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SANTA FE, NM, March 2, 2026—Santa Fe County is reopening the Bennie J. Chavez Senior Center located at 354 Juan Medina Road in Chimayó, Tuesday March 17, at 10:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and tour open to the public. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at no charge.

The upgrades and additional capacity will better serve the community for years to come, and include a new HVAC system, a new pantry with room for a new fridge and food items. The modernization also added accessibility upgrades at the entrance, around the fountain, and in the men’s restroom.

The work added a new multipurpose room with seating for 25 to 30 more people. Previously, there was only one room for all activities, including lunch service, and if community members wanted to exercise or participate in other activities, all the dining tables and chairs had to be moved. The new layout allows other activities to happen while the dining room is in use.

The County also modernized some plumbing and electrical features in the kitchen to support future equipment upgrades.

Meal services will be available daily Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The March menu has been posted on the Santa Fe County Senior Services webpage. The suggested donation is $1.50 for seniors aged 60 and up, and guests are welcome for a cost of $7.50.

The Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Regular activities will include wellness and art classes, including weaving, painting and jewelry making.

For more information about activities, contact Santa Fe County Community Services project manager Gina Montoya at GMontoya@SantaFeCountyNM.gov or 505-992-3069.

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The mission of Santa Fe County is to provide a safe, sustainable, healthy community through a highly skilled, transparent, and accessible government. For more information, visit our website.