December 2021 - Life After 50

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The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region

DECEMBER 2021

These senior Santas spread Christmas cheer all year long

8

Six little known stories about Pearl Harbor

20

Spruce up your home with these winter decorating tips

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I N T HI S I S S U E

The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region December 2021 | Volume 34 | Issue 12

Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Managing Editor Rhonda Wray Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Multimedia Editor Lauren Berg Graphic Designers B. Bigler Michael L. Madsen

6 COVER STORY Becoming Claus

These seniors spread Christmas cheer to “kids” of all ages

8 Explore France’s fairy-tale village

Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Advertising Executives Jil Goebel Bruce Schlabaugh Diane Salkovich Advertising Assistant Kayla Pool Delivery Manager Anthony Welch Delivery Eulogio Martinez Lucinda Perry Diane Salkovich Peggy Searles Robert & Kathy Wernly Gerald Wilson

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 20th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available upon request.

The quaint town of Riquewihr, France, offers medieval charm and delicious Alsatian food

6 little-known stories about Pearl Harbor Did you know that Elvis Presley put on a benefit concert to raise funds for the USS Arizona Memorial?

11 Specializing in smiles

Pinnacle Dentistry offers comfortable, customized and cost-effective care These stress-reducing exercises will help you enjoy the holidays again

13 Reduce migranes naturally

This heartfelt Christmas tale may leave you tearing up

28 The greatest gift of all

Each Christmas we remember the greatest gift God gave—his own son

29 How to save memories from 2021 No need to store pictures in bulky photo albums with these technologies

30

Get control of headaches once and for all with these tips

16 Have a simple little Christmas

Simplify gift-giving, Christmas cards and more this season

19 Thank your pet’s vet

It’s not easy being a veterinarian

20

Winter decorating tips

Jim Moncher, aka Santa, patiently listens as a youngster makes her Christmas wishes known.

24 Mrs. Emory’s Christmas

12 5-minute exercises to stress less

© Copyright 2021 • All Rights Reserved

On the Cover

22

Spruce up your home with wreaths, garland, and bouquets of winter flowers

Say scram to scammers Know the do’s and don’ts of phone, email and internet scams

32 CALENDAR 36 37 38 40 41 42 44

Clubs Question of the Month Fun After 50 News Bits Support Groups Fun & Games Classifieds

46 VA does offer survivor benefits Last month’s opinion piece was not accurate, according to Denver VA

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kp.org/5StarMedicare/CO H0630_20117_M

EDITOR’S COLUMN

Christmas road trips

LETTERS

from our readers

T

he Decembers of my childhood meant many extra hours in the car. My dad married a Colorado girl and swooped her off to the Midwest.

Mom missed her family immensely, so we’d pile in the car and head for La Junta to celebrate with them.

We three kids probably weren’t so wise back then, but we were making our way to a star. Its blue lights shone beautifully, and it was affixed to the hospital at our destination.

With 780 miles to cover, Dad drove all night.

The plan was that we littles would snuggle into our blankets and sleep most of the way, creating a silent night where all was calm and the stops were few. Safety was somewhat lax in the 1960s.

My little sister squished herself into the back window. My big brother took the backseat. I got the floor, with a board strategically placed over the dips.

My mom sewed “trip bags” for us and filled them with puzzles, books and treats. My awake and eager brother, squinting in the dark, ate every snack and completed all the puzzles before we even left the state of Iowa.

Being the oldest, he came up with a rule for the backseat when we were awake: boys get half and girls get half. Sounds equitable—except there was one boy and two girls.

We got snowbound in Milford, Nebraska, all night once. This seemed terribly exciting to me since I didn’t have to notify anyone (pre cell phone!), keep three kids warm and fed, or ensure the tailpipe was unclogged with snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

My poor parents. After 14 hours of bickering, the alphabet game and “Are we there yet?” they cheered alongside us when the “Welcome to Colorful Colorado” sign appeared.

We were overjoyed to see our beloved grandparents (and get out of the car). Their house

had the intoxicating aroma of Grandma’s banana bread and oak from Grandpa’s woodworking hobby.

In a nod to Grandpa’s Norwegian heritage, we opened gifts on Christmas Eve, waiting with growing anticipation. The stipulation was it had to be dark. The basement was a kid’s dream— the Christmas tree lit with Grandma’s favorite blue bulbs and a tangle of toys, cousins and gift wrap around it.

Once I noticed Grandpa wasn’t downstairs. I found him in his chair watching TV—“Amahl and the Night Visitors,” the opera depicting the wise men’s star-following journey. I joined him as the blue star aglow from its hospital perch across the street shone through the window.

These trips were so utterly normal to me that it seemed they would stretch on forever.

Then Grandma got cancer and died when I was 11. We had one last Colorado Christmas. It was heartbreaking to be in the house without her quiet, sweet presence, so we headed for the mountains. The adults, though grieving, still created a cozy holiday. We made our own tree ornaments, devoured peanut butter fudge, divinity and sugar cookies and went on daring tubing runs through freshly fallen snow. My feet got so cold that my toes swelled up like little Vienna sausages.

The Christmases that followed on our Iowa farm were good ones. Just different. We mounted our own star of blue lights atop our silo, a beacon for miles around. Hopefully we got at least a little wiser. But I’ll never forget cocooning in the car and marking the miles beneath a moonlit sky, pressing on through the frosty predawn. It was my childhood and life was wide open—hunkered down with my family, presents in the trunk, driving west toward endless possibilities on I-80. ■

Rhonda Wray, Managing Editor Rhonda@LaFifty.com

Having recently relocated to Colorado Springs, I was pleased to find Life After 50 and its comprehensive articles, events and offerings all contributing to living our fullest life as baby boomers. I look forward to each Life After 50 issue and exploring the many valuable opportunities showcased and included, as most of my work is with our baby boomer generation.

- Rhonda M. Farrah [Advertising in Life After 50 Classifieds] helps me to keep my name out there.

Thank you for helping me keep my business above and beyond.

- Linda K., The Cleaning Lady, LLC We’re still missing the column that had all the senior discounts in Life After 50.

They used to be there all the time and it was extremely helpful to have those. They haven’t come back since you changed the format. Can you please look into that?

- Anonymous Rhonda: Thanks for checking in with us!

You’ll be happy to know that we are working on revamping this column. We hope that it will be back in next month’s issue.

So keep an eye out!

RE: Ask the Old Bag - Letters from Readers (November) Thanks for the “background” info! I appreciate YOU responding. I look forward to a new column name!

- Donna A. RE: “Dress Boldly” (October) When I spotted the red hat and saw the “Dress Boldly” title, I just had to read it! I have employed similar tricks and tips over the years. By basic layering and mixing styles, I have put together some really fun outfits. Sandra is correct—it’s better not to look for something specific. Just go in and see what falls into place! I was born in 1963 and enjoy wearing styles from all decades of my life! Thanks for the article!

- Page D.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Info@LaFifty.com PO Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

5

These seniors spread Christmas cheer to “kids” of all ages

By Lisa Lowdermilk

E

lf on a Shelf may cast a watchful eye on today’s children, but Santa—recipient of wishful letters, judge of the naughty and nice lists and traverser of chimneys—has seemingly always been there and still is, with a long and storied history.

Many figures, both historical and mythological, have influenced our current image of the red-suited bearded guy hefting a giant bag of gifts. Saint Nicholas, a monk born around AD 280, was renowned for his tradition of secret gift-giving. Father Christmas, a mythological figure with a fur-lined robe, inspired midwinter feasting and revelry.

Through these and other incarnations, however, two characteristics remain constant: generosity and good cheer. And three resident Clauses are committed to ensuring that the young (and young at heart!) experience Christmases just as magical as those of their childhoods.

CONVERTING TO CLAUS

Santa Jim Moncher gives a hearty wave from The North Pole, his home away from home.

Jim Moncher, 62, began playing Santa for his nieces and nephews. After the committee chair for the local Boy Scouts encouraged him to become a professional Santa, Moncher applied at The North Pole in Cascade, which boasts Santa all year ’round.

It was an 8-year-old’s fanciful vision of Santa’s village that inspired the blueprints of the Christmas-themed vintage amusement park—a Colorado favorite since it opened in 1956.

Ten years later, Moncher still holds court in the enchanting Santa house and loves every moment of it. Kids can visit him or one of the other jolly elves and feed Santa’s reindeer. Seeing their faces light up with joy when they come for a visit never fails to brighten his day.

The amusement park has standard safety precautions in place in response to COVID, such as socially distanced Santa visits. Despite the changes, Moncher remains optimistic.

“I’m here for children of all ages,” he said, the warmth evident in his voice.

“I love what I do all 365 days of the year.”

Cathy Kelsay, 69, performs as Mrs. Claus at community events for children and seniors alike. Of the latter, she said, “I love seeing the look of childlike wonder on their faces. When they see me in costume, it’s like they’re transported back to their childhood—back to a time when they still believed in magic.”

Kelsay transforms herself into Santa’s better half by combining a Christ-

SMILES FOR SANTA

“Mrs. Claus” Cathy Kelsay performs her Christmas magic for a receptive audience at a local library.

mas tree skirt, nightgown, handmade hat and the Christmas spirit with her acting chops. Kelsay owns Fantasy Forest Entertainment, performing as a variety of characters for over 35 years.

In true Mrs. Claus fashion, Kelsay believes you’re never too old to wish for Christmas gifts.

“I was walking through Walmart [as Mrs. Claus] when a man asked me for a motorcycle!” she said.

Moncher recalled a boy who asked for marbles.

When Moncher asked why he wanted them, the boy replied, “Because I’ve lost mine!”

Bobbie Moore, 66, started his Santa career last year. His origin story involves him and his wife riding a Harley-Davidson on a highway in Wichita.

“A lady asked us to pull over. She told us her parents had an inflatable Santa on a motorcycle that looked just like me,” he recalled. “I was being accused of Santa years before I became him!”

Impress your friends and loved ones with your knowledge of the man we call Claus.

Unsurprisingly, Kelsay, Moncher and Moore all have fond childhood memories of Santa.

Moore’s mother really played into the Santa story by telling him and his older sister that Santa would only visit after they went to bed. He took her words very seriously.

“I remember sitting in the living room with Mom and Dad and my sister. I don’t even remember making it upstairs,” he said, adding that he fell asleep almost immediately.

Moncher looked back on one Christmas Eve when he and his siblings had chicken pox and his uncle paid them a surprise visit dressed as Santa.

“I’ll never forget seeing Santa walk through the front door,” he said.

These three seniors’ childhood experiences and earned white hair helps them when they play Santa.

“It’s our experience in life. We know more about children and are better able to handle them,” said Kelsay, a former teacher.

One year, Moncher met a little boy with leukemia who was so grateful just to be alive.

“He was so excited to meet Santa, but he was concerned I might be afraid of his cancer,” he said. “He didn’t want me to get it.”

For Moore, a memorable moment involved an inquisitive boy who was more excited about meeting Santa than he was about receiving gifts.

“He didn’t even ask for much; he just wanted to talk to Santa,” said Moore. “He had a list of questions all lined up.”

CHRISTMAS OVER COVID All three Clauses are committed to spreading the magic of Christmas, COVID be darned.

Moore found ways to safely entertain in person and remotely, swapping his sleigh for a laptop when needed. His young fans responded to his Zoom visits very positively.

“Some kids were intimidated by in-person

In 2012, Frank Pascuzzi from Long Island legally changed his name to Santa Claus after three hours in court and a background check. If a child dares to question the identity of this semiretired fire-sprinkler engineer turned Santa, he simply produces his driver’s license to settle the score.

There are several Santa schools, but the CWH Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, is the most prestigious and longest running of all (84 seasons).

Around 300 jolly students attend yearly.

It was founded in 1937 by Charles W.

Bobbie Moore keeps a youngster engaged with his lively rendition of Clement C. Moore’s beloved poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” visits,” he noted. Zoom, however, made them less inhibited. Recording the video for a keepsake is far more interesting than the typical Santa photo.

Perhaps as a result of cabin fever they’ve endured during quarantine, Moncher said that he had many kids ask for their own house.

“Then they wouldn’t have to do chores!” he quipped.

In spite of the pandemic, Kelsay vowed to keep performing as long as she can.

“One of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received was from a mother who told me her daughter didn’t feel comfortable participating in programs until she came to my [Mrs. Claus] show,” she added.

With these cheerful Clauses in the community, the pandemic can’t dampen the Christmas spirit—so be sure to leave out the cookies and milk. ■

Howard, who was Santa in Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade from 1948 to 1965. Howard is quoted saying, “He errs who thinks Santa enters through the chimney. Santa enters through the heart.”

Santa suits run from $60 for an economy outfit to more than $3,000 for the fancy fur ones. Accessories range from belly padding to Santa eyebrows.

Cascade’s North Pole amusement park has its own post office and receives hundreds to thousands of letters to Santa from around the world.

If you loved “The Polar Express” (the book or movie), consider splurging with your grandkids at Denver’s Colorado Railroad Museum (www.coloradorail roadmuseum.org). Carols, hot chocolate and dancing elves keep everyone enthralled until Santa gives each child the first gift of Christmas: a silver bell.

Did you know that you can safely connect your grandkids with an online Santa at www.bringsantahome.com, www.visitwithsanta.com, www.virtual santaclausvisits.com, www.visitsanta online.com or www.santasclub.com?

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | COVER STORY |

7

LIFE AFTER 50

6 little-known stories about Pearl Harbor

By Lauren Berg

E

ighty years later, the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor remains significant as one of only a few times the United States has been attacked by a foreign adversary on its own soil. The tragedy of the attack came not only in the loss of over 2,400 lives, but also in how unprepared the U.S. was for it. Not that they can be blamed; a surprise attack from a nation over 4,000 miles away was previously unthought of. While much has been said about the attack itself, here are some lesser-known facts and stories surrounding Pearl Harbor:

1 JAPAN’S SURPRISE ATTACK CAME IN THE WAKE OF A DEVASTATING AMERICAN OIL EMBARGO In July 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order announcing a freeze on assets with Japan. Now, any business would need to seek the U.S. government’s permission to trade with the country. However, confusion about the order resulted in cutting off all trade with Japan—including the export of U.S. oil, which Japanese naval forces were dependent upon. This led the island country to set its sights toward an invasion of Southeast Asia and its oil resources, though it knew such an act would lead to war against America.

As a result, Japan decided to attack America’s Pacific Fleet based out of Pearl Harbor to prevent American interference in its plan for accessing the resources of these other countries.

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2 AMONG THE FALLEN WERE THE REMAINS OF A BABY GIRL In 1937, Chief Yeoman Albert Wagner’s wife gave birth to premature twins, one of whom died two days later. Wagner planned to scatter his daughter’s ashes at sea, storing the urn in his locker on the USS Utah. But he never got the chance.

While he survived Pearl Harbor, the daughter’s remains were lost with the sunken ship, along with the lives of 58 sailors.

A funeral was never held for baby Nancy until 2003, when her twin sister, Mary, gathered friends and family to the site of the memorial to say an official goodbye.

“I feel nothing but pride and pleasure that she’s in such magnificent company,” Mary said. “I could not ask for anything better than for her to be tenderly, carefully looked after by America’s finest.”

LIFE AFTER 50 tions were going and to drop some bombs while there. Less than 90 days after the first attack, Japanese bombs once again fell on Oahu.

Fortunately, bad weather stymied the pilots’ efforts and the bombs missed their targets, hurting no one. Though less damaging than “the date which will live in infamy,” the second attack was kept secret from the public for decades.

3 A CONSPIRACY THEORY DEVELOPED ABOUT NEWSPAPER ADS WARNING OF THE ATTACK Two weeks before the December 7 attack, the New Yorker published an ad promoting a mysterious board game called “The Deadly Double,” which featured people in an air raid shelter playing dice—two of which were numbered 12 and 7—and included words like “alert” and “warning.” After Pearl Harbor, people saw the ad in a different light, convinced it was a coded message to Japanese spies warning them of the impending assault.

However, the conspiracy theory was quickly debunked when it was discovered that Roger Paul Craig had indeed invented such a game and created the ads, with the numbers on the dice amounting to coincidence. Despite its notoriety, the game never sold well, and Craig ironically ended up working for the Office of Strategic Services—the U.S.’s intelligence agency during World War II.

4 MONTHS LATER, JAPAN ATTEMPTED TO BOMB PEARL HARBOR AGAIN After the success of its initial attack, Japan began plans for bigger targets like mainland America. But first, the military decided to do a reconnaissance flight over Pearl Harbor to see how repair opera-

5 ELVIS PRESLEY HELPED RAISE MONEY FOR THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND A few years after President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the building of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, the project struggled to raise enough funds.

Elvis Presley decided to help by putting on a benefit concert, performing classics like “Hound Dog” for thousands of fans at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena. The event brought in more than $54,000 and helped raise public interest in the memorial, which was dedicated a year later in 1962.

6 A JAPANESE AND AMERICAN SOLDIER, BOTH PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS, LATER BECAME FRIENDS Zenji Abe, a Japanese pilot who dropped bombs on Pearl Harbor, didn’t learn until decades later that the attack had come before Japan’s declaration of war. Viewing Japan’s wartime leaders’ actions as immoral, he worked to engage in reconciliation efforts between Japanese and American veterans. In 1991, at the 50th anniversary of the attack, Abe visited the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii, where he came to apologize to his former foes. He found reconciliation, forgiveness and friendship from American Pearl Harbor survivors like Richard Fiske.

Fiske and Abe became close friends and agreed to honor the memorial each month with roses until Fiske’s death in 2004. ■

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Heat oven to 475° F. Place beef on baking sheet. Rub 4 tablespoons olive oil and 2 teaspoons pepper into beef. Bake 12 minutes.

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BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

Pinnacle Dentistry specializes in smiles

Dentists offer comfortable, customized and cost-effective care

By G.L. Yenne

I

f you’ve delayed going to see the dentist during the pandemic, it’s time to get back on track. Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth with the compassionate team at Pinnacle Dentistry.

Dr. Thomas Jennings and Dr. Brad Perrett are both extremely personable, attentive and dedicated to excellence without resting on their past accomplishments and certifications. Their team constantly works on bettering themselves and their service. Their passion is to provide advanced care that takes into consideration a patient’s total well-being. They strive to offer customized, comfortable and long-lasting solutions to eliminate unnecessary treatment and help their patients look amazing.

BREAKING THE RETREATMENT CYCLE Their main office at 2430 Research Parkway, suite 200, seems more like a friend’s living room. From the warm and inviting environment to the friendly staff, Pinnacle’s patients immediately feel at ease.

From the front desk to the exam rooms, the staff at Pinnacle Dentistry provides a warm and supportive environment for their patients, and they have the smiles to prove it! retain more teeth to preserve for a longer life span.

“One thing we often see is cycles of retreatment. Our ultimate goal is to interrupt that cycle by doing restorations that last 3-4 times as long and help protect teeth for the future,” added Jennings. “If we fix the problem up front, it will give us the best results with the least longterm expense.”

“OUR GOAL IS TO GET AWAY FROM THE ASSEMBLYLINE DENTISTRY THAT IS SO PREVALENT NOW, AND TO PRACTICE WITH EACH UNIQUE PATIENT IN MIND. BY IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH, WE CAN HELP PATIENTS IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL HEALTH.” “We meet with a new patient at the first visit and listen carefully to their concerns. This helps us meet their needs in a customized way. Our reward is not just creating beautiful smiles, but getting to know our patients and their families. That’s the reason we do what we do!” Jennings said.

In previous decades, losing teeth was the norm. Better hygiene and fluoridation today means patients

Dental health becomes challenging as people live longer, so it’s vital to schedule bi-annual check ups and cleanings. Gums recede, exposing roots to decay, and bone loss makes teeth less stable.

Seniors may produce less saliva, often due to medications that produce dry mouth. This leaves teeth vulnerable to decay. Decades-old fillings and bridgework can also crack.

Over time, there’s an increased need for dental implants, crowns, dentures, gum surgery and oral cancer treatment. As the mouth naturally changes dentures can loosen, making chewing more difficult and irritating gums.

PREVENTION IS KEY Jennings and Perrett create a positive experience by taking a preventive, conservative and cost-effective approach to dental care, to help patients struggling with those challenges.

As a result, Pinnacle patients are convinced they’ve chosen wisely for

their dental wellness.

“The staff here is always gracious, and the skilled assistants and doctors are awesome. You will not find a better place to take care of your dental health in Colorado Springs,” said one patient.

The word “pinnacle” means “the most successful point, the culmination.” How reassuring that there is a dental office in Colorado Springs that lives up to its name.

To schedule an appointment, contact Pinnacle Dentistry at 719590-7100 or visit www.pinnacle dentistryco.com. ■

Looking for a Colorado Springs Dentist?

Pinnacle Dentistry is a preventative, cosmetic and restorative dental clinic that offers an advanced perspective to patient care in Colorado Springs.

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11

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Stress less with these 5-minute exercises

By Katie Oltz, BAS

C

arols on the radio, twinkling lights and bustling stores are all indicators that the holiday season is quickly approaching.

While festive activities and visiting family can make this time of year exciting, shopping for gifts, coordinating schedules and mapping out travel plans can make it extremely stressful.

Stress is a relatively normal response to change. It can benefit

you by helping to increase motivation, adapt to new experiences and overcome challenges. Unfortunately, experiencing stress for long periods of time can result in headaches, agitation, sleeplessness and fatigue, tense muscles or increased anxiousness, which can make the holidays much less enjoyable.

So how can we navigate this holiday season with less stress and more joy?

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thoughts and attention are usually projected toward future events, which may increase stress and worry. (Will I find everything on my shopping list? How will I accommodate family coming in from out of town?) Mindfulness represents the idea of focusing our attention on the present moment.

Anyone can practice mindfulness. Here are three exercises that promote mindfulness, which can help you decrease stress and increase your ability to relax and be present. Just dedicating 5 minutes to these practices can do wonders for your mind and body!

1) Breathe deeply. Deep breathing is a simple exercise that helps decrease stress and anxiety by encouraging intentional slow, deep breaths instead of short, shallow ones. � Sit back in a comfortable position and close your eyes, if you’d like. � Inhale. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds. � Pause. Hold the air in your lungs for 4 seconds. � Exhale. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. � Repeat. Practice for 5 minutes.

� Sit back in a comfortable position and close your eyes. � Take five deep breaths through your nose. � Start by bringing your awareness to your feet by wiggling or curling your toes. Focus on the sensations. � Continue to explore and bring awareness to sensations in other parts of the body, such as your hands, arms and abdomen. � Do this for about five minutes and breathe with the sensations you experience.

2) Visualize. Our minds can create beautiful, calming and detailed scenes, which fosters relaxation. � Sit back in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Think of a place that’s calming and relaxing.

Perhaps a cozy coffee shop, a gently flowing stream, a day at the beach, or a winter wonderland. � Visualize what you are seeing, hearing, smelling or touching. � Do this for about 5 minutes, allowing yourself to appreciate the scene.

It’s completely normal for your mind to wander when practicing any of these exercises. When this happens, just acknowledge where your mind has gone and gently bring your awareness back.

While these exercises can be useful for reducing stress, other activities may be just as helpful, such as listening to music or journaling about what you’re thankful for. Whatever you do, remember to give yourself acknowledgment and gratitude for all the wonderful things you have accomplished.

If you find yourself needing support this holiday season, contact the UCCS Aging Center at 719-2558002. ■

3) Body scanning tunes into the body’s physical sensations, such as muscle tightness or warmth. This exercise helps to focus your awareness on those sensations and be present in the moment.

Katie Oltz, BAS, is a clinical psychology master’s student and psychology trainee at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS) Aging Center. Contact her at koltz@ uccs.edu or at 719-255-8002.

DEAR PHARMACIST

Get control of headaches once and for all

R

ecently, I was headed to meet a friend for lunch and she texted me last minute that she had a migraine.

I called her with some tips and when I checked on her the next day, she was much better. She noticed improvement after trying a couple of the hacks I recommended.

If you’re prone to migraines, you’ll want to learn what migrenades cause them!

“Migrenade” is the term I made up for substances that go off like a grenade in your brain and trigger a migraine. All the pain-causing cytokines in your body should be considered migrenades, because they’re responsible for the pain and inflammation associated with headaches.

First, I suggest you minimize or eliminate the following powerful migrenades if you want to get control of headaches once and for all: � Artificial sweeteners and dyes � Any clothing that requires dry cleaning � Monosodium glutamate (MSG) � Vegetable oil containing bromine � Fancy dryer sheets � Perfume that contains synthetic chemicals As for dryer sheets, you can make your own by taking some cotton, putting a few drops of your favorite essential oil on it and tossing it in the dryer with your clothes. The possibilities of using natural essential oils are limitless, and this trick won’t harm your endocrine glands.

Low thyroid hormones are one cause of migraines. Iodine is one of the components that helps make thyroid hormones. Iodine or a good thyroid supplement could be help-

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. ful at reducing frequency.

Ashwagandha is a herb that comes from a shrub native to India. It’s also called Indian ginseng.

The extract helps make thyroid hormone and provides antioxidant protection. This “winter cherry” (withania somnifera) is one of my favorite supplements for thyroid and adrenal health. I often suggest it as an option for people who can’t sleep because it’s so sedating. It’s also a strong antioxidant.

Earlier, I mentioned pain-causing cytokines, one of which is NF Kappa B. NF Kappa B is a natural compound in your body, but one that’s associated with migraines.

Activation of this substance is also associated with facial pain, autoimmune diseases, depression, anxiety, attention deficit, diabetes, chronic infections, obesity and just the mere fact that you’re aging.

Fortunately, there are natural compounds that can slow down this pathway, reducing pain.

Among the best are probiotic supplements, a cup of green tea, lipoic acid, omega 3 fish oils, curcumin, resveratrol and others. The popular medication for diabetes, metformin, also happens to dampen down this pathway. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

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

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13

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS REDNECK HUMOR

Submitted by Bob Breazeale A redneck who’s had a few too many drinks leaves a bar. He comes back in a few minutes and asks the bartender, “How tall is a penguin?”

The bartender says, “About three feet.”

The redneck asks, “Are you sure it isn’t about twice that?”

The bartender replies, “I’m pretty sure.”

The redneck slaps his forehead and says, “You better give me a double, I think I just ran over a nun.”

Two boys are talking about what they got for Christmas. One is a city kid who exaggerates. The other is a redneck’s kid.

City Kid: I got a new mountain bike that costs $1,000.

Redneck Kid: That’s fantastic.

CK: And I got a new electric train set with everything that costs $500.

RK: That’s fantastic.

CK: And I got a new video setup and 20 games that costs $600.

RK: That’s fantastic.

CK: So, what did you get?

RK: Some clothes and a baseball glove. But my folks have been sending me to an etiquette school for two weeks.

CK: That’s too bad. Have you learned anything?

RK: Yep. I’ve learned to say “That’s fantastic” instead of “That’s bull $#%&!”

WATER CLOSET

Submitted by Helen Curtis An English schoolteacher was looking for rooms in Switzerland, and she called upon the local schoolmaster to help her find an apartment that would be suitable. Such rooms were found, and she returned to London for her belongings. She remembered that she had not noticed

14 | LAUGHING MATTERS | DECEMBER 2021 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

a bathroom, or as she called it, “a water closet.” So she wrote to the schoolmaster and asked if there was a “w.c.” in or near the apartment.

The schoolmaster, not knowing what the “w.c.” stood for, was puzzled. Not knowing she was talking about a bathroom, he sought the advice from the parish priest. They concluded she must have meant a wayside chapel.

A few days later she received this letter: “Dear Madam, The w.c. is located 9 miles from the house, in the heart of a beautiful grove of trees. It will seat 150 people at one time and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Some people bring their lunch and make a day of it. On Thursdays, there is an organ accompaniment. The acoustics are very good. The slightest sound can be heard by everyone.

It may interest you to know that my daughter met her husband there at the “w.c.” We are now in the process of taking donations to purchase plush seats. We feel that

this is a long-felt need, as the present seats have holes in them.

My wife, being rather delicate, hasn’t been able to attend regularly.

It’s been 6 months since she last went. Naturally, it pains her to not be able to go more often.

I will close now with the desire to accommodate you in every way possible and will be happy to save you a seat either down front or near the door as you prefer.”

THE TROPHY WIFE

Submitted by Luke Cranston Bill, a 70-year-old and extremely wealthy widower, attended a holiday dinner with a breathtakingly beautiful 25-year-old woman on his arm. She was hanging on his every word. His friends at the dinner were aghast.

They finally cornered him and asked, “Bill, how did you get the trophy girlfriend?”

Bill replied, “Girlfriend? She’s my wife!”

They were stunned. “So how did you persuade her to marry you?”

db db

they asked.

Bill said, “I lied about my age.”

“What do you mean? Did you tell her you’re only 50?”

Bill smiled and says, “No, I told her I’m 90.”

WHAT DO YOU CALL…

Submitted by Carolyn Hopping What do you call a pig who knows karate?

A pork chop.

What do you call a fake noodle?

An impasta.

What do you call an alligator in a vest?

An investigator.

Why do melons have weddings?

Because they cantaloupe.

Where does Santa Claus keep his money?

In snow banks.

What do you call a snowman in spring?

A puddle.

BUY YOUR OWN GIFT

Submitted by Bobby Williams Last Christmas, Grandpa was feeling his age and found that shopping for Christmas gifts had become too difficult, so he decided to send checks to everyone instead.

In each card he wrote, “Buy your own present!” and mailed them early.

He enjoyed the usual flurry of family festivities, and it was only after the holiday that he noticed that he had received very few cards in return. Puzzled over this, he went

into his study, intending to write a couple of his relatives and ask what had happened. Then he cleared his desk, and under a stack of papers he was horrified to find the gift checks, which he’d forgotten to enclose with the cards.

ANYTHING FOR A CAT Submitted by Carolyn Hopping A cat died and went to heaven. God met her at the pearly gates and said, “You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you ask for is yours.”

The cat thought for a minute and said, “All my life I’ve lived on a farm and slept on hard, wooden floors. I would like a really fluffy pillow to sit on.” And it was done.

A few days later six mice were killed in an accident, and they all went to heaven together. God made them the same offer he made the cat.

The mice said, “Well, we had to run all our lives from cats, dogs and even people with brooms. If we had some little roller skates, we would not have to run again.” And it was done.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat. He found her sound asleep on her fluffy pillow.

God gently woke the cat and asked, “How have you been doing? Are you happy?”

The cat said, “Oh, it’s wonderful!

I’ve never been so happy in my life.

This pillow is so fluffy, and those little meals on wheels you’ve been sending are soooo delicious!” ■

LAUGHING MATTERS

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15

LIFE AFTER 50

Have yourself a simple little

Christmas Blessings A Service of Lessons and Carols

Christmas

A concert of beloved Christmas carols, with readings adapted from the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, performed by the Chancel Choir and Ringers and festival orchestra, directed by Douglas Grogan.

Scale back and move forward with a new plan

Nursery care for children 5 and under provided for both concerts.

Tickets not required!

First United Methodist Church 420 North Nevada Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903 fumc-cs.org

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ave you ever tried to create an unforgettable Christmas for your family? Perhaps all you got was a huge headache and an even bigger credit card balance. The national delay in our supply chain this year is the perfect excuse to simplify Christmas by giving and receiving gifts that don’t come with a price tag.

What do you remember about your childhood Christmases? Maybe it was the fresh scent of pine as you decorated your tree, the sweet and snappy taste of freshly baked gingerbread or the family togetherness before church services.

What do you dislike about Christmas now? Perhaps it’s the stressful family gatherings, the constant repetition of Christmas music everywhere you go or the endless stream of holiday catalogs clogging your mailbox. Many don’t find Christmas merry, and depression often worsens during the holidays.

Marie Kondo, the guru of organization, says, “If it does not give you pleasure, eliminate.” Likewise, if we focus on a few things that are meaningful and eliminate the rest, we will enjoy a more peaceful season. This might include gathering with those we love, admiring the Christmas lights or attending special services.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO SIMPLIFY As far as gifts are concerned, young children who believe in Santa love to open a brightly wrapped package.

Their joy is infectious! For everyone else, how about writing a loving letter on beautiful paper that will always be treasured? Coupons for a massage, tickets to the museum or zoo, or a gift card for gas are a sure-fire hit. Coupons for babysitting mean the gift of time to harried younger couples. A single nice gift for the entire family, such as a puzzle or board game, is a thoughtful gesture. One teenager makes origami birds and boxes for presents. Consumable items such as wine, honey, chocolate, cheese, nuts and soaps are always welcomed.

Some grandparents love giving lots of gifts to their grandchildren (hello, grandmothers!), often against the parents’ wishes. Parents might choose to cut back on their own gift-giving to balance the extreme generosity of grandparents.

While Facebook might mean fewer Christmas cards, many still enjoy receiving them. Cull your list and mail only to those near and dear. Place cards you receive in one basket and stock another with new cards, stamps and pens. If you receive an unexpected card, you’ll be prepared! Since we live in a texting

LIFE AFTER 50 culture, how about a creative greeting limited to 5-8 short lines?

COVID Christmas 2021 Finally retired! First grandbaby arrived in May. Took two road trips to Oregon and Montana.

Started volunteering at local soup kitchen.

Best wishes for 2022!

Decorations are lovely but labor-intensive. Deck the halls in a simple way, with one main focal point per area—a crèche, a brilliant red poinsettia or an evergreen wreath for the front door. Arrange all your sparkly ornaments in a glass bowl as a centerpiece for the dining room. Decorate a tree outside with seeds, berries and nuts for the birds. Keep your artificial Christmas tree up year-round and decorate with seasonal ornaments to celebrate other holidays.

With food, loosen your grip on traditions like baking Grandma’s pecan pie. The younger generation may introduce new recipes. If no one has the energy or time for homemade fare, just buy baked goods and “present” them on your own china!

Talk to your loved ones about differing holiday expectations. Do you feel stressed by family members staying in your home? Maybe it’s time they check out an Airbnb.

You could seek respite at a cabin in the mountains, a monastery, a resort or a farm to gain peace and

spiritual renewal.

Entertainment needn’t be costly.

White elephant gift exchanges are always fun. Read classic Christmas stories aloud, such as “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Anderson, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by the Brothers Grimm or “The Gift of the Magi”

by O. Henry. Perennial TV favorites include “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”

LESS STRESS IS POSSIBLE Restore meaning to the season by studying other cultures that focus on religious themes and simple decorations. No other culture in the world starts the Christmas season in September, as we do here!

It’s an irony that we celebrate with overconsumption when the first Christmas took place in a humble stable. How about following your own star this season like the wise men did and stepping out of your comfort zone to find someone to help? Serve at a soup kitchen, carol at a nursing home, support an immigrant family or visit shut-ins or prisoners.

Following even some of these suggestions will slow down the pace of your preparations and alleviate that post-Christmas hollow feeling. May serenity and joy be yours this year as you experience a simply beautiful Christmas. ■

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The Sound of M usic and C andy 195 PER PERSON

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January 29, 2022

2022/2023 Travel Destinations

A Day of M ysteries and But te *

The Sound of Music Join us for the world’s most beloved musical as we dine on delicious culinary options. On the way there we’ll tour Hammonds Candy Factory with time to shop for sweets!

The Sound of Music features a trove of cherished songs like “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” and “The Sound of Music.” It won five Tony Awards and five Oscars. *Includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, Hammonds Factory tour, excellent seats for the musical performance, and a full lunch of salad, entrée, beverage, dessert, tax and gratuity.

rfl ies 195 PER PERSON

$

April 2, 2022

*

Murder on the Orient Express & Denver Butterfly Pavilion What’s more intriguing than murder on a train? Just after midnight a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks … by morning one passenger is missing. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer.

You’ll love the Butterfly Pavilion where we change the way we think about invertebrates. These ‘tiny giants’ are everywhere - the near hidden gems of the animal kingdom.

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Charleston, South Carolina, Jekyll Island and Savannah, Georgia

Michigan, the Great Lakes, and Chicago

Spend two nights in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District. Guided tour of Charleston, regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in America. Touring and lunch at Middleton Plantation with its beautiful gardens.

Visit Beaufort, South Carolina, known for its southern hospitality, historic homes and listed on National Trust for Historic Preservation. Spend two nights at the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, once the playground of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families. Narrated tram tour of Jekyll Island, a Golden Isle rich with majestic oak trees, Spanish moss and palmetto. Visit St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles.

Spend two nights in the Historic District of Savannah, the “Belle of the South.” Visit Tybee Island and tour the Museum and Lighthouse. Narrated trolley tour of Savannah to learn the history of the city, see the beautiful garden-filled squares and see the places where many famous movies were filmed. Family-style dinner at Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House, steeped in Savannah history and a local legend.

Leave the fast lane behind! Come experience the slow lane on Mackinac Island, where cars have been banned since 1898. After arriving in Michigan, meet your tour director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

The next day you will tour Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum, visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in old Frankenmuth, including a delicious, authentic Bavarian dinner and wine tasting.

Take a scenic ferry ride to Mackinac Island with a horse-drawn carriage ride from the ferry port to your hotel. With carriages and bicycles as the island’s only means of transportation, you’ll need to fuel up on lunch at the famous Grand Hotel. Buy some of their famous decadent fudge, too! After lunch your carriage tour will take you to Avenue of the Flags, the Governor’s Mansion, and Arch Rock.

It’s another beautiful ferry ride back to Michigan mainland. In Mackinaw City you’ll visit Old Mackinac Lighthouse State Park, Legs Inn on Lake Michigan and sample local specialties.

Take a scenic drive through Tunnel of Trees en route to the coastal towns of Petoskey and Charlevoix. Sightseeing with a local guide includes Victorian summer resorts and ‘mushroom’ houses.

Have lunch and do some shopping in Traverse City, tour the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, on your way to Chicago. Take a sightseeing tour of Chicago then enjoy a farewell dinner with a famous dessert at your hotel, the historic Palmer House Hilton.

*Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $1,109.00. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, baggage fees, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 6 nights elegant accommodations, 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes & fees.

W indmills, W ine and Tulips 1,785 PER PERSON

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May 3, 2022

*Based on double occupancy, single supp. Is $720. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, baggage fees, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, 7 nights elegant accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes & fees.

*

A 7-Day Motorcoach Tour to America’s Heartland Day 1: Depart for Lincoln, Nebraska with lunch break in Ogallala and a visit to ‘old west’ Front St. Day 2: Destination Moline, Illinois with a lunch stop in Leighton and tour of Tassel Ridge Winery. You will enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the beautiful paddlewheel Celebration Belle.

Day 3: You’ll tour Isabel Bloom’s art studios and tour the John Deere Pavilion, continuing on to Amana Colonies, a historic landmark formed in 1856.

Day 4: In the morning, you arrive at Pella, Iowa’s annual Tulip Festival – over 200,000 tulips in bloom! See windmills, antique cars, parades, a sunken garden park, antiques, historic villages, Wyatt Earp’s house, and much more.

Day 5: Enjoy morning free time at the Tulip Festival and after lunch head to Kansas City to overnight.

Day 6: Visit the National WWI Museum & Memorial and see breathtaking views from Liberty Memorial Tower observation deck. After lunch, shop for sweets at Russell Stover Outlet Store.

Day 7: On our way home, we’ll tour the historic Cathedral of the Plains, a lovely church in Victoria, Kansas. *Based on double occupancy, single supp is $375. Deposit $250 per person to secure space. Final payment due 4/1/22. Price includes fully-escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, 6 nights accommodations, all attraction tickets, luggage handling, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.

More Exciting Tours in 2022!

Aug. 5-15, 2022 – Amazing Alaska Cruise/Tour Sept. 30-Oct 2 – Fall Colors of Colorado & Elk Bugling Oct. 13-20, 2022 – West Virginia Rails & Trails Nov. 28-Dec. 2 – San Antonio Christmas on the Riverwalk

Singing, Dancing and Beer June 25, 2022

195 PER PERSON

$

*

Singin’ in the Rain & Coors Brewery Tour Based on the most celebrated movie of all time, Singin’ in the Rain is the story of the first Hollywood movie musical. You’ll love each unforgettable scene, song and dance of this MGM classic, including the show stopping dance in an onstage rainstorm. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals.

On the Coors Brewery Tour, see and taste traditional brewing in the Rockies - the largest single-site brewery in the world! Since 1873 Coors has thrived on a legacy of quality and innovation. The tour showcases its history and passion for brewing. Afterwards, enjoy beer samples in the Hospitality Lounge and shop in the Coors & Co. gift store. *$195 price includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, excellent seats for the musical performance, Coors Brewery Tour, and lunch consisting of salad, entree, beverage, dessert, tax & gratuity.

Call for more information or look for details in upcoming issues of Life After 50!

QUALITY CRUISES AND TRAVEL

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

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This holiday season, while we are grateful to celebrate with loved ones, we will miss our gentle giant.

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he International Day of Veterinary Medicine is observed annually on December 9. It is a day that recognizes this amazing field of medicine that managed Ernie’s cirrhosis with a prescription diet, relieved Chip’s arthritis with pain relievers formulated for dogs, and developed the diagnostic tools needed to investigate Johnny Cash’s worsening limp. It also honors the women and men who devote seven or more intense years of their lives to studying the multitude of creatures that inhabit our great big world.

It’s not easy being a veterinarian.

Their patients usually ignore them, sometimes snap at them and never laugh at their jokes. Regardless, animal doctors must call on their vast array of knowledge, skills and experience—and, frequently, a conciliatory tasty morsel—to treat our furred, feathered and finned friends. They can’t ask, “Where does it hurt?” or “When did your symptoms start?”

As pet owners, we know our pooches best. We know their routines, their habits, what they like and dislike. We know when something is out of sorts. It’s our vets, however, who help us put those pieces together when there’s a problem.

Johnny Cash—our “Man in Black”—started limping at the end of September.

“I’m sure it’s just old age,” I told Dr. Volz. “But I just want to rule out a problem.”

He felt Johnny’s shoulder, then looked me in the eye.

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HOME & GARDEN

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ecorating the house with fresh greenery is one of winter’s oldest traditions. Evergreens have been a part of winter festivals since ancient times. They were used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

There’s a great feeling of satisfaction in collecting and arranging your own winter decorations. There are no rules—let the assortment you collect guide you.

TIPS FOR ARRANGING Ivy, pine and holly will add a fresh, natural scent to your home and give your arrangements a unique look. Experiment with garlands, swags and centerpieces for indoors, and door toppers of greens and fruits, or containers of greenery, twigs and cones for outdoors.

Place a beautiful wreath on your front door.

When gathering live greenery from shrubs and trees, remember you’re actually pruning the plants.

Consider carefully which branches to cut and which ones to leave. Distribute the cuts evenly around the plant to preserve its natural form, and be sure to use a sharp, clean 2368 Research Parkway pruner.

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20 | HOME & GARDEN | DECEMBER 2021 |

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When you get your treasures home, smash the ends of woody stems with a hammer and soak them in water overnight before arranging. Tie florist’s wires to sprigs of berries, rose hips, pine cones or acorns to make them easy to attach to your arrangements. Enjoy the fresh scent but know it’s fleeting.

To keep your home smelling like fresh-cut pine boughs, pick up a scented spray at a gift shop. Don’t think of it as cheating; think of it as enhancing nature’s bounty.

English ivy, Boston ivy and Virginia creeper are common ground covers, and can also be found growing up trees and telephone poles. They make a lovely addition to any arrangement but must be kept in water or they will dry out quickly. Use florist’s water vials to keep them fresh and check the water frequently.

INCORPORATING FLOWERS Just because it’s winter, don’t forget flowers when coming up with unique ways to decorate. Flowers lift our spirits throughout the year and are especially welcome during the hectic holiday season. No matter what colors you choose, adding flowers to your home will make you smile even on the dreariest winter day.

Make a jar of water enhanced with floral preservatives to use for the flowers in your decorations.

Place individual or small groups of flowers in a florist’s water vial and check the water daily.

Add the finishing touch to winter decorations with groups of three bright red flowers tied together with holiday ribbon. Space them evenly around a wreath, or place them at intervals along an evergreen swag or garland. Add them to vases or pots of evergreens, twigs and cones. Carry the look throughout the house by laying flowers on a holiday tree, along a bookcase or tucked into the china cabinet.

Place individual flowers in beautiful glass ornaments filled with water and hang them from the tree, the chandelier or a holiday swag.

Fill a crystal bowl with golden glass ornaments and tuck red flowers around the ornaments. Or, fill the bowl with white flowers and accent it with deep green ornaments. For a festive centerpiece, fill a silver bowl with blue glass ornaments studded with white roses.

Nothing goes together quite

as well as candles and winter. But please, do not use candles around fresh greens. Instead, try vases of fresh flowers and candles of different heights together on a sideboard, hutch or entry table. Then, take the mood from festive to magical by standing a mirror behind the arrangement to enhance the glow. Turn down the lights, stand back and enjoy.

Winter doesn’t have to be dull.

Step outside and gather some fun and interesting branches, twigs, berries and cones. ■

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Story and photos by Wynne Crombie

O

n a cool November day, our feet touched down upon the old mosaic cobblestones of the Rue Général de Gaulle in Riquewihr, France (population 1,308). Centuries ago these stones had been meticulously laid out in circular patterns.

Fall is a good time to visit Riquewihr as it can get crowded during peak times. Parking is outside the town walls, so visitors enter the village through a series of old gates in the large clock and watchtowers.

Even though the calendar said late fall, geraniums and other blooms spilled over flower box rims.

Hollywood used this fairy-tale town in the Alsace wine-growing region as an inspiration for “Beauty and the Beast.” Hanging wrought iron signs artfully spelled out commercial establishments. The more you looked around, the more details you saw, including building dates and inscriptions going back centuries.

MEDIEVAL CHARM Designs painted on shutters and

balconies utilized bright teals, pinks and yellows. Flower-decked balconies, sculpted windows and old paved courtyards were everywhere. Many of Riquewihr’s shops and restaurants catered to tourism with plenty of outdoor seating.

My husband, Kent, and I stepped aside as a sightseeing train rounded the corner in front of us. A few cars and delivery trucks rumbled past. Postal delivery was achieved with a bright yellow motorcycle with attached bags. We watched as a driver unloaded ingredients for Fortwenger Gingerbread and Confectionery, which has been in business since 1786.

Ramparts enclose the walkable center, part of Riquewihr’s original medieval charm. Famous for its Riesling and other great Alsace wines, the town looks today exactly as it did in the 16th century. That’s because Riquewihr was not greatly damaged by World War II, with houses dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries still viable.

The main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle, is lined with brightly colored half-timbered houses in blues, yellows and reds from the Renais-

TRAVEL sance period. Back alleys branch out from both sides of the street.

Follow Rue Général de Gaulle and you’ll end up at the Dolder—a pink sandstone and timber tower that was built as a part of the 1292 fortified wall. The four stories of the tower housed the caretaker and his family, who were in charge of closing the entry gate to the village every night.

Beautiful window displays featured the unusual. One showcased a life-size wooden doll set amidst hanging geraniums. There was even a bright red scooter carefully balanced on a balcony. Water spigots jutted out from buildings with the signs reading “non-portabo” (not for drinking).

When visiting Riquewihr, don’t hesitate to wander. A stroll down the cobbled streets will take you to colorful and flowery half-timbered houses. The more we looked around, the more details we spotted, including twisting lanes and hidden courtyards. Surrounded by

building that sells souvenirs. Nearby, the proprietor of Les Macarons de Riquewihr was handing out macaron samples, and we even found a foie gras shop (so French!).

After speaking to a few of the locals, the following were named as top winners of Alsace cuisine:

vineyards, you can taste the wine at some 20 winstubs—an Alsace cafe, restaurant or bar that specializes in wine. Or you may enjoy “Feerie de Noel,” a Christmas shop extraordinaire selling original, handmade Christmas decorations. It’s more like a Christmas wonderland.

ALSATIAN DELICACIES Louis XIV’s army took possession of the village in 1680 and it joined the French Republic by the Treaty of Paris in 1796. However, the fairytale setting that is Riquewihr is a

blend of both French and German influences. Many residents speak German over French, or a mix called Alsatian. The Alsace region has been controlled by both France and Germany.

Eating in Alsace, you get a taste of both French and German foods, as well as a blend of the two cuisines. We discovered La Grappe d’Or where we stopped for lunch.

The inside decor was worth a look in itself.

Our meandering next took us to Au Four Banal, a pink half-timbered

1. Choucroûte Garnie Alsace is a version of German sauerkraut, seasoned with juniper berries and black peppercorns served with potatoes and a variety of meats, including ham and sausages.

2. Tarte Flambée is the Alsatian equivalent of pizza, though extremely different. It’s made of a thin layer of dough, covered with crème fraiche (rich sour cream), cheese, onions and bacon.

3. Kugelhopf is similar to the Tarte Flambée but is shaped like the American bundt cake. It’s baked with almonds and raisins and topped with powdered sugar. ■

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23

LIFE AFTER 50

Mrs. Emory’s

Christmas

By Jan Weeks

M

rs. Emory’s Christmas lights drive me nuts.

Ever since Tim and I moved next door to her three years ago, her twinkling red and green bulbs have blinked all night long. Who knew the little old lady next door would be, shall we say, eccentric? If I’d wanted to watch freakin’ lights flash, we could’ve stayed in the city.

As the lights burst into life at dusk one hot July night, sending Christmas-colored sparkles into our living room, I slammed shut the book I was reading. “I’m going over and telling her to turn the damned things off.”

Tim, my husband, looked at me over the top of his glasses. “She’s a little old lady. Let her enjoy the pleasures she has left.” I could see I’d get no help from him. Muttering, I closed the drapes and grumbled my way back to my book.

Occasionally, when we have friends over for barbecue on the patio, her Christmas lights blend with our Japanese lanterns. Sometimes I see her curtains twitch, and I wonder if we should’ve invited her over, but I don’t think she’d fit in with soccer moms and stockbroker dads.

Mrs. Emory is ancient. She tends her tiny garden, her wrinkled face hidden by an enormous straw hat. It takes her forever to get from the back porch to the tiny plot where she grows tomatoes, bell peppers and pole beans,

24 | DECEMBER 2021 |

with some marigolds and cosmos thrown in. We nod and smile over the fence if I happen to be mowing the lawn or playing with the kids, but we’ve never really spoken. I’ve also never seen Mr. Emory.

Emma and Sean, my little ones, like Mrs. Emory’s lights. “Look, Mom. It’s Christmas at her house all the time. How come it can’t be Christmas here?” At 4 and 7, their “presents” radar is fully developed. Another thing to thank Mrs. Emory for: a reminder of the eternal search for more stuff.

On my more charitable days, I think she’s just trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive throughout the year, but those moments are few and far between. Call me Scrooge, but I believe “To everything there’s a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

And April and September aren’t the seasons for Christmas lights.

Ours is a neighborhood of young people, wanting to raise their children in houses with siding, not stucco; full-grown shade trees, not saplings; front porches, not arched entryways.

She’s the only retired person within eight blocks. Most of the older folks moved out when other transplants began to move in, but Mrs. Emory hung on to the family home.

Suzanne Taylor’s been in the neighborhood longer than anyone except Mrs. Emory. Her passport’s filled with visa stamps from Europe, Asia, Canada and

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South America. Suzanne expands my horizons. But after a leisurely lunch, I usually go home depressed, wishing I’d been able to go, do and see the things she has.

Really, though, I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. Except those Christmas lights!

“I wish Tim and I’d known about Mrs. Emory’s holiday spirit before we bought our house,” I vented to Suzanne over tiramisu and cappuccino. “We would’ve looked for something a little farther away from Santa’s Workshop South.”

She finished her dessert. “You don’t know, then.”

I hate it when she pulls that native stuff on me. “No, we’ve only been here three years, not 40-some.”

She put down her spoon and looked at me in a way that made me suddenly feel small and petty.

“What’s to know?” I said, aiming for bravado but managing only to sound petulant.

She gazed out the window.

“My mom went to school with her son,” she said. “People had barely heard of Viet Nam when he enlisted. We certainly learned about it when the local paper printed stories of his bravery. He seemed to have a sixth sense about danger that kept his squad from being decimated. We all thought his life was charmed.” She looked at me, her eyes bright with emotion.

“Then one day, his squad came back but he didn’t. No one knew what happened to him. Officially

he was listed as MIA. “That was two days before Christmas, 1966. Mr. and Mrs. Emory swore that Peter would have Christmas, no matter when he came.”

“And?” I prodded.

“The Christmas tree went out to the trash in May,” she said. “Mr. Emory passed away without ever knowing what happened to his only child.” The mist in her eyes trickled down one cheek.

By this time, I was tearing up myself. “But that’s over 40 years ago.”

Suzanne nodded. She didn’t need to tell me that some things are not measured by calendars, but by the heart.

That night I told Tim what Suzanne said. “Aren’t you glad you didn’t go over and complain?” he said. I hate it when he’s right.

In between wrapping presents and shoving them in the attic to keep them out of the reach of little hands, I baked double batches of everything. Mrs. Emory was flabbergasted when I showed up with the first plate of cookies. Twice a week I brought something to her, and she always thanked me so sweetly and offered to make some coffee to go with the pastries, if I’d only join her. But I always had an excuse: The kids were home alone; I had just run over for a minute; the next batch was in the oven and I had to get them out.

Before I knew it, Christmas was only three days away. I’d just

LIFE AFTER 50 dropped off another plate of cookies to Mrs. Emory and run back home. As I opened our front door, I caught a glimpse of a dark blue car pulling into Mrs. Emory’s drive.

Good, I thought. A little company for the old lady.

That night, Tim and I lay in bed watching the local 10 o’clock news.

The screen was filled with old file footage of jungles and helmeted soldiers with hard faces slogging through a river, rifles held high.

“The remains of a U.S. soldier were unearthed 50 miles from Da Nang, Viet Nam, yesterday,” the anchor announced solemnly. “Identification has been withheld, pending the notification of next of kin.”

I slammed out of bed and raced through the house. I threw open the doors to the patio and stared into the darkness. Mrs. Emory’s Christmas lights no longer twinkled.

Running over flakes that covered the earth like a shroud, I rang Mrs. Emory’s doorbell, hopping from one foot to another from the cold. The plug for the Christmas lights tapped against the house, spinning in the bitter wind.

The door opened. Mrs. Emory still wore the clothes she’d worn an eon ago when I’d last brought cookies. Her eyes stared blankly.

Then she stepped aside.

My wet feet tracked the carpet but we were beyond caring. In a corner of the living room, a table

I SLAMMED OUT OF BED AND RACED THROUGH THE HOUSE. I THREW OPEN THE DOORS TO THE PATIO AND STARED INTO THE DARKNESS. MRS. EMORY’S LIGHTS NO LONGER TWINKLED. lamp cast a dim light. An armchair covered in doilies and antimacassars sat next to the table. Next to it towered a huge stack of presents wrapped in holiday paper, some faded, some new.

Mrs. Emory shuffled to the chair and dropped into it. Her lips trembled, and I crossed the room to kneel in front of her. “Was it—?”

I struggled to remember her son’s name.

“Peter will be coming home soon,” she whispered. “Just not the way I hoped.” Her tears fell like sleet, silver and cold, as I held her hand. I wanted to say something, anything, to help heal the hurt, but I felt like a child whose life experience ends at the back fence.

Her empty world spread out before me, solemn and sacred, and the sight scared me. What if a half-grown Sean were called to a war half a world away? What if Emma didn’t come home from school one day?

We wept without words, locked in sorrow. At last Mrs. Emory

fumbled a tissue from the box beside her chair and handed it to me, then took one for herself. Her voice rasped. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry, too,” I said. “I wish I could have known your son. I wish he could have had just one more Christmas at home.”

“I, too—but there’s no use in wishing,” Mrs. Emory said. “Please let me fix you a cup of coffee.”

“Don’t trouble—” The look in her eyes silenced me. I helped her to her feet, willing to stay all night if I had to, to help this frail lady survive the blow she’d been dealt.

Suddenly a strange glow shone through the windows, soft red and green. I went to the window and looked out and up, and—I swear to God!—saw every light burning.

Mrs. Emory gasped. “I put the extension cord away this afternoon!”

I yanked the door open and stared at the lights. The bulbs blinked once, twice, three times.

Mrs. Emory’s eyes shone as she stared at the lights, her hands clasped over her heart. I closed the door, and we slipped back to the window.

The lights blinked again, three times, then went out.

Mrs. Emory moved into an assisted living home in April, and the lights came down. As friends helped her pack, I crossed the yard carrying a plate of brownies.

“I have something for you,” she said, handing me a bag marked “Fragile.”

I knew what was in it even before I heard the bulbs clinking. We hugged and I whisked a tear away.

I always planned to visit her, but life got in the way. Then her obituary appeared in the paper, and I grieved for the time we didn’t have.

I didn’t attend her memorial service, but her red and green lights hang on the side of our house facing her old place. Every Christmas season they burn without flickering, lighting the winter nights. ■ Excerpted from “A Christmas Tale and Other Stories” by Jan Weeks.

Copyright © 2015 by Jan Weeks

is a time for miracles and great gifts like… like…

If you love the holidays, you’ll enjoy Jan Weeks’ “A Christmas Tale and Other Stories.” When it’s dreary, cold, and snowy, these shining star stories warm your winter.

- Cynthia Brian, New York Times best-selling author

Purchase your copy of “A Christmas Tale and Other Stories” at: Buy it on Amazon for $15.95 plus tax Kindle version $2.99 For more books by Jan Weeks, visit: www.weeksliterary.com/books-by-jan-weeks

LIFE AFTER 50

My dad’s final days

By Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D

I

grew up in in the 1950s and ’60s in a mostly blue-collar community in Newark, New Jersey. My father, Seymour, was a fiercely hardworking guy who wanted to be successful.

For him, work wasn’t about “finding his bliss,” it was about being a responsible husband and father. His dad had skipped out on him, his siblings and mother for almost 10 years during the Depression. In contrast, my dad was a reliable family man and wanted our family to live the American dream.

Ultimately, Dad rose from selling clothing and home furnishings out of the back of his truck to owning and operating a successful chain of women’s clothing stores. In their mid-60s, my folks retired and relocated to Florida.

Throughout my life, Dad and I had a loving but feisty relation-

26 | DECEMBER 2021 |

ship. He was very opinionated (I guess I am, too) and was skeptical of many of my lifestyle and career moves—from moving to California, from studying physics to the field of psychology and then to gerontology.

But he had great love for my family and he eventually developed a deep respect for what I made of myself.

In the 1990s, my father started to lose his vision and with it, control over much of his life. Sadly, Alzheimer’s was also chiseling away at my mother’s mind. Dad loved Mom so much that he railed against the dissolution of her memory and her mind. He got depressed and angry.

“If I die before Mom, she’ll struggle terribly, and if she dies before me, I’ll go crazy. Just as we’ve lived together, we want to die together,” he said. That was quite a lot for me to digest.

One night, he asked me, “If I take

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my own life and Mom’s, would that be brave or cowardly?”

I said, “I don’t know, Dad. If I was in your situation, I can’t imagine what I’d think or do.”

So, for almost a year, every night I’d go to sleep not knowing if my parents would be alive in the morning.

In 2013, my brother Alan called me in a state of distress to report that our dad’s blood sugar was going haywire. And to make things worse, he’d lost his balance and fallen on his face, giving himself a big gash on his forehead. Alan was already on his way to Florida. I packed my bags and headed east.

Dad’s doctor admitted him to intensive care. He had internal bleeding and had suffered a heart attack. When he realized that his boys were there for him, he called out to us: “What’s going on? Get me out of here!”

Dad settled down a bit, and Alan and I went to see our mom. Later that night, the phone rang. It was Dad pleading with us to rescue him.

We shot back to the hospital and went into our anguished father’s room. His arms, chest, face and hair were covered with blood because he kept pulling out his IV lines. In the morning, after a torturous night for both my dad and brother, and a sad night for me and for my confused mother, I returned to the hospital.

Alan and I asked: “Dad, what do you want?”

“I’m scared,” he said, “but I know this: I’ve lived my whole life on my own two feet, and I’m not going out on my hands and knees. Please help me bring this to an end.”

Shortly after, Alan and I met with Dad’s physician. He was a kind and decent man who asked us if we wanted our dad to remain in intensive care or if we preferred to shift him to hospice care.

Were we going to battle to keep Dad alive for a few more days, albeit in a ghastly, ghoulish fashion? Or were we prepared to make him comfortable and allow him to die a good death?

LIFE AFTER 50 What would he want us to do?

We had Dad transferred to the hospice floor, where the nurses and aides removed all the wires and tubes, lovingly sponged all of the blood off him and even gave him a shave and combed his hair. They asked him what his favorite music was and then put on Frank Sinatra.

Next, they began a low dose of morphine to ease his anxiety. My wife and kids all dropped what they were doing to fly to Florida and be with him.

As I contemplated the end of my father’s life, I reflected that even though we had often butted heads, there was not one instance in my entire life when he wasn’t there for me when I truly needed him.

I wanted to show Dad proper respect and kindness, but not knowing how I should handle the situation with my dad nearing his death, I called one of my closest friends, Stuart Pellman, who had already dealt with the death of both of his parents.

He wisely told me, “Get one-onone time with your dad. Even if he’s unconscious, tell him you love him, ask him to forgive you for anything you may have ever done to trouble him. Tell him you forgive him for anything he might have ever done to upset you, and then tell him you’ll always remember him.”

And that’s what I did.

Dad and I held each other for a long while, and then I left the room and allowed my brother some privacy to do the same.

Later that night, after the other members of my family had gone home, I joined my dad for a very intense and private conversation.

I said, “Dad, you’ve never asked me what I think happens when a person dies.”

“I’d like to know what you think about that, Kenny,” he responded. “Because I’ve begun to see my brothers and sister and they’re reaching out to me.”

My dad had no religious beliefs, but I had some. So I said, “Dad,

I don’t know this for sure, but I believe when a person passes, there is another plane that presents itself.

In that place are all the people you have known and loved.”

As I began to describe this, he started to cry. Then he turned toward me and told me he was ready.

I asked him if I could record the rest of our exchange on my phone so I could always have it to watch when I missed him. He said okay, and this is what transpired: Ken: “Dad, you know that what’s going to be next is going to be beautiful and your vision’s going to be back and you’re going to be a young man again.”

Dad: “I’m ready for that, Kenny.”

Ken: “And you know we all love you, and you’ve always loved us.”

Dad: “I know it, Kenny.”

Ken: “So, what you’ll need to do is let go and not worry about anything because everything is going to be looked after. All we need is for you to be relaxed and calm and just drift off into the white light. Can you

do that, Dad?” Dad: “Absolutely.”

Ken: “I love you, Pops.”

Dad: “I love you, Kenny.”

My father died peacefully that night. With help from all of us, he went out on his own two feet.

Ultimately, even with all his frustration and anger, my dad died a good death. At the end, his pain was minimal. His mind was calm. He found a way to think about leaving his body as not being frightening.

And although he had been blind for years, at the very end, he began to describe beautiful waterfalls, flowers, birds and castles.

When my time comes, I hope that my wife Maddy will kiss me goodbye and at least one of my kids—maybe even both—will be there to lovingly guide me out of my body. ■ Excerpted from “Radical Curiosity: One Man’s Search for Cosmic Magic and a Purposeful Life” by Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D. Copyright © 2021 by Ken Dychtwald.

Life After 50 wins national awards

By Cloie Sandlin

C

hristmas came early this year for all of us at Life After 50 when our publisher Kevin and I brought home awards from the annual North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) convention in San Diego, California.

In addition to enjoying the sights with other senior publishers from across the country, a highlight of the convention is the awards banquet, where senior publications big and small vie for top honors in a variety of categories.

Every year, senior publications are independently judged on the quality of their written content, editing, design, photography, advertising and more by the prestigious Missouri School of Journalism. The best are then commended for their efforts with awards.

This year, Life After 50 won awards in the following categories:

Most Improved: 1st Place Life After 50, Colorado

Editorial Column Review: 1st Place � Talking Digital by Adam Cochran Personal Essay: 2nd Place � “The cruelty of quarantine: A daughter’s search for compassion in a pandemic” by Melanie Wiseman (October 2020) COVID-related: 1st Place � “The cruelty of quarantine: A daughter’s search for compassion in a pandemic” by Melanie Wiseman (October 2020)

Photography & Design Table of Contents: 2nd Place � Briefs/Shorts: 3rd Place Feature Layout: 3rd Place � “Hike to Hidden History” design by Michael L. Madsen (April 2021)

Putting together a monthly Life After 50 isn’t easy. Fortunately, we have supportive advertisers and a talented staff that give it their all every single month. Many of our stories about local people and the issues they face wouldn’t have been written if it weren’t for our wonderful, local writers.

Above all, Life After 50 would not be where it is today if it weren’t for you, our readers. Thank you for reading Life After 50! ■ WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 |

27

FAITH

The greatest gift of all “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, NKJV)

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G

od is love! And out of that love, he gives good gifts to his children. He delights to pour out his blessings on all of us. I’ve been given many gifts throughout the years, but the greatest gift I’ve ever received was the precious Son of our heavenly Father, Jesus.

That gift is still available to anyone who will ask today.

Do you think Mary realized the importance of the special gift that had been given to her so many years ago? The song “Mary, Did You Know?” asks some of the same questions: Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy was heaven’s perfect lamb, and the sleeping child you’re holding is the great I Am? There are also other gifts the Lord wants to give us, especially this year.

“I am leaving you with a gift— peace of mind and heart and the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NLT).

If we ever needed peace of mind and heart, it was during these past two years. It has been difficult to

keep our focus on the things of God because we are so distracted by the things going on around us.

Believe me, I’ve had trouble keeping my focus on what is truly important—I really have. Yet I recognize how important it is to keep my focus on the Lord and look to him to give me the peace that only he can give.

It seems we have lost so much this year, including family and friends. Our whole world is suffering. Still, God has not forgotten us.

We must hold tightly to his promises. Just like the song lyrics above say, Jesus is the great I Am and will one day rule the nations. What a day that will be!

Until that day comes, hold fast to him and all his promises. Don’t miss out on the most important gift of all: Jesus.

Have a very blessed and peacefilled Christmas! ■

BY KAY OWEN-LARSON, PH.D Kay Owen-Larson is an ordained minister with Crossroads Ministries USA in Colorado Springs.

To learn more, visit www.CrossroadsUSA.org

TALKING DIGITAL

How to save digital memories from 2021

O

ne of my first experiences as a professional computer guy was helping a family set up a video conference with their son who was serving overseas shortly after September 11. That short 5-minute video call changed how I saw both technology and the internet.

My experiences with helping people connect during COVID have been equally eye-opening. In a few short months, even the most averse to technology learned to use video conference software and share their lives via social media.

Using technology as a primary means of communication can be a two-edged sword, however.

Unlike written letters and video recordings, what’s shared in phone conversations, emails and social media can be very temporary. But, it doesn’t have to be.

As 2021 winds to a close, this is a prime opportunity to review your communications with friends, loved ones and cohorts and archive important notes, videos or photos for posterity.

Here are a few suggestions to get started.

Use cloud storage. You probably have some sort of cloud storage system setup, but you may not be using it intentionally. Anyone with a Gmail or Android account has access to Google Drive. Anyone with an iPhone has an iCloud account.

Anyone who uses Office 365 has a OneDrive account. Dropbox and Box.net are also popular options.

These cloud storage options allow you to upload photos, videos and other files to organized folders in the cloud where they can be protected from a computer crash and, best of all, shared with whomever you choose.

Your photos and videos will likely fill up your free account quickly, but

it’s worth the $1-10/month fee for additional storage.

Copy and paste emails into Word documents. Email communication can be tricky to backup. Most of the time, emails are only readable using your given email interface.

But, you can highlight the text in any email and copy and paste it into a blank word document. This will allow you to save entire conversations in a single word document that can be read on any computer.

Send links, not attachments. In the process of archiving your files, you’ll likely run across items you want to share with others, like an entire folder of 300 pictures from your family reunion.

There’s no practical way to attach 300 pictures to an email.

But, you can upload the folder of 300 photos to your cloud storage account and then share the folder as a link in an email. This allows anyone who receives the email to view all of the pictures and save the ones they want.

Request your Facebook archive.

Facebook allows users to download all of their activity on the platform in a single file. Here’s how: In a web browser, select the triangle in the top right corner. Next, click Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information. Select View across from Download Your Information. Enter a date range, media quality and format, and then click Create File.

The process will take a while to compile, but you’ll be notified via email and Facebook when the file is

Low Vision Specialist and Mobile Optical Service EVEN IF YOU BACK UP TO A CLOUD STORAGE ACCOUNT, ALSO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL YOUR REALLY IMPORTANT FILES STORED ON A FLASH DRIVE OR EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE. ready for download.

Once the file is saved, create your own journal by saving the files or copy and paste the important stuff from the database to a Word document.

Back up your computer. Even if everything you need is backed up to cloud storage, you should also make sure you have all your really important files stored on a flash drive or external hard drive.

I recommend a 500GB or larger solid-state hard drive. These drives have no moving parts, they aren’t magnetic and they’re far more durable than traditional hard drives.

It might cost you $50-100, but it’ll likely hold all of your important files for years to come.

Store your backup drive in a fireproof safe. Or give it to a family member to keep at their house. I’ve seen a number of people’s homes burglarized or burned down, and both the computer and backup were gone for good.

Hopefully, these tips give you peace of mind and allow you to share your memories with others who will appreciate them. That’s a perfect way to end 2021. ■

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TALKING DIGITAL

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29

MONEY & SCAMS

Give a Gift Subscription and get a FREE Subscription for yourself!

Say “scram” to scammers How to be a confident consumer without getting scammed

By Karen Telleen-Lawton

M

YES! I want to subscribe. name

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address ______________________________________________________ city

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state ________ zip ___________

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1 year $20.00

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…and give a gift subscription to: name

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y most worn keyboard key is “delete.” On my phone, the hang-up button gets more than its fair share of use.

It costs me a lot of energy to reduce my inbox to a manageable level and avoid clicking on misleading ads. How can we all be savvy decision-makers without devolving into suspicious old geezers? How can we be open, confident consumers without getting scammed?

Scams are crimes whose perpetrators prey upon our misplaced trust and sometimes our naiveté.

Granted, we must maintain some level of trust to operate in the world. We are social creatures who want and need to trust our fellow human beings.

When that trust involves sharing our information or money, three good habits can discourage scammers from making moves on us.

And a fourth will discourage them from preying on the next guy.

VERIFY SOURCES As we approach our Medicare years, scammers begin targeting us because that’s where the money is.

They also hope we’re not evaluating decisions as clearly as in our younger years. The best way to fight back is to verify the source of any demand for payment, prize offer or information request.

Never offer or provide your money or information until you’re certain it’s justified. Be gracious but firm. If your polite, reasonable requests for clarification are unsuccessful, then be impolite and firm.

USE CREDIT CARDS For purchases you do make, consider the advantages of credit card transactions. We remember the days when cash was the safest, and it’s still a good idea when your main concern is keeping a strict budget.

However, credit cards have several advantages and no extra costs if you pay them off each month.

For one, cardholders receive a monthly credit card statement that shows where you’re spending your money. Always review your credit card statement and call when there are charges you don’t understand.

Yes, the abbreviations can be cryptic. Parenthetically, if enough of us call to inquire about enough

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Call 719-900-7664, or mail form (along with check, if applicable) to:

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30 | MONEY & SCAMS | DECEMBER 2021 |

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STOP!

THE CLEAREST WAY TO FIGHT BACK IS TO VERIFY THE SOURCE OF ANY DEMAND FOR PAYMENT, PRIZE OFFER OR INFORMATION REQUEST.

MONEY & SCAMS transactions, credit card companies likely would demand clearer labels from merchants.

Besides the accounting advantage, credit cards usually have consumer protections against fraud.

You can contest a charged payment and get your money back more easily than if you had paid cash.

My husband says the best advantage of using credit cards for large purchases is the flight mile rewards.

These do seem to get harder to use over time, though.

As a financial advisor, I was occasionally asked how to discern a legitimate investment from a scam.

Some people enjoy—and can afford—risky investments that might pay off big or come up short. The first step would be to determine a single sum or monthly amount that you can afford to lose and stick to your limits.

Seek information from trusted friends and advisors, not unsolicited proposals or emails. Then research the investment vehicle, such

as gold, cyber coin, REITs, options, etc. Allow yourself the thrill of the game. After all, it’s only money.

THE TRICK WITH LINKS The trickiest scams to protect against are the computer links that thrust us head-first into cyberspace. Internet links are useful for business, shopping and amusement, but are also a common way for scammers to burrow into our

Aspen Trail

computers. Can you trust a link sent by a favorite retailer, friend or company like Amazon or FedEx? Your first line of defense is to hover over the link without clicking it. This will give you the underlying website URL. A short, straightforward link to the correctly spelled location you’re familiar with is a good sign. Government websites should have a suffix of .gov, companies .com, and other organizations use .org.

If there’s anything suspicious looking about the link, call, email or Google the company that sent it using an address you find independently. You also might want to copy and enter (without clicking on it) the suspicious link into a link checker. Norton, Google and URLVoid all provide these services.

Shippers send links when your package is on the way. It would be simple to click the link, but safer to return to the original email confirming your original purchase. Use the link provided there, or call or

chat using the information provided with your purchase.

REPORT SCAMS Finally, if you’re subject to a scam or an attempted scam, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission. This may get you some resolution, but even if you’re still out some cash, it may prevent others from falling prey to future crimes.

Let’s make sure these guys get what they deserve: a criminal record, not our hard-earned money! ■

4 WAYS

to say “scram” to scammers 1. Trust but verify.

2. Know your credit card.

3. Be wary of links.

4. If you’re scammed, report it.

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31

CALENDAR musical with a modern twist. Performances are Wednesdays through Sundays at the Fine Arts Center. See website for times.

30 W. Dale St. | $20-$50 | fac. coloradocollege.edu | 719-634-5581

December 2 Together in Concert

Experience three times the entertainment when Grammy-award-winning artists Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn and Sara Watkins take the Pikes Peak Center stage.

8 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $50$90 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100

December 2

Jingle and Mingle Holiday Auction

Bid for the worthy cause of the Sister’s Hope charity at Boot Barn Hall at the Women’s Council of Realtors’ annual event.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | Free | www.wcr.org | 800285-2955

December 2

Holiday Kickoff Sing-Along

Sing your heart out! There’s cookies and cocoa and a special guest too.

This event is part of a monthly community workshop for healthy aging

by Journey Care Coordinating.

1-3 p.m. | 1175 Chapel Hills Drive | Free | www.journeycare coordinating.com

December 2-4

Christmas Creche Display

Come to the longest-running community-led Nativity exhibit, held at the LDS Church, featuring over 800 diverse Nativity sets from around the world.

December 3-5

Holiday Food and Gift Festival

5-8 p.m. Thursday, 1-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday | 8710 Lexington Dr. | Free | www.facebookcom/cscreche | 719-761-5375

Browse 150 exhibitors with one-ofa-kind gifts at the Norris Penrose Event Center including art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, woodcraft, music, photography, toys and décor.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday) | 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $6 | www.hfgf.com

December 3-5

December 2-19

Trails End Christmas Market

This Theatreworks performance explores what makes life worth living when a young boy makes a list with the purpose of saving his mother but ends up saving himself. Call for times.

5225 N. Nevada Ave. | $43.75 | tickets@uccs.edu | 719-255-8181

December 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 & 23-25

“Every Brilliant Thing”

December 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-23, 29-31 “A Christmas Carol”

Bring the whole family to the Butte theater and enjoy Dickens’ classic with a Cripple Creek twist!

1 or 7 p.m. | $22 | 139 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek | www.butte theater.com | 719-689-6402

December 2-31

Bundle up and head north to the Trails End Taproom for vendors galore, drinks, a DJ, shooting fire show and brass bands! Call for hours.

252 Front St., Monument | Free | www.trailsendtaproom.com | 719428-0080

December 3-22

Madrigal Banquet

Step back in time with this 16thcentury-style banquet held at the Glen Eyrie castle featuring a fourcourse dinner, exquisite decor and musical fanfare.

6 p.m. | 3820 N. 30 St. | $144 | www. gleneyrie.org | 719-265-7050

December 3-5, 10-23, 25-31 Electric Safari

With more than 60 light sculptures and new jumbo inflatable animals to dazzle visitors, it’s no wonder this holiday event is considered one of the best zoo lights in North America!

5-8:30 p.m. | 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road | $1-$19.75 | www.cmzoo.org | 719-633-9925

Christmas Camping

Head over to the Fountain KOA campground for Santa pictures, holiday crafts, carol-singing, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, story time with an elf and movies with cocoa.

See website for details.

8100 Bandley Dr., Fountain | www. koa.com/campgrounds/colorado springs | 800-562-8609

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December 4 & 18

December 4

Lawrence Shiroma Live

CMHS Holiday Craft Fair

Enjoy a bake sale and shop handmade and local items from 140 vendors at Cheyenne Mountain High School.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1200 Cresta Road | Free | www.cmhscraftfair.com | 719-475-6110

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

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

December 11 & 18

Festival of Lights Kit Pick-up

December 4

December 4

Jingle it up with Christmas classics sung by the America the Beautiful Chorus at Sunrise United Methodist Church, with guest Velvet Hills Chorus.

2 & 7 p.m. | 2655 Briargate Blvd. | $15 | www.atbchorus.com

Bundle up and head downtown for a mesmerizing assortment of lights, floats, marching bands, animals and Santa himself on St. Vrain, Tejon and Vermijo streets.

5:50 p.m. | St. Vrain St. | Free | www. coloradospringsfestivaloflights. com | 719-649-9111

Caroling Show

December 4 Jingle Jaunt

Try your hand at three projects every hour on the hour at Nana’s Quilt Cottage, where you can pick up a kit and view a demonstration.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 35 S. 26 St. | $15 | nanasquiltcottage@yahoo.com | 719-634-9500

Festival of Lights Parade

December 4

Mosaic Ornament Class

Learn how to create a beautiful glass tile mosaic ornament to hang on your tree.

12-1 p.m. | 810 Arcturus Drive | $20 | www.shatteredglassrestored.com/ classes | 708-609-7085

December 4

December 4

Listen in as Colorado Springs’ talented young instrumentalists bring Christmas classics and seasonal favorites to the Pikes Peak Center.

7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $24-$27 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100

Join the fun, fitness and friendship at the Falcon Wanderers Walking Club’s non-competitive annual event. Food and cash donations accepted for the Westside Food Pantry. Please register in advance.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 1628 W. Bijou St. | Free | www.falconwanderers.org | 719-591-8193

Youth Symphony Holiday Concert

Christmas Walk

Reserve and pick up holiday activity kits for the grandkids, including crafts, a science experiment and a recipe. While at the Pioneers Museum, write a letter to Santa and explore local history.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | https://give.cspm.org/ FestivalofLights2021 | 719-385-5990

December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 Snowy Tales

Find answers to your wintertime science questions through the magic of puppetry in this family-friendly show.

9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Saturdays/11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Sundays | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | $8-$12 | tickets. entcenterforthearts.org | 719-2553232

December 3-22

Christmas at the Ranch

Gather at Flying W Ranch for twinkling lights, mouth-watering smoked meat dinner and captivating music by the Wranglers! See website for times.

3330 Chuckwagon Road | $35-$65, Free 3 and under | flyingwranch. thundertix.com | 719-598-4000

December 5

Children’s Chorale Concert

Soak in the sounds of Colorado Springs’ talented young vocalists for their 45th anniversary holiday performance: ’Tis the Season: Our Gift of Gratitude.

3 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $20 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719477-2100 Continued on next spread...

December 6 Tuskegee Airmen documentary

Learn about a new generation of African-American aviators who are continuing the legacy of the historic Tuskegee Airmen. Register online.

6:30-8 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $5, Free 18 and under | www. stargazerstheatre.com/upcoming-events

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | CALENDAR |

33

CALENDAR December 10

December 12

Listen, lunch and learn as UCCS Chancellor Venkat Reddy lectures on “Navigating the Campus During a Pandemic” at Briarhurst Manor.

11 a.m. | $32 | 404 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | www.uccs.edu/ curiosity | 719-574-1449

The Little London Winds Concert

Curiosity Unlimited Lecture & Luncheon

December 5

Trombone Christmas

Come enjoy the peals of the brass as the Bare Bones Trombone Choir rings in the season at the Black Forest Community Club.

3-4:30 p.m. | 12530 Black Forest Road | Free | www.trombone christmas.org

December 6-7

Hormone Health Retreat

Achieve vibrance and longevity by learning how to balance your hormones through food, exercise and supplements.

3 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday | 1 Lake Ave. | $850 | www.broadmoor.com | 800755-5011

December 8 & 9 Stomp

The award-winning, international percussion sensation brings their panache to the Pikes Peak Center.

7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $24-$27 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100

December 9

Holiday Jam-Making

Learn techniques to safely can jams, jellies, conserves, marmalades and chutney and make a jar to take home. Pre-registration required.

2-4 p.m. | 17 N. Spruce St. | $25 | https://elpaso.extension.colostate. edu | 719-520-7690

December 11

Christmas Brass Downtown

Watch and listen for musicians toting trumpets, tubas and trombones along Tejon Street, offering a festive soundtrack to your shopping experience!

1-3 p.m. | Free | Tejon Street

December 11

Winter Wonderland Holiday Market

Support local artisans at Margarita at Pine Creek’s outdoor market featuring Colorado made or grown arts, crafts and food, as well as live music.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 7350 Pine Creek Road | Free | www.margaritaat pinecreek.com | 719-598-8667

December 12

Christmas Joy!

Kick off the season with this musical extravaganza, courtesy of First Presbyterian Church, featuring the Big Blue Choir, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, Celtic Mountain Band and more.

2 & 4:30 p.m. | $18-$28 | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100

December 10-12

7 p.m. | 4925 Farmingdale Drive | Free | www.little londonwinds.org | 719-2017713

December 12 & 29

Acoustic Eidolon Concert

Listen to Joe and Hannah Scott’s rich Celtic music on double-neck guitjo and cello at Glen Eyrie Castle.

4 & 7 p.m. | 3820 N. 30 St. | $42-$49 | www.gleneyrie.org | 719-265-7050

December 14

Holiday Luncheon Gala

Join the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce for a gourmet festive menu, entertainment and holiday giveaways at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | $60-$80 | 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. | info@ scwcc.com | 719-442-2007

December 14-15 Holiday Concert

Senior Chorale of the Rockies presents their holiday concert at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. Call for reservations as space is limited.

1:30 p.m. Tuesday/6:30 p.m.

Wednesday | 1514 N. Hancock St. | Free | 719-955-3400

December 16 The Fab Four

The Nutcracker Remixed

This Emmy-Award-winning tribute band works their ’60s magic. With their uncanny, live renditions of Beatles’ classics, you’ll think you’re watching the real thing.

7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $30-50 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100

Join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King for a magical Christmas adventure featuring dancers, acrobats, martial artists and aerialists in this contemporary reimagining of the holiday classic.

7 p.m. Friday & Saturday/ 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | $21-$35 | tickets.entcenterforthearts. org | 719-255-3232

34 | CALENDAR | DECEMBER 2021 |

Immerse yourself in the lovely strains generated by Colorado Springs’ premier wind ensemble as they interpret holiday music.

December 16

Lone Wolf Live

Maxi’s Dance Group presents Lone WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

Wolf performing live at Eagles Lodge #143. Food and drink available at 5:30 p.m.

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

December 16-19 Live Nativity

This drive-thru event shares the message of Christmas with a breathtaking Nativity scene, lights and decorations and free hot chocolate.

5-8 p.m. | 800 Gospel Truth Way, Woodland Park | Free | www.awmi. net | 844-360-9577

December 17

Comedian Tara Cannistraci

Kick back and laugh at 3 E’s Comedy Club with this proud Italian-American funny lady, who riffs on her New York upbringing.

9:30 p.m. | 1 S. Nevada Ave. | $20$55 | www.3escomedy.com | 719694-9911

December 17

Snowflake Pillow Class

Learn to make a cushion at Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vacuum, including all design sizes. Sign up online.

2 p.m. | 5611 N. Academy Blvd. | $10 | www.rockymountainsewing.com | 719-597-8888

December 17-19

Spiritual Exercises Retreat for Women This weekend silent retreat at The Hideaway Inn and Conference Center is for women 16+ with spiritual talks and personal meditation

according to the principles of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

4 p.m. | 3805 Walker Road | $300$350 | www.mileschristi.org | 858263-5113

December 19

Christmas Symphony

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

December 31

AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a

AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting

New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala

AFFORDABLE LivingSetting in a Scenic Setting AFFORDABLE Assisted LivingAssisted in a Scenic the Roaring Twenties Gatsby

Sit back and take in the soaring sounds of the season in full instrumentation. Yuletide carols and festive favorites plus a merry sing-along are sure to usher in the Christmas spirit!

2:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $28-$70 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100

Flapper dresses welcome at

style four-course dinner hosted

by Phantom Canyon Brewing Company. Live music and drinks included.

AFFORDABLE AFFORDABLE Assisted Assisted Living Living in a Scenic in a Scenic SettingSe AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting

December 19

7 p.m. | 2 E. Pikes Peak Ave. | $165 | www. phantomcanyon.com | 719635-2800 AFFORDABLE

Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting • HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES • ON-SITE & BARBERSHOP AFFORDABLE Assisted Living inSALON a Scenic Setting • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting THE COMFORTS OF HOME • ALL PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING • 24-HOUR CARE

Ugly Sweater Day 5K+

Race virtually any time in December—and any length—to benefit Feed My Starving Children. An ugly sweater medal awaits you! $25 | www.virtualrunevents.com/ product/ugly-sweater-day-2

• ALL PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING SER HEAT & COOLING ON-SITE SALON & BA Visit any of• INDIVIDUAL our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living•Centers!

• 24-HOUR CARE • FAMILY ATMOSPHER Point of the Pines Gardens North Pointe Gardens THE COMFORTS OF H 330 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80907 3777 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 545-6222 (719) 265-0030

December 19

Winter Wonderland with Wolves

Pueblo West Gardens

Oakshire Common

(719) 924-8624

(719) 542-2223

960 E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007

2430 Oakshire Ln, Pueblo, CO 81001

Visit any of our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living

Observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center while savoring breakfast burritos.

Reservations required.

9-11 a.m. | $20-$40 | 4729 Twin Rocks Road, Divide | www.wolf education.org | 719-687-9742

accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.com • ALL PRIVATE ROOMS &• ALL BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS SERVICES • HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES Point of the Pines Gardens North Pointe • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING • CO ON-SITE • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING ON-SITE SALON & BARBERSHOP 330•PRIVATE Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, 80907 SALON & BARBERSHOP Parker Blvd, Pue • ALL ROOMS & BATHROOMS • 3777 HOUSEKEEP December •31 (719) 545-62 • 24-HOUR CARE • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL ( 719) 265-0030 24-HOUR CARE • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING • ON-SITE SAL THE COMFORTS OF HOME New Year’s Eve Gala THE COMFORTS OF HOME Pueblo West Gardens Oakshire Co Ring in 2022 in style at Glen Eyrie’s • 24-HOUR • 2430 FAMILY 960 E Saxony CARE Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007 OakshireATM Ln, Pu most distinguished holiday event, THE COMFO (719) 924-8624 SERVICES (719) 542-222 • ALL PRIVATEentertainment, ROOMS & BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING full of wholesome • ALL PRIVATE • ALL ROOMS PRIVATE & BATHROOMS ROOMS & BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING • HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES SERVICES December 21-22 a gourmet dinner, live music&and • INDIVIDUAL HEAT COOLING • ALL PRIVATE • ON-SITE SALON & BARBERSHOP ROOMS & BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES accoladelivingcenters.com or info@accoladelivingce Visit any of our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living • INDIVIDUAL • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING HEAT & COOLING • ON-SITE SALON • ON-SITE & BARBERSHOP SALONCenters! & BARBERSHO • ALL PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS • HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES dancing.

A Colorado Nutcracker • ALL PRIVATE ROOMS &•BATHROOMS •any HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING • ON-SITE SALON & BARBERSHOP Visit of our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living Centers!

24-HOUR CARE • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING • ON-SITE SALON & BARBERSHOP 6-10 p.m. | 3820 N. 30 St. | $125• 24-HOUR | At a 1907 Christmas party at GenerCARE • 24-HOUR CARE • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL •BARBERSHOP CARE FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL WITH A • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING • ON-SITE SALON & THE COMFORTS OF HOME • 24-HOUR ALL of PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS •• HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES Point the Pines Gardens North Gardens THE•COMFORTS THE COMFORTS OFPointe HOME OF • 24-HOUR CARE FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALLHOME www.gleneyrie.org | 719-265-7050 al Palmer’s Glen Eyrie home, Clara THE COMFORTS OF HOME 330•Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CONorth 80907 3777 Parker & Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008 Point• FAMILY of the Pines Gardens Pointe Gardens INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING •THE ON-SITE SALON BARBERSHOP • 24-HOUR ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL COMFORTS OF HOME receives a nutcracker from CARE inventor (719) 545-6222 ( 719) 265-0030 330 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80907 3777 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008 THE COMFORTS OF• 24-HOUR HOME CARE December 31 • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL Nikola Tesla. A wintery Garden of (719) 545-6222 (719) 265-0030 THE COMFORTS OF HOME New Year’s Eve with the Pueblo West Gardens Oakshire Common the Gods wonderland and surprises Point of the Pines Gardens North 960 E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007 2430 Oakshire Ln, Pueblo, CO 81001 Philharmonic Pueblo West Gardens Common await them!

330our Elkton DriveOakshire Colorado Springs, CO 80907 3777 Par ( 719) 924-8624 (719) 542-2223 Visit any of Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living Centers!

E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007 Visit any of our Pueblo 2430 Ln, Pueblo, CO 81001 Celebrate 2022960with the Springs’ orOakshire Colorado Springs LivingCenters!

Centers!

7 p.m. Tuesday, 2 & 6 p.m. WednesVisit any Visit of ourany Pueblo of our265-0030 orPueblo Colorado or Colorado Springs Living Springs Living Center (719) ( 719) (719) 924-8624 (719) 542-2223 longest-running New Year’s Eve day | $22-$49 | 190 S. Cascade Ave. Point of the Pines Gardens North Pointe Gardens accoladelivingcenters.com - info@accoladelivingcenters.com Point of Pines Gardens North Pointe Gardens Visit any of| 719our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Centers! bash, promising an unforgettable Visit any of our Pueblo or- or Colorado Springs Living Centers!

330 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80907 3777 Pointe Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008 Garden | www.pikespeakcenter.com PointLiving of the Point Pines ofthe Gardens the Pines Gardens North North Gardens Pointe Pueblo 330 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs,West CO 80907 Gardens 3777 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008 Oaksh Point of the Pines Gardens North Pointe Gardens night of jazz and Broadway hits.

(719) 545-6222 330 Elkton Drive 330 Colorado Elkton Springs, Drive Colorado CO 80907 Springs, CO 80907 3777 Parker Blvd, 3777 Pueblo, Parker CO Blvd, CO 8100 ( 719) 265-0030 477-2100 accoladelivingcenters.com or 960 - info@accoladelivingcenters.com (719) -265-0030 E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007 (719) 545-6222 81008Pueblo,2430 Oak 330p.m.

Elkton Drive Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CONorth 81008 Point of the Pines3777 Gardens Pointe545-6222 Gardens 7:30 | 190 S. Colorado CascadeSprings, Ave. | CO 80907 Point of the Pines Gardens North Pointe Gardens (719) 545-6222 (719) (719) 265-0030 ( 719) 265-0030 330 Elkton Drive Springs, CO 80907 3777 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008 (Colorado 719) 924-8624 Pueblo Gardens (719) Oakshire Common Pueblo West Gardens Common 330 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, 80907 COWest 81008 (719) 545-6222 Oakshire $26-$70 | www.pikespeakcenter.

(CO 719) 265-0030 3777 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, 960 EESaxony Dr, 2430Oakshire Oakshire Pueblo, 81001 (719) 545-6222 960 Saxony Dr,Pueblo, Pueblo, CO CO 81007 81007 ( 719) 265-0030 2430 Ln,Ln, Pueblo, COCO 81001 Pueblo West Gardens West Gardens Oakshire Common Oakshire Common (719) 545-6222 (719) 265-0030 com | 719-477-2100 ■ (Pueblo 924-8624 (719)542-2223 542-2223 (719) 719) 924-8624 (719) 960 E Saxony Dr,960 Pueblo, E Saxony CO 81007 Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007 2430 Oakshire Ln, 2430 Pueblo, Oakshire CO 81001 Ln, Pueblo, CO 8100

Visit any of our Pueblo or Colorado Springs

Visit any of our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living Centers!

Pueblo West Gardens

Oakshire Common accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladel 960 E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007 (719) 924-8624 (719) 924-8624 Oakshire Ln, Pueblo, CO 81001 Pueblo West Gardens (719) 542-2223 (719) 542-2223 Oakshire Common 960 E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007 2430 Oakshire Pueblo, CO2430 81001 accoladelivingcenters.com - orLn, - info@accoladelivingcenters.com 960 E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007

Pueblo West Gardens Oakshire Common accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.com 2430 Oakshire Ln, (Pueblo, 81001 719) CO 924-8624 (719) 542-2223

(719) 924-8624 (719) 542-2223 (719) 542-2223 (719) 924-8624 SEND YOUR EVENTS TO: accoladelivingcenters.com accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.co accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.com Events@LaFifty.com accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.com accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.com WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | CALENDAR |

35

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.

303-777-5482 Austin Bluffs Sertoma meets twice monthly for breakfast at Hotel Elegante. This community service organization helps the hearing impaired and promotes national heritage.

2nd & 4th Wednesday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-460-5561 (Pat) Austrian-American Enzian Club meets monthly at the VFW Post #101.

4th Wednesday | 5 p.m. | 719-380-1163 Black Forest AARP gathers monthly for a potluck lunch at Black Forest Lutheran Church.

2nd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-596-6787 Bridge Players Duplicate plays daily at the Bridge Center.

Monday-Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. | Sundays at 1:30 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 the Out West Gift Shop.

1st Sunday | 1 p.m. | jpaisley@ppld. org

Cheyenne Mountain Hooked on Crochet meets virtually on Zoom to crochet or knit.

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

Annual dues: $30 2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | www.cmncos.org Colorado Springs Breakfast Club for Singles 50+ meets monthly at Patty Jewett Clubhouse ($18 cash/ check).

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | RSVP 719-260-0651 or tbc50plus.org Colorado Springs Chess Club meets weekly in the 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. | 719-433-8417 Colorado Springs Numismatic Society meets monthly at Hilltop Baptist Church.

2nd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-433-8417 Colorado Springs Scrabble Club meets virtually weekly for three games on Woogles.io (must create account).

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 fun opportunities for continuous learning with UCCS professor lectures virtually and at the Ent Center for the Arts, Chapman Foundation Recital Hall. Call to RSVP. 2nd Friday | 10 a.m. | www.uccs. edu/curiosity | 719-574-1449 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 is a walking club that 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.

Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship meets monthly for breakfast at IHOP, 6005 Constitution Ave. 2nd Saturday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-229-3317 Gleneagle Sertoma meets twice monthly for lunch in the Northgate area. This community service organization helps the hearing impaired and promotes national heritage.

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

4th Saturday | 2 p.m. | info@gold campvictoriansociety.org Healing Waters Fly Fishing is for disabled active duty and veterans.

Varied times | www.projecthealing waters.org International Dance Club hosts weekly dances. Live bands, variety of styles, family friendly. Cover: $10 members, $12 non-members.

Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 719-633-0195 Maxi’s Dance Party is held weekly at the Eagles Club. Features music for ages 40+ and food and drinks for purchase. Cover: $5/members, $8/ non-members.

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

Paralyzed Vets of America plays weekly at Bingo World.

Tuesdays | 12:30 p.m. | 719-578-1441 Pikes Peak Camera Club meets virtually monthly. Zoom link on website.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-634-2376 | www.pikespeakcameraclub.com Pikes Peak Computer Application Society meets monthly at Springs Community Church.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | asdtitus@ gmail.com Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meets virtually monthly.

2nd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | www.ppgs.org Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang is for active people 50+ who enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, golfing, camping, etc. (variable times/dates). Membership required. Meets monthly for dinner.

2nd Wednesday | 719-388-1534 | www.ppothg.org

We buy & sell coins, currency & much more!

• • • • •

U.S. Coins • Scrap Gold Jewelry U.S. Currency • Sterling Silver Flatware Gold Bullion • Scrap Silver Jewelry Silver Bullion • Foreign Coins & Currency Platinum • Dental Gold • Gold and Sterling Silver Jewelry

In Business Since 1983!

HOURS Mon-Fri: 9:30 - 5:30 Saturday: 10 - 4

711 N Nevada Ave • Colorado Springs, CO 80903 • 719-634-3313 www.HallenbeckCoinGallery.com •

36 | CLUBS | DECEMBER 2021 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

PRESENT THIS COUPON FOR A

FREE VERBAL

APPRAISAL (Max. 100 Coins) Expires 1/31/2022

Hallenbeck Coin Gallery, Inc.

Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners meets monthly for dinner and a program at the Masonic Center. Call to RSVP. 2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | 719-473-0330.

Rampart Range Blue Star Mothers (of children in the military) meets monthly at the Falcon Police Department.

1st Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-651-8038 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 Senior Chats occur weekly at the Rockrimmon Library.

Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m.

Senior Circle Book Club meets monthly at the Woodland Park Public Library’s large meeting room.

2nd Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-9281 Silicon Mountain Mac User Group meets virtually monthly. Visit website for Zoom link.

2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | www.smmug.org Sno-Jets Ski and Adventure Club meets for ski trips, biking, hiking, dinners and more October through April. Membership is $45 per year.

Visit website for details 1st Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 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 the 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

Question Month OF THE

Compiled by Rhonda Wray

What toy did you love growing up?

Koni Harper “Barbies. I had 20 ‘best friends’—and two Kens. I was the only girl with three brothers, and we lived on a farm in the middle of nowhere—so they were my lifeline!”

Travel Club meets regularly through the Fountain Valley Senior Center.

719-600-2602 | mbowers@fvscenter.org

Liz & John Dewsnap

Triviality Trivia plays weekly at Gold Camp Brewing Company.

Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | 719-319-3798

Liz: “We didn’t have much growing up, so imagine our surprise coming home one time around Christmas and seeing a stack of gifts inside our door! One was a doll that was bigger than we were, whom we named Liza.”

Vietnam Veterans of America (chapter 1075) meets monthly at Colorado Technical University.

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

John: “One Christmas I got a bicycle. I rode that thing all over the small town where we lived.

Then we moved, and I rode it all over that town too.”

Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association—Army Women United meets monthly at various homes and backyards.

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

Sue Fiene & Linda Ehgartner

SEND CLUB LISTING AND UPDATES TO: Rhonda@LaFifty.com or call 719-900-7664 ext. 109

Sue: “I loved Mr. Potato Head!”

Linda: “Slinkys. We had really steep stairs in our house, and we loved to watch them ‘walk’ down each step.”

Are you a Veteran/Retiree?

Are You Turning 65 and New to Medicare?

Got TRICARE, VA Healthcare or CHAMPVA? Medicare Mentors is available to answer your Medicare questions TUESDAYs 9am to 3pm or attend a Community Presentation

Wednesday, December 1 at 2pm Wednesday, December 8 at 2pm Wednesday, January 12 at 2pm Mt. Carmel Veteran’s Service Center 530 Communication Circle Colorado Springs, CO 80905 To RSVP Call: Nick Palarino, Licensed Insurance Broker 719-301-9525 (TTY 711) or Email to: Nicky.Colorado@gmail.com

Dale Daugherty “I was a huge fan of my Wiffle Ball set. I would go to the backyard and smack that ball endlessly. I also had a set of little green plastic army men.

I’d line them up in formation, then throw dirt clods at them!”

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

SPECIAL EVENTS Adam’s Mystery Playhouse (day trip)

3:30-10 p.m. | December 9 | $75

Ping Pong Tournament & Pizza

Wednesdays | January start date | $55

Feldenkrais

1-2 p.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays | January start date | $60

SilverSneakers Stability

Senior Chorale Concert

9-9:45 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays | December 2-December 16 | $50 (Free for members)

Senior Chorale Concert

SilverSneakers Open Gym

1:30-3 p.m. | December 10 | $5 1:30-3 p.m. | December 14 | Free 6:30-8 p.m. | December 15 | Free

Christmas Party

5:30-7 p.m. | December 21 | $10

VIRTUAL Garlic Greatness

1-2 p.m. | December 8 | Free

LIFELONG LEARNING

8:45-9:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays | December 1-December 13 | $50 (Free for members)

SilverSneakers Circuit

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays | December 1-December 13 | $50 (Free for members)

PILATES

9:30-10:30 a.m. | December 7 | $5

10-11 a.m. | Thursdays | January start date | $33

Holiday Jam

Tajifit

The Joy of Geocaching

1-3 p.m. | December 7 | $8

The Psychology of Scams

8:30-9:30 a.m. | Tuesdays | January start date | $33

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

HEALTH Legal & Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s 9-11 a.m. | December 1 | Free

Neuropathy

1-2 p.m. | December 6 | Free

Winter Health Tips

1-2 p.m. | December 8 | Free

The Advantages of Medicare Advantage 1-2 p.m. | December 9 | Free

EXERCISE Zumba

1628 W. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs To register for programs,call 719-385-7920 or visit www.ourwestside.org

ANNOUNCEMENT Note: Connections Cafe will be the only program held at Westside Community Center on December 9-10. The community center will close for the holidays December 23, 2021 at 3 p.m. and reopen January 3, 2022 at 8:45 a.m.

EXERCISE SilverSneakers Classic

8:45-9:45 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | $5 if insurance doesn’t cover class

Beginner’s Pickleball

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

Pickleball

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays | 12-3 p.m.

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

Thursdays

Table Tennis

1-3:30 p.m. Mondays | 12-2 p.m.

Fridays

HEALTH

VNA Foot Care Clinic

Call to make an appointment.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tuesdays | 720392-6701

FOOD Connections Cafe In-Person Lunch Call to make a reservation.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday | 719-884-2300

Westside Cares Food Pantry 1-3 p.m. | Wednesdays

Colorado Pet Pantry Canceled this month.

OTHER Senior Lounge

9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Monday-Friday

GROUPS

Bible Study

Connecting through COVID Support Group

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Thursdays

Jolly Stampers

6-7 p.m. | Tuesdays

AA New Beginnings Meetings

1-2 p.m. | Thursdays | Free

12-3:30 p.m. | Thursdays | $1

Hand & Foot Card Game

Crafts Unlimited

11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Wednesdays & Fridays | Free

Beginner’s Line Dance

Open Studio Painting

Intermediate Line Dance

1-4 p.m. | Fridays | $1

Second Horizon Quilters 9-11:30 a.m. | Tuesdays | $1

Ping Pong

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

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

38 | FUN AFTER 50 | DECEMBER 2021 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

9-11:30 a.m. | Fridays

10-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays | 2:30-4 p.m. Fridays

Balance and Flexibility 9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays

Blackrose Acoustic Jam December 2: Fiddle tunes December 9: Canceled December 16: Radio Oldies 6-8 p.m.

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

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES Arts & Crafts

11 a.m. | Thursdays

Book Club

11 a.m. | December 10 | 719-3300241

GAMES Bunco

Bring $3 and a snack to share.

1-3 p.m. | December 12

Bingo (must RSVP)

1-2 p.m. | December 15 | 719330-0241 | sue@monumental fitness.com

Chess Club

Gentle Yoga

10:15 a.m. | Tuesdays

Essentrics

Strengthen your core, lengthen your body, improve flexibility, balance and mobility.

9 a.m. Tuesdays | 10 a.m. Thursdays

Chair Yoga

3:15 p.m. | Wednesdays

Mind Matters

Gentle stretching, breathing techniques, energy exercises, meditation and visualization work.

10 a.m. | Wednesdays

Mix It Up!

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

SPECIAL EVENTS Note: All trip participants must have received their COVID-19 vaccines. This is for the safety of all participants.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit 8 a.m. | December 7 | $82

Christmas at the Flying W Ranch

Call for time | December 10 | $68

Denver’s Christkindlmarket 9 a.m. | December 14 | $20

Iron Springs Chateau Christmas Extravaganza 5-9 p.m. | December 21 | $50

ART Interpretive Dance

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

Porcelain

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

Quilters

8:30-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Woodcarving

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

Card Making

9:30-11 a.m. | Thursdays

HEALTH Chair Yoga

Lunch with Mr. Tim

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

Pinochle

12-4 p.m. | Tuesdays

A fun combination of low-impact aerobics, simple weight training and stretching.

8 a.m. | Wednesdays

Zumba Gold

Hand & Foot

Breakfast with Santa/Ugly Sweater Contest

Tai Chi Gong

Call for time | December 15

Christmas Lunch with Barb Bragdon

10:45 a.m. | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays

12 p.m. | Mondays

1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Mahjong

1-4 p.m. | Fridays

EXERCISE Body Shop (muscle conditioning) 9 a.m. | Mondays

Fab, Fit & Fun

Low-Impact aerobics and simple weight training for all levels.

1:30 p.m. | Mondays

Tai Chi Fusion Reduce stress and promote serenity through gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing.

12 p.m. | Mondays

Yoga

10 a.m. | Mondays & Fridays

Line Dancing

1:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

11 a.m. | Wednesdays & Thursdays

Pilates

Strengthen your core, improve flexibility, balance, mobility and create a stronger mind-body connection.

9 a.m. Wednesdays | 12 p.m.

Sundays

Zumba Gold

9 a.m. | Thursdays

Better Bones & Balance 1:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Zumba

5:30 p.m. Thursdays | 9 a.m.

Saturdays

Total Body Strength

Muscle conditioning class to build strength and endurance.

9 a.m. | Fridays

Call for time | December 9

Call for time | December 16 | RSVP 719-600-2644

Harmonizers Christmas Show

Call for time | December 17

Song Spinners Dinner/Show

Call for time | December 17 | $10

New Year’s Eve Celebration a Day Early 5-8:30 p.m. | December 30 | $ TBD

School District 3 Toy Drive Through December

EDUCATION Legal Assistance

1:30-3:30 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

AARP Driver Safety Class

8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays

Blood Pressure Check Tai Chi

9:30 -11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Low Vision Support

1 p.m. | 3rd Wednesday

Zumba Basics

2:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Active Minds

2:30 p.m. | 3rd Thursday

Chi Kung

10-11 a.m. | Fridays

GAMES & LEISURE Movie Day

1 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

Bingo (and cash prizes) 1 p.m. | Thursdays

Birthday Social

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

Wii Games

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

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | FUN AFTER 50 |

39

SUPPORT NEWS BITS GROUPS Bleating Heart Night open enrollment for nonprofits

Every Tuesday, Goat Patch Brewing hosts a local nonprofit at its Bleating Heart Night. Patrons learn about the nonprofit and from 5-9 p.m., $1 of every pint sold goes directly to the featured organization. Applications are open through December 23. To apply, visit www. goatpatchbrewing.com or call 719471-4628.

Volunteer needed for El Paso County Citizen Outreach Group

The Board of El Paso County Commissioners seeks a communityminded citizen volunteer to serve on the El Paso County Citizen Outreach Group. This volunteer will assist with efforts relating to the County Citizens College, the County Fair, finances, taxes and more.

Applications for the open position are due by December 8, 2021.

Download it at bocc.elpasoco.com/ volunteer and send completed application to Board of El Paso County Commissioners, Attn: Ingrid Mobley, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 809032208 or email ingridmobley@ elpasoco.com.

Rocky Mountain PACE names new officers

Rocky Mountain PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), a healthcare provider for seniors, is

adding to its leadership team with the appointment of Melissa Kerr as Chief Experience Officer and Dr. Amy McDowell, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Kerr brings a wealth of expertise in finance and strategic leadership, and has also served on numerous boards, including Rocky Mountain Options for Long-Term Care. McDowell joined PACE in 2019. In this role, she will oversee senior participant care. For details, call 719-466-8777.

Colorado Gives Day is December 7

ColoradoGives.org is a year-round giving tool that strengthens almost 3,000 Colorado nonprofits. Every nonprofit receiving a donation on Colorado Gives Day receives a portion of the $1.6 million incentive fund, increasing the impact of every donation. Colorado Gives Day has raised more than $419 million for Colorado nonprofits since 2010.

Visit www.coloradogives.org/ cogivesday to support local nonprofits on December 7.

Operation Golden Christmas delivers gifts to seniors in care centers Each year Crossroads Ministries purchases, wraps and delivers over 1,500 Christmas gifts to local care center residents, who may not otherwise have a Christmas. This year, the ministry plans to deliver more than 2,000 gifts. Their goal is to

fulfill every request so every senior will feel cared for and valued. To donate financially, or volunteer by purchasing wish list items, delivering gifts or purchasing and wrapping gifts, contact tina@crossroads usa.org or 719-635-5767.

Pikes Peak Library events

Some programs are presented virtually and some require registration. Visit www.ppld.org or call 719389-8968.

• Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Commemoration

• Virtual Genealogy Basics December 6 & 18, 10 a.m.

• Share Classes: Baking, Cooking and More (Virtual) December 6 & 20, 1 p.m. Learn share-worthy recipes and tips in fun, interactive kitchen classes.

• Researching Female Ancestors (Virtual)

December 27, 6 p.m.

Learn strategies to help you access the records of female family members, with those elusive maiden names.

Florissant Public Library events

JasonM. M.Jost Jost and Jason andAssociates Associates

MeDiCare aCCepTeD MeDiCare aCCepTeD ging Visit!

Free Retinal Ima Visit!

Free Retinal Imagingatat1st1st

Mondays, 10-11 a.m.

• Family Fun Fridays

• Yarnia! Knitting and Crochet Club December 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Craft & Create Adult Program December 22, 1 p.m.

• Friends at the Table Cookbook Club

December 17, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Read Amok Book Club • Florissant Bookworms

For information about programs, visit rampart.colibraries.org or call 719-748-3939.

optometrist specializing in practice optometrist specializing infamily family practice

December 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

December 13, 11 a.m.

December 4, 10:30 a.m.

Come to the East Library to hear the stories of three men with Colorado Springs connections who were there when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Registration is required.

• Tai Chi

• Adult Coloring Club

No meeting in December

Woodland Park Public Library events For information about programs, visit rampart.colibraries.org or call 719-687-9281.

• Conversational English with Emilia Paul (Call to register, ext. 103) Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

• Make a Card for a Senior Citizen December 1 and 8, 1-5 p.m.

• Mitten Tree (donations) December 3-30

• Gingerbread House Contest/Display December 4-17

• Free Legal Clinic

(Call 719-748-3939) December 9, 2-5 p.m.

• Book Club

December 7, 10:30 a.m.

• Not So Young Adult Book Club December 1, 11 a.m.

• Senior Circle Book Club December 9, 10:30 a.m. ■

Fridays, 2-4 p.m.

n. Circle Drive,Colorado Colorado springs, COCO 80909 710 710 n. Circle Drive, springs, 80909

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40 | NEWS BITS | DECEMBER 2021 |

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SUPPORT GROUPS Daddy’s Little Girls brings hope to abuse survivors through the love of Jesus Christ.

719-649-9054 | www.daddys littlegirls.net

205-9080 | www.oasouthern colorado.org Parkinson’s Support Group meets at First Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Weber St. in Colorado Springs.

2nd Saturday | 10 a.m.

Depression and Bipolar Support has six groups for those living with or affected by mood disorders, including veterans. 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, 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 in Colorado Springs at First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade, on Mondays, and at First Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Weber, on Thursdays.

6 p.m. Mondays; 2 p.m. Thursdays | 719-685-1091 (Monday); 719-3381878 (Thursday) Falcon Senior Services meets at Patriot High School, 11990 Swingline Road in Falcon.

2nd Wednesday | 11 a.m. | 719-4940353 Gamblers Anonymous meets virtually via Zoom and in person at the Red Cloud Serenity Club, 10400 Ute Pass Ave. in Green Mountain Falls.

Project Angel Heart delivers free, nutritious meals to those living with life-threatening illness. Call for information about receiving meals.

800-381-5612

6 p.m. Mondays (virtual); 9 a.m.

Saturday (in person) | www.coloradoga.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 help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. Group meets through Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance.

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 Mental Illness Family Support meets at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave.

Tuesdays | 7 p.m. | 719-473-8477

Multiple Sclerosis Alliance meets virtually. Visit website for schedule.

719-633-4603 | www.msasoco.org/ event-calendar.html | support@ msasoco.org NAMI Connection Support for those living with mental illness, regardless of diagnosis, meets via Zoom.

Tuesdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 719-4738477 | www.namicoloradosprings. org NAMI Family Support Group for family members of people living with mental illness, meets virtually via Zoom.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 719-4738477 | www.namicoloradosprings.org Overeaters Anonymous meets daily over Zoom (except Sundays) and in person on Thursdays. Visit website for virtual meeting times.

Thursdays | 9-10:15 a.m. | Peak Vista Community Health Center | 719-

Polio Survivors Support Group meets regularly. Call for date, time and location.

303-212-0017 PTSD Spouse’s Support meets at UCCS Veteran’s Clinic, 4863 N. Nevada #380, Colorado Springs.

Tuesdays | 4 p.m. | 719-255-8003 Silver Sneakers provides free gym memberships to YMCA (and others) for adults 65+ who are insured through AARP, Aetna, Blue Cross, Humana, Kaiser Permanente and United Health Care. Visit website to see if you qualify. www.silversneakers.com TESSA provides a safe house and counseling for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. If you’re in crisis, call 719-633-3819.

719-633-1462 Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group meets virtually through The Independence Center.

2nd & 4th Wednesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 719-471-8181 ■

New Generation Homes Helps Seniors Transition and Pay for Senior Living * We work with seniors and their families to make sure they have a comfortable transition into senior living. * We take away the stress of owning homes that may be dated or need work to sell - we BUY the house as is! * We’re flexible and can close when YOU want to close - so you get the money you need when you need it! * We can hire movers, take care of household and personal possessions – whatever YOU need to get the job done!

There’s NO PRESSURE!

719-440-5179

Call Lindsey at www.SellMomsHouseQuickly.com WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | SUPPORT GROUPS |

41

FUN & GAMES

Providing Dental Care with Kindness and Grace At Grace Dental it is our privilege to provide outstanding customer care to all of our patients Our goal is to help each patient clearly understand their dental needs and the options available.

Life is ever evolving, let us join you on your dental health journey.

Dr. Colleen Jenson

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

42 | FUN & GAMES | DECEMBER 2021 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

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1155 Kelly Johnson Blvd., Ste. 210 Colorado Springs, CO GraceDental.CO | Find Us On

CROSSWORD

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Give off Lord’s estate Paris possessive Diving birds Cultivate “Who’s there?” reply High time Mell Lazarus comic strip Alpine song Sung syllable Construction pieces Work with needle and thread Revenuers, for short Exit a railroad conveyance Most strange ___ spumante Hold up Skate blade Poivre’s partner Office notes Davis or Midler Old-fashioned

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Cat Arrow poison Gumshoes Elevator unit Charlemagne’s realm: Abbr.

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Japanese porcelain Writer Janowitz More recent King with a golden touch Like Santa Courageous Gidget portrayer Sandra Bowler’s button Cave Begat Fungal infection ___ de plume Massages Explosive weapon Perhaps Rarely Quebec’s ___ Peninsula Hardly shy Ballpark figs.

Narrow cut Score after deuce Hook’s mate Fleshy fruit Pretentious U-turn from WSW Some M.I.T. grads Skill

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WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | FUN & GAMES |

43

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS Private Party $29 | Commercial $49 |

RATES

ADULT DAY SERVICES

COMPUTER & MEDIA FLAT RATE COMPUTER REPAIR. Most repairs start at $50. Parts extra if needed. Free pickup and delivery or up to 2 hours of on-site tune-up, virus removal and/or training. 35 Years of experience. Call Richard Sobe with SOBE I.T. 719-216-8994. Thank you for looking at my ad.

CEMETERY PLOTS

Care and Comfort During Life’s Difficult Moments

State-of-the-Art Adult Daycare Center •Affordable & •Experienced & Personal Care Caring Staff •Engaging Activities •Medicaid, VA & & Outings Private Pay

1460 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907

719-900-7664 x102 or submit online at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

30 words or less per ad

+$1 per word

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.

TIMETRAVELTIME.COM. Happy Memory Transfers, VHS-Slides-8mmReels+, We Make Movies! Contact us 719-203-6398 coloradofilmbank@ gmail.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

or submit at www.LaFifty.com Deadline is the

20th of Each Month HOME REPAIR Dave’s Home Improvement All Kinds of Home Maintenance Repairs 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE U.S. NAVY VETERAN

(719) 393-5851

Ken’s Plumbing Heating & Cool Cooling ing - PLUMBING -

Leaky Pipes Fixed • Toilets or Faucets Replaced • Sprinklers Repaired

1055

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- HEATING -

Furnaces Replaced, Repaired or Tuned Up

- COOLING -

Air Conditioners or Swamp Coolers Installed or Repaired

Direct Cremation

Call today for more information GoodwillColorado.org

To place your classified, call -243-8829 970

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To place your classified, call:

Medicaid & Private Pay Accepted

(719) 203-6022 Call for your Preneed Policy

CAREGIVERS

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Discount for Seniors & All Military* *Discount cannot be combined with other offers.

FOR SALE

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE CALL FOR A

FREE ESTIMATE

(719) 229-4563 Veteran Owned by Ken Rivenburgh

New, Used and Reconditioned Building Materials & Supplies Furniture and Appliances 411 S. Wahsatch | Colorado Springs (719) 667-0840 MON-SAT 9AM-5PM

In-Home Care Services We Offer •Personal Care •Homemaking

Donations Accepted at South End of Building Mon-Sat 9:30am - 4:30pm

HELP WANTED

BANK ON CLASSIFIEDS to turn your want ads into dollars! Call 719-9007664 Life After 50 Classified Dept.

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

LIFT CHAIRS- comfortable and Safe, new and used, available with heat and massage, delivery services available.

Call Go Mobility for an appointment 719-203-4396

HOME REPAIR

•Companion Care •Shopping

Medicaid, PPACG Area Agency on Aging Voucher, & Private Pay

Call today for more information (719) 367-4160 GoodwillColorado.org 1460 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907

EXPERIENCED PERSONAL CARE InHome Provider. Ready to help you with whatever your needs and wants are.

Kind, trustworthy and dependable.

Love to clean, too. References as required. Call Karen and let’s talk.

719-434-2922

44 | CLASSIFIEDS | DECEMBER 2021 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

*MORE THAN A HANDYMAN. Home Maintenance, Repairs, Yard Work & Organize. 20% SENIOR DISCOUNT (62+). Call Mike - a Senior and Veteran. 719-338-4279 Voice mail answered same day. I follow CDC Guidelines.

ANDERSON HOME REPAIR+REMODEL Expert handyman services, 40 years of quality work, carpentry, doors, trim, drywall, power washing, decks, painting, staining and more. Senior Discount. 719-331-4320 HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, and more. (Mowing or yardwork in the spring and summer.)

John 719-471-7471.

DRYWALL AND TILEWORK Repairs, Basement Finishes, Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling. Free Estimates. 719-232-7218 or 719390-7779

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

CLASSIFIEDS

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

You Are A Walking Miracle!

LIFT CHAIRS GIVE SAFETY & COMFORT in your home. Go from sitting to standing without aid. New and used lift chairs are for sale, available with heat and massage. Call Go Mobility for an appointment 719203-4396. Delivery services available.

COME AND SEE!! 3 beautiful homes located in a five-star senior mfg. home community. 1) 60’x16’, single wide, 2BD/1BA, 1995, newer roof, full carport, new shed. 2) 24’x52’ double wide (furniture included), 3BD/2BA, 1982, mfg. home, front deck, with a view of the peak. Won’t last, move in ready. 3) 28’x60’ double wide, 2BD/2BA with den/office, gas fireplace, great view of the peak.

Move-in ready. Call for details and private showing. Lyle 970-800-1619.

OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS, $600. with Warranty. We sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies.

Equipment repair + servicing. ASPEN CONCENTRATOR REPAIR SERVICE, 3112 Century St. (off Fillmore) 719471-9895

REAL ESTATE

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

SERVICES

40 Years of Combined Real Estate Experience in Colorado Springs

ing

~ We’re Full-Service Movers ~

BRENT DEMOS

Real Estate Broker/ Co-Founder

KIMBER DEMOS

Broker Associate

www.BrentDemos.com TheDemosTeam@gmail.com 6760 Corporate Drive #300 Colorado Springs, CO 80919

EMOTIONAL PHYSICAL MENTAL SPIRITUAL

Family & Marriage Advice/Counseling Anger Management • Grief Loss $1/minute Therapy Sessions Available In-Person or Remote

Ambrose Family Health Dr. C. Ambrose, PsyD, Owner

719-203-5340

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5035 N. Academy • Union Square Colorado Springs, CO

Mov

We are Colorado Springs natives helping more than 900 seniors since 1988.

For All Your Residential, Commercial, Investment/Multi-Family Needs!

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PACKING • ALL THE LIFTING MOVING • UNPACKING

(719) 661-7354 FREE ON-SITE ESTIMATES & SENIOR DISCOUNTS

3938 Maizeland Rd & Academy

S.C.S.E. SANDYS CARE SERVICE EXPRESS Specializing in same day, last minute, when available. Mail – bank – babysitting – shower – meals - dog feeding etc. Bonded, insured.

9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. 719-2038898.

Be The Answer, Not The Problem!

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT REPAIR for Lift Chairs, Scooters, or Wheelchairs. For prices and more information call Go Mobility 719-203-4396 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.

Daily Labor: gutter cleaning,yard clean up, janitorial, winter cleaning garages, gardening whatever’s on your list.$20 per hour.719-310-5247.

SERVICES PERSONAL ASSISSTANT – I can provide and help with Rides and Running Errands, Yard/House Work, Home-Made Meals Delivered, Dog Walking/Sitting. Kind, Trustworthy, Dependable, References Provided.

Call Joel 719-351-2365.

WANTED WANNA SHARE RENT? LIVING EXPENSIVE? COMPANIONSHIP? I DO! Prefer senior citizen in Colorado Springs. I am a retired social worker/ nurse. Love people! Text or call 719820-4268.

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.

CASH PAID. Antique firearms, ammunition, reloading supplies, military relics, uniforms, medals, insignia, swords, knives, bayonets, photos, anything unusual. Old toys, marbles, comics, coins. Gold, silver, costume jewelry- any country. Indian and old west relics. We pay cash.

Leasures, 2801 W. Colorado Ave. 719439-4255.

Don’t let your 2021 Medicare Therapy Benefits go to waste!

Your 2021 therapy benefits will expire on December 31st.

Use them or lose them!

Bringing the Clinic to You! Give us a call and we will take care of the rest.

719-629-6796 Fax: 888-505-3617

Covered by Medicare Part B and Medicaid WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | DECEMBER 2021 | CLASSIFIEDS |

45

OPINION

Nine years without a cold?

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria.

Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose.

Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they Copper can stop germs before they spread.

“What a wonderful thing!” spread and cause misery.

In hundreds of studies, EPA exclaimed Physician’s Assistant and university researchers have Julie. Another customer asked, “Is confirmed that viruses and it supposed to work that fast?”

Pat McAllister, 70, received bacteria die almost instantly when one for Christmas and called it touched by copper.

That’s why ancient Greeks and “one of the best presents ever.

Egyptians used copper to purify This little jewel really works.”

Frequent flier Karen Gauci water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about microbes, but used to suffer after crowded flights. Though skeptical, she now we do.

Scientists say the high tried copper on travel days for 2 conductance of copper disrupts months. “Sixteen flights and not a the electrical balance in a microbe sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says cell by touch and destroys it in when people around her show seconds.

Some hospitals tried copper signs of unwanted germs, she uses for touch surfaces like faucets and copper morning and night. “It doorknobs. This cut the spread of saved me last holidays,” she said.

MRSA, and other illnesses, by “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” over half and saved lives.

Attorney Donna Blight tried The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an copper for her sinus. “I am idea. He made a smooth copper shocked!” she said. “My head probe with a tip to fit in the bottom cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” of his nose.

A man with trouble breathing The next time he felt a tickle in his nose that felt like a cold about through his nose at night tried to start, he rubbed the copper copper just before bed. “Best gently in his nose for 60 seconds. sleep I’ve had in years!” he said.

In a lab test, technicians placed “It worked!” he exclaimed.

“The cold never got going. That 25 million live flu viruses on was September 2012. I use copper a CopperZap. No viruses were in the nose every time and I have found alive soon after.

The handle is curved and not had a single cold since then.”

“We don’t make product health textured to increase contact. claims,” he said, “so I can’t say Copper can kill germs picked up cause and effect. But we know on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have copper is antimicrobial.”

He asked relatives and friends touched.

Made in America of pure to try it. They reported the same thing, so he patented CopperZap® copper. 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 and put it on the market.

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46 | OPINION | DECEMBER 2021 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

Response: VA does offer survivor benefits

By Teddi Kulkoski, Denver VBA Regional Office

I

’m writing in response to the op-ed published in the November issue, titled, “Opinion: Suicide should not affect VA survivor benefits.” In it, Mr. Jarnig writes, “… if an active-duty military person or a veteran dies from suicide, by rule their spouse and minor children lose all benefits. No survivor benefits, period—even if the soldier was being treated for PTSD.” The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) very mission is to “Care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan.” Congress has mandated VA to compassionately consider each claim for benefits. As a categorical statement, Mr. Jarnig’s statement is not accurate. Suicide as the cause of death does not automatically exclude survivors from entitlement to benefits.

VA provides benefits to survivors and dependents of veterans who have passed, even in tragic cases of suicide. According to VA regulations, the surviving spouse may be eligible for benefits if VA can connect the suicide to a service-connected illness or injury—the very same consideration afforded to any survivor applying for VA benefits.

When the death is determined to be service connected, the surviving spouse and dependent children are eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Education Benefits, Loan Guaranty and other survivor benefits (38 CFR 3.302).

If a death is not ruled to be service connected, some survivor benefits are denied. However, basic burial and insurance benefits, such as Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI), are still payable.

VA Burial Allowances are flat-rate monetary benefits to help cover eligible veterans’ burial and funeral

costs. Generally, they are paid at the maximum amount allowed by law. Claimants may seek reconsideration of any adverse VA decision using the administrative process managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration and may also file a formal appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Even though the rate of suicide among veterans decreased from 2018 to 2019, veteran suicide is a national tragedy. VA Secretary Denis McDonough is a forceful advocate for victims of suicide and its causes: “Suicide prevention remains a top priority for VA, with the most significant amount of resources ever appropriated and apportioned to VA suicide prevention. Suicide is preventable, and everyone has a role to play in saving lives.”

To learn more about VA regulations that govern these benefits, resources are available at www. va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_ survivor.asp. In addition, veterans can speak individually with a VA benefits counselor over the phone by scheduling an appointment with a local counselor.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and servicemembers in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential 24/7 toll-free hotline, online chat or text. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. ■ Teddi Kulkoski is the Director’s Office CMA and Public Affairs Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration Denver Regional Office located in Lakewood, CO.

Fall inn love ve w with ith tth . . .

Summit Glen “When I first walked into Summit Glen, I knew I was in the place I could call home because of the friendly people and caring management. After I was all settled in my lovely apartment, I got involved in activities and immediately met many interesting people. What more could I ask for? I knew I would never be lonely. I didn’t realize how much fun it would be with all these people with interesting backgrounds. We might all be seniors, but we have a lot of living to do in this wonderful place.”

— Betsy McIlvoy

“My wife and I were introduced to the Management Team of Summit Glen last year. They greeted us with a real display of pleasure and sparked our interest at residing here at their community. The graciousness made us feel as though we had lived here for years. On our tour, we were welcomed by other residents like we were old friends. Our questions and concerns were answered promptly and completely. Since living here, we have been provided with meals of our choosing that are very well prepared. Each day the staff and residents greet us by our names which makes us feel like family.

The activities at Summit Glen are well thought out so that the residents have plenty to do, ranging from various games, the arts, painting, making jewelry, and joining the choir. ” — Jack & Rita Murphy “After visiting several retirement communities, Summit Glen blew me away with the friendly, caring attitudes of all the staff and residents.

Sharing meals, participating in lots of interesting activities and meeting many new people adds a great new dimension to my lifestyle. I still have my independence in my lovely apartment and feel safe and content with my little dog Mia. I couldn’t be happier with my choice for this new phase of my life!”

-Dorothy Kelly

For more information or to schedule your personal visit, please call

719-380-1409

4825 Old Farm Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 © 2021 HSL

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