By Kathleen Spring

Redstone Review

LYONS – Lyons seniors have recently been involved in a number of activities that took them away from their normal activities in May. They gathered up a large box of pet food and essentials to feed and comfort the wild animals at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Two seniors inspected several refurbished treadle sewing machines that were sent to a women’s sewing cooperative in Haiti, organized by the Good Samaritan Foundation of Ile la Vache. A group of seniors and teens, known as Generational Active People, GAP, took a field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to see the Body Worlds and the Story of the Heart exhibit, followed by lunch in City Park. For their annual May party, the GAP group had a picnic in Meadow Park for the first time. There was music, prizes and great conversations shared, while enjoying the sunny spring weather. GAP is sponsored by Lyons Area Advisory Council on Aging.

Seniors celebrated Mother’s Day twice. First, at the meals-on-wheels lunch at the senior center, Vance French sang a number of songs about motherhood. These included spelling out the word mother and giving each letter a sentimental meaning, such as M is for the million things she gave me. The favorite sing-along was I want a girl, just like the girl who married dear old dad. Then mothers who attended the monthly Saturday breakfast fundraiser were serenaded and given a corsage to wear.

The Lyons Golden Gang offers opportunities for local seniors, age 55 and up, to have a nutritious lunch at a low cost, and enjoy some socializing, either through conversations with new friends, or taking part in activities, such as Bingo, lectures, crafts and more. One advantage of becoming a member of the Golden Gang is partaking in free lunches three times a month. Oskar Blues Grill and Brew has been providing lunches for several years. On the Rocks Southern Bistro joined the program last summer. The Peaks Care Center frequently provides lunch at the senior center on Birthday Fridays.

Lunches are prepared at the Longmont Meals on Wheels kitchen, and delivered to the senior center three days a week, or to the homes of local people who are incapacitated. Occasionally there is a miscommunication, and a special meal is not delivered. Both Oskar Blues Grill and Brew and the On the Rocks Bistro have stepped up at the last minute and delivered a substitute meal. The seniors appreciate the special attention that the owners and staff give to them. The Golden Gang sends out thanks for the good care given by the community for their senior residents.

Membership in the Golden Gang is free. For those who want to become members, volunteers in the kitchen, drivers for meals, or volunteer officers can call Mary Lou Wallace at 303-823-6386 for more information. The meals are $3.25; those under age 55 or guests pay $4.50. These are believed to be the lowest prices in the Front Range.

May events at the senior center include an Explore the Garden talk, This is My Life by Lisa Rose, and My Vacation in India by Marie McCreery. Every Friday there is live musical entertainment. Tuesday Bingo and Casino Day are continued. The highlight of the month is Bonnie Kohl’s reenactment of the life of Helen Hunt Jackson. All programs are free and take place at noon, after lunch. Prospective entertainers can call Janet Freeman 303-823-5223.

Kathleen Spring is an award-winning journalist, photojournalist and author. She conducts creative writing and journaling workshops at her mountainside retreat Spring Time Writers. She is a freelance writer and is the director of Lyons History Video Project.

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