What's Happening - March 27 - April 2

Thursday

Mar. 27

‘WE GATHER WITH MODERNIZATION’ 9 a.m.-noon. Central Mountain Small Business Development Center hosts “WE Gather with Modernization” at Chaffee County Fairgrounds, 10165 CR 120, the third of eight monthly sessions for women entrepreneurs. The workshop focuses on tools, strategies and insights needed to streamline, modernize and scale your business. Open to anyone interested. Registration is $29 at bit.ly/4ch8uwF

MOSAIC MAKER WORKSHOP Noon-2 p.m. Mosaic artist Anne Walker leads a free Mosaic Maker Workshop for teens and adults at Salida Rotary Scout Hut, 210 E. Sackett Ave. Participants will help create a 60-foot fish mosaic wall for Chisholm Park. No experience required. All materials provided. To sign up, see link at bit.ly/4c1q5s8.

OPEN MIC AT THE SLAMMER 6-9 p.m. Weekly Open Mic hosted by Landon James at The Slammer, 412 E. Main St.

KARAOKE NIGHT AT THE LARIAT 7 p.m. Karaoke Night at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St. Free admission. 

Friday

Mar. 28

FRIENDS OF MONARCH SKI PATROL APPRECIATION DAY 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friends of Monarch Ski Patrol Appreciation Day features touch-a-truck, 10 a.m.-noon; meet Fergie the Avi Dog, 11 a.m.-noon; toboggan rides, noon-1 p.m.; Mirkey Turkey Uphill Race, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; live music by Running with Scissors, 1-3 p.m.; live music by The Sax Guy, 3-5 p.m.; avalanche explosives demo, 4:15-4:16 p.m. Events are free but season pass or lift ticket required for access to toboggan rides and Mirkey Turkey. (Fundraiser party at 6:30 p.m. at High Side in Salida listed below.)

QPR TRAINING WITH SOLVISTA, CCPH 12:30-2 p.m. at the Touber Building (Tenderfoot Room), 448 E. 1st St., Salida. QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention program designed to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives through practical and proven intervention strategies. The 1.5-hour course is open to anyone ages 18 and up and will teach participants how to recognize warning signs of suicide, facts vs. myths about suicide and how to intervene using the QPR Gatekeeper approach. The training is free, but registration is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to hold the session. Contact Annie Ruiter at 719-221-0379 or email aruiter@chaffeecounty.org to sign up.

VETERANS EXPEDITIONS PRESENTS ‘CLIMBING FILM TOUR 2025’ 5:30-10:30 p.m. at A Church, 419 D St., with climbing short films, local food, local beer and raffle/silent auction. Proceeds benefit Veterans Expeditions. Tickets are $28.70 general admission, $123 VIP at vetexpeditions.com.

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ AT THE STEAMPLANT 6-8 p.m. The 1939 film classic “The Wizard of Oz” is screened at Salida SteamPlant, 220 W. Sackett Ave., along with singalongs, photo booths and pre-show entertainment. Rated G. Dressing as your favorite character is encouraged. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and younger at the box office or salidasteamplant.com. 

MONARCH SKI PATROL PARTY FUNDRAISER 6:30-10 p.m. 37th annual Monarch Ski Patrol Party fundraiser at High Side Bar & Grill, 300 W. Sackett Ave., features Xicano/funk band Los Mocochetes, spin the wheel, stage prizes and silent auction. Tickets are $12 in advance from ski patrol members or $15 at the door.

BOMBARGO AT THE LARIAT 8:30 p.m. Bombargo, a Canadian international touring band that “drops a vibrant splash of soul over their distinctive ‘vintage-pop’ sound,” performs at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St. Tickets are $18.85 at thelariatbv.com/music-calendar.

Saturday

Mar. 29

FLY FISHING 101 AT ARKANGLERS 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fly Fishing 101 at ArkAnglers, 7500 W. U.S. 50, is a one-day exploratory session for both beginners and experienced anglers, with classroom time, casting clinic and river demonstrations on reading the water, line management and fly presentation. Fee of $175 includes equipment use and a $100 ArkAnglers gift certificate. For reservations call 719-539-4223 or email Braden@arkanglers.com.

LGBTEA AND COFFEE March 29, 8:30-10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome! Stop by for a few minutes or a few hours for games and conversation.

SPLIT HAPPENS BOWLING WITH ACHIEVE INC, BV REC 2-4:30 p.m. Achieve Inc. and Buena Vista Recreation host a Split Happens Bowling event for neurodivergent youth ages 14 and older at Split Happens Bowling Center, 7615 U.S. 50. Transportation available from Salida, BV and Leadville. Cost is $5. Sign up at  AchieveLifeSkills.org/FUN.

‘WICKED’ AT THE STEAMPLANT 3 and 7 p.m. Academy-award-nominated movie “Wicked” is screened at Salida SteamPlant, 220 W. Sackett Ave., along with singalongs, photo booths and pre-show entertainment. Rated PG. Dressing as your favorite Oz character is encouraged. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and younger at the box office or salidasteamplant.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT COOL RIVER: LANDON JAMES 5-7 p.m. Come to Cool River and enjoy a performance from Landon James, an original singer/songwriter who blends lively originals with blues, folk and classic rock for a sonic experience that is both tantalizing and satisfying for the ears.

VETERANS EXPEDITIONS PRESENTS ‘CLIMBING FILM TOUR 2025’ 5:30-10:30 p.m. at A Church, 419 D St., with short films, local food, local beer and raffle/silent auction. Includes a New Orleans fly fishing film produced by Salidan Nathan Ward. Proceeds benefit Veterans Expeditions. Tickets are $28.70 general admission, $123 VIP at vetexpeditions.com.

SQWERV AT THE LARIAT 8:30 p.m. Sqwerv, a four-piece indie-psych rock band from Denver, performs at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St. Tickets are $18.85 at thelariatbv.com/music-calendar.

Sunday

Mar. 30

SKI BALLET CLINIC AT MONARCH 1 p.m. Ski Ballet Clinic at Monarch Mountain teaches the basics of ski ballet for those interested in competing in the inaugural Monarch Ski Ballet on April 5, which is open to solo or teams of skiers and riders of all levels. Competition fees will be waived for clinic participants.

GRATEFUL BRUNCH WITH CHRIS NASCA AT THE LARIAT 11:30 a.m. Grateful Brunch with Chris Nasca at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St., features The Lariat’s brunch menu and hits from the Grateful Dead played by Chris Nasca. Free admission.

PRESSING STRINGS AT THE LARIAT 7:30 p.m. Three-piece Maryland soul/roots/rock band Pressing Strings performs at The Lariat, 206 E. Main St. Tickets are $18.85 at thelariatbv.com/music-calendar.

Monday

Mar. 31

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY WITH TOPS Mondays. Weigh-ins: 5:30-6 p.m., meetings: 6-7 p.m. Held at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista. Contact: Janine at 719.395.6597.

Tuesday

April 1

OFFICE HOURS WITH SENATOR BENNET’S STAFF 1-4 p.m. at the Chaffee County Public Safety Complex, 200 Steele Drive, in Buena Vista. Senator Michael Bennet’s staff will be available in Chaffee County to help residents in need of support dealing with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other federal agencies. Schedule an appointment with Jacey Garcia by emailing jacey_garcia@bennet.senate.gov or calling 303-455-7600. Include your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the issue you want to address to help staff better assist you.

AGING MASTERY PROGRAM Tuesdays, Jan. 14 through March 25, 12:30-2 p.m. The National Council on Aging developed the Aging Mastery Program and has been successful at helping older adults build their own playbook for aging well. The program encourages mastery - developing sustainable behaviors across many dimensions that lead to improved health, stronger economic security, enhanced well-being, and increased societal participation. Topics include exercise, sleep, healthy eating/hydration, financial fitness, advanced planning, social relationships, medication management, community engagement, and fall prevention. All participants receive a guidebook. REGISTER NOW at ColoradoMtn.augusoft.net. Held at the CMC Salida Campus. 349 E 9th St.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT EDDYLINE 7 p.m. Trivia Night at the Eddyline Brewery Taproom, 102 Linderman Ave.

Wednesday

April 2

COMMUNITY COFFEE 8 a.m. Join monthly Community Coffee with community leaders on the first Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m. Community Coffee provides an opportunity to be deeply connected, with a larger sense of community and the shared goal of bettering the place we all live, work, and play. Everyone is invited to speak, time permitting. A signup sheet will be at the entrance. 

FILM CLUB 2-4:30 p.m. Each week we will screen a movie followed by a brief presentation or discussion providing helpful resources and information to help you age strong and live your best life. Popcorn is provided, bring your own snacks and drinks. Donations welcomed. The Stardust 16450 CR 306, Buena Vista.

BV SCHOOLS MASTERS CLASSES March 5, 12, 19; April 2, 9, 16. The Buena Vista School District will be hosting a series of Masters Classes this spring. The one-hour sessions will feature District staff, members of the BV Board of Education and a professional consultant who will speak about "key aspects of building trustworthy local governance in schools.” RSVP for the sessions by emailing Brittany Tognacci at BrittanyT@bvschools.org. Visit bvschools.org for more details. 

LOOKING AHEAD

SALIDA CRAFTY HOUR 1st and 3rd Mondays: Jan. 20, Feb. 3 and 17, March 3 and 17. 6-8 p.m. at High Side Bar and Grill in Salida. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays: Jan. 21, Feb. 4 and 18, March 4 and 17, 2-4 p.m. at Starpoint in Salida. 

AGING MASTERY PROGRAM Tuesdays, Jan. 14 through March 25, 12:30-2 p.m. The National Council on Aging developed the Aging Mastery Program and has been successful at helping older adults build their own playbook for aging well. The program encourages mastery - developing sustainable behaviors across many dimensions that lead to improved health, stronger economic security, enhanced well-being, and increased societal participation. Topics include exercise, sleep, healthy eating/hydration, financial fitness, advanced planning, social relationships, medication management, community engagement, and fall prevention. All participants receive a guidebook. REGISTER NOW at ColoradoMtn.augusoft.net. Held at the CMC Salida Campus. 349 E 9th St.

BV SCHOOLS MASTERS CLASSES March 5, 12, 19; April 2, 9, 16. The Buena Vista School District will be hosting a series of Masters Classes this spring. The one-hour sessions will feature District staff, members of the BV Board of Education and a professional consultant who will speak about "key aspects of building trustworthy local governance in schools.” RSVP for the sessions by emailing Brittany Tognacci at BrittanyT@bvschools.org. Visit bvschools.org for more details. 

AHRA CITIZEN TASK FORCE MEETING April 3, 10 a.m. to noon. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and Citizen Task Force invite the public to join our regularly scheduled meeting on April 3. Participants may attend in person (307 W Sackett Ave, Salida) or via Zoom at ahra.mobi/ctfmtg. Agenda item requests may be submitted for consideration prior to the meeting by emailing ahra@state.co.us. The CTF has been functioning since 1990 as an advisory committee, discussing management, growth, and development issues throughout the recreation area.

‘INSIDE THE MIND OF A PREDATOR’ PARENT AWARENESS TRAINING April 3, 6 p.m. at BVHS. Noted author and anti-human trafficking advocate John DiGirolamo will be the featured speaker at a parent awareness training titled “Inside the Mind of a Predator” in the BVHS flex room on April 3. The presentation will include real examples of predator tactics used to exploit children; tips to keep children safe online, particularly with social media; sextortion and human trafficking fed by pornography; how persons become trapped and can’t leave; and the myths vs. the facts. Contact bringingourvalleyhope@gmail.com with questions. 

FIBERARTS GUILD MEETING April 4, 9:30 a.m. The Heart of Colorado FiberArts Guild Will meet April 4 at the SalidaUnited Methodist Church, 228 E. 4th Street, Salida. Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting starts at 10 a.m. This month’s program will feature Diane Baker explaining Sashiko; Sashiko means “little stabs” and refers to small running stitches, originally used for mending garments in Japan. The program will include the history, uses and applications for Sashiko stitching. Guests and new members are always welcome! For more information contact Sue at keyeskat@hotmail.com or visit heartofcoloradofiberartsguild.org

‘HANDS OFF’ RALLY: CHAFFEE COUNTY AND FRIENDS FIGHT BACK April 5, 12-1:30 p.m. The Chaffee County Democrats will join their partners during the Hands Off rally on Saturday, April 5. Attendees will gather at Alpine Park, 120 E 4th St. in Salida, at noon and march to Riverside Park to hear speakers from the community. Sign-making materials will be available beginning at 11 a.m. A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with their values. Similar events will be held in Fairply and Gunnison on the same day. Learn more at mobilize.us/mobilize/event/767104/

SUNDAY SCIENCE: ‘EDWARD S. CURTIS: THE MAN AND HIS LEGACY’ April 6, 9:30 a.m. John Graybill, great-grandson of Edward Curtis, and Coleen Graybill will explore the legacy of the legendary Edward Curtis and his 30 years of work producing over 40,000 images documenting the culture of Native Americans. The doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the talk begins promptly at 10 a.m. Admission is free, and the public is welcome. Please note the change of location to A Church, 419 D Street, Salida.

SDCEA OPEN HOUSE April 10, 3-6 p.m. at Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, 29780 US Hwy 24 N. Drop by Sangre de Cristo Electric Association from 3-6:30 for an Open House. Touch a Truck for the kids, BV E-Bikes, Electric Vehicle Test Drives, a safety demonstration and more. Bring a non-perishable food item for our food drive and be eligible for a raffle. FREE!

THE ALLIANCE’S 40TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE LOVERS’ FANTASY April 17, 5 p.m. The Alliance will host the 40th annual Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy starting at 5 p.m. April 17 at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Pavilion, 15870 CR 162 in Nathrop. The event will have a VIP reception beginning at 5 p.m. with a champagne toast and a special bite. It will also include a denim fashion show with creations from local artists. Enjoy chocolate creations, appetizers, drinks and live music along with opportunities to support The Alliance’s work. Tickets for Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy are available at AllianceChaffee.org/chocolate2025.

CHAFFEE COUNTY EDC PRESENTS: ‘2025 INSIGHTS SERIES: ECONOMIC UPDATE’ April 29, 3:30-6 p.m. Join us for the first Chaffee County Economic Development Corporations Insights Event of 2025. The topic will be a Chaffee County Economic Update, an event bringing together community leaders, elected officials and business leaders to gain Insights into our local, regional and national economy. This session provides a platform to understand the factors influencing our economy while exploring opportunities for economic and community vitality. The keynote speaker will be Richard Wobbekind, Associate Dean for Business & Government Relations, Senior Economist and Faculty Director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado Boulder. Register at bit.ly/4c7X9ib

BUENA VISTA LIBRARY

TECH HELP WITH DEB Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. If you need more support, schedule an appointment with Deb at 719-626-1479 for free tech assistance. Learn new skills or get help with troubleshooting.

ONGOING EVENTS

CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER Sundays on Zoom, 5-6:30 p.m. We welcome anyone and everyone, near and far, to discuss the issues of the day in light of our spirituality and faith journeys, in an open, welcoming and non-judgmental forum. Topics are fluid and chosen by the gathered group with the guidance of the Faith Education Team and Pastor at CUCC. Email cucc.conversations@icloud.com to learn more.

VFW WEEKLY HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT Sundays,6 p.m. at the Johnson Village VFW Post #1166. Blind draw doubles. $5 entry, 3 pits. Call 719-395-2929 for more information. 

CHAIR YOGA AT CUCC Mondays, 11 a.m. Helen Boyd hosts weekly Chair Yoga at the Congregational United Church of Christ at 217 Crossman Ave in BV. These are by donation only

BLUES JAM SESSIONS AT THE STARTDUST Mondays, 6-9 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m., and the jam starts at 7 p.m. 

BV/ARK VALLEY PFLAG GROUP Every 4th Monday, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ. For those 18 and older. Further information: bvpflag@gmail.com. 

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS First and third Sunday of each month, 2 p.m., open meeting at CUCC, 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista. Problems with food? Overeaters Anonymous (OA) can help. Call or text 719-937-1271 for details.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY MONDAYS, 6 - 8 p.m., Cornerstone Church, Buena Vista Campus, 205 S. San Juan. Questions: Lillie Jones, (719) 539-4182 www.loc8nearme.com/colorado/buena-vista/cornerstone-church-buena-vista-campus/6583425 

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY WITH TOPS Mondays. Weigh-ins: 5:30-6 p.m., meetings: 6-7 p.m. New chapter forming! Held at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista. Contact: Janine at 719.395.6597.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Grief support group at Grace Church Parish House in Buena Vista. Six weeks beginning August 13. No charge. Peer volunteers. 

QUEER HAPPY HOUR Every 3rd Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at the Slammer in Buena Vista. Please come and enjoy the growing Queer and Ally community in BV. 

ARKANSAS VALLEY CHRISTIAN MISSION 122 Cottonwood Ave, Buena Vista. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: free lunch 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., food pantry and other resources 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 719-395-9321.

COMMUNITY COFFEE First Wednesday of the month, 8 - 9 a.m., Buena Vista Community Center, Aspen Room. Join local leadership for free coffee and updates on our town.

ARK VALLEY ATHLETICS TODDLER GYM Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m. for ages 1-5. 105 Isabel Court. Visit https://www.arkvalleyathletics.com/programs

YOGA AT CUCC Thursdays, 11 a.m. Helen Boyd teaches classic yoga at BV Congregational United Church of Christ at 217 Crossman Ave in BV. These are by donation only

ARK VALLEY ATHLETICS OPEN GYM 3rd Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., ages 6-18. 105 Isabel Court. Visit https://www.arkvalleyathletics.com/programs

ARK VALLEY ATHLETICS MARTIAL ARTS FOR HEALTH Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.,ages 14+. 105 Isabel Court. Visit https://www.arkvalleyathletics.com/programs

AGE STRONG CHAFFEE’S WEEKLY FILM CLUB Wednesdays, 2-4:30 p.m. at the Stardust, 16450 County Road 306 in Buena Vista. Each week, Age Strong will screen a film, followed by a brief presentation or discussion providing helpful resources and information to help you age strong and live your best life. Dec. 18: Elf. 

AGE STRONG: CHAFFEE WALKS Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m., meeting at the Whipple Bridge in Buena Vista. This is a 45-minute walk that encourages movement, connection with the community and our beautiful Chaffee County. FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Molly Bischoff at mbischoff@chaffeecounty.org

CHAFFEE WALKS: BV Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Join us for walking and sharing with our fellow Chaffee County neighbors. Approximately 1.67-mile round trip walk. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Check Facebook for updates/weather cancelations. Meet in Buena Vista by the Whipple Bridge (near the ball fields along the Arkansas River).

AGE STRONG FILM CLUB Wednesdays, 2-4:30 p.m. Each week we will screen a movie followed by a brief presentation or discussion providing helpful resources and information to help you age strong and live your best life. Popcorn is provided, bring your own snacks and drinks. Donations welcomed. Held at the Stardust 16450 CR 306, Buena Vista.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: BUENA VISTA 4:30-6 p.m. at the BV Library. Build a support system with people who understand. Alzheimer’s Association® Support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to talk through issues and ways of coping. 

ELEVATED VOICES MEMORY CHOIR Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Elevated Voices Memory Choir empowers people living with memory loss/cognitive impairment to find fulfillment and joy in being part of a chorus. If you are someone who is experiencing dementia, you may find joining the Elevated Voices Memory Choir an enjoyable and meaningful activity. Held at the Grace Church Parish Hall, (behind the church) 203 W Main Street, Buena Vista.

AGE STRONG: YOGA FOR GROWN-UPS Wednesdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Slow down and connect your breath with your body, while completing slow mindful movements with zero expectations of results. Classes are FREE. Buena Vista Community Center, 715 E. Main St.

CUCC SHOWER MINISTRY Fridays, noon - 2 p.m., 217 Crossman Ave. Free showers. All are welcome. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels and washcloths are provided.

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM Tuesdays, noon, at the Buena Vista Community Center and on Zoom. For more information or to sign up, call 719-530-2572.

HIKING CLUB. Hikes are most Fridays and are at a different location each week. To join, become a GARNA member and indicate your interest in the club. Then reach out to info@garna.org to be put on the list for times and meeting points.

NAMI CHAFFEE COUNTY - An in-person Family Support Group meeting held every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Salida United Methodist Church - 228 E. Fourth St. www.namichaffee.org for more information and registration or email info@namichaffee.org 

BRIDGE CLUB 1 - 4 p.m. every Thursday at the Community Center. Call Jim or DeDe Wiliams at 719-395-6530 or email dedeinbv@gmail.com by Tuesday night to reserve your spot in the weekly session. The registration fee is $2 per visit at the door.

BV HOPE MEETING every third Wednesday of the month, 3 p.m., in person at the public health building conference room at 112 Linderman Ave., Buena Vista; email buenavistahope@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

ELEVATED VOICES CHOIR Beginning Oct. 24, Every Thursday, 10:45-NMoon, Buena Vista Community Center. A special program for individuals living with early to mid-stage

Alzheimer’s or dementia, along with their care partners. Together we will explore the joys of music, build friendships, and share experiences in a supportive, intergenerational, and LGBTQ+ friendly environment.

CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER Sundays on Zoom, 5-6:30. We welcome anyone and everyone, near and far, to discuss the issues of the day in light of our spirituality and faith journeys, in an open, welcoming and non-judgmental forum. Topics are fluid and chosen by the gathered group with the guidance of the Faith Education Team and Pastor at CUCC. Email to cucc.conversations@icloud.com to learn more!

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER SOCIAL HOUR First Thursday of every month, Main Street Tavern. 308 East Main Street