SENIOR BEACON OCTOBER 2023

Committed To Southern Colorado Seniors For 42 Years And Counting

Senior

Beacon **OCT/NOV 2023 EDITION**

Established February 1982

**LOCAL OPINION** Proposition HH Will Steal Your TABOR Money About the only thing

**LOCAL NEWS** 12TH ANNUAL SENIOR CONNECTION SHOW, NOVEMBER 6 PUEBLO-- The popular Senior Connection Show, for active seniors... and anyone planning to become one... will be held at Sangre de Cristo Performing Arts Center on Monday, November 6. Meet us at the ballroom at 240 N Santa Fe Avenue and take the elevators to the ballroom. You will have both an informative and entertaining morning.

We have a full slate of business information just for seniors, door prizes, entertainment and a free dessert bar. Parking is free and plentiful. It’s an open house between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm but come early to enjoy all the vendors, prizes, on stage action and desserts!

Seniors on Stage features short entertainment sets by senior citizens with all types of talents.

CATO Fashions are sponsoring the 10 am fall fashion show. Want to try your hand at modeling? All sizes needed and no experience necessary. Call Denise at 505-892-6047.

Mariachi singer Lorena Tapia will entertain at 11 am. The closing act on stage at noon is

I write about more than once is grandkids. Even then, it’s usually because a different one of the four kiddos said something cute. It’s all so cute. But this time returning to the same topic is serious business.

I was covering a meeting about a week ago and one of the members of the board I was covering, mentioned proposition HH, which will be on the November ballot, as a possible help. It won’t be. In fact, as I shared several months ago in the Viewpoint it will cost you every single TABOR dollar you or anyone in the state of Colorado will ever get.

It is a scam and a ruse to steal your TABOR money. It is NOT a property tax reduction. Property tax may go UP less but it is because they are keeping your TABOR refunds forever.

The bill if passed would refer Proposition HH to voters, who would decide whether to reduce Taught byproperty Senior Beacon residential tax assessment columnist Ronrates Phillips from 7.15% to 6.7% SEE CONNECT, PAGE 18 in 2023 and 2024. call the Pueblo That’s less than a half West Library percent. here’s the deal. to So, RSVP This is all in the 2023 Ballot information booklet. For state budget year 2023-24 100% educational an estimated $60 miland informative lion will be refunded to taxpayers through an existing property tax mechanism as a

"If You're 50 Or Over You Should Read It!" Vol. 42:9

Welcome to the Election & Candidates Issue **LOCAL CANDIDATE** WHY AM I RUNNING:

OCTOBER 9 and 10

MY NAME IS

INCREASE your

AND I’M A CAN-

f i n a n cia l

PLEASE PASS THIS PAPER ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY

SECURITY--

▶

562-5662

▶ SEE TABOR PAGE 18

501 Consecutive Months!

ROGER GOMEZ… DIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4… AND I MIGHT JUST BE THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN PUEBLO POLITICS. WHY? BECAUSE…UNLIKE MY OPPONENT.

“For me, it’s not about the money, but the opportunity to improve the quality of life for others.”

Tony Baros • Owner + Caretaker

Call Us Today:

Se Habla

(719) 250-2354 Español

Non-medical Home Care & Recreational Activities

**LOCAL

VICENTE ORTEGA,I AM A VERY

REPRESENTATIVE**

CONTENTED MAN. I HAVE NO

Politics...As Usual: Coloradans

DESIRE FOR MONEY, NOR DO I WANT OR NEED TO ACQUIRE INFLUENCE OR POWER. IT'S SIM-

Left in the Dark

By Representative Ty Winter, Trinidad

PLE, I AM A STRONG ADVOCATE

According to the Colorado State to be in- Home C FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND CIVIC Statute, bills are requiredNon-medical troduced within the first few weeks of the legislative session Recreational unless they Activitie SEE ROGER, PAGE 18 have been approved by House and Senate leadership to have a late or delayed introduction. The introduction deadlines ensure transparency, allowing stakeholders to provide indispensable feedback. Introducing a highly controversial bill the last week of session prompted people to question whether some in the legislature wish to be voices of the people, or puppets to the Polis administration.

▶

SB23-303 Reduce Property Tax-

▶ SEE WINTER, PAGE 19

Find SENIOR BEACON at many Grocers, Thrift Stores, and Restaurants

Page 2 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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FINANCE

New Study Shows Everyone Hates Using Passwords (NAPSI)—Most people are well aware of the shortcomings of passwords. Generally, they just don’t deliver the level of security and convenience you expect.

They can be weak, prone to theft and loss, and just a major source of frustration.

In fact, a recent Aware study suggests these levels of frustration have hit a whole new threshold. Uniformly across age demographics, research shows that around 30 percent of users are incredibly frustrated when they have to undergo a password reset process. And, while people of all ages are similarly irritated with the length and complexity requirements of passwords, those in the “rush hour of life,” generally considered to be 25-45, report higher levels of frustration than any other age group.

Age Matters This study also reveals some interesting generational differences with regards to acceptance of new authentication options such as biometrics. Compared to members of the Baby Boomer generation, millennials and respondents in generations X and Z, are more than twice as likely to be comfortable adopting biometrics. The younger respondents were, the more willing they would be to implement facial recognition to protect their accounts; almost double the number of 18-to-24-year-olds indicated a willingness to use the technology compared to Baby Boomers.

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Big On Biometrics Despite these differences, people as a whole seem receptive to using biometric authentication. Over half, regardless of age bracket, said they’d replace passwords with biometrics for activities such as ecommerce, online banking and social media. Almost half of respondents said they’d also do so for online government services. Additionally, across all age brackets, the majority of users said the ability to sign up for a new service with their biometric identity made them more likely to use that service.

So what’s it going to take to get everyone to do away with outdated passwords and get on board with biometrics? Public education goes a long way; it’s important to ensure that every generation understands the benefits and protections around this kind of data, especially as biometric security becomes more and more commonplace. In many cases, biometric data is deleted within milliseconds after being used.

Even in cases where it’s stored, images are broken down into bits so small that hackers wouldn’t be able to make a composite image to access personal information.

And, of course, commercial services can’t use your biometrics without consent.

While there aren’t many issues that can prompt agreement over generational divides, it’s pretty clear that passwords are a universal source of frustration. It’s hoped as data indicates, those ▶ SODUKU ANSWERS ▶ GAMES ON PAGE 14 frustrations will subside as biometric authentication becomes a more popular and convenient option.

Learn More For further facts and tips, visit www. aware.com.

“Call me today for a free market analysis of your home!”

Marlene Berrier, Realtor

#1 2017, 2018, 2019 RE/MAX of Pueblo West, inc.

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719-547-8135

Proven Success with over $19 Million in real estate sales in 2022!

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NEWSPAPERS ARE DEAD: LONG LIVE NEWSPAPERS!

recognition, reputation management, and loss prevention.

By Dorothy York, President and CEO of North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS)

1- Connect With Consumers On Their Terms: Reach your target audiences wherever they may be, at just the right time and in just the right place.

The emergence of a vast array of digital channels has made printed newspapers stronger.

While many newspapers have lost market share, been bought out, merged into chains of newspapers, or have gone out of business, others have been reborn, rebranded, reinvented themselves, or have started up as new ventures, product line extensions, or resurfaced with new owners.

Many small business owners reach customers and prospects via online channels such as social media, and use more traditional channels such as newsletters or direct mail. Community newspapers are all supported by local advertisers, mostly small businesses, who have determined that there is a competitive rate of return on their ad spend with printed media.

Using a combination of print and digital channels helps to move inventory for a higher price and with less time on the market. Advertisers evaluate their success on the basis of a variety of factors, which can be traced back to the specific medium used to generate responses, including increase in sales volume, leads generated, direct response by email, phone or filling out a form online, store traffic, and some more intangible effects such as brand loyalty, brand

Here are some benefits of ad budgets with a combination of print and digital media channels:

2- Earn Trust: Printed newspapers offer the most trusted form of advertising. You can drive readers of newspapers, and their friends and family members, who they share news with, to your online assets where they can engage and interact with you directly. For those who read both in print and online, you can get reinforcement of your message by having it appear in more than one place or multiple places.

3- More Metrics For Deeper Analysis: When you use an integrated marketing approach, you have more methods of analyzing what is working and what isn’t, to help you refine your plan.

Some like to include unique identifying information in each form of outreach, for a more detailed and comprehensive analysis. For example, you can try using trackable links or unique landing pages, special offers, and unique email addresses, or phone numbers.

4- Extend Your Reach: Millennials tend to spend more time online than Boomers, who tend to prefer printed newspapers, and the two groups are not mutually exclusive, as they share information with each other. By using a combination of channels, you have a much better chance of reaching a larger audience.

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

By covering newspapers in print, you get more of an online presence as well, because most newspapers offer an online version of the printed publication, including a pdf, which is an exact replica. Newspapers have social media channels for easy sharing.

You can capture audiences in print to help build a following on your social and digital channels.

The printed word will always command a higher ad rate than online advertising, for the equivalent amount of space, due to the likelihood that it will be seen.

Visibility of information in a printed newspaper is generally higher because it is more likely to get read cover to cover in a short time than some sites which have many more pages, which can be added at little or no cost, whereas print is limited by the cost to print and mail. Some sites of newspapers have thousands of pages per day, offering news from a variety of external sources.

OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 3

Senior Connection

210 N. Santa Fe Ave (Follow signs to the Elevator)

Monday, November 6th

SENIORS ON STAGE 10 am—CATO Fall Fashion Show 11 am—Mariachi Singer Lorena Tapia

Noon—Country Queens by Cat Connor 1 pm—Sweets for Seniors

Vendors with products and services for today’s Seniors

Roulette Wheel

For Door Prizes!

Print is not dead. It is a highly valuable segment of any marketing portfolio which will continue to evolve, redesign, innovate and prosper. There are thousands of community newspapers that are saturation mailers, offering the opportunity for reaching everyone in a given community. Small towns are the backbone of our civilization, with tightly knit communities that share information, found in newspapers, with their niche groups.

SUPPLEMENT YOUR DENTAL CARE ROUTINE

Sangre De Cristo Performing Arts Center

Smile In tandem with brushing, flossing and consistent trips to the dentist, these six supplements (NAPSI)—Brushing and flossing can jump start an even healthier are the main tricks of the trade for smile: maintaining a healthy smile, but Calcium: Calcium helps more if you want to expand your dental than just your bones—it can help health from the inside out, you may your teeth too. While calcium want to consider nutritional supple- is found in dairy products, fish, ments. vegetables and nuts, you can also “Most people can obtain all the take calcium as a supplement if necessary vitamins and minerals you have roadblocks to accessing from a balanced diet, but for some, calcium-rich foods. supplements can be helpful as Phosphorus: Phosphorus aids in nutrition deficiencies can lead to calcium absorption into the body, conditions such as inflammation helping to strengthen teeth by and tooth loss if left untreated for protecting and rebuilding tooth too long,” said Kiran Malhi, DMD, enamel. Many people get enough a dental consultant for Delta Dental phosphorus in their diets through of Washington. meat, fish, milk and whole grains, Six Suggestions For A Stronger but it is available in supplement

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Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps in saliva production, which is beneficial to your overall oral health.

Saliva functions in breaking down foods and cleans bacteria between teeth. The vitamin is found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables, fish and eggs.

Vitamin A tablets and gummies are widely available and also keep eyes and skin healthy.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps your gums as well as your teeth, keeping connective tissues in the gums strong to hold teeth in place while deficiencies in vitamin C can be the cause of bleeding gums and gum disease.

Chewable or liquid forms of vitamin C are erosive, however,

and can cause the loss of enamel if taken in excess, though they’re safe at the recommended dosage. Vitamin C is present in many fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D protects against oral health conditions such as gingival inflammation, cavities and gum disease, as it plays a significant role in tooth mineralization. Like calcium, vitamin D can be found in fish or vitamin D-fortified foods like milk and cereal, but for convenience, it is available in supplement form.

Zinc: Zinc can eliminate cavity-causing bacteria and control demineralization.

The vitamin can also help with gum diseases such as gingivitis and other common periodontal problems. A bonus is that zinc helps fight bad breath. w For additional information about how to get and maintain a healthy smile, visit www.deltadentalwa.com/blog.

Page 4 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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Why Not Give a Shout Out to A PLACE AT HOME? Give Them a Call!

OCTOBER 9 Senior and 10 In-Home Focused Care

IN-HOME CARE • CARE COORDINATION • SENIOR LIVING ALTERNATIVES INCREASE your

f i n a n cia l

SECURITY--

OUR MISSION

To Be Passionate Professionals Providing the Compassionate Care Solutions You Need, Where and When You Need Us.

“For me, it’s not about the money, but the opportunity to improve the quality of life for others.”

Tony Baros • Owner + Caretaker

Call Us Today:

Se Habla

(719) 250-2354 Español

Non-medical Home Care & Recreational Activities

Scan to learn more and schedule a free consultation Taught by Senior Beacon columnist Ron Phillips

Non-medical Home Ca Recreational Activities

call the Pueblo

Connections Café Menu October 2023 • 719-561-1111 Drive • Pueblo, CO 81008 Mannor 4023 Club West Library to RSVP Monday

u substitus may ocwithout noClients are sed to keep day supply onshable ds and botwater in r home in event of inment weathr other rgencies may cause mporary pension of vice.

Tuesday Wednesday 562-5662

Thursday

Friday

3 2 4 Pork Chop w/ Chicken Cordon Meatballs (Pork & educational Country Gravy Bleu, Roasted 100% Beef) w/ Marinara informative Mashed Potatoes & Pasta Sweet Potatoes and Succotash w/ Dates and Broccoli nuts, Peas & Car- Apple & Milk Banana & Milk rots Orange & Milk 9 Indigenous 10 11 Peoples’ Day Beef Pot Pie w Cheese Ravioli Buttermilk Succotash Silver Key Closed Biscuit WW Roll w/ Lima Beans Butter Apple & Milk Diced Mango Milk

5 Breaded Chicken w/ Lettuce, Onion & Tomato Bun w/ Mayo Carrots Diced Pears & Milk

6 Beef Tips Mashed Potatoes Brussel Sprouts Apple & Milk

12 Beef Tacos w/ Spiced Pinto Beans Applesauce Milk

13 Chicken Alfredo With Penne Pasta Peas Tropical Fruit Milk

16 Southwestern Chicken Spanish rice Pinto beans Orange & Milk

17 Chef’s Choice

18 Chicken Chimichanga Spanish Rice Black Beans Banana & Milk

19 Slow Roasted Beef, Mashed Potatoes Peas Orange & Milk

20 Riblets Baked Beans Potato Salad Applesauce Milk

23 Beef Chili w/ Cheese Baked Potato w/ Sour Cream Orange & Milk

24 Cheese Tortellini w/ Meat Marinara Pea & carrots Pear & Milk

25 BBQ Beef Sandwich Corn, Green Beans, Coleslaw Diced Mango Milk

26 Chicken Piccata with Pasta, Winter Blend Vegetables, Cherry Cobbler Milk

27 Tuna Casserole Roasted Butternut Squash Pear Milk

30 Chicken & Dumplings Broccoli Strawberry Apple Sauce, Cookie & Milk

31 Goulash Green Beans Almandine Apple Milk

We value your feedback!!

At the end of the month, return your menu to your café specialist and write in a 1-3 rank on the day’s entree.

1=Don’t love it; 2=It’s Good; 3=LOVE it!

SILVER KEY SENIOR SERVICES | 719-884-2300 / www.SilverKey.org

er Key Senior Services | 719-884-2300 | www.silverkey.org

Menu substitutions may occur without notice. Clients are advised to keep a 3-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water in the event ofinclement weather or other emergencies that may cause a temporary suspension of service.

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 5

SRDA MENU: 2023 MEALS ON WHEELS SRDA MEALS ON WHEELS MENU October. 2023

MONDAY

2-Oct

Brunswick Stew (17) Mixed Vegetables (13) Garlic & Chedder Biscuit (19) Chilled Apricots (15) Oatmeal Cookie Milk (12) Calories: 800 Carbs: 104g Fiber: 13g Protein: 48g Fat: 28g Sodium: 810mg

9-Oct

TUESDAY

3-Oct

Marinated Chicken (2) Roasted Red Potatoes (17) Brussel Sprouts Italian Vegetable Toss (17) Berry Cobbler (33) Milk (12) Calories: 750 Carbs: 87g Fiber: 12g Protein: 38g Fat: 31g Sodium: 660mg

10-Oct

Sloppy Joe Sandwich (19) on Hamburger Bun (27) German Potato Salad (17) Broccoli Mandarin Oranges (25) Milk (12) Calories: 725 Carbs: 97g No Meal Service Today Fiber: 11g frozen meal to be delivered on 10/6 Protein: 38g Fat: 25g Sodium: 1065mg

16-Oct

WEDNESDAY

4-Oct

Beef Tacos w/ Corn Tortillas (17) Tomato Cilantro Corn Salad (18) Pinto Beans (20) Pozole (10) Sliced Oranges (8) Milk (12) Calories: 660 Carbs: 82g Fiber: 13g Protein: 41g Fat: 24g Sodium: 910mg

11-Oct

Chicken Scallopini (5) Rice Pilaf (17) Asparagus Veg Florentine Soup (13) Apple Fruit Cup (12) Milk (12) / Crackers (5)

17-Oct

Calories: 735 Carbs: 85g Fiber: 10g Protein: 37g Fat: 30g Sodium: 895mg

18-Oct

THURSDAY

5-Oct

Shepard's Pie (30) Seasoned Spinach (5) Corn O'Brien (12) Diced Peaches(15) Confetti Birthday Cake (40) Milk (12) Calories: 850 Carbs: 105g Fiber: 9g Protein: 38g Fat: 32g Sodium: 975mg

12-Oct

FRIDAY

Calories: 920 Carbs: 159g Fiber: 13g Protein: 41g Fat: 17g Sodium: 380mg*

Chicken Tarragon (6) Penne Pasta (16) Garden Vegetables (5) Side Salad (5) /Crackers (5) Fresh Apple (22) Milk (12) / Italian Dressing (2) Calories: 815 Carbs: 91g Fiber: 10g Protein: 46g Fat: 33g Sodium: 620mg

Red Beans and Rice (19) Seasoned Spinach (5) Hot Fruit Compote (21) Cornbread w/ margarine (42) Side Salad w/ vingigrette (5) Milk (12) Calories: 735 Carbs: 104g Fiber: 10g Protein: 25g Fat: 30g Sodium: 905mg Chicken Parmesan (16) Pasta w/ maranara (36) Brussel Sprouts (11) Dinner Roll w/Margarine (22) Cinnamon Apple Slices (19)

French Onion Pork Chop (12) Chicken Fajitas (6) Herbed Rice (25) Spanish Rice (19) Rancho Fiesta Vegetables (11) Honey Glazed Carrots (17) Dinner Roll w/margarine (22) Black Bean & Cilantro Soup Pineapple Tid Bits (10) Corn Tortillas (2/each) Milk (12) / Choc. Banana Bar (24) Milk (12) / Melon, assorted (12)

Beef Chow Mein (29) Sweet & Sour Carrots (32) Oriental Green Beans (7) Vanilla Ice Cream (27) Sliced Oranges (11) Milk (12) Calories: 850

Pork Tips Herbed Baked Chicken (2) Roasted Rosemary Potatoes (22Rice Pilaf w/Mushrooms (18) Honey Dijon Brussel Sprouts Seasoned Succotash (13) Dinner Roll w/Margarine (22) Carrot & Swt. Potato Soup (17) Apple Fruit Cup (13) Dinner Roll (22) Milk (12) / Carrot Cake Milk (12) /Smore Pudding (42) Calories: 1040 Calories: 940

Beef Pot Pie (23) Califlower Corn O'Brien (11) Fresh Pear (29) Butterscotch Blondie (54) Milk (12) / Juice (15) Calories: 1085

Calories: 825

Carbs: 118g

Carbs: 127

Carbs: 150g

Carbs: 113g

23-Oct

24-Oct

Calories: 840 Carbs: 132g Fiber: 13g Protein: 46g Fat: 20g Sodium: 1215mg

25-Oct

26-Oct

Here’s the place to go!!!

S R D A

Arroz con Pollo (32) Sugar Snap Peas (7) Mexican Corn (17) Cranberry Apple Crumble (30) Raisin Nut Cup ( 22) Milk (12)

Chili Relleno Casserole (10) Seasoned Black Beans (18) Capri Vegetable Mix (12) Pineapple Tidbits (11) w/ Cottage Cheese (4) Milk (12) Calories: 680 Carbs: 70g Fiber: 15g Protein: 54g Fat: 26g Sodium: 1115mg

Calories: 915 Carbs: 120g Fiber: 13g Protein: 52g Fat: 31g Sodium: 850mg

Looking to make new friends?

13-Oct

Cheese Tortellini w/Sauce (28) Sugar Snap Peas (6) Steamed Carrots (6) Cherry Crisp (36) Mandarin Oranges (15) Milk (12) / Breadstick (14) Calories: 735 Carbs: 112g Fiber: 11g Protein: 31g Fat: 22g Sodium: 795mg

19-Oct

Are you new to the Pueblo area?

6-Oct

Chicken Bacon Ceasar Wrap (14 Apple Pear & Walnut Salad (19) Assorted Pudding (6) V-8 juice (8) / Sun Chips (19) & Frozen Meal for 10/9 Milk (12) Calories: 720 Carbs: 76g Fiber: 11g Protein: 35g Fat: 30g Sodium: 1015mg

Call us: 719-545-8900 MENUS ARE

20-Oct

27-Oct

230 N. Union Ave. Pueblo, CO 81001

SUBJECT TO CHANGE Please remember SRDA in your planned giving. Your legacy lives on,

Milk (12)

our mission continues at Meals on Wheels.

* In order to prevent waste, we are on a Reservation System.

Fiber: 13g Fiber: 10g Fiber: 10g Fiber: 13g Fiber: 14g * Please call the day before or the morning of, Protein: 38g Protein: 55g Protein: 53g Protein: 38g Protein: 39g Fat: 31g Fat: 41g Fat: 21g Fat: 42g Fat: 30g before 9:00 A.M, to CANCEL your Meal Sodium: 1110mg Sodium: 1210mg Sodium: 950mg Sodium: 830mg Sodium: 1105mg * IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Numbers 30-Oct 31-Oct 1-Nov 2-Nov 3-Nov in parentheses next to each meal item indiBean Burrito (51) Roast Beef w/ Rosemary Au Jus Grilled Chicken on Bun (1) Citrus & Herb Fish (54) Baked Ham w/Glaze (11) w/Green Chili (11) Roasted Red & Swt Potatoes (19) Blue Cheese Potatoes (27) Italian Vegetable Toss (17) Brown & Wild Rice Pilaf (38) cate the number of carbohydrates in grams Cilantro Rice (18) Broccoli Florets (5) Steamed Broccoli (3) Peas & carrots (10) Cranberry Pear Salad (31) Rancho Fiesta Vegetables (11) Roasted Beets (11) Peach Crisp (30) Garden Vegetable Soup (8) Side Salad w/Dressing (8) for that item.

Fruit Cup w/ Grapes (16) Garlic Bread(16) Garnish (1) /Condiments (2) Ambrosia (20) / Crackers (5) Dinner Roll w/Marg (22) * YOU MUST BE HOME TO RECEIVE Milk (12) Milk (12) Mikl (12) / Fruit Parfait (14) Milk (12) Milk (12) Calories: 730 Calories: 730 Calories: 905 Calories: 780 Calories: 745 YOUR MEAL!!!

Carbs: 111g Carbs: 110g Carbs: 92g Carbs: 92g Carbs: 104g Fiber: 10g Fiber: 14g Consumers attending the congregate meal Fiber: 13g Fiber: 14g Fiber: 10g Protein: 38g Protein: 32g Protein: 43g Protein: 53g Protein: 44g sites shall be advised and informed to keep a Fat: 22g Fat: 21g Fat: 47g Fat: 26g Fat: 21g three-day supply of non-perishable foods and Sodium: 615mg Sodium: 1070mg Sodium: 815mg Sodium: 735mg Sodium: 785mg IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Numbers in parentheses next to each meal item indicate the number of carbohydrates in grams for that item. bottled water in case of inclement weather or *reassessing recipe for accuracy other emergency that causes a temporary In order to prevent waste, we are on a Reservation System .

Please remember SRDA suspension of services. If feasible and To Cancel your meal for the day, Please call the day before or the morning of, before 9:00 A.M. in your planned giving.

MENUS ARE Your legacy lives on, our YOU MUST BE HOME TO RECEIVE YOUR MEAL!!! determined by the Area Agency on AgSUBJECT TO mission continues at 719-543-0100 ing in their area plan, emergency meal CHANGE Meals on Wheels.

The Only medical alarm pendant that can call for help even when packages may be provided.

For Important Nutrition Information, Please Turn Menu Over Carbs: 13g

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Consumers attending the congregate meal sites shall be advised and informed to keep a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water in case of inclement weather or other emergency that causes a temporary suspension of services. If feasible and determined by the Area Agency on Aging in their area plan, emergency meal packages may be provided.

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Page 6 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’

JAN MCLAUGHLIN

Columnist & founder of an international prison ministry

BY GUEST AUTHOR

Karen DeHerrera

THE DEPTHS OF GOD

M

ankind has an insatiable craving to explore uncharted territory. Lewis and Clark’s grueling mission to discover the west, countless climbers whose one goal in life is to reach the top of Mount Everest, our multi-billion-dollar determination to delve into the limitless expanse of space, the search for the unknown in the depths of the sea are just a few of the quests men have undertaken. No risk is too great to deter us from searching the outer limits of our safe and comfortable terrain in which we live just for the thrill of unearthing some new knowledge.

Yet there are depths and heights most men have never even considered as ground for penetrating study.

I am talking about the depths of God. Only a few have devoted their

lives to studying the immeasurable and infinite excellence of Almighty God, and their rewards have been magnificent. In this verse, Paul is captivated by the depth of God’s wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and ways, and declares with exhilaration, that they are rich, unsearchable, and unfathomable!

Our glorious God is transcendent, that is, He is so far above, and beyond his own creation that we cannot know him fully. He says, in Isaiah, that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. In fact, we do not even have adequate vocabulary to describe and explain Him, nor anything on the earth with which to compare Him. We are worse than ants, looking up at humans and attempting to describe what we are, and what we do up here.

While it is impossible to know God entirely, He has been gracious enough to reveal Himself to us, and to disclose enough about Himself through creation, through His Word, and through His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can believe on him, and entrust our eternal souls into his loving care. Look around you and see the work of His hands – the stars and planets, the rainforest, the mountains the seas and the variety of animal life. See His power in the lightning bolts and hear His voice in the thunder and the crashing waves. He is there working and intervening in the affairs of men, setting up kings and kingdoms, and bringing them down, forming new life in mother’s womb’s, commanding the morning, and causing the dawn to know its place. And He is there bottling my tears and delighting Himself in me. He is there to take me up when my father and my mother forsake me. He is there to provide for all my needs from His riches in glory. He is there to listen to me when I call and to give me everything I need for this life and for godliness.

This amazing God will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. His love for me is from everlasting to everlasting. In fact, He knew me and chose me from before the foundation of the earth to be adopted into His family and has prepared a dwelling place for me in His kingdom. My name is engraved in the palm of His hand.

Nothing is too difficult for our mighty God. He has opened the gate

Loves to Support our Community 719-372-6671

In honor of loving our community, sign up now and get a quarter free.

That's 3 months!!

of His throne room and invited us ten in the Bible for our discovery, in to receive grace and mercy. He and they are visible in his creation. sent His Son to die for us so that we Beyond that His Son Jesus Christ is could live eternally with Him. He the express image of God. To know will in no wise, cast out any who Jesus is to know God. “For since the come to Him. creation of the world, his invisible Our great God in his wisdom and attributes, his eternal power and knowledge is our Shepherd, making divine nature have been clearly seen, us to lie down in green pastures and being understood through what has leading us beside quiet waters. He is been made, so that we are without our bread from heaven our very life. excuse." Romans 1:20.

He is our living water, quenching Here is a pursuit that is worth the our thirst for righteousness. He is cost, the time and the energy. To our Prince of peace, reconciling us know Him, to search after Him with to himself through his blood. He all your heart and with all your soul is the door into eternity, the vine, (as Moses urged the Israelites to do which sustains and feeds us, the in Deuteronomy 4:29 – the depths light of the world.

SEE LIGHT, PAGE 19 He is the Lord high and lifted up. Our ▶ CROSSWORD ANSWERS ▶ GAMES ON PAGE 14 Savior, Redeemer, the promised Messiah. He is our strength, our rock, our fortress and our deliverer. By him all things were created both in the heavens and on the earth.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the Beginning, and the End, the First, and the Last the Alpha and the Omega, the living Word.

These are the depths of God! They are all writ-

▶

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 7

REELING: MOVIE REVIEW

KINDNESS MATTERS BETTY JO TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic

N

OVEMBER BRINGS FEELINGS OF NOSTALGIA. It’s a month when families get together during Thanksgiving and start thinking seriously about Christmas. That’s why I chose THE QUIET GIRL as our review this month.

It’s a movie that shows the importance of kindness within a family.

THE QUIET GIRL takes us on a trip back to 1981 rural Ireland. While there we meet Cait, a 10-year old too shy to have a conversation with us. She’s in a dysfunctional working-class family where all attention is going to a new addition. Neglected, she lacks self-esteem. To top it all off, Cait is being sent to spend the summer with relatives who have more time for her.

Cait’s new life gets played before us.

Little by little, she begins to have feelings for this new family and vice-versa. She even learns about some of her own skills, including running. And she’s soon being talked to like a real part of the family.

A leisurely pace for this special offering seems necessary for viewers to become involved with Cait’s adventure, and firsttime director Colm Bairéad makes sure that THE QUIET GIRL moves along as it should. Bairéad also wrote the screenplay, an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s renowned story “Foster.”

(Retrieved 12/12/2104 from http://blogs.chieftain.com/social/kiplinger-pueblo-cheapest-place-to-live/848/)

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Splendid performances by Catherine Clinch as Cait, Carrie Crowley as Cait’s mother’s compassionate cousin, and Andrew Bennett as the cousin’s aloof farmer husband should be applauded. They are all so realistic and perfect! chases, explosions, super heroes and dastardly villains. THE QUIET GIRL This quiet girl needs kindness plus. grabs our attention She’s forgotten amid one “us.” to small things Will a new place help this lass grow? that are important See “The Quiet Girl” to know. every day, especially kindness.

We care about this quiet child with good wishes, not just mild.

No wonder THE Her story helps us realize QUIET GIRL that every day is truly wise. earned an Oscar® nomination in A thought-provoking film it is the International with real acting, but not show biz.

Feature category last Touching your heart, this movie ends year. It’s also one of with a closing of lifelike blends. my late husband’s favorite movies. And It’s refreshing to see a film without car it made my Hon-

1111 Bonforte Boulevard, Pueblo, CO 81001

www.villapueblo.com orable Mention list. Plus, this sensitive drama is now the largest grossing Irish

language film of all time. .

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly and most understated agent of human change.

--- Bob Kerrey You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. --- Ralph Waldo Emerson (Released by Bankside Films and rated “PG-13” by MPAA. Available now on Hulu.)

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info Montgomery& Steward Funeral Directors

Page 8 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

Continuing Into Another Century of Service

For 100 Years, Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors has had a reputation for excellence.

Our focus has always been thoughtful, caring, professional, personalized service to families.

Moving into the next century, Gerry and Dian Montgomery, pledge their commitment and long tradition of providing care and compassion for the community they have always called home.

Continuing to set the bar high, we promise to go above and beyond for each family we serve – not because it's a business but because it's our way of life.

We invite you to call or visit us today.

100 Years

ofService

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 9

Call or Text the Senior Beacon Today: (719) 247-6580

GET YOUR FREE BUSINESS AD Buy one and get another for free!!

Find Adventure and Fun in The Natural State (StatePoint) LOVE HIKING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS? ENJOY AUTHENTIC, LOCAL CUISINE? GET A THRILL HURTLING DOWN MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS? WHATEVER SORT OF ADVENTURE YOU’RE CRAVING, ARKANSAS, ALSO KNOWN AS “THE NATURAL STATE,” IS A GREAT DESTINATION TO CONSIDER. “With wide-open landscapes, an abundance of natural resources, and friendly hospitality, an Arkansas trip is unlike any other,” says Shealyn Sowers, chief of communications, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

As Sowers points out, Arkansas is known as The Natural State for a reason. Hiking, floating, fishing, hunting and cycling are just a few of the many outdoor activity options available, along with golf, ATVing and even hang gliding. You can even take a backcountry aviation adventure and literally camp next door to your plane.

Arkansas is home to some of the best mountain biking trails on the planet, not to mention the first national river (Buffalo National River) and the first unit in the National Park System (Hot Springs National Park).

If your choice of adventure is more urban than outdoors, check out Bentonville, which is home to one of the finest American art museums in the nation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The capital city of Little Rock offers art and museums, along with unique dining and cultural experiences.

New this year, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts recently reopened in Little Rock following an almost four-year renovation and reimagining. The museum’s art collection spans the 1300s to present day, with 14,000 works.

What else does Arkansas offer?

You can dig for diamonds and keep what you find at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro.

provide exclusive access to popular sporting events, concerts, culinary VIP and wine events and more.

With savings on every trip, members quickly earn back their membership fees after booking just one or two getaways.

Members also get 110% Best Price Guarantee on cruises with up to $1,500 onboard credits, and savings on parks, shows, and attractions.

Plus you can get inspired for future adventures with a subscription to Travel + Leisure magazine, included with membership.

Tour one of only two purse museums in the world at ESSE Purse Museum in Little Rock.

And enjoy James Beard Award-winning cuisine at Jones BarB-Q Diner in Marianna and Lassis Inn in Little Rock.

Arkansas also celebrates its native sons Johnny Cash and Bill Clinton, and you can visit sites that recognize their contributions to American culture and history. In Dyess, tour the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and in Little Rock, explore the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.

You’ll also find plenty of inexpensive family activities, including in Arkansas State Parks, which are completely free to enter. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the founding of Arkansas State Parks, and you can find activities and events commemorating the occasion throughout the year. Pick up your free passport at an Arkansas State Park visitor center and begin recording your travels. All 52 state parks are free to enter and offer diverse experiences. Whether you're a history buff, love to hike, paddle, bike, wildlife watch, fish, kick back and relax, or all of the above, there is a state park for you.

For more trip ideas and inspiration, visit www.Arkansas.com “There’s no doubt you’ll find plenty to do in The Natural State,” says Sowers. “We can’t wait to see you!”

SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY AND GO SEE THE WORLD

(NAPSI)—A recent trend in travel is taking many people far—and you can be among them.

The Way to Travel Today Here’s what’s going on: • Subscription travel is increasingly popular.

• According to recent research, 55% of American travelers belong to a travel subscription club or are interested in joining one.

• Saving money is the primary reason for joining. For example, members of Travel + Leisure GO, part of the world’s most influential travel brand, save on average 25% on bookings and up to 60% off at 600,000+ hotels and resorts, car rentals, tours, excursions and more—with no waiting on cash back or points.

A World Of Perks For Savvy Travelers Adventure seekers in that travel club get expert advice from the editorial team at Travel + Leisure magazine, preferred pricing and big savings on travel, members-only perks and access to a personal concierge to help take vacations to the next level. Each member’s personal concierge can help travelers create the vacations they’ve only dreamed about, build itineraries, book airfare and rental cars, as well as make hard-to-get dinner reservations at 1,500 restaurants around the world,

A vacation planning and booking gateway lets you explore curated travel itineraries on featured destinations and then build and book your next dream vacation with a quick call. You can choose from thousands of destinations around the globe or design your own trip with recommendations, activity ideas, and tips from the experts.

Cutting Costs You can preview savings with a trial membership, and sign up for the platform when you’re ready to book an itinerary, says Fiona Downing, Chief Membership Officer Travel + Leisure GO. Four more ways travelers can save money and have fun: 1. Travel during “shoulder season”, the less popular travel times such as early autumn at the beach and winter in Europe.

2. Find free things to do. Look for concerts in the park and museums that are free on certain days of the week.

3. Eat like a local. Visit local markets and food stands for a taste of the area’s cuisine.

4. Keep souvenirs to a minimum.

Take lots of photos instead.

Learn More For further facts and tips, www. go.travelandleisure.com

Page 10 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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ϭϲ ηϱϵ DĂĐĂƌŽŶŝ Θ ŚĞĞƐĞ ^ĂůĂĚ ǁͬ>ŝƚĞ /ƚĂůŝĂŶ ƐƉĂƌĂŐƵƐ ĂŶĂŶĂ tt ƌĞĂĚ ǁͬ ƵƚƚĞƌ

ϭϳ ηϵϰ ^ǁŝƐƐ ^ƚĞĂŬ ǁͬDƵƐŚƌŽŽŵ ^ĂƵĐĞ ^ŵĂƐŚĞĚ ZĞĚ WŽƚĂƚŽĞƐ ^ĞĂƐŽŶĞĚ 'ƌĞĞŶƐ dŽƐƐĞĚ sĞŐĞƚĂďůĞ ^ĂůĂĚ ǁͬ>ŝƚĞ ZĂŶĐŚ KƌĂŶŐĞ tt ƌĞĂĚ

ϭϴ ηϳϱ ZŽĂƐƚ WŽƌŬ >ŽŝŶ ƌŽǁŶ 'ƌĂǀLJ ^ŵĂƐŚĞĚ ZĞĚ WŽƚĂƚŽĞƐ KƌĂŶŐĞ ^ƉŝĐĞĚ ĂƌƌŽƚƐ KƌĂŶŐĞ Mitzie’s WW Dinner ZŽůů

ϭϵ ηϰϰ ,Ăŵ ĂŶĚ ĞĂŶƐ ŽůůĂƌĚ 'ƌĞĞŶƐ ŽƌŶďƌĞĂĚ KƌĂŶŐĞ :ƵŝĐĞ

Ϯϯ ηϯϳ ŽŵďŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ ƵƌƌŝƚŽ ^ĂůƐĂ͕ >ĞƚƚƵĐĞ͕ dŽŵĂƚŽ ŝůĂŶƚƌŽ >ŝŵĞ ZŝĐĞ ZĞĨƌŝĞĚ ĞĂŶƐ ŝƚƌƵƐ ƵƉ

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Thank You Very Much! Senior Beacon Newspaper

Penrose (719) 372-3872 Canon City (719) 345-4112 Florence (719) 784-6493 Salida (719) 539-3351

October 2023 Florence Senior Center Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Program

FLORENCE SENIOR CENTER dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJ ϱ ηϴϯ ^ƉĂŐŚĞƚƚŝ ĂŶĚ DĞĂƚ ^ĂƵĐĞ ^ĂůĂĚ ǁͬ>ŝƚĞ /ƚĂůŝĂŶ 'ƌĞĞŶ ĞĂŶƐ KƌĂŶŐĞ tt ƌĞĂĚ ǁͬ ƵƚƚĞƌ

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Ϯϳ ηϯϳ ŽŵďŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ ƵƌƌŝƚŽ ǁͬ^ĂůƐĂ >ĞƚƚƵĐĞ͕ dŽŵĂƚŽ ŝůĂŶƚƌŽ >ŝŵĞ ZŝĐĞ ZĞĨƌŝĞĚ ĞĂŶƐ ŝƚƌƵƐ ƵƉ

Ϯϰ ηϭϲ ĞĞĨ ^ƚƌŽŐĂŶŽĨĨ KƌĂŶŐĞ ^ƉŝĐĞĚ ĂƌƌŽƚƐ WŝĐŬůĞĚ ĞĞƚ Θ KŶŝŽŶ ^ĂůĂĚ KƌĂŶŐĞ tt ƌĞĂĚ ǁͬ ƵƚƚĞƌ

Ϯϲ ηϮϯ ŚŝĐŬĞŶ Ă ůĂ <ŝŶŐ ^ŵĂƐŚĞĚ ZĞĚ WŽƚĂƚŽĞƐ ^ĞĂƐŽŶĞĚ ƐƉĂƌĂŐƵƐ dŽƐƐĞĚ sĞŐĞƚĂďůĞ ^ĂůĂĚ ǁͬ>ŝƚĞ ZĂŶĐŚ ƉƉůĞ tt ƌĞĂĚ ǁͬ ƵƚƚĞƌ

DƵƐƚ ŚĂǀĞ ĂƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌŵ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ŵĞĂů ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ ŽŶ ĨŝůĞ ǁŝƚŚ h K'͘ ůŝŐŝďŝůŝƚLJ ϲϬн

WůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů ;ϳϭϵͿ ϯϰϱͲϯϬϲϰ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ϵ͗ϯϬ Ă͘ŵ͘ ĨŽƌ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƚŝŽŶƐ͘ ŽŶŐƌĞŐĂƚĞ ŵĞĂůƐ Please call (719) 345-3064 before 9:30 a.m. for ƐĞƌǀĞĚ DŽŶĚĂLJ – &ƌŝĚĂLJ Ăƚ ŶŽŽŶ͘ ůů ŵĞŶƵƐ ƐƵďũĞĐƚ ƚŽ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘ reservations.

Congregate meals served Monday Fridays. All menus subject to change.

ϯϭ ηϭϭϬ dƵƌŬĞLJ ^ĂŶĚǁŝĐŚ ŽŶ tt ƌĞĂĚ WƌŽǀŽůŽŶĞ ŚĞĞƐĞ͕ DƵƐƚĂƌĚ͕ ^ůŝĐĞĚ dŽŵĂƚŽ tĂůĚŽƌĨ ^ĂůĂĚ KƌĂŶŐĞ

Ψϯ͘ϬϬ ƐƵŐŐĞƐƚĞĚ ĚŽŶĂƚŝŽŶ ƉĞƌ ŵĞĂů ŝƐ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ͕ ďƵƚ ŶŽƚ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ

ηϲϭ DĞĂƚůŽĂĨ ǁͬ^ǁĞĞƚ WŽƚĂƚŽĞƐ ƌŽǁŶ 'ƌĂǀLJ ƌƵƐƐĞůƐ ^ƉƌŽƵƚƐ dŽƐƐĞĚ sĞŐĞƚĂďůĞ ^ĂůĂĚ WŝŶĞĂƉƉůĞ dŝĚďŝƚƐ tt ƌĞĂĚ ϭϯ

ηϳϰ ZŽĂƐƚ WŽƌŬ ǁͬ ƌŽǁŶ 'ƌĂǀLJ KǀĞŶ ƌŽǁŶĞĚ WŽƚĂƚŽĞƐ ^ƉŝŶĂĐŚ DĂŶĚĂƌŝŶ KƌĂŶŐĞ ^ĂůĂĚ WĂƌƐůŝĞĚ ĂƌƌŽƚƐ ƉƉůĞ ĂŶĚ Ă tt ZŽůů ηϴϮ ^ŵŽƚŚĞƌĞĚ ŚŝĐŬĞŶ ŽƌŶďƌĞĂĚ ^ƚƵĨĨŝŶŐ WĞĂƐ Θ ĂƌƌŽƚƐ ĂƵůŝĨůŽǁĞƌͬ ƌŽĐĐŽůŝ ƉƉůĞƐĂƵĐĞ tĂůĚŽƌĨ ^ĂůĂĚ tt ƌĞĂĚ Ϯϳ

ηϯϳ ŽŵďŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ ƵƌƌŝƚŽ ǁͬ^ĂůƐĂ >ĞƚƚƵĐĞ͕ dŽŵĂƚŽ ŝůĂŶƚƌŽ >ŝŵĞ ZŝĐĞ ZĞĨƌŝĞĚ ĞĂŶƐ ŝƚƌƵƐ ƵƉ

DƵƐƚ ŚĂǀĞ ĂƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌŵ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ŵĞĂů ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ ŽŶ ĨŝůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĂ ŐĞŶĐLJ ŽŶ ŐŝŶŐ͘ ůŝŐŝďŝůŝƚLJ ϲϬн

Please call (719) 784-6493 before 9:30 a.m. for resWůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů ;ϳϭϵͿ ϳϴϰͲϲϰϵϯ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ϵ͗ϯϬ Ă͘ŵ͘ ĨŽƌ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƚŝŽŶƐ͘ ŽŶŐƌĞŐĂƚĞ ŵĞĂůƐ ervations.

Congregate meals served Tuesdays, ThursƐĞƌǀĞĚ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ͕ dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJ͕ ĂŶĚ &ƌŝĚĂLJ Ăƚ ŶŽŽŶ͘ ůů ŵĞŶƵƐ ƐƵďũĞĐƚ ƚŽ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘ days, and Fridays. All menus subject to change.

(Pictured: Therapy Services, Ice Cream Parlor, Chapel)

Where Quality of Life Comes First

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 11

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

Holiday Hazard Prevention: Steps to a Safe and Accident-Free Season (StatePoint) As the holidays

approach, you might be hosting guests, shopping for gifts and decorating your home. While all these activities can bring a lot of joy into the season, they can also bring an increase in risks. Prepare by following these six tips to prevent damage.

1. Install a smart doorbell. Whether you want to see who just arrived or help keep packages secure, a smart doorbell will keep you updated on all activities in front of your home.

From trick-or-treaters to carolers, you can easily view (and communicate) with your visitors, even if you aren’t home.

2. Decorate carefully. As pretty as those lights might be, they can be a tripping hazard. What’s more, overheating lights can trigger a fire in seconds, especially in a dry environment, such as near a parched tree.

On Erie Insurance’s YouTube channel, they show how fast a Christmas tree goes up in flames and have tips on how to avoid fires, including to check string lights for any frayed wires and to always turn off lights when you aren’t home.

3. Prepare for the unexpected. As

temperatures drop, prepare your home for potential damage. Bad weather can trigger a weak tree to fall, potentially on your house, while cold temperatures can cause frozen pipes, which could cost thousands of dollars in water damage if the pipes burst. Be sure to keep your homeowners insurance up to date so you are prepared should any seasonal damage occur. To prevent that damage and a costly claim, survey your property and even call-in experts to check trees, pipes and other possible hazards.

This month’s Senior Safety Page is Proudly Sponsored byAMERICAN VEIN! Give them a call right away!

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erage that can help you if you are the

6. Be smart online. If you’d rather keep your comfy pants on and do your holiday shopping online, be aware of where your data might be susceptible and only shop on reputable sites. An ERIE’s homeowner policy includes identity recovery cov-

Whether you are having a party or

unfortunate victim of identity fraud.

going on a shopping spree, being safe and prepared for the holidays is key to avoiding any accidents, injuries and incidents.

4. Stay safe on the road. The winter season carries driving risks. Not only may roads be slick and icy, but holiday shoppers are often stressed and frazzled. On roads, and particularly in shopping centers and mall parking lots, slow down and stay alert to avoid a fender-bender. As an added precaution, be sure to keep your auto insurance up to date in case of damage. Your insurance company might offer options to help you tighten your wallet during an expensive season.

For example, Erie Insurance offers convenient bundling of car and home insurance to potentially save you money.

5. Mingle merry--and safely.

Holiday parties can be fun, but make sure you have a plan for getting home safely. And if you’re hosting the party, be aware that in most states party hosts can be held liable for their

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Page 12 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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ANCIENT FAERIE LORE: FAERIE HERBS AND POTIONS in the shire. Not to spoil your mental images, but there’s another side of this Author: "Intermission predictable coin! a Place in Time."

Multiple domains, i.e., shires include one such structure…Blackness Castle, in Stirlingshire.

Surrounded by jagged dark gloomy rocks, Firth’s gray waves pound, throb and torment the evil aura within, as its ominous ramparts hide imperceptible, Paranormal…Imagine. dreadful mysteries from Customarily, academics, the 14th. century. Trails so-called specialists in the of uneven cobblestones mystical, stridently discredit line the footpath, as dark supernatural occurrences of murky serrated rock formations beckon the non-physical. Life beyond the naïve wanderer toward the malevoreal human existence… Often, lent locale. Strengthened and fortified in afraid to leave their environthe 16th. Century, the fortress sustained ment, departed souls remaining innumerable usages… Artillery fortress, amongst us, are intermittently prison tower, and royal bastion to name unconscious of their recent a selected few. Vivid recollections from demise: Although far remote witnesses recalled ascending the stone, from the Lord of the Rings’ cold staircase, as emotional eerie evidence movie, enhanced fantasies, began a monumental disturbance of the English shires, villages, cities silence sheathed between the impassive and municipalities are spiritual- primeval walls. Shrieking sounds of ly analogous to ‘Bilbo Baggin’s’ furniture scraping across stone tiles, were comfortable, enviable cottage heard instilling fear and dread, during a courageous night spent by a young newly married couple, who were then aggressively chased from the tower by a brawny silhouette of an ethereal knight in medieval armour.

Time to impart one of my many experiences to authenticate this account...Many years ago, while staying with my sister, I visited her friends’ bungalow in my family’s island of Jersey near France. Considering my past connection with “For me, it’s not about the money, the psychic, Jean volunteered my but the opportunity to improve presence due to heavy sounds emathe quality of life for others.” nating from her friends’ attic, which Tony Baros • Owner + Caretaker only materialized during a certain time of the year. Clumsily manipCall Us Today: Se Habla ulating a ladder, with flashlight in Español tow, we’d previously opened the loft Non-medical Home Care & Recreational Activities at dusk, and visibly identified (for

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below, Fluffy the furtive cat gently rubbed our ankles.

Another legend emanates from Cornwall’s picturesque Zenor, where abides the seaside village church of St. Senara.

Where, in an almost hidden alcove sits an unassuming yet constantly used, deteriorating 500-year-old chair.

Undisturbed, and posing sideways, this mermaid sculpture lays unobstructed in full view, and has for centuries been a

...Although far remote from the Lord of the Rings’ movie, enhanced fantasies, English shires, villages, cities and municipalities are spiritually analogous to ‘Bilbo Baggin’s’ comfortable, enviable cottage in the shire.

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able extracurricular action,) all seemed perfectly normal in the early evening light. In fact, the nervous rattling of teacups could hardly eliminate the barely audible scratching sounds from above; Meanwhile, the host’s cat Fluffy wandered unenergetically and indifferent, between our feet.

We scarcely noticed numerous clatters as we settled into our lonely vigil, now into a span of two hours, and after multiple cups of tea keeping us psyched and awake, finally it transpired. At first slow, deliberate initial rumblings above, were evidence of ghostly activity. We froze! Continuing stoic in the small room, while immobilized below… we couldn’t speak. Soon our frantic murmurs only amplified our apprehension. Several minutes passed, which seemed interminable. Progressively, thuds followed by crashing noises became louder, and more destructive. Despite a blazing log fireplace, an abrupt freezing decline in temperatures engulfed the once warm living room. After an interminable period, an almost deafening silence was restored. Fearfully we quietly unlocked the attic, and as anticipated, the furniture and contents, were awkwardly stashed against the far wall. No physical or eerie presence was identifiable, yet all had been mysteriously and undeniably moved by indistinguishable inhabitants, meanwhile

topic of local tête-à-tête. After considerable exploration, we learn of a chorister named Matthew Trewhella, whose voice was revered by a female who sat behind others in the church. Infatuated by him, he was enticed along a tiny stream, which still stands today. As though on a joint mission, they sauntered through the local village to Pen dour Cove. Although our knowledge of further events terminates here, truthfully Matthew was not seen alive again. While walking near the sea, should one stroll by a gorgeous inlet named Mermaid’s Cove, one can hear both their voices, singing happily in harmony. Sounds of complete satisfaction emanate from this couple, while merging their joy amid reverberations of roaring crashing waves.

Thought for the day…

Your present happiness shouldn’t be devastated by detached gloom, which may not happen at all. For all substantial grief, there are 30 dark shades; most of them we make ourselves.

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 13

SENIOR CLASSIFIEDS

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Trentof prisoners’ broken You will find spell binding testimonies lives and behind-bars encountersLicensed with the living Christ. Renew own faith by reading these amazing stories of prisoners’ transfo Agent by the touch of Christ through caring volunteers.

Tony Baros • Owner + Caretaker Find out how you can make an eternal difference in the life incarcerated man or woman across the country or on other shore Call Us Today: Se Habla Jan McLaughlin’s book will touch your heart and motivate Español to reach out to the lost and broken men and women. God is invi you to pray for them. Perhaps He is inviting you to help Rescue Non-medical Home Care & Recreational Activities Treasures of Darkness!

Pueblo Storyteller Proceeds help fund Prayer Forenthusiasts Prisoners Int’l, a non-profit LOOKING FOR PART- ministry on the power of prayer which was founded in 19 at thebased Pueblo Welcome Center.

Jan. McLaughlin TIME income?? Do you enjoy byVolunteer for 719-275-6971 2-40 hours per $10.00 plus shipping. or Jansmail@reagan.co working with people? This is flexible Orweek...your by mail: PFPI - P.O. Box 1574 - Cañon City, CO 81215-157 choice. Have fun, Checks payable to PFPI or Prayer For Prisoners International Call or text the Senior Beacon at (719)

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LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY

A Great Gift for any Occasion FOR JOURNEY You LIGHT will laugh andTHE cry as you walk with Jan through A Great forto any memories thatGift point anOccasion incredible God who orders our Non-medical Home Care You will laugh and cry as you walk with Jan through steps and uses even the worst situations to His glory and our memories that point to an incredible God who orders our easy which also makes delightful steps andgood. usesAn even theread worst situations to His aglory and Recreational Activities devotional. our good.

An easy read which also makes a delightful devotional. Reviews: A Delightful and Inspirational Read reader willand findInspirational author Jan McLaughlin’s book an Reviews:The "A Delightful Read" inspirational thoroughly delightful reading "The reader will findand author Jan McLaughlin’s book an experience. inspirational readingthe experience.

Herand wit thoroughly and love ofdelightful life permeates entire 400-plus Her wit and loveReading of life permeates thetedious entire 400-plus pages. will not be in the least. I think what pages. Reading will not be tedious in the least. I think I most enjoyed was the author’s ability to take ordinary, and what I most enjoyed was the author’s ability to take ordinary, andsometimes sometimesharrowing, harrowing, experiences experiences and and draw draw aa spiritual lesson that that the the reader reader can can apply apply ininhis hisororher herown own life. spiritual lesson The chapters are short and keep the reader’s interest. life.

The chapters are is short and keep theadverse reader’stointerest.

The author humble and not admitting her own The author is humble notthis adverse to admitting heras one lessfoibles.

As a and result, reviewer can relate own foibles. As a result, this reviewer can relate as one than-perfect reader to a less-than-perfect author. less-than-perfect reader to a less-than-perfect author.

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Page 14 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

ZooBoo at the Pueblo Zoo

PUEBLO, Colo. --ZooBoo is back for 2023! Dress up in your most creative costume and have a safe and aspooktastic time at the Pueblo Zoo. ZooBoo, will kick off with Members Only BooBonus, sponsored by R Buck Heating,Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, LLC, on Friday October 27th, from 2:00 pm – 6:00 p.m. Members will receive a complimentary treat bag (while supplies last), extra treats, and participate in fun and creepy activities. ZooBoo opens to the public on October 28th from 10am-3pm.

Event will feature: • Trick-or-treating at Spooky Treat Stations • Ghoulicious candy • Scavenger hunt • Spooky crafts and games • Costume contest and Parades with prize winners (see pueblozoo.org/zooboo for parade times) Ticket Pricing: All kids 3-17 years old: $5, Non-member adults: $14, Member adults and children 2 and under are free. Tickets available online and at the gate on event day. ZooBoo entrance will be at

the main zoo entrance. The Zoo will be closed to the public on Friday, October 28th in preparation for BooBonus.

For the safety of others, fully covered adult masks or heavy makeup, balloons, weapons and weapon-like items: hatchets, baseball bats, or swords are prohibited.

Spooky Treat Stations sponsored by: Bridges Child Placement Agency, R Buck Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, LLC, Smile Doctors, Renewal by Anderson, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Great Clips, TLS Services, PCHC, Aveanna Healthcare, Minnequa Works Credit Union, MGA Homecare Pueblo, Applebees AAG, Game Knight Games LLC, IntelliTec College, Canvas Credit Union. Full information and schedules available at www. pueblozoo.org/zooboo Spooky Treat Stations will offer Teal Pumpkin treats for allergen-free treats. Learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project - www.foodallergy. org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

Presented by:

October 27 - BooBonus!

Members Only 2pm-6pm

Sponsored by:

October 28 - open to all 10am-3pm Want to host a Spooky Treat Station?

Contact Patrice, pharrison@pueblozoo.org

Help us save species this Halloween!

When you purchase candy, please purchase candy from brands that use sustainable palm oil. Hershey’s or Mars brands are safe choices. The production of palm oil is destroying

rainforest habitat, hurting endangered species, including orangutans. Learn more about palm oil with this nifty palm oil guide - www.cmzoo.org/ wp-content/uploads/PO-HalloweenGuide2021.pdf

FUN & GAMES FOR YOU does in 52 across 52. *"Eye of newt and toe of frog" holder 55. Shell-less gastropod, pl.

56. Siren's song, e.g.

57. A Flock of Seagulls' hit (2 words) 59. Ottoman title 60. Type of mine passage 61. Head of family 62. Aid in crime 63. *World's largest Halloween Parade location, acr.

64. Bulgarian or Serb

SODUKU Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.

DOWN

THEME: HALLOWEEN ACROSS 1. Down in the dumps 5. Letter-writing friend 8. Trampled 12. Hokkaido people 13. D. H. Lawrence's "____ and Lovers" 14. Near the wind, archaic 15. Mideast ruler 16. Hipbones 17. *Pumpkin, e.g.

18. *"The ____", movie 20. Jackson 5 member 21. Twinings product 22. ___ canto (singing style)

23. Appetite whetter 26. Chucking 30. Pilot's announcement, acr.

31. Short sock 34. Kuwaiti leader 35. Dapper 37. "____ the ramparts ..."

38. Origami bird 39. Popular picnic side 40. Weary walk 42. Often precedes "whiz" 43. Larry of Oracle 45. Most idle 47. Napkin holder 48. Gamy, alt. sp.

50. *What witches' brew

1. Ovine utterance 2. Margarita fruit 3. Windows alternative in computers 4. "Europa ____" movie (1990) 5. Disease in Philip Roth's "Nemesis" 6. Licorice-like flavor 7. Future atty.'s exam 8. *Michael Jackson's spooky classic 9. Disorderly retreat 10. M lange 11. "Silent Spring" subject, acr.

13. Make ill 14. Subsequently 19. Settle a debt 22. Contrary conjunction 23. End of "incense" 24. In the least (2 words) 25. Birth-related 26. Group of cows

the beans 27. JPEG data 28. "To the ____," or "to a great extent" 51. Yorkshire river 29. Roll out the red carpet 32. *Kandy ____ 33. Romanian money 52. Kin group 36. *Stephenie Meyer's vampire saga 53. Word of mouth 38. Relinquished 40. Spinning toy 41. Gin plus lime cordial 54. California wine valley 44. Chip dip 46. *"Monster Mash" words, 55. R&R destination e.g.

48. Tasteless and flashy 49. Gold-related 58. *All Saints' Day mo.

50. Spill ANSWERS ON PAGES TWO & SIX

▶

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 15

LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE

LAUREN BOEBERT

U.S. Congresswoman, business owner, mom

as funding important research and defense systems.

I will always fight for our men and women in uniform and am proud of the actions we have taken in that rehe roofing crew arrived promptly at 7 AM, got a quick tour of the rabbit gard this week.” herd in the garage, and went right to work. They're a hard-working bunch Background: who completed the job in one day. The roof looks great! Thanks Daniel The House of and Delany and the guys!” --Doug C., Pueblo Representatives debated H.R. 4365, the fiscal ISIT: year 2024 DepartJunction, Colorado, is a major emment of Defense ployer and manufacturer of MK107 dk blu 98, 84, 27, 12 Appropriations Act. cartridges that will benefit from these In the 118th Congress, Congressyellow 27, El 33, 100, 2 Senior Beacon serves Pueblo, woman Boebert has been an extremely additional resources.

Paso, Fremont, and the 12 surBoebert Amendment No. 329 effective legislator, focusing on the rounding counties that make up Redirects $3 million from other CouldColorado. you also most of Southeastern It add ou needs of the Third Congressional Diswasteful spending in the bill to increase is a monthly newspaper dedicated trict and delivering numerous legislanumber, (719) 582-16 to inform, serve, educate and enterfunding for the National Guard Countive victories. Specifically, three of the website, of www.optimum tain the Senior Community these terdrug Program to train and equip our Congresswoman’s bills and 42 of her areas. servicemembers to transnational crimingllc.com, please amendments have passed the House.

Current issues and back issues, inal organizations and prevent the flow She also passed six bills through the dating to 2006, are available for of illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids House Committee on Natural Refree online at SeniorBeacon.info into our communities. Hundreds of sources and the House Committee on Publication of advertising conthousands of lives have been lost to the Administration. In addition, the Contained herein does not necessarily fentanyl crisis in America, including gresswoman has secured $19.7 million constitute endorsement. Signed for important water and infrastructure thousands in Colorado. columns are the opinions of the Boebert Amendment No. 330 projects in the Third District through writers and not necessarily that Redirects $3 million from other of the publisher. Senior Beacon Community Project Funding requests wasteful spending in the bill to increase is locally owned and operated. included in House Appropriations Founded in February of 1982. funding for Counter Narcotics Support bills. to enhance DOD’s role in countering Congresswoman Boebert successBEACON NEWS GROUP fully passed four amendments through the flow of illicit fentanyl and synthetic d/b/a Senior Beacon P.O. Box 8485 opioids.

Hundreds of thousands of lives the House of Representatives to H.R. Pueblo, CO 81008 have been lost to the fentanyl crisis in 4365 to support our troops and the Publisher America, including thousands in Colinterests of the Beacon News Group orado.

Third CongresPublisher Emeritus, CCO Central Intellisional District.

James R. Grasso gence Agency, and These amendments Advertising Manager the National Seinclude: R.S. Phillips curity Agency. For Boebert AmendAdvertising Executives Fiscal Year 2024, Kristin Collins ment No. 78 Rick Forman the bill provides Redirects $3 Jim Grasso $826.45 billion in million from other Jan McLaughlin new discretionary spending, which is wasteful spending in the bill to fund Graphic Design and Layout $285.87 million over the President’s research for combat-related traumatic Senior Beacon Staff Distribution Manager injuries. Steadman Clinic located in the Budget Request and $28.71 billion – or Kelton Griffith 3.6% – over the FY23 enacted level.

Third Congressional District in Basalt, Braden Phillips Additionally, this bill includes: Colorado, will benefit from these IT Support A historic pay raise of 30% to junior resources and performs important Robin Eckelberry research for U.S. warfighters that suffer enlisted servicemembers and an increase of 5.2% in basic pay for all combat-related traumatic injuries. military personnel.

Boebert Amendment No. 80 www.SeniorBeacon.info A $20 billion cut in wasteful spendRedirects $5 million from othRon@SeniorBeacon.info ing from President Biden’s budget that er wasteful spending in the bill to 719-247-6580 redirects resources to address warfightfund Navy and Marine procurement ing needs, counter Communist China, of MK107 cartridges. Valor TactiSUBMISSIONS: Senior Beacon welcomes reader contributions in and support our Servicemembers and cal Innovation, located in the Third the form of senior groups news, their families.

Congressional District in Grand

WE BUILD MORE THAN ROOFS

WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

BOEBERT AMENDMENTS AND LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS INCLUDED IN HISTORIC DEFENSE BILL

HOUSE REPUBLICANS TOOK UP A HISTORIC DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL TO FUND OUR TROOPS.

The bill includes four amendments passed

by Congresswoman Boebert and nine appropriations requests submitted by the Congresswoman that were included in the base text.

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO03) said, “This week, the House took up a Defense Appropriations bill to provide a historic pay raise for our servicemembers and ensure they have the resources necessary to accomplish their missions. The bill strengthens border security and solidifies our position as the world's leading military power. The Third Congressional District secured some major victories with this legislation as 13 legislative priorities are included in the bill that will pass the House. These include taking action to effectively address the fentanyl crisis while dismantling the criminal organizations responsible for it as well

“T

V

OptimumRoofingLLC.com

Senior Beacon

CONTACT US

All views expressed in these pages are that of the

author/s and not necessarily endorsed by the Senior Beacon, Beacon News Group, et al.

Further, by reading this paper you agree to a Hold Harmless Agreement pertaining to the publisher (Evergrowth Media, LLC), it's principals, and all writers.

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.

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Page 16 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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SOCIAL SECURITY & YOU

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

FIVE BENEFITS YOU CAN APPLY FOR USING SSA.GOV WE CONTINUE TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO ACCESS OUR PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS. Our website offers a convenient way to apply for benefits online.

Here are 5 ways you can apply for benefits using ssa.gov.

• Retirement or Spouse's Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months and want your benefits to start in no more than 4 months. Apply at www.ssa.gov/retirement.

• Disability Benefits – You can use our online application, available at www.ssa.gov/benefits/ disability to apply for disability benefits if you: • Are age 18 or older.

• Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.

• Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

• Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days.

If your application was recently denied, our online appeal application is a starting point to request a review of the determination we made. Please visit www.ssa.gov/apply/appeal-decision-we-made.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications. If you meet certain requirements, you may begin the process online by letting us know you would like to apply for SSI at www.ssa.gov/ ssi. If you do not have access to the internet, you can call your local Social Security office to make an appointment to apply.

• Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

Questions about

• People age 65 or older.

• Some people younger than 65 who have disabilities.

• People with end-stage renal disease or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). et me show you how you could If you are not already benefit from the Medicare-related plans receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply out there. for Medicare 3 months John B. Reed III before turning age 65 at www.ssa.gov/medicare.

Independent licensed and certified broker • Extra Help with 719-225-8313 Medicare Prescription Serving Colorado and New Mexico Drug Costs – The Extra Currently we represent 4 organizations which offer 64 plans or products in our area. You can always contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program for help with plan choices.

Help program helps with the cost of your prescripand financial exploitation. More • Poor nutrition or hygiene. tion drugs, like deductibles and than 1 in 10 older adults experience • Lack of necessary medical copays. People who need assistance some form of abuse each year. That aids like glasses or medications that with the cost of medications can number is likely much higher bea caretaker should be providing. apply for Extra Help at www.ssa.gov/ cause elder abuse There may also be indications of is often underrefinancial abuse. These may include: ported– especially • Unpaid rent. in underserved • Sudden changes to a will. communities.

• Unusual changes in money Abuse victims management. typically show • Large, unexplained financial emotional and transactions. behavioral red • Mortgages despite sufficient flags, such as definancial resources. pression, unusual • Allowing someone new to fear or anxiety, access bank accounts. or intentional If you suspect that someone is a isolation. Many victim of elder abuse, don’t ignore victims are abused it! If you or someone you care about by someone they is in a life-threatening situation, call know or trust.

911. If you suspect that something It’s important to isn’t right – but nobody seems to be look for unusual in immediate danger – contact: changes in behav• Your local Adult Protective ior around: Services at www.napsa-now.org/ • Family help-in-your-area. members.

• The National Center on • Staff at Elder Abuse at 1-855-500-3537 medicare/part-d-extra-help. inpatient facilities.

(ELDR).

Please share this information with • Hired or volunteer caregivYou can also find additional local those who need it. ers. resources by searching the Elder• People in positions of trust care Locator for your community at like doctors or financial advisors. eldercare.acl.gov/Public/index.aspx.

ELDER ABUSE: COMBATING You can also help make a differTake some time to call or visit INJUSTICE ence by checking in with older loved with an older adult. Ask if they are Elder abuse is the intentional ones. Looking for warning signs okay and listen to what they tell mistreatment or harming of an older of mistreatment is the first step to you. Pay attention to signs of abuse person. An older person is defined preventing abuse. Signs of physical or unusual behavior. Most of all, by the Social Security Act as someabuse include bruises, burns, or don’t be afraid to report instances one over age 60. This abuse takes other unexplained injuries. of suspected abuse. Please share this many forms – including physical, There may also be signs of neglect information with those who need it. emotional, and sexual harm, neglect, like:

Medicare Plans??

L

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 17

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Former Pueblo City Council President Chris Nicoll Announces Run for Mayor

FORMER PUEBLO CITY COUNCILMAN CHRIS NICOLL HAS KICKED OFF HIS CAMPAIGN TO BE PUEBLO’S NEXT MAYOR. NICOLL PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON PUEBLO CITY COUNCIL FROM 2012 TO 2019 FOR TWO TERMS, AND SERVED AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

Nicoll currently works as a cybersecurity architect in the defense sector. He has worked in the field of information technology for the past twenty-four years in the defense, aerospace, and telecommunications industries.

Nicoll is running for Mayor because Pueblo’s citizens are feeling overwhelmed and inundated by big city problems like rising crime, blighted neighborhoods, drugs, homelessness, and poverty.

Nicoll believes he is the right person to tackle these large issues by serving as Pueblo’s Mayor. While serving on city council Nicoll was credited for being a leader and a change agent who brought forward new ideas and fought to keep city government open and transparent to the public.

Nicoll is concerned that Pueblo’s future is at risk and these critical problems are hindering the city’s potential for successful growth and economic development. Nicoll hopes to offer a warning to Pueblo’s citizens by stating that these fundamental problems, if left unchecked, will ultimately lead to a decline in economic growth and the city’s population. He is concerned that companies will begin to avoid locating here and that Pueblo’s citizens will flee to live in safer and more prosperous communities. “We desperately need a strong leadership with a solid plan that will address these critical problems head on. As mayor I will bring forward a decisive plan and work to tackle our city’s critical problems head on.” Nicoll said.

Nicoll is challenging Mayor Gradisar’s track record during his first term for lacking a tangible strategy to successfully address Pueblo’s most critical problems.

Nicoll is asking Pueblo’s citizens to honestly consider the state of the city today, and if their lives

are better off since Gradisar took office.

If elected to be mayor Nicoll plans to work closely with City Council to focus more city resources on public safety and rebuilding Pueblo’s Police Department. Nicoll faults Gradisar for not collaborating well with city council and being unable to successfully grow and maintain the police department after Pueblo’s citizens taxed themselves to hire more officers to protect the city.

“I will work openly and collaboratively with council to strengthen our Police Department to a size that can effectively provide our citizens with the protection they deserve.” Nicoll said.

Nicoll’s plan seeks to increase department capacity to allow for more patrols in Pueblo’s neighborhoods and business districts to help prevent crime from occurring. Nicoll’s also wants the city to better protect local businesses from the rampant theft and shoplifting that has plagued our city’s shopping districts by enacting a new get-tough policy

on shoplifting.

Another top priority for Nicoll will be to focus the city’s attention on addressing homelessness and the affordable housing crisis that has plagued Pueblo in recent years. Nicoll plans to revitalize and clean up Pueblo’s blighted neighborhoods that are experiencing a decline. Additionally, he plans to make economic development a top priority to help bring new job opportunities to our city.

Nicoll feels his previous experience on City Council and twenty-four years in business and the technology sector make him the ideal choice to serve as Pueblo’s next mayor. If elected, he will focus on restoring public safety and prosperity so that Pueblo can compete with the strong economies on the Front Range of Colorado and beyond.

Visit: ChrisNicoll.org, Call: (719) 501-6012 Facebook: Elect Chris Nicoll for Mayor of Pueblo Colorado 2023

32 a

Page 18 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

◀ FROM TABOR PAGE 1

result of the passage of this measure. Yeah! $60 million for our side (the taxpayer). But as the Ginsu steak knife salesman says, “But waitthere’s more.”

Beginning in state budget year 2024-25, the measure will reduce revenue RETURNED to tax payers by an estimated $170 million with this reduction increasing to $360 million the next state budget year.

So, for the sake of comparison let’s say that for the next three budget years (2023-24; 2024-25; and 202526 we the people get a $60 million ‘refund’ each year. That equals $180 million. Break out the party hats Nellie.

But, in just two fiscal years (202425; and 2025-26) $530 million in revenue will not be returned because of the seizure of our TABOR money.

It gets worse, the bill authorizes the state legislature to retain your TABOR revenue at least through 2032 and after that WITHOUT further voter approval they can keep it forever. Let’s see, do you really think the people who brought you this scam will give the TABOR money back after 2032?

Now part of the bill is that local governments will have the option to opt out of collecting some of your money and they guys trying to use a little magic to make us vote for the bill say that will return up to $510 million back to us in 2024 IF, let me repeat IF your local state governments opt to give up that revenue for themselves.

I wander what the odds makers in Vegas would give you on that proposal.

Most of the changes (again, according to the voter’s guide) remain in effect through state budget year 2031-32 and may be extended by the state legislature for future budget years without voter approval- without voter approval- without voter approval.

It is a complicated issue. They also try and gain voter support by focusing on the children in school.

Increases in property taxes impact people’s ability to send their students to school. If proposition HH passes, school districts will get less money than projected from your property taxes, but it will be backfilled by the state who kept all of your TABOR refund.

Now here this: If Proposition HH fails, school districts will get the same amount of money simply from your property taxes going up. One Boulder businessman gave $50,000 to oppose Proposition HH. Bill Witter said, “I do think that the Colorado legislative majority and Governor Jared Polis are not transparently or honestly presenting to Colorado voters the likely long-last-

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info

ing effects of HH if it passes in November,” Witter wrote. “Measly temporary tax relief for permanent loss of TABOR refunds.”

Terry Krause is the Owner and Publisher of the local newspaper Greenhorn Valley View.

The paper primarily serves Colorado City and Rye. They can be reached at Editor@ GreenhornValleyView or at (719) 214-3509. For more info the website is GreenhornValleyView. com

◀ FROM CONNECT PAGE 1

my district (4) most notably historic Bessemer, are being decimated by blight and decay. Several community leaders personally urged me to run because they feel the current Councilman (former George Bush volunteer), turned socialist “activist”, Vicente Martinez Ortega is a public embarrassment. He Refuses to participate with the Pledge of Allegiance (in the Home of Heroes) or acknowledge or show respect for the Invocation

Country Classics by local songstress Cat Conner.

Guests win door prizes by playing the roulette wheel. Each person will be given two tokens when they enter the ballroom. They will pick up additional roulette wheel coins as they visit each of the vendors in the hall.

Senior Connection is not just about entertainment, though. It will showcase an array of products and services that cater especially to the tastes and practical needs of today's seniors. Participating vendors will offer financial planning, health and fitness options, legal services, insurance, golf carts, cruises, massage, assisted living, retirement communities, home health, bath tub and bathroom remodelling, medical equipment and supplies, senior travel packages, and jewelry.

End the day with a complimentary dessert table at 1:00 pm called Sweets for Seniors.

Call a friend and plan to spend the morning at Senior Connection. There is no admission charge and all ages are welcome.

before each meeting.

◀ FROM ROGER PAGE 1

AND FORMULATE THE RESUR-

RESPONSIBILITY.

Main Reason; because sections of

He recently cast the final vote purchasing (one million dollars) establishing the needle exchange program that will advance the destruction of the most diverse ethnic neighborhoods of Germans, Hispanics, Mexicans, Italians, Croatians, Russians, and Czechs. This main corridor off of I-25 site will be turned into an investment killer and add additional strain on the most iconic businesses in Pueblo, like Gaglianos, Eilers, Jorges, La Tronicas, Circle and Veterans Lounge to remain open.

THE ONLY CHANCE TO RECAPTURE THE RICH ESSENCE, ETHNIC DIVERSITY AND HISTORIC GLORY WILL BE MY FIRST SPONSORSHIP TO ADOPT GENCE OF A NEW “DOWNTOWN HISTORIC BESSEMER”

THE AREAS OF SOUTH SIDE LAKE MINNEQUA THE STATE FAIR GROUND NEIGHBORHOODS ALL DEAL WITH WEEDS THAT ARE AS TALL AS EVERGREENS AND JUST NEED CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS. THE SOUTH POINTE NEIGHBORHOOD IS CLOSE OPEN PRAIRIES AND DEAL WITH TUMBLEWEED INFESTATION AND ALSO THE THREAT OF HOA’S TRYING TO ESTABLISH A FOOTING IN AREAS LIKE SETTLERS VILLAGE AND HERITAGE. THE ANNUAL DELUGE OF FLOODING CAUSED BY THE FAILURE TO REPAIR A STORM WATER SYSTEM BUILT IN THE 30’S WITH A CRUMBLING CLAY PIPE DRAINAGE SYSTEM THAT IS UNDERSIZED HAVING 15” TO 24” DRAINAGE PIPES. IT SIMPLY OVERWHELMS THE ENTIRE SYSTEM AND THEN BACKS UP INTO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. EVENTUALLY THE STORM WATER SEEPS INTO BASEMENTS AND SLOWLY DETERIORATES FOUNDATIONS CAUSING SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS. IN CLOSING, I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT I UNDERSTAND THE PAIN

VISIT US ONLINE AT: SeniorBeacon.info OF POVERTY, THE LOSS OF A HOME, THE EXHAUSTING STRUGGLE TO FEND OFF WHAT FEELS LIKE ENDLESS DESPAIR.

OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 19

Senior Connection

Sangre De Cristo Performing Arts Center

THESE TRIALS

210 N. Santa Fe Ave (Follow signs to the Elevator)

HOWEVER HAVE FORGED ME INTO A STRONGER VERSION OF MYSELF. SIMILAR

Monday, November 6th

TO THE BESSEMER PROCESS THAT FORGES IRON-ORE INTO STEEL!

◀ FROM WINTER PAGE 1

SENIORS ON STAGE 10 am—CATO Fall Fashion Show

es And Voter-approved Revenue 11 am—Mariachi Singer Change was introduced on May 1, eight days before the end of session.

Lorena Tapia Those of us in the Colorado House Noon—Country Queens by Cat Connor of Representatives did not see the bill until Cinco de Mayo Saturday.

1 pm—Sweets for Seniors Vendors with products and services From there, the bill entered the House Appropriations Committee, for today’s Seniors bypassing other House committees, and receiving limited stakeholder testimony.

Free Come any time between In Governor Polis’s press Roulette Wheel Admission conference, he packaged Prop. HH 9 am and 1 pm as a long-term solution reducing For Door Prizes!

Free Dessert Bar property taxes for commercial and residential property, allowing people to stay in their homes, and funding public services, like education. The language in the speech sounded familiar, he alluded to this bill during his State of the State Address on the first day of the 2023 Legislative Session. If the Governor had enough information to casually reference this bill during his State of the State address, his team could have outlined and proposed the bill long before May 1.

If legislators were briefed WestWind Productions on this bill just before they voted on it, exactly how much notice did 505-892-6047 constituents receive to offer testiwestwindpro@earthlink.net mony during committee hearings?

For those of us who live in South- lature remains the People’s LegisProposition HH on the November FROM LIGHT PAGE 6 ern Colorado, where a drive to lature. Public participation in the ballot was signed into law on May The Capitol can exceed six hours, lawmaking process is designed to 24, 2023. of his riches, His wisdom, His knowlattending these “hearings'' would prevent the passage of bills that are On Election Day this Noedge, His judgments, and His ways. have been impossible. The locally not tailored to the interests of the vember, Coloradans will decide the It is a quest with invaluable rewards elected officials you trust to advo- people they impact. future of our TABOR refunds and and benefits. So go mining. There is cate for your livelihoods, like your When we, in the House of government spending. Not only a treasure to be had. county commissioners, clerk and Representatives, were asked to vote does a no vote protect Coloradans “Oh the depth of the riches both of the recorder council members, and to approve Senate Amendments in from losing their refunds and limit wisdom and knowledge of God! How mayors, did not have the opporthe Third Reading of SB23-303 on government spending, but it also unsearchable are His judgments and tunity to voice concerns on your the final day of session, the Major- tells Governor Jared Polis that we behalf either. unfathomable His Ways” Romans ity Party used their power to limit do not accept the clandestine tacWhy are stakeholders 11:33. our discussion. I joined your House tics used to pass this legislation. I crucial to the legislative process?

Minority Party in a walkout protest. urge you to vote no on Prop. HH. While your elected officials are in The valid concerns we raised retheir positions to provide a voice © 2023 Jan McLaughlin All rights garding the motivation and execufor your district at the State level, tion of this bill were trivialized and reserved. Jan can be contacted at 719the members of the General Asslighted.

275-6971 or by e-mail sembly are only 100 people out of In order to withhold JansMail@reagan.com. © 2023 Colorado’s 5.9 million residents.

TABOR funding from Colorado Karen DeHerrera can be contacted at Stakeholdering bills is necessary Taxpayers, the Colorado Legislakdeph1.4@gmail.com to create a wealth of knowledge ture must draft the measure in a bill from diverse life experiences and and sign it into law. The bill placing to ensure that the Colorado Legis-

◀

Page 20 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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

D

EMOCRATS NOT WHAT THEY ONCE WERE, AND AMERICA IS MUCH WORSE OFF FOR IT: If you are reading this, you likely remember the Democrat party when it was an honorable institution rather than, arguably, the most corrupt institution in America. If you are reading this and still believe it is honorable, you have not been paying attention and need to turn off CNN, MSNBC and the other major news media.

I grew up as a Democrat because, well, in our family we were Democrats. Period. It wasn’t until Ronald Reagan that I threw off the last tentacles of liberalism that had coiled themselves around me. I had voted for Jimmy Carter because I thought he would bring honesty and integrity and governing intelligence to the White House. How wrong I was.

Reagan showed that with common sense laws, a loosening of government regulations strangling businesses, a strong military and reduced taxes America could prosper and keep its proper place of prominence among the world’s nations. Was he perfect? Of course not, because he was human and thus flawed. The only Perfect Man to have lived wasn’t running for President.

But the Democrats of my youth were much different from those of today. Consider President John F. Kennedy’s views on taxation. JFK proposed "an across-the-board, top-to-bottom cut in personal and corporate income taxes." He maintained that the tax system of the time "exerts too heavy a drag on growth in peace time...siphons out of the private economy too large a share of personal and business purchasing power [and]...reduces the financial incentives for personal effort, investment, and risk-taking."

Democrats would have a fit if one of their candidates said that today.

Kennedy got his tax cuts, and they worked marvelously well. Writes Time magazine: “As Kennedy’s tax-rate-cut, strong dollar economic policy was being articulated and then implemented in the latter half of the presidency, the nation embarked upon an eight-and-a-half year, uninterrupted run of growth at just over 5% per year.”

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that “we’re the good guys.”

There once were honorable, ethical, God-fearing Democrats who could be reasoned with in civil debate.

Trying to find one today is like trying to find a skinny person at a fat camp. If they exist, they are as rare as a seven-foot-tall Japanese basketball player. They may be there, but good luck in finding one.

This party simply opposes all that is good and supports a plethora of depraved and destructive ideologies, from homosexuality to transgenderism, physically mutilating children and flooding their bodies with hormones. All done, of course, without the knowledge of parents, who are

One might think that Democrats would learn from that, but one would be wrong. Their ideology will not permit it, results and reality be damned.

considered, apparently, unfit to

And abortion, the chief sacrament of the Left? Kennedy was a practicing Catholic, and abortion then was unthinkable. Just the abortion and tax issues would be enough to get him booed off the stage today.

lical prophet Isaiah’s warning about

So, what happened? It is said that when Richard Nixon was elected president, conservatives won the White House, and liberals won the English department. The Left successfully infiltrated our education system at every level, and today’s students, if they are not homeschooled or enrolled in private schools, are not educated so much as they are indoctrinated into leftist ideology. They learn virtually nothing of substance but are well-versed in critical race theory and other aberrant and destructive ideologies.

make decisions about their children.

They would do well to heed the bibthose who call good evil, and evil good. The fact is that the Left hates what God loves, and loves what God hates. They seem to hate anything that is good for America, since the first thing President Joe Biden did was to reverse everything former President Donald Trump did that benefited America and Americans.

Unfortunately, Democrats are solidly in control of the country that used to be America, but today is something far different, and far

And they vote for Democrats, with predictable results.

worse. And with their ability and

The effect of Leftist governance is evident in every big city run by Democrats: Riots, rampant homeless and drug abuse, blatant shoplifting and looting, and non-stop violence.

sary to maintain power, like rigging

To say the Democrats lost their way would be inaccurate. They simply were hijacked by radical Leftists, and rely on a dumbed-down electorate and misguided folks who still believe, as does my sister-in-law,

story, indeed.

willingness to do whatever is neceselections, this is not likely to change.

Ever.

What a sad

BY GUEST AUTHOR

Dennis Campbell

A DOG TRAINER’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION WITH PETS

(NAPSI)—Spooky season is upon us, and if you were part of the one in five people who, according to the National Retail Federation, planned to dress up their pet last year, you’re probably already thinking about how you and your pet will celebrate Halloween this year. To make sure the season is full of treats—and a few (good) tricks—follow these tips for a safe and fun Halloween with your pets: • Safety First: Earlier sunsets mean pet parents should take a few additional precautions to keep their pets safe while out and about. Dogs should be secure and visible on evening walks with a well-fitting, durable harness, collar and lead with night safety features such as reflective fabric or LED lighting. Consider an LED accessory and GPS tracker for pets.

• Don’t Get Ghosted: It’s easier for pets to go missing as front doors are repeatedly opened and closed for trick-ortreaters and houseguests. Microchip your pets, ensure their collars have the proper identification and register them on Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database that uses patented image-recognition technology to help reunite lost pets with their families.

• Tricks and Treats: Shocking sights and ghoulish sounds outside of their normal routine may startle pets during trick-or-treating and Halloween parties.

Many pets may benefit from a training refresh with the help of a Petco-certified dog trainer. A few practical tips: • Celebrate in Style: Petco offers costumes for all types of pets, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits and bearded dragons. New costumes such as the fish taco, sushi, UFO and mermaid join classic favorites such as the banana, prisoner and skeleton for a wide assortment of fun disguises. For those looking for something more glamorous, the “Doggy Parton” collection features a stylish wig, feathered cowgirl hat and matching dress inspired by everyone’s favorite country star.

• Find Spook-tastic Value: Petco’s Halloween Bootique features over 200 items under $20 so pet parents can get in the spooky spirit minus the scary price tag with affordable items such as seasonal bandanas and headpiece costumes including the lobster, cow or box of popcorn. Pet parents can also find great value on everyday essentials such as nutrition and supplies, as well as services including veterinary care and grooming. Upcoming promotions include: • 50% off reptiles at Petco pet care centers and 50% off Zoo Med front-opening terrariums in-store and at petco.com during Petco’s Reptile Rally from Oct. 21 to 22.

Darris Cooper is the National Dog Training Manager at Petco.

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 21

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Active Aging Is a Multidimensional Concept

AS A FREQUENT READER OF THE SENIOR BEACON, or even

if you’re a first time reader, you may or may not be aware that October 4, 2023 marked the start of Active Aging Week. Many individuals are unaware of what 'Active Aging' is and how it relates to the senior population. In this article I would like to discuss the Active Aging concept and how anyone can incorporate these concepts into their lifestyle.

Active Aging is a multidimensional concept that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being in older adults. To promote Active Aging successfully, it is essential to address a wide range of factors, including individual behaviors, social support systems, and environmental conditions, while recognizing and respecting the diversity within the aging population.

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the quality of life and independence of older adults as they actively age. The Active Aging concept encourages seniors to examine their lifestyles, economics, and disease management to tailor their activities to better promote a healthier perspective on their life and current situation. These efforts are aimed to increase the quality of the senior’s life while potentially increasing the healthy longevity of their life.

So how do you begin an "Active Aging" lifestyle?

The best place to start is by speaking with your primary care physician or healthcare provider. By working directly with a healthcare professional, you can develop a plan that will be sustainable and tailored to your individualized healthcare needs.

Write a schedule out on a calendar that will alternate between physical exercise and social activities to activate you both physically and cognitively.

Engage in regular physical activities tailored to your fitness level. Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga can help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength.

Incorporating resistance exercises using light weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises can be very helpful in keeping your regular exercise routine diverse and interesting.

Additionally, strengthening exercises have been proven to maintain muscle mass and increase bone density which can aid in maintaining and promoting positive health benefits while we age. Flexibility and balance exercise is another great way to help reduce the risk of falls and improve mobility. Activities such as Tai Chi, Pilates, or yoga classes are readily available and can be easily modified for individuals at different levels of strength and agility.

Swimming is another great low impact exercise that is gentle on the joints and provides a full body workout to help

with cardiovascular fitness.

So you may ask, how does one engage in cognitively stimulating exercises?

It is important not to overlook our cognitive health. Mental fitness is important to maintaining independence, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Engaging in social activities that involve movements such as group walks, dance classes, or group fitness sessions can help one stay motivated in both physical activities as well as connecting with others and broadening your peer group. Volunteering is another great way to not only support community organizations and charities but also provides a sense of purpose and keeps you engaged in meaningful activities that often involve movement. For those moments when you can’t be around others due to nighttime hours, or inclement weather, brain exercises such as puzzles, games, reading, learning a new skill, or crafts can be very beneficial in maintaining mental fitness and decreasing loneliness. Also don’t forget to enjoy the crossword and sudoku puzzles provided for free in your copy of the Senior Beacon.

Maintaining a healthy diet is another way to improve your overall quality and quantity of life. It can be difficult for a senior to enjoy healthy foods for many different reasons. Dental

problems, diminished appetites, chronic illnesses, and other similar circumstances frequently cause seniors to become malnourished and dehydrated. Utilizing community resources identified in the Senior Beacon such as SRDA Meals and Wheels, Silver Key Connection, and others can help you either plan nutritious meals, or for a 1 price, utilize the servery reasonable vices of these agencies to help provide yourself with a well-balanced diet.

These meals are designed by registered dietitians specifically with seniors’ nutritional needs in mind. Additionally, it is important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider with any specialized dietary needs such as low-sodium for diabetic diets to help manage chronic illnesses.

In conclusion, hopefully, this article emphasized the many positive outcomes associated with Active Aging.

By promoting improved physical and cognitive function and better mental and social health, these outcomes can be critical for maintaining independence and overall quality of life in older adults.

For additional information on organizations that provide low-cost senior focused activities please feel free to call Bambi Creek RN, MSN at 719-5611111 or refer to her advertisements in the Senior Beacon each month.

Page 22 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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FOR A HEALTHIER YOU

Supporting Other People’s Mental Health Changed My Own Life (NAPSI)—The first time I heard about Crisis Text Line was when one of my students shared information about this mental health support service in one of my classes on strategic storytelling. I was doubtful that a text messaging service, provided entirely by trained volunteers, could make a difference in people’s lives. Yet, I was intrigued and curious. The first time I contacted Crisis Text Line, by texting 741741 from my iPhone, was Thanksgiving of 2019. I had just lost one of my best friends to a brain tumor. My husband and I had decided it was too costly for me to return home for the funeral. This is when my grief started to set in. I was truly struggling. My own depression, which I’d faced since my teens, was “‘nudging at me” again. Then, add in holiday pressures, bickering over the trivial with my family, and trying to keep the kids engaged and off their devices–I was at the end of my rope that day. Without anybody else in the house knowing, I

reached out and a complete stranger helped me to a place of calm. It was all I needed at that moment. I felt sheepish “taking up their time” when others had more pressing problems. The volunteer assured me that my needs mattered too.

A few times in the month that followed I reached out again and it was a lifeline for me during the holidays, which were, for me, a time of stress, loss, and confusion. It was the jolt I needed to be present to those I loved and attend to my own mental health with methods I knew worked for me.

Another year passed; the year we all remember being locked inside due to COVID. I applied and was accepted to train as a volunteer crisis counselor. As a professor of communication for over 20 years, I was surprised that I had so much to learn.

All my work had been around the power of public speaking and here those gifts were not required. I resist-

ed the first lesson on listening skills, thinking, “What is there to hear in a text conversation?”

The harder part was for me to learn to listen and not offer advice from my years of experience. Instead, I learned to ask thoughtful questions, to help the texter realize patterns, and move from heated to calm. In the spring of 2021, I completed my training and overcame my own feelings of inadequacy and fear.

I became the stranger at the other end of the conversation and started to see how I too could be helpful to others.

Now, I’ve come full circle from that moment when I first dialed 741741.

Most Friday nights, after my kids are in bed, I log on and take a four-to-sixhour shift of texting with strangers at their time of greatest need. Last month, I completed my 500th conversation on the platform. While I believe I’ve helped others, what I’m most clear about is how volunteering in this way has changed me. I listen better. I am slower

Roughly 4.4 million Americans will reach the age of 65 in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While age is just a number in some respects, this particular birthday marks the time when Americans become eligible for the federal Medicare health insurance program. And if you’ll be hitting this milestone soon, you’re in good company, as athlete, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be doing the same.

a seven-month window around your 65th birthday called the Initial Enrollment Period. Enrolling outside this window could result in higher premiums on Medicare Part B for the rest of your life.

However, if you’re still working, you may be able to keep your current plan, depending on the size of your company, and switch to Medicare without penalty when you retire. If you’re not working and you’ve already filed for Social Security, you’ll be auto- health care providers are in its network. While you may be able matically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. to go out of network for care, be prepared to pay more if you do.

2. Know what’s covered. Medi- You’ll also want to factor in all care Parts A and B are sometimes the associated costs of a given plan, including monthly premicalled Original Medicare and ums, co-pays and deductibles, cover hospital and physician expenses. To cover things like den- as well as the prices and rules around the prescription drugs tal, vision, hearing and pharmayou take. cy, you may opt for a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as 4. Get help. Turn to resourcPart C), which covers everything es and platforms that can help that Medicare does and provides additional benefits, including, in ensure you understand the plan you’re enrolling in. Call Medicare many cases, prescription drugs at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800(also known as Part D). Assess633-4227) 24/7. TTY users can ing your budget, health needs, call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the doctor preferences and lifestyle Medicare Plan Finder website at will be important in making the Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For best choice for you. local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Pro3. Read the fine print. Before gram at www.shiptacenter.org. signing up for a particular plan, make sure that your favorite You can also contact individual

to offer advice and look instead for ways to help others find their solution.

I now know a ton about resources on a vast array of mental health topics, but I offer those only when it seems right.

What people need most is empathy, my presence and connection, not my experience or wisdom.

Admittedly, I was doubtful when my student first shared about the power of text message exchanges between strangers to reduce depression, anxiety and loneliness. Now, I am convinced that text messages can, and do, make a difference one conversation at a time.

It’s humbling to admit I was wrong but encouraging to see week after week how much text messages help. Ironically the same device that has the power to sometimes isolate us from others can also bring us together.

Mr. Schramm is a mental health advocate, speaker, and writer.

Are You a Medicare Rookie? Pros Can Help You Find Right Plan

“I’ve been a rookie a few times in my life, but this time, I’m new to Medicare,” says Johnson.

Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older, and those under 65 with certain disabilities, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to those who qualify.

During this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which takes place between Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2023, rookies and pros alike can hone their health insurance selection game plan with a little coaching. That’s why Magic Johnson got these tips from Cigna Healthcare, which serves millions of Medicare customers nationwide: 1. Don’t delay. Medicare has

Medicare plans, including Cigna at CignaMedicareInformation. com.

5. Use your benefits. For optimal health, make full use of your plan’s benefits. In particular, be sure to get the wellness checks and preventive screenings needed for your age and health status.

If your plan offers extra perks, such as fitness or nutrition programs, take advantage of them.

“If you find out that the plan you signed up for last year is not the right fit, lean into the experts about what works best for you and make changes during AEP to set yourself up for a winning year,” says Johnson.

John Reed is an independent licensed broker. He can be reached at (719) 225-8313

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OCTOBER 2023 - Senior Beacon - Page 23

OPINION-EDITORIAL

DAVID SHRIBMAN

David M. Shribman is a North Shore native and Pulitzer Prize winner

THE POLL THAT SHOOK THE WORLD

Maybe it was fake

news — I can’t believe I actually typed those five words — but it was important news nonetheless. It shook the political world, comforted the Donald Trump campaign and, even among the disbelievers, should have been for Democrats what Thomas Jefferson described, in an 1820 letter following the Missouri Compromise, “as like a fire bell in the night, [that] awakened and filled me with terror.”

The matter at hand is the Washington Post/ ABC News poll that showed Mr. Trump leading President Joe Biden by 10 percentage points. Forget about the debate over whether this poll was an outlier, or whether the Post and ABC should have suppressed it because it somehow

was flawed. That’s the kind of stuff that press critics and pollsters like to kick around, usually when they are deriding the kinds of topics that columnists kick around.

The meaning of this episode is exactly like the characterization columnist Salena Zito employed seven years ago when she said that Mr. Trump’s supporters took him “seriously but not literally.” The Biden campaign — indeed Democrats in the capital and the country — might not take the 10-percent gap literally, but they ought to take it seriously.

Really seriously. Like the way the George H.W. Bush campaign took the Newsweek poll showing the vice president 17 points behind Gov. Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts.

That July 1988 report jolted the Bush campaign out of its torpor, and eventually it prevailed in the November election.

It’s not as if the Democrats don’t know the liabilities of Mr. Biden: Old. Shopworn. A little slow off the starting block. Corny. A relic. They measure that against what they believe are his advantages: Experienced. Accomplished. Solid steward.

Committed to democratic values.

The only person on the face of the earth who actually has defeated Mr. Trump in an election.

In the cool light of reason, we know that the 10-point gap with Mr. Trump is meaningless, kind of. It’s months — actually 13 months — before the election. An NBC News poll that came out a few hours later showed the two men tied at 46%, though that poll also found that Mr. Biden’s disapproval rating (56%) was the highest of his presidency, and that 3 out of 4 registered voters polled said they doubted that the president had the mental and physical health to serve another term.

Then came the report, from the Axios news outlet, that Mr. Biden’s staff was working on “an urgent project” to make sure the American public saw a vigorous, determined president. Exercises to improve Biden’s balance. Wearing tennis shoes to minimize the possibilities of a mortifying tripping episode. Entering Air Force One on the low deck because it has a shorter set of stairs, the better to avoid a slip. Workouts with a physical therapist.

All to the good. But privately, Democrats think that the greater good would be served by Mr. Biden

stepping aside.

The prospect of a scramble for the Democratic presidential nomination terrifies them, in part because there are no logical contenders who could step up and defeat Mr. Trump, in part because messy primaries hurt general-election campaigns, in part because they know that Vice President Kamala Harris would be in the mix.

Richard Nixon (1960), Hubert Humphrey (1968) and Al Gore (2000) went directly from the vice presidency to their party’s nomination, and lost. Alben Barkley (1952) tried but didn’t get the nomination, just as Dan Quayle (2000) tried and failed.

Whether Mr. Biden stays in the race — or withdraws and Ms. Harris runs her own presidential campaign — the vice president will be the premier target of the Republicans next year.

Mr. Quayle, George H.W. Bush’s understudy, wasn’t much of an issue in the GOP’s 1992 reelection battle — nobody thought Mr. Bush would expire before his second term ended. But in 1956, after Dwight Eisenhower’s serious heart attack, Vice President Richard Nixon was an enormous issue in the Eisenhower reelection fight.

“Distasteful as this matter is,” Democratic nominee Adlai Stevenson said, “I must say bluntly that every piece of scientific evidence we have, every lesson of history and experience, indicates that a Republican victory tomorrow would mean that Richard M. Nixon would probably be president of this country within the next four years.”

It is not difficult to imagine Mr. Trump saying much the same thing, and perhaps more crudely.

The Republicans will run against Mr. Biden next year by running against Ms. Harris. And they will run against gasoline prices under Mr. Biden, creating more of a furor over prices at the pump than they did when, earlier this year, reports, later dismissed, emerged that the

administration might be considering banning gas stoves, blamed for childhood asthma.

Right now Mr. Biden is the asset the Democrats have and the problem they cannot rid themselves of.

But they know that 33% of Blacks disapprove of the presidential performance of Mr. Biden and that 52% of Hispanics do as well — warning signs from important traditional Democratic constituencies that Mr. Trump is determined to exploit, however ham-handedly.

But the most troubling poll result — one that hasn’t been subject to criticism — comes from YouGov, which found that 62% of independents disapprove of the Biden performance.

A general rule of thumb: Each of the major parties claims about a quarter of the electorate, and the remaining half are independents. Political professionals concentrate on that half, even in an election in which the prevailing tactic will not emphasize efforts to lure independents to the parties’ sides, but rather to mobilize their own bases and get their voters to the polls.

Ttake both seriously and literally the remarks that Trump advisor Jason Miller issued last week to the NHJournal, which until the balloting in the New Hampshire Primary concludes on Jan. 23, has enormous influence: “Joe Biden is in serious trouble,” he said. “The bottom has fallen out with core Democratic constituencies they take for granted, and Biden can’t tack back to the middle without alienating the radical liberals in his base.”

And there is the newly emerging fact that should strike terror in the war rooms of the Democratic Party: After four indictments, Mr. Trump may be considered as a loser in the salons of the Democratic Party. But in poll results, he no longer appears as the inevitable loser in the 2024 election.

Page 24 - Senior Beacon - OCTOBER 2023

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