The Meadowlark Notes - Rio Rancho
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P R O M O T I N G P O SI T I V E A G I N G February 2021
The Meadowlark Notes
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS FOR ADULTS 55 & BETTER
4 3 3 0 M E A D OW L A R K L A N E S E , R I O R A N C H O , N M 8 7 1 2 4
(505)891-5018 w w w . r r n m . g o v/ s e n i o r s e r vi c e s
Dear Members, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
For Seniors
The month of love is here! As flowers and
chocolate line the shelves at the stores, we want Two locations in Rio Rancho:
to remind all of our members that the most
important form of love is to love yourself! With First Baptist Church
that in mind, we have a few things inside this 3906 19th Ave SE
issue to help you warm your hearts. (on 528, across from Intel)
Mondays and Tuesdays,
First, because February is American Heart starting 2-1-2021
Month, we offer some healthy heart tips on page
2. There are also some additional sources on Community of Joy Lutheran
page 7 that you can search on the Internet if you
Church
want to further your research on this important
841 Saratoga Dr NE
topic.
(at Northern Blvd)
You’ll find a sweet Platinum Love Story on page Thursdays and Fridays
3. We are recognizing a Meadowlark couple that starting 2-4-2021
is celebrating 70 years of marriage. What’s their
secret? Find out on page 3. Appointments are required.
Many people have questions about the COVID- To make an appointment, go to:
19 vaccine. Please read the information about aarpfoundation.org/taxaide
registering for a vaccine on page 4. Appointments can be made
starting January 22.
We also hope to see you in the lunch line on
Friday, February 12 for a special Valentine’s Day
Drive-Thru event. We will distribute treats, and
you might even bee stung by our special guest,
The Love Bug! Thank you to BeeHive Homes for
helping with this event.
And last but not least, we know you will LOVE
this video of the second senior center:
https://youtu.be/BFJP8_epcTE
We wish you lots of love this month!
A still photo from the video of
The Meadowlark Staff the Second Senior Center.
Volume 37, Issue 2
2
February is Heart Heath Awareness Month
With Valentine’s Day this month, our health topic has to do with matters of the heart.
Here are some tips to live heart healthy and prevent heart disease.
Eat Well
The Harvard School of Public Health recommend the
Healthy Eating Plate to the left for preventing cardiovascu-
lar disease. They state that people who followed this portion
plan had a 31% lower risk of heart disease, a 33% lower
risk of diabetes, and a 20% lower risk of stroke.
No Smoking or Quit Smoking
The FDA states that “When you breathe in air from the at-
mosphere, the lungs take in oxygen and deliver it to the
heart, which pumps this oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the
body through the blood vessels. But when you breathe in
cigarette smoke, the blood that is distributed to the rest of
the body becomes contaminated with the smoke’s chemi-
cals. These chemicals can damage to your heart and blood
vessels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.” If you’re
a smoker, don’t get discouraged! Most smokers do, in fact
quit. The CDC conducted a study that determined that there
are now more non-smokers than smokers in the United
States.
Get Active!
Your heart is a muscle and needs exercise too and getting regular exercise can help with more than
just your heart health. Exercise as simple as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or even gardening
can contribute to your heart healthy lifestyle. A SilverSneakers blog post states that “’the heart is a
muscle, and like all muscles, it can become stronger and more efficient with exercise,’ says Victoria
Shin, M.D., a cardiologist at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in California. ‘By enabling the heart
to pump more blood with every beat, cardiovascular exercise can help lower your resting heart rate.
It can also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels to help lower your risk of heart disease,’ she
says.”
Maintain a Healthy Weight
According to the American Heart Association, when your body is at a healthy weight, your body cir-
culates blood more efficiently, your fluid levels are more easily managed, you are less likely to devel-
op diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, gallstones, osteoarthritis, breathing problems and sleep
apnea, and you generally feel better! If you’re trying to lose weight, follow the Eat Well and Get Ac-
tive! tips and you’re already on your way! The American Heart Association also recommends setting
realistic goals, keep a food journal in order to become more mindful of what you eat, and understand
your triggers.
Stress Less
Stress is a normal part of life, but a study conducted by the University of Rochester found that a lot
of stress can cause a release of the hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol in your body can lead to
increases in blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure, which are all common
risk factors of heart disease. How can you stress less? Get Active! Also, have a strong support sys-
tem of friends, family, or other network of people that you can rely on to help take the heavy burden
off of you and provide comfort. If things are more serious with your stress level, seek higher levels of
treatment. Lastly, try meditation, yoga, guided imagery and deep breathing to help find your zen.
Volume 37, Issue 2
3
Platinum Love Story
plat·i·num - /ˈplæt(ə)nəm/
noun-The white silver metal known as platinum is the heaviest
of the precious metals, weighing almost twice as much as karat
gold. It is dense . . . and impervious to corrosion... Its resistance
to tarnish and wear make it an excellent choice in the crafting of
fine jewelry. (https://www.preciousmetals.com/blog/post/platinum-
expensive.html)
This month Meadowlark pays homage to matters of
the heart. We are grateful to share the love story of
one of the many beautiful couples that attend the
Meadowlark Senior Center. Freddy and Juanita De Leon have been married for 70 years (the
platinum anniversary) and have a love that has lasted through generations.
“It was 1945 when my family moved into the Garment District in Harlem. Freddy was in 315,
and we were moving into 309 when he passed by and looked into our window to see who was
moving in. That’s when he saw my stepbrother, Sterling.” Juanita describes the start of her love
story with Fredrick “Freddy” De Leon.
Freddy starts laughing and says, “Well, let me just say, two to three years before that, I used
to see this gorgeous girl, and I thought she was so beautiful. But you know, I thought she would
never talk to me and that I never had a chance. She was so pretty, and you know, kind of snooty.”
He laughs harder.
“I was not.” Juanita starts laughing with him.
“And so when I looked through that window and saw my friend Sterling, I said, ‘Hey man,
what are you doing?’ He said, ‘We live here now! Let me introduce you to my sister.’ I saw her, and I
said to myself, ‘THANK YOU GOD!’ She was always the center of attention. That’s why I never
thought I would have a chance. Her stepbrother always had these guys over. All these men. And
here I was, this scrawny, tall basketball player boy, in the middle of these men.”
“Yeah. They were in show business. They were actors and dancers and were in the choir on
Broadway and from the theater,” replies Juanita. “Sterling always had a lot of people over.”
When Freddy found out that Sterling’s friends weren’t interested in Juanita, he thought, ‘Hey, I
might have a shot after all!’”
Over the years at the house on 309, a lifelong friendship bloomed between Juanita and
Freddy. In 1947 Freddy found himself away at college in Oswego, NY, on a basketball scholarship
while Juanita was still in Harlem. Both discovered that they missed each other and longed for more
than friendship. That year, Freddy’s teammates found out that he had not asked anyone to attend
the college prom. Wanting to help him out, they asked if he had a girlfriend or someone back in
Harlem that he left behind. Thinking of only Juanita, he replied, “Yeah, I think so. All my teammates
gathered money to buy her a train ticket so that she could go with me. Can you believe that? So
yeah, after that I didn’t finish college. I missed her too much.”
“Things didn’t get serious between us until after he left.” The memories fill Juanita’s heart and
head. “I missed him. You know that saying absence makes the heart grow fonder? It’s true. It’s
absolutely true.”
Three years after college prom on June 10, 1950, Freddy and Juanita married, and they
ended up having two wonderful sons, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. The
friendship, love, and union between Freddy and Juanita has been very good and taken them on
many adventures throughout their lives together.
“We’ve had a good life,” says Freddy. “And whatever I wanted, I’ve had. Whatever I don’t
have, well, I guess I didn’t want that much. But the most important thing in a relationship is to like
each other. Love is different. But you know, nothing is terrible when you like each other.”
Volume 37, Issue 2
4
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
The vaccine will be administered in a What to Expect When You Register Online
phased approach. If you wish to receive
the vaccine, you must register. When you start the registration process, you
will be asked to create a profile with the
You can register online at https:// following information:
cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/ Name
Date of birth
You can also register by phone by Zip code
calling Email address
1-855-600-3453. Phone number (cell phone or landline)
Press option 0 for vaccine questions. Employment information (you can select
Then press option 4 for tech support. “retired”)
Chronic medical conditions
You can ask questions about the vaccine
by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine If your chronic medical conditions are not
Hotline: 1-855-600-3453. included on the list, select “other,” and you
will be able to type in your specific details.
The vaccine is being administered in
phases. Phase 1A included hospital After you register, you will receive a
personnel, residents and staff of long- confirmation code by text message or email.
term care facilities, medical first You can use this confirmation code to access
responders, congregate setting workers, your profile to change or add information.
and home-based healthcare and hospice
workers. After you create your profile, you will be
contacted when it is your turn to schedule an
Phase 1B includes individuals 75 years appointment for the vaccine.
of age and older, individuals 16 or older
with underlying medical conditions that
place them at greater risk from COVID-
19, essential frontline workers who
cannot work remotely, and vulnerable Important Phone Numbers & Websites
populations.
FREE At-Home COVID-19 Saliva Test
Phase 1C will include adults age 60 and learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/
over, as well as other essential workers.
Phase 2 will include members of the COVID-19 Testing in Sandoval County
general public. NextCare, (505)395-5520
NM Department of Health,
For more details about the vaccine and Sandoval County Public Health Office,
the distribution phases, please visit (505)867-2291
https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-vaccine/.
Coronavirus Hotline: 1(855)600-3453
Don’t forget: If you wish to receive the
vaccine, you must register with the New Non-health related COVID-19
Mexico Department of Health. questions: 1(833)551-0518
Volume 37, Issue 2
5
Current Activities
MASKS REQUIRED
Please remember: Masks are required for all activities and must be
worn at all times, including during exercise, per the Governor’s
Executive Health Order released on 7/9/2020.
Vinyasa Yoga
Enjoy this gentle flow-style of yoga that is
ideal for all levels. Greet the new day in this
light, yet invigorating class with customized
Caregivers Support Group instruction for each individual. Participants
February 13 & 27 must be able to get up from the mat.
10:30 a.m. to Noon Registration is NOT required. Just drop in!
Register at PeopleworksNM.org Limit 4. First come, first served. Please
bring a mat, a towel and water.
Ceramics Kiln Use Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16 & 23
Current Ceramics members are $5 cash per class
welcome to drop off items to be put Sabana Grande Recreation Center
in the kiln that are ready for firing. Please 4110 Sabana Grande Ave SE, 87124
call (505)891-5018 to make an (505)891-7255
appointment. Appointments are available
Monday and Wednesday mornings. Work-out Room
Billiards We are pleased to announce that a
Take advantage of our fine Billiards temporary work-out room has been added
Room! For your safety, only four people to Meadowlark. We now have the following
are allowed at a time and rigorous machines available to use by appointment
sanitation is conducted in between only:
appointments. Call (505)891-5018 to
make an appointment! Treadmill
Elliptical
Ab machine
Stationary bike
The Work-Out Room is available to use
Monday through Friday for $2 (or FREE
with your SilverSneakers or Renew Active
coverage) for a one-hour time slot. Call
(505)891-5018 to make an appointment
or for more information.
Volume 37, Issue 2
6
Virtual Programs
Warble Wire Vision Loss Support Group
Isolation and loneliness have always been a This phone support group is for seniors with
concern for older adults, especially now that we vision loss and their family members. Together
are all dealing with the coronavirus pandemic’s with fellow members, you will gain a better
effects, but that’s nothing a little warble can’t understanding of vision loss, its impact on daily
help. life, and how it affects independence and
relationships.
If you are experiencing loneliness or are merely Call 1-712-432-5610, Code 660#
eager to chat, the Warble Wire is here for you! Every 2nd Tuesday
Call (505)891-5018 to get on the list to receive a 10:00 a.m.
phone call from a friendly voice to brighten your
day! VIRTUAL MEETINGS
The French Kiss
M. Letzkus ©2020 Is your group meeting virtually?
Contact us to have your group included on the
Soft sea breezes swept across the hotel lawn list.
With the freshness of the new day
Like soft notes unheard Tuesday Morning Jam Sesh
She drifted down the walkway Tuesdays 10-12 p.m.
Obviously, a happy lass with her pink bow Contact: Dave (505) 349-3723 or email
Flowing behind her dave@westmark.com
She glanced my way and suddenly turned
To run at me as fast as her little legs allowed Bible Reading Group
I felt no fear as I saw the dancing in her eyes Tuesdays, 3-4:15 p.m.
And the laughter on her face Contact: Robin, vogs@swcp.com
With a sudden stop eye to eye and nose to nose
She kissed me from under my chin to the top of Creative Writing Group
my head Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Contact: Margaret, paintbum1@aol.com
Open Discussion Group
Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m.
Contact: Robin, vogs@swcp.com
Photo Composition Group
google.com/view/meadowlarkimagery/home
Genealogy Group
Contact: Edgar, 1edgarshort@gmail.com
Speakers & Presentations
COMING SOON
Roswell: The Creation of a Modern Myth
with Norio Hayakawa
The Barbed Wire Round-Up
A true story. with Bill & Charlene Martin
Volume 37, Issue 2
7
Culinary Corner
Paid Advertisement
Homemade Chocolate Bars
Skip the hokey heart shaped box of
chocolates and try your hand at these
beautiful and creative homemade
chocolate bars for your loved ones (or
yourself) instead!
Ingredients
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
3 tablespoons of coconut oil (melted)
3 tablespoons of honey
optional decorations of your choice
Membership Instructions
expired? Warm coconut oil in microwave or on stove
top on low heat until melted. Add cocoa
MSC powder and honey and combine until thick.
Pour mixture into chocolate mold or
Rapid silicone ice trays. Optional: sprinkle on
Renewal! decorations...sundried strawberries,
sprinkles, nuts, edible flower petals,
coconut shavings or bacon! Let your
Call to renew your membership today! chocolate sit at room temperate for about
15 minutes and then transfer to the
(505)891-5018 refrigerator. Your chocolate should harden
within an hour.
Heart Health Article Sources
Preventing Heart Disease | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Quitting Smoking Among Adults - United States, 2000-2015 - PubMed (nih.gov)
How Smoking Affects Heart Health | FDA
Cardio for Seniors: Best Advice (silversneakers.com)
Keeping a Healthy Body Weight | American Heart Association
5 Steps to Lose Weight and Keep It Off | American Heart Association
Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester
Medical Center
Volume 37, Issue 2
8
PRSTD STD
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RIO RANCHO NM
PERMIT 1893
Meadowlark Notes
A Publication of The City of Rio Rancho/Division of Senior Services
Meadowlark Senior Center
4330 Meadowlark Lane SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
For uninterrupted delivery of your “Notes,” check your
address label for the expiration date. Renew when due.
If your label reads 2/21, this is your last issue.
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Volume 37, Issue 2
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