Mrs. Wyoming 2013 Visits Holly Creek Retirement Community

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Art Walk at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial, one of the many events they have going on during their "Summer Open House" series.

Imagine my surprise when I came across Mrs. Wyoming 2013, Atana Velasquez! Well, of course I had to get my picture taken with her.

Mrs. Wyoming is related to Donna Nelson, one of the stellar staffers at Holly Creek. - Jim

I also want to point out that Holly Creek offers a non-stop series of activities and presentations nearly every single day, designed to enlighten, inform, and entertain seniors. And you don't have to be a resident to attend.

If you're an area senior or the caregiver of one, feel free to stop by and take in the events and educational lectures at any time. Here's a list of their past events in July of 2013 alone.

Art Walk

Evergreen, Colorado House for Sale: 203 Sioux Trail, Evergreen, CO 80439

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South Denver Senior Citizen Discounts

No matter our age, we all love a discount, right? Of course, as we reach baby boomer status at 50 or 55 and then senior citizen status at 65, restaurants and businesses of all sorts across South Denver and the country begin to offer us special discounts based on our age.

Regardless of whether or not we "need" the discount economically, it's still fun to receive it.

So, I thought I'd scan the Internet and come up with a list of businesses that provide boomer or senior citizen discounts to their customers. From Englewood to Aurora to Evergreen to Denver, get ready to save some dollars! - Jim

Disclaimer: I culled most of these from the Internet and businesses regularly change their perks, so be sure to ask about and confirm the discount when you place your order.

Considering Buying or Selling a Home in South Denver? Contact Jim Holmes for a No-Obligation Analysis

Restaurant Discounts

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)

Arby’s: 10% off (55+)

Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)

Bennigan’s: discount varies by location (60+)

Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)

Boston Market: 10% off (65+)

Burger King: 10% off (60+)

Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)

Chili’s: 10% off (55+)

CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)

Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)

Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)

Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)

Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)

Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)

Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)

IHOP: 10% off (55+)

Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)

KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)

Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)

Long John Silver’s: various discounts at locations (55+)

McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)

Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)

Shoney’s: 10% off

Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)

Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)

Subway: 10% off (60+)

Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)

Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)

TCBY: 10% off (55+)

Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)

Village Inn: 10% off (60+)

Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)

Wendy’s: 10% off (55+) White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail and Apparel

Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)

Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)

Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)

Big Lots: 10% off

Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)

C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)

Clarks: 10% off (62+)

Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)

Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)

Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)

Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)

Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off

Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions

Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)

The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)

Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

Evergreen Home for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439

Aurora, Colorado: Villas at Cherry Creek Neighborhood Wine Tasting Event and Open House

This Wednesday, July 24, 2013 please feel free to attend (and invite any friends to) my Neighborhood Wine Tasting and Open House from 4:30 to 7pm at the Villas at Cherry Creek in Aurora.

This great neighborhood with many amenities is a perfect, gated community and within just a few steps of Cherry Creek State Park.

The wine tasting event will take place at a home we are featuring for sale at  5031 S. Auckland Court.

See Photos & Take a Video Tour Here of 5031 S. Auckland Court Aurora, CO 80015

This low maintenance, ranch style home has a finished, garden level basement and:

• Large Master Suite
• 2 Large Bedrooms on Lower Level with Full Bath
• Exquisite Finishing Touches
• Lots of Storage
• 3,670 Finished Square Feet

When arriving at the gated community, simply enter “Rider” as the resident gate code for access.

I'll look forward to seeing you there for a great glass of wine, conversation, and tour of a beautiful home. - Jim

Colorado and Denver Front Range Back Country Horsemen Association Information

Horses and Colorado just go hand-in-hand!

I've had the pleasure and pure enjoyment of owning horses most of my life. My first horse - at the age of 13 - began a lifelong relationship with those beautiful animals and the nature in which they thrive.

Ready to Buy or Sell a Home Along the Denver Front Range? Contact Me for a No-Obligation Analysis

Today, I'm a strong proponent of maintaining the horse culture in Colorado and ensuring that the riding trails in our area, and all across the state, remain passable for the enjoyment of all, and that the excitement of an afternoon atop a horse and in the mountains remains a reality for future generations.

In addition to hitting the trails as often as I can, I'm proud to be a member of the Back Country Horsemen of America, a national volunteer organization that works to perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America and Colorado's back country.

Additionally, there are 11 local chapters of this national group in Colorado, so I wanted to utilize this blog post to help spread the word about these excellent groups. If you live in Colorado, love horses, and enjoy riding the back trails of our great state, I hope you'll investigate what being a member of our horse-loving groups entail. I'm also providing a few links to other equestrian-themed organizations and folks in our area.

As a Denver Front Range real estate agent, I know how much the romance and allure of horses lends to the positive lifestyle and enjoyment of our communities. It's part of our culture and just one of the many things that makes living in the Denver area enjoyable and worthwhile. The bottom line is that many people move to - and buy a house - in Denver, Colorado just because of the opportunity to take part in the horse lifestyle.

Whether you'd like more information on buying or selling a house in south Denver or more information on the vibrant horse-riding opportunities in our area, please feel free to contact me at any time. I'll be happy to share all that I know! - Jim Holmes

Back Country Horsemen of Colorado

Denver Front Range Back Country Horsemen

Latest News and Summer/Fall 2013 Activities

Evergreen, Colorado Home for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439

South Denver 2013 Fireworks and Fourth of July Fun Page

While many cities and suburbs in the South Denver area have cancelled or are postponing fireworks this 4th of July, there are still plenty of events to enjoy in our communities. I wanted to give you a short overview of those and also supply you with some additional ideas for party fun on the Fourth along the Denver Front Range. Have a great time and be safe! - Jim

Ready to Buy or Sell a House in South Denver? I Can Help!

There's a crazy amount of fun taking place at the July 4th Parade, Run, & Celebration at Town Center in Highlands Ranch. Just a sampling of the activities include a 5k run, hot dog eating contest, skateboard demos, and plenty more.

By the way, fireworks have been tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, September 21 during Oktoberfest.

July 4th Activities in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Englewood 4th of July Festival and Fireworks

Updated List of 2013 Fireworks Shows Across Colorado

4th of July Recipe and Party Ideas

Get some tips on grilling, BBQ, desserts, holiday drinks and picnic salads

Intriguing 4th of July Fact

Three U.S. presidents have died on July 4th. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the singing of the Declaration of Independence. Five years later, James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.

Fourth of July Party and Decoration Ideas

Share with the Kids: How Fireworks Work

From Nova on PBS

10 Unique 4th of July Outfit Ideas 

Highlands Ranch Home for Sale: 2234 Cactus Bluff Avenue, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129

Costs and Contracts: Financial Questions to Ask Assisted Living Facilities in Denver, Colorado

by Jim Holmes

It can be stressful enough when a senior citizen or a caregiver decides that a move to assisted living may be the best option for that elder. Along with a ton of organizational and emotional issues, the financial implications are important points that must be pondered and acted upon.

For Help in Buying or Selling a Home in South Denver: Contact Me Here

As a Realtor in south Denver, it's part of my job to help transition senior clients to the assisted living facilities in the Denver Front Range that may be the best options for their care. One of the ways in which I act in service to seniors is by doing more than just helping to sell their home: I want to make sure that the entire transition in this phase of your/their life is as seamless and hassle-free as possible.

As such, I want to provide some basic financial and legal questions that a caregiver or senior citizen should ask any community they are considering moving to.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a lawyer and this should NOT be interpreted as legal advice. It's important that you talk with an attorney before signing any contracts.

Questions for Assisted Living Facilities

1) What is the basic fee?

2) What services are included with that fee?

3) What are the additional prices for ala carte services or products?

4) What initial (or down) payment is required? Is any portion of that refundable?

5) If my loved one is not at the facility for an extended period of time (such as due to a hospital or nursing home stay) what fees are still applicable?

6) Is renters insurance mandatory?

7) When, why, and how often are fees likely to be changed?

8) How much advance warning is provided in the event of fee changes and who is notified?

9) Is financial assistance available now or at any juncture?

10) Who is responsible for cleaning or repair in the event of a significant spill or other accident?

11) What's the refund policy in case of closure, ownership change, transfers, or similar events?

12) What are the behaviors or circumstances that may result in termination of services or eviction?

13) What are the rights of residents?

14) What are the grievance procedures and alternatives in case of dissatisfaction with that process?

If you have other questions concerning a move to an assisted living facility, or if you'd like to discuss with me the possible sale of your family home, please feel free to contact me anytime here.

Denver Home for Sale: 2234 Cactus Bluff Avenue, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129

Holly Creek Retirement Community Summer Open House

I absolutely love it when I see a senior living community in the Denver area that provides a unique arrangement of activities and events for their residents. And when those events include participation from the public and local citizens, it's all the better!

And things are hopping this month at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial as their Summer Open House celebrations are well underway with a variety of activities including an Art Walk, speakers on Heart Healthy Nutrition and Cooking, and a discussion on an embattled Mideast culture, all designed to enlighten, entertain, and engage. I hope you'll stop by and join in the fun! - Jim Holmes

Contact Me for Help in Buying or Selling a Denver Front Range Home

Things got underway with a kickoff breakfast on May 31 and June 1, and the residents and staff were also awesome enough to quickly put together a benefit bake sale on June 4, with all proceeds designed to help the Oklahoma tornado victims.

Active Minds: Kurds

June 10

3pm

Holly Creek residents and guests (anyone from the community is welcome to attend) will explore the complicated dynamic of 30 million people Kurdish people in the Middle East and seek to understand the Kurdish people and their struggle. The Kurds are an ethnic group of approximately 30 million with origins in a part of the Middle East that has been surrounded by the historic powers of the region. Today, the traditional lands of the Kurds are divided into parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. As a minority in each of these countries, the Kurds have long sought their own sovereign nation or at least more autonomy, with mixed results.

Visit the Holly Creek Website

Heart Healthy Nutrition with the Cooking Cardiologist 

June 13

1:30pm

The engagement and enlightenment at Holly Creek continues! Join Dr. Richard Collins, "The Cooking Cardiologist" with South Denver Cardiology Associates, and Susan Buckley, RD, as they explore the relationship between heart disease and nutrition. Dr. Collins is a nationally known speaker and practicing cardiologist who will provide you with information on how diet improves cardiovascular health and how making changes at any age will make a huge difference!

Art Walk and Reception 

Thursday, June 20th

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

Join Holly Creek's first Art Walk & Reception in the town center that will feature a group of local Colorado artists and some of the Holly Creek resident artists as well. Each artist will be displaying their art work for viewing and some pieces will be available for purchase. Come on down and enjoy the varied and beautiful art work while munching on some delicious appetizers and wine.

RSVP to 720.266.5610 or to dnelson@clcmail.org

Again, these folks  events are open to the public and part of the Holly Creek Summer Open House season. Come by and enjoy.

Contact Jim Holmes to Buy or Sell a Denver Front Range Home