As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember that not everyone experiences this time of year with family gatherings, busy schedules, or festive celebrations. For many older adults, the winter months can bring increased feelings of loneliness, isolation, or depression, especially when mobility challenges, health concerns, or severe weather make it difficult to get out of the house. Simple acts of kindness, like a quick knock on the door, a phone call, or offering to pick up groceries, can make a meaningful difference in the well-being of an elderly neighbor. These small gestures help ensure they are safe, warm, and have the necessities they need as temperatures drop.
Checking in regularly also provides an opportunity to notice signs that someone may need additional support, whether it’s help with shoveling snow, transportation to medical appointments, or accessing local community services. Over the holidays, when feelings of loneliness can intensify, these neighborly connections become even more important. By reaching out and showing compassion, we strengthen our community and ensure that older adults feel valued and supported. A few minutes of your time could brighten someone’s entire season.
November Holiday Closures
ASI will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. No programs or lunch service will be provided those days.
Our Upcoming Events
Put us on your schedule! We will have a tree at the Festival of Trees on December 5 and 6. Also, there may be a Competitive Team Jigsaw Puzzle contest fundraiser with prizes in January – more details to follow!
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is on Mondays at 1:30pm 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. 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 pm – 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 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.The program is instructed by local dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
Bridge
The game of Bridge is held on Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. every week. It has also been added on Wednesdays at 1:15 PM. 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.
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.
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 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class. Taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild meets from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. The Guild is an informal group that supports 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.
Tai Chi Chih, a Moving Meditation
This class will be held only Thursday, November 18, at the Pagosa Senior Center from 1:30 -2:30pm. There will be a break after that until January 8, 2026. Tai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this meditative practice. The 19 movements and 1 pose are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the vital energy which is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 p.m. In November, bingo is only on November 14. Participation is free, and all we ask is that you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We have prizes from local businesses for all winners and snacks are also provided. No RSVP required, just show up. All ages are welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first-come, first-served.
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 9am weekdays. Please say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go.
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.
Community Cafe Menu
Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, November 20 – BBQ Pork Ribs, Creamed Corn, Apple Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, November 21 – Egyptian Pomegranate Molasses Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Baklava, Milk
Monday, November 24 – Beef Stew with Root Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk
Tuesday, November 25 – Pork Tortilla Soup w/ Tortilla Strips & Cotija Cheese, Garden Salad, Fruit, Peanut Butter Bars, Milk
Wednesday, November 26 – Turkey Breast w/ Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, Garden Salad, Poached Pears, Pecan Pie, Milk
Thursday, November 27 – Closed for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday!
Friday, November 28 – Closed for Thanksgiving holiday
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.
Medicare Assistance 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) 403-6759 for an appointment and where to meet.
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.
For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/