Ricardo D. Martinez is the new executive director of Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) as of Sept. 8.
A resident of Pagosa Springs, Martinez has dedicated more than three decades to serving communities through health care and public service.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biology, Martinez began his career at Ben Taub General Hospital as a nuclear medicine technologist before transitioning into public health leadership.
Over the years, he has held key positions, including chief of laboratory, environmental and animal control services at the city of Laredo Health Department and dental clinic manager at UT Health Science Center San Antonio. These roles allowed him to build expertise in management, budgeting, program development and compliance.
For the past six years, Martinez has served as clinic director at Pagosa Springs Integrated Healthcare, where he has deepened his knowledge of the Axis Health System and its mission to improve access to care.
Known for his fairness, work ethic and collaborative leadership style, Martinez emphasizes compassion and relationship-building in every role he takes on.
“I believe in leading by example and bringing both professionalism and heart to the work,” Martinez said. “Pagosa Springs is my home, and I look forward to continuing to serve this community.”
Please help us welcome Martinez.
Sept. 11, 2001
Please take a moment to remember those lost in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
September program: ‘The Gift Of Aging’
ASI will have a guest speaker on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center.
Marcy Houle will present the topic of “The Gift of Aging.”
What are the best things we can do to keep our brains sharp as we age? Are there strategies we can use to keep us strong and to never become frail? Is it possible to live into our 70s, 80s, 90s and 100s with energy and with joy? What are the most important things we can do to thrive in our later years and find pleasure every day?
Join Marcy Cottrell Houle as she relates answers to these questions.
She will discuss frontline science and the insights of aging with health, joy and purpose.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is back on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Salmonsohn brings to the 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 in the Archuleta community, fostering sharing and friendships.
Snacks will be provided.
Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, stay for 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.
Stretching and mobility weekly class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center.
The stretching and mobility classes for adults age 55 or better 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.
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.
Bridge
The game of bridge is hosted on Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. It has also been added on 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 p.m. at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds, with the final round reached sometime between two and three hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed.
No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.
Emotional freedom
On the second Wednesday of the month, join the “Tappers,” who practice a self-regulation technique to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and more.
Come learn the technique on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild now meets on Thursdays from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. It supports writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join the group.
Tai chi
Tai chi classes are being held at Yamaguchi Park on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. through September.
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 aged 55 and better, and class will last approximately one hour. No special clothing or equipment is required.
Bingo
The Senior Center usually hosts free community bingo games twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Join the group on Sept. 26.
Participation is free, and all we ask is you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required.
All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come, first served.
Monthly birthday
celebration
ASI celebrates seniors’ birthdays once a month in the dining room. Join us on Friday, Sept. 12, for sweets and refreshments, and a little fun.
Scrapbooking and
crafters club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking and Crafters Club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd., within the dining hall in the Senior Center.
This creative tradition has been happening since 2005, and we invite all creative individuals to come and share ideas, connect with new and old friends, learn/share creative 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.
Help us create an intergenerational community. Those ages 18 and older are welcome. For those youth age 17 and younger, we kindly request an adult chaperone accompany them.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com and you will receive notification each month of the upcoming meeting, along with handy tips and tricks for scrapbooking and more.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join local elders, their friends, family and community at the Silver Fox’s Den in person for delicious meals Mondays through Fridays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Grab ‘N’ Go pickup via our convenient portico is also available all week.
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. Please say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go.
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.
Community Cafe menu
Call before 9 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed at short notice.
Thursday, Sept. 11 — BBQ pork sandwich, coleslaw, mixed vegetables, garden salad, fruit, blueberry cobbler and milk.
Friday, Sept. 12 — Herb roasted chicken, broccoli hollandaise, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, bread pudding with raisins and milk.
Monday, Sept. 15 — Salmon with dill sauce, green beans, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, chocolate pudding and milk.
Tuesday, Sept. 16 — Tempeh chili with cornbread, sauteed squash, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Wednesday, Sept. 17 — Teriyaki beef with peppers, rice, snow peas, garden salad, fruit, lemon-blueberry cake and milk.
Thursday, Sept. 18 — Orecchiette pasta salad, garden salad, fruit, dessert bar and milk.
Friday, Sept. 19 — Pork ziti pasta with marinara, cauliflower, focaccia bread, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.
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. The meals are delivered by our wonderful volunteers. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167 for how to sign up for the program.
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.
Mountain Express Transit senior paratransit services
Seniors over the age of 60 can be verified to receive services through discounted paratransit services, free bus rides and pick up at your home to bring you to the Senior Center for lunch. To become eligible, there is a form to complete.
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry can contact the Mountain Express Transit (MET) to schedule a ride with its paratransit service.
Call the Archuleta County MET at (970) 264-2250 for information.
Medicare assistance 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) 403-6759 for an appointment and where to meet.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has 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.
Please stop by our offices at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application or call (970) 264-2167 for more information.
Support the Senior Center
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County.
You may mail your donation to P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, or please visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button).
Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors Inc.
Another way to donate: Are you 70.5 years old or better? Do you have an IRA from which you need to take a distribution? Did you know you can make charitable donations directly from your IRA without paying taxes on the distribution, up to $100,000 per year? The donation from the account would be payable to Archuleta Seniors Inc. and sent to the address above. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution.
New, starting in 2026, small donations can be deducted without itemizing on your tax return. It is the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction.
For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 for individual tax filers and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
The goal of this provision is to recognize and encourage charitable giving across all income levels, potentially boosting donations from middle-income households who may not itemize their deductions. This change has the potential to significantly impact charitable giving patterns by incentivizing a broader base of donors.
We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
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