The ASI Executive Director and Board of Directors were joined by local older adults this past Tuesday. in conjunction with the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners to declare May 2025, Older Americans Month in Archuleta County.
Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May, led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on the importance of combating ageism to transform how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the benefits of healthy aging.
“Ageism affects how we see older adults and how they see themselves,” said Rosa Chavez, Archuleta Seniors Inc. Executive Director. “A positive perspective on aging allows individuals to engage fully in their workplaces and communities.”
Archuleta County’s growing population of older adults enriches our community with their strength, wisdom, and diverse life experiences, and Archuleta County is committed to honoring their contributions, exploring opportunities for them to stay active and engaged, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging; and
Archuleta Senior Inc’s “Age Friendly Archuleta Initiative” and the Colorado Commission on Aging in alignment with the 2025 Older Americans Month theme, are dedicated to empowering aging and encouraging older adults to prepare and plan for the future while actively participating in the present; and
What can individuals do to combat ageism?
- Celebrate the contributions of people of all ages in the workplace and community.
- Avoid ageist statements when talking about growing older.
- Promote fact-based messages about older adults’ abilities and value to communities.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take time during this month and beyond to acknowledge and recognize older adults as vital parts of our community. For more information please contact Archuleta Seniors Inc. at www.psseniors.org or call 970-264-2167 to learn more about our programs, services, employment and volunteer opportunities.
Rock Painting with Local Artist today, May 8
Join local artist Becky Crowe today, Thursday May 8, at 1:15pm for a free rock art session. We have gathered a variety of rocks of different sizes for your painting pleasure. Stop by the dining hall and either bring your own rock or select from our collection. We will provide the paint and rocks, and you bring your own inspiration to create a colorful rock to place in your garden or to use as a paperweight! This activity is free and open to all ages.
Self-Sufficiency Food Series and Produce Box Program
Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI), in partnership with TerraWalk Farms and Nourish Colorado, is launching its second season of the Self-Sufficiency Food Series and Produce Box Program for low-income seniors (55+) in Archuleta County. Through this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative, eligible participants will receive bi-weekly boxes of fresh, local, organic produce from June to mid-October 2025. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a current or new ASI client (Meals on Wheels, congregate, pick-up/Grab-N-Go meals); A resident of low-income senior housing (e.g., Casa De Los Arcos, Rose Mountain Homes). Others may apply by contacting the ASI Executive Director for case-by-case consideration. Perks: Bi-weekly produce boxes. Newsletters with recipes and farm stories. Optional farm visits and work opportunities. Free access to the Self-Sufficiency Food Series, held monthly from May to October.
Upcoming Event:
May 17 at 9:30am at the Ross Aragon Community Center: Learn about the CSA produce program and how to start and grow a garden that thrives at elevation.
Self-Sufficiency Food Series Schedule:
May 17: Gardening at Elevation – Chris Frederics
June 21: Compost & Soil – Brian Wattie/Wes Davies
July 19: Kitchen Skills – Ana Smith
August 16: Seasonal Menu Design – Rue Graham
September 20: Heritage/Cultural Foods – Rose Chavez
October 18: Food Preservation – Kendall McAllister/Cindy Galabotta
To Apply: Call (970) 264-2167 or visit 451 Hot Springs Blvd. First 40 qualified applicants will be accepted.
Monthly Caregiver Support Group Community,
if you are caring for a family member or friend with physical/mental disability, emotional health needs, or cognitive decline; this group was created for you. 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: May 22th, June 26th, July 24th, August 28th, September 25th, October 23rd, November 20nd and December 18th 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.
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 9:00am 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, May 8 – Baked Salmon, w/ Herb Cream Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Friday, May 9 – Korean Beef over Rice, Sugar Snap Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownies, and Milk
Monday, May 12 – Beef Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Peas & Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Ginger Snaps, and Milk.
Tuesday, May 13 – Chicken Salad on Croissant, Broccoli Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit, Stained Glass Jello Pie, and Milk.
Wednesday, May 14 – Beef Spaghetti, Squash Casserole, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Thursday, May 15 – Stuffed Giant Portobello Mushroom, Hummus & Pita Chips, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Friday, May 16 – Garlic Ginger Sticky Pork, Rice, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake, and Milk.
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/.
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.