CALENDAR
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CHILDREN’S GRIEF CENTER: “Grief in the Holidays” family event with activities and discussion on coping with the holidays after the death of a loved one, 9-11 a.m. Dec. 15. Free, but reservations required: Call 505323-0478 or visit info@childrensgrief.org by Monday.
DAILY
RIVER OF LIGHTS: Walk-though holiday light show with light sculptures and millions of twinkling lights, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 13; 6-10 p.m. Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-30. Closed Dec. 24-25. Rio Grande Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW. Adults $10; children 3-12, $5. Online purchases require a printer. Information: www.riveroflights.org,
505-768-2000 or 311.
ACTIVITIES
“GIRLS SPA NIGHT OUT”: Friends of the Corrales Library fundraiser includes five “mini” spa treatments, tea, chocolates, and a silent auction, 7-9 p.m., Arte de la Mano Aveda Salon & Spa, 3600 N.M. 528, Rio Rancho. $10 at the door. Information: 505-898-1105.
MEETINGS
CITY OF VISION CIVITAN CLUB: Family-friendly volunteer service organization serving the Rio Rancho area, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, The Inn at Rio Rancho, 1465 N.M. 528. Vivian Jones, jones. viv@gmail.com, 505-480-3318. NAMI-WESTSIDE AFFILIATE CONNECTIONS PEER SUPPORT GROUP: National Alliance on Mental Illness peer-to-peer support group for those who are suffering with a mental illness, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane, Rio Rancho, 505-453-6795.
ACTIVITIES
GOURMET TASTING PARTY: Free sampling of more than 25 varieties of beer, wine, condiments, sauces, sweets and spices. Alcohol tastings available only to those over 21 with ID. 6-8 p.m., Home at the Range Gift and Gourmet Shop, Range Cafe, 925 Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo, 505-867-4755. OLD TOWN HOLIDAY STROLL: Noon-9 p.m. Luminarias throughout Old Town and Christmas tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. Santa parade around the plaza follows. Also live entertainment, shopping and dining. Old Town merchants have chosen the American Heart Association as the charity recipient of this year’s stroll. Merchant discount buttons available at the Heart Association booth on the plaza. Attendees encouraged to use public transportation. Information: 311.
LECTURES/SIGNINGS/ DEMONSTRATIONS
“DON JOSE: AN AMERICAN SOLDIER’S COURAGE AND FAITH IN JAPANESE CAPTIVCALENDAR
ITY”: Ezequiel L. Ortiz and James A. McClure sign their book about World War II hero Joseph Quintero, 5-9 p.m., Treasure House Books, 2012 South Plaza NW, Old Town, 505-242-7204.
MEETINGS
CELEBRATE RECOVERY: For those suffering from pain or dependency. Dinner and child care provided. Donations accepted. 6:15 p.m. Fridays: First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead SW, 505459-1749; Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise NW, Miles Melton, 505-228-0579. NEEDLE CRAFTERS OF RIO RANCHO VOLUNTEERS: Group makes knitted and crocheted items for the needy of Sandoval County and blankets for animal shelters, 1-3 p.m. Fridays, Vista Grande Retirement Center, 4101 Meadowlark Lane SE, Rio Rancho. All with knitting, crocheting or quilting skills welcome. Donations of yarn appreciated. Information: 505-892-9300. REFORMERS UNANIMOUS: Faith-based program for those with addictions, 7-9 p.m. Fridays, Gospel Light Baptist Church, 1500 Southern SE, Rio Rancho, 505-892-9463. RIO RANCHO VETERANS COFFEE GROUP: 9 a.m. Fridays, Smokehouse BBQ, 4000 Barbara Loop SE, Rio Rancho. Information: 505-896-0329.
ACTIVITIES
WINTER GROWERS’ MARKET/ HOLIDAY POP-UP MARKET: Includes organic produce, baked goods and a variety of works by local artists; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 pm. Saturday; 100 Gold SW. Nearby parking available. Information: Downtown Action Team, 505-2432230; www.downtownabq.com; www.downtowngrowers.com.
ACTIVITIES
SIPI HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND FASHION SHOW: More than 50 Native American vendors; fashions by Penny Singer and Genevieve Hardy. Bazaar 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; fashion show 1 p.m.; Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute gym, 9169 Coors NW. Free admission and parking. Information: Antoinette Jim, 505-346-2371. LOS RANCHOS WINTER MARKET: 10 a.m.-noon, second Saturdays through April, 6718 Rio Grande NW, www.meetatthemarket.com.
ENTERTAINMENT
TODD & THE FOX: Free electrocounty-roots concert, 4 p.m., South Valley Library, 3904 Isleta SW. Information: www. ampconcerts.org. WASHINGTON SAXOPHONE QUARTET: Holiday concert of works from 1600 to the 1950s, 7:30 p.m., Historic Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. $22 advance; $25 at the door. Tickets: www.musicincorrales.org; Frame-N-Art, 10200 Corrales Rd. NW, 505-898-0660. READ TO THE DOGS: Children practice reading in a relaxed atmosphere with a patient listener — a trained therapy dog, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. second Saturdays, Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, Rio Rancho, 505-891-5013.
LECTURES/SIGNINGS/ DEMONSTRATIONS
“BARNS OF THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT”: Jerry Davis signs his book of 50 drawings with accompanying vignettes with historical information about each one, 1-3 p.m., Treasure House Books, 2012 South Plaza NW, Old Town, 505-242-7204. AUTHORS’ PANELS: Two panels of authors speak about their writing and publishing experiences. Their books will be available for purchase and signing. 9:30 a.m.: Steven Havill, Jeffe Kennedy, Samantha King, and Margaret Tessler. 11 a.m.: Celeste Bradley, Nat Burns, Darynda Jones, and Katie Lane. Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE, Rio Rancho, 505-891-5012, option 1.
MEETINGS
FRIENDS OF MANY CULTURES: 3 p.m., second Saturdays, Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, Rio Rancho. Membership fee $25; annual dues $15. David Latham, 505-307-4924. RIO RANCHO ELKS BREAKFAST MEETING: 8 a.m., second Saturdays, Rio Rancho Elks Lodge No. 2500, 1530 Barbara Loop SE, Rio Rancho. $6. 505-892-3677.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
ACTIVITIES
ALPACA OPEN RANCH DAYS: Interact with these gentle creatures, and visit the ranch store. Please park on the street and leave dogs at home. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. Albuquerque Alpacas, 9721 Guadalupe Trail NW, north of Alameda Boulevard, 505-269-6733, www.albuquerquealpacas.com. BIRD WALK: 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria NW. Free; parking $3; $15 bus. Information: 505-344-7240.
ACTIVITIES
NATURE WALK: 1 p.m. Sundays, Rio Grande Nature Center, 2901 Candelaria NW. Free; parking $3; $15 bus. Information: 505-344-7240.
LECTURES/SIGNINGS/ DEMONSTRATIONS
HANK BRUCE: Author signs “Enchanted by the Light,” his collection of short stories celebrating New Mexico’s diversity, 1-3 p.m., Treasure House Books, 2012 South Plaza NW, Old Town, 505-242-7204.
CLASSES/ WORKSHOPS
RETURNING CITIZENS’ JOB CLUB: Free workshops for the formerly incarcerated seeking employment offered by the Greater Albuquerque Economic Development Coalition for Returning Citizens, 3 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 17, Hispano Chamber of Commerce, 1309 Fourth SW. Information: Sarah Clawson, 505-841-2475, sarah. clawson@statenm.us.
KIDS
JIGGLE & JAM: Children from infancy to age 5 with adult sing, dance and play instruments. Preschool classes welcome. 10:30 a.m., Loma Colorado Public Library auditorium, 755 Loma Colorado NE, Rio Rancho, 505-891-5013, ext. 3082.
MEETINGS
RIO RANCHO TOASTMASTERS: 7 p.m., Mondays, New Mexico Bank Building, north entrance, 4001 Southern SE, Rio Rancho. Dale Burch, 505-404-0551, dburch7909@comcast.net.
ACTIVITIES
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, 505-892-5086.
ENTERTAINMENT
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Presented by the Hampstead Stage Company from New Hampshire, 6:30 p.m., Loma Colorado Main Library auditorium, 755 Loma Colorado NE, Rio Rancho. Free; tickets not required. Information: 505-891-5013. SYD MASTERS AND THE SWING RIDERS: Free concert of vintage western cowboy swing music, 6:30 p.m., Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree SE, Rio Rancho. Seating limited; early arrival recommended. 505-891-5012.
MEETINGS
ROTARY CLUB OF RIO RANCHO: Noon Tuesdays, Chamisa Hills Country Club, 500 Country Club SE, Rio Rancho. Neil Wetsch, 505-245-2811.