SENIOR CENTER NEWS: ASI Invites You to a Christmas Party, Dec. 20

The community is invited to attend a casual and festive Christmas party at the Pagosa Senior Center on Wednesday, December 20 from 11am to 2pm. Come for lunch and stay for a joyful time together.

Plans are in the works to have music, and we will follow lunch with hot coffee served alongside house made holiday desserts. We are planning a pseudo snow fight, possibly some shenanigans with Santa Claus and a few door prizes to jazz up the moments we share together. Join us for lunch, making a reservation before that day or by 9am Monday morning by calling or texting 970-261-2167.

17th Annual Festival of Trees
It was a wonderful evening, Friday, December 1. Many thanks to everyone who voted for our tree – we were among the top ten! We are very grateful to the couple who bid on and won the tree. Also thank you to the Town of Pagosa Springs and the Ross Aragon Community Center for hosting the event.

Art Class
Another holiday art class will take place next Thursday, December 14. We will be making a globe out of old Christmas cards. This involves cutting 20 circles, all the same size and gluing them together in a specified way. Easy to do and the results are gorgeous so come join in on the fun. Both classes will begin at 1:15pm and are free to attend. All supplies will be provided. No reservations are required but space is limited so be sure to be there by 1:15pm.

Our teacher will be Denise Fisk, who is a retired elementary art teacher from Iowa. She loves sharing art techniques with her classes. So come to the senior center with a friend and see how your old Christmas cards can be turned into useful pieces of art.

Yoga Therapy Class
Gather with local yoga practitioner AJ Connors for a series of evidence based healthy aging and yoga therapy classes at the Pagosa Senior Center geared for adults and older adults of all ages. This yoga series promotes healthy aging for individuals with therapeutic classes offering yoga tools and education for strength, resilience, and wellness. Classes are designed to address different aspects of healthy aging and are geared towards accessibility and gentle practice. The themes for the class will include physical and mental well-being utilizing movement, meditation, and breathing practices. Mats and chairs will be provided; it’s optional to bring a blanket, and please wear comfortable clothing. Class is offered Mondays 2:30-3:30pm in the dining hall.

Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall, snacks will be provided.

Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Thursday
Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11am and 1pm weekly. Pickup is available all week including Fridays.

Our chef works with a team of local food professionals to hand prepare your meal for dine in service in our cozy dining room (with an amazing view of the San Juans) or for takeout (via our convenient drive through) with you on any of your local adventures in Pagosa Country. Our menu changes daily. Please visit our website at http://www.psseniors.org/community-cafeacute.html to view our weekly menu. To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9 am weekdays.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, December 7 – Eggplant Parmesan, Asparagus, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Pecan Bars.

Friday, December 8 – Tuscan Soup w/Pork, White Beans & Kale, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Cottage Cheese, Peaches, Milk.

Monday, December 11 – Cajun Shrimp & Grits, Sauteed Greens w/ Garlic, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Gianduja Chocolate Shortcake.

Tuesday, December 12 – Mushroom & Spinach & Gruyere cheese Crepes, Squash Casserole, Garden Salad, Fruit, Sunrise Muffins, Milk.

Wednesday, December 13 – Singapore Coffee BBQ Ribs, Pearled cous-Cous, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Chai Pudding.

Thursday, December 14 – Honey Garlic Chicken, Fried Rice, Spring Rolls, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk.

Friday, December 15 – Chipotle Lime Tilapia, Jasmine Rice, Sauteed Kale, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Cookies.

Grab-N-Go & Dine-In Meals
Reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9:00 am the morning of the day you want to dine in or pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $10.00 helps to sustain our program. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.00 also. Please call or text us at 970-264-2167 to make a reservation.

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. Call or text us at 970-264-2167.

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Thursdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of playing until the final round is reached – some 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.

Support Our Seniors
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. You may mail your donation to 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. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.

Another Way to Donate
Are you 70 and half 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 344, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution (QCD).

Rosa Chavez

Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.