Photo: First place team in the 2026 Pagosa Puzzle Palooza, ‘Team Thinking Outside the Box’.
By Crystal Gillich, ASI Board of Directors member
Our inaugural Pagosa Puzzle Palooza was a high-energy, community-spirited fundraising event that brought together friends, families, and neighbors, some all the way from Durango, in support of Archuleta Seniors Inc. Teams competed to complete a timed jigsaw puzzle challenge while also raising funds through team sponsorships, proving that teamwork and generosity go hand in hand.
12 teams consisting of 46 competitors were welcomed with pizza courtesy of our local Dublin Crust & Brew, and a table full of award puzzles stood waiting for the winners of this competition, provided by our Local Hodge Podge.
Our 12 identical competition puzzles were donated by Master Pieces Puzzles.
Competition to complete a 500-piece puzzle in under 3 hours was fierce and fun! 1st Place was claimed by Team THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX, finishing with an incredible time of 47 minutes and 20 seconds. In true small-town fashion, this team came together when two separate two-person teams were paired, only to discover they had met before. Gotta love a small town!
2nd Place went to Team PUZZLED AND CONFUSED, who were anything but, completing their puzzle in 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 45 seconds.
After a minor setback and a strong comeback, 3rd Place was awarded to Team EDGES FIRST, finishing with a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 26 seconds.
Holiday Closure
Archuleta Seniors Inc. will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026, for President’s Day. No meals or programs are offered that day.
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.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is on Mondays from 1:15 p.m., to 2:15 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center. The exception in February is rescheduling of the gathering from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20, still at 1:15 p.m., due to the holiday.
Salmansohn 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 pm – 3:30 pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
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
New day and time – On the second Thursdays of the month, February 12 this month, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., join the “Tappers,” who practice the self-regulation technique of EFT to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. 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
Tai Chi classes is on Thursdays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. in the Senior Center. 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.
Scrapbooking & Crafters Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club and Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month 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@gmail.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
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.
Community Cafe Menu
Call or text 970-264-2167 by 8:45 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, January 29 – Beef Lasagna, Wilted Spinach, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, January 30 – Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Glaze, Baked Potatoes, Lima Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk.
Monday, February 2 – Honey Garlic Shrimp, Vegetable Fried Rice, Sauteed Snow Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Yogurt, Milk.
Tuesday, February 3 – Mushroom and Spinach Alfredo Spaghetti, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Wednesday, February 4 – BBQ Country Pork Ribs, Baked Potatoes, Macaroni Salad, Garden Salad, Apple Crisp, Milk.
Thursday, February 5 – Chicken Potato-Leek Soup, Focaccia Bread, Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese, Cookies, Milk.
Friday, February 6 – Beef Curry with Rice Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chai Pudding, 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 form or call (970) 264-2167 for more information.
Support the Senior Center
New, starting in 2026, small donations can be deducted without itemizing your tax return. It is the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction. Here’s what this means: For tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 for individual tax filing and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. The goal of this provision is to recognize and encourage charitable giving across all income levels, potentially boosting donations from middle-income households who may not itemize their deductions. This change has the potential to significantly impact charitable giving patterns by incentivizing a broader base of donors. You may mail your donation to ASI, 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.