Creating a livable Larimer County

July 2026

Thanks and gratitude to our Mission and Newsletter Sponsor

The Gallery at Fort Collins is our 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 supporting our mission!

Learn more about The Gallery at Fort Collins

Celebrating Center for Public Deliberation

by Myles Crane

Save the date: October 27, 2026

Center for Public Deliberation's 20^th Anniversary

The Center for Public Deliberation (CPD) at Colorado State University represents an integral and vibrant part of our community. On its upcoming 20^th anniversary PAFC recognizes CPD as an invaluable resource, one rarely available in other communities.

PAFC has partnered with CPD for 13 years, and holds its leaders Martin Carcasson Ph.D. and Katherine Knoblach Ph.D., and Managing Director Sabrina Slagowski-Tipton, M.A. and CPD’s students in high regard.

We especially value Martin’s wisdom, professional expertise and insightful service on PAFC’s Steering Committee. Martin was instrumental in guiding PAFC’s formation alongside Dr. Bonnie Shetler (Foundation on Aging), Katy Mason and Linda Meyer (Larimer County Office on Aging), and Sue Ballou (community volunteer).

Community Recognition

In honor of CPD’s 20^th anniversary, leaders from various community organizations are sharing videos and/or written tributes. Included, but not limited to date, are Larimer County, City of Fort Collins, PAFC, Poudre School District, and CSU faculty.

Former State Senator Joann Ginal expressed her appreciation:

“Martin and his CPD students consistently provided fine support at my Legislative townhall meetings in Healthcare and Transportation. I also appreciate that CPD students were available periodically to offer assistance in my legislative work at the Capitol.”

Erin Alt, member of the Colorado Commission on Aging and

Program Manager for Larimer County Office on Aging writes:

“Martin and the CPD team have been instrumental in bridging gaps and bringing groups with differing opinions into a safe space to process and collaborate on different topics and/or challenges. They are an asset to our community.”

Teresa Roche, Chief Human Resources Officer, Fort Collins writes:

“At the City of Fort Collins, I have witnessed CPD create spaces for dialogue, understanding, participation, and connection across differences. Martin and the entire CPD team are a community treasure.”

Memorable Experiences

Two standout areas of CPD Community Projects:

1) Public Education such as Candidates Forum, Elder Abuse Forum and GenHERous.

2) Intergenerational Conversations. Ages 13-95+

At the end of one recent Intergenerational Conversations, a 16-year-old participant inquired: Does life get harder as you grow older?”

Your answer?

Welcome Kristi Remick to PAFC's Board

PAFC is thrilled to announce that Kristi Remick has joined our board of directors. Kristi brings more than 25 years of experience in business development, marketing, and client service. She currently serves as Director of Business Development for Seniors Helping Seniors, a Fort Collins–based organization serving both Larimer and Weld Counties dedicated to helping older adults age independently with dignity and companionship.

Before joining Seniors Helping Seniors, Kristi served as Head of Field Marketing for KPMG LLP in the United States. Throughout her career, she has held numerous leadership roles in marketing and business development, supporting global and Fortune 100 clients while working in Zurich, Switzerland; New York City; and Atlanta.

Kristi also has previous nonprofit board experience, having served as a director on the Isle of Hope Historic Preservation Board. In addition to joining the PAFC Board of Directors, she was recently appointed to the Larimer County Office on Aging Advisory Council.

Outside of work and community service, Kristi enjoys spending time with her two dogs: Bob, a Boston Terrier, and Duck Butt ("Duckie"), a Pug. She is an avid pickleball player and instructor who also enjoys traveling (55 countries and counting!), cooking, hiking, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.

A relatively new Fort Collins resident, Kristi moved to the community a year and a half ago and couldn't be happier with her decision to put down roots here. She is deeply committed to supporting healthy, active, and inclusive communities and is passionate about ensuring that older adults have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.

PAFC Board Chair Myles Crane commented, "We are excited to welcome Kristi's leadership, experience, and commitment to advancing PAFC's mission. She is a valuable asset to our work and community."

Welcome Kristi!

PAFC on Denver 7 "Real Talk"

Denver's Channel 7 is featuring "Aging in Colorado" on an episode of their Real Talk program, hosted by Micah Smith. PAFC was invited by AARP Colorado to be among the 24 age-friendly communities to give perspectives on older adults. Bonnie Shetler and Sue Ballou represented PAFC in talking about our initiatives that have been successful and the challenges facing older adults in Larimer County. Thank you Marissa Volpe, AARP Colorado Associate Director for Livable Communities for including us!

Micah Smith (left) host of Real Talk with Bonnie Shetler and Sue Ballou of PAFC.

L to R: Bonnie Shetler, Sue Ballou, Micah Smith, and Marissa Volpe of AARP.

If you missed June and July's Lunch and Learns

Trending Scams Targeting Older Adults, presented by AARP's Elderwatch. This presentation was loaded with new information to help you stay safe from fraud and scams. We were inspired to initiate "Scam Tip of the Month" to keep you informed. See bottom of newsletter for July's tip.

Grief 101, presented by Pathways of Northern Colorado. Highlights included grief indicators, practical tools and communication strategies, grief loss and human response, and when to ask for additional support.

UPCOMING EVENTS

On August 29, thousands of rubber ducks will race down the Lazy River at City Park Pool, and every $25 duck adoption directly supports our work. In fact, 80% of every adoption ($20) comes right back to PAFC.

Adopters also have a chance to win cash prizes if their duck crosses the finish line first!

Please help us reach our goal of $2,500 We're almost at the halfway mark with just a month to go. Click the link below to adopt a duck today!

Thank you for supporting our mission. Every duck makes a difference!

Click here to adopt your duck today!

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Community Conversations & Online Survey

The Office on Aging only has two Community Conversations left. If you missed the other meetings and can't join us in Estes Park or Wellington, we encourage you to still take our survey. Visit the Office on Aging Community Conversations webpage to register for an in-person conversation or to take our online survey. Anyone can complete the survey to rate services provided by the LCOA and help identify the needs and challenges facing older adults in our region.

Farewell to 50 Plus Marketplace News

by Bob Larson

50 Plus Marketplace News published its last edition in May of this year. Our newspaper has had a great run after 35 wonderful years. Why did we cease operations?

First, our publisher, Robert Trembly contracted Parkinson’s Disease over a year ago, which I had to take over his duties. Second, our printing costs increased significantly over the past 10 years, and many printers were ceasing operations in Colorado.

And last, we noticed many older adults were using their smart devices (smartphones and tablets) to read their local news and read less newspapers. The newspaper industry has changed from print to online operations since COVID hit the U.S. We also moved to online operations in April of last year.

Continue reading here.

Bob Larson, Past Managing Editor, Photojournalist, and Webmaster

Learning All My Life

by Lynn Kloss

One of the things that retirement has taught me is that I have a love of learning. When I retired ten years ago, I realized that I wasn’t ready to stop engaging in intellectual activity. I missed the daily challenges and interactions that my work afforded me. I bought a book about life after retirement and how to find my passion. It turned out that what I really wanted was to always be learning. I had completed two years of college forty-five years earlier and wandered into a career in employee benefits. It was a good career - I enjoyed it and did well, but my first area of interest was psychology.

Continue reading here

We'd love to get your thoughts on our blogs. The comment section is at the bottom of each blog. Let us know what you think!

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www.PAFCLarimer.org

970-310-4900

info@pafclarimer.org