SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Masquerade Ball Fundraiser Set For Tomorrow Night, Oct. 24

Put us on your schedule! We have several events coming up, including our Masquerade Ball Fundraiser tomorrow night, Friday October 24, at Keyah Grande; a fun lunch-time Halloween Party on Friday, October 31 (see below); our non-alcoholic drinks bar at the Holiday Market at the PLPOA Clubhouse on November 1 and 2; and our tree at the Festival of Trees on December 5 and 6.

Masquerade Ball
Step into an enchanting evening of elegance, entertainment and giving back, at the Masquerade Ball hosted by Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) tomorrow night, Friday October 24 from 6-9pm at the Keyah Grande Ballroom

Picture an elegant evening with masked guests, fine dining in the stunning ambiance of Keyah Grande, with live entertainment, dancing, and a spirited costume contest. (The grand prize winner will receive a complimentary night’s stay at Keyah Grande!)

All proceeds from the event will support vital senior programs in our community, including Meals on Wheels and senior wellness initiatives. Everyone is encouraged to embrace the timeless tradition of masquerade with gowns, suits and ornate masks. Enjoy this special event in the beautiful ambiance of Keyah Grande while supporting your senior community.

To purchase tickets, go to https://givebutter.com/ASI_MASQUERADE_BALL or call 970-264-2167.

Holloween Costume Party
Come in costume to the Senior Center Dining Room on Friday, October 31, for a
Holloween Party from 12:30 — 1:30 p.m., with a costume contest at 1:00 pm. There will be pumpkin pie and prizes. If you want lunch, please call ahead or by Friday, October 31, before 9am to make a reservation at 970-264-2167.

The Importance of Sleep for Older Adults
As we age, our sleep patterns naturally change, but the need for quality rest remains vital to maintaining good health.
Many older adults find themselves waking more often during the night or struggling to fall asleep, yet adequate sleep is essential for overall well-being. It supports memory, mood, energy levels, and the immune system while lowering the risk of depression, falls, and chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. In Archuleta County, where many older adults balance busy schedules with care giving and community involvement, prioritizing sleep is an important part of staying healthy and active.

Tips for Better Rest
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, and limiting caffeine and screen time before bed can help improve sleep quality. Regular physical activity and daily exposure to natural light also help regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you’re still having trouble sleeping, talk with your healthcare provider; underlying conditions or medications might be to blame. Remember a good night’s rest is not a luxury; it’s a cornerstone of healthy aging.

Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is 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 – 3:30 pm, 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 to 11:00am 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.

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15pm 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.

Emotional Freedom
On the second Wednesdays of the month, join the “Tappers,” who practice the self-regulation technique of EFT to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more!Come learn the technique on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Senior Center. Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class. Taught by Judith Newman, LPC.

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.

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! 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@qmail.com, and you will receive notification each month of the upcoming meeting along with tips and tricks for scrapbooking and more.

Dine-In and Grab’N’Go Lunch Monday through Friday
Join local elders, their friends, family, and community at the Community Café, also known as the Silver Fox’s Den, in person for delicious meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Grab ‘N’ Go 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 before 9 a.m. weekdays. Please say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go. 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.

Thursday, October 23 – Baked Cod with Mango Salsa, Quinoa Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Bar, Milk
Friday, October 24 – Tuscan Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup, Rosemary Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, Milk
Monday, October 27 – Beef Marsala with Mushrooms, Scalloped Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk
Tuesday, October 28 – Chicken Dijon, Baby Baked Potatoes, Asparagus, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, Milk
Wednesday, October 29 – Chipotle-Lime Crusted Tilapia with Tartar Sauce, Brown Rice, Zucchini& Mushrooms, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, October 30 – Tarragon Chicken, Creamed Spinach, Blueberry Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, October 31 – Pork Posole with Hominy, Cabbage-Radish-Onions, Tortilla, Garden Salad, Fruit, Pumpkin Pie, 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.

Board Vacancies
ASI Board of Directors has 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.

We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/

Joan Ward

Joan Ward is President, Archuleta Seniors Inc.