SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Vendors & Volunteers Needed for Annual Spanish Fiesta

Archuleta Seniors Inc. is looking to feature your handcrafted items and food delicacies at the upcoming 22nd Annual Spanish Fiesta on July 27, 2024 at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds. Please visit psseniors.org to download our vendor application. Each 10×10 ft space is available for a $25.00 fee from 2 pm to 10 pm the Saturday of the fiesta. Food truck fee is available for $50.00. We are looking especially for Hispanic arts and crafts vendors but are open to other styles as well.

Last year we had approximately 700 participants at our event and are looking for our numbers to swell to nearly 1000. The deadline for vendors is July 8, 2024. There are additional requirements this year from the Archuleta County Fire Protection District with weight to anchor your tents. Once we receive your vendor application we will follow up with additional details. We are also redesigning the outlay of vendors to increase participant flow throughout the event.

In addition we are looking to recruit volunteers to set up the event on July 26, help with activities the day of the event on July 27 and help with tear down of the event on July 28. All volunteers are required to purchase their tickets to the event in advance and once the volunteer assignment is complete you will be reimbursed after the event as well as receive a gift card for provision of your services. Use the Sign-Up Genius link here to secure your spot.

This event is successful only with the help of volunteers and community sponsorships, so please consider offering your time and coming out to enjoy the festivities with us. For more information please visit our website at psseniors.org, call 970-264-2167 or email us at rosa@psseniors.org.

Emotional Freedom Technique
June 18 session at 10 am. The technique is an evidence-based method called “EFT” (Emotional Freedom Technique), which uses acupressure trigger points and elements from other therapeutic practices. Extensive research and over 100 published studies have shown EFT to be effective with lowering both psychological and physiological symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, stress, and more. Once you’ve learned EFT, you can use it at any time you need it. Those who utilize the technique often report a reduction in symptoms in the first 90 seconds.

You are invited to join Judith Newman, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) for an introduction to EFT on May 10 at 1:15 pm.

At the end of the workshop, you will receive a handout with all the information you need to continue using EFT on your own. After you’ve had a few weeks to practice, you’re invited to a follow-up session on May 24 at 1:15 pm. In this session you’ll be able to ask questions, and we’ll practice a few rounds of EFT to make sure you’re comfortable with your new EFT skills!

Medical Monitoring Devices & Caregiver Supports Available
Archuleta Seniors Inc. provides access to affordable medical monitoring devices to support older adults who are homebound or otherwise need support if they fall or have an emergency that they can immediately contact emergency services. Clients participating in this program can be independent or may have access to a private or family caregiver. An initial nominal fee is required to access the medical monitoring program. ASI also provides limited caregiver support through our congregate dining or grab n go/pickup meal program. These services are available for a suggested donation but no one 60 and older will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. If you are interested in any of these services or have any questions please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.

Tai Chi Thursdays
The Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the dining hall/park to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. 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 practice. All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately 1 hour in the dining hall. No special special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call 970-264-2167.

Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns. Hold space and show up for sacred conversation. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall. Snacks will be provided.

Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday.
Open to All. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm weekly. Pickup is available all week including Fridays.

For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $6.00, 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 970-264-2167 by 9 am weekdays.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, June 13 – Indian Shepards Pie, Roasted Curry Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk

Friday, June 14 – ASI Staff Appreciation Event, Closed to the Public. No Lunch or Activities.

Monday, June 17 – Tarragon Chicken, Creamed Corn, Blueberry Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Tuesday, June 18 – Ham & Cheese Quiche, Wilted Spinach & Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Wednesday, June 19 – Closed for the Juneteenth Holiday

Thursday, June 20 – Stuffed Giant Portobello Mushroom Cap w/ Veggies & Feta cheese, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, June 21 – Beef Fajitas, Peppers & Onions, Tortillas, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Text Us @ 970-264-2167
Don’t forget that we also offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are calling to cancel a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel. Texting services are available for dining-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals, and Meals on Wheels recipients.

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, CZT. Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15 pm in the Pagosa 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.

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of playing until the final round is reached – some 2 to 3 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.

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 PO 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., in downtown Pagosa Springs.

For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.

Rosa Chavez

Rosa Chavez

Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.