SENIOR BEACON NEWSPAPER--NOV 2020 by BeaconNewsGroup

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

NOVEMBER 2020

Vol. 39:10

Established February 1982

466 Consecutive Months!

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

What’s Missing From Your SS Check? ... about $247

SOCIAL SECURITY checks in 2020 are almost 20 percent lower than they otherwise would be, due to the long term impact of extremely low annual inflation adjustments, according to a new analysis from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). This analysis comes as the Social Security Administration announced today that the 2021 cost – of - living adjustment COLA will be just 1.3 percent, making it one of the lowest ever paid. “People who have been receiving benefits for 12 years or longer have experienced an unprecedented series of extremely low cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs),” says Mary Johnson, a Social Security policy ana-

lyst for The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). What’s more those inflation adjustments do not account for rapidly rising Medicare Part B premiums that are increasing several times faster than the COLA. The situation is causing those with the lower Social Security benefits to see little growth in their net Social Security income after deduction of the Part B premium. The new analysis by Johnson compared the growth of retiree benefits from 2009 – through 2020 to learn how much more in income retirees would receive if COLAs had grown by a more typical rate of 3 percent. The analysis found that an “av-

erage” retiree benefit of $1,075 per month in 2009 has grown to $1,249 in 2020 but, if COLAs had averaged 3 percent, that benefit would be $247 per month higher today (19.8 percent higher), and those individuals would have received $18,227.40 more in Social Security income over the 2010 to 2020 period. During that period COLAs have averaged just 1.4%. In 2010, 2011, and 2016 there was no COLA payable at all and, in 2017, the COLA was just 0.03 percent. “But COLAs have never remained so low, for such an extended period of time, in the history of Social Security,” says Johnson, who has studied the COLA for more than 25 years. Over the 20 - year period covering 1990 to 2009, COLAs routinely averaged 3 percent annually, and were even higher before that period. The suppressed growth in Social Security benefits not only creates ongoing benefit adequacy issues for retirees, but also Medicare budget problems when the COLA is not sufficient to cover rising Part B premiums for large numbers of beneficiaries.

When the dollar amount of the annual Medicare Part B premium increase is greater than the dollar amount of an individual’s annual cost – of – living adjustment (COLA), the Social Security benefits of about 70 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are protected by the hold-harmless provision in the Social Security Act. The Medicare Part B premium of those individuals is reduced to prevent their net Social Security benefits from being lower than the year before. That said, roughly 30 percent of beneficiaries are not protected by the provision, and they can be subject to substantial spikes in the Part B premiums. In the past, the costs of the unpaid portion of Medicare Part B premiums of those who were protected by hold harmless were shifted to those who were not protected by the provision. Because fewer people were covering the costs Medicare Part B premiums, increases were significantly higher than usual. The people who are not covered by

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Page 2 - Senior Beacon - November 2020 BUSINESS

'Mom & Pop' Shop Follow Dreams With Deli SOUTHWEST DELI &Cafe is in the southwest part of Pueblo, but it is not a Mexican restaurant! This is a small "MOM & POP" cafe owned and operated by Lloyd and Carol Mast who are working hard to make this a successful business. This is their first attempt to serve the public by following their dreams of a family owned business that is a service to the community as well as promoting strong family values. Here at our store we place a premium on comfort and cleanliness . Customer satisfaction is our number one priority. Tuesday is senior's day, offering a 10% discount. Thursday is soup day, call ahead or check web site to find out what the options are! Our deli meats and cheeses are of the finest quality. Sandwiches made on our fresh homemade bread are a delicious healthy fast SLOTH DAY. Lloyd and Carol Mast opened Southwest Deli & Cafe as a food choice. way to serve both the public as well as promote family values. We make biscuits and gravy from scratch. Our breakfast burritos and bagels are filling and tasty. Cinnamon rolls and other pastries are all made from scratch, here in our kitchen. We are trying to accommodate special needs diets with our own gluten free bread and veggie options.

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Part of the store has a unique selection of canned goods, pickles, and also many kinds of jam, all made in private kitchen, all natural products. We sell local honey. We have varieties of Australian soap and other homemade soaps. All coffee that is served and for sale is a fair trade coffee brought in from missions around the world that their church serves. We offer deli and party trays. We do some catering, specializing in packed lunches for big or small events. For holidays we offer custom made pies and other baked goods. Call ahead to place orders. Our store now offers milk and eggs for customer's convenience. Add to that good bread, savory meats, and tasty cheese; what more could one need? The Mast family is part of the local Mennonite church. They have a traditional heritage of good homemade food and family dining. They believe Pueblo needs more focus on quality food and healthy choices in an atmosphere that promotes friendship and relaxed visiting. Located between Starbucks and GameStop, we are easy to find and we have adequate easy access parking, including handicap.

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FINANCE

Giving Gold A Second Look HELLO, FAITHFUL readers. metal has had a great performance If you’re a gold fan then this month record. It’s hard to ignore. We can I’m going to “kick you before I kiss be technical about performance you.” and count it from hundreds or even (Brace yourselves). I believe thousands of years ago and we get investors wrongly think gold is an a dismal return. But this misses a accurate inflation tracker. couple of important points. Anyone can do some basic For thousands of years gold was research comparing inflation and a currency. There wasn’t a market the gold price movement. My own performance like stocks. It was research on that showed that gold what you used to do your buying would be down 13 percent while not your investing. inflation would actually be up some Also, when a real global market years. evolved for gold it was used as a Also, if gold simply tracked infla- backstop for currencies. So we had tion there wouldn’t be many inves- a market price but it was maniputors wanting to buy. It would be the lated and controlled to function as most dead-boring investment out a currency backer. So 1971 could there. Why it attracts so many is be a good year to start looking at because of the huge returns that are gold performance. Starting then it’s so far above plain old inflation. So that blows that theory out of the water. As a comparison, a true hedge against inflation would be a Treasury Inflation-Protected bond (a TIP). It very literally adds the rate of inflation to its bond yield. So a TIP is 100 percent correlated to the rate of inflation. The best nugget I heard on the issue is that, according to a famous investor, gold tracks the expectation of inflation. That I can live with. But gold simply does not track + 23% Gratuity & 8.25% Sales Tax inflation.

definitely had high growth returns like real estate and stocks. It’s a good diversifier because it’s very lowly correlated to stock prices. It’s not a negative correlation like T-bonds but low. This means stocks drops and gold usually holds up and can gain, too. When Black Swans hit, unpredicted events like 9/11, the Great Recession or COVID, gold is often the “doomsday” asset that investors flee to. This could help manage those scary times. It could act as a sort of portfolio insurance. BUT WE STILL HAVE A PROBLEM There’s no tried-and-true way to value gold like there is the stock market. With stocks you can look

November 26th

at price-to-earnings ratios, the P/S ratio, the PEG ratio, balance sheets and so on. Lots of ratios and stats. So I currently don’t know when to buy gold as a small diversifier. You can look up how to value it and no one really knows or they aren’t saying. So back to the research pits I go. Call or email and you’ll receive that gold research for free, if you’d like. Ronald S. Phillips is a Pueblo native and an independent financial advisor. Order a free copy of his book Investing To Win by leaving a message at (719) 220-3005. Visit RetireIQ.com or email RonPhillipsAdvisor@gmail.com

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LET THE GOLD LOVE-FEST BEGIN With much additional research I’m becoming a true believer in gold. Not putting-my-life-savings-into-gold-bullionand-digging-a-hole-inthe-ground-and-waiting-in-my-bunker kind of belief. Just seeing the many possible benefits to this alluring metal. POSSIBLE BENEFITS TO THIS ALLURING METAL I’m starting to conclude that gold is so much more than an inflation tracker. It outpaces inflation, is a growth investment, a portfolio diversifier and a possible Black Swan protector. After Nixon let gold float freely in 1971 the

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NEWS

Take-Home Naloxone Available CENTURY HEALTH, the region's leading health care provider, demonstrates its commitment to whole-person care and the vitality of our communities' by infusing the opioid epidemic gripping Colorado and Kansas with empathy for those struggling with addiction compassion for their families. Centura is the first health care system to put the powerful overdose antidote Naloxone directly in the hands of those in greatest need. Centura Opioid Response Coordinator Mary Beth Savory says, "The opioid epidemic continues to devastate our communities, and the COVID-19 health crisis has further compounded struggles for those suffering from substance use disorder." Statewide, experts predict 2020 could bring a more than 60% increase in drug-related fatalities and anticipate a potential 300% increase in overdose deaths from the opioid drug Fentanyl. Savory adds, "Navigating life in a pandemic is stressful for everyone, but for those facing substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, and isolation are deadly. Now more than ever, we must strive to provide those suffering with this disease the tools that could save their lives." Centura Health emergency departments and urgent care

centers including those operated by St. Thomas More Hospital will be providing take-home Naloxone kits to those at high risk for an opioid overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist - meaning it blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and can rapidly reverse an overdose. While hospitals and paramedics have been using Naloxone successfully for decades, it's become more readily available to the public by prescription in recent years. However, many frontline caregivers say they still see far too many deaths. Kristi Olson, CEO at St. Thomas More Hospital says, “Even though an antidote is available, far too few prescriptions are being proactively filled. "As more family and friends struggle against the power of opioid use disorder, naloxone empowers them to act in the event of overdose." Substance use disorder is a manageable illness, and with treatment, it is possible to counteract the disruptive effects substances have on the brain – but it's not easy. Relapse rates are estimated between 40% to 60%. Naloxone offers those struggling with opioid addiction another chance at a better life – it's 99% effective and easy for anyone to administer as a nasal spray. Savory adds, "We're losing far

too many people to a very difficult but manageable disease! Centura is meeting those in need where they're at in their journey and the opportunity for a second chance at taking the path to recovery." ABOUT ST. THOMAS MORE HOSPITAL St. Thomas More Hospital is the cornerstone of health care services for Fremont County. Services include 24-hour emergency and trauma services, inpatient acute care, Intensive Care Unit, The Birth Center, diagnostic imaging, surgical services, rehabilitation services, sleep disorder center, wound care and more. St. Thomas More also operates Centura Health Urgent Care Canon City and long-term care facility Progressive Care Center. The St. Thomas More Physician Group features Primary Care, Pediatric Health Services, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Orthopedic Services and General Surgery. St. Thomas More is supported by Centura Health, the region’s leading health care network. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.

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Nov. 1: Chicken mole, Bahama vegetable blend, Spanish rice, orange, cookie Nov. 2: BBQ beef sandwich, seasoned pinto beans, fruit, cookie Nov. 5: Beef tips, penne pasta, brussel sprouts, fruit, cookie Nov. 6: Lemon pepper chicken, wild and brown rice, peas, orange Nov. 7: Cod Tuscany, baby bakers, broccoli, banana, high fiber cookie Nov. 12: Roast turkey w gravy, mashed potatoes, cali vegetables, ww bread, apple, cookie Nov. 13: Stuffed pasta shells w meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread stick, pear, cookie Nov. 14: Chicken carbonara, broccoli, fruit, oatmeal raisin, cookie Nov. 19: Manicotti, Bahama vegetables, broccoli, apple, cookie Nov. 20: Sweet & Soup pork, Jasmine rice, Asian vegetables, fruit, high fiber cookie Nov. 21: Beef chili w cheese, baked potato w sour cream, orange, cookie Nov. 26: Broccoli stuffed chicken breast, green beans, sweet potatoes, fruit, high fiber cookie Nov. 27: Lasagna roll, marinara, broccoli, ww roll, fruit, cookie Nov. 28: Stuffed bell pepper, baby bake potato, cauliflower, fruit, cooki

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 5

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

Recreation Department is currently CLOSED due to Covid - 19. All information provided depends on when SRDA reopens, which includes Matter of Balance. Also, all outside activity start up, like AARP -Taxes and Driver Safety classes will be determined by their national office.

Senior's Shopping Time Scheduled

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article is rerunning because of the COVID-19 relief efforts.

MANY STORES IN the area are offering a separate time for senior only shopping to assist in keeping one of the most vulnerable populations protected from the spread of COVID-19. At this time, information for senior only shopping is as follows: Albertson’s Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 – 9 AM Dollar General, 1245 Spruce Every day, 8 – 9 AM Dollar General, W. 18th Street Sundays, 8 – 9 AM Dollar General, 1502 Troy Every day, 8 –9 AM Dollar General, 609 Pueblo Boulevard Thursdays, 12 – 1 PM; All other days, 8 –9 AM Dollar General, 1610 Santa Fe Every day, 8 – 9 AM

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Call us: 719-545-8900 Dollar General, 2417 Prairie Every day, 8 –9 AM King Soopers North and South Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 7 – 9 AM LaGrees Every day, 8 – 10 AM Natural Grocers Sundays, 9 – 10 AM Safeway Southside and Pueblo West Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 – 9 AM

Everybody has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in Pueblo Sam’s Club Thursdays, 7 – 9 AM Save-A-Lot Every day, 7 – 8 AM Target Every day, 8 – 9 AM Walmart; South, North, Pueblo West, Neighborhood Market Every day 6 -7 AM All public and media inquiries in Pueblo are answered through the local hotline at Pueblo’s Joint Information Center. Pueblo COVID-19 Hotline is answering questions 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday, 719-583-4444.   Everybody has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in Pueblo by: ■ Minimize social activities and

being physically close to other people. ■ Do not go to the emergency room unless medically necessary. ■ Wash your hands with soap regularly. ■ Cough or sneeze into elbow or tissue. ■ Stay home when you’re sick. ■ Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid close contact with sick people. ■ Clean surfaces frequently touched. Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment encourages residents to seek out credible, reliable sources of information on COVID-19: www.puebloemergency.info Pueblo’s COVID-19 Hotline 719-583-4444.

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Page 6 - Senior Beacon - November 2020

‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’

TOM MILLER

Guest Arthur for Jan McLaughlin

BOTH SIDES OF THE DIRTY!

y mother and I stood by the open grave my father’s body had just

been lowered into. A few family and friends

had already walked away toward the line of cars parked nearby. As mom dopped a handful of Arkansas dirt into the six-foot hole, I heard her utter the three words which were etched on the insides of their wedding rings, and that I’d had engraved on their double tombstone. “Till Jesus Comes.” Then, as she let that sandy soil slide through her fingers, I heard her whisper, “See you soon, Hon.” And I knew she would because of our hope. Our hope did not stop the tears. It barely cushioned the shock that we would never see him again in this life. It did not ease my pain of knowing that I, their only child who had never stopped depending on my dad’s prayers and his earthly wisdom, would not be able to call him anymore. How I would miss those weekly phone calls! Our hope does not shield us from the grim reality of the casket, that hole in the ground, or the empty recliner. I can’t repent the gut-wrenching emotional ambushes when the missing him feelings suddenly erupt. However, the reality of an empty tomb near a skull-shaped hill in Jerusalem, gives us our hope. Hope for both mom and I beside the grave and dad in the grave, on both sides of the dirt. Most other religions offer some form of hope beyond the grave. But they offer no real evidence that they can deliver on that hope. Then there is Jesus Christ, who in the Bible is described as “A Living Hope, through His resurrection from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Despite the powerful potentates, governments, and reli-

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gious demagogues who desperately try to prove that Jesus isn’t alive, they cannot! Many eyewitnesses saw Jesus after His resurrection and recorded their experiences into the Bible and into contemporary history. Jesus is alive now, and He is our future. There is no need to speak of Jesus Christ in the past tense. He has proven that He has eternal life and because of that, He is the only one who can give eternal. Life. So, it was not just some religious cop-out from mom and me to look in dad’s grave and know he was not there. His earth suit was the body he needed for this life, like Neal Armstrong needed his space suit to walk on the moon. The real Loyd Tom Miller, his soul, never stopped living. When the thief on the cross next to Jesus expressed faith in Him, Jesus told him, “Today, you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Mom and I believed those were the same words Jesus spoke to dad that evening in the hospital room. Standing by his open grave, mom reminded me of dad’s actual new address: “Away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2Corinthinaks 5:8). That is why we called that day in August his “Homegoing.” Nothing could erase what we lost that day. Dad was with Jesus – we weren’t: but Jesus promised: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19), so we knew there was, and still is, something on the other side of the dirt. It is called hope – separation now, but a great reunion coming. Dad always led the choir in our small evangelical church. He played his guitar for our musical special, and occasionally filled in at the piano for the choir when the regular piano player was absent. He had a hard time accepting our assurances of the difference he was making for Christ; but I’m sure Jesus Himself has told him by now. Mom enjoyed thinking that the incomparable man she shared her life with was now experiencing what the Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard. . .” (Corinthians 2:9). For us on the other side of the dirt, God says He is close to the broken hearted (Psalm 334:18). Our living and loving Savior has been closer to mom and me since dad’s death than ever before. Since I wrote this back in 1988, my mother has since gone on to be with the Lord, and with dad. Everything I wrote about my feelings for dad is also true about my mom and I look forward to joining them soon. Then “the Miller Trio” will be daddy sang bass, I sang tenor and my little mother just joined right in there. Singing really soothed our troubled souls. One of these days, and it won’t be long, I will rejoin them in a song. We’ll be together with that heavenly choir in the sky. Will that circle be unbroken, by and by, Lord, by and by? My apologies to Johnny Cash… I could not resist it. By: Guest Author, Tom Miller. Please address comments to Jan McLaughlin, Light For The Journey. Jan McLaughlin can be contacted at 719-649-2937 or by e-mail Jansmail@reagan.com.

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 7

NEWS

Pueblo Zoo Sloths Can Be Seen On Social THE DICTIONARY defines “sloth” as “laziness”. It makes some sense then, that the slowest moving mammal in the world would end up with this name. However, another way to look at it is that sloths make clever, efficient use of their resources. If Energy Star rated sloths, they would get 10 stars for energy conservation. Sloth diet is typically nutrient poor and very hard to digest thus their metabolism is very slow. Their multi-compartment stomach helps them efficiently digest tough cellulose but it is a slow process. It may take thirty days to digest one leaf! As a result, sloths live in a way that conserves and maximizes their energy use as much as possible. Some of their strategies: 1) Move slow – they generally travel no more than 125 feet in a day. On the rare occasions they are on the ground, they move only 1 foot per minute. Don’t be SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON This article was originally featured in The Pueblo Chieftain

SLOTH DAY. Slow moving yet clever sloth are a favorite at the Pueblo Zoo, making them a must-see in the Rainforest exhibit. ■ Photo by ASHLEY BOWEN

fooled though, if threatened, they can move fast! 2) Nap often - In the wild, sloths sleep 8-9 hours a day. Sloths in zoos sleep 15 -20 hours a day. 3) Be regular – Sloths only poop about once a week given their slow metabolism 4) Take the fast lane and breathe deeply – Sloths are very efficient swimmers, moving 3 times faster in the water,

they can hold their breath for an impressive 40 minutes, suppressing their metabolism to make their heart rate a third of its normal speed. 5) Make friends – sloths have a symbiotic relationship with organisms that live in its fur. Moss, insects, beetles and many other critters feed off nutrients and crumbs found in sloth fur. The moss will then also act as camouflage in

the trees. The sloth’s fur is so course and long though, that it does protect them from insects getting all the way to the skin. Their friend making skills are limited though as they generally lead a solitary life. As we look for ways to efficiently use our own resources and stay healthy, humans might learn from some of these strategies (although too much may get us in trouble). Though rarely seen, sloths at the Pueblo Zoo have always been a favorite. Guests make it a game to see if they can spot him in the Rainforest. Foley is our current, handsome, young resident. At this time, the Rainforest is closed, as are all the zoo buildings, as a safety precaution due to Covid-19. As the Rainforest is an open contact area, it will likely be the last to re-open in order to keep animals safe. In the meantime, Foley can be seen in regular features on Facebook.

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Page 8 - Senior Beacon - November 2020

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON FROM THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL Crime Report â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Halloween Edition Nathan Garisto, 26, of Largo, Florida, was arrested on Oct. 19 on a domestic battery charge. The Smoking Gun reported that Garisto was "heavily intoxicated while engaged in a verbal argument with his girlfriend," according to police. He refused to leave after his girlfriend asked him to, instead throwing "a pumpkin and all insides of the pumpkin at the subject." Garisto maintains he threw the pumpkin at the door, not at the girlfriend. He was released on bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim. [The Smoking Gun, 10/20/2020] Sweet Love Sugar Good, 49, who manages a Dunkin' donuts store in Edmond, Oklahoma, knew a good man when she saw one ... every morning at 7:15 as he collected his sausage, egg

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and cheese croissant at her drivethru. After a year of friendly commercial exchanges, The New York Times reported, Good finally got up the nerve to hand John Thompson, 45, her business card along with his food and coffee. Two years later, on Oct. 13, Good and Thompson tied the knot at the place that brought them together: the Dunkin' drivethru. "We knew we wanted to share it with the Dunkin' family," Good said. She stood at her spot in the window and Thompson drove up in his red truck, where former pastor Colby Taylor was waiting for them. Taylor kept the ceremony short, as other customers were lined up behind Thompson, but at the end, Good came outside and Thompson got out of his truck for their first kiss as regulars, friends and family cheered them on. "Our story wasn't glamour," Good said, "but it was

true romance." [New York Times, 10/23/2020] Bright Idea In Littleton, New Hampshire, a Hillsborough County grand jury filed indictments against Lisa Landon, 33, in early October, the Union Leader reported. Landon was scheduled in court for three different cases in November and December 2019, involving drug possession and stalking. To avoid going to jail, Landon impersonated a prosecutor, using the court's electronic system to file fake documents dropping the charges against her. A state forensic officer noticed last November that the charges were dropped and wondered if a scheduled competency evaluation on Landon should proceed, which tipped off court officials. While she was at it, Landon allegedly filed an order on behalf of a relative to halt guardianship proceedings involving Landon's child. She's been charged with one count of false impersonation and six counts of falsifying physical evidence. [Union Leader, 10/26/2020] Cue the Lawyers Nightmares really do come true: On Oct. 24, as Leonard Shoulders, 33, waited at a bus stop in the Bronx, New York, the sidewalk beneath him gave way and he dropped into a decrepit basement full of rats,

Fox News reported. Bystanders alerted authorities, and Shoulders was rescued from the dark hole about 30 minutes later, with injuries including a broken arm, broken leg and scraped face. New York's Department of Buildings said the basement beneath the sidewalk was poorly maintained, and the building was closed until repairs can be made. [Fox News, 10/27/2020] The Meth Made Me Do It Traffic slowed to a crawl and people got out of their cars on a busy roadway in Chongqing, China, on Oct. 17, hoping to collect banknotes that were raining down from the sky. As it turned out, the money wasn't coming from heaven, but from an unnamed 29-year-old man who was tripping on methamphetamine in his 30-story-high apartment overlooking the street. As he showered passersby with money, police arrived and took him into custody, and he was receiving treatment, according to The Guardian. [Guardian, 10/29/2020] Florida A woman who would not leave a St. Petersburg, Florida, Mobil gas station was arrested for trespassing on Oct. 14, The Smoking Gun reported. But that's not the weird part. Melinda Lynn Guerrero, 33, was also charged with providing a false

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 9

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON FROM THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL name to law enforcement after she repeatedly said her name was "My butt just farted." Officers were familiar with Guerrero from a series of arrests over several years, and her last name is tattooed on her back, so ... They noted she may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. [The Smoking Gun, 10/16/2020] The Continuing Crisis Sure, COVID-19 has been tough on human beings. But don't discount the effect the virus has had on our aquatic friends. Take Mikko, a 3-footlong grouper who lives at the Sea Life Helsinki Sea Lab ocean laboratory, where he had to be isolated because he kept eating his tankmates.

When the aquarium closed because of the pandemic, Mikko appeared depressed, becoming "more still and distant than usual," his caretakers told Live Science. "To cheer him up ... the caretakers and other staff had lunch and coffee breaks by his tank." They also had a TV to keep him company, but on Oct. 12, Mikko got the ultimate pickme-up: a 16th birthday party featuring a salmon "cake." Aquarium representatives said he enjoyed the party. [Live Science, 10/22/2020] Election Snafu Nikolai Loktev, 58, the incumbent mayor of Povalikhino in Russia, asked the woman who cleans the city hall to add

SRDA MONTHLY MENU

her name to the ballot as a formality, in order to comply with a regulation that elections must have two or more candidates. In a twist of fate, however, Marina Udgodskaya received 62% of the vote, compared to Loktev's 34%, on Sept. 28. "I didn't think people would actually vote for me," Udgodskaya said, according to the BBC. But one village shopkeeper explained: "If we could have voted against all we would have done, but we had the option to vote for Marina, so we did. I think she'll cope. The whole village will help." Loktev is sporting a stiff upper lip: "I'm not upset. People voted for her, so let her do her job." [BBC, 9/29/2020]

NOTE: Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), meal sites are closed. Meals-on-Wheels is still open

Call SRDA at 545-8900 for congregate meal sites and Meals-on-Wheels info!

ABOUT THE MENU â&#x2014;? Nutrition Services (Congregate) Eligibility Policy: Individuals are eligible to participate in the congregate meals service in one of the categories listed in this below: Persons 60 years of age or older and their self-declared spouses of any age; Disabled persons under 60 years of age who reside with persons over 60 years of age, when the care and maintenance of the disabled person otherwise prevents the older adult from participating in the program and when the participation of such individuals does not prevent the participation of older adults and their spouses. The disabled person must accompany the eligible older consumer to the site; Disabled persons under 60 years of age who reside in housing facilities occupied primarily by older adults and at which congregate nutrition services are provided when such participation does not prevent the participation of older adults and their spouse Persons under 60 years of age who provide meal related volunteer services and individuals providing volunteer services at congregate meal sites during meal hours when the participation of such individuals does not prevent the participation of older adults and their spouses; and Staff members of the nutrition program who are 60 years of age or older when such participation does not pre-

CONGREGATE LUNCH SITES Avondale Community Center 719-947-4180 409 2nd Lane Avondale, CO Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beulah Center 719-485-3100 5903 Penn Avenue Beulah, CO Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Colorado City Community Center 719-676-3059 5445 Cuerno Verde Colorado City, CO Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. vent the participation of other older adults and their spouses. Nutrition Services (Home Delivered) Eligibility Policy: Individuals are eligible to participate in the Home Delivered meals service in one of the categories listed in this below: Persons age 60 years or older who are homebound or who are geographical-

ly isolated; Disabled persons under age 60 years who reside with eligible consumers; and Spouses of home delivered meals consumers if, according to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) criteria, receipt of the meals are in the best interest of the consumers. More Information For more information, please contact us at 719-543-0100.

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Page 10 - Senior Beacon - November 2020

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

ANN COULTER

Columnist, author and lawyer

‘ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY IS’: THE BIDEN INAUGURAL ADDRESS I'M NOT AT liberty to reveal my

sources, but I have obtained a draft of President Joe Biden’s inaugural address. (Trump, unfortunately, won’t be there to hear it. He will be holding a competing rally at RFK Stadium, also starting at 12 noon on Jan. 20.) Ladies and gentlemen, members of the fairer sex, the unfair sex, the transgenders, queers, what have you. Women and gentlemen! I’ve known women — my wife, my sister — no, that’s my wife! I mean my wife over here. The fat one. I mean: The fact is, they switched on me! Anyway, standing here today on the steps of the capitol of Wilmington — I should say, standing here today on the steps of the Capitol in the state of Washington, as we do every year, we have this peaceful transfer of power — I should say, every four years. Which is a Big F—ing Deal! I used to say that to Barack all the time.

I see him out there! He’s the articulate, bright and clean one. As I was coming over here on this brisk June day, I started thinking, why is it that Joe Biden is the first in his family ever to go to a university? My ancestors, Welsh coal miners, would come up after 12 hours underground and play cricket for hours. Were they not smart? Were they not strong, mate? And so, as I look out at this wonderful crowd — what’s that from the fella in the back? You say I’m not Welsh and my father was a Chevrolet dealer in Wilmington? Listen, you lying dog-faced pony soldier — I have a much higher I.Q. than you do! I went to law school on a full academic scholarship and ended up in the top half of my class. I got three degrees in college and was voted the “outstanding student” in the political science department. What I mean to say is that it was a financial scholarship, I wasn’t voted the “outstanding student,” and I was only in the top half of the bottom 10 students. No, I haven’t taken an I.Q. test. Why the hell would I take a test? Come on, man. That is like saying you — did you take a test whether you’re taking cocaine or not? What do you think? Are you a junkie? Look, folks, kids today have advantages I didn’t have. Their parents play the radio, make sure they have the record player on at night. My parents couldn’t play the record player. They were in the mines. And I remember my pop, a Chevrolet dealer in Wilmington, telling me in 1962, as I was going off to work at an African American swimming pool — we called them “African Americans” back then —

and we saw two guys kissing each other. He said to me: “Joey, they love each other.” I shouldn’t say it. I’m going to say something I probably shouldn’t say … Anyway, today, I stand before you to announce my candidacy for president of the United States! Wait — I won! That’s a Big F—ing Deal, as I used to say to Barack. Oh look! Here’s the guy from Burisma! Good to see you, man! Look, the Biden administration will be monitoring Kiev prosecutors like you’ve never seen before. Clean government in Ukraine will be the No. 1 priority of my administration.When I’m president, this country won’t be cozying up to the totalitarian regimes of Poland and Hungary. It’s gonna stop with us. I shouldn’t say it. I’m going to say something I probably shouldn’t say … Anyway, on this crisp September day, I vow to you we’ll not only have a Green New Deal, but a Purple New Deal, a Yellow New Deal, a LBGTQXYZ New Deal — a whole rainbow of New Deals! You have my word as a Biden, folks. Anyway, as I stand here in the rotunda — I mean the steps of the Capitol — just as the great Democratic president Franklin Delano … uh, I should say, as FDR did — well, he wasn’t standing because he couldn’t stand. And to all of you in wheelchairs, you don’t need to stand either! Oh, God love you! What am I talking about? I’ll tell you what, we’re making everybody else stand up, though. Let’s give the wheelchair-bound a big round of applause! Look folks, as FDR said, we hold these truths to be self-evident … You bet and corn pop. Pop goes the weasel! And I’m

your pop, as I always say to Hunter. I’m your pop, but I’m not a weasel, pal. As we celebrate this peaceful transition — oh, I see Adam Schiff out in the crowd! As I always say, he reminds me of my son, Hunter. Whoa — I almost forgot, let’s give a big hand to my vice president … Anita Hill! What am I talking about? Anita ain’t black! Everybody give a big hand to my vice president … Cardi B! Oh sorry, buddy — my vice president, Al Sharpton! But I promise you, Cardi and Anita and Al and Stacey and Jesse will all have positions in my Cabinet. That’s cabinet, not cabin, folks. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and, as she always said: “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” I know this because I got three degrees in college and was voted the “outstanding student” in the political science department. I should say, I wasn’t actually voted the “outstanding student,” but it was an honor just to be nominated. Anyway, I never served with John F. Kennedy — but he was no Dan Quayle! He said, “Ask your country to do things for you. Ask or not! The choice is yours.” I’m pro-choice, although I’m personally opposed. But the important thing is, it’s your choice! And so as I stand here today, asking for your vote — hold on! — you gave me your vote! That’s why I’m here, man! This is a Big F—ing Deal, as I used to always say to Barack. Good night and God bless. Wear a mask!

MEDICARE MONDAY Join us from your favorite device at Medicare Monday. The Medicare Monday program will include: Educational presentation Individual counseling Medication management counseling Comparison shopping Resources on the porch on October 19 and 26, and November 2, 9, and 16 at 1129 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 11

Q&A

Q&A With ... Lori Cappis How long have you been in business? In this business? In other businesses? I have been self-employed in business for 20+ years; real estate business only since August 2020. What did you do before this business?

Since 1985

Medical transcription. Medical office support staff. ness?

Why are you in busi-

I like to be in control of my time, money, and choices. I like to help people--especially seniors-- with the sometimes-overwhelming processes of our fast-paced world. How did you get started in this business? Home changes for all of us no matter our age. I think selling real estate should be about navigating the entire process of changeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not just the house--and making the transition easier for all of the family members from seniors to kids. Can you describe your customers? Well, no. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any official real estate clients yet. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a problem solver and in my past career, customers depended on me to help them figure things out and where to go for answers.

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Why do your customers select you over your competitors? They should select me because I know how to listen. I am compassionate, available, and flexible. People can trust me to treat them fairly. Where do you see your business in the next year? With growth toward sustainability into my retirement and through the changing economy.

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Because of technology, my career as a medical transcriptionist evolved and died. I know firsthand that in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world it is important be prepared to make a change. So I plan to conduct business by keeping up with technological changes and helping my customers through what may be a new way of doing business.

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How has technology, such as computers and the internet, impacted how you conduct business?

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Family and experienced professionals. I have family members who are also in the real estate business and family members who are in other businesses in general.

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Whom do you seek advice from for your business?

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Page 12 - Senior Beacon - November 2020

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 13

FOR A HEALTHIER YOU Adapting Clothing Help Dressing Challenge IF MEDICAL PROBLEMS are making it difficult to get dressed independently, or you are challenged with providing hands-on assistance to a disabled, chronically ill or frail relative, it's time to look into specialty clothing options. LISA M. PETSCHE Medical social worker Numerous and freelance writer merchants offer adaptive clothing for adults with health issues that include arthritis, foot problems, mobility problems (due to stroke, for example), incontinence, kyphosis (severe rounding of the upper spine), obesity, and dementia. The hallmark of special needs clothing is two-fold: fabrics that are easy-care (wash and wear), resist shrinkage, contain stretch, and are durable (standing up to institutional laundering); and designs that take into account practicality, comfort, modesty, and fashion. The fit is relaxed, and discreet Velcro or snap closures -- substituting for hard-to-handle buttons -- are common, as are elasticized waistbands. Specialty clothing exists for every type of men's and women's apparel, from underwear, hosiery, and nightwear to casual wear, dress clothes, and outerwear, as well as footwear. People with arthritis can find blouses, shirts, and dresses with front Velcro closures (often concealed by decorative buttons) or zippers with a ringed toggle for easy grasping. For those with limited range of motion in their arms who receive assistance with dressing, there are many types of rear-closing garments that easily slip on, including back-snap undershirts and slips. Sweat pants have open cuffs,

making them easier to pull on and off. Seniors with curvature of the upper spine (hunched back) can find clothing with extra gathering at the back. For those with mobility problems, items are available that go on easily from a sitting and in some cases a lying position. There are tops, dresses, dusters, and nightgowns with half or full back openings that have a generous overlap; dome or Velcro closures are situated at key spots. Other common features are raglan sleeves for ease of movement and patch pockets for convenience. Athletic and dress pants may have deep openings at each hip, with a fold-down front panel; another option is cutaway pants with overlapping back panels. Culottes and wraparound skirts are popular choices for women. Other apparel designed for wheelchair users includes socks with skid-resistant treads that make transferring safer, hooded terry bath capes, lap robes, shoulder cosies, and water-repellent capes for summer and winter. Some of the above styles may be available in plus sizes as high as 5XL. For those with foot problems, there are pre-shrunk socks with superior stretch that accommodate swollen feet and legs without constricting circulation; thighhigh and knee-high stockings with non-binding, elasticized tops; and quilted, Velcro-closing wraps that prevent ankles from rubbing together while ensuring circulation in those who are not ambulatory. Typical shoe features are stretchy uppers that mould to the foot to provide support, Velcro closures, cushioned insoles, and skid-resistant soles. Some styles are washable. There are also lightweight runners and Velcro-closing, water-resistant boots.

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Slipper designs may include skid-resistant soles, cross-over Velcro closures that ensure a custom fit, and back zippers that relieve heel pressure. Bootie styles offer extra support and warmth. For people with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia who are prone to disrobing, there are jumpsuits and one-piece pajamas that close at the back with zippers or snaps. These are especially valuable in institutional settings, to preserve modesty. Various types of washable incontinence briefs are available for anyone who has problems with bladder control. For those who have difficulty with self-feeding, aprons and lap pads with vinyl backing are available, to protect clothing from spills. Other accessories include pre-knotted ties (with an adjustable zipper), scarves, belts, suspenders, and printed name labels (for those in long-term care facilities).

A limited variety of adaptive clothing is offered by some major department store chains, either in-store or through their shop-athome catalog. The most comprehensive selection is available from mail-order specialty clothing companies. Examples of such businesses include Wardrobe Wagon (1-800221-8929 or wardrobewagon.com) and Silverts (1-800-387-7088 or silverts.com). Medical supply stores may carry a limited variety of special needs apparel and accessories, such as hospital gowns and adult bibs, in addition to adaptive dressing equipment. Look for them in the yellow pages under "Hospital Equipment and Supplies." Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters. She has personal experience with elder care.

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.

Silver Key

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Page 14 - Senior Beacon - November 2020

FREMONT COUNTY/SALIDA MENUS GAC ● Nov. 2: Chicken Fajita, savory black beans w cilantro, tortilla ww, cheddar cheese, Mexicali corn, orange ● Nov. 3: Roast beef sandwich on wheat, chunky vegetable soup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomato, Walldorf salad, banana ● Nov. 4: Swiss steak w mushroom sauce, smashed red potatoes, seasoned greens, tossed vegetable salad w lite ranch, orange, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 5: Chili relleno bake, corn and zucchini Mexicana, ww tortilla w salsa, tossed salad w lemon wedge, purple plums ● Nov. 6: Chicken & noodles, seasoned green beans, baked acorn squash, apricot pineapple compote, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 9: Scalloped potatoes w ham, spinach salad w mandarin oranges, hard-boiled egg, mixed vegetables, sliced peaches ● Nov. 10: Black bean and tortilla casserole, steamed brown rice, whipped sweet potatoes, mixed fruit ● Nov. 11: Closed – Veterans Day ● Nov. 12: Macaroni and cheese, vegetable salad, asparagus, banana, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 13: Cream of potato

soup, tuna salad wrap, shredded romaine, lettuce and tomato slices, creamy coleslaw, cubed cantaloupe ● Nov. 16: Beef stew, green beans, salad w lite Italian, banana, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 17: Italian sausage, marinara sauce, spaghetti, broccoli, tossed salad, pears, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 18: Smothered chicken, cornbread stuffing, peas and carrots, cauliflower & broccoli, applesauce waldorf salad, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 19: Salmon patties, cream sauce, steamed brown rice w parsley, mixed vegetables, tangerine, raisin nut cup, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 20: Beef and broccoli stir fry, steamed brown rice, steamed carrots, pineapple tidbits, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 23: Spinach lasagna, green beans, tossed vegetables w lite Italian, banana, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 24: Dijon chicken, brown rice, broccoli florets, tossed vegetable salad, strawberries, raisin nut cup, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 25: roast turkey w gravy, cornbread stuffing, cauliflower broccoli mix, cranberry mold, pumpkin bar, trail mix, ww dinner roll ● Nov. 26: Closed – Thanksgiving ● Nov. 27: Closed – Thanksgiv-

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ing Observance ● Nov. 30: Pueblo beef stew w brown rice, cornbread, coleslaw, raisin nut cup, orange SALIDA AND BUENA VISTA ● Nov. 3: Oriental pepper chicken, brown rice, steamed broccoli spears, apple, fortune cookie, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 5: Chili relleno bake, corn & zucchini Mexicana, ww tortilla w salsa, tossed sald w lemon wedge, purple plums ● Nov. 6: Chicken & Noodles, seasoned green beans, baked acorn squash, apricot pineapple compote, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 10: Salisbury steak, brown gravy, smashed red potatoes, California mixed vegetables, nectarine, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 12: Macaroni and cheese, vegetable salad, asparagus, banana, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 13: Cream of potato soup, tuna salad wrap, shredded romaine lettuce & tomato slices, creamy coleslaw, cubed cantaloupe ● Nov. 17: White bean chicken chili, brown rice, cabbage w red pepper, banana, fortune cookie, ww bread ● Nov. 26: Closed – Thanksgiving ● Nov. 27: Closed – Thanksgiving Observance FLORENCE ● Nov. 3: Bratwurst on a bun w onions and cabbage, oven browned potatoes, peas and carrots, orange

Canon City (719) 345-4112 Salida (719) 539-3351

● Nov. 5: Chili relleno bake, corn and zucchini Mexicana, ww tortilla w salsa, tossed salad w lemon wedge, purple plums ● Nov. 6: Chicken & noodles, seasoned green beans, baked acorn squash, apricot pineapple compote, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 10: American lasagna, green beans, vegetable salad w lite Italian, banana, ww dinner roll ● Nov. 12: Macaroni and cheese, vegetable salad, asparagus, banana, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 13: Cream of potato soup, tuna salad wrap, shredded romaine lettuce and tomato slices, creamy coleslaw, cubed cantaloupe ● Nov. 17: Spaghetti and meat sauce, tossed salad w lite Italian, green beans, orange, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 19: Salmon patties, cream sauce, steamed brown rice w parsley, mixed vegetables, tangerine, raisin nut cup, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 20: Beef and broccoli stir fry, steamed brown rice, steamed carrots, pineapple tidbits, ww bread w butter ● Nov. 24: Roast turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing, cauliflower broccoli mix, cranberry mold, pumpkin bar, trail mix, ww dinner roll

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 15

SENIOR SAFETY

Pueblo Public Health Encourages Flu Shots PUEBLO HEALTH Officials in Pueblo stated the importance of getting an influenza (flu) vaccination to prevent the flu; having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could make you more susceptible to serious health complications. “This is an especially important year to get the flu vaccine—for yourself and for the people you love. It helps protect against influenza, a serious disease that can result in hospitalization and even death,” stated Zak Van Ooyen, RN, clinic manager at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. Flu vaccine is available in Pueblo. Public Health encourages people to check with their primary care physician or local pharmacy to get vaccinated. “You don’t want to be hospitalized with the flu ever, but it could be especially tough this year. Getting sick with flu and COVID-19 at the same time could lead to severe illness but getting vaccinated against the flu will help decrease the chances of this happening. If a lot of people get the flu vaccine this season, it will also help to decrease the burden on the hospitals so their resources can be used by those with severe cases of COVID-19,” explained Van Ooyen. Van Ooyen added, “As with COVID-19, if you get the flu you can spread it to other people who are close to you. Keeping yourself safe and healthy is a great way to care for people you know and love. “Everyone six months and older is encouraged to get their flu shot,” Van

This month’s Senior Safety Page is Proudly Sponsored byAMERICAN VEIN! Give them a call right away! And thank themfor sponsoring this valuable addition to the Senior Beacon!! Ooyen added, “Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination to build up protection, the sooner you get the vaccine the better. Even if you have been previously vaccinated for the flu, it is recommended to get vaccinated every year as the flu strains change each year. The vaccines are updated each year to reflect the flu strains circulating during the current flu season.” Although you cannot get influenza from the vaccine, common side effects from the flu shot include the following: Soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given Low-grade fever Headache Muscle aches While these symptoms may be bothersome, they are mild compared to having the flu. When you feel flu like symptoms, contact your doctor. Flu symptoms may include: Cough Sore Throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue (tiredness) Fever* or feeling feverish/chills (Not everyone with flu will have a fever.)

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Take three steps to prevent the flu: 1) Get your flu vaccine.

2) Take everyday actions to stop the spread of germs. 3) Stay home if you are sick with flu symptoms. Call your medical provider to see if anti-viral drugs would be helpful and take all the medicine medical providers prescribe. For additional information about influenza prevention visit pueblohealth.org.

Leg Cramps Cramping Your Style

The Need GoldenVolunteer Age Center continues!! We Drivers! Fremont Transit is still open and running. We can get The County Golden Shuttle/Fremont County

residents to appointments or to the grocery store. Drivers are Transit taking every precaution andProgram sanitizing ourhas vehicles frequently.

Drivers and passengers are required to wear a mask they are expanded service to Florence andwhile Penrose in a vehicle. Also, we are looking for volunteer drivers. If you are whichstoprequires more interested, by and talk to our Director, Jamie Ellis for more information. drivers. Also, we are still providing grab-n-go meals. Just call 719-345-3064, the day you would like to receive a meal. If you would like to receive our newsletter via email, Call 275-5177 if you are send an email to newsletter@theccgac.com requesting to be added. We’ll get you on the email list. D UE TO interested. THE INCREASE IN COVID CASES, ALL ACTIVITIES/SMALL GROUPS/BINGO THE GAC ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. No special AT license needed.

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Page 16 - Senior Beacon - November 2020

REELING

SHERLOCK’S YOUNG SISTER BECOMES SUPER SLEUTH

n the delightfully entertaining ENOLA HOLMES, a courageous teenage girl in Victorian England invites us to follow her adventures as she solves two mysteries and discovers her true destiny. Played to the hilt by talented Millie Bobby Brown of “Stranger Things,” Enola talks directly to the audience, so we empathize with her right away. We become her confidantes. Plus, the splendid period costumes, cinematography, and location scenes help give the movie a “you-are-there” feel. For full disclosure, I should mention how much I enjoy all things Sherlock Holmes – from the wonderful stories by Arthur Conan Doyle to the various films and television series focusing on this fictional detective. I even accept Lucy Liu as Watson in TV’s

COURAGEOUS TEENAGE GIRL TAKES VIEWERS ON NEW ADVENTURES BETTY JO TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic

“Elementary” series. So it’s no problem for me to believe Sherlock had a young sister. And, of course, she would be intelligent, curious, resourceful and determined, just like one of her famous brothers. And speaking of those brothers, this movie includes two splendid actors: Henry Cavill (“Night Hunter”) as Sherlock and Sam Claflin (“Me Before You”) as Mycroft. Sherlock and Mycroft haven’t seen Enola for many years, but Sherlock shows more interest in her than Mycroft does. Other key characters are portrayed by excellent cast members. Helena Bonham Carter (“Alice in Wonderland”) stands out as the mysterious mother. Louis Partridge (“Paddington 2”) shines as young Lord Tewksbury. Susan Wokoma (“Burn Burn Burn”) makes a convincing self-defense instructor, and Frances la de la Tour (“Hugo”) turns in an intriguing performance in her small-

Enola Holmes, Sherlock’s young sis, can think and fight like a brave wiz. Trained by their mom, she knows a lot. Yet where in the world is her spot? Left by her mom, she must find her. This mystery becomes a lure.. But on the way she meets a boy who then goes missing. What a ploy! A boarding school, Mycroft insists. But Enola strongly resists. Freedom she craves to be a sleuth. She entertains us. That’s the truth. Directed by Harry Bradbeer (TV’s “Fleabag”) and adapted by Jack Thorne (“Wonder”) from the YA novel “The Case of the Missing Marquess” by Nancy Springer, “Enola Holmes” gives viewers two fascinating mysteries for Enola to solve. They both involve a big political change for England. The plot ties them together nicely, and we want Enola to succeed despite the obstacles in her way, including a dangerous man who seems to be following her everywhere no matter how many costume changes she makes to disguise her identity. With its exciting action, colorful characters, suspenseful situations and a new hero (or is it shero now?) to cheer for, “Enola Holmes” should be the beginning of a fun film franchise. Something good is afoot! (Released by Netflix and rated PG-13 by MPAA.)

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 17

THE WELL-DRESSED GARDEN

Gardening By Design PLANS AND AMBITIOUS

lists of plants are the stuff of a gardener's winter dreams. Getting it all sorted out by springtime can be a challenge, but you can take a shortcut with MARTY ROSS a preplanned Freelance garden garden. journalist and Confidence is syndicated gardening columnist your first crop when you plant a flower garden according to a well-made plan. Expert designs, and the plants to go with them, take the guesswork out of garden layout and eliminate the exasperation of walking around the yard with a plant in your hand, not knowing quite where it should go. When you buy a preplanned garden, you'll still have to dig a few holes next spring, but you will not have to second-guess yourself. Preplanned gardens are first and foremost designed "to help people who just don't know where to start," says Jan Boonstra Pavlinak of Bluestone Perennials, who designed 10 can't-miss perennial flower gardens for Bluestone's catalog. The company's preplanned gardens, first offered in the 1990s, came about because "it can be quite overwhelming to be faced with more than a thousand varieties of plants" in a mail-order catalog, Pavlinak says, and "we want people to have success -- to like gardening." The elements of garden design can be intimidating even for experienced gardeners. The art of choosing and placing plants for

long-term success calls for more beautiful but voracious wildlife. customers, allowing them to plant than some experience with a color High Country Gardens, which a professionally designed garden wheel. Designers put the puzzle offers 20 preplanned designs and with a paint-by-numbers format," pieces of a beautiful garden togeth- the plants to go with them, introsays David Salman, the company's er by considering color, form and duced a water-wise garden design, texture, and taking the mature sizes with 27 drought-resistant plants, in chief horticulturist. of plantings into account. Unlike paint-by-number pictures, the late 1990s. They know which plants belong "It clearly struck a chord with these gardens are full of life. at the back of a border to create a backdrop or screen, and which charmers should be up front, where you can enjoy their forms and fragrances as you come and go. Designers also 1. People seem to mumble 6. You no longer hear normal household have learned to steer more frequently sounds such as the dripping of a faucet clear of invasive garor the doorbell 2. You hear, but have den thugs, and they trouble understanding 7. You have trouble hearing when have the skill and your back is turned to the speaker 3. You often ask people to repeat experience to choose what they have said 8. You have been told that you speak plants that will contoo loudly tribute a succession 4. You find telephone conversation of color through the increasingly difficult 9. You experience ringing in your ears gardening season. 5. Your family complains that you play 10. You have diffuculty understanding when Professionally the radio or TV too loud in a large group or crowd preplanned gardens take all these things If you can answer yes to any one of these, please call one of into consideration our offices for your FREE consultation. and solve a lot of existing problems, Dr. Bill Herholtz III, CCC-A, F-AAA too. Owner and Founder Dr. Herholtz is a third generation audiologist and was Southern Colorado’s first Doctor of Audiology. He Plants chosen for holds a Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Florida where he graduated with honors and a rain-garden designs Master’s of Science in Audiology from Arizona State University, and he completed his undergraduate help channel and studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Dr. Herholtz also attended Cheyenne Mountain High School here in Colorado Springs. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss with an absorb stormwaemphasis in fitting the most advanced digital hearing instruments from the best manufacturers in the ter; pollinator and world. With three generations of knowledge, twenty years of experience and a Doctorate in Audiology, butterfly gardens are you can rest assured you will receive excellent hearing care combined with good old fashioned service. colorful sources of NOW SERVING PATIENTS William F. DeHaan III, BC-HIS nectar and food for ON W. COLORADO Hearing Instrument Specialist William F. DeHaan III (Bill) is a second beneficial insects. Dr. Anneke Lee, Audiologist generation Nationally Board Certified Dr. Anneke Lee, audiologist, holds a Plans for deer-reHearing Instrument Specialist. He has doctorate of audiology from A.T. Still sistant gardens a Bachelor of Science from the University University. She also holds a Master of of Colorado at Boulder and is a graduate Science in Audiology from Colorado emphasize plants of Cheyenne Mountain High School. Mr. State University. Dr. Lee has been that deer don't like DeHaan has been running hearing clinics practicing audiology in Colorado -- so you can have a in Colorado for over 17 years. He Springs since 1993. She concentrates concentrates on the diagnois and on the diagnosis and treatment of flower bed that isn't treatment of hearing lossand tinnitus. In addition, Mr. DeHaan hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders. Dr. Lee was diagnosed simply a buffet for with a hearing impairment at the age of 25 and wears hearing aids. specializes in dispensing the latest digital hearing instruments from

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SENIOR CLASSIFIEDS

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 19

SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU

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

Social Security Benefits Raise 1.3% for 2021 SOCIAL SECURITY AND

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3 percent in 2021, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2020. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits). The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average

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wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $142,800 from $137,700. Security and SSI beneficiaries are normally notified by mail starting in early December about their new benefit amount. Most people who receive Security payments will be able to view their COLA notice online through their personal my Security account. People may create or access their my Security account online at www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Information about Medicare changes for 2021, when announced, will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, Social Security will not be able to compute their new benefit amount until after the Medicare premium amounts for 2021

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term impact of extremely low annual inflation adjustments, according to a new analysis from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). This analysis comes as the Social Security Administration announced today that the 2021 cost – of - living adjustment COLA will be just 1.3 percent, making it one of the lowest ever paid. Read about the inflation adjustment on Page 1.

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Page 20 - Senior Beacon - November 2020 SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU Question: I was turned down for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); can I appeal the decision? Answer: You can appeal a decision made on your SSI claim. Learn more about appealing a decision, including how to submit your appeal online, at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/appeal. html. Question: What is a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)? Answer: A PASS helps Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability beneficiaries return to work. It is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business. In it, you identify: • The job or business (this is your work goal); • The steps you will take and the things you will need in order to achieve your work goal (for example: education or training, transportation, child care, or assistive technology); • The money you will use to pay for these things (this may be any income (other than SSI benefits) or assets, such as Social Security benefits, wages from a current job, or savings); and • A timetable for achieving your goal. For more information, visit our publication on the subject at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

Question: I am trying to save up for a truck. I have $1,200 in the bank now and need a little more. How much cash can I have in the bank without affecting my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility? Answer: The resource limit is $2,000. Unless you have other valuable resources, this means you could save up to $2,000 before you would become ineligible for SSI. We generally do not count your primary car, the home you live in or certain amounts set aside for burial expenses as resources. In some cases, if the vehicle you’re saving for is part of a plan to return to work, you can have higher resources — but Social Security would need to approve your plan in order to exclude those resources. For more information, you can visit our webpage about SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi. Question: What are the rules for getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? I’m thinking about applying based on my disability. Answer: To be eligible to receive SSI benefits, you must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older and have limited income and resources. I ncome is money you receive such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income also includes the value of such things as food and shelter you receive from others. Resources are

things you own such as real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Learn more by reading our publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Question: What are the limits on what I can own to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Answer: You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Social Security counts real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds toward the limits on what you can own. If you own property you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it. Social Security does not count everything you own in deciding whether you have too many resources to qualify for SSI. For example, we generally do not count: the home you live in and the land it is on; life insurance policies with a face value of $1,500 or less; your car; burial plots for you and immediate family; and up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse. Learn more about SSI at www. socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

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Question: I'm going to visit relatives outside the country for two weeks. Can I still get Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) payments while I'm there? Answer: Your SSI usually will stop if you leave the United States for 30 consecutive days or more. Since you are going to be away

for only two weeks, your SSI should not be affected. However, it's important that you tell Social Security the date you plan to leave and the date you plan to come back. Then we can let you know whether your SSI will be affected. For more information, visit www. socialsecurity.gov or call our tollfree number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Question: Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments paid only to disabled or blind people? Answer: No. In addition to people with disabilities or blindness, SSI payments can be made to people who are age 65 or older and have limited income and financial resources. For more information, read our publication, Supplemental Security Income, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/11000.html. Question: My daughter receives SSI and child support from her father. Does the child support have to be reported? Answer: Yes. The child support your daughter receives is countable income for SSI purposes. As with any income received for an individual or a parent, if the child is under 18, it needs to be reported to your local Social Security office. For more information regarding the SSI program, please visit www. socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/ssi. html. Question: My child receives SSI. He will be 18 in a few months. Will his SSI payments continue after he turns 18? Answer: When a child who is on SSI turns 18, we conduct both a medical and a non-medical review to see if they are still eligible for SSI payments. If the child continues to meet the

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SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU income and resource requirements, and is still considered to be disabled under the adult disability rules, then payment continues. For more information, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/textcdrs-ussi.htm. Question: My son was approved for SSI by an administrative law judge (ALJ). My local Social Security office told me to set up a dedicated account for his back pay. What is a dedicated account? Are there any restrictions on how I can use these funds? Answer: A dedicated account is necessary when the child’s back pay amount exceeds 6 months of benefits. No funds other than past due SSI benefits may be placed in the account. The funds in this account are restricted to certain uses such as medical treatment and education or job skills training. Additionally, funds may be used for other items related to the child’s impairment such as in-home nursing care, special equipment, housing modification, and other therapy or rehabilitation services. Funds may not be used for basic monthly expenses like food, clothing, and shelter expenses. For more information regarding dedicated accounts, contact your local Social Security office. Question: My daughter gets SSI benefits. I just got married. Does my spouse’s

income affect my daughter’s payment as a stepparent? Answer: Yes. A stepparent’s income and resources count as long as the step parent lives in the home. Some income does not count, such as Department of Veterans Affairs’ pensions, foster care payments for an ineligible child, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Additionally, excludible resources such as a home and a single vehicle used for transportation do not count. For more information, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/ spotlights/spot-deeming.htm.

Question: My son receives SSI payments and I have to report my wages each month. How can I do that? Answer: There are multiple ways to report wages to the Social Security Administration. The easiest way to report wages if you have access to a smart phone is by using our SSI Mobile Wage Reporting (SSIMWR) app. This app can be downloaded and installed for free through the iTunes Store or Google Play, depending upon your device. Also, you may report wages through the SSI Telephone Wage Reporting (SSITWR) system.

If you are interested in using either of these options, contact your local office to make sure you are eligible to report wages through these programs. If you cannot report through either the SSIMWR or the SSITWR, you may also mail, fax, or bring proof of your wages into your local Social Security office. For more information about wage reporting, please visit www. socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/ spot-telephone-wage.htm.

Question: My child is disabled, but when I applied for SSI, I was told that my child was ineligible because my spouse and I earned too much money? Why does our income make my child ineligible? Answer: If a child is living with either their natural or adopted parents, then some of the income that the parents earn deems to the child. We use these amounts to determine whether or not your child meets the non-medical requirements for SSI. For more information regarding the deeming process, please visit www. socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-deeming.htm.

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Page 22 - Senior Beacon - November 2020 ART

Glass Art Display Delights New Visitors ONE OF OUR favorite things is to have visitors from out of state who have never been to Pueblo before. Usually these are people who see our Inspiration glass show billboard on I-25 by Beacon Hill. They may have seen Dale Chihuly’s work elsewhere, or just want to visit an art museum. This gives our frontline staff to extol the many things to do in town, recommend restaurants, or simply give directions. If you haven’t been in to see the glass art, don’t worry. Inspiration is here until May 8 of next year. For the latest information visit www.sdc-arts.org.

Now in the galleries: Inspiration: Dale Chihuly, James Mongrain and Vintage Venetian Glass From The George R. Stroemple Collection | Through May 8, 2021 Difficult History: Owning the Myth of the West | Through November 7 Sean O’Meallie: Line + Shape + Color + Noise | Through January 17, 2021 Kim Mackey | Through – January 17 Glass Art from Around the Region | Through – May 8, 2021 A Spirit of Tradition | Through December 6

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In the Buell Children’s Museum: Celebrate Halloween & Day of the Dead | October 27 – November 7 Adventures in Art: From Pyramids to Printing Presses | Through January 9, 2021 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. Timed tickets must be purchase in advance. Visit online at www.sdc-arts.org, or call 719-295-7200.

◀ FROM MISSING, PAGE 1 hold harmless include higher income beneficiaries, beneficiaries who have not started Social Security yet and who pay for Medicare by check, and about 19% of beneficiaries whose incomes are so low that their state Medicaid program pays their Medicare Part B premiums on their behalf. A provision of a recently enacted government spending bill restricts Part B premium increases in 2021. The bill caps the Part B premium increase for next year at the 2020 amount plus 25% of the difference between the 2020 amount and a preliminary amount for 2021. The preliminary amount would be calculated the same way that it would have been without the bill but would prevent dramatic increases that may have occurred as a result of Medicare Part B premiums growing when the COLA is so low.

While restricting a potential Part B spike in any given year is good news for beneficiaries, the problem itself isn’t going away any time soon. “Unless Congress acts to boost Social Security benefits and finds a better way to adjust benefits for growing Medicare costs, this problem will continue occur with greater frequently in the future,” says Johnson. “This approach of imposing future premium repayments doesn’t fix the problem — it’s like a payday loan. It just makes the premiums grow faster later, and the problem is triggered again the next time when COLAs are extremely low,” Johnson says. The Senior Citizens League is working to get legislation introduced that would provide an emergency COLA of 3 percent in 2021. To learn more, visit www.SeniorsLeague. org.

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November 2020 - Senior Beacon - Page 23

OPINION-EDITORIAL

DAVID SHRIBMAN

Insert his title here when you finally get it down

THIS ELECTION REALLY IS DIFFERENT JOHN F. KERRY, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Donald J. Trump and Joseph R. Biden Jr. all agree: The election they contested was the most important of our lifetime. That phrase is getting considerable attention these days, in part because it has been repeated so often, because it creates urgency, because it may promote bigger voter turnout, and because this time, it might actually be true. In the case of Kerry, Romney, Obama, Clinton, Trump and Biden, it surely is true, at least for them. Their campaigns were the most important of their lifetimes: more important for Kerry, for example, than his 1982 campaign for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, and more important for Obama than his 1996 state-legislative campaign in the 13th senatorial district of Illinois. But how about us?

This election surely is important. With a pandemic raging through its third deadly phase; with a disrupter president seeking a second term; with the American role in international trade, relations and institutions unsettled; with grave divisions seeming to widen in the population; with the manners on the national stage an issue at the household dinner table; and with the American tradition of the orderly transfer of power perhaps facing its biggest challenge since 1877 if not since 1801, there are big stakes involved in this election. Some commentators argue that we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whether this is the most important election of our lifetime, or of our national history, until many decades have passed. That argument might have applied to the 2004 and 2008 contests. There was, in those contests, no likelihood that the country might veer off established paths or repudiate generations-long customs, no matter who won. This election is different. Both Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supporters (who see long-overdue changes in priority and tone in the presidency) and his detractors (who see grave dangers in the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conduct and policies) agree that America since 2017 has become a different place. The presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supporters want four more years of these changes, believing they will transform the country in a positive way. His detractors agree that four more years would transform the United States, but in a wholly negative and tragic way. We â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Trump supporters and de-

tractors alike â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are fully aware of this now. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to wait another decade to understand the significance of the election. This is not a Zhou Enlai moment; the late Chinese leader often is remembered for being asked the effect of the 1789 French Revolution or, possibly, the 1968 student rebellions, and to have said that it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;too early to say.â&#x20AC;? In this case, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too early to say. There are a handful of elections that were, in the phrase historians sometimes apply, â&#x20AC;&#x153;critical.â&#x20AC;? One was 1800, when Thomas Jefferson defeated President John Adams, because it showed that an incumbent executive could be toppled and, moreover, that he would surrender the presidency peacefully,

establishing the U.S. as perhaps the only revolutionary regime that has ever respected a formal opposition. Another might have been 1896, representing the ascendancy of a new kind of Republican leader who was, in the title of Robert W. Merryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biography of the 25th president, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;architect of the American century.â&#x20AC;? Sometimes the 1968 election is cited for Richard Nixonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Southern Strategy,â&#x20AC;? but he lost the entire Deep South except for South Carolina. As for the election of Obama, the first Black president, the political historian Susan Barsy characterized that as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the critical election that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.â&#x20AC;?

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