Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important national observance because it recognizes the life and legacy of a leader who reshaped the civil rights movement through courage and nonviolent action.
King’s efforts helped dismantle segregation, broaden voting rights, and elevate conversations about justice and equality across the United States.
His teachings continue to inspire new generations to challenge discrimination and work toward a more inclusive society, making the federal holiday both a reflection on history and a call to continued action.
For the senior community, MLK Day carries particular meaning.
Many older adults lived through the civil rights era and witnessed firsthand the struggle for equal rights, giving them a unique perspective on how far society has come and how far it still must go.
The holiday also encourages seniors to share their experiences with younger generations, strengthening intergenerational learning and connection.
In addition, the day’s emphasis on service aligns with volunteer opportunities often embraced by senior groups, allowing them to contribute to community well-being while honoring King’s enduring message of unity, dignity and justice for all.
Holiday closure
Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No programs or lunch service will be provided that day.
Pagosa Puzzle Palooza
You’re invited to enter the Pagosa Puzzle Palooza, a team jigsaw puzzle contest benefiting ASI and our local senior meal programs.
It will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center (Ross Aragon Community Center), 451 Hot Springs Blvd.
Check-in will be at noon, competition will be from 1 to 4 p.m., and awards will be from 4 to 5 p.m.
The team (two to four people) entry fee is $40 per team.
Forms are available at givebutter.com/PagosaPuzzlePalooza26, or stop in the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. You can return the forms by email or drop off at the office.
Get your friends, families, businesses, organizations, churches and community groups to form a team and compete in Pagosa’s first local puzzle competition. Teams will race to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle — but speed isn’t the only way to win.
Each team will also rally support by gathering sponsorships and donations, with every dollar raised going directly to support our Senior Center and the Meals on Wheels Program that nourishes local elders year-round.
Create an original team name, and complete and submit your team registration form. Fundraise — reach out to friends, family or community members to sponsor your team with a donation of support.
Want to join but don’t have a team? Call the ASI office to leave your name and phone number and ASI will see if there are other participants who may want to create a team.
Compete to see which team can raise the most for our seniors. Puzzle it out on Jan. 24. Race against the clock to finish your 500-piece puzzle challenge first in three hours. Win prizes and bragging rights. Celebrate your victory knowing you’ve made a difference.
Think fast, have fun and piece together something amazing for our community.
Ready to take on the challenge? Register your team or become a sponsor and make a donation toward your favorite team’s fundraising goal. Let’s put the pieces together for a great cause.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn takes place on Mondays from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. at the Senior Center.
For Jan. 19, since ASI will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Senior Conversations will be on Jan. 23 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
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.
Bridge
The game of bridge is held 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 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 Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., join the “Tappers,” who practice a self-regulation technique to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and more.
Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
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. There is no class on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
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.
Mexican train dominoes
Mexican train dominoes meets on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Tai chi chih
Tai chi classes have resumed. Tai chi chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this meditative practice. The 19 movements and one pose are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the vital energy that is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
The Senior Center will host bingo on Friday, Jan. 16, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
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; just show up.
All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come, first served.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join local elders, their friends, family and community at the Community Cafe, also known as 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 8:45 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 or text (970) 264-2167 before 8:45 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, Jan. 15 — Beef cottage pie with mashed potatoes, sauteed cabbage, garden salad, fruit, brownie and milk.
Friday, Jan. 16 — Chipotle lime-tortilla crusted tilapia with tartar sauce, broccoli, rice pilaf, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Monday, Jan. 19 — Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 — Crispy codfish with tartar sauce, zucchini, garden salad, fruit, cherry crisp and milk.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 — Beef chili with cheese, green beans and bacon, cornbread, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt, and milk.
Thursday, Jan. 22 — Zuppa Toscana with Italian sausage and spinach, focaccia bread, garden salad, fruit, tiramisu, and milk.
Friday, Jan. 23 — Asian chicken salad with Mandarin oranges, scallions and crispy noodles; chicken dumplings with dipping sauce; 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. 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.
For more information about ASI, please visit www.psseniors.org.
Support the Senior Center
New, starting in 2026, small donations can be deducted without itemizing your tax return. It is the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction.
Here’s what this means: For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025, those who do not itemize can deduct up to $1,000 for individual tax filing 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.
You may mail your donation to ASI, P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, or please visit our website: 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 ASI and sent to P.O. Box 344, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution.
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