***Chronological
Events***
Long-Term Events
(These events are
occurring right now, and continue to occur until the end date listed
in bold)
Now through March 15th
The Community Action Agency of Southern
New Mexico is offering free aid to DACC and NMSU May 2010 Nursing Graduates.
The Nursing Licensure Assistance Program provides funding for application
fees, Licensure preparation and testing fees for all who qualify.
Applications can be picked up at Community Action Agency on Foothills
dr. in Las Cruces. [INFO: Lisa Pena 575-527-8799 ext
165]
Now through March 19th
The Alamogordo Speaker series is currently
accepting stories about the Bataan Death March
from the community for their event “Bataan: The History—The
Aftermath” that will be taking place in March. The Speaker Series
is collecting stories, photos and memorabilia for publication in the
Memory Book to be made available at the event. The coordinators
of the Speaker Series are asking citizens, their relatives or friends
if they have a story of sacrifice, survival, and/or aftermath of the
Battle for Bataan that they would like to share. The coordinators
can be c0ntacted at a number we have here. [INFO: echoofthedesert @yahoo.com
or 575 443 4408]
Now through May, 2010
Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity
is seeking volunteers for their current building season. Habitat for
Humanity builds houses for those in need Monday through Saturday, from
8am to 3pm. Sign up for slots can be made by calling the local office.
[INFO: 575-525-0475]
Short-Term Events
(These events only
occur on the date or dates listed in bold)
Monday, March 8th
The Silver City/Grant County Widowed
Persons Service will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. on Monday,
March 8th at Western New Mexico University cafeteria in Silver
City. Nurse Allee Barr will talk about energy exercise for seniors.
There is a small fee for the lunch and program. [INFO: 575-538-9344]
Monday, March 8th
Registration is now open for spring
art classes for children and adults at the Las Cruces Museum of Art.
The spring session will begin the week of March 8 and run through the
week of April 26. The two-dimensional art classes currently offered
for adults are Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Classical Oil Painting, and
Pastel Painting. The classes offered in the ever-popular ceramics program
are Beginning, Intermediate-Advanced, and Elaborate Surfaces in Clay.
Courses on Weaving, Digital Photography, and Photoshop are also offered.
Adult classes are designed for all levels and teens are welcome to enroll.
Classes are also available for kids. [INFO: Class schedules and
registration Forms are available at the Museum and on the website at museums.las-cruces.org.
(575) 541-2217]
Tuesday, March 9th
The Friends of Thomas Branigan Memorial Library host
monthly Book Reviews on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. On March
9th, Michelle Guzman-Armijo will review "The Road"
by Cormac McCarthy. The reviews take place at 1:30 PM in the Terrace
Gallery at Branigan Library. They are free and open to the public.
Refreshments are provided after the review. [INFO:c.strosser @yahoo.com.
575-528-4000]
Tuesday, March 9th
The Doña Ana Archaeological Society
will meet at 7 PM on Tuesday, March 9th and feature Richard
Loose who will give a presentation on the Curved Rock That Speaks in
Chaco Canyon. The meeting is free and open to the public. Info 575-524-9497.
Wednesday, March 10th
The Native Plant Society of New Mexico
, Las Cruces chapter presents
Phil Alkon, Adjunct Professor at NMSU, will speak on the Negev Desert
of Israel and how it compares with the Chihuahuan Desert on Wednesday,
March 10th at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room of the
Social Center at the University Terrace Good Samaritan Village.
The talk is free and open to the public. [INFO: 523-8413]
Wednesday, March 10th
Alma d’ Arte will be holding an open
house on Wednesday, March 10th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the
school. It is open to the public. [INFO: almadarte
.org]
Wednesday, March 10th
The Dona Ana County Genealogical Society
will meet on Wednesday, March 10th at 2:00pm at the Las Cruces
Railroad Museum. The program this month will be presented by Carl and
Carole Luke about their trip to the Gathering 2009, part of the Homecoming
2009 in Scotland and genealogical research at the General Register House
in Edinburgh. The event is free and open to the public. [INFO:
email dacgslc
@gmail.com]
Thursday, March 11th
Anthropology Professor Dr. Beth O’Leary
and longtime Las Cruces Resident Clarence Fielder will be giving the
talk “IF THESE ADOBE WALLS COULD SPEAK:
The Restoration of Phillips CME Chapel, an Historic African American
Church in Las Cruces” on Thursday, March 11th at noon in
Kent Hall on the NMSU campus. The talk is free and open to the
public. [INFO: 646 2560]
Friday, March 12th
Mountain View Market presents Ayurvedic
Doctor Vaidya Priyanka and Yoga Instructor Nanci Tudish teaching a Ayurveda/Yoga
Class combining lecture and practice on Friday the 12th of March at
Mountain View Market. [Info: 575-523-0436]
Thursday, March 11th
through Sunday, March 14th
The Deming Gem and Mineral Society
will be hosting the 45th Annual Rockhound Roundup Thursday,
March 11th through Sunday, March 14th at the Fairgrounds
in Deming. The event features over 100 vendors, fossil digging
for kids, silent and live auctions, field trips to collect rocks and
more. Admission and parking are free. [575-267-4399
Bud Daily]
Saturday, March 13th
The Native Plant Society of New Mexico
, Las Cruces chapter will be holding a Field Trip on Saturday, March
13th at 8am to see local displays of spring wildflowers.
Participants are asked to meet at east parking lot of K-Mart on Hwy
70. [INFO: 523-8413]
Saturday, March 13th
Lynn Middle School will be celebrating
"Fifty Years of Engaging Minds" with an Open House on Saturday,
March 13th from 4-6pm. Interested persons can find their year of attendance
at Lynn in the Hall of Decades, share memories at the Oral History Booth,
and see the work of students in the Art, Multimedia, and Engineering
Magnet programs, and listen to performances by Lynn Choir, Band, and
Orchestra. All former students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to
come. [INFO: Alumni may contact Dorris Hamilton @ 524-2730 for
more information]
Saturday, March 13th
The Branigan Cultural Center and Las
Esperanzas will lead a free tour and talk of the Phillips Chapel at
638 Tornillo Street on Saturday, March 13th at 10:00 am.
The public will be able to see the restoration efforts of the old church.
Clarence Fielder and PatTaylor will be discussing the history of the
church and the steps necessary to restore it. [INFO: 646 2560]
Saturday, March 13th
The Las Cruces Branch of the American
Association of University Women is sponsoring the “Girls Can!” career-exploration
conference for sixth-grade girls on Saturday, March 13th
at Lynn Middle School from 8 am to noon. The conference is designed
to encourage girls to be goal-oriented and to continue their education
beyond high school. The half-day workshop brings girls together with
talented local professional women who work in a variety of disciplines. Twenty-one
careers are represented – everything from dentist and engineer to
judge, public relations expert, and veterinarian. There is a small registration
fee. [INFO: 575-647-1939]
Sunday, March 14th
There will be a book discussion on
"Gentlemen of the Road" by Michael Chabon at Temple Beth El
on Sunday March 14th at noon. Linda Kruger will lead the
discussion. Bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.
[INFO: 647-1808]
Monday, March 15th
(and Wednesday, March 17th)
The League of Women Voters and the
Academy for Learning in Retirement present a four part lecture series
discussing state and local government during the March lecture series.
On Monday, March 15th, Dona Ana County Public Information
Officer Jess Williams will discuss county government. On Wednesday,
March 17th Las Cruces City Manager Terrence Moore will discuss
city government. The series continues on the 22nd.
The talks will be from 10:30AM to noon in the Good Samaritan Society
Village auditorium. There is a small fee for each talk.
[INFO: 522-7564]
Wednesday, March 17th
The Mesilla Valley Audobon society
presents the talk “The Butterflies of Las Cruces” with
Steve Cary, Natural Resource Planner
for the New Mexico State Parks and author of Butterfly Landscapes of
New Mexico. Steve will discuss the butterflies of Las Cruces in
time for the upcoming butterfly season. The talk will be at the Village
at Northrise, Hallmark Building at 7:00 pm. It is open to the public.
[INFO: 575-382-3348]
Wednesday, March 17th
(deadline is March 14th )
The Southwest Women's Fiber Arts Collective
will be holding a Knitted Edgings Workshop on Wednesday, March 17th
from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Common Thread on West Broadway in Silver City.
There is a small fee for the workshop. [INFO: Sign up by March
14 at The Common Thread 575-538-5733]
Thursday, March 18th
The Teaching Academy at New Mexico
State University presents Dr. Robert Bringle from Purdue University
talking about “Social Justice through Service Learning: What,
How and Why” on Thursday, March 18th from 9 to 10:30 am
in room 50 of Milton Hall. Pre-registration is required.
[INFO: 646-2299 or by going to the website: teaching
.nmsu.edu]
Saturday, March 20th
and Sunday, March 21st
The New Mexico Women’s Foundation
presents “The Rag Rug Festival & Design Collective” in Las Cruces
at the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum from 10am to 4pm Saturday, March
20th, and again on Sunday, March 21st. It is
open to the public. [INFO: (505) 983-6155 or by emailing frieda@
nmwf.org]
Saturday, March 20th
(Registration Deadline by March 18th)
The Mesilla Valley Audobon society
presents a field trip on Saturday, March 20th to the Holloman
Lakes Important Bird Area and White Sands National Monument. Registration
for the field trip must be received by March 18th. The trip is
limited to 15 participants. [INFO: David Griffin by March 18 at 575-382-2080
or GriffinBio@
gmail.com]
Saturday, March 20th
Enchanted Gardens will offer a workshop
on learning the four styles of meditation gardens: Nature Appreciation,
Personal Retreat, Zen and Labyrinth on Saturday, march 20th
beginning at 2pm. This workshop will be conducted by Jane Grider.
There is a small fee. Reservations requested. [INFO: 575-524-1886
or gardens @zianet.com]
Monday, March 22nd
(and Wednesday, March 24th)
The League of Women Voters and the
Academy for Learning in Retirement present a four part lecture series
discussing state and local government during the March lecture series.
On Monday, March 22nd, NMSU Professor of Government Dr. Jose
Garcia will be discussing New Mexico government. Director of
the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry for New Mexico Ruth Hoffman will be discussing
the state budget on Wednesday, March 24th. The talks will
be from 10:30AM to noon in the Good Samaritan Society Village auditorium.
There is a small fee for each talk. [INFO: 522-7564]
Thursday, March 25th
Mountain View Market Co-op presents
the talk “SPRING CLEANSING” with Naturopathic Doctor Genevieve Chavez.
Learn the basics of Detoxifying for health and why and when to do a
Liver, Bowel, Blood, or other type of detox. The talk is Thursday, March
25th from 6 to 7:15pm at the co-op. There is a small
fee. [INFO: 523-0436]
Friday, March 26th
Author Mikaya Heart will be reading
from her latest book, My Sweet Wild Dance,
on Friday, March 26th at 7pm at the New Mexico GLBTQ Center
at 1210 N. Main Street in Las Cruces. The event is open
to the public. [INFO: 1-888-286-9306]
Saturday, March 27th
Enchanted Gardens will offer a workshop
on gardening with nature by adding native plants to the garden on Saturday,
March 27th beginning at 2pm. Learn more about how to
use native plants to create a colorful, low maintenance garden. There
is a small fee for non members. Reservations are requested. [INFO:
575-524-1886 or gardens @zianet.com]
Sunday, March 28th
Herbalist and Midwife, Virginia Ahearn
will be leading a workshop on Herbal Medicine for Menopause and Osteoporosis
on Sunday, March 28th at Mountain View Market Co-op.
Herbal Medicine can be safely and effectively used for all the symptoms
of menopause; hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, hormonal balancing,
osteoporosis and more. The workshop takes place from noon to 3
on March 28th and there is a fee. [INFO: 575-523-0436]
Monday, March 29th
NMSU Library Government Documents and
Maps Librarian Dorothy Ormes will give the talk, “Ugly Ducking to
Swan: Federal Government Documents for thePublic User,” on Monday,
March 29th, at 3 p.m., in the Terrace Gallery of the Thomas
Branigan Memorial Library. The talk is free and open to the public.
[INFO: (575) 646-4385 or ormesd
@lib.nmsu.edu]
Tuesday, March 30th
The Wild Turkey Sportsmen’s Association
will present its annual spring gobbler calling and hunting seminar on
Tuesday, March 30th at 6:30pm at the Game and Fish Department
on Northrise in Las Cruces. The seminar is free and open to the
public and will run for 3 hours. Registration begins at
6pm. [INFO: 575-644-7751]
**On-Going Events***
- The Mesilla Valley Audubon
will offer local birding trips on the 2nd and 4th
Thursdays of March and April. (March 11th and 25th
will be the first trips). Trips will be geared to the beginning birder
and destinations will be determined the day of the trip. All trips will
be within 15-20 minutes of Las Cruces. Trips will start at 8:00 a.m.
and last 2 to 2½ hours. Meet at the north end of the Loretto Towne
Center parking lot. For further information and reservations, please
contact John Douglas, 575-541-0133 or jlddouglas
@zianet.com
- Ciclovia Las Cruces sponsors
monthly events that promote health and activities. On the last
Sunday of each month, Ciclovia offers bike riding, walking, jogging,
dancing, aerobics and more for the whole family. The free monthly
event takes place from 10am to 2pm at Young Park in Las Cruces.
[INFO: 522-0289]
- Crossroads City Derby, the
all women’s Las Cruces Roller Derby team, is currently recruiting
women who want to participate in regular Roller Derby tournaments.
The Crossroads City Derby welcomes women of all experience levels, shapes
and languages. Practice is Sundays from 4 to 6 and Wednesday evenings
from 7 to 9pm. [INFO: ccderbydolls
@gmail.com]
· The Foundation for Las Cruces Museums, a
non-profit organization that supports the City of Las Cruces’
four museums, is seeking reliable, responsible volunteers to work in
their gift shop, El Mercado de los Museos, located in the Las Cruces
Museum of Art. While retail experience is helpful, it is not required
and training will be provided. Shifts are available on Wednesdays, Fridays
and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and occasionally during special
evening events. [INFO: Jan Snyder at 575-521-3468]
- Ben Archer Health Center
is facilitating a diabetes support group that is free to Dona Ana County
residents through June 2010. In addition, Ben Archer provides free classes
in English and Spanish to help you manage your diabetes and control
your blood sugar. Patients of Ben Archer may be eligible for assistance
with diabetic testing supplies. [INFO: Ben Archer Health Center at (575)
382-9292]
- Sandhi Scott leads the
class “Metaphysics 101” on Thursday evenings at the Allegre Health
Center. The class runs from 7 to 8:30pm. [INFO: 575-405-9597]
- Las Cruces Toastmasters
meets every Wednesday evening, giving its members the opportunity to
develop and improve their public speaking abilities through local club
meetings, training seminars and speech contests. Guests and new members
are welcome!
·
Big Brothers and Big Sisters
of Las Cruces is looking for volunteers for its year-round, school-based
mentoring program. Mentors act as positive role models by helping elementary
school children with homework as well as play games, for at
least one hour a week. [INFO: 575-523-9530, Reina Acosta OR Rebecca
Garin]
· Develop public speaking skills in a supportive
environment every Tuesday morning at 6:30 in the Good Samaritan Conference
Room on the first floor, by attending Gene Gester’s Toastmaster Club.
[INFO: 505-522-1163, Gene OR 505-522-3791, Sonia Wood]
· The Las Cruces Newcomers Connection has screened
and selected health professionals and businesses for referral to newcomers.
Those new to Las Cruces may call The Newcomers Connection at 505-621-3146
for a personal, in-home welcome visit, city information and a free gift
package. [INFO: 575-621-3146, Faith Motyl]
· The Children, Youth and Families Department
offer information on adoption and foster care on the
1st and 3rd Tuesday
of every month. Sessions are also held in Spanish the 3rd
Wednesday of every month. [INFO: 575-524-6400, 1-800-432-2075, www.
cyfd. org]
· You can help those with limited budgets or
low incomes by offering assistance in paying electric bills. For more
information, contact El Paso Electric Company. [INFO: 575-526-5555,
El Paso Electric Co.]
· The Munson Senior Center presents “Breakfast
at Munson!” everyday between 8:00 and 9:00 am. Anyone sixty and older
is invited to join the cold breakfast which includes cereal, milk, bread,
muffins, and juice. [INFO: 575-528-3000]
· The University Terrace Good Samaritan Village
hosts a Parkinson’s support group on the 1st
Tuesday of each month at 3:00 pm in the Social Center’s Conference
Room. Those suffering from Parkinson’s, family members or caregivers
are encouraged to attend. [INFO: 575-522-1362, Laurel; 3011 Buena Vida
Circle]
· Help make hats for cancer patients with the
Binkie Patrol, a non-profit group that meets the 4th Saturday
of each month from 10 am to noon in the Social Center Conference Room
at University Terrace Good Samaritan Village. [INFO: 575-522-1362, Laurel;
3011 Buena Vida Circle]
· New Mexico State University’s collection
of rare petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals is on display at
the Alumni and Visitor’s Center and at the Zuhl Library Monday-Friday,
8am-5pm. [INFO: 575-646-3616; 775 College Drive]
· Branigan Memorial Library offers the year-round
program, “Mother Goose Time” for children birth to 13 months old,
Wednesdays at 11:00 am. Caregivers and babies will participate in an
interactive lap-sit. [INFO: 575-528-4225, Sandy]
· Branigan Memorial Library offers the year-round
program, “Toddler Time” for children ages 1 to 3 on Thursdays at
10:00 am. Children will hear songs, finger plays and stories. [INFO:
575-528-4225, Sandy]
· Branigan Memorial Library offers the year-round
program, “Read to Me” for children ages 3 and up Tuesdays at 10:30
am. Children will hear stories, finger plays, song and puppet shows.
[INFO: 575-528-4225, Sandy]
· Alpha Nurses check your blood pressure and
glucose levels at the Benavidez Community Center on Mondays from 10:00
am to noon, at the Mesilla Park Community Center on Tuesdays from 10:00
am to noon, at the Munson Senior Center on Wednesdays from 9:oo am to
11:00 am, and at the Eastside Community Center on Thursdays from 10:00
am to noon. [INFO: 575-528-3000]
· Helpers are needed for the
“Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.” Assistance is needed in
the Adult Day Care, the Natural History Museum, the Hispano Chamber
of Commerce and at Habitat for Humanity and Las Cruces, Mayfield and
Onate High Schools. [INFO: 575-528-3000, Donna Thomas]
· The Las Cruces Museum of Natural History in
the Mesilla Valley Mall welcomes children to the ZOOMzone. Based on
the PBS television program ZOOM, the ZOOMzone is a place to try science
activities with the staff and junior docents. Open every Friday night
from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Saturdays from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and Sundays
from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. [INFO: 575-522-3120]
· The Southern New Mexico Diabetes outreach
hosts Diabetes Educational Support Group meetings every fourth Monday
of the month from 10:00 am to 11:15 am at Mountain View Medical Center
in the community room. Open discussion, short teachings, and a question
and answer session will be provided. [INFO: 575-522-0289; 2020 N. Valley
Drive]
· New Mexico State University offers many
dance and fitness classes for both children and adults that are open
to the community. You don’t have to be enrolled in the university
to attend. Classes such as yoga, pilates, ballroom and tap dancing are
taught by NMSU faculty and dance students. [INFO: 575-646-2070; $2-10/class,
discounts on bulk purchasing]
· The Area Agency on Aging, presents Hatha
Yoga classes taught by Nora Bailey at the Benavidez Community Center
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:00 am. Ages 50 and over are welcome.
[INFO: 575-528-3000; 1045 McClure]
· Rural Bookmobile of the Southwest travels
Monday-Thursday to small towns in Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero
and Sierra counties. For a schedule of events contact 575-534-4617.
· La Leche League of Las Cruces offers breastfeeding
support to expectant and nursing mothers. Monthly meetings are held
on the first Friday of every month at 10:00 am at the Family Resource
Center on the NMSU Campus, C-100 Cervantes Village (near the Children's
Village), and on the third Friday evening of every month at 6:30 p.m.
at a Leader’s home (call for address). Leaders are also available
throughout the month to offer information. Call Renee (575) 635-683
]
· The Dona Ana County Humane Society hosts “Yappy
Hour,” a dog-socializing and wine tasting event every third Tuesday
of the month at the Blue Teal Vineyards. Everyone with or without dogs
is welcome. [575-382-0018, Ext. 117]
· LasCrucesMoms.com, an informational website
for moms, dads, and families in Las Cruces and surrounding areas, lists
opportunities for children’s programs and activities. The website
also features an e-group for caregivers and parents to network, ask
questions, and plan events. The website is continuously updated to provide
services and information for parents and guardians. [INFO: www. LasCrucesMoms.com]
· Barnes and Noble in the Mesilla Valley Mall
will hold “Weekly Story Time” for children on at Wednesdays 10am,
Thursdays at 6pm, and Fridays at 10:00am throughout the summer. [INFO:
575-522-4728; FREE]
· The City of Las Cruces has opened a new
Recycling Drop Off Center at 4755 E. Foothills, just outside the old
Foothills Landfill. This location will accept corrugated cardboard,
newspaper, aluminum, and plastics #1 and #2. The Center is available
24 hours a day, seven days a week. [INFO: 575-541-2182]
· The Truth or Consequences/Sierra County Farmers’
Market is open every Saturday at Ralph Edwards Park and every Tuesday
at the Charles Motel. The hours at both locations are from 8:30 to 11:30
am. The market features locally grown produce, local products such as
eggs, cheese, baked goods, and arts and crafts produced by locals. Leashed
dogs are welcome to attend. [INFO: 575-514-0231]
· The Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach
holds support group meetings on the 3rd Thursday
of each month from 10:00am to 11:15am at the Benavidez Center. The group
provides open discussion, short teachings regarding diabetes and a question
and answer period. [INFO: 575-522-0289; 1045 McClure Rd; FREE]
· The Humane Society of Southern New Mexico
is launching a Pet Help Line at the end of November 2008.The Pet Help
Line will help owners solve a multitude of problems, and reduce pet
abandonment. Call Michel at 644-0505 if you would like to join her Pet
Help Line Team that will promote pet retention and refer people to pet
resources.
· Mystery fans and train fans alike are invited
to join the Rail Readers, the book club at the Las Cruces Railroad Museum.
They meet the second Wednesday of each month to discuss a train mystery
book. There are two meeting times, 11:00 a.m. to noon or 6:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. [INFO: 647-4480]
· ASSE
International Student Exchange Programs is looking for volunteers to
serve at Area
Representatives in their local
community. ASSE provides academic year, semester, and short-term exchange
programs in the United States for high school-aged students from around
the world. [INFO: 1-800-733-2773]