During a work session held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on Jan. 20, Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) Executive Director Ricardo Martinez provided an update to the BoCC, mainly expressing gratitude for the partnership between the two entities and the BoCC’s commitment to providing funds for ASI to run programs and provide services for seniors in the community.
“We’re here just to show our appreciation,” Martinez said.
He explained that ASI had prepared a proclamation recognizing the BoCC’s partnership.
While reading the proclamation, Martinez stated that the funding provided by the BoCC supports the work of ASI “to provide programs and services critical to the well-being of seniors of Archuleta County.”
He also stated that funding provided by the BoCC supports nutritional sustenance for seniors, with more than 20,700 meals being provided in 2025, and more than 8,000 of those meals specifically for homebound Meals on Wheels participants and more than 11,000 dine-in/grab-and-go meals.
Martinez mentioned that the funding provided by the BoCC goes toward providing programs, like Senior Conversations, tai chi and mindful drawing classes, which prevent “social isolation” and “enhance physical and emotional well-being.”
The number of seniors living in Archuleta County is expected “to continue to grow,” Martinez said, explaining that there will be a concurrent increase in the need for senior services.
Martinez concluded by expressing that ASI is “very thankful” for the BoCC’s support.
“We couldn’t do this without the partnership that you guys provide,” he added.
He explained that the ASI Board of Directors recently had a strategic planning meeting where it was shared that, “We are the only senior center that has not reduced hours, we have not reduced staff, we have not reduced services,” noting that would not be possible without the partnership with the BoCC.
A member of the senior community also spoke, expressing gratitude for the senior center and stating how grateful they are to have a place to go.
The individual mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her husband had meals delivered, but highlighted that being able to have a “facility to go to” is crucial, as they otherwise are just at home.
She mentioned that having meals at the senior center with other community members feels like dining with family.
“Everybody treats you like you’re just part of the family; it means a lot,” she said.
She also stated that she and her husband have lived in six different states, and that “Archuleta County has by far the best senior center and meals.”
Commissioner John Ranson commended ASI’s work, noting that he sits on the board and has noticed “incredible improvements” over the last year.
“It’s the best group I’ve ever worked with,” Ranson said.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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