Inside COS Town Tidings Issue #048

🤣 Today’s Chuckle
🌞 COS Weather - Sunny & seasonal

🤗 It’s GIVING TUESDAY today

🔥 Fort Carson's Preventive Burns: Expect Smoke

🚦 Synced Signals: City and County Unite for Smoother Roads

🛠️ Red Rock Canyon Trails Temporarily Closed for TLC

💥 Who Should We Feature?

📆 Upcoming Local Events - updated daily
🤶 Holiday Craft Fairs

📵 Tech Tip 🔌 Gadget Guide: Save Money, Maximize Tech Life

🌟 Unlocking Awareness: Early Signs of Dementia and Alzheimer's

🤝 Partner with us

What prize did the nonprofit organization that invented knock-knock jokes win?
👉 The no-bell prize 🤣

🤗 It’s GIVING TUESDAY today!

If you are looking for a charity to volunteer or donate, check out our Saturday’s Community Corner issue for some ideas.

🔥 Fort Carson's Preventive Burns: Expect Smoke

Prescribed burns, initiated by the Department of the Army in Fort Carson, aim to prevent wildfires during training operations. Visible smoke may be sporadic in El Paso County and Southern Colorado throughout December, with operations managed by emergency services. Smoke may be seen along major highways. Concerned community members can reach out to Fort Carson at (719) 526-9849.

🚦 Synced Signals: City and County Unite for Smoother Roads

Colorado Springs City Council tentatively approved a deal with El Paso County for maintaining and upgrading 55 traffic signals near city limits. This collaborative effort streamlines operational control, enhancing consistency and quick issue resolution.

The county will annually reimburse $194,000 for repairs and maintenance, with an additional one-time payment of $234,000 for signal upgrades. The city, already managing 76 signals for the Colorado Department of Transportation, plans to hire two technicians for improved signal-related services. The final vote on the agreement is expected in two weeks.

🛠️ Red Rock Canyon Trails Temporarily Closed for TLC

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is temporarily closing popular trails through Wednesday, including Mess, Chamberlain, Palmer, and Roundup, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for essential maintenance and repairs. The closures aim to address drainage structures and road surfaces, essential for trail preservation. Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation emphasizes the importance of regular upkeep, highlighting water as a major threat to trail integrity. Alternative routes can be found on trailhead maps.

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Upcoming COS Area Events

• Nov 28th, 4-7 PM: Pictures with Santa @Heartbeat Church 3958 N Academy Must Register

• Nov 28th-Dec 19th (Tuesdays), 6-7 PM: Zumba® @Westside Community Center, 1628 W Bijou $25 for 5 weeks or Drop-in for $6 per class

• Nov 29th (Every Wednesday), 10:30-11:30 AM: Balance and Flexibility @Westside Community Center $4

• Nov 29th (Every Wednesday), 9-10:15 AM: Pickleball for Beginners @Westside Community Center

• Nov 30th - Dec 31st, Tues & Wed 7 PM, Thurs & Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 2, 5, 7:30 PM, Sun 2 PM: Elf The Musical @Fine Arts Center $26-$60.50

• Dec 1st, (Every Friday) 9-10 AM: Senior Fitness @Westside Community Center $2

• Dec 1st, 4-6 PM; Theme day with Colorado Springs Utilities $10 ($1 off if you show up in an ugly sweater)

• Dec 1st, 4:30-6 PM: Happy Hour Mini Canvas Painting @Painting With A Twist 115 N Tejon St $20

• Dec 1st, 7-8:30 PM; Tidings of Comfort and Joy - Forté Handbell Quartet @Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 13990 Gleneagle Dr FREE

• Dec 2nd - 10th, 10 AM & 2 PM depending on the day; Wreath Workshop @Phelan Gardens, 4955 Austin Bluffs $35

• Dec 2, 1-4PM; Guardian & Child Winter Ball @Pikes Peak Library District - The Hall $20 for Guardian & child

• Dec 2nd, Noon-4 PM; A Healthy Holiday Shopping Event @Khronology Functional Fitness & Nutrition 4440 Barnes Rd FREE

• Dec 2nd, 3:30-5 PM; Tidings of Comfort and Joy - Forté Handbell Quartet @Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr FREE

🧵🎄 Upcoming Holiday Craft Fairs 🤶🧶

• Dec. 2: Holiday Craft Fair — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain High School, 1200 Cresta Rd

• Dec. 2: Colorado Farm and Art Market's Holiday Market — 11 a.m.-3 p.m., The Margarita at Pine Creek, 7350 Pine Creek Rd

• Dec. 2-3: A Very Merry Downtown Market — 10 AM - 6 PM Dec 2; 10 AM - 4 PM Dec 3, 108 W. Cimarron St

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

👉 Click here to submit your event for consideration 👈

🔌 Gadget Guide: Save Money, Maximize Tech Life

To safeguard your tech investments, follow these tips: keep phone charging between 20% and 80%, unplug after a full charge, and invest in quality chargers to ensure compatibility and prevent damage. Smart choices lead to prolonged tech longevity. 📱💡

_{*Tip provided by Kim Komando}

🌟 Unlocking Awareness: Early Signs of Dementia and Alzheimer's

In this segment, we shed light on the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer's, empowering individuals and their loved ones to recognize these indicators and seek timely support.

🔍 Crucial Early Detection

Timely identification is key for effective management. Understanding the warning signs allows families to proactively pursue a proper diagnosis and access essential resources.

🧠 Recognizing Memory Loss

Memory loss is a common early sign, encompassing challenges in recalling recent information, dates, or names. Misplacing items becomes more frequent. Although less common, other symptoms may appear before memory loss.

🤔 Problem-solving Challenges

Dementia affects problem-solving abilities, making once-routine tasks challenging. This includes managing finances, following recipes, and organizing daily activities.

😢 Mood and Personality Changes

Early indicators may include mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, or depression. These are beyond just having a “bad day” or feeling down for a reason. Uncharacteristic changes in behavior, like social withdrawal, may also manifest.

💬 Communication Struggles

Language and communication difficulties emerge, with individuals finding it hard to express thoughts, repeat themselves, or follow conversations.

👩‍⚕️ Navigating Medical Evaluation

While involving doctors is essential, it's crucial to acknowledge the nuanced nature of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. Practical suggestions are often needed, beyond what traditional medical interventions offer, based on our experiences.

If you observe any of these signs, taking the first step toward a diagnosis begins with seeking medical evaluation. This ensures a comprehensive assessment and sets the foundation for appropriate guidance and support going forward.

**Information in this newsletter is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any condition nor is it medical advice. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your current lifestyle. 

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