An interactive health education session about sugar, as well as cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure screenings, will be held July 21 at 10 a.m. (health talks 10:30-10:45 a.m.) in the Ross Aragon Community Center dining room.
Please be sure to fast 9-12 hours before the health screening to get the most accurate results. Please call the San Juan Basin Public Health Promotor Program for more information or to schedule a private appointment at our office at 264-2409, ext. 214.
Volunteers needed
Meals on Wheels drivers are needed, as are substitute drivers. We have downtown and uptown routes. Gas vouchers are also available. Please call 264-2167.
Medical equipment
Seniors who need walking canes, walkers and other durable medical equipment can check out both the Methodist Thrift Store at 427 Lewis St. and the Humane Society Thrift Store at 279 Pagosa St.
Managers at both stores indicate equipment used by seniors is donated from time to time. Seniors shopping at either thrift store should ask at the service desk for assistance. At both stores, these items are kept in designated storage areas, and workers will be glad to assist seniors.
Health and wellness
The Pagosa Senior Center has a new pilot program expanding health and wellness services to Archuleta County seniors. The program includes wellness, blood pressure monitoring or allows individual area seniors to discuss two subjects of their choice.
There is no charge for Medicare enrollees. Participant IDs will include Medicare card, photo ID and, if necessary, any supplemental insurances. No Medicaid is accepted at this time. Participants are encouraged to bring a list of their current medications.
Clinical assessment will be provided by Tabitha Zappone, FNP-C.
The goal of the outreach clinic is to provide care to those who are not able to travel.
The next Wellness Event will be July 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Computer center
The Senior Center provides computer access to seniors who are members of the Discount Club.
Computer stations are available by the hour. If no one has signed up for the next hour, seniors may continue to use the computer for an additional hour(s).
Computer and Internet access is available during business hours when staff is in attendance and classes are not in session.
Medical alert system
Medical alert monitoring systems are available for seniors. We can help you get set up with a system and assist with the monthly service charges or, if you already have a system in place, we can help supplement the monthly service fees.
Please call 264-2167 for more information or to sign up.
Medicare Mondays
Are you turning 65? Do you need some help with Medicare? The San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging has openings every Monday at the Senior Center to help you with your Medicare enrollment questions.
Here are some quick tips: If you are collecting Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare parts A and B. We can help you pick a Part D Prescription Drug Plan. If you don’t enroll in a Part D plan, you could face penalties. If you are new to Medicare, you have an eight-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for parts A, B and D around your 65th birthday. Medicare starts after your employment ends or the group health insurance plan based on your current employment ends, whichever happens first. You do not pay late penalties if you enroll within the eight-month Special Enrollment Period. COBRA and retiree health plans are not considered coverage based on current employment.
Important dates: General enrollment runs from Jan. 1 through March 31 each year and coverage starts July 1. Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is open (or annual) enrollment for switching plans for Part D and a Medicare Cost Plan; coverage starts Jan. 1.
If you would like to talk to a Medicare counselor, please contact the Area Agency on Aging to make an appointment. Please call 264-0501, ext. 2. We will put you in touch with one of our talented and experienced Medicare counselors.
Memberships
Senior Discount Club memberships are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Menu
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch. If you are a senior (60 years and older), for only a $4 suggested donation, you are eligible for a hot meal, drink and a salad prepared by our kitchen staff.
The guest fee for those 59 and under is $10 and children 10 years and under can eat for $5 each. Access to the salad bar is only $6 for those under 60.
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 13 — Herb-baked chicken, spinach, baked sweet potatoes and salad bar.
Friday, July 14 — Picnic in the Park — Barbecue pulled pork with whole-wheat bun, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, watermelon and strawberry shortcake.
Monday, July 17 — Stuffed bell pepper, rosemary potatoes, glazed carrots, salad bar and carrot cake.
Tuesday, July 18 — Pork baked ziti, roasted cauliflower soup, seasoned greens, focaccia bread and salad bar.
Wednesday, July 19 — Beef Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, beef gravy, herbed green beans, salad bar and chocolate cake.
Thursday, July 20 — Pork bratwurst with peppers and sauerkraut, Brazilian black bean soup, creamed corn and salad bar.
Reservations and cancellations are required. You can make a reservation at 264-2167 by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine in the Community Cafe at the Senior Center.
