Changing the Narrative is a campaign of NextFifty Initiative to end ageism, using evidence-based strategies, strategic communications and innovative public-facing campaigns.
Two webinars are occurring, July 18 and 19.
The first, to watch on your own, is July 18: “Reframing Aging: Changing the Stories We Tell About Aging,” at 10am MDT:
“Are you a leader who cares about communicating in a more effective and age-inclusive way? We’re offering training on reframing aging – the why and how to reframe communication with and about older adults. This training is designed to help you lead in telling a different story and to use your influence and position to change the narrative about aging. We know that ageism not only hurts our constituents, but also impedes our ability to do work effectively. You’ll leave with some concrete tips and examples, and strategies for reframing aging.”
You can register for it at this link.
The second webinar will be hosted at Archuleta Seniors Inc, Pagosa Senior Center, in the Dining Room on July 19, 10am. It is “Coffee Chat: Share Your Stories About Ageism in Healthcare.”
“We know that stories bring issues to life and we want to hear from you! Have you ever experienced ageism in healthcare? Real life examples leave lasting impressions and impact our health and wellbeing. Changing the Narrative’s work is rooted in grassroots activism to end ageism and your experiences inform our work. We want to know what you have seen and heard.”
Examples include attributing symptoms solely based on your age: “You can expect to have that pain at your age.” Another is treating you as if you are invisible: “My provider ignored me and only spoke to my care partner.”
Join us at the Coffee Chat to share stories and ideas. If you would like lunch, which starts at 11am, call or text by 9 AM: 970-264-2167.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. Awarded $50,000 from the Daniels Fund
Archuleta Seniors Inc. was awarded $50,000 from the Daniels Fund this past week in support of general operations which includes our full scope of services. ASI. annually provides support for more than 900 individuals 55 years and better, with the goal that they live healthy, vibrant and independent lives. Services are driven by the deeply-held value that older adults have an important role in our community, and additionally assist families and caregivers to remain strong and connected.
The organization and its programming work directly to improve the wellbeing of seniors and the community in areas widely considered to be social determinants of health (SDOH) – nutrition security, social connections, physical/built environment and housing – and access (transportation) to services.
Those benefiting include older adults who live at or below the federal poverty level, those representing racial/ethnic minority populations (particularly Latinx and indigenous Native Americans), socially and/or geographically isolated individuals, veterans, those with physical disabilities, and those requiring accommodation and/or physical space modifications to continue living safely and independently in their homes.
While in-person dining was curtailed for some time during the COVID pandemic, ASI’s provision of critical services did not lapse, and retailored operations resulted in expansion of food distribution systems including meal carryout, now the most popular method for local seniors to access meals. Concurrently, new Executive Director, Rose Chavez has deep ties to the local Hispanic/Indigenous community joined the team of nine staff a year ago along with 40+ dedicated volunteers, and an influx of new talent at the Board of Directors level has been a recent and exciting development.
ASI is grateful for this and other recent funding opportunities (shout out to Town Council for the recent rent relief grant!) and looks forward to expanding programming this fall and next spring in the area of Tai Chi, Diabetes Self Management and Matter of Balance classes through additional support from the San Juan Area Agency on Aging. There is a desire to offer some of these classes bilingually and we look forward to partnering with local Spanish speakers to broaden our offerings to the community.
Ticketing, and Schedule of Activities for 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 3pm 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 and 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. 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.
Farmers Market Vouchers for seniors are available
If you love to shop at the farmers market, are 60 or older, or if you are 200% of poverty please call Debbie at 970-403-2164 at the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to put your name on the list for $50 in vouchers to redeem for local foods. Then visit the Pagosa Farmers Market any Saturday during the growing season (June – September) to pick up your $50 voucher to support the local food artisans and growers in southwest Colorado and northern New Mexico. The Pagosa Farmers Market is located on the 3rd row of the East Side Market and is open only on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm through September.
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.
Please visit our website at http://www.psseniors.org/community-cafeacute.html to view our weekly menu. 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, 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.
Monday, July 17 – Herb & Garlic Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Potatoes, Cherry Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit and Milk.
Tuesday July 18 –. Vegetable Lasagna w/ white sauce, Garlic bread, Garden salad, Fruit, Milk.
Wednesday, July 19 – Cajun Shrimp w/ cheesy grits, Zucchini & Squash Saute, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Streusel Muffins, Milk.
Thursday, July 20 – New Mexican Blue Corn Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Spanish Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Biscochos, Milk.
Friday, July 21 – Chef Salad with Ham, Turkey, Cheese, Avocado, Egg & Ranch Dressing, Broccoli & Wt.Cheddar Soup, Focaccia Bread, Blueberry Cobbler, Milk.
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.