How can you show appreciation to our first responders, such as the example of the Oak Fire last week in Aspen Springs, when all of the emergency preparedness agencies quickly moved into action? Evacuations and pre-evacuations were ordered. Were you ready?
Seniors can show their gratitude by being prepared for wildfires and other emergencies. There can be some special preparations for those of us in this age group that need to be considered.
There have been classes in Archuleta County with the sheriff’s department and the Office of Emergency Management about being prepared.
“Ready, Set, Go, Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults” from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, available at https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ready-Set-Go-Wildland-Fire-Action-Plan), gives three steps:
• Step one: “This section guides you through a self-assessment process to identify your specific needs so that you can create a personalized emergency plan.”
• Step two: “Make a plan and build a kit.”
• Step three: “Engage Your Support Network.”
In step one, questions include: “Do I have any medical conditions or dietary requirements that require specific care or medication? What mobility challenges or disabilities do I need to plan for? How will I ensure the safety and well-being of my pet or service animal? Have I established communication strategies with neighbors and local emergency services? Will I need help to transport my emergency supplies?”
Step two: “Create a support network of family, friends, caregivers, and others who can assist you during an emergency. Make an emergency plan and practice it with them. Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.”
Your emergency kit must include your medications, identification papers, Social Security and Medicare cards, and other documents.
Step three: Engage your support network and review what to do in an emergency. Be prepared.
For emergency notifications from Archuleta County, use Nixle, a community alert system. You can sign up at https://local.nixle.com/register/.
Watch Duty is a cellphone ap that you can download that gives alerts and information on wildfires.
Being ready in an emergency is the best way to help our first responders.
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.
Mexican Train dominoes
A new group is forming and will meet on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild meets on Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. We support writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join us.
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 Aug. 22.
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.
Produce Box Program
ASI, in partnership with TerraWalk Farms and Nourish Colorado, is launching its second season of the Produce Box Program for seniors (55+) in Archuleta County.
Through this Community Supported Agriculture initiative, eligible participants will receive weekly boxes of fresh, local, organic produce from June to mid-October.
Eligibility requirements: You must be a current or new ASI client (Meals on Wheels, congregate, pick-up/Grab-N-Go meals) or a resident of low-income senior housing (e.g., Casa De Los Arcos, Rose Mountain Townhomes).
For more information about participating, please call ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Participants pick up their boxes at the Senior Center on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
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.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage.
Community Cafe menu
Call before 9 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed at short notice.
Thursday, Aug. 21 — Cajun shrimp and grits, zucchini saute, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt, mango-coconut bread pudding, and milk.
Friday, Aug. 22 — Pork tortilla soup with crispy tortillas, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, fruit, flan and milk.
Monday, Aug. 25 — Caribbean chicken tacos, tortilla, black beans, rice, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Tuesday, Aug. 26 — Butternut squash ravioli with sage butter, wilted spinach, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, strawberry angel cake and milk.
Wednesday, Aug. 27 — Thai chicken with peanut sauce, brown rice, sauteed snap peas, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Thursday, Aug. 28 — New Orleans sausage and corn chowder, southern biscuit, beets, garden salad, fruit, Mississippi mud pie, and milk.
Friday, Aug. 29 — Cod Florentine, sweet potato, dinner roll, 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.
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