Community members are encouraged by Archuleta Seniors, Inc. (ASI) to provide feedback on the needs of local older adult residents and to comment on how well ASI is meeting these needs. Several focus group discussions and an online survey are part of a countywide effort to gather data that will inform the ASI Board of Directors as it plans for ASI’s senior services provision for the coming three years.
“We want to hear from anyone and everyone interested in maximizing the services and supports available to our community’s seniors,” says ASI Executive Director Rose Chavez. “It is important that all impacted voices are heard. To this end, we are hosting several focus group conversations, and are making the online survey available in both Spanish and English.”
Focus group discussions (sign-up requested) will be held on April 17 ( 9 to 1am and 1:15 to 3:15pm) and April 18 (3 to 5pm). Both clients and non-clients of ASI and the Pagosa Springs Senior Center are welcome to participate; refreshments and door prizes will be provided. Those interested in completing a short survey may visit www.psseniors.org, or contact ASI for a printed version of the survey instrument: In Spanish – https://forms.gle/vBDSkEksaZVZmp6DA and in English – https://forms.gle/D7ftzcJFA8HNvrTA8
ASI’s mission is “To promote independence and advance community resilience by empowering individuals who are 60 years old and better, their families, and other community stakeholders.” Services’ delivery is driven by the deeply-held value that seniors have an important role in the community, and includes provision of meals, social and educational activities, monitoring systems and other caregiver supports, and local referrals.
For further information, to sign up to attend a focus group gathering, or to request a printed survey document, contact Rose Chavez at ASI, 970-264-2167 or rosa@psseniors.org
Spanish Fiesta Royalty Update
Please join us on April 13 at the Archuleta County Extension building as we bring back the timeless tradition of Spanish Fiesta Royalty! Archuleta County’s Hispanic & Latino youth will compete for the coveted positions of King/Queen to Jr Prince/Jr. Princess!! Let’s support our youth in keeping the traditions of our Hispanic, Latino, and Archuleta County heritage alive!! Spanish Fiesta Youth Royalty Competition Dinner are SOLD OUT but Dance Tickets will still be available at the Door for $20 after 7:30pm on the night of the event and donations in support of our youth royalty are still being accepted online at https://givebutter.com/SFRoyaltyCompetition.
Live music featuring Los Mitotitos from southwest Colorado starts at 7:30pm. Crowning of our 2024 royalty will take place between 9 – 10pm. Proceeds to benefit the Spanish Fiesta royalty youth. The Spanish Fiesta royalty committee seeks to provide our Hispanic and Latino youth in Archuleta County the opportunity of representing their community and celebrating their cultural heritage as well as provide them with numerous learning opportunities and valuable leadership skills.
Archuleta Seniors Discount Card for Those 60 & Better
The Pagosa Seniors Center continues its annual tradition of providing a local discount card for those ages 60 and better. The discount card encourages seniors to support local recreational, restaurant, medical and retail services by obtaining a senior discount card for a small fee that serves as a fundraiser for Archuleta Seniors Inc. These local businesses provide a discount ranging from 5% to 20% off services. For more information visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/discount-club.html or stop by our offices at 451 Hot Springs Blvd to pick up your card. For more information contact Archuleta Seniors Inc at 970-264-2167.
Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class Series
This spring a Healthy Aging Yoga Series will be offered as in person at the Pagosa Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30-3:30Pm. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on April 19, May 3, May 31, June 7 and June 21. 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.
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 $6.00, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 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 9 am weekdays.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, April 11 – Salmon Cakes w/ Tartar Sauce, Sauteed Greens, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, April 12 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Burgundy Peppercorn Sauce, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Banana Brunch Cake, Milk.
Monday, April 15 – Beef Frito Pie, Cheese & Sour Cream, Mexican Corn, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Tuesday, April 16 – Butternut Squash, Mushroom & Sage Lasagna, Dinner roll, Wilted Spinach, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Wednesday, April 17 – Pork Carnitas, Charro Beans, Tortilla, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk.
Thursday, April 18 – Chicken & Dumplings, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Muffin, Milk.
Friday, April 19 – Ginger-Lime Shrimp, Grits, Rainbow Chard, Garden Salad, Fruit, Fortune Cookies, Milk.
Grab-N-Go & Dine-In Meals
Reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9:00am the morning of the day you want to dine in or pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6.00 helps to sustain our program. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50 also. Please call or text us at 970-264-2167 to make a reservation.
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/.
ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. Terms are 3 years with an option to renew for an additional term. Potential candidates should be at least 21 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.