How can you show appreciation to our first responders, such as the example of the Oak Fire last week in Aspen Springs, when all of the emergency preparedness agencies quickly moved into action? Evacuations and pre-evacuations were ordered. Were you ready?
Seniors can show their gratitude by being prepared for wildfires and other emergencies. There can be some special preparations for those of us in this age group that need to be considered.
There have been classes in Archuleta County with the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of Emergency Management about being prepared. “Ready, Set, Go, Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults” from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency, “Ready, Set, Go!” available here), gives three steps:
Step One: “This section guides you through a self-assessment process to identify your specific needs so that you can create a personalized emergency plan.”
Step Two: “Make a plan and build a kit.”
Step Three: “Engage Your Support Network.”
In Step One, questions include: “Do I have any medical conditions or dietary requirements that require specific care or medication? What mobility challenges or disabilities do I need to plan for? How will I ensure the safety and well-being of my pet or service animal? Have I established communication strategies with neighbors and local emergency services? Will I need help to transport my emergency supplies?”
Step Two: “Create a support network of family, friends, caregivers, and others who can assist you during an emergency. Make an emergency plan and practice it with them. Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.” Your emergency kit must include your medications, identification papers, social security and Medicare cards, and other documents.
Step Three: Engage your support network and review what to do in an emergency. Be prepared! For emergency notifications from Archuleta County, use Nixli – “Archuleta County has partnered with Nixle to implement its Community Notification System to alert residents in real-time for localized emergency situations and relevant community advisories.” You can sign up at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Watch Duty is a cell phone ap that you can download that gives alerts and information on wildfires.
Being ready in an emergency is the best way to help our first responders.
Senior Conversations
Join us every Monday at 1:15 pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. Salmonsohn brings to the 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, hosted by Robin Williams, 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 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.
Bridge
The game of Bridge is hosted on Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. every week. It has also been added on Wednesdays at 1:15 PM. 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.
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 1:15 p.m. 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.
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.
Brain Fitness Program
The Ageless Grace Brain Fitness Program will not be held during the summer.
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. Please 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.
Community Cafe Menu
Call before 9 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, August 21 – Cajun Shrimp and Grits, Zucchini Saute, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Mango-Coconut Bread Pudding, Milk
Friday, August 22 – Pork Tortilla Soup with Crispy Tortillas, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Flan, Milk
Monday, August 25 – Caribbean Chicken Tacos, Tortilla, Black Beans, Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Tuesday, August 26 – Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter, Wilted Spinach, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Strawberry Angel Cake, Milk
Wednesday, August 27 – Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce, Brown Rice, Sauteed Snap Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, August 28 – New Orleans Sausage and Corn Chowder, Southern Biscuit, Beets, Garden Salad, Fruit, Mississippi Mud Pie, Milk
Friday, August 29 – Cod Florentine, Sweet Potato, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, 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. Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry can contact the Archuleta County MET to schedule a ride with their paratransit service. Call the Archuleta County MET at (970) 264-2250 for information.
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.