October SENIOR NEWS: read a good book lately?
Dear Seniors,
Did you have a library in your neighborhood when you were growing up? Did you have one nearby when you were raising your kids? Well, we know you have one now – in 2022 in downtown Lyons! Are libraries the fabric of your life?
I remember, as a kid, walking a couple of miles to the one near me (everyone walked). It was a delightful treasure of books, suiting my age, as I grew up.
I was surprised to learn that, currently, the average American reads for pleasure for only about 16 minutes a day…which equals about two hours a week.
How much time reading do you average each week… or month? Do you tell yourself that you don’t have the time anymore? Well, did you devote four hours to a clothes shopping spree? Or, three hours to a football game? Or, two hours for that autumn wreath class? So,… you are capable to blocking out a few hours for simple pleasures.
Or maybe you book reading habits have changed: Have you switched to books on “tape/cd”? that you can listen to as you drive around town? Or perhaps you “wait for the movie?” Or, you view “streaming” stories? Again, you can’t use “no time” as an excuse if you are one of the millions who “binge” on eight episodes of one (streaming) TV series in one day.
We use to moan when we saw kids (our grandkids?) watching TV for hours. Then we moaned when they watched the same movie over and over, twenty times. Next, came the video game stage. And, now, we complain when the kids stick their noses in their “cell phone/media device” for hours.
But have we too, transitioned to “doing the quick version?” Guess what: a recent study by the Pew Research Center stated that it is mainly seniors who have been spending more time watching TV, movies or streaming video, while the younger age groups have either stayed about the same, or fallen.
Well, maybe I can only hope that those who took the time to read this column and this Newsletter are not in the “forsaken book club.” There is nothing quite like getting immersed in a novel. Best wishes on finding your next book very soon!
………….your editor, Kathleen Spring
Senior Activities report
ZOO DAY (BUS TRIP): September is the perfect time to visit the zoo.. great weather for both humans and animals! While some seniors enjoyed using the helpful ‘transportation devices’ to get them around the zoo, most zipped off, walking to see their favorite animals. It was satisfying to view the animals in open enclosures, roaming around, eating or playing. ===First-time parents Pintar and Bu presented their beautiful Asian small-clawed otter pup, Jai. — Golden lion tamarin tot Chickpea has just started exploring his Emerald Forest home. — And the juvenile reticulated giraffe BB, has settled in so well with her new herd that it seems she’s always been there. — We did spy some seniors dozing off on the bus ride back to town!
SENIOR PICNIC IN THE PARK: Many seniors live alone and don’t have anyone to grab and take on a picnic. In Lyons, there are plenty of people who love to mingle with friends in one of Lyons’ beautiful parks. On September 21, Lisa Ramsey, town activities coordinator, arranged to reserve a park pavilion just for the seniors, and brought yummy food from the local BBQ restaurant for all to enjoy. There was non-stop talking among the seniors, who hadn’t seen their friends in many weeks (or meeting new friends). The weather cooperated (it had rained previously in the week), and the sun, the deep green grass, and grand mountains made for a delightful lunch atmosphere.
WREATH MAKING CLASS: Lush autumn-themed wreaths, in rich colors, were made by the seniors in the craft class (sponsored by the Town of Lyons) on October 12. Everyone exclaimed what was the perfect spot in their home to hang it. Thanks to crafter Mary Reaume who selected the materials and guided the attendees in going beyond their basic, initial image.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS & HALLOWEEN PUMPKINS: All seniors in town with October birthdays were invited to the monthly celebration! The attendees enjoyed singing to the honorees, and eating rich fudge cake squares, and then doing a craft. No one had ever painted a pumpkin quite like this! The small white pumpkins were dunked in a container of water with a swirl of many colors of “nail polish” liquid. It resulted in psychedelic colors!
SEE BELOW for future activities and trips offered to Lyons Seniors through the Town of Lyons Recreation Dept., and Boulder County Aging (BCAAA) offices.
—-October is Conflict Resolution Month—-
—-October is Cervical Cancer Survivor Month—-
On September 30, President Biden declared—- October as National Arts and Humanities Month—(local opportunities)
BRIEF SUMMARY OF TOWN NEWS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS: The Lyons Recorder has ARTICLES on several construction projects around town. (1.) Hwy 7 over the St. Vrain River has a traffic light, which stops traffic each way for about three minutes, while construction goes on, and (2.) Apple Valley BRIDGE was painted/stained and has reopened. (3.) Black Bear water park has opened (paid parking) (3.) The construction on Hwy.36 between Lyons and Estes Park will continue thru the end of October (4.) The Pedestrian walk and bridge over 4th Avenue was dedicated and opened October 21. It was mainly paid with Colorado Safe Routes to School grant. The bridge was destroyed during the Great Flood of 2013, and is now higher above the river. (The Recorder has a history of the bridge from 2013 to 2022, and about 50 photos bringing you up to date to the Grand Opening).
BUSINESS NEWS IN LYONS: (1.) The Dairy Bar is looking for new owners of their candy store (the ice cream shop will remain under Corey’s ownership). (2.) Marigold restaurant is open. Full review of chef and menu is available in the Recorder. (3.) The Chamber had their last social of the year at A-Lodge. (4.) In case you didnt know — Barking Dog is now open again, and Stone Cup is permanently closed.
4th QUARTER ART SHOW opened — with resident art in Town Hall (theme “Thanks. Giving. Tis the Season); and “past and current Lyons Arts & Humanities Commissioners” art in Town Hall. Melodic harp music played in the library, as patrons enjoy YaYa donuts and cider. Meanwhile, Town and LAHC officials dedicated the new “wildlife” mural painted on the stucco wall of Town Hall, facing highway 7. Lyons Artist Android Jones and his crew installed the mural based on previous discussions with LACC and the public on the best wildlife to portray. Stop by and visit all three installations.
RADIO PLAY: Lyons had its first live “radio” play performed of “Dragnet” and “Burns and Allen” shows, at the library. It was standing-room only!
TWO BIG EVENTS in OCTOBER:
Friday October 29, 6 p.m. RAVE TO THE GRAVE: adult costume party, outdoors. LEAF’s biggest fundraiser at Lavern Johnson Park. live music. MUST REGISTER This Year, and pay a fee. leaflyons.org/rave-to-the-grave/
Saturday, October 29th events begin at 4:00 pm at the Lyons Elementary School, with the parade along Main Street beginning at 6 pm. The Chili Cook-off at Main Stage Brewing at 4:30 pm. Full details and times are noted online.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
NEW Boulder County Aging Office representative in Lyons: I am putting this here in case you do not read the miscellaneous Boulder ‘BCAAA box’ info below — Lyons has been assigned a new “resource/counseling rep” back in August, but she is still not operating out of the Lyons Walt Self (Senior Center) building, after two months. We heard through the grapevine that they are waiting for new furniture for her office. == We have written 5 people at BCAAA for more information about her, and especially her hours/days/email/phone. We will insert it in this “spot” when we hear more this month. (and in the next, November newsletter) *UPDATE* 11/2/22 someone from the Medicaid dept said they believe this is the new rep: Sarah Lloyd, her email is slloyd@bouldercounty.org , telephone number is 720-864-6408
BEWARE OF BEARS: Black bears in Colorado are entering hyperphagia and will spend up to 20 hours a day trying to eat more than 20,000 calories to fatten up for winter. Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily accessible human food and your trash==don’t leave your trash out and available! or let pets out at night.
Focus on Posture: Little steps can help ease or eliminate back pain. Whether you are working on a meal in the kitchen, or walking down the street, the proper posture during the majority of the day can help back pain. Pick one or two things that you do every day, and focus on “being straight” for them.====When sitting your knees should be at a 90 degree angle, with your shoulders in a straight line over your hips and your ears, directly over your shoulders. Do you lean over your cell phone? Stop that!
SOCIAL SECURITY INCREASE: It is predicted that SS will go up by 8.7%, due to cost of living (the inflation), which will mean an average payment of $146/month or $1,827. This is historic — the highest increase in 40 years. See it in January 2023.
CAN YOU TURN THAT FACE UPSIDE DOWN & SMILE? It has been found that those feeling unhappy or lonely show signs of damage to their biological clock— even more than smoking, according to the Journal on Aging, U.S. Participants found to be a higher risk for Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease and other disease.
HEARING AIDS deal goes into effect: This past week, the FDA started the new regulations permitting hearing aids to be sold as an over-the-counter product. We told you about this in previous newsletters, and now it’s ACTIVE. These devices are critical for communicating and vital to so many. In fact, over 83% of those who wear hearing aids report life-changing results. This will effect 3 million people. – You don’t need a prescription to buy one – there are videos showing how to adjust/use them. But this is NOT for those with serious hearing loss: such as complete hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, loss only in one ear, or pain, or other unusual circumstances. — Be warned: there are no laws making the companies take back aids that don’t suit your needs (read the fine print). But they must print their policy on the package. — There’s a lot to learn about what kind you might need. — AARP has a free phone line where you can test your hearing. The monthly AARP magazine has a great article about this in their October issue, including lots of graphics! — Learn more in NPR article: here
The family of longtime reporter Ron Mitchell who died at 75 in 2016 had the 9NEWS logo etched on his headstone, the station reported. Pretty cool, huh?
State of Colorado statement about marijuana concentrates== THC concentrates can cause psychotic disorder, uncontrolled vomiting, and physical dependence. Concentrates are not recommended for those under 25 unless their doctor says otherwise
Average American Life Span: 2019: 78.9 year // 2020: 77 years // 2021: 76.6 years. Factors are obesity, heart disease, health care access. I think Lyons is doing far better than the national average with many seniors into their 80s and 90s! The US was worse than 19 other wealthy countries.
Bessie’s Hope.org – their mission is to cultivate mutually rewarding relations between elders and volunteers. School or church groups are matched with the closest elder care partner. What makes them different is they provide them with the training, active planning, and facilitate the visit. Some participants said: “Kids aren’t afraid to touch us.” “Their stories are awesome” “We seniors love to have someone to share our lives with.”
NOSTALGIA: Chinese Academy of Sciences is looking at nostalgia – memories and images reduce pain. EG: cartoons and games from childhood. Try it out!
RMNP – Trail Ridge Rd. officially closed October 24 for the winter season.
Please do not stop reading the Newsletter here… there are lots of great (new) bits of information below; it’s not just a list of past links.
SCAM NEWS
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The IRS and the Security Summit partners warn everyone to be on the lookout for scams and schemes that could put sensitive tax data at risk, especially IRS-themed texting scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
So far in 2022, the IRS has identified and reported thousands of fraudulent domains tied to multiple text scams, known as smishing, targeting taxpayers. Recently, IRS-themed smishing has increased significantly. Smishing campaigns target mobile phone users, and the scam messages often look like they’re coming from the IRS, with fake messages, known as “lures,” offering COVID relief, tax credits or help setting up an IRS online account. Recipients of these IRS-related scams can report them to phishing@irs.gov.
In the latest smishing activity, the scam texts ask taxpayers to click a link or call a telephone number where criminals will collect their personal or financial information. The IRS does not send emails or text messages asking for personal, financial information or account numbers.
Taxpayers should continue reporting these scams to the IRS. Their reporting allows the agency to report the scams to the appropriate service providers for action, protecting other taxpayers who might receive a variant of the same scam.
How to report IRS-related smishing==The IRS maintains phishing@irs.gov to process complaints tied to IRS, Treasury and tax-related online scams. Taxpayers should not report smishing involving other agencies or brands to this email address.
COVID-19 NEWS, FLU SEASON
The fall is predicted to be a “bad flu season,” mainly due to people no longer wearing masks or social distancing. Add to that the possibility of still catching COVID-19. Our governor is encouraging people to get their TWO vaccines by Halloween. The new COVID shot is available for all adults, not just “seniors”. Major grocery and drug store chains are offering appointments (most do not have walk-ins). (Reports say 49% have had a previous booster shot, and only 20% have got their current 4th Booster.) Many customers say that they had a long wait to see the nurse, even with an appointment; and some say they took ‘walk ins’ (even though they had an appointment). Bring a book, just in case!
***UPDATE*** 11/4/22 CANCELLED*** Flu shots will be available to all ages Tuesday November 8th, 10:00 to 2 p.m, at Walt Self Community Room (Senior Center) 335 Railroad Ave, next door to Post Office. Free. No insurance card needed. COVID shots will also be available, but it is unclear if it is just for seniors. A BCAAA employee posted this on Facebook, Lyons Longevity 10/27/22. Please park on the street, by Sandstone Park. This is taking place at the same time as the “senior lunch.” We asked staff if the seniors can eat privately, or if they will be seated with the waiting patients, but have not received a response as of 11/2/22.
If you NEED someone to come to your HOUSE, call this State of Colorado “call center” and ask them. It may take a few weeks for them to come out. You can also call this number if your results are not returned in three days. 303-731-2993
COVID-19 vaccines: The BA4 and BA 5 subvariant are covered in the new booster, approved by CDC and FTD. Available to: Pfizer 12+ / for Moderna 18+ years. At least two months after most recent shot. It is available at most major chain drug stores, by appointment. This is the only authorized booster now available. Those who were scheduled for the old booster will now be rescheduled. It is predicted to be a bad flu season because people are no longer wearing masks, or social distancing. CDC says it is safe to get both shots at the same time.
REGULAR MONTHLY ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS
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
SENIOR EXERCISE – free classes – open to all Lyons seniors 55+
As of October 20: (1) new place: Walt Self Center, lower level (2) new time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (enter thru back/alley door but park on street, at Sandstone Park). Contact Lisa: LRamsey@TownofLyons.com. 303-823-6622, ext. 30 to sign up, and if you have questions. Go here for more details and to register: 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 hall, lower level, park on Main Street. (Or donate non-perishable food 9:30-3:00 p.m.)
Crisis Help
Mental Health Partners, Colorado — Crisis Center for walk-ins 24/7 – 3180 Airport Rd., Boulder
(normal resource center: 2935 Baseline)
The country-wide CRISIS hotline/emergencies is now in effect: 988 = for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. July 2022.
Lyons local LEAF offers mental wellness counseling. In most cases it is free, and can be charged to your insurance of Medicaid program. Write mentalwellness@leafLyons.org for confidential help.
Don’t Call 911 – instead Call 211 – for services and questions (eg, I’m being kicked out of my apartment – get the phone number of housing aid, or free legal aid)
9-1-1 == If there is an emergency situation which calls for help from a “mental wellness counselor”, when you call 9-1-1 for police assistance, you can ask for Co-Responder Lynette Anderson to also come along.
Medical Tip of the Month
ANNUAL OPEN MEDICARE SIGN UP // OR CHANGE: Oct 15 to Dec 5: Free Help: You must schedule an appointment.
Participating Medicare enrollees are invited to connect with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging counselors starting October 20. Open enrollment period runs from Saturday through Dec. 7, during which time people can review or change their plans for next year.
BCAAA Medicare counselors are State Health Insurance Programs certified and can help enrollees by comparing their current plan against other options. Counseling appointments are both virtually and over the phone. Call BCAAA’s Medicare Appointment Counseling Line at 303-441-1546 or email medicarecounseling@bouldercounty.org.
For those in Larimer County, contact the Aspen Club, in Estes Park/Ft. Collins. They have become the lead agency to which seniors and their family members turn when they have questions about Medicare and related health insurance.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
TOWN OF LYONS – SENIOR RECREATION:
Nov. 16, Wednesday – Monthly Birthday party for all those having November birthdays – 12 noon lunch time; and 12:30 p.m. party. Must order lunch day before by 1 p.m. (see lunches below) We will be playing a fun social game.
BOULDER COUNTY AGING
Class on Zoom:
“Fresh Conversations” about staying healthy/mainly food topics – second Tuesday of each month – free -This group discusses eating healthy. ===November 9th– Topic is: Know Your Heart Signs- Improving Cardiovascular Health===December 14th– Fat can be Heart Healthy: Types of Fat to Enjoy and Types to Limit === 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.
LIBRARY========
==The Lyons Library has a new schedule of talks, classes, and more. See our ARTICLE for details, or go to their web site. NOTE there will be a series of sketching classes, writing skills (and storytelling), and Native American tales.
==ESTES PARK Library Book Club: on books with topics about “death preparation.” must Register
VOTING AIDS====== November 5 — the Lyons Recorder has articles on (1.) frequently asked questions, and deadlines (2.) descriptions of the Ballot initiatives (by Boulder county Commissioner) (3.) description of the two LYONS-only ballot initiatives.
BINGO – (1.) Longmont Bingo Hall, Longmont, (behind the Wendy’s) 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 // Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs // Boulder County Veterans Services, 515 Coffman, Suite 150, Longmont ========================================
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”
Happy Birthday, Seniors! Welcome to the cool weather of Fall
October Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to Jacque Watson, Marcia Hall and Nancy Reckling! …all long-time residents of Lyons.
Betsy Montief – lives in the Walt Self Housing apartments, loves art, including the art of good conversations.
Kathleen Spring – historian, writer, marketing, photographer, world traveller… and editor of the Lyons Recorder.
Josie Rios – lives in the Walt Self Housing apartments, with husband Delfino. They love gardening, both in their professional and private lives.
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, award-winning, 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
TO SEE PREVIOUS SENIOR NEWS articles, click HERE
