Celebrated every May, Older Americans Month (OAM) is led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on the importance of combating ageism to transform how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the benefits of healthy aging.
“Ageism affects how we see older adults and how they see themselves,” said Rosa Chavez, Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) executive director. “A positive perspective on aging allows individuals to engage fully in their workplaces and communities.”
The ASI executive director and board of directors were joined by local older adults last Tuesday in conjunction with the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners to declare May 2025 Older Americans Month in Archuleta County.
Archuleta County’s growing population of older adults enriches our community with strength, wisdom and diverse life experiences, and Archuleta County is committed to honoring their contributions, exploring opportunities for them to stay active and engaged, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration and connection that come with aging.
ASI’s “Age Friendly Archuleta Initiative” and the Colorado Commission on Aging in alignment with the 2025 OAM theme are dedicated to empowering aging and encouraging older adults to prepare and plan for the future while actively participating in the present.
What can individuals do to combat ageism?
• Celebrate the contributions of people of all ages in the workplace and community.
• Avoid ageist statements when talking about growing older.
• Promote fact-based messages about older adults’ abilities and value to communities.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take time during this month and beyond to acknowledge and recognize older adults as vital parts of our community. For more information, please contact ASI via www.psseniors.org or call (970) 264-2167 to learn more about our programs, services and volunteer opportunities.
Rock painting May 8
Join local artist Becky Crowe this Thursday, May 8, at 1:15 p.m. for a free rock art session. We have gathered a variety of rocks of different sizes for your painting pleasure.
Stop by the dining hall and either bring your own rock or select from our collection. We will provide the paint and rocks, and you bring your own inspiration to create a colorful rock to place in your garden or to use as a paperweight.
This activity is free and open to all ages.
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.
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 Ross Aragon 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.
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.
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.
Bingo
The Senior Center continues to host free community bingo games twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Upcoming bingo dates include May 9, May 23, June 13 and June 27.
Bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners, and snacks will also be provided.
No RSVP is required. Help us create an intergenerational community.
All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come, first served.
For more information, contact us at (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 8 — Baked salmon with herb cream sauce, rice pilaf, broccoli, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, May 9 — Korean beef over rice, sugar snap peas, garden salad, fruit, brownies and milk.
Monday, May 12 — Beef meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and pearl onions, garden salad, fruit, ginger snaps, and milk.
Tuesday, May 13 — Chicken salad on croissant, broccoli salad, garden salad, fruit, stained glass Jello pie and milk.
Wednesday, May 14 — Beef spaghetti, squash casserole, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit and milk.
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.
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.
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.
