SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Community Vaccine Clinic Slated for Mid-March at Senior Center

In partnership with Archuleta County Public Health Department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Archuleta Seniors Inc. is hosting a community vaccine clinic at the Ross Aragon Community Center, scheduled for mid-March 2025. This clinic will be open to community members of all ages and will take place in the CDPHE vaccine van parked outside the Pagosa Senior Center aka Silver Foxes Den at the rear of the Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd.

The van is equipped to process various types of insurance. However, uninsured community members will have access only to flu, COVID, and meningococcal vaccines at this time. More information, including time of the clinic, will be provided soon, so please stay tuned. For further details, please contact the Archuleta County Public Health Department at 970-264-2409.

Join the New Caregiver Support Group in March 2025
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. Dates for the monthly caregiver support gathering in 2025 include: March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, 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 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.

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 are free for older adults (age 55 and better) and class 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. Bring your scrapbooking projects – or any crafting project that you may want to work on with the group! Help us create an intergenerational community. Ages 18 and older welcome, and for those youth aged 17 and younger, we kindly request that an adult chaperone accompany them. 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 tips & tricks for scrapbooking and more!

Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy
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. 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.

Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes, every Tuesday 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. 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. For more information contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Upcoming bingo dates include this Friday Feb. 14th and Feb. 28th, March 7th and March 21st. 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 Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970.264.2167.

Mahjong
Mahjongis 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 1:15 pm.

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 community members explore 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 local elders, their friends, family and community at the Silver Fox’s Den in person for delicious meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm. Pickup via our convenient portico is also 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. 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 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.

Monday, February 17 – Washington’s Birthday – Closed for Federal Holiday

Tuesday, February 18 – Mediterranean Stuffed Mushroom w/ Couscous, Roasted Beets, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, and Milk.

Wednesday, February 19 – Pork Kielbasa, Sweet & Sour Cabbage, German Potato Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, and Milk.

Thursday, February 20 – Chicken Fajitas w/ peppers, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Tortillas, Spanish Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.

Friday, February 21 – Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup, Rice, Chicken Dumplings, Garden Salad, Fruit, Almond Croissant, 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.

Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to 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.

Rosa Chavez

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