By Christina Knoell | PREVIEW Columnist
The Community Café is now open to the public every Monday and Wednesday. We are still offering Grab-n-Go meals on the days of dining in. If dining in, please be prepared to show your vaccination cards. If you have COVID-19, have been exposed or are exhibiting any symptoms, please stay home.
Text us at (970) 264-2167
The Community Café is now accepting text messaging for meal reservations, cancellations and/or communication of any kind. When texting, please include your name, phone number and the days you want a meal. If you are canceling, please include your name, phone number and the days you want to cancel. Texting services is available for dining-in meal reservations, Grab-n-Go meals and Meals on Wheels recipients.
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 Pagosa Senior Center to learn or play every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m.
Medicare Mondays
Medicare Mondays are for anyone who needs help enrolling and navigating Medicare plans, parts A, B and D. We can also help you with fraud concerns and troubleshooting any billing issues you may be having. By appointment only. Please call our Medicare line at (970) 264-0501, ext. 4. Someone will return your call within 24 hours.
Zentagle
Zentangle is a form of relaxation using easy-to-learn patterns, drawn by focusing on single lines one at a time. The method focuses on simple, elemental strokes that anyone can draw, regardless of creative ability, and allows the mind and body to release stress while creating beautiful images. The instructor is Roberta Strickland, CZT. Call (970) 946-4582 or text us at (970) 264-2167. Classes are every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. For the safety of our participants, proof of vaccinations is required.
Bridge
Bridge is played Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 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. Proof of vaccinations is required.
Kitchen and desk
volunteers needed
The Community Café at the Senior Center is requesting volunteers to help with greeting customers. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to volunteer or for more information.
The Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) Board of Directors has three vacant positions open for financial oversight and policy implementation for the organization and senior center staff. Terms are three years with an option to renew for an additional term. Potential candidates should be at least 55 years of age or older and must have a passion for adult and aging services.
Community Café menu
Thursday, July 14 — Crispy catfish with tartar sauce, wilted spinach, milk, a green salad and cherry crisp cobbler.
Friday, July 15 — Moroccan stew with naan bread, jasmine rice, milk, garden salad and poached pears.
July 16 and 17 — Closed.
Monday, July 18 — Fish tacos with cabbage, Baja sauce, cilantro rice, milk, garden salad and watermelon.
Tuesday, July 19 — Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy, baked sweet potato, buttered roll, yogurt, peaches, a garden salad and milk.
Wednesday, July 20 — Chicken piccata with yellow squash casserole, focaccia bread, milk, garden salad and grapes.
Thursday, July 21 — Hawaiian pork with peppers over coconut rice, sauteed vegetables, a garden salad, milk and mangos.
Grab-N-Go meals
Reservations and cancellations are required. Please call by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you want to pick up a meal. A suggested donation of $5 helps to sustain our program. No one will be turned away for their inability to donate. For ages 59 and younger, the cost is $10. Please call or text us at (970) 264-2167 to make a reservation.
Fundraising need
ASI has an immediate monetary need of raising $100,000 from our community to strengthen a Round 2 state of Colorado Senate Bill 290 grant opportunity. So far, $35,000 has been raised.
ASI is proposing a $2 million request to purchase a new Senior Center, including the cost of renovations for a large dining room, food storage, offices, a large commercial kitchen and ample space for activities.
An Aug. 1 due date for the grant application is looming. Please consider donating to ASI by calling or texting us at (970) 264-2167. You may also mail your donation to P.O. Box 3444, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors Inc. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in downtown Pagosa Springs. For general information about ASI, please visit: http://www.psseniors.org/.
Watermelon mint
lime juice recipe
If you are looking for something refreshing during the summer heat, this instant cool-down drink is the answer. You will need:
• 5-6 cups of cubed seedless watermelon
• The juice of 2 limes
• A handful of mint leaves
Place everything in a blender and blend until smooth. If desired, strain juice over fine mesh sieve and large bowl. Press through until just juice is in the bowl and the pulp remains in the sieve. Serve with ice. You may store the juice in the refrigerator for up to five days.
