SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Our ‘Autumn Match’ Campaign

We depend on donations as part of our funding to provide our programs and 20,000 lunches a year, including the home-bound using Meals on Wheels. Our other sources of funding are not enough.

You can make a difference. A supporter of Archuleta Seniors Inc. will contribute up to $5,000 to match donations between now and December 31. Your donation of $10 becomes $20… $20 becomes $40… $50 becomes $100… or whatever amount you give can be doubled in value.

You can donate to the Matching Campaign in many ways: Call ASI at 970-264-2167 or stop in, and use your credit card, saying it’s for the Matching Campaign. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in the Ross Aragon Community Center (riverside entrance at portico), in downtown Pagosa Springs.

You can send a check to ASI, PO Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, with “Match” on the memo line, or use this link: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/ArchuletaSeniors

November Holiday Closures
ASI will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans’ Day and Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. No programs or lunch service will be provided those days.

Upcoming Events
Put us on your schedule! We have several events coming up, including a fun lunch-time Halloween Party on Friday, October 31; our non-alcoholic drinks bar at the Holiday Market at the PLPOA Clubhouse on November 1 and 2; and our tree at the Festival of Trees on December 5 and 6.

Halloween Costume Party
Come in costume to the Senior Center Dining Room on Friday, October 3, Ross Aragon Community Center, 461 Hot Springs Blvd. for a Halloween Party from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., with a costume contest at 1:00 pm. There will be pumpkin pie and prizes. If you want lunch, please call ahead or by Friday, October 31, before 9 a.m. to make a reservation at 970-264-2167.

Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is on Mondays at 1:30 pm 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 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.

Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes meets on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild now meet from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences.  The Guild support writers through friendly critique, resources, discussion, and literary and cultural activities.  Bring your secret idea drafts or completed manuscripts.  Come join the group.

Tai Chi Chih, a Moving Meditation
This class is held on Thursdays, at the Pagosa Senior Center from 1:30 -2:30 p.m. Tai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this meditative practice. The 19 movements and 1 pose are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the vital energy which is inherent in all of us.

Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center hosts bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 p.m.   Join the group on October 31, right after the Halloween Party! In November, bingo is only on November 14. 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.

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. 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, October 30 – Tarragon Chicken, Creamed Spinach, Blueberry Crisp, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, October 31 – Pork Posole with Hominy, Cabbage-Radish-Onions, Tortilla, Garden Salad, Fruit, Pumpkin Pie, Milk
Monday, November 3 – Crispy Cod with Tartar Sauce, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, Milk
Tuesday, November 4 – Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, Milk
Wednesday, November 5 – Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Balsamic Glaze, Baby Baked Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk
Thursday, November 6 – Beef Lasagna, Broccoli, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownies, Milk
Friday, November 7 – Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Banana Bread, 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.
For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/

Ricardo Martinez

Ricardo Martinez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors Inc. — a 501c3 nonprofit that operates the Pagosa Springs Senior Center and related programs. You can reach him at director@psseniors.org