David and Judy Huerta moved from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, to Archuleta County in 2006. David, a retired electrical engineer and Army veteran, had always dreamed of living in the mountains. Judy, who was semi-retired at the time, wanted to stay active in the community and decided to volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program, inviting David to join her.
Not long after, Judy accepted a full-time job and ended her volunteer service, but David continued. Nineteen years later, when asked why he remained committed, David reflected, “Having elderly parents myself, I saw the problems and challenges the senior community faces, and I just wanted to help in some way.”
Over his 19 years as a volunteer, David shared many meaningful memories. He especially valued listening to the stories of World War II and Korean War veterans, their experiences of D-Day, bombing missions, and the pride they felt serving their country. David said he only wished he had more time to sit, listen, and talk with these men and women.
David also spoke about the challenges he faced during his years of service. “Weather was always the biggest challenge,” he said. “Having to drive one hour to the center in a blizzard was quite difficult, but I knew the elderly needed their meals, so I pushed through.” When asked why he volunteered for so long, David explained, “I recognized the needs of the elderly, but most of all, I found it very rewarding. It’s a job I love to do.”
When asked what he would miss the most, David shared, “I’ll miss seeing the people, talking with them, and I’ll miss the ASI staff and the volunteers I worked with. I’ll carry the entire experience with me forever.” He ended our conversation by saying that the most painful day of his 19 years as a Meals on Wheels volunteer was the day he called the office to submit his resignation.
On behalf of the ASI Board and staff, we thank David for his many years of dedicated service. He made our organization better, and he will never be forgotten.
Holiday Closures
Archuleta Seniors Inc. will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, for President’s Day. No meals or programs are offered that day.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn is on Mondays from 1:15 p.m., to 2:15 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center. The exception in February is the rescheduling of the gathering from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20, still at 1:15 p.m., due to the holiday. 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.
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.
Hand & Foot Card Game
Whether you are new to Hand & Foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center. This card game involves 4 rounds of play, with the final round reached sometime between 2 to 3 hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed over the last couple of years. No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild meets from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. The Guild is an informal group that supports 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
Tai Chi classes is on Thursdays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. in the Senior Center. 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
Join us for bingo on Friday, February 13 and February 27 at 1:30 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 8:45 a.m. on 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
Thursday, February 12 – Stuffed Portabella Mushroom Cap, Naan Bread, Red Pepper Hummus, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake, Milk.
Friday, February 13 – Hawaiian Beef with Peppers, Coconut Rice, Broccoli and Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Milk.
Monday, February 16 – Closed for President’s Day.
Tuesday, February 17 – Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers, Parmesan Zucchini, Focaccia Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Dessert Bar, Milk.
Wednesday, February 18 – Chipotle-Lime Crusted Baked Tilapia, Brown Rice, Garden Salad, Fruit Salad, Yogurt, Milk
Thursday, February 19 – Grilled Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Tomato Sandwich, Sweet Potato Fries, Garden Salad, Fruit, Muffin, Milk.
Friday, February 20 – Vegetable Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Cake, 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.
Text Reservations
Don’t forget that we also offer a convenient texting service for you to communicate with us. Text us at (970) 264-2167. When texting, please include your name, phone number, and the days you want a meal. If you are calling/texting to cancel a reservation, please include your name, phone number, and the days you want to cancel.