The San Juan National Forest will host an informational meeting, titled “Meet the Beetles,” from 6 to 8 p.m. March 17 in the Vallecito Room of the Fort Lewis College Student Union.

Attendees will learn about the biology of the spruce beetle and the current situation within the San Juan National Forest. Forest Service staff members will be on hand to talk informally at 5:30 p.m. Tom Eager, Forest Service Gunnison Research Center insect and disease expert, will lead a discussion on spruce beetle biology. San Juan National Forest resource specialists will lead a discussion on the current situation in the San Juan Mountains and tools to address the epidemic through management of spruce and fir forests.

The expected outcome of the meeting is to offer a baseline understanding of the spruce beetle epidemic and an exploration of what can and cannot be done to stop the spread of this and future epidemics. Additional public meetings will be held in affected communities this spring to discuss potential treatment areas and ask for suggestions and concerns.

For more information, call Cara Gildar at 882-6854 or email [email protected].

Mancos Library to screen documentary

The Mancos Public Library, 211 West First St., will present a Community Cinema screening of “The Homestretch” at 6 p.m. March 19.

The film follows three homeless teens as they fight to stay in school, graduate and build a more stable future. The screen will be followed by a community discussion.

For more information, visit www.pbs.org/independentlens/homestretch.

Mancos Library to host tax help

Mancos Public Library, 211 West First St., will host a “Tax Time: Questions & Answers Session” from 10 a.m. to noon March 21.

Kathy Elliott, a certified volunteer tax assistant, will answer questions. Elliott, with Elliott Financial Services Inc., is certified by Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. She is also the local site coordinator for Tax Help Colorado.

For more information, call 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org.

Bayfield library group to host event

The Friends of the Pine River Library will host its new membership drive for the coming year with a guest author presenting her book and a soup luncheon at 11 a.m. March 26 at the library, 395 Bayfield Center Drive.

New library director, Shelley Walchak, will discuss her new book, 52 Rivers A Woman’s Fly-Fishing Journey. Afterward, a variety of homemade soups and other treats will be served.

TARA group to host St. Patrick’s dinner

TARA (Tiffany Allison Rosa Arboles) Historical Society at Navajo Lake, which operates the TARA Community Center, will host a St. Patrick’s Day Fundraising Dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. March 15 at the community center, 333 Milton Lane in Arboles.

Dinner will include salad, entrée, dessert and beverage for $15 for adults. Chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese for children younger than 12 will be available for $8.

To make a reservation for preferred seating time, dinner and dessert choices and the number in the group, call 749-7530 or email [email protected].

Herald Staff