As flu season approaches, older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, face a significantly higher risk of sever illness, hospitalizations and even death from influenza.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most flu-related deaths and hospitalizations occur in this age group.
Vaccinations remain the best defense: It can reduce flu-related hospitalizations by around 40 percent and lessen the severity of illness when flu does occur. For seniors, the CDC recommends high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines designed to provide stronger protection.
Where to get your flu shot in Archuleta County
Local seniors can protect themselves by getting vaccinated at several locations in Archuleta County.
The Archuleta County Public Health Department offers flu shots for older adults and can help schedule appointments or provide information on cost-assistance programs.
Most local pharmacies provide flu vaccinations without an appointment; many accept Medicare and other insurances.
Your primary-care provider can administer the flu shot, review your vaccine history, and recommend the best formula for your age and health status.
By getting vaccinated, older adults not only protect themselves, but also help safeguard their families and community.
Don’t wait; flu season is already underway, and it’s better to get the shot now than risk serious complications later.
Autumn match campaign
We depend on donations as part of our funding to provide our programs and 20,000 lunches a year, including the home-bound using Meals on Wheels. Our other sources of funding are not enough.
You can make a difference. An Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) supporter will donate up to $5,000 if matched between now and Dec. 31. Your donation of $10 becomes $20, $20 becomes $40, $50 becomes $100, or whatever amount you give will be doubled in value.
You can donate to the matching campaign in many ways:
• Call ASI at (970) 264-2167 or stop in and use your credit card, saying it’s for the matching campaign. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the Ross Aragon Community Center (the riverside entrance at the portico).
• You can send a check to ASI, P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, with “Match” on the memo line, or use this link: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ArchuletaSeniors.
November holiday closures
ASI will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day, and Nov. 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. No programs or lunch service will be provided those days.
Upcoming events
Put us on your schedule. We will have a tree at the Festival of Trees on Dec. 5 and 6. Also, there may be a competitive team jigsaw puzzle contest fundraiser with prizes in January — more details will follow.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn takes place on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center.
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.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild now meets on Thursdays from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. It supports writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join the group.
Tai chi chih
This class will be held only Thursdays, Nov. 6 and 13, at the Senior Center from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. There will be a break after that until Jan. 8, 2026.
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 which is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
The Senior Center hosts free community bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Join the group on Nov. 14.
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 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 on short notice.
Thursday, Nov. 6 — Beef lasagna, broccoli, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, brownies and milk.
Friday, Nov. 7 — Chicken and smoked sausage gumbo, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, fruit, banana bread and milk.
Monday, Nov. 10 — Chicken piccata, zucchini and mushrooms, garlic bread, garden salad, fruit, cranberry nut muffin and milk.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 – Closed for Veterans Day with gratitude to those who have served.
Wednesday, Nov. 12 — Beef fajitas with peppers and onions, flour tortillas, garden salad, fruit, flan and milk.
Thursday, Nov. 13 — Giant stuffed portabella mushroom with couscous, garlic toast, garden salad, fruit, Snickers cake and milk.
Friday, Nov. 14 - Korean pork ribs, quinoa brown rice, ginger carrots, 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 or visit www.psseniors.org for more information.
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