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Home My WebLink About02/12/2025 - SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD - AGENDA - Regular MeetingSenior Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING February, 12th, 2025 – 11:30 am Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive, Fort Collins, CO Meeting Contact: Sarah Olear, Senior Supervisor, solear@fcgov.com, 970-224-6028 Zoom – See Link Below 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present –  b. Board Members Absent –  c. Staff Members Present –  d. Guest(s)-  3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Participation for this Senior Advisory Board Meeting will be in person at the Fort Collins Senior Center located at 1200 Raintree Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado. You may also join online via Zoom, using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88550395047?pwd=0fwANuH9WOP4dOKJbXMEpEETtmG2kc.1 Meeting ID: 885 5039 5047 Passcode: 091460 Online Public Participation: The meeting will be available to join beginning at 11:15 am, every month. Participants should try to sign in prior to the 11:30 am meeting start time, if possible. For public comments, the Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Board or Commission. To participate: • Use a laptop, computer, or internet-enabled smartphone. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). • You need to have access to the internet. • Keep yourself on muted status. Masks Strongly Recommended in Indoor Public Spaces While there are currently no public health orders in place, Larimer County Public Health officials strongly recommend that well-fitting, high-quality masks are worn in crowded indoor spaces. For more information, please visit fcgov.com/covid Senior Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING 6. REOCCURRING BUSINESS a. Recent City Council Activity b. Correspondence  c. Six Month Calendar Update d. Joint Project Discussion Volunteer Opportunities for Older Adults. Review meeting with Loveland SAB. 7. GUEST SPEAKERS AND BOARD DISCUSSIONS a. Wendy Abbott, Compassionate Care Training Specialist from Centennial Area Health Education Center (CAHEC) b. Vicki Vennell, Previous White House Press Corps member 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Request for SAB Letter of Support regarding VOA Switchgrass Crossing b. SAB Prescence at Office on Aging Answers on Aging Resource Fair 9. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS-Roundtable Minute 10. COMMITTEES, EVENT ATTENDANCE & ONGOING INITIATIVES a. Housing: b. Transportation: Collaboration between Active Modes and Transportation Board. There was a discussion on paper vs online maps to save money. c. Safety & Wellness: d. Office on Aging: Older American’s Month Nominations e. Outreach to isolated communities: f. Senior Center: g. Future Speaker Ideas: 11. UPCOMING EVENTS & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS a. Answers on Aging Resource Fair, being held on Tuesday, May 13th at the Ranch Event Complex in Loveland 12. ADJOURNMENT 1 | P a g e SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday January 8, 2025 – 11:30 AM Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive, Fort Collins, CO, 80526 1. CALL TO ORDER: 11:35am 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present –Debbie Bradberry, Alicia Durand, Myles Crane, Suzanne King, David Kovach, Joe Glomboski, Deanna O’Connell, Sarah Schilz Online – Karen Miller b. Board Members Absent -None c. Staff Members Present –Sarah Olear, Lisa Hays d. Guest(s) - Bruce Henderson, Jim Fellon 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION - a. Bruce Henderson shared some ideas for consideration for the Senior Advisory Board. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Alicia motioned to approve the minutes; Myles seconded. All approved 6. REOCCURRING BUSINESS a. Recent City Council Activity b. Correspondence  c. Six Month Calendar Update d. Joint Project Discussion Volunteer Opportunities for Older Adults. Review meeting with Loveland SAB. 7. GUEST SPEAKERS AND BOARD DISCUSSIONS a. Davina Lau, Specialist in Public Engagement with the City Clerk’s Office. b. Sara Arfmann, Assistant City Attorney with the City Attorney’s Office. 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Annual Report Review • The board reviewed the Annual Report prior to voting on approval. • Joe motioned to approve the Annual Report; Deanna seconded. All approved. 9. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS-Roundtable Minute 10. COMMITTEES, EVENT ATTENDANCE & ONGOING INITIATIVES a. Housing: b. Transportation: 2 | P a g e c. Safety & Wellness: d. Office on Aging: The annual Answers on Aging Resource Fair is set for May 13th from 12:30-4:00pm e. Outreach to isolated communities: f. Senior Center: HVAC Closure will take place during January and February 2025. Programs have been diverted to other locations as necessary. g. Future Speaker Ideas: 11. UPCOMING EVENTS & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS a. Sunday January 19th Old Town Library Listening Session. b. Saturday March 1st 9:00-11:00am Intergenerational conversations event. c. SAB March meeting will take place at Northside Atzlan Community Center. 12. ADJOURNMENT: 1:35pm Date Meeting Agenda Item Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Work Session Mobile Home Park Local Enforcement of State Law Options Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Work Session Impact of Impact fees on affordable housing and Operational Resources to Build & Maintain Affordable Housing Calendar Link https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/files/six-month-planning-calendar.pdf?1733417612 •The National Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program was started by Congress in 1971 as part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to link community planning, education, and clinics with university resources. •There are approximately 300 AHEC offices serving 85% of U.S. counties who provide multidisciplinary training and education to students, educators, and practitioners with the goal to improve healthcare quality and delivery in underserved areas. •Colorado centers work under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. WHAT THE HECK IS AN AHEC? Jackson Larimer Weld Morgan Logan Sedgwick Phillips Washington Yuma Cheyenne Lincoln Kit Carson Positively impact health outcomes in NE Colorado by connecting existing and future health professionals and communities with resources and education. Mission STUDENTS CAHEC works with students in middle school, high school, and higher education to foster interest in health careers and support them along their career pathway. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY H.O.P.E. invites high school students to explore health topics (Epidemiology, Nutrition, Mental Health, Community Health, Opioid Epidemic, & Health Equity) through a series of six monthly learning sessions. It culminates each summer with a week -long health careers camp at Anschutz Medical/CU Boulder campus. STUDENTS In partnership with the Northern CO Health Sector Partnership, CAHEC launched the You Are the Cure campaign to promote health careers to high school and first -year college students. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY https://www.cahec.org/explore-health-careers STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY AHEC scholars is a 1 -2 year program for students in college healthcare programs to supplement their education through additional knowledge and experience with rural and underserved population health. Topics include behavioral health integration, health equity, and practice transformation. I just recently graduated from the University of Northern Colorado's School of Nursing, and AHEC Scholars has been a part of that journey since my second semester in nursing school. It led to great opportunities to delve deeply into topics that are touched upon in classes, and some topics that are not addressed at all but are no less important to providing holistic care. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY CAHEC engages students of all levels through interactive learning with clay modeling to help students learn and recall human anatomy lessons. For the last 6 years we’ve been hosting medical students, soon to be doctors, dentists, physical therapists, and pharmacists. Somehow after becoming a CAHEC host home, we were struck by the fact that our guests were no longer merely medical students but rather acquaintances and friends. Each one called to serve in the medical field for different reasons and holding a unique story. It brings us pleasure in knowing that we played a role, yet be it a very small, in helping them realize their dreams and aspirations. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY CAHEC works with our university and community college health career programs to place students on clinical rotations with local community hosts. CAHEC supports local health professionals and educators as they train the next generation of healthcare professionals and address workforce shortages. HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS www.NECintheRockies.com We connect professionals with training to prevent burnout, improve equity, and combat health disparities. Nurse Educator's Conference (NEC) in the Rockies began in 1990. Annual meeting brings together nurse educators from around the nation to: •develop new skills •demonstrate best practices •exchange lessons learned •share current evidence -based research •discover valuable resources STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY www.NECintheRockies.com •Half of primary care physicians report feeling unprepared to care for those with dementia.* •Negative health outcomes for those living with dementia and their care partners can be reduced and avoided with effective dementia care training for health professionals.* Developed in response to conversations with healthcare educators and clinical partners who identified this as a skill gap. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY •Those living with ADRD report a lack of empathy from their health professionals, fatalist attitude about their condition and challenges in communicating with doctors and other health care professionals.* •Healthcare students receive limited dementia education.* In Colorado, more than 90,800 are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s disease. More than 160,000 caregivers young and old are providing unpaid dementia care. * Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts & Figures Report www.cahec.org/dementiacaretraining For med program students, healthcare professionals and other providers who treat, care for or interact with individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementias. Interactive curriculum offers evidence-based education programs including: The SWD Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT) Immersive experience that quickly builds empathy and understanding. www.cahec.org /dementiacaretraining SPECAL® Method Highly effective, person-centered, easy to learn care approach that promotes wellbeing. Additional partners & content: STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS CAHEC resource portal was created to provide new resources, training opportunities, and support material for health practitioners. Expanded to include material for community members seeking information and resources. cahec.org/resource-portal •County Resources •Substance Use Disorder •Mental Health •Self Care & Resiliency •Telehealth •Cancer •Care Coordination •Interprofessional Collaboration •Covid-19 •Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health •Rural Health •Mini-Med COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CAHEC hosts two of the state’s Regional Health Connectors (RHC). They work to improve health in our communities by fostering collaboration between health systems and community partners. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY CAHEC develops and delivers education on important health topics with a special focus on social determinants of health to support community health education. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY www.cahec.org/BMIM Thanks to generous funding from The Weld Trust and input from our various nonprofit partners, community members and college students, we were able to design and build a traveling mental health exhibit which debuted at Aims Community College in September of 2023. STUDENTS PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY To request a free training for your school or organization, contact Erika Greenberg at 970.330.3608 or egreenberg@cahec.org. Invest in our Mission! https://givebutter.com/CentennialAHEC VISIT US ONLINE OR JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIAwww.cahec.or g CONTACT US contactcahec@gmail.co m Dementia Training Building empathy and knowledge for positive outcomes in dementia care. THE PROGRAM Compassionate Care AT A GLANCE More than 90,800 Coloradans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s disease. Health professionals currently receive limited training in Alzheimer’s and other dementias; however, a new 4-hour state mandated training is required for direct care staff in Colorado care communities. Half of primary care physicians report feeling unprepared to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Healthcare students receive limited dementia education.* Benefits include better quality care and improved health outcomes for those with dementia and their caregivers, and increased wellbeing for providers and care partners. *Alzheimer’s Association, 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures report The curriculum incorporates evidence-based programs that build empathy and understanding of the unique needs, disabilities and strengths of people with dementia, along with specialized approaches for communication and positive care-giver and care-recipient interactions. THE NEED The Compassionate Care Training educates healthcare students and professionals on how to successfully interact with and provide appropriate care for the influx of individuals with dementia they will encounter in their careers. To schedule a dementia education experience contact: W E N D Y A B B O T T , M A , V D T ®, S P E C A L ® Compassionate Care Training Specialist 970.214.6896 | wendy@cahec.org cahec.org/dementiacaretraining Education in effective dementia care techniques improves health outcomes and reduces stress for patients and providers. GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES WHO IS THIS FOR? Compassionate Care Dementia Training is designed for healthcare students, healthcare professionals and other providers who treat, care for or interact with individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Grant funding for the education and training of emergency medical and trauma service providers is available for EMTS agencies through Colorado Resource for Emergency And Trauma Education (CREATE). Learn more: coruralhealth.org/create Help us grow thisprogram! Compassionate Care Dementia Training is a program of Centennial Area Health Education Center whose mission is to positively impact health outcomes in Northeast Colorado. CURRICULUM The interactive curriculum incorporates evidence-based programs: The Virtual Dementia Tour®(VDT), which is an immersive experience that quickly builds empathy and understanding of what it might feel like to be living with dementia. The highly effective person-centered, relationship-based SPECAL® Method – an easy to learn care approach that promotes wellbeing for people living with dementia and their care partners. Originating in the UK, the program is disseminated through Dementia Together, the SPECAL® Method Center for Excellence for North America. The Compassionate Care Dementia Training program is also made possible through initiatives and educational programs provided through the Alzheimer’s Association and the Eden Alternative. cahec.org/dementiacaretraining CE/CME credits available. Introducing Vicki Vennell Previous member of the White House Press Corps Your Home!Reasonsto Call Activities and Services Maintenance Free Living – none of the worries or responsibilities associated with home ownership Enterprise Green Standards – low utility costs with high efﬁ ciency lighting and appliances Surrounded by urban amenities and outdoor adventures Beautiful apartments that include W/D, quartz countertops, walk-in showers and roller shades E M B A R K on a esh new chapter at Cadence in central Fort Collins. Voted the #1 City to live in the 2020 Livability survey, this lively city nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains oﬀ ers active adult living at its best. Conveniently, one block away is The Shops at Rigden Farm, which features a grocery store, two banks, restaurants, coﬀ ee shop, hair salon, wine & spirits shop, nails and spa salon and an animal hospital. voacolorado.org The City offers endless amenities such as Old Town Square C A D E N C E oﬀ ers aﬀ ordable housing for adults aged 55 and better with one and two bedroom apartments. BRAND NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ADULTS AGED 55 AND BETTER DOWNTOWN& OLD TOWN E Mulberry St CSU E Drake Rd Ti m b e r l i n e R d Co l l e g e A v e I- 2 5 E Harmony Rd E Prospect Rd CADENCE N O U R A M E N I T I E S To the le is our private, beautifully landscaped, southwest facing courtyard. Enjoy the elevated views om the 3rd ﬂ oor resident lounge and game room, tone up with our ﬁ tness center or simply enjoy a walk along the adjoining Rails to Trails Power Trail. Each residence includes a dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer and our controlled access building provides you with complete security. Cadence is conveniently located next to Transfort Bus Station that links to the Fort Collins senior center, the Downtown district and beyond. We even oﬀ er a secure bike storage room. ▲Professionally managed by Volunteers of America Colorado ▲Phone/internet/cable TV available through Comcast and Connexion ▲Rent includes water, sewer, trash, landscape, maintenance and snow removal H O W T O A P PLY Please contact us at 970.658.9025 if you or someone you know is interested in applying for an aﬀ ordable apartment in one of our communities. Apartments are income qualiﬁ ed with a minimum age of 55 and a maximum income of $66,560. Cadence’s staﬀ can answer your questions regarding apartment availability, rent, income requirements and the application process to apply for housing. CADENCE 2555 Joseph Allen Drive Fort Collins CO 80525 970.658.9025 I N F O R T C O L L I N S inviting south facing courtyard upscale quartz countertops & tile backsplash nearby trails offer offers opportunities for walks and bike rides safe entry walk-in shower 650 sf one bedroom floorplan voacolorado.org/housing_properties/cadence COVERED WAITING PICK UP / DROP OFF ENCLOSED COURTYARD EV LOADING 45 UNITS & 45 PARKING SPACES FREESTANDING PERGOLA SLIDING DOORS @ ENTRANCE TRANSFORMER 45 UTILITY METERS 8 FIXED BIKE SPACES 12 FIXED BIKE SPACES BIKE MAINT. ZONE 51 TOTAL BIKES : 31 INDOOR 20 OUTDOOR SOUTH MASON STREET EVR EVC EVC EVC EVC DOG RUN FIRE LANE FI R E L A N E EX I S T I N G S I D E W A L K EVC EVR SWITCHGRASS CROSSING 3800 SOUTH MASON ST. 7 SPACES FOR MASON PLACE EVC EVC EVC EVC EVR EVR EVR EVR EVR BIKE ROOM SWITCHGRASS CROSSING 3800 SOUTH MASON STREET FORT COLLINS, CO 80525 3/64" = 1'-0" SITE PLAN N ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) KEY : EV CHARGER : 1 SPACE EVR : 7 SPACES CIRCUIT & WIRING EVC : 9 SPACES EMPTY 1”CONDUIT TOTAL : 17 SPACES N VICINITY MAP 0.5 MILE RANGE MAX - HIGH FREQUENCY BUS LINE (0.2 mi to closest station) MAJOR ARTERIAL STREET ARTERIAL STREET MASON ST. ARTERIAL MASON TRAIL BUS STOPS & LINE (0.3 mi to closest station) RTE 6 HorsetoothStation HarmonyStation DowntownTransitCenter CSUTransitCenter TroutmanStation SwallowStation RTE 6RTE 11 RTE 19 RTE 12 RTE 5RTE 12 RTE 12RTE 11 RTE 5 RTE 19RTE 11 RTE 16 RTE 7 RTE 7 DOWNTOWN WARREN LAKE TROUTMAN PARK VOA - SANCTUARY PLACE APARTMENTS 1.6 mi VOA - CADENCE 3.4 mi MA S O N T R A I L MA S O N S T R E E T 3.2 mi 4 mi 0.5 Mil e R a d i u s 0101 04 12 03 02 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 SWITCHGRASSCROSSING HORSETOOTH RD HARMONY RD S C O L L E G E A V E S C O L L E G E A V E DRAKE RD 01.WALMART 02.TARGET 03.KING SOOPERS 04.HOME DEPOT 05.HOBBY LOBBY 06.USPS 07.SAFEWAY 08.TRADER JOES 09.FOOTHILLS MALL 10.MOVIE THEATER 11.FORT COLLINS SENIOR CENTER 12.WALGREENS RTE X SWITCHGRASS CROSSING 3800 S MASON ST. FORT COLLINS, CO 80525 [Organization letterhead] January 20, 2025 Kathryn Grosscup Manager, Tax Credit Program Colorado Housing and Finance Authority 1981 Blake Street Denver, CO 80202 Dear Ms. Grosscup, I am writing in support of Volunteers of America’s (VOA) Switchgrass Crossing project, a to be built 45 unit affordable senior rental development located at 3800 S. Mason Street in Fort Collins, Colorado. [Statement about who you are (neighbor, agency) and how you are connected/ affected.] Affordable housing is a high-priority issue in our community. It is a topic that is generating significant conversation and local leaders are creating policies, goals and targets to try to address the lack of affordable options, including for older adults. While many local organizations are working to address these challenges, there is still a need to specifically focus on housing for older adults across a spectrum of incomes, from very low-income seniors on a fixed income to more moderate-income households who are not able to find appropriate options in the Fort Collins housing market. The 2021 City Housing Strategic Plan defined affordable housing in the 0-80% Area Median Income (AMI) range which in 2021 was housing for those with incomes up to $69,700. The City’s Housing Plan indicates it needs to build 282 affordable housing units per year from 2020 to 2040 to achieve its current affordability goal. VOA has an established presence in Fort Collins, providing both older adult housing and senior services. The two affordable housing properties are the Sanctuary Apartments and Cadence. VOA is responding to the need for additional quality older adult affordable housing in planning its next project, Switchgrass Crossing. With its excellent location in central Fort Collins, quality design and providing apartments to residents in the 30-60% AMI range it is a much needed community asset. [Pick one or all of the following topics that pertain to you and customize.] Housing for Older Adults RE: Market Study: Switchgrass Crossing Market Study, January 2025 According to the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults, “only 13% of older residents felt they had good access to affordable quality housing, while 62% had good access to affordable quality food; about 23% felt positively about the cost of living in the community. At least 1 in 10 older adults experienced problems related to basic necessities of daily living including having safe and affordable transportation, having housing to suit their needs or having enough food to eat.” This project will begin to address this expressed need for Fort Collins’ older adults. The demography section of the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs estimates there are 86,719 age 62+ in Larimer County. In the next 10 years the 62+ population is projected to grow by 21,279 people to 107,998 an increase of 25%. The lowest starting market rent for a one bedroom unit in early 2025 in Fort Collins is $2,175 per month. Switchgrass Crossing will offer new one bedroom units in the $650 to $1,600 range. VOA is poised to fill the contribute to the gap in development and operation of high quality senior housing in the community. The project will serve senior residents age 55+ and will likely house a range of older adults, from those who are younger and more active to seniors living with greater frailty whom will benefit from greater attention and more services. City Priority/Alignment with City Affordable Housing Goals RE: Housing Strategic Plan, 2021 Evidence from the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, the attached market study, and the support offered by community members, Housing Catalyst, and other members of the affordable housing community indicate that this senior project is in alignment with some of the most pressing housing needs in the Fort Collins community – deeply affordable senior housing as well as housing for more moderate income seniors, housing designed for the needs of an older adult population, senior housing with services that best meet the needs for residents aging in place and maintaining independence. Switchgrass Crossing will serve older adults with annual incomes ranging from 30% to 60% of area median income (AMI). For this AMI range in Larimer County, the project will provide one and two bedroom units to households with an income of $25,000 to $57,000. Approximately 22% of new apartments at this project will be available to very vulnerable households with incomes in the 30-40% AMI levels. Location/Mobility/Health Equity RE: Transportation Master Plan, 2019 This project is located in central Fort Collins at the intersection of two arterial streets and two transit lines. It’s location near the southwest corner of Horsetooth Road and South College Ave is ideal in proximity to amenities and services for this population. This bus line will easily connect residents to downtown Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Senior Center and the CSU Transit Center, which will allow residents to make transit connections throughout the city. Additionally, this transit proximity will help residents without a personal vehicle easily reach numerous locations. A shopping center 2 blocks away features a Safeway grocery and pharmacy, a coffee shop, and other retailers. The nearby Mason Trail can easily be accessed by short walk and is part of the Fort Collins system of linked trails and open spaces. Building Design RE: VOA Site Plan The building is designed in an “L” shaped structure, oriented north-south along South Mason Street. The main entrance is oriented for the ideal southern exposure and includes a drop off area and covered waiting area. On the fourth floor, the design includes a resident amenity with large windows with views to the west and south. Ground floor community spaces will include community gathering spaces for tables and chairs, lounge/living room areas with a large TV and on-site staff offices. VOA and its architect are drawing upon its significant amount of recent experience designing and building successful senior communities to create a new design that will support good livability for future residents. Services VOA, in alignment with its mission, always provides a level of on-site staffing that is more supportive than a typical apartment property manager. The project will include office space for an on-site Service Coordinator, a Community Administrator and a Maintenance Manager as appropriate to assist residents. VOA’s staff are oriented and trained to be focused on resident well-being and will connect individual residents to in- home or community-provided services, as well as creating a schedule of community activities. Staff will partner with community organizations to connect residents with activities, services, social networks and other benefits provided by these other organizations and leverage off of relationships built at the Sanctuary Future residents will have a direct connection to volunteering opportunities, in-home and group meals, grocery delivery, unit modifications, and caregiver respite services already coordinated and offered by VOA Colorado in Fort Collins. VOA will also assist residents in coordinating with other transportation providers as needed. Volunteers of America RE: www.voa.org and www.voacolorado.org VOA is 128-year old non-profit agency providing housing and services to seniors, people with disabilities, people leaving homelessness, and families. Its portfolio includes 20,000+ units in 400+ communities. The property will be managed by VOA who manages a significant portfolio of affordable housing throughout Colorado. VOA has retained consultants, designers, and construction professionals who have recent experience working with VOA on prior projects and based on their ability to deliver high quality housing. VOA considers itself a legacy owner and maintains a long-term presence in the communities where its housing is located. Each property’s development, underwriting, management, and maintenance is oriented toward preserving the value and quality of each property so that it can provide affordable housing opportunities for as long as possible. Additionally, VOA will elect to Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to provide an affordable housing covenant for 40 years, the maximum covenant offered. The need in our community for affordable housing is undeniable. In my opinion, the VOA Switchgrass Crossing development is the right solution, at the right location, managed by the right agency at the right time. I whole-heartedly support this project. Sincerely, Older American Month Awards May is Older American Month, a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults and caregivers in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have come together to celebrate Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to recognizing the contributions and achievements of older Americans. The Larimer County Office on Aging will host an awards ceremony, on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 honoring one outstanding senior volunteer and one outstanding family caregiver in our community, as part of the Answers on Aging Resource Fair at The Ranch. Due Date: All nomination forms must be turned in or postmarked by March 15th, 2025. Winners and those that nominated them will be notified by April 15th. Winners are encouraged to bring family and friends to the celebration on May 13th at The Ranch Events Complex (5280 Arena Cir, Loveland CO 80538). Please mail or email nomination information to: Nicole Limoges Larimer County Office on Aging 1501 Blue Spruce Drive Fort Collins, CO 80524 nlimoges@larimer.org Please take a moment to complete the following nomination form in honor of the senior volunteer and/or family caregiver for an older adult that you would like to recognize. This form can also be found and completed on our website: www.larimer.gov./seniors Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award (Stan Ulrich Senior Volunteer Award) Criteria: ● Age: The nominee is 60 years of age or older and lives in Larimer County. ● Advocacy: They advocate on behalf of seniors and/or senior issues. ● Volunteerism: The nominee graciously volunteers their time in the community with one or more organization. ● Positive Attitude: The nominee has a positive attitude and is genuinely warm and generous of spirit. ● Knowledge: They share their wisdom and knowledge with others. NOMINEE INFORMATION: Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: (_______)_________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Age: _________________ YOUR INFORMATION: Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: (_______)_________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Narrative to describe the nominee’s qualifications (in 500 words or less). Use the back of the form or attach a separate sheet. All nomination forms must be turned in or postmarked by March 15th, 2025 Outstanding Family Caregiver Award Criteria: ● Age: The family caregiver is caring for someone who is 60 years of age or older in the Larimer County community. ● Positive Attitude: They have a positive attitude and are genuinely warm and generous of spirit. ● Willing to receive help and support: They recognize their limits and are able to graciously receive help from others. ● Positive impact of care: The care given provides the highest quality of life possible for the person receiving care. NOMINEE INFORMATION: Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: (_______)_________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Age: _________________ YOUR INFORMATION: Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: (_______)_________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Narrative to describe the nominee’s qualifications (in 500 words or less). Use the back of the form or attach a separate sheet. All nomination forms must be turned in or postmarked by March 15th, 2025