In February, let’s ignite a spark of generosity.
Through the month of February, the Pagosa Senior Center is working to bring in donations to support services for seniors.
Our campaign, “A Sweetheart Deal, Buy A Senior A Meal and More” makes it possible for community members to directly support and donate hot, nutritious meals and social opportunities for low-income older adults in Archuleta County.
In addition to being a nutrition center, the Senior Center serves as a community hub where food and other resources/supports are available to help older adults stay independent, active, engaged in our community and living in their homes.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) delivers the following to support older adult wellness, health and quality of life in Archuleta County.
Meals and supplemental nutrition:
• A total of 25,000 fresh and nutritious meals (salad, entrée, dessert and beverage) are provided annually, available five days per week via drive-thru carryout, delivery (Meals on Wheels, Wilderness Journey) and on-site dining. Fifteen percent of all meals are provided to caregivers who also are age 60 or better.
• Menu planning and a commitment to high-quality nutrition ensure that those with special dietary requirements – including cultural preferences and religious requirements — generally are accommodated (heritage foods are regularly integrated and vegetarian foods are readily available, etc.).
• Older adults living in low-income senior housing are provided supplemental nutrition (i.e. groceries, CSA produce box) as needed/available.
Social connection activities; educational, other resources and referrals:
• Afternoon on-site and off-site social, service and future field trip activities, including games, discussion groups, yoga and stretching, etc. are provided, benefitting an average 15 individuals per activity via an average of 2.5 activities per month.
• Educational workshops and presentations — e.g., healthy habits, VITA tax support, financial literacy, fall prevention — benefit an average 15 individuals per activity via in-person and remote educational offerings per month.
• Informed and comprehensive referrals to other community organizations provide for assistance through a variety of services, materials/resources and other supports.
Isolation prevention and caregiver supports:
• Residents of congregate housing for individuals of low incomes utilize walkable access to and delivery service of meals.
• An average of 20 local individuals benefit each month from on-demand transportation to and from the Senior Center for meals, social and educational programming.
• Typically, 35 to 40 individuals are visited daily (five days per week) by Meals on Wheels, which includes an at-home wellness check.
• Electronic monitoring devices (hardware, subscription service) for 24/7 assurance are provided for 15 individuals annually.
• Caregivers have access to informational/educational materials specific to their needs (e.g. meals, counseling).
This valentines season, let’s come together to make a lasting impact by opening up our hearts and wallets for a great cause. All meals have a suggested donation of $10, with social events and educational offerings provided at no/low cost. To make a donation in support of ASI, visit our website at www.psseniors.org or drop by our office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. in the Ross Aragon Community Center. Thank you for your generosity.
Grant available for adult learners
Are you a BIPOC adult age 55 or better living in Archuleta County eager to pursue further education? Here’s your chance.
ASI, in coordination with the Spanish Fiesta Committee, is delighted to announce a $1,000 educational grant available exclusively for these adult learners in our community.
The grant aims to support individuals seeking to enhance their skills, pursue new career paths or simply satisfy their thirst for knowledge. Whether you aspire to enroll in a vocational program, attend workshops or pursue a degree, this grant can provide the financial boost you need to turn your educational dreams into reality.
ASI and members of our local Spanish Fiesta Committee believe that education is a lifelong journey and it’s never too late to invest in oneself. This grant is designed to remove financial barriers and empower adults in our community to pursue their educational goals.
To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Reside in Archuleta County.
• Be 55 years of age or older.
• Be Black, Indigenous or a person of color.
• Demonstrate a commitment to furthering their education.
• Submit a compelling application outlining their educational goals and how the grant will be utilized.
Applications are now open and will be accepted until March 20. A scholarship selection committee composed of community leaders will review all applications and select the most deserving candidates.
ASI encourages all motivated BIPOC, 55-and-older adults in Archuleta County to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, explore new interests or simply expand your horizons, this grant can be the catalyst for your educational journey.
Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Apply for the $1,000 educational grant today and take a significant step toward a brighter future.
For more information and to access the application form, contact the ASI office at (970) 264-2167 or stop by the office.
Fresh Conversations volunteer opportunity
Do you love your community and have a passion for helping your fellow community members live their healthiest lives?
ASI has an opportunity for a volunteer position to teach one Fresh Conversations session each month.
Fresh Conversations is a healthy-living program for people 60 and older who are living on a budget and want to maintain their health and independence. Topics of discussion include heart disease, diet trends and preventing cancer, to name just a few.
Each session is held in-person or virtually and lasts approximately 60 minutes. The time commitment is about one hour to facilitate each session plus preparation time, and you do not need to be a dietician or an expert in nutrition. We’ll provide you with training materials.
If you are interested, contact Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org.
Healthy aging yoga therapy class series
This winter, a healthy aging yoga series will be offered as a hybrid class 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.
The class is hosted by local yoga therapist AJ Connors, with a hybrid focus for the winter months, blending in-person, online and, occasionally, recorded classes. Zoom sessions will be streamed at the Senior Center to provide the community experience to practice together or can be accessed at home if weather is a factor.
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 directly by emailing ajconnorslove@gmail.com.
Bingo
The Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.
Bingo will be on Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 , March 8, March 15, April 5, and April 19.
The price to participate 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.
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 $10, 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, Feb. 8 — Cod Veracruz, brown rice with quinoa, roasted cauliflower, garden salad, fruit, lemon bar and milk.
Friday, Feb. 9 — Philly cheesesteak sandwich on hoagie roll with peppers, onions and provolone; garden salad; fruit; chocolate brownie; and milk.
Monday, Feb. 12 — Hawaiian pork and pineapple, coconut rice, zucchini saute, garden salad, fruit, hazelnut torte and milk.
Tuesday, Feb. 13 — Three sisters chili, quinoa rice, jalapeno cornbread, garden salad, fruit, blueberry shortcake and milk.
Wednesday, Feb. 14 — Greek chicken pita with red onion, tomato and cucumber, tzatziki sauce, spanakopitas, garden salad, strawberry cupcake and milk.
Thursday, Feb. 15 — Salisbury steak with mushroom sauce, roasted potato medley, garden salad, fruit, carrot cake and milk.
Friday, Feb. 16 — Baja fish tacos with cabbage and Baja sauce, corn tortillas, refried beans, garden salad, fruit, flan and milk.
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.
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.
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/.
