SENIOR NEWS: $1000 Grant Available for Adult Learners

Are you a BIPOC adult age 55 or better living in Archuleta County eager to pursue further education?

Here’s your chance! Archuleta Seniors, Inc in coordination with the Spanish Fiesta Committee is delighted to announce a $1000 educational grant available exclusively for these adult learners in our community.

The grant aims to support individuals seeking to enhance their skills, pursue new career paths, or simply satisfy their thirst for knowledge. Whether you aspire to enroll in a vocational program, attend workshops, or pursue a degree, this grant can provide the financial boost you need to turn your educational dreams into reality.

Archuleta Seniors, Inc. along with members of our local Spanish Fiesta Committee believe that education is a lifelong journey and it’s never too late to invest in oneself. This grant is designed to remove financial barriers and empower adults in our community to pursue their educational goals. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Reside in Archuleta County, Colorado.
  • Be 55 years of age or older.
  • Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color
  • Demonstrate a commitment to furthering their education.
  • Submit a compelling application outlining their educational goals and how the grant will be utilized.

Applications are now open and will be accepted until March 20, 2024. A scholarship selection committee composed of community leaders will review all applications and select the most deserving candidates. ASI encourages all motivated BIPOC, 55+adults in Archuleta County to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, explore new interests, or simply expand your horizons, this grant can be the catalyst for your educational journey.

Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Apply for the $1000 educational grant today and take a significant step towards a brighter future.  For more information and to access the application form, contact the Archuleta Seniors, Inc. office at 970-264-2167 or stop by the office at 451 Hot Springs, Blvd.

Together, let’s unlock the power of education and build a stronger, more prosperous community.

Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class Series
This winter, a Healthy Aging Yoga Series will be offered as a hybrid class at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Classes will be structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments. Monthly themes for the series will include topics such as sustainable strength for healthy aging individuals, brain health, heart & cardiovascular health, mental & emotional well-being, community connections, and stress management to name a few. Classes will be educational for participants to utilize practices in daily life and are meant for all levels of experience with yoga. The class is hosted by local yoga therapist AJ Connors, with a hybrid focus for the winter months, blending in-person, online, and occasionally recorded classes. Zoom sessions will be streamed at the Senior Center to provide the community experience to practice together or can be accessed at home with weather as a factor. Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center, some blocks and theraband are available too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed. Requesting individuals new to joining the series to arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with AJ directly by emailing ajconnorslove@gmail.com.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm February 9 and February 23. The price to participate is free and we ask you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners and snacks will also be provided. No RSVP required, just show up. All ages welcome but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. For more information contact us at 970.264.2167.
Tai Chi Thursdays The Pagosa Senior Center will be offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich starting January 4, 2023 and continuing each Thursday in the new year from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the dining hall to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Tai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practices. All classes will be free for older adults (age 60 and better) and will last approximately 1 hour in the dining hall. No special special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call 970-264-2167.

Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays 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.

Share Lunch and Dine
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.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, February 1 – Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce With Snap Peas, Brown & Wild Rice, Garden Salad, Mango Coconut Bread Pudding and Milk.

Friday, February 2 – Potato Leek Soup with Ciabatta Bread, Cottage Cheese, Fruit, Garden Salad, and MIlk.

Monday, February 5 – Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken, Asparagus Hollandaise, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Muffin, Milk

Tuesday, February 6 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Harvest Chutney, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk

Wednesday, February 7 – Eggplant Parmigiana, Wilted Spinach & Onions, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Vanilla Yogurt, Fruit, Milk

Thursday, February 8 – Cod Veracruz, Brown Rice with Quinoa, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Bar, Milk

Friday, February 9 – Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich on Hoagie Roll, w/ Peppers, Onions & Provolone, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Brownie, 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.

Mindful Drawing
Mindful Drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join our friendly instructor Roberta Strickland, CZT. Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15 pm 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.

Support Our Seniors
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. 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

Rosa Chavez

Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.