July Edition - Aging Well Newsletter

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Issue 69 | "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou


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Thank you, Betsy!

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Recently, our own Patti Murphy was able to visit Lyons Bistro in-person. Lyons Bistro is part of the Walt Self Senior Center in Lyons. Patti caught up with Betsy Ames, who has volunteered at the meal site for two years.

Betsy moved to Lyons from Montana three years ago. She has a degree in social work from the University of Montana, where she worked for 15 years prior to getting her degree. After graduating, Betsy worked for the Medicaid Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program, where she met with clients and helped them manage their personal care services.  

Volunteering at the meal site currently involves receiving food from the catering services who prepares the meal and packing the meals to be distributed to clients. Mostly, volunteering involves being a friendly face and a point of contact for the older adults receiving a meal. Betsy says that having that connection is her favorite part of her experience.  

According to Betsy, what initially drew her to volunteering for the meal program was the social aspect of the program and getting to meet people her own age. After moving to Lyons, she only knew her daughter and son-in-law. The volunteer program has helped her to meet and become friends with many people in town. It has also kept her informed about local activities. A recent favorite was a trip to the Botanic Gardens in Denver offered through The Town of Lyons. 

When asked how COVID restrictions effected the meal program, Betsy says losing the social aspect was the biggest change. However, seeing how quickly the program shifted and knowing that older adults could still get a hot meal, and have people to check in with them, was very nice to see. Betsy says overall she is grateful for the program, and that it lets older adults know that people care about them.

Betsy was a recipient of a 2021 Commissioners' Volunteer Program Enrichment Awards. Watch the video featuring Betsy here.


Grow a Row for Your Neighbors!

Calling all green thumbs! “Grow a row” for the Community Food Share food bank, and donate your garden’s bounty to neighbors who could use a little  help this season. Community Food Share offers a contactless way to give: drop your fresh produce and herb donations at their outdoor farm stand. 

Learn more here!

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Join Us for a Virtual Medicare Basics Class

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging’s Medicare Counseling program offers live virtual Medicare Basics Classes. These lively and entertaining classes are designed to provide the necessary information to older adults, and those caring for older adults, when getting ready to apply for Medicare. Participants will learn about how and when to enroll, the different parts of Medicare, what is covered and what is not, Medicare fraud, and much more!

Interested participants will need internet; a computer, tablet, or phone; and the appropriate application for the class. Please click on any one of the class times below to register. Once registered, participants will receive instruction on how to join the class. This online course uses Zoom.

Check out our website for more information.

For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call 303-441-1546.


Medicare Cafecitos y Más

Drop in Spanish only talks about Medicare coverage, Nutrition and Wellness!

Participe con nosotros todos los meses via Zoom o por conferencia telefónica para conversar sobre sus preguntas del Medicare y otros temas, como la prevención del fraude y las clases de bienestar. Proporcionamos información en español sobre una variedad de servicios tales como la navegación de recursos, el asesoramiento nutricional y la entrega de comidas para los adultos mayores de 60 años, los veteranos, los cuidadores familiares y las personas con discapacidades en Medicare. La Agencia de Servicios para Adultos Mayores del Condado de Boulder proporciona información para la comunidad que es imparcial y sin fines de lucro.

¿Tiene Preguntas? Llame a Karen Herrera: 303-678-6113 kherrera@bouldercounty.org


Do you have questions about Medicare?

Our Medicare Counseling team can help you!

  • Local, objective Medicare insurance counseling and assistance
  • Medicare Basics Class offered three times a month
  • Virtual and phone appointments with counselors
  • SHIP (State Health Insurance Programs) Certified
  • Assistance available in English and Spanish
  • All services provided at no cost

Contact our team at 303-441-1546 (English), 303-678-6113 (en Español), or at medicarecounseling@bouldercounty.org.


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We continue to provide online and phone services for clients. Our staff is available to answer calls and emails from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) responds to the needs of older adults (60+) and their family and informal caregivers in our community through advocacy, funding, direct service, planning, and education. The BCAAA works with public and private partners to respond to the unique needs in our community. We are currently offering remote services including:

  • Information, Referral, or Resources
  • Financial Assistance
  • Healthy Aging Programs
  • Medicare Counseling
  • Caregiver Programs
  • Veterans Services
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  • Nutrition Resources

Boulder County residents can connect with BCAAA resources by email at infoADRC@bouldercounty.org, by phone at 303-441-1617, or online at bouldercountyhelp.org.

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Boulder County Parks & Open Space Invites You to the Great Outdoors!

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Here are the activities that Boulder County Parks & Open Space has going on this month. You can also see them on their Hikes & Events Calendar. Registration is required.

Foothills Night Hike

Wednesday, July 7, 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Near Boulder. Location provided when registered.

Join volunteer naturalists in the evening to hike about one mile round-trip on an easy trail. By starlight, listen for night sounds, and learn about nocturnal habits of the critters that live here. Bring water, closed-toe hiking shoes and a flashlight. Registration required. Register here.

Catfish Night

Thursday, July 15, 7:30-11 p.m.

Stearns Lake at Carolyn Holmberg Preserve

Bring your family and friends and enjoy summer night fishing at the lake! Anglers must have a current Colorado fishing license (kids under 16 don’t need a license). Open to shore fishing only. Artificial and live bait permitted. Please note that the Stearns Lake trailhead can be accessed from Dillon Rd. and 104th St. There is no access from 287 through Rock Creek Farm. For more information, please call 303-678-6204. Event will not be canceled due to weather.

Astronomy: Moon Magic and Sky Viewing

Friday, July 16, 8:15-10:15 p.m.

Near Lyons. Location provided when registered.

Enjoy the moonlight in the dark sky of an open space and learn some fun facts about the moon at a brief program at the shelter. Sky viewing with telescopes provided by the Longmont Astronomical Society follows the program. Masks may be required at telescopes. Registration required. Register here.

Nature Detectives: Hopping Toads

Tuesday, July 27, 1-2:30 p.m.: Register here.

Friday, July 30, 9-10:30 a.m.: Register here.

Near Boulder. Location provided when registered.

Hop to it and discover fun facts and frolics of toads—warts and all! Find out more about toads in Boulder County and participate in some fun activities and explorations. This program is offered at two different dates and times. For ages 5-10 with an accompanying adult. Registration required.

Montane Forest Hike for Seniors

Thursday, July 29, 10 a.m.-noon

Near Nederland. Location provided when registered.

Join volunteer naturalists for an easy hike through the diverse landscape and forest in the montane life zone. We will explore this area’s unique geology and mining history, as well as watch for wildflowers and signs of wildlife. Registration required.  Register here.


Upcoming Healthy Aging Programs!

Check our Healthy Aging webpage to keep up-to-date on upcoming classes from our Healthy Aging team.

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Diabetes Support and Education Group

The Diabetes Support and Education Group meets monthly in a virtual setting. This program is conducted by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. Please email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org or call 303-678-6115 for more information about this virtual group.

Recognizing and Managing Hypo- and Hyperglycemia

Monday, July 19, 11 a.m. - noon

Carbohydrate Counting and Glycemic Index Free

Monday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m. - noon


Fresh Conversations

Fresh Conversations is an evidence-based nutrition education program focused on timely nutrition topics presented monthly. Fresh Conversations is led by Patti Murphy, RDN. The program is held virtually over Zoom.

"The Weight of Processed Foods"

Monday, July 12, 1-2 p.m. Register here.

Learn about the risks of eating too many processed food and some easy, healthy alternatives.

"Staying Whole in a Processed World"

Monday, August 9, 1-2 p.m. Register here.

During this month's Fresh Conversations, we will be talking about what influences people to choose the foods they do, how we can make healthier choices and what information to focus on when reading labels on food packages.

To learn more, email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org.


Conversaciones Frescas

(Fresh Conversations in Spanish)

Conversaciones Frescas es una oportunidad gratuita para vincularse con otros adultos mayores con el fin mantener conversaciones amigables centradas en la educación sobre la nutrición. Acompáñenos desde la comodidad de su hogar para participar en una conversación divertida que lo ayudará a aprender sobre cómo mantener su salud e independencia. Esta conversacion se enfoca en el tema de salud actual y ofrece consejos prácticos y soluciones sensibles a los problemas cotidianos que se interponen en lo que la mayoría de las personas quieren hacer: ¡vivir bien y comer bien!

El tema de julio es "El peso de los alimentos procesados"

Cuando: 14 de julio de 1-2 PM

El tema de agosto es "Mantenerse completo en un mundo procesado"

Cuando: 25 de agosto de 1-2 PM

Programa realizado virtualmente a través de Zoom, conferencia telefónica disponible

Inscribase para Conversaciones Frescas aqui

Contacto: Nina Christensen a 303-441-3774


Nutrition Counseling

Individualized counseling and coaching from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are available for Boulder County residents. Call 303-678-6115 (English) or 720-930-0223 (en español) with your contact information.