April SENIOR NEWS: April snows bring Spring flowers
Dear Seniors,
People around town are seeing tiny buds of flowers and grass emerging from the ground. This season, we had a great winter’s snow fall (with more to come), which logically means that we should have an abundant burst of flowers. But I was just reading that some experts point to our recent years of drought, saying that it will hamper the size of the gardens, that haven’t fully recovered. Well, what do you say based on all your years of gardening?
If you’re looking for a place to get both gardening ideas and a peaceful walk — you can go to the Denver Botanic Gardens (Senior price $8) or the Lyons Rocky Mt Botanic Gardens, or the Lyons Community Farm Project… All welcome volunteer workers, and you will be taught a lot about gardening. Or, you can just walk the property and look for signs stating the names of most plants.
But… THE one place you can go that will guarantee an abundance of big flowers is in Crested Butte. Its nickname is The Wildflower Capital of Colorado! Yes, the once mining town, and later skiing town, has a week devoted to Flower Lovers! It doesn’t happen because of any rainfall, but rather the massive snow melt. It has 17 festivals through the year, but it’s the Crested Butte Wild Flower Festival that you need to mark on your calendar. Take care of your garden this spring, then relax and visit the week-long event that takes place annually – July 7-16, 2023. It includes walks through local gardens, plus workshops, music, art, and more.
Kathleen Spring ……… Loving Lyons Senior Group
News You Can Use
Outdoor emergency warning sirens to be tested
The outdoor emergency sirens will be tested as part of annual flood season preparedness in communities around Boulder County. The first audible test of the season will occur on April 3, 2023, in Lyons. The test will occur twice on each testing day, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. On the first Monday of the month from May to August, the audible testing will only take place in Boulder and Lyons, all other communities will conduct silent tests. ==== The outdoor emergency sirens warn community members about weather related emergencies, and depending on programming, hazardous materials and wildfires. Sirens are meant to reach and be heard by people that are outside, not indoors. Sign up for a phone call warning at NOCO Alert ==== Should Boulder County experience severe weather or a significant emergency incident occurring during one of the planned audible tests, the siren tests for that day may be canceled. ==== All Boulder County sirens undergo weekly tests throughout the year, using a software program that performs a “silent” test.
GET HELP WITH YOUR TAXES:
Are you a last minute tax filer, and desperately looking for help… take a look at these listings…
(1) Senior Center, Longmont = call (303) 774-4429 to book your appointment. Please leave your name and a phone number where we can reach you.
(2) in Estes Park = AARP Free tax assistance at the Estes Park Library. INFO. https://estesvalleylibrary.org/free-tax-services-2023/ through April 14, volunteers will be in the second-floor Wasson Room on most days each week. Scheduling is easy: sign up online, call the Library at 970-586-8116, or stop by. Please make an appointment only when you know you will have received all necessary documents; an intake form (available at the Library) must be completed prior to your appointment.
(3) The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. –Tax Counseling for the Elderly
(4) Tax Help Colorado provides free in-person tax preparation and help. Connect with an IRS-certified volunteer to get your taxes done at a location near you.
What’s new for 2022 tax law?
Although several pandemic-related tax benefits have expired, taxpayers will benefit from higher standard deductions as well as more generous tax brackets and Earned Income Credit allowances. Colorado has created new tax benefits regarding retirement earnings, enhanced earned income and child tax credits; a Senior Housing Tax Credit if not claiming the senior property tax exemption; and a tax credit for certain pre-kindergarten educators. See our previous full articles for more information.=== Colorado sales tax rebate! This year that rebate is at least $153 for each full-year resident born before 2004.
SOCIAL SECURITY
3/31/23 report: The government will run short of money to pay full benefits within the next decade, according to the annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report released Friday. The Trustees sent this out to the public as a warning, and to Congress as a call for help now, and not wait till the last minute. They recommend that Congress address the projected trust fund shortfalls with gradual changes. Medicare, the government-sponsored health insurance covers 65 million older and disabled people. They say that it is in part because not enough money is coming in, and also the economy and wages.
First, they say that they will be unable to pay full benefits (but only 89%) for inpatient hospital visits and nursing home stays by 2031, the report forecast.
And second, in 2034, Social Security won’t have enough funds on hand to pay out full benefits (paying approximately 77%). This is one year earlier than projected last year. Total cost began to be higher than total income in 2021. The good news is that some medical costs have gone down. You may have noticed in your own life that people no longer do knee and hip replacements as an inpatient, but it has shifted, in general, to less costly outpatient visits.
There have been some Republican-led efforts threatening to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. They have not said they want to get rid of it. They did suggest raising the retirement age when benefits start. President Biden has pitched raising taxes on some of the country’s wealthiest people, those making $400,000 or more a year, to shore up Medicare. But a Social Security assistance plan has not been announced.
The last time Social Security benefits were reformed was 40 years ago. At that time, the federal government raised the eligibility age for the program from 65 to 67. On the other hand, the eligibility age has never changed for Medicare.
Biden issued his FIRST VETO 3/20/23. He sought to kill a Republican-authored measure that would ban the government from considering environmental impacts or potential lawsuits when making investment decisions for people’s retirement plans. Thanks! Keep watching out for us seniors!===
“I applaud President Biden’s leadership to stop Congress’ attempt to block smart, common-sense investing,” Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young stated. “The political pushback to this rule is an effort to silence investors in the market and remove important data from the market. The demand for smart investing shouldn’t be about ideology, but about savvy investors wanting more thorough information about systemic risks. The markets function best when politicians aren’t using their bully pulpit to affect the way capital flows.”
CURRENT SCAMS
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) spokesperson says that the vast majority of today’s scams originate through a “digital on-ramp,” such as social media or email. Here’s a list of the current scams: investment opportunities, romance scams (& borrowing money), fake payday loans, … and any transaction involving a gift card(or similar non-traceable form of payment), links to banks or shopping like Amazon that offer a password or two-factor authentication code, student loan forgiveness, purchasing a puppy (with charges for travel insurance and special crates $1,000+). — AARP has specifically descriptions of these, and how to avoid them, and also how to repair damage. — Always report to the federal and state government when you’ve been scammed. YES!! I wrote an article recently stating how many of these companies were charged millions in fines for their criminal behavior.
— Always go to the actual web site (type it in!) and do not click on something in an email or on a “social media posting.” — I know I’ve said much of this before, but I know two savvy friends who were recently scammed! thinking “I’m too smart to get scammed.”
MEDICAL NEWS
See Lyons Recorder ARTICLE on “Why you should get a diagnosis and not assume someone has dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease)” It lists other things that it might be.
SENIORS IN THE NEWS
FIRST PEOPLE TO USE NEW LAW: Passed last year, Colorado’s “wheelchair right to repair” law is only the second right-to-repair law in the country — and the first focused on wheelchairs. The policy went into effect with the start of this year. Robin Bolduc and her husband Bruce Goguen lobbied for the act’s passage at the state capitol, and after numerous service calls from a company technician to adjust Goguen’s chair, Bolduc wasted no time calling the manufacturer. https://www.cpr.org/2023/03/22/colorado-wheelchair-right-to-repair-law/
Pat Schroeder died March 13th at the age of 82. Former Colorado U.S. Rep. Pat Schroeder, a pioneer for women’s and family rights in Congress. She refused to join what she called “the good old boys’ club″ and became a feminist icon in the political world. Schroeder was elected to Congress in Colorado in 1972, and was re-elected 11 times. She had a few widely publicized disputes with House Speaker Newt Gingrich. One of her biggest victories was the signing of a family-leave bill in 1993, providing job protection for care of a newborn, a sick child or a parent. She was assertive and the protests and arguments that she pushed could be turned into an exciting movie! There is no one quite like her today. Congrats to Colorado for having voted in someone so strong and righteous.
Lyons Recorder ARTICLES of interest to Seniors, March/April 2023
3/23/23 – A Photo Spread of five great activities that took place at the Lyons library.
A photo spread of some St. Patrick Day’s fun in Lyons bars.
History of Lyons Classic Pinball; winning regional and national tournaments; including women’s local tournments; photos of the pinball machines; and who the current owner is.
Wrap up of Rep. Joe Neguse’s visit to LEAF food bank and their new site (photos) regarding $575,000 funds donated.
Two articles on license plates, DMV, late fees, 10 changes. (Look under the “government” Category)
TOWN of Lyons SENIOR ACTIVITES
SENIOR BIRTHDAY PARTY DATE ==== MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PARTY on 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: May 10, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. This is sponsored by the Town of Lyons. *NOTE* The May 10th Birthday party will take place in LaVern Johnson Park, 12 – 1:30 p.m. — a picnic! with free lunch. Let Lisa Ramsey know you will be coming so she can order enough food. Free Parking.
LYONS SENIOR EXERCISE – 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., free. For Lyons area 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
The Town also offers free drop in basketball, soccer and pickleball. See their PAGE for details. Co-Ed Softball LEAGUE is now open for registration.
BUS TRIPS = TO REGISTER CONTACT LISA: lramsey@townoflyons.com /call 303-823-6622 ext 30
Bus Trip to Meow Wolf === 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. It’s sure to engage all your senses. Meow Wolf’s mission is to inspire creativity through art, exploration, and play. Bring money to enjoy HELLOFOOD – the onsite cafe and bar featuring rice bowls, salads, sandwiches, coffee, tea, beer, wine and even desserts.
Lyons area residents Ages: 55 and up === Date: Monday, May 1, 9:45 am – 3:30 pm ==== Location: bus at Walt Self Senior Center, 335 Railroad Ave === Fee: $30 plus money for lunch; scholarships available
BOULDER COUNTY AGING (BCAAA)
Lyons Senior Resource Specialist, Walt Self Senior Center — Boulder County BCAAA 303-441-1617 or infoADRC@boulderconty.org —- The Boulder County’s Lyons Senior Resource Specialist is still in training, and has not started in the Lyons office in the Walt Self building/Senior Center. In the meantime, you can seek help by calling (720) 766-8844. There are often people in Lyons on Tues/ Wed/ and Thurs. — but you need to schedule an appointment over the phone. You can also email: infoADRC@bouldercounty.org. == This number will work when the new person has started: (303) 823-9016 == There will be a separate person handling the Nederland office.
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 May 10th 1-2 PM – How Much is Too Much? A Discussion on Alcohol Intake
BASICS in MEDICARE CLASS (Online) ==April 12 and 20 ===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. The menu is read to you on the answering machine’s message.
====ACTIVITIES and EDUCATIONAL Programs====
It’s NATIONAL POETRY MONTH: Here is a link to different activities happening in the FRONT RANGE of Colorado to celebrate the month.
The Lyons Recorder will publish one poem each week written by a LYONS POET! – the first one talks about the JOY of writing a poem. Here is an excerpt and link: There is an almost indescribable joy in the act of writing poetry……A simple yet dizzyingly complex pleasure in crafting word paintings…….Finding each of our words as if they were lost treasure to then pour them onto paper
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GAME DAY: Don’t forget about the new Game Day, the 4th Wednesday of each month, at the Senior Center at 12:30p.m. Currently they are playing a new board game every month, but may expand into card playing, and perhaps Bingo. Stop by and meet them and share your ideas. This is put on by the Seniors (and not the Town).
BINGO IN LYONS! – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Main Stage Brewing (located at corner of Main Street and Hwy 36 going toward Estes Park). First card is free, prizes each round plus a final cash jackpot! Bring money for pizza and beer.
The Lyons Library has a “Knitting with Friends” group that meets every Wednesday from 3 to 5p.m. Contact the library for registration or fee requirements. == there will be a program/slide show on “Ethiopia” on Wednesday April 19 from 7 to 8:30p.m.; must register.
April 16, 6:30 p.m., at Lyons library (an independently run program) = A place for women to come together to share their journey with other women. The first meeting will take place on April 18. Future meetings will have cacao ceremonies, fireside gatherings, meals together, meditation, yoga, and other balancing activities. We can let the divine feminine in us all loose together in fellowship. This was initially meant to be about menopause but has opened up to other topics. Contact Nancy Pecone for more details misslinney@gmail.com
BRIDGE Anyone? — The Estes Park Library has both a weekly beginners meeting– and a weekly advanced (competitive) class by a certified player (April to May 5)
You Can Become a Savvy Caregiver, Longmont = Thursdays, March 23–April 27, 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Call Longmont Senior Center 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.
LIBRARY VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS: virtual author talk series website.
Lyons “2nd Quarter Art Show” = April 12 to July 12 = The show in Town Hall has the theme “Oh, the places you’ve gone!” — residents art. = And solo exhibition of 40 pieces in the Lyons Library by local Linda Backup “Places of the Heart.” —Program coordinated and presented by Lyons Arts & Humanities Commission. Supported by Lyons Community Foundation.
Lyons LIBRARY BOOK CLUB. == “Busy Readers Book Club.” meets every other month, and will not meet in April.
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.
LEAP – energy/ heating bill assistance – file your claim by April 30th!
Happy Birthday, Seniors!
April Senior Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to: Senior Center regular Steve Mikesell (& send Get Well wishes too!)
Also seniors: Debi Larsson, Betsy Ames, Claudia Kean, Harry Kellogg, Kristine Birdi Smock, Ethan Marlatt, Dawn Henley, Greg Lowell, Bill Palmer, and Kathy Siddall, Clara Leiding Baxter !
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
Get Well wishes to those in rehab, or in assisted living, or a recent major health problem: Janet Freeman, Novella Maia, Linda LaFoe, Michael Tovani, Steve Mikesell, Betsy Montieth, Stevie LaRue, and Nicky Harkalis!
OBITUARIES
Two loved long-time residents of Lyons passed away this past month. We send our sincere condolences.
Pete Moffitt at the age of 72 == He came from Iowa to Colorado in 1975 and started working at Andesite Rock Company shortly after. His parents Marion and Dee owned a restaurant (Dee’s Cafe) on Main Street in Lyons. Pete worked in the cafe when he first moved to Lyons. Pete and Cindy lived on Evans Street for 14 years, moving to Lyons Valley Park. He was an expert working in the Andesite quarry. You may know him from his love of fishing and cars.
Ann Ripley at age 96. == She came to Lyons from Michigan. She was known as a “garden mystery writer” across the US. She published a total of 10 books in her Louise Eldridge garden mystery series. The plots combined her interests in gardening and politics She lived on Apple Valley Road, and loved her garden, and her little group of friends who gathered to paint on a regular basis. She and her husband Tony gave dinner parties for friends. You may have met her during the Christmas “author’s circle” at the Bazaar. See her obituary. Her memorial is May 6th.
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
