The Montezuma County Senior Center has a new director and a new look, plus more upgrades and activities are planned.
Director Jonathan Parker was recently hired to run the center, located at 107 N. Chestnut, in Cortez. He has a 20-year background in human services, and was formerly a program director for the Piñon Project.
Parker said the center’s staff members take great pride in providing for the 60-and-up crowd with a comfortable and clean facility that serves healthful meals.
They offer free educational programs including art, health and card playing. Instructor-led fitness programs include one for balance and tai chi. Every Thursday evening is a dance with music. The center is furnished with a pool table, computers, and comfortable tables and chairs to play cards.
Staff members have spruce up the facility with local art, plants, and a fresh coat of paint. Aaron’s of Cortez donated $3,000 worth of new furniture. A regular newsletter provides information about upcoming events and menus.
The county agreed to pay for an $80,000 kitchen remodel, including new stoves, flooring and refrigeration. A coffee and juice bar also adds to the dining hall.
“We are dedicated to providing a place where people can come and have a good meal and socialize,” he said. “We offer low-impact exercise programs, and a variety of classes and programs.”
The center serves 400 meals per month in the dining hall, and sends out 700 to-go meals per month.
“We serve traditional American food that the older generation is used to,” said nutrition supervisor Lori Johnson. “It has a home-cooked meal style and is freshly prepared every day.”
A donation of $4 is suggested for the meals, but not required.
“We never turn down anyone for a meal,” Parker said. To-go meals are also available.
The salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m. and the meal is served at noon Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The center offers field trips as well, including to local nurseries, the Home and Garden show, and to national parks and monuments.
“In the fall, we offer a drive up the beautify Dolores Valley to see the aspen change colors,” Parker said.
He plans to bring in new programs and classes. Another goal is to reach out to older folks who are home-bound to provide transportation to the center and back home.
“Studies show that socializing and participating improves health and mood and extends life expectancy,” he said.
The senior center operates on an annual budget of $280,000 provided by the Area Agency on Aging, state and federal grants. The facility is provided by the county.
The Pioneer Jubilee will be held at the center from 2 to 4 p.m. July 2. Live music includes Donny Johnson, Southwest Singers, and the Cottonwood Canyon Band. There will be an American Flag ceremony, ice cream social and cake walk. The event is sponsored by local nursing homes The Valley Inn, Vista Grande Inn, and Cottonwood Inn Rehab.
For more information visit the Montezuma County Senior Center website.
jmimiaga@the-journal
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