Fifty & Better | FALL | 2023

Spaces for grandchildren

Winter-ready yard

Pet-ready home

INSIDE

Actively social

Viewing fall colors

Prostate health Festivals and pumpkin patches

Foraging for local foods during the winter

problems can become brain

The brain needs access to the full perspective of the sound scene to work as it should. Not receiving this can lead to brain problems.

Brain problems can become life problems. When access to the right input is limited, a hearing problem can lead to serious problems in life.

FEATURE

Actively social ...............................22

Activity is the vehicle—social interaction, the goal. Try something new. A class, a new sport, join a club or group with a common interests. The key is social interaction. Connecting with others enriches your life and leads to a longer, happier life.

Feeling the connection

I HAD THE FEATURE STORY pretty much all wrapped up and ready to be sent off to be edited when I ran into ML Johnson, a friend and mentor, at breakfast one day. I told him that I was writing a story about keeping your mind and body active, learning new things and rediscovering old ones.

He nodded and said that sounded interesting and then went on to tell me about a study that found that activities that had a social component contributed to longevity much more than solo kinds of sports. For example, jogging, which I always thought was a great way to stay fit and live longer, contributed a year to longevity while tennis added 10 years. Crazy, I thought, and maybe even said. Turns out that it’s the social aspects that affect our long-term health more than the physical health components.

Well, armed with that new information, I had to go back and retool the story a little bit. It still promotes keeping mind and body flexible as we age, but with the idea of connection woven throughout.

So that got me thinking about how being and feeling connected must truly be a foundational part of being human, probably being canine and feline too, though not so much feline, so much so that our health can rise and fall based on our connectedness.

Then we ran into some new friends at the Rio and new-friend Naomi was quite insistent that one of the things that really matters are the connections we make to people, to the natural world, to all of it.

I dug up an old Steinbeck quote that I had written down once at a little science outpost in Kino Bay, Sonora, Mexico years ago. I carried that quote with me for years until I downsized my wallet a couple of years ago from the filing cabinet size to something thinner.

It goes like this:

“And it is a strange thing that most of the feeling we call religious, most of the mystical outcrying, which is one the most prized and used and desired reactions of our species, is really the understanding and the attempt to say that man is related to the whole thing, related inextricably to all reality, known and unknowable. This is a simple thing to say, but the profound feeling of it made a Jesus, a St. Augustine, a St. Francis, a Charles Darwin and an Einstein.”

It’s why we search our neighboring planets and distant stars for signs of life; why we seek out people to chat with, even strangers at a restaurant; maybe why we have pets; why we feel so good in the woods and on the rivers; and why there are congressional hearings about alien visitors.

We are part of it all; not separate from it all. And knowing that really does change everything.

PUBLISHER

Scott Titterington scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

EDITOR

Kristin Titterington kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR

Greg Hoffman greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

WRITERS

Lea Hanson, Linda Osmundson Scott Titterington

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Susan Harting

Connecting, Scott

Winterize your yard

AS FALL APPROACHES it’s time to help the yard survive the winter. Follow this advice to winterize your lawn and garden. Avoid winter compaction by aerating the lawn. Next, fertilize before the temperatures drop. To prevent snow mold, treat the grass with a lawn fungicide. Consider using your raked leaves to mulch your lawn. Spread a thin layer of leaves and mow with a short setting. The chopped leaves break down over the winter, provide grass nutrients and some cold protection. Use your free leaves to mulch the flower beds and garden, or invest in wood chips, bark or crushed pine needles. For other winterizing tips, view this checklist https://www. angi.com/articles/fall-flowerbed-gardening-tips.htm.

Be sure to disconnect and store hoses, drain sprinklers and insulate plumbing. Some suggest removing and storing solar lights and garden ornaments. Protect furniture by storing away or covering.

Come spring, your work pays off; the yard is ready for a new season of healthy growth.

Create a play area for grandchildren

CREATING A GRANDCHILDREN’S SAFE-SPACE doesn’t mean clear all the tables and bookshelves. Do remove unsafe objects. Teach them the “One Finger” rule. Walk your grandchild throughout your house. “You may touch anything. . . . but only with one finger.” Demonstrate. Repeat with each new object they want to touch. Be consistent. When they start to grab, remind them, “One finger, please!”

Designate a closet, shelves, baskets or cabinet for toy storage and a corner for play. Keep it simple. Provide different things than they have at home. Make sure there is a space for everything without clutter. Purchase ageappropriate toys, books, games, puzzles – Legos, building blocks, crayons, paper. Add dress up clothing and perhaps a mirror. Provide a comfortable reading chair, a table and chairs or a play mat. As they grow donate the old toys and replace with others that match their age and interests. Enjoy playing with them.

Tips for a safe, pet-friendly home

WANT LESS STRESS WHILE CARING for a cat or dog? “The key is choosing the right materials and accommodating your pet’s needs,” says pet columnist Julia Szabo. Consider these tips:

• Bathe and groom often – trim nails to protect floors and brush regularly to limit loose hair

• Use stain-resistant fabrics and vacuum frequently

• Cover your bed with washable linens

• Install hardwood floors rather than carpet

• Choose colors to match your pet’s fur

For a safe, happy pet:

• Stipulate a special place for your pet

• Provide tidy, attractive toys and treats

• Discard hazards – anything that could strangle, choke, electrocute, suffocate

• Keep human foods and medications out of reach

• Eliminate tempting trash odors with baking soda and keep trash can lids tight

• Purchase pet-safe plants – no lilies, amaryllis, poinsettia, mums or aloe vera

• Store pesticides, antifreeze, cleaning supplies and fertilizers out of reach

Enjoy a clean, stress-free pet-friendly home.

Balance for fall prevention

HAVING GOOD BALANCE IMPACTS many activities seniors do every day. It’s beneficial for fall prevention, improved mobility, and greater muscle tone and strength. Regular balancing exercises even help keep your mind sharp, which means better processing of your environment. In seniors’ day-to-day activities—doing things like getting in and out of bed, stepping in and out of the shower, or climbing up and down the stairs—we rely on our balance to ensure it’s done safely.

As we age, our muscles and nerves become less flexible, and our reaction time decreases. These two things can greatly affect our balance. Balance is incredibly important for seniors because it minimizes risk for falls (which is a top factor for hospitalization). Good balance gives someone the capability to do simple tasks in life such as walking, as well as leisurely activities like golfing and dancing.

The Importance of a Good Bed

AS WE AGE, WE NEED a comfortable mattress, but also one that is highly supportive. It is common to experience mobility issues as we age. The change in mobility capabilities means more aches and pains for many. It can also lead to stiffness in joints and muscles. Having a good night’s sleep is essential. Seniors ought to be on the lookout for a mattress that is pressure-relieving—and that means different things to different bodies. Seniors actually need a firmer mattress. Softer mattresses are harder to get up from and often fail to provide the needed support.

For many seniors, the older we get the longer we are likely to stay in bed. This is especially true for those experiencing declining health. Creating a cooler environment also contributes to better sleep as we age. However, maintaining an ideal room temperature is challenging. Especially if you’re sharing a bedroom and/or bed. Therefore, mattresses that have a top layer of cooling foam that allow for airflow are good options for many aging adults.

Prostate Health

PROSTATE PROBLEMS ARE COMMON in men older than 50. In fact, some form of prostate disease affects three million American men. Although the prostate normally enlarges with age, excessive growth can lead to several health issues. The prostate is located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum and is the size of a walnut.

An enlarged prostate is a natural result of changes to sex hormone levels that coincide with aging. Some men experience few or no symptoms when the prostate grows too large. Others, however, can experience bothersome symptoms. Urinary problems can be an adverse consequence when a prostate grows too large. Urinary issues can also develop when the prostate becomes infected or cancerous. Noncancerous prostate issues, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis, commonly affect men over the age of 50.

Men and people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) should have their first prostate exam by age 50. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should consider having your first prostate exam at age 45.

Easy hikes with great views

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COOL MORNINGS, crisp air and fall views on these beginner to mid-level trails. Check websites for more directions/information.

Although Hewlett Gulch, (https://rb.gy/ok8z1), 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins, stretches over 8.2 miles and climbs 1,174 feet, the flat terrain allows easy hiking and an ability to turn back at any point. The trail crosses rivers and streams via logs, bridges and rocks. Arrive early for better parking.

Round Mountain’s,(https://rb.gy/ok8z1)1.9 mile in/out mid-level hike offers a 423 ft. elevation gain. Take Hwy 34, four miles past the mouth of Big Thompson Canyon. Follow Foothills Nature Trail a quarter mile; veer left for Round Mountain Trail. Parking is limited. A wide path and trailhead facilities serve the normally light crowd.

Mariana Butte Trail system includes Hidden Hogback Trail and climbs only 196 feet. The 1.6 mile in/out hike (https://tinyurl. com/4f5me2t7) provides views of Loveland, Long’s Peak and Mt. Meeker. Park at 1015 Rossum Dr.

Linda Osmundson

Scenic drives for fall colors

TO VIEW MOUNTAINS COVERED LIKE A QUILT of red, rust, yellow and gold consider the following scenic drives.

Peak to Peak Highway is a 55-mile trip from Estes Park to Black Hawk. Take Hwy 7 in Estes Park. View or stop at Lily Mountain, Lily Lake, Twin Sisters and Wild Basin along the way. Just past Allenspark, catch Hwy 72 south to Nederland then Hwy 119 through Black Hawk and Clear Creek Canyon to I-70.

Consider Hwy 14’s route through Poudre River Canyon to Steamboat Springs and on to Walden, a 101-mile trip. See deer, elk and moose, Sand Dunes Natural Area and aspen groves. Try a side trip on CO 60 to Buffalo Pass.

CO 103 travels from Idaho Springs to Evergreen or vice versa over Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (formerly Squ*w Pass). Its 30 miles of sharp turns and elevation changes pass Echo Lake and Mount Evans Byway.

Or, consider the 40-mile Lariat Loop from Golden through Evergreen, Idledale and Morrison.

FALL BRINGS THE SMELL OF pumpkin bread and spice; also sights of scary pumpkin faces and decorated porches. Festivals offer fun from pumpkin picking to hayrides, scavenger hunts to other fall festivities. Some farms tender gift shops, fall decorations of corn stalks, straw bales, gourds, Indian corn. And, even food venders. From free to fees, check websites for further information.

1. Estes Park Autumn Gold Festival –September 23 from 11am to 6pm, 24th from 11am to 5pm at Bond Park. Free admission. www.estesparkautumngold.com/

2. Anderson Farms Fall Festival and Terror in the Corn, Evans, September 20-October 30. www.andersonfarms.com/

3. Bartels Pumpkin Patch, Fort Collins, September 23-October 31, 10am-6 pm. www. thebartelspumpkinpatch.com/

4. Osborn Farm, Loveland, TuesdaySunday, 10am-6 pm. Free parking/no admission fee. www.osbornfarm.com/

5. Tigges Farm, Greeley, Thursday-Sunday, August 10-October 29, 10 am-6 pm. www.tiggesfarmllc.com/index.htm

Take the grandchildren and enjoy picking pumpkins and child-friendly activities.

Fall festivals and pumpkin patches

Actively social

Scott Titterington

Activity is the vehicle—social interaction, the goal

We discussed the costs and the level of commitment required to complete the rigorous, yearlong program. She dove in and absorbed herself in studying, along with classes and practicums. One year later, at the age of 60, she finished the course successfully and became a certified Pilates instructor. She taught several times a week for years until the pandemic upset that applecart along with many others.

It was exciting to watch her become engaged in something like nothing else before (except raising the kids). But the most important part is that she met and hung out with a whole new group of people of all ages. These relationships spilled over from the Pilates studio to hanging out over a glass of wine after class.

Aging can be a journey of opening to new ideas and experiences or closing down and huddling in our safe little cocoons. It’s comfortable in our own little space, but doesn’t it get a bit stuffy? Even though it can be difficult and even a bit scary sometimes to put ourselves out there, we are rewarded with new skills, new people in our lives, a mind that is livelier and an opportunity to expand our way of looking at the world.

The most significant thing that we gain, though, is the social connections that we make and foster when we engage in activities. Studies show that the social component can be more important for health and longevity than the activity itself. In fact, the more social the activity, the more it correlates with longevity. continuedw

Lend a hand

Want to explore something new that you’ve been hoping to try? Try volunteering. You find a new group of like-minded folks while getting real-world experience. Plus, you get new perspectives about the world around you and insights into what makes you tick, too. Have you ever wanted to up your gardening game and help others learn more too? Larimer (https://www. larimer.gov/extension/Yard-Garden/Master-Gardeners) and Weld (https://www.weldmastergardeners.org/Applyto-Volunteer#section-2) Counties have master Gardener programs through CSU Extension. Think you could find some fulfillment in helping abused and neglected kids and find a community of like-minded people? Call Realities for Children www.realitiesforchildren.com/ to find out about the dozens of agencies they support and where you might find a fit. Want to be there when people really need someone? Check out the American Red Cross in northern Colorado. Love animals? Try the Animal Friend Alliance. It goes on and on. Just search on the web for volunteering in your town or county.

Formal classes

Feed your curiosity (and therefore keep it alive) with a course of study. Impossible to look at the offerings here and not get really excited about the possibilities. And, again, it’s an opportunity to meet a new group of folks who share an interest with you.

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSU https://courses.online.colostate.edu/

• AIMS Community College

Continuing Education—Personal Enrichment

• Front Range Community College

Personal Enrichment

Senior Center and City Recreation

Not only can you learn something new or take your current game to a new level, but also you can have some fun with new and old friends.

• Fort Collins Recreation and Senior Center

https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/senior-center https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/

• Greeley Active Adult Center and City Recreation https://greeleyrec.com/active-adult-center/ https://greeleyrec.com/

• Chilson Senior Center (Loveland) and City Recreation https://www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation/chilsonsenior-center https://www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation

• Windsor Active Adults and City Recreation

https://www.recreationliveshere.com/163/Active-Adults https://www.recreationliveshere.com/101/Recreation

When Kristin was 59 years old, she announced that she would like to become a Pilates instructor. She’d been a student for years and decided that she would like to teach.

Sure jogging is good for you, but tennis adds more years to your life. Why? The opportunity to interact and the expectation that you will show up and play.

Many of us have more spare time than ever once kids have left the house, or our job responsibilities have diminished or gone away. In any case, like most things, now is the time, not at some to-be-determined future date.

I rediscovered climbing several years ago, but with a twist. Back in the day (as they say), I was an active climber— outdoors, because that’s where climbing happened. I searched for solitude. Climbing though is an inherently social activity because you must have at least one partner to share a rope with. Now, you can climb indoors at a climbing gym, which I do. It’s good fun, keeps me in shape and, maybe most importantly, it’s a social club with folks chatting about climbing and life.

Endless versions of this exist where people are drawn to a common activity that helps them stay healthy and also becomes a social place. The activity is the vehicle; social interaction is the goal.

The big deal these days seems to be pickleball, and I can see why. It’s active fun with a builtin network of people. Towns in northern Colorado all have pickleball facilities and leagues and Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor have clubs that appear to emphasize the camaraderie as much as the play.

So when you’re out there killing it at the net or in the climbing gym or on a group bicycle ride, take a minute to expand and deepen your social network. It has strong benefits beyond the actual activity.

Can you hear me now?

Cognition and Memory series- Article 1

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEMORY?

Memory is a very complex thing, and several different types are discussed in this article. You use these different types

This can take anything from a few seconds to many months and can be helped by repeating it repeatedly in your mind (known as ‘rehearsal’).

4. Retrieving – You recall the information

parked the car, you may have a problem with your episodic memory.

• Semantic memory. You use this to remember the meanings of words or remember facts. You also use it to

Source: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/understanding-types-memory

Susan D Baker, BC-HIS Board Certified Hearing Instrument specialist LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Harvest Season 2023

Winter foraging

INSIDE

Your guide to farm stands and farmers’ markets

Foraging for local foods during the winter

For some Coloradans, the double payoff of being out in nature and having the ability to round up incredible things to eat is a major selling point of living in the Centennial State. Foraging locally offers the opportunity to track down and harvest everything from mushrooms professional chefs pine to cook with to an array of sweet, tart, and colorful fruit. But first, a word of caution. It is dangerous to harvest and eat food you cannot properly identify. The following information is intended to be fun and educational, not instructional. It’s crucial to be 100-percent sure what you eat is safe and identifiable during the foraging process.

VEGETABLES

Wild asparagus —Asparagus makes an incredibly versatile and tasty addition to any meal. Expert foragers claim the taste of wild asparagus compared to the varieties offered in grocery stores doesn’t compare. Asparagus is perennial, which means you’ll find it growing in the same spot every year.

MUSHROOMS

Morels —If you’re a fan of mushrooms, the nutty taste of black and yellow morels is something you don’t forget. The fact these mushrooms are incredibly elusive makes them even more coveted by foragers and professional chefs. While forest fires are a constant source of anxiety and despair for much of Colorado, forested

areas that have experienced fire events offer some of the best opportunities to find morels.

Porcini —Found in the high country between elevations of 10,500 and 11,200 feet, the porcini is a highmaintenance mushroom when it comes to weather, and it won’t grow without a combination of monsoon rains and sustained summer heat.

FRUIT

Wild Strawberries —Most people love strawberries, but when it comes to locally foraging for these astoundingly sweet, juicy, and berries, you’ll need to think much smaller compared to the conventional varieties you’d buy at the store. If you’ve ever hiked through the mountains and saw tiny red fruit

Lea Hanson

All Year Long

Jodar Farms: jodarfarms.com

Jodar Farms offers an online farm store with weekly drop offs at many convenient Northern Colorado locations. They sell hogs (half and whole) as well as eggs all year long.

MouCo Cheese Company: mouco.com

Made locally in Fort Collins, You can find MouCo Cheese at most King Soopers, Safeway and Whole Foods Markets in the Rocky Mountain Region as well as at specialty shops and cheese stores throughout the area.

Mountain View Meats: mvmeatsfc.com

Located in Fort Collins, Mountain View Meats raises their animals humanely and works to feed their community. They sell bulk beef and pork.

Remember: Farmers ’ Markets Go Through Fall

Berthoud Fickel Farmers’ Market | Berthoud

June 8 to September 21

Thursdays from 4 to 7pm

Estes Valley Farmers’ Market | Estes Park

June 3 to September 30

Thursdays from 8am to 1pm

Farmers’ Market at Fairgrounds Park | Loveland

June 4 to September 24

Sundays from 9am to 1pm

Fort Collins Farmers’ Market | Fort Collins

May 7 to November 12

Sundays from 10am to 2pm

June 14 to September 27

Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm

Greeley Farmers’ Market | Greeley

May 6 to October 18

Saturdays from 8am to 12pm

Larimer County Farmers’ Market | Fort Collins

May 20 to October 28

Saturdays from 9am to 1pm

that resembled strawberries, what you saw might very well have been wild Colorado strawberries. You can also spot berry clusters similar to raspberries, which are quite delectable. Your best bet for finding these is late spring and early summer. With adorable tiny red berries that emerge in summer, wild strawberry plants can be identified by their blue-green leaves, small groupings of white flowers, and long red stems. While you’ll need to harvest loads of berries to cook with or snack on due to their small size, their unforgettable sweet taste will be worth the extra effort. High in Vitamin C, the leaves and berries of these plants can be steeped for a delicious tea.

Wild Plums —Discovering a wild plum tree in Colorado is pure joy for most local foragers. These trees are found near streams and irrigation ditches in the foothills and across the plains. In spring, wild plum trees are adorned with a stunning explosion of white flowers.

Later in the summer, sweet purple, blue, and reddish fruit appear on the trees that can be harvested before the fall. Wild plums are incredible when eaten fresh and are excellent for all manner of jams and jellies.

CACTI

Prickly Pear—As you’d expect, dealing with this cactus’ sharp needles is no picnic. But for tenacious foragers willing to put in the work, they’re a rewarding natural offering that’s as bountiful as they are easy to find. Thick gloves are mandatory while harvesting

prickly pear, but not for the reason you’d expect. Its long needles (spines) can easily poke through the skin of your hands, but the prickly pear’s tiny hairlike needles are what usually cause the most pain and irritation. The edible parts of the prickly pear can be split up into three

sections: the green pad, or base of the cactus, the flowers, and the colorful fruit that grows at the top of the plant. Small younger plants are thought to be much tastier than older ones. Because of Colorado’s dry climate, prickly pears can be found throughout the state.

2023 NoCo Farmers Markets

Berthoud’s Fickel Farmers Market

Fickel Park, 620 Mountain Ave., Berthoud

Thursdays, 4–7pm, June 8–Sept. 21 www.berthoud.org/1385/Farmers-Market

Erie Farmers Market

Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5–8pm, May 1–Sept. 14 www.realfarmersmarketco.com

Estes Valley Farmers Market

Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave., EP

Thursdays, 8am–1pm, June 1–Sept. 28 www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket

Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park

700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland

Sundays, 9am–1pm, June 4–Sept. 24 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

FARM STANDS

Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com www.facebook.com/The-Bartels-PumpkinPatch-137755902661

Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org

Folks Farm & Seed 2917 S. Taft Hill Rd., Fort Collins www.folksfarmandseed.com

Garden Sweet 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com

Green Dog Farm 3421 West CR 54G, Laporte (next to Overland Foods) www.greendogfarmcsa.com

Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.), Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com

Fort Collins Farmers Market

1001 E. Harmony Rd., FC (rain or shine) Sundays, 10am–2pm, May 7–Nov. 12 Wednesdays, 10am–2pm, June 14–Sept. 27 www.fortcollinsfarmersmarket.org

Greeley Summer Farmers Market

Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave., GR Saturdays, 8am–Noon, May 6–Oct. 28 www.greeleygov.com/fm

Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., FC (courthouse parking lot) Saturdays, 9am–1pm, May 20–Oct. 28 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org

Loveland West Farmers Market at Jax 2665 W Eisenhower Blvd, LV

Tuesdays, 9am–1pm, April 18–Nov. 7 www.facebook.com/ LovelandWestFarmersMarket

Timnath Sunday Market

4138 Main St., Timnath

Second Sundays, 9am–2pm, May–Oct www.TimnathFarmersMarket.org

Windsor Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 110 5th St., Windsor Saturdays, 8am–12:30pm, June 3–Sept. 9 www.windsorgov.com/FarmersMarket

Something about being on a farm just feels good. The pace feels relaxed and your interactions, maybe, more genuine. So swing by a farm stand soon and pick up some deliciousness while you’re at it.

Heritage Lavender 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com

Hoffman Farms, LLC 3545 W. O St., Greeley www.hoffmanproduce.com

Hope Farms 1601 N. Shields St., Fort Collins www.cultivatehopeco.org

Jodar Farms/Fort Collins Vine Farm Order online/pick up Fort Collins or Wellington www.jodarfarms.com

Long Shadow Farm Order online/pick up Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.com

Native Hill Farm 2100 CR 54G, Fort Collins www.nativehillfarm.com

Ollin Farms 8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.com

On the Vine at Richmond Farms 3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins https://onthevineatrichmondfarms.com

OwlTree Farm 4605 E. CR 58, Fort Collins www.owltreefarmco.com

Papa Joe’s Honey 4855 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.facebook.com/PapaJoesLocalHoney

Raisin’ Roots Farm 2229 W. Vine Dr., Fort Collins www.facebook.com/raisinroots

Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com

Tigges Farm 12404 CR 64½, Greeley www.facebook.com/tigges.farm

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Colorado Low-Income

Bill Paying Assistance

www.needhelppayingbills.com

Colorado Old Age Pension (OAP) Larimer County, 970-498-6300

www.larimer.org/humanservices/ public-benefits/ cash-assistance-programs

Weld County, 970-351-1551

www.weldgov.com

House of Neighborly Service

1511 11th St., LV

970-667-4939

375 Meadowlark Dr, Berthoud 970-532-0161, www.honservice.org

Kevin Dunnigan, Investment Center Advisor Group

290 E. 29th St., Ste 100, LV 970-622-2366

www.helpwithmyinvestments.com

Larimer County Office on Aging

1501 Blue Spruce, FC 970-498-7750

www.larimer.org/seniors

Larimer County

Veterans Services

200 W. Oak St., 5th Floor, FC 970-498-7390

www.larimer.org/veterans

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Goodwill of Colorado

866-432-8435, www.goodwill colorado.org/services/leap

Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities

Larimer County, 970-310-4900

www.pafclarimer.org

Pinnacle Retirement 1039 Main St., Ste. L, WS 970-541-4772

www.pinnacleretirementinc.com

Social Security Administration

301 S. Howes St., 4th Floor, FC 866-336-7385

5400 W. 11th St., Ste. A, GR 877-405-9195

National 800-772-1213

www.ssa.gov

Michael Tarantino, CFP Tarantino Wealth Management

419 Canyon Ave., Ste. 320, FC 970-829-0900

www.michaeltarantino.net

HOUSING

CARE Housing

1303 W. Swallow Rd., FC 970-282-7522

www.carehousing.org

Estes Park Housing Authority

363 E. Elkhorn Ave., Ste. 101, EP 970-591-2535

www.esteshousing.org

www.colorado.gov/esteshousing

Housing Catalyst

1715 W. Mountain Ave., FC 970-416-2910

www.housingcatalyst.com

Good Samaritan Society

Affordable Senior Housing EP, FC, GR, LV, WS 855-459-2884

www.good-sam.com/services/ senior-living/affordable-housing

Greeley-Weld Housing Authority 903 6th St., GR, 970-353-7437

www.greeley-weldha.org

Loveland Housing Authority

375 W. 37th St., #200, LV 970-667-3232

www.lovelandhousing.org

Neighborhood Resource Office 1000 10th St., GR, 970-336-4167

www.greeleygov.com/services/ neighborhood-resource-office

Neighborhood Services Office

281 N. College Ave., FC 970-224-6046

www.fcgov.com/ neighborhoodservices

Neighbor to Neighbor 1550 Blue Spruce Dr., FC 970-484-7498

1511 E. 11th St., LV 970-663-4163, www.n2n.org

Senior Living Advisors of Colorado

1635 Foxtrail Dr., FC 970-541-4592

Windsor Housing Authority

www.windsorhousingauthority.org

ASSISTED LIVING

A Home for Life Residential Assisted Living Collaborative 970-663-2933

www.ahome4life.com/

Apple Leaf Assisted Living 1328 N. 1st St., Berthoud 970-532-2600

www.appleleafassistedliving.com

Aspen House 2212 E. 11th St., LV 970-635-9800

www.aspenhouse.org

Aspyre Rock Creek 3150 Rock Creek Dr., FC 970-372-5838

https://aspyrerockcreek.com

Assisted Living Locators 471 Expedition Ln., Johnstown 970-660-8898

www.assistedlivinglocators.com/ care-advisor/noco

The Bridge at Greeley 4750 25th St., GR 970-339-0022

www.thebridgeatgreeley.com

Bright Assisted Living 610 Hemlock Dr., WS 970-674-1446

www.brightassistedliving.com

Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory Care

5055 S. Lemay Ave., FC 970-223-3552

www.collinwoodco.com

Brookdale Senior Living

1002 Rule Dr., FC, 844-477-8403

1999 W. 38th Ave., GR

844-875-7043

2895 N. Empire, LV 844-405-1157

215 Shupe Cir., LV, 844-643-8048

www.brookdale.com

Columbine Commons

1475 Main St., WS, 970-449-5540

www.columbinehealthfacilities.com

The Courtyard of Loveland

605 N. California Ave., LV 970-667-3342

www.courtyardofloveland.com

Eagle’s Nest Assisted Living 1026 Salmon Run, FC 970-402-3675

www.eaglesnestal.com

Fox Meadows 4021 Spruce Dr., FC 970-449-4472

www.assistedlivingftcollins.com

Garden Square at Spring Creek

1000 E. Stuart St., FC 970-494-3253

Garden Square of Greeley 1663 29th Ave. Pl., GR 970-460-4254

www.gardensquarememorycare.com

Garden Square at Westlake Assisted Living

3151 W. 20th St., GR 970-373-5123

www.gardensquareatwestlake.com

Good Samaritan Society— Estes Park Village

1901 Ptarmigan Tr., EP 970-800-4853

www.good-sam.com/locations/ estes-park-village

Good Samaritan Society— Fort Collins Village 508 W. Trilby Rd., FC 970-323-7675

www.good-sam.com/locations/ fort-collins-village

Good Samaritan Society— Bonell 706 23rd St., GR, 970-323-7677 www.good-sam.com/locations/ bonell-community

Good Samaritan Society— Loveland Village

2101 S. Garfield Ave., LV 970-999-0336

www.good-sam.com/locations/ loveland-village

Good Samaritan Society—

Water Valley Senior Living Resort

805 Compassion Dr., WS 970-323-7723

www.good-sam.com/locations/ water-valley

Grace Point

Senior Care Community 1919 68th Ave., GR 970-304-1919

www.gracepointegreeley.com

Heritage Haus

208 19th St. SE, LV 970-669-5616

Hillcrest of Loveland 535 N. Douglas Ave., LV 970-674-7120

www.mbkseniorliving.com/ senior-living

The Joneses Assisted Living

2127 Eagle Dr., LV 970-663-2226

Lakeview Commons

1422 W. 29th St., LV 970-278-4000

www.columbinehealthfacilities.com

Live to Assist Assisted Living 2914 W. Prospect Rd., FC 970-224-1400

www.livetoassist.net

MacKenzie Place 4750 Pleasant Oak Dr., FC 970-207-1939, www.leisurecare. com/our-communities/ mackenzie-place-fort-collins

MeadowView of Greeley 5300 W. 29th St., GR 970-353-6800

www.legendseniorliving.com

Monarch Greens

Assisted Living Home 1725 Lakeview Dr., FC 970-218-5057

www.monarchgreensassisted living.com

Morning Star of Fort Collins 3509 Lochwood Dr., FC 970-432-8810

www.morningstarseniorliving.com

New Mercer Commons 900 Centre Ave., FC 970-495-1000

www.columbinehealthfacilities.com

Park Regency Loveland

1875 Fall River Dr., LV 970-461-1100

www.ParkRegencyLoveland.com

Primrose Place

1330 E. 1st St., LV 970-667-5962

The Residence at Oakridge 4750 Wheaton Dr., FC 970-229-5800

Seneca House 4406 Seneca St., FC 970-795-8600

www.senecaral.com

Terry Lake Assisted Living 3629 Woodridge Rd., FC 970-221-3707

www.terrylakeassistedliving.com

Turnberry Place Assisted Living 2401 Turnberry Rd., FC 970-692-2850, www.turnberry placeassistedliving.com/

Willows at Windsor 303 E. Chestnut St., WS 970-686-2258

WindSong at Northridge 7010 West 8th St., GR 970-449-7199

www.windsongmemorycare.com

HOME CARE — NON-MEDICAL

AccentCare Skilled Home Healthcare

4065 St. Cloud, Ste. 200, LV 970-346-9700

www.accentcare.com

Alpha Omega Home Health Care 970-266-2527

www.alphaomegahh.com

Amada Senior Care 2850 McClelland Dr., Ste. 1900, FC 970-237-5747

www.amadaseniorcare.com/ northern-colorado-senior-care

Bayada Home Healthcare 5285 McWhinney Blvd., Ste. 140, LV 970-282-8500, www.bayada.com

Bloom at Home 915 Centre Ave., Ste. 2, FC 970-482-5096

www.columbinehealthservices. com/bloom-at-home

BrightStar Care

Serving Berthoud, FC, LV Timnath, 970-667-7778

www.brightstarcare.com/fortcollins-loveland

Caring Companions— Volunteers of America

405 Canyon Ave., FC 970-472-9630 x19

www.voacolorado.org/gethelpnorthernco-caringcompanions

Caring Senior Service Fort Collins

333 W. Drake Rd., Ste. 22, FC 970-672-1734, www.caring seniorservice.com/fort-collins

Eldercare Locator

800-677-1116

Family Care Connection

970-223-9026, www.familycare connection.com/elder-care

Good Samaritan Society— Colorado Home Care: LV 970-579-8710

Services@Home:

EP 970-800-4853

FC 970-999-0349

LV 970-579-8710

WS 970-680-9590

www.good-sam.com

Home Instead Senior Care

Larimer & Weld 970-325-6053

www.homeinstead.com

Homewatch CareGivers of Northern Colorado

1220 W. Ash St., Ste C, WS 970-355-3372

www.homewatchcaregivers.com

HomeWell of Northern Colorado

3001 N. Taft Ave., Ste. 100 LV, 970-461-4799

www.homewellcares.com

Interim Health Care

2000 Vermont Dr., Ste. 100, FC 970-472-4180 www.interim healthcare.com/fortcollins

Maxim Healthcare Services 3665 JFK Pkwy., Ste. 330, FC 970-493-9300

www.maximhomecare.com

Right At Home 330 E. Mulberry St., FC 970-494-1111

www.rightathome.net

Senior Helpers

3101 Kintzley Ct., Unit J, Laporte 970-821-9408

1051 6th St., GR, 970-344-9486

www.seniorhelpers.com

Seniors Helping Seniors

2290 E. Prospect Rd., Ste. 6, FC 970-631-8251

257 Johnstown Center Dr. Ste. 210, Johnstown 970-484-8445

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com

Visiting Angels

5441 Boeing Dr., Ste. 200, LV 877-618-4748

www.visitingangels.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Affinity at Fort Collins 4201 Corbett Dr., FC 970-236-7485

www.affinityforliving.com

Affinity at Loveland 3415 N. Lincoln Ave., LV 970-238-7907

www.affinityforliving.com

Good Samaritan Society—Bonell 706 23nd St., GR, 970-323-7677

www.good-sam.com/locations/ bonell-community

Good Samarian Society— Estes Park Village

1901 Ptarmigan Tr., EP 970-800-4853

www.good-sam.com/locations/ estes-park-village

Good Samaritan Society— Fort Collins Village 508 W. Trilby Rd., FC 970-323-7675, www.good-sam. com/locations/fort-collins-village

Good Samaritan Society— Fox Run Senior Living 1720 60th Ave., GR 970-323-7680, www.good-sam. com/locations/fox-run-senior-living

Good Samaritan Society—

Loveland Village

2101 S. Garfield Ave., LV

970-999-0336, www.good-sam. com/locations/loveland-village

Good Samaritan Society—

Water Valley Senior Living Resort

805 Compassion Dr., WS 970-323-7723, www.good-sam. com/locations/water-valley

Grace Point

Senior Care Community

1919 68th Ave., GR, 970-304-1919 www.gracepointegreeley.com

Harvest Pointe

4895 Lucerne Ave., LV 970-622-9907, www.rhf.org/ location/harvest-pointe

Hillcrest of Loveland

535 N. Douglas Ave., LV 970-674-7120, www.mbksenior living.com/senior-living

Holiday Retirement—

Greeley Place

1051 6th St., GR, 970-601-4089

www.holidaytouch.com

Holiday Retirement— Parkwood Estates

2201 S. Lemay Ave., FC 970-528-5810

www.holidaytouch.com

Holiday Retirement— Sugar Valley Estates

4320 Georgetown Dr., LV 970-528-1714

www.holidaytouch.com

MacKenzie Place

4750 Pleasant Oak Dr., FC 970-207-1939, www.leisurecare. com/our-communities/ mackenzie-place-fort-collins

Green House Homes—Mirasol

Senior Living

1153 Finch St., LV, 970-663-1300 www.mirasolseniorcommunity.com

Rigden Farm Senior Living

2350 Limon Dr., FC 970-698-9423

www.RigdenFarmSeniorLiving.com

Silvernest Home Sharing

www.silvernest.com

Sunflower—A Gated Active Adult

Community 865 Pleasure Dr., FC 970-893-8780

www.sunflowermhc.com

The Wexford 1515 W. 28th St., LV 970-667-1900

www.columbinehealth.com

The Windsor 1385 Main St., WS 970-460-5005

www.columbinehealth.com

The Winslow 909 Centre Ave., FC 970-492-6200

www.columbinehealth.com

The Worthington 900 Worthington Cir., FC 970-490-1000

www.columbinehealth.com

Village Cooperative of Fort Collins 3580 Stanford Rd., FC 970-223-3538

www.villagecooperative.com

Village Cooperative of Loveland 350 Arriba Ave., LV 970-669-5454

www.villagecooperative.com

SENIOR APARTMENTS

Big Thompson Manor I & II 224 and 230 Monroe St., LV 970-667-4195

Birchwood Manor Apartments

2830 W. 27th St. Ln., GR 970-330-6206

Broadview Apartments 2915 W. 8th St., GR 970-352-9305

CARE Housing 1303 W. Swallow Rd., FC 970-282-7522

www.carehousing.org

Century III Apartments (Windsor Housing Authority) 1027 Walnut St., WS 970-667-3232, www.windsor housingauthority.org

The Remington (formerly DMA Plaza Apartments) 300 Remington St., FC 970-493-7727

Good Samaritan Society—Bonell 706 23nd St., GR, 970-323-7677 www.good-sam.com/locations/ bonell-community

Good Samarian Society— Estes Park Village 1901 Ptarmigan Tr., EP 970-800-4853, www.good-sam. com/locations/estes-park-village

Good Samaritan Society— Fort Collins Village

508 W. Trilby Rd., FC 970-323-7675, www.good-sam. com/locations/fort-collins-village

Good Samaritan Society—

Fox Run Senior Living

1720 60th Ave., GR 970-323-7680

www.good-sam.com/locations/

Good Samaritan Society— Loveland Village

2101 S. Garfield Ave., LV 970-999-0336, www.good-sam. com/locations/loveland-village

Good Samaritan Society— Water Valley Senior Living Resort

805 Compassion Dr., WS 970-323-7723

www.good-sam.com/locations/ water-valley

Governor’s Farm Apartments

701 6th St., WS, 970-686-9650 www.governors-farmapartments.com

Greeley Manor Apartments

1000 13th St., GR 970-356-5489

Hamilton Park Apartments I & II

1406 N. 4th St., Berthoud 970-532-3725

Harvest Pointe

4895 Lucerne Ave., LV 970-622-9907, www.rhf.org/ location/harvest-pointe

Housing Catalyst

1715 W. Mountain Ave., FC 970-416-2910

www.housingcatalyst.com

Immaculata Plaza 530 10th Ave., GR, 970-356-0610 Island Grove Village Apartments (IGV)

119 14th Ave., GR, 970-356-2808 www.islandgrove.org/igv

Joe P. Martinez Gardens 1701 2nd St., GR, 970-356-2332

www.ccinvest.com/properties/ joe-p-martinez-gardensapartments

La Casa Rosa (Greeley/Weld Housing Authority)

1011 C St., GR, 970-353-7437 www.greeley-weldha.org

Loveland Housing Authority

375 W. 37th St., Ste. 200, LV 970-667-3232

www.lovelandhousing.org

Meeker Commons

Mutual Housing

505 9th Ave., GR, 970-378-9393 www.rockymountain communities.org

Oakbrook II Senior Community 3300 Stanford Rd., FC 970-223-1356

Reflections Senior Apartments

321 E. Troutman Pkwy., FC 970-225-3711

www.reflectionsseniorliving.com

Sanctuary Place Apartments 3732 Kunz Ct., FC, 970-225-2116

www.voacolorado.org/ housing_properties

University Plaza Apartments

1534 11th Ave., GR, 970-353-9275

www.universityplaza.net

Villa Fourteen

214 Birch Ave., Ault 970-834-1570

www.vintage-corp.com

Windsor Meadows Apartments (Windsor Housing Authority)

1500 Tipton Dr., WS

970-667-3232

www.windsorhousingauthority.org

Woodbridge Senior Apartments

1508 W. Elizabeth St., FC 970-472-1703

www.woodbridgeseniorapts.com

Woodside Village Apartments

146 E. 24th St., GR

970-356-5991

www.dominiumapartments.com

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

Berthoud Living Center

855 Franklin, Berthoud 970-532-2683

Centennial Healthcare Center 1637 29th Ave. Pl., GR 970-356-8181

www.savasenior care.com/ centennial-healthcare-center

Centre Avenue Health & Rehab Facility

815 Centre Ave., FC 970-494-2140, www.columbine healthfacilities.com/centreavenue-facility

Columbine Commons Health & Rehab Facility 1475 Main St., WS 970-449-5540, www.columbine healthfacilities.com/columbinecommons-facility/

Columbine West Health & Rehab Facility

940 Worthington Cir., FC 970-221-2273

www.columbinehealthfacilities. com/columbine-west-facility/ Fairacres Manor 1700 18th Ave., GR 970-353-3370

www.vivage.com/fairacres

Fort Collins Health Care Center 1000 S. Lemay Ave., FC 970-482-7925, www.savasenior care.com/fort-collins-healthcare-center

Garden Square at Spring Creek 1000 E. Stuart St., FC 970-482-5712, www.savasenior care.com/find-a-center/gardensquare-at-spring-creek

Golden Peaks Center

1005 E. Elizabeth St., FC 970-482-2525, www.genesis hcc.com/GoldenPeaks

Good Samaritan Society—Bonell 706 23nd St., GR, 970-323-7677 www.good-sam.com/locations/ bonell-community

Good Samaritan Society— Fort Collins Village

508 W. Trilby Rd., FC 970-323-7675, www.good-sam. com/locations/fort-collins-village

Good Samaritan Society— Loveland Village

2101 S. Garfield Ave., LV 970-999-0336, www.good-sam. com/locations/loveland-village

Grace Point

Senior Care Community

1919 68th Ave., GR, 970-304-1919 www.gracepointegreeley.com

Kenton Manor 850 27th Ave., GR 970-353-1018, www.savasenior care.com/KentonManor

Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab Facility

4824 S. Lemay Ave., FC 970-482-1584, www.columbine healthfacilities.com/lemayavenue-facility/

Life Care Center of Greeley

4800 W. 25th St., GR 970-330-6400

www.lifecarecenterofgreeley.com

North Shore Health & Rehab Facility

1365 W. 29th St., LV 970-667-6111

www.columbinehealthfacilities. com/north-shore-facility/

Sierra Vista Health Care Center 821 Duffield Ct., LV 970-669-0345

www.savaseniorcare.com/ sierra-vista-health-care-center

Spring Creek Healthcare Center 1000 E. Stuart St., FC 970-482-5712

www.savaseniorcare.com/ spring-creek-healthcare-center

Windsor Healthcare Center 710 3rd St., WS, 970-686-7474

www.savaseniorcare.com/ windsor-healthcare-center

SERVICES

FUNERAL SERVICES

Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services

2000 47th Ave., GR 970-235-2522

www.adamsonchapels.com

Allnutt Funeral Service

1302 Graves Ave., EP 970-335-9376

650 W. Drake Rd., FC 970-335-8213

6521 W. 20th St., GR 970-329-2786

2100 N. Lincoln Ave., LV 970-344-8959, www.allnutt.com

Bohlender Funeral Chapel

121 W. Olive St., FC

970-364-2536

www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com

Goes Funeral Care and Crematory

3665 Canal Dr. Ste. E, FC

970-482-2221

www.goesfuneralcare.com

Resthaven 8426 S. Hwy. 287, FC

970-667-0202

www.dignitymemorial.com

Stoddard Funeral Home

3205 W. 28th St., GR

970-329-2753

www.dignitymemorial.com

Vessey Funeral Service 2649 E. Mulberry St. Ste. A-1 FC, 970-482-5065

www.vesseyfuneralservice.com

Viegut Funeral Home 1616 N. Lincoln Ave., LV

970-679-4669

www.viegutfuneralhome.com

GROCERY SHOPPING & MEAL DELIVERY

60+ Food Delivery Program

970-702-6413

www.weldgov.com/

Food Bank for Larimer County

5706 Wright Dr., LV, 970-493-4477

www.foodbanklarimer.org/

nutritious-kitchen

King Soopers Grocery Delivery

www.kingsoopers.com

Meals on Wheels Fort Collins 970-484-6325

www.mealsonwheelsfc.org

Meals on Wheels Greeley

970-353-9738

www.mealsonwheelsgreeley.com

Meals on Wheels

Loveland & Berthoud

970-667-0311

www.lovelandmealsonwheels.org

Safeway Grocery Delivery

www.safeway.com/shop/lp/ delivery.html

Sprouts Grocery Delivery

www.instacart.com/sprouts

Volunteers of America Northern Colorado 405 Canyon Ave., FC 970-472-9630

www.voacolorado.org

Weld Food Bank Senior Feeding Program

1108 H St., GR, 970-356-2199

www.weldfoodbank.org/seniorfeeding-program

HOME REMODELING

Johnson Custom Flooring & Design 2093 E. 11th St., Ste. 100, LV 970-663-1266

www.johnsoncustomflooring.com

LEGAL SERVICES

Beyers Law—Elder-Law Attorney

1419 W. 29th St., LV 970-669-1101

www.beyerslaw.com

Bordeaux & Boyes Estate Planning

323 W. Drake Rd., Ste. 120, FC 970-488-2737

www.bordeauxandboyes.com

Peter W. Bullard, Elder Law

375 E. Horsetooth Rd., Bldg. 6 Ste. 101, FC, 970-223-5900

www.estate-planning-help.com

Colorado Legal Services 211 W. Magnolia St., FC 970-493-2891

912 8th Ave., GR, 970-353-7554

www.coloradolegalservices.org

Larimer County Bar Association Pro Bono Program 970-402-2075

www.larimerbar.org/pro-bono

C. Jan Lord, Elder-Law

1201 Lake Ave., Ste. A, Berthoud 970-532-4183

www.cjlordlaw.com

Sutherland & Connor, LLC, 1315 Oakridge Dr., Ste. 120, FC 970-224-9779

www.sutherland-connor.com

Wallace & Kling, P.C.

425 W. Mulberry St., Ste. 107, FC 970-221-5602

www.wallace-kling.com

MOVING ASSISTANCE

Kids Gloves, LLC LV, 970-449-2309

www.kidgloves.us

REAL ESTATE

The Group, Inc. Deanna McCrery, SRES 970-222-9532

Carol Voorhis, SRES 970-481-9487

Lisa Hite, SRES 970-310-3133

Anna DiTorrice-Mull, SRES 970-631-2649

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

CITY & COUNTY SERVICES

Senior Access Points of Larimer County 970-498-7740

www.larimerseniors.org

Town of Berthoud 807 Mountain Ave., Berthoud 970-532-2643

www.berthoud.org

Town of Estes Park 170 MacGregor Ave., EP 970-586-5331, www.colorado. gov/townofestespark

City of Fort Collins www.fcgov.com/cityservices

City of Greeley

1000 10th St., GR, 970-350-9777 www.greeleygov.com

City of Loveland

500 E. 3rd St., LV 970-962-2000, www.lovgov.org

Town of Windsor

301 Walnut St., WS 970-674-2400, www.windsorgov.com

TRANSPORTATION

60+ Ride

Weld County, 970-352-9348 www.60plusride.org

Berthoud Area Transportation Service (BATS)

Berthoud, www.berthoud.org/ departments/berthoudarea-transportation-system-bats

City of Loveland Transit (COLT) 105 W. 5th St., LV 970-962-2700

www.cityofloveland.org/transit

Dial-A-Ride Paratransit / Dial-A-Taxi

FC, 970-224-6066

www.ridetransfort.com/routes/ dial-a-ride

Greeley-Evans Transit (GET) GR, 970-350-9290

www.greeleyevanstransit.com

Groome Transportation Airport Shuttle

4414 E. Harmony Rd., FC 970-226-5533

www.GroomeTransportation.com

Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) Berthoud, 970-532-0808

https://berthoudraft.org

Senior Alternatives in Transportation (SAINT) FC, LV, 970-223-8604, www. saintvolunteertransportation.org

Super Shuttle Express 4414 E. Harmony Rd., FC 800-258-3826

www.supershuttle.com/dia

Transfort Fort Collins FC, 970-221-6620

www.ridetransfort.com

Uber www.uber.com

Via Mobility Services Serving EP, 303-447-2848

www.viacolorado.org

Wellington Senior Resource Center 3800 Wilson Ave., Wellington 970-817-2293

www.townofwellington.com/171/ Senior-Resource-Center

zTrip

www.ztrip.com

Giving Back

Passion for music drives volunteer

“MUSIC IS MY ‘ALTER EGO,’” says Peg Isakson. She likes all kinds of music. After she and her husband moved to Loveland in 2000, they regularly attended the Poudre River Irregulars performances at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins. Years later as a widow, she joined the NoCO Trad (short for traditional) Jazz Society and asked how she could help the organization. “You can be the chairperson,” the board told her. Peg insisted she learn the program first, then, jumped into the position after a year and a half. As chair for the local jazz society, she prepares and runs the board meetings and attends every Irregulars first Friday performances at Avogadro’s Number. For a while, Peg wrote, edited and formatted the newsletter. She’s always on the lookout for concert opportunities for the Irregulars.

She supports other local jazz bands, researches bands, musicians, performance venues and also hosts shows. Peg gets involved with music teachers, encourages and supports their efforts. She urges the board and Irregulars to promote traditional jazz youth groups by inviting them to share the stage at Avogadro’s.

“I think back to my teen years when I learned to play piano with charts for jazz improvisation, as in Trad Jazz.” Her mom drove her to Moline, Illinois, for jazz piano lessons. She claims she never followed through with playing improvisational jazz, but she developed an affinity for it. In the 1970s, she took ragtime lessons from Ray Leake, current pianist for the Poudre River Irregulars.

Volunteering isn’t new to Peg. She first volunteered at the age of 15

to work with groups of 4-year-olds through her church. She served in various offices for high school and university organizations.

After graduation, Peg taught in a Riverside, Illinois elementary school. After moving to Colorado in 1960, she served as Literacy Coordinator and Consultant for Boulder schools. Scholastic, Inc. hired her to give teacher workshops on using paperback books and computers to teach K-12 reading in the classroom. She also taught literacy courses at Regis, Metro State and UNC as an Adjunct Instructor.

Over ten years, Peg served in each position of the Executive Committee of CCIRA (Colorado Council of the International Reading Association).

She chaired the state conference with over 2500 attendees. In Loveland, Peg presided over the Loveland Loves to Read program. She headed Philo Loveland’s Publicity and Website Maintenance committees and served as Secretary and Treasurer. Although busy with NoCO Trad Jazz Society, she is also on the board of Loveland Performing Arts.

Peg claims, “I can’t live without music in my life!” She adds, “With ‘tongue in cheek,’ I hope we all keep our hearing acuity and learn to listen to good jazz.” She finds ways to share traditional jazz music with others in her community.

Peg Isakson casts new meaning to Benjamin Franklin’s words, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”

Linda L. Osmundson