Maintaining proper dental hygiene is crucial at any age, but it becomes especially important for seniors. As people age, they are more susceptible to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, and tooth loss. These problems can significantly affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain good nutrition, potentially leading to other health complications. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can help prevent these concerns and ensure that older adults maintain a healthy and confident smile.
Archuleta Seniors, Inc. has joined forces with Painted Sky Dental to bring preventive dental care directly to local seniors, with a focus on comfort, oral health maintenance, and personalized support. Registered dental hygienist Courtney Justice takes her practice on the road in a fully equipped mobile van, delivering comprehensive services in a convenient and familiar setting. This partnership helps remove common barriers such as transportation and mobility challenges, making it easier for seniors to maintain healthy smiles.
Painted Sky Dental will host a clinic once a month at the senior center, located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., with the first clinic scheduled for tomorrow, Friday February 27. Services will include comprehensive dental cleanings, exams, X-rays, oral cancer screenings, denture and partial cleanings, and more. Seniors interested in receiving care or learning more about available services are encouraged to call 970-426-0062 for additional information and to schedule an appointment.
Senior Conversations
The very popular Senior Conversations with local Bill Salmansohn takes place on Mondays from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the 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 to 3:30pm, following Senior Conversations. The group occasionally reconvenes as an informal gathering at various local restaurants.
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.Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you with kindness and warmth. We provide hot/cold meals for anyone in the community interested in a nutritious and delicious meal. 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 or text 970-264-2167 before 8:45 a.m. Please note that occasionally the menu must be changed on short notice.
Thursday, February 26 – Singapore Pork Coffee Ribs with Rice, Squash Casserole, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, February 27 – Cod with Mango Salsa, Quinoa Rice Pilaf, Garden Salad, Fruit, Key Lime Pie, Milk.
Monday, March 2 – Southern Shrimp and Grits, Zucchini & Mushrooms, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Tuesday, March 3 – Pork Posole with Cabbage, Radish, Onions, Lime; Tortilla, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Wednesday, March 4 – Black Bean Veggie Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad, Fruit, Vanilla Yogurt, Milk.
Thursday, March 5 – Chicken Piccata over Linguine, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.
Friday, March 6 – French Dip on Hoagie Roll with Au Jus, Cheesy Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, 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.
Hand and foot card game
Whether you are new to hand and foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds, with the final round reached sometime between two and three hours later. Plan to stay and meet some new friends or catch up with those you have missed. No experience is necessary, so come willing to learn.
Emotional freedom
On the second Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., join the “Tappers,” who practice a self-regulation technique to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and more. 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. Classes are every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. in the 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.
Ruby’s Writers Guild
The Ruby’s Writers Guild now meets on Thursdays from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. The Guild is an informal group that meets to support writers of all genres and experiences. It supports 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
Tai chi classes are on Thursdays from 1:30 to 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 one pose are designed to stimulate, circulate and balance the vital energy that is inherent in all of us.
Bingo
Join us for bingo on Friday, Feb. 27, and on March 13 and 27 at 1:30 p.m. Participation is free, and all we ask is you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes for all winners, and snacks will also be provided. No RSVP is 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.
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 form or call (970) 264-2167 for more information.