Stress can affect people of all ages, but for seniors it may be brought on by health concerns, financial pressures, caregiving responsibilities, or feelings of loneliness and isolation. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can make everyday life feel more balanced and enjoyable. Simple habits such as taking a short walk, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying socially connected, and participating in enjoyable hobbies can greatly improve emotional well-being.
Seniors are also encouraged to ask for help when needed and to stay involved in their community, as strong social connections are one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve overall quality of life.
Archuleta Seniors, Inc. offers many opportunities to help older adults stay active, engaged, and supported. From nutritious congregate meals, and Meals on Wheels services to exercise classes, games, educational programs, and social activities, the senior center provides a welcoming place where friendships can grow and stress can be eased. Staff and volunteers are dedicated to creating an age-friendly environment where seniors feel valued, connected, and encouraged to maintain their independence. For many local seniors, the center serves not only as a resource for services, but also as a place of comfort, laughter, and community support that helps make life a little easier every day.
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, May 14 – Beef Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, May 15 – Greek Chicken Pita, Tzatziki Sauce, Red Onion, Tomato, Cucumbers, Spanakopita, Lemon Orzo, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Monday, May 18 – Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Sauce, Potato Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Tuesday, May 19 – Vegetable Curry over Rice, Naan Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Wednesday, May 20 – Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce, Broccoli, Dinner Roll, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Thursday, May 21 – Beef Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Pearl Onions, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk
Friday, May 22 – Green Chili Chorizo Quiche, Black Beans, Biscuit, 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.
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. Please note that ASI is closed Monday, May 25. Senior Conversations will be held on Friday, May 29, that week. Salmansohn 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.
American Mahjong
American Mahjong is played using a set of tiles and the current year score card. Play includes groups of three or four players and follows a pattern of division exchange and display of tiles. Bring your card and come to play or watch and learn from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays at the Senior Center.
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 Thursdays of the month, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., join the “Tappers,” who practice the self-regulation technique of EFT 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, CZT. Classes are every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 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.
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
Starting in May, Tai Chi classes will be held at Yamaguchi Park on Thursdays, 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
Join us for bingo on Friday, May 22, 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.
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.
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 form or call (970) 264-2167 for more information.
Support the Senior Center
New, starting in 2026, small donations can be deducted without itemizing your tax return. It is the Permanent Universal Charitable Deduction.
Here’s what this means: For tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 for individual tax filing and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. The goal of this provision is to recognize and encourage charitable giving across all income levels, potentially boosting donations from middle-income households who may not itemize their deductions. This change has the potential to significantly impact charitable giving patterns by incentivizing a broader base of donors. 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. Another way to donate: Are you 70.5 years old or better? Do you have an IRA from which you need to take a distribution? Did you know you can make charitable donations directly from your IRA without paying taxes on the distribution, up to $100,000 per year? The donation from the account would be payable to Archuleta Seniors Inc and sent to PO Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution (QCD).