Try a new acTiviTy

acupuncTure resTores balance

bad money habiTs

creaTe a personal sTory

SPECIAL SECTION:

rmsenior.com • FALL 2012

senior health g u i d e

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Dedicated to bringing

the joy of hearing

back to everyday life.

Our dedication sets us apart • Comprehensive Evaluations

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Your sense of hearing is a vital link to your world-a source of pleasure, information and communication. If you have a hearing loss you can take control of the situation. Hearing loss should not

get in the way of enjoying your life. get in the way of enjoying your life.

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(970) 221-52492001 S. Shields Street, Bldg J2 • Fort Collins

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RMSENIOR | �

FALL 2012

CO

NT

EN

TS DEPARTMENTS

P6 • Out & AboutTry sOmeThing new This fAllPerforming arts, gallery walks, shopping, museum tours, and more

P8 • mind Body spiritresTOring hArmOny in yOur BOdyAcupuncture balances the damp and the dry

P10 • money matterslifelOng lessOns leArnedThree faulty beliefs lead to bad money habits

P14 • generationse, A, 2 is And sengage readers when you pass on your personal stories

P16 • Keep it sharpPuzzles to challenge your mind

P18 • CalendarCheck out these events and activities across northern Colorado

P22 • senior momentCuddling A newBOrn grAndChildThe best senior moments come in small packages

Wonder what’s in the Patient Protec-tion and Affordable Care Act for seniors? Check this summary of the Patient Bill of Rights, low-cost screenings, closing the donut hole and more. Discover help and hope for Alzheimer’s disease. An early diagnosis allows you to take advantage of services and treatments and make accom-modations for the future. One of the chal-lenges of growing older is getting proper nutrition. Find out how you can balance the essentials with a little room left for some dark chocolate.

SPECIAL SECTION:

PUBLISHERscott Titterington, 221-9210scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

EDITORKristin Titterington, 221-9210kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com

Calendar EditorAly Titterington

CREATIVE DIRECTORemily Zaynardemily.rmpublishing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTORgreg hoffman, 689-6832greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALESsara hansen, 310-9850sara.rmpublishing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALESAngela isaac, 391-5212angela.rmpublishing@gmail.com

DISTRIBUTIONwendee Brungardt, sharon Klahn,rob’s Bike Courier service

COVER PHOTOistockphoto.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBear Jack gebhardt, Kyle moyer, lana Olsson, linda Osmundson, Julie Piotraschke

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING825 laporte Ave., fort Collins, CO 80521Voice 221-9210fax 221-8556editor@rockymountainpub.comwww.rmParentmagazine.com

rocky mountain senior magazine is published five times a year by rocky mountain Publishing, inc. Publication of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services adver-tised. rmP reserves the right to refuse any adver-tisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of rocky mountain Publishing. ©2012 rocky mountain Publishing, inc. All rights reserved. reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

s e n i o r health guide

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With the heat of summer gone and fall colors taking over the trees, consider some changes

for your out-and-about itineraries. All northern Colorado cities provide calen-dars of events:

• Fort Collins—www.fcgov.com • Greeley—www.greeleygov.com • Loveland—www.ci.loveland.co.us

We are fortunate to live in an area that has two major universities. Con-sider Colorado State University, www.CSUArtsTickets.com, performing arts programs as well as those at the Univer-sity of Northern Colorado,

http://arts.unco.edu/. Both feature plays, concerts and visual arts events by talented students.

Northern Colorado cities offer theater, gallery walks, museum exhibits, shopping and plenty of good restaurants. Check the RMSenior calendar.

FORT COLLINSThings to do in Fort Collins vary from theater performances to Old Town Ghost tours, www.fortcollinstours.com/. Look for theater entertainment on this website, www.visitftcollins.com/things-do/theatre-arts. Everything from dance to children’s theater, touring troupes to local performances is listed by location. Check each theater’s website for upcom-ing programs, information, and prices.

First Friday Gallery Walks (6-9pm) self-guided tours around Old Town include refreshments and seasonal displays. Changing exhibits promise something new to see. For additional information and a full list of participat-ing galleries please see www.Downtown FortCollins.com.

Midtown Arts Center currently presents “In the Heights,” the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical about home, family and finding where you belong. It’s a gripping story; an incredible dancing and cast of lovable

characters take you on a journey into a vibrant Manhattan community. It runs until November 11. For more upcoming shows, log onto www.adinnertheatre.com/shows.html.

Open Stage Theater, www.open stagetheatre.org/productions/season/current, proudly presents “Amadeus,” “Viva Las Vegas” and “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” as part of its current season’s showings.

Find more entertainment at mu-seums, restaurants, and theaters listed RMSenior calendar on page 18.

GREELEyUnion Colony Civic Center tenders performances by well-known stars such as Olivia Newton John, Bill Cosby, and Mannheim Steamroller. Other events include the Festival of Trees and Christ-mas with the King as well as theater performances such as Treasure Island. Find more on the center’s website, www.ucstars.com.

The Greeley History Museum, 714 8th Street, remains open all year Wednes-day through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. Individual admis-sion is free. Log onto www.greeleygov.com/Museums/, for group rates.

Centennial Village, 1475 A Street, at Island Grove Park, changed its hours to Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12pm-5pm. Costs range from $3-$6.

The Meeker Museum, 1324 9th Avenue, home of the founding family of Greeley, looks similar to the original 1800s home. Costumed docents provide guided group tours. Call 970-350-9220 for appointments. Check the website for more information, www.greeleygov.com/Museums/MeekerHome.aspx. Rates range from free for 2 and under to $3 for other ages.

LOvELAND The Loveland Museum/Gallery houses history as well as traveling art exhibits.

General admission is free. However, Main Gallery exhibits are free for members but otherwise cost $5 for ages 6 and up. Hours are as follows: Monday: closed, Tuesday & Wednesday: 10am-5pm, Thursday: 10am-7pm, Friday: 10am-5pm, Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sunday: 12pm-4pm, and additional hours second Friday of the month for Night on the Town: 6-9pm. To celebrate the 75th anniversary, the museum offers a free gift to the first 75 visitors during Night on the Town.

Put your name on the Loveland Cultural Services mailing list to re-ceive the quarterly brochure that lists events for the museum, Rialto Theater and Art in Public Places. Otherwise, check programs at their website, www.ci.loveland.co.us/.

The current traveling “Birds in Art” show in the Main Gallery consists of 60 pieces of the original 125 juried 2011 works from the Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin. Even if you are not a “birder,” you won’t want to miss this spectacular exhibit, which lasts through October 28.

Pick a beautiful fall day and me-ander through Benson Sculpture Park, 29th and Taft, or Chapungu, located east of Centerra.

This year the Rialto progams in-clude The Music Man, Elvis Returns, The Nutcracker and a popular bell choir

Try something new this fallPerforming arts, gallery walks, shopping, museums tours and more

L i n d a L . O s m u n d s O n

out & about

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“Think of the body as a tree,” says Bruce Hinckley, a li-censed Fort Collins’ acupunc-

turist and master of Chinese Medicine. “Western medicine tends to focus on the branches, reducing pain and treating symptoms. This is obviously a good and necessary thing. Chinese, or Oriental medicine, tends to focus on the roots, ad-dressing imbalances in the whole system. Eastern and Western medicine comple-ment each other very well.”

The United States National Insti-tutes of Health, the National Health Service of Great Britain and the World Health Organization have endorsed acupuncture’s use for certain conditions. Records of the use of acupuncture’s metal needles date back over 2,000 years. Its use in Oriental medicine could possibly date back 5,000 or more years. Ancient thin sharpened stones found in caves in China suggest the principles and practices may have been known and used as early as the Neolithic era, approximately 10,000 B.C.

Hinckley points out that in the Orient the well-known Yin/Yang sym-bol is used as the picture of balance. The line dividing the light and the dark is the symbol of the “Great Middle Way.” The original meaning of the Yin/Yang symbol was not male and female or night and day but rather simply, “damp and dry,” and ”soft and hard.” Dis-harmonies in the body tend to occur, Hinckley says, when one or the other becomes exaggerated or unbalanced.

In Chinese medicine the internal or-gans, such as the heart, liver and kidney are recognized as “yin,” or feminine in nature and function because they hold fluids. Each of the internal organs is directly associated with a yang, or masculine component in the body, such as the kidney and bladder. Pain, disease and discomfort in the body are often caused by blockages or imbalances between the yin and yang organs.

Scott Blunk, another licensed acu-puncturist in Fort Collins reports on his

website that the WHO 2003 Review of Acupuncture states, "Although different acupuncture points and manipulations may have an effect through different actions, the most important factor that influences the direction of action is the condition of the patient. Numerous examples reveal that the regulatory ac-tion of acupuncture is bi-directional. Acupuncture lowers the blood pressure in patients with hypertension and elevates it in patients with hypotension; increases gastric secretion in patients with hypo-acidity, and decreases it in patients with hyperacidity; and normalizes intestinal motility under X-ray observation in pa-tients with either spastic colitis or intesti-nal hypotonia (1). Therefore, acupuncture

itself seldom makes the condition worse. In most instances, the main danger of its inappropriate application is neglecting the proper conventional treatment."

The Larimer County Health Info source lists 30 organizations, 33 pro-grams and 38 providers of acupuncture in Larimer County. Hinckley, a gradu-ate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, has brought from Oregon a concept known as “Community Acu-puncture,” which allows for treatment at

a reduced cost, and on a sliding-fee scale because he is able to offer treatment of up to three patients at one time.

“For seniors, particularly those who are on a fixed income, this approach is a great way to get introduced to this practice,” Hinckley says. Relative to chal-lenges seniors commonly face, Hinckley suggests acupuncture is particularly adept at relieving joint and arthritic pain, par-ticularly from osteoarthritis. ”For some seniors, the ligaments in the joints have deteriorated or dried out, so we have bone scraping on bone,” he says. “This would be an imbalance of yang, or dry energy. So acupuncture works to bring more yin, or fluid energy to these areas. “

Hinckley also reports that acupunc-

ture has documented success with help-ing ameliorate such “senior symptoms” as insomnia, various types of back pain, vertigo, frequent urination and asthma. “I’ve used acupuncture for a wide variety of issues,” says John Gascoyne, a retired Fort Collins attorney. “But without fail every time I’m having a treatment I find myself deeply relaxing, spontaneously. It’s like a very good meditation. And after the treatment the relaxation stays with me for some time. I’m a true believer.”

Restoring harmony in your body Acupuncture balances the damp and the dry

B E a R J a C K G E B H a R d T

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Forbes magazine recently published an article with the headline, “The Four Money Habits You Need to

Ditch Now.” The article was based on the 2012 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey sponsored by the National Foun-dation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). The four bad money habits that Forbes and NFCC said most people need to ditch are:

• Not having a budget• Forgetting to save, or not knowing how to save• Overspending• Mishandling credit cards, credit scores, etc.

“Totally boring,” one reader com-mented about Forbes’ advice.

“Our government has these same four bad habits,” another reader re-sponded. “Why shouldn’t we?”

The first reader thought it was bor-ing because she said these are the same “bad habits” that financial planners have been warning against since Biblical days. But no one, not even the government, seems able to do anything about them. What is behind these seemingly ever-present “bad habits” of money, whether personal or political?

The good news is that, according to an article in the Journal of Financial Therapy, older adults generally tend to budget more, tend to save more, tend to resist overspending and have learned to manage credit cards. This might be due, at least partially, to harsh money les-sons many seniors were forced to learn over a lifetime by attending the School of Hard Knocks. Another explana-tion is that at least some seniors tend to outgrow unworkable or unfounded beliefs about money. It is easier to out-grow unsound beliefs when these false beliefs are brought to light.

Recent research in the emerging field of economic psychology suggests that three primary false beliefs about money consistently lead to the four bad habits that Forbes said need ditching. Until these inner beliefs are discarded,

the researchers suggest, it will not be possible to start having a budget, start saving, and stop overspending and max-ing out the credit cards.

The three common false beliefs about money are:

• More money will be coming sometime in the future

• Less money will be coming sometime in the future

• More money equals more well-being, and less money equals less well-being.Most seniors, whether on a fixed

income or still working, have outgrown the youthful notion that some magical pot of gold is just around the corner and will soon make everything right. Yes, many seniors still have faith and good reasons why their future prosperity will increase. At some point, however, most learn not to write checks or max out their credit cards based on hoped-for future earnings.

And likewise most seniors some-times worry that future earnings will decrease and/or money demands will increase. At a certain point, however, most seniors recognize what economists know, that the economy, both personal and communal, reg-ularly expands and con-tracts, “breathes,” both in and out. Having experienced this “breathing” economy, seniors are more likely to save a little money during fat times in order to draw on savings in lean times. A nominal budget, or basic sense of the monthly income and outflow, supports this saving attitude.

And finally, many seniors come to recognize that fundamental well-being cannot be calculated with dol-lars and cents.

In their book, Money Madness—The Psychology of Saving Spending Loving

and Hating Money, researchers Herb Goldberg and Robert Lewis suggest, “[People] have become so indoctrinated with the idea that having money is im-portant, that they no longer question why. They are unaware that perhaps what they are truly seeking is an increase in self-respect, or security or freedom or love or power.”

Many seniors have finally out-grown or outlived the belief that money is the source of all well-being. They recognize the truth that Apple founder Steve Jobs was pointing to when he said, “My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s re-ally clear that the most

precious resource we all have is time.”Nevertheless, as Joe Louis famously

quipped, “I don’t like money, actually, but it quiets my nerves.” Likewise, many seniors have learned that a budget, a little in savings, living within one’s means and paying as you go can indeed be good for the nerves.

money mattersLifelong lessons learnedThree faulty beliefs lead to bad money habits

B E a R J a C K G E B H a R d T

RMSENIOR | 11

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“Mom,” said my oldest son after reading my contest-winning story, Grandpa’s

Violin. “I always knew that violin was important but I didn’t know why.”

Do your children/grandchildren question the “why” of special events, people, or keepsakes in your life? Are they curious about how their grandpar-ents survived WWII or how you and your spouse met? Have they wondered where your parents or grandparents originated? Do you have unanswered questions about your own background?

Two good books on writing your life story are You Don’t Have to be Fa-mous: How to Write Your Life Story, and Legacy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Personal History. After my 93-year-old mother mentioned something I hadn’t known, I wrote down ten easy questions from Legacy to get her started recording interesting facts from her life. Unfortunately, she thinks about them but never puts anything on paper.

Anticipate the questions your chil-dren/grandchildren might ask. Write down the answers in an interesting way so they’ll want to read them. Erma Bombeck books/articles serve as good examples of slice-of-life stories written to inform, entertain, and record fam-ily history or thoughts. So do Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Articles focus on one idea, stretch it to the limit, and leave readers laughing or crying. You can do the same by following this simple story pattern E, A, 2 Is and S.

“E” represents entertain. Stay away from recording fact after fact; they are boring. Although you want your fam-ily to learn something about you, you hold their interest better if you entertain them. Tell stories about Crazy Uncle Allen, the mishap at your wedding, or the cruise you took through a hurricane. Relate early life celebrations, travels, high school, sports and even dating.

Add descriptions and show rather than tell. In Grandpa’s Violin, instead of telling that Grandpa acted like a mon-key, I “showed” it in this sentence: “He rolled his lips off his toothless gums and hopped around scratching his armpits.”

“A” suggests artistry, which grabs their interest. For instance, begin with a good opening–in the middle of an action or with an interesting tidbit. “Grandpa’s Violin” opening stated a tidbit: “Because my parents divorced in 1947, I learned to dance to my grandpa’s violin.” Make your verbs do something: keep them active like I’ve done in the examples - learned, rolled, hopped, and scratched. Eliminate “is,”

“are,” and “was.” Focus on one event. For instance, in “Grandpa’s Violin”, I could have strayed from the focus of learning to dance to explain how Grandpa built brick houses. Instead, Grandpa and his accomplishments serve as fodder for a second story.

Vary your sentence length. Short sentences move the action faster while longer sentences slow it down. Write like you talk. Steer away from big words. Lead up to the end of your story. Sur-

prise the reader. Find the unexpected and exaggerate it a little.

“Show, don’t tell.” What was Grandpa like? I could have said, “He was a farmer who read a lot.” I “showed” something about him. “Most nights Grandpa sat beside a dim light and read his western paperbacks.” “He taught me to hoe corn beneath an orange sunset.” Use the five senses in your descriptions – smell, sight, sound, taste, feel. Incorpo-rate similes, metaphors and comparisons to help your reader understand the occa-sion in today’s perspective.

The two “I”s stand for information and insight. Gather your information from several sources, then, combine the

versions in your own words to create entertaining reading. Treat your sub-jects with respect, as well as your read-ers. If providing insight about Uncle Allen, be kind. Tell tales which give insight into the family history. Your use of the two “I”s opens your family’s eyes to their past generations.

Following this pattern results in “S” –success. Check out the above named books. Then follow the pattern and re-cord your stories for future generations.

E, A, 2 Is and SEngage readers when you pass on your personal stories

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Help and hope for Alzheimer’s disease, p31. An early _________ helps you put in place the

best medical, social and financial options2. These types of groups help with challenges

and solutions3. Loss of this can be an early warning sign of

Alzeimer’s disease

Affordable Care Act 101, p54. The ACA closes this hole5. Part of the bill is the Patient’s Bill of ________6. The ACA provides for these types of services

The senior nutrition challenge, p67. This mineral is essential for bone health, ner-

vous health and blood-pressure control8. This helps with constipation and fosters the

growth of good bacteria9. Americans are cautioned to reduce intake of this

Restoring harmony in your body, p8 in RM Senior10. The National Institutes of Health endorse this

procedure for certain conditions11. This balances Yin12. Acupuncture can help with pain in these

keep it sharpHealth Guide Word SearchSearch the Health Guide Special Section (plus the Mind, Body, Spirit story) to find the answers to these clues. Then find the words in the puzzle.

Clues:

Answers: 1. Diagnosis, 2. Support, 3. Memory, 4. Donut, 5. Rights 6. Preventive, 7. Calcium, 8. Fiber, 9. Sodium, 10. Acupuncture, 11. Yang, 12. Joints

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ThROuGh OCTObER 28 Fiddler on the Roof Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www.coloradocandlelight.com.

ThROuGh NOvEMbER 11 In the Heights A gripping story, incredible dancing and a cast of lovable characters take you on an exhilarating journey into a vibrant Manhattan community. Midtown Arts Center, 3750 South Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555. www.MidtownArtsCenter.com.

OCTObER 11-13 Tap Dogs The hottest show on legs! This unprecedented tap show combines the strength and power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

OCTObER 12-20 Nancy Drew: Detective Based upon ND #39, The Clue of the Dancing Puppet. Performed by Debut Theatre Company. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Tuesday, OcTOber 2 Medicare 101 This class will offer an overview of Medicare benefits, supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, preventative services, and how Medicare works with employer health insurance. Poudre Valley Hospital, Café F, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 6-7:30pm. 970-495-8560 or www.pvhs.org.

Wednesday, OcTOber 3 Capitol Steps Using song parodies and skits, this group conveys a special brand of satirical humor documenting the current scandals in the political realm. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Bill Runyan Symphony Lecture: Americana Pie Our first Masterworks concert takes you from classical to blues to rock. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: The Color of Fear The Color of Fear is a documentary about eight North American men, two African American, two Latinos, two Asian American and two Caucasian who were gathered by director Lee Mun Wah, for a dialog about the state of race relations in America as seen through their eyes. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Censoring the Life out of Literature Talk about censorship and intellectual freedom, share details of real court cases and their challenges. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Author Ayad Akhtar Ayad Akhtar is an actor, director, screenwriter, playwright and novelist. American Dervish is his first novel. Hilton, 425 W. Prospect Rd., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

FA L L 2 0 1 2

ONGOING

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Thursday, OcTOber 4 Selected Readings by Edgar Allan Poe. The Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tastes of Mexico: Cooking Demonstration Join local chef Linda Hoffman from Come Back to the Table Cooking School for a hands-on cooking demonstration featuring easy to make recipes and an introduction to Mexican spices. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, OcTOber 5 Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Harmony in the Round with the Amelie Trio The Amelie Trio captures the charmed, elegant sound of Parisian café music ranging from the romantic works of Faure to the hot swing music of Django Reinhardt. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Take It Outside with Your Commissioner Hike with Commissioner Tom Donnell and Open Lands Program Manager Kerri Rollins. Devil ’s Backbone, West of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 970-679-4489.

saTurday, OcTOber 6 Picnic on the Poudre Join us with your family to learn about and participate in activities that are all about exploring nature! Magpie Meander Natural Area, 520 Hickory St., FC. 970-491-1661.

sunday, OcTOber 7 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: The Color of Fear The Color of Fear is a documentary about eight North American men, two African American, two Latinos, two Asian American and two Caucasian who were gathered by director Lee Mun Wah, for a dialog about the state of race relations in America as seen through their eyes. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

MOnday, OcTOber 8 Book Discussion: Politics for People Community book discussion, Politics for People: Finding a Responsible Public Voice, by David Mathews. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tiny Trekkers: Trees Are Terrific Join a naturalist for a special program designed for your toddler and you. Devil’s Backbone, West of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 970-679-4489.

Tuesday, OcTOber 9 Kevin Cook: At Home in the Trees, Douglas-Fir Manor Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

International Night: China Come listen to John and Karen Smith talk about their intimate relationship with a Chinese family. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Mayan Travelogue: Central America Frequent traveler, Richard Grant will beautifully narrate and share stories of his month-long journey through Central America when he visited five world-famous Maya archeology sites, including Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. Aims Corporate Center, 5590 W 11th St, Main Event Room #129C, GR. 11:30am-1:30pm.970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

The “Happiness” Project Author and counselor, Sharon Greenlee, leads this 4-week workshop based on a book written by Gretchen Rubin. Participants will evaluate happiness as it pertains to them and explore ways to change or rearrange pieces of your lives to f ind or enhance life contentment. Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 9:30-11:30am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

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Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

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Wednesday, OcTOber 10 Eracism Film Series: Brick by Brick, A Civil Rights Story A documentary about a contemporary American battle for civil rights. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Rocky Mountain Raptor Program: The Secret World of Owls We will discuss their elusive behavior, special attributes that make them so efficient and of course see live owls. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Thursday, OcTOber 11 Poe and Popular Culture: A Panel Discussion Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Nutrition Series: Strong, Healthy Bones This presentation will explain how bones become less strong as we age and provide some tips to help keep them fortified and sturdy throughout life. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, OcTOber 12 Alternative Medicine Through Acupuncture and Herbs Acupuncture is a great way to get the body balanced and help to enhance one’s well being. Poudre Valley Medical Fitness, 1870 Marina Drive, Windsor. 1:30-2:30pm. 970-495-8560 or www.pvhs.org.

saTurday, OcTOber 13 Chess @ Your Library Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tejano Music with Audi y Zentimiento This local Tejano/Conjunto band is performing in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Film: The Pit and the Pendulum In Roger Corman’s 1961 adaptation of the classic Edgar Allan Poe story, Vincent Price stars as a Spanish nobleman suspected of murdering his wife and tormented into madness by a hideous chamber of horrors hidden in the basement of the family castle. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Picnic on the Poudre Join us with your family to learn about and participate in activities that are all about exploring nature! CSU Environmental Learning Center, 2400 Environmental Dr., FC. Noon. 970-491-1661.

Ain’t That Good News! This show features variations on traditional hymns, and American spirituals. First Presbyterian Church, 1321 9th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.greeleychorale.org.

sunday, OcTOber 14 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: Brick by Brick, A Civil Rights Story A documentary about a contemporary American battle for civil rights. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving In this one-day seminar, participants will learn the basics of Weaving on a Rigid Heddle (two harness) loom. We will plan a project, measure the warp on a warping board, sley the reed, dress the loom and weave the project. Put on by the Sustainable Living Association. Double K Diamond Llamas, 16423 NCR 9, Wellington, CO. 9am-4pm. 970-224-3247 or www.SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

Deconstructed Screen Printing Make designer fabric and paper using screen printing techniques. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 1-3pm. Ages 16+. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

MOnday, OcTOber 15 Money Matters: Be Credit Wise If you want to achieve security and financial stability by enhancing your money management skills, then come and learn about the benefits of credit, minimizing the costs of credit, managing debt problems, and how to protect your credit history. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Tuesday, OcTOber 16 Author J.K. Rowling: Webcast J.K. Rowling is releasing her new book for adults this month entitled The Casual Vacancy. Join other fans as we watch her only U.S. appearance LIVE from New York City! Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Discussion of Poe Stories and Poetry Find assigned readings at www.PoeStories.com. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Money Matters: Be Credit Wise If you want to achieve security and financial stability by enhancing your money management skills, then come and learn about the benefits of credit, minimizing the costs of credit, managing debt problems, and how to protect your credit history. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, OcTOber 17 Eracism Film Series: Precious Knowledge Presented by students of the Ethnic Studies Department at CSU. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Acoustic Africa An exhilarating journey celebrating the African traditions. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Thursday, OcTOber 18 Genealogy Program: It’s More Fun to Seek than It Is to File Learn ways to organize our notes, clippings, photos, etc. so you can find your desktop. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

saTurday, OcTOber 20 It Came from the Library: Teen Read Week Zombie Fest Celebrate national Teen Read Week with a fun-filled Monster/Zombie Fest! Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

sunday, OcTOber 21 Game Day @ Your Library Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: Precious Knowledge Presented by students of the Ethnic Studies Department at CSU. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Sweater Felting This class will teach you how to turn the somewhat smaller or outdated version of your favorite sweater into a whimsical gift or cozy household item for the Holidays or any day. Workshop presented by the Sustainable Living Association. SLA Offices in Old Town, FC. 970-224-3247 or www.SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

MOnday, OcTOber 22 Antarctica Lecture Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Retirement’s Three Most Urgent Questions This class will offer help in planning your finances for retirement. Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive, FC. 6-7:30pm. 970-495-8560 or www.pvhs.org.

Tuesday, OcTOber 23 NaNoWriMo Meet and Greet for Teens and Adults Come to this meeting to learn how to join the writing extravaganza. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, OcTOber 24 Eracism Film Series: Homeland, Four Portraits of Native Action From Alaska to Maine and Montana to New Mexico, Homeland profiles the struggles of Native American leaders who are taking on powerful energy companies and government agencies to protect the environment for all Americans. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Shaolin Warriors Known throughout the world for their disciplined and deadly martial-arts prowess, these Kung Fu masters bring remarkable skill, stunning movement and spectacular imagery to the stage in this exhilarating performance. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Thursday, OcTOber 25 The Craft of Building a Novel This workshop is ideal for writers at any

stage who want to understand how to build a better book. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 5:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

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International Night: China Come listen to John and Karen Smith talk about their intimate relationship with a Chinese family. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

How To Stay Financially and Physically Fit Get help answering these questions: How do you make sure that your estate plan and wishes will be adhered to? What do you do if you become incapacitated? How do you stay fit to enjoy the quality of life you desire as you retire? Greeley Medical Center, 1900 16th St, GR. Noon-1:15pm. 970-495-8560 or www.pvhs.org.

Organic Skin Care 101 Learn why you should use organic ingredients and how to make your own nourishing organic skin care products. Workshop by the Sustainable Living Association. Location TBA (at time of publication). 6-8pm. 970-224-3247 or www.SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

Friday, OcTOber 26 Literature Comes Alive: Edgar Allan Poe Poe, the original Goth, takes the audience on a dark journey into the inner workings of the creative process. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

saTurday, OcTOber 27 Messages in Stone Take a short hike with Naturalist Ed through millions of years of geologic history. Devil ’s Backbone, West of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 10am. 970-679-4489.

sunday, OcTOber 28 Genealogy Program: Birth, Marriage, Death, & Church Records Instructor Carol Stetser tells about locating BMD and church records in the U.S. and how they are important for genealogy research. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: Homeland, Four Portraits of Native Action From Alaska to Maine and Montana to New Mexico, Homeland profiles the struggles of Native American leaders who are taking on powerful energy companies and government agencies to protect the environment for all Americans. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

MOnday, OcTOber 29 Community Discussion of The World We Found Come join the community discussion of Fort Collin’s Reads, 2012 title selection: The World We Found, by Thrity Umrigar. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, OcTOber 31 Happy Halloween!

Bill Runyan Symphony Lecture: Musical Harvest Get ready for the November 3 concert at the Lincoln Center, Masterworks #2. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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I’ll never forget how I felt the first time I held each of my three sons in my arms. Love oozed from every

pore to my child. I thought nothing could top that feeling. Little did I know!

Our oldest son married first, in his late 20s. For years, he gave us grand-horses and granddogs before he finally called to say they were expecting a baby.

Because of a scheduled caesarian, we booked a flight to Salt Lake City the day before the birth. We climbed into the backseat of our son’s car.

“We’re on our way to the hospital,” he said. “The doctor changed the sur-gery to today.”

After the procedure, tears filled my eyes at the sight of our 6’4” son as he walked out of the operating room in green scrubs cradling a tiny blue-eyed baby girl. The first time I held Han-nah, I reveled at her warmth and small breaths against my neck as she gripped my finger. For the next two weeks, I cuddled, rocked, and changed her.

I couldn’t do the same with our twin granddaughters until they were eight months old. We attended our youngest son’s marriage in Auckland, New Zealand. When he called to tell us they expected twins, we decided not to return but wait for the fami-ly’s plan to move to the states after the births.

The plane was late, so I paced, my insides quaking. After it landed, pas-sengers hurried through the exit, all except our son and family. Did they miss the connection? Heart throbbing in my chest, I rushed up to a flight attendant and questioned if parents with twins were aboard the plane. He smiled. “They’ll be out in a minute.”

At last, they walked through the doorway. I hugged Lina and her mom. Leilani peeked around her dad’s head from a special pack on his back. I wrapped my arms around them both and released all my anxieties with huge, loud sobs.

“I’m so sorry to embarrass you,” I whispered.

“That’s okay, Mom. You should see all the people tearing up behind you.”

Some years later, Hannah’s dad called a month before Matthew was due. “Mom,” he said, “we’re on our way to the hospital now. Something’s wrong.” I cried and prayed for eight hours as I drove to Salt Lake City. My stomach churned when I viewed Mat-thew in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hooked to machines that kept me

from embracing him for a week. My prayers were answered. Taller than his peers, nine-year-old Matthew is his soccer team’s star.

Thank goodness his little sister’s birth was normal. I relished the feel of Melissa, with her mop of black hair and smell of baby powder, and thought she’d probably be my last grandchild.

In his mid-thirties, our middle son seemed to have no desire to marry or have children. Every time we handed him a baby, he held the child away from

his body and asked, “What do I do?” He finally wed and two years later

with no baby in sight, he and his wife chose invitro fertilization.

We stayed overnight in Denver before the scheduled caesarian and awoke to a snowstorm. Would we get there in time? As we rushed down the hospital corridor, Paul pushed two bas-sinets toward us – as we expected, baby boys wearing stocking caps with #1 and #2 knitted on the front.

When we readied to go home I

handed Paul one boy. He asked for the other. My heart swelled at the sight of him, a baby in the crook of each arm.

“Can’t I put one in the bassinet for you, Paul?” I asked.

“No, Mom, I’m fine.” Why is holding a grandchild

so special? Is it because the baby represents your future generations? Does it make you feel immortal? Whatever–I know nothing tops that special Senior Moment of cuddling a newborn grandchild.

senior moment

Cuddling a newborn grandchildThe best senior moments come in small packages

L i n d a L . O s m u n d s O n

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