SENIOR CENTER NEWS: ‘Day of the Dead’ Educational Event Tomorrow, October 20

The Day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage.

In preparation for this year’s celebration in Pagosa Springs, Archuleta Seniors Inc. is partnering with Ruby Sisson Library to host a free educational event tomorrow, Friday October 20, from 1pm to 4pm at the library.  Come learn about Day of the Dead, help build a community ofrenda. In many homes people set up ofrendas, or altars, to the departed loved ones. These are decked with lighted candles, special food, and whatever the dead enjoyed when they were alive.

Bring a photo of your loved one(s) to share.  Also learn tips on how to do simple cavalera (sugar skull) face painting, build a flower crown to wear and learn simple scarf hair braiding tips to get your killer outfit ready for the November 3, 2023 Dia De Los Muertos Dance Party and contest.

Archuleta Seniors, Inc. Invites you to celebrate with us at the Dia De Los Muertos Dance Party on Friday November 3, 2023 from 7 PM to midnight at the CSU Extension Building.  Music y Spanish musica by DJ Marcus Rivas.  Come join us on a day to gather, remember and celebrate our loved ones who went before us.

Tickets are $20 and are available at 451 Hot Springs Blvd at the Pagosa Senior Center, or Pagosa Chamber of Commerce or online at https://givebutter.com/DDLM4ASI  There will be a cash bar and Mexican food by the Guadalupanas. Please bring a photo of your loved one(s) to place on the community ofrenda.

Bring a dozen homemade cookies and share your recipe for $5.00 off your ticket price.  Children under 12 are free.  Top cavalera facepainting and Day of the Dead costume contest will be awarded.  Limited tickets so get them early, tickets will be available at the door if we don’t sell out first. 

For more information call Archuleta Seniors Inc at 970.264.2167.

Medicare Call by Appointment 
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with Parts A, B, and D.  They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having.  By appointment only.  Please call the Medicare line at 970-264-0501; ext 4.

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 11am and 1pm 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.

To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9am weekdays.

Community Cafe Menu

Thursday, October 19  –  Polish Kielbasa w/ Peppers, Potatoes Au Gratin, Garden Salad, Pistachio Fruit Salad, Milk.

Friday, October 20  –  Chicken Piccata, Peas & Pearl Onions, Dinner roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk.

Monday  October 23  – Vegetable Soup with Ciabatta Breadsticks, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Cobbler, Milk.

Tuesday, October 24  – Beef Spaghetti w/Garlic Bread, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage cheese,  Milk.

Wednesday, October 25  – Chicken Pot Pie, Zucchini medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cherry Crisp, Milk.

Thursday, October 26  –  Cod Fish w/ Red Curry sauce, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit Coconut-Mango Bread Pudding w/ Rum Sauce,  Milk.

Friday, October 27  – Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Herb Potatoes, Baked Beans, Garden Salad, Vanilla Pudding, Milk.

Mahjong is a 19th Century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players.  Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal to make matching sets and pairs (like Poker).  To win, a player must form four sets and one pair.  Come to the Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15pm.

Zentangle
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. 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.

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.

Hand & Foot Card Game 
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Thursdays at 1:15pm 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.