December 2022 - Life After 50

UTAH, MONTANA & WYOMING SWITZERLAND

San Antonio

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

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

Day 3: Travel through the Texas Hill Country for a visit to the Lyndon Baines Johnson National Historic Park. Begin in Johnson City and explore the boyhood home of LBJ, our nation’s 36th President. Visit Stonewall, LBJ Ranch and the Texas White House. Enjoy an included lunch in Fredericksburg before visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Day 4: The day begins at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum in Austin. Experience the life and times of Lyndon B. Johnson and learn how legislation signed by LBJ affects you today. Enjoy lunch at The Salt Lick, Texas BBQ at its finest. Then visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the internationally recognized botanic garden and research center. End the evening with a farewell dinner.

Day 5: After breakfast, depart for the airport for your flight home to Colorado Springs.

Yellowstone in Winter

Witness the majesty of Yellowstone in winter.

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

Day 2: Following breakfast you will be treated by the sounds of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir at their weekly live broadcast performance. Then board your motorcoach and travel through the Island Park Region. Our destination is West Yellowstone, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance. Check into our hotel for a two-night stay and a delicious dinner.

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

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

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

Day 6: After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Switzerland by Rail

A 9-day breathtaking rail tour through spectacular Switzerland

Switzerland by Rail is the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns and beautiful lakes—all while you relax in first-class aboard Switzerland’s famous trains. You’ll overnight in Zurich, the Lucerne area, Lausanne, Zermatt and St. Moritz.

One of the highlights of this Switzerland train tour is the journey aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the majestic Matterhorn, to glitzy St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous resorts. Another highlight is the journey aboard the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Traveling on the highest railway across the Alps, you’ll witness glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, alpine scenery, and tunnels and bridges that are engineering masterpieces.

Stunning scenery and thrilling train rides... there’s no better way to see scenic Switzerland! So grab your camera and get ready for an amazing vacation!

*Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $450. Price includes fully escorted tour, roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs to Denver, lovely accommodations, baggage handling, breakfast each morning, 4 dinners, all transfers, first class seats on the trains, excursion in Lucerne, all taxes and surcharges. Deposit of $400 per person is due to secure booking; final payment due 5/15/23.

Hawaii Four Island Holiday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day

Our last day in Hawaii is yours to enjoy on your own..

Highlights of Columbia & Snake Rivers

June 18-25, 2023

Experience the best of the Columbia & Snake Rivers in this 8-Day Tour

Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs for Portland, OR. Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers.

Day 2: Today you tour Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge. Once back in Portland enjoy a guided tour of the city.

Day 3: Depart Portland for the spectacular Columbia River Gorge to visit Vista House and stop at beautiful Multnomah Falls. Arrive at Pendleton and enjoy dinner at Hamley Steakhouse.

Day 4: Tour Pendleton Woolen Mills and Fort Walla Walla.

Day 5: Full-day jet boat trip on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.

Day 6: Historic Rider Ranch and Lake Coeur d’Alene dinner cruise.

Day 7: Wallace Silver Mine tour and Native American cultural dinner.

Day 8: After breakfast, depart Spokane for Colorado Springs.

*Based on double occupancy. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 7 nights lovely accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes and fees.

New England Rails & Sails

October 13, 2023

Tour New England by rail and sail during autumn’s spendor!

Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs for Boston, MA. Meet your tour manager in the hotel lobby for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of historic Boston then travel up the coast to Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s coastal jewels then continue to Portland, Maine which boasts a vibrant waterfront.

Day 3: Start at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. Take a 1.5 mile long ride along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay followed by a scenic cruise of the bay.

Day 4: Travel west into New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Experience towering peaks, stunning scenery, quaint towns and villages before boarding the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Day 5: Begin the day aboard the North Conway Scenic Railroad then travel the Kancamagus Scenic Byway as it follows a beautiful path through the White Mountains. Cross into Vermont to view the spectacular scenery of the area.

Day 6: Travel to the town of Stockbridge in the culturally rich Berkshires region. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum then enjoy some free time before continuing to the incredible Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Day 7: Board the Essex Steam Train as you pass through some of the most beautiful country in the state. Later board the riverboat Becky Thatcher for a relaxing trip up the Connecticut River.

Day 8: Pass through the state of Rhode Island to Plymouth, MA climb aboard your sea-going vessel for a whale watching excursion. Pay a visit to Plymouth Rock where our forefathers first settled on American soil.

Day 9: After breakfast, depart Boston for Colorado Springs.

*Based on double occupancy. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 8 nights lovely accommodations, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes and fees.

IN THIS ISSUE

The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region

Publisher

Kevin K. VanGundy

Managing Editor

Rhonda Wray

Editor in Chief

Cloie Sandlin

Editorial Assistant

Mia Brabaek

Graphic Designers

B. Bigler

Michael L. Madsen

Customer Service Manager

Stacey Splude

Advertising Director

Kevin K. VanGundy

Advertising Executive

Jil Goebel

Advertising Assistant Kayla Pool

Delivery

Bill Souba Rea Gray LuAnn Weems

P.O. Box 50125 Colorado Springs, CO 80949 Phone 719-900-7664 Website www.LaFifty.com Email Info@LaFifty.com

Life After 50 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 celebrates age and 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 10th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available upon request.

© Copyright 2022 • All Rights Reserved

8 COVER STORY Crèches say Christmas

A local nativity exhibit invites crowds to reflect on the reason for the season

On the Cover

Bethlehem comes to life at the Christmas Creche Exhibit and Live Nativity on December 1-3 at 8710 Lexington Dr.

12

Recipe: Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

Craving something sweet this season?

This recipe’s prominent pumpkin flavor is hard to resist!

During the dreary days of winter, fresh indoor flowers keep our spirits believ ing that spring will indeed come again

22 Vacation Where the Stars Do

Four people walk into a tavern: Oprah, Owen Wilson, Britney Spears and you. This could happen if you’re vacationing in some of these famous destinations

24 Glædelig Jul!

(A Scandinavian Christmas)

13

Foster Grandparents Complete the Circle of Learning

These volunteers enjoy making a difference in children’s lives while helping teachers in the classroom

For me, Christmas comes early on December 24—a whole day before the rest of the world! 27

14

Ruff Life: The Top Gift on a Dog Owner’s Wish List

This gift doesn’t require tape or tissue. It’s fleeting, fickle and frustrating with no guarantees

Post-Pandemic Tech Hacks That Make Life Easier These tools can be used to help you stay safe and productive should the new normal last longer than the pandemic lockdown itself

Scams

scammers from playing the Grinch this year with these tips

If you’ve ever gone in search of the perfect tree, you know that it’s always at the crest of the steepest hill around

Hearing Ai d : Only a real hearing aid has advanced digital technology ( micro chip with 552 million calculations per second!) A real hearing aid is programmed (by a licensed professional) to match your exact hearing loss, to give you the best possible results. So we recommend that you don’t waste your money either way: not on a OTC piece of jun k or at a “traditional” over- priced hearing aid center. At Hear-Wise we have the same technology at dramatically lower prices.

& NEWEST TECH

Everyone's hearing loss is di erent, so there is no one specific hearing aid that is best for everyone. That's why we o er several brands and models that meet our high standards for Performance, Reliability and Value.

specialists have a combined 45 years experience helping the hearing impaired in Colorado. They’ve had over 20,000 successful hearing aid fittings, with zero pressure to purchase.

My Christmas tree: a 3D scrapbook

Iread that navy trees are trending this year. Themed trees have become more popular in re cent years. They’re elegant and flawless—pastel candy confections, rustic woodland works of art, white and crystal winter wonderlands, breezy blue coastal styles, silly green Grinch trees and metallic masterpieces of bronze, silver and gold.

I see the beauty in these carefully coordinat ed Christmas statement pieces, but they’re just not me.

My hodgepodge tree reflects my life. I bring out my prelit tree with burned out bulbs and wind new twinkling lights around it. Then I haul out the large, dented popcorn tins filled to the top with treasures accumulated over the years and make sure the glue is handy for the inevitable repair of less-than-sturdy tchotchkes.

My ornaments are mismatched and recall faraway places I’ve been. They remind me of my childhood. They tell stories of little ones that grow up and of pets that pass on. As I loop each decoration over the prickly branches, I reminisce.

There’s the Norwegian stave church, a nod to my heritage from the Black Hills in Rapid City, South Dakota and the shiny aspen leaf from Colorado’s ritziest ski town (where else?).

A red-suited British soldier with his tall black hat who marched into my suitcase on a trip to England. Red-painted hearts from “Little Sweden” Lindsborg, Kansas. A star of chilies from Taos. Two string angels from Philadelphia—one for my college bestie and one for me.

Handcrafted trinkets also grace my tree, like the walnut cradle with Baby Jesus inside that my mom, daughter and I made. Mom, who always

made Christmas magical, made or bought many deco rations for me, like the small cloth hand with the heart in the palm when my first child was born.

A couple of my childhood Santas peek from behind the needles. They’re downright vintage by now! Same with the Campbell’s Soup Kids ball from 1982.

Some bring a pang. There’s a “First Mar ried Christmas” ornament that no longer displays a smiley couple photo inside.

I hang up the delicately filigreed heart anyway. It’s too beautiful not to.

Several West Highland white ter riers also frolic on my tree—sweet reminders of past pets Bailey, Pippin and Maggie.

Most of all, I treasure my little ones’ mementos, like the wooden mitten with colorful marker stripes and a grinning kindergartner glued to the center and a wee Cub Scout in his navy uniform with a snowman backdrop.

I also have an ornament holding a photo of my granddaughter with Santa at the North Pole amusement park in Cascade.

I wish I’d kept better track of the origin of some. What’s the story behind the Santa with the pinecone beard? I may never know.

The tree can’t hold this bejeweled abundance of baubles, so some get placed on doorknobs or stocking hangers. Leftovers languish in the bottom of the tins.

More than the glitz and glam, each ornament symbolizes a person, a place, a pet—a snapshot of major and minor events on my life’s journey. My bedecked and bedazzled Tannenbaum’s love ly branches are woven through with nostalgia, keepsakes and memories. ■

Thank you for all you do. I read Life After 50 and I think it is well written and always full of great information.

- Sarah E. Lipka, Colorado Legal Services

I have been working with mature adults since I was 18. It is truly my passion! Turning 50 this year really started out as a struggle for me, but my husband loves it, especially once I introduced him to Life After 50. Life After 50 has insightful articles, a wonderful events calendar, and my favorite—discounts! I love the magazine!

- Donna B.

I was wondering if it is possible to get a high er resolution file of the coloring page from October. I’d like to color this as a Christmas gift for my sister-in-law who is a bear and stain glass artist. It is such a cool drawing!

- Dawnie B.

Editor’s Column (November)

I just read Rhonda’s editorial, “Dreaming of a Senior Center in the North and/or East” and was very impressed. Living in the Antelope Ridge community at Barnes and Marksheffel keeps me from commuting to any current senior centers. They are just too far away. I would love a Banning Lewis Ranch Senior Center! That would be five minutes away for us.

- Mary G.

We need a senior center in Briargate. I sug gest the Gold’s Gym building which closed over the pandemic. It has a pool, separate rooms for meetings/crafts, plenty of park ing and a great location. It is located at the corner of Briargate and Union.

- Maureen R.

Wray, Managing Editor Rhonda@LaFifty.com

“Come

on, baby, do the mashed potato” (November)

It was such a cute clever observation of Thanksgiving! It made me laugh! Please write one for next year.

- Francie M.

■ Email: Info@LaFifty.com

■ Facebook: @LA50pikespeak

■ Mail: PO Box 50125 Colorado Springs, CO 80949

■ Call: 719-900-7664

Rhonda

By Lisa Lowdermilk

here are few traditions more evocative of Christmas’ origin than the crèche. These decorative displays represent the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Crèche” is another word for nativity scene. Typically, crèches include a tableau of baby Jesus and his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. Some expand to feature angels, shepherds, three wise men and animals around a manger.

Saint Francis of Assisi coordi nated the first known live nativity scene in 1223. His interpretation in cluded a live ox and donkey beside a manger with actors portraying the

biblical characters. Spectators were in awe of Francis’ reenactment, so much that Pope Honorius III also gave it his blessing.

Nativity scenes still inspire wonder and gratitude today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat ter-day Saints in Briargate hosts one of the largest annual nativity exhibits in Colorado, drawing thou sands to its pop-up gallery.

While past exhibits have featured as many as 1,000 crèches, this year’s event on December 1-3 will only include between 200 and 300.

“One thousand crèches can be a little overwhelming,” said event coordinator Chris Lovejoy, 57. “We

want visitors to be able to spend more time with each scene to fully appreciate them.”

DAZZLING DIORAMAS

Every one of the exhibit’s curat ed crèches are fine works of art created from glass, wood, felt, terra cotta and even bone. Each is accompanied by a card supplying information on its unique backsto ry.

The annual exhibit features an assortment of crèches that are both primitive and refined, antique and modern, 2D and 3D. Some are monochromatic while others are colorfully painted with exquisite

detail.

Some are solemn hand-crafted pieces while others are more whim sical, like the nativity scene inside a snow globe or the one starring Charlie Brown and friends. Another crèche portrays Jesus, Mary and Joseph surrounded by palm trees and yet another has the holy family nestled among the letters of the word “Christmas” carved from wood.

The exhibit is an enlightening cultural experience with crèches from all over the world—a result of Colorado Springs’ large military presence as well as contributions from missionaries far and wide.

THE EXHIBIT IS AN

ENLIGHTENING CULTURAL EXPERIENCE WITH CRÈCHES

FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Cultural representations of the nativity are largely influenced by the geography, wildlife and customs of various nations. One crèche depicts a group of Plains Native Americans celebrating Christ’s birth outside a tipi. Lovejoy’s personal favorite is hand-woven from straw and hails from a small village in Africa.

“It’s a great way to open di alogue about Christ, as well as the universality of his birth,” said Lovejoy.

A CRÈCHE’S SURVIVAL STORY

One of the most popular nativity scenes in the church’s collection belongs to Debbie McComber, 75, whose house was destroyed in the

Waldo Canyon fire.

As her son sifted through the rubble, he found one crèche with most of its colorful glaze burned off but otherwise intact, out of the 40-50 his mother had collected.

“[McComber] described it as a testimony to how she too could rise from the ashes,” said Pam Van Wie, 63, the exhibit’s previous coordina tor.

Another one of Van Wie’s favor ite crèches belongs to Mary Ann McConkie and features collectible Simpich Character Dolls made locally from 1952 to 2007.

“Every year her children pur chased a doll for her, knowing of her love for the Savior,” said Van Wie.

This crèche is an example of a traditional approach, with a wooden stable, hand-painted clay figures and many accompanying characters in addition to the Holy Family.

Seeing one subject expressed in so many varied styles and cultural interpre tations is a remarkable viewing experience.

BETHLEHEM COMES TO LIFE

The church’s Christmas Crèche exhibit has grown steadily since it started in 2009. Even when the pandemic put a halt to in-person attendance, the church flung open its digital doors and hosted a virtual exhibit in 2020.

Yet there’s nothing like viewing the artfully arranged crèches in person with music, trees and twin kling lights.

This year’s exhibit opens on Thursday, December 1 at the LDS church on 8710 Lexington Dr.

According to the event’s direc tor, Tina Arter, opening day is the quietest of the three, making it a great opportunity to view and ask questions about the crèches before the crowds descend.

This free gift to the community is organized by a special committee and hundreds of volunteers.

“They help with everything from parking to technology, setup and staging, and managing the animals in the live nativity,” said Lovejoy.

On Friday and Saturday only, visitors can sip complimentary hot chocolate and watch a live nativity in staged outdoor performances at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Live ani mals, biblical costumes and a rustic stable setting add authenticity to the short reenactment with music and drama. Children play the parts of an gels and shepherds and sing hymns, while seniors read aloud scriptures about the wise men.

Despite their diverse origins, de pictions and mediums, the crèches share one aspect: the miracle of Christ’s birth.

For more information on the Christmas Crèche exhibit, visit www.coloradospringscreche.net/ index.cfm and www.facebook.com/ cscreche. ■

DECEMBER 1 5-8 p.m.

DECEMBER 2 1-8 p.m. Live Nativity 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

p.m.,

DECEMBER

p.m.

p.m. and

p.m.

cooking and toasting each other. Yet what if you’re solitary in a celebrating world?

er and three little girls who moved to a town a thousand miles away from everything familiar. I learned early that Hallmark doesn’t have a cor ner on holiday celebrations. You have to make your own version of happy.

I never had children and neither did my part ner Rocky, so no grandkids. But our great-neph ew, Jax, brought us so much joy all year long. As a toddler, he came for sleepovers, and when Christmas rolled around, he helped decorate the tree and set out other seasonal decorations. He loved coming to visit and seeing his name on presents under the tree.

Navigating the Holidays as a Solo-Ager

By Jan Weeks

My change jar provided Jax’s shopping mon ey, and the three of us spent hours at Target as he picked just the right gifts for his folks, his grandma and Rocky.

By the time he was 10, Jax’s family had made their own traditions and we didn’t see much of him anymore. Then Rocky died just before Christ mas. With him went any inclination to decorate.

By the next December, downsizing looked pretty darned good. All the Santas, door hang

changed with every season. A rustic log can dleholder decorates the bookcase with colored

VOLUNTEER TO SERVE DINNER AT A HOMELESS SHELTER OR TO DELIVER MEALS TO THOSE WHO CAN’T GET OUT. MOST IMPORTANTLY, TREAT YOURSELF WITH KINDNESS AND LOVE.

tapers and festive ribbons. The an tique angel tree topper sits on the piano surrounded by gold tinsel, her tiny candles glowing. A crewel Christmas tree with ornaments and gifts welcomes guests at the front door. Hours of preparation have turned to minutes.

I have new customs now. Each holiday morning, I take a long, early walk. A blessed silence and the smell of woodsmoke on the chilly breeze lets my mind wander to memories and future plans. I kick through leaf windrows or fluffy snow, breathe deeply and appreci ate the moment.

A friend and I alternate hosting Christmas dinner. The hostess cooks the main meal, the guest brings dessert and wine. For several

hours we laugh, eat and celebrate our friendship. Maybe we watch a Netflix movie.

Even if you’re alone, you can cre ate your own new and different tra ditions. Take a trip down memory lane with photo albums and enjoy times past. Let old expectations go; make new plans for the new year. Spend time in meditation or other spiritual practice; maybe attend the midnight service on Christmas Eve. Volunteer to serve dinner at a homeless shelter or to deliver meals to those who can’t get out. Most importantly, treat yourself with kindness and love. You alone get to decide how to honor this special time of year, and that can be the greatest gift of all. ■

Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

Recipe courtesy of ScrummyLane.com

Servings: 12 Ingredients

11/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs, at room temperature

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.

In large bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and pumpkin spice. Set aside.

In medium bowl, combine canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granu lated sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir together.

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool at least 10 minutes in pan before removing to wire rack to finish cooling. ■

Foster Grandparents complete the circle of learning

By G.L. Yenne

Just one involved adult is all it takes to change a child’s life for the better.

Research shows that when one or more caring adults takes an active role in a child’s life, they’re more likely to flourish. They are less prone to bullying and depression and more likely to embrace learn ing, extracurriculars and exercise, maintain emotional stability and even volunteer when they’re older.

Maybe one day they’ll aspire to be like Dee Granville, a foster grandparent at James Monroe Elementary School.

Granville, 46, volunteers in the classroom three hours a day Mon day through Friday. She teaches a “little bit of everything” to students in multiple grades, leads fun activities and spends time with those requiring extra attention with their studies.

“The best way to get kids mo tivated is a lot of praise and love,” said Granville, who’s been a foster grandparent for seven years.

She explained that children are very tactile, so she tries to make learning as concrete as possible.

“I take a bag of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters and have the kids adding and subtracting in no time,” she said.

With a background in informa tion management, Granville brings much to this support role and receives a lot in return.

“[The kids] love me! They greet me every day and yell, ‘Nana Dee!’ when they see me. It gets me up

and out of the house every day,” she said.

According to program coordina tor Kisha Wiley, Foster Grandpar ents is a “full circle” program that benefits everyone involved. Senior volunteers feel like they are part of a team and enjoy making a differ ence in their community, students have another caring adult in their lives and teachers receive help in the classroom.

Foster Grandpar ents is a federally funded program through AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service program (like the Peace Corps) that matches adults 55 and older with local part-time opportunities. The local program is sponsored by Volun teers of America.

Foster Grandpar ents are 55 or older, live on fixed in comes and enjoy working with kids. They may volunteer in preschools, elementary schools, Boys and Girls Clubs and libraries. The program focuses on literacy and numeracy for children up to age 12. In re turn for serving 15-40 hours per week, foster grandparents receive benefits including a non-taxable monthly stipend of $3.15 per hour, which doesn’t affect Social Security payments, Medicare or Medicaid, SNAP food assistance or subsidized housing. They also receive paid time off, holidays and training, transportation and mileage reim bursement, recognition and gifts.

Wiley serves as matchmaker for both children and senior volunteers in the community. She holds a monthly in-service meeting for vol

unteers where she shares program updates, new policies, tips on class room management, information on mental health issues, cybersecurity considerations and a meditation. There is even help with making a will. Best of all, volunteers can make connections and exchange stories.

The Foster Grandparents Pro gram is always looking for more

volunteers. Interested seniors will have an initial telephone screening. If they seem like a good fit, they will interview in person and undergo a background check, physical and three-day orientation.

To learn more, visit www.voa colorado.org or contact Wiley at 719-632-1448 or kwiley@voacolo rado.org. ■

Are you looking for something meaningful to do?

Your time and wisdom are valuable. Become a Foster Grandparent Classroom Volunteer. You can share your skills and experience while children shower you with curiosity and hugs. Get involved with Volunteers of America’s Foster Grand parent Program.

Could you use a little extra money each month?

• Do you love children and enjoy spending time with them?

• Are able to volunteer 15-40 hours per week helping children learn and succeed?

• Are you 55 years old or older? Do you live in El Paso County?

• Is your income under $27,180 for a single person household, or under $36,620 for a two-person household?

• Could you use an extra $200 - $400+ per month, plus travel reimbursement?

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

Foster Grandparents Project Manager Sean Fujimoto, left, and Program Coordinator Kisha D. Wiley, right..

Lana Koscove makes tutoring understandable and fun for young students.

RUFF LIFE

The gift of more time

#1 on a dog owner’s Christmas wish list

For December, I wanted to write about gifts. The kinds of gifts you wrap in paper or stuff into a bag, or just slap a bow on top of. Jaunty coats and jazzy sweaters; plush toys that your dog will love—and then discard for your old slippers. I want ed to make a list of affordable and amusing presents to pamper your pooch with this holiday.

2368 Research Park way Colorado Springs, CO 80920 A Residence of Legend Senior Living® LegendSeniorLiving.com 2368 Research Pa rk way 14 | PET PAGE | DECEMBER 2022 | WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

SINCE THIS RECENT Keeping You “On Trail” with Medicare Are you a Veteran/Retiree? Are You Turning 65 and New to Medicare? Do You have TRICARE, VA Healthcare or CHAMPVA Medicare for Veterans Seminar 2nd Wednesday of the Month December 14, 2022 at 2pm Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center 530 Communication Circle • Colo. Springs To RSVP Call, Text, Email or Scan QR code Nick Palarino, Licensed Insurance Broker (719) 301-9525 • nicky.colorado@gmail.com Enrollment periods may apply. Not affiliated with the U.S. government or federal Medicare program. 2368 Research Park way Colorado Springs, CO 80920 A Residence of Legend Senior Living® LegendSeniorLiving.com

But yesterday, I had a hard time getting into the spirit. Ernie has cancer. This is the dog who, with the help of his veterinary warriors, bared his teeth at cirrhosis, eluding the dismal odds for almost four years. When I call the clinic for his prescription refills, there is always a pause.

“So… Ernie is still with us, then!”

Since this recent cancer diagno sis, I magically mused that he might just lift his leg on the Grim Reap er’s feet once again. But yesterday morning we caught a glimpse of his mortality.

The grand mal seizure racked Ernie’s body just before sunrise. Scrambling to calm him and com fort a frantic Chip, we realized, in utter disbelief, that this might be the end. In the aftermath, Er nie could not get up, nor use his left-sided limbs. We carried our weak fluffy clown to a sunny bed in the living room, and Chip curled up nearby. I called the vet. As she listed the likely (bleak) reasons for Ernie’s condition, I glanced at him lying motionless, but peaceful.

“Tomorrow,” I choked.

In the kitchen around noon, Ernie’s nose poked my leg.

“Did you forget about my break fast?” he asked. I was euphoric.

His right eye was wonky, and his body swayed to the left. But as the day progressed, the Leaning Tower of Ernie became upright Ernie, which progressed to trotting Ernie.

Barking Ernie joined Chip in the yard, and the brothers alerted us to strangers walking by. Hungry Ernie reminded me about supper and his bedtime treat. I reminded him, repeatedly, that I love him, and that he is such a good boy.

I know what this is, and that it’s temporary. I’ve gone through this with human loved ones. One hos pice nurse called it The Gift—that extraordinary and elusive moment when a patient suddenly declares, “I’m not dead yet!” It might last a minute or an hour or an entire day. Some lucky people get a week or a month out of it.

When the sun came up this morning, Ernie was standing next to our bed, staring at Kyle. And as I write this—in this moment—Ernie is dozing by my feet. We don’t know what’s next, or even when “next” is.

THE RUFF LIFE BY MARTI BENSON Send your questions to Marti in care of Life After 50, or email her directly at OutnumberedByDogs@gmail.com

7 great ways to avoid anxiety and holiday stress

Irealized why I have been feeling stressed lately. I feel inundated with Christmas decorations, crowds and holiday paraphernalia. I’m nowhere near holly and jolly right now; I’m barely getting ready for Christmas and I’ve already been swamped with holiday prep since October.

There used to be some sep aration in the old days; do you remember that? The beginning of December was often the start of Christmas advertising, but now there are displays up starting far before Thanksgiving. There’s no breather between the holidays now. I feel like Lucy working the conveyor belt of chocolates!

While companies improve their bottom line by drawing shoppers in for early holiday purchases, we find ourselves becoming overwhelmed and stressed. Here’s what you can do to cope with rising holiday stresses and anxieties:

1. Avoid large box stores that cause anxiety. Choose boutique stores that time their holiday ad vertising reasonably. Often, these stores give fair breathing room between holidays, reducing stress and pressure on shoppers who don’t want to be swarmed with Christmas in September! Another option is to shop online on your own terms.

2. Avoid impulse buying. Don’t make a purchase until you feel comfortable doing so. Purchase things that people need right now, like a gift card or a specifi cally requested gift.

3. Stick to a budget. Anxiety sets

in when you feel out of control, and if you don’t set a price limit for the holidays, you’ll wind up in trouble come January when your credit card bill arrives. If your budget is limited, bake something or make a homemade craft. People who care for you don’t even need a gift; they just need to know you love them.

4. Ask about store return pol icies. Will you be able to get a refund on an item if you change your mind?

5. Stay focused and set a time boundary. If you have to go into a store, set a time frame for the item(s) you need. Set the tim er on your phone and avoid a tailspin by steering clear of aisles that offer things you don’t need.

6. Stay calm. What’s wrong with drinking a cup of warm green tea or taking a sniff of lavender? What about taking two capsules of magnesium before the trip? These items are calming, as com pared to a double-shot espresso which cranks up stress-related neurotransmitters.

7. Limit social media. Avoid the barrage of holiday advertise ments that pop up on your news feeds. Google “pilates ball” and you will soon see two dozen ads for this!

Kick off the holiday season when YOU want to! Use these coping strategies to help yourself, and become aware of how certain stores make you feel. Spend your dollars wisely, and prepare for Christmas on your own schedule. ■

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DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

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

Trent Sayers, D.D.S.

Transportation from home to medical appointments and our adult day health center. Coordinated care plans that make it easy to access qualified doctors, nurses, and specialists. Our staff and other seniors create a caring community that will help you or your loved one thrive. A wide variety of exciting activities and events to stay active and engaged.

The ABsolute best abdominal exercise for women over 50

By Alicia Jones

What’s

the number one area of the body that women are most concerned about improving?

The tummy!

Whether it’s to look like a million bucks wearing sleek outfits or reducing back pain and relieving “leaky bladder” syndrome, having strong abdominal muscles is the key to feeling great from the inside out. The only problem is that many ab exercises do the exact opposite

of what they are expected to do. Instead of flattening the stomach, they work the outer layer of the abdominal wall, causing it to stick out like a little pouch and create back injury.

A study done by the American Council on Exercise found that crunches are the least effective of all abdominal exercises. Additional ly, they can also damage the pelvic floor. And let’s not talk about the damage those painful leg raises

wreak!

Building a strong core is essential to having a healthy body. The good news is, there are safe, effective and easy exercises that don’t take much time and don’t need any equipment.

My favorite is a modified plank crunch, which pulls in the waistline like a corset and strengthens the back and pelvic floor. It gives the strength-building benefit of a plank without the pressure on the shoul

one

Start on your stomach with your el bows in a 90-degree angle, directly under your shoulders with the pil low under your knees. It may look like the classic plank position but I promise, this is not a plank exercise. Gently relax your back, letting it

two

Next, exhale and lift the stomach up towards the sky, straightening out the back so it looks like you’re in a plank position for a second, then relax and allow the stomach to come back down. When you straighten your back, there should

ders, wrists and lower back.

The modification focuses on the stomach so you feel the burn of the abdominal muscles working without the pressure a plank puts on other parts of the body. This is my ABsolute favorite abdominal exercise (see what I did there?).

All you need is a mat and a pillow to cushion your knees. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps so you can make this part of your regular workout routine:

fall towards the floor. Notice what you’re feeling there. A little bit of tension is fine as long as there isn’t any pain. You’re allowing the spine to gently massage the discs into their natural alignment, so just relax and let your body work its magic.

be no pressure on the lower back. Be careful that you don’t go up too high and start to lift your bottom as that does nothing other than put pressure on the shoulders and defeats the entire point of the exercise.

three

Now let’s add in breath work. As you lift your stomach upwards, ex hale, then inhale as you relax back down to the ground. Exhaling helps contract the internal abdominal muscles and pulls in the waistline. An added benefit of this exercise is that it also strengthens the pelvic floor, a common issue for women that causes incontinence. When you’re first starting out, aim for three sets of 15 repetitions and as you progress, challenge yourself with one to three sets for one min ute each.

four

Relax and check in with your back. How is it feeling? Does it still have the same level of tension as when you started or has it eased up a bit now that you’ve gently allowed the discs to move into proper alignment?

five

To finish, push back into child’s pose, with your bottom resting on your heels, your body relaxed over your knees with your arms stretched out on the ground in

front of you. Let go of all the tension in your body and feel your back relax.

six

Take a breath in as you gently roll up, feeling your vertebrae stack on top of each other one by one to bring your spine into an upright position.

And that’s it! This is one of the best abdominal exercises for women because it’s gentle, safe and works those deep internal muscles that will help you build a strong core while strengthening your pelvic floor. ■

10 CHRISTMAS PUNS

Submitted by Leslie Shuer

1. How did the ornament get addicted to Christmas?

He was hooked on trees his whole life.

2. Why was Santa’s little helper depressed? Because he had very low elf esteem.

3. What does the Grinch do with a baseball bat? Hits a gnome and runs.

4. What do you call a broke Santa Claus? Saint Nickel-less.

5. What do you call a kid who doesn’t believe in Santa? A rebel without a Claus.

6. Why did Frosty ask for a divorce?

His wife was a total flake.

7. Why does Scrooge love reindeer so much?

Because every single buck is dear to him!

8. What do you get when you cross a duck with Santa?

A Christmas quacker.

9. What’s Santa’s favorite snack food?

Crisp Pringles.

10. Why do mummies like Christmas so much?

They’re into all the wrapping.

A PUNNY CHRISTMAS

Submitted by Judy Howard

What did the wise men say after they offered up their gifts of gold and frankincense?

“Wait, there’s myrrh!”

A SIGN OF THE TIMES

Submitted by Clark Bellington

As a little girl climbed onto Santa’s lap, he asked the usual, “And what would you like for Christmas?”

The child stared at him openmouthed and horrified.

“Didn’t you get my email?”

BUY YOUR OWN GIFT

Submitted by Robert Walles

Last Christmas, Grandpa was feel ing 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 af ter 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.

THE PERFECT DRESS

Submitted by Donna Morton

Jennifer’s wedding day was ap proaching and nothing could damp en her excitement—not even her parents’ divorce. Her mother had found the perfect dress to wear and would be the best-dressed mother of the bride ever.

A week later, Jennifer was horri fied to learn that her father’s new wife had bought the exact same dress! She asked her to exchange it, but she refused. Jennifer told her mother, who graciously said, “Never mind, sweetheart. I’ll get another dress. After all, it’s your special day.”

They went shopping a few days later and found another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, “Aren’t you going to return the other dress? You really don’t have another occasion where you could wear it.”

Her mother just smiled and replied, “Of course, I do, dear. I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.”

PERKS OF HAVING A WIFE

Submitted by Jacque Stafford

A senior citizen said to his 80-yearold buddy:

“So I hear you’re getting mar ried.”

“Yep!”

“Do I know her?”

“Nope!”

“Is she good looking?”

“Not really.”

“Is she a good cook?”

“Nah, she can’t cook too well.”

“Does she have lots of money?”

“Nope! Poor as a church mouse.”

“Well, then, is she good in bed?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why in the world do you want to marry her then?”

“Because she can still drive!”

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Submitted by Beth Martin

Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being dis charged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet who insisted he didn’t need my help to leave the hospital.

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.

On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

“I don’t know,” he said. “She’s still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.”

MORE LIKE HOME

Submitted by Joe Hendricks

In the retirement community of Sun City in Hilton Head, South Car olina last week, there was a bumper sticker on a parked car that read: “I miss Chicago.”

So someone broke the windows, stole the radio, shot out all four of the tires and left a note that read: “Hope this helps!”

WEIGHT GAIN 101

Submitted by Mary Fran Baldo

How come when you mix water and flour together you get glue? Then you add eggs and sugar and you get cake? Where did the glue go? You know where it went! That’s what makes the cake stick to your butt.

HEY, DARLING

Submitted by ML Madsen

The foreman on a large worksite noticed a new laborer one day and barked at him:

“What’s your name?”

“John,” the new guy replied.

The foreman scowled. “Look, I don’t know what kind of wishywashy worksite you were at before, but I don’t call anyone by their first name. It’s weak and wastes time. I call my employees by their last name only. If I want a job done, I yell “Baker, get this.” or “Jones, do that.” Now that we have that straight, what’s your last name?

The new guy sighs and said “Dar ling. My name is John Darling.”

The foreman paused briefly for a couple of seconds, then quietly said “Okay, John, the first thing I want you to do is...” ■

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Pretty and pleasurable holiday plants that are easy to grow

friend gave me a plant for the holidays. She didn’t know what kind of plant it was, but she promised it would make beautiful flowers.

One dreary day in February, the first bud opened. I was thrilled! That flower looked like an orange tiger lily with a white throat. It was one of the prettiest things I had ever seen!

I searched through spring bulb catalogs for the name for the plant until I eventually found my February friend in all its glory!

AMARYLLIS

It was an Amaryllis (hippeastrum), the Dutch bulb sold during the holiday season. My particular vari ety, iridescent orange with a white center, is called charmeur.

The red and white Amaryllis you see sold in boxes are just the begin ning of the colors and sizes that will surprise and delight you.

Try one (or more) of these lovely Amaryllis varieties: red lion (vivid scarlet color), Christmas gift (pure white); apple blossom (pink blending to white); clown (red and white peppermint-candy striped).

Pot up amaryllis bulbs any time during the winter months. Soak the roots for an hour before potting.

Use a pot with good drainage that is 3 inches wider than the bulb.

Put down a few inches of soil and place the bulb in the center of the pot. Add soil until two-thirds of the bulb is covered. Keep the soil 1 inch below the pot rim and water thoroughly.

Put your new amaryllis in a warm, sunny room. Water it when the soil is dry, making sure it’s moist but not soggy.

When it finishes flowering, treat it as you would any other house plant and cut the stalk back as low as you can without disturbing the leaves.

Here’s the secret for getting your amaryllis to bloom again: stop watering the plant in August. The leaves will turn yellow and die. Gently cut off the dead leaves, and then start watering your bulb again in November.

PAPERWHITES

For many families, growing cheerful paperwhites is a winter tradition. But while the amaryllis can live on to bloom again, paperwhites do not. They will spend all their energy flowering indoors.

It takes about six weeks from planting for paperwhites to bloom. They are so easy to grow that they don’t even need potting soil—just a bowl of pebbles and water. It’s a fun project for grandkids, and they make great gifts.

Choose a fun container for your paperwhites. Any watertight container that is 4 or 5 inches deep,

and wide enough to hold bulbs side by side will work.

Use your imagination. Consider clean river rocks or a variety of stones, marbles or glass beads to anchor the bulbs in the bowl and hold them steady once growth be gins. Place a layer of these several inches deep into the container.

Fit as many bulbs as you can onto the stone layer. Pack them in firmly with the pointy-ends up. The more bulbs, the better—they will hold one another up and reward you with loads of flowers.

Hand-place a second layer of stones around and in between the bulbs. Leave the bulb shoulders (where the tops narrow) and necks exposed. Add enough water so it rises close enough so the bulb can “sniff” the water but not touch it.

If you choose a clear container, you can watch the roots grow. Set the planted bulbs in a cool, bright spot. The brighter the light, the less “leggy” the plants will be. You can secure a leggy narcissus by tying ribbon or raffia around the whole bunch, two thirds of the way

up the stems.

Try these two unique paperwhite varieties: Chinese Sacred Lily (yel low and white with citrus fragrance) or Soleil d’Or (pure yellow).

Both amaryllis and paperwhites are so easy to grow that it’s almost shameful to get these spectacular flowers with so little effort.

Winter is a season when we his torically get sick and fatigued, and are starved for color. During those cold, dark days, fresh indoor flowers keep our spirits believing that spring will indeed come again. ■

Vacation

where the stars do

Popular travel destinations to spot celebrities

By Victor Block

Four people walk into a tavern: Oprah Win frey, Owen Wilson, Britney Spears and you.

If this sounds far-fetched, it could be true—if you were vacationing in Maui.

That Hawaiian island is among the U.S. des tinations that attract Hollywood A-listers and other famous people when they’re seeking a bit of R&R. Whether you’re a star-struck movie fan or just a lucky traveler, it’s possible to cross paths with the rich and famous at destinations that range from likely to less anticipated.

Long stretches of golden sand beaches, the sprawling Haleakala volcano and graceful water falls are just a few of Mother Nature’s touches that attract travelers to Maui. Those seeking active pursuits against this backdrop may opt for hiking, mountain biking, surfing or snorkeling.

It’s not clear how many of these interests appeal to Oprah, Owen and Britney, but these three are among the many stars often spotted. Kate Hudson, Ben Affleck, Selena Gomez and Bill Clinton are other celebrities known to frequent the island.

Another type of view and vibe greet visitors at Miami Beach. Jennifer Lopez and members of the Kardashian clan have been spotted checking out what it has to offer. They often turn their at

tention to Florida’s South Beach and the eclectic list of appeals there.

The sparkling sand is lined by art-deco hotels, high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants and bars—a natural environment for people-watch ing. And whom better to set your sights for than stars of the silver screen?

ASPEN

OTHER STARS ARE SERIOUS SNOWBIRDS

If you’re more of a snowbird than sun, sand and surf seeker, you might prefer to join the likes of Michael Douglas, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore and Mariah Carey, who frequent Aspen, Colora do. Along with thrilling slopes that challenge ski ers and snowboarders, the town offers a choice of warm-weather activities including mountain hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, boating and climbing.

Given its popularity among the rich and famous, along with the well-to-do and not so well-known, Aspen is home to fine-dining restau rants, fancy boutiques and fashionable spas.

Celebrities seeking an escape from the exclu sive luxury of Aspen opt for Sun Valley, Idaho. It became the first destination ski resort in the United States when it opened in 1936 and con tinues to appeal to a swanky clientele in spite—

YOU MIGHT SEE THE LIKES OF MICHAEL DOUGLAS, JACK NICHOLSON, DEMI MOORE AND MARIAH CAREY, WHO FREQUENT ASPEN.

or, for some, because—of its more laid-back atmosphere. Regular visitors include Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss.

GAMBLING AND GLITTERING LIGHTS

Wagering replaces outdoor winter activities in Las Vegas, Nevada. Much of the action happens indoors with city lights, clubs and nightlife, games of chance and glittering entertainment. Savvy savers who stay away from the lure of cards and dice can enjoy a variety of vacation activities without blowing their bank account. It’s not known if that applies to Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Gwen Stefani, who are among entertainers who have been spotted along the Las Vegas Strip.

JAZZ AND BLUES MUSIC HAVE THEIR FAMOUS FANS

Nightlife also gets top billing in New Orleans, Louisiana. That’s only natural for a city nick named the “Big Easy” and “Birthplace of Jazz.” While fun and frivolity are abundant there, it also offers fascinating history, a rich cultur al mélange, and an A (art) to Z (zoo) list of things to see and do. That inviting choice may be among reasons why Sandra Bullock, Nicolas

CAPE COD

Cage and Brad Pitt purchased homes there, and Beyonce, Serena Williams and Harry Connick, Jr. are among celebs who have visited.

If New Orleans is where jazz music was born, there’s little argument that Nashville, Tennessee is the birthplace of country music. No wonder Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Blake Shel ton own homes there. A number of now-famous singers got their start warbling tunes at the Blue bird Café, and other celebrity hang-outs include The Pancake Pantry and Capitol Grille.

STAR-STRUCK SUMMERS IN NEW ENGLAND

Some stars who prefer New England set their

CAPE COD HAS SEEN SINGERSONGWRITER CARLY SIMON AND ACTORS TED DANSON AND MARY STEENBURGEN, AMONG OTHERS.

sights on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a maritime magnet for seafarers since Norse voyagers showed up around 1000 AD. It became a sum mer haven for city dwellers beginning around the end of the 19th century, and more recently for Meg Ryan, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal.

As long as he’s in Cape Cod, Gyllenhaal has been known to make the short trip to nearby Martha’s Vineyard. That island, believed to have been named for a relative of an English explorer who traveled there in 1602, is a popular, affluent summer colony. Today’s visitors stroll through its quaint towns, enjoy inviting beaches and check out the five lighthouses that have marked its shoreline since “the Vineyard” was a fishing and whaling hub in the 1800s.

They may recognize singer-songwriter Carly Simon or actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenbur gen, who have houses there, or Barack Obama who has been known to drop by. ■

By Mia Brabaek

Ican easily say Christmas is my fa vorite holiday. It’s a magical blan ket that covers my whole world, bringing joy to everything it touch es. Bright colors and rich smells fill the air with Christmas spirit. Gifts lay wrapped like diamonds beneath a thousand multicolored stars. I can’t remember a time when the day wasn’t incredible.

At least, that’s how I’ve been blessed to experience Christmas. It’s always been special to celebrate it in the Scandinavian tradition.

For me, Christmas comes early on December 24—one whole day before the rest of the world. That’s because Nordic countries celebrate most of their holidays the eve of due to ancient time-keeping prac tices. Truthfully, it feels special to watch the world quietly prepare for Christmas while I celebrate with my family.

THE BEST PARTS OF CHRISTMAS

Scandinavian Christmases emphasize the gathering of family through cooking. Though mine is small, we gather on Christmas Eve to spend the day prepping for the big event: dinner! Julega ver (presents) aren’t opened until the evening after the meal, so the morning and afternoon are filled with time in the kitchen. Everyone plays a part, from potato peeling to whipped cream licking or gravy stirring. Of course, the whipped cream licking is my job.

The staple of a typical Danish Christmas dinner and my personal favorite is the Flæskesteg, a pork shoulder roasted with the skin on. My father usually prepares that first, covering the meat with salt, pepper and bay leaves. It goes into the oven, roasting all day until the house is filled with the savory aroma. It brings a smile to my lips wondering how many homes in Denmark smell that exact same way while red-nosed children smack their lips in anticipation.

Let no one fool you into skipping dessert. While the meat cooks, we all come together to prepare a chilled rice pudding dessert named Ris alamande.

This delicious sweet comes

with a game. Though the dish con sists of rice, homemade whipped cream and chopped almonds, one single whole almond is dropped into the pot. Be the first to get the whole nut and you win a prize!

My family and I have played this game ever since I could reasonably eat food and I only once have I ever gotten the almond! Unlucky?

Prepping Ris alamande is only half the fun. In order to make the pudding, we have to boil the almonds and skin them before chopping them. As tedious as this sounds, boiling makes them ripe for Smutte Mandler, which indirectly translates to “almond fights.” You can literally shoot the almonds out of their skins like peas and attack an unsuspecting family member. Flying almonds are just a normal part of our Christmas morning!

When we gather to eat, we give thanks to the Lord, for He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

FOLKLORE AND TRADITIONS

Our bellies full, our eyes are slowly pulled to the Juletræ (Christmas tree) with its twinkling lights and Jule Nissen (Christmas elves/ spirits) dolls and strings of Danish flags.

The Jule Nissen traditionally are little mischievous Christmas spirits who love to cause chaos if you don’t give them small gifts and food. My father places them in the boughs of the Juletræ and they watch us as we sit around the tree and bring Julegaver to each other.

As a child, I remember spending one Christmas with my grand mother in Denmark in her crooked forest house. I’ll always remember her placing a bowl of Risengrød

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

Glædelig Jul (gleh-dth-e-lee yool) Merry Christmas Jule Nissen (yool-eh ni-sen) - Christmas elves/spirits Flæskesteg (fle-ski-stai) - Pork shoulder roasted with the skin on Smutte Mandler (smoo-tuh mant-luh) - “Almond fights” Ris alamande (rees a-la-mang) - A chilled rice pudding dessert Juletræ (yool-eh-trei) - Christmas tree Julegaver (yool-eh-gei-oh) - Presents Lille Jule Aften (lee-le yool-eh aft-en) - Little Christmas Eve Risengrød (ree-sen-grert) - Cooked rice with milk that’s often left out for the Jule Nissen This one is very hard to pronounce since the ø sound does not have an English language counterpart. If you are curious about the sound, look up a pronunciation video online. Or maybe you know a Dane and can ask them!

OF THE Month Question

Question

THE

By Rhonda Wray

Compiled by Rhonda Wray

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

(the rice porridge base made for Ris alamande the night before) in my small hands. One night, she led me to the attic and told me to leave it there for the Jule Nissen. The next morning, I ran up there and found the porridge eaten!

Though we don’t often leave Risen grød out for the Jule Nis sen anymore, we still eat it for dinner the night before Christmas Eve. Ris engrød is cooked rice with milk.

We each take a small warm serving from the pot and mix in a dollop of melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a delicious Lille Jule Aften (Lit tle Christmas Eve or the Christmas Eve to our Christmas) meal.

For me, Christmas is a wonderful tradition and a wel come excuse to find sparks of joy throughout the season. I implore every one to try some Flæskesteg or Ris alamande and look out for those naughty Jule Nissen. Glædelig Jul! ■

Dottie Kinsinger

Dottie Kinsinger

“Every year my mother decorated our tree with blue lights and hung strands of the silver icicle-type tinsel on it. Our tradition was to celebrate on Christmas Eve, which felt so special. My grandma’s peanut butter fudge always made a delicious appearance.”

“Every year my mother decorated our tree with blue lights and hung strands of the silver icicle-type tinsel on it. Our tradition was to celebrate on Christmas Eve, which felt so special. My grandma’s peanut butter fudge always made a delicious appearance.”

Tami Mark

Tami Mark

“On Christmas Eve we’d go to church, then drive around and look at the lights. At home, Dad read the Christmas story from the Bible, we’d open one gift (always pajamas) and eat Christmas cookies. The music sounded more melodious, the lights seemed extra twinkly and the cookies tast ed even better—like God was showing us what a wonderful gift He was giving us.”

“On Christmas Eve we’d go to church then drive around and look at the lights. At home, Dad read the Christmas story from the Bible, we’d open one gift (always pajamas) and eat Christmas cookies. The music sounded more melodious, the lights seemed extra twinkly and the cookies tasted even better—like God was showing us what a wonderful gift He was giving us.”

Karen & Stan Hill

“We used to decorate our tree on our oldest child’s birthday, which was two weeks before Christmas. After she died, we migrated away from that since our younger girls were just toddlers. Years later, they asked to put the tree up on their sister’s birthday. Our tradition made a comeback. December 11 is our day to decorate…and remember.”

Sue Trinko

Sue Trinko

“As a child, I remember the women of the family baking Scandinavian fare like sandbakkels, krumkake and rosettes. It felt like we had thousands of treats! Now, my mother-in-law’s special spaghetti sauce warms in the Crock Pot while we go to the Christ mas Eve service. We have an early dinner with wine, then watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’”

“As a child, I remember the women of the family baking Scandinavian fare like sandbakkels, krumkake and rosettes. It felt like we had thousands of treats! Now, my mother-in-law’s special spaghetti sauce warms in the Crock Pot while we go to the Christ mas Eve service. We have an early dinner with wine, then watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’”

Rings don’t fit because of arthritis?

Pastor Bob Hollopeter Sunday Service: 10:30am & 6:30pm Wednesday Afternoon Prayer Meeting: 3:00pm 2728 Beacon Street Colorado Springs (719) 636-1515

When the Cowboys Came For Christmas

By Nona Kelly Carver

Alittleboy was sitting upon his grandpa’s knee, and he began to question of how things used to be.

“Grandpa, how was Christ mas when you were just a boy? Did you wait for Santa? Did you want a shiny toy?”

The grandpa’s eyes looked dreamy as he thought of long ago, and he began this story for the grandson he loved so:

“We had a Cowboy Christ mas, for we lived out near the range. It wasn’t very fancy, but I would never change

The memories that I treasure of how it was for me, and of the happy hours spent around the Christmas tree.

We had no television, no flashy shopping mall...but I had my mom and dad, and the cow boys. That is all.

Dad let me ride behind him when he went to find a tree. We dragged it home across the snow; my dad, his horse, and me.

The cowboys helped us set it up and decorate each branch, with paper chains and popcorn strings; things common on the ranch.

And Mama baked some cook ies. They tasted, oh, so good! We warmed up by the heating stove as flames burned up the wood.

My daddy took his Bible, and read to us that night, the story of the Christ Child, and the star that gave Him light.

He read about the shepherds coming on a night so cold, and kings who rode on camels, bringing frankincense and gold.

He told us of the angels hose songs filled up the sky, and how the mother held the child, and

how he didn’t cry.

He talked about a stable and of a manger there. The cowboys lis tened quietly. They really seemed to care.

Then they went back to the bunkhouse, and Dad put me to bed with thoughts about the story still running through my head.

I woke on Christmas morning, a wondrous sight to see! There was the entire manger scene beneath the Christmas tree!

For while I had been waiting, and trying to be good, the cow boys had been carving the figures out of wood.

Old Joe had built the stable and topped it with a star, and Bill had carved the camels and kings who came so far.

Slim had fashioned Mary, with Joseph by her side, and Morgan made the shepherds, who had no place to hide.

My dad had carved the Christ Child upon a manger bed, and Mama made the angels to hang above his head.

There were donkeys, cows and critters, and a little band of sheep. They had set the whole scene up while I was fast asleep!

We sang the Christmas Carols, and of the Christmas Star, as Slim picked out the melodies on his battered old guitar.

Each cowboy had a story that he told for us that day, and Mama baked a turkey, inviting them to stay.

Yes, that’s how I remember Christmas a long time ago; The story of the Christ Child and how He loves us so.

Of a day of songs and stories, and of the feast we shared, when the cowboys came for Christmas, to let us know they cared.” ■

Post-pandemic tech hacks that make life easier

If you are reading this column, you live in a community experiencing the following problems: Employers in every industry are struggling to find people who will show up to a job interview, let alone a shift of actual work.

Employees are struggling to find jobs that pay enough to cover gas, groceries and rent. Employers must factor increased mandatory leave, benefits and other factors into the budget for salary, which can be difficult for everyday workers.

The price of everything has increased because of a perfect storm of supply shortages, worker shortages and the fact that 80% of U.S. currency has been printed in the past two years. Too much money chasing too few products is the definition of inflation.

All of that paints a grim picture, but hardship and opportunity share the same foundation. While many in Generation Y and Z are using new tools to avoid the rigors and pains of living structured and scheduled lives, Boomers and Generation Xers can use the same resources to help shel ter themselves from the impending financial, employment and cultural storms that linger on the horizon.

Here are a few tools and re sources that have been developed or improved during the pandemic lockdown that can also be used to help you stay healthy, safe and pro ductive should the recovery from the new normal last longer than the pandemic lockdown itself.

BANK FROM YOUR PHONE

Stop avoiding online transactions, but especially banking. You feel safe riding in vehicles that run on fire, explosive gasses and lethal chemi cal compounds. If you can trust an engineer to harness the physical and unalterable laws of physics, you can trust banks and commerce to rely on the equally unalterable laws of mathematics.

Financial transactions are

FINANCIAL

encrypted so strongly they can’t be broken by anyone. If someone steals your identity or accesses your bank account, it will happen because you gave the bad guy the information to do so. It won’t be because hackers used Hollywood technology to break into your account. Paying a bill through your online bank is safer and more accu rate than any process that involves humans or paper.

Your smartphone likely has the ability to act as your debit card and wirelessly pay for transactions at checkout. This is by far the safest way to pay for anything because it creates a direct encrypted payment from your bank to the business with no chance of anyone accessing your debit card, cash or personal information.

REMOTE WORK IS A VIABLE OPTION

Working remotely is exactly what it sounds like. There are many compa nies that prefer to avoid the costs of real estate and maintenance by hiring people to work from wher ever they are. If you are skilled in a type of work that doesn’t require you to physically work on-site, there are probably remote worker openings listed on Indeed.com or other job sites.

I have been a remote worker for my employer for six years. The pay,

benefits and working conditions are the best I have ever had. If you are looking to improve your lifestyle and income, and have more quali ty time with your pets and family, use this era of staffing shortage to make some changes.

Here’s a tip: It’s important to use the keyword “remote work,” when searching for these types of jobs.

USE APPS TO MAKE SHOPPING EASIER

Ninety percent of my shopping time is spent on my phone.

For example, shopping for a $25

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN

toaster used to involve reading tons of online reviews and then running to every possible retailer in town to check prices and availability.

Now every major retailer has an app that provides prices, sales and availability information for the specific store that I will be pur chasing from. That means I know whether Target or Best Buy have the toaster in stock, how much it costs and whether I have enough loyalty points banked to use toward the purchase.

Further, when I see something on sale while shopping in the aisles of a store, I frequently check the apps of other local retailers to see if I can get a better deal elsewhere.

Apps will make your life so much easier and you will use much less gas by not running around.

Many people are afraid to use technology because they feel that it somehow increases their online presence. But the truth is, the apps only work because your presence is online. Rather than fear the digital tools that others use, I suggest you implement them to augment or even automate your life so you can streamline the day to day. ■

How to protect yourself from holiday shopping scams

Keep scammers from playing the Grinch this year

Online scams cost Americans nearly $7 billion throughout 2021, according to the FBI, and with the holiday shopping season ramping up, it’s vital that people understand how to avoid falling victim to scams.

“Scams often increase with consumer spending, making the holidays ripe for scammers trying to take advantage of the season’s sense of urgency and scarcity,” said Amy Maliga, a financial edu cator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “It’s not enough to be aware of scams, though. You have to learn how to watch for and avoid them so your happy holidays don’t turn into a nightmare.”

Maliga shared several things to watch out for to avoid falling prey to holiday shopping scams:

Use secure payment methods: Be wary of websites or sellers that request unusual payment methods like wire transfers, cashier’s checks or apps. Stick to secure payment options such as major credit cards or PayPal.

Check for site security: Look for “https” at the front of the site’s URL and the small lock icon in the brows er window. These indicate that the website is secure, ensuring any data you share (such as credit card numbers or shipping details) will be encrypted when you submit it.

Watch for spelling and grammat ical errors: If you notice a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes on a website, social media posts or

other promotional materials, you likely want to shop elsewhere.

Pay attention to reviews: Re views can reveal much about online retailers and sellers. Are there lots of poor reviews from buyers who didn’t receive what they purchased? Or are there numerous glowing reviews that all read alike? Either may indicate the site isn’t what it claims to be.

Watch for “phishy” confirmation emails: If you receive a confirmation email for an order you didn’t place, ignore and delete it. Knowing peo ple are likely making several orders, scammers will send a phishing email disguised as a confirmation notice from legitimate retailers. If it ap pears legit, try manually searching the order number on the retailer’s website instead of clicking on any included links.

Don’t let scammers steal your money or your holiday cheer. If a deal or website appears too good to be true, it likely is. ■

Additional resources

To combat financial scams and ensure holiday shopping success, explore Take Charge America’s Budget Tools at www.takecharge america.org/budget-tools

The rise and fall of

By Randal C. Hill

On the night of December 27, 1960, 1,500 music fans jammed into the spacious Lither land Town Hall in Liverpool, En gland. Promotional posters prom ised fans a grand night of dancing and rock ’n’ roll, thanks to the debut of “the Sensational BeatlesDirect from Hamburg.” Attendees that night—who logically assumed the band came from Germany— would remark later how good the quartet’s English skills were when ever the group members chatted with the audience.

Actually, all four Beatles had grown up in Liverpool. But for the previous five months, they had been playing long sets of American Top 40 hits in bars and dance clubs

in the gritty Reeperbahn district of Hamburg. In doing so, they had morphed from a ragtag bunch of minimally talented musicians into a respectable cover band that had become popular as headliners.

Back at Litherland, as the Beatles waited behind a curtain drawn across the dancehall stage, the emcee snapped the crowd to attention with “And now, every body, the band you’ve been waiting for! Direct from Hamburg…” But before the word “Beatles” could be uttered, a nervous Paul McCartney burst through the curtain, singing his best high-octane Little Richard imitation: “I’m gonna tell Aunt Mary about Uncle John; he said he had the misery but he got a lot of fun.”

“Long Tall Sally” instantly fueled

the crowd’s rush to the stage to revel in the Beatles’ half-hour set as the leather-jacketed young artists staked their claim to history.

According to numerous rock his torians, “Beatlemania” was ushered in that night. Within two years the Fab Four became UK stars, and by 1964 they ruled the international pop music world.

Flash forward six years to August 29, 1966. The Beatles are scheduled to play a concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Fans headed to that performance didn’t realize that this will be the final live show of the quartet’s career, as the four some kept the announcement to themselves until they returned to England.

So pronounced was John Len non’s malaise that he had begun calling the Beatles’ live act a “freak show.”

Ringo Starr offered no argu ment. “Nobody was listening at the shows,” he said.

Even normally positive Paul Mc Cartney confessed, “It wasn’t fun anymore.”

Fans did not realize that the Beatles’ concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966 would be their last.

Who could blame the band for their decision? Worldwide fame, it seemed, had robbed the musicians of everything they enjoyed about performing before an audience. The group’s powerful Vox amps had become all but useless against the nightly scream fest that rolled over the band like an oceanic tide.

That night, at the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, the Beatles performed their last live gig on an elevated platform erected over second base and surrounded by a chain-link fence. The world’s leading rockers, amid chilly swirls of fog, performed their final concert in a cage.

Their show, as usual, ran half an hour, and the last song sung was “Long Tall Sally.” For those who could hear him, it was said that Paul McCartney had never sounded better. T

CALENDAR

December 1, 8, 15 & 22

Music for Christmas & the Holidays

If it’s a Thursday in December, it’s an opportunity to bring your family and friends and a sack lunch if desired for an hour of carols and holiday music played on Colorado’s larg est theater organ at the Immanuel Organ Gym.

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

December 1-22

Cowboy Christmas Jubilee

Gather your family, business, club or organization and choose from two

December 1-23

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

This beloved holiday classic comes to the Fine Arts Center’s stage every day except Monday and Tuesday as a captivating 1940s radio broadcast with live foley sound effects and a small ensemble that plays all the characters.

Varied times | 30 W. Dale St. | $21-$50 | https://fac.colorado college.edu | 719-634-5583

performances every Thursday-Sun day. The twinkling lights, the smoked meat dinner and the music by the Flying W Wranglers will make your heart sing!

4 & 7:30 p.m. | 3330 Chuckwagon Road | $65 | www.flyingw.com | 719-598-4000

December 1-31

Magic Lights

The twinkle of a million LED lights surrounds you as you drive through Pikes Peak International Raceway! Animated characters include Bar bie, life-size dinosaurs and monster trucks, followed by The 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland and the 200-footlong Enchanting Tunnel of Lights.

5:30-10 p.m. | 16650 Midway Ranch Rd, Fountain | $15 per car | www. magicoflights.com | 719-382-7223

December 2 City Song!

Light up the city with caroling joy! Warm up with live music and a chili cook-off at First Presbyterian, then visit downtown neighborhoods to spread light and Christmas cheer.

4:30-7 p.m. | 219 E. Bijou St. | Free | www.firstprescos.org | 719-8846100

December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17 & 19-21

Madrigal Banquet

Step back in time at this 16th-cen tury-style banquet at the Glen Eyrie Castle featuring a four-course dinner, exquisite décor and musical fanfare. 6 p.m. | $145 | 3820 N. 30th St. | www.gleneyrie.org | 719-265-7050

December 2-3, 9-10 & 16-17

Christmas Light Festival

The photo opps don’t stop at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church! It’s a twinkling wonderland with letters to Santa, Mrs. Claus’ cookie deco rating, a huge light maze, pavilion light show, giant lit stand-in present, s’mores, a choir of angels and more! 6-8 p.m. | 7400 Tudor Road | $5 | www.stmikeschurch.com | 719-5983244

December 2-4, 9-11 & 16-23

Christmas

at Forest Bend

The wise men followed the star and so should you, to this farm’s neon star of Bethlehem! There’s cocoa, s’mores, sheep to pet, photo op backgrounds, cookie decorating, a Nativity play, scavenger hunt, maze and hayride. Please reserve online. Varied times | 9525 Burgess Road | $13-$17 | www.forestbendfarm.com

December 2-4, 9-23 & 25-31

Electric

Safari

See the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo aglow with dozens of light sculptures while chillin’ with the animals! Snap photos with illuminated inflatable animals, sip hot chocolate, visit Santa and get the bird’s-eye view on the Sky Ride.

5-8:30 p.m. | 4250 Cheyenne Moun tain Zoo Road | $12.75-$24.75 | www.cmzoo.org | 719-633-9925

December 3

Chasing/Cycling

December 3

Illuminating Hearts

Honor your grief this holiday sea son with those who understand loss and its complications at the Aspen Trail Retirement Resort. Light a luminary for your loved one who has passed and enjoy cookies and cocoa. Preregistra tion is required.

4:30-6 p.m. | 5455 New Car Drive | Free | info@voicesofgrief center.org | 719-286-0612

Santa

You’ll receive a Santa suit and beard at this family-friendly event! Start at Red Leg Brewing Company, then run

or walk a 5K, or bike 15 miles with waffles halfway. Bring unwrapped toys for Christmas Unlimited. Regis ter online.

9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 2323 Garden of the Gods Road | $35 | www.chasing santa.com | 719-598-3776

December 3

Wholehearted Women’s Christmas Brunch

Wear your Christmas best and treat yourself to a delicious brunch! Each year the women of The Road @ Chapel Hills put on an incredible event to celebrate Christ in Christ mas. Enjoy incredible food and community. For ages 8-88!

10 a.m.-1 p.m. | 2025 Parliament Drive | $25 | www.theroad.org | 719-598-5086

December 3

Collective Groove

You’ll hear everything from The Temptations to Daft Punk at this Stargazers concert! They’re a ninepiece funk/soul horn band from Colorado Springs that plays a conta gious mix of dance tunes spanning the ’60s to today.

7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $17 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719476-2200

December 3

Christmas Walk

Join the fun, fitness and friendship at the Falcon Wanderers Walking Club’s non-competitive annual event! Meet at the old O’Brien Print ing building. Choose a 5K or 10K distance. Register in advance.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 1010 N. 19th St. | Free | www.falconwanderers.org | 719-591-819

December 3

Manitou Holiday Spirits Fest

Unwind at Lulu’s Downstairs with music and assorted spirits. The Col orado Distillers Guild provides tast ers, and live performances feature Colorado Floyd and A Carpenter’s Daughter.

4-8 p.m. | 107 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | $25 | www.lulusdown stairs.com | 719-424-7637

December 3

Festival of Lights Parade

Bundle up and head downtown for

a mesmerizing assortment of lights everywhere you look! There’s nearly 100 entries, with floats, marching bands, animals and Santa himself processing through the streets start ing on St. Vrain, then south on Tejon to Vermijo St.

5:50 p.m. | St. Vrain St. & Tejon St. | Free | www.coloradosprings festivaloflights.com | 719-649-9111

December 3

Pioneers Museum Holiday Celebration

Don’t miss this special tradition that’s brought magic to the Pikes Peak region for over 30 years! Enjoy a full performance schedule, crafts and activities. Online preregistration is required.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org/event/ festival-of-lights | 719-385-5990

December 3

Santa or Snowman Painting

It’s fun for the whole fam at Paint ing with a Twist. No experience necessary! Choose from a wintry snowman or a jolly Santa. Give it for a gift or keep it for yourself! Trained artists will help you.

2-3:30 p.m. | 1045 Garden of the Gods Road, Ste. 150 | $35 | www. paintingwithatwist.com | 719-3587758

December 3

TEDxManitouSprings

Are TED Talks your thing? Don’t miss this local, self-organized TED-like expe rience at the Space Foundation Head quarters and Discovery Center. You’ll

hear TED Talks video and live speakers, then participate in small group discus sions. The theme is fluidity. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | 4425 Arrowswest Drive | $10-$50 | www.humanitix. com | 719-576-8000

December 4

Spinphony Holiday Show

This all-female string quartet dab bles in classical, rock and pop, with choreography too! Their holiday show at Stargazers is an eclectic mix of rockin’ faves from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller and Christmas classics, with some trademark genre mashups. 6 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $20 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200

December 4

Go, Tell It! Enjoy a delightful Advent afternoon of bells and brass with Vivance Ringers and the First Pres Brass Ensemble as they proclaim the good news of Jesus’ birth through music and Scripture at First Presbyterian Church.

3 p.m. | 219 E. Bijou St. | Free | www. firstprescos.org | 719-884-6100

December 4

A Black Forest Christmas Jingle all the way to the Black Forest Community Center for a visit from Santa, the Christmas tree lighting, the Forest Chorus singers, children’s crafts, Christmas stories, a cookie contest and a bowl of warm soup, stew or chili.

4-7 p.m. | 12530 Black Forest Road |

Free | www.weareblackforest.com

December 4

Gingerbread Run

Run, run as fast as you can at City Auditorium for this family friendly event! The classic story is reenacted, then you’ll chase the Gingerbread Man, racing by age. Enjoy your gin gerbread cookie and food booths. Everything benefits TimeBanks. 1-5 p.m. | 221 E. Kiowa St. | $20 | www.connectingcommunities719. com | 719-310-9211

December 5-7

“9 to 5 the Musical”

Three co-workers frustrated with their sexist and egotistical boss take the stage at the Pikes Peak Center. Inspired by the iconic ’80s film and backed by Dolly Parton’s score, this hilarious production means busi ness!

7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | Check for availability | www.pikes peakcenter.com | 719-477-2121

December 5 & 13

A Very Charcuterie Christmas Stop by Sweetwater Flower Market in Old Colorado City and learn how to artfully arrange a delicious spread of meats and cheeses into a Christ mas tree-shaped charcuterie board. Includes all supplies and instructions plus hot cider.

7-8:30 p.m. | 2419 W. Colorado Ave. | $90 | www.sweetwaterflower market.com | 719-434-1615

CALENDAR

December 6

Play to Remember: Creating Connections

Families, caregivers and the cared can explore materials and play together at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. You’ll discover how to use simple games and activities to connect with adults with cognitive impairments. This month’s theme is movement and music.

10:30-11:30 a.m. | 1514 N. Hancock | Free | www.playtoremember.com | 719-344-5877

December 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29

Yoga for Seniors

Enjoy these restorative gentle move ments on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Who Gives a SCRAP. December’s theme is “self care with yoga.”

10-11:15 a.m. | 810 Arcturus Drive | Free | www.whogivesascrapcolo rado.com | 719-375-8734

December 7

Festive Holiday Gathering

Join the Cheyenne Mountain New comers Club for entertainment by “The Back Porch Singers” followed by a lovely catered holiday-themed luncheon at Broadmoor Community Church.

9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | 315 Lake Ave. | $20 | www.cmnccos.org

December 7

Geriatric-trained Healthcare Providers Webinar

See what a difference these specially trained caregivers can make in your life or that of a loved one, courtesy of AgeWise Colorado.

10-11:30 a.m. | Free | www.agewise colorado.org | 720-295-0163

December 7

Live Music at JAKs Taroom!

Enjoy oldies but goodies from the ’60s and ’70s from the acoustic gui tar of Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma. 7-8:30 p.m. | 7715 Dublin Blvd. #160 | Free | http://www.jaksbrewing. com/ | 719-375-8202

December 9

Trace Bundy’s Acoustic Holiday

This internationally acclaimed guitar

virtuoso’s music is poetry in motion, using harmonics, looping and multi ple capos. Fans dub him the “Acous tic Ninja.” He’s shared the stage with greats like Olivia Newton-John, Judy Collins and Nitty gritty Dirt Band. Yasmin Williams guests. 7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $24$32 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200

December 9-10, 15-17 & 21-23

“A Christmas Carol”

Choose from three locations to see this beloved classic like you’ve never seen it before, courtesy of Funky Lit tle Theater Company. Palmer Lake Town Hall, Ute Pass Cultural Center or Ivywild School has a seat for you! 2 & 7 p.m. | 42 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake; 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park; 1604 S. Cascade Ave. | $15-$25 | www.funkylittle theater.org | 719-654-3312

December 10

The Long Run—Alter Eagles

They’re an Eagles tribute band—but not tonight! They’ll play 25 songs of everything except the Eagles,

December 9-11

“The Heart of Christmas”

This family-friendly musical at Charis Bible College takes you through the music and fashions of the decades from the 1940s to today. The sets and LED-screen imagery immerse you in the story of how a single gift can transform your life forever.

7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday | 800 Gospel Truth Way, Woodland Park | $35 | www.awmi.net | 719-635-1111

from musicians who inspired them over the years. The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Styx—who knows? That’s the fun!

7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $25 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200

December 10

“Do You Hear What We Hear?”

Let the harmonic sounds of the season serenade you at America the Beautiful Chorus’ annual Christmas show at Sunrise United Methodist Church, with two performance times. The Velvet Hills women’s chorus guests. Those 12 and under are free.

2 p.m. & 7 p.m. | 2655 Briargate Blvd. | $15-$18 | www.atbchorus. com | 719-598-7013

December 10

Bill

Burr: Slight Return

Bring on the belly laughs with Gram my-nominated comedian Burr at the World Arena! What hasn’t he done? Monday Morning Podcast, a live al bum from Madison Square Garden, hosting “Saturday Night Live,” “The King of Staten Island” and Kuby on “Breaking Bad”—talent galore!

7 p.m. | 3185 Venetucci Blvd. | $54$105 | www.broadmoorworldarena. com | 719-477-2100

December 10

Backyard Holiday Market Live Music

Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma provides the soundtrack to your holiday shopping with holiday-themed songs played on acoustic guitar and velvety trombone. Guitar student Coni Twill man guests. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 12530 Black Forest Rd. | Free | http://www.theback yardsmarket.com

December 10-11

The Super Ultra Mega Con! This is not your average con. This fun, family-friendly interactive convention at the Colorado Springs Event Center celebrates art, music, toys, food, drink, local shopping, comedy, pro wrestling and so much more, with meet-and-greets and special events!

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, -7 p.m. Sunday | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | $29 | www.coloradspringseventcen ter.com | 719-637-3960

December 11

Curiosity Unlimited Lecture

Lifelong learners, take note of these informative monthly lectures! UCCS Professor Shouhuai Xu, Ph.D. in computer science, addresses “Toward Quantitative Cyber Risk Management” at ENT Center for the Arts’ Chapman Foundations Recital Hall. Visitors are welcome. 10 a.m. | 5225 North Nevada Ave. | Free | www.uccs.edu/curiosity | 719755-5082

December 11

Christmas Joy!

This annual musical extravagan za, courtesy of First Presbyterian Church and performed at the Pikes Peak Center, features a 150-voice choir and orchestra performing “O Holy Night,” a “Christmas at the Movies” segment and a special “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 2 & 5 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $18-$28 | www.firstprescos.org | 719-884-6100

December 11

Holiday Evening

Savor nostalgic sights, sounds and smells from the Christmases of yes teryear at Rock Ledge Ranch with St. Nicholas in the barn, wagon rides, old-time music, crafts, cabin story telling, blacksmith demos and Victo rian and Edwardian celebrations. 4-8 p.m. | 3105 Gateway Road | $3-$8 | www.rockledgeranch.com | 719-578-6777

December 11

Christmas with Old North End With the help of Fire Station #2, Santa Claus arrives in style at Steele Elementary School’s park gazebo to hand out candy and listen to your grandchild’s wish list.

1-4 p.m. | 1720 N. Weber | Free | www.oldnorthend.org

December 14

Music at Midday Concert

Take a break from holiday prep and

head to Colorado College’s Packard Performance Hall, where students perform a variety of music during the lunch hour.

12:15-1:15 p.m. | 5 W. Cache La Poudre St. | Free | www.coloradocol lege.edu/music | 719-389-6545

December 15

Christmas Stories

Come be regaled by PILLAR Reader’s Theatre in the PILLAR Classroom at Chapel Hills Mall. These dramatic readers will present a celebration of the hol iday season with classics, carols and a few other surprises. 1 p.m. | 1710 Briargate Blvd., Suite 847 | Free for members, $5 non-members | www.pillar institute.org | 719-633-4991

December 16

Irish Christmas in America

The enchanting spirit of Christmas gets an Emerald Isle twist at Stargaz ers! This family-friendly performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes, harp and bouzouki, with Irish dancing and a backdrop of photographic images of Ireland.

7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $25 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200

December 16-18

Live Nativity

This drive-thru event proclaims Christmas with a breathtaking Nativity scene, thousands of lights decorating the Charis Bible College campus and free hot chocolate.

6-8:30 p.m. | 800 Gospel Truth Way, Woodland Park | Free | www.awmi. net | 719-635-1111

December 17

Rockin’ Holiday

morning and Third Space Coffee in the afternoon.

9-10:30 a.m. | 11641 Ridgeline Dr. #170 | Free | www.missioncof feeroasters.com | 888-673-4069 3:30-5 p.m. | 5670 N. Academy Blvd. | Free | www.thirdspacecoffee.com | 719-465-1657

December 18 Christmas Symphony

This beloved Christmas tradition fills the Pikes Peak Center with good tidings! Embrace the spirit of the season with the Philharmonic and the Colorado Springs Chorale for Rutter’s “Gloria,” “Sleigh Ride” and merry sing-alongs. 2:30-5 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $27-$70 | www.csphilharmonic.org | 719-477-2121

December 20-21

A Colorado Nutcracker

$49-$69 | www.bootbarnhall.com |719-401-0600

December 27 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Experience the magic when Amer ica’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years comes to the Pikes Peak Center! Enjoy their lushly orchestrated sound with all your yuletide favorites as multimedia effects dazzle you!

8 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $58$88 | www.pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2121

December 31

New Year’s Eve Concert

Say a jazzy farewell to 2022 with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic at the Pikes Peak Center. Enjoy the music of George Gershwin, “Auld Lang Syne” and more.

December 15

The Piano Guys

Catch these four middle-aged dads and their classically influenced, genre-bending music at the Pikes Peak Center. They’ve earned six number one debuts on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums, routinely sell out concerts and appear frequently on TV.

7:30-9:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $50-$100 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2121

December 15

Maxi’s Dance Group Christmas Party

Boogie your way to the Eagles Club for entertainment by Lone Wolf and Christmas desserts! Dress up if you wish. Bar and food are available at 5:30 p.m.

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

Let the Harp Twins sweep you away on a musical journey from the Stargazers stage. This family-friendly event features Christmas classics, comedy, stories and even rock! They take charge of the 94 strings between them and create astonish ing sounds.

7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $17$20 | www.stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200

December 17

Grief Support Yoga

Draw inspiration from your hard ships to deepen your practice under the gentle leadership of yoga guide Jess Chamberlain, in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Suicide Pre vention Partnership. All skill levels welcome. Please register online. 10-11 a.m. | 704 N. Tejon St. | Free | www.pikespeaksuicideprevention. org | 719-573-7447

December 17

Songs by Lawrence!

Listen to live Christmas carols, folk songs and ballads by solo guitarist and trombonist Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma. Same day, two locations: Mission Coffee Roasters in the

Local dancers bring Colorado Springs’ history to life at the Pikes Peak Center. At a 1907 Christmas party at General Palmer’s Glen Eyrie home, Clara receives a nutcracker from inventor Nikola Tesla. A win tery Garden of the Gods wonderland and more surprises await them!

2 & 7 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $22-$49 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100

December 22

Dueling Pianos, Holiday Edition

Grab your jingle bells and sing along to your holiday favorites with Den ver Piano Shows! They’ll take holiday requests, lead carol singing and play danceable tunes all night. For ages 10 and up.

7 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | $25-$35 | www.bootbarnhall.com | 719-401-0600

December 23

Country Christmas Show

Rock around the Christmas tree to your favorite country classics sprinkled with holiday cheer. Colo rado musicians Exit West and Cody Cozz perform, and local pastor Matt Heard offers a special telling of the Christmas story.

7 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive |

7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $27-$62 | www.csphilharmonic.org | 719-477-2121

December 31

New Year’s Eve Gala Ring in 2023 in style at Glen Eyrie Castle’s distinguished holiday event with wholesome entertainment, a gourmet four-course dinner, live music by the genre-hopping George Sisneros Band and dancing. 6-10 p.m. | $130 | 3820 N. 30th St. | www.gleneyrie.org | 719-265-7050

December 31

New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Put on your cocktail attire and dance your way into 2023 at Boot Barn Hall! Celebrate with the bands Soapdish and The SofaKillers, a free drink, hors d’oeuvre and dessert buffets and a midnight champagne toast!

8 p.m. | 13071 Bass Pro Drive | $125$175 | www.bootbarnhall.com | 719-401-0600 ■

CLUBS

21st Century Toastmasters meets weekly at Library 21c.

Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-591-8045

ACC Grass Roots 307 Cribbage meets weekly at the Colorado Springs Elks Lodge.

Wednesdays | 4:30 p.m. | 719-331-1200

ACLU defends civil rights and liberties. Call for details. 303-777-5482

Adult Coloring Club meets monthly at Florissant Library.

1st Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-748-3939

Austin Bluffs Sertoma, a commu nity service organization, meets for breakfast at Hotel Elegante.

2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 7:30 a.m. | 719-460-5561 (Pat)

Austrian-American Enzian Club is a German-speaking culture club that meets monthly at VFW Post #101.

2nd Wednesday | 2-4 p.m. | 719-380-1163

Black Forest AARP meets for a monthly potluck at Black Forest Lutheran Church.

2nd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-596-6787

Black Forest Trails Association meetings are open to the public at Black Forest Community Club. 2nd Wednesday | 6:30 | www.black foresttrails.org

Blazer Ski Club meets weekly year round with organized ski trips, golf, hiking and more. Wednesdays | www.blazerskiclub.org

Bridge Players Duplicate plays daily at the Bridge Center.

Monday-Friday at 12:30 p.m. | Tues days at 9 a.m. | Saturdays at 6 p.m. | 719-634-7250

Broadmoor Rotary Club meets twice monthly for lunch with a speaker at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Please RSVP.

1st and 3rd Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 740-707-3022 | www.rotarybroad moor.com

Bulldog Club meets monthly at Westside Community Center. 4th Monday | 6-8 p.m. |

goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com

Carnelian Coffee Book Club meets monthly at Out West Gift Shop.

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

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

1st & 3rd Thursdays | 10 a.m. | www.ppld.org | 719-389-8968

Cheyenne Mountain Newcomers Club for women meets monthly at Broadmoor Community Church. Annual dues are $30.

2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | www.cmncos.org

Colorado Springs Breakfast Club for Singles 50+ meets monthly at Patty Jewett Clubhouse. Cost is $20 (cash or check). Must RSVP.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-260-0651 | tbc50plus.org

Colorado Springs Chess Club meets weekly at Acacia Apartments ballroom.

Tuesdays | 6 p.m.

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

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

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

2nd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-632-4260

Colorado Springs Scrabble Club meets virtually weekly for three games on Woogles.io. Mondays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-332-5141

Colorado Springs Stamp Club meets monthly at Vista Grande Baptist Church.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Curiosity Unlimited offers contin uous learning opportunities with monthly UCCS professor lectures at Ent Center for the Arts, Chapman Foundations Recital Hall. Visitors welcome!

2nd Friday | 10 a.m. | www.uccs. edu/curiosity | 719-755-5082

DAV Knob Hill holds a bingo fund raiser at 6880 Palmer Park Blvd. to help aid local veterans.

Sundays | 5:30-9 p.m. | 719-591-8787

El Paso Pacers walking club meets monthly. RSVP by email. 3rd Thursday | 9 a.m. | 719-5206977 | theresaodello@elpaso.com

Evening Adult Fiction Book Club for daytime workers meets monthly at Woodland Park Library. 1st Wednesday | 5 p.m

Falcon Adult Group meets monthly at High Prairie Library. 1st Wednesday | 11 a.m.

Falcon Garden Club meets monthly at High Prairie Library. 3rd Saturday | 10 a.m. | www.falcon gardenclub.org

Florissant Bookworms meets monthly at Florissant Library. 3rd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-748-3939

Falcon Wanderers Volkssport Club meets for regular walks. Mem bership dues are $10 per person, $16 per couple and $20 per family. 719-597-4307 | www.falconwanderers.org

Friends at the Table Cooking Club meets at Florissant Library. 3rd Friday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-7483939

Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship meets for breakfast at IHOP, 6005 Constitution Ave. 2nd Saturday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-229-3317

Gleneagle Sertoma, a community service organization, meets twice monthly for lunch.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11:30 a.m. | 719-331-1212

Gold Camp Victorian Society meets monthly at Cripple Creek

Heritage Center.

4th Saturday | 2 p.m. | info@gold campvictoriansociety.org

Hi-Country Newcomers is a social group open to all women in Col orado Springs. Activities include hiking, book club, games, lunches and tours. Call for membership and locations.

2nd Monday | 10 a.m. | 719-464-7633

International Dance Club hosts weekly dances. Live bands, variety of styles, family friendly. Cost is $12. Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 719-633-0195

MAG (Moving Ahead Group), a so cial group for those who have lost a spouse or partner, meets for dinner at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Last Sunday | 4 p.m.

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

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

Not So Young Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library. 1st Wednesday | 11 a.m. | 719-687-9281

Paralyzed Vets of America plays weekly at Bingo World. Tuesdays | 12:30 p.m. | 719-578-1441

Pikes Peak Camera Club meets virtually. Zoom link on website. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-634-2376 | www.pikespeak cameraclub.com

Pikes Peak Computer Application Society meets at Springs Communi ty Church, 7290 Lexington Dr. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | asdtitus@ gmail.com

Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meets virtually.

2nd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | www.ppgs.org

Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang meets monthly for dinner. This club is for active adults 50+ who enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, golfing, camp ing, etc. Membership required. 2nd Wednesday | www.ppothg.com.

The Pikes Peak Pastel Society meets five times yearly. All levels are

welcome. Annual dues are $30 719-338-5548 | www.pikespeakpas tel.org

Pikes Peak Posse of the Western ers meets monthly for dinner and program at the Masonic Center.

2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | RSVP: 719-473-0330

Pikes Peak Water Garden Society meets at Mountain View Church of Christ (April through October).

2nd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 719-6480740 | www.ppwgs.org

PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning holds classes (live, Zoom, video) on a variety of topics. www.pillarinstitute.org | 719-633-4991

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

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

Read Amok Book Club meets monthly at Florissant Library.

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

Reader’s Circle Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library. 2nd Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-6879281

Red Hat Society meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center 1st & 3rd Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-6002644

Rotary Club meets weekly for lunch and a speaker at The Antlers. Visit website for Zoom link and to RSVP. Fridays | 12:15 p.m. | 719-338-3239 | www.portal.clubrunner.ca/3250

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

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

Sno-Jets Ski & Adventure Club meets monthly at The Public House at The Alexander. See the website for ski trips, biking, hiking, dinners and other social activities. Various Wednesdays | 7:30 | www.

snojets.org | 512-791-6416

Socrates Cafe meets weekly for discussion at the Monument Library. Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 719-531-6333, ext. 7005

Sons and Daughters of Italy meets monthly at VFW Post #101.

1st Tuesday | Dinner 5:30, Meeting 6:30 p.m. | 719-290-9586

Sons of Norway meets monthly for a heritage meeting at Viking Hall.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-574-3717

Travel Club meets regularly through Fountain Valley Senior Center. 719-600-2602 | mbowers@fvscenter.org

Triviality Trivia plays weekly at Gold Camp Brewing Company. Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | 719-319-3798

Veterans of Korean service (war time or peace) meets monthly at BPOE Elks 304, 3400 North Nevada Ave. Lunch and speaker are $13. Call to reserve.

3rd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-2146121 | www.vva1075.com

Vietnam Veterans of America meets monthly at Colorado Techni cal University.

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

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1075 meets monthly at Skills Academy, 1575 Garden of the Gods Road.

Last Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-2358162 | http://vva1075.com

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

4th Saturday | 10 a.m. | 719-6603641

Woodland Park Book Club meets monthly at Woodland Park Library.

1st Tuesday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-9281

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

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

NEWS BITS

Walk backward for forwardthinking fitness

A recent trend, which originated in Japan, has people walking back ward. This provides an increased cardiovascular benefit, as it chal lenges the body more than normal forward walking. You can enjoy the same benefit in a shorter session because your heart is working harder. Other benefits are better posture (because you can’t hunch forward), increased coordination and improved balance. Seniors can appreciate the lower impact on joints and lesser risk for strain due to the slower pace. Because it uses your muscles in a different way, you can build strength and avoid over use injuries. Remember: toe, then heel. This prevents excessive im pact from going through your heel, which could damage your joints or jar your spine. One caveat: safety is paramount. You may wish to start

Clarification for Colorado Springs Senior Center building project

Building plans for the new Colorado Springs Senior Center (CSSC) are underway with the consultant design firm, RTA Architects. There are four site plan options to consider. Community feedback will be incorporated into the final decision on where to locate the new senior center within the Golf Acres site. Key dates for the new Senior Center project and timeline may be found on the city’s website dedicated to keeping the community apprised of the project’s next steps. Currently, they are in the planning phase which will continue into the spring of 2023. Groundbreaking is projected to take place in the summer of 2023, with construction completion estimated for fall of 2024. CSSC plans to continue to offer programming and services while the new senior center is under construction. The location of programming and services is yet to be determined, as they consider various options with the best interest of their seniors in mind. For the most up-to-date information on CSSC, visit the City’s website specifically for the senior center project: https://coloradosprings.gov/seniorcenterrenovation.

on a treadmill, where you can hold the handrails for stability. When you are comfortable with that, you could progress to an empty park ing lot, a flat field, a gymnasium or perhaps even your home, in an

open area such as a basement. Take quick glances over your shoulder to ensure there are no obstacles in your path and enjoy the benefits of reverse (walking) aging.

Consumers may soon be able to compare funeral prices from online posts

Funerals are one of the most expensive services that consumers will purchase in their lifetime. The Funeral Consumer Alliance (FCA) supports the Federal Trade Com mission (FTC) for considering an update to their price disclosure funeral rule. Currently, you must physically visit funeral homes to see what they charge. This can take an unreasonable amount of time. Collecting price lists from over 50 funeral homes in one city took researchers 15 hours. It also effectively excludes those who are ill or infirm, out-of-town rela tives who are helping with funer als, those without transportation and those pressed by hospitals to make a quick decision after a loved one dies. It also means potentially deceptive practices. Only around

Promising new drug for treating Alzheimer’s

Initial clinical trial results for a drug called lecanemab was tested in individuals with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. The clinical trial results found that this treatment significantly re duces decline from the disease. These are the most encour aging results in clinical trials treating the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s to date. These results indicate lecanemab may give people more time at or near their full abilities to participate in daily life, remain independent and make future health care decisions. Although the drug is not yet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ap proved and consequently is not currently able to be prescribed, it still represents a major mile stone for treating Alzheimer’s disease. If participant safety is ensured through the clinical trials, hopefully FDA approval will soon follow.

one-fifth of funeral homes currently post their prices online. If all were required to do so, it would enable consumers to effectively compare prices and would discourage price gouging. Until the convenience of online disclosures takes effect, preplan and do your research, visiting several funeral homes to obtain their price lists. The typical funeral costs $7,000 or more, but some can cost upwards of $20,000, so it might mean the difference of thousands of dollars.

2023 El Paso County Budget

El Paso County is the most popu lous county in the state, yet it provides efficient and cost-effective services to its residents, with the lowest county property tax, mill levy

requirements and tax cost per citi zen average of any of the ten largest counties in the state. The pre liminary budget for the upcoming year aims to balance the needs of providing vital public services while also planning conservatively for the future. The $473 million preliminary balanced budget for 2023 prioritizes road maintenance ($11.9 million), public safety ($89 million), vet eran services ($84,000) and park maintenance ($160,000). The preliminary balanced budget also addresses various critical needs of the county, including increased ser vice demands, population growth and unfunded mandates from the legislature and governor.

Happy 30th birthday, Silver Sneakers!

SilverSneakers® by Tivity Health®, the nation’s leading community fit ness program for older Americans, marked 30 years of helping seniors get stronger, healthier and more connected. SilverSneakers celebrat ed with a Guinness World Records™ title for the Most Views in a Dance Fitness class on Facebook Live. At least 1,500 viewers were needed, but the old record was shattered within minutes of the class starting. The final count was 3,075 concur rent viewers. SilverSneakers was founded in 1992 as a fitness program designed for older adults to support mobility, cardiovascular health, bal ance and more. It has grown to more than 18 million eligible members. Visit www.silversneakers30.com to read members’ stories, the history of SilverSneakers and its 30th an niversary. SilverSneakers is offered through more than 70 Medicare Ad vantage, Medicare Supplemental and group retiree plans at no additional cost. To check eligibility, visit www. silversneakers.com. SilverSneakers classes are offered at all Pikes Peak YMCA locations. ■

December 2-3

Holiday Craft & Gift Sales

Arts & Crafts Fair

At Colorado College. 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday | 902 N. Cascade Ave. December 2-4

Holiday Food and Gift Festival

At Norris Penrose Event Center. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $6

December 3

North Pole at Tri-Lakes

Arts and Crafts Fair

At Grace Best Education Center. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 66 Jefferson St., Monument

December 3

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair

At Storybook Brewing. 12-5 p.m. | 3121 A North El Paso St.

December 3

Holiday Craft Fair

At Cheyenne Mountain High School.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1200 Cresta Road

December 3-4

Doherty Craft Fair

At Doherty High School.

9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 4515 Barnes Road

December 3-4

Hillside Gardens Christmas Market

At Hillside Gardens & Event Cen ter.

12-5 p.m. | 1006 S. Institute St.

December 10

Annual Christmas Craft Fair

At Cripple Creek Parks and Recre ation.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 128 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek

December 10

Fall into Winter Holiday Market

At Black Forest Community Cen ter.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 12530 Black For est Road

December 10

Holiday Craft Fair

At Taylor Elementary. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | 900 E. Buena Ven tura St.

December 10

Vista Ridge Craft Vendor Fair

At Vista Ridge High School. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | | 6888 Black Forest Road

December 10

Craft Fair and Bake Sale

At Fountain Valley Senior Center. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 5745 Southmoor Drive, Fountain

December 18

Downtown Craft & Vendor Fair

At UCCS Downtown. 1-4 p.m. | 102 S. Tejon St., Suite 105-A

FUN AFTER 50

Macrame! Ornament

9:30-11:30 a.m. | Dec. 13 | $1

Holiday Jams 1-3 p.m. | Dec. 14 | $10

1514 N. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs

To register for classes, call 719-955-3400 or visit www.CSSeniorCenter.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Cookie Swap

1:30-2:30 p.m. | Dec. 1 | $5

Senior Chorale of the Rockies

1:30-3 p.m. | Dec. 6 | 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 7 | Free

Ping Pong & Pizza Tournament

1:30-3:30 | Dec. 9 | $5

“Strings & Things” Dulcimer Holiday Show 2-3 p.m. | Dec. 12 | $3

Proactive Living Series Holiday Party 1-3 p.m. | Dec. 30 | $3

HEALTH

Medicaid

1:30-2:30 p.m. | Dec. 1 | Free

66 Jefferson St., Monument

To register for classes, call 719-464-6873 or visit www.TriLakesSeniors.org

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Arts & Crafts

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

Book Club

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Dec. 9 | 719-3300241 GAMES

Bunco

Bring $3 and a snack to share. 1-3 p.m. | Dec. 9 Bingo (must RSVP) 1-2 p.m. | Dec. 14 | 719-330 0241 | sue@monumentalfitness. com

Chess Club

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB

Ugly Sweater Christmas

Caroling

3-4 p.m. | Dec. 13 | Free

Song Spinners

6-7:30 p.m. | Dec. 14 | $10

Heritage Ringers

2-3 p.m. | Dec. 15 | $3

“Living Your Yoga” 10-11:15 a.m. | Dec. 20, 22, 23 | $8

Christmas Dinner Party

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

“White Christmas” movie 1-3 p.m. | Dec. 22 | Free

LIFELONG LEARNING

Deco Mesh Winter Wreath

10-11:30 a.m. | Dec. 8 | $10

Top Scams of 2022

1-2 p.m. | Dec. 12 | Free

TECHNOLOGY

1-3 p.m.

12 p.m. | Mondays Pinochle 12-4 p.m. | Tuesdays Hand & Foot 1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays Mahjong 1-4 p.m. | Fridays

EXERCISE

Lean & Fit

(muscle conditioning)

9:15-10:15 a.m. | Mondays Yoga 10:15-11 a.m. & 6-7 p.m. | Mondays 6-7 p.m. | Wednesdays 10:15-11 a.m. | Fridays

Tai Chi Fusion

Reduce stress and promote serenity through gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing. 12-1 p.m. | Mondays

Strong for Life 1:30 p.m. | Mondays Walking Club

11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Gentle Yoga

10:15-11 a.m. | Tuesdays

Mind-eroize

Exercise your brain with cognitive exercises.

12-1 p.m. | Tuesdays

Line Dancing 1:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

Mix It Up!

Low-impact aerobics, simple weight training and stretching. 8-9 a.m. | Wednesdays

Mind Matters

Gentle stretching, meditation and visualization work.

10-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Tai Chi Gong

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

Chair Yoga

12-1 p.m. | Wednesdays

Active Minds & Bodies

Circuit-style workout for all levels with cardio and weight training. 1:30 p.m. | Wednesdays

Essentrics

Strengthen your core and improve balance and mobility.

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

Zumba Gold 9-10 a.m. | Thursdays

Building Better Bones & Balance

Safe for those with osteoporosis. 1:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Zumba

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

Total Body Strength

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

ASSISTANCE

Silver Key Services

Silver Key offers assistance with fi nances, guardianship, mental health, companionship or ongoing case management.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thursdays | mstephens@silverkey.org

Visiting Nurses Association

VNA offers a foot care clinic with a variety of services. Call for an appointment.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 719-577-4448

5745 Southmoor Dr., Colorado Springs

To register for classes, call 719-600-2644 or visit www.FVSCenter.org

SPECIALS

Craft Fair and Bake Sale

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | December 10

Christmas Lunch

11:30 a.m. | December 16

Song Spinners

Call for time | December 16

ART

Interpretive Dance

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

Knitting/Crocheting

1-2 p.m. | Mondays

Tap Dance

10:15 a.m. | Tuesdays

Porcelain

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

Quilters

8:30-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Oil Painting

9-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Harmonizers

2 p.m. | Wednesdays

Woodcarving

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

Card Making

9:30-11 a.m. | Thursdays

LEGAL

Legal Assistance

1:30 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

HEALTH

Dementia Support Group

2-3:30 p.m. | 3rd Monday

Chair Yoga

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

Fridays

Zumba Gold

9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays

Blood Pressure Checks

10:15 a.m. | 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

Cardio Drumming

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

Tai Chi

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

Low Vision Support

1 p.m. | 3rd Wednesday

Zumba Basics

2:30 p.m. | 4th Thursday

Active Minds

2:30 p.m. | 3rd Thursday

Chi Kung 10-11 a.m. | Fridays

GAMES & LEISURE

WOODLAND PARK

SENIOR ORGANIZATION

321 N. Pine St., Woodland Park

To register for classes, call 719-687-3877 or visit www.WoodlandParkSeniors.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Tweeds Holiday Home Tour

Includes musical performances. Santa & Mrs. Claus visit Sunday (12-4 p.m.).

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dec. 3 & 4

Butte Theater & Lunch

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Dec. 17 | $10

Movies with Popcorn & Lemonade

1 p.m. | Wednesdays

HEALTH AND EXERCISE

Low-Impact Cardio

9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Chair Yoga

9 a.m. | Wednesdays

Chair Tai Chi 9 a.m. | Fridays

ARTS & CRAFTS

Ft. Logan Trip

9 a.m. | 2nd Monday

Movie Day

1 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

Bingo (and cash prizes)

1 p.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Birthday Social

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

Wii Games

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

Red Hat Society Meeting

1 pm. | 1st & 3rd Fridays

Ice Cream Happy Hour

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

Game Day

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1st Saturday

Thrift Store Super Saturday

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1st Saturday

Cripple Creek Run

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 2nd Saturday

Colorado Springs Holiday Light Tour

4:30-9 p.m. | Dec. 10

ACTIVITIES

Crochet & Knitting

10 a.m. | Wednesdays

Quilters

9 a.m. | Mondays

Dominos, Cribbage & Euchre

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Monday-Friday

Bingo

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

Watercolor Class

1-4 p.m. | December 19

FOOD

Silver Key Lunch

Make a reservation 24 hours in advance.

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

Holiday Catered Meal & Program

Reservations needed by Dec. 9. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Dec. 13 | $7

LIBRARY EVENTS

To register for activities, call 719-531-6333 or visit

To register for activities, call 719-748-3939 or visit www.PPLD.org

Rampart.COLibraries.org

PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT

Dianne Derby— Book Talk & Reading

Local news anchor and author Dianne Derby speaks at the East Library about her recently published book, “Two Hundred Tuesdays: What a Pearl Harbor Survivor Taught Me about Life, Love, and Faith.” Books may be purchased and signed.

1 p.m. | December 3

Forte Handbell Quartet Ring in the season with the peals of beautiful bells at Library 21c. 4 p.m. | December 3

Genealogy Basics (Virtual) 10 a.m.| December 5 & 17

Share Class: Hot Cocoa Bombs

These sweet treats are great to drink and better to give! Join this in-person demonstration at the Penrose Library to master the art. Tasty samples await you!

1 p.m. | December 5

Pro Se Free Law Clinic

Patrons can speak with an attor ney for free over Zoom from the Fountain Library.

3:30-5 p.m. | December 5

Holiday Cardmaking

’Tis the season for handmade greetings! Beginner and interme diate crafters are welcome at the Rockrimmon Library. All materials will be provided.

1 p.m. | December 9

Super Simple Ways to Support Your Immunity

Join this online presentation to

learn how vitamins and minerals help immunity function at its best.

2 p.m. | December 13

Researching Female Ancestors (Virtual)

This online presentation will teach you the best strategies to research the women of your family, maiden names and all.

6 p.m. | December 26

WOODLAND PARK LIBRARY

Tai Chi

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

Art and Creativity Resist Op pression in Myanmar

This presentation examines how Burmese artists used their creativ ity to resist oppression following the military coup last year, inspiring the democracy movement.

4-5:30 p.m. | December 1

Gingerbread Creation Contest

This year’s theme is “May the forest be with you.” Go to www. lightersideofchristmas.com under Holiday Activities for the entry form and details.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. (4 p.m. Saturday) | December 1-3

Adult Afternoon Holiday Crafts

Make mini flannel trees, clay pot gnomes, hot cocoa cones, winter solstice lanterns and snowy orna ments.

1-3 p.m. | December 9

Friends at the Table

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | December 16 | 719-749-3939 T

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alzheimer’s Association offers free caregiver support, in person and virtually. Call the 24/7 to register. 800-272-3900

Amputee Support Group meets at Encompass Rehab Hospital.

1st Tuesdays | 5-6:30 p.m. | 719-632-5075

Community Reinforcement And Family Training (CRAFT) has sup port for families and friends of loved ones struggling with substance use at Springs Recovery Connection. En glish, Spanish, virtual and in-person options are available. 719-377-2161 | aneeley@srchope.org

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

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

Dementia Support Group meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center.

3rd Monday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 719-6002644

Depression and Bipolar Support has support for those living with or affected by mood disorders. 719-477-1515 | www.dbsacolorado springs.org

El Paso County Colorado Progressive Veterans is available 365 days a year to help veterans, active duty military and their families with VA health care and disability, homelessness, emergency needs, PTSD and mental health support. 719-488-8351 | www.epccpv.org | info@epccpv.org

Emotions Anonymous, a program for unsolved emotional problems, meets at First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave.

Mondays | 6 p.m. | 719-685-1091

Falcon Senior Services meets at Patriot High School in Falcon.

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

Gamblers Anonymous meets virtu ally and in person at the Red Cloud Serenity Club, 10400 Ute Pass Ave. in Green Mountain Falls.

Virtual: Mondays | 6 p.m.

In-person: Saturdays | 9 a.m. www.coloradoga.org

Grandparents Raising Grand children supports those parenting grandkids. Call for details. 719-578-8007

Grief Share helps attendees find healing after losing a loved one. 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m. | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness.com

Headway Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group meets at Fargo’s Pizza, 2910 E. Platte Ave.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. | 719-459-0901

Hearing Loss Association of America meets virtually. www.hlaacoloradosprings.org

Keeping in Balance with the Life Tree meets weekly at Ambrose Fam ily Health. Sessions are $5. Thursdays | 2-3 p.m. | 719-203-5340.

Low-Vision Support Group meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center. 3rd Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 719-600-2644

Monday Morning Happy Hour meets weekly via Zoom for caregiver support.

Mondays | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | 520-6476768 | www.journeycarecoordinat ing.com

Multiple Sclerosis Alliance meets virtually. Visit website for schedule. 719-633-4603 | www.msasoco.org

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

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

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

• Family Support Group is for fam ily members of people living with mental health conditions.

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

Overeaters Anonymous meets dai ly over Zoom (except Sundays) and in person on Thursdays at Peak Vista Community Health Center. In person: Thursdays | 9-10:15 a.m. | 719-205-9080 | www.oasouthern colorado.org

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

Polio Survivors Support Group meets regularly. Call for details. 303-212-0017

Proactive Living Series meets at the Colorado Springs Senior Center to share tips on aging and resources. 3rd Thursday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Project Angel Heart delivers free, nutritious meals to those living with life-threatening illness. 800-381-5612

PTSD Spouse’s Support meets at UCCS Veterans Clinic. Tuesdays | 4 p.m. | 719-255-8003

Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group meets virtually through The Independence Center. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 719-471-8181

Vital Times is for those wanting to grow spiritually and meet new friends. Group meets at Sacred

Heart Parish Center. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 719-600-8642

Widowed Persons Grief Support Group meets twice monthly at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. 2nd & 4th Fridays | 1-3 p.m. | 719955-3400 ■

COMPUTER & MEDIA

FLAT RATE COMPUTER REPAIR.

Starting at $60. Free pickup & delivery or up to 2 hours of on-site tune-up, virus removal and/or training. Call Richard with SOBE I.T. 719-470-1910.

FOR RENT

Furnished room with private bath available for financially secure, mature female. All utilities included, laundry and kitchen privileges. West side $650 monthly $200 deposit. 719434-2922.

Furnished large upstairs room with private bath; laundry and kitchen access. Near Palmer Park Blvd & Wooten Rd. $650/mo + $650 deposit. Call or text 719-578-5599

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.

HELP WANTED

VOLUNTEER AT SILVER KEY to help provide seniors with meals, rides, client support, food pantry support, and veterans support. Office staff and materials support also needed. Please apply online at: silverkey.org/volunteer

HOME REPAIR

MORE THAN A HANDYMAN. Home Maintenance, Repairs, Yard Work, Projects. 15% Senior Discount (62+). Call Mike - a Senior and Veteran. 719-338-4279. Voice mail answered same day.

HOME REPAIR

HOME REPAIR

HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, and more. (Mowing or yardwork in the spring and summer.) John 719-471-7471.

HOUSECLEANING

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

Housecleaning: Local references, 30 years exp. Weekly, bi-monthly, one-time Holiday cleanings. Husband avail. for “honey-do” lists! Call Kathy 719-347-0832. I am vaccinated.

INSURANCE SERVICES

THE ABC’S OF HEALTHCARE. Licensed Health Insurance Agent, 15 years’ experience. Individual/ Family Insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, Medicare plans, Life Insurance, Final Burial Expense, Home Care Insurance, Vision, Dental, and Hearing. Call JoAnne 719-434-2015 PeakInsuraceBroker.com

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

PERMS, Roller Sets, Teasing, Color, Highlights, Cuts, Blow Dry/Curling, Iron Styles. Quiet in-home salon. Off N. Carefree between Powers and Oro Blanco www.WaveHairSalon.biz Catherine Williams Owner/Stylist Call or Text: 719-675-0169

S.C.S.E. SANDYS CARE SERVICE EXPRESS Specializing in same day, last minute, when available. Mail –bank – babysitting – shower – meals - dog feeding etc. 9am-4pm, MondayFriday. 719-203-8898.

SENIORS LOVE HELPERS that arrive at the door! If you do heavy lifting, climb ladders, painting, cleaning, cooking, or hair care, place an ad in Life After 50. Readers are hunting for your services! 719-900-7664.

TREE REMOVAL, TREE TRIMMING and stump grinding. 24/7 Emergency Service available. Text or Call Ben’s Landscaping 719-492-1671.

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

PERSONAL ASSISTANT – 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

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.

FASTRACK MOVING. 3 MEN/TRUCK $155 HR. 719-822-8964. www. FasTracMovingandDelivery.com

DAILY LABOR: Gutter cleaning, yard cleaning, house cleaning, snow removal by size, truck and driver available 719-310-5247.

EXPERIENCED PET SITTER. I can look after your pets, plants or home. For details call Sue 719-302-3338

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.

The perfect tree

By Jan Weeks

Blame

it on Hallmark or Martha Stewart, but for years I had the urge to chop down the perfect pine tree—the supreme spruce—and bring the great outdoors inside, at least for a few weeks on the cusp of winter. So last year I bought a tree cutting permit and ventured into the hills in search of that perfect tree, the one I wouldn’t have to stand in a corner to hide the sparse side. If you’ve ever gone in search of the perfect tree, you know that it’s always at the crest of the steepest hill around. So, clad in my Snow Pacs and parka, I set out with Dar by, my Labrador retriever, to find Martha’s version of the holiday. I didn’t really need the dog, but leav ing him behind would be like telling a teen that he can’t have the car on Friday night.

Oh, the eyes! I drove for miles, winding through the mountains

along the back roads, scanning the slopes for the quintessential tree, the one that would make this Christmas just like the ones I never had but always wanted. If I found this incomparable tree, the livin’ would be easy, I’d be 10 pounds thinner and Publisher’s Clearing house would call.

At least that would happen in my Christmas fairy tale world.

At last I spotted it. Way up there on the ridge. The snow-cov ered branches spread evenly and thickly. It would fit in my living room. It was beautiful. I pulled into a plowed area, slung a bow saw over my shoulder, and began the climb. If you’ve ever waded through knee-deep snow in the mountains, you know that there is no down. It’s all up.

And up I went, breaking trail for Darby, pulling myself up in places, crawling in others, fighting the

slope. After what seemed like seven hours of struggle, I finally reached the tree. Darby sniffed and pro ceeded to mark it as his.

“Bad dog!” I scolded. His huge brown eyes looked like I had just beaten him with a rolled up Sunday New York Times. He stalked away, pretending that he was above such holiday nonsense.

I unslung the saw and began cutting above his mark. The Currier and Ives snow that had adorned the branches cascaded over me, soaking my hair and melting down my neck. Sawing madly, I ignored the chill that swept through me and finally stepped back to watch the 7-footer topple. I whistled to Darby and began the descent. “Down” reappeared with a vengeance as my feet slipped out from under me. I began to slide feet first, the tree on top of me, blocking my vision, and cursed Martha and her ilk. If it hadn’t been—ouch!—for her—damn rock!—I wouldn’t be in this—oh, crap!—predicament. Be

lieve me, the human backside was never designed to be a toboggan. About halfway down the hill, Darby decided to hitch a ride, jumping onto my legs and howling as we raced toward destruction. By the time we landed in the ditch beside the road, I was considering convert ing to Judaism. Finding a menorah seemed much safer than finding the perfect tree.

By the time I got the tree home, I noticed that several branches had been ripped off during our precip itous descent and I had to put that side to the corner. Even after I put the tinsel and ornaments and lights on it, the tree still looked battered and beaten. Kinda like me.

After Christmas I hauled the bedraggled remnants to the curb and hit the post-holiday sales. And there I found my perfect tree. Its limbs were flawless, not a bad side in sight. Its needles would never shed. Fairy lights twinkled. I handed my credit card to the clerk and said, “Box it up.” T

What could be sweeter for the holidays than a tempting array of scrumptious

What could be sweeter for the holidays than a tempting array of scrumptious treats? Our chef’s been busy! Come share the fruits of this labor with our kindhearted residents. Our halls are decked and twinkling with fresh and festive décor. Take a look around and imagine yourself living here with everything you need just outside your door.

chef’s been busy! Come share the fruits of this labor with our kindhearted residents. Our halls are decked and twinkling with fresh and festive décor. Take a look around and imagine yourself living here with everything you need just outside your door.

Turning 65 or new to Medicare?

$0 Medicare Advantage premium— zero,

zip, zilch

The Humana Gold Plus H0028-025 (HMO) has everything

Original Medicare has, and more.

Advantage premium—

With its $0 monthly plan premium, you can get the care you need and stick to your budget, with benefits like:

• Humana Flex allowance, with $250 a year to use toward your plan’s covered dental, vision or hearing services*

• $2,000 dental coverage annually for select services, plus exams, X-rays, cleanings and more†

• $75 over-the-counter allowance every three months ‡

H0028-025 (HMO) has everything and more.

With this Humana Medicare Advantage plan, you may have more money in your pocket and more of what’s necessary to help you get the care you need to enjoy your best health.

you can get the care you need and stick to your budget,

* Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances, used to purchase Medicare-covered prescriptions or converted to cash. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

† $2,000 dental allowance for in-network services with no copays or coinsurance, excluding cosmetic. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

‡ Available only through participating retailers and Humana’s mail-order pharmacy, CenterWell Pharmacy™. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Always consult with your doctor or medical provider before taking over-the-counter medications.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus H0028-025 (HMO). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果

$250 a year to use toward your plan’s covered dental, vision for select services, plus exams, X-rays, cleanings and more every three months ‡ Advantage plan, you may have more money in your pocket and the care you need to enjoy your best health.