Valley Calendar

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Saturday, March 30

MONTE VISTA — Valley Fiber Art Guild will meet Saturday, March 30, at 1 p.m. Call for directions to Wanda at 719-852-5000 or 719-580-4976.

ALAMOSA — Society Hall, at 400 Ross Avenue in Alamosa, presents hONEyhoUSe in concert Saturday March 30th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door, and are available online at www.societyhall.org, or in Alamosa at the Green Spot.

DEL NORTE — Rio Grande Hospital together with Rio Grande County Public Health will be hosting their annual Rio Grande County Health Fair in Del Norte at the Rio Grande Hospital Clinic March 30 from 7-10:30 a.m. There will be blood draw screenings, tests; among other health, assessments will be available. For more information, please call 719-657-3352.

ALAMOSA — Come check out a live Battle of the Bands presented by the Alamosa Live Music Association (ALMA) on March 30th from 7-11 p.m. at St. Ives – Club 17 in Alamosa. Five local artists from southern Colorado and northern New Mexico will compete featuring Reggae, Classic Rock, Blues, and Beatboxing. Audience members’ vote will help decide the winner, who will perform at the last Sundays at Six concert of the season.

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Saturday, March 30: Solar Superstorms at 3 p.m. and Distant Worlds: Alien Life? at 3:45 p.m.

Sunday, March 31

ALAMOSA – The Alamosa First United Methodist Church will host a free seminar, “Approaching the Edge: Recognizing and responding to signs of violence,” by Madi Mathys, at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 31, in the Memorial Room of the church, Murphy and Mullins, Alamosa. The FUMC Church and Society Committee organized the seminar to help the public identify a person at risk of suicidal or homicidal behavior and how to respond appropriately. A free light lunch will be served.

Monday, April 1

ALAMOSA — The board of supervisors of the Mosca-Hooper Conservation District will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, March April 1, at the USDA Service Center, 101 S. Craft. Dr., Alamosa, and the following items of business will be considered: Projects, workshops and grant updates.       

ALAMOSA — Alamosa school board meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 1, at the district office at 209 Victoria Ave., with agenda items including approval of the 2019-2020 district calendar and AHS gym floor project.

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Rotary Club hosts Kristina Daniel of Advantage Treatment Centers at its meeting on Monday, April 1st at noon at Juanito’s Restaurant, 1019 6th Street. For more information about the Alamosa Rotary Club visit our Facebook page or contact club president Chris Quintana at [email protected].

Tuesday, April 2

ALAMOSA — The Colorado State Forest Service will offer a tree pruning workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2 in San Luis at the Costilla County Conservancy District office, 324 Main Street in San Luis. Cost is $20, which includes lunch. Space is limited. Call 587-0915 for reservations.

CENTER — Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics will hold a community town hall at the Center Public Library Community Room at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. Call 719-657-4105.

SAGUACHE — Saguache County commissioners meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at the courthouse.

Thursday, April 4

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Thursday, April 4: Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens at 7 p.m. and Stars of the Pharaohs at 7:45 p.m.

ALAMOSA — The 80th annual meeting (103nd meeting) of the Rio Grande Compact Commission will be held on Thursday, April 4, at the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, 8805 Independence Way, in Alamosa at 9 a.m. Contact Roberta Barela at (719) 589-6683, or by email at [email protected]

MONTE VISTA — The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust and the Rio Grande Farm Park will bring The Biggest Little Farm documentary to the San Luis Valley. The screening will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th at the Vali 3 Theatre in Monte Vista. Tickets are on sale at eventbrite.com “Special Screening of The Biggest Little Farm” and on Facebook under the same title. Tickets at $15 are limited. If still available, tickets will be for sale at the door.

Friday, April 5

ALAMOSA — Join the Tu Casa, Inc. staff at Alamosa’s Square Peg Brewerks on Friday, April 5, from 5-7 p.m.  The Tu Casa staff will be on hand to show support for survivors, provide meaningful education about consent, and share valuable information about resources and services. Square Peg owners Derek Heersink and Mark Martinez will generously donate $1 from each pint of beer sold during happy hour (5-6 p.m.) to Tu Casa.  In addition, the Rubi Slipper Restaurant has donated tacos that will be given away, along with prizes and information about SAAM. 

April 5-6

DEL NORTE — The Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office will hold a free concealed handgun firearm training course on April 5 and 6 at 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte and the Rio Grande Sportsman Club. Contact Frank Clark or Sergeant Tyler Dean at 719 657-4000.

Saturday, April 6

FORT GARLAND — Fort Garland Museum will host Ruben Archuleta as part of the Borderlands lecture series at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, in the Fort Garland Museum Mess Hall.

CREEDE — The Creede Arts Council sponsors the 27th Annual Variety Show on April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Ruth Humphrey’s Brown Theatre. There will also be a silent auction. For information or to make a reservation contact the Creede Arts Council at 719-658-0312. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for students. Cash and checks are accepted. Reservations recommend, as tickets sell out fast.

ALAMOSA — Mountain Harmony Yoga Studio is hosting a Rio Grande River Clean Up on April 6th from 10-12:30. Coffee and snacks will be provided by The Roast Coffee and City Market. Participants will meet at the Pedestrian Bridge at 10 a.m. and spread along the dike to pick up trash along the river banks and in Cole Park. Bags and gloves will be provided. Close-toed shoes encouraged. Contact Becca at Mountain Harmony Yoga 719-588-5444. 

MANASSA — The Central Committee of Conejos County Democrats invites the public to meet Lorena Garcia, candidate for the U.S. Senate on Saturday, April 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manassa Opera House, 104 N. 4th street behind Manassa Town Hall.

ALAMOSA — Don Roberts, author of “Wellness Toolbox,” will be at the Narrow Gauge Book Coop from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 6th.

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Saturday, April 6: Dream to Fly at 3 p.m. and From Earth to the Universe at 3:45 p.m.

Monday, April 8

SOUTH FORK — Upper Rio Grande Economic Development invites the public to its annual dinner meeting on Monday, April 8, with cocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:15 and program 7 p.m. featuring Joe De Luca, project manager with the Crabtree Group, Inc. speaking on “The Importance Of Land Use Codes For Economic Development, Jobs, Housing, And Quality Of Life.” The event will be held at the Rio Grande Club & Resort in South Fork, 0285 Rio Grande Club Trail. Cost is $35 per person, cash or make check payable to URGED; mail to PO Box 6, Del Norte, CO  81132. RSVP to [email protected] or call 719-657-2827.

Tuesday, April 9

SAGUACHE — In a rescheduled Saguache County commission work session, Sean Tonner will speak about a potential water export proposal at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 at the Saguache County Road & Bridge Building.

Thursday, April 11

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Thursday, April 11: IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System at 7 p.m. and Dynamic Earth: Exploring Earth’s Climate Engine at 7:45 p.m.

Friday, April 12

ALAMOSA — On April 12th from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., the Alamosa Senior Citizens, 92 Colorado in Alamosa, will host its first Spectacular Spring Sale! Come and see the cool things our local artisans have to offer! Call 719-589-3277.

CENTER — The 21sth Annual Center Head Start Health Fair will be held from 6:30-10 a.m. at the Center Head Start, 301 East Third Street, with lab tests, screenings and more. Contact Della, 754-3191.

ALAMOSA — Alamosa County Public Health Department will offer its annual 9Health Fair at the Colorado Army National Guard Readiness Center, 1877 Old Sanford Road in Alamosa, from 7-11 a.m. on Friday, April 12.

ALAMOSA — Alamosa Public Library invites the public to the free showing of “Peter Rabbit” (Rated PG) on April 12 at 7 p.m. Popcorn is free. Bring a favorite drink.

Saturday, April 13

ALAMOSA— On Saturday, April 13, a full day ServSafe® course and proctored exam will be offered. All participants are required to pre-register by contacting Carol at Food Systems, [email protected]; the course and exam will be held at the SLV Health Education and Conference Center, 1919 Main St., Alamosa. Course participants will be required to study the 7th edition ServSafe text book.

SOUTH FORK— The South Fork Fire Rescue, together with the Ladies Auxiliary, invite the community to a complimentary Italian dinner on Saturday, April 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the South Fork Fire Department. Please RSVP with the number of guests by March 31, [email protected] or 901-491-8237 (Tammy Worle) or 719-588-0656 (Brittany Hathorn).

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Saturday, April 13: Dark at 3 p.m. and Experience the Aurora at 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, April 16

ALAMOSA — The Rio Grande Water Conservation District board meets at 10 a.m. on April 16 in the district building at 8805 Independence Way, Alamosa.

Thursday, April 18

FORT GARLAND — Fort Garland Museum will host Dr. Ronald Rael as part of the Borderlands lecture series at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18 in the Fort Garland Museum Mess Hall. The event is free and refreshments will be provided.

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Thursday, April 18: Supervolcanos at 7 p.m. and Bella Gaia at 7:45 p.m.

ALAMOSA— The Alamosa Senior Center, 92 Colorado in Alamosa, on April 18th at 10:30 a.m. will host Understanding and Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Strokes.

April 18 and 20

DEL NORTE— The Del Norte High School theatre presents “Get Smart” on April 18 and 20 at the Ruth Sittler Auditorium at Del Norte High School at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults. Contact Bill Sauvigne, theatre/trades teacher (657-4020, ext. 3402, [email protected]) or Lydia Garcia, promotions director (student), [email protected].

ALAMOSA—GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club’s Annual Spring Luncheon will feature spring salads, individual desserts and sale of gift bags on Wed., April 24, between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, Murphy and Mullins Ave. in Alamosa. Tickets are only $15 per person. Call any club member or Theresa Rudder at 588-7913, or email [email protected].

Saturday, April 20

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Saturday, April 20: The Hot and Energetic Universe at 3 p.m. and Lamps of Atlantis at 3:45 p.m.

SOUTH FORK — The Annual South Fork Easter Egg Hunt will take place at Rickel Park on Saturday April 20th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is for children 2 to 10 with over 1,200 hidden candy filled eggs and special prizes. Refreshments and games will be part of the morning activities along with the Easter Bunny making an appearance and being available for picture taking. Following the Easter Egg hunt There will be a Kite Festival at the Community Ballpark from 1-3 p.m. Children 2 to 15 years of age will be able to make a free kite. Call t 719-873-5512.

Wednesday, April 23

ALAMOSA— On April 23 at 11 a.m. the SLV Area Health Education Center will hold a workshop on Opioid Response at the Alamosa Senior Center, 92 Colorado in Alamosa.

Thursday, April 25

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Thursday, April 25: Into the Deep at 7 p.m. and Natural Selection at 7:45 p.m.

Friday, April 26

ALAMOSA – Singer-songwriters Susan Gibson and Michael Hearne will join Alamosa’s own Don Richmond for the 8th Annual Concert for Cancer Relief songwriter-in-the-round at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, in Society Hall, 400 Ross Avenue in Alamosa. The concert benefits the San Luis Valley Cancer Relief Fund. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at The Green Spot in Alamosa, The Windsor Hotel in Del Norte, or online at slvcrf.org

Saturday, April 27

ALAMOSA – Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is sponsoring a homebuyer education class at no charge in Alamosa on Saturday, April 27, at 9 a.m. at the Community Resources & Housing Development Corporation.

ALAMOSA – The Adams State University Zacheis Planetarium offers free public movies on Saturday, April 27: Back to the Moon for Good at 3 p.m. and Robot Explorers at 3:45 p.m.

Ongoing

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Food Bank is seeking donations of empty egg cartons. Please bring empty egg cartons to 513 6th St Monday through Friday from 12– 4 p.m.

MONTE VISTA — The ice rink at Monte Vista Ski Hi is open. Admission is free and the hours are all day every day until lights out at 9 p.m. Rental skates will be available soon. Call 852-6168 for more information.

ALAMOSA —La Puente is in urgent need of blankets and sleeping bags. Winter gear such as a jacket, gloves, hat, scarves, hand/feet warmers, etc., are a godsend.  Drop these items off at the shelter located at 913 State. Ave. Alamosa, or call 719-589-5909.

VALLEY — Christian Community Service Projects (CCSP) is looking forward to this summer! There will be many volunteers coming in the months of June and July who are wanting to help residents of the San Luis Valley with minor home repair projects, yard work, painting, etc. CCSP is now accepting applications for home repair. Please call Suzanne at (719) 589-2330 or e-mail at [email protected]

ALAMOSA — The SLV STEAM Shop makerspace is open to the public most Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m.  south of Richardson Hall and west of the theater building on the Adams State University campus in Alamosa. The SLV STEAM Shop provides access to 3D printers, machine knitting, small scale casting, electronics fabrication, a laser cutter, and much more.

CONEJOS COUNTY — For the second year, the Boys and Girls Club of Alamosa will be sending a bus to Conejos County on Friday. The club is open to all young people ages 6 and up. Registration is required; the cost is $10 per month and participants need to pack a lunch. Pick up is Friday at 7:45 a.m. in the parking lot of La Jara Elementary on Main Street. Sign up now at the club in Alamosa or pick up the forms at the club on Friday. Go to www. BGCSLV.org, or call 719.589.5252.

VALLEY — Energy assistance is provided through La Puente’s Outreach homeless prevention program. To qualify you must be directly responsible for an energy bill, your bill must be past due, and you must meet income qualifications. Call 719-587-3781.

CAPULIN — Free tutoring is available in the Capulin Library from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday for students first grade through twelfth grade in all subjects.

ALAMOSA — Cats Alive is in need of dry cat food to help volunteers feed cats throughout the San Luis Valley. Also goat milk is appreciated for the kittens. To donate cat food call Marge at 719-298-7028 (willing to pick up donated food) or send monetary donations to help with the cat food to Cats Alive, P.O. Box 84 Alamosa, CO 81101 or online at catsaliveslv.com

CONEJOS COUNTY — Conejos Library District is in need of volunteers in Antonito, La Jara and Capulin. The library is a great place to volunteer. Please contact Maria DeHerrera at (719) 274-5858.

MONTE VISTA— The Monte Vista Assembly of God Church, God’s Closet, located at 881 N. Hwy 285, across from Mountain King is in need of clothing donations. Bring them to the white shed.

VALLEY — Cat food is needed to distribute to all the volunteers that are feeding the cats. Cat food donations may be left with Abie Roybal, 225 10th Street, Alamosa, and monetary donations may be made to Donna K. Ditmore, manager for cat welfare for Alpha Humane, a nonprofit tax-exempt organization, and sent to 3095 County Road 108 South, Alamosa 81101.

CREEDE—Trinidad State Junior College is planning on holding an EMT class in Creede beginning in January. The class will meet two nights a week from 6-10 p.m. until mid-May as well as a couple of Saturday sessions. If interested in taking this class and becoming a Mineral County EMT, please contact Don Dustin at 719-658-0184. Serving as an EMT is an excellent way to give back the community and to provide a valuable service to the residents and visitors to Mineral County.

ALAMOSA— Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for homeownership in Alamosa. Applicants contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity,” time and labor. Construction is done with the help of hundreds of volunteers. When a house is completed, applicant families purchase the homes from Habitat for Humanity with a no-profit mortgage.  Call Habitat at (719) 589-8678. www.slvhabitat.org

ALAMOSA — Grief support group meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Alamosa 1st United Methodist Church from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Call Liz Hood, 580-3697.

ALAMOSA — VFW in Alamosa hosts bingo every Tuesday at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. Packs are $5.

ALAMOSA — Silver Linings, an open and free positivity group, meets Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Nestle Toll House Café in downtown Alamosa.

ALAMOSA — Groups are held for women who have experienced domestic violence every second Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. at the Grizzly Training Center, Alamosa. There will be refreshments and childcare provided. Contact Jennifer McCoy-Hanna at Tu Casa, Inc. 719-589-2465.

VALLEY — Keep drivers safe in your community. Become an AARP Driver Safety Volunteer Instructor today. Do you have a passion for helping others and want to make your community safer? AARP needs dedicated volunteers as instructors to grow this leading educational program. Sign up today at www.aarp.org/driversafetyvolunteer

VALLEY — La Puente is in need of volunteers split wood to bring relief to local families. Volunteers with chainsaw skills are most needed, but anyone is invited. To volunteer, call Shanae at 719-587-3499 or email [email protected]

ALAMOSA —The Alamosa Food Bank is open on Mondays from 2-6 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 12– 4 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 513 Sixth St. Please bring a photo ID to utilize the food bank. 

ALAMOSA — Circle of Parents in Recovery provides a safe, supporting, confidential, non-judgmental environment where parents can openly discuss the successes and challenges of parenting in recovery. The group meets every first and third Tuesday from 4-5:30 p.m. at Living Water Bible Fellowship 2019 Clark Street Alamosa. Contact Mary Lambert at (719) 587-6965 or [email protected]

ALAMOSA — Made up of community members who write in many different genres, the Sophia Circle meets weekly to provide support for writers and their writing projects in the downstairs conference room at the Colorado Welcome Center at Alamosa, 6th and State on Sundays from 1-3 p.m. Writers may drop in on any meeting. Bring copies of the work you want to share. Call Holly at 719-588-7066.

ALAMOSA — “Planting Seeds for Kindergarten” is the Alamosa Public Library program that encourages all families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten. Participants will be rewarded for every 100 books they read. Register at the Alamosa Public Library today, 300 Hunt Ave., Alamosa.

CONEJOS COUNTY — The Conejos County Library is looking for volunteers to real aloud to young children. Volunteers can join in visiting homes around Conejos County and talking to parents and caregivers about the value of instilling a love for reading. Please contact Margie Wagoner at the Conejos County Library at 719-274-5858.

ALAMOSA — Alamosa Bowl Family Fun Center is starting Thursday and Friday Night Leagues as well as Tuesday Morning Coffee League. Come by to sign up or call 719-937-2505.

ALAMOSA — Alamosa Toastmasters meets on Mondays at noon at The Bridge in Alamosa at 3407 Carroll Street. Participants will find a supportive learn-by-doing environment that allows them to achieve their goals at their own pace. Call (719) 588-5127.

ALAMOSA — Can’t make it to Storytime at the Alamosa Public Library? That’s okay, check out the Storytime to Go Kits designed to bring Storytime into your home! Come into the Alamosa Public Library today, 300 Hunt Ave., Alamosa.

ALAMOSA — MOPS, (Mothers of Preschoolers), a gathering place for moms with young children (birth through kindergarten) that offers connections, community, resources and support to meet the needs of every mom meets every first and third Wednesday at Living Water Bible Fellowship Church, 2910 Clark St., Alamosa, from 9–11 a.m. See facebook.com/mopsalamosa or mopsalamosa.com

LA JARA — MOPS–La Jara provides a re-energized program this fall on a new day, Thursday, with new crafts, discussions, snacks and learning at the United Church of La Jara, a safe place for the older kids to play and learn with a great staff to lead all activities. The great times begin at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays. Call Debbie at 580-6721.

VALLEY — Rio Grande County Tourism Board is looking for high quality photographs that photographers would be willing to let the tourism board use for advertising purposes. Contact Ruth Carapella at [email protected] or [email protected]

CONEJOS COUNTY — The Conejos Library District has applied for and received a grant from the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation titled Growing Readers Together. The purpose of the grant is to provide early literacy reading materials, reading related toys, and educational activities for home day care providers. The library will be able to provide kits in the form of books, educational toys, music, and activities to anyone doing home day care in Conejos County. Those who are interested in participating in this program please contact the library at 274-5858.

ALAMOSA—The Valley-Wide Pharmacy is now a registered drop-off location for the Colorado Household Medication Take-Back Program. There is now a drop-off receptacle located at the pharmacy for the collection of household medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Drop off any unwanted household medications for free at the Valley-Wide Pharmacy. The Valley-Wide Pharmacy is inside the Alamosa Family Medical Center clinic at 1710 First St, Alamosa.

VALLEY — La Puente Outreach is currently accepting medical applications. Those who are in need of help paying for prescription glasses, hearing aids, medical equipment or dental procedures, please come to 929 State Avenue, Alamosa, or call 719-587-3781.

VALLEY — The San Luis Valley Naloxone Education Empowerment Distribution (SLV N.E.E.D.) project came to an end. Free Narcan Nasal kits are still available at any of the local participating pharmacies while supplies last. Those pharmacies are: La Jara Health Mart Pharmacy, Alamosa Pharmacy, Valley Wide Health Systems Pharmacy (for Valley Wide Health Systems patients only), Jacks Market Pharmacy in Monte Vista and Rio Grande Pharmacy in Del Norte. Residents may need a prescription to pick up a kit.

DEL NORTE — The Rio Grande County Museum Board is looking for pictures of the construction of the “new” courthouse. The second courthouse was built in the late 1930s as a WPA project. Individuals can either donate the photos to the museum or a board member will make copies of them and return them. Contact Louise at the museum at 657-2847.

ALAMOSA — Youngsters are invited to the Alamosa Public Library Story Room every Friday morning to sing, color, dance, read, enjoy adventures, share with friends and giggle. Babies and toddlers are welcome at 9:30 a.m. and preschoolers at 11 a.m.

ALAMOSA — A Caregivers Support Group meets at First United Methodist Church, 2005 Mullins, Alamosa, on the first Monday of every month. For more information, call 589-2243.

MONTE VISTA— Valley Fiber Art Guild welcomes anyone interested in spinning, crocheting, knitting, weaving or other portable fiber activities to come to VFA gatherings. The group meets the second Saturday of every month starting at 1 p.m. at 757 County Rd. 29, Monte Vista. Email wcouzenssmith@gmail or call 852-5000.

VALLEY — Those concerned about their children’s development are welcome to contact the free service SLV BOCES Child Find at 719-589-5851. Child Find’s job is to locate, identify and screen/evaluate children for whom there is a suspicion of a delay in speech, language, motor, social, self-help or cognitive skills. If a significant delay is identified, families are connected with appropriate free services to address delays. 

ALAMOSA — Free breastfeeding classes are offered in Alamosa at the San Luis Valley Health Education and Conference Center on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 3-4 p.m.

ALAMOSA — La Puente’s Outreach Services now has energy assistance funding in place. The qualifying fuels are: natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, kerosene, firewood, solid fuel pellets and coal. Please contact (719) 587-3781 with any questions or stop by 929 State Street in Alamosa to complete an application. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Wednesday from 1-5 p.m.

VALLEY — La Puente’s Outreach Services Program is looking to assist veterans in the San Luis Valley with services including rental assistance, medical and non-medical gas vouchers, household provisions, interview or work clothing, tuition assistance and job training. Call 719-587-3781 ext. 213 or email [email protected].

VALLEY — The Senior Community Service Employment Program is seeking low-income unemployed seniors 55 years and older to participate in its paid job training program throughout southwest Colorado. Call 970-385-3995.

VALLEY — San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society is seeking donations of used Little Tikes playground equipment for their seven doggie parks: pools, houses, slides. Please call Aileen at 719-587-WOOF (9663) to donate, or email: [email protected].

VALLEY — Valley children are often sent to the Front Range because there are not enough foster homes here in the San Luis Valley. Needs include foster homes, respite homes and support for foster homes. Call Mary Morin at 719-580-6234 to hear more or 719-589-2581 for an application packet.

ALAMOSA — Open drop-in meditation for health, stress management and spiritual growth, is held at 10:45 a.m. the second Sunday of the month at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish Hall, 607 Fourth St., Alamosa, with Mountain Institute, A Kriya, Meditation & Lamplighting School. Contact Martin at 575-758-5876 or [email protected]

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Police Department offers a bicycle registration program. Owners wishing to register their bicycles can bring them to the Alamosa Police Department at 425 4th St. during normal business hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This service is free of charge to all residents of Alamosa, Alamosa County, and students of Adams State University or Trinidad State Junior College. Contact 589-2548.

ALAMOSA — The Veterans Affairs Office is looking for volunteer drivers to transport veterans for medical care in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver. Call Frank Muniz at 589-1109.

ALAMOSA — La Puente’s homeless shelter serves three meals per day, 365 days a year, to guests and community members. That’s more than 45,000 meals per year. La Puente needs cans of vegetables, fruit, and tomato sauce, as well as pasta, dairy products, and pasta sauces. Blankets of all sizes are also welcome. Those who have anything to spare may please bring it to the shelter at 913 State Avenue in Alamosa (between 9th and 10th St.). For more information or to find out other ways to help, please call 589-5909 or come by the shelter any time.

ALAMOSA— Peace Meditation at the Campus Ministry Office, Adam State University, Alamosa, is held on Thursday evenings at 5:15 p.m. Everyone is invited. Contact Candace Knowlan 805-886-6959.

DEL NORTE — Weekly yoga will be held at the Ruth Marie Center, 575 Columbia Ave. in Del Norte, with Milcah Hawk from 5:30-7 p.m. every Thursday. Come stretch, breathe and relax for just a donation. Bring your mat or use ours. Call 719-850-1672.

ALAMOSA— Alamosa Masonic Lodge meetings are every first and third Thursdays at 7 p.m. (except June, July and August) at the Alamosa Masonic Lodge, Main and San Juan.

LA JARA — The United Church is beginning MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers), which will be meeting the second and fourth Friday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the La Jara United Church, Main and Fifth, with refreshments, babysitting and timely topics just for moms. Call Debbie Vance at 719-580-6721.

ALAMOSA — Adams State University offers the expertise of its faculty to assist communities and local governments in a number of realms, from agribusiness and government internships, to dropout prevention and strategic planning. The guide was produced in cooperation with the Colorado Municipal League. It is available online at: www.adams.edu/community/asu-resource-guide.pdf.

ALAMOSA — Families Healing Families is a community-based organization that provides support and resources for families affected by the impact of substance abuse. They meet on the third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center at 92 Rio Grande Ave. (on the north end of Cole Park) in Alamosa.

ANTONITO — Free Zumba classes for all ages are held at Guadalupe Elementary in Antonito Monday - Thursday from 6:15-7 p.m. in the cafeteria.

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Senior Citizens sell Safeway and City Market Gift cards and receive 5 percent of the sales to make a little money for the center. Stop at the center at 92 Colorado Ave. (north end of Cole Park, Alamosa) and purchase one. The cards are great for groceries, prescriptions or gas as well as gifts.

DEL NORTE — Want to help preserve the history of Rio Grande County? That opportunity is available through the Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center in Del Norte, which needs volunteers to help with greeting visitors, doing exhibits, inventory and computer work. Also the Rio Grande County Museum, Inc. is looking for board members to help with funding-raising, grant writing and other activities. Contact the museum at 657-2847. The museum is located at 580 Oak Street in Del Norte.

ALAMOSA — Enjoy Storytime Fridays at the Alamosa Public Library starting September 4 and running through May 28, 2016 every Friday in the Story Room (subject to change.)  Babies/Toddlers Storytime is at 9:30 a.m. and Preschoolers (3 to 5 years) is at 11 a.m. 

ALAMOSA — The San Luis Valley Photography Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Alamosa Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Contact Stephen Jensen at 379-0001 or [email protected]

ALAMOSA — TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) CO 568, Alamosa, a non-profit weight loss organization, meets every Tuesday evening at the College Heights Baptist Church at 2035 Church Avenue in Alamosa.   Weigh-in is at 5:30 p.m. with an informative meeting at 6:15. Anyone interested in having weight loss support is welcome to attend a free meeting or call Doris at 589-6396 for more information.

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Police Department will now provide citizens with dog licenses on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $2 for spayed and neutered dogs, and $10 for unaltered. A current proof of rabies vaccination is required.

LA JARA — Toddler Time will be at The Conejos Library in La Jara on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.  It is beneficial for parents to read to their children and this provides an excellent opportunity to get started. Free to the public.

ALAMOSA — Search and Rescue meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Alamosa County Sheriff Office, 1315 17th St., at 6 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is welcome. Call Suzi at 719-588-9236.

ALAMOSA – The GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa meets on the second Friday at noon from September through May at First United Methodist Church, NW door, 2005 Mullins Ave. For more information, please email: [email protected].

ALAMOSA — A newly established confidential support group for people struggling with change will take place the first and third Monday of the month in room one of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish Center at 6 p.m. Changing from the Inside Out, facilitated by Luis Murrillo, will provide topics that will lead to conversations about individual struggles with change. Contact Lisa at 719-588-5363.

VALLEY — The Saguache County Veteran Service Office is pleased to announce that homeless veterans and other veterans in financial need can receive help thanks to a five county grant administered by the Chaffee County Veteran Service Office. Contact Jim Sheeran at 719-655-2680. Office hours are Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.             

MONTE VISTA – The San Luis Valley 4-H Robotics is looking for used laptop donations to help with expansion of their youth robotics program. Donated laptops should run Microsoft Windows XP or later or Mac OS 10.6 or later, and have 1 GB of ram and at least a 1 GHz processor. Those interested in donating to support this program can call 719-852-7381 or drop laptops off at the SLV Area Extension office at 1899 E. Hwy 160 in Monte Vista.

ALAMOSA—Alamosa Elks Lodge 1297 hosts bingo at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the lodge room. Food is available.

MONTE VISTA—Tri County Seniors, 311 Washington St. in Monte Vista, are hosting line dance classes every Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. for only $1 per class. New students are welcome. These are for all ages.

ALAMOSA — La Puente Home is requesting hygiene kits to assist the less fortunate of the San Luis Valley. Often, guests arrive at the homeless shelter without even the most basic of necessities. For this reason, La Puente provides kits full of hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, and a washcloth. At this time, La Puente is running very low on all hygiene supplies. Call 589-5909 or stop by La Puente Home at 913 State Ave., Alamosa.

CENTER — Veterans are welcome to learn about the range of benefits they have earned at the Center Public Health building on the third Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 719-655-2680.

ANTONITO — The Antonito Senior Center is hosting Free Nutrition Classes as long as there is an interest.  They are held Tuesday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Antonito Senior Center, 701 Main Street, Antonito. Call Alicia Wagar at 852-7382 or 376-2294.

ALAMOSA — Want to learn how to: reduce stress, manage chronic pain, manage chronic illness and improve quality of life? Join “Let Go Of The Stress” every Tuesday from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in the Grizzly Education Center Board Room at 1919 Main St. in Alamosa. There is no cost. Contact: 589-8008.

MONTE VISTA — The Homelake Veterans Museum’ winter hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon and 1-3 p.m. or call 719-580-0023 for an appointment.  The museum will be closed the week of Thanksgiving Nov. 21-28.

VALLEY — The horses on Wild Horse Mesa are in need of hay. Spirit of the Wild Horse Foundation feeds as many horses as possible to keep them on top of the mesa, off the highway, and away from the ranches. 

Call Spirit of the Wild Horse 719-206-2749, message number 575-586-0784   email: <[email protected]>, or address mail to PO Box 100, Costilla, NM 87524.

ALAMOSA — A Course in Miracles study group meets at 2 p.m. every Sunday at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 607 Fourth St., Alamosa. This is not a religion but is a self-study program of relinquishing a thought system based on fear and accepting a thought system based on forgiveness. Contact: [email protected] or 719-486-6326.

ALAMOSA —The Alamosa Rotary Club meets every Monday at noon Juanitos in Alamosa.  Contact Chris Quintana at [email protected]

ALAMOSA — The Optimist Club of Alamosa meets at Nino’s Restaurant in Alamosa the first and third Tuesdays at noon. Contact the club at alamosaoptimistclub@ gmail.com or President Dawn Melgares at 719-580-0178. Visitors and new members are welcome.

MONTE VISTA — Alzheimer’s support group meets the second Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce & Information Center, 947 First Ave. Call the helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or 719-372-5985.

ALAMOSA — American Legion Auxiliary Unit #113, Alamosa, holds its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday at the American Legion Building at 514 Fourth Street, Alamosa. Call Evelyn Espinola at 719-313-1466 or Alice Robinson at 589-0543.

ALAMOSA — Sit for 30 minutes every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 607 Fourth St., Alamosa, for a slightly guided meditation promoting inner peace and awareness. Contact 719-486-6326.

ALAMOSA — Alamosa Public Library is carrying the online language-learning software by Mango Languages free of charge to patrons. Call Alamosa Public Library, 589-6592.

DEL NORTE — Free video workshops presenting a unique perspective on peace by world renowned speaker Prem Rawat are shared at Wildwood Sounds 850 Grande Ave. Del Norte. Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. Call Sue at (720) 989-4747 or visit tprf.org.

ALAMOSA — Habitat Store is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 507 Main Street, Alamosa.  Habitat offers gently used building supplies and home furnishings for deeply discounted prices. All proceeds go into Habitat’s building program. Habitat will be picking up the first Wednesday of every month in South Fork, Del Norte and Monte Vista and in the La Jara and Antonito area the second Wednesday of every month. To donate, call Rhonda at 588-3689; for information call 589-8688; or check out www.slvhabitat.org

VALLEY — Generous donations from the Valley community have helped to feed more than 1,000 cats and kittens in the San Luis Valley, both feral and pet owned cats whose owners have limited means. To donate cat food please call Donna Ditmore at 589-5952 or 580-9078 or drop donations off at 3095 County Road 108 South, Alamosa. Ongoing donations are much appreciated.

ALAMOSA — Mindful Meditation for Medical Management is every Tuesday, from 12:15-12:45 p.m. at the SLV Regional Medical Center Education and Conference Center at 1921 Main St. Mindful meditation helps with chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes, tinnitus, and other chronic medical conditions. Contact 589-8008.

ALAMOSA – SLV Health has teamed up with the Colorado Colorectal Screening Program to provide free (colon) screenings to the underserved. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable with early detection. Another grant-funded program through SLVRMC and the Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services. Call SLVRMC Patient Navigator Theresa Curtis at 587-6319.

ALAMOSA — Cancer patients and survivors are invited to meetings of a cancer support group on the third Wednesday of every month from 12-1:30 p.m. in the SLV Regional Medical Center Education and Conference Center at 1921 Main Street in Alamosa. Contact: SLVRMC Patient Navigator Theresa Curtis at 587-6319.

ALAMOSA — Sierra Blanca Chapter #43, Order of The Eastern Star, meets on the first and third Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. at the Alamosa Masonic Hall, 512 San Juan Ave.  Call Sharon at 589-4320.

ALAMOSA — Veterans Therapeutic/Support Group meets every Monday from 5-6:30 p.m. at 315 State Ave. Ste 101, Alamosa.  Please call 588-8885 to register or email [email protected]

VALLEY — Parents, grandparents and members of the community: Girl Scouts of Colorado invites you to become a mentor by volunteering with us. Please contact [email protected] or 588-3825.

VALLEY — Those who are expecting or already parents of multiples are invited Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc. Call or text Christina Beiriger at 849-1253.

VALLEY — Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op, a volunteer-run food cooperative featuring fresh, high quality produce at wholesale pricing, is currently on a two-week rotation. Contribution is $18 for first time participants and $15 for returning participants. Sites are currently at the High Valley Community Center in Del Norte, Marsh Elementary School in Monte Vista and at the Gyllings’ property in La Jara. Visit www.BountifulBaskets.org  or call or email Vilate Thacker 719-659-9174, [email protected]

SOUTH FORK — Kiwanis meets every Thursday at 8 a.m. in South Fork. Contact: Karen Miller, 719-873-5466 or email [email protected]

ALAMOSA — The Alamosa Kiwanis Club meets on the second, third and fourth Thursdays at noon at IHOP.  Contact:  Amanda Wilkinson, 719-589-2564 or email [email protected]

CENTER — The Center Kiwanis meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Kiwanis Hall in Center. Contact Dick Ramstetter at 719-580-3329.

DEL NORTE —Every second Saturday of each month the Rio Grande Sportsman Club shooting range will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost will be $5 per person; children under 13 are free. Shooters must provide and wear their own hearing and eye protection. The range is located 1.3 miles west of the Regional Landfill turnoff.  Turn south off US 160 onto Rifle Range Road, at about mile marker 207.5. Please contact Dave Pote 580-0738.

VALLEY — For those who would like to connect with other artists in the San Luis Valley, announce their work or are just interested in getting email announcements about the arts in the Valley, the SLVArtsannouncements group is available for them. Email [email protected], or if for those who have a Yahoo account go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slvartsannouncements/

ALAMOSA — Alamosa County Public Health Department encourages young adults to seek reliable information about pregnancy, birth control and sexually transmitted infections at www.Beforeplay.org.  Beforeplay.org is a website that encourages young adults to take responsibility for their sexual health by having conversations with their partners, friends, family members and medical providers. Call Alamosa County Public Health Department at 589-6639.

ALAMOSA — The City of Alamosa has vacancies on some of its advisory boards. Applicants must be city residents, verified through voter registration. For more information and application forms, go to www.cityofalamosa.org or call the Alamosa City Clerk’s office at 589-2593 ext. 8.

CREEDE —The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW in Creede is seeking donations of cell phones, computers and other electronics. The items will be recycled and proceeds will be donated to veterans’ projects including Homelake and VFW sponsored organizations. Contact Betsy Strawn at 580-5983.

MONTE VISTA —The Monte Vista Historical Society has commemorative playing cards for sale, depicting various buildings and events in Monte Vista’s history, available at the MV Coop, MV City Hall, and the MV Information Center for $10 per deck. 

ALAMOSA— School groups, birthday parties, scout troops, or clubs are welcome for a day of challenge and fun at the Adams State College Adventure Program Indoor Rock Climbing Wall. Groups of six or more can reserve the wall for private climbing experiences. Contact Levi Wilner at 587-7813, or [email protected] or visit asap.adams.edu

ALAMOSA — Colorado State Patrol Office offers a Car Seat Fitting Station at the Colorado State Patrol Office, 3110 First Street in Alamosa, on the first and third Friday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment, 589-2503. Nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect, install or replace car seats. Up to 90 percent of all car seats are installed INCORRECTLY. If a car seat is replaced, a cash donation will be requested.

ALAMOSA —The San Luis Valley Military Family Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Alamosa. For more info call Vicki Jones at 852-3123.

MONTE VISTA — Do you have a talent or hobby you enjoy sharing with others? Why not consider teaching a Community Education Class through the Byron Syring DELTA Center. Instructors typically charge fees to offset their costs. Call Jenny at 852-2212.

VALLEY — Habitat for Humanity works with volunteers and applicants to build simple, affordable homes. Call 589-8678.

VALLEY — The San Luis Valley Housing Coalition offers affordable low interest loans to make home repairs with funding available on first come, first served basis. Call 587-9807 or pick up an application at 529 Main St. #6, Alamosa.

VALLEY — If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence, contact Tu Casa’s 24-hour hotline at 589-2465 or visit their website www.sluvtucase.net.

MONTE VISTA — The Monte Vista Food Bank needs several items to help assist those in need in the San Luis Valley including lotions, towels, coffee, boxed goods, jelly, sandwich bread, feminine hygiene products, and shaving cream. Please deliver donations to the Monte Vista Food Bank on Tuesday or Friday from 2- 4 p.m. or call Sarah Elsey at 587-3499.

ALAMOSA — Biggles’ Battle Mountain Animal Shelter and Sanctuary is in need of blankets, towels, Igloo doghouses and dog and cat food and financial donations. The shelter is a “no-kill” shelter. Donations may be left at/mailed to 76 El Rio in Alamosa. For more information call the SLV Animal Welfare Society at 587-WOOF (9663.)

VALLEY — Residents of the SLV now have access to low cost HIV screening and testing through grant funding. The cost of the test is $5 each, though no one will be denied services if unable to pay. Please contact Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains in Alamosa at 589-4906 for confidential information and appointment times.

ALAMOSA— La Leche League of the San Luis Valley holds its monthly meetings on the fourth Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. at Hospice del Valle, 524 Main St in Alamosa. Pregnant and nursing women are welcome to attend with their children and babies. Please call 587-3657.

ALAMOSA — A support group for neurological diseases meets from 4-5 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at the old restaurant part of the Grizzly Inn in Alamosa. Both patients and caregivers are welcome.

ALAMOSA — Alamosa County Public Health is offering vaccine against cervical cancer.