As elders of the community, Pagosa older adults are increasingly sharing their concerns about climate change and actively seeking to leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations. We are leveraging our life experiences, professional expertise, and a sense of responsibility to contribute to climate action. This involves various forms of engagement, including advocating for policy changes, supporting climate-friendly businesses, and volunteering in community initiatives.
A few examples of how Archuleta Seniors Inc. supports this essential work locally is through strategies that enable a sustainable and equitable regional food-system through our annual partnership with Terra Walk farm to provide locally grown, organic produce to low income older adults, the use of compostable to-go containers for our grab-n-go items, and the use of our 42-foot grow dome to support food sovereignty through small-scale agriculture that helps us reduce our carbon footprint and inspire seasonal menus at the community cafe.
We also want to share more about a recent grant we received from CDPHE and gather your community-led solutions/ideas that will ultimately provide additional opportunities for older adults and the community to leverage the ASI Grow Dome, located on the Growing Spaces Campus for new and exciting programming experiences. By actively engaging in climate action and sharing our wisdom and experience, older adults are making a significant contribution to ensuring a more sustainable future for all generations.
We invite the community out to celebrate Pagosa’s own Earth Day celebration to be held in Centennial Park from 9am to 2pm and to learn more about the legacy efforts our elders are organizing around here in Pagosa Country. We will also be providing tasty, nutritious snacks and coffee for your enjoyment during the event. We look forward to seeing you and sharing more about our leadership efforts, volunteer opportunities, and programs and services. For more information please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at 970-264-2167.
3rd Annual SW Food & Agriculture Summit
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Archuleta Seniors Inc. Executive Director Rosa Chavez, MPH presented on behalf of the SW CO Region 9 Grow Dome Partnership that supports Senior Center food sovereignty in four of the five counties in region 9, using Archuleta as a case study. Food sovereignty is defined as the right of peoples to have healthy and culturally appropriate food, produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It emphasizes local control over food production, distribution, and consumption, prioritizing the needs of people and communities over corporate interests and global markets. The Pagosa Senior Center, Ignacio Senior Center, Silverton Senior Center and Ute Mountain Ute Senior Center located in Towaoc, Colorado were all recipients of funds through the American Plan Rescue Act of 2021 distributed via the Colorado State Unit On Aging through the regional San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging which funded phase one of the projects including the purchase of the grow dome infrastructure, supplies and a modest salary for a professional horticulturist.
Unfortunately ARPA funds were terminated abruptly in Sept of 2024 but this unplanned challenge allowed the group to pivot and more proactively collaborate by putting in a joint application to CDPHE with the support of the regional food system non-profit out of Durango, CO called the Good Food Collective. The partnership received notification of our funding award from CDPHE this past March and regionally we have begun a planning process between April – June to engage the community around solutions and ideas to further leverage the Grow Dome for new and exciting programming. The grant also has an implementation phase that will be from July 2025 – June 2026.
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.
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.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, April 17 – Beef Fajitas w/ Peppers & Onions, Guacamole, Salsa, Tortillas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cookies, and Milk.
Friday, April 18 – Greek Chicken with Lemon Potatoes, Orzo Salad, Garden Salad, Strawberry Shortcake, and Milk.
Monday, April 21 – Butternut Squash Ravioli w/ Sage Butter Sauce, Wilted Spinach & Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Almond Croissant, and Milk.
Tuesday, April 22 – New Orleans Sausage & Corn Chowder, Southern Biscuit, Garden Salad, Fruit, Tapioca Pudding, and Milk.
Wednesday, April 23 – Chicken Dijon, Quinoa Rice, Peas & Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Apple Pie, and Milk.
Thursday, April 24 – Beef Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, and Milk.
Friday, April 25 – Crispy Cod Fish w/ Tartar Sauce, Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Fruit, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp and Milk.
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.
Mobile Food Pantry Service
Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry should contact the Archuleta County MET to schedule a ride with their paratransit service. For more information contact Lavonne at 970.264.2250.
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 visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button).