As scams targeting older adults continue to rise across the country, the Archuleta Senior Center is encouraging local seniors to remain vigilant and take simple steps to protect themselves from fraud.
Scammers often contact seniors by phone, mail, email or text message while pretending to represent trusted organizations such as Medicare, Social Security or financial institutions. These individuals may attempt to create a sense of urgency, requesting personal information or immediate payment through unusual methods such as gift cards or wire transfers.
Seniors are reminded never to share personal or financial information unless they initiated the contact and are certain of the source’s legitimacy.
The Senior Center encourages seniors to monitor their bank statements regularly, shred sensitive documents before discarding them, and consult with a trusted family member, friend or staff member before responding to suspicious requests.
Community awareness plays a key role in preventing fraud, and the Senior Center remains committed to providing education and support to help older adults stay safe and informed.
Seniors who receive questionable calls or mail are urged to report the incident and seek guidance, helping protect not only themselves but others in the community from becoming victims.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn takes place on Mondays from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
The exception in February is the rescheduling of the gathering from Feb. 16 to Feb. 20, still at 1:15 p.m., due to the holiday.
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.
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.
Tai chi chih
Tai chi classes are on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in 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 that is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
Join us for bingo on Friday, Feb. 27.
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, Feb. 19 — Grilled turkey, Swiss cheese, tomato sandwich; sweet potato fries; garden salad; fruit; muffin; and milk.
Friday, Feb. 20 — Vegetable lasagna, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, chocolate cake and milk.
Monday, Feb. 23 — Green chili chicken casserole, Mexican corn, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 — Beef spaghetti with garlic bread, broccoli, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.
Wednesday, Feb. 25 — Mushroom barley rice casserole, roasted butternut squash, garden salad, fruit, raspberry cheesecake and milk.
Thursday, Feb. 26 — Singapore pork coffee ribs with rice, squash casserole, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, Feb. 27 — Cod with mango salsa, quinoa rice pilaf, garden salad, fruit, Key lime pie 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.
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