You have a choice of days as well as the type of music you prefer. The music genres are varied throughout the summer:  jazz, blues, rock, R&B, Motown, oldies, bluegrass, reggae, Americana, Dixieland, pop, Latin, country and more!

All you need is a blanket or chair as well as some yummy snacks. The difficult part is deciding which concerts to attend!
 
FIRST & MAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Fridays (June & July)
First and Main Town Center, 3650 New Center Point
firstandmaintowncenter.com
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PIKES PEAK JAZZ AND SWING SOCIETY’S ~ JAZZ IN THE PARKS
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays
ppjass.org
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Manitou Springs Live Music
For concerts in Manitou Springs – Click Here
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University Village Colorado - Summer Concert Series
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Fridays
University Village Shopping Center - 5246 N. Nevada, Colorado Springs
Concert Schedule
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HILLSIDE GARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Hillside Gardens, 1006 S. Institute, Colorado Springs
Admission is $15 and that includes a house drink. Enjoy local food vendors.
hillsidegardensandevents.com
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BANNING LEWIS RANCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays
Banning Lewis Ranch, 6885 Vista del Pico Blvd., 522-2432, 
banninglewisranch.com
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LIMBACH PARK - TOWN OF MONUMENT
6:00 p.m. Wednesdays May 31 - August 9
Concerts in the Park Schedule
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JAZZ IN THE GARDEN AT GRACE AND ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
7:00 p.m. Fridays
601 N. Tejon St., 328-1125, 
gssepiscopal.org
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MUSIC ON THE LABYRINTH
6:30 p.m. Saturdays
First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., 
firstchristiancos.org
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MUSICAL MONDAYS IN MONUMENT VALLEY PARK
6:30 p.m. Mondays
Monument Valley Park, on lawn west of Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center,
170 W. Cache la Poudre St.
Concert Schedule
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SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE GLEN
6:00 -7:30 p.m. Wednesdays ~ July & August
The Glen at Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave., 
broadmoorchurch.org
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EL PASO COUNTY CONCERTS IN THE PARK
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursdays  - Starting August 3
Concert Schedule

Pikes Peak Area RVing – If You Are Interested… It’s Close!

Garden of the Gods Park

One of the most photographed views in all of Colorado. These red rock formations rise up from seemingly out of nowhere.  The view is dramatic especially views against the background our majestic Pikes Peak. The park features easy to hard walking trails and family and wheelchair friendly.  If you want a different adventure, you can sign up for a Jeep or Segway tour or if you really take the risk for adventure you can arrange for some rock climbing.
 
 Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

It’s just a short ride but you can take a short RV road trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.  It was known, at past times, as the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas. The gorge is approximately ten miles long, granite walls that tower over 1,000 feet high.  You can take a gondola across the gorge, or if you can handle the height walk across on the bridge. There is a experience of taking the highest zip line in North America… if you dare. There are historic displays about the park’s history.  You will see the story of the 2013 fire that destroyed parts of the bridge. To settle in for a quiet day you can sit and just enjoy the spectacular views of the rock formations and river below the venue.

Pikes Peak

Another Colorado 14er at 14,115 feet — is one of the most famous summits in the United States. Visitors can hike the mountain, drive it (passing three fishing lakes and numerous hiking trails on the way), or ride up on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. However you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and more.
 
For more RV Trips in Colorado, click here...
https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-trips/colorado/
 
Broadmoor Seven Falls
Another great place for us seniors to visit in the Pikes Peak Region is the Broadmoor Seven Falls. A shuttle conveniently takes you up to the series of waterfalls. From there, you can travel along the trails, and you can experience the magnificent views.  Don’t want to miss the Eagles Nest across from the falls. Take the elevator up to see the spectacular views there. 

As we age, it's important to find hobbies that not only bring us joy but also keep our minds and bodies active. Hobbies can help us stay active, engaged, and provide a sense of purpose. While some hobbies may require physical activity, others can be done from the comfort of our own homes. Here are some hobby ideas for older people:
 
1. Gardening: Gardening is a great hobby for older people. It provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and grow healthy vegetables and fruits. Gardening can also be a stress-relieving activity that helps improve mental health.
 
2. Painting: Painting is a great hobby that can help improve cognitive function and boost creativity. It's a relaxing and enjoyable way to express oneself and explore new ideas. Whether painting landscapes, portraits, or abstract art, it's a great way to keep the mind active and engaged.
 
3. Reading: Reading is a great way to keep the mind active and engaged. It's also a great way to learn new things and explore new ideas. Whether reading fiction, non-fiction, or biographies, reading can be a great way to pass the time.
 
4. Playing board games: Playing board games is a great way to spend time with family and friends. It's also a great way to keep the mind active and engaged. Games like chess, checkers, and Scrabble can help improve cognitive function and memory.
 
5. Walking: Walking is a great way to stay active and improve physical health. It's also a great way to explore new places and get some fresh air. Walking can also be a social activity, allowing older people to meet new people and make new friends.
 
6. Cooking: Cooking is a great hobby that not only provides a source of enjoyment but can also help improve physical health. Cooking healthy meals can help maintain a healthy diet and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
 
7. Photography: Photography is a great hobby that allows older people to explore their creative side. It's also a great way to capture memories and share them with others. Whether taking photos of nature, people, or objects, photography can be a great way to keep the mind active and engaged.

8. Fishing: Fishing is one of the greatest hobbies practiced religiously since ancient times. Some call it a sport while others consider it the "art of life". Though this began as a means of survival for many, it has now turned into the most favorite activity to do to kill your festering boredom. Like other sports, fishing requires numerous mental and physical skills in order to achieve success.
 
In conclusion, hobbies can be a great way for older people to stay active and engaged. Whether gardening, painting, reading, playing board games, walking, cooking, or photography, there are many hobbies that can provide both enjoyment and health benefits. It's important for older people to find hobbies that are enjoyable and provide a sense of purpose.

Senior citizens are a rapidly growing demographic in Colorado Springs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a population of over 472,000, with almost 12% of the population being 65 years or older. This translates to over 56,000 senior citizens living in Colorado Springs.

One interesting statistic that stands out is that women make up a significant majority of the senior population in Colorado Springs. In fact, women comprise 58% of the senior population, while men make up the remaining 42%. This disparity is not unique to Colorado Springs, as it is a trend seen across the United States. However, it is important to consider when developing policies and programs that cater to the needs of senior citizens in the area.

Another notable statistic is that the senior population is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. By 2030, it is projected that over 20% of the population in Colorado Springs will be 65 years or older. This growth is due to a combination of factors, including increased life expectancy and the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.

In terms of housing, the majority of senior citizens in Colorado Springs own their own homes. Over 77% of seniors in the area are homeowners, while just under 23% rent their homes. This trend is consistent with national statistics, which show that the majority of seniors prefer to age in place and remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Healthcare is another important aspect to consider when looking at statistics on senior citizens in Colorado Springs. Over 80% of seniors in the area have health insurance, which is higher than the national average. This is likely due in part to the fact that Colorado has expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Colorado Springs is home to a number of healthcare providers, including several hospitals and medical centers, which offer a wide range of services to seniors.

Finally, it is worth noting that seniors in Colorado Springs are an active and engaged group. Many participate in community events and activities, and there are a number of organizations and clubs specifically geared towards seniors in the area. This is important, as social isolation can be a significant issue for seniors, and participating in community events and activities can help combat this problem.

In conclusion, the statistics on senior citizens in Colorado Springs paint a picture of a growing and engaged demographic. As the population continues to age, it is important for policymakers and community leaders to consider the unique needs of seniors in the area and develop programs and policies to support them. By doing so, we can ensure that seniors in Colorado Springs continue to thrive and contribute to our community for years to come.

Are you tired of missing out on everyday  opportunities because of procrastination? If you're like many people, you've probably experienced the frustration of putting things off until the last minute, only to find that you've missed out on a chance to succeed. Whether it's a chance to advance in your career, or even a personal goal, procrastination can hold you back and prevent you from reaching your full potential.

When you procrastinate, you may miss deadlines, miss out on opportunities to impress others with your work, or miss chances to advance in your career or personal life.

If you have a big project due at work, but you keep putting it off until the last minute, you may not be able to complete it to the best of your ability and miss out on a chance to impress your boss and colleagues.

Procrastination can also cause you to miss out on opportunities for personal growth and development.

If you have a goal to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, but you keep putting it off, you may miss out on the chance to challenge yourself and grow in new and exciting ways.

Ultimately, procrastination can keep you from taking advantage of great opportunities by causing you to waste time and miss out on important deadlines and chances to succeed. By overcoming procrastination, you can take control of your life and start taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

Procrastination isn’t a unique character flaw or a mysterious curse on your ability to manage time, but a way of coping with challenging emotions and negative moods induced by certain tasks — boredom, anxiety, insecurity, frustration, resentment, self-doubt and beyond.

“Procrastination is an emotion regulation problem, not a time management problem,” said Dr. Tim Pychyl, professor of psychology and member of the Procrastination Research Group at Carleton University in Ottawa. Source...

So, how can you get control of procrastination and start taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way? Here are a few tips:

Identify your triggers: The first step in overcoming procrastination is to identify what triggers your avoidance behavior. Maybe you're afraid of failure, or you feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. Understanding your triggers can help you develop strategies to overcome them.

• Set goals. This will help you focus on what you want to achieve and give you a roadmap to follow.
• Break tasks into smaller steps. Start with a small step and work your way up from there.
• Create a schedule. Block out time for your most important tasks and stick to your schedule as much as possible.
• Seek support. Find a coach, mentor, or therapist who can help you stay accountable, offer guidance, and encourage you to keep moving forward.
• Celebrate your progress.  Set up a system of rewards for yourself and treat yourself when you achieve your goals.

By following these tips, you can start taking control of procrastination and start taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Whether you're looking to advance in your career, reach a personal goal, or simply live a more fulfilling life, taking control of procrastination is the key to success. So, why wait? Start taking action today and start reaching for the stars!
 
 
 

Tips For Figuring Things Out!

Do you often find yourself wondering what you are doing in life? Many people reach a point where they feel they lack direction in their lives. Instead of living life to the fullest, they simply go through the motions.

If this sounds like you, there are things you can do to help you get out of the rut you are currently in. Below, you'll discover some fabulous tips for figuring out what it is you want from life.













1. Consider Your Passions

If you want to know what direction to go in, it's helpful to think about the things you are passionate about. The things that motivate and inspire you will change on a frequent basis. For example, what you want today may look very different to what you wanted a few months ago.

As we change, we adapt over time according to our experiences. Figuring out the things you are passionate about will help you to understand where to go next and what you need to do to get there.

2. Address Your Fears

Even if you know what it is you want to do, you might be stuck because of fear. Known to be one of our most powerful emotions, fear can stop you from going after the things you truly want in life.

So, if you are going to move forward and figure out what it is you are doing in life, you are going to need to address your fears. Identify your fears! Figure out where they are coming from. Then, be willing to work through them so you can stop them from controlling your life.

3. Assess Your Current Goals

Do you have any goals you are working on right now? Chances are if you aren't sure what you are doing in your life, you won't have any goals to work towards.  This can contribute to the problem. You need to set goals for yourself to keep your mind motivated and positive. When you have things to work for, it gives you a purpose each day. As you see yourself progressing through your goals, it generates more motivation to get you to where you need to be. Make sure you set small, specific goals that are easy to achieve.

4. You Don't Need To Have It All Figured Out

Nobody has their life totally figured out. There will always be doubts and things you want to do better. You don't have to have it all figured out all of the time. In fact just going "with the flow" sometimes can present you with a lot of opportunities you would otherwise miss.

Feeling like you don't know what you are doing in life can be lonely and frustrating. However, the above suggestions are just some of the things you can do to figure out what it is you want!

We’ve often thought about muscle as a thing that exists separately from intellect—and perhaps that is even oppositional to it, one taking resources from the other. The truth is, our brains and muscles are in constant conversation with each other, sending electrochemical signals back and forth. Thus, our lifelong brain health depends on keeping our muscles moving. 

Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that allows you to move your body around; it is one of the biggest organs in the human body. It is also an endocrine tissue, which means it releases signaling molecules that travel to other parts of your body to tell them to do things. The protein molecules that transmit messages from the skeletal muscle to other tissues—including the brain—are called myokines. 

Myokines are released into the bloodstream when your muscles contract, create new cells, or perform other metabolic activities. When they arrive at the brain, they regulate physiological and metabolic responses there, too. As a result, myokines have the ability to affect cognition, mood, and emotional behavior. Exercise further stimulates what scientists call muscle-brain “cross talk,” and these myokine messengers help determine specific beneficial responses in the brain. These can include the formation of new neurons and increased synaptic plasticity, both of which boost learning and memory.

In these ways, strong muscles are essential to healthy brain function. 

In young muscle, a small amount of exercise triggers molecular processes that tell the muscle to grow. Muscle fibers sustain damage through strain and stress, and then repair themselves by fusing together and increasing in size and mass. Muscles get stronger by surviving each series of little breakdowns, allowing for regeneration, rejuvenation, regrowth. As we age, the signal sent by exercise becomes much weaker. Though it’s more difficult for older people to gain and maintain muscle mass, it’s still possible to do so, and that maintenance is critical to supporting the brain.

Even moderate exercise can increase metabolism in brain regions important for learning and memory in older adults. And the brain itself has been found to respond to exercise in strikingly physical ways. The hippocampus, a brain structure that plays a major role in learning and memory, shrinks in late adulthood; this can result in an increased risk for dementia. Exercise training can increase the size of the hippocampus, even late in life, protecting against age-related loss and improving spatial memory. 

Your mind is in fact an ongoing construction of your brain, your body, and the surrounding world. 
Further, there is substantial evidence that certain myokines have sex-differentiated neuroprotective properties. For example, the myokine irisin is influenced by estrogen levels, and postmenopausal women are more susceptible to neurological diseases, which suggests that irisin may also have an important role in protecting neurons against age-related decline.

Studies have shown that even in people with existing brain disease or damage, increased physical activity and motor skills are associated with better cognitive function. People with sarcopenia, or age-related muscle atrophy, are more likely to suffer cognitive decline. Mounting evidence shows that the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function leaves the brain more vulnerable to dysfunction and disease; as a counter to that, exercise improves memory, processing speed, and executive function, especially in older adults. (Exercise also boosts these cognitive abilities in children.)

There’s a robust molecular language being spoken between your muscles and your brain. Exercise helps keep us fluent in that language, even into old age. Source...