ARCHULETA SENIORS: Tips for Staying Safe and Warm

As winter approaches in Colorado, now is the perfect time for older adults to prepare their homes and vehicles for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Make sure your snow shovel is in good condition, and if you use a snow blower, check that it is running properly before the first heavy snowfall. Stock up on ice melt or sand to help prevent slippery walkways, driveways, and steps. Check your furnace, replace air filters, seal drafts around windows and doors, and make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. It is also wise to keep a supply of flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, nonperishable food, and necessary medications in case a winter storm causes a power outage or makes travel difficult. Having these supplies ready before the weather turns bad can make winter more comfortable and less stressful.

Just as important as preparing your home is preparing yourself. Snow shoveling and clearing ice can be physically demanding, especially for older adults, and can increase the risk of falls, injury, and heart strain. Consider arranging for a family member, neighbor, or snow-removal service to clear your walkways and driveway. Keep your cell phone charged, maintain a list of emergency contacts, and check in regularly with friends and family during severe weather. If you need to travel, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready with good tires, windshield washer fluid, and an emergency kit.

Winter can be a beautiful season in Pagosa Springs, but preparation is key to staying safe, warm, and independent. A little planning today can help you enjoy the winter months with greater peace of mind.

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. 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 – 3:30pm, 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 and Thursday from 9:45 to 10:45am 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. 

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.  

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15pm 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. 

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.

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 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 11am and 1pm.  Grab ‘N’ Go pickup via our convenient portico is also available all week, including Fridays. 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 8:45am.

Thursday, October 22 – Cod with Tartar Sauce, Broccoli Hollandaise, Garden Salad, Fruit, Banana Bread, Milk.
Friday, October 23 – Philly Cheesesteak on Hoagie Roll, Cheesy Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Tapioca Pudding, Milk.
Monday, October 26 – Navy Bean and Ham Soup, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Pumpkin Bars, Milk.
Tuesday, October 27 – Beef Frito Pie with Cheese and Sour Cream, Cornbread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Hazelnut Beignets, Milk.
Wednesday, October 28 – Tuna Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk.
Thursday, October 29 – Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter, Spinach and Onions, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Almond Croissant, Milk.
Friday, October 30 – Curry Chicken over Rice, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chai Pudding, 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 before 8:45am. 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.

Rummikub
Come check out Rummikub on Tuesdays from 1:15 – 3:45 p.m. It is a tile-based game for two to four players, combining elements of the card game rummy and mahjong. 

Emotional Freedom 
On the second Thursdays of the 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.
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 3 p.m. 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.

Tai Chi Chih, a Moving Meditation
Tai Chi Chih classes are held again now at the Senior Center on Thursdays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. 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 nineteen movements and one 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, October 16th, October 30th, November 13, and December 11, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
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.

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.

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 form or call (970) 264-2167 for more information.

Donate
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).