Senior News

Save the date for high tea

Posted

Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) will be hosting high tea from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. on July 24. Come by and try our cucumber sandwiches and scones. All ages are welcome.

Senior Conversations

Join us every Monday 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.

Stretching and mobility class

Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Pagosa 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.

For more information, call ASI at (970) 264-2167.

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 longest-played bridge game in Archuleta County takes place on Tuesdays 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 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.

No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.

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.

Mexican Train dominoes

A new group is forming and will meet on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Tai chi

Tai chi classes are held at Yamaguchi Park from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

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 one hour. No special clothing or equipment is required.

For more information, call ASI at (970) 264-2167.

Bingo

The Senior Center usually hosts free community bingo games twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The dates in July are July 11 and July 25.

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.

For more information, contact ASI at (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.

Brain fitness program

The Ageless Grace Brain Fitness Program will not be held during the summer.

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).

Please note that the “Self-Survival Food Lecture Series” is canceled.

For more information, please call ASI at (970) 264-2167.

Participants pick up their boxes at the Senior Center on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to noon and 1to 4 p.m.

Share lunch Monday through Friday

Please note that we are closed Friday, July 4, for Independence Day..

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.

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. Pickup via our convenient portico is also 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.

Community Cafe menu

Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed at short notice.

Thursday, July 3 — Chicken fajitas, tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, garden salad, fruit and milk.

Friday, July 4 — Closed for Independence Day.

Monday, July 7 — Codfish Vera Cruz, rice pilaf, wilted spinach, garden salad, fruit and milk.

Tuesday, July 8 — Pork tenderloin, harvest chutney, roasted beets, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit and milk.

Wednesday, July 9 — Chicken Parmigiana, rainbow chard and onions, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, and milk.

Thursday, July 10 — Beef meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and pearl onions, garden salad, fruit, and milk.

Friday, July 11 — Black bean smoked tempeh and butternut squash, quinoa rice, 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, call (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.

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) 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.

Support the Senior Center

Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County.

You may mail your donation to P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, or please visit our website: http://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 Archuleta Seniors Inc. and sent to the address above. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution.

We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.