About this Catalog
This catalog provides a listing of local online opportunities that we have deemed useful or of interest to older adults in Larimer County, Colorado. This is not a static compilation, but rather is continually updated and expanded as we identify new opportunities and accommodate changes in programs.
Our goal is to encourage you to consider the variety of events, gatherings, classes, and shared experience as available to you in a virtual format. Most of these listings are provided on Zoom but we include other platforms as we encounter them. In the event you feel a bit skittish about joining a virtual event or conversation, we have provided contact information at the back of this catalog where you can get individual assistance or link to an online instructional video.
Especially in this time of imposed isolation, we want you to experience this new way of engaging in activities that support, stimulate, and even entertain.
Enter and Enjoy!!
I Support Groups
II Health & Wellness
III Connection/Engagement
IV Common Interests
V Arts and Culture
I. Support
SUPPORT GROUPS ARE GATHERINGS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO SHARE COMMON CHALLENGES.
The common experiences among members of a support group often include similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, treatment decisions or treatment side effects. They come together to share information, wisdom, questions and to lend each other support to make difficult choices, accept the reality of their situation, and to move forward.
The following pages describe a variety of support groups offered in Larimer County.
Contact: hope@3hopefulhearts.com
Website: www.3hopefulhearts.com
3Hopeful Hearts supports families who have lost children of any age and any cause. If you have lost a child or infant, you are welcome to join our virtual Child Loss Support Group. Services are free of charge to anyone in our community.
Our mission: 3Hopeful Hearts provides bereaved parents and families opportunities to honor, find hope, and seek healing through grief companionship.
For ZOOM link and additional information: 1st Thursday, 6:30-7:30 pm https://www.3hopefulhearts.com/support-groups/
Alcoholics Anonymous of Northern Colorado Virtual Support Groups
Contact: contact@nocoaa.org
Website: https://www.nocoaa.org/
Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM
24-Hour Hotline: (970) 224-3552
NoCo AA Intergroup services the northern Front Range and northeast Colorado areas.
The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.
A number of online meetings in Larimer County are available via Zoom. You can find these in the meeting list posted at https://www.nocoaa.org/meetings/ (to see virtual list choose ‘online’ for type of group)
They also provide online classes via Zoom.
Contact: Cyndy Luzinski
Phone. 970-305-5271
Email: help@Dementiatogether.org
Website: www.dementiatogether.org
At Dementia Together, we’re committed to cultivating joy while building stronger connections – for those living with dementia, their care partners, and the community. Memory Cafes are interactive social gatherings for people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment AND their care partners as well as community friends. Program includes reminiscing, games, laughter and music. Please join us!
Check their calendar for their Education, Life Enrichment and support group opportunities. Both virtual and inperson groups are listed.
To access virtual memory cafes and support groups click on the link below at meeting time:
https://zoom.us/j/148504348 Password: dt
Grand Family Coalition
Contact: Gail
Email info@grandfamilycoalition.org
Phone: 970-699-2837
Website: https://www.grandfamilycoalition.org
Grand Family Coalition is a non-profit network of Grandfamilies and Kinship caregivers. Grandparents and other relatives who have stepped up to raise children when the parents are unable to do so. Older adult grandfamily caregivers with children in tow, most often lose friendships with their new way of life, struggle to find resources to match their
FACEBOOK PRIVATE GROUPS:
Many grandfamilies from across the state of Colorado are connecting to share ideas, stories and stay connected. To join our private Facebook group email us at info@grandfamilycoalition.org. You can also “like” our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/grandfamilycoalition
Narcotics Anonymous
Helpline: 970-282-8079
Website: otwna.org
“For the first time in man’s entire history, a simple way has been proving itself in the lives of many addicts. It is available to us all. This is a simple spiritual – not religious – program, known as Narcotics Anonymous.” They offer one hybrid meetings.
New Horizons……………………… Thursday 7pm-8pm
Hybrid
https://zoom.us/j/705555830
Meeting ID: 705 555 830
A listing of all meetings can be seen at https://www.otwna.org/meetings/
Contact: Robyn Ingham
Ph: 303-301-5963
Email: hello@pdsupportlc.net
Website: http://www.pdsupportlc.net/
The Parkinson’s Support Group in Larimer County (PSGLC) includes people living with Parkinson’s, their care partners, family and friends, health professionals, and other interested parties. In personmeetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, and include an educational presentation as well as time to provide more personal support to one another. Newcomers are welcome.
For now, we are streaming the presentation portion of these monthly meetings on Zoom – details are in our newsletter.
If you would like to be added to our email list in order to receive PSGLC communications and online meeting invitations, please submit your information on this page.
Alliance For Suicide Prevention of Larimer County
Contact: Kiera Butler 970-482-2209
Email: kiera@suicideprevent.org
Website: https://allianceforsuicideprevention.org/ education-programs/grief-support/
The stigma surrounding suicide can isolate families. Often, family members can become isolated from each other as they each struggle to grieve in their own way. Heartbeat.
Heartbeat is now meeting virtually on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm. For those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. RSVP here and the Zoom information will be shared with you
II. Health & Wellnes s
HEALTH AND WELLNESS GROUPS ARE GATHERINGS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE THEIR FITNESS, NUTRITION, MINDFULNESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE.
Aging well is a focus of programming for each of our Health & Wellness providers. From learning about nutrition and mindfulness to enjoying the company of your friends in a fitness class you will have instructors and presenters who are interested in helping you reach your goals. The following pages describe the many opportunities available to you in Larimer County.
Phone: 541-292-7563
Email: jennifer@adaptiveyogaspecialist.com
Website: www.adaptiveyogaspecialist.com
Skillfully adapting yoga & mindful movement for people living with a movement disorder or anything that limits functional movement.
Interactive virtual classes held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00-2:15 pm.
Also, in-person classes on Wednesday at Raintree Athletic Club from 1:00-2:15.
No membership needed.
Free consultations. Individualized private sessions.
Every class is packed full of: Body & breath awareness, functional movement, mindfulness, inspiration, community, education, music & rhythm, laughter.
Aspen Club
Contact: JoAnn Herkenhoff
Phone: 970.495.8560
Email: JoAnn.Herkenhoff@uchealth.org
Website: http://www.uchealth.org/aspenclub
Aspen Club provides health-related programs and services to those 50 and forward in Larimer and Weld Counties (and in partnership with our sister UCHealth hospital in Longmont) to help older adults age healthfully and independently.
Services include:
• Assistance in completing Advance Directives
• Health and wellness education and promotion
• Disease prevention/self-management strategies
• Health screenings
• Medicare counseling
Please visit our website for more specific offerings, including virtual options.
https://www.uchealth.org/aspenclub
Health District of Northern Larimer County, Larimer Health Connect Program
Phone: 970-472-0444
Email: coverageassist@healthdistrict.org
Website: www.larimerhealthconnect.org
About Us: Larimer Health Connect is a program of the Health District of Northern Larimer County. We help individuals and families enroll in the best health insurance to meet their needs and budget. This includes helping with Health First Colorado (Medicaid), the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace, and Medicare. Our appointments are always free and offered virtually and in-person. You will meet with a Certified Health Coverage Guide who can answer all of your questions, compare plans, help apply for any financial assistance, and walk you through the application process. The Larimer Health Connect team works throughout all of Larimer County to help people get covered and stay covered in health insurance.
The Prescription Assistance team is here to help people with limited incomes fill their prescriptions through vouchers and applications to drug company programs. This service is open to residents of Fort Collins and northern Larimer County who meet household financial guidelines and who don't have insurance for prescriptions. To use the program, you must have a current prescription from your doctor.
For a short video on how to join one of our Zoom meetings: https://youtu.be/xZQcOmjYv7I
For a short video on how to use Zoom features during an appointment: https://youtu.be/mDr71VoRSVY
III. Connection / Engagement
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL CONNECTION WITH OTHERS
Social connections are important for a sense of well-being. Having good relationships leads to more happiness and a longer life. Loneliness is apt to lead to high blood pressure, so connecting with others helps us be healthier. Humans are social animals – we crave feeling supported and connected, whether it’s through laughing together, sharing a common interest, or a heart-to-heart talk. The following pages describe a variety of ways to connect with others.
IV. Common Interests
COMMON INTERESTS CAN BE ANYTHING OF GENERAL INTEREST TO A LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE SUCH AS BOOKS, MOVIES, GAMES, ETC.
The following pages describe a variety of common interest offerings in Larimer County.
Fort Collins Digital Camera Club
Contact Persons:
Albert Wang (President)
Mike Barry (Secretary)
Email: info@fcdcc.com
Website: www.FCDCC.com
The Fort Collins Digital Camera Club (FCDCC) is a non-profit organization that focuses exclusively on digital cameras and photography. Its principal goal is to provide an environment for sharing and learning about basic photographic techniques, digital photographic imagery, and the use of post processing software and printing. FCDCC is open to all levels of digital photography, including beginners, and covers all levels of equipment, including smartphones, point-and-shoot cameras, and cameras with interchangeable lenses. Prospective members are invited to attend a couple meetings before they decide if they want to join. Please email us at: info@fcdcc.com for Zoom links.
Main Club Meetings (typically via Zoom)………..
Coffee Meetings (in person)………………………. (informal photography discussions)
Special Interest Group Meetings ………………… (most via Zoom). Concentration on specific photography topics. Please see website for details.
2nd Tuesday of each month at 6pm
3rd week of each month, rotating between Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Different meeting dates/times and frequency for each interest group
We occasionally have group photography outings which will be posted on the web site.
Email: membership@lcgsco.org
Website: https://www.lcgsco.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lcgsco
Our society has lots to offer for new and experienced genealogists. Our website includes many research and learning aids for members and visitors. Join us at our society’s monthly programs, Saturday classes, monthly study groups, and our Thursday afternoon one-on-one help sessions at Fort Collins or Loveland libraries. Some study groups are still meeting virtually. Please check the website for the latest information.
Our society does hybrid (in-person & Zoom) meetings for our monthly program meetings (held on the third Saturday at 10 am at the Fort Collins Senior Center) and our classes are held either at the Harmony Library in Fort Collins or the Loveland Library. We do Zoom only meetings for our five study groups, but still offer in-person genealogy help for anyone interested in genealogy on each Thursday (except holidays) from 1 to 3 pm at both the Old Town Library in Fort Collins and the Loveland Library. Please visit our website at www.lcgsco.org or contact our president at
V. Arts and Culture
VISUAL, LITERARY, AND PERFORMING ARTS IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE AND BOOST WELL-BEING FOR OURSELVES AND OUR COMMUNITY.
The arts play many roles in our lives including enhancing our physical and mental health, supporting our vibrant community, nurturing our creativity and uniting us with others.
The following pages describe a variety of opportunities to experience arts and culture in Larimer County.
FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY
Email: note@fcsymphony.org
Website: https://fcsymphony.org
The Fort Collins Symphony is the oldest arts organization and the only professional symphonic orchestra in Larimer County. Today, with conductor Wes Kenney, the Fort Collins Symphony continues to perform spectacular live orchestral music and host educational events as a means of inspiring, bringing joy and providing an environment that is entertaining, nurturing and inclusive.
Consult the website - https://fcsymphony.org/virtual - for more information about online concerts by the Fort Collins Symphony.
VI. Learning Opportunities
LEARNING IS A LIFELONG PROCESS OF ACQUIRING NEW UNDERSTANDING, KNOWLEDGE, BEHAVIORS, SKILLS, ATTITUDES, AND PREFERENCES.
Learning is essential to our existence. Just like food nourishes our bodies, learning nourishes our minds…Today, continuous learning forms a necessary part in acquiring critical thinking skills and discovering new ways of relating to all people. The following pages describe a variety of learning opportunities offered in Larimer County.
Contact: Angel Hoffman;
Email: ahoffman@alz.org
Website: www.alz.org/crf
Gardening Classes for Everyone
Contact Persons: Alison O’Conner Ph.D
Email: stovena@co.larimer.co.us
Website: csuhort.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/larimercountyextension
Colorado Gardening for Everyone. Advice and Observations from your CSU Extension Horticulture Agents and Specialists. The Northern Colorado library series is ready for 2024. Classes are free. Register for classes with your name and email address. Once registration is complete, the link for the class is emailed to you! There are other classes that are pre-recorded and a blog archive full of tips for your home garden. Click on the link below for class topics, dates, and times.
CSU Extension classes and recordings: http://csuhort.blogspot.com/p/csu-extension-spring-gardening-webinars.html
2024 Webinar topics include:
*Seed Starting
*Gardening is Good!
*How to Buy a Plant
CSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Contact: The OLLI Team
Phone: (970)-491-7753
Email: OLLI@colostate.edu
Website: www.osher.colostate.edu
Curiosity and lifelong learning never retire at OLLI! We invite the Northern Colorado community to join our more than 1000 members, ages 50 and better, who participate in more than seventy engaging, noncredit classes and lectures each term. Tuition assistance available upon request.
A diversity of online and in-person classes, lectures, and complimentary bonus member-only activities are offered in Fall term (September through December) and Spring term (January through May). New classes begin weekly, and registration is open throughout the term. For more information on current offerings, click the link below: https://courses.online.colostate.edu/
Tuition fees for individual classes vary
Poudre River Public Library District
Contact: Call Center, (970)-221-6740
Email: kauman@poudrelibraries.org
Website: www.poudrelibraries.org/events
Poudre River Library District’s slate of programs aimed at seniors and intergenerational fun offers something for every older adult to enjoy lifelong learning to creating social connections to inspiring new passions.
Various programs are offered month by month. Refer to the website link above, then under
Keyword Search on the left side of your screen, enter virtual. This should take you to a calendar listing of online events.
Other Digital Resources include:
OverDrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, Flipster – for eBooks, audio books, music, movies, films, documentaries, and eMagazines
VII. Virtual Volunteering
DO YOU PREFER TO VOLUNTEER FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME?
Virtual volunteering is a great way to contribute to our community by doing work that can be accomplished from your own home.
The following pages describe a variety of virtual volunteering opportunities offered in Larimer County.
Virtual Volunteering with A Little Help
Contact: Steve Courts, 970-412-9396
Email: steve@alittlehelp.org
Website: https://www.alittlehelp.org
Connecting neighbors. Strengthening communities.
A Little Help is a nonprofit organization empowering older adults to age well in their homes while engaging with the community. Volunteers are also considered members in our organization, and as such, we are blurring the lines between those serving and served. Volunteers benefit from their involvement in an intergenerational community and the opportunity to give back to strengthen their own neighborhoods.
Virtual volunteer opportunities include:
- Care Calling: Call to check in on members and provide life-giving social connectivity.
- Handmade Crafts: seeking handmade donations of all types for our summer Farmer’s Market Craft Fundraiser for A Little Help.
- Little Kindness Kits: Create a small care kit to let our older neighbors know that someone is thinking of them, we can even deliver it to a member for you.
- Tech Help: provide technology assistance by phone or zoom.
- Errands: provide help with errands like grocery shopping, pharmacy or library (virtual/inperson hybrid opportunity).
Many other in-person volunteer opportunities available. Check out our website www.alittlehelp.org.
VIII SPECIAL EVENT S
THIS SECTION IS UPDATED MONTHLY WITH UPCOMING ONE-TIME EVENTS AND CLASSES RELATED TO OUR CATALOG CATEGORIES.
PAFC Lunch and Learn
Contact: Partnership for Age Friendly Communities
Phone: 970-310-4900
Email: info@pafclarimer.org
Website: https://www.pafclarimer.org
Do you have questions about the virtual world of computing? Would you like to improve your online skills with Zoom or other apps? The Tech Buddy team for PAFC is offering Lunch and Learn sessions. There will be different topics with how-to tips, things to be aware of when accessing the Internet, and other discussions of interest. Enjoy this opportunity to talk and learn with others even while at home.
Check out this link to learn about upcoming topics. There will be dates and a link included to join the session.
Grab your lunch, relax and join us on Zoom to learn more about the virtual world.
If you have a question, please email us at info@pafclarimer.org or call 970-310-4949
IX. Informa+on and Referral
ORGANIZATIONS LISTED HERE ARE AVAILABLE TO OFFER RESOURCE INFORMATION ONLINE.
FOR SPECIFICS ON RECEIVING DETAILED
ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE ORGANIZATION DIRECTLY.
Information and referral resources help identify and connect with the range and combination of reliable services appropriate to an individual’s circumstances. Resources listed here provide informationonline.
Senior Access Points
Senior Access Points is a partnership between the Larimer County Office of Colorado State University Extension, CSU Department of Human Development and Family Studies, the Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities, and the Larimer County Office on Aging. They maintain an online database of local resources. However, they focus primarily on public and non-profit providers.
X. Do It Yourself
IT’S FUN AND EASY TO START YOUR OWN ZOOM GROUP!
Not sure how to get started? Here’s an idea - imagine a get-together you would enjoy. Maybe gathering with friends around the table discussing politics, or deciding what to plant in your vegetable gardens next summer. Maybe meeting with some crafters, working on your projects, while an animated discussion ensues. Or baking in a neighborhood kitchen with fellow cooks, trying out new recipes, enjoying those delicious smells. Any of these gatherings can easily be arranged virtually, through simple-to-use video technology like Zoom.
Click here to see a video that shows how easy setting up your own DIY Zoom session can be! https://youtu.be/oPI2JAuwPJ8. You can also click here, then advance to the 2-minute mark, to see an example of the fun you can have! https://youtu.be/GRq-l8tyi-0
If you have a favorite activity or topic that you’d like to share with friends, neighbors or likeminded folks, start your own Zoom group! It’s easy and fun, and best of all, we’ll help you through the process.
First Step: Click here to fill out a simple form and we will contact you to help you get started.
Or flip to the next page to check out our step-by-step instructions.
Instructions for DIY Zoom Sessions
It’s fairly simple to start your own Zoom session. Here are a few steps to take:
1. Think of an idea!
2. Decide how often you’d like to meet.
3. Think about whom you would like to invite to participate
4. Check out these videos from Zoom support:
• How to sign up and activate your zoom account
• Join an existing account
• Create your own account
• How to sign in to your Zoom account on the web
• How to download the Zoom client
• How to start a test meeting
• How to start your first meeting as the host
• How to invite others to join your meeting
• How to join another user's meeting
5.Need help from a real person?
Fill out this form and we will have someone from PAFC contact you.
6. Contact us if you would like to consider adding your meetings to our Gateways Catalog so that others might join.
XI. Help Pages
HAVING DIFFICULTY OR QUESTIONS
ABOUT USING YOUR DEVICE OR ACCESSING ONLINE PROGRAMS?
YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.
Even the most experienced users of technology get stuck now and then. If you are new to using virtual platforms it is easy to get discouraged when the process doesn’t work like you thought it would.
The following pages offer answers to common questions, a few short video demonstrations, and contact information for those who prefer to talk to a real person who can walk you through just about any technical problem. Don’t give up. Help is on the way. We are dedicated to making your online experience as simple as a walk in the park.
Video Demonstrations
We have assembled a few short YouTube videos that provide an overview of this catalog and demonstrate its features and the opportunities available to you online.
INTRODUCTION TO THE VIRTUAL CATALOG AND TO ZOOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRq-l8tyi-0
https://youtu.be/3psxs0InKic https://youtu.be/oPI2JAuwPJ8
Digital Navigators of Larimer County Digital Skills Learning Made Easy
WHO: Friendly and patient AmeriCorps service members who are part of the new Digital Navigators of Larimer County Libraries grant program.
WHAT: Here to teach you how to confidently use technology and provide you digital skill support.
Build your digital skills with:
Using your smartphone
Accessing websites and online accounts
Online communications like email and social media
Where and how to learn a specific software
Obtaining a device or connecting to the internet
Using, saving, and editing files
And more!
Tech Skills for Older Adults
We have volunteers who are available to help you with any of your tech questions.
We are also providing links to online classes that could help you navigate online technology.
https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/tech-skills-for-older-adults/
If you reside anywhere in Larimer County; The Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities will connect you to a volunteer tech buddy who will help you establish a personal relationship with your digital device and the internet opportunities it can provide. For more information, click here to access our Tech Buddy page on the PAFC website.
There are also online classes/ material to help you learn the ropes:
Senior Planet: Offers online classes from fitness to tech. Current offerings are listed at https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/online/
Poudre River Library: While library tech classes have been suspended, the library has posted instructions on how to use various devices to access their pdf file tutorials. You will need a library card and to download the OverDrive app. Instructions are available at https://www.poudrelibraries.org/classes/emedia
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact: Karrie Hatfield
Email: hatfield.karrie@gmail.com
Following are links to articles on on-line safety: browsing the Internet confidently, protecting your personal information and socializing safely online.
If you have a new question we could answer, send it to the
Browsing the Internet Confidently
Protecting your Personal Information
https://drive.google.com/file/d/ 17SZ8mEQ-79vPhjV3izWhrJM4KEoXjy1B/view? usp=drive_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/ 11oriSEkZCNe1NYmi1B15RLuKOI6HAvQf/view? usp=drive_link
Socializing safely online.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/ 1szWRnupq02hTpq4lpFC0_rJzD96sT_2m/view? usp=drive_link