SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Enjoy the Film, ‘Lives Well Lived’ During Older Americans Month

The Senior Center is pleased announce a new film about older adult: Lives Well Lived.  The film can be viewed via your streaming service or on PBS, or you can purchase the DVD.

May is Older Americans Month, and The Denver Public Library and Changing the Narrative are excited to present the viewing of the film Lives Well Lived, followed by a live event with the director.

Archuleta Seniors Inc. encourages community participation in this timely film about the lives of older adults.  [Editor’s Note: You will need to belong to a streaming service to watch the film online.]

“Lives Well Lived celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of adults aged 75 to 100 years old. Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories, encompassing over 3000 years of experience, forty people share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life. These men and women open the vault on their journey into old age through family histories, personal triumph and tragedies, loves and losses – seeing the best and worst of humanity along the way. Their stories will make you laugh, perhaps cry, but mostly inspire you…”

Here’s how it works:

  1. Register to access the film online and then stream Lives Well Lived for the month of May for Older Adults Month. Note that we will not be showing the film at the event. You will have access to watch the film on your own from May 1-May 24, 2023.
  2. Join the live Q&A with Director Sky Bergman on Wednesday, May 24 at noon Mountain Daylight Time.

TO REGISTER: Complete the form on the Action Network website, here.

TO SEE THE FILM: You will get a link to the film after you register. Watch the film between May 1 and May 24.

TO JOIN THE LIVE Q&A ON ZOOM: You will receive instructions by email after you register and also in a reminder email 24 hours before the May 24 event.

Remembering When: Safety Series
On Monday, May 15 at 1:15 pm Pagosa Fire Protection District will host a 45 min presentation for older adults on fire and fall prevention called Remembering When. The presentation will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center. All adults from the area are welcome to attend. Older adults are at high risk of fire and falls. The Remembering When program, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), teaches older adults through trivia, humor, and nostalgia, how to protect themselves from fires and falls. The focus is on fun, but the safety messages are serious. The presentation will include a hands-on smoke alarm demonstration.

Rock Painting with Local Artist
Join local artist Becky Crowe on Tuesday May 16, at 1:15pm for a free rock art session. We have gathered a variety of rocks of different sizes for your painting pleasure. Stop by the dining hall and either bring your own rock or select from our collection. We will provide the paint and rocks and you bring your own inspiration to create a colorful rock to place in your garden or to use as a paperweight! This activity is free and open to all ages.

Senior Conversations
Join us Wednesdays 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. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall, snacks will be provided.

Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class Series Continues
Gather with local yoga practitioners AJ Connors and Will Sechrist for a series of evidence based healthy aging and yoga therapy classes at the Pagosa Senior Center geared for adults and older adults of all ages. Start 2023 with a yoga series for healthy aging individuals with therapeutic classes offering yoga tools and education for strength, resilience, and wellness. Classes are designed to address different aspects of healthy aging and are geared towards accessibility and gentle practice. The themes for the class will include physical and mental well-being utilizing movement, meditation, and breathing practices. Mats and chairs will be provided; it’s optional to bring a blanket, and please wear comfortable clothing. Classes are free but donations are welcomed. Class is offered Mondays 2:30 pm-3:30pm throughout the Spring.

Share Lunch and Dine In Monday through Thursday

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

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 $10.00, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.00 charge for guests under the age of 60. Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage. Many of our items are locally sourced and organic.

Our chef works with a team of local food professionals to hand prepare your meal for dine in service in our cozy dining room (with an amazing view of the San Juans) or for takeout (via our convenient drive through) with you on any of your local adventures in Pagosa Country. Our menu changes daily.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, May 11 – Chicken Dijon, Glazed Carrots, Peas & Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Roll

Friday, May 12 – Mushroom & Cheese Crepes, Tomato/Zucchini/Squash Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dinner Roll, Chocolate Cake, Milk

Monday, May 15 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Harvest Chutney Sauce, Roasted Herb Potatoes, Green Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Cake, Milk.

Tuesday May 16 – Vegetable Lasagna w/ White Sauce, Broccoli Romanesco, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Milk.

Wednesday, May 17 – Curry Chicken w/ Pineapple & Peppers, Jasmine rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chai Pudding, Milk.

Thursday, May 18 – Cod Piccata, Sweet Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Banana Bread Pudding, Milk.

Friday, May 19 – Teriyaki Beef & Peppers, Coconut rice, Mango Black Bean Salad, Garden salad, Fruit, Macaroons, Milk.

To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9 am weekdays.

We provide a welcoming gathering space that serves as a community hub where nutritious food and other resources/supports are available to help older adults and their caretakers stay independent, active, engaged in our community, and living in their homes. Weekly educational and social activities include our healthy aging and yoga therapy class, Mahjong, Zentangle and more.

Check out our Senior Discount card for local discounts and perks http://www.psseniors.org/discount-club.html

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 4.

Engaging Pictures
Engaging pictures are needed from seniors and their families who live, work and play their best lives in Archuleta County. We are looking for pictures that convey people’s active lifestyles, families, culture and more. We would like to use these pictures in our grant applications, on social media and our website. Please email all pictures to rosa@psseniors.org or feel free to drop them off.

ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. Terms are 3 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.

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.