As elders of the community, Pagosa Springs’ older adults are increasingly sharing their concerns about climate change and actively seeking to leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations.
We are leveraging our life experiences, professional expertise, and a sense of responsibility to contribute to climate action. This involves various forms of engagement, including advocating for policy changes, supporting climate-friendly businesses and volunteering in community initiatives.
A few examples of how Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) supports this essential work locally is through strategies that enable a sustainable and equitable regional food-system through our annual partnership with Terra Walk farm to provide locally grown, organic produce to low-income older adults, the use of compostable to-go containers for our grab-n-go items, and the use of our 42-foot grow dome to support food sovereignty through small-scale agriculture that helps us reduce our carbon footprint and inspire seasonal menus at the community cafe.
We also want to share more about a recent grant we received from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and gather your community-led solutions/ideas that will ultimately provide additional opportunities for older adults and the community to leverage the ASI grow dome for new and exciting programming experiences.
By actively engaging in climate action and sharing our wisdom and experience, older adults are making a significant contribution to ensuring a more sustainable future for all generations.
We invite the community out to celebrate Pagosa’s own Earth Day celebration to be held in Centennial Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and to learn more about the legacy efforts our elders are organizing here in Pagosa Country. We will also be providing tasty, nutritious snacks and coffee for your enjoyment during the event.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing more about our leadership efforts, volunteer opportunities, and programs and services.
For more information, please contact ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Third annual Southwest Food and Agriculture Summit features grow dome project
On Wednesday, April 2, ASI Executive Director Rosa Chavez, MPH, presented on behalf of the Southwest Colorado Region 9 Grow Dome Partnership that supports senior center food sovereignty in four of the five counties in Region 9, using Archuleta County as a case study.
Food sovereignty is defined as the right of peoples to have healthy and culturally appropriate food, produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It emphasizes local control over food production, distribution and consumption, prioritizing the needs of people and communities over corporate interests and global markets.
The Pagosa Senior Center, Ignacio Senior Center, Silverton Senior Center and Ute Mountain Ute Senior Center were all recipients of funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 distributed via the Colorado State Unit On Aging through the regional San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, which funded phase one of the projects, including the purchase of the grow dome infrastructure, supplies and a modest salary for a professional horticulturist.
Unfortunately, ARPA funds were terminated abruptly in September of 2024, but this unplanned challenge allowed the group to pivot and more proactively collaborate by putting in a joint application to CDPHE with the support of the regional food system nonprofit out of Durango called the Good Food Collective.
The partnership received notification of our funding award from CDPHE in March, and regionally we have begun a planning process, lasting between April and June, to engage the community around solutions and ideas to further leverage the grow dome for new and exciting programming. The grant also has an implementation phase that will be from July 2025 to June 2026.
ASI’s first outreach event locally will be at Earth Day on April 19 in Centennial Park to gather input from community members, and we look forward to being at other local events to solicit input.
ASI is inviting volunteers to assist with the Southwest Colorado Region 9 Grow Dome Partnership effort locally here in Archuleta County. If you’re interested in volunteering or for more information, please contact ASI at (970) 264-2167.
Community spring and April birthday celebration
The Senior Center is excited to continue to host monthly seasonal and birthday celebrations for community members of all ages.
Fostering social bonds between older adults and community members of all ages is vital. Celebrating the spring season with small gestures of connection and compassion can significantly improve emotional well-being, reduce loneliness and promote a sense of belonging among our community.
If you have an April birthday and/or want to join in a low-key, informal spring celebration, come join us Thursday afternoon, April 17, 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 treats, games, 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 our website, www.psseniors.org, or call (970) 264-2167.
Caregiver support group
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our first caregiver support gathering last Thursday.
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: 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 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.
No t’ai chi chih in April
The Senior Center offers t’ai chi chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life.
This activity will be paused for the month of April and will resume in May. We apologize for any inconveniences.
For more information, call (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 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.
Stretching and mobility class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday 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.
Upcoming bingo dates include April 18, May 9, May 23, June 13 and June 27.
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, April 17 — New England clam chowder, oyster crackers, broccoli, garden salad, pistachio fruit, salad and milk.
Friday, April 18 — Greek chicken with lemon potatoes, orzo salad, garden salad, strawberry shortcake and milk.
Monday, April 21 — Butternut squash ravioli with sage butter sauce, wilted spinach and onions, garden salad, fruit, almond croissant and milk.
Tuesday, April 22 — New Orleans sausage and corn chowder, southern biscuit, garden salad, fruit, tapioca pudding and milk.
Wednesday, April 23 — Chicken Dijon, quinoa rice, peas and pearl onions, garden salad, apple pie and milk.
Thursday, April 24 — Beef spaghetti, garlic bread, broccoli, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt and milk.
Friday, April 25 — Crispy codfish with tartar sauce, glazed carrots, garden salad, fruit, strawberry rhubarb crisp 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/.
