CALENDAR
CONTINUING
GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST:
Enter Esther Bone Memorial Library’s inaugural gingerbread house contest. Bring your homemade gingerbread house to the library by 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, or Tuesday, Dec. 12. Judging will take place at 5 p.m. on Dec. 12. The winner will receive a $30 gift card to ChocGlitz and Cream. 950-Pinetree SE. 891-5012 or riorancholibraries.org.
SANDOVAL MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT: Urban
Horticulture Class Series is held the first Wednesdays of the month, except July, August and December, 1-3 p.m. at the Sandoval County Extension Office, 811 Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo. Gardening with the Masters Class Series is held the first Tuesdays of the month, 7-8:30 p.m., Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark SE, Rio Rancho. 4 Seasons Gardening
Class Series is held the third Tuesdays of the month, 7-8:30 p.m., Sabana Grande Recreation Center, 4110 Sabana Grande SE, Rio Rancho. All classes are free and open to the public. Walk-ins welcome. SandovalMasterGardeners.org/gardening classes.
ART EXHIBITIONS/MUSEUMS
ART SHOW:
The Corrales Arts Center is pleased to open a new show that will run through the end of the year. It features Sandra Lapham, encaustic photography; Peggy Schey, watercolor, and Karen Urbielewicz, watercolor. Corrales Arts Center, 4900 Corrales Road, Suite 100. corralesartscenter.org or info@ corralesartscenter.org.
INDIAN PUEBLO CULTURAL
CENTER: To design “Long Ago,” stories from each Pueblo across the region were collected in an effort to reflect the people’s diversity and demonstrate their wisdom. “Long Ago” will run through July 2018. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 Twelfth NW, Albuquerque. 843-7270 or indianpueblo.org.
NASA’S DAWN MISSION TO
THE ASTEROID BELT: A oneof-a-kind exhibit created and produced by the Dawn mission and this Museum. The exhibit explains the amazing discoveries made at the asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres with large, detailed wall panels, 3D images and models of Ceres and Vesta, a model of the spacecraft, meteorites from UNM’s Institute of Meteoritics, and a video monitor showing computer animations from Dawn’s instruments. One of Dawn’s co-investigators lives and works in Albuquerque, so this mission has a direct link to our region and this Museum is the only place you will be able to see this exhibit. On display through August 2018, free with Museum admission. NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW. 841-2840.
PLACITAS ARTISTS SERIES
VISUAL ART DISPLAY: featuring the art of Victorial Mauldin, acrylic; Barbara J. McGuire, watercolor; Harriet Neal, photography; and Stephen Palmer, acrylic. Their works, which are for sale, will be on display through Dec. 29. A reception for the artists will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. at the Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, six miles east of I-25 on N.M. 165, (exit 242). 867-8080, info@ PlacitasArtistsSeries.org or PlacitasArtistsSeries.org.
CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
WINGBEATS POETRY WORKSHOP: free and open to all writers on the second Tuesday of the month, except December. 6 p.m., Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande NW. info@bookworks. com.
REGISTER NOW
AARP SMART DRIVER TRAINING: Learn about defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, and new traffic laws. Some car insurance companies give discounts to customers who complete driver safety courses, and there are no tests to pass. Registration is required. Call the library, stop by in person or sign up online. Walk-ins are welcome if there are no-shows. AARP members pay $15 and nonmembers pay $20, due on the day of the class, cash or check only. 12:30-4:30p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7. Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE. 8915012 or riorancholibraries.com.
CRAFT CLUB @ ESTHER
BONE: Express your creativity by making a decoration out of corks. Using paint, glue, corks and possibly some other crafting do-dads, make a tree, a reindeer, a wreath or any other cute thing you can think of. All the materials are provided by the Friends of the Library of Rio Rancho. Registration is required. Please call the library, stop by in person or online. 2-4 p.m., Dec. 16, Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE. 8915012 or riorancholibraries.org.
NAMI FRIENDS AND FAMILY SEMINAR: A four-hour seminar that informs and supports people who have loved ones with a mental health condition. Participants will learn about diagnoses, treatment, recovery, communication strategies, crisis preparation and NAMI resources. Seminar leaders have personal experience with mental health conditions in their families. This is a free seminar. Space is limited. The seminar will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m.1 p.m. at the Sabana Grande Recreation Center, 4110 Sabana Grande SE. Attendees must register at nami.org/Find-Support/ NAMI-Programs/NAMI-FamilyFriends. 260-0154.
NAMI WESTSIDE ANNUAL
HOLIDAY PARTY: A fabulous day of food, prizes and a White Elephant Exchange. Just a few rules, it can be new, used or re-gifted. Around $10. Wrap it up. Catering by Joe’s Pasta House at no cost to you or your guest(s). Three main dishes, salad, Italian bread and dessert. Awesome raffle prizes. Please bring a non-perishable food item to benefit St. Felix Pantry. RSVP’s required by Wednesday, Dec. 6. Call 990-2292 and leave a message with your name and the number of people in your party. Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 11:30 a.m., D’Arco Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1502 Sara Road NE, one block west of N.M. 528, Rio Rancho.
URBAN HORTICULTURE CLASS SERIES:
Presented by the Sandoval County Master Gardeners. Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.. Free to the public, registration preferred. Sandoval County Extension Office, 711
S. Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo. Registration and information: sandovalmastergardeners.org/ gardening-classes.
HUNTING FOR INTRATERRESTRIALS AND EXPLORATION IN NEW MEXICO’S FORT STANTON CAVE: Diana Northup, Ph.D. and Ronald Lipinski, Ph.D., two expert speleologists, will talk about the exploration of the Fort Stanton Cave in New Mexico, the 15th longest cave in the U.S.. Dr. Northrup is a cave biologist, who investigates the role of microbes in cave formation and possibilities on other planets. Dr. Lipinski has surveyed portions of Carlsbad Cavern and Lechugilla Cave and is the Vice Chair of the Fort Stanton Cave Study Project, and the lead developer of Cave Quest, a 3-D interactive simulation of the cave. They are an author and contributor to the book “12 Miles from Daylight,” describing the Fort Stanton Cave Study Project. You can purchase the book onsite, or bring a copy with you for the speakers to sign. $7, ($6 for members, $4 for students.) Space is limited. Purchase tickets at NMnaturalhistory.org or, if seats are available, at the door the night of the event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2840.
TODAY ACTIVITIES
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING EVENT: Create your own magical gingerbread house. Includes pre-made house, gobs of candy and icing, and tons of photo ops. $10 Corrales Arts Center members, $15 non-members. 2-5 p.m., Corrales Arts Center, 4940 Corrales Road, Suite 100. Reserve your house at info@corralesartscenter.org.
HOLIDAY WILD! FUNDRAISER FOR WILDLIFE RESCUE INC. OF NEW
MEXICO, Animals, art and more. Live falcons, hawks and owls will be hosting this year’s Holiday Wild! at Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico (WLI) on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event will be held at WLI’s rescue center on the grounds of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2900 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque. In addition to the birds, there will a raffle for wildlife art, crafts and food for sale and activities for the kids. The event is free, but there is a $3 fee for parking at
the Nature Center. There is more information at WLI’s Facebook page, facebook.com/WildlifeRescue-Inc-of-New-Mexico or call 344-2500.
KIDS
JIGGLE AND JAM AT ESTHER
BONE: enjoy songs and movement activities that build motor and social skills, increase independence, and enhance language ability in your child. These are essential to learning and development, not to mention fun. We’ll use shakers, beanbags, streamers and other items to move to the music and the beat. Ages 0-5 with parents or caregivers. 10 a.m., Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE. 891-5012, riorancholibraries. org.
MEETINGS
LIFERING: Free, abstinencebased alternative to the 12-step approach, 5 p.m. Saturdays, Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, Room 0401, 2400 Unser SE, Rio Rancho. Mary, 448-2157.
SANDOVAL COUNTY NEW MEXICO GENEALOGICAL
SOCIETY (SCNMGS): Whether you are just beginning or are an experienced family researcher, you are welcome to attend the monthly meetings of the Sandoval County New Mexico Genealogical Society (SCNMGS). The Society meets the first Saturday of the month. 10:30 a.m., Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE. Michael Barger at 803-5225 or mebarger@cableone.net.
PRESENTATIONS/BOOK SIGNINGS
GLORIA CASALE: signs her thriller “Bioterror: The Essential Threat.” A renowned Russian genetics engineer has gone missing, along with two vials from the Russian smallpox stockpile. 1-3 p.m. at Treasure House Books & Gifts, 2012 South Plaza NW, Old Town, Albuquerque. 242-7204.
TODAY-SUNDAY ACTIVITIES
BIRD WALK: 8:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque. Free; parking $3; $15 bus. 344-7240.
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES
YOGA WITH A VIEW: Begin Sundays with an invigorating yoga session. Your first class is $5, subsequent classes are $15, buy in bulk and they’re even less. Class fees include a donation to the Open Space Alliance. 9 a.m., Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW. 897-8831.
ENTERTAINMENT
SOL Y CANTO: a Boston-based ensemble with ties to New Mexico returns to the Placitas Artists Series for an afternoon of original compositions and unique interpretations of contemporary Pan-Latin music. Individual concert tickets are $25, $15 for students with ID. Any student through grade 12 may be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at the door one hour before the concert, subject to availability. Advance purchases can be made at The Merc Grocery Store in Homestead Village Shopping Center, Placitas; Under Charlie’s Covers Fine Used Book Store, 160 S. Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo or online at placitasartistseries.org/ concerts.htm. 3 p.m. at the Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, six miles east of I-25 on N.M. 165, (exit 242). 867-8080, info@PlacitasArtistsSeries.org or PlacitasArtistsSeries.org.
MONDAY MEETINGS
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS:
A support group for those who have lost someone they love by suicide. SOSL exists to provide information and support for persons recovering from grief due to the loss of a loved one by suicide. The group believes no one should have to suffer a suicide loss alone, whether the loss happened years ago or just recently. SOSL is not a suicide prevention group. Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month, 7 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church, 1801 Montaño NW. SOSLNewMexico@gmail.com or 400-9942.
TUESDAY ACTIVITIES
KNIT CLIQUE:
A knitting club for beginning and experienced knitters-bring your crochet hooks, too. This multi-generational program is for anyone and everyone grades 5 and up. Get to know this wonderful group of crafters and hear a good yarn while you work. Beginners, please bring US size 7 needles and a skein of 4 ply 3 oz. acrylic yarn. 4-6 p.m., Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE. 891-5012 ext. 3131
RIO RAMBLERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB:
Multilevel club for singles and couples, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, VFW Hall, 76 Unser SE, Rio Rancho. Jim or Lynne Martel, 892-5086.
MEETINGS
AFTERNOON BOOKWORMS:
A BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS: will meet to discuss “Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation” by Cokie Roberts. This non-fiction book gives an intimate look at the passionate women whose tireless pursuits on behalf of their families and country proved just as crucial to the forging of a new nation as the rebellion that established it. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE. 891-5012.
TAYLOR RANCH TOASTMASTERS:
6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center, 4900 Kachina NW, Albuquerque. Larry Buelow, 205-5228. RIO RANCHO ROTARY CLUB: Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. at The Rio Grande Gracious Retirement Living Center, 2331 Westside SE, Rio Rancho. Roger Nagel, President, 898-2558.
WEDNESDAY KIDS
STORYTIME AT LOMA COLORADO:
Stories, rhymes, songs and activities for children 2-5 years old and their adult caregivers. 10:30 a.m. Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE. For information or to register, call 891-5013, ext. 3032 or riorancholibraries.org.
WACKY WEDNESDAY AT LOMA COLORADO:
Crafts, hands-on science, maker activities, shows, games, or other activities for children in grades K-6. Families welcome. This program will be held in a variety of locations within the library. Look for directional signs the day of the program. Wacky Wednesday will resume in January after the Dec. 6 program. Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE. 891-5013 or riorancholibraries.org.
MEETINGS
MIDDAY RIO RANCHO TOASTMASTERS:
Noon-1 p.m., Wednesdays, New Mexico Bank & Trust building, 4001 Southern SE, Rio Rancho, 238-2942.
NEEDLE ARTS GROUP:
Open to anyone over 21 who knits, crochets, and does any other type of needlework, 1-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center, 4900 Kachina NW, Albuquerque, 768-6006.
RIO RANCHO SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB:
7 a.m. Wednesdays, The Inn at Rio Rancho, 1465 Rio Rancho SE. 892-4313 or rioranchorotarysunrise.org.
TOPS CHAPTER NM NO. 0419, RIO RANCHO:
“Take Off Pounds Sensibly.” We are a support group to help you take off the excess pounds and get healthy. Weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. For additional information call Dee at 896-9545.
CITY OF VISION CIVITAN CLUB:
We are a fun and active
volunteer community service organization serving the Rio Rancho area. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 6 p.m. Larry Leyva at 249-0768, larbear50@gmail.com, or Vivian Jones at 480-3318, jones.viv@gmail.com, for the current meeting location. cov.gswdcivitan.com.
THURSDAY KIDS
STORY TIME AT ESTHER
BONE: stories, rhymes, activities, and more. Each week will feature a different theme, highlighting new stories and long-time favorites. This program is for ages 3-6 with a parent or caregiver. Children age 3 must be accompanied by and adult; ages 4-6 may attend alone. 10 a.m. Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE. 891-5012 or riorancholibraries.org.
MEETINGS
WESTSIDE TIPS CLUB: Business networking and referral group, 7 a.m. Thursdays, Flying Star Cafe Hospitality Room, 10700 Corrales Road, Corrales. Kathleen Martinez, 235-8878, kmframemasters1@aol.com or westsidetipsgroup.com.
FRIDAY KIDS
JIGGLE AND JAM AT
ESTHER BONE: enjoy songs and movement activities that build motor and social skills, increase independence, and enhance language ability in your child. We’ll use shakers, beanbags, streamers and other items to move to the music and the beat. Ages 0-5 with parents or caregivers. 10 a.m., Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE. 891-5012, ext. 3131, riorancholibraries.org or facebook.com/ RioRanchoPublicLibraries.
MEETINGS
CELEBRATE RECOVERY: For those suffering from pain or dependency. Dinner and child care provided. Donations accepted. 6:15 p.m. Fridays, Grace Outreach Center, 2900 Southern SE, Rio Rancho. Miles Melton, 228-0579.
NEEDLE CRAFTERS OF RIO RANCHO VOLUNTEERS:
All volunteer group that makes knitted and crocheted items for the needy, 1-3 p.m. Fridays, Vista Grande Active Adult Community, 4101 Meadowlark Lane SE, Rio Rancho. All with knitting, crocheting or quilting skills welcome. Volunteers and donations of yarn and fleece greatly appreciated, or drop in and say hello. Patti, 269-5968.
WEST SIDE GOP BREAKFAST MEETING: Join other GOP West Siders on the second Friday of the month for an informative social meeting to discuss current issues. Order off the menu with separate checks. No RSVPs required. Speaker will change monthly. The speaker for December will be Paul Gessing, President, Rio Grande Foundation. 7:30-9 a.m., Weck’s Restaurant, 6311 Riverside Plaza Lane NW, Albuquerque. Joe or Nancy Loisel, 839-0969, 264-0928 or email joeloisel@aol.com.