SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Series of Events Will Celebrate Older Americans

Archuleta Seniors Inc is thrilled to announce the 2024 Older Americans Month (OAM) theme – “Powered by Connection.” Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this annual observance aims to recognize and honor the valuable contributions of older Americans. The chosen theme emphasizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health and well-being of our elderly population.

This year, Archuleta Seniors Inc. is proud to join the nationwide celebration by hosting a series of events throughout May in Archuleta County.

Tuesday May 7, 2024 at 1:30 pm join Executive Director of Archuleta Seniors Inc Rose Chavez as she presents a proclamation for Older Americans month 2024 to the community and the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners at 398 Lewis St. Pagosa Springs.

Friday May 17, 2024 at 1:30 pm join Archuleta Seniors Inc for our inaugural “Fresh Conversations” class. Are you interested in learning more about carbohydrates in your diet? Join us on May 17 at 1:30 pm at the Pagosa Senior Center 451 Hot Springs Blvd. for Fresh Conversations. You will get to sample some healthy, delicious food while you learn about the differences between refined and whole grains and how to select healthier alternatives to refined carbohydrates. You will also walk away with helpful information about the benefits of physical activity and how to fit it into your daily lives. We will provide you with a newsletter about the topic you can take home. Come join us for a great conversation!

Friday May 31, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm join ASI for a picnic in the park. Join us as we renew a tradition of the past hosting lunch for older adults and community members of all ages in Yamaguchi park 684 S 5th St, Pagosa Springs. Local band Acoustic Picnic will provide music and generate an ambiance of connection and relaxation. All community members are invited to join. We just ask that you please RSVP for lunch by Thursday May 30, 2024 by contacting or texting the ASI office by 9 am at 970-264-2167.

In the spirit of collaboration, we invite local organizations to partner with us in hosting events that foster connections, share experiences, and promote the well-being of older Americans. Archuleta Seniors Inc. is at the forefront of this effort, seeking host organizations to make a meaningful impact. If you or your organization is interested in being part of this initiative, we encourage you to reach out to Rosa Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org.

By coming together and creating a network of support, we can ensure that the celebration of Older Americans Month goes beyond the confines of May. These events are not just about a month-long celebration; they are about building lasting connections, understanding the needs of our older community members, and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Join us in making May a month of joy, shared experiences, and strengthened connections. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the well-being of older Americans in our community. Questions or for more information please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30pm, on 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.

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.

Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club holds monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month at the Pagosa Senior Center. They will meet each month from 10:00am – 3:00pm to be creative, share ideas, connect with friends, learn new techniques, share supplies and indulge in a potluck lunch together.

Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday
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. 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 $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.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, April 25 – Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cookies, Milk.

Friday, April 26 – Chicken Piccata, Broccoli, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla-Honey Yogurt, Milk.

Monday, April 29 – Chicken Dijon, Rice Pilaf, Vegetable Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese Milk.

Tuesday, April 30 – Beef Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, Milk.

Wednesday, May 1 – Artichoke, Mushroom & Sundried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Thursday, May 2 – Pork Kielbasa with German Potato Salad, Sweet & Sour Cabbage, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, May 3 – New England Clam Chowder with Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, 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.

Bridge
The longest played bridge game in Archuleta county takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 pm 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.

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.

Rosa Chavez

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