Photo: Archuleta Seniors Inc. Meals on Wheels and dining room volunteers attended a food safety training on August 31. These volunteers give their time weekly to help make lunches available for seniors.
How does Archuleta Seniors Inc (ASI) provide lunches to our Meals on Wheels clients and check in seniors for our dine-in and Grab’n’Go lunches? How does ASI have all of its classes and programs? You can guess how it’s done – with our many volunteers and our staff.
The ASI kitchen staff, led by Chef Cynthia Sperry, prepare meals five days a week. Barbara Noriega, Program and Outreach Support Specialist, manages the registration for meals and the reporting required for our partial federal funding, along with much more. Janet Monks, Senior Program and Administrative Manager, along with many other responsibilities, manages the financials in coordination with the board Treasurer. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver lunches weekly on an in-town route and an out-of-town route that goes as far as the Vista neighborhood. Substitute drivers fill in when the “regulars” are unavailable.
Volunteers and substitutes staff the dining room desk to check in seniors for lunch and hand out the lunches to the Grab’n’Go clients. All of the meal volunteers take part in an annual safe food handling class. Senior Conversations, Stretching and Mobility, Emotional Freedom, and Mindful Drawing are all led by volunteers, who generously donate their time for the benefit of seniors. This dedication is amazing. Thank them if you attend a class. Volunteers, along with staff and board members, are involved in fund-raising events and other activities. Hint – keep an eye out for the ad and announcement of a “Masquerade Ball” fundraiser at Keyah Grande on October 24.
As you can see, this organization’s energy is fueled by the motivated staff and volunteers.
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. The meals are delivered by our wonderful volunteers, whom we so greatly appreciate. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167 for how to sign up for the program.
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 sharing and friendships. 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.
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 1:15 p.m.
Emotional Freedom.
On the second Wednesdays of the month, join the “Tappers,” who practice the self-regulation technique of EFT to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more! Come learn the technique on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. Everything you need to get started is included in this fun, engaging, supportive class. Taught by Judith Newman, LPC.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild meets on Thursdays, 9 – 11 a.m. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. We support writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities. Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts. Come join us.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi classes are held at Yamaguchi Park on Thursdays from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., through September. 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.
Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center usually hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 p.m. Join the group on August 8 and 22. 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.
Monthly Birthday Celebration
ASI celebrates seniors’ birthdays once a month in the dining room. Join us on Friday, August 15, for sweets and refreshments, and a little fun.
Produce Box Program
ASI, in partnership with TerraWalk Farms, is holding its second season of the Produce Box Program for seniors (55+) in Archuleta County. This is funded by ASI with assistance from a small grant from Nourish Colorado. 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). 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, 11 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Dine-In and Grab‘N’Go Lunch Monday through Friday
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. 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, 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
Monday, August 11 – Potato Leek Soup, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blondie, Milk
Tuesday, August 12 – Beef Chili & Beans, Wilted Spinach, Jalapeno Cornbread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Wednesday, August 13 – Greek Chicken Pita, Lemon Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Baklava, Milk
Thursday, August 14 – Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado, Macaroni Salad, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Banana Pudding, Milk
Friday, August 15 – Spaghetti Squash with Italian Sausage Marinara, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownies, 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/