The autumn colors were at their peak last week as members of the Allenspark Lunch Bunch (ALB) traveled across the Peak to Peak Highway to join the Nederland Area Seniors (NAS) for lunch on Wednesday, September 27. By Thursday, September 28, NAS visited the ALB for a meal and an informative session.

Former NAS Director Serene Karplus coordinated carpool rides for nine members, and an afternoon of laughs, sightseeing, and a tasty treat at the Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center ensued.

After a warm welcome and thanks from Serene Karplus and Cindy Rockett of ALB, the group shared conversations while enjoying lunch. As lunch ended, special speaker Kevin Mullin MNM, CFRE, President of the Estes Park Health Foundation, shared a bit of wit and information about the care available.

Estes Park Health acknowledges the need for senior care, including rides, that many mountain residents struggle with. Luckily for those in Allenspark, Estes Park is a closer drive than heading down to Boulder or Longmont.

As both a private and public facility, Estes Park Health offers primary care and specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery, ophthalmology, neurology, dermatology, and pediatric care.

Estes Park Health is a 24/7 emergency room and urgent care facility, believing no one, especially seniors, should have second-class care and amenities. Much of the information shared addressed the senior population of Allenspark. It is to be noted that all are welcome at Estes Park Health.

Rockett also shared information about the upcoming Resource Fair on Thursday, October 12. The fair will be a place to find answers regarding senior services. Topics covered will include finance programs, housing and human services, veteran services, and legal matters.

Among many representatives during the Resource Fair will be the OUR Center and TRU Pace, the Community Cupboard Food Bank, and the ALB program. Though the fair is free, you must call for a lunch reservation by Friday, October 6, if you’d like to enjoy the Allenspark Lunch Bunch for a meal before the fair.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, both senior groups would meet often, a tradition they hope to revive as things have changed since 2020. Some seniors head out for the winter, but many remain in the mountains, making both senior programs a great way of socializing, finding resources, and sharing a healthy meal.

The Allenspark Resource Fair will be on Thursday, October 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center on 1306 Business Highway 7, Allenspark.

To sign up for a meal with the Allenspark Lunch Bunch on Thursday, October 12, call Cindy Rocket at 303-747-0556.

To learn more about Nederland Area Seniors please visit https:// mountainpeaklife.org/.