Every year since 1963, May has been the month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions and achievements. It is a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to honor the value that elders continue to contribute to our communities.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme, “Age My Way,” emphasizes the important role of older adults.

Older Americans Month celebrations will acknowledge the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities by making an effort to applaud achievements of local elders, and inviting them to share the activities they do to unleash the power of age.

Pecos County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension encourages you to take part in the celebrations by sharing your Older Americans Month resolutions with the U.S. Administration on Aging. Post what you will do this May to unleash the power of age, and follow up by sharing a picture or story about the experience later in the year.

While Pecos County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides services, support, and resources to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation. We will continue to provide opportunities for elders to come together and share their experiences with one another, as well as with individuals of other generations. To learn more about

To learn more about activities and events planned for Older Americans Month, or to find ideas about what you can do to unleash the power of age, contact me at 432-336-2541. The Senior Celebration Conference will be on May 6 at the Large Community Hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and is free to senior citizens. The guest speaker is Sue Roseberry.

Contact your local Agency on Aging office by visiting eldercare.gov, or calling 800-677-1116 to find ongoing opportunities to celebrate and support older Americans.

If you have any questions or would like to share some of your tips for working and living in Pecos County with our readers, call me at the Pecos County Texas A &M AgriLife Extension Services, 432-336-2541.

BAVARIAN MINT FROSTY

• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules

• 1 tablespoon boiling water

• 1-½ cups skim milk

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

¾ cup chocolate ice milk or ice cream

Dissolve coffee granules in boiling water; let cool. Combine coffee, milk, and extract in container of an electric blender. Cover and process until smooth. Add ice milk, and process until smooth. Serve immediately. Yields two cups.

STEAMY GRAPE TEA

• 3 cups water

• 3 regular-size tea bags

• 1 cup unsweetened red grape juice

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

¾ teaspoon orange extract

¾ teaspoon lemon extract

• Orange rind curls (optional)

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add tea bags. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand five minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Add juice and next three ingredients. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is thoroughly heated. Garnish with orange rind curls, if desired. Serve hot. Yield four cups.