February 2022 - Life After 50

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The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region

LOOKING FOR

FEBRUARY 2022

L VE

IN ALL THE

ONLINE PLACES Mature daters share their cyber romance tips

14

Rebound regrets: The painful costs of medicine misuse

20

How to jumpstart your garden in February

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rfl ies 195 PER PERSON

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April 2, 2022

les of A 6-Day Tour To See the 3 “Bel *

3,375 PER PERSON

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Charleston, South Carolina, Jekyll Island and Savannah, Georgia

What’s more intriguing than murder on a train? Just after midnight a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks … by morning one passenger is missing. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer.

You’ll love the Butterfly Pavilion where we change the way we think about invertebrates. These ‘tiny giants’ are everywhere - the near hidden gems of the animal kingdom.

Spend two nights in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District. Guided tour of Charleston, regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in America. Touring and lunch at Middleton Plantation with its beautiful gardens.

Visit Beaufort, South Carolina, known for its southern hospitality, historic homes and listed on National Trust for Historic Preservation. Spend two nights at the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, once the playground of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families. Narrated tram tour of Jekyll Island, a Golden Isle rich with majestic oak trees, Spanish moss and palmetto. Visit St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles.

Spend two nights in the Historic District of Savannah, the “Belle of the South.” Visit Tybee Island and tour the Museum and Lighthouse. Narrated trolley tour of Savannah to learn the history of the city, see the beautiful garden-filled squares and see the places where many famous movies were filmed. Family-style dinner at Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House, steeped in Savannah history and a local legend. *Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $1,109.00. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, baggage fees, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 6 nights elegant accommodations, 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes & fees.

W indmills, W ine and Tulips 1,785 PER PERSON

$

May 3, 2022

*

A 7-Day Motorcoach Tour to America’s Heartland Day 1: Depart for Lincoln, Nebraska with lunch break in Ogallala and a visit to ‘old west’ Front St. Day 2: Destination Moline, Illinois with a lunch stop in Leighton and tour of Tassel Ridge Winery. You will enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the beautiful paddlewheel Celebration Belle.

Day 3: You’ll tour Isabel Bloom’s art studios and tour the John Deere Pavilion, continuing on to Amana Colonies, a historic landmark formed in 1856.

Day 4: In the morning, you arrive at Pella, Iowa’s annual Tulip Festival – over 200,000 tulips in bloom! See windmills, antique cars, parades, a sunken garden park, antiques, historic villages, Wyatt Earp’s house, and much more.

Day 5: Enjoy morning free time at the Tulip Festival and after lunch head to Kansas City to overnight.

Day 6: Visit the National WWI Museum & Memorial and see breathtaking views from Liberty Memorial Tower observation deck. After lunch, shop for sweets at Russell Stover Outlet Store.

Day 7: On our way home, we’ll tour the historic Cathedral of the Plains, a lovely church in Victoria, Kansas. *Based on double occupancy, single supp is $375. Deposit $250 per person to secure space. Final payment due 4/1/22. Price includes fully-escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, 6 nights accommodations, all attraction tickets, luggage handling, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.

Singing, Dancing and Beer

Sept. 30-Oct 2 – Fall Colors of Colorado & Elk Bugling Oct. 13-20, 2022 – West Virginia Rails & Trails Nov. 28-Dec. 2 – San Antonio Christmas on the Riverwalk

Call for more information or look for details in upcoming issues of Life After 50!

3,435 PER PERSON

$

*

Michigan, the Great Lakes, and Chicago Leave the fast lane behind! Come experience the slow lane on Mackinac Island, where cars have been banned since 1898. After arriving in Michigan, meet your tour director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

The next day you will tour Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum, visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in old Frankenmuth, including a delicious, authentic Bavarian dinner and wine tasting.

Take a scenic ferry ride to Mackinac Island with a horse-drawn carriage ride from the ferry port to your hotel. With carriages and bicycles as the island’s only means of transportation, you’ll need to fuel up on lunch at the famous Grand Hotel. Buy some of their famous decadent fudge, too! After lunch your carriage tour will take you to Avenue of the Flags, the Governor’s Mansion, and Arch Rock.

It’s another beautiful ferry ride back to Michigan mainland. In Mackinaw City you’ll visit Old Mackinac Lighthouse State Park, Legs Inn on Lake Michigan and sample local specialties.

Take a scenic drive through Tunnel of Trees en route to the coastal towns of Petoskey and Charlevoix. Sightseeing with a local guide includes Victorian summer resorts and ‘mushroom’ houses.

Have lunch and do some shopping in Traverse City, tour the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, on your way to Chicago. Take a sightseeing tour of Chicago then enjoy a farewell dinner with a famous dessert at your hotel, the historic Palmer House Hilton.

*

Based on the most celebrated movie of all time, Singin’ in the Rain is the story of the first Hollywood movie musical. You’ll love each unforgettable scene, song and dance of this MGM classic, including the show stopping dance in an onstage rainstorm. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals.

On the Coors Brewery Tour, see and taste traditional brewing in the Rockies - the largest single-site brewery in the world! Since 1873 Coors has thrived on a legacy of quality and innovation. The tour showcases its history and passion for brewing. Afterwards, enjoy beer samples in the Hospitality Lounge and shop in the Coors & Co. gift store.

More Exciting Tours in 2022!

June 5-12, 2022

Lakes

*Based on double occupancy, single supp. Is $720. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, baggage fees, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, 7 nights elegant accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes & fees.

Singin’ in the Rain & Coors Brewery Tour

*$195 price includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, excellent seats for the musical performance, Coors Brewery Tour, and lunch consisting of salad, entree, beverage, dessert, tax & gratuity.

M ackinac Isla nd and the G reat

N Alask a C ruisetour with Den ali August 5-15, 2022

ational P ark

3,330 PER PERSON

$

ALASKA

195 PER PERSON

$

June 25, 2022

*

MICHIGAN & ILLINOIS

NEBRASKA & IOWA

May 20, 2022

the South”

Murder on the Orient Express & Denver Butterfly Pavilion

Price includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, a visit to Denver Butterfly Pavilion, excellent seats for the performance, and a full lunch consisting of salad, entrée, beverage, dessert, tax and gratuity.

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An 11-Day Tour of the Land of the Midnight Sun Depart from Colorado Springs arriving in Vancouver. Enjoy a city tour of Vancouver then board the beautiful Celebrity Millennium, fresh off her multi-million dollar renovation! The next day sail beyond the Inside Passage.

This complex labyrinth of fjords, bays and lush green islands are home to an abundance of wildlife. Visit Ketchikan, the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and the ancestral home of the Tlingit people who have carved the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Explore Juneau, with its towering peaks, cascading streams, bright bursts of wildflowers and vast, otherworldly icefields.

Take a train ride in Skagway up the famously steep Chilkoot Trail. Enjoy picture-perfect views of Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in the world. In Seaward board your deluxe motor coach and travel to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Explore the downtown area of Anchorage and enjoy an overnight stay in Talkeetna.

Discover the beauty of taiga forests and miles of rolling tundra aboard a glass-domed railcar, for a picturesque ride on your journey to Anchorage. *Price based on inside stateroom, per person/double occupancy. Ocean View Stateroom $3,875 per person/double occupancy. Balcony Stateroom $4,585 per person/double occupancy. Deposit of $500 per person due to secure booking; final payment due 5/1/22. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, 11-day luxury cruisetour aboard a new renovated ship, all transfers, city tour in Vancouver, all port fees, taxes and surcharges.

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I N T HI S I S S U E

The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region February 2022 | Volume 35 | Issue 2

Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Managing Editor Rhonda Wray Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Graphic Designers B. Bigler Michael L. Madsen Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Advertising Assistant Kayla Pool Advertising Executives Jil Goebel Diane Salkovich

7 Editor’s Column

Friendship is one of life’s greatest blessings

8 COVER STORY

Looking for love online?

Mature daters share their cyber romance tips

Website: www.LaFifty.com Email: Info@LaFifty.com Life After 50 is published by Pendant Publishing, Inc. dba BEACON Senior News P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829 Life After 50 brings hope and help to seniors in the Pikes Peak Region and those who serve them.

Life After 50 is published at the beginning of the month and is distributed at more than 250 locations throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities in El Paso and Teller counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available upon request. © Copyright 2022 � All Rights Reserved

LOOKING FOR

12

Recipe: Cast-Iron Smoked Queso Dip Make this dish part of your Hall of Fame feast for Superbowl Sunday

13 How medications inadvertently cause memory problems

For people with newly onset memory issues, the first thing you should do is look in your medicine cabinet

On the Cover

22 Themed cruises

Enjoy more than deck chairs and endless buffets

24 Faith: Love is more than a feeling When I think about love and all it entails, I am reminded of the love chapter in the Bible—1 Corinthians 13

25

16 Medicinal rebound regrets

What happens when that terrific treatment that revitalized your life transforms into the terrible torment that vexes your body and soul?

18

IN ALL THE

Especially as circumstances and marital statuses change, navigating the world of online dating can be daunting. These mature daters share their tips.

A checklist for jump-starting your garden We hit 10 hours of daylight on January 24, which means it’s time to start gardening!

L VE

ONLINE PLACES

20

Even when life isn’t so rosy, these vows have merit for both husband and wife

Delivery Eulogio Martinez Lucinda Perry Robert & Kathy Wernly Gerald Wilson

Phone: 719-900-7664

Medicare Mentors removes the mystery from government health insurance

10 For better or for worse

Delivery Manager Diane Salkovich

P.O. Box 50125 Colorado Springs, CO 80949

19 Your personal Medicare guide

Make a promise to your pets on “Valentags” Day Because our pets are our hearts, let’s double-check their tags and microchip information on February 14

Best weather apps Acquire customized local weather information without having to wait for the TV forecast

28 CALENDARS 32 Clubs 33 Question of the Month 34 Fun After 50 Senior Center Activities 37 Support Groups 38 Fun & Games 40 Classifieds

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Friendship: The sweetest gift “D

iana? Is that you?”

I was headed to the checkout at King Soopers when I saw her. I yanked my mask down to show her it was indeed me, her coworker of 24 years. She eased her cart to the side, and we gave each other the Cliff’s Notes of our lives in the floral aisle, parting 45 minutes later with the intention of getting back in touch, hopefully before another three years elapses!

Why is it so hard to stay in touch? The pandemic hasn’t helped, but it’s just life in all its unpredictability. Our hearts are in the right place, but crisis management kicks in. What needs doing right now usurps all else, so we don’t write that email, pick up the phone or knock on their door.

Friendship is one of life’s greatest blessings.

It’s not a transactional relationship. It’s not forced. It’s a choice. When you find it and it’s reciprocal, it is a sweet gift.

Friendship makes me do costly and illogical but oh-so-fun things like wake up at 3:30 a.m. for a flight to Texas to visit my college roommate.

It’s my sister resurrecting a dormant group— from years ago, before a move halfway across the country—for a monthly Zoom call. It’s wildly sacrificial acts I’ve only read about, like donating a kidney.

Who has one BFF? There’s the confidant from whom you seek advice. The bestie who makes you laugh. The childhood chum you’ve known forever. The always-game, spur-of-the-minute pal. The friend you lost touch with, but later connect as if no time has elapsed at all.

Researchers say that making a casual friend takes an average of 50 hours, while close friendships take 200 hours.

In college, friendship was effortless. We studied together, made food runs or stayed up late, just talking. Then I graduated. Real-life socializing required effort and scheduling.

But that’s the secret to friendships outside

EDITOR’S COLUMN

LETTERS

from our readers Coloring for senior adults works better and is safer than Prozac or other drugs for anxiety. It’s very relaxing.

- Dr. Cherry Ambrose, PSyD.

the playground or dorm, according to psychologist Marisa Franco. She’s an advocate of recurring group activities—the monthly game night or bike ride.

For some mysterious reason, singing together is proven to be very conducive to friendships. I miss my own “choir therapy,” paused by COVID-19.

Franco speaks of the “multiple touch points” in groups.

“Someone…could reach out to all of us, and then we all keep in touch,” she explains. So even if group texts get unwieldy or the Zoom cage feels unnatural, they work when gathering may not be safe. (I’ve also met up with friends in the wintry outdoors, eating lunch by a fire!)

Aging doesn’t seem as intimidating when you can commiserate with another. Senior centers are a hub of relationships forged over meals or shared interests, like exercise or crafts. Research shows that though we’re aging, friends enable us to stay resilient, open-minded and smarter.

Loneliness can be as hard on you as smoking a pack per day. Friends are even more vital than relatives for extending one’s life. Seniors over 70 with a good number of friends tend to live 22 percent longer than those with fewer.

When we close ourselves off, we miss out on community, and our world shrinks. In a lifetime we make an average of 396 friends, but only one out of 12 friendships lasts. Let’s thank our “forever people.”

Here’s to making and being a friend! ■

Rhonda Wray, Managing Editor Rhonda@LaFifty.com

We enjoy Life After 50 every month. You have the best articles and the best jokes.

I keep it in the car and read while my husband goes into stores. I wanted to let you know we appreciate it!

- Marian, Gateway Presbyterian Church Rhonda, you are a terrific writer! I always enjoy your insights and memories; they always motivate me. I, also, am one of the magazine’s biggest fans. I am always clipping articles for reference, or just to re-read for inspiration. Thanks for all you do and thanks for letting me be a small part of such a fantastic publication!

- Marti B., Ruff Life columnist I am long overdue in writing to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading your essays at the beginning of each recent issue of Life After 50. I especially resonated with the one about the Christmas road trips. Very personal and poignant with a heart-warming message for the season.

- Robin I. Rhonda, I just read your column in the December issue of Life After 50. I’m very curious as to just where in Iowa you grew up. That is my home state also. My trip to Colorado was my first time to ever be west of Des Moines. I’ve been in Colorado all but three years since then. Retired from teaching in Jefferson County in 1990.

- Shirley S. Your magazine is wonderful!

- Carol T. I get Life After 50 sent to me personally. I greatly enjoy it, especially the front cover, “Becoming Claus.” I’m so excited about reading it!

- Catherine D.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Info@LaFifty.com PO Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

7

COVER STORY

e v o l r o f g n i k o o L e h t l l a in ? s e c a l p e n i onl cobs a J n n y

By L

Mature daters share their cyber romance tips

O

nline dating is big business and growing every year.

Although many folks over age 50 have never used a dating app, you can bet your kids have been swiping right and left to approve or disapprove of potential mates on Tinder for years.

With age, however, circumstances and marital statuses change, and you might find yourself looking for new ways to make connections. If asking your kids how to proceed doesn’t appeal to you, then this article should help.

GETTING STARTED First, there are many matchmakers to choose from with more than

8 | FEBRUARY 2022 |

1,500 dating sites on the world wide web. Most of the bigger sites also have their own apps for smart phones and iPads.

While biggies like Match.com and eHarmony.com boast the biggest dating pools, sites such as Silver Singles.com and OurTime.com are devoted solely to mature daters.

There are also sites for practically any specific interest, be it religion (ChristianMingle.com and Jdate. com for Jewish singles) to pages devoted to farmers, clowns and even vampires.

A few sites are free to use; others require payment. Some apps let you test the waters by allowing you to view prospective matches at

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

no charge. However, you’ll have to pay if you want to actually talk to these singles.

A three-month subscription to Match.com will cost you around $32 per month. As with most dating apps, if you commit to more time, the fee lessens.

Some singles believe the paying sites help separate the wheat from the chaff, but others have had luck with the free ones.

PROFILE TIPS Once you’ve chosen a site (or two), you’ll be asked to answer some questions for your profile about yourself and what you’re looking for in a mate.

Retirees Joe and Jennifer Marcotte, both 74, met on the free site Plenty of Fish 12 years ago. They had an immediate attraction, but Joe said the women he met before Jennifer were anything but catches.

One thing, he noted, was that their profiles didn’t sound original.

“So many gals said they ‘like long walks on a sandy beach.’

That’s nice, but I live in Colorado,” said Joe. “Another big one was, ‘I want someone who is interested in traveling.’ I need more depth than that. That has nothing to do with a relationship.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Retirees Joe and Jennifer Marcotte met on the free site, Plenty of Fish (www.pof.com) when they were both 62. Now, they’re celebrating 11 years of marriage.

YOU WILL BE REJECTED AND MUST, AT TIMES, REJECT OTHERS. USE A NEW PICTURE Divorcee and pilot Larry Laxson, 68, said there were several times he met dates at a restaurant and didn’t even recognize them from their profile photo.

“Their pictures must have been at least 15 years old,” he said.

Joe recalled meeting a woman at a diner after reading her profile, where she said she was remodeling her house. He got the impression that she was vigorous and industrious.

She entered the diner using a walker and looked nothing like her picture.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT Give serious thought about what kind of relationship you want, the type of person you’re looking for and what behaviors or viewpoints are unacceptable. If you want to get married, make that clear, Joe advised. If you truly just want an occasional dinner, say so.

“So many gals said they were interested in dating but within two minutes of meeting them, it was obvious they wanted a partner and father for their children. And I was guilty of the same thing,” he admitted.

Although he posted that he was just interested in dating, Joe even-

tually realized he wanted a deeper connection.

“I asked myself, do I really want to spend my time with a gal who just wants to drink and eat? Is that really what I want?” he asked.

THICKEN YOUR SKIN You will be rejected and must, at times, reject others.

Amy Brooks rejected quite a few would-be suitors on eHarmony, but tried to do so with kindness and tact. Recently, she agreed to go on a date with a man but backed out when he suggested they play “ding dong ditch” for an evening out.

Divorced mother and singer Miriam Roth, 52, saw an ugly side to online dating apps and says she probably won’t use them again.

“Sometimes when you say no to a person, they get vile,” said Roth, who after refusing to go out with a man, was verbally assaulted by him.

She also received unsolicited nude pictures.

Ageism was also rampant.

“Men in my age range also don’t want to date women in my age range,” Roth acknowledged. “Fiftyyear-old men want to date 30-yearold women.”

Brooks, too, has given up on online dating. She met some nice men and dated a few seriously. But the moment she turned 60, her page went cold and the messages stopped coming in.

Despite the pitfalls of cyber romance, Jennifer says it was an effective way to meet eligible interested singles. For her it was successful, as it eventually led her to Joe. They’ve been married for 11 years.

But you must be brave, she warned.

“If you’re retiring and afraid of going outside your comfort zone, online dating is not for you,” Jennifer said.

Her final advice to anyone embarking on internet intrigue?

“It’s fun to read profiles,” she said. “Don’t make it so serious.” ■

Popular dating sites (also available as smart phone apps) � Match.com � OurTime.com (Match’s site for mature dating) � eHarmony.com � OkCupid.com � SilverSingles.com (for mature daters) � Plenty of Fish (pof.com) � LoveBeginsAt.com (designed for ages 40+) � Hinge.co (app only) � Bumble (app only)

ONLINE DATING SAFETY TIPS

By Mary Boylan

VET THE CANDIDATES

Be prepared to spend some time weeding out the fakers and scammers. As online dating has increased in popularity, so has the number of sketchy characters. Be careful and don’t rule out running a background check, if need be. If you have doubts, check it out or step away. Trust your instincts.

USE THE BLOCK BUTTON Dating sites make it easy for people to get to know one another, so get out there and work it, baby! You can flirt, like, wink, show interest, favorite and give a photo a thumbs up. You can text or talk anonymously, or you can peruse profiles without anyone knowing. Be proactive, but don’t be annoying. Don’t hesitate to block flirt harassers.

EMAIL AND PHONE FIRST Keep your communication to the dating platform, or exchange

some emails and talk on the phone a couple of times before going on a date. During these preliminary exchanges, red flags might pop up or deal breakers might be revealed.

BEWARE OF CATFISHERS

But on the flip side, don’t drag out communication too long. If someone hesitates to meet, it might be a setup for catfishing (when someone uses a fake identity to take advantage of another). If someone refuses to meet, move on.

NEVER SEND MONEY

Never send money, especially over wire transfer, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, report it to the dating site immediately.

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 |

9

LIFE AFTER 50

For better or for worse

By Laverne H. Bardy

W

hen you’re standing at the altar with the love of your life beside you, and your heart is overflowing with joy, the phrase “for better or for worse” flies over your head at the same speed as it did when, in first grade, you were instructed to place your right hand over your heart and pledge your allegiance to the flag. They were nice words, but elusive.

If you’re a healthy young man or woman who has never had more than a headache, a pimple, or a fall from your bicycle, the fact that life may not always be rosy is not in your scope of thinking. If questioned, logic might kick in and you would accept that there will be negative incidents along the marital highway, but emotionally, it doesn’t yet compute. You’re busy looking forward to your honeymoon, your first home, and having a family. The “for better or for worse” part of your vows are not an immediate part of your fairytale plan.

Her “for worse” situation that commonly occurs early in the relationship can happen one romantic evening as you’re snuggling together on the couch, watching either the Hallmark channel—which brings him to the brink of nausea—or football which, although explained to her countless times, continues to baffle and bore her to the point of digging her nails into the palms of her hands, just short of drawing blood.

His “for worse” action presents itself in the form of an insidious act that he appears to have been saving for just the right moment—

10 | FEBRUARY 2022 |

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the moment in which he feels so secure in his relationship that he has no qualms about intentionally, and shamelessly...expelling gas. To magnify the horror of this startling act, he exhibits no embarrassment, remorse or attempts to deny it. Rather than apologize for his assault on her senses, he takes pride in it, as he exhibits a devilish grin and two thumbs up.

“For better” is their shared

love of old movies, dancing on weekends and her pride in pleasing him by never missing one of his weekend softball games.

“For worse” is his ability to

turn off, tune out and sleep through an infant’s 2 a.m. feedings, toddlers’ nightmares and Sunday morning trampoline sessions on your king-size bed.

“For better” is he remem-

bered her birthday, even though his well-meaning gift was a toaster that caused her to cry in a closet.

“For worse” is their shocking

realization that she needs time to herself and he wants a night out with the guys.

“For better” is when he pre-

tends not to notice or care that her after-childbirth weight is still hanging on and the baby is 3 years old.

“For worse” happens when she’s

struck with the fact that she’s totally unprepared for motherhood, toilet training and provocative decisions such as lamb chops or liver, and she needs more in her life.

“For better” is the comfort they

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“For worse” is when his family

is invited to dinner and immediately after dessert he heads for the couch and TV, leaving her with a pasted smile on her face, forced to listen to tales of his adorable youth.

Again.

“For worse” happens when she

continues to gain weight and he continues to lose hair; conditions they both swore they would never allow to occur.

“For better” is the comfort of

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thinks it would be nice if his underwear and bed sheets were ironed, the way his mother always did, and she hands him the phone and tells him to call his mother to do it.

as they drift off to sleep in each other’s embrace—she with lower back pain and he with a tension headache. It’s then that goodnight kisses not only gratify but satisfy. ■

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Directions: In cast-iron pan, mix cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and almond flour. Pour in heavy cream and salsa; bring to gentle simmer. Whisk while simmering 5-7 minutes, or until queso dip begins to thicken. Add paprika, salt, chorizo and liquid smoke; adjust seasoning as necessary.

Garnish with cilantro and bell pepper. ■

How medications inadvertently cause memory problems F or people with newly onset memory issues, the first thing I have them do is look in their medicine cabinet. What are you taking that could be causing this? Are you taking an “anticholinergic” medication that lowers levels of acetylcholine in your brain?

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is a beneficial, memory-enhancing and life-giving compound in the body.

Your nerve cells use it to communicate with one another— you can’t think or live without it. Like all good things, too much or too little acetylcholine can have detrimental effects.

Drugs that raise acetylcholine are termed “cholinergic”. Medications that slightly increase these levels are good for the brain and memory system.

They usually work by blocking an enzyme that would otherwise degrade the acetylcholine so that it hangs around longer. Pills that do this include donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine, which are all used in treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia.

Conversely, some “anticholinergic” medications can lower levels of acetylcholine. These drugs may ease depression, but in doing so, they have the side effect of reducing acetylcholine by a little bit, which causes memory problems. As a result, this side effect may cause you to get diagnosed with a memo-

ry disorder you don’t really have!

Many anticholinergic drugs are blockbuster big-names like diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine for allergies, scopolamine patches for dizziness, oxybutynin or tolterodine for bladder problems, many older antidepressants, ipratropium inhalers for breathing, dicyclomine for IBS, and others.

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DIANE K. BROSS, P.C. Just as you might imagine, anticholinergic drugs can harm memory pathways. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2015, researchers evaluated data from hundreds of participants over 10 years to see if they went on to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Essentially, they found that long-term use of anticholinergic drugs is bad for the brain!

If you wish you had more brain power, take a look at your current medications and see if you’re taking an anticholinergic drug. If you’re worried about brain function, I have a free ebook on the topic available on my website. ■

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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By Jerry Gramckow

I

f you’re playing basketball, rebounds are great—you want as many of them as you and your teammates can grab. A medicinal rebound, however, has serious, undesirable consequences. This kind of rebound results from the prolonged use of certain medicines that eventually exacerbate the problem they’re created and sold to treat.

MISPLACED TRUST In his early 40s, Greg noticed an annoying tingling sensation in his legs, often at night. The spasms kept him awake, rarely sleeping for more than a few hours, which affected his concentration the following day.

After years of ignoring the problem, Greg went to his doctor and was diagnosed with Restless Leg

Syndrome (RLS).

His doctor prescribed him ropinirole (brand name: Requip), which for Greg was a godsend. Taken regularly, it eliminated the leg spasms, allowing him to sleep again.

However, gradually, the medicine’s effects diminished. The doctor increased the dosage until, eventually, the spasms returned worse than ever.

Greg’s doctor switched him to a new anti-seizure drug to help him transition off the ropinirole.

Neither Greg, now in his mid60s, nor his doctor know what the long-term effects of this new anti-seizure drug will look like. Yet a stopgap was necessary, as there is no cure for RLS. If, like Greg, you’ve taken a potent medication for months or years, you might be just one rim

FREQUENT USE OF NASAL DECONGESTANTS MEANT TO OPEN SWOLLEN NASAL PASSAGES CAN INEVITABLY LEAD TO SEVERE, CHRONIC NASAL CONGESTION. ADDITIONALLY, PROLONGED USE OF CERTAIN ACID REFLUX TREATMENTS CAN EXACERBATE THE PROBLEMS THOSE MEDICINES INITIALLY ALLEVIATED.

HEALTH & WELLNESS bounce from a rebound you don’t want. Medicinal rebounds can make life miserable, particularly if you’re over 60.

Boomers are playing with fire when they casually pop a few pills to assuage an annoying ache or to aid a beneficial afternoon nap.

According to Dr. Stephen D. Silberstein, professor of neurology and director of the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University, on any given day as many as 3 million Americans suffer headaches brought on by the medications they trusted to rid them of their pain.

BEWARE THE WONDER DRUGS Older adults are America’s largest group of drug users, according to Kaiser Family Foundation. Almost 90 percent of adults 65 and older reported currently taking prescription medicine, and 54 percent reported taking four or more prescription drugs. A 2016 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that every day, 750 U.S. adults age 65 and older are hospitalized due to serious side effects from one or more medications.

The problem rarely occurs with the first dose, or even in the first weeks. But over the course of weeks, months or years (depending on the medicine and dosage), the terrific treatment that revitalized your life transforms into the terri-

ble torment that vexes your body and soul.

Overuse of short-term, mostly nonprescription “wonder drugs” may cause harm in the long term.

Frequent use of nasal decongestants meant to open swollen nasal passages can inevitably lead to severe, chronic nasal congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa or “rebound congestion”). Additionally, prolonged use of certain acid reflux treatments can exacerbate the problems those medicines initially alleviated.

Prescription meds have the potential to be even more hazardous.

The best-known example of prescription abuse in America is the opioid epidemic. In 2019, an estimated 10.1 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Specifically, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, and emergency department visits for opioid overdoses rose 30 percent in all parts of the U.S. from July 2016 through September 2017.

Because of widespread misuse, doctors face a delicate balancing act regarding opioid prescriptions.

In many situations, opioids provide a level of relief that no other class of drugs can match. However, due to their much-publicized, highly addictive properties, many doctors are reluctant to prescribe them.

One JAMA article stated that more than 4 in 10 doctors’ offices refused to take on new patients who need opioids to control pain.

Many health maladies have no cure. Medical experts are still trying, often through trial and error, to find the best treatments. Sometimes the errors resulting from trials can be miserable or even debilitating for patients.

If you find yourself in a situation similar to Greg’s, do your research and seek a second expert opinion.

The new doctor might feel like he’s getting you on the rebound, but he’ll get over it—and you’ll score some crucial peace of mind. ■

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15

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS DID I READ THAT SIGN CORRECTLY?

Submitted by Ben Kuckel “Toilet out of order. Please use floor below.”

In a department store: “Bargain basement upstairs…”

In an office: “Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back, or further steps will be taken.”

Outside a second-hand shop: “We exchange anything—bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?”

Spotted in a safari park: “Elephants, please stay in your car.”

In a conference: “For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a daycare on the first floor.”

On a leaflet: “If you cannot read,

this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.”

On a repair shop door: “We can repair anything. (Please knock hard on door—bell doesn’t work.)

GETTIN’ IT ON WITH GRANDMA

Submitted by Marcus Thompson A drunken old man walks into a biker bar, sits down at the bar and orders a drink. Looking around, he sees three men sitting at a corner table. He gets up, staggers to the table, and leans over to look the biggest, meanest biker in the face.

“I went by your grandma’s house today and I saw her in the hallway buck naked,” the old man tells the biker. “Man, she is one fine woman!”

The biker looks at him and doesn’t say a word.

The drunken man leans on the table again and says, “I got it

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For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2022. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-719-7765370 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711).

16 | LAUGHING MATTERS | FEBRUARY 2022

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on with your grandma and she is good—the best I ever had!”

The biker still says nothing.

The drunk leans on the table one last time and says, “I’ll tell you something else, boy, your grandma liked it!”

The biker finally stands up, takes the drunk by the shoulders, looks him square in the eyes, and says, “Grandpa, go home!”

GOOD AND BAD PUNS

Submitted by Bob Breazeale Did you hear about the animal trainer who always ate lunch in the wild cats’ cage and read a book?

Apparently, he was able to read between the lions.

What’s a Shih Tzu? A dog?

No, it’s a zoo with no animals.

GOT TWO BUCKS?

Submitted by Josh Green A homeless man who’s seen hard times approaches a well-dressed gentleman on the street.

“Hey, buddy, can you spare two

bucks?”

The well-dressed gentleman responds, “You’re not going to spend it on liquor, are you?”

“No, sir, I don’t drink,” retorts the man.

“You’re not going to throw it away in some crap game, are you?” asks the gentleman.

“No way, I don’t gamble.”

“You wouldn’t waste the money at a golf course for green fees, would you?”

“Never,” says the homeless man.

“I don’t play golf.”

The gentleman asks him if he would like to come home with him for a home-cooked meal. The homeless man eagerly accepts.

While they’re heading to the man’s house, the homeless man’s curiosity gets the better of him.

“Isn’t your wife going to be angry when she sees a guy like me at your table?”

“Probably,” says the man, “but it will be worth it. I want her to see what happens to a guy who doesn’t drink, gamble or play golf.”

LAUGHING MATTERS

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Submitted by Bob Breazeale A young man invited 14 people over to watch Monday Night Football.

However, he discovered he only had one 12-pack of beer in the fridge. How did he solve this problem? He told them he was sick and they had to leave.

THE OSTRICH

Submitted by Holly Brown A man and an ostrich walked into a restaurant. The waitress asked them for their orders. The man said, “A hamburger, fries and a Coke,” then turned to the ostrich.

“What’s yours?”

The ostrich said, “I’ll have the same.”

When the waitress returned with the order, she said, “That will be $9.40, please.”

The man reached into his pocket and pulled out exact change.

The next day, the man and the ostrich came in again and the man ordered, “A hamburger, fries and a Coke.”

The ostrich said, “I’ll have the same.”

Again, the man reached into his pocket and paid with exact change.

This was the routine until one day.

“The usual?” asked the waitress.

“No, this is Friday night, so I’ll have a steak, baked potato and salad,” said the man.

“Same,” said the ostrich.

The waitress brought the order and said, “That will be $32.62.”

Again, the man pulled the exact change out of his pocket and placed

it on the table.

The waitress couldn’t hold back her curiosity any longer.

“Excuse me, sir,” she said. “How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?”

“Well,” said the man, “several years ago, I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.”

“That’s brilliant!” said the waitress. “Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!”

“That’s right,” he said.

“So, what’s with the ostrich?” the waitress asked.

The man sighed, paused and answered, “My second wish was for a tall chick with a big butt and long legs who agrees with everything I say.”

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BIZARRE HEADLINES

Submitted by Ben Kuckel Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over Miners Refuse to Work after Death War Dims Hope for Peace Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group ■

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think of Happy often.

Her (or his) collar is pink and still clasped shut. Had the phone numbers on the tag been legible, I would have called. Instead, I picked up the empty ring of fabric and put it in my pocket. I continued my walk with Sherlock along the Rock Island Trail. But for the rest of that day, I worried about Happy.

On the day Colorado Springs was pummeled by the epic windstorm, my schedule was packed.

As a pet sitter/dog walker, normally I would have spent the day exploring trails and playing with my furry friends. Instead, I spent each visit securing objects in yards and texting worried owners, reassuring them that their pets were safe.

Each of the dogs reacted differently to the destruction happening around them. Obie and Lonzo gleefully chased tumbling branches as I wrangled up patio furniture.

Meeker and Maisel peered nervously out the door while I inspected the mangled remnants of their backyard fence, grateful they did not have a doggy door. And Bo, whose world revolves around balls and squirrels, wound himself tightly around my feet and shuddered with every monstrous gust.

If you were on social media, Nextdoor.com or Facebook, you already know how many frantic owners were looking for lost pets during and after the storm. My heart broke with each plea for help.

I hoped the pets had some form of legible identification on them. And I thought about Happy.

Because our pets are our hearts, I have an idea. On February 14— Valentine’s Day—let’s double-check our dogs’ tags. Are the phone number and address current? Can you read the information, or has it worn away?

If it’s time for a new tag, you can get them on the spot at Petco or PetSmart, or pretty much anywhere that sells pet food. I got Chip and Ernie’s at Bon Pet Supply. As an extra measure of caution, I added “has seizures” engraved on each of their tags. If—heaven forbid— either one of them went missing during a disaster, I want whoever finds them to know they have a health condition.

If you’re considering having Ralph microchipped, make that appointment today. If he’s already chipped, ensure the info in his database is up to date.

If Minnie doesn’t have a collar, how about getting one now? There are so many fun styles available!

She’ll also need an identification tag to add some (important) bling.

While a new squeaky toy or a favorite treat is good, let’s show our pooches some real love. Let’s give them that extra layer of security and a better chance to be reunited with us should something unforeseen happen. ■

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18 | PET PAGE | FEBRUARY 2022

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BY MARTI BENSON

Send your questions to Marti in care of Life After 50, or email her directly at OutnumberedByDogs@gmail.com

Your personal Medicare guide

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

Medicare Mentors removes the mystery from government health insurance

By G. L. Yenne

D

id you know that the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month and three months after your birthday are critical enrollment periods for Medicare?

If you’re about to turn 65 and need guidance in figuring out which option is best for you, Nick Palarino, a licensed health insurance agent with Medicare Mentors, can help.

PERSONALIZED SERVICE Palarino retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years of service. He joined Medicare Mentors because he has a passion to assist veterans and their families.

Behind Palarino is a team of health navigators dedicated to ensuring clients’ Medicare needs are met. Medicare Mentors delivers no-cost, relationship-based education and services to help every Medicare-eligible person optimize their coverage and benefits.

“It’s important for us to review what is important for each person,” said Palarino. “Do they like the ability to choose their own doctor or specialist? Are they open to the idea of generic-type prescriptions? Are they veterans? Are they retired?”

Palarino can also answer questions about a medical bill, help you find the right doctor or specialist, tell you about a new drug benefit and assist with quotes and enrollment.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND He can also refer clients to partners and resources that can assist veterans and their families with financial aid, long-term care options and more.

He once helped a client when his home health care company billed his primary insurance but not his secondary health insurance, and the client had to pay out of pocket. With a bit of detective work, Palarino was able to get the client reimbursed.

At an end-of-life situation, he also helped a grieving spouse by handling bills he was still receiving from the carrier on his wife’s behalf.

Some people don’t know if they should stay on their employer group coverage or wait until they retire to enroll in Medicare.

Palarino and his team listen carefully, then come up with a recommendation for each client based on budget, health and long-term hopes for retirement.

“This is a face-to-face relationship with someone who understands the intricacies of Medicare,” he said. “It’s different than calling an anonymous telemarketer.”

For a free consultation, call Palarino at 719-301-9525. ■

FREE SEMINARS Medicare Mentors hosts free seminars on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m.

Keeping You “On Trail” with Medicare Are you a Veteran/Retiree?

Are You Turning 65 and New to Medicare?

Do You have TRICARE, VA Healthcare or CHAMPVA

Medicare for Veterans Seminar 2nd Wednesday of the Month

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center 530 Communication Circle

February 9, 2022 at 2pm

Call to RSVP. Next seminar is: February 9 at 2 p.m.

To RSVP Call, Text, Email or Scan QR code Nick Palarino, Licensed Insurance Broker

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Enrollment periods may apply. Not affiliated with the U.S. government or federal Medicare program.

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Planning, pruning and planting A checklist for jump-starting your garden

I

n the Celtic calendar, February 1 marks the first day of spring.

Although the season as we know it won’t officially arrive for another two months, in Colorado Springs, we hit 10 hours of daylight on January 24. That’s just the right amount of sunlight required by many plants to grow, which means it’s time to start gardening!

Here are some things you can do in February to jump-start your garden. � Test your seeds. If you’re not relying on new seed purchases this year, now is a good time to do a germination test on your existing seed stock. Begin by testing a minimum of 20 seeds at a time (100 will give you more accurate results). Place seeds inside a folded-up paper towel, spaced apart.

Mist the paper towel with water, roll it up and place it in a jar with a cracked lid or cheesecloth on top to allow airflow and prevent

IN COLORADO SPRINGS, WE HIT 10 HOURS OF DAYLIGHT ON JANUARY 24, WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME TO START GARDENING! molding. Place the jar on top of the hot water heater or in another warm location inside the house and wait for them to germinate.

Most vegetable seeds will germinate in seven to 10 days.

Mist the container daily or as needed to keep the paper towel moist. Around the seventh day, gently unwrap the paper towel and count how many seeds have sprouted. Re-roll the towel and continue checking the next couple of days.

If 18 of your 20 seeds sprouted (a 90 percent germination rate) then they’re good for planting! If only 6 of 20 germinated, planting three seeds in each hole could

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GROW WILD

February 10-23 are optimal seeding dates for cool weather crops. be warranted. Be sure to note the germination rate on the seed package. Finding a zero germination rate now is better than finding it out after they’ve been planted.

� Cut back perennials and grasses to allow solar radiation to warm the soil around the plants.

Solar radiation converts to thermal gain when soils are exposed to daylight and that can warm the roots of early crops. Mint, tarragon, parsley and oregano will also appreciate the warmer ground. � Clean up last season’s debris.

I’ve found that new chives will emerge about three weeks earlier from gardens that have been cleared of debris from last season. � Prune deciduous trees and shrubs. I prune out the old canes from my raspberry bushes around Valentine’s Day.

Cleaning garden debris allows the sun to warm the soil.

� Begin planting cool season crops from seed indoors. Brocco-

Prune and remove the old canes from raspberry bushes. li, cabbage, kale, chard, spinach, peas and Asian greens, like tatsoi and pak choi, are all good candidates. These plants can be transplanted outside by the end of the month or early March (February 10-23 are optimal seeding dates if you follow a lunar calendar). � Warm the soil. Designate an area of your yard to transplant your seeded crops. Warm the soil by securing black plastic around the edges of the area, which allows

heat to build up underneath.

Once the plastic is removed, any germinated weeds can be removed to clear the planting space. Adding amendments or compost to the soil before putting on the plastic will save weeding headaches after the new seedlings have been transplanted. DO NOT till the ground at this point, as you’ll only turn up more weed seeds that have been dormant in the soil. ■

GROW WILD

BY BRYAN REED

Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of Life After 50, or email him directly at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu

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21

TRAVEL

Themed cruises

Enjoy more than deck chairs and endless buffets

By Victor Block

S

everal people watch a master baker demonstrate making pastries. Others participate in a chocolate, cheese and wine tasting, or enjoy a food-and-wine pairing gourmet dinner.

Elsewhere, golfers play at some of the most famous courses around the world, then attend a tournament that brings together the top professionals.

In another part of the world, music fans swing and sway to tunes that were popular during the 1970s, then have an opportunity to meet and mingle with singers and members of the bands that made them hits.

What do all these people have in common?

They’re enjoying some of their favorite pastimes while taking an ocean or river cruise!

In addition to traditional vacations at sea or along major rivers, there are sailings across the

world that focus upon a variety of interests.

Whatever hobby, pursuit or pastime you enjoy, it’s possible there’s a voyage that will let you combine it with the pleasures of cruising. From food to the latest fashions, music to mystery, the offerings are as varied as the destinations.

FROM FOODIES TO MUSIC-LOVERS Food aficionados have long looked to Avalon Waterways to meet their longing for haute cuisine. And what could be more “haute” than combining a voyage through the lush landscapes of Burgundy and Provence, France, with gourmet meals? These food and wine trips merge cuisine and culture to offer a memorable vacation experience.

For golfers from duffers to low-handicap players, Azamara Club Cruises is a good place to start. It has a well-deserved reputation for tours

Cruisers watch birds from a ship.

22 | TRAVEL | FEB FEBRUARY RU A RY 2022 2022 | WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

THEMES OF OTHER SPECIAL INTEREST CRUISES RANGE FROM BIRD WATCHING TO BEER, AND FROM LITERATURE TO CRAFTS LIKE KNITTING AND NEEDLEPOINT. to some of the best known and most beautiful courses around the world. Their packages include everything from experienced caddies to convenient transportation to the links. Another plus is onboard opportunities to compare experiences and tips with other golf aficionados.

Golf swings are supplanted by swing and sway with a rock n’ roll or decades cruise. Performers include popular musicians and bands, as well as cover artists of hit bands. Onboard activities complete the music-loving voyage, ranging from disco

Fans of Monet are likely to recognize his house and the lush gardens that surround it.

TRAVEL nights to karaoke and music trivia.

Where there’s music there’s often dancing. That’s particularly true on Holland America’s “Dancing with the Stars” voyages. Champions from the popular TV series join passengers in competing for the colorfully named Mirrorball Trophy.

Those who feel they’re not quite ready to don dancing shoes with experts may join a complimentary onboard class to learn the same routines that were performed on the hit show.

Hands-on workshops also are part of Transatlantic Fashion Week, a feature of Cunard Line’s voyage calendar since 2016. Designers, milliners, models and others present a series of talks, Q&A sessions, catwalk shows and events aboard the Queen Mary 2, celebrating style against the backdrop of an iconic ocean liner.

Can’t decide where to go? You may prefer a cruise where the focus is on not knowing where you’ll be going. People who book a Fred Olsen mystery trip have no idea where the itinerary will take them (except, of course, the ship’s captain). Sometimes passengers even have the option of voting on which of two possible destinations they prefer to visit.

on the beaches of Normandy and stories of the Allied forces that drove the Germans out of France and other occupied countries from a knowledgeable expert on a European cruise.

Additionally, some of Avalon’s Danube River cruises explore Jewish heritage stories and sites. One of the many highlights is a visit to the world’s second-largest synagogue in Budapest and Prague’s Jewish Museum and cemetery.

The themes of other special interest cruises range from bird watching (oceanwideexpeditions. com) to beer (crystalcruises.com),

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23

FAITH

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W

hen I think about love and all it entails, I am reminded of the love chapter in the Bible—1 Corinthians 13. I would like to share part of that beautiful chapter with you: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave itself rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails….” (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a, NKJV).

This chapter says it all! Each day is filled with opportunities to put this exhortation into practice.

Reach out to someone who is lone-

THIS MONTH, LET’S SEARCH FOR THOSE WHO ARE FEELING UNLOVED AND SEE HOW WE CAN POUR THE LOVE OF GOD INTO THEM.

FAITH MOVES

ly. It might be someone at a skilled nursing care facility, a fellow church member, a person who is homeless, an unemployed acquaintance or a coworker. And don’t forget the needs of your neighbor.

Look for someone to befriend.

You will be blessed as much as those you care for. We need to see this demonstrated in our lives more than ever. Love is not always just a feeling; it is reaching out to others with the kindness of Jesus to meet the needs of their whole being.

Sometimes that means letting go of preconceived ideas and truly looking at people with fresh eyes.

Since February is the “love month,” let’s search for those who are feeling unloved and see how we can pour the love of God into them.

Send a card or some flowers. If there are elderly folks in your neighborhood who live alone, stop by for a chat or to assist with a chore.

Homeless shelters always need a hand as well.

There are so many ways we can live out compassion. This month gives us a good reason to form the habit of giving back to others. Remember, love is eternal, for God is love. Have a perfect Valentine’s Day in our Father’s perfect love!

It would be wonderful to hear your stories of the ways you were able to reach out this month to love on others. Feel free to email me at kay@crossroadsusa.com. ■

BY KAY OWEN-LARSON, PH.D Kay Owen-Larson is an ordained minister with Crossroads Ministries USA in Colorado Springs.

To learn more, visit www.CrossroadsUSA.org

TALKING DIGITAL

Say goodbye to TV weathermen These websites and apps give timely forecasts on the go

I

n 2022, I’m going to write a lot about living with technology in a post-COVID world. I’m not saying that COVID is gone; I’m saying that COVID has forced society to adopt technology in ways that could be avoided prior to 2020.

Banking, communication, education, shopping and health care are just a few facets of daily life that have implemented technology and permanently evolved over the past few years.

This month, I am going to talk about the most essential topic of human conversation: the weather.

TV WEATHER IS A WASTE The weather is what we talk about when we have nothing else to talk about. Relevant quantitative weather data is produced every second of the day, and it is likely scrutinized by more professional practitioners and amateurs than any other scientific field.

Everyone with a smartphone and/or a computer can access both complex weather data and its plain interpretation. Local and national television news outlets still waste as much as 30 percent of their broadcast on weather forecasts.

The popularity of television weather forecasts is a subject that has both baffled and irritated me for almost 20 years.

Here are some ways you can use computers and smartphones to acquire customized local weather information without having to wait for the TV forecast. Best of all, this information will be more timely, accurate and even entertaining than even the most experienced television weather person can provide.

First, I must explain that I’m fo-

cusing on weather forecasts, not weather-related news. Local news sources will likely always be the best source for information on how the weather is impacting the community.

Weather forecasting is merely the data that allows experts to make an educated guess at what will happen with the weather over the coming hours, days and weeks.

BEST WEATHER RESOURCES Accessing weather data, both raw and interpreted, is most efficient with your smartphone or tablet although true weather geeks will appreciate the superior experience available by using a computer.

It’s likely that your forecasts will likely be very similar, if not identical, across all sites and apps because the data is gathered from the same sources: the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Aviation Weather Center, and numerous other entities. The primary differences between the apps and weather sites are features and functionality.

Some of the most popular resources are accessible online and come as smartphone apps: � Weather Underground (www.wunderground.com)

� The Weather Channel (www.weather.com) � Accuweather (www.accuweather.com) � Weather Bug (www.weatherbug.com) � Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live (www.climeradar.com) � Dark Sky (www.darksky.net) I like this paid app that specializes in hour-by-hour forecasts.

All of these resources offer simple weather forecasts, satellite images, precipitation forecasts and current temperatures.

If you love weather science enough to pay for a weather app or website, you can also access complex maps, charts and data such as wind, air quality, tide tables, moon phases and even seismic activity.

If you’d like more laughs in your day, What the Forecast?! (app only) is a humorous weather app that will explain, in real terms, how nasty it is outside. Hourly weather forecasts, weather alerts, moon phases and air quality index are accompanied by almost 10,000 obnoxious phrases that describe current weather conditions. You can even adjust the profanity settings.

It won’t take long once you’ve adopted technology to access all of your weather data to realize that television weather forecasts are obsolete. But you will be much more interesting when it comes to talking about the weather at your next obligatory social gathering. ■

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN

Send your technology questions to Adam in care of Life After 50, or email him directly at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org

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MONEY & SCAMS

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VS.

By Arthur Vidro

M

y sister-in-law recently discovered the mortgage payment she and her husband fork over each month is not reducing their mortgage debt one iota. Their mortgage payments are being applied exclusively to interest payments on the loan and the loan balance isn’t being reduced.

Fixed-rate mortgages is when the interest rate remains constant for the life of the loan. Some mortgages are variable rate, which means the interest rate will fluctuate depending on what the future cost of borrowing money becomes.

Balloon-rate mortgages mean your rate is fixed until a given date, and then it skyrockets. Too many people only concern themselves with their rate at the moment, and don’t worry about rates they might be contractually bound to pay down the road.

Some mortgage lenders will let you pay down your loan balance.

It’s a simple matter of making an additional payment and earmarking it specifically for the loan balance.

This is best accompanied by writing

PRINCIPAL

“reduce loan balance” in the subject section of your check, and accompanying it with a note spelling out your intention. And then following up to make sure your instructions were carried out.

Paying down your loan balance results in your interest rate being applied subsequently to a smaller principal, which means less money is paid in interest over the life of the loan.

Some mortgages though, are drawn up in language that prohibits you from paying down your balance until after all your interest is paid off. This is to the lender’s advantage because it guarantees that the maximum amount of interest will be paid on your loan.

On a smaller scale, the same system applies to car loans.

Many dealerships make more money from the interest you pay them on a car loan than from selling you the car in the first place.

That’s why dealerships try hard to make sure you take out your car loan from them, not from a third party. They’ll tell you they offer the best possible rates; sometimes

MONEY & SCAMS that’s true, sometimes not.

I bought a new car for the first time in 1996. I purposely chose a Saturn dealership because Saturn treated all its customers alike.

There was no dickering or negotiating. Each car had a single price, each optional feature had a single price, and no matter how much or how little you knew about cars, that was the price you would pay.

After a salesperson and I had settled upon a car, I was directed to another office where the chap in charge of paperwork sat. He explained the buying process until we reached the point of having to decide on a schedule of monthly car payments.

“How much would you like to pay?” he asked.

I thought for a moment, then replied, “What are the options?”

I was asking a simple enough question, I thought, but he did a double-take and leaned back.

“You know,” he said, “that’s the first time I’ve ever been asked that.”

I asked, “How do other people respond when you ask them how much they’d like to pay?”

He told me they all pretty much tell him they want to pay “as little as possible” each month.

But paying as little as possible per month means it will take you many more months (perhaps years) to pay off the car. It will extend the life of the loan and will vastly increase the amount of interest you end up paying over the loan’s lifetime.

I selected a four-year plan but paid it off in three. The plan allowed me to make additional payments as often as desired, and by doing so, I could pay off the loan earlier than contractually called for and thus reduce the amount of total interest paid on the loan.

Not all auto loans allow you to do that. After all, the lender wants as much of your money as possible—which they maximize by having you pay as little as possible each month. ■

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CALENDAR February 2, 9, 16, 23 Stepping On

Stay safe and prevent falls through this seven-week workshop at Memorial Hospital North. Local experts share helpful information on exercise, medications, vision, safety, footwear and potential hazards.

2-4 p.m. | 4050 Briargate Pkwy. | Free | lori.morgan2@uchealth.org | 719-365-2872

February 4-5

Home & Landscape Expo

Discover new trends and learn how to make your house your home at the Norris Penrose Event Center. Remodeling, landscaping and building experts will share their expertise for your latest project.

2-7 p.m. Friday/10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday/10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday | 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $3 | www.homeshowcenter.com | 800-374-6463

February 4-6

Weekend to Remember

Invest in your marriage and God’s blueprint for it at The Broadmoor.

Learn skills to weather difficult seasons through every age and stage of your lifelong adventure.

5 p.m. | 1 Lake Ave. | $137.50 | www.familylife.com | 800-358-6329

February 4

Paper Strip Sea Art

Exercise your creativity at Library 21c! Using strips of paper layered under cardstock, create a work of ocean art. An instructional video and supplies will be available.

February 5

3:30-5:30 p.m. | 5670 N. Academy Blvd. | Free | www.thirdspacecoffee .com | 719-465-1657

Sip and Savor (Wine Tasting 1)

February 7

Reserve a spot at The French Kitchen for guided blind tastings of their favorite boxed wines next to pricey bottled varieties. Includes tasty appetizers from the café and catering menu.

2-3 p.m. | 4771 N. Academy Blvd. | $49 | www.tfkcc.com | 719-528-6295 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 1175 Chapel Hills Drive | Free | rmisciagna@ppld.org | 719-531-6333, ext. 7012

February 5

Artist Guided Open Studio

Beat the winter blahs at Painting with a Twist! Get uncorked and smocked and pick any art project.

Sip wine and paint on wood or canvas, guided by professional artists.

Please book in advance.

3-5 p.m. | 2834 N. Powers Blvd. | $35-$45 | www.paintingwithatwist. com/studio/coloradosprings | 719-591-2455

February 5

Winter Series III

Come to Cottonwood Creek Park ready to run races of varied lengths.

Expect gravel/paved roads, packed double-track and single-track trails.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. | 7040 Rangewood Blvd. | $25 | www.runsignup.com

February 5-6

The Soundtrack of Your Life Psychology meets the music you

Welding Class

Whether you’ve never welded or are looking to improve your skills, there’s a place for you at Kilroy’s Workshop.

Class size is small and safety conscious at this self-paced session.

1-4 p.m. | 7358 Cole View | $80 | www.kilroysworkshop.com | 719257-3012 love in this two-day event at the Cliff House. Deep music listening from Bach to rock can help you deal with life’s unpredictability. Includes lunch and refreshments. Admission is tax deductible.

8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | 306 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs | $125 | molly alord@gmail.com | 719-785-1000

February 5 & 19

February Forest Bathing Walks

Experience this therapeutic practice and awaken your senses with a slow, mindful walk through the woods at the Bear Creek Nature Center. A soothing tea ceremony follows.

1-3:30 p.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road | $30 | https://communityservices. elpasoco.com/nature-centers | 719-520-6387

February 5 & 19

Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma Live Listen to folk, gospel and ballads by solo guitarist and trombonist Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma at Third Space Coffee.

February 8-9

Sign Language Workshop

Acquire basic inclusive skills to reach the hearing-impaired at this workshop for beginners (BBQ meal included). ASL is the third most used language in the U.S., with over half a million communicators.

4-7 p.m. | 1120 N. Circle Drive | $20 | www.arisebeyondbarriers.com | 719-434-1416

February 11 Veterans Virtual Job Fair

Find opportunities you might otherwise miss if you’re a veteran looking for work. JobFairX brings top employers, franchisors and educational institutions directly to you, to bypass endless resume submissions and waiting periods.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Free | www. militaryx.com

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February 11

Kimberbell Club: Candy Heart Pocket Tag

Head to Rocky Mountain Sewing & Vacuum to make a gift tag with a pocket for a chocolate, note or gift card. Uses applique and lining in-thehoop. Includes how-to and all sizes of the design.

2-2:30 p.m. | 5611 N. Academy Blvd. | $10 | www.rockymountainsewing. com | 719-597-8888

February 12

A Touch of Colorado Springs’ Black History

History buffs, travel back in time to get a glimpse of the racial climate in the city. Presented by Candice McKnight, a third-generation Colorado native and the founder of the African-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs. Reservations are required.

2-3 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | www.cspm.org/lectureseries | 719-385-5633

February 12

“Elliot: A Soldier’s Fugue”

Watch how three generations of military men from a Puerto Rican family who served in Korea, Vietnam and Iraq view war in this play by the writer of “In the Heights” at the Ent Center for the Arts.

2 p.m. | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | $20$37 | www.entcenterforthearts.org | 719-255-3232

February 12

Whiskey Tasting Festival

Sample your way through varied fine

spirits at the fourth annual iHeartRadio event, held at the Hotel Eleganté. Enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres and vendors, too!

2-5 p.m. | 2886 S. Circle Dr. | $65 | www.hotelelegante.com | 719-576-5900

February 12

Master Aid Station Captain Certificate

Learn to set up an aid station and support distance runners at Cheyenne Mountain State Park through the Human Potential Running Series.

A 70 percent or higher on the final exam nets you $20/hour in HPRS credits when volunteering.

1-5 p.m. | 410 JL Ranch Heights Road | $5 | www.humanpotential running.com

February 13

Super Half Marathon & Game Day 5K

Join 1,500 runners at this annual fundraising race in downtown Colorado Springs on Super Bowl Sunday. Includes swag and a postrace celebration at Jack Quinn’s, and there’s still time to catch the big game afterward!

10 a.m.-1 p.m. | 121 S. Tejon St. | $30 or $65 | www.runsignup.com

February 15-16

“Fiddler on the Roof”

This audience favorite musical at the Pikes Peak Center features Tevye, who clings to the Jewish traditions like matchmaking while his three daughters wish to marry for love.

7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. |

$76-$512 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100

February 16 & 17 Nature Explorers

Come enjoy nature through a child’s eyes! Nature Explorers is a monthly program geared to 4- and 5-yearolds and their caregivers at the Bear Creek Nature Center.

10-11:30 a.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road | $3 | https://communityservices. elpasoco.com/nature-centers/bearcreek-nature-center | 719-520-6387

February 17

Proactive Living Series

Seniors, families and care teams are invited to the Colorado Springs Senior Center to learn from local experts on aging. This month’s theme is Blue Zones: regions of the world with a higher number of people who live longer than average.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 1514 N. Hancock Ave. | Free | www.ppymca.org/ colorado-springs-senior-center | 719-955-3400

ing and warming concoctions at The French Kitchen—even specialties like French onion soup.

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 4771 N. Academy Blvd. | $89 | www.tfkcc.com | 719528-6295

February 18-19 Couples’ Comedy Event

Join Phil Gungor for his twoday live “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage” event at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Gungor explores relationships with such clarity and humor that couples will retain these insights. Singles are welcome, too!

7 p.m. | 4125 Constitution Ave. | $30-$39 | www.holycrosscs. org/couples-comedy-event | 719-596-0661

February 17-27

“By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” This play takes an irreverent look at racism in Hollywood through the life of a headstrong black maid and her boss, a has-been starlet. Performances are Wednesdays through Sundays at the Fine Arts Center. See website for times.

2-4 p.m. | 30 W. Dale St. | $20+ | fac. coloradocollege.edu | 719-634-5581

February 17 Soups 1

Learn the tricks to making nourish-

February 18-19

The Art & Science of Love

Bring your significant other to the Cliff House and find out what does and doesn’t work in relationships.

Concepts based on studies of 3,000+ couples.

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | 306 Cañon Ave., Manitou Springs | $799 per couple | www.principleskills.com | 719-494-7412 Continued on next spread...

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29

CALENDAR February 20

Wellness with Wine

Spend the day sampling all things wellness at In-Balance Studio, with opportunities for SocaFit, yoga, a wellness chat and massage therapy.

Healthy snacks and beverages are included.

12-3 p.m. | 2820 E. Pikes Peak Ave. | $25-$100 | www.in-balancedance. com | 719-394-8877

February 21-24

Cyberspace Symposium

This symposium at The Broadmoor provides a national forum for industry, government and academia to work together to solve the challenges of cybersecurity, community cyber readiness and national defense.

Volunteers are needed.

9 a.m. | 1 Lake Ave. | Free | www.afcea.org

February 22-24

February 25 & 26

Facilitators receive training at the Hotel Eleganté to lead a culturally appropriate 12-step video curriculum for Native Americans using teachings from the medicine wheel, cycle of life and the four laws of change. Materials and ongoing support are included.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. | 2886 S. Circle Dr. | $550 | www.whitebison.org | 877-871-1495

Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo CookOff & Carnivale Parade

Medicine Wheel 12-Step Training

Gumbo? Yumbo! Twenty cooks compete for trophies at Soda Springs Park. Gumbo is 75 cents per taste.

Then it’s on to Manitou’s wacky Carnivale Parade for all-day fun!

11 a.m. | 1016 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs | Free | www.manitou springs.org | 719-685-5089

February 24

February 25-27

February 26

February 22

The French Kitchen is the only venue with a truly authentic crepes class in Colorado. Learn to make two batters: a savory and a sweet, as well as how to fill, fold and serve a crepe.

Gluten-free options are available.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 4771 N. Academy Blvd. | $169 | www.tfkcc.com | 719-528-6295

Listen as the Philharmonic brings Schumann’s First Symphony to life at the Pikes Peak Center. Cellist Jan Vogler returns to perform SaintSaëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1.

7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $29-$83 | www.pikespeakcenter. com | 719-477-2100

Bread-making Class

February 26

Meet local and national vendors ready to assist with your next home improvement project at the Colorado Springs Event Center. Ceiling to floor, outdoors and indoors, find what you need and more. Save thousands, win prizes and enter giveaways!

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | Free | www.thespringshome show.com | 303-867-0808 3

Learn the secret of homemade bread at The French Kitchen.

Make baguettes and dinner rolls, sample freshly baked bread with various toppings and take baked goods and dough home with you.

10-11 a.m. or 2-3 p.m. | 4771 N. Academy Blvd. | $49 | www. tfkcc.com | 719-528-6295

Make Crêpes

Under the Sea Breakout Room

Solve puzzles, find clues and open the locked box before time’s up. This ocean-themed breakout room at the East Library references oceanography and ocean mythology. Winners get a treat and bragging rights!

Registration is required.

2-3:30 p.m. | 5550 N. Union Blvd. | Free | www.ppld.org | 719-531-6333, ext. 6046

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February 26

Rainbow Falls Winter Waterfall Viewing

Making an appointment for a visit to see the frozen Rainbow Falls will give you a beautiful reason to be outside on a chilly day. Online registration required.

US-24, Cascade | $1 | https:// communityservices.elpasoco.com/ parks-and-recreation/rain bow-falls-historic-site

Schumann’s “Spring”

February 27

Youth Symphony Concert

Hear top-notch young musicians play with master violinist Kyle Dillingham at the Ent Center for the Arts.

3-5 p.m. | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | Call for prices | www.csysa.com | 719-633-3901 ■

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CLUBS 21st Century Toastmasters meets weekly at Library 21c.

Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-591-8045 ACC Grass Roots 307 Cribbage meets weekly at the Colorado Springs Elks Lodge.

Wednesdays | 4:30 p.m. | 719-331-1200

Cheyenne Mountain Hooked on Crochet meets virtually on Zoom to crochet or knit.

1st & 3rd Thursday | 10 a.m. | www.ppld.org | 719-389-8968 Cheyenne Mountain Newcomers Club for women meets monthly at Broadmoor Community Church.

Annual dues: $30 2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | www.cmncos.org

ACLU defends civil rights and liberties.

303-777-5482 Austin Bluffs Sertoma meets twice monthly for breakfast at Hotel Elegante. This community service organization helps the hearing impaired and promotes national heritage.

2nd & 4th Wednesday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-460-5561 (Pat) Austrian-American Enzian Club is a German-speaking culture club that meets monthly at the VFW Post #101.

2nd Wednesday | 2-4 p.m. | 719-3801163 Black Forest AARP gathers monthly for a potluck lunch at Black Forest Lutheran Church.

2nd Wednesday | 12 p.m. | 719-596-6787 Bridge Players Duplicate plays daily at the Bridge Center.

Monday-Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. | Sundays at 1:30 p.m. | 719-634-7250 Bulldog Club meets monthly at Westside Community Center.

4th Monday | 6-8 p.m. | goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com Carnelian Coffee Book Club meets monthly at Out West Gift Shop.

1st Sunday | 1 p.m. | jpaisley@ppld.org

Colorado Springs Breakfast Club for Singles 50+ meets monthly at Patty Jewett Clubhouse ($18 cash/ check).

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | RSVP 719-260-0651 or tbc50plus.org Colorado Springs Chess Club meets weekly in the Acacia Apartments ballroom.

Tuesdays | 6 p.m.

Colorado Springs Coin Club meets monthly at Fraternal Order of Eagles #143.

4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 719-433-8417 Colorado Springs Numismatic Society meets monthly at Hilltop Baptist Church.

2nd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-433-8417 Colorado Springs Scrabble Club meets virtually weekly for three games on Woogles.io (must create account).

Mondays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-332-5141 Colorado Springs Stamp Club meets monthly at Vista Grande Baptist Church.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.

Curiosity Unlimited offers fun opportunities for continuous learning with UCCS professor lectures virtually and at the Ent Center for the Arts, Chapman Foundation Recital Hall. Call to RSVP. 2nd Friday | 10 a.m. | www.uccs. edu/curiosity | 719-574-1449 DAV Knob Hill holds a bingo fundraiser at 6880 Palmer Park Blvd. to help aid local veterans.

Sundays | 5:30-9 p.m. | 719-591-8787 El Paso Pacers is a walking club that meets monthly. RSVP by email.

3rd Thursday | 9 a.m. | 719-5206977 | theresaodello@elpaso.com Falcon Adult Group meets monthly at High Prairie Library.

1st Wednesday | 11 a.m.

Falcon Garden Club meets monthly at High Prairie Library.

3rd Saturday | 10 a.m. | www.falcon gardenclub.org Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship meets monthly for breakfast at IHOP, 6005 Constitution Ave. 2nd Saturday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-229-3317 Gleneagle Sertoma meets twice monthly for lunch in the Northgate area. This community service organization helps the hearing impaired and promotes national heritage.

1st & 3rd Wednesday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-331-1212 (Harvey) Gold Camp Victorian Society meets monthly at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center.

4th Saturday | 2 p.m. | info@gold campvictoriansociety.org

Healing Waters Fly Fishing is for disabled active duty and veterans.

Varied times | www.projecthealing waters.org International Dance Club hosts weekly dances. Live bands, variety of styles, family friendly. Cover: $10 members, $12 non-members.

Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 719-633-0195 Maxi’s Dance Party is held weekly at the Eagles Club. Features music for ages 40+ and food and drinks for purchase. Cover: $5/members, $8/ non-members.

Thursdays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-660-1358.

Paint Party meets monthly at Big Train Restaurant. Optional dinner first. $25 fee includes all supplies.

Call for which Saturday | 6 p.m. | 719-473-8218 Paralyzed Vets of America plays weekly at Bingo World.

Tuesdays | 12:30 p.m. | 719-578-1441 Pikes Peak Camera Club meets virtually monthly. Zoom link on website.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-634-2376 | www.pikespeakcameraclub.com Pikes Peak Computer Application Society meets monthly at Springs Community Church.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | asdtitus@ gmail.com Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meets virtually monthly.

2nd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | www.ppgs.org Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang is for active people 50+ who enjoy ski-

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| WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

ing, biking, hiking, golfing, camping, etc. (variable times/dates). Membership required. Meets monthly for dinner.

2nd Wednesday | 719-388-1534 | www.ppothg.org Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners meets monthly for dinner and a program at the Masonic Center. Call to RSVP. 2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | 719-473-0330.

Rampart Range Blue Star Mothers (of children in the military) meets monthly at the Falcon Police Department.

1st Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-651-8038 Rotary Club meets weekly for lunch and a speaker at The Antlers. Visit website for Zoom link and to RSVP. Fridays | 12:15 p.m. | 719-338-3239 | www.portal.clubrunner.ca/3250 Senior Chats occur weekly at the Rockrimmon Library.

Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m.

Senior Circle Book Club meets monthly at the Woodland Park Public Library’s large meeting room.

2nd Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-9281 Silicon Mountain Mac User Group meets virtually monthly. Visit website for Zoom link.

2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | www.smmug.org

Sno-Jets Ski and Adventure Club meets for ski trips, biking, hiking, dinners and more October through April. Membership is $45 per year.

Visit website for details 1st Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | www.snojets.org

Question Month OF THE

Compiled by Rhonda Wray

If you were a candy heart, what would your message be?

Socrates Cafe meets weekly for discussion at the Monument Library.

Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 719-531-6333, ext. 7005 Sons and Daughters of Italy meets monthly at the VFW Post #101.

1st Tuesday | Dinner 5:30, Meeting 6:30 p.m. | 719-290-9586

Vickie & Lawrence Shiroma “If we were candy hearts, Vickie’s message would be, ‘You are loved’ and mine would be, ‘All of me.’”

Sons of Norway meets monthly for a heritage meeting at Viking Hall.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-574-3717 Travel Club meets regularly through the Fountain Valley Senior Center.

719-600-2602 | mbowers@fvscenter.org Triviality Trivia plays weekly at Gold Camp Brewing Company.

Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | 719-319-3798 Vietnam Veterans of America (chapter 1075) meets monthly at Colorado Technical University.

4th Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-650-1513 Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association—Army Women United meets monthly at the Sand Creek Public Library.

4th Saturday | 10:15 a.m. | 719-660-3641 ■

SEND CLUB LISTINGS AND UPDATES TO Rhonda@LaFifty.com or call 719-900-7664 ext. 109

Alice Tannehill “Just, ‘Love.’ With all the division and hatred going on in the world, we need to spread love.”

Michelle Beeman “I’m going through cancer treatments, so for me it would be, ‘Take life one day at a time.’”

Mary Rush “It would simply say, ‘I love you,’ and if I could, I would give it to my Kenneth. I still miss him so much!

This Valentine’s Day I’ll have the distraction of a new little Havanese puppy, Izzy.”

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 | CLUBS |

33

FUN AFTER 50 1514 N. Hancock Avenue, Colorado Springs To register for classes, call 719-955-3400 or visit www.csseniorcenter.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Lots of Love Food Drive

8 a.m.-5 p.m. | February 1-11 | Donations

HEALTH Medicare 101

1-2 p.m. | February 3 | Free

1628 W. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs To register for programs,call 719-385-7920 or visit www.ourwestside.org

SPECIALS AARP Tax Aide

By appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call Michael Campbell (weekends only).

February 7-28 | 719-360-3810

Balance and Flexibility 9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays

HEALTH VNA Foot Care Clinic

Call to make an appointment.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tuesdays | 720392-6701

FOOD Velcro Barbershop Quartet

1:30-2:30 p.m. | February 11 | $3

Medical Aid in Dying Update

Baked with Love Bake Sale

1-2 p.m. | February 4 | Free

Newcomers Orientation

1-2 p.m. | February 9 | Free

LIFELONG LEARNING

1-2 p.m. | February 16 | Free

The Eras of U.S. Immigration

“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman 3-4 p.m. | Fridays | Free

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | February 14 | $1 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | February 22 | Free

9:30-10:30 a.m. | February 9 | $5

Indoor Plants for a Colorado Home 1-2:30 p.m. | February 15 | $3

Reiki

Nurse Chats: Atrial Fibrillation VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB

JOIN THE FUN!

Thursday Dance with Rick Taylor 1:30-3 p.m. | February 10 | Free

Open Studio Painting 1-4 p.m. | Fridays | $1

Free Movie Fridays

1-3 p.m. | Fridays | Free

Honky Tonk Hissy Fit

Funky Little Theater Co. presents this rollicking comedy set in Doublewide, Texas.

Call for times and prices | February 25-28 | www.funkylittletheater.org | 719-471-4462

EXERCISE SilverSneakers Classic

8:45-9:45 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | $5 if insurance doesn’t cover class

Beginner’s Pickleball

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fridays

Pickleball

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays | 12-3 p.m.

Wednesdays | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Thursdays

Table Tennis

Making Your Money Last in Retirement 1-2:30 p.m. | February 17 | Free

ProActive Living Series

10-11:30 a.m. | February 17 | Free

Connections Cafe In-Person Lunch

1:30-2:30 p.m. | Fridays | $1

34 | FUN AFTER 50 | FEBRUARY 2022

| WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

Westside Cares Food Pantry 1-3 p.m. | Wednesdays

Colorado Pet Pantry

1-3 p.m. | 4th Wednesdays

OTHER Senior Lounge

9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Monday-Friday

Bible Study

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Thursdays

Organization of Westside Neighbors 6-7 p.m. | 1st Thursdays

AA New Beginnings Meetings 6-7 p.m. | Tuesdays

Workbook Study

6-7:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

Crafts Unlimited

1-3:30 p.m. Mondays | 12-2 p.m.

Fridays

9-11:30 a.m. | Fridays

Beginner’s Line Dance

February 3: Fiddle tunes February 10: Gospel February 17: Radio oldies February 21: Gypsy swing February 24: Bluegrass 6-8 p.m.

10-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Ping Pong

Call to make a reservation.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Monday-Friday | 719-884-2300

Intermediate Line Dance

3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays | 2:30-4 p.m. Fridays

Blackrose Acoustic Jam

1300 Higby Road, Monument To register for programs, call 719-464-6873 or visit www.trilakesseniors.org

FUNDRAISER Potluck

Bring a dish to share.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | February 14

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES Arts & Crafts

11 a.m. | Thursdays

Book Club

11 a.m. | February 11 | 719-3300241

Medicare 101 (must RSVP)

Lunch will be served.

12 p.m. | February 23 | 719-3300241

GAMES Bunco

Tai Chi Fusion

12 p.m. | Mondays

Bingo (must RSVP)

1-2 p.m. | February 16 | 719-3300241 | sue@monumentalfitness. com

Chess Club

12 p.m. | Mondays

Pinochle

12-4 p.m. | Tuesdays

Hand & Foot

1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Mahjong

1-4 p.m. | Fridays

EXERCISE Body Shop (muscle conditioning) 9 a.m. | Mondays

Fab, Fit & Fun

Low-Impact aerobics and simple weight training for all levels.

1:30 p.m. | Mondays

SPECIAL EVENTS

Yoga

10:15 a.m. | Mondays (10 a.m. on February 4)

Line Dancing

1:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

Gentle Yoga

Valentine’s Dinner & Show

10:15 a.m. | Fridays (Except February 4)

5:30 p.m. | February 11 | $10

Essentrics

10 a.m. | February 15 | $39

Strengthen your core, lengthen your body, improve flexibility, balance and mobility.

9 a.m. Tuesdays | 10 a.m. Thursdays

Chair Yoga

1-2 p.m. | Wednesdays

Bring $3 and a snack to share 1-3 p.m. | February 11

5745 Southmoor Drive, Fountain To register for classes, call 719-600-2644 or visit www.fvscenter.org

Mind Matters

Gentle stretching, breathing techniques, energy exercises, meditation and visualization work.

10 a.m. | Wednesdays

Mix It Up!

Combining low-impact aerobics, weight training and stretching.

8 a.m. | Wednesdays

Tai Chi Gong

11 a.m. | Wednesdays & Thursdays

Pilates

Strengthen your core, improve flexibility, balance and mobility.

9 a.m. Wednesdays | 12 p.m.

Sundays

Zumba Gold

9 a.m. | Thursdays

Better Bones & Balance 1:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Zumba

5:30 p.m. Thursdays | 9 a.m.

Saturdays

Miramont Castle Tea

Pioneers Museum & Lunch at Brakeman’s Burgers 10 a.m. | February 25 | $10 (reservations required)

EDUCATION Legal Assistance

1:30 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

ART Interpretive Dance

10:30 -11:30 a.m. | Mondays

Porcelain

Cardio Drumming

2-2:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

Tai Chi

9:30-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Low Vision Support

1 p.m. | 3rd Wednesday

Zumba Basics

2:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Active Minds

2:30 p.m. | 3rd Thursday

Chi Kung

10-11 a.m. | Fridays

GAMES & LEISURE Movie Day

1 p.m. | 2nd Wednesday

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 12:30-3 p.m. | Tuesdays

Quilters

8:30-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Oil Painting

9-11 a.m. | Wednesdays

Woodcarving

8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thursdays

Card Making

9:30-11 a.m. | Thursdays

HEALTH

Bingo (and cash prizes) 1 p.m. | Thursdays

Birthday Social

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | 4th Thursday

Wii Games

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fridays

Dementia Support Group

Ice Cream Happy Hour

Chair Yoga

Game Day

2-3:30 p.m. | 3rd Monday

12:30-2:30 p.m. | 3rd Friday

2:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays | 9-10 a.m. Fridays

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 2nd Saturday

Zumba Gold

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 2nd Saturday

Thrift Store Super Saturday

9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 | FUN AFTER 50 |

35

SUPPORT NEWS BITS GROUPS Free Social Security 101 webinar for older adults

This free webinar presents upto-date information for people approaching retirement age, adult children and others, covering many of the common retirement questions including eligibility for retirement and how age and work affect retirement benefits, along with spousal, children’s, survivor and disability benefits, and the qualifications and application process for each. The next class is on March 21.

Subsequent classes will be held on May 16, July 18, September 19 and November 21, from 4-5:30 p.m.

Registration is required at www. ppacg.org/events.

Free home COVID-19 tests, masks

If you are fortunate enough to find a home COVID-19 test amid the shortage and you have private health insurance, save your re-

L I M I T E D

E D I T I O N

Lunar Pilot Chronograph

from the Archive Series celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 15 and the lunar landing.

ceipt—you can get reimbursed for the cost later (if not right at the time of purchase, for some). Insurers will cover a maximum of eight tests per covered individual per month (so 16 tests for a couple, for example). The tests are not applied against copays or deductibles. Even if you do not have health insurance, you can order four tests per household at www.covidtests. gov. Additionally, three free N95 masks are available per person. N95 masks offer top-tier protection against COVID-19. These 400 million masks are the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in U.S. history. Find them at local pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, as well as the El Paso County Health Department, 1675 Garden of the Gods Road #2044. For more information, call 719-578-3199.

Seniors needed for UCCS student research

A doctoral student is seeking volunteers aged 60-89 for a cognition study. Participants will attend one 90-minute meeting on the UCCS campus to complete a brief cognitive assessment and several questionnaires. This study is part of a student doctoral dissertation. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of two $100 Amazon gift cards. For more information or to join the study, contact Katie Granier at uccscognitionstudy@gmail.com or 719-2558024.

Part-time choir director wanted

Tick Tock Shop (719) 475-8585

7 N. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs TickTockShopOnline.com

36 | NEWS BITS | FEBRUARY 2022

Gateway Presbyterian Church is searching for a part-time choir director. Candidates must be persons of faith, willing to work with the pastor and accompanist to choose selections well in advance, rehearse choir weekly and direct on Sundays and for special services. An experienced piano/organist accompanist will assist. The choir has 10-15+ members, and the church hopes to | WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

start a youth choir. Send a resume and cover letter to Gateway Presbyterian Church (Attn: Choir Director Search Team), 731 Castle Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80904 or office@gatewaypres.org.

Salvation Army seeks tuba player

The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps Band needs an eb bass tuba player. The band plays every first Sunday of the month from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at 908 Yuma St. The instrument will be provided.

Contact bandmaster Lawrence Shiroma at Lawrence.shiroma@usw. salvationarmy.org or 424-247-3109.

Pikes Peak Library Senior Events

Some programs are presented virtually and some require registration. Visit www.ppld.org or call 719389-8968.

� Genealogy Basics (Virtual) February 7 & 19, 10 a.m.

� Share Classes: Baking, Cooking

and More (Virtual) February 7 & 22, 1 p.m.

Learn share-worthy recipes for authentic Belgian street waffles (February 7) and gourmet breakfast sandwiches (February 22)

� The Black Cowboy and Buffalo Soldiers in the American West (Virtual) February 10, 6 p.m.

Join “Cowboy Mike” Searles for historical storytelling.

� African Storytelling, Drumming and Percussion February 14 & 19 Join Dr. Wanda Tisby Cousar and Ron Cousar for a Black History Month program of West African dance and drumming, February 14’s program is at the Fountain Library (4 p.m.) and February 19’s is at Library 21c (11 a.m.).

� Virtual Book Club: Invisible

People February 17, 7 p.m.

Join author Takiyah Jemison in a discussion of her chapter from “The Invisible People of the Pikes Peak Region.”

� The Search for the Jarvis Lord

Shipwreck (Virtual) February 19, 1 p.m.

Join shipwreck hunter and author Ross Richardson in exploring the depths of northern Lake Michigan while looking for lost ships and missing aircraft.

Florissant Public Library events

For information about programs, visit rampart.colibraries.org or call 719-748-3939.

� Guitar Kits available

The Florissant and Woodland Park Libraries are offering guitar kits for adults to check out for one week. An instruction guide for beginners is included.

� Free Legal Clinic

Thursdays, 2-10 p.m.

Make an appointment by calling 719-748-3939.

� Tai Chi

Mondays, 10-11 a.m.

� Craft & Create

February 23, 1-3 p.m.

Woodland Park Public Library events For information about programs, visit rampart.colibraries.org or call 719-687-9281.

� Winter Book Sale ($5 per bag) February 11, 12-4 p.m. & February 12, 10-3

� Family Movie

February 25, 12 p.m.

Watch “The Peanuts Movie”

� Tai Chi

Thursdays, 5 p.m. & Fridays, 10 a.m. ■

SEND NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS TO Info@LaFifty.com

SUPPORT GROUPS health care and disability, homelessness, emergency needs, PTSD and mental health support.

719-488-8351 | www.epccpv.org | info@epccpv.org

Alzheimer’s Association offers free caregiver support groups and education classes, in person and virtually. Call the 24/7 Helpline to register or for more information about Alzheimer’s and dementia.

800-272-3900 C.R.A.F.T. (Community Reinforcement And Family Training) offers a free support group for families and friends of loved ones struggling with substance use at Springs Recovery Connection. English, Spanish, virtual and in-person options are available.

Call for times.

719-377-2161 | aneeley@srchope. org Daddy’s Little Girls brings hope to abuse survivors through the love of Jesus Christ.

719-649-9054 | www.daddys littlegirls.net Depression and Bipolar Support has six groups for those living with or affected by mood disorders, including veterans. See website for times and locations.

719-477-1515 | www.dbsacolorado springs.org El Paso County Colorado Progressive Veterans is available 365 days a year to help veterans, active duty military and their families with VA

Emotions Anonymous, a program for unsolved emotional problems, meets in Colorado Springs at First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade, on Mondays, and at First Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Weber, on Thursdays.

6 p.m. Mondays; 2 p.m. Thursdays | 719-685-1091 (Monday); 719-3381878 (Thursday) Falcon Senior Services meets at Patriot High School, 11990 Swingline Road in Falcon.

2nd Wednesday | 11 a.m. | 719-494-0353 Gamblers Anonymous meets virtually via Zoom and in person at the Red Cloud Serenity Club, 10400 Ute Pass Ave. in Green Mountain Falls.

6 p.m. Mondays (virtual); 9 a.m.

Saturday (in person) | www.coloradoga.org Grandparents Raising Grandchildren supports and encourages those dealing with issues of raising grandkids. Call for details.

719-578-8007 Grief Share helps attendees find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. Group meets through Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance.

4th Tuesday | 10 a.m. | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness.com Headway Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group meets at Fargo’s

Pizza, 2910 E. Platte Ave. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. | 719-459-0901

at First Presbyterian Church, 105 N. Weber St. in Colorado Springs.

2nd Saturday | 10 a.m.

Hearing Loss Association of America meets virtually. www.hlaacoloradosprings.org

Project Angel Heart delivers free, nutritious meals to those living with life-threatening illness. Call for information about receiving meals.

800-381-5612

Multiple Sclerosis Alliance meets virtually. Visit website for schedule.

719-633-4603 | www.msasoco.org/ event-calendar.html | support@ msasoco.org NAMI Connection Support Group for those living with mental health conditions meets weekly virtually via Zoom and in person at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. Registration required.

Tuesdays (virtual) 7-8:30 p.m. | Thursdays (in person) 7-8:30 p.m. | 719-473-8477 | www.namicoloradosprings.org NAMI Family Support Group for family members of people living with mental health conditions meets virtually via Zoom and in person at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. Registration required.

Wednesdays (virtual) 7-8:30 p.m. | Thursdays (in person) 7-8:30 p.m. | 719-473-8477 | www.namicoloradosprings.org Overeaters Anonymous meets daily over Zoom (except Sundays) and in person on Thursdays. Visit website for virtual meeting times.

Thursdays | 9-10:15 a.m. | Peak Vista Community Health Center | 719-2059080 | www.oasoutherncolorado.org Parkinson’s Support Group meets

Polio Survivors Support Group meets regularly. Call for date, time and location.

303-212-0017 Proactive Living Series meets at the Colorado Springs Senior Center to share tips on aging and available resources from local experts for families and caregivers.

3rd Thursday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

PTSD Spouse’s Support meets at UCCS Veteran’s Clinic, 4863 N. Nevada #380, Colorado Springs.

Tuesdays | 4 p.m. | 719-255-8003 Silver Sneakers provides free gym memberships to YMCA (and others) for adults 65+ who are insured through AARP, Aetna, Blue Cross, Humana, Kaiser Permanente and United Health Care. Visit website to see if you qualify. www.silversneakers.com TESSA provides a safe house and counseling for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. If you’re in crisis, call 719-633-3819.

719-633-1462 Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group meets virtually through The Independence Center.

2nd & 4th Wednesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 719-471-8181 ■

YOU HAVE NEW THERAPY BENEFITS FOR 2022!

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Covered by Medicare Part B and Medicaid WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 | SUPPORT GROUPS |

37

FUN & GAMES

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719-900-7664 *Offer available while supplies last. Must request free Crayolas when calling or subscribing online. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts.

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38 | FUN & GAMES | FEBRUARY 2022

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CRAYOLA SUBSCRIPTION NAME

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ADDRESS CITY

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Mail this completed form (along with check, if applicable) to: Life After 50, PO Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1.

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Raised platform Artist Max Small parrot Break bread Be under the weather “Waterloo” group Trick Plumed heron Miler Sebastian Walking stick With a level head Like afterschool activities Go to bed The two From ___ Z Carplike fish Caribbean dance music Storm centers Common street name Confederate soldier

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Lay to rest ___ majeste Pops a question Excrete from the body

DOWN 1. Entr’___ 2. Henry VIII’s last wife

3. Screen symbol 4. Sickness at the stomach

5. Must, informally 6. Ancient Semitic 7.

8.

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Hint Biting Prizefighter Davis or Midler Burma’s first prime minister ___-Croatian African antelope Cooperative race Bring joy Newbies Bizet’s opera Ravi Shankar’s instrument Long, narrow inlet Fabled bird Refines, as ore Refluent Alpaca’s cousin So spooky as to be frightening ___ on the Range Some bills Jeweler Lalique Gravitate Talk back to De-intensify French summers Pub projectile “You’ve got mail” co.

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CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS Private Party $29 | Commercial $49 |

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To place your classified, call:

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FOR SALE New, unused items. 32” New Summit TV (no 2nd outlet) $200. $25 each: new bed rails, crib mattress, bath bench, toilet seat riser & unused pail.

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or submit at www.LaFifty.com

Maxi’s Dance Group is back! Dance party every Thursday 6-9pm, Eagles Club 1050 S. 21st St. Music for ages 40+, food and drink available for purchase. $8 cover; $5 members.

719-660-1358.

TIMETRAVELTIME.COM. Happy Memory Transfers, VHS-Slides-8mmReels+, We Make Movies! Contact us 719-203-6398 coloradofilmbank@ gmail.com

GoodwillColorado.org 1460 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907

CAREGIVER- Experienced, Professional. Are you recovering from surgery or injury and need someone to cook delicious meals or help with shopping, etc.? 27 years experience, warm heart, high integrity and reliability. PT Sundays through Thursdays. Elisha- 719-244-3165

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719-900-7664 | WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

VOLUNTEER AT SILVER KEY to help provide seniors with meals, rides, client support, food pantry support, and veterans support. Office staff and materials support also needed. Please apply online at: silverkey.org/volunteer

HOME REPAIR MORE THAN A HANDYMAN. Home Maintenance, Repairs, Yard Work, Projects. 15% Senior Discount (62+).

Call Mike - a Senior and Veteran. 719338-4279. Voice mail answered same day. I follow CDC guidelines.

ANDERSON HOME REPAIR+REMODEL Expert handyman services, 40 years of quality work, carpentry, doors, trim, drywall, power washing, decks, painting, staining and more. Senior Discount. 719-331-4320 HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, and more. (Mowing or yardwork in the spring and summer.)

John 719-471-7471.

HOUSECLEANING EXPERTISE HOUSECLEANING, reliable and trustworthy. Senior personal care services are also available. Please call Karen 719-4342922.

ABSOLUTELY CLEAN. Experienced, reliable, with excellent references.

Call Tracy 719-630-8232 Please leave message.

ARE YOU NEEDING HELP? I can do housekeeping, laundry, errands, cooking. Call me Lena 719-362-7408.

MUSICIAN WANTED EB BASS TUBA PLAYER for The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps Band. 908 Yuma St. Band plays every first Sunday of the month.

10:15am to 11:15am. Instrument provided. Lawrence Shiroma, Bandmaster. lawrence.shiroma@ usw.salvationarmy.org Cell: (424) 247-3109. “Sing to the Lord with the sound of a horn.” Psalm 98:5-6

REAL ESTATE BEN IS BUYING HOUSES. If you would like a quick, no-hassle cash sale for your home in “as-is” condition and for a fair price, please text or call me so we can talk. Ben 719-492-1671

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

WANTED

40 Years of Combined Real Estate Experience in Colorado Springs

Mov

ing

“You Can Relax Knowing Helping Hands Are On The Job!”

~ We’re Full-Service Movers ~ We are Colorado Springs natives helping more than 900 seniors since 1988.

For All Your Residential, Commercial, Investment/Multi-Family Needs!

Give us a call! (719) 338-8110 BRENT DEMOS

KIMBER DEMOS

Real Estate Broker/ Co-Founder

Broker Associate

www.BrentDemos.com TheDemosTeam@gmail.com 6760 Corporate Drive #300 Colorado Springs, CO 80919

SERVICES

You Are A Walking Miracle!

The Life Tree

Four Realms To Keep in Balance to Equal Harmony and Happiness are

EMOTIONAL PHYSICAL MENTAL SPIRITUAL

Family & Marriage Advice/Counseling Anger Management • Grief Loss $1/minute Therapy Sessions Available In-Person or Remote

Ambrose Family Health Dr. C. Ambrose, PsyD, Owner

719-203-5340

5035 N. Academy • Union Square Colorado Springs, CO

Be The Answer, Not The Problem!

EXPERT CARPET REPAIRS 40 Yrs Experience. Repairs, Re-stretches, Seam Repair and Pet Damage Inlays.

719-229-1597 or 719-473-5110.

Free estimates and Senior discounts.

S.C.S.E. SANDYS CARE SERVICE EXPRESS Specializing in same day, last minute, when available. Mail – bank – babysitting – shower – meals - dog feeding etc. Bonded, insured.

9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. 719-2038898.

PACKING • ALL THE LIFTING MOVING • UNPACKING

(719) 661-7354 (719 FREE ON-SITE ESTIMATES & SENIOR DISCOUNTS

3938 Maizeland Rd & Academy

SENIORS LOVE HELPERS that arrive at the door! If you do heavy lifting, climb ladders, painting, cleaning, cooking, or hair care, place an ad in Life After 50. Readers are hunting for your services! 719-900-7664.

TREE REMOVAL, TREE TRIMMING and stump grinding. 24/7 Emergency Service available. Text or Call Ben’s Landscaping 719-492-1671.

Daily Labor: gutter cleaning, yard clean up, janitorial, winter cleaning garages, car removal, gardening, whatever’s on your list.$20 per hour.

719-310-5247.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT – I can provide and help with Rides and Running Errands, Yard/House Work, Home-Made Meals Delivered, Dog Walking/Sitting. Kind, Trustworthy, Dependable, References Provided.

Call Joel 719-351-2365.

WANTED 1950S-1960S LP’S, 78’s AND 45’s.

Blues, jazz, rock ‘n roll, country, Broadway, movie soundtracks, TV, R&B, soul, children’s, spoken word, etc. I’m a collector, not a business.

Call me first - I pay the most for your records. 719-633-5848 or 719-4409288

List it.

Sell it.

Done.

Place the items you’re selling in front of the audience that’s buying.

719-900-7664

CASH FOR OLD BANKS AND TOYS, presidential pin back buttons, Simpich dolls, military insignia and memorabilia. Will buy single items or entire collections. 719-632-9904.

VINTAGE ITEMS WANTED. TOYS, comic books, children’s books, dolls, movie and music posters, Halloween, guitars and amplifiers, and plastic model kits. I’m a collector, not a business. 719633-5848 or 719-440-9288.

WANTED CASH PAID. Antique firearms, ammunition, reloading supplies, military relics, uniforms, medals, insignia, swords, knives, bayonets, photos, anything unusual. Old toys, marbles, comics, coins. Gold, silver, costume jewelry- any country. Indian and old west relics. We pay cash.

Leasures, 2801 W. Colorado Ave. 719439-4255.

Photojournalists Wanted

Email a letter of interest along with samples of your work to:

Info@LaFifty.com

Savvy Savvy RETAIL Ace Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off

Regularly priced items only on Tuesday

ARC Thrift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50% off Tuesday & Saturday

Episcopal Thrift House . . . . 20% off Thursday–Saturday

Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Wednesday

Kohl’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Wednesdays

Michael’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Tuesdays

Silver Key Friends Thrift . . . 15% off Wednesdays

Walgreens . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-20% off 1st Tuesday of each month

RESTAURANTS Arby’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Big Train Restaurant . . . . . . 10% off Tuesdays

Burger King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Carrabba’s Italian Grill. . . . . 10% off Chili’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Dunkin’ Donuts. . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Einstein Brothers Bagels. . . 10% off Mondays - Carryout Only $7 baker’s dozen

avings IHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Josh & John’s Ice Cream. . . 10% off Jun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Sundays

La Baguette. . . . . . . . . .$1.20 Coffee Downtown location only

McDonalds . . . . . . . . . . . 70¢ Coffee Omelette Parlor. . . . . . . ½ off Entrée With purchase of another at full price (see coupon in Life After 50)

Perkins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE Entrée With purchase of adult entrée and two beverages (see coupon in Life After 50)

Schlotsky’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Sonic Drive-In. . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Village Inn . . . . . . . . . .FREE pie slice On Wednesday with purchase of an entrée

Wade’s Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Wendy’s. . . . . . . . . . . Discount drink

MISCELLANEOUS Bustang to Denver . . . . . . . . .$9 fare Fine Arts Museum . . FREE admission 2nd Saturday & 3rd Friday. Must make reservations.

Greyhound Bus. . . . . . . . . . . . 5% off Pioneers Museum . . . . . . . . . . FREE Virtual exhibits and lectures

Tell ’em you found it in *Discounts subject to change without notice. Please confirm discount prior to redeeming.

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 | CLASSIFIEDS |

41

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Call 719-900-7664, or mail form (along with check, if applicable) to:

LIFE AFTER 50 PO Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949

42 | OPINION | FEBRUARY 2022

| WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

What seniors need to know about prescription drug access

By Erik Paulsen

I

t’s commendable that Democrats in Congress are determined to include prescription drug pricing reforms in their Build Back Better spending bill. Far too many Americans struggle to pay for their medications, and high out-ofpocket drug costs are potentially life-threatening, especially for those with chronic diseases.

Unfortunately, the latest version of lawmakers’ drug-pricing plan contains bad ideas as well as good ones. In particular, it allows Medicare to set prices for a range of popular drugs in an effort to save the government money. But this would reduce access to stateof-the-art medicines for millions of seniors, while severely setting back medical innovation.

As the bill moves toward final revisions, let’s hope for the sake of patients that legislators drop these worrisome provisions and instead focus on policies that will make drugs more affordable.

To be sure, there are important initiatives to celebrate in the drug pricing proposal. It would limit annual out-of-pocket drug spending to $2,000 for those enrolled in Medicare Part D. It would also cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at just $35 a month—a major victory for the one in four seniors who live with diabetes.

We’ve needed reforms like these for years. According to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a third of patients living with a serious health condition struggle to afford their prescription drugs.

Three in 10 Americans say they’ve failed to adhere to a prescribed drug regimen because of cost.

In fact, widespread drug non-adherence results in an estimated

125,000 deaths each year in the U.S. Reducing out-of-pocket drug costs is the most direct way to address this crisis.

Yet lawmakers could undermine these important measures by including a price-setting scheme that will result in fewer medicines available for seniors. Under the proposed legislation, the Department of Health and Human Services would be free to “negotiate” the price of at least 20 Medicare-covered medicines within the next seven years.

But given Medicare’s buying power and the punitive excise tax the legislation would impose on drug makers who refuse to go along, the federal government would in fact be able to dictate price. Should a manufacturer walk away despite the tax, Medicare would simply refuse to cover the drug in question.

In the short term, this arrangement would deny seniors access to medicines that the government deems too expensive.

In the long term, government price restrictions could be even more harmful, as they would lead to a decrease in medical innovation. If the government is free to name its own price, the incentive to invest in medical breakthroughs will evaporate.

At a time when so many illnesses still lack adequate treatments, a policy that obstructs research into breakthrough cures, therapies and vaccines is unacceptable.

The lives of millions of chronic-disease patients depend on affordable access to the latest prescription medicines. Congress can help these Americans with reforms that lower what they pay out-ofpocket for drugs. ■

Erik Paulsen represented Minnesota’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019.

A Day of M ysteries and But te

rfl ies 195 PER PERSON

$

April 2, 2022

les of A 6-Day Tour To See the 3 “Bel *

3,375 PER PERSON

$

Charleston, South Carolina, Jekyll Island and Savannah, Georgia

What’s more intriguing than murder on a train? Just after midnight a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks … by morning one passenger is missing. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer.

You’ll love the Butterfly Pavilion where we change the way we think about invertebrates. These ‘tiny giants’ are everywhere - the near hidden gems of the animal kingdom.

Spend two nights in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District. Guided tour of Charleston, regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in America. Touring and lunch at Middleton Plantation with its beautiful gardens.

Visit Beaufort, South Carolina, known for its southern hospitality, historic homes and listed on National Trust for Historic Preservation. Spend two nights at the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, once the playground of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families. Narrated tram tour of Jekyll Island, a Golden Isle rich with majestic oak trees, Spanish moss and palmetto. Visit St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles.

Spend two nights in the Historic District of Savannah, the “Belle of the South.” Visit Tybee Island and tour the Museum and Lighthouse. Narrated trolley tour of Savannah to learn the history of the city, see the beautiful garden-filled squares and see the places where many famous movies were filmed. Family-style dinner at Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House, steeped in Savannah history and a local legend. *Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $1,109.00. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, baggage fees, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 6 nights elegant accommodations, 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes & fees.

W indmills, W ine and Tulips 1,785 PER PERSON

$

May 3, 2022

*

A 7-Day Motorcoach Tour to America’s Heartland Day 1: Depart for Lincoln, Nebraska with lunch break in Ogallala and a visit to ‘old west’ Front St. Day 2: Destination Moline, Illinois with a lunch stop in Leighton and tour of Tassel Ridge Winery. You will enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the beautiful paddlewheel Celebration Belle.

Day 3: You’ll tour Isabel Bloom’s art studios and tour the John Deere Pavilion, continuing on to Amana Colonies, a historic landmark formed in 1856.

Day 4: In the morning, you arrive at Pella, Iowa’s annual Tulip Festival – over 200,000 tulips in bloom! See windmills, antique cars, parades, a sunken garden park, antiques, historic villages, Wyatt Earp’s house, and much more.

Day 5: Enjoy morning free time at the Tulip Festival and after lunch head to Kansas City to overnight.

Day 6: Visit the National WWI Museum & Memorial and see breathtaking views from Liberty Memorial Tower observation deck. After lunch, shop for sweets at Russell Stover Outlet Store.

Day 7: On our way home, we’ll tour the historic Cathedral of the Plains, a lovely church in Victoria, Kansas. *Based on double occupancy, single supp is $375. Deposit $250 per person to secure space. Final payment due 4/1/22. Price includes fully-escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, 6 nights accommodations, all attraction tickets, luggage handling, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.

Singing, Dancing and Beer

Sept. 30-Oct 2 – Fall Colors of Colorado & Elk Bugling Oct. 13-20, 2022 – West Virginia Rails & Trails Nov. 28-Dec. 2 – San Antonio Christmas on the Riverwalk

Call for more information or look for details in upcoming issues of Life After 50!

3,435 PER PERSON

$

*

Michigan, the Great Lakes, and Chicago Leave the fast lane behind! Come experience the slow lane on Mackinac Island, where cars have been banned since 1898. After arriving in Michigan, meet your tour director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

The next day you will tour Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum, visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in old Frankenmuth, including a delicious, authentic Bavarian dinner and wine tasting.

Take a scenic ferry ride to Mackinac Island with a horse-drawn carriage ride from the ferry port to your hotel. With carriages and bicycles as the island’s only means of transportation, you’ll need to fuel up on lunch at the famous Grand Hotel. Buy some of their famous decadent fudge, too! After lunch your carriage tour will take you to Avenue of the Flags, the Governor’s Mansion, and Arch Rock.

It’s another beautiful ferry ride back to Michigan mainland. In Mackinaw City you’ll visit Old Mackinac Lighthouse State Park, Legs Inn on Lake Michigan and sample local specialties.

Take a scenic drive through Tunnel of Trees en route to the coastal towns of Petoskey and Charlevoix. Sightseeing with a local guide includes Victorian summer resorts and ‘mushroom’ houses.

Have lunch and do some shopping in Traverse City, tour the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, on your way to Chicago. Take a sightseeing tour of Chicago then enjoy a farewell dinner with a famous dessert at your hotel, the historic Palmer House Hilton.

*

Based on the most celebrated movie of all time, Singin’ in the Rain is the story of the first Hollywood movie musical. You’ll love each unforgettable scene, song and dance of this MGM classic, including the show stopping dance in an onstage rainstorm. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals.

On the Coors Brewery Tour, see and taste traditional brewing in the Rockies - the largest single-site brewery in the world! Since 1873 Coors has thrived on a legacy of quality and innovation. The tour showcases its history and passion for brewing. Afterwards, enjoy beer samples in the Hospitality Lounge and shop in the Coors & Co. gift store.

More Exciting Tours in 2022!

June 5-12, 2022

Lakes

*Based on double occupancy, single supp. Is $720. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, baggage fees, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, 7 nights elegant accommodations, 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes & fees.

Singin’ in the Rain & Coors Brewery Tour

*$195 price includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, excellent seats for the musical performance, Coors Brewery Tour, and lunch consisting of salad, entree, beverage, dessert, tax & gratuity.

M ackinac Isla nd and the G reat

N Alask a C ruisetour with Den ali August 5-15, 2022

ational P ark

3,330 PER PERSON

$

ALASKA

195 PER PERSON

$

June 25, 2022

*

MICHIGAN & ILLINOIS

NEBRASKA & IOWA

May 20, 2022

the South”

Murder on the Orient Express & Denver Butterfly Pavilion

Price includes a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, a visit to Denver Butterfly Pavilion, excellent seats for the performance, and a full lunch consisting of salad, entrée, beverage, dessert, tax and gratuity.

DENVER, COLORADO

2022/2023 Travel Destinations SOUTH CAROLINA & GEORGIA

DENVER, COLORADO

Quality Cruises and Travel

Proudly Presents

*

An 11-Day Tour of the Land of the Midnight Sun Depart from Colorado Springs arriving in Vancouver. Enjoy a city tour of Vancouver then board the beautiful Celebrity Millennium, fresh off her multi-million dollar renovation! The next day sail beyond the Inside Passage.

This complex labyrinth of fjords, bays and lush green islands are home to an abundance of wildlife. Visit Ketchikan, the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and the ancestral home of the Tlingit people who have carved the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Explore Juneau, with its towering peaks, cascading streams, bright bursts of wildflowers and vast, otherworldly icefields.

Take a train ride in Skagway up the famously steep Chilkoot Trail. Enjoy picture-perfect views of Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in the world. In Seaward board your deluxe motor coach and travel to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Explore the downtown area of Anchorage and enjoy an overnight stay in Talkeetna.

Discover the beauty of taiga forests and miles of rolling tundra aboard a glass-domed railcar, for a picturesque ride on your journey to Anchorage. *Price based on inside stateroom, per person/double occupancy. Ocean View Stateroom $3,875 per person/double occupancy. Balcony Stateroom $4,585 per person/double occupancy. Deposit of $500 per person due to secure booking; final payment due 5/1/22. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, 11-day luxury cruisetour aboard a new renovated ship, all transfers, city tour in Vancouver, all port fees, taxes and surcharges.

QUALITY CRUISES AND TRAVEL

Kris Monroe, Master Cruise Counselor (719 719)) 685-0544 • QualityCruisesAndTravel@yahoo.com