On May 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., join Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) for a picnic in the park.
Join us as we renew a tradition of the past hosting lunch for older adults and community members of all ages in Yamaguchi Park, located at 684 S. 5th St.
Local band Acoustic Picnic will provide music and generate an ambiance of connection and relaxation. All community members are invited to join.
We just ask that you please RSVP for lunch by 9 a.m. on May 30 by contacting or texting the ASI office at (970) 264-2167.
Emotional Freedom Technique
On May 10 there will be an introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) at 1:15 p.m., with a May 24 follow-up session.
The technique is an evidence-based method which uses acupressure trigger points and elements from other therapeutic practices.
Extensive research and more than 100 published studies have shown EFT to be effective with lowering both psychological and physiological symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, stress and more.
Once you’ve learned EFT, you can use it at any time you need it. Those who utilize the technique often report a reduction in symptoms in the first 90 seconds. You are invited to join Judith Newman, LPC (licensed professional counselor), for an introduction to EFT on May 10 at 1:15 p.m.
In this hour, you’ll learn the process and have an opportunity to try it out for yourself.
You are invited to bring a personal issue/problem/event/challenge about which you feel a high level of anxiety, fear, depression or nervousness. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being high anxiety), choose something that you would rate above a seven. You will not share details with anyone; however, you will have the opportunity to apply EFT to this issue during the workshop.
At the end of the workshop, you will receive a handout with all the information you need to continue using EFT on your own.
After you’ve had a few weeks to practice, you’re invited to a follow-up session on May 24 at 1:15 p.m. In this session you’ll be able to ask questions and we’ll practice a few rounds of EFT to make sure you’re comfortable with your new EFT skills.
Fresh Conversations
Are you interested in learning more about carbohydrates in your diet? Join ASI on May 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pagosa Senior Center, 451 Hot Springs Blvd., for Fresh Conversations.
You will get to sample some healthy, delicious food while you learn about the differences between refined and whole grains and how to select healthier alternatives to refined carbohydrates.
You will also walk away with helpful information about the benefits of physical activity and how to fit it into your daily lives.
We will provide you with a newsletter about the topic you can take home. Come join us for a great conversation.
Healthy aging yoga therapy class series
This spring, a Healthy Aging Yoga Series will be offered in person at the Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Classes will be structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments.
Monthly themes for the series will include topics such as sustainable strength for healthy aging individuals, brain health, heart and cardiovascular health, mental and emotional well-being, community connections, and stress management, to name a few.
Classes will be educational for participants to utilize practices in daily life and are meant for all levels of experience with yoga.
Mats and chairs will be provided at the Senior Center; some blocks and Therabands are available, too. The addition of yoga props is always welcomed.
We are requesting that individuals who are new to joining the series arrive early for intake inquiries and to please communicate with AJ Connors directly by emailing ajconnorslove@gmail.com.
Bingo
The Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Bingo will be on May 3, May 31, June 7 and June 21.
Participation is free, and we ask you bring yourself and a friend for joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses 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.
For more information, contact us at (970) 264-2167.
T’ai Chi Chih
The Senior Center will be offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich each Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the dining hall to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life.
T’ai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practice.
All classes will be free for older adults (age 60 and better) and will last approximately one hour in the dining hall.
No special clothing or equipment is required.
For more information, call (970) 264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 p.m. for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn.
He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns.
The meeting will be held in the Senior Center in the dining hall. Snacks will be provided.
Scrapbooking Club
The Pagosa Springs Scrapbooking Club holds monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month at the Senior Center.
It meets each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to be creative, share ideas, connect with friends, learn new 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. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive notifications each month of the upcoming meeting along with handy tips and tricks for scrapbooking, please send your request to copenhavercreative@gmail.com.
Pagosa Springs
Share lunch Monday through Friday
Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den, aka the Community Cafe, in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Thursdays at the Community Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is open to all. Pickup is available all week, including Fridays.
Our dining hall is open to all ages and welcomes you all 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, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Meals include a main course, side dish, fruit/dessert, garden salad plus beverage. Some popular menu items include Frito chili pie, pork tenderloin with harvest chutney, Singaporean pork ribs, vegetarian lasagna, Hawaiian shrimp with coconut rice and always a beautiful green salad. Many of our items are locally sourced and organic.
Our chef works with a team of local food professionals to hand-prepare your meal for dine-in service in our cozy dining room (with an amazing view of the San Juans) or for takeout (via our convenient drive-through). Our menu changes daily.
To reserve your meal for the day, please make your reservation via text or phone call to (970) 264-2167 by 9 a.m. weekdays.
Community Cafe menu
Thursday, May 2 — Pork kielbasa with German potato salad, sweet and sour cabbage, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Friday, May 3 — New England clam chowder with focaccia bread, garden salad, fruit and milk.
Monday, May 6 — French beef dip on hoagie roll with au jus, horseradish sauce, steak fries, garden salad, fruit, Key lime pie and milk.
Tuesday, May 7 — Tempeh chili, cornbread and honey, garden salad, fruit, hazelnut torte and milk.
Wednesday, May 8 — Curry chicken with pineapple and peppers, jasmine rice, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, fruit, chai pudding and milk.
Thursday, May 9 — BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, garden salad, blueberry cobbler and milk.
Friday, May 10 — Lemon orzo pasta, green beans, garden salad, fruit, vanilla yogurt and milk.
Grab-N-Go meals
Dine-in and Grab-N-Go meal reservations and cancellations are required. Please call or text by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you want to pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $6 helps to sustain our program. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10.50. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
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. Call or text us at (970) 264-2167.
Mobile food pantry service discontinued
The Mobile Food Pantry Service has been discontinued due to funding shortages. Older adults needing a ride to a local food pantry should contact the MET to schedule a ride with its paratransit service. For more information, contact Lavonne at (970) 264-2250.
Text reservations
Don’t forget that we 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 canceling a reservation, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel.
Texting services are available for dine-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals and Meals on Wheels recipients.
COVID-19 test
kits available
Stop by the Senior Center to pick up a pack of six free COVID-19 tests kits for your personal use. These kits are available to anyone in the public who needs affordable access for health promotion and disease prevention.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a 19th century Chinese tile-based game that is commonly played with four players. Each player receives 13 tiles with a goal 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.
Medicare call by appointment
For anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging helps with parts A, B and D. They can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call the Medicare line at (970) 264-0501, ext 2.
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.
Bridge
The longest-played bridge game in Archuleta County takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.
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 and foot card game
Whether you are new to hand and foot or interested in learning, please join us most Tuesdays at 1:15 at the Senior Center.
This card game involves four rounds of playing until the final round is reached — some two to three 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.
Board vacancies
The ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant positions open. The terms are three 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.
Supporting ASI
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County.
You may mail your donation to P.O. 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. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. For more information about Archuleta Seniors Inc., please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
There is also another way to donate.
Are you 70 and half 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 P.O. Box 344, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. This gift option is called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution.
