In preparation of our Ladies Spring Tea and Fashion Show, I thought I would share some “teatime etiquette” according to Lisa Mirza Grotts.

DO try a little of each food served at the tea (both sweets and savories).

DO avoid talking with your mouth full or taking large bites.

DO wait until you have swallowed your food before you take a sip of tea. The rule is one or the other, please!

DO look into—not over—your teacup when sipping. It’s polite!

DO place your napkin on the chair if you must leave the table during the event. (If you must leave for some reason, simply say “Excuse me.”)

DON’T place items that are not part of the tea service, such as keys, sunglasses, or phones, on the table.

DON’T use milk and lemon together in tea. The citric acid of the lemon will cause the milk to curdle.

DON’T place lemon in the teacup before adding tea. The tea is always poured first.

DON’T fill your cup to the brim with tea, in order to avoid messy spills.

DON’T tip your teacup too much when drinking—keep it slightly tipped.

DON’T leave your spoon in the cup. Place it on your saucer instead.

DON’T remove food from your teeth while in the presence of others.

DON’T move your plate more than 1 inch the edge of the table, and don’t push your plate away from the edge of the table when you’re done eating.

DON’T talk about personal food likes or dislikes during the tea. Tea offers a nice selection of treats to avoid this problem.

DON’T place your napkin on the table until you are ready to leave the table.

The Walk to Connect program will be meeting here Thursday, April 19th at 10 a.m. Join us as we enjoy the lovely spring weather and walk around Cole Park and along the Rio Grande River.

We are excited and honored to have Cornerstone Christian Academy’s Bell Choir play for us on Thursday, April 19th at 11:15 a.m.! Come and listen and stay for lunch.

On Friday, April 20th @ 5 p.m., Workman Firearm Training invites you to attend, “Shotgun for Sport and Defense”. Friday’s class will focus on safety basics and fundamentals, and Saturday’s class will take place on the shooting range from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Class is free for members of the Alamosa Senior Citizens, $20 for non members over 50, and $60 for all others. Please call to register and for any questions.

The Senior Center bus will travel to Buffalo Thunder Casino on Wed., April 25th. Please call to reserve your place.

Friday, April 27th the Alamosa Senior Citizens will host a Ladies Spring Tea and Fashion Show @ 2 p.m. The cost is $5 which will enter you in a drawing for several outstanding prizes! Our special feature consists of a Vintage Hat and Jewelry Fashion Show modeled by some lovely Jr. High Ladies from Centauri Middle School.

The following weekly activities are for all seniors whether you are a member or not.

* Billiards Play.

* Puzzle construction.

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

* Tai Chi with Lyn Johnson takes place each Monday through May 21st @ 10 a.m.

* Free 5 point ear acupuncture conducted by Rick Wertz each Tuesday @ 9:30 a.m. for veterans and seniors 50 & over.

* Knitting/Crocheting group meets each Wednesday @ 11 a.m. and the Mah Jongg group @ 1 p.m.

* Linda Falkenthal is here each Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. helping 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 April.

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

* Daily transportation is available for seniors from 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 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.