SENIOR CENTER NEWS: ASI Open House Scheduled for June 11

Archuleta Senior Inc (ASI), a local non-profit organization supporting an age-friendly, independent and resilient community, is hosting an open house on June 11th from 4-6 pm at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center. All community members are invited to come and hear about ASI’s 2025-2027 strategic plan and learn about initiatives such as nutritional programs, caregiving support, educational programs, activities for mind and body and our geodesic “grow” dome. There will be information on upcoming special events and fundraisers as well as the opportunity to volunteer for an array of programs. Come meet our staff and board members at this free social event. Refreshments will be served. The Pagosa Senior Center is located in the Ross Aragon Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Parking is available. For more information please call 970-264-2167.

Self-Sufficiency Food Lecture & Demo Series and Produce Box Program
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) or 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 at rosa@psseniors.org. In addition to the fabulous vegetables, the community is invited to attend our “Self Survival Food Lecture Series” May – June 2025. For more information please visit our website at www.psseniors.org.

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. 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.

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 10:00am – 3:00pm at 451 Hot Springs Blvd within the dining hall in the Pagosa Senior Center. 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!

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Upcoming bingo dates include 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 are also 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.

Senior Conversations
Join us every Monday at 1:15pm 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 – 3:30pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.

Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, May 22 – Cajun Shrimp w/ Cheesy Grits, Zucchini Saute, Garden Salad, Yogurt,Fruit, and Milk.
Friday, May 23 – Chicken Fajitas w/ Peppers, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Salsa, Garden Salad, Fruit, and Milk.
Monday, May 26 – Closed for Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27 – Salmon Burger w/ Dill Sc.,Bun, Sweet Potato Fries, Garden Salad, Fruit, Muffin, and Milk.
Wednesday, May 28 – Teriyaki Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Carrots, Snow Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Almond Croissant, and Milk.
Thursday, May 29 – Beef Lasagna, Broccoli, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, and Milk.
Friday, May 30 -.Tuna Salad, over Greens, Potato Salad, WW Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, 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. 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.

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.

Bridge
The longest played bridge game in Archuleta county takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 pm every week. Bridge is a four-player card game with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. It is a trick taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. Come alone or bring a partner.

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 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 vacancies. 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.