Senior Beacon Newspaper, March 2020

Senior Beacon SB Eldest & Locally-Owned Senior Newspaper in Southern Colorado

MARCH 2020

Vol. 39:2

Established February 1982

458 Consecutive Months!

Committed To Southern Colorado Seniors For 39 Years And Counting!!

HIGH

honors The Southern Colorado Press Club will honor Gerry and Dian Montgomery, owners of Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, with the Mel Harmon Award for Community Service on Thursday, April 9, 2020. The award is in recognition of exceptional service and dedication to the Pueblo community.

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FOLLOWING GRADUATION FROM South High School in 1975, Gerry Montgomery started working as an apprentice mortuary science practitioner for the former Rouch Funeral Home and attended pre-mortuary science classes at the University of Southern Colorado, now Colorado State University-Pueblo. In 1979, he graduated with honors from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science.

Gerry Montgomery and Marvin Steward purchased the Rouch Funeral Home in 1986 and renamed it Montgomery and Steward Funeral Directors.

In 1996, Dian Gassino joined the firm and the next year she and Gerry were married. Dian also is a partner in the business. Marvin retired from the company in 2019.

The Montgomerys ‘are lifetime Puebloans and have always believed in being good neighbors and are honored to share their time and finances in support of so many worthy organizations in the Pueblo community. In 2012, they received the National Philanthropic Award for Colorado.

Organizations they have donated to include the Assistance League of Pueblo, Sangre de Cristo Hospice & Palliative Care, CSU-Pueblo Foundation, Pueblo African-American Concern Organization, Pueblo Community College Foundation, Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Pueblo Charter Lions Club, Pueblo Community College Foundation, Sierra Club, Parkview Foundation, Pueblo Municipal Band, Pueblo Symphony, Pueblo Home of Heroes Association, Mel Harmon Chapter - Air Force Association, Al Kaly Shrine Basketball, Catholic Charities, Broadway Theater League, Pueblo Choral Society, Rocky Mountain Council – Boy Scouts of America, Center for American Values, Pueblo County Historical Society, Rosemount Museum, Rocky Mountain PBS, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Department, South High School Alumni Foundation, Pueblo Domestic Violence Task Force, Soaring Eagles Center for Autism, Impossible Playhouse, Pueblo City Schools Summer Musical Program, and providing meals for first responders at the United Methodist Church booth during the Colorado State Fair, plus many more organizations.

The couple also have an enviable collection of Disney Mickey Mouse collectibles. Because of the enormity of their Christmas collection, when they set up their Christmas display, on the entire second floor of the funeral home, they have to begin in October. The public was invited to visit and everyone seemed awestruck at its whimsical uniqueness.

Proceeds will benefit Colorado State University-Pueblo and Pueblo Community College Mass Communications scholarship funds.

Page 2 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

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JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE RACES

OBSERVATIONS FROM THE CAVE JAMES R. GRASSO Former Chief Cook & Bottle Washer

WELL, IT'S THE

season again. Especially when the democrats are out of office. I believe at one point they had 24 candidates! You'd think that with all the problems that all Presidents seem to have with the "other" party and the media most especially when the Republicans are "running" things, these little rascals would run and hide like mice from a suddenly bright room.

The best thing I heard was a young lady that proclaimed to be democrat say "with the people I saw at a recent debate, if that's the best we have, I'm sticking with the devil I know. I'm sure he has America's interests at heart at the very least. We've had a pretty good four years. Why waste our time and effort on any of those bozos!"

These so called "debates" aren't debates at all.

They're rants taken to the first degree. How can anyone decide if any of them would bring greatness to the Presidency. They all talk out both sides of their mouths and then they deny even those utterances. "Deny! Deny! Deny!" Where have I heard those words? Oh, yeah I remember now.

They came out of Bill "I feel your pain" Clinton's mouth when telling one of his lady friends how to handle the press when asked about her dalliance with the President of the United States! Good times, those.

I admit I haven't been able to follow the impeachment nonsense or pretty much anything in the pop culture because it's all "faffle daffle" in my humble opinion. Imagine, the Left's astonishment (not all the people that voted for Hillary but the

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ones who were so cocksure that the fix was in and they would be able to begin their total dominance of the United States and the world with their brand of socialism). It hurt them so badly that they have been spending tax payers money on lawyers, investigators, and etc. for the past four years trying desperately to throw enough spaghetti on the wall that some would stick and be rid of "The Donald" forever.

I also admit that I considered Mr. Trump a baffoon during his run for the presidency but as the last days of the campaign wound down I actually felt sorry for him because their was a certain doggedness about him and sincerity that Hillary could never understand. I figured why not vote for Trump, (I knew he didn't have a chance in Colorado which is sad because when I moved here in the mid 1970s it was more or less a conservative state with an open mind), but the U.S. had become such a joke under President BHO (bowing to this oligarch and that tin pot despot, giving huge pots of money to this rogue state and that), in my mind we had become a circus so why not vote in the best barker since Barnum, or was it Bailey?

Under the Trump years I go back to that democrat lady I told you about at the beginning. Things are going well. You know that Trump will never throw us, the U.S., "under the bus." So I'll waste my vote for Trump again living in the state of lollipops and free education not thinking in terms of 4 years ago but in hopefulness that we will stave off at least for another 4 more years, the complete and inevitable fall from greatness almost finished off by BHO. Once Texas flops to blue it's all over anyway.

Finally, Colorado's "leaders" succumbed to the "will of the people?" and did away with Columbus Day as a holiday in our state. But politicians being politicians had to make up for that paid holiday so they threw in one for Mother Cabrini Day to take its place. Yes, she did as much if not more for Colorado's downcast and homeless children (they even have a cool Shrine for her just off the New York State thruway in upstate New York who now kill babies as long as they have a little toe still inside their mom's womb (can you call them Mom's?).

It's peculiar that so many people are so offended by Columbus Day. He never even left the West Indies area as far as I know yet every other explorer that set foot here or near here are trumpeted by all! what a victory! On to the next offense everyone.

I promise to be nicer next month at least to someone. Godspeed to you all, friend and foe alike.

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March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 3

FINANCE

Investing, More Than Meets The Eye INVESTING REALLY IS more than it appears and the coronovirus confirms that.

We’ve had the biggest expansion in our economic history and some steam is being let out.

That’s still a very painful process.

Record-setting begets more record-setting.

Record-long expansion? Record-bad market drop for a week.

You can see how even the pundits can be wrong. Look at my most-recent article from January, 2020 the very first paragraph: “Welcome to the new decade!

This last one has been very good for America, good for some other countries and not great for many others. 2020 is looking like the same direction.”

Wrong, Ron! (So far). The U.S. market is dropping with a bang this new decade.

THREE MAJOR INVESTING AIMS When the markets are pumping out new records investing is a piece of cake. You don’t have to worry about much. Growth covers all sins.

Yet there are still three things to achieve no matter the markets. You need to protect your nest egg, reach your goals and grow your money.

That’s where investing gets a bit more complex and then the marRON PHILLIPS

Owner of Century Investments in Pueblo. He is a Financial Advisor, author and teacher

WHAT IF YOU’D FOLLOWED THE 4% RULE?

This financial planning rule says you can safely withdraw 4 percent of your investment and not completely “draw down” your principal. How did that go in our recent, unprecendented lost decade? During 2000 to the end of 2009 the market actually dropped by nine percent.

If you started with $100,000, subtract out the market loss, now we’re at $91,000. Subtract out the forty percent over the decade. That put’s us at $51,000 left (using very rough math).

Now, because of inflation and volatility, you need to produce MORE income with LESS assets. kets drop?

Well, now we see Warren Buffett’s quote revealed: “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.”

PROTECTING YOUR PORTFOLIO Remember March of 2009? The markets were down fifty percent!

Remember real estate during that time?

Some homes and areas were down in value by eighty percent!

Do you remember this last decade from 2000 to 2009?

We had an unprecendented two-century event--the market was down the entire decade!

Worse performance than the Great Depression!

So there we have the common problem with the stock market. It’s a rollercoaster ride but we can’t always see the dips and twists ahead.

But can we do anything to help steady the ride?

Yes, there are several things to do to lower risk.

FIVE WAYS TO MINIMIZE PORTFOLIO RISK There’s definitely more than five ways but this is a good start. Anyone can do these techniques with free tools online.

The first is using mutual funds.

If you have a computer visit Morningstar.com.

Type in the symbol “SPY” and pull up a full chart. Here you can compare more symbols to this first one.

What we’re comparing is an actual S&P 500 fund (SPY) versus whatever else. I chose several different stocks like IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Bank of America and Exxon.

Three of the five did worse than

our SPY mutual fund during this bad coronavirus sell-off.

This is for the week of February 24th throught the 28th.

So individual stocks can be more volatile than a diversified basket.

The second way to lower risk is by using true diversification.

This means having assets that are less correlated to each other.

So one asset category moves up, others move up less or even down, all at the same time.

I call this zigging and zagging.

If all of your investments move basically the same direction, with a similar price fluctuation, then are you truly diverse?

I would answer no.

You want some up, some down and some flat to provide a more even ride on the rollercoaster.

Methods three and four are buying cheaper-valued assets and buying assets under their book value.

These may seem the same but are very different.

If you want a more in-depth explanation please call my voicemail at (719) 220-3005 and I’ll email or mail the full one-page report on minimizing portfolio risk.

PULL OUT THE BROKEN RECORD PLAYER, PLEASE The fifth and last way to lower risk is no surprise if you’ve been reading my articles. Produce very high portfolio income. PRODUCE VERY HIGH PORTFOLIO INCOME.

▶ SEE FINANCE, PAGE 11

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Page 4 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

March 2: Sandy’s chicken chile, tortilla, broccoli with cheese, carrot raisin salad, diced pears March 3: Beef pot pie with buttermilk biscuit, lima beans, salad with red wine vinaigrette, apple March 4: Sweet and sour meatballs, broccoli, jasmine rice, tossed salad with dressing, pear March 5: Broccoli stuffed chicken breast, green beans, sweet potatoes, pineapple tidbits, high fiber cookie March 6: Vege burger with lettuce, tomato and onion, corn, coleslaw, banana March 9: Southwestern chicken, peas and carrots, 3-bean salad, ww roll, orange March 10: Pulled pork sandwich, corn, seasoned pinto beans, apple sauce March 11: Egg salad on ww bread, tomato basil soup, tossed vegetable salad with red wine vinaigrette, orange March 12: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, peas, coleslaw, banana March 13: Baked parmesan encrusted salmon, roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, roll, strawberries March 16: Chicken taco salad with sour cream, salsa, avocado, corn chowder, orange

March 17: Corned beef cabbage, carrots and potatoes, rye bread, pear, sugar cookies March 18: Chicken parmesan pasta, cauliflower, tossed salad with red wine dressage, diced pears, ww roll March 19: Beef stir fry, peas, brown rice, Asian cabbage salad, apple March 20: Breaded fish sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes, corn, cole slaw, spiced peaches March 23: Goulash, green beans, salad with dressing, ww bread, apple March 24: Chicken piccata pasta, winter blend vegetables, peaches, high fiber cookies March 25: Beef stew, lima beans, ww roll, pineapple. Orange compote March 26: Chicken alfredo, penne pasta, Caesar salad, peas, strawberries March 27: Seasoned cod/potato medley, maple glazed carrots, banana, roll March 30: Beef fajita with pepper, onions, cheese, sour cream, and salsa, tortillas, Spanish rice, sw black beans, strawberries March 31: Chicken marsala, roasted red potato, brussel sprouts, green bean salad, apple

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March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 5

SRDA MARCH 2020 CALENDAR Special information from Pueblo’s SRDA (Plus)

Senior Resource Development Agency 230 N. Union Ave. (719) 553-3445 www.srda.org Calendar of Events MARCH 2020 ■ MONDAY- MARCH 2 8:00 Taxes Front doors open at 8 am, Mon - Thurs. No Fridays!

9-10 Computer Class 10-12 Acrylic Painting 2-3 Self Defense 3-4 Tai - Chi ■ TUESDAY- MARCH 3 8:00 Taxes 8:45 – 9:45 Morning Tai – Chi 9 Pinochle 9-10 Laptop & Tablets 10 – 11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing 1-2 Beginning Knit Class, 2-3 Beginning Crochet Class Tues. March 3rd. & Tues. March 17th ■ WEDNESDAY - MARCH 4 8:00 Taxes 9:00 Mahjongg 12:00 Party Bridge 1-2 Zumba 3-4 Tai Chi 3-5 Singers ■ THURSDAY - MARCH 5 8:00 Taxes 8:45 – 9:45 Morning Tai Chi 9:00 Pinochle 10-11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dance Too 1:30 – 3:30 Co-Op Drawing

■ FRIDAY - MARCH 6 No Tax Preparation on Fridays 10-11 Jian Qi Gong 11-12 Advanced Tai ■ MONDAY - MARCH 9 8:00 Taxes 9-10 Computer Class 10-12 Acrylic Painting 1-3 Matter of Balance (Starts up in March) 2-3 Self Defense 3-4 Tai Chi ■ TUESDAY - MARCH 10 8:00 Taxes 8:45 -9:45 Morning Tai - Chi 9-10 Tablet & Laptop Class 10-2 Pinochle 10-11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing 1–3 Knit & Chat ■ WEDNESDAY – MARCH 11 8:00 Taxes 9-1 AARP Driver Safety 9-12 Mahjongg 12-4 Party Bridge 1-2 Zumba 3-4 Tai Chi 3-5 Singers ■ THURSDAY - MARCH 12 8:00 Taxes 8:45 – 9:45 Morning Tai – Chi 9 Pinochle 10 – 11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing Too 9-11 Sewing Club ■ FRIDAY- MARCH 13 10-11 Jian Qi Gong 11-12 Advanced Tai – Chi ■ MONDAY - MARCH 16 8:00 Taxes 9-10 Computer Class

10-12 Acrylic Painting 1-3 Matter of Balance (Starts up in March) 2-3 Self Defense 3-4 Tai Chi ■ TUESDAY- MARCH 17 8:00 Taxes 9 – 10 Tablet & laptop Class 8:45 -9:45 Morning Tai – Chi 10-2 Pinochle 10-11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing 1-2 Beginning Knit Class, 2-3 Beginning Crochet Class Tues. March 3rd. & Tues.

March 17th ■ WEDNESDAY- MARCH 18 8:00 Taxes 9-12 Mahjongg 12-4 Party Bridge 1-2 Zumba 1-3 Knit & Chat 3-4 Tai Chi 3-5 Singers ■ THURSDAY -MARCH 19 8:00 Taxes 8:45 – 9:45 Morning Tai – Chi 9:00 Pinochle 10-11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing ■ FRIDAY - MARCH 20 10-11 Jian Qi Gong 11-12 Advanced Tai - Chi1:303:30 Social, Music, Refreshments provided ■ MONDAY- MARCH 23 8:00 Taxes 9-10 Computer Class 10-12 Acrylic Painting 1-3 Matter of Balance (Starts up in March)

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Call us: 719-545-8900 2-3 Self Defense 3-4 Tai Chi ■ TUESDAY- MARCH 24 8:00 Taxes 9 – 10 Tablet & laptop Class 8:45 -9:45 Morning Tai - Chi 10-2 Pinochle 10-11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing ■ WEDNESDAY MARCH 25 8:00 Taxes 9-12 Mahjongg 12-4 Party Bridge 1-2 Zumba 3-4 Tai Chi 3-5 Singers ■ THURSDAY- MARCH 26 8:00 Taxes 8:45 – 9:45 Morning Tai - Chi 9:00 Pinochle 10-11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing 9-11 Sewing Club 1:30 – 3:30 Co-Op Drawing ■ Friday – MARCH 27 10-11 Jian Qi Gong 11-12 Advanced Tai - Chi ■ MONDAY – MARCH 30 8:00 Taxes 9-10 Computer Class 10-12 Acrylic Painting 1-3 Matter of Balance (Starts up in March) 2-3 Self Defense 3-4 Tai Chi ■ TUESDAY – MARCH 31 8:00 Taxes 9 – 10 Tablet & laptop Class 8:45 -9:45 Morning Tai - Chi 10-2 Pinochle 10-11 Chair Yoga 11-12 Line Dancing FYI - Matter of Balance Starts March 3rd Call Kyle @ 719-544-9898 to sign-up Save the Date: St Patrick’s Day Benefit Breakfast, Friday March 13th, 2020, 8-9:30. Here at Joseph H. Edwards Senior Center (SRDA) 230 N. Union, for information call: SRDA Nutrition Services @ 719-543-0100.

Page 6 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

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‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’

JAN MCLAUGHLIN

Director of Prayer for Prisoners International

THEY'RE FISHING FOR SUCKERS! DON'T BE ONE

M

y head was reeling. It happened so fast. But how? And why? Am I that gullible? Stupid? What lowered my defenses, making me vulnerable and off guard? The bait was set, and I bit! Hook, line and sinker.

This is so embarrassing I hate to confess what happened. However, I believe my mistake might keep someone from falling into the same trap, taking the same bait. Please hear me. It can happen to anyone. These people are cons and good at what they do. They’re professional crooks. Don’t be a sucker like me. The lesson can be costly. I buried my pride and I share this story so, perhaps I will spare someone else the loss and humiliation.

The deception started with a recorded phone message from Amazon. “Someone has ordered an I-phone for $537.00 on your Amazon account.

This call is to confirm that you placed the order.� The recording rattled off a phone number to return the call. I ordered a few items on Amazon Smiles recently so immediately assumed someone had my card information. I don’t own an Amazon credit card, but I have an account. My first thought this is a scam. I won’t call that number just in case.

I Googled Amazon customer service and the Amazon Prime number popped up. I couldn’t understand the first person who answered because of his thick foreign accent.

I hung up and redialed. The next man also had an accent, but I could understand him.

He was courteous, and I relayed the recorded message about the I-Phone purchase and told him I wanted to make sure it was a legitimate call and not a scam.

He asked my name and some information to get to my account. He confirmed someone had purchased a phone on my account and that I should go to my Amazon account on a computer. He had me verify the credit card I most often use. He didn’t ask for the card number just for me to check it by purchasing a $99 Amazon game card. I said, “I don’t want a game card.� He said, “Oh no, ma’am. There will be no money out of your pocket. It

will go right back on your card and not cost you a cent. Just purchase the card so we can verify the card you use. Then when we refund the money for the phone, they it place it back on the right card. I assure you, there will be no charge on your card.�

That made sense to me but not to my husband. Rick was telling me all the time I was talking to the guy he thought it was a scam and I should hang up. However, because I had dialed the number for Amazon Prime, I was still certain it was legitimate. I ordered the card.

Then he said to verify my card, I needed to go to Walmart and purchase a $300 dollar gift card and they would put all the money back on my card including the $537.00 for the I-Phone.

In one big gulp I swallowed, hook and all.

This is truly a sheep to the slaughter. I did just what he said. When I drove away from the house, Rick was on the phone with our Capital One. He tried to stop me and then called Walmart and asked them to stop me. Walmart employees looked for me in the store, but I was quick. The clerk asked no questions when she sold me the card. I did what the man instructed, bought the card and returned to the car. All this time the man is still on the phone with me. Rick was trying to call me, and so was Capital One. I ignored the calls because I was afraid the call to ‘Amazon’ would drop.

When I got to the car, the man had me scrape the covering off the last 4 numbers and the pin. (Here is where I look back and think, how could I have been so stupid. But it got worse from there.) I did it. The next instructions, so he could ‘verify

my card’ was to take a picture of the back of the card and send it by text to a different phone number. Yep! I did that too. I told you! Hook, line and sinker! I shake my head now and can’t even imagine being so suckered into taking the bait. Yet I was still convinced it was right because I hadn’t called the number the recorded message left. I called the Amazon Prime number on the internet.

This crook’s intent was most likely to see if he could get more money because he kept me on the phone. When I walked in our office, Rick was on the phone with the Walmart corporate office.

He was on hold on another phone with the local Walmart.

He said, “That’s a scam. You shouldn’t have done that. Capital One and Walmart both said it is a scam.�

I picked up the other phone and the manager at Walmart said they had looked for me to stop me from purchasing the card. She said the clerk should have asked some questions.

And Amazon would never ask questions like this guy was asking. She gave me the legitimate Amazon number, and I was wrote it down. I told him to hold on that I had to write down some things. She could hear him on my speaker phone asking me what I was doing and what was I writing.

When he couldn’t get me back on the phone he hung up.

When the Walmart manager checked my $300.00 gift card, they had already emptied it. I must have sent it to his partner in crime, and it was spent immediately. The man kept me on the phone for nearly two hours, but it happened so

â–ś SEE LIGHT, PAGE 11

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VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info ANCIENT FAERIE LORE

GLEN VOLLMECKE Author: "Intermission a Place in Time."

March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 7

Faerie lore is rampant in Britain's Isle of Mann. Phantom Isles known to the Irish surround their lush emerald green land. 'Independent faeries' are known as Leprechauns. That's another story!

Not surprisingly faeries reside in primitive, early forts, castles, and very timeworn structures. If one visits these areas to meditate, absorb the magic of a cold frosty night, and beware. Anticipate and be silent and wait. Bright intermittent sparkling lights will soon be visible. Faerie processions will physically move from hillock to hillock.

Although seemingly oblivious to your proximity, don't be deceived. These spirits recognize all.

Although considered mythology and possible superstition, many of Britain' folk from shires and villages will relate unabashedly tales of hauntings. Clyd Flint in northern Wales boasts of the 'Hill of the Goblins,' and a gold armoured figure. An 1833 excavation revealed a skeleton buried in a gold corselet, while a king is alleged to sit in his golden armour in Bryn Elly llon

near Mold, Clyd in Flintshire. Fiercely protecting their valued possessions faeries surround ungracious travelers with bad omens. (Remember Tutankhamen's esteemed grave site?)

Faeries are frequently associated with gold and irreplaceable coins, subsequently when their homes are invaded irresponsibly, the results could subsequently be death. Desecration of a faerie habitat can result in horrific unknown consequences.

Today's well known phenomena the 'paranormal' remains undecided and merely a superstition for many.

However, when combined with obvious consequences of certain actions, one must adhere to the prospect of dire penalties. During the Tudor period, Shakespeare changed the old English word 'elf' to faerie. Apart from your usual garden variety (no pun intended) this series will explore folklore and superstitions in different parts of the world. Few have resolved to actually become aware of so many aspects of these small characters. Contrary to common belief these magical beings occupy our lives and senses on a

daily basis providing the myths and legends usually only apparent to certain individuals, or to our inner selves...the child within. In fact children unspoiled by maturity with no inhibitions can easily appreciate the perception of a magical entity within their reach. While adults skirt the fantasy of realism hoping to establish a relationship, and proof of their existence, children have the open mind ready to scrutinize beyond societies limitations.

Written by Glenda Lee Vollmecke. Author: "Intermission a Place in Time."

Our Long Time Contributor, Glen Vollmecke, author of "Intermission a Place in Time" Will Be Signing Her award-winning book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 25 at Pueblo Community College, 51320 US-50 Outside Canon City.

For more information, call 719296-6100. Please stop by and say 'Hello' and she'll sign her book for you. See you there!

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Page 8 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON FROM THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL The Continuing Crisis A rider on the New York City subway employed a novel way of protecting his personal space on Feb. 7, Fox News reported. The seated passenger removed a bottle of ketchup from his bag and squirted a squiggly perimeter on the floor around his seat, apparently hoping to keep fellow straphangers away. Twitter erupted with funny comments after one user posted a photo: "Gotta protect yourself from the mustard demons they can't cross the barrier" and "What brand of ketchup though?" New York City Transit got a taste of the problem and promised to clean it up right away. [Fox News, 2/8/2020] The Litigious Society Lacie the Norwegian Forest cat is at the center of a heated two-year dispute in Brewerton, New York, that has now gone to state Supreme Court. Original owner Carol Money accuses adoptive owner Danette Romano of refusing to let Lacie sleep in bed with her, a key provision that Money says was in the adoption agreement both parties signed in April 2018. Syracuse.com reported that according to the lawsuit, Money regularly visited Lacie in her new home after

the adoption and found the cat to be skittish and fearful, and became very upset after Romano's husband allegedly admitted, "We don't let Lacie sleep with us."

By Dec. 20, tensions had increased to the point that Romano complained to the Onondaga County Sheriff's office and had her lawyer send Money a letter ordering her to stop contacting Romano. Money's lawsuit accuses Romano of breach of contract and lying about her intention to let Lacie sleep in her bed, and demands the return of the cat. [Syracuse.com, 12/30/2019] Unclear on the Concept In a report published on Feb. 18, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reveals school districts struggling to comply with the state's requirement that every school have "a good guy with a gun" are challenged to find enough qualified applicants. Among recent hiccups: Near Orlando, a safe-school officer sent her husband a nude video she recorded in a school bathroom while on her lunch break. In Hillsborough County, a school guardian thought her gun was unloaded when she shot through a mirror as she practiced in front of it for her firearms certification. Another officer pawned his service weapon and ballistic vest; his supervisor discovered he was carrying a pellet gun in his holster. Bob Gualtieri, sheriff in Pinellas County, remarked: "The reality is there is no perfect in the world." [South Florida Sun Sentinel, 2/18/2020]

Affordable Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting

The Entrepreneurial Spirit The Spanish Civil Guard raided an underground cigarette factory on Feb. 13 and 14 in the southern province of Malaga and found a facility with a complete production line capable of producing 3,500 cigarettes an hour as well as beds and living quarters for the workers, the Associated Press reported. Access to the plant, located 13 feet under a horse stable, was disguised by a cargo container. Twenty people, from the U.K., Ukraine and Lithuania, were arrested, said police, and more than 3 million cigarettes, some hashish and marijuana, as well as weapons, were seized. [Associated Press, 2/20/2020]

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Clever Vincent Putrino, captain of the cross-country/track and field team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and his teammates, craved Chick-fil-A for lunch on Feb. 22, but the only location closer than an hour and a half away was at the Albany International Airport -- beyond the security checkpoint. So, reported News10, the 18 teammates pooled their money (about $5.50 each), bought a one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale, Florida ($98, the cheapest they could find), and sent Putrino in to collect the bounty. Putrino purchased $227 worth of food, then left the airport and joined his teammates for their midday meal. [News10, 2/23/2020] Old Story, New Twist An Oklahoma City homeowner hearing noises in his attic suspected squirrels might have gotten in, but when he went to inspect, he found instead ... a man, lying on a mattress.

KOCO News reported on Feb. 28 the unnamed homeowner called 911 and reported a “stranger in my house. ... I have a gun on him right now.� Police

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March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 9

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON FROM THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL responding to the call told reporters "there was actually somebody that appeared to have taken up residence in (the) attic," and the home has a staircase “that goes up the side of the house with attic access.”

The homeowner escorted the squatter at gunpoint to the driveway, where officers were waiting. [KOCO, 2/18/2020] Oops!

Dylan Bryant found more adventure than he expected on Feb. 23 as he explored a bayou in southwest Houston.

Bryant told KTRK his exploration took him about 100 yards down a sewer line before he became trapped.

"I can't go back because of how I had to scooch through," Bryant said.

"I'm in the middle of raw, open sewage in this little bitty box."

From under the street, Bryant yelled for help and a man heard him, then asked a passerby to call 911. Firefighters arrived and pulled Bryant out of his smelly predicament. [KTRK, 2/24/2020] It's a Mystery The Smith family of Lockport, Illinois, has a perplexing extra feature in their house that has occasionally kept the family up at night for about six years: "There are voices in the wall, and I don't know what it is," 9-yearold Brianna Smith told WLS. Music and talk radio emanate from the walls in Brianna's room in the middle of the night, but the family can't figure out why.

There are no speakers in the walls, Brianna's father, Richard, said, and attempts by police to uncover the source were unsuccessful.

The Federal Communications Commission couldn't help either.

Richard Smith believes something in the wall is receiving a signal from one of the six radio towers near the home, but an engineer sent to the home from one of the stations told him: "I got to be honest with you, I don't know what is acting as a speaker."

The Smiths have been advised to hire an engineer to pinpoint the signal and block it, but in the meantime, Brianna falls asleep in her parents' room.

[WLS, 2/21/2020] Anger Management Ypsilanti, Michigan, police were called to an apartment complex on Jan. 16, where they found a 23-yearold man smoking a cigarette and pressing a bloody towel to his side, MLive reported.

SRDA MONTHLY MENU MARCH LUNCH MENU ● Mon. Mar. 2 – Chicken Enchiladas, Seasoned Pinto Beans, Orange Glazed Carrots, Yogurt w/ Granola, Fresh Orange. ● Tues. Mar. 3 – Meatloaf w/ Mushroom Gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans Almandine, Beef Barley Soup/Crackers, Mandarin Oranges, Raisin Nut Cup. ● Wed. Mar. 4 – Macaroni & Cheese, Winter Vegetables, Seasoned Asparagus, Black Bean Lentil/Crackers, Pineapple Tidbits. ● Thurs. Mar. 5 – Hamburger w/ Hamburger Bun, Broccoli Walnut Parmesan, Calabacitas, Chicken Gumbo Sup/Crackers, Apple Fruit Cu, Garnish. ● Fri. Mar. 6 – Pasta Vegetable Primavera, Chuckwagon Corn, Sugar Snap Peas, Cream of Broccoli Soup/Crackers, Carrot Raisin Salad, Blueberry Fruit Cup. ● Mon. Mar. 9 - Italian Chicken Orzo, Cheesy Cauliflower, Italian Mixed Vegetables, Chicken Noodle Soup/Crackers, Banana.

Tues. Mar. 10 – Salisbury Steak, Parslied Potatoes, Peas & Carrots, Peach Crisp, Orange. ● Wed. Mar. 11 – Chicken Fajita/ Tortilla, Seasoned Mixed Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Carrot & Sweet Potato Soup/Crackers, Mandarin Oranges.

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The man told officers his partner, 28-year-old Neil Patrick Wasinski, known as Nalla and referred to as "she" in court records, attacked him with a 21-inch samurai sword because he didn't buy her any marijuana.

The attack resulted in multiple stab wounds to the man's arm and torso, and one of his lungs collapsed, according to police.

Tracked down at her apartment, Wasinski told police to "please go away" and later claimed to have no memory of the incident.

Police found a blood-stained 21inch katana on Wasinski's bedroom floor, according to their report, and she was charged with assault and resisting arrest. [MLive, 2/25/2020]

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Seasoned Green Beans, Tomato Florentine/Crackers, Apple, Vanilla Pudding. ● Tues. Mar. 17 – Corned Beef, parslied Potatoes, Carrots, Seasoned Cabbage, Yogurt w/Mandarin Oranges, Chilled Apricots. ● Wed. Mar. 18 – Beef & Bean Burrito w/Green Chili, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Beef Vegetables Soup/Crackers, Carrot

Raisin Salad, Blueberry FruitCup. ● Thurs. Mar. 19 – Opened Face Turkey w/Gravy, Peas & Onions, Garden Vegetable Mix, Pasta Salad, Slice Bread, Strawberries & Peaches.

Fri. Mar. 20 – Potato Crusted Fish, Vegetarian Alfredo, Seasoned Asparagus, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Banas, Raisin Nut Cup, Condiments.

Mon. Mar. 23 – Vegetable Lasagna, Winter Mix Vegetables, Italian Mixed Vegetables, Apple, Dinner Roll w/Margarine.

Tues. Mar. 24 – Manicotti w/ Sauce, Carrots, Mixed Vegetables, Banana. ● Wed. Mar. 25 – Stuffed Bell Peppers, Sweet & Red Potatoes, California Normandy, Yogurt, Orange. ● Thurs. Mar. 26 – Polish Sausage, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, Apple. ● Fri. Mar. 27 – Pollock Potato Crusted Fish, Red Rosemary Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, Banana. ● Mon. Mar. 30 – Beef Tips w/ Mushroom Gravy, Parslied Pasta, Steamed Broccoli, Beef Mushroom Barley Soup/Crackers, Banana. ● Tues. Mar. 31 – Honey Mustard Chicken, Au Gratin Potatoes, Carrots, Minestrone Soup, Pineapple Cabbage Slaw, Cranberry Apple Crumble.

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Page 10 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

ANN COULTER

Columnist, author and lawyer

HARPOONING THE TOXIC WHALE YOU MIGHT NOT have

heard -- because Trump is still president, so MSNBC and CNN were required to give hair-on-fire coverage of some mundane action he’s taken this week -- but on Monday, Harvey Weinstein was convicted of rape and a criminal sexual act.

I have some random thoughts on the case and the whole #MeToo movement.

Apologies in advance that this has nothing to do with Donald Trump, Dictator.

1) Every time I hear about Weinstein’s predations, I wonder how many waitresses,

real estate agents and housewives in Los Angeles might be celebrated actresses today, except that when Weinstein barged out of the bathroom stark naked and lunged at them, they fled the room and didn’t look back.

Our media are so infantile. Can’t we agree that Weinstein is a psychopathic scumbag without calling the witnesses against him “heroes”?

The true heroes are the girls whose names we don’t know -- not the ones who were grossed out by the pig, but had sex with him anyway, then sent him emoji-filled, suck-up emails because they wanted to be “stars.”

True, we know there are some, like Gwyneth Paltrow, who turned him down flat, so kudos to her and to Brad Pitt, who accosted Weinstein afterward and told him, “If you ever make her feel uncomfortable again, I’ll kill you.”

Not to take away from that magnificent episode, but Paltrow is Hollywood royalty (the daughter of director-producer Bruce Paltrow and actress Blythe Danner), and her boyfriend at the time was an A-list actor. Still: heroes.

But how many actresses -- whom we’re supposed to envy and read about their skin care regimes and Hollywood Hills homes and how they were ugly ducklings as chilPage 11

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dren (they all say that) -- are really no different from the average L.A. waitress, except they were willing to have sex with Harvey Weinstein or some similarly hideous beast?

Definitely keep getting your political opinions from them, America.

2) After the verdict, I looked at the list of movies Weinstein produced. There are nearly 200, maybe more. I have zero interest in seeing any of them, and the ones I’ve so much as started were terrible -except the three or four by Quentin Tarantino and one called “Benefit of the Doubt,” which sounds good.

Weinstein’s talent wasn’t in producing movies; it was in staging aggressive campaigns with the Oscars judges.

But let’s be generous and say 10 of Weinstein’s movies were great.

That’s worse than the music industry’s practice -- pre-iTunes -- of selling $20 albums or CDs that had one, maybe two good songs. One good to 12 bad, versus 10 good to 200 bad.

My main takeaway from the Weinstein trial is that I’m so glad there’s Amazon Prime and Netflix now, so pushy freaks can’t get rich producing schlock that the public hates.

3) There was fleeting coverage of the Weinstein case on Monday immediately after the verdict came in,

with a bank of microphones set up outside the courthouse in anticipation of the defense lawyers making a statement.

They’re the interesting ones here.

Will they appeal? What do they expect from the upcoming trial against Weinstein in Los Angeles?

Also, considering who the defendant was, they did pretty well.

News cameras were focused on the empty microphones, as TV anchors chit-chatted with guests, one eye on the courthouse door. On MSNBC, Andrea Mitchell interrupted her guest when she thought she caught a glimpse of defense attorney Donna Rotunno. False alarm! -- back to the guest.

Finally, Rotunno emerged, headed toward the microphones -- and guess who leapt in front of her and got there first? GUESS! No, not Michael Avenatti.

Gloria Allred, who proceeded to recite a lot of boilerplate about the accusers being “heroes” and speaking “their truth.” (She did not say: “We know Weinstein was horrible because he hired my daughter to attack his accusers.”)

Hilariously, Rotunno just kept walking, while TV viewers everywhere wished a lightning bolt would strike Allred.

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March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 11

SENIOR SERVICE DIRECTORY These are some of the top service providers in your community!

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◀ FROM FINANCE, PAGE 3 It bears repeating because it’s so important. It’s so vital I’ve written a free report on it (call the above number), written about it at least a dozen times in articles and even teach an entire investing class about it. Produce. High. Portfolio.

Income.

But why?

Many reasons. Reinvestment opportunity, returns during flat or down markets, minimize risk.

The most important is so you can have retirement income.

Plain and simple. If you have a nice size nest egg AND you’re producing 6-7 percent or more in annual income you can hold onto your main savings indefinitely.

Only if you produce high portfolio income.

REACHING YOUR GOALS Our second aim is more nuanced and, of course, unique to each of us. Most of us are planning on retirement and income, though. So you can see that minimizing our risk with high income can also help us achieve the big retirement goal.

You also might want to leave money to kids, grandkids or charity. Or maybe travel around the world. So you still need to protect and grow your assets. And make reliable portfolio income.

GROWING YOUR MONEY This is a biggie. Many books have been written on this and countless strategies, beliefs and opinions abound on how to grow your money.

Professionally, I’m always adjusting my strategies here.

Both beacause of new experience and ideas and adapting to market

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If you can net results similar to the stock market, with similar or less risk AND produce big, consistent income, then you’ve hit the investing jackpot.

Because this area is so robust I’ll leave you with just one idea.

There’s a fancy word called “alpha.” This is the return you might create that’s over the market return.

If the S&P 500 returns ten percent and you generate twelve percent then you’ve achieved two points of alpha.

The exciting goal is trying to

◀ FROM LIGHT, PAGE 6 quickly it seemed like 15 minutes.

There is good news in this story. Amazon refunded the $99.00 and Walmart refunded the $300.00. We were grateful. It was a valuable, albeit an excruciatingly humiliating lesson. The cost could have been extreme. When I reported it to the deputy, he said, “It’s sad but happens all the time.”

I am grateful for Rick’s wisdom and the kindness of Walmart and Amazon. Please be on guard. You can always hang up and check to be sure. The officer said, “Anytime someone asks for personal information or money to hang up.”

Multitudes of evil people thrive in our world, preying on the innocent, especially the elderly.

Pray for discernment and wisdom. Listen to other people and check offers or threats for legitimacy before you take that step. Don’t be a sucker. Don’t take the bait. Here is a word of wisdom. “A smart person learns from his/her mistakes. A wise person learns from the mistakes of others.” Please, please learn from my mistake.

The Lord Jesus warned us to be on guard. He is speaking about spiritual things; however, I am convinced He was warning us to be on guard against every-day crooks too. “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). © 2020 Jan McLaughlin, all rights reserved. Jan McLaughlin is Director of Prayer For Prisoners International and can be reached by e-mail – Jan@PrayerForPrisoners.org. or by phone 719-275-6971.

generate alpha on a regular basis.

Some investors achieve this and we should always be searching for that method or process that’ll get us there.

Currently, a client and me are experimenting with a strategy that seeks just that.

We’re trying to replicate the market return with less risk and it seems to be working, even in this current dip.

So, it’s out there if you know where to look. Good luck with your search for successful strategies.

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Page 12 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

REELING

MYSTERY TURNS OUT TO BE MORE THAN GOOD AGATHA CHRISTIE WOULD ENJOY 'KNIVES OUT' BETTY JO TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic

L

ike so many movie fans, I love a good mystery.

“Knives Out” ends up being more than good.

It’s memorable!

In fact, this entertaining film written and directed by Rian Johnson, includes almost everything I like to see in this genre.

It takes place in an old Gothic mansion, exudes an atmosphere of suspense, drops a lot of clues, introduces fascinating suspects, adds a bit of humor, and keeps me guessing right up to the end.

I can’t help thinking that Agatha Christie would enjoy “Knives Out.” You might say it’s an old-fashioned mystery, but Johnson has given the movie a modern feel by dealing with characters from a mega-wealthy family who think they are entitled to inherit the fortune their father, a famous mystery novelist, earned in his

lifetime -- even though he has already given them substantial financial help.

When this fortune is bequeathed to someone else, all hell breaks loose.

Fortunately, Johnson picked an excellent cast to bring his story to life on screen, starting with Daniel Craig as a celebrity detective hired to solve the mystery of the patriarch’s death. Craig speaks with a Southern accent here, and it works.

Christopher Plummer plays the victim who either committed suicide by slashing his own throat or was murdered.

The key members of his combative family include: Jamie Lee Curtis as the oldest daughter; Don Johnson playing his son-in-law; Toni Collette portraying his other daughter; Michael Shannon as his son; Chris Evans as his grandson; and Katherine Langford as his grand-

daughter. Of course, all of these characters have selfish motives that get revealed in delicious flashbacks.

Ana de Armas delivers a strong performance as the caring nurse who can’t tell a lie without vomiting. This important character becomes the detective’s helper, and they make a very watchable duo.

Something’s afoot in film “Knives Out.” A mystery unfolds, no doubt.

Lots of suspects and surprises.

Plus detective’s wise surmises.

Daniel Craig portrays this sly guy, who has to solve the what and why.

James Bond he’s not in any way.

Will he manage to save the day?

Suicide or murder -- decide!

“Not guilty,” the family cried.

The corpse’s nurse gets all the blame.

But she’s so sweet -- that’s just a shame.

Mystery fans should love this one.

Suspense ensues until it’s done.

The complicated plot of “Knives Out” moves along at a rapid pace and requires close attention. But that’s no problem. Afraid to miss anything, I didn’t even want to blink. As you can probably guess, I had a great time watching this memorable mystery -- and so will you. (Available now on DVD. Released by Lionsgate and rated PG-13 by MPAA.)

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March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 13

FOR A HEALTHIER YOU Social Workers Can Help In Many Ways ALONG THE JOURNEY of caring for an older relative, chances are you will come in contact with a social worker.

The social work profession has a long history of improving the well-being LISA M. PETSCHE of people in society, particuMedical social worker larly those who are disadand freelance writer vantaged.

Social workers understand the complex interaction between individuals and their environment, and use a variety of strategies to bring about change in persons, situations and institutions.

Trained at the university level, they’re employed in a wide variety of settings, primarily in direct service.

Social workers are committed to the values of acceptance, respect for individuality and belief in the client’s capacity for growth. They assist clients to identify their problems and find meaningful solutions, building on their existing strengths.

In clinical settings, social workers help clients with anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, grief, relationship difficulties, financial problems and other resource issues, and life transitions. They connect people with community resources and advocate for appropriate services where none exist.

In healthcare settings, social workers are typically part of an interdisciplinary team.

They contribute knowledge about emotional health, life stages, relationships, and community resources. Their work includes assessing the social, emotional, and personal implications of health changes and hospitalization or institutionalization for patients and their families; and helping them learn how to cope more effectively with losses, emotional concerns, behavioral changes, family problems, financial worries, and other practical matters. They also serves as an advocate for patients, helping them overcome barriers to service within the institution and in the community.

In hospitals, social workers coordinate discharge planning, facilitating communication among the patient, significant others, and internal and external healthcare providers. They assist with problem solving and making necessary arrangements for the patient to return home or transfer to an alternate setting, such as a rehabilitation facility for reactivation or a nursing home for long-term care.

When a patient’s situation is complex, the social worker may organize a discharge conference to review their needs and discuss options for meeting them.

Helping with adjustment In long-term care facilities, social workers

Assessing needs In the community, social workers can be found in medical clinics, government-funded agencies, non-profit organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, home healthcare agencies, and day care programs. Some do home visits.

The role of a community social worker may include: assessing clients’ social, emotional and practical needs, their strengths, the supports available to them, and the areas where they require further support; providing counseling; facilitating support groups; providing education (for example, about strategies for dealing with stress); and referring to community resources that can help improve clients’ quality of life.

Teamwork

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play a significant role around the time of admission. They may be involved in reviewing referrals and organizing pre-admission tours. Upon a resident’s admission, they provide orientation for the person and their family, as well as supportive counseling around adjustment issues.

During this initial period, social workers gather personal and social information about the new resident and share it with caregiving staff to help them get to know the person and better meet their needs.

Their ongoing role includes addressing quality of life, autonomy, and end of life issues; screening residents for depression; running support groups for residents and family members; and mediating between residents and staff, co-residents, or family members, as well as between staff and families, when conflict arises. In addition, social workers serve as a resource for longterm care staff regarding communication skills, coping styles, family dynamics, mental health, and ethical issues.

For more information about the social work profession, go online to www.helpstartshere. org/.

Note: March is National Professional Social Work Month.

Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters.

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Page 14 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

FREMONT COUNTY/SALIDA MENUS GOLDEN AGE CENTER 728 N. Main St.-Canon City Mon-Fri

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● March 2: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered spinach, hard boiled egg, apple, ww dinner roll ● March 3: French dip sandwich with au jus, oven browned potatoes, mixed vegetables, strawberries ● March 4: Meatloaf, brown gravy, roasted sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, vegetable salad, pineapple tidbits, ww bread with butter ● March 5: Baked potato, broccoli with cheese sauce, salad with lite French, plum, fruit cocktail, drop biscuit with butter ● March 6: Lemon baked fish, scalloped potatoes, spinach salad with mandarin oranges, banana, ww bread with butter ● March 9: Bratwurst on a bun with coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, banana, sliced peaches ● March 10: Salisbury steak, brown gravy, smashed red potatoes, California mixed vegies, peaches, ww bread with butter ● March 11: Chicken noodle soup, chicken Caesar salad, ww crackers, mitzie’s ww rolls, apple, orange juice, raisin nut cup ● March 12: Turkey pot pie, peas and carrots, salad with lite ranch, ww roll with butter, orange, oatmeal cookie ● March 13: Hungarian goulash, California vegetable medley, green peas, pineapple tidbits, ww

bread with butter ● March 16: Chicken and noodles, seasoned green beans, baked acorn squash, apricot/ pineapple compote, ww bread ● March 17: Combination burrito, salsa, lettuce, tomato, cilantro lime rice, refried beans, citrus cup ● March 18: Spaghetti and meat sauce, salad with lite Italian, seasoned green beans, orange, ww bread with butter ● March 19: Swiss broccoli pasta, 5-way vegetables, salad with lite ranch, banana, mitzie’s ww rolls ● March 20: Chicken a la king, smashed red potatoes, asparagus, salad with lite ranch, apple, ww bread with butter ● March 23: Chicken fajita, black beans with cilantro, tortilla, cheddar cheese, Mexicali corn, orange ● March 24: Spicy beef rice casserole, cut broccoli, sliced yellow squash, pineapple tidbits, ww bread with butter ● March 25: Arroz con pollo, corn and zucchini, Mexicana, tossed salad, apricot, ww bread with butter ● March 26: Tuna noodle casserole, mixed vegetables, sliced zucchini squash, sliced peaches, ww bread with butter ● March 27: Macaroni and cheese, vegetable salad, asparagus, banana, ww bread with butter ● March 30: Pork chow mein, brown rice, cabbage with red pepper, banana, fortune cookie, ww bread

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● March 3: Ham and Scalloped Potato, Veg. ● March 5: Hamburger, Baked Beans, Coleslaw ● March 10: BBQ Pork Sandwich, Potato Salad, Fruit ● March 12: Chicken, Potato Casserole, Veg ● March 17: Corned Beef and Cabbage, Potato, Carrots ● March 19: Beef Soft Taco, Rice and Beans ● March 24: Potato Soup, Grilled Cheese ● March 26: Meatloaf, Mashed

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March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 15

SENIOR SAFETY

PUEBLO POLICE DEPARTMENT — 549-1200 | PUEBLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE — 583-6125 | EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE — 520-7100 | COLORADO SPRINGS POLICE DEPT. — 444-7000 | FREMONT COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT. — 784-3411 | CANON CITY POLICE DEPT. — 276-5600

Protecting Your Ability To Drive Safely DRIVING A CAR means maintaining independence for many older adults. Driving allows you to shop, see friends and family, keep up with medical appointments, and avoid social isolation. But sometimes staying safe behind the wheel as you age can be a challenge.

Age-related physical and mental changes can affect your ability to drive safely. If you’re alert to these changes and manage them carefully, you may be able to continue driving safely for some time.

To keep your skills as sharp as possible, consider following these suggestions from experts at the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older people: Check your eyesight to keep it as sharp as possible by getting a complete annual eye exam once you turn 60. Test yourself to monitor your vision: • Do you have problems reading street signs?

• Are you having difficulty seeing road or pavement markings, curbs, or other vehicles or pedestrians, especially at dawn, dusk, and nighttime?

• Is glare from oncoming headlights making it hard to see when driving at night?

Assess your physical fitness to drive by asking yourself: • Can I comfortably turn my neck to see over my shoulder when I change lanes?

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• Can I easily move my foot from the gas pedal to the brake?

Can I easily turn the steering wheel?

• During the past year, have I fallen one or more times?

• Do I regularly walk more than a block a day?

• Can I raise my arms above my shoulders?

Perform a reality check on your attention span and reaction time: • Are you overwhelmed by signs, traffic signals, and car and pedestrian traffic, especially at busy intersections?

• Does it seem harder to merge into traffic on the highway?

• Do you take any medications that make you sleepy, dizzy, or confused?

• Do you feel less confident about driving at highway speeds?

• Do you react slowly to cars entering your roadway, or to cars that have slowed or stopped in front of you?

Pay attention to changes and warnings: • Have friends or family members expressed worries about your driving?

• Have you ever gotten lost on familiar routes or forgotten how to get to familiar destinations?

• Has a police officer pulled you over to warn you about your driving?

• Have you been ticketed for your driving, had a near miss, or a

crash in the last three years?

• Has your healthcare provider warned you to restrict or stop driving?

Consider Getting a Professional Driving Assessment If you’ve experienced driving problems like these or are worried about your ability to be a safe driver, consider getting a professional assessment of your skills.

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Page 16 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

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March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 17

THE WELL-DRESSED GARDEN

Imperfect Garden: Let Nature Surprise You THE BEST GARDENS aren't pictures of perfection; they're pleasantly imperfect places where nature, design, resourcefulness and the unexpected all come felicitously together.

When you MARTY ROSS Freelance garden stop trying journalist and to control syndicated gardening columnist everything in your garden, good things happen.

To cultivate an imperfect garden, put away your leaf blower and take a break from using herbicides and pesticides.

Right away, you're saving time, energy and resources and turning your backyard into a healthier environment.

When you stop using herbicides, you may soon notice pretty violets spreading like a soft blue carpet in shade -- where grass never really flourished, anyway.

Clover may appear in the lawn, another sign of environmental diversity.

Don't fight it: Clover acts as a natural fertilizer, tolerates drought, and attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

In an imperfect garden, plants have a way of finding their own places.

Larkspur, poppies, cosmos, columbine, coneflowers and other flowers that are allowed to go to seed in the garden in autumn naturally spread in the wind, or with the help of birds, to nooks and crannies where they flourish.

Few flowers look as charming as those that find their way home in this way, but you can always help them along by moving a few seedlings to other spots that look promising.

Cultivating imperfection simply recognizes that a garden is a process, not a product.

It doesn't imply that a garden isn't thoughtfully designed or well maintained.

A small tree that seemed just right when you planted it doesn't have to stay there forever if it grows too fast -- or too slowly -- or if it gets in the way of plans for a new porch or potting shed.

When you decide to put in a pond, or take one out, it doesn't mean you made the wrong decision the first time, but that your interests are developing.

Gardeners who move plants around frequently, digging up and dividing a clump of day lilies, for example, and distributing them

To cultivate an imperfect garden, put away your leaf blower and take a break from using herbicides and pesticides. around the garden, understand the beauty and inevitability of incremental improvement and the satisfaction that comes from trying something new, even though it might not work out in the long run.

When plants die -- it happens to everyone, everywhere -- it's not a sign of defeat, but an opportunity to experiment further, just as nature does ceaselessly.

Many of nature's signals are not subtle.

A tree limb that falls on the birdbath is a reminder to have an arborist check the strength and structure of the magnificent specimen you may have taken for granted for too long.

Mature trees show their age in many wonderful ways, developing ever greater character and distinction, and sensitive professional pruning can help you continue to enjoy a venerable tree that may have taken root long before you were born.

Natural cavities aren't necessarily bad -- they attract woodpeckers, owls and other birds.

To have the pleasure of listening to them and seeing them come and go, you have to accept imperfections in your trees.

When you're pruning trees and shrubs yourself, take it slowly.

Make a few cuts, then remind yourself to step back to study the result.

Instead of dealing summarily with wayward limbs, try to bring out the plant's natural shape and structure.

A branch that seems to lean too close to a garden path may not be at all out of place if it allows you to enjoy the flowers of a blooming shrub up close and to appreciate its fragrance.

Insect hotels, which give shelter to pollinators and other beneficial bugs, draw your eye to the often incidental but beautiful details and detritus of a garden -- pinecones, seed pods, acorn caps, bits of moss, tubular stems.

These small structures are, in their nature, imperfect, accidental and fun.

A simple wooden frame a couple

of inches deep, open except for a facing of half-inch wire mesh on one or both sides and divided into little rooms any way you fancy, filled with comfortable and reassuring natural furnishings, will be an attractive oasis for insects wandering through life in your garden.

Finding a use for leftover materials is another charming hallmark of an imperfect garden.

Shards of broken flowerpots can be used to make a crevice garden for rock-garden plants.

Chunks of cement from a broken-up patio can be reused as the foundation of a rock garden.

Broken bricks make first-rate paving material when they're set in sand.

Irregular assemblages of stones

or shells or water-worn glass make interesting mosaic designs when there is no need for a more perfect pattern.

Let the ramblers ramble; let your imperfect garden go to seed.

Don't fret about last fall's leaf litter under the shrubs: It's good for the soil and for foraging birds.

Don't worry about a few dandelions in the lawn: They sparkle on a late-winter day and are an important source of nectar for bees.

If you see these as signs of neglect and ask yourself where you went wrong, the answer may be easy: You didn't.

Collaborating with nature makes a more perfect garden than any leaf blower ever could.

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Page 18 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

NEWS

Restrict 'Surprise' Medical Bills?

EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT

of retirees want Congress to enact legislation restricting “surprise” medical bills, according to a new survey by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL).

This month Congress took the first step to deal with the practice.

Legislation is advancing in the House that would protect patients from surprise medical bills and set up the process by which health plans and providers would settle disputed billing amounts.

Surprise medical bills have plagued Medicare beneficiaries for years,” says Mary Johnson, a Medicare policy analyst for The Senior Citizens League. “But the problem is growing as private Medicare Advantage plans become more popular,” Johnson notes. Medicare Advantage plans are privately administered health plans which have a network of doctors, hospitals and

other providers under contract to provide Medicare covered benefits for enrollees. Medicare patients are most often affected by surprise bills when being treated at an “in network” facility but by an “out-ofnetwork” provider.

This tends to affect enrollees of private Medicare Advantage health plans more often, because traditional Medicare places limits on how much participating providers may bill. Under traditional Medicare doctors who do not accept Medicare’s approved amount as payment in full are by law limited to billing only 15 percent more than the Medicare approved amount.

Medicare’s “limiting charge” rules do not protect people enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans, because the plans, not Medicare, negotiate fees with doctors and other providers. Surprise medical

bills are generally the difference between the amount that the provider charges, and the negotiated amount that the private insurer typically pays for the service(s).

“It’s important to note that Medicare Advantage plans may have some built in incentives to shift costs to patients,” Johnson points out. Plans receive a per- person payment to provide all Medicare-covered services, rather than a fee for each service. Medicare beneficiaries spend a considerable portion of their income on healthcare according to findings from The Senior Citizens League’s annual senior survey. In 2019 while the average retiree Social Security benefit in 2019 was about $1,450 per month, over 50 percent of survey participants reported spending more than $376 per month (more than one quarter of the average Social Security check) on healthcare

costs. One in five survey participants, — 20 percent — spend more than $1,000 a month on healthcare costs.

The Senior Citizens League strongly supports legislation that would end surprise medical bills.

To learn more and to participate in Senior Surveys, visit www.SeniorsLeague.org.

With 1.2 million supporters, The Senior Citizens League is one of the nation’s largest nonpartisan seniors’ groups. Its mission is to promote and assist members and supporters, to educate and alert senior citizens about their rights and freedoms as U.S. Citizens, and to protect and defend the benefits senior citizens have earned and paid for. The Senior Citizens League is a proud affiliate of The Retired Enlisted Association. Visit www.SeniorsLeague.org for more information.

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REGISTRATION IS NOW open for the 19th annual Wilz Trauma Symposium, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at Pueblo Community College.

The symposium will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the PCC campus, 900 W. Orman Ave., in the Student Center – Fortino Ballroom.

Presented by the Centura Health St. Mary-Corwin Health Foundation and Emergency & Trauma Services department, the symposium honors Dr. Bill Wilz, who served as Trauma Medical Director at St. Mary-Corwin until his untimely death in 1999. The event provides medical professionals from throughout southern Colorado the opportunity to improve their skills in trauma, critical care and emergency medicine while exploring the latest in leading-edge trauma and emergency topics.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Jodie Taylor, MD/FACS, who served as the Trauma and Critical Care Director at the Medical Center of Aurora from 2006-15 and was an in-house trauma surgeon during the Aurora theater shooting tragedy in 2012. She currently is a general surgeon at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco.

▪ Morning sessions for the symposium include: • Blunt and Penetrating Abdominal Trauma • Emerging Trends with Whole Blood

• Flight for Life Critical Care Case Scenarios Using Whole Blood and REBOA • Trauma in Pregnancy and Obstetrical Complications • Care of the Trauma Patient with Hip Fracture ▪ Afternoon break-out sessions include: • Injury Prevention Track: Tai Chi, Moving for Better Balance • Physician Track: Trauma FAST Exams, Principles of Using the FAST EXAM • EMS Track: Mass Casualty Triage • EMS Track: Mass Casualty Incident Nov. 28, 2019 • Human Trafficking Cost to register is $90 for physicians, $55 for nurses, $45 for EMS, and $20 for students.

The cost includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks. There are no refunds. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Register by Feb. 14 to receive a discount.

Register online at https://reg. abcsignup.com/reg/event_page. aspx?ek=0028-0016-8cd3cdb53fe749179e700ed010ccae7c.

Free pre-conference training will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 6, at PCC, featuring the Flight for Life Colorado Mobile Simulations Unit.

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 19

SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU

JOSH WELLER, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST-SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - PUEBLO COUNTY, FREMONT COUNTY AND EL PASO COUNTY

Retirement Plan 101 with Social Security SOCIAL SECURITY benefits are

part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker.

If you’re among the people covered under Social Security, you need to know how much you might receive from us when you begin receiving benefits.

These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income.

We base your benefit payment on how much you earned during your working career.

Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits.

If there were some years you didn’t work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily.

Even if you have never worked under Social Security, you may be able to get spouse’s retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years of age and your spouse receives retirement or disability benefits.

Our online retirement planners are a great place to start mapping out your retirement plan.

You can access them at www.ssa. gov/planners/retire. We provide important information that you should know.

Have you considered: • When you should apply for retirement?

• What documents you need to provide?

• Which factors may affect your retirement benefits?

• What you should remember to do after you retire?

You can use our Retirement Calculator at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits, and to see the effects of different retirement age scenarios.

On our website, you’ll also find our Retirement Estimator.

It gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record.

Please keep in mind that these are just estimates.

You can access the Retirement Estimator at www.ssa.gov/estimator.

Once you know your estimated retirement benefits, you can start coordinating other parts of your retirement plan.

Saving money is also important.

It’s never too early to begin saving, and doing so can help you live more comfortably when you stop working.

Benefits for family members may also be important to you.

When you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, mem-

bers of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record.

You can learn more at www.ssa. gov/benefits.

Please share this information with family and friends to help them prepare for retirement.

IN MARCH, OUR nation celebrates Women’s History Month.

Today, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history.

Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for over 80 years.

With longer life expectancies than

men, women tend to live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income.

With the national average life expectancy for women in the United States rising, many women have decades to enjoy retirement.

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Page 20 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU Question: My father gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a disability.

He is now legally blind and wants to receive information from Social Security in an alternative format.

How do I help him?

Answer: Social Security is dedicated to providing vital information in the most effective way for every recipient.

There are several ways to receive information from us if you’re blind or have a visual impairment.

You can choose to receive Braille notices and a standard print notice by first-class mail; a Microsoft Word file on a data compact disc (CD) and a print standard notice by first-class mail; an audio CD and a standard print notice by first-class mail; or a large print (18-point size) notice and a standard print notice by first-class mail.

You can request these special notice options by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/people/blind.

Question:

My father receives Supplemental Security Income.

He recently moved, but he hasn’t reported his new address to Social Security yet.

What’s the easiest way to do that?

Answer: It is very important that Social Security has your father’s most up-to-date information, including any change in income, resources, or living arrangements.

This will guarantee that he is getting the benefit amount to which he is entitled.

You can learn more about the rights and responsibilities of Supplemental Security Income recipients at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Question: I have an appointment to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

What kind of information will I need to take with me?

Answer: To help make the application process go quickly and smoothly, you should bring

• Your Social Security card or Social Security Number; • Your birth certificate or other proof of your age; • The name, Social Security number and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death (if appropriate); • Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord’s name; • Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records, and other information about your income and the things you own; • Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status; and • If you are applying for SSI because you are disabled or blind, we will need to know detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries or conditions • Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals

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and clinics; • Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them; and • Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them.

Learn more by reading our publication, You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: Can a noncitizen get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Answer: The laws and regulations concerning noncitizens differ for the Social Security and SSI programs.

The Social Security administers both, even though they have different eligibility requirements.

Some noncitizens do qualify for SSI. See Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs for more information.

Question: I saw a poster that advised people 65 or over with limited income and resources to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Next month I'll turn 65, and I thought I'd be eligible for SSI. I planned to apply until my neighbor told me I probably would be turned down because I have children who could help support me.

Is this true?

Answer: Whether your children are capable of helping to support you does not affect your eligibility.

SSI eligibility depends solely on your income and resources (the things you own).

If you have low income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI. However, if you are receiving support from your children or from anyone living inside or outside of your home, it may affect your eligibility or the amount you can receive.

Support includes any food or shelter that is given to you, or is received by you because someone else pays for it.

Learn more about SSI at www. socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

Question: I just got a notice from Social Security that said my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case is being reviewed.

What does this mean?

Answer: Social Security reviews every SSI case from time to time to make sure the individuals who are receiving payments should continue to get them.

The review also determines whether individuals are receiving the correct amounts.

You can learn more about SSI by visiting our website on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 21

OPINION-EDITORIAL

DAVID SHRIBMAN

Post-Gazette emeritus executive editor and a nationally syndicated columnist.

PRESIDENTS' REPUTATIONS ARE PRODUCTS OF OUR TIME, NOT THEIRS INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -Donald Trump faces a far more formidable foe than whomever the Democrats nominate to face him in his reelection campaign.

His danger: History is written by academics and intellectuals, a group that, at least today, largely reviles the president, and deplores the disruptions that he has sent coursing through the country and the global betrayals of long-term American interests they believe he has prosecuted.

Trump is in for a rough time, with scathing assessments from historians who will pillory him for his coarseness, his penchant for divisive discourse and his status as one of only three presidents branded with the black mark of impeachment.

That’s in the short term -- say, the next two decades. Then everything could change.

Trump is the first president since John F. Kennedy not to lean repeatedly on Harry Truman, who left office with low approval ratings and with the disdain of the commentariat and the academy. That’s one of the mysteries of the Trump presidency. Today Truman is a national hero, and now that his presidential library here is closed for a major expansion and renovation, Kurt Graham, the library’s director, speaks with a straight face about a phenomenon he calls "Tru-mania."

That’s a big contrast from the mocking assessment offered by Doris Fleeson, the first female syndicated political columnist: "I wonder what Truman would do if he were alive," she wrote when Truman still was alive. Those actual words have been invoked in complete, nostalgic seriousness for decades when Americans turned to Truman in a "WWHD" moment as they struggled with foreign-policy challenges, faced domestic labor disputes, or came up against just plain political foolishness.

"Truman swore," Victor Davis Hanson of Stanford’s Hoover

Institution wrote in National Review.

"He had nightly drinks and played poker with cronies. And he shocked aides and the public with his vulgarity and crass attacks on political enemies.

Truman mocked the widely respected Sen. William Fulbright as ‘half-bright.’"

Then there is John Quincy Adams, who ascended to the White House through a "corrupt bargain" and who was chased out of office by Andrew Jackson. Ten admiring biographies of the sixth president have been published in the last 22 years, plus a boxed set of his diaries published in 2017 by the prestigious Library of America and a separate 2017 biography of Adams’ wife, Louisa.

"In an era when the public’s regard for party politics has cratered," the Princeton historian Sean Wilentz wrote in The Atlantic last spring, "historians’ estimation of the anti-party Adamses has soared higher than ever."

Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Drexel University dean and English professor Paula Marantz Cohen saluted Adams as "the metaphorical father of a nation whose character he ... tried to shape, often against fierce resistance."

The lesson: Former presidents govern in the past. Their reputations are made in the future.

Two Democratic heroes, Thomas Jefferson and Jackson, make the point. The two were celebrated until recently, with state Democratic parties holding lavish Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner fundraisers. Today, with the two men’s reputations in retreat -- one criticized as a hypocrite on race issues, the other vilified as an instrument of genocide against native peoples -- nearly a dozen state parties have renamed their fundraisers.

This phenomenon is widespread.

Woodrow Wilson, once a shining symbol of American idealism, today is regarded as a mushy-headed romantic and a racist. Dwight Eisenhower, once regarded as a sleepwalking through his presidency, has been re-evaluated as a subtle sage, with leading historians celebrating him as the "hidden-hand" president, a characterization from the late Princeton historian Fred I. Greenstein.

Trump’s courtship of constitutional crises by defying congressional demands has given a minor rehabilitation, at least by contrast, to Richard Nixon. A major question: Does that have the potential of softening the conventional view of Andrew Johnson, who last spring was flayed for having "disregarded Congress, whose legitimacy he ignored" in Barbara Wineapple’s account of the 1868 impeachment battle and was criticized by the historian Jon Meacham in "Impeachment: An American History" for being "an obstinate president" who fostered "fears that the grand American experiment in democracy was coming to an end"?

Former Gov. William F. Weld of Massachusetts, a member of the staff of the House impeachment committee during Watergate and the lone Repub-

lican challenger to Trump, said in an interview that in comparison to the president, Nixon was "a scion of the law."

Alvin Felzenberg, who has written a book on the evaluations of presidents, believes that presidential reputations are framed by contemporary politics.

"I suspect that Jackson -- and Wilson and, maybe Truman, FDR and LBJ -- may take a few tumbles when the question of executive versus congressional prerogatives is considered," he said.

Trump’s presidential work ethic has the potential of adjusting our views of his predecessors.

"Sometimes it’s actually academic research that changes peoples’ views of presidents," said Barbara Trish, a political scientist who teaches a course on the American presidency at Iowa’s Grinnell College. "But our current experience with presidents affects how we look at recent presidents, too.

Donald Trump’s work ethic has made us think again about whether Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush were lazy." (Both A. Scott Berg, in his 2013 biography of Wilson, and Patricia O’Toole, in her 2018 volume, noted how much the 28th president played golf, even amid grave crises.

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VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

Page 22 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

SENIOR CLASSIFIEDS

NEED HELP SHOPPING, errands, rides, meal preparation or animal care? **Bonded and Insured**

HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING FOR SALE Top-of-the-

line Honda minivan w/wheelchair ramp and lock. Very nice condition. Only 15,500 miles. Leather seats. Paid $67k brand-new.

Asking only $25-30k, negotiable.

Call Joyce at (719) 299-4774

Call Paulette 303-319-0613

no answer, please leave a message #0320w

PERSONAL ASSISTANT CONCIERGE General Errands, Home and Office Organization, Vehicle Care Appointments, Waiting Service, Drive to and from Dr. appointments, House Sitting, House Checks, Grocery Shopping, Gift Baskets, Light Yard Work, Light House Cleaning, Packing, Unpacking. Call Angela

- Vision Concierge Service -

(719) 330-3337 VisionConciergeService.com #0420

VINCENT BACH 9 trombone. Good condition with case. $600

719-281-4911 #0320

FOUR (4) IMPERIAL GARDENS Cemetery plots for sale.

--Located in the Hillcrest section, Lot #310.

--Individual plots currently retail for $3,895 each.

--Selling price for the four plots is $6,700.

Contact information:

Carl Harbour 541-420-5011 charb12149@aol.com

#0320

IF YOU ARE THE PRIMARY caregiver for an elderly parent, in either your or their home, and need an occasional break to tend to other obligations, I can help. I am an RN with 15+ years experience in geriatric nursing and offer respite care at $20/hr. Please call 913-327-9236.

grateful

“When I decided to volunteer at Silver Key’s Food Pantry, I knew it would be rewarding. I was surprised to find out how thankful it makes me feel to help others who may not be as fortunate as I am. The seniors served through the pantry really appreciate the food and necessities they receive and I like knowing it helps them stretch their limited budgets further. I have a lot of fun making a difference in a senior’s life.”

Be part of something important.

Apply to volunteer at silverkey.org/volunteer or call 719-884-2300.

#0819

**Call (719) 201-9474

or visit AHcare.org ** #0320t

2007 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

Clean, well maintained, great ride, road ready, one owner. $6,500 or Best offer

719-557-1299, Tom #0420

Don’t let dental costs keep you from smiling!

As a non-profit organization, we provide honest, ethical dental care focused on your personal wants and needs.

We accept Medicaid, other insurance, and have financial assistance available!

Colorado Springs

(719) 310-3315

Grand Avenue Dental

Pueblo (719) 542-5300

www.CommunityDentalHealth.org

SENIOR CLASSIFIED AD REQUEST

This classified ad section of the Senior Beacon carries advertising of all sorts. The cost is $10.00 for the first 20 words or less and $.25 for each word over twenty words.

TO PLACE AN AD either: (1) Write your ad in the space provided below. Please print clearly. _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Phone:_________________ Your Name:______________________ Then mail ad and check (send no cash) to:

Silver Key

but don't know where to go?

Are you currently receiving care but want to change your agency? If you're looking for quality home care, with a full suite of non-medical services...

#0420

SHARE YOUR JOURNEY: Need help documenting the highlights of #0320 your life story? Ellyn makes it easy MARY’S TYPING SERVICE: with an on-site interview and scanLiving + last wills: $25/50; ning of your pictures. The result is a Bankruptcy, 7’s: $200/335; colorful hardback memoir that will Divorces:$150/200; be a family keepsake.

Phone: 392-9624 or 459-8231.

Call: Ellyn Reynolds, Personal #0420 Biographer 251-9808. #0320

WANTED: VINYL RECORDS: from 1950s and 1960s; 45s, 78s, LPs. Also sheet music from same period. Also 10 and 12 cent comics. (719) 566-7975 after 11:00am.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE HOME CARE THROUGH MEDICAID

Senior Beacon

P.O. Box 8485

Pueblo, CO 81008

(2) Email your ad to BeaconNewsGroup@gmail.com

or

(3) Visit SeniorBeacon.info and click the “advertise” page

Deadline is the 20th of the month

(allow mailing time)

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

Newcomers’ Orientation: Thurs, Mar 5, 1-2:30 Free Bagpipes & Cocoa on the Patio: Fri, Mar 6, 1:30-2:15 $3 Movie Special-The Hunt for Red October: Wed, Mar 11, 3-5:30 $1 Tim Murphy’s Variety Show: Fri, Mar 13, 1:30-2:30 $1 St. Patrick’s Day Special: Tues, Mar 17, 1:30-3 $3 Coffee with a Cop-Women on the Front Line: Tues, Mar 24, 1:30-2:30 Free Name that Tune & Trivia: Fri, Mar 27, 1:30-3:30 $3 Tunes on Tuesday—Cliff Dwellers:

We offer several exercise and dance classes: Yoga: Beginner, Gentle Flow and Chair Silver Sneakers: Open Gym, Stability, Classic, Circuit Stretch It Cardio Drumming TaijiFit: Combines traditional Tai Chi & modern Western fitness.

Zumba Jazz Dance Fitness Dance Classes: Line Dancing, Fox Trot, Jitterbug Nia: Fusion of martial arts, dance, and healing art.

Plus Personal Training and Massage Therapy

Cybersecurity for Seniors: Tues, Mar 3, 3:30-4:30 Free Conversational German: Wed, Mar 4-April 1, 1-2:30 $30 Selling Your Home in Today’s Market:: Tues, Mar 10, 1:30-3 Free How to Harvest Equity from Your Home: Wed, Mar 11, 9:30-11 Free Maximize The Value of Your Home: Wed, Mar 11, 1-2:30 Free Boston: The Making of an IrishAmerican City: Thurs, Mar 12, 1-3 $5 The Truth About Transitions: Wed, Mar 18, 10-11:30 Free Zero Based Budgeting: Thurs, Mar 19, 10-11:30 Free The Power of the Color Green: Tues, Mar 24-31, 10-11:30 $12 Buying After 50?: Wed, Mar 25, 12:30 Free Do You Fondue? Au frommage of course!: Wed, Mar 25, 3-4:30 $15

March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 23

Experts in Arthritis: Mon, Mar 2, 1-2:30 Put Your Best Foot (Bone) Forward: Thurs, Mar 12, 10-11 Breath & Be: Thurs, Mar 12, 10-11 Bone Builders & Bone breakers: Mon, Mar 16, 10:30-11:30 Nurse Chats: Auto Immune Diseases: Wed, Mar 25, 9-10 Legal & Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s: Mon, Mar, 10-11

We appreciate your $1.00 donation .

Every dollar helps offset the cost of these classes.

Thursday Dances: 1:30-3 Ping Pong Fridays:1:30-2:30 Movie Fridays: 1-3 AARP Driver Safety Class: Wed, Feb 5 or 19, 1-5 Private Music Lessons: Tuesdays, by appointment only Silver Key Connections Café: Lunch, Mon-Fri, 11:15-12:15 No

Handling & Mixing Watercolor Paintings: Mon, Mar 2-30, 9:30-11:30 $47 Understanding & Painting the Watercolor Process: Mon, Mar 2-30,1-3 $47 Gemstone Faceting: Tues, Mar 3-April 14,1-3:30 $47 Watercolor Greeting Cards: Tues, Mar 331, 9:30-11:30 $47 Drawing Like the Masters: Tues, Mar 3April 7, 1-3 $53 Impressionism to Abstraction: Tues, Mar 3-April 7, 1-3 $53 Japanese Paper Crafts: Tues/Thurs, Mar 3 -19, 10-11 $20 Watercolor Flowers and Seasonal Plants: Wed, Mar 4-April 8, 1-3 $53 Plein Air: Thurs, Mar 5-April 9, 9:30-11:30 $53 Beginners Delight-Watercolor: Fri, Mar 6 -April 10, 9:30-11:30 $53 Pyrography: Mon, Mar 9-30, 9-11:30 $60 Quilt Block Magic: Tues, Mar 17-31, 1-3 $33 Painting with Oils & Acrylics: Tues, Mar 17-April 7, 9-11:30 $47

reservation necessary

Colorado Creative Co-op: Find Senior Center patron’s art work for sale in Old Colorado City! 2513 1, 2 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Androids-Phones & Tablets: Wed, Mar 11, 9:30-11:30 $20 1 on 1 Technology Help: Fri, Mar 20, 3-4:30 $10 Computer Basics: Fri, Mar 20, 1011 $10

Register for Mini College Senior Mini College Registration to begin Monday, March 2, 2020: Registration will begin Monday, March 2nd for the 35th Annual Senior Mini College. Senior Mini College will be held March 23-27 at the Fremont Campus of Pueblo Community College.

Mini College is a non-credit learning experience geared towards senior citizens, with classes presented by local experts, artists and other accomplished individuals.

Topics are varied and are designed for personal growth and lifelong learning. Classes will include: arts & crafts, local history, cooking, health and wellness, financial planning, writing, and many others.

There are no tests, grades or credits.

Special events include: ▪ March 24 - General resource day: information tables from local businesses, organizations and service providers ▪ March 25 - Author’s Day: local authors will have tables set up in the Fremont campus corridors ▪ March 26 - Health Resource Day: Visit with representatives of local organizations and businesses catering to your health and wellness needs While Senior Mini College is intended for senior citizens, adults of all ages are welcome.

The course schedule will be printed in the Shopper February 18th.

The cost for registration is $10 per day or $45 for unlimited classes for the week. Lunches must be pre-ordered and the cost is $10 per day.

UCCS Theatreworks-The Illiad: Thurs, Mar 12, 4:45-10 $65 Arvada Center-Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express: Wed, Mar 18, 19-5 $55 The Molly Brown House Museum: Fri, Mar 20 9:15-4 $45 Walmart Distribution Center Tour: Thurs, Mar 26, 8:30-3:45 $45

Page 24 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

HOME TOUCH

Home Offices That Work A HOME OFFICE really works when it's designed to be both productive and pleasing. With more workers telecommuting in this digital age, home offices are workspaces that can also incorporate elements from a house's overall MARY G. PEPITON design, says Erin Freelance writer with Andrews McMeel Hardy, CaliSundication Universal fornia Closets' National Manager of D "There is an art to working and living under the same roof," she says. "The key is to create a space that literally works for you."

In fact, more than 26 million employed persons do some work at home as part of their primary job, according to the 2018 United States Department of Labor's American Time Use Survey. Today's home offices are not only functional, they can also be fashionable, ranging from contemporary clean-lined furniture to an organized workspace in a mul-

tiuse room.

Having an in-home office cuts one's commute and affords persons the flexibility to work early or late on a project by simply walking down a hallway. But Hardy says striking a work-life balance is imperative when a home office is accessible all hours of the day.

"Every home office is highly personal, based on the layout of your living space, and how one likes to work," she says. "It's important to customize it into a space you love, but one you can also leave."

Get down to business When selecting the space for your home office, it's important to try to keep its location separate from highly personal areas that have nothing to do with work, such as the bedroom.

"Most people find their home office is a room in their house in which they can close the door to free themselves from distractions and be able to get down to work," Hardy says.

"What the room looks like depends on the space available and your personal style."

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Hardy says for most people wanting a more traditional office experience at home, California Closets transforms and customizes an unused bedroom or space dedicated in a house to a library. "But, more often, a person's home office is a multifunctional space, which can also serve as a guest bedroom or a family's technology room with a printer," she says.

"Because laptops don't need to be tethered to a wall and files are shared digitally, there's less need for cabinetry to accommodate papers and large computers."

Manufacturers add technology-driven functionality to home office furniture that can accommodate built-in power strips with charger cable hookups for computers and digital devices, electrical outlets and a Wi-Fi booster. These features are often hidden inside a cabinet to keep cords and cables organized, so the workspace remains uncluttered.

California Closets can customize a small office space starting around $1,200, Hardy says. "You want the space to be visually clean so you can jump right into work," she says. "No one wants to climb under the desk to deal with a tangled mess of cords.

That's a productivity killer."

Work in progress The centerpiece of any home office is its work surface or desk. The style of your home office furniture should take a cue from other furnishings found in the home. Manufacturers such as California Closets offer work surfaces that are modular, with the capability to add drawers, book-

shelves and cubbies as needed.

While many manufacturers offer furniture options that reflect a modern minimalistic movement, Hardy says a table can also serve as a workspace. Investing in a sit-to-stand height-adjustable desk means that selecting a comfortable, functional chair is a decision best made when sitting down in the home office.

Whether one chooses to sit in a traditional ergonomic chair or balance on a large exercise ball behind their home office desk, make sure the chair works in the space, with plenty of clearance on all sides.

A bright spot Making light work by creating a multilayered lighting plan is something best done before constructing a home office. To illuminate the work you do in a home office, consider using a combination of light sources: â–Ş General -- This type of lighting addresses overall illumination, with the goal to enhance natural and overhead light fixtures so people feel comfortable and look good in the space -- especially when it comes to teleconference calls. â–Ş Task -- Lamps are relatively inexpensive, personalized accents that can be as stylish as they are useful when shedding light on the work surface. â–Ş Accent -- Indirect LED lighting installed in display shelving can serve as a cool design feature and make it easier to retrieve documents.

Quality Donations Accepted!

*'.2 .19'4 4'%+&+8+5/

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3 2 %R[ &DQRQ &LW\ &2 ZZZ 3UD\HU)RU3ULVRQHUV RUJ

Phone (719) 276-2676

Address CaĂąon: 3170 E. Main Street Pueblo: 2930 N. Elizabeth St.

Call for a free donation pickup!

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 25

MEDICARE AND YOU

1-800-MEDICARE | 1-800-MEDICARE | General Medicare information, ordering Medicare booklets, and information about health plans | Toll free: 800-633-4227 | Medicare.gov

Who Do I Contact? Social Security, Medicare SOCIAL SECURITY OFFERS

retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.

Medicare provides health insurance.

Because these services are often related, you may not know which agency to contact for help.

The list below can help you quickly figure out where to go.

Please share this list with family and friends.

You can do much of your Medicare business with Social Security online.

• How do I report a death?

Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) • How can I check Medicare eligibility? www.socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/medicare • How do I sign up for Hospital Insurance? (Part A) www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare • How do I sign up for Medical Insurance? (Part B) www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare • How do I apply for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription drug coverage? (Part D) www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp • How to appeal an income-related monthly adjustment amount decision? (For people who pay a higher Part B or D premium, if their income is over a certain amount.) www.socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/disability/appeal.html • How can I request a replacement Medicare card online? www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount If I already get benefits or have Medicare, how do I report a change of address or phone number? www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount • Where do I find publications about Medicare? www.ssa.gov/ pubs/?topic=Medicare or www. medicare.gov/publications Medicare also offers many online services where you can find out: • What does Medicare cover? www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers • How can I check the status of Medicare Part A or B claims? www. mymedicare.gov

• Where do I find forms for filing a Medicare appeal or let someone speak with Medicare on my behalf? www.medicare.gov/claims-appeals/ how-do-i-file-an-appeal • What do Medicare health and prescription drug plans in my area cost, and what services do they offer? www.medicare.gov/plan-compare • Which doctors, health care providers, and suppliers participate in Medicare? www.medicare.gov/ forms-help-resources/find-compare-doctors-hospitals-other-providers • Where can I find out more about a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and enroll? www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/how-to-get-prescription-drug-coverage • Where can I find a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy in my area? www.medicare. gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans • Did you know that you can apply online for Medicare, even if you are not ready to retire? We can help you make an informed decision about when to apply for benefits

based on your individual and family circumstances. Applying online can take less than 10 minutes.

There are no forms to sign and usually no required documentation.

We’ll process your application and contact you if we need more information.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/medicare to begin. There, you can apply for Medicare and find other important information.

If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday.

Some Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.

For more information on Extra Help, read www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10525.pdf.

You may also be interested in reading these publications: Apply Online for Medicare —

Senior Beacon

Senior Beacon serves Pueblo, El Paso, Fremont and the 12 surrounding counties that make up most of Southeastern Colorado. It is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, educate and entertain the Senior Community of these areas. Subscriptions are available, prepaid with order, at $34.95 for one 12-month period. Send your order to the mailing list below.

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinions of the writers and not necessarily that of the publisher. Senior Beacon is locally owned and operated.

Founded in February of 1982.

BEACON NEWS GROUP d/b/a Senior Beacon P.O. Box 8485 Pueblo, CO 81008 Publisher Beacon News Group Publisher Emeritus, CCO James R. Grasso Advertising Manager Ronald S. Phillips Advertising Executives Jan McLaughlin Rick Forman Mark Phillips Jim Grasso Graphic Design and Layout Christine Ina Casillas Distribution Manager Braden Phillips IT Support Robin Eckelberry

CONTACT US www.SeniorBeacon.info

BeaconNewsGroup@gmail.com

JOLYNN ALLEN

Owner of Allen Insurance in Pueblo. She specializes in life, health, annuities and Medicare

RON PHILLIPS

Owner of Century Investments in Pueblo. He is a Financial Advisor, author and teacher

Even if You Are Not Ready to Retire www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10530.pdf.

When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf.

Helping a friend or family member with this information can improve the quality of their life. Share these resources with someone you love today.

2098255

719-247-6580 SUBMISSIONS: Senior Beacon welcomes reader contributions in the form of senior groups news, stories, poetry, recipes and happenings. Letters to the Editor must be typed and double spaced, signed with address and phone number submitted. Deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Copyright 2020-Evergrowth Media, LLC

NOTE ANY CORRECTIONS OR MODIFICATIONS. __________________________________________ AD NUMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2098255

Page 26 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A HOLIDAY Go-kart Track A Highlight on Encore Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas My first mission on the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore, now cruising weekly into the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Miami, was to secure a seat to “Kinky Boots,” the Tony-award winning musical that is a must-see on this new ship. But a woman at the box office on Deck 7 said that all tickets to the show already had been reserved.

“I just came aboard,” I said.

“You can reserve up to six months ahead,” she said, “but seats will be available tonight.

Don’t worry.” Theater reservations (all seats are unassigned) must be claimed 10 minutes before the performance begins. “The show is free,” she said, “so lots of people just don’t show up, or they are running late. For the 10 o’clock show, you will want to be

DAVID G. MOLYNEAUX

Writes travel pieces and is the editor of TheTravelMavens.com

DESCRIPTION. The cutline goes here and can go as far down as it needs. ■ Photo by DAVID G. MOLYNEAUX

in the stand-by line by 9:40.”

Which I was, joining about 100 other happy passengers in a last-minute rush to more than 100 empty seats. The outstanding show is about a drag queen named Lola and an English shoe factory saved by its transformation into a maker of non-conventional footwear.

Before you go, you might want to slip into some long, sparkling boots. Red is best.

My wife and I cruise often,

but it had been a year since we sailed on a big, big ship, and getting acclimated during our recent voyage on Norwegian Encore took some patience, and a few calming beverages.

Life in big cities and on big ships can be busy, frenetic, and noisy, but that’s expected by people who choose to reside and/or vacation in such stylish with-it worlds. Passengers book a cruise on ships such as Norwegian Encore because there’s exciting stuff to do, sophisticated dining choices, high quality entertainment, and charges of energy that accompany bunches of people moving about, laughing, having some drinks, hurrying to dinner – or standing in line hoping to get into a

sold out show. Sounds a lot like New York or Las Vegas, which is what Norwegian has in mind when designing its new cruise ships.

In its fourth and final vessel in the Breakaway-Plus class of behemoths, Norwegian has produced a fine Encore. Its size seldom is a negative issue, and you won’t get bored with a few same-o, same-o restaurants; there are more 20 places to dine. With an expansive fleet of big ships now finishing a decade of voyages out of South Florida, cruise companies have learned how to move masses of people, especially getting on and off the ships. Most of the organizational “paperwork” now is accomplished by cell phone apps and Internet; even at the busiest moments on the pier, lines usually move relatively quickly.

If you are new to big ships, however, you will discover that the old cruise style of laid-back lethargy – sauntering aboard, then figuring out within a day or two whether you want to do anything beyond life in a deck chair – mostly has passed. (If that’s what you want, choose a smaller ship.) Many passengers now decide months ahead about reservations for shows, dinners at specialty restaurants, shore excursions at port stops.

Minnequa Medicenter...

Transitional Care Unit offering: private rooms, flat

screen TV, telephone, private dining Whether your need is for short-term, skilled, respite or long-term care, we provide: • Compassionate 24-hour nursing care • Daily in-house physical, occupational & speech therapies • Daily life-enhancing programs • Intergenerational activities with our on-site children’s Day Care • Monthly community events • Hospice/Palliative care • Free medical transportation • One block W. of Lake on Elko & California • On-Site Child Day Care • Resident Pet Program Medicare/Medicaid, Managed Care and VA contracted.

719-561-1300

2701 California St - Pueblo, Co

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

March 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 27

ARTS

Goodnight Art Show Set Until March 8 IF YOU HAVEN'T been by the Arts Center in a while, come enjoy the Goodnight Invitational Art Show through March 8.

And, through May 10 our signature Representing the West: A New Frontier exhibit is showing with your chance to vote in the People’s Choice Awards.

IN THE BUELL Children’s Museum we’re opening early for our friends with sensory sensitivities!

Program participants will have free early access to the exhibits from 9:00 am - 11:00 am before the Museum opens to the public at 11:00 am.

These mornings are great times for children and families to play with our hands-on exhibits, explore the Art Studio, and enjoy family time in a safe, accessible and welcoming environment. Dates: Mar 11, Apr 8, May 6, Jun 17, Jul 8, Aug 12, Sep 9, Oct 14, Nov 11 and Dec 9. Sponsored by Nursing & Therapy Services of Colorado. Must register online on our website.

Now in the galleries: Goodnight Barn Invitational Art Show | Through Mar 8 Representing the West: A New Frontier | Through May 10 Spirit of Tradition: Images of Our Lady | Through May 3 Color in Color: Celebrating the Vibrancy of Minority Women | Jan 18 – Apr 26 BOB CAMPBELL

Marketing and events manager with the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center

WOMEN IN HISTORY. The Color in Color gallery is showing at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, celebrating the vibrancy of minority women.

Perennial Favorites from the Francis King Collection of Western Art | Jan 25 – May 3 Selections From the Regional and Contemporary Collection | Feb 8 - May 10 Gray & Gray: 75 Years of Working in Dirt | Mar 21 – May 3 In the Buell Children’s Museum: Happy Trails: How the West was Fun | Through June 6 Performances: Mar 13, 7:30pm: A Bit of Sea Between – A Celtic Adventure (Regional Series) Mar 15, 4:00pm: Aquila Theatre – George Orwell’s 1984 (Center Stage Series)

The Sangre de Cristo Arts Center galleries are open Wed through Sat 11 AM - 4 PM, Sunday 12–4PM, 210 N Santa Fe, Pueblo. The Buell Children’s Museum is open Tues through Sat 11 AM - 4 PM, Sunday 12–4PM. Admission grants entry to both the Children’s Museum and Helen T. White Galleries and is $10 for adults, $8 for children, seniors 65+ and military.

Arts Center members are always free. Visit online at www.sdc-arts.org.

Questions about

Medicare Plans??

L

et me show you how you could benefit from the Medicare-related plans out there.

John B. Reed III

Independent licensed and certified broker

719-225-8313

Serving Southern Colorado and New Mexico

Page 28 - Senior Beacon - March 2020

NEWS

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info