December SENIOR NEWS: Christmas movies
Dear Seniors,
Are you a big fan of CHRISTMAS MOVIES? They sure are heartwarming and uplifting. Last year Hallmark Channel did 41 new ones! — Probably because so many people were staying home during the pandemic. I’m seeing more listed on the regular tv stations, too, this year. – What’s your favorite big-screen Holiday Christmas movie?
You can’t go wrong with “Elf.” The man who was raised as an (oversized) elf, Buddy (Will Farrell) travels from the North Pole to New York City; and we see the true spirit of Christmas through the innocent antics of a child-man who has no idea how the real world operates. Who can forget when he encounters a store Santa?
Here’s an insider comment – Do you remember in the movie “Back to the Future” that Michael’s mom thought his name was Calvin because of his shorts (Calvin Kelvin)? Well, in “Elf” the Santa’s Elves named the baby Buddy because of the brand name on his disposable diaper: Little Buddy Diapers.
“Love Actually” has several well-developed story lines that all come together nicely; and the cast of popular stars bring both comedy and drama to the movie. The guy with the poster signs in the doorway has been copied by many people over the years. And the Hugh Grant (prime minister) goofy dance was also mimicked countless times.
And, and how many times have you seen the old time classics like “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Plus Scrooge. All helping to show the true meaning of showing that everyone is precious and important, and love wins all.
Have a Happy Holiday, or Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
………….your editor, Kathleen Spring
News Your Can Use
THE MOON IS IN THE NEWS
50 YEARS AGO we went to the moon. Do you remember where you were when you watched the moon landing? – This year, NASA’s Orion capsule returned from a trip around the moon Sunday. This successful project now makes it possible to move forward to sending four people to circle the moon in 2023, and then have people land on the moon in 2024. This time you might be having grandchildren sitting with you to watch it happen. This will help us to learn if people can live on another planet before further plans are made for life on Mars.
Tri-Pandemic
This flu season has been record-shattering levels of transmission. In the week ending November 26, more than 34,000 positive flu tests were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s more than have been reported in any single week during any flu season on record (as far as 1997). The trajectory dwarfs the past six flu seasons. Flu hospitalizations have been off the charts and are rising quickly. In a press conference Monday, CDC director Rochelle Walensky said there have already been 78,000 flu hospitalizations this season, or nearly 17 out of every 100,000 Americans. That’s “the highest we’ve seen at this time of year in a decade,” she said. In keeping with past trends, the highest hospitalization rates are among adults 65 and older. (from VOX reporting) == get your flu shot! espec. before the Holidays… Only 40% of people have it – you’re not protected! –
NEW SHIPMENTS of COVID TESTS FREE: The federal government is once again offering 4 free boxes of COVID home tests for each household. Thanks President Biden for doing this. www.COVID.gov
EXPIRED TESTS? Before you throw out old test kits, check this website to see if they are still good: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list
See the Lyons Recorder long article on GUIDELINES as to what to watch for, what to do, and some links on all 3 viruses.
Message from Medicare: 12/10/22 — If you haven’t gotten your annual flu shot yet, there’s still time. The flu shot is the best way to protect you and your loved ones against flu and its potentially serious complications. For better protection, the CDC recommends people 65 or older get a higher-dose flu vaccine, if available. Did you know you can get your flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine, including the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster, at the same visit? Go to Vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots, including high-dose flu vaccines, near you. Reminder: Medicare covers flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to you.
ACTIVITY OF THE MONTH
GRANNY DANCES: The show follows Granny as she tries to recount her career to her grandchildren, with the help of her guardian spirits: Shakti the Angel, Cantadodra The Dreamweaver, Griot The Storyteller. Seasonal holiday celebrations from across the globe are depicted in dance, including Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, Winter Solstice celebrations, and several more.—“I want people to leave feeling absolutely connected and maybe learning something more about someone else’s culture, and their own human spirit,” Parker Robinson explained. For the first time since the pandemic hit, the show will have live music—-LINK: For Tickets and Information about “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”—-Cleo Parker Robinson Dance will host eight live performances of “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” at its theater on Park Avenue West in Denver. The performances run from December 10 to 18, 2022. From December 19 – January 5, 2023, a virtual version of the show will be available to stream for $5.
HEALTH TIP OF THE MONTH.
Are you still confused about what oils you can eat, or which to cut back on? ~~~ Vegetable oils sold in grocery stores have a MIX of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil is rich in MONOunsaturated fats, and is actually important to your heart’s health! Here’s tips on the other oils: ==Canola oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point and is inexpensive. ==Soybean oil is sometimes labelled vegetable oil. It can be found in PREPARED foods like mayonnaise, and salad dressings ==Eating too much of either can raise your blood cholesterol level and have a heart disease risk.
TRANS Fat is the one to cut back on. ~~~ Look at the LABEL to see what is in the product. ~~~ Sources of saturated fat can be found in dairy products, as well as fatty meats (eg bacon, sausage). ~~~ Good fats: Eat more PLAIN nuts, seeds, avocado and fatty fish. Bad fats: The animal products increase LDL cholesterol. ~~~What can you do to change your diet? Take a look back at this list and pick at least ONE area that you can change in your eating habits today, and consider it a good day!
Town News in the past month
The Lyons Light Parade took place December 3rd with crowded streets, lots of music, and free chili at the Community Church. See the ARTICLE for lots of photos and which floats won a prize. The Artisan Market was a hit, as people now know they can get unique, hand-made items close to home.
ARTICLES in the LYONS RECORDER:
==Vandeket food market in Loveland gathers all kinds of food items that are about to expire (or have shortly expired) and offer them to you for whatever price you can afford.
==PHOTO Spread of winter fun — turkeys, mulching, snow and more
==”Gratitude Poem”– Are birds lulling me into thoughts of gratitude as I sleep…?
==Thanksgiving Sermon (Dec. 22nd there will be a Christmas sermon)
==66 Benefits for Veterans
==History article about Leonard Lyon (son of Edward Lyon)
==a weekly series of BOOKS written by LYONS authors, for gift giving
==Catalytic Converers being stolen like crazy! and now 2 people in Lyons (see tips)
==Grants to our Fire depts. to help with wildfires and normal emergencies (Pinewood 12/1, and Lyons 12/22) and what they are spending it on
Go to www.LyonsRecorder.org and go to the bottom half of the page, and you will see recent articles listed by topic. Or go to the SEARCH BOX at the top of the page and enter your words. ENJOY!
HOLIDAYS to CELEBRATE in DECEMBER:
December 21: Yule has been celebrated since the 4th century. midwinter festival
December 25: Christmas is celebrated all over the world and in many different ways.
December 26-January 01: Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrating black heritage.
January 1: New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a New Year 2023
TOWN AND COUNTY ACTIVITES & NEWS for SENIORS
HOW DO I order lunch?
BOULDER COUNTY AGING LUNCHES in WALT SELF BUILDING: they are still having indoor lunches for LYONS Seniors, age 60 and above, and also carry out. === Some new people have asked how you go about ordering lunch. Here are some Guidelines: ===You can order 1 lunch – It should be done before 1pm the day before you want your meal; and tell them it is “dine in” or “carry out,” and leave your name on the message. Ask them to put a green envelope with it (put your check inside and mail it to Boulder County Aging — it’s pre-addressed env.). “Regulars” (either a few times a month, or every lunch) usually send it in once a month for the whole month; but if your orders are erratic, mail it in the same week you order. Obviously, someone has to pick it up; no delivers. If you need meals delivered then contact LEAF’s Meals on Wheels program. If you are under 60 years or not a Boulder County resident, then you pay a flat fee of $12. The first time you order, you need to come in and fill out a Boulder County Aging form with your info, …but your ”guests” just eat with you and pay the $12. The meals are by a Boulder caterer and are higher quality than the Meals-on-Wheels kitchen. (With the virus numbers going up, they may change the rules, and ask people to wear masks, or they may close down the dining room, and do carry-out only. There will be a message on both Facebook “Lyons Longevity” and on the phone message. When you leave your order on the phone (303) 441-1415, the voice will tell you the meal for each day that week. The Senior Center is located in the Walt Self Housing apartment complex, next door to the Lyons post office.
Lyons Senior Resource Specialists, part time in the Walt Self Senior Center. Clients can contact Sara Lloyd at slloyd@bouldercounty.org or 720-766-8844. -or- All community members are welcome to contact the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging at 303-441-1617 or infoADRC@bouldercounty.org. “As a Resource Specialist, I focus on direct client services by completing a holistic assessment during an appointment to determine client needs and then provide information and make referrals to community partners and other helpful resources.”
BIRTHDAYS – Big News! We have had some seniors disappointed that the birthday celebrations are at the end of the month – It’s just not the same celebrating it with friends 2 or 3 weeks AFTER your birthday. So, Lisa will be changing it to the SECOND Wednesday of the month (due to conflicts with other events, she cannot make it the first Wednesday). This starts in January 2023. Mark your calendars! – this is open to all Lyons seniors during their birthday month. Get on Lisa’s email list to be notified LRamsey@townoflyons.com
SENIOR BUS TRIP – This year the seniors skipped the “Holiday Lights Show”, driving the bus around Longmont, and instead went to a warm theater in Westminister to see a Holiday Movie – the semi-autobiographical movie about Stephen Spielberg’s childhood. They had one of the small private theaters all to themselves, and pushed back on the large reclining chairs to enjoy the movie. Thanks to the Town of Lyons Rec Dept.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT: Come to the Senior Center on Wednesday December 21 at 12:30 p.m. to partake in a fun craft for free. Contact LRamsey@townoflyons.com to let her know you are coming. (If you want lunch, see the instructions under “Boulder County Aging Meals.”)
JOIN MONTHLY GAMES at the Senior Center – Local Lyons seniors will be getting together on the FOURTH Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. to plays games – it could be cards, or board games, or puzzles, or more. Come and suggest something. Free and open to all Lyons seniors 55 and over.
MOVIES DELAYED: Due to COVID scares, we will not be doing Movie Night, or other non-local government sponsored fun activities in December/January.
SCAM NEWS
With the Holidays happening — Watch out for emails that say they are tracking your package, or there are delays, or you need to confirm something. Ignore them and go to the page of the store that you bought them at, and check into your account for the true information. Never click on anything in an email. Always TYPE in the name of the store’s web site in the search box, and go there.
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.
Miscellaneous Info
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! You have double-fun this month, with the Holidays happening!
December Senior Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to Carolyne Dollar, Bonnie DiSalvo, Annie Mannering, Allen LaFollette, Linda Backup, Rev.Emily Fleming, Britton Fell, Emily May, JR Gordon, and Carol Groves.
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
OBITUARY: Walt Kinderman
passed away in December. He was the editor of the Lyons Recorder durng the 1980s and 90s (17 years). He was quite the controversial figure but also a fun and friendly person. Look her for his OBITUARY, and click on the TRIBUTES written by two dozen residents who either worked for him, or were friends. Very interesting stories!
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
