Fifty & Better | FALL | 2024

FALL 2024

SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO • FIFTYBETTER.COM

Where to catch Fall sports Dance for a healthy brain and body

Senior living options

Take a class!

Wine festivals in Colorado

Best drives for Fall colors

INSIDE:

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Serenity Awaits...

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contents

8 • Publisher’s note Be a goldfish

10 • Better home

FEATURE

Virtual Villians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 How to stay safe in a techno world

Independent senior living • Assisted living • Memory care

14 • Better health

Dance for a healthy brain and body • Take a class!

Consider a senior living community

18 • Better living

SPECIAL SECTION:

Harvest Season 2024

Best drives for fall colors • Wine festivals in CO

Bounty Local food guide

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

Where to catch fall sports

Preserving Peaches

38 • Giving back

Preserving peaches

Canning, jamming, freezing and

Volunteer spotlight: Karen DeVries, Volunteering with Hearts and Horses

salsa. Eat delicious peaches all year long.

INSIDE

Your guide to farm stands and farmers’ markets GROWING SEASON 2021

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living armor, evolving identity

OCTOBER 12 – JANUARY 26 More information at fcmod.org/skin-bias Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity was created by the California Academy of Sciences and modified for travel and distributed by the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Exhibition presented in English and Spanish.

fcmod.org

Some things never change... just the perspective.

Lucas Richmond licensed Insurance Agent

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15th MEDICARE EDUCATION and PRODUCT OPTIONS

premier-medicare.com 6 | Fifty&Better

CAN HELP 970.800.4030 WE ASK HOW TODAY!

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Fifty&Better | 7

From the Publisher

Be a goldfish SOMETIMES WHEN I’M WALKING down the street, say from where I parked to the place I’m going, which seems to usually be at least 6 blocks because at some point in my life I angered the parking gods, but that’s a different story, I notice that my mind is wandering, or more like jumping from one thought to another. When I arrive at my destination, say a restaurant, I couldn’t tell you what route I walked to get there. I was so caught up in thinking about what happened in a meeting this morning or what I need to say at lunch, or maybe how someone cut me off and took the parking spot right by the restaurant. I might not even be sure just where I parked.

It’s natural. We all do it. We have very busy minds.

The problem with just letting our minds go, though, is that they tend to want to dwell on, even rewrite, the past and worry about all kinds of things coming down the pike in the future. The problem is that we miss out on what’s going on right now. On that walk to the restaurant, I might have walked right by someone a knew or missed seeing some art in a shop window. If I’d have stayed present, I probably would have arrived more relaxed and ready to be there with my friend because I wouldn’t have been worrying about all this stuff, even if it was only that I had to remember to pick up celery.

I was rewarded the other day when I was riding my bike. I had drifted off into thinking and not being present with my day and I caught myself and came back to my ride. Just then a beautiful green tree covered in red berries appeared in front of me. I could only smile at my good fortune to have come back in time to notice it.

I saw a thing on social media the other day. It was a clip of Roger Federer, the champion tennis player, giving a commencement address to the graduating class at Dartmouth this year. The entire speech is good. This one part though, I thought applies to life, not just tennis. Actually, his whole speech was full of metaphors for life.

“When you’re playing a point, it has to be the most important thing in the world, and it is. But when it’s behind you, it’s behind you. This mindset is really crucial because it frees you to fully commit to the next point and the next point after that with intensity, clarity and focus.”

I saw another version of this on Ted Lasso, the show about an unlikely soccer coach. I’d recommend the series if you haven’t seen it.

Anyway, a player has just made a mistake on the field at practice and Ted Lasso calls him over to the sidelines to talk.

“You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why?”

Ted Lasso says. “It has a ten-second memory. Be a goldfish.”

I’m writing this just to say that we are alive only right now, in the present, but we spend our time in the past and future and miss out on much of life. We can give so much more to our kids and grandkids and friends and coworkers when we spend our time right there with them instead of lost in space…and maybe even worse, sucked into our devices, but that’s another story.

Thanks for being here, Scott 8 | Fifty&Better

Fifty & Better is a publication of Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 3 PUBLISHER

Scott Titterington scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com

EDITOR

Kristin Titterington kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

WRITERS

Lea Hanson, Kyle Moyer, Linda Osmundson DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Harting

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.

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Fifty&Better | 9

Better Home

Linda L. Osmundson

Independent senior living TIME TO DOWNSIZE? Consider a 55+ senior independent living community.

These communities cater to healthy older adults who want to rid themselves of home ownership and maintenance. Living accommodations range from luxury to modest with choices of purchased single family homes or rental properties—apartments, condos, duplexes, cottages. Rentals with month-to-month fees require a lease and often an up-front entrance fee, but are usually the least expensive. They provide services such as light housekeeping, fieldtrips, in-house activities, transportation and options for meals, but no personal care or medical services. Some include a fitness room, pool, library, clubs, happy hours.

Steve Oliphant an independent living resident says, “I really like the sense of community and social, educational and fitness activities. I prefer their meals instead of our kitchen and clean-up!”

Another option is a buy-in community called CCRC (continuing care retirement community). CCRCs are age-in-place, have the same independent living amenities but with a promise of future care on campus as needed.

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Assisted living

AFTER AGE 65, CHANCES of developing dementia double every 5 years. Thirty-four percent of people over 85 develop one of the 102 types of dementia. A choice to move a loved one to memory care—specialized residential care for people with dementia—is difficult. However, the decision demonstrates ultimate love; the caregiver puts the loved one’s well-being ahead of personal preferences.

Before committing to a facility, do the research. Visit with and without appointments, compare costs against personal finances. List priorities—qualified staff and training, uplifting environment, nutritious meals, staff/ resident ratio, activities, fitness, location. Ask if the facility continues care until death; try to avoid a future move to skilled nursing. How often will staff organize care conferences? Upon a facility choice, get on the waiting list.

My husband’s dementia/physical infirmities necessitated specialized help. He agreed to memory care. Amidst loneliness, I reluctantly realized he received better care than I could possibly have given.

AS AN ACTIVE ADULT AGES, needs might increase. Some assisted living residents are still somewhat independent, most require the addition of personal care and/or medical services. One advantage of assisted living is it relieves the family of caregiving. They know their aging loved one is safe, socially active, eating well and monitored by certified nursing assistants and licensed professionals. Amenities include three meals a day, housekeeping, medication management and, if necessary, personalized help with daily living activities— bathing, dressing and toileting.

After a physical/cognitive evaluation and acceptance, costs vary according to locations, amenities and level of care required. When considering an assisted living community look at staff training, environment, staff/resident ratio, food quality, levels of care, socialization and personal needs.

LeAnn Thieman says of her experience with her mom, “Even though our family hoped Mom could age it place, it became evident she needed more help. We moved her to assisted living and she blossomed.”

Memory care

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Better Health

Linda Osmundson

Dance for a healthy brain and body

DANCING IS A FUN WAY to exercise and control weight. Dance improves muscle tone, strength, endurance, fitness, memory, balance and relieves stress and depression.

And, enhances mood. Who doesn’t have fun dancing and “letting loose?” You gain confidence and self-esteem! You can dance with a partner, group or alone. Check the Internet for private or group lessons in and dance venues your area.

Fort Collins Senior Center (call senior center (970) 221-6644 for information) and Loveland’s Chilson Center (https:// www.lovgov.org/community/sitesearch?q=dances) offer dance lessons as well as social dances.

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NoCo Swing Dance Community (https://www.nocoswingdance.com/) provides dance opportunities at various venues – Fort Collins Masonic Temple, The Churn downtown Fort Collins. Some are free while others require a $15 fee.

CAT’s Corner Swing Dance Club (https://www.catscornerswing.com/) welcomes beginners to experts for jazz dance lessons followed by dancing for three hours at various venues. One is Club Tico in Fort Collins City Park.

Goodtimes Dance Club concentrates on Ballroom dance. Learn more at https:// www.goodtimesdanceclub.com/.

Take a class!

JOIN OTHER INQUISITIVE MINDS, make new friends and challenge your brain by enrolling in classes of your choice. Most Colorado state universities allow senior citizens to audit classes at no charge. Auditing a class allows you to explore new subjects/fields or revisit a former interest with no homework worries or stress of making an acceptable grade. Check CSU, UNC and/or Front Range Community College for available classes and procedures.

If 50 or older, pay a $25 membership fee each term (Fall and/ or Spring) to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and have access to over 100 courses, lectures and special programs. Peruse the Fall Catalogue (https://issuu.com/csu-online/docs/olli-catalog-f24_ web?fr=sOTY5NTc2MjczODA) for the wide range of classes ranging from art to technology. Additional individual course fees may apply.

AARP’s Senior Planet lists online classes in various subjects. (https://seniorplanet.org/classes/) Aspen Club presents programs in many areas of interest to Larimer and Weld County residents. (https://www.uchealth.org/services/ community-health/aspen-club/) Increase your knowledge and challenge your brain at the same time.

Stay active and connected for better health WHETHER YOU ARE RETIRED, widowed or divorced, consider downsizing to a senior living community–planned neighborhood filled with people 50 and older. These communities keep residents socially involved, active and give a feeling of belonging which increases health benefits. Staying connected, especially if living alone, helps avoid loneliness and isolation.

In senior communities, activities such as dining with friends, playing competitive games, walking with others, hiking, exercise and continuing education classes allow the lonely to stay socially active. The Mather Institute found 69 percent of older adults believed moving to a senior living community improved their social wellness and overall health. Being socially involved increased emotional health, immunity to disease and cognition.

Social activities give opportunities for positive interactions with other people. They build relationships as well as improve emotional, intellectual and physical wellness. These connections and relations can grow into friendships, independence and more of life’s satisfaction as one ages.

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The Importance of an

ANNUAL HEARING EVALUATION • 10% of the population has hearing loss–it is common in the aging process.

• Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression.

• Hearing aids can help maintain Brain Reserves.

The main reason why I recommend a hearing evaluation as part of your annual health check-up is to rule out medical conditions related to your ears and brain. Common causes of hearing issues and loss include aging, excessive noise exposure, injuries to head/neck, genetics, high blood pressure/heart problems and ear diseases. Basic signs of hearing loss are trouble understanding conversation especially in the presence of background noise like a restaurant, you can hear people talking but cannot understand what words they are saying (mumbling), and trouble hearing soft voices (i.e.

grandchildren, women’s voices).

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is estimated to be the third most reported chronic condition in the United States. With the increase in the number of older adults and overall life expectancy, more individuals will be at risk of acquiring ARHL than ever before. For instance, the United States National Institute of Health-National Institute of Deafness estimates that approximately 25%– 45.6% of adults aged 65–74 years have a disabling hearing loss (HL).

This estimate increases to 78%–80% in those who are 75 years and older.

(Masterson et al., 2016)

Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience; Somatosensory Cross-Modal Reorganization in Adults With Age-Related, Early-Stage Hearing Loss Garrett Cardon and Anu Sharma

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If your brain suffers long-term profound lack of information from the auditory system (hearing), this will lead to reorganization of the brain. In other words, systems like vision and spatial awareness will take over the auditory system.

If you are experiencing signs of ARHL mentioned above or concerned about your cognitive wellbeing, I recommend a hearing exam and consultation.

Susan Baker has been helping people with hearing loss and Tinnitus for the past 24 years.

Please call (970) 221-5249 for a hearing evaluation and complimentary consultation.

Susan D Baker, BC-HIS

Board Certified Hearing Instrument specialist LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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Better Living

Lea Hanson

Best drives for fall leaves

ONCE SEPTEMBER ARRIVES, the aspens begin to glow. Fall is one of the best times to tour the northern Front Range.

The leaves usually begin changing in early September and the beautiful colors last no longer than mid-October. It all depends on the weather, so be flexible and ready to travel. Fall foliage changes begin high up in the mountains and work its way down in elevation as the temperature gets colder. Splashes of yellow, orange and red all mingle along rolling country roads. Below are some drives listed from highest elevation to lowest.

Trail Ridge Road, Estes Park Winding high through the alpine countryside in Rocky Mountain National Park, colors fill the hillsides and valleys nearly the whole way.

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Buffalo Pass, Steamboat Springs Offering remarkable views of the rolling Routt National Forest, Buffalo Pass begins by winding through aspen groves almost immediately on its way up to Summit Lake.

Old Flowers Road, Stove Prairie Connecting Stove Prairie Road and Pingree Park Road, this four-wheel drive road (yet drivable by most any vehicle in the summer and fall) is close to the front range and filled with scenery of all types. Although much was burned in the High Park Fire, you’re still sure to catch mountain views and wildlife.

Wine festivals in CO THERE ARE A WIDE RANGE of motives that bring people to wine festivals. Some feel the inner need to “push” people to travel. Some are seeking opportunities to try new wines, participate in events, be entertained, and meet new people.

Palmer Lake Wine Festival September 14th Palmer Lake Recreation Area Tickets: $50 www.palmerlakewinefestival.com/ Spend your day in the hidden gem of Colorado enjoying generous wine tastings from 25 Colorado wineries. Listen to live music and enjoy vendors’ food while you sample delicious wines and enjoy beautiful views. Attendees will receive a free Palmer Lake Wine Festival souvenir tasting glass and wine tote. VIP tickets give you early access to the festivities, exclusive tastings, private bathrooms, and a private tent.

Snowmass Wine Festival September 13 & 14 Snowmass Village in Aspen Tickets: $95-$250 depending on events www.snowmasswinefestival.com/ Hosted by the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village, this two-day event kicks off Friday evening at the Viceroy Snowmass with an incredible reception and four-course wine dinner featuring Portuguese wines. The Grand Tasting takes place Saturday afternoon, bringing together a beautiful venue, music, cuisines from local restaurants and of course, lots of wine. 100 percent of every dollar benefits local nonprofit organizations across the Roaring Fork Valley and charitable organizations worldwide.

Where to catch fall sports COLLEGE FALL SPORTS: Women’s Volleyball Colorado State Rams: https://csurams.com/sports/womens-volleyball University of Northern Colorado Bears: https://uncbears.com/sports/womens-volleyball Football Colorado State Rams: https://csurams.com/sports/football University of Northern Colorado Bears: https://uncbears.com/sports/football Professional soccer: Hailstorm FC (Soccer): www.hailstormfc.com/ One of USL League One’s newest clubs, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC is the first professional soccer team in Northern Colorado. The USL Championship is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million and fueling the growth of the game across North America.

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer Club: https://www.coloradorapids.com/ The Colorado Rapids is an American professional soccer club based in the Denver metropolitan area. The Rapids compete in Major League Soccer as a member of the Western Conference.

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Partners in Medicare

T

here are more than a few myths about Medicare; when you should get it, how it should work, and what it covers. We meet many potential retirees and hear the myths repeated over and over. Google is not a great source for unbiased Medicare information. Medicare’s website is very comprehensive but understanding it can be challenging for those new to Medicare.

Finding a trusted source for information particular to YOUR situation will be the most important task when you are nearing age 65 or past age 65 and planning to retire. Your trusted agent can provide you

details that assist you in making a very important decision for your future, one that will help you retain health and money.

Qualifying for Medicare is determined by turning 65, Social Security disability pay of 24 months, End Stage Renal Disease or ALS diagnoses, or leaving creditable employer coverage.

If working past 65 with creditable employer coverage, you can either elect Medicare, elect Medicare Part A, or delay Medicare Part A and B. The key to delay Medicare means your large employer coverage must be as good as Medicare’s

Our Team partners with you to make understanding your Medicare options as easy as possible.

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Prescription coverage. An annual notice is provided to you from your group health administrator telling you whether your coverage is considered creditable or not.

With legislative changes in the past two years, this may be more difficult for employers to maintain.

A myth that Medicare is free and covers almost everything when Medicare was never designed to cover everything is very common. Written in the 50’s and enacted into law in the 60’s there have not been many changes to that law. Medicare Supplements, Part D drug plans, and Medicare Advantage have all come about to fill the large gaps between Medicare coverage and the massive change to the cost of our medical care and prescription drugs.

The Inflation Reduction Act 2022 is helping consumers who have very high-cost medications by putting a cap on consumer spending. Yet until negotiations with Pharmaceutical companies are finalized and implemented there is a negative effect on the consumer as well. Right now, insurance companies are on the hook for the costs that Medicare is no longer paying as well as what consumer previously paid for prescriptions prior to IRA. This comes full circle back to the consumer with increased premiums for Part D plans both in 2024 and 2025.

For our agency, this means looking at how we can repackage insurance policies for our Medicare clients.

Investigating creative ways to provide other coverages that Medicare ignores or in areas that individuals are more worried about; such as, dental vision and hearing, or where you would like to recover after a stroke, heart attack, or cancer…at home, in a facility, or a combination of both? This is all part of the service we provide you for no additional cost, as your partner and trusted agency in Medicare Health Plan solutions.

Lisa Wentz-Kinnison

Your Partner in Medicare Health Plan Solutions Owner and Independent Insurance Agent

(970) 224-5500 | 421 Stover Street, Fort Collins

TrozanInsurance.com

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Virtual villains How to stay safe in a techno world

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THE WORLD IS CHANGING FAST. From the way families and friends stay connected to the way people receive mail, bank, pay bills, and get their news—it’s all constantly changing and becoming more and more virtual. Most of the time, due to built-in protections, technology is relatively secure, but there are bad actors out there who are innovating in real time to take advantage of unsuspecting people, who unfortunately often are older and less technologically savvy.

According to the U.S. Census, by 2030 20 percent of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65. This is a marked rise considering that only about 14 years ago in

Kyle Moyer

2010, 13 percent of the population was 65 plus.

With this rapid shift in age demographics, criminal enterprises that have traditionally targeted aging populations have a much larger pool to attack, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of scams and fraud.

Safety can be taxing

It would be remiss not to discuss scammers who take advantage of the “credibility” of the IRS to prey on trusting citizens.

The first thing to know is that the IRS does not contact taxpayers requesting personal or financial information—ever. On its website, the IRS emphasizes that it “... doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. This includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.”

Even so, a common tax scam includes telephone calls where someone claims to be with the IRS and requests “verification” of information on record. If you give information to an unknown caller, they can use it to steal your identity, and gain access to much personal and financial information.

A twist on the phone call scam is when the caller masks their phone number and claims you owe unpaid taxes, even threatening jail time if you don’t respond. Phone companies try to filter these calls; they may show up as “Scam Likely” on your caller I.D. The best practice is to not answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize. If callers are legitimate, they will leave a message, but even then, be careful about returning calls to anyone claiming to be with the IRS. Another tax scam you might encounter includes dealing with a “ghost” tax return preparer, someone “who is paid to prepare a tax return, but does not sign it, either electronically or on paper, as the paid preparer.

These phantom preparers who won’t put their name on the tax return are a warning sign for taxpayers of a potential scam,” states the IRS.

Who you gonna call?

Current local frauds and scams Larimer County

www.larimer.org/sheriff/services/information/frauds-scams Weld County

www.weldda.com/news_room/fraud_alerts Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information—Scams www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts AARP, Scams & Fraud www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/?intcmp=GLBNAV-SL-MONCONP

Friendly fraud

Are you on Facebook? If so, you’re one of 2.3 billion people who are. Facebook is a wonderful

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way to keep in touch with friends and family, but it has its dark side. If you’ve been keeping up with the news lately you know the company has been embroiled in several high-profile data scandals.

Whether it’s Facebook or another social media platform, know that they all use information provided by participants to craft algorithms that tailor users’ experiences to sell ad space. To keep you and your data safe, follow safety procedures when using social media of any kind.

First and foremost, don’t over share. Keep personal information, well, personal. Know that anything you say on social media and any photos you post can live on in digital eternity even if you delete an account.

Also, be very wary of friend requests. If you’re asked to connect with someone, ask yourself: “Do I know this person and do I want him or her to know more about me?” If either answer is “no,” ignore and delete the request. Sometimes when you receive a friend request you might ask: “Aren’t I friends with this person already?” In the Facebook world, this question often indicates one of your friend’s accounts has

24 | Fifty&Better

been hacked and a duplicate, false account has been created.

If you accept friend requests from fake accounts, you can provide a channel for your account to be infected as well.

Again, delete the request.

Risky romance

Online dating sites and apps are other places where people get scammed and they’re one of the last where you want it to happen. After all, you’re putting yourself out there to find love or romance, not to be taken advantage of.

When looking for a partner online, be suspicious if someone looks too good to be true, because they probably are.

Oftentimes scammers will use photos of people who are or look like models to lure in their prey. Also, be very careful if someone wants to communicate on a platform other than the one provided by the dating site. Vetted sites and apps have their own messaging services for a reason—safety.

The bottom line? Staying safe in a technologically advancing world requires diligence, common sense and trusting your gut.

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Saturday

September 21, 2024 10am - 4pm

Pre-sale tickets $35 • Day of event $40

Produced by:

Five private residences and five historic properties will open their doors for guests of the 40th Annual Fort Collins Historic Homes Tour.

Purchase Tickets online: poudrelandmarks.org For additional information, please call 970-221-0533

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REALITIES FOR CHILDREN

BUSINESS MEMBERS

When you shop, dine or hire a Realities For Children Business Member, you become a part of the solution to child abuse in our community.

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GREG WALTER

26 | Fifty&Better

REALITIESFORCHILDREN.COM | 970-484-9090

Harvest Season 2024

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

Preserving Peaches

INSIDE

Your guide to farm stands and farmers’ markets GROWING SEASON 2021

|1

Preserving Peaches Canning, Jamming, Freezing, Salsa

Lea Hanson

P

eaches are for sale everywhere this time of year. We are bombarded with pallets of peaches, encouraged to buy them as fundraisers, EZ Ups on every corner, and more.

With our kitchens filled with pallets of peaches, we’re suddenly inundated with the responsibility to do something with them. Luckily, peaches are one of the easiest fruits to preserve and there are many ways to do it. You can preserve the goodness of peaches well past the harvest season. Examples include canning, freezing, making salsa, or making preserves.

Peaches provide vitamins A and C, are a good source of fiber and are low in calories. One raw medium peach (147 grams) has 50 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol and sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrate, 13 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. It provides six percent of your daily vitamin

2|

GROWING SEASON 2021

A needs and 15 percent of daily vitamin C needs. One medium peach also contains two percent or more daily value of vitamins E and K, niacin, folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium.

Preserving fruit is much easier than most novices think it will be and the tools needed are minimal. Actually, besides purchasing a bulk of canning jars, most people already have utensils that will work in the house. Although many specialty items are for sale, they usually simply make the process easier, but aren’t required to complete the task.

PREPARING TO PRESERVE PEACHES Choose ripe, mature peaches of ideal quality for eating fresh or cooking.

Peaches should be firm, or “give” slightly and should have a strong, sweet smell and a yellowish golden background color.

To peel, dip peaches in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds until skins loosen. Dip quickly in cold water and slip off skins.

Cut in half, remove pits and slice, if desired. To prevent darkening, keep peeled peaches in ascorbic acid solution (1 teaspoon or 3000 milligrams ascorbic acid or vitamin C per gallon of water), or use a commercial ascorbic acid mixture according to directions on package. Drain when ready to process.

HOT PACK AND RAW PACK First, what’s the difference? Hot packing is the practice of heating freshly prepared food to boiling, simmering it 2 to 5 minutes, and promptly filling jars loosely with the boiled food. Raw packing is more suitable for fruits and vegetables processed in a pressure canner.

To hot pack peaches, first place drained fruit in a large saucepan with syrup, water or juice and bring to boil.

Next, fill jars with hot fruit and cooking liquid, leaving ½-inch headspace.

Place peach halves in layers with the

cut side facing down. Adjust the jar lids and process in a boiling-water canner: 20 minutes for pints, 25 minutes for quarts at altitudes up to 1,000 feet.

To raw pack, fill hot jars with raw fruit, cut side down, and add hot water, juice, or syrup, leaving ½-inch headspace. Adjust the jar lids and process in a boiling water canner: 25 minutes for pints, 30 minutes for quarts at altitudes up to 1,000 feet.

FREEZING PEACHES Also known as sugar packing Many believe sugar packing is the best way to preserve the taste of fruit.

To sugar pack, start by dissolving ¼ teaspoon ascorbic acid in 3 tablespoons cold water and add to each quart of peaches to slow darkening. Then, add ⅔ cup sugar to each quart (1⅓ pounds) of prepared fruit. Next, stir gently until sugar is dissolved or let stand 15 minutes. Place into containers, seal, label, and freeze.

PEACH JAM Yield: About 8 half-pint jars Making jam is usually the task that seems most difficult… but like the processes described above, is easier than most assume. Begin by combining two quarts crushed, peeled peaches and ½ cup water; cook gently for 10 minutes. Add 6 cups sugar; slowly bring to boiling, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Cook rapidly until thick, about 15 minutes; stir frequently to prevent sticking. Next, pour hot jam into sterilized canning jars, leaving ¼–inch headspace.

Wipe jar rims and adjust lids; they will be quite sticky later if you don’t.

Process (seal) jars in a boiling water bath canner for 5 minutes at altitudes up to 1,000 feet. Add 1 minute of processing time for each additional 1,000 feet.

Adding pectin is easy simply by following the manufacturer’s directions on the pectin box.

All Natural makes all the difference.

Everything you eat starts with how it is raised and how it gets to you. Know what you and your family are eating.

WE OFFER

CANNING PEACHES (HALVED OR SLICED) Yields: Approximately 2 to 2½ pounds peaches for a 1-quart jar.

Prepare and boil syrup, using ½ cup (very light), 1 cup (light) or 1¾ cup (medium) sugar per quart of water, depending on desired sweetness. Or pack peaches in water, apple juice or white grape juice.

• Black Angus cattle selected for high marbling genetics, locally farm-raised in large pastures in a low stress environment • NEVER EVER given antibiotics, hormones, or steroids or fed animal by-products • Available by quarter, half, or whole, cut and packaged just the way you want it • Dry-aged 21 days for tender, moist, consistently great flavor.

www.blueskyfarmcolorado.com (970) 222-7147 • Rbluesky8@msn.com • Windsor, CO Please request a cutting instruction sheet to place your order.

LET US SHARE WHOLESOME, NUTRITIOUS, AND SAFE NATURAL BEEF WITH A TASTE YOU CAN TRUST.

GROWING SEASON 2021

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2024 NoCo Farmers Markets Berthoud’s Fickel Farmers Market Fickel Park, 620 Mountain Ave., Berthoud Thursdays, 4–7pm, June 8–Sept. 21 www.berthoud.org/1385/Farmers-Market Erie Farmers Market Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5–8pm, May 1–Sept. 14 www.realfarmersmarketco.com Estes Valley Farmers Market Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave., EP Thursdays, 8am–1pm, June 1–Sept. 28 www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket

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

Loveland West Farmers Market at Jax 2665 W Eisenhower Blvd, LV Tuesdays, 9am–1pm, April 18–Nov. 7 www.facebook.com/ LovelandWestFarmersMarket

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

Timnath Sunday Market 4138 Main St., Timnath Second Sundays, 9am–2pm, May–Oct. www.TimnathFarmersMarket.org

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

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

Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland Sundays, 9am–1pm, June 4–Sept. 24 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

FARM STANDS Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com www.facebook.com/The-Bartels-PumpkinPatch-137755902661 Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org Folks Farm & Seed 2917 S. Taft Hill Rd., Fort Collins www.folksfarmandseed.com Garden Sweet 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com Green Dog Farm 3421 West CR 54G, Laporte (next to Overland Foods) www.greendogfarmcsa.com Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.), Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com

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GROWING SEASON 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com Tigges Farm 12404 CR 64½, Greeley www.facebook.com/tigges.farm

GROWING SEASON 2021

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GROWING SEASON 2021

FIND YOUR PERFECT PAIRING AT WILBUR’S.

2201 S. College • 970-226-8662 • WilbursTotalBeverage.com Monday-Saturday 9-10 and Sunday 9-7

Fifty&Better | 27

Election Uncertainty Don’t be afraid!

If you’re worried about the toll a candidate’s campaign promises could have on your pocketbook, taxes or even your future retirement savings, you’re not alone. While it sometimes feels like candidates are just telling us what we want to hear, generally, politicians do try to accomplish the things they say they’ll do when elected to office.

One of the biggest things you can do to help protect your

don’t always indicate a bear market. Corrections are generally

retirement nest egg is to make sure you’re comfortable with the

temporary and typically end when the price of a stock or bond

levels of risk you have in your current portfolio. When investing in

“bottoms out” and investors start buying again.

the market, it’s important to keep volatility in perspective. Market

Many things can lead to a market correction, including profit

corrections — a decline of at least 10% of a stock, bond, commodity

selling, technical analysis and corporate earnings. A broad sense

or market index from its highest recent point — are common and

of fear based on a negative event in the news or perception about

1 Nationwide. October 2023. “Investing in a highly politicized climate.” https://nationwidefinancial.com/ media/pdf/MFM-3346AO.pdf. Accessed Dec. 23, 2023.

2 Andrew Rocco. Zacks. Oct. 27, 2023. “Market Correction: 5 Reasons to Keep a Long-term Perspective.” https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/market-correction:-5reasons-to-keep-a-long-term-perspective#. Accessed Dec. 23, 2023. 3 Dana Anspach. The Balance. March 30, 2022. “Annual Stock Market Returns by Year.” https:// www. thebalance.com/stock-market-returns-by-year-2388543. Accessed Dec. 22, 2023.

28 | Fifty&Better

the economy can trigger a sell-off, and in turn, a correction — some

more often than not.

believe that the same is true with presidential elections.

Considering all the unknowns and the uncertainty of what the

But the fact is, government policy or political control of different

markets could do come election time, one of the biggest things

branches of government have negligible impacts on the direction of

you should remember is to be patient and not to panic. Consider

the financial markets. What drives market performance most of all is

the adage of “time in the market, not timing the market.” If you’re

economic and business fundamentals.1 When heading into election

comfortable with the amount of risk you are currently exposed to

season, it’s important to remember that the stock market — while

and have the time to ride out whatever may come, you’re likely best to

fairly volatile on a short-term basis — has a strong track record of

stick it out and see what happens. On the other hand, if you’re within

long-term success. Since 1980, market corrections have averaged

three to five years of retirement, it may be a good idea to review your

about 14%.2

financial strategy to make sure you’re comfortable with the level of

However, looking at the overall picture each year, the positive

risk in your portfolio. The last thing you want to hear is “Sit tight! It’ll

years outweigh the negative years, with negative returns occurring

come back”. It is more important now than ever to make sure that

approximately one out of every four years.3 As history has shown,

you have a written retirement plan, and you are not just hoping on

those who choose to stay the course are rewarded for their patience

the markets to do well for retirement to succeed.

5401 Stone Creek Circle Suite 201 Loveland, Colorado

LaymanLewis.com

This content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not intended to serve as the basis for financial decisions. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Our firm is not affiliated with the U.S. government or any governmental agency. Content prepared by Advisors Excel. © 2024 Advisors Excel, LLC 1/24 - 332034

Fifty&Better | 29

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Fifty&Better | 31

Giving Back

Linda L. Osmundson

Volunteering with Hearts and Horses WHEN KAREN AND SCOTT DeVries retired after about 30 years of teaching for Poudre School District, they downsized from Fort Collins to Loveland to be nearer Karen’s parents. One day in 2017 while on a drive through the foothills with her parents, Karen saw a sign for Hearts & Horses— “Volunteers Needed!”

Karen’s memories of time outside on her grandfathers’ farms with their horses, led her to realize volunteering at the Hearts & Horses (H&H) Therapeutic Riding Center (https:// www.heartsandhorses.org) would provide an opportunity to use her love of teaching and her love of people, the outdoors and equines.

At her orientation, she told staff, “I don’t even know how to put a halter on a horse, but I really want to learn.” She hoped to be a part of the Changing Leads Program for at-risk youth.

The program blends the challenges of life with a safe and caring learning environment. In volunteering, Karen learned the special connection between horses and people. To enhance that concept, she enrolled in riding lessons.

Now, after seven years as a volunteer for H&H, Karen serves as a horse leader Mondays from 3:15pm until around 7pm. She, and sometimes the rider, picks a horse from the herd of 30, secures it in the cross ties and grooms it. They clean the hoofs, curry comb, brush, comb the tail and mane, and then saddle up. She helps the rider mount. She leads the horse into the arena for warm-up. Whether in the arena or on a trail, a lesson prepared by an instructor begins. During the lesson, Karen continually checks on the rider and horse. Karen has also helped staff with 32 | Fifty&Better

equine care and training.

“I am constantly reminded about the importance of listening, reading a situation, reacting with genuine empathy and staying focused and calm.” She loves to see a rider’s confidence blossom.

Kiera Fogg, volunteer coordinator for H&H says, “Karen is very sweet and caring not only about the horses but her riders as well. She is always making sure she is doing the right thing and looks for more growth in any way she can with both her horse and rider.”

Why would Karen give spend retirement time to volunteer? “While teaching, I was fortunate to have some of the most wonderful volunteers at school. Community members who

were there to support students and staff alike, who quietly and without expectations made a difference and positive impact. Those special people modeled what community means and what happens when people work together. Their unselfish work inspired me to pursue volunteering when life allowed, trying my hardest to ‘pay it forward’ and to remember how important it is to show up for those who need a little help.”

Karen says her focus went from days in the classroom to assisting family who needed support and care to Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center.

Thank you, Karen, for caring enough to serve those who need a little help, hope and kindness during challenging times.

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