MyWindsor February 2021

mywindsor FEBRUARY 2021

GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE BEST OF WINDSOR

A BOOK CLUB FOR ALL AGES Get the entire family into the joys of reading with book clubs offered by the Clearview Library District

AGING IN PLACE: GROWING OLDER AT HOME Tips and resources for seniors to age gracefully in their own home

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contents

| FEBRUARY 2021

06 | EDUCATION

Windsor resident celebrates newest Thompson District school.

08 | AGING

The human-animal bond improves everyone’s health, but for seniors it’s invaluable.

12 | HEALTH

Cold, flu or COVID? Tips to keep yourself and your family healthy.

08

FURRY, FINNY, OR FEATHERED?

Pets Offer Many Benefits for Aging Adults and Seniors

19 | LIBRARY

Clearview Library District Creative Writing Club brings together writers of all skill levels and genres.

22 | LIBRARY

Clearview library offers book clubs for all ages.

24 | EDUCATION

Windsor High School Girls Swimteam remains opitmistic for their upcoming season.

28 | AGING

The changing face of aging.

Local resources make aging in place easier than ever.

34 | FINAL THOUGHT

Physical activity, in any form, holds the promise of better mental health and happines as we age.

4 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

24

14 | AGING

Active adults find ways to safely pursue active lifestyles.

18 | LOCAL SPORTS

NOCO Owlz postpone inagural season due to COVID-19.

ON THE COVER

windsor Managing Editor | Page Designer Brian Sathe Contributing Writers and Photographers Emily Baudot, Anne Delaney, Kathleen Duff, Bobby Fernandez, Luanne Kadlub, Emily Kemme, Tamara Markard, Alex McIntyre, Jadyn Watson-Fisher

MYWINDSOR MAGAZINE 501 8th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631 www.GreeleyTribune.com/MyWindsor For all editorial, advertising and circulation inquiries, call 970.352.0211.

Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: JMartin@GreeleyTribune.com.

As we age, getting out and staying active becomes a very important part of our daily routines and overall health.

For advertising inquiries contact Advertsing at Advertising@GreeleyTribune.com.

Published by Prairie Mountain Media, publisher of The Greeley Tribune.

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education | NEW SCHOOL

A look in January 2021 at t he ongoing construction of Riverview, a pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade building in Johnstown under construction as the newest building in the Thompson School District.

According to the district’s 2020 count, there are 114 students in kindergarten through eighth grades living in the Windsor area of the district attending Thompson schools.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD: WINDSOR RESIDENT CELEBRATES NEWEST THOMPSON DISTRICT SCHOOL

BY ANNE DELANEY

T

he progress of the newest school in the Thompson School District has the attention of Windsor resident Candie Joshi.

“The only way schools can be successful is if we’re involved,”Joshi said.

“I need to be a part of it and so does everyone else.”

Joshi is actively involved with the impending opening of Riverview, a $45.5 million pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade building in the advanced stages of construction on Barkwood Drive in Johnstown.

Joshi participated in a volunteer parent group on the design of Riverview, which was part of a $190.1 million bond passed in 2018. The school will open later this year in time for 2021-22.

Among the approximately 500 students to attend Riverview for its inaugural year will be Joshi’s 12-year6 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

old son Rilen. He is among the 114 K-8 students from the Windsor section of the district attending Thompson schools.

The Joshi family lives on Far View Court in Windsor and near the intersection of three northern Colorado school districts: Thompson, Weld RE-4 in Windsor and Severance and Poudre in Fort Collins.

Rilen Joshi is a sixth grader who attends High Plains School, a K-8 building in Loveland, on the west side of I-25, 6 miles and 13 minutes from the Joshi’s home. Candie Joshi was also involved with committees at High Plains, which was the most recent new school built in the district for its opening in 2016.

A growing population in the Thompson district — a recent trend throughout northern Colorado — led to the need for another new building, Riverview principal Rick Bowles said.

High Plains has 568 students with capacity for 550. Riverview will have a capacity of about 1,000 students.

“The addition of Riverview will help High Plains,” Bowles said. “With Riverview being built, it will help to relieve some of the pressure. The attendance area that is north of (U.S.) 34 and east of I-25 that go to High Plains, it will alleviate a little the pinch of capacity.”

Candie Joshi said her son is “fine”with switch to the new school. Candie said the boy participated in the student vote to choose a raptor as the school mascot.

Candie said she likes High Plains, but is looking forward to Riverview with newer facilities.

At the root of it all, Joshi remains interested in the developments of her community.

“It’s accountability,” she added. “The school is being built with a bond and people should know what’s going on.”

local | HEALTH

FUSIONFIT NAMED WINDSOR CHAMBER’S SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

BY BIZWEST

F

usionFIT Windsor, a gym specializing in group fitness classes, was recently named the Windsor Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Small Business of the Year.

The business helps “unite our community,small businesses and residents through fitness and running by providing

superior group fitness, run coaching, race series and directing local endurance and charity events that celebrate Windsor and beyond,” according to a chamber email announcing the award.

“As the owner, manager and lead instructor at FusionFIT Windsor, my goal is to help people embrace a healthy,fit lifestyle while surrounded by a supportive community,” FusionFit owner Mandy

Mullen said in a prepared statement.

“I am so grateful to lead this incredible group of fitness instructors and coach our community of dedicated members. I’m passionate about helping others find their fitness and making it part of everyday life.I believe everyone deserves to feel good and has what it takes to be the best version of themselves” © 2020 BizWest Media LLC

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FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 7

aging | PET BENEFITS

Furry, Finny, or Feathered?

Pets Offer Many Benefits for Aging Adults and Seniors

BY EMILY KEMME MARKETING FEATURE

U

nconditional love. Someone to talk to. Whether you prefer dogs, cats, fish, or birds, people in the business of animal or human care invariably cite these reasons when discussing the benefits of pet ownership.

“The human-animal bond improves everyone’s health,but for seniors it’s invaluable,”said Ashley Boothe,Marketing Director for Poudre Pet & Feed Supply in Fort Collins.“Pets help battle loneliness and instill a positive frame of mind. Animals reduce stress, creating a cycle of reciprocated love. Seniors often treat pets like their children.”

Sandy Tobin of Tobin Guardianship & Advocacy agreed.

“Pets are family! They’re often the last ones an older adult has.”

Experts highlight the importance of companionship.Seniors find their pets fill gaps left after children leave home,and by the loss of loved ones.

“You can talk to them and they listen without talking back,” said Terri Segelke, owner of J&T Feeds in Greeley. “Pets alleviate depression, and motivate you to stay healthy to take care of them.”

But animal ownership has challenges. Evaluate the following before acquiring a new pet or moving a pet into residential living:

8 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

Clyde Campbell and his companion cat, Willy, relax in their home at Good Samaritan Society — Fort Collins Village.

(Photo courtesy of Mimi Wahlfeldt)

BEST PETS FOR SENIORS Look for middle-aged animals with mellowed energy levels. Senior animals may have costly medical issues. Choose a manageable size because you may need to pick them up.

Keep your own health limitations in mind.

Boothe and Segelke recommend sourcing pets through a rescue or shelter. “Poudre Pet & Feed Supply is a strong proponent of rescue and adoption.There are so many pets out there who are ready to supply love,” Boothe said.

Dog ownership offers exercise opportunities every time you take it outside, often several times daily, Segelke notes. Keep your mobility level in mind, including if you are still driving a vehicle. From difficulty bending or crouching to clean a litter box, picking up a bag of kibble, walking your dog, and transporting the animal to the vet,pet care is physically taxing.

BALANCE HEALTH BOOSTS WITH FINANCIAL AND LIVING SITUATIONS Pets boost spirits, but with retirement and aging, your income may be limited. Seniors may have increased medical expenses. Balancing your food and medical care with your

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pet’s isn’t an ideal tradeoff.

Mimi Wahlfeldt, Marketing Director at Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village,left a cat with her parents who were living in their own home.“They were physically declining, but taking care of another living thing is beneficial. My parents bloomed caring for this cat,it gave them something to talk about.After a lifetime of childcare and grandchildren, it was good for them to have a caregiving focus.”

Wahlfeldt recognizes that moving to a senior living community is a downsizing situation. “Being able to bring an animal along is a real emotional tie when transitioning between a previous life of independence and the unknown of moving into a community setting.

The animal adds a layer of psychological well-being.

With the loss of a spouse,or physical distance from kids and grandkids, touch points are even more significant,” she said.

Advocating for pets in assisted living situations might be necessary. Tobin noted that the benefits of pet ownership for older adults is especially strong given their shrinking social support system and potential for isolation in residential care.Even for those with dementia, pets can improve mood,decrease agitated behaviors,and increase appetite and socialization.Advance collaborative problem solving helps make the pet connection a success, including developing a plan of care for the pet. Request help from family, church members, other residents, or former neighbors.If needed,follow up with government entities that enforce residents’rights.

PET RESOURCES FOR SENIORS AND AGING ADULTS From feeding your animal to ensuring it has adequate healthcare, these local resources have you covered.

FOOD & GROOMING •

Poudre Pet & Feed Supply, Fort Collins | PoudreFeed. com | 970-686-5547 | Food for a diverse variety of animals; In-Home Delivery; Dog Wash

•

J&T Feeds, Greeley | jtfeeds.com | 970-378-0240 | Food; Affordable Vet Clinics; Obedience Classes; Dog Dentals; Nail Trims; Poultry Startup Program

•

4 Paws Pet Pantry | 4pawspetpantry.org | 970-4847297 | Assists with low-cost Micro-chipping; Food; Treats; Toys

•

Hot Rod Dog Pet Grooming | hotroddogpetgrooming. com | 970-686-5333

•

Dog Grooming by DAMES | Inside J&T Feeds jtfeeds. com | 970-310-1513

HEALT HCARE PART NERSHIPS •

Elder Pet Care | elderpetcare.org | 970-493-2657 | Non-profit Veterinary Service for ages 60+

•

Larimer Animal-People Partnership “Pet Partners” | colapp.org | Animal therapy programs, presentations and community service

PHYSICAL CONNECTION IS IMPORTANT In pre-COVID-19 times, Collinwood Assisted Living in Fort Collins hosted monthly kitten visits in collaboration with Animal Friends Alliance. “Kittens have a calming factor for our residents,” Activities Director Lynn Gebhart said. “There was a realization of such innocence they were holding, making that connection to another living creature.”Staff “bring your pet to work days”are good options, too.

HAVE A PET BACK-UP PLAN Boothe encouraged seniors to put details about pet placement in their wills to avoid beloved animals being taken to a shelter when that was not the intent. “In the rescue industry,we saw people who surrendered their pets after a senior loved one died.They didn’t realize there was someone to care for their pet.”

The lure of a furry, finny, or feathered friend is strong.

Keep an open mind and consider what works best for you at your life stage.

ANIMAL RESCUES & SHELTERS •

Larimer Humane Society | larimerhumane.org | 970-226-3647

•

Humane Society of Weld County | weldcountyhumane.org | 970-506-9550

•

Animal Friends Alliance | savinganimalstoday.org | 970-484-8516 | Adoption; Clinic; Grooming

•

Big Bones Canine Rescue, Windsor | bigbonescaninerescue.com | bigbonesrescue@ gmail.com

ASSISTED LIVING FACILIT IES Many residential living facilities allow pets. Here are several nearby: •

Good Samaritan Society — Fort Collins Village | good-sam.com | 970-226-4909

•

Collinwood Assisted Living | collinwoodco.com | 970-223-3552

ADVOCACY RESOURCES •

10 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

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aging | HEALTH

Cold, Flu or COVID? Tips to keep yourself and your family healthy.

BY EMILY BAUDOT MARKETING FEATURE

P

andemic life became just a little more complicated thanks to flu season. Influenza’s symptoms look alarmingly similar to coronavirus. That can easily leave you with some important questions.

Namely, what’s the difference? Is there a way to still stay healthy despite the uncertainty?

We’ve gathered some info to reduce your mid-pandemic stress and help you tell the difference.

WHAT IS COVID-19?

For anyone who doesn’t already know, COVID-19 is a respiratory virus. It first appeared in December 2019, spreading worldwide fast.Over 23 million people have contracted the disease in the U.S.,and close

12 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

to 400,000 people have died from it.

To date, there have been 370,000 cases in Colorado. Of those, over 5,000 have been fatal. In most recent news, a COVID mutation even appeared in our state.

The facts don’t lie. COVID-19 is dangerous. We absolutely must take the pandemic seriously.

WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES COVID-19 CAUSE? Coronavirus’symptoms make detection and prevention a little tricky.

That’s because the symptoms of COVID-19 are easily mistaken for flu symptoms: fever, body aches, stomach upset and a trademark cough. However, as the illness progresses, patients complain of disorientation, chest pain and dangerous breathlessness.

If this wasn’t bad enough, the symptoms aren’t predictable.Some patients experience

no symptoms at all. But the worst cases require intensive care, like ventilation therapy.

COVID-19 can be indistinguishable from other diseases without a professional diagnosis. So, we should take even minor symptoms seriously.

UCHealth recommends you selfquarantine at the first sign of illness. If your symptoms get worse,they advise you to seek medical care as soon as possible.

WHO’S IN REAL DANGER FROM COVID-19?

Anyone who catches COVID-19 risks developing complications.

That said, some groups are more at risk than others. For instance, folks over age 50 are more likely to need hospitalization for COVID-19 than younger patients. Those with chronic conditions (like poor immune systems, heart diseases, obesity and cancer)

are also high-risk.

Finally, those in communal living situations, such as nursing homes, have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 simply due to close quarters.

HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF HEALTHY? All this can feel pretty daunting. But there are three simple ways to keep yourself safe.

Limit your exposure The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) recommends the following steps to avoid illness entirely: • • • •

Avoid crowds and public spaces.

Maintain six feet of social distance.

Wear a cloth mask.

Keep sanitary by washing your hands and cleaning often.

These guidelines require a few lifestyle changes. Consider using a grocery delivery service instead of shopping in person or video phone calls instead of face-to-face visits.

We know change sounds annoying. But trust us – catching COVID-19 is much

worse!

Get vaccinated Recently,the Food and Drug Administration released Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 vaccines. Two are currently available, with three more on the way.

Because there are limited supplies, officials are administering shots in phases.

Colorado is currently in Phase 1, which includes hospital staff, first responders, essential workers and folks over age 70.

If you qualify, get on the list as soon as you can.

If you’re able, it’s also a good idea to get a flu vaccination, too.

Having both vaccines eliminates potential confusion if symptoms arise.

Keep yourself informed National and state organizations constantly update procedure as the pandemic progresses. By regularly visiting their websites, you can stay updated on your personal risk as well as any new pandemic developments.

With these precautions and a little resolve,you don’t have to worry about being high-risk.It’s the best way to take charge of your health.

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aging | STAYING ACTIVE

Seniors gather to play a game of mahjong at the Windsor Community Recreation Center. (Photo courtesy of Town of Windsor Parks, Recreation & Culture.

Active adults find ways to safely pursue active lifestyles

BY LUANNE KADLUB MARKETING FEATURE

C

indy Schiller of Windsor is not one to let a worldwide pandemic keep her from living an active lifestyle, albeit safely while wearing a mask and social distancing.

Both she and her husband, Lee, are not ones to just sit around and wait till they get the all clear to leave the confines of their home. But when they are home, you might find them “killing monsters” for hours on end, Cindy said of their love for gaming, or sharing a bowl of popcorn while streaming a movie.

If they can be active and safe at the same time,maybe you can,too.

“It’s important that seniors stay active so they can achieve a higher quality of life,” 14 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

said Melissa Breault, program director for health and wellness at the Johnstown Community YMCA, which opened midpandemic in June.

“It’s proven that regular exercise can lessen the pain of arthritis, improve strength and balance, improve sleep and lessen the risk of stroke,heart attack and diabetes.”

She added that staying connected with a community for social engagement increases mental health,reduces stress and anxiety,and lowers the chance for depression.

“At the Y, we have several offerings for older active adults,”she said.In addition to a full complement of activities and groups,the Y offers healing and prevention programs such as Pedaling for Parkinsons, which has shown to reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s, Breault said.

The Y also provides many of its classes virtually.

“That’s nice for individuals not ready to come back to a group setting. People who did have that solid in-person community pre-Covid can still see their friends on the Zoom classes.”

Check out the YMCA’s offerings at ymcanoco.org/membership/johnstowncommunity.

Back in Windsor, the Windsor Community Recreation Center continues to be the heartbeat of activities for all ages, including active adults.

Cindy Schiller,who heads up the mahjong group at the Recreation Center, said prepandemic, the group hosted 30 or more participants three times a week. Today it’s closer to eight or nine players twice a week, but new players are always welcome. And if you don’t know how to play the ancient Chinese game, Cindy offers lessons.

Experienced players are always welcome,too.

Want to give it a try? Contact her at cindy.schiller@gmail.com to reserve your spot.There are many other ways the Schillers, both retired and seven-year Windsor residents,stay busy that you might consider.

For example, they spend one day a week following the Weld Food Pantry mobile truck from town to town, helping to load food into clients’cars.

“We see a lot of friends that way,”Cindy said.“Sometimes it’s difficult with the smaller towns to get enough volunteers,particularly if the weather is bad.It’s fortunate for us that my husband is from Minnesota and I’m a Colorado native.”

In addition to helping at distribution sites,local food pantries always need a hand sorting food and packing carts. Find out more at weldfoodbank.org/volunteer and foodbanklarimer.org/volunteer.

And like many people, the Schillers take regular walks with their pooch on Windsor’s many trails, oftentimes it’s while waiting to pick up lunch from the Friendly Fork Cafe, the senior nutrition program run by the Weld County Area Agency for Aging.

The Friendly Fork Cafe in Windsor has transitioned to curbside pickup for the time being, said Jay Eckhardt, coordinator of Active Adults programs at the Windsor Community Recreation Center.Participants, which now number more than 60, often socialize while waiting for the low-cost meals to be delivered to their vehicles,he said.

Friendly Fork Cafe hours are 11 to 11:30 a.m.weekdays.Reservations are required by 9 a.m. the previous day by calling Eckhardt at 970.674.3515. You can find monthly menus at www.weldgov.com/departments/ human_services/area_agency_on_aging/ friendly_fork.

Also,volunteers are always needed to help at Friendly Fork’s 22 locations throughout

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Although day trips and events for active adults are on hold for now, Eckhardt said there’s still plenty of ways for seniors to stay involved at the Rec Center.

In addition to the weekly mahjong gatherings,many older adults visit the senior lounge to play cards, shoot a little pool and, once a month, get in on Grocery Bingo action.

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Stay Healthy!

The Johnstown Community YMCA offers a number of activities for older active adults including swimming.

(Photo courtesy: YMCA of Northern Colorado).

Echardt said, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

To register, visit power2playsports.com/ adult-sports.

For those looking for a quieter way to be involved, the Town of Windsor Museum has two upcoming History Bites Lunchtime Lectures via Zoom.On Feb.11 the program is “Scandals and Sensations”and the March 11 program looks at “120 years of Windsor Sports.”Registration is required.

To register for classes or events, or to check out the town’s entire winter/spring offerings,go to recreationliveshere.com.

If the Rec Center isn’t your thing, there’s a plethora of other ways to stay active and involved,such as online lectures,travelogues, demonstrations classes of all kinds, yoga sessions and well,you get the idea.

AARP,to which many seniors belong for a minimal annual fee, is chock full of ideas on how to stay healthy and active, whether at home or out and about.

The Schillers, for example, keep an eye out for educational and first-run films that AARP provides online for members – online that is, until a return to movie theaters is given the thumbs up.

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FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 15

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The 2021 Northern Colorado Home & Garden Show is the perfect place for inspiration and education for any and all of your home needs. Local experts in home renovation, landscaping and design have showcased their expertise at this event for the past 38 years. Come join us for our virtual show and get new ideas for your home!

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The campaign will highlight sponsors and exhibitors, and will deliver more than 3 million impressions during the seven-week event.

• Your virtual booth will feature image galleries, brochures for download, videos, show-only specials, social media links, live Twitter feeds, leads capture contact form, exhibitor-provided contest entry forms and more.

• Exhibitor offers and incentives will be promoted from the home page with links to your virtual booth.

• $1,500 Sweepstakes … winner receives a voucher to be redeemed at a participating Home & Garden Show exhibitor.

• Show goers will find home-related inspiration … including exhibitor provided videos, tips and advice from the pros and DIY projects.

In addition to advertising the Home & Garden Show, sponsors and exhibitors will receive up to 700,000 additional impressions in the weekly AtHome Colorado tabs (Boulder County zone publishes in the Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call; the Northern Colorado zone publishes in the Greeley Tribune and Loveland Reporter-Herald).

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH BY FEBRUARY 24 Weld & Larimer Counties: Contact Lindsay Haines, 970.392.5637, lhaines@greeleytribune.com Boulder & Broomfield Counties: Contact Jill Stravolemos, 303.473.1420, jill@dailycamera.com

16 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

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FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 17

local | SPORTS

NORTHERN COLORADO OWLZ POSTPONE INAUGURAL SEASON DUE TO COVID-19

BY JADYN WATSON-FISHER

T

he Northern Colorado Owlz baseball team will play its inaugural season in 2022, the team announced Thursday.

According to a press release, Owlz ownership — which is also the Future Legends Complex development team — decided to postpone the team’s start for safety reasons. The ownership team wants to prioritize player, staff and fan safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Postponing the first season will hopefully allow fans to attend.

The Owlz, who moved from Orem, Utah, will play in the Patriot League.

Their decision received support from the league and its other members.

“Our priority is the health of our team, supporters and community,” Casey Katofsky, Owlz co-owner and Future Legends director of operations, said in the release. “The Northern Colorado community deserves its first 18 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

professional baseball game to be an unforgettable experience surrounded by friends, family and other fans. As an ownership group, given the restrictions of the pandemic, we didn’t see that happening in 2021.”

When the team announced its move to Windsor, it had hoped to begin its season during Memorial Day weekend and end in September.The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has continued nationwide and pressed pause on those plans.

Vaccines are still being distributed to top priority groups such as health care workers and first responders. They are not expected to be available for the general public until the summer.

The 2022 season will likely take place from May until September.

Katofsky previously told the Greeley Tribune that the Future Legends and Owlz ownership team not only wants the venture to be a success, but it wants to make decisions that will help Northern Colorado thrive.

Future Legends will be the home facility for the Owlz and previouslyannounced Northern Colorado Football Club (professional soccer). It is also expected to provide indoor and outdoor sports amenities for all ages, shopping, dining and hotels. On-site lodging will be available for those participating in sporting events.

“We want to give our fans the best possible experience when they come to an Owlz game for the first time, making sure we prioritize their health, and welcoming them to Future Legends Complex with a fully finished stadium, retail, restaurants, and other sports fields,” said Northern Colorado Owlz co-owner and Future Legends CEO Jeff Katofsky. “With the whole Future Legends development operating for the 2022 season, we want to welcome supporters to a sports fans paradise.”

The complex is located at 801 Diamond Valley Drive in Windsor.

Construction is on schedule with a soft opening planned for this fall.The grand opening is set for spring 2022.

library | CREATIVE WRITING

CLEARVIEW LIBRARY DISTRICT CREATIVE WRITING CLUB BRINGS TOGETHER WRITERS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS AND GENRES

BY TAMARA MARKARD

I

f you’ve ever wanted to dabble in creative writing or write a novel but don’t know where to start, the Clearview Library District has a group just for you.

The library’s Creative Writing Group was the creation of Jennifer Bradley, Adult Programming and Collections librarian.

“I’ve always been a fan of creative writing and I did study it before I decided to pursue my MLIS in library science,” Bradley said. “It was just something on my mind that I’ve been wanting to do for a while.”

There are some creative writing groups in Fort Collins and Denver, but nothing in the Greeley area, she said.

Coincidently, local author Kendra Griffin was also searching for a local creative writing group and reached out to Bradley for some information on current groups or possibly starting a group.

“It was literally synchronicity,”Bradley said, laughing.

Griffin, who teaches creative writing, literature and composition at Aims Community College as well as advises the college’s writing club, partnered with Bradley to create the group, which began in September 2019.

“I love it; they keep me energized,” Griffin said about the group.

The group meets from 6 to 7:45 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month. While they typically meet inperson, the club has adopted a virtual platform since COVID-19 began in March.

“I was afraid going to an online program would be the death of the group,”Bradley said. “But it actually turned out that people are still signing up and we have a regular crew of attendees and some new people that drop in every now and then.”

Meetings consist of writing prompts focused on different topics such as how to write a good party scene or how to create good dialogue with your characters.

“Meeting usually start by doing some social catching up, talking about w h a t ’s b e e n going on with our writing and lives in general,” Bradley said. “ Then we go into the writing prompts and take about 20 to 30 minutes to do so practice writing.”

The group also is a platform for members to share their work and get feedback and suggestions. “ The group b e n e f i t s members and the community in several ways,” Bradley said. “It’s a way to socialize and build a writers’ community in the local area.Writing can be a solitary experience so it’s

great to meet other writers and share your experiences with what you are working on and get great feedback.”

The club is free to attend and is open to adults age 18 years and older. Writers of all skill levels and genres are welcome to attend.

For more information, or to join the club, go to https://clearviewlibrary.org/ event/4779291

FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 19

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

20 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

Caring for Your Nutrition When Caregiving FAMILY FEATURES

F

amily caregivers of people with illnesses, injuries or disabilities sometimes spend more time thinking about those they care for than themselves. It's important to remember that self-care is essential to providing good care to others and must include eating well.

Healthy eating can be especially challenging for caregivers who often have limited time to shop and cook. Fast food, snacks and comfort meals are tempting but usually lack healthy amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

In addition to preventing low energy, muscle loss, illnesses and unplanned weight change, a healthy diet may help reduce the stress and fatigue that can come with caring for a loved one.

These tips from the Administration for Community Living can help caregivers take steps toward better nutrition without adding to already full to-do lists: 1. Drink healthy beverages at each meal and 2-3 times between meals.Water, milk, juice (to replace missing fruits and vegetables) or non-sweetened drinks are all better-for-you options.

2. Get enough protein, a key nutrient that helps build and repair tissues. Consider these ideas for increasing your protein intake: •

Eat a high-protein food like fish, chicken or eggs at every meal

•

Try plant proteins like nuts, peanut butter, beans and tofu

•

Eat your protein first at meals

•

Eat low- or non-fat dairy products and use Greek yogurt

•

Opt for cheese at snack time

•

Top your food with chopped nuts like almonds

3. Drink a liquid supplement, like a meal replacement or protein shake, if foods alone do not supply all the nutrients you need. A health care provider can make specific dietary suggestions based on your unique health needs, diet and conditions.

For more information and ideas, talk to your doctor or dietitian and visit eatright.org.

FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 21

library | BOOK CLUBS

CLEARVIEW LIBRARY OFFERS BOOK CLUBS FOR ALL AGES

BY TAMARA MARKARD

I

f reading more books are on your to-do list for 2021, the Clearview Library District has several book clubs geared toward all members of the family.

For young children, parents may want to check out the Reading Bugs book club.The club welcomes children ages 6 to 8 years and is set to meet at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15.

The club will be exploring the book “Dark Day in the Deep Sea”

by Mary Pope Osborne.

Not Your Boring Book Club is for children ages 9 to 12 years and is scheduled to read “New Kid” by Jerry Craft.The book club is set to meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12 online.

The Teen Cookbook Book Club, for teens ages 12 to 18 years, will be reviewing “Taste of Home 201 Recipes You’ll Make Forever” at 6

22 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12 through Zoom.

Imagine Stories Together is a family oriented book club open to children, teens and adults of all ages. The book club will be meeting at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 13 online to discuss

the book “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen.

For adults age 18 years and older, the library is offering Better Than the Movie Book Club. The club is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26 over Zoom.

The current book selection is “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead.

All book clubs include a free copy of the book and kids’ book clubs also have activity kits.

The library’s Hoopla e-platform offers tips on how to start your own book club with friends and family members as well as offers suggestions on books to read and other activities.

For more information, or to sign up for a book club, go to www. clearviewlibrary.org

The Clearview Library District is offering book clubs for adults and kids of all ages. (Courtesy photo Katie Messerli)

Home, Sweet Home. atHome

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Real Estate News, Open Home Listings, Homes for Sale, Rentals

Colorado Home & Real Estate | AtHomeColorado.com

There’s No Place Like This Home Anthem’s newest neighborhood showcases the very best of Colorado.

At Home Colorado presents engaging content about homes, from buying and selling to improvement, landscaping and design. It also features homes for sale, open house listings and local real estate news.

Look for it Saturdays in the Greeley Tribune or visit AtHomeColorado.com.

Quick Guide and Featured Open Homes

Looking for a home? View comprehensive listings of local open houses taking place this weekend from all across the area.

Photography Matters: List Your Home With a Pro

Making the investment in professional photography is a far wiser choice than throwing it together yourself. Photographer Tim Seibert of Flatirons Pro Media explains why.

Top Hiking Trails in Boulder County

No matter if you’re hiking, biking, trail running or you prefer a certain level of difficulty, there is a trail for every preference.

For advertising information call Elvonney Poole at 970.392.5645 or e-mail epoole@greeleytribune.com FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 23

education | SPORTS

Windsor’s Jenna Eccleston swims during warm-ups for the Long’s Peak League meet Feb., 1, 2019 at the Greeley Recreation Center. (Greeley Tribune file photo)

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF RECENT MONTHS HAVEN’T STIFLED WINDSOR’S OPTIMISM TOWARD UPCOMING GIRLS SWIMMING SEASON

BY BOBBY FERNANDEZ

T

he past couple months have done little to drain the optimism and positive-thinking that always seem to cling to Mandy Schneider and the Windsor girls swimming and diving team she coaches.

As has been the case with athletes from all other high school sports, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a cloud of uncertainty over local high school swimmers in recent months.

But despite the season being pushed nearly two months back from its normal start date — and the season being a bit condensed with fewer competitions and, generally, smaller competitions being allowed — Schneider and her dozens of Wizards swimmers are fewer than two weeks from starting practice on Jan. 18 24 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

and about three weeks from beginning competitions.

And, naturally, Schneider and her crew are brimming with optimism and positive-thinking.

“I’m excited,” Schneider said. “There have been a lot of ups and downs, for sure. But the fact that we do get to get in the water — (the season) might be shortened, it might look different; in fact, everything will look different —

“I think we have a really strong team this year,”

but we get to do something, which is awesome. “… I’m excited to see all the girls in the water and to see all their lovely faces again.”

The Wizards will open their season in their home pool with a dual meet against Greeley West at 5 p.m. Jan. 28.

This past season,Windsor placed fifth in the Class 4A state meet, improving from a 16th-place finish a year earlier.

Among those who led the way for the Wizards: then-sophomore Karter Friesen placed seventh in the 200-yard individual medley (2:09.16) and eighth in the 100 backstroke (59.19), thensophomore Nicole Reynolds finished ninth in the 100 freestyle (54.62), and then-senior Madisen Barrieau finished 10th in the 50 freestyle (25.00) and in the 100 free (54.89).

This year, qualifying for the state meet in March will be a bit more challenging,

because of COVID-19-related restrictions. Only 20 competitors in each event will be allowed, compared to the norm of more than 40 in past years.

Schneider said she and her team have had to rely on mostly online meetings in recent weeks to prepare for the upcoming season.

The less hands-on approach to the preseason shouldn’t derail Windsor’s hopes for a fast start to this short season, however. The Wizards’ program is chock-full of battle-tested young veterans, who will be pivotal in mentoring the contingent of promising newcomers Windsor always seems to field.

“I think we have a really strong team this year,” Schneider said. “We have 14 seniors this year, which is a lot. … We have a good crew of seniors and a really, really strong crew of juniors that are coming up, as well. We do have a lot of sophomores and I’m hoping to see a lot of good freshmen that are coming up.

The eighth grade team last year looked really good.”

And such a wealth and diversity of talent could again allow Windsor to be

Windsor’s Karter Friesen swims during warm-ups for the Long’s Peak League meet Feb., 1, 2019 at the Greeley Recreation Center. (Greeley Tribune file photo)

in the mix for a top 10 finish at state, even during a season in which just about everything looks a bit different than it has in years past.

“I’m looking at some of our placings at state from last year, out of all the girls that went, we had 18 places in the top 20,” Schneider said. “So, hopefully we can get in there again. And, I

think we can. It’s going to be hard, the way that the season is set up. …

However, we have strong girls that are very dedicated and set really good goals.

And, I can see us making it and doing as well as we can in a pandemic year.”

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5 Tips for Managing High Cholesterol FAMILY FEATURES

H

igh cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke, but typically shows no symptoms.

Understanding the role cholesterol plays, potential risk factors and how to manage it are important aspects of protecting your heart health.

LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is considered "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to fat buildup in the arteries while HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is considered "good" cholesterol as it can carry LDL cholesterol away from the arteries to be broken down and passed from the body.

The LDL cholesterol level is important to monitor and is optimal when it is less than 100 for otherwise healthy people, according to the American Heart Association, which recommends adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol and other risk factors checked every 4-6 years by their primary care physician with a simple blood test.Cholesterol management is not one size fits all, so those who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke, or have family history of high cholesterol,may need to have their cholesterol levels and risk factors checked more often and may need to make lifestyle changes or take prescribed medication to help manage cholesterol levels.

Make informed decisions about managing your cholesterol levels and overall health with these tips from the American Heart Association's "Check. Change. Control.

Cholesterol" program, nationally supported

by Amgen: 1. Assess your risk. Your health care professional can help determine your risk for a cardiovascular event like heart attack or stroke and help manage your cholesterol as one aspect of preventive care.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Your medical and family history and your lifestyle provide important clues about your risk level.Risk is elevated for people who have had a heart attack or stroke; blockages in the arteries of the heart, neck or legs; chronic inflammatory disease; kidney disease; or other medical concerns.Your health care professional will also consider your age, sex, whether you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and if you smoke. Your diet, physical activity levels, alcohol intake and any drugs or supplements you've been taking factor into your risk level, as well.

2. Eat a heart-healthy diet. From a dietary standpoint,one of the best ways to lower your cholesterol is to avoid foods with saturated fat and trans fat. Limit saturated fat to 5-6% of your daily calories and avoid trans fat, which means limiting intake of processed or fatty meats and full-fat dairy products.Choose lowfat dairy products and lean proteins instead.

A heart-healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains,

lean vegetable or animal proteins and fish while limiting things like trans fats, sodium, processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sugary foods and beverages. Eating this way may also help increase your fiber intake,which can help lower cholesterol levels by as much as 10%.

3. Be physically active. A sedentary lifestyle lowers HDL cholesterol. Just 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week is enough to help lower both LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. Consider mixing up the options to keep your exercise routine engaging and prevent boredom.Try activities like brisk walking, swimming, bicycling or dancing.

4. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol.

What's more, when a person with unhealthy cholesterol levels also smokes, his or her risk of coronary heart disease increases more than it would otherwise.Smoking also compounds other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.By quitting, smokers can lower their cholesterol levels and help protect their arteries.Nonsmokers should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible.

5. Lose weight. Being overweight or obese tends to raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. A weight loss of as little as 10% can help improve your cholesterol numbers.

Find more resources and tools to help manage your heart health and cholesterol at heart.org.

26 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

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970-419-7419 *Valid on 80% efficiency furnace when purchased in combination with a 16 SEER A/C ($1,200 value). Equipment discount can be applied to other select models. Not valid on boiler systems. Financing with approved credit. Minimum payments required. Interest accrues at time of purchase unless paid in full during promotional period. For regular term purchases, APR is based on US prime rate and is subject to change. 60 month financing with 0% interest and no payments for up to 12 months with approved credit. Cannot combine with other discounts. Not valid on previous purchases. Call for details on discounts, warranties and guarantees. Offer for existing residential homeowner occupied homes only. Must be in service area. No breakdown guarantee: If we provide a clean bill of health and there are any issues during the current heating season we will apply 100% of the cost of the tune-up towards any repairs. Expires January 31, 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 27

aging | AGING IN PLACE

THE CHANGING FACE OF AGING Local resources make aging in place easier than ever.

BY KATHLEEN DUFF, MARKETING FEATURE

O

lder adults in Windsor who choose to stay in their own homes as they age are finding a strong and evolving support system from community organizations, business and nonprofits.

Increasingly, adults are planning to remain in their own homes as they age, thanks to longer life expectancies, improved access to health care and services and more active lifestyles. The COVID-19 pandemic and fiscal realities also are compelling more residents to stay in their homes rather than move to skilled nursing or assisted living facilities.

It's a trend borne by numbers with a rapidly growing demographic of older adults in Northern Colorado.

The Colorado State Demographer estimated those aged 65 to 74 in Weld County will increase by 16 percent from 2020 to 2025; the 75 to 84 group will grow by nearly 35 percent in the same time period.

"When an individual can age in place, they have an improved quality of life. Certainly, there is also a cost-saving, a sense of independence, the comfort of being in their surroundings and routines they are used to," Holly Darby, community outreach manager for the Weld County Area Agency on Aging, wrote in an email.The Weld County AAA's mission is to help maintain an individual's independence and dignity in their home and community.

But plenty of challenges also exist. The need for transportation, home modifications and equipment, as well as access to community programs for personal interaction and enrichment all are essential for successfully aging in place.

"Some of the challenges older adults face include a fixed income, but the cost to live does not stay fixed," Darby said.

Rent and utility increases, food and home-maintenance costs are high, and the small increase from Social Security does not increase at the same rate. In addition, limited transportation options, unexpected medical bills and caring for loved ones may be additional barriers.

Still, Darby explained, older adults may stay in their homes longer because of the availability of increased service options such as home health, Older Americans Act

28 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

Increasingly, adults are planning to remain in their own homes as they age, thanks to longer life expectancies, improved access to health care and services and more active lifestyles. (Photo: Shutterstock).

programs, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and Medicaid Home and Communit y Based Service. These programs allow older adults to stay in their homes but still have access to assistance.

She added that admissions to skilled nursing facilities have dropped significantly, and some individuals/ families have chosen to stay at home as opposed to facility placement.

"Only about 5 percent of older adults live in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, and this has been the trend for many years now.There seem to be more opportunities for older adults to downsize with an increase in available independent living," Darby wrote.

The idea of aging in place, as it's known, is certainly not new. But the changing face of aging is also compelling those who support seniors in the Windsor area to continuously evaluate their services to ensure quality of life is maintained, if not improved, as residents grow older.

Businesses, such as InnovAge (www.InnovAge.com) are providing choices for older residents, including transportation, medication management and in-homes services to keep residents independent in their homes as long as possible.

Lyle SmithGraybeal, vice president of Community Development for United Way of Weld County, said organizations that serve older adults in Northern Colorado recognized that the way people age is changing. What was once an individual circumstance is now a community issue.

The organizations approached the United Way to request a more focused, comprehensive community approach. And in 2019, United Way of Weld County and more than 20 other organizations, including the AAA, established the Aging Well initiative to make Weld County an even better place for

older adults to live and thrive.

"There is an opportunity and a challenge that we are all living longer, and that people love Northern Colorado and Windsor and they are moving here. What that means for older adults is more services are needed, and we as a community have a chance to respond to that," SmithGraybeal said of the collective effort and shared impact concept.

The Aging Well initiative helps integrate aging in place trends into design standards for homes, pedestrian walkways, zoning and municipal codes and community planning "so that the things we are naturally doing are going to be a good fit, first for older adults, but also for everyone."

The approach provides connections to resources such as the Alzheimer's Association for residents and their caregivers, food assistance, grief counseling, transportation such as 60+ Ride and behavioral health and case management via Catholic Charities.The initiative also provides information for those who are transitioning from living at home to a more substantial living environment. Additionally, the effort offers resources to the community to prevent ageism.

Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County is one of the partners in the initiative.The nonprofit has been offering meals to residents in the area for 50 years. Volunteers served 15 clients 370 meals in Windsor in December, for example.

Due to the pandemic, the nonprofit is now delivering frozen meals every Tuesday and Friday to those who are 60 and older or homebound in a non-contact manner. The mission of ensuring that residents are provided delicious and nutritious meals has not changed, despite the pandemic.

"Being able to provide the nutrition they need goes a long way to keeping them healthy and at home," said Michelle Dwyer, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County.

But Meals on Wheels also serves human interaction considered essential for those who age at home to prevent them from becoming isolated and keeping them mentally engaged.

Such interaction is essential for those aging in place.

Darby said, “Preventing social isolation is difficult in normal times but has been especially challenging during the pandemic.�Isolation can potentially increase the risk of depression, loss of independence and a decrease in physical activity that could lead to a fall. She said some evidence also suggests that a lack of stimulation increases the risk of dementia and memory loss. Technology can help by providing a daily structure of connection. Darby suggests residents ask for help in getting connected.

Still, that human connection is most valuable. Meals on Wheels volunteers, for example, use their deliveries as an opportunity to check in on clients.

"As far as the social piece, a lot of clients are home all day long without visitors. So we are able to have a short conversation with them, and give them a reason to get dressed and comb their hair. We are still doing that social piece, just from afar," Dwyer said. "We are more than just a meal."

RESOURCES Meals on Wheels 2131 9th St., Greeley CO 80631 www.mealsonwheelsgreeley.com; (970) 353-9738

Weld County Area Agency on Aging The agency serves all of Weld County.

AAA provides information and assistance by helping to connect individuals with resources to meet their needs. Programs include financial assistance with caregiver respite, chores or dental, vision, and hearing needs, in-home services, wellness programs and nutrition programs. AAA partners with other agencies in the community to offer transportation, home-delivered meals, legal assistance, case management, outreach and peer counseling.

315 North 11th Avenue, Building C, Greeley Visit www.weldaaa.org; (970) 400-6950

United Way of Weld County 814 9th St., Greeley, CO 80631 www.unitedway-weld.org; (970) 353-4300 United Way of Weld County will host a virtual community forum on Aging Well at noon Jan. 29. United Way of Weld County board members Mike Bond and Julie Cozad, community partners Holly Darby and Janet Bedingfield and United Way of Weld County staff member Lyle SmithGraybeal will discuss the work and partnerships of assisting older adults aging well in the community.

For information on attending, visit www. unitedway-weld.org.

60+ Ride 800 8th Ave., Suite 229, Greeley 60plusride.org; (970) 352-9348 The nonprofit has been "helping active older adults live independently by assisting with transportation since 2007," per its website, 60plusride.org

FEBRUARY 2021 | mywindsor | 29

local | SPORTS

Forward Madison United Soccer League - League One player Don Smart high fives a fan after a game. USL League one was founded in 2019. Future Legends Complex ownership announced on Jan. 12, 2020, that it was bringing a USL League One team to Windsor.

(Courtesy of USL League One)

FUTURE LEGENDS COMPLEX BRINGING PROFESSIONAL SOCCER TEAM TO WINDSOR

BY JADYN WATSON-FISHER

T

he Northern Colorado sports scene just keeps growing with a new professional soccer team coming to Windsor.

Future Legends Complex announced Tuesday morning that it will be home to the new Northern Colorado Football Club (NoCo FC). The team, owned by the Katofsky family and Future Legends ownership group, will play in the United Soccer League’s (USL) League One, starting in 2022.

Northern Colorado FC will join League One and play against other teams across North America, including ones in North Texas, South Carolina, Florida and Canada. The first season is expected to take place from March through October 2022. It is the second addition to the league, which welcomed Central Valley Fuego Football Club of Tampa last month.

“It’s the first outdoor professional soccer team in Northern Colorado history. It’s a huge deal to a lot of people, especially for a place that’s so passionate for sports and soccer, particularly,” Future Legends director of operations and co-founder Casey Katofsky said.

“We can’t be more excited about bringing this opportunity to everybody.”

League One is the third division of American soccer and is focused on developing new teams across the 30 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

country. Most of the communities range in populations between 150,000 and one million residents.

The Northern Colorado FC team name, branding and logo are still under development, and Future Legends looks forward to getting input from local soccer fans and residents during the process. Future Legends wants the facility and the team to be unique and reflect the community.

“It’s an exciting day for League One,” USL Senior Vice President Steven Short said in a press release. “Under the leadership of the Katofsky family and the talented staff at the Future Legends Sports Complex, Northern Colorado FC will be a strong addition to the League One family, and we look forward to seeing all that they can accomplish in our growing league.”

This is the second team that will make its home at the complex. Future Legends announced last fall that it was bringing the former Orem (Utah) Owlz professional baseball team to Windsor.

Its inaugural season is tentatively set to begin this summer.

“Northern Colorado is the heartbeat of sports and outdoor recreation.

We could not have chosen a better place to bring professional soccer and baseball, and could not be more proud and humbled to be welcomed into this community,” said Jeff Katofsky, Northern Colorado FC owner and Future Legends CEO, in the release. “USL’s League One provides

professional soccer that is competitive and entertaining, and we’re thrilled to join a group of phenomenal teams.”

Future Legends will also feature sports fields for youth, college and professional use; entertainment options; a number of dining services; lodging and retail. The complex is located on 118-acres at 801 Diamond Valley Drive in Windsor.

The team plans to have a soft opening in the fall of this year and wants to be completely open in the spring of 2022.

He emphasized the importance of being transparent with the community through the process and welcomed people to contact the development team if they have any questions or suggestions.

Windsor Economic Development Director Stacy Miller previously told the Greeley Tribune that the complex could bring in roughly $5 million per year in sales tax revenue once it is completely open. Because of the nature of the complex, most of that money will be used to improve local services without having the support too many additional residents.

“We’re incredibly optimistic and positive. We’ve seen nothing but support so far,” Casey Katofsky said.

“Our construction timeline is going relatively well considering all the things that are going on. We have a huge plan to make sure this is incorporated into the community as much as we can.”

Support Local.

There are many ways to strengthen our community, and one easy way is by supporting local. Whether it’s a restaurant, boutique, home and garden store, apparel or shoes, auto dealer or other service provider, supporting local has many benefits, and building a stronger community is only one of them.

Our local businesses give our community character, create vibrancy and bring us unique experiences.

WE INVITE YOU TO THINK, SUPPORT AND BUY LOCAL. START BY SUPPORTING THE LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISING IN YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPERS!

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Saw It, Want It! With tax returns and another potential stimulus check right around the corner, it has never been a better time to plan your next home renovation project.

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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, IN ANY FORM, HOLDS THE PROMISE OF BETTER MENTAL HEALTH AND HAPPINES AS WE AGE.

34 | mywindsor | FEBRUARY 2021

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