Ricardo D. Martinez is the new Executive Director of Archuleta Seniors Inc. as of September 8, 2025.
A resident of Pagosa Springs, Martinez has dedicated over three decades to serving communities through healthcare and public service. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biology, Martinez began his career at Ben Taub General Hospital as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist before transitioning into public health leadership.
Over the years, he has held key positions, including Chief of Laboratory, Environmental, and Animal Control Services at the City of Laredo Health Department and Dental Clinic Manager at UT Health Science Center San Antonio. These roles allowed him to build expertise in management, budgeting, program development, and compliance.
For the past six years, Martinez has served as Clinic Director at Pagosa Springs Integrated Healthcare, where he has deepened his knowledge of the AXIS Health System and its mission to improve access to care. Known for his fairness, work ethic, and collaborative leadership style, Martinez emphasizes compassion and relationship-building in every role he takes on.
“I believe in leading by example and bringing both professionalism and heart to the work,” Martinez said. “Pagosa Springs is my home, and I look forward to continuing to serve this community.”
Please help us welcome Ricardo Martinez.
The Gift Of Aging
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.
What are the best things we can do to keep our brains sharp as we age? Are there strategies we can use to keep us strong and to never become frail? Is it possible to live into our 70s, 80s, 90s and 100s with energy and with joy? What are the most important things we can do to thrive in our later years and find pleasure every day?
Join Marcy Cottrell Houle as she relates answers to these questions. She will discuss frontline science and the insights of aging with health, joy and purpose. .
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is back on Mondays at 1:30pm at the Pagosa Senior Center.
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 – 3:30 pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
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.
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.
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 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 are 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 tomorrow Friday, September 12, for sweets, other 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 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.
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, September 11 – BBQ Pork Sandwich, Coleslaw, Mixed Vegetables, Garden Salad, Fruit, Blueberry Cobbler, Milk
Friday, September 12 – Herb Roasted Chicken, Broccoli Hollandaise, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad Fruit, Bread Pudding with raisins, Milk
Monday, September 15 – Salmon with Dill Sauce, Green Beans, Dinner roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Pudding, Milk
Tuesday, September 16 – Tempeh Chili with Cornbread, Sauteed Squash, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Wednesday, September 17 – Teriyaki Beef with Peppers, Rice, Snow Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon -Blueberry Cake, Milk
Thursday, September 18 – Orecchiette Pasta Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, Milk
Friday, September 19 – Pork Ziti Pasta with Marinara, Cauliflower, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk
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 information on how to sign up for the program.
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/