Photo: Archuleta senior staff and volunteers served a record of 126 delicious turkey dinners for Meals on Wheels, Dine-in, and Grab n Go lunches on Wednesday, November 26. Photo courtesy ASI.
As the holiday season approaches, consumer protection agencies are warning that scams aimed at older adults are on the rise. Fraudsters often take advantage of the increased volume of holiday mail, charity appeals, and special offers to trick seniors into sharing personal information or sending money. These scams frequently appear legitimate, using convincing logos, caller ID spoofing, or urgent language to pressure individuals into quick decisions. Experts urge families to check in with older relatives, reminding them that legitimate organizations will never demand immediate payment or confidential details over the phone or through unexpected mailings.
Equally concerning is the surge in phone-based fraud, including fake delivery notifications, counterfeit charity drives, and impostor calls claiming to be from government agencies. Seniors are encouraged to be cautious when answering unsolicited calls, to hang up on anyone requesting financial information, and to verify all communications directly through official channels. With scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying vigilant, and discussing common fraud tactics openly, can help protect vulnerable individuals during what should be a joyful time of year.
Donate to ASI
Archuleta Seniors Inc. depends on donations as part of our funding to provide our programs and 20,000 lunches a year, including the home-bound using Meals on Wheels. Our other sources of funding are not enough.
You can make a difference. An ASI supporter will donate up to $5,000 if matched between now and December 31. Your donation of $10 becomes $20, $20 becomes $40, $50 becomes $100, or whatever amount you give will be doubled in value.
You can donate to the Matching Campaign in many ways: Call ASI at 970-264-2167 or stop in and use your credit card, saying it’s for the Matching Campaign. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the Ross Aragon Community Center (riverside entrance at portico), in downtown Pagosa Springs.
You can send a check to ASI, PO Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, with “Match” on the memo line, or use this link: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ArchuletaSeniors
Holiday Seniors Lunch Party
Monday, December 23, will be a special seniors’ lunch with turkey and all the trimmings, music and games, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make your lunch reservation ahead of time, or before 9 a.m. that morning.
December Holiday Closures
ASI will be closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 24, 25 and 26 and Thursday and Friday, January 1 and 2. No programs or lunch service will be provided on 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. ASI is the caterer for the Festival of Trees this year, so get your tickets from the Ross Aragon Community Center and enjoy a delicious meal. 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 1:30 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. 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. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency.
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.
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.
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. There is no class on Wednesday, November 26. 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.
Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes meets on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
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. 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.
Friday, December 5 – Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter, Broccoli, Garlic Toast, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Monday, December 8 – Chicken Marsala, Baby Baked Potatoes, Buttered Carrots, Garden Salad, Fruit, Pumpkin Muffin, Milk
Tuesday, December 9 – Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Chef Salad, Hazelnut Bar, Banana, Milk
Wednesday, December 10 – Baja Fish Tacos w/ Cabbage Slaw, Pinto Beans, Spanish Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, December 11 – Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy, Broccoli Hollandaise, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk
Friday, December 12 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Harvest Chutney, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Crisp, 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. The meals are delivered by our wonderful volunteers, whom we so greatly appreciate. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167 for information on how to sign up for the program.
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.