August SENIOR NEWS: playing with dolls
Dear Seniors,
You never know what topic seniors will talk about over the Senior Center lunch table. It could be serious talk about the state of the economy, or it could be fun memories about childhood toys.
We recently talked about baking cookies. Do you remember the recipes in “McCall” magazine? They were a step above “Better Homes & Gardens.” Would you believe that BHG has been around since the 1920s?
On the other hand, McCall’s is defunct. It was popular through the 20th century, peaking at a readership of 8.4 million in the early 1960s. But today women read more fashion magazines. McCall’s had fiction by famous writers, and even Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a column from 1949 to 1962. Oddly enough, McCall’s started off as a means to promote McCall’s sewing patterns! (which several of us at the lunch table said we bought and loved.)
Remember, the Senior Center lunches are not just great hot meals, but great conversations. Give it a try!
Kathleen Spring ……… Loving Lyons Senior Group
PS Please note, some of this Newsletter is a repeat, but almost every section DOES HAVE FRESH NEWS! == the “activities” section always has great current things to do
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Table of Contents
Senior Bus Trip to Rockies Game – the group was lucky that the rain held off, but temperatures reached into the 90s. After a couple of years of going to the games, the director was able to pinpoint seats that were in the shade this year for the whole game! The Rockies had won 2 games over the weekend, but lost that day’s game…4 to 1. Everyone was happy to not have to worry about parking or transportation and just enjoy the day.
MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PARTY – 
Anyone can join us for games or crafts and cake on the 2nd Wednesday of the month === On August 9th, the group was guided into talking about their favorite birthday gifts, and the conversation soon turned to DOLLS. Everyone is talking about Barbie right now because of the movie, but the seniors mostly did not care for her as a child mainly because of her unrealistic figure. Instead they talked about “baby dolls,” and porcelain or hard plastic dolls, and ones that you could curl their hair (Toni) or put on nail polish, or some that stood up on a stand with beautiful dresses. Remember Chatty Cathy? Some dolls had tears or would wet their diaper. Sometimes mom would sew a new outfit, or knit a sweater outfit. (The dolls in the photo are among the dolls for sale at the Lyons Redstone Museum).
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!
SUMMER TIPS: which of these do you follow? (1) First, always drink plenty of water when outdoors, and don’t wait until you are thirsty. (2) Always wear sun block, and a hat gives your face extra protection. I’ve known several seniors who have got melanoma on their nose! And had to have it removed. Not a pretty picture. (3) Sign up for ‘bad air’ alerts. Seniors are particularly open to breathing problems. Most TV weather news have alerts. (4) Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that protect your shoulders. Consider buying some sports clothes as they are moisture-wicking, and help with air flow and dry your sweaty body and clothes quicker. (5) Freeze your water bottle overnight, to take with you on your travels during the day. (6) Take breaks often. Don’t wait till you’re exhausted, dizzy or hot.
MOVIE: “Alive Inside” == There is a documentary out showing how helping people with Alzheimer’s Disease listen to music from their youth “brings them to life”. I’m not kidding… they had people who barely moved or some not spoken for years all of a sudden start singing, or swinging their arms, and even kind of dancing! I hope to show this at the Senior Center in the late fall. Watch for it in the Senior Newsletter. – here is a link to the TRAILER
FOOD TIPS: Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter Instead of Full-Fat Peanut Butter== Reduced fat often means increased sugar. And labels like “all natural” and “healthy” don’t necessarily mean a nut butter is an exception to this rule.== “Although peanut butter is high in fat, the fat it contains is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat,” Lockwood Beckerman explains. When companies process peanut butter into the low-fat version, they end up increasing the sugar content, so even though it’s lower in fat, it likely contains more sugar, she says. == Eat this: Look for an all-natural peanut butter with peanuts and maybe salt as the only ingredients listed on the nutrition label, Lockwood Beckerman says. (from Silver Sneakers web site)
BOOK “A Beginner’s Guide to the End” = Theirs is a clear-eyed and big-hearted action plan for approaching the end of life, written to help readers feel more in control of an experience that so often seems anything but controllable. Their book offers everything from step-by-step instructions for how to do your paperwork and navigate the healthcare system to answers to questions you might be afraid to ask your doctor – tips like: how to talk to your children about your will; whether to share old secrets with your family /or for survivors: how to shut down a loved one’s social media accounts, clean out the house, and write a great eulogy.
GO BACK TO COLLEGE: Colorado State University will waive the undergraduate application fee for all Colorado students, furthering the institution’s land-grant mission of expanding access to higher education. CSU is now the largest four-year institution in Colorado to waive its $50 application fee.
HELP LOCALLY (1) Silent Auction items needed. Please help LEAF and LCF raise funds at the upcoming Hootenanny by contributing goods or services to their silent auction. (2) LEAF needs non-perishable foods. Go to their Food Pantry (in the Lyons Community Church) on Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to donate.
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 “town or county” related activities that we think are delightful and/or unique!!
===Letter to Editor===
Hi Kathleen,
I just want to thank you for the great senior newsletter again this month. It’s so full of useful information and I wanted you to know it’s the primary method for me to know what’s going on in Lyons for my age group and in Lyons in general.
Your time and effort and skill is appreciated.
Best, Anita Miller
====FUN TID BITS====
People are keeping cars an average of 12.5 years! It is the 6th year for an increase / Blamed are: rising interest rates, inflation, pandemic.
The median age in the US is now at a new high: 38.9 years. In 2000 it was 35 and in 1980 it was 30.
“You get things done, by getting them done” ….Tom Brokaw.
Medical & Wellness News - Lots this month!
====THOUGHTS on Changing the Attitude of looking at what is it that we fear about DYING: See the TED talk by a doctor who almost lost his life in his youth, and today works in Pallative Health Care, and Hospice medicine; so he’s seen health care from both sides. He calls on us to take the opportunity to design an infrastructure solution that handles this universal issue. == “What really matters at the end of life” by BJ Miller LINK TO 20 minute VIDEO
====with Medicare Part D pay nothing out of pocket for even more vaccines. This means more people with Medicare can get protection against disease and severe illness. === Medicare Part D now covers these vaccines and more at no cost to you:
- Shingles
- RSV
- Tetanus/diphtheria (Td)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B, if you’re at low risk for the virus
Also, Medicare still covers flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and pneumococcal shots.
====respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection == RSV antibody (not vaccine) is now approved. == 160,000 adults, 65 and older, get it a year get it; 6 to 10,000 die. (different groups report slightly different statistics). It is usually associated with children, but a BIG rise in seniors has been seen. It is bad for those with underlying lung issues. You will experience wheezing, and coughing and just can’t breath. Check with your doctor. In Colorado, RSV infections generally increase in the fall and peak in the winter.
While RSV infections are typically mild, there is still a possibility it could pose a severe impact, especially in older adults. Part of that severe impact is that RSV infection can cause serious complications such as pneumonia or exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older adults. RSV can cause severe infections that may lead to hospitalization in adults aged 60 and older, and adults with certain underlying conditions like asthma, COPD, and CHF.
====Mosquitos – same here – multiple media are reporting on unusually high numbers because of the wet spring that we had. A couple of West Nile Virus cases have been reported, but it’s likely the number will grow. Consider using the DEET spray and long pants and sleeves when outside for long period, especially at dusk. == as of 8/2/23 Boulder County Public Health has confirmed that a Lafayette resident has contracted the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Boulder County in 2023. The resident, in their 40s, was believed to be infected while in Lafayette and has not been hospitalized. This is the second human case of West Nile virus in the region this year, with a human case confirmed in Larimer County last week
====NEW TREATMENT for HOT FLASHES: In clinical trials moderate to severe hot flashes were reduced. It’s the first of its kind to be marketed under the name Veozah, and regulates a person’s body temperature. Astellas Pharma; expected to cost $550 for one-month supply.
Scam News
We’re skipping this section this month because the August “Medical & Wellness” section is so big!
Lyons Recorder ARTICLES of interest to Seniors, July 10 to August 10
==POEM on Friendship — between women; with your mom; loss of a friend “Ode to My Girlfriends” (click to read)
==Mural and car wash behind St. Vrain Market demolished
==Firefighters train by chopping up a Lyons apartment complex about to be demolished.
==LEAF buys a new building (the old Valley Bank bldg)
==Devil’s Thumb wildfire smoke will continue to September
==LEAF has new therapist
==progress on the Larimer County Mental Health complex that you voted for
==3 new sculptures on Lyons streets
==Construction news on 4 projects going on in Lyons area / hwy 36 / and the Broadway “modal” has started
==news on RockyGrass and Folk Festivals
TOWN of Lyons SENIOR ACTIVITES
No Senior Bus Trip is planned for August.
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 . 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. This is sponsored by the Town of Lyons. (You can also order lunch; see the rules under BCAAA)
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 by advance notice.
The Town also offers free drop in basketball, soccer and pickleball. See their PAGE for details. Co-Ed Softball LEAGUE operates in the summer only. You can also reserve a court; see Town page for rules and costs.
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 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. ===== 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 ==September 15, Wednesday: 1pm – 2pm “Cancer: Preventable, Not Inevitable”
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.
====ACTIVITIES and EDUCATIONAL Programs====
MOVIE NIGHT AT Lyons LIBRARY: Last year the library had more general appeal popular films, which were slightly aimed at the “senior crowd.” This year they have films that are more documentary style (and outdoor adventures), which were shown at the April Lyons International Film Festival. – you get to see them for free! now.
MOVIE NIGHT “Grapes of Wrath” – the Longmont Museum will be restarting its Movie Night this fall with this classic movie == Based upon John Steinbeck’s epic novel, “The Grapes of Wrath” is the story of an Oklahoma family who, driven off their farm by the poverty and hopelessness of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, join the westward migration to California. Directed by John Ford and starring Henry Fonda.==Sept. 7th at 7 p.m. Register at their web site. www.longmontmuseum.org or call 303-651-8374.
August 11, 12, 13 —— Planet Bluegrass Folk Festival
August 11, 12, 13 – Boulder County Fair, Longmont fairgrounds == County Fair theme this year is: Sew Em, Grow Em, Show Em! — === The FAIR will be at the fairgrounds off of Nelson/Hover Roads. Come see the crafts and farm animals. Don’t forget to meet Jewel, the Brown Swiss cow, and her owner Brielle Upchurch, who was selected as the 2023 Royal Critter for the Boulder County Fair.
August 12, Bizarre Cat Bazaar, Nederland
August 14 – Lyons Lions Club 29th annual golf tournament being, at Lake Valley Golf Club. This fundraiser supports our causes for the year.
August 16 – “Make up concert” for rain washed out – Jesse Garland. Lyons Concerts in the Park, Sandstone/downtown. 6:30 p.m. Free.
August 16, 7-8:30 p.m. – “I’m Not a Savage” – Lakota Performers in Europe. Nederland Mining Museum — Minimum age 12 with accompanying adult. REGISTER. Boulder County Open Space.
August 18, 9-11 a.m.— Hikes for Seniors – A Changed Landscape. Near Boulder. Location provided when registered.–Join us for a moderate-easy hike above Boulder for a general nature hike. We will use our senses to experience our environment. We will also explore how fire changes our landscapes over time. Expect uneven terrain and approximately 200 feet of elevation gain. Registration required. Boulder County Open Spaces. REGISTER
August 19, 8 p.m. – SWING MUSIC! You don’t see that often in the lineup at Front Range bars – Oskar Blues is offering it (free) –band: Last Call Romance – Known for their danceable sound, along with original songs of romance, pain, and heartache. They deliver a blend of Rockabilly blues and Swing.
August 21 – Don’t forget the ongoing monthly Open Studio at Lyons Library. Bring in your works-in-progress such as: knitting, crocheting, drawing, sketching, embroidery, painting, and other portable projects to create and connect with others in the community. No registration required.
August 21, 7 p.m. Town of Lyons Board of Trustee Meeting; open to all.
August 22, 2 p.m. – HOOTENANNY is back at River Bend. Live music, duckie race, food trucks, craft/art tables. Fundraiser for both LCF and LEAF. (They usually charge $5 for parking)
August 25, 5 p.m. “Murder at the Mansion” — historic Hover House, Longmont
August 25 – Astronomy Talk through Boulder County Parks & Open Spaces – located near Lyons
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September 9 – Artisan Market in Bohn Park (rescheduled from “rain out” earlier this year)
September 9, 10, 11 – Remembrance Ceremonies of the Great Flood of 2013. = Saturday officials speak / Sunday community event / Monday night-time candle vigil (residents only). Exhibits throughout town. A big agenda, to be announced in mid-August. See the Town web site.
October 5 – Kingston Trio homage – All three current members, Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Buddy Woodward have intrinsic links to and experience with the original group: Mike is the adopted son of founding member Nick Reynolds, who was also his musical mentor – Dairy Center, Boulder.
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Golden Pond – Longmont – This is very easy to walk, mostly paved, with zero gain in altitude. It is three ponds. They are stocked with fish. And three kinds of birds are there that are rarely seen in Lyons: Great Blue Herons and pelicans – as well as mallard ducks, Canada geese, colorful cormorants. — You can bring your dog too, on a leash. In the evenings you will find a lot of mosquitos in the more foliaged areas, so be prepared with your DEET; but the sunsets are really lovely (as well as sunrise).
Boulder County Open Spaces – 24 activities in August – including wildflower walk for seniors. See Lyons Recorder ARTICLE for the list, or go to Bo Co Open Space web page. This will be the last time we post the link, as we wanted to offer something to do “outdoors” during the summer, and we posted July & August activities. ARTICLE
July 12 to Sept 8th — quarterly Art Show by LAHC. Library features Kristine Birdi, plus town hall resident “Funky & Whimsical” art; plus some Great Flood of 2013 art work. The show will be available to view for three months, during normal business hours at town hall. Just go to the front desk and ask to see the show. Support your local arts. See the Lyons Recorder article for details on Birdi and her art process, and samples of her work.
===Poetry and BOOK CLUBS===
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.
***See Lyons Recorder THINGS TO DO for more details on these, AND other activities in August and September.***
======Repeated Activities========
Drop In Pickleball– June 1 – Aug 31 hours are 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. = Location: Bohn Park Multisport Court, 199 2nd Ave = Fee: FREE (Town of Lyons Recreation Dept) = September to December is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (People can also reserve their own court thru Town Hall, and pay a fee, and bring their own net.)
GAME DAY: Don’t forget about the Game Day, the 4th Wednesday of each month, at the Senior Center at 12:30 p.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. — 3 award-winning authors this month!
DO GOOD
“Raise the Future” offers a statewide resource database geared towards connecting Colorado families (adoptive, guardianship, kinship, and reunified biological families). Offices in Denver.
1. Learn more about adoption ==== 2. Parent/Caregiver support ==== 3. opportunities to mentor ==== 4. donate / sign up for newsletter ==== Click on their LINK to “Meet Children Waiting” for foster care. https://www.raisethefuture.org/
“At Raise the Future, we believe every young person deserves to go through life knowing they have a caring adult by their side. So, every day, we show up for kids in foster care by listening to their needs and introducing them to adults they can rely on. We then surround those connections with support so that they grow into meaningful, lasting relationships that help our youth heal from the past.” Because to truly raise the future, we must raise the bar for what it means to support vulnerable youth and families as they navigate life.
There are 424,000 in Foster care and 20,000 age out of the foster care system each year. 20% are instantly homeless; 50% are unemployed by age 25; 71% ar pregnant by age 21; 25% are incarcerated within 8 years. === children in foster care are 110% more likely to go to college; 75% have higher incomes; 50% are less likely to experience homelessness; 200% are more likely to seek and receive mental health support. (based on study by Hanson 2006)
Happy Birthday, Seniors!
July Senior Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to: Katy Haggerty (lunch room member); Mark Browning (Meals on Wheels); Bonita Joy Yoder (lunch room member), Pat Castel (lunch room volunteer); and Todd Jacobson, Steve Mullen, James Sherwood Davis (65 years), Jackie Brennan, Bonnie Richards, Karen Ryan (in Longmont now), Sally Truitt, Charles Keim, Pat Journeay (Longmont now), Jeanne Moore, Steve Mullen, and Annalies Wyppler (Andrea’s German Restaurant)
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
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