The first masquerade fundraiser for Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) was a lively success on Friday, Oct. 24, at the beautiful Keyah Grande.
Guests arrived in elegant masquerade ball attire, filling the evening with color, laughter and community spirit. The event featured live music, a costume contest, and both live and silent auctions that kept the crowd engaged and entertained throughout the night.
The celebration not only brought joy to attendees, but also raised important funds to support the organization’s mission of serving local seniors.
Organizers expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the event possible. Thanks were also extended to the dedicated board members, staff and volunteers who helped bring the evening to life.
The proceeds from the fundraiser will directly benefit the health and well-being of Archuleta County’s senior community. ASI looks forward to building on this year’s success and making next year’s masquerade an even more memorable celebration.
Autumn match campaign
We depend on donations as part of our funding to provide our programs and 20,000 lunches a year, including the home-bound using Meals on Wheels. Our other sources of funding are not enough.
You can make a difference. An ASI supporter will donate up to $5,000 if matched between now and Dec. 31. Your donation of $10 becomes $20, $20 becomes $40, $50 becomes $100, or whatever amount you give will be doubled in value.
You can donate to the matching campaign in many ways:
• Call ASI at (970) 264-2167 or stop in and use your credit card, saying it’s for the matching campaign. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the Ross Aragon Community Center (the riverside entrance at the portico).
• You can send a check to ASI, P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, with “Match” on the memo line, or use this link: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ArchuletaSeniors.
November holiday closures
ASI will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day, and Nov. 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. No programs or lunch service will be provided those days.
Upcoming events
Put us on your schedule. We have several events coming up, including a fun lunchtime Halloween party on Oct. 31 (see below), our nonalcoholic drinks bar at the holiday market at the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Clubhouse on Nov. 1 and 2, and our tree at the Festival of Trees on Dec. 5 and 6.
Halloween costume party
Come in costume to the Pagosa Senior Center dining room on Friday, Oct. 31, for a Halloween party from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., with a costume contest at 1 p.m. There will be pumpkin pie and prizes. If you want lunch, please call ahead or by 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, to make a reservation at (970) 264-2167.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn takes place on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center.
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.
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 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.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild now meets on Thursdays from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. It supports writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join the group.
Tai chi chih
Come on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for tai chi chih classes at the Senior Center.
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 which is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
The Senior Center hosts free community bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Join the group on Oct. 31 right after the Halloween party. In November, bingo will be on Nov. 14.
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 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 on short notice.
Thursday, Oct. 30 — Tarragon chicken, creamed spinach, blueberry crisp, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, Oct. 31 — Pork posole with hominy, cabbage-radish-onions, tortilla, garden salad, fruit, pumpkin pie and milk.
Monday, Nov. 3 — Crispy cod with tartar sauce, green beans, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, chocolate cake and milk.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 — Butternut squash and white bean soup, focaccia bread, garden salad, fruit, dessert bar and milk.
Wednesday, Nov. 5 — Pork Tenderloin with blackberry balsamic glaze, baby baked potatoes, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.
Thursday, Nov. 6 — Beef lasagna, broccoli, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, brownies and milk.
Friday, Nov. 7 — Chicken and smoked sausage gumbo, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, fruit, banana bread 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 or visit www.psseniors.org for more information.
