SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Al Hurricane Jr. to Headline 21st Annual Spanish Fiesta

PHOTO: Al Hurricane Jr.

You are invited to the 21st annual Spanish Fiesta sponsored by Archuleta Seniors Inc. “Viva la familia, cultura y tradición!”  Enjoy the Fiesta in Pagosa Springs, where Spanish, Mexican and Native American cultural traditions intertwine to create the strong heritage we have today here in Southwest Colorado.  Food, music, dance, vendors, color and good company provide the ingredients of a party to delight all the senses.

This year is the 21st anniversary of the Spanish Fiesta in Pagosa Springs after being dormant for some 20 years.  The Spanish Fiesta Committee (formed by the families and royalty of fiestas of years past) of Archuleta Seniors Inc has worked hard to make this first year back memorable.

The headliner for the day’s activities will feature the famous New Mexican artist Al Hurricane Jr. and his band during the evening at the Archuleta County fair grounds in Pagosa Springs Colorado.  Al Hurricane, Jr. is generously giving his own time to benefit the fundraiser.  Activities earlier in the day will include authentic Hispanic cuisine of southern Colorado and northern New Mexican plus a variety of other food trucks, artisan vendors, music from local band Los Mitotitos, and folklorico dance performances from local artists.  While there will be no royalty during this first event, we look forward to engaging the community and youth to support the fiestas in this capacity once again.

Proceeds from this event will support older adults of Archuleta County through the services of Archuleta Seniors Inc and a BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) youth scholarship fund.  Admission is for an afternoon & evening from 3pm to 8pm filled with fun for all.

To purchase tickets visit online at https://givebutter.com/ASISPANISHFIESTA2023 or stop by the Pagosa Senior Center located in the Ross Aragon Community Center.

Interested in being a sponsor or vendor? Please visit http://www.psseniors.org/events-and-fundraisers.html for more information, or call 970.264.2167.

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
Gather with local yoga practitioner AJ Connors  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. This yoga series promotes healthy aging for 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 2:30pm-3:30pm.

Share Lunch and Dine 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.

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, June 15  – New Mexican Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Spanish rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Flan, Milk
Friday, June 16 –  Barbeque Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Blueberry Cobbler,Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Monday, June 19  –  Closed for Juneteenth Federal Holiday
Tuesday  June 20  –.Eggplant Parmigiana, Garlic Bread, Cannellini Beans & Greens, Garden Salad, Fruit, Yogurt, Milk
Wednesday, June 21  –  Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze,Cous-Cous, Buttered Turnips,Garden Salad
Thursday, June 22  – Beef Cottage Pie with Mushroom Gravy, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, June 23 – Thai Coconut Mango Chicken w/ Corn Salsa, Quinoa Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lime Bars, Milk

Grab-N-Go & Dine In Meals
Reservations and cancellations are required.  Please call or text by 9:00am the morning of the day you want to dine in or pick up a meal.  A suggested donation of $10.00 helps to sustain our program.  No one will be turned away for their inability to donate.  For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.00 also.  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.

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Thursdays 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.

Requesting Donations
ASI has an immediate monetary need to support ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. Please consider donating to Archuleta Seniors Inc. 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

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