We have been looking forward to this day for a long time, and we’re sure you have, too, We will re-open our senior dining sites March 2 (subject to change). And, with that, we would like to introduce the Amherst Dining Site Manager for the ADRC-Nutrition Program.

“Hello, my name is Lisa Bey, and I am the new Dining Site Manager for Amherst. I started working at the ADRC in October 2021. I am very excited to get congregate dining back up and running and to meet everyone. Originally from Minneapolis, I lived in several communities before settling in Stevens Point a few years ago where I currently reside with my husband, Geno, and our four animals. My background is interesting and varied, but I have always enjoyed working with people. I can’t wait to meet you all!”

Before we open, we’d like to share some basic information about our program and what you can expect when we open.

1. What is Senior Dining? The purpose of the Senior Dining Program, also called Congregate Dining, is to serve healthy, well-balanced meals and to provide social engagement and information on healthy aging, connect people to programs and resources, and offer meaningful opportunities to volunteer.
2. What will the meal cost? Meals are offered to participants 60 years and older; the suggested donation is $4 per meal. No person will be turned away if unable to contribute, and all contributions are confidential. We ask that you contribute what you can afford whether it be less or more than the suggested donation rate.
3. Are the Grab ’n’ Go and Curbside Pickup programs still available? Grab ‘n’ Go will be an option at all sites because we understand there may be some participants who do not yet feel comfortable dining with others. Since we can’t begin dining together until March, Grab ’n’ Go will continue at Lincoln Center and will begin at Amherst, Plover, and Junction City dining sites in mid- to late February. The Curbside Pickup program will continue at Lincoln Center on Wednesdays. Please call your site manager for details if you are interested in either of these options.
4. Do you have to make a reservation? Yes. Please call at least 24 hours in advance to reserve your meal.
5. Is transportation available? Yes. If you need a ride, call Central Transportation at (715) 341-4490.
6. What if I’m not 60 years old yet? Anyone is welcome to come and dine at any of our sites! Persons who are not eligible for the suggested contribution rate will be charged the full cost of the meal, currently $8.25.
7. What time is the meal served? Meals are generally served at Noon. Please check with your dining site for the time the meal is served when you make a reservation. Grab ’n’ Go pick up times vary by site, so ask when you make your reservation.
8. What COVID-19 safety precautions will the Senior Dining Program follow? We understand that we serve the older adult population who are at greater risk for COVID-19. We will follow guidance from the Portage County Public Health Department and will stay up to date with the most recent guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The following are safety precautions we will use at our dining sites, subject to change as new information is released:

• Staff and volunteers will be expected to follow updated CDC guidelines regarding face coverings and social distancing
• Proper cleaning and sanitizing will continue throughout the dining sites
• Tables at dining locations will be distanced to accommodate CDC guidelines
• We would prefer that you keep your mask on except while eating and drinking

If you want to discuss precautions prior to dining, please call your dining site manager.

So again, we are elated to be back in Amherst at the Jensen Center and look forward to getting back in contact with each of you. Lisa Bey (Amherst Senior Dining Site Manager) will be your contact at the Amherst Senior Dining Site. Her contact number is (715) 347-4856, or you can always call the ADRC at the Lincoln Center at (715) 346-1401 or toll free at (866) 920-2525 with any questions.

At the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Nutrition Program, one of our responsibilities is to promote better health by providing nutrition education that is accurate and culturally sensitive. We are excited to share with you every month program information, nutrition education, and various community resources you may find helpful. We hope you enjoy this enhancement.

Every February, we observe American Heart Month. Every year, more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease. As the number one cause of deaths for most groups, heart disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use.

Do you know how to keep your heart healthy? You can take an active role in reducing your risk for heart disease by eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure. Any time is a great time to start some heart-healthy habits! Here is a heart-healthy recipe and some ideas to try.

Oatmeal Chia Breakfast Cookies

(makes 8 cookies)

Ingredients

3/4 cup peanut butter

1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup oats, old fashioned

1 teaspoon chia seeds or other nuts/chocolate/seeds (optional)

Directions

Place peanut butter in a bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds. Add honey and vanilla and give it a good mix. Add in oats, chia seeds, and any other optional “mix-ins,” stirring to combine. Roll mixture into 8 balls and place on lightly sprayed or parchment-lined baking sheet. Press balls slightly flat and place in fridge for at least an hour to set. Store cookies in an airtight container in fridge for up to two weeks. Dark chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, flax seeds, or protein powder are great “add ins” to try.

(Recipe adapted from Jamielyn Nye and GWARR Eat Well/Age Well material)

Eat Well

We all know that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, but it can be overwhelming to think about making lifestyle changes. Focus on eating a heart-healthy diet.

A heart-healthy diet focuses on minimizing unhealthy fats and sodium and maximizing foods that are high in healthy fats and fiber. Choosing heart healthy foods helps improve your cholesterol levels and lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke. This month, we challenge you to try to eat at least two of the following heart healthy foods three times per week as part of your heart-healthy diet: avocados, nuts, seeds, whole grains, tomatoes, green tea, legumes, dark chocolate, leafy green vegetables, and fruits (especially berries).

Age Well

While the weather outside may still be frightful, we encourage you to get active. Regular activity can help you maintain your weight, strengthen muscles, and improve cardiovascular fitness. This month, make you and your heart a priority.

Small and simple changes can have an impact on your health.

Do what you are able, get up every hour and move, walk around the block, or try an exercise class. Call the ADRC at (715) 346-1401 to learn more about available activities.

Whatever you try, remember, it’s the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Simple steps can benefit your health and your heart.

To learn more about available resources or other information about community services for older adults, call the ADRC at (715) 346-1401 or toll free at (866) 920-2525 or United Way’s 211. The Nutrition Program Office is located at the ADRC at Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St., Stevens Point, WI 54481.