Santa Fe County will reopen the Bennie J. Chavez Senior Center in Chimayó on March 17 following renovations. The reopening event, which includes a ribbon cutting and public tour, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at no cost.
Renovations have increased the center’s capacity and updated its facilities. Improvements include a new HVAC system, a larger pantry with space for a refrigerator and food storage, and accessibility upgrades at the entrance, around the fountain, and in the men’s restroom. A multipurpose room has been added, providing seating for an additional 25 to 30 people. Previously, all activities took place in one room that also served as the dining area, requiring tables and chairs to be moved for other events. The new layout allows simultaneous activities while lunch is being served.
Plumbing and electrical features in the kitchen were also modernized to support future equipment upgrades.
The center will offer daily meal services Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with menus posted online on the Santa Fe County Senior Services webpage. Seniors aged 60 and older are encouraged to make a suggested donation of $1.50 per meal; guests can dine for $7.50 each.
Operating hours for the center are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with regular programming such as wellness classes and art workshops including weaving, painting, and jewelry making.
For details about activities, residents can contact Santa Fe County Community Services project manager Gina Montoya at GMontoya@SantaFeCountyNM.gov or call 505-992-3069.
“The mission of Santa Fe County is to provide a safe, sustainable, healthy community through a highly skilled, transparent, and accessible government,” according to county officials.
Santa Fe County promotes community engagement by holding public meetings and maintaining advisory boards as described on its official website. The county operates administrative offices throughout its jurisdiction and delivers services such as public safety, health programs, human services, public works, and community development here. Oversight is provided by a Board of County Commissioners along with administrative management by the County Manager as detailed here. Services extend across incorporated municipalities, pueblos, and unincorporated areas within Santa Fe County according to this resource.
