My Las Cruces: Jan. 24

SUNDAY JAN. 24

Branigan Library Friends Annual Meeting: 2 to 4 p.m. today in the Roadrunner Room, Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. Community supporters Citizen’s Bank, El Paso Electric, and Barnes & Noble will be honored by the Branigan Library Friends at the annual meeting. Info: libraryfriendslc.org.

MONDAY JAN. 25

Free Hearing Loss Association Workshops: 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. today at Grace Bible Church, 28041 Missouri Ave., Suite 14. Presenters will be Juliette Sterkens, Au.D. in the morning workshop, Hearing Loss, Hearing Loops and Hearing Aids, and Richard McKinley in the afternoon workshop, Hearing Loops and How to Install Them. Info: Michael Lieberman, 575-644-0445.

TUESDAY JAN. 26

Money School: Class from 6 to 7 p.m. today at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. Topic is Retire Confidently. Learn about managing your money and achieving financial freedom. A public service provided by First American Bank. Free. RSVP or info: Daniel Payne, wealth adviser, 575-528-0404.

iPad Basics: 2 to 4 p.m. today at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. A class for those have an iPad and would like to learn how to use it. This class will cover the basics such as how to navigate beyond the home screen, how to use the touch keypad, setting up and using bookmarks in Safari, and how to use your iPad as an e-reader. Students must have their own iPad to attend. iPads will not be provided. Info: Reference Desk, 575-528-4005 or library.reference@las-cruces.org.

Free Health Seminar: The New Bio-Psycho-Social Approach to Healthcare will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 today at Memorial Medical Center, west annex conference room. Join the experts for this discussion about the latest "Whole Person" approach to healthcare. Learn how to have fun as you engage in positive lifestyle change to achieve better health. Presenters will be Dr. John Andazola, Whole Person Care; Dr. Marlin Hoover, Make Healthy Change Fun; Deanna Suggs, Certified Nurse Practitioner— Study Vignettes. Space is limited. RSVP or info: 575-532-4453 or 800-424-3627.

Back To Health Workshop: 10 to 11:15 a.m. today and continues Tuesdays through Feb. 16 at Tesoro Integrative Health Center, 1605 S. Main St. Annie Muriel RN, RYT CHTP, will be the instructor. Includes restoring flexibility; maintaining range of motion; helping your body balance itself; improving alignment and posture; and learning how to keep your back healthy. Only 10 spaces available. Cost is $50. Deadline to sign up is the first Tuesday class. Info: Ann Muriel, 979-292-5910 or amurielyoga.com.

WEDNESDAY JAN. 27

Library’s “Olde English” Calligraphy Workshop: Noon today at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 Picacho Ave. Give your writing some artistic flair by learning how to create authentic calligraphy. Adults are invited to attend the first “Olde English” Calligraphy Workshop. All skill levels are welcome, and supplies are provided. Impress your family and friends with your calligraphy skills. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Registration or info: Reference Department, 575-528-4005 or library.reference@las-cruces.org.

Lunch and Learn: Lecture series from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the administration building, Peak Behavioral Health Services, 5045 McNutt Road, Santa Teresa. Topic is Care for the Caregiver and presented by Sandra Emanuel, LISW. Lunch will be provided. Registration or info: Kara Gaylord 575-589-3000 or Kara.Gaylord@strategicbh.com.

Mortgage Lending: 1 p.m. today at the Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority, 926 S. San Pedro St. Presentation by Shelly Sanders. Presentation includes: credit and financial programs, loan types and much more Come learn all about mortgage lending. There is no cost to attend but registration will be required. Registration or info: 575-528-2008 or isolis@mvmpha.org.

THURSDAY JAN. 28

Nature Kids Program: 9 a.m. today at the Museum of Nature and Science, 411 N. Main St., for children ages 3 to 5. They will learn about shells and marine life. They will discuss southern New Mexico’s past as an ancient seashore and explore what it could have possibly looked like back then. Next, they will compare it to modern oceans. Learn more at this month’s “Nature Kids” program. Free. Info: 575-522-3120.

Big Band Dance Club Dance: 8 to 10 p.m. today at Alma d’Arte Charter School, 402 W. Court St. Music by Alan Kunkel's Band, Pop, Jazz Dance Band. Dance lesson taught by John Guisto, at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 members, $10 nonmembers and $5 students with ID. Beginners, singles and couples are welcome. No dance partner necessary. Info: 575-526-6504.

WESST Training: 3 to 5 p.m. today in Roadrunner Room, Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. Topic is Introduction to Workers’ Compensation and Liability Insurance for Your Business. Introductory course on topics of workers' compensation and liability insurance. These are two of the most important types of insurance to obtain and understand. This training will give a brief overview and the value of each as well as the possibilities a business faces for not having these coverages. Free. Registration or info: Manny Morales, 575-541-1583, mmorales@wesst.org or wesst.org.

FRIDAY JAN. 29

Mark Nizer: 7:30 p.m. today at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Main St. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Doña Ana Arts Council continues its 2015/2016 Variety Series with entertainer Mark Nizer. Bringing his unique brand of original comedy, world-class juggling, movement, music and 3-D technology to the Rio Grande Theatre stage, Nizer touts the philosophy “the impossible is possible, the improbable is probable.” Tickets are $37.50 for main floor reserved seats; $27 for balcony reserved seats; includes all fees and a pair of 3-D glasses. Info: 575-523-6403 or riograndetheatre.com.

Quint Quintet: 7:30 p.m. today at the NMSU's Atkinson Recital Hall, featuring multi-Grammy Nominated Violinist Philippe Quint and a special Evening of Tango. The Quintet will perform the amazing Tango music of Astor Piazzola and original Tango compositions in celebration of "Nuevo Tango." Concert is preceded by a pre-concert talk led by Zuill Bailey and the performing artists at 7 p.m. Tickets or info: 915-833-9400 or eppm.org. Tickets are also available at the door.

"Shooting Star" Play: Friday and Saturday and runs through Jan. 31 at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Main St. "Shooting Star" is written by Steven Dietz and directed by Ceil Herman. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, and Jan. 31; and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. Tickets are $12 regular admission and $10 for students and seniors over 65.and all seats on Thursday are $8. Reservations or info: 575-523-1223.

Teen Chaos Collaboration: The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department’s Teen Programs will host an art exhibition 2016 Chaos Collaboration artist reception and poetry slam today at the Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell St. Public viewing hours will be Feb. 1-4. The art exhibition will feature original artwork and poetry by Las Cruces teens grades sixth through 12th. Chaos Collaboration art show and poetry slam is free. Info: Recreation Programs, 575-541-2455. TTY number, 575-541-2772.

Movie and Dinner: 5:30 p.m. today at Sonoma Springs Church, 3940 Sonoma Springs Ave. A complementary spaghetti dinner and special movie titled "Merchant of Souls." An evening to educate the community on a local level and global scale about human trafficking. Hosted by Citywide Partnerships. RSVP: on or before Tuesday Jan. 26 by texting YES or NO at 865-805-9082.

SATURDAY JAN. 30

Science and Art: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Museum of Art and the Museum of Nature and Science, 411– 491 N. Main St. Topic will be Winter Weather. Recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary learning experiences, the program encourages visitors to embrace their artistic creativity while engaging in educational STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities. Children and their families are invited to join them for SNAP. Info: 575-541-3120 or las-cruces.org/museums.

Family Science Saturday: 10 a.m. today at the Museum of Nature and Science, 411 N. Main St. Topic is Geology of southern New Mexico. Join them as they learn about the lives of some famous scientists and attempt to recreate one of their experiments. All ages welcome. Free. Info: 575-522-3120.

Instant Guitar for Busy People: Class will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. today at Doña Ana Community College. Instructor will be Craig Coffman. This one-time class will teach you the basics about playing chords on the guitar. Registration, cost of class or info: 575-527-7527.

Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People: Session 1 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Session 2 from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. today at Doña Ana Community College. Session 1 covers the basics of playing the piano using the chord method and Session 2, "How to Play Piano By Ear," builds on the information taught in the first session and teaches students the secrets of how to play without the use of any written music. The workshop is taught in two separate sessions by Craig Coffman. Registration, cost of class or info: 575-527-7527.

Healthy Cooking for Kids: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and continues through March 5 at DACC Central, DAHL room 184, for ages 8 to 12. Instructor will be Wendy Harvey. Sign up, or info: 575-527-7527 or commed@dacc.nmsu.edu.

Learning to Draw with Young Rembrandts: 10 to 11 a.m. today and continues through Feb. 20 at DACC East Mesa, DAAR 112, for ages 5 to 12. Instructor will be Young Rembrandts. Sign up, or info: 575-527-7527 or commed@dacc.nmsu.edu. 

Galactic Celebration: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. today at My Kids' Cafe, 532 N. Telshor Blvd., Suite H. My Kids' Cafe together with Heroes and half Shell is calling upon all Jedi Knights and Princesses to join them in this galactic celebration. Character appearance: Darth Vader and Obi Wan Duel; Junior Jedi training (bring your light saber); Storm Trooper Battle; Dark side snacks available. Cost is $13 for kids and $5 for adults. Includes all day play pass, show and snacks. RSVP required. RSVP or info: 575-449-4161.

Photography Boot Camp Workshop: 9 a.m. to noon today at Southwest Environmental Center, 275 N Main St. A series of five monthly courses will be offered to the public by the Doña Ana Photography Club, beginning with the first workshop on Saturday and the topic is Learning About Your Camera. Cost for each workshop is $5 or join DAPC for $15 and all of the workshops will be free. The series is aimed at anyone new to photography, anyone wanting to learn how to better use their camera, or anyone with questions about photography and how to take better photographs. The public is invited to attend any one or all of the classes. Space is limited. Registration or info: Rob Peinert, education@daphotoclub.org.

Lake Lucero Tour: 2 p.m. today at White Sands National Monument. Have you ever wondered how the white sands formed? Take a tour to Lake Lucero with a ranger and learn about the formation of the sands and the special plants and animals that live in and around the dunes. Program fee: $8 per adult, $4 for children, 15 years and younger. Reservations online, nps.gov/whsa. Info: 575-479-6124 or nps.gov/whsa.

UPCOMING

Bel Canto Scholarship Winnersʼ Benefit Concert: 2 p.m. Jan. 31 at Temple Beth-El, Las Cruces, 3980 Sonoma Springs Ave. The New Mexico State University Department of Music and Doña Ana Lyric Opera present the fourth annual Bel Canto Scholarship Concert with the eclectic program that includes selections from operas by Handel, Donizetti, and Leoncavallo, as well as Broadway standards by Rodgers and Hart, the Gershwins, Bernstein, Lloyd Webber, and more. The four scholarship winners are Amanda Ronquillo, Lara Zel Hartman, Ejerson Balabas, and Cory Gasparich. They will be joined by pianist Flor de la Garza of El Paso. DALO director Dr. John Carlo Pierce will moderate the program. This is a free concert. Refreshments will be served, and all donations will benefit DALOʼs Bel Canto Scholarship fund. The event is sponsored by Temple Beth-El’s Adult Education Committee.

NMSU’s annual New Mexico Chile Conference: The 2016 New Mexico Chile Conference will take place Feb. 1-2 at Hotel Encanto, 705 S. Telshor Blvd. The conference is hosted by New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute. Conference registration and additional details are available at chilepepperinstitute.org/events.php. Conference pre-registration is $110 for individuals and $450 for a vendor booth. Walk-ins are $120 for individuals and $475 for booths. For information, call the Chile Pepper Institute, 575-646-3028.

FARMERS MARKETS

Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays on the Downtown Mall. Info: lascrucesfarmersmarket.org. 

Big Daddy’s Flea Market: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 5580 Bataan Memorial Highway. Info: 575-382-9404. 

Mesilla Farmers and Crafts Market: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in the Mesilla Plaza. Info: 575-524-3262 ext. 116, irenep@mesillanm.gov. 

Farmers Market of New Mexico: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays at Tractor Supply, 1440 W. Picacho Ave. Vendors and live music. Info: farmersmarketofnewmexico@gmail.com.