President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) on March 11, 2021, to combat the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide financial relief to Americans. Of the $1.9 trillion package, $1.43 billion was earmarked for the Older Americans Act (OAA), and the national network of Area Agencies on Aging. The San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging (SJBAAA) received $645,688.74 in ARPA funds for Region 9 (Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties).
The executive director of SJBAAA, Christina Knoell proposed working with a Pagosa Springs business, Growing Spaces, on a growing dome project to benefit five area senior centers. The first two would be built to support the Southern Ute Tribe in Ignacio and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Towaoc. Another growing dome would be constructed in Dove Creek for the Pioneer Center. A fourth growing dome would be built in Silverton for their newly opened senior center, with the last one in Pagosa Springs (located on the Growing Spaces campus) for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. For this proposal, Knoell says she thought about how ARPA funds could help her own region by offering quality food and health benefits for older adults, as well as stimulate the local economy.
An important part of the growing dome proposal is to hire a master gardener to ensure that the soil and plants thrive in the domes. A full-time master gardener for the first five years will assist in maintaining a healthy plant ecology and help prevent disastrous white fly or aphid infestations. Archuleta Seniors Inc. just partnered with SJBAAA to hire local farmer Kelle Bruno for the master gardener position.
Chef Cynthia Sperry of ASI’s Community Cafe just met with Bruno this past week to take inventory of her seasonal menus and identify which produce will be grown to supplement the menu prepared at the Silver Fox’s Den and Community Cafe located in the Ross Aragon Community Center. Early ideas include freshly grown crudites added to the green organic salads and fresh herbs to amp up the flavor and presentation of the meals.
Stop by the cafe in the coming weeks and months and consider ordering lunch (cafe is open to all) to try some of the new seasonal produce on the menu. To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9am weekdays.
SJBAAA Agency staff will seek additional funds from other grant applications, that may include but are not limited to private donors and Foundation support.This project has support from the State Unit on Aging and staff are excited about growing domes being part of the meal program. For more information about the Archuleta Senior Inc. growing dome project please contact ASI at 970.264.2167 or stop by the Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd in the Ross Aragon Community Center.
Let’s Talk Medicare
It’s easy to get confused about all the ins and outs of Medicare. With open enrollment only a few months away, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging is inviting the public to an informal get-together to discuss Medicare topics. A certified Medicare counselor will lead the discussion and answer any Medicare related questions.
Join us today, Thursday, August 17 at 1:00pm. Bring your beverage or snack, and your Medicare questions to the Senior Center dining hall at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information, please call the Medicare line at 970-264-0501, ext. 4.
Monday Music
Enjoy pleasant soft-rock songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, as well as international folk, humor, and new music, too. Dr. Erika Sueker has been playing music since 1967, teaching music since 1978, and working with Seniors since 1983. Join the lunchtime fun upcoming Mondays!”
Farmers Market Vouchers
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 9 am – 1 pm through September.
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 2:30 pm-3:30 pm in the dining hall.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, Aug 17 – Beef Cheeseburger, Green Chili Sauce, Kettle Chips, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Blackberry Cheesecake.
Friday, Aug 18 – Cajun Shrimp & Grits, Zucchini Saute, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Orange Jello.
Monday Aug 21 – Chicken Marsala, Baked Potato, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Tuesday, Aug 22 – Veggie Lasagna w/ White Sauce, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Chocolate Pudding.
Wednesday, Aug 23 – Crispy Cod w/ Tartar Sauce & lemon, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Pistachio Fruit Salad, Milk.
Thursday, Aug 24 – Pork Adovada w/ Spanish rice, Calabacitas, Biscochitos, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk. ‘Calabacitas’ is a favorite New Mexican side dish with Yellow Squash, Corn, Onions, and Green Chilies
Friday, Aug 25 – Crispy Chicken w/ Country Gravy, Southern Biscuits, Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Grab-N-Go & Dine In Meals
Reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9:00 am 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.
Zentangle
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. “Zentangle” is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com or join our friendly instructor Roberta Strickland, CZT. Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15pm in the Pagosa Senior Center. This activity is open to all ages. Help us create an intergenerational community. For those under 18 and/or with disabilities you are welcome to join us, but we kindly ask you to please bring an adult chaperone with you..
Archuleta Seniors, Inc. is located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.