ASI will have a guest speaker on Thursday, September 25, at 1:30pm at the Senior Center. Marcy Houle will present the topic of The Gift of Aging. She will discuss frontline science and the insights of aging with health, joy and purpose. More details in future articles.
It is free to attend, just like all our other programs and activities.
Stay Hydrated with Produce
Produce, like zucchini, watermelon, and many more fruits and vegetables, are heroes of hydration. A big challenge for seniors is getting enough water to be well hydrated. Dehydration makes many health conditions worse and makes you lethargic and weak.
The body needs to be about 70% water for good blood flow, for organs to work well, and help fight off some kinds of infections. It’s not just water that helps you stay hydrated – many fruits and vegetables are also good ways to get enough water.
Enter zucchini, for example. This time of year, zucchini is abundant, and home gardeners are happy to share (read unload) their extra zucchini. You’ve heard the joke not to leave your car unlocked or you might find a bag of zucchini on your front seat? Or that there is a neighborhood zucchini angel, leaving zucchini at your front door? Home gardeners can’t seem to resist having several zucchini plants, even though they’ll never use all of it themselves.
It’s good news for you, though. Zucchini is about 97% water and very low in calories. It’s a great addition to meals and snacks. Try zucchini as sticks and dip, chopped with other vegetables in a salad, lightly sauteed with oil, onion, and garlic, or in a breakfast egg scramble. Baked, as in zucchini bread, reduces the water content, but still is worthwhile because zucchini contributes vitamins and minerals to your diet.
Fruits such as watermelon, grapefruit, cantaloupe and berries are good water sources. All the salad greens, celery, radishes, bok choy, cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, and many more are high in water content… (think how much watering gardeners need to do for those vegetables.)
Aim for three to five servings a day of high-water fruits and vegetables to help keep yourself hydrated. And watch for the zucchini angel in your neighborhood.
Senior Conversations
With the Labor Day holiday, Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn will move to Thursday, September 4, at 1:30pm at the Pagosa Senior Center. It will return to Mondays the following week,
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.
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.
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.
Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes meets on Wednesdays at 1:15pm 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. Join the group on September 5 and September 26.
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, September 12, for sweets and refreshments, and a little fun.
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 11am and 1pm. 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 9am 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 9am. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
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
Monday, September 1 – Closed for Labor Day
Tuesday, September 2 – Shrimp & Grits, Zucchini Saute, Garden Salad, Pistachio Fruit Salad, Milk
Wednesday, September 3 – Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Pinto Beans, Spanish Rice,
Garden Salad, Fruit, Biscochitos, Milk
Thursday, September 4 – Sliced Ham w/ Cherry Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownies, Milk
Friday, September 5 – Philly Cheesesteak on Hoagie with Peppers & Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, 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.
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/