ALAMOSA — As I write this, it is the first day of Fall and what a glorious day it is! Alora M. Knight says it like this:

Looking out my window

In October’s golden light,

I see a beauty unsurpassed,

A truly lovely sight.

Leaves are saying soft good-byes

As they come floating down

To make a nature’s carpet

Of yellow, red, and brown.

Mountain tops, now turned to white,

Forewarn of winter chills,

While trees, like golden rivers,

Wind their way up through the hills.

Throughout our world’s creation

You will ever find it thus,

Kaleidoscopes of color,

In God’s hand, the artist’s brush.

Raffle tickets are ready for sale. Members will find a packet in their October newsletter and we have them in the office to sell. This year’s prizes include: A king size Amish Handcrafted Quilt titled “Star Burst” (donor wishes to remain anonymous) valued at $1000, A single bed size Handcrafted Quilt donated and created by Rhonda Borders titled “Cardinal’s Christmas valued at $250, A 24x36 Todd Cotton photograph (Bison in the Mist) printed on canvas valued at $300, and a $50 gift certificate donated by Kristi Mountain Sports. Tickets will be $3 for one or $10 for a packet of five. Our Annual Christmas Bazaar is slated for Saturday, Dec. 7, so be sure to mark your calendar!

Next month

Beginning on Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m., we will be playing Bridge. This group is for anyone interested in learning how to play Bridge or experienced players who desire to meet and play. Our teachers are topnotch and very patient so don’t hesitate to take the first step toward learning a game that brings people together and exercises your mind.

Friday, Oct. 4 at 10:30 a.m., Safeway will be here to offer flu shots. No need to call or sign up, just drop by and bring your insurance card.

October 8, Line Dancing with Master Instructor (and Enthusiast) Karen Stills begins at 10 a.m. Karen will be here at 9:30 a.mm. for any folks who would like a step refresher or pre-class warm-up! Join us for this fun and beneficial program as we move and step our way through fox trot, 2 step, knee hitch, box step, reverse box, walking steps, cha-cha and waltz. Health benefits are: improved cardio, muscle strength, flexibility, bone density, and blood pressure. The social aspects of participating in a line dancing class will help to increase your sense of well-being, so don’t wait! Come on out and enjoy the program! You’ll be glad you did.

Recently there has been a lot of talk about Area 51 and UFOs! Joins us Thursday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m., as we journey to the UFO Watch Tower and listen to a presentation by Candace Knowlan. There is a gift shop and garden to explore! This is a free trip so call ahead for your reservation!

The following weekly activities are for all seniors whether you are a member or not. Please stop by and join us! All classes are free unless otherwise noted. If you have suggestions for a new class or group, please let us know and be sure to call with any questions or concerns.

Activities

Billiards Play.

Coffee social hour at 8:30 a.m.

Puzzle construction.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday Strong Bones at 9:30 a.m. Participants enjoy many health benefits such as; Improved Bone Density, Reduction of Falls, Improved Flexibility, and Increased Strength. You are welcome to join at any time!

Dime BINGO, Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Free to members, $2 fee for non-members.

Tai Chi with Lyn Johnson Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am and Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Free 5-point ear acupuncture conducted by Rick Wertz each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for veterans and seniors 50 and over. Those who participate note less stress and anxiety, and better sleep.

Sewing Group (includes Knitting, Crocheting, Quilting (and anything you want to work on) meets each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and the Mah Jongg (come and learn if you aren’t familiar with the game!) group at 1p.m.

Art class with Rosi Myers meets on Thursdays at 10 a.m! Each class will offer something new! You may join in at any time. Everyone is an artist, so drop by and have fun being creative! We may be having an art show at the hospital in February, so be thinking about entering your creations! The only stipulation is that it must be able to be displayed on a wall. Please call the Center if you are interested or drop by class on a Thursday.

Dominoes - Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

Daily transportation is available for seniors 60 and over within Alamosa City limits between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please call ahead at least 24 hours in advance to schedule a ride for doctor visits, grocery shopping, dining and participating in events at the Center and such. Transportation is limited to passengers with a permanent residence. We do not transport to or from shelters, hotels, treatment centers, etc.

Join us!

If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us!

Seniors age 50 and over are eligible for membership. Regular annual membership is $30 per person or for an Ambassador membership $100 per person.

Members receive a monthly newsletter with a calendar of events, timely information, challenging activities and lunch menu!

We are located at 92 Colorado Ave. in Alamosa adjacent to Cole Park. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call 719-589-3277 for any questions.