Town talk What’s on tap for Mancos Valley

And just like that, November is in full swing, and winter has already begun showing its head.

The National Weather Service office in Grand Junction’s forecasts this week called for an 80 percent chance of rain and snow on Wednesday in Mancos with a prediction of new snow accumulation of around an inch, and an 80 percent chance of snow Thursday.

With weather taken into account, the timing is perfect for the annual Hesperus Ski Swap fundraiser, which kicks off Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

The annual sale features more than 10,000 new and used ski and snowboarding equipment from 20 vendors in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, according to the Hesperus Ski Patrol website.

In addition to the vendors, average members of the ski-public will have their equipment for sale. Aside from ski and snowboarding equipment, shoppers can expect to see hiking gear, packs, car racks, and many other items.

School district seeks volunteers

Mancos Re-6 is seeking volunteers to help with its growing community food pantry program. The food pantry is open every Thursday in the cafeteria from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The pantry’s products are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the pantry is open to any family in need.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Janet Fogel at

Mesa Verde sees artists

On the arts front: Mesa Verde is soliciting applications for the 2016 artist-in-residence program. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 31.

The program offers professional writers, composers and visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while being surrounded by the inspiring ancient architecture of the Ancestral Pueblo people and the sweeping natural landscape of the park, according to a press release from the park.

As part of the program, the park provides a historic, rustic residence to those selected for five, two-week periods in the spring and fall. Works completed under this program create a legacy preserved for future generations and offer park visitors an opportunity to see Southwest heritage through the eyes and ears of the contributing artists.

For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/meve/getinvolved/artists_in_residence.htm.

The Journal