The Colorado Commission on Age Friendly Communities Subcommittee and Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) are interested in hearing from community members and visitors of Pagosa Springs/Archuleta County to better understand what an “age-friendly Archuleta community” means to you.
Save the date: The listening session will be held virtually and in person at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. in the Pagosa Senior Center dining room on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Currently, Archuleta County doesn’t have the designation of an “age-friendly community”; however, ASI will integrate this important community building and policy work into the ASI strategic planning goals and collaborative efforts over the next three years, between 2025 and 2027.
An age-friendly community is livable for people of all ages. Additionally, an age-friendly community is a place that adapts its services and both social and built environments (i.e. physical structures) to be more inclusive and receptive to the needs of its population to improve their quality of life as they age.
An age-friendly community encourages healthy aging by optimizing resources to improve the health, safety and inclusion of older people in the community.
This initiative encourages older adults to take on a more active role in their communities and have their voices heard with a focus on areas such as nutrition, housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and buildings, caregiving, community engagement and employment opportunities, civic participation/volunteering, community support and health services, respect and social inclusion/participation, communication and information systems, and combating social isolation among older citizens.
A community’s age-friendly leaders and champions likely include: elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and foundations, academic institutions, Area Agencies on Aging, community coalitions, local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, residents, families, advocates and volunteers.
Again, the meeting will be held in person at the Senior Center and/or online. Please use the following link at: bit.ly/ccoa-age-friendly-communities-listening-session24. The meeting ID is 817 8755 1403, and the passcode is 937382.
If you are unable to attend the listening session, we still want to hear your voice. Use the Google form at forms.gle/vnCPQroFm8szcsFa9 to share your feedback/ideas.
For more information, please contact ASI Executive Director Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org or Kristine Burrows, senior specialist on aging within the Colorado Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services, at kristine.burrows@state.co.us.
Winter fundraiser
Thanks to the kind donation of a matching grant provided by an anonymous benefactor, your generous donation during our winter fundraiser will be doubled up to $5,000 through the end of December.
Although we are very grateful to our current funding partners, Archuleta County, the San Juan Basin Area on Aging, Town of Pagosa Springs and grants from private foundations, still, it is not enough.
Thirty-seven percent of our funds are dependent on our ability to fundraise, via campaigns, community events, and the generosity of people like you.
Unfortunately, we have been informed that we can expect an 18 percent decrease in funding this next fiscal year even while our operation costs and need for services continue to increase.
But, with your help, we can make a difference and enhance the lives of our 60-and-older community and those who care about them.
Please jump in today with your 100 percent-matched donation and join in our ongoing efforts to provide our cherished elders, who have given so much to this community, with nutritional, health and social programming that will continue to enrich their lives.
Donations can be made directly to ASI, located in the Ross Aragon Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., or by mail P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
We also take donations by phone at (970) 264-2167 or online donations via our Colorado Gives ASI winter fundraising page: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Asifallfundraiser.
Meals on Wheels volunteers needed
For more than 50 years, the Pagosa Senior Center (established in 1971)/ASI (established in 2013) has been meeting the social and nutritional needs of older adults (age 60 and better) in our community.
We serve thousands of nutritious meals annually in Archuleta County, and volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels and friendly visits/wellness checks to homebound older adults.
We depend on more than 55 volunteers annually to help us serve and deliver meals and provide other wrap-around services.
The cost of each meal is $10.50, but we only ask for a suggested donation of $6 per meal. Meal recipients are asked to contribute what they can afford, and no one is ever turned down.
Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Participants must be at home to receive meals. Meals will not be left.
Meals on Wheels volunteers receive background checks and training prior to delivery. Typically a volunteer shift is one day a week from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. depending on the size of the route. Staff works closely with volunteers to allow for periodic breaks.
If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application. Questions? Please call ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Emotional Freedom Technique sessions
Join Judith Newman at the Pagosa Senior Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd.) the second Wednesday of each month, with the next session being on Dec. 11, to participate in the popular, ongoing “Tapping” class (also known as EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. that is free and open to all ages and walks of life.
The first half of class is learning or reviewing the technique, and the second half of the hour is practicing the technique and answering questions.
This is a supportive, fun, informative class taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
EFT is an evidence-based, self-regulating technique using acupressure trigger points as well as elements from other therapeutic practices. Extensive research shows EFT to be effective in lowering both psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, stress and more.
This technique is easy to learn and then use any time you want to lower your anxiety, gain clarity about emotional challenges and increase your ability to work with difficult transitions in your life.
Join the class and improve your well-being; meet new people in the community;support yourself and others while learning a powerful, helpful tool; find new ways to deal with insomnia, stress and change.
For more information or questions, please contact Newman at (505) 577-0194 or ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Healthy aging and yoga therapy classes series
The Healthy Aging Yoga Series continues to be offered in person at the Pagosa Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
It is structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments.
Monthly themes for the series include topics such as sustainable strength for healthy aging individuals, brain health, heart and cardiovascular health, mental and emotional well-being, community connections, and stress management, to name a few.
Classes will be educational for participants to utilize practices in daily life and are meant for all levels of experience with yoga.
Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center. Some blocks and Therabands are available, too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed.
We request that individuals new to the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with our instructor, Kimberly Anderson, directly by email at zinkgraf@gmail.com.
Stretching and mobility class
Community members are invited to attend new free weekly classes every Tuesday this fall and winter from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center (located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center).
The stretching and mobility classes for older adults (age 55 and up) are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class.
The program is instructed by local ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
Bingo
The Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Bingo will be on Dec. 6 and Dec. 20.
Participation is free, and we ask you bring yourself and a friend for joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required; just show up. All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone.
For more information, contact us at (970) 264-2167.
T’ai Chi Chih
The Senior Center offers T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Meet in the Senior Center dining hall.
T’ai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice.
All classes will be free for older adults (age 60 and better) and will last approximately one hour.
No special clothing or equipment is required.
For more information, call (970) 264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 p.m. for a series of Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn.
Salmansohn brings to our conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our well-being and shared experiences.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with others living within the Archuleta community for friendship and togetherness.
Snacks will be provided.
Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, is a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., following Senior Conversations.
The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
Scrapbooking Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club holds monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month at the Senior Center.
It meets each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to be creative, share ideas, connect with friends, learn new techniques, share supplies and indulge in a potluck lunch together.
Bring your scrapbooking projects — or any crafting project that you may want to work on with the group. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive notifications each month of the upcoming meeting along with handy tips and tricks for scrapbooking, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den, aka the Community Cafe, in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is open to all. Pickup is available all week.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 9 a.m. weekdays.
Community Cafe menu
Thursday, Nov. 28 — Closed for Thanksgiving holiday.
Friday, Nov. 29 — Closed for Thanksgiving holiday.
Monday, Dec. 2 — Beef barley soup, veggie side, roll, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 — Veggie lasagna, garlic bread, sauteed greens, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 — Singapore pork ribs, squash casserole, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Thursday, Dec. 5 — Cobb salad with bacon, avocado, blue cheese, tomato, chicken and cucumber; cream of chicken soup, bread, fruit and milk.
Friday, Dec. 6 — Crispy codfish with tartar sauce, peas and carrots, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Grab-N-Go meals
Dine-in and Grab-N-Go meal reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you want to pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6 helps to sustain our program. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
Meals on Wheels
We deliver fresh Meals on Wheels five days a week (and provide frozen Meals on Wheels for weekends) to homebound Archuleta County residents. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167.
Mobile food pantry service
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry should contact the MET to schedule a ride with its paratransit service. For more information, contact Lavonne at (970) 264-2250.
Text reservations
Don’t forget that we offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are canceling a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel.
Texting services are available for dine-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals and Meals on Wheels recipients.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal to make matching sets and pairs (like poker). To win, a player must form four sets and one pair.
Come to the Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m.
Medicare call by appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 264-0501, ext 2.
Mindful drawing
Mindful drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join our friendly instructor, Roberta Strickland.
Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. in the Senior Center. This activity is open to all ages. Help us create an intergenerational community. For those under 18 and/or with disabilities, you are welcome to join us, but we kindly ask you to please bring an adult chaperone with you.
Bridge
The longest-played bridge game in Archuleta County takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.
Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.
Hand and foot card game
Whether you are new to hand and foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds of playing until the final round is reached — some two to three hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years.
No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.
