ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Senior Citizens Center said farewell to 2019 and welcomed in 2020.

The Alamosa Senior Citizens experienced some amazing things in 2019. Several folks enjoyed touring the Canadian Rockies by coach and rail.

“We were blessed with new furniture in the lobby, tables in the dining room, vanities and sinks in the bathrooms, flooring and window coverings throughout the building and 42 new members,”  said Alamosa Senior Citizens director Lynette Cotton by email. “Our fundraisers were exceptional, and we were able to offer several informative and fun workshops and classes.

“The support we receive from the City of Alamosa, county commissioners and this entire community overwhelm us with gratitude. Thank you all so very much. 2020, here we come.”

Anyone who is 50 and over is invited to submit his or her creative artwork for consideration to be displayed in Alamosa Senior Center’s “Seniors from the HeART” art show.

It will be the center’s first ever Senior Art Exhibition and it will take place Feb. 3 on the second floor of the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center and run through April 30. Art must be original and able to hang on a wall.

The artists have the opportunity to sell their art work and if they wish, donate a portion to SLV Regional Medical Center and/or the Alamosa Senior Citizens. A reception will be held at the Medical Center on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 4:30 p.m., followed by a fundraising dinner at the Senior Citizens Center. If anyone is interested, please call the center for more information.

At 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 13, chair yoga with Chayne resumes. Yoga has been shown to improve overall health, prevent and (even in some cases) reverse disease when practiced regularly as a lifestyle. Please join and experience the wonderful benefits of yoga.

If anyone is interested in increasing his or her energy flow? Join the center on Friday Jan. 17 at 10:30 a.m. for part two of a free self-help workshop presented by Kitty Von Mills, CMT.

Thinking about an exotic trip to Hawaii? The Alamosa Seniors are partnering with Falcon Tours to offer a fabulous nine-day trip to Hawaii in October.

“We’ll journey to the islands of Maui, Kauai and Oahu,” Cotton said. “We have flyers available at the office or feel free to give us a call for more information.”

The following weekly activities are for all seniors whether they are members or non-members. Please stop by and join in on the activities. All classes are free unless otherwise noted. If anyone has suggestions for a new class or group, please let the center know and be sure to call with any questions or concerns.

w Billiards play.

w Coffee social hour at 8:30 am.

w Puzzle construction.

w Monday, Wednesday, 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. Anyone is welcome to join at any time.

w Dime Bingo, Monday-Thursdays from 1 p.m.-3 p.m., which is free to members and there will be a $2 fee for non-members.

w Bridge play takes place on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.

w Tai Chi with Lyn Johnson Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m.

w Free five-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.

w Sewing Group (includes knitting, crocheting, quilting (and anything one wants to work on) meets each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and the Mah Jongg (come and learn, even if one is not familiar with the game) group at 1 p.m.

w Art class with Rosi Myers meets on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Each class will offer something new. Anyone may join in at any time. Everyone is an artist, so drop by and have fun being creative. The center will be having a senior art show at the hospital in February, so be thinking about which of creations to enter. Please call the center if one is interested or drop by class on a Friday.

w Dominoes-Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

w 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, etc. Transportation is limited to passengers with a permanent residence. The center does not transport to or from shelters, hotels, treatment centers, etc.

If one is not yet a member, please consider joining the center. 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 a lunch menu.

The center is located at 92 Colorado Ave. in Alamosa, adjacent to Cole Park. Hours of operation are: Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, contact 719-589-3277.