 12 | Free

10:30-11:15 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | $70 10-10:45 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays | $50

321 North Pine Street To register for classes, call 719-687-3877 or visit www.woodlandpark seniors.com

Brain & Balance

9-10 a.m. | Fridays | $35 12-12:45 p.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays | $65 WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

1:45-2:30 p.m. | Wednesdays | $35 9-10 a.m. | Fridays | $35

Line Dance II

9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays | $35

Beginner II Tap Dance 1-2 p.m. | Tuesdays | $35

1-4 p.m. | July 29

FOOD Silver Key Lunch

RSVP 24 hours in advance.

11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Monday-Friday | $3.50

July Potluck

Bring a dish to share.

11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | July 12

1300 Higby Road Monument To register for programs, call 719-464-6873 or visit

www.trilakesseniors.org

ARTS & CRAFTS Arts & Crafts

11 a.m. | Thursdays

GAMES Bunco

Bring $3 and a snack to share.

1-3 p.m. | July 8

Bingo (must RSVP)

1-2 p.m. | July 20 | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness.com

Chess Club

12 p.m. | Mondays

Pinochle

12-4 p.m. | Tuesdays

Hand & Foot

1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Mahjong

1-4 p.m. | Fridays

FITNESS Lean & Fit

9:15 a.m. | Mondays

Strong for Life

1:30 p.m. | Mondays

Tai Chi Fusion

12-1 p.m. | Mondays

Yoga

10:15-11 a.m. & 6-7 p.m. | Mondays 6-7 p.m. | Wednesdays 10:15-11 a.m. | Fridays

Mind-ergize

12 p.m. | Tuesdays

Line Dancing

1:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

Gentle Yoga

10:15-11 a.m. | Fridays

Essentrics

9-10 a.m. Tuesdays | 10-11 a.m.

Thursdays

5745 Southmoor Drive, Fountain To register for classes, call 719-600-2644 or visit www.fvscenter.org

Chair Yoga

1-2 p.m. | Wednesdays

Mind Matters

10-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Mix It Up!

8-9 a.m. | Wednesdays

SPECIAL EVENTS “Happy Birthday, America” Dinner & Dance

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Wednesdays & Thursdays

Front Range Big Band will set your toes a-tappin’!

5:30 p.m. dinner/6:30 p.m. dance | July 2 | $10/$12 at door

Pilates

Harmonizers at Lunch

Tai Chi Gong

9-10 a.m. Wednesdays | 12-1 p.m.

Sundays

Zumba Gold

9-10 a.m. | Thursdays

Building Better Bones & Balance

Safe for those with osteoporosis.

1:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Zumba

5:30 -6:30 p.m. Thursdays | 9-10 a.m. Saturdays

Total Body Strength

9:15-10:15 a.m. | Fridays

Active Minds and Bodies

Caregivers may drop off loved ones for a three-hour free program with arts, crafts, cognitive awareness and gentle exercise. A light lunch is provided. Must RSVP. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Mondays | 719330-0241

ASSISTANCE Silver Key Services

Get assistance with finances, guardianship, mental health, companionship or ongoing case management.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | mstephens@silverkey.org

Visiting Foot Care Clinic

Call for an appointment.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Thursdays | 719577-4448

Woodcarving

8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thursdays

Card Making

9:30-11 a.m. | Thursdays

HEALTH Chair Yoga

10:30 a.m. | July 7

2:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays | 9-10 a.m. Fridays

Francis Pucci’s DJ Music

Zumba Gold

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | July 14

9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays

Technology Class

Cardio Drumming

2:30 p.m. | July 14

2:30-3:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

“Stroll” with Aetna

Tai Chi

Enjoy dancing and black cows (Coke floats).

1 p.m. | July 15

9:30-10:30 a.m. | Wednesdays

Iron Springs Chateau trip

Chi Kung

6 p.m. | July 22 | $50 members/ $60 non-members

Fall Asleep, Stay Asleep Presented by Humana 2:30 p.m. | July 28

ARTS & CRAFTS Interpretive Dance

10:30-11:30 a.m. | Mondays

Knitting/Crocheting 1-2 p.m. | Mondays

Tap Dance

10:15 a.m. | Tuesdays

Porcelain

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 12:30-3 p.m. | Tuesdays

Active Minds

2:30 p.m. | 3rd Thursday 10-11 a.m. | Fridays

GAMES & LEISURE Ft. Logan Trip

9 a.m. | 2nd Monday

Movie Day

1 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

Bingo (and cash prizes)

1 p.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Birthday Social

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | 4th Thursday

Wii Games

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fridays

Ice Cream Happy Hour

12:30-2:30 p.m. | 3rd Friday

Quilters

Game Day

Oil Painting

Thrift Store Super Saturday

Harmonizers

Cripple Creek Run

8:30-11 a.m. | Wednesdays 9-11 a.m. | Wednesdays 2 p.m. | Wednesdays

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1st Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1st Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 2nd Saturday

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CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS Private Party $29 | Commercial $49 |

RATES

ADULT DAY SERVICES

FOR RENT Two Senior Apartments for rent.

1BD, 1 person, no smoking, no pets (cat ok), no babysitting or overnight company. $675 per month plus electric & gas, $200 damage/cleaning deposit. 719-244-6100.

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Call today for more information (719) 596-2010

For sale: 9-piece patio set including 6 metal chairs, 1 oval glass table & 1 patio swing with cushions and large umbrella $700. Ceragem massage bed $700. 5 German porcelain dolls $40 each. 719-596-9085, cash only.

List it. Sell it. Done.

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CAREGIVERS

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT 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.

To place your classified, call:

To place your classified, call -243-8829 970

719-900-7664 x102 or submit online at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

30 words or less per ad

+$1 per word

HELP WANTED

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 Part time Pastor position for a small non-denominational church. For job description, contact Heart Song Church at heartsong.cs@gamil.com or 3815 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80917.

HOME REPAIR

Ken’s Plumbing Heating & Cool Cooling ing

or submit at www.LaFifty.com Deadline is the

15th of Each Month HOUSECLEANING EXPERTISE HOUSECLEANING, reliable and trustworthy. Senior personal care services are also available. Please call Karen 719-4342922.

Housecleaning: Local references, 30 years exp. Weekly, bi-monthly, onetime cleanings. Husband avail. for “honey-do” lists! Call Kathy 719-3470832. I am vaccinated.

INSURANCE SERVICES 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

- PLUMBING -

REAL ESTATE

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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

Leaky Pipes Fixed • Toilets or Faucets Replaced • Sprinklers Repaired Furnaces Replaced, Repaired or Tuned Up

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HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, and more. (Mowing or yardwork in the spring and summer.)

John 719-471-7471.

COMPUTER & MEDIA 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.

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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.

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WANTED 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.

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41

OPINION

Medicare doesn’t want to pay for people with Alzheimer’s

By Sue Peschin, MHS

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42 | OPINION | JULY 2022 |

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edicare recently announced it will effectively refuse to cover Aduhelm, the first FDA-approved Alzheimer’s disease treatment in two decades.

For years, the program has gotten away with paying only a fraction of the costs for this disease that impacts more than six million Americans. And by finalizing this restrictive coverage policy, federal officials intend to keep it that way.

Currently, Medicare pays just 16 percent of lifetime costs for a person with Alzheimer’s. The price tag for Medicare is so low because, without treatments, expenses are primarily for non-medical services, such as at-home help with bathing.

The first signal that Medicare would likely limit access to the new treatment was in its August 2021 Board of Trustees report to Congress, which stated, “The scope of Medicare coverage for this drug [Aduhelm] is unknown...Because of these uncertainties, actual program experience could be worse than projected in the high-cost scenario.”

In January 2022, the “scope” of Medicare’s coverage plan to contain expenses for Aduhelm became clear. The agency released a draft Medicare National Coverage Determination requiring “coverage with evidence development” (CED).

Under CED, Medicare covers FDA-approved treatments on a very limited basis, and under the condition that beneficiaries must enroll in a clinical trial or patient registry.

In the agency’s final Medicare coverage policy, the CED requirements vary depending on how an Alzheimer’s treatment is approved by the FDA. If the FDA approves a therapy under “accelerated approval”—a pathway designed to give

patients earlier access to medicines that are likely, though not yet fully proven, to be clinically beneficial— Medicare will require beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s to enroll in randomized control clinical trials. Such studies will take years to complete, and patients will have to risk receiving a placebo rather than treatment.

For drugs approved under the FDA’s traditional pathway, Medicare will require beneficiaries to enroll in a patient registry.

The idea of a mandated patient registry may sound good on paper.

But in practice, these types of registries have historically exacerbated health disparities.

In reality, Medicare is using CED as a rationing tool to deny expensive care to people suffering from Alzheimer’s. Many patients with the disease are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and this decision goes out of its way to be especially harsh on them. The likelihood that any full-benefit dually eligible beneficiaries will be able to access these FDA-approved treatments is extremely low.

The impact of this final decision will be felt far beyond Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Federal officials will be able to use it as a precedent to further undermine FDA’s authority and restrict access to future drugs for other serious and life-threatening conditions.

Our older family members and neighbors paid into Medicare to provide care for those before them.

We should honor their contributions by ensuring they now receive the coverage they deserve. ■ Sue Peschin, MHS, is president and CEO of Alliance for Aging Research in Washington, DC. This piece originally ran in the Fresno Bee.

Aspen Trail

Celebrate Freedom.

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Chef Showcase Thursday, July 21 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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You Deserve It!

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5455 New Car Drive  Colorado Springs, CO 80923 AspenTrailRetirement.com

719-266-2989

CARING LIVE-IN MANAGERS AVAILABLE 24/7 • MONTH-TO-MONTH RENT • RESTAURANT-STYLE DINING WITH 3 MEALS A DAY

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Residents Bill and Sandra Patheal

“Living at Summit Glen takes the ‘sting’ out of getting old! We were unsure if we wanted to leave our home and come to a senior living environment. After visiting Summit Glen, we felt very comfortable moving here, especially with the peace of mind of having an excellent management team available 24 hours a day. We can decorate and furnish our own roomy apartment to make it home, and the dining room with the cheerful young servers creates a very happy atmosphere. The most important advantage of living here is all the many activities and the opportunity to make many new friends that make all these retirement days the most enjoyable!”

Resident Martha Wallace

“Even before my husband passed, as a couple, we felt very comfortable with visiting friends at Summit Glen. Having visited retirement places in Colorado Springs, there was no comparison. Summit Glen is just where I wanted to be as a widow. The whole atmosphere and friendships I have experienced makes me quite content. The meals are well balanced, and activities have been scheduled so that there is something for everyone to participate in. I especially like walking the halls and enjoying the beautiful outdoor hiking.”

Resident Loren Loy

“Living at Summit Glen is a pleasure. The food is excellent with many choices to pick from. My apartment is super, and the accommodations are great. More importantly, the young people who work here are fantastic. Lots of good entertainment is provided by the activity coordinator and her helpers. What more could I ask for?

Thanks to our wonderful management team!”

If you’d like to learn more about our gracious retirement lifestyle or schedule a visit, please call 719-259-2148 Independent Living | retirementlivingcosprings.com | 4825 Old Farm Drive | Colorado Springs, CO 80917