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Tips from Taps: Sure signs of spring

All through Creston everyone is talking about the weather. When is spring coming?

All through Creston everyone is talking about the weather. When is spring coming? The golf course is open but carts must stay on the paths, plants at the greenhouse are waiting to be moved outside, the orchards are pruned and waiting for sunshine, and people are getting just a little anxious about summer’s arrival.

Absorbing the more intense sunlight, hearing the songs of returning birds, watching plants pop through the soil and smelling the blossoms of our valley fruit trees are all sensual activities that have a positive impact on our physical, mental and emotional well being.

Feeling good in spring is more than psychological. The longer light period of spring days has the power to change our biochemistry in positive ways. The increased sunlight exposure affects hormonal and metabolic functions and we feel more optimistic and resilient. Just as plants turn to capture the light of the sun, we humans also depend upon and crave sunlight for our mental and physical well-being. Our moods improve because we are exposed to more natural light.

Seniors in the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors have been patiently waiting for spring and are taking advantage of every opportunity to get out and be active. Those involved in the intergenerational growing project at the College of the Rockies community greenhouse have planted many, many flats of vegetables and flowers. They are good planters and are sharing their knowledge and skills with young moms and dads and lots of small children. This activity gives the seniors an opportunity to contribute to their community, a value they grew up with and believe in. By the time outdoor planting is here our plants will be big and strong and ready to move outside. This project will continue through harvesting, cooking and preserving the bounty.

A community partner of TAPS, the community greenhouse at the College of the Rockies is hosting a spring seeders plant sale on May 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This will be in the parking lot at the College of the Rockies and will include unusual herbs, vegetables, perennials, and annuals and tomatoes. Plan to get there early.

Another sure sign of spring is the Krafty Kronies’ spring artisan craft show. This multi-vendor event offers quality sewn items, jewelry, soaps, food products and popular new crafts. Famous TAPS pies will be served with ice cream and a beverage. It all takes place at the TAPS building at 404 22nd Ave. S. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 7. Come and get a gift for mom, enjoy the tea and support TAPS.

These activities are all hosted by volunteers. April is volunteer month and TAPS would not exist without its strong, hardworking volunteers. We appreciate all that our volunteers do for us.

TAPS seniors are vital, contributing and important members of our community. They are able to participate in TAPS because of the generous support of their community.

Terry Nowak is an outreach worker with the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors.