VFA meets Dec. 22 and 29
MONTE VISTA — The regular VFA meeting will be held this Saturday at the home of Wanda Couzens-Smith starting at 1 p.m. Bring your projects and come and enjoy.
There will also be a Christmas exchange this year. The final suggestion came down to a Christmas ornament, if possible a handmade one (knitted, crocheted, woven, or even out of toothpicks if need be or whatever). Make it a small one that does not take a long time to create.
If you do not have time to make a quick small ornament for the exchange, then buy an inexpensive small ornament to exchange. Please bring them wrapped. The person who suggested this says that Pinterest has quite a few ideas for items that take very little time.
This is a five-Saturday month so the group also will meet Dec. 29, but there will not be an ornament exchange again Dec. 29.
Call or email Wanda for directions, questions, etc. at 719-852-5000; cell, 719-580-4976 or [email protected].

Celebrate the river front park Friday
DEL NORTE— There will be a Winter Solstice Celebration and boat ramp ribbon cutting at the new Del Norte River Front Park, across the Rio Grande from North Park on Friday, Dec. 21 from 3-7 p.m. Enjoy a bonfire, hot cider and more as to celebrate the completion of phase one. For more information, contact Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project and Del Norte Trails Organization, 719-589-2230 or 719-657-2827

Appreciation of Service Party Dec. 28
DEL NORTE—Rio Grande County will be hosting an Appreciation of Service Party for out-going elected officials and staff on Dec. 28 from 1-3 p.m. at the county annex building in Del Norte. To be honored will be Treasurer Peggy Kern who is retiring with 24 years of service; Commissioner Karla Shriver has had eight years on the Board of County Commissioners and has represented Rio Grande County on numerous other boards and committees; Brian Norton has served 16 years as Rio Grande County Sheriff, and Mona Syring, clerk of the board for three years. The community is invited to attend and thank these honorees for their years of service to Rio Grande County.