Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another annual celebration, this time of year is the opportunity to take stock of our blessings, rekindle new and old relationships, spend time with the ones we love, and for many, exchange gifts and best wishes to those closest in our lives. Always, but especially this time of year, I derive great satisfaction from serving within an organization that is committed to making the lives of others better. I am very blessed to be able to work alongside individuals dedicated to serving older adults and their families, and I give thanks for all our team members, our over seventy volunteers, and the over one thousand elders we serve through our community-based service programs.
This year will mark the third holiday season for the Archuleta-Chavez family where our matriarch flies south to be with other family for the winter and the rest of her children pull together to celebrate and count our blessings together without our precious darling! As primary caretaker of my aging mother, this will provide me an opportunity to have a little more downtime, engage in more self care and strengthen my support networks with others. And of course, advance the ambitious strategic plan that the ASI board of directors and community have prioritized for the coming year.
We look forward to sharing the details with you all in early 2025.
I am truly grateful for all my loved ones, family, friends, and the countless community members, acquaintances, and colleagues that have embraced me as an ally, friend and leader to advance and strengthen the health and resilience of the Archuleta community. It is the honor of a lifetime, to return to my hometown, land of my ancestors, to leverage my education and lived experience to care for my community and live my purpose. Thank you for this ongoing opportunity and trust. My wish for each of you this season and for 2025 is that you experience those moments of solidarity and joy that strengthen your hope and bring you closer to your neighbors and the ones you love.
In your service, Rose D. Chavez MPH – Archuleta Seniors Inc. Executive Director
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. 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
Medical Monitoring Devices & Caregiver Supports Available
Archuleta Seniors Inc. provides access to affordable medical monitoring devices to support older adults who are homebound or otherwise need support if they fall or have an emergency that they can immediately contact emergency services. Clients participating in this program can be independent or may have access to a private or family caregiver. An initial nominal fee is required to access the medical monitoring program. ASI also provides limited caregiver support through our congregate dining or grab n go/pickup meal program as well as access to social/educational programming. We are also in the planning stages to offer a caregiver support group in the new year, stay tuned for more details! These services are available for a suggested donation but no one 60 and older will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. If you are interested in any of these services or have any questions please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.
Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend new free weekly classes, every Tuesday this fall and winter, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am 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.
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 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 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.
Please visit our website at http://www.psseniors.org/community-cafeacute.html to view our weekly menu. 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, December 19 – Tempeh Chili, Cornbread, Sauteed Zucchini, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Friday, December 20 – Shrimp Scampi over Linguine, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Monday, December 23 – Beef Pot Roast w Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Raspberry Fluff, Milk.
Tuesday, December 24 – Pagosa Senior Center is Closed for Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 25 – Pagosa Senior Center is Closed for Christmas
Thursday, December 26 – Pork Posole w/ Cabbage, Radish, Lime, Flour Tortilla, Garden Salad, Fruit. Milk.
Friday, December 27 – Herb Roasted Chicken, Cous-Cous, Broccoli Hollandaise, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Cobbler, 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.
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.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th Century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal to make matching sets and pairs (like Poker). To win, a player must form four sets and one pair. Come to the Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15pm.
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.
Support Our Elders
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/.
Another Way to Donate
Are you 70 and half years old or better? Do you have an IRA from which you need to take a distribution? Did you know you can make charitable donations directly from your IRA without paying taxes on the distribution, up to $100,000 per year? The donation from the account would be payable to Archuleta Seniors Inc and sent to PO Box 344, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution (QCD).