Pine River Valley residents said they wanted more information about upcoming events in their areas. We listened. Here is a quick list of some of the most interesting programs and events starting off the new year (and new decade) in the valley.
In Bayfield, the Pine River Library is launching a 2020 Health Initiative beginning with two events this month. The events help community members start the new year (and new decade) with health in mind.
Local dietitian Fran Sutherlin will lead a discussion called “Breaking up with Sugar.” From 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the library, attendees will learn how sugar affects the body, how to reduce sugar cravings and three steps to reducing sugar in daily diets.
The library will also host a Habit Helpers program. For anyone interested in turning their New Year’s resolutions into successes, a family and consumer agent from the Colorado State University Extension Office in La Plata County will offer tools and strategies for successful goal-setting. The event will held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 15 to Feb. 5.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Human Services are reaching out to Native American students, ages 12 to 17, to participate in focus groups.
The groups are confidential discussions that will inform a new statewide advertising campaign about physical and mental health among young Coloradans. There will be four focus group sessions: at 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Sunday in Ignacio and at 4 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Monday in Durango.
For more information, visit southernute-nsn.gov/news or email Ceriss Blackwood at cblackwood@durangoschools.org.
The Creative District Steering Committee is inviting community members to participate in a community gathering at 10 a.m. Jan. 11 at Ignacio Town Hall.
The town is trying to become a state-certified creative district, a certification that comes with state support and that grows the town’s creative economy. At the beginning of the process, the committee needs community input to establish goals for beautification, development and revitalization projects.
Jan. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Asset giveaway (for Southern Ute tribal members only) at the Sky Ute Casino Event Center.
Jan. 8, 9:15-10 a.m.: Kindergarten readiness program at the Ignacio Community Library. The six-workshop series will help preschool students, ages 3 to 5, with school preparation.
Jan. 9, 6-7 p.m.: Bayfield entrepreneur meet-up group in Community Room B at the Pine River Library in Bayfield.
Jan. 13, 30 and 27, 6-9 p.m.: Safe Sister self-defense classes at the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District Administration Building in Bayfield.
Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-noon: La Plata County Commissioner Julie Westendorff holds public office hours at the Pine River Library in Bayfield.
Jan. 18, 1 p.m.: “Selma” film screening at the Ignacio Community Library. The screening celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Jan. 20.
Jan. 18, 6-10 p.m.: Ultimate Fighting Championship viewing party in the 49 Lounge at the Sky Ute Casino. Two-division champion, Conor McGregor, faces UFC Lightweight Championship challenger, Donald Cerrone.
Jan. 25, 10-11:30 a.m.: Herbal remedy workshop at the Ignacio Community Library. The nonprofit Herb Hut Free Clinic will present herbal remedies for winter illnesses.
If you want your event on the Pine River Times calendar, go to the community calendar on the Pine River Times website and click “add event.”
smullane@durangoherald.com
