LET’S MEET ONE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS

Steve Nitz

Steve Nitz was born in Detroit, Michigan. In 1967, Steve served in Vietnam. He graduated from Metro State and later spent many years as a supervisor for assisted living. He ran a group home for the developmentally disabled. In his spare time, Steve enjoys woodcrafts and leathercrafts and he likes to shoot pool at the Grand Valley Rec Center. You might also find him fishing at Cottonwood Lake.

He moved to the valley in 2015. Steve is a volunteer coordinator at Valley Senior Center. You can find him on Mondays and Wednesdays serving lunch for our meal program. Steve has been volunteering for the last 10 years. He also volunteers at the Parachute Visitor Center. Steve loves seeing smiles on people’s faces and making sure they are happy. He loves helping people. So, when you see Steve, give him a big smile. He also
loves cookies.

Thank you, Steve, for all you do for our community! We appreciate you!

THE TRAVELER

Eligible Traveler passengers who live in Battlement Mesa and would like to attend meals in Parachute on Mondays and Wednesdays may do so. To sign up for Traveler service, call (970) 384-4855 or visit the RFTA website to complete an application for eligibility. An application and assessment must be completed to determine eligibility for those under the age of 70. Those 70 or over must call to sign up for service before scheduling their first ride. Service capacity is limited, so it is encouraged to make reservations early. The Traveler does not currently serve residents of Parachute.
RFTA Garfield County Traveler

NUTRITION EDUCATION

RECIPE PROVIDED BY EMILY STANTON, R.D.

Chicken fajita rice bake

Recipe adapted from EatingWell.com

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 pound chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1 Tablespoon DASH Southwest Chipotle seasoning blend
• 2 cups of cooked brown rice
• 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles, no salt added, undrained
• 1(15-ounce) can pinto beans, no salt added, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar-Jack cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons cilantro leaves (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces in an even layer; cook 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on most sides, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate. Reserve the oil in the skillet.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the peppers are charred in spots, 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of DASH Southwest Chipotle seasoning blend, and return the chicken to the skillet.
5. Remove from heat. Add 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cans of tomatoes (with the juices), rinsed beans, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir to break up the rice and combine evenly.
6. Stir in 3/4 cup of cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes.
8. Add optional toppings of 1/2 cup sliced radishes and 2 Tablespoons cilantro. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

INTUITIVE EATING

What is intuitive eating?

Intuitive eating is a non-diet approach that encourages you to listen to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Instead of focusing on weight or labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” it promotes a healthier relationship with food, your body, and your mind.

We are all born with the ability to know when to eat and when to stop. Over time, influences from family, friends, media, and diet culture can disconnect us from these signals. Intuitive eating helps us return to those roots by listening to our bodies and giving them what they truly need.

Rather than fixating on the number on the scale, intuitive eating shifts the focus to positive behavior changes, such as improving eating habits, moving your body in enjoyable ways, and reducing stress.

10 principles of intuitive eating

Reject diet culture: Say goodbye to diet books, rigid meal plans, and food restrictions. Diets often impose strict rules that disconnect you from your body’s natural signals. Intuitive eating encourages you to trust and follow your body’s own cues instead.

Honor your hunger: Pay attention to your body’s biological hunger cues and respond by giving it the nourishment it needs. Eating when you’re truly hungry helps fuel your body with adequate energy and prevents the cycle of restriction and overeating.

Make peace with food: Give yourself unconditional permission to eat and enjoy all foods. When you tell yourself certain foods are off-limits, it often leads to intense cravings and, eventually, overeating or bingeing. Removing the “forbidden” label helps reduce guilt and fosters a balanced, stress-free relationship with food.

Discover satisfaction: Find joy in eating by choosing foods you truly want and creating an inviting environment. When eating feels pleasurable and satisfying, you’re more likely to feel content and stop when you’ve had enough.

Feel your fullness: Tune in to your body’s signals that indicate you’re no longer hungry. Slow down while eating, take pauses, and check in with yourself — how does the food taste, and what is your current level of fullness? This mindful approach helps prevent overeating and supports a balanced relationship with food.

Challenge the food police: Silence the harsh rules and judgments that dieting has created. Push away guilt-provoking thoughts and restrictive beliefs.

Cope with your emotions with kindness: Find ways to comfort, nurture, and resolve your emotions without turning to food. This might include listening to music, calling a friend or family member, or going for a walk. Focus on addressing the source of emotion rather than using food as a coping mechanism.

Respect your body: Respect your body so you can feel better about who you are. Avoid unrealistic expectations or harsh criticism of your body’s shape or size. Embracing body respect is key to building a positive relationship with yourself.

Movement: Find movement you enjoy. Remove the focus from calorie-burning or exercise as punishment. Move because it makes you feel good — physically and mentally — and supports overall well-being.

Honor your health: Make food choices that honor your health, taste buds, and culture. Stay attuned to how your body feels. You don’t have to eat perfectly to be healthy. Consistency over time is what matters.

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

Our birthday list is compiled from completed 2025 consumer assessments.
Please accept our apology if we missed your birthday. If you want to complete an assessment, please see Kappe or Jenny for a form.
Contact us

HAND GRIP

1. Hold a tennis ball in each hand.
2. Slowly squeeze the ball as hard as you can and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
3. Relax the squeeze slowly.
4. Repeat 10-15 times.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 1: The Lost Art of Random Conversations at the Carbondale Library from 6-7 p.m.

MARCH 2: Seed Library at New Castle Library, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Use your library card to take up to five seed packets from the seed library per month for free! You may also help others by donating seeds to the library.

MARCH 2: Spice up the month with craft kits at the Rifle Library. Sign up in advance to be on the list to get a kit. Call 970-625-3471

MARCH 3, 17: Basic computer class for adults at Rifle Library, 9-10 a.m.

MARCH 3: Grief support group at Grand River Health in Rifle 5:30-6:30 p.m.

MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Mah Jongg drop-in games all levels of players welcome at the Glenwood Library 1:30-3:30 p.m.

MARCH 5: Spanish Conversation Club at Carbondale Library.

MARCH 5: Circle of Friends, join to enjoy enrichment activities for adults with caregivers, New Castle Library 10:30-11:30 a.m.

MARCH 5, 19, 26: Bingo at BPOE Elks #2286, 6-8:30 p.m., Open to the public. Concession 5:30 p.m., Early Bird Bingo 6:30 p.m., Regular Bingo 7 p.m. Karleen Clark at 970-945-2286 or info@gwselks.com

MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26: Golden Years Social at Silt Library, Thursdays 1-2 p.m.

MARCH 6: Glenwood Genealogy Group at the Glenwood Library, 12-1:30 p.m.

MARCH 6: Senior Stroll at Powers Art Center, Guided tour around museum with guided artmaking activity to follow. 11:30 a.m.

MARCH 7: New Leaf Book Crafting – learn painted book edges. Crafting materials provided. Bring any personal books you would like to craft with. A limited supply of books will be provided. Parachute Library, 12-2 p.m.

MARCH 7: Tinsley Ellis, Legendary blues guitarist, singer, songwriter at Ute Theater and Events Center 7:30-9:30 p.m. $30-35.

MARCH 7, 11, 14, 18, 25, 28: Tai Chi at the Glenwood Library, Wednesdays from
5:30-6:30 p.m., Saturdays 9:30-10:30 a.m.

MARCH 12: Nonfiction Book Club at Carbondale Library, 2-3:30 p.m.

MARCH 19: Yesterday — Beatles tribute at Ute Theater and Events Center, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $25-35.

MARCH 19: Memory CafĂ© at New Castle Library, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. This gathering is for those with mild to moderate symptoms of memory loss and their caregivers.

MARCH 19: Shamrock Social! 1-3 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. Wear green, play some favorite games, laugh, and munch on light snacks. $10/person. Please register by March 17. Call 970-384-6314. Guaranteed to be a shamrockin’ good time!

MARCH 21: The Young Dubliners at Ute Theater and Events Center, 7-11 p.m., $30-50.

MARCH 28: Rifle Senior Center Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Garfield County Libraries events & programs
Glenwood Springs Community Center events
Grand River Health Events
Powers Art Center calendar
Ute Theater Arts events

UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS

Free virtual Senior Law Series – Spring 2026

Individuals are invited to participate in the free virtual Senior Law Series this spring. This virtual series is designed to help older adults, caregivers and family members better understand common legal issues that can arise later in life.
All sessions are free to attend and will be held online from 10 to 11 a.m. starting February 27 and continuing through May 8, 2026. Session topics include:
Feb 27: Wills and trusts
March 6: Long-term care planning: Medicaid basics
March 13: SSI & SSDI
March 27: Medical debt
April 10: What you need to know when someone dies
April 17: Bankruptcy
April 24: Is Social Security secure? Collection-proof basics
May 1: Important issues in Colorado foreclosure law
May 8: Garnishment basics
Registration is free. To sign up, please visit the registration page: tinyurl.com/Spring-Virtual-Senior-Law. For technical issues with registration, please call 970-450-7458.
Note: These sessions will not be recorded. A free senior law book will be available for attendees.

HIGH COUNTRY VOLUNTEERS TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

High Country Volunteers will prepare and e-file simple federal and state income taxes for individuals with incomes less than $69,000 per year.
Appointments are required and are available through April 15 in Rifle, Glenwood Springs, and Battlement Mesa.
Call 970-896-6210 to schedule your appointment.