PAFC News & Updates

   Thanks and gratitude to our Mission and Newsletter Sponsor

The Gallery at Fort Collins is our Mission Sponsor and our Newsletter Sponsor. The Gallery is deeply committed to fostering a thriving and connected community for older adults - just like we are.

Their sponsorship helps us continue providing meaningful programs, services, and resources that enrich lives and promote independence for older adults. Thank you, The Gallery at Fort Collins, for supporting our mission!

Learn more about The Gallery at Fort Collins   

GRACEFUL AGING

A monthly essay series where local seniors share their experiences and insights

In Memory of Kirsten Hartman by Bonnie Shetler

I recently lost a good friend, colleague, teammate. A week ago on a Wednesday Kirsten and I were sitting next to each other at our monthly women’s gathering, sharing thoughts on the current state of national affairs. The next day she suffered a brain aneurism and was airlifted to Anschutz Medical Center. After a few hope-raising rallies, she died during the early hours of the following Tuesday.

I have experienced several personal losses in the past few months and Kirsten’s death has finally given me pause to consider how much I take meaningful relationships for granted until they are gone. The empty hole she leaves behind is so much bigger than I would have imagined had I taken time to consider. I didn’t take time to consider since I have 4 years on her and she was was a healthy and strong presence in so many of our lives.

I first met Kirsten sometime in the mid 1990’s when she moved to Fort Collins and was starting her own private practice as a care manager. I had my own counseling practice which focused on issues of late life. We both had joined a group of like-minded professionals--The ElderCare Network--with the common goal of educating the community about challenges and resources related to aging. It was a very active, committed group and Kirsten, of course, dove right in and quickly became a leader in creating opportunities for local families to learn about caregiving.

Continue reading about Kirsten here

Meet our new Executive Director

PAFC is pleased to welcome Kristy Wygmans as its new Executive Director. Kristy brings more than a decade of experience in aging, health, and community systems, along with a strong track record of aligning partners, securing resources, and turning community priorities into meaningful outcomes.

Kristy began her work in aging with the Foundation on Aging for Larimer County (which became the Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities), supporting programs focused on health access, financial stability, and social connection. She later expanded her impact through roles in hospice care, higher education, and regional initiatives, strengthening collaboration and systems of support across the community.

Known for her relationship-driven approach, Kristy has worked across nonprofit, healthcare, government, and business sectors to improve quality of life and promote dignity and independence as people age. A longtime Fort Collins community leader, she is deeply committed to advancing a more connected, supportive, and livable Larimer County, and looks forward to building on PAFC’s strong foundation in partnership with the community.

Kristy can be reached at ed@pafclarimer.org.

Intergenerational Game Night on April 1st

PAFC recently co-sponsored Intergenerational (Board) Game Night hosted by CSU’s Healthy Aging Club (formerly Gerontology Club). Columbine Health Systems CSU Center for Healthy Aging graciously allowed us to use their beautiful facility.

Participants included 40 community members aged 18-87 years old.

Around Town with Tech Buddies

Our Tech Buddies program is getting all around Larimer County. We are growing our team to meet the demand for tech assistance. If you'd like to join our group that's improving lives for older adults, contact Cheryl at info@pafclarimer.org.

‍ NO COST EVENTS

April, 2026 Creating a livable Larimer County

Read entire Newsletter here. ‍ ‍