Senior News

Archuleta Seniors Inc. to benefit from 19th Hole Concert Series

Posted

Summer’s highly anticipated 19th Hole Concert Series at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club features a different local music talent each Thursday evening in June. 

The cover charge for each concert is $10, and all proceeds are pooled and distributed evenly to the four selected nonprofits by the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado. 

Last year’s concerts raised $2,500 for each participating organization.   This year’s recipients are Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI), Build Pagosa, Project Sanctuary and the San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnership. 

The 19th Hole Concerts are community fundraisers that feature local musicians and local nonprofits each Thursday evening in June, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club. 

“The Archuleta Committee is proud to have been active in supporting Archuleta County’s nonprofits for 10 years now,” said Susan Buchner, current chair of the Archuleta Committee. “We raised a total of $75,000 for local nonprofits in the first nine seasons, which we could not have done without the support of our faithful concert attendees and corporate sponsors.” 

As a community facilitator, the Community Foundation works to increase resilience and success for nonprofits, while maximizing effective grantmaking for philanthropists to make Southwest Colorado a better place to live.

19th Hole Concerts schedule

• June 5: ASI, Bob Hemenger — Dixieland, jazz, blues, soul and pop. 

• June 12: Project Sanctuary, Jackson Mountain Ramblers — country, folk and pop. 

• June 19: Build Pagosa, Bo DePeña — Americana and country. 

• June 26: San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnership, Max Miller — jazz.

The policy is to cancel in the event of lightning. If you want to check the status of a concert, check www.swcommunityfoundation.org for the most up-to-date information.

Open house scheduled

ASI, a local nonprofit organization supporting an age-friendly, independent and resilient community, is hosting an open house on June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center. 

All community members are invited to come and hear about ASI’s 2025-2027 strategic plan and learn about initiatives such as nutritional programs, caregiving support, educational programs, activities for mind and body, and our geodesic “grow” dome. There will be information on upcoming special events and fundraisers as well as the opportunity to volunteer for an array of programs. 

Come meet our staff and board members at this free social event. Refreshments will be served. The Senior Center is located in the Ross Aragon Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Parking is available. For more information, please call (970) 264-2167.

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 at rosa@psseniors.org for case-by-case consideration. 

In addition to the fabulous vegetables, the community is invited to attend our Self Survival Food Lecture Series May through June. For more information, please visit our website, www.psseniors.org.

Monthly caregiver
support group 

If you are caring for a family member or friend with physical/mental disability, emotional health needs or cognitive decline, this group was created for you. 

This group is not limited to only caregivers of older adults. Caregivers of all types are welcome. This group offers a safe, welcoming space for caregivers seeking connection, empathy and encouragement. Whether you’re looking for understanding during difficult times or just need a community to lean on, we’re here for you. 

These sessions will also offer educational resources to grow you in the knowledge and skill to strengthen self-care, to care for your loved ones and empower you to navigate your role as a caregiver, one day at a time. 

Dates for the monthly caregiver support gathering in 2025 include: May 22, June 26, July 24, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18. 

All meetings will be held at the Community Center in the West Conference Room (except the August gathering will be in a local park) from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

If you have questions or would like to be added to our announcement list, please contact Yeun Fiedler at (970) 946-5810 or Madeline Sutton at (970) 507-1574.

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.

Stretching and mobility class

Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Senior 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.

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 29 — Beef lasagna, broccoli, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.

Friday, May 30 — Tuna salad over greens, potato salad, whole-wheat roll, garden salad, fruit, chocolate cake and milk.

Monday, June 2 — Chicken pesto wrap, pasta salad, garden salad, fruit and milk.

Tuesday, June 3 — BBQ country ribs, creamed corn, garden salad, fruit, southern biscuit and milk.

Wednesday, June 4 — Baked herb chicken, couscous, broccoli hollandaise, garden salad, fruit and milk.

Thursday, June 5 — French beef dip sandwich on hoagie roll with aujus, cheesy cauliflower, garden salad, fruit and milk.

Friday, June 6 — Pork kielbasa, sweet and sour cabbage, roasted potatoes, 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.

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.

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.