Community members are invited to attend new free weekly classes, every Tuesday this fall and winter, starting September 3 from 9:30 – 10:30am at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd. in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center).
The stretching and mobility classes for older adults (age 55+) are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
Though not necessary, a mat is recommended for this class. The program is instructed by local ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
Farmers Market Vouchers
Farmers Market Vouchers for older adults (age 60+) are still available! If you love to shop at the Pagosa Springs Farmers Market, are 60 or older, or if you are 200% of poverty please call Deb Herera of the San Juan Area Agency on Aging at 970-403-2164 to put your name on the list for $50 in vouchers to redeem for local foods. Then visit the Pagosa Farmers Market any Saturday during the growing season (starting July 6 – end of September) to redeem your vouchers with local food artisans and growers in southwest Colorado and northern New Mexico.
The Pagosa Farmers Market in 2024 will now be located in their new location at the Tennyson Sculpture Garden & Park on Lewis St. from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Tai Chi Thursdays
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30pm (meet at the gazebo in Yamaguchi park 684 S 5th St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147) 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 at the park through October. 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.
Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club holds monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month at the Pagosa Senior Center. This creative tradition has been happening since 2005, started by Melissa Bailey and continued by Kathy Ruth through the years. 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.
Bring your scrapbooking projects – or any crafting project that you may want to work on with the group! If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com and you will receive notification each month of the upcoming meeting along with hand tips & tricks for scrapbooking.
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.
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. Many of our items are locally sourced and organic.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, August 29 – Crispy Cod Fish with Tartar Sauce, Glazed Carrots, Wilted Spinach, Garden Salad, Fruit, Bavarian Cream Puffs, and Milk.
Friday, August 30 – Vegetable Lasagna with Spinach & White Sauce, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Sunrise Muffin, and Milk.
Monday, September 2 – Closed to celebrate the Labor Day holiday.
Tuesday, September 3 – Giant Stuffed Portabella Mushroom w/ Vegetables & Feta Cheese, Naan Bread & Hummus, Garden salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Wednesday, September 4 – Barbecue Country Pork Ribs, Corn Casserole, Apple Pie, Garden salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Thursday, September 5 – New England Clam Chowder, Oyster crackers, Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Fruit and Milk.
Friday, September 6 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Harvest Chutney, Scalloped Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
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. 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.
Mobile Food Pantry Service
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry should contact the Archuleta County MET to schedule a ride with their paratransit service. For more information contact Lavonne at 970.264.2250.
Covid-19 Test Kits
The Pagosa Senior Center will no longer be distributing free covid-19 test kits. Please stop by the Archuleta County Public Health Department at 502 S. 8th St., Pagosa Springs, CO. These kits are available to anyone in the public that needs affordable access for health promotion and disease prevention.
Mindful Drawing
Mindful Drawingis 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.
Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 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/.
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. Please stop by our offices at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application or call 970-264-2167 for more information.
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.