July SENIOR NEWS: summer coming along swimmingly
Dear Seniors,
Do you remember the carefree days of splashing around in a plastic swimming pool? Or taking lessons at the town pool? — Or, maybe it’s your kids who did that, and you never saw a pool in your childhood. When I had young kids, it was the thing-to-do… to make sure they had swimming lessons because they might visit a neighbor’s yard, who had a pool… unbeknownst to you! and drown! (PS I don’t remember anyone having a real outdoor in-ground pool in my neighborhood!)
Pools of the olden days were often more for bathing in, (eg “pool houses”) or for landscape decoration. The first one in the US was in Boston in 1868 to serve a neighborhood where most could not afford homes with baths. It took all the way to 1907, for the first above ground swimming pool. The boom age was in the 1920s and 30s when thousands opened up! and there was no looking back. Nowadays, even many pet dogs have their own pools!
Kathleen Spring ……… Loving Lyons Senior Group
PS Please note, some of this Newsletter is a repeat, but almost every section DOES HAVE FRESH NEWS!
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Table of Contents
FLAG day craft == The craft during the monthly birthday party fell on Flag Day. Lisa Ramsey, senior activities coordinator, brought in several plain white, small flags, and lots of paints and stencils and markers to decorate flags. It was great fun and brought up lots of conversations and good laughs.
Mark your calendar for the next birthday party August 9th at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy cake and a fun activity for free. == And, see below for the next Senior Bus Trip, July 19 to a Rockies baseball game (no lunch on that day at the Senior Center).
GOOD OLD DAYS: HISTORY DAY in LYONS, June 24, 2023 == WOW! this event was jammed packed full of information about the ABUNDANCE of “history preservation” going on in town! == Not only did officials speak at length, but two “pioneer family” members spoke about their early years in Lyons. (They were asked to write it up so the local weekly Lyons Recorder could publish it for all to enjoy… fingers crossed!) == Lyons Senior Kathleen Spring was given a Certificate of Appreciation for her 25 years of history preservation, done THROUGHOUT the town, most of it based on volunteer work and/or newspaper writing. Including 25 years of writing about (and preserving) activities at the Senior Center — and doing this Senior Newsletter! == Initial details on the September “10 year anniversary of the Great Flood of 2013” 3-day commemorative activities. And news on two new permanent statutes being worked on — LaVern Johnson; and a Native American. == Thank you to all the speakers who helped share this news with Lyons residents. (PS I wore a hat because it was very windy!)
FREE BUS / SHUTTLES: Last month there were articles in the Lyons Recorder regarding the three FREE options to catch a bus or shuttle or ride-share to Longmont or Boulder. Check it out (print it up!) === But, I’m wanted you to know that the “Zero Fare for Clean Air” is back – RTD free fares July and August! == And! The Lyons Flyer that provides weekday transit service between the Town of Lyons and the City of Boulder is adding: From July 5 to August 31, 2023, Boulder County will add a fourth, midday round trip between Lyons and Boulder. The proposed service expansion will increase flexibility for passengers by making half day trips between Lyons and Boulder possible.
Our favorite SENIOR Lyons “world traveller” Cheri Hoffer gave a talk on her two months in Japan, with lots of photos and Q&A. She is a bargain traveller, staying at hostels, eating local foods, and having interactions with regular folks – not a fancy tourist trip. Also she talked about how she got a “residency” in Mexico,… and how you too could get it and stay there for an extended period of time. You can find her on Facebook for more adventures.
PAINT A TILE: Many Lyons seniors will remember our art classes back in the 2000’s with Priscilla and Cathy etc. much of what ended up on the Clarifier, or Visitor Center, or library wall… you can now something similar with a group that is installing murals worldwide. Each tile forms an image, but individually they have a person’s personal touch. You can check it out here
Stevie LaRue passed away in June. He was a well-known senior about town, working and volunteering, mainly outdoors. His Memorial Service is July 23, 2 p.m. at River Bend, a private park events venue just west of Lyons, along the between the St. Vrain River Bridge and Apple Valley Road. Our condolences to his family. (See the Lyons Recorder Obituary 7/20/23.)
AARP sent out an email to Colorado senior members in late June, telling them to send our Sr Michael Bennet a thank you note about something we mentioned in our last Senior News====== Senator Bennet is teaming up with other members of Congress to advocate for people who care for loved ones by reestablishing the Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Caucus. —Family caregivers are a strong unpaid labor force who provide a TREMENDOUS amount of valuable support to our loved ones AND to this country — and the ACT Caucus is an important step forward in getting us the support that we need now.==== The ACT Caucus is an important step forward in AARP’s movement — and advocates just like you have been instrumental in making sure our message is heard.
FUN TID BIT: By 2035, around 400 million Chinese, or some 30% of the population, will be age 60 or older. Youth graduates are not filling available vocational jobs because they feel it is “beneath” them, and have a 20.4% unemployment. Sounds like the one-child only project was not done right.
ACTIVITIES – We have a list of events and activities sponsored by the Town of Lyons and Boulder County Aging –but—please look at the bottom of this newsletter for a list of non-government related activities that we think are delightful and/or unique!!
Medical News
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that causes you to repeatedly stop breathing for brief moments during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea increases your risk for a number of serious conditions, including stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeat and type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatments for sleep apnea. === SLEEP APNEA: Contact your doctor, or Boulder Community Health to learn about NEW current treatment options for sleep apnea: Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation, a minimally invasive surgical alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
7/6/23 – U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb), indicated to treat adult patients with Alzheimer’s Disease — now converted to “traditional approval” (vs. temp done in January) following a determination that a confirmatory trial verified clinical benefit. The drug works by reducing amyloid plaques that form in the brain, a defining pathophysiological feature of the disease. Here is the full government REPORT.
Pox
Boulder County Health Dept. warning: Residents who are at an increased risk of exposure to mpox are urged to take precautions following a recent rise in Colorado cases. Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare virus that does not easily spread between people with casual contact. with infectious sores and body fluids, contaminated items (clothing or bedding), or through respiratory droplets associated with prolonged face-to-face contact. Anyone can catch it.
SCAM NEWS
This might not be labelled a scam, but it is “wrong doing” by doctors on billing practices:
ON TV News this week, they had a piece on BlueCross charging people the high price of “out Patient” work, when it was an “in patient OFFICE VISIT”. — Always read your invoices, and Medicare statements, EVEN WHEN IT SAYS “YOU OWE NOTHING”. –— Medicare has lost billions of dollars in “wrong billing” or “over billing” charges — And that loss eats away at their “piggy bank” for our future. — In a newspaper article, it said that over 50% of bills are wrong. === If you have a big bill to dispute, you can contact an independent advocate (look for an advocate that has been board certified. As for cost, can vary anywhere from $80+) – search online. = here’s an article giving an example, which is very close to the Channel 4TV piece in June: https://www.clickorlando.com/…/over-50-percent-of…/
=== MICROSOFT VIRUS SCAM tried to hook me in! === Almost every month I warn Seniors to never click on links or return phone calls that they themselves did not solicit. A senior I know got scammed twice! by a screen that popped up on her computer that said they were Microsoft’s virus scanner (even using the legit logo) and they had found a virus and they have frozen your computer and you must call the “800/888” phone number to unlock it, and get technical help. She sent them hundreds of dollars and it was fake help. — I finally got that “scary warning screen” myself this week (I was using someone else’s computer) and fortunately calmed myself down, and INSTEAD “forced my computer to shut down” (use on/off button). Upon restarting, everything was normal again. Take my warning! (Microsoft will NEVER offer a phone # for you to call … to do repairs)
Past Month's Lyons Recorder ARTICLES of interest to Seniors, June 10 to July 10
LYONS LANDSCAPES / PHOTOS: https://lyonsrecorder.org/2023/06/15/june-landscapes-in-lyons-2023/
GAY PRIDE PARADE – informative and entertaining article, with photos: https://lyonsrecorder.org/2023/06/22/gay-pride-festival-lyons-sun-shine-in/
***Look under “PHOTO SPREADS” in the center of the FRONT Page, and click on a photo to see more –including (1) moose in town (2) colorful Lyons birds (3) Prom photos and speeches (4) 4th of July mini-parade in Pinewood Springs
Lyons ANNUAL HOME GARDEN TOUR – informative -and- entertaining, with photos ARTICLE
LOCAL ARTISTS: (1) Story about Lyons Artist Newt Thomas in the 1920s, who is being rediscovered and researched by a historian. (2) Interview of Kristine “Birdi” Smock who has a 3 month-long solo exhibit at the Lyons Library.
History of Telluride Music Festival (Planet Bluegrass) 50 yr anniversary, and story about how the citizens almost lost their “green valley” to big developers (needing to find $50 million!)
TOWN of Lyons SENIOR ACTIVITES
Senior Bus Trip to Colorado Rockies VS Houston Astros
There’s nothing more American than baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie, so hop on the bus with us and you can enjoy all three! While one of those is in the non-traditional form of Apple Pie Nachos, th e baseball and hot dogs are classics. Our driver will drop us at the entrance to make our way to our lovely seats in the shade along the third base line. The cost is only $12 and you can drop your payment (checks made out to Town of Lyons) at Town Hall, 432 5th Ave. Don’t forget your beer (and lunch and snack) money. We’re relaxing and enjoying the game! == call to get on the waiting list; there is often 1 or 2 people who cancel at the last minute.
Ages: Lyons seniors 55 and up
Date: Wednesday, July 19, 11:30 am – 5:30 pm
Location: bus leaves from Walt Self, 335 Railroad Ave
Fee: $12, plus money for food and drink. (NO Lunch at the Senior Center that day)
TO REGISTER CONTACT: lramsey@townoflyons.com or 303-823-6622 ext 30
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 . 2:30 – 1:30 p.m. This is sponsored by the Town of Lyons.
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 A golf cart shuttle is available from the Senior Center.
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)
Mountain Resource Specialist for Lyons
Note this is repeated every month — the Lyons Recorder did a sit-down interview with Amy and will be publishing her comments on her goals and responsibilities in later July.
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.
====== The Aging Advisory Council (AAC) is recruiting two new members. thru Friday August 11th ===== The AAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging. The AAC helps in the administration and planning of the Older Americans Act programs by gathering information and ideas that help to coordinate the delivery of services, and by responding effectively to the strengths and needs of older adults throughout Boulder County. The AAC meets the first Friday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon, except for July and November.
Members of the public are welcome to listen in on regular AAC meetings. Our next meeting will be on Friday, Aug. 4 beginning at 9 a.m. ===== Questions? Please contact Lindsay Neville at lneville@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-1583.
SERVICES PROVIDED & CLASSES:
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 mont. Questions? Please email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org. == REGISTER
Wednesday, July 12: 1pm – 2pm, Summer Check Up: Goal Setting for Better Health /and/ Wednesday, August 9 : 1pm – 2pm, Fresh Herbs: Don’t Miss Out on Summer Flavor.
BASICS in MEDICARE CLASS (Online) boco.org/Medicare For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call 303-441-1546.This class fills up fast; but is repeated.
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.
== SPEAKER == July 26, Wednesday. 12:30 p.m. at Lyons Senior Center. Tru Pace Care presentation.
====ACTIVITIES and EDUCATIONAL Programs====
Boulder County’s history is fascinating. From the struggles of early farmers on the plains to the get-rich-quick dreams of mountain miners to the elegance of Victorian city life, the past posed great variety and challenge to those that came before us. ==== Cultural History with Boulder County Parks and Open Space began sharing historical sites and slices of life in the past with the public with the help of volunteers nearly 40 years ago at Walker Ranch Homestead. Regularly open sites now include the Agricultural Heritage Center, Nederland Mining Museum, Assay Office Museum, and Altona School. Learn more at https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/education/ and scroll down to Museums and Historic Sites.
Shakespeare Festival “Much Ado About Nothing” — Join the CO Shakespeare Festival (going on since 1958) on the CU Boulder campus. Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre (with complimentary seatbacks included) From June 11 to August 13. www.tickets.cupresents.org/ or 303-492-8008.
Studio Arts Boulder Pottery Class = East Age Well Center, Monday July 10, 1–2:30 p.m. Fee: $10 Residents, $13 Nonresidents. ==== Older Adult Services partners with Studio Arts Boulder to offers monthly hand building classes. Participants will learn about three fundamentals of pottery: pinch pots, coils, and slabs. Studio Arts Boulder will supply all materials and tools, and all work will be processed at their Pottery Lab facility. No experience necessary.== 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder | 303-413-7290
Concerts in Park – Don’t forget, every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Sandstone Park. Free. thanks to Lyons Community Foundation funding, and put on by Lyons Parks & Rec Dept.
LINE DANCING: The Estes Park Recreation Center has classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Go to EVRPD.com
Boulder County Open Spaces – 24 activities in July – including wildflower walk for seniors. See Lyons Recorder ARTICLE for the list, or go to Bo Co Open Space web page.
July 29, 7 p.m. — “Opera in the Park 2023” at the Boulder Bandshell, ==scenes from Wagner’s iconic Der Ring. We invite you and your audience to join us for a spellbinding night of music featuring gods, giants, dwarfs, water maidens and Valkyries at the foot of our majestic Flatirons. Music lovers of all ages will appreciate Wagner as the original “Wall of Sound.” Only $10! And you can also order a Picnic Basket for a group of friends to share. tickets. https://www.boulderoperacompany.com/opera-in-the-park-der-ring
July 12 to Sept 8th — OPENING was on Wednesday. quarterly Lyons Art Show by LAHC. Library features Kristine Birdi Smock, plus town hall resident “Funky & Whimsical” art. The show will be available to view for three months, during normal business hours. Support your local arts. See the Lyons Recorder article for details on Birdi and her art process, and samples of her work.
July 28, 29, 30 – Rocky Grass music festival in Lyons – SOLD out, but you can buy “returned tickets” in the Planet Bluegrass community page. Watch for our article about the lineup.
Colorado Music Festival – https://coloradomusicfestival.org – an annual classical music festival in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. concerts are held in beautiful and historic Chautauqua Auditorium. June 29 to August 2, 2023.
July 15, 2023 AT 10:15 AM – 3 PM – Learn how to research HISTORY at Colorado’s history museum, free: RSVP for this FREE event at: https://tickets.historycolorado.org/…/drop-in…/tickets Curious about conducting research using History Colorado’s collection, but unsure of how to start? Stop by the Stephen H. Hart Research Center for assistance with your research journey. Attend our introductory program at 10:15 am to learn more about the History Colorado Collection, and stay afterwards to work on your own research project.
at Moxies: “Bread & Poetry”: This is a new monthly event for the whole community. Enjoy a short reading by a featured local author, followed by a lively interview and a guided writing activity. Each month is a different poet (aiming for Lyons poets).
Lyons LIBRARY BOOK CLUB. (1) at the library: “Busy Readers Book Club.” — cancelled for summer (register) ==== (2) July 16, Sunday, 5p.m./ monthly “Pints & Pages” — at A-Lodge Rock Garden: discussion book event for the whole community.
July 23,9 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Pancake Fundraiser for Lyons Fire Dept., including music by Charlie Rose, and silent auction.
August 10 – Do you remember how Oskar Blues formed Can’d Aid after the Great Flood of 2013? Well, they are turning 10 years old, after helping people in Colorado, and across the US. — consider joining them for the anniversary party ==We’ll be kicking off the celebration with a volunteer super project – building bikes, skateboards and assembling art kits – all benefitting underserved youth in Denver. Afterwards, join us for live music. REGISTER.
======Repeated Activities========
Drop In Pickleball– 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)
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.
LIBRARY VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS: virtual author talk series website.
Happy Birthday, Seniors!
July Senior Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to: Craig Ferguson (Planet Bluegrass)==Ruth Wilson, artist (moved & now back!)== Patty Doyle== Chris LaFever== Vance French== Carol Parnell== LaVern Johnson (RIP)==Mike Murphy
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
Support your local small town newspaper by clicking HERE. It survives on donations and not ads.
