SENIOR CENTER NEWS: Pagosa Senior Center Awarded Grant … – Pagosa Daily Post

Homesteading is a self-sufficient lifestyle. It focuses on learning new skills, reducing costs and living closer to nature.

Whether you live on five acres or in an urban setting, you can be a homesteader! It’s all about what makes the most sense for you.

Archuleta Seniors Inc. is pleased to announce that ASI was selected by the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado as 1 of 10 grantees to be a part of the Durango Wine Experience in 2023.

Recipients receive a $2500 grant and the opportunity to showcase their local non profit to over 1000 community members at this regional event. The event takes place over the course of two days in April, Friday, April 28, 3:30 to 7:30pm and Saturday, April 29, 2:30 to 6:30pm. Durango Wine Experience guests will enjoy learning more about the nonprofit sector in SW Colorado while interacting with the following nonprofit partners: Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance; Archuleta Seniors, Inc.; Manna; Durango Chamber of Commerce; La Plata Open Space Conservancy; Durango Creative District; Durango Arts Center; Dogster’s Spay & Neuter Program; BigBrothersBigSisters of Southwest Colorado; and Friends of Pine River Public Library.

Archuleta Seniors Inc. is looking to recruit additional volunteers from the community to join in on the fun and help with outreach during this event. If you are age 21+ and interested in supporting the Pagosa Senior Center with this event please contact us to learn more about this unique volunteer opportunity. To learn more about the Durango Wine Experience and to purchase tickets please visit https://durangowine.com/

Requesting Donations
ASI has an immediate monetary need to support ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. Please consider donating to Archuleta Seniors Inc. You may mail your donation to 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.

Homesteading Essentials Workshop Series: Sourdough Lesson
The Pagosa Senior Center is kicking off our homesteading workshop series with a sourdough basics course on March 20 from 1:15 to 2:30pm. A free class will be put on by local baker of the Dyna Bakery business owner Ali Braun. Course will include: history and health benefits of fresh local sourdough, tools you really knead for bread making, starting and maintaining a starter, fermentation tactics/times, details for mixing and proofing and sharing of favorite sourdough formulas. Registration to attend is required so please call 970.264.02167 to put your name on the list. Future workshops include composting, food preservation, growing dome and backyard gardening, herbalism and more.

We are looking for local experts to share their knowledge in this series supporting self reliance and sustainability in our community. Please contact us if you are interested in leading a class or participating.

Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class Series Continues
Gather with local yoga practitioners AJ Connors and Will Sechrist for a series of evidence based healthy aging and yoga therapy classes at the Pagosa Senior Center geared for adults and older adults of all ages. Start 2023 with a yoga series for healthy aging individuals with therapeutic classes offering yoga tools and education for strength, resilience, and wellness. Classes are designed to address different aspects of healthy aging and are geared towards accessibility and gentle practice. The themes for the class will include physical and mental well-being utilizing movement, meditation, and breathing practices. Mats and chairs will be provided; it’s optional to bring a blanket, and please wear comfortable clothing. Classes are offered Mondays 2:30 pm-3:30 pm throughout March and April.

Senior Conversations
Join your fellow seniors on Monday, March 20 at 9:30am for the next in a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn at the Pagosa Senior Center. He will lead the group through a mindfulness exercise and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. “Senior Conversations” are an extension of KCCaregivers that was in service to the senior community in Boca Raton Florida since 2006. Having dealt with many issues, many personalities etc… Mr. Salmonsohn wanted to extend these beloved “senior conversations” here in Pagosa. The next gathering will be on Monday, March 27.

Free Seasonal Art Class in March
Next FREE art class at the Senior Center will be Tuesday, March 28 at 1:15 PM. No reservations are required but space is limited so be sure to be there by 1:15. The class will last approximately an hour and a half. Have you ever wondered how lilies came to be at Easter? In this class we’ll be exploring that answer as well as making some lilies from paper. No art skill is required for this class – just a desire to have fun and learn something about the history of the Easter Lily while making your bouquet. All materials will be provided including the scissors, paper and glue. Templates will be provided to trace and cut out the various parts that go into making this lovely lily. All ages are invited so find a friend and bring them along. Our teacher will again be Denise Fisk, who is a retired elementary art teacher from Iowa. So come and hear about the traditions around the lily and help us bring Springtime to life in this special way.

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 4.

Community Cafe Menu

Thursday, March 16 – Pork Posole, Cabbage, Radish, Onion, Lime, Tortilla, Garden Salad, Fruit Salad, Milk.

Friday, March 17 – Corned Beef with Irish Colcannon, Minted Peas, Garden Salad, Chocolate Baileys Cupcake, Milk

Monday, March 20 – Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Glazed Carrots, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Tuesday March 21 – Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread & Honey, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Wednesday, March 22 – Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Thursday, March 23 – Beef Cottage Pie with Roasted Butternut Squash, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk.

Friday, March 24 – Pistachio Crusted Cod Fish, Cannellini Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Milk, Mississippi Mud Pie.

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.

Kitchen and Admin Volunteers Needed
The Community Cafe at the Pagosa Senior Center is requesting volunteers to help with our front desk pickup meals and in the office in administrative tasks. Please call or text us at 970-264-2167 to volunteer or for more information.

ASI Board of Directors has multiple vacant 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.

We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd, in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.