Archuleta Seniors Inc. purchases fresh local produce, with the partial assistance of a small grant, from Terra Walk Farms for eligible participants. Lettuces, chard, green onions, and more are provided every week during the growing season. The details are further down in this article.
Also, did you know Archuleta Seniors Inc. has a grow dome? Produce from the dome is used in our seniors’ lunches to enhance the nutritional quality of the meals.
When asked what vegetables they like that we grow in the dome, can you guess what were the least favorite vegetables? Yes, kale and Swiss chard did not get many votes. Kale and Swiss chard, while very nutritious, can be bitter. Adding a little lemon when sauteing them helps, or using them in mixed dishes. Kale chips were well-received. Massaging the kale before chopping it up for salad also helps soften the texture. Or try Italian beans and greens soup.
Save the Date for High Tea
ASI will be hosting High Tea on Thursday, July 24, from 1:15 – 2:15 PM 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 1:15 pm 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 – 3:30 pm, 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 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 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.
Mexican Train Dominoes
A new group is forming and will meet on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center usually hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 p.m. July dates are July 11 and 25.
Participation is free, and all we ask is you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We have 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-served.
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. Participants pick up their box at the Pagosa Senior Center on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
For more information about participating, please call Archuleta Seniors Inc. at (970) 264-2167.
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 a.m. and 1 p.m. To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call (970) 264-2167 by 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. Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad, plus a beverage.
Community Cafe Menu
Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
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
Monday, July 21 – Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce, Rice, Snap Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Tuesday, July 22 – Baked Salmon with Herb Cream Sauce, Broccoli, Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Wednesday, July 23 – Beef Chili with Cheese, Cornbread, Sauteed Greens, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, July 24 – Giant Stuffed Mushroom with Vegetables & Feta Cheese, Baked Sweet Potato, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, July 25 – Beef Gyro w/ Pita bread, Tzatziki sauce, Tabouli Salad, Spanikopita, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
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.
Grab-N-Go Meals
Dine -in and Grab-N-Go meal reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9:00 a.m. 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. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
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.
Board Vacancies
ASI Board of Directors has 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 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/.