Every year, on August 21st, we celebrate National Senior Citizens Day. According to Forbes Magazine, by 2035, there will be 78 million people over 65 living in the United States. Not only are people living longer, they are staying in the workforce longer and continuing to give back to their community in so many different ways. Just this past Saturday, our Person County Extension Community Association (ECA) volunteers gave back by giving out school supplies and other nutrition information at the Back to School Bash at Huck Sansbury Park. Our Granville County Extension Volunteer Association (EVA) has scheduled quarterly community service projects to be completed throughout the year. Therefore, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating a day each year to thank our elders. So, take time this week to celebrate senior citizens. And don’t forget to join us for our Aging with Gusto event on Tuesday, August 30th from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Person County Office Building. It is free to register and you can do so online.
Try the following recipe courtesy of the Oregon State University Extension at foodhero.org/recipes or for more information, follow us on a variety of social media sites: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @persongranvillefcs
Chicken Chowder– serves 2
2 tsp vegetable oil
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup diced or grated carrot
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup diced potato (fresh or frozen)
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup cooked and diced chicken
½ cup low-fat or nonfat milk
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
¼ tsp red wine vinegar (optional)
Pepper to taste (optional)
In a medium saucepan, sauté onion and carrot on medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Add broth, potato, thyme, garlic powder and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer until the potatoes are soft, 15 to 20 minutes. While potatoes are cooking, stir flour and milk together in a small dish. Add chicken to the saucepan and stir 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Slowly add milk mixture and stir as the soup thickens. Boil gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Before serving, add vinegar and pepper, if desired.
