By Rose Chavez/PREVIEW Columnist
Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) would like to express our profound gratitude to the community for its generous support of ASI’s intergenerational community leadership in revitalizing the deeply cherished community tradition of the Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta over the past two years.
After a 20-year hiatus of this special community event, we were able to make quite a splash and help the community kick up its heels to some amazing music while raising funds for multiple great causes. The community’s contributions have been invaluable in helping us further our mission, not only for our 55+ community, but also for local students and elders through initiatives such as our Seniors for Seniors BIPOC Scholarship, which awarded more than $9,000 in scholarships last year.
It is with sincere regret that we announce that, beginning this year, ASI will no longer serve as the organizer, promoter or sponsor of the Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta.
We extend our best wishes to the Spanish Fiesta Royalty and are proud to pass the torch to those who will carry the celebration and traditions forward. We remain deeply honored to have been critical revitalizers of this cherished cultural tradition and hope the fiesta continues to thrive, celebrating the vibrant cultures that contribute to the rich tapestry of our beautiful community and unique region.
Opportunities to support ASI continue in a variety of other ways.
On June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m., ASI will host an open house so the community can learn about the 2025-2027 strategic plan, including opportunities to participate in volunteering with new initiatives such as Age Friendly Archuleta, rural community meal planning, marketing and outreach, fundraising, and special events, including our exciting new fundraiser called the “Donation Game” that draws on the nostalgia of game shows of years past. Think “Price is Right” and “Family Fued.”
This sleek and sexy charity event is tentatively scheduled to be held on Sept. 26 at Behind the Gates at Keyah Grande. We are currently looking for lead sponsors to assist with the success of this event.
For more information, please contact Executive Director Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org.
Self-Sufficiency Food Series and produce box program
ASI, in partnership with TerraWalk Farms and Nourish Colorado, is launching its second season of the Self-Sufficiency Food Series and Produce Box Program for low-income seniors (ages 55+) in Archuleta County.
Through this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative, eligible participants will receive biweekly boxes of fresh, local, organic produce from June to mid-October 2025.
Eligibility requirements: must be a current or new ASI client (Meals on Wheels, congregate, pick-up/Grab-N-Go meals); a resident of low-income senior housing (e.g., Casa De Los Arcos, Rose Mountain Homes). Others may apply by contacting the ASI executive director for case-by-case consideration.
Perks: biweekly produce boxes. newsletters with recipes and farm stories, optional farm visits and work opportunities, and free access to the Self-Sufficiency Food Series, held monthly from May to October.
On May 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center, you can learn about the CSA produce program and how to start and grow a garden that thrives at elevation.
Self-Sufficiency Food Series schedule
May 17: Gardening at Elevation with Chris Frederics.
June 21: Compost and soil with Brian Wattie/Wes Davies.
July 19: Kitchen skills with Ana Smith.
Aug. 16: Seasonal menu design with Rue Graham.
Sept. 20: Heritage/cultural foods with Rose Chavez.
Oct. 18: Food preservation with Kendall McAllister/Cindi Galabota.
To apply, call (970) 264-2167 or visit 451 Hot Springs Blvd. The first 40 qualified applicants will be accepted.
T’ai chi chih
The Senior Center is offering t’ai chi chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Senior Center dining hall located in the back of the Community Center.
The class is intended to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life.
Tai chi 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 are free for older adults (age 55 and better) and class will last approximately 1 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.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Open to all. 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, May 15 — Stuffed giant Portobello mushroom, hummus and pita chips, garden salad, fruit, and Milk.
Friday, May 16 — Garlic ginger sticky pork, rice, broccoli and cauliflower, garden salad, fruit, carrot cake, and milk.
Monday, May 19 — BBQ country ribs, corn casserole, apple crisp, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Tuesday, May 20 — Spaghetti squash with Italian sausage marinara, green beans, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, cranberry nut muffin and milk.
Wednesday, May 21 — Vegetarian tempeh chili with shredded cheese, wilted spinach, honey cornbread, garden salad, fruit, lemon bar and milk.
Thursday, May 22 — Cajun shrimp with cheesy grits, zucchini sauté, garden salad, yogurt, fruit and milk.
Friday, May 23 — Chicken fajitas with peppers, flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa, 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.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. The terms are three years with an option to renew for an additional term.
Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
