News Bits

Your fixed income is about to grow

Social Security checks will be higher in 2023, thanks to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) recent announcement of an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2023. This increase affects more than 70 million recipients of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. It is the largest increase in four decades, most welcome after U.S. inflation rose to 8.2%. According to the SSA, Social Security benefits will increase by more than $140 per month on average beginning in January 2023. Increased SSI benefits will begin on December 30, 2022. To calculate how much your increased benefits will be, multiply your current amount by 1.087. COLA notifications will be mailed out through December. If you do not receive a notice, the SSA requests that you wait until January before contacting them. You can also access your COLA notification online by logging into your “my Social Security” account at www.ssa.gov.

New lower costs on Medicare Part B premiums and drug prices

For the first time in a decade, you will pay a bit less next year on monthly premiums for Medicare’s Part B plan, which covers routine doctors’ visits and other outpatient care. Most people on Medicare will pay $164.90 a month for Part B coverage starting next year, a savings of $5.20. The annual deductible for Part B will also decrease $7, to $226. Additional savings on prescriptions are part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Shingles and other recommended vaccines will be free for seniors on Medicare. It will cap monthly insulin copayments at $35 per month and will cap other prescription drug costs as well. The Act will also install a $2,000 annual cap on the amount seniors on Medicare have to pay out of pocket for their medications.

Let your voice be heard at Age Friendly Pikes Peak Summit on November 17

The Age Friendly Pikes Peak Summit will be held at City Auditorium in downtown Colorado Springs. Registration and refreshments start at 9 a.m. A summary of the Age Friendly process will be presented, based on the feedback from four “listening sessions” held throughout the city. Participants will then split into smaller groups for discussion until 2 p.m. You’ll be able to participate in the groups of your choice depending on your topics of interest. Special efforts to streamline parking and transportation options are underway so all interested persons can attend. A box lunch will be served. There is no charge for the event. Register by calling 719- 602-3815 or at www.innovationsin aging.org. Introduce a grandchild to the Philharmonic with complimentary admission

Inspire a love for classical music and share a special grandchildgrandparent event with Free for Kids. This program offers young audiences an invitation to hear the Philharmonic perform live in a true concert setting. Admission for ages 7-17 is complimentary, thanks to the support of GE Johnson Construction Company and other generous donors. For every adult ticket purchased at regular price, the Philharmonic provides up to two “Free for Kids” tickets. To take advantage of this offer, make your request in person at the Pikes Peak Center Box Office at 190 S. Cascade Avenue. Visit www.csphilharmonic.org for eligible concerts. Waitlist open at the Villa at Sunny Vista

This HUD-subsidized senior (62 and up) and disabled adults apartment complex located at 2480 East Dale St. is opening its waitlist on November 7. The Villa is an independent living facility with age, disability and income requirements. Pick up an application at the building on or after November 7 or call 719-635-9595 to request an application. The applications are entered in the order they are received. New family-style assisted living accommodations

Shana’s Place is newly licensed to accept residents in Palmer Lake. Owner Shana Ball’s training includes CNA, EMT, paramedic and a BA in nursing management. Although not a lockdown facility, residents with brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer’s and various physical challenges are welcomed, including significant wound care and hospice. Shortterm respite care is offered on a bed-available basis. Medicaid and private pay are accepted. For a tour, call 719-418-5097 or visit www.shanasplaceal.co ■

2022

We invite you to join us to remember someone special during Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care’s 38th Annual Community Trees of Life Tree Lighting. This event culminates with an outdoor tree-lighting where loved ones are remembered in each light that is illuminated.

38th Annual 2022 Trees of Life details: When

Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 5:00 PM

Where

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (south lawn) 215 South Tejon Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903

For more information, visit:

PikesPeakHospice.org/TreesOfLife

We hope you can join us for this time of remembrance.

Brought to you by:

Holiday Craft & Gift Sales

November 2-6

Black Forest Guild Arts and Crafts Sale

At the Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road. 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

November 4-5

Disabled American Veterans Holiday Craft Market

At the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26, Knob Hill, 6880 Palmer Park Blvd. 12-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday

November 4-6

Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show

At the Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | $10.50-$11.50

November 5

Calvary United Women in Faith Craft Fair

At Calvary United Methodist Church, 4210 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

November 5

Falcon High School Bazaar

At Falcon High School, 10255 Lambert Road, Falcon 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

November 5-6

Chipita Park Arts & Crafts Fair

At Marcroft Hall, 9105 Chipita Park Road, Cascade 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday |

November 11-12

Fair Trade Market

At Beth-El Mennonite Church, 4625 Ranch Drive. 4-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

November 12

St. Peter Catholic School Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair

At St. Peter Catholic School, 124 First St., Monument. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

November 12

Antelope Ridge Arts & Craft Show

At the Antelope Ridge community building, 4001 Gray Fox Heights 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

November 18-20

Vintage Market Days

At Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $10

November 19

Rampart Christmas Cupboard Craft Bazaar

At Rampart High School, 8250 Lexington Drive 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

November 19

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair

At the Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Peppergrass Lane. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

November 20

Mesa Ridge Holiday Craft Fair

At Mesa Ridge High School, 6070 Mesa Ridge Pkwy. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

November 26-27

Holiday Craft & Gift Show

At Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

Are you looking for something meaningful to do?

Your time and wisdom are valuable. Become a Foster Grandparent Classroom Volunteer. You can share your skills and experience while children shower you with curiosity and hugs. Get involved with Volunteers of America’s Foster Grandparent Program. Could you use a little extra money each month?

• Do you love children and enjoy spending time with them? • Are able to volunteer 15-40 hours per week helping children learn and succeed? • Are you 55 years old or older? Do you live in El Paso County? • Is your income under $27,180 for a single person household, or under $36,620 for a two-person household? • Could you use an extra $200 - $400+ per month, plus travel reimbursement?

If you answered YES to these questions, call (719) 632-1448 todayto get involved in the Foster Grandparent Program.

Comfort is yours

Be comfortable and confident in our premier independent and assisted living community—a place where you can relax, eat well and live life your way.

CALL TODAY FOR MOVE-IN SPECIALS!

719.630.1155

2520 International Circle Colorado Springs, CO InnAtGardenPlaza.com

719.630.3330

2494 International Circle Colorado Springs, CO BridgeAtColoradoSprings.com