SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Immunization Clinic at Senior Center, May 22

The Archuleta County Public Health Department welcomes the community to join us on May 22 for an immunization clinic being held at the Pagosa Senior Center located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd – from 9 – 11am. ACPHD will be offering spring COVID boosters, recommended for seniors 65+, as well as TDap, Hepatitis A&B, MMR, and Prevnar 20 for those who qualify (must be able to present recent vaccination records to confirm eligibility, or self-pay option available). If unable to attend, the ACPHD’s doors are open to the community, 10am – 5pm daily, and they would love to meet you to learn how to best improve our community’s health. For more information on services available, please contact the ACPHD office at 970-264-2409.

Medical Monitoring Devices
Archuleta Seniors Inc. provides access to affordable medical monitoring devices to support older adults who are homebound or otherwise need support if they fall or have an emergency that they can immediately contact emergency services. Clients participating in this program can be independent or may have access to a private or family caregiver. An initial nominal fee is required to access the medical monitoring program. ASI also provides limited caregiver support through our congregate dining or grab n go/pickup meal program. These services are available for a suggested donation but no one 60 and older will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. If you are interested in any of these services or have any questions please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.

Fresh Conversations: Nutrition Education
Are you interested in learning more about carbohydrates in your diet? Join Archuleta Seniors Inc on May 17th at 1:30 pm at the Pagosa Senior Center 451 Hot Springs Blvd. for Fresh Conversations a nutrition education offering. You will get to sample some healthy, delicious food while you learn about the differences between refined and whole grains and how to select healthier alternatives to refined carbohydrates. You will also walk away with helpful information about the benefits of physical activity and how to fit it into your daily lives. We will provide you with a newsletter about the topic you can take home. Come join us for a great conversation!

Homeopathy for Health
Tuesday May 28 at 10am. Please join Archuleta Seniors Inc for an introductory presentation on homeopathy, a holistic system of complementary healthcare. We’ll discuss what homeopathy is and how it can be helpful for seniors and folks of all ages. We’ll also share about the Pagosa Free Clinic and how to get signed up for free homeopathic health care.

Yoga Therapy Class Series
This spring a Healthy Aging Yoga Series will be offered as in person at the Pagosa Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30-3:30pm. Classes will be structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments. Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center, some blocks and Theraband are available too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed. We request that individuals new to the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with AJ directly by email at ajconnorslove@gmail.com.

Tai Chi Thursdays
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering Tai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30pm in the dining hall to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Tai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately 1 hour in the dining hall. No special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call 970-264-2167.

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. Hold space and show up for sacred conversation. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall. Snacks will be provided.

Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday
Open to All. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm weekly. Pickup is available all week including Fridays. 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. 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, May 9 – BBQ Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Garden Salad, Blueberry Cobbler, Milk.

Friday, May 10 – Lemon Orzo Pasta, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk.

Monday, May 13 – Lemon Herb Chicken, Quinoa Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit,Sunrise Muffin, Milk.

Tuesday, May 14 – Chipotle-Lime Tilapia w/ Tartar Sauce, Sauteed Greens, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese Milk

Wednesday, May 15 – Singapore Coffee Pork Ribs, Jasmine Rice, Squash Casserole, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Thursday, May 16 – Vegetable Minestrone Soup w/ Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Pineapple Upside-down Cake, Milk.

Friday, May 17 – Grilled Turkey, Swiss Tomato Sandwich on Sourdough Bread, Sweet Potato Fries, Garden Salad, Fruit, Mini Danish, Milk.

Covid-19 Test Kits Available
Stop by the Pagosa Senior Center to pick up a pack of 6 free covid-19 tests kits for your personal use. These kits are available to anyone in the public that needs affordable access for health promotion and disease prevention.

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 at 1:15 pm 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.

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/.

ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant 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.

Rosa Chavez

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