SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Spanish Fiesta BIPOC Scholarship Awards

Archuleta Seniors Inc. and the Spanish Fiesta Committee is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Seniors for Seniors Spanish Fiesta BIPOC Scholarship Award (elder and youth). The following individuals are this year’s awardees: Elder Adult Learner: Abran Salazar, will be pursuing his education with a JATC apprenticeship with intended field of study in CPR, first aid, and security training in Las Vegas NV. Youth Learners: Patrick Matney is undeclared at the University of Colorado, Denver; Trey Garcia will be pursuing his education at Pepperdine University and Westmont University with intended field of study in business and engineering; Jeidy Yajaira Moreno Echavarria will be pursuing her education at Colorado Mesa University with an intended field of study in nursing; Jatziri Hernandez Arenivar will be pursuing her education at Colorado State University at Fort Collins with an intended field of study in veterinary sciences; Heidi Hernandez Arenivar will be pursuing her education at Colorado State University at Fort Collins with an intended field of study in political science, pre-law; Marie Smith will be pursuing her education at University of Colorado at Denver with an intended field of study in architecture; and Brooke Anne Huddleston will be pursuing her education at Fort Lewis with an intended field of study in art and criminology.

Jatziri Hernandez Arenivar
Abran Salazar
Heidi Hernandez
Patrick Matney
Marie Smith
Trey Garcia
Brook Huddleston
Jeidy Moreno Echavarria

On behalf of Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and the Spanish Fiesta Committee we congratulate the class of 2024 on their academic achievements.

Archuleta Seniors Inc. is committed to reviving the Spanish Fiesta to its full potential over a 3-year period. Scholarships specifically for BIPOC or Hispanic youth going on to education beyond high school were part of fundraising historically by the Hispanic community.

This year you are invited to the 22nd annual Spanish Fiesta on July 27, 2024 sponsored by Archuleta Seniors Inc. This year we celebrate “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. Enjoy the 22nd Annual Spanish Fiesta in Pagosa Springs, where Spanish, Mexican, Native American and Anglo cultural traditions intertwine to create the strong heritage we have today here in Southwest Colorado. Food, music, dancing, libations, vendors, color and good company provide the ingredients of a party to delight all the senses and to make memories for a lifetime. Interested in volunteering, being a sponsor or vendor please call 970.264.2167 or email Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org

Picnic in the Park
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.

Emotional Freedom Technique
June 5 and June 18 sessions at 10 am. The technique is an evidence-based method called “EFT” (Emotional Freedom Technique), which uses acupressure trigger points and elements from other therapeutic practices. Extensive research and over 100 published studies have shown EFT to be effective with lowering both psychological and physiological symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, stress, and more. Once you’ve learned EFT, you can use it at any time you need it. Those who utilize the technique often report a reduction in symptoms in the first 90 seconds.

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. 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 practice. All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 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. 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
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.

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 $6.00, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, May 30 – Korean Beef over White Rice, Sauteed Snow Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, May 31 – Picnic at Yamaguchi Park: Chicken Salad on Croissant, Deviled Eggs, Broccoli Salad, Assorted Chips, Orange Blossom Cupcakes, Beverages.

Monday, June 3 – Red Curry Cod Fish, Jasmine Rice, Green Beans & Peppers, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Tuesday, June 4 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Blackberry Balsamic Glaze, Roasted Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Wednesday, June 5 – Butternut Squash, Mushroom, Sage Lasagna w/ White Sauce, Wilted spinach, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dinner roll, Milk.

Thursday, June 6 – Teriyaki Beef & Peppers, Coconut Rice, Sauteed Snow Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, June 7 – Herbed Chicken & Dumplings, Green Beans, Garden salad, Fruit, 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 $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/

Rosa Chavez

Rosa Chavez

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