The Colorado Commission on Age Friendly Communities Subcommittee and Archuleta Seniors Inc. are interested in hearing from community members and visitors of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County to better understand what an “age friendly Archuleta community” means to you.
Save the date: the listening session will be held virtually and in person at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. in the Pagosa Senior Center dining room on the morning of Wednesday December 4 from 9:30 to 11am. Currently, Archuleta County doesn’t have the designation of an “age friendly community,” however Archuleta Seniors Inc. will integrate this important community building and policy work into the ASI strategic planning goals and collaborative efforts over the next three years between 2025-2027.
An age-friendly community is livable for people of all ages. Additionally, an age-friendly community is a place that adapts its services and both social and built environments (i.e. physical structures) to be more inclusive and receptive to the needs of its population to improve their quality of life as they age. An age friendly community encourages healthy aging by optimizing resources to improve the health, safety, and inclusion of older people in the community. This initiative encourages older adults to take on a more active role in their communities and have their voices heard with a focus on areas such as nutrition, housing, transportation, outdoor spaces & buildings, caregiving, community engagement & employment opportunities, civic participation/volunteering, community support & health services, respect & social inclusion/participation, communication & information systems, and combating social isolation among older citizens.
A community’s age-friendly leaders and champions likely include: elected officials; government agencies; nonprofit organizations and foundations; academic institutions; Area Agencies on Aging; community coalitions; local businesses; Chambers of Commerce; residents; families; advocates and volunteers. Again the meeting will be held in person at the Pagosa Senior Center. To participate online, use the following link to attend via Zoom. The meeting ID: 817 8755 1403 Passcode: 937382.
If you are unable to attend the listening session, we still want to hear your voice! Use this Google Form to input your feedback/ideas: forms.gle/vnCPQroFm8szcsFa9.
For more information please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. Executive Director Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org or Kristine Burrows, Senior Specialist on Aging within the Colorado Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services at kristine.burrows@state.co.us.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. Winter Fundraiser
Thanks to the kind donation of a matching grant provided by an anonymous benefactor your generous donation during our winter fundraiser will be doubled up to $5000 through the end of December. Although we are very grateful to our current funding partners, Archuleta County, San Juan Basin Area on Aging, Town of Pagosa Springs, and grants from private foundations, still, it is not enough. 37% of our funds are dependent on our ability to fundraise, via campaigns, community events, and the generosity of people like you! Unfortunately, we have been informed that we can expect an 18% decrease in funding this next fiscal year even while our operation costs and need for services continue to increase.
But with your help, we can make a difference and enhance the lives of our 60+ community and those who care about them! Please jump in today with your 100% matched donation and join in our ongoing efforts to provide our cherished elders, who have given so much to this community, with nutritional, health, and social programming that will continue to enrich their lives. Donations can be made directly to Archuleta Seniors Inc., located in the Ross Aragon Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd in Pagosa Springs or by mail P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs. CO 81147.
We also take donations by phone, please call 970-264-2167 or online donations via our Colorado Gives, Archuleta Seniors Inc. winter fundraising page: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Asifallfundraiser
Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class
The Healthy Aging Yoga Series continues to be offered in person at the Pagosa Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm and 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 our new instructor Kimberly Anderson directly by email at zinkgraf@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 Dec. 6 and Dec. 20. The price to participate is free and all we ask is 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.
Tai Chi
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (meet at the Pagosa Senior Center dining hall located in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center) 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. No special special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call Archuleta Seniors Inc. 970-264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us every Monday at 1:15 pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. Bill brings to our conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our wellbeing and shared experiences. This is a unique opportunity to connect with others living within the Archuleta community for friendship and togetherness. Snacks will be provided.
“Afterward”, hosted by Robin Williams, is a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30pm – 3:30pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
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. 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.
To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9am weekdays.
Community Cafe Menu
Friday, November 29 – Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Monday, December 2 – Beef Barley Soup, Veggie Side, Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit and MIlk.
Tuesday, December 3 – Veggie Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Sauteed Greens, Garden Salad, Fruit and MIlk.
Wednesday, December 4 – Singapore Pork Ribs, Squash Casserole, Garden Salad, Fruit and Milk.
Thursday, December 5 – Cobb Salad with Bacon, Avocado, Blue Cheese, Tomato, Chicken and Cucumber; Cream of Chicken Soup, Bread, Fruit and Milk.
Friday, December 6 – Crispy Cod Fish with Tartar Sauce, Peas & Carrots, Garden Salad, Fruit and Milk.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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/.