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22 • FEATURE
Give back: volunteer
Now that you are retired or have some extra time on your hands maybe it’s time to volunteer. What are your interests? What skills do you have? Put those to use by volunteering and giving back to your community.
FIVE STAR SERVICE FIVE STAR RESULTS
As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), I understand the unique needs and priorities of clients aged 55 and over. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating to be closer to family, or exploring the best housing options for your next chapter, I provide compassionate, knowledgeable guidance every step of the way. My goal is to make the process smooth and stress-free while ensuring your decisions align with your lifestyle, financial goals, and future plans.
“Both myself and my wife are in our eighties. We have bought and sold 7 homes. Never in all of those sales have we had a real-estate agent as helpful and pleasant as Jeff has been. He went above and beyond what was necessary and helped us resolve problems involving our age and abilities to get things done. For this and his professionalism we are truly grateful.” - Judy & Terry H
“Jeff is the BEST!! He is proactive in a not-so-great market. Jeff was very innovative with his marketing strategies. He is very smart. He helped me get my home on the market by literally moving furniture, boxes, etc. He gives great detailed feedback. He offers to help all the way through the process. He is also one of the kindest human beings. I would recommend Jeff to anyone for the greatest experience of selling your house because he cares!! If there are fivestar ratings, Jeff is an 8. He is the BEST!!” - Kathleen G
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE JEFF
• Comprehensive Expertise: I provide solutions tailored to your unique stage of life.
• Specialized Senior Support: As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), I understand the unique needs of seniors and their families.
• Investment Strategies: I can guide you through using a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate, helping to diversify your retirement portfolio beyond the stock market.
• Business Insight: With an MBA in Marketing and decades of experience, I bring a strong foundation in strategy, negotiation, and market knowledge.
I can help you buy, sell, or invest with confidence and peace of mind.
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.”
Connections From the Publisher
The firefighters smiled at us as we approached with our Red Cross vests and name tags.
“We’re always glad to see you guys,” one said as they packed up their gear. They had just extinguished a fire that had consumed a single-wide mobile home in a mobile home park and now it was our turn to help. The woman whose home had been destroyed was sitting in a neighbor’s living room when we walked in. She recounted the terror of feeling trapped in her bedroom as the fire burned in front and the heroism of her grandson who rushed back and helped her get out.
Feelings of relief mixed with despair as the gravity of their situation began to sink in.
We listened to their story as we handed out the usual toiletries kit, water, blanket and Mickey Mouse doll.
We walked them through the list of agencies that help people get through the first few days after a disaster and where they could find clothing, shelter and food. We also charged a credit card with several hundred dollars for hotels and food. It didn’t seem like much on the scale of their loss but it seemed to be invaluable at the same time. Someone was there right away to help them with information and material goods. Someone cared. We left feeling as though what we did had made a difference for that person.
Dan England tells the story of a volunteer in his feature this month. He talks about the reasons seniors choose to volunteer and ways to jump in yourself. Take a minute to read it and you might feel moved to jump in somewhere yourself.
You don’t have to sign up for formal volunteering. Generosity is more of an attitude or mindset that we can develop and carry through our lives. Sprinkle in some empathy and add a dash of kindness and we’re ready to pitch in whenever a situation arises no matter how big or small. It’s shoveling the neighbor’s driveway or smiling at a lonely face on the street or offering words of encouragement to a friend in need. It’s slowing down to notice the little things because, as they say, the little things are the big things.
It’s an odd paradox that when you give without expecting anything in return is when you receive the most. Life is about connecting and sharing our world, and to do that, we sometimes have to reach out.
Imagine all the people, sharing all the world. You may say that I’m a dreamer…
In gratitude,
Scott
Fifty & Better is a publication of Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc.
Dan England, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris, Linda Osmundson
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Susan Harting
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:
House of Neighborly Ser vice
Better Home
Bring nature indoors
AS TEMPERATURES DROP in Northern Colorado, winter brings both comfort and challenges for seniors spending more time indoors. Bringing a few well-chosen house plants into your living space isn’t just decorative—it can boost your mood, engage your mind and gently stimulate movement. Locally, Larimer County Extension lists “houseplants” as part of their Yard & Garden resources, saying they help with indoor foliage and plant issues even during colder months (https://www.larimer.gov/extension/Yard-Garden). Research supports this too: one horticulture study found that seniors caring for plants reported increased sense of competence and engagement. For practical tips: choose easy-care varieties like pothos, snake plant, or ZZ plant (they tolerate low light). Place a chair near the pot so you’ll naturally pause, water or wipe leaves—small gestures that keep you active. Consider a workshop through Larimer County Extension: https://www.larimer.gov/extension/Yard-Garden/services.
Comfort food ideas
COLD WEATHER OFTEN INSPIRES comfort meals, but for older adults it’s good to choose comfort food that supports nutrition, energy and health. Our friends at Weld County CSU Extension Nutrition & Health offer specific tips on nutrition for older adults who manage diabetes, special diets, efforts to increase gut health, and more: (https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/CSU-Extension/ Family-and-Consumer-Sciences/Nutrition-and-Health)
Some quick tips for comfort-food meals with nutrition in mind:
• Choose warm dishes like vegetable-rich soups, stews with lean protein, whole-grain breads or healthy casseroles.
• Add color and nutrients: leafy greens stirred into soup, sweet potatoes, beans or lentils.
• Mind hydration: seniors often drink less, so keeping a warm herbal tea or broth handy helps fluid intake.
• Use smaller-portion pans, freeze half for a later day—so you enjoy the comfort now and save effort later.
Both the Food Bank for Larimer County and Weld Food Bank have nutrition education and food programs. While seniors must qualify to receive some food items (United States Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program-CSFP), anyone in need can shop and access the education programming.
Pairing comfort with smart nutrition helps inside and out: satisfaction, warmth, good fuel for your body and lower risk of deficiencies or unwanted weight loss.
Katie Harris
Dress for the cold
WINTER CAN TAKE A TOLL on our bodies if we let it, but a few preventative steps can help us stay healthy all season long—and even improve our overall wellness so we feel our best when spring arrives. Here’s how to take control of your winter well-being.
As we age, our bodies lose heat more quickly and become less efficient at regulating temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Frostbite is another major concern in winter, most often affecting the nose, ears, fingers and toes. While anyone can experience frostbite, Christie Daley, owner and director of Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services in Loveland, says it’s especially common in adults with poor circulation.
Daley recommends dressing in layers of loose-fitting clothing to reduce the risk of illness and injury during the coldest months. She suggests starting with two or three thin layers topped with a water-repellent outer layer to keep skin dry and retain body heat. Hands and feet should always be covered with gloves or mittens and warm socks, and a hat that covers the ears is essential. Choose nonskid shoes to prevent slips on icy surfaces and wrap a scarf around your face to protect lungs from the chill. When at home, keep indoor temperatures at or above 65 degrees and avoid spending long periods outdoors in extremely cold weather. Watch for warning signs of cold-related illness or injury, such as ashy skin, numbness in extremities, slowed heart rate or feelings of weakness or confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
Combat dryness
DRY, FLAKY SKIN IS ONE of winter’s biggest complaints, and it tends to worsen as we age and natural skin oils decline. AARP.org recommends starting your winter skincare routine with a hyaluronic acid serum, which helps attract and hold moisture in the skin. Follow up with a humectant-emollient moisturizer to add and lock in hydration, then finish with a skin oil over the driest areas for a healthy glow. Treat your whole body to an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough spots. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (aad.org) recommends using creamy, fragrance-free cleansers and following with thick ointment or cream moisturizer while skin is still damp. And don’t skip sunscreen just because it’s winter. Apply SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, along with an SPF lip balm to protect lips and lock in moisture.
Add some heat
WHEN THE TEMPERATURES DROP, few things feel as good as warming up in a sauna or steam room. These spaces can reach up to 125 degrees of dry heat in saunas or 110 to 120 degrees of humid air in steam rooms, encouraging sweating that feels purifying and relaxing.
According to clevelandclinic.org, saunas can do more than warm you up—they may reduce stress, soothe sore muscles, improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity and even lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. To stay safe, limit sessions to 15 to 20 minutes, drink plenty of water and exit immediately if you feel dizzy or short of breath. Avoid sauna use entirely if you’ve recently had a heart attack or stroke.
Ready to give it a try? Many local recreation centers and spas offer sauna or steam room access. Chilson Recreation Center in Loveland features a co-ed steam room (lovgov.org), while Greeley’s Family FunPlex offers a sauna (greeleyco.gov). Woodhouse Spa in Fort Collins offers sauna access on its own or as part of a wellness package.
Hotworx Infrared Fitness Studio in Windsor offers hot yoga and Pilates inside infrared saunas, combining heat and exercise for faster muscle recovery, stress relief and calorie burn (hotworx.net).
The Regional, a true taste of Fort Collins in a charming, inviting nook in Old Town. Sourcing from many local farms and small businesses in the community to bring you a delicious variety of unique, organic, and thoughtful dishes made with so much love, you can taste it!
Business Hours- 7 days a week
Sun – Thurs: 4 – 9pm Fri – Sat: 4 – 9:30 pm Sat – Sun: 9:30 am – 2pm
Happy Hour every day: 4 – 5:30 pm
130 S Mason St. Fort Collins, CO. 80524 web: theregionalfood.com (970) 689-3508
eat local • drink local
PARTNERING PURVEYORS & LOCAL FARMS
Folks Farm, Well Fed Farmstead, Belafonte Farm, Jodar Farm, High Point Bison and Beef, Cecil Farms, Hazel Dell Mushrooms, BC Honey Hives, The Bread Chic, Happy Luckys Tea Fox Den Cafe and Roastery, and Many Local Breweries and Distilleries!
Better Living
Linda L. Osmundson
Social dancing
THE INTERNET LISTS benefits of dancing as “decreases stress, promotes cardiovascular health, provides better cognition, enhances flexibility/balance” and much, much more. Whether single or married, local resident or not, dance at these senior or community centers; no membership required. Enjoy dancing to various local western bands. A break around 7:30pm provides time for sharing an optional potluck.
• Fort Collins Senior Center holds dances the 1st and 3rd Mondays at a cost of $11 per person from 6:30-9pm. This year concludes with the Snowball Dance on December 15th.
• Loveland’s Chilson Senior Center dances are the 2nd and 4th Mondays, 6:30-9pm, at $10 each. The holiday dance is December 29th.
• Johnstown/Berthoud hosts dances the 1st and 3rd Fridays from 6:30-9:30pm at a cost of $10 each at 101 W. Charlotte St., Johnstown. A holiday dance will be December 31, 11am-3pm pm.
Join the fun and meet new people while improving your health!
Play a new game for free
PURCHASING A GAME BEFORE trying it can be expensive if you decide you don’t like it. Why not borrow a game first? Visit the Toy, Game and Puzzle Library—https://tgplibrary.org/ —in Foothills Mall to try out a new game.
While owners Sara and Doug Steen temporarily lived in Wellington, New Zealand, with their three daughters (2, 8 & 14), they discovered a toy/game library—a God send for their family. Fifteen years after they returned to the States, they decided to open a similar library.
Sara Steen says, “I find joy in watching senior citizens work a puzzle in the same space where small children play.”
This 501-c3 non-profit library offers space to play, special events and 3000+ items to borrow. Sign up for a free TGP library account and check out up to three items for three weeks. You can also donate toys, games or puzzles. Current hours are Saturday 10-4, Monday 3-6 and Tuesday 5-8.
Northern Colorado entertainment
WINTER ENTERTAINMENT ABOUNDS from high schools, colleges/universities and large to small theatres. Performances include everything from comedians to musicals by professional traveling troupes and/or local talent.
Union Colony Civic Center presents a Festival of Trees, It’s a Wonderful Life and Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Tour. Enjoy Candlelight Dinner Theatre’s Million Dollar Quartet, Christmas followed by Hello Dolly. Windsor offers One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall! Several theatres stage The Nutcracker.
Start with the performance schedules for these theatres. Search the Internet for more local shows.
LOVELAND:
• Rialto Theatre, 228 E. 4th St., www.rialtotheatercenter.org.
• The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia, https://www.lctix.com/
• Open Stage, 720 E. Vine, https://openstage.com/
• Bas Bleu Theatre, 401 Pine St., https://www.basbleu.org/
• Aggie Theatre, 204 S. College, https://www.z2ent.com/ aggie-theatre
WINDSOR:
• Windsor Community Playhouse, 561 E. Garden Dr. Unit A, www.windsorplayhouse.org
GREELEY:
• Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave. https://ucstars.com/event-calendar/
YOURAdventure BEGINS HERE
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.
GIVE BACK: VOLUNTEER MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
JOAN RAABE STILL WORKS AS A NURSE, even though she’s technically retired—only now her patients have more fur.
Raabe, 72, spends a few hours a week at NOCO Humane, an animal shelter that serves Larimer and Weld counties. She takes photos of the animals up for adoption and uses her nursing skills when the animals are spayed and neutered. She holds them for their sedation shot and clips their nails, but her favorite part comes after the surgery, when she cuddles them so they feel loved, relaxed and safe as they wake up.
“I always loved animals,” Raabe said. “There’s something soothing about your relationship with your dog. Just being around animals makes me feel calm and happy.”
Raabe, who retired as a nurse in 2011 at age 58, began volunteering in the mid-90s, but after retiring, she and her partner, Bob Randall, spent seven years wandering the country in an RV before she wanted to start working for others again. She also volunteers as a trail host for the City of Loveland’s Open Lands and Trails program and the Loveland Museums.
“I felt like I was living a selfish life,” Raabe said. “I felt a calling to give back.”
Raabe is one of many seniors who
DAN ENGLAND
finds solace and fulfillment as a volunteer, so much so that there are organizations that help seniors find ways to help their communities.
Cultivate supports seniors 60 and older in Broomfield, Boulder and Weld counties who need help with rides, physically demanding tasks such as removing snow from their driveway and getting groceries. But many of their volunteers are also seniors, said Katie Ellenwood, program specialist with Cultivate.
“They understand what it’s like,” Ellenwood said, “and they want to give back to their community.”
The organization works with the AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and as a result,
nearly 300 of the organization’s 845 volunteers were seniors 55 and older. Even more amazing, those seniors served 23,000 of the organization’s 28,000 hours of volunteering.
Cultivate helps seniors find places where they want to volunteer with its many partner organizations that need help, including food banks, shelters that serve meals and, of course, animal shelters.
“We want our volunteers to have a good experience,” Ellenwood said, “as well as our clients.”
Connecting seniors with opportunities to volunteer is a service to them as well: Seniors can face isolation, depression and loneliness, and volunteering gives them a sense of purpose. Brianna Hardy,
volunteer management coordinator for the United Way of Weld County, said volunteering at places like the organization’s diaper bank or serving meals for just a few hours can make a huge difference.
“You see the sheer amount of diapers, and you know that will help take care of a lot of little babies,” Hardy said. “You get to see the results, and you get to see the impact you’re having.”
It’s also a way for seniors to have a routine, get out of the house and may even help them make new friends.
“We get to know the volunteers,” Hardy said. “And they get to know each other.”
One good example came in 2020, when volunteers including seniors
Places that can connect you to volunteer:
RSVP of Northern Colorado—Contact Bricee Bisgaard, Manager, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP & Volunteer Programs at 970-658-3881 or email Bbisgaard@voacolorado.org
United Way of Larimer County–Call 970-407-7000 Cultivate–Go to cultivate.ngo or call 303-443-1933
United Way of Weld County—Call Brianna Hardy at 970304-6187 or email her at bhardy@unitedway-weld.org.
made phone calls to other seniors who were isolated because of the pandemic. Cultivate called it the phone buddy program, and it was so successful it stayed after the pandemic ended.
“Volunteers really wanted to be connected during that scary time,” Ellenwood said.
The connections they make are real and sometimes deep, Ellenwood said.
Some are mentioned in obituaries.
“When one of our clients passed away,” she said, “six of our volunteers went to his funeral. They developed a friendship. It wasn’t just driving them to see the doctor.”
Raabe said she loves volunteering because it keeps her from being sedentary. The extra hours she spends don’t wear her down.
“The busier I am,” Raabe said, “the more energy I have. I have to do something almost every day.”
She feels fulfilled from those hours, perhaps even more than when she worked as a nurse. Some of her clients, after all, thank her with a kiss on the nose.
“It’s so different from being employed,” Raabe said. “People are so appreciative. You always get thanked.”
DISCOVER A FORT COLLINS DINING DESTINATION
( SAVE ROOM FOR PIE )
A trip to FORT COLLINS just isn’t complete without a visit to Ginger and Baker, an historic, 100-year-old grain mill transformed into a hub for food and community. Stop by for a warm welcome along with breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, cooking classes, shopping, patios and the best pie in town!
CELEBRATING HISTORY, COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY AND PIE
The Cache Steak + Wine + Whiskey Savor hand-cut Colorado steaks, fresh seafood and great cocktails, mocktails and wine.
THE ROOFTOP
Check our calendar for seasonal house events including Afternoon Tea, Pie Bingo, Wine Tasting,
The CaF É Comfort food done right. Dig into a new take on farm-to-fork American classics.
TEACHING KITCHEN
Learn something new. Take a class on cooking, baking, cocktails, art and more.
MARKET & BAKERY
Pick up a locally roasted coffee, a slice or pie or the perfect gift. Our dog-friendly North Patio even has a menu for your pup!
EVENT SPACES
Celebrate special days. Choose the historic Mill Top or our intimate wine cellar.
Giving, Growing, and Grace: Effective Charitable Strategies for Legacy-Minded Investors
For many successful families, generosity is more than a personal value—it’s part of their financial strategy. Philanthropy isn’t simply about giving; it’s about shaping a legacy, amplifying impact, and aligning financial resources with what matters most.
And when charitable intent meets thoughtful planning, generosity can become a valuable component of a comprehensive financial strategy.
Purpose Meets Planning Sophisticated investors know that meaningful giving works best when paired with intentional design. Whether the goal is to establish a family foundation, advance groundbreaking research, or support faith-driven causes, philanthropy can—and should—be as personal as your overall financial plan. But generosity without strategy can limit its reach. Integrating charitable planning into a broader financial framework allows affluent families help increase impact, may help manage taxes, and support passing down values.
NEXT-LEVEL CHARITABLE STRATEGIES
1. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
For families seeking flexibility and efficiency, a DonorAdvised Fund offers a powerful tool. Contribute cash, securities, or even complex assets like real estate; potentially secure an immediate charitable deduction; and invest the balance for potential growth before recommending grants to qualified charities. It’s a way to give on your timeline while maintaining control over how funds are distributed.
2. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
For those age 70½ or older, giving directly from an IRA to a qualified nonprofit can satisfy required minimum distributions while keeping the withdrawal off taxable income. For high-income households, this strategy can be particularly valuable in managing overall tax exposure.
3. Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)
For those holding highly appreciated assets, CRTs provide a unique opportunity. By donating the asset to a trust, individuals can defer capital gains, generate an income stream for life, and ultimately direct the remainder to a chosen charity. It’s a strategy that balances personal financial security with lasting philanthropic impact.
TAX EFFICIENCY AS A MULTIPLIER
While few give solely for tax benefits, there’s no denying that the tax code encourages charitable action. Leveraging tools like bunching deductions, gifting appreciated stock, or establishing charitable lead trusts can help reduce taxable income and redirect wealth toward the causes closest to your heart—rather than to the IRS.
Because these strategies are complex, collaborating with a qualified tax professional is essential. Aligning tax planning with charitable goals can free up resources, enabling families to give more while maintaining financial strength.
FROM GIVING TO LEGACY
At Layman Lewis Financial Group, we work closely with families who want their philanthropy to reflect both generosity and vision. We’ve seen how charitable planning can become the cornerstone of a broader wealth strategy by helping to:
• Establish a family-giving culture that engages children and grandchildren
• Influence causes at both local and national levels
• Ensure wealth passes to the next generation with purpose and precision
For many clients, charitable planning isn’t just about supporting today’s causes—it’s about creating an enduring impact that lives well beyond their lifetime.
DREAM BIGGER WITH YOUR GIVING
What if your charitable strategy could help increase your impact, mitigate tax drag, and preserve your family’s values across generations?
For affluent families, intentional giving offers the opportunity to align wealth with purpose. It’s about creating influence, shaping legacy, and crafting a philanthropic footprint that reflects what matters most.
LaymanLewis.com
If you’d like to explore how charitable planning could fit into your broader financial picture, the team at Layman Lewis Financial Group is here to have that conversation with you. www.laymanlewis.com
Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Layman Lewis Financial Group. Layman Lewis Financial Group is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Layman Lewis Financial Group are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions. This article is meant to be general and is not investment or financial advice or a recommendation of any kind. Please consult your financial advisor before making financial decisions. 3284262 - 10/25
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
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.”
RETIREMENT 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 in 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
A Holistic Approach to Restoring Confidence and Wellness
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Nola MacDonald has been serving the Fort Collins community with a compassionate, whole-person approach to healthcare. Rather than focusing only on symptom relief, she looks at the underlying causes of each concern, helping patients achieve lasting wellness through natural, evidencebased solutions that support both physical and emotional health.
One of her latest additions to the practice, the BTL Emsella chair, is a breakthrough, non-invasive treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor weakness. These concerns can affect both women and men, often following childbirth, aging, or surgery, and can significantly impact daily comfort and confidence. Emsella uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, delivering thousands of deep contractions in a single, fully clothed session. Patients often describe the experience as simple yet life-changing, with noticeable improvements in control, stability, and quality of life—all without downtime or discomfort.
As part of her commitment to offering innovative, medication-free options, Dr. MacDonald has also incorporated Exomind and Emsculpt Neo (now FDA approved with a functional mode that retrains muscles and supports physical performance). Together, these advanced technologies reflect her mission: to help patients heal and thrive naturally.
With decades of experience and a truly holistic perspective, Dr. MacDonald continues to redefine wellness—empowering her patients to feel strong, confident, and in control again.
Small Batch Handcrafted Premium Spirits & Classic Cocktails with a Flair.
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Giving Back
Linda L. Osmundson
Vicki Fisbeck creates socialization through dancing
VICKI FISBECK MOVED FROM Nebraska with her parents to Holyoke, Colorado, at the age of 9 and lived there until her marriage to Billy Ray Fisbeck in 1966. They moved to Longmont and other cities until eventually settling in a cozy Fort Collins home. After 55 years of marriage, three children and ten grandchildren, Vicki lost Billy Ray to cancer in 2021.
A stay-at-home wife and mom, Vicki says, “I started volunteering at my kids’ elementary school and found it so enjoyable to help the teachers, be around my own kids and get to know their friends!” She continued volunteering at schools until her children graduated from high school. “It was an amazing time of my life.”
While giving time to schools, Vicki also volunteered at her church with a women’s Bible study. For 15 years, she led a weekly Bible study group at the Larimer County Detention Center. Vicki provided singing entertainment for 30 years at nursing and assisted living facilities around Loveland and Fort Collins.
She recently gave up those activities to concentrate on her greatest joy— working with senior social dancers at the Fort Collins Senior Center. “It has been such a fulfilling and rewarding part of my life, to meet these wonderful dancers who are so young at heart!” She started working with senior dancers in 1997. She’d loved being a volunteer dance coordinator and water aerobics instructor, so, she inquired about other volunteer opportunities at the center.
Vicki is the perfect person to work with seniors. She makes everyone
feel special through her compliments, welcome greetings and encouragement. Dancers enjoy dressing in costumes. of fun, themed dances—20s, 40s, 50s, Veterans’ Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Valentines Day, among others.
Costumes are optional but many showed up recently in red, white and blue for Veterans’ Day. Flapper dresses, poodle and Hawaiian skirts have graced dancers over the years.
The senior dancers appreciate Western bands, like favorite Big Twang Theory, and their rhythms of Western Two-Step, cha cha, waltz and/or line dances. Since more women often attend, they are encouraged to refrain from waiting to be asked, but to do the asking or participate in the chair
dance. Chairs are placed at each end of the dance floor. Women wait behind the chairs for couples to approach and change partners with them. Everyone gets plenty of exercise, dancing and needed socialization.
Vicki says, “I love learning the names of our dancers and letting them know that this is a place to come, have fun, dance, socialize and be accepted for who they are!”
Dancing is a favorite pastime. She attends dances in northern Colorado not only as a volunteer but as a participant. “I love being such a part of this big dancing family and community.”
Thanks, Vicki Fisbeck, for your many volunteer hours while living 45 years in Fort Collins.
