Offering new advertiser discounts and incentives, custom-made to fit any budget and designed to get your business noticed. See what advertising can do for you: Call Greg at 970-689-6832 or Greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com Call Scott at 970-980-9183 or Scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com
Advertising with Fifty & Better offers new and small businesses instant credibility, community and value.
offers a vibrant, beautifully designed community with a continuum of care to support every need.
Retirement living in northern Colorado is about to be transformed with the introduction of The Gallery at Fort Collins. Set to open late 2025, The Gallery offers a crafted, holistic approach to senior living, blending an array of care options—from independent and assisted living to Memory Care—while celebrating the creative spirit of its residents. Priority deposits are now being accepted, offering exclusive early access to a one-of-a-kind experience designed to nurture the individual stories of its members.
Opening late 2025, The Gallery at Fort Collins offers a vibrant, beautifully designed community with a continuum of care to support every need.
Discover Elevated Senior Living in Fort Collins
RETIREMENT
Located in a vibrant corner of Fort Collins, The Gallery is more than just a place to live; it's an invitation to create, connect, and thrive.
“The Gallery at Fort Collins is designed to be a masterpiece of thoughtfully planned spaces and community-centered experiences,” says Bryan Sanchez, Sales Director. “Our residents will be able to explore their creativity, engage in rich cultural experiences, and enjoy a lifestyle that nurtures both body and mind.”
LIVING IN northern Colorado is set for a transformation with the upcoming Gallery at Fort Collins, opening in late 2025. Offering independent living, assisted living, and Memory Care, The Gallery blends modern comfort with creativity, fostering an engaging lifestyle for residents. Priority deposits are now open for those seeking an enriching senior living experience.
A Canvas for Every Story
A Canvas for Every Story
Everything at The Gallery is designed to foster individuality and a sense of belonging. Nestled in the heart of Fort Collins—a community where art, nature, and culture converge—The Gallery offers thoughtfully designed spaces that blend modern comforts with timeless style. These inviting spaces encourage creativity to flow, whether you're relaxing in a lush garden, participating in a watercolor class, or attending an expert-led lecture. Every detail has been crafted to cultivate a vibrant, dynamic lifestyle.
transportation services adds extra convenience. Residents can unwind in the outdoor courtyard, enjoy arts and crafts classes, or explore local artist installations. With large living quarters, housekeeping, and landscaping services, The Gallery offers a maintenancefree lifestyle. The location also provides easy access to I-25 and Denver International Airport, perfect for those seeking both convenience and connection to nature.
needs. From themed dinners to holiday celebrations, meals are crafted with care. Gluten-free, lowcarb, and low-sugar options ensure all residents enjoy a full range of flavors. Select apartments also feature kitchens or kitchenettes for those who love to cook.
be available, allowing every resident to enjoy the full range of flavors. For casual gatherings, the casual bistro provides plenty of spaces to connect.
Life-Enriching Memory Care
Life-Enriching Memory Care
For those who prefer to cook, select apartments feature full kitchens or kitchenettes, allowing residents to create meals in their own time.
Designed for Every Stage of Life
Independent Living in the Heart of the Rockies
In Fort Collins, residents can immerse themselves in local culture, savor culinary delights, and explore art galleries that stir the imagination. Nearby, premier golf courses, hiking trails, and breathtaking vistas await, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
The Gallery fosters individuality and belonging, situated in a city rich in art, nature, and culture. Thoughtfully designed spaces encourage creativity, whether through watercolor classes, expertled lectures, or time spent in lush gardens. Modern comforts and timeless style combine to cultivate a vibrant lifestyle.
A Culinary Experience That Feels Like Home
Dining is a highlight at The Gallery, with a chef-led team curating fresh, nutritious meals tailored to dietary
Residents will enjoy a range of world-class amenities, including a casual bistro, cocktail bar,
Memory Care at The Gallery provides a nurturing environment tailored to cognitive needs. With opportunities for social interaction and planned activities, residents receive personalized support in a secure, engaging setting.
Enter a nurturing and dynamic community where key details are thoughtfully cared for. From delightful culinary experiences and attentive housekeeping to reliable transportation, and maintenance, our dedicated team ensures you can fully immerse yourself in creating lasting memories and enjoying life to its fullest.
A Place to Thrive with Care Always Nearby
Everyone's journey is unique, inspiring our care team to adjust and understand each person's strengths and abilities. Cognitive challenges can affect everyday life, highlighting our dedication to creating opportunities for social interaction and participation both planned and impromptu activities. We emphasize the importance of honoring and respecting every individual as a cherished member of our community.
The Gallery’s Independent Living community caters to active older adults who cherish community connections and outdoor adventures. Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, residents have easy access to hiking trails, scenic vistas, and golf courses.
Every experience at The Gallery will inspire joy, from concerts that bring music to life to thoughtfully curated cultural outings. With an activity calendar brimming with 60 to 80 events a week, the possibilities for connection, selfexpression, and adventure are endless.
Independent Living in the Heart of the Rockies
Assured Support in Assisted Living
A Culinary Experience That Feels Like Home
For those needing additional support, Assisted Living offers individualized care, including help with daily activities like medication management and dressing. The compassionate care team ensures residents receive the assistance they need while maintaining independence.
The Gallery offers a dining experience that’s as exceptional as the community itself. With a chef-led team, residents can
Discover the freedom of Independent Living designed for vibrant older adults who enjoy an active lifestyle and cherish community connections. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, The Gallery at Fort Collins offers easy access to nature's treasures, including hiking trails, mountain streams, scenic vistas, and plenty of golf courses. As your needs evolve, our team makes sure you continue to enjoy worry-free Independent Living.
Safety and security are at the core of The Gallery, with 24/7 emergency response services and a comprehensive care model that allows residents to age in place. “Our team is committed to supporting each resident’s unique journey,” says Executive Director Deedra Moats.
A Place to Thrive, with Care Always Nearby
Safety, security, and peace of mind are integral to life at The Gallery at Fort Collins. Residents will have access to 24/7 emergency response services, ensuring they feel supported and cared for every day. The Gallery’s comprehensive care model allows couples and individuals to age in place, with support tailored to their changing needs.
For more information, tours, or early-access opportunities, visit Galleryatfortcollins.com or contact Bryan Sanchez at bsanchez@ eslliving.com or 970-722-8885.
Deedra Moats, Executive Director, notes, “Our team is committed to supporting each resident’s unique journey. Whether they are enjoying the vibrancy of independent living or receiving the specialized care they need, we are here to provide the resources that allow them to live their best life.”
For more information about
The Gallery at Fort Collins,
The Gallery at Fort Collins is anticipated to open it’s doors by late 2025. (Rendering courtesy: Experience Senior Living)
RENDERING COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE SENIOR LIVING
22 • FEATURE Actively social
Activity is the vehicle—social interaction, the goal. Try something new. A class, a new sport, join a club or group with a common interest. The key is social interaction. Connecting with others enriches your life and leads to a longer, happier life.
Barb is very active with her hobbies, sewing, embroidering, crocheting and paddleboarding, and she wasn’t going to give them up for eye disease.
“My hobbies are very important to me. I’ve been going to Kirk Eye Center since 2018 for my dry, age-related macular degeneration.
Dr Kirk always makes me feel comfortable during treatment. He also explains procedures to me very thoroughly.
Plus, the staff there is incredibly friendly, and calls me by name. We often share stories about our families. It’s a very nurturing environment for eye care.
I would highly recommend Kirk Eye Center to my friends and family with eye conditions of all types.”
Feeling the connection From the Publisher
I HAD THE FEATURE STORY pretty much all wrapped up and ready to be sent off to be edited when I ran into ML Johnson, a friend and mentor, at breakfast one day. I told him that I was writing a story about keeping your mind and body active, learning new things and rediscovering old ones.
He nodded and said that sounded interesting and then went on to tell me about a study that found that activities that had a social component contributed to longevity much more than solo kinds of sports.
For example, jogging, which I always thought was a great way to stay fit and live longer, contributed a year to longevity while tennis added 10 years. Crazy, I thought, and maybe even said. Turns out that it’s the social aspects that affect our long-term health more than the physical health components.
Well, armed with that new information, I had to go back and retool the story a little bit. It still promotes keeping mind and body flexible as we age, but with the idea of connection woven throughout.
So that got me thinking about how being and feeling connected must truly be a foundational part of being human, probably being canine and feline too, though not so much feline, so much so that our health can rise and fall based on our connectedness.
Then we ran into some new friends at the Rio and new-friend Naomi was quite insistent that one of the things that really matters are the connections we make to people, to the natural world, to all of it.
I dug up an old Steinbeck quote that I had written down once at a little science outpost in Kino Bay, Sonora, Mexico years ago. I carried that quote with me for years until I downsized my wallet a couple of years ago from the filing cabinet size to something thinner.
It goes like this:
“And it is a strange thing that most of the feeling we call religious, most of the mystical outcrying, which is one the most prized and used and desired reactions of our species, is really the understanding and the attempt to say that man is related to the whole thing, related inextricably to all reality, known and unknowable. This is a simple thing to say, but the profound feeling of it made a Jesus, a St. Augustine, a St. Francis, a Charles Darwin and an Einstein.”
It’s why we search our neighboring planets and distant stars for signs of life; why we seek out people to chat with, even strangers at a restaurant; maybe why we have pets; why we feel so good in the woods and on the rivers; and why there are congressional hearings about alien visitors.
We are part of it all; not separate from it all. And knowing that really does change everything.
Connecting, Scott
Fifty & Better is a publication of Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc.
Copyright 2025 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc., PO Box 740, Fort Collins, CO 80522. 970-221-9210. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER:
Better Home
Linda L. Osmundson
Winterize your yard
AS FALL APPROACHES it’s time to help the yard survive the winter. Follow this advice to winterize your lawn and garden. Avoid winter compaction by aerating the lawn. Next, fertilize before the temperatures drop. To prevent snow mold, treat the grass with a lawn fungicide. Consider using your raked leaves to mulch your lawn. Spread a thin layer of leaves and mow with a short setting. The chopped leaves break down over the winter, provide grass nutrients and some cold protection. Use your free leaves to mulch the flower beds and garden, or invest in wood chips, bark or crushed pine needles. For other winterizing tips, view this checklist https://www. angi.com/articles/fall-flowerbed-gardening-tips.htm.
Be sure to disconnect and store hoses, drain sprinklers and insulate plumbing. Some suggest removing and storing solar lights and garden ornaments. Protect furniture by storing away or covering.
Come spring, your work pays off; the yard is ready for a new season of healthy growth.
Create a play area for grandchildren
CREATING A GRANDCHILDREN’S SAFE-SPACE doesn’t mean clear all the tables and bookshelves. Do remove unsafe objects. Teach them the “One Finger” rule. Walk your grandchild throughout your house. “You may touch anything. . . . but only with one finger.” Demonstrate. Repeat with each new object they want to touch. Be consistent. When they start to grab, remind them, “One finger, please!”
Designate a closet, shelves, baskets or cabinet for toy storage and a corner for play. Keep it simple. Provide different things than they have at home. Make sure there is a space for everything without clutter. Purchase age-appropriate toys, books, games, puzzles – Legos, building blocks, crayons, paper. Add dress up clothing and perhaps a mirror. Provide a comfortable reading chair, a table and chairs or a play mat. As they grow donate the old toys and replace with others that match their age and interests.
Enjoy playing with them.
Tips for a safe, pet-friendly home
WANT LESS STRESS WHILE CARING for a cat or dog? “The key is choosing the right materials and accommodating your pet’s needs,” says pet columnist Julia Szabo. Consider these tips:
• Bathe and groom often – trim nails to protect floors and brush regularly to limit loose hair
• Use stain-resistant fabrics and vacuum frequently
• Cover your bed with washable linens
• Install hardwood floors rather than carpet
• Choose colors to match your pet’s fur
For a safe, happy pet:
• Stipulate a special place for your pet
• Provide tidy, attractive toys and treats
• Discard hazards – anything that could strangle, choke, electrocute, suffocate
• Keep human foods and medications out of reach
• Eliminate tempting trash odors with baking soda and keep trash can lids tight
• Purchase pet-safe plants – no lilies, amaryllis, poinsettia, mums or aloe vera
• Store pesticides, antifreeze, cleaning supplies and fertilizers out of reach
Enjoy a clean, stress-free pet-friendly home.
Maintain your Memory
REMEMBER THAT TIME you lost your car keys?
Losing track of dates, appointments and, yes, where we put things can be one of the most frustrating parts of aging. But losing your memory isn’t inevitable.
The Aspen Club, a service of UCHealth, provides programs for anyone over 50 to maintain their health, including the class Memory Maintenance for Normal Aging.
JoAnn Herkenhoff, the community health improvement manager for UCHealth, says three tips are emphasized in the class.
One exercise in the class includes looking at a photo, taking it in and then trying to recall as many details about it as you can. Sign up for the newsletter for alerts on when they’re offered. (https://www.uchealth.org/ services/community-health/aspenclub) or 970-495-8560.
Herkenhoff cautions that doing the same brain games every day will diminish their effectiveness.
“Novelty is a really important component to keeping your memory sharp,” she says. “Crosswords won’t help every day as much as if you try one day playing, say, Sudoku.”
Exercise
WHAT BENEFITS YOUR BODY also benefits your brain. The Centers for Disease Control states that physical activity reduces your risk of dementia: One study cited by the CDC found that cognitive decline is twice as common among inactive adults.
Exercising outdoors gives you a double dose of brain health, as it’s good for your mental health as well. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment touted these benefits in its Outdoor Rx program and listed all the ways you can get outside in northern Colorado (https://thrivingweld.com/outdoor-rx/).
Senior centers offer ways to stay active by offering group hikes and team sports such as volleyball, softball and pool tournaments, says Sheri Lobmeyer, program supervisor for the Active Adult Center (among other duties) in Greeley.
Social connections
YOU CAN HAVE A good home, a good dog and, with some work and luck, a good body with a consistent ticker. But your most valuable possession, as many have suggested, may be your mind.
Research increasingly shows that strong social ties are crucial to brain health. Those who maintain social connections are less likely to experience cognitive decline. In fact, a recent paper from Northwestern University states that loneliness can increase levels of cortisol, which causes inflammation in the brain.
Lobmeyer says adult centers offer dozens of chances a year for seniors to socialize. Connect, or re-connect, with loved ones, and sometimes focus on those few instead of the many, both organizations suggest. You can also rely on many ways to connect, including texts, e-mails and, yes, Facebook.
Better Living
Katie Harris
Plan a Fall getaway
DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO ENJOY
some of Colorado’s best leaf peeping this fall with a drive along a scenic highway. What better way to turn a day trip into a memorable getaway than by adding an overnight stay at a cozy mountain town bed and breakfast? Here are a few of our top picks:
San Juan Skyway via The Clipper Inn, Ouray
Stretching 236 miles across southwest Colorado, the San Juan Skyway (codot.gov) is a hidden gem for fall foliage. With elevations ranging from 6,000 to 11,000 feet, this byway
winds through national forests and soaring peaks dotted with golden aspen groves.
One of the most breathtaking stretches—the Million Dollar Highway (visitouray.com)—runs between Ouray and Silverton. Known for its dramatic switchbacks and steep drop-offs, it’s a must for thrill-seeking leaf peepers.
Wrap up your day in Ouray with dinner downtown, then check in at The Clipper Inn (clipperinnco.com), a charming Victorianstyle B&B just a block off Main Street. In the morning, sip coffee on your private porch and enjoy breakfast in the common area before hitting the road again.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway via Riversong Inn
Estes Park
RUNNING 55 MILES from Estes Park to Black Hawk, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (codot.gov) is Colorado’s oldest scenic highway, established in 1918. It offers sweeping views of the Continental Divide, with access to Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest and the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Make a night of it at Riversong Inn (romanticriversong.com), a serene 26-acre retreat in Estes Park. Guests can enjoy onsite hiking trails, a spa, and a riverside fire pit—plus easy access to town. Start your morning with a homemade breakfast before continuing your scenic drive.
Kebler Pass via Purple Mountain Bed and Breakfast, Crested Butte
FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE FALL COLOR DISPLAY, take Kebler Pass—an unpaved, 30-mile stretch that runs from Crested Butte to Highway 133. Known for its dense aspen groves, this route through the Ruby Range explodes with gold and amber hues each autumn. The 10,000-foot pass takes about two hours to drive one way and offers a picturesque route to Carbondale or Montrose.
Spend the night in Crested Butte at Purple Mountain Bed and Breakfast (purplemountainlodge.com). This boutique B&B offers complimentary cruiser bikes, afternoon craft beer tastings, and gourmet breakfasts. Once fueled up, head out on Gunnison County Road 12 (allcrestedbutte.com) to take in the views.
Know before you go
Many high-elevation passes close in mid- to late-fall. Be sure to check current road conditions at codot.gov before heading out.
Actively social
When Kristin was 59 years old, she announced that she would like to become a Pilates instructor. She’d been a student for years and decided that she would like to teach.
We discussed the costs and the level of commitment required to complete the rigorous, yearlong program. She dove in and absorbed herself in studying, along with classes and practicums. One year later, at the age of 60, she finished the course successfully and became a certified Pilates instructor. She taught several times a week for years until the pandemic upset that applecart along with many others.
It was exciting to watch her become engaged in something like nothing else before (except raising the kids). But the most important part is that she met and hung out with a whole new group of people of all ages. These relationships spilled over from the Pilates studio to hanging out over a glass of wine after class.
Aging can be a journey of opening to new ideas and experiences or closing down and huddling in our safe little cocoons. It’s comfortable in our own little space, but doesn’t it get a bit stuffy? Even though it can be difficult and even a bit scary sometimes to put ourselves out there, we are rewarded with new skills, new people in our lives, a mind that is livelier and an opportunity to expand our way of looking at the world.
The most significant thing that we gain, though, is the social connections that we make and foster when we engage in activities. Studies show that the social component can be more important for health and longevity than the activity itself. In fact, the more social the activity, the more it correlates with longevity.
Lend a hand
Want to explore something new that you’ve been hoping to try? Try volunteering. You find a new group of like-minded folks while getting real-world experience. Plus, you get new perspectives about the world around you and insights into what makes you tick, too. Have you ever wanted to up your gardening game and help others learn more too? Larimer (www.larimer.gov/ extension/Yard-Garden/Master-Gardeners) and Weld (www. weldmastergardeners.org) Counties have master Gardener programs through CSU Extension. Think you could find some fulfillment in helping abused and neglected kids and find a community of like-minded people? Call Realities for Children www.realitiesforchildren.com/ to find out about the dozens of agencies they support and where you might find a fit. Want to be there when people really need someone? Check out the American Red Cross in northern Colorado. Love animals? Try the Animal Friend Alliance.
It goes on and on. Just search on the web for volunteering in your town or county.
Formal classes
Feed your curiosity (and therefore keep it alive) with a course of study. Impossible to look at the offerings here and not get really excited about the possibilities. And, again, it’s an opportunity to meet a new group of folks who share an interest with you.
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSU https://courses.online.colostate.edu/
• AIMS Community College Continuing Education—Personal Enrichment
• Front Range Community College Personal Enrichment
Senior Center and City Recreation
Not only can you learn something new or take your current game to a new level, but also you can have some fun with new and old friends.
• Fort Collins Recreation and Senior Center https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/senior-center https://www.fcgov.com/recreation/
• Greeley Active Adult Center and City Recreation https://greeleyrec.com/active-adult-center/ https://greeleyrec.com/
• Chilson Senior Center (Loveland) and City Recreation www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation/chilsonrecreation-center https://www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation
• Windsor Active Adults and City Recreation https://www.recreationliveshere.com/163/Active-Adults https://www.recreationliveshere.com/101/Recreation
Sure jogging is good for you, but tennis adds more years to your life. Why? The opportunity to interact and the expectation that you will show up and play.
Many of us have more spare time than ever once kids have left the house, or our job responsibilities have diminished or gone away. In any case, like most things, now is the time, not at some to-bedetermined future date.
I rediscovered climbing several years ago, but with a twist. Back in the day (as they say), I was an active climber—outdoors, because that’s where climbing happened. I searched for solitude. Climbing though is an inherently social activity because you must have at least one partner to share a rope with. Now, you can climb indoors at a climbing gym, which I do. It’s good fun, keeps me in shape and, maybe most importantly, it’s a social club with folks chatting about climbing and life.
Endless versions of this exist where people are drawn to a common activity that helps them stay healthy and also becomes a social place. The activity is the vehicle; social interaction is the goal.
The big deal these days seems to be pickleball, and I can see why. It’s active fun with a builtin network of people. Towns in northern Colorado all have pickleball facilities and leagues and Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor have clubs that appear to emphasize the camaraderie as much as the play.
So when you’re out there killing it at the net or in the climbing gym or on a group bicycle ride, take a minute to expand and deepen your social network. It has strong benefits beyond the actual activity.
Layman Lewis Financial Group Named to 2025 Inc. 5000 List
An Editorial
Layman Lewis Financial Group is proud to announce its debut on the prestigious 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Ranked No. 3102 nationwide and No. 200 in financial services. This recognition places Layman Lewis among a select group of businesses noted for performance and growth.
President and CEO Alicia Lewis shared, “It’s about the people we work with every day. Our mission is to work alongside clients to develop thoughtful strategies intended to address their retirement objectives.”
The firm also emphasizes the importance of what it calls “Financial Fitness.” Much like physical health, many people find that financial well-being can be supported by consistent monitoring, informed decision-making, and a strategic approach. Whether refining a retirement plan, evaluating tax-aware income strategies, or adjusting to evolving priorities, regular reviews can support adaptability over time.
of their overall planning. Working with knowledgeable professionals may provide additional perspective to keep strategies aligned with current goals and market conditions.
Layman Lewis Financial Group encourages individuals—particularly those approaching or in retirement—to consider periodic financial reviews as part
As the firm marks this recognition, it remains focused on providing clear strategies and informed guidance designed to help clients make decisions with greater clarity at every stage of retirement.
Harvest
Berthoud’s Fickel Farmers Market
Fickel Park, 620 Mountain Ave., Berthoud Saturdays, beginning June 14, 9am–1pm www.berthoud.org/1430/The-Berthoud-Market
Erie Farmers Market
Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5–8pm, May 15–Sept. 18 www.realfarmersmarketco.com
Estes Valley Farmers Market Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave., EP Thursdays, 8am–1pm, June–Sept. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket
Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park
700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland Sundays, 9am–1pm, June 1–Sept. 28 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket
Fort Collins Farmers Market
1001 E. Harmony Rd., FC (rain or shine) Sundays, 10am–2pm, May 4–Nov. 9 Wednesdays, 10am–2pm, June 4–Sept. 24
8101 S. Timberline Rd., Fort Collins www.coloradofreshfarms.com
Desiderata Ranch
4617 W. CR 2, Berthoud www.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 CSA
3421 West CR 54G, Laporte (next to Overland Foods) www.greendogfarmcsa.com
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.
Hazel Dell Mushrooms
3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.), Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com
Hoffman Farms, LLC
3545 W. O St., Greeley www.hoffmanproduce.com
Hope Farms
1601 N. Shields St., Fort Collins www.facebook.com/CULTIVATINGHOPECO
Jodar Farms/Fort Collins Vine Farm
Order online/pick up in Fort Collins www.jodarfarms.com
Long Shadow Farm
Order online/pick up Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.wixsite.com/longshadow
Native Hill Farm
2100 CR 54G, Fort Collins www.nativehillfarm.com
Ollin Farms
8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.com
On the Vine at Richmond Farms
3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins www.onthevineatrichmondfarms.com
OwlTree Farm
4605 E. CR 58, Fort Collins www.owltreefarmco.com
Papa Joe’s Honey
4855 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.facebook.com/PapaJoesLocalHoney
Pope Farms and Produce 6501 West 28th St., Greeley www.popefarmsproduce.com
Scofield Fruits
1821 W Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.scofieldfruits.com
Sunny Daze Gardens
901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com
Order online, delivery to Loveland/Fort Collins www.vibrantlifefarms.com
Well Fed Farmstead 2229 W. Vine Dr., Fort Collins www.wellfedfarmstead.com
Foraging for local foods during the winter
FOR SOME COLORADANS,
THE DOUBLE PAYOFF of being out in nature and having the ability to round up incredible things to eat is a major selling point of living in the Centennial State. Foraging locally offers the opportunity to track down and harvest everything from mushrooms professional chefs pine to cook with to an array of sweet, tart, and colorful fruit. But first, a word of caution. It is dangerous to harvest and eat food you cannot properly identify. The below information is intended to be fun and educational, not instructional. It’s crucial to be 100-percent sure what you eat is safe and identifiable during the
VEGETABLES
WILD ASPARAGUS
Asparagus makes an incredibly versatile and tasty addition to any meal. Expert foragers claim the taste of wild asparagus compared to the varieties offered in grocery stores doesn’t compare. Asparagus is perennial, which means you’ll find it growing in the same spot every year.
MUSHROOMS
MORELS
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, the nutty taste of black and yellow morels is something you don’t forget. The fact these mushrooms are incredibly elusive makes them even more coveted by foragers and professional chefs. While forest fires are a constant source of anxiety and despair for much of Colorado, forested areas that have experienced fire events offer some of the best opportunities to find morels.
PORCINI
Found in the high country between elevations of 10,500 and 11,200 feet, the porcini is a high-maintenance mushroom when it comes to weather, and it won’t grow without a combination of monsoon rains and sustained summer heat.
FRUIT
WILD STRAWBERRIES
Most people love strawberries, but when it comes to locally foraging for these astoundingly sweet, juicy, and berries, you’ll need to think much smaller compared to the conventional varieties you’d buy at the store. If you’ve ever hiked through the mountains and saw tiny red fruit that resembled strawberries, what you saw might very well have been wild Colorado strawberries. You can also spot berry clusters similar to raspberries, which are quite delectable. Your best bet for finding these is late spring and early summer. With adorable tiny red berries that emerge in summer, wild strawberry plants can be identified by their blue-green leaves, small groupings of white flowers, and long red stems. While you’ll need to harvest loads of berries to cook with or snack on due to their small size, their unforgettable sweet taste will be worth the extra effort. High in Vitamin C, the leaves and berries of these plants can be steeped for a delicious tea.
WILD PLUMS
Discovering a wild plum tree in Colorado is pure joy for most local foragers. These trees are found near streams and irrigation ditches in the foothills and across the plains. In spring, wild plum trees are adorned with a stunning explosion of white flowers.
Later in the summer, sweet purple, blue, and reddish fruit appear on the trees that can be harvested before the fall. Wild plums are incredible when eaten fresh and are excellent for all manner of jams and jellies.
CACTI
PRICKLY PEAR
As you’d expect, dealing with this cactus’ sharp needles is no picnic. But for tenacious foragers willing to put in the work, they’re a rewarding natural offering that’s as bountiful as they are easy to find. Thick gloves are mandatory while harvesting prickly pear, but not for the reason you’d expect. Its long needles (spines) can easily poke through the skin of your hands, but the prickly pear’s tiny hairlike needles are what usually cause the most pain and irritation.
The edible parts of the prickly pear can be split up into three sections: the green pad, or base of the cactus, the flowers, and the colorful fruit that grows at the top of the plant. Small younger plants are thought to be much tastier than older ones. Because of Colorado’s dry climate, prickly pears can be found throughout the state.
Buy Local All Year Long
Jodar Farms jodarfarms.com
Jodar Farms offers an online farm store with weekly drop offs at many convenient Northern Colorado locations. They sell hogs (half and whole) as well as eggs all year long.
MouCo Cheese Company
mouco.com
Made locally in Fort Collins, You can find MouCo Cheese at most King Soopers, Safeway and Whole Foods Markets in the Rocky Mountain Region as well as at specialty shops and cheese stores throughout the area.
Mountain View Meats
mvmeatsfc.com
Located in Fort Collins, Mountain View Meats raises their animals humanely and works to feed their community. They sell bulk beef and pork.
Remember: Farmers’ Markets Go Through Fall
Berthoud Fickel Farmers’ Market
Berthoud Market at Town Park
June 14 to September 27 on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm
Estes Valley Farmers’ Market
Estes Park
June 5 to September 25 on Thursdays from 8am to 1pm
Farmers’ Market at Fairgrounds Park
Loveland
June 1 to September 28 on Sundays from 9am to 1pm
Fort Collins Farmers’ Market
Fort Collins
May 4 to November 9 on Sundays from 10am to 2pm
June 4 to September 24 on Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm
Greeley Farmers’ Market
Greeley
May 3 to October 25 on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm
Larimer County Farmers’ Market
Fort Collins
May 17 to October 25 on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm
Angie Spangler
Broker Associate
CLHMS, CRS, CNE, Green Cell: 970-402-6430
angiespangler@remax.net
Brian Lantis
Broker Associate Cell: 970-799-9468
brianlantis@remax.net
REALTORS
FortCollinsRealEstateByAngie.com
• The Angie Spangler Team advocates for Sellers and Buyers working in their best interest.
• We have 24 years of experience in local, residential real estate sales representing a diverse range of clients and properties.
• We service all of Fort Collins and Northern Colorado providing clients with exemplary customer service & representation.
• Call today to find out how we can help you with your real estate needs.
Representing Sellers and Buyers in Northern Colorado since 2001!
Angie Spangler Team
The
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Whether you’re here for the weekend, for the season or with us for a while, let Wilbur’s Total Beverage welcome you to Fort Collins.
Giving Back
Linda L. Osmundson
Bonnie Shelter dedicates time to the aging
BONNIE SHETLER AND HER husband, Terry, moved to Fort Collins in 1971 after earning degrees at Ohio State University. Bonnie continued her education at Colorado State, obtaining a psychology Ph.D. in 1978. “I am retired from a private counseling practice specializing in issues related to midlife and aging. For over 40 years I worked with individuals and families as they confronted the challenges of their own aging and that of parents and other family members.”
In the 80s, Bonnie volunteered as facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association and Elderhaus support groups. She served on several boards, including Neighbor to Neighbor.
In the mid-90s Bonnie volunteered for the board of the Foundation on Aging (FOA), a nonprofit group that supported events and services provided by local nonprofits in Larimer County. FOA also assisted older adults with emergency needs and identified and educated the community about basic requirements of older adults.
“I was on the board of FOA in 2015 when we focused on creating and sustaining Larimer County as an age-friendly community and changed the organization’s name to Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities (PAFC). We invited multiple community partners to join us. With limited funding, we chose to build an organization based on a self-directed ‘volunteer team model,’ which offers the opportunity for older adults to work together and address specific challenges to aging in the
community. Over time, I’ve served on the steering committee and several terms (including a current one) on the Board of Directors.”
Bonnie’s most passionate interests in PAFC include: initiating and keeping the Graceful Aging Blog (https://www. pafclarimer.org/graceful-aging) alive, working with the tech buddy program, and designing and maintaining, with a friend, the PAFC website (https:// www.pafclarimer.org/). “I most recently joined a team that is a collaborative effort between PAFC and several community agencies to more creatively introduce local aging resources to the community at large.”
With a limited budget, PAFC operates with a part-time director and one hourly support staff. “Even with limited administrative costs, funding is a continuous challenge. We work to initiate projects, which lend themselves to collaborations with existing agencies, thereby minimizing the need to compete for the same
dollars. I appreciate being part of an organization that can accomplish the time-consuming work of creating programs and supporting other agencies through volunteers.”
With no children of their own, Bonnie and Terry resist suggestions to move back to Ohio in order to be closer to relatives as they age.
“We absolutely love Colorado and the opportunities we have enjoyed for both work and recreation.” The Shetlers live in the foothills west of Fort Collins where Bonnie often volunteers remotely, sometimes writes, bikes, hikes, reads, and idly considers the vastness of time and space. She and Terry both enjoy exploring and camping in the back country. They own an apartment in Old Town where she can host team meetings and enjoy sleepovers after evening gatherings, theater and/or musical performances.
Thank you, Bonnie, for your consistent commitment to our community and the aging.
