Photo: ASI staff prepare from scratch meals daily, Monday through Friday for the entire community to enjoy. Come join us for lunch!
A new generation of retired adults are here in Pagosa Springs, and they’re bringing a list of must-haves as they enjoy their “golden years.” As older adults are increasingly informed about health and wellness, the Pagosa Senior Center is evolving to meet and exceed their expectations. Discerning community members are more selective, knowing exactly what they want and expecting higher standards, including dietary needs stemming from an increased understanding of what it means to age healthfully.
To meet this need in our community, the Pagosa Senior Center emphasizes a social atmosphere and chef-prepared food. This means an enhanced dining experience with a broader range of options than in the past. We have begun offering daily specials following the cultural shift towards more organic, seasonal, and fresh foods. Many of our ingredients are sourced from local and regional farms and ranches. And we even grow some of our own produce in our grow dome located on the Growing Spaces campus here in Pagosa.
While vegan and vegetarian options used to be a second thought, they’re now fundamental in our menus. And that’s not the only thing that’s commonplace. During the Lenten season, we will continue offering a meatless option on March 5 for Ash Wednesday and meatless Friday options throughout the Lenten season. Outside of dietary preferences, our head chef and sous chef are getting more comfortable adapting their offerings to suit the stomachs of clients. The main takeaway is that the Pagosa Senior Center has abundant food choices.
Most changes to dining in the Pagosa Senior Center are driven by client feedback so please continue to let us know how we are doing and what you enjoy. For more information contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.
Emotional Freedom Technique
Join us at the Pagosa Senior Center the second Wednesday of each month, next session is March 12, 2025 to participate in the popular, ongoing “Tapping” class (also known as EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique) from 10 am to 11a m that is free and open to all ages and walks of life. The first half of class is learning or reviewing the technique and the second half of the hour is practicing the technique and answering questions. This is a supportive, fun, informative class taught by Judith Newman, LPC who has been in private practice for 23 years.
Community Clinic March 28 at Ross Aragon Community Center
In partnership with Archuleta County Public Health Department, Archuleta Seniors Inc. is hosting a community vaccine clinic at the Ross Aragon Community Center, scheduled for Friday March 28 in the West Conference Room from 8:30 to 11:30am. Flu and covid vaccinations will be available to uninsured, and traditional Medicare/Medicaid patients. 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. 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.
Tai Chi at Senior Center
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering Tai Chi with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30pm at the Pagosa Senior Center dining hall located in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center. The class is intended to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. 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.
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.
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. For more information contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.
Bridge
The longest played bridge game in Archuleta county takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 pm every week. Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.
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.
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. 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 27 – Greek Spanakopita Pie, Roasted Squash Medley, Garden Salad, Apple Crisp, and Milk.
Friday, February 28 – Chicken Piccata, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, and Milk.
Monday, March 3 – Curry Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Squash Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chai Pudding, and Milk.
Tuesday, March 4 – Beef Lasagna, Broccoli, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Wednesday, March 5 – Moroccan Stew, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Pita Chips, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Thursday, March 6 – BBQ Country Ribs, Creamed Corn, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Cobbler, and Milk.
Friday, March 7 – Portuguese Kale & White Bean Soup, Focaccia Bread, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit and Milk.
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.
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.
Support Our Elders
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/.