Produce, like zucchini, watermelon, and many more fruits and vegetables, are heroes of hydration. A big challenge for seniors is getting enough water to be well-hydrated. Dehydration makes many health conditions worse, and makes you lethargic and weak.
The body needs to be about 70 percent water for good blood flow, for organs to work well and to help fight off some kinds of infections. It’s not just water that helps you stay hydrated — many fruits and vegetables are also good ways to get enough water.
Enter zucchini, for example. This time of year, zucchini is abundant, and home gardeners are happy to share (read: unload) their extra zucchini. You’ve heard the joke not to leave your car unlocked or you might find a bag of zucchini on your front seat. Or that there is a neighborhood zucchini angel, leaving zucchini at your front door. Home gardeners can’t seem to resist having several zucchini plants, even though they’ll never use all of it themselves.
It’s good news for you, though. Zucchini is about 97 percent water and very low in calories. It’s a great addition to meals and snacks. Try zucchini as sticks and dip; chopped with other vegetables in a salad;lightly sauteed with oil, onion and garlic; or in a breakfast egg scramble. Baked, as in zucchini bread, reduces the water content, but still is worthwhile because zucchini contributes vitamins and minerals to your diet.
Fruits such as watermelon, grapefruit, cantaloupe and berries are good water sources. All the salad greens, celery, radishes, bok choy, cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, and many more are high in water content (think how much watering gardeners need to do for those vegetables.)
Aim for three to five servings a day of high-water fruits and vegetables to help keep yourself hydrated. And watch for the zucchini angel in your neighborhood.
September program: ‘The Gift Of Aging’
Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) will have a guest speaker on Sept. 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center.
Marcy Houle will present the topic of “The Gift of Aging.”
She will discuss frontline science and the insights of aging with health, joy and purpose.
More details will follow in future articles. It is free to attend, just like all our other programs and activities.
Senior Conversations
With the Labor Day holiday, Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmonsohn will move to Thursday, Sept. 4, at 1:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center.
It will return to Mondays the following week.
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.
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 game of bridge is hosted on Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. It has also been added on 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 p.m. at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds, with the final round reached sometime between two and 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.
Emotional freedom
On the second Wednesday of the month, join the “Tappers,” who practice a self-regulation technique to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and more.
Come learn the technique on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
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
Mexican train dominoes meets on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild meets on Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. We support writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join us.
Tai chi
Tai chi classes are being held at Yamaguchi Park on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. through September.
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 aged 55 and better, and class will last approximately one hour. No special clothing or equipment is required.
Bingo
The Senior Center usually hosts free community bingo games twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Join the group on Sept. 5 and 26.
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.
Monthly birthday
celebration
ASI celebrates seniors’ birthdays once a month in the dining room. Join us on Sept. 12 for sweets and refreshments, and a little fun.
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.
Share lunch Monday through Friday
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. 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 9 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 before 9 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed at short notice.
Thursday, Aug. 28 — New Orleans sausage and corn chowder, southern biscuit, beets, garden salad, fruit, Mississippi mud pie, and milk.
Friday, Aug. 29 — Cod Florentine, sweet potato, dinner roll, garden salad, fruit, cottage cheese and milk.
Monday, Sept. 1 — Closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday, Sept. 2 — Shrimp and grits, zucchini saute, garden salad, pistachio fruit salad, and milk.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 — Chicken enchilada casserole, pinto beans, Spanish rice, garden salad, fruit, biscochitos and milk.
Thursday, Sept. 4 — Sliced ham with cherry sauce, scalloped potatoes, garden salad, fruit, brownies and milk.
Friday, Sept. 5 — Philly cheesesteak on hoagie with peppers and onions, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt, 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.
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.
New, starting in 2026, small donations can be deducted without itemizing on your tax return. It is the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction.
For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 for individual tax filers and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
The goal of this provision is to recognize and encourage charitable giving across all income levels, potentially boosting donations from middle-income households who may not itemize their deductions. This change has the potential to significantly impact charitable giving patterns by incentivizing a broader base of donors.
We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
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