ALAMOSA — Even though the days are still pretty warm, I can feel fall in the air. I have two 20-quart stock pots with cooked apples at home ready to make into jelly and apple butter. Those smells will permeate our home and fall will feel even closer! It reminds me of the days my sister (Cindy Bervig) and I would load up the kids, pack a picnic & head out to pick big crab apples at a friend’s place in La Jara. We would spend the next few days processing and canning! Such wonderful memories! The Alamosa Seniors will be planning a Fall Color trip to the Lake City area sometime in September so be watching for the date and join us!

On Thursday, August 16th, (time to be determined) a Colorado dental insurance company will conduct two 60-minute focus groups here at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center. The purpose is to better understand the oral health care needs of senior citizens in rural communities and thus better serve them. Participants must be 55 or older and have dental insurance in addition to Medicare or Medicaid. A $75 financial incentive will be provided for their time. Please call or email to register as space is limited. [email protected], 303.830.2345

Do you have questions about your health insurance? Such as: How do I use my health insurance more effectively? How can I make the best use of my time when talking to my doctor? What questions should I be asking both my doctor and pharmacist? When should I go to urgent care or the emergency room? What shots are recommended: Shingles, Flu, and pneumonia? Lynn Davis of the Colorado Gerontological Center will present on the topic and provide toolkits. Join us Tuesday, August 28th at 10:30 a.m.

On August 30th @ 10 a.m. Rogers Mortuary and Hospice del Valle welcomes all to attend a Final Wishes & Pre-Arranging Presentation. There are many things in life that are out of our hands. The five wishes document gives you a way to control something very important – How you want to be treated if you become seriously ill. Pre-arranging is another way for you to express your desires and provide comfort to your loved ones in a difficult time of loss. Documents will be provided.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 1st! Join us for our famously fabulous Early Iron breakfast of Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, hash browns, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea, milk, or juice. Yummy cinnamon rolls will be available to purchase as well. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. Children 12 – under $4, Adults $7.

All aboard for the 2019 Alamosa Seniors Rail Adventure!  Don’t miss                                              the “Gold Rush to Rain Forest” informational meeting taking place on Thursday, September 13th @ 11 a.m. This trip is a dream come true! Join us as we explore the Canadian Rockies from the fantastic scenery of Calgary, Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks (with plenty of leisure time to explore on your own), to the beautiful Canadian peaks, lakes and rivers from the comfort of your luxury train car aboard the “Rocky Mountaineer”.

The following weekly activities are for all seniors whether you are a member or not. Please come and join us!

* Billiards Play.

* Coffee social hour @ 8:30 a.m.

* Puzzle construction.

* M, W & F Strong Bones with Mary Ellen Fleming @ 9:30 a.m.

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

* Tai Chi with Lyn Johnson Tuesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. throughout the summer and Wednesdays @ 5:30 p.m. The Wed. class is free to members of the Alamosa Senior Citizens and $10 per class for all others.

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

* Sewing Group (includes Knitting, Crocheting, Quilting and anything you want to work on) meets each Monday throughout the summer @ 10:30 a.m. and the Mah Jongg group @ 1pm.

* Linda Falkenthal is here each Friday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to help with your computer, smart phone or tablet needs. Call to sign up for a session.

* There will be no chair yoga during the month of August.

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

* Daily transportation is available for seniors 60 and over between 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please call ahead at least 24 hours in advance to schedule a ride for errands, Dr. visits, grocery shopping, dining and participating in events at the Center, etc.

* If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us! 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. 719-589-3277.