PAFC July News & Views

July 2025 News and Views

Thanks and gratitude to our Mission Sponsors

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our Mission Sponsor, UCHealth, for their unwavering support. The UCHealth team continues to champion PAFC’s mission of cultivating communities where people of ALL ages can flourish. With their partnership, we can ensure that older adults in Larimer County have the resources they need to THRIVE in 2025 and beyond.

The Gallery at Fort Collins is our new Mission Sponsor and our Newsletter Sponsor! The Gallery is deeply committed to fostering a thriving and connected community for older adults - just like we are.

Their sponsorship helps us continue providing meaningful programs, services, and resources that enrich lives and promote independence for older adults. Thank you, The Gallery at Fort Collins, for your incredible support!

Three levels of care to be offered at The Gallery at Fort Collins

With a grand opening set for late 2025, The Gallery at Fort Collins is an exciting new community that offers a crafted, holistic approach to living for older adults. The Gallery blends an array of care options — from independent and assisted living to memory care — while celebrating the creative spirit of its residents. Located on a vibrant corner in mid-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.”

Everything at The Gallery is designed to foster individuality and a sense of belonging. 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 that residents of Larimer County desire.

Learn more about The Gallery here

SAVE THE DATES!

Tech Buddy Clinics

Fort Collins Senior Center

Thursday, September 25th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

RSVP: 970-224-6174

Harmony Poudre Library

4616 S. Shields, FC

Thursday, October 16th, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm

RSVP: aphillips@poudrelibraries.org

Next Virtual Lunch & Learn

Thursday, September 11th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

"Paying for Home Care May Not Cost You a Dime"

Presented by Senior Helpers

No registration. Zoom link will be created.

Bloggers Retreat

Blogger Mimi Wahlfeldt leads the discussion at the Graceful Aging blogger's retreat. Photo by Cherrie Thornton.

On July 16^th, a group of contributors and potential contributors to the PAFC Graceful Aging blog met together to share ideas about how personal stories from the ‘seasoned’ generation can help others understand and navigate the stages of aging. The goal of this meeting was to stimulate ideas for future blog posts.

Several ideas emerged from the discussion:

• Writing about relatable circumstances can broaden readers’ perspectives.

• Sharing stories can reassure others going through the aging process that they are not alone.

• Applying humor to common challenges can lighten the burden of those challenges.

• For the writer, expressing inner turmoil can help reduce stress.

• Transforming private experiences into public narratives can refine one's own perspective.

• Stories can demonstrate that even difficult circumstances can have positive outcomes and that survival is possible.

• Writing from a late-life perspective can normalize the experience of aging for all generations.

For more information about the Graceful Aging blog or to contribute, please follow this link.

In Memoriam: A Tribute to Bob Edmondson

All of us at PAFC are saddened by the recent passing of our dear friend and special Tech Buddies volunteer Bob Edmondson. Bob consistently volunteered one-on-one to help others address and solve their IT issues, and continued to serve to the end.

Bob frequently participated in PAFC events. He played a key role in assuring the Candidates Forum in October ’24 ran seamlessly and he enjoyed Intergenerational Conversations at Canvas School in March 2025 (middle photo). Bob was also a member of FRIENDS of the Senior Center and participated in many programs where staff and friends remember him as always kind and willing to support others at the center.

Bob, we are grateful for your generous spirit, kind heart and many contributions to PAFC and the community. You will be deeply missed.

August is Make-A-Will Month

August is Make-a-Will Month! Join others in Northern Colorado in creating or updating your will. It’s also a great time to include us in your future plans.

By leaving PAFC in your will, you can continue supporting our mission well beyond your lifetime. We hope you’ll consider including our organization in your charitable giving legacy.

The NoCo Foundation is hosting a virtual program designed to educate donors about estate planning and the power of planned gifts.

Spark Donor Education Series

Planning Today for Tomorrow’s Impact

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Can’t attend live? RSVP anyway —you’ll receive a recording of the session.

July's Graceful Aging Blog

I Miss My Lips: Or Ode to Nora Ephron

by Jane Everham

Okay, it is likely that many of you will not get the Nora Ephron reference. Nora Ephron authored a book called I feel Bad About My Neck. It was a collection of essays on the things in life that perturbed her. It was funny, really funny! I do not believe most women need more than one purse and her hysterical essay, “Purses,” did not change my mind but had me hooting with laughter.

So, I decided to think about what in daily life perturbs me. For example, coat hangers that insist on tangling, and yes, even plastic coat hangers can tangle; doorknobs that snag anything with a strap – often a purse strap; plastic wrap that resists removal, and finally the disappearance of lips as we age!

Continue reading here

$1,000 in 30 Days Challenge!

The Fort Collins Rotary Duck Race is about 30 days away and there's a new challenge underway! PAFC is in a race between Elderhaus, A Little Help and SAINT to see who can raise $1,000 in 30 days. The official duck race is on Saturday, September 6th, but in the meantime Team PAFC is working to get as many ducks adopted to win bragging rights for the 30-day challenge as well as the top prize of $5,000 at the Duck Race. Only $25 to adopt one duck or 6 ducks for $125. Go Team PAFC! We're in this to WIN!

Scan the QR code below or click here to adopt a duck today!

Look for videos and updates to track PAFC's progress! Let's make some waves for older adults in Larimer County!

Support PAFC Today

www.PAFCLarimer.org

970-310-4900