Yes, school is just around the corner! A new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and develop new skills. Whether your child is entering elementary school, high school, or college, having the right educational tools and effective learning techniques can make a significant difference.
Technology continues to change education by making learning more interactive and accessible. Online learning platforms, educational videos, and AI-powered study assistants help students understand complex subjects, stay organized, and complete assignments. Traditional tools such as planners, notebooks, flashcards, and textbooks also remain valuable for building strong study habits and improving retention.
Combining these resources with proven learning techniques – setting clear goals, creating a consistent study schedule, breaking large assignments into smaller tasks, and reviewing material regularly – can help to improve understanding and reduce stress. It’s key for us to encourage curiosity, offer positive support, and help them feel more confident.
Today’s educational technology, alongside traditional study tools can help grow your child’s potential and send them into a school year that they can enjoy a be successful.
If you are looking for childhood learning options, check out this month’s Buzz for several opportunities that are offered. Or, visit the school district website at www.sd27j.org
Anxious and Worried about the Future?
Offered by: Dolan & Associates, P.C.
The American Psychiatric Association’s recent poll found that 67% of Americans are very or somewhat anxious about current events. They also found that compared to last year, 43% of Americans are more anxious than they were last year related to their safety, finances, health, and politics. Many people are experiencing fear, worry, and anxiety over what to do, how to protect themselves, and what course of action to take in our chaotic world. How people are feeling about the world is very similar to what your family will experience upon your disability or death if you have not prepared an effective estate plan.
Your family won’t know what to expect if you become disabled, or when you die. They won’t be prepared for what to do next, and what steps to take to protect you or themselves. They will worry about what you would want them to do and if they are taking the right steps and doing the right things.
Disability and death are emotionally charged events. Anxiety runs high and old conflicts and hurts resurface. When people fail to put proper planning in place, anxiety and emotion can become a heated battle, and relationships can be destroyed as they fight over what they should do, or what you would want them to do. As a result, family members may never speak to each other again.
Failing to plan also significantly increases the financial burden adding to the fear, worry and anxiety your family will face.
There are steps you can take to plan for your disability and death which will greatly reduce the fear, worry, and anxiety for your family. However, you must invest the time, effort, and money to take those steps. Stop putting it off and take action now.
If you have questions about preparing an effective estate plan, we encourage you to gain more knowledge about available planning options by visiting www.EstatePlansThatWork.com to sign up for a complimentary small group educational workshop.
What I Can Tell About Your Child in Ten Seconds
Aparent
brings a child to our dojo. Before that kid has thrown a single punch, before we’ve even walked onto the mat, I already know FIVE things about them. So does every teacher your child meets in the next few weeks.
Here’s what I’m watching.
1. Where they look when I say hello. Not whether they make eye contact, or not. I want to know whether they glance at their parent before answering. A child who checks a face for approval before saying their own name has learned that answers need to get cleared first.
2. Who answers. I ask the child a question and the parent answers it. This happens constantly, and it’s no knock on the parent, it’s a reflex to fill an awkward silence. But kids are excellent at guessing. If waiting three seconds means somebody else does the hard part, they’ll wait.
3. The second try. I’ll ask them to say their name again, a little louder. Some kids do it. Some come back quieter. That isn’t shyness. That’s what they’ve learned to do when someone asks them to say more.
4. How they’re standing. Weight on the back foot, arms folded, hands pulled up into the sleeves or in their pockets. That’s a fence, and it went up before anyone said anything unkind. Other children read it instantly. Adults almost never do.
5. How they handle being wrong. Within five minutes I’ll show them something and they’ll do it wrong, because everyone does. Then I watch. Laugh and try again? Freeze? Apologize four times? Look at Mom? Of everything I see in a first class, size, coordination, athleticism, how a kid handles one small public failure tells me more about how their year will go than all of it combined.
Now the part that actually matters. None of this is a verdict on your child. Not one of those five things is their character. They’re habits. Every one of them was learned somewhere, and I have watched all five change within a few short months.
And the reason I can see them and you can’t isn’t that I’m perceptive. It’s that I’m new to them. You have looked at your child every day for years. Nobody can see their own kid fresh, that’s not a parenting failure, that’s how eyes work. It’s also exactly why an outside read is worth having.
Because those ten seconds were not just my test. They’re the same ten seconds every new teacher, every coach, and every kid at a new lunch table is going to spend on your child over the next two weeks. All of them are forming an impression.
The only difference is that I’ll tell you what I saw, and if possible, I’ll help your child make this their best school year yet.
Offered by: Colorado Karate Club
Who You’re Going To Call
Offered by: Jen Roberts - Edward Jones
Every solid house starts with a good blueprint and a strong foundation. Saving for a child’s education is very similar. College costs can seem daunting. In addition to tuition, you’ll need to account for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other expenses. The average annual budget at an in-state public university runs around $30,990 today, and a private school is $65,470 according to the College Board. While most families won’t pay a college’s list price, you’ll still want to start saving as early as possible to be ready when your child is.
Lay the foundation early. You don’t have to wait until you have the perfect set of plans to start building. There are specific accounts designed to save for education and some do not require a minimum opening deposit. Setting up automatic recurring contributions, even modest ones, lets you build steadily over time without requiring constant attention.
As your child ages, look for ways to redirect expenses you no longer have towards the build. For example, daycare costs, which can exceed $1,000 a month, can be shifted into a college savings account once your child enters school. Tax refunds and annual bonuses make excellent additional contributions. And others can pitch in – instead of birthday or holiday toys, ask grandparents or relatives to contribute directly to a college savings account.
Know the size of the house you’re building. Families saving for community college followed by two years at a public university might target around $65,000. Those aiming for four years at a public school are looking at roughly $100,000. Whatever the goal, plan for education inflation of about 4% annually, which can roughly double costs over 18 years.
You don’t have to source all the building materials yourself. Scholarships, grants, student loans and income from part-time work are all legitimate ways to help finish the structure.
Don’t let one project consume the whole budget. One risk for parents is pouring so much into the college fund that the retirement fund goes neglected. Remember, loans and grants exist for college, but not for retirement. Striking the right balance may mean targeting a more affordable school, planning to cover only a portion of costs or adjusting retirement timelines slightly.
Choose the right building materials. For many families, a 529 plan is the right foundation. Earnings grow tax-free, distributions are federally tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, and many states offer additional income tax deductions for contributions. Even better, anyone – such as grandparents or friends – can contribute.
Additionally, qualified expenses for a 529 plan go beyond tuition and cover books, computers, internet access, room and board, and more. Vocational and trade schools often qualify, too, opening the door to careers in skilled trades, healthcare and technology.
No contractor builds alone. A knowledgeable financial advisor can help you draw up a realistic blueprint and make sure the college project doesn’t crowd out the rest of your financial future. The earlier you break ground on that conversation, the stronger the structure will be.
Valuable Resources
September 4th - 7th DON’T
Featured Produce
PEACHES & CREAM
SWEET CORN
Palizzi Farm’s iconic Peaches and Cream sweet corn is our signature vegetable! This variety delivers unmatched sweetness and flavor you have to taste to believe!
CARROTS
Home grown carrots right here on the farm and available in a generous sized bunch perfect for snacking or cooking!
DILL
Fresh-picked dill — bright, feathery, and bursting with farm-grown flavor perfect for pickling vegetables!
IN SEASON:
Broccoli
Lettuce
Radishes
Every vegetable we sell is grown right here on our Brighton farm, picked at peak freshness and brought straight to you. No shortcuts, no middlemen — just honest, seasonal produce the way it’s meant to be. Check back often as what’s fresh changes with the harvest.
PRE-ORDER AND SKIP THE WAIT — www.palizzifarm.com
Reserve your favorite produce before it sells out. From sweet corn to fresh chiles, get the best of the harvest guaranteed.
Green Onions
Kohlrabi
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Green Beans
OUT OF SEASON:
Check back regularly for updates!
Cauliflower
Colorado Palisade Peaches
Tortillas
Asparagus
Sugar Snap Peas
Valuable Resources
Who You’re Going To Call
Newly Married?
Preparing Now for an Easier Tax Season
Lisa Price Senior Accountant
Offered by:
Congratulations on your marriage! Along with combining your lives, you’ll also face new tax considerations. Taking a few simple steps now can make next year’s tax fi ling much easier and help you avoid costly mistakes.
First, notify the Social Security Administration if either spouse changed their name. Your tax return must match Social Security records to avoid processing delays. If you’ve moved, update your address with the IRS and your employer.
Next, review your tax withholding. Marriage can change your tax liability, especially if both spouses work. Completing a new Form W-4 with your employers can help ensure the correct amount of tax is withheld throughout the year and reduce the chance of an unexpected tax bill.
Keep organized records of important documents, including Forms W-2, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, charitable contribution receipts, medical expenses, and childcare costs. If you opened joint bank accounts, purchased a home, or had other major financial changes, save those records as well.
Discuss whether fi ling jointly or separately is the best option. While most married couples benefit from fi ling jointly, every situation is unique. A tax professional can compare both fi ling methods and identify valuable deductions and credits you may qualify for.
Finally, start a dedicated tax folder – digital or paper – to collect tax documents as they arrive. Staying organized throughout the year saves time and reduces stress when tax season begins.
Marriage is an exciting new chapter, and smart tax planning can help you start it on the right financial footing. Pricewise Business Solutions provides personalized tax preparation, tax planning, bookkeeping, and financial guidance to help individuals and families maximize savings. Contact Pricewise Business Solutions today to schedule your tax planning consultation and make next year’s fi ling season simple, accurate, and stress-free.
Who You’re Going To Call
More Hearing Reminders
Offered by: John Wilson, B.S., BC-HIS Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Center
Sudden-Onset Hearing Loss: All cases of sudden onset hearing loss should be checked immediately. While most cases of sudden hearing loss are not permanent or serious, some cases can become permanent if not treated immediately. Over the course of my nineteen years in the hearing industry, I have witnessed numerous cases where sudden onset single-sided deafness became permanent due to lack of immediate treatment. Every one of the people said if they had known how serious it was, they would have had it checked immediately. Determining if a sudden hearing loss is serious and could become permanent first requires a visual inspection of the ear canal followed by a hearing evaluation that includes both air and bone-conduction tests.
Common causes of sudden hearing loss that are typically reversable and can be verified visually include impacted earwax or middle ear infections. Sudden hearing loss resulting from trauma (such as caused by loud noise exposure) or infections of the inner ear can become permanent if not immediately properly treated, but can only be verified with an audiometric evaluation. is past month multiple people came into the office who lost hearing suddenly. ese included several who had impacted wax, a number with middle ear infections, two with outer ear infections, and a couple from loud noise exposure. Fortunately, none of these cases involved inner ear infection and were temporary.
Ear Wax Removal: Impacted earwax can cause temporary hearing loss that can either come on slowly or immediately, typically after impacting with a cotton swab or when water becomes trapped by the wax (which increases
the likelihood of an outer ear infection.) A ruptured or torn tympanic membrane (eardrum) caused by using Q-tips or a bobby pin to try to remove wax can cause permanent hearing loss. A cotton swab should only be used to clean wax from the outermost portion of the ear canal and concha or bowl of the ear. An examination of the canal should be done before putting any liquid, drops, or spray into an ear canal to ensure there is not a hole in the eardrum. Liquids and medications that pass through the eardrum into the middle ear can cause pain, infection and potentially permanent hearing loss. Using our video otoscope, we can show you on the monitor exactly what is in your ear canal.
Hearing Protection: With the upcoming hunting seasons around the corner, we want to remind everyone of the importance of using properly fit hearing protection when shooting while competing, target practicing, sighting in firearms, or actively hunting. One patient recently shared about losing hearing while target shooting and wearing foam plugs that did not fit properly. is is one reason we recommend custom hearing protection solutions that will maximize protection for in-ear options. When using standard foam plugs, we recommend doubling up with muffs to maximize the NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) whenever possible. Custom electronic devices such as the Soundgear Phantom make it possible to wear hearing protection and continue to hear and communicate even when actively hunting to decrease the likelihood of hearing loss.
If you need to protect your hearing, want to have your hearing checked, or need to improve your hearing, please call to schedule an appointment. As a local, independently owned and operated small business, we appreciate your support. ank you.
FBrighton iber Arts Show
Back to School: Medicare 101 Refresher
Offered by: Headwaters Health and Wealth LLC - Lisa Asmussen
As students head back to the classroom this fall, it’s a great reminder that learning never stops, including when it comes to Medicare. Whether you’ve been enrolled for years, are approaching your 65th birthday or soon to retire post 65 and leaving work coverage, taking a few minutes to refresh your Medicare knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Medicare is made up of several parts, each serving a different purpose. Part A is for hospital stays and inpatient care; Part B is for doctor visits and outpatient medical services; Part D provides prescription drug coverage; and Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines many of these benefits into one plan and may also include extras not covered on Original Medicare, usually with network requirements. It’s also important to remember that Medicare doesn’t cover every healthcare expense, and your plan may change from year to year.
That’s why an annual Medicare plan review is one of the smartest “homework assignments” you can complete. Reviewing your coverage each year helps ensure your doctors remain in-network, your prescriptions are still covered, and your plan continues to meet your healthcare needs.
Next month, we’ll discuss the Medicare mail that begins arriving in the fall, what you should pay close attention to, and how it can help you prepare for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period.
If you have questions, give me a call. There is no obligation and my service is never a cost to you.
Lisa Asmussen 303-887-8584 • Lisa@headwatershw.com
offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10 organizations which offer 106 products in your area.Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program(SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Over 25 years in the landscaping industry. We are a one stop shop for all of your indoor and outdoor needs. We excel in quality, professionalism and customer communication.
Brighton Your Smile
Health & Wellness
Navigating Long Term Care Planning
Offered by: When
you are looking to retire from a career that has offered you Health Benefits, Life Insurance, 401K Retirement Investment options, and maybe even Long Term Care Insurance, you face retirement with so many questions. How are you supposed to do it all alone?
e great news is, you don’t have to navigate the craziness alone.
Let’s tackle our 4th topic, Long Term Care planning. When we think of Long Term Care needs, we might start to think about a loved one we watched go through a health condition that required assistance with their daily needs. When you saw this happen, how did it make you feel? What did it make you think? Did you start to think about your own future and what it might hold?
If you’re anything like me, I’m in total denial. It will never happen to me. I am going to be happy, healthy, and fully functional the entirety of my life. Right? (I also plan to live forever in this blissful state.)
I am sure that is what everyone who has gone through a Long Term Care need thought before it happened. e reality is, 7 out of 10 of us will need some sort of long term care. at is a lot of us. e other 3 out of 10, will be caregivers. Crazy thought, isn’t it?
e other side to this topic is the expense of it all. Rising healthcare costs seem to be the number one cause for financial stress among retirees. A long term care need can be the main reason for a retired person to face financial ruin. ere are a few different ways you can approach the expense of this care need: self funding with personal savings, Long Term Care Insurance policy, Medicaid if you qualify, hybrid Life Insurance policy that includes a Long Term Care rider, and finally rolling your assets into a financial vehicle that enhances what you already have to create an even bigger pool of money for Long Term Care. What you do completely depends on your situation. I am happy to help you review your thoughts and goals and see if there is a simple plan you can put in place. Just give us a call or text: 720-665-6015.
Get Game-Ready: Why Sports Physicals Matter at
Premier Pediatrics
Offered by: Premier Pediatrics
Asthe sports season approaches, ensuring your child is ready to safely participate is just as important as signing them up for their favorite team.
At Premier Pediatrics, sports physicals are an essential step in helping young athletes stay healthy, confident, and ready to perform their best.
A sports physical—also known as a preparticipation physical exam—is more than just a requirement for school or league participation. It’s a valuable opportunity to evaluate your child’s overall health and identify any potential concerns before they take the field. ese exams are designed to help prevent injuries and detect conditions that could impact their safety during physical activity.
During your child’s visit, our providers take a comprehensive approach that includes reviewing medical history and completing a thorough physical exam. We assess things like heart and lung function, strength, flexibility, and any past injuries to ensure your child is physically prepared for the demands of their sport.
Sports physicals also give families a chance to ask questions and discuss topics like injury prevention, nutrition, and overall wellness. Many conditions—such as asthma, heart concerns, or joint issues—can be identified early and managed appropriately so your child can participate safely.
Most schools and athletic programs require a completed sports physical before participation, making it an important part of pre-season preparation. We recommend scheduling your child’s exam now before the season begins to allow time for any follow-up if needed.
At Premier Pediatrics, our goal is to support your child’s health both on and off the field. Whether they’re trying a new sport or returning for another season, we’re here to help them stay safe, strong, and ready to play.
Bottom: Melissa Johnson, CPNP-PC | Joseph Smith, M.D. | Jaime Short, PA
Home Improvements
Home Improvements
Community Living
Sue Corbett Adult Center at Eagle View
NEWS & INFORMATION
Senior Advisory Board
The purpose of the Advisory Board is to advise and assist in the needs and operations of SCAAC. The Board meets Tues. July 21 and Thurs. Aug 13 at 1:00 p.m. Members are: Dennis Gibbons, Peggy Jarrett, Lou Ellen Bromley, Dan Buckner, Karen Swaithes, Steve Yarish, Bill Alsdorf, Heidi Storz, Gayle Shibao, Barbara Spakoski, Janet Olivieri, and Randy Thornton. Visitors are welcome.
Charitable Contributions
Together we can continue to enhance the great programs and services offered for seniors and active adults in the Brighton area. Your financial support will be recognized on the donor wall at Eagle View. All donations are tax deductible. Make donations payable to: Brighton United Senior Citizens, 1150 Prairie Center Parkway, Brighton, CO 80601.
Donor Opportunities for Wall Recognition:
Friend: $100 - $499
Memorial: $100+
Sponsor: $500 - $999
Benefactor: $1000+
VOA Lunch
A hot, nutritious lunch is provided by Volunteers of America, Mondays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Please reserve your meal in advance. For Mondays, reserve
AUGUST
HAPPENINGS
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution represented a massive change in 19th century America. Whether the change should be viewed as positive or negative, it dominated life from then on. Presenter: Paul Flanders.
Tues. Aug 11 - 1:30 p.m.
$4.00
Deadline: Fri. Aug 7
Active Minds: Women of Denver History
The city of Denver was shaped by the efforts of many great people. Join Active Minds as we focus on the women of Denver and their contributions to the city and the state. We will cover some familiar names as well as some lesser known figures as we trace the impact of these women and their place in history.
Wed. Aug 12 - 1:30 p.m.
$5.00
Deadline: Tues. Aug 11
Better Results with ChatGPT
This follow-up presentation builds on the basics and focuses on how to actually get better results. We’ll cover how to ask more effective questions, refine responses,
1150 Prairie Center Parkway, Brighton, CO 80601
303-655-2075 I evacinfo@brightonco.gov www.brightonco.gov
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
the Thursday before; for Thursdays, reserve the Monday before. Call Cindy at 303-655-2271 between 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mon. & Thurs. to make a reservation.
Daily meal donations are appreciated.
$2.50 Donation per meal if age 60+
$8.50 Mandatory charge if under 60
Medical Equipment Loans
Basic medical equipment is available to loan out. Items may include wheelchairs, front wheel and seated walkers, canes, crutches, toilet seat risers, commodes, and bath benches. There is no guarantee what will be available at any time. Call 303-655-2075 for information.
Senior Wellness Clinic
The Clinic focuses on health promotion and disease prevention for seniors 55+. Operated by Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), services include foot care, health checks, and blood pressure checks. The fee for foot care is $40 payable at the time of your appointment. Foot care may be covered by Kaiser with pre-approval. Reduced fee available upon approval. Call 303-655-2075 for appointment.
Tech Tuesdays
Need help with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone? We will do our best to help you become more comfortable using your device. Schedule an appointment with Calvin at 303-655-2187.
and use ChatGPT for more specific, everyday needs. This session will be more hands-on, with time for attendees to practice and get guidance. Presented by Derek Taniguchi from Rescue Geek.
Thurs. Aug 13 -1:30 p.m.
$5.00
Deadline: Mon. Aug 10
Friday Feast
It’s a luau theme with Jim Kurty performing! We will be serving ham & pineapple sliders, fruit salad, chips, and a cookie.
Fri. Aug 14 - 12:00 noon
$8.00
Deadline: Wed. Aug 12
Stop the Bleed
Join representatives from Intermountain Health, Platte Valley Hospital for this STOP THE BLEED® class. You’ll gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and intervene effectively. The person next to a bleeding victim may be the one who’s most likely to save him or her. With knowledge and training, you could help save a life in those critical moments. This hands-on class teaches you how to control bleeding using packing, pressure, and tourniquets before medical personnel arrives.
Mon. Aug 24 - 1:30 p.m.
Free
Deadline: Fri. Aug 14
Community Resources
Do you need help and are unsure where to turn? We can assist you with completing forms and finding needed services. To make an appointment, email scaacinfo@brightonco.gov.
Transportation
Via Mobility - provides specialized transportation within the City of Brighton. Via can take you to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and Eagle View, to name just a few of the places you can go in Brighton. New Via users - call 303-447-2848 ext. 1014 to get started. To schedule rides, call 303-447-9636. Free rides to and from Eagle View to seniors living in the Brighton Via service area are provided by funding from the Senior Advisory Board.
FlexRide
This is an RTD service. Call 303-299-6000 for reservations. The driver will pick up and deliver you anywhere within Brighton, Mon - Fri. 6:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. Cost is the local RTD bus fare.
Please visit www.brightonco.gov for a complete listing of all offerings.
Feathered Friends: Peregrine Falcon
This month’s Feathered Friends features the fastest animal in the world, the peregrine falcon. These raptors are found worldwide and have a storied history as one of the great successes of saving an endangered species. Separate fact from fiction (how fast do they REALLY go?) and enjoy close-up views of this speedy aerial predator.
Tues. Aug 25 - 1:00 p.m.
$5.00
Deadline: Mon. Aug 24
Fire Resilient Landscaping
Millions of Front Range residents live in what experts call the Wildland Urban Interface - where neighborhoods meet open space and natural areas, and fire risk rises dramatically. The good news? Your landscape choices matter. Learn how to rethink your plantings, layout, and materials to create a fire-resilient yard that protects your home and your community. Presentation by a CSU Master Gardener.
Wed. Aug 26 - 1:30 p.m.
$5.00
Deadline: Mon. Aug 24
Fraud & Scams
Join a representative from Adams County Sheriff’s Office for an informative session on recognizing, avoiding, and reporting common scams targeting our community. This
[Continued on page 35]
to the music to the Broadway hit musical Wicked - this tribute to Oz will have us literally clicking our heels with our eyes closed while reciting, “There’s no place like home” - while remembering that it’s all fun and games until the flying monkeys attack! Presenter: Travels with Toni.
Movie: Song Sung Blue
presentation will cover current fraud trends, practical tools for protecting your personal information, and steps to take if you or someone you know becomes a victim. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable tips to stay safe and confident in today’s digital and everyday environments.
Thurs. Aug 27 - 1:30 p.m.
Free
Deadline: Tues. Aug 25
Let Them Eat Cake
In a nod to The Wizard of Oz movie (August 1939) we are featuring a luscious lemon poppyseed cake. Not only is the cake bursting with lemon flavor, but it’s also topped with cream cheese frosting swirled (much like the Yellow Brick Road) with lemon curd! So if you absolutely love lemon, this is the cake for you! Facilitated by: Travels with Toni.
Fri. Aug 28 - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
$21
Deadline: Fri. Aug 14
We’re Off to See the Wizard!
Today we travel back in time 87 years ago this month, when The Wizard of Oz movie took us on a tornado ridein Technicolor! Today we’ll walk in Dorothy’s ruby-red (or were they silver?) slippers and have some fun as we pull back the curtain on this beloved classic. From the casting
Fri. Aug 28 - 1:30 p.m.
$5.00
Deadline: Wed. Aug 26
AUGUST CLASSES
World Tour Meals
Herete, off to Greece we go! We will be making Greek lemon chicken with potatoes, Greek orzo salad, and baklava for dessert. For both classes, please bring two bowls, two ramakins, and an apron. Instructor: Rosalind Lowen.
Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
$41
Session 2: Aug 12
Deadline: Fri. Aug 7
Watercolor Supplies 101
We will have watercolor painting classes in the September & October newsletter. Attend this class to meet the new instructor, artist Susie Wheeler. Learn the pros and cons of paints, palettes, brushes, and paper with the goal of saving money.
Wed. Aug 26 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Free
Deadline: Mon. Aug 24
Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. PG-13. 2 hr/12 min. Free, but please register.
Mon. Aug 31 - 1:00 p.m.
Free
Deadline: Fri. Aug 28
Zentangle
Not an artist but you like to doodle, or have no drawing experience at all? Learn how to turn your doodles into a frameable work of art. You will learn some easy, basic patterns along with your own ideas to complete a unique and beautiful art piece. Supply list at registration. Instructor: Karen Kloberdans.
Mondays - 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
$17
Session 2: Swan Aug 24 & 31
Deadline: Thurs. Aug 13
Community Living
DROP-IN ACTIVITIES
Billiards
We have two tables that are first-come, first-serve during business hours. 25¢ per day
Bingo In-Person
Join us in the dining room every Thursday with Barbara as our caller. One card per player. Win gift cards! Free to play.
Thursdays - 12:15 p.m.
Ladies Billiards
This is “women only” time to enjoy the pool tables. Mondays - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
25¢ per day
Knit & Crochet Drop-in
Drop in to knit or crochet with others. No instructor. Wednesdays - 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Peer Room
25¢ per day
Mexican Train Dominos
This is an easy game to learn - it’s regular dominos with a fun twist.
Wednesdays - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Toys for God’s Kids
Make and/or assemble wooden cars to distribute to kids around the world through “Toys for God’s Kids.”
Call Dave at 303-503-4926 for details.
Tuesdays - 8:15 - 10:15 a.m.
25¢ per day
Wood Carving Drop-in
Learn to carve wood or work on an existing project. Call Norm at 978-568-1191 to arrange free instruction.
Tuesdays - 8:15 - 10:15 a.m.
25¢ per day
American Mahjong
Mahjong is a strategic tile game played with a yearly card.
Wednesdays - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Cards, Cards, Cards!
New players welcome. Call the listed volunteer.
Hand and Foot
Mondays & Fridays - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Room: Falcon
Pinochle Pals
Tuesdays - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Room: Falcon
Lending Library
Borrow books from the library for free and keep them as long as you need. Do NOT re-shelve books - our volunteer librarians do that for us. We accept donations of large print and paperback books only. We are especially needing more large print books.
Tech Tuesdays
Need help with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone? Whether it’s Gmail, Zoom, or basic setup, we have you covered. Schedule an appointment with Calvin at 303-655-2187.
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout EVAC. Inquire at front desk.
Cribbage
Wednesdays - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Room: Peer
Shirley: 720-685-3369
Tournament: $4.00
Wed. Aug. 26
Bridge
Fridays - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Room: Talbot Judy: 303-378-5226 - Please call if new
Come in from the Heat - Play Sudoku!
Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game. If you play Sudoku daily, you will soon start to see improvements in your concentration and overall brain power. Start a game today and make it a part of your daily brain workout!
The goal of Sudoku is to fill in a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, row, and 3×3 section contain the numbers between 1 to 9. At the beginning of the game, the 9×9 grid will have some of the squares filled in. Your job is to use logic to fill in the missing digits and complete the grid. Don’t forget, a move is incorrect if:
• Any row contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9
• Any 3×3 grid contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9
• Any column contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9
Community Living
The Colorado Real Estate Market Has Changed. Have You?
O ered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate
Written by: Eric Romero, Managing Broker
Iftoday’s housing market feels different than it did a few years ago, it’s because it is.
During 2020 and 2021, mortgage rates hovered around 3%. Buyers had tremendous purchasing power, inventory was scarce, and Colorado homes often received multiple offers within days. Paying over asking price became common, and pricing mistakes were easily forgiven. at market is gone.
Today, mortgage rates sit around 6.7%, and buyers simply can’t afford what they could just a few years ago. at doesn’t mean people stopped wanting to buy homes. It means the buyer pool got smaller.
Homes don’t sell simply because they’re for sale. ey sell because there are qualified buyers who can afford them. As affordability declines, sellers are now competing for fewer buyers.
e local numbers tell the story. According to REColorado, more than 76,000 homes sold each year across the Denver metro area during 2020 and 2021. By 2025, annual sales had fallen to just over 52,000, about 26% fewer sales than before COVID. Meanwhile, inventory has grown to more than 12,700 active listings, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in several years.
e spring rush has come and gone. Buyers have more time to compare homes, and they’re becoming more selective. Some homes still receive multiple offers and sell within days. Others sit for weeks before the price comes down. e surprising part is, those homes may be only a few streets apart.
Real Estate Has Always Been Local
One of the biggest misconceptions is that there’s one real estate market. ere isn’t. National headlines make for interesting conversation, but they don’t determine what your home is worth. Local buyers do. at’s why one neighborhood may still see multiple offers while another, just a few miles away, sees longer marketing times and more price reductions. Even homes on the same street can have very different outcomes.
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e only market that matters is the one your home is competing in today. “Let’s Just
See What Happens”
ose may be the most expensive words a seller can say.
When more than 76,000 buyers were purchasing homes each year, testing the market carried much less risk. Today, every showing matters more.
A home gets one chance to make a first impression. If buyers don’t see value right away, they move on to the next listing. Momentum fades, showings slow, and price reductions follow. Many sellers discover that “testing the market” ends up costing far more than pricing correctly from the start.
e good news: this isn’t a bad market. Well-priced, well-presented homes are still selling quickly. In fact, homes that sell are averaging about 99% of asking price. Buyers are still willing to pay for value. ey’re just no longer willing to overpay. at’s what today’s market rewards. Not luck. Not wishful thinking. Good decisions.
What is Means for You
If you’re selling: e buyer pool is smaller than it was a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean your home won’t sell. It means pricing, preparation, and understanding your local competition matter more than ever. Don’t price your home based on what your neighbor got in 2022. Price it based on today’s competition and today’s buyers.
If you’re buying: More inventory doesn’t mean every seller is desperate. e best homes, priced and presented well, are still moving fast. Today’s advantage is having more choices and more room to negotiate than buyers have had in years.
Markets don’t stand still. Interest rates change. Affordability changes. Buyer behavior changes. Successful buyers and sellers recognize those shifts and adjust their strategy accordingly.
e market has changed.
Have you?
Markets change. Life changes, too. Your Forever Agent® helps you adapt to both with guidance that’s based on today’s market, your goals, and what’s right for you. Call 303-905-8850 or visit
