By Ricardo Martinez
As the new Executive Director of ASI, I would like to invite you to an elegant Masquerade Ball event to be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Keyah Grande. All are welcome. This is to support the programs and services of ASI.
The ASI Fundraising Committee encourages you to dress up in a costume or your fanciest outfit and wear a mask. The theme of The Phantom of the Opera, a Venetian Ball, or Mardi Gras may give you some ideas. There will be music, dancing, a costume contest, a silent auction, appetizers, and a cash bar. You can get your tickets on the Archuleta Seniors Inc. website homepage www.psseniors.org.
The Gift Of Aging
ASI will have a guest speaker on Thursday, September 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Marcy Houle will present the topic of The Gift of Aging.
What are the best things we can do to keep our brains sharp as we age? Are there strategies we can use to keep us strong and to never become frail? Is it possible to live into our 70s, 80s, 90s and 100s with energy and with joy? What are the most important things we can do to thrive in our later years and find pleasure every day?
Join Marcy Cottrell Houle as she relates answers to these questions. She will discuss frontline science and the insights of aging with health, joy and purpose.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is back on Mondays at 1:30 pm at the Pagosa Senior Center. Salmonsohn brings to the conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our well-being and shared experiences. This is a unique opportunity to connect with others in the Archuleta community, fostering sharing and friendships.
Snacks will be provided. Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, stay for 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.
Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center. The stretching and mobility classes for adults aged 55 or better 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.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th-century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles 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 p.m.
Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of play, with the final round reached sometime between 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.
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 p.m. 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.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild now meet from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. The Guild support writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join the group.
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 p.m. 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.
Dine-In and Grab‘N’Go Lunch Monday through Friday
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. Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad, plus a beverage.
Community Cafe Menu
Call before 9 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, September 18 – Orecchiette Pasta Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, Milk
Friday, September 19 – Pork Ziti Pasta with Marinara, Cauliflower, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk
Monday, September 22 – Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce, Broccoli, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk
Tuesday, September 23 – N.E. Clam Chowder with Oyster Crackers, Roasted Beets, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, Milk
Wednesday, September 24 – BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Cornbread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Rocky Mountain Toffee Bars, Milk
Thursday, September 25 – Green Chili Pork, Tortillas, Refried Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, September 26 – Beef Spaghetti, Creamed Spinach, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Raspberry Cheesecake, Milk
Mountain Transit Express Senior ParaTransit Services
Seniors over the age of 60 can be verified to receive services through discounted ParaTransit services, free bus rides, and pick up at your home to bring you to the Senior Center for lunch. To become eligible, there is a form to complete. Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry can contact the Archuleta County MET to schedule a ride with their paratransit service. Call the Archuleta County MET at (970) 264-2250 for information.
Support the Senior Center
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/