This past Sunday the Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) board of directors, full time staff, plus a few friends and family gathered on the beautiful grounds of Keyah Grande outside of Pagosa Springs to celebrate and honor ASI Board Chair, Mr. Al Northrup over brunch. At the end of March 2025, Al will have completed two board of directors terms, for a total of six years of volunteer service on behalf of the older adults, caregivers and families of Archuleta County.
Al has also been a key champion of improving staff wellbeing, supporting increases to livable wages and a modest health benefit stipend. As a new executive director, Al has been supportive and a compassionate mentor, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for his service and friendship. Board service is one of the toughest volunteer roles, and he took on his board duties with dedication, grace, and seriousness (but not without a few jokes sprinkled in to help us keep our perspectives!!). I am most grateful for his active leadership as a judicious steward of our organization. I know he always carefully deliberated on matters before the board, even when the decisions were difficult.
A famous peace activist once said, “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” Al is both wise and virtuous, and I am grateful he shared those qualities with ASI as a board member and ambassador in the community. We extend our profound gratitude to you Al, from all of us here at ASI! A special thanks also goes out to Al’s loving wife Karen Northrop!
After serving on three levels of the Maryland judiciary for thirty-one years, Al retired to southwest Colorado where he continues to enjoy the open spaces and the mountain views. He enjoys skiing, golfing and horseback riding. He also enjoys writing as a hobby and while he won’t be on our board after March, we look forward to seeing him enjoy lunch, social activities and are so grateful he still wants to pick up and take our recycling for us!
Spring Fling Wine Pairing Soirée
Join us for Archuleta Seniors Inc. Spring Fling Wine Pairing Soiree on April 11, 2025 from 6 PM to 8 PM 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.
Why Fundraise?
Poverty rates for individuals aged 65 and older in Archuleta County have risen from 5.2% to 9.0%, impacting approximately 1,300 individuals. The soirée is crucial for raising funds to support essential health and social services for vulnerable older adults and family caregivers in our community. Poverty in rural America presents barriers to vital resources for all age groups but older adults are especially vulnerable, including experiencing barriers to: healthcare, healthy food, and affordable housing among other critical supports.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. operates independently as a non-profit, relying on public and private funding, donations, and over 70 community volunteers. Unfortunately, funding sources have been unstable, making your support vital for our efforts to serve the community effectively. Impact of Archuleta Seniors Inc. Since 2023, over 1,000 older adults and caregivers in Archuleta County have benefited annually from our signature nutrition program, which offers nutritious meals served in a welcoming environment.
In 2024 alone, we provided approximately 20,000 meals, including deliveries to homebound older adults, a convenient grab-n-go service and dine-in/socialize options. Annually, we also serve 600+ unduplicated older adults and caregivers via facilitating quality referrals to local organizations/agencies, providing social connection and support through various activities, including community clinics, fun games, educational classes, discussion groups, and creative and empowering community events.
Tai Chi at the Senior Center Paused During April
The Pagosa Senior Center is offering T’ai Chi with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the Pagosa Senior Center dining hall located in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center. This activity will be paused for the month of April and will resume in May. We apologize for any inconveniences.
Medical Monitoring Devices & Caregiver Meals Available
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 as well as access to social/educational programming. 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.
Senior Conversations
Join us every Monday at 1:15 pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. Bill brings to our conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as community members explore wellbeing and shared experiences. This is a unique opportunity to connect with others living within the Archuleta community for friendship and togetherness. Snacks will be provided. Afterward, hosted by Robin Williams, is a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
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. 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, 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.
Monday, March 31 – Chicken Pot Pie, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Cherry Crisp, and Milk.
Tuesday, April 1 – Shrimp Scampi over Linguine, Wilted Spinach, Garlic Toast, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Wednesday, April 2 – Homemade Grass=Fed Beef Meatballs & Marinara w/Parmesan, Warm Bean & Bacon Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Thursday, April 3 – Pork Ribs with Ginger Plum Sauce, Lavender-Apricot Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Friday, April 4 – Black Bean Veggie Burger with Chipotle Aioli, Skillet Mushrooms & Zucchini, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
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.
Support Our Elders
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to 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).