Questions? Contact Nancy: 303-867-0868, [email protected]
Spark Speaker Series: Empowering Aging in Colorado
Our Spark Speaker Series: Empowering Aging in Colorado is a monthly event featuring speakers on topics pertaining to older adults and their health. We will address issues such as nutrition, memory lapse vs. memory loss, staying active, improving well-being, volunteering, and much more. All are welcome!
Upcoming 2025 Dates & Topics
2025 Winter Speaker Series Flyer | |
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January 14th: Older Adult Financial Exploitation and Other Common Scams
Older adult abuse and exploitation refer to any intentional act(s) by a caregiver or another person in a relationship of trust that causes harm or distress to older adults, typically age 60+. We will provide some tips on how to keep you and your information safe.
Presented by: Delzia Worley, COO of San Luis Valley Federal Bank
February 11th: Body and Balance: How to Eliminate Fall Risks in the Home
Each year millions of people across the US are falling within their home. 1/4 people over the age of 65 fall each year, one of the most common causes of injury. This presentation will give you some tips and education on things you can do to reduce the risks of falls in the home.
Presented by: Brandon James Cantu, BS, PTA, MSPT, Director of Therapy Services at San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center
March 11th: Legal Documents for Seniors: How to Make Your Wishes Known and Effective
This presentation will offer a basic overview of the legal documents that are used in Colorado for estate planning, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, as well as for advanced medical directives. In addition, there will be a presentation on the Five Wishes national advanced care planning program.
Presented by:
Pattie Swift, Colorado attorney and retired District Judge
Amber Cortez, LPN, Executive Director, Hospice Del Valle
April 8th: The Power of Volunteerism
RSVP of Alamosa County believes that folks aged 55+ have much to contribute to their communities and gain personally with volunteer engagement. This panel on volunteerism features experts who will share how volunteering in our community offers benefits to older adults, such as increased physical and emotional well-being, while contributing to the resilience of our local area.
Presented by:
Nancy Harris, RSVP Manager, Alamosa County
Sharon Adcock, RSVP Volunteer
Annalise Baer, Director, Food Bank Network of the SLV
Audrey Liu, Director, SLV Habitat for Humanity
Older adult abuse and exploitation refer to any intentional act(s) by a caregiver or another person in a relationship of trust that causes harm or distress to older adults, typically age 60+. We will provide some tips on how to keep you and your information safe.
Presented by: Delzia Worley, COO of San Luis Valley Federal Bank
February 11th: Body and Balance: How to Eliminate Fall Risks in the Home
Each year millions of people across the US are falling within their home. 1/4 people over the age of 65 fall each year, one of the most common causes of injury. This presentation will give you some tips and education on things you can do to reduce the risks of falls in the home.
Presented by: Brandon James Cantu, BS, PTA, MSPT, Director of Therapy Services at San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center
March 11th: Legal Documents for Seniors: How to Make Your Wishes Known and Effective
This presentation will offer a basic overview of the legal documents that are used in Colorado for estate planning, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, as well as for advanced medical directives. In addition, there will be a presentation on the Five Wishes national advanced care planning program.
Presented by:
Pattie Swift, Colorado attorney and retired District Judge
Amber Cortez, LPN, Executive Director, Hospice Del Valle
April 8th: The Power of Volunteerism
RSVP of Alamosa County believes that folks aged 55+ have much to contribute to their communities and gain personally with volunteer engagement. This panel on volunteerism features experts who will share how volunteering in our community offers benefits to older adults, such as increased physical and emotional well-being, while contributing to the resilience of our local area.
Presented by:
Nancy Harris, RSVP Manager, Alamosa County
Sharon Adcock, RSVP Volunteer
Annalise Baer, Director, Food Bank Network of the SLV
Audrey Liu, Director, SLV Habitat for Humanity
Past Dates & Topics
July 10th: Deborah Palmer, MM, MT-BC, Board Certified Music Therapist, “Music's Influence on Aging and Well-Being.” This presentation will explore the health benefits of using music to age well, including cognitive benefits, emotional impact, physical benefits, social connection and engagement, and a brief overview of music therapy.
August 7th: Katy Baer, MPH, RD, Community Registered Dietitian, “Practical Tips for Eating Healthfully on a Limited Budget.” Eating healthfully on a limited budget can be challenging. Learn practical ways to cut food costs and still eat healthfully and deliciously!
September 10th: Maria Kramer, Library Manager, Alamosa Public Library, “What the Library Can Do for You.” When people hear 'library', they think 'books'. Of course, we still have books - but did you know that the library offers technology help, 3D printing, a Telehealth Hub, and more? Learn about the resources and services available at your Alamosa Public Library!
October 8th: Mae Mercadante, LPC, SLV Health Behavioral Health Consultant, "Thriving Through the Holidays: Strategies for Self-Care." The holiday season. The most wonderful time of the year. Kick back, relax and embrace the festive spirit with your family and loved ones. If only it were that easy! For many, the holidays are some of the most stressful times of the year. Join us to learn more about self-care and how to stop, take a breath, and do a little something extra for yourself during this holiday season.
November 12th: Lois Harvie, Cooking Matters Coordinator, SLV Local Foods Coalition, "Healthy Holiday Tips and Recipes." This session will focus on how to create some tasty, healthy holiday recipes and include ideas to save time and money in your kitchen year-round! We will provide a demo and share ideas on how to save money when shopping and tips to save foods you don't want to waste or use right away.
December 10th: Judith Boyd, Customer Service Assistant, Alamosa Public Library, "The Most Common Scams and Schemes Aimed at Seniors." According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report, Americans over the age of 60 lost $1.7 BILLION to fraud in 2022. That’s the highest loss amount reported out of any age group. This workshop will help you identify and protect yourself from the most common types of scams that you might encounter.
August 7th: Katy Baer, MPH, RD, Community Registered Dietitian, “Practical Tips for Eating Healthfully on a Limited Budget.” Eating healthfully on a limited budget can be challenging. Learn practical ways to cut food costs and still eat healthfully and deliciously!
September 10th: Maria Kramer, Library Manager, Alamosa Public Library, “What the Library Can Do for You.” When people hear 'library', they think 'books'. Of course, we still have books - but did you know that the library offers technology help, 3D printing, a Telehealth Hub, and more? Learn about the resources and services available at your Alamosa Public Library!
October 8th: Mae Mercadante, LPC, SLV Health Behavioral Health Consultant, "Thriving Through the Holidays: Strategies for Self-Care." The holiday season. The most wonderful time of the year. Kick back, relax and embrace the festive spirit with your family and loved ones. If only it were that easy! For many, the holidays are some of the most stressful times of the year. Join us to learn more about self-care and how to stop, take a breath, and do a little something extra for yourself during this holiday season.
November 12th: Lois Harvie, Cooking Matters Coordinator, SLV Local Foods Coalition, "Healthy Holiday Tips and Recipes." This session will focus on how to create some tasty, healthy holiday recipes and include ideas to save time and money in your kitchen year-round! We will provide a demo and share ideas on how to save money when shopping and tips to save foods you don't want to waste or use right away.
December 10th: Judith Boyd, Customer Service Assistant, Alamosa Public Library, "The Most Common Scams and Schemes Aimed at Seniors." According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report, Americans over the age of 60 lost $1.7 BILLION to fraud in 2022. That’s the highest loss amount reported out of any age group. This workshop will help you identify and protect yourself from the most common types of scams that you might encounter.