March SENIOR NEWS: enjoying the stars and the snow
Dear Seniors,
We’re having a ton more snow this year than last year. How are you surviving it?
Do you remember sledding as a kid, and/or taking your kids for sledding? Did you ever get/or give a ride with the sled attached to the back bumper of the car? (yes)
I know many of you are from other states, and had a variety of experiences. Many are from Michigan, with its heavy wet snow that was great for sledding and toboggans, and it was easy to find a hill to slid on.
I also remember thick, padded onesie snowsuits from the babies and toddlers, with the zipper in front, and a hood. How often did they say they had to go to the bathroom right after we put the many layers of jackets, mittens, and boots on them?!
I’ve seen multiple photos over the past few weeks of people taking their babies and toddlers outside for activities, and they are wearing something that looks more like (whole body) leggings that teen girls wear. Maybe it’s a Colorado thing? Is the car seat part of the issue? Or, maybe it’s a fashion statement?
Happy Memories……… Kathleen Spring ……… Loving Lyons Senior Group
MARCH BUS TRIP
All photos by Bonita Joy Yoder, Lyons, copyright 2023. == Thank you to our Favorite VIA Bus Driver Billie. She always gets us to our destination fast and safe. This trip she got us around a very narrow spot in a parking lot that amazed us all!
A big bus load of seniors (24, I believe) attended the March Senior Bus Trip to Fiske Auditorium. Upon entering the planetarium and seated in the big comfy chairs that were leaned back so we could see the “sky” (dome ceiling) easily — the group was first treated to an astronomy/science lesson about the skies… including where our favorite star constellations are located as compared to where we were sitting in the city of Boulder. Next came a video show on the “sky” (dome). It was both gorgeous and educational. You can see the film online, but it wont be the same as seeing it on a giant screen overhead. After a great Q&A, the group took a quick tour around the exhibit area, and proceeded to travel home. The bus ride is always a great way to have in-depth conversations with new and old friends. // The next trip will be in May to “Meow Wolf.” Thanks to the Town of Lyons, and Lyons Community Foundation for coordinating the trip and partial funding! and to Lisa Ramsey for the perfect arrangements and escort!
The creator said: “BELLA GAIA shows you how humans and nature are connected, and how art and science are connected. Itʼs an exploration of the relationship between human civilization and our ecosystem through time and space.” – Kenji Williams, BELLA GAIA Founder & Director
Fiske Planetarium and Science Center is a public museum dedicated to educating the public on astronomy and astrophysics. (University of Colorado Boulder) It offers workshops, shows and hands-on activities. The Fiske’s newest exhibit showcases findings from the Hubble Space Telescope, and scenes from Webb Telescope. Interested in stargazing? Visit Sommers-Bausch Observatory (next to Fiske) — the observatory provides free open houses throughout the year.
News You Can Use
AURORA BOREALIS was seen in the Rocky Mountains February 27th – In all your decades, you probably have not seen this, but lucky you — Go to the Estes Park Trail Gazette web pages to see a one minute time lapse of the beautiful event, done by local photographer Rick Martinez.
WILDLIFE: Our local nature reporter, Robyn Sloan says: The mule deer bucks are losing their antlers now, my husband found a pair of forked ones last week in the woods. Where the snow melts on south facing slopes, little shoots of green grass are starting to appear. the deer actively hunt for those, desperate to have some variety in their diet of winter forage. Our first wildflowers, the Pasque Flower and Spring Beauty, usually start showing up in later March.
KIDNAPPED IN MEXICO: some Americans have been crossing the border near Texas to get low cost medicine, or cosmetic procedures. There have been some terrible situations and kidnapping. Be sure to check the government web site for warnings on where NOT TO GO in Mexico. (It is a small number of districts – 13 out of 32)
List of approved agencies that you can donate to for victims of earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
NEWEST SCAM: damaged cash vending machines. Be sure to SIGN OUT when using the “tap” function! or the next person can withdraw from your account.
SENIORS IN THE NEWS===== Don Monette, who founded the mountainside Flagstaff House, that commanded sweeping views of Boulder below, passed away In January at the age of 85. ===== Julie Heumann, 75. Called the Mother of Disability Rights Movement.” She helped form the 1990s American Disabilities Act; and many other achievements in helping others. She was denied entry to elementary school for many years because she was in a wheel chair.
==REPEAT== see last month’s article for more details
Celebrate WOMEN’s HISTORY MONTH
WOMEN’s HALL of FAME – 17 new inductees – The Class of 2022 includes both contemporary and historical women who have made enduring and exemplary contributions to their fields, inspired and elevated the status of women, and helped open new frontiers for women and society. Their contributions span Colorado’s colorful and storied history, reaching all four corners of our state, and have spread to touch our nation and our world. Denver7 is proud to partner with the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame for this year’s induction ceremony. Denver7’s Anne Trujillo will host the gala on Wednesday, March 15. To learn more about inductees, visit Women In the Hall. Or, for a shorter version, see Lyons Recorder ARTICLE.
Libby Bortz, Contemporary Inductee:
She is a community activist and psychiatric social worker, observed that a large percentage of her patients with mental health concerns were women. She knew she could do something about the issues she saw to help make those patients feel worthwhile and enable them to contribute to society. She worked to provide needed services and facilities including education, housing and criminal justice for everyone, particularly women, poor and seniors. Her efforts led to Littleton becoming the first suburban community nationally to create a Housing Authority (1971). She was instrumental in helping to establish an assisted living center for the elderly who needed housing but were not candidates for nursing homes. Bortz was one of the first women to get a credit card as women could not usually get credit cards in their own names prior to the enactment in 1974 of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act which prohibited the withholding of credit on the basis of gender.
Theodosia Grace Ammons
Historical Inductee
Theodosia Grace Ammons was a powerful suffragist and nationally prominent leader in an academic discipline designed to dignify and empower women which was just emerging at the time (today it is called home economics or family and consumer sciences). …created an acclaimed academic department for domestic economy within what is today Colorado State University, became the first female dean at that college…
HEALTH NEWS
=====UCHealth, Denver says that COVID transmissions are still high. In 2022 we had 990 a week, and the week of February 17, we had 281 cases.
=====FREE COVID VACCINES in LYONS == April 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walt Self Community Building (next door to post office). NO Reservations required. Free. Offered by Boulder County Public Health, and Bo Co Area Agency on Aging. == Pfizer Primary/Monvalent (12 yrs+) // Pfizer Booster/Bivalent (12 yrs+) // Moderna Booster/Bivalent (6 yrs+).
=====The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be auditing Medicare Advantage plans aggressively now that a new rule was finalized in February. The Biden administration is aiming at those insurers that have overcharged the federal government. The agency estimates that it will they hope to bring back into the Medicare funds about $4.7 billion over the next. They way they will do this is by looking at random beneficiary records and comparing the insurance companies submission with the actual medical records to see if they inflated health conditions. Then the agency will extrapolate the error factor. This will probably be for years 2018 and forward.
======DOES SOMEONE YOU LOVE have signs of Alzheimer’s Disease? Why is a diagnosis important? ——— Ensuring that a loved one sees their doctor for a professional diagnosis is essential for providing appropriate care, particularly since there are a number of medical conditions that may mimic symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
=====Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Colorado? ——– In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.
Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.
- Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
- Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
- Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
- Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.
As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)
Got to his page to see a well-researched article on getting home care, on financing it, on finding an at-home care provider, what are the regulations, what does Medicare pay for, COVID-19 rules in Colorado, estimated costs, and much more: https://www.caring.com/senior-care/in-home-care/colorado
Lyons Recorder ARTICLES of interest to Seniors, February 2023
“Conscious Lyons” – new social group forming to expand places and ways people can form new friendships with like-minded people (that are not located in bars)
GYM – new group forming to discuss opening up a gym in Lyons (not Town related; supported by monthly dues)
Multiple ARTICLES on the millions in federal funds that are being sent to “The West” and Colorado to help with rivers, drought, fire, carbon emissions.
NEW EMPLOYMENT LAWS: multiple new COLORADO laws that help make life better for Lyons working residents, such as non-compete contracts, free pre-school care, state retirement plan, and more.
SCHOOL SPORTS – an update on our Lyons school sports from Sept. to February, including state and regional championships.
Colorado Endangered Buildings List – celebrating 25 years of Colorado Preservation
CDOT report on their great progress last year on “10 year Plan”, and this year’s goals
Bike Path between Lyons and Boulder – receiving some funds
Women’s History Month – articles
Library workshops, speakers, plays, silent movies, and more.
Go to the middle of the page, and look for articles “by topic.” www.LyonsRecorder.org
Watch “Editor’s Notes and News Briefs” for dozens of short news briefs EACH WEEK on what’s currently happening in Lyons, (and a few key national news pieces.) CLICK here to read the list of each week’s article.
TOWN of Lyons SENIOR ACTIVITES
SENIOR BIRTHDAY PARTY DATE ==== MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PARTY to the SECOND WEDNESDAY of the month! —– Any senior in Lyons can attend. There usually is a tasty baked good, song, and a game or simple craft . — next one: April 12, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. This is sponsored by the Town of Lyons.
GAME DAY, Senior Center: Game Day is held on the last Wednesday each month after the lunch at Walt Self. Come on by around 12:30 pm and enjoy a board game or two. Town of Lyons Senior activities are open to any resident 55 years old, and up. Games change monthly.
3rd Winter Wonderland Concert is on March 25, from 2 – 4 pm, and will feature Ian Brighton== in new location: BOHN Park – for details and options see Calendar. — Sponsored by LCF and Town of Lyons.
LYONS SENIOR EXERCISE – 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., free. For Lyons seniors 55+ === This has been moved to the Walt Self Senior Center for the winter months. For info; and to check if it has been cancelled, or will be partially outside: Contact Lramsey@townoflyons.com Usually consists of: using hand weights; walking; stretching; and mild yoga. REGISTER
BUS TRIPS =
TO REGISTER CONTACT LISA AT: lramsey@townoflyons.com or call 303-823-6622 ext 30
Bus Trip to Meow Wolf === You won’t want to miss this one! Fun for all ages, Meow Wolf is an interactive art museum that transports you from planet earth straight to another galaxy. Imagine stepping through the pages of a Dr Suess book and you’ll have some idea of what Meow Wolf is like. Sure to engage all your senses, Meow Wolf’s mission is to inspire creativity through art, exploration, and play. HELLOFOOD is the onsite cafe and bar featuring rice bowls, salads, sandwiches, coffee, tea, beer, wine and even desserts. Please hop on the bus and join us for a fun filled day!
Ages: 55 and up === Date: Monday, May 1, 9:45 am – 3:30 pm ==== Location: bus leaves from Walt Self, 335 Railroad Ave === Fee: $30 plus money for lunch; scholarships available
BOULDER COUNTY AGING (BCAAA)
Lyons Senior Resource Specialist, Walt Self Senior Center — 303-441-1617 or infoADRC@boulderconty.org —- **NOTE: Appointments are available at Walt Self on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call to schedule.** —– Interviews are being conducted for a permanent person for the “Mountain Resource” position, which covers both Lyons and Nederland. It is anticipated that a new person will start the first week of April, and will have part-time office hours at the Walt Self building.
Boulder County residents are invited to join the Board of County Commissioners for a Town Hall meeting on aging well and other topics of interest to the community on Thursday, March 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sunshine Fire Protection District, Station 1, 311 County Road 83, Boulder.
HEALTHY CONVERSATIONS (online/Zoom) — Fresh Conversations is an evidence-based nutrition education program focused on timely nutrition topics presented monthly. Fresh Conversations is led by Patti Murphy, RDN. The program is held virtually over Zoom. When: Wednesday, April 12, 1-2 p.m. Questions? Please email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org. Topic for the April: Eggs are Good for You– Breaking down the Research
BASICS in MEDICARE CLASS (Online) == Thursday, March 16, 10-11:30 a.m.===To learn more about Medicare Basics, Medicare Counseling, and to register for upcoming classes, please visit: boco.org/Medicare For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call 303-441-1546.
Nutrition Counseling: Individualized counseling and coaching from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are available for Boulder County residents. Call 303-678-6115 (English) or 720-930-0223 (en español) with your contact information.
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.
==Upcoming Caregiving Events==
(1.) After the Diagnosis – Living with a Serious Disease// Tuesday, March 14, 10-11:30 a.m. (Zoom) Register ………… (2.) Gentle Yoga for Cultivating Resilience// Tuesday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m. (Zoom) Register
====CULTURAL and EDUCATIONAL Programs====
===This weekend===
March 9 – Conservancy Program – at The Barrell in Estes Park – This new program, which began last month, presents Rocky Mountain Conservancy, science and conservation presentations in a fun and relaxed environment. March 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dr. Ruth M. Alexander will present “How Shall We Tell Their History? Women in Rocky Mountain National Park” in recognition of Women’s History Month.
March 11, SILENT MOVIES and piano accompaniment, at library.
March 10, wildlife and nature book reading at library. See ARTICLE.
March 11, 10a.m., Bohn Park – second annual Lucky Lyons St. Patrick’s Day Run.
=============
Frozen Dead Guy Days, moved from Nederland to Estes Park, March 17, 18, 19. multiple events and dozens of live bands. Friday night Opening is free.
March 10, This Friday at The Old Gallery in Allenspark, Community Lunch and Learn. Presented by OUR Center and Mental Health Partners. Bring a lunch and come learn what social services these organizations offer to our mountain communities. Desserts, Drinks, and Door Prizes! RSVP to info@theoldgallery.org
April 1, 10 a.m., Lyons Library – “Wild and Soulful Aging” — We welcome Rebekah Shardy back to the Lyons Community Library on April 1st! In Wild and Soulful Aging, she’ll invite you to look at the end of life in entirely new and different ways. What are the psychological gifts of growing older? What can one expect from the experience of dying? What are both scientific and cultural insights into the afterlife? Discussion and exercises spark deep sharing. REGISTER.
In Pie We Crust Tea | Denver, CO
Center for Colorado Women’s History | March 14, two seatings
Tickets ($30-35) and additional information is available here.
The Center for Colorado Women’s History will be hosting a tea party in celebration of Pi(e) Day. This party includes servings of delicious locally made pie alongside the signature Lady Evans Tea and a tour of our historic house museum. There are tours and tea seating at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All food is prepared off-site by a professional caterer. We are able to accommodate some dietary needs, as indicated in ticket options. Email Margaux with questions at margaux.miller@state.co.us.
LONGMONT MUSEUM has ongoing exhibit, speakers, poets and more about Native Americans this month of March. Eg: Being Double: Native American Artists on Art & Identity Join guest curator Gregg Deal and artists from our current exhibition Duality as they share their experiences existing within contemporary American life as artists and Native Americans. 3/9/23. ====== The greater Denver metro area is home to many talented Native American poets. Hear them share their work in an intimate evening of spoken word. 3/16/23 ==== These are also available to livestream. LIVE STREAM link
March 25, 7 p.m., library – “Lyons Listens; Let’s Share Stories” — Community sharing/talking by Wide-Spaces Community Initiative, part 3. This month’s topic is “LOVE” — Tall tales and true stories.” Get to know more people in town thru telling your true story. Bring a 5 minute story to share. It can be about your baby, or about your favorite ice cream! (eg. “Moth” inspired) No fee, REGISTER
LINDY HOP and BLUEs/FUSION DANCE: Every Wednesday in March: Northern Colorado Swing Dance “NoCo Swing Dance” group. Ft. Collins Masonic Temple. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m —–NoCo Swing will be hosting a month long (4 week) progressive series in March! No partner required! Every Wednesday evening we will have a TWO separate lessons at the Masonic Temple Event Center in Ft. Collins. Every week we will build on your skills (after a quick refresher of the previous week). learn Lindy Hop or only Blues/Fusion, it’s $40 for the 55 minute class. Both for $75! Please MESSAGE US on Facebook if you’d like to sign up and we will get you on our list!— web site
–Aging at Altitude EXPO — Saturday, April 22, 2023, 8:30am-2:00pm
The Aging at Altitude Expo will offer an abundance of tips, advice, and the latest trends in health and nutrition, financial and retirement planning, real estate – from active adult communities to assisted living facilities – home care, lifestyle, leisure, fitness, and more. ADDITIONAL PARKING & FREE SHUTTLE–Overflow parking at Naropa University Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Ave. A free shuttle will take you to and from the Naropa parking lot to the Boulder JCC.
======LONGMONT SENIOR CENTER classes =====
- Property Tax Remedies for Seniors = Monday, March 13, 3:30–4:30 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration #284506.00) In this class, an overview of the Senior Homestead Exemption program and the Senior Deferral program (Boulder County)
- Menopause and Post Menopause: Addressing the Changes = Thursday, March 23, noon-1 p.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration #285101.00)
- You Can Become a Savvy Caregiver= Thursdays, March 23–April 27, 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Call 303-651-8411 to register. Registration 285023.00) This training program teaches an understanding of dementia and strives to increase caregiver confidence while reducing the adverse effects of caregiving.
* *REPEAT* *
LIBRARY VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS: virtual author talk series website.
LAHC FIRST QUARTER ART SHOW (1.) 1st Quarter 2023 Art Exhibit in Lyons Regional Library – Artist: Coco Gordon ==== (2.) Lyons Residents: Theme: “Cultivating Change” Go to the Front Office of Town Hall and ask for access to the “meeting hall.” ===== (3.) The Next one – “2nd Quarter Art Show” in April will have the theme “Oh, the places you’ve gone!” — all forms of art, including quilts, photos, poems, etc. —Program coordinated and presented by Lyons Arts & Humanities Commission.
Lyons LIBRARY BOOK CLUB. == “Busy Readers Book Club.” The Dictionary of Lost Words March 30th — 11 a.m. discussion in person; and an evening 7 p.m. ‘virtual’ discussion. == The March pick, is a delightful, lyrical, and deeply thought-provoking celebration of words and the power of language to shape the world.
Happy Birthday, Seniors!
March Senior Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to: Helen Vanderwerken, the seniors lunch room manager ~~ and current or past senior center attendees: Shirley DeVeny, Donna Johnson, Isabel Vasquez, James McCurry, Debra Tabor… and Linda LeFou.
Also seniors: Warren Musselman, Sue Nichols, Betsy Hubner, Kitty Keim, David Hazen, Pat Applefeller, Georgina Ohline Minto.
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
