SENIOR CENTER NEWS: New Music Appreciation Offerings

The Senior Center has a noteworthy schedule of virtual programs planned for July, with new Music offerings that include a discussion series on Music Appreciation and — for those who enjoy singing with others — Thursday afternoon virtual Community Singing, with a different theme every week. These are just a few of the free online programs we’re offering in July. Choose topics that best support your unique wellness journey, and sign up to try something new! Here are some ideas:

Connect with your body and breath in Mindful Chair Yoga.
Sign up for an early morning or evening guided meditation class.
Brush up on your tech skills in one of our Digital Literacy classes.
Sharpen your cognitive skills in Boost Your Brain & Memory

Click the link https://www.eventbrite.com/o/mather-41382754623 to browse programs on aromatherapy, creative art-making, multiple areas of mindfulness, and more. All are free, but advance registration is needed.

Questions? Contact Mather at (888) 600.2560 or contact@mather.com.

July 29 Spanish Fiesta
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, 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 Land Services, Bank of Colorado,
Bronze $250 – $499: Bearfoot Garage Doors, First Southwest Bank, Exit Realty Home & Ranch, Jann C. Pitcher Real Estate, Bank of the San Juans, Visiting Angels Friends of the Fiesta
$100 – $249: G & I Sanitation, 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
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, 2023. 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. Appointments for seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities are available before 11am and can be made by calling the County Administration Office at 970-264-8309. For a list of state required documents visit https://dmv.colorado.gov/documents to have ready for your appointment. July DMV2GO services will be held in the old courthouse on the south side of the building entering through the door on the far right. DMV2GO does not offer driver testing or the written permit test. If a written or driving test is needed, you must have this done before the scheduled appointment. Written permit testing can be taken at any State driver license office, any third-party driver testing center or at home on a computer with camera and microphone capabilities. Check local listings for driving test locations.

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. 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-3:30 pm in the dining hall.

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.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, July 6 – Tuna Salad on Croissant, Broccoli Salad, Garden salad, Vanilla Pudding, Fruit and Milk

Friday, July 7 – Greek Pizza w/ Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Garlic, Kalamata Olives, Feta cheese, Wilted Spinach & Onions; Baklava, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Monday, July 10 – Beef Tacos on Flour Tortillas Refried Beans w/ Cheese , Garden Salad w/ Avocado, Salsa, Sour Cream, Fruit, Milk.

Tuesday July 11 –. Chicken & Broccoli Crepes, Cauliflower Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Blueberry Cake.

Wednesday, July 12 – Barbeque Country Ribs, Sweet Corn, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Peach Cobbler.

Thursday, July 13 – Butternut Squash Ravioli & Brown Butter Herb Sauce., Wilted Spinach & Red Onion, Garden Salad, Fruit, Banana Bread, Milk.

Friday, July 14 – Seafood chowder w/ Oyster Crackers, Glazed Carrots, Garden salad, Fruit and Milk.

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.