Life After 50 - November 2020

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The Voice of Adults 50+ in the Pikes Peak Region

NOVEMBER 2020

Meet NASA’s Betty Crocker Navy veteran cared for astronauts and fought for change It’s Medicare Open Enrollment! Review your Medicare plan and make changes through December 7

8

Explaining patriotism to the grandkids

22

Philanthropic travel in Tanzania: Vacation while supporting nonprofits

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Get established with one of our Health Care Providers at Agewell, where we focus on primary care for older adults For AgeWell Patients, we are now offering drive through flu shot appointments – call to schedule your slot today.

(We have in-person clinic appointments as well). All flu shots are by appointment only.

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www.agewellmedical.com

Please call (719) 475-5065 to schedule an appointment!

IN THIS ISSUE

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication NOVEMBER 2020 | Volume 30 | Issue 11

Publisher & Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Managing Editor Anthony Welch Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Multimedia Editor Lauren Berg Graphic Designers Melissa Levad Chrissy Martin B. Bigler Accounts & Customer Service Stacey Splude Advertising Executives Bruce Schlabaugh Jil Goebel Advertising Assistant Lindsey Christensen Classified Advertising Natalie Schlabaugh Delivery Eulogio Martinez Diane Salkovich Natalie Schlabaugh Robert & Kathy Wernly Gerald Wilson David Zahara P.O. Box 50125 Colorado Springs, CO 80949 Phone: 719-900-7664 Classifieds: 719-418-2717 Email: Info@LAFifty.com Website: www.LAFifty.com Life After 50 is published by Pendant Publishing dba BEACON Senior News P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829 Life After 50 is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire adults 50+ in Colorado Springs, Black Forest, Monument, Falcon, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, Security, Woodland Park, Divide, Cripple Creek and Green Mountain Falls.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication.

Display advertising rates are available upon request. © Copyright 2020 • All Rights Reserved

On the Cover

Navy veteran Betty Cain cooked and cared for astronauts during their training at NASA.

8

22 26

5 Editor’s Column

24 Putting “thanks” back in Thanksgiving

6 Cover Story: Meet NASA’s Betty Crocker

25 Futuristic holiday tech bargains

8 Explaining patriotism to the grandkids 10 Recipe 11 Ask the Old Bag: Politics has created a rift in our family

26 6 savvy tips for surviving the holidays with your finances intact 28 Business Highlight: Hearing Consultants of Colorado Springs 29 Remembering my first time

12 How to identify health frauds

29 Helen’s Divine Discounts

13 Recipe hacks for healthier meals

30 Ask Ms. Kitty: When to see your vet

14 Laughing Matters

31 Canine Column: Remembering my first furry friend

16 Focus on how you live 17 Close Connections: Reducing and channeling anxiety

32-34 Calendar 35 Fun After 50: Senior Center Activities

18 Alive & Digging: Air-cleansing plants

36 News Bits

20 Families change, but Thanksgiving never will

37 Question of the Month

22 Philanthropic travel in Tanzania

38 Classifieds 42 Fun & Games

All aboard!

The Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad load up the Pullman Sleeper Car 470 for transportation to the Cumbres and Toltec restoration site in Antonito. Since 2009, volunteers have worked to restore the historic car at the Pikes Peak Trolley Museum. The car first went into operation in 1890. The goal is to have the car back and ready for service by next summer.

Photo by Bruce Schlabaugh

Quality Cruises and Travel An Old Time Branson Christmas November 1, 2020

Last chance to book!

1,675

$

Celebrate the Holidays with fabulous shows, lights, shopping and an old-fashioned paddleboat!

PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY; SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IS $275. DEPOSIT OF $250 PER PERSON DUE TO SECURE SPACE; FINAL PAYMENT DUE 9/30/2020.

Day 1 - Depart Colorado Springs for Salina, KS and overnight.

Day 2 - We’ll stop at the Russell Stover Outlet Store. We’ll arrive in Branson early this afternoon and check into our hotel, The Savannah House. We’ll have dinner at a steakhouse and then it’s on to the award-winning The SIX Christmas Show at American Bandstand Theater. After the performance we’ll head to the Trail of Lights, Branson’s most beautiful Christmas light display.

Day 3 - After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll head to the Pierce Arrow Theater to see the Doug Gabriel Christmas Show. This afternoon is on your own to shop, relax or view the beautiful Christmas displays all through town. This evening, we’ll dine at Landry’s Seafood House and then it’s on to Clay Cooper’s Country Express Christmas. After we’ll head back to the hotel for hot cobbler, fresh cookies and ice cream!

Day 4 - This morning we head to the amazing Titanic Museum. This afternoon you’re in for a treat as we board the Showboat Branson Belle for the dinner and show. This classic showboat-style activity transports guests to the days of paddleboats along the Mississippi River right on Table Rock Lake. After we leave the Showboat Branson Belle it’s on to the world-famous Dutton Theater! After our evening performance we’ll head back to the hotel for homemade deserts!

Day 5 - We say goodbye to Branson after breakfast and head to Carthage, MO where we will tour the Precious Moments Chapel and store. Then, it’s on to Osceloa, Missouri, where the Osceloa Cheese Company started in 1944. We’ll have time for shopping before stopping for lunch. After lunch, we’ll head toward Salina and overnight.

Day 6 - This morning we’ll continue toward home, stopping at the historic Cathedral of the Plains, located in Victoria, Kansas.

After lunch in Colby, it’s home to Colorado Springs.

PRICE INCLUDES: A fully escorted tour aboard a luxury motorcoach, 5 nights lovely accommodations, breakfast each morning, 3 dinners, all shows and attraction tickets as described, luggage handling, all taxes and fees.

Southern Plantation Holidays Last chance to book!

December 6, 2020

2,250

$

Mississippi River Cruise aboard a luxury steamboat

PER PERSON DEPOSIT OF $550 PER PERSON DUE TO SECURE BOOKING; FINAL PAYMENT DUE 6/1/20.

A TASTE OF THE TRUE SOUTH - Memory flows deep and sentiment eddies and swirls along the Lower Mississippi River.

Experience authentic Southern culture as you journey through living history and soak in the romantic spirit of the Antebellum era. Fertile cotton fields, vast sugar cane plantations and imposing pillared mansions will transport you back in time, as will the Civil War battlefields.

PRICE INCLUDES: 7 night luxury cruise, one night pre-cruise hotel, roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, roundtrip transfers, all meals onboard ship, shore excursion included at each port of call, all port fees, taxes and surcharges.

Hawaii Four Island Holiday PER 3,985 PERSON

$

Departs April 19, 2021 11 Day tour to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. PLEASE CALL FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY PRICING.

Day 1 - Depart Colorado Springs for lovely Honolulu. Check into our hotel and get ready for a sunset dinner cruise.

Day 2 - Full day tour, including Pearl Harbor, the USS Missouri, the USS Arizona Memorial, city tour of Honolulu and the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater.

Day 3 -Today we depart for Maui. After arriving we’ll transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

Day 4 -Experience Maui on this full day tour. See waterfalls, beautiful beaches, flora and fauna and Mt.HaleakalaDay 5 - Whale watching excursion with a Certified Marine Naturalist.

Day 5 -On to the Big Island, the largest and geologically most diverse of the Hawaiian archipelago.

Day 6 -Full day tour of the Big Island, including Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and much more.

Day 7 -On to the lovely island of Kauai. The island is so lush and green Day 8 -Today, we’ll see the north part of the island, including Hanalei Valley, Wailua Falls, Kapaa Town and Moloaa Bay. Day 9 -“The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is on our schedule for today. Waimea Canyon is over ten miles long and 4000 ft.

Day 10 -Our last day in Hawaii is yours to enjoy on your own, After we check out of our hotel we’ll head over to Smith’s Luau, perennially voted the best luau on the island.

PRICE INCLUDES: Fully escorted tour, roundtrip airfare from Colorado Springs, 10 nights lovely accommodations, breakfast each morning, 2 dinners, all tours as described, transfers, inter-island flights, all taxes and surcharges.

Deposit of $400 due to secure space; final payment due 1/5/21.

Proudly Presents

2020/2021 Travel Destinations

Switzerland by Rail Departs May 14, 2021

A 9-day breathtaking rail tour through spectacular Switzerland

PER 4,250 PERSON

$

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IS $350. DEPOSIT OF $400 PER PERSON DUE TO SECURE BOOKING; FINAL PAYMENT DUE 1/14/21

Day 1 - Transfer from Colorado Springs to Denver and depart for Zurich, Switzerland.

Day 2 - Arrive Zurich and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this lovely city.

Day 3 - Zurich and Lake Lucerne Area. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most idyllic medieval cities, surrounded by a beautiful lake and nestled amidst snow-capped Alps.

Day 4 - Lucerne - Interlaken - Goldenpass Panoramic Train. Cross Brunig Pass en route to Interlaken and spend some timestrolling through the quaint streets. From Interlaken take the BLS RegioExpress train to Zweisimmen. Continue on the GOLDENPASS PANORAMIC TRAIN for your unforgettable journey to Montreux, then continue to Lausanne.

Day 5 - Lausanne - Montreux - Tasch - Zermatt: Depart for the delightful Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt. En route, stop to visit the town of Montreux, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by vineyards and against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Enjoy some free time or maybe join an optional guided excursion to Chillon Castle before continuing by train to Zermatt.

Day 6 - Zermatt - Gornergratt: This excursion takes you to the famous GORNERGRAT, traveling on board Europe’s highest rack railway. The views of the Matterhorn from its summit are spectacular. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 7 - Zermatt - Glacier Express - St. Moritz: The train journey today aboard the spectacular GLACIER EXPRESS is without a doubt one of the main highlights of the tour.

Day 8 - St. Moritz - Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy: Take the BERNINA EXPRESS train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Tirano and back for one of Europe’s most spectacular and breathtaking train rides.

Day 9 - St. Moritz - Zurich: Leave St. Moritz for the journey back to Zurich. Enjoy some time at leisure in Zurich.

Day 10 - After breakfast, we say goodbye to this beautiful country and head for home.

PRICE INCLUDES: Fully escorted tour, roundtrip airfare, transfers from Colorado Springs to Denver, lovely accommodations, baggage handling, breakfast each morning, 3 dinners, roundtrip transfers in Switzerland, first class seats on the trains, excursion in Lucerne, all taxes and surcharges.

Fall Colors & Cathedrals of French Canada Departs September 30, 2021

The majesty of Quebec against the backdrop of the Laurentian Mountains

PER 3,875 PERSON

$

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IS $799.DEPOSIT OF $500 PER PERSON DUE TO SECURE BOOKING; FINAL PAYMENT DUE 8/1

Day 1 - Arrive in French Canada - Settle into your conveniently located hotel before a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 2 - Montreal Sightseeing and Notre-Dame Basilica - Embark on a narrated tour of Montreal, one of Canada’s vibrant cities known for its rich French-Canadian heritage Day 3 - Ride VIA Rail and Quebec Sugar Shack - After breakfast, Canada’s VIA Rail service takes you to Quebec City.

The only walled city in North America, Quebec’s Grande-Al-lee is alive with many quaint shops and sidewalk cafes.

Day 4 - Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame, St. Anne de Beaupre and Montmorency Falls - Depart this morning for a scenic drive along the “Old King’s Road” passing beautiful Normandy and Brittany homes to St. Anne de Beaupre, for a visit to the beautiful shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site in North America.

Day 5 - Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and Ermitage Saint-Antoine Shrine - Learn the intricacies of producing copper art at the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio with a tour and hands-on workshop to make your own copper work of art.

Day 6 - St-Felicien Zoo and Old Perron Cheese Factory - Traveling to the shores of Lac St-Jean, come to the famed St-Felicien Zoo. Day 7 - Our Lady of the Cape Shrine - Today, travel to the city of Trois-Rivieres where you’ll visit the Borealis Center to explore the history of the pulp and paper industry in Quebec.

Day 8 - Transfer to Montreal and Home - After breakfast we depart for home.

PRICE INCLUDES: A fully escorted tour as described, round trip airfare from Colorado Springs, all transfers, lovely accommodations, breakfast each morning, 2 lunches, and 6 dinners.

QUALITY CRUISES AND TRAVEL

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

Thankful for the small (and not so small) things A

s we approach Thanksgiving, there’s a lot of talk about what we’re most thankful for even though we should be grateful year-round.

Especially now, through this pandemic, I’m realizing the importance of the small things in life.

That’s why I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about some of the things I’m grateful for.

First and foremost, I’m very grateful for my wife Ashley and my son Jaxson. There was a time in my life when I started to see my dream of having a family disappearing. I started to think I was meant to be a bachelor. Then it all sort of happened. Love led the way and brought with it a son, fulfilling my longtime dream of being a father.

I try to live up to the examples of my own parents, Harry and Cheryl Welch. They’ve always been supportive of everything I’ve done throughout the years and still are to this day.

My dad is still quick to help me carry drum gear, even at 70 years old.

I may not see them as often as I’d like, but I’m thankful that I remain close with my siblings: Gabriel, Dominic and Lacey. As the eldest, I’ve always felt responsible for these guys and I’m very proud of them all.

I’m also very thankful to my mom and my mother-in-law, Lisa Nelson, for stepping in to help with Jaxson when needed.

And where would I be without my friends and bandmates? Thanks for the great games of golf, all the music we’ve made, the memories and for helping to provide a great creative outlet all these years.

Lastly, I’m very grateful for our Life After 50 readers, who pick up our publication each and every month. In my 20-plus-year career, I’ve

never heard so many pleasant things, read so many nice emails and met so many amazing people like I have working for this publication.

Thank you.

HONOR THE VETERANS IN YOUR LIFE November is also the month we recognize our veterans. I’d usually say shake a veteran’s hand, but since we’re social distancing, thank them from afar.

I’d like to honor the veterans in my family: my father Harry; uncles Jerry Welch, Richard Welch and Wayne Cornett; and my dearly departed grandfather, Charles Cornett.

Speaking of veterans, this month’s cover story is about Betty Cain, a proud U.S. Navy veteran who advocated for service women, cooked for astronauts at NASA, fought workplace injustices and gave grieving parents a voice.

GET (OR GIVE) A FREE LIFE AFTER 50 SUBSCRIPTION The best way to ensure that you receive your Life After 50 every month is to subscribe.

Normally, it’s $20 for one year or $30 for two, but in the spirit of the holiday season, you can gift Life After 50 to a friend for free when you purchase a subscription for yourself.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We’re thankful for all the kind comments we’ve received about our new format. Please keep them coming!

We’d love to see what you’ve been up to these past few months. If you have a photo or story you’d like to share with us, please email me at Anthony@LAFifty.com. (Your photo could appear on our Table of Contents page.

Please include a few sentences about the photo along with the names of any people in it.) ■

EDITOR'S COLUMN

LETTERS

from our readers “I got my newspaper Saturday, and boy, is it nice! You guys have done a wonderful job of redoing this whole newspaper. I love the paper!”

- Jo Anne Hart “Thank you so much for the LA50 paper.

I like to know about upcoming events so I can have something to look forward to each month. I also like the new magazine format.”

- Dawn Lisbon “I like the recent LA50 magazine I picked up at the supermarket! Glossy quality, too!”

- Gail C. “Wow, I really love the new look of Life After 50! It’s very slick and polished, very professional-looking. The magazine format is so much more user-friendly. I only wish you had this when I was on the cover!”

- Jon Karroll “I very much like the cover of this month’s Life After 50. I loved it—turned an everyother-around-the-corner magazine into something with class! Sort of like a woman wearing blue jeans and all of a sudden showing up in an evening gown!”

- Carol Vonfeldt RE: “Could it be canine hearing loss?”

(October) “Our 15-year-old pit has difficulty hearing our voices. We call her now with hand claps and use hand gestures to signal her to come.

The adjustments we’ve made help her to remain a participant in our three-dog family.”

- Stacey Brahm RE: “PACE’s mission continues despite COVID-19” (September) “We wanted to reach out to thank [Anthony] for the wonderful article you wrote about PACE in the September edition of Life After 50. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to older adults!”

- Summer Galceran & Carolyn Wilson

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Anthony Welch, Managing Editor

Email: Anthony@LAFifty.com Mail: PO Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

5

COVER STORY

Meet NASA’s Betty Crocker Betty Cain worked with astronauts and fought for change

Bill, who became Cain’s husband now of 45 years.

Bill had also spent some time in the Navy, including serving on the USS Oriskany, which was the same ship that John McCain served on as a Navy pilot.

The family moved back to San Diego together so that Cain could continue with her schooling. Upon graduating from high school, Jeff enlisted in the Navy as well.

“When he was 9, he said he wanted to be in the Navy just like his mother,” said Cain. “We were just a real tight Navy family.”

By Anthony Welch

W

hen faced with adversity, Betty Cain doesn’t back down.

Cain is a proud veteran who served four years in the U.S. Navy.

However, her service was nearly cut short when she got married and pregnant.

“The Navy I loved said, ‘Adios!’” said Cain, now 75. “I said to myself, ‘This isn’t right.’”

Cain spent the next decade writing letters to the Secretary of the Navy, the president, senators and ASTRONAUTS’ BETTY congressman, disputing the decision CROCKER and advocating for women in the After her time in the Navy, Cain evenservice. tually made her way to NASA working “I told them they were discrimifor government contractor Rockwell nating against mothers,” she added.

International at the Johnson Space “It took them 10 years to realize they Center in Houston. Jeff eventually were wrong. Got a letter from RichBetty Cain is a proud U.S. Navy veteran who advocated for service women, cooked for astronauts at NASA, fought workplace injuscame to work for NASA as well, and ard Nixon saying, ‘You’re right. Come tices, and set a precendent in court for grieving parents’ rights. the mother and son got to see each on back.’” other on campus daily.

She was the first mother in the

by Cain saw a 35 percent increase in student Cain held a number of titles while working state of Texas to re-enlist, and the third in the graduation. her way up at NASA...until she was wrongfully nation.

“My commander was so impressed, he wantterminated.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR ed to know how I was doing it,” Cain said. “He “My boss at the time decided to cover up Now a single mom, Cain was sent to San Diego sent a copy of the lesson plan to the Secretary actions of using government equipment for her to attend Radioman “A” School in 1974. She of Naval Education and Training.” after-hours classes and using us as her secreexcelled in the program, finishing the 14-week Cain was named the U.S. Navy’s Woman of taries,” Cain said. “I brought it to her attention course in just 21 days. The achievement was a the Year in 1976 for creating standards and com- that I didn’t think it was right. She brought the first for the school, according to Cain. prehensive student instruction guidelines that complaint up to Rockwell, and they fired me.”

She went on to be the first female instructor were implemented.

As Cain puts it, she “got back up on her of the school. She instructed four companies of While attending school in San Diego, Cain’s soapbox once again.” It took six weeks of writing 25 students in all phases of Navy communicason, Jeff, stayed with her parents in Houston. letters to officers and the chairman of the board tions, including procedures, equipment operaHe befriended the neighbor’s wolf/collie mix, of Raytheon, but ultimately they agreed she was tion, security and maintenance. Classes taught who loved the young boy. The neighbor was wrongfully terminated. When she came back

6 | COVER STORY | NOVEMBER 2020 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

COVER STORY

“

THE STS-70 CREW WANTED ME TO BAKE A DESSERT FOR THEM TO EAT IN SPACE! EVERYTHING IN SPACE IS ALMOST TASTELESS SO I CHOSE TO MAKE SIX DECADENT CHOCOLATE MINI-BUNDT CAKES.

”

photos signed by the astronauts.”

TRADING NAVY CAP FOR RED HAT

Cain’s photo for Celanese Chemical Company in Houston, her first civilian job after returning home. to work at NASA, she was given a 31 percent increase in salary, a bump in status and went to work alongside the astronauts as crew activity manager.

“Everybody who worked as a contractor for NASA wanted to be close to the astronauts,” Cain said. “I scheduled all the training for a team of astronauts once they were scheduled for a flight. I even scheduled their dental appointments, their anniversary parties, their kids’ school plays. For 24 hours a day, I had them in my hands. Most coordinators were carrying one crew. I had four.”

Cain often cooked lunch for the astronauts so that they could eat while they learned and got more training hours in.

“They called me Betty Crocker,” she recalled.

“Everyone wanted to be on Betty’s crew. The astronauts often flew things into space for me, and my computer room is filled with all the flight

Then, tragedy struck when Jeff was killed outside a club in San Antonio just 10 days before his 25th birthday. A misunderstanding while waiting for a friend resulted in a security guard shooting and killing him.

Cain learned that, at the time, parents of adult murder victims had no rights in the state of Texas.

“I fought that, too. We got the case changed and set a precedent,” Cain said. “Now parents like me—whose child was murdered—they now have a voice in court.”

It pained her to do it, but Cain left her job at NASA so she could grieve her son.

“Having my one and only child murdered was pretty tough. But I couldn’t grieve for him because I was too busy. So I finally decided I had to leave,” she said.

She and Bill moved to Oklahoma, then relocated to Colorado in 1999.

These days, Cain keeps busy with her local Red Hat Society club—the Delightful Dazzling Divas.

“We wear purple clothes, big red hats and bling it up as much as possible,” Cain said. “Our motto is: Live, love, laugh—and that’s what we

Cain keeps busy with her local Red Hat Society club, the Delightful Dazzling Divas. all need is a laugh—but eat dessert first.”

Cain and fellow club members uphold this motto even as COVID-19 temporarily stalls the club’s meetings. Members still meet via Zoom as much as possible, and small groups have gotten together a few times for lunch in recent months.

Cain said her faith and Navy service helped her to never give up when facing life’s hurdles.

“The Navy taught me how to handle adversity,” she said. “I’ve always been a person that believes in the Lord and reads the Bible, and I try to apply it to my life.”

She referenced Matthew 6: “You have not, because you ask not.”

“So, I ask Him to help me get through this, point me in the right direction and tell me what to do,” said Cain. “I always wanted what I was fighting for. I think I made a difference in a bunch of peoples’ lives.” ■

SPACE SHUTTLE FLIGHT CREWS THAT BETTY CAIN WORKED WITH AT NASA Flight STS-50

Flight STS-52

Flight STS-58

Flight STS-59

Flight STS-68

Flight STS-70

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | COVER STORY |

7

Explaining patriotism to the grandkids

By Steve Nelson

I

’ve always been somewhat cynical about my own military service.

I’m also suspicious of “Thank you for your service,” “Support the troops!” and most other forms of uncritical patriotism or nationalism.

But Veterans Day last year shifted my view.

November 11, 2019, marked the 50th Veterans Day since my discharge from the Army in 1969.

I served for three years and was a first lieutenant at the time of my discharge. For 49 years I paid scant attention, as neither my veteran status nor patriotic holidays held deep meaning to me. Or so I thought.

That particular Monday dawned brilliant in Colorado. The grandchildren had spent the night with us, and when 8-year-old Maddie came down to the kitchen I offered to make pancakes. She suggested a flag pancake in honor of Veterans Day, using frosting for stripes and a Christmas cookie cutter to make stars.

There was more than a flag pancake in store for me on this Veterans Day. Maddie’s school planned an afternoon assembly to honor the school’s parent and grandparent veterans. She invited me, and it seemed quite important to her.

Given that I would walk on broken glass for my grandchildren, gritting my teeth to be part of a patriotic

8 | NOVEMBER 2020 |

Author Steve Nelson with his granddaughter, Maddie.

ceremony was within my capacity, though I did not look forward to it.

When I arrived, I joined a line of about 35 other veterans—mostly fathers, no women—who were a mix of Army, Air Force and Marines.

The kids arrived holding small flags, glancing sidelong at us with great curiosity. I’m not sure the younger kids knew exactly what “veteran” means. Maddie grinned at me as she passed.

We vets were seated in a row in front of 700 kids and their teachers as the uber-enthusiastic principal

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

(also a Marine veteran) asked us to rise, place hands on hearts and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I don’t love the Pledge of Allegiance. But I’m mature enough to save my conspicuous skepticism for other occasions, so I placed my hand over my heart.

We passed a microphone from vet to vet, each of us introducing ourselves, the nature and time of our service, and a few words of wisdom. I was one of only two from the Vietnam War. I felt briefly fossilized and wanted to yell out, “I can still run and stuff!” The others talked about honor and service. Many implored the kids to consider a life of service to others, whatever form it might take. One exhorted them to study hard, lest they end up in the Navy. That brought chuckles from the row of vets and crickets from the kids. Just before my turn, I caught Maddie’s eye and got tears

LIFE AFTER 50

THE KIDS WERE FULLY ENGAGED. MY BRIEF STORIES OF MILITARY TRAINING LEFT THEM WIDE-EYED WITH AMAZEMENT.

Live Better in my own. This was indeed important to her.

I introduced myself as Maddie’s grandfather and said a few things about being in the Army and how you should never be afraid to ask “why” when ordered to use force or do something that seems wrong.

I tried to sprinkle a few grains of “question authority” into an atmosphere of “respect your elders.”

The assembly concluded with a set of songs with “thanks for your service” lyrics.

Afterward, I learned that Maddie was to interview me in front of the class. She was delightfully composed as we worked through a list of 20 or 30 questions that were prepared in advance. I honored my late father-in-law, sharing how he was wounded and captured during the disastrous Dieppe Raid in World War II. Maddie was transfixed as I told his story.

The kids were fully engaged. My brief stories of military training left them wide-eyed with amazement, especially the parts about getting all my hair shaved off and cleaning toilets with a toothbrush. After the prepared questions, they were invited to ask their own. Hands shot up.

Boys asked what guns I got to fire and if I got to drive tanks. They liked my answers: “many” and “yes.”

I’m generally troubled by flag-waving patriotism, but I know my cynicism is due to the bad wars instigated by politics, not the good service provided by military women and men.

On that one Veterans Day, I was glad to be among the other veterans who served or are serving the ideals of liberty and justice. For a moment, I allowed myself to reflect on the unfinished nobility of the American experiment rather than on the many ways we fail. ■

We are here for you yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We are OPEN. Call today to join PACE! Rocky Mountain PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) provides innovative, coordinated healthcare for seniors, assisting participants so they can live enjoyable and independent lives.

Transportation to and from medical appointments and our Day Center Coordinated healthcare Staff and other seniors help you create a caring community Day Center with activities and events

(719) 314-2327

RMPace.org

Tick Tock Shop Celebrating our 45th Anniversary

Over 1000 Watches and 1000 Clocks On Display

Expert Clock and Watch Repair Service now offering in-house jewelry repair 7 N. Circle Colo. Spgs. CO (719) 475-8585 • www.ticktockshoponline.com

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 |

9

RECIPES

3295 E. Platte Ave.

Colorado Springs • (719) 633-8962

FREE ENTRÉE *

With Purchase of Any Adult Entrée and Two Beverages Purchase any entrée and two beverages at the regular price and receive a second entrée (of equal or lesser value) FREE

*Excludes Seniors’ Menu, Kids’ Menu and carry-out bakery.

Not valid with any other specials or discounts.

Valid only at Colorado Springs location only. One coupon per person per visit. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted.

Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2020 Perkins & Marie Callender’s, LLC838-685-435. Expires 12/31/2020

2.00 OFF*

$

Any Whole Pie

Purchase any one of our delicious pies and save $2.00 off the regular price. Selection may vary by location.

Excludes promotional specialty pies. *For carry-out only.

Valid only at Colorado Springs location only. One coupon per person per visit. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted.

Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted.

Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2020 Perkins & Marie Callender’s, LLC838 Expires 12/31/2020

StoreSpecials Hours Senior Mon-Fri: 10:30-9:30 EARLY BIRD: Sat & Sun: 7:30-9:30 Breakfast $6.99/person

(7:30-9:30) (includes all beverages) Friday DAILY SPECIALS Lunch $8.49/person 3400 N. Elizabeth Street (2:00-4:00) Monday-Friday Pueblo, CO (includes all beverages)

1970 Waynoka Road SENIOR PRICING: Colorado CO Breakfast Springs, $9.29/person

719-545-3384 Friday (9:30-11:00) Saturday & Sunday (7:30-11:00) (includes milk and juice, coffee and soft drinks are $2.39)

Lunch $9.29/person Monday-Friday (10:00-2:00) (drinks are $2.39)

Saturday Lunch $12.29/person (11:00-4:00) (drinks are $2.39)

Dinner $13.29/person (Monday-Thursday) (drinks are $2.39) Dinner $13.59/person Friday, Saturday (after 4:00) Sunday (after 11:00) (drinks are $2.39)

1970 Waynoka Rd. Colo Spgs

719-545-3384

Chocolate Caramel Peanut Butter Pie Recipe courtesy of www.Culinary.net

Ingredients: 1

package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1

cup powdered sugar

1

cup peanut butter

1/2 cup milk 1

container (8 ounces) whipped topping

1

graham cracker crust

chocolate chips

chocolate syrup

caramel syrup

Directions: In bowl of stand mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and peanut butter; mix until blended. Add milk; mix until blended. Fold in whipped topping.

Pour into crust. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and caramel syrup. Freeze until set. ■

10 | RECIPES | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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Politics has created a rift in our family Dear Old Bag: We have a rift in our family brought on by politics. It seems the younger kids in our family support one political side and the older ones (moms, dads, grandparents) feel another way. At family gatherings, the young people tease us and say we are old and set in our ways.

My wife says, “Maybe they’re right and we should hear what they have to say.” I say we should stand firm in our beliefs, or they will think we’re weak or willy-nilly. What do you think? Signed, BN

ASK THE OLD BAG

Colorado Springs

EYE DOCTOR FOR VETERANS

Dear BN: Nothing is ever lost in listening to another’s point of view. Listening does not mean you have to change; It says you are willing to learn why the other person thinks the way they do. I have black grandchildren and listening to their feelings, experiences and misfortunes opened my eyes. I learned that I had hidden prejudices I hadn’t recognized. Once I did, I could change. I would never have known this had I not listened. You have the opportunity to learn from the younger generation and they have the opportunity to learn from you. Listen up! OB Dear Old Bag: I’m in a relationship with a man who is pretty set in his ways. He likes routine—eating at the same time every day, always sleeping on the left side of the bed. I find routines boring. I like to change things up so I don’t get stuck. I’m pretty much the opposite of him, and yet we really click. We’ve been dating a year but cooled it a little with the pandemic. Am I treading on dangerous waters or could we complement each other? Signed, GG Dear GG: I tend to subscribe to the theory that opposites attract, but they don’t always make for good long-term relationships. When people are in love and it’s early in the relationship, the attraction can make them overcome a lot of faults. Then, down the road, they get aggravated at those differences. The little things become big things, and you find yourself saying, “What am I doing here?” Of course, if you’re both generous of nature, each of you could change enough to meet in the middle. It’s rare, but I have seen it happen. Good luck! OB Dear Old Bag: I am 58 years old. My husband and I agreed that I could quit my job so I could go back to college and fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer. I worked to put him through college and get started in business.

Now that I’m in school, he doesn’t seem to like the idea so much. He often makes remarks like, “Why can’t you get the laundry done and put away? You’re not working anymore.” He doesn’t understand that carrying a full-time load of classes and studying is more than equal to my old job.

He won’t help me, saying he is tired after his long day at work. Sometimes he says, “Well, it was your idea to go back to school.” I find myself building resentment toward him. Any advice? Signed, Ticked Off Dear Ticked: It doesn’t sound as if you two are communicating very well!

I suggest you engage in conversation when neither of you are “ticked off” and put your feelings on the table. Talk to each other. Having been in your situation before, I suggest hiring a cleaning person to help with household chores. If you have adult kids, enlist their help with meals. This will help both of you not to feel overloaded and neglected.

Good luck, OB ■

ASK THE OLD BAG

ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of Life After 50, or email her directly at lagmancreswick@gmail.com

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WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | ASK THE OLD BAG |

11

HEALTHY GEEZER

How to identify health frauds Do copper bracelets help relieve arthritis pain?

T

here’s no scientific evidence that copper bracelets do anything more than make a fashion statement. However, there’s also no proof that the bracelets don’t provide relief to arthritis sufferers.

Wearing copper bracelets for arthritis has been practiced for over a century. Many people swear by them. Some doctors suspect the positive reports are based upon symptoms going away by themselves.

I’ve also heard that you can get relief by rubbing WD-40 on painful joints. I’m not being facetious; there are people who believe this multi-purpose liquid is an arthritis fixer. For the record, there’s no proof that WD-40 helps either, but it will make you smell like a lubricated door hinge.

These folk remedies seem to

be harmless. However, they often delay effective medical treatment, so these so-called “cures” are not completely benign.

Unfortunately, con artists tend to target people who suffer from serious conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, AIDS, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and arthritis. They also tend to go after the overweight with quick-loss schemes, as well as seniors looking to battle the effects of aging. A government study found that most victims of health frauds are over the age of 65.

Fraudulent products can be very harmful to your body. They’re rarely covered by insurance so many of them hurt your wallet, too.

To avoid medical scams, beware of these claims: quick results, cures for multiple conditions, scientific breakthroughs, secret ingredients,

miraculous anything, ancient remedies, revolutionary innovations, painless treatments and no dieting.

Also, the following expressions should immediately sound alarm bells in your brain: “Limited availability,” “advance payment required,” “exclusive product,” “money-back guarantee,” “no questions asked,” “only available by mail,” “not yet understood by medical science,” “comes with free gift,” “like magic,” and “the fountain of youth.”

If you’re confronted with a pitch for a remedy that seems too good

IF YOU’RE CONFRONTED WITH A PITCH FOR A REMEDY THAT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS. to be true, it probably is. Your first step is to contact your physician for advice. Treating yourself with an unknown product without consulting a doctor is simply nuts. And never give your Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security number to anyone you don’t know.

Report a product that you believe is fraudulently labeled by calling the U.S. Food & Drug Administration at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

■

HEALTHY GEEZER

BY FRED CICETTI Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of Life After 50, or email him directly at fred@healthygeezer.com

Making Your Life Easier!

1833 N Circle Drive 80909 | (719) 632-4036 www.affordablemedmart.com 12 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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DEAR PHARMACIST

Recipe hacks for healthier meals

I

t’s that time of year when families gather and eat a lot of food. So how do you indulge without increasing the bulge? Here are some recipe tweaks to make your holiday meals healthier: • Turmeric. A quarter teaspoon of this spice added to your green bean casserole will go virtually unnoticed in taste, but it adds some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also reduces the build-up of brain plaque.

• Shiitake mushrooms. Using these in your stuffing adds some biologically active compounds that may protect against cancer and inflammation. A 2015 study in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” concluded that regular consumption of these mushrooms resulted in improved immunity and a reduction in a pro-inflammatory compound.

• Cauliflower. Most people know about making cauliflower mash as a substitute for high-carb mashed potatoes. This also prevents a big blood sugar spike!

• Coconut water. In my cranberry sauce recipe, I always replace the plain water with a high-quality coconut water. It doesn’t alter the flavor at all! Coconut water is hydrating and it contains compounds that are antifungal and antioxidant in nature. It may help if you’re prone to kidney stone formation or if you have diabetes.

• Tea seed oil. Tea seed comes from the seeds of Camellia sinensis, the plant that gives us green tea. The tea seed oil has a mild, neutral flavor, making it a great substitute for inferior oils such as

Tired of

CPAP?

vegetable or canola. It boasts antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Pumpkin seed oil. Add two teaspoons to your pumpkin pie filling before cooking it for a profoundly richer flavor and powerful medicinal benefits.

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc, omega fatty acids and is well known to support prostate and breast health.

• Dried tart cherries. Instead of cranberries, mix some dried tart cherries into your stuffing.

Tart cherries are known to contain natural melatonin, which is deeply relaxing, and have been studied for their ability to suppress gout. They also reduce muscle breakdown and speed up recovery from exercise.

They have virtually no fat or sodium and offer a satisfying not-too-sweet flavor.

• Almond flour. To get the pain-relieving benefits of almonds, use ground almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for your gravy. If you want to reduce the sodium content commonly found in traditional gravy, substitute chicken broth with plain water. If you do, you’ll want to add spices like onion and garlic powder, smoked paprika and fresh rosemary to avoid compromising flavor.

• Avocados. Instead of mayo, use crushed avocados as a spread.

This tastes great on leftover turkey sandwiches. ■

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DEAR PHARMACIST

5170 N.Union Blvd Suite 104, Colo. Spgs.

BY SUZY COHEN For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.suzycohen.com

www.SereneDentalHygiene.com

(719) 290-9804

Daytime, Evening and Saturday Hours

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13

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS OLD GOATS Submitted by Cooper Hansen A group of Americans were traveling on a tour bus through Holland.

As they stopped at a cheese farm, a young guide led them through the process of making cheese with goat milk. The guide showed the tourists the pasture of goats that were too old to produce milk. The guide asked the tourists, “What do you do with your old goats in America?”

A spry older man piped up and said, “They send us on bus tours.”

PRAYER FOR HEARING Submitted by Wyatt Johnson Our country church may be small, but we make up for it with an active prayer ministry. On Sunday nights we hold a special prayer service that attracts people from all over the county.

One night, at the end of the

service, the preacher called out, “Anyone here who wants to be prayed over, please come forward to the altar.”

A young man wearing bib overalls got in line. He appeared a bit nervous. When it was his turn, the preacher asked, “Son, what do you want us to pray about for you?”

Rather reluctantly, the young man replied, “Preacher, I need you to pray for help with my hearing.”

Ready to get to work, the preacher put a finger of one hand in the young man’s ear, placed his other hand on top of the boy’s head, and then commenced to pray in a mighty way.

He prayed and prayed and prayed. The congregation joined in with great enthusiasm.

After winding down the prayer, the preacher removed his hands, stood back and asked, “Son, how is your hearing now?”

The young man answered, “I don’t know, sir. My lawyer said the judge scheduled it for next Thursday.”

PERKS OF BEING OVER 50 Submitted by Gloria Vance 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

2. In a hostage situation you’re likely to be released first.

3. No one expects you to run… anywhere.

4. People call at 9 p.m. and ask, “Did I wake you?”

5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

7. Things you buy now won’t wear out.

8. You can eat supper at 4 p.m.

9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.

10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

11. You have a party and the neigh-

bors don’t even realize it.

12. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

13. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.

14. You sing along with elevator music.

15. Your eyes won’t get much worse.

16. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

17. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.

18. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either.

19. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

20. You can’t remember where you read this list.

MEASUREMENTS Submitted by Jan Weeks 2000 pounds of Chinese Soup = won ton

Celebrate Celebrate Your Your Best Best Life.

Life.

At Aspen At Trail Aspen weTrail offer wemore offerthan more just than a community, just a community, we provide we provide peace-of-mind. peace-of-mind.

Our all-inclusive Our all-inclusive independent independent lifestylelifestyle is designed is designed exclusively exclusively for adults for 55 adults and 55 over. and over.

We takeWe care take ofcare everything of everything with one with monthly one monthly price and price and no buy-in no fee, buy-in so fee, you so canyou Celebrate can Celebrate your best your life. best life.

All-Inclusive All-Inclusive Amenities Amenities  Live-InManagers Live-In Managers Signature  Signature FreedomFreedom Dining Program Dining Program  Month-to-Month  Month-to-Month Rent Rent 24-Hour  24-Hour Emergency Emergency Alert System Alert System  No Buy-In  NoFee Buy-In Fee  24-Hour  24-Hour Concierge Concierge ServicesServices  FitnessCenter Fitness Center  Weekly Housekeeping Weekly Housekeeping

Lunch Lunch & Learn & Learn Call to reserve Call to reserve your spot your forspot a small for group a smallLunch group&Lunch Learn& Learn in our sales in our office. salesWe’ll office. provide We’ll provide the lunch theand lunch you’ll andlearn you’ll learn more about moreour about limited-time our limited-time CharterCharter ResidentResident program! program!

We think Weyou’ll thinklike you’ll what likeyou what hear! you hear!

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14 | LAUGHING MATTERS | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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5455 New 5455 CarNew Drive CarDrive Colorado  Colorado Springs,Springs, CO 80923 CO 80923 AspenTrailRetirement.com AspenTrailRetirement.com

LAUGHING MATTERS 1 millionth of a mouthwash = 1 microscope

Car mechanics tell you the truth.

Time between slipping on a peel and smacking the pavement = 1 bananosecond Weight an evangelist carries with God = 1 billigram Time it takes to sail 220 yards at 1 nautical mile per hour = 1 knotfurlong 365.25 days of drinking low-calorie beer = 1 lite year 16.5 feet in the Twilight Zone = 1 Rod Serling Half a large intestine = 1 semicolon 1,000,000 aches = 1 megahurtz Basic unit of laryngitis = 1 hoarsepower Shortest distance between two jokes = a straight line 2000 mockingbirds = two kilomockingbirds 1 kilogram of falling figs = 1 Fig Newton 1000 ccs of wet socks = 1 literhosen 4 nickels = 2 paradigms

WHY MEN ARE HAPPIER

The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character. People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected. New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, they can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.

Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Wedding dress: $5,000. Tux rental: $100.

You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your big hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes, both one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife.

You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

You can do Christmas shopping for all your relatives on December 24 in 30 minutes. No wonder men are happier. ■

Submitted by Gloria Vance Men are just happier people. What do you expect from such simple creatures?

s U e k a M

Laugh !

Send your JOKESto

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15

LIFE AFTER 50

Focus on how you live

November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

By Amy Roth Sandrolini

N

ClearView Benefit Solutions helps everyday people solve their health insurance needs. We’ve built a reputation of expert guidance with a personal touch. We strive to offer the best in customer service in a very complex industry.

Individual & Family Plans Get the best plan for you and your family. Make sure you have the proper coverage for life’s rainy days. Minimizing liability is the best way to protect your life’s savings.

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719-344-2366 dwilson@clearviewbenefit.com www.clearviewbenefit.com 16 | NOVEMBER 2020 |

Donna Wilson Benefit Consultant

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ovember is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and I’m joining caregivers across the country in celebrating the comfort, care, dignity and choice that hospice and palliative care programs provide to 1.6 million people in this country each year living with a life-limiting illness. The theme this year is: “It’s About How You Live.”

While that may seem counter-intuitive for a month dedicated to raising awareness about end-of-life care programs, as a hospice worker, I know that it points to the heart of the services we provide. Hospice and palliative care programs begin and end with a focus on improving the quality of life of patients, as well as their families, who are facing complex issues associated with a serious illness.

Specifically, hospice and palliative programs provide comfort, pain management, symptom control, emotional support and spiritual care through the course of an illness. Palliative care can begin as early as diagnosis and continue throughout a treatment process.

Hospice care begins after the decision has been made to cease any curative treatment.

I want people to understand that choosing to partner with hospice on a journey of illness is not “giving up,” but rather, choosing not to go it alone. There are great benefits that come to a patient, as well as loved ones and caregivers, in inviting a highly skilled and committed team of medical and clinical directors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains and bereavement specialists to help navigate the often difficult and complicated journey toward the end of life.

Five years ago, after my younger

I WANT PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THAT CHOOSING TO PARTNER WITH HOSPICE ON A JOURNEY OF ILLNESS IS NOT “GIVING UP,” BUT RATHER, CHOOSING NOT TO GO IT ALONE. sister suffered a devastating stroke and fought nine months for life, I chose to partner with a hospice team for her. Today, my only regret is that I waited too long.

I know I’m not alone. Many families are apprehensive about accepting the need for hospice, and therefore miss out on the many benefits the service offers. Once I asked, I was glad I did. The hospice care team provided my sister with the best medical care—dignified, personalized, compassionate— while also supporting me and her three young children emotionally and spiritually. Their care allowed us to focus on living fully in the time we had together.

That experience changed my life.

As a result, I’m a hospice worker today, firmly committed to fostering conversations about end-of-life care. It’s deeply satisfying to return that favor, and support patients and families on their own similar journeys. ■

Amy Roth Sandrolini is a Community Relations Representative with Colorado Palliative & Hospice Care, which offers in-home hospice and palliative care in 12 counties across Colorado. To contact her, call 719-419-5595.

CLOSE CONNECTIONS

Reducing and channeling

As your local Farmers® agent in Colorado Springs I can help you: • Identify your insurance coverage needs • Provide a personalized quote • Make things straightforward and easy to understand • Help with personal, business and life insurance

DONALD ABELSTAD

Give me a call at (719) 531-7000 and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

4207 Centennial Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80907

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR

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CALL AND ASK US HOW! LI F

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR

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CALL AND ASK US HOW!

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TS

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR IR

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EXTEND YOUR EXTEND YOUR ABILITY TO LIVE AT HOME RA

BY NANCY NORMAN Nancy is a licensed clinical social worker.

Send your questions to her in care of Life After 50, or email her directly at jmediaate@aol.com

S TA

CALL AND ASK US HOW!

CLOSE CONNECTIONS

R

ABILITY TO LIVE AT HOMEYOUR EXTEND

(719) 259-2492

RA LI M P S FT S

ark Twain said, “Write what you know.” I know anxiety.

Panic attacks, before there was such a diagnosis, sent me to the hospital in my early life. Anxiety led me to a therapist who helped me unravel the sources of this debilitating reaction. It also pointed the way to my career as a therapist, which has shaped me as a human being.

Am I thankful for anxiety then?

Yes and no. Right now, I’m battling it (as probably are others) as we all face the pandemic, social divisiveness and the election.

Fortunately, it no longer feels like dying. But it still creeps in and out of my life.

Anxiety is not about an imminent threat, it’s about a possible threat. Although there’s no escaping it completely, I’ve learned some helpful techniques on turning the volume down.

First, make sure it’s anxiety, not fear. Ask yourself: Is the danger right in front of you, or could it be?

Is someone pointing a gun at you in your yard, or are you anticipating they might? Both can shake you to your core.

Fear is about the now. Anxiety is about the future. When our adrenaline starts pumping, the heart starts pounding, look for the danger. Is what you’re scared of about to happen or, in actuality, is it not just around the corner?

Secondly, are you feeling anxiety or excitement? They trigger the same nervous system responses, but how we label the experience makes all the

S TA

IR

M PS

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difference. A friend says she’s full of anxiety as she moves to a new house.

What she can’t see is the excitement also inside her about owning her first home.

Next, think, think, think. Unfortunately, anxiety makes us stop thinking and prevents us from looking for the threat while we battle the bodily torment that’s enveloping us.

Instead, take a breath, stop and use your brain to assess the present moment. What and where is the threat? Is it partly excitement? Ask questions!

Additionally, don’t run or try to hide from your anxiety. The hardest part is facing it. Once we understand there’s not a clear and present danger, we want to forget about it and make that physical torture go away. But putting off unraveling the sources of the anxiety won’t prevent it from ambushing us again and again.

Despite the discomfort of feelings of anxiety, it isn’t all bad.

The goal is to reduce it, not make it disappear completely. Studies show that anxiety can actually help us plan for unforeseen events and be more self-disciplined. However, we have to channel it in that direction rather than let it run wild.

Finally, find allies. Before reaching for the merlot or the Marlboro or that package of Fritos, develop an “anxiety emergency kit.” This can include: a stop sign, slower breaths, putting hand on heart, a go-to scene that generates quiet calm, and—most of all—words that say, “I am safe.” Friends, therapists, teachers and eventually your own trustworthy self are waiting to become allies. Invite them in. ■

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ALIVE & DIGGING

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In the winter, we close up our windows, often leaving them so for months. According to my teacher, we live and breathe in stagnant air while our furniture oozes formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde, she said! Clearly, it stuck with me.

As a result, many have looked to indoor plants to help purify the air.

But do houseplants actually clean the air in your home? The answer is: sort of.

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION A funny article in The Atlantic debunks the long-held (although understandable) myth that houseplants clean the air inside your home.

“For several years, research really did suggest that houseplants might cleanse the air of certain pollutants. But now, most scientists say that’s not right,” wrote Robinson Meyer in the article.

Plants do, of course, transform the carbon dioxide you exhale, plus light and water, into sugar. Oxygen is a beneficial byproduct we need to survive.

But a few decades of research informs us that we’d need a lot of plants in our houses to improve the air. Plus, they’re out-competed by material items that release a type of air pollutant called volatile organic compounds (VOC).

According to the article, “VOCs are regularly released by com-

A FEW DECADES OF RESEARCH INFORMS US THAT WE’D NEED A LOT OF PLANTS IN OUR HOUSES TO IMPROVE THE AIR. 18 | HOME & GARDEN | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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ALIVE & DIGGING mon household products such as drywall, house paints, nail polish, shampoo and almost anything with a scent.”

But, there are real ways to improve the air quality in your home.

Every few weeks, open the windows to get fresh air flowing through your house. Take the opportunity of a warmer day, or use a fan to help with circulation. The temperature in your home might drop a bit, but you don’t have to leave them open long.

Also, rid your home of non-toxic items. It’s astounding what synthetic chemicals are allowed into household products, as well as the negative effects they’ve been scientifically proven to have on our health. Being more conscious about even a few household items, particularly cleaning products, can make a big impact on indoor air quality.

But, of course, I’m not here to stop you from filling your house with plant life.

Maybe our houseplants aren’t

the air filtration systems we’d love them to be, but they do play a role in helping us live healthier, cleaner and more enjoyable lives.

Any ritual—in this case, remembering to water your plants—brings you into the present. Tending to houseplants connects us to nature, even when we’re cozied up inside with a blanket and a book.

Bringing your garden indoors, even if it’s not an edible one, is a wonderful way to stay connected to and intentional about being alive.

10 CLASSIC HOUSE PLANTS Tropical 1. Money Tree - Water when soil is dry with medium, indirect light.

Give it room to grow big.

2. Peace Lily - Water when leaves droop, placing in medium, indirect light. If leaves yellow, give it less sun.

3. Snake Plant - Water every two weeks; does well in any light.

Great for limited space, as it

grows upward rather than outward.

4. Zebra Plant - Water once a week in either bright, direct or indirect light. Place it on a windowsill or in a bathroom, where it will enjoy the humidity.

5. ZZ Plant - Water every two weeks in low, indirect light.

Succulents 6. Aloe - Water when soil is dry; does well in any light.

7. Angel Wings Cactus - Water every two to three weeks. Place in bright, direct light.

Cascading 8. String of Pearls - Water when soil is dry in bright, direct or indirect lighting.

9. Pothos - Water when soil is dry; place in low to medium indirect light.

10. Philodendron - Water when soil is dry in low to medium indirect light.

There are so many wonderful houseplants to choose from. Think first and foremost about the lighting and space you have available. Will they fill the corner of a room? Sit on a windowsill? Hang from the ceiling?

When you know those two elements, you can choose the best houseplants for your needs.

May your houseplants be lovely reminders of connecting with the natural world, living in the present moment and cultivating well-being. ■

ALIVE & DIGGING

BY PAIGE SLAUGHTER Send your questions to Paige in care of Life After 50, or email her directly at paige@fruitionstudio.com

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | HOME & GARDEN |

19

LIFE AFTER 50

Families change, but Thanksgiving never will

By Lynn Walker Gendusa

I

love Thanksgiving Day for many reasons. When I was small, I remember Mama worrying over her turkey being too dry and exclaiming, “I just can’t get my cornbread dressing right!” Year after year, my brother John complained about the food because he never liked anything on the table but the mashed potatoes. I have special memories of my dad sneaking another piece of pecan pie, and all of us laughing when Mama caught him.

Those were the youthful Thanksgivings when I sat in front of the television watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and patiently waited for Santa Claus to come on screen. Christmas was ushered in amid the aroma of turkey, apple pie and sweet potato souffle wafting through the house.

For this little girl, Thanksgiving was the pinnacle of happiness!

Once I became a mother myself, our extended families would gather on Thanksgiving, where a children’s table was added. We traveled to each other’s homes bearing pecan pies for Dad, diaper bags for babies and still declaring that Mama’s cornbread dressing was fine.

In those days, I never really thought about Thanksgiving changing or a time when I would long to see some of those folks again in the future. It’s those days when God protects us from viewing tomorrow and allows us just to enjoy the day.

As the years flew by, Thanksgivings did change. I have a photograph taken of my entire family gathered at my home on Thanksgiving. My parents, John and his family, plus my children, smiled as they turned toward the camera. By then, I was divorced, and all the children were grown. The aroma of roasting turkey, sweet potatoes and Mama’s

The last picture taken of “the family that was” on Thanksgiving. Terminal cancer took my brother, pictured center, in April the following year. “not quite right” dressing still filled the air and warmed the soul.

It was the last picture taken of the family that was. Terminal cancer took my brother in April the following year. I was very grateful we celebrated that Thanksgiving together.

Eighteen months after John died, my father joined him two days before another Thanksgiving.

Afterward, the children scattered across the country, and while all would come home for Christmas, they rarely flew in for Thanksgiving.

In the years that followed, there

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WE OFTEN YEARN FOR THE PAST, BUT TODAY I AM THANKFUL KNOWING I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE ONCE SAT AT A TABLE WITH THOSE FINE FOLKS. often would be only two or three folks around my table. But Mama and I were thankful we had the memories of good times and would laugh at the thought of Heaven having to make all those pecan pies and mashed potatoes for Dad and my brother.

Then one Thanksgiving Mama didn’t complain about her dressing.

I figure an angel taught her how to finally “make it right.” Dad and John were glad when she was able to join them on a heavenly Thursday in November.

We all witness the ever-changing face of family over the years. We mourn the loss of days when we celebrated the holidays with those who are now gone. We often yearn for the past, but today I am thankful

knowing I was blessed to have once sat at a table with those fine folks.

Now on Thanksgiving, I never know who might join us around the table. We could serve a turkey for two or 20. There is one thing about life that is certain; you never know with God in charge what a new day can bring.

This year, my husband, along with two of my three children, my stepchildren, and three grandchildren, will gather here. I need to start the ovens, gather the yams and pull out the pecan pie recipe.

I will worry over the turkey in the oven and I will fret over the dressing being just right. However, I do know those babies love mashed potatoes! ■

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TRAVEL

Philanthropic travel in

Tanzania Vacation while supporting nonprofits

By Melanie Wiseman

“J

ambo! Jambo!” Our guide, Sultan, rang out this cheerful greeting before every meal and learning experience we had in Tanzania, Africa.

For years, I had longed to see wild animals in their natural habitat. In January, my dream of going on an African safari came true when my husband and I traveled to the harmonious country in East Africa with a small group through Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). To my surprise, the animals were the cake but the people were the frosting.

In two weeks, we immersed ourselves in the lives of the country’s 50 million people—their dance, dress, language and art. We prepared and ate local foods, drew water from wells, visited locals’ homes and listened to their stories. Despite being considered a third world country, we found we had much to learn from the Tanzanian people.

In 1964, the states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar combined to create the country of Tanzania. Their inaugural president, Julius Nyerere, is revered to this day for bringing the nation together. He then declared Swahili as the national language, bridging the tribal gaps.

In this divisive world, Tanzania is a breath of fresh air with 126 tribes—plus many subtribes—living and loving together peacefully as one.

HANDS-ON PHILANTHROPY One reason we chose to travel with OAT was because of their worldwide

22 | TRAVEL | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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In two weeks, we immersed ourselves in the lives of Tanzania’s 50 million people—their dance, dress, language and art.

We prepared and ate local foods, drew water from wells, visited locals’ homes and listened to their stories. philanthropy and conservation and sustainability efforts. Part of our trip cost went to aid worthwhile projects, but the greater satisfaction was participating in personal philanthropic experiences in each country we visited.

On our very first day in the city of Arusha, we had two such experiences.

The number one health problem in Africa is limited access to clean water. The nonprofit Safe Water Ceramics of East Africa (www.swcea.org) produces handmade clay water filters for families and schools throughout Tanzania and Kenya.

We actually rolled up our sleeves and put our hands in the clay to help make the filters. We watched the firing process, followed by an astonishing before-and-after demonstration that turned dirty water clean.

At $50 each, a filter provides five years of clean water with proper maintenance. As a group, we bought four filters and gave them to

TRAVEL

Top, bottom: Safe Water Ceramics rep demos the process of filtering dirty water. remote villagers drawing from an unclean well, educating them on proper usage and cleaning.

Our next stop was the Albino Peacemakers women’s sewing group. Tanzania has the highest population of albinos in Africa. These people face serious challenges—80 percent die of skin cancer by the age of 30, and local superstitions view them as an evil curse. Albinos are often rejected by their villages and families, or even worse, murdered.

Sister Martha Mganga, who has albinism herself, started the sewing group in 2014 to help women with albinism support their families through covered work protected from the sun. We were inspired by their stories and craftsmanship, gladly purchasing their beautifully

DESPITE BEING A THIRD-WORLD COUNTRY, WE HAD MUCH TO LEARN FROM THE TANZANIAN PEOPLE. created aprons, totes and placemats sewn from traditional African fabrics.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Part of our trip costs supported a greenhouse and shade trees on the Njia Ya Panda Primary School grounds. The children sang and danced for us, and excitedly practiced speaking their second language: English. For people who have so little in comparison, they’re so full of joy. We left smiling and with our hearts warmed. Furthermore, the lack of food for lunches inspired many in our group to continue supporting the school even after returning home.

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Our last stop on the trip was Shanga, a craft center that used mostly recycled materials to give blind, deaf and handicapped adults work, income, purpose, community and interaction. We were taught basic hand signals so that we could communicate with and acknowledge the pride in their endeavors, which we gladly supported and purchased.

We also learned that some of our trip expenses contributed to wildlife protection, supporting people who collect illegal wire snares and educating villagers on the value of wildlife by engaging them in animal protection versus poaching.

We directly benefited from their efforts when we saw first-hand

Dan Wiseman teaches handshakes to schoolchildren. the amazing animals that inhabit Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks.

My dream of going on a safari was finally fulfilled. But it was the people of Tanzania who warmed our hearts by sharing their lives and giving so freely. We left with the joy of knowing that each of us, in our own way, gave back and left something of ourselves in Tanzania. ■

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come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” Psalm 95:1-2 This month, millions will celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving. But as our society becomes more secular, the actual “giving of thanks to God” during this annual holiday is increasingly overlooked, leaving only the feasting.

So, what does it mean to give thanks?

According to Webster’s dictionary, thanksgiving is “The expression of gratitude—as a prayer.”

The Bible defines thanksgiving as, “Thanks, adoration and praise.”

We’ve come to think of Thanksgiving as a time to gather with family and friends and share the things that mean the most to us. It’s a time to laugh, a time for the kids to play, a time to hug one another and a time to enjoy the company of our loved ones over a sumptuous dinner. Indeed, these are all things for which we can be thankful.

This treasured tradition was birthed in the application of spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer and thanksgiving. In 1621, when the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, they were grateful just to be alive. Not long after, they faced decimation by the inhospitable environment and frigid winter temperatures. The native Wampanoag Indians helped them to acclimate to their new world. After many trials, they survived and celebrated with a three-day feast thanking God for all He had done.

We, like the pilgrims, have a choice. In life there will always be things that we can complain about

(the pilgrims had lost many loved ones), but there will also be much to be thankful for.

What are some things you can show gratitude for? What can we give thanks for that we’ve often take for granted?

God is good, and every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17).

For those who know Christ, God also works everything together for good, even events we would not necessarily consider good (Romans 8:28-30). May He find us to be His grateful children.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.” Col. 3:15-17 Truly, we have many things for which to be thankful. During this Thanksgiving season, and throughout the entire year, let’s truly express our gratitude for our many blessings. Let’s give thanks, adoration and praise to the God who created and redeemed us.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving! ■

Futuristic holiday tech bargains

N

ovember is a great month to buy technology for two reasons: clearance shelves tend to be stocked with last year’s overstock, and it’s the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

Here are some of my favorite affordable tech devices that would’ve once been considered luxuries or even science fiction.

GIANT 4K TV You may think a 75-inch TV is out of the question, but manufacturers always bet big on TV sales during the holidays and produce more than retailers can sell. In fact, they often take back overstock and dispose of the excess quantity sometime in late January or early February.

As a result, you can find a lowend—but still fantastic—name brand large 4K TV for under $500.

I also use a 50-inch 4K TV as a computer monitor. It’s a great option for anyone with cataracts or low vision.

ACTION CAMERA (GOPRO) If you don’t need fancy features like 20x zoom lenses, a smartphone will take photos that rival any traditional digital camera.

However, your smartphone is expensive and limited. Perhaps you’ve received a phone call in the middle of shooting a video? What about dropping your phone while taking a landscape photo outside a

GoPro action camera car window?

Action cameras are great. They are tiny, feature-packed cameras that fit in the palm of your hand.

They’re designed to perform all sorts of tricks like filming underwater, taking time lapse videos and some even film in 360-degrees.

Best of all, action cameras are built to be dropped, thrown, shaken and submerged. You can mount them to your car, bike helmet or a model rocket!

For $150-400 a camera, record memories or have fun filming subjects you’d never get with a smartphone or fancy standalone camera.

Video doorbells and smart locks are great accessories for your home. Using your smartphone, you can make sure the house is locked when you leave and you can answer your door from anywhere in the world. Best of all, nobody will know that you aren’t at home.

These devices can often double as burglar alarms and surveillance equipment to ensure that your property is safe while you’re away. I work from an office in my backyard and regularly use my video doorbell to watch my family come in and out of the house, monitor for a package delivery or even see what my dogs are barking at.

Smart locks are also great because you can provide visitors a temporary code for getting in. I don’t have to loan the neighbor a key if they are feeding the dogs or checking on the house. And, I can monitor to ensure they lock the door when they’re done.

VIRTUAL REALITY I could write a whole column on the Oculus Quest, an amazing futuristic gadget. The Oculus company,

TALKING DIGITAL owned by Facebook, specializes in virtual reality hardware. Virtual reality (VR) typically involves a headset and hand-held controllers that allow you to play games, watch movies and even exercise in a simulated environment.

The Oculus Quest is a standalone device that offers dozens of programs that allow you to escape reality and enjoy an immersive 360-degree—and often 3D—environment. From your living room, you can tour the glow worm caves in New Zealand, explore China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or simply watch a movie on a 5,000 square-foot screen in a small private theater.

Best of all, Oculus Quest and other VR games require that you move to play. Sword fights, boxing or shooting games are designed so that you must turn your whole body and move your arms to play.

While virtual reality may seem very science fictiony, you can have the closest thing to your very own holodeck (that’s a Star Trek reference) for less than $300.

Take advantage of this holiday season’s great deals and propel yourself or your loved one into the future with a great new gadget. ■

SMART HOME SECURITY Remember how rich people in science-fiction movies and TV shows used to talk to their appliances and doors to activate them? Not only is that technology now available, but it’s affordable and practical.

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BY ADAM COCHRAN Send your technology questions to Adam in care of Life After 50, or email him directly at adamc@talkingdigital.org

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FINANCE

6 savvy tips for surviving the holidays with your finances intact

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During the 2019 holiday season, Receive one-on-one service a survey by American Research Kathleen Graberg Group, Inc., found that the average Make switching plans easier Licensed Sales Representative American planned on spending 719-460-7580, TTY 711 roughly $976 on gifts. Throw in UHCMedicareSolutions.com the costs of holiday cards, decorating, baking, holiday dinners and I’m Kathleen Graberg, a licensed sales representative in Colorado. unplanned purchases, and holiday When it comes to Medicare, one size definitely does not fit all. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. And what met your needs last year might not be the best fit this year. Take advantage of this time to explore shopping can add up to a heap of your Medicare choices so you can enroll in a plan with confidence. I’m here to help. I know the ins and outs of Medicare. change.

And I know how to make it easier for you to understand, as well.

Many people are set back finanGo ahead, take advantage. cially for months, if not longer, folKathleen Graberg Licensed Sales Representative lowing the holiday season. One big 719-460-7580, TTY 711 reason for this is that credit cards UHCMedicareSolutions.com make it easy to overspend, leaving individuals and families to suffer the consequences later. The problem with credit cards isn’t just the Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. monthly payments. It’s the longY0066_190604_095141_C SPRJ48530 term cost from accrued interest.

So what can you do to ensure you start the new year without new debt?

➊

BUDGET Create a holiday budget, including gifts, food, decorations, wrapping supplies, potential travel and postage for holiday cards. Then review your list, and decide where you can cut costs.

Gifts to extended family and friends are an excellent place to start. Talk to those you exchange

26 | FINANCE | NOVEMBER 2020 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

gifts with, and see if they’ll either forego the gift exchange or set a dollar limit. Another option for families or groups is to draw names, as this will reduce the number of gifts everyone has to buy. Doing a white elephant gift exchange is another fun alternative.

Planning your gift budget based on value rather than the amount to spend on each person is also an excellent way to reduce your holiday expense. Decide in advance on a gift value for each recipient. Then, look for great buys. Let’s say you’ve decided on a gift value of $50 for your sister. Now, try to find a gift that’s a $50 value but only costs you $30 or $40. If you have many gifts to buy, this can shave a lot of expense.

➋

PICK UP THE PHONE Do you usually send out more holiday cards than you receive? If so, opt instead for a phone call during the holiday season. Or, if you’ve

FINANCE learned the world of video calls, try a virtual hangout over Zoom or FaceTime. This is particularly meaningful for those you don’t talk to often, and it won’t cost you a thing.

A third option is to only mail cards to those who send one to you.

➎

PLAN AHEAD

Give a Gift Subscription

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THE COOKIE MONSTER ISN’T COMING

and get a FREE subscription for yourself!

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Plan your shopping before you head out the door. Do online research to find the best deals for the items on your shopping list.

If you can’t find a good deal on something, consider an alternative. Also, check newspaper fliers and the coupon pages of the store websites you plan to shop at.

Cut back on the baking. When’s the last time you heard someone complain of a shortage of holiday goodies? Probably never. Most of us eat far more than we’d like to just because it’s there.

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HOST A POTLUCK

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If you’re hosting any parties, hold potluck dinners instead of playing head chef. You could offer to provide the meat, and then ask everyone to bring a specific type of dish to avoid duplicates.

city

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 1 year $20.00

If possible, leave credit cards at home when you go shopping to avoid impulse purchases. Many people spend far more than they intend by purchasing irresistible spur of the moment bargains.

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Mail form with check to: LIFE AFTER 50, P.O. Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949 WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | FINANCE |

27

BUSINESS PROFILE

Discover better hearing Hearing Consultants can help

By Anthony Welch

W

hen it comes to seniors’ hearing, Hearing Consultants of Colorado Springs is all ears.

Owners Michael and Cassie Iliff understand how important hearing is to everyday life. In fact, the reason the couple chose to go into the audiology field was due to their personal experiences—directly and indirectly—with hearing issues.

Michael dealt with hearing loss prior to becoming a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.). He suffered chronic infections that eventually turned into a tumor. He recovered, but now wears hearing aids.

“I wanted to go into a field where I had the ability to have some empathy for people suffering from hearing issues,” he said. “It’s unique to be able to understand what people are going through. It’s nice to be able to help them with today’s technology.”

Similarly Cassie also watched her grandfather struggle with hear-

Since 1981, Hearing Consultants of Colorado Springs has offered patients comprehensive audiology care.

Their office is located at 6375 Lehman Dr., Ste. 100, in Colorado Springs. ing issues. She was came across the field in a college catalog and saw it as a way she could help her grandfather.

“I’m really glad I can help people with hearing issues,” she added.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE Under its former ownership, Hearing Consultants of Colorado Springs operated as a part-time clinic until Michael came on board in 2011.

“We wanted to focus on patients’ experiences and cover every facet of hearing health care,” he said.

Cassie was hired in 2017, and the next year Hearing Consultants moved to a larger space at its current location at 6375 Lehman Dr., Suite 100.

Along with providing hearing tests, hearing aids and hearing protection, Hearing Consultants has expanded its services to treat patients with balance disorders.

6375 Lehman Drive, Ste 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 www.myhearingconsultants.com

Cassie Iliff, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Michael Iliff, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Juliana DeZolt, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Katie Williams, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Hearing & Tinnitus Evaluation & Treatment Hearing Aids & Repairs Custom Hearing Protection Wax Removal Cochlear Implants Call (719) 633-1494 for your hearing assessment.

28 | BUSINESS PROFILE | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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Hearing Consultants of Colorado Springs staff from left: Patient Care Coordinators Shelby Sexton and Charyse Schmidt; Doctors of Audiology Juliana Dezolt, Au.D., Michael Iliff, Au.D., Cassie Iliff, Au.D., Katherine Williams, Au.D., Patient Care Coordinator Jessica Caldwell and Audiology Assistant Ariel Kavanagh.

“The ear can cause various disorders with balance,” Michael said. “We diagnose and treat those issues.”

Hearing Consultants also treats tinnitus—a condition where patients hear ringing, humming, buzzing, hissing and cricket noises.

The clinic utilizes counseling and sound enrichment to treat patients with tinnitus and help them understand why it’s happening and how a specialized treatment plan will help.

“It’s about retraining the brain to no longer hear those noises,” said Cassie. “So many people are told that tinnitus can’t be treated.

We feel very differently and haven’t met a patient we can’t help.”

The business has treated patients with an 80 percent success rate, she added.

PATIENTS FIRST Hearing Consultants strives to focus on the patients’ care, not just

their dollars.

“Our support staff put the patients’ needs ahead of their coffee break,” said Michael.

The majority of patients are seniors. Hearing Consultants is also one of the few clinics that helps patients with severe to profound hearing loss with the use of cochlear implants. While hearing aids amplify sound so that the damaged components of the ear can better detect it, cochlear implants completely bypass these areas and deliver direct stimulation to the auditory nerve.

“For seniors, the hearing loss is due to aging, genetic makeup or things like past military service,” Michael said. “A percentage of younger ages have hearing loss due to ear disease.”

To learn more and to schedule an appointment, visit www.myhear ing consultants.com or call 719633-1494. ■

LIFE AFTER 50

Remembering my first time

By Lilli-Ann Buffin

D

o you remember your first time? The passion of youth?

Awakening to new feelings, a new type of energy?

I was born in the late 1950s. My youth was stained by tears following the assassination of a president. Later, everyone cried again as a man walked on the moon just as the slain young president had predicted.

In my teen years, the propriety I was raised in descended into chaos as the country became further embroiled in the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. Some people gathered at peace rallies while others set fire to the streets.

Protesters shouted, “Down with the establishment!”

The women’s movement was picking up steam, and young women like me were reading “Our Bodies, Ourselves.” For the first time, most of us were taking the SATs and thinking of college after high school instead of marriage.

As we tried to understand Watergate and the impeachment of a president, we also lived our high school years trying to understand a new lottery game in which there were no winners. I carried my tran-

I WAS OPEN ABOUT IT AND DISCUSSED IT WITH MY FRIENDS WHO WERE DOING IT, TOO. sistor radio to school so my friends and I could hear the birth dates picked in the draft lottery. First prize was an all-expense-paid trip to Vietnam.

The boys I knew were thinking of their futures. Many hoped it would not include Vietnam but maybe a union job at the steel mill where their fathers worked, or college— maybe even Ivy League. They grew their hair long. “Mercy,” grown-ups said. “What’s this world coming to?”

I don’t recall adults really talking to us about issues of sex, self-protection or any of the other important issues of the day. There was a long list of don’ts, but not much on “how to.” Some words were never uttered out loud—words like pregnant and cancer. Adults described these conditions using acronyms like PG and CA. We had to learn from what we overheard and try to decipher the code.

Despite all that, we thought we knew everything, as teenagers do, and we were passionate about what we did know.

That was the setting for my very

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first time. I faced it excited, passionate and involved, even if a bit naïve. I tried to read up on it and get to know the person I chose. I was open about it and discussed it endlessly with my friends who were doing it, too.

And so, on a pre-determined day, I did it. I voted. For the first time, I elected a president. The entire process was exhilarating.

Perhaps you have lost that feeling since the very first time you voted. If so, I would recommend some love sonnets to get you back in the mood. Read “The American Spirit”

by David McCullough. You will fall in love with America and democracy all over again.

This time, when you decide to go for it, use protection by educating yourself. You’ll know the person you vote for is “the one” by trusting your heart, your passion and your feelings. ■ Lilli-ann Buffin explores the wonder and beauty of growing older at every age. Learn more about her at www.alltheselves.com.

You must ASK for your discount or use coupon!

Ace Hardware: Tuesdays 10% off regularly priced items ♥ ARC: Tuesdays & Saturdays 50% off most items ♥ COSTCO: Low Generic Rx Prices posted at Costco.com (don’t have to be a member) ♥ Dunkin Donuts: Mondays free coffee when you buy one donut ♥ Episcopal Thrift House: 20% off ThursdaySaturday ♥ Fine Arts Museum (Colorado Springs): $5 Senior Admission ♥ Golden Corral: See ad on page 10 ♥ Goodwill: Wednesday 15% off ♥ IHOP: 10% off ♥ Jason’s Deli: 10% off ♥ Josh & John’s Ice Cream: 10% off ♥ Kohl’s: 15% off every day ♥ La Baguette (downtown): $1.20 coffee ♥ Omelette Parlor & O’Furry’s: Buy 1 entree, get 2nd half off (See coupon page 33) ♥ Perkins: See ad on page 10 ♥ The Pantry: Buy one meal, get one half off! (See coupon page 10) ♥ Picture Show at Citadel Crossing: Classic Movie Tuesdays $1 ♥ Pioneer Museum: Free admission Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ♥ Silver Key Friends Thrift Store: Wednesdays 15% off ♥ Sisters’ Thrift & Boutique: 10% off every day ♥ Wade’s Café: 10% off every day

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29

ASK MISS KITTY

Feline cries for help: When to see your vet D

ear Ms. Kitty: It seems like my senior cat Gus is losing weight.

He has also been vomiting more than usual. It’s hard to afford vet care right now, but is this serious enough I should take him in?

Signed, Concerned Dear Concerned: It can be hard to justify the cost of veterinary care during these tough times, unless you know that Gus really needs it.

You know his behavior better than anyone. Here are some things to look for when deciding whether or not to see your vet:

While your retirement vacations are on hold, let’s make sure your health needs are taken care of.

1) Are you turning 65 this year?

2) Have you recently moved into the area?

3) Are you currently enrolled on a Medicare plan?

4) Are you over 65 and on a company health plan?

5) Do you have any questions about how Medicare works?

6) Are you on Tricare, a federal plan or have VA benefits and want to reduce Part B premiums?

7) Does your current plan include dental, gym, vision and hearing benefits?

Give us a call for a FREE REVIEW to make sure you are on the best Medicare plan that fits your needs.

801-477-7443

www.retirementhealthsolutions.com 30 | ASK MISS KITTY | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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• Weight loss: Can you physically see or feel Gus getting thinner?

(Hips are a good place to check).

While it’s normal for cats’ weight to fluctuate a little, older cats can develop thyroid issues. If his weight loss is accompanied by restlessness or being overly chatty, he may have an overactive thyroid, which is easily treatable if caught early.

• Vomiting: If you see more vomiting than the occasional hairball, it may be time to seek medical care.

Your cat could have the beginnings of kidney disease, or worse.

• Litterbox issues: If you haven’t spent any more time away from the house than usual, your cat probably has no reason to be “mad” at you. If your cat is doing his business outside the box, he may have a urinary tract infection. Other symptoms include: crying when urinating, hopping in and out of the box without uri-

ASK MISS KITTY This free helpline is offered by Happy Cats Haven and Colorado Cats Boarding. Submit questions at www.HappyCatsHaven.org

nating, or urine with blood in it.

• Shortness of breath: While coughing can be a response to smoke or allergens, shortness of breath can be a sign of heart issues. If this symptom appears strongly, consider an emergency room visit unless your veterinarian can get you in quickly.

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea can be normal if your cat is stressed or has eaten something that disagreed with him. However, continuing symptoms can be a sign of something more serious.

• Grooming: If your cat’s fur starts to look greasy or more matted, watch for other issues. This can be a symptom of many things that can affect his mouth, teeth or saliva, as well as a clear visual he feels too badly to groom.

• Thirst: Excess thirst can be a symptom of impending kidney disease or diabetes. The earlier these diseases are caught, the more quickly your cat can be treated for them.

• Lethargy: If your cat suddenly acts more listless or retreats from normal activity by hiding or sleeping more, you may want to monitor him. Like us, cats may tuck away when they don’t feel well. There could be a serious illness brewing or he could be reacting to stressful changes in his environment. Either way, it may be time for a vet visit or a chat with a cat behavior professional. ■

CANINE COLUMN

Mt. Carmel and its Partners are

Remembering my first furry friend A

s I scan old photos, the details of Frisky—my first dog—came rushing back.

He was purchased for our family in 1962 by our great-aunt Isabel. Having had Boston Terriers, I suspect Isabel thought she’d found a great deal on her favorite breed. Born on a farm outside of my hometown, this little fellow had powerful jaws, a stiff brindle coat and a noticeable cowlick on top of his head. But although he had some characteristics of a Boston Terrier, he was obviously not a pedigreed pup.

Frisky’s life was less cushy than Punkie’s, his successor. My sister and I loved parading Frisky around the block in a baby buggy, and dressing him up in doll clothes as our “baby brother, Frankie.” He endured countless hours at the restless feet of my siblings and I in the back seat of a cramped car during family camping trips. And his bed was a threadbare chenille blanket in a corner of our kitchen.

Still, he enjoyed freedoms Punkie would never know. Although his daily diet consisted of canned Alpo, it was complemented with table scraps. Mom would dissect the remnants from a chicken carcass or roast beef to add to Frisky’s bowl.

On the rare occasions that we dined at a restaurant, Mom’s purse became a receptacle for leftovers wrapped in napkins for Frisky. He was also not neutered, and rumors circulated in our neighborhood

about the number of puppies who bore a striking resemblance to our dog. Hey, it was the ’60s, and free love was the thing.

However, Frisky’s reputation as a fighter was just as notorious.

Although he was confined to our large backyard surrounded by a picket fence, he still managed to get out and engage in warfare with his arch enemies Hector and Bandit—both much bigger dogs.

It wasn’t until we discovered a silhouette of his torso worn into two pickets that we figured out his escape route. He spent quite a bit of time convalescing from his wounds on piles of towels. “I hope he learned his lesson this time,” my dad would say.

At the age of 11, Frisky developed a large bump on his shoulder.

He’d always been a “lumpy” dog, but this one broke through the skin and began to ooze. My parents spoke in hushed tones about the growth. The night before his visit to the vet felt ominous. I wrote Frisky a poem about my love for him (which I still have) and promised I would never forget him. The next day, Dad came home from the vet’s office…alone.

I finished scanning the photos and gathered Frisky’s pictures.

Tying a red ribbon around them, I tucked my poem into the bundle.

Not only was Frisky a good dog— he was my first dog, and I will never forget him. ■

CANINE COLUMN

Here to Serve Military, Veterans and their Families

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

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Woodland Park

For Emergencies: 9-1-1

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | CANINE COLUMN |

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CALENDAR 0 5

Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact event organizers to confirm details before attending. bingo as a fundraiser to help aid local veterans. Wear masks to enter; seating is limited. Doors open 4:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. | 6880 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs | Packets $7 | 719-591-8787

November 5

Introduction to Wilderness Survival

November 1-6

Bizet’s “Carmen”

Opera Theatre of the Rockies gives a virtual performance of George Bizet’s famous French opera that is filled with love, daring passion and high drama. For the link to stream, or to donate, visit the website.

7 p.m. | www.operatheatreofthe rockies.org | Free | 719-570-1950

November 1-30

Mountain Country Virtual Concerts

The Music Matters concert series is live every night at 6 p.m. and will feature great local artists including Tejon Street Corner Thieves and Marcy Grace. Tune into 107.3 FM, 1530 AM or 97.7 FM. 6 p.m. | Free | 719-359-9336

Learn survival basics, the top 10 must-haves in the backcountry, the most common mistakes people make in the outdoors and wild animal safety awareness from Jason Marsteiner at Bear Creek Nature Center. Preregistration required.

6-8:30 p.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs | $25 | www.elpasocountynaturecenters. com | 719-520-6977

November 2-6, 9-13, 1620, 23-27

Virtual Radio Philharmonic Performances

Almost a decade of fine Colorado Springs Philharmonic performance recordings are re-broadcast on KCME 88.7 FM 7-8 p.m. | Free

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

November 5

Virtual FAC Play Club

It’s a new book club for play lovers!

Join Fine Arts Theatre’s Artistic Director Scott Levy for some lively conversations about plays! Each month, a new play will be dissected, discussed and celebrated.

7 p.m. | fac.coloradocollege.edu/ events | Free

November 6-7

Prince of Peace Arts & Crafts Fair

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church’s 39th annual fair lets you get a head start on your Christmas shopping.

There will be a large variety of moderately priced gifts created by many talented local vendors. Masks required for entry.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 4720 Galley Road, Colorado Springs | Free

November 6-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 Finding Our Voices Annual Art Show

This show at Cottonwood Center for the Arts promotes artistic expression and a way for sexual assault survivors to connect with their peers and the community. Many art pieces are available for sale. Exhibition opening is from 5-8 p.m. on November 6.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 427 E. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs | Free | 719- 520-1899

November 7

DAV Bingo!

Assistance League Fun Fair

Colorado Springs Chapter of Disabled American Veterans hosts

in one place with reasonably priced items for sale including estate and vintage jewelry, holiday décor, gift baskets, artwork, toys and clothing.

All proceeds help the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs for families and children in Colorado Springs. Face masks are required for entry. Please respect social distancing.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 318 E. Cimarron St., Colorado Springs | Free

Get your holiday shopping done all

November 7

“Law & Disorder” Walking Tour

The Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs and the Pioneers Museum’s walking tour explores how Colorado Springs officials worked to run the KKK out of town in the 1920s, and gun battles with train robbers.

Tour concludes with a custom Prohibition-era cocktail at a downtown speakeasy. Costumes encouraged! Call to register.

3:15-5 p.m. | 215 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs | $18 | 719-886-0088

THE NEW REVERSE MORTGAGE

Top Four Potential Benefits of Getting a Reverse Mortgage

1. Eliminate your current mortgage payment - establish a line of credit or receive monthly payments as long as you live in your home and pay taxes and insurance.

2. Bridge Medicare gap in early retirement between age 62 to 65 3. Supplement retirement income so your IRA will last longer 4. Obtain a Reverse Mortgage for purchase if you wish to downsize or move

A visit with Bill Niehus will give you a new route to a better retirement! 719-650-2620 Direct: 719-650-2620 bniehus@fairwaymc.com 2460 W 26th Ave., Ste. C-185 Denver, CO 80211

Bill Niehus

Reverse Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 403888

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (“Fairway”) NMLS#2289. 4801 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. Copyright©2015.

All rights reserved. Fairway is not affiliated with any govenment agencies.These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations should apply.

Regulated by the CO Division of Real Estate.

32 | CALENDAR | NOVEMBER 2020 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

November 10

AARP Smart Driver Class

Learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely.

Class takes place at Woodland Park Public Library. AARP members get a discount. Call to register.

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 218 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park | $15-$20 | 719-687-9281 x103

November 10

Author Event: Lindsay Lackey

Attend a live, virtual presentation by author Lindsay Lackey! Lackey is a Colorado Springs native and her book, “All the Impossible Things,” was named Best Book of 2019 by the New York Public Library and Denver Public Library.

7-8:30 p.m. | www.ppld.org | Free | 719-531-6333

Legion Post 1980 at Shining Mountain Golf Club. Limited seating due to the pandemic. RSVP required.

Cash bar available.

Two seatings: 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. | 100 Shining Mountain Lane, Woodland Park | Free | 719-394-6299

November 13

Trauma in Emergency Responders Lecture

This webinar lecture is presented by Nicole Weiss of the Trauma Health & Hazard Center. Call for registration instructions so you can learn in the safety of your own home.

10 a.m. | Free | 719-633-5627

November 13

John Adams Band

This John Denver tribute has performed to encore-demanding audiences all over the world. Sing along to some of your favorite songs, including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” “Annie’s Song” and “Calypso,” at Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts.

7-9 p.m. | 304 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake | $20-$22 | www.trilakesarts.org | 719-481-0475

November 13

“Owl Woman: Her Life with William Bent”

This presentation brings the story of a native Cheyenne owl woman, ‘Mis-stan-sta’ who lived with American-born William Bent in the 1800s.

This presentation is about how two people from different cultures learned to live in marital peace back in 1835. Presentation takes place at the Old Colorado City History Center Museum.

November 10 & 14

Free Estate Planning Workshops

Presented by Hammond Law Group, learn the seven costly mistakes families make in estate planning and how to avoid them. Prefer to stay at home? Register for webinars online.

2 p.m. November 10 | 10 a.m.

November 14 | 2955 Professional Place, Suite 101, Colorado Springs | www.coloradoestateplan.com/reg ister | Free | 719-520-1474

November 11 Veterans BBQ

A free barbeque with all the fixings for veterans and their families is provided by Eric V. Dickson American

November 13

Ultimate Pumpkin Pie Workshop

Learn to make the perfect pie crust and a homemade pumpkin pie filling and more in this pastry workshop at Gather Food Studio.

Call to register.

5-8 p.m. | 2011 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs | $75 | 719-308-2992

11 a.m.-noon | 1 S. 24 St., Colorado Springs | $5 | 719-636-1225

November 13-15

Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show

Ring in the holidays with festive music and decorations while shopping 300 booths of holiday décor, clothing, jewelry and gourmet foods at the Colorado Springs Events Center.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 7 p.m. Saturday.) | 3960 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs | $10 | 719-637-3960

November 13-21

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

The film festival is going virtual for the first time in 33 years! Sign up to see 36 outstanding films over nine days, including documentaries, narratives, shorts and animated films. Take in a sampler pack or the entire festival lineup. www.rmwfilmfest.org | $10-$133

Calendar continued on next page...

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900 E. Fillmore St - Colo Spgs, CO 80907 WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | CALENDAR |

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November 14

Eagles’ Holiday Craft Bazaar

Fraternal Order of Eagles is holding a bazaar like no other. Shop for custom-made jewelry, delicious baked goods, candy bouquets, woodwork art, personalized T-shirts or coffee mugs, handmade rocking chairs and furniture, and all sorts of lovingly created crafts!

9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1050 S. 21st St., Colorado Springs | Free | 719-231-0990

of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performed by KJ Braithwaite, Joe Uveges and Jim Sokol at Stargazers Theater. Due to distancing restrictions, tickets are sold in sections of four seats. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

6 p.m. | 10 S. Parkside Dr., Colorado Springs | Table for 4 $48 | 719-476-2200

your genealogy but aren’t sure where to start? This introductory class, presented by Pikes Peak Library District, covers basic genealogy research strategies, including organizing research and searching for records.

10 a.m. | www.ppld.org | 719-3898968

November 18

November 25

American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED

Learn to recognize and care for a variety of First Aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies. Complete the online portion on your own followed by an instructor-led classroom skills session. Class will be held at Bear Creek Park Nature Center. Preregistration is required.

6-7:30 p.m. | 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs | $75 | www. elpasocountynaturecenters.com | 719-520-6977

November 20-21

November 14

Emerald Acres Craft Sale

Guided Birding Hike

Join David Rudin at Cross Creek Park to observe all kinds of migrating birds, especially colorful ducks.

Preregistration is required. Bring your binoculars and meet at the park gazebo.

8-9:30 a.m. | 8115 Parkglen Drive, Fountain | Free | 719-648-9324

November 14

The BUS Band: Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Enjoy all the classic rock favorites

During the pandemic, seniors of Emerald Acres Mobile Home Park have been busy creating all kinds of gifts and goodies. Come to their clubhouse ready to buy sourdough and yeast breads, cookies, brownies, jellies, cookbooks, hand-knitted socks and sweaters, or lovely handmade tops and dresses! Wear a mask.

9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | 3750 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs | Free

November 21

Virtual Genealogy Basics

Are you interested in researching

Turkey Time Bingo!

All you turkeys are invited to a bingo fundraiser for Ute Pass Kiwanis Club. $20 buys a packet of 10 games; bring personal dobbers. Proceeds go to youth programs and scholarships. Social-distanced seating is limited and masks are required. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the games.

6:30 p.m. | 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park | 719-644-8482

November 26

Virtual Turkey Trot 5K

This year’s virtual Turkey Trot brings the community together while staying six feet apart! Trot whenever you want so you can sleep in on Thanksgiving knowing you made a positive impact. Participants get a T-shirt and their furry friend gets a bandana and dog treat. Register online. $40 + $5 for each pet | www.ppymca.org

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Downtown Woodland Park | 719-270-1170

November 28

Mountain Artists Holiday Art Show

Get your Christmas shopping done locally at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. For sale are simply practical to absolutely beautiful home décor items, fine art, photography, jewelry, woodwork, greeting cards and much more. Refreshments available. $10 coupon drawings every half hour.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park | Free | 970-596-6796 ■

November 28

Old Colorado City Bazaar

The artisans and crafters in Old Colorado City will be selling their one-of-a-kind wares on Shop Local Saturday in the History Center.

Many items will make perfect stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for $20 or under.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 1 S. 24th St., Colorado Springs | Free | 719-636-1225

November 28

Woodland Park Sidewalk Sale

All Woodland Park merchants will display and sell their goods, and shoppers can look for great deals all over town!

The Largest and Most Sought After Community in South Eastern Colorado

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(719) 566-8245 34 | CALENDAR | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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Homes starting at $279,950

2:15-3:15 p.m. | Mondays & Thursdays | $40 1514 N. Hancock Ave., Colo Springs The Senior Center is not yet open, but the following virtual and limited in-person classes are being offered.

To register, call 719-955-3400 or visit www.csseniorcenter.com.

VIRTUAL CLASSES Virtual Support Group Receive free help in navigating the emotional aspects of these difficult times.

3:30-4:30 p.m. | Mondays | Free

Brain & Balance Strengthen your brain and improve your balance through exercises that improve coordination.

2 p.m. | Mondays | $25

Chronic Disease Self-Management The goals of the workshop are to improve health behaviors and prevent hospital readmissions.

3:15-4:15 p.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays | November 3- December 11 | $96

Lunch On Cremation Discussion about cremation and the many reasons Coloradans choose cremation over traditional burial.

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

Crossword Puzzle 2.0 Solving crossword puzzles is like mental yoga—both challenging and relaxing.

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

The Basilica Of St. Peter’s Rome This presentation includes facts and views of the lavish artwork of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

9:30-10:30 a.m. | November 11 | $5 The Mystery of The Bermuda Triangle The presentation discusses the origins of the mystery, notorious disappearances of ships and planes, various proposed theories to explain the mystery, problems with the theories and more.

9:30-10:30 a.m. | November 18 | $5 Medicare 101 Do you have questions about Medicare? Learn the basics and get your questions answered.

2:30-3:30 p.m. | November 18 | Free

IN-PERSON Registration required for all classes. No classes on Thanksgiving Day. Yoga Flow Gentle enough for beginners with variations for those more advanced.

Taiji Fit Gentle enough for beginners with variations for those more advanced.

8:30-9:30 a.m. | Tuesdays | $30

Silver Sneaker Classic SilverSneakers members do not have to pay for class, but registration is required.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Thursdays | $18

Control The Water Not The Paint & Other Watercolor Secrets This is a class designed for students who want to quickly learn the art of Watercolor Painting.

1:30-3:30 p.m. | Tuesdays & Wednesdays | $40

Zumba A total workout combining all elements of fitness cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Wednesdays | $30

Creative Journaling Express yourself through creative journaling using a multitude of techniques including watercolor and pen and ink.

FITNESS Building Better Bones & Balance This Pilates-based workout uses bone-strengthening techniques while focusing on alignment and balance.

This class is adaptable for people of all levels and is safe for those with osteoporosis.

1:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Chair Yoga Improves circulation and range of motion and promotes stress reduction and mental clarity.

1 p.m. | Wednesdays

9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Fridays | $40

Gentle Yoga A slower-moving traditional yoga class focusing on strength and alignment.

Can You Find the Y Turkey?

The turkey is hidden inside the Senior Center. Be the first to find the Y turkey and win a gift card!

Essentrics Strengthen your core, lengthen your body,

1-2 p.m. | November 20 | Free

Nurse Chats: Dry Skin Join us for information on maintaining healthy skin.

1-2 p.m. | November 25 | Free

Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance Senior Center 1300 Higby Road, Monument

To register for programs, call 719-4646873 or visit www.trilakesseniors.org

GAMES Bingo Bingo is back at the Silver Alliance Senior Center. Masks and registration required. Call or email to register.

1 p.m. | November 18 | 719-330-0241 | sue@monumentalfitness

CLUBS Book Club Discussion on “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter” by Kim Edwards. Coffee and snacks provided.

11 a.m. | November 13 | 719-330-0241

Chess Nuts Play games with other chess nuts. All are welcome.

5-9 p.m. | November 10 & 24 | Free

10 a.m. | Tuesdays

improve flexibility, balance and mobility. Class requires the ability to sit on the floor for at least 20 minutes.

9 a.m. Tuesdays | 10 a.m. Thursdays Pilates Strengthen your core, improve flexibility, balance, mobility and create a stronger mind-body connection.

10 a.m. Wednesdays | 12 p.m.

Sundays

Tai Chi Fusion Reduce stress and promote serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

12 p.m. | Mondays

The Body Shop Great blocks of work and cardio conditioning.

9 a.m. | Mondays

Total Body Strength Muscle conditioning using a variety of equipment to build strength and endurance.

9 a.m. | Fridays

Yoga Vinyasa Flowing movements connected to breathing.

10 a.m. | Mondays & Fridays

Zumba Combines high-energy Latin-based music with dance movements.

5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Saturdays Zumba Gold Combines high-energy Latin-based

music with dance movements.

9 a.m. | Thursdays

Westside Community Center

1628 W. Bijou St., Colorado Springs Office and Senior Lounge open 9 a.m.5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To register for programs, call 719-3857920 or visit www.ourwestside.org

FITNESS SilverSneakers Get moving through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength and range of movement.

9-10 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | $5 if not covered by insurance Active Adults Fitness Low-impact cardio and stretching.

10:15-11:15 a.m. | Wednesdays | $1 Brain & Balance Improve motor skills, agility, coordination, posture and balance. Class is especially beneficial for those who have had a stroke or head injury

1-2 p.m. | Thursdays | $1

CLUBS Crafts Unlimited Work on individual projects and enjoy snacks and conversation

9-11 a.m. | Fridays | $1

SPORTS Pickleball Join others for indoor and outdoor play

10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 12-3 p.m.

Wednesdays | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Thursdays | $11

Woodland Park Senior Center

321 N. Pine St., Woodland Park Social time with coffee and snacks from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For a list of weekly activities, call 719687-3877 or visit www.woodlandpark seniors.com

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | CALENDAR |

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Home Delivered Meals Home Delivered Meals Menu • Nov. 1 - BBQ beef sandwich, seasoned pinto beans, coleslaw, tropical fruit • Nov. 2 - Sandy’s Chicken Chile, tortilla, broccoli w/cheese, carrot raisin salad, diced pears • Nov. 3 - Beef pot pie w/biscuit, lima beans, salad w/red wine vinaigrette, apple • Nov. 4 - Veggie burger w/lettuce, tomato & onion, corn, coleslaw, banana • Nov. 5 - Swedish meatballs w/ noodles, peas & carrots, tossed salad w/Italian dressing, orange • Nov. 6 - Southwestern chicken, peas & carrots, three bean salad, whole wheat roll, orange • Nov. 7 - Manicotti, cauliflower, sunflower broccoli, salad, peaches, raisin nut cup • Nov. 8 - Stuffed bell pepper, baby baker potatoes, cauliflower, carrot raisin salad, spiced peaches • Nov. 9 - Chicken parmesan, pasta, cauliflower, tossed salad w/red wine dressing, diced pears, whole wheat roll • Nov. 10 - Sweet & sour meatballs, Jasmine rice, tossed salad, pear

• Nov. 11 - Egg salad on whole wheat bread, tomato basil soup, tossed vegetable salad w/red wine vinaigrette, orange • Nov. 12 - Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, peas, coleslaw, banana • Nov. 13 - Chicken Marsala, roasted red potato, Brussel sprouts, green bean salad, apple • Nov. 14 - Beef pot pie w/buttermilk biscuit, lima beans, salad w/red wine vinaigrette, apple • Nov. 15 - Sandy’s Chicken Chile, tortilla, broccoli w/cheese, carrot raisin salad, diced pears • Nov. 16 - Chicken taco salad w/ sour cream, salsa and avocado, corn chowder, orange • Nov. 17 - Baked parmesan crusted salmon, sweet potatoes, broccoli, roll, strawberries • Nov. 18 - Beef stir fry, peas, brown rice, Asian cabbage, salad and apple • Nov. 19 - Turkey w/gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, roll, apple, pumpkin pie • Nov. 20 - Pulled pork sandwich, corn, pinto beans, apple sauce • Nov. 21 - Broccoli stuffed chicken

T H E M U LT I P L E S C L E R O S I S A L L I A N C E N E E D S

VOLUNTEERS 50 AND OLDER MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE MS COMMUNITY!

FOR MORE INFO - CALL 719.633.4603 7011 CAMPUS DRIVE, COLORADO SPRINGS

breast, green beans, sweet potatoes, pineapple tidbits, high fiber cookie

• Nov. 9 - Sweet & sour meatballs, Jasmine rice, tossed salad, pear, milk

• Nov. 22 - Sweet & sour meatballs, Jasmine rice, tossed salad, pear

• Nov. 10 - Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, peas, coleslaw, banana, milk

• Nov. 23 - Beef fajita w/peppers, onions, cheese, sour cream and salsa, tortillas, rice, black beans, strawberries

• Nov. 11 - Chicken Marsala, roasted red potato, Brussel sprouts, green bean salad, apple

• Nov. 24 - Chicken Piccata, pasta, winter blend vegetables, peaches, high fiber cookie

• Nov. 16 - Baked parmesan crusted salmon, sweet potatoes, broccoli, roll, strawberries, milk

• Nov. 25 - Goulash, green beans, salad w/dressing, whole wheat bread, apple

• Nov. 17 - Beef stir fry, peas, brown rice, Asian cabbage, salad and apple, milk

• Nov. 26-29 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Chef’s choice frozen meals delivered Nov. 25.

• Nov. 18 - Turkey w/gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, roll, apple, pumpkin pie, milk

• Nov. 30 - Beef stew, lima beans, whole wheat roll, pineapple orange compote, milk

• Nov. 23 - Chicken Piccata, pasta, winter blend vegetables, peaches, high fiber cookie, milk

Silver Key Connections Café Meal Menu & Pick Up Schedule

• Nov. 24 - Seasoned cod, potato medley, maple glazed carrots, banana, roll, milk

Meals are currently “Grab and Go.” Meals must be requested in advance for the following week by calling 719-884-2300.

Mondays - Pick up frozen meals at St. Andrews Church in Manitou Springs, the Woodland Park Senior Center, Pikes Peak Towers and the Colorado Springs Senior Center.

Tuesdays - Pick up meals at Holiday Village, Centennial Plaza, Acacia Park Apartments and the Westside Community Center.

Wednesdays - Pick up meals at the Fountain Valley Senior Center, Villa Santa Maria, the Tri-Lakes Senior Center and at Silver Key.

• Nov. 25 - Goulash, green beans, salad w/dressing, whole wheat bread, apple, milk Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade cancelled Organizers of the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade have cancelled the event, originally scheduled for Saturday, November 7, due to COVID-19.

Art fundraiser benefits Alzheimer’s Association in the midst of COVID-19 COVID-19 has halted the Alzheimer’s Association’s in-person

Colorado Medicare Choices, LLC I am here to help you with your Medicare Insurance needs.

Are you Turning 65?

Leaving Employers Coverage?

Contact Marcia Marill today for a No Cost/No Obligation Appointment or a list of my Informational Meetings

Marcia Marill RN, MA Colorado Licensed and Certified Agent Call or Text: 719-314-8527 Marcia.marill@gmail.com

36 | NEWS BITS | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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training, therapies and support groups. The organization’s biggest fundraiser, the Alzheimer’s Walk, was held virtually with a less than ideal turnout. However, the association is selling artwork created by community members suffering with dementia. Memories in the Making is a program run in most of the senior residential living communities that helps them access forgotten memories, keeps neural synapses firing and provides an alternative way of expression for those who have limited language skills. To browse and purchase artwork, visit www.pikespeakmemories.com.

Friends of the Library “Read a Book” fundraiser through December 15 To help support local libraries, Friends of Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is offering patrons the opportunity to help “read” a book during COVID-19. How it works: Each donation equates to reading a page. For every donation made, the donor’s name will be written on a page in the book that will be on display at the East Library Friends Bookstore. The fundraiser runs through December 15. The money raised will be used to continue to support the programs and staff of PPLD. The district hopes to have a name on every page to complete the “reading” of the book! For more information, visit www.ppld. org. Donations are tax deductible.

Fine Art Center Museum to re-open in November The Fine Art Center (FAC) at Colorado College is actively preparing to welcome visitors back to the museum in November. While an exact opening date hasn’t been set yet, the FAC has set a course of action for reopening, which includes social distancing, mask requirements and implementation of symptom checks upon reservation and arrival. Access to the museum will be scheduled via an online reservation system. Reservations will be limited to two groups of 10 people or fewer every hour during set days to permit for increased cleaning,

and pre-established time blocks for educational use of the space. At this time, the FAC’s restaurant, bar, shop and tactile gallery will remain closed. For details, visit www.fac. coloradocollege.edu Medicare Monday virtual workshops Colorado Gerontological Society offers free Monday and Wednesday workshops providing education on Medicare. For more information and to register, visit www.senior answers.org or call 303-333-3482.

• November 2, 6-7:30 p.m. Medicare Changes • November 4 12-1:30 p.m. Medicare & Federal Retiree Plans, VA, TriCare • November 9, 9:30-11 a.m. New to Medicare • November 11, 12-1:30 p.m. Medicare, Medicaid & Low-Income Services • November 16, 1-2:30 p.m. Medicare Changes • November 18, 12-1:30 p.m. Medicare While Still Employed Library district senior activities Programs will be presented online and most require registration. Visit www.ppld.org or call 719-389-8968 for more information.

Genealogy Basics November 2 & 21 at 10 a.m.

Looking Through the Eyes of WWII Marine Chester Nez November 5 at 6 p.m.

Hooked on Crochet!

November 5 & 19 at 10 a.m.

History Book Club: “Extraordinary Women of the Pikes Peak Region” on November 19 at 7 p.m.

Virtual Write In for National Novel Writing Month Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Chair Yoga Tuesdays at 10 a.m. ■

Email your news briefs to: Anthony@LAFifty.com

Question

OF THE

Month

Compiled by Anthony Welch

What was the worst job you’ve ever had?

Soki Moldenhauer “The worst job I think I ever had was selling Rainbow vacuum cleaners. I liked the product because I got one myself, but I’m not a sales person. I’m a people person. I work with them.

I’m not out to get their sales.”

Lee Berger “The worst job I ever had was working at a doctor’s office in Oregon. The doctor was never there. He was always at the hospital buying Beanie Babies for his daughter. So he would leave the patients sitting there for an hour, and I had to deal with them. It was a horrible experience.”

Cheryl Welch “The first job I had was when I was 15.

I got hired as a dishwasher at a little café in town that was owned by a German couple. If I didn’t go fast enough, the woman would throw dishes at me. She taught me to cook though. She taught me really good recipes.”

Lisa Nelson “Owning a donut shop was the worst.

You’d never know if the person responsible for doing night shift would show up to work to make the donuts. I’d get a call at 2 o’clock in the morning: ‘I’m going home sick. Bye!’ I’d have to go in at 2 a.m. and bake the donuts. Sometimes the 2 a.m. shift wouldn’t show up until 2 o’clock in the afternoon, and I’d be there from 5 o’clock in the morning to 10 at night. It was just on your feet all the time. Making donuts is not easy.”

Let us know your burning questions. Email Anthony@LAFifty.com WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | NEWS BITS |

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Life After 50

To Place Your Ad: Use the form on page 41 or call 719-418-2717

DEADLINE is the month20th prior.

DEADLINE for next20th issueof is the November ADULT DAY SERVICES

BARGAINS $50 or LESS

Individual or Private Party $17 50 10-word ad Extra words 25¢ each

CAREGIVERS

MAINSTAY TOASTER OVEN, 4-slice, new, $20. Desktop 13” Color TV, plays videos, $20. 719-460-8314.

•Affordable &

personal care

•Engaging activities

& outings

•Reliable transportation •Experienced, caring staff •Medicaid, VA & private

pay

Call today for a FREE consultation!

MEN’S WORK BOOTS size 9, $25; Men’s Diabetic shoes, black, size 9, $25. 719-265-9455.

POOL CUE & LEATHER carrying case $20; Golf Bag Airline Case $20. 719749-8541.

CAREGIVERS

(719) 785-9294 info@DiscoverMyGoodwill.org 1460 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907

“HOME AWAY FROM HOME” provides a safe, loving environment for participants to enjoy activities and social interactions for as long as possible - avoiding premature long-term care.

Call Paula at DayBreak - An Adult Day Program 719-687-3000, Woodland Park, 404 N. Hwy 67.

LIFTING SPIRITS SENIOR DAY CARE in a safe, clean home-like TriLakes setting. Professional caring for those who cannot be left alone. Open M-F 6am-6pm. Friendship, activities, meds given, health checks. Medicaid accepted. Call Sonja 488-1415, Palmer Lake, 705 Hwy 105.

BARGAINS $50 or LESS 1940’S WOODEN IRONING BOARD $25. Enamel turkey roasting pan $25.

719-635-3910.

A DEPENDABLE, HONEST & KIND CNA and/or Caregiver. I have a background check, excellent references and am insured. If you need a little help, please call Barbara 719-578-9865.

EXPERIENCED PERSONAL CARE In-Home Provider. Ready to help you with whatever your needs and wants are. Kind, trustworthy and dependable.

Love to clean, too. References as required. Call Karen and let’s talk. 719434-2922.

SENIOR CARE BY ANGELS - Our caring home caregivers help Seniors stay at home. Personal care, meals, and light housekeeping. Up to 24-hour care. Top references and criminal background checks. VISITING ANGELS. Call today. 719-282-0180.

Commercial Business

50 $ 17 2250 $2250 10-word ad

25

Extra words 25¢ each 25

CEMETERY PLOTS

Care and Comfort During Lifes Difficult Moments

FREE CLASSIFIED! Selling something for $50 or less? Life After 50 will run your 10-word ad for free. (Private party, 1 per household). 719- 418-2717.

State-of-the-art Adult Day Center

$

In-Home Care Services We Offer •Skilled Healthcare & •Transportation Services personal support •Services provided by services RN’s, CNA’s & Personal •Medicare, Medicaid, VA, Care Providers Insurance & Private Pay

Call today for a FREE consultation!

(719) 785-9294 info@DiscoverMyGoodwill.org 1460 Garden of the Gods Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80907

$855

Medicaid & Private Pay Accepted

(719) 203-6022

Call for your Preneed Policy WWW.SIMPLYCREMATIONCO.COM

COMPUTER & MEDIA T.L.C. Home Health Care

“A little T.L.C. goes a long way!”

We are licensed, insured and bonded Our Family is Your Family

• Memory Care & Parkinsons • Companions • Errands • Light Housekeeping/Cooking • Continuity of Care • Ongoing Case Management • Regular Care Updates • Long Term Care Ins. Accepted • Aging in Place • Mobile Hair Stylist • No Long-Term Contracts!

2 hour to 24-Hour Care

(719) 502-5765

Skilled & Unskilled PCP, CNA, LPN, RN

T.L.C. Home Health Care Owner/Administrator Tonya Reynolds

tlchomehealthcare4u@gmail.com

COMPUTER UPDATE & REPAIR $30 per hour (most jobs require 1 hour). Increase speed or memory, destroy viruses, install anti-virus program, block pop-ups or stop unwanted email, clean up files, and install new programs. Free phone help after the service call. Jeff Towne 719-574-8505.

FLAT RATE COMPUTER REPAIR. Most repairs start at $50. Parts extra if needed. Free pickup and delivery or up to 2 hours of on-site tune-up, virus removal and/or training. 35 Years of experience. Call Richard Sobe with SOBE I.T. 719-216-8994. Thank you for looking at my ad.

Quality Assistance & Care At Home Housekeeping & Laundry Meal Preparation ● Personal Care Assistance ● Caring Companionship ● Transportation ● Licensed & Insured ● Local, Family-Owned ● ●

Call for a Free Brochure:

(719) 266-4799

www.GoodLifeSeniorCare.com

Excellent Caregivers. Excellent Service.

38 | CLASSIFIEDS | NOVEMBER 2020 |

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404 N. State Hwy 67, Woodland Park, CO

(719) 687-3000 • www.daybreakadp.com Paula Levy, Executive Director

2020 September 2020 FOR RENT

Life After 50 HAIR & NAIL CARE

HELP WANTED

ENJOY LIFE AFTER 55 in Circle Drive Senior Citizen Mobile Home Park.

Rentals starting at $850 /month includes mobile home, lot rent, trash pickup, water & sewer. 2840 S. Circle Dr. 719-576-1000.

QUALITY HAIR CARE IN YOUR HOME. I do Shampoo & Sets, Haircuts, and Perms. Colorado licensed hairdresser. Pedicures and Manicures, too. 719-330-5251.

VOLUNTEER BE A DRIVING FORCE IN

PEACEFUL & QUIET HOME SETTING in nice northeast neighborhood, off Woodmen Rd. Lower level big room (230sf) with 2 windows, small refrigerator and private bath. Shared kitchen & laundry, entrance thru garage door. No pets, no drugs. Available now. $700 rent + 1/2 utils. $200 non-refund. dep.

719-649-9054.

JUMPSTART YOUR WEIGHT LOSS with 14 meals free! Create another stream of income through our Health and Wellness socially responsible company. Call 719-357-1561 for details.

THE VILLA AT SUNNY VISTA, a HUDsubsidized senior and disabled adult apartment complex located at 2480 East Dale Street in Colorado Springs, announces that its waitlist will open on November 9, 2020. The Villa is an independent living facility with age, disability and income requirements. Applications are entered in the order in which they are received. Pick up an application at the building on or after the 9th or call 719-635-9595 to request an application. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

FOR SALE RESCUED HEARTS UNIQUE BOUTIQUE, an upscale thrift store selling both new and donated merchandise, where our profits fund local animal rescue and welfare causes. A great place to donate, a fun place to shop! 3314 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, 719466-9797 rescued-hearts.org.

New, Used and Reconditioned Building Materials & Supplies Furniture and Appliances 411 S. Wahsatch, Colorado Springs (719) 667-0840 MON-SAT 9AM-5PM Donations Accepted at South End of Building Mon-Sat 9:30am - 4:30pm

FOR SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

HEALTH & FITNESS

2013 NISSAN LEAF Electric Car, 63K miles, 20-40 miles range, great second vehicle for running local errands, $4000/or best offer. 719-685-4239 (leave message).

BANK ON CLASSIFIEDS to turn your ads into dollars! 719-418-2717 Life After 50.

KNEAD a MASSAGE? Feeling a little Knotty?

Google me at Scent of Heaven Massage Windy 719-231-9093

OVER 60,000 FINE QUALITY BOOKS ~ New, Used & Collectibles ~ Browse & Shop at Books for You! 1737 S. 8th Street (719) 630-0502 Open Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5 CARPET TOOLS, GOOD condition, belt sander, weights, much more, call Dan 719-822-8588.

E P I S C O PA L WO M E N ’ S T H R I F T HOUSE Open again - Regular hours are 10-4 Thurs, Friday & Saturday. Accepting donations. Upscale thrift store selling gently used merchandise. Free parking. Come see us and shop to your heart’s delight. Seniors get 20% Off! All profits go to charities serving the Colorado Springs area. 1027 S. Tejon Street, 719-632-5278.

GREAT BUYS AT BARGAIN BOX! Shop to your heart’s delight at Assistance League’s thrift store, 405 S. Nevada Ave. Check the 99c racks! - Open Tues, Thurs & Sat 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Free parking in the rear.) Face masks a must and please respect social distancing.

LA-Z-BOY RECLINER fall colors, good posture support as you sit, lean back to recline, $60. White Oversize Reading Armchair with half-moon h a s s o ck $ 6 0 .

Light Oak Kitchen Table 2.5 ft x 4 ft $25. 719460-8314.

Convenient. Freshly prepared.

Make your life a little easier!

Choose from 3, 5, or 7 day meal plans.

Only $9.75 per meal delivered to your home at lunchtime by friendly volunteers that also do a check-in.

Anyone age 60+ can register for Silver Key Home Delivered Meals by calling 719-884-2370.

HELP WANTED CAREGIVER WANTED, Thursdays and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If interested, please call/text Judy for details 719-776-0817.

An all-volunteer thrift store funding local animal rescue/welfare groups.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED to work 4-5 hours per week. Retail experience helpful. Must enjoy being around dogs.

Apply at 3314 Austin Bluffs Pkwy or call 719-466-9797 CREATE ANOTHER STREAM of income through our socially responsible Health and Wellness Co. Call 719-3571561 for details and information.

YOUR YOUR COMMUNITY

Interested in giving back to your community and having fun? Volunteer with AARP Driver Safety – a program that helps older drivers stay safe on the road.* Sign up today to be an Instructor for our AARP Smart Driver Class room course: • Training is easy and resources are 100% provided • No special skills or AARP memberships required • Teach at least 3 courses a year, on your own schedule

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY! For more information on becoming an AARP Smart Driver Course Instructor, visit www.aarp.org/ driversafetyvolunteer

PIKES PEAK WORKFORCE CENTER. Job Search Assistance, Resumes, Workshops, Hiring Events, Computer Training - All Services are Free - By Appointment Only 719-6673700. Located at 1049 N. Academy Blvd. Hours: Mon-Fri 8-4.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ALLIANCE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS ages 50 and older. You can make a difference in the MS Community. For more information please call 719-633-4603.

SAT. MORNING DELIVERY DRIVERS are needed by Project Angel Heart. We deliver free, nutritious meals to those living with life-threatening illness. To volunteer, please call 719-323-0084.

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

HOME REPAIR *MORE THAN A HANDYMAN. Home Maintenance, Repairs, Yard Work, & Organize. 20% SENIOR DISCOUNT (62+). Call Mike - a Senior and Veteran.

719-338-4279.

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | CLASSIFIEDS |

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CLASSIFIEDS Page 30

September

Life After 50

HOME REPAIR

HOUSECLEANING

PERSONALS

REAL ESTATE

Dave’s Home Improvement

TONY’S WINDOW CLEANING. $50 to Clean 10 Windows* and $2.50/each for more. Solar panels & gutter cleaning, too. 719-271-2199 (*exteriors).

“SHE’S STILL GOT IT!” or so I have been told. Spiritual, petite redhead seeks kind, honest gentleman for fun, active times - must be emotionally available and financially stable! Write to Petite Redhead, c/o Life After 50, P.O. Box 50125, Colorado Springs CO 80949.

Your Home, Your Way!

All Kinds Home Maintenance & Repairs 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE U.S. NAVY VETERAN

INSURANCE SERVICES

(719) 393-5851 ANDERSON HOME REPAIR + REMODEL Expert handyman services, 40 years of quality work, carpentry, doors, trim, drywall, power washing, decks, painting, staining and more. Senior Discount. 719-331-4320.

DRYWALL AND TILEWORK Repairs • Basement Finishes Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling

– Free Estimates –

(719) 232-7218 or 390-7779 GOODMAN HANDYMAN. QUALITY WORK - All Jobs Considered. 10% Labor Discount for seniors and military veterans. How can I help you? Call Chad Goodman 719-244-2871.

HANDYMAN SERVICES. ODD JOBS Plumbing, Carpentry, Fences, Decks, Doors, more. (Mowing or yardwork in spring and summer.) John 719-4717471.

M I K E ’ S H A N DY M A N SERVICE is Ready to Help You in Colorado Springs! Call or Text Mike Whalin 605-391-8375 (please leave message and I will return your call).

HOUSECLEANING EXPERTISE HOUSECLEANING, reliable and trustworthy. Senior personal care services are also available. Please call Karen 719-434-2922.

RESIDENTIAL HOUSECLEANING. ALL supplies included. Affordable, fully insured, 20+ years experience with many references. 719-477-0679.

pps

PROFESSIONAL PROJECT SERVICES

restoration • renovation • fabrication

10% OFF LABOR For Seniors & Military

MEDICARE PART B PREMIUM can be paid by the State. If you qualify, you will receive your $144.60 back into your Social Security check. You may qualify for the Extra Help Program with your prescription drugs or for Medicaid benefits which include Dental, Vision, Hearing, Transportation and free overthe-counter health products. Call licensed agent Bruce Schlabaugh to see if you qualify! It could make all the difference in your health care! 719-7498541 (please leave message).

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ELECTRIC 4-WHEEL PRIDE Scooter Chair, in fair condition $400. 719-5916689 leave message.

ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Jazzy Select 6, used once, new battery and charger, $2000. 719-591-6689 leave message.

OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS, $450. with Warranty. We sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies. Repair + servicing of equipment. ASPEN CONCENTRATOR REPAIR SERVICE, 3112 Century St. (off Fillmore) 719-471-9895.

MOBILE HOMES CIRCLE DR. SENIOR CITIZEN MOBILE HOME PARK. Rentals starting at $850 /month, includes the mobile home, lot rent, trash pickup, water and sewer.

2840 S. Circle Drive. 719-576-1000.

MUSIC LESSONS NEVER TOO OLD OR TOO YOUNG to learn! Guitar lessons available -beginning thru advanced. $25 per half hour, once per week typical. Online lessons available. Electric/acoustic. 30+ Yrs experience playing, teaching. Email: DavidZahara@yahoo. com or call 719337-3594. appliance repair drywall stucco or siding cabinets stone or cement countertops handicap ramps plumbing decks + fences ceiling fans small electrical kitchens bath and tile painting install grab bars asphalt seal windows + doors ....and more! bathtubs to shower conversions

CHRISTIAN, HONEST, hard-working woman looking for Christian, honest hard-working man for friendship and what may develop. Age 50+. Serious inquiries only to: Honest Woman, c/o Life After 50, P.O. Box 50125, Colorado Springs, CO 80949.

Call for Discounts!

719-337-9201

nancymfuller4@gmail.com

Nancy M. Fuller REALTOR®, SRES

DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS - restoring women who have been abused to the abundant life God intended. Always personal and confidential. Beryl Williams 719-649-9054.

FOR BRUCE SCHLABAUGH as he steps down as Life After 50’s Publisher : “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7 GENTLEMAN, AGE 62, needs an escort, lady age 50+ who’s down to earth, for movie or dinner out. Serious inquiries only please. 719-308-1106.

TESSA SAFEHOUSE and counseling for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Crisis Line 719-633-3819 or 719-633-1462.

PETS

Each office independently owned and operated

Yesterday’s Values – Today’s Technology

The Tandem Two WORKING FOR YOU JUDY TROUT EVE BLACKMON (719) 332-8811 (719) 231-4079 blue spruce real estate

NEED HELP WITH YOUR PETS? Very responsible senior will take care of them as needed. Reasonable fees. Call Sue 719-302-3338.

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

(719) 633-6223 SERVICES

ASSISTANT AND COMPANION: A Caring Christian Lady will help! Need a little assistance with cooking, cleaning, projects, packing, organizing, errands, etc? Need company for visits, appointments and events? Need a Private Secretary? I am a great listener! Sunny 719-271-0165.

Ken’s Plumbing Heating & Cooling - PLUMBING -

Water heaters replaced, leaky pipes fixed, toilets or faucets replaced, sprinklers repaired.

- HEATING -

Furnaces replaced, repaired or tuned up.

- COOLING -

Air conditioners or swamp coolers installed or repaired.

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

Quality Work • Insured Certified Best

CALL FOR A

(719) 244-2871 40 | CLASSIFIEDS | NOVEMBER 2020 |

I help you Maximize Success and Minimize Stress in Real Estate.

Veteran Owned

by Ken Rivenburgh

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

FREE ESTIMATE

(719) 229-4563

10% OFF

Discount for Seniors & All Military* *Discount cannot be combined with other offers.

September 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

Life After 50

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

WANTED

“Working together to serve you better” • Helping more than 700 Seniors since 1988 • Colorado Springs natives • Call for a FREE Market Analysis/Consultation • My company specializes in relocations anywhere in the U.S.

CASH FOR CARS! In Any Condition • FREE TOW AWAY

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

We have up-to-date information on the Springs home market.

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

719-323-8121

~ We’re Full Service Movers ~ PACKING • ALL THE LIFTING MOVING • UNPACKING

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 719-440-9288.

(719) 661-7354

Real Estate Broker/Co-Founder

KIMBER DEMOS

FREE ON-SITE ESTIMATES & SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Broker Associate

www.BrentDemos.com bdemos@aol.com

6760 Corporate Drive #300 Colorado Springs, CO 80919

WEDDINGS

3938 Maizeland Rd & Academy

SERVICES

SERVICES

WANTED

BEN’S LANDSCAPE, TREE REMOVAL. Also tree trimming and stump grinding. 24/7 Emergency Service. Text or Call 719-492-1671.

SENIORS LOVE HELPERS that arrive

DAILY LABOR: YARD CLEAN-UP / GARDENING / PAINTING / ALL THOSE THINGS YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR. $20 PER HOUR. 719-3105247.

an ad in Life After 50. Readers are

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. 719-6335848 or 719-440-9288.

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

719-229-1597 or 719-473-5110. Free estimates and Senior discounts.

WILL TRADE HOME REPAIR for RV Space to occupy and safe outdoor storage for contractor equipment, have 30 years experience in all areas of construction. Please call or text to discuss: 719-244-2871.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR PETS? Very responsible senior will take care of your home, pets and house plants as needed. Reasonable fees. Call Sue 719302-3338.

ORLANDO’S YARD WORKS. Sprinkler Service, Install and Repairs (weather dependent). Fencing, Terraces, New Lawns and more. Call 719-310-0944 or 719.964.1699 for a free estimate.

at the door! If you can do heavy lifting, climb ladders, caregiving, painting, cleaning, cooking, or hair care, place hunting for your services! 719-4182717.

TRADES

Lawrence Shiroma

(424) 247-3109

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.

Classified Advertising

“I will sing to the Lord with a string instrument.”

Is. 38:20

.50 1 7 10

Buying? Selling? Have a service?

$

Please write your ad by filling in the blanks on this form. Print each word clearly. The cost of your ad will be shown by the number printed below the last word of your ad. For Business ads, add $5 to total.

-Wo ad Extra Wrd s 25¢ eaocrd h

Classified Advertising Order: Check the category under which your ad should appear For Sale Trades

P E R S O N A L A S S I S TA N T C O N CIERGE. General Errands, Home and Office Organization, Vehicle Care, Waiting Service, House-Sitting, House Checks, Grocery Shopping, Gift Baskets, Light Yard Work, Light House Work, Reservations, Tickets, Travel Needs, Packing, Unpacking. Call Angela - VISION CONCIERGE SERVICE 719-330-3337.

PRIVATE TUTOR: Grandchildren’s education disrupted? Looking for options?

Experienced Public and Homeschool Teacher, Tutoring Preschool - Elementary (“Old School” Solid foundations + creative & concrete). Also Electives, Sewing and Cooking. Ages 7-adult. Individual or small group. 719-271-0165.

Wedding Guitarist

CASH FOR DIABETIC SUPPLIES OR TEST STRIPS. TOP $ DOLLAR PAID. CALL 719-749-1436.

Wanted Pets

For Rent

Mobile Homes

NAME PHONE

Wanted

Services

Caregiver

Home Repair

Real Estate

Medical Equipment

Health & Fitness

Personal

Business & Legal Services

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.50

$17.75

$18.00

$18.25

$18.50

$18.75

$19.00

$19.25

$19.50

$19.75

$20.00

$20.25

$20.50

$20.75

$21.00

$21.25

$21.50

$21.75

$22.00

$22.25

$22.50

$22.75

$23.00

$23.25

$23.50

$23.75

$24.50

$24.75

$25.00

$24.00 TOTAL:

Help Wanted

$24.25 /month

2 months?

YES

Check or Money Order. ( NO Cash Please)

ADDRESS

AD DEADLINE is the 20th of the month prior to publication date.

Call (719) 418-2717 if you think mailed form won't arrive by then.

Send this form with payment to:

LIFE after 50 P.O. Box 50125 Colorado Springs, CO 80949

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 | CLASSIFIEDS |

41

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FUN & GAMES

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

ACROSS

1. Chicago mayor

• MOBILITY PRODUCTS • SCOOTERS • WHEELCHAIRS • RENTALS

Puzzle Answers

42 | FUN & GAMES | NOVEMBER 2020 |

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

Emanuel 5. Lively 9. Sonja Henie’s birthplace 13. Converse competitor 14. One of the 12 tribes

of Israel 15. Capital of Calvados 16. Gentleness 18. Hue 19. Incept 20. Thick soup of crabmeat 22. Cordwood measure 23. Physicist Enrico 24. The Beatles’ “Back

in the___” 26. Attract 31. Possess, to Burns 34. Comfortable state 37. Cravat 38. Like afterschool activities 42. Pretend 43. Adverse fate 44. Is doubled?

45. Ample 47. Body shops?

50. Lofty nest 53. Rib 57. Savior

61. John of

“Full House” 62. Lofty 63. Lacking teeth 65. “The ___ Dead”,

classic horror movie 66. Nursemaid 67. “Comus”

composer Thomas 68. Golfer Ballesteros 69. Arrow poison 70. Resting places

DOWN

1. “Caddyshack”

director Harold

2. ___-garde 3. Pivot 4. Capital of Lesotho 5. Place 6. Draw forth 7. “M*A*S*H*” name 8. Louise’s cohort 9. Twice tetra10. Travel on water 11. Carson’s successor 12. Not duped by 14. Deep black 17. Manipulates 21. Purple bloomer 23. Impostor 25. Short time 27. Fighting Tigers’ sch.

28. Arthur Ashe’s

alma mater

29. Surf sound 30. French 101 verb 31. Assist 32. Jump on the ice 33. Major ending 35. Hit letters 36. Irregularly

notched 39. Director Howard 40. Architectural piers 41. Mischievous fairy 46. Aden native 48. Aleutian island 49. Aquanaut’s base 51. V-shaped fortification 52. Papas of “Zorba

the Greek” 54. Love, to Luigi 55. In good condition 56. Much of Mississippi?

57. AAA recommend ations 58. Overhang 59. 554, in stone 60. Model Macpherson 61. Filthy place 64. Compass dir.

AFFORDABLE Assisted Living in a Scenic Setting

• ALL PRIVATE ROOMS & BATHROOMS • INDIVIDUAL HEAT & COOLING • 24-HOUR CARE

• HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES • ON-SITE SALON & BARBERSHOP • FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME

Visit any of our Pueblo or Colorado Springs Living Centers!

Point of the Pines Gardens

North Pointe Gardens

(719) 265-0030

(719) 545-6222

330 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80907

3777 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008

Pueblo West Gardens

Oakshire Common

(719) 924-8624

(719) 542-2223

960 E Saxony Dr, Pueblo, CO 81007

2430 Oakshire Ln, Pueblo, CO 81001

accoladelivingcenters.com - or - info@accoladelivingcenters.com

Fall in Love with SUMMIT GLEN GRACIOUS RETIREMENT LIVING

Last August, when my 96-year-old mom fell at the home she had lived in for 50 years, we realized she needed to move to an independent living community. When we visited Summit Glen, we knew we had found her new home! From the minute she moved in, she has felt precisely that way. She found her new home! Natalie, the community manager, promised us that they would treat mom like she was their mom, and they have fulfilled that promise every single day. Mom has a lovely apartment with a deck. We can’t believe how many of her precious things we were able to bring to that apartment. The storage is amazing! The building is beautiful and always clean. The food is delicious, and mom enjoys visiting with her many new friends at meals. Mom just loves everyone who works there from her housekeeper to the servers and the chef, the activities coordinator, and of course, the wonderful managers.

We feel so blessed to have found the perfect home for mom at Summit Glen! ~Nancy Daigle I was introduced to one of the managers while visiting my cousin, who also lives here; I liked her immediately. She invited me to move in and “try it out” with no long-term commitment. My daughters all urged me to accept the invitation as they were concerned about my time alone. The residents at Summit Glen just amazed me; they are all very friendly and make me feel part of the group. Besides enjoying excellent meals with my new friends in the dining room, I do ceramics, belong to the book club, do crafts, play bingo, take an exercise class each morning and sing in the choir. One should never choose a community for a new living experience without coming to Summit Glen to “try it out first!” ~Aleene Mills

4825 Old Farm Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80917