This 4th of July be on the lookout during the annual Independence Day parade for the Spanish Fiesta-sponsored float by local talent Los Mitotitos and friends and family members of the Spanish Fiesta committee. We will have a beautiful float decorated with handmade paper flowers and banners reminding the community about the upcoming July 29th Spanish Fiesta.
Remember you are invited to the 21st annual Spanish Fiesta sponsored by Archuleta Seniors Inc. “Viva la familia, cultura y tradición!” Enjoy the Fiesta in beautiful 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, dancing, libations, 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 begin at 3 pm but come earlier to get your seat and enjoy 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 Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Choke Cherry Tree or the Pagosa Senior Center located in the Ross Aragon Community Center.
Sponsors to date include:
Diamond $2000+ Al Hurricane Jr.
Gold $1000 – $1999 Pagosa Springs Medical Center
Silver $500 – $999 Scott Strategic Investments, La Plata Electric Association, Hometown Insurance, G&L Landscape Services, Bank of Colorado
Bronze $250 – $499: Bearfood Garage Doors, Exit Realty Home & Ranch, Jann C. Pitcher Real Estate, Bank of the San Juans, Visiting Angels
Friends of the Fiesta $100 – $249: Pagosa Photography, Renner Mini Storage, Bank of the San Juans, Make Me up Connie Beauty Bar, Pagosa Escape Zone, Alice’s Tortillas, Ruby Osberg and in kind donations from the Choke Cherry Tree, KWUF Radio, KSUT Radio, Silver Dollar Liquor and Western Slope Breakroom.
Interested in volunteering, being a sponsor or vendor? Please visit http://www.psseniors.org/events-and-fundraisers.html for more information or call 970-264-2167.
DMV2GO Slots Available for Seniors, Veterans & Residents with Disabilities
DMV2GO is returning to Archuleta County for Drivers License Services. The Division of Motor Vehicles’ DMV2GO services will return to Archuleta County by appointment on July 17 and July 18. DMV2GO’s services include first time Colorado drivers licenses, out of state transfers, renewals for drivers licenses, permits and identification cards, issuing new licenses, permits, and IDs; motor vehicle records; as well as, reinstatements and Colorado Roads and Community Safety Act Services. Appointments during regular hours between 11am and 4:30pm can be made online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DA4A82DA0F5C16-archuleta2.
Senior Conversations
Join us Wednesdays at 1:15pm 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 2:30-3:30pm in the dining hall.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, June 29 – Crispy Cod fish w/ Tartar Sauce. Green Beans, Cherry Crisp Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, June 30 – New Orleans Sausage & Corn Chowder, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit Cookies and Milk.
Monday, July 3 – Teriyaki Chicken , Veggie Fried Rice, Sauteed Snow Peas, Milk, Chocolate Cake
Tuesday July 4 – Closed for Independence Day
Wednesday, July 5 – Beef Spaghetti w/ Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Garden salad, Fruit, Banana Brunch cake, and Milk.
Thursday, July 6 – Tuna Salad on Croissant Broccoli Salad, Garden salad Vanilla Pudding,Fruit Milk
Friday, July 7 – Greek Pizza w/ Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Garlic, Kalamata Olives, Feta cheese, Wilted Spinach & Onions, Baklava, Garden Salad, Fruit, 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. Call or text us at 970-264-2167.
Mobile Food Pantry Service has been discontinued due to funding shortages. Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry should contact the Archuleta County MET to schedule a ride with their paratransit service. For more information contact Lavonne at 970-264-2250.
Bridge
The longest played bridge game in Archuleta county takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:15pm every week. 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.
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/.
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.