Keep, donate, throw away, sell Birding in NoCo Aging and alcohol
INSIDE: YOUR SPRING LIFESTYLE DIRECTORY [ ]
at 970-689-6832 or Greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com
Scott at 970-980-9183 or Scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
FEATURE
Pets can be great companions. As we get older, we might need to make sure we are set up for pets. Can you afford the care they need? If you have a larger dog, can you physically control it? You could volunteer to walk dogs or help at shelters or foster a pet. Check out your options.
Body, mind and speech
Aligning thoughts, actions and speech with each other and with a commitment to compassion and gratitude
WORDS MATTER. What we say and how we say it can have a profound effect on people. Words make us laugh and cry and take action. Words express love and hate and indifference, which sometimes is even worse than hate. Yet knowing the compelling power of our speech on others, we often spew out words thoughtlessly in reaction to something someone else says or does. Many times we act out toward someone when it’s really something else that is bothering us.
We might look at our partners, children or grandchildren and think that they are the most precious parts of our lives. We would jump in front of a truck to save them, and yet our actions and our words don’t align with our thoughts. Our thoughts may be that I want the best for you that I can help provide, whether that’s help with school, advice on friendship, medical care, whatever it is, but our words say, “quit bugging me and go do the dishes.”
So how do we align our actions and words with our thoughts? And one step further, even, how do we align them all with a commitment to compassion and gratitude? It’s complicated and difficult, right? We’re all busy and we already have our long-ingrained patterns of how we do things and how we are. Plus, we have to take care of ourselves, too, if we’re going to be of any use to others. So what’s the answer?
I really don’t know, but I’m willing to throw out an idea or two. First, I think, is just to take a moment to think about how powerful your words are and to make some level of commitment to yourself to make your words align with your deeper thoughts about people in your life, beyond that annoying thing that they might be doing at the moment like making that clicking sound with a pen. And of course, then we want to align our actions with that too. I’m not saying we should bury our frustration but maybe we can take a deep breath before we go off, and then maybe respond differently.
That could even extend to our pets. Sometimes we don’t always appreciate how much our furry friends bring into our lives. In her feature story, Katie Harris offers a view on how pets can enhance the quality of our lives. She also gives us some good resources for helping with the care and feeding of pets.
So if it sounds good to you, try to start each day with a commitment to act and speak the way you feel and to underpin it all with a sense of compassion and gratitude that you even get to do anything each day.
Thank you, mean it,
Scott
Fifty & Better is a publication of Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc.
Copyright 2024 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc., PO Box 740, Fort Collins, CO 80522. 970-221-9210. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Better Home
Linda L. Osmundson
Clothing decluttering
Keep, donate, throw or sell it
ACTIVELY WEARING CLOTHES starts with wise purchases. Ask the 30-wear rule – would you wear the item 30 times? If not, don’t buy it. Practice the one in/one out rule. Examine each closet article. Does it match your color palate? Coordinate with other items in your closet? Fit? Will you repair it? If your answers are no, donate, sell or discard. Check if it’s out of style, a duplicate or new and not worn in two or three months. Discard or donate it.
Other organizations besides Goodwill and ARC accept donations. Search the internet for “clothing donation centers” near you.
Want to sell clothing items? Check Clothes Mentor, Wear It Again Sam and Repeat Boutique in Fort Collins. Search the internet for “consignment shops” close to you.
Resources for donating
Murphy Center, murphycenter.org, 970-494-9940
House of Neighborly Service, honservice.org, 970-667-4939
Junior League Career Closet, jlfortcollins.org, 970-482-0594
Fort Collins Rescue Mission, fortcollinsrescuemission.org, 303-297-1815
Habitat for Humanity, fortcollinshabitat.org, 970-223-9909
From excessive to minimalistic
DOWNSIZING? DECLUTTERING?
How do you get rid of extra furniture and appliances? Options include sell, donate, recycle or discard. Always check websites for restrictions and guidelines. Consider hiring a junk company, like Got Junk, for a fee-based pick-up. They resell or discard appropriately. Search the internet for others near you. Some thrift stores pick up or offer drop-off locations. Consignment shops handle gently used furniture and appliances. Or, label items “free” and place them on your curbside! They always disappear!
Mattresses and refrigerators seem the hardest to discard. Junk companies accept them for a price. If replacing, make sure the seller takes them away, even if at a minimal cost. Saves you time and a headache!
Donate articles such as microwaves and refrigerators to scrap metal centers. Recycling centers may take them. Stores like Best Buy charge to discard computers/printers/TVs.
Lots of items? Hire an estate sale company, then, donate unsold items. Enjoy a minimalist lifestyle!
One stop donation or disposal
CONSIDER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY when searching for donation of odd items like home décor, craft supplies, cabinetry and even building materials. Habitat accepts many items. Check their website for details: https://fortcollinshabitat.org.
Schedule a pick up or drop off with Habitat. If unable to accept an item in your donation for resale, Habitat saves you the cost and a trip to the landfill. They take the items at no charge and recycle. Or, if items need disposing, they provide the service for a small fee.
• Small quantity (would fill a shopping cart) $10
• Large quantity (pickup truck full) $25
• Upholstered furniture $10/seat (example: $10 for a recliner, $30 for a three-person couch)
• FREE recycling for all metal materials/items However, the service is not a replacement for trash drop-off. It serves as a convenience for items that don’t support their mission. Be aware, they accept no hazardous or electronic waste. Check website for other unacceptable items.
Better Health
Lea Hanson
AGING BRINGS MANY POSITIVE changes: wisdom, experience, the joys of grandchildren, and more. Unfortunately, the changes in our bodies aren’t always so welcomed. Keeping up with our physical hobbies can be done for most, but many seniors find themselves seeking modifications in the gear required. For those who love hiking, here are some accessories that will assist your body so you can continue enjoying the hills.
Ta-Da Chair —This seemingly magical contraption is a portable trekking hiking pole that unfolds into a small seat for resting once you reach the peak. It’s made of lightweight
Hiking accessories
aluminum (weighs 2 pounds), is easy to carry and store, and can strap to a backpack when the trail flattens out.
Emergency Kits—Unfortunately, half of emergency calls related to hiking are for hikers aged 50-70. As we age, our strength and balance offers suffers. Seniors are also more likely to have daily meds and supplements to keep their body working at peak performance; strenuous activity can make a current, managed condition suddenly be not so easy. Pack an emergency kit with not only your own medications, but also over the counter pain relievers, antibacterial cream, bandages, and more.
In-Home Care
GROCERY SHOPPING CAN take it out of anyone, especially seniors. It includes lots of walking, lifting, and time spent. Chain stores in Northern Colorado that offer delivery service include King Soopers, Safeway, and WalMart. Shoppers can use the store’s app from their smartphone, fill their shopping cart virtually, and schedule delivery.
The Food Bank for Larimer County partners with Volunteers of America (VOA) to provide nutritious meals to seniors 60 years of age and older. They provide made-from-scratch meals that are distributed to seniors at multiple sites throughout Larimer County. The food distributed is provided to the Food Bank by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). As an additional service, they sometimes deliver CSFP commodity boxes and fresh fruits to homebound seniors in low-income housing developments.
Aging and alcohol consumption
AGING CAN LOWER THE body’s tolerance for alcohol. Older adults generally experience the effects of alcohol more quickly than when they were younger. This puts older adults at higher risks for falls, car crashes, and other unintentional injuries that may result from drinking. As you grow older, health problems or prescribed medicines may require that you drink less alcohol or avoid it completely.
You may also notice that your body’s reaction to alcohol is different than before. Many medicines — prescription, over the counter, or herbal remedies — can be dangerous or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. Many older people take medications every day, making this a particular concern. Before taking any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can safely drink alcohol.
The Importance of an ANNUAL HEARING EVALUATION
• 10% of the population has hearing loss–it is common in the aging process.
• Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression.
• Hearing aids can help maintain Brain Reserves.
Susan Baker has been helping people with hearing loss and Tinnitus for the past 24 years. Please call (970) 221-5249 for a hearing evaluation and complimentary consultation.
Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience; Somatosensory Cross-Modal Reorganization in Adults With Age-Related, Early-Stage Hearing Loss Garrett Cardon and Anu Sharma
Susan D Baker, BC-HIS Board Certified Hearing Instrument specialist LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Linda L. Osmundson
Getaways within a few miles
TIME TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE? A weekend getaway just two hours away provides an abundance of things to do in Colorado Springs – from hiking to museums (Pioneer, American Cowboy/ Rodeo, Air Space) to underground excursions (Cave of the Winds). Enjoy a fun-filled couple of days in your choice of hotel, resort or Airbnb. www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/
An hour away in Estes Park, springtime beats the crowds but still offers enjoyable activities. Tour four breweries, two distilleries or one winery. Celebrate Bigfoot Days April 15. Watch the waterfall ice break loose or wildlife with their spring babes. www.visitestespark.com/blog/ post/10-reasons-to-visit-estes-park-this-spring/ Travel a little longer (3 hours) to Glenwood Springs and relax in the world’s largest hot springs pool. https://visitglenwood.com/. Visit Doc Holliday’s grave, tour a museum or caverns, enjoy a scenic gondola ride or the Vaudeville Revue. www. gvrshow.com/
Three hours south finds you in Canyon City. www.visitcos.com/areas/canon-city/ Ride a scenic gondola or dine on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. www.royalgorgeroute.com/
Special museum exhibits
YOU AND YOUR GRANDCHILDREN can celebrate “trains in literature” March 8-10 at the Greeley Railroad Museum. See the Hogwart’s Express train on the museum layout, the Department 56 Harry Potter Village and enjoy themed crafts and activities. www. cmrm.org/event/literacy-weekend-featuring-the-hogwarts-expresstrain-and-dept-56-village/
Each year, Fort Collins Museum of Art offers masks by over 200 artists and community members. View them April 5-June 7. https://moafc.org/ Tour the Museum of Discovery’s interactive exhibits. https://fcmod.org/
Don’t miss the largest fine art’s show in Colorado, the Governor’s Art Show and Sale, at the Loveland Museum/Gallery May 11-June 9. This juried show features Colorado artists in various mediums from painting to sculpture. https://governorsartshow.org/
Stop by the Windsor-Severance Fire Museum any Saturday and check out their three antique fire trucks and all the other memorabilia which showcases the history of firefighting in the Poudre Valley. Open noon-4 and admission is free.
Check websites for price list.
Birding in Northern Colorado
DID YOU KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN recordings of over 1000 bird species in Colorado? Many were seen in Northern Colorado from those that normally reside here to those through migration. At one time, Colorado Parks and Wildlife claimed Larimer, Weld and Boulder counties hosts between 200-350 bald eagles in the winter. Maybe more now. Larimer County provides multiple locations for bird watching. For a list, check https://www. waxwingeco.com/birding-Larimer-county-CO
The Audubon Society suggests premier Fort Collins birding locations at City Park and Sheldon Lake, Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, Fossil Creek Reservoir, Fossil Creek Park, Cattail Chorus Natural Area and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. https://rockies. audubon.org/birds/where-go-birding-fort-collins
Weld county’s Pawnee National Grasslands offers a 21-mile driving tour. You’ll see Burrowing Owls, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Mountain Plover and even the American White Pelican. Download the directions at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/ recreation/recarea/?recid=32186&actid=62
However, not far away in Brighton, Barr Lake State Park claims to provide the best Colorado bird watching. https:// coloradobirdingtrail.com/site/barr-lake-state-park/
Expand your mind. Engage your world.
KindConnect has been bringing kindness to Larimer County children since 2019 and we are happy to share that our KindConnect Program has recently expanded to benefit children in need in Weld County! All donations received through KindConnect are used within the county they were donated in.
SCAN QR TO LEARN MORE, BECOME A DONOR OR DELIVERY DRIVER.
VISIT FCMoD TODAY AND BECOME A MEMBER !
Four-legged companions
THE BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP
If you’ve ever owned a pet, then you’ve probably experienced the many benefits of animal companionship firsthand.
Charles Drebing, a Fort Collins-based psychologist specializing in older adults and aging issues, says he frequently witnesses the impact pets have on the mental health of his patients.
Pet ownership later in life
“I certainly have seen a lot of examples of the wonderful benefits pets bring,” he says. “A huge one is counteracting social isolation and low social support. Pets are a great, simple way to keep people connected with other beings.”
In addition to mental health benefits, pet ownership often improves physical wellbeing, too.
“Pets can keep us moving. With dogs, we have to get out and walk them, or take them to the dog run,” says Drebing. “It’s a way to stay active while also making new friends who have pets.”
Drebing’s observations aren’t unfounded. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies have shown that pet owners may experience decreased stress, improved heart health and an overall mood boost compared to non-pet owners (News in Health, 2018).
Katie Harris
OVERCOMING HURDLES
If the benefits of pet ownership can help offset some of the negative effects of aging on our overall health, it seems logical that every effort should be made to keep pets with their owners, and to encourage nonpet owners who’ve considered adopting to take the plunge.
Unfortunately, though, many older adults find it difficult to keep their pets at home as they struggle with the financial burden of providing food and care, an inability to transport their animals to veterinary appointments, or difficulty managing behavior issues like leash pulling and jumping up.
To help relieve some of the potential burden of pet ownership, organizations including Elder Pet Care in Fort Collins provide affordable veterinary care for senior citizens’ pets, operating on a sliding scale based on household income.
For those with transportation issues, mobile veterinarians such as Country Haven Veterinary Services operating throughout Northern Colorado can eliminate the need to drive your pet to vet appointments for everything from check-ups and dental cleanings to diagnostics and surgery.
In addition, the nonprofit organization Animal Friends Alliance operates the Kibble Supply Pet Food Pantry for Larimer County
PET FOOD ASSISTANCE
Animal Friends Alliance
Larimer County 970-484-8516 ext. 5133
www.savinganimalstoday.org
NOCO Humane Society
Weld County 970-506-9550 www.nocohumane.org
LOW-COST VETERINARY CARE
Elder Pet Care
970-493-2657
www.elderpetcarecolorado.com
MOBILE VETERINARY CARE
Country Haven Veterinary Services 970-825-6087
www.countryhavenvetservices.com
BEHAVIOR HELPLINE
NOCO Humane Society
Larimer and Weld Counties 970-226-3647 ext. 5130 www.nocohumane.org
residents struggling to feed their dogs and cats. In Weld County, NOCO Humane provides this service.
Scott Wendelberger with NOCO Humane Society, serving Larimer and Weld Counties, says the humane society is dedicated to keeping pets with their owners by providing guidance and resources to pet owners including a behavior helpline, and by making every effort to ensure that adoptions through their organization are well-matched and successful.
“Our behavior team performs assessments for all of our animals and creates profiles so that potential adopters can vet potential pets,” he says. “An animal’s profile will tell you if it’s calm, jumpy, cuddly, good with other pets, a leash puller, or any other traits it might have. Shelter life is a different environment than home, but this is usually a good starting place in matching up adopters with new pets.”
LOOKING TO ADOPT?
According to Wendelberger, older adults who seek pet adoption through NOCO Humane Society tend to be looking for specific types of pets, which may match up best with their age and abilities.
“We’ve found that older adults lean towards calmer pets, which generally tend to be older cats and dogs,” he says. “What we’ve seen is that older adults tend to have more appreciation and empathy for adopted pets
with medical and other needs. Also smaller dogs tend to be a bigger hit as they carry a smaller risk for leash pulling or knocking someone over when they get excited, and they’re easier to handle and carry.”
Wendelberger says pet compatibility can vary greatly and depends on lifestyle, desired time commitment, and home environment among other things, so taking these factors into consideration before bringing home a new companion is always best.
VOLUNTEER OR FOSTER
Those who don’t feel that pet ownership is a good fit for them, but still seek a connection with animals might consider volunteering or fostering through one of the many, local nonprofit organizations serving animals in the area.
“Here at NOCO Humane Society we have a plethora of volunteer opportunities,” says Wendelberger. “These include cat cuddlers, dog walkers, animal photographers, vet service assistants, transportation providers, and fostercare providers, particularly now as we enter bottle baby season. All of these roles include supplies and animal handling training, and a volunteer department supervisor is always available to assist.”
“When you volunteer with animals,” says Drebing, “it really fills the needs of the volunteers as much as the animals themselves. There can be stressors involved in owning and working with pets, but I’ve never seen the stressors counterbalance the mental, social and physical benefits pets provide.”
Finance and Investing
As we embark on a brave new year in 2024 there are a multitude of considerations in both the economy and investment landscape. Coming off the heels of a late year rally in equities, we will see some familiar names continue their upward ascent while others fall behind. 2023 was the year of Artificial Intelligence and those companies who were affiliated with the new technology garnered much of the market’s attention. All the while, the Federal Reserve and interest rates found themselves in direct competition with A.I. for the media’s attention. We believe this narrative will continue for some time as we unknowingly wait for the next latest and greatest technology that will somehow radically improve our lives, or at least lead us to believe that. In the meantime, there are some things to consider.
2024 will be a year dominated by the headlines as we navigate white knuckled from one potential catastrophe to the next. While this may sound dramatic, it is the most basic form of what financial markets do, climb a wall of worry, and then does what we least expect. When we look out at our globally connected marketplace it is easy to rattle off a laundry of all the things that could go awry, and that list unfortunately is not getting any smaller. While it is easy to get caught up in all the negative things that MAY happen, we would like to first focus on some of the potential positives that lie ahead. After all I am a budding optimist.
Much of the impending financial news will pertain to interest rates, the housing market, consumer spending and of course unemployment. While all of these seem as though they are unrelated, they are very much the driving forces of our economy and the cost of capital. Looking ahead we see several pockets of attractive valuations and one of those places is in the bond market. With the dramatic increase in interest rates over the last 2 years, the yield here is as attractive as it has been in the last decade. While higher rates for longer is an ideal scenario for those low-risk investors looking to generate consistent cash flow, there may also be greater upside potential here as well. If the Federal Reserve decides to cut
rates, bonds will appreciate and gain in value. This however can be something of a double-edge sword as rates go down, so the yield goes on any newly issued bonds. Depending on your situation, this may be a good opportunity to be an owner of bonds prior to the potential rates cuts that are likely to happen in 2024. It is also important to note that if the Fed is reducing rates, it means that inflation is coming down but also that the economy is beginning to soften. This is where consumer spending comes into play and will dictate not only inflation but how long rates stay elevated. Not to mention that if spending declines too far rising unemployment will not be far behind. So, when the term “soft landing” is thrown around the news this is what they are referring to and a “Goldilocks” scenario is necessary to avoid a large-scale recession. After all nobody wants to eat cold porridge.
Another segment of opportunity will be in the equity space. Much of last year’s returns were secular in the mega-cap growth stocks, particularly the “Magnificent 7”. This valuation expansion did not trickle down to everyone else. All those second derivative A.I. companies were left out of the rally right along with several other sectors like financials, utilities, and healthcare. Purely from a valuation standpoint we believe these industries are worth a look. This would also be inclusive
1 This does not include the 2020 election results however Morningstar indicates that the S&P returned 16.26%. 2020 would be the 24th election and the 20th positive return for the index.
of small cap companies as well but with elevated risks as the smaller the company the greater the sensitivity to the underlying economic fundamentals. So, we see opportunities in size, style and exposure, with some of that being outside of the U.S. Ultimately targeted exposure will be important but as always, diversification will be paramount.
Now I would be remiss if we did not also mention the fact that 2024 will be a hotly contested presidential election that will most likely drive some volatility along the way. Since I am an extremely political person, I will spare you my polarizing rantings regarding the potential outcomes of the election. However, what is of importance is that historically there have
been 24 presidential elections since the start of the S&P 500. During that time, 20 of those years the index had a positive return, with an average return of 11%.1 So, as we know history does not repeat itself, the long-term averages are on our side. As the candidate field narrows, we will see more about potential policy, tax code and legislation that will ultimately have a larger lasting impact on the world’s largest economy.
In summation, I am always reminded of the Chinese proverb, “May you live in interesting times.” And to be candid for everyone who does not have a financial plan for their retirement, it is going to be especially interesting. For those that do have a plan, opportunity awaits in everyone else’s uncertainty.
5401 Stone Creek Circle Suite 201 Loveland, Colorado LaymanLewis.com
This piece is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.
Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. 2219579- 2/24.
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Live to Assist Assisted Living 2914 W. Prospect Rd., FC 224-1400 www.livetoassist.net
MacKenzie Place 4750 Pleasant Oak Dr., FC 207-1939, www.leisurecare.com/ sub-brand/mackenzie-place
MeadowView of Greeley 5300 W. 29th St., GR, 353-6800 www.legendseniorliving.com
Monarch Greens Assisted Living Home 1725 Lakeview Dr., FC, 218-5057 www.facebook.com/MonarchGreens
Morning Star of Fort Collins 3509 Lochwood Drive, FC 432-8810 www.morningstarseniorliving.com
New Mercer Commons 900 Centre Ave., FC, 495-1000 www.columbinehealthfacilities.com
Park Regency Loveland 1875 Fall River Dr., LV, 461-1100 www.ParkRegencyLoveland.com
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Terry Lake Assisted Living 3629 Woodridge Rd., FC 484-1299 www.facebook.com/ TerryLakeAssistedLiving
Keep yourself healthy Self-care is the solution
By Dr. Erin Compton DACM, L.Ac.
In our fast-paced world, where the demands of work, family, and daily life can be overwhelming, self-care practices have never been more important. Self-care often gets misunderstood as something that is indulgent or selfish, involving luxurious or expensive treats such as spa days, shopping sprees, or vacations. While sinking into a tub full of bubbles with a good book does feel great, true self-care extends far beyond that.
Put simply, self-care refers to the practice of taking deliberate actions to maintain and improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It can encompass a wide range of behaviors and activities, and is highly individualized, based on who we are and what we need. Although
it sounds simple, taking control of our health can be a daunting task... The good news is- it doesn’t have to be done alone!
The team at Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic is a powerful tool in your self-care toolkit. Our practitioners help individuals achieve their health goals through a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, and other ancient modalities. We take the time to understand your unique needs and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan that will support you as an individual.
As we approach the hectic holiday season, please remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. And while the occasional pampering is certainly enjoyable, the real essence of self-care lies in the
daily practices that promote long-term health, resilience, and balance. If you are looking for someone to guide you on this journey, give yourself the gift of wellness and call our office or go online to book an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!
Dr. Erin Compton DACM, L.Ac.
Turnberry Place Assisted Living 2401 Turnberry Rd., FC 482-2215
Willows at Windsor 303 E. Chestnut St., 686-2258
WindSong at Northridge 7010 West 8th St., GR, 449-7199 www.windsongmemorycare.com
HOME CARE — NON-MEDICAL
AccentCare Skilled Home Healthcare
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Alpha Omega Home Health Care 266-2527 www.alphaomegahh.com
Amada Senior Care
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Super Shuttle 4414 E. Harmony Road, Ste. 200 FC, 225-4824 www.supershuttle.com/dia
Transfort Fort Collins 250 N. Mason St., FC 221-6620 www.ridetransfort.com
Uber www.uber.com
Via Mobility Services Serving EP 303-444-3043 www.viacolorado.org
Wellington Senior Resource Center 3800 Wilson Ave., Wellington 817-2293 www.townofwellington.com/171/ Senior-Resource-Center
zTrip www.ztrip.com
Giving Back
Linda L. Osmundson
Sue Elliot, serving our community’s children
“ONCE I FOUND CASA, I knew this was the place where I wanted to put my energy,” says Sue Elliott, a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer since 2017. She volunteered with other organizations in the past but at CASA, she found her calling.
Larimer County’s CASA resides at Harmony House, the renamed Ziegler farm house donated in 1991.
Initially, Sue participated in the Harmony House holiday craft fairs. “I attended and later sold my crafts in one of their booths.” She found the staff the most supportive, caring and knowledgeable group she’d known so looked into volunteering. Court appointed CASA volunteers receive 40 hours of in-house training. Sue also trained for the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) program and utilizes their principles to enhance the support she provides parents and children.
Sue believes the main qualification of a CASA volunteer is “an open and loving heart and the desire to provide every child a fair chance at a successful and fulfilling life.”
In addition, she claims, “A CASA volunteer is many things, a friend, a fierce advocate, someone who attends school conferences, therapist meetings, dental and doctor appointments.
Whatever the child needs, you do. Since you spend more time and see the child in multiple settings, the magistrate relies on you to report honestly about the child. You might be a lone voice advocating in court. Although professionals may not agree with you, you keep your focus on the child, always on the child.”
Honored to have worked with eight children, she found their needs were simple. “They all needed an adult who always shows up on time, always does what she/he promises and cares for them unconditionally. They need someone who sees their potential and does what it takes to
help them realize it.” As a former teacher, working with these children comes naturally to Sue.
Sue feels privileged to be a part of an organization whose sole purpose is to nurture and guide a child through difficult times so they gain hope for their future. “I believe CASA is the most important volunteer experience there is.” Unfortunately, to meet community needs for the 40 children awaiting volunteers, CASA must find at least 100 more volunteers.
Nina Hamilton, Sue’s supervisor says, ‘Sue provides much needed support to both the children and the family without being dominant or judgmental. Sue is compassionate and establishes trust and rapport with the people around her. She is open to coaching and is collaborative with the team she works with even when working in an often-frustrating bureaucracy. Sue is a great CASA, making a difference in the lives of the children she serves!”
That said, her greatest compliment came from a teen-age CASA client. The girl asked, “Will you be my grandmother?”
“Who wouldn’t want another grandchild?” says Sue. She added, “Being a CASA volunteer, you get back more than you give.”
