Photo: Chris Frederics, head gardener at Terrawalk Farms.
With great excitement and anticipation, Archuleta Seniors Inc. and Terrawalk Farms announces its partnership with Nourish Colorado for a second growing season to bring low-income older adults (age 55 and older) in Archuleta County locally grown, seasonal, organic vegetable shares through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSAs, or farm memberships, are a means of creating a mutually beneficial connection between consumers and their farmers. These partnerships result in a bi-monthly bounty of vegetables for the subscriber. If you are interested in participating in this free fresh produce program, you must meet one of the minimum requirements to be selected as a subscriber. The criteria for being selected is either:
1. Being a new or current client of ASI through our congregate, Meals on Wheels, or pick-up/Grab-N-Go meal program, OR
2. Be a resident of low-income senior housing communities (Socorro, Archuleta Housing for the Elderly, Casa De Los Arcos, Rose Mountain Homes or Lake View Estates). If you don’t meet either criteria and are a low income individual, please make an appointment with the executive director (rosa@psseniors.org) who will discuss your situation and make a decision on a case by case basis.
Participating subscribers will receive a fresh local organic produce box alternating weeks throughout the growing season, which spans from approximately early June to mid October. Subscribers will pick up their bi-monthly fresh produce boxes either on site at the Ross Aragon Community Center on Tuesdays. Details are still being finalized and subscribers will be notified. What’s available each season? Below is a sample list of possible vegetables you might expect in your share on a bi-monthly basis. Note: This is not exactly what you will receive. By joining a CSA you are recognizing that there are many factors, week to week, season to season, that may challenge the well devised production plan. (Mother Nature does not always consider the crop plan.)
Produce Share 1: Spinach, radishes, garlic scapes, kale, parsley and arugula.
Produce Share 2: Lettuce, turnips, baby beets, mustard greens and greens mix.
Produce Share 3: Spinach, radish, summer squash, greens mix, basil, kale and beets.
Produce Share 4: Swiss chard, mizuna, carrots, turnips, arugula, summer squash and cucumber…
Finally, we invite all seniors (55+) and their families to learn more about the Produce Box Program coming up on May 17 at 9:30am at the Ross Aragon Community Center. In addition to Q&A about the produce box program, community members will also learn the basics about starting your own garden at elevation. This first gathering kicks off our summer long Self-Sufficiency Food Series which will be held the 3rd Saturday of each month starting in May at the Ross Aragon Community Center from 9:30am – 11:30am in the senior center dining room with a variety of local talented instructors and individuals to further tantalize your palate, support your culinary skill development, connect you with local growers and get you excited about all the amazing, delicious, not to mention nutritious local foods you will be enjoying this growing season.
For more information, please call (970) 264-2167 or stop by the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to sign up to be considered for the produce box program. The first 40 interested clients who meet the minimum requirements will become subscribers and will be eligible to receive their fresh produce boxes throughout the growing season of 2025.
Tai Chi
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm 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. 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 clothing or equipment is required. For more information call Archuleta Seniors Inc. 970-264-2167.
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. 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!
Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes, every Tuesday from 10:00 am – 11:00 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 dance instructor Dee Pitchon who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises. For more information, please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 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 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.
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.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, May 1 – Ham Steak w/ Maple Mustard Sauce, Roasted Carrots, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Cottage Cheese, Fruit, and Milk.
Friday, May 2 – Cod Piccata, Broccoli, Brown Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Banana Pudding, and Milk.
Monday, May 5 – Pork Tortilla Soup, Crispy Tortilla, lime, Cotija cheese, Garden Salad, Fruit, Flan, and Milk.
Tuesday, May 6 – Thai Chicken w/ Peanut Sc., Brown Quinoa Rice, Sugar Snap Peas, Garden Salad,Fruit, Tapioca Pudding, and Milk.
Wednesday, May 7 – Falafel Bowl over Rice w/Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Olives, Dolma, Garden Salad, Vanilla Yogurt, Fruit, and Milk.
Thursday, May 8 – Baked Salmon, w/ Herb Cream Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Friday, May 9 – Korean Beef over Rice, Sugar Snap Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownies,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.
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.
Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of playing until the final round is reached – some 2 to 3 hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years. No experience is necessary so come willing to learn.
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.
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/.