April SENIOR NEWS: Gratitude begets happiness
Many Lyons residents could count on a hearty, home-made, hot meal every Monday night thanks to The River Church, Pastor Mickey Lohr, and its congregation. Throughout the COVID restrictions and isolation and hard-times, there was one bright spot in the week to look forward to. Thank you to all the volunteers, such as, Terry, Russ, Faye, James, and Saundra, and so many others.
In the photograph, Saundra Moore is delivering many dozen free meals to the Walt Self Senior Center parking lot. The people collecting boxes from her will also be distributing them to others in town, and have given her a donation. Next Saundra takes suppers to the seniors in the apartments of the Housing project. And, sometimes she too drops meals off at homes of disabled seniors around town, who have called in an order.
In non-covid years, all of the churches in town provided a hot supper once a month on Mondays,. We hope to see them back this summer! In the meantime, we want to give special hearty, heart-felt thanks! to The River Church!
==============================
=====MENTAL HEALTH HELP=====
==Shining a Light on Abuse/CRIMES of Elders
Date: Thursday, April 29, noon – 1:15 p.m.
Description: While this presentation will cover topics specific to elder abuse, presenters will share information specific to burglary, car theft, and much more. Similar to the training for mandatory reporters, presenters will review the types of elder abuse and what to look out for when protecting our community’s older adults.
Presented by:
Chris Merkle is an investigator for the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. He spent nearly 25 years working for the Longmont Police Department, the last seven years of his career were as a detective. He has a passion for investigations involving vulnerable adults. Chris is a national trainer for the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL). He also has been a part of local multidisciplinary teams to include, Adult Protection Review Team, and the Elder Justice Coalition. Christian Gardner-Wood / Boulder County Aging series / Register here for “Shining a Light on Crimes Against Older Adults”
==What is Dementia? == Date: Tuesday, May 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
Description: This first topic explains what dementia is and what is happening to the brain of a Person With Dementia (PWD). Using a cancer diagnosis and care as an example, staff members will be able to identify the need to treat dementias as distinct diseases of the brain, with predictable stages and behaviors.
Five questions about dementia every caregiver needs to understand about care and also to explain the dementia disease process to families are discussed. These five questions address the majority of complaints and concerns from family members and guides them to understand the disease is destroying their loved one’s brain and therefore is the causation of decline in their loved one and not a failure of care. / Boulder County Aging / Register for “What is Dementia?” here. ==NEXT in series “Advanced Care Planning” on May 20th
==Project Visibility: Creating Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Older Adults
Date: Monday, May 10, noon – 1:30 p.m.
Description: Please join us virtually for a 90-minute Project Visibility: Creating Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Older Adults training on Monday, May 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Participants will learn about the unique strengths and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ older adult community and discuss how to create inclusive services and communities for LGBTQ+ older adults. This training is free and open to the public. / Boulder Co Aging / Register here for “Project Visibility: Creating Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Older Adults”.
***To see more details on each BOULDER COUNTY AGING class/talk including detailed description of the credentials of each speaker/facilitator, go to: Boulder County Aging Well Class List
==CASUAL CONVERSATION FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH: Every Monday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. Jessica Broadbent is an outreach worker with Mental Health group — she offers a weekly “chat” — if you just need someone to talk to, to ease your stress or loneliness… or need help in being directed to “help,” she can help you — no pressure to talk about “health” etc. — just bring a cup of coffee and talk — if you dont know how to connect to this chat, contact her. — To join call (303) 258-7454, ext. 6 or chelsey@peaktopeakcounseling.com
==MENTAL HEALTH private sessions: LYONS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE LEAF: contact Cherie about individual help at mentalwellness@leaflyons.com
==DEPRESSED/ SUICIDAL? Colorado has one of the highest rates in the country. You can seek mental health assistance through LEAF, or call the Suicide Hotline. Colorado: (844) 493-TALK//1-844-493-8255 – National (800) 273-8255. Both are Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Check out the Lyons Recorder’s Emotional and Mental Resource List.
COVID-19 NEWS
====CAUTION FOR FULLY VACCINATED===
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) now recommends that seniors who have received both shots, and at least two weeks have passed, can now visit with family (one household at a time), even though the rest of the family has not got a shot, as long as no one in the household has a high-risk condition. They are still recommending that seniors avoid crowded places, like restaurants and large stores, and airplanes. You must still wear a mask when outside in public. It seems that vaccinated people might still catch it, and they can pass it on to other people—including children and those who can’t tolerate the vaccine. Also, these new variants are still spreading. Recently they are discovered 5,800 fully vaccinated people did catch covid and two people have died. Remember it is 95% safe.
We still do not have a firm date as to when the Senior Center will reopen. Boulder County is reopening some offices June 1st, but there is no guarantee that it will extend to Lyons. We will keep you posted.
New COVID-19 NEWS===== See our NEW APRIL“COVID NEWS” — MONTHLY article.
Throughout the month, look for the words “UPDATE” in this article for any big changes.
This includes some medical and scientific, and service advances happening.
Initially it was predicted that everyone can get a vaccine by the end of July, but it is now moved up to April. They say we might be able to BBQ outside with friends on the 4th of July! We are currently experiencing our FOURTH WAVE, but it is not as serious as in the worst months. About 40% of the population has been vaccinated.
NEWS
===LYONS GARDENING & WEEDING GROUPS===
CLICK on the links above for extensive explanations of each group:
1. Lyons Garden Club
2. Rocky Mountain Botanic Gardens
3. Lyons Community Garden
4. Lyons Community Farm Project
5. Lyons Weed Possee
6, Lyons Dandy Lyons / DIG Weeding Group
Maybe it is because people were trapped inside for so long that they are aching to get outside and dig in the Earth!? These volunteer groups offer ways to meet like-minded people, to see parts of Lyons that you may otherwise not (eg, Loop Trail), to help beautify your town, to share tips and plants, and more. — See the info about the first HOME GARDEN TOUR by the Lyons Garden Club, June 19th. /also check out the Free Little Library of gardening books by the Rocky Mt Botanic Gardens.
===PHOTO SPREADS: We have a number of fun winter Photo Spreads this past month. It includes wildlife in winter // Greenwood Rehab Center //fun in Lyons. Go to this INDEX page of “photo spreads” to chose the article pages. All photos were taken in Lyons, or within 15 miles of Lyons.
===SCAMS===
===AARP Class== New Currency of Scams: Gift Card Payments==Date: May 06, 2021==Time: 5:00pm
How much do you know about gift cards in scams? These scams are becoming more and more common as thieves target the vulnerable. Join us for a free webinar to learn how it all works, how serious it is, and how you can stay safe. You’ll even learn about instances of real gift card scams around you in CO. ==Can I get my money back if I’m scammed? How do I spot, avoid, and report gift card payment scams? == Register
==Warnings on RELIA CARDS. Don’t just throw them away. Deactivate them, and call and report them. There is a number on the card. The fraud form and instructions are at www.Colorado.ui.gov. Alert your credit agency. File a police report. Notify FTC at www.identitytheft.gov.
==Fake UNEMPLOYMENT insurance claim: if you received a tax form 1099-G saying you received unemployment funds when you didn’t report it to the Unemployment office, and to https://cdle.colorado.gov/fraud-prevention.
ACTIVITIES
==BINGO==
- American Legion in Estes Park has it weekly. –Sunday at 6 p.m. Check their Facebook page before going there.
2. The Lyons Booster Club sponsors Bingo in Longmont’s Bingo Alley, which raises money for school supplies purchases. They just restarted it this February 2021. They can have up to 100 people in the room, social distancing. See our Article on “SCHOOL NEWS, March 2021” for more details.
===POETRY CONTEST: The Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission is excited to announce a call for submissions for our new Lyons Poetry in Public Places Contest. The theme is “Finding joy and beauty in Lyons.” Selected poems will be chosen to be published on posters and displayed in various businesses and community centers throughout the Town Of Lyons Colorado. Applicants must be in the 80540 zip code area and the contest runs now through May 24, just in time for National Poetry Month in April.For full details follow the link below to the contest guidelines and submission form found on the Town of Lyons webpage. https://www.townoflyons.com/…/Lyons-Poetry-in-Public…
===LYONS LIBRARY: is now open for a limited number of people and time period. Curbside Pick Up is still available, on the outside table.
===LONGMONT SENIOR CENTER: The new catalog is out, and registration is open for April/May. All classes are online or by phone. https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/senior-services/catalog-and-registration-senior-services
==Who do you turn to in this “SMART technology” world with your questions? ==AARP has VIDEOS to teach you about them! = let’s start with CARS: Whether you’ll be behind the wheel or just enjoying the ride, be prepared for the road ahead with AARP Driver Safety’s free educational resources on vehicles, driving and alternative transportation. == smart headlights, drowsy drivers, stability control, assisted parking, blind spot technology…and a lot more. Go to their “learning” page.
===BOULDER COUNTY AGING/ NUTRITION is offering FRESH CONVERSATIONS
This new program is being offered remotely via ZOOM to meet monthly, with a different nutrition/health topic being discussed each time.
Any Coloradoan 60 years old or older can participate in the meetings, especially those who are interested in positively transforming their personal health. Contact Patti Murphy, Registered Dietitian with Boulder Aging at pamurphy@bouldercounty.org or (303) 441-4710. Sample topics are: Heart Disease Myths and Facts == The Down Low on Processed Foods == Keeping Up with Diet Trends.
PATTI SAYS: “People who have attended Fresh Conversations in the past months have remarked on enjoying the topics, benefiting from easy to follow nutrition tips and learning from other program participants!”
The topic for May is “Know your Heart Signs” and will focus on nutrition for prevention of heart attack and cardiovascular diseases.==May 10th, 1 pm – 2 pm (Program is held virtually through Zoom.==Fresh Conversations May 10th 1-2 PM
===LYONS WEDNESDAY WALKERS: The Town of Lyons Recreation Department is still running the Wednesday Walkers group. They meet at the senior center at 11 a.m. and walk to a park and do some light exercises. Contact LRamsey@townoflyons.com to get on the e-mail list or to see if the class is running on the day you want to join them. Free. 55 years and older. = NOTE, this has been cancelled when the weather goes below freezing. Always check with Lisa before coming down if weather is bad. Approximately four to seven people participate.
===CRAFTS: May 12 – 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon: Final Plein Air Watercolor Class with TRISH – she will be moving out of state. Free, but must register. Supplies included. To take place in the Quarry Shelter of L-Johnson Park. Contact LRamsey@townoflyons.com
===LYONS SENIOR PICNIC: May 12th. A lovely buffet lunch will be served by Staff in the WPA Shelter area of LaVern Johnson Park. // Bring your best quarantine story “for points.” Come and socialize with your old friends who you haven’t seen in a year due to COVID! Contact LRamsey@townoflyons.com to REGISTER. All COVID rules will be followed..
===APRIL is NATIONAL POETRY MONTH: each week we have had a poem written by a local poet. Go to the top menu and click on ARTS & CULTURE…and you will see the poems and book reviews for this month. The “Bears” book is very inspirational, and makes you want to get up and do your life’s dreams. (plus good tips on “outdoor” adventures… like camping, gear, packing, etc; and building like-minded relationships).
===EARTH DAY and all week long: Take time to Celebrate Mother Earth on April 22. Go outside and sit under a tree; give it big hug! Listen to the sounds of nature; and absorb the gentle smells. ~~ Then wander over to our page on the many events taking place in the Front Range area– both “in person” and “online” options. Some may inspire you to make a donation… and Some of them request you put in a little elbow grease and help clean up a river or park, etc. Also visit our Lyons Facebook Earth Day page which was set up last year to celebrate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, and has many gardening tips and helpful links.
==VOLUNTEER WEEK: Thank Your Volunteer! It’s also National Volunteer week
~~ Isn’t there a volunteer who has crossed your path this past year == someone who got your groceries or prescription == someone who cleaned the snow on your patio == someone who called you every day to make sure you were ok == someone who delivered a packaged MOW lunch every day == someone who carried boxes for you, or empties your trash == someone who helped you get financial aid (or glasses, or vitamins) == someone who mailed you a greeting card…for no special reason == A PHONE CALL FROM YOU WOULD BE SUCH A DELIGHTFUL SURPRISE! You can “blame” it on Volunteer Week, if you’re shy…
=========================================
======GRATITUDE BEGETS HAPPINESS========
And wouldnt this be a good spot to talk about our theme for the month? GRATITUDE!
First, let’s talk about others, then about ourselves:
Hopefully you do say “thank you” when these wonderful workers help you out… but think of the delight that you could create if you did something out of the ordinary to show your appreciation… You may not have the strength, money, energy to do what they do, but you have the wit, intelligence, caring to take a step to do something for them. ~~~ CALL them, just to say HI and THANKS! ~~~ GIVE THEM A greeting CARD ~~~ Create or bake something for them ~~~
Many people, and spiritual leaders believe that showing your gratitude is a magical action. So, there are two ways you can make this magic work for you
- Count your blessings at the end of the day; keep a Gratitude Journal. Each night write in it… just scribble notes…nothing fancy..doddle.. You will be surprised at the little treasures that happened throughout the day. And, instead of going to sleep thinking about all the things you DID NOT DO… didnt have time… didnt go right… forgot to do… got it messed up… You will lay your head down with HAPPY THOUGHTS ==== It could be(1) found my car keys in the first spot I looked (2) my fussy cat ate all of his food for a change (3) the car wax took the tiny scratch right off my car (5) I found more underwear in the sock drawer and I dont have to do a load of wash. . . === I have found that sometimes not thinking about the things that “didn’t happen” work out in the end — once I forgot to stop by the post office and was upset, but the next day I got a registered letter and I would have had to go back a 2nd time.. so it saved me a trip! and yes I did make note of that in my gratitude journal.
- LITERALLY SAY THANK YOU! silently inside your brain — STOP for a second when something good happens and say (to yourself) THANK YOU! You can look up to the sky… you can “touch your heart”.. can “say the cross”… you can close your eyes… but make it a concrete act. == I can’t explain it, but I’ve read multiple times that when you SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE, the “Universe/God” gives you more good things! == ….I personally wake up every morning and say “thanks” for having lived a Good Day, and sometimes take stock of my life… you can ALWAYS find good things… a solid lovely home with a roof over my head, …a sturdy well-running car, …lovely tall trees that grace the windows of my house… blue sky and a sunny day… It’s a great practice to get into! I promise you (I know) it will be a more positive start to your day… you will notice the change…
===========================================
MEALS, HEALTH/SOCIAL SERVICES
====MEALS====
The River Church has discontinued Monday night Suppers, after one year of serving the community: Many=Thanks!
===BOULDER COUNTY AGING – LUNCHES: Changes for the lunch program: Boulder County Area Aging (BCAAA) is continuing its lunch schedule. But, starting in January, they switched to Tuesdays and Thursdays. Nutritious quality lunches for seniors ages 65 and up can be ordered by 1p.m. the day before at (303) 441-1415, and picked up in front of the Walt Self Senior Center at 12 noon. Please wear a mask and stay six feet away from others. == I post the menu at the beginning of each month on the senior Facebook page.
We thank Teresa DeAnni, Boulder County Healthy Aging Program Manager, and Boulder County, for writing the grants to subsidize the lunch costs, and for Helen Vanderwerken for serving the meal boxes twice a week. It is keeping our seniors healthy and happy!
=====MENTAL, SPIRITUAL, EMOTIONAL, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE======
In the MENU BAR at the top of every page, you will see something that says “COMMUNITY RESOURCES. Under this tab, you will find multiple links to things like “town hall meetings”, fire department assistance, Schools, Counties, and more. We gather information/and/links from dozens of web sites and put them all in ONE PLACE for you to easily find answers to your needs. == ==We also do MONTHLY COVID & SCHOOL NEWS that are gathered from many resources.
The Lyons Recorder has added TWO additional links recently.
1.) The first one is a LIST OF CHURCHES. And, during special HOLIDAYS, we list the times of services and any other important details.
2.) We also have a new FIRE KNOWLEDGE page, with answers to everything you can think of — like “Is it safe to have an outdoor fire today?” “Can I get my house/property inspected for fire mitigation by the fire department?” and more!
===LYONS EMERGENCY & ASSISTANCE FUND
***The Food Bank that is run by LEAF will remain with curbside delivery, due to the “high risk” level of Boulder County. Pull up in front of the Community Church, wear a mask and stay in your car. Someone will come up to your passenger window and help you. If you are handicap or unable to drive to the Food Bank, LEAF can arrange to have the food box delivered to your home. They may be switching to in-door service next month, May, but will limit the number of people allowed inside.
***Meals on Wheels is still active in Lyons, and handled through LEAF. If you are unable to cook for yourself, or have other elderly disabilities, call them to set up delivery.
***Emergency funds: If you are having trouble paying your rent or electric bills, contact them for options.
***Well-check phone call: THIS WAS DISCONTINUED BY LEAF, DUE TO CLIENTS SAYING THEY DID NOT NEED IT ANY MORE.
NOTE: If you live in Larimer County, you will not be eligible for all of these services (other than the food bank). Contact Crossroads Ministry in Estes Park for additional support.
===BOULDER COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING (BCAAA)===
Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) has online and phone services for clients. The staff is available to answer calls and emails from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (303) 441-3570.
The BCAAA responds to the needs of older adults (60+) and their family and informal caregivers in our community through advocacy, funding, direct service, planning, and education.
===The Boulder County NEWSLETTER provides up-to-date information to you about nutrition and health research. Also low-cost health recipes, easy ways to be active at home, puzzles, games and more.
You can also connect with other older adults for a friend discussion focused on nutrition and physical activity education. — See BCAAA page to sign up.
===BOULDER COUNTY AGING OFFICE, in the Walt Self Center: Lynette Anderson “I’m the gal that was working at Walt Self counseling office pre-COVID, and am happy to get you linked to Medicare folks. My work cell is 720-766-8844; if I don’t answer, just leave me a message. I’m working from home, and I live in town.”
===LARIMER COUNTY – OFFICE ON AGING ===
While the Lyons Recorder focuses on Boulder County most of the time, Larimer County has some excellent resources for those seniors who live in the vast areas of Spring Gulch, Pinewood Springs, and more. See the list, and links at: https://www.larimer.org/humanservices/aging/ooa == 970-498-7750 ==1501 Blue Spruce, Fort Collins, CO 80524=Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., BY APPOINTMENT
===The Alzheimer’s Association has almost daily classes on different aspects of recognizing it, working with it, and assisting caregivers. Here is a link to the document listing all the classes, dates, and links, which you can bookmark or print up: https://stage.alz.org/media/co/documents/Regional-Education-Jan-2021.pdf
TAXES
1) AARP HELP – is back!
Here is the General Information web page: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
Local: Longmont Senior Center and Boulder West Senior Center. Also in the Estes Park Library.
Note that tax service availability (in-person, virtually, or both) is available by appointment only, and will vary due to COVID spread and volunteer capacity, and may therefore be limited depending on your location.
Longmont Library: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-e-m/library/eresearch/tax-information-and-forms
Estes Park Library: https://estesvalleylibrary.org/services/tax-preparation-assistance/
Boulder Library: https://research.boulderlibrary.org/c.php?g=204227&p=1390334
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to:
Steve Mikesell on April 3; Harry Kellogg on April 19; and Betsy Ames on April 20, a volunteer at the Senior Center. Laurie Miller! Dawn Henley! Mony Stacy! Kristine Birdi Smock (musician volunteer)! Greg Lowell! Kathy Siddall! Christine Knapp! We hope you do something SPECIAL for your birthday!
April Showers bring May flowers! See you next month!