Here in Pagosa Springs, the Senior Center will be hosting a new support group beginning in March of 2025. If you are caring for a family member or friend with physical/mental disability, or emotional health needs, or cognitive decline; this group was created for you. Note: This group is not limited to only caregivers of older adults.
Caregivers of all types are welcome. This group offers a safe, welcoming space for caregivers seeking connection, empathy, and encouragement. Whether you’re looking for understanding during difficult times or just need a community to lean on, we’re here for you. These sessions will also offer educational resources to grow you in the knowledge and skill to strengthen self care, to care for your loved ones and empower you to navigate your role as a caregiver; one day at a time.
Dates for the monthly caregiver support gathering in 2025 include: March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 20 and December 18 and all meetings will be held at the Ross Aragon Community Center in the West Conference Room (except August gathering will be in a local park) from 10:30 am to 12 pm. If you have questions or would like to be added to our announcement list, please contact Yeun Fiedler at (970) 946-5810, or Madeline Sutton at (970) 507-1574.
1st Annual Pagosa Springs Valentine’s Day Soirée
Join us for the 1st Annual Pagosa Springs Valentine’s Day Soirée Fine Food and Wine Pairing on February 14, 2025, from 6 to 8pm at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Enjoy a selection of exceptional curated wines, savory appetizers from Mountain Bluebird Catering, and delicious chocolates from PS Chocolates, all crafted by local artisans. Live music from the gifted Gus Palma will enhance the evening’s ambiance.
The soirée will also feature a silent auction with unique items and fantastic door prizes.
This event invites everyone—singles, couples, and groups—to enjoy an unforgettable evening while supporting Archuleta Seniors Inc. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out! Purchase tickets at https://givebutter.com/ValentinesWinePairingSoiree, call 970-264-2167, or visit our office. Why Fundraise? Poverty rates for individuals aged 65 and older in Archuleta County have risen from 5.2% to 9.0%, impacting approximately 1,300 individuals. The soirée is crucial for raising funds to support essential health and social services for vulnerable older adults and family caregivers in our community. Poverty in rural America presents barriers to vital resources for all age groups but older adults are especially vulnerable, including experiencing barriers to: healthcare, healthy food, and affordable housing among other critical supports.
New Time for Tai Chi at Senior Center
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 pm to 3:30 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 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.
Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking & Crafters Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club and Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month in 2025 at the Ross Aragon Community Center from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at 451 Hot Springs Blvd within the dining hall in the Pagosa Senior Center. This creative tradition has been happening since 2005 and we invite all creative individuals to come and share ideas, connect with new and old friends, learn/share creative techniques, share supplies and indulge in a potluck lunch together.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
We serve thousands of nutritious meals annually in Archuleta County and volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels and friendly visits / wellness checks to homebound older adults. We depend on more than 55 volunteers annually to help us serve and deliver meals and provide other wrap-around services. Meals on Wheels volunteers receive background checks and training prior to delivery. Typically a volunteer shift is one day a week from 10:30am to 1pm depending on the size of the route. Staff works closely with volunteers to allow for periodic breaks. If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the Archuleta Seniors Inc. office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application. Questions, please call ASI 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 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 9 am weekdays.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, February 6 – Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles, Roasted Asparagus, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake,and Milk.
Friday, February 7 – Jerk Chicken, Caribbean Beans, Tropical Fruit Salad, Cottage Cheese, Garden Salad, and Milk.
Monday, February 10 – Chicken Marsala, Baby Baked Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blondies, and Milk.
Tuesday, February 11 – Beef Spaghetti, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, and Milk.
Wednesday, February 12 – Cod Fish w/ Mango Salsa, Black Beans, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Bars, and Milk.
Thursday, February 13 – Pork Carnitas, Tortilla, Refried Beans, Sweet Corn, Garden Salad, Fruit, Muffin, and Milk.
Friday, February 14 – Vegetable Pizza, Roasted Cauliflower, Spinach Salad, Strawberry Angel Food Cake with Fresh Berries, and 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.
Medicare Call by Appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with Parts A, B, and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at 970-264-0501; ext 4.
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.