Last Sunday, the Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) board of directors, full-time staff, and a few friends and family gathered on the beautiful grounds of Keyah Grande to celebrate and honor ASI board chair Al Northrop over brunch.
At the end of March, Northrop will have completed two terms on the board of directors, for a total of six years of volunteer service on behalf of the older adults, caregivers and families of Archuleta County.
He has also been a key champion of improving staff well-being, supporting increases to livable wages and a modest health benefit stipend.
As a new executive director, Northrop has been supportive and a compassionate mentor, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for his service and friendship. Board service is one of the toughest volunteer roles, and he took on his board duties with dedication, grace and seriousness (but not without a few jokes sprinkled in to help us keep our perspectives).
I am most grateful for his active leadership as a judicious steward of our organization. I know he always carefully deliberated on matters before the board, even when the decisions were difficult.
A famous peace activist once said, “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.”
Al is both wise and virtuous, and I am grateful he shared those qualities with ASI as a board member and ambassador in the community.
We extend our profound gratitude to you, Al, from all of us here at ASI. A special thanks also goes out to his loving wife, Karen Northrop.
Al Northrop is a retired circuit court judge. After serving on three levels of the Maryland judiciary for 31 years, he retired to southwest Colorado, where he continues to enjoy the open spaces and the mountain views. He enjoys skiing, golfing and horseback riding. He also enjoys writing as a hobby and, while he won’t be on our board after March, we look forward to seeing him enjoy lunch, social activities and are so grateful he still wants to pick up and take our recycling for us.
Spring Fling Wine Pairing Soirée
Join us for ASI’s Spring Fling Wine Pairing Soiree on April 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd.
Enjoy a selection of exceptional curated wines, savory appetizers from and delicious chocolates, all crafted by local artisans. Live music from the gifted Gus Palma will enhance the evening’s ambiance. The soirée will also feature a silent auction with unique items and fantastic door prizes. This event invites everyone — singles, couples and groups — to enjoy an unforgettable evening while supporting ASI.
Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out. Purchase tickets at https://givebutter.com/SpringFlingWinePairing, by calling (970) 264-2167 or visiting our office.
Why fundraise?
Poverty rates for individuals aged 65 and older in Archuleta County have risen from 5.2 percent to 9.0 percent, impacting approximately 1,300 individuals. The soirée is crucial for raising funds to support essential health and social services for vulnerable older adults and family caregivers in our community.
Poverty in rural America presents barriers to vital resources for all age groups, but older adults are especially vulnerable, including experiencing barriers to: health care, healthy food and affordable housing, among other critical supports.
ASI operates independently as a nonprofit, relying on public and private funding, donations and more than 70 community volunteers. Unfortunately, funding sources have been unstable, making your support vital for our efforts to serve the community effectively.
Impact of ASI
Since 2023, more than 1,000 unduplicated older adults and caregivers in Archuleta County have benefited annually from our signature nutrition program, which offers nutritious meals served in a welcoming environment. In 2024 alone, we provided approximately 20,000 meals, including deliveries to homebound older adults, a convenient grab-n-go service and dine-in/socialize options.
Annually, we also serve more than 600 unduplicated older adults and caregivers via facilitating quality referrals to local organizations/agencies, providing social connection and support through various activities, including community clinics, fun games, educational classes, discussion groups, and creative and empowering community events.
Caregiver support group
The Senior Center will be hosting a new support group beginning in March.
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.
Note: 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: March 27, April 24, 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 offers t’ai chi chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Meet in the Senior Center dining hall.
T’ai chi chih 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 will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately one hour.
No special clothing or equipment is required.
For more information, call (970) 264-2167.
Meals on Wheels volunteers needed
For more than 50 years, the Senior Center (established in 1971)/ASI (established in 2013) has been meeting the social and nutritional needs of older adults (age 60 and better) in our community.
We serve thousands of nutritious meals annually in Archuleta County, and volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels and friendly visits/wellness checks to homebound older adults.
We depend on more than 55 volunteers annually to help us serve and deliver meals and provide other wrap-around services.
The cost of each meal is $10.50, but we only ask for a suggested donation of $6 per meal. Meal recipients are asked to contribute what they can afford, and no one is ever turned down.
Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Participants must be at home to receive meals. Meals will not be left.
Meals on Wheels volunteers receive background checks and training prior to delivery. Typically a volunteer shift is one day a week from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. depending on the size of the route. Staff works closely with volunteers to allow for periodic breaks.
If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application. Questions? Please call ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Stretching and mobility class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday this fall and winter from 9:30 to 10:30 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 April 4, April 18, 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, March 27 — Greek chicken pita with tzatziki sauce, lemon greek potatoes, garden salad, fruit, baklava and milk.
Friday, March 28 — Vegetarian stuffed bell peppers, squash casserole, spinach salad, fruit, muffin and milk.
Monday, March 31 — Chicken potpie, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, cherry crisp and milk.
Tuesday, April 1 — Shrimp scampi over linguine, wilted spinach, garlic toast, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Wednesday, April 2 — Homemade grass-fed beef meatballs and marinara with Parmesan, warm bean and bacon salad, garden salad, fruit, and milk.
Thursday, April 3 — Pork ribs with ginger plum sauce, lavender-apricot rice pilaf, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, April 4 — Black bean veggie burger with chipotle aioli, skillet mushrooms and zucchini, 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.
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.
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.
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