CENTER – On April 12, the newly remodeled Town Hall Annex, Senior Center and Court Building was the place to be as the Town of Center hosted a Craft and Bake Sale for the community.  

The fifth annual Cinco de Mayo Festival is set for Saturday, May 3, from 12 to 5 p.m. on Adams Street in downtown Monte Vista. It was started by the OptiMystics Citizens Action Network, who decided not to do it this year leaving the event’s future uncertain.  Sandra Marquez and Terry Carroll have stepped up and are organizing the event this year with the help of volunteers.  

MONTE VISTA - La Puente’s Jessica Apodaca Ornelas was all smiles at the Fashion Show on Saturday, April 12, at The Church Project Community Art Center in Monte Vista. 

MOSCA-HOOPER – Sangre de Cristo Preschool announced recently that it has been rated by Colorado Shines, the state's quality rating and improvement system for early care and learning programs. Sangre de Cristo Preschool received a Level 5 rating, a testament to its commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment that supports the development of Mosca and Hooper's children.

COLORADO SPRINGS — El Pomar Trustees approved $50,000 allocated to four nonprofit organizations in the San Luis Valley region at the Foundation’s February Trustees meeting. Through the Foundation’s grant making process, the following organizations were awarded grants:  

Virgil Houle took this photo of white pelicans at Blanca Vista Park on Tuesday, April 8. Houle used his Canon T7 Rebel 2000 with a 300-millimeter lens to capture these magnificent birds.  

ALAMOSA – The award-winning drama, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” opens April 25 on the SLV Federal Bank Main Stage in the Adams State University Theatre Building. Based on Mark Haddon’s novel, Simon Stephens’ adaptation earned six Tony Awards, including Best Play, in 2013. Tickets go on sale on Monday, April 15. 

ALAMOSA — Four-time Grammy nominees and a band with a sound that is distinctly their own, Trout Fishing in America will be on stage at Society Hall on Saturday, April 14. 

ALAMOSA — Randy D. Macy will give a 50th Anniversary Concert on Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m., in Leon Memorial Recital Hall on the Adams State University Campus. The concert program will be the undergraduate senior recital of Macy a collaborative pianist at ASU. 

COSTILLA COUNTY — The Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges is hosting a wildlife walk that is free and appropriate for the novice as well as experienced adventurers.   …

SAGUACHE COUNTY — The 15th annual San Luis Valley Seed Exchange will occur April 12-13 at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, a serene retreat located north of Moffat. Activities will start at 10 a.m. each day and end at 5 p.m. on April 12 and 2 p.m. on April 13. 

April is Financial Literacy Month, a perfect time to take a closer look at your credit score, understand how it affects your financial future, and implement strategies to improve it. By following these five practical steps, you can strengthen your financial foundation and gain access to better lending opportunities. 

Lauren McKinney was presented with the Adams State Educator Highlight Award for her work in the science classroom. Her mom, Chrissy, was instrumental in establishing the award before she departed Adams State a school year ago to re-enter the classroom at Sangre.

ALAMOSA — The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Alamosa County, which connects seniors with local volunteer opportunities, invites the public to its monthly “Spark Speaker Series: Empowering Aging in Colorado.”  

MONTE VISTA – Monte Vista resident and AmeriCorps member Wesley Nance is feeling successful as a member of the PALS Children Program for La Puente. 

MONTE VISTA – On March 29, the Church Project was filled with approximately 40 people who welcomed the sweet sounds of rhythmic music and personal perspective monologues as the Adams State Performing Arts Department of Theatre and Music presented an ASU Cabaret.  

DEL NORTE – The Del Norte Chamber of Commerce met for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 25 to make a final decision for Denver and Rio Grande Caboose 580. Chamber President Paul Fennell opened the discussion to board members and the public while giving a background of the decision that was on the table. 

ALAMOSA — The public and former students or colleagues of long-time SLV music educator Linwood Warwick are cordially invited to join the SLV Community Band – either as a participating musician or as an audience member. This is for a tribute concert slated for Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in ASU's Leon Memorial Hall. 

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE — April is a great time to be in the local national park before the summer rush.  Get outside and visit Great Sand Dunes and reflect on national parks and honor National Park Week and Appreciation Month. 

ALAMOSA — On Palm Sunday, April 13, in Richardson Hall on the campus of Adams State University at 5 p.m., voices from several choirs in the San Luis Valley will unite in harmony to sing praise.