History unfolds under a sun-filled blue sky. Save the date for the 22nd annual Spanish Fiesta in Pagosa Springs, CO, at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds scheduled for Saturday July 27, 2024. Archuleta Seniors Inc.’s Spanish Fiesta community committee has been working hard to secure a venue and is delighted to report that we will remain in the same location as last year’s event thanks to the Archuleta County Fair Board’s generous support and advocacy.
While the committee is still deliberating on entertainment and schedule of activities, we are excited to bring together again family, friends and neighbors to gather while remembering traditions of the past and embracing the present. Returning to tradition doesn’t mean returning to the past. It means reconnecting to the wisdom of our ancestors and bringing it forward with us. May the rhythm of the music move the people to dance and may the shadows reflect the spirit of our loved ones dancing beside us.
This year’s fiesta celebrates “la cultura cura” , a transformative health and healing philosophy that recognizes the importance of cultural values, traditions and indigenous practices on the path to healthy development, restoration, and lifelong well-being. The 22nd Annual Spanish Fiesta is an event the whole family can enjoy. Celebrate Archuleta County Hispanic/Latino heritage and culture with vendors (artisan and food), dancing and music by local favorites as well as legendary artists.
In the spirit of past fiestas and new this year is a youth Spanish Fiesta Royalty Competition and benefit dance featuring Los Mitotitos to be held April 13, 2024. Applications are open and being accepted from youth in grades 1st through 12th to compete for the role of King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Jr Prince and Jr Princess. The royalty experience will provide youth service learning and leadership opportunities. Come help represent and promote the 22nd Annual Spanish Fiesta in Archuleta County.
Applications can be picked up and returned at 451 Hot Springs Blvd in the Pagosa Senior Center, at Pagosa Nails at 301 N Pagosa Blvd, B5, or Basin Coop Inc at 1040 E Hwy 160. Apply today by filling out this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqPaozhAkbwGK2DEe-wjeNBNfNVxPMTV1mD8SOrVFh9XZ2TQ/viewform?usp=pp_url and by picking up an application from 1 of the 3 locations! All applications are due by March 14, 2024. For more information contact us at 970-264-2167 or email rosa@psseniors.org.
Empowering Education
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. 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. We request that individuals new to the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with AJ directly by email at 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 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. 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 is offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich 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. 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. Snacks will be provided.
Community Cafe Menu
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 $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Thursday, February 29 – Salmon Cakes with Jasmine Rice, Roasted Bok Choy, Garden salad, Pumpkin Muffin, Fruit, Milk
Friday, March 1 – Pasta Primavera with Alfredo Sauce, Garlic Bread, Spinach Saute, Garden salad, Dessert, Fruit and Milk.
Monday, March 4 – Lentil Chile with Sauteed Zucchini, Cornbread, Garden Salad, Dessert, Fruit and Milk.
Tuesday, March 5 – Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles, Sauteed Mushrooms, Carrots & Peas, Garden Salad, Dessert, Fruit and MIlk.
Wednesday, March 6 – Chicken Vegetable Soup with Focaccia, WIld Rice, Garden Salad, Dessert, Fruit and Milk.
Thursday, March 7 – Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze, Pearled Cous Cous, Buttered Turnips, Garden Salad, Dessert, Fruit and Milk.
Friday, March 8 – Red Curry Cod with Jasmine Rice, Green Beans with Peppers, Garden Slad, Dessert, Fruit and 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.
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.
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/.
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.