For many older adults, living on a fixed income can be challenging as the costs of groceries, utilities, medications, and fuel continue to rise. Seniors can help stretch their budgets by planning meals carefully, shopping sales, using senior discounts, and reducing unnecessary expenses whenever possible. Staying socially connected and active is also important, as isolation and stress can negatively affect both emotional and physical health. Community resources can make a significant difference in helping seniors maintain their independence while improving their overall quality of life.
Archuleta Seniors, Inc. is dedicated to supporting local seniors through programs designed to ease financial burdens and promote healthy living. The center provides nutritious congregate meals, Meals on Wheels services, wellness activities, educational programs, social opportunities, and assistance connecting seniors with valuable community resources. These programs not only help seniors save money but also provide companionship, encouragement, and support. By working together as a community, we can help ensure that local seniors continue to live safely, independently, and with dignity.
Community Cafe
Our dining hall in the Ross Aragon Community Center 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 8:45am. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, June 4 – Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, June 5 – Fried Chicken with Country Gravy, Peas and Pearl Onions, Peach Cobbler, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Monday, June 8 – Pork Tenderloin with Harvest Chutney, Mashed Potatoes, Beets, Garden Salad, Fruit, Fig Bars, Milk.
Tuesday, June 9 – Asian Chicken Salad, Chicken Potstickers with Dipping Sauce, Rice Pudding, Milk.
Wednesday, June 10 – Smoked Tempeh Chili, Honey Cornbread, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownie, Milk.
Thursday, June 11 – Sliced Ham Steak with Cherry Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk.
Friday, June 12 – New England Clam Chowder, Oyster Crackers, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Strawberry Angel Cake, 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.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is on Mondays from 1:15 to 2:15pm at the Pagosa Senior Center. Please note that ASI is closed Monday, May 25. Senior Conversations will be held on Friday, May 29, that week. 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 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. The program is instructed by local dance instructor Dee Pitchon, who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.
American Mahjong
American Mahjong is played using a set of tiles and the current year score card. Play includes groups of three or four players and follows a pattern of division exchange and display of tiles. Bring your card and come to play or watch and learn from 1:15 to 3:45pm. Tuesdays at the Senior Center.
Bridge
The game of Bridge is held on Tuesdays at 1:15pm. every week. It has also been added on Wednesdays at 1:15pm. 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.
Emotional Freedom.
On the second Thursdays of the month, from 1:30 to 2:30pm, 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.
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 from 1:30 to 3pm 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.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild meets from 8:45 to 10:30am 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, a Moving Meditation
Starting in May, Tai Chi classes will be held at Yamaguchi Park on Thursdays, 1:30 – 2:30pm. Tai Chi 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, May 22, at 1:30pm. 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.
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 10:00am – 3:00pm 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.
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.
Another way to donate: Are you 70.5 years old or better? Do you have an IRA from which you need to take a distribution? Did you know you can make charitable donations directly from your IRA without paying taxes on the distribution, up to $100,000 per year? The donation from the account would be payable to Archuleta Seniors Inc and sent to PO Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution (QCD).