Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and one may think that it’s a day to celebrate love, but for many older adults that are experiencing loneliness and isolation, celebrating Valentine’s Day may be a little difficult. Many seniors have experienced the loss of a spouse, close friends, or daily social interaction, which can make holidays especially difficult. Celebrating Valentine’s Day reminds seniors that love is not limited to romantic relationships, it also includes friendships, family bonds, and self-worth. Simple acts such as cards, phone calls, shared meals, or group activities can provide a powerful sense of belonging and reassurance that they are valued and remembered.
For seniors, recognizing Valentine’s Day can also support mental and emotional health by encouraging social engagement and positive emotions. Participating in celebrations, whether through community events, senior center activities, or volunteer visits, can help reduce feelings of depression and improve overall quality of life. It offers an opportunity to reflect on meaningful relationships, create new memories, and strengthen community ties. By honoring Valentine’s Day, families and organizations can foster joy, connection, and compassion, reinforcing the message that love and companionship remain vital at every age.
ASI will be hosting a Valentine’s Day party for our lovely seniors on Friday, February 13 during the noon hour. Seniors will be voting for ASI’s Valentine Queen and King; the coronation and the winners will be announced on the day of the party.
Holiday Closures
Archuleta Seniors Inc. will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, for President’s Day. No meals or programs are offered that day.
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 the rescheduling of the gathering from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20, still at 1:15pm, 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.
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.
Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes meets on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
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.
Bingo
Join us for bingo on Friday, February 13 and February 27. 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 8:45 a.m. on 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.
Community Cafe Menu
Call or text 970-264-2167 before 8:45 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
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.
Monday, February 9 – Teriyaki Pork Spareribs, Roasted Herb Potatoes, Garden Salad, Pineapple Yogurt Parfait, Milk.
Tuesday, February 10 – Codfish with Lemon Butter Sauce, Quinoa Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Wednesday, February 11 – Chicken and Dumplings, Asparagus, Garden Salad, Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp, Milk.
Thursday, February 12 – Stuffed Portabella Mushroom Cap, Naan Bread, Red Pepper Hummus, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake, Milk.
Friday, February 13 – Hawaiian Beef with Peppers, Coconut Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, 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.
Text Reservations
Don’t forget that we also offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number, and the days you want a meal. If you are calling/texting to cancel a reservation, please include your name, phone number, and the days you want to cancel.
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.