Got a scam story to tell? Need help with a fraud situation? Don’t know where to turn to or who to trust for advice? The Federal Trade Commission wants to hear from you. You don’t have to wait till March 6-12 to ask questions. They’re available for assistance whenever you’d like. Don’t wait – investigate with those who are in the know.
Author Archives: Colleen
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not – Romance Scams Are Blooming !
Love is in the air but does something stink ? Scammers are targeting dating sites and other social media to play games that end with broken hearts and empty bank accounts. Here are a few warning signs to watch for per the FTC :
Heroes in hiding. Made up stories of heroic deeds, secret missions, and top secret clearance requirements in foreign countries should raise red flags. They claim they cannot send pictures because of the nature of their work. Unsuspecting victims may be caught up in the intrigue and excitement of fake tales.
Requests for money, expensive gifts, and other questionable requests are signs of a scam. Often times scammers will make up stories of sick children or needy family members in an effort to pull on heartstrings in the hope that they can gain access to your money. Two letter reply is a firm NO !
Professing undying love and claiming to be the only person who truly cares for you is a common tactic that aims a crooked arrow to your heart. While speaking and pretending to be someone they aren’t , scammers are planning other ways to steal your money and personal info.
If you believe you may be a victim of a scam contact the social media app admins and report it to the FTC at http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Stay safe !
Here’s to 2024 And So Much More !
Hello Everyone :
It has been an interesting year filled with bumps, curveballs, and surprises. I am still learning how to navigate my way around a new computer and trying to keep up with the latest technology can be challenging.
I have several writing projects in the works and am exploring other creative outlets such as painting with mixed media and other craft projects. The ever-evolving scam problems keep changing faces but all seek the same thing – your personal info. Please stay on guard and don’t become complacent. Keep practicing your individual form of self-defense.
I would like to thank everyone who continues to check in and see where and what is happening in my little corner of the universe. I am considering adding additional subject matter here to diversify a bit and hope you’ll continue to accompany me when I do.
Best wished for a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year in 2024. You are appreciated !
Honored To Be Part of Grant Writing Team For Upijata Arts Company !
I am very pleased and honored to announce that I am officially part of the Grant Writing Team for Upijata Arts company, a non-profit organization located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Upijata Arts is comprised of several dedicated instructors and sponsors who believe that the arts, including dancing, painting, and sculpting can help heal and nurture children on the reservation whose lives have been affected by both historical trauma and on-going adverse conditions that are harmful to their development.
Funds are needed to help provide a nurturing and safe environment for the children to express their own creativity. There is no transportation available to them. Many ride bicycles or skateboards to class and some walk along the side of long roads leading to their classrooms. The arts are a welcome relief from other hardships they endure. All of them are always grateful for all assistance of any kind.
I welcome any suggestions or ideas that anyone has for grants or other fundraising options. Please take a moment to visit their website to see how you can help. No one is asking for new computers, the latest tablets or iPhone. They need help with supplies and want to be able to pay instructors so that they, in turn, can help others. Thank you!
Moving Forward While Looking Back
It has been a busy spring. I’ve been working on my poetry book and updating info for my ongoing classes including a new course I’ll be teaching in the fall on how to create a recipe book with or without a computer. In order to keep material and ideas fresh and interesting it is helpful to look back on what I have learned from my students. Each class experience provides valuable insights into the learning/teaching process, and I am grateful to all of my students for their feedback and participation.
I am very excited to be working closely with Upijata Arts (http://Upijataartscompany.org ) this year to assist them in reaching their goals of working with children on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Please see prior posts on this wonderful organization and consider a donation of any kind to help them nurture and encourage creativity in young children. I’ll be posting updates along the way.
Last, but not least, I appreciate everyone who supports and encourages my work both on and offline. Here’s to a safe and happy summer season for everyone!
Happy Spring!!
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I love Spring. I watch the buds blooming with color and listen to birds greeting each other like long-lost friends. I like to think of it as a season for renewal of myself. I find so much inspiration in the simple things of life and appreciate it all. This year I’m hoping to publish a small book of poetry and have begun research for a new novel. I continue to teach and update my classes with new information especially about scams and try to remain focused and positive every day. My wish for all of you reading this is to embrace your own renewal of spirit and share it with someone else. There’s more than one way to blossom.
A Note of Gratitude to My Students !
As new year begins I have the privilege of meeting and working with a great group of students from several different local senior communities. Their contributions and willingness to learn allows me to enjoy the dual status of instructor and student of their diverse backgrounds and knowledge base. Whether learning the skills needed for Hands-Only CPR or be receptive to the concepts of lucid dreaming, I am very grateful to everyone who participates and joins in on the fun. Looking forward to more classes and opportunities to meet new people.
Busy Prepping For 2023! Happy Holidays and Thank you!
A new year is fast approaching, and I’ve already booked several dates for classes and lectures throughout 2023. I will be teaching Hands-Only CPR, Lucid Dreaming:Another Altered State of Mind, An Attitude of Gratitude Journal Writing, an updated scam prevention lecture, and a how-to make your own recipe book class featuring delectable treats and meals. Stay tuned for dates and times once I receive confirmations. In the meantime, feel free to browse through prior posts.
In addition to teaching, I have several writing projects in the works that require a different mindset for each one. From poetry to a memoir to a potential mystery based on true facts, the words and ideas are swirling and making their way onto paper and into notebooks.
I would like to thank everyone who stays in touch and reads my posts here and on Facebook. I appreciate each and every one of you. Please enjoy the holidays and stay safe. Looking forward to updating you in 2023!
Grateful For Upijata Arts Company in Pine Ridge S.D.
Nurturing creativity and imagination are the cornerstones of learning new skills and expanding the mindsets of both young and old people. Without the freedom of artistic expression everything would be the same, no new concepts would be born, and a stifling blanket of boredom would weigh down on the budding spirits of aspiring artists. I am a very proud and grateful sponsor of Upijata Arts Company, a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Led by a staff of insightful and talented instructors Upijata Arts focuses on the healing power of the arts ranging from dance, painting, and performing arts to sharing and preserving cultural customs and skills such as beading, drumming, and storytelling. Sadly, Native American history is full of historical trauma and ongoing issues such as teen suicides, racism, and lack of economic opportunities within the community. Upijata Arts is the shining light of hope for many young students and a place where the elders can pass down their wisdom and knowledge to a new generation eager to learn about their heritage.
For more information on how to donate and/or assist with their programs please visit
https://upijataartscompany.org
Thank you!
About Senior Learner Institute in Central FL
Senior Learner Institute is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2014 with a goal of offering college-level courses to older community members who still enjoy learning and sharing with others. A dedicated group of volunteers assist with everything from scheduling to answering phones to updating the catalog of eclectic class offerings and also assist with small social gatherings throughout the year. Experienced instructors offer many opportunities to learn about a variety of topics from Art and History to Languages and Science. Because of pandemic precautions many classes are offered via Zoom, and some are Hybrid with the instructor in the classroom ready to answer any questions and facilitate the discussions. Either way Senior Learners provides a wealth of information to anyone wishing to continue learning. Visit their website at http://www.seniorlearners.org