It steals along the morning vale

The dewdrops of the autumn mist

And through its curtain the sun shines pale

Along riverbank it will persist

Then softly blows the wind of morn

Over bounteous fields kissed with sun and rain

And whispers in the ears of wheat and corn

Harvest time is here again

HARVEST TIME

by Colin Moffett

My favorite time of year! I love the colors and the cool (ok-today it was downright cold) morning air. This afternoon a beautiful Monarch butterfly enjoyed a feast in our garden as the bees worked frantically to gather what they may before frost takes the blooms. What a blessing!

* Join us on Friday September 29th for a trip into La Veta and a tour of the Francisco Fort Museum. We are hoping this will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous fall colors as well and if time allows, we’ll stop by the Ft. Garland Museum on the way home.

* Line dancing with Karen Stills begins on Tuesday, October 2nd @ 10 a.m. Come and join Karen @ 9:30 a.m. if you would like a bit of pre-class warmup. Steps taught include 2 step, side touches, box step, reverse box, hitch 6, hitch 3, walking steps, knee hitch, cha-cha & waltz. Some of the health benefits of line dancing include: Cardiovascular, muscular strength and flexibility become better; High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and high triglyceride levels, as well as high blood sugar levels can all improve; Coordination improves as you work through the different movements; Improves lung capacity; Bone strength can increase; bone loss can be stopped or slowed down; Weight control - half an hour of continuous line dancing can burn an average of 300 calories. The social aspects of taking a class in line dance help to increase your sense of well-being and the camaraderie you have is wonderful for your health. No need to register! Come and join us!

* Board the senior bus as we travel to Ignacio for a fun time at the Sky Ute Casino. This is definitely a favorite to don’t wait to place your name on the reservation list! The trip takes place on October 3rd & 4th.

* Michelle Phillips with Rapid Medical will present a clinic on Living with Diabetic Neuropathy October 5th at 11 a.m. What it is and how to manage it.

* October 11th & 18th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., SLV Health will conduct a flu shot clinic here at the Center. According the CDC, October is the prime month be vaccinated so join us and say “Boo to the flu”! A nurse from the Alamosa County Health Department will also be on hand to take blood pressures and oxygen levels.

Weekly activities are for all seniors whether you are a member or not and include:

* 8:30 a.m. Coffee Hour.

* Billiards – tournament team competition / free play.

* Puzzles.

* Craft Projects - September 19th @ 10 a.m.

* “Write Your Story” class each Monday through December 11th @ 10 a.m.

* Dime Bingo, M-Th from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Free to members. $2 fee for non-members.

* Free 5 Point ear acupuncture each Wed @ 10:30 a.m. for those 50 and over.

* Free 5 point ear acupuncture each Tuesday @ 10:30 a.m. for veterans and immediate family.

* Walk to Connect - Thursday, September 28th @ 10 a.m.

* Dominoes - Fridays @ 12:30 p.m.

* Chess - Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

To join us, please drop by the center or call 719-589-3277.  Regular annual membership is $30 per person or for an Ambassador membership $100 per person. We are located at 92 Colorado in Alamosa adjacent to Cole Park. Hours of operation are: M-Th 8 a.m.-3 p.m. & Fridays 8 a.m.-2 p.m.