A new tax provision taking effect in 2026 aims to expand charitable giving by allowing small donations to be deducted without itemizing a tax return. Known as the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction, the policy applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, and allows non-itemizers to deduct up to $1,000 in charitable donations for individual filers and up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. By extending this benefit beyond those who itemize, the provision is designed to make charitable giving more accessible to millions of taxpayers.
The goal of the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction is to recognize and encourage generosity across all income levels, particularly among middle-income households who typically do not itemize deductions. Supporters say the change could significantly influence charitable giving patterns by incentivizing a broader base of donors and providing more consistent support for nonprofit organizations. As charities continue to face rising demand for services, proponents argue that this permanent, universal approach could help strengthen the nonprofit sector and foster a culture of giving nationwide.
Holiday Closure
ASI will be closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King, Jr Day. No programs or lunch service will be provided on those days.
Pagosa Puzzle Palooza
You’re Invited to enter the Pagosa Puzzle Palooza, a team jigsaw puzzle contest, benefiting Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and our local senior meal programs. It will be held on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m.at the Pagosa Senior Center (Ross Aragon Community Center), 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Check in is at 12:00p.m., competition is 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., and awards are at 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Team (two to four people) entry fee is $40 per team.
Forms are available at givebutter.com/PagosaPuzzlePalooza26, or stop in the ASI office at 451 Hot Springs Boulevard. You can return the forms by email or drop off at the office.
Let’s put the pieces together for a great cause!
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is on Mondays from 1:30 p.m, to 2:20 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center. For January 19, since ASI is closed for Martin Luther King Jr Day, Senior Conversations will be on Friday, January 23, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train Dominoes meets on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
Scrapbooking & Crafters Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club and Crafters club continues to hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month at the Ross Aragon Community Center from 10:00 am – 3:00 p.m. at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., within the dining hall in the Pagosa Senior Center. This creative tradition has been happening since 2005, and we invite all creative individuals to come and share ideas, connect with new and old friends, learn/share creative techniques, share supplies, and indulge in a potluck lunch together. Bring your scrapbooking projects – or any crafting project that you may want to work on with the group! Help us create an intergenerational community. Ages 18 and older welcome, and for those youth aged 17 and younger, we kindly request that an adult chaperone accompany them. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com, and you will receive notification each month of the upcoming meeting along with tips and tricks for scrapbooking and more.
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 by 8:45 a.m. on weekdays. Please say whether it is dine-in or Grab ‘N’ Go.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, January 8 – Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles, Peas & Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, January 9 – Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce, Sugar Snap Peas, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, Milk
Monday, January 12 – Fried Chicken with Country Gravy, Peas and Carrots, Southern Biscuit, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, Milk
Tuesday, January 13 – Chicken Dijon, Broccoli, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk
Wednesday, January 14 – Singapore Coffee Ribs, Jasmine Rice, Squash Casserole, Garden Salad, Fruit, Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce, Milk
Thursday, January 15 – Beef Cottage Pie with Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Cabbage, Garden Salad, Fruit, Brownie, Milk
Friday, January 16 – Chipotle Lime-Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Tartar Sauce, Broccoli, Rice Pilaf, 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.
Support the Senior Center
You may mail your donation to ASI, 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.