Why does Archuleta Seniors Inc. offer programs, classes, and games, in addition to healthful lunches and other services?
What’s so important about having a place to gather?
The National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov) states: “Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.”
The risk is higher for decreased cognitive function and dementia when isolated. The NIA notes: “Also, too little social activity and being alone often may make it more difficult to perform everyday tasks such as driving, paying bills, taking medicine, and cooking.”
So, join us at the Pagosa Senior Center and attend a Stretching and Mobility class, play Mahjong, or win a prize playing bingo. This is good for your health. Besides, coming to the Pagosa Senior Center means you don’t have to clean your house to have people there!
Our activities are listed below. You can also pick up an activity schedule at the Pagosa Senior Center or get it on our website at https://www.psseniors.org/activities.html. For more information about any of the activities, call us at (970) 264-2167.
Save the Date for High Tea
ASI will be hosting High Tea on Thursday, July 24, from 1:15 – 2:15pm at the Senior Center Dining Room. Come by and try our cucumber sandwiches and scones. All ages are welcome.
Senior Conversations
Join us every Monday at 1:15pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. Salmonsohn brings to our conversations a variety of topics designed to stimulate discussions within a safe and comfortable environment as we explore our well-being and shared experiences. This is a unique opportunity to connect with others in the Archuleta community, fostering friendships and togetherness. Snacks will be provided. Afterward, stay for a get-together created for those who wish to continue the conversation. This opportunity is typically from 2:30 pm – 3:30pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
Stretching & Mobility Weekly Class
Community members are invited to attend free weekly classes every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00am at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the back of the Ross Aragon Community Center. The stretching and mobility classes for adults aged 55 or better are designed to help build balance in the body through functional exercises that aim to improve mobility and flexibility. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of techniques that can help enhance overall movement efficiency. 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.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th-century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles 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 1:15pm.
Bridge
The longest played bridge game in Archuleta County takes place on Tuesdays at 1:15pm 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.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi classes are held at Yamaguchi Park on Thursdays from 1:30 – 2:30pm. The class is intended to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Tai Chi is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow, and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice. All classes are free for adults aged 55 and better, and classes will last approximately one hour. No special clothing or equipment is required.
Produce Box Program
ASI, in partnership with TerraWalk Farms and Nourish Colorado, is holding its second season of the Produce Box Program for seniors (55+) in Archuleta County. Through this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative, eligible participants will receive weekly boxes of fresh, local, organic produce from June to mid-October. 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). Please note that the “Self-Survival Food Lecture Series” is cancelled. For more information about participating, please call Archuleta Seniors Inc. at (970) 264-2167. Participants pick up their box at the Pagosa Senior Center on Tuesdays, 11am – noon and 1 – 4pm.
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 11am and 1pm. To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call (970) 264-2167 before 9 a.m. weekdays. 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.
Community Cafe Menu
Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, July 10 – Beef Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Peas & Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, July 11 – Black Bean Smoked Tempeh and Butternut Squash, Quinoa Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Monday, July 14 – Garlic Ginger Pork Ribs, Herb Cous-Cous, Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Tuesday, July 15 – Greek Spinach & Feta Pie, Pita Chips & Artichoke Dip, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Wednesday, July 16 – Teriyaki chicken w/ Pineapple & Peppers, Rice, Snow Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, July 17 – Baked Cod w/White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce, Asparagus, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, July 18 – Beef Marsala, Baked Potatoes, Peas & Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Don’t forget that we also offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. 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.
Mountain Transit Express Senior ParaTransit Services
Seniors over the age of 60 can be verified to receive services through discounted ParaTransit services, free bus rides, and pick up at your home to bring you to the Senior Center for lunch. To become eligible, there is a form to complete. Call the Archuleta County MET at (970) 264-2250 for information.
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, call (970) 264-2250.
Support the Senior Center
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/.