Farmington has a growing population of seniors with 20% of those living in the community being over the age of 60, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Farmington City Council, understanding the importance of a well-functioning senior citizens facility, voted unanimously on Tuesday, June 16, to approve seven projects providing upgrades to the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center at a cost of $1.9 million.
The Bonnie Dallas Senior Center, located at 208 N. Wall Ave, has provided seniors with a sense of community as a meeting place for meals, recreation, activities, games and dances for decades.
“They do a lot here,” said Betty Madewell, who was working in the center’s computer lab on Thursday. “I don’t have a computer at home, so I come and check my emails.”
Madewell said she also looks up businesses and directions on how to get to where she needs to go, “which is really nice.”
Madewell is one of hundreds of seniors, who utilize the center, according to Martin Moulton, adult programs manager at the center.
Moulton came to the center six months ago from the Rio Rancho Senior Center, and he was tasked with finding funding for updates to the facility.
Moulton applied for grants and has looked to the State of New Mexico for assistance in funding the seven projects approved by council.
The projects in the FY2028 capital plan include a rehabilitation of the west parking lot, replacement of the heating and cooling systems, a rehabilitation of the art studio and fitness center roofs, updating the fire suppression system in the dining facility and stucco remediation.
The west parking lot rehabilitation will be part of a bond initiative on the ballot in November and if approved, the funds would be available in March 2027.
Moulton also applied for an emergency grant to line the sewer lines with a membrane, he said.
There are two additional projects in FY2029: floor replacement of the annex, activity center and art studio, and replacement of older and failing exercise equipment.
Moulton said that this year he oversaw the installation of a new ADA access ramp on the building’s south side and a new roof on the annex building.
One of Moulton’s wish list projects would be to expand the kitchen, and he said the architectural design for this has already been completed along with a few other projects funded in FY2027.
The center serves 200-300 congregate meals each day between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and it delivers 100 meals to home-bound seniors in need of a healthy lunch, Moulton said.
The lunches are part of the Older Americans Act, “with the goal of helping seniors age well and be more independent,” Moulton said.
The meals are prepared fresh each day by head Chef John Bentz, who was making fresh roasted chicken in mustard sauce with fresh boiled vegetables on June 18.
“We participate in the New Mexico Grown Program,” Moulton said, adding this provides funding so the center is able to buy fresh produce from local growers.
Anyone 60 or older, who is a registered member of the center, can come in and have lunch for a suggested donation of $3, but Moulton said they average about $0.60 per meal, as money is not required.
When registered members arrive for lunch, they check in and receive their lunch ticket. Then, they pickup their food, sit down and visit while they eat. If someone has mobility issues, Moulton will bring the food tray to them.
Guests under 60 also can come for lunch, but they do have to pay $6 for the fresh-cooked meal.
The Bonnie Dallas Senior Center historically has been a busy place and continues to support active seniors with daily activities, dances on three Saturdays a month, a fitness center, arts and crafts, sewing and quilting and games.
“We do all those leisure lifestyle programs in addition to Title 3,” which is the funding source through the Older Americans Act, Moulton said.
Madewell said she visits the center daily and enjoys participating in the sewing group. She also looks forward to playing games at the center with her husband, who she said likes Mahjong.
“I like to play dominoes and canasta,” she said, adding she used to help out seniors who needed tax services at the center.
“They also help us with Medicaid in October, when the new plans come out,” Madewell said.
At the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center, “you get companionship, and it’s better than staying at home,” Madewell said.