Whether you are trying to maintain your healthy lifestyle or are looking for tips to improve your health, the Text2LiveHealthy (T2LH) text message program is for you. T2LH is a program designed to help you increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat, increase your physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors, and increase how much water you drink while decreasing your sugary beverage intake. This is all by simply receiving a few text messages each week.
The texts are motivational messages to make or maintain a behavior change. They may also provide links to videos and creative recipes or information about local wellness-related events. Learn about easy low-cost ideas to eat healthy and new ideas to stay active and independent.
Ready to sign up? It’s simple, just text FRUIT to 97699. There are no strings attached and you don’t have to purchase anything and can opt-out at any time by texting STOP. (Message & data rates apply.)
Text HELP for information. Text STOP to 97699 to opt-out. This is a sponsored program of Archuleta Seniors Inc and is open to all ages. For Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions, visit: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/text2livehealthy.
Free Seasonal Art Class
The next free arts class at the senior center will be Tuesday, February 27 at 1:15. We will be creating a leprechaun from a wooden spoon and felt in honor of St. Patrick’s Day! No art skill is required for this class, just a desire to have fun. No reservations required but space is limited so be there by 1:15 pm. All materials will be provided including the scissors, wooden spoon, felt, glue and paint. All ages are invited so bring a friend along Perhaps you will be able to make one and give one to a friend. Our teacher will be Denise Fisk, who is a retired elementary art teacher from Iowa. She loves sharting art techniques with her classes. So come and have fun with us at the senior center!
$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.
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. 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.
Volunteer Opportunity
Do you love your community and have a passion for helping your fellow community members live their healthiest lives? Archuleta Seniors, Inc. has an opportunity for a volunteer position to teach one Fresh Conversations session each month. Fresh Conversations is a healthy living program for people 60 and older who are living on a budget and want to maintain their health and independence. The time commitment is about one hour to facilitate each session plus preparation time and you do not need to be a dietician or an expert in nutrition. We’ll provide you with training materials. If you are interested, contact Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org.
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 and 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. 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 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on February 23, March 8, March 15, April 5, and April 19. 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. Seats are first come first serve. 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. 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 facilitator 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. Hold space and show up for sacred conversation. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall, snacks will be provided.
Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday
Open to All. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm weekly. Pickup is available all week including Fridays.
For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $10.00, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, February 15 – Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Sauce, Roasted Potato Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake, Milk.
Friday, February 16 – Baja Fish Tacos w/Cabbage & Baja Sauce, Corn Tortillas, Refried Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Flan, Milk.
Monday, February 19 – Closed for President’s Day
Tuesday, February 20 – Chicken Dijon, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Cottage Cheese, Fruit, Milk
Wednesday, February 21 – Beef Fajitas, Tortillas, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Baked Chili Relleno Puff, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Thursday, February 22 – BBQ Pork Ribs, Corn Casserole, Apple Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, February 23 – Penne Pasta Primavera w/ Alfredo Sauce, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Bavarian Cream Puff, Milk.
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.
Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays 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.
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/
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.