SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Passing the Torch for Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta

Archuleta Seniors Inc. would like to express our profound gratitude to the community for its generous support of ASI’s intergenerational community leadership in revitalizing the deeply cherished community tradition of the Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta over the past two years. After a twenty-year hiatus of this special community event, we were able to make quite a splash and help the community kick up their heels to some amazing music while raising funds for multiple great causes.

It is with sincere regret that we announce that, beginning this year, ASI will no longer serve as the organizer, promoter, or sponsor of the Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta. We extend our best wishes to the Spanish Fiesta Royalty and are proud to pass the torch to those who will carry the celebration and traditions forward. We remain deeply honored to have been critical revitalizers of this cherished cultural tradition and hope the Fiesta continues to thrive — celebrating the vibrant cultures that contribute to the rich tapestry of our beautiful community and unique region.

Opportunities to support Archuleta Seniors Inc. continue in a variety of other ways.

On June 11, 2025 from 4 to 6pm, ASI will host an open house so the community can learn about the 2025 – 2027 strategic plan, including opportunities to participate in volunteering with new initiatives such as: Age Friendly Archuleta, rural community meal planning, marketing and outreach, fundraising and special events including our exciting new fundraiser called the “Donation Game” that draws on the nostalgia of game shows of years past, think “Price is Right” and “Family Feud.” This sleek and sexy charity event is tentatively scheduled to be held Friday evening September 26 at “Behind the Gates” of Keyah Grande outside of beautiful Pagosa Springs, CO. We are currently looking for lead sponsors to assist with the success of this event.

For more information, please contact executive director Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org.

Caregiver Support Group
If you are caring for a family member or friend with physical/mental disability, emotional health needs, or cognitive decline; this group was created for you. 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. Upcoming dates include: May 22, June 26, and July 24. All meetings will be held at the Ross Aragon Community Center in the West Conference Room from 10:30am to 12noon. 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
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering Tai 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. All classes are free for adults age 55 and better and classes will last approximately one hour. No special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.

Medical Monitoring Devices & Caregiver Meals 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 so that they can immediately contact emergency services. 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. 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.

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 May 23, June 13 and June 27. 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 are also 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.

Senior Conversations
Join us every Monday at 1:15pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. 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 – 3:30pm, 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 9:00am 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 15 – Stuffed Giant Portobello Mushroom, Hummus & Pita Chips, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.

Friday, May 16 – Garlic Ginger Sticky Pork, Rice, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake, and Milk.

Monday, May 19 – BBQ Country Ribs, Corn Casserole, Apple Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.

Tuesday, May 20 – Spaghetti Squash w/ Italian Sausage Marinara, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cranberry Nut Muffin, and Milk.

Wednesday, May 21 – Vegetarian Tempeh Chili w/ Shredded Cheese, Wilted Spinach, Honey Cornbread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Bar, and Milk.

Thursday, May 22 – Cajun Shrimp w/ Cheesy Grits, Zucchini Sauté, Garden Salad, Yogurt, Fruit, and Milk.

Friday, May 23 – Chicken Fajitas w/ Peppers, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Salsa, 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.

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 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/.

Rosa Chavez

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