Greg at 970-689-6832 or Greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com Call Scott at 970-980-9183 or Scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
THE SPACE TO BE your best at any age!
24 • FEATURE
Staying active during the winter months
Don’t let the weather keep you from doing the things you enjoy. You can still get outside and get fresh air with some adaptations. Keep in touch with friends, and if it’s too cold to go out, try some indoor activities.
30 • FEATURE
Transportation options for non-driving adults
Many adults as they age no longer drive but wish to remain independent. Northern Colorado offers many options for transportation. Those include: no cost/low cost choices, such as, busses, ride shares and shuttles.
Volunteer
From the Publisher
Listening is loving
Our attention matters when it counts
I RETURNED A WEEK AGO from five weeks in South Carolina working in the aftermath of hurricane Helene.
South Carolina, where I was anyway, didn’t have the flooding that we’ve seen so much in North Carolina. For the people in South Carolina, Helene roared through with high winds and tornados early in the morning.
People were left in the dark while their homes shook. Power was out in most places for four to 11 days. Trees blocked streets and, if you could get to a station, gasoline was in short supply. Most people hunkered down and made do the best they could. It seems most neighborhoods had their own chainsaw and tractor crews that cleared neighborhood streets.
My official role was to drive around and assess damage to homes and take pictures. I saw damage to roofs and ceilings and also to wells and septic systems. At some homes, large trees had crashed through into the bedroom or kitchen.
For some people, their lives were turned upside down; for others, a few days of clearing sticks and limbs from their property was all they needed to get back to normal. One family had both cars crushed by a tree.
I’d arrive at a home and after a brief introduction, I’d ask them what happened. Typically, we would start walking around the home looking at roofs, walls and skirting. We might check out a well or septic system that had been damaged and then we’d go inside to view any problems in there—ceilings coming down, damage to floors from leaks in the ceilings and even through windows and doors.
Although my official role was to assess broadly the damage to homes, my greater contribution, I believe, was listening to people. They’d been through a lot, and they wanted to tell me about it. Looking at their damaged home gave us the perfect opportunity for them to describe to me the night of the storm and their fear about what might happen. Many lived in mobile homes and just kept praying that it would hold up to the forces of nature.
Some people went further. They talked about their lives in general and how the storm had just added to their many challenges—family issues, job challenges, health concerns. One young man felt the weight of the world: His home was beat up; his first wife wasn’t helping with the older kids; his second wife was great but was home with the baby; his mom needed help and he’d lost his job because he had to take the kids to school and pick them up every day. He was overwhelmed and the storm was just one more thing.
I heard stories like that over and over. A middle-aged woman with rheumatoid arthritis whose home had been destroyed was sleeping on her neighbor’s porch while random folks from the neighborhood were putting in a new floor and patching the ceiling and fixing the doors. I did my assessment, but as important as that was, I gave her my attention and listened.
As the woman says in Hector and the Search for Happiness (worth watching), “Listening is loving.”
Thanks for reading (It’s like listening),
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
Make a small get-together a big hit
MAKING ANY GATHERING A HIT requires good planning. Keep a check list and access it often. Choose the guests; email, text, call or snail mail invitations. Decide on a theme, create a menu, consider an activity, generate ambience, decorate around the theme and plan party favors.
Themes can vary – Christmas, New Year, Super Bowl, Valentines. Decorations may simply be appropriate paper plates, drinks, food and/or table décor.
Plan an activity around the theme. Create a page of pictures representing Christmas songs, resolutions, football teams or Valentine sayings. Work in pairs to identify the pictures. Offer a small prize.
Charcuterie boards are the current rage. Build a Christmas tree or wreath, disco ball, football or heart board of finger foods. Search the Internet for ideas. Serve drinks reflecting the theme – eggnog/mulled cider, champagne, beer, something red, and non-alcoholic.
Deliver ambience with soft music and lighting. Provide plenty of seating. Relax and enjoy!
Fall prevention at home
TO PREVENT FALLS IN your home, remember the general advice to remove floor clutter, lay cords against the walls and avoid throw rugs. The National Institute on Aging adds these tips.
Floors, stairways and hallways – attach secure handrails on each side of the stairs. Keep pathways tidy, provide good lighting and consider motion-activated lights in dark spaces.
Bathrooms – mount grab bars inside and outside the shower/tub/toilet areas. Use non-skid rugs where water might collect. Add light-sensor night lights.
Bedrooms – place a lamp within easy reach of the bed. Keep a flashlight nearby. Set a phone on the night stand along with emergency numbers.
Kitchen – arrange often used utensils, cookware and supplies with easy access. Clean up spills immediately. Sit while preparing food.
General tips – arrange furniture for smooth/easy traffic flow. Use a “reach stick” rather a chair or ladder. Wear your cell. List emergency numbers in your contacts.
Find more information at www.nia.nih.gov.
Declutter your home
ARE YOUR CLOSETS, CABINETS, DRAWERS and garage overflowing? Organize and declutter! Donate or throw away anything not used in the last two to three years. Follow the one in/one out rule.
• Practice the rule of only three decorative items on a surface.
• In the closet, discard extra shoes, purses, ties, belts, accessories and clothing. Bedrooms only need two sets of linens and a few pillows. Donate extras.
• Rid kitchens cabinets, drawers and pantry of excessive glassware, cookbooks, gadgets, pots/pans, mixing bowls, Tupperware, pitchers, mugs and jars. Eliminate outdated spices and canned goods.
• Office collections of pens and pencils clutter the desk and fill drawers. Keep only what is necessary. Check the book shelves for multiples or outdated research books. Are there any you can do without?
• In the garage, shed duplicate tools, seasonal supplies and sporting goods. Clear floor. Hang useful items seldom used.
Try https://tinyurl.com/23yypzws for a list of 101 items to cull or reduce.
Winterize your winter walks
WALKING IS A GREAT WAY TO get out and explore your community and it is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy because it improves fitness and mental wellbeing. Walking also helps us to avoid falls by improving balance, strength and posture.
Winter weather creates slippery conditions which make falls more likely to happen. However, don’t let your fear of falling get in the way of winter outdoor activities. Staying indoors can cause deconditioning and increase your fall risk.
When going out in the ice and snow, follow these tips to help you stay on your feet:
• Make a plan and choose a familiar route free from ice and snow.
• Take your time and try not to rush.
• Use handrails where available, even if you don’t normally need their support.
• Choose the right winter clothing and gear for your walk.
• Make sure clothing fits well and provides good support.
• Ensure winter footwear provides traction and has a wide, stable, and non-slip rubber sole.
• Walk like a penguin. Penguins are great at moving around safely on snow and ice. If you are unable to avoid a patch of ice, walking like a penguin can prevent a fall. Walking like a penguin means moving slowly and taking very small steps.
Stay socially active
SENIORS MAY BE MORE LIKELY to be socially isolated than other age groups due to retirement or mobility limitations. Staying socially active can have many benefits for seniors, including:
Mental health—Social interactions can help seniors feel less isolated and depressed and can reduce the risk of anxiety and cognitive decline. Social support can also complement any medications or therapies a senior receives.
Physical health—Social seniors are more likely to be active, which can help keep them moving and improve brain health. Physical activity can also help prevent falls.
Disease prevention—Social connections can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and obesity.
Overall wellness—Social engagement can improve emotional, intellectual, and physical wellness, which can help seniors stay healthy as they age.
Warm up with comfort food
SOUPS AND STEWS CAN BE a great source of comfort food because they are easy to eat, nutritious, and can warm you up on a cold day. They are easy to consume, especially pureed soups, which are good if you have problems with your teeth. Soups can be a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Here are some tips for choosing soups and stews: Be mindful of salt: Canned soups can be high in sodium, so be careful about how much salt you add to soups and stews.
Try healthy classics: Vegetable soup, chicken soup, or matzoh ball soup are all healthy options.
Make plant-based soups: Spinach rice soup, vegetarian chili, or butternut squash soup are all plant-based options.
Freeze soups and stews: Frozen soups and stews can stay high quality for two to three months.
Linda Osmundson
Dining out—yay or nay?
EATING OUT HAS BOTH advantages and disadvantages. Some researchers say eating out costs five times as much as preparing the same meal at home; yet, one in four Americans eat out at least once a week. If you make healthy restaurant food choices, eating out is a treat for the family, especially the cook. You can order meals you wouldn’t prepare. People in the past considered dinner to be the biggest meal of the day. Research discovered eating a smaller dinner and a larger, cheaper lunch is more beneficial and constitutes
better weight control. Avoid holidays and Sundays. Monday, Tuesday and maybe Wednesdays are restaurants’ quietest days. Mondays present fewer restaurant choices since many are closed. Tuesdays are best for shorter waits and more staff attention.
Restaurants experience slower foot traffic January through March. They often offer coupon discounts to attract diners. Watch for deals like “taco Tuesdays” or “$5 Fridays.”
Check your favorite restaurant for coupons, weekly menu deals, and Happy Hour specials.
Realistic resolutions
EVERY YEAR PEOPLE LIST New Year’s resolutions they seldom fulfill. This year set reachable goals. Try some of these:
• Express appreciation regularly.
• Give one compliment a day; everyone needs a compliment but few receive them.
• Perform random acts of kindness; pay for the person’s coffee behind you.
• Call a friend rather than text.
• Have lunch with friends every week or once a month.
• Compliment yourself; recognize your talents and good points.
• Take a class.
• Stay in touch weekly with people who matter to you.
• Exercise by taking the stairs rather than the elevator; or park in the farthest spot.
• Read more; maybe join a book club.
• Talk less and listen more.
• Learn to say NO.
• Practice deep breathing to relieve stress.
• Drink more water.
• Reduce sugar intake.
• Write down an “awesome of the day.”
Enjoy resolution success!
Spend a few days in Denver
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A MID-WEEK or weekend getaway in Denver? Attend theaters, shop, sightsee and more. Upcoming DCPA Buell performances include Manheim Steam Roller Christmas (12/6-8), Funny Girl (12/10-22), Back to the Future Musical (1/22-2/9), Mean Girls (2/25-3/2) and Dancing with the Stars (3/16). https:// tinyurl.com/37xsmh4u
Hotel rates near the Performing Arts complex vary depending on dates and times. Hotel Teatro, across the street, offers luxury rooms and a restaurant.
Aloft Denver Downtown, a short walk, provides a fitness center and restaurant. At the Brown Palace, a 14-minute walk, take advantage of valet parking and afternoon tea. Although pricey, it’s said afternoon tea at the Brown Palace is worth the price. www.opentable.com/ afternoon-tea-at-the-brown-palace. Search for other nearby hotels and rates.
Sign up for tours of the Capital building, Mint and Denver Art Museum exhibits or take bus or walking tours. Enjoy a staycation in nearby Denver especially during the holiday.
Katie Harris
Staying active
during the winter monthS
IT CAN BE EASY TO GIVE IN to the temptation to hibernate as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, but staying in isn’t always best for our overall wellbeing. In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), social isolation, while often exacerbated in winter due to fear of becoming ill or injured, can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
Bundle up and get outdoors
Winter weather can be intimidating but prioritizing time in the great outdoors year-round can do wonders for both physical and mental health. The key is to venture out with safety in mind.
To begin with, head outside when the temperature is on the mild side, avoiding bitter cold days, high wind speeds, and days when there’s ice on the ground. According to the NIA, body temperature awareness often declines with age. Paired with increased difficulty staying
warm, this makes it especially important to avoid becoming chilled in the first place.
One of the best ways to do this is by dressing appropriately for the weather, by wearing loose layers, including a waterproof outer layer, and donning a hat, scarf and gloves. In addition, the NIA recommends choosing non-slip, rubbersoled footwear in winter to help avoid falls. Utilizing hand rails where possible and avoiding un-shoveled sidewalks are also smart strategies for staying safe.
Finally, opt for a group outing and take advantage of the safety in numbers strategy whenever possible. This might mean signing up for a snowshoeing trip or participating in a winter hike with the Building on Outdoor Trail Stewardship (B.O.O.T.S.) program—a Fort Collins-based initiative which allows members to select from a series of outdoor group activities to join in on throughout the season (https://webtrac. fcgov.com/wbwsc/webtracrec.wsc/iteminfo. html?Module=AR&FMID=146344087).
Consider indoor activities on extra cold days
Sometimes Colorado weather just doesn’t cooperate, which is why senior centers across the region have prioritized offering a variety of indoor sports and activities to help their guests stay active all winter long.
“A lot of people don’t realize that we have indoor sports to keep people happy and healthy during the winter months,” says Betsy Emond, a recreation coordinator for Fort Collins Senior Center. “Pickleball, badminton, and table tennis really keep arms and legs moving.”
Find your winter fit
For a full listing of activities and classes available by city, visit:
Fort Collins: www.fcgov.com/recreation/senior-center
Indoor pool activities are another great way to stay active year-round. From lap swim to drop-in classes like Aqua Fitness, pools are great for both physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, many recreation and senior centers offer an indoor track where a brisk walk can be had without the danger of slipping.
Another popular, outside-the-box option offered by most senior centers is line dancing, which picks up during the winter months. Not only is the activity a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to meet new people.
Socialize, even if you can’t be active
If health restrictions prohibit you from participating in more physically demanding activities, getting out of the house is still important for your mental health. This can easily be accomplished by stopping by the billiards room at the Fort Collins Senior Center, playing a round of cornhole at the Greeley Active Adult Center, sitting in on a card game in Loveland, or playing a round of Bingo in Windsor.
Check out your city’s recreation department or senior
center activity guide for a list of seasonal activities and classes, as well as directions for registering.
There’s no better time to get started!
If you’re hesitant about getting started, Emond says the best thing to do is take that first step forward and stop by.
“Come in to the senior center,” she says. We’ve got free coffee if you bring your own mug; sit and visit with people and see what it’s all about.”
According to Emond, first time visitors are often able to try out a class or activity for free if they request to do so, and staff members are happy to provide recommendations and help people get signed up.
In addition, adults ages 65 and up may qualify for a Silver Sneakers membership, allowing them free access to a wide range of activities including both in-person and online classes, outings, and activities. To find out if you qualify visit https://tools.silversneakers.com/.
“You’re going to feel happier and healthier and get better rest as a result,” she said. “You’ll be able to keep up with the grandkids! All around great health is great for anybody.”
Living Life Post Election 2024
The ballots have been counted, the speeches have subsided, the commercials came to an abrupt end along with the texts and calls. We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that the elections are finished. For some the celebrations may continue while others may be consoling themselves in disbelief, regardless voters have spoken, and the world continues to orbit the sun. Leaving many investors to ponder the everevolving question of what’s next?
For the market, election night is a lot like a seesaw riding the ups and downs of the electoral vote counts throughout the night. All the while investors brace themselves for the impending changes to fiscal policy, regulatory environments, and the never-ending interest rate saga. Certain sectors of the market may experience changes as policies evolve. As energy, financials, and tech will all see some type of impact from changing regulations and government priorities. So, if you are peering into the distance looking for clarity you will likely find yourself in a crowd because no one has it.
In the immediate, we will all still be wrapped up in the inflation and interest volatility that the market has come to embrace over the last couple years. We will still hang on every word from Jerome Powell’s Fed minutes and await a reprieve from lingering inflation and high interest rates.
If inflation persists, companies heavily reliant on cheap credit could face challenges, as ‘higher for longer’ interest rates may impact their operations. Only time and the Fed will tell.
As the days unfold, and the new administration begins to implement their policies the greater impact of the regime change will get underway. The markets will be eager to see what sectors benefit from a coveted government boost through policy changes. Infrastructure may see benefits, as it often garners bipartisan support. For investors this means that investments in construction, materials, industrials are likely to reap the benefits of increased government spending and utilization. While domestic energy production will be a key focus there is also potential that renewable energy and clean tech may also get some positive attention as well.
While the new administration will have a centric
focus on domestic matters, the global stage will also see some impacts, both positive and negative. It has been no secret that there is serious potential for tariffs and an increase in free trade alike. Any hints of international friendliness very well may benefit industries reliant on global markets, like manufacturing and agriculture. If however, protectionism takes the center stage, things will certainly get a little more interesting. So, beware any industries that get caught in the crossfire of international relations along the way.
In the end, the post-election market is an exercise in contradictions, a little hope, a lot of speculation, and more volatility than a leaf in a hurricane. As investors we should never anticipate a predictable trajectory but should expect the chaos of political priorities. A prudent approach is to remain flexible and have a plan that can adapt to potential changes. Because once the dust settles, it will only be 4 short years until we are back at it again. Consider developing a retirement plan designed to endure changes across different administrations.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS for non-driving adults
WHETHER IT BE TO THE doctor’s office, the grocery store, or a social outing, the ability to drive ourselves where we want to go is one most of us take for granted. That is, until we can no longer do so. Having to rely on others for transportation can make non-driving adults feel like a burden, and can decrease their overall quality of life.
“Not everyone has family and friends nearby to rely on,” says Brooks Lloyd, Office Manager for Good Samaritan Society’s Estes Park Village location. “Even if they do, it can be hard to always have to ask someone to run you to appointments.”
Luckily, in Northern Colorado there are several options, many of them free or low
KATIE HARRIS
cost, to help adults who no longer drive regain their independence.
Residents of Fort Collins and Loveland who are 60 or older can take advantage of Senior Alternatives in Transportation (SAINT) shuttles for their transportation needs within the boundaries of their home cities. SAINT is operated by volunteers and offers free rides to residents M-F from 8:15am-4pm. Riders must be able to enter and exit the vehicle with only light arm or walker assistance. While the rides are provided free of cost, donations are appreciated. For reservations call 970-223-8604 or visit www.saintvolunteertransportation.org.
A similar service is offered to Weld County residents. 60+ Ride serves the entire county, offering no-cost rides M-F from 9am to 4pm for residents 60 and older. To learn more call 970-352-9348 or visit www.60plusride.org/
In Berthoud, residents have two options for transportation. Berthoud Area Transportation Services (BATS) provides rides within Berthoud and Loveland to adults 60 and older at no cost. All BATS vehicles are wheelchair equipped. Rides must be scheduled before 4pm the day before the ride is needed by calling 970-532-3049 or visiting www. berthoud.org/159/Berthoud-AreaTransportation-Service-BAT. Berthoud’s Rural Alternative for Transportation (RAFT) service provides rides to 60 and older adults in the Berthoud Fire Protection District. Volunteer drivers drive their own vehicles; therefore riders must register with the service and book their rides at least three days in advance. For more information call 970-532-0808 or visit www.berthoudraft.org.
Since Covid, two public bus systems
have been temporarily free of cost. TransFort is currently offering its Fort Collins fixed route bus services fare-free between 5:30am-7:30pm, M-F. In addition, dial-a-ride services are available M-Sa from 6am-11pm. To learn more or book a ride visit www.ridetransfort.com. TransFort’s sister system, FLEX , offers bus services between South Fort Collins and Boulder, with stops in Loveland, Berthoud and Longmont. Fares for FLEX have been temporarily suspended as well. To find out more visit www.ridetransfort. com/flex.
LOW COST SERVICES
Windsor Ride provides transportation to adults 55 and over residing in Windsor for a small fee. The service operates M-Th from 8am-3pm. Cost per ride is $4 within the city of Windsor and $6 for rides to Greeley, Fort Collins or Loveland. Call 970-223-8604 or check out the Windsor Active Adults Activity Guide for details. continuedw
TIPS FOR RIDING SAFELY
• Let someone you trust know where you’ll be, how you’ll be getting there, and when you’ll be back.
• Let your ride service know ahead of time if you require assistance or have mobility issues so that they can pair you with a properly equipped vehicle.
• If using public transportation, print out a copy of the route and determine ahead of time which stops you’ll be utilizing and what time they’re serviced.
• If possible, always travel with a cell phone, programmed with the numbers of any emergency contacts, and extra cash in case of an emergency.
Greeley Evans Transit (GET) offers discounted rides for seniors around Greeley, Windsor, Fort Collins and Evans. Fixed routes are provided M-Sa with additional call-a-ride services available after hours and on Sundays. One way fares cost $.75, while all-day passes are available for $2.25. Visit www. greeleyevanstransit.com for a route map or to learn more about GET.
The Bustang public bus system serves Fort Collins and Loveland, offering a fixed route between the two cities as well as down to Denver.
Buses run M-F from 5:10am to 8:20pm, with less frequent trips offered on weekends. Cost varies but is approximately $10/ride, with 10-, 20-, and 40-ride tickets available at discounted rates. (www.ridebustang.com).
City of Loveland Transit (COLT), offers low-cost service within Loveland city limits. COLT’s current senior fare is $.60/ride or $25 for an annual pass. Visit www.lovgov.org/services/public-works/bus-service for additional details.
RIDE SHARES
Folks willing to shell out a little more for the convenience of a private, on-demand ride might want to consider a ride share. In Northern Colorado, Uber and Lyft offer their services.
Ride shares operate through websites and mobile apps, where anyone in need of a ride can book a contracted driver in his or her own vehicle to pick the rider up at their location and drive them where they need to go. Visit www.uber.com or www.lyft.com to book a ride.
Similarly, Z-Trip (formerly Fort Collins Yellow Cab) is a ride service which allows those in need of a ride to hail a taxi from the Z-Trip website (www.ztrip.com/ northern-colorado/) or app, by calling 970-224-2222, or by hailing a Z-Trip cab on the street. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available upon request.
“Transportation is everything,” says Lloyd. “It’s socialization, it’s getting out of their environment and seeing the scenery, it’s making it to a hair appointment. [Non-driving adults] have given up so much already; it’s very important for them to have these options.”
YOURAdventure BEGINS HERE
Whether you’re here for the weekend, for the season or with us for a while, let Wilbur’s Total Beverage welcome you to Fort Collins.
The Regional, a true taste of Fort Collins in a charming, inviting nook in Old Town. Sourcing from many local farms and small businesses in the community to bring you a delicious variety of unique, organic, and thoughtful dishes made with so much love, you can taste it!
Business Hours- 7 days a week
Sun – Thurs: 4 – 9pm Fri – Sat: 4 – 9:30 pm
Sat – Sun: 9:30 am – 2pm
Happy Hour every day: 4 – 5:30 pm
130 S Mason St. Fort Collins, CO. 80524 web: theregionalfood.com (970) 689-3508
eat local • drink local
Folks Farm, Forever Green Farm, Well Fed Farmstead, Belafonte Farm, Jodar Farm
Hazel Dell Farm, BC Honey Hives, High Point Bison, Happy Lucky’s Tea Bean Cycle Coffee Roasters, Life’s A Booch, And Many Local Breweries and Distilleries!
Giving Back
Linda L. Osmundson
Lori Ferin sets an example
LORI FERIN NOT ONLY EXEMPLIFIES an outstanding nonprofit volunteer, but she also gives time and help to neighbors. Anyone in the subdivision needing assistance can call on her – from shoveling driveways to babysitting to sharing dinner leftovers!
“My mom volunteered a lot and taught us that it was good to give back to your community.” Lori has followed her mother’s example from a young age to the present. Upon moving with her husband Mark to Fort Collins seven years ago, she immediately immersed herself into the community, in addition to working fulltime.
At Habitat Restore, Lori restocked merchandise and sorted donations. “I have a background in retail, so, I also helped with merchandising and presentation.”
In the past seven years, she’s shared her talents with several organizations. Lori sorted donations by sizes, hung and steamed clothing to fill the Junior League’s Career Closet. She shifted to a stylist. Lori meets one-on-one with clients and assists them in choosing work wardrobes. She enjoys the friendships developed with clients who return every six months for wardrobe updates. “I am so gratified when I can help a young mom get new clothes for a job so she can support her kids. I was a single mom for several years and this is close to my heart.”
“The Food Bank of Larimer County is an amazing organization with so many wonderful, selfless people working and volunteering there. It is a community that I love and I am happy to call many of them my friends,” says Lori. “I like to volunteer there because
I don’t want to see food insecurity for anyone, especially the kiddos.” Lori works in the kitchen preparing and packing lunches for senior citizens in conjunction with Volunteers of America. She also bags lunches and after school snacks for Boys and Girls Clubs. During the summer, she dishes up lunch to kids, since they aren’t in school to get lunch. “Cooking is fun and rewarding. How often do you get to prepare a recipe that feeds 140 people!”
Customers shop for food essentials at no cost through Food Shares in Loveland and Fort Collins. Lori displays and hands out products, sorts contributions and cleans. “This is very gratifying because you actually get an
opportunity to interact with customers. Many have a regular schedule and you get to know people as they shop.”
Recently retired, Lori says, “In my retirement, I have time and resources that allow me to give back.” She offers this advice to anyone contemplating volunteerism. “I would say if you are considering volunteering, pick something you are passionate about or has meaning to you. Don’t be afraid. You will meet new people and learn new things. Your help will be appreciated. There are so many organizations that need volunteers. Give it a try!”
Thanks, Lori, for following your mother’s teachings and sharing your talents with those in need.
