A new generation of retired adults are here in Pagosa Springs, and they’re bringing a list of must-haves as they enjoy their “golden years.”
As older adults are increasingly informed about health and wellness, the Pagosa Senior Center is evolving to meet and exceed their expectations.
Discerning community members are more selective, knowing exactly what they want and expecting higher standards, including dietary needs stemming from an increased understanding of what it means to age healthfully. More than tai chi or brain health classes (which are often available, too), the Senior Center is also focusing on the dining options offered to community members.
The baby boomer generation grew up with the dining table as a focal point of family bonding and friendship building. Going out to lunch was, and continues to be, a staple of social life. For some, it’s even a part of your weekly schedule.
To meet this need in our community, the Senior Center emphasizes a social atmosphere and chef-prepared food. This means an enhanced dining experience with a broader range of options than in the past. We have begun offering daily specials following the cultural shift toward more organic, seasonal and fresh foods. Many of our ingredients are sourced from local and regional farms and ranches. And we even grow some of our own produce in our grow dome.
While vegan and vegetarian options used to be a second thought, they’re now fundamental in our menus. And that’s not the only thing that’s commonplace. During the Lenten season, we will continue offering a meatless option on March 5 for Ash Wednesday and meatless Friday options throughout the Lenten season.
Outside of dietary preferences, our head chef and sous chef are getting more comfortable adapting their offerings to suit the stomachs of clients.
The main takeaway is that the Senior Center has abundant food choices. Most changes to dining in the Senior Center are driven by client feedback, so please continue to let us know how we are doing and what you enjoy.
For more information, contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) at (970) 264-2167.
Weatherization Assistance Program
In partnership with the Colorado Energy Office, the community is invited to join together for an informational meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 1:15 pm at the Senior Center in the Ross Aragon Community Center to learn about Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which includes no-cost weatherization services for qualified residents and homes.
The WAP helps income-qualified Coloradans save money, increase comfort, and improve their homes and the environment with proven energy conservation solutions.
What is weatherization? Weatherization protects homes from the elements, including cold, heat, water and wind. It also reduces energy use and improves your home’s energy efficiency.
For example, weatherizing your home can include installing insulation and sealing air leaks to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and improve indoor air quality. Together, these measures can reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable and increase residents’ safety.
Join your hosts, ASI and District 1 LPEA Archuleta County Representative Holly Metzler, to learn more about this essential program. A local who has benefited from this program will be present to provide their testimony and discuss their experience.
If you aren’t able to make the presentation in person, more information can be found at https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program.
Emotional Freedom Technique sessions
Join Judith Newman at the Senior Center the second Wednesday of each month to participate in the popular, ongoing “Tapping” class (also known as EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique) from 10 to 11 a.m. that is free and open to all ages and walks of life.
The next session will be March 12.
The first half of class is learning or reviewing the technique, and the second half of the hour is practicing the technique and answering questions.
This is a supportive, fun and informative class.
EFT is an evidence-based, self-regulating technique using acupressure trigger points as well as elements from other therapeutic practices. Extensive research shows EFT to be effective in lowering both psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, stress and more.
This technique is easy to learn and then use any time you want to lower your anxiety, gain clarity about emotional challenges and increase your ability to work with difficult transitions in your life.
Join the class and improve your well-being; meet new people in the community; support yourself and others while learning a powerful, helpful tool; find new ways to deal with insomnia, stress and change.
For more information or questions, please contact Newman at (505) 577-0194 or ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Community vaccine clinic March 28
In partnership with the Archuleta County Public Health Department, ASI is hosting a community vaccine clinic at the Ross Aragon Community Center on March 28 in the West Conference Room from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Flu and COVID vaccinations will be available to uninsured and traditional Medicare/Medicaid patients. Those with Medicare or Medicaid insurance will need to fill out a packet of paper work to prequalify.
Paperwork can be picked up at the Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. and must be returned by March 12.
If patients need assistance filling out paperwork, staff from the Archuleta County Public Health Department are available to assist.
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 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.
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.
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. 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. 27 — Greek spanakopita pie, roasted squash medley, garden salad, apple crisp and milk.
Friday, Feb. 28 — Chicken piccata, rice pilaf, broccoli, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt and milk.
Monday, March 3 — Curry chicken, jasmine rice, squash medley, garden salad, fruit, chai pudding and milk.
Tuesday, March 4 — Beef lasagna, broccoli, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Wednesday, March 5 — Moroccan stew, spinach artichoke dip, pita chips, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Thursday, March 6 — BBQ country ribs, creamed corn, garden salad, fruit, blueberry cobbler and milk.
Friday, March 7 — Portuguese kale and white bean soup, focaccia bread, roasted cauliflower, 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, 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.
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.
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