As the holiday season arrives, the Archuleta Senior Center is reflecting on another meaningful year of service to the older adults of Archuleta County. From daily meal programs to social activities, wellness events, and caregiver support, the Center remains a vital lifeline for hundreds of residents.
The season offers a special opportunity to recognize the collective effort that makes this work possible, an effort strengthened by community partnerships, compassionate staff, dedicated volunteers, and the unwavering support of our clients who trust us to walk alongside them on their aging journey.
The Senior Center Executive Director extends heartfelt gratitude to every board member, staff member, volunteer, and client served throughout the year.
This season serves as a meaningful reminder of how fortunate we are as a community. The dedication of our team and the generosity of those who support the Center ensure that local seniors are not only cared for but truly valued.
Upcoming Events
Put the Pagosa Senior Center on your schedule!
We will have a tree at the Festival of Trees on December 5 and 6. ASI is the caterer for the Festival of Trees this year, so get your tickets from the Ross Aragon Community Center and enjoy a delicious meal.
There may be a Competitive Team Jigsaw Puzzle contest fundraiser with prizes in January – more details to follow.
November Holiday Closures
ASI will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. No programs or lunch service will be provided on those days.
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. An Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) supporter will donate up to $5,000 if matched between now and December 31! Your donation of $10 becomes $20, $20 becomes $40, $50 becomes $100, or whatever amount you give will 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
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.
Bridge
The game of Bridge is held 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.
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. There is no class on Wednesday, November 26. 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 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center will host bingo once in December on Friday, December 19, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 p.m.
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. 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, November 27 – Closed for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday!
Friday, November 28 – Closed for Thanksgiving holiday
Monday, December 1 – Cod & Shrimp Veracruz, Rice Pilaf, Wilted Spinach, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Tuesday, December 2 – Beef Meatloaf w/ Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Peas & Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Wednesday, December 3 – Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers, Coconut Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, December 4 – BBQ Pork Ribs, Creamed Corn, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, December 5 – Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter, Broccoli, Garlic Toast, Garden Salad, Fruit, 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.
For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/