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The Senior Published Locally Since 1980 January 2026 PLUS: History, Health, Recreation, Helpful Tips, and more! Becoming colorado THE CENTENNIAL STATE TURNS 150 THIS YEAR Becoming colorado THE CENTENNIAL STATE TURNS 150 THIS YEAR2 • The Senior Voice • January 2026 Published Locally Since 1980 Vol. 46, 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) 227-2722; email wolf@theseniorvoice.net or see www.theseniorvoice.net Wolfgang Lambdin Publisher and Advertising Director Fort Collins, Colorado (970) 227-2722 wolf@theseniorvoice.net 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) 227-2722 wolf@theseniorvoice.net wolf.lambdin@gmail.com www.theseniorvoice.net Design Production by Ellen Bryant Design ellenbryantdesign@gmail.com © Copyright 2026 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 By Mike Haskins This year marks Colorado’s 150th birthday as a state. As we look at her now, the beauty is unfaded. The blue in her sky colored eyes is as clear and bright as ever. Her height, fourteen thousand feet and more, remains undiminished. There is no stoop in her elegant posture. Colorado is an idea every bit as much as it is a place. I came to Colorado to live five and a half years ago. Yes, I am a newcomer. Perhaps I see Colorado as a beauty because I changed the course of my life to be here, leaving friends, family, and all things famil- iar behind. I came for an adventure of the heart. And while I may be new, I think I share something with the people who have been coming here since the very beginning. Long before it was called Col- orado, this land was home to the Ute, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Apache, and Comanche peoples, who lived, hunted, traded, and traveled across what would later be named the High Plains, the Front Range, and the Rockies. Their societies, cultures, and traditions are not a footnote to Colorado’s story. They are woven permanently into its fabric and color. It is not a story of happiness, fairness, or equity. But it is an Amer- ican story, and it is as complicated and nuanced as the names that fill its history. Names like Kit Carson. Carson knew this land deeply, and he knew its people. That knowl- edge made him valuable, and it also made him complicit in a future that would cost Indigenous communities their home. He spoke several Native languages and married Native wom- en. At times, he respected Native cultures and advocated for peace. He was also a soldier who participated in campaigns that forcibly removed Native peoples, particularly the Na- vajo during the Long Walk. Carson mattered in the transi- tion from wilderness to territory, as exploration gave way to settlement. He was a man of his time, caught be- tween loyalties, survival, and orders. Like most real history, his story re- sists simplicity. Chief Ouray was a leader of the Ute people, whose homeland cov- ered much of western and central Colorado. Long before Colorado became a state, it was already home. Ouray and his wife, Chipeta, led their people during a time when the land was being renamed, divided, and claimed at extraordinary speed. Ouray negotiated not because he be- lieved the promises he was offered, but because he understood the al- ternative. Chipeta stood beside him with clarity and dignity, advocating for her people long after treaties failed them. Their story reminds us that Colorado’s becoming was not only ambitious. It was costly. Perhaps the most obvious turn- ing point came in 1858. Green Russell had been a For- ty Niner in California’s gold rush. He knew what that experience was like. When he discovered gold at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte, present day Denver, ru- mor turned into something verifiable. The future was forever changed. The Pikes Peak Gold Rush was triggered. Headlines declared, Pikes Peak or Bust, even though most of the gold was not near Pikes Peak at all. By the tens of thousands, they came. Gold did not make Colorado rich. Gold made Colorado populated. As placer gold began to run out, miners moved upstream, then uphill, and eventually into the rock itself. With the discovery of silver ore, the equation shifted. More capital was needed. More labor. And perhaps most importantly, more permanence. Silver was not the rival of gold. It was its heir. At one point, Leadville, with its rich cache, was the second largest city in the state. Immense fortunes were made. Men like Horace Tabor arrived in Colorado as shopkeepers and became Silver Kings almost by accident. Tabor’s wealth built opera houses, fueled politics, and carried him into public office as lieutenant governor and, briefly, a United States senator. He helped convince a young state that it deserved grandeur. When silver collapsed, so did his fortune. What remains is the lesson Col- orado learned early. The land could give extravagantly, but it could also take just as fast. Colorado was not settled gently. It was dug into, blasted open, and argued over. Mining drew men and women who believed the earth itself The Colorado State Capitol circa 1910. The building was built using granite, marble, and onyx mined in Colorado. Image Library of Congress. Continued on next page. Becoming Colorado THE 38TH STATE TURNS 150 THIS YEAR Cover photo taken by Colora- do professional photographer and writer Dawn Wilson, who wrote "Colorado: Flora Fauna and Landscapes from the Perspective of Women." See her photos and exhibits at www. DawnWilsonPho- tography.com.January 2026 • The Senior Voice • 3 might change their lives. Sometimes it did. Often it did not. But it always changed the land, and the people who stayed. From Leadville to Cripple Creek, from nameless prospectors to silver kings, mining gave Colorado its first heartbeat. Everything else followed. With gold and silver driving it, Colorado began to matter nationally. Banks followed. Industry followed. And most importantly, railroads fol- lowed. They turned Colorado from frontier into infrastructure. A state must be reachable, not just romantic. William Gilpin, Colorado’s first territorial governor, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln, had a vision for what this place could be- come. He believed the Rockies were not a barrier, but the backbone of a nation moving west. He championed Colorado as a transportation hub and promoted the dusty, chaotic, and in- secure city of Denver as the territo- rial capital. During the Civil War, Gilpin raised troops without prior approval, believing the territory needed pro- tection. His actions stabilized Col- orado but cost him his position. He was removed as governor, publicly humiliated, and mocked for his be- lief in Colorado’s importance and destiny. Time proved him right. What Gilpin saw outlived his authority. On January 1, 1876, Colorado achieved statehood. Under President Ulysses S Grant, the Union became more balanced, and the nation cel- ebrated its Centennial by adding a new star to the flag, recognizing a place that had already proven it in- tended to stay. In researching this piece and learning so much along the way, something occurred to me. Colorado has always been a place where peo- ple come to discover, and to become. From trappers and fur traders, to those seeking fortune in the earth, to visionaries who saw what others could not, Colorado has been a gate- way to what comes next. I began by talking about my own arrival here as an adventure of the heart. In that, I found a small but meaningful connection. Coming to Colorado with little more than hope and a belief in beginning again is not new. It is a tradition that reaches back to the very start. Improbable. Doubted. A leap taken without guarantees. That is how this state came to be. And it is still becoming. Happy 150th birthday, Colo- rado. Your beauty and allure are matched only by your resilient his- tory, and your boundless potential. Colorized image of four men and a horse in the Bobtail Mine in Blackhawk Canyon, circa 1898. Image Library of Congress. Continued on from previous page. CHINOOK WIND APARTMENTS 6622 W. 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634 For more information on income requirements or to request a housing application, please call ASI: (800) 466-7722 Ext. 231 | tty/tdd (800) 627-3529 www.accessiblespace.org/chinook-winds-appartments An aff ordable, accessible senior apartment community for persons age 55 and better. AFFORDABLE • Heat, water, sewer, trash & snow removal included in rent • Section 8/Housing Choice vouchers welcome • Rent tiered to meet established income & rent thresholds • 1- & 2-bedroom apartments AMMENITIES • Therapeutic spa & exercise room • Library & computer room • Ample storage space • Patios & balconies • Numerous communal areas • Approved pets welcome! • Washer & dryer in all units • Concrete walking paths connected to Greeley trail system • Convenient location close to shopping, medical, and more!4 • The Senior Voice • January 2026 Money Talks MEDICARE CHECKUP: What to Review at the Start of the Year The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to review your Medi- care coverage and make sure it still fits your health needs and budget. Even if you didn’t make changes during Open Enrollment, taking a few minutes for a Medicare “check- up” can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re getting the most from your benefits. Start by reviewing your current coverage. Look closely at whether you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with a standalone Part D pre- scription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles cov- erage into one policy. Confirm that your plan is still active and that you understand what services are cov- ered, including hospital care, doctor visits, preventive screenings, and prescriptions. Next, examine your costs. Pre- miums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts can change at the start of the year. Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) if you received one, or check your plan’s updated summary of benefits. Pay special attention to prescrip- tion drug costs, as formularies—the list of covered medications—may change. Make sure your medica- tions are still covered and that your preferred pharmacy remains in-net- work. Provider networks are another key area to review. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your primary care doctor, spe- cialists, and nearby hospitals are still included in the network. Seeing an out-of-network provider can result in significantly higher costs or no coverage at all. It’s also a good time to confirm that your preventive benefits are up to date. Medicare covers many pre- ventive services at no cost, includ- ing annual wellness visits, flu shots, and certain screenings. Scheduling these early in the year can help catch potential health issues sooner rather than later. Finally, review any supple- mental coverage you have, such as Medigap, dental, vision, or hearing plans. Make sure these benefits align with your anticipated needs for the year ahead. If questions arise, consider con- tacting Medicare directly or speak- ing with a licensed insurance agent or local State Health Insurance As- sistance Program (SHIP) counselor. A brief annual checkup can bring peace of mind—and potentially save you money—throughout the year.January 2026 • The Senior Voice • 5 Food for Thought Rocking the Banana Boat By Ellen Bryant Many families have traditional components to their holiday meals, either cherished recipes, favorite dishes, or long standing prep re- sponsibilities. In my family, it’s a re- quirement to have my mom’s broc- coli salad, and my stepdad always makes the pies. This year, my hus- band sweetly asked if I would make banana pudding to add to the dessert spread. Banana pudding is special to him. It's a treat that his mom made each year until dementia made that task impossible. I was excited to try my hand at making something meaningful for him to enjoy at the holiday table. Talk about rocking the boat–we have never been a “banana pudding family” and people had their doubts! However, once that lovely pudding was served up in beautiful glass bowl, all of the skepticism was soon buried under the layers of creamy vanilla pudding and pillowy clouds of whipped cream. I'm proud to say that this was the first thing to disap- pear from the fridge when we tack- led leftovers. Since banana pudding isn't a particularly holiday-specific dessert, I think you could bring this out for any special gathering…or just on a Tuesday. It's cool, creamy, and not overly sweet. In a word: perfect. One hint: to prevent the banan‑ as from browning, look for bananas that are just barely ripe and make sure to seal the bananas in with the pudding and whipped cream in or‑ der to keep the air out and prevent oxidation Banana Pudding Ingredients: 1 box cook 'n' serve vanilla pudding 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold 4 oz cream cheese, softened ½ cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 3–4 barely ripe bananas, sliced Vanilla wafers Instructions 1. Make the pudding according to package directions and chill until completely set (best to do this the night before). 2. Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy. With the mixer running on low, slowly driz- zle in the heavy cream. Increase speed and whip until soft to medi- um peaks form. (The cream cheese stabilizes the whipped cream so it holds its shape.) 3. Once the pudding is completely set, gently fold half of the whipped cream mixture into the pudding un- til smooth and airy. (This lightens the texture of the pudding without making it runny.) Set the remaining whipped cream aside for topping. 4. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, bananas, and pudding. Re- peat until you’ve used up all the pudding. Finish with the reserved whipped cream. 5. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, so the wafers soften and fla- vors meld. Enjoy! The dessert that rocked the boat in the best way - with a scoop sampled. Tired of phone calls and letters offering to help with Medicare when they are really trying to sell you something? The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office for Northern Colorado is the only place staffed by Medicare experts who aren’t selling. We offer Medicare 101 classes, one-on-one counseling sessions, assistance during open enrollment and, new this year, a class on how to review your own Medicare options during open enrollment. Call 970.495.8558 for schedules and additional information. MEDICARE MADE EASY Follow The Senior Voice on Facebook for additional content and to comment, like, or share your favorite articles. Visit facebook.com/TheSeniorVoiceCO or scan the QR code to visit!6 • The Senior Voice • January 2026 970-290-9249 • Order online at: www.GoldCareCBD.com Use coupon code SENIORVOICE40 to save 40%! STIFF AT EVERY TURN? PROBLEM SALVED! Natural Agricultural Products Health & Wellness Healthy Habits After 55: Small Changes That Stick January often brings a renewed sense of motivation. The new year feels like a fresh start, and many people set New Year’s resolutions focused on health. After 55, howev- er, the most successful resolutions aren’t about dramatic makeovers— they’re about small, realistic chang- es that can truly stick. Rather than resolving to “get in shape,” start with movement that fits your life. Regular physical activity supports heart health, balance, and mobility, but it doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. Walking, swim- ming, light strength training, or even stretching while watching television all count. A resolution to move a lit- tle every day—just 10 to 15 minutes at a time—is far more sustainable than an ambitious plan that quickly becomes overwhelming. Consisten- cy, not intensity, is the key. Nutrition-based resolutions also benefit from a gentle approach. In- stead of cutting out favorite foods, try adding healthier options. A simple goal like including one ex- tra vegetable each day or choosing whole grains more often can im- prove digestion and energy levels over time. Hydration is another easy win. Thirst cues can become less no- ticeable with age, so keeping a water bottle nearby or setting a reminder can help make drinking enough wa- ter part of your daily routine. Sleep is often overlooked in New Year’s resolutions, yet it plays a vital role in physical and mental health. Changes in sleep patterns are common as we age, but small hab- its can make a big difference. Set- ting a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calming nighttime routine can all improve sleep quality. Even modest improvements can lead to better fo- cus, mood, and immune function. Many people resolve to “reduce stress” in the new year, but that goal can feel vague. Turning it into spe- cific, manageable habits makes it more achievable. Deep breathing for a few minutes each day, spending time outdoors, or practicing grati- tude can help calm the mind. Stay- ing socially connected is just as im- portant. Making a resolution to call a friend weekly, join a local group, or volunteer can support emotional well-being and provide a sense of purpose. Preventive care is another smart area for a January reset. The start of the year is an ideal time to schedule annual checkups, wellness visits, and recommended screenings. Stay- ing up to date on vaccinations and reviewing medications with your healthcare provider can help prevent problems before they start. These proactive steps may not feel excit- ing, but they are some of the most effective habits you can adopt. The most important part of any New Year’s resolution after 55 is giving yourself grace. Trying to change everything at once often leads to frustration and burnout. Choosing one small habit to focus on builds confidence and momen- tum. Once that habit feels natural, you can build on it. Healthy habits don’t require per- fection or dramatic change. By set- ting realistic New Year’s resolutions and focusing on small, achievable steps, you can create routines that support your health, independence, and quality of life all year long— and well beyond January.January 2026 • The Senior Voice • 7 WINDOW & SIDING SALE! We soar above your expectations! 33% OFF WINDOWS OR SIDING! CALL US FOR DETAILS First 10 Customers Only! NO Money Down NO Payments No Interest for 12 Months With approved credit • Replacement Windows • Patio Doors and Entry Doors • All Types of Siding • Soffi ts, Fascia, and Gutters www.windowsidingoutlet.com Call for a FREE windows and siding inspection! LOVELAND • 970-663-7433 3167 E Eisenhower Blvd CHEYENNE • 307-316-1020 1400 Dell Range Blvd Area History Old West Northern Colorado (Editor's note: Bill Lambdin wrote this story several years ago.) The forerunner of Greeley was Latham, one of the busiest stage- coach stations on the Overland Trail in Colorado in the 1860s. Latham was located just east of today’s Greeley on the east side of the South Platte River before it joins the Cache la Poudre River. In 1860, it was a home station on the Overland Stage Line serving thousands of Colorado gold seek- ers and emigrants headed to various parts of the West. It was named for early California politician Milton Latham, an advocate of the Over- land Trail. Huge freight wagons came through Latham carrying thousands of pounds each, pulled by six yoke of strong, lumbering oxen. The drivers obtained food for themselves and their animals, rested and maybe drank or gambled before continuing their long journey across the hot, dusty plains. Wagon trains and stagecoach passengers coming from the East enjoyed their first view of the Rocky Mountains as they approached Latham. Most came along the South Platte River trail from Julesburg. Many travelers went south from Latham to Denver and the gold fields in the mountains. Others went west to LaPorte (later Fort Collins) and north to Wyoming, California and other places. But many travelers who passed through Latham were headed back East after failing to strike it rich in the gold fields or being disillusioned by the hard life they found in the West. In fact, the Overland Trail here had nearly as many disappoint- ed travelers going East as it had opti- mistic emigrants headed West. Crossing the South Platte Riv- er could be dangerous because of quicksand. But usually Latham was a good crossing place, wide and shallow. From Latham, the trail west to LaPorte followed the Poudre River and went through what later became the town of Windsor. Some historians say Windsor’s present main street was built exactly on the Overland Trail. By 1870, railroads were replac- ing covered wagons and stagecoach- es. Greeley’s first permanent settlers arrived that year by train, avoiding the hardships earlier pioneers en- countered along the Overland Trail. Latham, like many places in the early West, faded away after the rail- road arrived. But for years, a small graveyard remained with a single headstone that said: “Only known buried here, Magdalena Simon, 1809-1861, and two infant sons. Several others unknown.” In 1927, some Greeley residents erected a marker that said: “Site of Latham Station at junction of Den- ver and California Overland Stage routes 1859-1870. Refuge from warring Indians. Camp of Colorado 100-day volunteers 1864. U.S. Post Office, store and school 1864-1870. County seat of Weld County, Colo- rado Territory 1865.” Though Latham is gone, it should be remembered as one of Colorado’s most important frontier stage stops. A wagon train in the 1800s. Photo Library of Congress.8 • The Senior Voice • January 2026 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 2026 • The Senior Voice • 9 COLORADO CROSSWORDS by Tony Donovan COLORADO CROSSWORDS are created by longtime Loveland residents Tony and Peggy Donovan . ACROSS 1 Louisville Slugger, for one 4 Apple computer 7 Part of a tennis match 10 School support group, briefly 13 Caviar 14 Tel Aviv native 16 Clumsy person 17 Ash container 18 Setting for a “tall and tan, young and lovely” girl 19 Native American tribe indigenous to the Rockies area 20 Greek portico 22 Selfish person’s mantra (2 wds.) 23 Larimer County water source, Long ____ Reservoir 24 One of the Collegiate Peaks in the Sawatch Range, Mount _____ 26 Nabisco treat 28 Largest continent by area and population 29 Original first name of New Zealand actress, “Lee Grant” 33 Helsinki is its capital 36 Chrysler models manufactured from 1928 to 1961. 37 _____ _____ _____ agent checked his involvement with the gang. 38 The very best 39 _____ Protection Program is designed to protect one’s identity 43 “_____ Kane” (Epic film of 1941) 46 “_____ _____ attended the rookie’s tryout.” 47 Small amount (2 wds.) 48 Wife of Zeus in Greek mythology 49 Brand found in the detergent aisle (2 wds.) 53 How you might be referred to by an Aussie 56 Complain constantly 58 Well-preserved Chafee County ghost town, St. ___ 59 Line on an employment application 60 Throws up 62 Asian cooking receptacle 63 British sailor of yore 64 County seat of Phillips County 65 Football Cardinals on a scoreboard 66 John Wesley Powell only had one when he navigated the Colorado River in 1869 67 Broncos Evan Engram jersey number 68 Southwest Florida International Airport, briefly 69 Basic cheer DOWN 1 Morgan County community east of Ft. Morgan 2 Largest blood vessel in the human body 3 Vocal range 4 1002 in Roma 5 Common pair reliever 6 Fresh water crustacean 7 As an archeologist, I have _____ _____ ruins on many occasions. 8 Common source of shade in many parks (2 wds.) 9 Coffee liqueur, _____ Maria 10 Dispense liquid 11 “ I’m off. See you later.” (2 wds.) 12 “_____ _____ Good Men” (Cruise vehicle?) 15 Santa _____ winds in California 21 Landeskog and MacKinnon are members 23 Police say “____ ____ ____ unlocked cars in winter.” 25 American Society of Anesthesiology, briefly 27 Skin care products brand 30 Page heading in a very small dictionary 31 Hemp product 32 The “A” in HOA 33 Youngun’ of the forest 34 English combining prefix indicating that which applies to an individual 35 Fish-catching tools of some cultures 40 Equal Opportunity Employer in a text 41 Pro with a scalpel 42 Take by surprise 43 _____ oil is often found in vapor rubs 44 Complaint of early users of Bengay ointment (2 wds.) 45 Part of a 3-word game 50 Bronco quarterback who won his final game 51 Dean Martin hit, “That’s _____” 52 National telecommunications firm of #33 across 53 _____ Hari 54 Jelly-like substance used to culture bacteria in a Petri dish 55 Time in office, as a governor or president 57 Dangerous road condition 60 Letter of the Greek alphabet 61 Use a needle and thread Fort Collins Breakfast Club 121 W. Monroe Dr. (970) 223-7193 Loveland Breakfast Club 1451 N. Boise Ave. (970) 461-1261 Greeley Breakfast Club 2109 9th St. (970) 573-5935 Breakfast/Brunch, Family/Kid Friendly, & Senior Specials! Thank you for voting us BEST Ft CollinsLovelandGreeley The PEACE OF MIND As oldest and largest non-profit hospice in northern Colorado, we’re here for you when it matters most. Larimer County: 970-633-3500 Weld County: 970-365-4090 Online: pathways-care.org 123456789101112 13141516 171819 20212223 24252627 2829303132 33343536 3738 39404142434445 4647 4849505152 535455565758 59606162 636465 66676869 1 B 2 A 3 T 4 M 5 A 6 C 7 S 8 E 9 T 10 P 1 1 T 12 A 13 R O E 14 I S R 15 A E L I 16 O A F 17 U R N 18 I P A N E M A 19 U T E 20 S T O 21 A 22 I W A N T 23 D R A W 24 H A R V 25 A R D 26 O R 27 E O 28 A S I A 29 L E O N 30 A 31 R 32 A 33 F 34 I 35 N L A N D 36 D E S O T O S 37 A D E A 38 T O P S 39 W I T N 40 E 41 S 42 S 43 C 44 I 45 T I Z E N 46 N O S C O U T 47 A T A D 48 H E R A 49 M R C L 50 E 51 A 52 N 53 M 54 A 55 T E 56 G R 57 I P E 58 E L M O 59 A G E 60 R E T C H E 61 S 62 W O K 63 T A R 64 H O L Y O K E 65 A R I 66 A R M 67 O N E 68 R S W 69 Y E ANext >