SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Fall Prevention Through Kupuna Aikido

Do you want to reduce your risk of falling and learn how to minimize the severity of a fall? Aikido of the San Juans in partnership with Archuleta Seniors Inc. presents a free fall prevention and safer falling presentation, using the Kupuna Method next Wednesday, October 16 at 10 am at the Pagosa Senior Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd).

Kupuna, in the language of Hawaii, are revered elders, grandparents, and older community members. This method was developed by Kupuna Aikido and is now offered in Pagosa Springs. Presenter Lisa Jensen is a fourth degree black belt in Aikido. She began training in 1988, and has been teaching Aikido in Pagosa Springs for 21 years. She is the owner and instructor at Aikido of the San Juans, which currently has adult and children’s Aikido programs. She recently learned the Kupuna Method of Fall Safety from Kupuna Aikido. Consider attending the Akido presentation… and then joining us for lunch, or take it to go.

If you are interested in a meal that day, please remember to make your reservation by 9am by calling or texting Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167, advance reservations are welcome.

Seasonal Art Class
Learn the easy process of styrofoam printing. Participants will be given a piece of styrofoam where they can indent the foam with a pencil creating a relief image. The theme is autumn leaves. Crayola markers will be used to color the image. Dampened printing making paper will be placed over the styrofoam and rubbed to transfer the image onto the paper. Make one print or make multiple prints. The class will be offered October 24 at 1:15pm in the Pagosa Senior Center dining hall. The instructor for the class is Becky Crowe, a former art teacher. She is also a printmaker, has had her work published, and creates greeting cards.

Archuleta Seniors Inc. Fall Fundraiser
Thanks to the kind donation of a matching grant provided by an anonymous benefactor your generous donation during our fall fundraiser will be doubled up to $5000 through the end of October. Although we are very grateful to our current funding partners, Archuleta County, San Juan Basin Area on Aging, Town of Pagosa Springs, and grants from private foundations, still, it is not enough. 37% of our funds are dependent on our ability to fundraise, via fundraising campaigns,

Please jump in today with your 100% matched donation and join in our ongoing efforts to provide our cherished elders, who have given so much to this community, with nutritional, health, and social programming that will continue to enrich their lives. Donations can be made directly to Archuleta Seniors Inc., located in the Ross Aragon Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd in Pagosa Springs or by mail P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs. CO 81147. We also take donations by phone, please call 970-264-2167 or online donations via our Colorado Gives, Archuleta Seniors Inc. fall fundraising page: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Asifallfundraiser

Free Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend new free weekly classes, every Tuesday this fall and winter, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd. in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center). The stretching and mobility classes for older adults (age 55+) 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 ballet dance instructor Dee Pitchon who will provide modifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.

Tai Chi
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (meet at the Pagosa Senior Center dining hall located in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center) 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. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice. All classes will be free for older adults (age 55 and better) and will last approximately 1 hour. No special special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call Archuleta Seniors Inc. 970-264-2167.

Senior Conversations
Join us every Mondays at 1:15 pm 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. Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all 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.

To reserve your meal for the day please make your reservation via text or phone call 970-264-2167 by 9am weekdays.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, October 10 – Beef Fajitas w/ Onions & Peppers, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, October 11 – Navy Bean & Bacon Soup, Focaccia Bread, Blueberry Cobbler, Beet Salad with Feta & Walnuts, Fruit, Milk.

Monday, October 14 – Pagosa Senior Center Closed in Celebration of Indigenous People’s Day

Tuesday, October 15 – Pasta Primavera with Basil Pesto & Olive Oil, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Vanilla Yogurt,Fruit, Milk.

Wednesday, October 16 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Apricot Sauce, Roasted Butternut Squash,& Beets, Quinoa Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Cookies, Milk.

Thursday, October 17 – Dover Sole in Orange Beurre-Blanc Sauce,Broccoli Romanesco, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, October 18 – Salisbury Steak w/ Mashed Potatoes, Mushroom Gravy, Sauteed Greens, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownie, Milk.

Text Us @ 970-264-2167
Don’t forget that we also offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are calling to cancel a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel. Texting services are available for dining-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals, and Meals on Wheels recipients.

Medicare Call by Appointment
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 970-264-0501; ext 4.

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.  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. Please stop by our offices at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. to pick up an application or call 970-264-2167 for more information.

Rosa Chavez

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