Nicole Cavalino, Nederland . It feels like yesterday, but yet so long ago, when Nederland Area Seniors announced “FDGD 2020 Pancake Breakfast – CANCELLED due to risk of Covid exposure”.

The difficult decision was made with dire consideration of our vulnerable older population, in response to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statement encouraging people over 60 and people with severe chronic medical conditions to, ‘stay at home as much as possible and avoid activities that involve large crowds’ to reduce the risk of Covid-19 exposure. The news saddened our community and highlighted how FDGD Pancake Breakfast is not only Nederland Area Seniors’ annual fundraising event, but also a treasured community tradition to gather together, spend time catching up with old friends, sharing stories and making new memories. 

On March 23, Nederland Area Seniors announced that all senior congregate meals and group activities had been cancelled due to the risk of Covid-19 to older adults. With support from local organizations and municipalities, the generosity of private donations, and awarded Covid-relief grant funding, Nederland Area Seniors quickly adapted its senior nutrition program by converting their congregate meal site into a meal delivery program. Volunteers delivered nearly 4,500 Covid-response meals to over 100 older adult mountain residents living between Jamestown and Black Hawk from April – September 2020. 

As we prepare ourselves, our families and as a mountain community for the winter, there is an understandable feeling of uncertainty as to how Covid will continue to affect each of us. Nederland Area Seniors is dedicated to continue providing nutrition services to our older adult mountain community through the pandemic and has established Covid-safe protocols. 

Covid-response delivered meals will continue through 2021

Boulder County Area Agency on Aging approved Nederland Area Seniors’ funding request to continue providing delivered meals to Peak to Peak region adults who are 60 years + and choosing to limit Covid exposure by staying home and staying safe. All delivered meals are approved by a Boulder County Registered Dietitian to provide essential nutrients for older adults.  

A five dollar donation per meal is suggested, but not required. No older adult (60 or older) will be refused meals based on ability to financially contribute. Delivery requests, menu items, and nutritional facts are available at www.mountainpeaklife.org or call 303-258-0799 for more information. 

Virtual Holiday Mountain Market

With nearly all gatherings, festivals and cultural events cancelled since FDGD Pancake Breakfast, the question lingers…will there be a Holiday Mountain Market in 2020?  Answer: YES, sort of.

Before social distancing became a daily and essential safety precaution, Nederland Area Seniors provided numerous group activities for older adults living in the mountains including fitness classes, art and writing groups, mealtime gatherings and cultural outings to local museums and theater shows. Over the years, many cherished friendships and memories have been made at Nederland Area Seniors events and activities. As an organization that understands the great benefits of gathering as friends and as a community, Nederland Area Seniors is preparing a modified virtual Holiday Mountain Market for the winter of 2020. 

Market event details are being carefully determined in consideration of social distancing and Covid-safe guidelines. More Holiday Mountain Market 2020 details coming soon. To our Market vendors please email: HolidayMountainMarket@gmail.com for registration information.  

Tax deductible donations are welcomed, payable to Nederland Area Seniors, P.O. Box 188 Nederland CO 80466. 

For more information email  MountainPeakLife.NAS@gmail.com, call 303-258-0799 or check out our website at www.MountainPeakLife.org 

(Originally published in the October 15, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)