What's new with Senior Services?

May 15, 2022

Operating Hours

The Senior Center is open to the public. View operating hours

Closed Memorial Day, May 30

Celebrate Older Americans Month

Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities–as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Every person is unique, and every person will age uniquely in whatever way is right for them.

In honor of aging uniquely, the theme for Older Americans Month 2022 is Age My Way. While Age My Way will look different for each person, there are common considerations regarding aging.

Planning
Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities of interest.

Engagement
Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer opportunities, or civic participation.

Access
Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.

Connection
Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.

Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone. Please join us in strengthening our community.

View the calendar of events for May

ACTIVITIES

Lafayette Book Clubs

Meet with fellow book lovers to discuss the preselected book once a month on Fridays. Join the discussion even if you haven't finished reading the book! These book clubs meet at the Senior Center.

Mystery Book Club

Mesa Verde Victim – Scot Graham

June 3 | 10-11am

Second Friday Book Club

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek - Kim Michele Richardson
June 10 | 10-11am

Email Olderadults@lafayetteco.gov for more information.

Bowling

The Lafayette Silver Strikers meet at the Coal Creek Bowling Center on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:45pm. No need to register; drop in when you can. There is no commitment. The cost is $8 per bowler for three games and shoe rental if needed.

Tuesdays and Fridays | 12:45pm | $8 per bowler

Card Program

Have you heard about the Senior Card program? It has been in existence for many years and quietly engages seniors in our community. It provides outreach to seniors in the Lafayette community.

We send cards to seniors for celebrations, sorrows, or just to let someone know that people are thinking about them. We hope receiving a card brightens the day and brings a smile to someone's face.

We would love to hear from you. Please send requests to olderadults@lafayetteco.gov

Card Games

Join us for laughter and enjoyment playing Mexican Train or other card games.

Mexican Train, Shanghai Rummy, Bridge, and other card games
Thursdays | 1-4pm
Pinochle - Mondays | 9-11:30am
Shanghai Rummy - Mondays and Thursdays | 1-3pm

Computer Lab

Are you in need of a computer? Visit the Senior Center, where a public computer is available for checking emails, researching information, or improving your technical skills. The Computer Lab is open on a first-come-first-served basis.

Crafters for Charity

Share your time and talents with us to support community members. Knit, crochet, and stitch or help create something to:

brighten the day of a cancer patient
bring warmth to a youngster
assist local charities

We welcome new people, new ideas, and learning about new ways to contribute to our community.

Wednesdays | 1-3pm

Educational DVDs

Enjoy educational videos from the Smithsonian Educational Series “America’s Founding Fathers.”

Second and fourth Thursdays monthly | 2-3:30pm

Lap Robers

The Lap Robers is a group that creates small lap quilts to donate to area charities. If you enjoy quilting and helping others, this group would love additional members.

This group meets on most Thursdays. Please call 303-665-9052 for specific dates.

Panera Bread - Sponsored by Cultivate

Every Monday and Wednesday at 9am, stop by and pick up Panera Bread at the Senior Center. Donations vary weekly.

Mondays and Wednesdays | 9am

Puzzle Checkout Program

Puzzles are available for checkout at the Senior Center.

Summer Bingo!

Are you looking for a good time? Bring yourself, a friend or two, and a wrapped, white elephant-style gift to the Senior Center to play a few rounds of Bingo! A white elephant-style gift is something you have and don't need that you think someone else might enjoy. There will be laughter and fun, something we all could use more of. We hope you will join us.

May 27 | 1pm | Free | Fourth Friday Monthly

Whatevers

Catch up with our friends and make new ones while working on "whatever" craft you have. Join the fun and bring your materials or use ours. Email Olderadults@lafayetteco.gov if you would like to be part of the Whatevers group.

Wednesdays | 9-10:30am

ENRICHMENT

Register by using the links below, emailing staff at olderadults@lafayetteco.gov, or calling 303-665-9052.

Stories and Music: A Performance by the Boulder Philharmonic String Quartet

Attend this magnificent outdoor family concert at the Outdoor Classroom Open Space amphitheater presented by the Boulder Philharmonic String Quartet. Learn how composers use music to tell a story while birds and breezes provide accompaniment.

This free event is for adults and children 8 years of age and older. Reservations are required.

May 15 | 2-3pm | R egister and find details on the event calendar

Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight: The Loneliness Pandemic

Nearly half of Americans report feeling lonely, and 43% of seniors feel lonely regularly. According to Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy, there is an epidemic of loneliness in America.

Dr. McCann will review the prevalence, causes, and consequences of loneliness in America. The focus will be on researching ways to decrease loneliness.

William J. McCann, MA, PsyD, is a retired clinical psychologist. He was an Associate Professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, and President of the Vermont Psychological Association.

May 20 | 1-3pm | Free | Register through WebTrac

RESOURCE CLASSES

Register by emailing staff at olderadults@lafayetteco.gov, calling 303-665-9052, or using the links below.

Memory Games

Learn and share tips and tricks for enhancing your memory while enjoying some enjoyable memory games and interacting with others in a fun, safe environment.

Location: The Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

May 20 | 11am-1pm | Free | Register online

Medicare 101

Are you turning 65 soon, or did you just turn 65? Do you have questions about Medicare? This class is for you! Learn the answers to common Medicare questions, such as:

What does Medicare cover?
How do I enroll in Medicare?
Should I enroll in Medicare if I'm still working and have health insurance from my employer?
How can I tell if a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan is right for me?
How can I avoid a Part D Late Enrollment Penalty?

Medicare Teachers Inc offers this class, and their staff will be available after the course to meet one-on-one if you have more specific questions.

May 19 | 11am-12pm | Register through WebTrac

Memory Cafe "The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's"

Adults - join us for the first in a two-part educational event to better understand Alzheimer’s and to explore the needs, resources, and opportunities available in our community. Our guest presenter is Ralph Patrick, regional director of the Greater Boulder and Mountains chapter of the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado.

Part 1 (May 25) - “The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.” Know the distinction between normal age-related memory loss and possible signs of dementia.

May 25 | 10:30-12:30 pm

Location: Lafayette Library

WELLNESS

Medical Foot Care

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) provides Medical Foot Care on the third Wednesday monthly. Services include toenail trimming, callus filing, overall foot health checks, and blood pressure checks. The VNA handles all scheduling and payments.

Location: The Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

May 18 | $45 Medical foot care / $15 fingernails

Medical foot care may be a benefit of your Kaiser plan. Credit cards are preferred, but checks are accepted.

Appointment required. Call VNA at 303-698-6496 to schedule an appointment.

Ortho Bionomy® Bodywork

Ortho-Bionomy® is a therapeutic technique that relieves pain by helping the body rediscover its natural balance. This method of osteopath-based bodywork includes working with structure, lymph, fluids, neurology, organs, and the endocrine system, allowing the body to relax while opening neurological pathways that assist with and speed up the healing process. Laura Samel, a practitioner, provides 45-minute sessions.

Location: The Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

May 23 | 10am-2:45pm | Resident $35 / Nonresident $42

Appointment required. Call 303-665-9052 to schedule.

FITNESS

Register by emailing staff at olderadults@lafayetteco.gov, calling 303-665-9052, or using the links below.

Tai Chi 1

Tai Chi is a series of easy and gentle exercise movements performed in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing. Tai Chi develops body awareness to increase balance, promote activity, and improve health and mobility, encouraging independence and fuller lives. Tai Chi is safe for all ages and fitness levels. Registration Deadline: One week before the class date.

Location: The Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

June 9-30 | 11am-noon | Residents $30 / Nonresidents $36

Register online for class

Tai Chi Form

Tai Chi Form covers the first third of the form with a sort section of meditation and warm-up. This class is open to anyone, and any experience level is welcome. For the best experience, previous experience is recommended. Held at the Senior Center, the registration deadline for these classes is one week before the session start date.

Location: The Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

June 8-29 | 11am-noon | Residents $30 / Nonresidents $36

Register online for class

SilverSneakers® Classic

Have fun moving to music and performing exercises focused on strengthening muscles and increasing the range of movement for daily life activities. Participants can use handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a SilverSneakers ball for additional resistance. A chair is used for sitting down exercises and for standing support. Exercises can be modified to accommodate fitness levels.

Location: Bob L. Burger Recreation Center gym

Mondays | 12:15-1:15pm
Thursdays | 9:30-10:30am

View online class schedule

SilverSneakers® Stability

If you want to improve your balance and strength, this class is for you! Movements taught in class focus on improving strength and power in the ankle, knee, and hip joints while improving reaction time. This class is suitable for nearly every fitness level.

Location: The Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

Tuesdays| 10-11am

New class starting June 3! Fridays| 10:15am

View online class schedule

Seated Stretch

Perform Seated Stretch from the comfort of a chair; no need to worry about getting down to and up from the floor. Experience yoga-based postures and stretches and engage in mindful and meditative flexibility exercises to help your recovery, mobility, posture, and energy!

Location: The Lafayette Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

Thursdays | 10-10:45am

Friday Walk and Talk

Meet others who like walking around Lafayette. We will meet at the Senior Center parking lot and take a 1-2 mile walk around town. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring your water and smiles. Meets the fourth Friday of each month at 8am.

Location: Meet at the Senior Center, 103 S. Iowa Ave.

May 27 | 8am

TRIPS AND TOURS

Register by emailing staff at Olderadults@lafayetteco.gov, calling 303-665-9052, or registering online using the links below.

Hike and Bike Club

Are you 50 or older and looking for others to hike or bike with? If you answered 'yes’, this club is for you! Join others for 9am hikes beginning at the trailhead or 9am bike rides starting at the Lafayette Senior Center. Bring water, snacks, and appropriate gear. These adventures are free of charge.

Bike Rides:

All rides begin at the Senior Center. Then the group will ride to the designated trailhead.
Average pace: 10 mph
Bike rides are on roads and gravel. Hybrid, mountain, or gravel bikes are preferred. No e-bikes.

Bike Coal Creek Trail | May 16 | 9am | 15-20 miles
From the Senior Center, we will ride to the Public Road Trailhead and then east on Coal Creek Trail to the junction with Rock Creek Trail, south to Stearns lake, where we will stop for a snack. We will return the way we came.

Bike Anthem Ranch Trail | May 23 | 9am | 15-20 miles
From the Senior Center, we will ride to the Public Road Trailhead and then east to the junction of Anthem Ranch Trails. We'll ride a counterclockwise loop of Anthem Ranch, rejoin Coal Creek Trail, and return to the Senior Center.

For more information or to sign up, call 303-665-9052 or email olderadults@lafayetteco.gov.

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

Animal lovers, you don't want to miss this trip! Meet some special, rescued animals who now live a good life in Erie at Luvin Arms. Hear their stories and get close to some of the many animals, including horses, goats, pigs, and chickens, who call this Sanctuary home. We will stop in Erie on the way home for lunch if the group chooses to. Please bring water and wear comfortable shoes. We need at least eight people to register with no more than 14 spots available.

May 23 | 10am-1pm
Residents $22 / Non residents $24

Register online through WebTrac

Meet at the Lafayette Library's Makerspace

One of Lafayette's many treasures is the Makerspace in the Lafayette Library. Learn
to use this space and make a project with your friends from the Senior Center. We
will create four different projects this summer. Meet us at the Lafayette Library at
the designated time and bring along the suggested items to complete the project.

Please bring a water bottle to personalize.

May 24 | 1-3:30pm | Free

Register online for May's project: Water Bottle Personalization

Tour of Walking Trails in Lafayette

There is no better time than the spring to learn about the beautiful trails all around us! Discover the wonders of Lafayette Open Space on a bus tour with naturalist Martin Ogle and your peers from the Lafayette Senior Center. This 2.5-hour field trip will include three short walks (all ½ mile or less), commentary, and stories about local human and natural history. We will visit Thomas Open Space adjacent to Waneka Lake, Coal Creek, and Flagg Park to get an excellent overview of the Lafayette trail system.

May 26 | 1-3:30pm | Residents $6 / Nonresidents $7

Register online through WebTrac

BOULDER COUNTY AGENCY ON AGING

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Age Well Series - Virtual

The Age Well Series is a unique opportunity to broaden and add depth to your understanding of aging and realize the growing scale and importance of our regional network of advocates, researchers, innovators, and practitioners.

Project Visibility: Creating Inclusive Communities for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

May 26 | 10-11:30am

Register and get more information by visiting Age Well Series - Boulder County.

Boulder Housing Partners (BHP) – Housing Choice Voucher Lottery

Housing Choice Vouchers, formerly known as Section 8, help cover the cost of monthly rent for members of our community whose incomes are below the area average.

To learn more about Housing Choice Vouchers or to apply through the BHP lottery visit boulderhousing.org.

Lottery Opens
9am, Tuesday, May 17, through 4pm, Wednesday, May 18

Diabetes Education & Support

This group, facilitated by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator, is for Boulder County adults 60 and older with a diabetes diagnosis or those caring for someone with a diabetes diagnosis. Registration is required, but there is no cost to attend.

Register by emailing infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org or calling 303-678-6115 and leaving a message with your contact information.

Aging Mastery Program for Caregivers

This program, open to caregivers and non-caregivers, combines goal-setting, daily practices, and peer support to help participants make meaningful changes in their lives.

This six-week program is fun, innovative, interactive, and empowers you to spend more time each day doing things that are good for yourself and others. Caregivers are those who help a relative or friend with chores, errands, personal care, and more.

Questions? Email i infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org or call 303-441-4583.

Medicare Basics Classes & Counseling

Our Medicare Counseling program offers live, virtual Medicare Basics Classes throughout the month at varying times. Classes provide unbiased, up-to-date information about Medicare enrollment, benefits, costs, what and how Medicare pays, choices under Medicare plans, how they work, and prescription drug coverage.

Visit Medicare Counseling - Boulder County for the most up-to-date schedule of classes.

Fresh Conversations - Virtual

Fresh Conversations is an evidence-based nutrition education program focused on timely nutrition topics presented monthly. Fresh Conversations is led by Patti Murphy, RDN, a registered dietitian in Boulder.

For questions or to register, please email infohealthyaging@bouldercounty.org or call 303-441-4995.

Free Nutrition Counseling

A registered dietitian nutritionist is available to help you with a variety of concerns, from mindful eating to digestive disorders and gut health. Call the counseling number and a dietitian will then contact you.

English counseling: 303-678-6115
Spanish counseling: 720-930-0223

Rainbow Elders LGBTQ+ Teatime - Virtual

The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging coordinates Teatime. To access Teatime virtually through Zoom, use this link: Access Virtual Teatime

Contact Michael Chifalo at mchifalo@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-4518 for more information.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Coal Creek Café and Meals on Wheels Programs

Could you or someone you know benefit from Coal Creek Meals on Wheels (CCMOW)?

CCMOW offers the following programs to provide community members with daily, hot, nutritious meals and related support services:

Meal Delivery Program mobilizes volunteers to deliver delicious made-from-scratch meals to clients Monday-Friday, plus two frozen meals for the weekend.

Coal Creek Café, located at the Josephine Commons Housing Development, serves meals Monday-Friday from 11:30 to 12:30pm. This program creates opportunities for guests to socialize with friends and neighbors while enjoying our delicious daily offerings.

Plates for Pets clients receive a supply of pet food (for their cats, dogs, fish, birds, and rodents) along with their meal delivery on the last Monday of each month.

Project Homecoming clients receive five free home-delivered meals after returning from a hospital stay regardless of their age and income.

For more information about CCMOW's programs, program costs, or to sign up to receive meals, please visit coalcreekmow.org or call us at (303) 665-0566.

Front Range Aging Solo Network

This resource and education group aims to connect solo agers to each other, provide a supportive environment, and offer learning opportunities to members.

Second Mondays | 4pm

Email amandameier@trucare.org to be added to the invitation list or join the private Facebook group.

Generation Exchange

Generation Exchange provides free technology help for older adults through virtual one-on-one technology workshops.

Learn more about Generation Exchange to get your questions answered with one-to-one support.

Ride Free Lafayette

Free, on-demand, door-to-door bus service that connects you to places within the City of Lafayette. Riders can book a ride by phone, online, or via the On-Demand Transit: Rider app. A bus will arrive at a pick-up location at a designated time.

Schedule your trip and learn more on our Ride Free Lafayette webpage.

Mobility For All

Want to feel more confident using smartphone apps that help you get around? Call 720-564-2218 for details. Mobility for All collaborates with community partners throughout Boulder County to offer transportation-related technology workshops. These workshops help community members of all ages and abilities feel more comfortable using transportation apps such as Google Maps, Transit App, Lyft, Uber, and RTD Mobile Tickets.

Find virtual Mobility for All workshops

Cultivate

Carry-out Caravan

This program connects community members with older adults who face the challenge of securing reliable access to groceries. Friendly volunteers provide caring assistance throughout the entire process of ordering, purchasing, and delivering groceries from their partner, King Soopers, straight to older adults' homes.

Clients are responsible for paying for their groceries with a credit or debit card, but volunteer-powered shopping and delivery are completely free.

YardBusters
This program connects seniors in Boulder County who face the challenge of maintaining their yards during the Spring, Summer, and Fall months with volunteers to assist with basic yard cleanup.

Fit-It
Cultivate's Fix-It program connects volunteers to seniors in Boulder County who face challenges in maintaining their homes. Volunteers can perform simple home repairs, wheelchair/walker repairs, and grab bar installations.

If you are interested in knowing more about the services provided by Cultivate or volunteering, call 303-443-1933 or visit www.cultivate.ngo.

Alzheimer's Association - Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

Support groups are for family or friends who have a loved one with any kind of dementia. Groups are facilitated by the Alzheimer's Associations' screened, trained, and supervised volunteers.

To find a Support Group that fits your schedule, visit Alzheimer's Association Support Groups or call 800-272-3900.

Loan Closet

You can check out equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, knee scooters, canes, crutches, transfer benches, shower seats, and temporary ramps.

Check out basic mobility equipment by calling 303-665-9052 or emailing Olderadults@lafayetteco.gov.

Masks No Longer Required in Boulder County indoor spaces

Although masks will no longer be required, Boulder County Public Health recommends all individuals 2 years and older wear a mask while around others. Schools, childcare centers, private businesses, and employers may choose to implement their own policy requiring masks for individuals in their space.

Please be courteous to those who choose to continue wearing a mask.

MORE INFORMATION

See what we are doing!

Join us on the City of Lafayette Recreation Department Facebook page

What do you love about Lafayette?

What inspires you to live in Lafayette - and love where you live? Is it our welcoming atmosphere? Our funky, artsy vibe? Our dedication to outdoor recreation and environmental sustainability? Our small-town feel?

Share your thoughts through May 31 and enter for a chance to be one of four winners of $50 in Chamber Bucks to use at shops or restaurants in Lafayette.

Let us know what you think!

Share the Spotlight with friends!

Forward the link in an email - Sign up to receive the Spotlight at Lafayetteco.gov/SeniorSpotlightSignup

Summer 2022 Activity Guide

Printed copies are available at Senior Center. Find the Senior section starting on page 46 at Lafayetteco.gov/ActivityGuide.

Not finding what you need?

Email us at: Olderadults@lafayetteco.gov