HUERFANO
FOL Spring book sale begins today
WALSENBuRG — Friends of the Spanish Peaks Library have an upcoming book sale on Thursday, March 7 & Friday March 8, 10 am to 5 pm. If you would like to help with setup on Thursday March 7, come over to the library from 8:30 am to 11 am. Want to join our group? Please call Dalene at 738-1184.
Two Peaks/One Book series continues
LA VETA — Sam Law will introduce Tom Friedman’s bestselling book “Thank you for Being Late” Thursday, March 7, 2 pm. This will be the 4th event from our Two Peaks/One Book series and Sam will concentrate on tying the astonishing findings in the book with out theme “how communities deal with change”. It will be a fascinating discussion, sponsored by the Friends of LaVeta Library with delicious refreshments.
Orientation meeting for CircleTalk in Walsenburg and La Veta
WALSENBuRG/ LA VETA — The public is invited to an orientation meeting for CircleTalk. Meet new people and have interesting and meaningful conversations. Be part of a dynamic program at Walsenburg Housing Authority, 220 Russell, Thurs- day, March 7, 2 pm and La Veta Public Library Friday, March 8, 2 pm. CircleTalk is a simple idea with 1 hour regular weekly meetings. Come meet new friends. Find out more about the program or for more information call Beckie 303-419-0694. Weekly meetings begin March 14 and 15 respectively for 12 weeks. See you there.
Huerfano Soup at La Veta Mercantile
LA VETA — The next Huerfano Soup at the La Veta Mercantile, sponsored by Bachman & Associates will be held Thursday, March 7, 5 pm. One dish + one vote + one passionate community = Huerfano Soup.
Huerfano Soup is a monthly community-based potluck where participants, through this micro-granting dinner, assist a variety of projects in Huerfano County. A potluck item and a $5 donation makes you eligible to vote on the evening’s presentations. As a diner, you will hear 3 five-minute pitches from community members who need funding for projects that are beneficial to the community. Enjoy the best $5 dinner in town with your friends, then choose the winning proposal to receive the evenings donations.
La Plaza de los Leones festival planning meeting
WALSENBuRG — Volunteers from Eagles Hall are working to get the La Plaza de los Leones festival going again. We need people who would be interested in helping put the event together and to see if there is enough interest to move forward. Please call Jim Garcia 719-251-0483. We will meet Friday, March 8, 6 pm at Eagles Hall. 614 Main Street.
Tri-City Trio featuring Ken Saydak at the Mercantile
LA VETA — Mercantile favorites Tri-City Trio will perform at La Veta Mercantile Saturday, March 9, 7 pm. Tickets are $15 advance or $20 at the door.
Originally from Washington D.C., harmonica player/vocalist Al Chesis has been a perennial presence on the Denver and Colorado blues scene since the 1980s. As founder and bandleader of the highly-awarded Delta Sonics (voted best blues band by the readers of Colorado’s premier entertainment magazine, Westword, for six consecutive years). A New York City native, guitarist/vocalist Bob Pellegrino has been a main-stay in Colorado blues for over twenty years. As a member of the Delta Sonics, Bob is a two-time choice of the Colorado Blues Society for best slide guitarist. Ken Saydak, who moved to La Veta from Chicago, Illinois, has enjoyed a more than forty-year career as a musician, writer, vocalist, and producer. Ken is the pianist, organist, and accordionist on over sixty al- bums by national and international artists.
Register ASAP for Life Seeds relationship workshop
WALSENBuRG — The Saturday, March 9 Life Seeds XO life changing event to enhance relationships has limited seating. Early registration is required. The workshop is for everyone in a relationship whether dating, engaged, newlywed, in a mature marriage, or empty nester. Every relationship can be better with a little expert advice.
Life seeds and your home church invites you to attend, Saturday, March 9, 10 am to 5 pm at Villa Jubilee. Registration begins at 9 am with Continental breakfast and the conference includes lunch. The fee for attending is $30 per couple or $15 for a single. Scholarships available. To register go to lifeseed.us, contact us at lifeseeds2@gmail.com, or call 719-989-8118. Some scholarships are available.
Secrets of the big game draw: process 101 at Lathrop
WALSENBuRG — Come learn about changes to the Big Game Draw for 2019, Saturday, March 9, 9 to 11 am at Lathrop State Park. Also learn about tools to make you more successful this spring in the draw and this fall in the field. It will be a great opportunity to ask a Wildlife Officer any questions you may have as well. RSVP: 719-738-2376, or lathrop.park@state.co.us
Cuchara Chapel service
CuChARA — Services are held at 10 am every Sunday at the Cuchara Chapel, located just south of Cuchara Village on Hwy 12. Rev. Eileen Ramsey presides. All welcome, come as you are. ADA accessible. Special music by Tom Munch.
History Happenings Salon
LA VETA — The Huerfano County Historical Society invites you to our History Happenings Salon Sunday, March 10, 2 pm. The History Happening Solon is a series of presentations and discussions on happenings that affected Huerfano County. This salon topic is “Colorado’s First Commune?” which is a discussion of the German Colony in Custer County. Our presenter is David Steffan, M.A., University of Denver, local historian .
Two Peaks/One Book 2019 final program at La Veta Public Library
LA VETA — The La Veta Library Two Peaks/One Book” Series sponsored some exciting events this year to celebrate this year’s chosen book, “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver. Our theme is “How Communities Cope with Change”.
The final event in the Two Peaks/One Book is the showing of an amazing documentary,”From Paris to Pittsburgh” Monday, March 11, 2 pm. “From Paris to Pittsburgh” is about how people across the country are developing solutions to deal with climate change since America’s exit from the Paris Climate Agreement.
March Care ‘n Share distribution
WALSENBuRG — The March Care ‘n Share food distribution will be Tuesday, March 12, 10 to 11:30 am at Delaney Hall on E. 7th. Bring PROPER ID and bags or box for food. Food is distributed on first come first serve basis. Participants must be residents of Huerfano County. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Free legal clinic at Spanish Peaks Library
WALSENBuRG — A free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be featured from 4 to 5 pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the Spanish Peaks Library, 415 Walsen Avenue. The next clinic will be Tuesday, March 12. By computer link, volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues, and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome, and everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upcoming 2019 dates: April 9; May 14; June 11; July 9; August 13; September 10; October 8; November 12; December 10.
Girl Scouts meeting
WALSENBuRG — Kindergarten through 1st grade girls are invited to join troop#35116 at the Walsenburg Housing Authority Tuesday, March 12, 4:30-5:30 pm we will be accepting registrations and having fun.
Lenten events at St. Mary Catholic Church
WALSENBuRG — St. Mary Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, in Walsenburg will hold its Lenten Penitential Service at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13th in the church. Then, on Friday, March 15th, join the Knights of Columbus at Delaney Hall for a Fish Fry at 5:00 pm. St. Mary’s annual Lent Retreat will follow at 6 pm, with Fr. Henry Wertin, all at Msgr. Delaney Hall, just south of the church on East 7th Street. Please call the parish office at 719-738-1204 for further information.
La Veta/Cuchara Chamber meeting
LA VETA — The LaVeta/Cuchara Chamber of Commerce monthly board meeting will be Thursday, March 14, 8 am at LaVeta Schools Library, 126 E. Garland St.
Family Game Night at La Veta Mercantile
LA VETA — The next Mercantile Family game night will be Thursday, March 14, 6 pm with drink specials and free ice cream. Cabin fever? Come join your neighbors for Family Board Games with our fearless leader, John Costea. Game night at the La Veta Mercantile is the second Thursday of each month through April. Game night is replete with beer, wine, soda, coffee, snacks, music, and GAMES! Support our local merchants this winter… we all need each other! This event is FREE
Gardner School Carnival
GARDNER — Come out Friday, March 15, 5 to 7:30 pm for the 2019 Spring School Carnival at the Gardner School. A taco dinner will be served from 5 to 6 pm then stick around for: Bingo, cake walk, booths, silent basket auction, and white elephant sale!
Pub Night at La Veta Mercantile
LA VETA — Come get some Pub Grub, and listen to some very talented musicians known as our beloved Celtic Orphans Friday, March 15, 6 to 8 pm. Enjoy some adult beverages, soda, tea and coffee, as well as snackage in a package. Truly incredible artists and it’s FREE!! Check out the event on Facebook!
SPACe new show reception
LA VETA — There will be a reception at SPACe for the new show “Art Inspired by the Masters” Saturday, March 16, 5 to 7 pm. Enjoy delicious snacks, drinks and good company. The show will be on display until April 6.
3rd Annual La Veta Trails St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Game
LA VETA — The annual La Veta Trails Bingo fundraiser will be held Saturday, March 16, 5 to 8 pm at Mission Deli Mesa, Dance Hall, 124 N. Main. There is a full night of fun starting with music by the Celtic Orphans from 5-6 pm. Then Bingo with prizes 6-8 pm. Enjoy food from a special menu and beverages for purchase from Mission Deli. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with La Veta Trails. This is a fun family-friendly event.
Community childhood screening
WALSENBuRG — Are you aware of the no cost screening day that is available to your families? The Huerfano and Las Animas Counties Early Children Advisory Council and community partners provide no cost screenings to children birth to 5 years of age twice a year to all families in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties. Our next screening day is Saturday, March 16, 10 am to 2 pm at Peak View Elementary School, 375 W. Pine Street.
Children and families have access to no cost screenings such as: dental, vision, hear- ing, developmental, behavioral health and lead. Families are provided copies of their screenings and when there are concerns they are referred to local resources to support their child.
For more information please contact the HuL A Early Childhood Council @ 719-845- 0463.
St. Patrick’s Day dinner at United Church
WALSENBuRG — Wear a bit of green and come to the St. Patrick’s Day dinner at the United Church, across from Loaf ‘n Jug, Saturday, March 16, 6 pm. The dinner is open to all and is free;, however, monetary donations are welcome so that the church can continue to offer the dinners monthly. The menu includes corned beef and cabbage or sausage and sauerkraut, potatoes, green beans, salad, dessert, and drinks. There will be live music and lots of fun and fellowship. Please use the Kansas Avenue (south side) handicapped door where you see the green shamrocks and lights.
Friends of the La Veta Library Board Meeting
LA VETA — The board meeting of the Friends of the La Veta Library will meet Monday, March 18, 1 pm in the Library.
Stand-up Comedy with Mike Stanley at the Fox
WALSENBuRG — Originally hailing from Motown, and after spending a decade honing his craft in the windy city of Chicago, Mike regularly tours, both domestically and internationally. Don’t miss out on an incredible op- portunity to catch the man in action – this high level of killer stand-up is too remarkable to sit out Saturday, March 30, 8 pm. Tickets avail- able at FoxWalsenburg.com or at the theatre.
LAS ANIMAS
Book Readers Rock!
TRINIDAD — Book Readers Rock is a club for readers in grades 6 through 8 at the Carne- gie Public Library, 202 N. Animas. The next meeting of the club is Friday, March 8, 1:30 to 3 pm. The library provides a free book ( Title to be announced).
Adult reading program~Special Relativity
TRINIDAD — The adult reading program continues at the Carnegie Public Library, 202 N. Animas, Friday, March 8, 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Special Relativity was stated more than a century ago, but still a little hard to grasp. Come out for our discussion.
The Youth Club of Trinidad Gamers Tournament
TRINIDAD — Buckle up and choose your favorite player in our first gamers event Friday, March 8, 7 to 9 pm at the Youth Club of Trini- dad, 204 E. Kansas Avenue. Compete head to head to see who’s the best go-kart racer in our Grand Prix or work together in several Team Tournaments. This is a great opportunity to socialize with other like minded peers and build social connections over a common interest while enjoying some friendly competition and team building. We will section the tournaments into age classes and the evening is open to ages 6-17. For info call 719-422-8090.
Storytime puppet club at the Aguilar Public Library
AGuILAR — The Aguilar Public Library will host Storytime Puppet Club the second and fourth Saturday each month starting Saturday, March 9, and concluding May 25. The puppet club will meet 12 to 2 pm and refreshments will be served. There are two ways to sign up for the club: sign up at the library, 146 W. Main or call 719-941-4426. Please provide adult supervision for the younger children.
Carnegie Family Game Club
TRINIDAD — The Carnegie Public Library hosts a Saturday get-together to have fun with board games each month. The next family game club will be Saturday, March 9, 2 pm. Everyone is invited: you must be at least 6 years old to play, but younger siblings can watch. Mousetrap! Monopoly! And more!
Southwest Chief Bicycle & Comedy Festival
TRINIDAD — Join the Southwest Chief Bi- cycle & Comedy Festival for an evening of comedy featuring Denver comedy crushers A.J. Finney, Jose Macall, and Natalia Kvalem Saturday March 9, doors open 8pm/ show 9pm at The Purple Toad, 430 N Chestnut Street. Tickets are $12 at the door.
Stylistically manic, artistically brilliant, AJ Finney is an eclectic midwesterner with a pas- sion for the psychedelic scene of the Sixties. Comedy, jam bands, and Volkswagens — that’s him.
Jose Macall is a joke-hawker from Denver, Colorado. His penchant for offbeat joke writ- ing has allowed him to successfully infiltrate the High Plains Comedy Festival, Project Pabst, The Denver Improv, Comedy Works as well as every dive, hideaway, nook and cranny with a stage to raid.
Natalia Kvalem is a comedian, circus artist, Art Director for No Gods No Masters, and a Blue Dime Cabaret performer.
Monthly breakfast and Lent specials at Spanish Peaks Inn
GuLNARE — Come out to Spanish Peaks Inn, 22590 CR 41.6 in scenic Gulnare Sunday, March 10, 9 am to noon for a fantastic breakfast buffet, $10. All month Spanish Peaks Inn has Lent specials Tuesdays and Fridays. Come down any day for daily food specials and lodging. For more information call 719- 941-4288.
Philosophy club at the Carnegie Library
TRINIDAD — The Carnegie Library is starting a new program for those that enjoy discus- sing philosophy. The club will meet each month on the second Tuesday from 5 to 6 pm. The first meeting will be Monday, March 11, 5 to 6 pm. Do you like philosophizing with others about timeless questions? Join us for a monthly facilitated conversation. Inspired by the Café Philosophique movement, and by So- crates Café, by Christopher Phillips. If you enjoy contemplating what we are and why we’re here, join us for this facilitated discussion. Everyone welcome!
Leadership 21 — classes for high schoolers
TRINIDAD — Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center is offering a Youth Leadership for the 21st Century Program Future Leaders. This class is for area high school kids. Classes will be held Fridays from 1 to 3 pm at Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center, 911 Robinson Avenue, in Zaccardi Hall. To sign up for the program and/or inquiries please contact Ashley DiPaola: (719) 845-4877 by Monday, March 11, 1 pm.
Session 1: Local City Government and County Government Day, March 15. Under- stand the function and mission of the Trinidad and Las Animas County governments and relationships between the two entities.
Session 2: Trinidad, Past, Present, Future & Finance Day March 22: Understand where the city of Trinidad has been and where it is going financially.
Session 3: Teambuilding Day March 29: Build cohesiveness among the group and develop problem-solving skills. S e s s i o n 4: Job prospectors, successful resume writing
and tips on great interview process, Project Day April 5: Understand the relationship be- tween education and a healthy workforce.
Session 5: Third Judicial District Presentation April 12: Identify and understand some of the major judicial challenges within our community.
Session 6: Health & Human Services Day April 19: Increase awareness of healthcare needs and trends and how they impact the community at large.
Session 7: Arts Day April 26: Cyber security, discover and learn about the dangers of web surfing and open social media related leading up to identity theft and invasion of personal information- cyber hacking.
Session 8: Field Trip – Visit the State Capitol May 3 – Students will depart for Denver at 7 am promptly and should be back in Trinidad by 8 pm.
Monthly meditation event at Hearth of the Goddess
TRINIDAD — This month’s meditation circle at Hearth of the Goddess will be held Monday, March 11, 7 to 8 pm. This meditation will focus on the Goddess Persephone and her role in the coming of Spring. Feel free to bring any poems, myths or art that relates to Persephone and other Spring Goddesses to share. Yoga mats, blankets and pillows are recommended to make the floor more comfortable while we meditate.
For more information call 719-680-3663. Hearth of the Goddess is located at 149 E Main St #4.
You’re invited to our Family Cafe at TSJC
TRINIDAD — HuLA Early Childhood Council invites all parents with young children to our first Family Café, Tuesday, March 12, 6 to 8 pm at TSJC Adult Education Services, 600 Prospect Street. Enjoy supper, meet other families, make connections, and learn about resources. Childcare will be on site. Space is limited so call and registered at HuLA Early Childhood Council, (719) 845-0463.
FREE legal help at Carnegie
TRINIDAD — The next free legal clinic at the Carnegie Public Library will be Tuesday, March 12, 3 to 4 pm. Patrons can have a private video conference with an attorney, here at the library. Call the library at 719-846-6841, or come in to sign up in advance. Normally, there will be four, fifteen minute sessions to discuss civil matters only.
Cloverbud Mad Science Laboratory
TRINIDAD — This fun morning, Monday, March 18, 9 am to noon at Las Animas County Fairgrounds, 2200 N Linden Avenue of Mad Science is presented by Las Animas County 4- H Council. This science activity event is for kids ages 5 to 8. Please register by Thursday, March 14. To register or get more information, text 719-680-4040
St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Fundraiser at Branson
BRANSoN — The Branson Sophomore Class fundraiser will be held Thursday, March 14, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Branson School cafeteria, 101 Saddlerock Drive. The meal, $6 for adults (includes one free bingo card) and $4 for seniors/children 12 and under (includes one free bingo card for seniors), will take place from 5:30-6:30 pm. Bingo begins at 6:30. Without purchasing meal, the cost is $5 for the first card; $1 for each additional card for everyone. Assorted prizes and cash grand prize payout. For more information call 719-946-5531
Mt. San Rafael Hospital new provider open house
TRINIDAD — There will be an open house to welcome new providers at Mt. San Rafael Hospital, 410 Benedicta Avenue, Thursday, March 14, 5 to 6:30 pm. All are invited to welcome Damian Mizera, MD, Ashton de Cardenas, PA-C, Lindsey Mochel, FNP-C, and Luis Santiago, MD, to Mt. San Rafael Hospital. For more information call 719-846-8099.
Monthly support group meeting ~ Trinidad Colorado Autism Awareness Chapter
TRINIDAD — The monthly support group for families with a loved one with autism, sensory processing disorders, and developmental delay will be held Thursday, March 14, 6 to 8 pm at Trinidad Community Center, 1309 Be- shoar Avenue. A complementary dinner is served. The meeting/dinner is sponsored by Shandy Clinic. There will be a presentation followed by round table discussion.
“A Place at the Table” documentary screening
TRINIDAD — The Carnegie Library, 202 N Animas St, presents a free screening of “A Place at the Table “ Thursday, March 14, 6 to 8 pm. This documentary investigates incidents of hunger experienced by millions of Americans and proposed solutions to the problem. For more information call 719-846-6841.
Community Screening for Children
TRINIDAD — Are you aware of the no cost screening days that are available to families? The Huerfano and Las Animas Counties Early Children Advisory Council and community partners provide no cost screenings to children birth to 5 years of age twice a year. Our next screening day in Trinidad is Friday, March 15, 10 am to 2 pm at SCCOG Early Learning Center, 1225 Rosita Avenue. All families in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties are eligible.
Children and families have access to no cost screenings such as: dental, vision, hear- ing, developmental, behavioral health and lead. Families are provided copies of their screenings and when there are concerns they are referred to local resources to support their child.
For more information please contact the HULA Early Childhood Council, 719-845-0463
Growing Readers Together- SING!
TRINIDAD — The next Growing Readers Together program will be Friday, March 15, 2 to 4 pm at the Carnegie Public Library. This program is for caregivers (babysitters, grandparents, and other non-licensed providers) and kiddos ages 6 and under, to come learn and play with us! Each participant will leave with a goodies-bag of books and toys to add to their home library collection.
Holy Trinity Academy seeks vendors for Spring Fling
TRINIDAD — Holy Trinity Academy seeks vendors for the Saturday, April 6, Spring Fling at Sabastiani Gym. Booths will be reserved on a first-come-first-serve basis. The deadline for registration is Friday, March 15. We have 25 available spaces. The cost is $30 per space. Your space will be reserved when you turn-in the registration form and $30.
One 8-foot table and two chairs will be provided for each booth. Electricity is available. HTA will sell concessions, so vendors may not sell food or drinks to eat at the event. The HTA vendor contact person is Susie Wichert, 719-846-4522.
Youth Fridays at Mt. Carmel
TRINIDAD — This program at Mt. Carmel, 911 Robinson Avenue, will take place every Friday from 9 am to 2 pm be- ginning March 15 and concluding to May 10 for students in grades 5-8. Activities will include arts and crafts to foster creativity, a delicious lunch with cooking and nutrition lessons, kid yoga for a healthy mind and body, and much more. There are only 20 spots available. $35 tuition for nine-week program. Register: 719-845-4877
Arsenic and Old Lace at SCRT
TRINIDAD — Arsenic and Old Lace is presented by Trinidad Community Theatre a division of Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre and will open Friday, March 15, 7 pm. This three-act black farcical black comedy revolves around the Brewster family, descended from the Mayflower settlers, but now composed of insane homicidal maniacs.
Showtimes for this show are: Friday, March 15, 7 pm; Saturday, March 16, 7 pm; Sunday, March 17, 2 pm; Friday, March 22, 7 pm; Saturday, March 23, 7 pm; Sunday, March 22, 2 pm.
Tickets available at Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre, 131 W Main St, scrtheatre.com or 719-846-4765.
Adult Spelling Bee
TRINIDAD — It has returned! One of our favorite events! Do you have what it takes? Find out by participating in the Adult Spelling Bee Friday, March 15, 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Carnegie Library.
Centering Prayer Class
TRINIDAD — This class is usually only offered in Denver and is normally conducted as a 6 week course. We are fortunate to have an instructor coming to Trinidad to conduct this class over 3 Saturdays with 2 sessions taught each Saturday beginning Saturday, March 16, 9 am at Zion’s Lutheran Church. Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness it- self. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.
This course is being offered free to the public with donations accepted to defray travel expenses. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Andrea Doeden at (719) 859-2301.
Nostalgic movie night
TRINIDAD — A selection of short films will be featured for the free movie night this month at the Carnegie Library, Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 -8:30 pm. Come out for the movie and free popcorn! All are welcome. For more information: 719- 846-6841.
Season pass tickets at SCRT
TRINIDAD — Heading into its 17th season, the SCRT is the region’s crown-jewel for performing arts. Each summer the SCRT brings a company of actors, designers, and directors to Trinidad for the repertory company. In 2013, Trinidad became a Certified Colorado Creative District and is now the demonstration project for Colorado’s Space to Create program, fueling a surge in downtown historic building renovations and creative enterprise. With a rich history in the arts and creative achievement, Trinidad’s downtown Creative District is a focal point of tourism and continued economic growth.
Season pass tickets are available for purchase now at SCRTheatre.com or by calling our box office at 719-846-4765. The SCRT Season Pass includes four tickets to the SCRT Summer Season and five tickets to the Trinidad Community Theatre season. The season pass rate is $160 and available through April, 15th 2019.
COLFAX
Raton public open house: economic development tonight
RAToN — Come and learn about the efforts underway to help grow the economy here in Raton at the Community Economic Development meeting, Thursday, March 7, 6 pm at the Raton Convention Center, 901 S 3rd.
The City has hired the economic development consulting group Better City to help create and implement an economic development strategy. GrowRaton! and the
Center for Community Innovation will also be presenting in- formation about their economic development efforts at the open house. Please attend this kickoff open house to:
– Share your ideas and vision for Raton
– Discuss potential projects and initiatives
– Provide input and help prioritize projects
Free AARP Tax Preparation
CIMARRoN — Free income tax preparation and efiling is being offered by trained AARP Tax Aide preparers in Cimarron on Friday, March 8. Please call the Senior Center for an appointment 575-376-2979.
Hungry Hearts Lunch
RAToN — St. Patrick / St. Joseph Thrift Store, 401 S. 4th St serve free lunches every Saturday, 12 to 1 pm .
Free Aquarian Sadhana
RAToN — Infinite Potential Raton Yoga, 115 S 2nd, will offer a free Aquarian Sadhana Saturday, March 10, 5 am. Sadhana means daily spiritual practice. We begin our sadhana by reciting Japji Sahib which is a sacred text and Universal Song of God composed by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. In chant- ing this, we begin to understand ourselves, the world and uni- verse around us and how we play a part in the vastness of it all.
You can come in at point during the early morning sadhana. Our door will be left unlocked, just come in quietly. If you’re to tired to participate in the chanting portion, you can sleep in the cocoon of the energy & vibration of the group during the 62 minutes of chanting. You can leave early if you need to. It’s very laid back.
Light breakfast and yogi tea will be provided complimentary and is shared after practice to bind our community in love.
Open auditions for Mary Poppins at the Shuler
RAToN — The Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts will be holding auditions for Mary Poppins, the Musical, on Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 pm at the Shuler Theater. Actors of all ages are needed, as well as anyone interested in helping back-stage. Anyone auditioning should come prepared to sing a song of your choice, as well as read some lines. Questions can be emailed to elizabethrecord@hotmail.com.
Child Find Maxwell 2019
MAXWELL — Child Find is a free screening for children ages birth to 5 years old. This year’s Maxwell child find is scheduled for March 13, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Maxwell School Auditorium.
Target areas include vision, hearing, learning, speech and language, as well as find and gross motor skills. Parents may register pre-k children for kindergarten, but must provide a birth certificate and immunization record. For an appointment call Sharon Swanson at 575-375-3024. Child find is sponsored by High Plains Regional Cooperative #3 and Maxwell Public Schools.
Child Find Springer 2019
SPRINGER — Child Find is a free screening for children ages birth to five years old. This year’s Springer Child Find is scheduled for March 14, 1 to 5 pm at Wilferth Elementary Special-Education-Office.
Target areas include: vision, hearing, learning, speech and language, as well as fine and gross motor skills. Parents may register pre-K children for Kindergarten, but must provide a birth certificate, immunization record, and social security card. For an appointment, call Maria Gonzales 575-483-3488.
Child Find is sponsored by: High Plains Regional Education Cooperative #3 and Springer Municipal Schools.
2019 Summer of Color benefit concert featuring Jaquie Gipson
RAToN — Raton Parks & Recreation and The Raton Beautification Coalition present Jaquie Gipson with special guests Michael Delalla and Zoe Elliot for a benefit concert Saturday, March 16, 7 pm at the Historic Shuler Theater. $10 admission at the door.
Gibson’s songs range from more or less traditional acoustic finger style to modern rhythmic double tapping. A style in which both hands are positioned on the neck of the guitar and the strings are played as though they were the keys on a piano, combined with percussive rhythms drummed out on various parts of the guitar body. For those who have not seen her perform, it is difficult to imagine. Truly “seeing is believing.” Jaquie’s singular style of music and her homespun sense of humor combine to make her performances enjoyable and memorable events.
Raton Cycling Club group ride
RAToN — The Raton Cycling Club will have their next group ride Saturday, March 23, 12 pm. The ride will start at Raton Aquatic Center then travel up through Sugarite Canyon State Park and back. To become a member and participate or if you need more information contact Robert (Mac) McIvor at 505- 859-6683 or email rdmcivor84@gmail.com.
Independent Riders annual posole/frito pie dinner
RAToN — The annual fundraiser for the Independent Riders will be held Sunday, March 17, 11:30 am until the food runs out at Raton High School Cafeteria, 1535 Tiger Circle. The dinner is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors/kids 12 and under and includes Posole Frito pie, punch, coffee, and dessert. Proceeds benefit Run For The Wall. Con- tact Tim Trujillo: 575-779-7084 or Ben Munden 575-447-5959.
Child Find Mosquero/Roy
Roy/MoSQuERo — Child Find is a free screening for children ages birth to five years old. This year’s Mosquero Child Find is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 8:30 to 11:30 am at Mosquero Elementary. For an appointment in Mosquero, call Margaret Green at 575-673- 2271.
Roy’s Child Find is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 1 to 4 pm in the Roy School ITV Room. For an appointment in Roy, call Lee Fluhman at 575-485-2242 at ex- tension 3.
Target areas include: vision, hearing, learning, speech and language, as well as fine and gross motor skills. Parents may register Roy pre-K children for Kindergarten, but must provide a birth certificate, social security card, and immunization record.
Child Find is sponsored by: High Plains Regional Education Cooperative #3, Mosquero Municipal Schools, and Roy Municipal Schools.
Raton Cycling Club announces mountain bike ride at Sugarite
RAToN — Raton Cycling Club is having a mountain bike ride in Sugarite Canyon State Park in celebration of National Trails day, Saturday June 1. A 12 mile mountain bike ride will start at the visitors center, go north on the Lake to Lake trail to L. Maloya. From there, we will proceed to Opportunity and Ponderosa ridge trails around Little Horse Mesa, then back down Lake to Lake trail to the visitors center. Folks that are not up to the full ride could jump off at various locations or simply turn around. Wee need to get this event out there so folks can plan ahead. Contact Robert D McIvor, Park Superintendent, Sugarite Canyon State Park at 575-445-5607 with questions or suggestions.
OUT OF OUR WORLD
Cranes make annual return to San Luis Valley
MoNTE VISTA — In the San Luis Valley nature is again putting on one of its most memorable displays: the spring migration of Greater Sandhill Cranes. In appreciation of this wildlife spectacle, area organizations, businesses and wildlife agencies are holding the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 8-10.
The cranes started arriving in mid-February, flying from their winter nesting ground, primarily in New Mexico. The large wetland areas, wildlife refuges and grain fields in the San Luis Valley draw in about 25,000 birds. The cranes stop in the valley to rest-up and re-fuel for their trip north to their summer nesting and breeding grounds in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
The birds that migrate through Colorado are the largest of the North American sandhill subspecies standing 4-feet tall, having a wing-span of up to 7 feet and weigh- ing in at 11 pounds. Besides their imposing size, the birds issue a continuous, distinctive and haunting call. At this time of year cranes are engaged in their mating ritual and the birds perform an elegant hopping dance to gain the attention of other birds.
The birds are abundant in areas near the town of Monte Vista and wildlife watchers can see the birds most readily in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, about 5 miles south of town of Colorado Highway 15. Birds also gather at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of the town of Alamosa, and at that Rio Grande, Higel and Russell Lakes state wild- life areas.
The cranes are most active at dawn and at dusk when they’re moving back and forth from their nighttime roosting areas. But in the middle of the day they graze gracefully in the grain fields of the Monte Vista refuge.
Be sure to dress warm, as winter still reigns in the valley. During the three days of the festival, free tours are offered at 7 am and 4 pm when the birds are most active. Visitors take buses to various spots on the wildlife refuge, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffers talk about the migration and the refuge. If you want to take a tour, be on time because the buses leave promptly.
The number of cranes in the valley peaks in mid-March; but many birds linger through the month. So even if you can’t go the weekend of the festival there’s still plenty of time to see the birds. Birdwatchers who travel on their own should be cautious when parking, getting out of vehicles and walking along roads. People are also asked to view birds from a distance with binoculars and spotting scopes, and to observe trail signs and closure notices.
Many other bird species – including eagles, turkeys, and a variety of raptors and waterfowl – can also be seen throughout the San Luis Valley. Look in the many cottonwood trees for owl nests.
The festival headquarters and starting point for the tours is the Ski Hi Park building located near U.S. Highway 160 on Sherman Avenue on the east side of Monte Vista. Visitors can pick up maps, schedules and information at the headquarters. Besides the tours, a variety of workshops are put on by bird, wildlife and photography experts. An arts and crafts fair continues through the weekend at the headquarters building.
For more information on the Monte Vista Crane Festival, see: mvcranefest.org; or https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Monte_Vista. For more information on State Wildlife Areas in the San Luis Valley, go to: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo
Journey into the past at Bent’s Old Fort
LA juNTA — The National Park Service is offering an opportunity for individuals to “step back in time” and experience life as it might have been 170 years ago at a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail.
On Saturday, March 16 the fort will host “Frontier Skills Day.” This one-day experience will allow adults to experience fur trade life of the 1840s. Participants will perform “hands on” activities in roles as traders, domestics, hunters/trappers, carpenters, and blacksmiths.
Activities might include learning Indian Sign Language, frontier cooking, using 19th century hand tools, animal packing, or beaver trapping depending on which role you occupy. Open slots for this experience are limited as some roles have already been filled. Currently openings remain in all categories.
Pre-registration is required for this event, which will run from 9 am to 4 pm on that Saturday. Cost to attend is $20 which includes supplies and materials for living history activities and a period meal. Registration forms and more information are available at the park’s website www.nps.gov/beol, click on “Plan Your Visit,” then “Calendar” or you can stop by or call the park at (719) 383-5026.
This event will focus on the cross-cultural relationships found at the fort in the 1840s as participants experience life as it was in the past. You are invited to join us to take a step back in time at Bent’s Old Fort.
