SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Celebrate Springs with Art Class

Celebrate Spring by joining our Pop-up Flower Making Art Class. Learn to make pop-up flowers today, Thursday, March 20 at 1:15pm. This is a free class, open to everyone (all ages) and all materials are provided. No experience necessary. Meet at the Senior Center for some flowery fun. The instructor is Becky Crowe, a local artist and retired art teacher. She will be teaching you how-to make a beautiful spring bouquet.

Spring Fling Wine Pairing Soirée
Join us for Archuleta Seniors Inc. Spring Fling Wine Pairing Soiree on April 11 from 6 to 8pm at the Ross Aragon Community Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Enjoy a selection of exceptional curated wines, savory appetizers from Mountain Bluebird Catering, and delicious chocolates from PS Chocolates, all crafted by local artisans. Live music from the gifted Gus Palma will enhance the evening’s ambiance. The soirée will also feature a silent auction with unique items and fantastic door prizes. This event invites everyone—singles, couples, and groups—to enjoy an unforgettable evening while supporting Archuleta Seniors Inc. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out! Purchase tickets at https://givebutter.com/SpringFlingWinePairing, call 970-264-2167, or visit our office.

Join the New Caregiver Support Group
Here in Pagosa Springs, the Senior Center will be hosting a new support group beginning in March of 2025. If you are caring for a family member or friend with physical/mental disability, or emotional health needs, or cognitive decline; this group was created for you. Note: This group is not limited to only caregivers of older adults. Caregivers of all types are welcome. This group offers a safe, welcoming space for caregivers seeking connection, empathy, and encouragement. Whether you’re looking for understanding during difficult times or just need a community to lean on, we’re here for you. These sessions will also offer educational resources to grow you in the knowledge and skill to strengthen self care, to care for your loved ones and empower you to navigate your role as a caregiver; one day at a time. Dates for the monthly caregiver support gathering in 2025 include: March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 20 and December 18 and all meetings will be held at the Ross Aragon Community Center in the West Conference Room from 10:30 am to 12 pm. If you have questions or would like to be added to our announcement list, please contact Yeun Fiedler at (970) 946-5810, or Madeline Sutton at (970) 507-1574.

Scrapbooking & Crafters Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club and Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month in 2025 at the Ross Aragon Community Center from 10:00 – 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 & tricks for scrapbooking and more!

Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes, every Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00am 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. 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. For more information, please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.

Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday
Join local elders, their friends, family and community at the Silver Fox’s Den in person for delicious meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm. 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. 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, March 20 – Pork Tenderloin w/ Harvest Chutney, Sweet Corn, Garden Salad, Banana Pudding, Muffin and Milk.

Friday, March 21 – Potato Leek Soup, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, and Milk.

Monday, March 24 – Grilled Turkey, Swiss, Tomato Sandwich, Sweet Potato Fries, Garden Salad, Fruit, Fig Bar and Milk.

Tuesday, March 25 – Beef Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, and Milk.

Wednesday, March 26 – Norwegian Fish Stew with Toasted Ciabatta, Garden Salad, Fruit, Ginger Snaps and Milk.

Thursday, March 27 – Greek Chicken Pita w/Tzatziki Sauce, Lemon Greek Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Baklava, and Milk.

Friday, March 28 – Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers, Squash Casserole, Spinach Salad, Fruit, Muffin and Milk.

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 $6.00 helps to sustain our program. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50 also. Please call or text us at 970-264-2167 to make a reservation.

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/texting 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.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Upcoming bingo dates include March 21st, April 4th, April 18th, May 9th, May 23rd, June 13th, and June 27th. The price to participate is free and all we ask is you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners and snacks will also be provided. No RSVP required, just show up. All ages welcome, but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come first serve. For more information contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970.264.2167.

Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th Century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal to make matching sets and pairs (like Poker). To win, a player must form four sets and one pair. Come to the Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15 pm.

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.

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.