SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Senior Conversations, Stretching and Mobility

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 – 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.

In Gratitude to the Community Foundation
Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) was fortunate to be one of the four non-profits to benefit from the 19th Hole Concerts organized by the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado. Many thanks also to all those who attended the concerts, whose generosity made this possible. Proceeds were $9,370. The Archuleta Committee of the Community Foundation added $630, to bring the total to $10,000. This was shared equally at $2,500 for each non-profit. It is the hands-on work of organizations such as the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado that makes Pagosa Country a community that cares.

Bridge
The game of Bridge is hosted on Tuesdays at 1:15pm every week. It has also been added on Wednesdays at 1:15pm. 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.

Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15pm at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of play, with the final round reached sometime between 2 to 3 hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years. No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.

Mindful Drawing
Mindful Drawing is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Join our friendly instructor, Roberta Strickland, CZT. Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15pm in the Pagosa Senior Center. This activity is open to all ages. Help us create an intergenerational community. For those under 18 and/or with disabilities, you are welcome to join us, but we kindly ask you to please bring an adult chaperone with you.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center usually hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Participation is free, and all we ask is that 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.

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. This creative tradition has been happening since 2005, and we invite all creative individuals to come and share ideas, connect with new and old friends, learn/share creative techniques, share supplies, and indulge in a potluck lunch together. 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 and tricks for scrapbooking and more.

Dine-In and Grab‘N’Go Lunch
Join local elders, their friends, family, and community at the Community Café, also known as 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. Grab ‘N’ Go pickup via our convenient portico is also available all week, including Fridays
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call (970) 264-2167 before 9 a.m. weekdays. Be sure to say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go. 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 31 – Beef Barley & Vegetable Soup with Ciabatta Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, August 1 – Pork Tenderloin w/ithOrange Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Corn, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Blueberry Cake, Milk
Monday, August 4 – Curry Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Squash Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, Milk
Tuesday, August 5 – Grilled Turkey-Swiss-Tomato Sandwich, Sweet Potato Fries, Garden Salad, Fruit, Fig Bars, Milk
Wednesday, August 6 – Baked Salmon with Creamy Herb Sauce, Broccoli, Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk
Thursday, August 7 – BBQ Pork Ribs, Creamed Corn, Blueberry Cobbler, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, August 8 – Moroccan Stew, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Pita Chips, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk

Medicare Assistance 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) 403-6759 for an appointment and where to meet.

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/

Joan Ward

Joan Ward is President, Archuleta Seniors Inc.