Alamo Senior Center Celebrates Vital Services and Summer Wellness

Community Programs Thrive as Center Recognizes Staff and Volunteers; Expands Resources for Homebound Residents

The Alamo Senior Center continues to be a cornerstone of wellness and community connection for Alamogordo’s older residents, with Manager Magdalena highlighting the tremendous work behind the scenes in August’s edition of The Sentinel.

At the heart of the center’s mission is the Home-Delivered Meal program, which shows no signs of slowing down. Each weekday, coordinators, meal preparers, and dedicated volunteers work together to deliver more than 150 nutritious meals to homebound seniors throughout our community.

“This program is a true team effort,” Magdalena noted in her message to the community. “From those who coordinate and prepare meals to the dedicated volunteers who deliver them, your compassion, commitment, and generosity make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community’s seniors.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

June’s nutrition report underscores the program’s reach. In just 22 days of service, the center served 7,736 total meals—4,130 at the facility itself and 3,606 delivered to homebound seniors. Those low donation averages of $11.66 for congregate meals and $1.11 for home-delivered options reflect the center’s commitment to keeping services accessible for everyone.

Meals arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and the center asks that clients cancel when they won’t be home—a small courtesy that ensures resources reach those who truly need them.

Beat the Heat: Safety Tips for August

As temperatures climb, the Alamo Senior Center is reminding residents to look out for one another. A phone call or visit to an elderly neighbor can make all the difference during hot summer months.

The center has released detailed hydration guidance for the season. Watch for dehydration symptoms including fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, and sleepiness. The key is sipping water consistently throughout the day rather than chugging large amounts at once.

High-water foods like melon, cucumber, berries, and leafy greens offer an extra boost during hot weather. Those staying active should carry water bottles, take breaks in the shade, and plan strenuous activities for cooler hours.

A Full Calendar of Activities

If you or someone you know is 60 and older, the Alamo Senior Center offers far more than meals. The fitness center runs two rooms packed with classes—from tai chi and yoga to line dancing, high-energy aerobics, and resistance training. Morning music sessions, arts and crafts, bingo, bridge, dominoes, jewelry making, and silversmithing are regular offerings throughout the week.

For those interested in games, pool and billiards are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tournament play happens twice monthly, and the center’s competitive leagues stretch across several communities—Ruidoso Downs, Capitan, Alamogordo, Hondo Valley, and Tularosa.

Monthly birthday celebrations happen on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the dining room. Fitness volunteers Billie Velasco and Juan Robles were recognized for their birthdays in July, and the center thanks Casa Y Tierra’s Sue Danekas for sponsoring the celebration.

Health Fair Coming September 10

Mark your calendars: the Alamo Senior Center Health Fair is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Over 30 vendors will be on hand offering health and community information. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Bring your Medicare information if you have it.

Medicare Enrollment Season Approaches

October brings Medicare Annual Open Enrollment, and the center will have resources available. Licensed sales agents and SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) representatives may be available at the facility to provide information and educational materials.

A reminder: the City of Alamogordo does not endorse or recommend any fee-for-service providers. Residents are encouraged to use their own judgment and carefully research any individual or agency before making decisions.

New member photo IDs require about 10 days to process after your initial assessment, as information is sent to the State-Level Data Center. Annual reassessments are required to maintain membership, with a suggested $10 donation to help offset card production costs.

Free Computer Help and Library Services

The Alamogordo Public Library (920 Oregon Ave.) continues offering free computer tutoring by appointment. Reference staff provide assistance with basic computer skills on:

• Mondays and Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Thursdays: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Call (575) 439-4148 for more information or to schedule a session. Notary services are also available when the library is open from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Resources When You Need Them

The center wants residents to know they’re not alone. Several support services are available:

Crisis and Mental Health Support:

• New Mexico Crisis Line: 1-855-NMCRISIS (24/7)

• Peer to Peer Warmline: 1-855-4NM-7100 (call 3:30-11:30 p.m. MT, text 6:00-11:00 p.m. MT)

• Healthcare Worker/First Responder Support: 1-855-507-5509

Fraud Prevention & Legal Help:

• AARP Fraud Watch Network: 877-908-3360

• Free Legal Helpline for Seniors: 1-800-876-6657

General Assistance:

• 2-1-1 or (575) 437-8400 for information on food pantries, transportation, utility assistance, clothing, and volunteer opportunities

The center also offers notary services. Contact the Administrative Assistant at (575) 439-4150 to schedule an appointment.

Stay Connected

The Alamo Senior Center is located at 2201 Puerto Rico, Alamogordo, NM 88310. For more information about programs and services, call (575) 439-4150 or fax (575) 439-4160.

The center’s official website can be found at ci.alamogordo.nm.us under Community Services. The complete August 2026 edition of The Sentinel includes detailed meal calendars, fitness schedules, and more community announcements.

View the Full August 2026 Sentinel Newsletter

Alamogordo Senior Center: A Recreation Center for Independent Seniors. Suggested donation: 50 cents.

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