Things are looking up. The seniors in Falcon are reviving their Monday and Friday exercise classes at Grace Community Church, which means people are gaining confidence in gathering in groups again. It has been a lean year for people news because weíve covered many of those community-wide gatherings or specialty meetings, depending on the topic or situation. While a pause in activities remains, we are asking for some ideas for topics from our readers.For example, perhaps youíve had closer interactions with the school district because of COVID. Out of those experiences, are there educational topics you would like to see us cover?Also, what have you been doing this past year? Do you have a COVID story to tell? Perhaps you had an unusual experience while being quarantined. What activities did you miss the most? If you had to work from home, how was the transition? Send us your stories! Email Michelle or Marylou!As the pandemic wreaked havoc on small and big businesses, one industry continued to prosper ó real estate. The housing market is competitive ó more so than ever. If there is a limited supply of houses, prices obviously increase. If people canít afford to buy, the only option is to rent. As the number of renters in the market increases, the rent goes up, too. Itís a tough scenario in Colorado; thus, we put two writers on the topic: Leslie Sheley and Pete Gawda. Be sure to read their articles. I remember when rents were high at $600 a monthó it has significantly changed since then but have salaries caught up as well? Not so much.In a follow-up to last monthís articles on scams, Pete also reported on ransomware. It seems that technology today has all of us looking over our shoulders.Other articles this month cover Womenís History Month ó Ava Stoller wrote a very interesting article on Womenís HerStory Month ó be sure to read all about many of the females who paved the way for the rest of us. Mark Stoller discusses the media, and includes a graphic that is well-worth cutting out and pasting on your refrigerator.We have a new health and wellness column. Health professionals from Peak Vistaís Falcon Peak Health Center are presenting an ìAsk Your Doctorî format. Let us know if you have questions for the doctor. Send an email to Marylou with your questions.In Prairie Life, Bill Radford makes us think about the last year: the mask controversies and staying put in our homes.Also this month, Dr. Jim Humphries has written his last veterinary column. He has been a great asset to our team, and we appreciate his contributions all these years. Thank you, Dr. Humphries. We hope to continue that column in the future.Spring is on the horizon and COVID cases are declining. Things are looking up!See you in April!– Michelle
