May SENIOR NEWS: Pickleball leads the efforts to get outside and enjoy springtime
Dear Seniors,
The first time I heard about Pickleball, I thought what a stupid name. How are pickles a part of a sport? I later found out that the name came from a sailing boat reference. I found a few versions of the story, but basically the last boat takes in all the left-over people who didn’t get on an earlier boat’s crew; and a pickleball team is thrown together by whoever shows up.
It started back in 1965. Again, I’ve read conflicting stories, but it was basically people in Washington who had a badminton court, but no proper equipment. However, they found table tennis paddles and a perforated plastic ball, and converted the court and net to suit those items.
The sport gained momentum around 2020. At that time, I saw people hitting a ball with something that looked like a ping pong paddle. Oddly it took place outdoors on a court, and not indoors at a table. I was told that the appeal for older people was that it was a non-contact sport, and didn’t require the rigorous running around that tennis did. Another incentive was that there are only about five rules to the game, so pretty much anyone can easily join in quickly.
Some say the rapid rise in popularity was that it was the opportunity to connect with other seniors outdoors and get exercise at the same time. This healthy community vibe made it the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. It grew nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2021 alone. Guess what? There are 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S., according to January 2023 data released by the Association of Pickleball Professionals.
So are you interested in checking it out? There are a few teams in the Front Range area, including in Lyons. And, the Town of Lyons has some equipment you can borrow to play on one of our courts. They also offer weekly games (see under “Activities” below). And, the Town has an ADA access Multiuse sport court (tennis, basketball, pickleball) that you can reserve and rent for $7 / hour (plus don’t forget there is a parking fee for non-residents). The Town is looking at adding a second court. Pickleball is played on a short tennis court. You can watch Facebook for news on groups getting together to play. And, you can check out the Town’s web page on the rental of the court in Bohn Park.
Go on out and gain some friends and some muscles! The weather is perfect for it!
Kathleen Spring ……… Loving Lyons Senior Group
BUS TRIP — The Town of Lyons sponsored bus trip was a “hoot”! A packed bus went to Denver’s newly opened Meow Wolf (original one is in Sante Fe, New Mexico). It was like the most fun dream/nightmare that you can imagine… a giant crazy “playground for adults”, like being in a Dr Zeus book. It is certainly something that seniors will be talking about for years to come.
The May senior birthday party was a picnic this month. Photos coming in the next issue.
News You Can Use
update 5/16/23–VIA Bus Service has announced that they will offer service between Longmont and Lyons every Tuesday. Voluntary contribution of $5 each way. Call (303) 447-9636 for more information, and to register. Or, see the ARTICLE in the 5/18/23 next edition of the Lyons Recorder.
Executive Order HELPING CAREGIVERS! 4/18/23
Access to high-quality care for older Americans and support for family caregivers, long-term care workers, early educators and veterans will be improved under an executive order President Joe Biden signed on April 18. AARP has long called for increased support for family caregivers and workers.
In a White House Rose Garden ceremony, the president called the order the “most comprehensive set of actions any administration has taken to date” on care issues. Biden said that with almost every federal agency involved, they will collectively take “over 50 actions to provide more peace of mind for families, and dignity for care workers, who deserve jobs with good pay and good benefits.” —- (I copied this from an article in AARP)
==Improve access to home-based care for veterans.
==Enhance job quality for long-term care workers
==Support family caregivers (incl. dementia care)
In the “United States of America no one should have to choose between caring for the parents who raised them, the children who depend on them or the paycheck they rely on to take care of both,” he said. “Folks lie awake at night wondering, if mom can’t take care of herself at home, what are we going to do? She’s about to move into a nursing home. Are we going to be able to afford it? Can I still afford to get the kids to college and save for retirement? How do I do it all?”
CURRENT SCAMS
Colorado’s Attorney General has set up a Program to give people a place to report possible fraud, and get tips on avoiding it, and resources to deal with it. This is to be used in case a business did not do “the right thing.” This is voluntary. The program is a Watch Dog.
==Information is broken down into categories
==Resource Guide
==Fraud Alerts & Tips newsletter sign up
==report your story (link)
GO HERE to read the entire article, and find links.
— 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
There is a new Alzheimer Drug that is close to being approved by the federal government. But it does have some draw backs. So, we won’t highlight it here ‘yet.’
Understanding Body Mass Index BMI
Per Center for Disease Control: 41.5% adults aged 60 and older are considered obese/overweight.
Have you ever tried to figure out what those initials BMI stand for? Here’s a simple answer: Your body mass index (BMI) is an estimate of your body fat that is based on your height and weight. Doctors use BMI, along with other health indicators, to assess an adult’s current health status and potential health risks. People with higher BMIs are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and heart disease. Carrying excess weight puts you at a higher risk for high blood pressure, gallstones, breathing problems and certain cancers. Keep in mind that BMI has its limits. BMI recommendations differ based on your gender and other variables. For instance, your muscle tone plays a role as you age.
Are BMI recommendations the same for men and women?
The recommended amount of body fat differs for men and women. For women, the ideal body fat is 20 to 21 percent. The average American woman has about 22 to 25 percent body fat. For men, the recommended amount of body fat is between 13 and 17 percent. The average American man has about 17 to 19 percent body fat.
To determine your ideal body weight, try this formula:
- Women: 100 pounds of body weight for the first 5 feet of height + 5 pounds for each additional inch.
- Men: 106 pounds of body weight for the first 5 feet of height + 6 pounds for each additional inch.
If you have a small body frame, however, subtract 10 percent from that number. For a large frame, add 10 percent.
Lyons Recorder ARTICLES of interest to Seniors, April/May 2023
==Update on six Lyons businesses LINK
==Update on three Lyons businesses who have moved, and closed their downtown store LINK
==Update on many types of construction projects in the Lyons area LINK
==History of Shelly’s Cottages and the Kinsons LINK
==News on various programs and training that our Lyons Fire Dept. has done recently LINK
==Multi-depth article on the huge increase in property values and taxes LINK
==LEAF under contract to buy new bldg. on Main St. LINK
==PHOTO SPREAD of the month – look back at the start of SPRING – LINK
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. The May event was really big! …we had to get extra chairs! Such fun!
LYONS SENIOR EXERCISE – 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., free. For Lyons area seniors 55+ === This has been moved to the Johnson Park for the summer 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.
BOULDER COUNTY Office on AGING (BCAAA)
*NEW* Info on Mountain Resource Specialist for Lyons
Welcome to Amy Shoffner === Email: ashoffner@bouldercounty.org === Phone: 720-766-8844
Here’s a short description of their services to Boulder County seniors:
The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) has been serving older adults and caregivers in the mountains for 30 years by having Resource Specialists dedicated to residents of western Boulder County. Amy provides direct client services by getting to know clients during an appointment to determine client needs and then providing information and making referrals to community partners and other helpful resources. Amy serves clients in Lyons, Allenspark, and surrounding areas. The BCAAA responds to the needs of older adults (60+) and their family and informal caregivers in our community through advocacy, funding, direct service, planning, and education. The BCAAA works with public and private partners to respond to the client’s unique needs. The BCAAA offers:
- Information, Referral, and Resources
- Financial Assistance
- Healthy Aging Programs
- Medicare Counseling
- Caregiver Programs
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- Nutrition Resources
- LGBTQ+ Programs
Most of our services are provided at no charge. There are no income eligibility requirements. Contact the Mountain Resource Specialist serving your area for assistance.
Boulder County Aging = BCAAA 303-441-1617 or infoADRC@boulderconty.org main number is (720) 766-8844, or email infoADRC@bouldercounty.org. == Larimer County residents can contact their Office on Aging == https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices/aging/ooa.
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: 2nd Wednesday of each month, 1-2 p.m. Questions? Please email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org. == Macular Degeneration- A Discussion on Supplements and Foods that may help- June 14th 1-2 p.m. REGISTER
BASICS in MEDICARE CLASS (Online) 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====
Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month in Colorado. – check out the Boulder County History calendar for events in May, all free!
==Drop In Pickleball==
Come get in on the fun! The Multisport Court at Bohn Park is where the action is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday all year long. Bring a racquet and a ball if you have one. Open to anyone old enough to play.====Ages: any ==Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through May, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; June 1 – Aug 31 hours are 8:00 – 10:00 am = Location: Bohn Park Multisport Court, 199 2nd Ave = Fee: FREE (Town of Lyons Recreation Dept)
May 31, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Lyons library community room — Find out all the COMMUNITY RESOURCES available to residents of Boulder County. Includes health/wellness, and recreation resources. (snacks, and prizes)
3 ART / MARKETS – A-Lodge Rock Garden will have an art fair called “Makers Market” on the final Sunday of each month. MainStage Brewing will be bringing back theirs soon. — You can always find these in the Lyons Recorder MONTHLY calendar page. — The Town will have their annual art fair Artisan Market the last Sunday in June (1 day only).
May 13, 3:30 p.m. – Boulder Library, Learn Car Maintenance for New Drivers=Learn basic car maintenance skills from DriveSafe Colorado! The instructor will demonstrate how and when to maintain key elements of a vehicle. Register.
Older Adults! Learn About Digital Books and More ==Saturday, May 20, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at Meadows Branch of Boulder Library == Many of our books, audiobooks, and videos can be accessed online—for free! In this in-person class, older adults will learn how to access them from anywhere with internet or directly from the comfort of their homes. There will be hands-on help after the instruction. Get more information and register. Offered in partnership with City of Boulder Older Adult Services.
May 15, 6 p.m. Boulder Museum. Live Podcast: Step into our new exhibit Beer Here! by attending this special On-Tap Talk with Creative Distillation! This program will be more than conversation- It is a live podcast recording and requires some audience participation with beer tasting and review along with Jeff York and Brad Werner. Tickets online. Weekly “Happy Hour.”
May 23, 7 p.m., Lyons library – Welcome local author, Junior Burke. He’ll read from his latest novel, The Buddha Was a Cowboy, shortlisted for the Mark Twain 2022 Book Awards for Humor and Satire. He’ll follow the reading with audience Q & A.
May 27, 9a.m. – 3 p.m. Annual ‘rocky mountain’ Plant Sale, fundraiser for Lyons’ Rocky Mt Botanic Gardens. For more information, go to: www.rmbg.org
====most of the following are a repeat====
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.
A place for women to come together to share their journey with other women. Future meetings will have cacao ceremonies, fireside gatherings, meals together, meditation, yoga, and other balancing activities. Nancy Pecone for more details misslinney@gmail.com
You Can Become a Savvy Caregiver, Longmont = Call Longmont Senior Center 303-651-8411 to register. 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 meet May 25th. See their web site for details. This month’s pick is Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister.
Happy Birthday, Seniors!
May Senior Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to: Jerry Johnson, Barbara George, Andrea Marshall, Loretta Milburn, Rita Gachne, John O’Brien.
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
