June SENIOR NEWS: Cooking for one
When our kids “leave the nest,” we start to cut back on meal preparation sizes. And, as we get older, we don’t need as much food, so we cut again. And, sometimes we lose our spouse, and we are cooking for one.
Out comes the calculator… how do you divide “1-1/3 cups” in half?
Double check that shopping list… do I really need a 5 pound bag of potatoes? (no matter how good the price is) Or just two big baking ones will do.
Does the smaller quantity change the amount of time you bake it?… pull out the thermometer and check the “internal temperature.”
I haven’t boiled corn on the cob for quite some time, as it seems like too much fuss to do two cobs. But I got some beautiful sweet corn from a farm and HAD to make it. I started thinking… do you put the corn in cold water, or do you wait for it to boil? Since I don’t have a mom to call!? I looked it up on the internet.
Would you believe there were about eight conflicting responses on how to boil corn!? To start off with, it was evenly split between using cold or boiling water. With the boiling water, it said that once it’s reached the boiling point, throw in the corn and shut off the heat, and cover it for 5 minutes, and done! Some said add lots of salt, and others said don’t do that or it will turn tough. Some said add sugar! And some even suggested adding milk to the water. Some said boil it for 8 minutes, but does that time include the couple minutes it takes to bring it to a boil?
Well, all of that triggered my own memory, and I did what I always did, and it turned out marvelous! (I submerged it in cold water, and boiled it for 8 minutes, with salt)
……………….your editor, Kathleen Spring
General NEWS You Can Use
MASS SHOOTINGS: 239 in the first 5 months of 2022.
City of Boulder unanimously passed Gun Control Ordinances, after a public hearing in which the vast majority agreed with the list. (SEE Lyons Recorder ARTICLE for the list, or go to the City of Boulder web site.) Louisville also passed new ordinances; and Lafayette and Superior are in the process of doing some.
Colorado passed a bill to fade out PFAs by 2025. They are “forever chemicals” in carpets, furniture, cosmetics, baby produces and some food packaging. It causes cancer, reproductive effects, developmental issue in kids, thyroid problems.
BALLOTS: There was some new “re-districting” done this past year. PRIMARY ballot were mailed out this week. If you don’t get it by June 18th, check on the State web site to see if you are registered. If you are an independent, you will get two ballots, but only return one (or both will be disqualified).
East Troublesome Fire: Based on evidence gathered at the fire’s origin, investigators have determined the fire to be human caused. Given the location and time of year that the fire started, it may have been caused by a hunter or a backcountry camper, and possibly by accident. Investigators from both agencies are working to identify the person or persons responsible for starting the fire. The investigation is still active. The East Troublesome Fire, one of the largest in Colorado’s history,
Gas prices jumped 40 cents a gallon over the past weekend. Colorado is at $4.67 and Lyons is at $4.47.
CO Hwy 7 Construction – (1.) the construction near Allenspark has progressed so that the road opened on Memorial Day, but the full construction won’t be completed till November. (2.) Asphalt: permanent asphalt paving operations in June. The milling operations will be daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and paving operations from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Single lane closures – motorists can expect 20 minute travel delays during this work. Approximately till June 25th.
Walgreens has expanded their 20% off selection items “senior discount day” (55 and over, with card) for a full week when shopping online (vs. their one day “in store”)!
TID BITS
Howard Johnson’s = It boomed in the 1960s and 70s with 1,000 locations. The building featured the iconic orange roof when it was the largest chain in the nation. It once boasted a famous menu of fried clams and 28 flavors ice cream. What was your favorite? But Howard Johnson quickly found itself in the shadow of McDonald’s (MCD) and other fast-food chains In 2015, the Lake Placid, N.Y., Howard Johnson’s closed. Then in 2016, the Bangor restaurant–the last continuously operating restaurant from the original chain, closed. This week the final one in Lake George closed (a popular summer vacation spot near the Adirondack Mountains). You will never see Howard Johnson’s name or HoJo’s again (unless you are watching “Mad Men” on TV!) Wyndham currently owns about 300 of its old hotels.
SCAM news
CRAFT SCAMS: (1.) Rock-bottom prices on sewing machine fakes. They are advertised as brand-name models for less than $100, saying they are factory closeout. But you pay and it never arrives. (2.) Fake Craft Fair shows advertised online or by social media (eg, Facebook). They collect your table-rental fees and it’s fake. (3.) Fake Sports Cards and Memorabilia. Buying jerseys that claim to be from a Super Bowl game? Even the FBI got into investigating this one. Only buy from reputable hobby shops or auction houses. And check their background.
Your best defense is to use charge cards, so you can stop payment on the charges or get reimbursed. (thanks to AARP for these tips).
COVID-19 news
COVID-19 tripling in the past six weeks. 92 million (1/2 population) have NOT got their first Booster. Goes up to 70% NOT getting their two doses. == Boulder County already on “HIGH” alert in May; Larimer County now “MEDIUM” alert level, with 13.5% 7-day positivity rate.
Reports say that 1 out of 5 people who get COVID will suffer from “long term covid.” For seniors 65 and over that number increases to 1 out of 4. This can be == respiratory issues == pain in the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles ==skin irratations ==brain fog ==and more – for months.
74% of (eligible) people in Colorado are -fully- vaccinated.
(Larimer is 68%; and Boulder is 81%; and Lyons area 60%)
The entire state is 10% or more in 7-day positivity cases. That is twice the number that we would like to stay below (5%). Boulder has the highest county rate. ===5/27/22 Boulder County and health officials are recommending residents take extra measures to prevent themselves from contracting the disease.===Wear a well-fitting medical-grade mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status, including in K-12 schools and other indoor community settings
COVID-19 News Reminder: it is recommended all people 65 and older get their second Booster shot, 4 months or more after your 1st Booster. Go to your doctor, pharmacy or clinic. Also, for those 50 and over who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
Regular SENIOR Happenings in town
LUNCHES: Served Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the Walt Self Senior Center (located in the Boulder Housing apartment complex community center next to the Post Office). You can order a tasty catered meal by 1 p.m. the day before at 303-441-1415. Indicate “carry out,” or go to the building at 12 noon, and come inside (masks optional). Lyons seniors 60+ only pay $3 donation, or what you can afford. (others pay a flat $12). The voice message states what the meals are for the week, or stop by during lunch hour and pick up a copy. Sponsored by Boulder County Aging (BCAAA) office.
SENIOR OUTINGS – see “Activities” below
May – picnic in the Park /// June – trip to baseball game at Coors Field.
SENIOR EXERCISE – free classes – open to all Lyons seniors 55+
These take place at 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Walt Self Senior Center basement on Tuesdays and Thursdays (enter thru back/alley door). Contact Lisa: LRamsey@TownofLyons.com. 303-823-6622, ext. 30 to sign up, and if you have questions. Go here for more details: https://www.townoflyons.com/624/Register-for-Recreation-Programs
FOOD PANTRY: Wednesdays – 3:30 to 6 p.m. – for those in need. Contact LEAF for more information. Come inside and pick what you need. At the Lyons Community Church, lower level, park on Main Street.
Don’t Call 911 – instead Call 211 – for services:
The new “2-1-1” phone system has been activated. They can help you find sooo many useful things. For example: Now there is no reason to call 9-1-1 to ask them where you can find a free medical clinic or complain about pot holes.
Medical Tip of the Month
6/9/22 There is a new cancer treatment that is being tested. 14 patients with rectal cancer went into remission; with no side effects! They will now start big scale testing.
Activities
======SENIOR CENTER ACTIVITIES======
No new Town of Lyons /or/ Boulder County Aging activities are planned for June.
MONTHLY Senior Birthdays are celebrated in “group fashion” on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Center – any Lyons senior having a birthday that month can come and celebrate. It always fun to have a crowd of folks to celebrate with! …and sing and enjoy cake with. Let us know you are coming, ( LovingLyonsSeniorGroup@gmail.com ) and we’ll have a fun greeting card for you! It will be followed by a simple fun craft, or activity, or theme. Note, if you want lunch at 12noon, you need to order it the day before by 1 p.m. (see lunch info above under “Regular Happenings” for details) =========end==========
“Fresh Conversations” about staying healthy – second Tuesday of each month – free, (This group discusses eating healthy. This month’s topic “cooking for one“)
Register here: REGISTER Monthly Boulder County Aging Class & Discussion on Zoom. Please feel free to reach out to Patti with any questions! pamurphy@bouldercounty.org These are not just someone “talking at you” but are conversations among all participants. It’s a small group, so you will be able to speak freely.
Lyons Redstone Museum open 7 days a week till October 1. Monday to Friday, and Saturday 9:30-4:30p.m./ Sunday 12:30-4:30. Come see your town’s history. Free, but donations welcome.
==Mondays in the summer: FREE DOCUMENTARY FILMS at the Lyons Library for adults/seniors at 1 p.m. on some Mondays from June 20th to August 8th. Includes “The Power of Songs” starting with Pete Seeger, “Loneliest whale,” art/canvas, surfing classic from 1966, and “Planet Ocean” See calendar/list.
==Every Wednesday in June, 6:30 p.m. – 10 Summer Concerts in Sandstone Park (now on Wednesdays) See ARTICLE for description of bands.
CALENDAR
==June 6 – 10: “Eyes of Freedom” EXHIBIT and film, about issues of mental health of veterans. Done by a local artist; the exhibit has travelled the US. REGISTER to be guaranteed a seat for the 7 p.m. talks. Lyons Community Library. See the Lyons Recorder or the Library web site for more details. Closing ceremony on Saturday. You HAVE TO SEE IT to fully feel the power of the paintings, and the men who died.
==June 11 – CSU Western Complex: 60,000 sq ft Terra Building == 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. free. CSU Spur will be open and filled to the brim with fun activities! Be part of a community art project and check out greenhouses, interactive exhibits, and the on-view labs and kitchen. …amazing views of downtown Denver from the rooftop!===The TERRA Building features a living wall and vertical gardens, food research and development labs, an expansive test kitchen that doubles as a site for community cooking classes, a rooftop greenhouse and green roof gardens, learning labs for K-12 students, high-tech growth chambers that produce vegetable crops indoors, and places for kids to play and get hands-on with learning. GPS Location: 4817 National Western Dr., Denver, CO 80216; parking is free in the N Lot
==June 11, Saturday – 9-10 a.m. – Special Open House for Veterans ONLY in the Lyons Library Veterans exhibit. Meet vets from several different wars and experience the Eyes of Freedom in this private time. Coffee and Donuts too.
==June 15, 5:30p.m. – Herb Walk: Lyons Farm Forest/Community Farm is having a wildflower/herb walk to help you identify them, and teach you how to “use” them. fee. Register.on Facebook. in Bohn Park.
==June 18, 9-1 p.m. – “Mountain Views” Lyons Garden Tour, 10 news homes, and one fabulous return visit. Buy your tickets via their web site. Free, but donations appreciated.
==June 18, 9-3 p.m. – Lyons Pridefest – 9-11 a.m. coffee and conversation at the Stone Cup. 12 p.m. noon = Meet at Sandstone Park for a march around town after reading the Town of Lyons Proclamation making June LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Bring your support signs, wear rainbow outfits and walking shoes! 1-3 p.m. = Back at Sandstone Park – enjoy speakers, information booths, make and take craft booths, face painting and live music. See ARTICLE
==June 21 – FIRST DAY of SUMMER / Summer Solstice – take a walk around Lyons’ Labyrinth
==June 25, Lyons Good Old Day: history program at the Museum Saturday 1-1:30pm. Attendees include Alumni from class of ’70, ’71, ’72. Come see old school friends! Open House at the Museum 1:30 to 4p.m. Free Concert in Sandstone Park at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
==June 24, LYONS Veteran Program: dedication of sandstone bench– Ceremony and speakers – Mickey Hawkins, only Lyons veteran to die in the Vietnam War; in front of museum at 6-7 p.m. Includes Honor Guard, and speakers.
==July 6 – Third Quarter LAHC art show
BINGO – (1.) Longmont Bingo Hall, Longmont, every Sunday – funds go to the Middle/High School equipment (2.) Estes Park American Legion Hall, every Sunday 6 p.m.
VETERANS: Information and support services are available to Veterans every Wednesday at the Estes Park American Legion Hall, from 9-11 a.m. New Opportunities coming soon. Esteslegion.org – Menu available. // Boulder American Legion has: meals, trap range, and Texas Hold Em card games. American Legion Post #10, 4760 28th St., Boulder
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See the Lyons Recorder weekly
==“Things to Do” article for activities and deadlines… such as art openings, library events, deadlines, and more.
==WEEKLY “News Briefs” about what’s happening around TOWN, go to Lyons Recorder’s “Editor’s Notes”
Lyons Senior Tid Bits
Lyons senior Michael Tovani has found a permanent home at Brookdale Assisted Living, Longmont. Vance French has also moved to housing in Longmont. We wish them a healthy and happy residency. And, we hear that Betsy Montief may be returning to her Walt Self Housing apartment. Zeke Little is recovering well from his heart operation. Kitty and Chuck Keim will be travelling to Europe to sing with their choir group.
Passed away this past month: LaVern Johnson, 94, historian, crusader, and town Matriarch. Bill Boone, 90 years old, Alumni 1950, lived on the oldest sandstone quarry land in Lyons. Barbara Lee, 85, teacher in Lyons schools for 18 years. Lyons resident 41 years. Doug Harkalis (son of Maxine Harkalis, 94). We send our sincere condolences. (See Lyons Recorder Obituary pages for full details)
Happy Birthday, Seniors! Happy Spring!
JUNE BIRTHDAYS: John Dutcher, Janet Freeman, Nicky Harkalis, Ken Singer, Linda (Kelling) England, Susan Pruitt (celebrating 75 years!), and Kathy Siddall.
We wish you a happy day, full of laughter, and good cake! and a healthy 2022 with fun adventures!
Be sure to say “Hi” and Happy Birthday to these folks! It’s always nice to get a friendly hello!
If you wish to be on our Birthday List, please write us! LyonsRecorder.Editor@gmail.com
NEWSLETTER — to be assured that you get a copy of the monthly SENIOR NEWS — add your name to the Loving Lyons Seniors Group email list. This newsletter/article has been produced for approximately 20 years by Kathleen Spring, and has been published in full in the Lyons Recorder since November 2020. Email: LovingLyonsSeniorGroup@gmail.com
