The Weld County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) would like to remind you there are resources available to assist older adults in finding information about whether a booster vaccination for COVID-19 is appropriate for them. The AAA can connect older adults with COVID-19 information and coordinate a host of local services and resources including health, housing, food, and transportation. 

The effort is part of the statewide campaign encouraging Coloradans ages 60 and older to maintain protection against COVID-19. The campaign is a coordinated effort of the Colorado Association of Area Agencies on Aging.  

“Whether it’s getting to a doctor’s appointment, finding a medical professional to speak with, or getting the important booster dose, we are here to be a resource for local older adults,” said Nichole Seward, Community Support Specialist. “It can be overwhelming to try to make sense of all the information out there about when to get a booster. The best thing our older adults can do is talk with a medical professional whom they trust.”

Colorado health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend people ages 65 and older strongly consider fourth, and even fifth, booster doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines. Older individuals continue to be at the highest risk of developing serious cases. Booster doses are an important step older adults can take to better protect themselves.

Area older adults and caregivers looking for resources in the community that are customized to their individual needs can contact the Weld County Area Agency on Aging at (970) 400-6952 or AAAinfo@weldgov.com. Additional information can also be found at www.weldaaa.org.  

September 

September 2, 2022: Healthier Living Colorado

Take charge of your chronic condition at a Healthier Living workshop! Learn skills to manage living with a chronic condition(s) like heart disease, depression, stroke, and other concerns.

Six weekly sessions 9:00 -11:30 a.m. at North Colorado Medical Center from 9/2/22-10/7/22. Call Tyler at (970) 400-6117 to register.

September 19, 2022: Fall Prevention Awareness Week

Sept 19-23, 2022: Fall Prevention Awareness Week (see above article for more details).

September 28, 2022: Matter of Balance

Learn ways to reduce the fear of falling and break the fear of falling cycle by addressing physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling.

Eight weekly sessions 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Windsor Community Center from 9/28/22-11/16/22. Call Tyler at (970) 400-6117 to register.

October

October 3, 2022: Walk With Ease

Increase your balance, strength and walking pace while building confidence in your

ability to be physically active. This program is proven to reduce the pain and discomfort

of walking.

Three times per week for six weekly sessions 11:00 a.m. - noon at Eaton Community Center from 10/3/22-11/11/22. Call Tyler at (970) 400-6117 to register.

October 4, 2022: Healthier Living Colorado

Take charge of your chronic condition at Healthier Living workshop! Skills to deal with life changes when living with condition(s) like heart disease, depression, stroke, and other concerns.

Six weekly sessions 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. at Erie Rec Center from 10/4/22-11/8/22. Call Tyler at (970) 400-6117 to register.

October 7, 2022: Matter of Balance

Learn ways to reduce the fear of falling and break the fear of falling cycle by addressing physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling.

Eight weekly sessions 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan- Fox Run from 10/7/22-12/2/22 (off 11/25/22). Call Tyler at (970) 400-6117 to register.

November 

November 7, 2022: Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Learn tools to reduce stress, guilt, and anger; relaxation techniques; set goals and problem solve while caring for a loved one at home. 

Six weekly sessions 9:00 -11:00 a.m. via zoom from 11/7/22-12/12/22. Call Tyler at (970) 400-6117 to register.

While it is always a fun treat to make a delicious new dessert, sometimes cooking isn’t on the agenda for the day. Sometimes it’s nice to just relax and enjoy a good meal without the fuss of shopping for the ingredients and taking the time to prepare the food. What better way to relax then to have a freshly cooked meal available for you, with company to spend it with on top of that? If this sounds like a good time, there’s likely a Friendly Fork location near you with 23 different meal sites in Weld County.

Those that are eligible have the opportunity to contribute towards their meal. Our suggested donation is currently $4. Services are not denied to eligible participants who are unable to donate. Those that are 60+ or a spouse of a person at least 60 years are eligible for the program. Anyone who does not meet that eligibility is welcome to attend as well, but will be required to pay the guest fee, which is $14. 

For more information regarding any meal sites or menus call 970-400-6132 or viewing Friendly Fork (Senior Nutrition) – Weld County (weldgov.com). Reservations and cancellations are required and must be made in advance by 11:00 am the previous business day to the site coordinator, by calling 970-400-6955 or emailing friendlyfork@weldgov.com. 

For exact meal locations and times, click here.

We hope to see you at a Friendly Fork meal site soon!

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

By Kaylee Peterson

Fall is a time for cozy nights as the weather gets colder and the nights come a bit sooner. So many comforts are tied to the fall as we come into the holiday season. One of the most important comforts is comfort food. With so many holidays coming that allow family and friends to get together to share their favorite recipes, it’s no wonder that there are so many delicious fall recipes out there. One that is delicious and gourmet without the frills is this delicious Brown Butter Apple Blondies recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter
• ½ cup apple butter
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 honey crisp apples, peeled (if desired) and chopped (about 2 cups)

Cinnamon Maple Glaze

• 3 Tbsp salted butter
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• ½ - ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Add the butter to a medium pot set over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown, until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir often. Remove from the heat and stir in the apple butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Let cool 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing until just combined. Spread the dough out into the prepared dish.
3. In a bowl, toss the apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle the apples over the dough. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, just until set in the center. If there is liquid in the center, swirl it around the pan, then bake another 5 minutes. Let cool.
4. Meanwhile, make the glaze. Add the butter to a small pot set over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown lightly until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the glaze over the bars. Let set for 5 minutes. Cut into bars...snack and enjoy!

Recipe from Half-Baked Harvest: Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. - Half Baked Harvest

If you provide care for a loved one with chronic illness, such as dementia or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the caregiver stress-busting chronic illness program could benefit you.

The program teaches stress management techniques and relaxation and coping strategies free of charge to those caregivers looking for help. 

Classes begin Wednesday, September 21, 2022 and go through November 16, 2022. All classes are virtual and time is dependent on participant availability. To register or for questions, email CRCinfo@easterseals.org or call (303) 233-1666 x614. 

Click here to view the invitation flyer or visit www.caregiverstressbusters.org for more information. 

The Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) is a link to information and resources for older adults age 60 and older and people living with a disability age 18 and older. Our mission is to help maintain an individual’s independence and dignity in their home and community.  

ADRC programs provide options counseling to assist:

• Individuals and families needing public or private resources;
• Individuals and families planning for their future long-term care needs;
• Professionals seeking assistance on behalf of their clients

ADRC programs also serve as the entry point to publicly administered long-term supports; including those funded under Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, and state

revenue programs.

To talk with an Options Counselor or to find out more information, please call the information and assistance line at 970-400-6952 or email at AAAInfo@weldgov.com.

The Weld County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is looking for resident participation in a focus group dedicated to the future of the aging Weld County community and creating the Weld County four-year plan for AAA.

"We hope to engage the community and get as much resident participation and feedback as possible. These conversations help us develop our planning to ensure we are best meeting the community's needs. In addition, we will use the information when working with United Way’s Aging Well initiative to develop plans and tools to make Weld County an age-friendly community where older adults can thrive," said Holly Darby, Community Outreach Manager for AAA.

If you are interested in your community's future when it comes to aging and what resources and services your community has to offer you as you age, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. AAA is looking for residents to share their vision for the future, what they currently enjoy about their community, and what is needed to age well.

AAA is offering multiple meeting session options in various locations throughout the county:

September 6, 2022: Lochbuie Senior Center (501 Willow Dr., Lochbuie) at 12:30 p.m.

September 8, 2022: Erie Community Center (450 Powers St., Erie) at 10:00 a.m. 

September 13, 2022: Ault Senior Center (204 1st St., Ault) at 1:00 p.m. 

September 20, 2022: Evans Senior Center (1100 37th St., Evans) at 10:00 a.m. 

For more information call AAA at (970) 400-6200 or visit www.weldaaa.org.

The Older Worker Policy Collaborative (comprised of AARP, Bell Policy Center, Changing the Narrative, Colorado Center on Aging, Colorado Gerontological Society, CU Multidisciplinary Center on Aging, iAging, and others) is trying to gain a better understanding of the employment and application experiences of workers 50 and older. While these Coloradans comprise the fastest growing segment of our workforce, we have minimal information about their experiences, particularly as it relates to issues of age discrimination.

The Collaborative developed a short 3-minute survey. The survey is anonymous and open until the end of September. The results will be used to advocate for more robust policies supportive of Colorado’s mature labor force.

Surveys:

               English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2RCHXNS

               Spanish:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3WD9XPQ