Local Older Adults Make Their Mark

During Older Americans Month, we wanted to share stories from just a few of the many community members 60+ who are part of our vibrant and varied community and help make it what it is—people who are indeed making their mark with creativity, service, and passion.

Steve, a retired former Peace Corps employee, is busy being creative. He was 15 when he bought his first guitar after hearing the Beatles (“They changed everything!” he says). He’s been playing ever since, and with group jams on hold since the pandemic began, Steve’s been enjoying playing solo and learning new songs—starting with REM’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know (And I Feel Fine).” His other projects include learning songs from John Prine’s most recent album and working on Travis picking—a lovely but tricky technique.

Paula lives in Nederland, where she loves to go hiking and biking. “My sanity is going outside,” she says. “I’m fortunate living in the mountains because I just need to step outside my door.” A lifelong volunteer,  Paula has been delivering meals during the pandemic to older adults in mountain communities. As a former nurse, she has also been volunteering for Boulder County Public Health. What are her plans after the pandemic? She plans to look for additional volunteer opportunities.

Dale, a co-chair of the BCAAA Aging Advisory Council volunteers at the OUR Center. He used to help people shop in the free grocery store, and commented, “Strangely enough, I really enjoy grocery shopping.” Now, he packs grocery bags for OUR clients to pick up in a drive-through fashion. While he misses client conversation, his schedule is rich and full with his BCAAA volunteering, reading, following the news, and walking a mile and a half each day with his dog. Plus, together with his wife, visiting friends and family at a social distance from their porch is how he spends his time.

Ross and Kay took the brave and rewarding step of leaving successful careers elsewhere to make new careers out of their passion for horses, mules, and donkeys. Ross is a very busy farrier, and together with Kay, train equids. Kay practices equine touch therapy (a bit like massage therapy) and gives riding lessons. Livestock services are permitted under stay-at-home orders, and usually at least five days a week, one or both travel all over the metro area, training and caring for equids, while keeping socially distant from the owners. And because the owners love their animals, in a roundabout way, they both spend their days caring for people, too. 

Longmont Senior Services staff are responding to emails and phone calls Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Email: senior@longmontcolorado.gov

Phone: 303-651-8411

Sign up for biweekly email updates by visiting Longmont Senior Services or emailing Deanne.Kear@longmontcolorado.gov.

Senior Services is developing additional online programs and will be offering ways to receive computer and technology assistance from our Senior Computer Tech Center volunteers. Sign up for the biweekly email newsletter to keep up to date on what is happening. Resource and counseling staff are providing assistance via the telephone. Please call the main number if you need assistance.

Check out this link for more information on Longmont's COVID-19 closure.

Need an activity at home? Check out Restorative Yoga from Longmont Senior Services!

For further updates, visit the City of Longmont COVID-19 webpage or the city's Facebook page.

City of Boulder Older Adult Services

Client Services Coordinators with City of Boulder Older Adults Services assist residents of the City of Boulder 60+ and their caregivers with referrals to community resources, counseling on available options, and financial support for eligible clients. Coordinators are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 303-441-4388 (English/Spanish). Sign up for weekly email updates by visiting City of Boulder Older Adults Services or email GarciaW@BoulderColorado.gov.

Click here for up-to-date City of Bolder information and resources around COVID-19.

Louisville Senior Services

Staff are currently working Monday through Friday. Allow one business day to receive a return call or message.

Email: dianee@louisvilleco.gov

Phone: 303-335-4919

Louisville Senior Services Care Calling

If you are a Louisville older adult (60+) and would like a care call from the City of Louisville Recreation & Senior Center staff, please contact the Senior Services Community Resource Coordinator at 303-335-4919 or email dianee@louisvilleco.gov and leave a message with your name and telephone number. 

Be a Good Neighbor

In a community known for its neighborliness, Louisville Senior Services has a request - to take a look around your neighborhood for any isolated older adult who may be in need of groceries, a prescription pickup, transportation to a medical appointment, or some other type of assistance.  Please let us know who that is by calling or emailing the City of Louisville Senior Center’s Community Resource Assistance Line at 303-335-4919 or dianee@louisvilleco.gov .

Check out the Louisville's website for information on the COVID-19 closure.

Upcoming Courses from Louisville Senior Services

Brooks Banter - Virtual conversation for Brooks Café meal site participants.

Tuesdays, 1-1:30 p.m.

Meeting ID:  481-780-074

Virtual Coffee Club

Thursdays, 8:30-9:15 a.m.

Meeting ID:  358-225-419

Art Drop-in - Virtual supportive community of artists of all mediums. Work on your own art with others in the comfort of your own home.

Fridays, 10-11 a.m.

Meeting ID:  800-893-664

Louisville’s Older Americans Month Party & Concert - Featuring a live concert by Cody Qualls of FACE Vocal Band

May 15, 3-3:45 p.m.

Meeting ID: 889-5993-0208

Town of Erie, Parks & Recreation - Active Adults Service Updates

Erie Active Adults staff are responding to emails and phone calls, Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Email: chickman@erieco.gov

Phone: 303-926-2795

The Town of Erie's Active Adults program is providing a drive through meal service at the Erie Community Center (450 Powers St.) every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m., unless notified differently. This meal is available to anyone living in Erie and surrounding communities. On lunch days, participants drive through the circle drive on the west side of the center and staff place the meal through an open window. This is a Weld County Senior Nutrition meal. There is a $4 suggested donation for 60+ and a $14 fee for 59 and under. The $4 is a suggested donation only. Volunteers are available to deliver meals upon request.

Reservations are required by calling 303-926-2795 or emailing chickman@erieco.gov by Sunday evening prior to the Tuesday meal date, and by Tuesday evenings prior to the Thursday meal date.

Check out the city's website for information on the COVID-19 closure.

Service Connection in Lafayette and the Mountains

Lafayette Senior Services

Information, Referral, and Resources

Email: olderadults@cityoflafayette.com

Phone: 303-665-9052

Mountain Communities

Email: infoADRC@bouldercounty.org

Phone - English: 303-441-1617

Phone - Spanish: 303-441-3867

Website: www.bouldercountyhelp.org

Is Dental Care Safe During COVID-19?

Dental Aid understands you have questions about visiting the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental offices may soon re-open, and many people are concerned about visiting the dentist. Adults 65 years and older, as well as those with underlying medical conditions, are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Dental Aid has provided guidelines to help determine when to contact your dentist. When in doubt, please call your dentist to determine the best course of action.

Dental care you can reschedule for another time:

• Regular visits for exams, cleanings, and x-rays
• Treatment of cavities that aren't painful
• Regular visits for braces
• Removal of teeth that aren't painful
• Teeth whitening

Contact your dentist if you experience:

• Bleeding that doesn't stop
• Painful swelling in or around your face
• Pain in a tooth, teeth, or jaw bone
• After surgery treatment (stitch removal)
• Broken or knocked our tooth
• Denture sores for people receiving radiation or other cancer treatment
• Braces that hurt your cheek or gums

The safety and well-being of Dental Aid's patients and community continues to be their primary concern. The anticipated re-opening of their dental offices for elective procedures will depend on local Public Health Orders. Please visit Dental Aid's website or call 303-499-7072 for updates.

Resource Connection & Volunteer Opportunities

Boulder County COVID-19 Resources

Boulder County is working with community partners to help those impacted by COVID-19. Check out this webpage for resources on accessing emergency assistance.

Boulder County Call Center

For questions on the Stay-at-Home Order or the enforcement of this order, general questions on COVID-19, public health assistance, workforce questions, human services support, or questions about services for older adults, you can now connect with the Boulder County Call Center.

Phone: 720-776-0822. Currently, the call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Updates

Boulder County Public Health is continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and is in close and regular contact with public health partners. Check out local, updated information on COVID-19.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is sharing status updates on the outbreak. Click here to learn more about risk, to access fact sheets, and status updates.

Mental and Emotional Health

Mental Health Partners has changed their services and are providing telehealth appointments, including for new clients. Check out their COVID-19 response here. 

Click here for information on crisis services. You can call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline has folks available to provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8355.

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

Help those affected by volunteering or donating with HelpColoradoNow.org. Boulder County staff are monitoring local volunteer sign-ups through this site. Clinical volunteers are also needed for the Boulder County Medical Reserve Corps - learn more and sign up to volunteer.

Information for Older Adults and Caregivers

Please reference the Administration for Community Living's COVID-19 page to learn more about what older adults and people living with disabilities need to know about the virus.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has created a webpage specifically for older adults and their families concerned about COVID-19. The webpage provides basic information, information about staying healthy, and information on connection and maintaining routine.

The CDC has updated their guidance on COVID-19 in older adults. Learn more about caring for someone with COVID-19 at home.

Giving Tuesday: Impact the Lives of Boulder County Older Adults

The Area Agency on Aging works in partnership with the Aging Services Foundation of Boulder County (ASF) to ensure fiscal sustainability for several core programs that expand and enhance services for older adults and family and informal caregivers in our community. The ASF supports and advances innovative solutions that encourage well-being, independence, and dignity. On this Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to the ASF in their emergency response to the unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19 and remember to #givewhereyoulive. Click the image below to be directed to the ASF's Colorado Gives donation page.

Healthier Living: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Our Healthy Aging Team, in conjunction with the Town of Erie and Weld County, will be offering a new, virtual version of the Healthier Living/Chronic Disease Self-Management Program This class is designed for people living with chronic health conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Participants will receive a book, and will participate in weekly virtual meetings. Topics covered include:

• Making Decisions
• Understanding Emotions
• Healthy Eating
• Problem Solving
• Physical Activity
• Pain Management
• Weight Management
• Medication Usage
• Communication

When: Tuesdays, July 7 to Aug. 18, 1-3:30 p.m.

Video conferencing applications and internet will be required for the course.

This course is open to folks 60 and over and their caregivers in Boulder and Weld Counties. If you are interested in participating in this course, please contact our Healthy Aging Team by June 5 at infoHealthyAging@bouldercounty.org or call 303-441-4583.

New Online Caregiver Program in May

We invite interested family and informal caregivers to participate in our upcoming course, "Hero's journey of the Caregiver". This program is an eight-hour weekly course spanning four weeks and will focus on providing participants with tools to help ensure that they thrive, not just survive, during caregiving.

The “Hero's Journey of the Caregiver” course is inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell, a scholar who popularized various theories on hero myth narratives. Using a multi-media approach (video clips, art, poetry, self-reflection, and discussion all online via video conferencing), the course will offer opportunities for the inner hero to show up in caregiving and ultimately move through obstacles on this journey. There are two ongoing classes and time options available. Registrants can select to attend one of the following classes:

• Tuesdays, May 19 to June 9, 2020,10 a.m.- noon
• Thursdays, May 21 to June 11, 2020, 6-8 p.m

Virtual Tea Time for Rainbow Elders

Since our first virtual tea time was a success and we won't be meeting in person for Coffee Klatch or Supper Club again this month, we want to offer an opportunity to connect with other Rainbow Elders and allies in a virtual format. So mark your calendars for Thursday, May 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. when we will meet through GoToMeeting. 

Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/946017269

You can also dial in using your phone:  United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Access Code: 946-017-269

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/946017269

Show up ready to connect and interact in our new virtual world. If you have questions, please email our LGBTQ+ Program Specialist, Michael Chifalo.

Be on the Lookout for Scams

Reports of bitcoin blackmail email scams to the Community Protection Division of the District Attorney’s Office have taken a big jump in the last few weeks. These emails may say the sender has hacked into your computer and recorded you visiting adult websites. They threaten to distribute the video to your friends and family unless you pay into their bitcoin account. And they might actually include one of your old – or recent – passwords in the message to prove their fake claims. Don’t reply or click on a link in these messages, or open any attachment in them. If you receive one or more of these messages, it’s a good idea to change your password on your email account, and consider changing your other passwords at this time as well.  Call the Community Protection Division with questions or to report a scam at 303-441-3700.

Double Up with Retailers and Local Farmers

DOUBLE UP at BOULDER AREA WHOLE FOODS MARKETS

You can earn Double Up Food Bucks at the Boulder Whole Foods Market (2905 Pearl St., Boulder) and Ideal Market (1275 Alpine Ave., Boulder) by buying fresh fruit and vegetables with your SNAP benefits. For every dollar of SNAP benefits you spend on produce, you will earn a matching amount of Double Up Bucks. A minimum purchase of $2.50 is required before you can earn matching Double Up Bucks. 

Want to learn more about Double Up Food Bucks at Boulder area Whole Foods Markets? Watch this video or click here for more information.

DOUBLE UP at the FARMERS MARKET

You can use your EBT card at the Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont, and Nederland farmers markets. For every dollar you spend with your SNAP account at the market, you will receive an equal amount of Double Up Bucks (up to $20-$40 depending on market location), which can be used to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. The markets are planning to open later this season with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Please visit the BCFM website for market updates.

Learn more about how the Double Up works at the farmers market.

Learn more about the Boulder County Farmers Markets.

For more information, visit the Double Up page, email Jill Strange, or call Jill at 303-441-1330.

Working From Home with Our Plants

Carol, our Strategic & Business Operations Manager, established her garden in 2016. Below is a picture of her garden in 2019. Carol's tip for gardeners: "Don't be fooled, though it's been warming up outside. Boulder County is prone to frost (and even snow!) in late May."

Below is a peak at a portion of Carol's yield from last year.

Maggie, an avid gardener and our Lead Medicare Counselor, also wants you to pay attention to historical frost dates, sharing, "We all want to get our gardens in so that we will have succulent veggies in 65 days, but be aware of frost dates. In the words of Elmer Fudd, 'be vewy vewy careful' with new seedlings. They are really expensive if you bought them, and really precious if you raised from seed." Maggie uses The Older Farmer's Almanac Frost Guide to determine when to plant - see below.

The author of this newsletter and our Aging Policy Advocate & Planner, Lindsay, would like to reiterate Carol's tip about frost and snow. Below is Lindsay's garden on May 21, 2019. The author used every available tub, plastic sheet, and moving blanket in her home to save her garden last year.

Lindsay's tip is that everyone should be digging in their dirt now to get it ready for the season. Lindsay uses a combination of vermiculite, peat, compost, and manure to keep her garden happy. Below is her dirt ready for spring planting, though she's applying greater caution on timing this season.

Neal, our Resource Specialist, has a new house and new house plants! He's having fun experimenting with starting new plants from clippings found and donated by his AAA colleagues and relatives. His plants seem to enjoy the south-facing window, with many sprouting new roots ready to be potted. 

Guio, our Community Living Program Manager, grew up in a city that had year-round temperatures that ranged from 75-85 degrees. This tropical weather provided a wonderful variety of plants. She was always surrounded by lush, green, tropical forest. Now she has been able to make a small green space of her own. She has really honed her indoor gardening skills. She did not know how many plants she had until a friend recently asked and she counted - 88 in total! Her older plant is older than her 16 year old daughter. Guio enjoyed propagating plants (like pothos) and seeing them grow. Plants are part of her self-care routine!