Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs for Portland, OR. Meet your tour manager and fellow travelers.
Day 2: Today you tour Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge. Once back in Portland enjoy a guided tour of the city.
Day 3: Depart Portland for the spectacular Columbia River Gorge to visit Vista House and stop at beautiful Multnomah Falls. Arrive
Only 2 Seats Left!
October 6, 2023
$3,698 PER PERSON*
Tour New England by rail and sail during autumn’s spendor!
Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs for Boston, MA. Meet your tour manager in the hotel lobby for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of historic Boston then travel up the coast to Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s coastal jewels then continue to Portland, Maine which boasts a vibrant waterfront.
Day 3: Start at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. Take a 1.5 mile long ride along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay followed by a scenic cruise of the bay.
Day 4: Travel west into New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Experience towering peaks, stunning scenery, quaint towns and villages before boarding the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Day 5: Begin the day aboard the North Conway Scenic Railroad then travel the Kancamagus Scenic Byway as it follows a beautiful path through the White Mountains. Cross into Vermont to view the spectacular scenery of the area.
Day 6: Travel to the town of Stockbridge in the culturally rich Berkshires region. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum then enjoy some free time before continuing to the incredible Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Day 7: Board the Essex Steam Train as you pass through some of the most beautiful country in the state. Later board the riverboat Becky Thatcher for a relaxing trip up the Connecticut River.
Day 8: Pass through the state of Rhode Island to Plymouth, MA climb aboard your sea-going vessel for a whale watching excursion. Pay a visit to Plymouth Rock where our forefathers first settled on American soil.
Day 9: After breakfast, depart Boston for Colorado Springs.
*Based on double occupancy. Price includes roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, a fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motor coach, 8 nights lovely accommodations, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, all transfers, and transportation, all attractions as described, all taxes and fees.
Dec. 29, 2023-Jan. 5, 2024
$2,985 PER PERSON*
From traditions and music to exclusive culinary masterpieces, you’ll find the spirit of the season at each river bend
Day 1: Depart Colorado Springs and arrive in New Orleans. Gaze at the spectacular sights of New Orleans from the comfort of a luxury coach on an unforgettable 3-hour city tour.
Day 2: Trace the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain and Great River Road en route to Oak Alley Plantation. After your day in New Orleans, board your lovely ship and depart down the mighty Mississippi.
Day 3: In Nottoway, Louisiana you will visit the estate of sugarcane magnate Randolph Nottoway. You’ll also visit the charming town of White Castle. This evening, we’ll ring in the New Year aboard our lovely ship!
Day 4: St. Francisville, Louisiana is a testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, with its plethora of charming antebellum-period homes and striking architecture.
Day 5: Natchez, Mississippi is known for its elegance, hospitality, and impressive preservation of historic homes.
Day 6: Vicksburg blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions. As a major battle site during the Civil War, this port carries a history unlike any other!
Day 7: Today is a river cruising day.
Day 8: As we port in New Orleans, we say goodbye to Southern Charm and depart for the airport for our flight home.
described, all taxes and surcharges.
$3,399 PER PERSON*
DAY 1: Depart Colorado Springs and arrive in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. Tonight, get to know your Tour Manager and fellow traveling companions during a welcome dinner in the hotel.
DAY 2: Explore the charm of Charleston and Boone Hall plantation. See the Old Market and Exchange and the famous “Battery at the Harbor,” which overlooks Fort Sumter. At Boone Hall Plantation enjoy a taste of the Old South with a traditional Low Country Plantation lunch before a tour of the grounds.
DAY 3: Depart Charleston for one of Georgia’s “Golden Isles” Jekyll Island. En route, a stop is made at charming Beaufort, one of only a handful of towns in the nation that has had its entire downtown designated a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Later, arrive at the romantic Victorian-style Jekyll Island Club Hotel.
DAY 4: Begin the day with a narrated tram tour of Jekyll Island’s National Landmark Historic District. In the afternoon, visit the largest of the ”Golden Isles,” St. Simons, where Spanish moss-draped oaks line the island’s charming streets. See St. Simons Lighthouse, in operation since 1872, and Bloody Marsh, where British and Scottish soldiers defeated the Spanish. The balance of the day is free to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Jekyll Island Club.
DAY 5: Travel to Savannah, the “Belle of the South” and discover why General Sherman found this city much too beautiful to burn during the Civil War. On a narrated trolley tour your driver-guide recounts the tales and secrets of the stately mansions of the lovely squares of Savannah’s Historic District. Pass the 1820 birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, the squares and streets where movies such as Forrest Gump and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil were filmed.
DAY 6: This morning it’s off to Tybee Island to visit the lighthouse that has been the guardian of the Savannah River since 1736. Visit the museum that features exhibits of early life on the island. Later, feel free to discover the many shops along River Street and enjoy the beauty of the quaint squares perfect for relaxing. Tonight, dinner is served family-style at Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House, a Savannah legend.
DAY 7: Bid a fond farewell to Savannah and leave with wonderful memories of the South’s most beautiful cities. *Based on double occupancy. Price includes fully escorted tour, roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, 6 nights lovely accommodations, breakfast each morning, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, all tours as described, transfers, all taxes and surcharges. Deposit of $200 per person due to secure space; final payment due 7/15/23.
Sept. 8-19, 2024
$3,699 PER PERSON*
Days 1 & 2: Depart Colorado Springs, arrive in Turkey, check-in to your hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner. Day 3: Start your tour in Istanbul. Your city tour of Istanbul includes the Hippodrome Roman, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Topkapi Palace and finally end at the Grand Bazaar.
Day 4: Depart for a visit to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest shrines ever built. A highlight of the day will be the scenic cruise on the Bosphorus by private boat. Sail past the medieval hilltop fortress of Rumeli. Afterwards drive to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
Day 5: Start exploring the capital city of Turkey with the Anatolian Civilizations Museum where you will have the chance to discover the archeological findings that belong to Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many other civilizations which had left traces in the cradle of civilizations, Anatolia.
Day 6: Explore Cappadocia with its unique landscapes formed by erosions of winds and water. Continue to Pasabag Valley. Your next stop is Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings providing shelter for early Christians protecting themselves from invaders. Continue to the rockcarved natural citadel of Uchisar promising a superb view of the region from its top. The last stop of today’s touring before returning to the hotel is Avanos, the famous town of Cappadocia that was established by the Hittites on the riverbanks of Halys River.
Day 7: You will be driven to Konya that was called Iconium during the Roman period and was an important post for Roman legion and control of the trade routes of antiquity.
Day 8: Start your exploration with Hierapolis founded during the Hellenistic period as a control point of trading routes connecting East to West.
Day 9: Explore the timeless city of Ephesus where history and archaeology will offer you their majesty with incredible richness.
Day 10: Depart from the hotel to explore the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon famous for its Asclepion, the ancient medical center of which its purpose was most like a spa of the 19th century. Leaving the Asclepion, you will see the Acropolis, the Altar of Zeus, and the Temples of Athena, Trajan and Dionysus. Continue your drive to the very well known ancient city of Troy. You will be thrilled by the ancient city that witnessed the battle of heroes.
Day 11: You will be driven to Istanbul. Your scenic drive will first take you to Gallipoli, the site of the incredible battle played out here during World War I.
6
18
This was no artificially created commercial attraction. Rather, it was a real place where important chapters of American history were written and remain
21 Don’t Play It By Ear
Learn how Hear-Wise help you hear better with affordable customized hearing aids
22 Faith: A Rocky Mountain Cowboy’s Prayer
Hygiene and Incontinence
Incontinence is a significant strain for family caregivers because it forces us to recognize the physical decline of our loved one
12 6 Critical Reasons You Need Zinc
Opting for better energy choices can improve our finances while reducing damage to the planet 16
Though our bodies only require small amounts of zinc, it’s easy to become deficient
Your Garden
Tackle your family’s primary health needs by growing these five herbs in your garden rotation
Nona Kelley Carver shares her poem about our majestic Rocky Mountains
23 Talking Digital: How Google
Became the Most Powerful Company on the Internet
I can’t think of anyone I know who couldn’t benefit from at least one of these Google services
24 CALENDARS
28 Clubs
29 Question of the Month
30 News Bits
31 Support Groups
32 Fun After 50: Local Senior Center Activities
34 Fun & Games
36 Classifieds
38 Opinion: Once Upon a Time Life Was Wholesome
In the ’40s and ’50s, life was tranquil and wholesome. Much has changed— very little with my approval
Family gatherings are for sharing laughs, memories and meals. They’re for making over the littles and their sweet and funny ways. And lately they’ve become about tech support. Among other family members, my brother recently visited. Our mom was ready for him with clean sheets, groceries, open arms… and a carefully crafted cursive list of techie troubles that had built up. Her phone, the soundboard on the new TV, her printer, her laptop, Dad’s iPad… all the devices needed the tender loving care of a family member who was not me. I’m willing; it’s just that I am no Adam Cochran (see page 23 for this month’s Talking Digital column with everything you ever wanted to know about Google).
My brother—and his son—are supremely patient when it comes to untangling technology and its accompanying cords (unless it’s a Bluetooth device). There’s no sighing or eye rolling, just a commitment to making our parents’ day-to-day living that much easier. Life’s hard enough without muffled TV sound even at top volume or the printer’s inability to print anything but a test pattern. Add to that the adjustment of switching to a new internet provider and ever-evolving passwords “that you haven’t used before,” and it’s easy to see why technical troubleshooting is the entertainment du jour. Technology is amazing (when it’s not annoying us and monopolizing all our spare time). How would we have fared during the pandemic without our beloved FaceTime and Zoom video calls? Grocery hauls were possible without ever stepping foot inside a store. While a ’70s commercial proclaimed long-distance calling “the next-best thing to being there,” livestreamed events are even better than that. I drift back to a simpler time, when cookies were meant to be eaten, not cleared.
My parents didn’t grow up with computers, and I didn’t either—but I was introduced
to them at a younger age. Today’s college students tote their laptops to class and take notes—but I had to reserve an hour slot at the “computer lab.” (This was back in the earlier days of programming languages BASIC, Fortran and COBOL.) Most of my papers were typed on a typewriter (at least it was electric) with that ghastly erasable paper that never looked as good as it sounded. I may have practiced “The quick red fox jumps over the lazy brown dog” many times over, but I still didn’t trust my flying fingers not to make typos on every page.
Soon after graduation came an Apple IIE, with a small, amber-lit monitor. I invested a great deal of time and energy into perfecting my resume, leaning in to give it a final glimpse—and accidentally hitting the power button. It was lost and gone forever, unable to be rescued by not-yet-invented auto save.
Contrast this archaic MO with my toddlers effortlessly clicking the computer mouse. Fast-forward again to my granddaughter and her trusty tablet. Suddenly, with devices everywhere and readily accessible, we have to worry about too much screen time. (Monitor the monitor?) I’m prone to hiding my phone, to prevent her from playing endless games or watching yet another inane video. At least she never purchased anything for me, as I’ve heard of some “helpful” kiddos doing.
I snap back to the present. Amid the deleting and adding songs to Spotify, questions about malware and why that backup was incomplete, I hear the clicking of new keys. The almost-2year-old is hunched over in deep concentration, trying to figure it all out.
Life is so much less complicated when it’s just a vintage wooden Fisher-Price cash register you’re trying to master. Ding-ding! ■
I do hope you will reconsider the name change to “Beacon.” There is a religious newspaper widely known by that name, plus several publications.... “Life After 50” immediately tells one what the magazine is! “Beacon” does not. If you are intent on changing the name then go with “Fun After 50.”
- HilleryYour cooking-themed March column hit home! I had just been lamenting to someone that when I find a recipe online, I have to scroll through copious amounts of tidbits to get to the entrée! Drives me bananas! As a grower of tomatoes, I will definitely be giving the feta roasted salmon and tomatoes recipe a try this summer. Looks good!
- Marti B.
I love your magazine and need to subscribe instead of having to hunt it down.
- Nancy
Rhonda: Thanks, Nancy. Subscribing is certainly convenient. Please send $24 for one year or $36 for two years to Life After 50. (See form on page 37).
I am deeply offended by the “Altar Boy” joke [in February] because it is not accurate nor funny. No priest will ever ask your name nor mention other parishioners’ names. The confessional is deeply private between the priest and confessor. Please choose your subjects for the laughing column with respect.
- Helene K.
You tell us about this fantastic artist making these fantastic eggs and yet you do not tell us how to contact her! Nor do you give us any idea what amount she sells them for. For pity’s sake, she is your front cover and you leave out such important info.
- Hillery
Rhonda: An astute observation! We usually include this information, but the artist didn’t want her contact information published. But we are happy to put you in touch with her.
housands of years ago, an intrepid explorer set out to find some honey, leaving the comforts of his cave behind. Not far from his dwelling was a tree crowned with a golden hive. He rubbed his hands together to wipe away the sweat and began to climb. Although the bark chafed his hands, he barely noticed, his attention instead drawn to the quiet thrumming in the air. The hum intensified the higher he climbed toward the branch directly below the hive. The bees now positively swarmed the hive, but a single droplet of golden honey trickled out. Gritting his teeth, he plunged his hand inside the hive. Fortunately, few beekeepers today must contend with such
perils. In fact, many modern beekeepers enjoy the pastime precisely because of how relaxing it can be. Many bees and their keepers reside in El Paso County, and several local seniors sing the praises of this rewarding hobby.
Beekeeping is a family tradition that started with Dolly Rickerman’s grandfather, who kept bees in Texas and Oklahoma.
Dolly and her husband Leonard, both 56, kept honeybees off and on throughout their years in the military. When they finally settled in Colorado Springs, they struggled to find the support and advice they needed to successfully keep bees in Colorado.
“We had to look for new and innovative ways to keep our bees alive through the winter,” said Leonard. “That meant more food, care and attention during the beekeeping and preparing them adequately with extra food, moisture regulation, varroa mite treatments and insulation for the winter.”
After years of trial and error,
of local beekeeping and opened Rocky Mountain Bee Supply. Their downtown shop at 24 S. Walnut St. provides supplies and education to beekeepers of all experience levels, local honey and pollen, honey extraction services and live honeybees and queen bees. The Rickermans also operate a 30-hive teaching apiary in Monument, and more than 200 commercial honey production hives throughout El Paso, Douglas and Elbert counties.
Mike, 76, began beekeeping after taking a class through PPBA nearly 20 years ago. Since then, he’s served in a variety of positions within the group, and is currently the club’s president. Between Mike and his wife Sandy, the club’s secretary, they have over 30 years of accumulated beekeeping knowledge.
“It’s hard to live with a beekeeper and not learn more and more about bees,” said Sandy, 66.
“It’s hard work,” said Dolly, “but the bees are really calming and relaxing. The honey’s great, but it’s really more about learning about the bees.”
Mike and Sandy Halby are another dynamic duo in the local beekeeping community. These hobby beekeepers are part of the Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association (PPBA), a nonprofit that provides information and support for commercial and hobby beekeepers in the Pikes Peak region.
Doing your research before buying bees will make your experience with beekeeping infinitely more rewarding. Although both types of bees are generalists capable of pollinating many plants, some bees are more specialized, and therefore are better suited to different environments.
Bumblebees, for example, pollinate potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries and many other crops, while mason bees pollinate many fruits, including plums, cherries and peaches, as well as almonds and roses. Bumblebees’ ability to fly in cooler temperatures and their aptitude for navigating in artificial light also gives them the advantage over honeybees in a greenhouse environment.
As relaxing as beekeeping is with
“HONEYBEES ARE SO BENEFICIAL TO OUR GARDENS, TREES AND WHOLE ECOSYSTEMS, NOT TO MENTION OUR FOOD SUPPLY.”Leonard and Dolly Rickerman, owners of Rocky Mountain Bee Suppy.
“GROWING UP, I WOULD HELP MY GRANDMOTHER BRING IN THE HONEY FRAMES, BUT SHE WOULDN’T LET ME GO OUT WITH THE BEES BECAUSE SHE WAS AFRAID I’D GET STUNG. I USED TO GET SO MAD BECAUSE I WANTED TO GO OUT THERE WITH MY GRANDAD, SO I TOLD HER, ‘WHEN I GET OLDER, I’M GOING TO HAVE MY OWN BEES!’” - DOLLY
delicious results, it’s also challenging. Even among cities in the same state, there’s tremendous variation in terms of weather conditions, wildlife and other factors.
The Rickermans added that since Colorado has a really short season, beekeepers have to be on their A game to keep bees properly fed.
“Dealing with the long, cold winters is not what we were used to when we lived in southern states,” said Leonard.
Bears and wildlife are another challenge for Colorado beekeepers. Mike said new beekeepers should be mindful of wildlife in their neighborhood before setting up a hive.
Not only does local raw honey taste good, but it helps with seasonal allergies, sore throats and stomach aches. It’s a natural antiseptic, too.
Mike said bees’ impact on the environment is the most rewarding aspect of being a beekeeper.
“Honeybees are so beneficial to our gardens, trees and whole ecosystems, not to mention our food supply,” he said.
According to Michigan State
University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Consequently, without these industrious pollinators, agriculture and our entire food supply networks would quickly collapse.
Furthermore, bees’ reputation as stinging insects first and foremost is undeserved.
“Honeybees are very gentle insects and generally not aggressive,” said Mike. “Most stings are actually from other insects.”
Despite the many benefits bees offer, their populations are threatened by insecticides and pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.
Dolly noted that many people don’t realize they’re spreading pesticides such as neonicotinoids when they purchase plants from home improvement stores. That’s why the Rickermans encourage customers to support local businesses that don’t use biocides that harm bees and other beneficial creatures.
“Everyone can be a good steward for the bees by cutting down on their use of [biocides], as well as by planting flowers that bees like,” Dolly added.
Beekeeping on the Front Range requires a mix of art and science. Beekeepers are lifelong learners that continuously refine their craft and hone their skills.
Rocky Mountain Bee Supply sells a variety of courses that support the novice to advanced beekeeper. One of their most popular is Brass Tacks Beekeeping, an introductory eight-hour recorded class that viewers can watch from home at their own pace.
“The class is like drinking from the fire hose, so most people prefer to do it from home because it’s a lot to learn in one sitting,” Dolly said.
Classes on splitting hives and even mead making (honey wine) are also prerecorded, but Dolly said they plan to resume in-person
classes after the beekeeping season ends this fall.
“We are going to start doing in-person classes again for the shorter classes, like how to deal with varroa mites, which are pests of honeybees,” said Dolly.
Once a year, the Halbys teach Bee School through PPBA—a twoday class that meets in person and covers a variety of topics, including bee biology and how to care for them across all four seasons.
To sign up for Brass Tacks Beekeeping and other available classes, visit rockymountain beesupply.com or call 719-3755094 with questions.
For more information about Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association, contact the Halbys at 719-528-5483 or visit PikesPeak Beekeepers.org.
ohn Hartley, who was interviewed for this article last summer, was one of PPBA’s founding members. When he was a naval petty officer stationed in Oahu in 1977, he began taking beekeeping classes through the University of Hawaii. He taught beginning beekeeping classes and sold his honey through multiple avenues in Black Forest.
Hartley won multiple awards for his honey, including the overall champion award at the Colorado State Fair, and the Traveling Trophy from the Colorado State Beekeepers Association. Sadly, he died last fall.
Sandy Halby extracts honey. She and her husband, Mike, are hobby beekeepers with over 30 years of combined experience.
“For many years, he helped beekeepers get into the hobby by providing bees, equipment and mentorship,” said Leonard. “He was soft spoken and extremely knowledgeable, but he had a great sense of humor. His passing was a huge blow to all of us in in the beekeeping community who knew and worked with him.”
“He’s a real loss to the beekeeping community here in the Pikes Peak region,” Sandy added.
By Karen Telleen-Lawton
“One more song about movin’ along the highway; can’t say much of anything that’s new.”
- Carole KingIwillalways love singing Carole King’s mournful ballads and unsettling vibes. In the half-century since she penned those moving lines, a lot has changed about the econom -
ics of travel and energy. Now we can travel highways and power our homes with significantly less damage to the earth under our feet.
Electric cars have moved into the forefront. Volvo recently announced that their new car lineup will be all-electric by 2030.
General Motors will stop selling new gas-powered cars and light trucks by 2035. These vehicles still aren’t carbon-neutral; their relative impacts are estimated in an interactive online tool developed by MIT.
The tool sums the emissions involved in manufacturing cars, producing and burning gasoline and diesel fuel, and the source of electricity for charging electric vehicles.
Electric vehicle batteries have a higher impact in their manufacture, including cobalt and lithium mining. Nevertheless, an electric vehicle’s lifetime impact is still remarkably less than internal combustion vehicles and it’s improving steadily. Much of plug-in cars’ future energy
improvement will rest with governments cleaning up their electric grids. In the last 15 years or so, hundreds of American coal plants have been replaced with a mix of natural gas, wind and solar power.
“If we can make our grids zerocarbon, then vehicle emissions drop way, way down,” said Jessika Trancik, associate professor of energy studies at MIT, “whereas even the best hybrids that burn gasoline will always have a baseline of emissions they can’t go below.”
Our homes are also becoming more climate resilient. A Pew Research Center survey found 6 percent of
ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES HAVE A HIGHER IMPACT IN THEIR MANUFACTURE, INCLUDING COBALT AND LITHIUM MINING. NEVERTHELESS, AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE’S LIFETIME IMPACT IS STILL REMARKABLY LESS THAN INTERNAL COMBUSTION VEHICLES AND IT'S IMPROVING STEADILY.
U.S. homeowners say they have already installed solar panels at home. This is a small percentage, to be sure, but even this has saved the equivalent of over 130 million acres of forest.
The cost of solar power has dropped dramatically in the last decade. An average residential solar system used to run $50,000 or more. Now a typical home installation ranges $16,000-$22,000. Offsetting rebates and grants can sometimes lower it further.
In many cities, clean energy is replacing fossil fuel as the default provider. Local governments will buy and build carbon-free energy, which will be delivered and maintained through existing electric company poles and wires.
In the Santa Barbara area, for example, existing electricity customers will be enrolled automatically in the clean energy program, although they can opt out without penalty. Those who remain will have three options:
• 100 percent carbon-free energy, which costs about $5 more per month
• Green Start. More carbon-free energy than the previous standard at no additional cost
• Resilient: 100 percent carbon-free with local energy generation using your solar panels on your home or office at no additional cost
Renters can’t typically take advantage of solar power, and electric cars aren’t practical for some. Even if you can’t be energy self-sufficient and your city remains in the dinosaur age, you have options for getting serious about renewable energy—you can invest in it.
The clean secret in our family is that much of our profit in individual stocks came from companies I chose decades ago on an environ -
mentally friendly investing website. I chose some of those companies as a starting point for my own research, eventually investing in about a half dozen of them.
Digging into these or others will give you an idea of what criteria are important to you and which you believe to be promising both for the world and for your investing future.
Carole King may croon that “It’s Too Late, Baby,” to prevent the damaging effects of human-caused climate change. The heightened droughts, storms and fires of the last few years have shown that to be true. Nevertheless, opting into better energy choices improves our finances and reduces the damage to the planet, which we bequeath to future generations. ■
If this sounds reasonable for you, do your own due diligence using some of the many ESG-oriented (environmental, social and governance) websites. Some of my favorites: The Good Trade TheGoodTrade.com
The Impact Investor TheImpactInvestor.com
Morningstar Morningstar.com
Find the MIT tool here: CarbonCounter.com/#!/explore
To match you with the right Medicare Advantage plan to meet your needs
Humana is committed to providing you with the right Medicare coverage for you.
That means helping you choose the plan that meets your healthcare needs and your budget. Like a Medicare Advantage plan that includes everything Original Medicare has—and may have benefits you might not get with Medicare Part A and Part B.
Humana strives to go above and beyond to help you get the care you need. That’s called human care.
Stop by and speak to a licensed Humana sales agent in your community
Humana MarketPoint® office
7700‑532‑719 (TTY: 711)
Come visit me at:
Humana MarketPoint® office
5310 N Nevada Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
A more human way to healthcare™
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711).
Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用 繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。
請致電 877‑320‑1235（聽障專線：711）。
Y0040_GHHJEXNEN23_AD_M
Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net
Servings: 24 Ingredients
16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed
8 ounces cream cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
Heat oven to 375° F.
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
11/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 crescent roll tubes (8 ounces each)
In skillet, over medium heat, cook spinach, cream cheese and garlic 3-4 minutes until cream cheese is melted. Stir in mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. Keep skillet on burner over low heat.
Remove dough from tubes. Leaving dough intact, roll and stretch into 18-inch ropes. Cut each rope into 12 pieces for 24 total.
On baking sheet with parchment paper, form bunny head by placing one piece of dough in middle, then surrounding it with six more pieces. Use 13 pieces to form round body. Use remaining pieces to form ears on top of head.
Scoop hot spinach dip into center. Spoon small portions on each ear. Sprinkle ears and belly with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 18 minutes, or until crescent dough is golden brown and thoroughly cooked. ■
Dear Laird: I feel like I am on a 24/7 treadmill, and it keeps going faster and faster. My wife was diagnosed with dementia 12 years ago. She was stable for a long time, but not anymore. While she can still move around and eat by herself, she is declining. She is now incontinent and can’t take care of herself hygienically. She won’t even let me help her in the shower, and she won’t wear Depends. What do I do? Signed,
Dear Allan: Incontinence is common in the late stage of dementia. It is a significant strain for family caregivers because it forces us to recognize the physical decline of our loved one.
You and the rest of us men have scarce experience with toileting another person. It is natural for your wife to push away help from anyone; however, in late-stage dementia, she may have little awareness that there is a problem.
A daughter may be a better fit as a caregiver in this case than a husband. Service providers are another option. Home care companies are non-medical care providers that help with activities of daily living including toileting. Home health care companies are different. They provide medical care, not personal hygiene care. Home care costs about $30 per hour. Medicaid or Medicare might cover it. For seniors, the Area Agency on Aging may cover up to six hours a month of care.
It is common to resist a stranger’s help. However, most trained professionals can win your wife over. Then again, your wife may resist the stranger and decide to allow you to help.
Let’s step back and talk about your future. During late-stage dementia, patients require much more care. Eating, bathing, transferring and walking all require care.
You will need more and more help as time passes. Understand that no one person can do it all. So don’t think badly of yourself if you can’t.
It’s time to make a plan. You may be able to enlist help from either family members or friends. It may also be time to consider placing her in a care facility. At the end, hospice will be a blessing for you both. If you qualify, Medicaid can help with the cost of placement. Medicare can cover the costs of hospice.
Please do not think you are failing if you ask for help. No matter how much we love, there are tasks we cannot do. Our job is to find a way not to be the only caregiver. ■
As an older adult, being independent has always been a source of pride for you. Sometimes you need assistance with your health care, transportation, meals, or even medications. This is where Rocky Mountain PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) can help.
RM PACE allows senior citizens who would otherwise require nursing home care to live in their homes as long as possible by providing:
Send your questions to Laird in care of Life After 50, or email him at Laird@Family-Caregiver.org
Your time and wisdom are valuable. Become a Foster Grandparent Classroom Volunteer. You can share your skills and experience while children shower you with curiosity and hugs. Get involved with Volunteers of America’s Foster Grandparent Program.
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• Is your income under $27,180 for a single person household, or under $36,620 for a two-person household?
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If you answered YES to these questions, call (719) 632-1448 todayto get involved in the Foster Grandparent Program.
Medicare questions, so you can find the United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan that fits your needs.
Give me a call to:
Zinc is the second-most abundant trace mineral in the human body after iron.
Though our bodies only require small amounts of zinc to reap the benefits, it’s easy to become deficient, especially if you follow a diet without zinc-rich foods. Other signs you may be lacking in zinc include a lack of taste or smell, hair loss, low appetite, fatigue, auditory loss, low libido and bone fragility.
Zinc plays a far greater impact on the body than most of us realize. Making an effort to supplement your diet with healthy amounts of zinc will have an overall positive impact in these areas:
1. Immunity. There are numerous trials on zinc’s role in immunity. One 2019 study published in the journal “Clinical Infectious Diseases” concluded: “Our results showed that, in COVID-19 patients, oral zinc can decrease 30-day death, ICU admission rate and can shorten symptom duration.”
2. Asthma and allergies. In September 2022, a paper published in “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” stated researchers found that children were more susceptible to allergies and asthmatic disease if they did not have adequate amounts of zinc.
3. Skincare. According to a meta-analysis published in “The Journal of Dermatological Treatment” (August 2022), zinc supplementation has a lot of benefits for skin-related disorders. It appears to help with leishmaniasis, warts
and inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
4. Bones and teeth. It’s well known that zinc works in tandem with other bone-loving minerals like strontium, boron, calcium and vitamin D. Low zinc correlates with reduced bone density. The recommended doses for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis are somewhere between 15mg to 30mg of zinc daily.
5. Prevent prostate cancer Most doctors agree that zinc is useful to reproductive function. Low zinc correlates with higher rates of miscarriages and low sperm count. Studies suggest zinc may inhibit certain prostate cancer cell lines and slow metastasis. Tissue specimens taken from these patients show reduced levels of zinc.
6. Thyroid function. Zinc deficiency contributes to many symptoms of thyroid illness. Low zinc can lead to the development of hypothyroidism, which causes the thyroid to stop producing the thyroid hormone. This will, in turn, deplete zinc faster.
It’s important to seek out ways to consume more zinc. You can obtain adequate amounts through your diet, especially with foods such as shellfish, poultry, red meat and whole grains. Some fruits are naturally rich in zinc. These include guava, cantaloupe, peaches and pomegranates.
Chelated zinc supplements are also great because they are bound to a natural amino acid that won’t upset your stomach. ■
She was a voracious reader, perpetually surrounded by books and written material of all manner. Well into her 90s, she remained fascinated about the world she lived in and enjoyed opportunities to learn more. It flattered me when—after finishing her copy of Life After 50—she took the time to give me her feedback. Her words often arrived in a little notecard.
“Good advice!” she’d write. Or, “I never knew that about dogs!” She’d also include clippings from a newspaper or magazine that she thought I might find helpful or interesting.
Her phone calls were equally encouraging.
“Marti,” she’d say, her voice frequently scratchy from allergies. “It’s Betty. I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your article!”
Betty’s canine companion, Sophie, was a rescued American Eskimo dog. As sweet as she was fluffy, the dazzling white beauty with the soulful eyes became Betty’s Velcro dog after Richard, her husband of 69 years, passed away. Sophie loved to eat and was always anxious to score another morsel or two… or three…
Although Betty half-heartedly admonished her eager pooch for begging, her hand always found its way to Sophie’s deep fur and nestled in lovingly.
When the pandemic forced us all into interminable days of isolation, Betty and Sophie hunkered down at their home in the foothills
THE RUFF LIFE
BY MARTI BENSONabove Beulah. With her characteristic optimism and practical demeanor, Betty abided by all the precautions. She willingly accepted assistance for both Sophie and herself from her supportive family. Even so, keeping abreast of how others were faring was important to her.
“Are you and Kyle wearing masks?” she wrote me early on. “I don’t have one yet—but then the only talking I do is on the phone.”
The joyous days of gathering together returned, and Kyle and I were thrilled to host Betty and Sophie for overnights again. The simple routines—coffee and chats in the morning, Betty and Sophie’s naps after lunch and the dogs’ last trip outside before bed—felt reassuring.
But although the world seemed like it had come to an abrupt stop for so long, the earth had still been spinning—and time marched on. Sophie lived into her teens before she passed soon after the lockdown ended. Betty kept her loyal friend’s urn on a little table near her kitchen and arranged to have their ashes buried together when the time came.
Unexpectedly, that time came on March 6, shortly before Betty’s 98th birthday.
It’s hard to imagine our lives without Betty. But if her subscription to Life After 50 somehow arrives in heaven and she gets a chance to read this, I look forward to her reaction. That is, of course, after she catches up with her beloved Richard and their Sophie. ■
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Send your questions to Marti in care of Life After 50, or email her at OutnumberedByDogs@gmail.com
Submitted by Michelle Ruggles
Did you know bees become indecisive after April? They become maybees.
A and C were going to prank their friend... but they just letter B.
Today’s the day to propose. If they say yes, great. If they say no, just say, “April Fools!”
What’s the difference between Thanksgiving and April 1? Being thankful versus prankful.
Why do eggs like April Fools’ Day? They love practical yolks.
Why are babies born on March 31st easy to prank? They were literally born yesterday.
April Fools’ Day is like a huge open mic night. Millions of people go out
of the way to demonstrate how unfunny they are.
Submitted by Ben Kuckel
A man goes to see his doctor for an annual physical and his wife accompanies him.
The doctor goes to examine his ears and removes his hearing aids. The doctor says, “Do you know these hearing aids don’t have any batteries in them?”
The guy raises his finger to his lips and says, “Shhh!”
Submitted by Carolyn Ryan
A pair of amorous coworkers went to New York for a company convention. He invited her to his hotel room, but it didn’t go well. Offended and furious, she grabbed her
purse, slipped into her coat and left her clothes behind. Downstairs she took a cab to her hotel. Upon leaving the cab, her hem was caught in the car door so she had no choice but to surrender her coat as the cab pulled away. She had to streak across the lobby and into the open elevator, which was occupied by an obviously drunk man. As the door closed, it got very quiet until he leaned over and confided, “My wife haaaz an outfit jusss like that!”
Submitted by Bob Breazeale
A man and his wife are looking for a parking place downtown. He finally pulls into a handicap space. His wife says, “Stupidity is not a handicap. Park somewhere else.”
Submitted by Jil Goebel
My doctor asked if anyone in my family suffered from mental illness.
password prompt to say, “Close enough.”
Becoming an adult is the dumbest thing I have ever done.
I’m a multitasker. I can listen, ignore and forget all at the same time!
Retirement to-do list: Wake up. (Nailed it!)
I don’t have gray hair. I have wisdom highlights.
Sometimes it takes me all day to get nothing done.
I don’t trip. I do random gravity checks.
One minute you’re young and fun. Next, you’re turning down the car stereo to see better.
I’d grow my own food if only I could find bacon seeds.
Some people are like clouds. Once they disappear, it’s a beautiful day. Some people you’re glad to see
Our resort-style service and amenities give you the time and freedom to do more of what you love. The best part — everything is included for only one monthly price with no buy-in fee or long-term lease! So, leave the cooking and cleaning to us. Why? Because you deserve it!
Common sense is not a gift. It’s a punishment because you have to deal with everyone else who doesn’t have it.
I came. I saw. I forgot what I was doing. Retraced my steps. Got lost on the way back. Now I have no idea what’s going on.
If you can’t think of a word, say “I forgot the English word for it...” That way people will think you’re bilingual instead of an idiot.
I’m at a place in my life where errands are starting to count as going out.
I don’t always go the extra mile, but when I do it’s because I missed my exit.
Having plans sounds like a good idea...until you have to put on clothes and leave the house.
It’s weird being the same age as old people.
When I was a kid I wanted to be older. This is is not what I expected.
Life is like a helicopter. I don’t know how to operate a helicopter either. It’s probably my age that tricks people into thinking I’m an adult. Never sing in the shower! Singing leads to dancing. Dancing leads to slipping. And slipping leads to paramedics seeing you naked. So don’t sing!
I see people my age mountain climbing. I feel good just getting my leg through my underwear without losing my balance. We all get heavier as we get older because there’s a lot more information in our heads. That’s my story anyway.
Submitted by Cliff Richardson
An octogenarian who was an avid
golfer moved to a new town and joined the local country club. He went to the club for the first time to play but was told there wasn’t anybody he could play because they were already out on the course. He repeated several times that he really wanted to play. Finally, the assistant pro said he would play with him and asked how many strokes he wanted for a bet.
The 80-year-old said, “I really don’t need any strokes as I have been playing quite well. The only real problem I have is getting out of sand traps.”
And he did play well. Coming to the par four 18th, they were even. The pro had a nice drive and was able to get on the green and 2-putt for a par. The old man had a nice drive, but his approach shot landed in a sand trap next to the green. Playing from the bunker, he hit a high ball that landed on the green and rolled into the hole! Birdie, match, and all the money!
The pro walked over to the sand trap where his opponent was still standing in the trap. He said, “Nice shot, but I thought you said you have a problem getting out of sand traps?”
The octogenarian replied, “I do. Please give me a hand.”
Submitted by Yvonne Ruth
Husband: “When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?”
Wife: “I clean the toilet.”
Husband: “How does that help?”
Wife: “I use your toothbrush.”
Submitted by Carolyn Ryan
Do you know why mermaids wear seashells?
Because a B is too small and a D is too big. ■
Alittle-known
fact about me: I first became interested in plants not for food, but for the medicinal benefits.
I started by making my own herbal remedy first aid kit for traveling. Then having a family meant broadening my repertoire of health-promoting plants and processing them into ointments, tinctures and teas.
From native shamans, I’ve learned to work with the healthiest plants I can, which means growing crops that thrive in our local conditions. And a healthy plant makes the healthiest product—fruit, seeds and flavor as well as volatile oils, phenols and flavonoids.
In this article, I’ll share with you my top five medicinal herbs that I grow in rotations in my garden. Some I can harvest enough of to last me two to three years. Others I go through annually. I have other favorites (holy basil and catnip, for example), but these five medicinal herbs handle the top health needs in my family.
ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera)
This is my heavy hitter. It’s an adaptogen that helps our body maintain homeostasis by adjusting to stress and illness. It can boost energy and really fortify the
immune system and overall endocrine system. Many people even report a boost in sexual energy after just a couple of days.
It’s in the Solanaceae family along with tomatoes and peppers, so it enjoys the same growing conditions. It makes a nice bushy plant about 18 to 24 inches tall that we grow for the root and harvest in the fall.
Known as the King of Tonic herbs, astragalus is loaded with antioxidants to support the immune system. It also wards off colds and upper respiratory infections. It can also lower blood pressure and helps protect the liver.
Astralagus is a legume that prefers full sunlight and good soil texture as its roots are thinner than ashwagandha’s and are more delicate to dig up in the
fall. Unfortunately, the best Astralagus phenols set after two years and the third year is the point of maximum health benefit. So if you’re set on growing astralagus, be prepared to dedicate garden space for the next two to three years.
This herb can calm restlessness, headaches, hypertension and insomnia because it tonifies the nervous system. Additionally, it helps bring nutrients and energy to the organs and muscles throughout the body.
Skullcap is a clumping plant that’s 12 to 20 inches tall and likes consistent moisture in the soil, so mulch is a necessity. Harvest the leaves and dry them early in the season, then by mid-summer it can go to blossom and produce snapdrag on-like blue violet flowers.
strain it into amber bottles.
A small warning: Calendula grows as an annual but self-seeds itself robustly, so thinning calendula sprouts will be on next year’s chore list.
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I was fortunate to pick up some orange calendula seeds from a friend’s garden. This plants produce a high oil content that delivers skin nutrients which makes growing these flowers worth it. Calendula is great for treating hives, eczema, diaper rash and small cuts. The petals also make a great addition to a salad and are loaded in lutein, beta carotene and Vitamin C.
Calendula is a cheery addition to the garden. We harvest the flowers the day they open and in the heat of the day when their oil content is at its peak. These healing oils readily transfer to plant-based oils for topical applications. Fill a jar with dried calendula flowers and top it off with organic extra-virgin olive oil. Place the jar in a sunny location with a brown paper bag over the top to protect the oil from the sun’s rays while warming it during the day for a more thorough extraction. Wait one month and
GROW WILD
BY BRYAN REEDEven though it’s a perennial, I made the commitment to horehound for its internal organ strengthening abilities. A member of the mint
family, horehound can help with digestive problems and liver and gall bladder function while supporting the lungs to stimulate better breathing. It can also lessen painful menstruation periods.
Horehound’s dried leaves make a refreshing tea and it blooms dainty pink and purple flowers. For those of you keeping track of the planting phases, April 1-9 and 23-30 are optimal seed planting dates on the biodynamic calendar. (Learn more from my March 2022 article on biodynamic gardening at Beacon SeniorNews.com). ■
Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of Life
After 50, or email him at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu
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We would like to thank you, our community family, for over 25 years of loyalty and voting us
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With many thanks to God and you, we hope to serve you for many years to come.
~Jim and Paula CappadonaI’VE LEARNED TO WORK WITH THE HEALTHIEST PLANTS I CAN, WHICH MEANS GROWING CROPS THAT THRIVE IN OUR LOCAL CONDITIONS.
By Victor Block
My recent sojourn to the town of Winchester, Virginia turned out to be a trip into a time capsule. The visit echoed that of Shawnee and other native tribes which lived for thousands of years in what today is Frederick County and, more recently, by European explorers who came as early as 1606.
This was no artificially created commercial attraction, rather, a real place where important chapters of American history were written and remain.
As I approached the small city (population about 28,000), there was little hint of the treasure trove of history that lay ahead. I passed through a phalanx of familiar chain stores and fast-food restaurants. Then, as suddenly as this mass of modernity had appeared, it disappeared. I found myself in another world—a history-rich setting which enveloped me in the past without fuss or fanfare.
What makes this immersion in the past so impressive is how it serves as a backdrop for the memories
born there. There are so many references to, and touches of, the presence of George Washington that by the time you leave town, you have new insight into the man behind the fame.
Washington’s life is closely entwined with the story of Winchester. He arrived at the tender age of 16 in 1748, four years after the town was founded, to help survey land. During the next 10 years, he went on to become commander of Virginia’s Militia regiment, planned and oversaw construction of more than 80 forts to provide protection for settlers from attack and was chosen to serve as a delegate in the House of Burgesses, representing Winchester and Frederick County.
Remnants of Fort Loudoun, which was Washington’s headquarters from 1756 to 1758, are among numerous traces of his time in the area. So is the tiny log and stone George Washington’s Office Museum with displays including his written orders to soldiers concerning “tippling” and “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior,” which he
wrote at age 14.
Other notable men and women, historic structures and mesmerizing museums add to the appeal of Winchester and its surroundings. A number of significant sites sit in the Winchester Historic District. It encompasses 1,116 buildings dating from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. They range from log buildings and early stone houses to Federal-style town homes and elegant Victorian residences.
The heart of the district is marked by the stately Greek Revival Frederick County Courthouse. It was completed in 1840, just in time to serve as a hospital and prison for both the Union and Confederate armies. Graffiti on some walls dates back to the military occupation of the building, which today houses a Civil War museum.
Reminders of that conflict are scattered about the area like shotgun shells. That’s not surprising, because the town and county’s location as a transportation hub made it a highly contested prize. Six
major battles raged there and control of Winchester changed hands more than 70 times.
Visitors may relive those skirmishes at three Civil War museums, battlefields, remains of forts and other sites. The home used by Stonewall Jackson as his headquarters during the winter of 1861-1862 contains a large collection of his personal objects and memorabilia.
After admiring Jackson’s imposing office desk and a smaller trav-
Statue of a young George Washington as a surveyor.
Fort Loudoun was George Washington’s headquarters from 1756 to 1758.
The home used by Stonewall Jackson as his headquarters during the winter of 1861-1862.
Mead made with Virginia honey can be sampled at Misty Mountain Meadworks.
eling version, I turned my attention to Jackson’s sword, which earned the nickname “Rusted Blade.” It turns out that Stonewall was not the most fastidious of self-groomers and his lack of care extended to the ceremonial rapier. It rusted so badly that eventually he could not withdraw it from the scabbard. After delving deeply into the Revolutionary and Civil War history of the Winchester area, I turned my attention to the variety of other attractions the destination offers. Food and beverages rank high on that list.
For many people, Frederick County, Virginia means apples. The Shenandoah Valley was the largest applegrowing region in the country in the early 1800s. While that claim is no longer valid, the fruit continues to hold an important place in the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Family-owned farms and farmers markets offer a cornucopia of
locally grown fruit, vegetables and meats. Pick-your-own orchards and micro-farms sell goods ranging from fresh produce and homemade baked wares to local crafts, goat milk soap and wine.
Outstanding wine, along with other libations, adds to the taste bud treats available in the area. My sampling at the family-owned, award-winning Briede Family Winery included its locally crafted wine-flavored ice cream.
A very different experience awaited at Misty Mountain Meadworks, which concocts the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage using Virginia honey. Where there are apples there is cider, and the English-style hard liquid is created from locally grown fruit.
Speaking of locally grown, Patsy Cline was a Winchester native who became a leading country and pop music singer. Sadly, her professional career (1954-1963) was cut short when she died in a plane crash. Her modest house museum depicts the hard-scrabble life she led before she became a local hero.
Heroes of various kinds have
been part of the story of Winchester, Virginia. Accounts of their lives are among a number of reasons to visit there. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover similar hidden gems not far from where you live. ■
For more information about Winchester, log onto visitwinchesterva.com.
Winchester is home to country singer Patsy Cline’s modest house museum.
Old Town Pedestrian Mall in modern-day Winchester.
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“I was in heaven, learning as much as I could learn. I loved, loved, loved every minute of it,” Sally Field once enthused to a writer from O, The Oprah Magazine. Was this reaction about her time spent as “The Flying Nun”? Actually, no. Field was waxing nostalgic about her first television series, “Gidget,” a 1965 show on ABC based on the Sandra Dee movie of the same name. (In 1959, “Gidget” had kicked off the beach party/surfing film craze of the early 1960s.)
Field’s recollections of her “Flying Nun” years was quite different. She had landed the “Gidget” role right out of Birmingham High School in the Los Angeles suburb of Van Nuys. Shortly after, she was spotted by a casting agent at an acting workshop.
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When “Gidget” folded after a year of mediocre ratings, Field was devastated. She was then offered the lead role in another ABC series, this time as a Puerto Rico-based Catholic sister who could soar through the air. (“The Flying Nun” was based on Tere Rios’ 1965 book, “The Fifteenth Pelican.”)
Field rejected the role, later explaining, “The show just made no sense to me. It was just drivel! There wasn’t any piece of it that had human behavior in it.”
Her stepfather was a stuntman/ actor named Jock Mahoney, who Field found intimidating and controlling. When Mahoney warned her, “If you don’t take this part, you may never work again,” she capitulated and signed to play the cartoonish sister. When she later requested more depth to the scripts, Field was told, “[People] want to know what they’re going to see before they see it. They don’t want to be touched. They don’t want to be surprised. They don’t
want to think.”
The series ran from 1967 to 1970 for a total of 82 episodes. It quickly became a ratings winner, but as the weekly stories unfolded, viewership dropped steadily. By the third year, the show was on life support.
In the meantime, Field had married her first husband, Steve Craig, and was pregnant during the last season’s filming.
“You can only imagine what a pregnant flying nun looked like. I was a walking sight gag,” Field said.
The show’s producers used props and scenery to block the view of Field’s body below the chest.
Eventually Field came to realize that the time she spent on “The Flying Nun” did, to her surprise, have an actual upside.
“Something in me started to take care of myself in a way that I hadn’t been able to before,” she said later. “I started to change and heal. I grew up and moved out of the fog. And ultimately, the experience of being on the series gave me tremendous strength. It made me want to be a real actor, no matter what.”
She certainly achieved that goal. In her superlative movie career, Field carried home an armful of Tinseltown trophies, including two Academy Awards for Best Actress for “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart.” ■
Story and photo by G. L. Yenne
The importance of good hearing should never be underestimated, with its impact on communication, mental and brain health and socialization. Hear-Wise owner Brian Cooper and his daughter Grace McConnell team up to tackle these issues head-on by offering hearing solutions customized to each patient.
Cooper and McConnell are no strangers to the hearing needs of the Colorado Springs community, having lived here for 30 years. McConnell, 31, got acquainted with the business by working with her father while she was still in high school.
Cooper and McConnell’s motto for their clinic is “Hear your best for less.” They offer top-tier technology at lower-tier prices. In fact, their prices are among the most competitive in the country—comparable to Costco, but with more individualized care. At Costco, one person does the testing, fitting, checkups and callbacks, while four Hear-Wise employees handle these tasks.
Growing up on a farm in Illinois, Cooper’s father, who was blind, needed extra help. Cooper noted how the sense of hearing was so critical to his well-being. He realized there was little that could be done to restore his sight loss, but there were ways to help someone experiencing hearing loss.
Most hearing aids today run on very advanced microchips that operate at 550 million calculations per second. A true hearing aid is programmed to your exact hearing loss versus a generic amplifier, such as the new over-the-counter hearing aids.
“Thirty years ago, hearing aids
were bulky and intimidating for those who were thinking of getting them,” said Cooper, 65, “but now they are made of acrylic or titanium and are sleek and unobtrusive.”
Uncorrected hearing significantly increases the chance of someone getting dementia. The exact reasons are unknown, but one theory posits that when the ears fail to funnel correct information to the brain, it becomes lethargic.
“If patients under 60 years of age come in with hearing loss, it is usually genetics, or they have exposed themselves to a significant amount of unprotected noise while working construction, shooting guns or working in the music industry,” Cooper said.
Hearing loss comes on gradually. It’s often challenging to convince someone to get their hearing checked. A wife might inform her husband that he doesn’t seem to be hearing a word she says, or a husband will try to gently tell his wife that her hearing is not what it used to be. Their words will mostly go “in one ear and out the other.” They must come to their own personal realization that their hearing is suffering.
It usually takes two to three appointments to fine tune a patient’s hearing. A Hear-Wise specialist starts by conducting a free hearing test. If the test detects any hearing
loss, the specialist recommends which hearing aids will work best for them.
Out of 10 patients with the same level of hearing loss, each one could have a different lifestyle. That’s why a customized approach is so vital.
Adjustments can be made via computer, whereas long ago, they’d be done with a screwdriver. Those days are long past!
Although you can’t put a price tag on being able to listen well, hearing aids are a significant expense. Still, Hear-Wise does all they can to offset the cost.
“Medicare does not cover hearing aids,” Cooper said. Costs range from $696-$1,495 per individual hearing aid.
Cooper said that’s what makes his job so fulfilling —when a person gets hearing aids for the first time
and is absolutely amazed at how well they can hear.
“This process can be a real life changer,” he marveled. “We’ve managed to save a few marriages in the process.”
The father-daughter team have two offices: one in Cripple Creek and one at 3707 Parkmoor Village Drive #102, in Colorado Springs. Schedule a free hearing test by calling 719-576-1449 or visit HearWise.com. ■
THEIR PRICES ARE COMPETITIVE—EVEN COMPARABLE TO COSTCO, BUT WITH MORE INDIVIDUALIZED CARE.
Located FAITH
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Worship Service
Hymns • Contemporary Music • Bible Teaching Bible Study, Sundays 8:30-9:30am
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Wednesday Afternoon
Prayer Meeting: 3:00pm
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want to thank you for these rugged Rocky Mountains, that you formed and stacked so close up to the sky. I wonder if you made them to inspire and to uplift us, or simply piled them up here just to echo eagle’s cry.
How their heights still make me dizzy, every time I travel through them, and their beauty pours a peace into my soul…
And I pause here and I ponder if the lakes reflect their splendor, clear to heaven and if that has been your goal.
God, we’ve scratched upon their surface with our railroads and our highways, that still take us to the places where we really want to go. But sometimes, stark fear will grip us as we peer beyond the edges, into crystal streams that run at least a thousand feet below.
I still marvel at the colors from pale gray to deep magenta… at the purples and the depths of valleys green; and I think you must have rested as you finished with creation, with these mountains as your footstool while you looked upon the scene.
Springs!
I feel sure you smiled contented as you scattered seeds for flowers, and you watered them with raindrops so they’d grow. Then you chilled the earth for winter, let it rest until the springtime, as you capped these mighty mountains with a sparkling crown of snow.
When you hung your lovely rainbows that still follow summer showers, did you place them there before us so we’d see, that your guiding hand will lead us ever onward, ever upward? If we trust you, you will set our spirits free.
God, we love these Rocky Mountains you’ve created for our pleasure, but we love you more, and this will be my prayer… that we honor and adore you, place our heart and soul before you, and accept the strong protection you provide with loving care.
Somemonths, I write about topics that I feel are important, even though they may only apply to a minority of readers. But this month I have chosen a tech topic that I feel will appeal to most readers over 50: Google.
Alphabet (Google’s mother company) is actually the second-largest internet superpower, but it is by far the most powerful. Amazon is the largest, but everything they do is either well known or is too boring to write about.
Google’s mission is to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” That mission is achieved through products and services that go vastly beyond the basic search engine.
Google became a superpower by creating algorithms that analyzed how information on the internet is connected. Compared to other search engines, Google hardly used a website’s data to determine where it ranked in the search results. Instead, it looked at all of the other websites to determine that rank.
In other words, a search for the word “cancer” typically lists American Cancer Society as the top result. There might be hundreds of sites that mention cancer more than American Cancer Society, and there may be cancer sites that offer more specific information. Ameri-
can Cancer Society ranks first because any website that mentioned cancer likely has a link to American Cancer Society.
Google’s goal was to find the most relevant website, not the most popular website or the site with the most words. Once Google had developed the search algorithm, they began to apply it to specific types of digital information.
Here are a few helpful tools that you may not know about, and a few that you do but may not realize are owned by Google.
Android
When Google announced that they were going to compete in the smartphone market, everyone asked why a search engine company would be interested in phones. Now they know.
Google Books (Books.Google.com)
Google has archived every page of 40 million books and made them searchable. This was extremely controversial at first, but Google pulled it off by preventing people from reading the books page by page. If you want to read the entire book, you can click on the link and buy it, and Google gets money from the bookseller for the successful lead connection.
Google Docs (Docs.Google.com)
One of Google’s most competitive
moves was to create a series of online products to compete with Microsoft Office. Google Docs is a powerful word processor, Sheets is a spreadsheet program, Slides allows you to design PowerPoint-compatible presentations, and Forms is a great tool for creating online surveys and other forms for gathering, organizing and tracking data.
Google Voice (Voice.Google.com)
Have you ever wanted a phone number that you could give to people who you don’t want to have your cell number? Have you started a new business and wanted a separate phone number? Google Voice is the solution. This free service gives you a phone number and virtual phone line that can be forwarded to any phone number you choose. Or you can simply use it as a voicemail system and have all messages routed to your email or text messaging.
Google News (News.Google.com)
As a journalist, I believe in being as objective as possible with my news consumption. When something important is happening in the world, I like to read about it from a
variety of sources because it’s impossible for a single outlet to filter out all bias. Google News aggregates, organizes and links news from over 20,000 publishers.
Google Keep (Keep.Google.com)
If you are a sticky note person, Google Keep is a lifesaver. Keep is an online service, but it’s also an app for your computer or smartphone. You can use it to record notes, voice memos, photos, reminders, lists and all sorts of other information in one place. Every note or item you put into it can be tagged, searched and even linked to other Google services.
Google Earth (Earth.Google.com)
If you love geography, Google Earth may suck hours of your life away, but you will probably learn a lot in the process. This virtual globe allows you to search, zoom in and out, and analyze geography in a variety of ways. Earth also allows you to view Mars and the moon. Each of the services mentioned can be found by searching for them at Yahoo.com… kidding!
One last tip: If you want to know what Google knows about you, head on over to admin.google.com and login with your Gmail username and password. ■
Send your questions to Adam in care of Life After 50, or email him at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org
In his role as Medical Director for PPHPC, Dr. Miller will provide clinical oversight and direction for more than 140 hospice patients and nearly 100 palliative care patients on a daily basis. Dr. Miller will lead a hospice and palliative team of specially trained clinical staff including Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Chaplains and Certified Nurses Aides, all of whom are experts in the care of patients with advanced and terminal illnesses.
Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care is here for you, your patients and their family any time of day, evening or middle of the night, all year long, even on holidays and weekends.
Hospice | Palliative Care | Grief Support | Volunteer Services
2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street
Call 719-633-3400
• Colorado Springs, CO
• PikesPeakHospice.org
April 1
Caregiver Pampering Day
If you’re an unpaid caregiver for someone 60+, you deserve pampering! This special event at the Colorado Springs Senior Center includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch, classes and relaxing activities including gratitude jars, aroma therapy and drumming.
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | 1514 N. Hancock Ave. | Free | ppacg.org | 719-4712096, ext. 115
April 1
Flash Cadillac in Concert
No April Foolin’—these Coloradans have played traditional rock and roll for 54 years! They appeared in “American Graffiti” and “Happy Days,” among other showbiz gigs. Don’t miss them at Stargazers.
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $35 | stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-
2200
April 1
Antelope Ridge Arts & Craft Show
Come meet the ladies of the Antelope Ridge Makers Guild and browse their Easter items, beautiful photographs, diamond dots art, jewelry, handmade cards, pet supplies, knitted and crocheted items, hand-painted mugs, kitchen/household items and more. Cash payment is appreciated.
9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 4001 Gray Fox Heights | Free | 719-573-1200
April 1 & 2
Brahms and Beethoven
Hear these soaring notes at the Pikes Peak Center: the longing for divine connection in Brahms’ Schicksaslied (Song of Destiny), the cello strains of Paul Moravec’s “Montserrat” concerto and Beethoven’s Egmont from Goethe’s play, with vocalists telling the heroic tale.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $28-$84 | pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100
April 1 & 15
1983: A Novel of the Cold War Revisit the history, players and events between the United States
and Soviet Union and its implications for today as Lt. Col. David Humpert shares from his novel at the Rockrimmon Library, 832 Village Center Drive, on April 1 and Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Blvd., on April 15.
11 a.m. April 1, 3 p.m. April 15 | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
April 3
Free Law Clinic
Speak with an attorney at no cost over Zoom at the Fountain Library. Registration is required.
3:30-5 p.m. | 230 S. Main St., Fountain | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
April 3 & 15
Genealogy Basics (Virtual) Learn strategies, including how to get started, organizing research and selecting and searching for records. Registration is required.
10 a.m. Monday, 2 p.m. Saturday | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
April 6
Play to Remember: Creating Connections
to make your own hand-poured soy candle in a brightly colored Easter egg or bunny-shaped dough bowl from the pros at Sweetwater, a Flower Market.
6-8 p.m. | 11663 Voyager Pkwy. | $85 | sweetwaterflowermarket.com | 719-358-9891
April 7 & 8
“God With Us”
Celebrate Easter with this musical at Charis Bible College. When Peter arrives in Rome in 64 A.D., he and others persecuted for their faith are imprisoned. Peter encourages them with his memories about Jesus. You’ll be encouraged too!
The singer/songwriter of “How Great Is Our God” and other favorites brings his Stories of Worship tour to New Life Church. You’ll hear the inspiration behind the songs, and you’ll get to sing along!
7-10 p.m. | 11025 Voyager Pkwy. | $19-$89 | premierproductions. com | 719-594-6602
April 2
Six Feet Under Horror Fest
Do you love laughing and screaming your way through a terrifying movie? This quarterly scary movie festival, now at Stargazers Theatre, is for you! April’s event features “The Deeper You Dig” and “Hellbender.” Both filmmakers will attend and host a Q & A.
2:30 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $25 | sixfeetunderhorrorfest.com | 719-476-2200
April 3
Basic Estate Planning and Probate
Learn about the basics of estate planning and probate from volunteer attorneys at the Old Colorado City Library. Registration is required.
11 a.m. | 2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave. | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
Caregivers, families and their loved ones will discover how to use simple games and activities to connect with adults with dementia at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. This month’s theme is “fan favorites” from previous activities, plus decorating cupcakes.
10-11 a.m. | 1514 N. Hancock Ave. | Free | playtoremember.com | 719344-5877
April 6
Gladys Knight
You didn’t just hear it through the grapevine! It’s true—pop and R&B sensation and 2022 Kennedy Center Honoree Knight, of “Midnight Train to Georgia” fame, takes her powerful vocals to the Pikes Peak Center.
7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $35-$125| pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100
April 7
Lou and JonBenét
Join local author John Wesley Anderson at the East Library for an in-person presentation on the release of his newest book, “Lou and JonBenét: A Legendary Lawman’s Quest to Solve a Child Beauty Queen’s Murder.”
4 p.m. | 5550 N. Union Blvd. | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
April 7
Easter Candle in a Dough Bowl
Choose your scent and learn how
7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. Saturday | 800 Gospel Truth Way, Woodland Park | $35 | godwithus musical.com | 719-635-1111
April 7 & 8
Zoso
Led Zeppelin fans—come to Stargazers for the most captivating live show since the real thing! Zoso embodies Page, Plant, Bonham and Jones in spirit and talent. They’ve perfected their passion, musicality and showmanship through 18 years of touring.
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $25 | stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200
Military Home Search provides excellent Easter family fun with an egg hunt at Bear Creek Regional Park (at Argus Blvd. and 21st St.). Over 10,000 eggs are waiting to be found. Enjoy free donuts and coffee and giveaways too!
10-11:30 a.m. | S. 21st St. | Free | militaryhomesearch.com | 719-338-7294
Chris Tomlin
Egg Hunt
Hear author Bill Sonn relate true events of World War II, when the Army deemed some patriots unfit for “offenses” as innocuous as Germansounding names or European travel. They were sent to a remote camp in Colorado and mistreated.
2-3 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | Free | cspm.org/LectureSeries | 719-385-5990
April 8
“Our Missing Hearts”: a Discussion
Dig deep at Library 21c as Professor Durthy Washington delves into Celeste Ng’s powerful book about an individual’s impact on an established system, the connection between art and emotion and the transcendent love of a mother for her son.
2:15 p.m. | 1175 Chapel Hills Blvd. | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
April 8
Easter cookie decorating class
Enjoy cookie decorating courtesy of Confections by Charlee at Library 21c. Learn fun techniques with royal icing, including outlining and flooding, applying transfers, adding di-
mension by layering icing and more! You’ll take home eight decorated sugar cookies and recipes.
3:30-5:30 p.m. | 1175 Chapel Hills Drive | $75 | confectionsbycharlee. com | 719-531-6333, ext. 7012
April 8
Songs by Lawrence!
Listen to live folk, ballads and pop songs from solo guitarist and trombonist Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma at Mission Coffee Roasters at 9-10:30
a.m. (11641 Ridgeline Dr. #170 ) or Third Space Coffee at 3-4:30 p.m. (5670 N. Academy Blvd.). Free | 424-247-3109 | lawrencethe guitarist@gmail.com
April 8
An Evening with Third Eye Blind
The Pikes Peak Center hosts these alternative rockers who got their start in the ’90s with hits like “Semi-Charmed Life.” They have a passion for environmentalism along with music. Ticket proceeds assist SeaTrees, to restore California’s lost kelp forest ecosystem.
9 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $47$99 | pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100
April 8
Painted Sky at Waterview
Easter Egg Hunt
If you live in the southern part of town, take the wee ones in your life to find eggs at Windmill Mesa Park. There’s a petting zoo, pony rides, Easter Bunny photos, food trucks and more. Donations are gratefully
accepted.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | 4610 Fencer Road | Free
April 9
Toto: Dogz of Oz Tour
“Hold the Line” and head to the Pikes Peak Center for Toto! These hitmakers of “Africa” and “Rosanna” fame were huge in the ’70s and ’80s. Now they’ve found new fans and remain one of the top-selling acts worldwide.
7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $58-$110 | pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100
April 11
April
Grammy award-winning guitarist Earl Klugh annually invites jazz and music enthusiasts to The Broadmoor to enjoy world-class music. Several concert-only tickets for Springs-area residents are available. These combo tickets include Saturday and Sunday’s headline concerts. Times TBA | 3185 Venetucci Blvd. | See website for concert-only prices | weekend ofjazz.com | 719-576-2626
Your
Want to know how to not just live longer, but better? In this online nutrition class by Natural Grocers, you’ll ensure that those extra trips around the sun are really quality, healthy years. Registration is required.
2 p.m. | Free | ppld.org | 719-5316333
April 12
A World of Friends is a World of Peace
Women, join Cheyenne Mountain Newcomers Club at Broadmoor Community Church as Steve Tindall speaks of the unique travel experiences that Pikes Peak Friendship Force offers. Please note: this is the last meeting until September.
9:30 a.m. | 315 Lake Ave. | Free | cmnccos.org
April 13-15
Munchkin Market
Grandkids grow fast, and that gets expensive! Buy or sell at this huge consignment sale of gently used children’s items at Woodland Park Community Church. Items include clothing (sizes preemie-junior), baby gear, toys, bedding and more. Saturday is half-price day!
3-7 p.m. Thursday, 12-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday | 800 Valley View Drive, Woodland Park | Free | utepassmops.org | 719-687-9444
April 14 & 15
Black Panther in Concert
You’ll be swept away by this cinematic event at the Pikes Peak Center as you relive the excitement of T’Challa battling Killmonger and becoming King accompanied by the Philharmonic performing Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score live!
7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $28-$84 | csphilharmonic.org | 719-477-2100
them. Then they’ll design their own coins! Please enroll online.
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ages 4-7, 1:30-3 p.m. ages 8-12 | 818 N. Cascade Ave. | Free | money.org | 800-367-9723
April 15
Craft Exchange with Who Gives a Scrap
Swap your unwanted craft materials for new-to-you supplies at the Ruth Holley Library.
1 p.m. | 685 N. Murray Blvd. | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
April 16
Spring Chamber Ensemble
Concert
Escape for an afternoon with the delightful sounds of this talented group of musicians from the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony at the Ent Center for the Arts.
Annie Jr.
Bring a grandchild to see everyone’s favorite little redhead at the Ent Center! It’s 1930s New York City, and little orphan Annie perseveres despite cruel Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, finding a family in Daddy Warbucks and lovable mutt Sandy.
2 or 6 p.m. | 5225 N Nevada Ave. | $17-$20 | entcenterforthearts. org | 719-255-3232
April 14-16
Makeup Blowout Sale Event
Give your beauty regime an affordable boost at the Hyatt Place Hotel’s clearance liquidation event. Shop from a huge variety of high-quality makeup, skin care, perfumes and hair products and tools at crazy low prices—up to 75% off!
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 503 W. Garden of the Gods Road | Free | themakeup blowout.com | 424-354-7625
April 15
Kids Zone: Coins from Around the World
Introduce your grandchildren to multicultural money while you view the Money Museum exhibits for free. They’ll see coins shaped like triangles or squares. Some even have holes in
3-5 p.m. | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | Call for pricing | csysa.com | 719-633-3901
April 16
Space Foundation Yuri’s Night Party with a purpose at Space Foundation Discovery Center. Highlights include astronaut meet and greets, a silent auction, drone obstacle course, interactive space activities and more! Includes all activities and food plus a complimentary drink. All proceeds benefit STEM education programs.
5:30-9 p.m. | 4425 Arrowswest Drive | $70-$85 | spaceefoundation.org | 719-576-8000
April 17-19
Anastasia the Musical
All ages will love this new movie-based musical at the Pikes Peak Center! Anya unravels her mysterious past, despite a Soviet officer’s hot pursuit, with a conman and an ex-aristocrat who help her find love and family.
7:30 p.m. | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $48-$123 | pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100
April 17-20
Space Symposium
Visit or volunteer at the premier event for global space professionals
at The Broadmoor. See website for times.
$375+ | 1 Lake Ave. | spacesym posium.org | 719-576-8000
April 18
Health by Chocolate
Hooray! Chocolate can actually be good for you. Learn how to use chocolate to enhance your food— and your health—at the East Library, courtesy of Natural Grocers. Registration is required.
2 p.m. | 5550 N. Union Blvd. | Free | ppld.org | 719-531-6333
April 20
Tween: Campfire Stories in the Library
S’mores, anyone? Take your grandchild aged 9-12 to the East Library, along with a blanket or sleeping bag to lay on the floor and their favorite scary story. They’ll create a memento to take home. Please register online.
4-5 p.m. | 5550 N. Union Blvd. | Free | ppld.librarymarket.com | 719-5316333, ext. 6181
April 21-23
Spring Craft & Gift Show
Join one of Colorado Springs’ largest events! Meet over 150+ vendors at Norris Penrose Event Center and enjoy live music, food trucks, silent auctions and hourly drawings.
3-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road | $3-$5 | norrispenrose.com | 719-635-8881
April 21-23
Springs Home Show
Learn how to make a house a home at the Colorado Springs Event Center. See the latest in remodeling, design, outdoor living and more. If you have a project, they have vendors who can help!
Friday 12-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | Free | thesprings homeshow.com | 800-201-HOME
April 21-23
Body Mind Spirit Expo
If holistic health piques your interest, stop by the Colorado Springs
Event Center for 110 booths, 40 performers and information about yoga, chiropractic care, crystals, reiki, recycling, meditation, veganism and more.
1-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | $8 | bmse.net | 541-482-3722
April 22
Pikes Peak Poetry Summit
Seasoned poets or simply lovers of the written word, come honor local poets and poetry at KCH MacLeran Hall. Engage with dynamic writing and performance workshops, learn from speaker panels and hear phenomenal poets. Registration is required.
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | 20 W. Pikes Peak Ave. | Free | ppld.org | 719-5316333
April 22
Movie Rewind
Calling all film buffs to the Rockrimmon Library! This monthly classic film series provides the best of the cinematic past. Snacks and drinks are provided. Registration is not required.
12-2 p.m. | 832 Village Center Drive | Free | ppld.librarymarket.com | 719-531-6333, ext. 7008
April 22
Transcending Adversity
Learn how to deal with life’s major difficulties at this retreat by One Simple Voice at Mt. Carmel Veterans Center. Lunch is included in the cost.
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | 530 Communications Circle | $15 | onesimplevoice. org | 719-507-9255
April 22
Live Music at JAKs Taproom! Enjoy oldies but goodies from the ’60s and ’70s from the acoustic guitar of Lawrence Yoshito Shiroma.
6-8 p.m. | Free | 424-247-3109 | lawrencetheguitarist@gmail.com | jaksbrewing.com
April 22
Scarab, Journey Tribute Band
Embrace the nation’s biggest touring Journey tribute with “Open Arms” when Stargazers hosts! Scarab
“Faithfully” re-creates the sights, sounds and songs of this ’70s and ’80s supergroup, so “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $22 | stargazerstheatre.com | 719-4762200
April 22 & 23
Beethoven and Mahler
The Philharmonic fills the Ent Center with the strains of Beethoven’s third symphony, “Eroica” (Heroic). Originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, the composer angrily scratched out his inscription. Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder wraps the listener in beautiful grief and worshipful hope.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday | 5225 N. Nevada Ave. | $33-$83 | entcenterforthearts.org | 719-2553232
April 27
History Happy Hour: Trivia Night
This is not your average bar trivia! Pick your team and tackle five rounds of history questions and unique challenges at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, including ambiguous artifacts, transcription challenges and exhibit adventures. Includes a free drink.
6-8 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St. | $15 | give.cspm.org/trivianight | 719-3855990
April 27-29
Call for Art: Military Appreciation Show
Active duty, veteran and family
artists and creators are invited to drop off their creations at Academy Art & Frame Company. All media will be accepted: 2D, 3D, writers/authors, musicians, videography, etc. Works will be shown or performed throughout May.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 7560 N. Academy Blvd. | Free | academyframesco.com | 719-265-6694
April 28
Face Vocal Band
These a cappella fellas from Boulder will captivate you at Stargazers with their infectious energy, complex harmonies and beat boxing. The human voice is an amazing instrument! They’ve competed on the NBC series “The Sing-Off” and tour internationally.
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $25$30 | stargazerstheatre.com | 719-476-2200
April 28-30
Monster Jam
If mechanical monsters rev your motor, stop by the Broadmoor World Arena for all the rip-roaring, four-wheeled fun you can handle! See website for times.
3185 Venetucci Blvd. | $23-$65 | monsterjam.com | 719-477-2100
April 29
More Than a MealVolunteers Needed
This non-profit ministry of Legacy Wesleyan Church needs volunteers to serve hot breakfast, sandwiches, fruit, snacks and beverages at no cost to those in need. Set up tables,
unload vans and distribute food and new clothing. It’s a hand up, not a handout.
7:30-10 a.m. | 502 N. Walnut St. | Free | morethanameal.org | 719-447-5009
April 29-30
Pet Expo
For pets and their parents in this petfriendly city! There’s an agility course and fun contests, plus adoptions and the latest in products and services for your furry or feathered friend at the Colorado Springs Event Center.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | Call for pricing | cspetexpo. com | 816-676-1465
April 29-30
Oddity & Bizarre Expo
Fiesta and Car Show
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Memorial Park, west of the velodrome. All makes and models of cars are welcome, and pedal bikes, too! Food, vendors, kids’ corner, dancers, DJs and live music round out this scholarship fundraiser.
11 a.m.-5p.m. | 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. | Free | elcincocos@ gmail.com | 719-330-2853
April 29
Martini Shot
Don’t miss the chance to see this sixpiece, horn-powered pop rock band at Stargazers! It boasts several local music teachers. They’ve opened for Blue Öyster Cult, Firefall and Pure Prairie League.
7 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Drive | $17 | stargazerstheatre.com | 719-4762200
April 29 SEND
Weird-o-rama! Think Halloween meets Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Oddity enthusiasts will delight in the strange and unusual at the Colorado Springs Event Center. There’s taxidermy, steampunk, bizarre art, creepy fantastic dolls and odd décor. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. | $13 | oddityandbizarreexpo. com | 719-637-3960
April 29 & 30
The Ring Without Words
Take your place at the Pikes Peak Center to hear the Philharmonic’s principal oboe, Noah Kay, in Strauss’ haunting Oboe Concerto, followed by Richard Wagner’s exciting “The Ring Without Words.”
7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday | 190 S. Cascade Ave. | $28-$84 | pikespeakcenter.com | 719-477-2100 ■
•Research
21st Century Toastmasters meets weekly at Library 21c.
Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-591-8045
ACC Grass Roots 307 Cribbage meets at the Colorado Springs Elks Lodge.
Wednesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 719-3311200
ACLU defends civil rights and liberties. Call for details.
303-777-5482
Austin Bluffs Sertoma, a community service organization, meets twice monthly for breakfast at Embassy Suites.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 7:30 a.m. |
719-460-5561
Austrian-American Enzian Club is a German-speaking culture club that meets at VFW Post #101.
2nd Wednesday | 2-4 p.m. |
719-380-1163
Black Forest AARP meets for a potluck at Black Forest Lutheran Church.
2nd Wednesday | 12 p.m. |
719-596-6787
Black Forest Trails Association meetings are open to the public at Black Forest Community Club.
2nd Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | black foresttrails.org
Blazer Ski Club meets year round with organized ski trips, golf, hiking and more.
Wednesdays | blazerskiclub.org
Breakfast Club for Singles 50+ meets for breakfast at Patty Jewett Golf Course. Cost is $20 (cash or check). Must RSVP.
1st Saturday | 9:00 a.m. | 719-2600651 | tbc50plus.org
Bridge Players Duplicate plays daily at the Bridge Center.
Monday-Friday at 12:30 p.m. | Tuesdays at 9 a.m. | Saturdays at 6 p.m. | 719-634-7250
Broadmoor Rotary Club meets for lunch with a speaker at DoubleTree by Hilton. Please RSVP.
1st and 3rd Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 740-707-3022 | rotarybroadmoor. com
Bulldog Club meets monthly at Westside Community Center.
4th Monday | 6-8 p.m. | chloed howard@yahoo.com
Carnelian Coffee Book Club meets at Carnelian Coffee.
1st Sunday | 1 p.m. | jpaisley@ppld.org
Cheyenne Mountain Hooked on Crochet meets virtually to crochet or knit.
1st & 3rd Thursdays | 10 a.m. | PPLD.org | 719-389-8968
Cheyenne Mountain Newcomers Club for women will not resume meeting until September. cmncos.org
Colorado Springs Chess Club meets at Acacia Apartments ballroom.
Tuesdays | 6 p.m.
Colorado Springs Coin Club meets at Fraternal Order of Eagles #143.
4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 719-632-4260
Colorado Springs Cribbage Club #307 meets weekly at the Elk’s Lodge, 3400 North Nevada Ave. Arrive early to meet other players. Wednesdays | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Colorado Springs Numismatic Society meets at Gold Hill Police Station’s community room.
2nd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-632-4260
Colorado Springs Scrabble Club meets virtually for three games on Woogles.io.
Mondays | 5:45-9 p.m. | 719-3325141
Colorado Springs Stamp Club meets at Vista Grande Baptist Church.
1st Tuesday | 7 p.m.
Curiosity Unlimited offers continuous learning opportunities with UCCS professor lectures at Ent Center for the Arts, Chapman Foundations Recital Hall. Visitors welcome!
2nd Friday | 10 a.m. | uccs.edu/ curiosity | 719-755-5082
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
Evening Adult Fiction Book Club for daytime workers meets at Woodland Park Library.
1st Wednesday | 5 p.m.
Falcon Adult Group meets at High Prairie Library.
1st Wednesday | 11 a.m.
trum Loop.
1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11:30 a.m. | 719-331-1212
Gold Camp Victorian Society meets at Cripple Creek Heritage Center.
4th Saturday | 2 p.m. | info@gold campvictoriansociety.org
Hi-Country Newcomers is a social group open to all women in Colorado Springs. Activities include hiking, book club, games, lunches and tours. Call for membership.
2nd Monday | 10 a.m. | 719-464-7633
International Dance Club hosts weekly dances. Live bands, variety of styles, family friendly. Cost is $12.
Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | international danceclub.org | 719-633-0195
Maxi’s Dance Group meets at Eagles Club #143 with music for ages 40+ and food and drinks for purchase. Cover is $5 members, $8 non-members.
Falcon Garden Club meets at High Prairie Library.
3rd Saturday | 10 a.m. | falcon gardenclub.org
Florissant Bookworms meets monthly at Florissant Library.
2nd Wednesday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-748-3939
Falcon Wanderers Volkssport Club meets for regular walks. Membership dues are $10 per person and $16 per couple. 719-597-4307 | falconwanderers.org
Friends at the Table Cooking Club meets at Florissant Library.
3rd Friday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-7483939
Ford Mustang Club for Mustang owners/enthusiasts meets monthly at Phil Long Ford Motor City.
3rd Saturday | 4:30 p.m. | mustang ers.com
Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship meets for breakfast at IHOP, 6005 Constitution Ave.
2nd Saturday | 7:30 a.m. | 719-2293317
Gleneagle Sertoma, a community service organization, meets for lunch at Beast and Brews, 7 Spec-
Thursdays | 6-9 p.m. | 719-660-1358.
Open Book Club meets at Woodland Park Library.
3rd Saturday | 11 a.m. | 719-6879281
Paralyzed Vets of America plays weekly at Bingo World.
Tuesdays | 12 p.m. | 719-578-1441
Pikes Peak Camera Club meets at Living Hope Church, 640 Manitou Blvd.
2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 719-6342376 | pikespeakcameraclub.com
Pikes Peak Computer Application Society meets at Springs Community Church, 7290 Lexington Dr. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | asdtitus@ gmail.com
Pikes Peak Genealogical Society meets virtually.
2nd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | ppgs.org
Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang meets monthly for dinner. This club is for active adults 50+ who enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, golfing, camping, etc. Membership required.
2nd Wednesday | ppothg.com.
Pikes Peak Pastel Society meets April 15 at Library 21C.
1 p.m. | 719-338-5548 | pikespeak pastel.org
Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners meets for dinner and a program at the Masonic Center. Please RSVP.
2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | 719-473-0330
Pikes Peak Water Garden Society meets at Mountain View Church of Christ (April through October).
2nd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 719-6480740 | ppwgs.org
Rampart Range Blue Star Mothers meets at Falcon Police Department.
1st Sunday | 2 p.m. | 719-651-8038
Read Amok Book Club meets at Florissant Library.
2nd Monday | 11 a.m. | 719-748-
3939
Reader’s Circle Book Club meets at Woodland Park Library.
2nd Thursday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-
9281
Red Hat Ladies meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center.
1st & 3rd Fridays | 1 p.m. | 719-600-
2644
Rotary Club meets weekly for lunch and a speaker at the DoubleTree Hotel. Visit website for Zoom link and to RSVP.
Fridays | 12:15 p.m. | 719-338-3239 | portal.clubrunner.ca/3250
Silicon Mountain Mac User Group meets virtually. Visit website for link.
2nd Monday | 6 p.m. | smmug.org
Sno-Jets Ski & Adventure Club meets at The Public House at The Alexander. See website for ski trips, biking, hiking and other activities.
1st Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | snojets.org
Socrates Cafe meets weekly for discussion at the Monument Library.
Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 719-531-6333
Sons and Daughters of Italy meets for dinner and a meeting at VFW Post #101.
1st Tuesday | 5:30 p.m. | 719-210-2025
Sons of Norway meets at Viking Hall.
2nd Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. | 719-574-3717
Spanish Conversation Group meets weekly at the East Library. Intermediate-advanced Spanish learners and native speakers discuss a variety of topics.
Thursdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 719-2445902
Veterans of Korean Service meets at BPOE Elks 304, 3400 N. Nevada Ave. Lunch and speaker are $13. Call to RSVP.
3rd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-2146121
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1075, meets at Skills Academy, 1575 Garden of the Gods Road.
Last Saturday | 9 a.m. | 719-2358162 | vva1075.org
Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association meets at Sand Creek Police Station.
4th Saturday | 10 a.m. | peakwac vets@yahoo.com
Woodland Park Book Club meets at Woodland Park Library.
1st Tuesday | 10:30 a.m. | 719-687-9281
Yarnia! Knitting & Crochet Club meets at Florissant Library.
2nd Thursday | 10 a.m. | 719-748-3939 ■
Tonya
Kent“I always thought I would be a nurse, but that didn’t end up happening. Instead, I’ve worked with homeless women. I help them with healing of another kind: nursing their spirits.”
Tami Gale
“After 25 years in human resources and conflict resolution with the U.S. Army, I discovered that what I always dreamed of doing is a viable resource. Now I help families organize and clear out a loved one’s home after they move to a senior community or pass away.”
Deb Bloskey
“I started out thinking I’d be an elementary school teacher, and then I considered accounting. I ended up getting a computer science degree and working in IT.”
Jim Hathaway
“I grew up thinking I’d be a farmer like my dad. But Dad had to go to the bank to borrow money to pay his bills, even though his land and all his equipment was paid off, so I chose other work. I don’t think I would have had the patience for farming.”
Nathaniel John Miller, DO, is settling into his role of Medical Director for Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care (PPHPC), a community-based, not-for-profit hospice and palliative care organization serving patients and families in El Paso and Teller counties. Dr. Miller, formerly the medical director of inpatient rehabilitation at Encompass Health, brings more than 15 years of experience as a physician to PPHPC. He now provides clinical oversight and direction for more than 140 hospice patients and nearly 100 palliative care patients daily, leading a hospice and palliative team of specially trained clinical staff, including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains and certified nurse aides. PPHPC offers expertise, resources and a complete continuum of compassionate care to patients facing life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life transition. For details, visit pikespeakhospice.org or call 719-6333400.
El Paso County has launched an en hanced version of Citizen Connect,
The VA Clinic in Colorado Springs hosted a recent recognition service for five World War II veterans: Army veterans Edwin Beck, 98, Louis Schindler, 99, and Helen Rydell, 99, and Navy veteran Carl Eastridge, 100. Additionally, a chair was set up for a 96-year-old veteran who could not attend. Two District 11 junior ROTC units presented the colors and marched service flags to the veterans. Then each one was gifted a patrioticthemed freedom quilt. With a $5,000 grant from the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) Center for Development and Civic Engagement, Scott Beaver started the freedom quilt workshops in October 2021 at the local VA clinic. More than 25 volunteers are now involved. Everyone gets fabric kits with pattern
a citizen engagement tool that allows users to submit service requests for any road- or park-related issue. The enhanced version allows users to easily connect with commissioners to voice concerns or ask questions. It enables citizens to
instructions, along with access to tools and equipment. Some complete quilt blocks from home. The Navy Veterans weekend volunteers have finished more than 50 freedom quilts. To participate in freedom quilt workshops or donate materials, contact the VA ECHCS Center for Development and Civic Engagement at vhaechvolsvcs@va.gov. To nominate local veterans for a freedom quilt, send their stories to michael.beaver2@ va.gov.
dumping, damage, trash and debris at El Paso County parks, facilities and trails. It may be accessed online at citizenconnect.elpasoco.com or through the EPC Citizen Connect app. In addition to a written description, photos may be uploaded, along with contact information to keep the sender updated or to get
further information. Citizens working in tandem with the city government will ensure that submissions are tracked and addressed in a timely and effective manner.
If you’re grappling with the loss of a loved one, Voices of Grief meets you where you are with help and information. “Understanding Your Grief” by Dr. Alan Wolfelt is the insightful book participants will discuss and work though, as well as the name of the group. All sessions offer compassionate support over eight weeks. A morning group meets on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Humana, 5310 N. Nevada Ave. (April 11-May 30). There are two evening groups. One meets Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at First Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. (April 12-May 31). The other meets in Woodland Park on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Community Partnership Family Resource Center, 701 Gold Hill Place (April 20-June 8). The $80 registration cost includes all group materials. Limited scholarships are available. Register by April 4. Contact Sarah Lee at 719-505-2257 or Sarah.Lee@ VoicesOfGriefCenter.org. ■
Alzheimer’s Association offers free caregiver support, in person and virtually. Call 24/7 to register.
800-272-3900
Amputee Support Group meets at Encompass Rehab Hospital.
1st Tuesdays | 5-6:30 p.m. |
719-632-5075
Community Reinforcement And Family Training (CRAFT) has support for families and friends of loved ones struggling with substance use at Springs Recovery Connection. English, Spanish, virtual and in-person options are available.
719-377-2161 | aneeley@srchope.org
Daddy’s Little Girls brings hope to abuse survivors through the love of Jesus Christ.
719-649-9054 | daddyslittlegirls.net
Dementia Support Group meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center.
3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 719600-2644
Depression and Bipolar Support has support for those living with or affected by mood disorders.
719-477-1515 | dbsacolorado springs.org
El Paso County Colorado Progressive Veterans helps veterans, active duty military and their families with VA health care and disability, homelessness, emergency needs, PTSD and mental health support.
719-488-8351 | epccpv.org | info@epccpv.org
Emotions Anonymous, a program for unsolved emotional problems, meets at First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave. Mondays | 6 p.m. | 719-235-1798
Falcon Senior Services meets at Patriot High School in Falcon.
2nd Wednesday | 11 a.m. |
719-494-0353
Gamblers Anonymous meets virtually and in person at the Dwelling Place, 508 N. Tejon St. Virtual: Check coloradoga.org
In-person: Mondays at 6 p.m. | Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren supports those parenting
grandkids. Call for details. 719-578-8007
Grief Share helps attendees find healing after losing a loved one.
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
Hearing Loss Association of America meets virtually. hlaacoloradosprings.org
Keeping in Balance with the Life Tree meets weekly at Ambrose Family Health. Sessions are $5. Thursdays | 2-3 p.m. | 719-203-5340
Life Without Lupus Foundation, for those with an autoimmune disorder, meets quarterly, typically at East Library.
4th Thursday | 11:30 a.m. | 719-3808330 | lifewithoutlupus.life
Low-Vision Support Group meets at Fountain Valley Senior Center.
3rd Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 719-600-2644
Multiple Sclerosis Alliance meets virtually and in-person. Visit website for schedule.
719-633-4603 | msasoco.org
NAMI Support Groups meet virtually and in person at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. Registration required: 719-4738477, namicoloradosprings.org
• Connection Support Group is for those living with mental health conditions.
Virtual: Tuesdays | 7 p.m.
In-person: Thursdays | 7 p.m. | Room 235
• Family Support Group is for family members of people living with mental health conditions.
Virtual: Wednesdays | 7 p.m.
In-person: Thursdays | 7 p.m. | Room 234
Near Death Experience Group meets to share and talk about this life-changing experience. The meeting place varies, but it’s generally in the 80906 zip code.
confidentiallistening@gmail.com
Overeaters Anonymous meets daily over Zoom (except Sundays) and in person on Thursdays at Peak Vista Community Health Center. In person: Thursdays | 9-10:15 a.m. | 719-205-9080 | oasouthern colorado.org
Parkinson’s Support Group meets at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave. 2nd Saturday | 10 a.m.
PEARLS Connect for people over 60 who feel overwhelmed by life’s issues meets monthly at the Colorado Springs Senior Center.
2nd Tuesdays | 3-4:40 p.m. | 719459-2017
Polio Survivors Support Group meets regularly. Call for details. 303-212-0017
Prison Support Group for those with incarcerated loved ones meets weekly in the prayer room at Woodmen Valley Chapel.
Thursdays | 1 p.m. | 602-762-0900
Proactive Living Series meets at the Colorado Springs Senior Center to share tips on aging and resources. 3rd Thursday | 12-2 p.m.
Project Angel Heart delivers free nutritious meals to those living with life-threatening illness. 719-323-0084
Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group meets virtually through The Independence Center.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 719-471-8181
Vital Times is for those wanting to grow spiritually and meet new friends. Group meets at Sacred Heart Parish Center.
2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 719-633-8711
Widowed Persons Grief Support Group meets twice monthly at the Colorado Springs Senior Center.
2nd & 4th Fridays | 1-2 p.m. | 719955-3400 ■
Cyber Security for Seniors
Stay safe by learning how to secure your devices and information.
1-2:30 p.m. | April 12 | Free
Comparative Religions
1514 N. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs
To register for classes, call 719-955-3400 or visit CSSeniorCenter.com
Thursday Dances
Get your groove on during our twice-monthly dances to live music. Please remember to tip the band!
1:30-3 p.m. | April 13 & 27
Tunes on Tuesday: Juke Boxes
These ladies perform oldies with delightful harmony and ukuleles!
1:30-2:30 p.m. | April 18 | Free
Document Shredding
Shred sensitive documents that shouldn’t be put in your trash.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | April 20 | $5 per box
Ping Pong & Pizza
Partner up and register by April 14 to play in this double-elimination tournament!
1:30-3:30 p.m. | April 21 | $5
Spring Senior Showcase
Share your talent or cheer others on at this performance!
1:30-2:30 p.m. | April 26 | Free
Craft Supplies & Notions Sale
Stock up on your crafting inventory while benefiting the Senior Center art programs.
9 a.m.-2 p.m. | April 27-28 | $5 per bag
Herbs for Health & Beauty
Learn the uses for a couple dozen herbs that grow in Colorado.
1-2:30 p.m. | April 6 | $3
Finger Knitting
Learn how to knit without needles!
9-10:30 a.m. | April 7 | $5
Macrame! Produce Bag
We need bags for the grocery store now more than ever! Learn to knot a beautiful, reusable bag.
9-11 a.m. | April 11 | $16
Learn about the sacred sites, traditions and beliefs of major world religions.
10-11:30 a.m. | April 13 | $5
Breathwork Workshop
This simple practice can increase your blood/oxygen levels, reduce stress and boost mental clarity.
1-2 p.m. | April 3 | Free Walk with a Doc
Join Dr. Cohen for a one-mile walk as he shares about “lifestyle medicine.”
10-11 a.m. | April 14 | Free
Neuroplasticity
Whatever your age, you still have an ability to learn, and there are activities that can rewire your brain.
1:30-2:30 p.m. | April 17 | Free
Understanding & Responding to Dementia
Learn coping strategies for behaviors that present real challenges for caretakers.
1-2:30 | April 18 | Free
Nurse Chats: Hiatal Hernia
Are you experiencing heartburn and reflux? This might be why.
1-2 p.m. | April 19 | Free
Medicare, Medicaid and More
Learn how Medicare works with Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy, etc.
1:30-2:30 p.m. | April 20 | Free
Learn fun and easy activities from local experts.
12-2 p.m. | April 20 | Free
Flyswatter Volleyball
Volleyball is just as fun with balloons and flyswatters!
1:30-2:30 p.m. | April 25 | Free
Contact the senior center for a schedule of computer classes and other technology help.
66 Jefferson St., Monument
To register for classes, call 719-464-6873 or visit SilverKey.org/trilakes
Advisory Meeting
Open to all. Bring ideas and suggestions.
April 3 | 10:30 a.m.
Heart Math
Learn more about how your body holds stress every Monday for six weeks. Call to preregister. April 3-May 8 | 10:30 a.m. | 719-8842300
Connections Café
Enjoy hot, nutritious meals and socialize with others.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
ART
Open Studio Painting
Paint together for creativity and camaraderie!
9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 1st Monday | $5 Arts & Crafts
Enjoy conversation as you work on your own project or make one that’s provided.
11 a.m. | Thursdays | 719-464-6873
Bunco
Bring $5 and a snack to share.
1-3 p.m. | April 14
Bingo
Play for fun and prizes! Must RSVP.
12:30 p.m. | April 19 | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness.com
Chess
12 p.m. | Mondays Pinochle
12-4 p.m. | Tuesdays
Hand & Foot
Be the first to get rid of your cards “hand first,” then foot in this Canasta-style game.
1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Mah Jongg
This tile matching puzzle game can be played with multiple players.
1-4 p.m. | Fridays
See website for more classes. Fee: $50 per month (unlimited), $60 for 10-class punch card, or $8 drop-in
Lean & Fit
Build strength and endurance in this muscle conditioning class.
9-10 a.m. | Mondays
Tai Chi Fusion
Reduce stress and promote serenity through gentle, flowing movements.
12-1 p.m. | Mondays
Strong for Life
This circuit-style workout incorporates cardio and simple weight training.
1:30 p.m. | Mondays
Gentle Yoga
A slow, gentle class focusing on strength and alignment.
10:15-11 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays
Line Dancing
Choreographed dances to a variety of music.
1:30 p.m. | Tuesdays
Mix It Up!
Low-impact aerobics, simple weight training and stretching.
8-9 a.m. | Wednesdays
Mind Matters
Gentle stretching, meditation and visualization work.
10-11 a.m. | Wednesdays
Chair Yoga
Seated poses improve circulation and reduce stress.
12-1 p.m. | Wednesdays
Active Bodies
Circuit-style workout for all levels.
9-10 a.m. | Wednesdays
Zumba Gold
Cardio workout to Latin-inspired dances.
9-10 a.m. | Thursdays
To register for classes, call 719-600-2644 or visit FVSCenter.org
Game Day
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | April 1
Michael Garmon Magic Town Trip
This sculptural theater depicts a miniature city with hundreds of original characters and buildings, with complimentary popcorn and a scavenger hunt.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | April 12 | $16
Fair Housing Information FAQ
Find out how to afford housing at this session.
1 p.m. | April 14
Craft with Kids Day
Make art with students from Pinello Elementary and Sproul Jr. High.
9 a.m. & 1 p.m. | April 19
ART
Interpretive Dance 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Mondays
Knitting/Crocheting
1-2 p.m. | Mondays
Tap Dance 10:15 a.m. | Tuesdays
Porcelain
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
Harmonizers
2 p.m. | Wednesdays
Woodcarving
8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thursdays
Card Making
9:30-11 a.m. | Thursdays
NEW! Walking Tour
10 a.m. | Mondays
Chair Yoga
2:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays | 9-10 a.m. Fridays
Zumba
WOODLAND PARK
321 N. Pine St., Woodland Park
To register for classes, call 719-687-3877 or visit WoodlandParkSeniors.com
Watercolor
Learn to paint with washes and layers.
1-4 p.m. | April17
Basket Weaving
Make a functional yet attractive container.
1-4 p.m. | April 21
Low-Impact Cardio
Tone muscle and pump up the heart in this low-impact exercise program
9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Chair Yoga
Seated yoga poses improve circulation and range of motion and reduces stress.
9 a.m. | Wednesdays
Butte Theater
Enjoy a production at Cripple Creek’s historic theater.
10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | April 1 | $10
Craft Show & Bake Sale
Shop for handmade delights.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | April 15
Wildwood Casino Trip
It might be your lucky day!
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | April 28
Crochet & Knitting
Bring a project to work on and socialize.
10 a.m. | Wednesdays
Quilters
Bring a project to work on and socialize.
9 a.m. | Mondays
Chair Tai Chi
Gentle, flowing movements alleviate stress, improve balance and reduce fall risk.
9 a.m. | Fridays
Zumba
Cardio workout to Latin-inspired dances geared toward beginners.
10:30 a.m. | Fridays
Neighborhood Walk
Socialize and stroll together.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | April 29
Silver Key Lunch
Make a reservation 24 hours in advance.
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | MondayFriday | $3.50
Potluck Lunch
Dominos, Cribbage & Euchre
Choose to play any of these domino games—or all three!
9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Monday-Friday
Bingo
Play for fun and prizes!
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Thursdays
Bring a dish to share.
11:45 a.m. | April 11
Catered Meal & Program
RSVP by April 21 for meal.
11:45 a.m. | April 25 | $7
1. Jr.’s exam
52. Florida’s Miami___ County
54. Aquanaut’s base 57. ___ in Charlie
18. French school
22. Goya’s “The Duchess of ___”
25. Tools for duels
27. Utah ski
“I love restoring smiles
oral health. I believe healthy teeth and gums are critical for the overall health of the individual. I want all of our patients to be healthy and enjoy a full life. I count it a privilege to help my patients be restored to dental health.”
COMPUTER & MEDIA
FLAT RATE COMPUTER REPAIR.
Starting at $60. Free pickup & delivery or up to 2 hours of on-site tune-up, virus removal and/or training. Call Richard with SOBE I.T. 719-470-1910.
FUN & ENTERTAINMENT
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.
HELP WANTED
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
HOME REPAIR
MORE THAN A HANDYMAN. Home Maintenance, Repairs, Yard Work, Projects. 15% Senior Discount (62+). Call Mike - a Senior and Veteran. 719-338-4279. Voice mail answered same day.
HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD
JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, and more. (Mowing or yardwork in the spring and summer.) John 719-471-7471.
Help at your home. Cleaning, organizing, laundry, assistance with errands and appointments, garden maintenance and watering. Honest and dependable. Reasonable rates. Call Nancy 719-238-6837
Volunteer brass players for The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps Band. 908 Yuma St. 80909. Band plays every first Sunday of the month. 10:15am to 11:15am.
Contact: Lawrence Shiroma, Bandmaster. lawrence.shiroma@usw. salvationarmy.org Cell: 424-247-3109
Cruises to museums, horses to rodeos, interests are varied. 73-yearold Caucasian female looking for 68–74 year-old Caucasian male with similar interests. 719-660-7110
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
~ We’re Full-Service Movers ~ PACKING • ALL THE LIFTING MOVING • UNPACKING
(719) 661-7354
DAILY LABOR: Gutter cleaning, yard cleaning, house cleaning, gardening, handyman repairs, Painting $25 per hour. 719-310-5247.
S.C.S.E. SANDYS CARE SERVICE EXPRESS Specializing in same day, last minute, when available. Mail –bank – babysitting – shower – meals - dog feeding etc. 9am-4pm, MondayFriday. 719-203-8898.
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.
WANTED
WANNA SHARE RENT? LIVING EXPENSIVE? COMPANIONSHIP? I DO! Prefer male senior citizen in Colorado Springs, strictly platonic, no anger management issues. I am a retired social worker/nurse. Love people! Text or call 719-306-6120.
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
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. 719-633-5848 or 719-4409288.
CASH FOR KNIFE OR BELT BUCKLE COLLECTIONS. Large and small collections purchased, please call me to schedule an appointment to see collection and make an offer. Thanks! 719-460-5570
“You Can Relax Knowing Helping Hands Are On The Job!”
Iwas watching an old ‘50s movie on Netflix, and wondered why this movie had been a favorite of mine for so many years. After thinking about it some more, I became acutely aware of what the attraction was.
This movie was a perfect reflection of how our culture used to be. It was a clear reminder of my history: who I used to be, my influencers and the social mores of an earlier time. In the ’40s and ’50s, I remember life as tranquil, lighthearted and wholesome.
Then I look at life today. So much has changed—very little with my approval.
There isn’t much I can do other than accept it. Friends accuse me of being in a time warp when I express my preference for all things wholesome and principled. Maybe they’re right. I admit to being disappointed with humankind’s general lack of values. For decades I was clear on the difference between right and wrong, vulgar and refined, respectable and despicable. Today, the moral bar has been dropped so low, it rests comfortably at my feet.
Growing up, I learned that swearing was unacceptable and sex should not be casual. I was also told that I only had one chance to make a first impression, and I would be judged largely by my reputation. Therefore, if I cared, I should do my best to keep it pristine—and I cared.
Today, there is little to no caring about one’s reputation because there is no shame or accountability.
When Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950s,
my father made my younger brother and me leave the room because “That young man’s body gyrations are not acceptable for young eyes.” My father, no doubt, is dizzy from turning in his grave over what is going on today in movies, on TV and in real life.
WHEN ELVIS PRESLEY APPEARED ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW IN THE 1950S, MY FATHER MADE MY YOUNGER BROTHER AND ME LEAVE THE ROOM
How can we hope to keep our children wholesome and free from sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy when casual sex is a common occurrence on virtually every prime time show we watch? Courtship no longer exists. Today, it’s girl meets boy. Girl and boy go to dinner. Boy goes back to girl’s apartment where they rip off each other’s clothes. It’s no longer shocking because it’s so widely accepted.
Bathing suits are so skimpy, there’s no way they can do battle with even the tiniest ripple of ocean water. Shorts are shorter and clothing is worn shredded. Suggestive messages are written on shirts and across the backside of pants. Today’s kids dress for school in sloppy outfits like I used to change into when I came home from school before I went out to play.
What I am is disheartened. I miss the subtleties and reassurance that came with wholesome living. ■
Laverne Bardy is the author of two book collections of her syndicated humor columns: “Driving Backwards on a One-Way Street,” and “How the (Bleep) Did I Get this Old?” She has been writing her column, Laverne’s View, since 1999
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