Update, 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14: Archuleta Seniors, Inc. (ASI) regrets to announce the postponement of the Valentine Wine Pairing Soiree scheduled for this evening due to an unexpected power outage and severe snow conditions impacting the area. The safety and comfort of our guests, staff, and community are our top priority. After careful consideration of current weather and power issues, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the event. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. ASI will be reaching out to all current ticket holders to provide options for attending the rescheduled event or to receive a refund for their ticket purchase. We are committed to ensuring a seamless experience for our valued supporters and will share the new event date as soon as it is confirmed. We thank you for your continued support of ASI and look forward to celebrating with you at the rescheduled wine pairing soiree.
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The Pagosa Senior Center is excited to host monthly seasonal holiday and birthday celebrations for community members of all ages.
Fostering social bonds between older adults and community members of all ages is vital.
Remember, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples — it’s a chance for everyone, especially older adults, to feel loved, appreciated and connected. Celebrating the holiday with small gestures of love and compassion can significantly improve emotional well-being, reduce loneliness and promote a sense of belonging among our community.
If you have a February birthday and/or want to join in a low-key, informal Valentine’s Day celebration, join us this Thursday afternoon, Feb. 13, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. in the dining hall at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd.
We’ll have cake, along with games, goodies, music and opportunities for meaningful connections. Come experience Pagosa love and help us build and strengthen systems of community care.
Our community celebrations at the Senior Center are intergenerational, so everyone is welcome.
Supplies are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early.
For more details and updates about these monthly events, please visit www.psseniors.org or call (970) 264-2167.
Community vaccine clinic slated for mid-March
In partnership with the Archuleta County Public Health Department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) will host a community vaccine clinic at the Ross Aragon Community Center in mid-March.
This clinic will be open to community members of all ages and will take place in the CDPHE vaccine van parked outside the Senior Center at the rear of the community center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. The van is equipped to process various types of insurance. However, uninsured community members will have access only to flu, COVID and meningococcal vaccines at this time.
More information, including time of the clinic, will be provided soon, so please stay tuned.
For further details, please contact the Archuleta County Public Health Department at (970) 264-2409.
New caregiver support group starting in March
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 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 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.
Brain fitness and mobility program
Join us Mondays, Feb. 24 through March 24, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Senior Center for a free six-week new Ageless Grace exercise program, taught by Judy, a trained facilitator who will support and help you learn gentle movements to enhance brain health and mobility.
We will spend 30 minutes in a chair exercising and stimulating five areas of our brain functioning. Yes, it is possible to strengthen our neural connections even as we age.
Anyone age 21 and older is invited and encouraged to participate in this program.
It is a cutting-edge brain fitness program based on neuroplasticity that activates all five functions of the brain — strategic planning, memory/recall, analytical thinking, creativity and imagination, kinesthetic learning — and simultaneously addresses all 21 physical skills needed for lifelong optimal health functioning.
Scrapbooking and
crafters club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ross Aragon 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.
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.
Healthy aging and yoga
therapy classes
The Healthy Aging Yoga Series continues to be offered in person at the Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
It is structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments.
Monthly themes for the series include topics such as sustainable strength for healthy aging individuals, brain health, heart and cardiovascular health, mental and emotional well-being, community connections, and stress management, to name a few.
Classes will be educational for participants to utilize practices in daily life and are meant for all levels of experience with yoga.
Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center. Some blocks and Therabands are available, too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed.
We request that individuals new to the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with our instructor, Kimberly Anderson, directly by email at zinkgraf@gmail.com.
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.
The upcoming dates are Feb. 14 and 28, and March 7 and 21.
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, Feb. 13 — Pork carnitas, tortilla, refried beans, sweet corn, garden salad, fruit, muffin and milk.
Friday, Feb. 14 — Vegetable pizza, roasted cauliflower, spinach salad, strawberry angel food cake with fresh berries and milk.
Monday, Feb. 17 — Closed for Presidents Day.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 — Mediterranean stuffed mushroom with couscous, roasted beets, garden salad, fruit, chocolate cake and milk.
Wednesday, Feb. 19 — Pork kielbasa, sweet and sour cabbage, German potato salad, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.
Thursday, Feb. 20 — Chicken fajitas with peppers, guacamole, sour cream, tortillas, Spanish rice, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, Feb. 21 — Thai coconut shrimp soup, rice, chicken dumplings, garden salad, fruit, almond croissant 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.
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.
We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
