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The Senior Published Locally Since 1980 January 2025 JOHN DENVER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH2 • The Senior Voice • January 2025 Published Locally Since 1980 Vol. 45, No. 1 PUBLICATION INFORMATION The Senior Voice is locally owned and has been published the first of each month since 1980 for residents in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland and nearby areas. ADVERTISING Ad deadline is 20th of month. For rates, call 970-229-9204; email wolf@theseniorvoice.net or see www.theseniorvoice.net Wolfgang Lambdin Publisher and Advertising Director Fort Collins, Colorado (970) 229-9204 wolf.lambdin@gmail.com EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Announcements and stories must be received by the 10th of the month; ads by the 20th of the month. READER INFORMATION: Subscriptions $52 a year. Writers' opinions are not necessarily those of The Senior Voice. EDITORIAL OFFICE: (970) 229-9204 wolf.lambdin@gmail.com www.theseniorvoice.net Design Production by Ellen Bryant Design ellen@ellenbryantdesign.com © Copyright 2025 The Senior Voice No material may be reproduced by any means without permission of the Senior Voice. William and Peggy Lambdin Founders, 1980 Online at www.theseniorvoice.net JOHN DENVER Singer John Denver was one of Colorado’s most famous people in our time, and many Senior Voice readers remember him. His actual name was Henry John Deutschendorf, but he changed it to John Denver. He was born in 1943. At age 11, Denver received a guitar from his grandmother. He learned to play it well enough to per- form at local clubs by the time he was in college. His first major break in the mu- sic industry came when he was cho- sen from 250 other hopefuls as lead singer for the popular Mitchell Trio. Two years and three albums later, Denver had honed his vocal talent and developed his own songwriting style. He gained recognition when his song “Leaving on a Jet Plane” was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, becoming their first and only number one hit. As the Mitchell Trio disband- ed, Denver was climbing up the pop charts as a solo act with songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Sun- shine on My Shoulders.” After appearing as a guest on many shows, Denver hosted his own variety and music specials, includ- ing several concerts from Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. His seasonal special Rocky Mountain Christmas, was watched by more than 60 million people and was the highest-rated show for the ABC net- work at that time. In 1967 Denver married Annie Martell of St. Peter, Minnesota. She was the subject of his song "Annie's Song," which he composed in ten minutes as he sat on a Colorado ski lift. After the success of "Rocky Mountain High,” inspired by a camping trip with Annie and some friends, Denver bought a residence in Aspen, Colorado. In 1974, he was named poet laureate of the state. In the mid-1970s, Denver be- came outspoken in politics. In 1976, he campaigned for Jimmy Carter, who became a close friend and ally. Denver was a supporter of a number of charitable causes for the environ- mental movement, the homeless, and the poor. From 1973 to at least 1979, Den- ver annually performed at the fund- raising picnic for the Aspen Camp School for the Deaf, raising half of the camp's annual operating budget. During the Aspen Valley Hospital's $1.7 million capital campaign in 1979, Denver was the largest single donor. In 1983 and 1984, Denver host- ed the annual Grammy Awards. In the finale, he was joined on stage by folk music legend Joan Baez, with whom Denver led an all-star version of "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Let the Sunshine In. Due to his love of flying, Denver was attracted to NASA and became dedicated to America's work in outer space. He conscientiously worked to help bring into being the Citizens in Space program. In 1985, Denver received the NASA Exceptional Public Ser- vice Medal for "helping to increase awareness of space exploration by the peoples of the world," an award John Denver in 1973. Photo Wikimedia Commons. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH usually restricted to spaceflight engi- neers and designers. . Denver's love of flying was second only to his love of music.He was a pilot with over 2,700 hours of experience. He bought a Learjet to fly himself to concerts and was a col- lector of aircrafts, including vintage biplanes, a Christen Eagle aerobatic plane, and two Cessna 210 Centurion airplanes. Sadly, Denver was killed while flying a 1997 amateur-built Rutan Long-EZ which crashed into Monterey Bay after he was unable to switch to a backup fuel tank. He was 53. John Denver was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996. The Colorado state legislature adopted "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs in 2007, and West Virginia did the same for "Take Me Home, Country Roads" in 2014.January 2025 • The Senior Voice • 3 As the US population ages, one of the most significant concerns among older adults is the looming threat of cognitive decline and Dementia. For many, the fear of losing mental sharp- ness and independence is even more daunting than physical frailty. Ac- cording to a 2023 survey by the Na- tional Council on Aging, over 60% of adults cited memory loss or cognitive decline as their top concern about ag- ing. But Fit-Rx founder, Kirk Bemis, believes societal attitudes toward brain health are shifting, and he aims to be at the forefront of this move- ment by combining high tech equip- ment and innovative programming to help combat this fear head-on. Fit-Rx (a Fort Collins based business) origi- nally opened in November 2022, and has built a reputation for providing top-notch personal training services for the 50+ community. Bemis states, “Our facility is the first of its kind in Colorado to offer such a high level of equipment, pro- gramming and expertise in a personal training environment. We specifically cater to healthy mature adults, as well as those with joint problems, adap- tive needs and chronic neuromuscu- Local Business Expands To Address The Top Concern About Aging lar conditions. We are now ready to expand our offering, providing this same level of attention to cognitive health in a fun, challenging, group setting”. Their soon to be redesigned space will offer interactive balance training, virtual-reality-enhanced agility train- ing, and cognitive games that chal- lenge reflexes, memory, problem-solv- ing, and executive function while exercising. According to Bemis, the aim is to provide a holistic approach to fitness that addresses the critical connection between body and mind, and he cites recent research showing that combining physical activity with cognitive challenges can enhance neu- roplasticity, reducing the risk of falls and cognitive decline. Fit-Rx’s programs will be tailored to a variety of age groups, with class- es specifically designed for seniors, middle-aged adults, athletes, and even younger learners. “Traditional fitness focuses on strength and endurance, but we’ve come to understand that maintaining balance, agility, power, and cognitive function are even more important for aging well. Our facility is about ensur- ing our members are not only strong, but agile, sharp and steady on their feet.” Among the standout features is the Neuro-Balance Circuit, where participants engage in exercises like dual-task walking, balancing on dy- namic surfaces, and solving puzzles. A dedicated team of trainers will oversee these programs, ensuring members are safely guided through exercises. Local resident, Kate Elliott, was among the first to try the equipment soon to be offered at -Fit-Rx. “It’s a game-changer,” Elliott said. “I’ve al- ways been active, both physically and mentally, but this will help me feel more confident in my movements and sharp in my thinking. Plus, it’s fun!” Fit-Rx plans to host several small gatherings to showcase the new facil- ity. Attendees will have the chance to try equipment, participate in sample classes, and hear from wellness experts on the science behind cognitive-mo- tor training. To schedule a time to visit, guests may call 970-803-2710 or schedule online at www.fit-rx. net/braingym As Bemis puts it, “We’re not just building stronger bodies; we’re help- ing our community build stronger minds.”4 • The Senior Voice • January 2025 ©2024 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING is a registered trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. *Services may vary by location. brookdale.com 0724_SVN_DEN SETTLE IN WITH A WARM WELCOME Remember, lunch is on us! To join us or schedule a tour, call (866) 302-9609 . Service Lines* Independent Living | Assisted Living | Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care | Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Enjoy beautiful surroundings at a Brookdale community in your area. Our many convenient locations make it easy for friends and family to visit — and we’ll welcome them as warmly as we welcome you. Take a tour and meet our friendly residents and staff . We’ll even provide a delicious lunch for you while you’re here! Choose from the many Brookdale communities located in and around your area. • Pet-friendly communities welcome your four-legged friends • A variety of ways to connect, from art and fi tness classes to book clubs and happy hours • Personal care plans tailored to your individual needs • Several fl oor plan options to meet your personal style and budgetJanuary 2025 • The Senior Voice • 5 Smile with Confidence Again FREE Consultation and CT Scan ($425 value) Full mouth dental implants •New smile in one day •One doctor, one location •No impressions and same day 3d printing •Interest free and fl exible payment plans Trusted, Local Dental Implant Expert for 30 Years. Schedule a FREE Consultation Today! (970) 669-3918 | AdvancedImplantSmiles.com | 2641 Abarr Drive, Loveland BEFOREAFTER COLORADO OUTLAW BUTCH CASSIDY By Bill Lambdin Ann Bassett knew outlaw Butch Cassidy in the late 1800s when he was a young man working on her par- ents' ranch in northwestern Colorado. Located in the vast canyon lands near what is now Dinosaur National Monument, the area was one of the last strongholds of the Old West— isolated and unsettled long after pio- neers had come to other areas. She remembered the time Cas- sidy rode in a local horse race: "When the thoroughbred geld- ing appeared on the track, he was ridden by a slender, brown-haired young fellow of about 19 years...He rode the Brown's Park horse to a glo- rious victory...He told us his name was Ed Cassidy. Later he became known as 'Butch' Cassidy, outlaw." Ann's family and the other ranchers knew Cassidy before and after he became an outlaw. Some- times he returned to Brown's Park when he was wanted by the law, but they were not the sort of people who would turn on someone they had once known to be a decent person. "Cassidy had not harmed nor otherwise bothered the people of our neighborhood...We had no excuse for his 'profession,' but we knew that his life was an unfortunate one, a hard, unhappy existence... “He was always well mannered. I never saw Butch Cassidy drunk or wearing a gun…I have no person- al knowledge of any of his deeds of outlawry, but I do know that he never lived in the Park after he was wanted by the law. Occasionally he came that way, stopping for a meal or overnight at different ranches.” Ann wrote her remembrances of Cassidy for the Colorado Historical Society years later, before she died in 1956 at age 78. She wrote part- ly to contradict a popular view that Brown's Park was nothing but out- law country and an ugly wasteland. She loved ranch life there and said: "I knew several of the so-called bad men. Some of them were bad... They were not welcome. "Men like Cassidy...were de- cidedly not of this type...He never robbed anyone in the Park. He ap- peared there only when of necessity, passing from Utah to Wyoming. "This is what I personally know of the notorious Butch Cassidy, whose exploits are a favorite topic of all the old liars, young liars and damn liars in the northwest, south- west, and as far away as South America, some of whom claimed to have killed him or to have seen him die. If anyone knows how Butch Cassidy met death, be sure they have never told." Ann Bassett married and lived in other places part of her life. But her love of a vast, Western landscape where wild horses roamed and her spirit felt free always brought her back to Brown's Park.. Cassidy is seated on the far right.6 • The Senior Voice • January 2025 Schedule a tour today. Call (855) 332-9532. the POSSIBILITIES SAY HELLO to Once you explore our independent or assisted living options, you’ll find one that feels like home. At the Good Samaritan Society, our residents enjoy fulfilling, worry-free lifestyles where they can connect with others in a caring community. Find customized services and comforts for yourself or your loved one in a place where friendly neighbors and supportive staff redefine what home feels like. Senior living options available now The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (the Society) and Owner comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, familial status, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status or other protected statuses except as permitted by applicable law, in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities, and in staff and employee assignments to individuals, whether carried out by the Society directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which the Society arranges to carry out its programs and activities. All faiths or beliefs are welcome. © 2024 The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. All rights reserved. 253-758-760 7/24January 2025 • The Senior Voice • 7 Providing the Ultimate Care in Dermatology General and Cosmetic-Enhancing Dermatology Mohs Surgery (970) 667-3116 • IdealDermatology.com Fort Collins • Loveland • Windsor • Sterling • Boulder Dermatology Kevin Mott, M.D. David Seitz, PA-C Kathryn L. Olsen, PA-C Meredith Williams, PA-C Nichole Hart, MSN, FNP-BC Michaela Sullivan, PA-C Heating and Cooling for Your Comfort Terry Wolfgang, Owner LICENSED & INSURED 970.502.1541 www.qualityresidentialhvac.com OVER 55? EMBRACE THE BENEFITS OF WALKING By Senior Voice Staff As we age, staying active be- comes increasingly important for maintaining our health and inde- pendence. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise, offering benefits for both physical and mental health. For those over 55, walking is an acces- sible, low-impact activity that can greatly enhance quality of life. Physical Health Benefits 1.Improves Cardiovascular Health Walking regularly helps strengthen the heart and improve cir- culation. According to the American Heart Association, just 30 minutes of brisk walking a day can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It helps regulate blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and en- hance overall cardiovascular fitness. 2.Supports Joint Health and Bone Strength Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, meaning it helps maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also keeps joints flexible, which can alleviate symp- toms of arthritis. Unlike high-impact activities, walking is gentle on the knees and hips, making it an ideal exercise for aging bodies. 3.Aids in Weight Management As metabolism slows with age, maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging. Walking burns calories, supports a healthy metabolism, and can prevent weight gain. Regular walks, combined with a balanced diet, can help manage weight effec- tively. 4.Boosts Immune Function Research has shown that moder- ate exercise, like walking, enhances immune response. A daily walk can reduce the risk of common illnesses such as colds and flu, which is espe- cially important for older adults. 5.Enhances Balance and Reduces Fall Risk Walking improves muscle strength and coordination, which are crucial for maintaining balance. This can significantly lower the risk of falls—a major concern for people over 55. Mental Health Benefits 1.Reduces Stress and Anxiety Walking outdoors, particularly in nature, can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. It provides a calming effect and helps manage anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being. 2.Improves Mood and Combats Depression Physical activity releases en- dorphins, the body’s natural “feel- good” chemicals. Walking regularly can alleviate symptoms of depres- sion and improve overall mood. For older adults, it’s also an opportuni- ty to connect with others, reducing feelings of loneliness. 3.Boosts Cognitive Function Studies have shown that walk- ing can enhance brain health by im- proving blood flow and stimulating the growth of new brain cells. Regu- lar walking is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. 4.Enhances Sleep Quality Many adults over 55 struggle with sleep disturbances. Walking can help regulate your body’s in- ternal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Getting Started Walking is easy to incorpo- rate into daily life. Start with short, comfortable distances and gradually increase intensity and duration. In- vest in a supportive pair of walking shoes and find a routine that works for you. Joining a walking group can add a social element and provide ex- tra motivation. Walking is a powerful tool for maintaining health and happiness as you age. With benefits for both the body and mind, it’s never too late to start reaping the rewards of this sim- ple yet effective activity. Take the first step today—you’ll thank your- self tomorrow.8 • The Senior Voice • January 2025 GLOBAL VILLAGE MUSEUM JANUARY EVENTS COLONOSCOPY BILLING SURPRISE Jan. 16: Behind the Bars: The Stories of Inmate Artists Clint Burkholder, Larimer Coun- ty Programs Specialist, will share the narratives of prisoners who partici- pate in the Larimer County Jail Art Project. The Art Project is a group of inmates who come together to draw, paint, and create artwork. The program is free, and donations will be accepted to help buy supplies and materials for the Art Project. www.globalvillagemuseum.org/ product/behind-the-bars-the-stories- of-inmate-artists/ Jan. 18: Hassle-Free Travel to Estes Park Festival With round-trip travel from Fort Collins, participants can explore and enjoy the Estes Park First Peoples Festival without the hassles of driv- ing and parking. The indoor festival at the Estes Park Events Complex celebrates the deep traditions and contemporary expressions of Native peoples across the country. www.globalvillagemuseum.org/ product/hassle-free-travel-to-estes- park-festival/ Jan. 23: Antarctica: Magical Ice and Majestic Beauty Laura Gerwin, who worked for the U.S. Antarctic Program and lived in Antarctica for over two years, will detail the continent's unique wildlife, spectacular landscapes, fascinating history, and groundbreaking scientif- ic research. www.globalvillagemuse- um.org/product/antarctica-magi- cal-ice-and-majestic-beauty/ The Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or- ganization. Our mission is to foster and celebrate international connections between Northern Colorado and the world through exhibits of folk art, fine arts, and artifacts from around the globe; and to provide interna- tional resources and educational op- portunities. By KFF Health News Tom Contos is an avid runner. When he started experiencing rectal bleeding in March, he thought exer- cise could be the cause and tried to ignore it. But he became increasingly worried when the bleeding continued for weeks. Contos contacted his physician who referred him for a diagnostic colonoscopy, at least partly because Contos, 45, has a family history of colon issues. Northwestern Memorial Hospital asked him to prepay $1,000 out-of- pocket, and he underwent the proce- dure in June. Then the bill came. The hospital charged a total of $19,206 for the procedure, including physician fees. The insurer negotiated the price to $5,816 and paid $1,979, leaving a patient share of $4,047. (It wasn’t clear why the payments added up to slightly more than the negoti- ated price.) After Contos had paid $1,000 up front, plus $1,381 right af- ter the procedure, the hospital said he still owed $1,666. Contos was shocked and angry when he received his itemized bill. “I said, ‘I don’t understand this.’ Then I started to research the cost.” He asked the hospital what it charges for a diagnostic colonoscopy and was told he’d been sent a cost es- timate through his online patient por- tal prior to the procedure. The estimate, which took his deductible of $3,200 into account, listed a total price of $7,203, with an out-of-pocket bill of $2,381. He asked Northwestern why the charges were nearly three times the estimate and why his out-of-pocket share was nearly twice as high. One big reason was revealed in an explanation of benefits (EOB) state- ment from Contos’ insurance compa- ny, Aetna: Northwestern had charged for two colonoscopies, at $5,466 each. And there were two fees for the gas- troenterologist — $1,535 and $1,291. The first procedure was listed as “colonoscopy and biopsy,” while the second was listed as “colonoscopy w/ lesion removal.” Aetna’s negotiated member rate reduced the first $5,466 hospital charge to $3,425, while the charge for the second procedure was lowered to $1,787 — $1,638 less. Neither the bill nor the EOB ex- plained why there was a second pro- cedure listed, at a reduced price. After examining Contos’ bill, Glenn Littenberg, a physician who recently chaired the reimbursement committee of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.said it’s standard for providers to bill for two colonoscopies if they remove two or more polyps in different ways, because of the extra work. As in this case, hospitals typically use a mod- ifier code that reduces the amount charged for the second billed colo- noscopy so they charge only for the extra work, he added. Even with that reduction, Litten- berg said, he thought Contos’ total out-of-pocket cost of $4,047 was “a lot, though not rare for large academ- ic centers.” Contos’ insurance documents show Aetna’s negotiated rate for his colonoscopy at Northwestern was more than twice the insurer’s median negotiated rate for the same proce- dure at other Chicago-area hospitals, according to Forrest Xiao, director of quantitative research at Turquoise Health, a company that gathers health care price data. In exchanges with Northwestern and Aetna representatives, Contos asked why he was charged for two colonoscopies. A Northwestern rep- resentative said that because of the modifier code, he wasn’t actually be- ing billed for two procedures, which Contos found bewildering. “I told Northwestern, ‘I’m not paying that, and I don’t care if you send me to collections,’” he said. He filed appeals with the hospital and Aetna but was ultimately told the bill- ing was correct. To get a colonoscopy at a lower price, Littenberg said, patients should consider going to a freestanding en- doscopy center or ambulatory surgery center not associated with a hospital. A 2023 study found that ambulatory surgery centers billed insurers an av- erage of about $1,030 for a colonos- copy with biopsy or with removal of a polyp, compared with $1,760 at a hospital. To get a sense of how much a diagnostic colonoscopy could cost, patients can consult a hospital’s price website and an insurer’s cost-estima- tor website, both required by federal price transparency rules. Patients also can look up a good- faith estimate of the cash price, which can be lower than the price for pa- tients using insurance to pay for a procedure. In addition, they can check prices through websites such as Tur- quoise Health and Fair Health, which draw from federal price transparency data or claims data from insurers.January 2025 • The Senior Voice • 9 WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT CAR LOAN DEFERMENTS By ProPublica Have you taken out a car loan and struggled to pay it back? Your lender might have given you the option to move payments to a later date, also known as a “deferment” or “extension.” But lenders aren’t always up front about how much these deferments will cost you in the long run. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about car loan deferments. What is a car loan deferment? A car loan deferment is when a lender allows you to postpone one or more payments to a later date. Some borrowers said they chose to defer car payments when they faced unex- pected expenses, like an illness, hur- ricane or death in the family. Others simply couldn’t afford their loans. Not all lenders allow you to de- fer payments, and different lenders have different rules. Ask your lender what its specific deferment policies are. Get them in writing if you can. What’s the difference between a deferment and an extension? There is no difference. In fact, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal watchdog agen- cy, uses the terms interchangeably. “Deferment,” “deferral” and “ex- tension” all mean basically the same thing: You’re pushing one or more loan payments to a later date. Who decides if I can defer a car payment? It’s important to remember that the company selling you the car is often different from the company that will be collecting the payments. In fact, several experts told us that if you decide to take out a loan, you’re under no obligation to choose fi- nancing at the dealership, even if you buy the car there. If you’re making monthly car payments, there’s a good chance the dealer “assigned” the contract to an auto lender after you signed on the dotted line. The lender is the entity you’re now paying back — and the one that might grant you a deferment. Will deferred car payments cost me money? Deferments can cost you more money in the long run, but the ex- act amount is not always obvious to borrowers. As mentioned above, deferments provide a temporary break from monthly payments. But if interest continues to accrue during that reprieve, you will end up paying higher interest charges and then ow- ing more in a lump sum at the end. Should I take a deferment? Consumer finance experts told us it depends on several factors. Overall, you should think about it in terms of your broader financial health. “It’s tempting to just say, ‘Oh yeah, let’s just add it to the end,’” said John Van Alst, director of the National Consumer Law Center’s Working Cars for Working Families project. But “if the numbers weren’t working before—unless something’s changed—there’s a real chance the numbers aren’t going to work as you continue to go forward.” What questions should I ask be- fore taking a deferment? If you’re considering deferring a car payment, experts say you need to get as much information about the cost as possible. Pamela Foohey, a University of Georgia law professor who stud- ies subprime lending, said lenders would ideally give borrowers a table explaining what they will owe each month until the end of the loan. She said the table should lay out “exact- ly what is going to be paid, broken down by principal and interest.” Foohey recommended asking for: •Your new loan maturity date. •An explanation of any fees or penalties. •Any changes to your monthly payment amount. •A breakdown of what will be going to principal versus inter- est for all future payments. Get familiar with your other fi- nancial obligations. Ask yourself: Will I have to skimp on necessities to stay in the car? Is the deferment to cure a one-off problem, or am I postponing payment because the car wasn’t affordable in the first place? Know what your expenses are and whether or not an extension is nec- essary. Maybe you’re able to make some adjustments in other parts of your budget, where you don’t have to get this extension.Next >