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Programs Serving Older Adults

November 7, 2024

Senior and Social Services is pleased to present recorded program offerings, live and online programs for Bernalillo County residents 60+. Additional resources and services are also featured. 

BernCo Opens Warming Center for South Valley Residents Impacted by Power Outages

With temperatures expected to drop this evening, Thursday, November 7th, and ongoing power outages, BernCo has opened Westside Community Center to South Valley residents living within unincorporated Bernalillo County, outside the Albuquerque city limits, who have been impacted.

The warming center at 1250 Isleta Blvd. SW, will be staffed by BernCo employees and will offer a safe and heated space for individuals and families without power. The center will also provide water and snacks to guests.  Any questions can be directed to 505-314-0176.

Winter Weather Information

Bernalillo County will follow the delay and closure schedules of Albuquerque Public Schools (APS).  In instances where APS is not in session, decisions regarding delays, early dismissals, or closures will be made by the County Manager. Updates on closures and delays will be posted on Bernco.gov. Stay informed about road conditions at www.nmroads.com and APS school delays and cancellations at APS website.

Bernalillo County offices will be closed on
Monday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

Join the Band Tuesdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. through December 10, 2024 and performance Tuesday, December 17, 10 a.m. If you play an instrument, Bring it! All instrumentalists and vocalists 60+ are welcome to join. This class is for both beginning and experienced musicians and singers. You will find value in balancing collective work and individual expression. Call 505-314-0246.

Fire Safety at Home Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue Fire Safety at Home  November 15, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Rio Bravo Senior Center, 3910 Isleta Blvd SW Thursday, November 21, 10 to 11 a.m., Paradise Hills Senior Center, 6001 Paradise Blvd. NW,  These free presentations are for older adults 60+ and will cover essential tips and valuable safety strategies. For information contact Captain Dustin Sadberry at 505-932-9183.

Medicare Open Enrollment In-Person SHIP Counseling Get free, unbiased, expert information and assistance with your Medicare decisions and help from NM Aging Services Department SHIP Counselors on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 10:30 to 2:30 p.m. This in-person event will be held at the Rio Bravo Senior Center, 3910 Isleta Blvd. SW in Albuquerque. Call ADRC at 1-800-432-2080 if you cannot attend to schedule a phone appointment.

Showcase Your Talent

Reserve a table to be part of the Arts and Crafts Holiday Fair 

Saturday December 14, 2024
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Paradise Hills Community Center
5901 Paradise Blvd NW 87114

For more information or to reserve a table call 505.314.0425, #4. Deadline to reserve a table is Monday, December 2, 2024.  Table fee is $10. 

Free Nutrition Classes

Discover how to save money when buying food and explore food health and safety. Register today to attend free classes from:

Tuesdays, December 3, 2024 to February 5, 2025 - 10 to 11:30 a.m. 
Paradise Hills Senior Center, 6001 Paradise Blvd. NW.

Fridays, January 10 through January 31, 2025 - 12:30 to 2 p.m. 
Rio Bravo Senior Center, 3910 Isleta Blvd. SW

Call the local ICAN Educator Emily at 505-243-1386 or email: march@nmsu.edu to sign up, or sign-up online at http://redcap.link/snap. 

End of Life Planning and Empowerment  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97LCeiUICxA  EOL is a free live, interactive and in-depth exploration of rights, choices and options on: Aging in Place and Downsizing Navigating the Healthcare Maze Treatment, Care and End of Life Options Dementia Considerations and Directives Advance Health Care Directives Estate Plans: Not Just Wills After Death Plans and Options Inventory and Organizer

Classes meet two hours weekly over an eight-week period. Older adults 50+ residing in Bernalillo County are extended first priority to register for classes offered at four locations in Bernalillo County to include:

January 9 - February 27, 2025 | 1-3 pm - Rio Bravo Senior Center
February 26 - April 16, 2025 - 9:30-11:30 am - South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center
April 30 - June 18, 2025 | 9:30-11:30 am - Paradise Hills Community Center

Seating is limited to 25 persons per series. 

Game Time Every third Wednesday of the month 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Paradise Hills Senior Center 6001 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque

Health and Wellness Programs

Bernalillo County PROS-Senior and Social Services is pleased to offer these health & wellness programs for older adults 50+ at various Senior and Community Centers. 

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is known to help reduce fails and improves balance, improves brain function, reduces stress, increases oxygen flow, reduces blood pressure and alleviates arthritis pain, and much more. 

Free Tai Chi classes at Westside Community Center Westside Community Center, 1250 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque Wednesdays, 1 to 2 p.m. Classes are held in the dance room.

Tai Chi is also offered at the Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, 9800 4th St. NW each Friday from 10 to 11 p.m. and classes will resume at Paradise Hills Senior Center, 6001 Paradise Blvd NW in early November. 

Senior Zumba Zumba classes for older adults 60+. FREE classes are Thursdays, 2 to 3 p.m. at the Paradise Hills Senior Center - 6001 Paradise Blvd. NW. and Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, 9 to 10 a.m. at South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, 2008 Larrazolo Rd. SW.

Free Enhance Fitness Classes 

Participate in free exercise classes at Rio Bravo Senior Center. Classses are designed for older adults 50+and are M/W/F from 9 to 10 a.m. Baseline assessments are included to gage progress of participants as evidence based classes are proven to enhance mobility, fitness and help reduce falls.

Rio Bravo Senior Center is located at 3910 Isleta Blvd SW. No reservations required.  

Chair Yoga Classes  Chair Yoga is known to improve flexibility, balance, bone and muscle strength. It helps reduce stress, combat depression and anxiety. Older adults 60+ are invited to Free Chair Yoga classes at the following Bernalillo County Senior Centers: Mondays, 10 to 11 a.m. Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center 9800 4th St. NW Mondays, 2 to 3 p.m. - Paradise Hills Senior Center 6001 Paradise Blvd. NW  Classes fill up fast and are first-come, first-served.

Senior Balance Classes Resume Next Year Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center 9800 4th Street NW, Multipurpose Room Wednesdays, January 8 to March 26, 2025 10 to 11 a.m.  Paradise Hills Senior Center 6001 Paradise Blvd NW, Multipurpose Room New Classes begin Fridays, February 21 to May 23, 2025 2 to 3 p.m.    This program helps improve posture and balance, builds strength, helps reduce falls and improve coordination.

Anthropological Genetic History Classes 

Register for FREE online classes 

Join paleographer and genetic genealogical researcher, Angel de Cervantes, once a month to learn about ancestral lines, ancient civilizations, genetic haplogroups, and DNA connections to many civilizations including New Mexico families. Classes are offered monthly. Classes are open to all persons interested in genealogy. 

Spanish Conquest of the New World

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. 

 How did a peninsula country in Western Europe conqueror two continents in the Western Hemisphere? This question will be answered and discussed with a short documentary with a specific case study of conquest by the Spanish in the New World. In addition, there will also be a discussion on the ramifications of Spanish conquest in the later Spanish settlement of the New Mexico colony.

Online Genealogy Classes

Professional Genealogist Philip Spivey will help educate genealogists and family historians in researching family history. Free program offerings are every other month.

Ten Genealogy Sources You Might Not Have Thought Of

Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Ancestors rarely stayed in one place generation after generation. In some cases, they disappear completely. Learn how passports and migration patterns can help find ancestors and follow them over time.

Genealogy Education - View Recorded Session
Passcode: Ny?F6T3= Presented August 8, 2024

Traveling Ancestors: Using Passports and Migration Patterns
Passcode: F@w3.0ZF - Presented October 24, 2025

Recorded sessions available for viewing thru June 30, 2025.

Register for all classes in the series to include:

African American Research - February 13, 2025 Secrets of a Professional Genealogist - April 10, 2025 Maps: Finding Them, Using Them and Making Them - June 12, 2025

These classes are presented by Professional Genealogist Philip Spivey.

Bernalillo County Senior and Social Services and Silver Horizons provides free groceries for low-income seniors 50+ at various locations throughout Bernalillo County. No reservations needed. Ages 50+ (proof required) and senior/household income must be $1,215 for 1; $1,653 for 2 and $2,071 for 3. ID will be required. Food Market locations are: Rio Bravo Senior Center, 3910 Isleta Blvd SW 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - fourth Wednesday of each month. No services November and December.

South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, 2008 Larrazolo Rd. SW
November 8 - 12:30 to 1:30 pm - second Friday of each month. 

Bernalillo County Extension Bldg., 1501 Menaul Blvd NW
November 13 - 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - second Wednesday of each month. 

Paradise Hills Senior Center, 6001 Paradise Blvd. NW
November 16 - 10 to 11 am - third Saturday of each month. 

Tijeras Senior Center, 10 Tijeras Ave, Tijeras NM
November 19 - 10 to 11 am - third Tuesday of each month. 

Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center, 4th St. NW
December 10 - 10:30 to 11:30 am - first Tuesday of each month. 

Transportation from Whispering Pines Senior Center (#6 Lark Rd, Tijeras) is available. Departure at 9:45 a.m. and return at 1 p.m. 

Whispering Pines Senior Center

Bingo, November 18, 10 to 11 a.m.
Ceramics - Thursday, November 21, 10 to 11 a.m.
Chair Yoga, Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m.(No class November 13)
Enjoy Sewing, Arts and Crafts, Painting, Board Games, and lunch served everyday from 11:30 to 1 p.m. #6 Lark Road, Tijeras NM 87059

Reservations required for lunch - call 505-281-8003 the business day by noon for lunch. 

Art Lab

Open art projects each Wednesday - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center, 9800 4th Street NW - 505.288.2507

Card Making Handmade paper craft classes Paradise Hills Senior Center 6001 Paradise Blvd NW - Albuquerque Second, third and fourth Friday of each month 10 to 11 a.m. No class December 20th.  Rio Bravo Senior Center, 3910 Isleta Blvd SW - Albuquerque First Monday of each month 10:30 to 11:30. Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center, 9800 4th St. NW - Albuquerque Last Wednesday of each month 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. November class rescheduled for November 20th.  Henry "Kiki" Saavedra Community Center, 201 Prosperity Ave SE, Albuquerque First Friday of each month, 10 to 11 a.m. Los Padillas Communty Center, South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center and Westside Community Center will begin classes in January. Stay tuned for dates. Classes are for older adults 60+ and residents of Bernalillo County. All materials are provided. Ten seats per class. Seating first-come, first-served.

Color Me In Monthly Subscription Adult Coloring Pages Sent Monthly Color Me In is free, fun and a great way to reduce stress, help relax the brain, improve focus, and build motor skills. Receive adult coloring pages each month via email. You will be able to download pages and can even color online.   Persons wishing to receive coloring pages may register to receive pages monthly.  Register to Receive Coloring Pages!

Book to Movie spotlights a story and its movie adaptation and is offered at: Paradise Hills Senior Center, 6001 Paradise Blvd NW - 505.382.8940 Read a great book, enjoy a movie and join in on the fun every month.  Senior center participants receive the selected book on loan and enjoy the viewing of the movie at the senior center. A group discussion follows the week after.

B - I - N - G - O A favorite activity at the senior centers is Bingo. Visit a center near you for this fun and lively activity. Open to Bernalillo County older adults 60 and over.

Sewing, Quilting and Crafting

Flea Markets  Check out the great deals at the various flea markets hosted at the following senior centers:

Voter Registration Voter Registration Agents are available at select senior centers to help persons register to vote.Service is available at South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, Paradise Hills Senior Center, and the Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center. Ask to speak to a Bernalillo County representative upon arrival.

Notary Publics  Free notary services are available at the following locations: Henry "Kiki" Saavedra Community Center,      505-314-0297 Los Padillas Community Center, 505-468-7600 Paradise Hills Senior Center, 505-314-0246 Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center, 505-314-0082 Rio Bravo Senior Center, 505-314-0049 South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center, 505-468-7341 Vista Grande Community Center, 505-468-7500 Westside Community Center, 505-314-0176 Whispering Pines Senior Center, 505-281-8003 Please call in advance and speak to a Bernalillo County representative to arrange service.

The GEHM Clinic will be at the Raymond G. Sanchez Senior Center on Monday, November 18 and December 16 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. No appointments are needed and walk-in services are welcome. 

Senior Services in Bernalillo County

Silver Alert

Learn about Silver Alert, a public notification system to broadcast information about missing persons who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia.

Transportation Assistance

Learn about curb-to-curb van transportation within Bernalillo County provided to individuals age 60 and older. 

Vial of LIFE

Lifesaving information for emergencies.

Home Services

Home Services are available to seniors ages 60 and older to promote safe, independent living. Services include chores, repairs, and retrofit. 

Senior Centers Open and Free Lunch
Available to Adults 60+

Older adults 50+ are invited to visit and partake in activities at a Senior Center near you.

Open Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
Please watch for inclement weather closures. 

Additional Senior Meal Options*

The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs continues to serve senior lunches. Lunches are distributed between 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday thru Friday and are available at senior and multigenerational centers. Seniors 60* must make reservations directly with the Senior Center 24 hours in advance.  Lunches are free to seniors 60 and over. See the contact information for locations and phone numbers. 

Home Delivered Meals

Persons interested in home delivered meals may contact the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs directly at 505-764-6400. 

*The City of Albuquerque/ Bernalillo County Area Agency on Aging receives all federal and state funding allotted to Bernalillo County Planning and Service Area to fund services for seniors.

Well Connected  Bernalillo County supports Well Connected which serves adults 60 and over nationwide with online and telephone group programs year round.    Visit Well Connected to download the latest catalog and call 1-877-797-7299 to register today.

Gas Company Assistance

New Mexico Gas Company has established a $1.2 million assistance fund to help income-qualifying residential customers and small business owners who have fallen behind on their bills because of issues related to the pandemic.

Residential customers can apply for assistance through New Mexico Gas Company’s Heat New Mexico program. This residential assistance program provides qualified residential customers with a one-time payment of $150 toward their natural gas bill. Information can be found at www.nmgco.com/en/assistance.      

Quick Guide to Senior Services

The annual Quick Guide offers a wealth of information about key services and resources in Bernalillo County for seniors, family caregivers and the disabled. 
Download the Guide Today

Quality of Life Community Fund Senior Services

The Bernalillo County Quality of Life Community Fund supports responsible and effective philanthropy to enrich community wellness, and social and cultural experiences of Bernalillo County residents and visitors. Operated in partnership with the New Mexico Community Foundation, the Bernalillo County Quality of Life Fund provides an opportunity for the Bernalillo County business community and local residents to contribute to the quality of life, health, and well-being of its citizens. To donate to benefit programming provided by the Office of Senior and Social Services, visit the New Mexico Community Foundation's webpage specify your donation amount and frequency, choose your payment method, and then designate ‘BernCo Senior Services’ as the beneficiary.

Subscribe 

Get the latest information on Senior Services when you subscribe to the new Countywide Communication System called govDelivery. Bernalillo County's subscription-based information system allows subscribers to choose and receive news and information about county departments and events.  Sign up for govDelivery and select Senior Services at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NMBERNCO/subscriber/new